Luna starts having nightmares that keep getting more and more terrifying, so Princess Celestia sends for the Mane 6. Can they help her? Will Fluttershy strike a bond with Luna? Will they become friends or even something more? Find out!
Isn't showing a little kindness a good thing? To Fluttershy, it comes pretty easily - seeing as she's the Element of Kindness, but to Luna, it's a whole new adventure. When Luna starts having worse and worse nightmares and Princess Celestia send for the Mane 6 to come over, what will happen? Who will make what moves? Find out in this Luna X Fluttershy!
All characters are owned by Hasbro and not by me! Hope you enjoy! ^~^
"Gah!" Luna gasped as she bolted awake, sweat dripping down her shocked face, tears slithering down her cheeks like snakes after their prey and heat colouring her usually porcelain face. She'd had another bad dream. No. Not a bad dream. A nightmare.
Princess Celestia appeared at the door, her face creasing with worry at the sight of her beloved little sister shivering with cold and fright.
"Sister, you've had another one." She stated sombrely and Luna nodded weakly, trying to block out the gruesome and agonising dream she'd seen.
"Tia...I'm so sorry!" Luna cried and hugged her sister hard; for the little Moon Princess couldn't find it in her heart to forgive herself. No. Not even a little bit.
"Luna, it's not your fault...it's all in the past now. Come now little sister." Celestia nudged her little sister back to Luna's bed and together they snuggled down.
"Do not fret little sister." She murmured, using her magic to wipe a lock of Luna's wavy starry hair out of her face.
"Now let us get some rest. "Celestria advised and together; the two rulers of Equestria slept.
/////Fluttershy's Cottage/////
"Fluttershy!" A voice called loudly and Fluttershy awoke with an alarmed jump.
Heavens, had she overslept again?
"Fluttershy!" The voice repeated patiently and with a hurry, Fluttershy flew to the door. She opened it gently and there stood Rarity.
"Oh Good Morning Rarity." Fluttershy greeted politely, with a sweet smile.
"Good Morning Fluttershy! I was wondering-" Rarity paused delicately, swinging her side to Fluttershy's vision.
"-If you could sort out Opal for me? She got a bit...huffy, when Sweetie Belle thought Opal needed a trimming and well..." Opal was clinging sharply to Rarity's side, giving her massive stings of pain.
"O-oh! Of course. Come in." Fluttershy invited warmly and Rarity came in hurriedly, sitting down on the sofa. Fluttershy sat down next to her, and gave a friendly smile to the cat.
"Opal." Fluttershy addressed in a gentle lull; and with a giant leap, Opal unattached herself from her owner and bounced in Fluttershy's lap, purring.
"I still don't know how you do it." Rarity grumbled, disgruntled and Fluttershy let out a little giggle.
"Well I am the caretaker of many animals." She counteracted and Rarity let out a small chuckle.
"That you are darling." Rarity praised and Fluttershy went a pale candyfloss colour; she did this every time she got a compliment.
"Now Opal, what do you think about a nice hot bath and a grooming?" She asked the content cat, who gazed at her with undying affection as it let out a huge purr.
"I take it that's a yes." Rarity laughed and Fluttershy joined in good naturedly.
"Can I get you a cup of coffee Rarity?" Fluttershy questioned pleasantly as she scooped Opal up into her hooves, flying off the ground slightly.
"Oh darling, that would be simply divine." Rarity agreed whole-heartedly and Fluttershy smiled; she knew just how Rarity liked it - a few teaspoons of milk and 3 sugars.
"Of course. You just relax." Fluttershy remarked nicely as she set Opal down on a spare cat bed she owned.
"I'll start your bath in a minute Opal. I just have to make Rarity's coffee first." She mentioned in her kind tone, as she switched the kettle on and hummed along to the whistling. A few minutes later, the coffee was ready and she added a few teaspoons of milk and 3 sugars to Rarity's. For hers, however, she just poured some milk in until it went a light-ish brown and put sugar in until it went sweet enough to not taste the bitter taste of coffee.
"Here you go Rarity." Fluttershy commented sweetly as she flew slowly back into the living room, with a tray consisting of two cups of coffee on saucers, a plate of heart shaped biscuits and some jam and creme filled scones.
"Oh Fluttershy, you really know how to make a delightful snack!" Rarity complimented in a pleased voice, smiling in appreciation.
"I'm glad you like it! It wasn't a bother." Fluttershy waved the praise away, feeling slightly embarrassed; hey, anyone can make a snack right?
"You're much too kind." Rarity responded sincerely, as she used her magic to levitate a scone and take a ladylike minute bite out of it.
"Oh no." Fluttershy disagreed quietly, a smile still fixed to her face; she enjoyed Rarity's company- heck, she enjoyed anyone's company.
"So how is your boutique going in Canterlot?" She switched the subject quickly; as she didn't feel she deserved any more praise.
"Great! Sassy Saddles is doing a fabulous job!" Rarity cheered happily as she took another bite out of the scone.
"That's amazing. I'm so glad your business is doing well." Fluttershy smiled in joy for her friend as she took a sip of her coffee.
"I couldn't have done it without my best friends there." Rarity gave credit merrily and Fluttershy blushed, grinning as she did; then in a jolt she remembered about Opal.
"Please excuse me, I have to treat Opal." Fluttershy excused herself in her quiet melodic self as she trotted peacefully passed the kitchen and into the bathroom. She turned on the stained silver taps with a gentle yet firm push of her hoof and the water started to pour powerfully into the tub. She walked back into the kitchen, picked up Opal just as carefully as when she set her down, and returned to the bathroom.
