A Ballad for Angel

The sun was creeping its way up over the horizon, spraying light over the quiet town of Ponyville. Some ponies were making their way to the location of their occupation, while some ponies were still asleep where they have laid their heads for slumber. And some, not unlike the one whom this story follows, are waking at the first sign of luminous joy flowing in through their window. Now, the pony in question is very compassionate about what she does, and she gets started with what needs to be done as soon as her eyes flutter open.

The yellow Pegasus with the pink coloured mane rose her head from the cloud-like cushion in which her head was situated. A fragile yawn flowed from her mouth, like a gentle snow fall coating the ground in a blanket of cotton. She stretched her diminutive wings and frail hooves, then wiped the spell of the sandpony out of her eyes. She took a peek out of the porthole shaped window next to her bed and grinned kindly out at the warm sunny morn. The birds were singing a song of delight, as they were happy to have returned home after taking a vacation during the colder months.

It was officially the first day of Spring, and Fluttershy couldn’t be more excited, not only to see and help all her friendly critters again, but she was also overly excited to start planning for a very special occasion. The yellow Pegasus had never planned a big surprise like this before, and she would need all the help she could get. She then floated over to the calendar she had received from “Critters Monthly” that depicted a different baby animal each month. This month was a baby blue jay, signifying the birth of a new season. She selected a purple marker from the mahogany side table that was next to her bed, and marked an “x” over that day’s date. Five more days, thought the gentle pony, until the special day!

Fluttershy knew what she had to do today. She had to go about her normal routine, but also stop by the Library, Carousel Boutique, and Sugarcube Corner to enlist the help of her three closest friends. Firstly, all the day time animals under her care had to be woken from sleep and were to be fed breakfast. Mornings were Fluttershy’s favourite part of any day. She went about her morning, waking all the critters around her home. She always goes about waking them all up with a song she sings every morning. She calls it the “Morning Song”, although many of the animals who live with her simply are not fond of the morning, or the Morning Song; one animal specifically, was Angel, Fluttershy’s first pet ever, and the reason for her excitement.

After all the birds, burrowers, and other critters alike where bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, they were ready to start their first day of Spring. The birds started their day off with a lovely mixture of seeds and tiny insects. The burrowers and ground critters start their day off with fuits, vegetables, and nuts. And the reptiles near the pond get all the bugs they can eat. Now that all the animals have been fed, Fluttershy moves on to the next thing on her list, which is to feed herself. She trots into her house and into her kitchen, opens her cabinets and sifts through the plants she has grown herself, in her charmingly quaint garden.

“Let’s see here, I have carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, and Celery.” she listed, “Hmmm, looks like I definitely have to go pick up some more seeds, seeing as I’m low on the kinds that are only for the Spring season. If I want to grow a lush garden, I’ve got to start early!” she exclaimed as she removed the carrots and cabbage. She then opened another cabinet and took out a large bowl and placed it on the counter next to the veggies. Gracefully, she unsheathed a knife from its position on the counter, and commenced to carefully cut the carrots into thinly short sticks, and separated the cabbage leaves, and sliced them into smaller sections. Afterwards, she gripped the bowl with her teeth, and brought it to the ledge of the counter. With one hoof, she moved the minced veggies into the bowl, and then placed the bowl on her little round dining table. She softly floated over to her refrigerator, and unsecured it with her dainty mouth. She looked inside, and pulled out a bottle of Orange Juice, that the apple family had received from their Orange cousins last week, and Applejack was kind enough to give some to all her friends.

Fluttershy placed all the bottle down on the table, glanced down at her salad, only to see a greedy little bunny face-first in the bowl, eating the carrot and cabbage mixture. “Oh, Angel, this is my breakfast. I already fed you yours, why are you eating mine?” she questioned the white ball of fur. The bunny lifted his head from the bowl with a scowl on his face that read I know that, but I don’t care. Fluttershy lifted him out of the bowl with her teeth, and set him onto the table. “Now, now Angel, don’t be a bad boy. It was rude of you to do that, and you should apologise for taking something that is not yours.” She stated as she looked down on the guilty rabbit with displeasure. It wasn’t something he has seen Fluttershy do in a while, and was instantly afraid that Mean Fluttershy was returning. It has only been a few months since the Iron Will fiasco, but Angel was always still nervous about whether or not Fluttershy would return to that type of behaviour. Angel started quivering, then leaped off the table, and scurried out of the kitchen.

