I Am Not Afraid

I Am Not Afraid

Story 1

Chapter 3: Friends Like Family

By: FluttersIsAwesome

After the meeting, I decided to swing by my cloud home and check my mail. Despite her ordeal the last time she was here, Gilda and I remained friends and wrote to each other, and the last I heard she was doing pretty well in a town called Wellsprings. On my way there, however, I was stopped by Twilight. I actually didn’t get very far before she stopped me.

“Hey, Rainbow, can I speak to you for a minute?”

I nodded and touched back down. “Sure, go for it.”

She looked around before turning her attention back to me. “I’d like to talk about your brother. It’s obvious that the only one that knows more about him than you is himself, and there are some things I think you can answer that he can’t.”

Her questions confused me a bit. She pretty much contradicted herself by coming to me for answers, but I did want to help Nova as much as I could. “Alright, what do you want to know?”

We decided to walk together since she could obviously tell I was in a hurry to get somewhere, but we weren’t really going a fast pace. “Well, you remember about that constant I spoke of? The thing that’s been there every time Nova overpowered his fears?” After a nod from me, she began again. “Well, many times when a pony is in a situation like this, they themselves don’t really notice anything, but others that are around for more than one instance do. So, can you think back to any other brave moments Nova’s had? Do you remember if there were any similarities between them?”

I stopped walking for a moment, trying to think. There weren’t really many opportunities to be what many considered “brave”, but I could think of a few instances when Nova came out of his shell more. “Well, the only major things I can recall are times when Nova stood up to bullies back in flight camp. I was constantly teased for hanging out with Gilda, and when I made friends with Fluttershy, that only made things worse. Nova was well respected because of his flying ability, so he didn’t really have bullying issues of his own. So him going out of his way to raise his voice at a bully, let alone talk to one or approach one, was uncommon.”

She nodded again and took out a quill and some paper, scribbling down everything I said. “Okay, that’s a second reference. Is there anything else?”

Like I said, I wanted to help as much as I could, so I decided I would tell her everything I could think of. “He didn’t really like drawing attention to himself either, and that reminds me of this one time during a field day when we had a team race. Gilda and I decided to be partners, but Nova didn’t intend to take part until he learned that Fluttershy didn’t have a partner. So, at the last minute, he signed himself up to race with her so she wouldn’t get taken out of it. See, that drew some attention since the field day was meant more for first years, and he was in his second year then.”

A bright smile began to stretch across Twilight’s face. “I think I’m seeing a pattern already. He and Fluttershy are pretty close too, aren’t they?”

A small giggled escaped me when I thought back to those days. “Yeah, they are. When he wasn’t with me, he was almost always doing something with her. They were best friends since day one. Why are you as- oh, I get it. You think Fluttershy is the key to bringing out his braver side?”

She set the paper in quill back in the saddlebag she had been carrying and smiled again. “That is what I think. Listen, don’t tell anypony else, but Fluttershy told me that she feels something stronger than friendship. You know her, she’s far too scared to tell him, and I promised her I would keep it a secret. But in all these situations, Fluttershy hasn’t just been there, she’s been the center of his actions. Even when he told the story of his cutiemark, he said it was Fluttershy calling to him that got him to charge into that meteor. Now, that being said, I think what we need to do is start with something big. You know, something to convince him that his situation isn’t as bad as he thinks it is. After that push, I think it will be a lot easier for our little tasks to boost him up to the point where he can be brave even without Fluttershy around.”

I smiled with her as I lifted myself up, hovering over the ground just a little. “And once he’s there, he can start making new friends with no worries!” We were both so excited we just had to high hoof.

“So,” she looked ahead again as she gathered her thoughts, “Do you have any ideas for something that could give him that push?”

An idea immediately sprang into mind, and the timing couldn’t have been better. “Tell all the girls to meet me at the fountain in an hour, make sure Nova doesn’t come, and if you run into her, tell Ditzy that I have some priority mail that needs to go out ASAP.”

She nodded again and turned towards Sweet Apple Acres. “Will do. See you in an hour!”

