The original title was named Dragonshy, but since Fluttershy won't be involve, I changed it. Hope you enjoy.

A Dragon Problem

Outside of Fluttershy's cottage, Forrest and Fluttershy were taking care of the animals. Forrest was giving some carrots to some bunnies.

"Here you go, little guys. Bon appetite." he said.

The bunnies wiggle their nose in gratitude.

"You're welcome." Forrest replied as he understood them.

Fluttershy then walks up to him.

"Thanks again for helping me with the animals, Forrest." she said.

"No problem, Flutters." Forrest replied. "As a fellow animal lover, it's the least I can do."

Fluttershy giggles before giving Forrest a hug which makes him blush.

"You're a good friend." she said.

Just as they were about to go back to work, Forrest noticed something in the sky.

"Uh, Fluttershy?" he said.

"What is it, Forrest? Did Angel choked on another carrot again?" Fluttershy asked.

"Nope." Forrest replied.

"Did the chickens escape their coop again?" Fluttershy asked.

"Just look at the sky." Forrest said while pointing up.

Fluttershy looked at the sky and gasped. The sky had black clouds in them.

"Were you looking at the giant cloud of scary black smoke?" she asked.

"Uh huh. This could be a problem." Forrest said. "Fluttershy, you stay here. I gotta head to the library."

And with that, the green pegasus flew off.

"Be careful, Forrest." Fluttershy called before gulping.

Forrest was seen flying through Ponyville as fast as he could while passing some ponies going about their day. Rainbow Dash was seen playing with a ball while Pinkie Pie was counting how many times she has bounced the ball. Forrest continue to fly to the library before Storm Flight came in front of him causing the green pegasus to stop.

"Whoa! Where's the fire, Forrest?" he asked.

"Sorry, Storm Flight. But I was on my way to the Golden Oaks Library. We have a situation here." Forrest said.

"You mean the black cloud in the sky? I was on my way there too." Storm Flight said.

"Then let's go." Forrest replied.

The two pegais flew over to the library. When they got there, Starstream, Red Blade, Applejim, Gem Trimmer, and Slapstick were there as well.

"Thank you all for coming, guys." Starstream said.

"So what's this about?" Applejim asked.

"And why is there black smoke in the sky?" Gem Trimmer asked. "Is there a fire going on here?"

"Actually, the smoke is coming from a dragon." Red Blade replied.

"A dragon!?" the stallions exclaimed.

The seven stallions head inside the library where Red Blade and Starstream begin to explain what happened.

"We just received a letter from my mother." Red Blade explained.

"And according to the princess, the dragon was taking a nap and his snoring is causing the black smoke to appear." Starstream added.

"Well it sure picked a bad place to sleep." Slapstick commented.

"So, what are we suppose to do?" Gem Trimmer asked.

"I say we go up to that dragon and give it a piece of our mind!" Storm Flight said before doing some fighting moves that nearly knocked some stuff over.

"No, we need to convince the dragon to sleep somewhere else." Red Blade pointed out. "Twilight is already warning the other ponies about this. And my mother has entrusted us with this important mission."

"And we must succeed." Starstream added. "Cause if we don't, then Ponyville will be covered in smoke and it would be bad for everypony's health."

Forrest couldn't help but gulp at this.

"No argument there, partner." Applejim said.

"Uh, quick question." Slapstick said. "Where do we find this dragon?"

"During my flight around Ponyville, the dragon is obviously at the mountain." Red Blade said. "I know because I saw the smoke coming from the top."

"Pack your things, everypony. It's gonna be a long journey to reach that dragon." Starstream said. "Meet us back here in at least one hour"

Their friends all saluted in response.

"Alright, guys! Equestria needs us and we're gonna show that dragon who's boss!" Storm Flight yelled.

"Let's git to it!" Applejim replied

The five stallions all head out the library. Forrest was the last one to leave feeling a little nervous. Starstream and Red Blade both begin to get their stuff ready as they put some stuff in their saddlebags.

