A Friend In Need

Something Unexpected

***

        "So there I was... apples everywhere!" Catcher said to himself aloud, closing his eyes in an amused manner. Pulling the cart towards one of the orchards edges, he prepared himself to start bucking.

"Hey there Catcher!" said Braeburn excitedly as he galloped towards the startled stallion. The Pegasus opened his eyes as he planted a hoof into his forehead.

"Oh for Celestia's sa-... Why are you here?" Catcher asked, his voice muffled as he brought pulled his hoof down the front of his muzzle.

I get it, “almighty” powers that be, I just can’t win. The Pegasus turned around to face Braeburn.

"I just came by to check on you. Bullet's gone missing and I had assumed that he was up to no good with you again." Braeburn explained in a concerned tone, happy to see that the Pegasus was unharmed.

The stallion let out a sigh as he turned around to face the excited pony. "Thank you for caring, but as I have said before I am quite capable of handling myself."

"I don't think you understand. He's a tricky one and I believe you're underestimating him. He's not your typical hoodlum, he's got connections with many and if you're not careful you may find yourself in a rough spot." Braeburn insisted, hoofing at the ground.

"Trust me, I can watch my own back. I've been doing it for as long as I can remember. I've never really been one to rely on the help of others. Don't trust no pony... never will." Catcher smiled with smug pride, turning his back to the Earth stallion.

"Well shucks, I can see that.” Braeburn said closing his eyes as he grinned. “Why do you think I won't leave you alone?"

        The Pegasus scoffed at the remark. "You mean to tell me that you're purposely being a persistent bastard all because I just don't want to talk to you?" asked Catcher, squinting one eye towards the blonde stallion.

"I guess you could.. I mean... Yes." Braeburn said happily as he stuttered over his words, lowering his ears as he approached the stallion.

"Just to let you know, you are a weird one, but I guess you're alright. Now if you wouldn't mind I am getting paid to do a job and standing around while I talk to odd stallions isn't quite part of it." Catcher said, lifting himself as he bucked the tree. Apples fell into the cart and he made his way to pull it towards another tree.

"How bout you and I work together? You know, so that you can get more done?" Braeburn said, trotting next to the troubled stallion.

Remember the pain, the emptiness. The Pegasus turned his head to look at him.

"Hmm, no. I can handle this by myself." Catcher was insistent. He stopped the cart once more. His front legs were wobbly once more as he bucked the tree. A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead as he made his way back towards the cart.

"You look like you're having a hard time, are you sure you don't want help?" Braeburn asked, causing the Pegasus to stop dead in his tracks. Without turning around he sat on his haunches, looking towards the sky in a melodramatic manner.

Letting out a sigh, “You’re not going to leave me alone... are you?”

“Well, with Bullet on the loose, it is my duty to protect my citizens.” Braeburn said, a smirk on his cheerful face. “And you are a target of his.”

I can’t believe I’m going to do this. The Pegasus faced the saddle on the cart with an implied look.

"Fine, but I will handle the bucking. The powers that be may have taken my wings but I most certainly can still use my legs," Catcher said reluctantly, the blonde stallion laughing at the statement. "Is there a problem, or do you think that my pain is amusing?" Catcher asked irritatedly. Braeburn saddled the cart upon his back as he pulled it to the next tree.

        "I was just having a moment. I don't mean you any disrespect," Braeburn apologized with a smile, causing the Pegasus to ponder at what he had said.

Such a dork. Catcher smiled happily, positioning himself as he bucked the apple tree.

"So do you talk to every misanthropic pony you see, or am I the first?" asked the Pegasus while he and Braeburn continued to move to another tree.

"Believe it or not, I don't really talk to many around here anymore.” Braeburn said, turning to give Catcher a smile. “I just do what needs done, say my bit, and leave. To answer your question though, you have to be the most stubborn pony I've ever talked to."  The Pegasus took a moment to stare into Braeburn's green eyes, briefly turning to shake a thought from his head.

