It had been a long day.
Fluttershy collapsed to the bed feeling the smooth linen’s caress. Canterlot Castle certainly knew how to treat a guest. It’s embrace was all the more sweeter for this long day.
The cold bit deep into her bones despite the pleasant warm weather. She shuddered as recent events began to settle. Fluttershy lay on her side and stared out the room's window. Her heart sank picturing her friends still with Twilight, speaking softly to soothe the troubled mare. She had been crying the whole afternoon, finally feeling her pain after the entire morning was spent coaxing any response.
Their world was shaken by that beast below. She could see it now; sitting on the floor of its prison, unencumbered by the cold or restraints with that wide grin plastered on its smug face. How she wanted to wipe that clear and see it retreat to the corner as a frightened puppy.
The moon was hidden behind a cloudy sky, refusing to brighten the night any further. She found it a fitting end to such a bitter day. From the minute they left the monster to the this moment all focus was set on curing Twilight of her new found fear. Her once calm and collected mind torn apart by that animal.
The realisation it had forced had an unpleasant effect of highlighting mortality in blinding light. Twilight worried by nature and it was a poison under this stress. Soon her friends eventual passing changed to her family, her new sister in law, her oldest friend, Spike. He had been the most distraught after the story, volunteering to test his fire on the creature. At least he chose to be by his friend instead, a much needed distraction.
It deserved the prison it had made and Fluttershy was content on never having to look upon it again. Those cruel eyes glinting when it saw Twilight suffer. Those actions it would soon regret as Princess Celestia probably sought about permanently imprisoning it.
Closing her eyes, Fluttershy smiled at the thought of it being foolish enough to gain the Princess Celestia’s wrath. It probably was squirming in the cell as they worked on its bonds and gagged it. She quickly felt a burning in her cheeks and the curtain of exhaustion was sharply drawn open to reveal her shame. Realising her dark thoughts she quickly discarded them to think about why this monster had done this. To her, any individual that cruel must have valid reason to be so. As hard as she searched, such a reason never revealed itself.
The entire day they made sure Twilight was not alone, each providing snippets of wisdom to bring her peace. Princess Celestia on the other hoof was far less helpful. It was painful watching her demeanour decay as her usual calm was broken by Twilight’s sobbing into her. Every question they asked was evaded artfully and after a short time together with them, then Twilight in private, she left to deal with the monster. Understandably her attention was solely on this beast. As she had stormed past Fluttershy a look of sadness changed to anger and it made Fluttershy’s stomach tighten thinking what she would do the the monster for hurting her favourite student.
Of all the friends, Applejack was the closest to snapping Twilight out of her dismay. She reasoned that even though they didn't get the answer from Princess Celestia, they would have to face the obvious. "You know what you're worrying about isn't healthy, even if you do live forever you still got now. Your can’t be so afraid about something that’s decades away. Nopony should live their life fearing to pass on. We see it all the time, it's natural."
"Then after you there will be more. I can't do that! I can't live watching all the friends I ever make..."
"We don't know that. I think you’re making a mountain from a molehill here."
The news in the evening grew more pleasant though as Shining Armour came to his sister. He looked very tired but wasted no time regaling them over what had happened during the day. Princess Celestia took enough distaste to add some extensions to the construction of the monster’s restraints. With the help of Discord’s inventive devices she had made an intimidating brace which no longer allowed it to move save for breathing and the twisting of its head. It had struggled but eventually tired.
When asked about its condition, Shining pointed to a dented section in his helm. Apparently the creature had managed to recover without any aid and was fine according to what he remembered of their confrontation.
Fluttershy could see as he spoke how his brow furrowed and he nervously shifted avoiding eye contact. She could only imagine what details he was spearing them. His confidence in the new restraints though was absolute, leaving only Princess Luna, on her own insistence, to watch over it.
Shining seemed eager to find Princess Cadence though, almost anxious as if something was on his mind. When asked to stay by Applejack he politely declined but promised he would return soon. The distress of the whole evening brought out the strangest in all the ponies.
Fluttershy threw herself up from the soft sheets, trying to shake off her nerves. Rarity had given her strict instructions to provide the aid promised to the creature. She protested profusely but eventually was worn down with her friends logical reasoning.
