Fluttershy was a very kind pureblood vampony who suffered a terrible tragedy. Will she find a place to call home in Ponyville? Will it be filled with friendship and acceptance, or will she face fear and hostility?
Mistress Flutterbat has been living with her family in Cloudsdale, where her parents did their best to lead the local clan of thestrals in peace for centuries. However, after a terrible tragedy that changed her life forever, the young thestral was forced to flee Cloudsdale and seek a new home in Ponyville.
Now known as Fluttershy, and with Rainbow Dash by her side, she is trying to heal old wounds in her heart and find a meaning to her empty life.
Will a vampony with a good heart and kind nature survive in a world that sees her as a threat?
Will she be able to keep a low profile, away from the silver arrows of monster hunters?
And most importantly, will her friends help her during these hard times, or will they ultimately turn against her?
This story takes place years before Nightmare Moon’s return.
“Deja vu...” said a yellow pegasus with three sunflowers as a cutie mark, her voice tired and depressed. Grey was somewhat visible on the tips of her feathers.
“Deja-what?” asked a tall and old pegasus with a bowl full of bird food for a cutie mark. “Can you please repeat that, Sunflower? My hearing must be getting worse.”
“I said ‘De-ja-vu’... it’s a Prench saying. You use it when… when you feel as if something was happening again…” She rubbed the top of her head, “...or something like that.”
Little Seed nodded before looking around and examining his surroundings. Both he and his friend were perched atop clouds on a balcony attached to a restaurant. The sun shone brightly upon them just like every day in Cloudsdale, a perk of living in a floating city.
“Ah… I see what you mean,” he said before rubbing the small beard on his chin. “This is the same place where we saw Flutterbat for the last time, when she gave us her farewells before moving to Trottingham.” Little Seed massaged his back as the creaks from his old bones reached his friend’s ears, a clear reminder that his golden years were long behind him. “It’s been over ten years… if my memory serves right.”
“Ten and a half...” Sunflower corrected in a saddened tone as she stared at the empty cloud next to the table. Her imagination provided her with an image of a yellow pegasus with a long messy pink and grey mane smiling at her, the forced smile failing to hide her depression. “I just thought”—she coughed before continuing—“that this is the most suitable place... to talk about her.”
Little Seed took a deep breath and sighed as he lowered his head and curled his wings. “Let me guess… she stopped replying to your correspondence?” He noticed a firm nod from the corner of his eye. “She didn’t respond to me either… Do you fear the worst?”
“I do…” Sunflower said, her words striking Little Seed as if needles were piercing his heart. His throat suddenly became dry, so he grabbed the glass of water between his trembling hooves and satisfied his thirst.
Little Seed raised his head, and both elderly pegasi stared at each other in awkward silence. Minutes passed, and they started to play with their food, pushing vegetable salad around their plates, but not feeling up to eating. Little Seed was the first to speak, “Maybe… maybe she got sick, and couldn't respond.”
“For half a year?” Sunflower asked as she slowly shook her head. “She was always diligent with her responses.” She paused to take a quick breath. “If she is so sick that she can’t reply to my letters… then her illness must be really serious.”
“Don’t underestimate her. Flutterbat may look like a retired and fragile veterinarian, but she was strong and healthy,” Little Seed said before a weak smile formed across his lips. “Furthermore, she didn’t mention that she was feeling ill in her letters. Maybe a small complaint about her aching back, but nothing serious.”
Sunflower placed her forehoof on the elderly stallion's shoulder and shook her head in disagreement. “You should know better than that. Flutterbat often hid issues and insecurities from us so we wouldn’t worry about her. What if she was hiding some sort of deadly illness and didn’t tell us to the very end?”
Little Seed noticed the distress in her friend's breathing as he considered her words. He gently stroked Sunflower's foreleg and said with a tired but encouraging tone, “Give her time. I am sure that wherever she is, she is fine.”
“I hope you’re right. I hope you are…” Sunflower whispered.
“We’re here.”
Fluttershy tightened her hold against the pegasus’s neck and pressed her head against the pink puffy mane, feeling a weak trembling the moment her ride landed on the grass. After a moment to reassert herself, she stepped down onto the ground while still holding an open umbrella with her wing.
Next to her landed Rainbow Dash, who patted her gently on the back and asked, “How are you feeling Flutters? Are you tired?”
Fluttershy observed the shadow of the umbrella that protected her from the sun. Feeling a pleasant chilling breeze, she looked at her concerned friend and shook her head. “Not really.” She slowly turned towards the taller pegasus and said, “Thank you so much for letting me ride atop your back, Miss Rainbowshine, and for this lovely umbrella. It really helped me conserve my energy.”
“You’re very welcome,” Rainbowshine responded with a cheerful smile as she approached the disguised thestral. She knelt and nuzzled Fluttershy’s cheek with her muzzle before continuing, “I know it may be… no, I know it will be difficult for you to live on your own from now on, but know that you have our support.”
She retracted her muzzle and sighed before looking at Fluttershy with concern. “Still, I can’t help but wonder, why have you decided to move to Ponyville so quickly? Just a few hours ago, you were afraid to participate in my daughter’s birthday party, more or less leave the safety of our home.”
“I just...” Fluttershy muttered, “I just don’t want to put you in danger.”
“Danger?” the tall mare said with a chuckle. “A day or two wouldn’t make a difference, sweetie.”
“I know… but I couldn’t stay… After my talk with Ditzy, I felt motivated. I feared that if I delayed even an hour longer, my determination would be replaced with anxiety.” She pressed herself lightly into Rainbowshine’s wing. “I was afraid that I would refuse to leave. I just had to do this without delay.”
Rainbowshine stood up to her full height and stroke the top of Fluttershy’s head, who grimaced in return, but didn’t resist. “If you two ever need anything, just send a letter.”
“Thank you...” Fluttershy said hesitantly, lack of enthusiasm clear in her calm voice. She turned her head to the side and thought, It still feels so odd to be trapped in a body of a fifteen year old filly, and even more being treated like one. I wonder, how long this age altering spell is going to last?
Rainbowshine smiled awkwardly. “Oh, I’m sorry for being disrespectful. Sometimes I forget that you are older than me.” She slowly rounded the pureblood thestral and embraced her daugher.
“Mom, I am not a filly anymore,” Dash said as she struggled against the vice grip, somewhat annoyed that her mother added both wings into the embrace. After breaking free from the hug, Dash took a few steps back and stomped with determination. “From now on, I am a young mare. I am going to rebuild that old cloud house, get a job, and take care of Fluttershy, so please, no more embarrassing hugs.” She took a quick look around, making sure that no pony witnessed this humiliating scene.
Rainbowshine shook her head. “You will always be my little filly to me.” Before Dash could react, she delivered a swift kiss on the cheek and whispered, “Mom loves you. Stay safe.”
Dash wiped her cheek and frowned as her mom spread both wings and started to hover above the ground.
“You stay safe too,” Fluttershy said as she caught the mare’s attention. “Without a pureblood clan to oversee and claim Cloudsdale as their territory, it will soon become a battlefield for power between lesser clans.”
After taking a slow deep breath, she continued in a more subdued tone, “Just stay indoors at night, don’t display any combat-related skills in public, and avoid places with no witnesses, like dark alleys or empty warehouses.”
Rainbowshine nodded and said with a firm tone, “Fluttershy, you already told us this around four times. My husband and I will remember your advice, and we will stay away from this conflict as much as possible, so please, stop worrying so much.”
Fluttershy lowered her head as her mouth refused to add any words. How can she ask me to stop worrying? If something happens to Dash’s parents, to ponies that sheltered and took care of me during my darkest hour… if my friend suffers such loss, I… Fluttershy’s ears dropped as a quiet whimper escaped her mouth, I will never forgive myself.
She forced a smile, and upon noticing that Rainbowshine had waved her forehoof, waved back absentmindedly in a farewell gesture, waiting for Dash’s mother to fly away. The moment she and her friend were left alone, the smile on her face vanished with a depressed sigh. She slowly turned towards Ponyville, to look at the town that would become her hideout from all those who wished her harm. The small, old fashioned homes made of wood were a big change from the familiar houses made of clouds.
“So, what do you think of Ponyville?” Dash’s words reached Fluttershy’s ears as she felt a wing being placed atop her back.
“It looks… decent… I suppose.”
Dash frowned. “Come on, Flutters. I know this town doesn’t seem all that impressive compared to Cloudsdale or your parent's mansion, but this is going to be your new home! Show some enthusiasm.”
“Home? My home doesn’t exist anymore.” Fluttershy pointed at the town while refusing to look her friend in the eyes. “This place will never replace it.”
“Never say never,” Dash said with determination as she patted Fluttershy on the back. “It may be an alien environment with no cloudy roads and homes, we may not know anypony here yet, and it may take a long time before we get used to it. But one day, we will call this place our home.”
“You may, Dash, but not me.”
Rainbow Dash poked Fluttershy in the shoulder, careful not to put too much force into it. “Come on, Flutters, what happened with all that determination you had after my birthday party? What happened to finding a new path in life?”
Fluttershy slowly turned her head, now looking at her friend with a nearly lifeless stare, bringing Dash an uneasy feeling as she barely could look back into her pupils. “I’m determined to find a purpose to my worthless life. Anything that would give it some meaning…” Her ears dropped as she looked down at her own forelegs, and her voice turned to a whisper, “Something to distract me…”
She looked to the side, watching Ponyville once more. “However, home is more than just a place you live and rest in. It is a place where you feel safe, filled with those you care about and who care about you… Such a place is beyond my reach.”
The determination and enthusiasm that filled Dash’s heart waned with her friend’s every word. She rubbed her foreleg nervously and said in a much calmer tone, “Umm… you should… think more positive… it can get only better from now on. Come on, give me a warm smile!” Dash retreated her wing and sat in front of her friend as she gently raised her head, hoping against hope to see at the very least the fake smile which Fluttershy displayed in front of Rainbowshine.
“May I ask you a question?” Fluttershy asked.
“S-sure…”
“Could you smile if you lost everything that was the most valuable to you?” Fluttershy asked as her tone became slightly more hostile with each word. “Would you smile if somepony took it all from you in one day, in front of your very eyes, and you couldn’t do anything to stop it?”
Noticing that her friend looked to the side, speechless, she continued, “I know I promised Ditzy that I would face my future with a smile, that I would take her example…” she lowered her head and carefully touched a flower. “But to be honest, I don’t feel like smiling.”
The awkward silence lasted for several seconds as Dash looked at the sky, while Fluttershy just played with the flower absentmindedly. Trying to break the silence, Dash pointed at Ponyville and said, “Maybe we should… go?”
Fluttershy raised her head. “S-sure.” She picked up the umbrella with her teeth, freeing her wings. Upon noticing that her friend flew into the air at a slow pace, she followed her example.
I have to admit, flying is no longer a hassle when I have at least a bit of protection from the sunlight… She gave a comforting sigh. I would endure a century of attending flight school, flying under the sun day after day... if only everything would be like before...
She closed her eyes tightly and bit her lips. But that life is gone, and I will never have it back no matter how much I wish for it. I have to abandon my past and move forward… what other choice do I have?
The houses became larger and more visible as Dash and Fluttershy got closer with each passing second, when suddenly, a familiar mare caught their attention.
Dash waved her forehoof at the incoming pegasus, when suddenly her heart skipped a bit and her reflexes kicked in. She immediately flew towards Fluttershy, and pulled her out of the way as Ditzy passed by and crashed into the ground.
Both Dash and Fluttershy bit their lips and closed their eyes tightly as multiple sounds of impact reached their ears, one after the other.
Fluttershy landed in front of the trail she left on the ground, while Dash flew towards the pegasus and pulled her from a pony-shaped hole in a tree.
Rainbow Dash gently placed Ditzy on the ground, who shook stars from above her head and said, “Sorry Mr. Tree...”
Ditzy looked at the damage the crash had caused, eyeing the fragments of fallen wood and the raining leaves.
“Are you okay, Derpy?” Dash asked while examining the mare for any signs of injury, noticing nothing but a few barely noticeable bruises.
“I’m fine, thanks for worrying about me,” Ditzy said as she grabbed a piece of wood between her hooves. “I damaged this tree, and nearly crashed into both of you, sorry.”
Fluttershy slowly approached and sat next to her clumsy friend, the umbrella she was holding now covering them both. “Ditzy, you may be a half-breed thestral, but it doesn't grant you immunity from the sun. You need to watch out for your health,” Fluttershy said with concern. “You should always carry an umbrella or a cape to protect yourself.”
Ditzy massaged the back of her neck and smiled awkwardly. “Well… about the cape, a wolf made of wood shredded it after I crashed into him. Poor puppy even broke his teeth trying to bite off my foreleg! Good thing he didn't need a dentist as they seemed to reform on their own.”
Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and massaged her head, wondering how much more complicated her life has became ever since Fluttershy saved her life. If she learned anything from spending more time with her, it was that while thestrals were cool and had some really awesome powers, the downsides overwhelmed the perks. The very idea of becoming a poor flier while under the sun seemed unbearable. She shook her head in an attempt to clear her mind and asked, “Shouldn’t you be unpacking with the rest of your family? What brings you here?”
“Oh, right,” Ditzy said as she poked her armored saddlebag. Dash rolled her eyes upon examining the reinforced and enhanced metal. “Mom asked me to give you guys some bits and blood packs. She also asked me to show you the fastest way to your new homes.”
Fluttershy rubbed her chin before taking out a map from her saddlebag, and pointed at the road leading to Ponyville. “According to this map, the abandoned cottage is on the edge of the Everfree Forest. The fastest way would be walking through or flying over the town.”
Ditzy shook her head. “There is a much faster route, trust me on this.”
Fluttershy gracefully descended, the tips of her hooves softly touching the grass. She took a few slow breaths and wiped the sweat from her head before focusing her attention on the ruined cottage. Planks and nails were sealing the windows, while the main door was broken off its hinges. The roof was full of holes and dirt, and claw marks covered the walls, the surrounding area a mix of mud and grass. Even the nearby trees didn’t have any leaves, giving the place a ghastly appearance
Dash landed next to Fluttershy, and released the umbrella she had been holding in her teeth the entire way, trying to provide her friend with some protection. “Faster route, heh?” Dash said as her attention focused on Derpy, who landed ahead of her with a thump, leaving a small crater on the ground. She circled her foreleg and asked, “We flew around the edge of Ponyville and rounded the entire town, how was this faster than flying above it?”
Ditzy wiped grass from her hooves and responded, “If we flew above Ponyville, a certain party planner would notice us. Trust me, it’s faster that way.”
“Party planner?” Dash asked with a hint of confusion.
“I prefer this route. The less attention I gather to myself, the better,” Fluttershy stated as she struggled to force a thankful smile. “Thank you for all you’re doing for me, Ditzy. I may have a hard time showing it, but I really appreciate it.”
Ditzy smiled warmly in return. “Aww… that’s the smile I hoped to see. I’m just happy I could do something to help. I don’t like when other ponies are sad.”
“I’m sorry…”
“Sorry? What for?” Ditzy asked.
“For not being able to face my new life with a smile as I promised,” Fluttershy said.
Ditzy’s ears dropped. “Oh…” she said while looking down at the ground. “Then I’m sorry for not being able to make you happy.”
Fluttershy shook her head. “Please, don’t be, you are trying your best to help.”
“But what if my best is not best enough?” Ditzy asked.
Dash watched the argument between the two kind-hearted thestrals. The mere look of the ruined cottage and leafless trees in the background seemed to make the atmosphere more gloomy with each passing second.
The scene sent a chill down her spine. “Derpy,” the moment both mares turned to her, she continued, “didn’t you have something you wanted to give Fluttershy?”
Derpy’s wings shot upward as realization struck her. “Oh, right!” She took off her armored saddlebag and pointed at a small switch, apparently the opening mechanism. “This saddlebag is not only enhanced and armored to endure impacts, but also has a magical cooling rune that allows it to store blood packs. It’s yours.”
Before Fluttershy could respond, Dash grabbed the saddlebag and flew into the cottage, barely holding it above the ground. After several seconds, she returned and landed in front of the other mares, wiping sweat from her forehead. “I placed it next to an old dusty bed on the second floor. I must say, it’s very messy inside, even for my standards.”
“That’s why it was so cheap, and since it was abandoned and is far from the town, it can serve as a great hiding spot,” Ditzy said. “My mom and dad told me that Mayor Mare was eager to get rid of this place, selling it for the lowest price possible in less than five minutes. They also promised to help with the renovation once we settle up and finish unpacking.” She murmured to herself quietly, “And after they recover from our welcome party.”
“What did you say?” Dash asked as she exposed her ear.
Ditzy poked her own head. “Oh, right, I get sidetracked sometimes. Bits for food and decorating materials are inside the saddlebag next to the blood packs.”
“Sounds good,” Dash responded before pointing at herself. “What about the cloud house? Is it in terrible shape as well?”
Ditzy moved her forehoof in a ‘follow me’ gesture. “It’s not as bad.” A satisfied smile spread across Dash’s lips, but it vanished upon hearing Ditzy’s next words. “It is far worse.”
“Oh come on!” Dash responded before kicking the ground in front of her hooves. She looked to the side at Fluttershy, who shook her forehoof at her dismissively.
“Go with Ditzy, I’ll be fine,” Fluttershy said, though the lack of enthusiasm in her voice did little to make her sound convincing. “I’ll explore this cottage and take a short nap. You don’t have to hold my hoof all the time.”
Rainbow Dash bit her lips. On one hoof, she didn’t like the idea of leaving her friend alone even for a moment in this abandoned cottage surrounded just by a small swamp and near that dark forest, especially considering the claw marks on the cottage and Derpy’s encounter with some sort of wolf. On the other hoof, she couldn’t just foalsit her friend forever. Being worried was one thing, but being overprotective was another. Surely leaving her for an hour wouldn’t hurt.
“If… if you say so… I will go check on the cloud house, but I’ll be back to help you clean this mess,” Dash said before smiling encouragingly. “Besides, I swore to take care of you, and I am going to keep my promise.”
“Are you going to live at Fluttershy’s?” Ditzy asked.
Dash nodded. “I sure do. Can’t leave her alone in her current state.” She puffed her chest. “I mean, I could live on my own if I wanted to, but I figure I should stay with her until she’s feeling better and her place is patched up.”
Fluttershy nodded. “Thank you.” She watched as her friends flew away while waving her forehoof. After they were distant enough, her attention switched to her surroundings.
***
In times like this, I wish I was just an earth pony. With such magic and knowledge at my disposal, I could grow plants and revitalize this ground, Fluttershy thought as she examined her surroundings.
The noise of the wind reached Fluttershy’s ears as she looked around nervously, a growing feeling of loneliness kicking in. She curled slightly as her body started to tremble, her muscles weakened as she felt the sun rays assaulting her body. She picked up the umbrella with her teeth and slowly walked towards the cottage. Her ears perked upward as her sharpened senses picked up the wind moving through loose planks, while her hooves detected the small movements of earthworms under the ground.
Step by step, she finally reached the cottage, and carefully bypassed the lying door. Her heart started to beat faster, and the silence only caused her anxiety to grow. Come on, Fluttershy, get ahold of yourself. It isn’t the first time you’ve been left alone.
She flinched upon hearing a creak, and turned to the source of the noise, noticing a loose plank on the floor. The only difference is that you’re not inside a safe and comfortable room you shared with your friend, but in an empty—she gulped—scary ruined cottage… in an alien town you never visited before… hiding from scary, mean hunters, and power-hungry thestrals… Her legs started to tremble with each step, her attention now focused on a clock on the wall, whose ticking noises echoed through the empty cottage.
Fluttershy touched a wall with a hoof and examined the amount of gathered dust before looking around. She could see damaged planks near every window and the door, broken glass from least two windows, and many marks of claws on the walls and floor. One big plant pot was laying on its side, and a small table that was lying upside down had a large hole in it. She approached the table, which was lying next to the fireplace, and examined it, her forehoof touching the broken part of the wood. It looks as if this table was used as a weapon against somepony or an animal.
Her breathing increased in speed as she approached the broken window after noticing something stuck between the sharp glass and a plank. Is that… a claw? She carefully moved her forelegs to pick it up, but still cut her forehoof on the glass. After taking a step back, she placed the claw on her wing and then licked her wound, which closed in an instant.
Sweat started to drop down Fluttershy’s forehead as she started to examine her discovery. Was this cottage abandoned in haste… because some creature… or creatures attacked it? Is this place dangerous? She took a quick look around, noticing stairs leading towards the upper floor and two broken doors that opened to the outside and to the kitchen. The cottage itself was surrounded by dead trees and some sort of swamp. It felt as if some sort of monster could emerge from the shadows and attack her at any moment.
Calm down, Fluttershy. Remember who you are. You are a pure-blooded thestral. You’ve studied the arts of dark magic, learned about summoning spells, and what would be terrifying for a common pony is but a normal occurrence to you. She stomped with determination, but the noise of cracking wood under her hoof caused her to flinch, knocking over a small table right behind her as a result, which caused several random objects to fall on the floor. Her heart skipped a beat, and her breathing increased in strength while her wings spread. Calm down… you saw blood, but you drink blood, you saw many monsters before… whatever is in this cottage is nothing compared to that.
Fluttershy’s ears perked upward as she picked up a noise outside, as if something was approaching the cottage. In haste, she approached the window, but planks blocked most of her vision. She flinched and lost her balance upon hearing a noise coming from the closed door, her eyes opened wide and her pupils shrunk as she now stared at the door, terrified of whatever was behind it.
Wait a moment, this door was broken… why is it closed now?
A loud knock echoed through the house, making Fluttershy look in panic for any sort of shelter. Dash said that there is a bed on the second floor. I can always fly there and block the stairs with it if things get rough. With a plan set in her mind and her nerves on the verge of shattering, she slowly walked towards the door, grabbing the damaged table with her forehoof.
The knock repeated itself, when suddenly a hole formed in the door as a pink hoof emerged from it. The moment this hoof retreated, the door broke off and fell to the side, revealing a pink earth pony with a puffy mane who murmured to herself, “Aww… and I just fixed it.”
Fluttershy opened her mouth, but all she could do was let out a terrified yelp as the earth pony jumped inside and grabbed her. “Hello, I have never seen you before, have I seen you before?”
“D-don’t touch me!” Fluttershy shouted as she pushed the pink forelegs away and grabbed the damaged table, taking a defensive stance.
“My name is Pinkie Pie, party planner extraordinaire,” Pinkie said while standing on her rear hooves with a puffed chest. “My Pinkie Sense told me that there were new ponies in town, and that somepony was scared and sad, and it lead me to this old abandoned cottage at the edge of the Everfree Forest, and as I galloped here, I thought: what’s a better way to cheer up a sad pony and banish all the scares away than a solid laugh and a PARTY!”
Fluttershy lost her balance the moment Pinkie Pie took out some sort of cannon and shot confetti into the air; the loud explosion was like an assault against Fluttershy’s sharpened hearing. With her nerves already on the verge of breaking, the sight of a cannon and the terrible noise overwhelmed Fluttershy to the point that something in her finally snapped. She lost consciousness.
“Awww… this is no time for sleeping, sleepyhead. There are so many ponies you have to meet and so many games for you to play,” Pinkie said as she approached the yellow pegasus, who was lying on her back with curled up legs as if playing dead. Not wasting a moment, Pinkie wiped the dust from the unconscious pony before placing her on her back and galloping outside. “Just wait until you get to the party! It may have been going on for two hours, but you will have a blast."
“Fluttershy? Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash called her friend as she searched inside of the cottage, but she was nowhere to be found. The very atmosphere of the abandoned building made her feel as if zombie ponies could attack at any moment. After checking under the bed on the second floor, she walked towards the window and carefully opened it. She looked down at Ditzy, who was searching for clues outside, and shouted, “She isn’t inside. Did you find anything?”
“I did!”
Not wasting a moment, Rainbow Dash flew through the window and landed in front of the half-breed thestral, staring at her impatiently. “Do you know where she is? I hope that she didn’t venture into that creepy forest.”
Ditzy shook her head. “She isn’t in the forest. No, where she went is much worse.”
Dash took a step back as her imagination overwhelmed her. Her wings flapped in anticipation as she shouted in panic, “Spill the beans, Derpy, where is she?”
Ditzy presented a few small pink hairs and said with the most serious voice she could muster, “She is attending Pinkie’s welcome party.”
“Oh no, that’s… wait… a welcome party?”
“Yes, she is now at the mercy of Pinkie Pie, who organizes a welcome party for every new pony in town. That’s why I lead you around Ponyville, but it seems like my idea didn’t work after all,” Ditzy said.
“Woah, woah, woah… Hold on a second,” Dash said with shake of her foreleg. “Why is a welcome party such a big issue? I personally like parties, and I am sure you do too.”
Ditzy jumped into the air and nodded excitedly, spreading her forelegs. “Of course I like parties! I love the cheerful atmosphere, the cheering ponies having fun, and Pinkie even baked our favorite muffins for me and my family!”
“Then… what’s the problem?” Dash asked.
Ditzy landed as her enthusiasm died down. She placed her forehoof on Dash’s shoulder and said once again in a surprisingly serious tone, “You had a birthday party earlier today, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, you were there, remember?” Dash responded.
“How did Fluttershy react to it?”
Dash rubbed her chin. “She… she locked herself in my room after talking with Gilda… though she would probably do it anyway, considering how nervous she was.”
Ditzy nodded. “Now imagine a similar scenario, then make it ten times bigger and louder, and add an energetic party pony who drags you to it by force, even worse, she would be the center of attention. How will your friend take it?”
Rainbow Dash pressed her forehooves against her head and shouted in panic, “You are right! Flutters barely talked to anypony ever since my parents took her in. There’s no way she can handle this, we have to help her!”
“And so we will,” Ditzy said with confidence before flying towards the town.
Dash followed, determined to protect her friend, though her attention shifted to Ditzy. “You know, Derpy, you’re smarter than you look. I would never have expected a muffin-obsessed mare who gets excited so easily to consider Flutter’s feelings like you just did.”
“Thanks. My mom always says that even though I have troubles seeing the world, I can see what is inside a pony with ease. Just like your fear of being alone that you try to suppress by getting as much attention as possible.”
“I… I don’t fear being lonely and unappreciated,” Dash responded with a hint of uncertainty in her voice, looking at the giggling half thestral in shock.
Her attention suddenly shifted towards a house as she shouted, “Derpy, watch out!” She flew towards Ditzy and pushed her to the side before she would crash into the roof. While homes made of clouds were more vulnerable, they were also very easy to fix. The same couldn’t be said about the homes in Ponyville.
Fluttershy was right. Without an umbrella or a cape, Derpy is far more clumsy than usual. They were forced to slow down, as Dash had to safeguard her school friend, lest she would crash into something again. Not that she thought of Derpy as a friend in the past, but after the recent events, she considered changing her mind.
“Remind me, Derpy. Your father works in construction, and your mother’s special talent is fixing stuff, right?”
“Correct, and they are the best of the best!” Ditzy said with pride.
“Best of the best, huh? I wonder why...” Dash said to herself sarcastically.
Slowly regaining consciousness, Fluttershy heard a mixture of noises around her, from several voices talking all at once, to loud cheering and music. Seconds passed as she struggled to raise her head.
With her vision still blurry, Fluttershy rubbed her eyes and blinked several times. “What... happened?” she asked while massaging her forehead. What she saw as multicolored blobs slowly turned into a large amount of ponies, at least three times the number of guests from Dash’s party. “Was I… dreaming?” Fluttershy asked as memories of how she explored the ruined cottage surfaced in her mind.
“I think the guest is waking up.”
“Guest?” Fluttershy said in confusion as she reasserted herself on a pillow and looked around. Her pupils shrunk upon seeing multiple pairs of eyes staring at her, a cheerful smile on each pony’s face. She started to hyperventilate.
“Okay, everypony, just like we practiced. Ready-set-SURPRISE!” the pink mare from before shouted as several other ponies followed suit, filling the room with a very loud noise which knocked Fluttershy off balance.
The terrified thestral closed her eyes and covered her face with trembling forelegs. She whimpered, feeling as if her heart was trying to escape her chest.
***
“No… please, don’t!” Fluttershy squeaked as she walked backward on shaking legs before tripping over a table. A loud thundering coming from somewhere outside that shook her body, the flash of light silhouetting a dark figure who stood at the entrance.
Step by step, the pony in a black coat entered the room, crushing rubble under her hooves. She walked forward until she was two meters away from Fluttershy, then took off her hood and spoke, “You thought you could escape us? You thought you could hide from our watchful eye, monster?”
Fluttershy felt out of breath as she held a forehoof against her chest. She wanted to stand, to run, to fight! But her body refused to move, and all she could do was stare at those sinister eyes and the accompanying grin. Her mouth flapped open, but she emitted no sound.
The pink mare with a puffy mane stomped with great force and continued, “Your kind is a plague, and you’re the source. I won’t rest until you are exterminated and rotting with your parents in Tartarus!” She stepped to the side, revealing a grey cannon. Thunder and lightning followed, illuminating the room for a split second. “Any last words?” she asked before pushing a silver cannonball into the cannon and placing a forehoof on the knot.
Fluttershy’s pupils shrunk, her bat-like wings and forehooves quickly covering her face. Her heart tried its best to escape her chest.
“We will have a party on your ashes. It will be a blast!”
Fluttershy heard the loud blast from the cannon, and screamed.
***
“Noooo!”
The loud cheering silenced as ponies looked at the screaming pegasus in confusion.
Pinkie Pie tilted her head to the side and waited a few seconds for the screaming to end before asking, “What’s wrong?” Upon not receiving any response while the guest of honor was looking around with fear in her eyes, she approached.
“S-stay back!” Fluttershy shouted as she quickly got back to her hooves, drops of sweat sliding down her face.
Pinkie took a step back. “Does this means that you don’t like surprise parties?” She looked to the side and her attention focused on a cupcake. After turning on and off a lightbulb above her head, she took the cupcake and appeared behind Fluttershy. She grabbed her by the shoulder and presented the gift. “Maybe something tasty will warm you up to the party. Eat up!” Wasting no time, she shoved the cupcake into Fluttershy’s mouth and giggled.
With her mouth full, Fluttershy gulped and coughed, sending crumbs of barely chewed cupcake flying while she gasped for air. She hissed and pushed the forehoof off from her shoulder.
“You didn’t like my strawberry cupcake? Awww...” Pinkie said with a pout as her ears dropped slightly. She dashed towards the dining table and grabbed a muffin, before presenting it to the guest of honor, but all she saw was a wall and an empty pillow. She looked around before noticing a few ponies pointing towards one of the tables. “Oh, so you want to play tag? Count me in!”
She dived under the table, pushing the tablecloth aside and bumping the pegasus in the muzzle. “Got you! You’re it.”
Fluttershy yelped and jumped back, hitting her head against the table, throwing some snacks and two cups of juice onto the floor. “Owww…” She massaged her aching head.
“What’s that noise?” said a voice coming from the door.
Pinkie looked at the pegasus standing in the entrance, who had a bronze mane and grey fur. She noticed he had three bricks as a cutie mark, and wore a belt filled with repair tools attached to his waist.
“Hello, Mr. Vision,” Pinkie said as she waved her foreleg.
***
Twisty Vision approached, passing other guests which formed a path before towering over the party mare. His attention shifted towards the small mess on the floor. “I see that the table is still intact. So my daughter hasn’t returned?”
Pinkie nodded. “She is still outside, but don’t worry. She won’t miss much because this party is far from over!”
She pointed at the confused yellow pegasus and said with renewed excitement, “It turns out there are more new ponies in Ponyville besides your family.” She pointed at Fluttershy. “Instead of making another party, I decided to invite her to join this one. The more, the merrier!”
The tall pegasus raised his eyebrow before examining the forcefully-dragged guest. “Are you alright, Miss…”
Fluttershy shook her head as she stared at the tall pegasus and curled up slightly, clearly intimidated. “D-don’t h-hurt me… please.”
“Hurt you? Why in Equestria would I ever do that?” Vision asked with a raised foreleg.
Pinkie Pie jumped onto Vision’s back and climbed up to his shoulder before pointing at the terrified young mare. “She must still be scared. I found her inside a spooky abandoned cottage near that scary, monster-filled forest.”
“Cottage?” Vision said hesitantly as his mind put that puzzle together. He knelt and slowly stretched his foreleg towards the trembling pony. “You must be Miss Fluttershy, Ditzy’s school friend.”
Fluttershy gulped and took a few slow, calming breaths. After a moment to clear her mind from the haunting images, she reasserted herself and asked, “You… know Ditzy?”
“Of course,” he said, and placed a foreleg on his own chest. “My name is Twisty Vision, Ditzy’s father. It’s a pleasure to meet you, young lady.”
Fluttershy stood up and hesitantly shook Vision’s foreleg. “Nice to meet you… too…” She looked around, shooting occasional glances upon the other guests, and asked, “Where am I?”
Vision opened his mouth, but failed to say a word as Pinkie spoke first, “You’re in Twisty Vision, Bright Eyes, and Ditzy Hooves’ new home. After I found out that they were moving to Ponyville, I organized a welcome party and sent invitations.” She jumped from the pegasus’ shoulder and gestured over the room. “Lots of ponies came to make sure that they feel welcome, and I got three new friends!”
“Welcome party?” Fluttershy said as she tilted her head in confusion, only now noticing the party-like decorations in the background.
Pinkie nodded energetically. “Correct! But when my Pinkie Sense told me that somepony was alone and scared in an abandoned cottage, I dashed as fast as I could.”
“Pinkie Sense?”
“Pinchy knees and so on, I can tell you more about it later, now, where was I, oh, yes!” She took a quick breath before continuing, “It was such a surprise when I found out that yet another new pony arrived in Ponyville, and so I thought: how about I bring you to this party I already had going to make you feel welcome as well?”
“Ummm…” Fluttershy struggled to say something, but was interrupted when Pinkie pressed her muzzle against hers.
“We are going to have so much fun. There are cakes, muffins, balloons, various games to play, lots of ponies to befriend. It will be so much fun.”
“Pinkie Pie,” Vision said as he grabbed the party mare and carefully pulled her away from Fluttershy, who a moment ago lost her balance and started breathing hastily. “I think you are overwhelming your guest.”
Pinkie was about to protest, when suddenly her ear twitched. Upon hearing a noise coming from the exit, she slid out from Vision’s hold and approached the opening door. ”Hello, Miss Bright Eyes, what took you so long? You are missing all the fun!”
“H-hello Pinkie. Has–”
“Ditzy returned? She–” Pinkie was interrupted by an impact noise. Fragments of a wall shattered upon hitting the floor, making some ponies run away in panic, “–just did.”
“Hello Mom, Dad, Pinkie,” Ditzy said as she slowly went inside, pushing or crushing rubble with each step.
“Way to go, Derpy,” Dash said as she flew inside, quickly noticing Fluttershy. Not wasting a moment, she flew over to the confused mare and reassured her with concern, “It's alright, Fluttershy. We're behind you all the way"
Silence overtook the room.
***
Several guests formed a circle to watch the group of ponies in the middle of the room, giving an occasional glance upon the hole in the wall.
Pinkie Pie approached slowly as she examined each of her special guests. Next to Twisty Vision, she could see his wife, Bright Eyes, a midnight blue pegasus with golden mane and a hammer crossed with a bench as a cutie mark. Both were busy talking with their daughter. So the family is finally together, now this party can really start.
Her attention switched to a young pegasus mare with rainbowlike mane. Wait, I don’t recognize her either. That makes her the fifth new pony to arrive in Ponyville today. That’s, like, five times better!
Feeling enthusiasm growing in her, she approached the young mares and said. “Hello, my name is Pinkie Pie, and I am sure that I never met any of you before.” She took a quick look at the cutie mark and continued, “Let me guess. Your name is... ‘Lightning Rainbow,’ maybe ‘Rainbow Strike,’ or ‘Lightning Cloud!’ Did I guess it right? Did I, did I?”
Fluttershy hid behind her friend, who spread her wings protectively and said with a note of anger, “My name is Rainbow Dash!”
“Rainbow Dash,” Pinkie said. She poked her forehead and added, “I got it memorized.” Her neck gained a few centimeters as she straightened it and looked at the mare hiding behind Dash. “And the pony behind must be your friend, but if her name is Fluttershy, why did you call her Flutters?”
“Flutters is a nickname I came up with for my friend. Same as Derpy is a nickname I and my classmates came up for Ditzy,” Dash responded as she stepped slightly to the side, blocking Pinkie Pie’s view of her friend.
“Nicknames, hmn…” Pinkie rubbed her chin thoughtfully before shouting with a wide smile, “That’s it!”
“Huh?”
“I came up with a perfect nickname for you. From now on, I will call you Dashie!”
Rainbow Dash blushed. She shook her head and shouted, “What, no way!” only to feel a forehoof on her shoulder.
“So, Dashie. Are you and your friend staying in Ponyville, or just visiting?” Pinkie asked, her cheek pressed against the pegasus’.
“Personal space, please,” Rainbow responded as she took the forehoof off her shoulder and stepped back. “And yes, we are planning to move to Ponyville, but–”
Pinkie’s heart skipped a beat as she appeared between both pegasi and grabbed them by their necks. “That’s perfect! I can welcome not just one, not three, but five new friends to Ponyville. Oh, this day just can’t get any better.” Dash frowned, and Fluttershy squicked in response.
“Okay, time out,” Rainbow Dash said as she broke free from the forced hug, and Fluttershy followed her example. “First off, don’t call me Dashie. That’s just embarrassing.” She stomped against the floor. “What’s more, we already gone to one party today. We don’t need another.”
Pinkie gasped. “Another party?” She pulled a detective’s hat, cape, and a flashlight from inside her mane, and shone a ray of light towards Rainbow Dash’s face. “Is there another party pony who is throwing welcome parties in Ponyville I’m not aware of?”
Feeling somewhat annoyed, the pegasus pushed the flashlight to the side and rolled her eyes. “It wasn’t a welcome party, it was a birthday party.”
Dash looked behind, checking on her silent friend. “Just today, a few hours ago, I had my fourteenth birthday party, and one party is more than enough.” She slowly looked back at Pinkie, and rubbed the back of her neck. “Are you… feeling okay?”
Pinkie’s body trembled while her teeth shined from the large smile she displayed. So, this isn’t just a welcome party, but a welcome to Ponyville after a birthday party, and she is even near my age! “Do you like playing tag, hide and seek, or pranks?” she asked.
Rainbow Dash nodded and said with a hint of enthusiasm, “Sure. Games involving speed and good old pranking are totally my thing.”
"Perfect,” Pinkie said before grabbing both pegasi with renewed enthusiasm. “The ‘Triple Welcome To Ponyville with a side of Happy Birthday Party’ starts now!”
***
“I’m… not feeling well,” Fluttershy said as she walked on shaking legs, still feeling all those sweets weighing down her belly. Her cheeks turned green as she placed a forehoof on her mouth.
“You should’ve listened to me and not have eaten every snack that crazy pony gave to us,” Rainbow Dash said as she snuck through the party, hiding behind a dining table. She gestured for Fluttershy to follow her example.
The disguised thestral ducked behind the table and said quietly, “I didn’t have much of a choice. It was either that, or–”
“I win!”
Fluttershy sighed before continuing, “Or playing ‘pin the tail on the pony’ with all those loud scary ponies.”
Dash massaged her forehead. “Ugh... I don’t get you, Flutters. You didn’t even blink when you used your power to close a bleeding wound the size of my hoof after my accident, yet you’re afraid to play a simple game.”
Fluttershy bit her lip, as her mind turned the image of ponies holding a fake tail into that of an angry mob armed with silver blades. The fact that nearly everypony was taller only made her feel more intimidated. “S-sorry… I know I shouldn’t, but my imagination gets the best of me…”
Rainbow Dash poked her friend’s forehead. “I hope you somehow get it in check, or else we’ll never get out of this party.” Her attention focused on the exit door, her wings slowly spreading as she took a racing stance. “Hold my tail tight. I will get us out in three… two…”
“One!” Pinkie shouted into Dash’s ear.
Both the pegasus and the disguised thestral grit their teeth as their eyes opened widely. Out of reflex. Dash flew for the door, knocking the table to the side and crashing into a wall while Pinkie Pie giggled at her display.
Fluttershy, who had been holding her friend’s tail, crashed in the middle of the crowd and massaged her head. Slowly raising it, she flinched upon seeing that she was now the center of attention and curled into a ball, hiding her face behind her mane.
“Not bad, Dashie, but compared to Derpy, you have still a long way to go.” She could hear Pinkie’s voice from the distance. “I mean, you barely left a mark while she pierced through it effortlessly. Better luck next time.”
Fluttershy peeked from behind her mane, ignoring the ponies that asked her if she was feeling okay. She started walking backwards slowly while keeping her head low, and a moment later, bumped into another pony.
“Careful there. Ya must be the guest of honor... Fluttershy was it? Need a hoof?”
She turned to the source of voice, noticing the stretched foreleg of an orange earth pony in a bronze hat, which seemed a bit too big for the young mare’s head. Calm down Fluttershy. She must be as old as me… scratch that. She must be around Rainbow Dash's age. There’s no need to be afraid. After taking a quick calming breath, she touched her foreleg hesitantly, and was brought up to her hooves.
“You're more uptight than a bull in a rodeo, but Ah know just the thing to loosen ya up,” she said while patting Fluttershy in the back.
The pureblood thestral gulped as her mind translated the word ‘loosen ya up’ into some sort of torture. Fluttershy opened her mouth, but failed to say a word as she was pulled towards a large bucket filled with water and barely visible apples. After a second glance upon the young mare, Fluttershy noticed she had three apples as cutie mark.
“Diving in!” the farm mare said before lowering her head into the water, and, a few seconds later, raising it with an apple in her mouth. Drops of water were sliding down her half-wet hat. After placing the apple on the floor, she repeated the motion until all apples were gone from the bucket.
“That’s five apples in twenty seconds.” She picked up five new apples and threw them into the bucket. “Now it’s yer’ turn.”
Fluttershy looked around, quickly noticing that she was being watched by at least six guests, her ears picking up whispers of how Applejack would certainly win. It’s still better than being watched by an entire crowd. I should try to play along. She slowly turned towards the water, her sharpened senses quickly picking up the location of each apple. “I… will try.”
The pureblood closed her eyes and hesitantly lowered her head into the liquid. Her senses kept detecting apples by their slow movement in the water as she picked them up with her mouth, one at a time. She finished the hunt by grabbing the two last apples at once with the help of her fangs, then raised her head and released them from her mouth.
Fluttershy shook her wet head and opened her eyes while checking with her tongue if her fangs had shrunk, only to be greeted by the shocked expression of the farm mare, whose mouth was agape. “Did I… do something wrong?”
Applejack shook her head and said, “Ah can’t believe it. Ya beat me at mah own game!”
“I did…?” Fluttershy said as she looked at apples she held in her forelegs. “How long did it take me?”
“Twelve seconds,” said one of the surrounding guests, his head raised proud as he shot a grin towards the other five.
Fluttershy looked back at Applejack and poked her own forehooves against one another. “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry? Ya'll be sorry after Ah train some more and challenge ya for round two,” she said, looking at Fluttershy with a defiant stare, poking her in the chest. “Mah pride is on the line, an’ Ah’m not gonna lose to ya for the second time.”
Fluttershy shrunk a little as her legs trembled. Forget we’re the same size. She’s even more intimidating than the others! Fluttershy walked backwards, while the farm mare threw apples into the water and began her training.
Much to Fluttershy’s confusion, the room darkened while a stage light flashed upon her. One quick look towards the window told her how late it was. Is it twilight already? Her breathing increased in speed as she once again ended up as the center of attention.
“And now it is time for a dance off, everypony!” Pinkie shouted while directing the stage light towards the frightened pegasus. “Let’s give a loud cheering for Fluttershy, who just today moved to Ponyville!”
“Not on my watch,” Dash said as she turned the lights back on and picked up Fluttershy. Her hasty escape was quickly interrupted the moment she opened the door, as Pinkie was already waiting outside. Before the pegasus could react, the energetic young mare jumped inside and grabbed both her and Fluttershy, throwing them back into the middle of the room.
“It seems instead of a solo, we will have a duo! Dashie and Flutters, everypony.”
Fluttershy felt as if her heart tried to escape her chest the moment a cannon blast reached her ears, sending confetti to rain upon them. Dash blushed as she looked at the scared Fluttershy and at the cheering crowd.
“What just happened?” Pinkie asked as she looked at the pieces of wood that were once an exit door, lying outside next to parts of the wall.
Bright Eyes, who was carrying a bucket filled with cement and a trowel, sat next to Pinkie Pie to stare at the destruction. “Who did this? It couldn’t be my daughter.” She glanced at Ditzy, who walked from the kitchen and sat next to her, Vision joining a moment later.
“It was Fluttershy. We were just having fun, dancing and singing alike. But when I asked her to sing for us, she ran through the door.” Her ears dropped, and her puffy mane lost some of its usual brightness. “She seemed… sad.”
"Sad? She was terrified and crying!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she landed next to the party mare and shot her a furious glare. “Way to go, Pinkie." She spread her forelegs and flew outside, shouting her friend’s name.
“Crying…” Pinkie curled up a little as she rubbed her foreleg, her mane now a bit less puffy than before. “But why? This welcome party was supposed to make her smile…”
Twisty Vision approached the hole and pointed outside. “While we are grateful for the warm welcome, it is getting late. I believe that the time to end this party has come.”
Murmurs overtook the background as ponies nodded to each other and started going outside, carefully passing door fragments as to not damage them further. A few ponies volunteered to assist with the cleaning, which Vision refused.
The silence that overtook the empty room filled Pinkie with depression. She lowered her head.
“Don’t be sad,” Ditzy said as she placed a forehoof on Pinkie’s shoulder, who didn’t look up. “You just went too far and overwhelmed poor Fluttershy with your cheerful personality, but you had the best of intentions in mind.”
Pinkie sighed, and spoke in a depressed tone, “Ever since I got my cutie mark, I wanted to make everypony happy, to see their smiles, and yet today I did the opposite. What did I do wrong?”
“Not everypony is the same, Pinkie. Sure, some love singing, music, dancing, playing and so on, but Fluttershy isn’t one of those ponies.” She gently turned Pinkie’s head and looked her in the eyes. “You can’t make her happy the same way.”
“You think so?”
"I know so.” Ditzy nodded.
Pinkie stared back, unable to look away as she asked, “But what can I do? At first I thought she was sad and scared because of visiting that spooky cottage. But all I did was make it worse.”
“You mean the cottage she will be living in from now on?” Ditzy asked, causing Pinkie to gasp.
“You mean… she wants to move into that scary place? But why?” She grabbed Ditzy’s head and pressed her muzzle against it. “Not only that, but how can I make her happy? Parties always seem to work, I don't know... what else can I do?”
Ditzy smiled. “I am sure you will figure something out, but I can give you a tip or two for a good start.” She freed herself from Pinkie’s hold and raised her forehoof in a lecturing gesture. “Try being more gentle with her. I’m sure she would appreciate if your attempts to make her happy were more delicate. Also, no party cannon and loud noises. It terrifies her.”
“No party cannon?” Pinkie asked, and received a firm nod in return. “I suppose I should try to come up with something new, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Pinkie chuckled weakly. “I suppose I should apologize and make it up to her.” She looked outside, noticing the first stars popping up as the moon slowly rose across the horizon. “The Cakes gave me a job and place to live in. They helped me settle up in Ponyville and realise my dream. Maybe I can do something similar for Flutters and help her feel at home.”
She took a few steps, and turned around to look at Ditzy's family. “I hope you all had fun. Since this party is over, I should leave as well. Goodnight, friends...” She galloped outside, leaving a trail of dust behind her.
With the room empty and the mess still present, Vision poked Bright Eyes and whispered. “We are alone, sweetheart. What would you say about using a spell or two?”
She nuzzled her husband and said, “I thought you would never ask.” Her pupils became thin and flashed in red as a black mist formed around the door fragments and rubble, melding it together and returning the fragments to their original positions. “Piece of blood-filled cake.”
“You make it look so easy...” Vision said.
Bright Eyes puffed her chest and pointed at her daughter. “I had plenty of practice.” She smirked. “Besides, not every thestral can learn how to use dark magic to repair rather than destroy.”
Twisty Vision chuckled before approaching his daughter. “Should I assume you gave Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash bits and equipment?”
Ditzy turned and looked up at her towering father and nodded. “I sure did, but trying to keep them away from Pinkie didn’t work as planned.”
The tall pegasus rubbed the top of Ditzy’s head, who blushed slightly and cuddled him. “That’s my daughter.”
Bright Eyes knelt on Ditzy’s side and asked curiously, “Can you tell us what you learned about Fluttershy? After the tragedy she witnessed, I’m worried about her mental condition.”
Ditzy nodded as her ears dropped slightly. Her voice was full of sorrow. “She feels constant anxiety, especially around large crowds. I also suspect that her mind is haunting her with terrifying images. Unless she will find a way to distract herself from her fears, I doubt she will get better.”
“This isn’t good.” Bright Eyes shook her head. “As a pureblood, Mistress Fluttershy can’t afford such fears. It leaves her very vulnerable.”
Vision stretched both of his wings over his wife and daughter and said with a reassuring tone, “Look on the bright side. Ponyville is a very peaceful location, she will have plenty of time to overcome it.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “The question is: Will Pinkie’s attempts help, or end up making things worse? I have known her only a few hours, and I can already tell that this crazy energetic pony is not one to give up on cheering up those who are sad. How such a young mare even managed to drag so many ponies into a welcome party on such short notice is beyond me.”
Ditzy pressed herself against the soft feathers, gladly accepting the warmth they provided. “Pinkie’s happiness is like a fire, Dad. Smiling ponies are just the wood that keeps its flame alive.”
“What do you mean?” Bright Eyes asked curiously.
“What I mean, Mom, is that under the energetic personality is a depressed, dull pony. Her spark of happiness was lit, and she doesn’t want it to be extinguished. She wants to spread this spark to other ponies.”
Ditzy sighed and continued with a serious tone, “Another reason why she is acting in such way is because of her fear. She is afraid that if she can’t spread her flame to others, her own will be gone. The way she reacted to the very sight of Fluttershy being sad proves that.”
Vision released his daughter and looked at her flank. “Your cutie mark sure is very misleading, Ditzy. I would never figure out your special talent just by looking at it. That I assure you.”
Fluttershy raised her head hastily and forced her tired eyes to open. Her breathing was slow and heavy, while drops of sweat dripped down her face. She slowly turned to the source of the voice, and saw her friend staring at her with worry.
“Woah, Flutters, you look as pale as if you saw a ghost,” Dash said as her ears drooped. She asked with a concerned and calm voice, “Another nightmare, huh?”
Upon receiving a weak nod, and noticing the tear trails under her friend’s eyes, she climbed up onto the large bed and sat next to her, placing a wing on her back. “It will be okay. Just… give it time.”
Fluttershy tried to examine her surroundings, but everything still seemed blurry. She rubbed her eyes, and glanced upon the weak sun rays peeking inside through closed curtains, her vision becoming sharper with each passing second. That's weird. I know Ditzy's father replaced the curtains, but I don't remember them being pink, or decorated with balloon shapes.
