//------------------------------//
// 21) Betty's Fan Club 
// Story: The Ghost of Cozy Glow- A Redux 
// by SapphireRose87 
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{Betty}

When I woke up the next morning, I felt pretty sore. I guess that was to be expected because of my sparring match with the King of Hell. After I went to get cleaned up and got dressed, I went downstairs and was surprised when I walked into the kitchen and the room went quiet as soon as I entered it. Was I being talked about? Yeah that's exactly what Discord, Fluttershy, and Norman had been doing.  

"Okay, why did everyone just go quiet on me?" I asked.

"Oh, uh sorry Betty," said Fluttershy, "we were trying to figure out when to tell you about this. But since you were so busy with everything that's been happening lately, we decided it was best to wait until you got some spare time before talking to them. You know, kind of like a meet and greet sort of thing?"

I tilted my head left. "Huh?"

Norman grinned at me. "Well, it seems you have a bit of a fan club."

I blinked. "Come again?"

Fluttershy nodded, "Yup, Norman's right, you have a fan club!"

"Seriously?" I asked with wide eyes.

"Just take a look at this," Norman said. He handed me a small booklet that had an advertisement on it that said: THE NEW DEATH WALKER BETTY JEWEL FAN CLUB! JUST CHECK OUT EVERY SINGLE FIGHT SHE'S HAD AND DEFEATED HER ENEMIES! NEXT MEETING IS TONIGHT AT 7PM. 

"Ha, ha, good joke Norman!" I laughed in disbelief as I shook my head. "You even got Mom and Dad in on it? Wow, really you outdid yourself this time, of course you'll have payback for this."

Fluttershy laughed, "No, it's not a joke Betty! You really do have fans! I mean, can you blame them? You're a Death Walker and you just won a medal for taking down Tirek single handedly. Look at the pamphlet and see the pictures!"

I gulped when I saw the pictures inside of the pamphlet and I wondered how in Equestria was anyone even able to capture most of my moves and in every single fight? It had pictures of me fighting through a power surge with Queen Chrysalis! Then, it suddenly dawned on me as I looked up with curious eyes. Suddenly, I had a feeling Dae had something to do with this.

"You are correct and yes I did!" Dae said. 

My eye twitched when I turned around and saw him. "But how? You weren't even there for half of these fights!"

Dae smirked. "I'm the King of Hell Betty and considering I used to be your stalker, I have my ways."

"Why, you little sneak! I'm going to-" I paused, "I would say kill you, but you're already dead, so yeah."

Dae, Norman, Fluttershy and Discord burst into laughter.

I rolled my eyes. "So, when did this fan club get started?"

"Shortly after your defeat of Tirek." Discord said to me from the table, before nodding. 

"And you decided not to tell me because?" I asked while frowning.

"As I said before, because you were busy," said Fluttershy as she nodded from her spot next to Discord, "but, now that you have some free time, we figured you probably should know about your fans."

"Okay, so where is this fan club going to be held tonight?" I asked.

"At the CMC's tree house." Dae said. "If I were you when you pay them a visit, you should probably wear your medal that you got too."

"Lovely," I said as I grimaced.

"Oh come on Betty," said Norman, "I think having fans is a good thing for you."

"Fine." I said before giving a resigned sigh. "I'll go and visit my little fans then."


*	*	*


Once we got towards the CMC's tree house, I skidded to a stop when I saw how packed it was. It was standing room only. 

What's the matter Betty? A little stage fright? Dae thought.

No, I'm not scared! I thought. Do I really have to go in there?

Yeah, I think you should, at least just this once. I know you have a tendency to hide from the world in general, unless you're doing your Death Walker job. But you can't hide from everyone forever. Dae thought.

I had to admit it, but Dae was right, I wasn't so much hiding as I was retreating within myself. At the moment, I just wanted to keep the world away from me as much as I possibly could and I had no idea why. The only thing I can assume is that Dae could hear my thoughts and somehow understood better than I understood myself. 

I let out a breath, "Okay, fine I'm going in."

I heard Norman laughing behind me, "You say that like you're afraid of meeting your little fans."

"No, I'm not afraid Norman!" I snapped. "I don't get scared!"

Norman stopped laughing and raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? I mean I knew you were fearless growing up, but you're still not afraid of anything? Wow."

