//------------------------------// // Confrontations // Story: A Hoof In Two Worlds // by Raven Smite //------------------------------// A Hoof in Two Worlds ‘Confrontations’ Tory opened his eyes to find himself and his friends inside Zecora‘s hut once more. A green light covered the room, casting long, menacing shadows along the walls. Looking behind him, Tory saw the large cauldron, with Zecora on the other end. She smiled at them, and walked over. “Good to see that you are back,” she rhymed. “It seems that courage you do not lack.” “Glad to be back Zecora!” Tory said to the zebra. He looked over his shoulders at his friends. “Especially since I have them with me.” Cory was looking around the room with interest. Beside him, Fluttershy had returned to her original form, her beautiful pegasus form. She looked at him with eyes that said, ‘I still love you, even if it is forbidden!’ Then Cory turned around, and noticed Zecora. With a speed that rivaled Rainbow Dash’s, the teen dashed over to her and wrapped her in a large hug. “Holy awesome sauce of Equestria!” He said. “I’m actually here aren’t I?!” “Would you be so kind as to release me now?” Zecora breathed out. “It’s quite like being crushed by a cow!” Cory reluctantly put the zebra down, and stepped back embarrassed. Zecora huffed once, and turned to Tory. “For what reason did you bring him by?” she asked. “We have no need for another human guy.” “Cory is more knowledgeable of Equestria than I am,” Tory responded. “Plus I couldn’t leave behind my closest friend!” Before Zecora could respond, her cauldron exploded in green light, and another figure popped out. When the light died, everyone saw the newest arrival. But none of them could have been more shocked than Tory. Standing before them, was Grace. “G-Grace?!” Tory exclaimed. “What are you doing here?!” “Tory?” she said. “Where are we? What’s going on, and why did you leave?” Zecora stepped back, complete shock on her face. How had this girl managed to follow them through? Why were all of these humans flocking to her? She was about to order the girl and strange haired teen out, but a look from Tory told her to not speak a word. Zecora didn’t know why she should be silent in her own home, but something bitting at the back of her brain said that maybe it would be a good idea to see how things played out. “Grace, calm down.” Tory said slowly. “Don’t do anything rash. I’m willing to explain, but you have to trust me, and relax.” Grace began to breathe deeply, and let herself sink to her knees. Tory looked at Fluttershy, his eyes asking if he could help the poor girl. She had girlfriend rights, and Tory sure as hell wasn’t going to keep them from her. He had spent the entire third day explaining how relationships on Earth worked. Fluttershy nodded, and Tory crouched down beside his old friend. He placed his arms around her shoulders, and she leaned into him. Cory watched on in silence, his eyes never leaving the scene that unfolded in front of him. Grace listened quietly as Tory told her everything, from how he became a brony, to leaving Earth the second time. He omitted some details, but that was because what happened between him and Fluttershy, stayed between him and Fluttershy. “You mean to tell me,” Grace said slowly. “That you were pulled into a world by a ZEBRA, and given a second chance at life among HORSES? Do you take me for some lunatic?!” “Grace, I’m serious,” Tory said sternly. “Is it so hard to believe, when you came through a portal not even five minutes ago? Besides, they aren’t horses, they’re ponies. More specifically, unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies. There are no humans here, besides us.” Grace just looked at Tory like he was crazy. She had thought he had changed, but he still seemed like the childish idiot he’d always been. She shook her head. If Tory didn’t want to tell her the truth, then he should just say so. He shouldn’t have to lie so lamely. “I see you’re not going to believe me,” Tory said with a sigh. “Okay Fluttershy, I guess you’re the only one who can make her see. Cory, get behind her so she doesn’t knock anything over.” Cory took a few steps, and positioned himself at an angle that was in line with Grace and Fluttershy. The pegasus walked up to the girl, and spread her wings as wide as they would go. She kicked off the ground, and let her wings carry her weight. Grace fell backwards onto Cory, who simply stared in awe. He didn’t remember Fluttershy being so beautiful! Her wings spread out beside her gave the pegasus an angelic look. Her pink hair held this bounce he had not seen in the show, yet her eyes remained as soft as ever. Cory understood why Tory felt so fond of her now. But one question still buzzed through his mind. If Fluttershy was this attractive, what did Twilight look like? “Please don’t be afraid, Grace,” Fluttershy said in her gentle tone. “I won’t hurt you.” “Th-that voice!” Grace stuttered. “I-it’s you!” “Easy now,” Tory said calmly. “We never meant any harm. Fluttershy wouldn’t even hurt a fly, am I right Cory?” The teen nodded, unsure of what he agreed to. He’d been thinking about everything that would change for him. Things would be so different from now on. No longer would he take shit from teachers or his parents! Cory was his own man now, with a chance to be someone completely different. The first item on his agenda: find a place to live. After that came getting a job, and then working towards his favorite goal: getting Twilight. Suddenly, Grace’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. “This is too much to handle,” she said. “I need some fresh air.” “Don’t get too far,” Fluttershy called to her. “The Everfree forest is more dangerous than you can imagine!” Tory saw Grace’s eys flash with indignation, and she dashed out of the door without a word. Fluttershy looked sad about something, so Tory gave her a hug to help calm her nerves. He had vowed to protect the one that he loved with his dying breath, and he would hold fast to it. That was his life’s purpose, to protect Fluttershy. He heard a gasp come from Cory, and turned to find the teen staring at him in shock. “What’s up Cory?” he asked. