On The Rocks, Part 5

On the Rocks, Part 5

>Hear Fluffies ahead. Sounds like .... No-Name and Tricks? Hooray! Tricks is Good Fluffy! No-Name is Smart Fluffy!
>Look at Wittles and give a happy little yell.
>”Honey hear Friends!”
>”Wittles hear too!” His tail is up in the air, waving happily as well. “New Friends, we go Underground soon. It Dark, bit Scawy, but Safe Place in Underground.”
>”Haven soon? Weggies tired.” One of the Mares asks hopefully, taking her muzzle away from rolling one of the Fluffy Mummas to ask.
>”Haven long way, but Safe.” You promise. You’re at the back of the line, helping to roll the Fluffy Mummas when the Mares get tired.
>Fluffy Mummas so warm and soft. When Wittles called for stop after Mares got tired last time, you nuzzled them all and told them New Herd will love them so much.
>So soft, so warm. Smell like safety and milk.
>They like you. Call you Nice Fluffy.
>Finally, You and Wittles lead the Mares and Fluffy Mummas to the tunnel to the Underground, where the Mares start to get upset. Tunnel scary first time you see them too, look like Big Munsta’s mouth.
>”Wah! Scawy!” One of the Mares pipes up, taking a few steps away from the group as she eyes the tunnel with fear.
>”Weawwy have to go in Dark Place?” One of the Fluffy Mummas whines, legs twitching for the Mare that stepped away. “Wan Hugs, Fluffy Mumma scared!”
>”We wait for Friends, then go.” Wittles says, turning around to give the Fluffy Mumma a Hug.
>All the Mares and Fluffy Mummas want Hugs to be brave.
>Wittles is getting Hugs from all the Mares.
>You not mind. Fluffy Mummas smell so nice, so warm, their Fluff is very soft on their bellies.
>Give better Hugs than Mares, you think.
>You ask everyone to get closer, it cold, keep Fluffy Mummas warm.
>Wittles tells you is Smarty Idea.
>Mares, Wittles and You roll the Fluffy Mares up to the entrance, then Hug them, forming a barrier of warm bodies and fluff between them and the outside world.
>It’s nice. Back is cold, but Tummy so warm.
>Like being back at Haven. Almost.
>Fluffy Mumma is licking your face, telling you “Honey is Good Fluffy.”
>Wittles is being silly. He’s supposed to be Hugging Fluffy Mummas, but he’s trying to Hug Mares instead.
>”Wah!” One of the Mares squeaks as Wittles gives her a big Hug, till their heads are resting side-by-side as the two Fluffies sit on their bums, legs gripping each other’s sides.
>”No wan Special hug now!” She complains, but her legs won’t let go of Wittles no matter how much she asks. “Wan be wamm, then Special Hugs!”
>”Mare smell nice!” He says happily, trying to jump up and down while hugging the Mare, making her squeak and go “Wah!” again.
>Wittles is a Silly Fluffy.
>It takes forever for the other stallions of No-Lip’s Herd to arrive. You hope they also have Mares....
>No-Name and Tricks are rolling a Fluffy Mumma between them, while another Mare walks along behind them, giving encouragement and the occasional push. Hooray! Tricks and No-Name!
>Blue-Horn comes next. He seems surprised that everyone else found Mares too. Blue-Horn has two Fluffy Mummas and a Mare. All are Unicorns too!
>Blue-Horn’s Fluffy Mummas and Mare are all crying. Babbling about ‘Soft Bed Munsta’ and ‘Herd needs Hugs!’.
>Blue-Horn tells them to be quiet, taking to new, better Herd. That makes them cry more. They wanted to bring their other friends too.
>A few more Stallions trickle in, heads hanging low without a Mare or Fluffy Mumma at their side.
>You see Stumbles with his ear half-torn off and several large tufts of Fluff missing. Drip is limping heavily and bleeding from the mouth.
>No sign of Bewwy or Spots or Snook or Waggs.
>Only half the Stallions came back ...
>”Back to Haven!” Blue-Horn commands, lighting his horn and trotting into the Underground tunnel. His Mare is trying to push both Fluffy Mummas, but she’s too small. Why Blue-Horn not help her?
>”But Friends not back yet! Must wait!” No-Name says, looking back over his shoulder with concern. “Zodd no back. Bandit an’ Wumm-wumm an’ Kook no back yet.”
>”Only Stallions with Mares go back to Haven!” Blue-Horn replies angrily, turning and pointing his horn at No-Name, who flinches. “No Mares, No Haven! No-Lips say so!”
>”But have more Mares than Stallions!” Tricks pipes up, waving his hooves in the air. “Share! Then all Friends, all go Haven!”
>Stumbles trots over to you and Wittles, and Drips shuffles over to Blue-Horn, who shoots sparks at Drip, making the other Unicorn squeal and run away.
