My Little Pony Monthly Issue 90 (September 1, 2004)
My Little Pony Monthly
A publication of Nematode (Electronic) Publishing
Established June 1997
This Newsletter is Safe for All Ages
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Issue 90
September 2004
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Contest!
In the regular United States line of My Little Ponies, Blossom and Glory had babies but Applejack did not. There was, of course, a Baby Applejack on the international scene, however. Here are our winners!
BabyDibbles (Amsofct@aol.com)
Cambridge_Christian_Fellowship@hotmail.com
Chekru (Travkru1859@aol.com)
Jaye (eightiestoyboy@yahoo.ca)
Kris (lazycat@mindspring.com)
Lil' Whiskers (rosakala@yahoo.com)
PikaCheck (mnjiricek@earthlink.net)
Sweet Tooth (shipperamy@hotmail.com)
Honorable Mentions
Michele (banzare1@yahoo.com)
Mystique (jykle2@yahoo.com)
And our prize winner is...
Lil' Whiskers, you are our winner!! The Just Peachy Sparkle Nail Enamel is yours! E-mail me with your address and I'll get it on its way to you!
Butterscotch (for the record, G3 Butterscotch, since this month's question involves another G3 pony!) is supplying the prize for September, an Autumn Comforts Lip Balm from Avon flavored in butterscotch. Or, for you Big Brothers out there, we have a Wild Country talc waiting to be won by you. For a chance to win, answer this question:
How many instruments has Bee Bop learned how to play?
Tell me the answer by e-mailing TabbyMLP@aol.com mailto:TabbyMLP@aol.comor entering through the form at
http://mlpmonthly.tripod.com/Contact.htm
THE RULES! *ANYONE* can enter. That means anyone as in anyone. Even if you've already participated in the past, you can enter; in fact, I encourage you to do so. You don't even have to be a subscriber of MLP Monthly in order to enter. But if you're not a subscriber, you're probably not even reading this. ^.~
However, now that we've introduced *real* prizes, we will be putting a limit on how many times you can be entered in the drawing for that. If you've already been selected to win one of our prizes in the past, you can't be entered again- BUT, you can still participate and get your name in the newsletter! So just because you've won something in the past doesn't mean you can't have any fun at all with our contests anymore. And, of course, if eventually all contest participants are ones that have won a prize, it's fair game for everybody again!
On the contest form at http://mlpmonthly.tripod.com/Contact.htm, you will be able to select your gender so we'll be able to determine which prize you get. Or, if you'd prefer to be opted out of the prize drawing, you can select that on the form as well.
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Survey!
Are store-exclusive ponies the bane of your existence or a fun diversion?
Mystique (Jykle2@yahoo.com) says...
I think that the store exclusives make it more interesting I just wish they'd say something about them rather than they just happen. Luckily though I was at Target about 2 months ago and found one of their Easter special ponies for$2.75! in the sale aisle.
Jaye (eightiestoyboy@yahoo.ca) says...
All in all, I'd say I approve. It can be a little annoying, since I live in Canada and we don't have a lot of the same stores. But part of what makes collecting exciting is trying to hunt down the things you need. Plus, speaking as somebody who works in retail, I think it's nice when a company like Hasbro rewards a store (such as Target) who has supported their product by giving them something that customers can only buy from them.
Sweet Tooth (shipperamy@hotmail.com) says...
I don't really approve. Mail_away offers and country exclusives, sure. Some exclusives add to the thrill of the hunt, but I don't think Target really needs exclusive ponies. I just find that annoying, that you have to go to four different stores to find them all. It does make it more of a quest, but I feel sorry for parents of little kids who are just discovering MLPs and want them to play with. Then they have to search all sorts of different places so their children can complete their herd. It was hard enough to find the ponies you wanted in the eighties, when you only had to look as far as Toys R Us. :)
Michele (banzare1@yahoo.com) says...
lol__the closest target and tru is an hour away from me. so of course I can never get the special exclusive ones...
September's survey question is:
If you were in charge of creating male ponies for the new G3 line, what would they be like? Would they be clydesdales like in G1 or have some other characteristic to set them apart from the girls?
Go to the following URL to give your opinion:
http://mlpmonthly.tripod.com/Contact.htm
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MLP Monthly has some new authors! This is so exciting. Please let Mystique and Sadira know how much you appreciate their story ideas so that we'll hear more from them. And any of you other aspiring writers, please feel free to submit your stories for consideration. Share your talent!
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The Mysterious Cave
by Mystique (LadyChrystaline@aol.com)
Once when the lands were new, and the sun was being born, and the first signs of life appeared, there was a cave that no one ever dared to enter. It was said to be the home of a great creature who would kill any who dared disturb its slumber. But this was not true. Deep within the cave, far beneath the earth, in a world within the world, lived the Molecats.
