//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: Secrets // by Final Sunlight //------------------------------// The so called bad side of town, a place where drug dealers, gangs and run down buildings seemed to cover a vast majority of the area. It was a place that Fluttershy really hated, but she was here today on a mission. There was one person who she thought may be able to help Sunset Shimmer, and unfortunately the girl was most likely at the Black Rose. Of course Fluttershy knew this was pretty much suicide if the girl turned her in, but she doubted Maud would. Maud Pie and Fluttershy were friends even before the other girls got together to form their group. Unlike the girl’s little sister, Maud was a full blooded witch with all the power that went with it. Pinkie herself did have witches blood, but her father was a one night stand leaving the girl part human. Even if witches were usually more lax around the rules, the family kept the truth from their youngest. Pinkie was half human after all, her witch’s blood giving her what was dubbed as ‘Pinkie Sense,’ and could be in danger if some of the purest got her alone. That wouldn’t happen since the territory belonged to Celestia, and she protected all of those under her. Finding an old, run down warehouse that had all the windows boarded up, Fluttershy walked around the back next to the loading dock. A heavy steel door was next to the large bay door, graffiti covering most of the building. None of it was relevant though, except for an intricately painted black rose. Black flowers were a symbol of their world, the Night World, a place all around them. It wasn’t another world such as where Sunset came from; it was a secret society among humans that was comprised of all the creatures of the night. Including both Fluttershy and Maud Pie. Ringing the buzzer next to the door, Fluttershy tapped her foot, waiting for the doorman to answer. Moments later a slot slid open in the door with an unfamiliar set of eyes looking her over. “You got the wrong place, kid.” A voice growled out, sounding as if it was male. “I don’t think so.” Fluttershy said as she pulled a necklace out from under her top, letting it fall down on her shirt. She almost growled when the eyes lingered to long on her bust and not the pendant sporting a black rose. Of course she could have gotten black rose jewelry most anywhere, but this was specially made. Only those directly involved with Celestia herself had them, it was a mark showing that one had the woman’s full support and protection. “Damn fang toothed bitch.” The voice growled slamming the slot shut, a moment later opening the door. The boy that stood there couldn’t have been much older than herself, very lanky and smelled of wet dog. He must have been a werewolf, a creature her kind looked down on in general, and having to deal with this one Fluttershy could understand it. Not that she generally shared the view, she agreed with Celestia that all creatures were equal and should be treated as such. “I would appreciate being shown at least some respect.” Fluttershy said as she walked past the boy, her hair moving slightly away from her neck showing enough of a tattoo that resembled an intricately detailed bat symbol, much like a tribal marking, which made the boy whimper. She made sure it showed just to get that reaction, as only her family was allowed to have the marking. If anyone else even dared to get even a copy of it, they were killed by her grandfather Lord Tempesh. “I’m sorry Lady Tempesh.” The boy whimpered, backing away as he looked up in fright at her making Fluttershy sigh. Maybe she went too far scaring the poor wolf. “It’s okay, sweetie, I’m not Lord Tempesh. I’m not going to hurt you.” Fluttershy said softly. “You are only doing your job, and you are doing it well.” “Thank you my Lady.” The wolf whimpered bowing, making Fluttershy roll her eyes. “You’re very welcome, now if you will excuse me, I have to see if my friend is here.” Fluttershy said as she turned from the boy and stepped through the curtain. The inside of the warehouse looked as if it was something completely different. There were soft lights illuminating the place with a large floor for dancing, where many people were doing so. There was also a large bar, a row of stools before it, and a section with tables and booths for people to relax at. “Merry meet, Fluttershy.” Maud said, swirling a green colored drink with a tiny umbrella in a glass before taking a sip from the straw. “Merry meet, Maud Pie.” Fluttershy said, returning the greeting as she sat in the booth across from Maud. Even if she wasn’t one of Maud’s kind, she respected the witch and her traditions. Thankfully she was a member of Circle Twilight, named after a Princess of their kind that was said to be a direct descendant of Hecate herself. She kind of wondered more than once if there was any relation to the Princess that was here not long ago, but never even seen a picture of the witch so