//------------------------------//
// Unfair Warning 
// Story: Daring Do and the Tiny Tornado 
// by Metool Bard 
//------------------------------//

	"...And so, that's why it's important to note that breezies cannot collect pollen from any old flower.  They need the flowers that are native to this area specifically.  Otherwise, they wouldn't even bother with their odyssey.  Now then—"

"Um, Professor Windsday?"

Windsday sighed and turned to Fluttershy. "What is it, Ms. Fluttershy?"

"I think we've stopped."

Windsday took a moment to check his surroundings.  Sure enough, the stagecoach had stopped, and the driver outside was impatiently tapping his foot.  Windsday blushed and cleared his throat.

"Ah.  So we have," he said. "Right.  Let me just wrap up with some ground rules for our expedition.  The main thing to remember is that breezies are very, very timid creatures.  If you must speak, keep your voices no higher than a whisper.  Also, no sudden movements of any kind.  We don't want to frighten or hurt them.  Beyond that, just sit back and witness these miraculous creatures in action.  Any questions?"

"Um, just one," said Tree Hugger. "Aren't we gonna wait for the other prof and her student?"

Windsday smirked and adjusted his glasses. "Do not underestimate the fortitude of Professor Do, Ms. Hugger.  I'm sure they'll be joining us momentarily.  Now then, let us disembark.  The breezies await."

The three ponies stepped off of the carriage, and Windsday paid the driver.  Fluttershy took a moment to survey their surroundings.  Although mostly desolate, the desert was peppered with wild flowers of all shapes and sizes.  A gentle gust blew into her face, carrying with it the pleasant scent of camomile and lavender.  From the flowers, she heard faint chittering sounds.  Her eyes sparkled.

"I-I think I found them," she whispered, beckoning Tree Hugger and Windsday over.

"Careful, Ms. Fluttershy.  Don't get too close," Windsday warned, trotting over. "Remember, they're easily frightened."

Fluttershy nodded and took out her binoculars.  Although the atmosphere was relaxing and tranquil, her heart was going a mile a minute.  Forcing back a squeal of glee, she raised the binoculars to her eyes and focused on a nearby flower.

As soon as her vision came into focus, her heart swelled with overwhelming joy.  She watched in awe as a modest swarm of breezies flittered about from flower to flower, filling the pouches they had strapped to their backs.  Some sat underneath the flowers, sipping dew from makeshift cups and munching on cherries.  The whole scenario was enough to give Fluttershy goosebumps as she trembled all over.

"You alright there, Flutterslice?" asked Tree Hugger.

"Th-they're so adorable~!" Fluttershy squeaked, her eyes glistening. "Oh, I've always dreamed of this moment, but I never thought it'd be like this.  Th-this is more wonderful than I could ever imagine!  They're just so tiny, and cute, and...  Ooh~!  I wish I could just go over there and take them all home with me!"

"Um, do try to fight that impulse, Ms. Fluttershy," said Windsday. "Even with your prestige, I doubt the ESPRC would support such actions."

Fluttershy's expression deflated slightly. "Oh.  I-I understand," she sighed, a twinge of disappointment seeping into her voice. "I'm sorry, Professor Windsday."

"No need to apologize, my dear," Windsday stated warmly. "Just remember that we're only here to observe for now."

Tree Hugger gave Windsday a quizzical look. "For now?"

"Well, you can't expect the breezies to start their great odyssey without a breeze to protect them," said Windsday. "Once the breezies are done harvesting their pollen, it's up to us pegasi to see them off."

"Cool, cool," said Tree Hugger with a nod. "How do you know when they're ready to head off?"

"You listen," said Windsday. "Breezies have a very distinctive call when they are rallying their brethren together.  That in turn is our cue to prepare the breeze for them."

"Righteous, dude.  I hear ya," said Tree Hugger. "I'm, like, always in-tune with the natural vibrations around me, so a sound like that would probably be easy to pick up on.  You pegasi probably have that stuff memorized, yeah?"

Windsday knitted his brow. "Well, that's a bit complicated.  It's actually one of the things that separates the breezies from other forms of fauna.  See, unlike other animals, breezies have their own language."

"Actually, that's not true," said Fluttershy, not even looking up from her binoculars. "All animals have their own language."

Windsday wrinkled his nose. "Ah, um...  Perhaps I misspoke," he said. "What I meant was that breezies have a language that can actually be deciphered."

Tree Hugger's eyes went wide. "You for real, man?  You can, like, actually write down what these creatures are saying?  That's, like, far out."

"It's true, Ms. Hugger," said Windsday, adjusting his glasses. "Of course, we've never seen an actual instance of breezies writing, but after much research, I have managed to construct a competent codex.  It is currently available at the Royal Canterlot University bookstore if you're interested."

"Hmm.  That's odd."

Windsday turned to Fluttershy, who was still watching through her binoculars.

"What?  What's odd?" asked Windsday.

"Shh," Fluttershy hissed. "I'm trying to listen.  I think there's some sort of argument going on."

Windsday stood still for a moment and listened intently. "Hmm, yes.  It's faint, but it does sound like some of the breezies are having a bit of a spat.  Hang on, I'll get my codex and—"

"They're arguing about which one of them should fetch the dew.  I think."