“Fluttershy you must think of it from the beast’s perspective. If we do not help that thing as promised it will have won and we will be showing it we’re afraid.”
“I am afraid!”
“I know you are, but I know your courage will help you do what is right.”
An unpleasant task still awaited. Rarity was right, the promise had to be kept to this monster. Despite everything that happened she would force herself to treat those wounds and probably the fresh ones it earned.
Admittedly, it was as confusing to her as the creatures motives for hurting Twilight. The ingredients were thankfully gathered by a helpful concierge, but now Fluttershy would have to bring them to the cells below. It would take a lot of work but a promise was a promise. One of Zecora’s ointments, famous for its stinging, was ideal. It would not bring any permanent harm but it would need only one application and she would never have to look on that horrible smile again.
As she peered around the empty room, barely illuminated by a single sliver of candlelight, she missed not having her animal friends here to hug or talk to. It was going to be harder, harder to think and feel right watching Twilight stay the same as she grew older. She tried not to think about it but Princess Celestia’s evasiveness only served to feed her fears. Perhaps the answers would arrive eventually but for now she could only worry about having to treat the monster.
The worlds of life and death were not strange to Fluttershy. She had seen it more than enough in her work with animals. It was a truth though that it is painful to lose a loved one to anything. When predators were successful there was often a family of animals that had to bear with the trauma of loss. The cruelty of nature itself was unfathomable. It thankfully drove to her kindness every day. She knew first hand how cruel life could be and felt there was enough of it in the world. There was more than enough in the the cells below.
That was the most confusing part of life to her; the ease of cruelty while kindness was very difficult, even when she tried her hardest. The truth about life is that kindness was unnatural. Such a sad concept almost drove her to tears, always being easily swayed when the mind eased into those shadows. She would do what Rarity had taught her and take this as a challenge. If she could still do her best even in the face of that monster she could prove that kindness was stronger.
Her friends wanted to be there for support, but she insisted they they keep Twilight company instead. In her lifetime there had been more than a few abusive and cruel animals. That creature could not hurt her and she refused to give it the chance to hurt anyone else. No more victims today.
Looking in the mirror of the dresser she gazed into the eyes that stared back, grateful to still see the sweetness there. Fluttershy smiled as best she could, picking up her bag of ingredients and cheerfully heading down to her challenge.
*
The silence was disturbing. Standing before the creatures cell there was not a peep to be heard. She could only feel the misery in this place and her smile had almost faded entirely. The guards did little, only confirming her identity and parting the way to enter. As the doors opened she was shocked by an abomination of metal.
The brackets in the cell had been reinforced to ludicrous proportions as they towered over the figure in the centre. Princess luna was present but no longer cast her magic on the chains. They had been doubled, the old rusted ones joined by a brilliant white sister flowing through the links and about the arms. She knew from experience what they were and forced a shriek back. These were chains that poachers were famous for using in Equestria. They were very durable, tough to break and they could not be melted down or destroyed when confiscated. Every cruel twist of iron or steel anchored the beast on bended knees. It was not satisfying.
Princess Luna cheerfully met her, "Welcome Fluttershy! It is good to see you are well. We are completely safe now. Behold!” She trotted to the creature and gave a sharp kick to the head. It grunted but did not growl or fight. It was scary how Princess Luna seemed to smile at its new found discomfort.
"Princess?"
"What is it my friend? Still not convinced? If you like you can try it too. Most satisfying indeed. What say you monster?" Its low growl was stifled by a sharp whip to the face from her tail. Fluttershy could see the creature clearly now, illuminated by moonstones. They denied it the solace of the dark to sanctify its mind. Fluttershy almost cried seeing this creature.
It was torture, outright torture and she was disgusted. It had a score of new bruises, some minor cuts and the garments on its arms and chest were all but torn to pieces. Fluttershy did not want to see this. She did not care if it was necessary or not. Luna gestured to the beast.
“It has earned its place, Fluttershy. Do not pity its pride.”
Looking at the princess, her tired eyes were apparent yet fixed in anger. She was another victim.
“I’m really sorry for asking, but when was the last time you slept, Princes?"
"I do not know. It is hard to keep track of time here. I have been introduced to a wonderful new beverage that has helped. It is called ‘coffee’ and it is most delicious with a little sugar and milk."
