Fluttershy and the Fine Furry Friends Fair

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  For Aunt Viv and Uncle Murray, whose kindness knows no bounds

  CHAPTER 1

  The Top Hat Bunny Cabaret

  The local park was a haven of respite and peaceful relaxation for the residents of Ponyville. The leafy trees and little hills covered in soft green grass were perfect for stretching out one’s wings, reading a book, or just looking at the clouds above and daydreaming about what shapes the Pegasi in Cloudsdale might make next.

  A sweet yellow Pegasus pony named Fluttershy lived on the outskirts of town and loved to trot through the park every single day. It was nice to take a break from her busy job as a caretaker of animals, big and small. When she went on her walks, Fluttershy liked to reflect on her life and think about how lucky she was that it was one filled with fun, furry critters, and friends.

  One day, as she strolled along on her normal route, Fluttershy noticed that something was different about Ponyville Park. There was a jaunty melody echoing across the grass, through the hedges, over the knolls, and under the shade of the tall oaks. It sounded like it was coming from the area near Froggy Bottom Bogg. Though Fluttershy had every intention of ignoring the distraction, her pet bunny, Angel, went hopping off toward the noise.

  “Oh, okay, Angel,” whispered the meek yellow Pegasus. Angel Bunny had Fluttershy wrapped around his furry little paw. It was hard for her to say no to such an adorable face.

  “Let’s go see what that commotion is, you curious little dear.” Fluttershy brushed her soft pink mane away from her left eye, spread her wings, and flew after him. “I’m sure it won’t take too long.”

  In truth, Fluttershy actually wanted to go home for a cup of dandelion tea and a nap with her new litter of kittens, but she wasn’t going to ruin Angel’s fun. He was only a young bunny and needed plenty of new experiences to grow—in addition to healthy food and weekly tail fluffings. Fluttershy had noticed that lately Angel had been very curious about all the “hoppenings” in Ponyville. Just today, Fluttershy had taken him by the Ponyville Schoolhouse to visit the fillies and colts during recess. Then they’d gone to the market to see if there were any cherries for sale, and finally to Sugarcube Corner for a special bunny carrot cupcake made by Pinkie Pie. A busy day by anybunny’s standards.

  Angel arched his head back to marvel at the sight. What’s this, Fluttershy? his big eyes said. The yellow pony had a special connection with all her animals. She almost always knew exactly what they were trying to convey, whether they could use their voices to tell her or not. Angel was particularly unique, though. Fluttershy could look into his eyes and just know what he was trying to tell her. Most of the time, anyway. Sometimes it took a few guesses.

  “I’m not sure what’s inside, Angel, but I think I’ve seen it before.…” Fluttershy replied. The tent in front of them was definitely familiar. It had red and white vertical stripes with a big top in the middle. The triangular yellow flags at the top had the symbol of two hats side by side. Fluttershy scrunched up her nose in polite distaste. It was those swindlers the Flim Flam brothers again! They weren’t very nice ponies.

  “We don’t want to go in there,” Fluttershy said, looking down at Angel. “Do we, sweetie?” Flim and Flam had made a business out of creating fake get-well tonics and subpar cider. They were always looking for the next cheap way to make a “bit” off unsuspecting ponies.

  I want to see! Angel hopped up and down excitedly and forged ahead to get a closer look at the two framed posters near the entrance. FARNUM AND FAILEY PRESENT THE TOP HAT BUNNY CABARET, they said in big, bubbly letters. A picture of a brown rabbit with very long fur was in the middle. He was wearing a red bow tie and sitting on a black top hat. There was a flag in his paw that said FEATURING THE MOST TALENTED BUNNIES IN EQUESTRIA (PLUS FROGS). RABBITS & RIBBITS!

  Angel pointed his paw at the poster and smiled. Can we go inside?

  “Well, that’s not what I was expecting at all.” Fluttershy giggled. “I suppose if anything can get my attention, it’s cute bunnies.” Angel turned to her and crossed his arms with a pout. Suddenly, he didn’t like the idea of Fluttershy paying more attention to other bunnies than to him. “Don’t worry, little love. You’re my top bunny!” Fluttershy patted Angel on his downy head and purchased two tickets for the show.

