//------------------------------//
// XXIII Fluttershy 
// Story: A Dream of Sunny Days 
// by Roranicus 
//------------------------------//





It sometimes worried Fluttershy how easily life had returned to normal in Ponyville. Under the watchful eyes of Canterlot soldiers, the market square was busy with activity. Granted, the stalls weren't as filled with goods as they used to be, but nopony was starving and a sense of optimism had returned to the town.

The workers sent by Canterlot had already rebuilt the important commercial district, and many families now had homes. However, even more were still forced to live with friends, relatives, or even in tents. Even though there were still houses to rebuild, the workers had installed a statue of Blueblood and Rarity in the middle of town square a few days prior. It created a bit of an uproar, which patriotism quickly overcame.

Fluttershy found the statue to be a poor piece. While they had captured Blueblood's self-absorbed, smug expression perfectly, Rarity's smile lacked its usual warmth. This isn't my friend. This is just the princess they want her to be, the pegasus thought as she glanced at the statue.

Fluttershy sighed as she moved along, keeping a distance between herself and the crowds of ponies gathered at the various stands. She frowned as she passed the military recruitment kiosk that Captain Boulderhoof, the leader of the Ponyville military camp, had ordered installed. Already, many ponies who would never have hurt a fly in the past lined up to join the war effort.

Finally, she stopped at her destination. It felt strange to see Big Macintosh selling carrots, but he was the stallion manning Carrot Top's stand. Luckily, nopony else was buying from him at the moment; she wouldn't have to approach any crowds just to buy vegetables.

"Good morning Fluttershy," the large stallion said with a smile.

"Good morning Big Mac," she replied as she leaned on the counter. "I'll take the usual."

"Eyup." Big Macintosh filled one of her bags with carrots. Meanwhile, Fluttershy found her attention once again drawn to the ridiculous statue.

"Not the prettiest statue, eh?" the stallion said with a light smirk as he dropped the bag on the counter.

"Oh, I guess it's okay," Fluttershy quietly replied.

Big Macintosh frowned, but said nothing. Fluttershy gulped as she picked up a small bag of bits and gave it to the stallion. His expression remained unchanged as he accepted the payment.

"Um, Big Mac? What's wrong?"

The stallion rolled his eyes. "I was going to ask you the same thing. You and my sister, you both act as if nothing bothers you."

"Oh," Fluttershy said as she avoided his eyes.

Big Macintosh lowered his voice. "I don't like seeing all these soldiers any more than you do."

"It's not just that," Fluttershy said after taking a deep breath. "They built this big statue of Blueblood, and ponies are rushing off to war. It's like they forgot that it's ponies like Rainbow Dash who are fighting on the other side. She was one of my best friends, Big Mac, and nopony even tries to remember her."

"It affected AJ too," Big Macintosh said. "But she's denying it as she tries to carry the entire town's burden on her shoulders."

Fluttershy shook her head. "I wish I could do more to help her. She barely even talks to me anymore."

"She doesn't talk to anypony, ever since she found out what Applebloom was doing,"

"Applebloom might not be the only one," Fluttershy quietly continued, careful that nopony was near. "They can't expect ponies to all jump into this war just because they built a statue, sent some workers, and opened a recruitment booth."

"It's working though," the large stallion said. "Ponies are scared, and are seeing the effects of this war. Just yesterday, I was attacked by a group of pegasus soldiers while making a delivery to the bayou."

Fluttershy gasped. "Oh no! Nopony told me. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," the stallion replied. "My cart wasn't though. I had to leave it behind so I could run away."

"Why are they doing this?"

"Don't ask me," Big Macintosh said. "I know I'm not the only one. Three more of Carrot Top's delivery ponies got attacked just this week. I don't like it, but we might be forced to ask the soldiers to escort us."

Fluttershy frowned again. More and more, the military was invading every part of their lives. One soldier even had the gall to ask her if she would be willing to offer some of her animal friends as food for the griffons. She still shivered when she remembered how angry she had gotten that day. "Just be careful," she told the stallion.

"Somepony's gotta make the deliveries," Big Macintosh replied with a shrug.

"It's not even your farm," Fluttershy argued with more intensity than she had expected.

Big Macintosh's brow furrowed. "That doesn't change anything. I'm a farmer by trade. If I don't have a farm of my own, then I help somepony else with theirs."

"I'm sorry," Fluttershy said, averting her eyes.

"It's fine," the stallion replied as he sighed again. "Look, Fluttershy. Can I ask you a favor?"

"Of course," the pegasus said with an apologetic smile.

"Can you check on AJ? Between the rebuilding, Applebloom, and the changeling queen, she's getting mighty stressed. I don't know if there's anything you could help her with. Maybe see if you can at least get her to open up?"

