> A Lesson in Kindness
>  by bkc56
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

My eyes snapped open. The room was dark, but I knew I wasn't alone. I could hear breathing all around me. I rolled onto my side and looked out the window. There was just a hint of purple and red reaching up into the black sky; the first signs of Celestia's sunrise on the horizon. Good, it’s still early, I thought to myself. I’ve got plenty of time, I just can’t waste any. No leisurely breakfast or morning tea today. I turned on the bedside lamp. Its light spilled across the room, and I saw Angel lift his head and look at me. “It’s okay, Angel, you can go back to sleep.” He gave me a little pout at having been disturbed and put his head back down.

I hopped out of bed with a big stretch and a yawn. As I stood there, my eyelids slowly sank until they were closed. After a moment I startled and my eyes popped open again. “Right, no time to waste.” As I went to get ready for the day, I had to carefully step over some animals curled up on the floor asleep. “We need to find you guys a better place to sleep.” I reached out to pet one. No, it’s early, better to just let them sleep for now.

Once I was ready, a little rumble in my tummy told me it was time for breakfast. My prize was on the counter. Yay! I still have some muffins left. No cold oats cereal today. Two of the last four golden brown muffins found themselves on a plate. I inhaled deeply. “Hmmm, cinnamon.” Half of one vanished in a big bite.

As I chewed, I considered my morning, and apprehension settled on me like a winter chill. The last few days haven't been good for sick critters. Last week a family of field mice arrived, all with fevers. I set them up in a box inside my cottage. The next day two more families arrived from the same colony. They wanted to stay outside. I stepped over to peer into the box where the one family slept. I briefly smiled at the little pile of fluff balls in the corner. “What if more of your friends get sick and come here? What are we going to do?”

With the first bite of the second muffin, I made my decision. It’s been several days, and you aren’t getting any better. I’m going to Zecora’s to get a fever-reducing potion. I had a plan, and the apprehensive chill lifted. I collected my saddlebags, some bits, and headed out the door. The warmth of the early dawn sun soaked into my coat as I stood at the doorway. My eyes drifted to the dark path into the Everfree Forest. The path seemed to grow darker as I watched. I shook my head. No, this is important. There are critters counting on me. I lifted my head and stepped forward…







On a normal day, the trip to Zecora's hut and back would be a wonderful diversion. When it wasn't trying to hurt you, the Everfree Forest really was a beautiful place. And there were so many cute forest critters to stop and chat with. But today was not a normal day and there was no time for distractions. Breathing hard from the exertion, I pushed myself harder. I felt bad about cutting my visit with Zecora short, but I need to get this potion home as fast as I can.

As I trotted along, my ears swiveled towards a strange sound off to the left of the trail. I slowed to a walk, then stopped. I backed up a few steps and quickly looked around. The last thing I need to run into this morning is a manticore or cockatrice. I just want to get home and care for my field mice guests.

As I listened, I noticed that it didn’t sound like any monster I was familiar with. In fact, it sounded like something hurt, or frightened, or perhaps both. I couldn’t see the source of the sound through the thick undergrowth. Do I dare look in there? Perhaps I should just get going. But what if some creature is hurt? I can’t just run off, it wouldn’t be right. I walked in a circle looking for any signs of danger, then stood facing down the path to home. It would be so easy to just keep going, and safer too. Then I heard another cry. I turned and pushed my head between two bushes next to the trail. I could see a gap just ahead as if a few trees were missing from the dense forest, and there was something moving at the base of a particularly thick tree.

I took a deep breath, set my jaw, and forced my way through the bushes. They scraped and clawed at my coat, almost as if they were trying to hold me back. That’s just silly. I fought my way forward until I entered the small clearing. Sitting among the large roots of the huge tree sat a pegasus colt. His fur was as black as writing ink, with a mane and tail as white as the paper you’d use it on. He sat leaning against the tree trunk. His eyes were downcast, and I heard another soft whimper. He looked so sad and alone and my heart ached for him. 

“Hello,” I said softly. His head whipped around with wide frightened eyes. I saw his glance linger on my wings before he relaxed. “What are you doing way out here?” He just stared at me. “Are you lost?” He slowly nodded. He was guarding his left wing, holding it with a hoof. “Did you hurt your wing?”

“I crashed.” He sniffled a couple times.

“I’m sorry.” He doesn’t look dangerous, well, as long as he isn’t a changeling… After a quick glance to the left and right, I stepped forward a couple more paces. “Can I take a look? Perhaps I can help.” He didn’t answer, but dropped his leg and turned a little so the injured wing was facing me. I closed the gap between us and sat down. “Where does it hurt?” His hoof hovered over the spot where the wing met his body, then he put the leg back down. Can you stretch your wing out for me?” He extended it about halfway, then winced at the effort, closing his eyes. The feathers were disheveled and messy. Streaks of red stained some of the white feathers.

