//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5 - Stay Brave 
// Story: Heart Plus - Dawn Arc 
// by SparkStone 
//------------------------------//


-Kasin's POV-


-Doctor's note-


Today was the day I start working at Sweet Apple Acres…Or so I hoped. Last night, lots of stuff happened, one of them had given me a broken arm. It was luckily not permanently damaged, but it refuses to go to work like I wanted. Twilight came to my side as she brought a breakfast platter.

Twilight places it carefully on my lap and said, "I hope you like it, Spike wanted to make sure you get the most out of your meal, so he made it extra special."

I looked at my plate and saw eggs, toast, and some milk on the side. "Looks delish. Give Spike my regards."

I took a bite from my meal and tasted the flavor of how carefully the ingredients were in mix and perfect harmony.

"Man, this stuff is good!" I expressed with joy. "This brings up my morning since I can't leave the house."

Twilight gave me a smirk as she said, "Well, sorry if I won't let you leave but that arm says it all."

"I know, and I appreciate you looking out for me." I told her. "But I feel awful that I have to miss my first day of work with Applejack."

Speak of the devil, Applejack came in after hearing Spike greet her in. The trotting of her hooves coming up the stairs alerted me of her presence coming ever closer. When she came in, I saw she was the same as before, same as last night. Her hind legs were on some hardcore power when she kicked Tone Blast so hard, it broke the stone walls. She must have lost focus on kicking them off safely and ended up injuring herself due to her rage. I could not belittle her in anyway, for I truly felt honored that she went through great lengths to do that for my "supposed death". I told them all however the same thing. "Never avenge my death if it means to hurting yourselves as well".

"Howdy Twilight, howdy Kasin." Applejack greeted. "How are you two doing?"

"Pretty good, the dry stone effect wore off, so my magic is up and running again." Twilight informed her as she poked at her horn.

"That's good to hear." Applejack replied happily. "So Kasin, you good to work?"

I sighed and grimly said, "Sorry, but apparently, my arm is still busted. I'm in no health to work today."

"I guess that makes two of us." Applejack replied.

"Come again?" I asked confused.

"After I explained everything to my family during breakfast about last night, Big Macintosh said I was in no health to work too." Applejack explained. "He even proved it by tapping on my kickers, which turned out to twitch when they're this bad."

"That sucks…" I said even more saddened by our fates.

"Don't worry, Big Macintosh and Applebloom said they'll take care of it today. Hopefully tomorrow, we'll finally get a chance to go apple bucking."

"Sounds like a plan!" I said happy at the thought.

After we shook a good old spit and handshake…hand and hoof shake, Applejack turned to the door and gave us a farewell. "I'm heading back home to get some rest. Ya'll take care now!"

"Will do!" Twilight replied as Applejack left through the door.

"Still…" I muttered. "I wish I can get better already so I can help out…"

"You've done enough helping as it is Kasin!" Twilight spoke. "Right now, you should help yourself by taking a nice long rest for your arm."

After a moment, another visitor knocked the door. Spike had opened it and I heard the soothing voice of Fluttershy. I always had been grateful, for if it weren't for her, I probably wouldn't have made it alive when I first arrive in Equestria. It's also hard to dislike her since I feel her pain when it comes to the need of seclusion. I heard her trotting up the stairs and like Applejack, and I expected her to come into view. As she did, I noticed she had saddlebags with a red plus sign on them. First aid kit?

"Hello Twilight, Hello Kasin, I'm not intruding am I?" She greeted kindly to us.

"Hi Fluttershy, no, we're just talking is all." Twilight replied. "What brings you over?"

"Oh, I wanted to know if, um…I could help take care of Kasin." She told us. "You see, I wanted to make sure he was fine seeing how battered up he was."

"Aw, thanks Fluttershy." I said gratefully. "That means a lot. Maybe you can help get this arm feeling better faster."

"Oh my…" She muttered as she went over to my side, inspecting the arm in the cast. "It looks like it'll heal gradually. I don't know if there's a quicker method to treating it back to full health."

"I see…that's too bad." I sighed. "I was hoping to get it healed today so I could work on the apple orchard too."

Fluttershy glanced at me in questioning. "You want to work at Sweet Apple Acres?"

"Applejack got me a job there yesterday, but since I'm like this…well, you get why."

"It's okay Fluttershy." Twilight assured our shy friend. "I've already gave him all the treatment he needed, so all he needs is rest. In fact…"

She gave me a smirk as I said, "Alright, alright, I'm going to bed, see?"

I slid down deeper under the blankets and slowly slept, but I could still overhear the conversation between Fluttershy and Twilight.

"So he really wants to get better to help with Applejack." Fluttershy deduced.

"Yes, I must say, he's always so persistent on trying to help others. I hope he'll ease up and learn to relax." Twilight stated.

"Kinda like somepony I know~!" Spike yelled from downstairs.

"Oh, hush Spike!" Twilight snapped at the dragon.

"Hmm…If I know a place of quick remedies…" Fluttershy spoke. "Twilight, I think I'm going to head out for something, is that alright?"

"Oh, sure Fluttershy, see you later."

"Bye!"

