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Hobbypony

For a Spoonful of Soup

Jan 4th, 2013
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  1. >Well that sure was a bust.
  2. >You slowly limp your way through the bush, using your broken spear as a crutch.
  3. >Bloody, succulent, tender meat was what you had been looking forward to.
  4. >A bruised up body and a broken leg is what you ended up with.
  5. >Hunting wild animals always looked so easy in the movies...
  6. >How were your ancestors able to do this on a regular basis, you wonder.
  7. >You chalk it up to them not having to go up against the beasts of the Everfree forest.
  8. >Trudging through the damp field in the shadow of the forest, your stomach rumbles violently.
  9. >The image of your empty food storage back home flashes before your mind's eye.
  10. >You utter a curse to yourself, where are you going to get some food now?
  11. >The reason you went out hunting in the first place was because you had nothing else to eat.
  12. >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.
  13. >But Applebuck season was over, and there was no need for the additional farmhand anymore.
  14. >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.
  15. >You didn't want to become a burden on the family who had shown you such kindess in the past.
  16. >However, staring defeat in the eye, it looks like you don't have any other choice.
  17. >Maybe you could find a way to repay them later?
  18. >Lost in your worries, you wince in pain as you carelessly put too much weight on your bad leg.
  19. >You really need to have your leg cared for, the food dilemma will have to wait.
  20. >But where would you even go for that?
  21. >Would pony doctors be able to help you?
  22. >Ponies have bones right?
  23. >You don't even...
  24. >Abruptly you stop as you reach the top of a small hill, staring down at a humble cottage just down below.
  25. >You realize that you have no idea where you are; this isn't a place you've ever seen before.
  26. >You must have gotten turned around somehwere inside the Everfree forest.
  27. >It'd only make sense, what with how panicked you fled those woods.
  28. >Oh well, hopefully whoever lives here will be kind enough to point you in the direction of Ponyville or Sweet Apple Acres.
  29. >You inch your way down towards the cottage.
  30. >A low fence surrounds the immediate area.
  31. >You spy a small chicken coop out back as well as a plethora of birdhouses hanging in some nearby trees.
  32. >Green, virgin leaves appear to be covering the roof, from which a modest chimney climbs towards the sky.
  33. >Getting closer, you can make out the texture of the cabin it self. It looks like it consists of plain tree bark.
  34. >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.
  35. >In fact, the more you looked at it like a tree, the more it seemed to be the case.
  36. >Whoever lives here sure seems to have an affiliation with nature.
  37. >After a short struggle with the low fence, you begin to circle around the structure, looking for the front door.
  38. >Walking past one of the many open windows you stop at a sound.
  39. >The distinct sound of crying echoes from within the cottage.
  40. >You can't help but to peek in through the window.
  41.  
  42. >Fluttershy sobbed softly into the velvet pillow.
  43. >He was gone.
  44. >He would never again see the sun rise.
  45. >Never enjoy another carrot, never again feel the warmth of a hug.
  46. >Alas, the bunny was dead.
  47. >And it was all her fault.
  48. >Flutterhy sniveled harshly.
  49. >She could have saved him.
  50. >Angel bunny had slowly grown weaker over a drawn out period of time, with an unknown disease.
  51. >If only she had tried harder, she could have found the cure to his illness.
  52. >He could still have been alive, if not for her.
  53. >Her body heaved with her sobs as she lost herself in her lament.
  54. >She was so pathetic.
  55. >She couldn't even save her oldest pet, her best friend, her only family.
  56. >The mean fillies at Flight School had been right all along; she wasn't good for anything.
  57. >"W-why c-c-can't I do a-anything right?", she stuttered through her sobbing.
  58. >A sudden, loud crash from just outside one of the windows grabbed her attention momentarily.
  59. >A distant part of her mind wondered what had made the sound, but she couldn't really bring herself to care.
  60. >Then, hearing someone grunt in pain, her ears perked up.
  61. >Could it be someone who needs her help?
  62. >She stops herself.
  63. >Who would possibly need -her- help?
  64. >Another cry of pain from the window was enough to seal the deal however, and Fluttershy slowly gets up from her couch.
  65.  
  66. >Damnit Anon, why are you such an easy spook?
  67. >A tiny chipmunk skirting past your legs was all it took for you to topple over in fright.
  68. >Cursing yourself, you struggle to get back on your feet.
  69. >You clench your teeth against the pain as you push yourself off the ground.
  70. >When you finally get upright once more you find yourself face to face with a yellow pegasus pony, looking out the open window.
