//------------------------------// // 11 – Tidal // Story: No Heroes: Beyond the Everfree // by PaulAsaran //------------------------------// Thanks to Rainbow’s insatiable need for competition, Sera had decided to call it a night and make camp around the Eastern Watch. As such, it was early in the morning when Fluttershy got her first glimpse of civilization. That glimpse came in the form of a road overgrown with weeds and the occasional tree. The stones were spread haphazardly, as if a great many were missing. Even so, the road and its path was obvious and easy to navigate, being wide enough for six ponies to walk side-by-side. Soon after, the first structures came into view. They were squat buildings made of stone on either side of the road. Dilapidated and crumbling, it seemed they’d not seen use in some time. But they were only the start, and soon more and more structures could be seen through the thick foliage. It struck Fluttershy as almost ghostly; a mirage of a forgotten city within a very real forest. Slowly, the jungle gave way to stonework that grew more complex and less run down. But it was not until he party crested the first hill that they got a real look at Tidal, home of the Guardian Tribe. Fluttershy paused to take it in. She had expected something grand and beautiful, a thriving town of thestrals. The ruins spread before her, the skeletal remains of a once proud city. Though not a single structure stood taller than three stories, they still gave off the impression of greatness lost to the ravages of time. The streets did not throng with thestrals; indeed, most were devoid of activity. Only near the city’s distant center could she make out the motions of its citizens. “Where is everypony?” Nye asked, his head swiveling slowly around the site. “Are they asleep?” Polar Aim strode forward, his head held high. “What you see is what you get.” Pinkie followed him, her steps unusually heavy. “I thought there would be more.” The drawn out sigh came from Sera, who remained at Fluttershy’s side. “It is as I told you before; we have not thrived. Far from it.” Fluttershy shared a concerned glance with Fine before following the Elder down the hill. It took them several long minutes to reach the center of the city. She spent that time examining her surroundings, but there was nothing pleasant about the view. Everywhere she looked, it seemed like the ghosts of the past were watching. What had happened, to bring such a large place to such a sorry state? “Why did everypony leave the city?” Rainbow asked as she flew a small circle over one of the taller buildings. “We don’t know,” Sera admitted. “That particular bit of history has long been lost to us.” A couple stallions came running up from the town center. They stopped before Sera and performed that circling salute. The one on the left couldn’t stop eyeing Fine Crime curiously as he spoke. “Elder, the Coven is assembling in the Hall. They’re eager to meet the ponies.” “Well,” Sera grumbled, “they waste no time, do they? Go and inform the Coven that we will be arriving shortly, and that one Fluttershy Darrow leads them.” As the thestrals returned the way they came, Nye stepped a little closer to the Elder. “You didn’t tell them about Luna?” She shook her head. “That information must be presented before the Coven directly. Miss Darrow?” Fluttershy winced as the Elder’s sharp eyes fell upon her. “Yes?” “The Coven will be expecting you to address them.” She swallowed the lump in her throat before nodding. This was okay. Fine had spoken to her about this last night. They’d known it was coming, she knew what she should say. She just hoped she had the courage to do so. The sick feeling in her gut wasn’t encouraging. Somepony nudged her shoulder. To her mild surprise, it was Fine Crime, who gave her a warm smile. She smiled back, abruptly glad to know he stood by her. Without his help, she likely never would have known what to say. Rainbow landed on her other side. “Hey, don’t worry, Fluttershy. We’ve got your back.” “You’ll do wonderfully,” Nye added from behind them. Fang trotted past them with a scowl, not giving the group so much as a glance. “She better. The Coven won’t fall for your tricks so easily.” Pinkie waited for them to catch up, offering Fang a grin that went ignored. As soon as they caught up, she brought up her hoof to her cheek as if to hide what she was about to say, and proceeded to speak in a ‘whisper’ everypony could easily hear. “Don’t mind Nibbler—” “It’s blood and bloody Fang!” “—she’s just not a morning pony.” Pinkie’s grin turned wry to the sound of Fang’s growl. “You’re gonna be the best speech speaker pony ever, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy smiled back, though the expression was strained at best. It didn’t just