"Now lets make you fresh and clean." She murmured in her clear almost silent voice, and got to work, focusing only on Opal.
A few moments later Opal was clean, yet dripping with once warm water. Now however, the cat hissed at her in distaste.
"Oh Opal, I know it's uncomfortable, but once we clean you up, I'm sure you'll feel just like a Princess." Fluttershy tried to cheer the grumpy cat up kindly; but if had not effect...or if it did, Opal wasn't letting her in on it. Fluttershy picked up the cat and sat her on to the top of the cupboard.
"Now Opal, stay still while I dry you." She remarked quietly as she turned the hairdryer on and started to dry Opal. Minutes passed and soon Opal was purring again. Fluttershy then proceeded to gently brush the cat until her fur shone.
"See Opal? Isn't that better?" She asked the cat sweetly and brought her back to Rarity.
"Here you go Rarity, she's all cleaned up." Fluttershy mentioned pleasantly as she passed the cat back to Rarity, and the cat whined.
"Seems like she wants to be left with you...ha...ha." Rarity joked awkwardly; but inside she felt disappointed and Fluttershy picked up on this at once.
"Oh no, she knows that you truly care for her...right Opal?" Fluttershy questioned in her peaceful sigh and with an annoyed grunt the cat complied by nestling into Rarity.
"Oh Fluttershy look! She does like me!" Rarity cried in delight and used her magic to levitate the cat into the air to hug her; earning a displeased glare from the cat.
"See? What did I tell you, she loves you." Fluttershy explained blissfully and Rarity squealed with happiness.
"GIRLS!" Twilight screamed as she teleported herself in using her magic.
"Heavens, what's the matter Twilight?" Fluttershy inquired, scared.
"No time to explain! Get to the castle!" Twilight snapped and teleported back out.
"Let's go!" Rarity yelled as she cantered out, and Fluttershy quickly went after her; but stopped when she had a sudden thought.
"Angel Bunny!" She called and her spoilt cream-coloured bunny came stomping out.
"Look after Opal for me alright?" She commanded sweetly and bolted through the door after Rarity
"Twilight! What in the hay was so urgent?" Applejack asked as she raced into the castle.
"Yeah Twi what's the problem?" Rainbow Dash questioned, flexing her wings impressively.
Fluttershy and Rarity rushed in, breathing heavily.
"Darling, what's the issue?" Rarity inquired, downbeat and Fluttershy just looked around, concern clouding her features.
Pinkie Pie bounced in cheerfully.
"Hello!" She beamed, but it faded when she realised the seriousness of the situation.
"Listen up girls. I have a letter from Princess Celestia." Twilight took charge and everypony listened carefully.
"Dear Twilight, I need you and your friends in Canterlot at once. My sister - Princess Luna - needs your assistance hurriedly. Please come as soon as you can. ~ Princess Celestia." She read aloud and the tension in the room tightened.
"I wonder what has happened." Fluttershy whispered, her big blue eyes sparkling with emotion.
"Well we need t'go now! Princess Luna needs us!" Applejack said forcefully, rearing and Twilight nodded, agreeing with her.
"Come on girls - lets go!" Twilight started to canter out of the room and everyone followed.
An hour later they were on the train heading for Canterlot, and the train chugged off, starting it's journey.
"I really hope Princess Luna and Princess Celestia are okay." Fluttershy whimpered softly, concerned.
"I'm sure she's OK, sugarcube." Applejack tried to console her gently; but it only worked slightly.
Fluttershy trotted away and sat down by herself, staring out of the clean window; confusing the others. She let a quiet, stressed sigh slip from her mouth as she worried about the Princess of the Night. But she couldn't stop thinking about Luna; the way her starry cobalt hair shifts in one direction repeatedly, her steel blue -with a hint of sky blue - eyes gleamed as she smiled playfully and how beautiful she looked at night time in the shining light of the translucent moon. But then she shook herself - what in Equestria was she thinking? She knew that she thought Princess Luna looked pretty and all, but she'd never even thought about it until now. What was happening?
/////Canterlot Castle/////
"You WHAT?!" Luna shrieked at Celestia as they were talking in the Royal Gardens, taking a walk together.
"I think Twilight and her friends can help you relax." Celestia argued softly, earning a dubious glare from her younger sister.
"Sister, thou already had to help me with the Tantabus, but to help me again...we do not deserve it." Luna admitted, stopping and staring ashamedley at the water lillies on the pond, which was reflecting the morning sunlight brightly.
"You do deserve it Luna. Needing help is nothing to be afraid of." Celestia counteracted kindly, tilting Luna's face upwards to face her own
"I know that." Luna muttered, and brought her head back out of her older sister's hoof, before going to gaze peacefully at the Dahlias the gardener had planted.
"I'm just worried about you." Celestia stood next to her and closed her eyes, breathing in the sweet scent of the flowers.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" She breathed, re-opening her eyes and viewing the flowers with a joyous look.
"I suppose." Luna mumbled, taking a mild sniff herself and felt comforted.
"Sometimes I come here to think... and to be alone." Celestia murmured gravely, never dropping her gaze on the flowers.
"When does thou do this?" Luna asked sympathetically, for she also goes to her balcony at night for deep thinking.
"When you were gone...it pained me to banish you...knowing I had hurt you, abandoned you. 1000 years. I never forgave myself Luna." Celestia whispered, closing her eyes once again with the agony of the memory.