Meanwhile, the stallions were all preparing for their quest. Storm Flight first got some stuff in his house which is surprisingly next to Rainbow Dash's house. Once he did that, he did a battle pose.

"Let's take flight!" he yelled.

Applejim was also getting his stuff ready with some help from his family. The saddlebag that Big Mac gave him was a little heavy, but it's something he can manage. Applejack gave him a hug as Applejim did a little kick.

"Yeehaw!" Applejim cried.

At the joke shop, Slapstick got some supplies in his saddlebag. But when he was about to head outside, he slips on a ball on the floor and fell on the ground while some of his supplies came out.

"Oops." he said feeling embarrassed as he got his stuff back in his back before heading out. "Time to kick butt!"

As for Gem Trimmer, he was in his gem polishing shop while preparing some supplies. Unlike his cousin Rarity, Gem had no need to dress for the part. But he did levitates a scarf with his magic and placed it around his neck. He then got his saddle bag on his back and head out the door.

"Our quest begins!" he yelled.

Last one to get his stuff ready is Forrest. His house is a small cabin with a backyard full of grass. Forrest was packing some safety gear while his pet guinea pig Simon looked on.

"Well Simon. Here I go." he gulped

Simon squeaks at him.

"I know it's dangerous, but what choice do I have." Forrest replied. "I just hope we don't get hurt."

And with that he left his cabin.

The five stallions all gathered at the library where Starstream, Red Blade, Twilight, and Spike were waiting for them.

"Glad to see you guys are ready." Starstream said.

"Alright, boys. Listen up." Red Blade said. "Me, Starstream, and Twilight had mapped the fastest route to the mountain where the dragon is at. We should be able to make it by nightfall."

"It may be tough and a little risky, but as long as we stick together, we can accomplish anything." Starstream said.

"Exactly, bud." Red Blade said as he puts a hoof on his friend's shoulder.

"But I should also warn you guys that the higher you go, the colder it'll get." Twilight pointed out.

"Good thing I'm wearing a scarf." Gem Trimmer said.

"That may be so, but no cold can stop us." Applejim said.

"Um. I'm not so sure about this." Forrest said nervously.

"Let's do this!" yelled Storm Flight.

Twilight came up to Starstream.

"Please be careful out there, bro." she said before giving her brother a hug.

"I will, Twilight. Wish us luck." Starstream replied as he hugged her back.

"Let's move out!" Red Blade yelled.

The stallions all set off on the path while Twilight and Spike waved goodbye. Starstream was looking at the map as they were walking. Storm Flight then flew next to him.

"Are you sure we should bring Forrest?" he whispered. "He looks kinda nervous. I don't want him to slow us down."

"Don't worry, Storm. Forrest may be a little nervous, but I have faith that he can do this." Starstream said.

"And besides, his ability to understand animals can come in handy." Red Blade added while looking from the map. "He'll be fine."

"I hope your right." muttered Storm Flight.

Forrest was looking at the mountain with a nervously look on his face.

The stallions then reached the base of the mountain where the smoke spread even more. They even heard snoring.

"What the hay is that?" Applejim asked.

"I believe that's the sound of the dragon's snore." Red Blade said.

Forrest looked up at the mountain.

"Wow. It sure is high." he said.

"Of course it's high. It's a mountain." Storm Flight said.

"Let's go." Starstream said.

They all head on the path, but Forrest stayed behind still nervous. Starstream noticed this.

"Forrest, what are you waiting for? An inivitation?" he asked. "Come on!"

"Oh, right. Coming!" Forrest said as he flew after his friends.

They then begin to scale the mountain.

"You know. I heard from my cousin Rarity that dragons hoard a bunch of jewels in their caves." Gem Trimmer said. "Maybe I can persuade the dragon to part with some of it."

"Roar. Welcome to my cave, Gem Trimmer. Care for a ruby? Or how about an emerald?" Slapstick said while imitating a dragon.

