“I j-just don’t know what to do…” Fluttershy sobbed. “She’s… I’ve never… had this problem before…”

“Can’t see why you would.” Big Mac said, before taking a drink from his coffee mug. “Yer just about the least threatenin’ thing Ah can imagine.”

“But… she’s…”

“Look.” The stallion said, setting down his mug. “Nopony really knows much about that thing ya can do. Ah’ve never even seen it, so Ah just take what Ah hear. But Ah do know ya’ve never used it on somepony like Salad before.”

“W-what-“

“That one’s used to doing whatever she wants. Swingin’ from cold to hot to whatever takes her fancy. How would a pony like that react to somethin’ she can’t fight that forces her ta do something she don’t wanna do?”

“U-um…”

“Salad ain’t like the animals ya deal with. Considerin’ what she had to grow up with… think about what it might feel like to be trapped like that.”

“I’m so sorry, I-“

“Ah’m not tellin’ ya to make ya regret nothin’. Ah’m tellin’ ya so ya’ll understand. Ya didn’t mean no harm, she just didn’t know that. No approach is perfect.”

“So… so what do I do?”

“Don’t rightly know. Leave it fer now. Ah’ll see about softenin’ her up in the meantime.”

“Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do if I had to go on knowing I…”

“No trouble. That slice o’ pie ya brought by’s more then enough.”

“She made it, actually.” His eyes widened.

“Really now?”

“She gave it to me in the dish she was returning. But… she was only doing it because she felt like she had to.”

“Tha’s too bad.” He said. “Wonder how good it might’ve tasted if she made it with love?”

“Ivan might know.” Fluttershy mused, as she began drying her eyes. “…that wasn’t the only reason I came by.”

“Yeah? So the pie was to butter me up for a favour?” He smiled kindly, and Fluttershy averted her gaze bashfully.

“Well, um… remember last year when I needed your help?”

“…Ah. Yer ‘special patient’?

“Yes. Um… it’s time again.” Big Mac sighed.

“…Ah wish Ah could. Really Ah do. Ya’ve caught me at a bad time though.”

“Oh, it’s no worry, I shouldn’t have asked, and I brought the pie because I wanted to, not because I thought it wou-“

“Cool off Fluttershy, Ah would, but the situation’s a bit different this time around. A.J.’s off on some adventure she couldn’t talk much about, so that means Ah’m keepin’ the farm up while she’s gone. Granny Smith’s good for lookin’ after A.B., but she ain’t much for the jobs ‘round here.”

“I understand…”

“Anypony else you can ask?” Fluttershy shook her head.

“No. Ivan’s out helping Rarity with something, and Twilight’s um… busy.” She didn’t elaborate. Big Mac shrugged. It was all the same to him.

“Pinkie said she’s in the middle of a friend emergency, and I couldn’t even talk to Rainbow Dash…”

“So Ah was yer last resort?”

“…I’m sorry?”

“Hm…” He put a hoof to his chin and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. Not a lot of ponies aside from the already exhausted prospects were up for an adventure. Moreover, the situation was a delicate one. Fluttershy couldn’t just take anypony along. Secrets would be blurted out in a heartbeat.

“…There’s… one Ah can think of.”

“Oh?”

“She’d be good to have around. Strong, capable.”

“…you’re talking about Salad.”

“Not a lot o’ options open.”

“Well… I don’t mind. But convincing her…” She sniffed back a tear and Big Mac frowned.

“How much time do we have?”

“The trip would take three days. And while I should get there as soon as possible, it would be better if I arrived sooner then later. The deadline is in five.”

“Mmm. So we got time. Ah’ll see what Ah can do. Ya’ll should see about gettin’ the cure together.”

“I’m already getting help from Zecora. Ever since she arrived, she’s been such a help to me.”

“Good ta hear. Not that Ah want ta get rid o’ ya, but Ah’ve got quite the job ahead o’ me. Best to start now.”

“Oh, I can’t thank you enough.”

“Ya could try warmin’ up that oven o’ yers. Ah never say no to somethin’ tasty.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” The pegasus said, smiling gratefully. The stallion nodded, and walked her to the door.

--

“Oh, ‘sup Red?” Salad said when she opened the door.

“Not a lot.” He replied. “Feelin’ alright?”

“Totally. No reason I wouldn’t be.” Big Mac coughed. Salad ignored it, and let him in.

“Cheerilee’s out doing Cheerilee things, and Ivan’s out doing… I suppose Ivan things. Maybe he’s raiding a tomb somewhere, I dunno. I’ll take a message.”

“Ah’m here fer you, actually.” Salad paused as she made her way to the kitchen. Possibly to get something to drink for him. She glanced over her shoulder.

