Fluttershy and Annabell
Part I: The Storm
Annabell landed in front of Fluttershy’s door and knocked on
it. Fluttershy opened the door. “Oh…high Annabell,” said Fluttershy.
She came outside and they went out to the field area behind
Fluttershy’s cottage. Annabell volunteered to help get the animals
into their homes before the storm came. The Pegasus in charge of
weather, lead by Rainbow Dash, had planned a large storm to bring some
much needed rain to Ponyville. “So what do you need help with?” asked
Annabell quietly. “Oh, well we just need to get all the animals back
into their homes before the storm comes,” said Fluttershy. Fluttershy
had asked Annabell to help because Annabell was just as quiet as
Fluttershy. They worked slowly and carefully and got all the animals
safely into their homes. The skies were starting to get very dark just
as they finished. “Okay Fluttershy I guess I’ll head home,” said
Annabell. “Oh…are you sure why don’t you…just stay,” said Fluttershy.
“I think I’ll make it home,” said Annabell. The moment Annabell said
that lightning cracked in the sky. Fluttershy and Annabell smacked
into each other and shrieked. “Umm…okay I’ll stay,” said Annabell. The
galloped to the cottage and got inside just before the rain started
coming down hard. Lightning and thunder flashed and banged outside
along with the rain and wind. They turned to face each other and
smiled. “Well, what should we do now?” asked Annabell. “Hmm…well we
can get the hot water going and have some hot chocolate. Maybe we
could play a game or something,” said Fluttershy. The trotted into the
kitchen and got the water going. Fluttershy got a deck of cards and
Annabell made the hot chocolate. “Go fish?” asked Fluttershy. Annabell
nodded. They set up the cards and started playing. The storm was
getting worse outside and when the thunder stuck again cards flew
everywhere. Fluttershy and Annabell squeezed each other tight and they
both began to shake. They looked at each other and blushed. They
picked up all the cards and then they kept going with their game. They
finished playing cards and then sat by the fire and talked while they
drank hot chocolate and then tea. “So, how are you adjusting to life
in Ponyville princess?” asked Fluttershy. Annabell smiled. “Oh
Fluttershy you don’t need to call me that, just Annabell like you have
been,” said Annabell. Fluttershy giggled. “It’s been fun, Ponyville is
so much different from Canterlot,” said Annabell. Fluttershy smiled.
“So…have you done any writing lately?” asked Fluttershy. “Yeah, I’m
doing more reader friendly stories instead of my usual dark stuff. I
don’t know what has changed,” said Annabell. Fluttershy giggled.
“Well, hopefully I can read this one this time,” laughed Fluttershy.
The both giggled, when Fluttershy read Annabell’s last story she
didn’t sleep right for a week.
The storm continued into the night, so Fluttershy just told
Annabell to stay the night with her. Together they made tasty
dandelion and alfalfa salads and tasty hay milkshakes. They did the
dishes together and then decided to get some sleep. “So, were to you
want me to sleep?” asked Annabell. “Well,” said Fluttershy. Lightning
and thunder cracked outside and Annabell and Fluttershy smacked into
each other in fear. “I think you can come and sleep with me,” said
Fluttershy in fear. “Yeah, good idea,” said Annabell with the same
amount of fear. They made their way upstairs and got ready for bed.
The storm was still going on when they both crawled into bed. They
just laid there watching the storm out the window. “Umm…Annabell…do
you maybe…well…umm…want to…cuddle or something?” asked Fluttershy.
Annabell turned and looked at Fluttershy. “Well…umm…I guess if you
want to…we could,” said Annabell. They smiled at each other and
blushed slightly. Fluttershy turned around and Annabell wrapped
herself around Fluttershy. “Mmm, you’re so warm,” said Fluttershy.
They watched the storm together for about another half an hour before
they both fell asleep.
When they woke up the next morning it seemed they had stayed
locked together all night. “Good morning,” Annabell told Fluttershy.
“Good morning to you to,” said Fluttershy. The sunlight coming into
the room was warm so they stayed together for a bit longer before
getting up. They went downstairs and made pancakes for breakfast. They
ate together, got ready for the day, and then went outside to make
sure all the animals were okay. As they worked with the animals Mayhem
and Midnight showed up. Midnight ran up to Annabell and jumped on top
of her. “High sweetie,” said Annabell. Mayhem walked up. “You to stay
safe last night?” asked Mayhem. Fluttershy and Annabell nodded. “Well
good to hear. Anyway just thought I’d drop by to let you know that
Luna is coming to see us today,” said Mayhem. “Oh okay I’ll be home in
a bit,” said Annabell. Mayhem and Midnight looked at each other and
shrugged and then flew into the sky. Annabell turned to Fluttershy.
“So…I guess I’ll see you later then. Thanks for letting me stay with
you,” said Annabell. “Oh, you’re quite welcome. I’ll come by later, I
did promise Angel I’d take him to the park today anyway,” said
Fluttershy. Neither of them said anything and when their eyes met they
blushed. Annabell smiled and then took off after Mayhem and Midnight.
When they got to the house Luna was waiting for them. Midnight
ran into Luna and knocked her over. “Oh…Midnight that kind of hurt,”
said Luna. Annabell and Mayhem and then Luna turned to Midnight.
