//------------------------------// // The Great Land Dispute // Story: My Little Pony, Friendship is Out of This World // by Robobrony //------------------------------// The Great Land Dispute It was a Friday afternoon. Earlier in the day, Applejack had asked the girls and Nova to come with her to deliver an apple tree to her cousin Braeburn in Apploosa out west. Nova wanted to bring Starburst along so he could get the chance to see another town. Applejack was more than happy to let him come along and Starburst was very excited about the trip. They left their home to meet up with the girls at the train station. “Oh boy, I’ve never been on a train before, I’ve seen it before but never rode on it, and we get to see another town. This is going to be fun.” Starburst was jumping for joy as he bounced along next to his big brother. Nova smiled at his little brother. “Now Starburst, while we’re there, I want you to stick close to me, I don’t want you wandering off ok?” Starburst looked up at his brother with a smile. “Don’t worry Nova, I’ll stay close. Promise.” They soon arrived at the station where the girls were waiting for them. “Hey girls, where’s the tree?” Applejack gave a smile as she answered. “Howdy Nova, Big Mac already loaded it up in the last car and went back home.” She then looked to Starburst. “You ready to see a new town little buddy.” “You bet.” Starburst had a huge grin on his face. “All right, lets load up and get ready, it’s a long train ride to Appleloosa, it won’t be until tomorrow morning when we reach it.” Twilight pointed out. The group then boarded the train and made right for the sleeper car, it was a few cars away from the caboose where the tree was. The train got under way and Starburst just looked out the window from the bed he and Nova would be sharing to look at the scenery as it went passed. “Wow, look at all those mountains, and what are those green spikey things out there?” Nova was looking out the window with Starburst. “I believe those are called cactus, or cacti for plural. Their a type of plant with sharp points on them.” “This is so cosmic, thanks for letting me come along Nova.” “You’re welcome, I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself so far.” A while ago, Applejack had gone to the car where the tree was, Rarity soon went too. She came back a few minutes later in a huff. “I can’t believe her, she was reading a story to a tree.” The sun had set and the moon was now out. Nova and Starburst had a bed next to Pinkie. The ponies just chatted a bit and laughed while Rarity and Spike seemed like they were trying to sleep. Spike finally had enough as he spoke out. “Do you guys mind, I was up early fire roasting those snacks you’re all eating and I’m pooped.” Rainbow got his attention. “Uh, speaking of, some of these popcorn kernels didn’t get popped.” She nudged a bag of popcorn next to her. “Ok fine.” Spike shot out a flame at the popcorn and completely burnt them, leaving one kernel to pop in Rainbow’s face. “Good night.” He said as he threw his blanket over himself. “Uh, maybe it’s time we all got a little shut eye.” Twilight pointed out. “We got a big day ahead of us tomorrow.” Twilight then turned out a candle next to her bed making it dark with the moon as the only source of light now. “Come on Starburst, time to get some sleep. Sweet dreams little brother.” Nova smiled at Starburst. Starburst gave a tired yawn and looked at Nova with tired eyes. “Good night big brother, see you in the morning.” Starburst was next to the window while Nova took the spot near the edge. The two lay down to sleep. “Psst, Pinkie Pie, you asleep yet?” Rainbow’s voice whispered out. “No, are you asleep yet?” Pinkie responded back. Nova opened one eye and saw Dash come up in front of where Spike was sleeping with a lit candle. “If I was sleeping, how could I have asked you if you were asleep?” Pinkie joined her. “Oh yeah, he he he.” “When we get to Appleloosa, do you think we’ll have to carry that big heavy tree from the train station all the way to the orchard?” Nova rolled his eyes as he tried to ignore them and get to sleep. “What tree? you mean Bloomberg?” Rainbow deadpanned. “No, Fluttershy.” “Fluttershys not a tree silly.” Twilight then came in. “What’s going on?” Pinkie answered. “Rainbow Dash thinks Fluttershy’s a tree.” Rainbow defended. “I do not think she’s a tree I was just…” Twilight cut her off. “Did you say she was a tree?” “No….well yes, but..” Twilight cut her off again. “You know she’s not a tree right?” Pinkie then followed up. “She’s not a tree Dashie.” Fluttershy then came in. “I’d like to be a tree.” Nova finally came in feeling frustrated. “Girls, she was being sarcastic, she didn’t mean what she said about Fluttershy being a tree.” Spike had finally had enough as he finally sat up and cried out. “Oh for Pete’s sake!” He picked up his pillow and went to the caboose. “Well that was kind of huffy.” Twilight commented. Fluttershy followed up. “Huffy the magic dragon.” They all giggled. Rarity finally interjected as she sat up in her bed. “Would you all be quiet NOW!” In the light of the candle, Nova saw she had some green goop and cucumbers over her eyes. This frightened the girls as they screamed and quickly blew out the candle. Nova just laid his head back down and closed his eyes. “Nova, where did spike go?” Starburst asked tiredly, apparently, all the talk kept him from falling asleep too. “He went to the back of the train to get away from the noise. Go to sleep Starburst, we need our rest.” “Ok, good night.” Starburst closed his eyes and went to sleep. Nova soon followed. Morning arrived as the train continued on. The girls and