//------------------------------//
// My Little Gorgony 
// Story: The Gorgony in the Everfree 
// by Robipony 
//------------------------------//

'Wake up,' the voice inside Fluttershy's head whispered as she drifted from sleep back to reality.

'The sun isss up,' another voice spoke. 'We should go and bathe in itsss raysss.'

Opening her eyes, Fluttershy saw the blurred image of one of her snakes. Its red tongue flickered out, teasingly kissing her cheek. Standing up, Fluttershy rubbed her weary eyes and yawned before looking around the room.

It was a dusty room made of large stone bricks. On the right side of the room was a door to the balcony and to the left was a way into the rest of the ruined castle. The bed she rested upon was old with tattered sheets that barely covered her form. Across from her bed was a mirror, which showed off all her features including her serpentine hair, eyes and scales, which occasionally showed from underneath her fur. Her tail wasn't made of hair like a normal pony but instead consisted of multiple snake tails. The Cutie Mark that rested upon her flank consisted of three pink butterflies, their blue antennas possessing characteristics of snakes with crimson eyes.

Pulling the sheets aside, Fluttershy stepped out of the bed and walked over to the balcony. On the floor of the balcony was a large rock, placed there by the diamond dogs that served her. They were always reluctant to serve her if it didn’t mean they had to confront her terrifying stare. Of course, if they had also known how kind Fluttershy was, even for a gorgony, they probably wouldn't have been so considerate.

Laying down on the rock, Fluttershy bathed in the sun’s rays. Fanning out her serpentine mane, she managed to absorb more of the sunlight while enjoying the heat from the large rock she lay upon. Closing her eyes, Fluttershy felt herself being fueled by the warmth.

One of her hair snakes moved. 'The white one isss coming.'

Fluttershy opened her eyes to see an albino snake slithering toward her.

"Hello there Angel." Fluttershy said, picking up the snake and placing it next to her on the rock. The white snake seemed to almost purr as it rested on the rock with her. As they lay there, Fluttershy would stroke Angel’s head with her hoof.

After fifteen minutes of resting on the warm rock, a slight grumble erupted from Fluttershy's belly.

'It would seem that we should eat,' noted one of the serpentine voices inside Fluttershy's head.

With a sigh, Fluttershy got off her stone and walked back into the castle, picking up Angel and resting him on the back of her neck. The castle had once belonged to the Celestial Sisters centuries ago, before Nightmare Moon arose and attempted to plunge Equestria into eternal darkness.

'That would be terrible,' her snake mane spoke, 'It would be so cold.'

'We would freeze!' another voice spoke up inside Fluttershy's mind.

Descending the steps, Fluttershy made her way into the main hallway where some diamond dogs were cleaning. They avoided eye contact with her out of fear that Fluttershy would turn them into stone. Thus, they continued to clean the ruins, doing their best to ignore her.

Months earlier the diamond dogs had attempted to raid the old castle to find any old gems they could steal. Upon discovering that the ruins were occupied by a gorgony, the diamond dogs surrendered, not wanting to be turned into stone. This resulted in Fluttershy holding command over them by putting them to work on cleaning up the decrepit castle. In exchange, Fluttershy promised them gems for their obedience. While she didn’t have much need for them in the first place, Fluttershy figured it would be nice if her home was somewhat clean.

'Look at these cowardsss,' the snake on her right spoke, 'They tremble before your might.'

'I wonder what their essence would taste like,' another serpent spoke.

"That isn't for you to find out," Fluttershy growled underneath her breath.

Despite having mouths and throats, the serpents in her hair don’t eat like normal snakes. They would instead bite down on their prey and drain the creature of it's life essence, using the animal's life force as sustenance. While Fluttershy was displeased with the practice, she knew all too well that it couldn’t be helped. Both she and her serpentine mane needed to feed. If one was malnourished, then the others were malnourished too.

As a result, this caused Fluttershy to hunt in the Everfree forest in order to feed her mane. To the caring gorgony’s distaste, a poor little animal would have to be caught and consumed. While it couldn't be helped, It was better than feeding off of one of the diamond dogs, or worse, another pony.

Eventually Fluttershy made her way into the dining room where some of the diamond dogs had set a plate for her with some fruit to eat. Fluttershy nodded graciously to the cook, who continued to avoid her gaze, as she sat down in her seat. Picking an apple up from the plate, Fluttershy began to chew into it.

While Fluttershy ate her breakfast, another diamond dog ran into the room. The gorgony recognized him as Rover, who served as the commander of the surveillance team. It was his duty to ensure the safety of Fluttershy's abode from trespassing ponies.

"Your highness," Rover spoke, avoiding eye contact with the gorgony, "I bring troubling news. It would seem that someone has invaded the Everfree and has established a home for herself."

'An intruder?'

"Who is the pony?" Fluttershy asked, taking on an authoritative mannerism.

"That is part of the problem," Rover replied, "We’re not sure. The pony is covered in strips and weird jewelry. She also possesses some strange items. What would you have us do?"

'An intruder. How interesting.'

'Can we devour itsss essence?'

"Shut up," Fluttershy snapped. Apparently Rover heard it as he started to whimper.

"I'm sorry," the diamond dog clenched his claws over his eyes, "Please don't turn me into stone."

The way the diamond dog shook made Fluttershy feel sad for the poor thing. She had no intention of causing him any further discomfort.

"No, you are fine," the gorgony stood up from her table, "I will visit this intruder myself."

Rover continued to shudder in anticipation even as Fluttershy left the room. The gorgony let out a deep sigh. It would no doubt take the diamond dog weeks to recover from the traumatic experience.

'We are sorry we displeased you,' the snakes said sincerely. Two diamond dogs opened the door to the castle, so that Fluttershy would be able to leave. Stretching out her wings, she took to the sky and began to fly over the Everfree forest. If there was an intruder trying to take up residence in the Everfree, then there was a terrible risk of them discovering her. If that happened...

'They will come for usss!' the serpents spoke, 'They alwaysss do! Then they will kill usss! Like they alwaysss do!'

"That won't happen," Fluttershy said as she flew, "We will survive."

As the current flowed under the gorgony's wings, Fluttershy looked for any sign of the trespasser's location. Seeing smoke emerging from the forest, the gorgony was now certain where the intruder had set up their settlement. Navigating through the trees, Fluttershy landed about a half-mile away to insure she had the upper hoof.

The Everfree forest was a dark sinister place, where the wild and most feral creatures lived. As a result, the gorgony had thought this would have been the safest place for somepony like her to live out of hooves reach of other ponies. While most ponies would say that monsters like minotaurs and manticores were the most vicious creatures in the world, Fluttershy knew the truth. The most vicious race on the planet was ponykind itself.

From what the snakes told her, the ponies feared that which they didn't understand and if they didn't understand it, then it had to be evil. Ponies were judgmental both of monsters and their own kind. The wild beasts of the Everfree Forest, on the other hoof were very simple creatures, merely doing what they had to in order to survive. If they hungered they hunted and devoured merely what they needed. They didn’t judge others for judgment was unnecessary for survival.

Fluttershy gasped as she caught herself from stepping on a blue flower. While the animals in the Everfree were no threat to her, the plant life on the other hoof was another story. Once she had accidentally eaten some Poison Joke for a snack resulting in her and the voices inside her head taking on a more masculine tone for several weeks. Fluttershy had even seen carnivorous plants so large they could eat large rodents and even small ponies.

Moving through the low hanging leaves and vines, Fluttershy soon came across the intruder's home. It seemed that the trespasser had converted an old tree into their home, placing a door in the front and placing other strange objects around the hut. Wooden masks of a bizarre nature were placed on poles around the hut, perhaps as a means to ward off any wild creatures.

Silently, Fluttershy moved toward the hut and looked inside through one of the windows. Peeking inside, the gorgony was surprised at what she saw. Was that a zebra? Before she had turned into a gorgony, Fluttershy had heard of zebras from some of her classes and had even read about them in books. However, she had never seen one up close before.

'Why doesss it matter?' a serpentine voice spoke, 'Her magicsss are a threat to usss.'

'Let usss kill thisss intruder and take her essence for nourishment,' another spoke.

The zebra had a white and gray mohawk and her fur had strips consisting of different shades of gray. She wore on her neck and left leg various golden rings. two large golden earrings hanging from her ears. What appeared to be a sun shaped Cutie Mark rested upon her flank. As Fluttershy observed the zebra, she noticed the black cauldron in the center of the hut. No doubt this along with the various vials along the walls was the magic that her mane warned her of.

"I would like to investigate first," Fluttershy whispered, "perhaps I can convince her to leave."

The snakes hissed in annoyance but obeyed nonetheless. The gorgony crept toward the door and slowly opened it. As the door opened, the zebra who had been stirring her contents of her cauldron froze still.

"Who goes there?" the zebra spoke without turning around, "Of you I am aware."

"I am the keeper of this fores,." Fluttershy spoke, "I have come to learn the identity of the one who has trespassed within it."

The zebra's ears twitched, "Fluttershy? Is that you?"

Confusion swept through both Fluttershy's mind as well as the minds of her serpentine mane. Slowly the zebra began to turn her head.

'How doesss she know the name of the mistresss?'

'She didn't give away her name.'

Curious as to how this zebra knew her name and not wanting to turn her into stone, Fluttershy ducked behind a table to hide.

"Who are you?" Fluttershy asked, "How do you know my name?"

"I'm Zecora and I am new to this place," the zebra spoke, "but why is it that you hide your face?"

Looking around, Zecora saw what appeared to be a pile of snakes writhing behind one of the tables. With her knowledge of creatures and beasts far and wide, Zecora was able to discern what was wrong.

"Now I can see that something is amiss," Zecora spoke, "for you are not supposed to be like this. Now take a mask to conceal your face, so that I may explain why I'm in this place."

'Why doesss it speak in rhythmsss?'

Looking around the room, Fluttershy discovered a wooden mask that oddly enough resembled the face of a rabbit. Putting on the mask, the gorgony stepped out from behind the table. While Fluttershy could see through the mask perfectly, it concealed her eyes well enough that Zecora wouldn't be able to make eye contact. A warm smile spread across Zecora's face.

"Ah yes, Fluttershy it is you," Zecora said, "Aside from the snakes this is true."

'That isss getting really annoying,' this was something that Fluttershy could agree with.

"You haven't answered my question," Fluttershy spoke, "How do you know me and what are you doing here?"

"That is difficult to say," Zecora said, "I know of how times sway. Of how numerous spaces flow through an infinite river. From one of these streams I know that a stony glance you didn't always deliver. In this space something has gone wrong and the consequences of this wickedness is very strong. Like in the other place this is my home, where very few have ever roamed."

Fluttershy's jaw hit the floor. How was this zebra able to make such a statement both extremely confusing and rhyme?

"What?"

“Vision quest,” Zecora explained, “When zebras are young they drink the sacred water to see paths they will wander later. My vision showed me a world altered, where night fell and light faltered. Thus I began my little quest to ensure that such a terrible day won’t come to rest.”

Fluttershy continued to give Zecora a puzzled look.

"Young gorgony can you read?" the zebra asked, "Perhaps that would be easier indeed."

"Yes, I can," Fluttershy said as Zecora searched through her shelves. Eventually the zebra came across a dusty old book and brought it over to Fluttershy.

"Please read this as swiftly as can be," Zecora spoke, "For Equestria is in dire need. While you investigate this book I will work on something to cook."

Zecora gave Fluttershy the book and had her set down next to the table, while she wandered off into a nearby chamber.

'Do we really have to read thisss?'

'Can't we just consume her essence and be done with it?'

"Let us just see what she has for us," Fluttershy said opening the book, "Perhaps it will explain things more clearly."

The book was equestrian in design and contained a large portion of Equestrian history. It possessed a brown leather cover with the sigil of a golden Alicorn emblazoned across the front. Hoping that the book would give clearer answers than the zebra in the other room, Fluttershy began to read.

"A long time ago there were two Alicorn princesses who ruled over Equestria. One was Celestia, who guided the sun to bring forth the day, while the other was Luna, who guided the moon to bring forth the night. However, the ponies of Equestria enjoyed only Celestia's day and slept during Luna's beautiful night. Jealous of her sister, Luna rebelled against her sister and kept the moon in the sky. As a result of her rebellion she became known as Nightmare Moon. Thus the two of them fought until finally Celestia used the Elements of Harmony to banish her sister to the moon.

"While many believe Nightmare Moon to be no more, there are some that say she shall return. For it is said that on the longest day of the thousandth year, Nightmare Moon will return and bring everlasting night. When that day comes only the Elements of Harmony will be able to stop her."

As Fluttershy finished reading the passage, Zecora returned holding a tray with a pot of tea and two cups.

"Why did you give this to me to read?" Fluttershy asked.

Zecora filled one of the cups and passed it, "Do you know what is special tomorrow?"