>You’re sad to see Fluffy Mummas give Hugs to other Stallions, but then you are given Hugs by the grateful Stallions.
>Yay! Hugs for everyone. Mares happy no Fighting too.
>”Good Friends.” The Fluffy Mumma brought by No-Name and Tricks says as No-Name and the red-coloured Mare roll her up to the other Fluffy Mummas while Tricks runs around trying to give the squealing Drip a Hug. “Friends not Fight. Bwun wike New Herd.”.
>”Blue-Horn not share!” Blue-Horn growls, pointing his horn and shooting sparks at the other Stallions who try to get close. “No-Lips say bring Mares back. No-Lips not say share Mares then come back. You all Stupid Fluffies!”
>That makes Stumbles cry, and one of Wittles’ Mares rushes over to give him Hugs and lick at his torn ear.
>That must be big Owies. Big tear in the skin, bad owies-wawa dripping onto his Fluff.
>Why Wittles cheeks puffing up like that? Stumbles Good Friend!
>It takes some arguing between Blue-Horn and his Mare, but Blue-Horn gets his Mares and Fluffy Mummas moving down into the Underground, their horns glowing and lighting the way.
>Not think Yellow Mare Like Blue-Horn very much, but she wants to get her ‘Sissy’ away from ‘Bad Place’.
>You don’t like Stinky Waters either. Herds are Stupid or Mean, water smells bad, no food you can see.
>Wittles and Tricks ask other Fluffies wait for friends, but big White Thing is getting so high in the night sky. It’s getting very, very cold, soon Fluffies have to go to Underground or find safe place to sleep out here.
>Looks are shared. Hugs given. No-Name is asking for Friends to wait, Snook and Waggs not back. Wumm-Wumm, Bandit and Kook not back.
>”No can wait, No-Name.” You say, walking away from the Fluffy Mummas to bump No-Name back to the small group of Fluffies. “Honey no wan go, but Fluffy Mummas need wamm.”
>”No can wait no more. Fluffy Mummas need Haven.” Wittles whines sadly. “Drip do Horn Light? Make Underground wess scawy!”
>Nodding, Drip shuffles ahead and makes his Horn light up, small sparks splashing against the cold concrete, and the small group of Fluffies starts to move again, slowly, as it takes time to roll the Fluffy Mummas, and they keep getting caught on other Fluffies and each other.
>You take up the rear. You worry other Fluffies maybe fall behind, get lost in Underground. No-Name offer to take rear, but him only just join No-Lips Herd.
>”No-Name take care of Mares and Fluffy Mummas. Honey is Brave, Honey not mind be at back.”
>No-Name says you are Best Fluffy. Runs back to the group and tells everyone Honey will be guarding back of group.
>You got lost once. Took No-Lips and Herd whole day to find you. Sitting alone in the dark and the damp, unable to drink the water because it was bad, nothing to eat, and hearing Rat Munsta scurrying around in the dark.
>So Scary. You wanted to move, but your Legs were too scared.
>”Weggies be good.” You whisper to them. “Weggies move, Honey stays wit Herd, okay?”
>They don’t answer back. Hopefully they’ll listen this time.
>Fluffy Mummas in middle of group, rolling along with pushes from Stallions and Mares. Making lots of noise about how dark and scary the Underground is.
>Tricks starts to walk on his front legs and make funny faces for them.
>Hooray! Tricks is Smart Fluffy! Fluffy Mummas too busy laughing at Tricks now to be scared.
>No-Name, Stumbles and Wittles telling Mares about Papers, how it warm, dry place to sleep for Mares.
>Telling Fluffy Mummas about All-Mumma and other Old Fluffies. How All-Mumma had so many foals, how she’s so smart.
>How No-Lips keeps Herd safe, how he sometimes scary, but loves his Herd very much.
>Peer over your shoulder to the Tunnel Exit. It’s now just a small circle of pale light.
>Still no sign of your Friends. No more Fluffies coming back to Haven ....
>You feel sad.
>See No-Name grabbing bits of Fluff, biting them off, and spitting them on the ground. Why he do that? That hurt, give big Owies!
>”Bad! No cwean Fluff wike dat!” A Fluffy Mumma cries, waving her hooves at No-Name in a futile effort to stop him.
>”Not cwean Fluff, make twail!” He grunts around another small mouthful of fluff. “Friends come, follow twail, go to Haven also.”
>It’s a Smarty Idea. Owie Idea, but Smarty. Fluffy Eyes not see well in Underground, but Fluffy Noses work just fine.
>All the Stallions start taking little bits of Fluff off their shoulders and chests and leaving them on the concrete. Spit on them too so they stick and don’t roll away.
>Maybe it work. You hope so.
>You miss Friends already.


*********************************************************************************************************


>You are Kook, Good Fluffy!
>Bandit and Wumm-Wumm and you found Herd! Smarty Friend small, loud Unicorn.