the two brothers were soon awakened by a thunderous noise that outmatched the sound of the train. “Huh, what’s that?” Nova awoke with a start. “Nova, what’s that sound?” Starburst asked. The girls gathered at one window while Nova and starburst looked out another to see a heard of buffalo stampeding alongside the train, they all had white feathers with black tips in their ears. “Whoa, what are they?” Starburst asked in awe. Twilight answered. “A buffalo stampede.” “I just love their accessories.” Rarity commented. Twilight then pointed out something that seemed to trouble her. “They’re getting awfully close to the train.” The buffalo suddenly rammed the side of the train, causing the girls and two brothers to fall from their positions. “WHOA!” They all called out as they were bounced around. The train was rammed again, Nova did his best to hold onto Starburst and tried to protect him as best he could from getting hurt. Once the train settled, the girls managed to get back up. Nova was still on the floor holding Starburst. Starburst was shaking with fear. “Nova, what’s going on, why are they doing this?” “I don’t know.” Pinkie called out. “Ooh, lookie, now their doing tricks.” Nova joined the others to look out the window. Starburst thought Spike might be in trouble and needed to be warned. “Oh no, Spike.” Starburst left for the caboose to try and warn him as to what’s going on. The girls and Nova watched as three buffalo stacked up on top of one another, then a little one came and jumped up on top of the stack. “Ooh, Ooh, now do a back flip.” Pinkie called out. Instead, the little one just jumped up onto the roof. “Or just…jump.” “I don’t like this.” Nova commented. Rainbow shared in his thought. “Me neither, something tells me this isn’t a circus act.” Dash then flew off and outside the train. It was then that Nova realized Starburst was missing. “Hey, where’s Starburst?” The girls all looked around but couldn’t find him. “STARBURST, STARBURST WHERE ARE YOU?!” Nova was starting to panic. He ran to the back of the train with the others behind. They reached the back just in time to see the buffalo pushing the caboose away. “They got Bloomberg!” Applejack pointed out. “And Spike!” Twilight pointed out as he was seen with Starburst banging on the window. “And Starburst!” Nova could see the fear in both their faces as they were dragged off. “STARBURST!” Nova called out as he held a hoof towards him. The train finally reached the train station for Appleloosa, the girls and Nova quickly rushed out and were greeted by a yellow coated stallion with an orange mane and tail wearing a hat similar to Applejacks and a vest. Mysteriously, Pinkie was no longer with them. The stallion had a big grin on his face as he welcomed them. “Hey there, welcome to AAAAAppleloosa!” He reared up as he pronounced the town name. Applejack tried to talk to him. “Braeburn, listen….” This pony cut her off. “Cousin Applejack, mind your manners, you have yet to introduce me to your compadre’s, shame on you.” Applejack tried again. “Braeburn listen, somethin terrible has happened.” Braeburn just cut her off. “Terrible is right, your train is a full seven minutes late. That’s seven minutes less to delight in the pleasures and wonders of AAAAAAppleloosa!” Nova was starting to get annoyed, this stallion just wouldn’t let Applejack get a word in edgewise and his brother had been kidnapped. “QUIET, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT FOR ONE MINUTE!” Nova shouted. It was at such volume, every pony nearby winced. Nova got in his face. “Listen you, we don’t have time for this, some buffalo attacked our train on the way here and they took that tree we were bringing you and Spike and MY LITTLE BROTHER, we don’t’ have time for a tour!” Braeburn had a look of pure shock on his face when Nova mentioned the buffalo. “I….I uh….” He couldn’t form words as Nova glared fiercely at him. Nova was snorting out his nose. Twilight quickly got next to him and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Nova calm down.” Nova then turned his glare on Twilight. “Calme down? how am I supposed to calm down?! My little brother just got kidnapped! Who knows what those buffalo will do to him?! I’ve gotta go after him!” He then started making for the desert before Applejack got in front of him. “Whoa there partner, you can’t just go out there like that.” “Get out of my way Applejack, I have to find him!” Nova declared. Rarity interjected. “Nova dear, you don’t know where to look, you could get lost out there.” Fluttershy then tried. “You can’t just go into the desert without supplies, it’s dangerous.” Nova turned to Fluttershy. “Then what do you suggest I do, just stand here and hope he’ll be fine? I’m not about to just sit by and wait, I have to save him!” Twilight came in again. “Nova, you don’t know where to look, the desert is dangerous without supplies, and you could easily get lost, you need to calm down and think about this.” Nova turned his glare on Twilight now. “Don’t you tell me to calm down, I have a brother who was just kidnapped by a bunch of hairy muscle bound meatheads and is most likely scared out of his mind with nothing but a baby dragon for protection, you have NO IDEA what I am going through right now, so don’t you try and tell me what to do!” He said angrily. Twilight suddenly glared back at him. “You think I don’t know how you feel? Spike is like a little brother to me, I love him just as much as you love Starburst, but charging into the desert in anger won’t help any pony! You need to stop and think!” Nova’s look softened. Twilight took a deep breath and started again in a calmer tone. “Spike has