This caused the stallions to laugh.

"Good one, Slap." Storm Flight chortled.

"This is no time for jokes. We got to keep moving." Red Blade said.

"Forrest. You and Fluttershy are the experts in animals. What do you think the dragon would be like?" Starstream asked.

"Well. Compared to Spike, I would say that the dragon would be really big and kinda scary." replied Forrest while shivering.

"Are you okay, Forrest?" asked Red Blade.

"Never better." Forrest fibbed.

The roar from the dragon caused him to cower.

"What's wrong with you?" Storm Flight asked. "Don't tell me your afraid."

"Of course not." Forrest replied.

"Really? Cause you look like you are." Slapstick pointed out.

"Ugh! We don't have time for this. We have to keep going!" Starstream said as he and Red Blade took the lead.

Their five friends all followed after them.

The seven stallions continued their trek up the mountain until they see a gap to the other side. Storm Flight simply flew over to the other side. Getting the message, the other stallions leaped over the gap. Forrest was the only one who didn't jumped.

"Come on Forrest. Join us on this side." Starstream said.

"I don't know, Starstream. The gap looks kinda wide." Forrest said nervously.

"Don't worry. It's just a hop, skip, and a jump. Like this." Slapstick said as he proceeds to leap from one side to another. He repeated the process two times. "See?"

"Okay. I'll do it." Forrest gulped.

"That's the spirit, Forrest." Red Blade said.

"Just don't look down, partner." Applejim added.

Forrest leaped over the gap, but he looked down and begins to panic. He then starts to fall.

"Forrest!" the stallions cried.

Fortunately for the green pegasus, his hooves touched the other side much to his relief. Storm Flight and Gem Trimmer both grabbed his front hooves and pulls him over to the other side.

"Heh heh. I did it." Forrest said nervously.

Storm Flight facehoofs himself. He couldn't believe that the gap wasn't that wide.

The seven friends continued their walk on the path. They were then walking by some rocks.

"Heads up guys. The map says that we're nearing an avalanche zone." Red Blade said to his friends.

"That means that the slightest peep can set one off." Starstream added. "So whatever you do. Don't. Make. A. Sound."

The five stallions nod their heads. As they continue to walk through, Storm Flight flew under a tree. A leaf came off and lands on Slapstick's nose.

"Ah-ah-ah." he said as he begins to sneeze.

Seeing this, Applejim puts his hoof on Slapstick's nose to keep him from sneezing. Slapstick sighed until..

"Ahhhhchoooo!"

Slapstick's sneeze echoed over the rocks. At first nothing happened, until some rocks begin to fall.

"Avalanche!" the stallions cried.

"Quick! Take evasive actions, everypony!" Red Blade shouted.

The seven stallions all ran to avoid getting hit by the rocks. Slapstick acrobatically flipped away from the falling rocks. Storm Flight did his flying tricks to avoid the falling rocks. Starstream was racing ahead to avoid the rocks until one large boulder was falling towards him.

"Oh no!" he cried.

Luckilly, Applejim was able to push him out of harm's way.

Once the avalanche stopped, the stallions all coughed from the dust as they rest.

"Is everypony alright?" Red Blade asked.

"I'm okay. Thanks to Applejim." Starstream said.

Gem Trimmer sees that he has dust on his coat. He then shakes it off.

"That was fun." Slapstick said. "Can we do that again?"

"Let's not." Gem Trimmer replied.

"The real question is: How are we going to get across?" Storm Fligh said while pointing at some large piles of rocks blocking the path.

"Heh heh. My bad." Slapstick said while rubbing the back of his head.

"That's alright, Slap." Applejim assured. "It was just an accident."

"Yeah. We'll just climb over it." Starstream said.

"Some of us have wings." Red Blade added. "We can fly over it too."