Why do you have to have those damned eyes? The stallion slowing his stride, pain coursing through his front right limb.

"You remind me of somepony else, a stallion I once knew many years ago," Catcher said softly, turning to look at the ground with a look of sorrow.

"Was he important to you?" asked Braeburn, stopping at the next tree. The breeze blew between them as Catcher took a moment to clear his mind, turning to buck the tree.

"You could say that, in more ways than one," Catcher said, a sullen look of pain upon his face. Braeburn looked to him sympathetically, watching the mentally exhausted and physically beaten stallion take a few pants as he wobbled on his front legs. Quickly bucking the tree, he gathered himself and stood looking up at the sky.

"Family or a friend?" Braeburn asked, raising his hoof slightly as he tilted his head in an inquisitive manner. Catcher turned to look off into the distance, as if something were picking fiercely at his mind.

"Friend... just a friend is all." Catcher said in a soft tone of regret, turning back towards Braeburn.

"I thought you said you didn't have any friends. Somepony's hiding something!" Braeburn leaned forwards in anticipation as the Pegasus' ears twitched from the rush of sudden emotions.

"I lied... now can we please drop it?" asked the Pegasus, still in a sullen tone of grief.

Braeburn unsaddled himself from the cart and walked over to Catcher, placing a hoof on his back as the two sat upon their haunches. The Pegasus lowered his head as he closed his eyes, memories flooding through his mind.

         "Look, I don't know what happened to you, or even who you are, but I what I do know is what I see," Braeburn sympathized, stroking the stallions pitch black mane. Catcher turned to him, staring deeply into his green eyes as his began to tear up.

"I know what you see... what everypony else sees, a stubborn cripple who doesn't deserve to be happy because it's his own fault that he's angry at the world." said the Pegasus, a look of self loathing prominent in his expression.

"No, of course not! I see a troubled stallion who's obviously bothered by something that, if he would just open up, could probably be a lot happier," Braeburn said in an uplifting tone, looking into the stallion’s brown eyes. Catcher wiped the tears from his eyes, standing up to head to the next tree as Braeburn watched him limp.

That touch, those gestures... Damn You.The Pegasus grinded his teeth to block his thoughts and the pain.

"You're... different, in a good way that is," Catcher said humbly as he walked away, the blonde stallion trailing behind him happily.

"I'm glad to hear that... friend." said Braeburn, trotting beside the Pegasus. A moment of silence fell upon the two as they both halted, Catcher continuing to face forwards as he briefly smiled.

"Friend..." the Pegasus repeated happily, turning towards the blonde stallion with a smile. Braeburn returned the gesture, another moment of silence falling upon them.

"Well, are you going to pull my cart for me or are you just going to admire me from a distance all day you strange bastard?" asked Catcher in a playful tone, closing his eyes happily.

***

“You promised, please don't leave me!” pleaded Catcher -tears in his eyes- on his knees as he looked towards another Pegasus, bearing emerald eyes and a blonde coat.

The blonde Pegasus looked to him with sympathy, his eyes glazed with tears as he briefly closed his eyes “I know, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t go, I can’t live without you!” cried Catcher once more, lowering his head as he closed his eyes. His body shaking as his sobbing grew more intense, tears running down the other Pegasus’ cheek.

Both of them wallowed in silence as the blonde stallion turned around, jumping up into the air as he spread his wings to take flight into the night sky. Catcher briefly glanced up, turning his head to the side while he closed his eyes again.

“Come back...” he softly cried softly, curling up into the fetal position; his body continuing to shake as a cold grip flowed over his body. The dream faded as he abruptly woke with a gasp - Again. When will this end.

Using his hooves, Catcher pulled himself back towards the head of the bed. His tear glazed eyes glistening with the moonlight. The Pegasus turned towards the window as he glanced up to the stars, lowering his ears as he mumbled to himself in a hurtful tone “Good riddance.”

