Short Stories from the Midnight Dragon

It was just another beautiful day in Equestria. I, Midnight Dragon, was trotting through town, nodding politely towards the other ponies, though I was feeling rather shy around them. But as I went through the town, I heard a noise. Somepony was crying. I followed the noise into a dark alley and saw a pegasus mare with her back turned to me. Her coat was bluish-grey, and her mane was a very light yellow.

"Are you alright?" I asked softly.

I knew it was a stupid question-of course she wasn't alright! But I didn't know what else to say. The mare turned to me, and I could see her tear-streaked face. She had golden eyes, which each stuck out in a different direction.

"Derpy?!"

Derpy nodded.

"What happened to you?" I asked with compassion.

"Nopony likes me anymore," Derpy said in a heart-wrenching tone. "Everypony used to love me. I made them laugh. But when I came out and talked, some people got mad and said I was offensive. I-I didn't mean to...hurt anyone's feelings..."

As Derpy began to cry again, my heart shattered. I sat down beside her and wrapped my arms around her.

"I-I just d-don't know wh-what went wrong..." Derpy whimpered.

"It's not your fault," I said tenderly. "It doesn't matter what anyone thinks of you. I like you just the way you are."

"Really?" Derpy sniffed.

"Yes," I said with a reassuring smile. "I loved it when you spoke. It really made me smile!"

"But everypony else hates me," Derpy replied sadly.

I shook my head. "A lot of us love you," I explained. "In fact, many people are trying to get you back on the show!"

"Really?" Derpy said with a smile.

"Yep!" I said, giving her a squeeze. "And if you ever need anything, just come talk to me!"

"Thank you! Thank you!" Derpy said happily, giving me a big hug.

"You're welcome," I said, stroking her soft mane. "Now, how about a muffin?"

"MUFFINS!" Derpy squealed.

"I'll take that as a yes!" I said with a giggle.