//------------------------------// // What I'm Not Afraid of // Story: What I'm Not Afraid of // by FerociousCreation //------------------------------// Chapter 1 It's okay, Fluttershy... You can do this. Just walk up to him and tell him how you feel. The yellow pegasus walked slowly on the path to the Ponyville Schoolhouse as her knees shook with every step. Very few noises were heard while Fluttershy continued her endeavor, which caused the mare to feel even more uneasy. Normally, Fluttershy would not be walking down to the school house because there is no reason for her to do so. Today she had a reason. Two reasons to be exact. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were having a sleepover at Rarity's home. Rarity would have picked them up from the school, but she has a large order to fulfill and must get it done before tomorrow afternoon. Applejack would have picked up the girls herself, but has to get a hefty amount of chores done around the farm. Rainbow Dash wouldn't have minded getting the fillies either, but she was too busy with practicing her fast looping. Knowing that Fluttershy is great when it comes to watching children, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash turned to her as a reliable resource. Fluttershy happily accepted the offer to go and pick up the Cutie Mark Crusaders this Friday afternoon. This would have been the only reason for her to go to the schoolhouse, but there was another reason why she was heading there. It was Thunderlane. She knew that the stallion had a little brother and he always came early to pick him up. The day prior, Fluttershy asked Thunderlane if she could ask him a favor. He complied. But before she could ask him her “favor”, he had to leave due to an emergency. As he left, Thunderlane said that she can ask him her favor tomorrow. And now, tomorrow was today. It has been several weeks. Several weeks of bottling up emotions that are not meant to be kept inside for long. After making up her mind, Fluttershy was about to do something daring: she is going to confess her emotions to Thunderlane. Throughout her life, she had known the mohawk maned stallion ever since she was a filly. He was only an acquaintance for many years. However, several months ago, Thunderlane and Fluttershy began to associate with each other after a weather patrol run, causing the two to create a healthy relationship. Today, she was ready to change their friendship from friendly to romantic. Fluttershy's heart fell for Thunderlane because of his strong determination to get his tasks done, his will to improve, and his love and care to his brother, Rumble. As Fluttershy was reminiscing about Thunderlane, she almost walked off the pathway and into a sticker bush. Quickly, the pegasus evaded the plant and regained her hooving on the road once more. After a wide right turn, Fluttershy saw a stallion in her path. It was Thunderlane. His mohawk fanned over his cranium in a mix of white and sky-blue colors. His tail had the same colors as his hair which was short and stubby. His body was a very dark gray, causing him to stand out if he were to fly in the open day sky. Thunderlane's physique was very sleek; muscular, yet averagely sized; the stallion's attractiveness made Fluttershy desire him even more. The cutie mark that rested on Thunderlane's flank was a gray cloud with a single bolt of lightning flashing out from it, closely resembling Rainbow Dash’s. Thunderlane was not facing her as the mare approached. He was looking up at the sky with his wings spread out. From what Fluttershy saw, Thunderlane was fanning himself with his wings, trying to keep cool; which is understandable, considering the current weather was quite warm. Upon taking a few steps toward him, time suddenly froze for Fluttershy. There he is! This is it! This is your moment to be happy with somepony! However, the mare couldn't get herself to move forward. All she could do was stare and blink at Thunderlane. Slowly, doubt and fear began to settle into Fluttershy's heart. But... what if he says no? What if he thinks I'm some freaky animal lover that isn't his type? Oh... It was a tough moment for Fluttershy. She had never told a stallion her emotions before. She was told throughout her life that the stallion is supposed to ask the mare out, not the other way around. But to Fluttershy, this tradition seemed outdated and lame