Of Mice and Mares

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Chapter 1

A few miles south of Appleloosa, the twinkling Eros River runs from the falls of Canterlot, through Ponyville, and finally streams into a pond above the land of the Griffins. On one side of the river, large sand dunes can be seen in the distance. Saddlerabia, as hot as the sun gives off heatwaves that seem to even warm up the water. On the other side lay the dense jungle of the Everfree, large, smoke black trees lay against each other as if to hide the screeching creatures that can be heard all night long. Rabbits crawl out of the tanglevine and one can only wonder how they survive in such a horrid place. Nevertheless, the creatures here give the place an awe-inspiring beauty that can only be matched buy the castles of Canterlot themselves.

A blazed trail runs along this river. A trail which the Earth Ponyfolk have used for centuries as an easy way to get from the White Tail Woods to trade with the Griffins to the south. With the river in easy access, and plenty of shelter, anypony can see that this trail had made the journey much easier for plenty of mares and stallions. Buck marks could be seen in the fruit trees along the way, and the occasional ash and singed wood lay low in the ground after many of years of abandonment.

It was a warm summer day. The rabbits drank from the river, just as they always did. Hawks swooped down, grabbing fish and other small animals to bring back to their nests in the trees. The leaves of the Everfree Spruce fluttered silently in the wind. Occasionally, a leaf would fall, scaring a rabbit or two, which would in turn make them alarm the others, and they would high-tail it back into the Everfree, leaving the water calm and at peace. For a moment, the place was lifeless, and then two mares trotted down the path and slowly made their way to the bank of the river.

They had walked in single file down the path, and even when they had come to a clearing by the river, one still seemed to shy behind the other. The first had a cowboy hat on. She wore denim overalls over her orange coat. She had a dirty blonde mane, which she had tied a pony tail into the back of, and on her flank was three apples. The other wore a smaller cowboy hat atop her pink mane which seemed to flutter so gently in the breeze, as if it too would scare the rabbits. Her coat was a light yellow and her eyes were as wide as can be, yet never looking directly at her partner, or at anything for that matter. The wings on her back seemed to want to open all the time, but she made sure to keep them down. On her flank was three butterflies.

When they had finally made it to the river bank, and the yellow pegasus had finally realized what was in front of her, she nearly trotted over the other pony. She quickly took her hat off, and bent down in the bank and gulped the river water in huge mouthfulls. As she drank, the other pony stepped nervously beside her.

"Fluttershy!" she said sharply, "Fluttershy, fer Celestia's sake, do ya' have ta' drink like that?"

Fluttershy continued to drink from the pool. The orange pony began to tap her on the back. "Flutters, yer gonna get sick all over again."

Fluttershy then dipped her whole head in the water, mane and all, and then came back up, shaking it dry all over her companion. "That's wonderful." She said. "You get some Applejack. You wouldn't want to stay thirsty now." She smiled happily.

Applejack took her hat off and laid it to the side. "I ain't sure if this water's any good" She said. "Just doesn't look right ta' me."

Fluttershy dabbed her hoof in the pool, letting the water trickle down her fur and creating large rings in the river. A fish jumped a few feet in front of them. "Look AJ, did you see that?" She asked happily.

Applejack shook her head and sat down beside the water. She bowed her head down and took small sips. "Tastes alright, I guess." She said, looking at the water. She splashed some up around her neck and face, and used her hooves to wash herself.

Fluttershy looked at Applejack and began to copy her, splashing water on her face and cleaning herself off also.

Applejack looked up at the sun and squinted, then looked down angrily at the water again. "That damn Rainbow jerk. Told us ma' cousins carrot farm were just down this trail. Forgot to mention how long the trail was. If I woulda' known it'd be this far, ah woulda' asked some pegasi for a lift, seeings as how you're too scared to lift one hoof off the ground." She said towards Fluttershy, venomously.

Fluttershy looked sadly at the ground. "Applejack?"

"Whaddya want?"

"Where are we goin' again, Applejack?"

"What? Ya done went and forgot already?"

"I'm sorry Applejack, I tried not to forget, I swear."

"Ugh. Are ya' jus' gonna go and forgot again, if I tell ya?"

"You don't have to tell me the part about the bunnies, AJ, I remember that part, I swear I do."

"Of course ya do! Of course that's all ya remember. Now, listen. Were going to ma' cousins carrot farm. And if ya' don't screw it up, maybe we can make some big cash and buy the house we've been wantin'. That is, if ya' behave."

"Oh, oh yes and she has plenty of cute little bunnies there too, right?"

Applejack glared at Fluttershy. "Is that all ya' care about? Seriously? What about our life? Don't ya' want to have a better place to sleep at night, than the edge of the Everfree, Flutters?"

Fluttershy looked down in despair.

Applejack took her gaze away from her to look down the trail. "We still got a bit o' sunlight left. Perhaps we could walk a little farther. The closer the better."

Fluttershy didn't respond. Applejack looked back to her, to see her silently staring at the rabbits across the lake. Her frown turned slowly into a smile and she looked over at Applejack. "AJ, look, there-"

"Yeah, I see 'em"

"Do you think we can take one along maybe? Just for a little while, Applejack?"

"Hail Celestia, why can't ah get a damned word through yer' skull? Leave the bunnies alone fer' once in yer' life! We need tah' start goin'."

Fluttershy looked away embarrased. She closed her eyes tight as she held back a tear. "I forgot where we're going again..." She said quietly.

"Oh my-! Fluttershy lookit' me and pay attention. We're gonna go work on a farm alright?"

"Again, AJ? Just like before when we did?"

"Yep, just like that, except instead of apples, we gonna be harvestin' carrots. Ya got that?

"Sure, AJ, yeah. I'll remember now, I swear it."

"Now where are we goin'?"

Fluttershy hesitated "I... uh, I... We're goin' on a farm. That's right, a carrot farm, with bunnies, right AJ?"

"Yeah, but you ain't goin' near them unless you behave and do yer' work. I don't want ta' have to get put out of business again, 'cuz you wasn't doin' yer' job."

"But... not doing my job?"

"Oh, ya done went and fer' got that to, eh? Yeah, you let them damned Flim Flam Brothers stomp on us with their stupid machine. You was too busy playing with the damn rabbits than doin' yer' damn job, Fluttershy! And that better not happen again, and hell, if it does, I'll leave you with the rabbits! Ya got that?"