Midnight looked at her with sad eyes. Luna looked at her and then
laughed. “Oh you know that I can never be mad at my wittle baby
sister,” said Luna. Midnight frowned and they all laughed, she hated
it when Luna called her that. “So, ready for a sister’s day out?”
asked Luna. Annabell got a shocked look on her face, she had forgotten
about their date at the salon and spa. “Oh yeah, sorry I forgot about
it. I’ve been doing so much with Fluttershy I lost track of the date,”
said Annabell. She laughed nervously and Luna and Mayhem looked at
her. “Well, okay that’s fine at least you remembered,” said Luna. They
gather themselves together and Luna sent off her guards. Mayhem bid
them farewell and then headed to work. Midnight jumped on top of
Luna’s back and then they walked into town to the spa.
Part II: The Secret Between Sisters
The got to the spa for their appointment time right on the
dot. They were greeted with endless praise and complements. Now that
the whole town knew that Mayhem, Annabell, and Midnight were royalty
they were all treated like it. It also didn’t help that Luna was with
them today. Annabell didn’t really like all this, she preferred it
when nobody knew about them. She always told people just to treat her
like they did before they knew she was a princess, but that never
worked out. They were led straight to the massage room. The owner of
the spa had made sure they had the three best masseuses in Ponyville.
While they were being massaged Luna struck up conversation with
Annabell. “So…how’s Ponyville sis?” asked Luna. “Oh, really great I
like it,” said Annabell. “Well that’s great…so do you miss Canterlot
at all?” asked Luna. Annabell was trying to figure out where Luna was
going with this conversation. “Of course I miss Canterlot. I miss you
and Celestia every day. Mayhem keeps saying I can go home if I’m
feeling homesick,” said Annabell. Luna smiled at this comment and then
didn’t question Annabell anymore.
After massage time they went straight to the sauna. They were
the only ones in there so Luna took another opportunity to talk to
Annabell. The steam had made Midnight sleep and after just a few
minutes she was asleep. “So…so…you’ve been spending a lot of time with
Fluttershy?” asked Luna. Annabell jumped when Luna asked this and
blushed slightly. “Umm…yeah…we’re becoming really good friends,” said
Annabell nervously. Luna looked at Annabell and Annabell turned
redder. “Hmm…are you sure you’re not more than that?” asked Luna.
Annabell turned as red as a stop sign. Luna moved closer to her and
wrapped a wing around Annabell. “Hey no need to be embarrassed, and to
tell you the truth I’ve been watching you for years and have been
getting the cues,” said Luna. Annabell looked a Luna with big eyes.
“Am I a freak?” asked Annabell. Luna wrapped herself around Annabell
and hugged her. “Absolutely not,” said Luna.
After their spa time Luna told them she had to head back to
Canterlot. Annabell and Midnight tried to get her to stay, but she
told them she had some things to take care of. Midnight decided then
she would go find her friends and they would do more crazy things in
order to get their cutie marks. Annabell didn’t know what to do so she
went home to try and maybe write something. She went up to her room
and shut herself in it, locked all the windows, and drew the blinds.
She preferred the quiet and the darkness. For the longest time she
couldn’t figure anything out. Then, out of the blue, something popped
into her head and she began to write. A love story between too very
close people, hidden from those close to them, only to be found out a
party when caught by some of their close friends and family members.
Annabell kept writing and writing until she was ten pages in. She took
a break and read what she had so far and then fell out of her chair.
It was a story about her and Fluttershy being lovers. Well not
literally the names of the characters were different but it was
between a beautiful Pegasus and a fair princess. She got back into her
chair and then tried to keep writing. For what felt like an hour her
pen didn’t even move. She thought she had come across something and
then put her pen on the paper when someone touched her on the
shoulder. She jumped and teleported onto her bed. It was Fluttershy.
“Oh, I’m sorry Annabell I didn’t mean to startle you. Mayhem let me
in,” said Fluttershy. She bent down to pick up the papers that had
flown all over the place when she stopped to read on. Fluttershy’s
face got really red and she flew out the door. “Wait Fluttershy!”
called Annabell.
Annabell found Fluttershy alone by the pond. She wasn’t doing
anything, just staring at the reflection of the moon on the water.
Annabell was trying to think of how to put this as she walked up.
“Flutt…Fluttershy I’m sorry,” said Annabell. Fluttershy turned towards
Annabell, and she was smiling. “Why are you sorry,” smiled Fluttershy.
Annabell didn’t understand why Fluttershy was smiling. Fluttershy got
up and walked towards Annabell and then without warning kissed her. “I
thought I was acting weird at first. When I met you all those months
ago something just sparked in my mind. I wanted us to be together, but
my being shy had taken care of that. But when I read that paper I knew
you to felt something,” said Fluttershy. Annabell wasn’t sure what to
say, she just looked at Fluttershy. They, and she didn’t know for what
reason, she pulled Fluttershy closer to her with magic. They looked
into each other’s eye intimately. “We can’t tell anybody,” said
Annabell. Fluttershy nodded and then they kissed in the moonlight.
“Who’s my pretty little princess?” asked Fluttershy. Annabell giggled
and blushed.