>Herd only six Fluffies. Unicorn and two Friends, and three Mares. No Fluffy Mummas, everyone snuggling in old washing basket until Bandit went over and poked them with his cold nose.
>Small Smarty Friend demand you join Herd. Saying he wants Strong Fluffies to help him. Offers you Special Hugs of his Mares.
>His friends don’t look too happy about that.
>Mares start to cry. They tired, they don’t want Special Hugs now.
>”No wan. Kook an’ Bandit an’ Wumm-Wumm already have Herd.” You explain. “No-Lips Herd.”
>Mares get excited, and start to try to jump out of the Washing Basket. Smarty Friend and his Stallions are giving you funny looks.
> “Hub know No-Lips!” A small, pale grey Mare yells as she manages to hook both legs over the low rim of the basket. “Wots o’ Fluffies know No-Lips! Brave Smarty Friend! Good Fluffy! Biggest Herd!”
>”We join No-Lips Herd! Wan safe, wan wamms!” Another cries, stepping on one of the Stallions to get out as he tries to give her Hugs.
>Unicorn not like this at all. Cheeks puff up, his horn starts to glow. Grabs a Mare by the tail and yanks her back down into the basket, then jumps out with a surprising display of strength, his Fluff standing on end.
>Runs up and gives Wumm-Wumm bad owies with his Horn. He hit Wumm-Wumm in the shoulder with his Horn! Fluff making bad smells!
>Wumm-Wumm shrieks in pain, then points his own horn at the Small Smarty Friend and shoots sparks into his eyes.
>Every Fluffy shrieks “WAH!” and covers their eyes. So bright!
>Small Smarty Friend runs around, his eyes closed and making sad wawa’s, till he run into big white hard thing and goes very quiet. He’s not moving either. There’s a dent on the big white hard thing where he gave it owies with his horn.
>Bandit asks if Stallions also Smarty Friends, making his wings stand up and puffing out his chest and cheeks. You run up to his side and start bouncing up and down with your cheeks puffed out.
>They Not Smarty Friends. Not Brave Friends either. They pee in their bed, hug each other and babble “No wan Owies!”
>Mares say want to come, want Brave Fluffies. They are blowing raspberries at the two Stallions.
>Small Smarty Friend still not getting up. Maybe he tired, or his heart making big owies that Mares leaving?
>You feel bad for him, but No-Lips said Mares only. Remember when Greeny brought back five Fluffies, not just Mares but a Smarty Friend too.
>No-Lips so angry, he started pulling Greeny’s Fluff off. But New Friends promised they be Good Fluffies. Smarty Friend say he follow No-Lips, learn be Good Fluffy too.
>Mares are giving you Hugs! Raids are Fun! New Mares, New Friends!
>Wumm-Wumm lights up Horn and leads way back to Underground Tunnel. Unicorn Magic makes funny colours, makes Stinky Waters brighter, so Fluffies don’t step in Bad Wawas or bump into Sharp Things.
>Soon hear Fluffy voice scream.
>Mares cry out in alarm, try to run back to their Old Friends.
>You and Bandit block the way. You can’t lose them! You want to go home! Back to Haven, with your Mares.
>”New Friends, stay wit Fluffies!” You beg as a Mare tries to climb over you. “Not safe! Herd too small!”
>”But friend ...” The Mare whispers before an angry voice booms through the canyon of garbage, making everyone jump and shriek and Hug each other.
>”Where Mares? Mares, or Zodd give Bad Owies!”
>You poop a little. So does Bandit and Wumm-Wumm.
>You know that voice. Zodd.
>He Scary Fluffy. Hurts other Fluffies. Hurts Mares, Hurts Foals, Hurts Stallions. Only No-Lips make him be Nice Fluffy, and No-Lips far away right now!
>”Oh no.” Bandit whimpers, looking at Wumm-Wumm with horror on his face. “Zodd give Bad Owies to Mares!”
>”No! Take Mares back to Haven! No-Lips not wet Zodd hurt Mares!” You protest, trying to bump one of the Mares back towards Wumm-Wumm and his Light.
>”We go, we go! Mares fowwow Wumm-Wumm! Bandit and Kook fowwow Wumm-Wumm!” Wumm-Wumm demands, making his horn give off more light and sparks. “Bad Fluffy behind us! Need No-Lips! Mares fowwow, pwease!”
>You and Bandit herd the Mares after your Unicorn friend, panting with fright. You hope Wumm-Wumm remembers the way to the Underground, Stinky Waters much scarier now Zodd is looking for Mares!
>There’s the tunnel to the Underground up ahead! Small Yellow Light shows the way, blinking above the Tunnel!
>But no other Fluffies! Why? Why! They still looking for Mares? They gone Home? Did Munstas eat them?
>”Where Friends?” Bandit wails, rushing to the entrance and sniffing the air. “Friends already go home?”
>”We go in Dark Place?” A Mare whines, shuffling her hooves on the dirty ground as she stares into the dark Tunnel.
