My eyes snapped open. The room was dark, but I knew I wasn't alone. I could hear breathing all around me. I rolled onto my side and looked out the window. There was just a hint of purple and red reaching up into the black sky; the first signs of Celestia's sunrise on the horizon. Good, it’s still early, I thought to myself. I’ve got plenty of time, I just can’t waste any. No leisurely breakfast or morning tea today. I turned on the bedside lamp. Its light spilled across the room, and I saw Angel lift his head and look at me. “It’s okay, Angel, you can go back to sleep.” He gave me a little pout at having been disturbed and put his head back down.
I hopped out of bed with a big stretch and a yawn. As I stood there, my eyelids slowly sank until they were closed. After a moment I startled and my eyes popped open again. “Right, no time to waste.” As I went to get ready for the day, I had to carefully step over some animals curled up on the floor asleep. “We need to find you guys a better place to sleep.” I reached out to pet one. No, it’s early, better to just let them sleep for now.
Once I was ready, a little rumble in my tummy told me it was time for breakfast. My prize was on the counter. Yay! I still have some muffins left. No cold oats cereal today. Two of the last four golden brown muffins found themselves on a plate. I inhaled deeply. “Hmmm, cinnamon.” Half of one vanished in a big bite.
As I chewed, I considered my morning, and apprehension settled on me like a winter chill. The last few days haven't been good for sick critters. Last week a family of field mice arrived, all with fevers. I set them up in a box inside my cottage. The next day two more families arrived from the same colony. They wanted to stay outside. I stepped over to peer into the box where the one family slept. I briefly smiled at the little pile of fluff balls in the corner. “What if more of your friends get sick and come here? What are we going to do?”
With the first bite of the second muffin, I made my decision. It’s been several days, and you aren’t getting any better. I’m going to Zecora’s to get a fever-reducing potion. I had a plan, and the apprehensive chill lifted. I collected my saddlebags, some bits, and headed out the door. The warmth of the early dawn sun soaked into my coat as I stood at the doorway. My eyes drifted to the dark path into the Everfree Forest. The path seemed to grow darker as I watched. I shook my head. No, this is important. There are critters counting on me. I lifted my head and stepped forward…
On a normal day, the trip to Zecora's hut and back would be a wonderful diversion. When it wasn't trying to hurt you, the Everfree Forest really was a beautiful place. And there were so many cute forest critters to stop and chat with. But today was not a normal day and there was no time for distractions. Breathing hard from the exertion, I pushed myself harder. I felt bad about cutting my visit with Zecora short, but I need to get this potion home as fast as I can.
As I trotted along, my ears swiveled towards a strange sound off to the left of the trail. I slowed to a walk, then stopped. I backed up a few steps and quickly looked around. The last thing I need to run into this morning is a manticore or cockatrice. I just want to get home and care for my field mice guests.
As I listened, I noticed that it didn’t sound like any monster I was familiar with. In fact, it sounded like something hurt, or frightened, or perhaps both. I couldn’t see the source of the sound through the thick undergrowth. Do I dare look in there? Perhaps I should just get going. But what if some creature is hurt? I can’t just run off, it wouldn’t be right. I walked in a circle looking for any signs of danger, then stood facing down the path to home. It would be so easy to just keep going, and safer too. Then I heard another cry. I turned and pushed my head between two bushes next to the trail. I could see a gap just ahead as if a few trees were missing from the dense forest, and there was something moving at the base of a particularly thick tree.
I took a deep breath, set my jaw, and forced my way through the bushes. They scraped and clawed at my coat, almost as if they were trying to hold me back. That’s just silly. I fought my way forward until I entered the small clearing. Sitting among the large roots of the huge tree sat a pegasus colt. His fur was as black as writing ink, with a mane and tail as white as the paper you’d use it on. He sat leaning against the tree trunk. His eyes were downcast, and I heard another soft whimper. He looked so sad and alone and my heart ached for him.