Fluttershy shook her head, "No, what is... special tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow is the day that ponies play," Zecora rhymed, "for they celebrate the Summer Sun. It is the longest day and for many it is very fun."

It had been a long time since Fluttershy had ever attended a Summer Sun Celebration. The last time she was still a filly and had yet to show any of her gorgony traits.

"So tomorrow is the Summer Sun Celebration," Fluttershy spoke raising her mask just high enough to sip her tea, "Why should I care?"

"The thousandth year has come," Zecora answered a hint of malice in her tone, "It is the year of gloom for soon Nightmare Moon shall bring eternal doom."

Fluttershy winced as all the voices inside her head began to screech. At first she assumed it was out of annoyance, but as the screeching grew on she realized they were cries of fear. Her serpentine mane moved frantically about her face.

'If the night becomes everlasting, the world will grow cold and we shall freeze!'

'Numbness, the eternal bite of frigid teeth!'

"What does that have to do with me?" Fluttershy asked.

"Six Elements," Zecora spoke, "There are six Elements that can hold back the night. Six Elements to end this fright."

"And this has what to do with me?"

"There is a unicorn mare who is coming to Ponyville," Zecora replied, "She knows of this plight and with her and the Elements you will make things right."

"In... Ponyville..." Fluttershy gulped. Memories of the ponies in that place haunted her mind. Voices of terror and fright. Cruel voices calling for her demise. The gorgony's limbs seemed to quiver in fear at the memory of the place.

Suddenly Fluttershy's back grew slightly heavier as something landed on her back, pulling her out of her terrified daydreaming. The presence of the object scared Angel, causing the albino serpent to hiss sharply. Looking over her shoulder at the object, Fluttershy realized that it was a dark gray cloak and some sort of hairnet.

"You can use this and the mask to hide your face," Zecora answered, "Then nopony will see your race."

The serpents took offense at this, letting out a loud hiss at the zebra. Zecora ignored them as she began to escort the gorgony out of the hut.

"Give me a day and I might be able to work out a way to counteract your gaze."

Slowly Zecora managed to move Fluttershy closer to the door.

"Now hurry. Time is of the essence, so move in haste," Zecora urged, "Otherwise all my efforts would be a waste."

With that said, Fluttershy found herself outside of Zecora's hut with the door shut and locked behind her, the cup of tea still in her hoof.

'Put on the cloak,' one of the serpents said, its voice filled with annoyance.

"What?"

One of the serpents turned and looked her in the eyes, 'If that zebra spoke the truth, then the world will become dark, then the teeth of ice will come and we will all perish.'

Once more Fluttershy's knees began to shake.

"Bu... but..."

'You must be brave young mistress,' another snake turned to look at Fluttershy, 'If this darkness isn't stopped, it will not only be us who die. All life in this world will freeze and be encased in ice. You need to be strong.'

Letting out a terrified sigh, the gorgony did as she was instructed. After making sure that the mask was secured, Fluttershy put on the cloak. It was long enough that it concealed the snake-like tails she possessed. She then used the hairnet to hold her serpentine mane, when it was completed, it looked like she had a green mane wrapped up in a bun.

'This is very uncomfortable,' one of the snakes hissed.

With the garb secured, Fluttershy began to walk through the Everfree Forest towards the town of Ponyville.

"But what if she is wrong?" Fluttershy asked.

'Then we can feed upon her essence later.'

The journey took Fluttershy about an hour to reach the outskirts of Ponyville. Nothing disturbed her, for just about all the monsters in the Everfree knew not to mess with the gorgony that lived within its borders. As Fluttershy neared Ponyville, she spotted a pink earth pony bouncing toward her.

'Doesss it know?' one voice spoke.

'Will it so blatantly try to kill usss?' another questioned.

"Hello! Hello! Hello!" the pink pony cheered not stopping her bouncing.

"Ummm... hi," somehow talking to this pony made Fluttershy feel uncomfortable. Her mane also felt uneasy and it took a lot of the gorgony's concentration to keep them under control.

"I'm Pinkie Pie!" the pink pony bounced, "What is your name?"

"Ummm... I'm... Fluttershy."

'Why did the mistress give out her true name?' a voice spoke, 'Now they might be able to find out who we really are.'

'She could also be setting up a foundation of trust,' another snake spoke, 'That way it will be easier for us to acquire the information we need.'

"That’s an interesting name," Pinkie Pie said still bouncing in place.

'Why isss she still bouncing?' one of the snakes asked out of annoyance.

"So Fluttershy, what’s with the gloomy getup?" Pinkie asked.

"My... what?"

"Your clothes," Pinkie explained, "They don't look all that friendly. The mask looks kind of spooky and the cloak, well it just doesn't fit very well."

"Well... ummm... they’re... mourning clothes," Fluttershy lied, hoping that the statement would cause Pinkie Pie to stop talking about the subject. Slowly Fluttershy resumed her walk into Ponyville. She had to find this unicorn Zecora had mentioned, and there was a good chance that someone in town would know about it.

"There is no reason to mourn here silly," Pinkie Pie said, "Let little ol'Pinkie Pie here cheer you up."

'Make something up,' a snake said urgently.

'Yeah, perhapsss something about it being a custom from where you live.'

"Its... ummm... its cu... customary to wear this clothing for an entire year after the loss of a loved one," Fluttershy said.

"I'm sorry," Pinkie said, a feeling of relief not having a second to manifest before Pinkie asked, "What happened?"

"I..." Images of figures turned to stone flashed before her eyes. Images of her family turned to stone in a single glance. The look of shock and horror on all their faces, "I... don't want to talk about it."

"Oki doki loki," Pinkie answered in an unsure tone before popping back to her usual energetic self, "Well it looks like I need to go! See you later!"

Immediately Pinkie Pie bounced away in a direction somewhere in town that Fluttershy didn't know.

"Do you think I should have asked for directions?" Fluttershy asked the serpents under her cowl.

'No, that pony isss unpredictable. Best ask somepony else.'

That was much easier said than done. Fluttershy tried to talk to some of the other ponies around Ponyville, but many of them avoided her once they saw her cloak and mask. As she walked through the streets of Ponyville without finding anyone willing to talk to her, Fluttershy's stomach began to growl.

'Some food would be nice,' a snake hissed, annoyed at how it's mistress was being avoided by the town's folk.

'Perhaps if we turned one to stone and devoured its essence, the others would talk to us out of fear of our wrath,' another serpent suggested.

Fluttershy sighed, "Let’s just find something to eat and go."

While it was expected that other ponies would avoid her, Fluttershy had expected it would be in reaction to her true form, not some cheap disguise given to her by a lonely zebra. Were all the ponies in Equestria this skittish? Suddenly the scent of cooking pastries filled the air.

'That smellsss deliciousss,' Fluttershy's serpentine hair seemed to salivate at the scent and by how wonderful the smell was, she could hardly blame them. Truth be told, Fluttershy hadn't had a cupcake in an awfully long time.

Following her nose, Fluttershy soon discovered the source of the delicious aroma. It was a shop that itself appeared to be made out of pastries with a sign saying, "Welcome to Sugarcube Corner."

Fluttershy made her way sniffing into the bakery. Upon entering, she could see a mare with a blue coat and pink mane pulling some cookies out of the oven. When the mare turned around and saw Fluttershy, she dropped the pan holding the cookies. The cookies spilled everywhere. The loud sound of the pan hitting the floor startled Fluttershy causing her to duck under a nearby table.

"Oh I'm terribly sorry," the mare said as she tried to clean up the mess, "Your mask startled me is all."

Fluttershy continued to quiver from underneath the table. Then the familiar sound of somepony bouncing grabbed the gorgony's attention. Bouncing down the stairs was the same pink mare from earlier.

'It'sss her again!'

Reaching the bottom, Pinkie Pie saw Fluttershy under the table and let out a huge intake of air before rushing over and lifting up the table with her two front hooves.

"IT'S YOU!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed a wide smile on her face.

"You know this mare, Pinkie?" the baking mare asked as she finished cleaning up the mess she had made.

"Yeah, I met her earlier today!" Pinkie exclaimed, "Her name is Fluttershy and I was planning on giving her a surprise welcome to Ponyville party..."

It was at this moment that Pinkie Pie realized she had spilled the beans. Both the beans on Fluttershy's party, but also an actual bag of jellybeans. Upon realizing the mess she had made. a horrified look crossed Pinkie's face.

"Oh... I see," the baker said, "Sorry for the mess, you startled me is all. My name is Mrs. Cake and Pinkie Pie helps me and my husband run this establishment."

"I'm sorry," Fluttershy said still hiding underneath the table.

"Don't worry about it," Pinkie said, pulling Fluttershy out from underneath the table, "Although I think your clothing is what is scaring everypony."

"Oh..." Fluttershy sighed. It really couldn't be helped, if she took off the cloak that concealed her tail, her true nature would be exposed. Without her mask she might accidentally turn somepony else into stone and she would still be in trouble. As for the hair bun, it was very convenient that it managed to conceal her serpentine mane.

"Mrs. Cake would you mind giving me a bag of cookies," Pinkie asked, "so Fluttershy will have something to snack on, while I take her to Rarity's place."

The baking mare nodded, "I wouldn't have an issue with that."

'Wait! Whatsss going on?'

Mrs. Cake fetched a few cookies from behind the glass display case before putting them in a brown paper bag and giving them to Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie walked back over to Fluttershy, with the bag from Mrs. Cake in tow.

"Come on! I have a friend who might be able to make you look a little less frightening," Pinkie said with a wink before giving Fluttershy the bag of cookies.

As Pinkie Pie guided Fluttershy through Ponyville, the gorgony tried to think of a way to eat the cookies while keeping her mask on.

"Do your customs really keep you from removing your mask?" Pinkie asked clearly aware of what Fluttershy was trying to do.

"Ummm... yeah."

"Hmmm..." It seemed that Pinkie was pondering the matter, causing Fluttershy to sweat nervously. However the gorgony's worry was short lived as something else drew the pink pony’s attention.

"Is that a snake around your neck?" Pinkie pointed a hoof at the albino serpent Fluttershy had with her.

"Y-yes, this is Angel, he is kind of my pet."

"He looks really cute," Pinkie spoke, "Perhaps he might enjoy spending some time with my pet alligator, Gummy."

"Perhaps..." Fluttershy said as they reached their destination.

"Here we are!" Pinkie exclaimed pointing at the structure before them.

It was a tall building consisting of various shades of blue, pink and purple all arranged to resemble squares of fabric. The top of the structure resembled a carousel, with purple pony-like objects intersected by metallic rods. There were some heart shaped icons near the top as well.

Pinkie Pie pointed towards the purple door, "Come on, my friend Rarity is inside."

'Can we trust her?'

'I'm not sure itsss safe for usss to trust her.'

Despite the voices warning her, Fluttershy followed Pinkie Pie into the boutique.

"RARITY!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed nearly causing Fluttershy to jump underneath another table, "I HAVE SOMEONE HERE TO SEE YOU!"

"I will be right there darling," a female voice spoke from the backroom.

Waiting for the mare in the backroom, Fluttershy took a look around. The walls seemed to be covered with various maroon colored fabrics. A few mirrors stood around the room, along with a few pony shaped mannequins that were covered in some rather beautiful dresses. There were also a few clothes racks that seemed to have unique dress designs.

"Now, Pinkie, what is it you wanted me to see?" the boutique owner said as she entered the room. Fluttershy turned to see the mare as she entered. She was a beautiful unicorn mare with a white coat and a fancy indigo mane and tail. On her flank was a Cutie Mark composed of three blue diamonds.

"Hey Rarity, this is Fluttershy," Pinkie spoke, "She just came to Ponyville and it would seem that her clothing is rather..."

Upon noticing the garments Fluttershy was wearing, Rarity rushed over to the gorgony's side. This startled both Fluttershy and her mane, which struggled not to move within their confining net.

"Yes, thank you Pinkie for bringing her here as soon as possible," Rarity said as she examined Fluttershy's attire with a horrified expression, "How could anyone walk around in such dreadful attire as this?"

"Apparently she is mourning the loss of her family," Pinkie said indiscreetly.

"I see," Rarity said as she picked up a notepad and pencil with her magic, "That would certainly explain it."

Rarity looked Fluttershy over, first examining the mask and hair bun before moving onto the the cloak. Using a hoof, Rarity moved the cloak and paused.

"Pinkie do you think you could leave?" Rarity asked.

"Why?" The pink mare inquired.

"I just think it would be easier if my customer had some privacy."

"Oh... oki doki loki," Pinkie said before bouncing out of the boutique, closing the door behind her.

Once Pinkie Pie was gone, Rarity turned to Fluttershy, "Now dear is it okay if I remove your cloak?"

'No, she will find out!' one of the voices spoke.

'If she removesss it we will be undone!' another squealed within the recesses of her mind.

Understanding his master's silent plight, Angel let out a hiss, warning Rarity of his presence. The albino snake elevated his frame to make himself look large and fearsome.