Fluttershy nodded. "I'll see what I can do. You're right. She's my friend and I should be there for her. Even if she tries to push me away."

"It's all I ask," Big Macintosh said with a smile just as two mares walked to his stand.

Fluttershy waved at the stallion as she left, almost bumping into a group of soldiers in the process. She smiled sheepishly at the frowning unicorn leading the patrol, swiftly making her way back to her cottage so she could feed her animals.





Applebloom's loud whining made itself heard well outside Applejack's office. "It's not fair, Applejack!"

Fluttershy winced as she neared her friend's workplace. There was little doubt in her mind what the argument was about; the filly had probably been caught spying again, which continued to infuriate her older sister.

Applebloom almost bumped into Fluttershy as she stormed out of the office and outside the castle. "We're not done talking about this!" Ponyville's mayor yelled at her fleeing sister.

"Oh, um, I can come back another time," Fluttershy said as she hid behind her mane.

"It's fine," Applejack replied with a loud sigh. "I was going to send somepony for you anyway." The pegasus noticed the bags under her friend's eyes as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

Fluttershy tentatively stepped inside the office. As was usually the case, it was messy and disorganized. Random papers were left all over the desk. A pile had even fallen on the floor.

"Have a seat," Applejack invited as she took off her hat and left it on a corner table next to the office door.

"You're still having problems with Applebloom?" Fluttershy asked as she sat before the desk.

"Among other things," the mayor said as she sat behind her desk. "Cheerilee had the class write up something about the work the royal guards are doing after one of them came to see the children in class. I'll let you guess what Applebloom wanted to write."

"I could try to talk to her again, if you want," Fluttershy suggested. She sighed. "I wish we didn't have to keep her from speaking her mind."

"Not a luxury we have anymore," Applejack continued. "I don't know what this brute they put in charge of the camp would do to her if he found out. As for you talking to her again, be my guest. I doubt she'll listen to you. She's been mighty stubborn about this."

"You could always send Applebloom to the Crystal Empire? It's what Rarity did for her family."

"Not a chance." Applejack firmly shook her head. "I've talked about it with Big Macintosh and Granny Smith. Like it or not, I'm the mayor of this town. If I can't keep my own family around, why would anypony else?"

"I wish I could do something to help," Fluttershy said as she offered a weak, comforting smile.

"Listening to me yammer on about it is all I can ask," Applejack replied with an exasperated chuckle. "I actually wanted to talk to you about something else."

"Oh?" Fluttershy's ears perked up.

Applejack took a deep breath. She took a glimpse outside before returning her attention to Fluttershy. "It's about Chrysalis. I want you to help out with the interrogation."

Fluttershy gasped. "Me? But what do you want me to do?"

"Whatever you did to turn Discord around, if you think it'll help. I'll be honest. I don't know what to do. I have Boulderhoof breathing down my neck, wanting to take the queen to Canterlot. Meanwhile, all she does is mock me. I tried outsmarting her, threatening her, even bargaining with her. Nothing works."

"Oh Applejack," Fluttershy replied weakly as she gazed downward. "I'm not sure I can do anything. Discord was lonely, and I could befriend him. Chrysalis... she scares me. I'm not sure what she's after."

"So you're not going to try?" Applejack asked with a sigh. "I know it's hard, but I really need your help on this one."

Fluttershy sighed as she forced herself to meet her friend's eyes. "Okay, Applejack. If you really need my help, I'll do it. I just don't know how yet."

Applejack beamed. "Good, that's all I ask." She stood up and picked up her hat. "Let's get going then."

"What? Now?" Fluttershy asked in a mildly panicked voice.

"I have to meet with the weather team later today, then I have yet another pointless visit from Boulderhoof to look forward to. To be honest, I'd like to tell him I'm making progress on the changeling. He really wants to take her to Canterlot, and he knows he can't do that before I have some answers."

Fluttershy sighed and hid behind her mane as she made for the door. "Alright, let's go."





Four unicorn guards sat around a table as Fluttershy and Applejack entered the jail house. They shared a gruff laugh as a cream-coated unicorn mare groaned at them. She was sitting behind a wooden desk at the back of the room, moving a strand of her red and purple mane away from her face. The mayor coughed softly, grabbing their attention.

"Madam mayor. You're here to see the prisoner?" a green-coated guard said as he awkwardly stood and picked up his helmet.

Applejack nodded. "Yes, Clover. Fluttershy here is coming with me. I want her to have full access to Chrysalis whenever she needs it."

"Yes, ma'am," Clover replied. "Well, I'll have to make sure Captain Boulderhoof is okay with it."