>”Have to go?” Another whispers, leaning on you for comfort. “Not wike Stinky Wawas, but no wike Dark Place!”
>”Haven in Underground.” You explain to the Mare. “It Dark and Scawy, but Safe from all Munstas.”
>”Bandit smell friends!” Bandit says happily. “Wumm-Wumm bwing Horn! Kook and Mares, fowwow!”
>Friends not wait...why? Kook would have waited!
>But maybe they heard Zodd too? Kook would have run away if he heard Zodd, Zodd Meany Fluffy.
>The tunnel is dark and scary, but Bandit is right, you can smell other Fluffies. It takes some time to get the Mares to move, but sandwiched between you and Bandit, the Mares feel a little bit braver and are willing to be herded into the Underground.
>Then patches of Fluff start to appear.
>You all stand around the first patch and sniff it curiously.
>”No-Name.” Wumm-Wumm states after a long period of thinking. “Smells wike No-Name.”
>More patches of fluff, smelling of other Stallions. Leading deeper into the Underground.
>”Why fluff?” A Mare asks, snuffling a piece of pale orange fluff.
>”Maybe fighting?” Another Mare asks, shivering.
>”Wittles and Honey Nice Fluffies. Tricks and No-Name too.” Bandit turns and nuzzles the shivering mare. “Maybe Bad Stallions fight Friends, make them Owies?”
>”Maybe. But Fluffies move fast.” You whisper, butting the Mares in their hind-quarters. “No wan Zodd find us.”
>That gets Bandit and Wumm-Wumms moving, and together you manage to get the Mares moving and following the trail of fluff.
>It will be a long trip back to Haven.
>And Zodd was always the fasted Fluffy in the Herd.


********************************************************************************************************


>Stupid Fluffies not have Mares. Stupid Unicorn not answer you, no matter how much you yell or kick him.
>Stupid Earth Fluffies say mares leave with three other Fluffies. One have black mark across eyes and small wings, other have Pink Fluff and a glowing horn, other have Fluffy Mark like a Wave.
>Bandit, Wumm-Wumm and Kook.
>Wusses.
>Steal their Mares. Too small, too weak. Not deserve Mares or Special Hugs.
>Stomp on the Stupid Unicorn a few more times, then trudge down the canyon. Fluffies are hugging their friend, asking why he not get up, why he not protect them with Magic.
>Not really sure where you’re going anymore. Stinky Waters confusing, so many canyons for Fluffy to walk down.
>Fluff all yikky now. Nasty Wawas have green stuff on it, taste terrible. But you’re so thirsty!
>Just want Mares, then go home. Many Mares, maybe No-Lips let you sleep in Papers again. Show No-Lips Zodd is Best Fluffy again, he not yell at you again.
>Not find many Herds. Most small, mostly Stallions. Have to fight them, but when go to get Mares, they scared and run away.
>Found big wooden owie nest, mares inside, stallions inside, lots of Fluffies that not move. Lots of crying inside, Fluffies begging for Zodd to help them.
>Tried to pull a Mare out, but only make her cry and pee on you. Tried to pull bits of wood off, but too heavy. Tried to dig her out, but ground too cold and hard.
>Besides, dead Foals everywhere. Dead Fluffies, Fluffies whimper that Coal be bad Smarty Friend and try to give Hugs to not-moving Fluffies.
>Two Stallions on top of big wooden owie nest still hugging each other, even though big piece of wood sticking through them.
>Bad Herd.
>Entrance to Underground should be ahead. You’ll chase Wumm-Wumm down, beat him and his friends, take their Mares and then No-Lips let you sleep in Papers again.
>Turn corner ... and see two small Herds in a small clearing in the garbage, huddled on either side up against the Garbage, crying and hugging each other.
>Two Unicorns shooting sparks at each other in the middle of the clearing. One is Green, the other is Yellow.
>They’ve been fighting. Smoke is drifting up from their faces and shoulders where sparks found dry Fluff.
>Nobody has seen you yet. Every Fluffy is too focused on the Fight.
>An idea starts to form in your head.
>Why go back to Haven? Stinky Waters not so bad, maybe it be better when Sun comes up.
>No No-Lips to tell you Bad Fluffy. Always telling you can have Special Hugs, but then telling you Zodd makes Bad Special Hugs. Always making you drag Treasures down to Old Fluffies, always at the back of the Herd when going back to Haven.
>”Stupid ... Friend” The Green Unicorn grunts, sending a stream of sparks at the other one, a Yellow Unicorn, who yelps as the magic sparks bounce off his nose and face. “Not ... take Mint’s herd!”
>”Swun’s Herd!” The Yellow Unicorn shouts back, throwing a stream of sparks back that leaves a trail of smoking dots along the Green Unicorn’s flank. “Mint Dum Friend! Lost Mares!”