been in my family since I hatched him from an egg when I was just a little filly, he’s like a little brother to me and I love him. I’m worried about him too.” Nova seemed to finally calm down. “I…..I’m sorry Twilight, I just….I….” Twilight cut him off as she gently placed a hoof over his lips. “It’s all right Nova, I understand, you’re worried about him, I am too, just as I am Spike. But we need to prepare before we go out there and find them, along with Pinkie and Dash.” Nova hung his head. “No Twilight, you don’t understand, Spike is your little brother, but Starburst is so much more to me than just my brother.” Twilight was about to ask what he meant by that but Nova just turned and headed into town for the inn they would be staying at. Back with Spike and Starburst, they were hugging each other in fear, Starburst was shaking the most as the car soon came to a stop. “Spike, I’m scared, what are they gonna do to us?” Starburst was on the verge of tears. “I don’t know Starburst.” The train car started rocking, tossing them about. Starburst eventually fell out through the door and onto the ground. Starburst picked himself up on his haunches. “Pony!” One of the buffalo called out. “AH!” Starburst screamed, he dropped to the ground and coved himself with his hooves, shaking greatly. The buffalo started moving in on him. Spike jumped from the car and got in front of Starburst. “Leave him alone!” The buffalo stopped in their tracks. “A dragon.” One of them called. They all bowed before him. Spike looked bewildered. “Uh, yeah, you just leave him alone you hear.” “Of course mighty one.” One of them said. “Ok what is going on here?” Spike finally asked. “We greatly respect dragons sir.” Another buffalo stated. “Really? Well then, I am Spike, you are not to harm this little pony with me, understand.” Starburst was still trembling as this went on. “Of course great one.” “AND THE MORE OF US THERE ARE OUT HERE, THE MORE THE CHANCES ARE OF US GETTING….!” Rainbow Dash’s voice was heard yelling. The buffalo quickly rushed over to the source of the voice. Starburst perked up upon hearing it, he recognized it as Rainbow’s. He saw it was Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. The buffalo started charging at them until Spike stopped them. “STOP!” the buffalo stopped in their tracks. Spike led Starburst through the buffalo to Rainbow and Pinkie. “Dash, Pinkie, sup?” Spike said casually. “Hey no worries, I know those guys, they’re cool.” “If you say so Spike, catch you later bro.” The buffalo then ran off. Starburst quickly ran up to Dash and clutched her foreleg in fear. “Rainbow Dash!” “Starburst, what are you doing here?” Dash asked as she looked down at him. “When….when the buffalo started attacking the tr-train…I got worried for Spike, so I…I went to warn him and I *Sniff* I got taken with the car and Spike.” Starburst was crying now as he sniffled. Dash tried to comfort him as she stroked along his back. Pinkie came up to him. “Hey now, don’t worry, we’re here for you.” Starburst looked up at her, he promptly let go of Dash’s leg and clutched on to Pinkie. “I want my big brother, I miss Nova.” Pinkie gave him a sad smile. “Hey, don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.” Dash said with a reassuring smile. Starburst just looked up at her. Back at the town, Night had fallen. Nova was sitting in a bed in his hotel room looking out the window as the moon hung in the sky. Twilight came in to talk with him. “Nova, are you ok?” Twilight asked. Nova kept his eyes out the window. “No I’m not, my little brother is out there somewhere and I’m just sitting here.” Twilight came up to him. “Nova, it’s ok, he’ll be all right.” Nova looked back at Twilight. “How do you know Twilight, can you really promise me that, I doubt it.” Twilight got on the bed with him and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Nova, we will find him, I promise.” “We have to find him, I can’t lose him.” Nova turned back to the sky. “Nova, what did you mean when you said Starburst was more to you than just a brother?” Nova gave a sigh. “*Sigh* He’s everything to me Twilight, he’s the only family I have left, I can’t lose him, I can’t go through it again, that pain is just too much. Starburst is all I have left. If I lose him, I lose everything.” “What about friends?” Twilight offered. Nova looked at her as she gave him a small smile. “You didn’t even think about that did you?” Nova looked to the side as he answered. “No, I didn’t. I just got so upset when he was taken I couldn’t think straight.” Twilight used a hoof to make Nova look her in the eyes. “Nova, a good friend can be just as good as having a family. No matter what happens, we’ll all be here for you if you should need anything.” “Twilight…….I’m sorry for what I said earlier, about you not understanding. I was out of line.” “It’s fine Nova, in a way, you are right, Spike isn’t the only family I have, I still have my mother and father, and an older brother, buy you just have Starburst. So I don’t know how painful it must be to lose family.” She gave another smile. Nova gave a small smile back as a single tear rolled down his face. “Thank you Twilight, I’m really grateful to you and the others for your friendship.” Twilight initiated a hug. Nova gladly accepted it as he let a few more tears escape. Twilight broke the hug. Nova then had a thought. “Twilight, I gotta ask, why would those buffalo do this? Why did they attack the train and kidnap Spike and Starburst?” “Braeburn said that the buffalo want the settler ponies to get rid of the apple orchard. They were probably after the tree and took Spike and Starburst by mistake.” Nova