Applejack snorted. "You know darn well that I get to decide who sees the prisoner. Boulderhoof will get her when I'm done."

"Of course, ma'am," Clover said with an awkward salute. Applejack slowly shook her head and motioned for Fluttershy to follow.

The unicorn mare rose from her seat to meet them. "Mayor Applejack," she began in a flat tone.

"Moondancer," Applejack said with a polite nod. "This here is Fluttershy. As I said, she'll try to get to the bottom of what the prisoner knows."

Moondancer's brow furrowed. "Duly noted. Just be careful in there. She'll probably try to feed on you."

Fluttershy gulped. She hadn't considered this possibility. "What do you mean?"

"She'll transform into somepony you know and try to trick you into falling for it," Applejack said. "It's pretty pitiful if you ask me."

"Still, better safe than sorry," Moondancer replied. "I made sure all the proper runes that would block her horn's magic were carved, but there's nothing I can do to prevent her from shapeshifting or draining a pony's love."

Fluttershy tried to take a glimpse through the small barred window on the wooden door behind Moondancer, but couldn't see anything. She took a breath before turning her attention back to the unicorn. "Um, if you don't mind, I have a question. How do you feed her?"

Moondancer raised an eyebrow. "Well, we don't let her feed on ponies. Don't worry, changelings can survive for years without feeding on love. Regular food is enough to keep them alive. Love and emotions are used to power their magic."

"Oh, I'll be careful then," Fluttershy tentatively replied. "Thank you."

"I'll be here if you have any questions," Moondancer said with a weak smile. "Let me know if she does anything strange."

Applejack nodded. "We should be good. Come on, Fluttershy."

The pegasus followed closely behind her friend as one of the guards opened the door behind the desk. On the other side lay a blue-coated pony curled up in a ball. She was behind a strong set of steel bars, and magical runes had been inscribed on the floor and ceiling, just out of the prisoner's reach.

"Fluttershy! I knew you'd come for me," Rainbow Dash's voice excitingly cheered as she rushed toward the bars.

Fluttershy gasped at the resemblance. "You... you're not Rainbow Dash," she managed to say.

"Give it up, Chrissy," Applejack said, rolling her eyes. "Your tricks ain't impressing anypony."

"I don't know. She looks impressed," the changeling queen replied with a grin as she reverted back to her natural form and tipped her head toward Fluttershy.

Applejack sat down on a wooden bench on the right of the only door leading into the room. "So, feeling chatty today?"

"You're still hoping I'll give you the information you want," Chrysalis teased. "I told you what I want in return."

"And I told you that you can forget about being freed," Applejack replied. "It ain't gonna happen."

"Wait, what?" Fluttershy asked as her eyes traveled back and forth between the earth pony and the changeling.

"Dear Applejack didn't tell you?" Chrysalis mocked as she turned her attention to Fluttershy. "She wants me to tell her where little Twilight is, but won't give me anything in return."

"And what would you want in return?" Fluttershy asked after taking a deep breath. You can do this, Fluttershy. This is no different than when you befriended Discord.

"Well, getting out of here would be a start," she began. "I also want your insurance that I won't be hunted down."

"And I told you. That ain't gonna happen," Applejack said.

Fluttershy turned and smiled at her friend. "Let me handle this, Applejack." She kept smiling as she returned her attention to the changeling queen. "That was a good impression of Rainbow Dash you did there."

"Well, well, someone appreciates my talent," Chrysalis said as she smirked at Applejack.

"Why her though?" Fluttershy asked, pressing on the point.

The changeling queen shrugged. "Why not? She's as good a choice as anypony for practice."

"I imagine practice is the best way to stay occupied in here," Fluttershy suggested.

Chrysalis chuckled. "That, and your friend Applejack." She transformed again, adopting Braeburn's features. "So why'd you let me die, cousin?" the fake Braeburn said. "You got apples for brains?"

Applejack stormed angrily toward the bars. "Are you done mocking everypony I ever cared for?"

Braeburn's form made way for Pinkie Pie's. "But it's so fun! You should see the look on your face."

"That's not very nice," Fluttershy said as she motioned for Applejack to sit. "Pinkie Pie wouldn't laugh at somepony else like that."

"Well, maybe you don't know me all that well," the fake Pinkie continued. "I love laughing at everypony."

Fluttershy grinned as an idea formed in her head. "Could you do Rainbow Dash again?"

"Why?" Chrysalis asked as she returned to her true form and raised an eyebrow.

"Because I miss my friend," Fluttershy said with a sigh. "I know you can't replace her, but maybe you can help me pretend."

"Fluttershy, what are you doing?" Applejack nervously whispered from behind the pegasus.

