//------------------------------// // Forest: Fluttershy's Trauma // Story: Chrono Reflect // by Azure Sandora //------------------------------// Forest – Fluttershy's Trauma It was night when they arrived, so everyone went to sleep shortly after arriving at the village, Twilight sleeping in the Chief's hut with Spike and Pinkamena while Fluttershy, Applejack, and DASH-379 all went to Fluttershy's hut. Twilight felt comforted sleeping on Spike's coat, which made a great pillow. play song “Twilight, you can't give up.” “Hm…?” Twilight opened her eyes, surprised to see that she was alone in the hut. When she looked by the entrance though, she saw another girl standing there that she didn't recognize. This girl had long red and orange hair, and wore a light blue blouse/skirt, blue skinny jeans, black high heeled boots, and a black leather jacket. Despite her bad girl appearance, there was something very friendly about this girl, who looked like she came from Standard. “You're her light, remember?” the red haired girl said. “W-who are you…?” Twilight asked. The mysterious girl smiled warmly. “Come on, you remember me. I know you do, deep down,” the girl walked over to her and leaned in close smiling, “Just say the first thing that comes to mind.” Twilight looked at the girl, and while she wasn't sure, there was one name that she immediately thought was a good name for the girl. “Sunset…?” Twilight asked, “Is it… Sunset… Shimmer…?” The girl nodded, “See, that wasn't so hard.” “But… how did you get here? Did you follow us…?” Twilight asked. “I'm not there. Right now, I'm not anywhere. But I'm not important right now. You have to save Rarity, Twilight. She's the only one who can stop him,” Sunset urged. “Only one who can…” Twilight was so confused, “Who are you talking about…?” “Lavos,” Sunset stated, “Only the Chrono Trigger, with the help of the Chrono Cross can destroy Lavos.” “I've heard that first term, Chrono Trigger before, but what's the Chrono Cross?” Twilight asked sitting up. “Something that you need to get your hands on,” Sunset said rising up and walking toward the entrance, “Not only is that the only way you and Rarity can hurt Lavos, but you need it if you're going to bring Rarity back from the darkness. You'll be seeing me around a bit, Twilight. Just don't lose your light, okay?” “Hey, wait!” Twilight cried shooting up, “Just who are y-” end song Twilight shot up awake, still inside the hut. Did she dream that whole thing? That girl, who was she? Why did Twilight feel like she knew her? Like they were really close at one point? Good. You are awake. When Twilight heard that voice in her head she jumped. It was somewhat deep, yet youthful sounding. She looked behind her and saw Spike sitting up a bit looking at her. Was your rest peaceful, Mistress? “That voice… it's you isn't it?” Twilight asked the giant wolf, “Spike… right?” The wolf nodded before she heard the voice again. I communicate telepathically. Normally my voice can only be heard by my channeler, but if you wish it, you can share my voice with others that you trust. This includes Athena, or DASH as you all call her. “O-okay,” Twilight said nodding. She decided to just accept it. I mean, was this really the strangest thing she experienced on this journey? In order for me to manifest, I must draw from your mana pool. For now, I must disperse. But if you require my assistance, all you must do is charge up your element and think of me. I will then materialize by your side. “Hold on, before that,” Twilight asked, “Have you heard of something called… the Chrono Cross…?” I have heard of it, yes. The Entity would know more though. There was that phrase again, The Entity. Just who was this “Entity”? For now, focus on saving the Seer of this world. We can't proceed without her. With that, Spike vanished, leaving Twilight alone in the hut. Deciding to head out and see where everyone was, she stepped outside, where she immediately saw Pinkamena leaning against a nearby tree waiting for her. play song “Morning Bestie,” Pinkamena said. “Good morning Pinkamena,” Twilight said, “Did you sleep well?” “Geez, I wanted to ask you that,” Pinkamena said, “You spent the entire night crying.” “Yeah, I…” Twilight looked down somberly, “That woman we fought yesterday, was Rarity… right?” Pinkamena sighed nodding, “She's been consumed by the power of Lavos. It's not like when it had me. All it did was take away my ability to move freely. For Rarity, it's tainted her very soul.” “All it did?” Twilight asked, “Pinkamena, that's terrible! You mean all those times you fought us was against your will?” “What happened to me isn't important,” Pinkamena turned to Twilight and glared at her seriously, “You see it now, right? How