//------------------------------// // Original 1: Storms of the Heart // Story: Two Hearts, Fall Apart // by NintendoGal55 //------------------------------// Clouds hung overhead in the sky, promising a storm scheduled for later that day. The normally calm breeze was becoming increasingly violent as the trees swayed in natural rhythm of wind. The light sounds of thunder rung off in the distance with no breaks in between their repetition. Down on the ground, on a small hill, sat Fluttershy as she observed her best friend. Rainbow Dash, the pegasus in question, was doing a combination of performing some tricks while she was arranging the clouds accordingly. Looking down at her friend, Dash winked before doing a little barrel roll, catching a cloud, and bringing it upward. “Good work, Rainbow!” Fluttershy called up to her. Rainbow Dash heard her, but just barely, as always. “Heh, no sweat!” she called back with a smirk. With a quick burst of speed, the speedster kicked the clouds into nothingness. The creamy yellow pegasus continued to observe, offering little cheers here and there if she felt up to doing so. Although the impending storm meant having the hassle of making sure every storm precaution was to be made, it did make Fluttershy feel a lot more brave and ready. There had been a time when storms scared the living daylights out of her, much like how dogs and most other animals reacted to loud storms. But for the past few years now, after the last Storm Day, she’d felt a lot better about impending storms, and even found them to be fascinating. On top of that, there was the safety factor. She’d always been told time and again the weather pegasi knew what they were doing and ensured the storms wouldn’t harm anypony. With Rainbow Dash on the team, she knew there was plenty to enjoy when it came to her storm organization and execution. “You can come down now! The sky is covered!” Fluttershy called up to her. “Your shift finished ten minutes ago!” Rainbow Dash came to a hasty stop mid-flight and turned to look down at her companion. “Huh!? Seriously? It’s already that late?” she muttered to herself a bit. “Okay, comin’ down!” the pegasus called out quickly as she made her way to ground. Once Dash landed, she trotted up to her meek friend with a grin on her face. “Enjoyed the show, eh, Flutters?” Blushing a bit, Fluttershy smiled, nodding quietly, “...You know I always enjoy watching you perform, Dashie.” Rainbow Dash held a cocky smile as she made her way closer. “Oh, I know you do! But come on, I need a little feedback on tricks, ya know?” She could not help but notice the weak blush on her friend’s face and felt oddly pleased that she had caused it. Ha ha... Yep, ‘Shy is still too cute when she blushes like that, Dash thought to herself for a brief moment. Woah woah, hold up! Gah, I’m doing it again... She’s my best friend, almost like a sister, and here I am sizing her up... Still, she is pretty cute when she starts hiding in her mane and- Dash, shut up. “I know, you’re absolutely right. I really do try... sometimes my voice just... won’t cooperate. But your tricks are wonderful... I wish I could express just how... amazing they are...” Fluttershy looked at her with despondency. “You’re amazing. You really are...” She smiled, albeit a bit sadly. I wish I could shout my cheering... and tell her how I feel... both of which I have no courage to voice properly... the shy mare thought. Rainbow Dash gave a smile as a light came over her face, “Hey, hey, hey, your cheering is fantastic!” The cyan pegasus rubbed the back of her neck. “Seriously, you give me a lot more faith in myself than you know!” With her heart skipping a beat, Fluttershy looked to her best friend with a hopeful smile. “...Really? You mean that...?” “Of course I do, Flutters!” Rainbow Dash said with a toothy grin. “You know I don’t say stuff like that unless I really mean it. So, you’re not as loud as Pinkie Pie or Applejack, but you don’t need to be! You do a great job just being you.” She looked away for a moment. “I kinda do wish you would speak up a bit more... but I guess I could always dress you up as a cheerleader or something for added effect...” With a quick shake of the head, she realized what she had just said aloud. Why the buck did I say that?! Okay, yeah, I would totally kill to see her wear one- oh come on! This is Fluttershy I’m talking about here, not some floozy fangirl... The suggestion, however, wasn’t lost on Fluttershy. She considered it for a few moments, before smiling brightly. “I’ll dress up as a cheerleader for you, Dashie...” Her voice was