"So, to summarise, Ponyville is getting an extra two days of rain to make up for that dry spell we accidentally caused last week," Rainbow Dash said to the assembled crowd. "Normally we would put notices through your doors, but the weather manager decided that this way would be better; I personally believe he just wanted to save a few bits by not printing anything." Laughter greeted this statement, at which Dash grinned. "Seriously, though, if you could pass on this information to friends and family, that'd be great. Thanks for listening, everypony, and I'll see ya around."
The crowd nodded and dispersed, leaving Dash standing with just one other pony, who came over with a small smile on her face.
"All that extra rain will do wonders fer the crops, RD," Applejack said. "That dry period didn't do me no favours at all."
Dash sighed. "I know, AJ, and we've already apologised for that," she replied. "But at least it'll go some way to sorting things, and even Fluttershy will be happy, because some of those animals she takes care of love the water." She looked around. "Say, where is Fluttershy anyway? I thought she'd be here."
"Well..." Applejack sighed. "I did hear a rumour that somepony has been pickin' on her lately, so she's holed up in her house. I went over ta try an' talk to her, but she weren't fer answerin' the door."
"What?!" Dash shouted. "Who's been harassing Fluttershy? I'll pound their face into the dirt when I get a hold of them!"
Applejack shrugged. "I don't know, sugarcube," she replied. "She didn't want ta talk to me, but maybe she'd talk to you; y'all have known each other since ya were both fillies, after all."
"I'll head over there right now," Dash said. "Don't worry, AJ, I'll find out who this bozo is and come find you."
Applejack grinned malevolently. "I'll have mah rope ready," she said. "Now, git on over there and help the poor girl out."
Dash didn't need to be told twice; she shot off like a rocket, leaving Applejack keeping a tight grip on her hat.
***
"Fluttershy?" Dash knocked firmly on the door of Fluttershy's cottage. The area was completely devoid of all life and sound, as though the animals were following the example of their caretaker and hiding. "Fluttershy, it's Rainbow Dash. AJ told me what was happening, and you better believe that I'm not leaving until I've helped you deal with whoever is bothering you."
There was a moment of silence before the door finally opened, just enough to allow Rainbow Dash in, and then slammed shut. Fluttershy returned to the centre of the room, in the midst of a large circle of animals who seemed to be protecting her; the bear in particular kept a close eye on Rainbow Dash as she approached.
"Fluttershy, talk to me," Dash pleaded. "Let me help you."
Fluttershy looked her in the eyes. "It's not what you think, Rainbow Dash," she said meekly. "You can't help me... not this time."
"The heck I can't!" Dash growled. "Just give me their name and I'll grab AJ so the three of us can have a 'friendly chat.'"
Fluttershy shook her head. "You don't understand," she replied. "I need to deal with this bully my way, not yours."
"'Shy, you can't deal with your problems if you hide from them," Rainbow Dash said flatly. "Come on, let's go to this jerk's house; we'll have a reasonable discussion, like adults, and sort this out."
Fluttershy glanced at a clock on the wall. "There's no need for us to do that, either." a sudden and ferocious banging on the window made Rainbow Dash jump. "He's already here."
Rainbow Dash looked perplexed. "You mean he comes to your house just so he can harass you?" she flailed her forehooves in the air. "Why not just call the Royal Guard to deal with him, then?"
"Because..." Fluttershy threw open the window, at which a white blur shot into the room. "They don't deal with animals." She pointed at where the blur had settled...
To reveal a seagull.