bad things are for her? We're not going to be able to reason with Rarity right now.” “So what do we do?” Twilight asked tearing up, “I don't want to kill her.” Pinkamena, in a shocking gesture, hugged Twilight, “We get to the Land of the Gods. There, someone will be able to help us.” “You mean the Entity, right?” Twilight asked, “Who is that?” “Someone you actually know very well,” Pinkamena said, “Just pass the tests and open the door. Everything else will fall into place.” It was so weird, yet somehow Twilight just felt better being with this woman. She didn't seem bad in the slightest. Maybe a little terrifying, but not bad. Twilight let go of Pinkamena just as DASH-379 walked over to them. “Have either of you seen Fluttershy?” DASH asked. “Sorry, but I just woke up,” Twilight said, “Is she not here?” “She was not present when I exited recharge mode,” DASH stated, “Also, some of the villagers wished to speak with her about the current situation.” “Fluttershy is the third most important woman in the village,” Pinkamena stated, “After the Chief and Seer, so if anything happens to either of them, she's supposed to take the lead.” “Does that mean she'd have to stay here?” Twilight asked worried. They already lost one member of their team. “I am not sure. That is why I am searching for her,” DASH stated, “Would either of you be willing to offer their assistance in finding her?” “I probably shouldn't,” Pinkamena stated with a shrug, “I mean, if you value my life that is.” “I'm pretty sure right now Fluttershy is liable to do anything,” Twilight sighed, “I'll help you DASH.” “Thank you,” DASH-379 said, “And I am still attempting to talk to Fluttershy about you, Pinkamena. I appreciate your patience.” With that, DASH-379 sauntered off. Twilight nodded to Pinkamena and began her search for Fluttershy, which wasn't too hard for Twilight. She played enough video games to know how to handle this situation. First step, talk to everyone. All of the villagers were really nice, if not really worried about the Chief and Seer. No one knew what was going on, and just assumed that the Chief and Seer together had been captured. Still, Twilight did eventually hear that Fluttershy was at the lake. So Twilight headed off there. When she arrived at the lake, she immediately hid as Fluttershy wasn't alone. Actually, behind her was a big, muscular man with long blond hair, wearing just pants made of animal fur. Fluttershy was in the water submerged from the waist down apparently cleaning herself. Who's that hunk? Wait, wasn't he with this world's Shining Armor the last time? play song “Fluttershy, please talk to me,” the man said, his voice super deep. “Nothing to say,” Fluttershy said, keeping her back turned to the man, “Just need time alone.” “You become distant,” the man said slowly walking toward the water, “Not even look at-” “STOP!!!” Fluttershy screamed, stopping him instantly, “Don't come, Macintosh.” “Fluttershy…?” “Come close, then touch me…” Fluttershy hugged herself, trembling, “No man touch again…” “I not just man,” Macintosh said warmly, “I friend. Best friend. Possibly more. You leave for long time, come back, but never see me. Scared something happen to you.” “Please leave…” Fluttershy sobbed softly. “Fluttershy-” Fluttershy turned to Macintosh, holding her arms over her breasts, “I SAID LEAVE!!!” she completely broke down, “Not want you near me…! Not want man close or touch me…! So go…! Leave…!” when Macintosh didn't leave right away, Fluttershy used one of her hands to splash water at him, “Leave!” Macintosh looked so hurt, but he respected Fluttershy's wishes and left, taking one last look at her before returning to the village. Twilight then stepped out, looking at Fluttershy as she sobbed loudly. It was a pitiful sight, as she looked so alone. Twilight had no idea that what Greymane did to her had affected her this much. Twilight took her shoes and socks off, and then walked into the water, immediately embracing Fluttershy. “It's okay,” Twilight said softly, “I'm here.” “No… it not okay…!” Fluttershy sobbed, “I hurt him…! I hurt friend because… because I can't…!” Twilight lightly shushed Fluttershy, escorting her out of the water and over to a stone. Realizing that she probably wouldn't have enough drive to dress yet, Twilight took off her blazer and used that to at least keep Fluttershy warm. “So… is he your boyfriend or something?” Twilight asked. Fluttershy looked at Twilight, confusion marring her saddened face. “Boy… friend…? I not understand,” Fluttershy said. Twilight closed her eyes tightly, mentally kicking herself for forgetting who she was talking to. “Right, think simpler with talking to you,” Twilight said to herself, “Um… like, is he a potential