MLP: Friendship is Forgiving Part 1

Spirit shot straight up when he awoke. His internal clock shocked him awake after years of getting up at the same time to start the day. The only difference was that it was silent. There wasn't an alarm blaring to wake up everypony or somepony running down the hall yelling 'revelry'. Celestia has yet to bring the sun up, but light could be seen just over the horizon. Even though he was on leave and could do whatever he wanted to relax, he wouldn't. The Army's ritual was forever written in him, as if it was tattooed to his DNA, and the first thing they do everything morning was physical training or PT. Spirit anticipated the morning to be cool, so he threw on his PT jacket he had packed and stepped outside his home.

Spirit had mapped out his run before he left Canterlot. From his house, there was a trail that went between Sweet Apple Acres and the Everfree Forest. Then it hit a fork in the trail at which a cabin stood alone. Now knowing how these ponies seemingly all know each other, he was surprised to see another home on the outskirts of town all by its lonesome. The fork split the trail into the Everfree Forest and into town, while keeping alongside Sweet Apple Acres. The right trail led to a bridge over a river running through town. Sticking to the outside of town and crossing another bridge over the same river, the trail would pick up again bordering Sweet Apple Acres to complete the circle back to his home. With the map memorized in his head, he began his long run.

Spirit enjoyed early morning runs. The brisk morning air brushing against his hair and running through his mane was soothing. Since he wasn't on a base, he was the only pony up with the exception of the Apple family, but since they were on their farm, he was alone on his path. It was quiet, with only a gentle breeze rustling the trees and bushes that broke the perfect silence. Spirit felt at peace.

According to his planned map, Spirit should make a right and continue into town, but the Everfree Forest beckoned him with it's mystery. He always wanted to see first hand why this forest was so different. He heard stories of fearsome creatures that resided in the forest, but he shrugged if off as legend or myth. He had never seen these creatures in any forest he had been in.

Spirit turned left and began to approach the forest. He gave no attention to a small white bunny he passed, but then it suddenly jumped in front of him in an attempt to try to block his path. Spirit quickly maneuvered himself around the delicate bunny, almost stepping on it. He couldn't help but wonder what that bunny was trying to do. Spirit didn't want to slow down his workout, so he just shrugged it off and continued on his new path. The bunny shot an angry glare at Spirit as he trotted away. The bunny then ran off inside the tree cabin, up the stairs, and into the room where a gentle, light yellow mare, with a pink mane and tail, softly slept. The bunny preceded to jump up and down on the mare, but she remained sound asleep. The bunny violently slapped the mare on the cheek.

The mare squealed, "Angel! That wasn't very nice of you."

Angel didn't have time to play charades to explain. He simply grabbed the mare's face and directed her gaze outside the window where she caught the glimpse of a stallion running into the Everfree Forest.

The mare gasped, "Goodness, doesn't that stallion know how dangerous the forest is?"

Angel proceeded to nudge the mare out of bed.

"You're right, Angel. I'm going to go into the Everfree Forest and..." her voice began to trail off, "warn him..." She gulped, "of the danger he's in..." Her eyes went wide with terror as she uttered the worst part of the sentence, "by myself!"

The mare dove underneath her covers thinking of the monsters that were waiting for her in the forest. Angel walked up to her and kicked her off the bed. She fell to the floor with a thud. A spark of bravery was ignited yet again, "You're right again Angel! Somepony is in danger and they need my help!" It was quickly doused when she squeaked out, "Whether I like it or not."

She rushed down the stairs and slipped on a coat. She didn't really need such a thick coat; she just wanted a barrier between her and whatever she imagined running into in the forest. Before she exited her home she called to Angel, "You're in charge while I'm gone, Angel."

The bunny saluted, understanding her command.

The mare then asked, "Also, could you feed all the animals while I'm gone?"

Angel's jaw dropped.

"Thank you my little Angel!" The mare didn't realize Angel chucked a stool at her as soon as the door shut. The stool smashed into the door and startled the mare, who squeaked with terror, jumped, and hid in a nearby bush. She quickly regained herself remembering that she had to rescue a stallion in danger. She hopped back on the trail and trotted into the Everfree Forest accompanied by the look of horror on her face.

Spirit's run slowed into an easy trot as he took everything in. The exotic plants, a few parasprites, and the thick overgrowth. He was entranced that everything here was sustained by itself, but his trance was quickly broken as he heard a loud shriek of terror. It sounded feminine in nature and came from behind him, from where he had just traveled on the path. Spirit immediately turned around and sprinted to the source. The scream was getting louder as he approached the point of origin.

"I'm coming! Hold on, ma'am!" Shouted Spirit, hoping he would arrive in time.

