It was a cool, sunny summer’s day. To most ponies, this was a day to be spent with friends and family, relaxing in the shade of a tree with a picnic basket and blanket. To most ponies, this day was one of happiness and good tidings. To Feilbach, however, it was not. Today was the seventh anniversary of the day his parents were killed by an evil demon. His parents were soldiers in the Equestrian military force, and they had been dispatched to scout an unexplored region of the Everfree Forest. He was left in the care of his uncle.

Little had he known, the war that erupted from that day’s events would lead to his parents’ deaths. Nonetheless, today was the seventh anniversary of the day they were stripped from this world. He sat on the highest branch of the tallest tree in the greenest plains in Equestria. He looked down at all the happy pony families in the plains, playing games and eating their lunches. Why is it that they were so happy, when he was left with nothing?

Every day since he had received word of his parents’ deaths, he sat on this branch, watching the sun move through the sky and watching the seasons pass. He came down only to eat before climbing back up to stare at the sky again. A child who had lost his parents in such an unfortunate series of events. But beyond all else, he was a child who was left with very little emotion. What little emotion he had was filled with anger, hatred, and jealousy.

One day, while he napped on his branch, a strange Pegasus filly came up to talk to him. He tried to get her to leave- multiple times- but she wouldn’t. She had seen him all alone for so many years. She wanted to be his friend, to help him be happy.

“Hi! My name’s Amber! What’s yours?” The filly asked enthusiastically.

Feilbach didn’t respond to her.

“C’mon, you gotta have a name.” She giggled.

Still no response.

She landed on the branch and scooted over next to him. “You ever get lonely up here by yourself?” she asked innocently.

“Y-yes…” For the first time in almost seven years, Feilbach spoke to another pony.

She looked at him, and smiled a wide grin. “You’re kinda cute, you know.”

Feilbach blushed. “You think so? Silly filly…” He smiled.

“Wanna be friends?” she asked, grinning ear to ear.

Feilbach thought about it for a second. A friend? “Sure, why not.”

“Best friends?” She scooted closer to him.

“O-okay…” He was caught off guard by this ridiculously friendly filly.

And so the two sat on the tree branch for the rest of the day, talking to each other. For the first time in years, Feilbach was happy. He had a friend. He was wanted by someone…

Looking back now, it wasn’t meant to be…

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