When the mane six go to see a Wonderbolt's show in Canterlot, Fluttershy decides to not go as crowds of that size make her too nervous. So, Princess Celestia decides to spend the day with her instead while her friends are away. The two decide to play a few simple games of chess to pass the time...

Find this story and more in a print copy! Just click these words here!

One of Fluttershy's worst fears has been realized: Gilda's back in town, and once again the little yellow Pegasus is the target of her ire. Due to past events, it seems logical that Fluttershy would be scared to death this time around. But Fluttershy's a different pony, and Gilda's about to find out how different.

Just as Fluttershy is about to find out, after quite a bit of roaring and screaming, just how different Gilda is deep down inside.

Flitter doesn't like most ponies. There's hardly anything in the world Flitter likes, very few which she can even remotely tolerate, and only a couple which she truly loves. Fluttershy is not in the last two categories. Flitter sees Fluttershy as weak, and weakness disgusts her.

But when you're trying to help someone you love, you'll look for help in a lot of places -- including the cottage of the weakest pony in the world.

And for those willing to listen past their pain, it might be the place where they start to learn what true strength is.

(This story takes place about five moons before Triptych and well after On The Application...)

Part of the Triptych Continuum, which has its own TVTropes page and FIMFiction group. New members and trope edits welcome.

Now with author Patreon and Ko-Fi pages.

Audiobook production by ObabScribbler.

Department Memo:

Starting on Monday the 26th, our office company will be offering an optional "Pony Break" available daily to all employees for stress-related purposes. If interested, please leave your availability with new company employee Fluttershy at your earliest convenience.

Twenty-two to forty-four minute meetings available upon request.

From the outside, Fluttershy is a very quiet, sensitive, and timid pony with a few very close friends. Physically she has always been rather weak, and since she was a filly she has been made fun of for this. Many times she has inconvenienced others from her own fear or inability, and often she has been insulted. Although Fluttershy's friends try to be understanding, they also inadvertently show their frustration with her. Fluttershy herself never seems to make much of these responses, though, and appears quite light-hearted. However, inside she cannot help but hurt when she is made to feel like a burden to everypony. How much longer must she live like this? Fluttershy decides to make the answer for herself.

It has been a year since I last saw her when she appeared on my doorstep, strangeness in her eyes and a mumbling under her voice.

She asked for my help to investigate a peculiar object, which once held an odd ancient magic. But it's benign now, she said.

It's benign now.

Usually, we feel alone when we're by ourselves. But sometimes, the loneliest place is in the middle of a crowd. Spike has to get away, and he needs somepony to talk with him so that he can get through the evening.

Now with a narration by Razor Reviews. You can find it here.

While walking by Fluttershy's house one night, Sunset hears what sounds like Rainbow Dash being tortured by a malevolent Fluttershy. When Rainbow Dash doesn't appear the following day, the girls decide to take a look at Fluttershy's house, where they find evidence that makes it appear that Fluttershy is not the gentle, harmless girl they know after all.

Now has a TVTropes page! And a dramatic reading!

When Luna is affected by a supermoon, nopony save for Celestia herself could have prepared for what came next.

Unfortunately, Celestia forgot.

Oops.

Featured 11/19/2016 Thanks mates!

There was only one explanation. For all of it. All of the strange, erratic behavior. Her irrational fear of the sun. Her nocturnal habits of locking herself in in the dark and closing all the blinds. Wearing her sunglasses everywhere, even inside! It was time to invest in some silver, garlic, and a wooden stake.