furrowed his brow as he turned back to the window. “Mistake or not, if they hurt him in any way, I’m gonna make them sorry.” His look softened again. “I just hope he will be ok, he must be so scared right now.” The other girls soon came in. “Nova darling, are you feeling any better?” Rarity asked. Nova turned to face them. He wiped away a tear. “Yeah, a little, I’m just scared for what might happen to Starburst.” “Don’t worry Partner, if Rainbow Dash is out there, she most likely found him and is keeping him safe.” Applejack offered. “Pinkie too, she may not be as strong as Dash, but she won’t let Starburst be afraid or sad.” Fluttershy pointed out. Nova gave a sad smile at the girls. “Thank girls, I really appreciate you all.” Back with Starburst. He stuck to Rainbow Dash like glue, he had calmed down a bit but was still scared of the buffalo despite the fact they were offering food and shelter for the night. Starburst was sitting between Dash and Pinkie as they sat across from Spike with a fire in between them. Dash kept a hoof around his shoulder to comfort him as he sniffled a bit. Spike started explaining what was going on. “Seems they took me and Starburst by mistake, and they feel awful about it too, poor guys. Fortunately, they totally respect dragons.” Spike snapped his claws. Three buffalo brought over a bowl of some kind of mush to eat in front of Pinkie, Dash, and Starburst. “So they treat me like an honored guest, still don’t like ponies much though but your with me so your cool.” Starburst cringed when the buffalo came close. He leaned more into Dash in fear. Dash wrapped a wing around him to try and comfort him. Pinkie was just happily munching away at the mush. Dash stood up as she spoke. “Well I still don’t trust them, I say we turn tail and bail while we still…” She was interupted by Pinkie’s munching. Pinkie finally pulled her head out of the bowl and looked up. “Before we finish eating? Are you loco in the coco?” “Please Pinkie, I want my big brother, I miss Nova, I want to go home.” Starburst sad sadly. Pinkie looked at him sadly, then smiled as she picked him up in a hug. “Awe, it’s ok Starburst, we’ll be fine, me and Dash won’t let anything happen to you.” Starburst just hugged back as he buried his muzzle in Pinkie’s chest. The little buffalo girl from the train came by. “Can I please have some more of that mushy stuff, whatever it was.” Pinkie asked. The buffalo girl answered. “Certainly, and mister Spike, you like gemstones correct?” She presented a bowl of turquoise stones. “Mmm, turquoise.” Spike poured the whole bowl in his mouth and gobbled them up. Spike then began introductions. “This is little strongheart, and these are my friends, Pinkie Pie, Starburst,” Starburst saw the little buffalo girl and zipped over to Dash for protection. Spike looked worried at this but continued. “And Rainbow Dash.” Starburst grabbed Dashes foreleg and held tight as he shook. Dash looked down at him, then over to the buffalo Spike was introducing. “YOU!” She said angrily. “YOU!” Little Strong Heart said fearfully. Dash picked Starburst up and placed him on her back. “That’s it, we….are…outta here! Come on Starburst, we’re taking you back to Nova.” Starburst wrapped his hooves around Dash’s neck as she began to walk away. Pinkie gave a sheepish smile. When Rainbow saw she wasn’t coming, she grabbed Pinkie by the tail and started dragging her. Little Strong Heart jumped and got in her way to stop her. “Wait! Please accept my apologies for what happened on the train, we didn’t mean for anyone to be hurt.” “Yeah right.” Dash then turned around and tried heading in another direction. Little Strong Heart got in her way again. This startled Starburst as his grip tightened a little more and cringed. “We only wanted the tree, the settler ponies have taken over the land and have planted an orchard all over it. Because of their thoughtlessness, we can no longer stampede across our traditional stampeding grounds.” She moved closer and Starburst cringed more. Dash felt this and stomped a hoof. “That’s close enough, can’t you see you scared the poor little guy enough?” Little Strong Heart took notice of Starburst on Dash’s back shaking. “Gosh, I am sorry, we never meant to scare him.” Starburst found the courage to speak. “Please just let us go, I just want my big brother.” “I think it’s time they met chief Thunder Hooves.” Spike suggested. The three ponies soon found themselves standing before the chief of the buffalo tribe. Dash kept Starburst with her as she had a wing around him. The chief began his story. “We have a long and winding stampeding trail that we have run upon for many generations. My father stampeded upon these grounds, and his father before him, and his father before him, and his father before him, and his father before him, and….” Little Strong Heart cut in. “I think they get the idea chief.” Chief Thunder Hooves continued. “It is a sacred tradition to run the path every year. But this year, these settler ponies, these….Appleloosians.” The chief started snorting in anger. Starburst cringed a little and Dash kept a stern look. Little Strong Heart put a hoof to the chief’s nose to try and calm him down. “They planted apple trees all over it without asking our permission.” Starburst looked up at the buffalo a little. “Really?” He asked. Pinkie then came in. “Well that’s not very nice. Right Rainbow Dash?” Dash just sat on her haunches and crossed her forelegs. She no longer had a wing over Starburst, but after hearing what he had, Starburst wasn’t as afraid of them as before, so he just sat there next to her. Little Strong Heart continued. “The ponies refuse to move