“…yeah?”

“Mm.”

“…oh. Do you take coffee?” Big Mac smiled.

“Black, please.”

“Kay.”

The stallion sat himself in the living room and waited, hearing the clinking of mugs and other things.

Before long, two steaming servings of coffee were cooling on the table and Salad was looking unsure of herself.

“So… you needed something?”

“Ah’m sorry I gotta ask ya. If there were anypony else, Ah would.”

“Don’t sweat it. You had my back the other day. Even if I did have to fight that bear all by myself.” Big Mac took a breath.

“Flutters-“

“Oh, Celestia, that’s why you’re sorry.” Salad fell back in her seat, hoof over her face. “Look, I’m not going near that mare if I don’t have to. I’m saying it now. Spread the word.”

“Salad, it’s not like that.” Mac said. He was surprised when the mare let him continue.

“Well, I’ll at least hear you out, I guess.”

“…Thanks. See, this is a… ‘sensitive’ thing.” The pegasus raised an eyebrow.

“How ‘sensitive’ are we talking?”

“Normally there’d be a warder on the case.”

“…that’s pretty sensitive. Begs the question though. Why isn’t there a warder on the case?”

“Warders leave a paper trail.” Big Mac explained, leaning forward. “If one of ‘em came out here on business, there’d be reports. More ponies would know than necessary. And there’s too many variables in doin’ it under the table.”

“So warders are out, but the staring wonder’s on the trolley? What aren’t you telling me here?”

Big Mac paused, and Salad saw he was trying to figure out the best way to begin. And she felt that unique thrill a pony felt when they were about to learn something beyond secret.

“What do ya know ‘bout gods?”

“…I swear, if it were anypony but you, I’d say you were pulling my chain.” Salad took a long drink from her mug. “As far as I’m concerned, they’re one of those things that probably exists, but hay if anypony can prove it.”

“Last year, a god got sick. They’re like alicorns. They can still get sick, ‘n the like. Unlike the alicorns though, every now and again, they’ll catch somethin’ bad, and it’ll stick. Fluttershy can communicate with ‘em like she can… just ‘bout anythin really. Ah went along with her to make sure nothin’ happened.”

“So what, now it’s sick again?”

“Still sick. Yearly dosage for a good decade, or so Ah was told. An’ time’s up.”

“…where would I come in?”

“Ah can’t leave the farm, since A.J.’s gone on a trip. Mah family’s livelihood’d be at stake. An' we’ve got no other options.”

“…Alright, I see where you’re coming from.” Said Salad. “Why me though?”

“Ah trust ya.” Big Mac said, simply. “And ya can fight as good as the rest of us. Ya took on that bear unarmed. Yer resourceful. She’ll need that.”

“… you trust me?” She asked, expression unreadable. Big Mac supposed that was one way she differed from her normally expressive brother.

“There’s still a lot o’ ya Ah want to get to know. But Ah wouldn’t be friends with ya if Ah didn’t see somepony trustworthy.”

“I…” She started, eyes narrowed. She seemed to be struggling with herself.

“Salad?”

“…I know what you’ll say.” Salad said. Her mood seemed to darken as she went on. “But I have to ask anyway. She’s… safe, right?”

“The safest. Ah trust her just as much as Ah trust you.”

“…How much time do I have?”

“The trip’ll take three, and the delivery needs ta happen in five. Fluttershy says though it’d be better if it happened sooner.”

“I’ll take a week off work then. They won’t argue. Can we leave tomorrow?”

“…Ah’ll stop by her cottage later and let her know. The cure’ll be ready by tonight, so it can happen.”

“Alright. I’ll stop by her cottage at dawn then.”

“…Ya sure now?” Big Mac asked, concerned.

“It’s… bigger than me. Right?” Salad answered. “But even if it wasn’t, there’s a life at stake. This is what Ivan would do.”

“…Thank ya.”

“Yeah, whatever. Drink that before it gets cold.”

“Much obliged.”

“…so… that’s what you came for, right?” She asked, gaze off to the side, studying the walls. Big Mac nodded.

“If ya said no, Ah’d have to go and think o’ somethin’ else.” The stallion said. “Since ya said yes though, Ah’m pretty free right now. Why, ya tryin’ to get rid o’ me?”

“Teasing me is the sixth most dangerous thing in the world. My blade is in the kitchen.”

“Yer safe from me. How’s yer day been?”

“Well, until you came in here and dropped the god bomb, not too bad.” Salad shrugged. “Rarity and Ditzy needed my bro for something, so they went off to do things. I plan to come at him with all sorts of junk about immoral love affairs.”

“Ah heard somethin’ ‘bout that. Ivan was one of the prospects for the errand.”