"Ooooh, the rabbits AJ, no no, I remember. It won't, it won't I swear."

Applejack just shook her head and looked off into the distance. "Eh, buck it." She said, tiredly, "We'll jus' sleep here I guess. I don't wanna walk no more today."

The sun was starting to set, and the golden rays bounced off of the surface of the water. There weren't very many animals out now, but the fish splashed and jumped out of the water to catch bugs. The owls could be heard from the Everfree, chirping and "Hooing". The tops of the dunes looked as if they glowed with the light from the sun, and surprisingly made it look more lonely than before. Crickets chirped and grasshoppers jumped all around the two ponies, who had lay down on their backs, looking up to the darkening sky.

"AJ?" Fluttershy peeped after a long silence, "Where do the rabbits go when the sky gets dark?"

"I dun' know, Fluttershy, and frankly, I really don't care.

"But they have to go somewhere AJ, right?"

"Gah! Fluttershy! Enough with rabbits! I miss out on so much peace with ya! Always causin' me trouble!"

There was a long pause.

"I could leave any time you want AJ... I could go stay in the forest.."

"Where the hell would ya' go?"

"I would just stay in a tree. I'd like to be a tree."

"Yeah? How'd ya get food? Hmm?"

"I could eat, AJ. I could find something. And I could pet all the bunnies, and keep them and love them."

Applejack looked closely at Fluttershy. Then, she looked down, sadly. "I'm sorry if ah' been mean, Flutters."

"I'm just saying, if you don't want me anymore, I can try to live on my own AJ. I don't want you to be mad at me."

"No, no. Ah was jus' kiddin' with ya' Flutters. I want ya' with me. I'm happy you can keep me company."

Fluttershy looked away, content. Together, they sat quietly for a while longer. Fluttershy let out a yawn, and Applejack looked her way.

"AJ, can you tell me about the bunnies again?"

"Flutters! You ain't doin' this ta' me right now!"

Fluttershy pleaded, "Oh, please, please, please, AJ! I really want to hear about them!"

Applejack sighed. "Alright, alright."

Fluttershy turned on her side happily and stared at Applejack while she talked.

"Now ponies like us, that travel day in and day out, we're the loneliest mares in Equestria. We got no fam'ly. No friends. Nuttin'. We go from work to work, but got nowhere else to go, because thas' all we know. Thas' all we do. We ain't supposed ta' have nuttin' to look forward to."

"But it's different with us, right AJ?"

"Right. But not with us. We got somethin' ta' look forward ta'. We got somepony ta' talk ta' and somepony that cares about us. All the other ponies will be long gone and forgotten, but not us."

"But not us, AJ! Because... well, because I have you to look after me, and you have me to look after you!"

"You got it, Fluttershy."

"Keep goin' AJ, I wanna hear more."

"Well, someday we're gonna have us a nice farm. A big 'un. With a cow, and some pigs..-"

"And we're going to have bunnies too, right AJ? Right?"

"Yep, o' course we is. A nice bunny farm with a huge vegetable patch."

Fluttershy yawned again. "Thank you, AJ. I know one day we're going to have everything we want."

"Yeah we will, Fluttershy."

Together they lay in the darkness. The occasional lightning bug shined through the dark, and a fish or two skimmed the water. After a few minutes, Applejack heard Fluttershy's small short rasps, which meant she was asleep. She looked over gratefully to her friend.

"Thanks Flutters. I'm glad you're here with me." She whispered, mostly to herself. Then, she looked back up and closed her eyes.

Fluttershy turned and smiled.

Chapter 2

The carrot farm was a serene place. It smelled of sweet fruit and herbs, and carrots, of course. There were rows upon rows of rolling carrots planted across hills and plains, as far as anypony could see. The green stems stuck out of the ground and danced together harmonously in the wind. The sky was bright, blue, and clear of any sign of bad weather. The pegasi had done a beautiful job. In the middle of the fields sat a large, red ranch. It looked as if it had just been repainted. Even the fence surrounding it was as stark white as the purest cotton. On the side of the farmhouse sat a towering silo and a few bunkhouses. The bunk houses were red, just like the rest of the ranch, but looked as if some of the paint had peeled, showing the wood underneath.

It was midday, and the ponies that usually tended to the carrots were taking a break, playing cards in the largest of four bunkhouses. They sat on overturned crates and played on a low table. Some had cups of cider in hoof, while others were nibbling on carrots. One had a cigar, and blew the smoke up in the air lazily. They all turned towards the door as they heard hoofsteps outside, and the door opened. A large grey stallion walked in. He had a brown mane with a blonde streak, and a dollar sign on his flank. Behind him came Applejack, and behind Applejack, Fluttershy.

"Now, if I knew you and your mate had been coming Applejack, I would have found a more sutiable place for you guys to sleep." The grey earth pony said sarcastically.

"Yeah, and if ah' would've known that you took over this here farm, ah' wouldn't have showed up in the first place, Filthy Rich." Applejack spat back.

"Now now, I'm giving you shelter. A place to sleep, rest your head. I'm providing you with work and paying you accordingly. I think I deserve a little more respect than that."

Applejack looked away from Filthy Rich, disgusted. But, she couldn't argue.

"I'm glad you agree. Now, you two can have those bunks against the wall."

Filthy Rich pointed to a bunk bed against the far right of the small cabin. It was old and withered, looking as if it wouldn't even be able to support their weight.
Applejack stood there for a moment, before Fluttershy brushed passed her and walked next to the bottom bunk. She set her hat down on it and the sat herself there. She looked down at the mattress, inspecting it, and rubbed her hoof along the edge. She then looked toward Applejack and smiled. Applejack looked toward the other ponies in the room, who seemed to pay more attention to their game, as if this kind of thing happened daily.

Filthy Rich turned to leave. As he opened the door, he looked back at Applejack.

"If you learn to be as optimistic as your friend, you might make it places, sweetheart."

Applejack shook her head in annoyance as she walked toward her bunk. She walked slowly up the few stairs that led to the top mattress. They groaned loudly as she did, but she continued until she was on her bed. It felt a lot more stable than it looked. The mattress was suprisingly clean for how many workers were here. She took her hat off, laid on her back and put it over her face, closing her eyes.

"Sorry about Filthy, I know he can be quite a prick sometimes." One of the ponies playing cards said. She didn't look at Applejack, she was still facing her game.