I guess after that, Fluttershy left and Twilight was watching the house with Spike. Nothing really interesting for a while. Actually, now's a perfect time to sleep!


-Fluttershy's POV-


-Asking Zecora-


With Kasin having a broken arm and in need of a remedy, what better pony than to ask Zecora? Or…zebra in her case. I went over to Zecora's house in the Everfree forest. I wonder why she lives there, but then again, you can get the most exotic and rarest herbs here. When I arrived there, I knocked on the door and waited. It wasn't too long before Zecora opened the door.

"Ah! What a pleasant surprise Fluttershy, what brings you by?" Zecora asked.

"Hi Zecora. I hate to bother you, but I was wondering if you have a remedy for broken bones, or at least to make it heal faster." I requested.

"I do know of a quick cure, one that requires ingredients both mixed and pure." Zecora informed me. "I however run out of something we need, a plant deep in the forest called Bone Weed."

"Bone Weed?" I echoed. "I never seen Bone Weed before…then again, I never go too deep into the forest so often either."

"May I out of curiosity ask, who you are aiding that compels you to do this task?" Zecora questioned me. "I wonder as I see you are not in pain, care to explain?"

"You're right Zecora, it's not for me." I answered. "It's for Kasin. He broke his arm and wanted it to get better so he could help Applejack with work."

"Kasin?" Zecora echoed. "A name I have not heard before, is he a new friend of yours?"

"Yes, he recently came to Ponyville two days ago."

"Well, I'll be sure to whip up a nice potion, and it will sure to get your new friend in a positive emotion." She told me as she placed a saddlebag on her back then going to the door. "We better get going for the Bone Weed, before the night brings the creatures of carnivorous greed."

"R-Right…" I said while I try to swallow my fear.

When we went back outside to look for the Bone Weed, which was somewhere in the farther part in the Everfree forest. I don't like the place very much seeing how it has all sorts of dangerous creatures, but I'm sure since I'm with Zecora, everything will be alright. We ventured deeper into the woods walking along the pathway. Zecora had made multiple dirt roads to help take her to places where certain plants grow, so getting lost wouldn't be a possibility as long as we stayed strictly on the path. A while passed, and we soon come across a bridge over a…very steep cliff leading down to a very loud and raging river.

"Oh my…" I muttered.

"Do not be afraid Fluttershy, for as a pegasus you can still fly." Zecora reminded me.

"Oh! R-Right! Silly me." I replied embarrassed at my mistake. "But what about you?"

"I'll cross this bridge of course, it looks strong enough to carry a horse." She deduced.

I watched her walk through the bridge while it made all this rope stretching and wood clattering noises. I was extremely concerned that the bridge might fall, but Zecora seemed so relaxed as she easily crossed it without worry. I envied her confidence, seeing her do things without fear on her mind. When it was my turn, I couldn't help but look down below. It was so far down, it made me dizzy.

"Fly Fluttershy, fly!" Zecora encouraged me.

I tried to spread out my wings, but they were shut tight together. I guess I was so scared that it had been affecting them too.

"Uh…Um…My wings are stuck!" I told her.

"Then take the bridge way, it'll certainly not cause any dismay."

I looked over the creaky bridge unsure of what she says. Trying my best, I placed a hoof on it only to hear the wooden plank crack at my touch. I looked back at Zecora who gave me an uneasy smile and wave her hoof telling me to continue. I decided to look away from the bottom, hoping the view of the sky would take my mind off the chasm below. It actually worked well until I heard another cracking noise, making me panic and run to the other side. I looked at the bridge to see it was still intact. Zecora smiled seeing she was happy that I made it across. We then moved on to look for the spot where the Bone Weed grows. It had taken us a while before we reached the foretold area, but when we arrived, none were left.

"This is not good, here the Bone Weed grows it should…" Zecora explained.

"What could have taken them?" I asked.

"Timber wolves eat this for sustenance, it helps enhance their resistance."

"T-T-Timber wolves!?" I stuttered. "B-But I thought we'd be safe on the pathway!"

"It confuses me as well, but I have no idea what to tell."

We then heard the rustling of bushes around us. We looked at them and noticed glowing green eyes and the nasty smell emanating from that direction. We stepped back as the creature jumped out snarling.

"TIMBER WOLVES!" I screamed.

The timber wolves started to close up on us. It started to get even scarier hearing them growl at me and Zecora too.

"Run!" Zecora told me.

Zecora pulled out a bottle from her bag and splashed its contents onto the floor. Suddenly, sparks of lightning dazzled the ground, making the timber wolves step back. We both ran away from them, but some have managed to jump over the trap Zecora placed and chased after us. They were getting really close, and up ahead was the bridge over the chasm.

"Keep running with strife, or it'll cost you your life!" Zecora warned me.

Zecora was ahead of me and crossed first. I tried to run pass it, but when I first stepped on it, one of the ropes snapped.

"EEP!"

I stepped back from the bridge, hesitating to cross it.

"Listen Fluttershy! You must fly!" Zecora demanded. "Just try, Fluttershy, try!"