I scooted a little closer beside him. He fidgeted uncomfortably but didn’t try to escape. I smiled at him. “My name’s Fluttershy. What’s your name?”

“Peter,” he said softly.

“Well, Peter, I’m going to very carefully touch your wing. I’ll try super hard to not hurt you, but I need to see if anything is broken.” His eyes were locked on my forelegs as they hovered over his wing. I shouldn’t start where it already hurts, so wingtips first. With a hoof on each side, I gently pressed on the wing. Nothing moves that shouldn’t, and he didn’t flinch. Shift over a bit, and repeat. I didn’t notice any active bleeding. I blew out a soft breath in relief.

He would grimace ever so slightly with each touch as if he was expecting it to hurt. This won’t do. I can’t tell if his wing really hurts, or if he just expects it to. I need to distract him.  “So, Peter, what are you studying in school?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know, the usual stuff I guess. I don’t like it.”

I spared him a quick glance. “You don’t like school?”

He shook his head. “It’s boring. I don’t like reading, and I hate homework.”

“Isn’t there some subject you enjoy, even a little?” I was almost half done checking his wing.

He thought for a moment. “I do like science… some. But that’s because we get to do stuff, like play with magnets or prisms.” He broke into a small smile. “Oh, oh, this one time the teacher brought in a mommy hamster. A couple days later we got to watch her have babies. That was so cool. Although the lecture after that about horses and foals was a little weird. Interesting, but weird.” Then his smile vanished as his ears drooped and his head sunk low.

I had finished examining his wing and sat up straight again. “What’s the matter, Peter?”

“One of the baby hamsters died right after being born. The teacher said life is like that. I was so sad, I almost cried.” He squeezed his eyes shut and sniffed once.

I reached out to his cheek and turned his head towards me. “Look at me, Peter.” He opened his sad eyes. “There’s nothing wrong with feeling sorry for helpless animals. Kindness is not wasted. Never, and I mean never be ashamed of your feelings. Do you understand?” Slowly, he nodded. 

“Good.  Also, we’re all done with your wing. You can fold it back up now. Slowly…” He made another face as he pulled the wing close to his body. “I don’t believe anything is broken, but with how much it hurts, I’m sure you at least strained it.”

I stood up. “I have a house not far from here. I can bandage up your wing, and then we can contact your parents. They must be very worried about you. How long have you been lost?”

He dropped his head. “All night…”

“All night?” My hoof came up to my mouth. My heart skipped a beat at the thought of him out here, alone, all night. The Everfree Forest isn’t very safe during the day, but at night it’s absolutely terrifying. “What happened?”

His head sank even lower. “I was supposed to be in bed, but I wasn’t sleepy and wanted to explore.” He raised his eyes to look at me. “So I snuck out for a little flight. We’d only been in town for a couple days and there was so much to see. But there was no moon and so many clouds, I got lost.” His ears drooped. ”I couldn’t find the lights of the city, and I got confused.”

“Oh, you poor thing,” I said softly as I reached out and stroked his mane.

His head lifted a little, and his eyes met mine. “I flew and flew until I was so tired I couldn’t keep going. I tried to land, but couldn’t see the trees and crashed.” He sniffed a couple times and swiped a leg across his eyes. “That’s when I hurt my wing.”

“And you sat here in the dark all night? That must have been so scary. We need to get you back right away.” He’s not too big, I’m sure I can carry him home. I dropped down on my barrel. “Here, jump up on my back, and I’ll carry you. I’ll be as gentle as I can.” 

I was surprised when he stood up. He was clearly young based on his voice and behavior, but he was a big colt. Perhaps there’s some earth pony in his parents or grandparents. He climbed up onto my withers and let his forelegs hang down on either side of my neck, his rear legs over my ribs. I stood up, made my way back to the trail through a gap I spotted, and started for home. He’s heavier than I expected, but I can do this. He needs my help.

I’d only gone a short distance when I felt his head against my neck. Soon after, I heard gentle snoring. He must be exhausted. I gently eased up into a trot to make better time. His parents must know he’s gone by now. They’ll be worried sick.

I squinted in the bright sunlight as we exited the protection of the forest canopy. The sun was warm on my coat. It felt good to be out of the forest’s shadow. I dropped to a walk as I entered the yard, and I felt Peter stirring on my back. He yawned and stretched his legs. I glanced over my shoulder to see him looking around.

Suddenly he pointed with a hoof and stuttered, “Bu… bu… bu… bear!”

A large brown bear stood on his hind legs a few paces away, eyeing us. “Oh, that’s just Harry. He’s very gentle.” I waved. Harry tilted his head slightly, lifted a furry paw, and waved back. “He lives here.” 

“So, he’s not going to eat me?” He clung to me just a little bit tighter.

“Oh, no, he would never eat a friendly little colt.” I turned away to hide a small mischievous grin. “You are friendly… right?”