their trees so we are stuck here and it is not fair!” Starburst found the courage to speak up as he took a small step forward. “Excuse me….um….Little Strong Heart?” Strong Heart looked at Starburst. “Yes?” “So, you really didn’t mean to take me or Spike, you were just after the tree?” She gave Starburst a smile. “Of course little one, we didn’t know you and Spike were in the car when we took it. Like I said before, we never meant to hurt anyone, and we certainly didn’t mean to scare you. What is your name?” “I’m starburst, I came here with my big brother and some friends, we didn’t know any of this was going on when we got here. I’m sorry you’re all stuck here.” “It’s all right, it’s not your fault.” Starburst gave a small smile. Spike then tried to speak to Dash. “You see Rainbow Dash, they had a good reason to…” Dash suddenly sprang up and landed on all four hooves looking mad. Starburst was startled by this and ran to Pinkie. Dash Stomped a hoof. “I’ll say they had a good reason! Come on, we have some apple pickin Appleloosians to talk to.” Starburst let out a yawn. “*Yawn* Dash, can we do it in the morning, I’m tired.” Rainbow Dash then came up next to Starburst. “You sure you’re ok with being here?” “I do miss Nova, but these buffalo did say they were sorry, and Spike did say they felt bad about taking me and Spike by mistake, plus, I’m really tired.” Starburst said with droopy eyes. “All right kid.” Dash then turned to the chief. “Excuse me chief, is it all right if we stay the night here.” Thunder Hooves gave a nod. “Of course, you are more than welcome to stay the night.” Little Strong Heart offered to show them to a place to sleep. “Come, I have plenty of room in my tent, you can stay with me for the night.” She led Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Starburst to her tent. The four were soon inside a tent and had a nice place to lay down. Dash kept close to Starburst so he’d feel secure. “You doing all right there kid?” She asked as they lay next to each other, Dash keeping a wing over him. “Mmhmm, thanks for protecting me Dash.” Starburst said with a nod. Rainbow Dash gave a smile. “Hey, no worries kid, I’m not about to let anything happen to you.” “I just wish Nova was here, I miss my big brother already.” “Don’t worry, we’ll see him tomorrow, now get some sleep all right.” Dash laid her head down and closed her eyes. Starburst could see the night sky where he was, he gazed up at the starry sky and moon for a while. “Good night Nova.” Starburst laid his head down and closed his eyes. Morning came as the ponies and dragon woke up with yawns and stretches. They exited the tenet and started getting ready for their trek back to Appleloosa. Before they left, Little Strong Heart had something for Starburst. “Starburst, before we go, I have something for you as an apology for yesterday.” “Really, what is it?” He asked with a small smile. Strong Heart took out a head band like hers with feathers in it and placed it on his head. “Here you go, what do you think?” Strong Heart asked with a smile. Starburst’s smile grew bigger. “Wow, cool, thanks Little Strong Heart, I like it.” He then gave her a hug. “You’re welcome, now come on, let’s get you all back to your friends.” Back at Appleloosa, the girls, Nova, and Braeburn were getting ready for their own trek into the dessert to find their friends. Nova took this opportunity to speak with Braeburn. “Excuse me Braeburn.” Braeburnt turned to face Nova. “Yes?” “I’m sorry for shouting at you like I did yesterday, I was just worried for my brother.” “It’s fine, Applejack explained the situation, so I can understand why you were upset, no need to apologize.” He said with a smile. Nova returned the smile. Applejack then called out. “Let’s go!” They all started galloping off, but didn’t get far before spotting Spike, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash. “Hi guys.” Pinkie greeted. Fluttershy jumped at her and knocked her to the ground in a hug. “Pinkie! We’re so glad you’re safe.” The girls trotted up to Dash and Spike and nuzzled them. Nova looked around and didn’t see Starburst anywhere. He was about to ask where he was but Twilight cut in. “How did you escape from the buffalo?” Pinkie answered. “We didn’t.” Little Strong Heart jumped out from behind a rock. Nova narrowed his eyes at her. “You!” Nova glared daggers at her as he approached her. “All right, where is he, what did you do with my little brother!? I swear if one hair is out of place….” As he closed in, Little Strong Heart was backing up in fear. “WHERE IS HE!?” “Nova, I’m right here.” Starburst answered as he came out from behind the rock. Nova looked over to Starburst. “Starburst!” Nova rushed over and picked him up in a tight hug. “Thank the cosmos your all right.” Nova sat him down and started examing him from every angle, asking questions that Starburst answered plainly with a bored expression. “Where does it hurt?” “Nowhere.” “Anything out of place?” “No.” “They didn’t do anything to you did they?” “No.” “Are you sure?” “Nova I’m fine, really, look, see me, here, fine?” Nova picked him up again. “I was so worried about you, I thought I might have lost you.” Starburst returned the hug. “I missed you too Nova.” Nova turned his gaze back to Little Strong Heart. He set Starbust down and started walking towards her. Dash got in front of him to stop him. “Whoa, hold on there Nova, I know your upset about the buffalo taking your little brother, but he wasn’t in any danger, they took him and Spike by mistake, it was an accident.” Starbust cut in as he came up next to Nova. “Yeah Nova, they were actually nice, and look what Little Strong heart gave