to her. She felt her emotions grow soft toward the stallion and she wishes to share them with him. There was one problem: Fluttershy is very shy; she is a pegasus that is easily flustered. Whenever she is unsure of herself, she begins to doubt, and when doubt begins to settle in her mind, she gives up more often than not. Shaking her head, Fluttershy screamed internally, trying to scare the doubt that attempted to settle into her heart. You need to do this! You just never know what might happen out of this if you don't try! Time then caught up to her. Everything began to move normally once more. Mustering up all the strength she had, Fluttershy slowly took a step. Snap! A twig broke in two from the weight of the pegasus' hoof. She lightly yelped and went back a few paces. Thunderlane's ears twitched and turned to where the sound was from. He looked to see his friend looking down at the broken twig. “Hello Fluttershy,” he spoke, approaching her. “H-hello...” Fluttershy replied softly. Flicking her hair with a wave of her head, Fluttershy's pink mane shrouded her face to hide the blush in her cheeks. “How are you today?” “Oh... you know... busy... things...” This was a common attitude that Thunderlane was accustomed to. He knew that it was common for Fluttershy to become shy around ponies. However, something was off about her today. She looked awfully nervous. “Is everything okay?” “The twig startled me,” Fluttershy spoke quickly. “I can tell.” Thunderlane gave the mare a smile that made her heart flutter. “So, remember that favor you wanted to ask me? What was it that you want to ask?” BUDUM! Fluttershy's heart pounded hard against her breastbone. This is it! Tell him! TELL HIM!!! “Umm, maybe we can start walking to the schoolhouse first? I want to... enjoy the scenery.” Oh... this is so hard! “Of course.” Thunderlane's voice caused Fluttershy to flinch. “Are you okay?” Just tell him! TELL HIM NOW!!! “Sorry... I've... got a lot on my mind and my thoughts have been drifting all over the place.” That's it, Fluttershy. Just ease up on it. Don't rush. At this point, Fluttershy was shaking like a dog left out in the rain. Concerned, Thunderlane spoke, “Whatever is on your mind, it sure has you worried...” “W-why do you say that?” Her shaking intensified. You know exactly why, Fluttershy! “You are shivering so violently. I've never seen you act like this.” “Y-y-you know m-me... just n-normal old F-F-Fluttershy b-b-being sh-shy.” Something was obviously up and Thunderlane wanted to bring it to light. He reached his hoof out and touched Fluttershy's shoulder. The shivering stopped instantly. Fluttershy felt his hoof and loved how it felt. She wanted the touch. She wanted him. She wanted to share the love she felt for him. But she can't find the courage to tell him that she wants his love; at least, not yet. “Fluttershy,” Thunderlane said softly, smiling at the flustered mare. “You are my friend. I have no idea what is going through your head. However, you can tell me anything. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I just want to let you know that I am here to help if you need any.” Everything he was saying warmed the pegasus' heart. He spoke with such promise and compassion. And that smile. It looked so nice. All Fluttershy wanted to do was stare at it all day. This is the moment you have been waiting for, Fluttershy. Confess your feelings. You may never get a chance like this ever again. Tell Thunderlane... you love him. In an instant, Thunderlane noticed a huge change in Fluttershy's attitude. She was no longer shivering. However, her face was beet red. She looked away and tried to hide her blush from her cheeks. Oh no... Not this again... he thought. “I...” Fluttershy spoke quietly. Looking back at Thunderlane, she noticed that he looked a bit uneasy; almost scared. Don't worry about his expression! He probably knows what you are going to say. So just go for it! The two pegasi stared at each other, both with uneasy expressions. Please Fluttershy... don't say what I think you are going to say... Just count to three... one... two... THREE! “Thunderlane, I... really... really like you!” In an instant, the dark-gray stallion's face lit up red and his ears retreated back. Thunderlane's wings fanned out as Fluttershy moved slightly toward him. Don't stop now! Keep going! You've already said it. Now tell him why! “I just... nopony