soft, almost suggestive, more than she intended. Yes! That’s perfect! I can really get her attention with it! I might even feel more courageous! Oooh, this is a wonderful idea! thought the now excited yellow pegasus. To this, Rainbow fell somewhat silent. “You, uh... you would? Like, seriously?” She blinked a few times looking somewhat dazed. Her blush was slowly building by this point as a vast array of different emotions began to come forth. “I would do anything for you, Rainbow,” Fluttershy said softly, her smile and blush growing. “And I’ll dress up as a cheerleader if it would help...” Rainbow Dash started to smirk almost childishly as her wings rose up against her will. Oh yeah! Score one for the Dash, baby! I’m gonna see Flutters in a- GAH! I’m doing it again! Fluttershy is my best friend. I can’t have her degrade herself for me... even if she is willing... and very tempting... “Hehe... Thanks, Flutters, but you don’t gotta do that if you would rather not,” Rainbow Dash spoke a bit shaky as she smiled. The creamy yellow mare shook her head. “I know that, Rainbow. But I do want to do it. I mean, I can’t say I’d thought of it before... but when you brought it up, I thought it was a nice idea. I’m not doing it because I feel I have to... I’d do it because I want to. You’re not making me do anything, I promise.” “Well, if you’re sure...” Rainbow Dash started to say. Don’t say it! Oh, for the love of Celestia, tell her it’s okay and that she doesn’t have to and let this thought die! She looked away briefly, then looked back to Fluttershy. Her eyes were shining with such a look of sheer joy and even hope and to this, Dash knew what she would say. “I’ll look forward to seeing ya wear one!” Dash winked at the end. I’m a bucking idiot... “Yay!” Fluttershy giggled, coming closer to her and giving Dash a sweet hug. “I’ll do whatever I can to help this along, Dashie!” The moment there was physical contact, Rainbow Dash’s wings went straight up and locked stiff. It wasn’t the first time that this had happened, but she was normally much more in control of her body than right now. It was always the same around the timid mare when she would start talking like this. It made it more difficult to think and react the right way. It always made her defences fall flat. She, of course, returned the hug, albeit somewhat awkwardly as she hoped Fluttershy did not notice. “Oh, I can think of few things you could do...” Rainbow muttered lightly as she was lost in the moment. A blush darkened on Fluttershy’s cheeks, her body tingling with excitement. The atmosphere was perfect. Here they were, alone, on a hill, on a beautiful though overcast day... and with her crush holding her. Fluttershy let out a dreamy sigh, gazing at Rainbow Dash with a sweet, loving smile. She brought her forelegs around Dash’s neck, leaning a little closer to her face. “Tell me, Dashie...” Fluttershy cooed, her eyes half-amast. Rainbow Dash was all but lost now. By the name of... Oh geez. Oh dear mother of Celestia. This is not happening. No, this is a dream and I’m gonna wake up and beat my head into the wall just like every other night for dreaming about ‘Shy like this... But still... Those eyes... And those lips... “I could think of a few...” Dash spoke completely dazed. A soft giggle escaped Fluttershy, to which she leaned closer, stroking a hoof through Rainbow’s mane. Yes, this is perfect... I can finally make my move... Oh Dashie... kiss me... kiss me, you amazing future Wonderbolt! “And what would they be...?” Fluttershy touched her snout to the cyan mare’s, their lips just centimetres away. “Well...” Rainbow Dash began almost breathlessly, “I’ve wanted to say this for a while now, so-” A distant, though loud, crash of thunder was heard further off. Startled, Fluttershy let out a frightened yelp, tightening her grip on Dash. The force of her hold caused the two pegasi to fall to the ground, with the yellow mare now on top of her best friend. Trembling a little bit, Fluttershy snuggled into Rainbow Dash for comfort, while her heart pounded furiously. No... I’m not scared... it was just a bit loud and it startled me... I’m going to be okay... I’m fine... I’m not scared, I’m-... oh my, her heart is pounding... Slowly, she rose her head a bit to look down at Dash. Her long pink hair fell around them in a soft curtain, as if shielding them from the world all around. Rainbow Dash stared deeply into Fluttershy eyes, almost entranced by them. “...Am I dreaming?” She reached up a bit with a foreleg to touch the shy pony’s face. “Fluttershy?” The blush returned to Fluttershy’s