me.” He motioned to his new head band. Nova looked down at Starburst and noticed it. “She gave you that?” “Uh huh, isn’t it cool. Please don’t be mad at her, the buffalo are actually really nice. And besides, Dash and Pinkie were there and looked out for me.” “They did huh?” Nova looked at dash and Pinkie standing next to each other in front of Strong Heart. “Dash, Pinkie, thank you for looking after him when I couldn’t, I really appreciate it.” Pinkie responded with a smile. “Don’t worry about it, it no big deal.” Nova walked past the two to the buffalo girl. “So you took my little brother and Spike by accident?” “Yes, we did, and I’m really sorry about it.” Starburst cut in again. “They kind of took care of us also, they gave us food and shelter from the dessert night.” “I see.” Nova bowed his head. “Thank you for looking out for him, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.” “Your welcome.” Little Strong Heart responded. Rainbow then came in. “We promised the buffalo a chance to talk.” Applejack wasn’t looking too happy as she responded. “Oh yeah, bout what?” “We brought our new friend Little Strong Heart here to explain to the Appleloosians why they should move the apple trees off buffalo land.” Rainbow pushed Strong Heart closer to Breaburn. Braeburn started. “That information would be quite…” Applejack cut in. “That’s weird, cause my cousin Braeburn here, wants to explain to the buffalo why they should let the apple trees stay.” Nova could already see where this was going. “That would be a useful thing to…” Little Strong Heart started up but Dash cut her off. “The land is theirs. You planted the trees not knowing that, honest mistake. Now you just gotta move them, that’s all.” Braeburn tried again. “Well uh….” Applejack cut in again. “They busted their rumps here, and now they’re supposed to bust their rumps again just cause some buffalo won’t stampede someplace else?” “Plant the trees somewhere else!” “Where, it’s the only flat land around these parts!” Nova decided to interject to stop the arguing. “ENOUGH! Both of you stop arguing!” This got their attention. All eyes were now on Nova. “Now look, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, arguing isn’t going to help anything, so please stop. You know I hate it when you argue.” “But.” They both tried. “No buts! Just stop.” They hung their heads. “Thank you, now let’s take a moment to think about this. Twilight, any thoughts?” Twilight put a hoof to her chin in thought. “Both the buffalo and the settlers have a good reason to use this land. There must be something we can do.” Nova was about to say something. “It’s obvious we need some kind of compromise, maybe if we…” Pinkie cut in. “HEY, I have an idea. Bring the buffalo and all the settler ponies to the edge of town.” Later on, all the buffalo and settler ponies had gathered around a stage, Spike was on the side ready to play a piano. “Nova, what do you think Pinkie is doing?” Starburst asked, he was still wearing the head band Little Strong Heart gave him. “I don’t know, but I hope it helps this situation.” Spike started playing a few notes to get everyone’s attention. Pinkie poked her head out from behind a curtain and gave Spike a wave, he returned a thumbs up. She disappeared back behind the curtain as Spike continued to play. The curtains opened to reveal a giant clam, it opened up to reveal Pinkie laying in it wearing a black and purple dress with stockings. She started singing. We may be divided, but all of you I beg, To remember we’re hooved at the end of each leg. No matter what the issue, come from wherever you please, All this fighting gets you nothing, but hoof and mouth disease Arguings not the way, Hey come out and play, It’s a shiny new day, so what do ya say? You gotta share, you gotta care, It’s the right thing to do You gotta share, You gotta care, And there will always be a way through. Both our diets, I should mention Are completely vegetarian. We all eat hay and oats Why we at each other’s throat? You gotta share, You gotta care, It’s the right thing to do And there will always be a way through~ Once the song was done, Spike and Starburst were the only ones applauding. Nova just made a comment. “I thought the message of the song was nice at least." “Oh come on Nova, that was great.” Starburst cheered. Nova looked over to chief Thunder Hooves and the sheriff of the town. Sheriff Silver Star and the chief looked at each other and nodded their heads. Chief Thunder Hooves announced. “It seems that sheriff Silver Star and I have come to an agreement.” “We have.” The sheriff agreed. All the ponies and buffalo waited anxiously for what the agreement was. “That was the worst performance we’ve ever seen.” “Positively.” Thunder Hooves then started angrily. “The time for action is upon us. Our stampede will start at high noon tomorrow, and if the orchard is still there, then we’ll flatten it AND the whole town.” “But Chief.” Little Strong Heart tried to reason, but was cut off by sheriff Silver star. “And we Appleloosians say you better bring your best cause we’ll be ready and waiting!” Braeburn tried to reason with the sheriff. “But sheriff…” The two just walked off in their separate directions. “Nova, what are we gonna?” Starburst asked. “I don’t know, but we have to think of something.” Nova responded. All the settlers started work on collecting apples and making a whole mess of pies. Nova tried to talk to them like the girls were to get them to stop. Starburst stuck by Nova. Nova came up to one pony pulling a cart of apples in the orchard. “Excuse me, can’t we just talk about this?” “Beat it, if you’re not going to help, then get