There were at least a dozen coffee pots on the nearby table. Scattered pieces of cake littered the empty plates.
"How many have you had Princess?"
"I do not keep track. All of them, lattes and cappuccinos are my favourite dusted with a little chocolate." The pungent aroma of these coffees on her breath only confirmed the quantity. Seeing her this way brought more sadness to Fluttershy, it was a coping strategy for distress. The Princess had tried her hardest to stop the monster from hurting Twilight. Coupled with exhaustion and upset her once regal conspire was barely noticeable.
Luna took a sip from a mug and neatly placed on the side, the mist rising reminded Fluttershy of the cold. Princess Luna moved closer to the creature ready for another strike. Fluttershy quickly grabbed her and pulled back. She did not care about the impertinence of the action or the repercussions. She simply had to hold her.
"Is thou half baked?!” Luna thundered. Fluttershy could not answer but held on, looking up at the angered gaze. The glassy stare and darkened eyes clearly displayed the pony’s fatigue. Fluttery released her hold. She wanted to speak but could only look down and wait for a scolding or punishment.
"I am …sorry, Fluttershy." The words she heard did not make sense. "You are right of course, there has been enough of this for one day. Please forgive my overzealousness.” Her heart leapt and she could feel herself smiling as she looked up. To her, at least somepony else understood.
Luna nodded and Fluttershy approached the monster. It hung in the brace staring to the ground. It was still dangerous here, a little voice in the back of her mind telling her this was not a safe place to be. Ignoring her instinct, she cleared her throat and the beast slowly raised its gaze to hers. Luna was by her side and it held its tongue as Fluttershy looked at the wrists. Its breath was sharp and rapid as each tuft of mist proceeded the next. Her eyes examined the damage and it was more severe. The kick to its head had done little, there was no swelling or splits to be seen. Strange.
"I am here to apply an ointment to help heal the wrists. If it works they they will keep applying the paste until you are better.”
The creature spoke slowly keeping its sights on Luna, "Why?" She did not want to answer and instead neatly set her bag in front of the creature. “I had my water. I need nothing else from you. Why don’t you return to your princess.” It spoke bitterly, each word hurt. She wished the monster could understand what they did to her. Fluttershy wanted it to stop but did not want to engage it in conversation any more than she needed to.
“You are a monster, but I promised my friends I would help you. I always keep my promises.” The creature opened its mouth to speak but she interrupted it, “Just don’t, please don’t say anything anymore.” Her sadness trickled down her cheek and to her relief the anger in the beast facing her faded. Fluttershy was too sad to care or be afraid. Her promise was the only thing that brought her to the monster. Seeing it now before her there were many ideas of what she could do opposing the only one she must do.
It growled but a quick rise in anger drove Fluttershy to do something reckless. She stepped forward no less than a hoofs breadth from the beast. It raised its head alarmed and lunged forward. She stood her ground, she wouldn't fail it or her friends. Either she helped now or it was going to get harder to do so. She did not move because she was not afraid, numbed by the pain.
Princess Luna made to step between them as the bolts in the stone floor shifted but Fluttershy held her hoof up sharply and not understanding why, the princess stopped. It was the look in the pony’s eyes, defiant to its very rage. The monster’s arms slowly closed in on her, fighting the chains. She didn't blink and stared it straight in the face. It's teeth were fully drawn, eyes wide with anger. The claws halted suddenly around her neck.
The bracket had proven to be too weak to hold it down but the new chains slowed and constrained the movement. Only the white chains held without complaint. There was no magic, nothing held it back yet it had stopped. Fluttershy’s eyes remained firm and unblinking under its shadow. It's misted, gruesome breath caressed her face. The beast roared but this only rooted her to the spot instead of forcing her away. Such a roar echoed across the room, the volume hurting her ears and tightening her stomach. It's face sunk from its sinister facade to that of confusion, then contempt. It dropped its head once more.
Luna could not believe what she saw. They had heard of this power of Fluttershy but never believed it.Was her stare that powerful? To halt such a beast so effortlessly.
Fluttershy let out a long sigh, watching her breath dance out. The clarity of what she had just done sunk in and the cold grew more invasive. The creature stubbornly looked away from her.