Fluttershy quivered nervously causing Rarity to let out a sigh, "Look I understand. Most mares find it very disfiguring if their tail or mane are mutated by a cursed object or spell, however I assure you, I will not make fun of you or your deformity. So will you please let me remove your cloak."

For a moment, Fluttershy contemplated Rarity's statement, before giving a nod of approval. Having been given permission, Rarity removed the garment and revealed the gorgony's tail. Observing the group of serpentine tails, Rarity nodded before jotting something down on her notepad.

Seeing that his master was no longer threatened, Angel rested his frame and coiled back around Fluttershy's neck.

"Yes, I can see why you would want to conceal this," Rarity spoke, "Most mares would probably mock you for this deformity, which is such a shame as the scales are actually quite beautiful. Considering the fact that they are a similar color to the mane inside your hair bun, am I correct in assuming that your mane is similar in nature?"

Fluttershy nodded, hoping Rarity wouldn't inquire about her actual mane.

"I have read of similar deformities in a few old books," Rarity spoke continuing to jot down some notes, "They also mentioned that the affected mares generally suffered from a visual sensitivity to light that would give them terrible migraines. Is this also true in your case?"

Not wanting the unicorn to learn about her petrifying gaze, Fluttershy gave another nod, hoping the lie would be enough to prevent further discussion on the matter.

"I see. In that case, I think I might have an idea on a garment that would be more appealing for you," Rarity said as she finished her notes, "I will make some tinted goggles that should aid you with the photosensitivity and I will try to make a casual dress to conceal your tail. I should have it ready for you by tomorrow before the Summer Sun Celebration. Can I see you then?"

"Ummm... yes." Fluttershy replied.

"Good, then let me take your measurements," Rarity said levitating over a measuring strip.

For a few minutes the two of them stood in silence as Rarity took Fluttershy's measurements and jotted them down on her notepad.

"Uh... ho... how did you know?" Fluttershy asked trying to continue the illusion that her tail and mane were caused by some curse or mutation.

A slight smile appeared on Rarity's muzzle, "Oh darling, you don't think you are the first mare to say she was wearing such a ridiculous costume to honor the dead, do you? I myself did something along those lines when my little sister put gum in my mane, when I was younger. Now would you mind extending your wings?"

Fluttershy complied, extending her wings so that Rarity could measure them.

"It wasn't a complete lie," Fluttershy spoke, "I lost my family a long time ago."

"I am sorry to hear that," Rarity replied with a regretful tone, "I suppose my statement was a little brash. Still, I can assure you that since you are my customer it will be my responsibility to make sure that you look as stunning as possible for the event tomorrow."

"So... what about the hair bun?" Fluttershy asked.

Rarity gave it another look, "Honestly I think it looks good on you."

'We hatesss it!' the voices protested.

"Still I would strongly suggest you try to speak to a unicorn mage who has a knowledge of curses or mutations to see if they can assist you," Rarity suggested. Fluttershy's mane did its best to hold back a hiss.

“So… um… are curses like this common?” Fluttershy asked.

“Among pegasi, no,” Rarity explained, “Usually they are something small that a jealous unicorn or bully casts for their own enjoyment. I remember a young mare who once considered using such spells to deal with some mares that were annoying her the other day.”

“Do you mean you considered using it?” Fluttershy inquired.

“Why heavens no darling!” Rarity replied, “Now, please stand still while I finish.”

Once Rarity was finished with her measurements, she instructed Fluttershy to leave, "I need to start working on this immediately. Go and see if Pinkie is still bouncing outside."

Before stepping outside, Fluttershy made sure to put her cloak back on, to conceal her tail once more.

Opening the door the very first thing that Fluttershy noticed was in fact a bouncing Pinkie Pie, "How did it go? Is Rarity going to make something nice for you?"

"Ummm... yes," Fluttershy replied.

"Good," Pinkie smiled, as she slowly stopped bouncing like a rubber ball, "So what else do you need here in Ponyville?"

"I... uh... I was told that there was supposed to be a unicorn visiting for the Summer Sun Celebration."

Pinkie shrugged, "I can't say I know of who you are speaking of. However, the mayor might know. I would suggest you go see her."

"Oh... okay. Thank you."

"Don't mention it!" Pinkie said as she bounced away back in the same direction as Sugarcube Corner.

After walking for nearly half an hour, Fluttershy was able to find the town hall where the mayor's office was located. Inside was an earth pony mare with a tan coat along with a gray mane and tail. She appeared to be doing some paperwork at her desk. Hearing the door, the mare looked up from her work with a broad smile, which nearly faded when she saw Fluttershy.

With a small cough the mare stood up from her desk, "Uh hello there. I am Mayor Mare and I am the Mayor here in Ponyville. How may I help you?"

"Y-yes," Fluttershy stumbled over her words, "My name is Fluttershy, I-I am here because I was told you might know of a unicorn mare, who is coming to town for the Summer Sun Celebration."

Mayor Mare lifted an eyebrow, "Normally I try not to give out personal information without good reason. For what purpose do you need this information?"

'She isn't going to believe you.'

'Make something up.'

"I... uh... I thought I heard that she was going to be in charge of the festival," Fluttershy lied, "so I thought I might help."

"Hmmm..." the mayor pondered this, "As a matter of fact there is something I need help with. If you agree to help me I will be more than willing to provide you with a name."

Fluttershy gulped, "Ummm... what is it?"

"Can you sing?" the mayor asked, "Or perhaps know how to make music?"

"I-I do." Fluttershy answered nervously.

"Could you please prove it?" The mayor asked, sitting back in her chair waiting for Fluttershy to sing a tone. There was a long silence as Fluttershy stood terrified at what was happening.

'Come on!'

'Thisss should be easy.'

"Is everything alright miss Fluttershy?" the mayor asked in an impatient tone.

"Y-yes." Fluttershy replied anxiously.

'Don't worry.' One of the snakes encouraged, 'Just pretend she isn't there.'

With a final gulp, Fluttershy proceeded to close her eyes and began to sing. From her throat a gentle melody entered the room, vibrating smoothly through the air.

'Yesss! Yesss! Your doing great!'

Fluttershy wasn't halfway through the tone, when she heard the mayor clapping.

"Thank you," Mayor Mare spoke, "That is enough. You are hired for the position."

"Position?" Fluttershy inquired.

"Indeed," The mayor replied, "Our normal musician, Octavia, is in Canterlot and the other town musician, Vinyl Scratch... well... let’s just say I don't think her style would be fitting for the festival. Which is why I was in need of a new musician."

"But... but..."

"Don't worry I am a mare of my word," the mayor spoke, "The mare you are looking for is named Twilight Sparkle. She is Celestia's pupil and the princess will be sending her to look over the celebration tomorrow."

'A student of the heat giver?'

"I am certain that since she will be observing the preparations for the festival tomorrow, that she will probably want to see you."

"Wait is she not here?" Fluttershy asked.

"I am afraid not," Mayor Mare shuck her head, "I was told that she won't be here until tomorrow."

'She tricked usss!'

'Come mistresss let usss turn her into stone and consume her essence!'

Fluttershy ignored the voices in her head, "T-thank you for your time."

Disheartened, Fluttershy walked out of the town hall and started to make her way back to the castle in the Everfree Forest. The sun had descended, now cresting the horizon.

Once she was out of sight of any ponies in Ponyville, Fluttershy pulled off the mask and hairnet. The snake mane fanned out, stretching their achy bodies.

'Why did you not let usss devour her?' a snake head hissed.

"It wouldn't have solved anything," Fluttershy answered, "We still need to return tomorrow for the Summer Sun Celebration and it wouldn't help us if, the day after we showed up the mayor of Ponyville was discovered turned to stone. Especially when there was already a witness of us visiting her."

'That isss fair,' the snakes agreed, 'Still we hunger and are in urgent need of feeding.'

"Then let us hunt," Fluttershy said reluctantly as she walked through the forest, waiting for something to catch the eye of her serpentine mane. The forest had darkened in the dim twilight. As she walked through the forest, Fluttershy eventually came across a doe walking through the brush.

'Now that looksss tasty,' the serpents hissed, their mouths watering with hunger.

While Fluttershy wanted to resist, she knew all too well that her mane needed to fed. If she was malnourished, they were malnourished. If they starved, then she starved. Quietly, Fluttershy walked through the woods until she was within visual range of the deer. It was standing in the brush eating the leaves off of a bush, oblivious to the gorgony's presence. Gently, Fluttershy stepped on a branch just loud enough to catch the doe's attention.

Turning to see what caused the sound, the doe's eyes made visual contact with Fluttershy's. As their eyes locked, the doe was caught. It tried to squeal but couldn't as it's extremities began to petrify. Neither of them could look away as the doe's body began to turn to stone. With the sickening sound of cracking stone, the doe became a statue of pure granite.

Immediately, the snake heads of Fluttershy's mane jumped forward sinking their teeth into the stone. As the snakes fed, Fluttershy could feel the deer's energy flowing into her body. Once there was no more essence to be absorbed, the serpents withdrew their fangs and returned to rest around Fluttershy's head.

A head turned to examine Fluttershy's face, rubbing the tears away from her eyes, 'We do what we must in order to survive. It isss simply the way of thingsss.'

Feeling ill from the endeavor, Fluttershy eventually made her way home. She didn't bother to disturb the diamond dogs that were cleaning up the ruins as she made her way to her sleeping quarters. Each step she made, her legs felt heavy.

Throwing herself onto the bed, Fluttershy began to softly cry into her pillow as her mane tried to comfort her. It wasn't long before she fell into a deep sleep. Angel slithered under the blankets, nestling himself next to Fluttershy for warmth.


---


While Fluttershy slept, her dreams were haunted by her memories. She saw the deer before her turn to stone once more and crumble into dust. Looking away from the sight, Fluttershy saw a little yellow pegasus flying through the clouds. The little filly flew towards her home, with a necklace hanging around her neck.

"Look mommy, look daddy, look at what the nice mare gave me," the filly called out.

The door to the house in the clouds opened and a mare and her husband stepped out. The father was a pegasus with a pale green coat with a light amaranthus gray mane and tail. Like her husband, the mother was also a pegasus with raspberry colored mane and tail, which contrasted with her pale amber coat. To Fluttershy's horror, she recognized what was going on.

These were her parents the day Fluttershy had returned home with her Cutie Mark, after her friend had managed to create the legendary sonic rainboom. It was the day that strange unicorn mare had given her that necklace as a gift and it was the day her world crumbled down.

Suddenly the yellow filly keeled over, writhing in terrible agony.

"Fluttershy, what is it?" her mother called out, "What is wrong?"

Immediately Fluttershy’s parents took to the air and flew towards their child, wanting to know what was wrong with her.

“Do you think she is sick?” her father asked, “Perhaps she ate something that didn’t sit well with her stomach.”

The filly's mane and tail turned white before the hair began to fall out in clumps, falling through the clouds to the ground below. Tears fell from the filly's eyes as her body began to rapidly change and mutate. Long green strands erupted from her head and flank. The strands writhed in the air as they grew and the tendrils that were sprouting from her head began to develop scales, eyes and fangs.

The serpentine heads seemed to scream in unison with the filly they were attached to. The screams of the snakes vibrated through the filly's skull.

Fluttershy watched as her younger self coughed in response to the mutation going on inside her mouth. The teeth fell out being replaced with sharp fangs. Her tongue lengthened before it split down the middle.

Her father leaned over his ill daughter, "It is okay sweetie. Everything will be alright. Just stay calm!"

Despite his soothing voice, it was clear that her father was having difficulty remaining calm as well.

'Nothing isss all right,' an alien voice spoke within the recesses of Fluttershy's mind.

"Fluttershy, please look at me," her father begged, holding a hoof against her cheek.

The filly looked up into her father's eyes and as she did, his countenance changed. A horrified look overcame him as his body slowly began to turn to stone.

"No, please! make it stop!" Fluttershy begged as the memories flooded back. To whom she begged she didn't know. Perhaps it was to Celestia that she cried out. However, no answer came as the nightmare continued.

Fluttershy's mother screamed, drawing the attention of her mutated daughter. As the mother's eyes locked with the eyes of her gorgony child, slowly she too began to petrify.

"Please stop!"

Now turned to stone, the statues of Fluttershy's parents became too heavy for the clouds and slowly they pushed their way through the cloud bed before falling.

"No please..."

The statues fell.

"STOP!!!" Fluttershy's cry reverberated through the dream. Echoing off the walls of her mind.


---


'Come on, it isss time to wake up,' the voices inside Fluttershy's head spoke once more. The fact that her mane always seemed to be happy when the sun came up reminded her of how she and her brother would react in the morning, waking their parents up at the first sign of the new day.

Despite having been fast asleep, Fluttershy's dreams had been haunted  by both the deer she had turned to stone the night before, as well as the memories of her family from when she had seen them last.

