//------------------------------// // Four // Story: Candy Corn Kitten // by pokefreak13 //------------------------------// The kitten tipped crocked its head to one side and looked at its openmouthed audience. Several pieces of candy corn slid off its head and landed on the table with a plop. "What in Equestria is a kitten doing in a box of candy?" Derpy said at last. The kitten shook its head and yawned, showing a pale pink mouth and a set of tiny sharp teeth. "It's adorable." Apple Bloom whispered. "Do you think that maybe it came all the way from Saddle Arabia?" Scootalo asked. "The box was taped shut when it arrived. A kitten would never be able to survive a wagon ride sealed in a box like that." Button Mash explained. "Maybe it came through the kitchen window." Sweetie Bell replied. She pointed to a window that was opened a little to let in some fresh air. "But the window's only opened about two inches! I know cats can squeeze through small spaces, but that's just crazy!" Scootalo said. "Not as crazy as coming by mail." Apple Bloom informed. She walked slowly towards the box of candy corn without taking her eyes off the kitten. The little cat looked at her as she approached, but didn't try to scamper away or burrow back into the candy corn. Apple Bloom reached carefully into the box and stroked the kitten's head. The jet black fur was warm and was soft as feathers. The kitten closed it's yellow eyes and let out a small purr. Smiling, Apple Bloom dug her other hoof into the candy corn and gently lifted the kitten out. "Awe." Derpy whispered, coming closer to admire the little ball of fur that sat cradled against Apple Bloom's chest. "Is it a male or female?" Button Mash asked. Sweetie Bell looked at the kitten's stomach. "It's a boy." she said. Then Apple Bloom examined the kitten. Feeling for injuries the way Fluttershy taught her. There was a long scratch on it's back, which probably was the result from squeezing through the window, and the kitten was also a little thin. Otherwise he seemed fine. Apple Bloom guessed that the kitten was five weeks old. The same age when Apple Jack found Winona. "So where do ya think he came from?" Scootalo questioned. The kitten wiggled and then gave the loudest meow Apple Bloom has ever heard. Long and loud. It sounded like it should be coming from a creature three times it's size. "Yikes." said Sweetie Bell, taking two steps back. "That's spooky." The hairs rose on the back of Apple Bloom's neck as the kitten was about to meow once again. "It's alright pussycat. You're safe with us." Button Mash whispered. "What in the hay is going on here!" Button Mash's mother asked as she came into the kitchen. "First a scream, then a wail. Are there ghosts in here?" Apple Bloom held out the kitten. "He was in the candy corn. Isn't he adorable?" "He's certainly a handsome fellow." The cream colored mare said. "But what was this kitten doing in the candy corn?" Apple Bloom felt the kitten tense. Before she could stop him, the kitten sprang out of her hooves and dug his tiny claws into Mrs. Button's leg. Quick as light, the kitten climbed up the mare's leg, hopped across her shoulder, and came to a stop on top of her head. "What the?" Mrs. Button stuttered. The kitten clung onto the mane, ears pricked and mouth open as if he was laughing. "I'll get him." Sweetie Bell laughed. She was about to use her magic to levitate the kitten off, however Button Mash stopped her. "Mom, take him into the restaurant like that." the colt begged. "See if anypony notices." Mrs. Button smiled, turned around, and walked out of the kitchen. The kitten remained perfectly on her head. Crouched and steady. "Hay, does my hat belong to anypony?" The fillies and Derpy heard laughter and Apple Bloom peered through the door to see what was going on. It was breakfast time, so the restaurant was full. Mrs. Button stood with the kitten resting on her mane. Filthy Rich was sitting at a table with a glass of orange juice in front of him and a huge grin on his face. "Suits ya Lilly." Filthy Rich teased. "It's the fashion these days Rich." Carrot Top joked. The cream colored mare looked upward. "You don't recognize this kitten?" "It's not yours?" Rich said with surprise. "Nope. He just showed up in the kitchen. Does anypony recognize him?" Apple Bloom saw ponies shaking their heads. No pony seemed to know where the tiny black kitten came from. Suddenly, the kitten got bored. He took a flying leap from the top of Mrs. Button's head and landed on a table, where he raced up and down and batted at some coasters. His tiny front paws shot out from beneath him and he slid in a small puddle of water. With a look of surprise on the kitten's face, he tried and failed to grip the table, slid gracefully along the wood, off the edge, and plopped into Filthy Rich's lap. "Well!" Rich held the tiny black kitten up close to his face. "You are a feisty one, aren't ya." The kitten meowed quietly and began to lick the stallion's hoof. Button Mash's mother lifted the kitten out of Rich's hooves and brought him back into the kitchen. "Sorry that didn't help." the mare said sympathetically. Apple Bloom took the kitten and she placed the kitten onto her back. "Looks like we'll have to take him to Fluttershy's house. Sweetie Bell explained. The kitten stretched and then curled up into a ball of fur. "Can I hold him now Apple Bloom?" Scootalo begged. The CMC were taking a bumpy road to Fluttershy's cottage. "Sure. But ya have ta walk very carefully." Apple Bloom informed. Scootalo nodded and then carefully picked up the kitten and placed him on top of her head. "What should we name him?" Sweetie Bell questioned. "How about Candy since he came from candy corn." Apple Bloom answered. "I like Bright Eyes." Scootalo informed. "Lets name him Pumpkin." Sweetie Bell piped up. "Look, we're almost to Fluttershy's. We'll let her pick which name to call him." Apple Bloom explained. "Deal." Sweetie Bell and Scootalo said simultaneously.