***

The time passed as daylight shone over the orchard as many of the workers started to wake, Madame Ziti walked into the room with a look of concern upon her face; her gaze gazed fixated on Catcher who was facing the ceiling with his worn eyes open.

"It's been a couple days and I've noticed that you scream every night, something that can only mean two things." the elderly mare said, causing the Pegasus to look to her as he rolled his eyes.

"Yes, you found me out! I am so totally taking it in the ass every night," Catcher replied hastily, turning back towards the ceiling as he continued to hold the locket in his hooves.

        The purple Unicorn tapped her hooves as she sat awaiting another answer from the sarcastic stallion, an irritated look upon her face.

"Look I have trouble sleeping every night, now please, Ziti, can you just leave me be. I'll be in the breakfast hall here in a few. I just need to gather myself."

Madame Ziti shook her head as she turned to walk away, mumbling as she left the room "You need to gather yourself something fierce then."

The Pegasus crawled out of bed shortly, limping his way down the hall once more as he made his way through the bowels of the compound and towards a large hall where every other worker had gathered. They all sat idly, talking to one another quietly as they ate their barley.

"Oh look, the same thing I've been having for the past few days!" Catcher sarcastically said, causing a few of the stallions to chuckle a bit. Other just gave him a glare as he sat down, slowly eating the dish in front of him.

"So I hear Braeburn's taken you under his eye. You should be happy that he's got your back because their are a lot of others around these parts that would love to see ya suffer." said one of the stallions in a gritty tone, causing Catcher to scoff.

What, afraid to say ‘wing’? The stallion gazed around at the many workers, all fixating their attention on him.

"I also hear that these 'others' are just a bunch of 'wussies'." the Pegasus mocked, turning his eyes back towards his dish.

"You definitely have one hell of an attitude problem," the worker said again, causing Catcher to roll his eyes.

"No... actually everypony else has an attitude problem, I'm just trying to mind my damned business," the white stallion said, taking a few more bites out of his dish.

The worker stallion let out a little chuckle as he turned his attention away from the irritated Pegasus, finishing up what was left of his barley. Catcher let out a sigh of relief as he too finished his bowl of steaming food, quickly heading out to the orchard field.

Madame Ziti blocked the Pegasus at the door, a humble look upon her face as she sat down upon her haunches in front of him.

“You’re going to run a special errand for me today. I would send one of the others but unfortunately I think they would be much better right here.”

…

“Are you implying that I can’t keep up with the work?” The Pegasus slammed a hoof down, as he gritted his teeth.

“I see how much pain your in, I can see it in your stride and as ya work. I mean ya no disrespect, besides I have a feeling ya won’t mind this little request.” Ziti said, Catcher letting out a scoff.

Disrespect... pity, what's the difference?

“You're gonna be making a quick stop to somepony you already know, Br...--” the mare started to say before being interrupted by the eager Pegasus.

“-- Braeburn, am I correct?” finished Catcher, a small look of joy upon his face as he raised his ears.

Madame Ziti closed her eyes, “Why yes, you're going to run this letter to him. Afterwards I want you to take some time to pick up a parcel from the bank. The rest of the day is yours to do whatever you wish with.”

The Unicorn used her magic to gently place a satchel on his back, the strap brushing against his wings. Small traces of pain flowed through his body as he slowly spread them to alleviate the pain.

“Thank ya dear, I’ll see you later tonight.” said Ziti with a smile, turning to leave as Catcher turned his attention to the door.

A day off... Braeburn, should I ask him? Catcher lowered his ears, a look of uncertainty upon his face as he walked through the door.

***

Strange, I don’t remember the town being this... festive. the Pegasus glanced around, examining the varying decorations. Crowds filled the streets once again; larger and more vibrant than when the stallion had first arrived.

“What the fuck?!”

“Who the hell are you?!”

“Get your hooves off me!” shouted many of those within the crowd as Catcher pushed his way through, knocking a few to the ground as he weaved his way towards the sheriff’s office.

