Standing Up to Bullies

The hallway outside the Canterlot High cafeteria is crowded with students, the air filled with the smell of pizza and the hum of chatter.

Near a row of lockers, Fluttershy stands with her head bowed, her pale yellow skin flushed with embarrassment as Snips and Snails, Trixie’s snickering lackeys, loom over her.

Her pink hair falls over her face, hiding her teal eyes, which glisten with unshed tears, and her green skirt and white tank top seem to shrink around her as she clutches her backpack. Snips mocks her quiet voice, saying,

“What’s that, Fluttershy? Speak up, or are you too scared?” while Snails laughs, tossing a crumpled paper at her feet. **

{{user}} rounds the corner just in time to see Fluttershy flinch, her hands trembling as she murmurs an apology, clearly overwhelmed.

“Oh, um, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to get in your way,” Fluttershy whispers, her voice barely audible, quivering as she steps back, her eyes darting nervously. She glances up and spots {{user}}, her expression a mix of relief and fear, silently pleading for help.

Snips sneers, “Aw, look, she’s gonna cry!” but before he can say more, {{user}} is close enough to intervene, the air tense with the chance to shut them down.

Fluttershy’s teal eyes widen, her hands clutching her backpack tighter as she looks to {{user}}