She looked up to the ceiling, now no longer filled with holes, and with several wooden reinforcements to keep it stable. Good thing Bright Eyes repaired the roof. At least now I don’t need to worry about the sun peeking inside.
The walls and the floor were hardly recognizable, the mix between yellow wallpaper and wooden planks being a big change from those old crumbling ones, or the white cloud walls in Dash’s temporary room. In fact, the fireplace was one of the rare structures in this house tough enough to not need repairs.
She looked down at the floor, which still begged for renovation as a few planks had cracks and holes in them. At least the pink carpet with balloons and cupcakes in the middle of the room helped cover it. Did Pinkie sneak in this morning? How could she even do that without waking us?
Fluttershy rubbed the soft bed she sat on, glancing at the two white pillows, and the duvet decorated with white-orange squares with bats and butterflies in them. The bed was large enough for both her and Rainbow Dash to sleep on. At the foot of the bed was a big green chest which Twisty Vision kindly provided, the armored saddlebag with packs of blood and bits now placed inside. To the right she could see a green cupboard with two shelves and a glass of water at the top, alongside a cupcake with a small message.
With her wing, Fluttershy picked up the message, unfolded and read it, “Happy Morning.” She placed it back onto the cupboard and sighed. I’m starting to think that Dash had the right idea. Pinkie really doesn’t know the meaning of personal space or privacy.
Fluttershy yawned while stretching her forelegs. She climbed down onto the floor, stretching her hind legs and wings before looking at her friend. “So, Dash, why did you wake me up so early?”
“Early? It is ten o’clock. You’re getting lazy lately.”
Fluttershy smirked. “Says the mare who enjoys taking a nap on a cloud whenever she can.”
Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her neck and smiled awkwardly. “You got me there.”
Upon noticing a forced smile, she jumped to Fluttershy’s side and pointed towards the stairs. “The bedroom is almost done, but the rest of the cottage is still crying for a solid renovation. How about we do something about it? We can’t let Bright Eyes and Twisty Vision do all the work after all.”
Fluttershy nodded before they both went downstairs. Her attention focused on a pile of junk gathered in the corner of the room: from broken planks, to shattered glass. The room itself was no longer as terrifying as before, though one look at the claw marks on the walls still caused a chill to go through her bones.
The sound of ticking reached her ear, and Fluttershy looked towards a clock on the wall. I’m losing my sense of time lately. Maybe I should move this old clock into the bedroom, she thought as her ears drooped. The memory of a maid thestral waking her up flashed in her mind. Don’t think about your past, it will only bring you more pain. You need a distraction. She looked at her friend, who approached with a pair of brooms.
Rainbow Dash placed one in front of her friend and spoke. “Let’s start by getting rid of the dust and spider webs… What’s so funny?”
Fluttershy giggled before answering, “Sorry Dash. It’s just that… I imagined you wearing a maid’s uniform… and it was slipping off because you were too small to wear it.”
Rainbow Dash blushed before chuckling. She smiled warmly and said, “It’s great to see you in a good mood for a change.”
***
Both mares took the next hour cleaning the floor, walls and ceiling. All the dust made a big pile in the corner when they were done.
Fluttershy coughed, releasing the cleaning device. She quickly examined herself before shaking the dust from her body and then looked up at her friend hovering in mid-air to clean the ceiling. “I will go refresh myself..”
“Mhm…”
With slow steps, she walked towards the still doorless bathroom. Fluttershy gave a quick glance at the wardrobe, which not long ago was hiding the entrance, and approached the sink. I’m lucky that this place wasn’t ruined like the rest of the cottage. I wonder why it was sealed in the first place.
She gently turned on the tap and stretched her dust-covered forelegs, waiting for the water to flow. Much to her shock, instead of water, a pink cotton candy emerged from it, with a pink head attached to it. Fluttershy screamed as by some miracle, Pinkie Pie emerged from the tap and stepped onto the floor. Her weight did not cause any damage to the sink.
Fluttershy rubbed her eyes and blinked them rapidly, wondering if she was still dreaming. “What… why… how?” She pointed at the young mare accusingly while Dash flew inside. “How did you do that?”
Pinkie smiled warmly and said, “Hey, Fluttershy. I just wanted to leave you a gift in the bathroom, but I sure didn’t expect to run into you.” With a swift move, she pushed her tail ahead and searched it with her forelegs. One item at a time, she pulled out a shampoo, towel, and in the end, a large mirror.
Both mares stared at this in disbelief. Fluttershy spoke, “You… you went through my sink… while transporting multiple objects in your tail…? None of that should had fit inside in the first place.”
Pinkie shrugged. “Pretty much.”
“She did what?” Dash asked.
Fluttershy’s eye twitched as she observed the party mare, who seemed busy relocating a mirror and placing it against the wall. It was large enough to show the reflection of a grown up stallion from top to bottom. “But... how?” She slapped herself in the face, but the scene in front of her didn’t disappear. “It must be a dream, I have to still be asleep.”
“No, silly,” Pinkie said before giggling. “Of course it’s not a dream. Why would you ever think that?”
The impossibility was too much for her to handle. After thinking for a moment, her mind just gave up as Fluttershy lost both her balance and consciousness.
“R-really?” Fluttershy asked as she looked at the entrance to the bathroom. She had a bucket of water and sponge by her side.
Dash just stared back at her and nodded. “I’m serious. After you passed out, I asked Pinkie how did she do that, but she just shrugged it off as if it was the most normal thing in the world.” She pointed at the wardrobe. “She also mentioned some rumours about the old owner. She said that he was some sort of researcher who was trying to discover the secrets behind the forest.”
“The Everfree Forest?” Fluttershy asked curiously. “Ditzy told me that she met many friendly faces while exploring it, and even played with a manticore in the deeper part of the forest.” She gestured over the wall. “Do you think they may have caused it?”
The pegasus approached and examined the wall, touching it with her forehoof. “Pinkie said that he sealed all windows and the front door with planks, blocked the rear entrance with some bricks, and bunkered himself in the bathroom using that wardrobe.”
Fluttershy entered the bathroom, keeping a safe distance from the sink as she examined it. “No wonder that this section of the house is untouched. It was probably sealed when creatures from the forest attacked this cottage.” She raised a forehoof up to her face, her heart beat increasing. “I hope that those creatures won’t try to hunt us as well.”
Dash looked at her reflexion in the mirror and spread her wings to admire them. “If they even try, I’ll kick their flanks. I mean, if Derpy can handle them, we can too.”
“I hope you’re right,” Fluttershy said before walking back into the main room to pick up a sponge with her wing. “Let’s forget about it for now and clean up this place a little.”
A loud noise coming from downstairs and a weak trembling of the bed woke up both mares. They jumped to the floor, their breath heavy.
Dash immediately flew towards the window while Fluttershy examined her surroundings, before both looked at the stairs. “Are we under attack?” she asked hesitantly, her ears flattened against her head.
“I hope not,” Dash said as she flew towards Fluttershy. “Stay behind me, I’ll protect you.”
The pureblood thestral stepped ahead of Rainbow even though her legs trembled. “No, Dash. I can’t let you risk your life.”
Dash stepped ahead of her friend. “And I can’t let anypony or creature hurt you.”
“If they hurt me, I can just heal myself, I should go first.” Fluttershy stepped ahead, now very close to the stairs.
“Do you expect me to use you as a meatshield?” Dash asked with growing anger.
“As a matter of fact, I do,” Fluttershy answered as she walked forward, just as did Dash, both trying to get ahead of each other. They flew downstairs and landed on the floor, staring at the spreading dust.
Rainbow Dash bent her legs in preparation to attack, but Fluttershy jumped ahead of her and said, “Ditzy?” quickly recognizing the silhouette in the dust thanks to her sharpened senses.
The half-breed thestral coughed as she blew the dust away with the help of her wings. The old dusty bricks that used to block the rear entrance were now lying in fragments on the floor. Noticing her friends from the corner of her eye, she looked at them and waved. “Hi Dash, hi Fluttershy.”
As they both landed in front of the clumsy mare, Dash spoke first, “What was this all about, Derpy?” She pointed at the no longer sealed rear entrance.
Ditzy smiled warmly and answered, “Mom asked me if I could demolish something for them, and I wanted to be useful.” She looked at the rubble and puffed her chest proudly. “It feels nice to destroy something to be helpful rather than doing it by accident.”
Fluttershy rubbed the floor, her ears drooped. “But… but we just finished cleaning here yesterday…”
Dash nodded and said with a hint of hostility, “Yeah, you could have crashed into the bricks from the inside.”
Derpy lost a bit of her enthusiasm as she lowered her head. “Sorry. My bad.” She raised her head and pointed towards the exit. “By the way, I saw a gift basket at the main entrance. You should check it out.”
“A gift basket?” Fluttershy said to herself before slowly walking towards the main door and opening it slightly, peeking outside.
Dash pushed the door fully open and picked up the basket, noticing a small memo attached to it. “Bon Apple...appet–”
“Bon Appetit!” Pinkie shouted as she emerged from inside the basket, a plate with piece of cake in her forehoof.
Rainbow Dash flinched, releasing the basket, while Fluttershy yelped and hid behind her.
The pink mare walked outside and stretched her legs before opening the basket, pointing at several sweets and some rock candy. All were unharmed, causing her teeth to show in a cheerful smile.
Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow before massaging her forehead, her utter shock replaced by growing annoyance. “You’re making no sense, Pinkie. Go home.”
“How did we end up here in the first place?” Dash asked as she followed the energetic mare alongside her stressed friend.
“Well… we’re here because Ditzy’s parents–”
Dash cut Fluttershy off. “It was a rhetorical question.”
“Oh,” Fluttershy said as she looked to the side, away from the suspicious glances of passing ponies. You’re just walking with an umbrella through the town in the middle of a cloudless sunny day. Nothing suspicious at all. Her heart rate spiked at the uneasy attention, and her ears stood on guard for any suspicious sound.
“Come on, don’t be sad. We’re going to have fun while Bright Eyes and Twisty Vision fix your cottage. I even added a few improvements into their renovation plans,” Pinkie said as she ignored Rainbow Dash’s annoyed grumble. “We can eat ice cream, or get sweets at Sugarcube Corner. I work there so I can get the Cakes to give you a discount!”
Fluttershy's stomach growled in disagreement as her cheeks became green. She stopped and massaged her belly. “Ohhh… I’m not hungry…”
Dash stopped and turned to her friend. “Are you okay?”
“Y-yes…” she answered, slowly raising her head and eyeing Pinkie. “It’s just that… I have been eating way too many sweets.”
Rainbow Dash turned her head towards Pinkie and glared at her angrily. “Yeah, because somepony keeps bringing you more every single day.” Seeing how her friend was about to lose balance, she escorted Fluttershy towards the shadow of a nearby building.
Pinkie stopped in her tracks and approached her two newest friends as she looked at the sitting Fluttershy in confusion. “I just wanted you to feel welcome. How can one have too many sweets anyway?”
Fluttershy took a few slow breaths, feeling even worse than before. I know that my natural regeneration can heal even the most deadly poison, but this sugar overdose is really pushing it. She sighed. The very mention of sweets is making me sick. She raised her head to look at the ever so cheerful party mare, easily sensing how ridiculously fast the blood flowed through her body. It is almost as if Pinkie is running on sugar alone. How can she eat so many sweets and not get sick of them? Maybe her mind, not just her body, has adapted to it.
Noticing that Fluttershy didn’t respond, Dash looked at Pinkie and stomped. “Just because you enjoy them, it doesn’t mean everypony does!” She poked Pinkie in the chest. “I always liked sweets, but even I’m starting to get tired of your gifts.”
Pinkie tilted her head to the side. “If you don’t like my gifts, why do you keep accepting them?” Her cheerful smile changed into a more serious one as she gently pushed Dash’s forehoof away. “Why do you keep eating my cupcakes, cakes, and candies if you’re so tired of them?!”
Rainbow Dash took a step back, caught off guard by such an outburst. She quickly pressed her muzzle against Pinkie’s and said, “We tried to refuse your gifts, giving you hints here and there that enough is enough, but you refuse to listen! Not a single complaint or hint seems to reach you.”
She retreated her head and pointed at her friend. “Fluttershy isn’t the type of pony who refuses gifts, and the worst part is that she didn’t want any of your presents to go bad, so she ate whatever you gave her.”
“Oh… I forgot that refrigerator in the cottage isn’t working,” Pinkie said.
After crossing her forelegs, Dash continued with more relaxed tone, “When I was younger, I did whatever I wanted, getting into trouble all the time. I’m lucky that Fluttershy helped me see past my mistakes. You, on the other hoof, still need to learn to not break into ponies’ homes uninvited.”
Pinkie rubbed back of her neck, blushing. “I suppose I get a little forceful whenever I am excited.”
“A little?” Dash interrupted.
Pinkie cleared her throat with a cough as she looked at Fluttershy. “If you’re tired of sweets–” She paused upon noticing returning green on Fluttershy’s cheeks. “We can go to the park instead, play hide and seek or fly kites. I hid four there recently in case of kite emergencies.” She forced a smile. “We can all play together, tell jokes and so on. This is what friends do after all.”
Fluttershy rubbed her forehoof nervously upon seeing Pinkie's forced smile.
“We are friends, right?”
After taking a deep breath, she looked at the energetic pony and spoke in a sorrowful tone, “I’m afraid we’re not.”
Pinkie’s fur darkened a little bit as her ears drooped. “W-what? Why nooot?”
Fluttershy stood up and walked forward, raising her foreleg. Her attempt to place it on Pinkie’s shoulder failed as she rejected the gentle hoof. “I understand what are you trying to do, and I appreciate it, I really do.”
She sat and looked at the ground, doing her best to ignore the sun’s rays draining her. “I know you have the best intentions in mind, and I really hate to say it, but we can’t be friends.” She bit her lips as she struggled to continue, “You’re not a pony I feel comfortable to be around. I’m really sorry.”
“Oh…” Pinkie’s mane deflated as she took a step back. “And I thought... “ She turned around and lowered her head. “I suppose you don’t want my company. I’ll take my leave...”
“I’m sorry.”
With slow steps and her head lowered, Pinkie walked away, leaving both pegasi alone.
Fluttershy approached her umbrella and picked it from the ground, hiding again under its protection. Dash stared at her in disbelief as she spoke, “Woah, Flutters… I know that Pinkie was being very intrusive lately, but I didn’t expect you of all ponies to be so blunt.”
The pureblood thestral looked at her friend, who only now noticed the tears sliding down her cheeks. “I know, Rainbow, and I really didn’t want to say it, but…” She wiped the tears from her face and continued, “I tried to convince myself that I can befriend her, but I couldn’t.”
She turned around, now back to the pegasus. “I’m simply scared of Pinkie.”
Dash approached and sat next to Fluttershy, placing a wing on her back. “Scared? But why? I know that she has been very obnoxious ever since we arrived in Ponyville, but to be afraid of her...”
“It’s hard to explain,” Fluttershy interrupted. “When I first explored my new home after I asked you to go with Ditzy to check your house, I found out how much being alone terrifies me. Things that in the past wouldn’t even make me blink now scare me deeply.”
She paused to once again wipe her watering eyes. “My nerves were on the verge of breaking, and then Pinkie arrived. Her every action and word scared me, and then…”
“And then what?” Dash asked impatiently as she looked around, making sure nopony was listening to their conversation. She didn't notice anything other than some worried looks in their direction.
“When she took out her cannon... when I heard its noise, I thought she wanted to take my life,” Fluttershy said as she pressed her cheek against Dash’s chest. “Pinkie is energetic and startles me every time. Whenever she is around, I feel as if she is an assassin. I know it’s just my imagination, but I can’t be friends with a pony I’m afraid to be around.”
She sobbed. “I can’t help it… I tried…”
Dash opened her mouth, but failed to say a word. Instead, she held her friend as she vented her emotions.
“Is something wrong?” asked a blue earth pony with a puffy mane as she sat next to the young Pinkie. “I’ve never seen you so sad before, what happened?”
Pinkie looked at her caretaker and boss. “What did I do wrong?”
“What do you mean, dear?”
“Fluttershy. She is sad and scared. I tried to make her feel welcome with a party. After this didn’t work, I tried to help her by giving her sweets and decorating her cottage… but it just made everything worse.” She looked down as Mrs. Cake stroked her mane gently. “She said we couldn’t be friends.”
Mrs. Cake pressed Pinkie’s face against her chest gently and kept stroking her mane. “If she didn’t appreciate what you did for her, maybe she doesn’t deserve to be your friend.“
“Fluttershy said she appreciated what I did for her.”
“If she did, than why would she refuse your friendship? She must be a very mean pony.”
Pinkie pushed herself free from the embrace and shook her head. “She isn’t a mean pony! I mean, I don’t know Fluttershy all that well, but she seems nice. Just depressed and scared.”
Mrs. Cake blinked in confusion before lowering her head to Pinkie’s face. “Than why would she refuse to be your friend? Did she say anything?”
“Flutters only said that she feels very uncomfortable around me. Her friend Dashie said that I gave them too many sweets, and that I shouldn't enter ponies’ houses uninvited.”
The taller pony looked around, making sure there weren't any customers that would require her attention. Upon seeing that they were alone, she approached a nearby table and gestured Pinkie to join her. “Please tell me how you tried to help them, from the beginning.”
Pinkie nodded and spoke hesitantly. “... It all started when I felt a doozy…”
***
“... And then I walked away and returned here. I thought eating something would cheer me up… but I don’t even feel hungry.”
Mrs. Cake rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “I think I understand what’s the problem.”
Pinkie raised her head and climbed onto the table. “Really?!”
Mrs. Cake raised her foreleg in a lecturing gesture. “Derpy did tell you not to use your party cannon when around Fluttershy because it scares her, correct?” After noticing a nod, she continued, “It sounds like this Fluttershy is a very fragile pony. By surprising her and entering her home uninvited, you’ll never earn her friendship, much less put her fears at ease. Both of your personalities seem to clash.”
“Derpy said something similar,” Pinkie said before peeking behind Mrs. Cake, “am I right?”
“Yes I did,” Ditzy answered as she approached the table, quickly getting the attention of Mrs. Cake.
“Ditzy? How long have you been here?”
“Long enough to hear the start of the story. I came to exchange some muffin recipes, but when I saw that you both were busy, I decided to wait and listen instead.”
“I see,” Mrs. Cake said as she examined the grey coat her customer was wearing… on a sunny day. “I suppose you wish to talk with Pinkie. I’ll leave you both alone and return to my work.” She stepped to the side and looked at her young worker. “And please, sweetie. I understand that you’re still young and learning, but next time just knock instead of sneaking into somepony’s bathroom.”
Pinkie nodded before turning to her cross-eyed friend. “Hello, Derpy… or is it Ditzy? I don’t really feel like exchanging recipes at the moment. Later maybe…”
“You made lots of friends very quickly in Ponyville. Why would one more or less make such a difference for you?” Ditzy asked.
Pinkie looked down at her tail and searched it before pulling out a picture of a party she once organized for her own family. She presented it to Ditzy and said, “Whenever I see Fluttershy, she reminds me of my family, of my past. I did my very best to keep my parents as happy as I could, but I wasn’t happy working at the farm.”
“So you left to spread happiness among other ponies, while also doing something you enjoy?”
Pinkie nodded energetically. “I did, and even though I miss my family, making friends and bringing smiles to ponies brings me pure joy. I feel such a pleasant warmth, and it only makes me want to spread it to others.”
Her ears drooped as her voice once again became depressed, “When I saw Fluttershy in the cottage, I felt as if I once again saw my family, but this time… even my party didn’t make them smile.”
Ditzy jumped over the table and caught Pinkie in a tight hug, squeezing her like a piece of gum. “That’s so sad… you poor thing!” She released the hug, freeing her in middle air. Pinkie started back motionlessly for an instant, when suddenly her body popped right back to normal. “I’m sure that if we think about it together, we can come up with an idea of how to bring happiness to Fluttershy, but please, don’t give in to despair.”
Pinkie’s mane returned to normal as her fur regained its brightness. “Sounds good. You seem smart, so with your help, we’re sure to turn her frown upside down.”
Both mares placed their heads on the now damaged table and tried to think of something. It was a couple of hours before either moved from that position.
“I must admit. Bright Eye and Twisty Vision sure are good at what they do,” Dash said before chuckling.
Fluttershy admired the renovated room, but just nodded.
“And to think that two construction ponies would give birth to a demolishing one.” Not receiving any response yet again, she looked at her friend and asked, “Still thinking about Pinkie? You did what had to be done.”
Fluttershy opened her mouth, but was interrupted by a knock on the door. She turned to the source of noise and said, “Who could it be? Maybe it’s Pinkie Pie.”
“No way, not after what happened today,” Dash said as she approached the door and opened it without hesitation. She rolled her eyes. “I stand corrected.” At the entrance was the party mare, sitting with her head slightly lowered while holding her forelegs behind her back. “What do you want, Pinkie?”
“C-can I talk with Fluttershy, please?”
Dash shook her head. “I believe my friend isn’t interested in spending time with you.” The words caused Pinkie to whimper quietly.
“Rainbow Dash, aren’t you being a little harsh?” Fluttershy scolded as she approached, keeping a few steps distant from the entrance even as she eyed her guest. “She did knock, and even asked politely. I will gladly hear her out.”
“If you say so,” Dash said before giving Pinkie a warning glare. “I have my eye on you. Appearing out of nowhere and not making sense isn’t allowed, am I clear?” Upon seeing a weak nod, she pointed at her own eyes and next at the party mare’s before walking away and sitting against a wall. Her forelegs were crossed, and her attention was focused on the entrance.
Fluttershy gave Pinkie an apologetic stare. “I’m sorry for Rainbow Dash. She may seems a bit overprotective at times, but she means well.”
“It’s alright, I understand.” Pinkie gulped and continued, “I tried to make you happy forcefully without considering your feelings. I… I want to apologize.”
“I forgive you.” Fluttershy tried to force a smile, but Pinkie saw right through her. “You’re a good pony at heart, and I can’t blame you for trying to help in your own way.” She held her forehooves up, slightly apart from each other. “I just wish you could be a itty-bitty less energetic when you’re around me, and not surprise me quite so often. That's all I ask.”
Pinkie nodded energetically, and slowly pressed one foreleg against her heart. “I, Pinkamena Diane Pie, solemnly swear on my name.” She tapped forehoof against her chin. “Awww, a normal promise just isn't good enough, I need to come up with something much bigger, something that can keep even me in check.”
“Umm… Pinkie,” Fluttershy interrupted. “I can’t help noticing that you are hiding something behind your back.” Something that is breathing and is filled with blood. Did she bring me a cat, or maybe a puppy?
“Oh, right,” Pinkie said before swiftly revealing a young squirrel, which was curled and sleeping in her forehoof.
Fluttershy approached the creature despite her fear of the party mare. This squirrel seems to be a bit dirty and dehydrated. Its– her stomach also seems too thin for her size. “Where did you find this poor creature?”
“In one of Ponyville’s alleys,” Pinkie answered as she placed the animal in Fluttershy’s hooves. “It seemed lonely, so I thought that you both could keep each other company. It’s a win-win situation!”
Fluttershy looked at Pinkie in confusion. “Alley? Why not in the park among the chestnut trees? Is there anything weird going on?"
“Well... Ponyville's park is rather small, and it doesn’t have any.” Pinkie looked around nervously before pointing at the forest in the distance. “The Everfree Forest isn’t exactly a safe place. The monsters scare the animals away, and they come to search for food in Ponyville instead.”
She stood on her rear hooves and pointed at the sea of trees in distance. “The apple farmers always have trouble with animals trying to steal and eat their crops.” She smiled awkwardly. “I even heard rumours that a dragon attack burned a lot of trees around Ponyville before the princess and guards could deal with it, so now Ponyville is filled with homeless animals.”
“Oh…” Fluttershy bit her lips at the tragic image. She lowered her head and gently nuzzled the squirrel with her muzzle, waking her up. “You poor thing.” The squirrel stared back before hiding under her tail in fear. She peeked from behind it to look back at the large pony. “Please, don’t be afraid, I won’t hurt you. I will help you however I can.”
Fluttershy waited a moment for the little animal to smell her nose, memories of her old veterinary clinic surfacing in her mind. This squirrel is certainly a female. She felt a pleasant warmness in her chest when the squirrel started to nuzzle back. I can’t let this poor being starve, but where can I get her food?
She waited a moment for the squirrel to finish, and then raised her head to look at Pinkie, who had been emitting a high pitched noise all the while. She was prancing in place, as if she wanted to get closer but was afraid of something. "That is the most adorable thing I have ever seen!”
Fluttershy rolled her eyes. “Do you know where I can find or buy nuts, by any chance?”
“Nuts? Oh, right.” She pointed towards the town. “There is a stand in the market where I buy food for my pet, Gummy. I think the salespony carries some nuts as well, not many though.”
“Not many?” Fluttershy asked as she spread a wing to place the squirrel on it, who instantly nested against her soft feathers. Maybe there just isn't much of a demand for nuts around here.
Rainbow Dash approached and glanced upon Fluttershy’s spread wing. “Let me guess. You need somepony to go buy some nuts for you.”
Fluttershy blushed and smiled awkwardly. “Y-yes… if it’s not to much trouble.”
Dash shook her head and saluted. “Consider it done. I will find the nuts stand and be back in seconds.” She opened her wings and looked at the party mare, who was embracing herself while trembling. “And you, Pinkie, don’t go nuts while I go buy nuts. Got it?”
“I’m trying!” Pinkie answered while drops of sweat were sliding down her face.
As Dash flew away, Fluttershy looked at Pinkie and asked, “Are you feeling alright… you can use the bathroom if you need to.”
“N-no-no… I’m fine…”
“Okay…” Fluttershy said hesitantly, and walked deeper into her house. “You can enter if you wish, just be careful, the paint is still fresh.” Not bothering to look behind, she walked upstairs and approached her bed, carefully lowering her wing to a pillow. “Please, make yourself comfortable.”
The squirrel looked at her hesitantly, before jumping and perching itself on top of the pillow. They looked at each other for a moment.
“Are you thirsty?” Fluttershy asked, receiving a weak nod in return. I hope I can still understand animals, even if I am a little rusty.
Now smiling warmly, she raised her foreleg and said, “I’ll get you some fresh water, but I need you to wait right here.” Upon receiving another nod, she turned around with a raised foreleg, but failed to take a single step as Pinkie ran up the stairs, already carrying a glass of water. “T-thank you.”
“No biggy.” Pinkie smiled back.
Fluttershy tilted the glass towards the squirrel, who sniffed it before drinking eagerly.
“I think someone needs a bath.” The squirrel shook her head and hid behind the pillow. Fluttershy continued, “Okay, okay, no bath. How about I just clean you up with a wet towel?”
Pinkie dashed back down the stairs. “One wet towel coming right up.”
Fluttershy didn't have time to respond, before being given a fresh wet towel. “Thank you.”
Pinkie’s mouth stood agape the moment Fluttershy took away the towel, and pointed at her accusingly. “You… you smiled!”
“Yes, I did. Is something wrong with it?” the disguised thestral asked as she wiped the dirt from the squirrel’s fur as gently as she could. She was rewarded with a nuzzle to her foreleg, before the critter sunk into the soft surface of the pillow.
“Your smile. It’s honest, not fake,” Pinkie said as her body trembled, barely containing her excitement. “You’re happy!”
Fluttershy rubbed her foreleg, “I suppose I am…” She looked at the little animal sleeping peacefully, and her smile grew in size. “Helping this poor critter, it made me feel like I am doing something valuable… something I missed. Thank you.”
Pinkie grabbed Fluttershy in a tight hug, which caused her to yelp. In an instant, she released the disguised thestral and jumped back. “Sorry, sorry, sorry…” She stood on her rear hooves and pointed at her. “But just to be sure. By giving you this homeless cute little animal, I made you happy?”
Fluttershy nodded hesitantly as she recovered from the sudden ambush. “I suppose you did.”
Pinkie squealed before turning towards the stairs and taking a racing stance. “Perfect. I know just what to do!” Before Fluttershy managed to say a word, her guest was downstairs yet again.
“I’m back,” Dash said as she flew inside through the window and placed several nuts on the floor. She turned back and looked outside at Pinkie, who was running towards Ponyville. “What’s up with her? Did you two have an argument?”
Fluttershy turned to look at the sleeping squirrel. “Quite the opposite. She asked if bringing me this critter made me happy. After I confirmed it, she shouted that she knew what to do and ran away.”
Rainbow Dash rubbed her chin, when suddenly her pupils shrunk at realisation. She massaged her forehead and sighed. “This isn’t going to end well.”
“Six? What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked while giving her friend a curious stare, a bag of bird food in her forelegs.
Rainbow Dash frowned before pointing at the empty glass on the table next to a lying wet animal. “It means, right behind you. For an eggh… smart pony, you sure don’t remember much from flight school.”
“That’s not fair, Rainbow. I really tried to pay attention to the coach, but it is difficult to focus under the open sun,” she said as she approached the table. She lowered her head to the wet animal and started to dry its fur.
The annoyed pegasus went to place the empty glass in the still half-renovated kitchen. She hastily examined her surroundings, impressed. Doing anything with those critters running around is a nightmare. How Derpy’s family managed to accomplish so much with them running all over the place is beyond me.
She picked up a bowl and filled it with salad, studying the open cabinet with worry. Most of the recently bought food bags were already half empty. She quickly flew into the main room, only to leave the bowl on the floor halfway through. “Oh, come on!” Dash shouted as she flew over to an open bag of bird food left on the floor, scaring the gathered birds away with a shake of her foreleg.
“We’re going to run out of bits very quickly at this rate,” she said before giving the birds an angry glare. “And you guys... birds... whatever! Don’t get so greedy with the food. Go hunt for earthworms or something.” Her volume was enough to make the birds fly in random directions.
“Dash, don’t be so harsh, you’re scaring them,” Fluttershy scolded as she approached the open bag. “Let’s get organized, my little birdies. Form a line, please.”
The birds looked at each other before flying over and forming a line, all looking either at the food or the large pony expectantly. Tweets quickly filled the room.
Fluttershy cleaned up a portion of the floor and started distributing the bird food. She carefully dropped small portions of it into small piles, based on each bird's size. "Eat up," she said while smiling warmly.
The birds dived into their respective piles with reckless abandon.
“See,” Fluttershy started while gesturing over the birds, “You just need to ask calmly, no need to yell.”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, but then looked at the salad bowl she had left on the floor, now turned into a battleground between several mice and bunnies. She gestured over the room and said, “Yeah, sure. The question is, how are we going to keep this whole bunch under control?” She frowned. “Pinkie’s been flooding us with homeless animals for three weeks now.”
Dash stomped, causing the closest critters to flinch. She continued with an annoyed tone, “We still have some reserves, but if you haven’t noticed, we don’t have any income. We won’t be able to afford feeding all these animals for long.”
Fluttershy’s ears drooped as she lowered her head. “I’m sorry, I just…” She sat and stroked her tail. “Ever since I started to take care of those poor critters… I felt like a new pony. I haven’t felt like this ever since running my veterinary clinic in Cloudsdale.”
Dash rubbed the back of her neck nervously. “Yeah… It’s a shame your parents had to turn you into a filly so you could start over.”
“You can’t pretend to be an old lady for long. Sooner or later, ponies would get suspicious.“ Fluttershy sighed. “It was a happy life, one very difficult to leave behind.”
Dash took a few steps forward and sat in front of her friend. “Let me guess. You wish you could go back to being a veterinarian?” Noticing an energetic nod and seeing Fluttershy’s cheerful smile, she measured both of their sizes with a hoof and continued, “Well, if it makes you feel any better, you already gained a few centimeters. Once the age altering spell stops working, you’ll be able to become a veterinarian in no time.”
She looked away from her friend's face and examined the flying animal circus the cottage had turned into. I haven’t seen Fluttershy so happy and filled with hope in months… but to keep this going, we need bits. She grounded her hoof at the floor, her eyes closed and teeth clenched. I won’t be able to join weather management in Ponyville until I’m fifteen. What should I do?
“Is everything okay?” Fluttershy asked, getting her friend’s attention.
“Yes, everything’s fine,” Dash said as she raised her head and smiled awkwardly. She gently grabbed Fluttershy’s foreleg and looked her deeply in the eyes. “I need you to promise me something.”
“Of-of course, what do you want me to promise?”
Dash took a deep breath. “I need you to talk with Pinkie Pie and ask her to stop bringing more animals here. We can barely handle the bunch we have now, and we need to pay for the food.”
Fluttershy nodded. “I… I promise I will try.”
Rainbow Dash released her friend’s foreleg and sat next to Fluttershy, who looked back at her with pride and spoke, "I never expected for you to become the voice of reason. You're far more responsible than when we attended to school." She chuckled. "Or maybe I became blind to issues at hoof while taking care of those cute critters."
“T-thanks.” Dash blushed. She’s so happy, as if her memories weren’t bothering her anymore. "I know it may sounds off topic, but what was your last dream about."
“Dream?” The pureblood thestral looked at her friend in confusion. She tapped her own chin and said, “I don’t remember the details… but I think I dreamed about having a tea party, umm… with a ferret, yes, it was definitely a ferret.”
The nightmares must’ve stopped haunting her, thank Celestia, Dash thought, noticing that the usual slump to her shoulders was gone, and the lack of bags under her friend’s eyes. Her confidence also got a solid boost. I wonder if she's no longer as fearful as before.
The moment was broken as a knock came from the door, causing Fluttershy to instantly flinch and hide behind her. Dash could feel trembling forelegs holding onto her shoulder. I stand corrected.
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes before approaching the door, flanked by two lines of rabbits and birds who looked at the entrance curiously. “Who’s there?”
“Your good neighbor, Pinkie Pie.”
“You don't live nearby. You’re not our neighbor,” Dash said in a deadpan.
“Details, details, who needs them?” Pinkie asked, her sound muffled slightly. “May I enter?”
“Yeah, sure,” Rainbow Dash said, but as she was about to open the door, she stopped upon hearing Fluttershy speak.
“Do you smell it too?”
The pegasus sniffed for a moment and shrugged. “Not really.” She opened the door and stepped to the side. “What kind of lost critter you bring this time?” Dash asked as she shot Pinkie a suspicious glare. “Is this another bunny, or maybe a cat? No, wait, I bet this time it will be a ferret.”
“No, no and once again no,” Pinkie responded cheerfully before picking up the animal who was sitting outside next to the door, out of Dash’s sight. “To be honest, I don’t know what kind of animal it is.” She placed the animal in front of the mares, its fur black save for a white belly, and a white strip running across its puffy tail.
Fluttershy stepped backward and bent her legs, a forehoof immediately placed on her nose. “Pinkie, that’s–”
“Just another animal,” Rainbow Dash interrupted with a firm stomp. She yelled, “This cottage is already overflowing with animals, and Derpy’s family have enough trouble renovating this place with all the critters getting in their way. Enough is enough!”
“Dash… I don’t think you should–” Fluttershy tried to intervene, her attention focused on the growling animal.
“Yes, I should. It’s about time somepony told her that she’s crossing the line.” She pressed her muzzle against Pinkie’s, who stared back at her in confusion. “I get it, you want to make Flutters happy, so do I, but you are once again overdoing it.”
She retreated and stomped again, her forehoof striking the black-white tail. “Oops, sorry,” she said.
Not wasting a moment, Fluttershy shouted, “Every critter, run!” She jumped through the open window, grabbing all animals she could on her way.
“Run, why?” Dash asked, before a strong scent reached her nose. Her pupils shrunk. Nonononono… Something resembling a biological attack covered her fur, and a terrible scent filled the room.
Fluttershy looked back at the cottage from outside as a green mist whisked out the window, and said quietly, “I tried to warn you. Angering a skunk is never a good idea.”
Dash walked outside with a deadly glare focused on Pinkie. At each of her steps, Fluttershy took one backwards.
“Oopsies,” Pinkie said as she tapped her forehooves together.
“Ex-excuse me…” Fluttershy said hesitantly while hiding her face behind her left wing, an umbrella held in the other one. “Do you, by any chance, have hydrogen peroxide, or something that can… suppress the smell of a skunk’s defensive pheromones…” she tapped her forehooves together and blushed in embarrassment.
The tall stallion blinked in confusion, staring at the young mare in pity. He slowly turned to the shelves, and then back to Fluttershy before shaking his head.
“I see… s-sorry for wasting your t-time,” Fluttershy said before walking backwards, accidentally bumping into another pony, “S-sorry!” she squealed before running behind the closest tent, hiding from the crowd. Calm down, Fluttershy. You’re just in the market, searching for something to help your friend and clean up the cottage. So what if there are hundreds of ponies outs there, it’s not a big deal...
She gulped before peeking from behind the tent, her attention on two lines of market stands filled with various objects: most of which had common food, and some occasional ones with party supplies and cleaning devices. Each stand had an awning, except for a lemonade stand, and a couple of tents.
Fluttershy’s heartbeat sped up, and she would retreat her head each time a pony passed near her. The area was filled with talking ponies, almost all taller than her. Think of the animals, Fluttershy, and of your friend. They need you.
Her ears perked up as she walked from behind the tent into the open area, her senses alert to even the weakest of noises. Keep it together, Fluttershy. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Nopony is going to hurt you.
“I found it!” Pinkie shouted, causing Fluttershy to jump and turn around in mid-air while releasing the umbrella, her flapping wings keeping her in the air. “Oops, sorry.”
Not wasting a moment, the party mare grabbed a mirror and said to herself, “Bad Pinkie, keep yourself in check!” She ignored the odd glances from passing ponies.
Fluttershy slowly landed, her head lowered and eyes half closed from the blinding sun. She grabbed the umbrella from the ground and took a calming breath. I can’t blame Pinkie for trying to help me… but she's still scary sometimes. She took a few hesitant steps towards the party pony, trying very hard not to look at the crowd near her.
“You found… what?”
“The thing to deal with skunk smell, silly,” Pinkie answered before presenting a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. “Dashie’s gonna forgive me, and your critters will be able to go inside your cottage without gas masks.” Without a warning, she threw the bottle towards Fluttershy, who yelped as it bounced on her forehooves. She juggled it for a few seconds, before firmly embracing it.
“G-great... “ Fluttershy said while looking around nervously. She quickly put the bottle into her saddlebag next to the baking soda that Pinkie had grabbed from her kitchen, and once again picked up her umbrella from the ground. She dashed around the closest tent, leaving the crowded area as she sneaked from one market stand to another.
“Are you playing hide and seek? Can I join?” Pinkie asked, and followed her trail.
***
Pinkie sat as they arrived at the entrance to the market. Her attention was focused on a sitting pegasus, who was supporting herself against a wall while holding an open umbrella above her head.
Remember, Pinkie, keep your distance, she thought, not daring to move an inch from her current position. She took a quick glance at the nearby market, and then back at Fluttershy’s distressed face. “Is it just me, or do you not like the market area?”
“It’s not that I don’t like it… The stands look nice, and the prices are quite low when compared to the shops in Cloudsdale.” She sighed and looked at her forehooves. “But crowds and loud places make me nervous.”
“Oh,” Pinkie said before rubbing her chin. Just like my welcome party. Note to self: Should I ever make a party for her, keep the number of guests low.
She rubbed her foreleg and asked hesitantly, “Do you, by any chance, know why Dashie was angry at me for bringing you more animals? I mean, they made you happy, and you take such good care of them!”
Fluttershy blushed. She shifted herself before speaking, “Dash was angry because you brought too many at once… I mean, too many for us to handle.” She tapped her forehooves together and looked to the side.
“I personally love to take care of those cute critters and birds, giving them all the shelter and love that they need.” Her ears drooped. “However, food costs bits and we don’t have any income. We can’t rely on Ditzy’s family to pay up for everything.”
“Oh…” Pinkie said before rubbing top of her head. “I suppose I couldn’t organize parties for everypony if I didn’t work at Sugarcube Corner. They even give me a huge discount on the food for my parties, and trust me, those aren’t easy to find.”
“Find?” Fluttershy asked.
Pinkie nodded. “Usually when I‘m in need of something to cheer up my friends, something that I can’t buy, I just find it in my tail or in some convenient location. I always had trouble getting enough for a party though, but after the Cakes gave me a job, I could make ponies happy left and right. They were even kind enough to provide me with a room.”
Fluttershy blinked in confusion as she pointed at Pinkie accusingly, “Are you saying that you can get what you want out of thin air. How?”
Pinkie shrugged. “I dunno, but it helps me bring smiles to everypony, so I don’t question it.”
She smiled warmly, “You know the saying: don’t look at the teeth of a pony that is giving you gift,” she looked up at the sky, “or something like that.”
Fluttershy massaged her forehead, desperately trying to collect her thoughts. “So let me get this straight. You could have got the peroxide or the baking soda in the cottage, so we could have dealt with the skunk's smell without this whole trip? Even summon food for my animals?”
“I dunno,” Pinkie responded. “It never crossed my mind to check.”
“Can you do it now?”
Pinkie shook her head, “Whatever for? I mean, I got you what you needed to help Dashie, so why would you want more?”
“I meant the animal food. I need it to keep the homeless critters fed and happy.”
“Ohhh…” Pinkie said, before taking a deep breath and moving her tail up to her face. She dived into it, her head and forehooves sinking into herself. Fluttershy could only see her legs and half of her belly sticking out. “No… not here… umm… maybe… ooh, I can sure use this…”
After several seconds of intense search, Pinkie’s face emerged from her own tail and looked at Fluttershy, who stared back at her expectantly. “Sorry, no food here.” Noticing that the ears on the shy mare drooped and her smile vanished, Pinkie pulled out her forehooves and presented a bear call. “But I found this.” She threw the gift towards Fluttershy, who grabbed it with her wing.
“Thank you,” she said in a quiet voice, lacking enthusiasm. “So much for the miracle I was hoping for.”
Fluttershy stood up and turned towards the road. “Maybe the bits will last long enough for me to find a job… on the other hoof, it will be difficult to take care of so many animals while working elsewhere.” She started to walk and Pinkie followed, still keeping a few meters distance. “I don’t like it in the least, but I really must ask you to not bring any more animals to the cottage.”
Pinkie kept walking as she observed the pegasus, whose head was lowered and the smile she adored so much no longer present. Don't lose the smile, anything but the smile. She looked ahead, deep in thought. I was so close to making her happy, as well as all those cute little animals. I can’t give up now. “Maybe I can bake some sweets for your little friends, would that help?”
“Not really, each animal needs its own type of food,” Fluttershy responded. “It would be easier if there were some chestnut trees nearby. I suppose the bunnies could eat grass and carrots, and birds can hunt for earthworms, but they would need to go far away from my cottage to find anything like that,” she murmured, “poor earthworms.”
Pinkie sighed. I wish I was smarter. Then I could come up with a plan… maybe I could ask one of my friends. Her thoughts were interrupted by the noise of galloping, her attention now on the running pony. Apple Bloom… what is she doing here? She seems terrified.
Pinkie bent her legs and stood in front of the scared filly, who was forced to press her flank against the ground in an attempt to slow down. She stopped right between the hooves of the party mare. “Hey Apple Bloom, why are you so scared?” Pinkie picked up the little filly and looked around. “I don’t see your big sis or brother anywhere, did you lose them? Why are you here alone?”
“Snakes, cow, poison, Ah need to tell Mac!”
Pinkie dropped the little filly, who yelped upon hitting the ground with her flank, but the pink pony was beyond caring as she raised her foreleg up to her face and shouted, “Oh no, that’s terrible!” She trotted in place, “What to do, what to do?”
“We need to talk to Big Mac, buy ant-don't!”
“Antidote,” Fluttershy corrected, now approaching the little filly who hid behind Pinkie, peeking from behind her leg. “What kind of snake? How much time has passed? Where’s the victim?” Upon not receiving any answer from the scared filly, she looked at Pinkie and asked, “Which way to the poisoned cow?”
“This way,” Pinkie pointed towards the farm, which was barely visible behind the lines of houses.
Fluttershy grabbed the umbrella with her forehooves and spread her wings, her stare filled with determination. “There’s no time to waste.” With a strong flap of her wings, she flew upwards, and then towards the farm, flinging wind and dust towards the nearby ponies.
“Who is she?” Apple Bloom asked.
“A friend of mine… I mean, she isn’t my friend yet, but I wish she was. I think she wants to help.”
“Can she help?”
Pinkie shrugged and said, “I dunno,” before grabbing and throwing the filly onto her back. “Hang on, I will get you to Big Mac in no time!”
Pinkie often prided herself in being a young energetic mare who could throw a party in a blink of an eye, was unbeatable in games of tag or hide and seek, and whose speed could put any pegasus to shame. This time, however, her speed was needed for something besides cheering up a sad pony.
With her attention on Big Mac as she tried to match his gallop, she asked, “So, what you need me to do is to take this antidote, run towards the farm as fast as I can, and give it to Granny Smith or Applejack who are in the barn with the poisoned cow?”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac responded. Apple Bloom held on to his neck with her little forelegs.
Pinkie nodded before glancing upon the antidote she held in her tail. She looked ahead and bit her lips before dashing, leaving a pink light trail and a dust cloud in her wake. Two minutes passed as she quickly galloped towards the farm. Almost there, almost there. She jumped over the surrounding fence and zigzagged around the apple trees, slowly closing the distance to the tall building.
Upon noticing two earth ponies sitting outside the tall entrance, she pressed her flank against the ground and grit her teeth, eyes closed. She managed to reduce her speed, stopping centimeters from the wooden door. The dust cloud finally caught up, causing them to cough.
Once the dust descended, Pinkie removed the mane from her face, which made it look as if she was using a gas mask. She looked up at an elderly pony, thin bones clearly visible across her skin. “Hello, Granny Smith, why are you outside?”
“Do mah eyes deceive me?” said the elderly pony as she wiped her eyes. “Ain’t that a cheerful youn’ seed? Sugar filled and energetic as ever.”
“That’s me!” Pinkie responded with a wide smile.
Granny Smith sat and rubbed Pinkie’s head. “What brings ya to our farm, young ‘un?”
Applejack rounded her granny and pointed at Pinkie’s tail. “Ah think she got the antidote. Did mah sister or brother send ya?”
Pinkie nodded energetically as she picked the bottle and gave over to Applejack. “Big Mac asked me if I could get it here quickly. How could I say no to that?”
“Well, no point wastin’ time now, let’s go!” Applejack said before opening the door to the barn and entering it, the bottle of antidote in her mouth. As the group entered inside, they approached a cow lying on a bed made of hay, a yellow pegasus sitting by her side.
Applejack placed the bottle on the ground and said, “We got the antidote. How’s she feelin’?”
Fluttershy stroked the cow’s head before pointing at the bandages on the leg. “There’s no need for that, I removed the poison already. It didn’t spread too far thanks to your quick aid.” She stood up and walked to the side, allowing the others to approach the patient. “She should be awake in an hour or two.”
Applejack’s mouth opened agape. “But… how?” She gulped while gathering her thoughts. “How did ya do that?”
Pinkie noticed an awkward smile on Fluttershy’s face, who took a nervous step back and poked her own saddlebag.
“I… I studied biology and medicine… of animals, yes, and I had antidote in my saddlebag,” Fluttershy said, curling a little under the suspicious stare of the elderly mare.
“Reaaally?” Granny asked
Fluttershy choked. “R-really.” She pointed towards the exit. “Nevermind me… what about the snakes? Where are they?”
Applejack stomped. “Those varmint hide in the holes in the field. Once Big Mac is back, we're goin’ to–”
“Wait!” Fluttershy interrupted, but covered her mouth with a forehoof a moment later. She continued in a quiet voice, not looking into the farm mare’s eyes. “What I mean is… I can negotiate with them.”
“Ya want to talk with these snaaakes?” Granny Smith asked with a disapproving tone.
“Y-yes, I do… I can at least try. Can I?”
The elderly mare frowned. “Fine, but be careful.” She turned to Applejack. “Be a dear and show our guest where those pests are hidin’, and if they try somethin’, buck a head or two.”
“Will do Granny, will do,” Applejack responded vigorously before gesturing for Fluttershy to follow.
***
Pinkie observed as the mares, both most likely her age, went outside, leaving her with the old one. She looked up at her and asked, “What happened here? Did Flutters heal the cow on her own?”
“She sure did,” Granny answered. “At first, when she came to mah farm speaking how she can heal a snake bite, Ah didn’t believe her. Ah thought, what can a young pony like her know? But she said her special talent was healin’ animals, and begged for a chance.”
“And you agreed?”
Granny nodded and continued in a tired tone, “Ah wasn’t sure when Big Mac would be back, so Ah took a gamble. She sent Applejack to get fresh water, towels and bandages, then told us to wait outside. That was when ya arrived.” She lowered herself to Pinkie's face and whispered, “Ah think there’s something odd ‘bout that one, but Ah can’t put mah hoof on it.”
Pinkie shrugged. “She seems normal to me.”
She stood up on her rear hooves and spread her forelegs, her smile wide. “Ever since I started to bring her homeless animals from Ponyville, she has been taking care of them with a smile she didn’t show before. I bet she wanted to become a veterinarian, but couldn’t at home, so she came to Ponyville to realize her dream.”
She sat and continued with a less energetic tone, “Or maybe her family loves to heal animals, but they're so good at what they do that she had to come to Ponyville to follow in their hoofsteps.”
“Seems so,” Granny said before walking towards the exit on her shaking legs. “Let’s see how she’s handling those pesky traitorous snakes.”
Pinkie nodded and followed, barely containing her enthusiasm as she struggled to walk at speed of the old pony.
***
“She did whaaat?” Granny asked in disbelief, staring down at Applejack as if she was a ghost. Pinkie was by her side, bouncing with excitement.
“She did what Ah said. She convinced the snakes to go live with her, and even promised to solve the rest of our animal troubles!”
Big Mac nodded and said, “Eeyup,” before pointing at the flying pegasus, who landed gracefully and wiped sweat from her head. Her umbrella was held firmly in her foreleg.
“I…” she started, but had to stop to catch her breath.
“I think I know how to solve the problem—” another quick breath “—with the fruit bats.” Noticing that four pairs of eyes were on her, she hid her face behind her wing and finished with a whisper.
“Speak louder, dear, I can't hear ya,” Granny said, approaching the shy young mare.
“I said... that fruit bats don’t eat much,” Fluttershy repeated calmly, but avoiding eye contact with the staring ponies. “I may be able to convince them to nest and eat apples in only a small part of the orchard so they won’t get in your way. In exchange, they can hunt bugs, and help spread apple seeds for you.”
Applejack massaged her forehead. “Ya beat me in apple bobbin’, and now ya can talk with snakes and bats too? Ah wouldn’t believe if Ah didn’t see it with mah own eyes!”
Granny looked down at Applejack curiously. “She beat ya in apple bobbing?” Upon noticing her hesitant nod and embarrassed blush, she turned to Fluttershy and said. “Ah’ll be the daughter of a Timberwolf, yer’ full of surprises little one.”