She spoke clearly as though this attempt on her had never happened, “Let me finish so I can leave. Then we will both be happy.”
A sharp grunt was all she needed.
“That was bold, Fluttershy. Most unwise but bold.”
“Could you loosen the chain please?”
“LOOSEN?! AFTER EVERYTHING….WE….umm…but this thing is…” That stare was powerful indeed. Luna glared at the beast.
“If it hurts me then it is my choice. I cannot treat it like this please.”
“Alright, bold Fluttershy.” With her magic, the Princess turned a crank and the white chains loosened their hold. It groaned and winced as the arms were allowed to be lowered.
Fluttershy reached into her pink bag and removed three containers of ingredients. She had decided on some Cloei Vera, Dandelion Roots, and an additional Ginseng Sprig to make sure all the infection was gone. Admittedly she left out a numbing agent because she could not convince herself to spare the monster a little sting. Earlier, while gathering them, there was a thought that kept creeping into her sanctum. It was a regret which had seen the many toxic and dangerous plants with their exceedingly beautiful blossoms. That thought had a little voice that kept encouraging her to take one of them. She had to refuse that desire with the reasoning she did not want to become as monstrous as this beast.
She mixed them together in a mortar from the castles botanical wing. As they meshed the monster watched her movements. She hated being here and herself for taking so long to leave. She could have mixed the ingredients outside of the cell then come in but in her haste she did not think of it. Pouring the resulting green paste into two wooden bowls, she closed her eyes and tried to compose herself to look on the cruel face again, instead speaking to the knees.
“It may sting a little. Okay?”
“I understand.”
Standing on its side she gingerly tilted the bowl and watched the viscous liquid seep through the light pelt. The creature suddenly shrieked, closing its eyes tearing at the chain. Fluttershy fell back as it struggled against the straining shackles. It bowed its head inwards with a gasp, groaning in agony. Its movements only allowed the remedy to seep further under the shackle.
Fluttershy was shocked seeing the effect of this harmless remedy. It violently writhed without any sign of relief. The wrist hissed as the mixture bubbled over the cut. Luna bolted out of the room, leaving her to watch this horrific display.
She had not expected this much pain and her heart ached seeing this suffering. It was not made to hurt the monster like this. She wanted so badly to save it. Never had she inflicted harm.
Without thinking, Fluttershy sprang forward and wrapped her forelegs around the monster’s head, closing her eyes and clasping as tight as she could. She was shaken by its struggle, but that subsided quickly. They slowed and she felt its weight move into burying its head in her coat. The cold sweat only compelled her to hold tighter.
That crackling still emanated from the wrist, no words could come to her. Tears began welling as she felt its panicking, rapid heart in the veins of its head but she could not cry.
A nurse and Luna rushed in with a pail of water each, she was gone for a moment yet it felt stretched into hours. The creature’s turbulence subsided as its wrist was doused. Fluttershy held on, tears finally streaming from her face. Finally peace.
The creature grunted a sigh but kept it head buried to seek refuge while it recovered composure. The head was steaming hot and damp. She still held on, as tight as she could hating what she had done, hating her own ignorance. They both breathed deeply trying to quell the turbulence. The nurse and Luna stared wide eyed at her with fully erect ears.
She could feel its hot breath on her chest, slowly easing and passing over her stomach. It felt bad inside her, the lack of a simple plant which caused so much pain. The missing plant that was left out on purpose. A little sting was all she wanted, not this. More than anything she wanted to take it back, make it go away. After all it did to them this was the least it deserved, but all that suffering would not make things better. This concept of revenge was wrong, there was enough pain.
“It’s okay. Everything is okay,” the creature whispered, exhausted from its ordeal. “I was not expecting that, forgive me please.”
Such words brought great confusion. She hurt it yet it was trying to soothe her. Luna stood anxiously with another pail and three ponies close by at the ready. One more pail was poured, splashing over the wrist and not the stone floor. Fluttershy pressed her cheek to its head, still holding tightly. Feeling the heat radiating. Looking upon Luna she could only feel shame as she glanced over the princess and her startled gaze.
The cuts had vanished. Pale streaks and stripes were left in their place. The remedy had worked, but the reaction was too violent. Maybe that one plant would not make a difference.