Applejack looked out from under her hat at the pony who spoke up. She turned sideways and sat up, letting her hooves dangle over the side of the bunk, over Fluttershy's. She put her hat back on her head.

"You ain't the only one that finds him obnoxious. We all do. Especially the Uni' he bosses around all day. Makes him tend the bears."

The pony speaking turned around to face Applejack. She had a lavender coat, and light blue hair with white streaks that ran down it, but was dirtied with soot and soil. Her wings were tucked against her back. Matter of fact, she was the only other pegasus in the room, save Fluttershy.

"Bear tenders a Uni', eh? What do they need bears for anyways?"

"Filthy use to keep them in a stable. Then they all broke out and ran to the Everfree. He only's caught one since, and he keeps it chained up in the same stable. Says he uses it to pull the plows."

"Why doesn't he just get ponies to pull the plows? Hell, ah've pulled plenty o' plows in my lifetime."

"Oh, but these are big plows. They gotta go across the whole carrot farm. And ain't no pony as strong as a bear could be."

"Ah guess yer' right. Makes sense."

"Names Cloudchaser. I heard Filthy call you Applejack, is that right?"

"Yep."

"And what about yer' friend? She doesn't seem to be much of a talker now, is she?"

At this point, all the other ponies in the room were listening to the conversation. The cards had been set down, and all eyes were now on Fluttershy. The cigar was still lit, and the pony holding it blew more smoke in the air, but kept her eyes locked on Fluttershy.

After a moment, Applejack spoke up.

"That's Fluttershy. Yeah, she don't talk much, but she's a hell of a good friend, and a hard worker."

The pony with the cigar spoke up.

"Where ya'll from?"

She had a poofy orange mane and yellow fur. Her eyes were a brilliant, bright green. She was the only pony who hadn't been playing cards a few minutes before.

"Ponyville." Applejack replied, "Been working in Sweet Apple Orchard, just til' recently."

"You from the same place, Fluttershy?"

"Yeah she's from the same place."

The yellow pony narrowed her eyes. "I wasn't asking you. What're you trying to pull here?"

"Pull? Whaddya' mean?" Applejack asked.

"You taking this mares bits or something? Bullyin' her?"

"What? No! She's ma' friend. I'd never do nothin' like that!"

The pony took another puff of her cigar, and then puckered her lips, as if assessing what Applejack had said.

"Why'd ya'll leave Ponyville?" She asked Applejack.

"Just.. Job was done, ah' guess."

"Job was done? Well what job was ya' doin'?"

"We were... gettin' rid of some fruit bats. After they were gone they didn't need us anymore."

"Alright. But I've got my eye on you. Don't try pullin' anything stupid."

Cloudchaser looked at Fluttershy.

"Why don't you guys come out with us when we go to tend the carrots. I think that's what Filthy wanted you to do anyways."

Applejack looked at Fluttershy, and Fluttershy looked back at Applejack. Fluttershy was scared, and one of her hooves trembled with slightest bit of nervousness. Then, Applejack looked back toward Cloudchase and nodded.

"Good. Probably be leaving here in about ten minutes. We'll show you what to do."

All but the yellow pony nodded in agreement.

Ten minutes flew quick and the ponies who knew what they were doing walked out the door promptly, leaving Cloudchaser behind with Applejack and Fluttershy.

"Let me bring ma' dog in, and we can be on our way."

Cloudchaser walked out the bunkhouse, and turned right.

Fluttershy looked toward Applejack in excitement.

"Oh, Applejack, she has a dog! Do you think she'll let me pet it?"

"Don't be goin' annoyin' these ponies already, Fluttershy. Give it some time."

"But, it's just a dog, Applejack. I'm not going to hurt it.."

"I said no! Wait until we know them a little better."

Fluttershy looked down at her hooves, just as Cloudchaser stepped back in. She had an old brown and white dog on a leash. It trudged lazily behind her, struggling to even stand. When it finally made it's way to Cloudchaser's bed, the dog laid down slowly, and shut it's eyes.

"That's a hell of an old dog." Applejack said.

"Yeah, her names Winona. Had her for 15 years now."

Fluttershy smiled.

At that moment, a small Earth Pony, barely larger than a filly stepped in the door. She was thin and pink, with a white and pink mane. She had a crown on top of her head and she looked around hastily.

"Have any of you seen my dad?"

"Haven't seen him since a while ago." Clouchaser spoke up, "He's probably in the ranch now."

She glanced over the new mares, but her eyes stood glued on Fluttershy. Her expression slowly turned into one of hatred, and she scowled.

"We don't need another pegasus. We've already got to deal with one feathered freak."

Fluttershy looked away and shut her eyes tight, Cloudchaser looked down at her dog.

"We're here to work." Applejack said.

"I didn't ask you what you're here for. I know what you're here for. I'm telling you that we don't need no more of her kind."

They all stood there in the bunkhouse awkwardly, not knowing what to say to one another. The filly looked back and forth between them for a few seconds before turning to leave.

"My father will hear about this!" She screamed back at them.

Applejack looked over slowly at Cloudchaser, bewildered.

"How is a little filly like that so rude to somepony else?" She asked.

"Well, now, let me tell you. That's Filthy's daughter, Diamond Tiara."

"Yeah, well, what's she got against Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy cowered a bit after hearing her name.

"See, Diamond Tiara's grown up around Earth Ponies all her life. She hates ya' if you ain't one. Reckon she's jealous I guess."

Applejack didn't know what to say.

"Grown up with a silver spoon is all." Cloudchase added.

"Silver spoon, huh?"

"Literally." Cloudchaser said. "You don't know the half of it."

Then, Filthy Rich walked back in the bunkhouse, his eyes also seeking.

"Have any of you seen Diamond Tiara? I can't find her anywhere."

"She was just here a second ago." Cloudchase answered. "Went off lookin' for you."

"Ah, alright then."

Then, Filthy Rich started to walk back out the door. As he walked, he perked up, as if remembering something, and then turned back to face the mares.

"Oh! Applejack and Fluttershy, no work today. You two will start first thing in the morning."

Then, he walked out of the bunkhouse, and down the dirt path that led to his ranch.

"Well, shoot. You two got off lucky. I've got to get goin' though. I don't want that stallion all on my flank for me being late. I'll see you guys when I get back."

Then Cloudchaser trotted to the door way, and took off, flying to the middle of the farm to catch up with the other workers.

"AJ, let's leave! I hate it here, everyone is mean!" Fluttershy bursted out, finally letting the tears stream down her cheeks.