These crowds are starting to become really ridiculous. The  stallion shook his head, slowly pushing his way through the small hinged doors. A baby blue stallion made his way to greet Catcher, a smile upon his face; he was wearing a black vest similar to Braeburn’s with a silver star. “Deputy” was written across its shining surface.

“Why hello there sir, how may I help you?” the Earth stallion asked, his blue eyes containing traces of curiosity.

“I’m here to deliver a letter to Sheriff Braeburn from Madame Ziti.” explained Catcher, looking around the small open floored structure for any signs of the Earth stallion while he sat on his haunches.

“I’m sorry sir but as you can see he’s not in. I've been told he's been busy with the setup for the festival tonight.” the deputy walked over towards a desk that sat across from a few cells.

Letting out a sigh, Catcher hoofed at the ground. “May I ask where exactly he may be...Please?”

“Why of course, he was assisting the mayor when I saw him last. If you want though I can hold the letter for you here.” the Earth stallion said, closing his eyes as he smiled.

Catcher smiled as he turned to face the door. The mayor's eh, that’s right next to the bank.

"I’m just going to deliver it to him personally.” Catcher stood up and walked to the door, the deputy bidding him farewell as he exited the small structure. “Suit yourself friend, you have a good day now ya hear.”

The Pegasus strolled through the streets once more, heading to the bank which was only a short walk away. Now if only this glare would go away I could probably make out everypony a lot more clearly.

Catcher halted in place, raising his hoof to shield his eyes. He scanned the large crowd as he looked to both the city hall and the bank entrances; there were no signs of the energetic stallion anywhere.

“Hey there, fella, come to help me set up for the festival?” Braeburn placing one hoof on the Pegasus’ back, startling him as he turned to look at the smiling stallion.

“Almost made my heart stop... Nah i’m just running a few errands for Ziti, in fact I have a letter for you right here. ” Catcher said softly, grabbing the letter from the stachel. Braeburn unrolled it, using his hooves to stretch it out as he sat upon his haunches.

Braeburn was quiet as his pupils scanned the scroll, starting to laugh happily as he rolled the letter back up.

“Well thank you friend, now I must ask... are you available tonight?” Braeburn leaned towards the stallion as he used his hooves to tilt his hat.

Just say it, you dork. Catcher took deep gulp as he closed his eyes.

“Why, yes... yes I am.” the Pegasus sat on his haunches, looking deeply into the Earth stallion’s emerald eyes. He used his hooves to cover his muzzle as he coughed, blushing as he turned his eyes towards the ground.

“I promise I’ll give you the time of your life!” Braeburn shouted hastily, Catcher letting out a chuckle as he stood up and turned to the bank. The yellow stallion did the same, following the Pegasus into the building.

I would like that... Catcher thought to himself, pushing his way in as he turned to face Braeburn. “Shouldn’t you be helping the mayor? I was told you were busy with the preparation today.”

The two stopped, awaiting a teller as they turned to each other.”The thing about that...--” Braeburn closed his eyes as he started laughing “I lied.”

Catcher looked to him as he shook his head slowly, placing a hoof on his back he too started to laugh.

Heh, maybe I was wrong about everything. The Pegasus turned to the incoming teller, a smile upon his face.

“Good evening, sirs, how may I help you on this fine day?” asked the orange Unicorn, his monocle giving off a reflection as Catcher looked to him.

“I’m here to pick up a package for Madame Ziti.” explained the Pegasus as the Unicorn used his magic to levitate a parcel to the tabletop in front of him.

Pulling out some papers, he levitated the pen to the stallion. “Sign on the X’s and you can be on your way.”

The Pegasus signed the papers, returning the pen as he grabbed the box. Picking it up with his hooves, he placed the box upon his back, letting out a groan of pain as the weight bore down on his wings.