  CHAPTER 2

  Just a Frog and Bunny Show

  Inside the tent, there was a flurry of preshow activity. Ponies were taking their seats on the wooden bleachers, buying refreshments to munch on (the popcorn came in a novelty cardboard top hat), and chatting about what sorts of amazing bunny tricks they were about to behold. Fluttershy had never seen so many ponies excited about bunnies in one place. She was in great company.

  Angel led the way to the front row and took a seat right in the middle. He clearly didn’t want to miss a single hop or nose twitch of the performance. “Do you want some carrot juice, Angel?” Fluttershy asked, gesturing to the refreshment stand. She always tried to make sure her pets stayed hydrated.

  The little white rabbit shook his head defiantly and pointed to the seat next to him. “Not even just a sip or two?” Fluttershy replied hopefully. Angel stuck his nose in the air. Then he pointed to the seat again. Fluttershy obeyed and sat down. What a convincing little fellow he was!

  As the rest of the audience found their seats, Fluttershy petted Angel’s soft white ears and smiled. This was a nice treat for the two of them, she thought. Maybe if the show was really entertaining, she would bring some of the birds and squirrels by tomorrow for a field trip. Or Toby the fruit bat. Toby did love a good cabaret.

  The jaunty music began to play again, and a tiny marching band of bunnies entered the stage wearing blue costumes with sparkling gold accents, each playing a different instrument. Leading the way was a large black rabbit with white spots playing a tuba. Honk, honk. Honk, honk. The bunnies hopped into formation, and a moment later, two tall yellow stallions danced onstage. They had short red manes and wore black tuxedos and top hats. One of them had a red mustache. They each had a frog on his shoulder.

  “I’m Farnuuuum!” sang Flim, extending a hoof out to the right.

  “And I’m Faaaailey!” added Flam, reaching his hoof to the left.

  “Welcome to the Top Hat Bunny Cabaret—exciting entertainment on the DAILY!” They danced around each other in time to the music. “We bet you’ve never laid your EYES, on bunnies like these little GUYS!”

  “You’re in for a treat!” Flim shouted.

  “You’re in for a PRIZE!” Flam warbled. “The Top Hat Bunny Cabaret! Ponies, what d’ya saaay?!” Flam put his hoof to his ear as if he were listening.

  “Okay!” the ponies in the crowd shouted.

  “Hooray!” shouted Flim in response.

  “Because we’ve got Fuzzy Lops and Himalayans, Hot-de-Trots—know what we’re sayin’?” Flim and Flam turned to the bunnies and patted each one on the head as they sang, “Golden Palomino or Harlequin, whichever you like—we’re nonpartisan!”

  Flam took off his top hat, waved a wand around, and then pulled out a light purple rabbit wearing sunglasses. The rabbit began to juggle three golden orbs while hopping on one foot. The audien
ce clapped and cheered. “See? This one can juggle balls!”

  “That one can hop up walls!” Flim shouted, pointing to a long-haired gray bunny hopping sideways up the wall of the tent.

  “This one cooks macaroni!” A tiny spotted bunny stirred a bubbling pot and waved to the crowd. He sprinkled some cheese on the pasta and scooped up a serving for a mint-green pony named Lyra. Lyra smiled and began to gobble up the yummy food.

  “That one can lift a pony!” Sure enough, a little white bunny with black ears hopped over to Sea Swirl and lifted the pony high into the air. It was unbelievable!

  Meanwhile, the bunnies in the band continued to play their instruments, dancing back and forth to the lyrics. On every fourth beat, one of the frogs would croak. Flim and Flam did a spin in time with each other and reached their hooves to the crowd. “So get ready to feast your EYES, on these amazing little GUYS!”

  “The unsurpassable!”

  “… most desirable!”

  “So incredible!”

  “… try commendable!”

  Flim and Flam shuffled to the sides of the stage and held their hooves out to present the bunnies. “The hippity-hoppity! Ribbity-rabbity! Tippity-toppity… Top Hat Bunny Cabareeeeeeet!”