involve her nerves; she found it distasteful the way Pinkie kept pushing Fang’s buttons. She knew her friend was only trying to keep the mood light, but she didn’t think this was helping. Perhaps she should have a word with her later? She blinked as she realized what had just passed through her mind. Had she really thought that? It seemed like such an authoritative stance. It didn’t feel like anything ‘old’ Fluttershy would have thought… but she found she liked it. They were coming upon the center of town. Thestrals filled the road, but not as densely as Fluttershy had anticipated. They all stared at the newcomers. Some appeared curious, others outright shocked. But, to Fluttershy’s quiet alarm, she noted more than a few unfriendly faces in the crowd. They all backed away, making room for their passing. Not a single one spoke to them, although many put their heads together to speak in hushed whispers. Rainbow leaned her head towards her friends. “So much for being welcomed as heroes.” “They don’t know anything about us yet,” Nye reminded her. “Or Luna. Give it time.” Pinkie, however, appeared to have no interest in waiting. She bounded away from the group to land before a trio of startled thestrals, her grin in full spread. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, and I’m a pony from Equestria! What are your names?” The thestrals shared startled looks and promptly backed away. “What’s wrong?” Pinkie took a step forward; they retreated a little farther. “I just want to make friends. Are you okay?” When they refused to speak up, her smile shrank a touch. She turned to another nearby group. “What’s with all the frowny faces?” The other group stepped away, scowling at her and not saying a word. “Oh, come on!” Pinkie bounced towards a third group, and they scattered like rabbits fleeing a fox. “Wait, I just wanted… to…” She sat with a loud plop and pouted. “What’s wrong with everypony?” Fang scoffed. “They have common sense?” Pinkie rejoined her friends, head hanging low. “I just wanted to make more friends.” “Don’t worry, Pinkie.” Rainbow patted her on the shoulder. “They’ll come around. Just gotta give it time.” Pinkie’s smile grew, but only a little. Sera led the group through the streets, and Fluttershy managed to get a good look at the local living conditions. It seemed the thestrals had moved into the surrounding buildings, despite their derelict appearance. It was apparent that there was no running water, and judging by the smell there probably wasn’t a sewer system either. It went without saying that there was nothing in the way of magical comforts, modern or otherwise. She felt as if she’d stepped back in time to the age of the tribes. The sight filled her with sadness. She could only imagine how these thestrals might be living now if they’d only re-integrated into pony society centuries ago. She made a mental note to speak to Luna on the matter, but then discarded it; the princess would undoubtedly already be thinking along such lines. Still, as she smiled at a trio of foals staring at her from a crumbling doorway, she hoped that things would improve for them soon. Soon they stood before a large, dome-shaped building. Roughly a third of the rounded ceiling had collapsed, but otherwise it appeared to be more intact than the structures surrounding it. Tall, wide steps led up to what had probably once been a double-doored opening, though it now struck Fluttershy as more akin to the gaping mouth of a monster. With every step she took, her shaking grew more pronounced. Sera, not seeming to notice her hesitation, spoke. “There are six elders of the Guardian Tribe, myself included. Only five will be present today, as Elder Chipped Hoof is away on a diplomatic mission. It shouldn’t matter; as long as we can convince four of them that your intentions are good, you’ll have all the support you need.” Fluttershy gave a weak nod, fully aware that it wasn’t seen. “S-so I’m only going to have to talk before five thestrals?” “Oh, no,” she replied, “there’ll likely be dozens. Mostly the heads of different households; there’s not enough room for all of Tidal to watch.” “Dozens isn’t so bad,” Nye offered tentatively. “Yeah, you can handle that,” Pinkie agreed with more enthusiasm. “Not so bad,” Fluttershy whispered, her knees knocking. “Y-yeah. Dozens. Not so bad.” Sera finally noticed Fluttershy’s condition, but she offered no sympathy. Instead, her tone proved annoyed. “It won’t be bad. It’s just a little talk. They aren’t going to draw and quarter you if you stumble.” Polar looked to Fluttershy, face filled with concern. “I don’t think that helps, Elder.” “Well it should,” Fang snapped. “Aunt Sera was talking the Coven down when she was half our age.” Rainbow pushed herself between Fluttershy and Fang, giving