has made me feel as special as you make me.” An uneasy smile came across Fluttershy's face. “I-if you would like... w-will you be my special somepony?” You did it Fluttershy! You DID IT! “I... don't know what to say. You... find me special?” Not again! PLEASE NOT AGAIN!! Thunderlane was both flustered and hurt. His heart felt like it was about to be crushed. “Yes. And... it would be nice to get to know each other better. I mean, if you want to.” Fluttershy gave Thunderlane a cute smile. A smile that nopony cannot say no to. And that is exactly what Thunderlane did not want to see. And he had to give the impossible response. Celestia... please give me courage... I don't want to hurt her... While the stallion contemplated what to say to the mare, Fluttershy noticed his expression. Oh no... Fluttershy's face mimicked Thunderlane's unsure face. He saw her eyes. He could feel her reading him. “What's wrong Thunderlane?” Fluttershy asked weakly, hoping that what she was seeing was only a facade of indecisive emotions. Looking down, Thunderlane let out a sigh. “Fluttershy I... I can't be your special somepony...” Gazing back at the mare, Thunderlane saw a slow change of emotion. Fluttershy's eyes widened with disbelief. Tears began to form on her lower eyelids. They ran down her face quickly, and created thin vein of salty liquid. The world around the pegasi was quiet. The sound of Fluttershy's tears were heard as they splashed in a small, collected puddle. Staring at the small lake, Fluttershy took in a deep breath and huffed. “I see-” she choked. “I'm sorry Fluttershy,” Thunderlane responded with a concerned stare. When he reached for her, Fluttershy quickly retreated backward, leaving a small gap between them. “I would, but I can't...” “It's... ok-kay.” But it was not okay for either of them. “I... have my reason for why I can't be your... special somepony.” Thunderlane's attempt to explain why he could not date Fluttershy only made her feel worse. With clenched eyes shut, she cried. The words “I can't be your special somepony” rang in her ears over and over. Nothing could compare to the pain she was feeling. Her heart was crushed. It felt heavy and sad. If she could tear out that organ of emotions out of her chest, she would have. But with each pulse the heart made, pain coursed through her veins. While the mare cried, the stallion stood with sorrow in his eyes. He was helpless on assisting Fluttershy feel better. The damage was already done and Thunderlane couldn't do anything about it at this moment. All he could do was watch the kindest mare in all of Equestria cry. “I-” Fluttershy sobbed weakly. “I respect your choice Thunderlane...” More emotions flooded out of her and she whimpered a bit louder than how she was before. She tried to lift her head up to look at Thunderlane. But the shame of him seeing her in such a depressed state kept herself from doing so. “Please,” Thunderlane begged. “Just... let me explain why I can't-” “No! Not now Thunderlane!” It was a soft yell, but Thunderlane heard Fluttershy loud and clear. “I just... want to be alone!” Fluttershy spread her wings and flew up into the sky as fast as she could. Thunderlane did not pursue the pegasus in distress. He watched her fly away and disappear behind some trees. I'm so sorry, Fluttershy... I'm so... so sorry... *** “Alright girls,” Applebloom exclaimed. “When we get to Rarity's, we get straight onto crusadin'!” “You bet!” Scootaloo agreed. “I made a list of some things we can try and get our cutie marks at.” She placed the list on the desk as her other two friends looked down at the long list. “Is professional fishermare on the list?” Sweetie Belle asked. “No, but we can add that.” Scootaloo scribbled Sweetie Belle's suggestion right below sculpting. RIIIIIIIIIIIING! The bell chimed loudly, alerting the children that school has finished. “Alright everypony,” Ms. Cheerlie said to her class, “you all have a great weekend.” Chairs scraped the wooden floor as the colts and fillies got up and began to leave the classroom. Chatter quickly grew as the children began to mingle and discuss what they will be doing during their weekend. Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle were among the last few to leav. As they came to the door, a small colt with wild dark-blue hair approached their flank. “Hey,” he said to the Cutie Mark Crusaders. “Hello Rumble,” Scootaloo replied back. “Whatcha doing this weekend?” “Just our normal crusadin' business,” Applebloom answered. “What about you?” “Not much really...” The light-blue boy stretched his wings outward, trying to get a cramp out of them. “My brother and I are going to do some chores around the house, but that's all.” “Why don't you come crusading with us?” Sweetie Belle asked. “You don't have your cutie mark and it would be nice if you got one while doing one of the things we plan on doing.” “Sure!” Rumble glanced at his bare flank that bared no image. “I might as well try. I hope it is as cool as my brothers!” Four children came forth from the schoolhouse and the sun shined down on them as they were relieved that the weekend has begun. “Hey brother!” Rumble called out as he saw his brother. Thunderlane gave an uneasy wave. He wore a smile, but Thunderlane's eyes kept glancing away from his relative. “Hey Fluttershy,” the Cutie Mark Crusaders yelled in unison as they saw the yellow pegasus. She gave a light wave without smiling. Instinctively, the three ran over to her, wondering what was wrong. “Hello girls...” Fluttershy spoke. “What's wrong Fluttershy?” Applebloom asked, immediately noticing the sad frown. “I'll tell you three later...” Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle looked at each other with concern. They knew when Fluttershy was upset, she was obviously hurt for a good reason. “I'll see you three tomorrow!” Rumble called out as he stood next to his brother. The Cutie Mark Crusaders called back to him with a “yeah!” In that moment, Fluttershy and Thunderlane looked at each other. Both pegasi frowned and quickly took a gander some other direction. *** It was strange behavior to the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Normally Fluttershy would have greeted them with smiles and hugs. But today, she only gave frowns and no hugs. They were beginning to enter the town as they continued to walk in silence. Nopony dared ask Fluttershy what was wrong; however, Fluttershy was hoping somepony would. Wanting to end the silence, the yellow mare asked with a light smile, “So, how was your day girls?” “It was good,” Scootaloo responded. “We did painting in class today.” “And what did you three paint?” “We all painted a vase full of flowers,” Sweetie Belle said. “It was fun, but none of us got our cutie marks in painting. Scootaloo's flower looked like a lion trying to eat the vase.” “Hey, I saw a dandelion in that bunch of flowers! I might as well be creative. Art doesn't have to make sense you know.” Scootaloo raised her snout in the air, confident that her art was the best she could have done. “Now now girls,” Fluttershy interjected. “I'm sure all of your art was great.” Finally, the mare smiled. It made the three fillies happy to see her in a good mood. “So how was your day-” Applebloom was cut off as Scootaloo crammed her hoof over her friend's mouth. Fluttershy's smile quickly left her and she held head her down. “Way to go Applebloom,” Scootaloo hissed. “It was not good...” Fluttershy answered in a depressed sigh. “What happened?” Sweetie Belle asked as she ran up to Fluttershy's side while Applebloom and Scootaloo remained behind. “I... asked a stallion to be my special somepony and he said no...” Fluttershy's heart swelled up as she answered the child's question. “WHAT?!” the Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed in shock. Other ponies looked at them, wondering what the commotion was all about. The unwanted attention caused Fluttershy to cover her face with her wings as she blushed in embarrassment. A flurry of questions were shot at Fluttershy. “Who was it?” “Why did he reject you?” “What rapscallion would not want to be with you? “You want me to get Rainbow Dash to beat him up for you?” “Girls!” The entire town must have heard Fluttershy. At this point, she knew others were looking at her anyways so she didn't care anymore. “I don't want to talk about Thunderlane... Please... I don't…” The mare froze at what she said, now that the cat was out of the bag. But she didn’t care if the girls knew; at least they were aware of what caused her sadness. Once more, the four walked in silence. *** “Why hello girls!” Rarity spoke as she opened the door and saw Fluttershy and the fillies who accompanied her. “Hey Rarity,” they all answered in unison. Quickly, the fillies trampled off