"Wow, that's quite the compliment Betty." Dae laughed. "Why does that not surprise me? And yet you've been hiding from everyone because?"

I paused. "Honestly? I have no idea why."

"Well, even with what you've been through lately," said Norman, "you lost twenty-five of your teammates on your tracking and shortly after that, you got injured and now, we have Mom's little death threat she sent. So yeah, I can see why you would want to hide from the world at the moment. Even still, that's not good for you. You need your friends and family and of course, having fans that worship you doesn't hurt either. Just don't let the fame go to your head."

"Uh, worship me?" I asked. "They're just fans and I'm not a god or anything like that."

Dae snorted. "Just wait and see what your little fans have inside."

For some reason, I didn't want to see whatever crazy thing my little fans were doing in honor of me as I turned around to leave, Dae yanked on my tail.

"Ow! That's my stupid tail you know!" I said. 

Dae chuckled, "You know, that's cute when you say that. It makes me want to yank on your tail even more. It can't be that bad Betty! A little creepy maybe but not horrible, I wouldn’t think? Unless your fans are complete lunatics. Oh, and you do have your medal with you, yes?"

I groaned. "Yes I have it. This medal is just as stupid as people yanking on my tail is! Fine, I'll wear the stupid thing." I took the medal I had and put it around my neck. "Happy now?"

Dae smiled and then kissed me. "Yeah I'm happy now. You really need to work on accepting your achievements. You are-"

"Don't say it." I snapped. 

"Okay, okay, I'm not saying a word about it," Dae responded.

Once I got to the front door, I hesitated at first to go inside, then when I heard Scootaloo's voice, "Attention everyone! Attention! The Death Walker, Betty Jewel Fan Club has been called to order!"

Okay, yeah this has got to be a big joke! Scootaloo's a teacher at the School of Friendship, isn't she a little too old for stuff like this? I thought.

"No it's not a joke Betty." said Dae, "Yeah, she's older now, but sometimes you don't grow out of your hobbies and well, this is one of hers, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle's hobbies. It's how they met when they were filly's. So yeah."

Without warning, Dae pushed me into the club house and everyone in there gasped when they saw me. Scootaloo had the biggest grin on her face and a twinkle in her eye. That alone was enough to creep me out. 

"Am I seeing things?" Scootaloo cheered. "Or is my new hero, the Death Walker Betty Jewel, here in my presence? It's an honor to see you again Betty! It's been a while since you've been at the school, but I understand, considering you're a Death Walker and you're awesome!"

I felt my face go red at Scootaloo's excitement, and I was stunned when I looked around and saw sitting in the front row seats, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Discord. I was very grateful that Princess Twilight wasn't there because of being on punishment. Because if Princess Twilight was there, I'd be running for the hills and Dae would be running right behind me.

Yeah I agree with that, I would be running for the hills too if Princess Twilight were here. Dae thought. Good thing demons don't dream much, because if I did I'd probably have a nightmare of those stupid marriage proposals chasing me!

I literally had to bite my tongue to keep myself from laughing at that thought. But then, I realized that thought might just give me nightmares thinking about it. I looked over and rolled my eyes when I saw Dae covering his mouth with his hand trying to stifle a laugh. 

I stood there, staring at Scootaloo, not sure what to do or say. "Ah… Hi?"

"Oh don't be so modest darling," said Rarity while staring at me sideways from her seat, "you're a hero and a powerful being! So why wouldn't ponies be drawn to you?"

"Yeah," said Scootaloo, "Rainbow Dash was a hero once upon a time-"

"Hey!" Rainbow Dash said. "What do you mean was a hero? I am still am! I mean, I command Equestria's Military for crying out loud! My awesomeness will never cease to remain!"

At that comment Scootaloo did a facehoof and groaned. "Yeah that's nice and all. But you need to make way for more heroes like Betty." 

"Yeah, the way you single handedly fought Tirek on your own!" said Applejack, "Now, I'm a strong pony, but you are the strongest I've ever seen! Even if you are only uh, half pony."

Everyone in the clubhouse nodded in agreement. I still wasn't sure if I wanted to know what my little fans had set up to worship me.

As I said before, it can't be that bad. Okay it might be a little bit creepy, but not that bad! Dae thought.

"Oh and we have something special to show you!" Scootaloo cheered.