Fluttershy turned to the side, her face still hidden behind her wing. “... Thank you.” She took a calming breath and asked, “So, should I ask them to…”
“Oh, right,” Granny said as she rubbed her chin. She looked at Big Mac, who pointed north. “The hills over there are difficult to reach. If them bats settle up there and leave the rest, Ah won’t mind them.” Both siblings nodded.
“Oh… I’ll get to the negotiations right away…” Fluttershy said hastily. After a moment to gather her thoughts, she asked, “Are you having any other problems with animals?”
Applejack raised her forehoof and said, “Well… those beavers love to destroy our apple trees, there are bunnies stealin’ our apples and carrots, an infestation of caterpillars has hit the east part of the orchard, and those darn rats won't leave our seeds alone!”
“On it,” Fluttershy said before flying away, leaving the Apple family to stare at each other in confusion.
“She’s good,” Pinkie said to herself.
Granny Smith chuckled. “Good she may be, but she’s still too young. If she can handle all those problems, Ah swear y'all can call me Lady Orange for a week!”
Applejack grimaced at the idea. “Well. She did help with the snakes, and Ah will sleep better for it.” She continued with determination, “We owe her, and as Apples, we should repay her.”
Granny nodded. “And we sure will.”
A bulb flashed above Pinkie’s head, and she jumped to grab it. “That’s it!” Upon seeing that all the Apples were looking at her, she smirked and said, “I have an idea.”
Fluttershy yawned and spread her forelegs before rubbing her eyes, her vision slowly sharpening. The loud noises from the outside kept assaulting her ears. She looked at Dash, who stared back at her with crossed forelegs.
“What’s that noise? What is happening?”
Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrow. “You don’t know? Seriously?”
Fluttershy shook her head. “Know what?”
Dash massaged her forehead and sighed. “First, you invite snakes into our home, snakes of all animals! For the past three days I been having trouble falling asleep, and so did most of the other critters.”
She walked back and forth while speaking. “Next, you ask those snakes to help the Apples with their rat problem, and to not attack anypony or cow. You also get the birds to help with the caterpillars. The next day you brought bunnies into our cottage as if it wasn’t crowded enough, and even a few rats that agreed to not steal the crops and follow your rules.”
She approached the window and pointed outside, Fluttershy joining by her side. “And now we have a bunch of earth ponies doing Celestia knows what with the swamp surrounding this cottage. I hoped you could explain what is happening, because I don't have a clue.”
Fluttershy retreated from the window and sat against a wall. “I really don’t know. Oh dear, I hope that it’s nothing serious.”
Dash spread her wings and opened the window. “Well, only one way to find out. You wait here. I’ll check what’s going on.”
Fluttershy nodded, waiting patiently for her friend's return. Parties, trouble with bits, having to taste snake venom, infestations, and now this. Can’t we have a break? She lowered her head and stared at her hind legs. Her ears flattened against her head. Who am I trying to fool? I want to help and be useful… I want to take care of animals, and to help the Apple family. Anything that can give my existence some meaning.
Minutes passed as Fluttershy looked at the sunrays coming through her window. Her sharpened senses could pick up various noises from the outside. She shifted her attention to the ponies who were coming up the stairs. “Dash and... Pinkie?” She stood up, staring curiously at the approaching mares.
Rainbow Dash was the first to speak, “You won’t believe what this crazy mare pulled off. Come on, ask her.”
Fluttershy blinked in confusion. She looked at the bouncing earth pony and asked, “Pinkie, are you responsible for what’s happening outside?”
“I am!” she answered. “The moment the Apple family decided to repay you for all the good you did for them, I got the perfect idea.”
She stood on her rear hooves and continued, “I thought: Flutters wants to take care of animals, but she doesn’t have enough bits to feed them all. They wish to repay her, so I have many friends who may be willing to help.”
She dashed towards the window, causing Fluttershy to flinch and fall onto her back. “I told the Apples about your problem, and asked my friends in Ponyville left and right, and everything went great from there.”
Pinkie took a deep breath before continuing, “The Apples agreed to give you a discount for their products, and to assist you with fixing the area around the cottage. Ponies from Ponyville gathered to help plant trees, while Mayor Mare herself, after finding out what’s going on and talking with the local veterinarian, decided to give you funds for dealing with the animal problems in Ponyville.”
Fluttershy looked at the party mare in shock, her mouth agape and her mind struggling to grasp the situation. Dash, noticing it, said, “In short, Pinkie asked for help, and Mayor Mare will give us bits for taking care of animals. A great deal if you ask me.”
Fluttershy shook her head and closed her eyes, deep in thought. Am I dreaming? It seems too good to be true. But then, from what I learned from my parents and in school, earth ponies possess magic that can affect plants and the ground. They can revitalize the area around the cottage in no time. With those bits I can afford to buy food for animals, and once the trees grow, those poor critters will have new homes and other sources of food. Feeling a burst of happiness, she looked at Pinkie and grabbed her in a tight hug.
The party mare stood speechlessly for a moment before returning the gesture.
“Thank you, Pinkie. You’re the best friend I could wish for!” Fluttershy said, crying for joy instead of sadness for the first time in a while.
“Friend?” Pinkie said. “I thought you didn’t want to be my friend. I thought you were afraid of me, at least that’s what you said.”
Fluttershy released Pinkie and looked her in the eyes. “That’s true, I am afraid of you, but I don’t care. You did so much for me. How could I dare to refuse your friendship after that?”
She took a step back and took a deep breath, putting a forehoof on her chest. “You did your best to help me, and even tried to keep your energetic nature in check. It may take some time for me to get used to your loud personality, but I swear to keep trying.” She lowered her head and looked to the side. “Unless… you don’t want to be my friend anymore. I might be the one who doesn't deserve to be your friend after all.”
The pureblood thestral felt pain go through her entire body as she was trapped in a tight hug. Her teeth clenched, her wings and belly got squeezed, but she refused to complain.
“And done,” Dash said as she ploughed through the last cloud, causing it to vanish into thin air. Placing her forelegs firmly on her sides, she raised her head proudly. “See, Cloudchaser, what did I tell you?”
“I must admit, you’re faster than me at clearing the sky, and you’re a good learner… at least when it comes to practice. Pity you're not as good when it comes to theory, though.”
Dash frowned. “Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?”
“Oh, I’m just saying that you’re fast for such a young mare.” She smirked. “Though you are a bit young to give up on education and go straight to work, don’t you agree?”
“I have my reasons,” Dash said as she crossed her forelegs and looked to the side.
“I’m just kidding, loosen up a bit.” She flew closer and placed forehoof on Dash’s shoulder. “You have talent, and you’re matching up to more experienced pegasi in clearing the sky.” She chuckled. “Keep it up, learn more about managing weather, and you may become a leader one day.”
Dash smirked and said with pride, “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Cloudchaser took out a small bag of bits from her saddlebag and gave it to the young worker. “Here’s your salary, and give our regards to Fluttershy.”
“Will do,” Dash said with a salute and flew towards the cottage, a pleasant wind flapping her mane and tail.
Everything‘s going great. Fluttershy’s happy, the cottage is finally restored, and I’ve gotta admit, the Apple family did a great job replacing the swamp with something useful. She patted her saddlebags. We both have jobs, the animals have a lot of space, and Bright Eyes and Twisty Vision are even finishing their work on my own cloud home! Things are finally looking bright.
Dash stopped herself in midair and descended, landing in front of a small bridge. I wonder, did they dig out a canal between the cottage and a nearby river to get the water here? Or is this some sort of drainage system to remove the underground water? Whatever, it still looks nice.
She walked over the bridge while admiring the area. She noticed several dens, either made by bunnies or filled with snakes, holes in trees for squirrels to live in, and nests on the branches that housed various birds. She carefully opened the door as to not make too much noise, her attention now on the several birdhouses filling the room and small holes in the walls for mice and rats to live in. Animals ran around without paying her any mind.
“Dash, is that you?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yeah, were you expecting somepony else?” Dash asked as she turned to the source of voice, and walked towards the kitchen.
“We have a big problem.”
“Problem?” Dash asked as she entered the kitchen and looked around, quickly noticing her friend sitting against a wall. She turned to Fluttershy and had to look up, her mouth agape. The now proportionally smaller pegasus stood up on her rear hooves, the only way she could place her forehoof on top of her friend's head. “When you said 'big problem', you sure weren't kidding.”
Rainbow Dash sat in Fluttershy’s shadow and said, “Let me guess. The age-altering spell finally gave up?”
The taller pony nodded. “I’m afraid so… umm, what's so funny?”
“S-sorry Flutters.” She placed a forehoof on her mouth, trying restrain her chuckles, and took a calming breath. “It’s just that… you’re growing up so fast.”
She snorted and pointed at her friend, who stared back in confusion. “Keep it up and you’re going to put dragons to shame.” She smirked. “Whatever you’re eating, I want some of that.”
“What are you talking about?”
“What's the weather like up there?”
“Clear skies, I think? You’re the one working for Ponyville’s weather management, so you should know better than me,” Fluttershy responded.
Dash facehoofed. I swear, she has almost no sense of humor. I’d better bring my A-game. She took a deep breath and said, “Looks like now you can stay in Ponyville, and still feel like you are in Cloudsdale!”
Fluttershy grabbed her between her hooves and brought her up while glaring with all seriousness she could muster. “This is not a joking matter.”
Dash crossed her forelegs and said with a smug, “Yes, Mooom.” Her words got her released, and she fell on her flank.
“Stop, it isn't funny,” Fluttershy said with a firm stomp. “This is a serious situation.”
“Relax,” Dash said as she stood up to her hooves. “I’m just trying to lighten the mood.” She pointed at the slightly angered thestral. “You recovered your size and maturity, what’s wrong with that?”
She flew up and spread her legs, now hovering in mid-air. “Think of all the cool stuff you can do, no more restraints!”
She flew next to her friend and placed a foreleg around her neck. “You’re no longer a young mare, but a grown up pureblood vampo… thestral, ready to tackle the world. Think of all the possibilities.”
The response proved to be different than Dash expected, as her taller friend lowered her head and massaged her foreleg. She could see Fluttershy approach a sink and fill two cups with water, alongside a few herbs while silence overtook the kitchen. “Come on, Flutters, you can’t be that angry just because of a few jokes about your size,” Dash said while her friend ignored her, focusing on mixing the water in both cups with the tip of her wing.
Dash could do nothing but stare as her friend approached the table and placed the two cups she held in her wings atop it, before gesturing for her to join. With a hesitant nod, she approached the other side of the table and looked at Fluttershy nervously.
Much to Dash’s surprise, two fangs grew from Fluttershy’s teeth, who slowly raised her own foreleg and pierced it carefully, leaving two small wounds.
“Fluttershy, what are you doing? You’re kinda creeping me out.”
The disguised thestral didn’t answer, while her eyes flashed in red, and several drops of blood emerged from her wound, levitating towards both cups. In seconds, the water started boiling. Okay… now that’s beyond creepy. Dash thought as the blood returned into Fluttershy’s wound, closing it. Not a single drop was left mixed with the tea. Fluttershy took one teacup between her hooves and pushed another towards Dash with her wing.
“I… don’t feel thirsty,” Dash said, pushing the cup away.
Fluttershy raised the teacup gracefully up to her face and took a sip before speaking with closed eyes and a calm tone, “Pegasus magic and evolutionary traits are truly fascinating.” She took another sip. “Did you know that besides controlling weather in numerous ways, they can heat and cool with a mere touch?”
Fluttershy took yet another sip and opened her eyes. “With some practice, you could heat up a teacup with your hoof alone.” She placed the cup on the table and shot her friend a relaxed smile. “Surely you aren’t disturbed by the fact that I did something similar, except by using my own blood instead?”
Dash stared at her own teacup and gulped. After a few failed attempts to drink it, she looked to the side.
“Is something wrong with my so called, ‘cool powers’? I thought you would be more impressed than that.” Fluttershy kept her voice perfectly neutral.
“Yeah… it was kind of cool.” Dash rubbed the back of her neck, avoiding eye contact with her taller friend. I feel as if I just stepped into a minefield. One wrong word..., she thought while forcing a smile. “But I really don’t feel comfortable drinking something that had blood in it.”
“Fair enough,” Fluttershy said before raising her forehoof in a lecturing gesture. “Now please answer this: if as my friend, who has known my secret for many years, you still find my abilities disturbing...” Dash bit her lips, as her friend placed a forehoof on her own chest. “How do you think ponies would react after seeing me like this?”
Dash’s pupils shrank. Ponyfeathers! She chuckled nervously. “Oh… right. You can always say that, umm… that you hit a growth spurt.”
Noticing how her friend crossed her forelegs and raised an eyebrow, she said, “What’s wrong with that? Some ponies grow up quite fast.”
“In only one year?” Fluttershy asked. “I doubt I can convince everypony that I grew so much ever since Pinkie’s party because of that.” She sighed and lowered her head. “My only option is to stay inside this cottage for a year or two and avoid others.”
“Seriously?” Dash asked. “Can’t you use like… an illusion or something?”
“I can hide my appearance, but not my size,” Fluttershy said with a shake of her head. She continued with a depressed tone, “But it’s fine… I don’t feel safe among other ponies anyway. It’s… better this way.”
Dash crossed her own forelegs, mimicking Fluttershy while shooting her a firm stare. “You’re forgetting about one hole in your plan.” Noticing her growing curiosity, she finished, “Pinkie Pie.”
Much to Dash’s surprise, her friend smirked. "Wait, you already planned for that?"
Pinkie Pie stood several meters away from the cottage, trembling. Her forehead was covered in sweat, her eyes and ears twitching uncontrollably, “Don’t you dare, Pinkie, keep yourself in check.” She started biting her own hooves nervously as she fought against her own nature with all her will.
Remember, Pinkie, Fluttershy needs some long-term privacy because of personal embarrassing issues. She begged you to not come near her until she dealt with them. It is very important, Dashie's words echoed in Pinkie’s mind as she remembered them as if they were said yesterday, which in a sense was true.
Will do, Dashie. If Fluttershy needs some time alone, than I will give it to her. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. I Pinkie Promise, the memory continued.
Pinkie Pie paced back and forth, occasionally glancing at the cottage as her curiosity tried to get the best of her. “Bad Pinkie, bad Pinkie, keep your promise!” She turned back to the cottage and continued, “Whatever problem it may be, I don’t need to know the details… I don’t need to help… for days… weeks… months...”
As it finally became too much for her, she knelt and shouted while slamming her forehooves against the ground. “What have I done?!”
Three and half a years before Nightmare Moon’s return
“Umm… excuse me,” Fluttershy said, hovering in mid-air in front of a bee hive. Its inhabitants flew outside to greet her, “Would you mind if I took a little bit of honey from you?”
She presented a half-empty jar she held between her hooves. After studying the bees’ movements, she smiled warmly. “Thank you.”
She carefully moved her forehoof into a small hole which the bees had made for her, slowly adding more honey into the already half-filled jar, doing her best to not damage the hive. She took a quick glance upon the other hives attached to nearby trees. That’s three out of five, the bees are generous today.
After closing the jar. She pointed towards a group small of trees in the distance. “The new flower field should be ready in a couple of days. Be patient, and you won’t need to compete with other hives for nectar.” After visiting one last hive, she flew towards a cave and landed quietly.
Fluttershy placed the jar on the ground and took out Pinkie’s gift from her saddlebag. She took a deep breath and blew it.
A roar echoed from the cave, and the earth trembled before bronze paws emerged from the darkness, followed by a large head. The bear stopped himself in front of the disguised thestral, towering over her in all his glory.
“Hello, Harry,” she said, looking up at her large friend. “I have some fresh honey for you. It’s not much, but should last you a couple of days.” She opened the jar and presented it to the beast.
He pounced on the jar, greedily scooping the honey with his large paws down to the last drop, before throwing it back to Fluttershy and massaging his stomach with satisfaction.
With firm steps and the closed jar now safe in her saddlebag, she entered the cave, feeling relief as the solid stone blocked the sun’s rays. With each passing second, she could feel her strength returning.
“Was it good?” she asked. The bear stopped licking his paws just long enough to give a roar of confirmation, and she stood to her rear hooves and stroke his large belly. “Who's a good bear? Yes you are, yes you are.” She spread her wings and flew up, now facing level to the beast. “Would you like to play, or maybe a massage?”
The bear looked back at Fluttershy with a mix of worry and hesitation, before shaking his head. Noticing the disappointment on the thestral’s face, he raised his paw and pointed at his neck.
“Are you sure?” Fluttershy asked. Her hesitation weakened when the large animal lowered himself and nodded. “If you don’t mind, I will gladly accept, thank you.” Fangs grew from her mouth and she pushed them into the bear’s neck, piercing through fur and skin before hitting the veins. Her eyes flashed red, as her magic kept the bear’s pain at bay. Several seconds passed before she pulled back and licked the wound to heal it.
“Thank you. It was quite revitalizing,” Fluttershy said before wiping her face. Mmm… tasty. Not as good as Dash's blood, but I can drink in far greater amounts. Now that I think about it, Dash's blood always made me feel light like a hummingbird. I bet Harry's will keep me strong as a bear.
Her attention shifted to an eagle flying towards the cave, her sharpened senses detecting him from a long distance. Several seconds passed before the large bird landed in front of her.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, receiving a number of screeches in return. “Oh my.”
She raised a forehoof up to her face, her wings flapping rapidly from anxiety. Suddenly, she felt two large paws holding her and heard a weak roar.
Harry is right, I need to stay calm. She took three slow breaths. “Thank you for your blood and for calming me, but I need to go.” Not waiting to be released, she pushed the paws away with her strength and flew towards her cottage.
“Stay close to me, Opal,” said a white mare with three diamonds for a Cutie Mark as she walked past the fence, stopping in front of the main entrance to Ponyville's park. Like always, she was fabulous in a stylish sea-blue saddlebag embroidered with a green version of her cutie mark, one red gem playing the role of a fastener. Finishing her set was a green hat with a long feather.
She stopped to take a deep breath of the fresh air and admire the flora, before she walked forward, her attention focused on the leaves. “Hmm…” She rubbed her chin thoughtfully, before suddenly raising her foreleg as large smile grew on her lips. “Idea!” She knelt to her cat and pointed ahead. “Now, dear, go play with some of the other pets, you almost never leave that stuffy studio. Momma just got some inspiration for her next project.”
Not wasting a moment, she stood up and opened her saddlebag, levitating her drawing pad to sketch a nearby tree. “A little green here, a bit of red there... Perfect! This will be ideal for my autumn line.”
“Excuse me, miss.”
“Not now, I am in the zone,” Rarity responded.
“And your cat is provoking my dog.”
Rarity lowered her drawing pad and looked up at the angered face of a stallion, who pointed to the cat hissing at three dogs at least twice her size, two earth ponies trying to restrain them. She smiled awkwardly towards the dog owner before walking towards her cat. “Now, now, Opal, is this how a ladycat should behave?” Annoyed at being ignored, she tried to grab Opal, only to feel her sharp claws on her legs. The moment she yelped and released her cat, she was tackled by one of the furious dogs.
Her horn lit up and she managed to levitate the dog away. After massaging her forehead, she turned around to search for Opal, only to see her running from the dogs, their owners in close pursuit. “Opal, wait!” she shouted before galloping as fast as she could, trying to catch up with the faster and bigger earth ponies.
***
“Where is she?” Rarity asked while breathing heavily.
The dog owners just shrugged, escorting their pets back to the park.
The young unicorn wiped sweat from her face and looked around, scanning the tree line. Upon noticing the nearby cottage, she walked towards it, ignoring her own scratched legs and the screeches of a falcon and an eagle coming from above her head. "I know she has something of a reputation, but that pony might be my best chance of finding Opal.”
Finally reaching the wooden door, she raised her forehoof and knocked. “Is anypony home?” Not receiving any response, she tried yet again.
“Who's there?” asked a muffled voice from behind the door.
“My name is Rarity. I recently opened a local boutique, right near the center of the town, the best place in town for all your fashion needs. I am sure you have heard of me.”
“Not really. My name’s Fluttershy, and I’m just an animal caretaker. How can I help you?”
Rarity looked at the closed door with a hint of annoyance. Calm down. This is not time nor the place to get offended by ponies talking about your job. Priorities. “I heard that you are a very skilled animal expert. Approved by the local veterinarian and the Mayor themselves, no less. You see, darling, I have something of great importance on my hooves. I would even call it an emergency.”
“An emergency? What kind?”
“It is about my cat, Opalescence,” she said with a hint of worry as her ears drooped. “The poor dear is missing. I have searched all of Ponyville, asking left and right, but found nothing. It is like she just vanished! You are my last hope.” She looked around nervously before asking, “Would you mind if we discussed this inside?”
“I’m afraid not. My dear critters made a bit of a mess, and I… I wouldn’t want anypony to see it.” The door opened just enough for the yellow pegasus to peek outside. “Can you tell me about your cat, any specific features?”
Rarity levitated over a picture from her saddlebag. “Opal is a very elegant cat with a coat of puffy white fur. She should be wearing a collar studded with six blue gems. She tends to be grumpy from time to time, and is very aggressive towards strangers, but she’s my treasure.” She held her forelegs together in pleading gesture. “Have you seen her?”
“I didn’t,” Fluttershy responded calmly, and Rarity’s face fell. “Can you tell me how long she’s been missing, and where you have last seen her? Maybe I can help with the search.”
Rarity nodded, worry still clear on her face. “I took Opal on a walk to the park, before allowing her to play free while I studied my surroundings for inspiration. It only took a moment of distraction for my cat to get into an argument with a group of dogs. I tried to separate them, but…” She raised her foreleg, a patch of raw skin clearly visible against the white fur. “It ended up poorly.”
Fluttershy looked at her horn before asking, “Wouldn’t it have been easier for you to use magic instead?”
Rarity blushed and looked to the side. “I… I considered doing it after the fact, but by then, my poor cat was already out of reach, running from those savage beasts.” She looked back at the animal expert, who just rolled her eyes, and continued, “I joined the dog owners in an attempt to track down my cat, but we only found their dogs around here.”
Rarity placed a dramatic forehoof on her head. “I fear for Opal’s safety. Who knows what kind of danger she may be in, even as we speak! She surely feels abandoned, lonely. And Opal is a lady, without our help she will surely starve!”
“Wait a moment, something here doesn't add up,” Fluttershy interrupted. “Didn’t you say just a moment ago that you searched Ponyville, asking ponies left and right?”
She pointed a forehoof accusingly at her. “Now I get the impression that this event took place less than half an hour ago, way too little time to even consider the danger of starvation.”
Rarity cleared her throat with a cough and smiled awkwardly. “Well, maybe I am blowing things out of proportion, just a little, mind you, but that isn’t what is important right now.” She once again held her forehooves together in a pleading gesture. “I don’t have much experience with taking care of animals, and I lost Opal because I was careless. Can you help me find her? Please, please, pleeease!”
She kept looking into the eyes of the yellow pegasus for a few seconds, who stared back at her while rubbing her chin thoughtfully. Please say yes, please say yes… Rarity’s ears drooped as she waited for answer, and her heart skipped a beat when Fluttershy finally opened her mouth.
“I will do my best to help, but you need to follow my instructions to the letter.” Rarity nodded. “Return to Ponyville, in case Opal decided to come back. Ask others if they have seen her or not, and check your home just in case. Posters with your cat’s profile would certainly help. I will ask my critters and birds and search near the forest from air… is something wrong?”
Rarity shook her head. “No, of course not, dear, it’s just that…” She searched for the right way to put it. “You sound so... mature. I would never have guessed that you are close to my age if I didn’t hear the rumors about you.”
“Rumors?”
“Yes. Rumors about a young scared mare who recently moved to Ponyville, and solved our problem with homeless animals. Who decided to shut herself from the world because of her shy nature, or, according to Pinkie Pie, personal embarrassing issues.” Rarity smiled weakly. “They say that you seem to be both similar and opposite to Pinkie Pie. You both accomplished so much while so young, but while Pinkie is energetic and always interacting with other ponies, you are calm and shy.”
Rarity turned around and continued, “Ponies around here are very kind and understanding. They respect your privacy, but your attitude worries them. If there's anything I can do for you, please, don't be afraid to ask.” She ran towards Ponyville without waiting for a response, now deep in thought, What are you doing, Rarity? Your cat is in danger and you are wasting time with gossip! Priorities.
***
Fluttershy slowly closed the door and looked at the gathered critters, her attention focused on the birds. “Have any of you seen a white cat running from dogs?” she asked. The falcon was the first one to step forward and report.
“She escaped towards the Everfree Forest?” Fluttershy asked with worry before shooting the falcon a disappointed glare. “Why didn’t you inform me about this earlier? She may be in grave danger!” The large bird lowered his head and covered it with his wings in shame.
“This calls for a search party,” Fluttershy said with a determined stomp before pointing at one of the smaller birds. “I’ll need the help of a few fruit bats.” She pointed at the falcon. “As for you, I need you and your eagle friend to assist me from the air. Can I count on you?” The large bird saluted and flew outside through the open window.
Noticing the worried stares surrounding her, she lowered her tone and said calmly, “I need to go into that scary forest to search for a lost cat, but don’t worry about me.”
She pressed her forehoof against her chest and added, “We’ll be fine.” She gestured with her foreleg for the animals to return to whatever they were doing as they followed her suggestion.
Now no longer the center of attention, the disguised thestral put on her saddlebag and looked outside the window, her sharpened eyes focused on a white unicorn who at this point was nothing but a small blob in distance. Poor Rarity… I know how it feels to lose a pet. She looked at two bunnies eating their carrots next to the fireplace. I hope that Angel is alright, wherever he is.
“Lord Arimaspi,” said a skeletal diamond dog, wearing a half-grey half-black plate armor and helmet. A round wooden shield was attached to his arm bone, and he carried a sharpened sword on his belt. He presented his lord with a white bunny and knelt. “I found this creature walking towards the palace, using dark magic to get rid of the gate guards.”
“Dark magic?” said a hooded figure, only a dark staff visible in his reptilian hand. “Interesting.”
He turned to the large beast sitting on a granite throne that dominated the room, decorated with onyx, skulls, and the weapons of his defeated enemies, hard, cloven hooves peeking out from his shaggy fur. Two curled horns rested atop his head, one single eye watching over the throne room. “My Lord, I believe this creature to be a special familiar.”
The large beast lowered his head to take a closer look, his very sight causing the skeleton to tremble, though the bunny just started back at him with determination. “Familiar, you say?” He turned to his subject and said, “Speak, royal necromancer. What do you know of this creature?”
The hooded figure approached the bunny. “Is your name Angel, by any chance?” Upon receiving a nod, he turned to his lord and spoke, “This pet was created by a unicorn thestral, a powerful mage indeed. Unlike other familiars that possess a bond with a single master, this one was created to serve generations of purebloods, providing flawless servitude despite changing owners.”
“I see.”
The necromancer stared at the bunny and asked, “Are you here to seek a new master?” The bunny nodded firmly before performing a half bow. With a weak smile, the necromancer looked up at his lord and spoke, “It seems Angel is seeking someone worth serving.”
Seeing the bored reaction of his master, he amended, “Don’t let his appearance or name fool you, my lord. Little as he may be, he can be of use.”
“Can he sneak into a well-guarded castle unnoticed?” Arimaspi asked, his strong voice echoing through the spacious room. The little bunny jumped onto the necromancer’s head and puffed his chest proudly. “Good, I shall put you to the test. If you pass my trials, you shall join me in my conquest of the Griffon Kingdom.”
The bunny smiled devilishly as his paws started to pulsate with dark magic. His first step to power had been taken.
Fluttershy’s worries over her dear missing pet were interrupted by a noise coming from a nearby bush. The large bear behind her growled at it aggressively.
"Keep it together, Fluttershy, keep it together," she said to herself to calm her trembling legs. I think I’m deep enough into the Everfree Forest. No ponies or monster hunters should find me here.
Her eyes flashed in red as she grit her teeth. Her ears and wings started turning into bat-like ones, two fangs grew from her teeth, and her pupils became thinner. The cutie mark of three butterflies was replaced by three bats.
Once her transformation was complete, she took a fighting stance and hissed. “Come out, whoever you are!” Her wish was quickly granted as a creature made of wood and glowing in a green aura emerged. It took only a few seconds before a large wolf presented itself in all its glory. Fluttershy looked back at Harry, who was growling and seemed more than willing to charge at the predator.
“Harry, stop,” she said before pressing herself against bear's belly, her hind legs sinking into the ground. She stopped her large friend in his tracks and spoke, “Where there’s one Timberwolf, there must be more. Please, don’t put yourself in danger.”
Think, Fluttershy, what did Ditzy tell you about her encounters with creatures of the Everfree Forest? Maybe I can find a peaceful solution.
She gritted her teeth and flapped her wings, putting all her strength into her muscles. The bear was quickly pushed back, his claws dragging on the ground before he was forced to sit. “Now wait here, Harry. I have this under control,” Fluttershy reassured him before turning towards the wolf, which now had two companions. She gulped. I hope.
With the bear and a group of bats behind her at a safe distance, she landed in front of the three timberwolves and closed her wings, approaching slowly. “Hello. My name’s Fluttershy, and I’m looking for a lost cat. You haven’t happened to see any in the area, did you?” she asked, only to see the wolves licking their wooden muzzles with plant-like tongues, green liquid dripping from their mouths.
As she scanned her assailants, Fluttershy failed to detect a heartbeat or breathing, but instead sensed magically enhanced water circling across the wood. Those beings seem to run on magic alone, using wood to form a body of some sort. They probably aren’t interested in meat, but in my magic. Maybe I can use this for my advantage. Her glare sharpened as she spread her wings threateningly. “Stay back. I’m not afraid of you!”
The wolves took a step back, clearly surprised by the sudden disappearance of fear they sensed a moment ago. Their hesitation quickly turned into aggression as each of them growled. As two wolves started to circle around the thestral, the tallest one jumped at her. His teeth sank into the flesh of her raised foreleg.
The blood splashed from Fluttershy’s leg, but she refused to scream, her eyes flashing in red as her blood bursted into the wooden creature and shattered it from the inside. Sensing that the two other wolves had jumped at her from both sides, Fluttershy flew to the one on her left and grabbed its mouth, using his body like a giant mace to slam the second one. Driven by instinct, she tackled both lying wolves, shattering them to pieces.
I knew drinking bear's blood would increase my strength, while drinking a pegasus's blood would affect my agility, but I didn't expect this, she thought as the remains started glowing green. Stay calm, don’t let the instincts get the best of you.
After taking a calming breath, Fluttershy’s commanded her own spilled blood to rain upon the wood fragments and absorb the green aura, which shrunk considerably. She looked around and saw that more wood fragments from all sides started to gather together, forming a wolf the size of a barn, large enough to barely be able to stand between the trees. It lowered its large head and growled loudly, pushing the calm thestral two meters back with strength of his roar, making the other animals hide quickly.
Fluttershy keep starting at the towering beast fearlessly. “You three can cut the act, I know that your giant form is only for show.” The beast blinked as if in confusion as Fluttershy flew over and delivered a weak punch into the muzzle. The giant beast quickly turned into a large pile of wood, from which three puppies emerged and tried to flee.
Not wasting a moment, she flew towards the wooden puppies and blocked their path, making them embrace each other and tremble in fear. “Please, don’t be afraid, I’m not going to harm you.” Fluttershy bent her legs and approached the trembling timberwolves, letting them sniff her forehoof. “I believe this belongs to you,” she added as a small blob of blood floated next to her head.
“I borrowed your magic. If you promise to calm down and be nice, I will return it.” Upon receiving some hesitant nods as their gazes fixed at the floating blood, Fluttershy’s eyes flashed once again, and green smoke filled the little creatures. Fragments of wood levitated from the pile as the three timberwolves regained their original size, each still lowered to the ground and whimpering like scolded puppies.
Fluttershy stroke each of their heads, while the bear and the bats went out from their hiding spot. “Now, as I was saying before, I’m looking for a lost cat.” She lowered her wounded foreleg, keeping it slightly above the ground. “It’s a white animal around this size. Have you seen her?”
The wolves stood up to their full size and looked at each other before nodding in confirmation.
Fluttershy smiled warmly, keeping her forelegs together as she pressed them against her own cheeks. “Splendid.” The blood returned into her wound and she licked it close. “Would you be so kind as to point out the way, please?”
The tallest of the three wolves howled at the hut in the distance. Various masks were visible outside, supported against the wall. “A house? Is somepony living here of all places?” Fluttershy said to herself before looking at her newest companions. Upon hearing a weak growl of confirmation, she rubbed the closest wolf under his chin. “Good puppy.”
With the help of her fangs, she created a small wound on her leg and summoned three small balls of blood, levitating each towards one of the timberwolves. “I have more than enough magic to spare, and I’m happy to share.”
Three timberwolves gulped their gift, and the green aura around their bodies became slightly brighter. They released the blood from their mouths, allowing it to return to the friendly thestral, before nuzzling her. Fluttershy giggled and gently pushed their muzzles away. “You're very welcome. Just don’t attack innocent little animals any longer, you can’t extract much magic from them anyway. If you’re hungry, I’m more than willing to share.”
Fluttershy waved towards the timberwolves in a farewell gesture, as they disappeared behind the trees. I must admit, I’m starting to like this place. She looked up at the numerous leaves which blocked the unpleasant sun. I can be myself without fear of judgmental ponies or hunters. I can even walk during the day without an umbrella or a cape, no longer weak and vulnerable, and the animals here aren’t so scary when you get to know them. I hope I can explore this place better in the future.
Her attention focused back on the hut. While I’m well adapted to this kind of environment, it is still a dangerous place for a regular pony. I wonder who would be brave enough to live here. Another thestral, perhaps?
Her thoughts were interrupted by her bats as they returned from their scouting, their high pitched screeches easily understandable. “A zebra, here? That’s far away from their homeland.” Fluttershy rubbed her chin. From what I remember, Zebras are adapted to living in deserts and swamps, thanks to their magic which allows them to resist various poisons and brew enchantment potions. No wonder one would want to set up a hut in the Everfree Forest.
Fluttershy’s ears shrunk and her wings turned back into the featherly ones as she transformed back into her pegasus form. If Opal ran from the timberwolves and hid here, I need to get her back to Rarity.
The creepy masks did little to calm her nerves as anxiety returned with full force. Her senses detected several traps set up around the cottage, alongside with protective amulets and runes which interfered with her inner magic. Each step became harder to take as she felt a sudden weakness overtaking her, to the point where her own saddlebag started weighing her down. To make matters worse, an unpleasant smell seemed to assault her overly sensitive nose. No wonder even the animals of the Everfree Forest avoid this place, I myself can hardly approach it. But I can’t give up now, I need to get Opal back home.
After finally reaching the door, she raised her trembling foreleg and knocked. “Ex-excuse me,” she said hesitantly. Upon not receiving any response, she knocked again with more strength. Her bear and the bats stood a few meters behind her, while the falcon and eagle that were scouting from the sky landed on top of the hut.
“Speak quickly, uninvited guest, tell me why you've disturbed my rest! Who are you and why are you here? There is no pony that lives near! I'd like your name and to know why it is that you are passing by!”
“M-my n-name is F-F-Fluttershy,” she said, struggling with each word.
The door slowly opened and a zebra’s head emerged. Large golden hoop earrings decorated her ears, similar to her neck decoration which seemed either like several golden rings or a spring. The zebra looked up at the towering bear with surprise and said, “I've not seen one like this before, I wish that you would tell me more. Would you inform me, is this creature a friend to thee?”
Fluttershy nodded and pointed at her friend. “Yes, he is… His name is H-Harry, and he’s a bear.” Note to myself, name every animal so they won’t feel jealous of Harry.
“You walk these woods all but alone, you are indeed far from home! These woods are unsafe even to me, yet you have braved the Everfree!” the zebra said, receiving a hesitant nod in return. “I go by Zecora, and as you can see, there is no-one else here, it's just you and me. Why do you wander these woods? Those who enter this forest seldom come to any good.”
Fluttershy broke eye contact with Zecora the moment she received a suspicious glare. “I… I came here looking for a white cat.” She rubbed the ground with her forehoof nervously. “A unicorn named Rarity asked me to help find her pet, and I tracked her cat to the Everfree Forest.” She looked back at Zecora and lied, “My friendly birds and bats helped me follow the trail to this hut.”
Zecora gestured with her forehoof for Fluttershy to enter.
The disguised thestral struggled to walk in as she resisted the hut safety measures, feeling as if her bones had turned into jelly. She forgot about her exhaustion when her attention focused on a cauldron in the middle of the room, and then towards the large variety of ingredients and potions lying on the many shelves. “Did you make those on your own?” she asked, amazed.
The zebra nodded. “This forest is full of herbs and spells, and I must know how to use them well. I go out each morning and pick what herbs I need stocked, I need them for the brews I concoct.” She pointed at the cauldron and raised her head pridefully. “I've been brewing up potions since I was still small, when it comes to alchemy I know it all. ‘Twas Mother who taught me, and hers before I. Our line learns it naturally, all we need do is try.”
Fluttershy examined the ingredients curiously, when an aggressive meow got her attention. She walked towards the source of the noise, quickly noticing a clawed paw emerging from under the bed.
“I expected many beasts to come, but this one the most stubborn of all. I was alerted to it by a screeching call,” Zecora pointed out.
Fluttershy knelt and looked at the scared cat, whose tail was puffy and with the face of an enraged predator. “Hello, Opal, my name is Fluttershy. Rarity asked me to get you back home.” The cat hissed in response.
“There’s no need to be afraid. Please, trust me.” She stretched her foreleg towards the cat and exposed her hoof for her to sniff, but only received several small slashes in return. The disguised thestral sighed. This will take a while.
***
“Good kitty,” Fluttershy said as she stroke the cat who was finally nuzzling her foreleg. Her entire body, from her legs to her face, was covered in scratches after her long struggle to tame the small beast. She gritted her teeth each time the cat pressed her head against a wound. It seems that whatever protection Zecora placed here, it weakens my regeneration capabilities and natural resistance to pain. Just my luck.
“First you brave the Everfree, now you endure a cat's claws. Please allow me to heal you, bring your pain to a pause.”
Fluttershy gulped. If there was one thing every single thestral knew, it was that healing magic and their regeneration don’t mix.
“It’s not as bad as it looks,” Fluttershy said with an awkward smile as the zebra raised her eyebrow. “I’ll tend to these scratches once I return Opal to Rarity. She must be really worried by now.” She half bowed. “Thank you for your hospitality, and sorry for the intrusion.”
Zecora smiled. “You're welcome, oh Dark One, and let me just say, the pleasure is mine for as long as you stay.”
The disguised thestral shook her head and walked towards the exit, limping on her weakened and scratched legs, only for her foreleg to stop in mid air. Her pupils shrank at the realization. “D-dark one? W-whatever do you mean?” She turned towards the zebra as her ears drooped.
“I am no simple fool, I've a very sharp mind, I can see what you're hiding, what, do you think me blind?” Zecora said and frowned.
Fluttershy took a step back and laughed awkwardly. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You cannot fool me, though you're welcome to try, your acting is weak, and for you I'm too sly,” Zecora said with a firm stomp. Fluttershy flinched and lost her balance, now lying on the floor on her side.
“Y-you know about thestrals?” Fluttershy asked with a surge of fear as she pointed at Zecora. She looked at the door for a moment and thought, It’s okay, you’re not in danger. Once I run away from this cottage, my strength should return to me, and I have my animal friends outside that can help me. Nothing to be afraid of. She struggled to sit as the cat stood next to her, both staring at the hut owner. The angered glare she received from her caused Fluttershy to hide her face behind her wings.
"Your kind I've met often over the course of my life, some traders, some thieves, many only caused strife."
“Oh…” Fluttershy retreated her wings and lowered her head apologetically. “I’m sorry…”
Zecora sighed. She approached and spoke calmly, “You seem different to all other Dark Ones I've seen, you're friendly, polite, whereas they were just mean.” She helped Fluttershy stand and continued, “A dark one being polite is something new to me. My cottage will always be open to thee.”
“T-thank you,” Fluttershy said quietly before pointing at the upper shelf. “Since you know who I am, would you mind selling me that summoning powder? I could really use some, but I don’t have the materials or knowledge to make it on my own.”
Zecora rubbed her chin before smirking. She smiled and said, “I've no use for bits, they are useless to me, but there is a favor I could use from thee.”
“Favour?” Fluttershy asked curiously.
Zecora nodded. She picked up and unrolled some sort of paper, and pointed at what seemed to be an amateur map of the Everfree Forest. It had all the markings of something made in a hurry and on intuition alone, without the help of proper equipment. “There are blue flowers growing in a grove by a spring, I'll give you the powder if these flowers you bring.”
After a moment of thinking, Fluttershy responded, “Once I escort Opal back to Rarity, I will pick up those flowers and bring them here. Thank you,” she said with determination before lowering herself to the floor. “Hop on, Opal, we’re going home.”
The moment she went outside and the door closed behind her, her sharpened hearing picked up laughter coming from inside the hut. She shrugged, and with Zecora’s map still fresh in her memory, went back to Ponyville.
“Okay, so here’s what you need to do,” Fluttershy said to Opal as they approached the edge of the Everfree Forest. Beyond the trees, the green grass basking in the sunlight looked very uninviting. So much for a sun-free morning. Let’s get this over with.
She sighed and continued, “You will wait with me in my cottage until Rarity comes to meet me there, and please, at least try to be friendly with the other animals.”
The cat responded with an annoyed meow.
“Surely we wouldn’t want another accident like today, am I right?” Fluttershy asked, receiving a much softer purr. “Also, be nicer to Rarity. Sure, she’s new when it comes to taking care of a pet, but she still cares about you. Give her time.”
The strong sunlight assaulted her eyes, and she covered her face with a wing. Her bear, bats, and birds stopped right behind her.
“Fluttershy!”
“Rarity?” the disguised thestral said hesitantly as she rubbed her eyes. Her vision slowly sharpened. “Rarity!” she shouted in panic.
“Opal!” The young mare ran over and grabbed the cat with her magic, levitating it right into her embrace. “I missed you sooo much. Are you hurt? Did any of those brutes harm you? Were you scared? Are you hungry?”
The annoyed cat growled and gritted her teeth, enduring the tight hug while resisting the urge to claw her way out of the situation.
Fluttershy spread her wings, using that moment of distraction to fly towards her cottage, but didn't make it far, as the harsh sun forced her back to the ground.
“Fluttershy, wait!” Rarity shouted, galloping over to Fluttershy with her cat levitating by her side. “I cannot believe you went searching for Opal in that terrifying forest for me. Words cannot describe how grateful I am!”
She stopped in front of the taller mare and took a few quick breaths, now staring up at her. “I cannot thank you enough for your bravery, I…” she froze.
“Is something wrong?” Fluttershy asked with an awkward smile, drops of sweat starting to fall down her forehead.
The fashionista rubbed her eyes before standing on her hind legs. “You are way taller than ponies in the town described... but how?”
Both mares stared at each other in awkward silence, one confused and the other lacking words. Fluttershy looked at the ground and rubbed her foreleg while Rarity rubbed the top of her head. Finally, the fashionista spoke, “From what I heard, you were the size of Pinkie Pie when she threw you a welcome party. In fact, you are supposed to be about my age! How could you grow so much in only a year and a half?”
Fluttershy blushed as she lowered her head and said with a squeaky voice, “Growth spurt.”
Rarity shook her head. “You do not need to lie to me. Whatever caused it must have happened in that dreadful place.” She looked at the large bear before turning back to Fluttershy. “When you went to search for my dearest Opal alongside your large friend, something in there probably made you grow.”
“W-what…?”
Rarity paced back and forth with the annoyed cat glaring at her impatiently. “Or maybe you were cursed by that suspicious creature that live in the Everfree Forest. I heard that it comes to Ponyville rarely, scarring ponies left and right.”
“You mean Zecora?” Fluttershy asked.
“I knew it!” Rarity said as she slammed her forehooves together. She pointed at Fluttershy accusingly, who took a step back. “So you met her, and she has put a curse on you, turning you into a grown up pony!”
“What… no!” Fluttershy said, only to watch as the fashionista stood up on her rear hooves and placed a forehoof on her shoulder.
Rarity looked at her in pity. “I am really sorry. If I had cared for Opal better, this would have never happened. Can you ever forgive me?”
Fluttershy massaged her forehead. This cannot be happening… She took a deep breath and looked down at the fashionista, whose eyes begged for forgiveness.
I wish I knew a memory erasing spell, it would be so useful right now. With a shake of her head, she said, “Rarity, you have nothing to apologize for.”
“Oh, but I do! And I swear, I will repay you.” She pressed her forehoof against her chest and continued, “If you need anything, just ask. My boutique will always be open to you.”
She levitated her cat and said, “Once again, thank you for rescuing my dearest pet. Now, please excuse me, but I have to inform Pinkie Pie about what happened. She knows everypony, she will warn them about that Zecora.”
Fluttershy stared at the galloping mare, her mouth open, but not a single word escaped it. Drops of sweat covered her body. Zecora won’t be happy about this… she thought to herself before turning to Everfree Forest. I may as well go and get her those blue flowers and apologize. Maybe she will forgive me.
“Fluttershy! I’m back,” Rainbow Dash said as she entered the cottage after another day of work. A short visit before she would go check on her nearly renovated floating house.
She walked around the house as she carefully passed by several critters, watching her steps while searching for her friend. “I heard rumours that you rescued a cat, and something about a curse!” Upon not finding her friend in the kitchen, she made her way towards the bedroom upstairs.
“Oh, there you are,” Dash said as she noticed her friend sitting on the bed and staring at the window. “So, mind telling me what this mess was all about?”
The mare kept staring at the window and didn’t respond.
“Oh, don’t give me the silent treatment again. There’s nothing to be sad about,” Dash continued as she approached her friend and sat next to the bed. “Now everypony blames some sort of Evil Enchantress or whatever it was about, who cursed you after you ventured into a dangerous forest to save a cat.”
She rounded the bed and looked Fluttershy in the eyes, who quickly turned her head. “Come on, Flutters, tell me what happened. Did you meet any dangerous creatures? Did you have any sort of cool fight, or a chance to test your regained powers? Come on, spill the beans.” Her wings flapped with excitement, but her friend remained mute.
“Don’t be like that, Flutters. I won’t last an hour without knowing what happened, tell me…” she raised her forelegs and held them together under her muzzle as she shot her taller friend a puppy stare. “Pretty please.”
Fluttershy sighed and said, “I… don’t want to talk about it.”
Dash held her breath as tears of laughter started to gather on her eyes. She did her best, but could barely resist snickering.
The disguised thestral said to herself, “Go ahead… I deserve it.”
Dash fell onto her back and bursted into a deep laughter.
“So… let me get this straight,” Dash said with a forehoof still on her mouth. “You went into the Everfree Forest to search for Rare’s cat. Kicked the wooden flanks of some timberwolves, met a zebra who saw through your disguise, and returned the cat.”
Fluttershy nodded, not saying a word as she spread the summoning powder onto the floor. Various animals sitting in circle and staring at the spectacle.
Dash chuckled. "And to think Rarity came up with something like a curse that made you taller, that's hilarious." She took a quick breath and continued, "So Zecora wanted you to get her some joke plants without telling you what they do for summoning powder?" She raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like she tried to prank you." ( or "Sounds like she tried to prank you from the get go."
Upon seeing a weak nod, Dash asked, "And she turned this prank into a punishment by not giving you the cure for a while, right?"
”Yes.”
“That’s rich,” Dash said, wiping remaining tears from her face. “First you grow up tall, and now a voice mutation.”
She poked her friend’s batlike wing. “I think you should keep your voice, it sounds really cool. Give it a week or two, and I will stop laughing everytime you say a word.”
”Can we please stop talking about my voice?” she pleaded before placing the bag of powder on the floor as she pointed at the summoning rune. “I need to focus for this spell to work.”
Dash frowned and crossed her forelegs. “Fine, but I still think it’s a complete waste.” She spread her forelegs. “Think of all the cool stuff you could summon. Maybe a monster that would serve you as a minion? A dragon, a ghost, anything would be better than this walking annoyance.”
”Dash!” Fluttershy said with a stomp, causing her friend to flinch. I understand that you and Angel didn’t get along, but I still care for and miss him. Can you please give him a chance? Please."
“Ugh… fine. Let’s get this over with.”
“You have done well, Angel,” said Arimaspi as he towered over the battered bunny. “You passed my trials and proved yourself. You are ready to take a task of great importance.” He knelt and lowered his forehoof for the bunny to jump on.
After raising it up to his face, he continued with a determined voice. “In the heart of the Griffon Kingdom, Griffonstone, there is a treasure of great value, guarded by the king’s guards themselves. Steal it for me, and it will deliver a devastating blow to their morale, making this kingdom much easier to conquer.”
Angel saluted.
The one eyed beast smiled. “Once you accomplish your mission, I will reward you with riches and power. Failure is not an opt… what’s going on?” he asked as some sort of rune appeared on his hoof. The bunny was captured in a sea of green flames, leaving the large hoof empty.
The necromancer who observed it from the sidelines spoke, “I believe that your top minion was just summoned to serve another master.”
The giant beast took a deep breath before stomping against the floor of his throne room, creating a large crater and sending stone fragments flying in all directions. “Good minions are so difficult to find these days.”
“They are indeed rare, my lord.”
Arimaspi sighed. “If you want something done right, you must do it yourself.” He raised to his full height and spoke with growing determination. “I will storm the castle and steal this treasure personally.”
The necromancer panicked. “But who will lead the army of cyclopeans and undead to conquer the kingdom? Should something happen to you, our campaign will turn into a failure. You’re too important to take such risk.”
“Are you doubting my might!?” he asked with another stomp, forcing the necromancer to hide behind the large throne. “I don’t fear those puny birds. I’ll crush them if they get in the way.” He walked towards the exit and tackled the large door.
The necromancer emerged from behind the throne, now staring at the empty hall and rubble. “Using brute force where you need stealth…” he sighed. “We’re doomed.”
Angel blinked in confusion as he looked around. Instead of a large darkened throne room where a powerful giant was planning his conquest of an entire nation, he saw colorful walls. Instead of an undead army and giants carrying huge maces, he saw little critters running around.
“Angel, you’re back!”
Angel’s eyes opened widely as he felt a powerful hug, confused by the voice. The moment he saw the tear covered face of Fluttershy, he understood everything. He slammed his head against the soft fur in regret as his dreams of becoming the right paw of a powerful overlord were crushed here and now. Instead, he was doomed to be the pet of a weak female thestral with the voice of a stallion.
“I missed you too Angel. I missed you a lot.”
Dash glanced upon the pair and looked to the side. “Meh.”
“Are you sure it wouldn’t be too much trouble?” Fluttershy asked as she stood next to her bed, staring at Bright Eyes and Twisty Vision. “I understand turning my basement into a secret underground room. But wouldn’t it be easier to hide the main entrance under a carpet or behind some furniture?” She sighed and pointed at the bed. “Rather than making a secret passage through the ground floor by relocating walls? Seems unnecessary to me.”
Twisty Vision shook his head. “Nopony will ever expect a secret passage on the second floor under the bed. That’s why we’re making it here.”
“And if somepony looks under the bed?” Fluttershy asked.