the thestral a dirty look. “Hey, ease up. Not everypony takes to it naturally. Fluttershy will do it, just don’t pressure her.” Fang opened her mouth to retort, but closed it with a click of teeth when her aunt shot her a similar look. By that time, they’d entered the building. The first room was like a lobby of some sort, albeit a large one. Four thestrals, armed and armored, stood beside two large doors ahead. Other than that and a couple hallways on the right and left, the room was plain, undecorated stone. It was even cleaner than Fluttershy had anticipated. “Okay, the Meeting Hall is beyond those doors,” Sera explained. “Elders enter through the door on the right, everypony else on the left. I will enter first and announce your intention to speak to the Coven. When you hear a knock on the door, that’s your sign to come in. Ms. Darrow, you should enter first, with your friends following behind in whatever order they choose. You will go to the dais to speak to the Coven. The rest of you will wait on the bench behind her as her dignitaries. Am I understood?” They exchanged looks before nodding in unison. “Good. Go wait by the door, and don’t worry; it’s not as intimidating as you’re thinking.” With that, Sera turned and left them for the right-side door, head held high and wings out. “You better go on,” Polar said, waving to the left-side door. “She won’t take long.” “Aren’t you coming?” Nye asked as the ponies marched for the door. Polar shook his head. Fang was already gone. “This entrance is for the elders and those who speak with them. The rest of us have to go through the audience entrance on the other side of the hall. Don’t worry, we’ll be watching.” Fluttershy stood before the door, her ears folded back as she looked up at it. She silently wondered if these were the last intact doors in the entire city. She glanced at the two guards on either side and hesitated at their stony expressions. They were not unlike Celestia’s Royal Guard in that respect. Fine leaned over her shoulder to whisper in her ear. “Remember, we’re right here if you need us.” “I wish you hadn’t elected me to do this,” she replied, voice shaky. “You’ll be fine. I have faith in you.” “That makes one of us.” She sucked down a long breath and focused on stopping the rocking of her knees. Just one little talk, just a few dozens thestrals. She could do this… The knock came. Fluttershy yelped in response and didn’t move. After a few seconds, she felt two bodies pressing in on either side; Rainbow Dash and Fine Crime. Part of her was relieved for their presence. Another part was disappointed in herself for needing it. Seconds passed. She took a few deep breaths to prepare. There came another knock at the door, but she didn’t flinch this time. “Alright.” She held her head high and stepped forward. “I’m ready.” Fine and Rainbow stepped back, and though her legs still wobbled, Fluttershy found the strength to move forward. The guards pushed the door open, and she took her first step into the Meeting Hall. It wasn’t as grand as she’d led herself to expect; the throne room in Canterlot probably could have held two of these halls. Light from the gap in the ceiling illuminated the room, but also cast a good portion of it in shadow. Near the center of the circular room was a tall platform – presumably the dais – that was also a circle. Opposite it was a bench shaped like a crescent moon, upon which five thestrals were seated. They watched her with peering eyes, the grey in their coats and manes suggesting that all were well over their middle ages. Five thestrals, even important ones, didn’t worry Fluttershy much. On the other hoof, the dozens of eyes watching her from the viewing balcony above had her heart cutting flips. Most of them were in the shadows, nothing more than vague shapes with glittering eyes. So many eyes. They pressed her back, made her feel weak. Her breathing grew ragged… “Fluttershy Darrow.” She turned her attention to the speaker, Sera, who was on the far left side of the crescent bench. “You may address the Coven now.” The words were cold, but Fluttershy didn’t miss the look in her eye. She silently thanked the Elder for her interference; if she just focused on these five, she could get through this. Raising her head once more and working hard to ignore the shadows above, she trotted for the dais. As she did, her friends took their seats on a raised bench behind her. The words played across her mind, but they were jumbled. With her friends coaching her, it had at least seemed manageable. Now… now she just wanted it to be over. It took all her will not to glance at the hundreds of eyes settled upon her. She reprimanded herself; the Elders were waiting! “G-good day, everypony.” She winced at the scowls. “Thestrals. I mean… Ahem. My