//------------------------------//
// In which the Mane 6 and the Sonic Trio encounter their Second Problem 
// Story: The Unfortunate Secret Story of Us 
// by Commander Rainstorm 
//------------------------------//



"Well, this is going considerately well." Twilight said, visibly relaxing.

The group had been hiking towards the castle, and had encountered quite a few problems concerning water, bubbles, and embarrassment. They preferred not to talk about it. But these minor problems would never compare or prepare them for the upcoming problem...

Up ahead they heard a roar. A oddly familiar roar to Twilight. As the the beast came out of the shadows, Twilight realized what, exactly, had roared.

"I think I just jinked it. Right mister... Man... Manticore?" She said, shrinking as the Manticore towered above her.

Suddenly, the three Sonic sisters glared menacingly at the Manticore, that made even the great beast cower in fear.

"Nopony" Rainbow said icily "hurts" Solarflare glared at the manticore, "my" Rainstorm's wings were flared out, "FRIENDS!" They shouted in unison.

They took off, blurs, shattering into Sonic Rainbooms, charging at the manticore head on.

"STOP!" The three sisters back-pedaled, crashing into a tree. Every eye turned to the source of the voice. They were all surprised to see Fluttershy. Walking calmly up to the manticore, she nuzzled his paw. Purring, the great beast turned it over. There lay a thorn, which Fluttershy ohhhhed at in sympathy. 

"This will only hurt for a while." Fluttershy said reassuringly. The other ponies jaws were currently on the floor. With a dramatic flourish, Fluttershy pulled out the thorn. The manticore roared, ponies closing their eyes in horror, almost afraid to open them. When they did, they found Fluttershy, the manticore licking her mane. When the beast finally let go and went into the forest, her mane was sticking up, like a wave of water. 

Twilight smiled. "Fluttershy. Eternally kind."