Applejack put her hoof around her friend.

"Now, Fluttershy, don't pay that little filly no attention. You ain't no freak, and you know that."

Fluttershy sobbed silently.

"Fluttershy... well... get it out now at least. Why don't you take a nap, that way you can be well and rested when the workers come back from their jobs."

Fluttershy agreed. She layed her head down and fell asleep within a few minutes. She had no pillows, no blankets, nothing. Applejack looked, and felt a little sorry.

Winona sat up by Cloudchaser's bunk, looking at Applejack lazily through it's half closed eyelids.

"What?" She asked her.

The dog let out a small whine and laid it's head back down.

"Applejack, don't be mean to Winona... she's a nice dog."

Applejack looked toward Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy?"

"Yes, AJ?"

"Listen, Celestia forbid we do get in any trouble here, do you remember the river that we slept by?"

"Oh, yes AJ, with the bunnies."

"Yeah, that one. Well, I want you to go there ok? And I'll meet you there as soon as I can, to make sure you're safe. Can you remember that?"

"I will, I swear I will, AJ."

"Good, now head on back to sleep."

Applejack sat with Fluttershy on her bed until she fell back asleep.

Then she sat up and looked out the window of the bunkhouse. It was midday and the sun was as bright as ever. The ponies were tending the carrots and the wind gave them a gentle breeze to work with.

Applejack sighed.

Chapter 3

The sun was setting now, leaving it's last rays of light upon the ranch and farm. Ponies were walking back to their respective bunkhouses in groups of 2's or 3's. The sky was turning a dark orange brown color, and the light made the dirt look the same way. The air was slightly calmer now, the stems of the carrots no longer dancing in the wind.
Applejack and Cloudchaser walked into their bunkhouse together. Applejack had went out with the workers, to have some company other than Fluttershy, but to also learn about what she would be doing the next day. Cloudchaser switched on a tin-shaded electric lamp, and the light burst through the top, fillin most of the room, but leaving the corners still dark. Applejack sat on a crate and Cloudchase sat opposite of her. She started shuffling the deck of cards in front of her.

"Don't worry about it none." Cloudchaser said, "Nopony usually goes out there with them rabbits anyways, glad they've got some company."

Applejack said, "It wasn't nothin' ta' you, maybe, but to her it was a hell of a lot. Hail Celestia, I bet she's gonna try and sleep out there with 'em."

"It wasn't nothin'." Cloudchaser said. "You were right about her though. She might not be too smart, but she stayed all day cleanin' the rabbit pens and feedin' 'em all. Hell of a worker if you ask me."

"Yeah, Flutters' is always tryin' to help out animals. It's like she can talk to 'em or somethin'."

Outside, a few doors closed as the last of the light from the sun left the farm. Luna now had control of the night, filling the windows of the bunkhouse with beautiful twinkling stars.

Cloudchaser set the deck of cards down, and leaned back a bit. "I think it's odd how you two tag along with each other. Not bad, just different."
"Well, what's different about it?" Applejack said defensively.

"I don't really know. Just, none of the ponies around here tend to keep friends for too long. They come, they work, then they leave. It's just odd to see two ponies care for each other as much as you two do."

Applejack sat back also. She closed here eyes, and thought.

"I was born in Ponyville. One day while I was walking through the woods, I heard this little filly crying, and I ran to her. Mind you, I was only a filly ma'self. And there, in a little clearing, was Fluttershy. Said somethin' about how she fell from Cloudsdale, and some butterflies saved her. Nopony's been lookin' for her, so she's been travelin' with me since."

"So she ain't got no parents or nothin'?"

"Not that we know of. Done forget everything before fallin' out the sky."

"Ohh."

"We used to have a lotta fun." Said Applejack. "We used to go fishin' and she would cry whenever we caught one, because she thought the hooks hurt the fish. I'd have to sit down with her for damn near an hour to calm her down. Used to play pranks on her with my friends, and she would always laugh good-hearted. She was a real good sport." Applejack's tone changed to one of confession now. "I used to be pretty mean to her. Especially because she can hardly fly."

Cloudchaser turned her eyes toward Applejack. Applejack just looked down at the ground, and began speaking again.

"One day, we was hangin' out with some of my friends in the Everfree, kind of by the river. We was on a big ol' cliff, and at the bottom, there was water. A little outlet from the river that was real calm, and we used to swim there. Well, my friends kept asking me why Fluttershy wasn't flyin' nowhere with us. I said she just didn't feel like it. But, after a while, they didn't believe me no more. I was just looking out for Fluttershy. Anyways, we was on the cliff, and they started talkin' 'bout how she could hardly fly, doin' this immature little chant. So, I yelled at 'em, I said, 'She can too fly!' and I shoved her off the cliff. She screamed all the way down and landed straight in the river. My friends just laughed and I waited for her to surface. I was so scared. Next thing I know, I'm divin' in the water. I swam straight down, and found her, thrashin' and holdin' her breath. I dragged her back up to the shore with me." Applejack's eyes were glossy now. Cloudchaser felt sorry for her newfound friend. Applejack looked up and into Cloudchaser's eyes. "She was so damn nice to me for grabbin' her up. Completely forgot I pushed her."

Cloudchaser reached over and rested her hoof on Applejack's shoulder.

"I won't do nothin' like that no more." Applejack said.

"She's a nice gal." said Cloudchaser. "She doesn't neet to fly, or anythin' like that to be a nice gal. Sometimes the ones who can do stuff, are the ones who turn out ignorant and full of hatred."

Cloudchaser took her hoof off her friend's shoulder and started shuffling her cards again.

"O' course she is. She's a nuisance a lot of times. Causin' a lot o' trouble. Like what happened in Ponyvi-" Applejack stopped mid-sentence and looked up at Cloudchaser, who stopped shuffling when she realized Applejack was holding something back. Applejack stared at Cloudchaser. "You ain't gonna tell nopony, right?"

"What happened in Ponyville?" Cloudchaser asked calmly, but curiously.

"You won't tell?"

"What happened?" Cloudchaser asked again.

"Well, we was havin' a real bad day at Sweet Apple Acres. These two snooty stallions came from the East with this dumb machine, and they were tryin' to put the Acres outta' business. Said that their machine could make cider ten times as fast as anypony there. So the boss got on our flanks hard, telling us that we had to show these idiots what we was all about. Well, in the middle of filling up bottles of cider like she was supposed to be doin', Fluttershy saw a damn rabbit and followed it into the woods. She left the keg open and the whole Acres storage of cider spilled out while she was away. Needless to say, without any cider, the salesponies ran the Acres out of business. An angry mob chased Fluttershy and I outta' Ponyville. Since then, I been tryin' to get here."