Part III: Foalsitting Gone Wrong
Fluttershy and Annabell’s relationship began to blossom from
that point on. They decided they would just keep it as a secret for a
while until they were ready to come out and tell their friends and
family. They still spent a lot of time together, whether it was with
friends or private time at one of their houses. Annabell did tell
Fluttershy that Luna had been noticing Annabell’s behavior and she
definitely knew about them, but Fluttershy was okay with that. Other
than Luna nobody else had a clue.
It had been a few months into their relationship and they were
spending time alone at Annabell’s. They were reading the finished
product of the story Fluttershy had caught her writing. They had a
blanket pulled over them and they were drinking hot coco while they
did. Winter had finally come and it was starting to get really cold
outside. As they were reading there was a loud thumping noise from
upstairs. Annabell looked up at the ceiling and glared. She had agreed
that she would take care of some of Midnights friends for the night,
Applebloom and Sweetie Bell, because Rarity was in Canterlot for the
day and Applejack was away helping on her extended families farm.
Scootaloo was also over for the night because Midnight had asked if
they could have a big sleep over. Annabell was now starting to realize
what she had agreed to. “Do you want me to go talk to them?” asked
Fluttershy. Annabell smiled at Fluttershy. “No but thanks for
offering. I’m sure at some point they will calm down and fall asleep,”
said Annabell. There was another load thumping noise and then the
sound of a door opening. “Alright girls, let’s go see if we can get
our cutie marks in snow castle building,” said Midnight. There was a
loud cheer and then some screamed. “Midnight look out,” yelled
Applebloom. There as a loud thud and then lots of thuds. Annabell and
Fluttershy turned to see Midnight falling down the last few steps on
stairs. Annabell jumped up and ran over to her sister. The other girls
could be heard running down the stairs. When Annabell got over
Midnight was on the ground not moving. Her eyes were closed tight and
she was clenching her teeth. Tears were pouring from her eyes;
Annabell knew she was in a lot of pain. “Girls, what happened?” asked
Annabell. Sweetie Bell spoke up. “Well we were walking down the hall
and Midnight was walking backwards and talking to us. She didn’t
realize how close the stairs were and she tripped when she stepped off
the,” said Sweetie Bell. Annabell looked down again at her sister, she
was really hurt. “Fluttershy watch the girls for me for a bit I need
to take her to the hospital,” said Annabell. Not wanting to touch her
Annabell lifted Midnight up with magic and put her on her back and
galloped out of the house to the hospital.
When Annabell got there they took Midnight from her and went
straight into surgery. She sat in the waiting room for an hour and a
half before they were done. It was getting late and it had started to
snow outside. They let Annabell into the room they were keeping
Midnight in. “Well she had quite a rough fall but luckily nothing
serious happened to her,” said the doctor. Annabell walked into the
room and saw Midnight on her side asleep. She had a bandage wrapped
around her head, her right wing was in a cast, and there were bandages
wrapped around her body. “She’s under some heavy meds right now to
help her sleep. She has a slight concussion, some bruised ribs, and
her right wing is broken. We are going to keep her here for the night
so we can watch her. We’ll give you medicine to help with the pain and
to help her sleep. Overall I’d say she in very luck. Are you going to
stay for a while?” asked the doctor. Annabell nodded and he left her
in the room. Annabell used magic to pull a seat up to the bed and then
she sat down and cried for a bit. An hour passed and Fluttershy
brought the rest of the girls by. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and
Scootaloo had made a giant card for Midnight and stood it up next to
the bed. Fluttershy sat down with Annabell and squeezed her a bit.
Another hour passed by and Mayhem showed up. Fluttershy had left a
note telling him what happened. “How is she,” he said quietly. “She’s
been sleeping for a few hours now. She has a concussion, bruised ribs,
and a broken wing. The doctor said she was lucky and that it could
have been worse,” said Annabell. Annabell yawned and rubber her eyes.
“Hey you’ve been here for a while. Go home and get some sleep,” said
Mayhem. Annabell was going to argue, but the girls were curled up in
the corner sleep so she decided not to. She and Fluttershy woke them
up and then they went home. The snow was coming down so Annabell put
up a magic bubble to protect them from the wind and falling snow. When
they got home they put the girls to bed. Annabell told Fluttershy just
to stay here for the night because of the weather. They went upstairs
to her room and crawled into bed quietly and were asleep in minutes.
When they woke up in the morning the snow had really piled up.
Annabell got out of bed and stretched and Fluttershy followed in suit.
They went downstairs and really got a good look at all the snow that
had piled up. There were two letters sitting at the front door, from
Rarity and Applejack, both saying that they were stuck in their
respective location unable to get back to Ponyville. Annabell put them
away and then yet another letter appeared and it was from Big Mac
saying that they were snowed in at Sweetapple Acres and he wouldn’t be
able to come get Applebloom. “Well it looks like the girls will be
with us until the snow clears,” said Annabell. Fluttershy was pretty
worried about her animals back at the house. Annabell told her they
would figure out a way to get over there is possible. They went into
the kitchen and started cooking a breakfast of eggs, toast, and hay
bacon strips. About half way through the cooking the girls showed up
yawning and rubbing their eyes. “Good morning girls,” said Annabell,
“Well the snow has really piled up so you all will be staying here
until it clears up.” The girls nodded and then sat down at the table.
