The Fight for Happiness

                                                      The Fight for Happiness Chapter 1 Part 3

"So you're telling me one of your friends did a Sonic Rainboom not once but twice." Said Drake astonished by Fluttershy's story.

"Yep, and the first time she did one it helped me find my passion for caring for animals."

"That's quite amazing; next you're going to tell me you've defeated a dragon."

"Well…I didn't really defeat him just gave him a stern talking to."

"Wait…You're serious; you've stopped a dragon before."

"Well we just needed him to move to a different area to sleep, he was snoring smoke and we needed him to move."

"And who is we?"

"My friends and the residence of Ponyville, my friends brought me along to the dragons cave."

"That's really amazing, you're a very interesting pony Fluttershy and I'm going to have to try and me these friends of yours." Said Drake with a smile on his face.

"Oh, I'm not that interesting, but I'd be happy to introduce you, but there busy and I have to tend to Angel once we get out of the forest."

"And who is Angel."

"Angel is my little pet bunny, he's the reason I'm in this forest."

"I was just about to ask you what a little pony like yourself was doing out here."

"Yeah, well I take care of a lot of animals but I've had angel for a while now."

"So are you like the town vet or something?

"No, I'm more of a pet sitter. But enough about me Drake what's your special talent?"

This question made the smile from Drake's face disappear completely; Drake broke eye contact with Fluttershy. "I don't like to talk about it."

"Well what do you do for a living?" asked the now confused pony. This question was meet with nothing but silence from Drake.

"Well what do you do for fun?"

"Read and drink."

"Oh…"

After that last awkward exchange all conversation between the two stopped for a while. Drake just kept looking forward; he opened the final pouch on his spaulder strap and pulled out a small bottle. The bottle was filled with a dark red liquid; Drake popped off the cork of the bottle and took a small Drink. Fluttershy was walking a little with her head down, thinking that she angered Drake in some way. Drake put the cork back on and put it back in his pouch.  They continued to walk until they reached a hut with odd décor of another land on the front of the house. A screech was heard from above and Beau started his decent, Drake stuck out his hoof so Beau could land, but Beau found Fluttershy's back a much more attractive place to land. Drake just looked at Beau with a stern look, but Beau just brushed it off the look and returned to enjoying Fluttershy's company.

"So I guess this is the place then." Said Drake.

Fluttershy almost jumped back surprised to her Drake speak since he was being so silent. "Oh, yes this is the place Drake."

"After you."

               Fluttershy walked up to the door of Zecora's hut and gave a few quiet knocks. The door opened and a Zebra took its place.

"Hello Fluttershy my friend of yellow, what brings you here with this fine fellow?"

"Hello Zecora, I just need to pick up some medicine for Angel and Drake is here to pick up some potions."

"Well it's good to see you please come in, but I feel like those bandages I should tend"

Fluttershy looked at the wrapped up wing and realized they were ripped and falling apart.

"It must have got ripped on a branch on the way here."

Zecora walked into to the house and the two ponies followed, Drake leaned towards Fluttershy.

"Does she always rhyme like that?" Drake whispered.

"Yeah, why?" Fluttershy whispered back

"Just wondering."

"So Drake what type of potion do you seek, my library of potions is anything but meek."

"I need a few potions that will deal with injuries like cuts, fractured bones, things of that nature."

"Very interesting potions you need, a dangerous profession you must lead."

"You could say that."

"I will start on your brew right away, let me just fix the bandages on Fluttershy okay."

         "Hey Big Mac!" Shouted Applebloom

Big Mac turned to see three fillies sprinting towards him. "What do you three want now?"

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry about make fun of you earlier and I want to know if we can help you buck apples."

"Fine, just keep quiet"

The three girls started bucking at the trees. Each of their kicks just bounced of the tree only knocking down one or two apples at a time. This went on for about five minutes, by this time the three crusaders were tired and only had knocked down a few apples. Big Mac just looked at them and chuckled a bit.

"How about y'all strike on a single tree." Said Big Macintosh bucking and clearing another tree.

"That's a great idea, thank ya Mac." The Three fillies circled around a tree.

"On three girls, one…two…THREE!" All three fillies bucked their hind hooves as hard as they could.

But to no avail the tree didn't drop a single apple.

"Aw, looks like we ain't getting our cutie marks in apple buckin."

"Maybe we should try bucking a tree with some apples or leaves" Said Scootaloo looking up at the dead tree.

"Oh right, Ok let's find a tree with some apples…wait where is Sweetie Belle?"

The two fillies turned to see their friend standing next to Big Macintosh. The two fillies ran over to here but it was too late.

"So Big Macintosh why do you like Fluttershy?"