Cloudchaser sat in silence a moment. "Ran out a whole farm, producin' apples for all of Equestria, huh?"

Applejack gave an embarrased smirk and looked down.

"She didn't mean it though." Said Cloudchaser. "I know she ain't like that."

"Course she didn't. She just gotta learn-"

Fluttershy trotted in through the door. She had her hat on, and a wide grin on her face.

"Hey, Flutters," said Applejack. "How was the rabbits?"

"I loved them!" Fluttershy said, wide eyed. "They were so cute and cuddly."

Fluttershy walked over to her bed and layed down, exhausted. She let out a yawn, and turned her head toward Applejack and Cloudchaser.

"How was your day, AJ?"

"It was fine Fluttershy."

"Good." Fluttershy turned her head toward the wall and closed her eyes.

Then, the orange haired pony walked in. "Damn how good that Uni' can play poker. Won near every game we played. Best not have cheated."

She seemed a little happier than she had been earlier in the day.

She sniffed the air, giving a disgusted look. "Mock Luna, that dog stinks! Get her outta' here Cloudchaser. Stinks worse than Tartarus! You gotta get her out."

Cloudchaser got off of her crate seat and walked over by the bed where the dog lay. She petted it gently and apologized, "I been around her so much, I barely notice her smell."
The dog looked up at Cloudchaser and let it's tongue roll out of it's mouth.

"Well, I can't deal with it." Said the orange pony. "It smells even after she's gone."

She took a few strides toward the dog and looked over it. "Ain't got no teeth." she said, "Half-blind. She ain't doin' nothin for you, Cloudchaser. And she's probably just hurting herself. Why don't you just put her down?"

"Well, sheesh! I had her so long. Ever since she was real little. My best friend and I used to run around with her and take her flyin'. "

"Look, Cloudchaser. Listen. This ol' dog is just sufferin' herself. All the time. Every minute of every day. I know you're just tryin' to look out for her, but maybe it's what's best. If you took her out and shot her, right here-" She leaned in and pointed to the back of Winona's head, "-then she wouldn't even know."

Cloudchaser looked to Winona and then to Applejack for an answer. Applejack just sat there quietly. She looked back to the orange pony. "No, Carrot Top," she said softly. "I couldn't do it. I had her for too long."

"She doesn't have no fun," Carrot Top insisted. "And she smells worse than a diamond dog. Tell you what, I'll take her out there myself. Then maybe you won't feel as bad."

Cloudchaser jumped up on her mattress nervously. She looked back down at Winona. "I'm so used to her though." She said softly. "I had her since she was little."

"Well, it's not bein' kind keepin' her like this,"

Cloudchaser looked helplessly at Applejack, tears in her eyes. Applejack didn't know what to say. She gave Cloudchaser an apologetic look. She understood Carrot Top's reasoning, but also thought about how she would react in this situation. What would she do?

"What if it hurts her?" Cloudchaser looked back at Carrot Top. "I don't mind takin' care of her."

Carrot Top said, "The way I'd shoot her, she wouldn't feel a thing. I swear to Celestia. I'd put the gun right here-" She pointed with her hoof again, "-she wouldn't even notice."

Cloudchaser looked around, tirelessly. Tears began to fill her eyes, and she thrusted her face into her pillow.

"Cloudchaser, I know it's hard. But maybe this is the better way. All she's doin' is hurtin' herself. It's best to put her out of her misery. I'll do it right now if ya' want."

Cloudchaser lifter her face off her pillow to speak. "You ain't got no gun." She said hopefully.

"Yes I do. Got a Windigo. Won't hurt her none at all."

Cloudchaser said, "Can we wait for tomorrow?"

"I don't see why." She went over to her bunk and pulled a Windigo pistol out from underneat the mattress. "Let's just get it over with. The sooner it's done, the quicker you'll feel better."

Cloudchaser looked long at Carrot Top for some kind of reversal. She found none. After a few more moments of silence, she gave up, "Alright. Take her." She didn't turn her eyes toward Winona. She turned and buried her face back in her pillow, slightly trembling from sadness.

Carrot Top put her luger in a knapsack and slung it around her back. She walked toward Winona and untied the leash from around Cloudchaser's bed post. She tugged a little at the leash, and Winona got up, following her to the door. "She won't feel a thing." Carrot Top said apologetically.

Applejack stopped Carrot Top, before she treaded out the door.

"Hey."

Carrot Top looked back at Applejack. "Yeah?"

Applejack grabbed a shovel hanging from the wall and passed it to her.

"Thanks." She halfway smiled at Applejack, but then looked down, a bit saddened. She then continued to walk out into the darkness.

Silence filled the room. Carrot Top's hoofsteps faded away, but were replaced moments later. by the sound of wings flapping. A pegasus the same lavender color as Cloudchaser landed in the door. Her man was the same color as Cloudchaser's also, but without the white highlights. It was as if they could be sisters.

She looked in and saw Cloudchaser. Her eyes widened, "Cloudy!" She ran in and sat next to Cloudchaser. She looked at her friend and her face suddenly filled with sadness as she noticed Cloudchaser was crying.

"Cloudchaser, what's wrong? What happened?" She asked frantically
.
Cloudchaser tilted her chin upwards off the pillow so she could talk without showing her face.

"W-winona's gettin' p-put down. She's too old."

The other pony hugged Cloudchaser as tight as she could.

Suddenly, Cloudchaser stopped crying at sat up. "Wait, Flitter? Why are you here?"

"Well, we were doing some training exercises a few miles away, and we set up camp in the forest. I knew you were here, so I snuck away for a bit." She gave a half-hearted.

"Oh, Flitter." Cloudchaser embraced her friend and they sat there quiet for a while.

When Flitter and Cloudchaser finally let go of each other Flitter looked toward Applejack.

"Hi, I'm Flitter."
Applejack said back, "Howdy. I'm Applejack."

She smiled again and then looked back toward Cloudchaser. "Is she getting put down right now?"

Cloudchaser stared blankly at her friend, her eyes filling with tears again. Flitter rested Cloudchaser's head on her shoulder. "It'll be ok."