He created mental images of the horrid monsters he heard of: Timberwolves, Manticores, and Dragons! He cut a corner off the trail, running through the thicket of the forest in an effort to save time. He jumped out of the brush ready for a fight, but what he saw stunned him. He saw the mare backed against a dead tree stomping her hooves at the ground, but there was nothing around even remotely frightening to Spirit.

Was this mare trying to get away from... her shadow? Thought Spirit to himself.

He gently called to the frightened mare, "Excuse me, ma'am?"

The mare closed her eyes, fell to the ground, and screamed again.

"Ma'am, please calm down!" Spirit tried to reason with her, "You are not in danger! We are the only two here!"

The mare opened her eyes and saw the stallion she saw entering the forest earlier.

"Oh thank goodness I found you!" The mare said with relief.  "You need to get out of here. It's, uh, very dangerous..."

Wait, I need to get out of here? What is she talking about? She was just trying to get away from her own shadow! Forget it, I need to get HER out of here... I'll play along, then.

"You're right! Are you coming with me, ma'am?" Said Spirit, faking a worried tone.

"Oh yes, I know exactly where to go!" She was happy that they were leaving immediately.

"Good, and by the way, what was your name, ma'am?" Spirit asked as they started to walk together.

"Oh, uh, my name is..."  He shy nature started to kick in now that she realized she was no longer in immediate danger and with a total stranger. Her voice was barely audible.

"I'm sorry, what what was that, ma'am?" Spirit asked again.

"Flutters..." She squeaked once more.

"One more time, ma'am?"

"I'm... Fluttershy." she finally said in quiet voice.

Her name explains it all...

"My name is Tough Spirit, I prefer Spirit though. It's nice to meet you." Spirit politely responded.

Fluttershy remained silent.

"Is that your home at the edge of the Everfree forest?" Said Spirit trying to start a conversation. He was hoping a casual conversation would warm her up to him.

"Erm... yes." Fluttershy whispered.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't here you. Could you please speak up?"

"Yes, that's my home." Squeaked Fluttershy.

It was barely audible to Spirit. He didn't want to deal with such frightened behavior for the entire walk back. Spirit turned to talk to Fluttershy in an effort to change her fearful deposition. "Fluttershy, please don't be so frightened, you have no reason to have any fear. If there is any danger in this forest, I'll protect you."

Fluttershy seemed to be a little comforted by his words. She nodded and asked, "Thank you, but, um, can we get out of here quickly? The sooner the better."

"Of cour—" Spirit stopped mid-sentence when he saw a pair of red eyes and heard a low growl coming from he bush directly behind Fluttershy. Whatever it was, Spirit could sense it was about to attack. Spirit shoved Fluttershy to the ground as a Timberwolf leaped out, fangs and claws out. Unfortunately, now Spirit was in the Timberwolf's way. It tackled Spirit to the ground and tried to clamp down on Spirit's throat. Spirit rolled through and kicked the Timberwolf into a tree directly behind him.  The Timberwolf shattered upon impact into small twigs and sticks.

Spirit stood up and turned to Fluttershy. She was frozen in place, petrified, her eyes wide with fear, and shaking terribly. She stuttered, "T-Timberwolfs n-n-never t-travel alone..."

She was right, more sets of read eyes appeared around them, and they slowly approached them from the forest and stepped onto the path. There was only one route of escape, but they needed to go, now. Spirit called to Fluttershy, but she seemingly ignored him, still frozen in place. She couldn't move on her own, so Spirit place his head under Fluttershy's stomach and lifted her onto his back. Fluttershy instinctively clung to Spirit's back and started screaming, and Spirit took off toward the exit of the forest. The Timberwolves gave pursuit. Spirit stayed on the trail, he knew the exit wasn't too far, but he needed to find somewhere safe. He exited the forest just as the sun was rising. He hadn't even noticed it until now, and if the fact that they were being chased by blood-thirsty monsters was put aside, the sunrise was very beautiful.

As Spirit was trying to concoct a plan to lose the Timberwolves, he saw the bunny that was trying to stop him from entering the forest. Now it was standing at Fluttershy's open front door, trying to direct them inside. Spirit hightailed it inside and bucked the door shut on one Timberwolf's head, trying to slip in, but smashed it. Spirit peered outside through a window and saw the headless body wander around aimlessly before finally collapsing. The other Timberwolves growled, and kept approached the house. One Timberwolf, the apparent leader, howled and returned to the forest. The others reluctantly retreated back with the leader.

