//------------------------------// // Day 6 // Story: Why Did Equestria Shrink? // by Monsieur-Flatterer //------------------------------// Day 6 “Hello... My name is Fluttershy. And I’ve been resting in a hospital for the mentally ill for almost a week. They think I’m going crazy and that I’m seeing things. They were worried because I was quiet and hungry, but didn’t eat. But I’m not imagining anything, he’s real. He visits me in my dreams to show me how things really are. He takes care of me and he shows me the way to the truth. But yet he seems so evil. He has no name, he has no real form, I can only recognize him by his colors. His name is always different, his personality is always different. I think he just wants to suit to my mood, to make me feel comfortable or uncomfortable. He’s nice and he’s mean. He’s good and he’s evil. He’s helpful and helpless. He always needs my help, as much as I need his. I have the feeling I know him...” “Yet I don’t. He’s only the brown-coated stallion, who visits my dreams; and sometimes my room in the hospital. But when he visits me when I’m awake, he doesn’t talk to me. He looks at me and walks away like he doesn’t know me. He’s a stranger and a friend...” Fluttershy giggled as Spera gave her a gentle lick. The pegasus had been talking to the fox, she’s been saying the things she doesn’t want to tell her doctor. Or Twilight. Or any of her friends. Spera listened and stayed quiet, which was perfect for Fluttershy. The fox never reacted, talked back or gave Fluttershy a speech. She just sat and listened to Fluttershy’s stories. This story was about the brown-coated stallion, Fluttershy’s stalker. Somehow, after her last encounter with him, she was hoping for his return. Because he’s the only one willing to show her the truth, no matter how much it hurts. Terryn, Twilight and all the rest of those are just telling lies to make her feel better. Or at least, that’s what she concluded from the things the brown-coated stallion is trying to tell her. But yet, after being in the hospital for almost a week, her question is still remained unanswered. Why did Equestria shrink? Why is it still shrinking? Of all the things that have been happening around her, that’s still her biggest question. it’s gnawing on her mind, on her consciousness. Questions like ‘Who is the brown-coated stallion?’ or ‘Will Terryn be able to ‘heal’ me?’ were second place. Her main priority was that one question that was left unanswered. But every question has an answer and Fluttershy is determined to dig for that answer. Another thing that was bothering her was Cobalt. Cobalt Ink, the lonely writer. She felt her cheeks heat up at the thought of the stallion. Fluttershy placed a hoof on one of her cheeks, gulping softly. She looked back up to Spera, both of them laying in a large grass field with no end. The center of Fluttershy’s peace and quiet. Where she was left to ponder. “D-Do you think...uh...” She stammered, her cheeks heating up more as they showed a nice, pink color. “That... Cobalt likes me?” She said, her cheeks now red. She giggled nervously, her eyes widening as she noticed her own, girlish behaviour. The mare looked down, not having seen that the fox was actually nodding. Fluttershy didn’t know what it was with Cobalt. Of all the stallions in the hospital, he was the one she kept meeting. he was the one that gave her that friendly wave on the first day in the hospital. He’s the one that tried to cheer her up and keep her going. In return, she gave him company; and she could tell that it was one of the greatest gifts Cobalt had actually ever received. He seemed so happy. But Cobalt is just so similar to Fluttershy. He’s shy, quiet, has been having bad dreams that ended him in this hospital. Sometimes, Fluttershy even feels like they’ve both been put here just so they could meet each other. Ever since she’s just been feeling different when she’s around him. Fluttershy shook her head. Maybe the hunger was fooling with her brain. She smiled and looked up to the fox, snuggling in her comfortable fur. The fox nuzzled back, as if it was protecting Fluttershy as her own pup. Then Fluttershy’s ears perked up, a familiar voice. “Hello, miss.” The voice spoke. It was gentle and sweet, as if soothing the mare. Fluttershy pulled away from the fox’ soft fur, looking out towards the