Right as Annabell and Fluttershy laid out breakfast there was a poof
and Mayhem and Midnight appears in the entrance to the house. Midnight
was on her feet but walking slowly. Annabell trotted over to them.
Mayhem had a bag in his mouth that he took to the kitchen and dropped
on the counter. “All the pills she has to take. There is a list of
when and what. She has had she morning pills already,” said Mayhem.
Annabell smiled and then bent down and gave Midnight a very light
kiss. “My poor little baby sister. How do you feel sweetie?” asked
Annabell. “Hungry,” said Midnight. She was just as peppy as ever. They
laughed and Fluttershy helped her to the table. “Celestia and Luna
will be by later today to see her,” said Mayhem. “They’re going to
come even with all the snow?” asked Annabell. Mayhem nodded and told
them to just teleport straight to the house. They ate breakfast and
then the girls went into the living room to play board games. Annabell
and Mayhem kept glancing at Midnight, but she was acting as if she had
never been hurt. “She puts on such a brave face,” said Annabell. “Yep,
she’s a trooper,” said Mayhem.
Celestia and Luna showed up about an hour after they had
finished with breakfast. It had started snowing again and it was a
good thing that Mayhem had told them to teleport into the house.
Midnight was happy that they had come to see her. They sat in the
living room for awhile and then Mayhem said he had to go upstairs and
take care of something. “Annabell may I talk to you in the kitchen,”
said Celestia. Annabell looked up from the game she was playing with
Luna and her sister and friends. “Oh…sure,” said Annabell. Fluttershy
took over for Annabell and Annabell followed Celestia into the
kitchen. Celestia kept her back to Annabell until they got into the
kitchen and turned and faced her. The look on her face was not a good.
“I am very disappointed in you,” said Celestia. Her tone was harsh and
it hit Annabell like needles. “I didn’t think yesterday that I was
going to get an urgent message letting me know that my baby sister was
in the hospital. I know Mayhem is the oldest but you are still
responsible for Midnight. The level of disappointment in you is off
the charts,” said Celestia. Annabell had never been scolded like this;
Celestia was always kind to her. Annabell tried to speak but Celestia
cut her off. “I don’t want to hear anything. You were responsible for
your sister and because you didn’t take the time to watch her she got
hurt. At least we are lucky it wasn’t serious. What if she snapped her
neck or spine? She could have been in serious danger. I mean what were
you.” But Celestia stopped when she looked at Annabell. Annabell had
given up fighting back the tears and they were falling down her face.
She turned and ran out of the kitchen and up to her room and slammed
the door with magic and locked it.
Annabell spent what felt like a solid hour crying her eyes
out. Celestia had never ever scolded her in her life. While she cried
she heard arguing from downstairs. From what she heard it sounded like
Mayhem and Luna were yelling at Celestia. It got real quiet and then
there was the sound of someone coming up the steps. There was a knock
at the door. “Annabell, may I come in?” It was Celestia. Annabell
unlocked the door with magic but didn’t get out of bed. Celestia
walked over to the bed and sat down next to Annabell on the floor.
Annabell flipped around and wouldn’t look her in the eyes. “Mayhem
just told me the whole story. He said Midnight only got hurt because
she wasn’t looking where she was going and tripped. Luna was the one
that had got the letter and didn’t tell me that part. I shouldn’t have
scolded you like that without you telling me your story. I feel bad
that I made you cry and I’m sorry,” said Celestia. An then something
happened that Annabell had never seen before, Celestia started crying.
Annabell turned around and looked her sister in the eyes. She was
crying. Then without warning Celestia pulled Annabell out of bed and
embraced her. “Oh Bell Bell I’m so sorry,” cried Celestia. Celestia
hadn’t called her Bell Bell since she was a filly. Annabell could help
shed a few tears herself. “You’ve never yelled at me like that before
and I think that it really scared me a lot,” sniffed Annabell. “I know
I thought about that. I’ve only yelled at Mayhem because, well mom and
dad gave him that name for a reason. But I yelled at you and you’re my
baby sister. Luna and Mayhem were really mad and so was your friend
Fluttershy,” said Celestia. Annabell almost jumped when Celestia said
that, Fluttershy had never yelled or even gotten angry before.
Celestia held Annabell out from her and looked her in the eyes. She
gave her a kiss on the forehead. Annabell smiled and then they laughed
a bit.
Luna and Celestia ended up staying the whole day with them and
then when they couldn’t get back to Canterlot the night. They all had
lots of fun together, playing games and just talking. Annabell only
left briefly with Fluttershy to go to her house and check on the
animals. Fluttershy wanted to stay but didn’t want Annabell to head
home alone in this weather so she came back. Over dinner Celestia told
them, and told them to also tell the rest of their friends, that they
were all invited to the Grand Winter Time Ball. Annabell, Midnight,
and Mayhem had attended every year up until Mayhem’s banishment and
were glad to come back. “Twilight already knows and I’m sure will be
letting everyone else know. I want all of you to come a week in
advance and you will all be staying in the castle,” Celestia told
them. This sounded like fun and they all couldn’t wait. After dinner
was done they all eventually made their way up to bed. Annabell had
gone upstairs during dinner and, with a little help from some magic,
made the bed about four times its regular size. Fluttershy and
Annabell slept in the middle and then Celestia and Luna sandwiched
with them on the outsides. They talked for a long time, mostly telling
Fluttershy about the ball. They talked for what seemed like hours and
then Celestia eventually fell asleep and so did Fluttershy. Luna and
Annabell were still awake for awhile. “So, how are things between you
two?” asked Luna. “They are good,” said Annabell softly. “Have you
told anybody?” asked Luna. “Besides you, no we are still waiting for a
good time,” said Annabell. Luna smiled. “Well that is glad to hear. I
like Fluttershy a lot she has great personality,” said Luna. They both
yawned and that was the sign that they both needed to catch some
sleep.