  71. >The very same yellow pegasus pony who had been crying her heart out just a moment ago.
  72. >Startled, you tumble backwards, losing your balance yet again.
  73. >As you crash down on the ground for the second time, the world seems to drown in a pool of black.
  74.  
  75. >Careful not to spill any, you pour some of the hot soup into the bowl.
  76. >Daintily, you take a sniff of the fumes slowly dancing above bowl, it smells good, you really hope your guest will think so too.
  77. >You were hoping that the rich aroma of your tomato soup would stir him from his restless sleep.
  78. >With the bowl of soup ready, you exit the kitchen only to be greeted by a bewildered pair of eyes.
  79. >He had awoken already.
  80. "Oh good, you're awake.", you exclaim with a cheerful voice.
  81. >You take slow, steady steps towards him, not wanting to alarm him.
  82. >He remains seated in your couch, just staring at your approach.
  83. >Putting down the bowl on a table next to the couch, you flash your most comforting smile at him.
  84. >He tries to get up, but you are quick to halt him with a hoof to his chest.
  85. "Oooh no-no, you still need to rest."
  86. "You took quite the nasty hit to head when you fell over."
  87. >You motion a hoof to his hurt leg, which you had already bandaged.
  88. "And your leg was broken as well, not to mention all your cuts and bruises, it was lucky that you came to me."
  89. "I don't know what happened to leave you in such an ill state, but don't worry, you're safe now."
  90. "You're going to be fine."
  91. >Your guest seems unsure of how to react, as if his mind still hasn't fully caught up to speed.
  92. >He appears about to say something but is paused by a ferocious rumble emitting from his stomach.
  93. >You see his eyes dart over the steaming bowl of soup on the table.
  94. "You poor thing, you must be starving."
  95. >With a steady hoof, you snatch the bowl of soup from the table.
  96. "Here you go, I prepared some soup for you."
  97. >You carefully guide a spoon of soup toward his mouth.
  98. "Eat up now, and you'll feel much better. Trust me."
  99. >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.
  100. >The two of you sit in silence as you feed him the soup at an equable pace.
  101. >It's peaceful.
  102. >It's fulfilling.
  103. >Seeing his obvious joy as he savours the soup, makes you feel warm and content inside.
  104. >The feeling reminds you of why you always loved to help little critters in need.
  105. >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.
  106. >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.
  107. >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.
  108. >You think to yourself, what is it really worth to be the strongest if it comes at the expense of your kindness?
  109. >What's the point of being number one if you stand alone at the top?
  110. >No. This was what really mattered.
  111. >You can't help but to smile.
  112. >This is the first time you've felt this whole in a long while, the first time since Angel passed away.
  113. >Angel...
  114. >He died.
  115. >He died because it was -you- who tried to help him.
  116. >He died because -you- weren't good enough.
  117. >Your smile fades.
  118.  
  119. >Faster than you would have preferred, you find youself offering the final spoonful of soup.
  120. "I'm affraid that's the last of it."
  121. >With renewed energy, your guest smiles at you.
  122. >"Thank you, that was simply delicious."
  123. >A smile forces its way forth again.
  124. "Aww, I'm glad you liked it."
  125. "I've never cooked for a human before, let alone met one...", you confess.
  126. >"Huh... But you've heard of humans?"
  127. "Well of course, there isn't a pony in Ponyville who hasn't heard about the human visitor."
  128. >His eyes flash as his face perks up further.
  129. >"Ponyville? You've been to Ponyville? You know where it is?", he asks with growing interest.
  130. >You nod slowly.
  131. "Mmhmm, Ponyville is just a short walk down the road."
  132. >His smile grows wider as he lets out a nervous breath he'd been holding in.
  133. >"Pheew. You have no idea how glad I am to hear that."
  134. >"I got completely turned around inside the Everfree forest and I was affraid I-"
  135. "Waaah?", you gasp in surprise
  136. "T-the E-Everfree forest?"
  137. "What in Equestira were you doing in there?"
  138. >"Oh... Well you see... Err..."
  139. >He pauses momentarily, a pensive look on his face.
  140. >"Uhm... I was, err, picking flowers? Yes, picking flowers."
  141. >He chuckles nervously.
  142. >Picking flowers inside the Everfree forest? He must -really- like flowers.
  143. >Best not to say anything about it.
  144. "Well the important thing is that you're safe here."
  145. "Which is good, because you should probably stay off that leg for a few days."
  146. "And you're welcome to stay here..."
  147. >You catch yourself being a bit too forward.
