The Difficulties Of Raising A Pet Alligator
He's Harmless, I Pinkie Promise!
It was only at their own little get-together for the pets that they got to see how each of them were doing, although everypony there trusted Fluttershy's judgement concerning their pets. It was as though Fluttershy was responsible for the wellbeing of their pets in her presence, and although that wasn't true, she still felt the duty to raise any thoughts about them. It was for this reason that Fluttershy felt obligated to speak up about a certain not-so-gummy pet that was gnawing on a certain tortoise whose owner just so happened not to be looking.
"Uh, Pinkie? Could you get Gummy to stop biting Tank if that's okay with you? I think he's feeling a bit uncomfortable..." Fluttershy spoke softly to her friend, drawing the attention of Rainbow Dash who promptly spat her punch all over Twilight.
"What?!"
The rainbow-maned pegasus zoomed over to her amphibious companion, lifting him into the air and shaking him madly in an attempt to get the alligator that was clinging to his shell for dear life off to no avail.
Feeling the need to aid, Fluttershy dug through a small pouch she brought to the meeting, filled mostly with pet food in case of an emergency of some sort. Finding a large halibut, she slowly glided over to the three, dangling the fish nearby to Gummy in particular.
"I've got a nice, tasty fish for a good alligator," Fluttershy cooed, waving the halibut around like a flag.
Whether because of Fluttershy's soft voice or because he couldn't stand the idea of fresh halibut that was not in his mouth anymore, Gummy released the poor tortoise, falling flat on his back.
As Fluttershy helped Gummy to right himself, Rainbow Dash flew back to the picnic with Tank in tow, protectively petting him as she went. As she landed, Rainbow gave her pet a quick nuzzle, setting him to her left and taking off his flight gear. Once she was certain her tortoise wasn't going anywhere anytime soon, the weather mare took an opportunity to inspect Gummy from afar.
Pinkie's prized pet was a fair bit more mature than he was before. He was more noticeably bigger for one. As an example, were you to lay Pinkie and Gummy flat on the ground, Gummy would be three fourths of Pinkie's length. Another point was his rather pointy fangs, perhaps 'Toothy' would be a better name for him now. To finish with, the gator was more rounded and armored, looking a good deal heavier; he likely wouldn't be riding in the party pony's hair ever again, although you never knew with Pinkie...
"Pinkie..."
Rainbow paused, she had sounded a bit too irritated. Luckily Pinkie didn't notice, blinking her large, blue eyes in curiosity.
"Yes, Dashie?"
Rainbow Dash took a moment to choose her next words somewhat carefully, taking note that this may be a delicate situation.
"Gummy's been getting pretty big, hasn't he?" Rainbow began, hoping that Pinkie would eventually catch on to her meaning.
"Oh, yeah! He grew a whole foot this year!"
Rainbow Dash shrugged off the odd terminology (foot?) and said, "maybe it's time to find him a nice swamp, don't cha think?"
"You mean to play in?" Pinkie giggled half-heartedly.
The sky-blue pony face-hooved, deciding to get straight to the point.
"It's time to let Gummy go."
"Into the wild," Rainbow added the last part to make sure that there was no way to misunderstand.
"What do you mean?" Pinkie's mane started to droop slightly.
"I mean, well look at him!" Rainbow gestured to the alligator, who was scarfing down the last of his late lunch. "He's too big to keep, what if-" Rainbow Dash stopped herself, ending on what if.
"What if what, Dashie?" There was no humor in Pinkie's voice as she stared with affection and confusion at her pet.
Letting go of any hesitation that she might have, Rainbow Dash completed the sentence.
"What if Gummy hurts somepony?"
Pinkie let out a loud gasp at that, "Gummy would never hurt anypony!"
"How would you know, he's a flipping gator!"
"I know that I raise Gummy properly, instead of making him prove his loyalty to me!"
"Girls!" Twilight intervened before their argument could turn into a full-on rumble.
"How about we just settle down and enjoy the rest of our picnic?" Twilight attempted to play peacemaker, pointing to the prepared meals decked on a red plaid tablecloth.
"I'm sorry Twily, but I think I'd better leave," Pinkie responded curtly.
Without a single bounce in her step, Pinkie trotted over to her pet gator, beginning the slow process of dragging him back to Sugarcube corner.
"Would you like some help?" Rainbow offered.
"No!"
***
"I can't believe them, Gummy. Saying that I should let you go, that you would hurt somepony!"
Pinkie paced around her colorful room, ranting to her reptilian friend, as she normally did when she was upset. Gummy was a very good listener.
"Look at you, you wouldn't hurt a fly."
As though to disprove her, Gummy snapped at a passing housefly, but Pinkie ignored it.
"How could they even think of that? It's not like this is illegal."
Pinkie had read of laws regarding pets, and she was well within her rights to have whatever she liked so long as it wasn't a civilized creature and she was taking good care of it, which in Pinkie's opinion, she was.
With an exaggerated groan of frustration, Pinkie flopped onto her bed, Gummy soon following. A small smile appearing on the mare's muzzle, she began to gently stroke her pet, his violet eyes closing in contentment.
"Don't you worry, Gummy," Pinkie promised, "I'll fight Princess Celestia if I have to. You'll always be by my side."
***
"We have to do this! It isn't safe or healthy."
"I know, but she'll be heartbroken."
"She'll thank us once she understands, besides, you know her. She'll bounce back."
"I'm not quite sure..."
"The more we wait, the worse it'll get. We need to take action now, before somepony less understanding gets involved."
"Fine, you win. Spike, take a letter..."