Red Blade and Storm Flight flew over the rock piles while the others climbed up. Forrest was behind the others as they were climbing. Just as they reached the other side of the rubble, Forrest slipped and caused Gem Trimmer, Slapstick and Applejim to slide down.

"Whoa. And I thought I was clumsy." Slapstick said.

"Sorry, guys." Forrest said embarrassed.

"Ugh! You could've just flew over the rubble, Forrest! You're a pegasus too you know!" Storm Flight yelled.

"I guess I forgot" Forrest said even more embarrassed.

After picking themselves up, the group continued on until they reached the entrance to the dragon's cave.

"Well. Here it is, boys. The dragon's cave." Starstream said.

They all look to see the smoke coming out from the entrance.

"Okay. Here's the plan." Starstream said to his friends. "Storm Flight, you'll use your wings to clear away the smoke."

"On it" Storm Flight said before flying through the smoke.

"Gem Trimmer and Slapstick, you'll create a diversion to distract the dragon in case things go south." Red Blade instructed.

Slapstick did a salute before performing some flips, but on his third flip, Slapstick ended up falling over.

"Applejim you're ready with the apples in case he decides to attack." Red Blade instructed.

Applejim throws two apples and bucks them towards a tree. They splattered on contact.

"Good thing mah sister taught me that." the cowpony said.

"But that's only used as a last resort." Starstream said. "Because Forrest has the most important job of all. He'll wake up the dragon and he along with me and Red Blade will convince the dragon to sleep somewhere else."

"Are we all clear on that?" Red Blade asked.

The stallions all voiced their agreements.

"Okay. Let's go." Starstream said as he and Red Blade head inside the cave. But they looke behind them to see that Forrest didn't come with them. They all went back to the green pegasus.

"Forrest, what's the holdup?" asked Starstream. "You're suppose to come with us."

"I don't want to go in there." Forrest replied shaking his head.

"Why not?" asked Red Blade.

"Oh. It's because," Forrest replied with a gulp. "I'm scared of dragons."

"Huh?" the stallions said.

The dragon's snore was heard as more black smoke came out. The seven stallions all coughed from it before the smoke disperesed.

"You're afraid of dragons?" Red Blade asked.

"Yes." Forrest said with a nod.

"But Spike's a dragon and you weren't afraid of him even once." Starstream pointed out.

"That's only because he's a baby dragon. That's different." Forrest said.

"But what about the time when you faced that manticore back in the Everfree Forest?" Storm Flight asked.

"That is different too. I just can't face that big dragon. I'm just too scared." Forrest said hanging his head.

"If you're so afraid of dragons, why didn't you say anything?" asked Red Blade.

"I just didn't want you guys to think I was a burden." replied Forrest.

"Forrest. I understand if your afraid." Starstream said. "Everypony is afraid of something. But what you have to do is not let fear take hold of you."

"Yeah. The best way to overcome your fear is to face it head on." Red Blade added.

"And if ah'm bein honest, I'm scared of that dragon too." Applejim said. "But we got a job to do. And it's gonna take all of us to pull this off."

"I understand. But right now, I just don't feel comfortable going in the cave." Forrest replied as he walks back. "I'm sorry."

"If that's what you want, then I respect that." Starstream sighed. "Come on Red. Let's go."

The unicorn and the alicorn all head inside the cave while the friends watched.

"Sure hope that dragon is cooperative." Red Blade said.

"You and me both." Starstream said.

They all look around until they see a large red dragon sleeping on some jewels and bits. Black smoke came out from his nostrils.

"E-Excuse me, Mr. Dragon." Starstream called.

The dragon only grumbled while scratching it's belly.

"Mr. Dragon. Wake up please." Red Blade said loudly.

This caused the dragon to open it's eyes as it stares at the two ponies.

"Sorry if we disturbed your beauty sleep. My name is Starstream Sparkle and this is my friend Red Blade." Starstream began. "We were wondering..."

The dragon roared and breathes on them much to their disgust.