“One illusion, and then nopony will find it by accident.” Bright Eyes raised her forehoof and head proudly as she continued, “Besides, every respected pureblood has their own secret room with personal coffins to sleep in. This is tradition.”
Vision chuckled and added with a joking tone, “Furthermore, secret passages under beds are very popular nowadays. I bet most of leaders and villains have one.”
“Alright, I trust you,” Fluttershy said before looking towards the stairs. “I’d better leave so I won’t get in the way of your work. Once again, thank you for everything you’re doing for me.”
“You're very welcome,” Ditzy’s parents said in unison before Twisty Vision asked, “Forgive my curiosity, but what are you going to do while we work on the secret passage?”
Fluttershy put on a saddlebag. “Foalsitting.”
“Foalsit... Whom?” Bright Eyes asked.
“Apparently the Apple family is planning to make a very big delivery. Applejack wanted to take care of Apple Bloom, but Granny insisted that Applejack needs to learn about the trade routes she will be using in the future.”
Fluttershy giggled before adding, “Pinkie of course, helpful as she always is, brought me to the farm and pointed me out as the best candidate for a foalsitter.”
“And they agreed?” Vision asked.
“They had their doubts at first, but after Pinkie Pie Pinkie Promised that I can be trusted with this job, they hired me without hesitation.” She rolled her eyes. “Yes, she created a promise based on her own name, and everypony seems to be treating it as a huge deal for some reason.”
“You’re the cutest thing ever,” Apple Bloom said as she hugged the young bunny, who growled and looked at Fluttershy with a ‘you’ll pay for this’ glare.
Fluttershy smiled warmly. “It was Dash’s idea to bring Angel here. She assured me you would love to play with him since Winona’s away with Applejack.”
“O’course Ah do,” Apple Bloom said, before releasing the bunny. Though his peace of mind didn’t last long as he was placed on the filly’s back. “Hold tight.” She galloped towards a nearby haystack before trying to jump over it. The little filly in her haste forgot about the puddle of mud on the other side as she and her passenger fell right into it.
Not wasting a moment, Fluttershy approached and knelt by the young filly, spreading her wing. “Hop on.”
Apple Bloom nodded and climbed onto the spread wing while Angel climbed onto the thestral’s back, leaving mud on her clear fur and feathers. “It seems somepony needs a bath.”
“Awww… but Ah don’ want a bath.”
“Even with bubbles?” Fluttershy asked.
“Ah changed mah mind.”
Fluttershy walked towards home to get the bath ready while ignoring the unpleasant sun. Her way was quickly blocked by the excited fashionista.
“There you are, Fluttershy, I was looking everywhere for you!”
The taller mare looked to the side and pointed at a small arch that served as the entrance to the farm, the thin frame decorated thickly with vines and apples. “But we’re near the entrance, surely you didn’t have to search over an entire farm.”
The fashionista approached and looked at her, the size difference smaller than before as the top of her head reached Fluttershy’s muzzle. “I alongside my parents went to your cottage, only to find out that you were foalsitting at Sweet Apple Acres from the local construction pony… Vision was his name, I think.”
“Twisty Vision,” Fluttershy corrected before looking around, not finding any new pony in sight. “I take it you came here alone, or am I wrong?”
“I pointed out that it was unnecessary for all of us to come, so I volunteered,” she said, raising her head and foreleg proudly. “Though I must say, running such distances is so uncouth for a lady like me.”
Fluttershy raised her eyebrow as she thought, You mean walking? Your breathing and heartbeat seems slow to me. She felt Apple Bloom’s hooves stepping through her feathers before grabbing the sides of her neck. “Anyway, why have you been searching for me?” Her smile vanished as she asked with concern, “Is Opal missing again?”
“Opal?” Apple Bloom asked.
Rarity forced a chuckle. “Please. It has been only seven months since you saved my cat. You should have more faith in me.”
Fluttershy looked at the clear sky thoughtfully. “I guess your parents have an animal-related problem.” She lowered her head and continued, “I’m always willing to help with those.”
Rarity shook her head before raising it proudly. She spoke with a noble-like eloquence, “My parents would like to invite you today to our… their home for a dinner and outside activities. They wish to meet and thank you personally for saving Opal.”
“They do?” Fluttershy asked as she looked around in panic, caught off guard. The filly holding her neck yelped. “S-sorry,” she said hastily.
Rarity continued, “They live in a house on the outskirts of Ponyville. It is located nearby a windmill near a lake. Will you accept their invitation?”
“I can’t,” Fluttershy responded before lowering her head as she grabbed the filly between edges of her wings. She moved her ahead of herself and said, “I need to foalsit Apple Bloom.” Mud dropping from the filly’s hooves captured Rarity’s attention, who took a step back.
Apple Bloom asked, “Can Ah swim in the lake?”
“I suppose you can,” Rarity said thoughtfully. “My younger sister was allowed to do it one year ago under supervision. She is around your age.” She pointed at the farm filly and continued with a firm tone, “Furthermore, a bath in the lake is something you both certainly need.“
Apple Bloom cheered before looking back at Fluttershy. “Can Ah swim in the lake? Pretty please?”
Fluttershy was about to refuse, but a pleading stare from the filly changed her mind.
***
Rarity walked through the town with the taller pegasus by her side. She could see the farm filly and bunny with similar red bows on their heads riding Fluttershy’s back.
The Apple family have a surprisingly high amount of hats and ribbons to spare. Maybe I could add some multicolored gems to each one to make them stand out. Fluttershy’s bunny would look really well in one, but with small improvements here and there, he would look simply fabulous, Rarity thought as Angel was giving the farm filly an angered glare. I get the impression that Fluttershy’s pet is not interested in fashion.
She smiled awkwardly as several ponies gave them confused glances. “Fluttershy,” she called.
“Yes?”
Rarity pointed at the cloud several meters above their heads, following them with every step. “I couldn’t help but notice… that Rainbow Dash would often turn a wonderful sunny day into cloudy one… whenever you are out and about,” Rarity said as she grimaced at her unpleasant memory. Several pairs of eyes looked at her in confusion as ponies whispered; “bad luck,” “is she cursed?” or “somepony is in bad mood today.” Above her head followed a dark cloud as if ready to burst into a stream of water and ruin her fashionable hat.
“Oh…” Fluttershy responded as her ears flattened. “I don’t like being under the open sun for too long, it’s very uncomfortable for me,” Fluttershy responded before resuming her walk. “And my friend is very protective of me.”
Rarity followed, quickly catching up to her shy friend. “Wouldn’t it get her into trouble as weather manager?”
Fluttershy sighed. “I tried to tell her that it’s unnecessary, that my umbrella is enough, but she doesn’t listen.” She continued with a sorrowful tone, “Dash is very loyal to me. She’s ready to get in trouble to provide me with even a bit of comfort… though I must admit, the weather ponies are very understanding and forgiving.”
“A sun umbrella? Oh no no no, that will never do,” Rarity said. “I will provide you with a sizeable hat. It will be both fashionable and practical… right after I make an elegant bird house.” She frowned. “Those in your cottage are far too small, surely your birds deserve better than that.”
“There’s no need for that.”
“There is! Also, you seem very tense,” Rarity pointed out. “You muscles are just begging for a relaxing visit to the spa…”
***
“...And after that we can go to the market square,” Rarity finished.
Fluttershy walked in silence while Apple Bloom poked her in the neck and asked, “Does Rarity always like talkin’ so much? Ah thought she wasn’t goin’ tah stop.” Angel chuckled at the filly’s comment.
Rarity frowned. “What… I… how rude.” She looked to the side, clearly offended. “I simply wanted to invite my friend for various activities I came up with. I simply cannot let her hide in her cottage like some sort of hermit. The world is about more than just taking care of animals.”
“If ya say so, though after mah sister once asked ya to fix a hole in a tablecloth, she complained how ya just talked and talked,” Apple Bloom pointed out.
Rarity stopped for a moment and raised her foreleg defensively. “I just had many visions to turn that old piece of material into an elegant art, but your sister was too blind and turned them all down. She was constantly repeating, and I quote, ‘Please stop flappin’ yer jaw and fix that dang hole already.’ No manners at all.” Angel laughed, pointing his paw at the fashionista, who responded with an aggressive stare.
“She did say please,” Apple Bloom pointed out.
Fluttershy spoke, “I appreciate your offer, Rarity, but my cottage and my dear critters are all I need.”
“Nonsense,” Rarity responded. “Just because your name is Fluttershy, that does not mean you have to be so shy. There are many wonders in life you are missing out on, and I am going to show them to you.” She pointed ahead at the windmill, or rather at the three unicorns waiting for them. “We have arrived at our destination.”
Apple Bloom jumped from Fluttershy’s back and walked beside her; Angel took her example.
“Do my eyes deceive me, or has the heroine of all house pets finally arrived? Pleasure meeting you, Miss Fluttershy,” said the white unicorn with a brown mustache and three hoofballs for his cutie mark as he took off his straw hat and held it against his chest.
A pink unicorn mare approached and took a closer look at Fluttershy, who retreated her head and curled slightly. Her mane was a violet beehive and her cutie mark was two full cookies and one half-eaten one. “She doesn’t seem like an adventurer to me. No scars, no bandages on the foreleg or head, and certainly not enough mud.” She looked at her daughter and asked, “Are you sure she’s the one?”
“Mother,” Rarity said with an angered voice, “you should be more polite. She is our guest after all.” She approached and nodded, pointing at the pegasus, “And yes, Fluttershy did venture into a dangerous forest with the company of a bear.”
“A bear? So she’s like a beast tamer?” Rarity's mother asked before looking away from her daughter, now staring at Fluttershy. “Did you train your bear for combat? Do ya have other animals under your command; like dogs, wolves, falcons, eagles?”
“T-train for combat… I would never…” Fluttershy looked to the side and yelped sadly. The very idea of training and using animals that way making her feel as if she had a battlefield in her stomach. “I just asked for help… I didn’t command them… right?” she added, doubt clear in her voice.
Apple Bloom stood on her hind legs and stroked Fluttershy’s wing.
“And who's that?” Rarity’s mother asked as she lowered herself to the farm filly.
“Her name is Apple Bloom, and she is Applejack’s younger sister. Fluttershy was foalsitting her at the apple farm and agreed to bring her here,” Rarity explained.
The tall unicorn mare grabbed the filly gently and said, “You're just one cute little apple. Is your sister a hard worker, or an athlete by any chance?”
“Eeyup, and she’s the best,” Apple Bloom said with pride before pointing at the unicorn’s head. “Is that thin’ alive?”
Rarity’s mother laughed. “You mean my mane. No, it’s not, but one time a bird mistook it for a nest.”
“Cool,” Apple Bloom said before looking down at Rarity. “Yer mom’s fun.”
The stallion approached and glanced at the filly. “I’m glad your sister is friends with our daughter. Maybe she can help her get some muscles into those thin legs of hers.”
Rarity blushed as her cheeks turned into balloons, and her nose released white smoke. Upon hearing loud laughter coming from her parents, the filly and a bunny, she stomped. “First, I am not a friend with that farm mare with no sense of fashion in a single bone in her hulking body, and second of all, stop embarrassing me!”
With the group busy, Fluttershy stood up and took a moment to calm her nerves, her attention now focused on the approaching white filly.
“Hello, my name is Sweetie Belle. Was your adventure in that forest exciting?”
Fluttershy was about to say ‘no’, but after a moment of thinking, she couldn’t deny that she’d experienced some desirable thrills. “S-sort off… a little.”
“Was it scary?”
Fluttershy nodded, still remembering her first encounter with Zecora, especially when her cover was blown. “Definitely.”
“Did you really take a bear with you? Was he fighting any monsters?”
Fluttershy tapped her forehooves together. “Fighting, oh no… just scared some wolves made of wood…” she lied.
“Why are you so nervous? Shouldn’t heroes be brave?” Sweetie Belle asked, her facial expression filled with a mix between confusion and curiosity.
“I’m no hero…” Fluttershy responded, searching for proper words to follow with. She pointed at her cutie mark and said, “I’m just good with animals, that’s my special talent, but being around ponies makes me nervous.”
“I don’t get it...” Sweetie Belle said, pointing at the disguised thestral. “You’re nervous around ponies like you and me, but not around monsters and beasts? It doesn’t make sense.”
Fluttershy rubbed back of her neck. “I suppose it doesn’t… I wish I could explain it better, but I can’t.”
“You're nice, but a bit weird,” Sweetie Belle said before smiling warmly. “But I like you. Next time you go into a scary forest, can I tag along, please?”
Fluttershy shook her head and raised her foreleg in a lecturing gesture. “Oh no, I can’t. The Everfree Forest isn’t a place for fillies, and your parents would be very angry if I took you there.”
“Awww…” Sweetie Belle lowered her head in disappointment before noticing a bunny sitting behind Fluttershy’s long legs. She pointed at him and asked, “Who’s that?”
Fluttershy knelt and retreated her foreleg, exposing the little creature. “His name is Angel Bunny. Angel Bunny, meet Sweetie Belle.”
Angel crossed his forelegs and looked to the side, when suddenly he was grabbed in a tiny hug as the filly started stroking the back of his head. “He’s just adooorable!”
“He sure is,” Apple Bloom said as she was released from the unicorn’s hold. “The name’s Apple Bloom, nice too meet ya.”
“Sweetie Belle,” the white filly responded while releasing Angel, who looked at both fillies with a deadly glare. His paws started pulsating with dark magic. Upon feeling Fluttershy’s big forehoof on his shoulder and seeing her disapproving glare, he groaned and turned around. His steel-melting magic vanishing into nothingness.
“Wanna play or swim?” Apple Bloom asked while pointing her still dirty hoof at the lake.
“Sure,” Sweetie responded before looking up at her parents. “Can we go and play in the water? Please?”
“Of course you can,” the mare stated with relaxed tone. She continued with excitement, “I’ll get you a beach ball and inner tube!”
Sweetie Belle smiled warmly. “Thanks, also, if Fluttershy goes to the Everfree Forest to play with monsters, can I join too?”
“Sure thing dear, but after lunch, and you need to come back before dinner,” said the stallion.
“Yay!” Sweetie Belle shouted before jumping in place; Apple Bloom followed her example while Fluttershy looked at Rarity’s father in shock before facehoofing.
“Now come here, Miss Fluttershy,” Rarity’s father said as he levitated the disguised thestral over. “No need to stay on the sidelines when yer the guest of honor.” His wife quickly returned with a ball and an inner tube that lacked air. “You’re the first friend our daughter’s got… can you believe it? We’re eager to get to know you better.”
Rarity approached and said with a hint of hostility, “You both can start by introducing yourself and not levitating your guest against her will.” She massaged her forehead. “Sometimes I wonder if I wasn’t adopted or something.”
“Oh, right,” the stallion said before releasing Fluttershy, who landed on her flank. “My name’s Hondo Flanks. I know, weird name, but I like the sound of it. A very energetic name, if you ask me. I sell hoofmade sports-related devices and participate in the games whenever I can.”
“My name is Cookie Crumbles, and yes, I’m making cookies, cookies with surprises in them,” the unicorn mare said before picking up a few cookies from a pocket in her clothing and pushed them into Fluttershy’s mouth. “Tasty?” She received an unrecognizable response from the guest of honor as crumbs started falling from her mouth.
“Sweetheart, you know that one shouldn't swim after eating. There will be time for cookies later,” Hondo Flanks said as he grabbed Fluttershy by her shoulder and pointed at the lake. “How about we join the fillies and have some fun in the lake? It will help you get that mud off your wings, back and neck.”
Fluttershy gulped down the cookies and chuckled awkwardly, wondering if Rarity’s parents weren’t related to Pinkie Pie by any chance. She looked up at the cloud-filled sky, thankful to Rainbow Dash for keeping the sun at bay. She was about to refuse, but a silent voice in her mind advised otherwise. “W-why not?”
“That’s the spirit,” Hondo Flanks said before pushing Fluttershy towards the lake who yelped in surprise, before jumping himself. “Bombs away!”
***
Rarity observed the lake as the water splashed about from two locations. Feeling pity towards Fluttershy for meeting the disaster that was her parents. Cookie Crumbles was still on the shore, filling a ball and an inner tube with air. Why do they have to embarrass me in front of my friend? Can’t they see that they are making a laughing-stock out of themselves? Her ear perked upward as she heard a noise of something crashing behind the windmill. When she looked towards the source, the sight of smoke and dust caught her attention.
“Mother, Father!” she shouted at her parents as her mother was carefully climbing down into the lake. She called them again, gaining their attention. The moment Hondo Flanks was close enough, she pointed at smoke in distance, only now noticing a grey pegasus flying in their direction.
Rarity stepped to the side as the pegasus hard-landed on the ground, pulling herself to a full stop a meter away from the lake. Once the dust settled, she waved and said enthusiastically, “My job is done.”
“Job?” Rarity said in confusion while examining the newcomer. She quickly noticed crossed eyes, bruises covering the grey fur, dust and small wood fragments between feathers, and goggles with damaged glass lying across grey mare’s neck. What in Celestia’s name happened to her? she thought.
“Oh hello, you must be Rarity. My name’s Ditzy, nice to meet you.” She grabbed and shook Rarity’s forehoof, along with the rest of her. “Your parents talked about you. They said that you worked in fashion, and go too far with manners and etiq-etique…”
“Etiquette,” Rarity corrected as she regained her balance and shook her head. Her eyes were no longer spinning.
“Yeah, that one. And that you never lift.”
Rarity shot her dad an annoyed glance, who swam closer and anchored his forelegs against the dry ground. “Good work, Ditzy, or Derpy, whatever you prefer. Did you clear the area for your parents?”
“I sure did,” Ditzy responded with a prideful smile.
“What work?” Rarity asked with a stomp. “Could somepony please be kind enough to enlighten me?”
Hondo looked at her daughter and nodded. “Tool storage was in terrible shape, so we wanted a new one, a bigger and better one.” He pointed at the grey pegasus whose wings flapped joyfully at his next words. “We hired Ditzy to demolish the old one and clear the area, and her parents to construct us a new one. We got a discount on demolishing as we’re Ditzy’s first customers. Now that’s what I call luck.”
“Demolishing?” Fluttershy asked as she swam closer. “I thought you wanted to be a mailmare?”
Ditzy nodded. “I did. But my parents are having trouble trying to convince the postal service in Ponyville that they can repair any collateral damage that I would cause. But for now, I got a part-time job as a demolition mare for hire.” She opened her armored saddlebag and showed a badge with her picture on it. Fluttershy could see closed eyes and wide smile with shining teeth. On Ditzy’s head was a grey helmet and on her neck was a bronze bow-tie.
“You want something gone, leveled to the ground, Ditzy the Demolisher is ready for a destruction round!” she said before smiling awkwardly. “I need to work on this one.” She tapped her chin and murmured. “The ‘Ditzy the Demolisher’ was my mom’s idea, while dad thought of something like; ‘Before Construction comes Destruction’… both sound nice to me.”
Hondo cleared his throat, catching Ditzy and Rarity’s attention. “I like your second catchphrase better, anyway.” He gestured for the pegasus to jump into the water. “Since your work is done, what would you say to joining us for some fun? The water’s great.”
Ditzy smiled and raised her foreleg, but retreated it before she could make a full step. Her head lowered and her ears flattened against her head. “I can’t.”
“Why not,” the stallion asked. “Are you afraid of the water?”
Ditzy shook her head. “That’s not it… It’s just that... you have such a lovely lake. I wouldn’t want to break it by accident.”
“Break it?” Rarity raised her foreleg defensively and asked, “How can you break a lake?”
Ditzy looked her in the eyes and said with a serious tone, “I don't know, but I'm not willing to find out."
“What… but…” Rarity massaged her forehead, feeling a growing headache. She frowned and said aloud, “I swear. The only normal ponies here are me and Fluttershy.”
The disguised thestral chuckled, her legs moving to keep her head above the water.
***
“Visit us more often, Fluttershy. It was a pleasure,” Cookie Crumbles said as she waved her farewell.
“And you too, Ditzy. You did a great job,” Hondo Flanks said, following his wife’s example.
“It was fun, Apple Bloom!” Sweetie Belle shouted. “Can I visit you on your farm next time around?”
The farm filly nodded. “If mah brother and Granny agree, sure. Ah’ll tell ya at school.” Upon seeing that Sweetie Belle ran closer, she stopped for a short talk.
Angel watched the scene from sidelines, feeling sick from the friendly atmosphere and embarrassment the fillies had put him through. He ran over to Fluttershy and jumped onto her back before propping himself against her mane. Paws under his head as he stared at the cloud-filled sky.
Fluttershy didn’t wave back, but simply walked away. Rarity trotted to her side and slowed down to her speed before saying, “I am really sorry for my parents. They can be really difficult at times… is everything alright?” Upon not receiving any response, she sped up and sat in front of Fluttershy, quickly noticing tears flowing down her eyes, barely hidden behind her mane. “Are you... crying?”
Fluttershy looked at her friend with watered eyes and spoke, “Your parents and sister are priceless gems, Rarity… Please… no matter how different they are from you… treasure them.” She wiped tears from her eyes and turned to the farm filly, who was still talking with Sweetie Belle. “Let’s hurry, Bloom, we need to return to the farm before your family does.”
“So, what’s the status of Fluttershy, anything new?” Bright Eyes asked as she looked down at her daughter in darkened room. Her eyes shining.
Twisty Vision lit up a few candles before sitting next to his wife. He took a quick glance at the coffin in the middle of the room, and next up at the secret entrance, admiring his work.
Ditzy looked back at her parents with a serious stare, at least as serious as one would take it by looking in her crossed eyes. “She’s getting better. The anxiety she feels whenever meeting new ponies or being in a large crowd is still present, though slightly weakened.”
Vision looked at his wife and said, “Fears caused by trauma take a long time to heal. It was to be expected.”
Bright Eyes looked up at the secret entrance. “Are you sure that this room is soundproof? Fluttershy is currently in her cottage, and the hearing of a pureblood isn’t to be underestimated.”
“I guarantee. No noise will enter or leave this room,” Vision stated.
“Good,” Bright Eyes said before relaxing her tensed stare. “While she is afraid to interact with ponies, she’s doing well when dealing with animals. She even befriended many creatures from the Everfree Forest. It’s a good sign, showing strength necessary for every pureblood.”
“Speaking of friends, besides Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, she befriended Rarity recently,” Ditzy pointed out.
"Rarity? You mean the daughter of our recent customers?” Vision asked, receiving a firm nod.
“Yes, her,” Ditzy confirmed. “It was easy to figure out that she doesn’t get along with her parents, but there’s more to that.”
“Meaning?” Bright Eyes said.
“Mom, you asked me to keep an eye on those who want to befriend Fluttershy, to make sure they don’t have any cruel intentions. I visited Rarity a few times this week to learn more about her.” She paused to take a breath. “On the outside, she is a self-centered mare, whose wish to be like Canterlot nobility conflicts with her desire to share the fruits of her work with everypony. A pony whose social life focuses mostly on work, maintaining appearances and reputation.”
She took another breath and lowered her head while raising forehoof up to her heart. “But deep inside, she wants to have a friend, a vulnerable pony she can help, help give direction to. A calm pony who will understand her and is willing to listen.” She chuckled. “And maybe use her as a model for her work.”
Bright Eyes crossed her forelegs. “Let me guess. This pony is Fluttershy?”
Ditzy nodded. “Exactly. I believe that Rarity may be the best pony who can help Fluttershy with her current issues, and the other way around.”
“Perfect,” Vision said. Satisfied smile on his face. ”And the Apple family? Did they try to befriend Fluttershy ever since she helped them with the infestations?”
Ditzy shook her head. “After paying their debt, they see her more as a kind neighbour. Since their relationship is more like ‘a favour for favour’ exchange, I didn’t bother to get to know them better. Apple Bloom on the other hoof seems to get along with Fluttershy, but she’s as innocent as a filly can be.”
Vision and Eyes smiled. The stallion was the first to speak, “It seems everything is going smoothly. How about we get some ice cream after the work to celebrate? I’ll even throw in a bit of my blood as icing.”
“I’m not sure it’s time to celebrate just yet,” the mare said as she pointed at her daughter, who tapped her forehooves together while sadness was clearly visible on her face. “Is there something you would like to tell us?”
Ditzy nodded; her ears dropped as she spoke in sorrowful tone. “Fluttershy already met Dash’s parents and Apple Bloom’s family, and now she interacted with Rarity’s family. I believe something in her changed after this event, because she made up a harsh decision.”
“Harsh?” Bright Eyes said, now looking at her daughter with growing curiosity. “Please, continue.”
“Fluttershy had two friends in her previous life, and ever since she started over as a filly, she was still writing letters to her old friends as Flutterbat. It has been many years since she sent those letters.”
Bright Eyes sighed. “This is the curse of having a long life. We need to burn bridges behind us before we can make new ones.” She gave a quick kiss to her husband’s neck. With growing concern, she lowered her head and looked Ditzy in the eyes. “And what was her decision?”
“To fake her funeral.”
Both parents took a step back, staring at their daughter in shock. Bright Eyes smiled and said, “If this is her wish, we should do our best to assist.” She raised to her full height.
“Mom.”
“Y-yes?”
“Can I please stop spying on everypony? I know that it is important to keep Fluttershy safe and check on her well being, but I don’t feel good about it,” Ditzy said as she lowered her head and rubbed her foreleg. “I know I have a gift… that I’m a good judge of character, but I feel bad abusing it like that.”
Vision looked at his thestral wife with a questioning stare, who nodded weakly before saying to her daughter, “Yes, you can stop.”
Ditzy’s wings straightened upward as she raised her head. “R-really?”
Bright Eyes nodded. “I believe it is time for us to withdraw from the scene. Mistress Fluttershy has a new home, sources of bits and blood, and she regained her power. Her depression is gone, she has suppressed her trauma, and she is slowly opening to others.”
She placed each forehoof on her husband and daughter. “In a year or two, she will meet other purebloods who will acknowledge Ponyville as her territory, and she will start leading a clan of her own.”
“But… will she be safe? I don’t like spying on others, but I don’t want my friends to be in danger even more,” Ditzy said, suddenly regretting her previous wish.
“I believe we have done more than enough. We will step aside… at least until Mistress Fluttershy will be ready to create her own clan and invite us to be part of it. For now, it is time we let Fluttershy forge her own path.” She embraced Ditzy, holding her against her own chest while adding her wings into the hug. “Don’t be sad. I am sure that other purebloods will help her more than we ever could.”
The rain outside the chapel fit the mood perfectly for not just the atmosphere of the funeral, but also the hearts of Sunflower and Little Seed. It had been heartbreaking to know that their friend had passed on, but to see her inside a coffin, smiling as if she was deep asleep, was too much for them to bare. No eyes were dry in the pews that stood before the deceased while the minister continued his speech. Sunflower and Little Seed, looked around, noticing that there weren’t many ponies attending. One of them, Ditzy Hooves, had introduced themselves as distant relatives of Flutterbat. It was strange that she never talked about her family, but it was the last thing on their mind.
“... thus as Ms. Flutterbat’s soul ascends into Elysium, we must not mourn that she is gone, but celebrate that she has lived a long life filled with joy and happiness,” finished the minister on his podium. “If anypony would like to come forward and say final farewells to Miss Flutterbat, now is the time.”
In attempt to be polite, the two friends decided to wait until the rest of the relatives had gone up to say their peace to Flutterbat’s body. Holding their hooves together, they continued to stare at their departed friend who wore a light mint green dress with red stripe down the sides. Her folded hooves held a single red rose, different from the dozens of lilies that surrounded the oak casket with red velvet cushions. Her smile was peaceful, but held a sadness to it that only made them cry harder.
They had demanded to know how long she had been sick, and it had turned out to be for months. According to what Derpy said, Flutterbat did her best to ensure that her friends were unaware of her condition until she would either recover or die. Although the two of them were angry after learning about this, they were even sadder to know that they weren’t with their friend in her final moments. From what was said, she died peacefully in her sleep.
Finally, after Ditzy Hooves walked away from the casket, it was their turn. Carrying the items they wanted to give their friend, they walked over to the casket and stared at their friend for the first time in a year and a half, while also the last time ever.
“H-hi, Flutterbat,” whispered Sunflower, who was finding it hard to stand. Her shaking knees would have collapsed if it wasn’t for the support of her friend. “I... I’m so sorry we weren’t there for you in your final moments. Why didn’t you tell us you were dying? Why let us find out like this?” She sniffed and rubbed her eyes. “I guess you didn’t want us to worry, huh? That’s so like you.” She pulled out a bouquet of flowers and gently placed them between Flutterbat’s hooves. Looking at her peaceful friend, she leaned down and nuzzled her forehead. “I just hope wherever you are, you’re at peace. Goodbye.”
Sunflower turned away and ran back to her seat in tears as Little Sun walked over and placed two objects in the coffin. The first was a small bag of bird seed, the same kind he used to give her in the old days. The second was a picture of the three of them, celebrating Flutterbat’s birthday a few years ago.
“Hey, Flutterbat. Guess you’ve gone to the big clouds in the sky, huh?” asked Little Seed, doing his best to keep calm. He tried to find the words to say something, but every time he opened his mouth, he just closed it a moment later. Finally, he shook his head and nodded. “You were one of the bestest friends I’ve ever had. I bet you’re up there taking care of animals like always, huh? Well, maybe when we die and meet you again, you’ll show us around the place?” He sighed before lowering his head and kissing her forehead. “Goodbye, Flutterbat. I’ll miss you.”
As he walked away, he didn’t see the small set of tears that dripped down the face of the ‘deceased’ pegasus.
***
Nopony said anything as the closed coffin was lowered into its grave, a thud echoing as it reached the bottom. One by one, the attendants threw flowers into the hole before walking away as it was covered in dirt.
Inside the coffin, Fluttershy held the precious gifts her best friends had given her and cried into her pillow. For one brief moment, she wished she could just pop the lid open and tell them the whole truth.
Yet all she could do was lie down and cry. Cry for her old life which now officially ended. Fluttershy’s life, however, had to continue. All she could do was wait for the diggers to come bring her out, and leave her empty grave forever.
Rays of the sun radiated warmth over Rarity’s face as she trotted through Ponyville with dignity and grace. With her eyes closed and nose proudly raised, she carried two spa coupons by her side using her levitation.
She slowly opened her eyes and noticed a few of the ponies and future customers waving their hooves at her in a greeting gesture. She gladly returned the wave and smiled, her teeth shining brightly under the sunlight.
“What’s up?” a relaxed voice caught her attention. Rarity looked up for the source and noticed a multi-colored tail emerging from behind a white cloud. “Wait, don’t tell me. You’re taking Flutters on another boring trip to the spa. Am I right, or am I right?”
Rarity restrained herself from frowning. It was her day off from work after all, a relaxing wonderful sunny day that one annoying weather manager wasn’t going to ruin. “Boring? Oh no no no, I can assure you, Rainbow Dash, the spa is anything but boring,” she said with her usual graceful tone. She quickly hid her teeth as her smile turned into a smirk. “You should, perhaps, try it sometime. A hot sauna and a mud bath would relax you after your numerous training regimens, and your hooves just beg for a good hooficure.”
Much to Rarity’s surprise, she didn’t receive the usual, ‘Nah, I’ll pass’ line after which the pegasus would fly away with admirable speed. Instead, Rainbow Dash just rolled around from her sleeping position and looked from behind the cloud.
“I’ll never understand what Fluttershy sees in you and your once-a-week spa treatments. She prefers the quiet of her home and the company of her animals rather than going out in public,” Dash said before jumping from the cloud, slowing down with a few flaps of her wings just before hitting the ground. Now standing in front of the unicorn, she continued, “how and why she became your friend is beyond me.”
Rarity giggled. “That is very simple. The poor dear is like a flower seed, hiding from others and afraid to grow. But with a bit of care and encouragement, she will grow into a beautiful flower and spread her petals.”
Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow before following Rarity on her way to Fluttershy’s cottage and stated, “You just like to make her your personal model. Isn’t it, like, her third time this month?”
Rarity frowned as she sped up her pace, her head turning away from the following pegasus. “How dare you accuse me of becoming friends with Fluttershy for such a selfish and shallow reason. I mean… sure, she helps me represent my fashion lines from time to time, as long as it is only for one pony, and can stand still patiently for a few hours, but… did I say something funny?”
Dash chuckled before shaking her head. “Nah, you just take my jokes so seriously that it tends to be funny.” Her gaze hardened as she shot Rarity a serious glare, which in turn made the fashionista step to the side. “Listen, Rarity. I’ve known Fluttershy for a long time, and I know that she need friends and nice ponies to talk and spend time with. I’m grateful to you for being her friend, I really am. But...” she said, her voice suddenly hostile, “she’s taking going out in public very harshly, and I can see how she struggles to spend time with you whenever you take her places crowded with ponies. If I find out that you hurt her feelings, I’ll...”
Dash took a deep breath, her stare relaxing as she forced a smile. “Anyway, I wish you and Flutters a relaxing day, have fun. Just don’t make her stay outside for too long in this weather. She... doesn’t like the heat. See ya.”
Rarity blinked a few times in confusion as the pegasus flew away. She didn’t really know much about Dash and didn’t necessarily consider her a friend yet, but ever since she became friends with Fluttershy, that rainbow-maned pegasus was bumping into her quite often for a small talk. If I didn’t know better, I would think that Dash is Fluttershy’s overprotective older sister, Rarity thought before continuing her walk.
After finally reaching the cottage, Rarity knocked and waited for Fluttershy to open the door. With a few glances, she looked around at the fauna and flora. Ferrets and rabbits were peeking out from their dens, duck families swam through a small stream, and birds sang in serene tweets and squawks. The fashionista had to admit, while maybe this location wasn’t the most innovative and fashion-forward, it sure had its charm. A single picture taken from a distance would look like an art of nature or cover for a storybook.
Her ears quickly perked up at the sound of opening door as it slowly revealed part of a yellow pegasus with a long pink mane.
“H-hello?” Fluttershy asked as she peeked from behind the door, before opening it slightly further. “Oh, hello Rarity,” she added with a cheerful smile, and gestured with her foreleg to enter inside. “Would you like some tea?”
“Oh, yes. Your tea is simply divine,” Rarity said before handing the pegasus mare her spa tickets. “However we must refrain from staying too long. I already planned a relaxing day with many places for us to visit, and those spa coupons are for specific hours. I hope you understand.”
Fluttershy nodded, not showing even a slight amount of disappointment. “Of course not, I wouldn’t want to keep the spa ponies waiting. Make yourself comfortable.”
Rarity nodded and sat on a pillow in front of small table in the middle of the room. “But of course.”
“Thank you for the coupon, Rarity, it’s so very nice of you,” Fluttershy said as one of her bird friends carefully took the coupon from her wing and placed it inside a saddlebag that laid next to the entrance, filled and ready in advance.
“You are quite welcome,” Rarity responded as her friend went into the kitchen to prepare the tea. While waiting, she took off her saddlebag and levitated it next to Fluttershy’s as she examined the room. She quickly noticed a few mice eating a piece of cheese next to a mouse hole, two birds nuzzling each other next to a birdhouse, and a small bunny who glared daggers at her from his basket filled with pillows. Around the fireplace was a sofa and some small tables. Rarity noticed that most of the room was filled with small birdhouses and tiny stairs for Fluttershy's animal friends. Her attention went back to the table that was placed on a carpet with two pillows next to it, something that the pegasus organized for Rarity ever since they became friends.
“Here you go,” Fluttershy said calmly as she placed two teacups onto the table with her wings.
Rarity carefully levitated the cup and took small elegant slips. She looked at the ceiling while taking additional one, doing her best to recognize the taste. “Jasmine?”
“Correct,” Fluttershy said before drinking it as well. After releasing a satisfied breath, she went on, “plus a few herbs that grow in the Everfree Forest.”
“Really?” Rarity asked, slightly taken aback. Reassuming her graceful posture, she said, “No wonder your tea is so special, nopony would dare go to that terrifying place to gather ingredients.” She looked at Fluttershy with worry. “Why are you going so often to that dreadful forest, darling? Aren’t you afraid of all the monsters?”
Fluttershy shook her head. “Not really. They may seem scary at first, but once you get to know them better, they turn out to be really cute and sweet.” The fashionista blinked several times in confusion. “Why are you looking at me like that, Rarity?”
The fashionista chuckled. “I just find it hard to believe that a pony who... how can I put it… can be so easy startled could go to such place. I still remember how one stallion approached you to ask for directions, and you immediately jumped into a bush.”
Both mares took more slips from the teacups, emptying them before Fluttershy went to the kitchen for refills.
Rarity looked at the floor for a moment, her expression more serious with every passing second. She slowly raised her head the moment Fluttershy returned with full teacups. “Fluttershy. We have been friends for a year and a half now, but I cannot shake the feeling that you are concealing something from me.”
The pegasus took a step back, the teacups sliding from her wing before she caught it with her hooves. She smiled awkwardly and replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Fluttershy took a few quick breaths. “I’m not hiding anything from you. What gave you that idea?” She curled back slightly.
Despite seeing distress on her friend, Rarity pressed the issue. “Yes, you do, darling. I believe that after so long, you can trust me enough to answer a few of my questions. Surely, I deserve to know.”
Fluttershy gulped and looked to the side, her voice barely audible. “I… I can’t… this isn’t a good idea.”
Rarity titled her head to the side. “But why? Surely you can at least tell me something about your parents.”
“Rarity, please, this secr… parents?” Fluttershy paused.
“Yes. It has been one year, and I have never met your parents. You never mentioned them in a discussion before,” Rarity said before raising her foreleg, her tone much more firm and serious. “I also live on my own away from my parents, and I understand that it must be tough for you, but you’ve already had the pleasure of meeting mine. Would you be so kind as to tell me something about yours? Please?”
The pegasus on the other side of the table sighed in relief, but her peace of mind quickly vanished as she looked down at the floor. Her depressed smile laid hidden behind her mane. “I… I’d rather not.“
“Please,” Rarity said again, her voice filled with curiosity.
“They…” Fluttershy started, taking a deep breath. “They were very kind... My dad worked in a hospital while mom... was a dentist,” she said slowly, her voice hesitant while tears slowly formed in her eyes. “They always taught me… to be nice and help others… never retaliate if they are being mean or bully me.”
Rarity nodded with a cheerful smile. “See, was it that hard? They seem to be really good ponies with as kind a heart as yours,” Rarity said, before giving Fluttershy a questioning look. “Still, you keep saying ‘were’ instead of ‘are’... why?” Suddenly Rarity’s face became pale, her eyes widened and she felt dryness in her mouth. “They are…”
“No longer here,” Fluttershy added, sadness prevalent in both her expression and tone.
Rarity stared at her friend speechlessly. Was this the reason why Fluttershy moved from Cloudsdale, sealing herself in a cottage away from civilisation near a small town and avoiding everypony? Was this the reason why Dash was so overprotective? Rarity chuckled as she pointed at the watch on the wall. “Why, look what time is it! We must hurry to not miss our appointment at the spa.”
Fluttershy put on a fake smile before gathering her saddlebag and a hat that Rarity made for her as present a long time ago to replace the umbrella she usually used.
As usual, both mares were walking through the street towards the spa, passing buildings and ponies while Rainbow Dash ensured that the sun wasn’t a bother. While normally Fluttershy didn’t feel too comfortable when in public, this time she was more nervous than usual.
Step by step, the disguised thestral constantly looked behind her back, her ears perked up, receiving every little sound. Unable to ignore Fluttershy’s behaviour as her being her usual shy and scared self, Rarity asked, “Is something the matter, darling? You seem distressed.”
Fluttershy looked behind herself one more time and next back at Rarity. “I can’t shake the feeling… that somepony is following us.”
Rarity looked behind while scanning the area, noticing the same colorful houses she passed so often and very few ponies walking by, not paying them any mind. It was still early in the morning and streets were nearly empty, surely she would notice if somepony was following them. “I don’t see anything out of ordinary. You really need to learn how to relax. That is what the spa is for, after all.”
The thestral wasn’t convinced as she half closed her eyes, sharpening her stare as she focused on a small cart filled with vegetables. It didn’t take long before something blinked before her eyes, as if a shadow moved from the cart towards the alley. Some small leaves started floating despite the lack of wind. After pointing at the alley, Rarity rolled her eyes.
“I really think you are overreacting. It was just the wind.”
Fluttershy turned her head towards the spa that was getting closer with every step while her ears were straightened. No matter how much she tried, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched.
Rarity stopped in front of the door and turned around, her attention focused on her friend who was carefully scanning the area once again. “Come on, darling, we’re going to be late.”
***
A mysterious figure, wearing a dark robe covering him from top to bottom while hiding most of his face from the world, peaked from behind a building, observing the entrance to the spa with full interest. Much to his satisfaction, the pegasus lowered her guard and entered the spa hesitantly. Smiling, he placed his hooves on the ground as a dark aura surrounded them, small stones near them started to shake and next bounce on the ground. A little trail of dark magic and cracking ground made its way towards the spa as quiet cold chuckle followed.
“The usual,” Rarity said as two spa earth ponies nodded, quickly putting their saddlebags and hats into a locker-room. Most of the time, Fluttershy barely looked from behind her mane or raised her voice whenever encountering other ponies, no matter how kind they were. But not today.
“Please follow me, Fluttershy,” Rarity said encouragingly with a gesture of her hoof before one of spa ponies would decide to pull her in.
Fluttershy followed very slowly with her ears still on guard. Her anxiety growing with every step. After taking a deep breath, she spoke, “Rarity, did you feel something?” Noticing that her friend looked back at her with confusion, she poked the floor and added, “Something is wrong. Can you feel the floor quaking by your hooves?”
Rarity looked at her hooves for a moment before shaking her head. “Not really. You need to learn how to relax. It is not healthy to be tense all the time, darling,” she said as the glass door to the sauna closed behind her.
Fluttershy flinched as fumes in the form of a deep fog streamed into the room. She slowly sat and released her breath as a warm smile grew across her face. “I’m not tense… all the time.”
“Well, you are whenever you are outside of your cottage. I can understand that you feel nervous around others, but you never have this problem when with your animal friends.” Rarity chuckled and added, “I knew one or two ponies who would never dare to come close to a bear, and yet you are not afraid to check his teeth and throat.”
“Harry isn’t scary at all. He’s a real sweetheart when you get to know him and he loves my massages.”
“I don’t doubt that,” Rarity responded before rubbing her chin in contemplation. “What I’m trying to say is, some ponies are afraid of spiders and snakes while you get along with them just fine. You seem to avoid ponies just as much. Shutting yourself away from others will just make everything worse.”
As the silence lasted for several seconds, Rarity sighed before pointing out, “And what about your friend, Dash? You are not afraid of her.”
“She was my friend since we were fillies. We attended the same classes, and she protected me from bullies.”
Rarity giggled at this new development. “Oh, a childhood friend. She must be like an overprotective older sister to you.”
“...”
“Such a pity that Dash is not a stallion. Surely a special somepony would help you open to others and find joy in life.”
Fluttershy blushed. “S-special somepony? I don’t… I mean…” she squealed.
“I am just teasing, darling. Take small steps and you will get there one day. However, there is something I don’t understand. May I ask you a question?”
“Of course,” Fluttershy responded.
“Let’s assume, hypothetically that is,” she started, “that you fall in love with a stallion.” She moved slightly towards her friend, whose blush wasn’t visible among the steam. “What kind of features would you like to see in a special somepony? What kind of character would be the stallion of your dream?”
“Special somepony… of my dreams…” Fluttershy responded as her ears flattened. She looked around in the fog as she thought of how to answer, when suddenly her ears and wings perked up as the floor started to tremble.
Rarity felt the trembling under her hooves growing in strength as she lost her balance, now lying on her side. She heard a weak thump, followed by Fluttershy’s yelp. “Do not panic Fluttershy, it is just a little quake... nothing to be worried about.” The trembling became stronger and stronger. “It will be over soon,” Rarity added before her body started to bounce from place to place, quickly slamming against a wall. With her head landing against a seat, she said with fear in her voice, “Okay, now is the time to panic!”
Rarity quickly stood up on her hooves as the fog in the room became extremely dense, the result of a broken underground pipe which protruded from a new hole in the floor, sending water onto the hot coals. “Fluttershy, where are you?” she asked while struggling to walk on the cracking floor when a loud noise of shattering glass reached her ears.
“Over here!” Fluttershy’s voice reached Rarity before she felt two hooves pulling her by a foreleg. Rarity yelped as she trotted on her other three legs, only to stop two seconds later as a very loud crash and the scream of her friend caught her off guard. The two hooves that just moments ago pulled her towards the exit now released her foreleg. Despite barely seeing anything in the stream, touching the ceiling fragment in front of her told her enough.
“Fluttershy!” she screamed, trying to dig into the rubble blindly, but her efforts were stopped the moment the crumbling ceiling buried them alive. The sudden pain didn’t last long as everything turned dark.
***
Fluttershy’s POV
***
This isn’t good, Fluttershy thought as she spread her wings and flew up slightly. Her ears captured hundreds of cracking noises as she sensed the floor, walls and ceiling tearing themselves apart. Whatever this earthquake was, natural or artificial, it was indeed powerful. Despite the fog, she quickly sensed Rarity’s presence, who started to walk shakily towards a wall.
Not wasting a second, Fluttershy tensed her muscles as she slammed herself against the door, shattering the glass, allowing quick access to the other room.
“Fluttershy, where are you?”
“Over here!” she replied, quickly flying towards Rarity as she captured her foreleg. With quick flaps of her wings, she pulled the unicorn through the fog. When suddenly something pressed her to the floor with great force.
Pain. Such a simple word representing something that every living creature tried to avoid. Something that Fluttershy now experienced in massive amounts. Outside of the bone crushing weight above her head, she could feel something stuck in her foreleg and blood rapidly escaping from it.
Her vision was covered and she barely felt space to move a muscle.
“Rarity!” Fluttershy said as she gritted her teeth, struggling against the weight. There was no time for self pity when an innocent pony’s life was in grave danger. The weight on her back started to move slowly as she gained distance from the ground, inch by inch, her legs raising while her mouth refused to scream. With one solid action, Fluttershy pushed the rubble of off her back, only for rays of the sun to assault her eyes.
She covered her face with both her mane and undamaged foreleg before a few clouds blocked the light.
“Fluttershy!” Dash yelled as she landed in front of her, dust from the rubble spreading around her hooves. Rainbow Dash’s eyes quickly widened and her facial expression turned pale in an instant.
Fluttershy looked around and examined the situation as the steam from under the rubble started to spread, quickly noticing that she now stood on ceiling fragments of the spa, the building nearly leveled to the ground. She could see a large crack going through the road with the spa in the middle while jagged stones shot upward in many points. Luckily, the homes on both sides of the road were not affected too much as the epicenter of the earthquake had to be near the spa. That’s odd. Either I have the worst luck in the world, or something unnatural caused this earthquake, Fluttershy thought before noticing pale expression on her friend who pointed at her foreleg.
Fluttershy looked in the pointed direction, only to gasp upon seeing her own knee impaled by a broken pipe, half of it covered in blood. She quickly closed her mouth and looked at the sharp object with determination. I have no time for this. She raised her head and commanded firmly, “Dash, pull it out,” before gritting her teeth. Her mind prepared for the pain to come.
“B-but…”
“Hurry!”
Dash did as she was told, only to hear a noise of splattering blood and the pipe slamming against the rubble. Her body shivered as a chilling cold ran through her spine.
Fluttershy refused to scream as her feathery wings suddenly transformed into batlike ones, her ears grew in size and two sharp teeth became much longer and sharper. Pupils became draconic and her cutie mark changed from butterflies to bats. Her eyes quickly flashed in a strong red as blood that covered the rubble and pipe started to gather together, slowly levitating towards Fluttershy’s knee in one thin stream. The bone regrew, the wound closed, and her fur regenerated. Whatever bruises she had disappeared too.
With wounds recovered, Fluttershy started sniffing.
Rainbow Dash asked, “Where’s Rarity and the spa ponies?”
Catching the scent of blood from several different sources, Fluttershy pointed her hoof at specific points in the rubble. “I smell two ponies over there and I can hear their hearts beating. Can you dig them out?”
Dash saluted, “On it!” before flying around in circle, creating a small tornado that sucked away dust, steam and small rubble like a vacuum. After gaining more visibility, she landed and started digging with her hooves.
With Dash busy, Fluttershy flew towards the blood scent she knew far too well, her hooves digging in like a drill until a violet mane captured her eye. With one solid kick, the ceiling fragment, the size of four ponies, flew to the side, exposing a nearly crushed body covered in a mixture of dust, rubble, and blood.
Fluttershy’s legs trembled. It was one thing to see her own wounds that could heal quickly, or to see blood on ponies she never met or knew, but the view of a friend in such a state was heartbreaking. Her heart started to beat rapidly and tears slowly formed in her eyes. Not wasting a moment, she licked the wounds, her saliva closing them in an instant while her ears were monitoring Rarity’s heartbeat. If there was anything that prevented Fluttershy from bursting into a stream of tears, it were slight signs of life her senses detected and the fact that Rarity couldn’t experience pain in her current unconscious state
The heart beat slowed down as Fluttershy detected a huge amount of internal injuries, many broken bones and congested veins, unable to transport blood where necessary. While thestral saliva had extremely strong healing effects, it could only work on external injuries. There was only one option left to save Rarity.
Fluttershy took a step back and shook her head. She swore to her parents that she would never do that, to never use the ancient power of pureblood to turn a pony, nor any other living creature, into a thestral.
Rarity’s breathing and heart beat became slower and slower with every second as the pureblood could not just see, but feel her friend passing away. Every bit of blood that flowed slower and slower, delivering less and less oxygen to the brain, the pressure in many veins blocking its path. She could sense it.
“T-there’s still hope!” Fluttershy said as she grabbed Rarity’s crumbling body into her embrace, sinking two sharp teeth into her neck. She could feel her own blood injecting into the target, flowing through it with one single objective. Please, heal quickly, Fluttershy thought as she pushed herself away from her friend’s neck, quickly licking the wound.
The plan was simple. If she sucked the blood she injected back in time before it could spread and start the transformation, she could save Rarity without turning her. Her teeth aimed at the neck while her eyes scanned the body. She could sense the running blood, blocked areas opening, and fractured bones slowly mending.
Faster.
More seconds that seemed like minutes passed as the blood started to spread across the body, stabilizing Rarity’s condition. Without a moment to waste, Fluttershy bit her friend’s neck while her eyes flashed, her mind focusing on separating her own blood from Rarity’s… fruitlessly. Fluttershy’s eyes opened widely and watered as she kept calling for her blood to return to her, but with no avail.
After taking out her fangs and licking the wound, she gently placed her friend on the rubble while teardrops fell onto Rarity’s cheek. Despite all her power that saved her friend’s life, it was powerless to undo her transformation.
“Fluttershy!”
In an instant, two earth ponies were placed next to Rarity, their breath slow and bleeding wounds all over their bodies. Fluttershy shook her head as her glare hardened. With a swift move, she pierced her own foreleg with her teeth as her eyes flashed in red. A small stream of blood escaped her body and rushed to the spa ponies like tiny lasso, taking out wood, metal and glass fragments stuck in the wounds. The blood returned to her body once the job was done as Fluttershy licked some of the clean bruises. She left a few smaller injuries as it would be very suspicious that a pony would get out of such an accident unharmed.