  148. "I mean... I-if that's what you'd like, that is..."
  149. >He gives you a hard, troubled look, slowly shaking his head.
  150. >"While I'm most grateful for everything you've done, I really don't want to impose more than I already have."
  151. >Stupid Fluttershy, you should have known.
  152. >Why would he want to be around -you-?
  153. >Who do you think you are?
  154. >Popping your head out the window, scaring this poor man half to death.
  155. >Dragging him into your home without asking.
  156. >Forcing your soup, which he proably didn't even like, down his throat.
  157. >He proabaly hates you, and rightfully so.
  158. >Your head drops to the floor.
  159. "Oh... O-okay."
  160. >"I'm glad you understand, I just couldn't ask anything more of you.."
  161. >You let out a barely audible sigh.
  162. "That's fine, I understand that my help isn't good enough."
  163. "I've already wasted so much of your time.
  164. "I should have just left you alone, I'm sorry I bothered you."
  165. >You try to hold it back, but you still feel a single tear roll down your cheek.
  166. >"What are you talking about, silly goose?"
  167. >Oh my, he thinks you're a goose?
  168. >He must have hit his head worse than you thought; nice going Fluttershy.
  169. >With a gentle hand, he reaches out and lifts up your chin, making your eyes meet his.
  170. >He looks concerned for you, probably just because of your teary eyes.
  171. >Why couldn't you just keep it together until he was out the door?
  172. >"You didn't bother me, heck, you saved my life."
  173. >"If it wasn't for you, I probably would have starved to death out there."
  174. >"I would say that's a bit more than simply wasting my time, don't you think?"
  175. >He pauses, expecting an answer.
  176. >You stare at him blankly.
  177. >You know he's only saying these things so that you'll stop crying.
  178. "Yes... I guess so.", you mumble, craning your head away to hide behind your bangs.
  179. >"Hey..."
  180. >He brings his hand toward your chin, thinking to make you face him again, but you shy away from him.
  181. >You fear he won't leave if he sees the tears streaming down your cheeks.
  182. >And you just want him to leave before you cause him any more trouble.
  183. >"Are you okay?"
  184. "Yes.", you say, barely able to keep your voice steady.
  185. >"Really? You don't sound oka-"
  186. "Just leave.", you snap at him, surprising even yourself with the power in your voice.
  187. >He remains still.
  188. "P-please...", you beckon.
  189. >He doesn't move.
  190. >You press your eyes shut against the tears.
  191. >Why won't he just leave?
  192. >He sighs.
  193. >You hear him slowly get up and trudge over to the door.
  194. >He stops to look at you one last time as the door creaks open.
  195. >He shuts the door gently behind him and you finally allow the tears to overpower you.
  196.  
  197. >Pulling the door closed as you leave, you could almost swear you hear a wail of sorrow resonating from inside.
  198. >With a shudder, you shake it off. Probably just your mind playing tricks on you.
  199. >Still... Should you have stayed?
  200. >She seemed so sad, like a part of her didn't want you to leave but was too affraid to ask you to stay.
  201. >You certianly wouldn't have objected to having some more of that soup.
  202. >No. Sternly you shake your head to yourself; you did the right thing.
  203. >You're not one to linger where you are not wanted.
  204. >Besides, if you had stayed, you'd only have been taking advantage of the poor girl.
  205. >With a stoic face, you begin limping down the road.
  206. >Walking is easier now, your leg doesn't hurt quite as bad but-
  207. >Then it hits you.
  208. >Your spear! Where is your spear?
  209. >Thinking back you remember leaning on it before you fell over and blacked out.
  210. >You do not, however, recall seeing it inside the cabin, not that you were really looking for it though.
  211. >Thinking better than to barge back inside, you instead decide to check the place you last saw the spear.
  212. >Skirting the outside of the cabin, you soon come upon the open window from before.
  213. >And sure enough, there stands your decrepit spear leaning against the wall.
  214. >You breath a sigh of relief at the sight of it.
  215. >It didn't make much of a weapon, but you have to say it was remarkably sturdy as a crutch.
  216. >As you take the time to test your weight against your make-do crutch, an all too familiar sound comes drifting out the window.
  217. >She's crying again.
  218. >The sound of her sobs feel like stabs to your heart.
  219. >Such a kind girl, haunted so.
  220. >Careful to not make a sound, you once again sneak a peek in through the window.
  221. >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.
  222. >She looks up at the pets around her with a puffy, red eyes.
  223. >"W-why am I such a burden on e-everpony I meet?!", she cries out with a broken, pleading voice.