cheeks, she felt herself just as lost in the moment as she was before. She smiled, leaning her cheek into Dash’s hoof. Heart pounding, mind reeling, shivers coursing up her spine, she went for it. “No... you’re not dreaming, Dashie...” Fluttershy said sweetly, leaning down a bit closer to her. “But I think I might be the one dreaming...” Rainbow Dash blushed wildly as she heard this. “Good... Then do me a favor and don’t wake up...” Oooh... I don’t know what’s gotten into her... but this is amazing! Fluttershy thought, beaming. “I don’t want to wake up when I dream about you...” Fluttershy whispered in a sweet coo. She too, reached down to touch Dash’s cheek. Rainbow gave a weak chuckle. “You too, huh? Good to know.” “...You dream about me, too?” The creamy yellow mare leaned down a bit closer, her eyes half-lidded. “That’s so sweet, Dashie...” Rainbow Dash closed her eyes completely as she let her head rest on the grass. “Way more than I should,” she muttered softly. “And right now... I’m glad I do...” It’s just a dream, Dash. You know that, right? There’s no way this could ever really happen. No way ‘Shy would ever say stuff like that, even if it is totally in character, to me... I’ll just wake up right before she kisses me like every night... so why fight it? I’ll just pretend... this one time...’’ Dash thought to herself. “Ooh....” Fluttershy was a bit taken aback by this admission, but didn’t let it ruin the moment. “Awww... I dream about you all the time, too, and it’s wonderful... It makes me sad when I wake up. Oh, but I’m so happy we’re here now...” “I am too. I mean, why wouldn’t I...?” Dash smiled in her dazed state with her eyes still closed. “I’m here with the most awesome mare ever... the sun’s blocked... we’re alone... and I’m gonna wake up any second now and be wishing this had happened...” I have to be dreaming... there’s no way Rainbow is actually saying these things... Oh...and I thought for sure that I wasn’t dreaming... Oh well... I may as well enjoy it while I can... Fluttershy thought. Nonetheless, she smiled and nuzzled their noses sweetly. “I feel the same way. I don’t want this wonderful moment to end... Oh, Dashie... Kiss me...” To this, Rainbow’s eyes shot open. Wait wait wait wait! This isn’t how my dreams normally go... ‘Shy is supposed to try to kiss ME and then I wake up! Staring down at the mare beneath her, her gaze softened. No, this is still a dream... Just a better one than most... “I can definitely do that...” She leaned in slowly until her lips were just a few inches away before their lips met. In just a brief moment, both their hearts stopped. The warmth, the feeling: it was real. It was all too real. And within that moment, neither would question why, or how, as it was their moment in time. Oh my gosh... Was about the same thought going through their heads. Fluttershy utterly melted into the moment, lost in the wonderful feeling. The touch of their lips felt real, unlike in any dream she’d had. A strange, warm, but soft smoothness covering her mouth. She gently and slowly applied pressure, snuggling more against her companion. Heart pounding, insides melting and bursting, she was in pure heaven. The creamy yellow mare gently ran her hoof through the soft rainbow strands, the other caressing Dash’s cheek. Rainbow’s mind was all, but shut down. She was almost fighting the urge to fall asleep within moment of utter bliss. As she finally pulled away, she was completely breathless. All the air in her lungs was gone from a moment of absolute bliss. “Woah... That was...” Rainbow Dash stumbled in her speech as she tried to talk. “Wow...” Blushing immensely and giggling with glee, Fluttershy sighed dreamily. She felt so light-headed, her heart pounded, and continuous shivers coursed up her spine. She looked down at the dazed mare beneath her, beginning to smile more. “Oh Rainbow...” the creamy yellow pegasus cooed, laying their foreheads together. “That was wonderful... wow...” The two pegasi gazed at one another, now at a loss for words. Their kiss had been unlike anything they’d ever felt, let alone how it felt to share it with each other. While they didn’t communicate in words, they slowly leaned in for more, their eyes closing... “Hiya girls!” A third voice rang out of nowhere. Without any signs of approach, a pink maned head popped up in between the two pegasi. “What’cha doin’?!” “Meep!” Both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sat up, all four legs around each other, cheek to cheek; staring wide-eyed at Pinkie Pie. Said pony looked at them with a big, curious grin. “You guys were