“Are they going to be okay?” Dash asked with a firm tone while looking between her friend and the ponies lying on the ground, but Fluttershy could easily catch uncertainty and fear in her voice.
Noticing the nod, Dash beamed before hovering in mid air, her forelegs crossed. “Great job Flutters. Just like in flight camp,” Dash said before smirking. “I really don’t get why anypony would be afraid of you. It’s so lame that you must hide how awesome you really are. Just think how much heroic stuff you could do with those powers.”
Fluttershy lowered her head as she grabbed Rarity between with her forelegs, her ears shooting upward as noises of incoming ponies captured her attention. “Dash, they can’t see Rarity!”
“What, why?” she asked, landing in front of her thestral friend.
“I had to turn her… I didn’t want to do this, Dash, but I couldn’t let her die,” Fluttershy said with panic as she took a few hyperactive breaths. ”If they find her before the transformation is complete, they may find out that she is a thestral, or worse, they will assume she is dead and bury her. I can’t let Rarity hide from her family for centuries!” Fluttershy concentrated on transforming back, her ears and wings quickly turned back to her pegasus guise.
The steam surrounding the area started to vanish, spreading in all directions without Fluttershy’s influence. Dash nodded and grabbed both her friend and Rarity before dashing into the air, ignoring confused stares.
“Rainbow Dash?” somepony asked.
“It was Rainbow Dash, I’m sure,” another one said.
The curious crowd quickly ran onto the rubble and started to dig while a few ran towards spa sisters who lay unconscious in the middle of the dilapidated street, their bodies covered in a few bruises and small wounds, but nothing serious.
“They’re alive,” the female pegasus said as she checked the pulses of the unconscious ponies. “Rainbow Dash saved their lives!”
“Are you sure it’s a good idea?” Dash asked while looking from the window. Ever since the spa incident, she and Fluttershy kept Rarity hidden in the cottage until her transformation was complete. She had already followed Fluttershy’s instructions about informing the spa ponies: Lotus Blossom and Aloe, that she was the one who rescued everypony from the crumbling building. Luckily they bought the story about Fluttershy shutting herself in her cottage to calm herself down after the terrifying event. Convincing them that Rarity took a ten day long vacation away from Ponyville was even easier.
Ever since that incident, Fluttershy had many worried visitors for the past nine days checking on her, and hiding Rarity’s unconscious body wasn’t a simple task. “I can see it now,” Dash started. “Hello Rarity, nice day we’re having. A wonderful sunny day that will make you feel weak and miserable. Are you hungry or thirsty? We have plenty of volunteering animals you can suck blood from.”
Fluttershy didn’t look away from her sleeping friend who started to wriggle on the sofa, ropes somewhat restraining her movements. The transformation process was nearly over, and best of all, Rarity was saved from the unpleasant experience of digging herself out from her own grave. “It won’t be easy for her, I know, but we’ll help her get through this, right, Dash?” she asked while giving her friend a pleading look.
“Fine,” the pegasus said with a frown, “but I don’t like the idea of letting her drink my blood. I mean, you can drink it anytime you want, Fluttershy, and I know that you would never hurt me or drink too much.” She pointed her foreleg accusingly at Rarity. “I can’t be sure about her though. Also, how’s she gonna hold-up under the sun? She’s not a pureblood like you, after all.”
“I never turned anypony before, so I don’t know. I saw some of my parent’s servants walking around town while wearing a coat, or a very large hat and something to cover their back and legs. I think nopony will find it suspicious if Rarity starts wearing things like that.”
Dash chuckled. “You mean Ponyville’s number one fashion mare walking around in a coat or giant hat? Nope, nothin’ out of the ordinary.” She turned back to look outside, only to notice somepony approaching. If memory served her right, she could instantly tell who the orange pony was. “It’s AJ. She has a basket filled with fresh apples. Didn’t she visit you a few days ago?
Fluttershy rubbed her chin with her wing as she looked around. A small bottle of blood was on the table along with a few ropes tying Rarity in place. She looked at Dash with panic. Moving her now was way too risky. “Can you keep Applejack away from the cottage? It’s very important.”
“On it,” Dash said with a firm stomp before walking outside. The door behind her closed and the windows shut. She walked towards Applejack, ready to intercept the farm mare with any trick she had at her disposal. As the distance was shrinking, she thought of a plan. After thinking over her previous encounters with the farm mare and what she learned about the Applejack’s stubborn, prideful, and competitive nature, she smirked.
“Howdy Dash, checkin’ on Fluttershy, Ah see. Ya sure care a great deal ‘bout her,” Applejack said as she stopped in her track and presented an apple. “Hungry?”
“A little,” Dash responded and gratefully took the apple towards her mouth, taking a small bite. After a quick gulp, she asked, “What brings you here, AJ? If you’re worried about Flutters, I just checked on her and she’s fine. Busy, but fine.”
“That’s good to hear,” Applejack said as she walked by the pegasus, who quickly followed.
“Wanna race to Sweet Apple Acres? No wings.”
“Ah sure do, sugarcube, just let me deliver these,” Applejack responded.
“You want to sell those apples, or are they a gift?”
Applejack growled, her expression serious. “Sell! To a traumatized pony? F’course it’s a gift. Who do ya think Ah am?”
“Then allow me,” Dash said as with a swift action, she stole the basket from AJ’s back and flew into the cottage. Applejack was about to run, but her pegasus friend landed in her way a few seconds later. “Fluttershy is very grateful for the apples and wishes you a nice day, but she really doesn’t want to be interrupted. Sooo… wanna hang out?”
Applejack raised an eyebrow before looking at Dash suspiciously, her muzzle pressed against the pegasus’ one. “Is that so?” she said as her glare sharpened as if trying to pierce Dash’s very soul. “Yer not tryin’ to trick me or anythin’, are ya?”
“Of course not,” Dash responded, sweating. This wasn’t how she imagined this talk to go in her mind. “So, about this race. We can always have a hoof wrestle or challenge each other. Unless you’re a chicken.”
Applejack frowned. “Yer actin’ a mite suspicious, Dash. Are ya tryin’ to stop me from seein’ Fluttershy? Did somethin’ happen to her?”
Noticing that Applejack now looked at the cottage and bent her legs as if ready to gallop at any moment, she decided to play honest. And if that didn’t work, she could always grab Applejack and fly back to Sweet Apple Acres. It would still be better than explaining why Rarity is still in Ponyville, not to mention tied to Fluttershy’s sofa.
Dash took a deep breath and said, “Fine… I’ll be honest.” Seeing how Applejack’s muscles relaxed, she continued, “Fluttershy asked me to keep anypony from visiting her.”
“She did… why?” Applejack asked, taken aback.
“Rarity is back… She’s shaken up from her near death experience and wants to spend a night with Fluttershy before returning home tomorrow. Just give them one day, AJ, okay?”
Applejack rubbed her chin while studying Dash’s features. “Ah believe ya, but Ah still find nothin’ wron’ in checking on ‘em. A warm welcome won’t hurt.”
“Come on AJ, give them some space,” Dash responded.
Applejack half closed her eyes. “Ah’ll just say hello and welcome Rare’s back, how’s that bein’ a bother?” She pressed her muzzle against Dash. “Why can’t I check on ‘em, but you can?”
Dash bit her lips, looking to the side but not in her friend’s eyes. “Because… because I’m Fluttershy’s closest friend, and she asked for one day of privacy. Can't you just trust us and respect her wishes?”
Applejack stopped and frowned. It was true that she didn’t know Fluttershy and Rarity as well as Dash did. She sighed, “Fine Dash, ya win.” She turned around and walked away from the cottage before adding, “Still up for a race?”
“Always!” Dash responded as both mares galloped, leaving nothing but dust in their stead.
As both athletes saved their energy for the final sprint, going head to head, Applejack spoke, “May Ah ask a question?”
“Shoot.”
“You were near the spa when the quake happened, have ya seen anythin’ suspicious?”
“Suspicious? What do you mean?” Dash asked as she sped up a little.
Applejack increased her speed as well, trying to keep up. “Ah mean, did ya see anythin’ out of the ordinary? Ah know ya have good eyes, good enough to see a needle from ceiling of mah barn. Anythin’ catch yer eye?”
Rainbow Dash shook her head. “Not really. I was taking a nap on a cloud near the spa when noise from an earthquake woke me up and caught my attention. I rushed in the moment the spa started to fall apart. Why do you ask?”
Applejack frowned. “Think, Dash. Quake in the middle of Ponyville. Only one buildin’ damaged. Even Ah can see that it’s like oranges growing on an apple tree.”
“Now that you mention it… it seems kind of strange. But why the spa? If some powerful unicorn was trying to test a spell, why in the middle of the town? Also, the only ponies who were inside were the spa sisters, Flutters and Rarity. Why would anypony want to hurt them?”
“That’s somethin’ Ah wanna know,” Applejack answered before starting her sprint, Dash quickly following.
Much to Applejack’s disappointment, Rainbow Dash was quicker and she now stood with crossed forelegs. While she always had much more stamina and strength in her legs than the pegasus, in speed and agility she could barely compete. “Ya won this round, Dash.”
“Sure I did. Speed is what I live for,” Dash responded with smug on her face, doing her best to hide her worries. That was close. I’m lucky AJ always competes with me as if I was an earth pony. Should she not conserve her stamina and sprint early on, I would drop down from exhaustion trying to catch up.
“Ah bet ya can’t beat me in horseshoes.”
“It. Is. On!” Dash shouted.
Rarity’s POV
***
Was she dying or sleeping? It was very difficult to tell, as she was trapped in complete darkness. Rarity could feel a hollowness within her, pulsating continuously. Oddly enough, she would have thought that she may have been hungry - perhaps for roasted portabello or something of the like. But this was different. Different in a way that she couldn’t describe.
She could smell various scents and hear noises around her, but failed to recognize any of it. Suddenly, her nose honed in on a powerful scent of blood while heartbeats and the noise of several animals became very clear. Blackness was slowly replaced by a bright light as she blinked rapidly, though her vision was still quite blurry.
“Oh, you’re awake. I know you may be a bit confused at the moment, but I assure you, everything’s going to be fine.”
She ignored the voice as her attention was focused on the scent of blood. She tried to move, but couldn’t as something was holding her legs. “Release me this instant!” Rarity shouted as her vision improved slightly.
“Please stay cal–”
Rarity couldn’t explain it, but she grew very angry, being tied down like some savage beast. The more she struggled to get free, the worse her attitude became. She then felt a massive rush of energy flow through her body. With this newfound power, she ripped the harnesses from the couch posts, destroying them in the process.
Little did Rarity know that the power also came with other modifications. Her eyes changed from deep blue to vivid red, her teeth grew into fangs, her body’s fur grew, and her ears became longer and unnaturally pointed.
The posts removed, she fell onto the floor with the couch’s remains. As Rarity tried to get to her hooves, she felt another set press against her shoulders, pinning her to the ground. Her rage reaching new levels, she pushed herself off of the floor with such force that she sent her captor flying to the nearby wall.
Through all of this action, she wasn’t only getting aggravated like never before, but she was thirsty. Extremely thirsty. No mere cup of water was going to satisfy her, that much she knew. She needed something else. Something that she could not function without.
Blood
Her inner nature was telling her to find the nearest source of the red, iron substance and consume it. She sniffed, scanning the environment for a target, and then turned her head around and stared at her captor. A yellow batpony, who beared an impossible resemblance to one of her friends, minus the batwings, eye color, and oddly pointed ears.
Rarity didn’t have time to analyze the situation. She immediately gave into predatory instincts. Her prey was still recovering from the impact against the wall - an easy target. She bared her teeth and jumped into action. Literally.
Rarity jumped the distance between them, grabbed the other pony, and pushed her up against the wall, both of them now on their hind legs.
Rarity licked her teeth - her prize was a hoof away, and practically begged her to… to…
Rarity didn’t quite know what to do, but her body did that for her. On pure instinct, she lunged for the other pony’s neck, but was halted by two hooves pushing her chest.
“No… Please! Don’t!” Fluttershy was struggling to stop Rarity from biting into her, but the fashionista proved too powerful - she wasn’t expecting her to have such strength so early in the transformation. Her hooves were faltering. “Please… STO-” Her grip on Rarity’s chest slipped.
Rarity’s teeth sank into the side of her captor’s neck, the pressure stopping her scream in its place. She closed her eyes and began sucking.
Ambrosia on her tongue at long last.
She’s never been so satisfied from anything in her entire life. She sucked and sucked, and more and more of the warm, beautiful liquid went down her throat. It was pure bliss. Her prey stopped struggling and let her get the feed she needed, not that Rarity gave her a choice. Her body softened against her captor, no longer feeling the need to use such force anymore, and, likewise, her prey held her.
She continued for a little while longer, non-stop drinking of the amazing fluid her body needed. When she was full, Rarity opened her eyes. Pink mane, yellow fur, familiar body scent, bat wings, and pointed ears.
Pure shock took over her. She pulled her teeth out of its neck, and walked back. Rarity screamed upon the realization of what she had done.
Fluttershy slowly returned to her senses because of a loud noise penetrating her sensitive ears as her attention focused on her terrified friend. She rose back to her hooves and placed her foreleg on Rarity’s mouth. “Ssshhh… It’s okay, everything will be fine.”
The newly transformed thestral took a few rapid breaths before replying in panic. “Fine? Fine!” She pointed at bleeding wound on Fluttershy’s neck. “How is this fine?” She pointed at bat-like wings and long ears, “How are those fine?” Rarity quickly got up and walked to the side, trembling with every step. “And your eyes. Whatever happened to you! What happened to me?”
“I will explain everything, just calm down, please,” Fluttershy begged with a pout.
Rarity placed her forelegs on her head and closed her eyes as her mind was a huge mess. The moment she felt a gentle hoof on her shoulder, she slapped it away and looked at Fluttershy with hostility. “Leave me alone!” She pointed at the fangs. “Why do you look like... some sort of monster from a horror novel? Did you turn me into one too?” she asked before looking to the side, though not noticing any wings on her own back. She turned back to her former friend who curled her forelegs under her neck while her long ears dropped. If anything, she looked more like a scolded puppy rather than monster from a novel.
The silence lasted for a moment until Rarity sighed and stroked Fluttershy’s curled foreleg while looking at her apologetically. “I am sorry, darling. I did not mean to call you a monster. I was just... shocked and forgot about manners and tact.”
“It’s okay,” Fluttershy whispered with a hint of sadness before both mares walked towards the table in the middle of the room, sitting on opposite sides.
Calm and composed, Rarity cleared her throat and spoke, “Now that I am… in a more sane state of mind, I am willing to listen and give you the benefit of the doubt.”
“Oh, yes, of course,” Fluttershy said while massaging her neck. “First, I would like to say that I am really, really sorry for what I had to do to you. If there was another way, I would never resort to… this.”
The transformed unicorn lowered her head slightly and poked her fangs with her tongue. “You mean… turning me into a vampony? If that’s the case, shouldn’t I… dig myself from my own grave like many stories describe?”
Fluttershy nodded. “In some cases yes, but I couldn’t let them do that to you. After the spa incident, Dash told everypony that you went on vacation from Ponyville for ten days.”
“So Rainbow Dash is in this too? Is she vampony like you and I?” Rarity asked. She quickly corrected herself, “What am I saying? She has no trouble flying in the sun.” The fashionista rubbed her chin in contemplation before her ears twitched, her foreleg raising in realization. “Now I understand. She knows that you are a vampony, and, as a good friend, she is trying to support you. That explains the cloudy sky whenever you are outside. She must get a lot of complaints.”
“Not that many. I rarely go outside during the day,” Fluttershy said before giggling. “I told her many times that a hat is all I need, and that I can endure a bit of sunlight, but she does it for my comfort anyway.”
Rarity nodded with a weak smile, only to jump back from realization, her eyes wide and mouth agape. “Spa!” she said as memory of that day surfaced. “Did we...” Noticing a hesitant nod, she sighed and returned to her pillow. Rarity’s voice depressed as her eyes started to produce tears. “I understand…” Fluttershy rounded the table and embraced her friend, pressing Rarity’s head against her soft chest. As seconds passed while Fluttershy’s fur on her chest became wet, Rarity said with slightly muffled voice, “Does this mean… that I am undead… forever in your servitude?”
With a shake of her head and closed eyes, Fluttershy responded, “That would be a ghoul, and only if I used my blood and dark magic on a corpse. You aren’t undead because I injected my blood when you were still alive, and you’re not a ghoul because I didn’t use mind controlling spells or runes.”
Rarity pushed herself of Fluttershy’s chest and looked her in the eyes. “But… in the stories...”
Fluttershy smiled with understanding and lectured, “Rarity, some stories are based on facts, while others aren’t. Many who know about our existence think of us as cold-blooded undead who don’t belong to this world, that our souls passed away and just some blood sucking corpse remained. I never believed it.”
She put her hoof on her chest and continued, “We feel pain, experience joy and sadness, make choices. We have our regrets and dreams. The only thing that separate us from pegasi, unicorns and earth ponies is our different anatomy, strengths and feeding habits.” She smiled and asked, “Who would you rather believe? A book, or a an actual, living vamp… I mean thestral?”
“Y-you of course,” Rarity said with renewed determination before wiping tears from her face. “Still, if I am a regular vampony, does this mean that I will not see my reflection in the mirror?” she asked with a gasp, the very idea of not being able to see herself within her newest projects was unimaginable. “And what about the sun, will it burn me to ashes? Will the scent of garlic be too hard for me to endure? Can I turn myself into a bat? And what about food and drink, will it no longer have any taste and I will be forced to drink blood...?”
Fluttershy waited patiently for the avalanche of questions to end while several birds and squirrels under Angel‘s leadership brought two full teacups and a plate with cookies as they placed them on the table. Hearing endless questions coming from a newly transformed vampony, Angel rolled his eyes.
The fashionista took a break for breathing as Fluttershy said in a cheerful tone, “One question at a time please.” Noticing a blush on her friend’s cheek, she pointed at the tea and cookies and suggested, “Please, try for yourself.”
Rarity nodded before levitating a cup of tea with her magic as she took a few sips. While drinking it didn’t satisfy her still present thirst, it surely tasted good. She did the same with a cookie. “This taste… not as good as before, but still...”
Fluttershy nodded. “As a thestral, you can survive only on blood as a main food and power source, since our bodies cannot produce it anymore. We can also eat meat as most predators, as well as hay, cakes and other types of food that ponies eat.” She ate a cookie as well and took sip from her tea before continuing, “It may not taste as good as before since blood and meat are our main energy source though, and we must drink blood regularly. The stronger the thirst for blood, the less tasty other food types are. For a very hungry thestral, a delicious cupcake will taste just like water mixed with paper.”
“And the mirror?” Rarity asked with pleading glare. Her heart beating increasing with every passing second.
“Don’t worry about it. We don’t see our reflection only in our true forms, but we do when we are disguised as ponies. I will teach you how to hide your fangs, ears and predatory eyes and you’ll see yourself in the mirror again.”
“Really?” Rarity asked before Fluttershy’s wings caught her attention. “Well, not a big loss I suppose. And what about garlic?”
“With our very strong sense of smell, its scent is very unpleasant, same for onions. It’s not dangerous or anything, just very distracting and unpleasant.”
“What about the sunlight?”
“As a pureblood, I can stay under the sun for a few hours, but it weakens me greatly and is rather… unpleasant. Spending too much time under the sun can be dangerous and force me to drink more blood than usual to recover the damage. It’s similar to your case. The only difference is that as somepony turned into thestral, you can last under the sun longer and not weaken as much.”
“And immortality?”
Fluttershy shook her head. “This part is rather sensitive and should be left for another time.” Rarity was about to protest, but her friend’s hoof gesture stopped her as she pointed at watch on the wall. “It’s still very early, and Ponyville shouldn’t be too crowded. How about we sneak to your boutique? I’ll tell you more on the way.”
Rarity rubbed her chin as she considered her options. She was still a bit tired from this whole ordeal, but most of the confusion was gone, and she had basic understanding of her situation. If everypony thought she was on vacation... “One question, darling. You said that Dash told others that I went on vacation to recover after spa incident. How long?”
“Ten days,” Fluttershy responded as she walked towards Rarity, saddlebags and black coat in her wings. “The incident took place ten days ago.”
Rarity’s mouth opened widely. “Ten days!” For the past ten days ever since she nearly died, her friend kept her hidden in a cottage and watched over her. And what did she do in return? She drank her blood, ruined one of her couches, and called her a monster.
“Fluttershy,” she stated with the largest and most grateful smile she could muster, “thank you… for everything. You really are an amazing friend.”
“Y-you're welcome...” she responded, rubbing her foreleg nervously while blushing.
A minute later, Fluttershy -in pegasus form- was wearing a large hat decorated with feathers on it’s top. Alongside Rarity in a black coat, she went towards the boutique as the door to the cottage closed behind them.
Angel, who oversees other animals, now looked between the closed door and a bottle of blood that still lay on the table and facepalmed. He had served under powerful dark mages in the past. Many strong, wise and ruthless purebloods used his services. After so many accomplishments and flawless servitude under mighty masters, he ended up summoned by a soft, kind-hearted and distracted pureblood. How could he fall so low?
“So, one day you’ll be able to turn yourself into a bat?” Rarity asked with full interest before closing the door to her boutique while Fluttershy shut the curtains. Not wasting even a moment, the fashionista took off the black coat and placed it on the table as the very look of it caused her to shiver.
Rarity made a mental note to create a much more suitable one, or something better instead. Maybe a pink dress, long enough to cover my neck and back will do. Oh, and a very large hat of similar color… maybe a mix of purple and pink, with flowers decorating its top. And next, long pink socks to cover my forelegs. Yes, this should be both practical and fashionable, Rarity thought before climbing up onto her sofa as she perched herself on it comfortably.
Fluttershy put her saddlebag away and sat next to her friend before answering, “Maybe one day I will. While transforming between pony and thestral form is the most basic ability we gain on our birth, transforming into animals or even mist is extremely difficult to learn, and only a few centuries old pureblood thestrals managed to master it.”
Fluttershy smiled with determination and pointed at herself. “Now Rarity, watch me carefully.” With a bit of concentration and gritted teeth, the feathers on her wings were enveloped in a dark aura that disappeared a moment later, revealing bat-like wings. Her ears grew and her eyes changed their shape into dragon-like slits. A few seconds later the process reversed itself as Fluttershy was once again her pegasus self. She opened her eyes and smiled encouragingly. “Your turn, Rarity. Just focus as if you were trying to use your levitation and wish to look like a pony with all your will. It should come naturally.”
The fashionista did as she was told, sweat soon covered her face. Unlike in Fluttershy’s case, it took longer and the unicorn mare was breathing heavily as if she ran a marathon, but the result was the same. Before Fluttershy could even congratulate her friend, a small mirror passed her, levitating towards the unicorn, who, after examining her reflection, let out a long sigh of relief.
Fluttershy chuckled, only for a knocking noise to catch her attention. She and Rarity looked at the door with worry as they whispered in unison, “Oh no.”
The fashion mare looked at Fluttershy and asked, “What do we do?”
“Maybe somepony saw us entering here and wanted to make sure we’re not thieves. Just act like nothing happened, offer some tea, and if he or she invites you somewhere, politely refuse.”
Rarity nodded before whispering as they both approached the door, “Is this how you react to ponies who pay you a visit?”
Noticing her friend’s firm nod, Rarity focused on the door and slowly opened it with her magic while carefully peeking outside. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique where every garment is chic, unique and...,” she said, before looking around in confusion as outside of a few bypassing ponies waved at her, no pony stood near the door.
“Angel,” a voice behind Rarity called before a falcon with a bunny on its back descended to her head level. The fashionista flinched and hissed before regaining her composure as a small blush of embarrassment appeared on her cheeks. Fluttershy got between them and asked, “Why are you here?”
The bunny facepalmed again before pointing at a bottle of blood tied to the falcon. “Oh.” Without a moment to waste, Fluttershy untied the falcon and took the bottle, hoping that no pony would find a bird and bunny delivering red liquid to the boutique suspicious. “Thank you, Angel. What would I do without you?”
The bunny roleplayed falling and dying before poking his ride, who flew up and back to the cottage. Rarity closed the door and turned to her friend. “You have quite a resourceful bunny. You really trained him well.”
The pureblood thestral chuckled. “He is not a normal bunny, I can assure you. He’s my familiar.”
“Familiar?”
“That’s a story for another day,” Fluttershy responded as she placed the bottle on a nearby table that had a mirror on it. “Could you bring a cup, please? I’m sure you must still be very hungry.”
Rarity nodded and went to the kitchen before coming back with two empty glasses and some napkins levitating in her magic. If she was going to be a vampony, she was going to be an elegant and well-bred one. Both mares decided to walk into the kitchen and sit next to the table before taking a sip from the delicious liquid. Rarity had to admit, the blood tasted like a really high quality apple cider, though not as good as very old wine. “A very interesting taste.”
“Glad you like it. It may not taste as good as pony blood, especially sucked from the veins in one’s neck,” she said as images of Dash exposing her neck before saying line ‘bon-appetit’ flashed in her mind. “But I have plenty of it. My dear animal friends are very generous when it comes to feeding me.”
Rarity nodded in understanding, when suddenly her eyes opened widely. Animal friends… drinking blood from pony’s neck. She quickly looked around and asked, “Where’s Opal?”
The shy thestral stepped back from her seat, awkward smile on her face as drops of sweat fell from her forehead. “Oh, I completely forgot about her.” Upon receiving a frown from Rarity, she continued, “What I mean was… after I hid you in the cottage, I took Opal as well and tried to explain to her that you’re undergoing a transformation that will change your life. I usually keep her away from my mouse friends since she doesn’t always obey the rules, so she should be playing with the seals.”
“Oh…” Rarity murmured with hoof on her mouth while her friend approached the kitchen door. “Wait...”
Fluttershy looked back at her. “Don’t worry, I’ll bring Opal here, it won’t take long.”
Rarity cleared her throat with a cough. “I understand, but before you go, I have some questions. Important ones.” Noticing that her friend turned to her and sat, she continued, “Now since I am a vampony, is there any ritual I should participate in? Am I your servant? Do I need to pledge loyalty to you?”
Fluttershy shook her head and smiled cheerfully. “There’s no need for that. I trust you, Rarity, and I wouldn’t dare to restrain your freedom. Of course there is blood ritual where a thestral swear his or hers loyalty to a master, but I see no need for it. As for social standards, pure-blooded ones lead clans and have their own territory.” She took a quick breath and continued, “My territory will become Ponyville if I will get approval from other purebloods, and if this happens, all thestrals who live here will most likely join my clan. You can refuse if you wish though.”
Rarity smiled back. If she learned anything from vampony novels, it’s that the word of pureblood vampony is law, and her friend seemed very hesitant to pull her weight around. “Of course I will join your clan, darling. You saved my life after all. Still, this next question is… umm...”
“Don’t be shy, Rarity, I will answer anything,” Fluttershy said with a sense of deja-vu, how many times ponies told her to not be shy with asking questions.
“Well… when I bit you… and sucked your blood to satisfy my thirst…” she said hesitantly before noticing a large blush spread across her friend’s checks. “If one vampony drink blood of another, do this mean what I think it means?”
Fluttershy laughed awkwardly and looked to the side, her fore legs curled under her neck. “Well, in our culture, we drink blood of those who…” Her blush became even larger as she covered her face behind her hooves while her wings shot upwards, “we’re engaged in a relationship with.”
Rarity jumped back, quickly losing her balance. Her cheeks flushed crimson from the new knowledge. ”En-engaged?”
The awkward silence commented for several seconds until Rarity broke it. “Are there… any consequences for drinking… without being engaged?” Her friend murmured something to herself. “Would you speak louder, please.” Noticing a shake of disagreement, she pressed the issue. “Please Fluttershy. Be honest with me.”
“Trust me… it’s sometimes best not to know the truth,” Fluttershy commented, hiding half of her face behind her mane.
“Please…!”
Fluttershy sighed. “If a thestral of the same rank did something like this… it usually results in a fight, or at least a punch in the muzzle.”
“And if a turned vampony,” she pointed at herself and next at Fluttershy, “drank from a pureblood?” The pegasus hid her face behind her mane again and whispered something. Rarity stood back to her hooves and approached with her ear exposed as she said, “A little louder please.”
Fluttershy sighed again and said with heavy voice, “For drinking from a pureblood without permission, the punishment is a slow… painful… death…”
Rarity’s eye twitched.
She then laughed and walked backward. “G-good one, Fluttershy…”
The pureblood turned around, focusing on the door. “I’d better go get Opal...”
The fashionista didn’t blink until the door to the boutique closed with a creak from the locking mechanism. Feeling as if her muscles turned into jelly while her heart tried to escape her chest, she quickly stood on her rear hooves and lit her horn while placing a foreleg on her head dramatically. “Of all things that could happen, this is the worst… possible… thing!” With a sofa levitating beside her, she jumped backwards on it with great force. A loud cracking sound followed as it broke in half from the impact.
One could say that the weather team did a great job, clearing the sky as no cloud blocked the rays of the sun from shining upon Ponyville, allowing ponies to play around in this wonderful morning.
Clear sky, clean air, pleasant breeze and the sound of singing birds. What more one could ask for when strolling through Ponyville while greeted by the warm smiles of other citizens?
This one pony, however, would love to ask for nothing more than her hat or an umbrella as she was being drained of her stamina.
Under normal circumstances, Rarity would enjoy a morning stroll while seeking for inspiration, would it be between lines of colorful homes, or among nature while outside of her fort of fashion. For the past few weeks, however, she was forced to wear her newly made outfit to protect herself, and even while wearing it, the time spent outside was anything but pleasant.
To make matters worse, this time she wasn’t even given the privilege to put on her protective cloths as she was being pushed by the ever so energetic party mare, whose head was pressed against her back. Her sitting flank leaving a trail on the road leading from the door of her new home.
“I can walk, thank you very much,” Rarity commented as her horn lit, only for the aura to flicker and vanish. She bit her lips and renewed her attempt to use magic as baby-white aura appeared on her horn, her magic then capturing Pinkie Pie and levitating her to the side. Fluttershy warned me about the sun, but I didn’t expect it to weaken my magic after less than a minute, she thought before standing up to her hooves and walking forward, Pinkie Pie joining by her side. “Now then, Pinkie Pie, would you be kind enough to explain where are you taking me?”
“To the newly-opened nightclub in Ponyville of course!” Pinkie said enthusiastically. “Now, I know what you’re thinking. Why would I bring you to a nightclub in the morning? It’s a night club after all, so it should only be open for night parties, not day parties.”
“What I am thinking actually is, ‘why are you forcing me to visit this so called nightclub in the first place?’” Rarity responded, now looking at Pinkie Pie impatiently.
“Because I need your help, duuuh,” Pinkie said with roll of her eyes.
“And what kind of help do you require?”
“Well, to be precise, I am not the one who needs your help, but I know that you can help that specific new pony. It’s a kind of a funny short story, actually.”
Rarity massaged her forehead while walking on her three legs. An annoyed frown left her mouth. “Do speak on.”
Pinkie took a deep breath and spoke, “You see, just today I learned that a new pony was in Ponyville, and even better, she was moving to Ponyville, so here I thought, how about I make this pony a spectacular welcome party, but she told me that she already had it covered.” She finished to take another breath.
“What do you mean?”
“What I mean is that she asked me if we could organize a party together in her nightclub she was planning to open here in Ponyville, and that she will provide the music,” Pinkie said. “To be honest, I always organized welcome parties for new ponies, not the other way around, and I really want this nightclub to be a big success. The owner’s name is Vinyl Scratch by the way. Anyway, what I am trying to say is that I want to help to make this club a success, but while Vinyl said she’s great with music, and I am with parties and decorations, we aren’t all that good with fashion and stuff, and that club sure needs some renovation. And so I thought, Rarity is a ‘make everything look shiny and good’ pony, and here we are.” Pinkie stopped and gestured with her hoof over to a building in front of her, which was rather big for Ponyville's standards.
Rarity examined it, quickly noticing dust and small cracks covering the walls, while the building itself reminded her of an old storage unit. Lack of windows… surely a problem that needs resolving, and I swear that this grey color was originally white. A major cleaning is in order...
Before Rarity could finish her train of thought, she felt Pinkie’s head on her back once again as she was pushed inside through the double door. Now ending up in slightly darkened room with a few multicolored gems radiating over the area.
Much to her surprise, the inside was far more impressive than she had expected. Tablecloths covered several rounded tables which were located next to the walls, each one had a magical lamp of different colour, from green to red, while a few tables had prism lamps. A true wonder one could make with illuminating gems. The longest table was covered with plates filled with snacks and located near the exit. In the middle was a large opened area, while at the end of it was a tall platform with a large collection of music-related equipment.
“Are my eyes deceiving me, or is it the party animal herself?” a voice caught Rarity’s attention as she looked at the mare on the stage, a white unicorn with a mirror image of two bridged eight notes as her cutie mark. Two shades of blue decorated her mane and tail while purple-pink glasses were covering the unicorn’s eyes. “And in elegant company.”
“T-thank you,” Rarity responded with a weak blush.
“Hi again my dear old new pal, Vinyl ‘DJ Pon-3’ Scratch!” Pinkie said, waving her hoof energetically before pointing at the mare next to her. “Vinyl, this is Rarity, Rarity, this is DJ Scratch.”
“Sup?” Vinyl said before shaking Rarity’s forehoof energetically. She lowered her glasses and examined her with magenta-colored eyes. “Hmm…”
“Is something wrong with my face?” Rarity asked, raising her foreleg up to her chest while leaning her head back.
Vinyl shook her head. “Nah, it’s just that I saw you two days ago when I was on a stroll around Ponyville before finding this place and deciding to acquire it.” She chuckled. “You looked kind of neat in that pink dress of yours, very posh.”
“Why, thank you,” Rarity said with a warm smile.
“I have a friend of mine who would love to wear something like that,” Vinyl said before levitating a small bag of bits from her saddlebag over to the fashionista. “Can you make a copy for me? I want to give it to Tavi as a present.”
“You were here before and I missed on it?” Pinkie said with lowered ears and a pout on her face.
Rarity shook and examined the pouch of bits and its weight before shaking her head. “I can’t accept it. I have specific prices for the making of my products.”
“Oh,” Vinyl said before levitating over another two small bags of bits. “Will this be enough?”
Rarity pushed the bits away and frowned. “No.”
“You’re a hard bargain,” Vinyl said before levitating two more bags. ”But Tavi deserves a good dress, no matter the cost.”
The fashion mare massaged her forehead before answering calmly, “Listen Vinyl. I didn’t mean that my cloths are expensive. What I meant was that we should discuss things in more detail to determine the price.” She pointed at the levitating bags. “I was afraid that you were paying me too much by giving me just one of those. Do you always throw your bits around carelessly like this?”
“Pretty much,” Vinyl said and shrugged before levitating yet another bag of bits. “You’re a fair trading mare, I like it. Take all those with you as some extra, like keeping the change.”
Rarity took a step back and stomped. “No, I am not going to take anything extra. You already paid me twelve times the normal price for my best works.”
“I can pay fifteen times the price if you want.”
A loud groan filled the room.
***
Rarity crossed her forelegs and forcefully levitated five small bags of bits back into Vinyl’s saddlebag before picking up a specific amount of bits from the last one. I never expected I would willingly refuse so many bits for a single dress, but I suppose there is always the first time, she thought before returning the last bag, somewhat satisfied with her decision as she followed her own sets of rules where one should earn equal to hard work. “I will have it ready for tomorrow, however I will need to know the measurements of your friend, as well as the color of her fur and mane to make sure my creation won’t clash with her style.”
Before Vinyl could respond, Pinkie got between them and grabbed them by their shoulders. “Sorry for interrupting your argument, but we should focus on what’s important.” She released both mares and stood on her hind legs while spreading forelegs, “A paaarty!”
“Yeaaa!” Vinyl shouted as she jumped in excitement. “Oh, about that, you’re too late, Pinks. As you can see, this place is pretty much set,” she said while gesturing over the area before supporting herself against a table. “When it comes to running a nightclub, I know a thing or two,” she said while grinning and fixing her glasses.
“Not necessarily,” Rarity said as she pointed at the exit, catching attention of other mares. “It may look outstanding from the inside, but not from the outside. This place is very uninviting and lacks windows.”
“Oh yeah…” Vinyl said as she rubbed back of her neck with an awkward smile. “I knew I was forgetting something.”
Pinkie appeared atop Vinyl’s back as she supported herself against unicorn’s head. “That’s why I brought backup.” She pointed at the fashionista.
Rarity looked at Pinkie’s pleading face, wide eyes and pout on her mouth, only to notice similar one on the DJ. With a roll of her eyes, she gestured with her hoof for them to calm down and spoke, “Alright, I will see what I can do.”
“Yaaay,” Both Vinyl and Pinkie shouted energetically. The party mare lost her balance and fell onto her back the moment Vinyl galloped over to Rarity, bags of bits now levitating by her side. “And once you’re done, can I pay you extra?”
“What? No!” Rarity said in shock as she shook her forehoof.
“Awww…” Vinyl whimpered with disappointment.
Rarity sighed before walking towards the exit, only to stop in her tracks and look back. “Forgive me for asking, but do you have an umbrella or a large hat by any chance?”
“Sure,” Vinyl responded as she levitated over an umbrella with musical notes as decoration, before placing a set of spare sunglasses on Rarity’s muzzle. “I’ll come with you.” She turned to Pinkie and pointed at the table. “Maybe you can help by bringing some more snacks onto the dining table, Pinks.”
The party mare pulled a bag filled with sweets from her tail. “Already ahead of you. You’re dealing with a baker, after all, I have a trick or two in my tail.”
“Now that's my mare,” Vinyl joked before joining Rarity as they both walked side by side.
The moment both mares were outside and turned towards a wall, Vinyl whispered, “How does blood taste?”
“Quite satisfying,” Rarity responded before dropping the umbrella she levitated as her mouth opened agape. She slowly turned her head towards the grinning unicorn.
“Ha, I knew it!”
“W-what…?” Rarity said as she turned towards her companion. “What are you talking about?”
“No need to keep the act. A thestral can sense another thestral with ease even when they’re under a disguise,” Vinyl said before poking her in the nose. “Besides, asking for an umbrella in the middle of the day pretty much sealed it.”
“Oh…” Rarity murmured before looking around, making sure there were no witnesses to their conversation. Much to her relief, the area around this building seemed clear of bypassers.
Vinyl sat and levitated the umbrella above Rarity, who could notice bits of efforts from her face expression as rays of the sun affected her magical strength. “You seems surprised, I take it you’re a newbie.”
“Newbie?” the fashion mare murmured before raising her head arrogantly, frowning. “While I must admit that I was turned around four weeks ago, I find being called a ‘newbie’ quite offensive.”
Vinyl crossed her forelegs. “I can call you a rookie if you prefer.” Her words bringing even more annoyance upon Rarity’s face. “Anyway, I take it you were turned by Flutterbat. Has she made a clan yet?”
“Her name is Fluttershy,” Rarity corrected while holding a lecturing hoof up, her expression no longer annoyed. “And no, she has not formed one yet. Speaking of clans, which one you belong to?”
“To the best one, of course. I was part of the Canterlot clan, serving as entertainment for a noble pureblood family. You can say my job was to provide entertainment for their son and Canterlot snobs.”
“Snobs?!” Rarity said with a stomp. “How can you call the nobility like that? That is very disrespectful.” She took a slow breath and continued in calm tone, “What are your masters’ names, if I may ask?”
Vinyl wiped sweat from her forehead before shaking her foreleg. “What, and ruin the surprise? No way. You and Flutter will need to find out for yourself.”
“Surprise?”
“Yes, a surprise in the form of a secret meeting,” Vinyl said before opening her saddlebag and levitating a letter over to Rarity. “My boss asked me to deliver it to your boss, something about the date of a secret meeting in the ruins of an old castle in the dangerous forest near here, talks about territory, providing support and blah blah blah.”
“Ruins? What are you talking about? I never heard of such a place near Ponyville.”
“Neither did I,” Vinyl said, “at least until my former master told me about it. It's over a thousand years old.”
“Former master?”
Vinyl nodded before kicking a nearby pebble, which hit the wall while leaving a dent in it form the impact. “He kicked me out from his clan for…” She looked down at the ground while rubbing her chin. “Something about me acting before I think, having a big mouth and being a magnet for trouble. Can you believe it?”
Rarity felt a sudden rush of pity towards the pony in front of her. “I think I can. Sorry to hear that.”
“It’s okay. My former master got me this building so I can open a nightclub in Ponyville and stay here, lie low, and maybe return to his clan after things calm down a bit. Maybe I will join Flutterbat’s clan instead once she starts running one.” She smirked before showing her shining teeth. “I can provide a moral support. How does that sound?”
“Lovely,” Rarity answered with a hint of sarcasm, “I am sure Fluttershy will be overjoyed.” She took over the letter with her magic and examined it, finding it to look rather ordinary considering the mysteriousness of the sender. I suppose the charm of secret messages is that they don't stand out.
“Cool. Also, I’ve heard that Fluttershy’s family were one of my old master's friends.” Rarity took a step back as Vinyl placed a hoof on her shoulder. “I’m sure everything will turn out great.” Before the fashionista could say a word, she was grabbed by her shoulder. “How about you and I join the meeting and give her a moral support? I mean, meeting a nearly millennium old pureblood or two must be very overwhelming.”
Rarity didn’t bother to struggle, already used to the lack of personal space whenever being around Pinkie, no longer bothered by it as much as in the past. Vinyl has a point. We can’t leave her alone. “I absolutly agree,” she said before her ears straightened upward and a wide smile grew across her lips. “Would you mind if I ask you a question?”
“Shoot,” Vinyl said before placing Rarity in front of herself.
The fashionista rubbed her foreleg and looked to the side. “I know it is a difficult topic… something Fluttershy has been avoiding to talk about with me, but… as a fellow vampony… can you tell me, how do you handle immortality?” Upon not hearing any answer, she slowly raised her head, only to see empty space in front of herself. The noise of a closing double door reached her improved hearing. She turned towards the building she promised to help decorate as she angrily huffed.
Applejack galloped like there was no tomorrow. Her breathing was labored, but she didn’t dare to take a break. Her speed increased the moment Fluttershy’s cottage came into view. She turned her head towards the passenger on her back. “Hold on there Winona, we’re almost there, don’cha dare leave me now!”
The dog didn’t bark in response as she slowly closed her eyes. Her head pressed against her owner’s back while her thin legs hung from the sides motionlessly.
“Consarnit,” Applejack cursed as the rain was barely hiding her tears. “Help!” she shouted with all strength she had.
After a mere few seconds, the door to the cottage opened, revealing a confused pegasus who quickly raised her foreleg towards her mouth. Her ears tilted to the side while her face became pale. She quickly stepped back and gestured inside of her home.
Applejack didn’t stop running until she was inside, her wet fur and muddy hooves dirtied the floor. Much to her surprise, the pegasus quickly grabbed pillows from Angel’s basket and placed them on a sofa, only to do the same with Winona. “We were–” Applejack tried to explain the situation, but was quickly silenced by Fluttershy’s serious stare, something she’s never seen before. Ever.
The pegasus wasn’t bothered in the slightest by the small bleeding wounds that covered the farm mare as she spoke in a demanding tone, “Was the claw or sting poisoned? How much time has passed since this happened?”
“Chimera's claw struck her belly while the snake’s tail got her leg. Ah gave her antidote, but she–”
“I’m low on clean water and fresh bandages. Bring me ten bottles and two bandage rolls from the town. I should have all herbs and medical equipment in my supply closet,” she said before pointing at the opened door. “Please, hurry.”
Applejack nodded and galloped back into the rain. Despite the battle wounds she received and aching muscles after running for so long, she wasn't going to blow her only chance to save Winona.
Days had passed as Applejack, covered in bandages, waited with her family. Those were very hard days. Apple Bloom openly cried as she asked if Winona will be alright, to which Applejack responded that she trusts Fluttershy in what she was doing. With the gloomy atmosphere, both the farm mare and her brother didn’t feel like working too much in the field while anxiety rarely left their faces. From time to time, one of the family members would come to the cottage and their mood improved with each visit. Each time assured that Winona would survive as the dog slept peacefully in Fluttershy’s bed with a bandage covering her abdomen and leg.
“Winona!” Applejack shouted in glee. Her smile was as large as the day when she beat Dash in The Most Daring Pony competition. Who would have thought that the brave pegasus was afraid of something as silly as a hooficure? While Applejack was never a fan of spa as it was something Rarity was obsessed with, she didn’t mind a hooficure if it means showing Dash who’s the boss. Today however, her attention was focused on Winona. A dog she loved and cared for dearly, the pet who worked by her side for many years. Applejack could barely hold her tears when her dog jumped from Fluttershy’s hold and started to lick her face, finally awake after three days of deep sleep. “Ah just… Ah just can’t thank ya enough.”
“There’s no need to thank me. The poor dear was badly injured and I couldn’t let her suffer.”
The licking lasted for several seconds until Applejack calmed Winona down a bit. She rubbed the dog behind her ears and next did the same with her exposed belly, sinking her strong orange hoof into the soft fur as Winona just fidgeted from her lying position. Slowly raising her head, the farm mare focused on the pegasus whose heart seemed to warm up by just watching their reunion. “Ah thought that Ah lost her. Yer a miracle worker, sugarcube.”
“I… I just did my best. Helping and taking care of animals, that’s what I do…” Fluttershy said hesitantly before hiding her blush of embarrassment behind her mane. “Just make sure she’s well fed and drinks a lot of water, and try to keep her away from hard work or any sort of stress for a few days. She’ll need some more time before she can start working again.”
Applejack nodded. “Will do. Ah’ll give her the rest and care she deserves.”
The pegasus smiled before kneeling to the playful dog, who licked her on the forehead. “I’m glad you’re feeling better now. Please don’t overstrain yourself from now on.” The dog barked firmly, before licking Fluttershy’s muzzle. “I need to go now,” she added. Yet the moment Fluttershy raised her head, a soft whimpering reached her ear. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back to check on you tomorrow, but for now I have to go.” She looked up at the farm mare and bowed her head politely before turning around, her foreleg lifted to make the first step back home. “Take care.”
Applejack quickly jumped towards the pegasus and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Where do ya think yer goin’, Fluttershy?”
“To my cottage…”
Applejack shook her head. “Ah’ll have none of that. Ya saved Winona’s life and took care of her for the past three days. And now after all ya did for us, sugarcube, yer just gonna leave?” She quickly pulled the pegasus and pointed at her barn. “Yer not goin’ anywhere without dinner with mah family and a proper reward.”
“You really don’t have to,” Fluttershy responded, but she was clearly ignored as Applejack pulled her along.
***
“... and now Winona’s healthy again, all thanks to Fluttershy,” Applejack finished the story before taking another bite of her half finished apple pie. Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith looked at the guest with a large smile, who at this point was hiding under the dining table.
Much to Fluttershy’s surprise, Apple Bloom jumped from her haybale seat in her direction. The pegasus flinched in surprise and hit her head while the filly embraced her neck. “Thank you, thank you so much!” She took a quick breath and added, “Winona’s like part of the family, and ya saved her life!”
Applejack looked at the pegasus who emerged from under the table with a neck decoration made of Apple Bloom. It wasn’t the first time she was thankful to Fluttershy as they both had some years of business-related relationships with each other. While the pegasus often bought a large amount of supplies from her to feed her animals, she often checked the health of the farm’s chickens, sheeps, and cows.
Being able to communicate with animals helped the farmer deal with the critter’s problems on multiple occasions. Applejack rubbed her chin. Now that Ah think about it, she barely comes outside of her cottage an’ avoids pony folk like fire, but she never refused to help. The way she acted three days ago, when Winona was ‘bout to die, Ah never knew her from this side.
Granny Smith spoke, “Ah must agree, ya saved an Apple, and it’s somethin’ Ah won’t forget. If ya ever find yerself in a jam, ya can count on us.” She placed a hoof on her guest’s shoulder who shivered upon the contact.
“Eeyup,” Big Mac added with a slow nod.
The pegasus was sweating like a fountain as she looked between the old mare and the muscular giant. She opened her mouth on several occasions, only to close it a moment later as she was being assaulted by smiles and praises.
“Fluttershy,” Applejack said, gaining her friend’s and family’s attention. “Ah just figured somethin’. Ya’ve been mah friend for so long, and Ah barely know anythin’ about’cha. We should spend more time together to get to know each other better.”
“It… it’s not necessary,” she responded in panic while walking backward. Ready to retreat at any moment.
“Ah insist!”
“Wait a minute,” Apple Bloom said, her smile widening. “Does this mean what Ah think it means?”
Applejack stood up to her rear hooves and shouted cheerfully, “Picnic, campfire, and games in the field, all day long!”
Granny Smith and Big Mac gave Applejack a hearty smile as if it was a road trip all over again. Fluttershy was about to politely refuse, but her mouth once again failed to produce any words, silenced by a filly’s energetic jumping. Apple Bloom looked at the guest with smile of her own as her teeth shined in Fluttershy’s face.
How could she say no to that?
***
Bonk
The horseshoe didn’t even reach half the distance as the pegasus barely stood on her shaking legs. Apple Bloom was stroking Fluttershy’s foreleg in a comforting gesture while looking at her with a mixture of concern and pity.
Applejack rubbed the back of her neck. It’s harder than Ah thought. Rarity tried the spa and fancy stuff, Dash did her best too, but that mare just can’t loosen up. The farm mare looked around at the field of trees while taking a deep breath to clear her mind as she analyzed the situation. The warm welcoming dinner didn’t work. Racing was a failure. Push ups and weightlifting went even worse, and by some miracle, Fluttershy managed to lose to Apple Bloom. Not that her younger sister wasn’t strong, being an Apple and all, but how can a mare lift less than a filly? Even non-athletic activity like singing just resulted in Fluttershy hiding behind a tree.
Applejack facehooved when a horseshoe thrown by Fluttershy hit Big Mac in the head. Surely aiming was not something the shy pegasus could be proud off. Think, think... Applejack’s thoughts were interrupted by barking. She looked to the side, quickly noticing Winona whose attention was focused on the playing family.
“Winona, what are ya doin’ here? Ah thought Ah told’ya to rest.” After another bark directed towards the playing ponies, she added, “Ya wanna play with us? Ain’t sure you’re healthy enough…” she paused as idea crossed her mind. Wait a darn minute. When Ah brought Winona to Fluttershy, she acted differently. That’s it. “Ah changed mah mind. Let’s play.”
Applejack galloped towards the group with the dog by her side. Winona quickly sat and curled her forelegs in pleading gesture while her attention focused on the horseshoe in Fluttershy’s hoof. A few quick barks left her mouth.