The Molecats were a peaceful people, but their digging and tunneling made such a noise that it kept anyone from coming to visit them. The queen, Kasbah, and her king, Mitakke' were proud of their people. There had been famines, floods, and many other trying times that caused problems, but those tales are for another time. This is the time to tell of how the Molecats came to meet the Ponies of the High World. This tale is told from the Molecats' point of view and perhaps one day you will hear it from the ponies' view.
It was a quiet morning, with the sun filtering through the vines that had overgrown the Light Source. It meant it was time to send someone to the High World to clear it. Lowlanders (the Molecats) rarely went up to the bright, open High World. But the king and queen knew that their farmers would suffer and thus they would all suffer if the source was not cleared. Kasbah knew who she favored to go, but would Mitakke' agree?
"Husband," Kasbah began, "who would you choose to go to bring light again?"
Mittake' knew better than to take this question lightly, and put his claw to his chin. "I trust you have a pair in mind?" Smiling gently, he took her arm as he continued, "I know you would choose well, my love. You need only tell me and they will be on their way."
She hugged him tight and told him.
* * *
Meanwhile, in the Starlight Woods, two Molecats were sitting dejectedly by the Whispering Waters. "Diva?" whimpered Nitatan. "Will we ever fit in?"
Diva sadly shook her head. "I don't think they'll ever have a use for us. The only thing we've ever done right is find each other." They huddled close together and watched the pixtel tix play across the waters. Pixtel tix are a type of insect like a dragon fly, but they had no wings. Their flight was as mystical as all the worlds around them.
Nitatan looked at his wife; she was a beautiful dusty silver, and her claws were black. The musical note on her forehead was a testament to her name. He longed to make the world right for her, but alas he could not. He thought then of himself and how well they suited each other. He was pitch black with a tan moon on his forehead, the sign of his name. They belonged to a quite harmonious race. Yet they were lonely and misunderstood by their fellow Molecats. They ran on all fours while others walked upright, and they played well with the children but caused accidents at work. They were outcasts with nowhere to be cast out to.
Then the bugles sounded. The King and Queen were calling all the Molecats in for a meeting.
* * *
As all the Molecats came in, the royal pair wondered if they were making the right choice; but they knew that the ones who had gone before now had children and could not risk getting hurt or attacked. They did not know what lived in the High World; they were Lowlanders and stayed low underground- down where it was dim and the light did not hurt their eyes, down where they was safe from the unknown. Yet, the Light Source was growing dim. If nothing was done they would be forced to go above for food and air. Thus the King and Queen readied themselves to make the announcement.
To Be Continued Next Month...
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Dancing On Air
by Sadira (fizzyponygirl20@yahoo.com)
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own any of the ponies. They belong to Hasbro. I also do not own the songs you see in this story. They belong to their respective writers. But I do own Megan Julia Hartson; her little sister, Julia Corina Hartson, Julie; and their younger sister, Molly Shaianne Hartson (although Molly doesn't appear until "A New Friend") as well as the girls' Aunt Abby.
Enjoy!!
AUTHOR'S NOTE: My Megan is original in that while she has blond hair, she has green eyes, not blue; and she has two younger sisters who are also my original characters. Julie has green eyes and blond hair, but it's more of a reddish blond; and Molly has hazel eyes and blond hair, but it's a shade darker than Megan's. I created the Hartson girls when I was five and have used them for other stories besides MLP. I put a bit of my own personality into each one of them and they hold a special place in my heart.
It was a beautiful day in Ponyland. Firefly had just woken up and she had decided to take a trip over the Rainbow. She had breakfast with Medley and Peachy and then checked on Ember before leaving. Ember was only two years old. She was nearing her third birthday. It was going to be in six months.
As Firefly entered the nursery, she found Ember nuzzling up to Twilight while the pink unicorn read her daughter a story.
"Hey," Firefly said. "How is everything going in here?"
"Fine," Twilight said, smiling at Firefly.
"Mama reading me story," Ember told Firefly happily.
"She is?" Firefly asked, nuzzling Ember gently.
Ember nodded. "Yup. About a little mermaid named Ariel."
Firefly nodded. She knew that story by heart. It was one of her favorite Disney movies.
"Ember really likes that one," Twilight said. "It's her favorite next to 'Beauty and the Beast'; right, little one?" Twilight nuzzled Ember gently while using her special name for her. Ember nodded as she cuddled up to Twilight.
"Well, I'll leave you guys to your story," Firefly said. "I'm going over the Rainbow to explore a little bit. I'll be back."
Twilight nodded and bid Firefly goodbye before turning back to the story she was reading to her daughter.
When Firefly got outside, she was about to soar for the Rainbow when Medley came out. "Firefly, I wish you wouldn't do this," she said.
"Do what?" Firefly asked indignantly.
"Dangerous things. Like going exploring over the Rainbow."
"Why? It's fun. Besides, you never know, I might make a new best friend." Firefly smirked and Medley swatted her with her tail. Little did Firefly know that fate had a surprise in store for her as well as the rest of her friends. Firefly smiled and nuzzled Medley. "Not that anyone can be as good of a best friend as you."