This startled Big Mac causing him to kick harder than usual knocking the tree down. "I think she's cute and kind okay just please leave me alone!" yelled Big Macintosh,

The two fillies running towards Sweetie Belle stopped dead in their tracks, surprised at Applebloom's older brother shouting like that.

"I knew you would admit it sooner or later now we should talk to her, get you all cleaned up, do your hair up all fancy, and get you a nice suit, maybe…"

Applebloom put her hoof over Sweetie Belles mouth and dragged her away.

"Sweetie are ya crazy, maken Mac angry like that?"

Applebloom removed the hoof from Sweetie's mouth.

"Well he just admitted it why not help him."

Big Mac walked up to the three, standing above them with a stern look on his face. "Now you three keep that to yourselves, ya hear?"

The three fillies shook their heads yes really fast and ran away faster.

"See that's why y'all don't anger Big Mac like that." Said Applebloom

"Yeah Sweetie are you insane?"

"I'm sorry I just wanted to make him happy by helping him with Fluttershy."

"It's fine let's just do something else." Said Applebloom.

          "Hey Drake you want to race to the top of the clock tower?"

Drake chuckled a bit "Are you sure you want to race brother, I mean you still have your saddle bag on."

"Please you're my little brother I could beat you if I was carrying another pony."

"Oh it's on now, you are about to eat those words brother."

"All right then let's lay down a few rules, no using magic, no pushing or kicking, and finally you have to wake up."

"Wait, what was that last one?"

"You have to wake up."

"Wake up?"

          "Drake wake up…if you wouldn't mind."

Drake's eyes shoot open. "What…Were am I?"

"Zecora's hut, you feel asleep in a chair, are you okay?" Asked Fluttershy, wing freshly wrapped.

"I'm fine…just had a dream."

"Okay, well Zecora is done with your potions"

"Thanks, so…how much will that be Zecora" Said Drake still in somewhat of a dazed state.

"You are a first time customer to me, so the potions are free."

"Thank you Miss Zecora."

"No need for thanks, just use these when you get kicked in the flank. Now the sun is starting to go down, if you plan to get back you might not want to stay around."

"Thanks Zecora this should fix Angel right up."

The two ponies walked out of the hut and began the trip back to Ponyville.

"Drake I'm sorry I asked you what your talent was I didn't know it would make you angry." Said Fluttershy in a soft tone.

Drake looked at Fluttershy knowing he shouldn't have reacted how he did earlier. "Fluttershy you don't have to be sorry, I'm not angry it's just a touchy subject."

"Okay, good I thought you were mad at me."

The two ponies continued down the trail back to Ponyville both, Drake pulled out is bottle of dark red liquid and took another sip.

"Hope we get back before it gets dark." Said Drake putting away the bottle

          "Alright I think I deserve a break after all this studying."

"So can we go and see If Fluttershy made it back to her cottage." Asked Spike

"I don't know Spike, the library is still a bit messy Mr. I had to use the restroom."

"But I did." Responded Spike in a whiny tone

"Five times?"

"Fine, but you try to find some excitement in cleaning up after other pony's messes."

"Fair enough." Said Twilight stomach growling. "But how about we grab something from Applejack's stand on the way to Fluttershy's."

"Okay, fine but after that straight to Fluttershy's." responded Spike

"Right, so let's go I'm getting hungry"

Twilight grabbed a scarf from across the room and wrapped it around her neck. She walked over to the door to open it, but before she could he heard a few knocks. She opened the door to see her purple maned friend.

"Well hello Rarity what brings you here?"

"I just needed to get out of my shop for a while; I just finished some outfits for a client and I've been cooped up in the boutique for a couple of days."

"Well Spike and I were just about to stop by Applejack's stand then head to Fluttershy's, your more than welcomed to accompany us."

"That sounds splendid."

          The three started walking to Applejack's stand Spike not wanting to walk so hitching a ride on Twilight's back. The sun was about to set so the air was chilly spring had just come so there weren't going to be in warm night for at least a couple of weeks. There weren't many ponies out tonight but, Twilight could spot a few she recognized. Lyra and Bon-Bon were sitting on a bench eating cupcakes. Carrot top, Colgate, and Berry punch were talking near the fountain. And finally Derpy was walking towards Sugar cube corner probably getting a muffin for her and her little foal Dinky like she did every day. And there were a few other ponies she didn't know by name. Twilight couldn't help but smile, the community was just so nice, almost everypony knew everypony else.

"Twilight what's got you in such a good mood." Asked Rarity

"Oh nothing, it's just been a good day."

"So Rarity, what kind of outfits were you making for your client?" Asked Spike, just wanting to strike up conversation with Rarity.

"A couple dozen dresses for a pony in Canterlot, nothing too special except for a really annoying lace pattern at the bottom of each one."

          Spike would have continued to ask Rarity questions but he was interrupted by a orange pony.