husband for you… or mate…?” “Oh… that's what you mean,” Fluttershy said, “Macintosh is… close friend, yes. I do- I mean, I did consider asking him to be husband one day, but…” “But… after what happened with Greymane…” Twilight said slowly. “Macintosh is man!” Fluttershy cried looking at Twilight intensely, “No man touch me again!” “But… is that really fair to Macintosh?” Twilight asked. Fluttershy closed her eyes and shook her head. “No man touch me again…! No man touch me again!” Fluttershy sobbed. “Fluttershy, stop this!” Twilight screamed, grabbing Fluttershy's wrists and looking her dead in the eyes, “I get it, alright? You're traumatized after what Greymane did to you! It was horrible what happened, and I'm so sorry for it! You have every right, every right to be upset after that! I know I would be upset if it happened to me! “But the way you're handling it isn't healthy in the slightest! Lashing out at people, shoving the blame onto others! Greymane is dead, Fluttershy! You were the one who killed him!” “I KNOW THAT!!!” Fluttershy screamed, “I KILL HIM!!! I MAKE GREYMANE PAY FOR HURTING ME!!! BUT PAIN NOT GO AWAY!!! FEAR NOT GO AWAY!!! NOTHING I DO MAKE PAIN STOP!!!” Twilight looked at Fluttershy sadly, still holding her wrists as she cried. “Still have nightmares about it…!” Fluttershy continued, “In dreams, I feel what Greymane do to me…! Dreams feel real… and when dream ends, still feel it…! Then I remember it not dream…! It real…! Greymane was man, and man hurt me…! Macintosh man too, so… Macintosh…” “No, that's not right,” Twilight said, “Yes, Greymane was a man, but that's not why he did that. It's the same as what I was trying to tell you concerning Pinkamena.” “Pinkamena bad person…” Fluttershy fussed, “She lead Greymane to attack village, and let Greymane hurt me…” “What happened to you isn't Pinkamena's fault, and I can tell you with confidence, killing her won't make the pain of what happened go away,” Twilight explained, “Sure, she played a part in it, but you don't know all the details.” “Not need all the details…” Fluttershy sobbed, “Know everything I need to know…” “Fluttershy-” “Please leave, Twilight…” Fluttershy said, closing her eyes, “Not change mind.” Twilight shook her head and let Fluttershy go, “You know, right now you look a lot like the Fluttershy from my world. Dark, lonely, and honestly, full of hate. I don't know why I feel like this, but something deep inside of me knows this isn't the real you. But, I know that you're not going to listen to me right now. I'm going to start working on how to find Celestia with Applejack and the others, and yes, that's including Pinkamena. Whenever you're done sulking, you're free to join us.” Twilight was about to just get up, but stopped when Fluttershy took off Twilight's blazer and held it out harshly, still not looking at her. Twilight sighed, lightly took the blazer, and walked back to the village, wishing more and more that Rarity was there. I bet you'd know what to say to her. You always knew what to say. Rarity… I miss you so much. play song No one really spoke to Fluttershy for the rest of the day. She was present when they all gathered in the Chief's hut to discuss their next move, which so far no one could quite figure out what that was. “We can't just leave things like they are,” Applejack said, “But Celestia could be anywhere at this point.” “Thankfully, I am still picking up her signal on the life stream,” DASH-379 said, “I have been using my internal radar system to pinpoint Seer Celestia's location.” “What did you find?” Pinkamena asked, unaware that Fluttershy narrowed her eyes behind her. “Based off information given to me from the villagers, her location is more than likely the Wolf Tribe's main village,” DASH explained. “Alright then, let's get going,” Twilight said, “We know where they are, and we have a larger group, right?” “Yeah, we do,” Applejack stated, “But Nightmare Moon and Rarity both know that already. They're expecting us to storm the village.” “Applejack is right,” Pinkamena stated, “I know Nightmare Moon, and she doesn't do anything by accident. If she's this easy to track down, she wants us to find her.” Fluttershy looked away, growling to herself and slightly barring her teeth. “If you know this, do you know a way for us to break in without her knowing?” Twilight asked Pinkamena, who immediately looked at Twilight and smiled brightly. “Of course I do, Bestie!” Pinkamena said, “If we wait until nightfall, we can have a small group infiltrate the village and get Celestia out of there before Nightmare Moon or Crystal even know.” “Sounds good to me,” Applejack said, “Then we'll have Pinkamena lead this-” play song “No!” Fluttershy shouted, catching everyone's