Part IV: The Winter Ball
Everyone was excited about the Winter Ball. Twilight had got
to telling everyone else and they were all making plans for it.
Celestia had a long list of stuff to do with all of them the week
before the ball. The list of those coming included Mayhem, Rainbow
Dash, Annabell, Fluttershy, Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie,
Midnight, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Spike. The
sleeping arrangements had been made by Annabell. Scootaloo, Sweetie
Belle, and Applebloom would be sleeping with Midnight in her room.
Mayhem and Rainbow Dash would be in Mayhem’s room. Rarity, Twilight,
Applejack, Spike, and Pinkie Pie would be staying in one of the guest
rooms. That just left Fluttershy with Annabell in her room. Everyone
didn’t understand why Fluttershy was staying with Annabell instead of
in the guest room but they made the argument that six people would be
too crowded and Annabell also said she didn’t want to be alone.
Everyone seemed to by this and Annabell and Fluttershy felt they had
dodged a bullet.
A week before they were going to leave Rarity told them all to
come over for the day so they could square away the ensemble for
everyone. Mayhem, Annabell, and Midnight were the last ones to show
up. Today was also the same day that Midnight got the cast off her
wing. She was bouncing around with joy as they entered the shop. She
ran over to her friends and they began to talk about the next crazy
thing to do now that she was better. Rarity ensured that she would be
very gentle when it came time to work with midnight. She had them all
sit in front of her while she sat with pen and paper drawing up
designs. They would all be tailored to individual designs, all except
for Mayhem and Rainbow Dash because they were going to be matching.
Rarity decided to start with them first because they would be the most
complex. Afterwards she just made her way down the line. Stuff was
flying all over the place as she worked. They took breaks for lunch
and dinner and by the end of the day she had finished Mayhem’s tuxedo,
Rainbow Dash’s dress, and all the little girls’ dresses. She said she
would have them done before they left and that they would all be
spectacular.
Rarity wasn’t kidding when she told them this. She had them
all come over the day before they were scheduled to leave for
Canterlot to show them her work. They were all amazing and she had
made them to fit everyone’s personality. After everyone tried them on
Rarity packed them up with the utmost care, the first thing they were
going to be doing was pictures. She shooed them all away so she could
work. Mayhem said he had to get back to work and Midnight ran off with
her friends. Annabell and Fluttershy decided to walk through the park.
The snow was gone for now and it was the warmest it had been all
winter. They were still bundled up but not as much. Their dresses had
been perfect, but they noticed that they both contained a lot of the
same colors. They were discussing whether Rarity had clued in on them
but in the end decided not to worry about it.
They all had to get up early to get to the first train to
Canterlot. Mayhem ended up carrying Midnight on his back because she
kept falling asleep. It was still dark outside when they got to the
train station. Almost everyone was there. Mayhem when to go stand by
Rainbow Dash and plopped Midnight with the rest of the little fillies
on his was. Annabell went and stood with the rest of the girls. Nobody
really talked that much. Rarity and Sweetie Belle were the last ones
to show up. Rarity was using magic to drag along all the bags that she
had along with the outfits for the Ball. They all loaded up and then
the train pulled out of the station exactly on time. They would arrive
in Canterlot as soon as the sun began to rise. Nobody talked, in fact
most of them slept. The train ride took two hours and the sun just
began to come up when they arrive at Canterlot Station. A whole army
of palace guards and six carriages were waiting for them. They used
magic to load all the bags and in a jiffy they were off to the castle.
The streets were very quiet and not many ponies were out and about,
but it was still really early in the morning. When they finally
arrived at the castle there were four people waiting for them at the
front door. Twilight perked up instantly and as soon as they stopped
she was out the door and running up the steps. Annabell looked to see
who was there. Celestia and Luna were there but so were to other
people she recognized instantly. Twilights brother Shinning Armor and
his wife Princess Cadence, Twilight’s sister in law and Celestia,
Luna, Mayhem, Annabell, and Midnight’s niece. Annabell hadn’t seen
Cadence since the wedding and took off after Twilight to see them.
“Twili,” called Shining Armor and Cadence. They all embraced and then
Cadence broke off and ran to Annabell. “Auntie Annabell,” said
Cadence. Annabell didn’t like it when Cadence called her Auntie;
Cadence was much older than Annabell and way older than Midnight.
Cadence had been a foalsitter for both of them. Everyone made their
way to greet everyone. Mayhem was the last to get to them; he was
coordinating with the guards. He was greeted first by Shining Armor.