into Rarity's home and up the stairs. The thumping of hooves were heard as the girls ran around upstairs. Turning around, Rarity asked Fluttershy, “So, how was your day? “It was alright...” Rarity walked further into her boutique and Fluttershy followed behind her. “Mine has been quite busy. I had to relieve myself from work for a while before I go insane. I've been working since dawn and I am so glad to have my happy and kind friend over to keep me company before I resume my task.” Turning back, Rarity saw her friend's sad expression. “Fluttershy, is something the matter?” Fluttershy was not afraid to hold anything in. “I'm a little heartbroken...” Rarity gasped. “HEART BROKEN?! WHY, WHEN WAS THIS? I NEVER KNEW YOU WERE FOND OF ANOTHER STALLION!” She saw the pegasus turn her head and saw Fluttershy cry. “Did he hurt you?” A flame grew within Rarity's breast. “WHO WAS IT? WHO WOULD DARE HURT MY FRIEND!?” “I'm sorry Rarity,” Fluttershy huffed, “but I rather not talk about it right now.” With all the strength she had, the mare bolted out the door and took off into the sky. If she could, Rarity would have chased after her friend. Sadly, she was not blessed with the gift of flight. Walking over to the door, Rarity closed it and looked at the stair case. At the top stood Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle, who wore the same sad face as her own. “What happened to her?” Rarity asked the girls. *** Under normal circumstances, Fluttershy likes to fly about twenty to thirty feet in the air because she is closer to the ground. But because of her heartbroken spirit, she didn't want others to see her and flew higher up than usual. It took Fluttershy no time at all to reach her cottage. She touched down at her door and noticed a note on her door. It read: I'll be running a little late today, Fluttershy. I have a few things to attend to. -Your Chaotic Friend, Di$C0rb As soon as she finished reading it, the paper removed itself from the door and opened the door for the mare. The random act made Fluttershy giggle as she went into her home. When she was inside completely, the note closed the door and drifted over the trashcan. It crumpled itself and fell into the bin with a light thump. Fluttershy went over to her couch and laid down on it. She looked at the analogue clock on the wall. It read: 2:27pm. I wonder when Discord will get here... On Friday's, Fluttershy and Discord have their normal routine tea session. They talk about how their life has been and what they have been up to. During their last tea session, Fluttershy told Discord about her crush she has had on Thunderlane. When he heard this, Discord was slightly jealous. But Fluttershy reassured to him that her romantic relationship with Thunderlane will not interfere with her private tea sessions with Discord. Sadly for Fluttershy, there was no romantic relationship. The time was now 2:32pm. KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! “Come in,” Fluttershy spoke. The door opened and a large serpent like creature came into the cottage. “Why hello Fluttershy!” “Hello Discord,” the mare replied with a smile. Discord was wearing a small top hat on his cranium and had a cane in his lion paw. Upon his torso was a black button up shirt that stretched down to the midsection of his body. With a coat rack to his left, Discord placed his top hat onto it and removed his jacket and placed it on the tall wooden stand. His cane jumped out of his hand and leaned against the wall without his help. “Sorry I am late my friend. I had the serious case of the dance fever and I had to go to the local disco club in hopes to shake it off.” “Are you feeling any better?” Fluttershy got up from her seat and went to her friend. “I am feeling ever so better; however...” Discord looked at his cane that was leaning on the wall and noticed that it was bending left and right. “...I think my poor cane now has the dance fever. I just hope it does not break into a conga line.” He placed his paw on Fluttershy. “You don't want to know what happens if you break into a jive when you have dance fever.” “Well at least you are feeling better.” Fluttershy hugged her friend and Discord hugged back. “But I was late!” he said dramatically. A violin suddenly appeared and began to play a soft, high pitched tone. “To think I, your best friend, would be late on such an important event. Will you ever forgive