“Oh, you want to catch it?” Fluttershy asked as she presented the horseshoe. After receiving another bark, she smiled and threw it a significant distance. The dog grabbed it between her teeth and quickly returned to Fluttershy, who rubbed her head and neck. “You’re a good doggy, yes you are.” She looked at Apple Bloom and asked, her voice filled with confidence. “Do you maybe have a frisbee? Horseshoes are a bit too hard and heavy to play game like this.”
The filly quickly nodded as she ran to towards the house while Applejack chuckled. Why didn’t Ah think’a that in the first place?
***
The sun was slowly disappearing behind the apple-tree filled horizon as the sky turned bronze. It wouldn’t be long before twilight as Applejack, Big Mac, and Granny Smith sat around a burning campfire with few buckets of water by their side. The camping was relatively safe, but after the last incident involving Apple Bloom and a bundle of sticks, they didn’t want to take chances. With marshmallows on each stick in their hooves, they waited for the missing trio.
A noise coming from behind the trees captured their attention before Fluttershy jumped into an open area. “First!” she shouted in a gentle voice while a pack of marshmallows fell to the ground. The farm mare was about to ask about Apple Bloom and Winona, but they arrived a few seconds later.
“Ah can’t believe ya beat me,” Apple Bloom said with an accusing hoof directed at the pegasus. “A few hours ago ya barely kept up, and now,” she took a quick breath, “ya outran me and Winona without wings and yer not even tired!”
The pegasus smiled awkwardly while rubbing her left foreleg. “Oh… I, umm… I got into… the spirit of things.” She looked at the dimming horizon sun. “And it’s no longer so hot. I don’t like sunny days too much, the heat was tiring me.”
The missing trio approached the campfire as marshmallow eating commenced. With a setup like this, there was just one thing left to do. ”Scary story time!” Applejack suggested as loud cheer followed.
Fluttershy took a step back as hers grin flipped. Her ears flattened and eyelids shrunk, ending with a hesitant gulp. With her forelegs curling, she whispered, “Y-yay…”
A sudden bone chilling tone left Granny Smith’s mouth as she started the story. The upper part of her head was covered in darkness while her muzzle and chin were brightened by light from campfire. “Once upon’a time, there was this here young, pretty mare. She lived in a tiny cottage near a haunted forest while selling herbal remedies for a livin’.”
Fluttershy’s ears perked up as her own cottage came to mind. Her knowledge about herbs from Everfree Forest suddenly making her feel as if she was the main character of the story. She didn’t know if this was intentional or not, but either way she was already doing her best not to look too scared as Granny Smith bolted her eyes and darted towards each of them.
“However, the forest she was’a livin’ in was rumored to be haunted. Because she wasn’t afraid’a ghosts and spirits that resided in the forest, no pony folks dared to go in, some assumed she was one of them monsters herself.”
“M-monster,” Fluttershy said quietly. Why would being friendly with animals of the Everfree Forest make somepony a monster?
Granny Smith stood to her rear hooves and raised her foreleg as if trying to imitate an enraged bear. She made a few growls before continuing, “Few said she was a werepony, but most called her a ‘Bloody Mistress’.”
Fluttershy yelped as she nearly lost her balance on the log she sat on. Bloody Mistress? Is she referring to me? The pegasus gulped as she reasserted herself.
“W-well, what was she? Was she a werepony?” asked Apple Bloom, inching closer to Applejack.
“Were... pony,” Fluttershy murmured while calming her trembling forelegs. She would have been even more scared if the story was about a werepony. Their kind had been enemies for hundreds of years. The tales of how they used to rip thestrals to shreds had caused her to wet her sheets a few times growing up. Thestrals and Wereponies hate each other and are very different, why would anypony mistake those two?
Granny Smith sat on the log and hid her face behind a foreleg before continuing, “As their fear grew, nopony dared to cross her path, afraid of bein’ eaten alive or turned into a ghoul or zombie pony.”
“Z-zombie… pony,” Apple Bloom whispered as the elderly mare tilted her head to the side and exposed her tongue while straightening hers forelegs. She walked around the campfire, moaning in a sinister and eerie tone that made everypony shiver their tails when she walked past them.
“After a while, the doors started closin’ whenever she came int’ah town and nopony had the courage to buy herbs or sell her any products. Whenever she pled to let her in, a loud; ‘begone monster’ was the response she received. More hungry every passin’ day and unable to buy food, her anger grew as she she climbed a clock tower and declared; ‘If you won’t share your food, I will take it, and all of you will suffer for eternity!’”
Apple Bloom pressed side of her head at Applejack’s belly as hoof landed on her shoulder. The cold wind striking against the leaves echoed in the dead silence.
“From this day, ponies from the town started to disappear. Every night townsfolk would find a corpse, or rather a skeleton, its flesh was eaten as nothin’ but bones remained. Fear grew among the town folks as everypony started to barricade their houses, weapons in every hoof. Every night they failed to capture the monster as barricades were torn apart. Bones of ponies still appeared at the entrance to the town.”
Granny gulped some water from bucket next to her and continued, “The enraged townsfolk put the blame on Bloody Mistress and went to finish her off once and for all. The mob approached the tiny cottage, pitchforks and torches in their mouths, wings and magic. And when they finally arrived…”
The silence lasted for several seconds as Apple Bloom asked fearfully from her sister’s embrace, “W-what happened next, Granny?”
The elderly mare laughed maniacally. “The cottage was empty outside of several herbs and books. In their anger, they burned it to the ground as only ashes remained. They spread into different directions, searchin’ for Bloody Mistress everywhere… everywhere besides the haunted forest.”
“They entered the forest, right Granny?” Applejack asked, quickly receiving a firm nod.
“They faced the spirits and burned trees, but their search was fruitless, at least until the night came. With the moon shinin’ brightly on the sky, the angered mob encountered Bloody Mistress standin’ in their path. There was no place for words as pitchforks went at her like spears, impalin’ her body. But the dark pony shook it off with a dark chuckle, her fur grew in size, teeth became longer and sharp claws replaced her hooves.”
Ever since that night, the poor souls of murdered villagers haunted the forest, while the Bloody Mistress built a new cottage on the ashes of the old one.” Granny shoot Fluttershy an accusing glare. “Waitin’ for new victims.”
After a long silence, Applejack and Big Mac started to clap their hooves while Apple Bloom left her sister’s embrace and jumped from the log she was sitting on. She spread her forelegs in excitement and said, “That was the scaries’ story I ever heard!”
Applejack nodded. “It sure was somethin’, ain’t that right Fluttershy… Fluttershy?” she said before turning towards the pegasus who just sat on her log motionlessly with her head lowered as if she watched her own rear hooves. The farm mare approached as she could pick up shaking of Fluttershy’s legs while weak sounds of whimpering reached her ears.
The farm mare placed her hoof gently on Fluttershy shoulder who flinched in response. Applejack looked at her friend with concern, wondering if the story was overwhelming for her fragile nature. “Shhh… no need to be scared. Ah mean, it was meant to be a scary story… but it was just a story.”
Much to her surprise, Fluttershy stood up from the log she was sitting on and said coldly, “I think I overstayed my welcome, I’ll be on my way.” She wiped her face with a hoof and bowed politely. “Thank you for your warm welcome and hospitality. I wish you all goodnight.” She turned around and walked away.
The dog quickly followed. “No, Winona, you need to stay here.” The dog whimpered and pleaded for the pegasus to play more with her with pleading look. “I’m sorry, but I have to go. I have other critters to take care of as well,” she said before rubbing Winona behind her ear. “I’ll visit you tomorrow. Take care.”
The dog’s ears went back against her head while Applejack and Apple Bloom followed, quickly catching up with the pegasus. Meanwhile, Big Mac shot Granny a disappointed glare, who responded by looking at the campfire with a sad smile.
“Do ya really have to go?” Apple Bloom asked from Fluttershy’s left side. Applejack approached from the right.
“Ah’m sorry if that story scared ya,” Applejack apologised, but was clearly ignored as the pegasus kept walking with her head lowered. “Are ya sure ya can’t stay a tad bit longer?”
“I’m sorry…” was all that left Fluttershy’s mouth.
Applejack rubbed her neck. “Well, Ah don’t wanna keep ya. Thanks for the time ya spent with us, I guess.”
“It was kinda fun,” Apple Bloom added before turning around as she walked towards the campfire. “Goodnight, Fluttershy.”
Applejack escorted Fluttershy to the main gate, and as they approached it, she spoke, “Ah almost forgot ta’ pay ya.” She passed Fluttershy and sat in front of her while taking out a small bag. “Ah know fifty bits ain’t much for savin’ Winona’s life, but it should cover the cost of supplies. Once Ah earn more–”
“You don’t have to,” Fluttershy responded as she gently pushed Applejack’s hoof holding the bag to the side. “You’re already giving me discounts for your products, I don’t need any bits.”
Applejack’s expression hardened. “Ah insist!” she said with demand, but quickly calmed herself at sight of her friend’s depression. “Discount for mah products is just business. Ya buy a lot regularly, and yer help with farm animals and vermin helped mah farm. Those bits are for savin’ mah dog.”
Fluttershy sighed. “I understand, but I don’t need those bits. Inviting me for dinner was payment enough.”
Applejack frowned as she wanted to press the issue. It was, after all, a matter of pride. She couldn’t let somepony save her dog, and go away empty hoofed. She closed her mouth as quickly as it opened though, her friend’s obvious mood extinguished her determination. Maybe Ah better leave this talk fer later. This scary story shook ‘er as much as Ah shake apple trees when buckin’.
Applejack stepped to the side and wished her friend a good night before she looked at the mailbox. Since she was at the entrance, she could at least check the mail. As she opened the compartment, one letter in particular captured her attention. A letter with no returning address.
She picked it up with her mouth and ran into her home before placing the letter on the table. After a moment of searching in the basement, she found and opened a casket with a blue gem shining inside. Once she placed the gem on the table and next to an unrolled letter, the illumination from the gem revealed hidden text on a nearly empty page.
To our valuable huntress, Applejack.
Our investigation team confirmed your theory that the earthquake which caused Ponyville’s spa to collapse was not natural. After a long investigation, we found that it was caused by dark magic, most likely by an earth pony turned-vampony.
We did not want to bother you with the details until we had found more data and a location of the one responsible, but while doing so, we’ve discovered more vampony activity near Ponyville, and possibly inside the town as well.
One of our agents confirmed that a vampony was spotted entering the Everfree Forest, but lost it as he was unfamiliar with the area and was forced to retreat due to the hostile environment.
Considering your profile, knowledge of the Everfree Forest, and your past achievements, we are glad to inform you that your mission to hunt the chimera is aborted. Your new orders are simple: Research the forest, locate the vampony, and if possible, follow it to its hideout or interrogate for information, and finally, eliminate.
Guild Representative, Captain Chains.
Applejack rolled the letter and threw it into the fireplace. After ensuring that the revealing gem is once again well hidden in the basement, she pushed a barrel of apple cider to the side. With the secret passage now in the open, she took a lamp filled with fireflies and opened it as she went down the ladder into the center of a large, darkened room.
Applejack looked around. On her left were a few crossbows attached to the wall with boxes filled with bolts under it. On the right were claws, knives and blades attached to metal bracelets. Behind her were several types of gems filled with all kinds of magic as well as rounded bombs, from explosive to smoke. Finally, in front of her were a few sets of armor, camouflage uniforms and flameproof boots long enough to protect legs up to the knee.
She smirked and said to herself, “Such a pity Ah have no time to tear that chimera apart for what she did to Winona. But impalin’ some vamponies who dare to feed in my town comes first.”
She quickly put on a stealth cloak and a mask with goggles to hide her identity from her potential target. A short crossbow was hidden in a large pocket under her cloak while enchanted silver bolts were in a quiver on her back. Two silver blades with bracelets made of titanium ended attached to her forehooves. The blades themselves were locked in place until activated by a switch, they were easily concealable and quite effective.
Battle ready and determined, Applejack looked at the pictures on the walls, pictures representing some of her ancestors in their prime. Her attention focused on Big Mac’s and her own picture. While hunting for big, slow targets, she always depended on Big Macintosh, who a year ago eliminated a manticore. Smaller and faster targets was her speciality. Finally Applejack looked at pictures of her mom and dad, proud hunters who once assisted in an operation against a powerful pureblood vampony and never came back. Now it was her turn to face those despicable monsters, and she was not going to fail.
Minutes have passed as Applejack was jumping from tree to tree, searching the area for any sort of clues. She took a quick glance at the moon that shone among the stars, barely giving any visibility in darkness. Luckily, she was prepared for this as her goggles let her see in the dark, a fancy device they called ‘night vision’. Ah may know little about fancy magic and inventions, but Ah can tell trash from somethin’ useful, and whoever made those things did a darn good job, Applejack thought with a satisfied smile. Ah may still be at a disadvantage against those blood suckers, fighting against them in their own domain an’ all, but Ah sure ain’t scared.
Several minutes of jumping later, the farm mare frowned. Those ponies in the guild ain’t as smart as they pretend to be. Don’t they understand that spyin’ on vamponies is darn near impossible? It’s like tryin’ to beat Pinkie in a game of tag, she thought while taking a break on a tree branch. Finding a vampony in this forest was proving to be a very time consuming task, and she had to be at full strength to face one. After a few minutes of rest, she heard a noise coming from the main path next to the tree she was perched on. Curious, Applejack peeked from behind the leaves as a figure in a black cloak caught her attention. Well, Ah’ll be a silly pony, Ah found it.
Her heart started to beat faster as she licked her lips. Her eyes focused on the bypassing figure. Shootin’ it from here would be so easy. Stupid orders! There’s no way Ah can bypass them sharp senses, even with the stealth cloak. Feeling somewhat annoyed, Applejack waited patiently until her target passed by, hoping to gain some distance before climbing down the tree as quietly as she could. Once on the ground, she walked on the tips of her hooves from tree to tree, peeking at her target when it was in view. After a minute of following, she tilted her head to the side in confusion. How’s it still unaware of mah presence? Ah thought vamponies were supposed to hear a mouse from a mile away, or feel mah heart’s beatin’. Did they really send me to deal with a rookie? Ah feel offended.
More minutes passed as she was still following unnoticed, which caused the hunter to sweat nervously. Or maybe it’s a trap. Maybe it knows Ah’m following, and it’s trying to get me into a false sense of security, she thought before gritting her teeth in determination. Well, it ain’t gonna work on this huntress.
Suddenly, the target stopped moving and spoke loudly with a feminine voice, “Leave!”
Applejack blinked. While the voice seemed somewhat familiar, the vampony she followed was certainly a female.
“Please leave. I do not wish to hurt you. Leave while you still can!”
The huntress’s pupils shrank. Not hurt me, mah flank! she thought as she took out her crossbow and grabbed a bolt from her back. She peeked from behind the tree and aimed. “Say yer prayers, monster!”
The second she pulled the trigger, a silver bolt flew towards the target, swirling through the air while barely affected by wind as it was on course with vampony’s neck. A weak piercing noise reached the huntress’s exposed ear.
“Got ya!” Applejack said, satisfaction in her voice. What a rookie. It knew Ah was there and didn’t even dodge. Maybe Ah can get some info after a short interrogation. She slowly went from behind the tree and walked towards her target, one step at a time as she waited patiently for it to collapse. When a few seconds passed as it didn't happen, she stopped immediately.
While she never encountered a vampony before, much less fought one, as a huntress, Applejack was equipped with knowledge passed from generations to kill one. She immediately reloaded her crossbow and aimed, but hesitated to shoot. One bolt into target’s heart and next cut the head off, problem solved. Still, it would be a shame to kill it before gettin’ some info from its pierced throat.
Much to the huntress’s surprise, the vampony merely pulled the bolt from her neck and threw it against the ground. All the blood that wasn't covering the silver projectile quickly returned back into the wound as it healed itself. What? But that can’t be. She quickly shot another bolt, no longer bothering with sparing the vampony for interrogation as the sharp and deadly projectile flew towards the chest.
Before the heart could be pierced however, the bolt was swiftly deflected by her foe’s hoof.
Applejack growed and said, “If ya think ya can scare me, yer wrong.” She put the crossbow back into her cloak and looked at titanium bracers that hid two small silver blades. With her melee weapon on standby and ready for close confrontation and some head-cutting, Applejack took a fighting stance.
“Leave now, please!” the vampony responded. “Leave me alone!”
Part of Applejack’s brain kept telling her that she had heard this voice before, but the rest was focusing on silencing the monster once and for all. “Shut yer mouth, coward! If ya think Ah’ll back down just because ya say so, yer dead wrong.” With exposed teeth and an angered glare, Applejack charged the caped figure.
The huntress jumped while activating the blade on her right foreleg and swung against the vampony’s head. Her target didn’t remain motionless however, as it jumped to the side, letting the sharp edge of Applejack’s weapon tear off small part of the black cloak from the torso area.
Applejack’s blade retreated swiftly into the bracer while her right forehoof pressed against the ground, causing dust to spread around it. Now balanced on one foreleg, she tilted her left forehoof slightly as it activated the small switch attached to bracer, and the second blade emerged in all its glory. With a smirk and swift push, Applejack went for the kill, right into her target’s heart from point blank range.
The vampony jumped to the side once again as it tried to keep its distance, barely evading the lethal blow. “Fight me, coward!” Applejack shouted before straightening her hoof as the blade was once again hiding inside the bracer. With the distance from her target increasing, she grabbed her crossbow for long range combat instead.
One after another, the huntress’s shots were deflected with a hoof. “Don't think you can run away. Ah know how to deal with vermin like ya!”
Applejack reloaded another bolt before grabbing a scent bomb from her cloak. She threw it at her target and shot half a second before it exploded. Despite overwhelming scent of garlic, the projectile was once again swiftly deflected, though the strong scent forced the vampony to press a hoof against its muzzle. Just as planned.
Applejack quickly pressed the attack as she reloaded another shot and grabbed the crossbow with her mouth. She charged and jumped towards the target once again while grabbing a crossbow with her left hoof and activating blade on her right bracer.
With the target coughing and somewhat dizzy, Applejack’s next shot quickly pierced Vampony’s right foreleg while the blade hit its left hind leg.
The huntress threw her crossbow to the side, it bounced on the ground with a weak thump. With the blade still impaled in the vampony’s left hind leg, Applejack turned around and delivered a double buck in the belly. Blood streamed from the impaled leg as the vampony crashed onto its belly with a loud scream of pain.
Applejack wiped the blood from her mask and charged, once again going for the kill. I have ya now.
Much to Applejack’s annoyance, her left bracer was struck and shattered to pieces while the blade ended up stuck in the side of vampony’s belly, away from the heart she tried to impale. The follow-up attack didn’t come, much to Applejack’s confusion. The vampony’s blood on her cloth started to hurt her as if it was an acid, leaving a few holes in her cloak and burned marks on her fur. The distraction was all the vampony needed to return the favour and deliver a swift strike against the huntress's belly.
The vampony pulled the blade out of her leg, only for the blood to return into her wound, both from the ground and the huntress's cloak. Her foreleg recovered to its former state as if nothing happened to it.
“You cannot win. Don’t make me hurt you,” the vampony called out again, her voice filled with despair. “I don’t know who you are or why you’re here, but if you won’t leave, you’ll die!”
“Pfff…” Applejack spat onto the ground in disgust as she murmured to herself. “My first vampony to hunt, and it had to be a coward.” Her aggravation grew when she once again looked at the hood covering the vampony’s face. Some sort of spell made it impossible to see whose face hid under it. With the crossbow lying somewhere on the ground and one of her blades broken, she pointed out her bracer on right foreleg and yelled, “Stop stalling and fight already!”
Applejack took out a small bottle from under her hole-filled cloak, this one containing water enhanced with white magic, but before she could throw it, a bolt lanced her foreleg. The bottle fell to the ground and shattered while the liquid sank into the dirt. Applejack screamed in pain before gritting her teeth as she looked to the side. “Who dares?!” she shouted while barely concealing the pain in her voice, quickly noticing two more caped figures, though one of the cloaks was a mix of pink and violet as the owner was holding a crossbow in its midnight blue magical aura.
“Stay back, you ruffian! As much as I abhor violence, I will not hesitate to shoot again if you will not leave my companion alone!”
The other vampony added, “What she said.”
Applejack growled as she yanked the silver bolt from her foreleg with help of her teeth. She let out another loud painful shriek and growled. “Ya gang up and use mah own weapon, ya'll will pay for this!” She charged on her three legs towards the two new adversaries. The one with the crossbow shot another bolt, but Applejack jumped before it could hit her second foreleg. The pink caped foe dropped its weapon and walked backward, but the second one got in the way and levitated two record disks from her cloak.
Before the huntress could understand the weight of the situation, one record disk struck against her belly, leaving a slash mark, while the second one hit against the mask, cutting it in two without damaging her muzzle.
Applejack landed on her four hooves as she forgot about her pierced ankle, and immediately knelt from pain as she accumulated even more wounds. She slowly raised her head and looked at the approaching vampony from behind, who stopped in her tracks.
“A-Applejack!” The vampony said with complete shock as she took a step back, quickly losing balance on her trembling legs. “W-what… it can’t be true… You can’t be a monster hunter! You just can’t!” With forehooves pressed against part of the cloak covering her head, the vampony started shaking it. “This can't be happening, please, let it be just a dream, it has to be!” She laughed with a hint of insanity before it turned into a sobbing. She added in a somber tone, “You can’t be a hunter, Applejack, anypony but you!”
The huntress ignored her bleeding wounds and charged at her target, using its hesitation to her advantage.
“No, don’t do it!” the pink caped vampony shouted. She quickly grabbed the crossbow with her magic as it trembled in midair, but she couldn’t press the trigger.
Applejack swung her right blade towards the foe’s face in an attempt to cut the neck, but left only small slashed mark. With one swift move of her bleeding foreleg, she punched the vampony, forcing her hood back, revealing the face. Applejack’s eyes opened widely, her mouth agape and her heart skipped a bit. She couldn’t believe her eyes. “F-Fluttershy?”
The farm mare shook her head as a tear slide down her cheek, and she could see tears dripping from Fluttershy’s watered eyes. “Yer… yer one of them vamponies?” she said with mix between physical and mental pain. She quickly retreated and next swung her uninjured foreleg and slammed against the ground.
The pony she considered a friend, a weak shy pegasus with a good heart and lots of love for animals turned out to be a blood-sucking monster. How? When? Unable to look into the red pupils of her former friend, she pushed Fluttershy violently away. Feeling her blood start to boil, she yelled, “Who turned mah friend into a monster?!” She looked at other two that stared at her from a distance, crossbow aimed at her, barely able to see them without her goggles.
Now it all makes sense. She didn’t hear me and didn't know how to fight, or maybe was afraid to fight in the first place. She had to have been turned tonight. Dagnabbit. As a professional huntress, she knew that she didn't stand a chance against a pureblood, taking one down would require a good plan, the best equipment and a squad of the most elite hunters working together. How could she, someone who hadn't even fought common vamponies before, stand a chance? She didn’t care though. “Did you two do this to her? Damn you purebloods, ruining innocents lives like that. Ah’ll kill all of ya!”
Applejack’s wounded foreleg bent slightly from sudden pressure of her body, but she straightened it and took a fighting stance. Surely doing this with a large wound on one’s belly was rather unpleasant. Both the huntress and her foe started at each other speechlessly for several seconds. Suddenly, Applejack’s former-friend’s words reached her ears.
“L-leave, fast.”
Applejack turned her head to Fluttershy while pointing at other two. “Who turned ya? Did they do this?”
“Applejack, please…”
“Did they?!”
She shook her head in response.
“Then who? Tell me a name and Ah will take his insides out with mah hoof!”
Fluttershy took a step back and said with hoarse voice, “N-nopony turned me.”
“Stop lyin’!”
“I am telling the truth.”
Applejack’s mind was a mess. She looked into Fluttershy’s red eyes in search for the truth, finding nothing but confidence in her voice. It wasn’t a lie, no matter how much she wished it to be. Applejack stomped her good hoof against the ground with and grit her teeth. If Fluttershy wasn’t turned into vampony, that means...
“Dagnabbit… Ah had a monster under mah very nose and failed to notice.”
The vampony took another step back while tears started to form in her eyes. “B-but… I’m not–”
“We ate and played together, told stories next to the campfire. Ah’m such a fool.” She shot Fluttershy an enraged glare. “Ah trusted ya, and ya turned out to be a snake among the chickens, wolf among the sheep!” The vampony looked to the side and bit her lips as Applejack continued, “Ah’m goin’ ta kill ya, even if that’s the last thing Ah–” a yelp of pain left the huntress's mouth before everything slowly started to fade into darkness. Her legs trembled before giving up to the weight as the huntress slammed against the dirt with a weak thump, her head now lying sideways on the soft grass. A crying noise being the last thing Applejack heard before her mind swirled into the world of dreams.
Sadness, betrayal, pain. A mixture of emotions assaulted Fluttershy’s mind as her warm heart now felt empty and cold. After years of visiting Applejack to buy supplies, tending to farm her animals, foalsitting Apple Bloom, and after a day filled with games she spent with the apple family, she found out that her friend was a monster hunter all along. To make matters worse, Applejack learned about her secret as well and no longer saw a friend, but a blood sucking monster that deserved nothing but death.
Now waging a battle with her emotions inside her mind, Fluttershy barely heard the voices of those around her. Ignoring the two newcomers that attacked Applejack from behind.
“Take this, you bloody hunter!”
“We are in the presence of a pureblood. Watch your language and show some respect.”
“Like I’m going to respect some young, inexperienced brat. She’s not even a century old, pureblood or not.”
“Professional, truly professional.” A frown followed. “Lady Flutterbat, are you hurt? Has this huntress injured you in any way?”
Fluttershy raised her head and looked to the side, her attention now focused on two cloaked figures as they took off their hoods. She quickly noticed horns on their heads. Without saying a word, she shook her head.
“How are you feeling, Lady Flutterbat? Is there any way we can assist you?” The bronze thestral asked politely, his big mustache proudly presented itself on his mouth.
“N-no,” she responded before wiping tears from her face as her bat-like wings were dropped, nearly touching the ground. She pointed at the probably unconscious Applejack and asked in a depressed tone, “What did you do to her?”
“Sleeping spell,” the grey unicorn thestral replied as he delivered a punch into Applejack’s chest, causing the wound on her stomach to open again. “Normally more skilled hunters are trained or have specific potion that make them resistant to these kinds of spells. This one must either be a rookie or the battle made her very vulnerable. She should stay asleep for half an hour.”
Fluttershy looked at her former friend with worry, but didn’t speak a word.
“Where are my manners?” the mustached thestral said, capturing her attention as he pointed at himself. “My name is Hot Tea, I am my master’s personal butler and assistant.” He pointed towards his partner whose attention still focused on beating up the sleeping farm pony. “His name is Sharp Eye. He is our master’s personal spy.”
“And assassin,” Sharp Eye added.
Hot Tea cleared his throat with a cough. “Ah, right. The master didn’t require any killing services for such a long time that this title slipped my mind.” His head turned back to Fluttershy as he bowed in respect. “It is our pleasure to meet you, Lady Flutterbat, though I must say I had not expect to meet you in midway. We were sent to escort you and your company to the meeting location from your home.” He looked at her in worry. “May I ask why such a sudden change of plans?”
“...”
Upon not receiving any response as the pureblood mare looked to the side, Hot Tea glanced at the huntress. “Regardless, I can see that you have encountered some unexpected company on your way.”
“And who would have thought that in the end, we would end up saving your careless flank. Though I should expect nothing less from a filly,” Sharp Eye commented in an annoyed tone, only to frown the moment his companion punched him in the shoulder.
“Actually, we had it covered… after we caught up with Fluttershy, ” said an approaching mare in a pink cloak as she took off her hood, the thestral next to her as well.
“I’m sorry,” Fluttershy murmured. “I went on a stroll through the Everfree Forest to clear my mind… I didn’t expect to be attacked on my way back.”
Rarity nodded and said, “It’s alright. I know this meeting must have put a fair bit of strain on you.” She turned towards the escort. “My name is Rarity. Ponyville’s fashionista and owner of Carousel Boutique, at your service,” she said with a polite half-bow before pointing at the pony next to her. “Am I to assume both of you know Vinyl Scratch?”
"Of course they do, I’m a big deal. Everypony in the Canterlot clan knows me as DJ Pon-3," she said before aiming her foreleg up at the sky. “I am a star afterall!”
“Yeah, we know her,” Sharp Eye pointed out before turning towards Vinyl. “I participated in a few of your night parties in Canterlot, and I must say, I really like your style. Never really got to chat with you before though,” he said with a smug smile while Hot Tea and Rarity rolled their eyes.
“Forgive me my boldness, but I cannot help but notice that your mistress is very depressed. The fight against the huntress must have really scared her,” Hot Tea said, his attention focused on Fluttershy as his professional posture barely hid the worry in his eyes.
“Scared after a fight against a common hunter? Shame. Such embarrassment for an entire proud pureblood's bloodline.”
Fluttershy stared at the ground in silence, continuously ignoring her surroundings. Rarity placed a hoof on her shoulder and said, “She is not scared, but sad.” The fashionista pointed towards the unconscious pony. “Just a moment ago she fought for her life, only to find out that the huntress who tried to kill her was one of her friends. And the moment Applejack found out that Fluttershy–”
“Call her Mistress Flutterbat,” Hot Tea interrupted. “Please, be professional.”
Rarity nodded hesitantly. Surely now wasn’t the best time for formalities, but she didn’t want to seem like Sharp Eye. “–Mistress Fluttershy is a pureblood vampo–”
“Thestral. Vampony is a term used by ponies and is considered disrespectful.”
Rarity put a hoof over her mouth and nodded again. There was still a lot she had to learn. “After Applejack found out that Flut- erm, uh, Mistress Fluttershy is a pureblood thestral, a few hurtful and unladylike words were said by her.” Her ears dropped as she continued in a saddened tone, “She wounded the poor dear’s heart.”
“I… see…” Hot Tea responded.
Sharp Eye kicked the huntress a few more times. “Fool. Many can only dream about being friends with a pureblood. You could be blessed with a long life, honor, power.” He swung his legs for one more decisive kick and added, “But in the end it turned out that you’re nothing but a worthless witch!”
Upon hearing the insult, Fluttershy raised to look at her former friend, only to see her being kicked to the side with a bone crushing strength, her ears twitched with each hit. She opened her mouth to stop it, but closed a moment later as memories of her parent's death surfaced in her mind. The hunters. We showed them mercy, and in return they took everything away from me. My peaceful life, my home, my family! Her glare sharpened as she stomped her hoof against the ground. And they took away my friend. Applejack… how could you? she thought before murmuring, “How could you?”
“Darling?” Rarity said towards her angered friend while Hot Tea shot the fashionista an annoyed glare.
“You were my friend Applejack. Why did you have to be part of the organization that ruined my life? Why did you betray me?” she asked, her voice louder with every word.
“She is your friend no more,” Sharp Eye said firmly and took out a dagger from his cloak. “May I have the honor?”
Fluttershy’s anger and hate vanished in an instant as her brain reacted to the spoken words. She may despise Applejack for breaking her heart, the farm mare may have betrayed their friendship by siding with those who murdered her parents and by trying to murder her as well, but she didn’t wanted her to die. “Wait!”
The assassin turned towards Fluttershy before placing the dagger between her hooves. He took a few steps back and pointed at Applejack as if she was an animal waiting to be eaten. “She is all yours, Lady Flutterbat.”
Fluttershy looked at the weapon and next at Sharp Eye before dropping it. “I’m not going to kill her, nor will you.”
“Excuse me?” asked Sharp Eye. Vinyl took off her purple glasses and Hot Tea’s eyes opened widely.
Rarity blinked a few times before sighing in relief. She may have barely known Applejack, but didn’t wish anypony’s death.
“I said, I’m not going to kill her, and neither will you,” Fluttershy said with determination and authority. “She may have betrayed me, and she may hate me, but she was still my friend. I refuse. I won’t betray what my parents taught me.”
Sharp Eye hissed. “Weak-minded fool. It seems I was right about you after all.” He pointed at her accusingly before continuing with sharp voice, “You’re not a mighty pureblood, but just an immature brat. No wonder your parents are dead if they had the same mindset as you.”
Fluttershy hissed back and stood her ground as she exchanged angered glare with the assassin.
“Silence!” Hot Tea shouted at his companion before slapping him. “I have had enough of your attitude.” After staring at each other for few seconds, Sharp Eye walked towards a nearby tree while Hot Tea approached Fluttershy and spoke with pleading tone, “Lady Flutterbat–”
“Fluttershy. The name Flutterbat died alongside my parents,” she corrected. Her legs trembled slightly as she tried to keep firm and commanding posture.
“As you wish. Lady Fluttershy, I plead, be reasonable.” He pointed at Applejack. “She belongs to an organization that we have been fighting for centuries, an organization that took away your parents. She even dared to lay her hoof against you. Surely death is all she deserves.”
“I said no,” she said with a firm stomp as her hoof sank into the ground from the impact. Her pupils predatory and filled with confidence. “She attacked me on my territory, her life is mine to do as I please!”
Hot Tea sighed before shaking his head. “With all due respect, Lady Fluttershy, your territory has not been yet decided. And while I agree that you have all rights to decide this huntress’s fate, my master is still awaiting your arrival.” He took a slow breath. “This meeting will determine your stand in Ponyville and diplomatic relationships with other purebloods. You would not want to upset my master by sparing a hunter’s life without seeking his opinion. You are still young and inexperienced. You should seek wisdom and the approval of your elders.”
Fluttershy approached, her steps firm and strong. She turned her head towards Rarity and Vinyl and spoke with ordering tone, ”Rarity, please pick up Applejack with your magic and follow us to the meeting location. Vinyl, would you get something to tie her up?”
Rarity did as ordered while Vinyl looked at her fellow vampony and said hesitantly, "I dunno, I don’t think any rope or chain will manage to keep Rarity's ego tied up."
“Excuse me?” Rarity took a step back and raised her foreleg defensively.
“I doubt even trapping her in a block of cement would last long.”
Rarity hissed. “Why you…”
“Just kidding,” Vinyl cut her off before saluting to Fluttershy, “consider it done.” Not wasting a moment, she galloped in the direction of Ponyville at a high speed.
Hot Tea took out tissue from his cloak and wiped sweat from his head. “You want to take… the huntress with you to the meeting?”
“Yes I do,” she responded firmly. “I will meet with your master as originally planned, and I will present him my solution as well as ask for his blessing in deciding Applejack’s fate.”
The butler responded with a weak nod and walked deeper into the forest, Fluttershy and Rarity right behind him. Sharp Eye kept a few meters distance from the group and murmured to himself.
Rarity trotted to catch up with Fluttershy and asked, “What about Vinyl Scratch? You asked her to get you something to tie Applejack with and she ran towards Ponyville. Will she be able join us before we arrive at the meeting spot?”
“Of course she will,” Hot Tea interrupted as both mares looked at him. “From my encounters with her in Canterlot, I learned that she is very energetic and resourceful. If she said she will fulfill Lady Fluttershy’s wishes, I could put my reputation on her keeping her word.”
“Oh yes, of course,” she responded with a weak blush. Rarity looked back at Fluttershy, ready to complement her for standing up as she did, only to see Shy’s confidence crumbing before her very eyes. She whispered, “Are you alright, darling?”
The pureblood thestral looked back at Rarity and bit her lips, careful not to pierce them with her fangs. She let out a deep breath and responded quietly, “Rarity… I’m…” she gulped, “scared.”
“Halt!” said two gray guards in violet horseshoes, violet helmets and black-violet chest armor with an eye shaped on it. Their bat-like wings spread like two blades ready to strike as they guarded at the entrance into the ruins of an old castle. “Who goes there?”
Hot Tea approached and said, “Lady Flutterbat and her escort have arrived as requested.”
Both guards bowed to Fluttershy before scanning the group, their eyes fixing on the levitated unconscious earth pony. “And who’s she?”
“She is a monster hunter who tried to eliminate our guest during a stroll through the forest,” he responded, his words quickly resulted in aggressive glares and exposed teeths directed towards Applejack. “Lady Flutterbat would like to discuss this huntress’s fate with our masters.”
The guards nodded. “Should we get the ropes?”
“There’s no need, I got this,” a relaxed voice echoed from above as Vinyl dropped like an anvil in front of the guards, dust spread from the impact while several heavy chains were present on her back. She quickly took one and presented to them. “With these babies, AJ isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.”
The guards stared back for a moment motionlessly, impressed and surprised by Vinyl’s sudden arrival while wondering how she pulled it off without wings. They nodded and shackled Applejack, Rarity’s midnight-blue aura replaced by the guards’ hooves. The fashionista lit her horn again and looked at it, still not used to the darker aura whenever she was in her thestral form.
Sharp Eye bypassed Fluttershy while whispering, “Why’d you even bother licking the huntress’s wounds to heal them? She’s going to die anyway.”
We will see about that, Fluttershy thought before gulping and whimpering like a puppy. What have I gotten myself into?
She followed the guards and walked through the ruined hallway, climbing up the stairs before finally reaching a huge open area. The moon shined brightly through a hole in the ceiling as stars decorated the sky. The area was filled with dining tables and all kinds of goods; from fancy food and glasses of blood to tied animals. Fluttershy flinched at the sight of a ferret being sucked, but before she could decide to interfere, the poor animal was released a moment later with enough blood to survive.
The pureblood mare closed her eyes and took a deep breath. While she was afraid that thestrals would drink too much and hurt the poor critters, she herself drank regularly from her own animal friends who always volunteered to feed her. All she could do is hope that others are at least half as gentle as her.
She quickly noticed the lack of the presence of animals that could speak like cows, donkeys and zebras, and that most of the guests were turned unicorns. Their draconic eyes were flashing in the darkness. Is this really a secret meeting? It looks more like one of Canterlot’s parties, poor animals present as a blood source excluded.
Fluttershy looked around with curiosity and awe. A majority of the party decorations and all tables were most likely brought from Canterlot on short notice. Whoever organized this meeting no doubt would have to be very influential. She could see two guards placing the unconscious huntress on the table as more chains were added to tie her up, as well as blindfolding her. She sensed the fast beating hearts of the guards and noticed their shaking forelegs, making it clear to her that they wanted to punch Applejack while struggling to restrain themselves.
As she went further into the open, more and more thestrals looked at her and bowed in respect. It did nothing to calm her nerves though, quite the opposite as her legs trembled from the overwhelming attention. Step by step, Fluttershy walked backward with her head hidden behind her mane, a sight clearly confusing for the crowd. Rarity and Vinyl slowly entered the room and flanked her from both sides.
***
“We are here for you, darling. Stand strong and firm and everything will be fine,” Rarity said encouragingly as she placed hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder.
“This party is boring, where’s the action, where’re the beats?” Vinyl asked before feeling a weak punch from Rarity. “Oh, I mean: go for it tiger, you’re incredible, you can win, you feel great, you-can-do-it… wait, what were we talking about?”
The fashion mare facehooved. “You’re so pointless, Vinyl, completely pointless.”
“It’s DJ Pon-3 to you.”
***
Fluttershy ignored her arguing friends and took a deep breath before releasing it in a calming gesture, foreleg pressed against her chest. Come on Fluttershy, it’s just a meeting that will decide the direction of your life for the next century or two, no pressure.
Suddenly, every thestral in the room became silent while those in the middle stepped to the side. Their heads dropped in respect as their masters passed them, heading towards Fluttershy.
The young pureblood looked up at much older ones who towered over her, their regal posture betraying their experience and position. Even though they both looked like unicorns, she could easily tell it was a disguise.
As a pureblood thestral, she knew that each member of her kind possessed bat-like wings, a bit longer than a turned pegasus, yet none had a horn as they could use their magic with just their eyes. While all purebloods could turn into a pegasus to disguise themselves, more experienced ones could use their powers to take on the form of a unicorn or an earth pony.
“I say. I have not had the pleasure of seeing you ever since I visited the pet center in Cloudsdale. You are as charming as ever, young lady. I expected nothing less from a daughter of my old friend, Sample Taker, and his beautiful wife, Clean Mouth.” His words triggered a memory of a tall white pegasus in elegant uniform visiting her pet center, most likely disguised as a pegasus during his visit.
He gently raised Fluttershy’s foreleg and stroke her lightly. “Our deepest condolences for your loss. I would like to assure you that we will do our best to help you past those harsh times and move forward.” He kissed her foreleg before she retreated it. A large blush appeared on her cheeks as she couldn’t look anywhere but into his eyes.
“In case you may not remember me among many of your customers, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Fancy Pants. I’m a nine hundred year old pureblood and a leader of the Canterlot clan.” He turned his head to the side to look at a tall and elegant white mare wearing a blue cape. “And this is Fleur de Lis, my very beautiful and even more loyal wife. She leads the Canterlot clan by my side, and while I officially work in politics and the fashion business, my dear Fleur is a well respected model.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you. Please take my deepest condolences. If you will ever need a favour, do not hesitate to ask,” Fleur said while maintaining a balanced pose, her left foreleg and right hind leg raised above the floor.
“I… I’ll keep that in mind, thank you for your kind words,” she responded with a weak smile. Fleur smiled back ever so warmly. “Forgive me for asking, but was deciding my territory the only reason I called here, or is there more?”
Fancy Pants and Fleur looked at each other and nodded before they started explaining the situation.
“F-F-Fancy P-Pants,” Rarity said sheepishly as glass of red liquid trembled in her magical aura. “He is… a vam… I mean, a pureblood thestral? And Fleur as well?”
“Neat, isn’t it?” asked Vinyl whose attention was focused on the musicians, mostly on a grey earth pony playing on the cello, when suddenly a thump reached her ear. She turned to the source of noise, quickly noticing Rarity lying on her back with foreleg on her head, mouth open in shock with eyes rolled to the back of her head.
After being shaken by Vinyl in attempt to wake her up, Rarity shook her head and looked at the floor as she murmured to herself, “But this doesn’t make sense. Fancy Pants is the most popular and influential pony in Canterlot. He is the center of attention of all nobility and the princess herself. And Fleur, she is Equestria’s famous model with fans and paparazzi following her every step.” She looked Vinyl in the eyes and asked, “How can they hide this secret with such a lifestyle?”
Vinyl smirked and released Rarity from her hold as her flank slammed against the floor. She pointed at the moon while fixing her glasses and said, “You know the saying; hiding in plain light? Under the light it’s always the darkest, or something like that.”
“I guess you are right,” Rarity responded as she massaged her backside. “Still, to think that the Fancy Pants, the most known noble in Equestria, has a double life. He is like a thestral lord.”
Vinyl patted Rarity on the back, causing her head to hit the floor. “You’ve seen nothing yet. Now that you’re one of us, a completely new world is open for you to explore. It’ll be awesome.”
The fashionista sighed and massaged her muzzle before giving the DJ a defeated glance. "Who else do I know or have heard about that is famous is a thestral?! Sapphire Shores?! A.K. Yearling?! Tenderhoof?!"
Vinyl rubbed her chin. "Well, I think Photo Finish is one..." she responded before trotting towards the musician, Rarity soon followed.
"Huh, I am actually not surprised by that."
As the ponies went down from the stage, most likely to take a break, Vinyl shouted, “Hey Tavi, neat seeing you here.”
The grey mare looked back at her emotionlessly with a neutral smile as she spoke with a professional and cold tone, “Hello to you too, Vinyl. I cannot deny that I also found it hard to believe. When I and my musician friends were called on a short notice to play a concert in ruins of an old castle in the middle of the Everfree Forest, at first I thought it was a joke.”
“Don’t be like that. Look around you.” Vinyl pointed up at the night sky, and next at trees that were visible from small hole in the wall. “It’s a party filled with thestrals, rulers of the night. It’s organized by the third most powerful pureblood in Equestria. It takes place under an open sky inside some castle ruins within a forest full of flesh-eating beasts. If this isn’t set up for a super epic party, then what is?” As the grey pony nodded in response, Vinyl frowned and continued, “Still, the choice of the music is just terrible. No offense Tavi, but your music is way too calm. This set up requires more of DJ Pon-3!” She stood on her rear hooves and straightened her foreleg towards the sky. “Yeaaa!”
Rarity looked at Vinyl and next at her friend and asked, “Is she always like that?”
“Pretty much, but one can get used to it after a while.”
Rarity chucked, “I suppose.”
“My name is Octavia Melody, but you may call me Octavia. I am the leader of a Musicians Guild in Canterlot. Pleasure to meet you,” Octavia said as she raised her foreleg to Rarity, who quickly shook it.
Rarity pressed a forehoof on her own chest and said, “My name is Rarity, and I am the owner of a small boutique in Ponyville and take fashion related orders. The pleasure is all mine.”
As the talk commenced, both mares approached the dining table to take a few snacks and drinks. Vinyl looked between them and rolled her eyes. “Oh great. One snobbish pony I can live with, but two… I’m outta here.”
Octavia stopped her giggle and shot Vinyl an angered glare. “And where do you think you’re going?”
Vinyl pointed at the stage and said, “To provide this party with some hardcore music. I’ll make it epic, just you wait!” She dashed away before Octavia managed to say a word, who slowly lowered her foreleg and let out a sigh.
“Should not we… stop her?” Rarity asked while pointing at huge device that the DJ was pushing towards the stage. Where did she even get that thing?
“Easier said than done,” the musician said with a sad tone before raising her head and turning to Rarity. “Let’s hope the guards will handle this situation.”
Rarity nodded before noticing a small flashlight attached to Octavia’s saddlebag. “A flashlight? I thought that vamp… I mean, thestrals do not need to use those.” She looked around the ballroom. There was no light source outside of the stars and moon, and yet she saw every movement and even colours as if it was a day. She had to admit, night parties under a nearly clear sky looked simply divine.
Octavia chucked, which caused Rarity’s ears to drop slightly as she stared back in confusion. “I assure you, Miss Rarity. I am not like you.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
Octavia took a glass of water for a few sips before answering, “Unlike the majority of those attending this party, I am an earth pony. Nothing special about this one.” She giggled again. “Now that I think about it, not being like the others in a way makes me special.” After not receiving any answer or reaction outside of opened mouth, she added, “Many would call me a donor.”
“Donor?”
She nodded in response before explaining, “Yes. This is a term thestrals use to call ponies who are not turned or half breed. Ponies that are on friendly terms with them, keep their secret safe and even offer their own blood out of goodwill.”
Rarity tapped her chin. “So you are just like Rainbow Dash... How did you learn about the thestrals’ existence?”
Octavia finished drinking her water and placed it on the table. She sat in front of Rarity who exposed her long bat-ears. She lectured, “I will tell you, but in return, I would like to learn how did you became one.” Noticing a nod, she started, “It all started when Vinyl...”
***
“I see,” Fluttershy said after listening to the full lecture. “So you wish for me to stay hidden until my hundredth birthday. Then I would participate in a ritual where I will sleep for months so my body can adapt to my new powers?”
“Precisely,” said Fancy Pants with a firm nod. “Ever since your parents’ deaths and your disappearance, leftovers from the Cloudsdale clan spread across Equestria, leaving the city in the sky out of our influence.” He sighed. “Not that the clan was big in the first place as your parents rarely turned anypony.”
Fleur stepped closer. “Returning to Cloudsdale is no longer a possibility as it has become an area of a power struggle. Without a pureblood family to oversee this place, many young ones from different clans started to wage a war over this territory. Surely you would not like to participate in this conflict?” Upon hearing a weak whimper, she continued. “We will inform the most trusted ponies from your parents’ clan that you are still alive and live in Ponyville. Though tracking them down may take some time.”
“We already discussed this matter with other families,” Fancy Pants pointed out. “They are not specifically interested in a small town such as Ponyville and agreed to respect your territory.”
“So with your blessing, I can form my own clan here in Ponyville and other purebloods will leave me alone?”
“Correct. As long as you will respect theirs, they should leave you alone, especially since you are under our protection,” Fancy said with a reassuring smile.
Fluttershy made a full bow. “Thank you very much.” She raised her head to look at the towering thestrals. “However there is something important I would like to discuss with you about... if it is okay with you.”
“We are here for you, young lady,” Fancy said gently as he straightened his foreleg to Fluttershy and helped her stand. Meanwhile, loud and heavy music started to play in the background as it startled the crowd. “We will try our best to help you past these hard times and protect you, so please, speak freely.” Muffled by the loud music, he turned his head to the source and called out, “What in Celestia’s name?” before raising his eyebrow. “Vinyl Scratch. I say, I should have seen this coming.”
With a gulp, Fluttershy turned around and pointed at the chained pony. “It’s about Applejack,” she said as a sound similar to drum rolls followed.
Fancy Pants rolled his eyes at the sound of loud thumps that matched his steps as he approached the huntress. The guard bowed, stepped to the side and flew towards the stage to silence the musician before she could play a funeral march, party rock, Crawling in my Hide or other craziness like that. After the noise of fighting was replaced with silence, Fancy Pants examined the farm mare thoughtfully with his perceptive eyes and other senses, analyzing heartbeat and blood pressure. Fleur and Fluttershy slowly caught up as he lowered his head to huntress’s neck and bit it.
Fluttershy yelped quietly, but didn’t dare to say a single word. Her attention focused on Fancy Pants while her heart was beating faster and faster. Just like that fateful day when she could do nothing to save her parents, she once again felt powerless. Unable to do anything to protect Applejack but hope the older thestral would show mercy.
Fancy Pants licked the wound after taking a little taste. Fleur did the same. Both purebloods turned to Fluttershy whose ears dropped while her eyes stared back pleadingly.
“Forgive me for asking, but why did you bring this pony here? More or less chained to this seat?” Fancy Pants asked curiously, quickly sensing desperation and fear.
Fluttershy opened her mouth to answer, but Sharp Eye beat her to it, whispering into his master’s ear as all she could do was catch fragments of what he said.
“Thank you,” Fancy said as his spy bowed in respect and left. With his eyes now on Fluttershy, he spoke, “So... this huntress followed you to the Everfree Forest and tried to take your life. She discovered your identity and swore to kill you before my faithful spy put her to sleep.” His stare sharpened and so did his tone of voice. “And once you found out that this huntress was also your friend, you decided to spare her life?”
Murmurs echoed through the room as many looked at Fluttershy with clear disapproval. In return, she looked at the crowd, and next back at Fancy Pants and smiled awkwardly. “I... did…” she squeaked quietly.
For several seconds, both purebloods looked at the trembling Fluttershy who barely could look them in their eyes. The silence was broken the moment Fancy Pants sighed as he knelt. Once lowered to Fluttershy’s eye level, he said, “Your family was famous for their, how would should I say it…?”
Fleur continued, “Very peaceful nature and outstanding mercy.”
“Thank you, dear,” he said while not taking his eyes from the nervous thestral. “Your father was a friend of mine, one of many, but still a friend regardless. I do miss him.” His voice suddenly lost its confidence and authority, becoming heavy and filled with regret. “While I shared his point of view, I disagreed with his methods. There are times when we cannot afford mercy without paying a hefty price. You should know this the best.”
Fluttershy nodded, but her lips failed to produce any words.
“He and his wife lost their lives because they showed mercy to our enemies. Because they rarely turned anypony into thestrals, their mansion did not have enough guards to repel the attack,” Fancy Pants said with a sad tone before pointing his hoof at Fluttershy, nearly touching her muzzle. “And it seems that history is repeating itself.”