Like every morning ritual, Fluttershy pulled herself out of bed, and made her way to the sunning rock. However, today was very different.

'We don't have time for that,' a snake insisted.

'We need to find that unicorn to stop the nightmare,' another declared.

Reluctantly, Fluttershy moved away from the sunning rock and began to walk out of her room and made her way down the steps towards the dining hall.

A diamond dog Fluttershy recalled as Fido stepped forward keeping his head down, "Mistress, I am sorry. We didn't know you were going to be up this early, otherwise we would have had your meal prepared already."

"I-it's fine," Fluttershy answered, "I'll just have something quick to eat."

Fluttershy's hooves clicked against the brick floor as she made her way to the kitchen. The diamond dogs that were tending to the room lowered their heads, not wanting to potentially invoke the gorgony's wrath. Looking through the crates, Fluttershy managed to find an apple that was in good shape and bit into it, before making her way back to her room to wear the attire she had been given yesterday. Once again, the hair net proved to be the most annoying part for her mane.

With her clothing in place, Fluttershy let Angel slither his way onto her back, where he proceeded to gently coil around her neck.

As she neared the exit, Rover stepped forward and approached Fluttershy.

"Your highness, I just wanted to inform you that the intruder has yet to leave the forest," Rover inquired, "Is there anything you would have me do?"

"Leave her be," Fluttershy answered, "I have discovered that she is not a threat to us."

"Very well," Rover said moving out of Fluttershy's way, "but what is with this new clothing you are wearing?"

"They are gifts from our so called intruder," Fluttershy replied, "I am going to go for a walk."

Rover bowed his head, not wanting to question his mistress and be turned to stone. Once outside, Fluttershy stretched forth her wings and took to the sky. The gorgony flew low, not wanting to draw any unnecessary attention as she made her way to the outskirts of Ponyville.

When Ponyville was within eye shot, Fluttershy descended silently from the clouds. landing on the outskirts of the town behind some bushes. From there she would determine her move.

'Where do you think we should go first?' the snakes asked her.

"I think we should first visit Rarity and see if she has finished the outfit she was making for me," Fluttershy spoke, "Then I guess I should find some place private to practice my singing."

'That soundsss like a good plan,' her mane agreed.

Stepping out of the bush, Fluttershy began the walk to Carousel Boutique. Like before. the ponies of the town seemed to watch her with cautious glances.

'Just think how they would tremble if they knew what you truly are.'

"I would rather not," Fluttershy whispered under her breath.

Not wanting to be rude, Fluttershy knocked on the door to the carousel boutique. Rarity opened the door after a short moment .

"Awww... hello darling," Rarity spoke motioning with a hoof, "Please, do come in."

Fluttershy stepped inside the boutique and followed Rarity, who directed her to a private dressing stall. The stall was small and had a mirror on one side. The walls were covered in violet wallpaper.

"I will be back with your clothes shortly," Rarity said before walking away.

'Thisss could be a trap!' the voices worried.

'Perhapsss she knowsss and now she seeksss to end usss!'

It wasn't long before Rarity returned with the clothing, "Here you go. Let me know when you have finished dressing dear, I would love to see how this outfit looks on you."

Rarity walked away, giving Fluttershy her privacy so she could change. Angel uncoiled himself from around Fluttershy's neck and rested in the corner while Fluttershy undressed. Gently, Fluttershy took off the cloak and put on the small dress that Rarity had made. It wasn't anything too fancy, merely something practical that could disguise her tail. The fabric was black, matching her hairnet.

Pulling off her mask, Fluttershy strapped on the goggles that Rarity had made. The lenses were a yellow color like amber tree sap. Looking into the dressing stall mirror, Fluttershy let a slight smile cross her face. She looked... normal. Now that Fluttershy had donned her new clothes, Angel slithered his way up Fluttershy's left foreleg to coil around her neck like a serpentine amulet, his white scales contrasting with her black dress.

Stepping out of the stall, Fluttershy was greeted by Rarity, who immediately began to admire her work.

"You look splendid darling," Rarity said, "The goggles look especially good on you."

Tears started to drip from her Fluttershy's eyes. Causing Rarity some alarm.

"Is everything okay dear?" Rarity asked worriedly, "Are the goggles too tight? I can have them loosened if need be."

No, Fluttershy's tears were not those of sadness. Upon leaving the stall, Fluttershy had made eye contact with Rarity a couple times and neither time did the petrifying gaze activate. With these goggles. she could actually interact with others without the fear of turning them to stone. For once in a very long time, Fluttershy was actually happy.

"T-thank you."

Rarity smiled, "Oh, don't mention it darling."

"How much do I owe you?" Fluttershy asked. What few bits she had, were given to her by the diamond dogs that had been scavenging the area for crystals or supplies for the castle.

"Oh don't worry about it dear," Rarity said much to Fluttershy's surprise, "You are new to Ponyville, so think of it as a gift. Of course if you really want to repay me, you can always come back later and buy another dress."

Fluttershy smiled, "Maybe I will."

"Well, I best be going," Rarity said as she rushed out the door, pulling Fluttershy along, "I have to go by the city hall to make sure it is properly decorated for the festival tonight and I fear that I might be fashionably late."

"I'm sorry," Fluttershy spoke in a sad tone.

"Don't worry dear," Rarity said with a smile, "I am more than happy to take care of a mare in need. Now take care of yourself dear."

After she finished closing up the boutique, Rarity began to trot off toward the city hall.

Now with her new goggles, Fluttershy was able to see the world differently. Without the fear that her mere gaze could petrify others, the little gorgony could observe the world in greater detail. The world was ripe with beauty and splendor, the likes of which Fluttershy hadn't thought possible after her transformation. Joy bubbled within her, making her want to sing.

'You do need to practice your singing,' one of the voices inside her mind spoke.

'After all if it would seem that perhapsss our position asss the music director could help usss find this mare the zebra spoke of,' another said, 'It would be difficult if we sounded bad.'

Not feeling a need to refuse, Fluttershy began to search for some place private to practice singing. Some place where, hopefully, nopony would overhear her.

After going down a long dirt road and finding a nice place with a few trees, Fluttershy began to sing. Allowing the joy of the occasion bubble out of her in song. As she sang the birds, out of mere curiosity, flew nearby. Seeing the mare sing, the birds sat down in a small tree and a few decided to join in.

"Why hello there little birdies." Fluttershy said to the birds, which seemed a little bit uncomfortable around her.

'They look rather tasty,' said one of the serpentine heads of Fluttershy's mane.

'Can we eat one?' another inquired. Fluttershy decided it would be best to ignore her mane's request.

A small blue jay flew over and tweeted at Fluttershy. Angel eyed the bird but didn't move so as to pose no threat to the flying creature.

"Would you like to sing?" Fluttershy asked. The blue jay nodded its head and a few of the other birds on the tree tweeted in agreement. The birds' friendly nature seemed rather odd to Fluttershy. Were they usually this friendly? Maybe they could help her at the festival tonight.

"Okay then," Fluttershy said with a smile, "I will sing a tune and you all try to repeat it."

The birds nodded their heads in agreement. Taking a deep breath, Fluttershy sung a little tune for the birds to hear. After a minute of singing, Fluttershy stopped.

"Now it is your turn," Fluttershy instructed.

The birds repeated the song back to her. The song went very well up until the chorus, where the blue jay began to sing out of rhythm.

"Oh my, umm... stop please everyone," Fluttershy said flying up to the branch where the blue jay sat, "Excuse me sir, I mean no offense, but your rhythm is a tiny bit off."

The blue jay nodded its head in agreement. Fluttershy flew back a ways from the tree to resume her directing of the birds, she hadn't had so much fun in a long time.

"Now let's try that again please," Fluttershy said with a smile, "A one. A two. A one, two, thr-"

"Hello!" an unfamiliar voice called out scaring the birds off of the tree and startling Fluttershy. Eyes wide, Fluttershy turned her attention to the pony that had called. She was a unicorn mare with a lavender coat, along with a purple, flat mane that had a pink strip down the center. On the mare's flank was a Cutie Mark resembling a pink star surrounded by five smaller white stars.

"I'm so sorry," the lavender mare spoke, "I didn't mean to frighten your birds. I was just here to check out the music and it just sounded so beautiful."

Fluttershy descended to the ground and examined the unicorn in front of her. Was this the unicorn Zecora had been talking about? Or was it perhaps somepony else? The two of them stood there nervously in total silence.

"I'm Twilight Sparkle," the unicorn said. Immediately, Fluttershy's eyes went wide. This was the mare that the mayor had spoke about. "What is your name?"

"Ummm... I'm Fluttershy," Fluttershy answered.

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Why hello Fluttershy. The music you were making sounded great. Are you the mare Mayor Mare was talking about, directing the music for the festival tonight?"

"Uhhh... ye-yes," Fluttershy replied nervously.

Another pregnant pause filled the air.

'Say something!' A voice said breaking the uncomfortable silence in Fluttershy's mind. What was she supposed to say? That she was supposed to help Twilight stop Nightmare Moon? Something that the unicorn might not be aware of herself. Unsure what to say, Fluttershy merely looked down at her hooves.

Slowly the birds returned to perch in the small tree.

"Okay," Twilight said, breaking the silence, "It looks like your birds have returned. Keep up the good work!"

'Don't just stand there!' The voices in Fluttershy's mind hissed. A slight whimper left Fluttershy's lips as she pondered what to say.

Twilight Sparkle walked away and started to talk to somepony else. Looking up from her hooves, Fluttershy saw that the person Twilight was talking to was in fact a baby dragon with purple and green scales.

"Is that a baby dragon!" Fluttershy called out rushing over to see the small dragon herself. In her excitement to see the dragon, Fluttershy accidentally knocked Twilight Sparkle over.

"I'm sorry," Fluttershy apologized, "It is just that I have never seen a baby dragon before."

'I wonder what hisss essence tastesss like?' one of the serpentine voices pondered.

'Maybe like gem stonesss.' another guessed.

Fluttershy rebuked her mane's thoughts as she resumed her attention to the baby dragon before her.

"He is such a cute, little dragon," Fluttershy said.

The baby dragon huffed up his chest with pride, "Well, well, well."

This startling revelation increased Fluttershy's curiosity, "You can talk too? I didn't know dragons could talk. That is just so wonderful."

Unknowingly, Fluttershy began to flap her wings lifting her hooves off of the ground, "I am not sure what to say."

Suddenly the dragon's body was enveloped in a lavender aura, before he began to levitate through the air onto Twilight's back.

"Well, I suppose it is time for us to go," Twilight said as the two of them began to walk down the road.

"Wait, what is your dragon's name?" Fluttershy asked as she followed Twilight.

'Who caresss!' the voices inside Fluttershy's mind hissed, 'He isn't the one we are supposed to talk to!'

Fluttershy ignored her mane's complaints, much to their frustration.

"I'm Spike!" the purple dragon answered, clearly happy to be the center of attention.

"What do dragons talk about?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well, what do you want to know?" Spike asked in reply.

"Why, everything," Fluttershy answered, causing both Twilight and the voices inside Fluttershy's head to let out an exasperated sigh.

"Well..."

Spike's conversation with Fluttershy went on for a long while, much to the chagrin of both Twilight and the gorgony's mane. Their conversation went on for over an hour. Spike talked about how he grew up with Twilight, about his home in Canterlot and even what his favorite types of gems were.

"And that is pretty much the story of my whole life," Spike said, "Well, at least up until today. Do you want to hear about today?"

'NO!' the mane hissed inside Fluttershy's head.

'For the lightbringer's sssake make him stop!' another screamed in frustration, causing Fluttershy to wince. It was then that Fluttershy remembered that she was actually supposed to be talking to Twilight about Nightmare Moon.

The three of them stood next to a large tree with a door and a few windows. On the door was the symbol of a lit candle and next to the structure was a wooden sign with the symbol of an open book inscribed. From what Fluttershy could guess it was a library... or maybe a book store.

"Oh... uh... I'm sorry," Fluttershy stuttered, "You see I need t-"

"Excuse me," Twilight spoke, "but it would seem we have reached our destination. It is about time that my poor baby dragon gets a nap."

"Wait!" Fluttershy yelled almost startling Twilight and Spike, "There is actually something important I need to talk to you about!"

Twilight rolled her eyes, "What is it?"

"I know you might not believe me," Fluttershy spoke nervously, "but I was told that Nightmare Moon was supposed to appear tonight and that I was supposed to help you."

Hearing the words, Nightmare Moon, caused Twilight's eyes to open wide.

"Wait, you know about the prophecy?!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Ummm... yes."

Kicking open the door, Twilight grabbed Fluttershy, dragged her inside the library and slammed the door shut behind them. The interior of the library was dark making it difficult to see.

'There is somepony else in here!' Fluttershy's mane warned.