“Long time no see,” said Shining Armor. They brohoofed and then kept
talking. “Yeah man sorry I couldn’t be at the wedding. But you can
never separate the president and his right hand man,” said Mayhem.
Mayhem and Shining Armor had been friends since magic kindergarten and
had been known to cause a lot of chaos around Canterlot. Mayhem then
moved on to Cadence. They embraced for a long time. “Now if you call
me Uncle I’m going to squeeze you to death,” he joked. Cadence
laughed. They hadn’t seen each other in a long time. They all moved
inside to the entrance hall. “Well, who’s hungry for breakfast?” asked
Celestia. Everyone raised their hoofs and then headed for the dining
room. A feast for breakfast had already been laid out before them and
they all sat down and dug in. “So, everyone is free to do whatever
until this afternoon. We have pictures to take and I want everyone to
be dressed as if they ball was tonight,” said Celestia. They all had
individual plans, most of which involved catching some for shut eye.
They had instructed the little fillies to go to Midnight’s room and
take a nap since they kept falling into their plates and waking back
up with food on their faces. Mayhem was going to take Dash on a sky
tour of the surrounding area. Applejack and Rarity decided on sleep.
Pinkie was going to go into town and visit Joe’s Doughnut shop upon
Joe’s request. Twilight was going to spend time with Cadence and
Shining Armor. That just left Annabell and Fluttershy. They had no
plans other than to go up to Annabell’s room.
Everybody went their respective ways after breakfast. Luna
volunteered to take the Cutie Mark Crusaders to bed and Annabell and
Fluttershy offered to help. Afterwards Luna parted from them to go to
bed and that just left them walking up the many flights of stairs.
They talked along the way. Fluttershy was amazed when they finally
arrived. The room was massive, large as well as tall. The bed was big
enough for ten ponies. There were doors that lead to a balcony that
overlooked the valley. “This room is beautiful Annabell,” said
Fluttershy. They walked over to the bed and Annabell jumped onto it
and gave Fluttershy a very intimate look. They kissed and then
Annabell pulled Fluttershy onto the bed with magic. “You need to warn
me when you do that,” said Fluttershy. Annabell smiled and they kept
kissing. Then through the kissing they both yawned. They smiled at
each other and crawled under the covers for a quick nap.
They were woken up by a knock on the door three hours later.
“You who I’ve got your dresses ladies,” said Rarity at the door. The
jumped out of bed and Annabell opened the door. Rarity gave them the
dresses and then continued to deliver them to people around the
castle. Annabell set them on the bed and then they both started
getting ready. Fluttershy and Annabell were leaving their hair as is
so it was mostly just cleaning up and making sure they looked pretty.
It took an hour but with each other’s help they got into their
dresses. They were very similar and they were really starting to
wonder, but they decided not to worry. Annabell opened the door to the
bedroom. “After you beautiful,” she told Fluttershy. Fluttershy
blushed and then exited the room. Annabell led them downstairs to the
entrance hall were pictures were being done. It looked like they were
the last ones to arrive. The only other ponies missing were Mayhem and
Rainbow Dash. Everyone looked beautiful. They had never seen Celestia
in a dress before, well Annabell was the only one who actually had,
and it was elegant. Luna looked just as beautiful. She was trying to
make sure the little ones were all put together without messing up
herself. Mayhem and Rainbow Dash eventually showed up five minutes
before the photographer arrived. Finally the photographer arrived.
“Alright doesn’t everyone look beautiful,” said the photographer, “Why
don’t we start with the Princesses and the Prince.” It started with
them all, then individuals, then Celestia and Luna, then Celestia and
the younger ones, then Luna and the younger ones, then Cadence, Luna,
Celestia, Annabell, and Midnight, then Mayhem and Cadence, and so on.
After they did Celestia and Twilight, then all the Ponyville girls,
and then some individuals of everyone. Then they took a small break
and did couples shots quickly. Cadence and Shining Armor went and then
Mayhem and Rainbow Dash. “Ok, now let’s do some sibling shots,” said
the photographer. Twilight took photos with Shining Armor and Cadence
and then ones separate with each of them. They had already done the
royal family so they moved on to the other siblings. First Applejack
and Apple Bloom, then Rarity and Sweetie Belle. “Any other sister
photos?” asked the photographer. “Yeah I suppose Scootaloo could take
a picture with her new big sister,” said Rainbow Dash. Everyone got
looks of surprise on their faces, expect for Mayhem. Rainbow Dash and
Scootaloo took their photos with everyone still in disbelief. “When
did this happen?” asked Twilight. “Oh Rainbow Dash,” said Rarity with
an excited face. “Well looki there ain’t that just precious,” said
Applejack. “Dashie’s got a sissy, Dashie’s got a sissy,” said Pinkie
Pie as she bounced around with joy. “So cute,” said Fluttershy and
Annabell. Rainbow Dash and Scoot finished and then she explained.
“Yeah the adoption papers cleared at the beginning of last month. I am
now Scootaloo’s official guardian and big sister,” said Rainbow Dash.
The rest of the girls turned to Mayhem. “Why didn’t you tell us,” they
all said. “Well Dashie asked me to keep it a secret until the proper
time,” said Mayhem. They were all so happy they completely forgot they
were still taking photos. “Anymore before I shove off?” asked the
photographer. Mayhem and Shining Armor decided to do some bro shots.