“Yes, yes, I’m friendly!” Then even louder as he turned towards Harry. “I’m a friendly little colt!” After a tense moment, Peter gave his own tentative wave which Harry returned. Peter lowered his leg and giggled. “I guess he’s okay.” He paused as he surveyed the area. “What about all the other animals out here?” Several critters had come over to see my passenger. Peter looked at all the little upturned faces. “Umm, they’re all watching me…”

“Oh, they’re all friendly too. A new visitor always generates a lot of interest. Some live here, some are just visiting.” I headed for the cottage. “Let’s get you inside and see to that wing.” 

After entering my home, I squatted down, “Here, you slide off.” He dropped down and backed away. “Now you just wait a moment while I look in this closet.” I slid out a couple boxes and put them on the floor. As I reached into the dark cavity I explained, “I keep some of my supplies in here for injured animals.” Feeling around a bit, I found what I was looking for and pulled it out showing it to Peter. “It’s a wing sling. It’s an adult size, but you’re pretty big. If I adjust the straps, it should work.” I returned the boxes to their spots and closed the door.

“First, I want to clean off this little bit of blood.” I tried to make it sound minor. As I cleaned the wing with a damp cloth, I spotted a few small scratches that were the source of the blood. “This doesn’t look bad.” His parents will take him to a doctor, and they can bandage the wing if necessary.

“OK, I know this might hurt a bit, but it’ll feel a lot better when we’re done.” I carefully slipped the sling’s envelope over the injured wing. He winced with the movement. I wish I could do this without hurting him. Two straps went over his back, one under his barrel, and they all connected to a loop around his far foreleg. “All done. Now just relax your wing and let the sling hold it. Yes, perfect. How does that feel?”

He wiggled his wing a couple times and smiled. “That’s better. Thanks.” He looked around the room. “Why are all these animals in here? Isn’t this your house?”

“Well, I have a few that live here all the time, like Angel over there.” I pointed at my rabbit friend. “But the others are here because they’re sick or injured. I take care of them.”

His eyes went wide. “All of them? Outside too?”

I nodded. “Outside too. This morning I went to get a potion to help treat some sick field mice. I was returning home when I found you. Now that I’ve finished caring for you I need to care for the mice by giving them this potion. Would you like to help?” A little distraction will help him forget about his hurt wing. In a bit, I can ask about his parents.

“Oh, could I?” He nodded enthusiastically. “Is that okay?”

“Yes, I’d love to have some help. Please go to that cupboard right there,” I pointed, “And get out three of the tiny little bowls, and two lids. Set them on the table here.” I watched as he went to the cupboard and opened the door. He shifted his weight, unsure what to do. He glanced back at me so I nodded to him. “Go ahead. The little ones over on the right side. He then reached up to get the bowls. While he was doing that I got the potion out of my saddlebag. I set it on the table and he put the bowls next to it. “Now pour four drops of this into each bowl.”

He lowered his head to look at the vial of blue liquid. “What if I get too much?”

I smiled. “I’ll just pour it back in the vial and you can try again. Go on. You can’t mess up.”

He picked up the vial in both hooves and leaned his whole body over to tip the vial. His tongue stuck out one side of his mouth as he carefully poured four drops in each bowl. “See, you did great.” I put the stopper in the vial and got a small cup of water. “Okay, now add a little bit of water to each bowl, but not more than half full.” Filled with confidence from the first step, he was less tentative adding the water. He looked up at me expectantly. “Perfect. Now, see that box?” I pointed to where the family of field mice were staying. He nodded. “Carefully take one of these bowls over and replace the one they have. I’ll take the other two to the families staying outside.” I put the lids on two of the bowls, scooped them up on a wing, and headed out.

Peter was excitedly jumping from hoof to hoof when I returned. “I replaced the bowl. Then I told them it would help them feel better. The big mice woke up the little ones, and they all went and started drinking.” He had a huge smile. “This is fun.”

Is there any chance they understood him? I took a quick peek at the mice who all glanced up at me. “It isn’t difficult to care for animals, although it does take a lot of hard work. But it’s mostly just about being kind to them.”

He calmed down and softly asked, “Like you were to me?”

I smiled and patted him on the head. “Like I was to you. Speaking of which, I bet you're hungry after spending the night in the forest, and with no breakfast.” He nodded with great enthusiasm. “Well, let’s see what we got over here.” I walked to the kitchen area as he followed.

He spotted the last two muffins and pointed. “Oh, can I have one of those? We don’t get special stuff like that very often at home.”

“I’m not sure muffins are exactly special. Your parents don’t let you have them?” I grabbed them and set them on the table.

“My parents are both very careful about what we eat because of their jobs.” He climbed into a chair.

As I got a plate from the cupboard I asked, “Are they athletes? What do they do?”

“They’re dancers for the Civic Dance Troupe. They do sky ballet.” His eyes never left the muffins.

“So they’re pegasi?” I placed a muffin on the plate and set it in front of Peter. He looked up at me. “Go ahead. You can have the other one too if you’re really hungry.” He grabbed the muffin and took a big bite.