“Hello,” I said softly. His head whipped around with wide frightened eyes. I saw his glance linger on my wings before he relaxed. “What are you doing way out here?” He just stared at me. “Are you lost?” He slowly nodded. He was guarding his left wing, holding it with a hoof. “Did you hurt your wing?”
“I crashed.” He sniffled a couple times.
“I’m sorry.” He doesn’t look dangerous, well, as long as he isn’t a changeling… After a quick glance to the left and right, I stepped forward a couple more paces. “Can I take a look? Perhaps I can help.” He didn’t answer, but dropped his leg and turned a little so the injured wing was facing me. I closed the gap between us and sat down. “Where does it hurt?” His hoof hovered over the spot where the wing met his body, then he put the leg back down. Can you stretch your wing out for me?” He extended it about halfway, then winced at the effort, closing his eyes. The feathers were disheveled and messy. Streaks of red stained some of the white feathers.
I scooted a little closer beside him. He fidgeted uncomfortably but didn’t try to escape. I smiled at him. “My name’s Fluttershy. What’s your name?”
“Peter,” he said softly.
“Well, Peter, I’m going to very carefully touch your wing. I’ll try super hard to not hurt you, but I need to see if anything is broken.” His eyes were locked on my forelegs as they hovered over his wing. I shouldn’t start where it already hurts, so wingtips first. With a hoof on each side, I gently pressed on the wing. Nothing moves that shouldn’t, and he didn’t flinch. Shift over a bit, and repeat. I didn’t notice any active bleeding. I blew out a soft breath in relief.
He would grimace ever so slightly with each touch as if he was expecting it to hurt. This won’t do. I can’t tell if his wing really hurts, or if he just expects it to. I need to distract him. “So, Peter, what are you studying in school?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know, the usual stuff I guess. I don’t like it.”
I spared him a quick glance. “You don’t like school?”
He shook his head. “It’s boring. I don’t like reading, and I hate homework.”
“Isn’t there some subject you enjoy, even a little?” I was almost half done checking his wing.
He thought for a moment. “I do like science… some. But that’s because we get to do stuff, like play with magnets or prisms.” He broke into a small smile. “Oh, oh, this one time the teacher brought in a mommy hamster. A couple days later we got to watch her have babies. That was so cool. Although the lecture after that about horses and foals was a little weird. Interesting, but weird.” Then his smile vanished as his ears drooped and his head sunk low.
I had finished examining his wing and sat up straight again. “What’s the matter, Peter?”
“One of the baby hamsters died right after being born. The teacher said life is like that. I was so sad, I almost cried.” He squeezed his eyes shut and sniffed once.
I reached out to his cheek and turned his head towards me. “Look at me, Peter.” He opened his sad eyes. “There’s nothing wrong with feeling sorry for helpless animals. Kindness is not wasted. Never, and I mean never be ashamed of your feelings. Do you understand?” Slowly, he nodded.
“Good. Also, we’re all done with your wing. You can fold it back up now. Slowly…” He made another face as he pulled the wing close to his body. “I don’t believe anything is broken, but with how much it hurts, I’m sure you at least strained it.”
I stood up. “I have a house not far from here. I can bandage up your wing, and then we can contact your parents. They must be very worried about you. How long have you been lost?”
He dropped his head. “All night…”
“All night?” My hoof came up to my mouth. My heart skipped a beat at the thought of him out here, alone, all night. The Everfree Forest isn’t very safe during the day, but at night it’s absolutely terrifying. “What happened?”
His head sank even lower. “I was supposed to be in bed, but I wasn’t sleepy and wanted to explore.” He raised his eyes to look at me. “So I snuck out for a little flight. We’d only been in town for a couple days and there was so much to see. But there was no moon and so many clouds, I got lost.” His ears drooped. ”I couldn’t find the lights of the city, and I got confused.”
“Oh, you poor thing,” I said softly as I reached out and stroked his mane.
His head lifted a little, and his eyes met mine. “I flew and flew until I was so tired I couldn’t keep going. I tried to land, but couldn’t see the trees and crashed.” He sniffed a couple times and swiped a leg across his eyes. “That’s when I hurt my wing.”