>”Swun Dumb! Mint Smarty Friend! Swun lost Mares!” The Green Unicorn shouts, charging the Yellow with his horn lowered.
>So noisy, make ears hurt.
>Wait, both Herds have Mares.
>One ... Two ... Four Mares.
>Both Herds are calling Unicorns Meanie Fluffies.
>Want to sleep with their Friends again.
>Unicorns are ignoring their Herds, have Horns locked together, struggling and straining against each other in the mud.
>Sparks everywhere. Fluff on both Unicorns making lots of smoke.
>Maybe .... maybe if you defeat the Unicorns, you can be Smarty Friend of both Herds!
>New Herd for Zodd!
>But not know Stinky Waters well ...
>Make other Fluffies show you where Nummies and Wawas are? You are bigger than they are, they want to do what you say, right?
>Be Zodd Smarty Pony!
>You charge the two Unicorns.
>So busy trying to hurt each other with Sparks and Horns, don’t see you till it’s too late.
>Headbutt their horns. Hear a sickening cracking noise and the yells of surprise of the other Fluffies.
>Your head is making lots of Owies now. Not Smarty Idea after all ....
>But you remember Wumm-Wumm make lots of squealing when you hit his Horn once. Blue-Horn not like his Horn being touched either.
>Both Unicorns scream and fall to the mud, still locked together, legs churning in the dirt and the mud.
>”Zodd stop Meanie Fluffies!” You roar, standing up on your hind legs and waving your hooves at the two Unicorns. “Stupid Friends be nice, or New Smarty Friend make biggest Owies!”
>”Mint’s Herd! Mint’s Herd!” The Green Unicorn screams back in defiance, trying to stand up, but for some reason, Yellow Unicorn is stuck to his horn, and he can only get to his knees.
>”Horn Owies! Stupid Mint! Wat Mint do!” The Yellow Unicorn yells, scrabbling onto his feet and trying to tug his horn away, provoking more yells of pain from the Unicorns as the Yellow Unicorn drags the Green one to his feet.
>Every other Fluffy just stares at the scene. Even you can’t turn your eyes away. Never seen anything like this before!
>Somehow, when you hit their horns, the two horns squished together. See bits of bone sticking out.
>Lots of blood. Horns no longer straight. You can’t tell whose horn is whose anymore.
>Both Dumb Friends are shaking their heads, crying about ‘Owies’ and calling each other Dumb.
>”Mint Dumb Fluffy! Now Big Fluffy steal Swun’s Herd!” The yellow one shouts.
>”Swun is Dumb Fluffy! Mint give Owies to Big Fluffy, soon as Swun wet go!” The green one retorts, trying to toss his head and only resulting in another surge of pain for both Unicorns.
>”Zodd is New Smarty Friend!” You yell, ignoring the bickering Unicorns. “New Friends come with Zodd, show Zodd wawa, show Zodd nummies! Zodd be good friend to Herd!”
>”Zodd not know where Wawa is? Why Zodd be Smarty Friend then?” One of the Stallions demands, trotting over to you to sniff your fluff. “Why Zodd smell  Aaaagh!”
>You headbutt the Stallion and stand on him as he lies on the ground, glaring down at him.
>”Zodd Strongest Fluffy. Zodd be Smarty Friend. Stupid Fluffy not make Zodd give Owies!” You demand before stepping down off the Fluffy, who immediately curls up and starts sobbing.
>”No wan owies! Jus wan fighting stop!” he cries, shaking furiously with his fear and his crying.
>A few stallions carefully inch over to you, whimpering that they are ‘Good Fluffies’ and ‘No wan Owies.’
>Then the few Mares of the Herd come over, hesitantly at first, but when you don’t give them Owies, with more confidence. Then the remaining stallions come rushing over, all crowding around you, chanting “New Smarty Friend!” and “Big Fluffy protect Herd?”
>”Wan be wamm.” One of the Mares whispers, tears in her eyes, as she gently nuzzles you under your chin.
>Is Good to be Smarty Friend.
>Your New Herd leads you to a Safe Place, while the two Dumb Friends stand locked together, glaring at each other.
>”Wan ... Mint .... Die .....” The Yellow one gasps, legs trembling both from pain and exhaustion.
>”Swun ... hate ‘ou, Swun.” The Green one hisses back, blinking blood out of his eyes.
>You not care. They only Unicorns. Small. Weak.
>Stupid Fluffies. Why not let go of each other?
>But they make you think of Blue-Horn.
>You miss him. Blue-Horn is Unicorn, but he Nice Unicorn. Be friend to Zodd, explain things for Zodd.
>New Herd show you Safe Place. You would have walked right past it if they hadn’t shown it to you.
>Old Hooman trash-thing. Have hole on one end, but looks solid and warm. Not smell bad at all.
>You stare at the long, low cupboard with awe. One door is missing, but the inside is dry and covered with old Paper.
>Stallions try to rub muck off your Fluff with their hooves. It not help much, but some muck is coming off.