“Sor...sor...-” the words refused to form. She was only now remembering her breath.
“Don’t,” it spoke sharply, “be sorry later, there is still one more to go.” Those words filled her with dread. Luna examined the cuts closely, equally as surprised it had healed that effectively.
Fluttershy found feeling in her hooves again, and the texture of the creature’s gritty pelt in them. The gentle bobbing of its breathing eased, she felt Princess Luna’s hoof on her shoulder. There came a disturbing realisation; she was right next to it, no space between them. She folded her wings closer and pinned her ears. The grip tightened, holding on for fear. She was not sure of what may happen, if it would attack her or take her wings for causing it pain. She was not sure what she was afraid of at this point. Its hot breath eased under with each exhale.
“Please, pink one, be at ease. My mind is prepared for the second.” Its words did little to comfort her.
“No. I’ll find something else, I can add something to reduce the burn. Something better this time.”
“Don’t waste your sympathies. I said I was ready, get on with it.” Its insistence was confusing “Please loosen your grip. I will not struggle now. You have my word.” Fluttershy hesitantly did so and its head sagged lower for a moment before raising back up. One of the maids by Luna instinctively wiped its head off with a towel before jumping back. Its eyes would not meet Fluttershy’s.
Luna stood wide eyed at what they had done. Such a strong reaction to the simplest remedy was surprising. After all it did to them and her she could only muster a feeling of sadness instead of satisfaction. This was a clear weakness from its kind, she should have been happy instead of feeling as though she had lost something. The creature seemed less invulnerable after this, that brutal anger replaced by docile humility.
“Dost thou fear to cause harm m'lady?” it mocked her.
She narrowed her eyes and walked around it to the other hand, bucket still in teeth while Fluttershy hesitantly picked up the second bowl.
“I guess, pink hair, 10 seconds as before.”
She was disturbed it found the time to count. Her hooves were trembling too much, the bowl was there but it was she could not see that agony again. Luna, seeing her hesitation, placed her bucket down and nudged her resting a wing around the shocked pony.
“If you wish, Fluttershy, I shall do this on your behalf.” She merely said nothing and remained staring at the bowl. Luna took it slowly from her and poised it above the second wrist. The creature closed its eyes and lowered its head mouthing words she could not understand. It breathed deeply as Princess Luna slowly tilted the bowl.
“Wait,” Fluttershy pleaded. “Let me look around the gardens, maybe the moonflower, its less potent. With a clove substitute from the kitchen the burns will be neutralised and we can-”
“Fluttershy,” the creature sighed. She was taken aback hearing her name on its breath. She looked down to see its eyes raised to hers. “Why don’t you count with me?”
“I don’t-”
“10 seconds. Let us count them together.”
Fluttershy tried to hold back her tears but came closer to crying. She watched luna tilt the bowl.
“Not there, look here. Count with me, alright?” Fluttershy nodded as the gruff voice spoke soothingly to her. Its eyes caught hers with their focus. She did not know why but there was no longer a need to fear it. It was as though it was asking her to help it while that mixture would boil. They closed all of a sudden and the crackling noise returned. “One” It said through gritted teeth bending inwards and suppressing its pain with a deep inhale, sharp and quick.
“T...two,” she forced through her dry mouth. “Three.” She placed her forehead against the creatures without hesitation and felt it trembling trying to force back its howl. “Four.” The maids moved closer to the arm, now sounding like a crackling fire. “Five...six...seven...eight,” The creature let out a breath, now shivering but holding true to its word, still and calm.
“Nine...ten,” they counted in unison. The maids doused the wrist to reveal a fully healed one where the wounds were strewn. All exhaled with relief. Droplets of sweat and water tapping the stone floor. It looked up to meet her as the same made stole her courage to wipe the sweat.
“You’re shivering.” Fluttershy did not realise that she was the one shaking, not the monster. Her nerves were beyond control and she felt a cold numbness in her hooves. “Thank you for your help. I am better because of you. You are safe, nothing to fear.”
She did not want to leave it as the guilt sunk in, however she wanted to leave this place and forget what had happened. “Until next time, Fluttershy.” It had essentially dismissed her or given her permission to leave. She nodded to the floor and turned away, escorted out by one of the nurses who tried to ease her. She could not hear a word spoken. Leaving the cell she headed to the upper levels of the castle, and to her room with the intention of sleeping, losing her dinner, or fainting.