name is Fluttershy, and I am a pony.” Brilliant. She felt like facehoofing. “I… We have come to your lands, and I apologize if we trespassed into your territory. My friends and I have come from Equestria seeking a cure for my friend Discord. If I may—” One of the elders, a thin blue stallion with a short grey mane, stood. His expression was hard as he took in the ponies before him. Fluttershy’s ears folded as the audience above began to murmur. “Discord.” The stallion snorted, steam rising from his nostrils. “Nopony has seen or heard from Discord in centuries. Yet you claim to be his friend?” Fluttershy fumbled with her tongue. This wasn’t meant to happen. She was just supposed to talk! “Y-yes?” “Lies.” The crack of the elder’s stomp reverberated through the hall. “You’ve barely started speaking, and already you insult our intelligence. Discord is gone from this world!” “No!” Fluttershy shook her head. “He came back, but now he’s—” The elder turned on Sera. “This is what you convinced us to let enter our lands, Tongue? Tell me you have not fallen for this ridiculous tale!” Another elder, his own face set in a grimace, spoke up. “Be silent, Candid. It is the toothling’s time to speak.” “I concur with Candid,” another snapped. “Why are we even listening to this?” “You are listening because I have advised it,” Sera replied, her tone cool. “Or have you lost all respect for me, Iron? “Excuse me…” Whatever Nye was going to say was cut off when all five of the elders hit him with a withering stare. Fluttershy felt for him, but also thanked the sun that those eyes weren’t directed at her. An opening! Fluttershy took a step closer to the edge and spoke as loud as she dared. “We can’t prove we know Discord!” And just like that, all the eyes were on her again. She shrank back with a whimper, but forced the words from her lips. “W-we can’t prove that. But we can speak to s-somepony else, someone even more important.” Elder Candid’s frown only deepened. “More important than Discord? This I can’t wait to hear.” Fluttershy turned to Nye, who was already pulling the letter from one of his pouches. He walked over, set it in her hoof… then sat where he was. Fluttershy blinked, opened her mouth— One of the elders – Elder Ironm she thought – beat her to it. “You are not permitted to speak, sir.” Nye smiled at Fluttershy, then turned his attention to the Elders. “And you don’t have permission to talk down to my friend.” Elder Candid sputtered. The other three raised their eyebrows in a mild showing of surprise. Sera grinned like a devil. Apparently taking Nye’s initiative as permission, Pinkie bounded forward to land beside Fluttershy. “Yeah, you won’t even give her a chance to explain! I thought old wise ponies were supposed to be polite, but you’re just Rudy McRudy.” Rainbow took her turn, stepping beside Pinkie with a glower. “We’re a team, and we won’t let you pick on her. You wanna talk? You talk to all of us.” The audience was rumbling until Elder Candid stomped once more, the sound cracking through the hall like a thunderbolt. “You are all out of order!” Fine didn’t walk up to the dais so much as he materialized there. His horn gave the tiniest of flashes, but it caught the attention of every thestral in the room. The glittering eyes overhead were joined by hushed, urgent whispers. He said nothing, but kept his head held high in a commanding pose. The dark expression he wore spoke for him, and Fluttershy was mildly alarmed by the way the Elders drew back. But Elder Candid didn’t stay quiet for long. He gave another of his derisive sniffs. “The only thing this proves is that you’re scamming us as a team.” Fluttershy, eager to get this meeting over with as soon as she could, raised the letter high in the air. “I have here a letter, written to the thestral race by the Mother of All Night. She has returned, and she wants to meet you all.” Silence. For a moment, Fluttershy was sure she might have been able to hear a quill drop. Then the audience erupted. Fluttershy nearly dropped the letter in her surprise as an indecipherable amalgamation of shouts assaulted her ears. Was that a positive sound? Negative? She couldn’t tell if they were cheering or screaming for her head! She looked to her friends, but most of them appeared as confused as she did. Only Fine remained unaffected, his ominous stare still solidly set upon the Coven below. It was Elder Bright Eyes who finally dispersed the noise; he sucked in a sharp breath before letting out a whistle that pierced every ear. To Fluttershy, it was little more than that, but to the thestrals it seemed to be something worse, for every last one rushed to cover their ears, faces twisting in visible pain. The whistle came to a stop after a couple seconds, though the sound seemed to