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” “Tory, check your side,” he said quietly, pointing down at him. “I saw something glowing.” Tory lifted his shirt, and everyone gasped. Imprinted on the side of his hip, was a large golden shield with a pink heart within the center. He touched it, to see if it was real, and it felt warm to the touch. The imprint moved with his skin, and Tory knew what it was. “A cutie mark?” he asked, stupefied. “But I’m not a pony. How could I get one?” “The mark is proof of one’s belief,” Zecora rhymed. “Only when they realized what they were meant to do, will they receive.” “But what does yours mean?” Cory asked. “I think I know,” Fluttershy said with an understanding smile. Her eyes pierced into his soul, filling him with a warmth that bested even the Hellfire Wave. Her love and safety were the most important things to him. “And I couldn’t think of anything better for it to be.” Cory knew that now would be a good time to step out, and he took his leave. But before he closed the door, he left them with something everyone hadn’t expected. “Hey Tory,” he said. “You’d better not let the Cutie Mark Crusaders see that. They’d be so upset that someone new to Equestria had gotten a mark is so short a time, when they’ve been trying to do so forever!” With than, he closed the door, leaving Tory, Fluttershy, and Zecora alone in the room. The two lovers held each other closely, and looked at the tribal zebra, who was chuckling. “Such interesting beings you humans are,” she said. “Maybe bringing you here was indeed smart.” Tory still wondered why he had been offered a second life. It confused him to no end that he of all people had been picked. But he wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth, so he shrugged off the question. Looking around at the assorted plants on the shelves, Tory remembered that he had one thing to do for the zebra. “Oh Zecora,” he said. “I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for me, so I took the liberty of locating ancient tribal remedies and writing them down for you. Hopefully you won’t have to use them, but it never hurts to have something around to help.” Handing a piece of paper to the zebra, she looked it over with interest. Tory smiled as his gift obviously pleased her. He put his arm around Fluttershy, and decided that leaving would be the best thing to do now. As he walked out the door, he heard Zecora call out to him. “Thank you boy for the helpful advice,” she rhymed. “It is rare to see any being so nice. Your gift shall be cherished for many years to come. I’m sure these remedies will save the lives of some.” Tory left with Fluttershy. As he stepped outside, the darkness engulfed him. He thought he had fainted once more, but he felt no pain, and Fluttershy was still with him. He squinted his eyes to see if anyone was nearby. Sure enough, Cory was leaning against a tree, keeping an eye on Grace. “How goes things?” he asked his friend. “She didn’t give you any trouble did she?” “Nah, she’s been asleep since I came out here.” Cory replied. “I guess the entire ordeal finally took it’s toll on her mind.” “Heheheh, well we’d best get out of here. The forest is bound to be crawling with all manner of beasts. Think you can carry her?” Tory asked. Cory nodded and lifted up the unconscious girl. They walked through the forest in silence. The only sounds were the crickets, and Grace’s soft breathing. Not even Fluttershy was making a sound, as she was resting atop Tory’s head. He thought it was adorable, and could just picture her sleeping form on his brown hair. Tory had decided that he wouldn’t wear a hat anymore. Fluttershy said it hid such a handsome part of him. And if she said it, then Tory believed it. Tory led them back through the woods slowly, trying to recall when he had come here in an attempt to escape Equestria for good. Pinkie had led them through the forest while he had hung back and talked with Fluttershy. He remembered the chrysanthemums on the left, and the blue joke flowers that dotted the area to the right, and then noticed hoof prints within the mud. He stopped for a second to check them, and saw that they were somewhat fresh. “Someone has been here recently,” he told Cory. “And by the looks of it, they were coming from Zecora’s. Look there, another set of prints…and there as well! It looks like a whole group of ponies went by here recently…The other elements perhaps?” “Uh Tory,” his friend asked. “How are you able to see them in the dark? I can barely see you two feet in front of me.” “I honestly don’t know,” Tory told him. “Maybe my mark has something to do with it?” “Since when did cutie marks have powers?” Cory asked. “Maybe since they could be applied on humans.” Tory said, thinking aloud. “We’re in a magical world where almost anything is possible. Maybe receiving a mark amplified something inside me, like plugging in external speakers to a computer. It could have positive or negative effects on the body, depending on a couple variables.” “So now you can see in the dark?” “Yeah I guess that’s the gist of it.” “Awesome sauce! Then lets hurry and get out of here! The Everfree forest gives me the creeps!” Tory kept his eyes on the hoof prints in the mud. As he expected, they led straight to Ponyville. They veered off towards Twilight’s place, and it confirmed Tory’s theory that the tracks had belonged to the other Elements of Harmony. Had they been looking for Fluttershy? “Tory?” came