>Tell you they want to be your Friend. That they no want Owies, that they show you where wawas and nummies be in the morning.
>Is Good to be Smarty Friend.
>Say tomorrow, they show you were Herd gets nummies and wawa. Maybe Zodd be big enough to fight other Herds’ Smarty Friends for best nummies?
>Other Fluffies trudge into Safe Place, yawning and saying they happy to have One Smarty Friend again.
>Glad to have Zodd. Zodd be Brave Fluffy.
>Makes you feel funny. Nobody ever tell Zodd he Brave Fluffy before. Tell him he be Good Fluffy, tell him he be Scary Fluffy, tell him he be Bad fluffy, but nobody ever tell Zodd he be Brave Fluffy.
>Go in last, and curl up to go to sleep. The warmth and the smell of the other Fluffies fills the Safe Place. It’s almost like being home.
>Mare from before is waiting. Crawls towards you and then curls up against your tummy.
>First time Mare good to sleep with you without No-Lips saying she must.
>Chest feels more funny.
>Maybe ... maybe this good.
>But Stinky Waters not safe ....
>Haven Safe ....
> .....
>Zodd needs biggest Herd. You think to yourself as you drift off to sleep, the Mare curled up against your chest. Zodd make No-Lips and Dumb Herd leave, Zodd and New Herd be safe in Haven!


*********************************************************************************************************


>Raid not Fun anymore. Waggs is Stupid Fluffy. Waggs should have listened to Snook.
>Found a Herd, but it have so many Smarty Friends!
>Said should have found another Herd. Smaller Herd!
>”Who steal mares! Mares say these two Bad Fluffies try to make them leave Eggs’s Herd! Who make them do that? Which Smarty Friend is Bad Fluffy?” One Smarty Friend yelled, glaring at the others, his small blue wings flapping angrily. There were seven Smarty Friends! Some Pegasus Fluffy, some Unicorn Fluffy, some Earth Fluffy.
>”No Fluffy steal mares!” Another shouted back, stomping her hooves onto the ground to make her look angrier. “Eggs trust other Fluffies!”
>”Eggs trust other Flufflies when other Smarty Friends stop trying to take Eggs’s Mares!” Eggs replied unhappily. “Is Stupid idea! Herds not suppose to sleep together! How can tell where Eggs Herd ends an’ other Herds start!”
>”If Eggs be real Smarty Friend, Eggs know.” Another of the Smarty Friends snickered.
>”Smelly not real Smarty Friend. Not know Smelly’s Fluffy Mummas all join Smoke’s herd!” Another Smarty Friend, this one a unicorn with a black-and-grey Fluff pattern snickered.
>”Wah! Give back!” Smelly, a sickly green Pegasus, said in alarm. “Smelly need Fluffy Mummas! Smoke have too many already!”
>You looked at Waggs and gave him a not-too-gentle poke on the shoulder.
>”Wah! Why Snooks give owies?” He whined. The Smarty Friends were so busy arguing about who had the most Fluffy Mummas that they seemed to have forgotten about the original issue.
>”We go! Softly! No noise!” You hissed back at him, backing away from the squabbling Smarty Friends. Waggs followed reluctantly, but together you managed to get into the sleeping Fluffies before the shouting happened.
>”WHERE BAD FLUFFIES GO!” Smelly roared. That got every Fluffy up and babbling.
>”Who Bad Fluffies?” “Wah! Why Smarty Friend angwy?” “Wan sweepies!” “Who touching naughty pwace!” “Waaah! Poopies!”
>Not good. Waggs is Stupid Fluffy, he starts to cower on the ground with his hooves over his eyes. No can hide that way.
>Not want Owies. Want to go back to Haven! Must get a Mare! But how? Waggs useless, Mares not want to leave Herds.
>And who ever thought of Herds sleeping together? How Fluffies know who to follow?
>But as you creep through the babbling, confused Herds, it makes a sort of sense. So many Fluffies together, everyone can be warm, no Munstas would attack this many Fluffies.
>But so many Smarty Friends ... you can hear them arguing as they search the Herds for you and Waggs. Smelly and Eggs are being quite rough, and the other Smarty Friends are yelling at them to stop giving Owies to the other Fluffies.
>Then Waggs is caught.
>You heard his scream of terror as Eggs dragged him out of the Herds by the tail, and the horrible noises as the Smarty Friends jumped up and down on him, tore out his Fluff and bit his ears.
>”Why steal Mares?” Eggs was screaming, standing on Wagg’s tail.
>”No-Lips say Herd need Mares! Waggs only want one Mare!” Waggs whined, hugging himself desperately. “Snook? Wan Snook, wan friend!”
>”Snook? Snook? Who Snook?” The female Smarty Friend asked loudly, pushing the other Smarty Friends off of Wagg’s body. “Snook is Bad Fluffy’s friend?”