"Howdy Twilight, Rarity, Spike, what can I get for ya."

"Hey Applejack, I just want a red delicious, what do you two want I'll pay." Said Twilight

"No need to pay, just about to close up shop anyway."

"Well thank you darling, I will just have a red delicious as well." Said Rarity

"What about you Spike?" Asked Applejack

"I'll have a caramel apple."

"Two red delicious and one caramel apple comin' up" Said Applejack giving her friends there order.

"Thanks Applejack, I would stick around, but Spike and I are stopping by Fluttershy's."

"And I'm heading over to your home to take Sweetie Belle of your hands."

"Alright well don't be strangers."

          Twilight and Spike grabbed their food and headed off towards Fluttershy's home.

"Do you think she'll be there Twilight?"

"Like I said Spike Fluttershy can handle herself when it comes to the forest."

"I hope you are right Twilight."

          "Here we are." Said Fluttershy as the two ponies exited the forest.

"Living right next to the Everfree forest, that's very brave Fluttershy."

"Oh no, I'm not brave at all." Said Fluttershy as the two ponies walked up the trail to her home.

"You should give yourself more credit; I mean you did go into the forest alone."

"I know but that was just for Angel." Said Fluttershy now blushing.

"Well Angel is lucky to have a friend like you."

The two ponies reached the door to Fluttershy's house.

"Well looks like this is where I depart, it was nice meeting you Fluttershy."

"It was nice meeting you to Drake."

"Hey I'll be in town for a while, maybe we can meet and I could meet those friends of yours."

"That sounds good, and I think Beau would enjoy that as well." Beau still on Fluttershy's back.

"Sounds like a plan, I'll have Beau stop by and drop off a letter when I'm free. Come on Beau." Beau rubbed his head against Fluttershy on last time then flew off her back on to Drake's

"Alright, have a nice evening Drake."

"You to Fluttershy."

          Drake started to walk down the path from Fluttershy's cottage to Ponyville. He walked to the main square of town before realizing he hadn't eaten all day and should probably grab a bite to eat. Drake looked around for a food stand of some sort, whilst admiring the simplicity of a village. The first thing he spotted was rather close to him, it was a lavender unicorn with what appeared to be a baby dragon on her back. Drake found it odd but continued walking. After that he saw a light blue unicorn and a pale pony walking along. He saw three ponies talking by a fountain, one might have been intoxicated he really couldn't tell from where he was. And finally he saw a cross eyed pegasus with a basket leave a bakery and saw her fly off. After that Drake spotted what appeared to be an applecart being pulled by an orange mare wearing a hat.

"Excuse me miss I know you are packing up and going home but would you mind selling me a bite to eat." Said Drake approaching the cart

"Of course not partner, just grab an apple and leave two bits."

"Thank you." Said Drake pulling out two bits from a small sack he kept tied around his belt placing it on the cart and grabbing a golden delicious.

"You're welcome."

'What an adorable accent.' Thought Drake as he walked away.

          As Drake walked he finished up his apple and tossed the core aside. Drake finally came upon his new residence while staying in Ponyville.

"Odd looking place to live, but I've seen stranger" Said Drake to himself.

Drake looked in his pockets but couldn't find the key.

"Great, looks like I forgot my key."

Drake knocked a few times, but there was no answer, Drake went to open the door and luckily the owner left it unlocked. Drake walked into the house and couldn't help but notice it was a bit of a mess. His first action was to take a break; he sat himself down on a chair and decided to rest for a bit.

          "Fluttershy are you home, it's me Twilight." Said Twilight knocking on Fluttershy's door.

"Be there in a second." Said Fluttershy

The door opened, Fluttershy appeared in the door wearing her white and purple bath robes.

"Hello Twilight is there something I can help you with."

"No I was just worried, and wanted to see if you made it back from the forest." Said Twilight, whilst an annoyed Spike cleared his throat.

"And Spike was worried to."

"Oh no I'm fine, I just gave angel his medicine and now I'm running a bath for myself, but if you want to come and talk we can."

"No it's fine, we need to get back to the library, and Spike needs to finish cleaning it." Spike rolled his eyes at this remark.

"Okay, well goodnight Twilight, and are you coming to the spa with me and Rarity tomorrow."

"I'll try to make but I still have some studying.

"Well I hope you make it, goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Twilight turned to walk down the path back to her home, door closing behind here.

"Spike do you mind if we teleport back home, I'm a bit tired."

"If I don't have to clean up the library until tomorrow."

"Always trying to get out of work, fine but I want it done before noon."

"Deal."

"Alright Spike prepare yourself." With a bright flash of lavender light Twilight and Spike were in front of their home.

"No matter how many time you do that I won't be used to it."

"Well at least were home."