Fluttershy’s voice atop his head. “Where are we?” “At the outskirts of Ponyville,” he told her. “We just left the forest.” Fluttershy stretched her wings, and gently got off of Tory’s head. She kissed him on the cheek, and took the lead, heading straight for her cottage. Tory decided that his friend had carried Grace too long when he saw the guy panting, and took her off his hands. She was lighter than he had imagined, and Tory didn’t even break a sweat on the trek. As they approached the cottage, Grace began to stir in Tory’s arms. He set her down, and she opened her eyes to see him still beside her. Grace was surprised to see him so close to her. She blushed, but it was barely visible. Slowly getting to her feet, she noticed the change in scenery from forest to meadow. She saw the cottage, and wondered who lived there. “Grace, welcome to Fluttershy’s cottage,” Tory said plainly. “She owns this place?” Grace asked. Fluttershy took them inside, and showed them around. Sleep gripped at each of them, and they decided that it was time to go to sleep. Tory pulled out the futon, which was given to Cory, Grace was placed in the guest room, and Tory shared the master bedroom with Fluttershy. Grace went to bed without saying a word, just doing as she was told. Cory helped her up the stairs, then layed himself down on the rolled out bed. It had taken them minutes to fall asleep. Tory and Fluttershy couldn’t sleep though. The two of them stepped outside into the now cool weather. Spring had arrived recently to Ponyville. Winter Wrap Up had gone by without a hitch again since Twilight Sparkle was organizing the event. A gentle breeze carried the scent of warm days to come. Tory welcomed it, as the perfect start to his life with Fluttershy. But one thing still nagged at Tory. He had told his love nearly everything. The one secret he had left would be unpleasant, and might destroy everything they had, but the guilt knawed at his insides until he felt hollow. He had to tell Fluttershy about Discord! “Fluttershy,” Tory began once more. “I haven’t been completely honest with you. I’ve been keeping a secret with me since the second day I had spent here in Equestria.” “Tory,” Fluttershy said, cutting him off. “You know that you can trust me with anything. And I trust you with all of my soul. Whatever you have to tell me, I’ll remain by your side.” “I-I know, and that’s what makes this so hard.” he said. “You see, when Pinkie Pie found me, and I collapsed for the first time, Discord came to me. He tried to turn me against all of you.” Fluttershy gasped, and Tory knew that there was no turning back now. He had opened the door, and invited the hurricane inside. He felt his voice waver with each word. He continued to confess again, but this time there was no confidence within him. “Every day that I had spent here, Discord had haunted my dreams. He refused to let me say no, and tried everything he could to sway my opinion. Every time I collapsed, he was there. He even followed me back to Earth, and gave me one last warning. He said I had a week to change my mind. If I didn’t submit to him…” “Oh Tory,” Fluttershy whispered, horrified. “How could he do something like that?” “When the sun rises tomorrow, there will only be two days left. I don’t know what to do! If I don’t give in, I know he’s going to hurt you, I just KNOW it! I swore that I’d protect you with my dying breath, and I will!…But what if it isn’t enough? What if he overpowers me? I can’t do anything! I don’t have any powers, or talents!” “Tory Mills,” Fluttershy said sternly, “What makes you think so little of yourself?! You’ve shown me nothing but kindness since the day I met you! Were those the actions of someone that can’t do anything? I KNOW that you’ll make the right choice when the time comes! You’ve got a good heart. It’s one of the reasons that I love you.” Fluttershy kissed him softly, and beckoned for him to come inside. As they walked into the warm cottage, a window on the second floor closed. Grace had heard the whole conversation! She didn’t understand anything about that Discord guy, but she knew when a person was in love. She could feel the pain in Tory’s voice as he told Fluttershy everything. Yet she still accepted him even though he had kept such a large secret from her. Grace fought back the tears that threatened to roll down her face. She KNEW it wasn’t right for the two of them to be in love. Even if she accepted the fact that they were on another world, she didn’t have to accept that Tory was in love with a pony! It made no sense to her! Every day on the bus she had sat by him, and he had always given her this look that showed he still cared. But on the bus that Monday morning, the look had vanished completely. Grace had thought maybe it was jealousy at the time, but she knew she couldn’t feel jealous. Now she wasn’t so sure. Her heart beat faster whenever Tory got close to her. The idea of him liking this…monster appalled her. She had to stop it somehow! And she had two days to do it… I.I.I The next morning had gone smooth. Once everyone was awake, they all walked into town, which attracted plenty of attention. By now, everypony had heard of the strange creature that walked on two legs. But they had thought there was only one in town. Suddenly, there were three walking down the main road. But no pony said anything, just kept to themselves. “You weren’t kidding when you said we were the only humans here, were you Tory?” Grace asked him. “Told ya,” he called over his shoulder. “Don’t be afraid of them Grace, they won’t bite. The ponies of Ponyville are generally nice, for the most part. Just don’t make any sudden moves, or say the wrong thing. Everypony here will fight back if-…Oh, excuse me for a second guys.” Tory turned around, and jogged towards a gray pegasus with