I was afraid to ask, so I didn't say anything. I heard Dae snort and I thought, This is so not funny, Dae! Boy I'm so glad I could be the entertainment for the night. 

Well, you pretty much are, considering this is your fan club. Dae thought.

"Follow me," said Scootaloo, "come outside!"

I hesitated at first, but I followed Scootaloo out to the back of the treehouse. We stopped when we came across a five-foot box set up as if it were a traveling puppet show. Only the curtains in the front were drawn. Scootaloo went up the box and pulled on the string that connected the curtains. My jaw dropped when I saw what was inside. Inside the box was a small statue of me! How Scootaloo managed to do that, I didn't want to know and to this day I still have no idea. Hanging around the statue's neck was a fake medal that looked very similar to the one I had won. The statue of me was holding a staff too. There were several pictures of the fights that I had placed around the statue. Underneath the statue was a banner that said: Child of Prophecy: Death Walker Betty Jewel!

Yup, that's creepy. Dae thought.

No kidding! I thought.

When Rainbow Dash saw the shrine set up to honor me she gasped, "That's not fair!"

"What's not fair Rainbow?" Scootaloo asked.

"You didn't make a shrine to me when I was your 'said' hero!" Rainbow Dash whined. 

"Your point?" Scootaloo asked.

"I'm supposed to be your big sister, if anypony deserves a shrine it's me!" Rainbow Dash declared.

"First of all, you are my big sister," said Scootaloo before nodding, "and second, just because you're awesome at some things, doesn't mean you deserve a shrine to be dedicated to you."

Applejack nodded. "Yup, I totally agree with Scoots here. You might be awesome, but uh I hate to be brutally honest with you, but you're just being cocky right now. As you would always say (but, only when it comes down to your so-called awesomeness,) give credit where credit is due!"

Rainbow Dash pouted while crossing her forehooves, "Fine, she did beat me at a race when she was only six years old. But that's only because I crashed, so that doesn't count!"

Fluttershy snorted. "Wow, Rainbow Crash! I didn't know you were nursing a grudge against Betty because of that. Why do you think you got your nickname? Just to let you know, if Betty crashes during a fight or race, she gets right back up and keeps going. You on the other hand, get way too embarrassed to do that. I mean, you could've challenged her to rematch, right then and there! But you didn’t, did you? And you're just saying this now because you're jealous!"

Rainbow Dash's face went red and that only confirmed Fluttershy's suspicions and Rainbow Dash looked away to the left. 

Applejack nodded. "Yup, that confirms it, you're jealous! Although now that Betty's a Death Walker and a hero because she stopped Queen Chrysalis and Tirek single handedly, I doubt you could beat her in a race now."

"Oh yeah?" Rainbow Dash said to the farm pony, while giving her the stink eye.

"Yup!" Applejack replied exuberantly before nodding.

"Okay Betty," said Rainbow Dash, "I challenge you to a race! If I win, a shrine will have to be built to honor me, in place of yours!"

"Hey!" Scootaloo said. "What gives you the right to say who I can and can not build a shrine to? I think you should revise your reward for winning the race Rainbow!"

"But-" Rainbow Dash said as she frowned.

Scootaloo shook her head. "Nope! No way am I respecting that reward! If you expect me to do that, I will take away your big sister status and we won't be friends anymore!"

I could see that the wheels were turning in Rainbow Dash's head as she was trying desperately to figure out a way to one-up me. 

I rolled my eyes. "You are just as bad as Marble, when he challenged me to a race. If you want to race me, it'll be a do-over race, like the one I beat you with when I was six years old. What did you say about that race? Winner gets serious bragging rights? And since I'm a Death Walker now, I think that should be more than enough of a reward if you beat me. But I say this, ground rules, I won't use my Death Walker abilities and you won't use your sonic rainbooms to win, got that?"

"Fine then," said Rainbow Dash, "you're on! So where do we race?"

"I have an idea!" Applejack said. "Remember that area where we have that Running of the Leaves race? There's a lot of ground to cover there and it's mostly a cross country race. More like a 10K run? That would be perfect for your race!"

"I would say to make it harder, we should tie our wings down, but seeing that the race was done with our wings untied earlier, our wings will stay untied for this one as well." I said. "I say, because it's a cross country type race, we do three laps and the first one to finish all three wins! Deal?"

Rainbow Dash nodded. "Works for me!"