“Yeah. They’re the only two pegasi horses in the troupe. Mmm, this is great!” Another bite saw half the muffin gone already.

“Your parents are horses? That explains why you’re so big.” That also explains why he doesn’t have a cutie mark.

He glanced up, still chewing. “I’m big?”

I nodded. “For a pony colt, yes. I bet you’re the perfect size for a horse colt.” I poured him a glass of apple juice and set the second muffin on his plate. He finished off the first one, eyeing the second as he chewed.

“Wait a second. A dance troupe? There’s a series of dance performances in Cloudsdale this week. Is that your troupe?”

He nodded, getting out a “Yeth,” through a full mouth.

“Then all we need to do is figure out a way to contact them.” My mind was already racing with questions. Where would the troupe be staying? How could I contact them? How would I get Peter back to them?

Peter downed his apple juice, picked up what was left of his second muffin, and asked, “Can I go outside and see the animals?”

I nodded. “Sure. Just go slow and give them their space. Let them come to you if they want to.”

“I will. Thanks.” He hopped off the chair and trotted out the door.

I glanced down at Angel. “So how am I going to let Peter’s parents know he’s here? I could run into Ponyville and send a peg-o-gram, but I don’t know where I’d address it. Perhaps Twilight… I could send a note to Twilight! I bet she could figure something out.” I stepped over to my desk and got out a small sheet of paper. I was just reaching for the quill…

“Miss Fluttershy, help!”
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

At his call for help, I spun around to see Peter stepping sideways through the door. He had something big on his back partially supported by his outstretched good wing. He struggled under the weight. It looked like a large bird. “I think it’s hurt… bad.” Peter’s brow was furrowed with worry.

I rushed to the table and spread out a thick towel. “Put it here.” He scooted up next to the table and together we gently slid his bundle off. The bird lifted its head and looked at me. I could see the pain in its eyes.

Peter folded his wing and turned to face the table. “I think it’s an eagle.”

I reached out to smooth some ruffled feathers and calm it. “It’s a raptor, but…” I studied its color and markings. “He’s a Red-Tailed Hawk. There are a number of them who live along the edge of the forest. It looks like his wing is hurt. What happened?”

Peter set his chin on the table and locked eyes with the hawk. “I was walking around and I saw something move over by the trees. I got closer and realized it was a bird laying on its side with one wing sticking up. It was like he was waving for help. I did just like you and walked slowly to him while I talked. I said I knew someone who could help, and he let me pick him up.”

I reached out and tousled his mane a little. “That’s amazing. Most raptors don’t like to be handled. You did very well.” Peter lifted his head to smile, then set it down again. “You keep talking to him while I check his wing.”

“Oh, just like you did with me?” I nodded. “Okay, Mr Hawk. Miss Fluttershy is going to help you now. She helped me earlier. She’s very gentle…”

While Peter continued to calmly talk to the hawk, I carefully checked his wing. The feathers were askew and there were gaps where a couple primaries were missing. The hawk tensed as I inspected the wing, but his eyes never left Peter. Fortunately, just like Peter, nothing appeared to be broken. I let out a relieved sigh. “I think he’s okay, nothing seems broken.”

Peter gently stroked the hawk's head. “Did you hear that? You’re going to be fine.” He glanced up at me. “Now what?”

“Now we wrap up that wing.” I gave him a single nod.

“Just like me.” He looked back at his wing secured in the sling.

“Just like you. Except, I don’t have a sling this small, so instead we’ll wrap it against his body.” I stepped back. “Will you help?” Peter nodded excitedly. I went to a cupboard and took out a roll of wide tan tape. “This is special tape that won’t stick to fur or feathers.” I returned to the table. “I use it when I need to keep a wing or leg from moving while it heals.” I set the tape on the table.

Peter pulled the tape closer and felt the texture of it. “What if his wing was broken?”

I gently pet the hawk trying to make it more comfortable with being touched. It gave a little squawk but didn’t move or take its eyes off Peter. “If a critter is hurt really badly, then I take it into Ponyville to see Doctor Fauna. She’s our local veterinarian.”

His eyes shifted to me for a moment, and back to the hawk. “What’s a vet… vetra… what’s that?”

I smiled. “It’s a doctor that deals with all sorts of critters, not just ponies. Doctor Fauna can treat anything from as small as a sick pet fish, up to as large as a pig or a cow on a local farm. So, you ready to get started here?” He nodded. “Good. First, gently roll the hawk onto his belly.”

“We’re going to help you now, Mr Hawk. Don’t be scared.” Peter used both hooves to roll the hawk upright and then looked up at me questioningly.

“That’s perfect.” I took the roll of tape. “Now lift him up onto his feet and let’s see if he can stand.” Peter carefully lifted him and the hawk put down his legs to stand on its own. “Looks like he can stand just fine. Peter, put one hoof on its chest to hold him steady, and with the other hoof hold his good wing just a bit away from his body.”