Medley blushed and nodded. She then gave Firefly a pleading look. "Please don't do it, Firefly. It's dangerous!"
Firefly smiled and did her famous double inside out loop, landing perfectly for once. "I've told you a million times. Danger is my life, Medley!" With that, Firefly flew towards the Rainbow, hoping to find a new friend.
When Firefly reached the other side of the Rainbow, she found herself in front of a farmhouse. The house was red brick and it had white shutters and a blue tint in the windows. It looked like a nice place to live. As Firefly watched the house for a few more minutes, she started to wonder who lived there. As she thought about this, a woman came out, followed by a little girl no older than Ember.
Firefly ducked out of sight, but then came out again so that she could see who this person was. The woman had reddish brown hair and blue eyes. She looked kindly enough, but Firefly dared not get too close. She didn't know what this woman was like.
"Well," the woman said, "isn't it nice and sunny out today, Julie?"
The little girl named Julie nodded. "Play on swing, Auntie Abby, please?"
"Sure you can," the woman said. "Just be careful, okay?"
Julie nodded.
Firefly smiled. This little girl named Julie was really cute. Firefly wished she could introduce herself. She loved children and baby ponies, but she didn't want to give Julie's aunt a nervous breakdown, so she stayed put.
After watching Julie and her Aunt Abby for a few more minutes, Firefly decided to move on. She could always come back later. With one final glance towards Julie and Abby, Firefly was off again. She flew for a little while, being careful to avoid anyone's eye. She liked people-watching, but she didn't want to be seen just yet.
As Firefly flew over an apartment building, she found herself near a place that looked like a school. Firefly flew over the building and came to rest somewhere around a playground. She could see lots of children playing, laughing, and just having fun. Firefly enjoyed watching kids and baby ponies have fun. She enjoyed having fun herself. But as Firefly gazed around, she saw one little girl who wasn't joining in. As Firefly flew a little closer, but still well hidden, that is when she saw her. She was so cute and she looked a little lonely. She had blond hair to the middle of her back and green eyes. She was wearing a charm bracelet and she had a blue jumpsuit on. She looked adorable. As Firefly continued to watch this little girl, she got the sudden urge to introduce herself, but she had to wait for the right time. She didn't want to scare her too badly. The little girl looked no more than seven or eight years old. Firefly liked her from the beginning.
As Firefly continued to watch the girl write or draw in a book Firefly could only assume was her diary, some kids, a little older than the little girl, came up to her. Firefly smiled, thinking these were some of the girl's friends; but as one of them tore the book out of her hand and then pushed her down when she got up to get it back, Firefly's mane bristled in anger. These older children weren't her friends at all. They were bullies!
"What cha doing, pony girl?" one of the boys asked, sneering at the little girl. "Or should we call you orphan Annie?"
"More like Little Orphan Megan!" one of the older girls taunted. "She doesn't have a home anymore! She'll never have a home and neither will her sister!!" The older girl snickered and then walked away. But the older boy stayed behind. He wasn't finished yet.
As the little girl named Megan got up, the older boy pushed her back down. Then he tripped her, making her fall and scratch her face.
Firefly glared at the boy. She didn't like this one bit. No child deserved to be picked on, especially one as sweet as Megan. Even though Firefly hadn't met Megan personally yet, she knew Megan had a big heart and a lot of love to give others. She just knew it. If only she could introduce herself.
As Firefly watched the boy taunt Megan as she got up and left for the school, Firefly glared after him and felt a sudden urge to protect Megan the next time she came to visit and watch the kids. And if that boy tried anything again, Firefly was going to show him what the double inside out loop could do. Nobody messed with Firefly.
After watching Megan walk into the building and making sure that she was okay, or as okay as she could be, Firefly decided to fly back to Ponyland. She knew that Medley was going to be worried and she knew that Twilight was probably having a nervous breakdown. Even though Twilight never came right out and said it, Firefly knew that she along with Medley and Peachy didn't like it when she, Firefly, took trips over the Rainbow. But now that Firefly had seen how mean kids could be when they were bullying another, Firefly had no intention of staying away. She was going to come back every day if that's what it took to protect Megan. She only wished that she would get a chance to introduce herself. Little did Firefly know that she would get her chance the very next day.
* * *
"Firefly?" Medley asked, while waving her hoof in Firefly's face. "Firefly, did you hear what I just said?"
Firefly blinked twice and then focused on Medley. Medley had been telling her something cute that Ember had said, but Firefly's mind was somewhere else completely. Somewhere over the Rainbow, that was. Her mind was a million miles away with an eight year old girl who was in need of her help. Ever since Firefly had returned to Ponyland and Dream Castle, the only thing, or person, she could think about was Megan. She needed to find a way to help her and fast.
"Firefly!" Peachy said exasperatedly.
Firefly came back to reality and gave Medley an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, you guys," she said sincerely. "I just have a lot on my mind. That's all."
"Did something happen while you were over the Rainbow?" Medley asked, becoming worried.