I bolted for my place, really hoping that Gilda had written back to me. After checking through my mail, I found a letter from Wellsprings. Sure enough, it was from her.

* * *

Nova was staying with me for however long he planned to stay. It was kind of nice having some company other than the animals, but also it made me a little nervous. He was still asleep when I got back from our meeting, but I really had no way to tell if he followed me and was just faking it or if he was actually asleep. Either way, I shook him awake with a smile.

“Wake up, Nova. You’ve got to go over and help Applejack today, remember?”

After a loud, sleepy groan, he rolled out of bed and hit the floor with a thud. The shock sent him in the air, flapping his wings rather quickly. “What? What? I’m up, I’m up, I’m up! Oh, it’s just you, Flutters. Good morning.”

I smiled and gave him a quick hug. “Good morning, Nova. Are you ready to help Applejack today?”

He nodded, finally landing back on the ground. “Yeah, just give me a minute to stretch.”

While he was stretching, I grabbed a saddlebag and slipped a couple of bits in it. “Well, we have some time before she needs you. Would you like to go get some breakfast?”

Food was always one of Nova’s weaknesses. At the mere mention of it, his ears perked up and a big smiled stretched across his face. “Sure, that sounds great! But Flutters, put your money away, it’s my treat.”

I giggled and walked out the door, waiting for him. “Oh, this isn’t for the breakfast. I have to go out and get some things to feed Angel; I’m running low on some of his favorite foods.”

Again he nodded and walked out the door, closing it behind him. “I get it, so you were expecting me to pay, weren’t you?” He gave me a little wink as a grin formed on his mouth. “Well, I guess it is only right, since the guy is supposed to pay when he takes his girl on a date.”

Suddenly, I felt my face heat up again. “What? N-no, it’s not like that. I just wanted to do something together, a-as friends. Yeah, that’s it….”

He chuckled and put his wing around me as we began to walk. “You’re so fun to tease, Flutters.”

I did my best to regain my composure, putting on a smile as we trotted into town. Our favorite place to eat, aside from Sugarcube Corner, was this little place called Nature’s Bounty. It was a great place for a quick fix like a sandwich or a salad. They also made really good breakfasts subs, and Nova always loved their morning club.*

Nova smiled at me again and picked out a seat for us after I told him what I wanted. He always did like eating outdoors. “Go sit down, Flutters, I’ll go in and order. Be back in a minute.” He trotted in as a I took my seat, looking around.

After a short yawn, I stretched out my front legs behind my head and crossed them for about two minutes.

“There you are, you little dweeb!”

I knew that voice. Before I could even turn around all the way, I was staring down the yellow beak of Gilda Griffon. “Oh… um, h-hello, Gilda.”

She grinned and got closer to me, forcing me out of my seat. “Hey, pipsqueak. What’cha doing, having some breakfast? That’s good, because I was just in the area looking for some breakfast myself. And you know, I never did get to repay you for the last time we met.” She let out a loud, lionish roar, and nearly at the same time I let out the loudest scream I could. She inched closer and closer to me until she had me on the ground. “I am going to enjoy this.” With a loud screech, she opened her beak and brought it close to my neck. Oddly enough, she didn’t bite down, but instead closed it for a moment to speak. “Think he heard that?” After a quick nod from me, she opened her beak again.

I heard a loud slam as the door to the restaurant swung open. “Flutters, what’s wrong?” Nova turned to me and, seeing the griffon with her mouth wide open, rushed to get between me and her. “Gilda! Who the hay do you think you are? Who died and gave you the right to munch on an innocent pony!” Nova pressed a hoof against her chest, pushing her back as he glared into her eyes. “You’d best back off before I beat you into the ground, you hear me? We may have been friends back in school, but nobody, griffon, pony, narwhal, I don’t care, nobody messes with Flutters without going through me first!”

Despite how harsh and loud Nova was being, Gilda didn’t seem the least bit scared. In fact, she began to laugh and put her arms around him. “Great job, Nova!” While she was still hugging him, she looked around and smiled. “Alright, guys, you can come out now.”

I once again smiled as all the other girls walked out from either behind the building or from across the street, all of them patting Nova on the shoulder or back.