Cloudchaser sobbed silently.

For a long while silence invaded the room. Not a single sound could be heard. Not a cricket, nor a floorboard. Fluttershy was even sleeping silently for once. Applejack shifted comfortably on her crate, making it creak. It seemed amplified.

Finally, a loud shot was heard in the distance, startling everypony and making them all jump at once. Fluttershy's eyes opened and she sat up sleepily. Flitter looked toward Fluttershy, not even noticing that another pony was in the bunk.

"What was that AJ?" Fluttershy asked, rubbing her eyes.

"Shush now, Flutters. Wasn't nothin', just go back to bed."

Fluttershy was too tired to argue, and fell right back asleep.

Cloudchaser was crying a bit louder now, but still quietly. Her sobs were muffled by her friend's shoulder.

A lean male unicorn poked his head through the door. He was all grey, with a black mane. A grey horn sat atop his head, and he spoke with a bit of uncertainty. "Did any of you hear that?"

Applejack spoke up. "Carrot Top went to put Winona down."

The unicorn looked toward Cloudchaser. "Oh... I'm sorry to hear that Cloudchaser. Wait, who's this?" He said, looking at Flitter.

Cloudchaser took a deep breath and and pushed away from her friends shoulder. Her eyes were sunken, and red. Her mane was frizzed, and she looked a mess. "Cook, this is my friend Flitter. Please don't tell Filthy or Diamond Tiara she's here ok? She'll leave first thing in the mornin' I swear."

Cook looked at her and back at Flitter. "Well, okay." He said, "But I'm not taking the blame for this one."

He pulled his head out the doorway and trotted away.

Flitter layed Cloudchaser down on her mattress. "I don't know if I can stay the whole night, Cloudy, I've go-"

"Please, Flitter. Just one night. I haven't seen you in so long.." She interuppted. Her eyes began to well with tears again.

"I... Alright."

Cloudchaser smiled and layed down, closing her eyes. After a moment, she fell asleep.

"You two know eachother?" Flitter spoke up, talking to Applejack.

"Who, Fluttershy?"

"I think that's her name. The other pegasus?"

"Yeah, she's ma' friend."

"Oh. You two been here long?"

"No, just got here earlier today actually."

"Oh really? Wow. Where did you two come from?"

"Ponyville. Finished work there, and had to move on."

Flitter nodded understandingly. "Yeah, I'm glad you've got someone there for you. Me and Cloudchaser used to be inseparable. But, I guess we just had different interests in life, you know? I'm training for the Royal Guard right now."

"Fluttershy and I are saving up for our own little house, so we can stop movin' so damn much."

"Well that's good. I haven't got to meet her, but she looks like a nice little pegasus. I hope you guys get that house. Invite Cloudchaser and I over one day, I doubt she'd mind."
Applejack smiled. "I'll rememer that."

Flitter yawned. "I think I'm gonna try to get some shut eye. What about you Applejack?"

Applejack agreed. She got up off her crate and switched the light off. She walked to her bunk and climbed on top of it. She layed down and closed her eyes. Rustling could be heard as Flitter got comfortable in Cloudchaser's bed.

"Applejack?" She whispered. "I might be gone before you guys wake up. Do me a favor and take care of Cloudchaser for me will you?"

"Will do." Applejack answered.

"Thanks. I wish the best of luck to you and Fluttershy."

"Same to you, Flitter. Thanks."

Applejack smiled to herself, but then remembered that somewhere out in the darkness, Carrot Top was digging a grave for poor Winona, and her smile turned into a frown.
She mouthed a silent prayer to Celestia for her friends companion, before falling asleep.

Chapter 4

Cook, the Unicorn stable keeper, had his bunk in a small room off to the side of where the bears used to be kept. A small dorm that protruded from the side of the barn. On one side of the room there was small window, and on the other, a thin wooden door that led to the inside of the barn. Cook's bunk was just a long box filled with straw, on which a thin blanket was flung. On the wall by the window there were pegs on which hung aprons, goggles and lots of other trade equipment. Under the window, sat a small work bench with lots of little vials and tubes, filled with numerous substances. Scattered across the floor were lots of clothes and books. Since Cook lived alone in his small room, he was free to do what he pleased with his possessions.

The books that Cook owned were ones you would expect any young Unicorn to own. "A Guide to the Aether", "Magick for Fillies", and "Potions, Potions, Potions" being some of the more well-known titles. Cook read these books in all the free time he had. They were beat up, dented, and scratched, from the amount of times he had threw them, or slammed them into walls out of fits of frustration. He'd even gotten so mad once, he'd shot one with his rifle.

Cook wasn't like normal Unicorns. His magic was inept. He couldn't cast spells, make potions, or even hold things with telepathy. He was born in Canterlot. His mother was an Astronomer, and his father, part of Equestria's Royal Guard. When he was little, his magic never seemed to present itself, as it did with most fillies his age, but his mother brushed it aside. She decided after a few years to sign Cook up for magic school. The first weeks for him were hard. He didn't understand the material, and didn't find the connection with his horn that the other Unicorns had spoke of. He didn't feel it or anything, it was as if it wasn't there at all. When the higher-ups at the school had realized Cook was incapable of performing magic, they kicked him out. His mother and father, being the perfectionists they were, decided that having a crippled Unicorn was not okay. He would never fit in. And so they put him out, at only eight years of age. Cook wandered the Canterlot Countryside for a while, and made a few friends. After about a year, he had a nice house, and plenty of friends.

One clear afternoon, as he awoke and looked out his window, a large black cloud filled the sky. Changelings. Thousands of them, coming from the North, and headed for Canterlot. Small patches of them began flying down towards his village, and not long after, the screaming started. He left with nothing, fleeing into the woods just as the Changelings started setting fire to the first of the houses.

He wandered for a few more months, before coming upon this carrot farm. When he decided to work here, it had a different owner. One who didn't only care about money, but about seeing ponies happy with her products. He worked happily on this farm for seven years before Filthy Rich bought the place, and made him the stable buck. Four years later, here he his, still doing the same thing, with a crippled horn that sat atop his head as a constant reminder of how cruel the world was.
His mane was dusty black, and his coat grey. On his flank was a flame.