me?” Discord began to cry historically as a small raincloud above him began to shower water onto him as he sobbed. “Umm... you were only two minutes late.” “But I was still late... WAAAAAHHHAAAAA!” “There there, I'm not upset. In fact, I couldn't be more happy that you showed up when you did.” Besides, I am the one who should be crying... “Really?” Suddenly, a bright light came from behind the raincloud and it looked to be a small sun. “Well that is a relief.” With a snap of his fingers, the violin and cloud vanished. “Sorry if I was a little over dramatic. You know how I can get when I think I upset you.” Fluttershy giggled. “At least it shows that you care.” “Why thank you for noticing.” Discord clapped his paw and claw together. “Now, on with the tea session!” With another snap, a white table with a tea kettle and two glass tea cups appeared before them. “Would it be okay if we move the table closer to the couch?” Fluttershy asked. “I wish to be somewhere... soft.” “Of course.” Instead of using magic, Discord simply pushed the table over to the couch. Fluttershy made herself comfortable on the sofa as she faced her friend. “So Fluttershy,” Discord asked as he threw in some sugar cubes into a cup as he poured tea into it, “how was your day?” Remembering the events of what happened with Thunderlane, she responded, “Most of it was good.” “Most of it? Did something go wrong with your chores? Was it that bear that lives here?” Discord wagged a spoon at the pegasus. “I tell you Fluttershy, that animal can hurt you you know.” Fluttershy stared downward. “No, it was not the bear...” “Well it must have not been that stallion, Thunderlane you have had feelings for.” The draconequus huffed as he said “Thunderlane”. He could feel the jealousy boil inside him, so he had to be careful about what he says about the colt. “I'm sure everything when well with asking him out.” Discord took a harsh sip from his tea... and then took a bite out of his cup. No response. All Discord saw was his friend continuing to stare down. “Fluttershy?” He moved the table aside and came to her side. “What's wrong?” I might as well tell him... “Thunderlane said no.” Discord's face frowned. “Oh...” Something inside Discord's warped heart made him calm about the situation. If Discord would have heard any news about somepony upsetting Fluttershy, he would have turned that individual's world upside-down quite literally. This time, it was different. Discord knew that if he were to act rambunctious, it may upset Fluttershy even more. Fluttershy's lips began to tremble and her eyes began twitch. Her face writhed with sorrow, unable to contain her sadness. With her heart oversaturated with hurt, she began to whimper softly and cry. Carefully, Discord moved slowly toward Fluttershy, wanting to comfort her. He got his wish as she went to Discord and wrapped her arms around his midsection of his snake-like body. Discord watched his friend lament. He almost had a bit of a sick liking to Fluttershy's crying. Her whimpers were sweet and innocent, almost cute. Regardless of that, it still hurt him to see the pegasus he values so much in such a broken state. “I was-” Fluttershy choked. “I was afraid of this...” Discord wanted to reply, but zipped his lips shut, literally. “You know,” she said as she looked up to him, “when you think about it, I am afraid of a lot of things...” Unzipping his lips, Discord said, “And there is nothing wrong with that.” “I know. I just wish I wasn't afraid of so many things. But...” “But what?” “There is one thing I know I am not afraid of.” Discord scratched his chin with his claw. “And what might that be?” It relieved Discord to see Fluttershy smile at him. “To show what I am feeling. That's what I'm not afraid of. I know it took me a while to tell Thunderlane how I felt, but I just couldn’t hide my emotions. I also know, just in general I don't like to wear a facade when it comes to how I feel about anything. If something makes me uncomfortable, I voice my opinion then and there- Well... sometimes. It usually takes some time for me to get out what I need to say.” Discord let out a chuckle. “I always knew you were brave.” Fluttershy giggled, “I guess.” “You are always so modest Fluttershy. You were able to stand up to me when I was such a sour lemon.” He snapped his paw and a lemon fell into his other hand; or rather, claw. “But with your element