"It's okay, Applejack. I think I have a plan," Fluttershy replied with a nod before she returned her attention to the prisoner. "So, can you become Rainbow Dash for me?"

In the blink of an eye, Rainbow Dash was in front of Fluttershy. "Hey, what's up, Fluttershy?" the blue pegasus said.

It looks like her. It sounds like her. Fluttershy almost gasped at the uncanny resemblance. If she didn't know this was the changeling queen, she would have been fooled. "Hi Rainbow. How are you doing today?"

"I wish I could get outside and fly," the fake Rainbow Dash replied. "I could show you some tricks, too."

"Now, you know that's not possible," Fluttershy replied. "I could tell you about the baby raccoons though. They're getting stronger every day. They've even started running around the cottage."

"Fine," Rainbow Dash replied as she rolled her eyes. She acts just like the real Rainbow, Fluttershy thought. She must have studied us all closely. The pegasus tried not to let this realization affect her too much.

Fluttershy smiled as she studied the changeling imitating her deceased friend, trying and failing to see flaws in the appearance. "They should be strong enough to leave the cottage on their own soon," she continued. "My home will feel empty once they're gone."

"I'm sure your other animals will keep you company," Rainbow continued.

"I know," Fluttershy said with a smile, "but each and every one of my animal friends is unique. I always miss them when they're ready to leave and explore the world."

"That's it!" Applejack snapped as she stood up and walked between Fluttershy and the prisoner. "I'm putting an end to this." She turned toward Chrysalis, who stared at the earth pony with a confused look, still wearing Rainbow's face. "I won't let you feed on my friend."

"We were just talking," Fluttershy said, her head tilting to the side as her mouth tightened.

"Come on," Applejack ordered as she led Fluttershy outside.

The yellow pegasus could not get a single word in as her friend stormed past Moondancer and the guards, then outside the prison house, forcing her to follow.

"What were you trying to prove in there?" Applejack asked once they were away from the guards' ears. There was an unusual harshness to her tone. "You remember what Moondancer said? This is how she feeds on you."

Fluttershy sighed and glared at Applejack. "You're the one who asked me to talk to Chrysalis," she began in the most assertive voice she could muster. "I'm doing the same thing I did with Discord. I'm allowing her some space to be herself."

"By letting her feed on you?" Applejack asked as her she whipped her tail.

"Partly, yes," Fluttershy said with a nod. "I won't let her go too far, but this is the only way I can build trust. You came to me for help. This is how I'll find out where Twilight is."

Applejack paced back and forth. "I really don't like this."

"What other choices do we have?" I know I'm right. Applejack has to trust me on this one.

The mayor sighed and turned back toward her friend. "Alright, fine. You can try to befriend her. I'm only allowing it because I can't think of anything better, and I still have Boulderhoof on my back wanting to take her away. I wanna be around whenever you see her though, or at least have somepony else I trust close by."

"That's fine," Fluttershy said. "But please, no more outbursts like that. I need her to trust me, and I can only do it if I'm willing to trust her back."

"You better be right about this," Applejack mumbled.

I hope so too, Fluttershy silently thought as she smiled and nodded at her friend.





Every day for an entire week, Fluttershy would visit Chrysalis in prison. At first, Applejack accompanied her. After the first three days, the mayor decided to trust her friend. Fluttershy imagined that Applejack's other duties required her full attention. Moondancer tried to argue at first, but quickly relented, although she regularly expressed her concern over Fluttershy's methods.

The pegasus fully realized the risk involved in what she was doing. She would leave most sessions feeling tired and drained, no doubt as a result of the changeling queen feeding on her emotions. Sometimes, it was hard to even remember that it wasn't Rainbow Dash standing in front of her. If it weren't for the steel bars, Fluttershy might have lost herself in the illusion.

Unlike Discord, Chrysalis was an expert in feigning friendship. After all, deception was at the very center of a changeling's nature. Still, the only way to find Twilight was to win the queen's trust, and the only way to do that was for Fluttershy to give said queen the benefit of the doubt, no matter how unwise it sounded.

This was how she found herself, day after day, returning to the prison house. Every day, Chrysalis had already taken Rainbow's form when she arrived. From what the guards had told her, she rarely ever changed back.

The two pegasi had been talking about whatever was going on in Ponyville, as usual. Fluttershy told her about the animals hiding in her cottage from the increasing cold, while Rainbow talked about the aerial tricks she hoped to perform the moment she was out.

They both had been sitting in silence for about a minute when Fluttershy opened her saddlebags. "I brought a few blueberry muffins from Sugarcube Corner."

Rainbow nodded with a smile as Fluttershy offered her a pastry between the bars. "Thanks. The food here isn't too great."