The pony meant to embody kindness chuckled as she watched her pet run away. She was never proud of how she had become a mean pony, but still used a few tactics to assert herself when needed. The solitary Pegasus pony then quietly finished her salad, and sipped her Orange Juice. When she was done, she brought her used dishes to the little sink, and washed them. She placed the wet dishes onto a rack for drying, and softly walked over to the table, moving the left over Orange Juice to the refrigerator. She then smiled, and looked over her to do list for the day.

“Let’s see, what do I need to do today?” she questioned the empty space in front of her. She listed them all off in her head, one by one. After she was done reviewing her list, she raised her saddle-sack onto her back, and gently packed the list into one of its pockets. Fluttershy was soon out the front door of her little cottage, humming a cheerful tune all the while. She followed the path that lead from her house to town, where she would buy what she needed.

As soon as the pink-haired pegasus entered the massive market area, she spryly used her wing to remove her list, and examined it. “Ah yes, first I should buy some medicine for the beavers.” she told herself. The dam-building woodland creatures had somehow acquired a cold while hibernating, and had been ill ever since they awoke. It took almost an hour for Fluttershy to figure out what exactly was wrong with them. She is no Doctor, but she did know a thing or two about common illnesses. She listed to symptoms, and devised the solution that the beavers simply had a cold, and needed medicine from the local herbal expert.

For a while now, Zecora has been definitely a lot more accepted by the ponies of Ponyville, and she has gotten into the habit of setting up a booth in the market area selling herbal medicines. Fluttershy was greatful that she did not have to travel into the Everfree Forest for some super-natural herbal remedies. The pegasus did not like being in the Everfree Forest, it was scary, and dark, and many wild and ferocious beasts lived there. Fluttershy once had the idea to befriend many of the wild beasts in the Everfree Forest, but quickly changed her mind when she was reminded about the legends and stories she heard from other ponies around Ponyville.

“What is this, that catches my eye? Might it be my good friend Fluttershy?” was the words that interrupted Fluttershy’s thoughts about the scary Forest. The zebra behind the counter smiled with joy. Her mane, always stuck up in the air, seems a bit lackluster today. It was up in the air, but slightly tilted to one side. Fluttershy also noticed that Zecors was also wearing smaller hooped earrings, and a few less coils around her neck.

“Why yes, Miss Zecora, it’s really me.” Fluttershy replied. “Uhm, I’ve noticed you have changed your look today, might I ask why you did so? Uhm, if it’s not too much trouble…” she asked, tilting her head to the ground, timidly. Fluttershy has always admired Zecora ever since they’d first met, and she always noticed everything about the zebra. The way Zecora smiled, the way she laughed, the way she looked when she walked, but most notably, Fluttershy was taken away by the Zebra’s eyes.

“And how might I help a friend in need? It is clear you need something indeed!” replied the zebra, neglecting to answer the peasus pony's question. Fluttershy suddenly snapped out of the trance she was in while staring into Zecora’s eyes. The yellow pony blushed slightly, embarrassed about staring. She looked around so see if anypony was watching, and sighed in relief when nopony was. Fluttershy shook her head a bit, to clear her mind, and then looked up at the magnificent zebra.

“Yes Zecora, I am in need of an herbal remedy. You see, the Beavers I look over all had caught a cold during their hibernation, and today is the first day of Spring, so I came here to ask if you had any cold remedies.” she smiled contently. The zebra put a hoof to her chin, and looked up to the sky as if in deep thought. Fluttershy had seen her do this pose and face before, and if was one of the things that Zecora did that made Fluttershy’s heart beat off course.

“I know of how to make a cold remedy, but I require an ingredient from Miss Pinkie.” replied the zebra with a grin upon her face. Right then, a light went off in Flutterhy’s noggin. I’m going there after my errands! she thought excitedly. “Oh Zecora, I can pick up the ingredient for you! I’m stopping by Pinkies today, so I could ask her for the ingredient!” she yelled out with glee. Zecora’s face lit up as she said “Thank you dear friend for the kindness in your heart, while from my shop I cannot depart!”

“I would do anything to help you, Zecora!” replied Fluttershy, “What is the ingredient that you require?”

“The object you seek has a green tint, for the ingredient I need is a leaf of mint.” said the zebra. Fluttershy pulled out a pencil, and wrote down “Mint leaves” on her list using her mouth to write it out. She replaced the pencil and paper in her saddlebag, and looked up at Zecora once more. “Alright, Zecora, I’ll get you some Mint leaves, but I do have to finish in the market first. I will be back later today with your leaves.” Fluttershy hesitated for a split second, and asked “Uhm, how much will it be for the remedy?” she rummaged through her bag for some bits, but stopped when she heard Zecora chuckling. The yellow pony looked up one last time at Zecora. The sun gleaming off her metallic jewellery, making her look even more radiant then Fluttershy had ever thought before.