of kindness...” Grabbing into the air with the paw, Discord sprinkled some sugar on the lemon. “you made me enjoyable.” He then took a bite out of the bright fruit only to be greeted with a sour flavor. “OOO!” Discord's lips puckered and writhed. “Needs more sugar.” “Let me help you with that,” Fluttershy insisted. Taking hold of the fruit, the mare kissed a part of the skin that was not bitten into. It was something Discord did not expect, but was happy with his friend. “I hope that one lump of 'sugar' was enough.” Taking the lemon, Discord popped the remainder of it into his mouth. The bitterness didn't change a bit. “Maybe a few more lumps would have done the trick,” Discord choked. Without warning, Fluttershy moved toward Discord and gave him a tight hug. “Thank you for being here for me and cheering me up.” The large creature patted his friend on the head with care. “Any time Fluttershy. But I still don't know why Thunderlane turned you down.” “I don't know either...” With her heavy heart still being a burden to the pegasus, she leaned into her friend. A strange organ pulsed in Discord's chest, making Fluttershy think of better things. Like her friend's care for her. “I always knew you had a heart. I can hear it.” “Of course I do! I wouldn't be alive without one you know.” Ready to snap his fingers, he asked, “I can show you mine to further show that I have an actual heart.” “N-no, that will be fine!!” Fluttershy shook her head, trying to not think about nasty organs. Wanting to keep her current positive attitude, she turned her attention to the tea. “Shall we resume?” she asked, gesturing a hoof to Discord's glassware. “Of course!” Discord snapped his fingers, warming the tea within the teapot. A loud knock rattled the front door, causing Fluttershy to flinch at the sudden appearance of new guests. “No pony is home!” the draconequus called out to the door. “I am here to see if my friend is okay, Discord...” Rarity's voice mumbled from the other side of the wooden door. “In fact, we have come to see if you are all alright.” Looking over to his friend, Discord saw Fluttershy give him a reassuring nod in opening the door. Irritated that their tea time was being interrupted, he snapped his claw and the seal swung outside, smacking a pony in the face. Rarity began to swear out loud, in pain by the blunt strike upon her face. Fluttershy shot a glare at Discord, wondering why he did what he did. All Discord did to comply was with a shrug that said, “Wasn't my fault she got hurt. You never stand too close to a door you know.” Not wanting anypony else to get hurt, Fluttershy flew over to the door and pulled it open. Before her, Rainbow Dash, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo looked back with smiles. Rarity was still muttering insults to Fluttershy's supposed friend. “Hey Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash spoke. “You doing alright?” “Yes.” Looking back, Discord sat on the couch, looking innocent with a halo above his head, as he poured tea into two cups. “Discord has been helping me a lot and am glad for his support.” In a quick blink, he appeared behind the visitors, holding a pocket watch in his paw. “And I do appreciate you five coming along to see of our dear friend Fluttershy is okay.” Shoving the portable clock at the guest's faces, they all saw the small hand on the watch point to an image of Fluttershy's smiling face with a tea pot beside her. “However, it is our time to be alone. So if you don't mind-” “Discord...” Fluttershy disapproved of his attempt to dismiss her other friends with a small shake of the head. “I am sure they want to make sure everything is fine.” “Oh alright.” Giving the others a bothered frown, Discord muttered to the five guests, “Just don't take your time. I may be the Lord of Chaos, but I certainly cannot turn back time. So don't waste mine...” In a flash, the draconequus vanished before reappearing inside the pegasus' cottage. “Sorry he has to act like that,” Fluttershy smiled at her friends. “Don't worry,” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk. “He won't reach the level of awesome as me that is for sure.” The pegasus held a hoof to her breast with pride.” “Oh I bet you think that!” Discord barked. No longer swearing, Rarity spoke elegantly, “Everypony, this is no time to have a pageant on who is the better friend here.” Even if I spend more