amber eyes. As he approached them, he got down on one knee and began to speak softly. Grace couldn’t make out the words, but from the tone of his voice, it sounded like he was grateful for something. After a few more seconds, he ruffled the pony’s mane, and got back up. She brushed up against his legs, and flew off, a smile on her face. “Dude,” Cary said. “Was that Derpy Hooves?” “Yeah,” Tory replied. “She kind of helped me out before I left Ponyville. I just wanted to thank her for what she did.” “What did she do?” Grace asked. “Well at first, she led me to the Everfree forest…The one we were in last night,” he added as he saw the look on Grace’s face. “Once we got there, she tried to follow me in. I thought it was because she thought I needed protecting from anything inside. After I tried to send her back, she bit my leg. When I looked at her, she just up and left. That was when Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie ran up to me. I don’t know if she knew they were coming to me, but I’d like to think she did. So I thanked her for all the help.” “So…Derpy Hooves isn’t Derpy?” Cory asked. “No, she is,” Tory said. “But it’s like a controlled derpyness. The lights are on, but it’s only kids inside. The adults went on a permanent vacation.” Fluttershy laughed at that. She had neve heard someone speak so hilariously about Derpy. Usually people laughed at her, or was mean to her. But Tory was nice, and treated Derpy like she was a close friend. “I’ve been wondering about one thing though,” Fluttershy said, getting everyone’s attention. “What does ‘Derpy’ mean? I know it’s her name, but I don’t understand the word.” “Well, derpy means you’re…kinda spacey for one,” Tory told her. “Usually everyone has a derp moment, where they just zone out. You’re called derpy if you do it frequently. Hence the reason she is called ‘Derpy Hooves’.” “Okay now,” Grace said, breaking the conversation. “I think she gets it. Lets get into town so we can continue our lives!” She stomped ahead of the group, getting uneasy glances from passing ponies. Tory, Fluttershy, and Cory just stared after her. What had been said to get her so worrked up? “She certainly is touchy today,” Cory whispered to his friend. “I just hope that she’ll come to accept everything that’s happened.”Tory replied. “ She going to be here for a while, so she’d best get confortable.” “Maybe she should meet Pinky?” Fluttershy suggested. Tory thought about that for a second. It sounded like a good idea to him. Pinkie was the element of Laughter, and was capable of brightening anyone’s day. If she couldn’t make Grace feel more welcome and happy, then no one could. “That’s a pretty good idea Fluttershy,” Tory said, kissing her cheek. “Lets head over to the Sugarcube Corner right away. I’m sure Pinkie will be happy to see us again.” Everyone walked in silence towards the shop. As they walked, Cory kept thinking about how to do things. He wanted to make a good impression on Twilight, but he didn’t want to seem like he was trying to. His thoughts kept him so preoccupied, he didn’t notice Tory stop, and crashed into him, sending them both to the ground. Fluttershy giggled, and both boys busted out laughing. “I hear laughter! Who’s having fun without me?!” cried out a very bubbly voice. The door to the shop opened to reveal Pinkie Pie. She gasped when she saw everyone there, and raced over to Tory and Fluttershy. Before the two had time to react, Pinkie locked the two of them in a hug that began to choke them. “YAY, my friends are back!” she shouted. “How was your trip? Did you two have fun? What was it like Fluttershy? Was it hot there? Was it cold? Hey, who are these people? Are they friends of yours Tory? Are they nice?” Before the pink pony could get another question out, Fluttershy covered her mouth with a hoof. Pinkie tried to keep talking, but the only thing that could be heard was a bunch of muffled sounds and grunts. Cory laughed at how cheery Pinkie was. He broke his friends out of her choke hug, and introduced himself while they got their breaths back. “Wow, nice hair,” she commented. “How do you get it to stay up like that? Did you use some kind of hairspray? Is it just naturally poofy?” “That’s my secret,” Cory said with a smile. Pinkie whined, but she didn’t persist. “Maybe if you throw my friend here a hugy party though, I MIGHT be willing to tell you how I do it.” “Hey that’s a good idea,” Tory said breaking into the conversation. “A party is just the thing to lighten the mood around here. And who better to plan it than Pinkie Pie?” “Yay, party! I love throwing parties!” the pink pony said. “I haven’t thrown a party in weeks! I was gonna do one for you Tory, but you left before I got the chance! Now I get to put one on for all THREE of you!” “No thanks,” Grace said. “I’m not a party person. I’d prefer to just unwind with a good story.” “I’m not a party person either,” Tory commented. “But no one can refuse Pinkie’s parties. She’s known for throwing the best parties this side of Equestria. You haven‘t lived until you‘ve been to one!” Both Fluttershy and Cory nodded. It was a commonly known fact. Turning Pinkie’s party down was like saying you hated anything fun! It was just that simple! “Don’t worry my newest friendly friends!” Pinkie said exuberantly. “Pinkamena won’t diappoint you!” “Wait, Pinkie!” Tory called out. “I have a gift for you!” As she came back, Tory pulled out the Shounen Jump comics he had brought her. Grace looked at him in surpise. Almost every volume she had, Tory had as well. By the looks of it, he was giving all of them to Pinkie. The pony opened them, and Tory explained how they work. “They’re sort of like picture books, just more…actiony.” He explained. “You start here in the back, and go from right to left, top to bottom…See? It’s not so hard after