//------------------------------// // - XXIX - // Story: Solem Perditum // by PropMaster //------------------------------// - XXIX - The group of ponies arrived at Fluttershy’s house at the edge of the forest without incident. The walk had been a placid one, with Pinkie Pie chatting animatedly the entire time. Light Stride chuckled, and whispered to Celestia, “Even if she is just an illusion, she sure seems like the real Pinkie Pie.” Celestia smiled. “Of course. I know her personality very well. Twilight Sparkle has written to me about her at length.” Light Stride glanced up at Celestia. “I’m surprised you didn’t go to get Princess Twilight Sparkle first.” “Some things are best saved for last, I think,” Celestia replied, and approached the little cottage. The rest of the group waited at the small bridge over the stream in front of the house, talking amongst themselves. Celestia knocked gently on the door, careful to not sound too imposing. She called softly, “Miss Fluttershy? Are you here?” Celestia heard a squeaking noise from inside, and then silence. Celestia sighed, smiling, and opened the door. The house was dark and empty, and totally still... except for a trembling pile of blankets huddled on top of a nearby couch. Celestia approached the shaking blanket pile. “Fluttershy?” “H-hello?” a soft voice replied. “Fluttershy, it’s Princess Celestia. I’d like to talk with you, please,” Celestia asked. “Mommy?” Celestia took a step back as the blankets were flung aside, revealing a tiny canary-yellow filly. Her little wings quivered, and her lanky legs shook unsteadily, and she beamed up at Celestia from behind pink bangs. Celestia smiled back uncertainly. “Fluttershy, is that you?” “Mommy!” the filly cried, leaping off the couch to run to Celestia’s leg and clinging to it with a soft hug. “I was worried you weren’t coming back, and I got scared!” “I... um...” Celestia stammered, her ears flattening back. “Oh dear.” The younger Fluttershy looked up at Celestia with wide blue eyes full of concern. “Mommy? Is everything okay?” “Yes, Fluttershy, everything is fine. I’m just confused,” Celestia responded, looking down at the filly as a smile spread across her face. She was just so cute. Celestia knelt down to Fluttershy’s level, smiling at her gently. “Fluttershy, do you know who I am?” Fluttershy giggled, beaming at her. “Yes!” “I’m Princess Celestia.” “My Mommy!” Celestia frowned slightly. This was going to be hard. “Do you remember who you are? The Element of Kindness.” Fluttershy nodded slowly, looking shy. “Yes.” “Do you remember Pinkie Pie, and Rarity, and all the rest of your friends?” Celestia asked. “Yes,” Fluttershy softly replied. “That’s good. But, my little pony, I must be honest with you.” Celestia steeled herself for whatever was about to happen. “I’m... not your mother.” Fluttershy stared at Celestia, confusion evident on her face. “Y-you’re... not?” “No. I am your friend, Fluttershy... but I have not had a foal. I never have.” Fluttershy’s legs shook, and she sat down heavily, hiding her face behind her mane. A small sniffle sounded from behind her long pink bangs. “Oh...” “I need your help, though, Fluttershy,” Celestia said gently. Fluttershy didn’t respond, shaking slightly, before she squeaked something so quietly that it was unintelligible. Celestia leaned closer to her. “Speak up, my little pony.” “Wh-...why can’t you be my mommy?" she implored tearfully. Celestia swallowed hard, and reached out with one wing, pulling the crying filly close to her. She bent down, comforting Fluttershy. “I am sorry, but I can not be your mother. I wish...” Celestia paused for a moment, fighting for control of her emotions, but she felt tears come anyway. “...I wish I could be.” Fluttershy leaned into Celestia, crying quietly, and Celestia comforted her, and took comfort from the filly’s presence. Fluttershy spoke again, after a few minutes. “C-can... can we pretend, then?” Celestia giggled softly, a sound halfway between a laugh and a sob. “Okay.” Fluttershy smiled up at Celestia, her little face streaked with tears. “That sounds... nice.” “I think so too,” Celestia whispered. A few quiet minutes later, Celestia stood up, and Fluttershy tucked herself in at Celestia’s side, and together they left the cottage.