lost.” Starburst tried to defend. “Hey, we are trying to help, if you’d just…” The pony kept walking. Nova came up to a mare bucking a tree. “Miss, please, if we could just….” She gave him a fierce glare that caused him to shut up. “Maybe we should try in town.” Starburst suggested. “Come on.” Nova and Starburst then made their way back in to town and saw many ponies boarding up their windows and locking their doors while others set up carts and hay bails as a kind of barricade. “This doesn’t look good.” “Can’t you think of something Nova, you’re so smart, I know you can think of something.” Starburst encouraged. “Thanks Starburst, but this is a tough one, I don’t know how this can be resolved.” The two continued around town to try and fail at getting the ponies to talk. Eventually, the town’s flag was raised and all the settlers cheered, they were ready for the buffalo. Rainbow and Spike went with the buffalo to try and talk with them as well. The next day arrived as the ponies got themselves ready with pies. Starburst still wore his new headband with feathers. Nova couldn’t help but comment on it. “You really like that thing huh?” “It was a gift from a new friend, Little Strong Heart gave it to me as an apology for accidentally taking me when the buffalo did.” “So you’re friends with the buffalo now huh? Then I guess I’m going to have to really rack my brain to try and come up with a solution.” Nova was with the girls behind a barricade and a crowd of ponies all looking at a cliff the buffalo were lined up on. It was almost high noon. Dash started tapping her hoof to try and think of something herself. “Come on, think, think think think think think.” Nothing came as the clock struck noon. The clock struck the final chime to mark high noon. “Come on brain, you never let me down before, think……I GOT IT!” Nova declared. “Twilight, watch Starburst for me, I have an idea.” “Really, great. I’ll keep an eye on him.” Twilight responded. Nova zapped up his wings and flew high above every pony, he got in the middle between the town and the buffalo. “LISTEN, I HAVE A SOLUTION, WILL BOTH LEADERS PLEASE MEET WITH ME IN THE CENTER HERE! WE DON’T HAVE TO FIGHT!” Nova waited for a response. He was glad to see chief Thunder Hooves and Silver Star start making their way to the center. Nova came to a landing to wait for them. You gotta share, you gotta care, It’s the right thing to do. Pinkie started singing. “PINKIE, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Nova asked angrily. “CHAAAAAAAARRGE!” Chief Thunder hooves called out. The buffalo started stampeding, Pinkie was in the line of their charge. Nova quickly zipped down and picked her up just in time before the buffalo got her. “Pinkie, I was about to offer a solution! Why did you do that?” “I just thought I’d help.” Pinkie responded sadly. Nova flew her back to the other girls who were off to the side out of the town and out of harm’s way. “What do we do now?” Applejack asked. “I wish I knew.” Twilight responded with worry. “I’ll think of something. I’m going to get a bird’s eye view of the place and see if I can come up with something.” “I want to help, Little Strong Heart is my friend, I want to help too. Please Nova, let me come with you.” Starburst pleaded. “All right, but stay close to me. Girls, you wait here where it’s safe.” “Nova dear, are you sure you can come up with something?” Rarity asked. “I have too.” Nova then flew back up. Starburst zapped in his own wings and followed Nova into the air. They took a position on a roof top to oversee the area. They were just in time to see a volley of apple pies go flying through the air at the buffalo. Some of them hitting some of the buffalo in the face, causing them to stumble. Once caused a buffalo to flip over. A mare jumped out of her window on a buffalo and started riding on him. Some of the ponies went hoof to hoof while others on roofs threw more pies. One buffalo charged at a hay stack and knocked a mare down. Another buffalo charged at a haystack and fell to the ground upon impact, the haystack hid an anvil. “Nova, this is awful, we have to do something.” Starburst said worriedly. “I know Starburst, but I don’t know what.” Another buffalo got hit in the face and crashed into the clock tower. It caused the clock to fall and crash. Nova finally spotted the buffalo chief amongst the chaos. He looked to see what the chief was looking at and saw Silver Star throwing pies. The chief charged forth at the sheriff. Pies flew all over the place but the chief dodged and weaved, he would not be denied what he was after. Sheriff Silver Star put his hat on his chest in resignation of his fate. Nova saw a pie heading right for the chief and got an idea. “I’m probably going to regret this.” Nova then took off as fast as he could right for the chief. Just in time, Nova managed to get himself in front of chief Thunder Hooves before the pie hit, taking the pie to the face himself. Nova fell to the ground and skidded a bit. The chief stopped in his tracks and looked at the pony who just sacrificed himself for him. The fighting stopped and all the ponies and buffalo looked on in concern. “NOVA!” Starburst called out as he flew up to his brother. “Nova, Nova are you all right?” He asked worriedly. Spike shed a few tears as he clutched to Twilight, the girls all looked on in worry. “Nova, Nova please get up.” Starburst continued. Nova popped an eye open. He sat up and looked down at Starburst. “Starburst, I’m fine, it’s just a pie.” “NOVA!” The girls called happily as they gathered around him. They all started off but Nova couldn’t understand what they were saying. “Girls please, I’m fine, it