          Twilight stepped forward and opened the door to her house, the house was still a mess but there was one change she noticed almost immediately. There was a white robbed unicorn levitating a glass of water and reading a book titled 'The brief history of Ponyville'. He looked in the direction of Twilight and Spike and closed the book.

          "I'm guessing you are Ms. Sparkle." He said, recognizing her from not too long ago.

"Yes, but who are you?" Asked Twilight.

"How rude of me not to introduce myself, I am Drake. It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Sparkle."

"Nice to meet you as well, but what are you doing in my home?" Asked Twilight Clearly confused.

"Did you not receive my letter; The Princess must have been too busy today to send the letter I wrote."

"Wait, how do you know the Princess?" Asked Twilight.

"Let's just say I help maintain peace around Equestria."

"Wait do you mean this letter?" Asked Spike retrieving the letter from the table in the center of the room.

"Yes, it seems it hasn't been opened."

"Sorry about that I had a lot of studying today, Spike can you read the letter for me?"

"Sure thing Twi." Said Spike clearing his throat.

Dear Ms. Sparkle

          Hello, my name is Drake. I have been studying the creatures of the Everfree forest and other occurrences linked to the Everfree forest. It seems the library here in Canterlot has a limited assortment of books on the matter. I asked Princess Celestia if there were any other libraries in Equestria that may have more information. She told me that the library here in Ponyville was run by her most faithful student and that you had some books on the matter of the forest. I asked If she could get me a place in Ponyville to stay so the trips to the forest would be more often and less tedious. She told me that this was the only place since it was the only place she legally owned here in Ponyville. I told her that it would be fine; I hope this doesn't come as an inconvenience to you.

Sincerely, Drake

          Twilight stood there for amount and ran the letter through her head again. Drake took another sip of his water and waited for a response.

"Uh, Twi that was the end of the letter." Said Spike

"Uh…Well Mr. Drake it's not that I don't believe you it's just I would like to double check with the princess."

Twilight scrawled a few words onto a scroll and handed it to spike who proceeded to send the letter. Spike belched a scroll almost as soon as he sent off Twilight's. Spike cleared his throat once more.

To my faithful student

Yes this letter was written and sealed by Drake but I sent it off. I hope his staying at the library won't inconvenience you. Also you need work on your penmanship a little.

               Sincerely, Princess Celestia

"So…Where do I stay?"

Twilight blankly starred off repeating the words 'you need to work on your penmanship' in her head over and over. She was finally broken out of this by Spike who walked up and snapped his fingers a few times in her face.

"Twi, Drake was wondering where he should sleep."

"Oh uh, I believe there is an extra bed in the attic."

"Sounds good, would you mind showing me up?"

"Spike please show Drake to the attic."

"Okay, follow me Drake."

Spike started walking upstairs, Drake got out of the chair and followed behind. They walked through Twilight's room and into a back room with a ladder. Spike Climbed up and opened the door at the top of the ladder, Drake followed suit. They both looked around; the attic was a bit dusty but nothing too bad. There was a bed, to the left of the attic near a window, a few small bookcases on the opposite side of the attic with a few books on them, a candle on a night stand next to the bed and a coat rack near the trap door they entered through.

          "Well here it is."

"Thanks…Spike was it?"

"Yep, Twilight's number one assistant" Said Spike clearly happy Drake remembered his name so quickly.

Drake didn't see any other assistants but he didn't pay much mind to the remark Spike made.

"Well thanks, but if you don't mind I haven't gotten a lot of sleep lately and I would like to hit the hay." Said Drake lighting the candle near the bed with is magic.

"Alright I hope you find everything okay." Said Spike exiting the attic.

          Drake looked around the attic again.

'Well it's no five star resort, but I'm not complaining.' Drake thought to himself

He removed his spaulder and put it on the coat rack. Drake walked over to the small bookcases but couldn't really find a book of interest. He walked back over to the coat rack and removed the rest of his wardrobe, hanging the robes on the coat rack but leaving the belt, sash and bracers on the ground. The only item left on drake was a small gold necklace with an amethyst gemstone shaped like a claw. Drake looked at the bed and couldn't imagine a more beautiful site; he was so tired he could have slept on the floor. He walked over to bed and plopped down under the cover resting his head on the pillow falling asleep almost immediately.

          "Well what do you think of him Spike."

"Well nothing much right now, just give him a chance it's not like he's staying here forever."

"You're right, It's just I'm not used to living with another pony who isn't a member of my family."

"Just give him a chance he seems pretty cool."

"Yeah but what's with the robes?"

"I don't know, but I think you're over thinking this a little."

"Maybe your right Spike, I think I'm just going to go to bed."

"Same here."

Twilight and Spike walked upstairs and both got in their beds.

"Goodnight Twilight."

"Goodnight Spike." Yawned Twilight.