Without taking his eyes off the bird he asked, “How’s that?”

“Just right. Now just hold steady.” I worked fast, wrapping the tape around the hurt wing and body, but under the good wing, and in front of his legs. After several loops, I ripped off the tape and secured the end. “Done. Let him go.” Peter dropped his hooves. The hawk craned his head back to look at the bandaged wing, then returned his gaze to Peter.

Peter smiled at him. “See, it’s all bandaged up. You’re just like me.” Peter turned to show the hawk his wing secured in the sling. “We’ll both be better soon…” He glanced at me, “Right?”

“I’m sure of it.” I set down the roll of tape and double-checked the wrap. “Okay, Peter, I need you to prepare a nest for him. Around the side of the cottage are some shallow wooden boxes. Pick one that’s big enough for Mr Hawk to lie down in. Fill it with straw from the pile there. Just like a nest, higher on the edges. Can you do that?”

“Yes, yes,” he exclaimed nodding, “I can do that.” He shot out of the cottage, his good wing extending for balance as he made a sharp turn and went out of sight.

I addressed Mr Hawk. “Let’s make sure that bandage isn’t too tight and that you can walk.” I lifted him off the table and set him on the floor. “You’ll be staying outside.” I headed for the door and he kept pace beside me. Looks like you’re walking fine. As I scanned the room I realized all the other critters were hiding under or behind furniture and such. Scores of frightened eyes peered out. A quick check of the patient saw him eyeing the animals.

I spun around and gave him a stern look. “Listen here Mr Hawk.” I softly stomped a hoof. “Most of these critters are guests, just like you. They are friends, not food. You will not hurt them. Do you understand me?” I gave him a serious glare. His head dipped once, and then he nodded. I smiled at him. “Good, I’m glad we got that clear.” We continued towards the door and I noted he no longer looked around as he walked. And I didn’t even need to use ‘the look’.

Once outside I saw Peter struggling with a large wooden box on his back. As he weaved back and forth keeping it balanced he called out, “Got it done. Where does it go?”

I pointed to a bench covered by an awning. “He’ll stay on that bench over there. He’ll be off the ground and covered from any weather. Set the box on the ground next to it for now.”

Peter sat down next to the box patting the straw inside. “In here Mr Hawk…” The bird hopped in, turned around a couple times carefully studying his accommodations, then laid down. Peter and I lifted the box and placed it on the bench.

“Now Peter, Mr Hawk needs his rest, so you need to leave him alone.” I turned towards the cottage. “And you should come inside and rest too.”

“Can I stay out here a little longer? Just a few more minutes. Please?” I was assaulted by what were probably practiced puppy-dog eyes.

I signed. “Alright, but just for a little bit longer.” He broke into a big grin and trotted off. I went inside. “Now where was I? Oh, that’s right. Twilight. A letter.”

I returned to my desk and took up my quill. "Dear Twilight," I started to write when my ears flicked towards a noise outside. "Okay, what now?" I went to the door to look out. A short distance away I saw Harry and Peter sitting on the ground facing each other. They were both chattering away. Paws or hooves would wave in the air to emphasize some particular point. I don’t believe either could understand the other, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of their conversation. Still, I wonder… I took a couple steps out to try and hear but decided against eavesdropping on them. I turned and headed back towards the desk.

I almost made it.

My goal was interrupted by a loud roar from outside, then another. With a hoof on my forehead, I sighed, "Five minutes. Just five minutes." I sighed again and turned around.

My heart skipped a beat as I looked out. Peter was making an escape around Harry's side as a huge paw crashed down just missing him. I tried to yell "Peter, run!" but the words caught in my throat. My heart pounded in my chest. Peter looped around to Harry’s other side. What are you doing, Peter? You need to get away! Harry twisted around swiping with a huge paw. Peter ducked as the claws raked less than a hoof width above him. Peter skidded to a stop in front of the towering bear. With a laugh, he threw his front legs out, tail high, just like AJ’s dog Winona, or any other dog at play. He danced back and forth as Harry grabbed at him. A huge paw lifted up ready to squash Peter like a bug. He bolted and Harry hit nothing but a bit of a trailing tail. They’re… playing? I took a couple deep breaths trying to calm myself.

Laughing so hard he could hardly gallop straight, Peter went a ways past Harry, spun around, and with narrowed eyes and gritted teeth, charged. Seeing his approach, Harry swung around with his paw close to the ground. Peter effortlessly jumped over it with a laugh. At the apex of his arc, his good wing snapped out to take flight. The sling on the other side bounced but held the injured wing firm. Peter yelped and crashed to the ground landing on his side and sliding in the dirt. Harry dropped to all fours, gently probing Peter with the tip of his nose.

