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// Talk it Out (Hero) 
// Story: Best of the Pest 
// by SmilesPerHour 
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You frown at the lampposts and tables covered in garbage. It’s a disgusting sight… but then you look at the racconicorns. They’re just wild animals that want a space for themselves, is that so wrong?

“Wait, wait!” You call after Hitch and Fluttershy. “I have an idea!” They turn to look at you, as do the raccoonicorns.

“We need to clean up the garbage, and the racconicorns want their space. So how about this: if the racconicorns agree to clean up their mess, we’ll give them their own little park?” Fluttershy and Hitch stare at you, then at each other.

“You know… that actually makes sense.” Hitch says. “I could arrange a designated area in the park up the street. Maybe even a jungle gym!”

“And now you don’t have to clean up the streets all by yourself!” Fluttershy added. “You see, Hitch, you can talk to animals, but it’s just as important to understand them.”

“Yeah… I guess I got a little carried away.” Hitch sighs. “I’m sorry, guys. Can you ever forgive me?” The racconicorns looked at each other, then back at Hitch, and nod. Then they run off, returning the litter to its cans. One of them turns to Hitch, chattering brightly.

“A swing? And a bridge?” Hitch muses. “Sure thing, buddy. Hold on, let me get my notebook.” You, Caramel and Fluttershy follow Hitch back to the station.

“Oh hey, can’t forget this!” He pulls the poster off the wall and holds it out to Caramel. “Thanks for your help, everypony. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Well, just remember to lead with kindness.” Fluttershy smiles as Caramel grasps the Page. The ‘animal handler’ text vanishes, and in a flash, the three of you are returned to Fluttershy’s sanctuary.

“Well, I’m glad we could settle that peacefully.” Fluttershy says.

“And we got the Page back!” Caramel chimes in. “Thanks for your help.” Fluttershy smiles as a trio of sparrows land on her head.

“Well, if there’s ever an animal in need, you know who to call.”