Fluttershy took a small bite out of her own muffin before attempting a new approach. "These are Twilight's favorites, you know."

"Are they?" Rainbow asked with her mouth full. If Fluttershy hoped mentioning Twilight would get something out of the changeling queen, it wasn't showing.

"She used to get them all the time at Sugarcube Corner," Fluttershy said. "I have to admit, I like them a bit better when Pinkie makes them, but Mrs. Cake manages the recipe very well too."

"Tastes fine to me," Rainbow replied. "A muffin's a muffin, right?"

"I suppose it's special for me when Pinkie makes them," Fluttershy said as she looked downward. "I miss her a lot."

"Pinkie? Where is she anyway?"

"I'm not sure," Fluttershy replied. "I heard rumors that she was helping victims of the war with Shining Armor, but I don't know if there's any truth to it."

"We could get out of here and find out," Rainbow suggested with a wink.

Fluttershy sighed softly. "You know I can't do that."

"Come on, Fluttershy. I need to fly!"

Alright, Fluttershy. I think it's time to confront her. She took a long breath before gazing into the prisoner's eyes. "You know very well that I can't let you out. As much as I would like you to be, you're not really Rainbow."

Rainbow sighed and transformed back into the intimidating form of Queen Chrysalis. "At least you were tasty while it lasted," she said.

"This wasn't just for my sake," Fluttershy continued. She took a deep breath. "I wanted to give you a chance to be yourself. From what Applejack told me, you take pleasure in impersonating ponies."

"It's what changelings do," Chrysalis said as she turned around and looked outside through the small barred window at the end of the cell.

"I don't want to be your enemy, Chrysalis, but I can't let you out. Maybe if you tell me where Twilight is, I can put in a good word for you."

"Enough games," the queen said as she turned around. "You want to know where Twilight is? I'll tell you if you let me out and give me your insurance that nopony will come after me. My conditions have not changed."

"You know it's not up to me," Fluttershy said.

"Who gets to decide then? Applejack? This is my offer. If your superiors don't take it, I've gorged myself on you enough to last for a few years in this hole."

Fluttershy sighed. "Very well, I'll see what I can do." Please, Applejack. Be reasonable about this.

The pegasus left the room and smiled politely at Moondancer as she left the prison house. She didn't have to travel for long as she saw Applejack and Captain Boulderhoof walking in her direction.

"I hope you have something to report," the enormous gray earth pony who led the Ponyville garrison barked the moment he came into earshot.

"M... Maybe," Fluttershy weakly replied, startled by the intimidating stallion.

"I knew I could trust you," Applejack relied with a grin.

"You might not like it," Fluttershy said as she concentrated her attention on her friend. "Chrysalis will tell us where Twilight is if we let her go and promise not to follow her. I think I won her trust though. I have faith that she'll tell me the truth."

"And you seriously expect us to accept this deal?" Boulderhoof asked with a contemptuous guffaw.

"Yes, I do," Fluttershy replied in as serious a tone as she could.

"We went over this. You know that's not possible, Fluttershy," Applejack replied. "I promised that Canterlot could have Chrysalis after we're done with her. I also promised I wouldn't let her escape."

"It's Twilight we're talking about!" Fluttershy snapped as she flapped her wings in frustration.

"Don't you think I know that?" Applejack replied, slamming her hoof in the dirt. "I have other things I have to think about. I made promises, and I have to keep them."

Boulderhoof snorted loudly. "I'll give you two one more week to get the truth out of this bug. After that, I will report to my superiors that you're wasting time." He turned his attention to Applejack. "Don't think for one second that your friendship with the princess will help you this time. The changeling queen is a military matter, and we can easily take her away should your techniques continue to prove ineffective."

Applejack gazed pleadingly at Fluttershy. She didn't have to speak a word for her message to be clear.

"I'll think of something," the pegasus softly replied.





One of the baby raccoons climbed on Fluttershy's hoof as she lay on the long couch in her living room. Two birds sang from the birdhouse hanging above the pegasus's head, and a mouse sniffed the end of her long pink mane.

"Oh, little friends. How am I going to get out of this one?" she asked with a long sigh.

The mouse perked up its head and squeaked a few times. Fluttershy's ears twitched at the inviting sound.

"I don't think Chrysalis will say anything unless Applejack agrees to let her go," Fluttershy said as the animals gathered up around her. "And Applejack won't agree because she made a promise to the guards."

Angel, Fluttershy's ever-present bunny companion, tapped one of his legs on the floor. He stared at Fluttershy, his eyes displaying uncanny intelligence not usually found in animals.