Windsday did a double take. "Wait, what?  How can you tell?"

"Part of my special talent is being able to communicate with animals," said Fluttershy plainly. "That includes fey creatures such as will-o-wisps or the star spiders found in the Everfree Forest."

"Oh.  Um, I see," said Windsday, letting out a disgruntled snort. "Well, what are they saying now?"

There was a pause as Fluttershy continued to listen. "They agreed to fetch the dew together."

Tree Hugger took out her own binoculars and peered through them.  Sure enough, a pair of breezies were delicately brushing dewdrops off of the leaves of a flower. "Yeah, I'm seeing what you're seeing, Flutterslice.  Hey, Prof.  Breezies don't really do stuff like that, do they?"

"Well, it's not unusual," said Windsday, tapping his chin.  He then raised his own binoculars and furrowed his brow. "Wait.  This is wrong."

Fluttershy perked up. "What?  What's wrong?"

"There are too few breezies here," Windsday said darkly. "There should be a lot more.  Something must have them spooked."

Tree Hugger raised an eyebrow. "Dude.  Like, how did you not notice that?  I knew something was wrong with the aura of this place the minute we got here."

"Then why didn't you say anything?!" Windsday hissed.

Tree Hugger shrugged. "Didn't want to ruin the mood, dude.  But it's just like you said.  The aura of the breezies is totally messed up."

Fluttershy gasped. "Oh my!  That sounds serious!  We have to go help them!"

"Hold on now, Ms. Fluttershy," said Windsday sternly. "While I agree that this is a problem, we cannot act rashly.  We need more facts."

"The breezies are in trouble.  Those are all the facts I need," said Fluttershy flatly.

"Yes, but where do we start?" asked Windsday. "We can't just charge in and scare the breezies."

Fluttershy knitted her brow and tapped her chin. "Hmm.  You're right about that.  Hang on a moment."

She looked through her binoculars again and focused on the two breezies gathering dewdrops.  Windsday arched an eyebrow.

"Ms. Fluttershy, what are you—?"

"Shh!" Fluttershy interrupted. "I'm trying to listen to them.  Uh-huh.  Mmm-hmm.  O-oh my goodness!"

"What?  What is it?" asked Tree Hugger.

"Those breezies mentioned something about finding an injured breezie out in the desert," Fluttershy explained, desperately trying to keep her voice low.

"That might explain why they were gathering dewdrops," said Windsday. "But I'm afraid it doesn't appear to have much to do with our—"

"I'm going after them."

Windsday bristled at Fluttershy's sudden statement. "You're what?"

"I'm going after them," Fluttershy repeated. "These creatures obviously need my help."

"H-how can you be so brazen?" asked Windsday. "You don't know how to take care of these creatures!"

"No, but I know that there's something wrong with them," Fluttershy retorted. "You said so yourself; this isn't natural.  Besides, there's a cute, defenseless creature suffering in the middle of the desert.  I cannot and will not simply ignore that."

"N-now now, Ms. Fluttershy.  Let's not be so hasty," said Windsday. "The ESPRC—"

"Would probably side with Flutterslice on this one," said Tree Hugger, cutting across Windsday. "I've seen her work her magic on the train ride over here.  She's a natural, and she has a big heart.  It's not really our place to deter her, know what I'm saying?"

Windsday coughed. "I-I can't be too careful, Ms. Hugger.  These are breezies we're talking about.  I can't simply leave them in the hooves of somepony who's never worked with them before."

"Then why don't you teach me how to take care of them?" inquired Fluttershy. "I'd be more than happy to learn."

Professor Windsday paused before a streak of light flashed off of his glasses. "Hmm.  You have a point, Ms. Fluttershy," he said, stroking his chin. "I suppose it would behoove you to learn this sort of thing, seeing as the breezies will be traveling to Ponyville this year.  Very well, let us investigate.  But we'll do so quietly and cautiously."

"Of course," said Fluttershy with a nod. "I find that's the best way to—"

"Oy!"

A loud voice echoed from the right, causing the breezies to scatter every which way.  Windsday slapped his forehead and growled while Fluttershy whipped her head around in a panic.

"Oh no!  Oh dear!" she panted, flying after the breezies she eavesdropped on before. "P-please don't be scared, little breezies.  It's going to be okay.  We're here to help you."

"Ms. Fluttershy, please wait!" Windsday called out, taking off after her. "I'm not as young as I once was!"

Tree Hugger started to follow them herself when a firm hoof grabbed her shoulder and spun her around.  When she recovered from the dizzying experience, she saw Tailspin before her, wide-eyed and panting heavily.

"Oh, hey.  You're the student girl, ain't ya?" said Tree Hugger, seemingly unfazed. "What's up?"

"I-I need your help!" Tailspin blurted out in one breath.

"My help?" asked Tree Hugger. "What do you need my help wi—?"

"There's no time to explain!  We have to hurry!" Tailspin interrupted, grabbing Tree Hugger's hoof. "C'mon!"

Before Tree Hugger could say another word, Tailspin ran off into the desert, dragging her along.  As the desert plains became still and quiet again, the breezies emerged from their hiding places, wondering what all the fuss was about.