It was a warm Friday night. Through the open door that led into the barn came the rattle of a chain that connected the only bear left to it's pen. Every once in a while, he would let out a low growl, but he knew it was of no use. Inside of the room, a small lamp produced light, that shone out of the doorway and into the barn.
Cook sat on his bunk, a book to his right, as if he were deciding whether he should begin his futile attempt at magic again, or give up all together. He looked down, and blinked slowly. His hair came down over his forhead, and made a curtain, making his eyes invisible from the outside. He exhaled a deep breath and looked towards the ceiling.
Noiselessly, Fluttershy appeared in the doorway and stood there looking in. She looked around shyly. For a moment, Cook didn't even see the small pegasus, but upon looking down, he narrowed his eyes and a scowl spread across his face.

Fluttershy smiled helplessly.
Cook said sharply, "You have no right being in here. This is my room."

Fluttershy took offense at the words, her smile fading. "I wasn't doing anything." She said, "I just came to see the rabbits for a bit. But they all fell asleep, and I saw your light."
"Is it wrong for me to have a light?"

"Well, um, no.."

"Well go on then. If I ain't wanted in the bunkhouses, then you ain't wanted here."

"Why aren't you wanted in the bunkhouses?" Fluttershy asked curiously.

"Cause I'm a Unicorn, can't you see? They all think I'm too uppity to be with 'em, or too stupid, because I can't do anything Unicorns can do."

"Oh, well, I don't care about any of that. I just saw your light and thought you might need a friend. Everypony else went to the bar."

Cook stared at Fluttershy, cocked his head, and started again, "What are ya doin' in the barn anyways? You ain't a bear keeper or nothin'. There's no reason for you to come in here at all."

"The bunnies." She said happily, "I came to see the bunnies."

"Well, then, go see the damned bunnies. Don't just come wanderin' in here."

Fluttershy's smile was gone. She looked helplessly around the room again, and backed through the door a little. "I played with them a little. But, they all got tired and fell asleep. I didn't want to wake them."

Cook said, "Well, you wake 'em up any other time. I wonder why they haven't got tired of you yet."

"I don't think they care, they always seem happy to see me." Fluttershy inched another hoof back into the doorway.

Cook scowled a bit, but Fluttershy's disarming smile defeated him. "Come on in and sit down. Long as you won't leave me alone, you might as well sit." His tone was a bit more friendly. "All the mares go to the bar, then?"

"All but Cloudchaser. She's still sad about poor Winona." Fluttershy frowned at the thought of the old dog, and she stifled a tear.

Cook cocked his head a bit, "What happened to Winona?"

"She got sick, and she... she...-" Fluttershy couldn't finish the sentence.

"Oh." Cook said, understanding what she was trying to say.

Fluttershy didn't speak.

"You're travelin' with that new farm pony, aren't ya? I think her name's Applejack?"

Fluttershy forgot about Winona at the sound of her friend's name. "Yeah, that's my friend."

"Friend. I used to have friends. Used to have a lot of 'em. Now I ain't got nothin'. Not single Unicorn this far South. If I say somethin' or do somethin', why it's just a Uni doin' it."
"How long do you think it'll be before the bunnies wake back up?"

Cook laughed. "Ponies can talk to you and be sure you won't go blabbin'. About an hour or so and I say those rabbits should be well rested. Applejack knows what she's about, keepin' you around. Just talks and you don't take in anything." He leaned forward excitedly, "This isn't anything but a Uni talking, and a limp-horned Uni at that. So it doesn't mean anything. You wouldn't remember anyways." His excitement had increased until he was closer to Fluttershy, not far from her face.

His voice grew very cunning and persuasive. "Suppose Applejack doesn't come back. Suppose she took some cider, and just ain't never comin' back. What'll you do then?"

Fluttershy snapped her head back up from the ground, and gradually caught hold of what the Unicorn had told her. "What?" She asked.

"I said suppose Applejack goes out tonight and never comes back." Cook seemed to be enjoying this. "Just suppose that." He repeated.

"She wouldn't do that," Fluttershy said. "Applejack would never forget about me. We're best friends. She'll come back tonight, just like she said..." She looked down again, a hint of worry on her face. "She will, won't she?"

Cook's face lit up with the pleasure in his torture. "Nopony knows what another pony'll do." He said calmly. "What if she wants to come back, but she can't. Suppose she get's killed, or hurt so she can't come back."

Fluttershy grew more worried about Applejack, and more livid at Cook. "AJ would NEVER do anything like that." She repeated. "She's a careful pony. She's never been hurt. She won't now, because she's careful."

"Well, just suppose, just suppose she never comes back. Then what?"

Fluttershy's face wrinkled with apprehension. "I don't know. Why?" She cried. "That's not true. Applejack's not hurt."

"You couldn't do nothin' about it. That's what."

Suddenly, Fluttershy stood up from her seat, and took a few careful steps toward Cook. Her eyes were centered on him angrily. "Why are you saying these hurtful things?" Fluttershy demanded. "Where's Applejack?"

Her stare bore into him, as if judging beyond what he knew. Looking at his deepest fears, and surfacing them. Thoughts of his parents and his childhood flooded his mind, and he struggled to fight back tears. She continued to gaze, and he searched for words to speak, but found none. Finally, after a few quiet moments, he spoke. "No, no I'm speaking , metaphorically Fluttershy. Applejack isn't hurt, don't worry. She's alright."

"Why were you thinking about that? Nopony is going to hurt my friend." She lightened her glare, but Cook could still feel it scouring him. He looked left and right, and wiped his forehead with his hoof.

"Just sit back down, Fluttershy. Applejack isn't hurt. Nopony is going to hurt her."

Fluttershy thought for a minute, and sat back down. She took her eyes off Cook, which suddenly flooded him with relief.

"Maybe you can understand now. You got somepony. Somepony to be there for you. You know Applejack will come back. But, just imagine if you didn't have her. Imagine you were a broken, crippled Unicorn with nowhere to go and no friends. I didn't mean to scare you. Applejack will be back."

"She will." Fluttershy reassured herself. "We're going to be getting some bunnies soon."

"Bunnies? For what?"

"For our farm. We're gonna get some land, and Applejack said I can tend the rabbits."

"You're nuts."

"No, really! We are."

"I seen plenty of ponies come and go with that same story. Everypony wants a piece of land for themselves, but it's all just a dream. You all got the same dream. And every one of you is crazy."

Just then, a voice came from outside the door. "You in there, Cook?"

"Shush, you gonna wake up the bear." Cook called back out.

Then, a pony came to the door. It was Cloudchaser. "You seen Fluttershy anywhere?"