kissing?! You were! Wow! That’s sooooo adorable! Why didn’t you tell me?! You two are so cute together and you didn’t let me see you kiss?! That’s the cutest thing ever!” Pinkie gushed, clapping her hooves with delight. “Awww, you gotta tell me next time! That’s just awesomely cutetastic! Get it?! It’s cute and fantastic, but I couldn’t use both... so I combined the two! Cutetastic!” Rainbow Dash’s mind was now finally catching up to the rest of the world. This... This isn’t a dream?! I just made out with my best friend?! For real?! That’s actually kind of aweso- NO! Not awesome! Oh man... Why?! “Pinkie, you got it all wrong!” Dash quickly shouted. I wasn’t dreaming! It was happening! I kissed Rainbow! Oh my gosh, it was nothing like I imagined it... it was even better... She kissed me! I kissed her... we kissed! Oh my goodness! Fluttershy thought to herself. “Got it all wrong? But how can I, Dashie? Flutters was lying on top of you, you two were snuggling, she had a hoof in your mane and on your cheek...” Pinkie pantomimed the actions and gestures, giggling. “You two were looking at each other with these dazed, lovey-dovey smiles, and you were leaning close, letting your lips slowly come together! That’s the telltale sign that two ponies are going to get all kissy-kissy!” “Well, you thought wrong then!” Dash shot back. “Flutters here just fell on me and was, uh, makin’ sure I wasn’t hurt!” she defended as she blushed a bit more. “...No, I wasn’t...” Fluttershy mumbled sadly. As much as she realized that it was just how Dash reacted to some things, especially this, she couldn’t help but feel a little bit hurt. What had happened to the moment? Did Dash truly believe it was a dream? Then it had to be her honest feelings, wasn’t it? So many questions... Pinkie poked Dash on the snout. “Now Dashie, what have I told you about lying?! That’s not nice!” Rainbow Dash became rather flustered by this. “I’m not lying! I just... Gah, whatever! As if I would ever... ‘Shy, I’m gonna call it day and split... Later!” Rainbow Dash took off for home hastily, without so much as waiting for a reply from either of her two friends. Stricken, Fluttershy looked and felt as if she were going to burst into tears. Her stomach knotted, her heart dropped to her stomach, and she felt as if her legs had gone numb. Trembling, the creamy mare couldn’t stop the tears pooling in her eyes. “...Fluttershy?” Pinkie said softly, coming up beside her. “...Are you okay?” Fluttershy came to the realization that Pinkie was once more talking to her directly, but her tears were still falling. She tried to wipe some away, but it was useless, more or less. The timid mare sniffled and shook her head, trying to find her voice. “I’ll... I’ll be o-okay, Pinkie...” Fluttershy spoke up, softly. Pinkie looked at her friend sadly, bringing a foreleg around her shoulders. “I’m sorry she said that, Fluttershy... That wasn’t nice. But you know Dashie... she was nervous, put on the spot... and she just... said something she didn’t mean because of it. I don’t believe a word she just said, but I’m sorry it hurt you...” Fluttershy heard her friend’s words, but it made little difference at the time. She was far too lost in her own thoughts. It was a maze of emotion and confusion where she had no real answers and stranger still, no real thoughts on the matter. In the past, she would go to Rainbow Dash for help, but seeing how she was part of the situation at hoof, ‘Shy could not do that. “I... I know. She just needs time to think... I guess. I might too...” Fluttershy responded after a few minutes of silence. “Um, well!” Pinkie looked as if she just remembered something. “You’re going to have to do that later, Flutters. The reason I’m out here was because I needed to find you. Twilight wants to see you and me for something!” Fluttershy gave the party pony an odd look when she said that. “Pinkie... I’m not really sure if I’m up to it right now... But, um, what was it Twilight wanted to see us for?” “I don’t know! She just said for us to go over to the library. It shouldn’t take too long, Flutters!” Pinkie said, smiling again. “You should come, just to get your mind off of this for a while! Then, once you’ve had some fun, got to do something else, you’ll be able to tackle the subject with a clear mind, approach Dashie, and finally tell her you love her!” “L-Love her...? How do you...?” Fluttershy was trying her best to come up with a response, but was drawing a blank with how to proceed. “Nevermind... I do suppose that you could be right and this might help me get my mind off this for a bit...” The