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- >Well that sure was a bust.
- >You slowly limp your way through the bush, using your broken spear as a crutch.
- >Bloody, succulent, tender meat was what you had been looking forward to.
- >A bruised up body and a broken leg is what you ended up with.
- >Hunting wild animals always looked so easy in the movies...
- >How were your ancestors able to do this on a regular basis, you wonder.
- >You chalk it up to them not having to go up against the beasts of the Everfree forest.
- >Trudging through the damp field in the shadow of the forest, your stomach rumbles violently.
- >The image of your empty food storage back home flashes before your mind's eye.
- >You utter a curse to yourself, where are you going to get some food now?
- >The reason you went out hunting in the first place was because you had nothing else to eat.
- >Earlier in the year you had found work at the local farm, Sweet Apple Acres, and the kind Apple family had always shared their food with you.
- >But Applebuck season was over, and there was no need for the additional farmhand anymore.
- >Sure you could ask the Apples for help either way, they would most likely be happy to offer a warm meal, but that just didn't sit right with you.
- >You didn't want to become a burden on the family who had shown you such kindess in the past.
- >However, staring defeat in the eye, it looks like you don't have any other choice.
- >Maybe you could find a way to repay them later?
- >Lost in your worries, you wince in pain as you carelessly put too much weight on your bad leg.
- >You really need to have your leg cared for, the food dilemma will have to wait.
- >But where would you even go for that?
- >Would pony doctors be able to help you?
- >Ponies have bones right?
- >You don't even...
- >Abruptly you stop as you reach the top of a small hill, staring down at a humble cottage just down below.
- >You realize that you have no idea where you are; this isn't a place you've ever seen before.
- >You must have gotten turned around somehwere inside the Everfree forest.
- >It'd only make sense, what with how panicked you fled those woods.
- >Oh well, hopefully whoever lives here will be kind enough to point you in the direction of Ponyville or Sweet Apple Acres.
- >You inch your way down towards the cottage.
- >A low fence surrounds the immediate area.
- >You spy a small chicken coop out back as well as a plethora of birdhouses hanging in some nearby trees.
- >Green, virgin leaves appear to be covering the roof, from which a modest chimney climbs towards the sky.
- >Getting closer, you can make out the texture of the cabin it self. It looks like it consists of plain tree bark.
- >Viewing the cabin in a new light, it would seem that it was in actuality a tree of highy unusual proportions turned into a living quarter.
- >In fact, the more you looked at it like a tree, the more it seemed to be the case.
- >Whoever lives here sure seems to have an affiliation with nature.
- >After a short struggle with the low fence, you begin to circle around the structure, looking for the front door.
- >Walking past one of the many open windows you stop at a sound.
- >The distinct sound of crying echoes from within the cottage.
- >You can't help but to peek in through the window.
- >Fluttershy sobbed softly into the velvet pillow.
- >He was gone.
- >He would never again see the sun rise.
- >Never enjoy another carrot, never again feel the warmth of a hug.
- >Alas, the bunny was dead.
- >And it was all her fault.
- >Flutterhy sniveled harshly.
- >She could have saved him.
- >Angel bunny had slowly grown weaker over a drawn out period of time, with an unknown disease.
- >If only she had tried harder, she could have found the cure to his illness.
- >He could still have been alive, if not for her.
- >Her body heaved with her sobs as she lost herself in her lament.
- >She was so pathetic.
- >She couldn't even save her oldest pet, her best friend, her only family.
- >The mean fillies at Flight School had been right all along; she wasn't good for anything.
- >"W-why c-c-can't I do a-anything right?", she stuttered through her sobbing.
- >A sudden, loud crash from just outside one of the windows grabbed her attention momentarily.
- >A distant part of her mind wondered what had made the sound, but she couldn't really bring herself to care.
- >Then, hearing someone grunt in pain, her ears perked up.
- >Could it be someone who needs her help?
- >She stops herself.
- >Who would possibly need -her- help?
- >Another cry of pain from the window was enough to seal the deal however, and Fluttershy slowly gets up from her couch.
- >Damnit Anon, why are you such an easy spook?
- >A tiny chipmunk skirting past your legs was all it took for you to topple over in fright.
- >Cursing yourself, you struggle to get back on your feet.
- >You clench your teeth against the pain as you push yourself off the ground.
- >When you finally get upright once more you find yourself face to face with a yellow pegasus pony, looking out the open window.