attention, “Pinkamena not lead!” Twilight took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of her nose, “Fluttershy…” “She knows the most about Nightmare Moon,” Applejack stated, “It makes the most sense to me that we let Pinkamena and DASH-” “Why are you okay with her?!” Fluttershy asked, “Pinkamena kill your Master!” “Yes, she did,” Applejack said folding her arms, “And I haven't forgotten that, but things are a lot more complicated now. Besides, she's one-” she was cut off by Fluttershy holding her head and screaming. “STOP SAYING THAT!!! I'M TIRED OF HEARING PEOPLE SAY THAT!!! YOU SAY PINKAMENA IS ONE OF US!!! TWILIGHT SAY PINKAMENA IS ONE OF US!!! NO ONE CARE ABOUT ME!!! NO ONE CARE HOW I FEEL ABOUT PINKAMENA!!!” Fluttershy pushed past everyone and ran to the entrance, “If everyone want Pinkamena on team, then I leave team!” “Fluttershy, you do not mean that,” DASH-379 said walking over to Fluttershy and reaching for her, “Please calm down, Fluttershy-” “DON'T TOUCH ME!!!” Fluttershy screamed slapping DASH-379's hand away, and immediately catching herself looking at DASH in horror, DASH's eyes wide in surprise as well. For the longest time no one moved, until Fluttershy ran out of the hut crying loudly. DASH-379's expression softened to one of sadness as she watched her friend leave. Applejack took a deep breath closing her eyes, but Twilight groaned and turned to Pinkamena, who shrugged with an awkward expression. This was not going to work. end song That night, Fluttershy woke up earlier than anyone. After checking her equipment, she stepped out of her hut and looked around before running out of the village, completely unaware of DASH-379 opening her eyes activating. Fluttershy wasn't too far from Canterlot Village when she stopped and looked down. She didn't know what happened, but lately she just couldn't control herself. Was it because Rarity wasn't there? Or was it because Pinkamena was. What was worse, her friends were all flocking around Pinkamena, acting like everything was okay. It was like no one cared that she was the same woman who had tried to kill them time and time again. Twilight was probably the worst one, being directly hurt by Pinkamena yet now considered her “bestie”. They didn't think Fluttershy knew what that meant, but she knew. It meant that Twilight liked Pinkamena more now. Soon, everyone was going to like her more than Fluttershy. “Friends replace me with Pinkamena…” Fluttershy sobbed, “By now… even DASH-” she cut herself off hearing a twig crack behind her, followed by familiar heavy footsteps. She turned back to the village to see DASH-379 walking up to her, her magenta eyes glowing in the darkness. play song “It is dangerous to go alone, Fluttershy,” DASH-379 said. When Fluttershy looked away rubbing her arm, DASH tilted her head in confusion, “Is something wrong, Fluttershy?” “Why come…?” Fluttershy asked sadly, “You hate me now. After I hurt you, you become Pinkamena's friend now.” DASH frowned, taken aback by that, “Is that what you think will happen? That is highly illogical, Fluttershy. You are my best friend, and I am yours.” “But… I hit hand away…” “Yes, you did, and I was very surprised by that, but I also understand that you are upset. I am concerned for your mental well being, Fluttershy,” as DASH-379 spoke, Fluttershy felt herself get more and more worked up, to the point where she was trembling, “Fluttershy, what is wrong? You look like you are about to cry.” Almost immediately, Fluttershy hugged herself and squinted her eyes closed, tears falling freely. DASH-379 wasted no time walking up to her and holding her close. “You are more affected by what happened before we met than I realized,” DASH stated as softly as her mechanical tone would allow. “I… spoke to old friend today…” Fluttershy sobbed, “Friend who is… man.” DASH-379 tilted her head slightly, “Did this friend hurt you? If so, I have no problem terminating him.” It took a second for Fluttershy to remember what the word “terminating” meant. While she loved her robotic friend a lot, she was sometimes really hard to understand with how many big words she used. “Oh no!” Fluttershy said immediately, shaking her head, “Macintosh not hurt me! Macintosh… never hurt me… He is just… man.” “I see,” DASH stated, “He is a male, and your traumatized state makes it difficult to let him close. Is this statement correct?” “Yes, it is,” Fluttershy admitted, “But… that's not only reason I'm so upset.” “I realized,” DASH-379 said nodding, “That is the reason why I have sought you out, Fluttershy. I wish to discuss the whole Pinkamena issue with you at length.” “You need rest though, right?” Fluttershy asked. “Remember, I do not require sleep. Since I recharged myself last