Luna stood by the creature but still maintained her distance, it took notice of this and smiled. “M’lady likes the taste of suffering, has this not quenched your appetite? Dost thou wish to taste my pain further?” It added spitefully.
With a flicker of her magic, she loosened the restraints so they no longer caused visible discomfort.
Luna scanned the uncertain faces of the nurses.
“Please dry our guest and organise a blanket. Enough of this pettiness.” They eyed each other.
“Princess Luna, where do the filigree lilies rest in the valley?”
“Pardon?”
“Where do the filigree lilies rest in the valley?” the nurse repeated. It was an old pony nursery rhyme.
“In the tree by the sea that is yet to be…. Explain yourself.”
“It is a control question Princess Celestia instructed us to ask you if there was any change in your behaviour. She suspects-” Luna and the monster both burst out laughing, but immediately halted.
“You think I can control minds? Oh, I needed that.”
“Do you honestly consider this foul beast has the intellect to capture mine?” The stallion hesitated to answer.
“Maybe I am controlling you now. It sounds like she speaks as one who is trying to hide-”
“Stop it.” The creature grinned as the ponies watched Luna. “Surely I would have released it should there have been control.”
“It is alright, Princess Luna.” A guard stood beside her. “Princess Celestia is being safe at the moment. You have had the longest exposure and she just wants to make sure you are alright.”
Luna sighed. “Fine. One changeling invasion and suddenly everypony can read minds. It was my next stop all the same.” Luna nodded to the monster. It was difficult to believe this was the same thing that tore off the wings of a pony right before her eyes. The same creature that had incapacitated her and and a score of soldiers. Luna decided she would review what it had told them and try to understand.
“Goodnight, Luna,” the creature growled with that cruel grin. She sauntered up to it without taking the trouble to tighten the restraints.
“All your words are but a facade,” she said in realisation. “Try as you may, monster, you can no longer fool this lady.”
Saying nothing else, Luna left the room with the keepers. The nurses followed and the door closed ominously behind them. It was the first time the creature had been left on its own since its discovery. As the princess looked in she could see it dumbstruck by what had happened, angered.
It shifted its weight to collapse on its back. The loud sigh of relief it made spread to Luna. With that, an eerie silence followed and its breathing levelled off becoming deeper. It had fallen almost immediately to sleep.
*
Fluttershy slowly climbed the stairs in a manner befitting an intoxicated pony. She had to rest on the steps ever more frequently as her nausea rose and fell. She had a legendary constitution yet this time was almost ill on the royal steps. The nurse was thankfully by her side every step, although it made her feel more like a bother.
A sickening realisation almost broke though as she stared down the steps; she had become another victim.
Forcing herself to remain composed she pushed up and climbed on towards her room. As she passed the door to Twilight’s room she hesitated to enter feeling it was too much for her friend. Twilight did not need another pony to be a victim.
“Are you alright dear?” the nurse had a soft soothing tone.
She nodded but pulled her hoof away from the handle to go and rest in her room. The door swung open however and Rarity welcomed the two. Twilight’s chamber was a little different to hers, there was a bookcase and a writing desk. They all kept the royal colours of Canterlot, the warm purples and violets.
The others looked over. Past Rarity, Fluttershy could see to her relief that Twilight had stopped crying and was sleeping in Applejacks lap. The farm pony stroked her sleeping friend’s mane to try bring sweeter dreams.
Pinkie Pie was not her usual bubbly self, instead becoming very solemn after a score of failed attempts. Twilight had spoken harshly about how parties cannot fix everything and she receded to a more passive role.
Spike took to his bed at the foot of Twilight’s, the poor guy had his feelings hurt as his attempts to help were drowned out by the chaos. At least he was growing up a little and understood that sometimes a mare just needed to be angry.
Rainbow Dash was surprisingly in the bed with Applejack trying to be close to her friends. The awkward shifting betraying her discomfort as she lay by Twilight. Sadly there was no sign of Princess Celestia.
Looking over Fluttershy, Rarity could immediately notice the trembling legs. Turning to her friends she feebly smiled and stepped out into the hallway incase they woke Twilight.