“I would normally charge my customer, but for a kind friend the charge I shall defer.”

Fluttershy shook her head “No, no. You must accept payment. I don’t want to be treated differently. Now, what’s your price?” the Pegasus questioned, but when Fluttershy looked up from her bag, she noticed that Zecora was already talking to another customer. “Oh, uhm, I guess I’ll be on my way…” she said aloud, more to herself then to the zebra. Fluttershy replaced the bits she removed, back into her bag, and quietly walked towards another booth.

After buying a few different types of seeds from Carrot Top, and a few other things she needed from other sellers in the market, she set a course towards Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie lived at Sugarcube Corner, along with Mr. and Ms. Cake, and their two children, Pound and Pumpkin. Pinkie loved making sweets, almost as much as she loved creating parties, and a party planner is what Fluttershy needed the most for the special occasion. Although Pinkie’s antics were sometimes out of hand, her parties have always been successful.

A bell rung, signifying the arrival of a new customer in Sugarcube Corner. The pink pony behind the counter had the curliest pink mane and tail, and the biggest smile on her face. Pinkie Pie was always in the best mood, well, not always, but you will rarely see her curls unwound! The earth pony was busy talking to one of her frequent customers. She was a grey Pegasus, with a blonde mane and tail. Fluttershy recognized her instantly, because she went to school with her.

“Hey Fluttershy!” exclaimed the pink pony enthusiastically, “Come on over and join the party!” Fluttershy laughed a little, and hopped in the air, gliding over to the two mares, landing lightly next to Ditzy Doo.

“But Pinkie Pie, this isn’t a party! This is a sweet shop!” said the cross-eyed pegasus. Pinkie and Fluttershy started to giggle a bit, and shook their heads. Pinkie replied “Oh, Derpy, you silly pony. That’s just an expression! Like ‘Taste the Rainbow’, or ‘Don’t drink floor cleaner’.” Ditzy looked at Pinkie with a confused look. You could tell when she was confused, when both her eyes were looking straight at you in a serious manner. Not only was Ditzy Doo confused, but so was Fluttershy.

“Pinkie, I’m not sure…” the yellow pegasus started to whisper, when she was interrupted. “So, Fluttershy, what brings you to Sugarcube Corner?" questioned Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy’s face lit up as she remembered why she was here. “Yes, that’s right. I have a few reasons for being here!” she answered. The grey pegasus then smiled, and said “I come here every day, because Pinkie’s muffins are the best!” Ditzy looked at the clock on the wall, and sighed sadly “I guess it’s time to go back to work.” The grey pegasus mare then ate the rest of her muffin in one bite, then picked up the mail bag sitting next to where she was sitting. “Oh Derpy, would like another muffin for the road? It won’t cost you a thing! I made too much today anyways, and I know you like them, so you can have the extra one!” Ditzy Doo then smiled wide, and then grabbed the muffin from Pinkie’s hoof, and placed it inside her mailbag. “Thanks Pinkie!" she yelled while walking out the door.

Pinkie had slight curve to her mouth, opposed to the half-moon smile she always had on. It was kind of like a soft sentimental smile. Fluttershy has seen that look on Pinkie before. It was the same smile Pinkie used when she talked about her sisters. Fluttershy wondered what Pinkie was thinking when she thought about Ditzy, but now was not the time to ask.

“Uhm, Pinkie, I have to ask you something…” Pinkie’s yellow flying friend started to say. “Do not go any further, Fluttershy, I know why you are here, and I have the answer!” replied Pinkie in a matter-of-fact manner. “Oh, why thank you…” Fluttershy started to say, when Pinkie interrupted again. “I will gladly help you with teaching the new baby birds to fly!” yelled the pink pony with excitement. Fluttershy just stood there quietly, and hesitated to absorb what Pinkie had just said. “Oh, I’m sorry Pinkie, but Rainbow Dash is already helping with that, and plus, you don’t have wings, so that would be hard for you to…” she was cut off again by Pinkie “Oh! I know then! You’re here to ask me to help you count all the new baby bunnies! Aww Bunnies are soooo cuuute!!!” Pinkie said while jumping up and down. Fluttershy was getting a bit impatient with Pinkie, so she went straight to the point. “Uhm, Pinkie, that’s not it. I was going to ask you…”