>”Waggs an’ Snook go! No more Owies! Go to Haven, never come back!” Waggs promises.
>Oh no .... not supposed to talk about Haven to other Smarty Friends!
>Images of Fluffies crowding into Haven, crushing the foals, the Fluffy Mummas, fill your mind.
>Waggs is talking about Haven, how it dry, it safe, he only wanted one Mare, so many Fluffies, Smarty Friends not share just one Mare?
>Not want Owies. But not want Haven taken away either.
>Your heart is thundering in your ears. No-Lips was very clear, nobody is ever to tell another Smarty Friend about Haven.
>Biggest Owies if you do. And No-Lips not here ...
>You charge out of the milling Fluffies of the Herd and push your way into the Smarty Friends.
>Surprised at this display of aggression, they fall back, bleating and flapping their wings or making their Horns glow, and you grab Waggs and drag him towards the nearest pile of Garbage.
>You spotted it on the way in ... a horrible pile of sharp white owies, all brittle and smelling badly.
>”Who you! What you doing with Bad Fluffy?” Eggs yells, trying to right himself off the ground.
>”Snook! Save Waggs!” Waggs whines, feet dragging on the ground.
>”Waggs is a Stupid Fluffy. Not tell anyone about Haven!” You hiss through a mouthful of Fluff. “Waggs be quiet!”
>”Where Haven! Tell Smarty Friend!” Smelly demands, advancing on you both, Horn lowered and glowing.
>”Where! Wan Fluffy Mummas to be Safe! Wamm!” The Female Smarty Friend shouts.
>”We tell, we tell, no Owies!” Waggs screams as you finally drag him to the base of the broken sharp things.
>Herd has surrounded you.
>You’ve been lynched before, Scars under your Fluff, patches of skin that never regrew the Fluff. Legs that always hurt, never quite work right again.
>Never again. No-Lips let you join Herd, even though you sick and weak.
>Waggs Stupid Fluffy. Only care about himself.
>You buck him, right in the tummy, up against the pile of the broken sharp things.
“Owies! No wan! Why, Snook! Waggs no wan Owies!” He screams as the jagged pieces of glass from the fluorescent lights start to jab into his flesh, sliding through the Fluff easily.
>”No! Talk! About! Haven!” You shout with each kick, as each kick drives the broken sharp things deeper into Waggs. He gets quieter with every kick, and the pile begins to shake, bits of glass falling and breaking on the ground.
>The Herds are getting panicked now. They’re seeing a Fluffy killing another Fluffy right before their eyes.
>Smarty Friends don’t know what they should do. Broken Sharp Things are dangerous, they want to get you and make you talk about Haven, but they’re scared of Owies too.
>A last image of Haven fills your mind. Old Fluffies telling Foals stories of Happier Times, No-Lips leading the Herd back after grazing at the Park, your Special Friend and her two white Foals...
>You leap over Wagg’s twitching body and buck the broken sharp things directly.
>Your hooves! So much Owies!
>A strange tinkling noise. Sounds pretty...
>You look up just as the broken fluorescent tubes come crashing down on top of you, and the world explodes into pain, then nothing at all.


****************************************************************************************************


>There is silence for precious moments. The Punishment Pile has been destroyed, bits of Owie-Stuff lying everywhere around the two strange Fluffies.
>Eggs is whimpering, a piece of Owie-Stuff caught him on the nose and owie-wawa is pouring out of the cut.
>The Herds are muttering and shuffling back, crushing up against each other and squabbling for space.
>”Why ... why do?” Smoke whispers, staring at the pile of broken glass, many now stained red with the blood of the two Fluffies.
>”No! Talk! About! Haven!” The White Fluffy has shouted as he kicked his friend into the Owie-Stuff.
>”We find Haven.” You say, the other Smarty Friends looking at you in surprise. “Fluffy give big owies to Friend, then himself. Must be Very Safe Place.”
>Mutters of surprise, and agreement. Even Eggs and Smoke are nodding.
>”Smarty Idea, Leaves, smarty idea.” The chorus goes up.
>Every one of the Smarty Friends goes to sort out their Herds, to calm the Stallions, soothe the Fluffy Mummas, console the mares.
>Not you. You stare at the pile of broken glass, and the spreading pool of blood under it.
>No-Lips.
>Name you not heard in some time. Thought he dead. He must be very old now.
>Smarty Friend. Best Smarty Friend you ever had. But he left you behind. Left you in Park because you not want to go Underground.
>Never could find Haven again. Tried to forget about it. Tried to be Best Smarty Friend you could be.
>But if No-Lips Herd coming into Stinky Waters ... maybe you find No-Lips again.
>And take Haven for your own Herd.


********************************************************************************************************


>”Wait! Wait! Fluffy Mummas tired!” No-Name shouts, grabbing onto Drip’s tail and trying to stop the Unicorn.
>”Wah! Tail Owies!” Drip complains, but stops. Drip complained when you told him he have to stop, then run away, screaming he want to go to Home.