“But, what, you, her, and, eat, some, girls, wha… will somepony explain what’s going on?”

Twilight spoke up before anyone else could get the chance. “Don’t you see what you just did, Nova? You weren’t even thinking about the dangers of trying to fight a griffon, were you?”

He shook his head sheepishly, looking back at Gilda. “No… I guess not….”

“If ya ask me, sugarcube, that was might brave of you.” Applejack winked at him, tipping her hat.

Nova jumped up and backed away from the group a little. “Wait, are you saying that was all staged? What was this, some kind of test?”

I walked up to him and nuzzled his cheek. “Does it matter, Nova? You would’ve done the same thing if I had been in real danger, right?”

A small smile began to stretch across his lips. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

Twilight took the floor again, stepping out from the group a little. “We planned everything out, and it worked perfectly. Don’t you feel kind of braver in general now that you’ve seen that you really can be brave when you need to be?” She nodded after Nova did, patting his shoulder. “By proving to yourself that fear is an obstacle that can easily be taken care of, you’ve become more confident in your ability to handle other situations.”

It took a moment, but after he had finally processed everything that just happened, he began to laugh and pulled everyone, including Gilda into a hug. “You all are the best! As a thanks for doing this, I think I’ll treat you all to breakfast. I know the perfect place for us to go, too. I’m pretty sure the owner will even serve griffons!”

Pinkie ruffled his mane some. “You don’t have to do that, silly, we’re all just glad to help you!”

He shook his head and booped her nose. “No, Plushie, trust me. You especially will absolutely love this place. The only problem is that it’s up in Richmaned**, a mountain town. Is there any way you all can get there?”

Our apparent leady smiled and trotted toward the library. “That’s fine; those of us that can’t fly can take my hot air balloon. Just lead the way.”

Rainbow Dash had a grin on her face as she used Nova’s head as a resting spot for her chin. “I know where you’re thinking of. It’s that little café with the hybrid guy, right?”

Nova chuckled and waved her off of him. “Bow, be more respectful!”

We all followed Twilight back to her library, and everypony that couldn’t fly got settled in her balloon when it was ready. Even Spike had decided to wake up for some free food. “Okay, we’re all set!” He turned his head up and let out a large burst of flame from his mouth, igniting the flame to inflate it.

Both Dashes harnessed themselves to the balloon while Gilda and I flew beside them. We began to make out way, before Applejack stood up.

“Hold on, y’all, I need to show you something first. Ya think you could do a quick fly-by over the farm?”

Rainbow was the first to comment and they both began to turn. “No problem, what’s wrong?”

Her brother chimed in as the balloon finished its 180. “You sound worried, Jackie, is something happening?”

“Just go, you’ll see. It’s kind of a way to show you why we need help.”

As we made our way over Sweet Apple Acres, the issue that made Applejack seem so worried was plain to see. It was almost frightening to look at, and even Gilda could tell something was wrong.  “Wait, it’s the middle of spring. Why are all of those trees dead?”

Applejack shook her head. “I wish I knew, Gilda. See, we don’t know what’s going on, but that’s why we need some help. Not many trees are dead, but we’re afraid if we don’t find out what’s killing ‘em, it’s gonna spread. So, while we look into it, we also need some extra hooves to help gather apples so we can compensate for the lost trees.”

“Applejack, look,” it was Rarity’s turn to speak, and her keen eye for detail pointed something out that none of us really noticed before, “look around the dead trees. All the grass around them seems to be dead and brown as well. That really is strange….”

Nova tapped his sister, and we began to turn again. “Hey hey hey hey! I know this is kind of a serious situation, but let’s not forget why we’re even in the air. Forward to Richmaned!”

The trip took about 15 minutes with two of Equestria’s fastest fliers leading the way. We touched down in a small valley surrounded by pine trees and beautiful, blue mountains that towered over the buildings. Look at them from how far down it was, it almost felt like the mountains were guardians keepin the town safe. The air smelled quite different from both Ponyville and Cloudsdale; there was a sort of peace about it that made me feel relaxed.

