Login

My Little Pony: Friendship is Shining

by Hopeful_Ink_Hoof

Chapter 19: Honest Doubt

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

"That was pretty amazing," Shining Armor said once had gotten well past the remnants of the Timber Wolf. "Where did learn to do something like that?"

"Thanks," Applejack said with a smile. "The ropin' and ridin' are from years of doing the rodeo. As for the Timber Wolf, they've come 'round the farm from time to time. Usually just one or two and we're able to run them off.

"Impressive." Shining looked at her a moment then around at the others. The smile disappeared quickly as he studied the other four ponies that was traveling with them.

"Maybe you should take charge and lead the group."

The statement made Applejack stop. Her smile disappeared as she looked at the stallion, eyes shifting as she raised one of her eyebrows. The look made Shining Armor slow his pace, but he did not stop. The orange mare moved to catch up with him, but continued to look at him.

"It's just..." he shifted as he thought a moment. "I've spent most of my life reading books, studying, working out stuff on paper, and -- once in a great while -- play with my sister when she comes to visit me. I'm more at home in a library with full shelves than out here. I don't think I should be out here, much less leading others.

"But you? You just took out down a wolf made out of wood nearly four times your size with nothing but a rope. You have lived in Ponyville your whole life and have family there. You've lived there your whole life, and they," he motioned toward the other four, "probably know you really well. Plus I've heard you and your brother. He may be the oldest and work the farm, but it sounded like you run it. All that and having a big family? Makes it sound to me like you would be perfect for leading everyone."

"I'm going to say is the honest truth," Applejack responded. "Everything you said? It's true, and what you're saying makes sense. That ain't going to change anything. You realized what was going on and this was your idea. We all basically volunteered to go with ya, which means we're following yer lead."

"Please don't remind me," Shining Armor groaned, rubbing at his head.

"Listen to me," Applejack continued. "We all know the danger and we are here. You have been doing fine under the circumstances. Several times you have shown that you actually have what it takes to lead. Besides, and this is the most important of all, so I want you to listen carefully."

Before Shining Armor could realize what was going on, Applejack had wrapped her front legs around his neck. The stallion stopped walking, basically freezing in place and staring at the farm pony.

"You gave us hope," she finished. "The chance to save our families and do something other than sit around and do nothing. Even if this don't work, you at least gave us hope and the opportunity to try and do something. At least for that, I'm sure we're all grateful."

Smiling, Shining hugged her back. The hug suddenly ended. Applejack then gave Shining Armor a gentle hit on the shoulder, only sending him sliding a foot across the dirt.

"Okay, that's enough jawin'," she said as she started walking again. "C'mon, we still have some elements to find." She turned to smirk at him. "That is, if it's alright with you, Captain." With that, she continued on her way.

"Captain?" Shining Armor repeated before shaking his head. "Who in their right mind could possibly think of me as a captain?... Captain Shining Armor... Heh." with a laugh at the idea, he moved to continue with the other ponies.

"Do you hear that?" Fluttershy asked. Before any other pony could respond, the yellow pegasus took off in a rush. The other five chased after her, hearing what sounded like a roar.

Reaching the edge of a clearing, the group of five saw Fluttershy. Not far from her was a creature that looked like a lion. It had great leathery wings spread out from its back and a massive scorpion tail curling up above its head. It stood with one leg raised, and bared its fangs at the approaching pegasus.

"It's okay," Fluttershy said as she approached, her voice barely audible. "I'm not going to hurt you, and you don't want to hurt me either, right?" She continued to approach the creature slowly.

Shining Armor stepped forward to try and get help. Before he got too far, Rainbow Dash pulled him back and placed a hoof over his mouth, signalling him to keep quiet.

The creature watched the approaching pegasus, teeth still bared and letting out a slight growl. It did not lunge to attack her, but it did not attempt to retreat or escape either. As she got closer, it crouched and growled louder, but otherwise did not move. When Fluttershy reached the creature, she gently pressed her muzzle against its paw. As the mare came in contact, the growling stopped. The creature held the paw out to Fluttershy, revealing the large thorn stuck in the pad.

"Oh you poor, poor little baby," the mare said as she saw the thorn. "Now this might hurt for just a second." Leaning forward, she took the thorn in her mouth and pulled. The creature let out a roar of pain.

Then it started licking at Fluttershy and purring. The pegasus let out a giggle as she was groomed.

"Aw, you're just a little old baby kitty, aren't you?" she asked. "Yes you are. Yes you are." She gently pulled away. "Now let me wrap it up to make sure it stays clean." Reaching into her saddlebag, she pulled out an adhesive bandage and placed it over the spot. Finished she walked over to join the others.

"How did you know about the thorn?" Shining Armor asked as Fluttershy returned to them.

"I didn't," she responded as she walked past him. "Sometimes, we just need to be shown a little kindness."

Shining Armor watched as she continued on, the others joining him. The stallion turned back, looking at the creature in the clearing that was now curling up and grooming itself. It was amazing. Meek and shy little Fluttershy had just stood up to a manticore without blinking and won. All because of how kind and gentle she was.

If Twilight heard about that, Shining would never hear the end of it about how he should marry the pegasus mare.

Next Chapter: Dark and Spooky Woods Estimated time remaining: 36 Minutes
Return to Story Description

Login

Facebook
Login with
Facebook:
FiMFetch