  “Plus frogs!” croaked Flam.

  “Croaaak,” said his toad.

  The audience erupted in excited cheers, stomping their hooves on the ground in grand applause. Angel got up from his seat and began to hop up and down, clasping his paws together. His eyes sparkled with wonder, and a big smile was plastered on his face. Fluttershy felt all warm and fuzzy inside at his elation. There was nothing better than seeing one of her pets happy.

  CHAPTER 3

  A Little Bunny of Little Talent

  “That was a good show, wasn’t it, Angel?” Fluttershy patted him on the head and stood up. She stomped her hooves on the ground a few times to show her appreciation, then trotted toward the exit. “Come along, sweetie. We have to get home for dinner.”

  Fluttershy was almost to the door when she turned around to ask Angel if he wanted a cucumber and lettuce salad or a julienne of carrots. But the bunny wasn’t there. Fluttershy scanned the room, only slightly panicked. He couldn’t have hopped too far away in just a minute… could he?

  A small crowd of ponies was gathered around something in the corner. Perhaps one of them had seen which way Angel had gone. “Excuse me?” Fluttershy whispered, tapping the shoulder of a teal-colored Unicorn. The mare didn’t budge. “Oh, um… hello?” she tried a little bit louder. “Have you seen my bunny?”

  Fluttershy’s question was interrupted by the distinct laughter of Flim coming from the middle of the group. Fluttershy tried to push her way through the crowd to get a better look at what was going on, but she didn’t want to push too hard and bother anypony. She spread her wings and drifted up to hover above them.

  In the middle of the circle was none other than Angel Bunny! “Angel!” Fluttershy squeaked in shock and flew down to her pet, putting a protective hoof around him. “I’m really sorry if he was bothering you. He’s a little bit dehydrated and hasn’t had his dinner yet—”

  “Not at all, miss,” Flim exclaimed, tipping his hat. “He was just trying to tell us something.” He turned to the crowd and added, “Just another example of how great Farnum and Failey are with all bunnies, folks!”

  “It seemed important!” added Flam, kneeling down on his forelegs. “Go on, little fellow.”

  Angel rolled his eyes and pointed to the Himalayan rabbit who had been playing the drums, then back to himself.

  “You like his costume?” Fluttershy asked, cocking her head to the side.

  Angel shook his head. He did a small cartwheel.

  “I think this little fellow wants to join the show!” shouted Flim. “Brother, what d’ya say? Could we use this average-looking bunny in our extravaganza?”

  Flam rubbed his mustache and trotted around Angel, sizing him up. “He does look a little bit plain… but we can work with that!” Flam pushed Fluttershy aside and leaned in close to Angel. “The real question is—what can he do?!”

  “Can you do trapeze?” asked Flim.

  “Can you ride on skis?” questioned Flam.

  “Jump through a burning ring of fire?”

  “Or perhaps hop on a greasy wire?!”

  At each suggestion, Angel shook his head. He couldn’t do any of those things! Fluttershy was growing concerned. She should have just taken him home when she had the chance! Now her sweet Angel was being publicly humiliated. It was terrible.

  Fluttershy raised her voice above her usual whisper. “Angel, let’s go on home to the cottage now and—”

  “Well, you must be able to do something special, little fellow!” Flam shouted, ignoring the yellow pony. This little display was entertaining the guests!

  “Oh, he can do lots of things,” Fluttershy defended. She held her chin up and furrowed her brow. “He… he… gives the best cuddles! And he’s great at keeping me on schedule.” Fluttershy nodded her head. “I’m never late for anything when Angel is around.” Angel took out his pocket watch and nodded his head.

  Flim and Flam looked at each other and smirked. “That’s all well and good, miss, but we only allow the rarest of rabbits and the funniest of bunnies to join our Farnum and Failey Top Hat Bunny Cabaret.” Flim pointed to a plain brown rabbit in a scarecrow costume. “Even Foo Foo over there does a great routine with field mice!”

  Flam gestured to Angel. “This bunny here has got nothing to offer us!”