  224. >The little critters can do nothing save simply stare at her, their eyes a mirror to her pain.
  225. >"I'm sure everpony would be better off if I just... Just... Disappeared."
  226. >As she falls into heavy sobs anew, you feel you've seen enough.
  227. >She is obviously in a really dark place right now. She needs help.
  228. >Any other day you'd laugh at the prospect of you comforting someone so troubled, but you have to try, don't you?
  229. >After all, she helped you. She possibly even saved your life.
  230. >What kind of man would you be if you didn't try to help her now, when she so obviously needs someone?
  231.  
  232. >With a new mindset, you move with determined steps toward the entrance of the cabin.
  233. >You throw the door open, much to the shock of the trembling little pony on the couch.
  234. >Thinking it wise, you leave your cruth outside, lest it were to scare the timid lady.
  235. >The pain in your leg hardly registering, you saunter up to the couch as quickly as you were able.
  236. >Her teary eyes look up at you questioningly.
  237. >Without a word, you lower yourself onto your good knee and put your arms around her.
  238. >Wrapping an arm around her neck and the other under her midsection, you pull her into a warm embrace.
  239. >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.
  240. >You hold her quaking body close as she sobs into your chest.
  241. >You feel your shirt getting damp from her tears, but you couldn't care less.
  242. >Ever so gently, you rub the back of her head as you coo her through her crying.
  243. >After some time, she calms down, but you don't let go of her.
  244. "You know what?", you whisper in her ear.
  245. >She shuffles in your embrace, craning her head to look up at you.
  246. "I think you were right. I really should stay of this leg for a few days."
  247. "And well, as long as I'm not imposing, I wouldn't mind staying here, with you."
  248. >Her eyes twinkle for an instant.
  249. >"R-really? You're not just saying that to make me feel better?", she implores with a hoarse whisper.
  250. >You smile warmly at her.
  251. "Trust me, if I didn't want to be here, well, I wouldn't be here."
  252. >You see her trying to hide a smile. It warms your heart right up.
  253. >Smoothly, you slide yourself of the floor and onto the couch next to her.
  254. >She appears almost a bit distraught that the hug had ended.
  255. >You remove the arm still around her shoulder to wipe a solidarity tear from her cheek.
  256. "Now, I don't suppose you have some more of that delicious tomato soup?", you ask, trying to lift the mood.
  257. >"Y-you liked the soup?"
  258. "Are you kidding? Best soup I've ever tasted."
  259. >She smiles again, and you swear you're going to develop diabetes if you keep hanging around her.
  260. >"I have some more in the kitchen... I-if you're hungry now, that is...?"
  261. "Practically starving.", you say with a broad grin.
  262. >Still smiling, she gingerly hops down from the couch.
  263. >You follow hear lead, heading towards the kitchen.
  264. "By the way, I never did catch your name."
  265. >She mumbles something barely audible.
  266. "What was that?"
  267. >"F-Fluttershy. My name is Fluttershy."
  268. "Fluttershy? That's a nice name."
  269. "I'm called Anon."
  270. >"Anon.", she says to herself, testing the name in her mouth.
  271. >She looks back at you following her.
  272. >"Thank you, Anon."
  273. >'No, thank -you- Fluttershy', you think to yourself.
  274. >You simply smile at her.
  275.  
  276. >He flashes another warm smile at you.
  277. >You turn your face away quickly so he doesn't catch your goofy smile or see your cheeks flush.
  278. >Walking up to the kitchen counter you check how warm the soup is.
  279. >Hardly warm at all, it's going to need a bit of a reheat you think.
  280. >As you begin work on the soup, Anon settles for leaning against a wall, inspecting the room.
  281. >Maybe you were wrong, you think to yourself.
  282. >Maybe he did need your help.
  283. >Maybe he does care
  284. >And maybe, just maybe, you -do- matter.
  285. >You can't help but to smile to yourself.
  286.  
  287. >Leaning against the wall, you watch her put the rest of the soup onto the stove.
  288. >Was this the right thing to do, you ask yourself.
  289. >You don't even know this girl and you have no idea what she was so upset about.
  290. >Are you really not just taking advantage of her?
  291. >As you see her smile to herself, a smile of genuine contentedness, you put your troubles to rest.
  292. >You are doing the right thing.
  293. >Because maybe through needing her help, you can help her in turn.
  294. >Maybe as she helps your body get well again, you could help her gain a sense of self-worth
  295. >And maybe that is worth more than all the tomato soup in the world.
  296.  
  297. The End
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