source of the voice. Fluttershy gulped as he stood there, the brown-coated stallion. This time he was a unicorn. Fluttershy slowly stood, gazing at the appearance as she gulped. The stallion approached her with a smile. “My name is Amar. And you are...?” The stallion asked. Fluttershy’s ears flattened. Different name, different personality, no memory of her. As always. “Fluttershy.” The pegasus responded with a smile. She gulped, blushing deeply as the stallion grabbed her hoof and planted a gentle kiss on it. “That name is like sweet music to my ears...” The stallion said, his voice having gone to a low and flattering tone. “But I expected no less from such a beautiful mare as you...” Fluttershy pulled her hoof back, blushing very deep now. Her cheeks were on fire as she felt like her whole face had gone red. She giggled nervously. “O-Oh my...” She gasped. She swayed her hoof slightly, as if sending some fresh air to her face. Is this how Rarity always felt when being flirted with by a stallion? Fluttershy smiled shyly at the stallion. Different personality, definitely. “I-It’s nice to meet you again, Amar.” Fluttershy said softly. “Again? It is the first time we meet, miss Fluttershy. I would remember a pretty face like yours.” The stallion cooed, a grin playing on his lips. He stood rather close to Fluttershy, but the mare didn’t move. The mare didn’t know what to say, but the fox was keeping a close eye on both of them. She noticed the stallion’s body move closer, his lips drawing closer to her’s. Fluttershy found herself frozen in place, not knowing how to react. When she could feel the breeze of his breath on her lips, the only thing she could do was close her eyes. But then Spera jumped in for her. The fox nudged the stallion away, growling slightly. Amar frowned and looked at the fox, then to Fluttershy. The pegasus hushed and stroked the fox’ fur in an attempt to calm her down. But the silver canine only wrapped herself around Fluttershy and lay down Fluttershy blushed and shrugged at the stallion, who didn’t seem amused. He sat down on the grass, a frown on his lips as the sky started getting darker. The, he started singing... “As you seep into the blackest void of all, you’re nothing... You’re no one...” Fluttershy’s eyes widened, snuggling on to the fox as the stallion’s voice had changed to a cold, agonizing whisper. “As you sleep you hear them creeping down the hall... They’re nothing... They’re all gone...” Fluttershy whimpered, the feeling of fear taking over as the sky was getting darker and darker, as if night was falling. Spera looked up to the stallion, growling softly. That’s when Fluttershy realized that this was the first time ever that Spera was reacting to the stallion; also the first time ever that the stallion reacted to Spera. But Amar kept chanting. “But it’s okay to be afraid; when you’re staring face to face with time that’s gone to waste.” Fluttershy glanced around, stars appearing in the sky. Nighttime had fallen. She gulped and whimpered as Spera stood up, her comfortable fur slipping from Fluttershy’s hooves. The canine growled louder, approaching Amar as she stared straight into his eyes. Amar stared back, not showing the tiniest bit of emotion. “And it’s okay to hide away to overcome to fears, that ruin all the days.” Then Spera yapped and pounced on Amar, the stallion’s whole body starting to glow. Fluttershy gasped as she awoke, feeling a certain moisture on her cheeks. She rubbed a cheek over it, realising she’s been crying. She looked around, whimpering slightly to herself as she slipped out of her bed. She couldn’t help but worry about Spera and Amar. She wondered why Spera acted so aggressive towards him all of the sudden. She had the feeling she was missing something. Fluttershy glanced around, seeming lost in her own room. She moved to the window and slid the curtains open. She opened the window, sighing as it could only open a little bit. She knew this was to prevent anypony from just flying out or jumping. But she needed fresh air. The pegasus gazed outside, only now realising how high she was. She must be at least on the third floor. Her window was positioned at the front of the hospital, as she had a clear view of the entryway of the building complex. The sun was peeking from the buildings in the distance. The mare sighed, leaning her