pink earth pony grinned widely. “Great! Then let’s go, Flutters! Up up and away! To infinity and beyond!” With that, she scooped up Fluttershy onto her back, and made a run back to Ponyville. XXXX Within the Ponyville library, a certain alicorn paced across the floor in a frenzied manner. Twilight Sparkle was worried, as anyone would be if they had sent one of their friends to track down someone during what could be described as the beginning of a storm. She paced the room while Spike stood by to watch, her mind reeling from the situation. “Don’t worry about it, Twilight! They can take care of themselves, and it looks like the storm hasn’t even started yet,” Spike said, trying to coax her. “I know, Spike, but still...” Twilight looked over to her assistant with a worried look. “The storm is picking up a lot faster than usual. And I need them here before it gets too bad.” Looking out the window, Spike could see that she was right. While it was beginning to rain a bit, it still wasn’t horribly bad, but if it did pick up... “You may be right, Twilight. But you know Pinkie, she always finds a way to make things work in her favour...” Spike said this lightly, despite how much weight it carried. “And when it comes to Fluttershy, she can be resourceful. But either way, they do have legs. They’ll just run.” As if on cue, a crack of thunder rung in the air as a light rainfall began to set in. This made the alicorn jump a bit, making her rush over to a nearby window. Twilight was amazed at how dark it had gotten in such a short time frame and at the rate the rain had come. She let out a sigh turning back to face Spike. “See what I mean? I hope nothing too bad has happened...” Twilight spoke up. Lightning flashed, followed by a loud crash of thunder. The loud sound of rain rapidly pelting against the window was then heard, to which the two peered out the window; only to see that the storm had indeed picked up. A lot faster than expected. “Oh, man! They’re going to get soaked out there!” Spike realized, concern etched on his features. Twilight opened her mouth to respond, only for rapid knocking to sound at the front door. Using her magic, she opened the door, revealing two very wet ponies in the form of Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. It especially looked comical on the latter of the two, what with her normally poofy, curly hair, now a limp blanket around her face. “Oh, thank Celestia, you both made it here all right!” Twilight smiled, as she made her way over to them. “I hope you weren’t caught out there for too long.” She motioned over to her assistant. “Spike, would you please go get some towels so they can dry off?” Spike nodded, heading to the bathroom to fetch the towels. “Of course we’re okay, Twi-Twi!” Pinkie greeted, hugging her. “Always!” Fluttershy merely nodded, not saying anything. But it was clear by her expression that she was very troubled about something. Twilight flinched a bit as Pinkie involuntarily got her wet. “Yes, I should have known...” She glanced over at Fluttershy and noticed her odd look. “Fluttershy, are you...?” the alicorn started to say as she tried to break free of the hug with Pinkie, only to be held tighter. “Pinkie, would you kindly stop trying to remove my head?” “Oh, sorry!” Pinkie kissed her forehead, in a sweet manner, then let her go. Twilight was very confused as to why Pinkie had kissed her forehead, but quickly wrote it off as her friend being herself. “I’m fine,” Fluttershy said flatly, sitting down on her haunches. She didn’t bother to make direct eye contact, as her mind was somewhere else. Why did Dash say those things and just leave like that... I know she’s never been one to romance, but I was just so sure that... that just maybe... she would drop her defences for me. Let me see her vulnerable... No, no, Fluttershy. Remember what Pinkie said. I have to calm down and clear my head... The timid mare picked her head up a bit. “So, Twilight, what was it you wanted to see us for?” Clearly unconvinced, Twilight decided to tackle that subject later. “Well, Fluttershy, I’m glad you asked.” She cleared her throat. “Have either of you ever heard of multiverse theory?” “Not really, no,” Fluttershy responded, a bit absently. Pinkie grinned widely. “I’ve heard lots of things! Multi-verse? Sounds like a song with a lot of verses! The Multi-Verse Song!” Twilight suppressed a light giggle from hearing Pinkie Pie’s answer. “No, no, multiverse theory. It's also called the ‘meta-universe’ theory as well. You see, the theory states that there is the hypothetical set of infinite or