Nova and Rainbow unharnessed themselves as Twilight dimmed the flame and let the balloon descend to the ground. “Here we are.”

Rarity jumped out of the balloon, looking around and taking in the scenery. “My, my, talk about natural beauty! Who would’ve thought that some of the most beautiful sights could come from the outdoors?”

A small chuckle came from Nova as he led us down the cobblestone road. He stopped us in front of a quaint little building with outdoor tables. The glare in the windows made it difficult to see from the inside, but when Nova opened the door, everything changed. The smell of fresh baked goods, sweet maple syrup, and many different kinds of teas filled the air. Some of the locals were already there enjoying friendly conversation and delicious treats. I liked this place already; it seemed very homey and welcoming.

“Nova! Long time no see! I see you brought friends, too. I welcome all of you to the Mountain Pine Café, where you’ll find better treats than any big company could ever hope to offer!” The warm greeting came from the pony behind the counter. His coat was a bright grassy green, and his long mane was as dark green as the needles on the pine trees surrounding his restaurant. His alluring yellow eyes complemented all the green on his body, and on his flank he bore the image of a pale green tea leaf. His tail came to a point, was rather shiny, and was perfectly straight save for one spot that was a near perfect inward curve, almost like somepony took a circular cookie cutter and sliced right through it. “Find a seat anywhere. Menus are at the side of each booth and in the center of the outdoor tables. When you’re ready to order, just let me know!”

We all bowed to him politely and chose our seats. The tables outside looked like they seated four, so we split up in half and got two tables next to each other. Everypony grabbed a menu, picking out what they wanted. There were a lot of various cakes, cookies, brownies, soufflés, pies, muffins, and dozens of other baked treats to choose from, as well as a wide assortment of different teas, milkshakes, and coffees. When we were ready Nova tapped on the wall, since there wasn’t actually a door between here and the café itself. “Evergreen, I think we’re all ready to order!”

He smiled and walked up to us, bringing with him a pad of paper and a pen. It was kind of cool to see him clip the pen to his tail and write, and when we were finished he recited everything to make sure he was right. “Okay, we’ve got two cherry teas for Miss Twilight and Miss Rarity, three chocolate scones for Miss Pinkie, a medium blueberry pie for Miss Gilda, a large regular brownie with whipped cream for Miss Applejack, an iced coffee with a blueberry muffin for Little Dash, a mint tea for you, and you and Miss Fluttershy are sharing a medium strawberry shortcake, right?” We all confirmed our orders and he nodded. “You know, strawberry shortcake is my specialty. It was the first thing I ever baked.” He tossed the pad in the air, whacking it with his tail and sending it inside. The pad hit the small bell on the counter and landed perfectly. “Two points! I’ll be back with your orders in a moment! When both me and my friend Sweet Treat work together, we pump out food faster than any machine!”

He was right. It only took about twelve minutes before Evergreen came out, carrying all of our orders on two trays. “Here you are, I hope you enjoy.”

Before any of us had even taken a bite of our food, Pinkie had already finished one of her scones. “You don’t have to tell me twice! I work at a bakery, and this stuff is good, even by my standards! Wowie, wow you’re good!”

After a quick chuckle, he pulled up a chair and sat down with us. “Thank you kindly. So, what brings you all here today? It’s not often I get visitors from other towns.”

We each took turns telling him about the morning’s events, and when we were done he let out a hearty laugh. “I could’ve told you that! Nova’s plenty brave. Remember that time when you stopped that thief who stole from my cash register?”

Nova grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah, I do. But that’s not really brave; I was just doing the right thing.”

Twilight took a sip of her tea and giggled. “See, Nova, you’re more courageous than you think. It’s all a matter of believing in yourself.”

Everyone smiled and nodded in agreement, and I could almost feel Nova’s embarrassment. “Thank you all. I really am lucky to have friends like you.”

*Before you say anything about meat in the MLP universe, I would like to point out than horses WILL eat meat if it’s mixed with their normal diet. I have a friend whose dad chops up venison into small bits and mixes it into his horse feed for extra protein.

**The Equestria equivalent of Richmond, capital of Virginia, the state I live in :D