- >The very same yellow pegasus pony who had been crying her heart out just a moment ago.
- >Startled, you tumble backwards, losing your balance yet again.
- >As you crash down on the ground for the second time, the world seems to drown in a pool of black.
- >Careful not to spill any, you pour some of the hot soup into the bowl.
- >Daintily, you take a sniff of the fumes slowly dancing above bowl, it smells good, you really hope your guest will think so too.
- >You were hoping that the rich aroma of your tomato soup would stir him from his restless sleep.
- >With the bowl of soup ready, you exit the kitchen only to be greeted by a bewildered pair of eyes.
- >He had awoken already.
- "Oh good, you're awake.", you exclaim with a cheerful voice.
- >You take slow, steady steps towards him, not wanting to alarm him.
- >He remains seated in your couch, just staring at your approach.
- >Putting down the bowl on a table next to the couch, you flash your most comforting smile at him.
- >He tries to get up, but you are quick to halt him with a hoof to his chest.
- "Oooh no-no, you still need to rest."
- "You took quite the nasty hit to head when you fell over."
- >You motion a hoof to his hurt leg, which you had already bandaged.
- "And your leg was broken as well, not to mention all your cuts and bruises, it was lucky that you came to me."
- "I don't know what happened to leave you in such an ill state, but don't worry, you're safe now."
- "You're going to be fine."
- >Your guest seems unsure of how to react, as if his mind still hasn't fully caught up to speed.
- >He appears about to say something but is paused by a ferocious rumble emitting from his stomach.
- >You see his eyes dart over the steaming bowl of soup on the table.
- "You poor thing, you must be starving."
- >With a steady hoof, you snatch the bowl of soup from the table.
- "Here you go, I prepared some soup for you."
- >You carefully guide a spoon of soup toward his mouth.
- "Eat up now, and you'll feel much better. Trust me."
- >He seems reluctant at first, but as you hover the spoon ever closer toward him he eventually opens his mouth and accept your food offering.
- >The two of you sit in silence as you feed him the soup at an equable pace.
- >It's peaceful.
- >It's fulfilling.
- >Seeing his obvious joy as he savours the soup, makes you feel warm and content inside.
- >The feeling reminds you of why you always loved to help little critters in need.
- >This very alien, strangely invigorating, feeling of worthiness at the thougth that -you-, of all ponies, could help someone else, that you could be needed by someone.
- >The tought that perhaps it didn't always have to be about furthering your own ends, but instead you could help someone else shine brighter.
- >Suddenly it didn't matter that you weren't the strongest, the fastest or the bravest, because that's nothing compared to being able to help someone who has no other help.
- >You think to yourself, what is it really worth to be the strongest if it comes at the expense of your kindness?
- >What's the point of being number one if you stand alone at the top?
- >No. This was what really mattered.
- >You can't help but to smile.
- >This is the first time you've felt this whole in a long while, the first time since Angel passed away.
- >Angel...
- >He died.
- >He died because it was -you- who tried to help him.
- >He died because -you- weren't good enough.
- >Your smile fades.
- >Faster than you would have preferred, you find youself offering the final spoonful of soup.
- "I'm affraid that's the last of it."
- >With renewed energy, your guest smiles at you.
- >"Thank you, that was simply delicious."
- >A smile forces its way forth again.
- "Aww, I'm glad you liked it."
- "I've never cooked for a human before, let alone met one...", you confess.
- >"Huh... But you've heard of humans?"
- "Well of course, there isn't a pony in Ponyville who hasn't heard about the human visitor."
- >His eyes flash as his face perks up further.
- >"Ponyville? You've been to Ponyville? You know where it is?", he asks with growing interest.
- >You nod slowly.
- "Mmhmm, Ponyville is just a short walk down the road."
- >His smile grows wider as he lets out a nervous breath he'd been holding in.
- >"Pheew. You have no idea how glad I am to hear that."
- >"I got completely turned around inside the Everfree forest and I was affraid I-"
- "Waaah?", you gasp in surprise
- "T-the E-Everfree forest?"
- "What in Equestira were you doing in there?"
- >"Oh... Well you see... Err..."
- >He pauses momentarily, a pensive look on his face.
- >"Uhm... I was, err, picking flowers? Yes, picking flowers."
- >He chuckles nervously.
- >Picking flowers inside the Everfree forest? He must -really- like flowers.