It was safe, but Fluttershy still clung to Spirit's back. Spirit tried talking to her, reasoning with her that it was safe like before, but this time she would listen and let go. He proceeded to walk upstairs, all while Angel was also trying to help pry Fluttershy off Spirit, but to no avail. Spirit was going to put Fluttershy back to bed.  He was hoping she would let go when she felt her soft bed, but her balcony door was open. Spirit had a better idea. Spirit walked to the balcony and quietly spoke, almost whispering, to Fluttershy, "Hey, Fluttershy, don't look now, but there's a beautiful sunrise."

Spirit turned his body, so the warmth from the Sun's rays would shine on her face. It was just enough to break her trance of fear, as she gazed at the gorgeous scenery. The meadow that bordered the forest glistened as the Sun's light reflected off each drop of morning dew. The flowers became noticeably brighter as there were in full bloom. The light cast was at just the right angle to make the whole world bright, but not blinding. Fluttershy's muscles relaxed, and she slowly slid off Spirit's back. A smile appeared on her face. Her eyes grew large admiring the beauty; it even brought a few tears to her eyes.

She wiped her tears away and began to apologize, "I'm so sorry Spirit. I didn't mean to cause all of that trouble."

Spirit looked at Fluttershy with surprise, "Trouble? You saved my life! Had it not been for your bravery to go into that forest to warn me of the danger, I probably would've traveled to deep to escape those monsters."

Fluttershy blushed, but protested, "But, um, when the Timberwolves attacked, I froze, you saved me." Her gaze shifted toward the floor, and her smile faded away.

Spirit shook his head, "Fluttershy, there is a thin line between bravery and stupidity. Bravery and stupidity are both acts of stupidity, but bravery is for a good cause, such as saving somepony. We both did a stupid act, which was going into that forsaken forest, except mine was out of curiosity, while yours was out of concern. As the old saying goes, curiosity killed the cat. Besides, you have every right to freeze up. I was only able to act because I did not fully comprehend the amount of danger I was in."

Spirit knew he was stretching the truth. He could of handled those Timberwolves himself, but he owed Fluttershy for her good deed to warn him. The least he could do was make her feel better, even if it meant making up a nonsensical explanation to cheer her up. It seemed to work though. She lifted her head and her bright smile returned. "Really, I—I was brave?"

"Braver than most ponies I know."

Fluttershy suddenly remembered that she had somepony in her home, a guest! She started using her good pony etiquette. "I'm so sorry! Welcome to my home. How rude of me to not give you a proper welcome."

"Well, we didn't meet on a proper circumstance."

Fluttershy paused, "You're right, I don't think I've ever seen you around Ponyville. Are you new? I'm so sorry for not noticing before"

"We were in a forest surrounded by ravenous monsters. I think that's an exception to the rule when it comes to formalities and introducing oneself."

Fluttershy giggled, "Oh yes, but I still feel bad. I am planning to make breakfast, if you're interested."

Spirit chuckled, "I'm sorry, but I have to refuse. A kind pony family fed me last night, and if I take another meal, then I'll feel as if I'm taking advantage of the kind Ponyville citizens. Thank you very much though."

"Oh, okay then... Perhaps some other time, over lunch?"

"That sounds delightful, how about tomorrow?"

"Oh yes, that's okay with me."

"Thank you again for rescuing me. So long, Fluttershy!" Spirit turned toward the door.

"Oh, it was the least I could do. Good bye." Fluttershy called out as Spirit exited her home.

Spirit resumed his morning run after the minor hiccup in his routine. He was amazed that a pony as shy and timid as Fluttershy would trot into a forest she knows is dangerous. Spirit admired her personal courage. It's the same value that all soldiers have instilled within them. He then snickered at the thought of that gentle mare as a soldier.

Spirit finished his run without running into more problems. Now that the sun was up, he could finally get a good look at his house without it being shrouded in darkness. His home had only one floor and was styled similar to the buildings he had seen in town: painted tan, with brown paneling, and pink windows and front door. The only difference was the roof was not made of straw, but instead brown roofing tiles. He entered his home and was still a little unsettled by how bare it was. He stood in the hallway and put his jacket on a hanger in a closet across from the front door. The hallway led to a would be dining room with two large windows to his left, which connected to the kitchen. To the right was the would be living room with only one window. There was another hallway leading out of the living room to two bedrooms and bathroom which gave the lateral area of the house a rectangular shape.

Spirit went to the bedroom to grab soap from his bags and then to the bathroom for a nice, long, hot, shower. That was something Spirit could never do in the Army that he would do now. Once he finished his shower. It wasn't even past ten o'clock in the morning. He decided to explore the town the rest of the day. It would be beneficial to familiarize the town as well as meet some more new ponies. He was really looking forward to that after how well his last two meetings went.