“Any others?” asked the photographer. Nobody said anything and then
Annabell looked at Fluttershy. “Yes, can you do one more set of couple
shots?” asked Annabell. Annabell and Fluttershy walked forward and
then stood together and put their head next to each other. They did
their photos quickly and then the photographer left. Nobody looked
surprised. “What, you all knew?” asked Annabell. They all laughed.
“Bellie the one thing that you have never been good at is hiding a
secret,” said Mayhem. Annabell and Fluttershy looked at each other and
smiled. “We all knew all along,” said Twilight. “Yes, why do you think
you dresses are so similar?” asked Rarity. They all laughed. “Wait
Celestia you even knew?” asked Annabell. Celestia laughed. “I asked
Luna about it and you know that she isn’t good at lying either. I got
it out of her. I think it is so cute though,” said Celestia. Annabell
and Fluttershy looked at each other and felt much better; they didn’t
have to keep their love for each other a secret any longer.
The week went on and they participated in all the activities
Celestia had lines up, from taking a tour through the mountains of
Canterlot to tasting the food that was going to be served at the
dinner before the ball. Then came the day, the day of the Winter Ball.
All of Canterlot was now in full swing in preparation. They all spent
the day getting ready and making sure that everything was perfect. Now
that Annabell and Fluttershy’s relationship was out in the open they
could really start acting like they wanted to, they were even going to
walk together into the ball room. It was tradition that the members of
the Royal family walk in individually with their guest so if could be
announced to the other participants. Princess Celestia would be
walking with Twilight, since Luna didn’t have a guest and Midnight was
too young they would be walking together, then they would be followed
by Mayhem and Rainbow Dash, then Cadence and Shining Armor, and
finally they would enter together. Since neither of them had much to
do they spent most of the day sleeping. Everyone else was busy getting
ready, especially Rarity. About two hours before they had to be ready
to enter the ball room they were shaken awake by Luna. “Come on love
bird’s time to wake up,” laughed Luna as she shook the bed with magic.
They groaned and then giggled and decided they should get ready. Luna
smiled and then left them to go get ready herself. They showered and
then did each other’s hair, mostly just making sure it held its
natural shape. They then got into their dresses and by the time they
had finished it was time for them to be downstairs. They met everyone
outside the entrance hall; all the other guests had already been moved
into the ball room. Before the royal family entered Celestia had made
sure that they rest of the girls got some of the spot lot to, that and
they were all sitting at the same table. The doors to the room opened.
“An now let me present the esteemed attendees of this ball,” said the
announcer, “Firstly the Royal guests from Ponyville.” All the girls
walked into the room and were met with applause. “And now the members
of the Royal family and their guests. Princess Celestia and her
student Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia and Twilight walked into the room.
“Princess Luna and Princess Midnight.” Luna and Midnight followed
Celestia and Twilight into the room. “Prince Mayhem and Ms. Rainbow
Dash of Ponyville.” Mayhem and Rainbow Dash, with some dramatic
paused, walked into the ball room. “Princess Cadence and Shining
Armor, Captain of the Royal Guard of Canterlot.” Cadence and Shining
Armor walked into the room. Fluttershy was starting to get nervous.
“Alright here we go,” said Annabell. She herself was nervous, it felt
like she had butterflies in her stomach. They straightened up and then
waited for their cue. “And finally Princess Annabell and Ms.
Fluttershy of Ponyville.” They walked into the ball room and were met
with a dead quiet crowd. Some people were murmuring. An then through
the silence there was clapping. It was Celestia. The rest of
Annabell’s family and her friends all followed and then the crowd
started. It got louder and louder until it was almost ear splitting.
They got to the table and took their designated spots. Everyone sat
down and then Celestia addressed the crowd. “Thank you all for coming
and thank you for the wonderful amount of applause. And now let the
feast begin.” Food appeared before them and all around them and they
all dug in.
After dinner the tables were moved away with magic and the
band came in. Mayhem pulled some strings and they were all musicians
from Ponyville lead by Octavia. Vinyl was ever there, playing the
piano instead of her usual turntables and synthesizers. They all began
to dance and then the crowd followed. Annabell also stopped here and
there to talk to some of her friends and introduce Fluttershy.
Fluttershy was not her usual self; she was open with everyone and
spent a lot of time talking. They also spent a lot of time dancing,
both with each other and with other people. By the end of the night
Annabell had danced with Fluttershy, Shining Armor, Mayhem, Cadence,
Luna, Celestia, Midnight, and her friend Alexander from flight school.