“And you sat here in the dark all night? That must have been so scary. We need to get you back right away.” He’s not too big, I’m sure I can carry him home. I dropped down on my barrel. “Here, jump up on my back, and I’ll carry you. I’ll be as gentle as I can.”
I was surprised when he stood up. He was clearly young based on his voice and behavior, but he was a big colt. Perhaps there’s some earth pony in his parents or grandparents. He climbed up onto my withers and let his forelegs hang down on either side of my neck, his rear legs over my ribs. I stood up, made my way back to the trail through a gap I spotted, and started for home. He’s heavier than I expected, but I can do this. He needs my help.
I’d only gone a short distance when I felt his head against my neck. Soon after, I heard gentle snoring. He must be exhausted. I gently eased up into a trot to make better time. His parents must know he’s gone by now. They’ll be worried sick.
I squinted in the bright sunlight as we exited the protection of the forest canopy. The sun was warm on my coat. It felt good to be out of the forest’s shadow. I dropped to a walk as I entered the yard, and I felt Peter stirring on my back. He yawned and stretched his legs. I glanced over my shoulder to see him looking around.
Suddenly he pointed with a hoof and stuttered, “Bu… bu… bu… bear!”
A large brown bear stood on his hind legs a few paces away, eyeing us. “Oh, that’s just Harry. He’s very gentle.” I waved. Harry tilted his head slightly, lifted a furry paw, and waved back. “He lives here.”
“So, he’s not going to eat me?” He clung to me just a little bit tighter.
“Oh, no, he would never eat a friendly little colt.” I turned away to hide a small mischievous grin. “You are friendly… right?”
“Yes, yes, I’m friendly!” Then even louder as he turned towards Harry. “I’m a friendly little colt!” After a tense moment, Peter gave his own tentative wave which Harry returned. Peter lowered his leg and giggled. “I guess he’s okay.” He paused as he surveyed the area. “What about all the other animals out here?” Several critters had come over to see my passenger. Peter looked at all the little upturned faces. “Umm, they’re all watching me…”
“Oh, they’re all friendly too. A new visitor always generates a lot of interest. Some live here, some are just visiting.” I headed for the cottage. “Let’s get you inside and see to that wing.”
After entering my home, I squatted down, “Here, you slide off.” He dropped down and backed away. “Now you just wait a moment while I look in this closet.” I slid out a couple boxes and put them on the floor. As I reached into the dark cavity I explained, “I keep some of my supplies in here for injured animals.” Feeling around a bit, I found what I was looking for and pulled it out showing it to Peter. “It’s a wing sling. It’s an adult size, but you’re pretty big. If I adjust the straps, it should work.” I returned the boxes to their spots and closed the door.
“First, I want to clean off this little bit of blood.” I tried to make it sound minor. As I cleaned the wing with a damp cloth, I spotted a few small scratches that were the source of the blood. “This doesn’t look bad.” His parents will take him to a doctor, and they can bandage the wing if necessary.
“OK, I know this might hurt a bit, but it’ll feel a lot better when we’re done.” I carefully slipped the sling’s envelope over the injured wing. He winced with the movement. I wish I could do this without hurting him. Two straps went over his back, one under his barrel, and they all connected to a loop around his far foreleg. “All done. Now just relax your wing and let the sling hold it. Yes, perfect. How does that feel?”
He wiggled his wing a couple times and smiled. “That’s better. Thanks.” He looked around the room. “Why are all these animals in here? Isn’t this your house?”
“Well, I have a few that live here all the time, like Angel over there.” I pointed at my rabbit friend. “But the others are here because they’re sick or injured. I take care of them.”
His eyes went wide. “All of them? Outside too?”
I nodded. “Outside too. This morning I went to get a potion to help treat some sick field mice. I was returning home when I found you. Now that I’ve finished caring for you I need to care for the mice by giving them this potion. Would you like to help?” A little distraction will help him forget about his hurt wing. In a bit, I can ask about his parents.
“Oh, could I?” He nodded enthusiastically. “Is that okay?”