"Sister you had no other choice. Thou was just protecting the kingdom; doing her duty as a ruler. Thou must not feel bad." Luna responded logically and Celestia glanced at her with a mixture of sympathy, pity and admiration.
"Seeing as we'll have guests over, we should get ready." Luna remarked gravely, changing the subject.
"Right you are sister." Celestia nodded and they made their way back inside the castle to get ready for Twilight and her friends.
"Ooooh look! Souvenirs!" Pinkie Pie babbled as she hopped off the train energetically whilst the others just trotted out normally.
"No time for that Pinkie!" Rainbow Dash scolded lightly and galloped off speedily towards the castle.
"Rainbow's right." Twilight agreed, quickening her pace.
"Come ON Pinkie Pie!" Applejack groaned, bit into Pinkie's tail and started dragging her.
"Aw." Pinkie Pie whined and let Applejack pull her the rest of the way. Rarity just kept up with Twilight, trying to get to the castle ASAP.
Fluttershy just cantered speedily, her mind alight with terrible fears. Like what if the Tantabus somehow survived and is haunting Luna again? Has Tirek returned? What about Queen Chrysalis?
Eventually, the Mane 6 made it into the castle where they saw Celestia waiting in the throne room for them.
"Celestia!" Twilight cried and engulfed her mentor in a tight hug.
"Hello Twilight." Celestia greeted seriously and Twilight looked up at her in panic - all of the group were worried.
"I have called you for a very important request." Celestia explained gravely and Rainbow shot in front of her in a flash.
"Do we need to kick a monster's ass again? Or solve another friendship problem? Because we are so awesome at that." Rainbow bragged loudly and Celestia smiled amusedly.
"No, it is perhaps~" She paused delicately,"~a little less dangerous."
"What is it?" Fluttershy asked quietly, and flushed when all the attention went to her; she wasn't expecting it.
"It's my sister, Princess Luna." Celestia answered sombrely, her eyes glancing from one pony to another.
"Princess Luna has been having terrifying nightmares, resulting in lacklustre amounts of sleep. Can I trust you all to make my sister feel relaxed and at ease?" Celestia inquired sternly.
"We'll do our best!" Twilight vowed, nodding fervently.
"You can count on us!" Rainbow exclaimed loyally.
"I will offer my help and condolences." Rarity promised, with a determined smile and fierce look in her eyes.
"Aye'll give it my all!" Applejack cheered, yee-hawing and stomping her hooves.
"I'll throw Princess Luna A PARTY!" Pinkie screamed in glee, clapping her hooves together.
"I'll help in anyway I can." Fluttershy mentioned in her soft, yet melodic voice.
"Thank you all." Celestia thanked gratefully and called Luna in a pleased voice.
"Yes Sister?" Luna asked as she trotted in and the ponies and Celestia turned around.
Fluttershy's cheeks grew hot - meaning they changed to a petunia pink colour. Luna was literally dazzling to Fluttershy, as she admired the Moon Princess standing in front of them. Her hair was just as breath-taking as ever, with it looking like a star-filled night sky and her posh royal shoes a light sparkly perriwinkle. Her body was a gorgeous oxford blue, and all-in-all Fluttershy couldn't find enough words - she thought Princess Luna looked beautiful.
"Ah Twilight is here, and her friends." Luna commented, giving them all a welcoming smile.
"Yes Sister, they came here to-" Celestia tried to explain but Luna interrupted.
"I know." She said quickly, blushing a bit.
Fluttershy felt sorry for her. "Poor Luna." She thought sadly as she saw through Luna's brave facade. Fluttershy saw somepony who was trying to be courageous, but underneath, was suffering intently.
"Well what do you wanna do first Princess? Do you like flying? Maybe you wanna see the Wonderbolts train!" Rainbow babbled, flying into the air excitedly.
"Hold on Sugarcube, we don't know if Luna wants to do that." Applejack advised, frowning.
"We could...do that." Luna responded, smiling faintly.
"Are you sure Princess? Just because Rainbow Dash here wants to, doesn't mean you have to if you don't want to." Applejack remarked, glaring harshly at Rainbow Dash, who gave a sheepish smile and shrugged.
"I'm sure, thou gave us a good idea." Luna answered and so you all went to the Wonderbolts training session, with Spitfire taking charge.
"Alright everypony! Spectators over there and flyers on the track NOW!" She ordered, so they all took a seat.
Fluttershy sat next to Luna and her friends sat on the other side of the princess.
"Um...hello." Fluttershy greeted the princess shyly, going rose petal red.
"Hello Fluttershy." Luna smiled at the timid pegasus warmly, causing Fluttershy to shake some of the shyness away.
"Are you feeling alright?" She asked the alicorn in concern but Luna brushed it away.
"We are fine dear Fluttershy!" Luna boomed and Fluttershy jumped, nervously.
"Um Luna? Maybe use the soft voice? And not the Royal Canterlot one?" Twilight asked, in a simple manner.
"Of course - my apologies Fluttershy and Twilight." Luna apologised softly and Fluttershy smiled.
"It's quite alright. So any idea who's going to win?" Fluttershy questioned in interest.
"Alas I do not...maybe Soarin?" Luna sounded unsure and Fluttershy smiled sweetly at her.
"Maybe. I'm going for Fleetfoot - she just looks so nice!" Fluttershy mentioned happily.
"You're going for someone based on their appearance?" Luna asked sharply and Fluttershy's smile faded.