night, I will not need to enter recharge mode for another 120 hours,” DASH escorted Fluttershy to a nearby fallen tree, where both of them sat down, “Talk to me, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy took a deep breath before speaking, “Everyone tell me that I not being fair. That Pinkamena not at fault for hurting me.” “You do not believe them?” DASH-379 asked. “Pinkamena bad person! She send wolves to attack village! Because of her, wolves capture me and… Greymane… assault… me… I hate Pinkamena forever!” DASH tilted her head, “Fluttershy, you remember that I go by a specific sense of logic, correct? So everything that I say is well thought out.” “I know…” Fluttershy said, “Trust DASH.” “Then I must sadly admit that I agree with the others. Your actions are not fair to Pinkamena or Macintosh.” “You too,” Fluttershy pouted folding her arms, “You tell me to forgive Pinkamena too?” “Negative,” DASH-379 said, shocking Fluttershy, “My objective is not to tell you what to do, rather it is to put your situation into better perspective. May I?” Fluttershy realized she had nothing to lose really, and DASH-379 always knew what was best, so Fluttershy reluctantly nodded, “First, concerning Pinkamena, as she is the most immediate issue. Your issue with her is that because of her you were assaulted, correct?” Fluttershy nodded wordlessly, listening intently to her mechanical friend. “Let us analyze the moment. Pinkamena granted Greymane added power. Was her reasoning to send Greymane to assault you?” “N-no,” Fluttershy stated, “Greymane wanted me for long time before then, but I say no each time. Greymane just wanted to attack village.” “I see. So already we have a disconnection,” DASH-379 stated, “That did not take too long.” “What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked. “You blame Pinkamena for being assaulted, yet by that small look back at the situation, it becomes clear to me that all she did was give him the edge to do something he already wanted to do. Something that he probably could have done himself anyway. In fact, why was Pinkamena there? Do you know?” “I… don't…” Fluttershy thought back to the whole thing, and remembered that when Pinkamena showed up, it was in response to Rarity being there. Actually, looking back helped Fluttershy remember a lot of things concerning that, like how in reality, it wasn't Pinkamena's fault her village was attacked. It was her fault. “She come… because I bring Rarity to village…” Fluttershy said somberly, “Village attacked because of… me…” DASH-379 nodded slowly, “Greymane was going to attack your village at some point, all he needed was a reason. Pinkamena appeared and gave him the reason he needed. She is not blameless in the slightest, but I believe that you can now see that placing the blame on her for your assault is illogical.” “You mean, not right to blame Pinkamena,” Fluttershy said, trying to translate what DASH-379 was saying. “Now concerning Macintosh, he is your friend, correct?” DASH asked. “I… I don't…” “Forget about his gender for the time being,” DASH requested, “He is your friend, correct?” “W-well, yes…” Fluttershy said. “Has he ever done anything to hurt you in the past?” DASH asked. “Never…” Fluttershy said, “Macintosh big, but Macintosh shy, and very nice. Macintosh childhood friend.” “He does not sound like the type of person to cause you harm, Fluttershy.” “No… but… I can't get close to him…!” Fluttershy said holding herself, “I… not want to be hurt again… and he is man… and… Greymane was man… and-” “Androphobia. Definition, an intense fear of men. Being assaulted has caused this.” “I know it not fair to Macintosh, but when I think about man touching me, I see Greymane touching me. I still have bad dreams about it. Dreams where I'm being held down, and man is… doing things to me…” “Fluttershy, if you were this traumatized you should have told me,” DASH-379 said. “Mission more important,” Fluttershy said, “I not want to slow everyone down.” “Yet we are currently slowed down with you keeping it a secret,” DASH pointed out, “Fluttershy, if you are going to proceed, you need to fix this issue.” “I try! But not know how!” Fluttershy fussed, “Killing Greymane not work, can't avoid men, can't kill Pinkamena, how do I make pain go away?! You always know what to do, so tell me! Why do I do?!” DASH-379 looked at Fluttershy intently, “You… wish to know my opinion…?” DASH asked, her expression softening in an odd way, “I would suggest… relying on Macintosh.” “Relying on… Macintosh…?” Fluttershy asked apprehensively. “Affirmative. He is a male, yes, but before that, he is your friend. He is someone you can trust, Fluttershy. I believe you can trust him even more than you can trust