“Fluttershy?” Rainbow called.
“She’s alright, dear. Just a little clean up required.”
Rarity closed the door and kept her voice to a whisper. “What happened?”
The nurse spoke for Fluttershy, “Your friend has healed our guest. She demonstrated tremendous courage and compassion.” Fluttershy closed her eyes, it was not courageous to cry and let Luna do her dirty work.
“Did it touch her?”
“The experience was… It did not hurt her of course but we were all a little shaken from the salves reaction. Everything is fine tonight.” The nurse smiled warmly. “Is there anything I can do for you, dear?” Fluttershy slowly shook her head.
“I’ll call if there’s anything,” Rarity assured. The nurse smiled and sat down on a bench in the hallway. Rarity tried to protest but she dismissed them saying it was a normal duty for her to stand by for guests. It only worried Rarity even more.
Glancing around the darkened deserted corridor she took Fluttershy by the hoof and pulled her gently to the room they shared. She closed the door to the smiling nurse and sat Fluttershy down without a word, forcing a wide smile under tired eyes. Looking over to the adjacent bed she knew it would not be a beauty sleep night tonight.
It was not pleasant imaging what had happened. In truth she had tried to follow Fluttershy but the guards stopped her, Celestia was not taking any chances. All manner of gruesome imagery and unspeakable horrors took shape but she found solace from the fact that her friend was at least here now and unscathed. Clearing her throat, she held her friends hoof tenderly and mustered the energy to speak gently to ease their nerves.
“How did you fare?”
“Alright.”
“It doesn’t look like it. Did it hurt you?”
“No.”
“Did it try to hurt you.”
“Not really, it tried to…scare me. I did not move just like you did.”
“Big blowhard,” she scoffed. “Well done dear. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks.” Her cheeks blushed as she smiled a little, although her focus remained on the floor.
Rarity noticed a patch on her coat and illuminated her horn it to reveal a mark that terrified her. Quickly placing her hoof to it she gently sifted through the blonde coat and sniffed. The odour was familiar and disturbing but no entry to the skin could be seen.
Fluttershy looked down at her chest and saw the stain her friend was concerned about. It was a mix of grime with the familiar smell of dirty iron. She realised the creature had taken more of a beating that she thought. The stain of its blood made her skin crawl. Fluttershy had her share of animal blood stains but this one felt different and she was sickened with herself for thinking that.
“Well no matter, you are going for a bath!” Rarity insisted, trotting off and dragging her to the bathroom. In what seemed like moments the tub was full and the salts were added. Fluttershy did not want to move but Rarity would not let her be idle as she wiped the grime off before the bath.
As the water seeped over into the coat she could feel the sadness and strain slowly melt into the warmth. The shivering subsided and she let Rarity be, rubbing shampoo into her mane while her friend gently coaxed the details of what happened. Fluttershy was happy she could be there for her and provide some direction. At this time her mind was numb and still shocked from the experience.
When the details of the ordeal had concluded there was a pause while Rarity formulated an appropriate response. At first, Fluttershy required coaxing and she had to ease every word out but when the description of the agonised howls began it poured out with alarming clarity. Although her friend was traumatised, Rarity could only smile.
“I’m so proud of you dear, you really helped it. Relax, you saw it was fine the second time. It just needed to prepare for the shock you see.”
“I’ve never hurt any animal like that before.”
“Oh come now. I have seen you reset bones and casts in many creatures without any fear. You know it is for the best and a little pain never hurt anypony.” Her joke was not met with the giggle she hoped. It was as if one of her best friends had lost something today. Another claim to the monster.
“It was in so much pain, Rarity. I wanted to cause a sting, but not that much. I don’t want to be angry anymore. Being angry is not helping anyone.” It was difficult to cultivate a sentence to heal the wound, yet she tried her best.
“Well if you ask me you did the rotten thing an enormous favour and it should be grateful you helped. A brute like that will not object to a little extra discomfort. As for your little slip, that monster should be thanking its lucky twinkling stars you went down instead of us. I don’t think I could see that arrogant grin without...well that’s not important now.”
“Thank you, Rarity.” Her bath finished in silence and they set about drying her properly to groom the coat and leave the smooth finish she adored. Feeling fresh she stepped out to the room to see Pinkie waiting patiently on the bed, keeping herself busy with a ball in the cup game.