Fluttershy looked at Applejack while Fancy Pants stood back to his hooves and looked at her as well. “This huntress knows your face and lives in the same town as you. Should you let her live, nothing but suffering awaits.”
“B-but…”
“If she informs the guild, there will be no place in this small town for you to hide. Cloudsdale is far too dangerous for you to return. Furthermore,” he paused and cleared his throat, “the ancient agreement we have followed for millennia state that each family owns their own clan and territory. As pureblood, your uninvited presence in another town will be taken as trespassing or act of hostility.”
Fluttershy was about to respond, but Fleur was the first to as she sat on her left side and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “In any other circumstances, we would probably adopt you, or at least let you settle up with us in Canterlot until your hundredth birthday. However…” she sighed and looked to the side. “Canterlot in the next few years will become a very dangerous place. My dear Fancy and I... we may be very powerful and influential, but we have powerful enemies. The less you get involved with us, the better.”
“I am afraid there is only one solution,” Fancy finished as he turned his judgmental eyes at the young pureblood.
What should I do, oh, this is too much! Fluttershy thought as she felt conflicted and overwhelmed. A very nice day filled with games, stories, and somewhat tasty apple products had turned into one of the worst nights imaginable, like some sort of nightmare. A pony she considered to be her friend turned out to be a huntress that tried to kill her. To make matters worse, Applejack learned that she was a pureblood, the hunter guild’s biggest enemies. She no longer could return to Cloudsdale and wasn’t welcomed anywhere else. If she spared her friend’s life, Applejack and other hunters would come back to kill her.
Applejack was my friend, but she tried to kill me. My mother and father always told me to not take life unless in dire circumstances. She looked between Fancy Pants and the farm mare. But it’s a dire situation. It’s kill or be killed. Her confused look was replaced with an angered one, her fangs exposed. Applejack is a huntress, hunters kill us and never show mercy. My parents hesitated and were killed in return. Why should I?
She smiled slightly. That’s it, I just need to get rid of her and all my problems will be gone, The easiest solutions are always the best. Her smile vanished quickly and was replaced with the one of guilt as her long ears curled and wings dropped. But what about her family? Big Mac will miss his sister and his work will become twice as hard without her help. Granny’s old heart would be wounded deeply, maybe even ceasing beating. That sweet little filly would have to endure losing her sister and growing without her… just like I have to now…
As Fluttershy was deep in her thought, Fancy Pants raised his foreleg and added, “I say, eliminating just this one huntress will simply not do. Monster hunters pass on their knowledge through the generations.”
Sharp Eye smiled widely before smirking as he turned to his master and said, “The Apple family in Ponyville is a threat that need to be eliminated. Shall I do the honors?”
Like thunder, their words made Fluttershy flinch as she was pulled from her thoughts. Her eyes opened widely, pupils shrank, mouth agape and legs and wings trembled uncontrollably. Kill an entire family… no no no, I don’t care if they are hunters or not, they don’t deserve this. She steeled her legs and began to hyperventilate, doing her best to calm her nerves. An entire family killed, for my sake… I can’t let this happen, there must be another solution.
“N-no…” Fluttershy said after her mental struggle.
“Hmm?” Fancy Pants turned to Fluttershy and adjusted his ear. “No? I believe I misheard you. Would you please repeat it, young lady?”
“I s-s-said n-no… She may be a huntress, but she was my friend.” Fluttershy gulped. “Her family was very welcoming and I can’t let them die for my sake.”
“Friend?” Fancy asked before looking at the huntress once again while Sharp Eye facehooved. “She is not your friend anymore. Hunters are enemies of our kind.”
Sharp Eye continued, “They will be eliminated. If not for your sake, then for those thestrals that would die from their hooves.”
“Please…” Fluttershy looked at them with a pout on her face and pleading eyes, a look that caused Fleur to giggle and stunned Fancy Pants for a few seconds.
The noble pureblood cleared his throat and recovered from the visual assault. “I am truly sorry, but this is for your own good.”
Fleur nodded before levitating a rapier that aimed at Applejack’s heart, but Fluttershy jumped in the way and spread her wings protectively. ‘I s-said no.”
“Excuse me?” Fancy Pants raised his eyebrow as murmurs filled the crowd. Many angered stares were directed at the young pureblood who curled slightly in fear.
“What I meant was... there must be a better solution.”
Fancy Pants was about to lecture the naive soul, but Fleur approached and spoke first, “There is none, I am afraid. Many hunters are being taught from a young age that we are undead beings or merciless monsters. Unlike common ponies, if you turn your former friend into a thestral, she would rather take her own life than live as those she hunts. Or she will become a target herself.” She knelt and stroked Fluttershy’s cheek gently as she looked at her with concern. “Erasing or manipulating her memories will fail. The guild regularly checks their members for influence of mind affecting spells.”
Mind affecting spells… Fluttershy thought before her ears straightened upward as she gestured for Fleur to lower her head. She whispered, “What about blood hypnosis?”
“You learned about blood hypnosis?” Fleur asked while Fancy Pants and Sharp Eye looked at them both with curiosity.
Fluttershy nodded. “It’s a special ritual that makes effect of hypnosis permanent. My father often taught me how to use my eyes to affect other’s mind without hurting them for self defense, he called it ‘the stare.’ I once asked him if there are other ways to affect ponies mind,” she explained, doing her best to hide her desperation behind a facade of confidence.
Fleur chuckled before straightening up. “For a young one to be able to perform such a feat, I am truly impressed.” She rubbed her chin. “Unlike turning an undead corpse into a ghoul, or standard hypnosis, we can control a pony by injecting small portion of our blood and it cannot be detected, even by the hunters' guild mages. We even use this technique to have spies in our enemy organizations, though this is very difficult for many reasons.”
Fluttershy nodded absentmindedly, her attention focused on saving Applejack. Please, let it work, please let it work.
Fancy Pants approached. “Excuse me. I apologize for overhearing your little discussion, but I could not resist.” He looked Fluttershy in the eyes sternly and spoke, “Young Lady, blood hypnosis has severe downsides. If you were to use it on your former friend and her family, it would weaken your mind from constantly keeping them under control.” He paused before adding in a firm tone, “And you will need to forever keep them by your side.”
Hot Tea approached while levitating a tray with glasses filled with blood. He gently moved one towards Fancy Pants who recaptured it with his own magical aura as he drank the blood from it. The butler turned to Fluttershy and said with a professional tone, “My master is absolutely correct. The controlled target is connected to you by the blood you injected. While you would have no trouble keeping your former friend’s family in check in such small town as Ponyville, should you or they leave it, the distance would break your control over them.”
Sharp Eye added with a hiss, “It’s far too risky and a huge waste of time. Just get rid of them and problem solved.”
Fluttershy wanted to say no, but her mouth refused to open as crowd of ponies stared at her mercilessly. Come on, Fluttershy. The fate of a family filled with good ponies is in your hooves. You can’t back down now. She closed her eyes to ignore the stares, and with a deep breath and firm stomp, she said, “I, Fluttershy, also known as Flutterbat and daughter of Cloudsdale’s pureblood family whose life was taken by members of a hunter guild, shall decide Applejack and her family’s fate.”
Fluttershy took a few steps towards her former friend and added with confident tone, “For being a member of a Monster Hunter's Guild and making an attempt on my life, for learning my true identity, I, as a pureblood thestral and guardian of Ponyville, sentence you and your family to lifelong servitude under blood hypnosis.”
Loud murmurs filled the party area until Fancy Pants silenced it with a firm command. He swiftly turned to Fluttershy and asked, “I hope you understand the consequences of your decision. Is it final?” Noticing a hesitant nod as his tone of voice became very intimidating, he continued, “You will need to keep your friend and her family in Ponyville or keep them company whenever they leave it, risking wrath of thestrals from other clans. You will spare their lives, but take away their free will. Do you understand?”
Fluttershy shivered, only to steel her nerves as she answered, “I swear to not abuse it and give them as much freedom as possible.”
Fancy Pants sighed as Sharp Eye approached and asked, “My Lord, you cannot possibly consider it.”
With depression surfacing on his features, he sat and nodded.
Fluttershy’s wings flapped joyfully as she turned towards Applejack, ready to start the ritual, but Fancy Pants’ voice caught her attention. “I cannot support your decision, but I won’t stand in your way. For keeping members of a monster hunter guild alive in your territory, I cannot protect you any longer. You will be forced to show resolve behind your choices and deal with those who oppose them. Furthermore,” he pointed at the young pureblood, “should you foolishly lose your life,” and next at Applejack, “she and her family shall share your fate.”
“I… understand,” she replied as sweat started to fall from her forehead while her heart was beating even faster than before. In exchange for her enemy’s life, she lost the protection of Fancy Pants, one of the most powerful pureblood thestrals in Equestria. Her chance for raising a clan in a calm and peaceful environment was gone as even more hardship was added to the plate.
“Lastly, once the ritual is over, I wish to ask of you to present us the results.”
Fleur was about to speak, but Fancy’s raised foreleg gesture silenced her.
Fluttershy with now crumbling confidence approached her former friend. Her eyes focused on the long orange neck. She could see the veins hidden behind the fur and skin and could hear blood flowing through them. Applejack’s was chained with her mouth opened as small drops of saliva fell from it.
With a few seconds of hesitation, she pierced Applejack’s vein on her neck as she drained small bits of her blood before injecting it mixed with her own. She found the taste superior to the hard apple cider that Granny Smith let her taste today as the blood made her feel strong and energetic for a few seconds. The sudden feeling of hunger and desire for more filled Fluttershy when she returned the blood while adding in a mix of her own.
Ignoring her instincts telling her to drain the farm mare’s blood, Fluttershy focused on the spell as her eyes flashed a strong red. Many could only stare with a jealous expressions, wishing they could possess such power. As the process lasted for several seconds, the young pureblood slowly took out her fangs and licked the wound, her breath quickly became heavy and forelegs soft. With a weak thump she fell onto her flank and put foreleg on her aching head.
“Sharp Eye, please remove the effect of the sleeping spell,” Fancy Pants said calmly before turning to the crowd as he ordered, “I wish for all of my loyal followers to stay silent for an incoming event. I wish for not a single word to be spoken.”
Silence quickly overtook the room as the spy hissed at Fluttershy before attending to Applejack, his horn pressed sharply against farm mare’s forehead and flashed in bright black. “Time to see how grateful your huntress friend will be for sparing her life.”
***
Rarity’s POV
***
“... and that’s how I became a va… thestral. I hardly remember anything from that dreadful event in the spa. Fluttershy brought me to her cottage and took care of me until I woke up.”
Octavia took a sip of tea before placing the cup back on the table as she was sitting on the opposite side of it, her collected posture hardly showing any interest she had in the story. “I must say. I am pleasantly surprised. Not only did your master turn you into a thestral as her last resort to save your life, she actually made quite an effort to ensure that nopony would think you are no longer among the living.”
Rarity nodded. “Indeed. Fluttershy is such a sweetheart. She cares about others even more than herself.” Rarity levitated a snack into her mouth and bit quickly before cleaning her lips with a napkin. She continued, “I always thought she was shy and afraid of her own shadow. To some degree she still is, which I cannot blame her since she had to witness the death of her own parents, but to think she was a pureblooded thestral this whole time. All this time I took her outside, the poor dear suffered under the sunlight, giving me a fake smile while her body was becoming weaker.”
The earth pony looked behind Rarity, her attention focused on the talking purebloods. “Indeed. From the rumours I had heard about her parents being murdered in front of their daughter’s eyes, I am impressed she is still able to go on with a smile. She is much stronger than she looks.” Octavia cleared her throat and continued with a weak smile, “On the bright side, you didn’t have to dig yourself out from your own grave, only to search for the first victim to satisfy your uncontrollable hunger. Surely she provided you with blood and an explanation the moment you woke up.”
Rarity blushed as she bit her lips, which caused Octavia to tilt her head to the side in confusion.
“Your friend is now also your master. From what you told me about her, she feeds off blood of her animals. She provided you with it as well, am I correct?” Octavia asked.
“Well…”
Octavia's eyes opened widely, so did her mouth. “You… didn’t,” she whispered very quietly, afraid of sensitive ears of other guests. “You didn’t drink your master’s blood.”
Rarity looked to the side, awkward smile on her face as she waved her foreleg dismissively. “Of course not, how could I do such a thing?” She looked back at the musician, who stared back at her with emotionless judging smile. Rarity tipped her hooves together as she added with squeaky voice, “Maybe a little.”
“And she didn’t take a whip and lash you to the limits of your newly gained regeneration abilities or went for a slow kill?” Noticing a quick nod, she added quietly, “What you did was one of the biggest insults for a pureblood. If you value your life, do not tell any thestral. You may have a very forgiving master, but others of her kind are, how should I put it… very, very strict when it comes to rules and traditions.”
Rarity looked around, her attention focused on the fashionably clothed thestrals. Each displaying good manners and high standards, their posture as regal as of lords and emperors while their way of speaking both calm and pleasant to hear. Suddenly, an image of them turning into an angered mob armed with whips, maces and other instruments of torture advancing towards her flashed in her mind. You did the unspeakable. There is no redemption for you. You are a disgrace to our proud race. You are mud on the face of fashion and good etiquette. Burn the witch, a stream of insults went through Rarity’s mind as she shivered and her ears dropped. She gulped and whispered, “I… will keep that in mind.”
After a moment of awkward silence, Rarity broke it by pointing at Sharp Eye, a self-proclaimed spy assassin. “May I ask? If rules are so important and strict, then why he did not show any respect to Fluttershy and get away with it?”
“Oh, him,” Octavia said as she gave him a look of annoyance as he whispered something into Fancy Pants ear. “He is nearly three hundreds years old, and quite a popular one to be honest. I have heard that Lord Fancy Pants found him in an orphanage and raised him for his unique skills.”
“Like an adopted son?” Rarity asked, shocked.
Octavia chuckled, shook her head and whispered, “I would say it is more of a master and pet relationship. When you are as powerful and old as Lord Fancy Pants, you lead hundreds of servants and spies. He cannot afford to be attached to somepony he’d chosen and turned into a thestral because of talents.”
“I… see. But then, why he was so mean to Fluttershy? She outranks him.”
“Correct,” Octavia responded. “But he made himself believe that he’s some sort of personal student of the Lord Fancy Pants. He respects only strength and your friend does not seems the type to impress him. He may be a normal thestral, but in terms of power, he can rival young purebloods while exceeding them greatly by experience. Being so close to Fancy Pants, one of his social standing is often forgiven for his lack of respect.”
Now that I think about it, Octavia seems to know more than she should, Rarity thought as she levitated over a sugarcube towards the earth pony’s tea. “One or two?”
“One please.”
Rarity nodded as she carefully placed the cube to dissolve in the hot liquid before doing the same with her own teacup. While drinking blood proved to be much more filling, tea drinking in nice company brought her the feeling of nostalgia. “You seems quite knowledgeable. I am quite interested in the story between you and Vinyl.”
“Of course,” Octavia responded firmly as a so-called wubs echoed through the party. This in turn received many complaints and annoyed glares. “It all started with a night club. As you may have noticed, she is rather enthusiastic when it comes to her genre of music…. a loud one if I may add.”
“It is an understatement,” Rarity responded with a wave of her hoof as her attention focused on several small loudspeakers. She rubbed her eyes the moment she noticed another instrument that came out of nowhere as rumbling the sound of a drum rolling reached her ears.
Octavia chuckled. “You get used to it after a while. As I was saying, my friend Vinyl loves loud music. She once followed her parents to a nightclub when she was just a filly and asked the DJ there to let her play once. He agreed, most likely unable to resist her puppydog stare, and after her performance, Vinyl got her cutie mark, or at least this is what she told me. Ever since that day, she pursued her dream and at a later age, she worked part time in nightclubs with a dream to own one.”
“Charming,” Rarity interrupted. “Should I assume that some accident occurred and a thestral who was nearby saved her life?”
“Not all purebloods are like your master and turn ponies just to save them,” Octavia answered. “Vinyl just happened to perform in a nightclub where Lord Fancy Pants’ and Fleur’s son were attending. The very next night, Fancy’s family turned her into a thestral and two weeks later, hired her as their personal DJ.”
Noticing that Rarity’s mouth was opened agape, she carefully closed it with a hoof and added with a smile. “That is how many purebloods do, they turn ponies without giving them a choice and assign their roles. On the good side, my friend found it, umm... ‘radical’, that’s the word. Ever since then, they called Vinyl to perform at their son’s private parties, and she got her personal nightclub to run in Canterlot, as well as one in Ponyville after she was temporarily removed from the clan."
Rarity looked to the side as she just met a more harsh part of society she have become a part of. If anything, she was lucky to have Fluttershy as a master, if only because she didn’t want to be her master. Not only had her friend saved her life and ensured everypony in Ponyville that she was alright, but also didn’t take even a slightest amount of freedom. Were she turned by Lord Fancy Pants, her fate would be different. She released her breath and looked at Octavia with a depressed look and asked, “ If I may ask, how did you learn about Vinyl?”
Octavia responded, her voice slightly muffled by the crowd’s murmurs and complaints about her friend’s music. “It was rather simple, actually. Vinyl and I were roommates in Canterlot. It was rather hard to live in one room with her, but she usually means well. My mother was the leader of the Canterlot Musicians Guild, she ensured my education so I could take over. I have no quarrels following in her hoofsteps.”
She took a slot breath. “When I took over, I asked Vinyl if she would be interested in joining. She was a fellow musician after all. And guess what happened?” She slowly raised her foreleg towards her forehead before slamming it firmly. “She hugged me with strength that could put earth ponies to shame, started thanking nearly as loud as her music and outright told me the story of her life.”
The teacup fell from Rarity’s levitation and was captured centimeters before crashing against the floor while the liquid itself nearly escaped her mouth. She coughed a few times before asking, “She just told you she was a vampony, just like that?”
“Not just that. She told me about her master and pleaded to meet him the next night.”
“Did you panic?” Rarity asked curiously.
“Not really. At first I thought she was joking, next that she went crazy, but when I met Lord Fancy Pants in person…”
“Why he didn’t turn you? How did you react?” Rarity asked, her eyes wide and ears straightened, muzzle nearly touching Octavia’s.
“Seems somepony is really curious,” Octavia responded, which caused Rarity to blush and back down. “While I admit that I was confused and shocked beyond belief, meeting the most influential noble while finding out that he ruled a clan of thestrals in Canterlot for many centuries. I kept my cool and talked with him calmly and reasonably.”
Rarity’s neck bent back as she said with confusion, “And you convinced him to not turn you?”
Octavia responded with a nod. “Correct. I politely refused his offer to become like Vinyl and swore to keep everything as secret.”
“Hey, let me go, you blockheads! Can’t you see how much this party needs some beats? I need to wake up those zombies with some real music!” Vinyl shouted while struggling against a guard’s hold.
Octavia sighed before continuing, “He looked me in the eyes as I stood my ground, barely. After several seconds of his cold stare that turned most of my blood to ice… hypothetically that is. He smiled and said that he trusted me. But the worst part was…” she paused.
“Tavi, Octy, Octavia, help! They’re breaking the musician’s rights! Freedom to rock!”
“He asked me to take care of Vinyl, keep her from getting herself into trouble.” She looked at the stares directed at her after being called by the crazy thestral and next up at the stars in the sky. She raised her forelegs as if asking the fate itself, “How is this my life?”
Rarity rubbed her foreleg before carefully placing hoof on Tavi’s shoulder. “It cannot be that bad, right?”
After taking a few breaths, Octavia looked back at Rarity and said, “I agree. Lord Fancy Pants proved to be very generous customer for my guild. Ever since he started asking of our services for his high-society parties, both nobility and Canterlot thestrals started to call for our services.” She smiled more widely than usual which surprised Rarity as she could do nothing but stare. “I guess that realization of my dream is worth keeping Vinyl from impaling herself on a hunter’s stake, as well as giving away a little blood from time to time.”
“That was quite a story,” Rarity responded. “Though I must say that Rainbow Dash’s one was much more deep if I may say.”
“Oh right, Miss Dash, Fluttershy’s donor,” Octavia said as she looked around. “She didn’t come with you?”
“She said she was doing some investigation. She suspects that the earthquake that nearly killed me was not caused by a natural disaster,” Rarity said with a giggle before taking a last sip from her tea as it landed on the table. “She can be silly sometimes.” Much to Rarity’s surprise, Octavia’s expression was far more serious than before. “Is something wrong?” She quickly touched her muzzle before wiping it, “Do I have something on my face?”
“I think Miss Dash may be onto something. There are dark arts that can cause an earthquake, or so I heard.” Noticing a mix of shock and fear in Rarity’s dragon-like eyes, Octavia continued, “I do some research on thestral culture in my free time. During a struggle for power, purebloods don't hesitate to assassinate each other.”
Rarity lowered her head. Is this really possible? Would another thestral be responsible for that earthquake that nearly killed me? No, this had to be natural. Do not get paranoid, Rarity.
Noticing distress on her newly gained friend’s face, the musician decided to change the topic. “Speaking of Miss Rainbow Dash, how did she become a donor?”
The question woke up Rarity from her thought as she raised her head hastily. “Oh, uh, ha… Rainbow Dash, yes,” she mumbled before calming herself with a quick breath. “It turned out that she had a lethal accident when she was a filly, but luckily Fluttershy was nearby and saved her life. Unlike in my case, her wounds were not as intense so Fluttershy managed to save her without turning her.”
Octavia listened before smiling warmly once again. “It seems that your master has a tendency to save others’ lives. She should have a first aid cutie mark instead.”
“You have a point, but considering that her family was specializing in medicine, and since she is an immortal pureblood thestral, her talent to heal others is a given,” Rarity said calmly before her expression hardened. “She keeps delaying talking with me about immortality, though. How is Vinyl handling the fact that you, her family and other of her friends will one day pass away while she will still be young?”
Octavia opened her mouth and was about to respond, when a loud comment silenced her. “I wish for all of my loyal followers to stay silent for an incoming event. I wish for not a single word to be spoken.”
Both mares turned towards the scene as silence filled the room, their attention focused on Fluttershy and the tied up farm mare. Octavia facehooved the moment she noticed Vinyl breaking free from a guard’s hold and approaching the tied huntress.
Applejack ran through her farm, or rather what was left out of it as all the trees looked as if they were cursed. Rotten apples and cut off branches decorated the field among smothered grass. Not that one could admire such abnormal scenery as the sky was dark and the moon barely provided any light. She stopped immediately at the sight of the ruins of her barn and approached with slow, careful steps while wind flapped her tail and mane. She hesitantly peeked inside by a hole in the door, only for her eyes to open widely.
Her parents were lying dead in a puddle of blood as only a lack of light hid the horror of their torn-open insides.
Applejack walked backward with her mouth agape but unable to scream, only to nearly trip on something squishy while tears blurred her vision. She jumped forward and made a 180 turn towards the object she tripped over, only to flinch again. The drained corpse of Granny Smith presented itself under her hooves. Skin looking far older than ever, as if an apple left under the scorching sun for months. ”G-Granny…” She knelt and embraced the corpse. “Not you too!” as it suddenly turned into mere dust and slipped from her strong embrace, making contact with the earth she always worked on for so long.
Applejack stood back to her hooves and looked around before a weak noise reached her ears. “Big Mac!” She ran across the ruins of her farm while screaming her brother’s name, only to pull herself into a full stop at the sight of massive object lying under a tree. Slowly approaching as her heart tried to escape her chest, she noticed several destroyed hunter weapons scattered around and… her brother’s motionless body. She didn’t dare to approach any longer, her raised foreleg refusing to make a step.
“A-A-Apple Bloom…” she murmured to herself with worry, fearing her sister shared her family’s cruel fate, before a familiar bark caught her attention. She felt as if her stomach turned inside out at the sight of the undead dog, Winona, whose bones were clearly exposed through rotten flesh that fell off her as if she was a lizard losing its skin. Next to the loyal dog however was a pony she had recently learned to hate, Fluttershy.
“Have you been looking for this?” the vampony said devilishly as she pushed Apple Bloom’s corpse towards the farm mare’s hooves. The filly’s neck snapped to the side as two wounds from fangs were visible on her neck. “Your big strong brother had plenty of blood to spare, but it wasn’t as tasty as the snack I made of this filly. It turns out that small young apples are the best ones.”
Applejack grit her teeth as her blood was boiling from anger. She jumped towards the pureblood in rage, only to be tackled by her own dog who pressed its teeth against her foreleg. With a solid buck, she kicked Winona away and rolled back to her hooves, her eyes scanning for weapons. She quickly jumped towards a broken blade, but Fluttershy’s hoof struck it first, shattering the silver into small pieces. “Ah’ll buck off that head of yers, even if it’s the last thing Ah do!”
“Is this how you thank me for keeping your animals healthy and for saving your dog? Bad, bad Applejack,” Fluttershy scolded the farm mare before pointing at the approaching pet. “Just look at her, she’s better than ever and will fit perfectly among my animal servants.” She quickly grabbed Applejack’s foreleg before she could react. Much to the farm mare’s pain and shock, blood started to escape from bite marks left by Winona’s teeth right into vampony’s mouth, who then licked her lips in satisfaction. “You’re quite a vigorous apple, I think I’ll keep you.”
Applejack stood on her good foreleg and bent it while turning around, her legs flexed before delivering a double kick, one hoof striking against the vampony’s belly while another hitting the head. With her opponent pushed away, she retreated her bleeding foreleg towards her neck, her breath heavy and filled with fear. “S-s-stay back ya rotten snake. Ah w-warn ya!”
With slow steps, Fluttershy approached Applejack, who in response walked backwards on her three legs while maintaining a defensive stance. “Why so stressed? Maybe I should give you a small massage. That’s what friends do, right?”
“Ya killed mah family. Don't ya dare to call yerself mah friend!” Applejack responded by throwing a nearby rock at the approaching monster, only for Fluttershy’s hoof to smash it into dust with one firm strike. Winona joined the vampony’s side.
Much to Applejack’s horror, another figure approached, his legs and body strong as ever, but eyes not showing any signs of life.
“Winona, Big Macintosh, would either of you be a dear and hold my friend for me?”
Both ghouls nodded before following their orders, easily overpowering the farm mare as her head was pressed against the ground. She struggled to raise her head and looked at the towering Fluttershy. “Ya can turn me into a vampony, but Ah’ll never serve a monster like ya.”
“Oh, but you will, not as a vampony though, but rather as a slave and blood source,” Fluttershy said with a smug on her face as she slowly dug her fangs into Applejack’s neck, whose vision became blurry.
Feeling a strong headache overtaking her, Applejack opened her eyes and saw nothing but darkness. Was Ah…dreamin’, or Ah’m on the other side? Confused, she tried to move her legs, only to feel cold metal keeping them in place. With some more effort, she wriggled against the chains. Did they blindfolded me? Sure seems like it. All of a sudden, she felt something sharp piercing her neck and blood escaping her body. She didn’t find it painful, rather unpleasant. If things couldn’t get any worse, she felt the blood returning into her body with something else. If having blood sucked was gross, what was happening now was outright disgusting.
“Stop that this instant!” Applejack shouted. “Once Ah'm free, Ah’ll smash yer heads into a jam.”
Applejack felt the fangs slowly leaving her body and next sticky tongue making contact with her neck. While pain from the wound was gone, her blood felt as if it was on fire. Applejack wriggled with even greater strength and grit her teeth as the burning sensation lasted for several seconds. Once the pain was gone, she took a heavy breath and asked, “Who's there, and what did ya do?”
The silence lasted for a few more seconds before a familiar voice reached Applejack’s ear, though it didn’t seem to be directed at her. “It is done, she should be under my absolute control... as promised.”
“Fluttershy? Horseapples, Ah should have know!” Applejack said in agitation.
“Sup, AJ?” said another voice, this one harder to recognize.
“And who in tarnation are ya, another of those creeps?”
“Creep, who do you think you’re calling a creep? I’m Vinyl Scratch, also known as DJ Pon-3!” she said in an offended tone before adding in a more sore one, “And you’re a huntress as it seems. Don’t get me wrong, I like the idea of a secret life where you kick flanks left and right, but working for a monster hunting guild… not cool AJ, not cool.”
A noise that sounded like fighting reached Applejack’s ears as Vinyl’s voice became muffled. What in Celestia’s name? Applejack thought as she mentally facehooved. Only chains preventing her from doing the same with her hoof. Was she still dreaming? Or was this vampony so stupid to tell her name and occupation to a blindfolded enemy? They’d better kill me before Ah kill them... or mahself.
Once the stupid pony seemed to be restrained and pulled away, Applejack could hear another voice, this one professional and firm. “My master wishes for a demonstration.”
Master, are there more purebloods in this cursed forest? Applejack thought as sweat started to fall from her forehead. Surely she ended up trying to bite off more than she could chew. Her heart sank at the thought of all these monsters sinking their teeth into her until she was as dried as a prune. But she would not scream for them. She would die like a true huntress. Applejack sighed and thought, Ah wish Ah could say goodbye to mah kin. Who knows? Maybe Ah’ll be avenged.
“As you wish.“ Once again she could hear Fluttershy voice, this time more commanding and filled with confidence. “Applejack, tell me, what were you doing in the Everfree Forest and why did you attack me?”
Tartarus will freeze before Ah tell, Applejack thought, but her mouth opened on her own. “Ah was on a mission to track down a vampony that entered the Everfree Forest after one rookie hunter lost track of it.” If not for her eyes being blindfolded, the vamponies would have seen utter shock in them. Ya rotten, cursed bloodsucking… an avalanche of curses went through her mind as her mouth was working. “Ah know the forest well, so Ah was to find this bloodsucker and follow it. When mah hidin’ spot was found, Ah attacked.”
“Does your family know you’re here? Are they monster hunters as well or know you are a member of the guild?”
Applejack grit her teeth as she fought against desire to speak with all her will. Just like in that damn dream. Ah won’t let it come true. The memories of her dream surfaced in an instant, the pain of seeing her family slaughtered, the hate she felt towards Fluttershy for murdering them. Was she going to becoming a slave?
After several seconds of resisting, her mouth broke loose. “Mah brother is a damn good hunter. He takes down big beasts. Granny was a huntress but retired. Apple Bloom’s not, but she knows we are and wants to be one. Winona fights by mah side. Ya aren’t a huntress, Fluttershy, but now ya know we are.”
Why did Ah just say that? Ah can understand why Ah would consider Winona as more than just a pet, but why in Tartarus would Ah even think of Fluttershy, of that demonic spawn, as family? She frowned. It must've been some sort of curse, forcing me to lie.
“As you all can see–” Fluttershy started, her tone much sadder than before.
’You all?’ How many of those damn undead are here?
“–She cannot disobey my orders, and her family won’t as well.”
Something in Applejack broke as she yelled with all her lungs could let her, “Touch mah family and Ah will take out yer heart and put on a pike!” she took a deep breath. “I’ll cut yer head and smash yer skull, and then burn yer remains to ashes! Ah’ll find every single last one of ya bloodsuckers and send ya straight back to Tartarus where ya belong! Ah swear to Celestia! Ah swear on mah parents graves!” the chains started to crack, slowly overpowered by the enraged earth pony. “Ah’ll kill ya Fluttershy, ya hear. Ah’ll stop ya from hurtin’ mah family or die tryin’!”
“C-calm d-down,” another command was spoken as Applejack’s muscles froze, refusing to give her the privilege of revenge.
The silence was heavy as Applejack felt a storm of emotions and countless words she wished to speak. “Ah… hate ya so much. Ah’ll never... forgive... ya,” she said coldly and calmly.
“Are the r-results… s-satisfying?” Fluttershy asked.
After a moment of silence, the professional pony spoke, “My master agrees to untie her and wishes for another demonstration.” An unrecognizable whisper followed.
The sound of breaking metal followed as Applejack was no longer restrained. Metal falling onto the floor with a weak thump. She immediately tackled whoever was in front of her and was about to take blindfold off her eyes, when another command reached her ears, “Do not take the blindfold off.”
With hoof refusing to heed her command, she switched targets and delivered a punch at whoever she was pinning to the floor. Another hit quickly followed, and next another as a weak yelp of pain left Fluttershy’s mouth. “Don’t attack me and let me stand.”
Applejack growled before doing as she was told, feeling like a puppet with Fluttershy pulling her strings. She would shoot the pureblood a hateful glare if not for the band covering her eyes. Unable to see anything, she focused on memories she had whenever she encountered Fluttershy. Times when she attended to her animals and healed them, when the shy pegasus talked with the critters to help her farm.
To think that after being wounded by a monster, Winona was bein’ healed by an even crueler one. The good memories were quickly replaced by the nightmare she had just a few moments ago. To think that such a calm and shy pegasus that could barely throw a horseshoe was in reality an immortal undead with power to turn innocent ponies into monsters. Never judge an apple by its skin.
“Now bow to our guests on the left.”
Applejack fought against the order, her pride on the line, but after a short moment, her trembling legs bent.
“Was this demonstration proof enough?”
The ongoing silence was replaced by a vampony’s firm response. “Indeed. As per agreement, my master will allow you to keep the huntress and her family under your control and jurisdiction.” A short whisper later, he added, “This meeting is over. My master wishes you safe trip on your way home and fun with your new pets.”
“T-thank you,” Fluttershy responded before her voice became louder and commanding. “Applejack, please follow me.”
Despite being blinded, her legs followed the command, step by step moving towards the source of voice. “Ya think ya can just take pony’s free will and own us. Just wait till mah guild finds out about ya. They’ll make sure ya don't enslave anypony else and send ya where ya belong!”
***
Rarity looked at Fluttershy, who was leading Applejack out of the ruins as the farm mare nearly tripped three times, and next at one of the fellow thestrals who placed a collar on the farm’s mare neck with a rope for Fluttershy to pull. It wasn’t taken lightly as several swears that made her fur straighten upward left Applejack’s mouth.
“Fluttershy...” Rarity said hesitantly, her voice depressed. As a thestral herself, she could sense heart-rates and notice small details even more easy than before. While Applejack’s hatred was obvious, she could also see a huge amount of pain, guilt and self-hatred in her poor friend.
“Pureblood or not… she placed far too much of a burden on her delicate withers,” Rarity murmured to herself. She raised her hoof, wanting nothing but to cheer up and assist her friend, but her body refused to take a step. She bit her lips and turned to the side, closing her eyes in shame. I am sorry, Fluttershy, I really am… but I cannot let Applejack know… what I have become.
“Are you feeling okay?” Fluttershy asked with concern as she lead Applejack through the Everfree Forest. Rope temporarily released from her mouth while the collar still decorated the farm mare’s neck.
“Buck you,” Applejack responded.
"I’ll take that as a no.”
None spoke a single word as leaves flapped against the wind. Many noises were audible amongst the trees and bushes. No creature however bothered to approach the pureblood thestral they knew from her many strolls.
Time passed as both mares were deep in thought, every second of silence raised Applejack’s anger and deepened the wound in Fluttershy’s heart. Suddenly, the blinded huntress tripped over a root right onto her face.
Fluttershy ran over immediately and said, “Here, let me help,” only for Applejack to slam her hoof before standing on her own. The vampony retreated her trembling foreleg and grabbed the rope with her teeth as they continued walking.
Finally, both mares arrived at the cottage. “Wait a moment, please,” Fluttershy said as she walked towards the door and looked outside. Her ears straightened and pupils dilated as she scanned the area, searching for even the smallest of movements and the quietest of noise. After several seconds that seemed like minutes, she slowly closed the door and curtains on the windows before sighing in relief. “We’re alone.”
Angel quickly ran to Fluttershy and poked her in the foreleg. He jumped few times and pointed at Applejack. Fluttershy knelt and whispered, “It’s a long story. Can you please take the other animals upstairs and look outside the window to make sure no one’s approaching?” Angel responded with crossed paws and a suspicious glare. “I’ll explain it later, I promise, but now I have to talk with Applejack.” Her stare become more firm as she added, “And no matter what you hear from downstairs, do not interfere. I and my… former friend have a harsh dispute that we need to address.”
Applejack frowned.
Angel looked between Applejack and Fluttershy before nodding. He whistled as it summoned all the animals, from birds to mice, all in line-formation by species and awaiting orders. With a firm movement of his paw, he pointed upstairs and stomped his little feet as all the animals saluted and followed the order.
With the room empty, Fluttershy approached the huntress and took off both the collar from her neck and the band from her eyes. As she expected, the glare she received was filled with rage and hatred.
With her heartrate speed increasing and sweat falling from her forehead, Fluttershy took a deep breath and said, “I know that you’re angry, Applejack–”
“Angry?” the huntress cut her off. “That’s like sayin’ lava’s hot like hot water, or a forest fire’s like a burnin’ candle. Ah despise and hate ya with every part of mah being, ya backstabbin’ wolf in sheep skin monster!”
Fluttershy took a step back. “I know how it looks like, but I was just trying–”
“Tryin’ what? To enslave me and mah family, take away our freedom for yer amusement?”
“Stop it, please!” she responded in panic as Applejack’s mouth was sealed. Fluttershy quickly raised hoof to her face as her eyes widened. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to...” The huntress just turned her head to the side.
“Applejack, please listen to me,” she said, which forced the farm mare to turn towards her and listen carefully, though she could easy see disapproval in Applejack’s eyes. “I didn’t have a choice. It was either this, or I would have to take your life. Please, believe me.”
“Ya might as well killed me. Ah would prefer it over bein’ yer puppet,” Applejack responded as she looked around for anything sharp. With smash of her hoof, she shattered a teacup and grabbed the sharpest piece she could find. With her foreleg trembling whenever she aimed it at Fluttershy, she struck her own neck. Her action failing to leave a single mark on her battle hardened body. Frustrated, she threw it at her enemy, but her foreleg turned a bit to the left against her will and attack missed.
Fluttershy took a few quick breaths, startled by the huntress’s statement. “And your family? Would you have them killed too?”
With a stomp, Applejack made hole in the floor as wooden planks shot upward around her hoof. “Don't ya dare.”
“This isn’t what you think. What I’m trying to tell you is that you’re from a family of hunters. You all are a threat to our kind. The only way to convince the others to spare your lives was to show them that you would no longer hunt us, that you would keep me being a pureblood thestral as a secret. I didn’t have a choice.”
“Excuses,” Applejack responded harshly. “You’re makin’ excuses to justify yer sins. Cut the act and stop hidin’ behind lies.”
“I am not lying!” Fluttershy shouted in desperation.
Applejack growled. “Ah know ya are. All purebloods are the same, building up yer power on innocents’ misery. Ya can talk all ya want, but yer actions speak louder than words.”
Fluttershy’s legs trembled as she gulped. “You tried… you tried to kill me…and I spared your life.”
“Just to get a servant out of it,” Applejack responded in accusation. Only Fluttershy’s orders preventing her from tearing her apart.
Fluttershy approached on her trembling legs as she said with all the confidence she could muster, “I didn’t want to take away your freedom. I just had to convince others that I would enslave you and your family so they can be spared.” Applejack just crossed her foreleg and frowned, her head turned to the side. Fluttershy closed her eyes as a hard decision was to be made.
She couldn’t keep the farm mare on a leash, it was not in her nature nor in her parents teachings, but what she was about to do would have dire consequences. Fluttershy scowled. She already carried a huge burden, adding a bit more would hardly make a difference. She raised her head and looked at Applejack with renewed determination as she steeled herself for incoming pain.
“You wish to see my actions rather than words? As your master and owner by blood hypnosis, I hereby release you from my control so you can do as you please.” Applejack looked back at her with confusion, once again feeling as if her blood was on fire, but only for a short moment. “You are free Applejack, as you can see, I was telling the tru–” she failed to finish her sentence as she was tackled to the floor.
No longer restrained by any magic, no longer under order to stay calm and not attack her master, all of Applejack’s gathered fury was unleashed at this very moment. “Ah don’t know what sick game yer playin’, but if ya think ya can trick me not to trash ya, yer dead wron’. Ah'm goin’ to make ya regret ya were ever born.”
Fluttershy just stared back in silence, at least until Applejack grabbed a lamp from the nearby table and slammed it against her face. A punch in the muzzle quickly followed.
***
“Ya purebloods are the worst monsters we have to fight. All vamponies ya created and we kill were once innocent fellow ponies. Only by killing the source of infestation we can stop it from spreadin’.”
Applejack jumped back and stood on her forelegs, her hind legs aimed at Fluttershy who slowly got back to her hooves. With one solid kick, she slammed her against a wall as it cracked from all sides, leaving the vampony stuck in a pony shaped hole. “Mah Pa and Ma once went to free this world from one of yer kind, they never returned!” Applejack shouted as she kicked a table towards Fluttershy who was still stuck in the wall, the table bouncing off her back onto the floor with a part of it falling off.
Angel ran down the stairs against his master’s wishes to find out what was behind the commotion. He quickly noticed the farm mare throwing bird houses at a barely resisting Fluttershy, blindfold and collar no longer on the prisoner. He facepalmed swiftly before returning to his post. Of all the feared and respected purebloods he had pleasure to work under, this one had to be such a doormat with no charisma whatsoever.
“Ya think that ponies are for ya to control, yer puppets to play with. Ya all think ya can do whatever ya want!” Applejack said as she kept throwing anything near her hoof, each strike causing more bruises to appear on Fluttershy’s fur, but failed to make her let our even the smallest yelp of pain. With the room now a one big mess and most objects in shreds, Applejack jumped at the vampony, her rear hooves pressing into Fluttershy’s belly and left bat-like wing while forehooves pressed against neck.
“Ah trusted ya. Ah thought ya to be a shy and innocent mare with a very kind heart.” She loosened her hold against the neck, only to press against it with even greater strength. Sweat formed on Applejack’s forehead as she grit her teeth from the effort “Ah hate to admit it, but when ya saved Winona’s life, Ah thought of ya as family.” Tears flowed down her cheeks. “But in the end, it was jus’ a show, a sick mind game for ya. Were ya planning to turn mah family into yer undead slaves, or make a dinner out of our blood and flesh?”
Fluttershy coughed in response as floor under her neck cracked and her head was pinned against the wood. Despite the huntress’s efforts, her bones refused to snap.
Unable to choke the manipulator to death, Applejack released the neck and swung her foreleg, delivering Fluttershy a powerful hit against the muzzle while the head sunk a few centimeters deeper into the wood. “Ah ate with ya,” she said before another hit came, blood from a broken nose covered her hoof.
“Ah played with ya.” Another hit followed. “Ah believed in yer fake smile every single time.” Another hit. “Ah let Apple Bloom play hide and seek with ya.” Punch. “And ya were scoutin’ us, yer fangs ready to sink in mah sister and brother’s necks.” More attacks followed as more tears flowed down, mixing with the blood that streamed to the floor. “Yer kin took mah Pa and Ma away, and now ya want mah sister, brother and granny, Ah won’t allow it!” At least six more strikes followed as her last hit struck against the eye, causing it to bleed as for the first time, Fluttershy yelped.
“Yer a despicable, worthless blood sucking bag of hay, disease that ruin families’ lives and soulless heartless monsters!” With each word, the strikes became slower and weaker. “Why won’t ya just dieee…?!”
Applejack forelegs trembled and stopped supporting her as she fell next to Fluttershy, landing in a puddle of blood of her own making. More tears escaped her face as she added with tired voice, “Just die… please.”
The huntress stood back to her hooves and breathed heavily, all rage and frustration she gathered until now, all her hate she felt towards those despicable monsters after losing her parents, all of it unleashed in the past minute. She looked once again at the stubborn traitorous mare whose skull refused to break. Her muzzle broken and bleeding left eye closed.
“B-better?” Fluttershy asked before coughing even more blood onto the floor, her right eye producing tears while the left eye produced a diluted red liquid.
“W-what?” the huntress asked, blinking in confusion.
“Are you feeling better?” Fluttershy asked with a sad and hoarse voice. Feeling as if her delicate soul was torn apart. “Is your heart lighter after unleashing all of your fury on me?” Noticing a weak hesitant nod, she forced a smile and added, “I am… glad.”
"Why... why did ya free me? Why did ya keep mah life spared? Yer supposed to be a merciless monster, so why?"
Fluttershy took a heavy breath and spoke, "Because... I am your friend. You may be my enemy who wants to hurt me… to take away my life…” She barely stood as her body was shaking. “I know I’ll suffer because of my decision, but I’d rather struggle myself and not hurt anypony… than let you and your family die... for my sake.” Suddenly something inside of her snapped. Her eyes opened widely, even the wounded one, and her lips started to tremble. Much to Applejack’s surprise, Fluttershy fell to the side as blood on the floor splattered from the impact. She put foreleg on her eyes and burst into uncontrollable crying.
Applejack could only stare in disbelief as her mind tried to process what was happening. Is she… really cryin’? It has to be act, right? With stored anger and frustration no longer clouding her judgement, what she saw caught her completely off guard. In front of her was her sworn enemy, a pureblood vampony… who was crying in a puddle of her own blood. A creature who had recently saved her dog and spent an eventful day with her and her family.
She fought against Fluttershy, a fight she should have lost, and yet she was still alive. She ended up becoming her slave, but was released soon after. For the past few minutes, she was treating Fluttershy as a punching bag who refused to fight back. “Is your heart lighter after unleashing all of your fury on me?” Fluttershy’s words echoed in the huntress’s mind. Is a supposedly powerful and cruel creature that curses this thriving kingdom with its very presence now really cryin’ in front of mah very eyes?”
“S-stop that, ya cannot fool me!” Applejack said loudly, but her words were clearly ignored. “Ah said, stop this charade!”
Nothing but the sound of crying filled the room as Applejack rubbed the floor with her hoof. No one in Hunter Training Camp ever told her how to deal with a crying foe. She was often warned to never trust her target when it begs for mercy or swear to change its ways, that it was a lie or even a trap, that hesitation would kill her. With a few quiet steps, Applejack walked to another room while looking around, quickly noticing that she was inside a kitchen. “Just what Ah needed.”
It didn’t take long before the huntress found a kitchen knife. It wasn’t made of silver and didn’t seemed to be enchanted in anyway, but it had to do. With the knife between her teeth, she walked back into the main room, slowly approaching her foe. She knelt in front of Fluttershy who was still in her devastated condition, unaware of her surroundings. She could see long faded pink mane and tail now soaked in blood, batlike wings lying motionlessly against the floor and ears lying flat against the vampony’s head.
Applejack’s determined and angered face softened slightly as realization struck her. If her hooves that could crush a rock and push a tree from its roots failed to damage the pureblood’s neck and head, why would a normal kitchen knife fare any better? Ah can’t kill ya with this, but Ah can still make ya suffer, thought Applejack. She could make holes in those thin wings, open a few wounds here and there, surely it would be proper punishment for all the evils this creature spread across Equestria, vengeance for her parents death. She lowered her head and aimed at the wing…
The strike didn’t come.
With one swing of her head and forehoof, she pushed the knife away as it bounced on the floor with a weak thump. She was a huntress and her mission was to eliminate dangerous monsters and protect innocents, not torture for some petty revenge. If she was going to face Fluttershy and kill her, she would do it with professional equipment and swiftly.
Seconds passed by as Applejack sat next to her crying enemy, unaware of the presence of Angel, who observed her from the stairs, more than willing to push his tiny teeth into her flank and waiting for an excuse to do so.
Feeling conflicted and awkward, the huntress spoke, “Flutter...shy, are ya… cryin’ for real?” she asked as it was the first thing that popped into her mind. Stupid question, Ah can see clearly that those tears are sincere. She slowly straightened her foreleg to poke vampony’s shoulder. “It’s okay, Ah ain’t goin’ to hurt ya… for now at least.” Maybe it was too honest.
The sobbing continued, causing Applejack to scratch back of her neck nervously. She sighed and thought, Ah'm goin’ to hate mahself for what Ah'm about to do. She stroked Fluttershy’s mane gently and said as calmly as she could, “It’s okay sugarcube, Ah'm no longer mad… Ah… Ah… Ah’m s-s…” She grit her teeth as word was stuck in her throat. “S-sorry,” she said before adding hastily, “Ah let mah emotions go full rodeo and Ah hurt ya as a common thug.”
Hearing a weak whimper and next murmur come from the crying vampony, Applejack lowered her head. “Can ya speak a bit louder?” After not receiving any response, she said, “Come on Fluttershy, listen, Ah'm really sorry, just stop cryin’ and speak with me, please.”
“You’re lying… You’re just saying you’re sorry... to calm me down... but you don’t mean it... You hate me... admit it.”
Applejack blinked as she barely heard the muffled voice between sobbing, but at least it wasn’t uncontrollable crying anymore. She opened her mouth to respond, but closed it immediately. Am Ah truly sorry, or did Ah just say that out of pity? Applejack thought before answering. “Maybe yes, maybe no, Ah ain’t sure. Ah need… time to figure it out.”
Fluttershy slowly raised her head from the blood covered floor and looked the huntress in the eyes, one bloodshot while the other slightly deformed from the punch.
Applejack found the stare somewhat uncomfortable as she stood to her full height and took a few steps back, smiling awkwardly.
Noticing it and after considering spoken words, Fluttershy looked down at the floor and whispered, “It’s better than nothing… I guess.”
The huntress looked over the mess in the house for any tissue or material to wipe the blood from vampony’s face, but found nothing useful. “Sorry about the mess, Ah’ll help cleanin’,” she said before picking up a damaged lamp, only for it to shatter into tiny pieces and fall back to the floor. Feeling the awkwardness grow, she asked, “Were ya honest with me; about lyin’ to those other vamponies… whoever was at that demonstration of yours, so Ah and mah family can live?” Noticing a weak nod, Applejack opened her mouth and struggled to say one word she never thought she would ever say to a vampony if she ever met one. She cleared her throat a few times with a cough, and after a few failed tries, she said, “T-t-thank… ya.”
Fluttershy just stared back at her with depressed smile and those lifeless eyes. “You’re welcome,” she said absentmindedly.
Why Ah'm feelin’ so bad? Applejack thought with a sad smile of her own as guilt replaced her rage. She is a pureblood vampony. She can easily ruin others’ lives with her powers. She can take away freedom and enslave yer fellow ponies, she can turn them into undead monsters. Why should Ah feel bad for her? In any other circumstances, she would beam in joy for her accomplishment, for making a pureblood vampony feel miserable just as she and her family were when her parents were killed by one. But what she felt was anything but joy.
Both mares just stared at each other, neither daring to say a word as they rubbed the floor or their forelegs nervously, occasionally looking at the puddle of blood. Applejack's attention turned to the wounds visible on Fluttershy and asked, “Ya… don't look so good.” After what Ah did to ya. “Where do ya keep the first aid and bandages?”
Fluttershy looked at her blood-covered hooves before touching her face and saying, “Oh… right, this.” She chuckled coldly. “I forgot I was hurt.”
Applejack’s pupils shrank as she thought, How do ya forget that yer own face is bleedin’?
“Umm… does it hurt?”
Fluttershy nodded weakly and said, “Very much… but I’m used to it by now.” Her good eye flashed in red as puddle of blood started to move like a boiling soup, only for it to form a stream heading right into Fluttershy’s deformed face, returning it to its former glory. Applejack’s mouth was agape as she stared in disbelief. It was one thing when it happened in battle where she was too focused to kill her target to care, but seeing it now when bolts and blades weren’t swinging around was a completely different story.