"Ugh! Dragon breath!" Red Blade yelled as he and Starstream held their noses.

"As I was saying, my friends and I live in Equestria." Starstream began while the dragon narrowed his eyes. "Ponyville to be exact."

"And we were hoping that maybe you can sleep somewhere else. You see, your snoring is causing a lot of black smoke to appear and Equestria can't survive with all that around." Red Blade said.

The dragon breathes smoke on the two friends causing them to cough.

"You understand what we're saying, right?" Starstream asked. "Can you please go find somewhere else to sleep?"

But the dragon just yawned and stretched before going back to sleep. It then breathes smoke on Starstream and Red Blade causing them to cough. They left the cave.

"I guess that's a no." sighed Red Blade.

The dragon breathes smoke again, causing the stallions to cough.

"Well. That didn't go so well." Storm Flight grumbled.

"Now what do we do?" Applejim asked.

"I believe this calls for a little charm." Gem Trimmer said "I'm going in."

"Don't get too distracted, Gem!" called Starstream.

Gem Trimmer went inside the cave and approaches the sleeping dragon. It woke up and noticed the white unicorn.

"Excuse me, Mr. Dragon." he said. "Forgive my intrusion, but I couldn't help but notice how shiny your scales are."

The dragon looked at himself as the unicorn said that.

"And don't forget about those fancy spines of yours." Gem Trimmer pointed out. "You are the picture of beauty, my fine dragon. You've been asleep for who knows how long and you didn't think of showing off your newfound look."

The dragon then begins to smile at this.

"Why. You should be out there showing off your shiny scales." Gem Trimmer added.

The dragon was actually considered going out. But then,

"And while you do that, I'd be more than happy to guard all of your riches for you." the unicorn said.

Hearing this made the dragon instantly angry. It then swiped all it's treasure away before growling at Gem Trimmer.

"Heh heh. I must be off now." he said before making his getaway.

"I was so close to getting those gems." Gem Trimmer grumbled. "I mean. Getting the dragon to leave."

"I told you not to get distracted." Starstream scolded.

"I am so ashamed of myself." Gem Trimmer sighed.

Slapstick then came up. He was wearing some balloon animals on his head, a present box on his body, some funny glasses and flippers on all of his feet. He was blowing a noise maker.

"Slapstick, why are you dressed like that?" asked Red Blade.

"Well. Pinkie Pie once said that sharing a laugh is the best way to get someone on your side." Slapstick replied. "This will definitely get the dragon to leave."

Slapstick then waddles into the cave.

"Hey there."

But then, a crashing noise was heard and Slapstick was thrown right out of the cave. His outfit was completely ruined.

"Guess that dragon does not like to laugh." Slapstick groaned before passing out.

This made Storm Flight crossed.

"Alright that's it! That dragon has gone too far!" he yelled. "It's time for some action! Stand back, boys! I'm going in!"

Storm Flight then zooms inside.

"Storm Flight, no!" shouted Starstream.

"Don't do it!" Red Blade shouted.

Storm Flight then flew up to the dragon who then woke up.

"Hey ugly!" he yelled. "Yeah, I'm talking to you! You got some nerve doing that to my friend! We tried doing things peacefully, but you've forced my hoof! If you won't leave willingly, then I'll make you! Take this!"

Storm Flight then delivers a mighty kick to the dragon's snout. This not only got the dragon's attention, but it also made him very mad. Storm Flight got a little scared as the dragon growled at him.

"Is it too late to say I'm sorry?" the pegasus asked timidly.

The dragon lets out a might roar which blows Storm Flight out of the cave and knocking the other stallions down as if they were bowling pins. They then got up.

"Way to go, Storm." Starstream scolded. "Now you've really ticked it off."

The dragon then came out of his cave. Red Blade got in front of his friends as they huddled towards each other. But before they can do anything, the dragon let's out a roar as a stream of smoke that blasts the stallions back. They hit a large rock crag. The impact caused it to crumble down to reveal Forrest hiding behind it. Forrest gasped as he looked at his friends incapacitated before looking at the dragon. As he looked at his friends again, something in Forrest snapped.