"N-no I just meant t-they look like a n-nice pony." Fluttershy stammered fearfully.
"I'm sorry, I just misunderstood - I did not mean to judge." Luna responded quickly.
"It's OK. I knew you wouldn't judge me ." Fluttershy replied, a look of genuine happiness on her face.
"READY TO START IN 3, 2, 1...GO!" Spitfire roared and they were off!
"Don't they look so happy to be a wonderbolt?" Fluttershy asked, with a joyous grin, making Luna stare in surprise at her.
"I suppose." She answered awkwardly.
"Oh I'm sorry...was that a weird question?" Fluttershy apologised, glancing down guiltily.
"No, thy should not feel bad about asking such a normal question." Luna amended quickly.
"Oh OK." Fluttershy whispered quietly, glancing down in humiliation. Why couldn't she just act normal in front of the princess? She must look like a total ass! Luna bit her lip and felt bad - how could she resolve this?
"So...Fluttershy...what has thy been up to?" She asked quickly, trying to regain the friendliness from the Element of Kindness.
"Oh well um...I've been looking after my animals." Fluttershy mentioned, suddenly blissful again.
"How many do you look after?" Luna inquired, actually quite curious and Fluttershy lost all nervousness.
"A lot - but they're so cute - so I don't mind. I'm always willing to assist anyone." She remarked daintily and focused her eyes back on the race.
Luna was silent for a moment. She admired the shy pegasus for caring for so many creatures - she put their welfare before her own.
"It is noble...what you do." She finally said and Fluttershy blushed deeply.
"Y-you...really think...so?" She stuttered in embarrassment.
"Yes, we think so." Luna replied, staring at the mare with her intense blue eyes.
"WOOHOOO!" Rainbow cried suddenly, shooting into the air with fizzy excitement.
"SOARIN WON!" She screeched making the group cheer/laugh at the same time and she went to congratulate Soarin in a flash.
"Yee-haw!" Applejack stomped her hooves, as did all of them; except Luna.
"Well done Princess - you said Soarin and he won!" Fluttershy exclaimed politely, with an air of giddiness.
"Please...call me Luna...Fluttershy." Luna said, and her cheeks went a pale cherry blossom colour.
"Alright." Fluttershy noted cheerfully.
"What'd'ya say we get some lunch?" Applejack questioned, as her stomach growled.
"Yes I quite agree." Rarity agreed amiably.
"What do you think Luna?" Fluttershy inquired gently, waiting patiently for her answer.
"Yes, that's a fine idea Fluttershy." Luna responded pleasantly.
"Ooh! I know a first-class restaurant - follow me!" Rarity commented in delight and set off smugly.
The group followed, with Luna and Fluttershy walking side by side. They stopped at a Restaurant called: Canterlot's Finest Cuisine and went in hungrily; this was turning into a relaxing day for sure, with Fluttershy and Princess Luna becoming fast friends.
"May I take your order Princess?" The waiter stallion bowed deeply, causing Luna to get nervous and glance back down at her menu.
"U-uh... of course." She mumbled, trying to decide and warm-hearted Fluttershy decided to help her out.
"She'll just have a salad." Fluttershy intervened, smiling sweetly at Luna, causing Luna to feel this peculiar feeling that she couldn't quite explain.
"Of course Princess, and you?" The waiter turned to Fluttershy expectantly and she suddenly felt shy for no reason at all.
"Um...just some hay fries please." Fluttershy mumbled and Luna was confused. How was it that a pony who had ordered so normally for her had gotten so shy about ordering her own?
"So Luna...learnt any new spells lately?" Twilight tried to strike a conversation.
"Alas, thy already know a lot of spells already." Luna answered honestly, biting her lip - what was she to say? Luckily, the food arrived.
"Your salad Princess." The waiter put her dish in front of her gently, set the others down and politely nodded, before trotting away.
"Mm! These hayribs are deelish!" Applejack cried, licking her lips in delight and everypony laughed at her in amusement.
"Do you like it Princess?" Fluttershy asked as she took a bite of her hay fries.
"Yes, we love it." Luna smiled; her eyes sparkling (A/N Imagine anime eye sparkle XD) - it was so good!
"I bet the food in the palace is better though right?" Pinkie remarked, munching her huge lemon tart greedily.
"I suppose. We never get to eat out with thou like this though." Luna explained, feeling new to this whole thing.
"Really?" Rarity inquired in surprise, using her magic to lift her banoffee pie slice and took a nibble out of it.
"No. This is quite relaxing - we should leave the castle grounds more often." Luna considered aloud, starting to eat her salad.
"So after this wicked lunch, where'we heading next girls?" Rainbow Dash questioned, clearing her plate of hayfries and a hayburger.
"What would you like to do Princess Luna?" Twilight inquired gently, giving Rainbow a harsh glare.
"We are not sure." Luna admitted with a blush that moved Fluttershy.
"How about we go see Photo Finish's NEW Fashion Show?" Rarity squealed, putting a hoof to her head in a swooning notion.
"How about we DON'T do that?" Applejack retorted, rolling her eyes and Rarity pouted.
"At least I came UP with an idea APPLEJACK." Rarity snapped, and tilting her neck up, tutting.
"Well come up with an idea that doesn't always revolve around YOU Rarity!" Applejack shouted back, startling the group of ponies and making Rarity gasp.
"Wha-I-but-I do NOT make it revolve around me!" Rarity yelped in rage and they started to argue.
"Girls!" Twilight called, her voice full of authority; but dismally they ignored her and carried on.
