Diamond Is Not Cheap

The early morning mist floated serenely in the streets of Canterlot, a small town in the city of Equestria (named as such for their initial settlers adeptness at horse breeding). Such was not unusual. What was however was the Sixteen year old girl talking animatedly to a rabbit ambling alongside her. Her name was Fluttershy and this was --according to her parents-- her 'thing', a natural love and connection with all living creatures so long as they didn't pay taxes or ask why she carried numerous animal calls on her person. Normally Five A.M. was far too early for the girl but it was the only time she could walk the urban streets with her favorite furry little friend and not get derisive looks or encounter the potential danger of vehicles and people stepping on his cute little self, plus a little exercise never hurt.

"-as saying to Rainbow Dash I dont know whether or not I WANT to join her band ? I mean I know i'm her friend but....well...the thought of all those stage lights and everyone looking at me just gives me terrible stage fright. I'm not being a bad friend am I Angel ?"

The rabbit looked at her with disinterest, his nose twitching at the scents on the cool air. What brainpower he did have was dedicated to trying to understand why the soil was grey and hard with no grass to munch on. Fluttershy's face dropped slightly, she wished she could understand him better just to hear him speak would be a dream come true to her, it didn't help somewhat that their inter-dimensional pony friend (she still found it weird even know to think of her like that) had a talking dog and had casually mentioned that 'her' Fluttershy could naturally converse with creatures as if they were people. It just didn't feel fair.

"Oh I dont know Angel, maybe if I got more confidence in myself ? "

Another blank stare followed this time by a short scratch, the large flat feet impacting against a particularly itchy spot behind his ear. A resolute look formed on the teenagers face, she was determined, she would get confident ! She would be in the band ! She woul-

BEEP BEEP

It happened in horrific slow motion, Angel hopping off the curve into the road chasing after an errant dandelion fluff that had caught his attention, the motorcycle speeding down the usually empty road, the horrific crunch as they impacted followed by the tiny creature being flung back near her feet by the sheer force its body split open. Her former bravado immediately dissolved as she dropped to her animal companion on the harsh cement. To some this would be an unfortunate accident but not life changing, merely one of those things that hurts for a short amount of time before dissapearing, the more callous might even replace the animal within the same day. Not Fluttershy. She had owned Angel for only a year but she felt as if she'd known him all her life. Tears welled up in her eyes as the poor creature struggled to right itself from its prone position, blood oozing out of its wounds. She knew how to help with minor injuries but a cold part of her deep inside knew she could do nothing for him now.

"A-n-n--gel" she sobbed

"Oh my god I'm so sorry miss !"

Fluttershy looked up at the deep voice, it was the owner of the motorcycle, his helmet now removed. He was very tall and broad with handsome features that she might have blushed over normally, his exotic Asian looks and unique hairstyle would cause some of the other girls at school to drool as well. Shocked at her callous thoughts she felt rage bubble within her.

"Sorry ! Sorry ! You killed Angel ! LOOK AT HIM ! LOOK AT....at..at all the pain hes in" her anger withered on the vine as her animal companion finally managed to right himself only to begin coughing up blood, more crimson seeping out his chest gash.

The man frowned with a look of focus on his face staring at the rabbit.

"I...might be able to do something about this, you gotta promise not to tell anyone though"

Her face lit up at even the possibility of saving her friend even as the cold voice from before berated her for false hope

"Please anything, anything at all just help him !"

The man nodded and knelt down towards Angel, he extended his arm slowly tentatively reaching out and stroking the dying creature Fluttershy could have sworn she heard him mutter something and she was even more sure she saw some kind of pink flash extend outwards from his hand. Within a blink however the wound was gone, the blood non existent and the small mammal happily nuzzling her leg. She looked at the stranger with wide eyes.

"Your...your not magic too are you ?"

His face scrunched up in confusion.

"Eh I wouldn't call it magic more ah...uh...skill if you want, but remember this is between us" he capitalized it with an exaggerated wink even Pinkie would be proud of. With a smile he stood up and walked back to his black motorcycle emblazoned with the words "Golden Spirit" and placed his helmet back on. Scooping Angel up in her arms she approached the now revving vehicle.

"Whats your name and how can I ever thank you ?"

"SORRY CANT HEAR YOU OVER THE ENGINE AND THIS HELMET" he yelled giving a thumbs up "KEEP SAFE THOUGH, DONT KNOW WHAT KIND OF CRAZIES WANDER THE STREETS AT THIS TIME"

With that he rapidly (and somewhat awkwardly she noticed) sped off. As soon as she got home (this time carrying Angel all the way, she'd have to invest in a nice collar and lead for him) she'd contact the girls. It was turning into a very bizarre day.