time with Fluttershy much more than anypony here. “We are all here just to be sure our most kind friend is unharmed.”As much as Fluttershy wanted to be “unharmed,” the damage to her heart was already done. “Speaking of harm...” A harsh glare burst from Rarity's eyes. “TELL ME WHERE THAT RAPSCALLION RESIDES SO RAINBOW DASH AND I MAY GET A LITTLE DOWN AND DIRTY!” The sudden outburst shook the shy mare and she had to take a few steps back. “Sister,” Sweetie Belle asked with her voice no where near the volume of the older sibling, “you said you wouldn't get like this on the way here.” “Yeah, there is no need for violence,” Applebloom agreed with a nod. “Why not?!” Scootaloo argued, looking up at her unofficial sister. “I'm sure Rainbow Dash would want to show Thunderlane not to break a perfectly good mare's heart.” “But we don't even know why he turned Fluttershy down. She didn’t tell us why he did, so why are we jumping to conclusions?” Sweetie Belle looked at Scootaloo with disapproval. “Then we will beat an answer out of him,” Rainbow Dash suggested. An argument began to erupt at Fluttershy's front door. Three ponies were siding with irrational harm while two stood against it. And Fluttershy was growing distasteful toward her visitors. “Stop!” Fluttershy shouted. At once, all sound was void and nopony dared to speak. “If you are all going to argue and wish harm upon somepony I care about, then you can forget about trying to help me!” The mare's brows creased with irritation and fear for Thunderlane. A rare sight to see. Without having to look back, Fluttershy stepped into her cottage with Discord behind her. “I am afraid you all are no longer needed,” he spoke in a calm tone. “Thank you for your time.” Then the door closed slowly, and the sound of locks clicking followed. *** The door to Rarity's boutique opened as three fillies briskly walked inside. As for the two older ponies, Rarity and Rainbow Dash went into the kitchen, their minds on Fluttershy. Both wanted to make sure she is no longer hurt, but also want to bring a lot of pain to Thunderlane. Rarity grunted with frustration, opening her cabinets for something to cook for the fillies. “I am frustrated with that heart breaker. How dare he!?” Rainbow Dash sat at the table, folding her arms in thought. “I remember seeing him with Fluttershy a lot these last few months and they looked happy together.” Thinking some more, she leaned in her chair a bit back with only the back legs touching the ground. “What I don't get is why Thunderlane broke her heart!” “Because he is oblivious to the fact that Fluttershy wields the element of kindness!” Rarity grabbed a bag of pancake mix and placed it on the counter top with a thump. “Maybe we need to gather the others and blast him away with the Elements of Harmony, and show him the magic of friendship!” The white mare balled her hoof and lightly jabbed it at the brown bag. It coughed up a small dust of flower as it took Rarity’s blow. “I am with you on that,” Rainbow Dash nodded. “With my element, I will show Thunderlane how to stay loyal to Fluttershy.” “And with my abilities I have obtained, my powers with teach him to be generous to those who share their hearts to him.” Three heads peaked into the kitchen, listening to the older mares talk about bringing harm unto Thunderlane. “Ya see what ah mean, Scoot?” Applebloom whispered. “Do you think violence is the answer here?” Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle hid behind the wall so the two kitchen dwellers didn't catch them spying. After thinking a bit, the filly pegasus replied, “I will admit... I don't like seeing Rainbow Dash get this riled up.” However, something still burned in the child's heart. “But Thunderlane broke Fluttershy's heart!” “But we don't even know why he turned her down!” Sweetie Belle squeaked. “I think when we go and get Rumble for crusading, we need to warn Thunderlane that he has some crazy mares on his tail.” “And why would you want to protect Thunderlane?” All three fillies leaped back to see Rarity grinning at them mischievously. Rainbow Dash rounded the white unicorn with the same sneer, looking down to the children. “Or rather, a better question would be is: do you know where Thunderlane lives? Also, how would you three feel about breakfast for dinner?” Never in their lives did the fillies think breakfast can have such... evil connotation.