didn’t really know. Circle Twilight was more open than the other two main circles, Circle Midnight being the worse as they tended to hate any non witch. “So, shouldn’t you be in school?” Maud asked, her mood seeming tome its normal dour state. The whole family was actually like that, except for Pinkie Pie, which Fluttershy never understood. Surely Pinkie could see how different she was and figure out that she had a different father. “Not really, something important has come up.” Fluttershy sighed, looking down at the candle lightly flickering between the two. “Welcome to the Black Rose, may I offer you a drink or something to eat?” A waitress asked, getting Fluttershy to look up. A dark skinned woman with light blue hair pulled back in a ponytail stood there, looking every bit the stereotypical goth, dark makeup, ripped stockings and all. Fluttershy knew exactly what she was, something that was unnatural. A species that was made through a combination of magic and science messing around with a were’s DNA. The ones responsible were quickly executed almost three hundred years ago, but Celestia had stood up for the results of the experiment which gave the changelings a chance at life. “Do you have any blood on hand?” Fluttershy asked, making the woman pale slightly. Only one species would ask for blood, and that was the species that hated the changelings the most except for a very few such as Celestia herself. There was only maybe a few dozen in existence, and all of them lived here in Canterlot. “Yes, my Lady.” The woman managed to say through her fear. “Please don’t fear me, I promise I won’t hurt you.” Fluttershy said making the woman smile a bit. “What kind do you have?” “At the moment we only have some O-negative, not many of you come in here seeking it.” The woman explained, though Fluttershy already knew that not many drank it. It wasn’t as effective as if it was when taken straight from the vein. It was also thought to be taboo for many of Fluttershy’s kind, thought to be dirty or disgusting. Fluttershy however preferred it this way than taking it from a person, though she did. She may have needed regular food, but it was an absolute necessity to get plenty of blood unless she wanted to go into a bloodrage. “That would be great, thank you. I’m not really hungry for food.” Fluttershy replied to the woman, smiling as she bowed her head before hurrying off to get the teen’s drink. “So, what’s up, you hardly ever come this side.” Maud asked, completely right in her statement. Fluttershy preferred to avoid this side of town since she was considered a freak and weak among her kind. While many may respect and fear her family, some of the lamia saw Fluttershy as an affront to their kind seeing how she was too soft in their opinion. Even softer than Celestia herself. “Actually, I needed to ask you a question.” Fluttershy said, shifting her seat as she looked across the table at the witch. “Is there any spells that can cure cancer?” “I love you like a sister, Fluttershy, so I’m going to give you a piece of advice. Don’t bother.” Maud sighed, “I may not report you, but any other sane person would.” “What are you talking about?” Fluttershy squeaked out nervously. “I’m not stupid, you are in love. You come in here with a determination I barely ever see in you. You aren’t acting like the shy, scared little lamia you are. Whatever this is, it is serious and I know for a fact your kind doesn’t get cancer. The only night person who can are witches, and we know our bodies so well we can feel it before it ever starts and get rid of it.” Maud explained, “The only reason you have to ask is if one of your little friends has cancer, one that you care for much more than just a friend. Tell me the most important laws of the Night World.” “Don’t tell a human about the Night World.” Fluttershy sighed, “And don’t fall in love with a human.” “Correct, and from what I see you have most likely already broke one law. Don’t break the other; I don’t want to see you get hurt.” Maud said as she drained the rest of her drink. Pulling out a few bills she dropped them on the table as she stood up. “Blessed be, Fluttershy.” “Blessed be, Maud Pie.” Fluttershy mumbled as she watched her fiend walk towards the exit. It looked like there wasn’t an easy way to do what she needed, but could she do the only thing she knew of to save Sunset? It was risky on so many levels and the girl may end up hating Fluttershy. Being a lamia, Fluttershy could age as much as she wanted and could have children. She was actually pretty much human in that respect. If she turned Sunset though, the girl wouldn’t be like Fluttershy. Sunset would be trapped at the age she is now, unable to have children in the future if she wanted. It was more of a curse than a blessing for those that were turned, but would dying painfully be any better? Fluttershy wasn’t sure, but she was sure she wouldn’t be able to live easily without Sunset being in her life in one form or another.