I closed my eyes tightly and jumped with my wings spread out. Oh! My fear didn't stop my wings this time! I can fly now! Well…that was until a timber wolf lunged at me, making me freeze up. With my entire body shaking in fear, I fell down to the river below, and it was REALLY SCARY!

"Fluttershy!" Zecora screamed.

When I splashed into the river of the chasm, I was being pushed by the waves. The timber wolf fared no better as he was nothing but wood when he fell into the water. I managed to keep breathing as the river took me to a dark cave. It was frightening since I couldn't see anything. It was a while until I found a shore full of gravel.

"Thank goodness…" I coughed from the water.

As I got up, I looked around to see the hole in the ceiling of the cave showing a streak of sunlight.

"The sun's still up…but it might get late soon." I thought. "I need to get out of here…"

But as I got up to go back the way I came, a swarm of bats were startled and flew out of the room. With all the noise they made, the spires shook and fell, blocking the way through the river I passed with.

"OH NO!"

I flew over to the spires blocking the way. Water still seeped through it, but no hole was big enough for me to pass through. I flew back to the shore and looked at the ground. I felt so weak to end up in a cave because of my fears. If I had been less hesitant, none of this would have happened. I walked around the cave grimly wondering if there was still a way out, but the only pathway there was took me in a circle. It was pointless until I saw something on the walls.

"Hmm? What is this?" I wondered.

It was a white plant that grew out of the cracks of the walls. The feel of it was hard and dull, and it seemed to be difficult to snap like it was made out of stone. I never seen any plant like it. Then I thought, "Could this be the Bone Weed?"

It must be! In fact, now that I remember, all this happened because I wanted to help Kasin get better! Why hadn't I been hesitant before? Maybe…Maybe it was because I just needed to help somepony. Knowing I do have the confidence made me realize something.

"I can't just stay here! I came all this way to help Kasin! And if my friend needs me."

I plucked the weed and held it in my mouth.

"Then I have to at least try to do my best!" I declared.

I looked for the first room I was in and saw the sunlight through the hole fading slowly. I flew to the hole and slowly slid out of it. The hole was tight, but I managed to get out of the cave, finding myself in the forest. I then flew around looking for Zecora, who I thought was around the forest somewhere looking for me. Soon, I spot her near her hut, and landed right next to her, accidentally surprising her in the process…

"Fluttershy! Are you okay? Do you need some hay?" She offered for my well being.

"I'm fine Zecora." I muttered with the Bone Weed in my mouth. I placed the plant on my hoof and asked, "Here, is this what you need?"

She looked at it and smiled brightly. "Yes! This is the ingredient we really need! Where ever did you find the Bone Weed?"

"I found it in the cave the river took me to." I answered. "So anyway, is that all the ingredients?"

She nodded as she said, "Everything is all set, now just take a long rest. I'll finish the remedy for your friend in short time, so for now you can enjoy my rhymes!"

I giggled at her saying that. After Zecora made the remedy and gave it to me, I went over to Twilight's house to give it to Kasin. When I arrived, Twilight and Spike weren't home. I looked upstairs to see a light shining out of the room. I trotted up there and saw Kasin in bed reading a book. Both his arms seemed well too. He averted his gaze to me and smiled.

"Fluttershy! I didn't expect to see you so soon!" He said. "Come on in! Twilight and Spike left a while ago for that report from the event yesterday."

I tried to smile, but I felt a bit sad knowing Kasin didn't need my help. I walked next to him only to see him frown a bit.

"Hey…what's wrong?" Kasin asked. "You look like you went through a lot today."

"Oh…it's nothing…" I told him.

"Then what's with the bottle there?" He pointed at the remedy.

"Oh…that…it was for you…"

"For me?" He repeated. "What is it?"

"It's…a bone healing potion…"

He gave me a surprised look. "W-Was it expensive!? I-I…Wow! This is amazing! I never knew you had remedies like this! But…how did you get it?"

I sighed as I told him the whole story. Why I left so soon, my request to Zecora, my little adventure. Kasin listened to every word and after I finished, he was silent. For the moment, he gave me a sad look before smiling widely while small tears formed.

"…Thank you…for caring…" He said warmly. "Eh heh…I really gotta stop crying so easily…anyways I'm touched Fluttershy."

"R-Really?"

"Yeah, I mean you went through all that for me. I don't know what I would do without you."

"But…your arm got better without any of my help."

"Well, maybe not my arm, but you repaired another piece of my heart."

I stared at him taking that in. "Your…heart?"

"I guess it'll be easier for you to understand if I say…You made my faith for my life grow even bigger…With that, I'd say you saved my life in the long run…" Kasin said with great gratitude. "Thank you for the remedy as well as fixing my hopes…"

He hugged me and soon I felt a warmth from his chest. He seemed to be right about his heart. For every time he get's this happy around us, the symbol of his shirt seems to glow a pleasant feel. I was glad that I did help him in the end. After all this, Kasin asked me to stay a bit longer to keep him company until Twilight and Spike returned. I lied next to him as he studied more about our home. By the time Twilight and Spike got back, I fell asleep, but not before noticing Kasin was still up gazing at the stars. I was too tired to ask, but I guess he likes to stargaze…right?