Firefly nodded. She wanted to tell Medley so badly, but she didn't want to tell her in front of Peachy. "I'll tell you later. I promise," Firefly said as she tried to eat her dinner without looking like anything was wrong. This was some feat, considering Medley could read her best pony friend like a book. She knew when something was bothering her and she had the distinct feeling that Firefly was hiding something from her. And that was something Firefly never did.
* * *
After dinner that night, Firefly went to Medley's room to talk to her. She found her best pony friend reading a book and humming a song of some kind.
"Hey," Firefly said softly. "Can I talk to you?"
"Sure," Medley said. She put her book down and made a place for Firefly on the bed across from her. "What's up?"
Firefly sighed and tried to think of the best way to answer her best friend's question. "Well, it's just that... when I went over the Rainbow to explore, I sort of saw a little girl and she was being hurt by some other kids. Older kids. They pushed her down and took something of hers. I think it was her diary or journal. They gave it back to her, but only after a boy tripped her and made her skin her knee and scratch her cheek."
"Oh my gosh!" Medley said, looking startled. "You're not going back there again tomorrow, are you?"
Firefly nodded.
"But Firefly, you-" Medley started to say, but Firefly cut her off.
"I can't just stay here and not do anything. Megan needs my help and I'm going to help her. Even if I have to introduce myself and bring her here for safety."
"Firefly!" Medley exclaimed.
"Don't try and stop me, Med," Firefly said. "My mind is made up. I know what I'm doing. When I was watching Megan today, I sensed nothing but kindness and gentleness from her. She won't hurt me or you or any of us. I promise. I have a feeling that Megan is going to love it here and I also have a stronger feeling that Megan's going through some horrible things that a child shouldn't have to face."
Medley nodded and shuddered at the thought. She too loved baby ponies and human children and she didn't like it when either was suffering unjustly.
Firefly saw her best friend's fearful expression and nuzzled her gently.
"Shh, it's okay, Medley. It's going to be okay. I just need you to trust me on this and please, whatever you do, don't tell anyone else. If you want to tell Twilight and Ember, that's fine, but nobody else. I don't want Megan feeling too overwhelmed when I bring her here tomorrow or the next day, okay?"
Medley nodded. She never broke promises to anyone, especially not Firefly.
As Firefly lay down for bed, she made a special wish and prayed that she would find a way to help Megan soon. She knew she was meant to. Before long, Firefly fell asleep to sweet dreams. She dreamt about Medley and her when they were younger and the adventures they used to have. They used to spend their days flying around Ponyland and getting in trouble with their mothers for straying too far from Dream Castle. Actually, it was Firefly who got into the most trouble, but Medley was right along side her, trying to keep her best pony friend from getting grounded too often.
Firefly giggled at the memories as she drifted off to sleep.
* * *
The next morning, Firefly awoke and had a quick breakfast. She wanted to get over the Rainbow and be there in case Megan needed her help. As Firefly left for the other side of the Rainbow, Medley nuzzled her gently.
"Good luck," Medley said. "I hope you can help that little girl. What did you say her name was again?"
"Megan," Firefly said. "I'll find out today if that's true. But I'm guessing it is."
Medley nodded and nuzzled her best pony friend one more time before Firefly took to the Rainbow again.
When Firefly got to the other side, she arrived at the same house, but received the surprise of her life! As Firefly watched from her hiding place, she saw Julie and her aunt come out, but her aunt was leading someone by the hand; and as Firefly continued to watch, she realized that it was Megan!
Firefly held her breath as the woman spoke. Her voice was kind and gentle.
"Now, just hang in there, okay, love bug? You'll be okay."
"Timmy Carter is so mean, Aunt Abby!" Megan replied, bursting into tears and wrapping her arms around her aunt's waist. "I don't want to go to school today. Please don't make me!"
Firefly's heart broke. She resolved right then and there to help Megan out the second she got there.
"I'm sorry, sweetie," Abby said, hugging her niece close, "but I can't let you stay home. Julie has the flu and I don't want you catching it. Besides, remember what you always say?"
Megan let out a sob as Abby cupped her chin in her hands.
"There's always another Rainbow. You're right when you say that and the song you made up says it all."
Megan nodded. She believed that with all her heart, but she still didn't want to go to school.
"Now, I want you to be my brave girl and go off to school. I'll be here waiting for you when you get home, okay?"
Megan nodded and gave her aunt a hug. "I love you, Aunt Abby," Megan said, calming down a little.
"Aw, I love you too," Abby said. "I love you so much, Megan Julia Hartson." With that, Abby walked Megan to what Firefly could only assume was the school bus stop and waited until she was safely on the bus.
Firefly flew after them, being careful to stay out of sight. She was going to help Megan out if it was the last thing she did. She now knew her full name. Megan Julia Hartson. That name was so pretty. Firefly decided to let Megan tell her what her name was, so she wouldn't seem like she was following her, even though she was, but it was for a good reason. Firefly didn't want to scare her too badly.
As Abby and Megan waited for the bus, Megan asked, "Aunt Abby?"