“He would be, I guess.” She smirked. “So I guess I’m Ivan for the next little while.”

“Tell me what it’s like when ya get back.”

“Will do. So, your sister’s gone?” The stallion nodded.

“The princess needed somethin’ done. A.J. didn’t say much since she wasn’t really sure what was goin’ on. ‘Cause o’ this though, Ah know what it’s like ta have ta be hush hush.”

“Does this kind of thing happen often?” Salad wondered. “Ivan’s put up with a lot since he got here. Am I gonna have to start smacking monsters on a regular basis too?”

“That’s nothin’.” Big Mac said with a chuckle. “Let me tell ya what happened the day Twilight Sparkle came to town...”

--

Getting up with the sun wasn’t anything new to Salad. It wasn’t something she necessarily liked though, as it was a habit she only got into because she was chasing her brother.

Even if she had finally caught him, getting up early still had the feel of a prelude to doing something unpleasant.

Six or seven days with the only physical fear she had was pretty up there, she figured. At this rate, she’d swear off mornings altogether.

The witch stood outside the cottage, a slew of animals out and ready to see her off. Red was there too, probably to see both of them off.

Something stirred at the back of her heart, but she ignored it. There was a time for sappy friendship feels, and it wasn’t then.

Among the assembled animals was the grizzly bear. He lazily looked over at the approaching pegasus, and at least Fluttershy was telling the truth about smoothing things over. The bear looked indifferent, if anything.

Curious, Salad walked over to the bear first and studied him for a bit. Red and Fluttershy were talking off to the side, and hadn't noticed Salad was there.

“Doing alright?” Salad asked, catching the attention of the other two ponies.

The bear yawned.

“Good to hear. Let’s not fight again. That was kind of bad for everypony involved.” The bear did a sort of bear-shrug. It was hard to describe what the bear did any other way. Salad nodded and turned to an astonished Fluttershy.

“…you can hear them too?”

“You don’t need a voice to be understood.” Salad replied. “Something dad taught me.”

“Ya like animals?” Red asked. Salad looked up at his eyes.

“They don’t care about how many wings you have.”

Neither of them had a response, so she paused to let them take it in. A quick count to five later, and she spoke again.

“So, are we leaving or what? Cause this isn’t what I left a warm bed for.”

“Right, yes, um…” Fluttershy trotted off to a large bundle Salad didn’t notice at first, leaning against the fence. The thing looked heavy, especially when the demure mare had trouble walking with it slung over her back.

“…you’re not gonna die under that, right?”

“I’ll… be fine…”

“Ask fer help if ya need it.” Said Red. “Ah carried it last time.”

“If it’ll get this over with faster, yeah, I’ll carry the huge mysterious… thing. What is that anyway?”

“A harp.” Red replied, walking over to Fluttershy to help secure it better.

“…why are we bringing a harp?”

“He won’t come if we don’t.” Fluttershy replied, shifting the weight on her back.

“…eh, whatever. Lead the way.”

“Angel.” Said Fluttershy, and the bunny hopped out from the assembly of animals. “Please help look after the others. You know what to do.”

The bunny nodded, and nudged her hoof with his paw. Probably the closest thing to a hug he was willing to give in public. Salad pretended to be blissfully unaware of the way the bunny turned a threatening glare on her.

“Be safe you two.” Big Mac said in parting, and the two mares started down the road.

Fluttershy may have looked back a few times, but Salad was trying to keep her mind and eyes as far away from the mare in question as she could.

“…um…” Salad heard after a while, causing her skin to prickle and her feathers to fluff as she was reminded that she would be with this mare for days.

“What?”

“I j-just wanted to than-“

“Don’t.” Salad said.

“O-oh. But-“

“I’m not doing this for you. And I’ve been thanked already.” Salad said, facing away from the mare behind her. “If you still wanna thank me somehow, just don’t look at me.”

“…alright.” Fluttershy said sadly, and the pink mare ground her teeth at the sound of it. Every time Fluttershy opened her mouth, it made Salad hate her just a little more.

The spineless excuse of a pegasus cried and cowered at the slightest display of anything that wasn’t sugar and rainbows. A hint of steel whenever one of her little friends took a knock or two, and even then she had to rely on some weird superpower, but she couldn’t do anything for herself.

This was what Salad was afraid of. The thought brought her blood to boil.

Everything Salad had worked for, learned, accomplished, ripped from the grasp of ponies who said she wasn’t good enough, who said that she couldn’t hope to seriously try for, who called her incomplete. Everything she had become crumbled in front of those eyes.

“A-are you alri-“

“How long as it been?”

“Five… minutes?” Salad almost groaned.

