//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 // Story: The Mysterious Intruder // by TwishyOTP //------------------------------// Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Twilight were all seated at the map to discuss the evidence they had gathered so far about the break in. "So we know that some unicorn stole Starlight's cloak, then used it as a disguise while breaking into Fluttershy's place," Said Rainbow. "That's not exactly much to go off of," Twilight interjected, and continued "We still have no idea what their motive is, or any physical details about them besides their species." "Is there even a point in trying to find out?" Fluttershy asked timidly. "I-I mean it's unlikely they'll try something again, and I wouldn't want to be a bur..." "Shy!" Rainbow interrupted. "You aren't being a bother, and it's important that we make sure you're safe." "Rainbow is right!" Twilight said, sternly. "We care about you Shy, and you deserve to feel safe, and I won't rest until we can make that happen." Fluttershy blushed heavily at Twilight's words. "Twilight is such an amazing friend and pony," She thought. "Well maybe we can go to Starlight's room and find some evidence of who took the cloak," Rainbow suggested. "That's actually a great Idea Rainbow!" Replied Twilight, "I'll go over to Starlight and see what we can find, you stay with Fluttershy in the mean time." "Actually, I'll go to Starlight, you stay with Shy," Rainbow responded while slipping Fluttershy a quick wink. "That works for me," said Twilight. "Me too," peeped Fluttershy, now blushing even heavier from Rainbow's wink. "Well it's settled then, See you two later," said Rainbow. "See ya," Shy and Twilight replied in unison. Rainbow quickly flew through the palace, toward Starlight's room in a flash. The room was silent for a moment, as Twilight and Fluttershy were now starring at each other. A slight blush began to form on the cheeks of both mares, as they made eye contact. "So, it seems like we're going to have some free time," Twilight said awkwardly. "Is there anything you want to do until Rainbow is done?" "Whatever you would want to do, I'm happy if you're happy," Fluttershy replied cheerfully with a bright smile. "She's so cute and thoughtful, it's like she's trying to drive me crazy on purpose." Twilight thought, as her blush reddened. "Well Shy, there is supposed to be large bird migration near the end of town. I was hoping to conduct some research on it." "That sounds delightful Twilight!" Fluttershy said still beaming with joy. "Fluttershy seems really confident when she's alone with me, it's almost like she isn't even shy sometimes. I wonder why that is? Do I make her feel comfortable?" "Well we should get going then right?" Fluttershy asked. "U-uh yes of course" The two ponies headed out of the castle, and began to walk to the edge of town. Fluttershy was walking behind Twilight, as she lead them to the migration site. While they were walking Fluttershy couldn't help but stare at Twilight, as she became lost in thought. "I need to tell her eventually, but how am I ever supposed to know what the right time is. And what does Rainbow know anyway? Has she even had a special somepony before? What if she gave me bad advice?" Fluttershy's train of thought was interrupted as she bumped into Twilight, knocking the two ponies over. They fell on the grass, and were now facing each other. "I'm so sorry Twilight," Fluttershy quickly said sounding panicked. "It's alright Shy, you didn't mean to," Twilight said warmly, and smiled brightly at the mare lying across from her. The muzzles of the two mares were mere inches apart, and Fluttershy could feel Twilight's gentle breathing. As she starred across at Twilight, Fluttershy could feel her heart begin to beat faster, and her cheeks got warmer. She was starting to have a strange tingle in the pit of her stomach, and she began to get lost in the princess's eyes. For a brief moment it was as if nothing existed in Fluttershy's world, but Twilight's deep purple eyes. The moment however, was cut short as Twilight got up and brushed herself off using her magic. Fluttershy soon followed suit by picking herself up. "Well anyway, we're here Shy," said Twilight. Fluttershy looked up in awe at all the beautiful birds of so many different colours. "This is so beautiful!" She exclaimed. "It's supposed to be one of the largest migrations this year. I'm actually surprised that you didn't know about it considering your an animal expert and all," Twilight said, somewhat confused. "Yeah, it's just been hard to keep track of things lately with everything that's gone on," Fluttershy sighed. "Don't worry about that now, we're here to enjoy ourselves," Twilight replied reassuringly. Her words prompted a slight smile from the Pegasus. The two watched for hours, as flocks of birds flew by. The whole event was quite the spectacle. As Fluttershy watched in awe, Twilight took notes on the flight patterns, estimated numbers, and different species in the migration. Whenever FLuttershy would glance over, and see her friend jotting down notes like a proper egghead, she couldn't help but let out a slight giggle. Time seemed to fly by for the mares, as the sun was now setting, and the final flock of birds flew overhead. "I wonder what let's them know when to migrate each year? I mean it's never on the exact same date, but it always seems to be at the best time for it. How do they know?" Fluttershy asked. "That's a good question Shy, I guess they just know when the time is right somehow," replied Twilight. "W-when the time is right?" Fluttershy asked timidly. "Yeah, exactly," said Twilight. Fluttershy paused, and took a deep breath. "Twilight There's something important I need to tell you." The severity of the Pegasus's tone caught Twilight off guard. "Of Course Shy, you can tell me anything," Twilight stated with confidence. Fluttershy could feel her heart racing. She knew that this was the time to tell Twilight about her crush, it had to be. She paused for a moment, and took a deep breath. "Twilight I...