"You're just a little country pony what would YOU know?!" Rarity yelled offensively and stomped her hoof menacingly.
"At least I'm not a stuck up snobbish brat!" Applejack hissed venomously and Fluttershy's mouth fell open.
"Girls!" Fluttershy whispered, trying to get their attention; it failed.
"You absolute peasant!" Rarity howled in anger and Applejack gasped this time.
"Girls!" Fluttershy spoke louder; more fiercely - but still, they took no notice of her.
"You piece of-of vermin!" Applejack roared and Rarity went pale in shock.
"GIRLS!" Fluttershy screamed; making everypony glance her way in surprise - even Luna.
"How can you argue like this?! You're best friends and you're arguing over a silly little thing like that?!" She shouted, tearful and flew out crying softly, shaking with sadness.
"Fluttershy wait!" Twilight and Rainbow cried in unison, Rainbow flying to the door; but Fluttershy had disappeared. Luna looked thoughtful as she thought back to the timid pegasus's outburst. Rarity and Applejack glanced at each other guiltily.
"I apologise Applejack...that was uncalled for." Rarity apologised, her voice trembling - as she hated to see Fluttershy cry and get upset.
"I'm mighty sorry Rarity." Applejack exclaimed ashamedly and they hugged; they had resolved their little argument.
"Should we go after her?" Pinkie asked quietly, her hair going less frizzy and more flat - (A/N craaaaaap).
"Yes. I'll go after her an-"
"No Twilight, I shall go." Luna cut Twilight off gently, and trotted out of the door, leaving the rest of the mane six puzzled.
"Why would Princess Luna want to go?" Rainbow asked in amazement, and stopped flying; sitting back down.
"I...don't know..." Twilight confessed, and silence fell like a shadow where they were sat; startled.
Fluttershy flew into the Palace Royal Gardens - when they saw Celestia at the Grand Galloping Gala, the Princess had said that she, Fluttershy, could return to the garden any time she liked. Well, she needed it now - so the pegasus flew deep into it, sobbing by the pond and staring deep into her reflection. She was sobbing now, afraid she might have made her friends angrier - what if they were mad at her? What if they hated her? What if-
"Fluttershy is thy alright?" A voice inquired soothingly behind her, and curious Fluttershy turned around, wiping her tears.
"Princess Luna?" She gasped, hurriedly wiping her tears faster, embarrassed and humiliated beyond belief - for a Princess to see her crying and looking so weak - it must look sickening.
"Yes, it is I." She replied in a gentle and melodic voice, soothing the mare a bit.
"W-why...did you...come after me?" Fluttershy whimpered, turning her head back to the pond and watching the water lillies. Luna thought for a minute. Why did she come after the Element of Kindeness? Why didn't she let Twilight come instead? Why did she, Luna, want to go and check if Fluttershy was alright? What was she thinking?!
"I was...worried about thee, dear Fluttershy." Luna finally admitted in a low yet musical voice. Fluttershy blushed, giving the Princess her undivided attention.
"Worried...about me? Why?" Fluttershy questioned in utter amazement; numb with shocked belief. The Princess was worried about...her. It made her feel slightly better.
"Thy looked upset and I...felt an compelling urge to make sure you were alright. I count you and the rest of Twilight's friends as my friends also - it is unthinkable for a friend to let another friend be upset alone is it not?" Luna explained rapidly, a nervous tone in her kind voice.
"Right." Fluttershy smiled sweetly and relieved, Luna returned the smile, their bond growing stronger.
"We should probably get back to the others." Fluttershy admitted quietly, giving a shy little smile that warmed Luna's heart as she stared at Fluttershy in admiration. This however, made Fluttershy uncomfortable.
"Oh, is there something on my face?" She stammered, putting a hoof to her face in hurried alarm, and checking every ounce of her fur.
"N-no!" Luna stuttered almost incoherently, blushing heavily and turning away; embarrassment clouding her features. Why did she have to stare? She probably made the pegasus feel even more self-conscious! But everything about the timid bearer of the Element of Kindness made Luna marvel at her: her silky aurora pink mane and tail with her daffodil yellow soft fur, her big teal eyes with long lashes and the cute trio of dancing butterflies on her flank. Not to mention the general gentleness of her soul!
"We should get back to the others." Luna repeated, her voice slightly loud, making Fluttershy wince a little.
"Yes, we should." Fluttershy murmured in her soft voice and they both walked off back towards the cafe again.
/////Fluttershy's Cottage///// "Fluttershy?" Discord knocked on the door with his claw impatiently, tapping his lizard foot irritatedly.
"Fluttershy!" He repeated, annoyance showing in his features as he rapped on the door again. It was Tuesday Tea Time and he never missed those. Then his face changed into fear - what if something had happened to the sweet little pegasus?!
"Fluttershy?!" Discord tried once more, scared now; Fluttershy was his best friend and even though he'd never admitted it to her, he had a little crush on her. He teleported into her house and started to search around.
"Where are you Flutters?" He panicked, teleporting from one room to the next. Suddenly, Angel Bunny hopped forwards and Discord picked him up by the tail hurriedly.
"Hey, Angel where's Fluttershy?" Discord asked dramatically and Angel bit him, hard.
"I suppose I asked for that." Discord muttered, disgruntled.
Angel dragged the local newspaper down from the table and showed him the one of the headlines - CANTERLOT LATEST NEWS.
"Canterlot? Why would she be there?" Discord asked the bunny in confusion and in frustration the bunny hopped to the wall and pointed to a picture of Fluttershy, her friends and the princesses in Canterlot for Cadence's Wedding.