linger in the air. Sera snapped her fangs at him. “By the Moon, Bright Eyes, couldn’t you have at least warned us?” Before Bright Eyes could respond, Elder Candid shouted, “First you insult our intelligence, and now you insult our faith! You dare to invoke the name of our glorious Princess Luna, as if she were some tool to be used? You’re more likely tools of the Sun Tyrant. We have more important things to deal with than the likes of you.” “Not anymore, you don’t,” Rainbow shot back, but she stilled her tongue when Fine raised his hoof before her. He gave Fluttershy a small nod. Why was he still deferring to her? Didn’t he know she wasn’t meant for this kind of thing? Sucking up some courage, she turned back to the Elders. “We have the words of Princess Luna herself, right here. I would like to read them.” “No.” Elder Candid shook his head. “I’m sure the Elder Sera informed you of our lack of a writing system. All we have to go on is your word that what is being said is true. Lines on a piece of paper are meaningless. Give us something more concrete, or leave immediately!” Sera heaved a long sigh. “Listen to them, you old goat. At least let them read the letter. I assure you, when you hear Her words—” Elder Bright Eyes interrupted, his voice as calm as ever. “Surely even you can see that there is no proof in that letter.” “And what of the feather I showed you all, Bright Eyes?” Elder Candid facehoofed. “It’s a feather. It could have come from anywhere!” “It came from a potion. We have thestral witnesses of that,” Rainbow said, her tone defensive. “Then it came from a magical source, the likes of which we can’t confirm the credibility of.” Elder Bright Eyes shook his head. “I am sorry, but your ‘evidence’ just isn’t reliable.” Fluttershy felt her heart sink. If those two didn’t approve, they didn’t have a majority! And that assumed the two quiet elders even sided with Sera. She could feel the solution falling apart around her. “B-but… We need to get to the Temple of Tides! Discord’s freedom depends upon it!” Sera was hunched over in a sulk, but when she turned to the remaining Elders she regained her firm appearance. “Elder Evergreen, Elder Iron, what say you?” The two remaining Elders shared thoughtful looks, then bowed their heads together to whisper. Then the one on the left – Fluttershy guessed he was Evergreen, considering the emerald colors of his coat and mane – spoke. “We believe that Elders Bright Eyes and Candid have very good points. Without the ability to examine the letter’s contents for ourselves, and with no further evidence, we cannot justify accepting the story of these ponies.” Elder Iron turned his attention directly to Fluttershy. “Perhaps if some other evidence were presented?” Fluttershy wavered on her hooves, not sure what to say or do. The letter was supposed to convince them! What was she supposed to do now? “One moment.” Nye stepped back, gesturing to Fine. Fluttershy watched from over her shoulder as the two conversed in whispers. She prayed they had an idea. Fine was nodding, nodding was good. “Don’t worry, Fluttershy,” Rainbow whispered in her ear. “They’ll come up with something.” Pinkie did the same from the other side. “But we don’t have anything the thestrals will accept as proof. What can they possibly do?” Fluttershy swallowed to moisten her throat, watching as the two stallions separated. Nye stepped up and gestured to Fluttershy, who was more than happy to give him the center of the dais. “Honored Elders,” he said, his tone calm and controlled, “we understand your concerns. You’re right; a piece of paper that holds weight in Equestria hardly counts for anything in the Wilds. However, I believe I have a solution. Remember: the entire premise of our statement is that we can contact the Lady Luna on a whim. Therefore, I propose the opportunity to prove that to you, but it will take time.” The Elders all shared curious looks. Even Elder Candid in particular was watching with renewed interest. It was Elder Bright Eyes who spoke. “On a whim, but it will take time?” Nye nodded, his manner still more professional than Fluttershy had ever known him capable of. “As you can imagine, Princess Luna is nocturnal. Her response would not come until sometime tonight.” Elder Candid examined Nye closely. “And what exactly are you suggesting, Mr…” Nye brushed his mane back before meeting the Elder’s gaze. “Count Nye Stone of Ponyville, Son of Stickin Stone, Confidant of the Princess Luna. My proposal is that you let us write to the princess so that she may deliver your proof.” Elder Candid snorted, but it was Elder Evergreen who spoke. “You’ll forgive our doubt, Mr. Stone, but another letter arriving via some magical means will hardly be considered suitable.” “I am aware.” Nye smiled upon