“Here... I’ll get that.” said Braeburn, using his hooves to grab the box. Placing it on his back he winked towards the Pegasus.

Catcher tried weakly to resist, but then just let it happen. “I can handle it my-... I mean I thank you.”

The Pegasus gave him a smirk as the two headed towards the door, the sun shone down on them as they headed back towards the orchard.

***

Braeburn and Catcher both continued walking along the red expanse as they slowly approached the oasis like area, laughing as they joked with one another.

“You should have seen the looks on their faces! And that’s why no one messes with this tough hombre.” Braeburn proudly smiled to the Pegasus, a gleam of happiness in his eyes.

If I only knew... he has to be, though, I can sense it. The stallions stopped, both looking towards the farm compound.

“Thanks, Braeburn, I can handle it from here.” Catcher said, using his mouth to pick the parcel from the blonde stallion’s back. Braeburn looked to him with grin, “Just call me Brae.”

The Pegasus shook his head with a smile, “Thank you, Brae, I’ll see you in a few hours then?”

“You betcha, might have to wait a bit, though, with that storm that’s coming. It’s only supposed to last for a little while so you can expect that the fireworks will still be a’ shootin later tonight.” Braeburn exclaimed cheerfully, causing Catcher to lightly laugh.

Why do I always have to fall for the dorks. The stallion shook his head with a smile, standing up and continued through the green of the orchard as he parted ways.

Setting the package down, the Pegasus turned to the sky, looking back to his wings with a look of great sadness as if the storm were taunting his inability to fly. Tears formed in his eyes as he opened the saddlebag to pull out the locket. He held it close to his chest as he opened it, looking to the picture of himself as foal.

Grandfather...

"Please... forgive me for my ignorance." the stallion said, taking a moment to contemplate everything as he lowered his head.  He closed his eyes as he sat on his haunches, turning towards the sky once more as the rain fell upon his muzzle.

Moments passed that felt like ages as the rain soaked his black mane, the sound of nearby galloping waking him from his little slumber.

There was a loud crack as he was struck across the muzzle by a pair of hooves, throwing him into the ground with enough force to send moistened dirt and mud into the air.

"I told you, next time you wouldn't be so lucky. Now, where were we?" Bullet said menacingly as Catcher gathered himself. The hit to the face still stung, and his coat was covered with mud, but he still returned a hateful, menacing glare.

"Yay, you guys are back! I believe we were at the part where I ripped your throat from you neck!" shouted the Pegasus, throwing himself off the ground and at the Earth stallion.

Catcher hit the stallion, knocking him back into a tree as he cried out in pain. The other stallions charged at the Pegasus, exchanging blows as the crippled stallion continued to fend for himself. Eventually managing to beat Catcher back to the ground, Bullet looked to him and watched as blood trickled down his snout.

"You're going to wish you never stepped a hoof in this town when I'm through with you, Pegasus." Bullet sneered, pulling the locket away from the injured Pegasus.

Catcher used what strength he had left to fight back, desperately trying to pull it back towards himself but unable to keep his grip. Tears flowed from his eyes as his hoof slammed to the ground, still trying to fight back despite the fact he was obviously outnumbered.

"Enough of this!" shouted Madame Ziti, using her magic to place a shield around the cripple. Bullet and the rest of his gang gave glares as sharp as daggers at her, stumbling back away from the Pegasus with the locket.

"You and that sheriff are seriously starting to get on my nerves!" the large Earth stallion shouted, baring his teeth as he and the others started to turn away.

"That's right, go on... leave this orchard, ya bastards, or else you’re gonna have to face my wrath!" the elderly Unicorn said with great irritation. Bullet and the gang galloped away, taking the locket with them as Ziti rushed over to the beaten stallion.

"So cold..." cried the Pegasus, starting to curl into a fetal position as he closed his bloodied eyes. Madame Ziti leaned down, stroking his mane and coat with her hooves in an attempt to calm him while the rain continued fall in a drizzle around the both of them.