"The other pegasus? Yeah, she's in here with me."

Cloudchaser stood in the doorway, looking blindly around the lit room. "Ya' might wanna come back to the bunk, Fluttershy. I don't know if Cook is too comfortable with you in here."

"She's fine." Cook said. "You can come in. Might as well, if everyone's coming in." Cook found it hard to hide his pleasure with anger.

Cloudchaser stepped in embarrassingly. "Cozy little place you got here Cook. Must be nice havin' a whole place to yourself."

"Sure." Said Cook, "I love bein' all alone all the time."

Fluttershy started to speak after Cook, "What did you need me for, Cloudchaser?"

"I was just comin' to make sure you wasn't annoyin' the rabbits is all. You seem to have found someone else to annoy, though." Cloudchaser chuckled. She leaned against an old wooden wall in the room.

"Oh, me and Cook were just talkin' about how AJ and I are going to be getting a farm soon, and we're going to have lot's of bunnies!"

Cook chuckled sarcastically. "There ain't no way that's gonna happen. Been here too long to know how it's gonna turn out."

"Now, you don't know Fluttershy and Applejack. Applejack seems like the type of mare that get's somethin' done if she puts her mind to it. Just you watch, they'll get their farm." Cloudchaser replied.

"And where is Applejack now? Throwin' her money away on cider and dances at the bar."

Fluttershy grew irritated with Cook's negativity, but before she could reply a voice came from the open doorway.

"Any of you foals seen Diamond Tiara?"

All at once, they snapped their heads toward the door. Looking in was a small filly, with a grey coat and glasses. Her mane was grey, with a white streak, and on her rear end was a spoon. She breathed strongly, as though she had been running.

"She ain't been here." Cloudchaser said sourly.

The filly stood still in the doorway, smiling. She looked back and forth between them, her eyes traveling from one face to the next. "So they left all the low-lifes here?" She said finally. "Earth Pony night out huh? You misfits weren't invited." She smirked.

"Then why come here startin' trouble if you know where she is?" Cloudchaser said.

"Who's this?" The filly asked, avoiding the question and taking a step toward Fluttershy. "Another pegasus? I didn't even notice we got another one. Never expected a pegasus to show their face around here, since what happened to the last one."

After a pause Cook said, "Maybe you better just go home, Silver Spoon. We don't want any trouble."

"I'm not giving anypony trouble. I was just looking for Diamond Tiara. You think I like staying inside all the time?"

"We don't want you scarin' Fluttershy here either. It don't matter that she's a pegasus, she's not like others."

Cloudchaser broke in, "Yeah, you let her alone. Or I'm gonna tell Applejack. Applejack won't have you messin' with Fluttershy."

"Who's Applejack?" The filly asked, "That orange pony she came with?"

Fluttershy smiled happily. "That's her." She said, "And she's gonna let me tend the rabbits."

"Tend the rabbits?" Silver Spoon replied, "What's wrong with you?"

Cook stood up from his bed and faced her. "I've had enough." He said coldly. "You have no right comin' into a Uni's room and disrespecting his friends. Now, it's time you just get out. Just get out and go home. If you don't, I'm gonna tell Mr. Rich not to let you in the barn any more."

She turned back on him, her eyes fueled with rage. "Listen, Uni." She said "You know what I can do to you if you don't shut up?"

Cook stared hopelessly at her, and then sat back down on his bed.

She took a step torward him. "You know what I could do?"

Cook seemed to grow smaller. "Yes, ma'am."

"Well you keep your place then, Uni. I could get that horn cut off your head so fast it isn't even funny."

Cook had reduced himself to nothing. He had no personality, no ego. He replied, "Yes, ma'am." and his voice was toneless.

For a moment, she stood staring at him. The small filly looked up at him, as if wating for him to move so she could threaten him more. But, Cook sat completely still, his eyes looking toward the wall. She finally turned toward the other two ponies.

"If you did that, we'd tell." Cloudchaser said toward her. "We'd tell about you framin' Cook."

"Tell? Ha!" She scoffed, "As if anypony would listen to a bunch of stupid pegasi. You two are lucky we haven't sent you to the Rainbow Factory by now!"

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "AJ said there's no such thing as the Rainbow Factory!" She looked frightened.

Cloudchaser stepped a bit toward Fluttershy, "There's not Fluttershy. Don't worry, she's trying to scare you." She comforted.

"Hmph." Silver Spoon scoffed again.

"You better get lost before Filthy Rich finds you here and don't let you back over. I just heard the others comin' in." Cloudchaser said.

"Yeah, I bet you didn't hear a thing."

"Well, better safe than sorry. You better leave."

"Hmph." Silver Spoon replied. She turned to the door, looked around the edge and slipped out quietly. The chains holding the bear rattled as she scampered by.

"Is Applejack really back?" Asked Fluttershy quietly as soon as she was sure Silver Spoon was gone.

"Sure, I heard the gate open."

Cook seemed slowly to come out of his layers of protection. "I didn't hear anything." He said.

Quiet filled the room for a bit, as they waited to see if they could hear the others.

"I'm not sure I want you two in here anymore." Cook paused.

"That little filly shouldn't have said that stuff to you Cook." Cloudchaser said.

"I know, but I know my place. Just, plea-" He was cut off by a voice from outside the barn.

"Fluttershy! Oh, Flutters! Flutters, you in there?"

"That's Applejack! AJ, AJ, I'm in here!" Fluttershy said excitedly.

In a second, Applejack appeared in Cook's doorway, and looked around disapprovingly. "Why you in here botherin' Cook?"

"I told them at first. But it's alright, Fluttershy is a nice gal." Cook said.

Applejack nodded her head, "Well, come on Fluttershy. You got no business bein' in here."

Cloudchaser walked out the door first, and Fluttershy began to follow. Cook called, "Fluttershy!"

"Yes?" Fluttershy turned back.

"I hope you and Applejack fulfill your dreams." He paused again. "Maybe you guys aren't so crazy afterwards."

Fluttershy smiled at him, and turned to walk out the door. As they walked by the bear again, it turned about in it's slumber. This was the first time she had gotten a good look at the bear, and she found it as one of the cutest things she'd ever seen. It's chains rattled, and she stopped. Suddenly, a voice broke her from her amazement. "Flutters! Come on!"

Fluttershy turned quick, but shot a backwards glance towards the bear one last time as she walked out the barn. She smiled a small smile, and a gleam sparkled in her eyes.