"How dare you!" he yelled. "HOW DARE YOU!?"

Forrest flew onto the dragon's snout and stares at him

"Listen up, dragon!" he scolded. "Just because you're big doesn't mean you get to be a bully! You may have huge teeth, sharp scales, snore smoke, and breathe fire. But you do not—I repeat—you do not! Hurt! My! Friends! Understand!?"

The dragon whimpers at this.

"Well?" asked Forrest.

"But that light blue pegasus kicked me." the dragon responded as he points at Storm Flight who smiled nervously.

"That may be so. But you should know better as you're bigger than he is." Forrest said. "But you also should know better on where you take naps as your snoring can cause some health problems to other creatures living here."

"But.." the dragon said.

"No buts." Forrest said. "Now. Do you have something to say? Do you have something to say?!"

This caused the dragon to burst into tears. The other friends were amazed by what Forrest is doing.

"There. There. No need to cry. You're not really bad. You just made a bad choice." Forrest said as he comforted the dragon. "Now why don't you pack your things and find somewhere else to sleep?"

"Okay." the dragon said as he went to just that. Forrest then flew back down on the ground where his friends cheered for him.

"Forrest, that was amazing!" Starstream said. "You're amazing!"

"We knew you had it in you." Red Blade added.

"Thanks." Forrest said with a blush.

The dragon then flew away with his treasure to find a new place to sleep. The stallions all smiled as they watched him go.

With the dragon gone, all the pegasi begin to disperse the smoke with their wings. The seven stallions then return to the library where Twilight and Spike are.

"Guys!" Twilight said as she came up to them. "You did it!"

"Thanks, sis." Starstream said. "But the real hero was Forrest."

"Yeah. You should've seen how he talked that dragon down." Storm Flight said.

"And on that note. Spike, care to take a letter?" Starstream asked.

"Sure thing, Starstream." Spike replied while taking out a quill and scroll.

"Dear Princess Celestia, we are happy to report that the dragon has departed our fair country, and that it was our good friend, Forrest, who convinced him to go." Starstream recited.

"This adventure has taught us to never lose faith in your friends. They can be an amazing source of strength, and can help you overcome even your greatest fears." Red Blade recited.

"Always your faithful student and son, Starstream Sparkle and Prince Red Blade" Starstream and Red Blade recited.

One Spike wrote the friendship report down, he then breathes fire to send it to the princess. Twilight then gives Starstream a hug to which he returns.

Fluttershy was at her cottage tending to the animals. Though she was glad that the smoke was gone, Fluttershy couldn't help but worry for her friend.

"Fluttershy?"

The yellow pegasus mare gasped as she turns around to see Forrest coming up to her.

"Forrest!" Fluttershy said.

She flew towards Forrest and wraps him in a big hug which made Forrest blush a little.

"I'm so happy to see you." Fluttershy said as she broke the hug. "I heard from Twilight that you and the others went to the mountain to deal with that scary dragon. I just couldn't help but worry for you."

"I'm alright, Flutters." Forrest assured her. "The dragon won't be causing us anymore trouble. I was able to give it a stern talking and get it to leave."

"Wow. You must be really brave to do something like that." Fluttershy said.

"Well. I wasn't brave at first, but seeing my friends in danger gave me the courage I need to face my fears." Forrest said.

"I wish I was like you." Fluttershy sighed.

"If I learn anything from Starstream and Red Blade, it's that it's okay to be afraid. But we should face our fears head on in order to overcome them." Forrest said. "And I'm sure you'll do the same, Fluttershy."

"Thanks, Forrest." Fluttershy smiled. "Say. Do you want to come inside my cottage and have some tea?"

"I would like that very much." Forrest said.

And that's what they did.

Hope you enjoy this chapter.