"Applejack would never break her promise," the pegasus replied with a gasp. She took a deep breath before continuing. "Even for Twilight. If she did, who knows what the soldiers would do? She probably wouldn't be allowed to be Ponyville's mayor anymore. She made the right decisions. I just hate how both Applejack and Rarity have so many responsibilities now." She slammed one of her hooves on the couch in frustration, making the one baby raccoon jump in confusion. Fluttershy blushed as she attempted to calm it down.

Angel's stare didn't falter. Two squirrels and a weasel joined the bunny as they scratched the floor while glaring at the pegasus.

"But what can I do? I'm just one pony. I don't lead a town or an entire kingdom. I had one mission, and I failed at it."

Angel tapped his foot again.

"Yes, I know that I managed to find Discord."

The bunny kept tapping his foot.

"And yes, I know that he told me Chrysalis was responsible for Twilight's disappearance."

The bunny didn't stop.

"I admit, I got more out of Chrysalis then Applejack did, but that's just because I don't have an entire city to run," Fluttershy added, prompting the bunny to finally stop tapping his foot.

"Maybe you're right," the pegasus said as her ears perked up. "Applejack has a lot of responsibilities, but I don't. Except for all of you."

The animals all squeaked, sang, barked, or made other sounds all at once, prompting Fluttershy to giggle. "Alright, alright, I get it. If there's anything I can do, then I should do it. I still can't do it alone though."

Fluttershy stood as the animals moved aside to let her walk around her house. She made her way to her modest kitchen and heated up some water to make herself some tea. The beverage always seemed to calm her, and it helped her when she needed to think. If she was to find out where Twilight was being kept, she would need allies she could trust. She would also have to do it without Applejack.

She was taking the now boiling kettle off the fire when she heard giggling coming from outside. Her ears perked up and she stretched her neck so she could see out the window. Applebloom and Scootaloo were right outside her house. No doubt the fillies wanted to play with the animals. Fluttershy allowed herself a smile. Anything that could distract them from playing spy for Princess Luna was more than welcome.

The pegasus made her way outside. "Hello girls," she said.

"Hi Fluttershy," Applebloom said with a smile, Scootaloo mirroring the gesture.

"What are you two doing here? Are you here to see the animals?"

"Actually, we wanted to ask you something," Applebloom tentatively said as she avoided Fluttershy's gaze.

"We heard you were interrogating Chrysalis," Scootaloo completed. "What was she like? Did she try to eat you?"

"Oh goodness no," Fluttershy replied. "We only talked. Nothing interesting really."

"Come on," Scootaloo pressed on, her wings flapping in excitement. "Something cool must have happened in there."

"I only tried to befriend her," Fluttershy said. "I was thinking that if I could show her how friendly we all are, she might think about changing her ways."

"Did it work?" Applebloom asked, skepticism evident in her voice.

"I think I helped her understand us better. But there's still a lot left to do."

"I don't get it," Scootaloo replied as she directed an accusatory gaze at Fluttershy. "It's okay for you to want to be friends with Chrysalis, but not for us to want to be friends with Princess Luna?"

Fluttershy sighed. "You know it's more complicated than that. Openly supporting Princess Luna can put you and your families in terrible danger. We've talked about it before."

"It's not fair!" Applebloom argued. "You're just as bad as my sister. She always thinks about the stupid guards before her family."

"Don't say things like that," Fluttershy said as an idea came to her head. Do I have the right to ask this of the fillies?

"It's true though," Scootaloo said. "Applejack hates Luna."

"I don't think she does," Fluttershy replied. "She's trying to make the best out of a difficult situation, like the rest of us." Like I am right now. I have to ask them.

"Whatever," Applebloom said as she and Scootaloo turned away.

"Wait," Fluttershy asked, prompting the fillies to return their attention to her. "Does Princess Luna still visit your dreams?"

"What if she does?" Scootaloo said as she raised an eyebrow. "You can't keep us from dreaming."

"That's not what I mean," Fluttershy continued, her voice taking a very serious tone. "Would you be able to pass a message on to her?"

The fillies looked at each other before Applebloom whispered something in Scootaloo's ear. The pegasus filly finally nodded. "What's the message?" she asked.

"Not now," Fluttershy said. "I'll need the two of you to wait for me at the old playground tonight, the one where you both got your cutie marks. I might have a message for the princess by then."





"Here to see the prisoner?" one of the guards asked as Fluttershy entered the prison house.

"Yes," Fluttershy said with a nod, trying her hardest to keep her voice from trembling. So many things could go wrong with her plan. No Fluttershy. You can't think this way. You can do this.

"I'll unlock the door," the guard said as he made for the door. As usual, four soldiers were present, playing cards and looking bored. All four were unicorns, and Moondancer was nowhere to be seen, probably in bed. Just as planned.