“If that’s not it, then what is it?” questioned Pinkie, while interrupting her shy friends again. Fluttershy let out a grave sigh of annoyance, and look into Pinkie eyes. “Pinkie Pie, I’m here to ask you if you would like to help me plan a super special birthday p…”

“Party for the walrus that lives in the Everfree Forest!? Yes! I totally will, Fluttershy! I loooove to par-tay!” Pinkie Pie yelled out in happiness. That was the last straw. Fluttershy wouldn’t let Pinkie interrupt her anymore. “No Pinkie! That’s not what I’m asking you. Now, could you please let me finish a sentence?” she said as calmly as she could. “So, you’re NOT planning a super special birthday surprise for Walter? Well, that makes sense, because his birthday isn’t for a few more…” Fluttershy cleared her throat, and Pinkie stopped talking. “Oh, yes Fluttershy. I’m sorry, please go on.”

“Okay, now I would like to ask you if you would like to help me plan a super special, super secret , surprise birthday party for Angel, my pet bunny. You see, it’s been 5 years since I first saw him born. His mother didn’t make it through the birthing, and so I took him in under my wing and he was the first addition to my ever growing family of animals. His birthday is in 5 days, so I was planning on holding it then, and I’m not sure where yet either…” Fluttershy smiled as she was lost in memories. “Well of course I’ll help out with planning Angel’s special party! And we can host it here, at Sugarcube Corner! I didn’t know Angel’s Birthday was at the beginning of spring!” exclaimed the pink earth pony. “Oh, wasn’t there another thing you had to ask me, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy blushed when she remember the request from Zecora. “Oh, uhm yes, I was wondering if you had any mint leaves. I need some medicine for the poor little beavers that live in the river. I went to ask Zecora if she could help me, and she said she needs some mint leaves for the medicine. She said you might have some, and I agreed to get some for her.” Fluttershy explained while looking away from Pinkie. The earth pony put a hoof to her chin, and thought deeply to herself. “Hmmm, I think there should be some mint leaves in the storage closet, although Colgate ordered a big mint cake for some reason, and I had to use most of them, I’ll have to check if there are some left! I’ll be right back!”

“Okay” said Fluttershy in response. “Yep! Found some!” screamed the pink pony, popping up behind Fluttershy as if out of nowhere. “Pinkie, how did you…” started Fluttershy. “How many does she need? I have five leaves! She can have them all, if she would like. Mint isn’t a popular flavour here in Ponyville, so I think they will be of better use to Zecora.” Pinkie stated, smiling and holding the leaves in her hooves. Fluttershy thanked Pinkie, and left the sweets shop and trotted towards the marketplace to give the leaves to Zecora.

A few minutes later, the bell rang again at Sugarcube Corner, and Pinkie had another customer. In the front entrance of the sweets shop, was none other than the most fabulous unicorn in all of Equestria. Rarity was wearing a big green floppy chappeau, and a saddle bag she designed herself. The unicorn smiled at the sight of Pinkie. “Pinkie, darling, I have a favour to ask of you!” the purple haired unicorn said in a sophisticated tone. “What a coincidence! Fluttershy was just here…” Pinkie started to say, but was cut off by Rarity. “Ah ah ah, Pinkie. I don’t have time for stories. I am here to ask if you would so kindly help me plan out a luxurious and fabulous surprise birthday party for my pet cat, Opal. I want there to be sweets, cakes, ribbons, balloons, streamers…” as Rarity went on listing things she wanted for the party, Pinkie was lost in fantasies about creating a luxurious party for Opal. “Oh, Rarity. I would LOVE to help you plan out a party for Opal!” she replied in a cheery tone. “When and where do you want to host the party?” Pinkie asked.

“I want the party to be at the Boutique, I plan on giving Opal to Fluttershy for the day, so we can work.” replied Rarity. “Oh, that’s a good idea! And when will it take place?” questioned the pink earth pony. The unicorn was halfway out the door, when she yelled out at Pinkie “Five days from now, darling, and thank you so very much for agreeing to help out, I know it will be the best party Opal has ever had!”

When Rarity was gone, Pinkie wrote down on her calendar the two requests from her friends, and then her face lit up in shock. “Uh oh! They’re both on the SAME DAY! What do I do now? If I tell Fluttershy that I can’t help her, she will be so sad! And I can’t refuse the opportunity to put on a fancy and luxurious party for Rarity’s cat. I’ve never planned a fancy party!”