"Perhaps you can help me!" Twilight said, "I have to convince the princess that Nightmare Moon is coming and with me being assigned to follow the procedures for this festival, I haven't had any chances to study the Elements of Harmony. Now if we could just turn on the lights."

"SURPRISE!!!"

Suddenly the room burst full of light, causing Twilight and Spike to jump, while Fluttershy nearly had a heart attack. Her mane struggled within her hairnet, trying to break free to confront the new threat. Fortunately, the net held fast as Fluttershy discovered that both she and Twilight were surrounded by ponies who appeared to be in a happy mood. Then her eyes caught sight of a familiar pink pony.

"I made this party just for you!" Pinkie Pie said to Twilight, before she noticed Fluttershy standing nearby, "Huh! I didn't know you would be here too, otherwise I would have made something for you as well!"

"Umm... th-thanks?" Fluttershy said.

"So were you surprised?" Pinkie Pie asked both Twilight and Fluttershy gleefully, "Were you? Were you? Were you?"

"Umm... y-yes," Fluttershy answered.

"I was indeed," Twilight replied, "A library is supposed to be quiet."

"But what is the fun in that?" the party pony asked with a wide smile. Twilight walked over to the refreshment table to grab something to drink and Pinkie Pie followed, speaking at a pace that almost gave Fluttershy a headache.

"Why hello there sugarcube!" another pony spoke nearly startling Fluttershy again, "I haven't seen you around these parts before."

Fluttershy turned to face the pony that was talking to her. The mare before her had an orange coat and a yellow mane, which was covered with a brown cowboy hat. On her flank, Fluttershy spotted the Cutie Mark of three red apples. Perhaps she was an apple farmer.

"H-hello," Fluttershy answered nervously.

"My name is Applejack," the mare spoke, "What is your name?"

"Umm... I'm Fluttershy."

"It's nice to meet ya Fluttershy," Applejack said.

Suddenly there was a commotion over at the refreshment table, with what sounded like a train whistle going off. Turning to see what was going on, Fluttershy saw Twilight running up the stairs on the other side of the library.

"Awww... She is so happy she's crying," Pinkie Pie said.

Examining the table, Spike spotted a red bottle with the icon of some fire and a Minotaur flexing his muscles as he chugged down the contents of a similar looking bottle.

"You brought hot sauce?" Spike asked examining the bottle.

"What! It’s really good!" Pinkie Pie said as she poured some hot sauce onto a cupcake before wolfing it down.

Looking around the party, Fluttershy noticed that Rarity was also attending and standing next to her was... Fluttershy's heart froze. She recognized that rainbow coloured mane from when she was a young filly, from before her transformation into a gorgony. It was Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash was a little different compared to most pegasi. Aside from her appearance, which consisted of a cyan coat and a mane that naturally contained all the colors of the rainbow, Rainbow Dash was also one of the fastest flyers Fluttershy had ever met. After all, how many pegasi could say that they had actually created a sonic rainboom? Not only that, but Rainbow Dash was very supportive of her friends.

If Rainbow Dash recognized her, there was a chance that Fluttershy's life could be in danger, or even the other way around. How would Rainbow Dash take to her friend being a gorgony? Not wanting any trouble, Fluttershy decided it would be best to leave.  She needed to gather the birds for the festival after all.

"So what brings you to Ponyville?" Applejack asked.

"Uh-" Fluttershy wasn't sure what to say. That she had met a zebra who had told her that she had to come to Ponyville to help prevent a powerful tyrant from claiming Equestria as her own? Applejack merely stood there patiently, waiting for Fluttershy's response.

"I am- uh- here for the Summer Sun celebration," Fluttershy finally answered.

Applejack smiled, "Well I am glad you decided to celebrate it with us."

"Ye-yeah," Fluttershy said, as she tried to edge closer to the door.

*Gasp* "Is that a snake around your neck?" Applejack inquired.

"Ummm... yes," Fluttershy answered, "this is Angel, he is a good friend of mine."

"Snakes can be helpful," Applejack said with a smile, "I used to despise the creatures, until I learned that they could be very useful in discouraging rodents from eating the crops."

'Well, at least she doesn't hate snakesss!'

Angel let out a hiss of happiness.

"Th-thank you." Fluttershy replied.

"Hey, Applejack!" A familiar voice called out, "who ya talking to?"

Fluttershy's heart froze as she heard the owner of the voice walking over.

"Hey there Rainbow Dash," Applejack said raising a hoof, "this is Fluttershy, she is here for the festival."

"Fluttershy is that you?"

Turning around, Fluttershy was shocked and nearly knocked breathless as Rainbow Dash grabbed her and gave her a great, big hug. As the hug went on, Fluttershy could have sworn she heard several spinal vertebrae pop.

"It’s been so long since I've seen you!" Rainbow Dash said, still hugging Fluttershy tightly. It was like a young filly hugging a stuffed animal that had been lost behind the bed.

*Cough*

‘She’sss killing usss!!!’

Noticing that her friend’s complexion was turning a deep shade of purple, Rainbow Dash loosened her grip on her long lost friend and set her down on the ground. As soon as Rainbow Dash set Fluttershy down and the hug ceased, Fluttershy was able to catch her breath.

"Where have you been?" Rainbow Dash asked excitedly.

"I-I've been around," Fluttershy answered.

"What's with the goggles?" Rainbow Dash inquired.

"I-uh." Well this was awkward.

"Hey Fluttershy darling," Rarity said as she walked over, "It is great to see you interacting with others. Rainbow Dash, you know it isn't proper to ask a lady about her appearance."

Fluttershy was relieved to have Rarity interrupt the situation.

"I was curious," Rainbow Dash retorted, "They look really nice on her. Actually, they kind of remind of the goggles the Wonderbolts use."

"Are you still training to become a Wonderbolt?" Fluttershy asked, trying to redirect the conversation in a different direction. Rainbow Dash smiled.

"Totally!" Rainbow Dash yelled raising a hoof, "Soon they will be begging me to join them!"

"I don't know about that," Applejack muttered in a teasing manner.

"Nonsense!" Rainbow Dash replied, "Of course they will want the greatest flier in Equestria on their team."

Fluttershy smiled at the conversation. It was great to be friends with Rainbow Dash again, as long as there were no questions that would reveal her true form.

"Well, I have to go," Fluttershy said nervously.

"What for?" Applejack asked.

"I uh- I have to prepare to oversee some of the music for the festival," Fluttershy answered uncomfortably.

"That is great darling," Rarity said.

"Take care Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash spoke, "Just don't disappear after the festival, okay?"

"O-okay," Fluttershy stuttered as she left the library.

It was dark outside as Fluttershy walked away from the library. The gorgony returned to the small tree by the dirt road to discover that most of the birds were waiting there for her.

"Hello there," Fluttershy spoke meekly. In response some of the birds tweeted, "Have you all been practicing while I was away?"

The birds nodded before singing a small sample of the song she had taught them.

"Would you little guys like to help me with something?" Fluttershy asked. The blue jay tweeted and nodded his head.

"Then come with me," Fluttershy instructed as she walked toward city hall. The birds then proceeded to land on the gorgony's back, eliciting an annoyed hiss from Angel.

Having gathered her accompaniment, Fluttershy made her way to city hall. Opening the door, Fluttershy was greeted by Mayor Mare.

"I am glad to see that you are early," the mayor spoke, "It will make it easier to prepare for the sunrise. What are those birds doing here?"

"They are going to help me with the music," Fluttershy explained. The mayor raised an eyebrow.

"Well, so long as they don't make a mess, I suppose I am okay with that," the mayor answered, "There is a balcony upstairs,  you can set up for the festival there."


---


Fluttershy was nervous. Very, very nervous. How had she gotten herself into this mess? Sweat dripped down Fluttershy's face as she stood on the balcony next to her songbirds. Below was a huge crowd of ponies and Mayor Mare. She could even see Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Applejack and... Rainbow Dash below.

Fortunately, Rarity gave Fluttershy a calming smile from the balcony where the princess was supposed to appear.

'Thisss isss so inconvient!'

"Fillies and gentlecolts," the mayor spoke from the platform below, "As Ponyville's mayor it is my honour to begin the Summer Sun Celebration."

The ponies cheered. Glancing up through one of the windows, Fluttershy watched as the shape of the mare in the moon slowly faded away. Fluttershy could feel her serpentine mane becoming restless. Angel also seemed a little agitated.

"Oh, I hope everything will be okay," Fluttershy whispered to herself.

"Soon, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise and begin to celebrate the longest day of the year," Mayor Mare said with a smile, "Now allow me to present to you all: The ruler of Equestria, Princess Celestia."

That was the cue, for the birds to begin their song as Rarity pulled the curtains back to reveal... an empty balcony. There was a surprised outburst from the crowd in response to the revelation. Confused by the princess's absence, Rarity stepped past the curtain to investigate.

'Something isss wrong!' the serpentine mane hissed.

"Where is she?" one pony asked.

"Oh! Oh! Oh! Is she hiding?" Pinkie Pie's familiar voice spoke, "I love hide and seek!"

Rarity returned from behind the curtain still looking bewildered, "She's gone!"

There was another loud outburst as the crowd pondered what had happened to Princess Celestia. It was then that a strange blue mist began to swirl throughout the room. The blue fog swirled upward to the balcony where Celestia was supposed to have emerged, consolidating into a black form.

'Oh no!' the voices inside Fluttershy's head screamed, 'She isss here!'

The creature laughed as it took on the form of a mare. A tall mare with a coat as black as the night, cruel blue eyes and her mane was made of the same blue fog. Over her body, the mare wore armor made of dark blue metal. Her body possessed the wings of a pegasus and the horn of a unicorn. As the being finally finished materializing, a wicked laugh escaped her lips.

"Hello my beloved subjects," the mare spoke, "Oh, it has been so long since I have seen your precious, little sun loving faces."

There were sounds of a commotion down on the main floor, but Fluttershy refrained from looking in the hopes that, perhaps, she would go unnoticed by the newcomer.

"What have you done with the princess?" Fluttershy heard Rainbow Dash yell out from below.

Another chuckle escaped the mare's lips, "Do you really not know who I am? Do none of you recall the legend that prophesied my return?"

'Well, we were told,' a voice inside Fluttershy's head spoke.

'Shut up.' another seemed to reply to the first.

"I know who you are," Fluttershy heard Twilight say from below, "You’re Nightmare Moon!"

Fluttershy could feel the voices inside her head speaking, but instead she chose to ignore them as she observed the events unfolding before her eyes.

The alicorn smiled a wicked grin, "I am indeed and perhaps you know what I plan to do."

"You’re going to... to..." Twilight stuttered over her words.

"Remember this day my little ponies," Nightmare Moon chuckled, "for tonight I claim Equestria as my own, and from this moment onward the night will last forever!"

Nightmare Moon proceed to let out another laugh, only to be interrupted by a rattling sound. The sound made Fluttershy jump. During this encounter, Fluttershy had neglected to maintain control over her snakes and as a result, one of them had rattled in their frustration.

As the Queen of the Night gazed upon Fluttershy, the pegasus cowered nervously. Nightmare Moon observed Fluttershy for a moment before a cruel smile crept across her lips.

"Oh my, is this a daughter of Echidna I see before me?" Nightmare Moon asked.

Angel hissed at Nightmare Moon as the alicorn drew near.

Nightmare Moon's horn began to glow with magic and soon, Fluttershy found her hairnet being torn away, freeing her serpentine mane and making it very visible to those below. Fluttershy tried to fly away, to hide, to conceal what she was, but was unable to as Nightmare Moon's magic enveloped the gorgony's throat and pulled her close.

"Did you really think they would accept you among their kind over me?" Nightmare Moon growled, "You are mistaken!"

With extreme force, Nightmare Moon lifted Fluttershy into the air before hurling the gorgony down to the main floor. As Fluttershy was about to hit the ground, some pony caught her, reducing any damage she would suffer from the impact to a couple bruises. Above Nightmare Moon let out an annoyed growl.

"Seize her!" Mayor Mare cried out, "She knows where the princess is!"

"Stand back you fools!" Nightmare Moon roared as she unleashed a powerful wave of magic, which knocked all the royal guards aside. Then with another cruel laugh, the alicorn dematerialized into a blue mist before disappearing out the main door into the night.

With Nightmare Moon gone, the rest of the ponies turned their attention to the gorgony in their midst.

"What is she?" a pony in the crowd asked.

Standing up from where she had landed, Fluttershy glanced at the ponies around her. Fear overwhelming her as she saw the crowd surrounding her. The gorgony curled into a ball afraid of what was going to happen to her.

"P-please don't hurt me," Fluttershy whimpered.

'Quit cowering,' the voices inside Fluttershy's mind spoke, 'we need to protect ourselvesss!'

Fluttershy shook her head, covering her face with her hooves, "No! I don't want to hurt them!"

'You must,' the voices hissed, 'or we all shall die!'

"Hey sugarcube are you okay?"