"For a wedding?" Discord asked dubiously and then his expression widened in horror.
"SHE'S not going to get married is she?!" He yelled in a horrified tone and Angel Bunny shook his head in exasperation. He pointed to the group and the princesses.
"Oh so they've just gone to Canterlot?" Discord asked, calmer now and Angel nodded. To be honest, even Angel wasn't 100% sure his owner had gone there, but Fluttershy asked Tree Hugger to stop by and explain where she was so Angel decided to grudgingly believe Tree Hugger.
"Well that's just great!" Discord huffed, disappointment evident as he teleported out of Fluttershy's house.
"Maybe~" He chuckled evilly to himself,"~maybe I'll just pay dear Fluttershy and her friends a little visit..."
/////On a Random Street in Canterlot/////
"Fluttershy!" Twilight cried as she and her friends raced towards the walking pegasus and the calm alicorn.
"Hello Twilight." Fluttershy greeted shyly, glancing down at the floor quietly.
"We're mighty sorry Fluttershy." Applejack hurried to apologise, took off her hat and held it against her chest.
"We feel deeply ashamed for making you so upset darling." Rarity said, lowering her head.
"Oh girls, it's fine." Fluttershy forgave them kindly and everyone breathed a silent sigh of relief, except from Luna whom smiled knowledgeably. Luna praised Fluttershy inwardly; just because she was so nice to everyone - surely it must be hard?
"Where should we go next?" Pinkie Pie asked, bouncing up and down with endless energy.
"I've an idea. Why don't we go see the Fashion Show Rarity was yapping on about earlier?" Applejack smiled warmly at Rarity; who beamed.
"What do you think Luna?" Fluttershy inquired gently, looking up at the Princess with her turquoise eyes; making Luna want to gaze endlessly into her sea-coloured eyes - get lost in them...
"Seeing the Fashion Show sounds good." Luna mumbled bashfully, her stare flickering away from Fluttershy and moving towards the rest of the ponies.
"Oh, this is going to be simply divine! O-oh!"Rarity squealed like a little foal on Hearthwarming Morning and clapped her hooves in delight.
"What are we waiting for then?" Rainbow questioned bluntly, shooting off towards the building in which it was held.
"Not all of us can fly Rainbow Dash!" Applejack yelled after her in irritation, but Rainbow had already disappeared.
"Guess we're going on foot then girls." Twilight tried to sound upbeat as they all walked patiently; but ten minutes later they made it.
"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, Oh My Gosh!" Rarity yelped, excited. Suddenly they got stopped by a ticket stallion.
"Tickets please." The stallion said, bored as he gazed expectantly at the group.
"We...don't really have any tickets." Fluttershy whispered, as her main bang fell over one of her eyes.
"Well then stop wasting my time." He snapped at her harshly, and she winced.
"Excuse me." Luna commented as she stepped in front of Fluttershy in defence.
"Princess Luna!" The stallion gaped in surprise and was at a loss.
"How dare you yell at her that way." Luna boomed loudly and the he trembled, kneeling down.
"I'm deeply sorry your Majesty." He stammered fearfully, his head still bent.
"I'm not the one you should be apologising too." Luna stated coolly, jerking her head towards Fluttershy, who's cheeks had become rosy.
"It's not...that much...of a deal." She murmured, embarrassed.
"I apologise." The stallion spat out quickly, shaking.
"Thou is lucky she is so forgiving." Luna remarked as Fluttershy forgave him quietly.
"Now can we please get inside?" Luna questioned grandly, and still uneasy, the ticket stallion gave them all free passes in.
"Woohoo!" Applejack cheered, rearing happily.
"Yay!" Fluttershy said quietly, smiling sweetly.
"YIPPEE!" Pinkie screamed.
"I can't believe it! He gave us V.I.P Seats! Ahahaha!" Rarity mentioned in frenzied enthusiasm.
"Aw yeah!" Rainbow said jubilantly; psyched. However, Twilight and Luna just smiled; Twilight in glee and Luna in satisfaction as they made their way into the hall where the Fashion Show was being held.
"I can't believe we're sitting in V.I.P seats." Fluttershy exclaimed in surprise as they all sat down - pretty much - at the front.
"Welcome everypony!" Photo Finish boomed loudly and the ponies quietened down. Luna just gazed at the stage in wonder, making Fluttershy smile.
"We have a new fashion line from the one-and-only Rarity, Canterlot's New and Stylish Fashion Designer!" Photo Finish exclaimed excitedly, and everypony stomped their hooves in applause and anticipation.
"So this is the reason you wanted to come Rarity? Because-" Applejack didn't get to finish her sarcastic question as all spotlights flashed to Rarity.
"Thank you everypony!" Rarity chimed proudly - with a bit of vanity - and waved foolishly.
"-Worn by Sapphire Shores, the famous Pop Star and her crew!" Photo Finish mentioned delightedly as Sapphire Shores walked onto the stage - near the back - haughtily.
"3...2...1...Let's go!" Sapphire counted sassily and some pop music came on thunderingly, making everypony cheer. Sapphire started to trot towards the front of the stage, stomping one hoof in front of the other. Show ponies came out of the east and west wings and started to form two lines - one each side of her. Sapphire then turned to the right (her left) and struck a pose - where her hind legs and left front leg were on the ground but her right front leg was lifted. She then faced the front, reared, pointed to the crowd with the right hoof and opened her mouth to sing with the music.