"Yes, sweetie?" Abby asked.
"Do you think I'll ever have a best friend?"
Abby nodded. "Of course you will. You just wait. I'll bet anything you'll make a new friend today." She smiled and Firefly could have sworn she saw Abby look to where she, Firefly, was hiding.
Megan managed a small smile just as the school bus pulled up. After Abby gave Megan a kiss, Megan got onto the bus and began to read her book. She never got picked on while she was on the school bus. The kids knew better. The driver liked Megan and the kids didn't want to get in trouble too early in the morning. Besides, the kids enjoyed picking on Megan when there were no grown_ups around to help her.
Once Megan got off the bus, she was hailed by Tim and Gretchen. Tim and Gretchen were the main bullies who picked on her. Tim tripped Megan and then, as she tried to get up, he tripped her again.
"Hey pony girl!!! Want to play with us?" Tim asked, acting like he was going to hit Megan. She jumped out of the way and ended up losing her balance, which caused her to fall on her bottom. Her book bag fell off her back and some of her books fell out. As Megan scrambled to get them, Gretchen snatched one up. It was Megan's diary. Megan made a grab for it, but Gretchen held it at arm's length and started to flip through it.
"Hey!" Megan shouted, trying to be as brave as she could. "Give that back!"
"Aw, little orphan Megan wants her pwecious diary back, does she?" Gretchen asked, glaring at Megan.
"I think she does," Tim said, sneering at Megan. "Well, we can't just give it to her nicely," he said. "That would take all the fun out of life." He made a grab for the diary and Gretchen threw it to him. He then threw it and laughed as he left to go inside.
Megan got to her feet and tried not to cry. There was silence, then... splat!! Megan sputtered as some mud hit her full in the back. It landed in her hair as well as on her jumpsuit. She tried to get it off, but it was no use. She was a mess and now her diary was ruined, too. She picked up her books and put them back into her bag. She then picked up her diary and as she looked down at the torn cover and now mud splattered pages that once held her most precious memories and thoughts, Megan burst into tears.
Firefly glared after the two children who had hurt Megan so badly. She was determined to make her move during recess that day. These two kids had had their chance. Now they were going to get a taste of their own medicine.
"Hang in there, my sweet girl," Firefly thought. "Help is coming soon." She smiled. That was the perfect special name for Megan, but Firefly wasn't going to use it until she got to know Megan a little bit better. She had no doubt that Megan was sweet, but she wanted to let Megan get to know her before she, Firefly, used a special name for her. She wanted to make sure that Megan would like it and was comfortable with it.
Firefly sighed as she waited for recess to roll around. As she sat there, her stomach started to growl. She only wished she had brought some of Cupcake's food with her. But now wasn't the time to think about eating. Now was the time for action. Firefly had to come up with a plan; and as she sat there, waiting for the children to come out for recess, a plan formed in her mind. Firefly knew exactly what she was going to do. All she had to do now was wait for the moment when she was needed.
* * *
When recess rolled around two hours later, Firefly was ready to put her plan into action. She only had a few more minutes to wait. As she sat there, she saw Megan come out of the building. She looked like she had had someone help her clean up. Her clothes weren't as muddy and her hair looked brushed and redone.
As Firefly watched Megan head for a bench to read, she saw Tim and Gretchen along with two other older boys walking toward her. Before Megan had a chance to sit down, Tim pushed her, making her fall; and then as Megan got up, the other boy tripped her. She fell and scraped her knee.
Firefly glared, but she held her breath as Megan's right wrist made contact with the ground. There was a slight crunching sound and then the tears came.
Firefly had had enough! Now was the time for action. Taking a deep breath, Firefly flew into the air and performed her double inside out loop, heading straight for the four kids who had hurt Megan so badly.
Tim jumped out of the way and fell to the ground. He had no idea what had just come at him, but he wasn't sticking around to find out. Neither were Gretchen and her friends. She along with her two mates ran in the other direction.
Firefly then flew out of sight and waited for the right time to approach Megan. She wanted to give her some time to calm down and realize that she wasn't in any danger.
After about five minutes, Megan sat down on the bench and started to cry while holding her right arm. She had apparently either bruised her wrist or broken it.
Firefly waited until all the kids had gone inside, and then she made her next move. She flew down so that Megan could see her and then approached her cautiously. Firefly just prayed and hoped that Megan would like her. She also prayed and hoped that Megan wouldn't be afraid of her. She wasn't going to hurt her at all.
Megan glanced up and blinked several times to make sure she wasn't seeing things. After she opened her eyes for the fourth time and still saw Firefly, she backed up into the picnic table and then dove underneath it. This only served for her to skin her other knee.
"Hey, hey now," Firefly said gently. "There's no need to be afraid. I'm not going to hurt you, honey. I promise. Are you okay?"
Megan merely nodded. She tried to shrink back further, but the size of the picnic table versus the way she was crouching made it hard.
Firefly gave Megan a gentle smile. "I promise I won't hurt you, honey. You have nothing to be afraid of."