Peering through her hooves, Fluttershy saw Applejack standing over her, a look of concern on her face.

"Fluttershy are you alright?" Rainbow Dash grunted as she stood up from lying on the floor.

"W-what?" Fluttershy was confused.

"Here, let me help you up," Applejack said, however as she stepped closer to help, Fluttershy's mane began to hiss at the mare.

'STAY BACK!' they hissed.

"Woah! What are those things!" Spike asked, kind of shocked by what he was seeing.

"Those are her snakes," Twilight spoke, "It would seem that our friend here isn't the pony we thought she was."

As this went on, Fluttershy felt like something was missing. Looking around Fluttershy realized what it was as she saw the crumpled up body of Angel lying on the ground nearby.

"ANGEL!" Fluttershy scurried over to her pet snake, ignoring the ponies around her, "Angel, are you okay?"

Observing Angel's injuries, Fluttershy could see that when Nightmare Moon had grabbed her by the neck, the magic she had used, had applied a strong pressure to Angel's body. Tears began to well up in Fluttershy's eyes as she gazed down at her injured pet.

The world seemed to freeze around Fluttershy as she stared down at Angel. Due to the hunger of her mane, the gorgony had found it difficult to connect with the animals around her. She enjoyed their presence but was always afraid that one day they would become her food.

With Angel it had been different. The snake, in his own serpentine way had reached out to her. Despite Fluttershy being a monster, the little albino serpent would snuggle up to her.

Now he lay crumpled up on the floor.

“No,” Fluttershy said as she picked up the poor snake and held him to her chest, “don’t leave me… please… you’ve got to make it.”

The snake seemed to whimper in Fluttershy’s hooves as tears streamed down her face.

What was she to do? If Fluttershy was at home, she would have all the supplies needed to treat such an injury, however since she was in Ponyville she had no idea where any veterinarians or medical supplies could be located.

'Maybe the librarian would have an idea,' the voices inside Fluttershy's mind suggested.

'She isss a unicorn,' another spoke, 'perhapsss she knowsss a spell that could help.'

Fluttershy turned to face Twilight, tears running down her cheeks.

"Please do something," Fluttershy begged, "Please help me save Angel."

Twilight sighed, "I might have a spell that can help, bring your pet to the library and I will see what I can do."

"Thank you."

"But let me make this clear," Twilight squinted her eyes, "you have quite a bit of explaining to do."

Fluttershy took a deep gulp. Something told her she wasn't going to enjoy this.


---


"So what's a gorgony?" Applejack asked.

All six of them were back at the library, Spike had been rushed to bed by Twilight, who was going to heal Angel in her room, while the other four ponies stood around Fluttershy.

"I am unsure as well," Rarity said.

"Oh! Oh! Oh! I know!" Pinkie Pie said, bouncing in place.

"Ya do?" Applejack inquired.

"Yep, you see, the word gorgony is taken from the documents of an ancient race," Pinkie Pie explained, "It uses the title of Gorgon and combines it with the word pony. It's some weird mumbo jumbo."

Everypony in the room gave Pinkie a confused look.

"So how did you learn about this?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Pinkie smiled, “It was something a drunk minotaur told me at the party I hosted for him last month.”

“You hosted a party for a minotaur?” Applejack asked. Pinkie nodded her head vigorously.

“I think his name was Iron Will,” Pinkie explained, “He owns a motivational program as well as a hot sauce company. In fact, I believe I brought some of his sauce to Twilight’s welcoming party!”

Some of the other ponies had a sick expression, remembering how Pinkie had consumed an entire cupcake covered in the stuff.

"But seriously, what is a Gorgony?" Applejack asked impatiently.

"They are the children of Echidna," Twilight said, alerting the others to her presence, "or some would say those blessed by Echidna."

Fluttershy straightened herself up.

“How is Angel?” Fluttershy asked worriedly, “Is he going to be okay?”

Twilight nodded, “Angel will be fine. I cast a healing spell upon him, so with some rest he will be as good as normal.”

"Didn't Nightmare Moon say something along those lines? About Echidna?" Rarity asked as Twilight walked over to one of the shelves and grabbed a book. Holding the book with her magic, Twilight brought it over to the table and set it down. The title of the book was, 'The Outsiders.'

"Indeed," Twilight said as she opened the book, "I remember the name from an old story I was told when I was a young filly."

Twilight flipped the page to an image of three beings. One resembled a centaur, the second a gargoyle and the third a great serpent.

"It is said that three figures visited Equestria from a distant land," Twilight spoke, "two of them were brothers, Scorpan and Tirek. These two brothers came to claim Equestria's magic as their own. Scorpan however, had a change of heart and aided the princesses in sealing Tirek away in Tartarus. The third was Echidna, the Mother of Monsters. Legend says that she came to Equestria seeking asylum from her homeland."

"What does that have to do with gorgonies?" Rainbow Dash interrupted. Twilight glared at the pegasus.

"Maybe we should just... let her finish," Fluttershy suggested.

"Thank you," Twilight resumed as she flipped another page, this image showing the giant serpent from before, only this time she was talking to a unicorn mare, "While she resided in Equestria, Echidna sired many of the creatures we refer to as monsters today, only they were peaceful under her reign. Then one day a unicorn mare who sought revenge against an old rival came to Echidna. The mare lied to Echidna, claiming that her family was being held ransom and that she needed Echidna to aid her. Wanting to aid the mare, Echidna gave her an amulet that would change the mare into a creature just as powerful as Echidna's other children."

"Well, that was stupid!" Applejack said out loud to herself, "Ummm... sorry."

"The mare wrecked havoc with the medallion she had been given," Twilight continued, "cursing the bloodlines of several ponies. Those who were cursed would become the first gorgonies. After learning what the mare had done, Echidna cast the same curse upon the mare, turning her into a gorgony as well. Saddened by what happened, Echidna disappeared never to be heard from again."

"So it is a curse?" Rarity asked.

"Depends," Twilight spoke, "there was once a time when colonies of gorgonies regarded their condition as a blessing. However that was a long time ago, and most of those colonies are no more."

"Awwwwww." Pinkie said.

"Okay, so we know where they come from!" Rainbow Dash said impatiently, "But what are they? And why is Fluttershy one?"

"Well, I can..." Fluttershy was about to explain, but her soft tone was interrupted by an annoyed librarian.

Twilight face hoofed, "They are ponies with snakes for hair and the ability to turn others to stone with a glance. Now more importantly I have a question I have been trying to ask Fluttershy all night, but apparently everypony just wants to interrupt me!"

Applejack and Rainbow Dash shared knowing glances. Still fairly annoyed, Twilight turned her attention back to Fluttershy.

"How did you know Nightmare Moon was going to show up tonight?" Twilight asked.

Hearing Twilight's question, the other ponies in the room turned their attention to Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy, you aren't a spy are you?" Rainbow Dash asked in a nearly heartbroken tone.

"N-no," Fluttershy protested.

"Nah, she ain't no spy Dash," Applejack spoke, "If she was, why would Nightmare Moon have thrown her from the balcony?"

"Could you please answer the question?" Twilight asked, her expression unchanging.

"A-a zebra told me," Fluttershy stuttered.

"A zebra?" Twilight raised a curious eyebrow.

"Y-yes," Fluttershy continued to speak, "She was near my home in the Everfree. I went there to investigate and she told me that she had seen Nightmare Moons return in a vision. After that she showed me a book talking about the prophecy."

Twilight's eyes shot open at Fluttershy's statement, and the unicorn rushed over to the book shelves. While Twilight searched, the other ponies seemed uneasy.

"Shoot that's right," Twilight spoke as she began to search through the various books, "there has got to be something about the Elements of Harmony in here somewhere!"

"Just what are these elements Darling?" Rarity asked.

"Yah, you seem to know an awful lot of what is going here," Applejack spoke, "Isn't that right Twilight?"

Twilight let out a deep sigh, "Prior to coming to Ponyville I read all about the predictions of Nightmare Moon's return. According to my research, some mysterious relics known as the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her. But I don't even know what they are or where to locate them. I don't even know what they do!"

"The Elements of Harmony, a Reference Guide!" Pinkie Pie said as she read off the binding of an old book. Twilight rushed over and pushed Pinkie out of the way.

"H-how did you find that?" Twilight asked.

"It was in the Historical Section!" Pinkie Pie said as she bounced around the room.

Twilight grabbed the book with her magic and brought it over to the desk. After flipping through the pages, Twilight found the spot she was looking for and began to read.

"There are six Elements of Harmony, however only five are known," Twilight read, "These are the elements of: Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, Laughter and Kindness. The true nature of the last Element remains unknown. According to legend, the Elements of Harmony are held within the castle of the Celestial Sisters, which is located within the Everfree Forest."

"THE EVERFREE FOREST!!!" All of the ponies except for Twilight and Fluttershy yelled.

There was a hard knock on the door that nearly startled a few of the ponies. It was enough that Pinkie Pie jumped and confetti shot out of her mane.

“Oopsie!” Pinkie giggled.

Walking cautiously over to the door, Twilight took a deep breath and opened it, on the other side stood Mayor Mare.

“Twilight, I was given word that you have a gorgony with you,” Mayor Mare stated looking down her nose at the librarian.

“I may,” Twilight answered, hoping the mayor’s view was obscured by the door and Twilight’s frame, “why does that matter?”

Mayor Mare raised her chest, “I simply want that creature out of Ponyville as soon as possible. There is already enough panic with the princess missing, having such a monster about would only make tension worse.”

Fluttershy’s ears drooped as the mayor’s words hit. Rainbow Dash merely glared at the door.

“Please understand my position,” the Mayor continued, “we are already dealing with a catastrophic event. The last thing we need is a riot. Just take her out of here before any more problems ensue.”

“Don’t worry,” Twilight said, her eyes becoming slits, “we will be leaving soon.”


---


Fluttershy, Twilight and the other four ponies stood on the path outside the Everfree Forest. The forest looked formidable and terrifying to most of the other ponies.

"Now before we go in," Twilight began to speak, "I appreciate all your interest in going in but this is my quest and I would rather do this by myself."

"Sorry... but I have to go with you," Fluttershy stuttered, "I was told that I need to come along to insure that Nightmare Moon is defeated... also I am... familiar with this forest."

"You've been in the Everfree Forest?" Twilight asked.

Fluttershy nodded, "In fact I may actually know the location of the castle you spoke of."

"You do?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Umm... yes."

"Weh! Then let's go!" Pinkie Pie cheered as she bounced down the dirt path. As Pinkie entered the forest the other five ponies followed suit.

They walked silently through the forest, feeling uneasy about the world around them. Pinkie Pie was bouncing in the lead followed by Rarity, Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.

"So you know about the castle?" Twilight asked hesitantly.

"Y-yes," Fluttershy answered.

"Any particular reason why?" Twilight inquired.

"It's my home," Fluttershy replied.

Long branches stretched out from the trees like the claws of some ferocious beasts. The canopy above with thick, causing there to be only small patches where the light of the moon shown through.

"Why would anypony live in the Everfree Forest?" Applejack asked, butting into the conversation.

'Why do you think, stupid?' The snakes hissed. Fluttershy's response was simply to glance at her serpentine mane.

"Oh..." Applejack sighed, "sorry."

"Honestly though, I don't see a problem," Pinkie spoke in a cheery fashion, "Aside from having snakes for hair and a gaze that can turn ponies to stone, Fluttershy seems to be just a normal pony."

Rainbow Dash scratched her chin, "Come to think of it, nopony around you has been turning to stone, Fluttershy."

"It is all thanks to these goggles Rarity made for me," Fluttershy answered.

"Really?" Rarity said in surprise, "I was just trying to help you with your sensitive eyes. I am kind of impressed that they would actually hinder your abilities."

"Are you sure this is safe?" Fluttershy could hear Applejack whispering to Rarity, "What if this gorgony is just trying to lure us into a trap?"

'That conniving little...' The snakes hissed.

"Oh don't be silly," Rarity replied, "Miss Fluttershy has had more than a few opportunities to turn me into stone and hasn't."

"Remember she is wearing..." Applejack tried to whisper to Rarity but the dress maker cut her off.

"Yes, she is wearing goggles I gave to her," Rarity answered with a humph, "but she had a few opportunities to turn me into stone before and she didn't. So I trust her."

"I suppose yer right," Applejack answered, "I just think we should be cautious is all."

Suddenly there was a loud roar, that startled the six ponies.

"What was that?" Applejack asked. It was almost as if the Everfree Forest answered Applejack's question when a large creature stepped around the corner.

The monster resembled a long massive serpent with a head like a cobra, with bright symmetrical patterns on the insides of the hooded folds. Its body was covered in dark green scales. Along its slender body were small reptilian legs giving the creature a caterpillar-like appearance. Purple poison oozed from small pores along the monster's back.

Seeing the six ponies, the creature let out another bellowing roar. With its gaze a sickening feeling radiated through the ponies' stomachs.