"I'm waiting here for you to criticise my song, I don't care if you dislike it - if it's right or if it's wrong, If only I could care less, honey just don't hate, I am Sapphire Shores, I am the star, I shall create!"
As she was singing, the ponies in the lines, walked up to the front, turned, and walked back, showing off Rarity's new designs and dancing at the same time.
"I made my song, because, because, because, I love the music, the music, Love music, oh, the music, Making music because you cheer for me, The music, the music, the music!"
Sapphire Shores finished and cheering - with ponies stomping their hooves - erupted from all over the room, including the Mane 6 and Luna.
"Thank you everypony!" Sapphire thanked everypony graciously and trotted back off the stage, her crew following.
"Wasn't that AMAZING?!" Rarity squealed childishly, her eyes alight with frenzied excitement.
"Sure was!" Rainbow cheered, stamping her hooves on the ground in agreement.
"I enjoyed it." Fluttershy murmured, nodding her head slightly.
"Thou enjoyed it very much so." Luna smiled as she said that, making the Mane 6 all smile back at her in return.
"Alright well we should probably leave and-" Twilight didn't finish as a stampede of ponies galloped over to them and started noisily screaming.
"Oh my GOSH - is that Princess Luna?!"
"Look, oh do LOOK! It's Princess Twilight!"
"Rarity! Rarity! Hey - Rarity!"
"Oh it's Rainbow DASH! She won the Best Flier Competition!"
"Yeah and she was in the Equestria Games for the Aerial Relay!"
"Which she WON!"
"U-um hello." Luna mumbled bashfully, a bit scared of all the loud voices.
"Hello!" Rarity shouted back joyfully, fluttering her eyelashes fancily at her fans - which Applejack rolled her eyes in annoyance to.
"Yeah it's me!" Rainbow yelled cockily, flexing her wings and causing her fans to go wild with obvious admiration.
"Uhh hey." Twilight waved shyly at her fans, and although it took a while, they all managed to escape the undying affection from the other ponies.
"Thank Celestia." Twilight breathed a shaky sigh of relief as they all sat in the reception, trying to gather their bearings.
"I don't believe it! The amazing Fashion Designer Rarity and the used-to-be Model Fluttershy!" A pony gasped as she raced into the reception quickly. This mare had a dark red and light pink coloured mane and tail with pink/purple eyes.
"My name's Caye-"
"Cayenne! Do not run off without me!" Prim Hemline appeared with Photo Finish as they walked towards Cayenne.
"Sorry Miss Hemline." Cayenne bowed her head apologetically and Prim sighed, shaking her head.
"Fluttershy! Is that you?" Photo Finish exclaimed surprise, rushing in front of Fluttershy.
"U-um...yes." Fluttershy bowed her head shyly and looked up at Photo Finish with her big teal eyes cutely.
"How lovely it is to see you again! Oh, how I wish you hadn't quit modelling - you were exquisite." Photo Finish babbled dramatically, making Fluttershy cringe in embarrassment. Luna was about to step in and tell this designer to leave her alone when Rarity got there first.
"Photo Finish! I love your work!" She cried, moving in front of Fluttershy protectively and laughed fakely.
"And I your's Rarity!" Photo Finish replied, now focusing on Rarity - to which Prim joined in.
"I loved your fashion line that Sapphire Shores wore this afternoon!" Prim praised whole-heartedly and Rarity smiled pridefully.
"Thank you so much Prim." Rarity thanked gracefully and they started talking about fashion and what-not.
"Maybe we should be going now Rari-" Rainbow tried to tactfully get Rarity out of the conversation when Photo Finish turned to her.
"Oh! Miss Rainbow Dash, I can't believe we're meeting in person! You're flying is swift and stylish." Photo Finish clapped her hooves in applause and Rainbow smirked.
"I am pretty awesome!" Rainbow exclaimed arrogantly and put a hoof on her stuck-out chest, making Applejack and Twilight roll their eyes.
"Princess Twilight! Oh my Gosh!" Cayenne babbled and kept on talking, making Twilight feel very uncomfortable.
"Um, excuse me but we all have to go-" Fluttershy whispered quietly, but unfortunately only Cayenne heard her.
"Oh! Fluttershy - I loved it when you dressed up in that green dress with the butterflies!" Cayenne addressed her excitedly. Fluttershy felt something anxiously tug at her heart, resulting in her feeling completely nauseated. She looked around desperately, feeling terrified of this sudden attention and luckily Luna saw her panic.
"We-I am sorry but we really have to go now...my apologies." Luna spoke sternly and all ponies heard her.
"Alas, we have a busy schedule also." Prim sighed, using her magic to look at a to-do-list.
"Oh Celestia! Cayenne, Photo Finish! We have to have that Dinner Party with Fancy Pants in a few minutes!" She yelped in utter alarm, and poofed the list away.
"Farewell, Princesses, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy." Photo Finish said goodbye poshly and trotted vainly away.
"Guess we're none-existent." Applejack murmured disgruntled and raised her eyebrows.
"Yep!" Pinkie Pie agreed excitedly, and a second later realised what that meant, resulting in her pouting.
"Should we go back to the castle?" Luna asked quietly, seeing how Pinkie had deflated slightly.
"Well it is 4 o'clock." Twilight remarked as she looked at the clock on the cream-coloured wall.
"Yeah...- there's only so much awesomeness you can have in one day!" Rainbow did a quick loop-de-loop, and landed with a flourish.