finite possible universes, including the historical universe we consistently experience that together comprise everything that exists and can exist: the entirety of space, time, matter, and energy as well as the physical laws and constants that describe them.” She looked to her friends to see if they understood what was said to them. “I know this is a little difficult to follow, but let me explain. In simpler words, it’s thought that there’s a reality for every single possible outcome of everything that has ever happened, could have happened, did happen, and what may or may not have happened afterwards.” “Oooohhh! That’s so cool, Twilight!” Pinkie bounced on the spot, excited for the possibilities. “I always wondered if there were other me’s out there! Maybe there’s another me who’s, I don’t know, a pig! Or a hamster! Ooh! A cute little hamster! Yeah! Maybe in another universe, I’m a monkey! Or a great big crocodile!” As the party pony prattled on about the possibilities, Fluttershy spoke up. “Um... so, what does this have to do with Pinkie and me?” To this, Twilight smiled brightly. “Everything. You see... lately, I’ve been researching the topic a lot and found, what I believe, to be an error in the original calculations, meaning, there are not an infinite number of possible realities. However, I need assistance to see if I’m wrong. Pinkie is here to help with the equation, as she is just chaotic enough to act as the unknown variable that I need. You, on the other hoof, are the key factorial.” “Uh-huh! Go on!” Pinkie nodded, sitting down in front of Twilight and looking at her intently. “....What do you mean by that?” asked a very confused Fluttershy. She looked to Twilight with uncertainty. “What am I supposed to do?” Twilight gave her a reassuring smile as she walked over to the stairs. “You just have to be here. You see, I need a focal point so as to peer into the veil of this ‘meta-universe’ to see if there is or is not an infinite number of a single pony. I can’t use myself, as I’m casting the spell. I couldn’t use Pinkie, as she is acting as the unknown variable. Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash have too strong of personality traits to trace over. And Spike is afraid that he’ll explode or some such nonsense...” The alicorn breathed out with a sigh before looking back up. “So really, you’re perfect for this. With your passive personality and reclusive nature, tracing over all possible versions of you would be much more simple... assuming that you are the shyest ‘you’, but even then, you would make the best choice for this!” The creamy yellow pegasus still looked a bit uncertain. She bit her lip, considering this, managing to have caught on to the gist of what Twilight was explaining. A nervous, uncertain feeling pooled in her gut, coupled with intrigue at the matter. Whatever this all came to be, it sounded like something beyond her own reach. But as long as it was nothing too harmful or dangerous; she was growing more and more curious to see how it all worked and what would happen. “So... you’re asking me to overlook the other possibilities...?” Fluttershy confirmed. “In a sense, yes...” Twilight gestured for her friends to follow her upstairs. “Come up here and we can get started.” Pinkie and Fluttershy exchanged glances before the pink earth pony bounded up after Twilight. Fluttershy, however, was still puzzled about all of this. “W-Where are we going? How does this work?” Fluttershy followed after them both. “Just to the second floor, Fluttershy,” Twilight said reassuringly. “I’ve got most of everything set up already.” As the group entered the alcove of the second floor, Fluttershy was quick to note minor differences within the room. The telescope that normally stood by the window was moved over and set aside, with the window itself shut tightly as the rain pounded down against it on the other side. Most of the floor was cleared of anything, feeling somewhat larger than usual. There were also several markers on the floor as well, which she assumed were placed by Twilight. Taking in everything, Pinkie nodded with clear approval, before sitting down on her haunches. She looked to Twilight expectantly, seeming to be waiting for something. Following her example, Fluttershy sat down as well, hoping Twilight would finally offer a simple, straight answer about their tasks and how it all worked. “I’m going to need you two to sit on the markers I placed. They’re designed to connect you both with the spell that I’m going to cast. Pinkie, you sit there on the right. Fluttershy, you’re on the left.” Twilight