The firey tale of Redd Coal

  The next day was the one day of the year we were allowed to relax and recover. Everypony else loathed this day, but I loved it. I could actually play like a normal seven year old colt. I bounced my favorite ball high into the air until it got stuck in a tree, since flying wasn't allowed I was at a disadvantage. I climbed the best I could but I just couldn't reach it. Eventually I just gave up completely and walked away with my head hung in sorrow.

   When I arrived home I found every pony in the kitchen, mom had and concerned look on her dark red face. Without saying a word she motioned for me to have a seat, i sat down and prepared myself for what may happen next. Mom looked to dad who nodded in approval, with a sigh she turned back to me and took a deep breath. " Redd honey, me and your father had a good long talk and we decided that it would be best if you went to live with your brother. " It was as if she was forcing each word out. I was confused by her statement as I said, " but he's right here. " Mom stood, came up beside me and placed a hoof on my shoulder before she spoke again. " No Redd, I mean your other brother. "

  Before I could ask, mom continued where she left off, with guilt in her tone she said, " I never told you about him because I feared you would make the same mistake he did by leaving the safety of the village. " I saw the tears form in her eyes but I couldn't stop her from bursting into tears and pulling me close. I was caught in her vice like grip as dad continued where mom had stopped. " Son we're only doing this for your own good. " His tone was low and cold as ice, it was obvious he did not care what happened to me. Greed was the only emotion I could see in his emerald green eyes.

  I was allowed one last night in my bed before I had to leave for the home of my unknown brother. I found it hard to sleep as thought after thought raced through my head. The idea of having another brother spooked me beyond words or even action. I laid down and try my best to sleep but the sand mare never came to grant me relief from this day. Through the wall I could hear mama crying, my only guess what she was upset over the fact I was being sent away to who knows where. My heart ached every time mom screamed in sorrow but the decision was made and could never be undone.

  When all had gone quiet, I heard an odd sound, for the first time ever Quicksilver was praying. " Ancestors, please look over my baby brother. I know I've been mean to him in the past but I beg you to protect and bless Redd. " He cried as he prayed, it was touching to know he really did care about me. I would always remember his prayers. The love of my family would always be in my heart to this day.

  The night had come and gone as the moment I dreaded drew near. Nopony spoke or made any attempt to do so as a wagon pulled up, waiting for me. I finished breakfast and began heading out the door. As I shut the door, mom burst into tears. I felt so sad walking away from the pony that loved and raised me, with tears in my eyes I continued towards the wagon. I didn't even notice we had started moving, all I did was sob as I left behind the only home I had ever known.

  One long hour had passed by the time I stopped crying and I began looking around. Everything seemed so bright and inviting, the sun was shining without clouds covering it, the wildlife looked healthy and happy, it was all so beautiful. I was caught up in my surroundings I didn't even notice the scream that gently got more audible until I was knocked flat on my face by something, no somepony! After the initial shock, I managed to get back up but I heard a squeak behind me. I turn to see a yellow Pegasus filly with a pink mane, she looked to be about 3 years younger than me. I could tell she was scared and on the verge of tears already and I didn't want her to cry like I had this morning.

  " Hey, what's the matter?" I asked a little too loud which made the filly flinch, and then the tears began to flow. " I'm so sorry I didn't mean to hurt you." Her voice was barely audible but I heard every word. Being the awkward colt I was, I hugged her and said," It's alright, you didn't hurt me at all, you just started me a little." I honestly didn't know what to do but what I did seemed to work because the filly in my arms began to calm down. She looked up at me with her bluish green eyes but didn't say a word. I had to admit, she was by far the prettiest thing I've ever seen and I wanted to say something but the voice in the back of my head told me not to.

  I finally broke the silence with a simple question, "so ummm... what is your name?" I tried not to be too loud but I got an answer none the less. "I-I'm fluttershy." She squeaked and turned away, I was next to introduce myself, which I did with more pride than I wanted. "My name is Redd Hoofaestus Coal!" My tone must have scared her because she flinched again. That's when I realized I was still holding her, the whole time this happened I was holding her. I let go and backed up to sit at 1 side of the cart, that's when the conversation began.

  "Where are you from?" Fluttershy half whispered the question, I hadn't expected her to actually say anything before me but I had to answer. "I'm from a small mining village southeast of here. We're not really supposed to talk about it but you seem trustworthy." I said without a second thought. I could actually see the beginning of a smile on Fluttershy's face, I didn't know why she was smiling but I didn't mind her adorable little smile. We spoke for a while and I knew I had made a new friend.