Peter saw me galloping towards him and through tear-filled eyes, he exclaimed, “It’s not his fault! Harry didn’t hurt me! I just forgot my wing and tried to fly. He didn’t do anything.” He extended a leg protectively by Harry’s head.

I squatted down and wiped away the tears from his cheeks. “I know, Peter. I saw the whole thing. Harry was being very careful.” As I gently stroked his mane, I could see his body relax. I wondered about this little colt who was more concerned about his brand new friend than his own pain.

I glanced over at the worried bear. “It’s okay, Harry. You didn’t hurt him.” I hoped he wasn’t feeling guilty. He really didn’t do anything. Harry repeatedly looked between me and Peter.

I turned back to Peter. “I think that’s enough play for now. You’re really tired, so let’s go inside and have you take a little nap. Does that sound okay?” He nodded. The mere mention of a nap made his eyelids heavy and he yawned. “Do you need any help getting up?”

He stood up. “No, I think I’m okay.”

I gave Harry one last reassuring pat on the head, and then Peter and I walked inside. I probably shouldn’t have let him go outside. I didn’t think he and Harry would start roughhousing of all things. “Here, hop up on my bed. You can sleep here. And I’ll sit with you until you nod off.”

He looked up at me as I pulled up a blanket, “Thank you.” He smiled softly and snuggled into the pillow.

“You’re very welcome. Now you just close your eyes…” But it was too late. He was already asleep. Up all night scared and alone; he’d sleep for hours. I glanced up to see Harry watching through the window. With a smile, I nodded at him.

I stood up and headed back to the desk. I couldn’t possibly be upset with Peter, but with the source of the interruptions asleep, perhaps, finally, I could see about getting word to his parents. With no emergencies to interfere, I had the note done in mere moments. I rolled it up tight and tied it with a little piece of string. As I headed outside, I paused. 

“Angel,” He looked up at me from his position still hiding under the bed. “Could you please sit with Peter? I’ll be outside for a while. If he wakes up, or anything happens, come get me?” He nodded once, jumped up on the bed, and sat down on the pillow next to Peter’s head. “Thank you.”

Once outside I called out, “I need a fast bird to carry a message. Can someone help me, please?” A blue jay I’d seen around shot towards me and landed on a fence post. “Hi.” I smiled at him. “Do you know where Twilight’s Castle is in Ponyville?” He nodded. “Great. Do you know who Twilight is?” He nodded again. I held out the note in my upturned hoof. “Can you fly super fast and give this to her, or perhaps her little dragon assistant if she’s not there?” He looked at the note, grabbed it in his beak, and streaked away before I could even say thanks. Two other jays joined him just above and behind. He has an escort. They’ll get it done.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sometime later, Mr Blue Jay returned and reported the note delivered to Twilight. So now I just had to wait. This would be a good time to do all my outside chores. The sun was getting low in the sky when some movement caught my eye. I looked up to see Rainbow Dash, wings flared, coming in for a landing.

“Hi, Fluttershy.” She folded her wings and stepped over. “Twilight got your note and contacted Captain Spitfire, who assigned me to escort… And… you’re not hearing a word I say.”

She was right. My gaze was locked on the two magnificent pegasus horses flying towards us. He was a jet-black stallion, she a snow-white mare. Their extended wings seemed to stretch out forever, and they were virtually motionless as they glided down. I softly gasped as they gently settled to the ground. All they did was coast down and land, but the elegance and grace of their movements took my breath away. I glanced at Dash to see her smirking at me.

“Don’t worry, I had the same reaction when I first saw them fly. Oh, and close your mouth.” She softly snickered.

As they walked over I could see them better. He had the muscular body of an athlete, strong legs, and the chiseled muzzle of a stage actor. She was delicate with slender legs and a face befitting royalty. Their presence was so powerful I found myself bowing my head as they approached. 

The dad spoke first, “Miss Fluttershy, I presume?” I nodded. “Miss Dash says you found Peter?”

My voice lost, all I could do was nod again.

The mom added, “She said Peter was hurt. Where is he?”

I tried to speak but nothing came out. I cleared my throat and tried again. “Yes, I found him this morning in the forest. He hurt his wing a little, but I don’t think anything is broken. Still, you should have a doctor check him.” The worry lines on their faces faded. “He had a long sleepless night and is resting.” I realized how high I needed to look to talk to them. Horses are really tall when you’re standing next to one. “I think my cottage would be a little cramped for you. If you’ll wait a moment, I’ll go get him.”

I don’t know why, but I bowed again, and then trotted through the open door of my cottage. He was still asleep with the blanket half kicked off. Angel was lying down by his head keeping watch. I sat on the edge of the bed and gently shook him, being careful to not disturb his injured wing. “Peter? Peter, it’s time to wake up.”

He scrunched his head into the pillow. “Is it morning already, mother? I don’t wanna get up yet.”

I continued to gently shake him. “Peter, it’s Fluttershy. Your parents are here.” His eyes popped open as he sat up and looked around.