Fluttershy stepped inside and found Chrysalis laying in a corner of her cell, staring at the moonlight through the window.

"Oh, it's you again," the queen said as she studied Fluttershy. "I'm not in the mood for muffins tonight."

Fluttershy made sure the door was closed behind her before stepping up to the bars. "I can't promise you that the guards won't go after you," she began after a deep breath. "But I can get you out of here if you tell me exactly what happened to Twilight, and where she is now."

Chrysalis chuckled. "So you're breaking me out, are you?"

"I want to find my friend," Fluttershy said. Her tone brooked no arguments. "If I have to act behind the guards' backs to find her, then I will."

"Amusing," Chrysalis said. "I'll bite. Open the door and I'll tell you everything."

"Information first," Fluttershy said, again using all of her self-control to keep her voice from trembling.

Chrysalis laughed again. "So after all this talk of friendship, you don't believe me? Let's make this a test. Prove that you truly believe in what you preach, and give me the benefit of the doubt."

Fluttershy sighed. "And you swear that you will tell me everything?"

"You might not believe me, but I do appreciate what you did," The queen softly said. "You might be the first pony who ever volunteered to be fed upon. Rest assured that the energy I gained from you will be put to good use in getting me safely away from this prison."

"Alright," Fluttershy said, "I'll trust you." And I hope I'm not making a mistake, she thought as she forced herself to smile at the queen.

Just on cue, two songbirds flew between the bars through the window and to Fluttershy. They carried a metallic key together. "Thank you little friends," Fluttershy said with a smile. "Now fly out and tell the others to start the distraction."

The birds sang as they flew outside, following her instructions.

"Impressive," the changeling queen said as she watched the birds fly away. "It reminds me of the control I have over my drones."

"Except these are my friends," Fluttershy replied with a light frown. "I never force them to do anything."

"The results are the same."

Fluttershy decided not to argue the point as she put the key in the lock, just as loud banging sounds and shrieking ponies made themselves heard outside.

"Rodent invasion around the jailhouse," Fluttershy explained, unable to hide the satisfaction in her tone as she opened the cell door. "Now, where is Twilight?" Please, don't make me regret this.

Chrysalis smirked. "You know, I could easily overpower you and fly away with my secrets," the queen said, prompting Fluttershy to brace behind her leg for an attack. "But I won't. As I said, I do owe you a favor."

Fluttershy sighed in relief. "Tell me quickly. The distraction won't keep the guards away forever."

"The griffons came to me a few months ago. They made me an offer: capture Twilight Sparkle and give her over to them. They also told me to hold Appleoosa and replace all the influential ponies there. In exchange, I would get dominion over all of southern Equestria — A deal I never expected them to honor."

"Why did you do it then?"

"Revenge, why else?" The queen replied with a smirk. "Runes enhancing teleportation inside Twilight Sparkle's quarters allowing me to teach her a lesson? I would have done it for free."

"And what about Twilight?" Fluttershy pressed on.

"She's still alive, I think. She was quite exhausted when I fought her, so it wasn't hard to get the better of her. Just as I was about to knock her out, she trapped herself in some sort of crystal. I couldn't dispel it, but I could take her to the griffons, even if she was still locked inside that thing. I have no idea where they took her."

So she did get the spell working, Fluttershy thought as she slowly smiled at the changeling queen. Crafty Twilight! I had no idea she could already do it.

The pegasus didn't get the chance to ask another question as the door burst open. "It was a distraction!" a voice yelled. "Fluttershy is letting the bug escape." Two guards burst inside the room.

Fluttershy hid behind her mane. Too soon! I'm not supposed to get caught yet. Careless Fluttershy. You were so close!

The second guard tackled his companion from behind in a sudden move, to Fluttershy's surprise.  "Quick, get out of here, My Queen!" he told Chrysalis as he held the real unicorn guard on the ground. His white fur transformed into black chitin. 

"You didn't think I would send all my minions away, did you?" Chrysalis said with a light chuckle. "Your detection methods aren't as foolproof as you think."

Fluttershy didn't question her luck as she raced outside the cell and into the lobby, the queen following close behind. A flash of green light prompted the pegasus to look backward, only to find a unicorn guard where Chrysalis stood — an exact replica of the one locked in combat back inside the cell.

"You won't get away with this!" the real guard yelled as he punched his changeling opponent with his left hoof.

"I imagine you have a plan?" Fluttershy whispered, wincing at the sound of the poor guard still fighting the changeling drone. She eyed the door leading outside the prison. 

The changeling queen nodded as she walked to the door and opened it. As expected, a swarm of rats, weasels, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and other critters were busy being chased by the two remaining guards, who turned their attention to Chrysalis.