me. This will not get rid of your fear of men, but it should at least help in the recovery process.” “Macintosh…” Fluttershy said, thinking about her friend. She was so mean to him earlier that day. Actually, she was mean to a lot of people lately. She needed to apologize to everyone, but first she needed to see Macintosh. This wasn't something that could wait. DASH-379 got up, “I will return to Canterlot Village and keep watch. Please think it over, Fluttershy.” DASH began walking back to the village, leaving Fluttershy to her thoughts. She didn't stay there for too long though. Instead she shot up and ran back into the village herself, going to Macintosh's hut. When she got there, she saw that Macintosh wasn't there. She thought for a bit, but then remembered someplace that Macintosh would go. It was a little out of the village, but if she was lucky, and it was still there, she'd definitely find him there. Fluttershy ran to a secret area of the village, where she found a large worn tree trunk. She looked inside, pleased to see the old vine ladder was still there. She took that down into the trunk, going into a large and deep cave. At the end of the long corridor, she found an open area where the moonlight shined through. And sitting right in the middle, was Macintosh. Fluttershy cleared her throat to get his attention. Macintosh turned to Fluttershy surprised, but then looked somberly at her. “Fluttershy, I…” “We come here when children,” Fluttershy said walking toward him, “Special place, were only good things could exist.” Macintosh smiled remembering, “I come up with that. You were sad, and I say that to make you happy again.” Fluttershy nodded, “I remember. Macintosh… always make me smile when sad,” Fluttershy looked down nervously, “I… sorry for screaming at you. Not fair to you.” “What happen to you?” Macintosh asked, “I not get upset. I promise.” Fluttershy bit her lip, as flashes from that moment came back. She remembered him tying her up, touching her, violating her. She almost started screaming it was so vivid. She then looked back at Macintosh, seeing how worried he was for her. He wouldn't ever do anything to hurt her. He cared about her. He loved her. Trust Macintosh. He is man, but… he's good man. Good man… save me… Before she knew it, the tears came back, but this time she didn't take her eyes off of Macintosh. She refused to. He was the only thing keeping her together right now. “M-Macintosh…!” Fluttershy cried, “Need… help…!” Macintosh immediately ran to her and was about to hug her, but stopped short, apparently remembering what happened earlier, “How can I help?” he asked. “Greymane… take something from me…” Fluttershy said, slowly reaching out to grab Macintosh's hands, “Want to forget… so… need you… to save me…!” Fluttershy closed her eyes tightly, grabbing Macintosh's hands. She felt like she was panicking, and had to suppress the urge to scream, but she kept reminding herself that Macintosh was different. He was her friend. He wasn't going to hurt her. As such, to illustrate what she wanted, she put his hands right on her hips. “Fluttershy, you look terrified,” Macintosh said, eyes wide. She was terrified actually. Her entire body was screaming for her to run away. But she came this far. She knew what she had to do in order to erase the horrible memory of her first time. “M-M-Macintosh… never… hurt… me…?” Fluttershy asked. “Never hurt Fluttershy,” Macintosh said honestly, “Never ever.” “Then… m-make… me feel… loved…” Fluttershy said, now escorting Macintosh to the central area again. There, she stepped away from Macintosh, and lied down in a manner to present herself. Macintosh's eyes were wide. “Fluttershy… this is…” “Please…!” Fluttershy begged, trembling, “Trust Macintosh…! Always trust Macintosh…! Greymane take without permission, but I give… Macintosh permission…! Wanted Macintosh… to be first… but…” she closed her eyes and cried softly, unable to finish her sentence. Macintosh considered her for a few moments, but then nodded to himself. He then walked over to her, slowly crawled on top of her, and lightly caressed her cheek. Fluttershy naturally flinched in fear, but then opened her eyes and looked into Macintosh's eyes. The fear remained, but she felt a calmness come over her as well. “Not move,” Macintosh said, “Not until you ready.” “Go… slow…” Fluttershy requested, “Not go faster… until ready…” “Go at your pace. Promise,” Macintosh stated. Fluttershy took a deep breath, and then pulled Macintosh in for a kiss. She didn't plan on leaving this secret area until she completely forgot every horrible thing Greymane did to her. She ended up staying the night there, but when she finally went to sleep, her dreams were much more peaceful.