Megan nodded, still unable to speak. When she finally regained her voice she said, "Ta_talking pony!"
Firefly nodded and giggled a little. She then rose into the air and said, "I can fly too."
Megan looked at her with interest mixed with apprehension and asked, "Wha_who are you?"
"My name's Firefly," Firefly said, smiling gently down at Megan. "What's your name, honey?"
"Me_Megan. Megan Julia Hartson."
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Megan." Firefly said. She then asked, "Do those kids pick on you every day?"
Megan's lower lip started to quiver and she nodded, unable to answer Firefly verbally. Firefly gave Megan a sympathetic look. Megan then burst into tears out of pain in her wrist. She lowered her head and looked at the ground, suddenly interested in a batch of worms that were cascading through the mud. Firefly moved closer and nuzzled Megan gently.
Megan then did something that totally surprised Firefly. She wrapped her arms around Firefly's neck and buried her face in her mane as if she and Firefly had known each other since Megan was born.
"Shh, shh, hush now, it's okay, Megan. It's all right. It's okay..." Firefly soothed as she nuzzled the little girl gently and stroked her hair with her front left hoof. "You're going to be okay."
"It hurts!" Megan whimpered. "My wrist hurts really bad!"
Firefly didn't have the heart to correct Megan's grammar. She was only seven or eight, after all. She would learn in time.
"I know it does, honey. I know. Listen, there's a place I can take you where you'll be safe. But we have to wait until the end of the day."
"It's... it's a half..." Megan said through her tears.
"Shh, shh, it's okay, honey. Easy does it. Now, what were you saying. It's okay."
"It's a ha_half day today," Megan told her new friend. "I get out around now anyway. I'm supposed to be back at my Aunt Abby's around three_thirty to watch my little sister, Julie."
Firefly nodded. "Okay. Well, I'll have you back before then. How does three o' clock sound?"
Megan smiled for the first time in a few days. She was really starting to like Firefly. "Can I ask you a question?" Megan asked.
"Sure you can, sweetie. What is it?"
"Where do you live?"
"Ponyland," Firefly replied. "That's where I'm going to take you. It's over the Rainbow. I have a friend who can give you something to protect you from those bullies. I promise. It's going to be okay."
Megan nodded. She then looked at Firefly with a puzzled expression on her face and said, "But Firefly, there's no Rainbow in the sky right..." But as Megan's voice trailed off, she glanced up and saw it... the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. Why hadn't she noticed it before?
She grinned as Firefly nuzzled her again and the pony asked, "You were saying?" Megan shook her head.
Firefly smiled gently down at the little girl and asked, "How old are you?"
"Eight," Megan said. "My birthday was last month. It's on April 8th."
Firefly nodded. "Wow!! You must be a big girl."
Megan giggled. Aunt Abby was always saying she, Megan, was a big girl and she liked that.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Firefly asked.
Megan gave her new friend a confused look.
"Hop on!" Firefly exclaimed happily. "I'll get us back home to Ponyland in no time."
As Megan started to climb on the pink pegasus' back, Firefly asked, "Uh, you do know how to ride, I hope?"
Megan nodded and gave Firefly an indignant look. "Of course I know how to ride!" Megan exclaimed indignantly.
"Great!" Firefly said as she galloped towards the school entrance and prepared to fly over the gate. As she rose, Megan hung on as best she could with her good arm and said, while trying to get off, "Wait!! I said I could ride, not fly!!!"
"Ooh, my friends are just gonna love you!" Firefly assured Megan, nuzzling her gently.
"No they wo_o_o_on't!" Megan cried as Firefly took off for the Rainbow.
"Pony feathers!!" Firefly exclaimed. Then she started to sing. "They'll be dancing on air when they meet you, dancing on air with glee."
Megan shook her head and joined in with her own fears. "I doubt they'll be celebrating when they see, it's only me."
"They'll do cartwheels in air when they greet you, their hopes will start to rise!"
"From what they're anticipating, they're in for a big surprise!"
"They'll be floating, lighter than a cloud," Firefly assured her new friend.
"They'll be gloating, laughing right out loud!" Megan contradicted her.
"The sight of you, will send spirits flying!" Firefly said excitedly.
"One or two may burst out crying." Megan said, frowning.
Firefly sighed as she rested in a cloud just above Dream Valley.
"Megan, you're a dream come true, that my friends will think so too. You're the answer to our every prayer."
"Time will tell if I'll come through, but just imagine if I do!" Megan sang, feeling a little bit better.
"They'll be dancing," Firefly sang.
"Prancing," Megan chimed in.
"Dancing on air!" The two sang together.
"How do you feel now, honey?" Firefly asked, hoping that the song had helped Megan feel a little better.
"Better," Megan said. "But my wrist still hurts, though."
Firefly nodded and nuzzled Megan gently. "I know, sweetie. You'll feel better soon. Let's get inside and then I'll introduce you to my friends. Ooh, they're going to love you!"