instructed. “Okay, Twi-Twi!” Pinkie did as she was told. Nodding, Fluttershy sat on her marker, too. Twilight observed the two carefully as she gave the next set of directions. “Okay then... Pinkie, I want you to just think like you do normally, all sporadic and what not. Can you do that?” Pinkie looked at her in a “duh” manner before grinning. “Well, of course, Twi-Twi!” “Good. Now, Fluttershy, you have to do something a little different.” Twilight started to explain. “I need you to think of just one thing and focus on that. You need to able stay on that one thing and not lose your thoughtline. As you’re acting as our focal point, you have to stay on key and remain calm. Will you be able to do that?” “...I-I’ll try...” Fluttershy murmured, nodding. “Excellent.” Twilight Sparkle smiled as she moved over to the third maker on the floor and the book beside it. “Now then, if you’re both ready, we can attempt our first try... To think, we’re about to peel back the very fabric of space-time and see what no pony has ever dreamed of before! This is really exciting!” She gushed for a moment. “Are you two ready?” Pinkie saluted. “I’m ready, baby!” “I-I’m ready too, Twilight...” Fluttershy nodded slowly. With a smirk, Twilight read off the spell to herself one final time before looking up. “Then let’s begin...” Igniting her horn, magic surrounded it, before its streams coursed along toward the other two ponies. It surrounded Pinkie and Fluttershy, encasing them within magical bubbles. The markings on the floor reacted with flashes, as if pulsating. Both Pinkie and Fluttershy sat, eyes closed, trembling ever slightly in reaction to the magic, but otherwise remained where they were, perfectly calm. Fluttershy felt her nerves tense ever so slightly, but kept her eyes closed nevertheless. I just have to think of one thought and stay focused on it... she reminded herself. ... Rainbow Dash... I knew that she would be my one thought, she always is... but... why does she have to be so... closed off? Why can’t she let me see her soft side? We’ve known one another since we were fillies, so... is it really too much to ask for? I want to believe that she really does care about me... that she loves me the way I love her, but... why won’t she try? As the spell continued, the timid mare found herself in deep thought. Pinkie, meanwhile, was having different kinds of thoughts. Oooh... hee hee... Twilight and me having a picnic... all warm and cuddly under the sun... Ooh! I see a butterfly! Twi-Twi wants to go after it, it looks like a rare butterfly species... but I kiss her and hold her, telling her to just relax and have fun... with me... She relaxes on the blanket next to me, smiling her sweet pretty smile.... Oh, I think I’m going to kiss her! So cute! I have to keep watching! Twilight watched her two friends within the spell’s engulfment, as the very thing she was hoping for was unfolding. In the middle of the room a small rip appeared in the very air itself, pulling back ever so slightly, revealing a void. Of what, Twilight could not explain. “This is... beyond anything I could have hoped for! This is almost like a reality nexus, all connected by a single pony in this exact moment...” Twilight spoke breathlessly. “Girls, you can open your eyes, but don’t lose your thoughts or move from your spots! This is... astounding.” Fluttershy remained, having heard, but was too lost in her thoughts. Pinkie, however, opened her eyes and grinned widely at Twilight. “This is so cool, Twi-Twi! I see a lot of things! I see me! I see you, too!” Pinkie gushed. Twilight gave Pinkie an odd look. “Pinkie, what are you talking about? I don’t see either of us... unless... Now I understand. As time and space are subject to personal thought, you see things different than I do as this is a place that the two intersect...” Twilight nodded in agreement with herself. “Regardless, this ‘nexus’ is incredibly vast! But, is this truly infinite? Or is it a set number of infinites? This is just too much...” “What, can you see something differently?” Pinkie tilted her head. “What do you see, Twi-Twi? Can I see?” “I’m afraid it doesn’t work like that, Pinkie...” Twilight sighed a bit, trying not to facehoof. “It’s a matter of personal perception. I see what I want; you see what you want. As for what I see... I see a multiverse as a whole with a countless number of possible ‘rifts’ that all show something different.” “Ohhhh! Well I see us together! We’re having a picnic! It’s so nice!” Pinkie giggled. “Flutters? What do you see?” Fluttershy did not respond, her own thoughts too demanding