  “Oh,” said Fluttershy, hanging her head. “That’s okay. We understand.” She looked down at Angel. The poor dear had tears in his eyes. It broke Fluttershy’s heart. Not even a cherry on top of Angel’s salad tonight was going to fix this one. Fluttershy was just going to have to find some other way to make her favorite pet see himself for the special guy he most certainly was. But how?

  CHAPTER 4

  Taking Flock

  It had taken Fluttershy all morning to convince Angel to pry himself out of his bed and come to Sweet Apple Acres with her. Luckily, it wasn’t the first time she’d dealt with his moods, so she knew a few tricks. Today it was the promise of a cone of carrot sorbet with sunflower seeds and an ear massage that had finally coerced him to leave the cottage.

  But he was still grumpy.

  As sweet as Angel Bunny was, he was prone to pouting when he didn’t get his way. Everything had to be just right—his tail had to be fluffed the exact way on Tail-Fluffing Tuesdays, his meals had to be arranged just so, and he had to spend at least one hour of exclusive playtime with Fluttershy every day. It was okay with her, though. Whatever he needed, she would give him. It was a vow that she made to all her pets and creatures.

  Before the pony and the bunny departed, Angel had insisted he didn’t feel like hopping, so Fluttershy had offered him the comfortable option of sitting on her back. “I’ll try not to trot too fast!” assured Fluttershy, lifting him up. He wasn’t heavy.

  Fluttershy hummed a pretty tune as they cantered along. When she was finished, she looked over her shoulder to check on Angel. He still appeared so sad. “Cheer up! Applejack’s invited us to watch her and Winona practice for the upcoming herding competition at Whinnyland,” Fluttershy chirped, softly trotting toward the direction of the farm. “It’s part of the Fine Furry Friends Fair. Won’t that be a nice time?” The little bunny let out a big sigh and collapsed dramatically, hiding his face in Fluttershy’s left wing. He gave a halfhearted squeak into her feathers. He stayed this way for the rest of the trip.

  “My poor bunny! I know you’re upset about those big meanies Flim and Flam not letting you into their show,” cooed Fluttershy. “But I think you’re special enough to star in your own show. We could throw something together. Maybe Rarity will help us make some costumes?”

  Angel hopped off Fluttershy’s back and shook his head defiantly. No way! he seemed to say.

  Sweet Apple Acres was coming into view on the horizon. It
was looking particularly pretty today. The shining green orchard filled with trees bearing juicy red apples stretched out in rows up and down the hills. The farmhouse where Applejack; her siblings, Apple Bloom and Big Mac; and their grandmare, Granny Smith, lived was perched proudly in front, looking over the bountiful land. The massive red barn that the whole Apple family had built with their own hooves was off to the side. Just past that were several open fields, one of which Applejack and Winona were currently practicing in.

  Angel sprang off toward the field, still annoyed. Fluttershy followed, trying to rack her brain for something else that would make her pet feel better. A great idea would surely come to her soon.

  “Hi, Applejack!” uttered Fluttershy, not much louder than a whisper. Herding practice was already in full swing. There were a dozen fluffy white sheep shuffling around the pasture. Applejack was running along the edges of the fence.

  “Get ’round, Winona!” Applejack hollered across the field. Winona barked in jovial response, tail wagging like an overactive pendulum. Then the brown-and-white pup shot off toward the corner of the green expanse. She wove in and out of the herd of sheep, as nimble as Rainbow Dash zipping through a mass of puffy white clouds in the sky.

  Fluttershy couldn’t believe how quick the two of them were! From the looks of Angel’s face, neither could he. He was up on the fence, leaning forward, totally captivated by the country pony’s smooth moves. “Yay,” Fluttershy cheered so softly that not even Angel heard her. “Go, Applejack!”

  “Way to me, girl!” Applejack shouted at her dog, galloping around the sheep. Winona didn’t miss a beat. She charged around the flock in wide counterclockwise circles and brought them in closer to one another. “Baaaa!” they bleated as they dodged the duo. “Baaa! Baaaaaaa!”