forehead on the glass. She wanted to go outside and lie down in the grass, have some fresh air. What she also wanted was a shower, because for the previous few days all she got was a wash. Fluttershy sighed and looked over to the drawing. She sniffled slightly and reverted her gaze back to the outside. “Let me out...” She whispered, closing her eyes and sobbing softly. “I want my friends... I want my house... I want Angel...” She whispered to herself. She took a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself. She had to be strong and fight through this. She’d get home eventually. But for now, she had to bite through it. She slowly opened her eyes and sniffled, wiping a tear away. She turned around and sat down, staring down to the floor. So many questions were inside her mind, but no answers. She sniffled and glanced around, until the door opened slowly. Redheart smiled, looking at Fluttershy. “Oh, you’re already awake...” She said softly, carrying a plate with Fluttershy’s breakfast inside, but she cleared her throat and blushed. “Uh...C-Can I...e-eat in t-the cafeteria?” She asked. Redheart smiled warmly, causing Fluttershy to blush and smile back. “Of course you can, dear. I assume you want to sit with Cobalt?” She asked. Fluttershy nodded and stood up, following nurse Redheart as she led Fluttershy to the cafeteria. Once they trotted inside, they glanced around, searching for the blue stallion. Fluttershy smiled and walked to him, slipping on the seat next to his as Redheart placed her breakfast in front of Fluttershy. “Morning...” Cobalt greeted with a smile. “It’s good to see you here, for once...” He spoke. Fluttershy blushed and smiled, gazing at the stallion. She felt her heart pound in her chest, wanting to just hug the stallion and snuggle into his warm fur. But for now, she just casted a nice smile at him while staring up in his eyes. Cobalt smiled back, scooping up some yoghurt and slipping it in his mouth. Fluttershy gulped, tending to her own breakfast. She felt nervous and scared, terrified even. “Thank you for yesterday, again... i haven’t felt so good in a while.” Cobalt said with a smile. Fluttershy had just bitten on her sandwich as she smiled. She chewed her food and swallowed out, for speaking with a mouthful was just rude. “I-It’s n-no problem!” She said softly. She took another bite, actually able to eat more this time. But then... “In fact, Terryn thought I was doing so well, I can go home today!” He exclaimed happily. Fluttershy’s eyes widened, gasping but coughing loudly as she nearly choked on her food. She slipped off her seat and looked at Cobalt, tears in her eyes. She couldn’t believe he was leaving already, she had no time to develop anything with him. She whimpered and ran out of the cafeteria. Cobalt frowned and immediately chased her, worried. The pegasus stormed into her room and jumped on her bad, the fox plushy jumping from the impact and landing next to Fluttershy, its paw touching her cheek as if it tried to console her. Fluttershy whimpered as she sobbed softly. She didn’t want Cobalt to leave, she didn’t want to be left alone in this hospital with no friends. She wanted to be with him, go home with him. She just wanted all of this to be over with. But suddenly, a hoof touched her shoulder. She hoped it to be Redheart or Cobalt, but it was an unexpected visitor. “No need to cry, miss...” He whispered. There he was, the brown-coated stallion. In her room. At this point Fluttershy even wondered if she was actually awake, or still asleep. She couldn’t say anything, she just stared at the stallion. She wanted to scream, but not a noise could escape from her throat. She wanted to run, but not a muscle could be moved. He was staring at her and she was staring back, eye to eye. Those beautiful, deep, hypnotizing blue eyes. Suddenly, the door opened, and as soon as it did the stallion vanished in thin air, as if he was never there. Fluttershy blinked, wondering if she just imagined it. She started wondering that maybe she does belong in the hospital. But ever since she got her, things have just been getting worse. “Fluttershy?” A soft voice spoke, gulping as Cobalt entered the room. He slowly walked in; as Fluttershy sat up and sniffled, a tear rolling down her cheek. “What’s wrong...?” He asked, sitting down next to her. Fluttershy looked at