the first volume. What do you think?” “I love it!” Pinkie shouted happily. “No one ever gives me anything, and I usually don’t buy myself anything either! All of my money goes to parties, so I never have anything to play with or read! Thank you Tory, you’re so nice! I’ll read them right after I get the party planned!” “Just don’t go too fast through them,” Tory said. “It’s good to read them, but they always go by too quick. But I’m glad you like them.” With that, the pink pony bounced away, to schedule her first party in a while. After she went back inside the shop, the four companions continued down the road. It was silent for a minute before Tory spoke out. “I didn’t realize that ‘Pinkie’ was short for ‘Pinkamena’. “ “Really?” Cory asked. “I thought you’d seen enough episodes by now to know that much.” “Nope,” Tory responded. “I only finished episode twenty-nine recently before coming here. My bro’s computer sucks, so it took about an hour to load up a whole episode. It doesn’t help when your internet connection is weak and distant. The only time I ever got a good connection was at school. Even then, I still didn’t watch often. I was still too shy to let my secret out.” “Ah,” Cory said, nodding in understanding. “So you’ve missed plenty of info.” “Yeah,” Tory agreed. “But it’s okay, I can learn about what happened while I’m here. Or not actually! That’s all in the past! I’m going to be enjoying my time here, so why worry about what happened some time ago?” “Because something might come back to get you,” Fluttershy warned him. She was trying to tell him to be careful, without letting his secret slip. “We don’t know if something bad could happen again.” “I guess you’re right Fluttershy.” Tory admitted. Everyone stopped talking as they saw that they had come to their next destination. Instead of Rarity’s Boutique, or Twilight’s library, they had decided that it was time to visit Applejack’s farm. That was one of the ponies that Tory still hadn’t seen. It would be good to meet someone that didn’t want him gone…At least, not yet. Once word got out that Tory and Fluttershy were back, Twilight and Rarity were sure to get Applejack and Rainbow Dash on their side. After that, it was anyone’s guess. But Tory had a feeling it’d be something like them running him and his friends straight back to Earth. A loud banging sound was heard in the distance, and Tory saw a shaking tree atop a small hill nearby. He smiled, knowing that Applejack was harvesting her apples. He motioned for everyone to follow him. As they got closer, the banging grew louder and louder. Finally, Tory saw an orange blur past a few trees, and looked back at his friends. Fluttershy looked kind of nervous, but she smiled at him. Cory looked around, taking everything in. Grace just looked at them, her face showing no emotion. Tory wondered if she would even TRY to be a part of things. He turned back to the front, and walked out of the tree line. He stepped on a twig, and Applejack turned to look at them. Her blonde hair glittered in the sunlight, and her orange body looked like fire. Her green eyes flew to Fluttershy, and she ran over to the pegasus. “Fluttershy!” She called out. “Well ain’t you sigh’ for sore eyes! Where ya been? Twilight an’ the gang have been lookin’ for you a while! We was all worried!” “I-I’m sorry Applejack,” Fluttershy stammered, something she didn’t do often now. “I j-just went somewhere w-with a friend.” That was when Applejack noticed Tory and the others. She looked up at them, and stepped protectively in front of Fluttershy. Tory smiled, knowing that she would do something like that. Applejack was known for her bravery, stubbornness, and honesty. She was like the older sister everyone wanted. Tory got down on his knees, and held out a hand. Applejack looked from it, to him, and back. Reluctantly, she shook his hand, but never letting the others out of her sight. “Hi,” Tory began. “My name is Tory Mills. These are my friends Cory, and Grace. It’s a pleasure to meet you! Fluttershy has told me such good things about you.” Applejack turned back to look at her friend, but found the pegasus had flown over her head to be beside Tory. She saw something flicker in the pony’s eyes, but she wasn’t sure what it was. She disregarded it, and replied to Tory’s introduction. “Well ya’ll can call me Applejack,” she said. “What can I do ya for?” “Tory and his friends just got here,” Fluttershy explained. “And I thought it might be good for them to meet all of my friends. They’ve already met Pinkie, Twilight, and Rarity. I thought it would be a good idea for them to meet the best apple bucking pony around.” “I don’ know ‘bout best,” Applejack replied modestly. “I’m just doin’ my job.” “But to have so many trees to get to, you must be pretty good,” Cory insisted. “Well, maybe…” Everyone but Grace laughed. She just turned away. Tory noticed this, but he ignored it. If she wanted to be sour, then let her! He wasn’t going to let her bad mood ruin everyone’s fun. “So ya’ll ain’t from ‘round here?” Applejack asked. “Well if ya want, my family has a spare room. I could put one of ya up for a while. But ya gotta be willin’ ta work.” “I’d be willing to put the work in,” Cory said, coming over. “I was hoping to get a job anyways.” “Then that’s settled,” Tory said. “And before I forget, I brought you a present Applejack. It was something my sister gave me years ago. It holds sentimental value to me, but I want you to have it.” Tory untied the hat from his backpack, and handed it to the orange pony. She tried it on, and found it fit like a glove! She looked at Tory with appreciation. She forgot her hat down at the barn, and hadn’t had a chance to go collect it. She’d been burning up under the sun. “Well that’s mighty nice of ya Tory,” Applejack said, thanking him. “I’ll treat it with