- >Best not to say anything about it.
- "Well the important thing is that you're safe here."
- "Which is good, because you should probably stay off that leg for a few days."
- "And you're welcome to stay here..."
- >You catch yourself being a bit too forward.
- "I mean... I-if that's what you'd like, that is..."
- >He gives you a hard, troubled look, slowly shaking his head.
- >"While I'm most grateful for everything you've done, I really don't want to impose more than I already have."
- >Stupid Fluttershy, you should have known.
- >Why would he want to be around -you-?
- >Who do you think you are?
- >Popping your head out the window, scaring this poor man half to death.
- >Dragging him into your home without asking.
- >Forcing your soup, which he proably didn't even like, down his throat.
- >He proabaly hates you, and rightfully so.
- >Your head drops to the floor.
- "Oh... O-okay."
- >"I'm glad you understand, I just couldn't ask anything more of you.."
- >You let out a barely audible sigh.
- "That's fine, I understand that my help isn't good enough."
- "I've already wasted so much of your time.
- "I should have just left you alone, I'm sorry I bothered you."
- >You try to hold it back, but you still feel a single tear roll down your cheek.
- >"What are you talking about, silly goose?"
- >Oh my, he thinks you're a goose?
- >He must have hit his head worse than you thought; nice going Fluttershy.
- >With a gentle hand, he reaches out and lifts up your chin, making your eyes meet his.
- >He looks concerned for you, probably just because of your teary eyes.
- >Why couldn't you just keep it together until he was out the door?
- >"You didn't bother me, heck, you saved my life."
- >"If it wasn't for you, I probably would have starved to death out there."
- >"I would say that's a bit more than simply wasting my time, don't you think?"
- >He pauses, expecting an answer.
- >You stare at him blankly.
- >You know he's only saying these things so that you'll stop crying.
- "Yes... I guess so.", you mumble, craning your head away to hide behind your bangs.
- >"Hey..."
- >He brings his hand toward your chin, thinking to make you face him again, but you shy away from him.
- >You fear he won't leave if he sees the tears streaming down your cheeks.
- >And you just want him to leave before you cause him any more trouble.
- >"Are you okay?"
- "Yes.", you say, barely able to keep your voice steady.
- >"Really? You don't sound oka-"
- "Just leave.", you snap at him, surprising even yourself with the power in your voice.
- >He remains still.
- "P-please...", you beckon.
- >He doesn't move.
- >You press your eyes shut against the tears.
- >Why won't he just leave?
- >He sighs.
- >You hear him slowly get up and trudge over to the door.
- >He stops to look at you one last time as the door creaks open.
- >He shuts the door gently behind him and you finally allow the tears to overpower you.
- >Pulling the door closed as you leave, you could almost swear you hear a wail of sorrow resonating from inside.
- >With a shudder, you shake it off. Probably just your mind playing tricks on you.
- >Still... Should you have stayed?
- >She seemed so sad, like a part of her didn't want you to leave but was too affraid to ask you to stay.
- >You certianly wouldn't have objected to having some more of that soup.
- >No. Sternly you shake your head to yourself; you did the right thing.
- >You're not one to linger where you are not wanted.
- >Besides, if you had stayed, you'd only have been taking advantage of the poor girl.
- >With a stoic face, you begin limping down the road.
- >Walking is easier now, your leg doesn't hurt quite as bad but-
- >Then it hits you.
- >Your spear! Where is your spear?
- >Thinking back you remember leaning on it before you fell over and blacked out.
- >You do not, however, recall seeing it inside the cabin, not that you were really looking for it though.
- >Thinking better than to barge back inside, you instead decide to check the place you last saw the spear.
- >Skirting the outside of the cabin, you soon come upon the open window from before.
- >And sure enough, there stands your decrepit spear leaning against the wall.
- >You breath a sigh of relief at the sight of it.
- >It didn't make much of a weapon, but you have to say it was remarkably sturdy as a crutch.
- >As you take the time to test your weight against your make-do crutch, an all too familiar sound comes drifting out the window.
- >She's crying again.
- >The sound of her sobs feel like stabs to your heart.
- >Such a kind girl, haunted so.
- >Careful to not make a sound, you once again sneak a peek in through the window.
- >She is once more lying on her couch, weeping into her forehooves as a group of mice and birds flock around her, trying to comfort her.