The party pony was as tired as they were, her bouncy hair drooped over two strained eyes. Of all of them she had tried the hardest and only managed to make Twilight angry, suffice to say Rarity did not want to remind her of the outburst and all the hurtful things that were said. Ever the diligent though, Pinkie remained positive.
“Hey there! We were worried about you, Fluttershy! How did it go? Did you get it to smile?”
“Pinkie, would you be an absolute dear and grab my brush.”
“Okay but I don’t think combing the monster is going to fix anything. Especially with your good brush.”
“It’s for Fluttershy, Pinkie,” she giggled. Even now the pink pony could make her feel better. She saw Fluttershy give a feeble smile and led her to sit on the bed. Rarity eased the covers over Fluttershy’s lap and set to styling her friends mane to its original lustre. It was funny to think how it was always Fluttershy who did this for her. Rarity was happy to have a chance to repay that.
As Fluttershy began to relax, the aches of exhaustion crept their way up her legs. She was relieved the trembling had subsided and that bath was enough to warm her up again. Opening her eyes to a sharp bounce on her bed she saw Pinkie laying with her head in her fore hooves, looking like an eager filly.
“Sooooooooooooo...what happened? Tell me so I can tell the others.”
“How is she?” Fluttershy asked.
“Twilight will be fine! If anypony can feel better it’s her. I saw you were little dirty and was just checking up. Sooooooooooooooooooooo...?” she trailed off.
Her widening, eager eyes drew the story out. Rarity was the pony however who told it, omitting the desires of Fluttershy but keeping those of the creatures painful reaction. Fluttershy listened to the glamorous retelling. Hearing this version was more poetic than the memory. She was made out to be more composed and compassionate in this telling.
When they were were finished with the lighter tale Pinkie had a burning question that could not wait. “So...Princess Luna likes coffee?”
“She never tried it until today,” Fluttershy replied relieved not to go any further into the events.
“That’s funny...you’d think staying up all night all the time she would need a few cups.” Her playful smile encouraged them to giggle. Rarity was scarce able to believe how one pony could make them feel better in such a short time. Nevertheless that was the gift of Pinkie Pie.
“I think she sleeps during the day, Pinkie,” Fluttershy corrected her through the giggling.
“Oh? That must be annoying with all that sunlight shining in her eyes. Unless she draws the curtains...or maybe night time is like daytime to her? Do you think she dreams? I think She does. Dreaming about moons made from cheese I bet, that’s what I‘d be dreaming about. What kind of cheese would the moon be?” The ever famous train of thought ran completely off the rails and kept going. It was all an effort to keep them light hearted and from their frequent laughs Pinkie could see it was working. If there was one thing she could not stand it was seeing a frown, it was worse than an uneaten cake or a wrapped present, she impulsively had to fix it.
The story though seemed too convenient but the general idea could be gotten. Long story short the monster was fine and Twilight was still sad. Seeing her friends in so much pain she could only grow more determined to fix them. Twilight’s anger was nothing but pain, every word that came out was one less eating her up inside.
This entire day and evening had brought with it a new sensation. Although she did not know what it was. For the first time in her life she had met a creature she did not want to know about. Normally she enjoyed making friends with animals and ponies and minotaurs and geese and everything in general but that monster...she didn’t want to be its friend, she didn’t want to see it or be around it anymore. It was a monster, seeking to spread frowns throughout Equestria. A cunning and evil plan. She would not let it win though.
As they told their jokes amongst themselves the party pony eventually trotted next door with the good news. Almost instantly after hearing it the tired farm pony slept, still holding Twilight with Rainbow Dash using her belly as a pillow. They would not leave her alone, she needed her friends to be there with her and that is what they would do.
Pinkie had a thought; three and three. She would join Fluttershy for the night, keeping her company with Rarity after the ordeal she went through. It did not hurt that they were keeping the whole truth from her, they had a reason and she suspected that monster was more difficult. All she had to do was remind herself they were all alright now and could finally sleep. Her stomach growled but she did not feel like eating. Exhaustion was calling and she would answer as soon as her head hit that pillow, maybe Fluttershy’s tummy was as soft as Twilight’s, she could always try.