care.” “Glad to have met you,” he replied. “Hope I’ll see you around. “ “I’m sure ya will, if’n you’re friends with Fluttershy.” Applejack told him. Then she turned to Cory, and motioned for him to follow her. “Come along now you. We gotta git you settled in.” Cory went along with her reluctantly. Tory knew he was hoping to meet Twilight today. Looked like it would have to wait. He turned back to his two remaining friends, and thought about what they should do next. He’d met everypony besides Rainbow Dash, and Tory had a feeling it would be hard to find her. Besides, Grace obviously wasn’t feeling in the mood to do anything. Then Fluttershy came to his rescue once more. “Hey look up there.” She said, pointing at the sky. A blue dot was lazing about on a cloud. “I think it’s Rainbow Dash…Rainbow!” The blue pegasus got up at the sound of her name. She looked down to see Fluttershy standing beside a tall, strange looking creature. Then Rainbow remembered what Twilight had said about someone named Tory that looked like that. “He looked really suspicious,” She said. “If you come across him, be careful. And keep him away from Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash jumped off her cloud, and raced towards the group. She didn’t slow down as she came near, and Tory realized that she was coming right for him. He caught on a second too late though, as Rainbow smashed into him. Tory was sent flying back into a tree. He crashed into it hard, and a couple apples fell on his head. He was vaguely aware of Fluttershy and Grace calling out to him, but he couldn’t make his mouth move. He saw Grace running towards him, and Rainbow holding Fluttershy back, then his vision blurred. Everything went black, and he passed out…again. I.I.I “TORY!” Grace and Fluttershy cried out. The golden pegasus tried to go to her lover, but felt a pair of arms holding her back. She turned around to see Rainbow pulling her away. “Rainbow, let me go!” she cried. “I have to help him!” Fluttershy struggled within Rainbow’s grip, but the blue pegasus had a tight hold on her. She kicked and screamed, but Rainbow refused to let go. “I can’t let you Fluttershy,” Rainbow said. “I promised Twilight I’d look after you.” “Twilight!” Fluttershy spat. “She doesn’t understand anything! Rainbow let me go now! I won’t let you keep me away from him!” “Fluttershy! What’s wrong with you?” Rainbow said as she struggled to keep a hold on her friend. “I’ve never seen you act this way!” “Because you’ve never been in love!” Fluttershy spat. That made Rainbow lose her focus, and her grip on the golden pegasus. Breaking free, Fluttershy sped towards Tory, barely caring who saw her right now. Rainbow stood there looking on. Fluttershy, in love? Was that why Twilight had told Rainbow to keep the boy away from her? It confused the blue pegasus to no end. Why would that warrant such mistrust in Twilight? “Love?” Rainbow Dash whispered to herself. “Is that really such a bad thing?” Dismissing the thought, Rainbow glided down to her friend and the other two. As she landed, the other girl looked at her, and took a position between her and Tory. The look in her eyes told Rainbow everything, so she stopped there. “Keep away from him you monster!” Grace spat at her. “Come one step closer and you’ll regret it!” “Grace, I need your help!” Fluttershy called. “Go get Applejack, and tell her to bring a bucket of water! Tory’s burning up, we have to cool him down right away!” Casting one last glare at Rainbow, Grace dashed down the slope. Fluttershy looked at her love intensely. His body wasn’t actually hot, but instead pulsing. She knew he was being contacted by Discord. His breath was ragged, and he mumbled in his troubled sleep. “Never…” Tory muttered. “Not in…million lives.” “What’s going on?” Rainbow said, coming up. “I didn’t hit him that hard!” “No you didn’t,” Fluttershy retorted. “But that attack was the perfect excuse.” “Excuse? For what?” Rainbow asked. Fluttershy cursed herself for letting that slip. How was she going to keep Tory’s secret now? If she didn’t tell Rainbow, then SHE would tell Twilight. And SHE would act like her suspicions were right, and run Tory out of town! Why was everything so difficult for them? “Look Rainbow,” Fluttershy began. “Before I tell you anything, you have to Pinkie swear not to let anyone know what was said.“ “I don’t see why, but fine,” Rainbow said. “Discord is trying to return again. It seems that we missed something when we imprisoned him,” Fluttershy said. Rainbow gasped at this, but didn’t say anything. “Tory’s been fighting him at every turn in his dreams. But time is running out, and in two days, something terrible will happen.” “What?!” Rainbow exclaimed. “We have to alert Celestia! If Discord returns-” “I know!” Fluttershy cried out. “But you promised! Rainbow please, if anyone finds out, they would do terrible things to him! Maybe even kill him! I can’t let that happen!” Rainbow was torn in two. She had promised her closest friend she would not tell anyone, but her loyalty to all of Equestria was at stake too. Representing the Element of Loyalty, this really hurt Rainbow. She shook her head, and turned around. Her friendship was important, but the lives of Everypony was at stake! “Rainbow!” Fluttershy shouted at her. “What are you planning to do? Are you going to Celestia?” “I have to Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash said sternly. “Discord cannot be allowed to return!” “Don’t even try!” Fluttershy snarled, stepping in front of her friend. “I’ll fight you if I have to!” “Fluttershy, you couldn’t even hurt a fly,” Rainbow commented. “How do you expect to take me down?” “I’ll do it with my dying breath if I must! I won’t let you or anyone hurt him!” Rainbow saw the conviction in Fluttershy’s eyes, and stepped back. She was