Megan nodded as she felt an overwhelming sensation to bury her face in Firefly's mane and never let go.
Firefly gave Megan the choice of dismounting or staying put, and Megan chose to stay put. She was feeling a little nervous and she felt safe with Firefly. It was weird, but even though Megan hadn't known Firefly for more than an hour now, she felt comfortable around her. So comfortable in fact, that when they stepped through the threshold of Dream Castle and all the little ponies came out to greet Firefly and her, Megan dismounted, but wrapped her arms around Firefly's neck and buried her face in her mane. She was feeling a little shy and she wasn't used to so many faces looking at her at once. She started to cry a little.
"Aw, it's okay, sweetie," Firefly said gently. "My friends won't hurt you."
Megan nodded, but she still felt a little unsure.
As Ember came up and nuzzled Megan's arm, a loud bang, like a firework made Megan let out a fearful sob. She pulled away from Firefly and ran into the nearest empty room, which happened to be Firefly's bedroom.
Firefly glared at Sparkler and then at Powder. Both ponies looked really sheepish.
"I'm sorry," Sparkler said. "I didn't mean to scare her. She seems nice."
"I like her," Ember said simply. "She pretty."
Twilight smiled at her little one and gave Ember a gentle nuzzle.
"I do, too," Twilight said. "Poor thing. I'm going to see if she's okay."
"No!" Firefly exclaimed suddenly. She took a deep breath and then said, "Let me do it. She knows me and I think meeting everyone at once caused Megan to become a little overwhelmed. She's only eight years old."
"Can I come with you?" Medley asked. "I might be able to get through to her."
Firefly nodded and sighed. If anyone could help Megan feel better about meeting new people or ponies besides Firefly herself, it was Medley.
"Good_luck," Cupcake said. "Let me know if Megan's hungry."
Firefly nodded. "I will. Let me get my sweet girl feeling better first, and then we can talk chicken."
Cupcake gave Firefly a Look, but Twilight and Powder cracked up. Medley giggled, too. Firefly could be so funny sometimes. Medley then gave Firefly a curious look and said, "Your sweet girl?"
Firefly nodded. "Yeah. I think that's the perfect special name for Megan from me, don't you think so? She is really sweet once you get to know her. I just think she was a little overwhelmed by everyone. That's all. I think she'll be okay with just you and me. But to be safe, let me go in first, okay?"
Medley nodded and waited outside while Firefly entered the room. Firefly walked over to the bed to find Megan laying down, her face buried in the pillow. She could feel her shaking, so that meant she was crying.
"Megan? Honey, are you okay?"
Megan raised her tear-stained face to meet Firefly's concerned one. She wrapped her arms around Firefly's neck and cried into her mane.
"Shh, shh, hush now, Megan. It's okay, honey. It's going to be okay. My friends didn't mean to scare you. Ember was just nuzzling you. She likes you. She's really sweet. She's just a baby. She's going to be four in a few months. Listen, my best friend, Medley, is waiting outside. She wants to meet you."
Megan shook her head as a sob escaped her lips. She felt too overcome.
"Okay, all right, it's okay, sweetie. She doesn't have to come in if you don't want her to. But she's really nice. And I'll bet she'll even sing you to sleep. Do you want to try and take a nap and then when you wake up, I'll take you to see the Moochick. He's my friend I told you about. He's a magician."
Megan nodded and a small smile spread across her face.
Firefly smiled too. "Aw, that's my sweet girl," she said, nuzzling Megan gently.
"I like that special name," Megan said softly.
"I'm glad," Firefly said. "Because that's what you are. I think it suits you just fine. Now, do you want to meet Medley?"
"You promise it's only Medley?" Megan asked.
Firefly nodded. "Yes. I promise you."
Megan nodded and sat up a little bit, but Firefly helped her to lay back down. "Just try and rest, my sweet girl. You're going to be okay."
"My wrist hurts!" Megan whimpered.
"I know it does, sweetie. After I introduce you to Medley, why doesn't she stay with you while I get something to wrap your wrist up with. I'll be back, I promise." Megan nodded.
Firefly smiled as she went to let Medley in. "Okay, Med. You can come in."
"Okay." Medley walked into the room, closing the door behind her. She walked over to the bed and approached Megan cautiously. She didn't want to give her a fright again.
Firefly smiled as she came over to where Megan was sitting, and nuzzled her sweet girl gently. "Megan, I want you to meet my best pony friend. This is Medley. Med, this is my new friend, Megan."
Medley smiled warmly at Megan. "Hi," she said. "It's nice to meet you, Megan."
Megan nodded and gave Medley a small smile. "It's nice to meet you, too," Megan said, reaching her good hand out to pat Medley's mane.
"Go on," Firefly said. "It's okay."
Megan nodded and did so.
"Do you mind staying with Megan while I get something to bandage her right wrist?" Firefly asked Medley, knowing full well that Medley wouldn't mind at all.
"No," Medley said. "I don't mind."
"I told Megan you would sing to her. She's going to try and take a little nap before I take her to see the Moochick. She's had a hard two days."