"That's a Basilisk," Fluttershy spoke, giving Applejack the name of the monster before them.

Letting forth another roar, the basilisk charged forward, bearing its fangs to strike.

"Well, I guess we need to kick its butt!" Rainbow Dash said raising her hooves in a fighting stance, as she hovered in place, "It looks like we'll have to fight."

"How?" Rarity asked, "Its entire body is covered in poison."

"Well we have to do something!" Twilight coughed, "The Basilisk's gaze seems to have a poisoning effect on us all!"

Twilight wasn't wrong, Fluttershy had seen the basilisks using such tactics when they were hunting. Much like gorgonies, the Basilisks could affect others with their stare, poisoning their prey from the inside out. However, there was something odd about this basilisk, it was more infuriated than hungry.

"Hey Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash called out, "Why don't you just turn it to stone?"

'It would be deliciousss,' The snakes hissed.

'Yesss!' Hissed another, 'Let'sss consume itsss essence!'

"N-no," Despite the encouragement of the ponies around her and her serpentine mane, Fluttershy couldn't put herself through that. Something about this just didn't feel right.

The creature roared, de-shuffling Rarity's mane.

"My hair!" Rarity protested as she retreated.

"Then I guess we have no choice," Twilight said as she cast a spell at the Basilisk. As the spell made contact, the magical energy was absorbed by the poison oozing from the monster's body. Looking at where the spell had made impact, Fluttershy saw that there was something wrong with one of the Basilisk's legs.

"W-wait."

With a swift movement, Applejack managed to kick up a rock with her front hoof before turning around and bucking the rock sending it straight for the Basilisk. The rock hit the Basilisk's scales which merely annoyed the large monster.

"Wait."

Closer inspection revealed to Fluttershy that the Basilisk was favoring one of its legs. Had it been injured?

Rainbow Dash grabbed some vines and attempted to tie up the creature, as she flew around it. This only seemed to annoy the Basilisk as it tore through the vines with its mass. Looking at Twilight, Fluttershy could see the unicorn charging up a powerful spell.

"WAIT!" Fluttershy called out putting herself between the Basilisk and the other five ponies.

Both the Basilisk and the ponies stopped in their tracks, confused by the gorgony's outburst. Most of the other ponies gave Fluttershy a confused look, all except for Pinkie Pie who started to smile for some reason.

Taking a deep breath, Fluttershy turned around and faced the Basilisk. Stepping closer, Fluttershy realized that this Basilisk was rather young, she guessed it probably hatched about only a year ago. The creature reared back its head and hissed.

"It's okay," the gorgony spoke, "how about you show me what’s wrong with your leg."

Confused by the gorgony's kindness, the monster proceeded to show Fluttershy its injury. Raising the wounded limb, Fluttershy could see a large black thorn piercing the bottom of the Basilisk's foot.

"Oh, you poor dear," Fluttershy spoke, "you’re just a little hatchling now, aren't you?"

"A hatchling?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Now hold still," Fluttershy said calmly to the Basilisk, "This may hurt a little bit."

As Fluttershy removed the thorn, the Basilisk let out a loud hiss. The five ponies rallied back, afraid for Fluttershy's safety. The Basilisk didn't attack Fluttershy however, Instead it began to purr almost like a cat, lowering its head for Fluttershy to pet as the slime shifted aside leaving a safe area for the gorgony to touch.

While Fluttershy pet the Basilisk's head, the rest of the ponies made their way past. After petting the Basilisk for a moment, Fluttershy returned to the other five ponies.

"How did you know about the thorn?" Twilight asked, still surprised by what had transpired.

"I-I didn't," Fluttershy answered, "I just saw that the Basilisk was injured and thought that perhaps if I helped it, the Basilisk might let us pass."

"That was very kind and very brave of you," Twilight said.

"T-thank you."

After being reunited, the five ponies continued on their way toward the castle. There was an uncomfortable silence as they moved.

“So… you’ve been living here this whole time,” Rainbow Dash spoke.

“Ummm… yes,” Fluttershy answered.

“Why didn’t you come back to Cloudsdale or to Ponyville?” Rainbow Dash asked, “I mean sure you are a gorgony, but you could have at least tried to find someone to help you with… well… you know.”

Rainbow Dash motioned a hoof at the snakes of Fluttershy’s mane, which glared and hissed at her gesture.

“Not really,” Fluttershy answered, “My parents died shortly after I changed and I doubt my brother, Zephyr Breeze wants anything to do with me. Besides, nopony wants a monster hanging around, your mayor can testify to that.”

“Who cares what the mayor thinks!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

“Well, she is the mayor for a reason,” Rarity butted in, “She puts up with a lot just to make sure our little town doesn’t fall off the map.”

“Still,” Rainbow Dash scratched the back of her head, “I was really worried about you, Fluttershy.”

“S-sorry.”

Rainbow Dash put a hoof around Fluttershy, giving the gorgony a gentle hug, which made her mane feel uncomfortable.

“Come on, let’s defeat Nightmare Moon!”

As they made their way to the castle, the ponies came across a bridge that was in disrepair. While one end was tied to the other side of the cliff, one of the ropes had snapped resulting in the bridge being attached crookedly, hanging by a thread.

Below was a steep cliff filled with fog and the sharp branches of trees, their limbs stretched out like cruel fingers ready to snatch anything that fell into them.

"So how are we goin’ to cross that?" Applejack asked.

"Did you really have to ask?" Rainbow Dash answered, swooping down into the fog below. After a few seconds had transpired, the pegasus emerged carrying the other end of the bridge in her mouth and pulling it to the other side.

There was a long pause as Rainbow Dash did whatever she was doing on the other side of the cliff.

"What do you think is taking her so long?" Rarity asked.

"Umm... I don't know," Fluttershy answered, as she worried about what Rainbow Dash could be facing on the other side of the cliff.

"Rainbow what is taking so long?" Twilight called out across the cliff. In response to Twilight's call, the fog rose from the cliffs below obscuring any sight of the bridge. Another pregnant pause filled the air before Rainbow Dash returned from the other side.

"The bridge is secure!" Rainbow Dash said with a grin.

With the bridge secured, the ponies began to make their way across. As they were about to reach the end however, the bridge began to strain under their weight.

"We need to get off this bridge," Twilight spoke, "NOW!"

The ponies started to run as fast as they could across the bridge, however as Fluttershy was about to make it to the other side the board she was stepping on broke underneath her. Before Fluttershy fell through she attempted to fly but one of the long branches reached out and pulled her underneath the cloud canopy.

"FLUTTERSHY!!!" The other ponies called out as Fluttershy fell into the forest below.


---


"Fluttershy, you need to wake up," a familiar and distant voice called out.

The sensation of blankets and a soft mattress comforted Fluttershy's small frame. Opening her eyes a bit, Fluttershy recognized the world around her as her bedroom back in Cloudsdale.

"It’s time to wake up sleepy head," Fluttershy could hear her mother call out.

"F-five more minutes," Fluttershy said groggily as she rolled over to go back to sleep.

"Fluttershy!" her mom called out.

Ignoring the voice, Fluttershy curled up into a ball. It was warm and inviting here, why should she leave? Why should she wake up? This thought disappeared as the sound of hissing filled her ears.

Fluttershy pushed away her sheets to see a massive creature in front of her. It was a large snake with red scales and large yellow eyes. The large snake glared at Fluttershy with eyes that pierced her soul.

"WAKE UP!" a menacing feminine voice spoke, its tone ringing through her mind.

Startled, Fluttershy jumped only to find that it was just a dream. The monster was gone now and Fluttershy's room was replaced with a dark forest.

'You're awake!' her mane stirred, 'We were greatly worried.'

It was then that she noticed that the right lens of her goggles was damaged. A sad feeling filled Fluttershy’s heart knowing that Rarity had worked hard on these goggles.

Standing up, Fluttershy further examined her surroundings. Seeing all the mud and thorny branches, Fluttershy knew where she was before letting out an annoyed sigh. This was the "Thorn Bog" a smelly, muddy place filled with bristles and spiky tree limbs.

While the climb could be achieved, it definitely wouldn't be easy due to spikes lining the cliff face.

"Well, I guess we better start moving."

Fluttershy was preparing to ascend when a hiss to her side caught her attention. Turning her head to the side, Fluttershy saw two Basilisks staring at her.

‘Do you think they will attack usss?’ the snakes asked.

There was a long pause as they just watched each other until Fluttershy realized that the smaller of the two Basilisks was the one she had tended to.

"Oh hello little buddy," Fluttershy spoke, "Is this your momma?"

The Basilisk hissed in a manner of affirmation.

"I don't suppose either of you could help me up there." Fluttershy said.

With another hiss, the larger Basilisk moved forward grabbing Fluttershy with its mouth, the Basilisk placed the gorgony on a portion of its back that wasn't covered in poison.

"Ummm... okay."

Bellowing a mighty roar, the mother Basilisk charged forward up the cliff face past the thorny branches. Using its multiple legs, Fluttershy and the Basilisk began to ascend. This was going to be a bumpy ride.


---


Twilight and the other four ponies gazed upon the ruined castle of the Celestial Sisters. Along the way they had nearly fallen into a ravine, been startled by spooky trees, and had managed to befriend a water serpent.

While they had reached their destination, Twilight couldn't help but feel that perhaps the gorgony that had set out with them would be necessary for this quest.

"I hope she's alright," Twilight said.

"I'm sure she'll be fine," Rainbow Dash spoke, "I knew Fluttershy back when we were foals, despite her weak appearance she can take care of herself."

"Still, can we actually trust her," Applejack asked, "I mean, she is technically a monster. Wouldn't she have more to gain with Nightmare Moon's return?"

"Technically no," Twilight answered, "in a world filled with night, the heat threshold would decrease. Since Fluttershy is a gorgony, that would make her a reptile to some extent, which could mean that she is cold blooded. In such a situation, a world of eternal night could be fatal."

"Oh I do wish we could have done something to help her," Rarity spoke, "Undoubtedly, she is still down in the ravine all alone with who knows what li... did you hear something?"

Listening intently, the five ponies could hear the sound of something large running in their direction from deep within the forest.

"Quick! Find some place to hide!" Applejack called around as she ducked behind some rubble.

"What why?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Because if we hide, there is a chance we won't have to fight at all!" Applejack said, popping her head out, "Now hide so we can fight another day!"

"Fine!" Rainbow Dash said, as she flew up into the branches of a nearby tree.

Each of the mares hid themselves in bushes and behind ruined walls, waiting for whatever was coming their way. As the noise grew louder, a large shape could be seen through the fog. As the creature broke through, it became clear that this was a large Basilisk.

"Umm... we can stop here," A familiar feminine voice spoke warranting a quiet hiss from the Basilisk.

Peeking her head out from the leaves of the tree she was hiding in, Rainbow Dash could see Fluttershy sliding down the side of the Basilisk's body.

"Fluttershy! You're okay!" Rainbow Dash flew down from the tree branch and in a flash she was giving the gorgony a suffocating hug.

"Hey no fair," Pinkie Pie yelled, "that's my job!"

"You're alright," Twilight said.

"Umm... yes," Fluttershy replied as she finished waving goodbye to the departing Basilisk.

"Then we need keep moving," Twilight said leading the way into the castle.

All the ponies proceeded into the castle. Tapestry, tools and supplies lay strewn about as if they had been abandoned in a hurry.

"I do hope the diamond dogs are okay," Fluttershy spoke.

"There were diamond dogs here?" Twilight asked.

Fluttershy nodded, "They were helping me clean up the place."

As the ponies continued walking they soon came across a room with a large, stone pedestal with five stone limbs. On each limb was a sphere made of the same material.

"Look Twilight," Applejack spoke, "aren't these the elements you've been looking for?"

Stepping closer a large smile spread across Twilight's face, "The Elements of Harmony, we found them!"

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash took flight, picking the stone spheres off the pedestal and lowering them to the floor in front of Twilight. Once they were carefully arranged Pinkie began to count them.

"One! Two! Three! Four! Five!" Pinkie gasped, "There are only five!"

"Where is the sixth?" Applejack asked, giving Fluttershy a suspicious look.

Twilight lowered a knee to more closely examine the spheres, "The legends say that when the five elements are present, a spark will appear and the sixth will be revealed."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Applejack asked in an annoyed manner.

"I am not sure," Twilight answered, "but I have an idea."

"Come on dears," Rarity said walking toward the door, "let's allow Twilight to concentrate."

The five mares left the room so that Twilight could concentrate and try to figure out how to make the sixth element appear.

"What do you think she is going to do?" Rainbow Dash asked once all five of the ponies were outside the room.

"Maybe she will use her magic to turn elements of into balloons for a party," Pinkie spoke, "which then will lull the sixth element into a peaceful mood causing it to appear."

The other ponies seemed to all raise an eyebrow to Pinkie's suggestion.