serious! This confused the blue pegasus. When had her normally timid friend become so bold? It had been only a few days since she’d last seen the pony! “You really intend to go through with this, don’t you? You love him that much, huh?” Rainbow asked calmly. Fluttershy nodded, never letting her guard down. “Then show me just how strong your love is! Come at me!” Fluttershy launched herself at Rainbow, her front hooves extended. The blue pegasus dodged, and kicked backwards at her friend. The hit landed, and Fluttershy was sent backward. She stopped herself mid air, and called on every once of strengh she had. Her body disappeared in a golden light, blinding Rainbow. Something kicked the blue pegasus hard in the back, sending her into a tree. Then something hit her from the side, then the stomach, then the face. A flurry of blows came at Rainbow Dash from every direction. Try though she might, the blue pegasus couldn’t escape the onslaught! She fell to the ground, panting. Fluttershy reappeared in front of her. Her eyes held no sympathy now, just rage. Rainbow lashed out with a hoof, knocking Fluttershy to the ground beside her. She got up and pinned her friend to the ground. The golden pegasus struggled once more under her friend’s grip, but it was pointless. “I WON’T LET YOU TAKE HIM!!” Fluttershy screamed at the top of her lungs. “I’LL FIGHT WITH EVERY ONCE OF MY BEING TO PROTECT HIM!!! HE’D DO THE SAME FOR ME!!!” Rainbow saw tears streaking down her friend’s face. She sighed once, and climbed off. Sitting down, she let Fluttershy’s glare pierce her. She didn’t want to fight her friend over some boy. They’d be no better than a bunch of schoolgirls then. “Okay Fluttershy,” Rainbow said calmly. “You win…I won’t breathe a word of this to anyone. I’ll keep your secret safe, I promise.” “Rainbow,” her friend whispered. “Thank you so much…Oh no, I left him alone!” The two pegasi dashed over to the unconscious boy. He looked so peaceful there, Fluttershy though. It was such a shame that their love was so forbidden. He muttered in his sleep once more, this time it was the full sentence. “Discord you bastard,” Tory said. “If you touch a single strand of hair on her beautiful head, I’ll rip you from limb to limb, and burn you to nothing. I will die before you can have her.” “Does he always do this?” Rainbow whispered. “No, but things have gotten so intense recently.” Fluttershy said back. “It’s no surprise that he’d let a few words slip while unconscious.” Rainbow Dash looked from the unconscious boy to Fluttershy. The look she gave him was so concerned, so worried with his well being, that it startled the blue pegasus how fierce she could get when he was in danger. She sighed once, and asked the most obvious question. “You two really love each other that much, huh?” she asked. When Fluttershy nodded, she continued. “You know that you can never really be together? He’s not one of us.” “I don’t care,” Fluttershy said, her eyes flashing in anger. “We’ll find a way. We’ve done so before, we can do it again…Will you try to keep me away from him?” “…Twilight told me to keep him away from you, not the other way around.“ she replied. “But are you sure?” “With every fiber of my being!” Fluttershy said sternly. “I want nothing more than to be with him! If I have to spend my entire life searching, then I will!” “For a creature that isn’t even one of us?” “Why does race seem to matter so much?!” Fluttershy lashed out. “If you ponies were in love, then maybe you’d understand! If you knew how much one could do with your love beside you, you’d take every risk possible to be together!” “Maybe,” Rainbow agreed. “But I don’t think I’ll ever find that special someone.” “Because you haven’t looked hard enough,” came the reply beside the two pegasi. Both turned to see Tory pushing himself up. Fluttershy ran up to him and began to kiss him rapidly. He blushed deeper with every kiss, making Fluttershy laugh. Rainbow smiled at the two of them. It seemed they really were made for each other! She turned to walk away, but Fluttershy called her back. “Rainbow,” Fluttershy began. “I don’t think you’ve been properly introduced to Tory Mills. He’s a human, from another world, and the love of my life. Tory, I think you had some things to say?” “It’s great to meet you Rainbow,” he said. “I’ve been a fan of yours for a long time.” “Oh, well thanks.” Rainbow Dash said shyly. “I’m uh, sorry about knocking you into that tree.” “No worries,” Tory said with a smile. “But if you want to make it up to me, you can take these magazines off my hands. I don’t read them, but I think you might like them. They’re all sports related.” Tory handed her the paperbacks, and she began to browse through them. Her eyes lit up at all of the events and cool pictures. She gave Tory a look that said everything, and hugged him. He blushed lightly, then looked at Fluttershy. She only laughed, which got him laughing. “Now then,” Tory said. “You really think you’ll never find love?” “I’m not sure,” Rainbow said quietly. “I mean, I hope to one day…” “Look Rainbow,” Tory started. “Love is unpredictable. It can come from the most unlikely of places. Look at me. Somehow, Fluttershy fell in love with this.” This got both pegasi laughing. Tory smiled as they did. He was entirely serious, but why should everything be like that? Like is so much more fun when it isn’t. “I don’t think you look bad,” Fluttershy said, landing on his head. “You look great to me.” “See what I mean?” he asked Rainbow. “What I’m trying to say is, just get out there. Talk with ponies, see what happens. You’ll know when you’ve found that special somepony, trust me.” Rainbow Dash nodded, and thanked him for the advice. She grabbed her new magazines, and jumped into the air. Her wings flapped, and she was gone. When the clearing became silent, Tory