Act 2: Fluttershy Gives It a Try
After bravely defeating the evil slime monster, the three little heroes continued through the dark, scary forest. They weren’t afraid, though, because they were all so cool and strong, and they knew Grimstar the friendly wizard was there to protect them.
“Don’t worry, girls!” he said in his deep manly voice, “I know of someone who lives in this wood and may have need of our assistance!”
As they walked, the forest began to open up into a beautiful secret glen, hidden away from the outside world. Wild orchids and lilies grew around their feet, and cute butterflies and hummingbirds drank their sweet nectar. A babbling stream filled with silver fish wound its way through the forest floor and dewdrops glistened on the green leaves of the tall trees. The sun was shining brightly and everything was very pretty.
Deep within the folds of the twisting valley, a lone halfling tended to her garden. She sang sweetly to her animal friends, who gathered on the eves of the round wooden door leading to her burrow. She greeted the party as they approached.
“Hello, Grimstar!” she said, waving, “What brings you to my glen this morn?”
“Good morrow, Gracelove.” he said, “I have brought along some neophytes in need of your instruction.” A neophyte is like a student, but old-timey.
“Oh, how wonderful!” she said, “They just might be able to help me with my goblin problem.”
"All right, goblins!” said Applebloom.
"Lemme at ‘em,” said Scootaloo, “I’ll kick those goblins’ butts!”
"No, don’t do that!” said Gracelove, shocked, “These are NICE goblins!”
---
Scootaloo made a sour face, glancing at the other girls doubtfully. They looked back at her and shrugged.
“What’s the matter?” asked Fluttershy, worried, “Am I doing it wrong?”
“No, no, it’s just…” said Applebloom, “I thought we were supposed to fight monsters, not help ‘em.”
"I don’t want to tell you what to do, Fluttershy,” Twilight said carefully, “but the book says that goblins are neutral-evil.”
“That doesn’t mean they can’t be nice.” said Fluttershy, reproachfully.
“Well, actually…” Twilight started. She paused, looking at the pegasus for a moment, then reconsidered. “I… guess it doesn’t.” she said, giving up.
“I don’t mind helping the goblins.” said Sweetie Belle encouragingly, “Let’s see how it turns out.”
---
Following Gracelove, the party entered the goblin village. The little green creatures shied away from them as they approached, hiding in their mushroom-houses. Only one remained in the open, leaning on his cane as he hobbled up to meet them. He had a scruffy beard and wore a floppy white hat. Gracelove introduced him to the heroes.
“This is the Daddy Goblin.” she said, “He’ll tell you what’s wrong.”
“Thank the heavens you’re here!” he said in a squeaky little voice, “A big, mean owlbear has been attacking our village and stealing all our berries!”
Scootaloo rolled her eyes. Applebloom elbowed her in the ribs. “We’d be happy to help you out, Mr. Goblin.” she said, “Can you tell us where it lives?”
The goblin nodded and pointed to a hill nearby. “It lives in a cave up there.” he said, “But be careful! He’s really mean!”
They made their way stealthily up the hill. At the top, the owlbear pawed viciously at the ground outside a cave stuffed full of stolen berries.
“Now would be a good time to discuss your strategy.” advised Grimstar.
“Strategy, schmategy, let’s just hit the dang thing!” said Applebloom, sprinting up the hill, “Eat my plus-one mace, ya goofy-lookin’ critter!” She landed a mighty blow directly to its beak. The owlbear reared back, momentarily stunned. As Applebloom prepared for a second swing, it turned tail and ran off into the woods, yipping with fear.
“Yayyy!” said Gracelove, clapping, “You did it! Good job, girls!”
---
“This is lame.” said Scootaloo.
“Is it? I’m sorry.” Fluttershy said dejectedly, “I’m trying my best…”
“No, I don’t mean you’re lame, Fluttershy!” Scootaloo backpedaled desperately, “You just say lame stuff sometimes, and do lame things, and… I’ll stop now.” She wilted under the angry glares of her friends.
The doorbell rang. “I’ll get it!” said Scootaloo, happy to have something to change the subject. She trotted over and opened the door. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity stepped out of the drizzle, taking off their raincoats. Scootaloo called back to her friends.
“Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, your sisters are here!”
The girls rushed to the door excitedly to greet their siblings. “Hey, sis!” Applebloom said, emerging from a hug, “How were the Wonderbolts?”
“They put on a pretty good show!” said Applejack, grinning, “I wasn’t expectin’ much in the rain, but they sure pulled off some impressive moves.”
“I told ya,” said Dash, still high on hero worship, “Flying in the wet is totally different from normal flying. It’s like an art form!”
“I hope you girls were having fun with Fluttershy and Twilight.” said Rarity, nuzzling her sister.
“Uh huh!” said Sweetie Belle, looking up at her, “We don’t have to leave now, do we? We were playing a game!”
“Oh?” Rarity raised an eyebrow, “Which game is that?”
“It’s a secret!” Sweetie Belle said with a conspiratorial look.
“Yeah!” Scootaloo joined in, “Secret, but fun!”
Twilight walked up, a sheepish look on her face. “I… sort of let them use our old D&D stuff…” she said, reluctantly.
Rarity looked concerned. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“Come on, sis,” Sweetie Belle pleaded, “we were having so much fun! Applebloom just beat up an owlbear!”
“Hmmm,” said Applejack, mulling it over, “I guess it’s okay by me. You kids are smart enough to not go overboard, right?” The girls nodded, putting on their best angelic faces.
“Wow, this takes me back.” said Dash, seeing the game set up on the rug. “Who’s DM?”
“Um, I am.” Fluttershy said timidly, “But I don’t think I’m doing very well at it.”
“Mind if I take over?” said Dash, “I’ve always wanted a go in the captain’s chair.”
Fluttershy joined Twilight and Applejack on the couch as Rainbow Dash took her place. The kids sat down in front of her eagerly.
Rarity excused herself and headed for the kitchen. “Anyone mind if I make some tea? I need to warm up a little after sitting in that rain all afternoon.”
“Yeah, great, whatever.” said Dash, waving her off and turning to the fillies. “Alright, stand back kids. I’m about to rock your faces off!”