//------------------------------// // Meeting an Angel // Story: Pod BOY: My Little Tony // by Krazy Stargazer //------------------------------// As the two pegasi were discussing more adult and practical matters, our dear Tony decided to go exploring. With a surprising amount of nimbleness, he slid off the sofa, and with a soft 'thump' landed on his rump. The cottage was filled with the sounds of all sorts of animals, mostly those of domesticated, docile creatures. Fluttershy took care of her more 'wild' animal friends outside. To Tony's perspective, though, Fluttershy's cottage looked like a huge zoo, filled with exotic creatures and wonders! He let out a 'gahh' in what one can only presume to be awe, at his surroundings. Just then a rabbit scurried by stopping dead in its tracks when it noticed Tony. Meet the notorious rabbit named Angel Bunny. Angel ruled with an iron fist...or paw in this case. His decision was law! Second only to their generous hostess, Fluttershy, of course. The rule of thumb had simply become 'If you wanted your stay at Fluttershy's cottage to be a pleasant one, you did not want to tick off Angel Bunny,' a creed even the most ferocious animals followed, least they incur the bunny's horrible wrath! Eyeing at this new creature in his territory, Angel hoped over to confront the intruder. He shot Tony a glare meant to intimidate and pacify. The reaction was rather...underwhelming. Tony merely cocked his head in inquiry, followed by his normal phrase 'gahh?' Needless to say, Angel was a bit shocked. That move usually left his victim cowering! Puffing out his chest and standing upright, he took a fighting stance, letting Tony know he meant business! Only to be answered again with another one of Tony's typical baby noises. Angel was appalled. Nothing seemed to intimidate this creature! He would get the newcomer to acknowledge his superiority! He confidently strode up to Tony, only mere inches from his face, with an expression of utter confidence. Unfortunately for Angel, he was now within striking distance! And quick as a flash, Tony promptly seized Angel and squeezed him in a tight bear hug! It happened so fast Angel only had time to utter a single 'squeak' in alarm before being pulled into in Tony's grip. He squirmed and pulled, but nothing seemed to work. Tony's long reach, mixed with his versatile digits on his forelimbs, made his hugs darn near impossible to escape. Even still, Tony's furry little captive tried fervently to escape his grasp, but he wasn't budging. Disgruntled, the furry captive finally accepted his fate, scowling and folding his paws. Tony, on the other hand, was delighted to meet another friend, and all too happy to give the bunny one of his signature 'Tony hugs'. Holding the soft, fluffy creature firmly, he cuddled him mercilessly. The animals witnessing what transpired were in shock! This strange hairless little creature managed to subdue the terror that was Angel Bunny? Why, it was unheard of, nopony stood up to the bunny! So shocked they were, they began making a ruckus at the sheer ludicrousness of the situation. ________________ Fluttershy's ears twitched at the sound of her animals in distress. She was surprised by what she saw. Tony was latched onto the poor disgruntled Angel Bunny, while Tony proceeded to mercilessly snuggle him. Honestly, it was just too adorable. "Awww, Angel, are you trying to make a new friend?" asked Fluttershy genuinely, trying her best not to fawn over the adorable display. A vein in Angel Bunny's skull nearly popped in sheer irritation, and he gave Fluttershy a frustrated glare. Then, it got worse. Rainbow took one look at the scene and swore she could felt her heart melt a bit. "Aww, that's priceless! Looks like 'Tough Tony' strikes again," she said giggling a bit. Humbled and embarrassed, the bunny slumped in defeat within Tony's ever-persistent grasp. Deciding to spare the bunny any more embarrassment, the two pegasi floated to them, and finally freed Angel from his captor. The newly freed bunny was still a bit shaken up by the events that transpired and, out of pure spite, stuck his tongue out at his former tormentor. Fluttershy gave him a disapproving look, but the rabbit looked unapologetic. After all the creature had assaulted him on his turf, why should he care? Unfortunately, Tony didn't like being separated from his furry little friend. His eyes began to water, and his face held a look of disappointment. Before anypony could react, Tony started bawling. "Wahhhhhh! Waaaaaaahhhhhhh!" he squealed. "Aww geez, not again," complained Rainbow Dash, "Shhhh it’s ok, it’s ok Tony". Despite her coddling, the unconscionable baby continued bawling. She tried rocking him, feeding him formula (which he refused), and even tried singing again, but the water works just kept coming. "Ah come on squirt, give me a break, what's wrong?" Angel Bunny merely looked on at the odd spectacle. The creature that captured him, held him captive, and embarrassed him...was crying? And he couldn't help but feel...sorry for the creature. Angel quickly pushed these thoughts aside; after all he deserved it right? Fluttershy looked on the scene unfolding before her. Her friend was desperately trying to calm the bawling baby but to no avail, while her beloved Angel Bunny merely looked on impassively. Then, suddenly, she had an idea on how to get Tony to calm down. "Uhm...Angel, can I please have a word with you?" asked Fluttershy. The rabbit obeyed and hopped over to his mistress. Then, in a lower voice, she spoke. "I know it isn't your fault...and I would never ask you to do something you weren't comfortable with...but could you maybe let Tony hug you again?" Angel Bunny's jaw dropped to the ground! How could his mistress ask such a thing of him? How could he bend his own pride to even consider doing such a thing? He shook his head vigorously in objection, folded his paws, and stomped his foot in indignation. "I know you two haven't gotten started on the right hoof...but I think you two could make good friends," the gentle pegasus continued. Angel scoffed at the idea but Fluttershy continued, "He didn't mean to scare or embarrass you Angel. He's just a baby, just like you once were." Angel's cold expression softened at this, but he still stood defiant. "You know how much I depend on you right? You’re Mommy's little helper," she said gently tussling his ears. The stroking to both his ego and his ears had finally dwindled Angel's indignation. "But, Mommy needs your help now, she needs you to be a strong bunny for her...can you do that for Mommy?" The one thing Angel valued more than his own pride was his mistress's happiness. Angel didn't like it, but he knew he only had one course of action left. Bouncing up to Rainbow Dash, he tugged at her and held his paws out. Rainbow Dash understood. She didn't know if he could pacify Tony, but she decided to trust the little rabbit, placing the still squalling infant gently on the ground. Angel Bunny took a deep breath and then leapt at Tony, giving him the biggest bear hug his little paws would allow. The hug's effect was nearly instantaneous. Tony didn't stop crying immediately, but rather hugged the brave bunny back. Then, little by little, the baby slowly calmed down. Angel Bunny simply held on to the poor creature he was once so easy to dismiss. He felt rather ashamed he blew this whole thing out of proportion, the baby wasn't a threat, and he just wanted attention. With Tony sufficiently calm, Rainbow gently took him back into her hooves and began gently rocking him. His little tantrum having tuckered him out, and after being fed his formula again, Tony was out like a light. "Whew, thanks for the assist Fluttershy," said a relieved Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy nodded appreciatively, but an indignant Angel Bunny taped his foot impatiently. "Oh, don't think I forgot about you, little guy," she continued with a grin, "Next time I visit, you can expect a really big carrot with your name all over it!" The bunny’s mouth began to water at the idea.