looked up at Fluttershy. “You think I really look great?” he asked jokingly. “I do,” she said back, kissing his forehead. “You’ve got a great smile, and your eyes are so beautiful.” “I don’t know about all that,” he replied shyly. “You’re just trying to be modest,” Fluttershy said back, getting off his head and landing in his lap. “You really are great Tory. I couldn’t have found a better person to fall in love with.” Tory began to stroke her hair. Soon her breath became regular and even, showing that she was asleep. The scent of rose drifted up to him, tickling his nose. He let his head rest against the wood. He thought back to his last dream with Discord. “By tomorrow’s end, she will belong to me! There is nothing you can do boy!” Discord had said. “Join me, and I may spare her. You’ve got until sunset tomorrow to think it over.” “Sunset,” Tory whispered. “What should I do? I swore to always protect her. My mark even symbolizes it. But if I don’t agree, something will happen to Fluttershy. But if I agree, he’ll make me release him, do things I would never even THINK about…By Celestia, what should I do?” Tory let his thoughts drift around, until exhaustion gripped at him. He closed his eyes, and let sleep claim him. This time, his dreams were peaceful… I.I.I Cory had run harder than ever when Grace came to him. She said Tory was attacked by a blue pegasus, and was unconscious. By the sound of it, the attacker was Rainbow dash. Applejack was carrying the water, running beside them. Then they heard something that chilled them to the bone… “I WON’T LET YOU TAKE HIM!! I’LL FIGHT WITH EVERY ONCE OF MY BEING TO PROTECT HIM!!! HE’D DO THE SAME FOR ME!!!” That made all of them pick up the pace. As they approached the top of the hill where they were earlier, Cory could make out two figures under a tree. His heart began to race when he saw they weren’t moving. Without thinking, he grabbed the bucket from Applejack, and ran towards them. He tossed the water on them, making them cry out in surprise. “Holy shit that’s cold!” Tory swore. “Ahh! Please don’t hurt me!” Fluttershy cried out. Cory looked confused. Where was Rainbow Dash? Wasn’t Tory supposed to be in pain? Just what happened? He looked over at Grace, to see her smiling evilly at Fluttershy. “Is she…jealous?” he thought. “Did she make us do that just to spite Fluttershy?” “Cory? Is that you?” Tory asked, regaining his senses. “What the hell was that for?” “Grace came and got me,” he said. “She told us that you were attacked?” “Oh yeah, Rainbow.” “She did what now?!” Applejack asked. “Why’d she do sumthin so beetle-brained?” “She told me Twilight asked her to keep me away from him,” Fluttershy said. “It wasn’t until I fought her that she gave up.” “You fought Rainbow Dash?” Tory asked, surprised. “But she’s like your best friend!” “Yeah,” Fluttershy replied. “But you’re the one I love. I wasn‘t going to let even HER hurt you.” “Woah Nelly, slow down now.” Applejack said. “Did I just hear you right? Did you just say you’re in love? With HIM?” “Is that so hard to believe?” Fluttershy countered. “Who cares what race he is, or where he’s from! I love him and nothing you can say will change my mind!” “Easy girl,” Applejack said smoothly. “I was just surpised is all. Didn’t think you’d ever find a guy. I couldn’t care less who he is, so long as he treats ya kindly. Does he?” “He swore to protect me with his dying breath. What do you think?” Fluttershy said calmly. “Well then he’s fine in my book.” Applejack said. “Now lets head on back to the farm. Sun’s goin’ down, so ya’ll can spend the night in the guest room.” As they walked back towards the farm, Tory couldn’t help but think about Discord’s warning. He had one day left to decide. He looked at Fluttershy, knowing that she’d support him no matter what. But what if he made the wrong choice? Tomorrow could be their last day together. Tory pulled his love back from the group, and held her closely. “Fluttershy, we don’t have much time left.” He said. “So I just want to say one thing. No matter what happens, I love you with all of my heart and soul. I’m glad that I could spend so much time with you.” “And I’m glad that we could be together,” Fluttershy said, kissing him passionately. “I can’t think of livilng without you now.” “Heheh, you always know the perfect thing to say.” Tory joked. “But should something bad happen tomorrow, I need to say this. If I have but this one life to live, this one day to spend with someone, I’m glad it was all with you.” “I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Fluttershy said lovingly. The two lovers looked up at the rising moon, and kissed once more. They would be together, no matter what. Glancing into the sky again, they saw a rainbow within the sky. It glowed brightly, despite the dark sky. “Has to be Rainbow Dash,” Tory commented. “She must be watching us.” “At least she has good timing,” Fluttershy replied. They stayed under the stars for a few minutes. Fluttershy fell asleep in his lap again, and he just layed back on the soft earth. The sounds of forest animals and Fluttershy’s breathing made him drowsy. He let sleep overcome him once more, but not before kissing the one pony that had made his life complete. He was prepared to face anything tomorrow. With Fluttershy curled up beside him, Tory drifted back into sleep. His last thought was what she said about his one life to live. “I wouldn’t want it any other way either…” I.I.I Author’s Note I.I.I If production of this story slows down, that’s because I’m devoting my time to helping my new co-writer Kovuthelion15. Also, this story is not going to end next chapter. I know some of you thought that, don’t deny it. There are still a good number of chapters to come, I promise you that. Keep an eye out for the next chapter, ‘The Fires of Love’!