Chapter 6: Invitation
"Um, Twilight? Do you really think this is a good idea?"
"Just because you breathed fire doesn't mean it's not a good idea. I'll simply make a note of the ones... Like that one."
Fluttershy had grown more and more scared of shouting since she realised what she was capable of. Though Twilight knew this, she had to keep pressing Fluttershy to learn. Deep down, Fluttershy also knew, but even if she knew things, she might still be scared of them.
"Um, I still don't know..."
"Just relax Fluttershy. What's the worst that could happen?"
"That." She said, pointing a hoof behind them.
Twilight groaned.
"It doesn't matter now, we're almost there."
Twilight and Fluttershy approached the wooden shack and knocked loudly on the door. After a second or two, a white-with-black-stripes zebra greeted them.
"Ah, my friends from Ponyville. Do you have injuries? Or perhaps the flu?"
"No, it's nothing like that." Explained Twilight.
"We're here because of Fluttershy's special ability."
Zecora motioned for them to come inside. After a lengthy explanation and several apologies for lighting the forest on fire, Zecora spoke up.
"In order to learn more, you must find a teacher. Living high in the mountains, he is an ancient creature. An old and wise dragon, who speaks the language. And he goes by the name of Sahrotzul."
"Which way do we go?"
"You must head north, through the cold. Past the icy plains, and to the top of the world."
"Thanks Zecora. We really should be heading off now."
Zecora was about to say goodbye, when Fluttershy stole Twilight's attention. Twilight noticed she was breathing somewhat quickly, as well.
"I can't do it! I can't do it! What about all the animals?? And the cold!? And the dragon!?!"
"Fluttershy, calm down! We'll go together! I'll help you talk to the dragon! And Spike will take care of Angel and the others, just calm down!"
"...I guess... I could... Leave for a few days?"
"Oh, thank Celestia you've seen reason! Let's go back to Ponyville and pack some things."
"...Okay."
"Great!"
Fluttershy and Twilight exchanged goodbyes with Zecora, before heading off. A short while down the track, Twilight had a thought.
"What if the others joined us? It would be great fun, all six of us, adventuring, camping out under the stars! Just imagine it, Fluttershy!"
"Oh, um... That sounds nice..." Fluttershy was wary of dragging her friends into another encounter with a dragon, but Twilight could only remember the sleepover with Rarity and Applejack.
"We should invite them all to the library when we get home. And we'll tell them before we pack. What do you think, Fluttershy?"
"Um.. What about the dragon?"
"Hm..." Twilight was puzzled.
"We'll just have to figure it out when we get to it."
"Oh no..."
"Relax, Fluttershy. I'll do all the talking. You should just practice your shouting."
"I guess..."
"And besides, Zecora said this dragon was very wise. I'm sure he will understand why we're visiting."
Fluttershy had nothing more to say. It seemed that she couldn't convince Twilight to change her mind.
Once they were in Ponyville, they were 'greeted' by a surprise visit from their friends.
"Where were y'all? We were worried sick!"
"And what's with the bags?"
"Were you up to something?" Pinkie Pie said, eyeing them curiously.
"We were just visiting Zecora, and we were talking about Fluttershy's shouts."
Rainbow Dash visibly froze for just a second.
"Oh! And there's something we want to ask you. I'll explain on the way to the library."
All five of them followed closely behind Twilight, as she explained everything from the strange book to the dragon, Sahrotzul. Once they were all inside the library, with Spike present, Twilight popped the question.