at the time. Oh, Rainbow... Why are you so... so... distant with me? Why can’t you just drop your mask just a little bit for me...? I want to be there for you... to love you... so why won’t you let me? “Pinkie, it might be best if you don’t break her line of thought.” Twilight advised. “If she does, the rift will close and we’ll have to recast the spell later. I’m not sure if I have enough magic for that today.” Pinkie glanced at Fluttershy, then back at the alicorn. “Okay, Twi! Sooo, can I come and see? I wanna see what you are! Where’s this void? Where’s all this-” There was a sudden jolt as Pinkie stepped away from her mark, moving, and therefore, breaking her train of thought. All around her, the stream of magic dissipated, as did the pulsating of the mark on the floor. It then surrounded Fluttershy, growing stronger and stronger. The timid mare, however, remained where she was, eyes closed, as if she didn’t feel a thing. “Uh... what’s going on?” Pinkie blinked, staring with wide eyes at the display. “I’m... not sure!” Twilight said panicked as she stepped back. “The spell didn’t account for a pony acting as both a variable and vocal point! Plus, this isn’t my magic anymore! It’s... It’s the rift! It’s forcing the connection to stay open!” A bright flash of magical light erupted from the magic surrounding Fluttershy, which had her screaming. Worse off, they now couldn’t even see Fluttershy within all of it. All they could hear was her screaming. Worried, and nearly blinded, Twilight and Pinkie tried to rush in to her aid. But whatever force was surrounding her was repelling them. Even trying to dispel it, Twilight had no luck, and began to panic. “Twilight! What’s happening to her?! This is isn’t good!” Pinkie cried, grabbing onto her with fear. “Flutters!” Twilight grabbed onto Pinkie Pie as well, feeling the rift as it caused the entire room to shake. “I don’t know! She’s somehow tethered to something on the other side! In another reality or something!” Her eyes darted about, noticing the rift beginning to close in on itself slowly. “Pinkie! We have to close it, now! I’ll try to cancel the spell, go over to where your maker was!” “I’ll try!” Pinkie promised. She released the alicorn, rushing back to where her marker was. Over where Fluttershy was... or used to be, the magic, still opaque and hiding her, was only growing. It was now a swirling vortex, like a tornado, though they couldn’t feel any force of a wind. Twilight once again tried to cancel the spell, at least enough to get the rift under control. This time, she had to pour all her energy into it, using whatever strength she had left. Her magic surrounded the vortex, neutralizing its power and flow. But then it grew bright again, rising. Twilight struggled, keeping it as neutralized as she could. Pinkie, noticing this, closed her eyes and tried to think hard. Both concentrated, trying all they could to stop this. All at once, the magic faded. Fluttershy fell to the floor, face down, looking no different than before and yet, her mane and tail appeared to be shorter... But as Pinkie gazed upon her, she knew something just wasn’t right. Not that she could put her hoof on it. Either way, something had gone wrong. “Twi-Twi... I think something’s wrong with Flutters...” Twilight looked over at Fluttershy with a sense that Pinkie was right. “...Fluttershy? Are you okay?” Groaning, as if in pain, Fluttershy managed to sit up, showing that something was very wrong, indeed. Her mane looked considerably shorter, ears pierced and her eyes looked fierce. She rubbed her head a bit, managing to open her eyes. For a few moments, the creamy yellow mare held her head, blinking her eyes and looking around her. A frustrated groan sounded from her before she turned to Twilight, glaring at her. “I’m fine, Twilight! No thanks to you and your magic tricks! What the hay were you doing this time?! I was just at home, minding my own business, and now I’m here?! In the library?! If you’re going to teleport me around, at least tell me first! What’s your problem?!” Fluttershy said loudly, and quite crankily. Pinkie’s jaw dropped as she stared wildly at the pegasus. She turned to Twilight, looking for an answer. “Um... Twi-Twi?” “No, Pinkie... I have no idea what’s going on...” Twilight spoke almost shushed. Fluttershy noticed Pinkie there, and groaned, facehoofing. “For cryin’ out loud, Twilight! First you drag me here against my will and now you’re just gonna go suck face with Pinkamena?!” She huffed out in irritation. “Geez, Pinks... the least you could do is keep her on a shorter leash for me!”