So they all set off back to the castle, with the sweet pegasus and Moon Princess walking happily together.
/////Canterlot Castle///// "Ah, sister you've returned." Celestia greeted Luna pleasantly, as they walked up to her.
"Yes, we had a delightful time out with Twilight and thy friends." Luna mentioned warmly, glancing at them all kindly.
"We had a great time too." Twilight remarked, grinning and all her friends agreed, including Fluttershy; who gave a small shy grin.
"You're welcome to stay for the night, if you would like." Celestia offered formally and Twilight looked around her friends quickly.
"That would be great." She replied, smiling pleasantly and the group agreed.
"You'll be staying in the same rooms as before." The Sun Princess added calmly and Twilight nodded in response.
"Of course." Twilight replied formally and Fluttershy caught eye of something outside.
"Well you're all free to do as you wish, until dinner is ready." Celestia mentioned, her eyes twinkling as she smiled a motherly smile at them all.
"Woohoo!" Pinkie yelled loudly, and bounced off towards the kitchen crazily.
"Aw yeah! Hey AJ - lets have a race to see who's faster!" Rainbow exclaimed excitedly, her eyes flashing as she started to fly out.
"Hey wait for me ya cheater!" Applejack roared playfully and galloped out speedily.
"Oh, I'm going to visit my Boutique!" Rarity squealed and cantered out grandly, laughing with joy.
"I'm off to the library!" Twilight announced, beaming and she walked out royally.
"I think I'll have a walk in the garden." Fluttershy commented quietly, giving a sweet smile to both Princesses as she trotted off.
She was determined to find out what she had seen, so she arrived outside and saw Discord lounging against a tree patiently.
"Discord!" She cried cheerfully and engulfed him in a giant hug happily.
"Hey Flutters." He replied warmly, grinning as he returned the hug.
"What are you doing here?" She asked in surprise and pulled back from the hug.
"Well you missed out our usual Tuesday Tea Time, and secondly it isn't a crime to visit a friend you know." Discord huffed and folded his arms in annoyance.
"I'm really sorry. Twilight got a letter from Princess Celestia and it turned out that we need to help Princess Luna relax." Fluttershy explained gently and he calmed down a little.
Princess Luna wandered out, looking for Fluttershy and hid behind a statue as she saw Discord and Fluttershy chatting.
"How come she can't relax by herself? Why don't you let your friends handle it and come back to Ponyville?" Discord asked hopefully and Fluttershy's eyes widened.
"You can't be serious! What kind of friend would I be? I like Luna anyway." She answered passionately and Luna smiled to herself from behind the statue contentedly.
"You like her, so what? She doesn't need everypony's help - so you can leave-"
"DISCORD!"
"What?!"
"You think I'm just going to give up on her? She needs my help."
"But-but-" Discord spluttered and growled quietly.
"Luna's my friend. I like her a lot and-"
"Oh you like her huh? Yeah you've said that already." He snarled hatefully as he interrupted her and Fluttershy frowned.
"-And if the situation was reversed, I'd want to help you too." Fluttershy responded kindly, showing him her big teal eyes sparkling.
"Look Fluttershy; I mean no offence but she probably doesn't think of you as a 'friend'." Discord said slowly, trying to put her off Luna slyly.
"What do you mean?" Fluttershy gazed at him in huge shock; tears threatening to flow down her face.
"Well she's a Princess, and-"
"That doesn't mean I like her any less." Luna cut in as she trotted towards them; giving Fluttershy a reassuring smile.
"Princess Luna." Discord greeted coolly, glaring harshly at her.
"In fact you're right Discord. I don't like her as a friend." Luna agreed softly and he stared at her in complete and utter surprise.
"You don't?!" He retorted, confused - but trying not to let Luna see that.
Fluttershy however, felt dismay; and tears began dripping down her cheeks quickly.
"I like her as a best friend." The Moon Princess answered kind-heartedly and Fluttershy gasped.
"Y-you d-do?" She stammered in surprise, and Luna smiled at her kindly; using the tip of her wing to wipe off the tears from Fluttershy's face.
"Oh you do do you? Well-" Discord began to speak when Luna cut him off.
"If you want to speak badly about me, then please speak to me and not to Fluttershy here." Luna interrupted calmly and Discord looked dumbfounded, before an angry look spread across his face.
"If anyone needs me I'll be in Ponyville. Alone." He snapped coldly as he snapped his fingers and suddenly vanished.
"Discord wait!" Fluttershy called urgently, but it was too late for he'd already gone.
"Do not worry about him dear Fluttershy, for he has just a hint of jealousy." Luna explained warmly, hiding a smile but Fluttershy couldn't stop the feeling of guilt flood to her gut.
Luna sensed this and wrapped a comforting wing around her, bringing Fluttershy closer to her gently.
"Princess-!" Fluttershy squeaked and Luna smiled down at her pleasantly.
"I thought I asked you to call me Luna." She joked lightly, a teasing sparkle in her eyes and Fluttershy giggled quietly.
"Sorry Luna." Fluttershy apologised faintly, looking up at the Moon Princess humbly.
"Do not apologise Fluttershy. But promise me one thing-" Luna asked light-heartedly and Fluttershy nodded obediently.
"-Please do not worry about Discord, for he'll come around." Luna finished sweetly and Fluttershy couldn't help the blush that grew across her face slowly.
"O-Okay...I won't." She answered softly and Luna hugged her gently before bringing her wing back to her body.
"Good." Luna commented cheerfully, and they both smiled at each other happily.