them. “That’s why I am going to ask her to do something that only she can do, an act that you will be unable to explain outside of Princess Luna’s direct interference. Will you permit this example?” Once more, curious looks were shared among the Elders. They huddled together, speaking in hushed tones. Well, mostly hushed; Fluttershy could make out a little of Sera’s forceful insistence. Though worry ate at her, a glance at Nye showed nothing but the utmost confidence in his features. Her attention shifted to Fine, but the stallion had retreated to the back of the group, face stoic. Until he noticed her watching; then he flashed a small, confident smile. Pinkie was leaning over the edge of the dais, her ears perked and her eyes wide. Fluttershy couldn’t help wondering if she could actually hear the conversation below. Rainbow, in the meantime, appeared to have eyes only for Nye. Glowing, proud eyes, above a rather goofy grin. Fluttershy could only imagine what was going through her friend’s head. She might even have been amused, if she weren’t so worried about what was happening. At last, the Elders assembled in their seats once more. Elder Bright Eyes puffed out his chest and spoke so that all assembled in the Hall could hear. “Those in favor of permitting Count Stone’s proposal?” Five hooves reached into the air. “Then the proposal is approved.” Elder Bright Eyes turned his attention to the ponies above. “But on the condition that, should this evidence you offer not be acceptable, you leave the Wilds, never to return. Are we agreed?” It was the ponies’ turn to share looks. “I don’t like it,” Rainbow said. Pinkie grinned. “Don’t worry, everypony! Luna will pull through for sure.” “Of that I have no doubt,” Nye agreed. Fine nodded to Fluttershy, who returned the motion before addressing the Coven. “We are agreed.” “In agreement,” Nye hissed into her ear. Heat blossomed across Fluttershy’s cheeks. “We are in agreement!” “So be it.” Elder Bright Eyes stomped his hoof twice. “Until that time, you will be provided with lodgings here in Tidal. Tonight we shall see this demonstration, and then we will meet again at sunrise tomorrow. In the Night Mother’s name, I end these proceedings.” The audience over their heads was abuzz with anxious conversation as most of the Coven left the room. Elder Sera, however, walked directly to them. Or rather, directly to Fine. “”I knew Elder Candid would be a problem,” she growled, “I just didn’t expect him to be such a vocal problem.” “Nye!” All eyes turned to Rainbow, who had her face so close to Nye’s their eyes were almost touching. “Since when were you so good at public speaking, huh? You’re always so… so goofy.” A sea of pink flooded his features as he backed away from her. “I’m goofy when it’s non-professional. I had to learn to give presentations when I was in engineering school. It’s no big deal.” “On the contrary,” Sera said, “your oratory abilities rescued this meeting, and your chances of getting to the Temple of Tides. You—” Her sharp eyes turned to Fluttershy, making her wince. “—need to work on your technique.” “I-I’m sorry.” Sera’s frown twisted, making her displeasure only more apparent. She turned to Fine and asked, “This is supposed to be your leader?” Fine offered the ghost of a smile to Fluttershy. “Give her time.” “Time is not something you have.” Sera turned to Nye, who was still furiously blushing despite the fact that Rainbow had backed off. “What is this great thing you intend to ask of the princess?” All anxiousness faded as Nye broke into a smug grin. “It’s a surprise, but I promise that it’ll be good.” Fluttershy stared at her cot. It was a thin thing, held up by pieces of wood and covered in a mattress made of leaves and straw. Would it be an improvement over the ground? It might. It was the closest thing to a bed she’d be able to get around here, and she appreciated the thestrals’ generosity. But if she closed her eyes, she could see her own bed. Her fluffy, soft bed with its hoof-stitched quilt. She could almost smell the heavy aroma of all the animals surrounding her, basking in their warmth and friendship. She saw the cute kittens, the happy dogs, the singing birds, Harry snoozing in the sun. And Angel. Oh, she missed that stubborn little rabbit so much. If only she could hold him. She could imagine his squeaky protests, his struggle to escape, but she would hold him tight to her breast, and eventually he’d submit to the inevitable. As always. He was such a softy on the inside, once you got to know him. “Fluttershy?” With a whimper, she hurried to brush her tears away before turning to Fine. She opened her mouth to speak, but upon seeing his concerned face immediately closed it. He stepped into the small room. “You getting homesick?” Oh, there was so