"Who knows," Applejack spoke, "Honestly after this night, there is very little that can surprise me."

"Really darling?" Rarity asked.

Applejack sighed, "Think about it, today an ancient alicorn with the threat of bringing eternal night appeared, one of the members of our party not only knows where the alicorn's castle is located, but is also a gorgony, who apparently isn't anything like the creatures from 'em old bedtime stories. Literally, I have seen everything."

"No you haven't," Pinkie answered, "Have you ever seen Gummy try to make balloon animals?"

"B-balloon animals?" Fluttershy stuttered. 

"Now that is just ridiculous!" Applejack said in annoyance.

"Tell me about it," Pinkie Pie spoke. "Every time he tries to make a dog he gives it three heads and let me tell you, you DON'T want to see a dog with three heads." 

Suddenly, the sound of Twilight yelling could be heard from the other room.

"TWILIGHT!" All the ponies yelled in unison as they returned to see what was transpiring. Inside the room, the five spheres were moving, caught up in a tornado of magical, blue energy. Twilight jumped forth into the energy and in a flash, she vanished. The elements, the magic and the unicorn were gone.

Instinctively the five ponies began to look around the room for any signs of their lost friend.

"Wha-what happened to Twilight?" Fluttershy asked.

'We can smell where they went,' one of the snakes said, 'That magic hasss an interesting smell.'

'Yesss, let our nosesss lead the way,' another said.

Following their advice and the sensations her mane was giving her, the gorgony charged deeper into the castle.

"Hey, wait for us!" Pinkie yelled.


---


As the magic of the teleportation spell dissipated, Twilight began to observe her surroundings. She had been taken to another section of the castle. On the other end of the room near a large throne was Nightmare Moon, the five elements floating around her.

"So these are the elements of harmony," Nightmare Moon cackled, "they aren't as regal as I remember them."

Twilight glared at Nightmare Moon and began to stomp the ground with her right front hoof, preparing to charge.

"You're joking," Nightmare Moon said with an annoyed expression, "You're joking, right?"

The unicorn continued to stomp the ground as her horn began to glow with magical energy. Charging forward, Twilight enhanced the magic within her horn. Angered by this insolence, Nightmare Moon ran towards the smaller pony, brandishing her obsidian horn like a lance.

As the two of them were about to clash, Twilight activated her spell, teleporting herself to the elements. Surprised, Nightmare Moon who looked around for the unicorn, only to feel something bump against her side. Looking down Nightmare Moon saw a familiar yellow gorgony.

"How dare you interfere with my plan," Nightmare Moon bellowed at Fluttershy, "It is my right to rule!"

"I-I can't allow that," Fluttershy stuttered.

"And what makes you think you can stop me!" Nightmare Moon roared.

In response Fluttershy pulled off her goggles and stared into Nightmare Moon's eyes. At first there was what seemed to be fear in the alicorn's eyes, however, after a few seconds that fear turned to rage.

'Wait, why isn't it working?'

"Did you honestly think that would affect me!" Nightmare Moon growled, grabbing the gorgony by the throat with her magic, "I'm an Alicorn, your pathetic little tricks can do NOTHING TO ME!!!"

Nightmare Moon held Fluttershy against the wall, choking her with her eldritch magic. The gorgony tried to breathe but was unable to. Slowly the world began to go dark, as she was deprived of oxygen, Fluttershy's vision began to fade. More blue magic appeared, condensing into a long obsidian blade.

"NOW YOU DIE PEST!" The alicorn roared as she prepared to thrust the blade into Fluttershy's chest.

The sound of crackling magic drew away Nightmare Moon's attention as she noticed that Twilight was using her magic on the five elements.

"NOOO!!!" Nightmare Moon hissed, turning into a whirlwind of blue energy and charging toward Twilight. Doing so disappated the magic surrounding Fluttershy's throat causing the gorgony to fall to the floor.

Upon arrival, Nightmare Moon's magic knocked Twilight away from the elements. However, the elements continued to glow with the unicorn's energy.

"No! No! No! No!"

Twilight smiled, certain that her magic had sealed away Nightmare Moon, only for the magic to slowly fade away, leaving the five elements just lying there on the ground.

"W-wait! But where is the sixth element?!" Twilight exclaimed as Nightmare Moon began to laugh.

Bringing her two front hooves down to the ground, Nightmare Moon created a shock wave that shattered the elements. Catching her breath, Fluttershy looking around to discover that her goggles were completely destroyed.

"You fools!" Nightmare Moon bellowed, "To think that you could actually defeat me! Now you will never see your beloved princess or the sun again. The night shall last forever!"

'It would seem we have failed.'

As Nightmare Moon let out a menacing laugh, Twilight and Fluttershy could hear the sound of the other four ponies making their way to the chamber. Seeing Twilight turn her head towards the commotion, Fluttershy covered her eyes not wanting to turn the unicorn into stone.

"You think you could defeat the Elements of Harmony just like that," Twilight spoke, "You are mistaken, for the spirits of the Elements of Harmony are right HERE!"

With all the other ponies by Twilight's side, some of the broken shards from the destroyed spheres began to levitate.

"What?" Nightmare Moon said, confused by what was happening. Slowly the shards began to float towards Twilight and the five ponies; Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Rarity.

'What isss going on?' The voices inside Fluttershy's mind hissed.

"Applejack is the Element of Honesty, Rainbow Dash is the Element of Loyalty," Twilight proceeded to name off the elements, "Rarity is the Element of Generosity, Pinkie Pie is the Element of Laughter and Fluttershy is the Element of Kindness. All of these ponies were able to push us through all the challenges you threw at us!"

"A gorgony as an element?" Nightmare Moon scoffed, "You must be mad, besides, you still don't have the sixth element. The spark failed."

"Did it?" Twilight replied, "It wasn't a spark of unicorn magic, but of a greater magic. I was able to feel it once all these ponies came looking for me, despite what fate awaited them. It was the spark of friendship!"

Upon finishing her statement, another light began to fill the room as a sixth sphere appeared from the ceiling. The radiant light was blinding.

"With the spark of friendship and these elements combined," Twilight smiled, "it brought forth the element of magic!"

The shards shifted and changed, turning into what appeared to be small gems before forming strange amulets around the five ponies necks. The sixth element that descended from above, floated about Twilight's head before turning into a crown. Light burst forth from the gems, their colors combining into a great rainbow, which came crashing down upon Nightmare Moon.

"NNNOOOOOO!!!!" Nightmare Moon screamed as the rainbow enveloped her. The magical energy continued to swirl until a great white light emanated throughout the room. As the bright light dissipated, the six ponies found themselves sprawled on the castle floor.

"Is everypony okay?" Twilight asked.

"Ouch, my head hurts!" Applejack said as she began to stand up.

"My head feels like a pinata after a party," Pinkie spoke, "Full of holes and empty of its sugary goodness."

"Fluttershy, are you okay?" Rarity asked, as she walked over to the gorgony that was lying on the floor.

As Fluttershy looked up, making eye contact with Rarity she remembered that she was no longer wearing her goggles. Suddenly Rarity's body turned gray as her body was turned to stone. Fluttershy stood up staring at her petrified friend in sheer horror.

"N-no," Fluttershy stuttered, "I-I didn't mean to..."

What were they going to do to her? Now they had proof what Fluttershy really was... a monster. Afraid, Fluttershy looked around as the other ponies averted their eyes.

"I knew somethin' like this was going to happen!" Applejack exclaimed.

Fluttershy turned to look at Rainbow Dash, who glanced away as soon as she could. A look of shock and confusion rested on the pegasus’ face. Tears dripped from Fluttershy’s eyes, she had never wanted Rainbow Dash to see this part of her, to see Fluttershy for the monster she really was.

All the voices from the past filled Fluttershy’s head. The words she had heard both her mane and Nightmare Moon speak.

‘They will never love you.’

‘Did you really think they would ever want to be with a monster like you.’

‘Gorgoniesss don’t belong in the pony world.’

They were right. All of them were right. She was a monster and nothing Fluttershy did or said could ever change that.

"I-I’m sorry," Fluttershy said, as she prepared to flee.

"It is okay, Fluttershy," A motherly voice spoke, as light from the sun began to fill the room. As the sun's rays coalesced into the single form of an alicorn princess. All the ponies except for a petrified Rarity and a horrified Fluttershy knelt.

Celestia stood before them, her white coat as radiant as the sun. Her mane was composed of green, blue and pink, while seemingly flowing with magical energy. Her head was held high and her wings raised in the air.

'Isss she going to kill usss?' The snakes hissed worriedly.

Looking up at Celestia's face, Fluttershy was surprised to see a smile.

"Princess Celestia, it's you!" Twilight said, happy to see that her mentor was safe.

"Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student," Celestia spoke giving Twilight a slight hug with her neck, "I am glad to see that you and your friends are safe, however there is something I must tend to."

The alicorn princess focused her attention on Rarity, her horn glowing a bright gold as her magic encircled the petrified mare. Gradually, Rarity's colors returned to normal and the mare let out a deep breath.

"Oh well that was... interesting and oddly terrifying," Rarity said as she recovered from being turned to stone.

"I'm sorry," Fluttershy said, tears dripping from her eyes, "I guess I really am a monster."

Celestia giggled, "You're not a monster Fluttershy, sure you made a mistake but that doesn't make you a monster. The fact that you were chosen to be an Element of Harmony is a testament to that. Because of your actions you were able to show Twilight the value of friendship and together defeat Nightmare Moon."

Golden magic surrounded the broken goggles on the floor. In a flash of magic, the goggles were returned to their original state.

"When the time comes, I know somepony who will be able to show you how to control your gaze and your other abilities," Celestia spoke, as she gave Fluttershy the goggles, "However she isn't ready yet."

Fluttershy took the goggles and put them on, "T-thank you."

"Now there is another matter I must tend to," Celestia said, it was then that all the other ponies remembered Nightmare Moon. Looking at where the dark princess had fallen, they were shocked to see a small, alicorn mare with a dark blue coat and mane lying prone on the floor.

"S-sister," The alicorn spoke, a hint of fear of her voice. This response caused some confusion among the six ponies who were watching.

"Luna it has been long since I have seen you," Celestia said, sitting down in front of her sister, "I believe it is time we put our differences aside. We were supposed to rule together sister. Will you please accept my friendship?"

There was a long pause as everypony awaited Luna's reply.

"I'm so sorry," Luna answered, "I-I've missed you so much."

"I have missed you too," Celestia said tears welling up in her eyes.


---


In response to the return of Princess Luna there was a great festival held in Ponyville. A party that could be heard all the way from the Everfree Forest. Looking out the window, Fluttershy could see the fireworks and balloons that flew from Ponyville.

Pinkie had insisted that Fluttershy come, but the gorgony graciously declined the offer. Fluttershy wasn’t a big fan of crowds, nor did she think that the other ponies would be too excited to see her kind any time soon. Goggles or otherwise.

Fluttershy lay on her bed, tired from the night before. As she prepared to sleep, Fluttershy pulled the goggles off of her head. For a moment she looked at them, the goggles were a gift from her friend Rarity. Fluttershy liked that, the idea that perhaps she could still have friends despite being a gorgony.

'It could be nice,' a few of the snakes hissed sleepily in her head.

However a few things seemed unanswered for the gorgony. How did Zecora come across that book and how did she know Fluttershy's name? Had that been a part of her vision quest? 

'Perhapsss you should ask her tomorrow?' 

Maybe she should pay the zebra a visit. After all that tea wasn't half bad.  

With happy thoughts in her head, Fluttershy closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.


---


In a land far from Ponyville, there is a small village in a barren wilderness. The houses were arranged into two parallel lines, leading toward a single building. Throughout the deserted village were statues of mares and stallions, all lacking their Cutie Marks.

Dark gray storm clouds moved above, indicating a coming storm.

The building at the edge of town had two stories and on the top floor a pony sat. She sat upon a wooden throne overlooking a crystal ball.

The mare's coat was a pale, heliotrope color and her mane was composed of serpents with purple and aquamarine scales. By the look of her horn, the mare had been a unicorn once, before her transformation. Her green serpentine eyes looked deep into the crystal ball.

"Good, everything's going according to plan." Starlight Glimmer hissed as she dissipated the scrying spell.

While she had hoped that Twilight and her friends would fail to stop Nightmare Moon, she had organized her plan just in case they had succeeded. After all, they had beaten the alicorn once, why couldn't they do it again.

"Your bloodline may have been protected by Celestia," Starlight said as she stepped off the throne and walked toward one of the windows, "but that means nothing Twilight. I will have my revenge and when I do, it will be gloriousss!"

Glancing over her shoulder to a cracked mirror, Starlight grimaced. Starlight detested being a gorgony. Sure it had its benefits, but it also made traveling to neighboring villages for food and supplies difficult.

As Starlight Glimmer let out an evil laugh, the storm outside sounded as lightning cackled and cracked.


The End... For Now