The Fillyhood of the Mane Six

It was a quiet spring day at the quaint cottage just on the edge of Ponyville and a young yellow Pegasus filly was feeding her pet bunny Angel. Fluttershy had gotten Angel about two weeks ago and had done everything she could to make sure he was comfortable. Ever since she got her cutie mark and discovered she could communicate with animals, Fluttershy began to make friends with all the woodland creatures in the area. The animals were happy they could talk with someone who could help them.

"Fluttershy, dear!" called Gentle Breeze, Fluttershy's mother," Can you come here for a second?" Gentle Breeze was a marigold Pegasus with a beautiful pink mane slightly darker than Fluttershy's.

"Yes, Mommy?" answered the little Pegasus.

"We're going to be having company tonight. Your father's friend is coming over along with his family. He has a daughter only a little younger than you. She's shy just like you. I want you to try and become friends with her," Her mother put a wing around her.

"But, what if she doesn't want to be my friend?" Flutterhshy asked.

"Then that's her loss. If you, at least, try to be her friend, I'm sure she'll open up to you. Besides, who wouldn't want to be friends with a kind filly like you," Gentle kissed the top of Fluttershy's head.

"Thanks, Mom, I'll try to befriend her." They heard a stomping of feet and looked towards the door. At the entrance, Angel was stomping impatiently holding his food dish and pointing at it.

"Oops, sorry, Angel. I'll get you some more food," Fluttershy quickly ran into the kitchen.

A couple of hours later, the guests had arrived. They were friends of Fluttershy's dad, Bronze . He was a tan Pegasus with a yellow-orange mane. Bronze worked at the local blacksmith shop. His friend Iron Copper was one of his co-workers. His wife was Honey Suckle and their daughter was Juniper.

"How are you doing, Genny?" asked Honey. Gentle and Honey were classmates in school for a good number of years.

"I'm doing fine, Hon. And is this who I think it is?" She bent down to look at Juniper who cowered behind her mother. "My, my, Juniper. Last time I saw you, you were just a little baby. Now look at you. I bet you'd like my daughter. Fluttershy!" Gentle called.

Fluttershy came in from outside with three robins on her back. "Yes, Mo-, oh! Hi." Fluttershy muttered quietly hiding behind her mane.

"Now, sweetie," Bronze said," There is no need for you to be shy. These ponies won't hurt you." He pushed her forward with his wing. "Iron, this is our daughter Fluttershy. Flutters, this is Iron Copper."

"Now aren't you a cutie. You did well, Bron." He patted Bronze on the back.  The adult ponies talked for about half an hour longer while Fluttershy and Juniper barely made eye contact.Once they had eaten dinner, Gentle and Honey told their daughters to go to Fluttershy's room. So, they did.

Juniper was surprised at the many animals in Fluttershy's room. "Are these all your pets?"

"No, some of them I just take care of. The bunny is my only real pet." They were silent again. I want you to try and make friends with her. Besides, who wouldn't want to be friends with a kind filly like you.Fluttershy knew what she had to do.

"So, Juniper, do you have a pet?" She asked

"No. Papa doesn't think we handle having a pet. He thinks it would be too much work." Juniper replied.

"Well, I guess it can be. Do you want to pet some of these animals?" Fluttershy walked over to a cage and took out a hamster. "This is Hammon. He's very affectionate. Go ahead and pet him." Juniper looked unsure at first, but she reached out a hoof and began stroking him. He leapt from Fluttershy to Juniper.

"Oh, wow! He's soft," Hammon began chattering. " Don't you wish you could understand what they're saying?"

"I can actually. It's my special talent. He wants to know if you have food," Fluttershy quietly giggled.

"I wish I could understand animals. I can make plants grow faster. Don't ask me how. I don't really know," she chuckled. Hammon snuggled into Juniper's fur.

"That's neat. Wow,Hammom really seems to like you. He's never been that affectionate. Would you like to keep him?" Fluttershy offered.

"Oh no! I'd never be able to do it. I'm not good at being responsible," Juniper replied hastily.

"I think you could do it. It might be hard at first, but I think you'd be able to handle it. You've got what it takes," Fluttershy encouraged her. Juniper let out smile.

"Thanks, Fluttershy. But, what about my parents?"

"I can convince them. I can even come by your house once a week to see how you're doing," Fluttershy said.

"You would do that? For me? Why?" Juniper asked.

"You're my friend. My friends deserve kindness," She wrapped her arms around Juniper which she did, as well. "Now, let's go ask your parents."

The two fillies rushed to the living room where the adult ponies were. They then explained what they wanted. Juniper's parents thought about it for a little while.

"Fluttershy, you would come over and help us take care of him?" Iron asked.

"Of course. Unless Mom or Dad has a problem with it. Which you don't, right?" Fluttershy pointed to her parents.

"Not at all, Flutters. This is a great way to use your talent," Her mother replied.

"Very well, Juniper. We may take the hamster home," Honey told her daughter. Juniper sprang into the air and embraced her mom and dad. Bronze winked at his daughter, which she smiled at.

After a few more minutes, the ponies left. On their way out, Juniper gave Fluttershy a big hug. Fluttershy gladly returned it. Gentle and Bronze put their wings around Fluttershy.

"We're proud of you, honey." Her father said. Fluttershy smiled. This day turned out great. All because of a little act of kindness.