Medley nodded and smiled at Megan as she nuzzled her gently. "Of course I will. Do you have a favorite song?" Medley asked, thinking of the ones she knew.
Megan nodded and told Medley what her favorite song was.
"I'll be right back, my sweet girl," Firefly assured her new friend. She nuzzled Megan gently and then mouthed a thank you to Medley before leaving to retrieve the bandage for Megan's wrist.
As Firefly reached the bathroom, she heard crying coming from Twilights' room. Firefly peeked her head in and saw Twilight comforting Ember.
"Aw, what's the matter, sweetie?" Firefly asked, coming over and nuzzling Ember gently. "What are all the raindrops for?"
Ember let out a sob and then said, "Megan doesn't like me! She's scared of me! I hurt her!"
"Aw, no, no, no, little one," Twilight said gently. "You didn't hurt Megan."
"Then why she cry and run to Auntie Firefly's room?" Ember asked.
Firefly nuzzled Ember gently as she said, "Megan's just a little scared right now. She's a little tired too. She's taking a nap now. I promise you didn't hurt her. She just got scared when Sparkler and Powder's fireworks went off. That's all. When Megan wakes up, she'll be all better."
"Promise?" Ember asked.
"I promise," Firefly said, nuzzling Ember again. "You have nothing to worry about."
Ember nodded and nuzzled Firefly back.
After Firefly was sure that Ember was going to be okay, she returned to her room. She found Megan half asleep and Medley singing her "All the Pretty Little Ponies".
"She fell asleep, huh?" Firefly asked, nuzzling Megan gently.
Medley nodded. "She's almost there. Firefly, she's so sweet. I just don't understand how anyone could hurt someone so innocent and precious."
Firefly nodded. "I know what you mean," she said. "I feel the same way." She then moved closer and started to bandage Megan's right wrist. As she did that, Megan started to stir and tried to push her away. "Shh, shh, hush now, it's okay, my sweet girl. It's okay. It's me. It's Firefly. You're all right, Megan. It's okay. I'm just wrapping your wrist up, honey. That's all. Try and go back to sleep. Do you want Medley to sing to you again?"
Megan shook her head and Medley was taken aback for a minute. Megan then asked, "Can you sing our song, please?"
Firefly's heart melted at this question. Megan was so adorable. And it melted Firefly's heart even more when she called "Dancing on Air" their song.
"I sure will," Firefly said. She then turned to Medley and said, "You don't mind, do you, Med?"
Medley shook her head and gave Megan a gentle nuzzle. "Not at all," Medley replied. She smiled as she sat down and listened to Firefly sing the young girl to sleep.
After Megan's steady breathing could be heard, Firefly left the room to have some lunch. She was still famished from earlier that morning, and Medley promised to get Firefly the moment Megan woke up.
When Firefly entered the kitchen, she found Cupcake, Fizzy, and Sparkler sitting around, talking and eating some sandwiches.
"I'm sorry about what happened earlier," Sparkler apologized again. "I didn't mean to scare Megan like that. Is she okay?"
"She will be after she wakes up," Firefly told her. "My sweet girl just needs rest and then I'm going to take her to see the Moochick. Maybe he has something that can protect Megan from those bullies at school."
"That's a great idea!!" Fizzy exclaimed enthusiastically. "The Moochick can help anyone."
Firefly nodded.
"Can I come with you?" Fizzy asked. "Unicorns are good luck, and good company too."
Firefly smiled at her friend. "Sure. Med, you, and I will go with Megan. But I want Megan to meet you first. When she wakes up, you can come in my room and I'll introduce you to her. She's a real sweetheart. I'm sure that once she visits a few more times, she'll get used to everyone; but for now, it's best to keep things smooth and simple. Remember, she's only a little girl."
Fizzy nodded. She was anxious to meet Megan and she really wanted to see if the Moochick had anything to help her.
Firefly thanked Cupcake for the food and then started to eat. It wasn't until a fearful scream broke the silence of Dream Castle a few minutes later, did the peace around the castle cease to be anymore.
Firefly jumped to her hooves and rushed for her bedroom. The scream had come from there. She was sure of it. "Megan!" Firefly exclaimed as she pushed open her bedroom door.
Megan was sitting up, crying. She was huddled against the head board and her face was buried in her hands.
"She just woke up like this," Medley said. "She was thrashing in her sleep and she started to cry. I woke her up and she's been like this ever since. I tried to comfort her, but she just kept saying she wanted you. I didn't try and nuzzle her because I didn't want to scare her."
Firefly nodded and rushed to Megan's side. She nuzzled her sweet girl gently and assured her she was okay. "Megan? Megan, honey, you're okay. It's all right. I'm here, sweetheart. Come here, my sweet girl," Firefly said gently.
Megan raised her face to meet the concerned blue eyes of Firefly; and when she saw her, she threw her arms around Firefly's neck and cried into her mane. She had just had a nightmare and what made matters worse, she knew it was going to happen.