"I'm taking Fluttershy to safety," the queen said in a perfect imitation of the guard's voice. "Contain the situation until I return."

"Shouldn't she be the one fixing this mess?" Another guard asked.

"Um," Fluttershy hesitated as she nervously looked around. "Please calm down, little friends," she began, seeing no other options but to comply with the request.

A few animals did calm down, but others were either too far away or enjoying the carnage too much to heed her call. Three mice were chasing a snobby-looking mare who was obviously afraid of them. Angel Bunny had discovered a barrel of carrots and was devouring the tasty vegetables. One raccoon had managed to turn a garbage can to its side and was rolling it across the road.

The door to the jail house opened. "That isn't me, it's Chrysalis!" the soldier the changeling queen was impersonating yelled. "Fluttershy helped her escape."

"I suppose our deal is at an end," the changeling queen replied as she transformed back to her true form, prompting the guards to lean back in defensive stances. Chrysalis, however, contented herself with teleporting away and out of sight.

"Get her!" one of the guards yelled as he pointed at Fluttershy.

The pegasus gulped as she flew away. Please don't kill me! Please don't kill me! Please don't kill me! She flapped her wings as fast as she could, looking behind to see three angry unicorn guards giving chase.

"I knew something about her wasn't right," one guard yelled.

"The queen must have taken control of her," another one added.

Fluttershy kept flying forward, hoping that she could escape. Her plan was almost a success.

"Gah, what's that?" one guard yelled, prompting Fluttershy to look behind her again. She squeed in delight as she found her animal friends climbing on the guards, crawling under their armor.

"Thank you, little friends. It'll be worth it. I promise."

She flew away, zig-zagging around houses so she could lose the guards for good. I did it, she thought to herself as she kept flying. One last thing to do.

She quickly made her way to the playground, where she found Applebloom and Scootaloo sitting in the sand. "Quickly girls, we don't have much time," she said as she landed next to them.

"What's going on?" Applebloom asked. "Do you have the message for the princess?"

"Yes," Fluttershy said with a nervous nod. "Tell her that the griffons have Twilight. They had Chrysalis teleport inside her room and capture her. I don't know where they took her, but I know for a fact that Chrysalis didn't lie to me."

Both fillies gasped. "We'll let her know," Scootaloo said after a moment's hesitation.

"Thanks," Fluttershy replied between pants. Flying away had taken more out of her than she expected. "Tell Applejack, too. And tell her that Twilight managed to get her crystal shield spell working. She'll know what I'm talking about."

"Why can't you tell her yourself?" Applebloom asked.

"I had to do a bad thing to learn this information," Fluttershy admitted weakly. "The guards will no doubt catch me soon, and I don't know if they'll ever allow me to talk to Applejack."

"What did you do?" Applebloom asked in a pleading voice. "There must be some way of helping you."

"There isn't," Fluttershy replied, firmly shaking her head. "Just deliver the message. Also, remember that the same thing that's about to happen to me can happen to you should you continue supporting Luna openly. This is why Applejack is being so strict."

The fillies stared at her with a mix of worry and confusion on their faces. "You can count on us," Scootaloo finally said.

"Thank you," Fluttershy said with a weak smile as she flew away. All that was left to do was to make sure Applejack's position was safe.

She flew at a more relaxed pace back toward the jail house. She could run away, try and make her way to the Crystal Empire, but the guards would need a culprit. She couldn't risk Applejack being accused in her place; it would destroy her entire plan. Captain Boulderhoof had to believe that Fluttershy had acted alone. There was only one way to accomplish this.

As expected, Boulderhoof himself was at the scene of the crime, surrounded by Moondancer and half a dozen soldiers. Fluttershy calmly landed in front of them.

"There she is," he barked. "Grab her."

The pegasus didn't resist as unicorn guards placed manacles around her legs and wings. "I surrender," she said, gazing downward.

"You just freed one of Equestria's most dangerous monsters," the earth pony officer said as he grabbed her face. "What were you trying to accomplish?"

"I only wanted to save Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy lied as tears welled up in her eyes. Given all that she had gone through, they came easily.

"I knew it," one of the prison guards said from behind Boulderhoof. "This stupid pegasus got herself brainwashed by the changeling."

"You'll all face disciplinary action for your incompetence," the captain barked at the prison guards before returning his attention to Fluttershy. "As for you, I don't know if you're a traitor or just stupid, but there is no excuse for what you did. I heard they're looking for pegasus workers at the new weather factory prison, so that's where you're heading."

Fluttershy looked away toward Canterlot, her eyes still filled with tears. Inwardly, she smiled. I did all I could, Applejack. I hope that it's enough.