He blinked several times. “Where… What… Oh. My parents are here?” I nodded and he lit up with a smile. Just as quickly it fell away as his ears and head dropped. “I’m gonna be in so much trouble for sneaking out.”

I stroked his mane as I talked. “I don’t think it’ll be too bad. They’re just really worried about you. Why don’t we go out and see them, okay?” He shook his head no. “Hmm, well, I suppose you could stay in here. Should I go tell your parents you aren’t going home with them? They would be very sad, but if that’s what you really want…” I wasn’t above a little soft manipulation.

He pursed his lips as he thought. “No, I wanna go home.”

“They came all this way to find you.” I patted one of his hooves. “I’m sure they want you to come home too. Why don’t we go out and see them, okay?” He nodded, so I stood up and headed for the door. I turned back and tilted my head towards the door. Peter sighed, jumped off the bed, and came over.

“You first.” He was pressed against my flank trying to be invisible.

It was a tight squeeze through the door as we walked side-by-side. When we reached his parents I took a small step to the side exposing him. Ears down, Peter hung his head.

“Oh, Peter, we were so worried about you.” The white pegasus bent down and nuzzled her son. “And you hurt your beautiful wing!” She leaned in closer to inspect it and the sling holding the wing steady. “Does it hurt?”

Almost at a whisper, Peter said, “Only if I forget and try to move it. It’s okay. Miss Fluttershy took care of it. It’s what she does.” He raised his eyes to look at his mom. “Most all these animals are sick or injured. Miss Fluttershy takes care of them.” His head began to come up. “There are three families of field mice here, all from the same colony, all with bad fevers.” He was becoming more animated. “She let me help take care of them. She had me mix the potion with water to give to them all. And I found a Red-Tailed hawk with a hurt wing just like me” He pointed to the bench where the temporary nest sat with the hawk eyeing us. “I helped bandage his wing and get a nest ready.” He started to smile. “I met so many critters. There’s Harry, and Angel the bunny. The chicken Elizabeak is so funny.” He pointed at the chicken coop where a hen stood watching us. “And Hummingway is super fast, zipping around from flower to flower.”

The black pegasus cleared his throat.

Peter turned to look at his father. His ears went flat against his head which lowered as he studied the ground. “I’m sorry father. I shouldn't have gone out last night.” His hoof pawed at the dirt.

“Peter, you know we encourage you to practice flying. And I have no problem with you doing a little exploring. But you must let us know where you’re going, and you’re still too young to go out by yourself after dark.” I watched closely and his face betrayed no emotion as he looked down at his son. “In addition, there are many ponies who dropped their responsibilities to help look for you. We owe them our thanks.”

“I’m sorry.” He looked up at his dad. “Will I be punished for this?” He sniffed once trying to remain strong but on the verge of tears. Poor little colt. He knows he messed up.

“I think…” I could see it in his eyes as he struggled between a loving dad and a stern father. He glanced at his wife who signaled him with an almost imperceptible shake of her head. “I think being grounded until your wing is healed will provide you ample opportunity to consider all this.” With a wry grin, he added, “It will also afford you time to catch up on some of that schoolwork you’ve been putting off.”

Peter let out an audible groan. After a moment, his face brightened and he turned back to his father. "Once I get all my school work done, can we go to the library? I want to get some books on animals."

His dad blinked twice. "You want to read… a book?"

Peter nodded his head. "Yes, I think I may want to be a vegetarian when I grow up."

Rainbow laughed as I stifled a snicker. "I think you mean veterinarian." Still, I wondered where he was going with this.

"Yes, yes, one of those.” He waved a hoof in my direction. “Miss Fluttershy says they can fix broken wings, and... and... and lots of other stuff."

The dad glanced at his wife and back to his son. "Well, yes, if you want to get some books on animals, one of us could take you to the library and help you find them."

"Really? That would be great. Oh, what do you call it when someone studies all the parts of the lead dancer so they can fill in if there’s an emergency?"

His mom answered, "An understudy?"

"Yes. Perhaps next summer, instead of going to those boring camps, I could come here and be Miss Fluttershy's understudy?"

"But you like the flight camp."

He nodded. "Yeah, that one's fun. But the others,” he shook his head, “are boring. I’d rather come here and help care for the animals."

"I suppose that's something we could investigate. But right now, we need to be getting back. We still have things to do before tonight. And you need to see a proper doctor like Miss Fluttershy said."

He then glanced between Rainbow and me. “My wife and I can’t express how grateful we are for your help. All our foals mean the world to us, and if anything ever happened…” He swallowed hard. “There will be a complimentary ticket for each of you at the will-call window for tonight’s performance at the Cloudsdale Colosseum. I hope you can attend. The finale will be a duet by my wife and I. It’s performed to an excerpt from Beethooven’s sixth symphony titled: The Pastoral.”

Rainbow and I both declared, “Thank you!” in unison.

“That sounds wonderful,” I added.