Once Rainbow Dash and I got to the starting line of the race, Applejack stood in front of us with a red flag in her mouth. 

"Ready?" Fluttershy said. "Set. Go!"

Applejack waved the flag and we both took off like a rocket. I finished my first two laps with no problem and Rainbow Dash had little difficulty. I practically rolled my eyes when Rainbow Dash crashed into a boulder. 

How on earth does someone even crash into a boulder? I thought. It wasn't even that high! I mean seriously? Rainbow Dash was flying much higher than that, or at least, that’s what I thought?

Rainbow Dash got to her hooves and shook herself off while I hovered in the air watching her. She looked embarrassed as if she didn't want to continue because of her crash.

I groaned. "Seriously Rainbow? Are you just gonna let some stupid crash keep you from finishing the race?"

"No, I'm not!" Rainbow Dash declared.

I smiled. "Good! Come and get me Commander Rainbow Dash!"

I resumed the race by taking off like a rocket while Rainbow Dash trailed me, not far behind. She gained speed and we were neck and neck as I crossed the finish line first. Although by this point, Rainbow seemed out of breath, I wasn't phased by this at all. 

Everyone watching the race cheered and whistled. After Rainbow caught her breath and looked up at me to smile, "Now that was a good race! Thanks for encouraging me to get back up after I crashed Betty."

"Of course Rainbow Dash!" I said. "It wouldn't have been a fair win if you just stopped racing, just because you crashed."

Rainbow Dash sighed, "Fluttershy was right, I'm jealous…” she looked off to the side, “I don't blame Scoot's for making that shrine, you deserve it, you're more awesome than I am.” She looked back at me, “Hey, maybe we can race again sometime?"

"Sure, if I'm not busy taking care of my Death Walker responsibilities," I said.

Rainbow Dash nodded. "Okay then."

"But I do have a question for you Rainbow Dash," I said.

"What is it?" Rainbow Dash asked. 

"How on earth did you crash into a boulder that wasn't even as high as you were flying?" I asked.

Rainbow Dash blushed. "Uh, let's just say I have this special way of crashing into things that aren't in my way."

"Yup!" Applejack said while giggling. "Just like when you crashed into a trashcan on your first day of being a Wonderbolt. You still haven't given us an explanation for that. The only thing you told us was you lost your flight pattern and bang! You crashed right into a waste bin!"

"And I said," Pinkie Pie added in a sing-song voice, "at least they didn't change the nickname from Rainbow Crash to Rainbow Trash!"

I chuckled, "Wow, it's no wonder why you got your nickname Rainbow Crash!"

Rainbow Dash looked down at the ground. "Yeah, I doubt I'll ever get rid of that nickname! It started happening when I was filly, because I crashed into a nearby building for no reason. To me, it was almost like that building appeared out of nowhere! And that's when the nickname started. Apparently, a couple of my so-called friends saw it and thought it was funny. The nickname was supposed to be a joke, but as you can see, it became a fact for me."

I fell over on my back as I went into a fit of hard laughter.

"At least your friends didn't record the race Rainbow Dash," Dae said, "and then play it in their backyard for everyone to see, just to add insult to injury!"

Rainbow Dash laughed, "Oh that's right! I remember watching that now, and it was a good race, not to mention the hand to hoof combat fight at the end! Also, the taunting of Marble afterward! Poor guy was out of shape, because he ate so many candy bars before the race."

I didn't know if my fit of hard laughter was going to end anytime soon, because of being reminded of what happened between Marble and I. Finally after my fit of hard laughter stopped I was able to compose myself. 

I blinked in surprise when Scootaloo showed me a picture of the race that Rainbow Dash and I just had. 

"Look! I got the photo of the winning lap!" Scootaloo cheered. 

I smiled when I looked at the picture, because it really was a good race just like Rainbow Dash said. I won the race just by a few inches. I looked over to see Rainbow Dash smiling as she looked at the picture. 

"Okay, now you say you beat a Commander of Equestria's Military fair and square this time!" Rainbow Dash grinned.

I nodded. I loved the fact that I encouraged someone to get back up and keep racing just like I get back up and keep fighting when I get knocked down. Although, I did find it strange that I had to do that with the Commander of Equestria's Military. Not to mention, a pretty confident one too. By this point, she should know that when you get knocked down you have to get up and keep going.