Eventually they got tired and went outside to cool off. Fluttershy
found seats while Annabell got drinks. They sat down and looked
around. Midnight and her friends were playing with some of the other
fillies. They also saw Mayhem and Rainbow Dash talking with the
Wonderbolts. Mayhem with to flight school with Spitfire and they had
been best friends ever since. Rainbow Dash was trying to hold her cool
but she wasn’t doing a good job at it. Then Annabell noticed someone
walking up to Mayhem, his old girlfriend Golden Crown. “Well well
well, look who decided showed his face around here,” she said. Mayhem
looked at her and rolled his eyes. “Oh you, this night was wonderful
until now. Last time I checked I was a prince and this was the castle
I lived in,” said Mayhem. Annabell was impressed at how well Mayhem
was keeping his cool. “Well then who is this then?” said Golden Crown
as she pointed at Rainbow Dash, “So I guess you can add cheating on me
to list of things you’ve done to me.” Mayhem was still keeping his
cool, but Annabell could see he was getting agitated. “I broke up with
you three years ago. This is my girlfriend Rainbow Dash and we were
having a wonderful conversation until you butted in. Why don’t you get
lost,” said Mayhem. Golden Crown just kept going though. “Rainbow Dash
huh? You don’t deserve him at all honey. Nobody deserves him but me,
Golden Crown, the number one Pegasus in Equestria,” spouted off Golden
Crown. Rainbow Dash backed away and looked like she was about to cry.
Spitfire stepped in for the rescue. “Honey I went to flight school
with you and I’m sorry but you are not the best Pegasus in Equestria.
In fact you’re yelling at her right now. Dash is the only pony I’ve
ever seen do a sonic rainboom so I think that would make her the best
in Equestria,” said Spitfire. Rainbow Dash perked up a little bit but
then Golden Crown took another shot at her. “Well I see you taste has
changed dramatically. You went from dating a star member of Canterlot
to some dumpy pony from Loserville.” An then Rainbow Dash cracked. Her
eyes filled with tears and she took off into the sky like a bullet.
Spitfire and the other Wonderbolts were about to go after her but
there was a big boom and the sky lit up with a giant rainbow burst. An
then Mayhem cracked and his anger unleashed and he lashed out at
Golden Crown. “IF YOU EVER COME NEAR THIS CASTLE AGAIN I’LL BE SURE IT
IS THE LAST THING YOU EVER DO! IF YOU EVER TALK TO ME AGAIN I’LL BE
SURE IT IS THE LAST THING YOU EVER DO! IF YOU EVER COME NEAR RAINBOW
DASH AGAIN OR TRY TO TALK TO HER I’LL BE SURE IT IS THE LAST THING
THAT YOU EVER DO!” Annabell now knew this was going to get bad. She
got out of her chair and ran at Mayhem, but there was a large burst of
fire and Mayhem disappeared. Annabell ran up to where he had been and
put of the fire. She then glared at Golden Crown. “Guards, please
remove Golden Crown from the castle grounds and be sure she doesn’t
try to get back in,” said Annabell. Golden Crown glared at Annabell as
the guards grabbed her. Annabell looked at the rest of the crowd
outside; they all had looks of absolute horror on her face, and then
Annabell saw Celestia. She was standing with Cadence and Shining
Armor. Annabell ran up to them. “What was that?” asked Shining Armor.
“We’ll talk about it later,” said Celestia.
The ordeal with Mayhem became the talk between everyone for
the rest of the ball. When the final party guests left Celestia
rounded everyone up. “Well that night could have gone better. Everyone
is free to change out of their clothes and if they wish go to bed. For
those who aren’t tired they can join Twilight and me in the library
for hot chocolate and a warm fire. Everyone went off to their room.
Neither Annabell nor Fluttershy was tired so they got out of their
dresses and went down to the library. This seemed to be the same for
everyone else, even Midnight, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and
Scootaloo. The cooks brought them a bunch of cups of hot chocolate and
kept refilling anyone who ran out. “So, what was that tonight?” asked
Shining Armor. “Yeah it seems like we are the only two who are shocked
beyond disbelief,” said Cadence. They all looked at Celestia. “Well I
guess you need to know now. That was the real reason Mayhem was not at
your wedding,” said Celestia. Shining Armor looked confused and
Cadence looked slightly angry. “What, I still don’t understand?” asked
Cadence. “Mayhem was not at your wedding because at that point in time
he was banished from Canterlot,” said Celestia. Shining Armor got a
confused look on his face and Cadence was still very puzzled. “Three
years ago I caught Mayhem experiment with dangerous magic,
specifically body morphing spells. I banished him for it and had
regretted it because I should have helped him. Anyway one of his
spells back fired and created what you saw tonight. When he gets angry
his body morphs on its own to that. I fear though that it could be
much more, I think that spell has created an alternate personality and
I believe at some point if he loses total control it will come out,”
said Celestia. Cadence was speechless and Shining Armor was putting
the pieces together in his head. “But wait why do you allow him to
remain in Ponyville?” asked Shining Armor. “Because he seems to be
more relaxed while in Ponyville, and also his love for Rainbow Dash
has far exceeded his endless rage,” said Celestia. Cadence and Shining
Armor looked at each other. It was quiet for a bit and then there was
a burst of fire and Mayhem and Rainbow Dash appeared. She looked much
happier then when she flew off and was even laughing at Mayhem’s
jokes. They sat down in the circle. “I’m sorry about all that,” said
Mayhem. “It’s okay, that was a tricky situation but you showed a great
amount of control,” said Celestia, “Let’s just put it behind us for
now.” Celestia turned to Fluttershy and Annabell. “I want to hear more
about you two. Let’s hear how this relationship has blossomed up,”
said Celestia. Annabell looked at Fluttershy and she giggled. They
looked at everyone and then began to tell their story.