much more to it than that. She turned from him, her chest heaving as she struggled to hold her tears in. She could feel his presence. It spoke volumes, especially since somepony didn’t recognize Fine’s presence unless he wanted them to. He nuzzled her shoulder, a level of contact she was unaccustomed to from him. “It’s going to be okay.” He sounded so awkward… but at least he was trying. Fluttershy rubbed the last of her tears away, but didn’t turn to him. “Fine, why did you make me the leader of this expedition?” She waited patiently for an answer, but he offered none. She turned her head back to look him in the eye. He barely met her gaze. “The real reason. You knew I wasn’t ready. Why?” Fine pursed his lips. For just a moment, his face became hard. That stony countenance cracked after only a few seconds, however, and he looked away with shame in his features. “It was a petty thing,” he whispered. “I didn’t want you to go on this mission. You weren’t supposed to go on this mission. You were so determined, I couldn’t just say no. So I… I figured, ‘If she wants to make us all go on this quest and risk her own life, she’d best be prepared to own it.’ ” An ache filled her heart. Had she really made him so unhappy with her decision to come? She knew he could be protective, but this was too much. “I didn’t mean to upset you, Fine, but I didn’t ask you to come, either.” “Who cares if I go? You’re the one who—” He closed his mouth, a whine sounding from his throat. The sound startled Fluttershy; even when curing him of the Bloodmane, she didn’t think she’d ever heard such a thing from him. He bowed his head, muzzle nearly touching the floor. “If something happens to you, I… I don’t know what I’d do.” At that, she offered a weak smile. “You’d find the pony responsible and do things to him I wouldn’t approve of.” His head rose. He stared at her with a look of pure incredulity. “Are you… joking about it?” She pressed her forehead to his, and she could feel his entire body stiffen. “I trust you to keep me safe. I… I do want to go home. I miss my bed and my animals and Angel and all our friends. I also miss Discord, so I have to finish this. But Fine, you know I shouldn’t be the leader here.” He stepped back quickly, cheeks flushed and eyes wide. She didn’t mind, well aware of his inexperience with moments like these. She only smiled and said, “I want you to take that role back.” Fine’s wide eyes darted about the room for a moment and his breathing came in slow heaves, but he gradually recovered. He averted his gaze once again, rubbing his foreleg; one more sight that Fluttershy had never seen in him before. He was really struggling with this, wasn’t he? “I was angry,” Fine admitted. “But after a while, I really hoped I could help you… grow. I thought I’d be doing you a favor by keeping it up.” Fluttershy shook her head, but didn’t lose her smile. “Maybe someday I can do that, but this is too big a start for me. I’m sorry, Fine. I know you meant well. At least, you came to mean well.” “You’re not as sorry as I am.” He sighed and gave a small nod. “If you really want me to take over, I will.” He had half-turned away by the time Fluttershy spoke up. “Fine?” Fine seemed to shrink in on himself. He didn’t turn to face her. “I’m not mad.” She tilted her head, but he turned his face away. “Really. I appreciate what you were trying to do. You’re a wonderful friend.” What little energy he showed disappeared. Fine sagged as if a ton of bricks had landed on his shoulders. “Y-yeah? That’s… good to know.” Her ears perked at his despondent tone. “Fine? What’s wrong?” “Nothing. Nothing’s wrong.” He retreated from the room. “I have to talk to Nye. Goodnight.” Fluttershy tried to follow, but by the time she stepped into the narrow hall Fine had disappeared. She stepped up to a nearby doorway, the closest exit he could have taken. There was no sign of him. Outside, the sun was setting, but hadn’t quite touched the horizon. Thestrals observed her with curious and questioning looks. If they’d just seen Fine, they showed no indication of it. Realizing that to search for him would be an exercise in futility, Fluttershy heaved a sigh and turned away. She was just in time to see Pinkie turning for her own room. It had been a rushed movement, and it caught her attention, so Fluttershy walked over. Nothing. No sign of Pinkie anywhere. What was happening to her friends? Fine was acting strangely, and Pinkie seemed to be avoiding her. Fluttershy considered looking for Pinkie, but thought better of it. It was probably her imagination. After all, what could possibly bring down Pinkie’s mood? Fine was a bigger concern, and she resolved to talk to him about it at the first opportunity. Maybe after Nye’ big reveal tonight. Whatever that was going to be.