--

It was barely fifteen minutes later before Salad was forced to take the harp from the wheezing Fluttershy.

…It wasn’t actually that heavy at all. How weak was that mare?

“You’ve done this before, yeah? The trip I mean.”

“Yes…”

“Where are we bedding down?”

“U-um…” There was a note of panic in her voice. Salad braced herself for disappointment.

“I, um… hope you don’t mind. But, we’ll be sleeping… outside…”

Turning back and raising an eyebrow would involve facing the pegasus. Salad settled for speaking.

“…that’s it?”

“…yes.”

“Huh. Got me expecting something bad there. I’m used to sleeping outside when I’m between towns. As long as you don’t stop us on an anthill or something, we’re good.”

“M-me?”

“I don’t like it, but I don’t know where we’re going, and I’ve never been to this area before. You’re leading this little expedition. If you don’t screw up, maybe you’ll survive.”

“meep.”

“Oh, right, forgot you’re a coward that can’t detect sarcasm.” Salad was well aware she was being far too blunt for the likes of her travelling partner, but she couldn’t bring herself to care. “This is how I’m wired. Deal with it.”

“…alright.”

Nothing of note was said after that.

--

What to do… what to do…

Celestia was starting to lower the sun, and it would soon be time to stop for dinner. And they had almost arrived at the place Fluttershy and Big Mac had camped last year.

If they stopped, Fluttershy had a chance to maybe do something to lighten Salad up. It was plain to see that the pink mare thought the trip was the worst possible thing.

And Fluttershy was responsible for it. Well no, not really, it’s not as if she made the dreamer get sick, or made herself the most suited pony to the job of healing him, but it was because Fluttershy couldn’t make the trip on her own that she was forced to take along somepony who…

…Fluttershy had never encountered anypony who felt such distaste towards her. It went farther then fear.

What to do… I must do something…

…she enjoyed the pie I made her…

She had said that, hadn’t she? Salad herself was, from what the yellow pegasus had heard (and tasted, the return pie was delicious), a very good chef. So she’d perhaps have a more discerning palette.

Fluttershy wasn’t proud of much… at all. Nearly nothing, really. Though nopony had ever told her that she wasn’t capable in the kitchen.

Would Salad appreciate it if she cooked for her tonight? Since she was bodyguard, it was the least Fluttershy could do. Repayment for possible protection (knock on wood) would work nicely.

“Um-“

“Hey, you want to cook first, or will I?” Salad asked. “We’re stopping soon, right?”

“Well, y-yes, but-“

“Good. I’m hungry. I’ll go first if there’s no objections.”

“I, um… I wouldn’t mind c-“

“Cool. Where are we setting down?”

“…I, um… could cook for both of us?” Salad’s head turned ever so slightly. She still refused to look at her, so Fluttershy imagined this was the closest she would get to eye contact.

“…if that’s alright with you?” Fluttershy added, averting her gaze from Salad’s imaginary judging eyes.

“No, I’m good.” Salad said, facing forward again.

“…are yo-“

“Yeah.”

“…okay.”

--

Now full, Fluttershy had precious little time to think of something different. It wouldn’t be long before they bedded down.

Think think think. What could I do to make sleeping easier?

…A lullaby?

She barely managed to catch herself before she tried asking. That wasn’t a good idea.

…could I make a bed for her somehow? It’d have to be something quick. A lot of small pine boughs would make something soft…

Salad yawned, out of the corner of her eye.

Not fast enough. She’d already be sleeping by the time I got back.

What to do…

The pink mare was already making her way to a nearby tree base.

What to do…!

“Um…!”

“What?”

“…Could I… um…”

“Spit it out. I’m tired.”

…perfect!

“Could I get you a cloud?”

“…why?”

“To sleep on.” Fluttershy clarified. “It would be better than the ground.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“O-oh…” Is she offended? Is it because she’s never slept on a cloud before? Because she can’t fly! Oh you’re terrible Fluttershy, look what you’ve done now-!

“Oh for the moon’s sake…” Salad said, and Fluttershy’s racing mind stopped.

“What-“

“I’m not even looking at you and I can tell you look like a kicked puppy. It’s annoying. Relax.”

Banishing the extremely depressing mental picture of a kicked puppy, Fluttershy wondered if that meant she had been angering Salad the entire trip. She had felt rather sad the whole way, so…

“I’m so-“

“Just stop.” Her wing wasn’t folded anymore, now raised to half-mast. Considering the situation, Fluttershy supposed that meant Salad was agitated.

“I… I can’t help it…” Fluttershy said.

“Why am I not surprised…?” The other mare growled. “I’m going to sleep. If you wake me up, it had better be good.”

“…alright.”

Why… won’t she let me…?

Please let me help…

Please…