- >She looks up at the pets around her with a puffy, red eyes.
- >"W-why am I such a burden on e-everpony I meet?!", she cries out with a broken, pleading voice.
- >The little critters can do nothing save simply stare at her, their eyes a mirror to her pain.
- >"I'm sure everpony would be better off if I just... Just... Disappeared."
- >As she falls into heavy sobs anew, you feel you've seen enough.
- >She is obviously in a really dark place right now. She needs help.
- >Any other day you'd laugh at the prospect of you comforting someone so troubled, but you have to try, don't you?
- >After all, she helped you. She possibly even saved your life.
- >What kind of man would you be if you didn't try to help her now, when she so obviously needs someone?
- >With a new mindset, you move with determined steps toward the entrance of the cabin.
- >You throw the door open, much to the shock of the trembling little pony on the couch.
- >Thinking it wise, you leave your cruth outside, lest it were to scare the timid lady.
- >The pain in your leg hardly registering, you saunter up to the couch as quickly as you were able.
- >Her teary eyes look up at you questioningly.
- >Without a word, you lower yourself onto your good knee and put your arms around her.
- >Wrapping an arm around her neck and the other under her midsection, you pull her into a warm embrace.
- >Unmoving for a moment, you soon feel her hooves creep up around you, hugging you back just as tightly as she buries her head into your chest.
- >You hold her quaking body close as she sobs into your chest.
- >You feel your shirt getting damp from her tears, but you couldn't care less.
- >Ever so gently, you rub the back of her head as you coo her through her crying.
- >After some time, she calms down, but you don't let go of her.
- "You know what?", you whisper in her ear.
- >She shuffles in your embrace, craning her head to look up at you.
- "I think you were right. I really should stay of this leg for a few days."
- "And well, as long as I'm not imposing, I wouldn't mind staying here, with you."
- >Her eyes twinkle for an instant.
- >"R-really? You're not just saying that to make me feel better?", she implores with a hoarse whisper.
- >You smile warmly at her.
- "Trust me, if I didn't want to be here, well, I wouldn't be here."
- >You see her trying to hide a smile. It warms your heart right up.
- >Smoothly, you slide yourself of the floor and onto the couch next to her.
- >She appears almost a bit distraught that the hug had ended.
- >You remove the arm still around her shoulder to wipe a solidarity tear from her cheek.
- "Now, I don't suppose you have some more of that delicious tomato soup?", you ask, trying to lift the mood.
- >"Y-you liked the soup?"
- "Are you kidding? Best soup I've ever tasted."
- >She smiles again, and you swear you're going to develop diabetes if you keep hanging around her.
- >"I have some more in the kitchen... I-if you're hungry now, that is...?"
- "Practically starving.", you say with a broad grin.
- >Still smiling, she gingerly hops down from the couch.
- >You follow hear lead, heading towards the kitchen.
- "By the way, I never did catch your name."
- >She mumbles something barely audible.
- "What was that?"
- >"F-Fluttershy. My name is Fluttershy."
- "Fluttershy? That's a nice name."
- "I'm called Anon."
- >"Anon.", she says to herself, testing the name in her mouth.
- >She looks back at you following her.
- >"Thank you, Anon."
- >'No, thank -you- Fluttershy', you think to yourself.
- >You simply smile at her.
- >He flashes another warm smile at you.
- >You turn your face away quickly so he doesn't catch your goofy smile or see your cheeks flush.
- >Walking up to the kitchen counter you check how warm the soup is.
- >Hardly warm at all, it's going to need a bit of a reheat you think.
- >As you begin work on the soup, Anon settles for leaning against a wall, inspecting the room.
- >Maybe you were wrong, you think to yourself.
- >Maybe he did need your help.
- >Maybe he does care
- >And maybe, just maybe, you -do- matter.
- >You can't help but to smile to yourself.
- >Leaning against the wall, you watch her put the rest of the soup onto the stove.
- >Was this the right thing to do, you ask yourself.
- >You don't even know this girl and you have no idea what she was so upset about.
- >Are you really not just taking advantage of her?
- >As you see her smile to herself, a smile of genuine contentedness, you put your troubles to rest.
- >You are doing the right thing.
- >Because maybe through needing her help, you can help her in turn.
- >Maybe as she helps your body get well again, you could help her gain a sense of self-worth
- >And maybe that is worth more than all the tomato soup in the world.
- The End
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