was just a pie to the face.” Chief Thunder Hooves then came forward. “You….saved me, why did you do that?” Nova stood up and wiped the pie off his face. “Because I think this fighting is useless, all it does is hurt, it doesn’t solve anything. If you’re willing to listen, I have an idea that can solve this problem.” “After what you did for me, I will hear you out.” The chief responded with a smile. Nova then turned to the sheriff. “And Sheriff, what about you? Are you willing to listen?” Nova smacked his lips. “Mmm, not bad.” Some of the pie he was hit with got in his mouth. “Well, I suppose, what’s this idea of yours?” The sheriff asked. Nova began. He found a pie that had not been thrown and levitated it over to him. “First of all, chief Thunder Hooves, might I offer you a piece of pie as a peace offering?” Nova used his magic to take out a slice of pie and levitated it over to the chief. The chief took a bite and smiled. “Mmm, this pie is delicious. Thank you. What was your name?” “It’s Nova sir, now onto my idea. I was thinking that the Appleloosians just remove a few of the apple trees and make a clear path for your tribe to stampede through, in exchange, they will give you pies for letting them keep the orchard. Does that sound fair?” The chief thought for a moment. “That does sound fair, sheriff, what do you say?” “That sounds fair to me, we don’t mind sharing our pies with you if we can keep the orchard.” Thunder Hooves smiled. “Then it is settled, we will allow the orchard to stay in exchange for these delicious apple pies.” “And we’ll make a path through the orchard so your tribe can get through.” The two shook hooves to seal the deal. The buffalo and settler ponies cheered loudly upon the agreement. “Way to go Nova, I knew you’d come up with something!” Starburst cheered. “All right Nova, way to go!” Rainbow cheered too. “That was some mighty fine thinking there partner.” Applejack complimented. “Well done Nova, that was a brilliant idea.” Rarity followed up. “I’m so glad this was settled.” Fluttershy added. Twilight came up to Nova. “Nova, you were brilliant, I can’t believe you took a pie for the chief like that.” Nova smiled. “Yeah well, it was the only thing I could think of to get their attention. I hope I didn’t worry you all too much.” “No, not really.” Twilight then gave Nova a kiss on the cheek. They both let out a blush. “Wow, um……thanks Twilight.” “Your……….welcome.” Once things got settled with the agreement it was time to say goodbye. Starburst went to Little Strong Heart to say goodbye. “Bye Little Strong Heart, thanks again for the head band. I hope to see you again.” “You’re welcome Starburst, I hope to see you again too. Farewell.” The group boarded the train bound for Ponyville and made their way to the sleeper car. Nova and Starburst had the same bed as before. While the train was under way, Starburst had already fallen asleep before the others. Nova smiled at Starburst's sleeping form. He then looked up and Saw dash’s tail hanging down from her bed, from his angle, he couldn’t see her at all. “Dash, you awake.” He whispered, not wanting to wake up Starburst. The others were still awake as well. Rainbow dash stuck her head out so Nova could see her. “Yeah, what’s up?” “Could I speak with you in private for a minute?” “Sure, no problem.” Dash hovered down to the floor as Nova climbed out of his bed. He led Dash to the back car. “So what’s up Nova?” Nova looked Dash in the eyes. “Rainbow, I just wanted to thank you again for looking out for Starburst for me, he told me of how protective you were being of him while you and the others were with the buffalo. I really appreciate it.” “Hey, don’t worry about it, he’s pretty cool for a little guy. It’s no big deal.” “It is a big deal Dash!” Nova insisted. “Starburst is the only family I have left, if anything were to happen to him, I….I don’t….” Nova looked to the side as a tear was threatening to escape. “I’m sorry, but just thinking about what could have happened is too much.” He looked back at Dash and saw a look of sympathy. “I know you’re not the emotional type, but I do appreciate what you did for him. Starburst is the world to me.” Nova felt more tears begging to escape as he closed his eyes. To his surprise, Rainbow Dash took him in a hug and wrapped her hooves around him. After a moment, Nova hugged back. “It’s fine Nova, like I said, it’s no big deal, I don’t know what it’s like to lose family, but I wouldn’t wish it on any pony.” Dash broke the hug and looked Nova in the eyes. “If you ever need anything from me, just let me know and I’ll be there no matter what.” She gave a smile. Nova returned it and held it for a moment. It soon faded. “Dash…..Um….I….I think I…..” Dash’s smile faded too. “What is it Nova, is something wrong?” Nova’s hoof was slowly making its way up to his neck where his necklace was. “Come on, just do it, like a quick heal stick pad, just rip it off and get it over with.” His hoof drew closer. “I…..that is…um….” Closer. “Yes, go on, spit it out.” Closer, just inches away. “I…….*SIGH*” his hoof fell back to his side. “Never mind, it’s nothing, sorry. Any way, we should get some shut eye.” Nova walked past Dash with a solemn look. “IDIOT! You were so close, why can’t you just tell them?” “Nova?” Rainbow asked herself as she looked worried. Nova just made his way back to his bed and lay down next to his little brother, sound asleep. “Fine, I can’t tell them yet, but someday I will, I have to, I want to, I want to so bad, I’m so tired of hiding this. I just wish I could get over my fears.” Nova closed his eyes and let sleep take him as the sound of the clacking of the train sounded.