Cobalt. This could be her chance. Her chance to openly admit her feelings, maybe even ask him out and get together with him. She opened her mouth, gathering all her courage to say it. “I...I...” She muttered, biting her lip. “I... I don’t want to lose my only friend here...” Fluttershy whispered. She cursed herself for not telling him, but she just couldn’t find the courage to do so. Cobalt sighed and pulled Fluttershy into a hug, causing the pegasus to blush. She hugged back and gulped. “Don’t worry... I’ll come to visit...” He said softly. Fluttershy smiled slightly and nodded, sighing. She closed her eyes and stayed in his embrace. She’d lose her only friend here. She’d be left with Redheart, sure, but there’s also the ponies she doesn’t like. Nurse Grunt, for example. But what she’s most afraid of...Is him. - Fluttershy sighed, sitting in the lobby. She was playing with the Spera plushie, her ears folded back. No visitors. None of her friends had decided to come and check on Fluttershy. She was afraid that this would happen, that they’d stop showing up and just leave her behind in this hospital, just like with what happened with Cobalt. Fluttershy didn’t want to wait until somepony else would force a visitor her way to regain her sanity. All she wanted was answers; and to go home. Fluttershy lifted her head as she saw Cobalt walk in the lobby, holding a suitcase with him. He flew over to Redheart and Terryn, who were waiting. Terryn gave some papers to Cobalt, saying something Fluttershy couldn’t hear. The stallion nodded and smiled, giving Terryn a hoofshake. Then, he looked over to Fluttershy. He flew to her and sighed, looking at her. Fluttershy couldn’t help herself anymore, gripping on to Cobalt and hugging him tightly. “P-Please don’t go... I’m sorry for not talking so much... But p-please...” She begged, her shoulders shaking in a sob. She cried on to his fur and Cobalt hugged her back lightly, sighing. “I promise, Fluttershy, That I will come and visit...” “Tomorrow?” Fluttershy whimpered, pulling back and looking in his eyes. “I have a lot of things to take care of... The day after tomorrow... I promise...” Cobalt said, smiling slightly. Fluttershy sniffled, nodding slightly as she was still crying ever so lightly. Cobalt wiped a tear of Fluttershy’s away. “You’ll find other friends...” He whispered. However, Fluttershy didn’t reply to that. Would now be the perfect time to kiss him? Could she really just smack her lips on his? Just for a short time, just a quick peck and maybe she’ll feel better about everything, then she’ll feel safe and then she’ll know for sure that he won’t just simply give up on her! But Cobalt pulled back from the hug and sighed. “Bye-bye, Fluttershy.” He said. Fluttershy whimpered and sobbed softly. “B-Bye...” She replied. She hung her head and let out a soft sob, wiping her own tears. Cobalt sighed and leaned closer, kissing Fluttershy’s forehead for a mere second, but Fluttershy’s heart skipped a beat. She looked up, seeing that he already turned around and walked towards the exit. Fluttershy was frozen, not knowing what to do at that time, but she had to tell him! She had to! Cobalt was already outside and he spread his wings. That’s when Fluttershy took action. She jumped up and galloped towards the exit, but she could never reach the outside, Nurse Grunt had stopped her. “Sorry, miss, no going outside for you.” He said, his voice harsh. Fluttershy sobbed full-out now, stepping back from Grunt as Cobalt was already in the air, flying away... He was gone. Fluttershy shook her head, whimpering as she trotted back. “I-I love you...” She whispered, as if she hoped Cobalt would be able to hear it. She cried and ran back to her room, jumping on her bed and digging her face in her pillow. She sobbed on to it, shaking her head. Why couldn’t everything just go like she wanted it to? Why didn’t she say anything? Fluttershy had never hated herself like this. After a few minutes of crying, the pegasus calmed down and sat up. She realised she had left her plushie in the lobby. She turned around and sighed, her eyes widening as the plushie was sitting on the end of her bed, with a little note on its lap. Fluttershy carefully picked the note up, opening it. Her body shivered as she read the words. “You forgot about me. Now the brown-coated stallion will take me.”