“Yes, I’d love to have some help. Please go to that cupboard right there,” I pointed, “And get out three of the tiny little bowls, and two lids. Set them on the table here.” I watched as he went to the cupboard and opened the door. He shifted his weight, unsure what to do. He glanced back at me so I nodded to him. “Go ahead. The little ones over on the right side. He then reached up to get the bowls. While he was doing that I got the potion out of my saddlebag. I set it on the table and he put the bowls next to it. “Now pour four drops of this into each bowl.”
He lowered his head to look at the vial of blue liquid. “What if I get too much?”
I smiled. “I’ll just pour it back in the vial and you can try again. Go on. You can’t mess up.”
He picked up the vial in both hooves and leaned his whole body over to tip the vial. His tongue stuck out one side of his mouth as he carefully poured four drops in each bowl. “See, you did great.” I put the stopper in the vial and got a small cup of water. “Okay, now add a little bit of water to each bowl, but not more than half full.” Filled with confidence from the first step, he was less tentative adding the water. He looked up at me expectantly. “Perfect. Now, see that box?” I pointed to where the family of field mice were staying. He nodded. “Carefully take one of these bowls over and replace the one they have. I’ll take the other two to the families staying outside.” I put the lids on two of the bowls, scooped them up on a wing, and headed out.
Peter was excitedly jumping from hoof to hoof when I returned. “I replaced the bowl. Then I told them it would help them feel better. The big mice woke up the little ones, and they all went and started drinking.” He had a huge smile. “This is fun.”
Is there any chance they understood him? I took a quick peek at the mice who all glanced up at me. “It isn’t difficult to care for animals, although it does take a lot of hard work. But it’s mostly just about being kind to them.”
He calmed down and softly asked, “Like you were to me?”
I smiled and patted him on the head. “Like I was to you. Speaking of which, I bet you're hungry after spending the night in the forest, and with no breakfast.” He nodded with great enthusiasm. “Well, let’s see what we got over here.” I walked to the kitchen area as he followed.
He spotted the last two muffins and pointed. “Oh, can I have one of those? We don’t get special stuff like that very often at home.”
“I’m not sure muffins are exactly special. Your parents don’t let you have them?” I grabbed them and set them on the table.
“My parents are both very careful about what we eat because of their jobs.” He climbed into a chair.
As I got a plate from the cupboard I asked, “Are they athletes? What do they do?”
“They’re dancers for the Civic Dance Troupe. They do sky ballet.” His eyes never left the muffins.
“So they’re pegasi?” I placed a muffin on the plate and set it in front of Peter. He looked up at me. “Go ahead. You can have the other one too if you’re really hungry.” He grabbed the muffin and took a big bite.
“Yeah. They’re the only two pegasi horses in the troupe. Mmm, this is great!” Another bite saw half the muffin gone already.
“Your parents are horses? That explains why you’re so big.” That also explains why he doesn’t have a cutie mark.
He glanced up, still chewing. “I’m big?”
I nodded. “For a pony colt, yes. I bet you’re the perfect size for a horse colt.” I poured him a glass of apple juice and set the second muffin on his plate. He finished off the first one, eyeing the second as he chewed.
“Wait a second. A dance troupe? There’s a series of dance performances in Cloudsdale this week. Is that your troupe?”
He nodded, getting out a “Yeth,” through a full mouth.
“Then all we need to do is figure out a way to contact them.” My mind was already racing with questions. Where would the troupe be staying? How could I contact them? How would I get Peter back to them?
Peter downed his apple juice, picked up what was left of his second muffin, and asked, “Can I go outside and see the animals?”
I nodded. “Sure. Just go slow and give them their space. Let them come to you if they want to.”
“I will. Thanks.” He hopped off the chair and trotted out the door.
I glanced down at Angel. “So how am I going to let Peter’s parents know he’s here? I could run into Ponyville and send a peg-o-gram, but I don’t know where I’d address it. Perhaps Twilight… I could send a note to Twilight! I bet she could figure something out.” I stepped over to my desk and got out a small sheet of paper. I was just reaching for the quill…
“Miss Fluttershy, help!”