//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: The Mysterious Intruder // by TwishyOTP //------------------------------// Chapter 3 The rest of the day remained mainly uneventful for Fluttershy. Her and Twilight had checked and double checked for any possible clues but had still not found anything. As the hours began to pass by Fluttershy became more and more discouraged. "How are we ever supposed to find out who did this?" She thought. "And how am I ever supposed to have peace of mind if we don't find out?" "Ugh this is pointless!" Twilight said in frustration, interrupting Fluttershy's train of thought. "How are we ever supposed to find out who did this without any evidence? And how are we supposed to find any evidence?!" "You're right Twilight," Fluttershy said as tears began to well up in her eyes. "This whole thing is pointless. We'll never figure out who did this," She continued, now sobbing. Twilight rushed over to her friend and gave her a warm hug. "Oh Fluttershy I'm so sorry. I didn't me to be so negative about it. I was just so frustrated because we haven't been able to find anything all day. I promised you that I wouldn't stop until we figured this out and I intend to keep that promise. So please don't cry Fluttershy." "D-do you really mean that Twilight?" Fluttershy responded. "Of course I do," Twilight said as she brushed the tears from Fluttershy's eyes. Fluttershy responded by returning the embrace and squeezed Twilight so hard it nearly hurt. This was somewhat surprising to Twilight but she didn't mind it at all. In fact she enjoyed it. Twilight had always felt differently about Fluttershy than her other friends. She wasn't sure why but she felt more comfortable around Fluttershy than anyone else. Something about being around her always seemed to make Twilight feel better. The two continued the hug for a few minutes which felt like hours as they remained silent. "I'm a pretty lousy friend aren't I?" Twilight asked. "No you're not!". Fluttershy yelled which caught Twilight off guard. "You're an amazing friend Twilight! You're doing your best to help me when you have no obligation to because you're concerned about me. Since we've been friends you've been nothing but kind and caring to me. So don't you ever say that you're a lousy friend! You're my best friend and you always will be." "Fluttershy I don't know what to say. Thank you" Twilight was about to speak when out of the corner of her eye on the back door to the cottage she spotted a tiny piece of black fabric. It appeared that it had been snagged on the door as the intruder made their hasty escape. "Fluttershy look!" she exclaimed. "We were so focused on searching the kitchen that we must have missed this." She said as she levitated the piece of fabric towards her." "Oh Twilight that's amazing! We finally have some more evidence!" The pegasus said excitedly. "Now what should we do with it?" "I know a pony who knows a thing or two about fabric," said Twilight. "I think I know who you're referring to," Fluttershy said with a smile. As the day dragged on the two ponies had now arrived at the Carousel Boutique to see Rarity. Twilight knocked on the door and it was promptly opened by Rarity. "Hello darlings, what brings you here at this hour?" Rarity asked cheerfully. "We were hoping you could tell us something about this," Twilight said as she showed the piece of black fabric to Rarity. Rarity examined the fabric more closely for a few moments. "As a matter a fact I do know something about this fabric dear," she said. "H-how is that i-if you don't mind my asking?" Fluttershy asked timidly. "Well, because I made it." "You did?" Twilight and Fluttershy asked simultaneously. "Yes of course darling. I could recognize this stitching anywhere." "Do you know who bought the cloak it came from?" Twilight asked. "I'm not exactly certain Twilight. Why did you want to know?" "Well um you see Rarity somepony broke into my cottage last night and this came from the cloak they were wearing," Fluttershy explained shyly. "Somepony did what?!" Rarity asked in shock. "I swear some of the ponies in this town are crazy. But anyway I really can't remember who I sold that cloak to. I've sold quite a few of that make. Do you know anything about this pony you're looking for?" "All we know so far is that they are a unicorn," said Twilight. "Hmm, well I'll have to think on it. Rarity said as she pondered. "Anyway good luck to you on your search" "Thank you Rarity," Fluttershy responded. With that the two ponies left the Boutique and headed back toward Fluttershy's cottage. On their way there however Fluttershy began to notice that it was getting very late. "U-um Twilight?" "Yes Fluttershy?" "Would it be alright if I stayed with you at the castle? Just until we figure this out." "Of course you can Fluttershy," said Twilight. "Thanks so much," Fluttershy said, beaming. The two then made there way to the castle. Spike was there to great them at the door and they were soon inside. It was now almost midnight. "Well I guess we had better get some sleep," Fluttershy said in between yawns as she headed towards her room. "Hey Fluttershy?" Twilight asked. "Yes Twilight?" "D-did you really mean what you said back at the cottage? About me being your best friend and all?" "Every word Twilight, every word," Fluttershy said before finally heading off to bed. Twilight was somewhat surprised by her confidence. "I never new she thought that about me?" Twilight thought. "I'm glad she thinks of me as her best friend. She really is such a sweet pony and how thoughtful of her to say that." Twilight went into her room and was now lying on her bed. She began to ponder about her experiences with Fluttershy and her other friends. "I think she's my best friend too." She smiled before drifting off to sleep.