He then addressed Peter, “Time to go, son. You’ll ride on my back as you are unable to fly.” He turned towards me. “Miss Fluttershy, I shall make sure this sling is returned to you just as soon as we see a physician and get it replaced.”

“Oh, oh, we can’t go yet,” Peter excitedly said. “I need to say goodbye to Harry.” He took a few steps away, reared up on his hind legs with his front hooves held like claws, and gave his loudest, “Roarrrr…”

Harry’s head popped up from behind a log. He stood up and replied, “ROARRRRR!”

Peter laughed and galloped over. Both his parents gasped and tensed up. I stepped forward, “It’s okay, Harry is very gentle. They were playing together earlier. Your colt isn’t in any danger.”

Peter jumped up on the log as his ears drooped. He started talking to Harry, although we were too far away to hear what he said. Soon Harry’s expression mirrored Peter’s sadness. Both parents stood, transfixed by the exchange.

Peter’s mom whispered to me, “Peter made friends with… a bear?”

I nodded. “They do seem to have a connection.”

Without looking away, his mom softly added, “What have you done to our son?”

I choked. “I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to–”

She turned towards me. “Peter isn’t interested in anything. Well, flying, but what pegasus doesn’t love to fly and do so every chance they get?”

A little embarrassed, all I could get out was, “Umm…”

She glanced back at Peter again. “And now he’s talking about wanting to learn about animals and how to care for them. What happened here?”

“And books?” Peter’s dad added. “He wants to read books? He hates any kind of study or reading. The only thing he seems to enjoy are comic books, and I think that’s mostly for the artwork.” He and his wife looked at each other. “And now he wants to read about animals?”

They both turned to me as he continued. “And what about this apprentice thing Peter mentioned. Is something like that even possible?”

“Oh, yes.” I smiled and nodded. “I’d love to have Peter back if he wants to learn more about taking care of animals. Although, I might know of something even better…”

“Oh?” His mom leaned in just a bit with interest. “What’s that?”

“Medical training is the same for everypony. Then, during the second half, students have to specialize as either a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or a Doctor of Equine Medicine. Before making that choice, they do a one-semester practicum in either specialty. Some students do both to help them decide.”

“But that’s medical school,” he noted. “That’s way in the future for Peter, if it even happens.”

“I know. But our local veterinarian, Doctor Fauna, is an approved practicum instructor. She’s always got a med student or two working at the animal hospital. I could talk to her about having Peter shadow her or a med student for a few hours each day. I have a spare bedroom where he could stay. And when he’s not working at the hospital, he could help out around here. He’ll see the best, and the worst that this career has to offer. It will either drive him away or make him love it all the more.”

“Miss Fluttershy,” the dad started. “We may owe you a debt far beyond just finding our son and helping him. Let’s give this a moon to see if his interest is real and if it lasts. Then we’ll consider contacting you again. Either way, thank you for all you’ve done for Peter.”

“You’re very welcome,” I replied with a smile and a small bow of my head.

He then turned towards his son and called out, “Peter, it’s time to go now.”

Peter glanced back at us and then looked up at Harry again. As he talked to Harry, a thought invaded my mind. The mice, the hawk, and Harry… Is it even possible? I watched the ongoing exchange between the two. And Peter, how much does he actually understand? If Peter comes back, I’m going to have some questions.

As the conversation ended, Peter reared up and did his best to give a bear hug to a bear. Harry gently returned it with one foreleg. After a bit, Peter let go and dropped down. He sniffled and wiped his nose with a leg. Harry rubbed Peter’s head with a paw, letting it linger on his cheek. Peter leaned into the paw and nuzzled.

After a few moments, Peter jumped down from the log and started to return. Halfway back he paused, looked over his shoulder at Harry, and waved. The huge bear returned the wave, and I was sure I could see a tear escape his eye. 

“Okay, I’m ready,” Peter said as he approached his dad. He glanced at me and added, “Thank you for everything, Miss Fluttershy.”

I smiled. “You’re very welcome, Peter. It was a pleasure to have you here, even if for such a short time. You are welcome to visit any time you are in the area again.”

Unable to contain himself he came over and gave me a big hug. Pretty strong for a colt, I thought as I felt the air squeezed out of me. He let go, sniffed a couple times, then returned to his dad. His mom helped him up, and they took to the air. Once again I was mesmerized watching their grace in flight.

Rainbow glanced at me. “Sorry, gotta escort them back to Cloudsdale. See you tonight.” With that, she shot off in hot pursuit leaving nothing behind save a small feather fluttering down. I watched the flying trio and passenger shrink into the distance until I lost sight of them.

I sighed heavily as I kept watch almost as if I was hoping for just one more glimpse. I gave my head a little shake. “I have a lot left to do today. So I think my next task…” I happened to notice a certain bear staring off into the now empty sky. His ears were down and shoulders slumped. “I think my next task is to sit with an old friend for a little while.”

– The End –