>Why no Fluffy ever listen to Wittles? You yell and yell, but nobody ever listens!
>Behind them, the Mares and Fluffy Mummas are crying because Underground is dark and scary.
>Found Fluffy Markers, but Fluffy Markers destroyed. Stones knocked over, sticks and straws scattered everywhere.
>Having to follow hoof-marks from Blue-Horn yellow Unicorn, and roll-marks of Fluffy Mummas to find way back to Haven.
>But it hard, Drips tired, he can’t make Horn glow forever.
>What smash Fluffy Markers?
>Honey and No-Name be Good Fluffies, try to rebuild Fluffy Markers, point sticks way they think is Haven, point red Straws back the way they came, but have to leave blue Straws out.
>Blue Straws point way to Under-Lake, where Fluffies go for Nummies when Park is not safe.
>Have to find Haven, and get No-Lips to make Fluffy Markers Right. Without Fluffy Markers, only No-Lips know way through Underground. Without Fluffy Markers, Herd will starve and die in Underground.
>Stallions talking, trying to figure out what to do next.
>”Not make Haven.” Drips sighs, tears dripping from his face. “Drips tired. No can make Horn glow long.”
>”But ... but must sleep in Haven!” Honey demands, stomping a hoof angrily. “Make promise to Mares and Fluffy Mummas!”
>”Not find Fluffy Marks in dark.” No-Name says, looking back at the New Friends. “We find safe place, sleep tonight, follow Fluffy Marks when Sun comes up.”
>”No no no no no!” Stumbles says, jumping up and down angrily. “No-Lips take Herd to graze before then! No nummies all day! Stumbles have Tummeh-Owies now!”
>”But .... wait! Wight!” Drips shouts, pointing a hoof down the tunnel.
>Everyone turns and looks.
>Sparks, and a fuzzy light.
>Unicorn Magic!
>”Friends!” You all shout with delight!
>It’s Wumm-Wumm, Bandit and Kook! And they have Mares!
>That’s good, you’re down to One Special Friend already.
>They’re crying, upset. Asking why Fluffies break Fluffy Markers.
>Explain Fluffy Markers were broken when you found them.
>Ask Wumm-Wumm to take the lead.
>You and No-Name walk at his side, watching the ground for hoof-marks and roll-marks.
>New Mares help push the Fluffy Mummas.
>Everyone is babbling about how scared they are.
>Stop to rebuild the Fluffy Markers as best they can.
>Finally, Fluffy Voices....
>Terrible Smell of the Mushrooms and Old Fluffy Poop.
>Push Mares past, ignoring their complaints. Roll  Fluffy Mummas too.
>Fluffies are shouting.
>No-Lips is standing over Blue-Horn, shouting at him.
>The two Fluffy Mummas and Unicorn are crying and holding each other.
>There’s a great shout of joy from the Herd, and they rush out to greet you.
>Mares and Fluffy Mummas are given Hugs and pushed towards the Papers.
>You are given so many Hugs!
>No-Lips growls something at Blue-Horn, then trots over to you.
>”Many Mares! Good Raid!” He says loudly, his tail wagging slowly. “Fluffies see what happen to Fluffy Markers?”
>”Noooo. Fluffies so scared, scared get lost.” You hear Honey whine. “Fowwow Blue-Horn’s hoof-marks, fowwow Fluffy Mumma’s woll-marks.”
>”Blue-Horn Bad Fluffy!” No-Lips replies, loudly enough for the nearest members of the Herd to turn around and glare at Blue-Horn. “Blue-Horn should wait for Friends. Fluffy Mummas got scared, bitten by Rat Munstas. New Yellow Unicorn drove them off with Magic, but Blue-Horn abandoned Mares!”
>He .... what?
>All the Stallions look stunned.
>Never abandon the Mares.
>Everyone starts asking if Fluffy Mummas alright!
>Blue-Horn looks very angry. Turning from No-Lips to Yellow Unicorn Mare and whispering something under his breath.
>”Is bad.” No-Lips grunts, glaring back at Blue-Horn. “Mares be very important. No Mares, no Foals, no Herd.”
>”Now ... who had to have Mares shared with them.”
>Oh crap ... Stumbles and Drip look down to the concrete and shuffle their hooves.
>”Next Raid, Stumbles and Drip follow Fluffies who bring back Mares.” No-Lips says, giving them his very best ‘I am disappointed’ look. “Do what they do, get Mares of your own next time.”
>”Mares of ... No-Name confused.” No-Name pipes up, looking at Mares and Fluffy Mummas then back to No-Lips. “Wat No-Lips mean?”
>No-Lips turns and looks at No-Name with raised eyebrows. “No-Name not know? Find Mares, bring back, they your Mares. They be Your Special Friends now.”
>No-Name making funny noises.
>Wonder if he trying to catch flies with mouth open like that.