Applejack closed her mouth and gulped before asking, “Why didn’t ya do that in the first place?”
Fluttershy touched her face to make sure it was free from bruises and next rubbed the back of her neck. “I… umm… forgot to do that,” she said calmly.
“Forgot? Yer buckin’ face was bleedin’ and ye forgot to heal it?” Applejack asked as she rubbed her eyes, wondering if this vampony was real in the first place. Forget Vinyl Scratch, Fluttershy’s on a whole different’ level. “Shouldn’t yer wounds heal themselves or somethin’?”
The vampony flinched from Applejack’s outburst before nodding hesitantly. She pressed hoof against her chest and took a deep breath before lecturing, “It’s true, they should heal overtime. However, unlike normal thestrals who possess a high regeneration rate, purebloods like myself can command blood. This ability allows me to heal wounds at a far greater speed and recover blood loss… as long as silver isn’t involved.” Applejack nodded, somewhat interested. “I tried to be strong.” She wiped tears still present on her face. “But after what you said… I… I didn’t bother to heal my aching body… because the pain I felt in my soul was… far greater.”
Applejack bit her lips. If the guilt she felt came just from pity, now one more source of it was added as she felt horrible. The more she looked at Fluttershy, the more she talked with her, the less she saw a pureblood vampony, a lord of the undead, and more like the shy vulnerable pegasus she knew for years. An innocent pony with calm nature and love for animals. A pony she might have just broken. Applejack raised her foreleg and opened her mouth as she searched for any words that would cheer her former friend, but failed to find a single one.
“What will happen now?” Fluttershy asked, waking up Applejack from her thoughts. She looked at the farm mare with mix between fear and pain. “You’re free, Applejack. What will you do?”
The huntress closed her eyes while wishing not to hear this question. As much as she wanted to make it up to Fluttershy for all the physical and mental damage she caused, to put a cheerful smile on her face, she was still a huntress and Fluttershy was a pureblood. It was her sworn duty to eliminate threats to pony kind. On the other hoof, this pureblood showed her mercy, twice. She owed Fluttershy a big debt of gratitude.
With the vampony looking at her as if she were a prisoner awaiting judgement, Applejack spoke, “Ah hate to say it, but…” She broke eye contact and looked to the side at the shattered table. “While ya may spared mah life and returned mah freedom to me, yer still a threat. It’s mah sworn duty to protect the defenseless from the likes of you.” With heavy heart and lowered head, she continued, “Ah'm sincerely sorry, but…” Applejack grit her teeth and closed her eyes tightly, struggling to continue. After several seconds of inner fight, she sighed. “Ah’ll have to report the guild ‘bout ya or eliminate ya mahself. Ya’ll live for centuries, and while ya behave today, Ah can’t risk what ya’ll do tomorrow.”
“Oh…” was the only word that left Fluttershy’s mouth. She shook her head and spoke with a more depressed voice than before, “I expected this when I made my decision. I’ll… do my best not to hurt you or whoever will try to take my life, but I have the right to protect myself.”
“Ya sure do,” Applejack said in a regretful tone as she kicked a broken plant with her foreleg. Neither she or Fluttershy dared to look at each other.
“If you… if you or other guild members manage to kill me,” She started, capturing the huntress’s attention, “take your family and flee from here as far as possible. Stay away from Ponyville and Canterlot and never return.”
“What? Why?” Applejack asked in confusion as she approached Fluttershy.
“Just… just trust me. If you value yourself and your family, stay away from here and Canterlot.”
Applejack was speechless as realization struck her. Of course other vamponies would want to avenge their master or fellow pureblood, how could she be so blind? Fluttershy… even after all Ah done to ya, after Ah sworn to ruin yer life, ya still care for us more than yerself. If only the circumstances were different, if only Ah never found yer secret, we would’ve become great friends, oblivious to the truth. Maybe ignorance sometimes really is bliss.
“Ah’ll be goin’ then. Ah already overextended mah welcome. Once again, sorry about the mess and harsh words,” the huntress said, but not received any reaction. She passed Fluttershy and was about to open the door, when a sudden rush of pain assaulted her mind. Her foreleg that was about to open the door was now pierced by a shuriken, most likely sharpened and enhanced to wound a battle-hardened earth pony.
Applejack took out the projectile and steeled her nerves before turning to Fluttershy. Ah should’ve seen this commin’, not that Ah can blame her. As she expected, the vampony was in a battle stance. The confusing part however was that Fluttershy wasn’t facing her, instead, she was turned towards the kitchen. Suddenly, three more shuriken flew at her from out of nowhere. Applejack jumped to the side as they hit the door, only for one more to head straight for her face. She braced herself for the impact, but it didn’t come. What in tarnation?” The huntress slowly lowered her guard as she focused on Fluttershy’s foreleg, which was now bleeding while blocking the way of the projectile.
Applejack’s eyes widened as only being trained huntress prevented her from screaming in fear. From the kitchen, a levitating head emerged out from nowhere. It spoke, “Leaving so soon?”
“What in Celestia’s name?” Applejack shouted before taking fighting stance as well. She winced as the bleeding wound on her foreleg reminded her of how sharp the projectile was.
Fluttershy was not surprised in the slightest as she spoke in a firm tone, “Sharp Eye! What are you doing here?” She pointed accusingly. “Is this… what I think it is?”
The head nodded before the rest of the body appeared out of nothing as he took a few steps forward. “Veil of darkness, correct.”
“B-but this spell is very difficult to cast and very draining. Only purebloods have enough magic to use it, and even we can’t keep it up for long. How did you manage to keep it up this entire time?”
Sharp Eye chuckled in satisfaction. “My poor naive Flutterbat. I’m nearly three centuries old, while you aren’t even one. I was a student of one of, if not the most powerful and wise pureblood lord in all of Equestria while your parents kept you sheltered and taught you about lollipops and rainbows. Pureblood or not, I wouldn't be surprised if you had trouble maintaining this spell.”
“Flutterbat? Veil of Darkness?” Applejack said in confusion, somewhat regretting for giving up some a course on theoretical education about vamponies for physical training.
Fluttershy hissed. “I take it you heard everything?”
Sharp Eye nodded before yelling, “I didn’t just hear it, I saw the disgrace with my own eyes. A pureblood vampony crawling in front of the huntress’s hooves. You sicken me!” His forelegs were stomping against the floor with great force, adding even more holes to the already massive mess in the room.
Fluttershy flapped her wings threateningly and exposed her fangs as she did her best to suppress her wounded soul. “You’re trespassing in my territory. According to the thestral codes, everypony in pureblood territory is under his or her protection. That includes Applejack.”
Sharp Eye laughed. “Your territory? My master let you keep Ponyville out of pity, for being the weak and pathetic fool you are. But you’re not even worth this pity, you traitor!”
Applejack quickly understood the situation and grabbed the closest damaged plank she could find between her teeth. Ah wish Ah still had mah weapons. At least this cottage has some lights, she thought, only for last working lamp and two candles to be destroyed with a solid push of telekinesis, leaving the huntress in complete darkness. Ponyfeathers.
“I have spared her life and I’m going to make sure she keeps it,” Fluttershy said hesitantly, her fake confidence not fooling anypony.
“Oh, she and her family will be executed, you have my word, but I have a bigger fish to take care of.”
Applejack’s glare hardened, only the wood in her mouth preventing her from shooting several insults and warnings.
Sharp Eye pointed at Fluttershy whose ears curled from fear. “For betraying your kind and abusing my master’s trust, I sentence you to a slow and painful death!”
“Now wait just a moment,” Fluttershy said with a weak stomp. “You may be stronger than me, older than me, and much more experienced…” she gulped, “but even you cannot overcome my magic that lets me control my blood to heal.”
Sharp Eye smirked. “Oh, can’t I?” His horn flashed as it caused Fluttershy to flinch. The saddlebag that he carried opened as broken blades and several silver bolts levitated from it.
Fluttershy’s eyes opened widely as she took a few steps back, her body shivering in fear. She pled with a squeaky voice, “C-can we p-please talk about it…?”
“What was that?” Sharp Eye said while looking around in mocking gesture.
Fluttershy’s heart sunk as her life was in grave danger, and not just hers. She looked back at Applejack who also stood her ground, but without her equipment and in the darkness of the room, she could barely defend herself. Fluttershy grit her teeth as she mustered all the courage she could. If she died here, Applejack and her family would be next.
Sharp Eye looked between Fluttershy and the farm mare. “Still, I’m conflicted. If I will focus on eliminating the traitor, the huntress may escape and warn her family, and I would hate to have to pick off the stragglers.” He smiled devilishly as he pointed at his flank with a dark heart as his cutie mark. “Allow me to demonstrate the special talent that caught my master’s attention, a talent he raised alongside my other skills.” His horn was surrounded by a dark aura as a skull shaped summoning runes appeared on the floor. With one swing of a silver bolt at his own foreleg, several drops of blood fell onto the rune, making it flash a bright red.
With the room brightened and her target more visible, Applejack galloped at the unicorn vampony, plank in her teeth and ready to strike. With a jump and a swift swing of her head, the wood struck against the head of the unicorn who was too focused on the spell to react. Applejack turned around and aimed her two strong legs for a decisive strike, but the unicorn jumped back in time to evade the attack.
If being a vampony had any benefits, it was the significant increase of one’s natural abilities and better control over dark magic, letting even a unicorn keep up in a physical fight with a seasoned earth pony. Applejack learned it first hoof as her attacks were deflected by the vampony’s hooves.
With increased reflexes, the unicorn ducked in time to avoid Applejack’s rear hooves striking his horn, and next delivered an uppercut into the huntress's belly, pushing Applejack into the ceiling as she bounced off onto her back. After shaking her head, she looked at Fluttershy who just stood in place like a statue. “Why ain’t ya attackin’ him when he’s exposed?
Fluttershy looked at the earth pony as an “Oops” left her mouth.
Applejack facehooved. “Yer really bad at fightin’, aren’t ya?”
“She’s bad at everything,” Sharp Eye said with a frown as a dark vortex formed on the summoning rune. Slowly a beast’s shape emerged from the blackness as its features brightened and became clearer.
Even in the darkness of the room with the moon and stars outside the window as the only source of light, Applejack recognized the shape. “Chimera!”
“That voice?” the tiger’s head spoke sharply.
“Is this not our little huntress again? It’s such a displeasureee...” the goat’s head said.
“How isss… our parting gift treating your dog? Hisss…” the snake’s tail said and hissed.
“You!” Applejack shouted in anger. “Ya nearly took Winona’s life. Ah’ll make ya pay!”
“Big words coming from the one who invaded our territory and tried to slay us,” the tiger’s head responded with a firm and intimidating tone, searching the dark room for his prey.
“You nearly cut off our paaaw, how would you like if we bit off yooours?” the goat head added.
“Ah was sent to kill ya because you were stealin’ food and tried to eat merchants and travelers. Fire swamp is an important trade route.”
“They were trespassing on our hunting grounds. We need to feed too, you know,” the tiger’s head responded harshly before smirking. “I don’t know how I got here, but honestly, I don’t care,” the chimera raised his paw and exposed his claws, “because I am about to have the sweet taste of vengeance."
Fluttershy looked between the chimera and Sharp Eye in panic. How was she going to defend herself and Applejack at the same time, especially in such a small room? She focused on the thestral spy as her eyes flashed and ears twitched. She could sense his heart beat, and its rate increased significantly, same with his blood pressure. His breathing became heavier and he clearly had a fair amount of sweat on his forehead. The conclusion was simple; he was tired, but not exhausted enough.
“How did you do this?” Fluttershy asked.
Sharp Eye laughed. “I see you’re impressed and terrified, as you should be. Normally, I would never give my target any information unless it’s already one hoof in the grave, but for a weakling like you I can make an exception.” He took a step forward, causing Fluttershy to take two back. “I was always good at sensing hostility. Fake smiles and compliments never fooled me. A black heart as a cutie mark symbolizes my ability to find sworn enemies.”
He pointed at Applejack who jumped to the side as sharp claws left a mark on the wall. “Ever since my master discovered my talent and nurtured it, turning me into a thestral, I could command dark arts as if it was second nature to me. Guess what happened when I mixed my talent and summoning runes with my master’s teachings?”
Fluttershy gulped.
“That’s right. I can sense one’s hate and hostility to another, and then summon their enemies to serve me. When I offer them the chance to kill a foe they hate so much, they are very cooperative and determined.”
“B-but summoning spells are very draining, and your reserves should be burned out from using Veil of Darkness. How are you still standing?”
He wiped sweat from his face. “Pfff… like I need to be at my full strength to deal with the likes of you.”
A sudden cracking noise caught Fluttershy’s attention as she looked to the side at a small hole in the wall. This momentary distraction proved to be a grave mistake as three silver bolts flew in her direction. Her ears twitched as she flapped her wings with great strength, the wind pushing two bolts out of Sharp Eye’s levitation field, but the third pierced her right hind leg.
Fluttershy let out a loud scream of pain as she lost her balance and tripped over some rubble. She quickly raised her head and looked at her hind leg to examine the damage before glancing upon her assailant who was now towering over her.
“Any last words, traitor?” he asked as several bolts levitated in his aura, ready to rain down on his prey. “If you bow and beg, I will make it painless.”
Fluttershy looked at the assassin with utter terror. Was her life going to end here and now, by the hooves of her own kind? Killed by her own weakness and kindness, just as her parents? She closed her eyes and braced herself for the finishing blow. Much to her surprise, instead of feeling pain, she heard a yelp of confusion. She slowly opened her eyes and noticed Angel holding Sharp Eye’s horn in a vicegrip while his paws were pulsing with dark power. Black mist was covering the horn with several tiny black crystals. “Angel!”
***
“Get off me, you stupid bunny!” screamed the assassin before pushing Angel from his horn with a swift strike of his hoof, though the familiar performed a somersault in mid-air and landed on the floor on his two feet.
With the aura around the silver bolts weakening and the assassin distracted, Fluttershy decided to take the opportunity to strike. She took a very deep breath and next opened her mouth widely as a powerful sound waves spread across the room. Glass windows shattered to small pieces. The aura around the bolts vanished as they fell to the ground with weak thumps while the spy who wanted to kill her was now desperately trying to seal his sensitive ears with his hooves.
With a firm flap of her wings, Fluttershy pushed the bolts away, a few striking the stunned spy who yelped in pain before losing his balance. Fluttershy didn’t have time to celebrate as noise from the fighting coming from the outside caught her attention.
Sharp Eye stood back on his trembling legs and hissed. The wounds on his body were numerous, but small as not a single bolt was stuck in them. He quickly turned to the source of his failure, a small bunny, rabbit, or whatever this creature was who dared to interfere and cause victory to slip from his grasp. “I was about to rid the world of this traitorous weakling, but you interfered!”
Angel stuck out his tongue before turning around and shaking his tail in a mocking gesture.
Sharp Eye exposed his fangs in anger, but quickly calmed himself with a few slow breaths. He carefully touched his horn as he felt that something was odd. He smirked before saying, “Impressive. Dark magic on this level means that you must be a very powerful familiar.”
Angel exposed his chest, patting it in satisfaction as Sharp Eye examined him. “I feel that I have seen you before… Now I remember,” he said with a swift raise of his foreleg. He pointed at the bunny who jumped back and took a fighting stance.
“You are that famous familiar who served under many masters. I saw you more than once serving the masters of Manehattan, Los Pegasus and when I was a few decades old, you assisted my master’s wife, Mistress Fleur.” Noticing a firm nod of the bunny’s small head, he faked shock. “What are you doing here? Serving under this poor excuse of a pureblood?”
Angel relaxed a bit and shrugged.
Sharp Eye approached slowly and said, “Don’t worry, I’m not going to fight you,” as his horn flashed in a dark aura, the tiny dark crystals fell off onto the floor and turned into dark puddles that slowly vanished into nothingness. He knelt and faced the rabbit with eye to eye contact. “I can sense a lot of aggravation towards your current master. Surely you would find servitude under a more deserving one much more satisfying.”
Angel’s hostile glare melted as it was replaced by one of curiosity, his little ears straightened. “I can give a good word about you to my master. Comfort, power, servitude to someone worthy. Surely it is better than being this filly’s pet?” With the familiar distracted, as planned, Sharp Eye’s horn shot a thin beam of magic, knocking Angel unconscious. He picked the bunny with his magic and whispered, “Do not worry, once I will kill your master, you will no longer be obligated to serve her. You will flourish under my master as I did.”
***
Fluttershy quickly found Applejack who was trying to ride on the chimera’s back as if she was in a rodeo of some sort. “Applejack!”
Barely seeing anything and without her equipment, Applejack relied on her other senses, her ears catching the hissing of the snake’s head that tried to strike her leg. With a quick dodge and solid kick, she knocked it out, or so she thought. Applejack grabbed the tiger’s head in a vice grip, only for the goat’s head to bite her foreleg while the snake’s head pierced its fangs into her hind leg. With her leg becoming numb while poison slowly spread in it, her hold over the beast weakened and she was quickly thrown to the ground before a huge paw pressed against her back.
“Not so tough without your toys, aren’t you?” the tiger’s head spoke before licking his lips. “Let’s make a game out of it, shall we?”
“Stop it right there!”
All three heads turned to the source of voice and saw a bat-winged pony hovering above the ground, her forelegs crossed while her eyes were firm and filled with disappointment.
“What do you think you’re doing? You should be ashamed of yourself, hurting others like that. Hasn't your mother taught you any better?”
“Our mother taught us how to survive,” the tiger’s head responded harshly.
“She is no longer with uuus,” added the Goat’s head.
“Oh… I’m sorry,” Fluttershy said as she raised hoof towards her mouth, her tone suddenly calm and filled with concern while her ears dropped. “I feel sorry for your loss. I lost my parents too,” she added before pointing at Applejack who tried to force her poisoned leg to move. “She lost hers as well and was just trying to follow their hoofsteps. Surely you both should stop fighting. Haven’t we all suffered enough?”
The tiger’s head examined the speaker carefully. “Didn’t we meet before? Aren’t you a thestral who once explored the fire swamp and asked us for directions?”
The pureblood slowly descended to the ground and nearly lost her balance on her pierced leg. After a moment to stabilize herself, she nodded. “Yes, that’s me.” She smiled warmly despite her pain and asked, “How is your neck, Mrs. Goat? Have the burn marks healed yet, Mr. Tiger?”
All the heads nodded as the goat head stretched her neck and spoke, “Much beeetter, thank you.”
The tiger’s head looked at Fluttershy’s leg and said with less intimidating tone. “Shouldn’t you worry more about your leg? Wait, is this a silver bolt?”
The pureblood shook her head. “It’s not as bad as it looks like,” she lied. Even with her natural resistance to pain, she barely could keep her mind away from the wound, and it was going to get much worse the moment she tried to pull it out.
The chimera quickly turned to Applejack and growled. “I see that we weren’t the only targets on this huntress's list.”
Applejack decided to ignore her numb leg and stood on three legs as she faced the beast. “Ah won’t lie. Ah tried to kill Fluttershy tonight, and will have to try again another day if Ah don’t kick the bucket right here and now.” The beast growled with even more rage while Applejack pointed at pierced leg, “But Ah ain’t responsible for this.”
“Enough,” the tiger’s head shouted and bent his legs, ready to jump at the farm mare.
With swift flap of her wings, Fluttershy flew between Applejack and the monster.
“Get our of the way!” the tiger’s head warned before jumping, his paw ready to strike.
***
Applejack’s POV
***
“Fluttershy!” Applejack shouted in worry. Wait a darn moment. Why’m Ah worried about her? She’s my enemy and Ah’ll need to kill her mahself, she thought, but something inside her kept telling her to get this innocent pony out of harm’s way.
Much to Applejack’s shock, Fluttershy grabbed the paw and slammed the beast against the ground with a loud thump. The monster wriggled in its attempt to stand, but was quickly paralyzed by Fluttershy’s stare, its anger quickly replaced by fear...
“Now calm down this instant before you will hurt somepony or yourself. Do you understand?”
The beast’s heads just nodded at the Fluttershy’s words, acting like a scolded kitten in front of an angered master who smiled warmly and spoke, “It’s okay, I’m not angry. I’m sure it is all just a one big misunderstanding, and that if we talk it over, we will find a satisfying solution for everyone.”
Applejack’s mouth was hanging widely open as she wondered if her eyes were deceiving her, that maybe what she saw in the middle of the night with nothing but moon and stars as sources of light was just her imagination, but even lack of visibility couldn’t fool her ears.
“Impressive, isn’t it?” Sharp Eye’s voice caught Applejack’s attention, who growled at him angrily. “This my dear huntress is a true power of a pureblood. A young weakling like her forcing a beast to submission with nothing but her bare hooves and eyes.” He hissed. “Just imagine how mighty she would have become if she wasn’t raised to be such a weak-minded fool.”
“Ah don’t care about yer stupid power struggles. Ya can kill each other for all Ah care,” Applejack responded while walking backward, her weakness hidden behind a mask of bravery. “Ah ain’t goin’ down without a fight.”
Sharp Eye chuckled as he pointed at her curled leg. “It will be a very short fight, I assure you.”
“Ya coward,” the huntress responded before pushing a rock with her foreleg, only for the projectile to be blasted to pieces. “You send a monster to dole out a beatin’, and now ya claim an easy win.”
Sharp Eye slowly approached with silver bolts levitating by his side and ready to strike. “I merely summoned you a foe to play with while I was dealing with the traitor.” He looked at Fluttershy who was still talking with the summoned beast. “All that has changed is that we switched our foes.” He launched a bolt towards the Applejack’s head, who moved to the side just in time to dodge it. “Also, I must thank you for giving me an excuse to kill that poor excuse of a vampony.” He made a fake bow. “You have my deepest gratitude.”
“Ya can keep yer gratitude to yerself, you freak!” Applejack said before galloping on her three legs, easily evading two bolts that flew towards her. With the distance from the target reduced, she stood on her forelegs and delivered a kick.
Sharp Eye smirked before taking the hit to his stomach as his legs held their ground. He quickly grabbed the hind leg in a vice grip.
Unable to move, Applejack could only watch as her not poisoned hind leg was pierced by two bolts. Her following scream scared several birds in the nearby cottage.
After being pushed away alongside the bolts, the huntress stared at her foe with gritted teeth as she lied defenseless in front of him. Both her hind legs refused to move, her mind telling her to get up, but the pain said otherwise.
“Are you good at digging holes?” he asked.
“A w-what now?” Applejack said in confusion, wondering if her mind was fooling her because of the pain.
“Besides the one you already dug yourself into.”
She frowned before being caught by her neck and slowly levitated upward, barely catching any oxygen into her lungs. “Now time to send you crying back to mommy.”
Applejack struggled a muffled response, “Mah p-parents are… d-dead,” as tears slid down her cheek.
“I know.”
The farm mare closed her eyes and murmured, “Apple Bloom… Big Mac… G-Granny. Farewell… Ah’ll wait for ya…on the other side. Ma, Pa… Ah’m comin’.”
When another bolt was about to strike her neck, blood from under her hooves shot upward like a whip and struck Sharp Eye’s eyes.
“Use this!” Fluttershy’s voice reached her ears as she landed on her forelegs. A silver bolt covered in blood bounced towards her hooves.
Without hesitation, Applejack grabbed the bolt with her teeth and ignored the disgusting taste of her friend’s blood. With the help of her forelegs, she pushed herself towards her foe’s face and struck it with the bolt, forcing the vampony to jump back a few meters. She gave Fluttershy a thankful nod before focusing on the spy again. Ah can’t deny it any longer. Fluttershy may be mah enemy, but she’s still a friend.
***
Fluttershy's POV
***
The chimera stood back up and shook the dust from its body. After all three heads took a deep breath and recovered from the stare, Snake’s head asked, “Why did you ssstop usss…? Don’t you want vengeance? She isss an enemy of your kind.”
The pureblood shook her head and responded, “Not in the slightest. Applejack is my friend, and even if she hates me now, I wish her no harm.”
“And what about uuus? She want us deeead,” the goat’s head responded.
“Only because you steal food and hunt ponies passing your territory.”
The tiger’s head growled. “And what’re we supposed to do?”
Fluttershy closed her eyes for a moment, startled by scream of pain that left her friend’s mouth. Please Applejack, just hold up a little longer, she thought before speaking with growing confidence, “And what about agreement beneficial for both sides? You can ask for a fair fee in food and in exchange, escorting travelers through your territory and offer protection from other dangers.” She looked at her leg and grabbed the bolt that was coming out of both sides. She gulped before closing her eyes and mouth tightly as she steeled her mind for what was about to come.
With one quick move, she pulled the bolt with all of her strength. The blood splashed from her leg onto the ground as half of her hind leg was nearly torn off. Bone clearly visible as even the chimera turned its heads away from such sight.
With her eyes flashing in red aura, she focused on the pool of blood under Applejack’s legs and charged it with dark magic, blinding Sharp Eye temporarily with her next attack. “Use this!” Fluttershy shouted as she threw the bolt she just pulled from her leg before her mind had given in to the pain. She lost her balance and fell to the side as her attention focused on her own blood laying the ground.
Commanding the blood, she separated it from the dirt and returned into her injury as it pulled back the hanging part of the leg and mended the broken bone together. The mare slammed her foreleg against the ground several times as the healing process dragged on for many agonizing seconds. Her blood that regenerated the bone felt as if it was on fire. With sweat falling from her forehead as she took a few slow breaths, she stood and spread her wings.
“Are you going to protect her, the very pony that wants you dead?” the tiger’s head asked, making Fluttershy look at him and nod. “And you’re not afraid that your kind will turn on you, mark you as a traitor?” Fluttershy pointed at the assassin who hissed at Applejack while many curses left his mouth. His words caused Fluttershy’s ears to drop.
“I’m already marked as a traitor,” Fluttershy said, pointing at the hostile thestral. “He nearly killed me with weapons he took from Applejack. If it wasn’t for Angel, I would have bolts piercing more than just my leg.” She shivered from the idea before looking towards the hole in her cottage. “I hope that Angel is alright.”
“So youuu forgave a pony who tried to kill youuu,” the goat’s head started. “Put your neck out for heeer sake and gained an enemy who is trying to kill you. And you still want to protect herrr?”
Fluttershy lowered her head and said in depressed tone, “It’s either me, or Applejack and her family. I wish we never learned each other’s secrets tonight, but I would rather suffer than let my friend and her family die.” Her lowered head and wings raised while her legs buckled. “I would be very grateful if you could forgive Applejack... for me at least. If we survive tonight, we may try to come up with an agreement, a peaceful solution.”
Dust spread around Fluttershy’s hooves as she dashed towards Sharp Eye, her mouth opened to send sound waves against the assassin's ears. Distracted and with hooves covering his ears, he failed to defend himself and was tackled to the ground. With her fangs exposed and aimed against the neck, Fluttershy said, “Surrender! If you won’t, I will be forced to drain most of your blood, which will leave you greatly weakened.”
Sharp Eye opened his eyes as the burning blood was no longer covering them. “Seriously… How did you survive this long?” he asked before levitating two bolts into Fluttershy’s back, only to blast her away with a beam of magic. He stood back up onto his hooves and wiped the dust from his black stealth uniform as several holes were decorating it. “You had me and you hesitated. It just proved that you don’t deserve to live.” He levitated Fluttershy over and aimed a bolt at her neck. “What do you have to say for yourself before I kill you?”
Fluttershy coughed with blood at the assassin as it started to burn through his suit right into the chest. He ignored the burning liquid and looked coldly as the bolt was touching her neck, waiting for just a bit more magic to push in.
His ears straightened at a noise coming from behind. With a smirk, he jumped to the side and levitated Fluttershy at the attacker who was about to push bolt into his back, using her as a shield. Applejack ended up slamming herself into her friend. Luckily, she turned her head in time before the sharp part of the bolt could pierce Fluttershy’s chest.
Applejack murmured, “Fluttershy, yer completely useless. Why didn’t ya attack when ya had the chance? Dagnabbit. Ah cannot believe Ah have say it to a pureblood vampony, but stop bein’ so soft!” Noticing two bolts stuck in her friend's back, she grabbed them with her forelegs and pulled. Her friend’s cry of pain made her feel uneasy, but this was not the time nor place for that. “Use those powers of yers and close yer wounds.”
“She won’t get the chance,” Sharp Eye said as he levitated all of his bolts, ready to rain them down on both of his targets. “As enjoyable as it was, I feel that there is no more entertainment I can get from fighting you two.”
Fluttershy and Applejack looked back at him in fear, unsure if they could survive, when suddenly, the chimera jumped between them and the assassin.
“We don’t think so,” the tiger’s head spoke.
“You have to pass uuus,” the goat’s head added.
“Patch yourselvesss,” the snake’s head said while looking at the huntress and the pureblood.
Fluttershy nodded as her eyes flashed and the blood that was not on the bolts returned to her. Her legs started shaking and her breaths became heavier as she felt that her magic reserves were half depleted.
“Are ya feelin’ better?” Applejack asked in concern as Fluttershy looked back at her in shock.
“Did you just… care about me?”
“Ah need ya healthy to survive, don’t get the wron’ idea,” Applejack stated, desperately trying to hide her concern.
“Oh…” Fluttershy said before looking at her friend's legs, her senses and powers allowing her to see the blood movements and poison spreading in it. She lowered her head towards the middle part of the leg and exposed her fangs, but a silver bolt aimed at her muzzle blocked her path. She looked at Applejack who held the bolt with her foreleg and stared suspiciously. “Applejack, please. I know it is difficult for you, but I need you to trust me on this. Please, just trust me.”
Applejack kept looking into Fluttershy's eyes as if reading her very soul. Was she trying to drink her blood to get stronger for the incoming fight? After a few more seconds of hesitation, she sighed. “Ah trust ya.”
Fluttershy smiled weakly before pushing her fangs into the leg as she felt Applejack’s blood flowing into her. It didn’t surprise her that the taste was one of the freshest apple cider she have ever had as the blood itself filled her with energy.
After the wonderful taste came the terrible one as the poison entered her body. Fluttershy’s mind kept telling her to stop drinking. Her stomach growled and mouth protested. Despite her body rebelling against her, Fluttershy gathered all her willpower and drank all the poison from Applejack and dropped to her knees immediately after. She licked the mark left by her fangs, and next the bleeding wound from the bolts on Applejack’s other leg before dropping to the ground. She pressed her hooves against her chest in pain.
“Fluttershy!” Applejack stood back to her legs and lowered herself to the vampony’s head. Much to her surprise, while her legs were shaking, they still cooperated. She was still feeling weak after the blood loss and pain from the bolts was still present, but she was tougher than that. Her earth pony magic prevented even enhanced silver bolts from breaking her bones while Fluttershy’s power closed the wounds. Applejack looked at the pureblood who was in pain, and next at her poisoned leg before the realization struck her like a hammer. “Ya didn’t just do what Ah think ya did, did ya?”
The pureblood struggled to stand as she breathed heavily, sweat dripping from her like from a fountain. She immediately vomited as the toxins were clearly visible among the blood. “I’m… fine.” She looked at her now standing friend. “Did it work?”
“It sure did,” Applejack said with a smile. As an apple bucking mare, her hind legs were very important in her life, legs that were just saved by her enemy. She looked at Fluttershy with sincere sadness as guilt overwhelmed her. How much suffering had her friend put on herself for her sake? How much more Fluttershy would endure to protect her?
Applejack stomped firmly. She wanted to say how grateful she was for all Fluttershy did for her. She wanted to say that she cared about her, that they are still friends and that she wouldn’t hurt her. The huntress shook her head. A pureblood and a monster hunter could never be friends. What was the point in giving the poor creature a fake hope, only to crush it later?
“That’s enough!” Sharp Eye shouted in his rage. His horn flashed in a dark aura, a large one. A summoning rune slowly formed on the ground. “What’s wrong with you? Why are you helping the huntress that tried to kill you?”
“The huntress?” the tiger’s head said before laughing. “I’m protecting the thestral. I owe her that for attending to our health.”
The snake’s head spoke towards the ponies behind them, “Once thisss is over, we want to negotiate an agreement.”
“Agreement?” Applejack asked in confusion as she looked between Fluttershy and the beast. “What kind of agreement?”
“It’s a long story,” Fluttershy said with an awkward smile. She quickly looked at the rune that grew on the ground.
The tiger’s head noticed dark magic overtaking its body as he spoke, “It seems we won’t be much of assistance after all.” He turned to ponies behind him and continued, “I can smell fear and sweat from your opponent. Victory is within your grasp.”
In an instant, both the beast and the rune on the ground vanished, leaving one enraged assassin facing two of his targets. “So you made an alliance with this monster, clever,” Sharp Eye said as his horn gathered power for yet another spell. “But you forgot that I am a summoner. I can banish my summons if they turn on me.”
The moment another rune showed up, Applejack responded by charging towards the spellcaster while Fluttershy spread her wings and flew into the air before following her friend’s example. “I already took a scent of your hate, Flutterbat. I can summon the one who you hate deeply within your heart to fight against you.” His words made Fluttershy stop her attack as she hovered in mid-air.
Is he going to summon that monster hunter? The one that took the lives of my parents? He’ll kill us both… Fluttershy thought before looking at Applejack, and next into the line of trees as her terrified expression was replaced by a thoughtful one. On the other hoof, Applejack is a huntress. All I need is to run away before the summoning is complete, and Shackles will help Applejack rather than search for me… Her eyes opened widely. But then Sharp Eye will be killed… I can’t let it happen.
Much to Fluttershy’s relief, the rune vanished before the summoning was complete as Sharp Eye collapsed to the ground. Silver bolts flew towards Applejack to stop her, but the farm mare dodged the attack and delivered a strike of her own, leaving a mark on the spy’s cheek. Fluttershy quickly focused on examining his breathing and heart-rate before quickly coming to a realization. So this is what the chimera meant. Veil of Darkness, the summoning spell, and now banishing his summon. He underestimated us and wasted most of his magic reserves. If he doesn’t drink somepony’s blood fast, he will have no choice but to surrender.
With a strong flaps of her wings, Fluttershy dove towards Applejack, hoping that her prediction was true. As she expected, Sharp Eye let the huntress strike his foreleg as a bolt was now stuck in it. His horn flashed as he grabbed Applejack’s neck with his magic and exposed his fangs. A last ditch effort to regain his strength, I have to stop him.
Despite the huge blood loss and exhaustion, Fluttershy found enough strength to tackle Sharp Eye’s belly and struck his neck with her fangs. Without silver bolts to levitate and magic nearly exhausted, he could only punch her as more of his blood was drained with each passing second.
Sharp Eye’s legs trembled before giving up, letting his body lie motionlessly as Fluttershy pulled her fangs away before licking the wound. His breath was heavy as he could hear the beating of his heart slow down to near death. “N-n-no...no… I can’t be defeated… not by you…” he said in a weak voice as he raised his tired foreleg before it slammed back to the ground. “Defeated by a weakling and one huntress, this isn’t happening, this isn’t happening! I’m better than you! Stronger! HOW DID YOU BEAT ME?!”
Applejack approached slowly as she barely believed her own eyes. They just managed to defeat a three centuries old assassin. “Ah’ll be damned, sugarcube, we beat this two-bit snake in the grass.”
Fluttershy knelt in front of her foe and said, “It’s true. Alone, I am weak. But I’m not alone. That chimera you tried to use, even my friend who hates me, we all worked together to defeat you.” She took a deep breath before continuing, “We may be weak and hesitant, but our kindness will be rewarded. The strength we lack individually, we will find in friendships we make. That’s what my parents believed, and that is what I have chosen to believe.”
Applejack rubbed her hoof nervously at her friend's words. With a much more gentle tone, Fluttershy asked, “Are you alright? I tried to weaken you, but I hope I didn’t drain too much.”
Sharp Eye then busted out into a big laugh, but soon hacked up blood midway before continuing again.
Applejack looked at Fluttershy in disbelief and said, “Are ya crazy? How can ya worry about that freak?” Without hesitation, she grabbed the closest bolt with her teeth and approached, but bat-like wing blocked her path.
“What are you trying to do, Applejack? He is too weak to be a threat.”
Applejack resisted the urge to facehoof as she took the bolt from her mouth and shouted, “Not a threat? His very existence is a threat. He wanted to kill us. He knows that Ah ain’t under yer control. He knows that ya betrayed yer kin to protect mah family. He knows too much to live!”
Fluttershy stood immediately, taking protective posture. “I won’t let you kill him.”
“W-what?” Applejack was taken aback. “Ah understand ya don’t want to take life, especially from a fellow vampony, but if ya spare him, he’ll come with his buddies and kill us all.”
Fluttershy stomped. “I… I will talk with his master and accept the consequences of my decision. But you and your family can still escape. As long as you stay away from Ponyville and Canterlot, you all will be safe.”
“And what ‘bout ya, sugarcube?” Applejack asked harshly. “If that master of his decides to get rid of ya and send his assassin again… We barely laid a beatin’ on him now, next time ya’ll face him alone. Do ya have a death wish?”
“And why do you care?” Fluttershy asked as tears formed in her eyes. “You want me dead anyway. Just take your family and run. If I will be hunted by my own kind, it will save you and your guild the trouble.”
Applejack bit her lips and looked to the side. She wished to deny those words, but Fluttershy was right. If she didn’t inform the guild about a pureblood’s presence in Ponyville, she herself would become a traitor. A muddy stain on her family’s good name.
“That’s hilarious,” Sharp Eye said as he levitated a white bunny from his saddlebag. “You still want to spare me, even after everything that happened?” He quickly levitated a silver bolt from Applejack’s hoof towards Angel’s neck and spoke, “I have a counter-offer. Instead of sparing my life. You will give yours in exchange for your familiar. You care about others more than about yourself after all.”
Much too Sharp Eye’s surprise, his magical aura vanished as both the bolt and the bunny fell to the ground. Before he could grab them with his hooves, a solid kick from Fluttershy pushed him away. The white bunny was quickly picked by her forelegs. With frustration growing in Sharp Eye’s weakened body, he slammed his hooves against the ground and collapsed. “Why… why did I have to be so wasteful with my magic? Defeating you both should have been so easy, and yet I failed because of my overconfidence.”
Applejack grabbed the bolt and pushed it towards the vampony’s neck, but Fluttershy’s hoof blocked the attack. “Get out of the way!” Applejack shouted and stomped firmly. “Killing him is our best solution. He is a threat to us and must be erased! A weed in the garden that will spread if ain’t dealt with.”
“So are you!” Fluttershy responded harshly as tears started to flow down her cheeks. Her ears and wings dropped. “You and your family were a threat to me. Killing you all would solve all of my problems like a charm. Letting you all live is what’s putting me in grave danger.” She made a few steps towards Applejack who didn’t dare to move. The moment their muzzles collided, Fluttershy continued, “But doing it was the right thing to do. Would you prefer if I killed your family rather than suffer myself after sparing your life?”
“B-but… this is different…”
“How’s is this any different?”
Applejack sat and stared back speechlessly. If she was in Fluttershy’s place, she wouldn’t hesitate to kill the hunter’s family. But not the mare in front of her. Pureblood or not, she was innocent like an apple tree.
Fluttershy lowered her head and tapped her hooves together. “I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell. It’s just that I can’t take anypony’s life for my own sake. I just couldn't bare it, no matter how much it hurts me in the end.”
Applejack looked Fluttershy directly in the eyes, no longer terrified of those pink predatory irises. “Is that so?” Noticing a weak nod, she placed the bolt on the ground and sighed. “Ah can’t believe Ah’m doin’ this.” She turned around and continued calmly, “Go ahead, help that monster. Ah have had have enough of ya vamponies and yer stupidity.”
“T-thank you,” the words of gratitude left Fluttershy’s mouth as she turned to Sharp Eye, ready to treat his wounds and transfuse some of her blood back into his body. But he just laughed. That creepy laughter that made chill go through Fluttershy's bones.
“Was your victory not enough? You want to humiliate me by sparing my life. I knew you were a weakling, but to be that stupid?” He shook his head. “No, I am not going to face my master after such a failure. I don’t deserve to serve him.”
“W-what are you talking about?”
He raised his shaking head as his horn lit in a weak aura with leftovers of his magic. “You can keep your compassion and mercy, I don’t want it!”
Much to Fluttershy and Applejack’s shock, a silver bolt next to Applejack’s hooves levitated… towards Sharp Eye… again. Fluttershy got in the way, ready to block the bolt with her own body, but it just circled around her. The moment she turned around, the projectile had already pierced Sharp Eye’s heart.
“N-no… what have you done!?” Fluttershy shouted before galloping towards him. Her foreleg grabbed back of his head and raised it slightly while her eyes focused on the wound. With her shaking hoof, she pulled the bolt, but it just caused Sharp Eye to scream in pain. She exposed her fangs and pierced his neck as she send her own blood into his body, desperate to save him.
The spy chuckled before coughing up blood on Fluttershy’s wing. “Try all you like. My life will end, and there is nothing you can do about it.” He grit his teeth from pain before whispering, “I would rather die… than live… knowing that… I lost to a failure like… you.” He coughed once again, returning whatever blood Fluttershy gave him. “My master’s wrath… will end you all.” His eyes closed and his head became numb.
Fluttershy could no longer hear the beating of his heart. She no longer sensed breathing and felt that the blood in his veins was no longer moving. Sharp Eye just died in her very hooves. The pureblood could only stare at the bolt that had pierced his heart, a bolt that ended up in it because of her. For the second time this night, something in Fluttershy snapped as her sobbing was mixed with creepy laughter.
With her wings flapping firmly, she flew into the ruins of her cottage and placed the vampony of her sofa before sitting in front of him.
Angel slowly regained consciousness and followed Applejack inside the cottage as they both looked at the pureblood in concern. Applejack approached first and put a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder, only for it to be slapped away. She massaged her foreleg and spoke, “Fluttershy… it’s okay, it wasn’t yer fault.”
“Please, leave.”
“W-what...? But Fluttershy.”
“I said… leave me alone!”
Applejack barely recognized her friend as her voice was cold and harsh. “L-listen sugarcube. Yer not responsible for his death. He did it to himself.”
“I will face his master tonight and accept the consequences,” Fluttershy said coldly as her tears started to cover the floor. “If by tomorrow morning, I’m not back in my cottage, I want you to take your family and leave Ponyville. If I manage to survive, your family will be safe to stay. Now go away.”
Applejack looked around at the huge mess that was once a wonderful little room, and next at Fluttershy, a broken pony whose psyche failed to handle the pressure. How could she leave her now when she needed company the most? “W-want some t-tea, sugarcube? Ah know how it always calms ya.”
“I will ask one last time. Leave me alone!”
“Ah ain’t leavin’,” Applejack said firmly, but immediately regretted her decision as all the critters and even Angel ran outside a few seconds later.
Fluttershy turned and looked at her with bloodshot eyes as she took deep breath and yelled. “I want to be left alone, begone!” The strength of her voice nearly knocked Applejack from her hooves, only for one powerful strike of Fluttershy’s wings to throw her outside of the cottage while leaving a pony-shaped hole in the wall, rubble landing on the grass.
Applejack rolled for several seconds before shaking her head. Next to the blood loss and several closed wounds thanks Fluttershy’s saliva, she could now add an aching back to the list of injuries she had gotten this night. She looked at the cottage and rubbed the back of her neck. While Fluttershy proved herself to be a very kind pureblood with strong morals and a huge amount of forgiveness, she was still a powerful creature.
Applejack turned around and decided to leave, her head lowered and mind a mess after today’s events. She was relieved that her family was safe and that she could still walk on her four legs. However, she also had many regrets. The biggest one was leaving a broken friend without telling her how sorry she really was.
Meanwhile Fluttershy placed her head on Sharp Eye’s chest and cried. Cried, and cried until her eyelids became dry and sleep slowly overtook her tired mind.
“F-Fluttershy!” Rarity shouted as the holes decorating the cottage caught her attention. Noticing bolts covered in blood lying on the grass and dirt did nothing to ease her worries. She galloped into the building and stopped in front of a sleeping mare whose head was pressed against a dead body’s fur, a bolt was sticking out of his chest.
“Fluttershy!” Rarity shouted again, this time louder than before. After not receiving any reaction, she slowly approached and examined her friend who was sleeping deeply. The floor and fur of the spy were wet, most likely from her tears. One quick look around the room told her that something horrible must have happened. Worried, Rarity raised her foreleg and gently poked Fluttershy’s shoulder. “W-wake up, darling. Please. You are worrying me.”
The pureblood just shifted, but her sleep was still deep.
“Whoa. Somepony here sure knows how to party,” Vinyl said as she entered through the hole in the wall. The room quickly filled with guests as Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis entered as well, flanked by two guards.
Rarity looked between Fancy Pants and the corpse of his spy before raising forehoof to her mouth a moment later. “I know what you are thinking, Lord Fancy Pants, but that is impossible. The Fluttershy I know would never take a life. She is too innocent.”
Fancy Pants approached and knelt. His horn flashed in a mix between white and black as it touched Fluttershy’s head. Once the spell was cast, he stood up and said, “Forgive me for interrupting your peaceful sleep, young lady, especially after such an eventful night, but I wish to know the details of the events that befell my faithful spy.”
Fluttershy murmured something before rubbing her eyes. After a long yawn, she looked around. “W-welcome,” she said hesitantly. “I’m sorry for all this mess.”
Rarity approached while clearing her throat. She looked at Fancy and spoke, “May I please speak with my friend?”
“Naturally,” Fancy Pants responded as he fixed his monocle.
Rarity nodded and looked at Fluttershy with concern. “You look terrible, darling. What in Celestia’s name happened here?” Both guards hissed at the very mention of the princess’s name.
Fluttershy took a deep breath and said calmly, “It’s… it’s a long story.”
Rarity took a step back and smiled awkwardly. She sensed a slow breath and the heart-beat of her friend, alongside a significant blood loss. What worried her the most however were the eyes that stared at her emotionlessly. Those were the empty eyes of a broken pony. “In this case… I will go and prepare some tea for us all. You would not mind, would you darling?”
Fluttershy pointed towards the kitchen and nodded.
While Rarity and Fleur entering the kitchen as the noble mare offered to assist, Fluttershy turned to Fancy Pants.
“I am listening.”
Fluttershy sighed before saying coldly, “Your spy, Sharp Eye. He attempted to kill me and my servant, Applejack.”
“I see,” Fancy responded as he looked at his loyal servant. “Should I assume you took his life in self-defense?”
Fluttershy shook her head. “I drained his blood to weaken him, but then he…” she stopped and looked at the floor in shame. “After we defeated him, he committed a s-suicide.” She bowed as low as she could and started sobbing. “I am so sorry!”
Rarity, who came back from the kitchen, quickly placed the tea cups on the floor and ran to her friend. She hadn't bothered to ask what caused her to cry and instead helped Fluttershy to stand.
Fleur levitated the table from the kitchen over while the guards brought some pillows to sit on. All three purebloods, Rarity and Vinyl sat in front of the table while the guards then went outside to patrol the area.
“Now please, start from the beginning and spare no details.”
Fluttershy took a teacup with her trembling forelegs, spilling several drops before taking a sip. The unpleasant taste quickly told her that she was very hungry as her belly growled a moment later. The teacup slid from her hooves as Rarity caught it before it could shatter to pieces.
“Oh dear,” Fleur started as levitated a blood pack from her purse. “Your blood reserves must be very low. I always carry emergency blood with me. Please take it and help yourself.” She offered the pack, but Fluttershy pushed it away.
“Thank you… but… I’m not hungry.”
Fancy Pants, Fleur and even Vinyl’s eyes widened. Did a pureblood thestral who lost a lot of her magic, blood and was most likely starving just say that she isn’t hungry? Fancy Pants coughed. “Very well. Now, since we are all ears, would you please tell us the events of tonight?”
Fluttershy nodded as she started telling the story while changing a few small details. Her voice filled with sorrow.
***
“I say,” Fancy Pants spoke. “While I must admit that I was worried about my subordinate’s growing arrogance, I would never expect him to lay a hoof against a pureblood, much less take his own life after losing to you.” He shook his head in disappointment. “His future was so bright, but his character always had a shadow over it.” He took a sip of tea and looked at Fluttershy curiously. “And that huntress of yours, she protected you at your command?”
Fluttershy nodded weakly. “Yes. I ordered her to protect me and she did. I also commanded her not to tell her family about what happened tonight and keep my identity a secret. With her help, I will take control over the farm family without issue.”
Fleur stood from her pillow and walked towards the kitchen as she glanced at the dead body. “I would never expect Sharp Eye to go this far.” She levitated the pack of blood into the refrigerator before returning to her sitting spot. “I mean, I believe he would try to kill your servant, but to think he would attack you for getting in the way...”
“I am not surprised to be honest. I would say it was just a matter of time,” Fancy added before looking at Sharp Eye with regret. “Maybe if I had focused more on teaching him humility rather than just nurturing his skills, things would have turned out differently.” He looked back at Fluttershy who had once again run out of tears. Her eyes were dry, her mane was a mess and her wings had drooped to the floor.
“How will you punish me?” she asked with a weak voice.
“Punish?” Rarity and Vinyl said in unison.
Vinyl continued, “That dude was trigger happy. I mean, sure, he was kind of cool and all, but he didn’t know how to chill. It’s not your fault.”
Fancy Pants raised Fluttershy’s lowered head and gave her a forgiving smile. “He brought it upon himself. I forgive you, so please, forgive yourself.”
“B-but…” she struggled a response. “He died… because of me. He was your student, or so I heard. You must hate me for what I caused.”
“Not especially.”
“What do you mean?”
Fancy Pants sighed and massaged his forehead. “If you will one day lead a large clan yourself, you will understand.” He looked at the ceiling. “I lived for nearly a millennium and outlived many of my friends and acquaintances. I cannot let myself to be attached to anypony except my family.” He looked at the sad mare and carefully stroked her mane. “Just look at you. Crying over a death of an enemy that tried to kill you, a death you didn’t cause. Your guilt is destroying you from the inside. I would not last long with this attitude.”
Fluttershy nodded weakly. “So you won’t punish me?”
“I believe you’ve punished yourself more than enough. Also, do you remember what I have told you?”
“What you told me?” Fluttershy responded in confusion.
“Yes. I told you that if you want to keep your friend and her family alive as slaves, you will need to show your resolve without my support. Resolve you showed by fighting my spy who crossed your ways. Will you give up now?”
“N-no…”
“Then there is nothing else for me to say,” Fancy said as he once again fixed his monocle. He stood from the table and approached Rarity who already levitated over some cleaning equipment. “Miss Rarity, I hope you will won’t mind if my guards assist you with cleaning this place.”
“Why would I mind? I would be honoured.”
Upon hearing their master’s call, both thestrals flew inside the cottage and saluted. “My lord.”
“I’ll help too,” Vinyl said before looking at Fancy Pants. “Since Tavi and me will be moving to Ponyville, does this make Fluttershy my new boss, old Boss?”
“If Fluttershy doesn't mind,” Fancy responded before receiving a silent nod from the depressed mare. “Keep an eye on her.”
“Will do,” Vinyl said before levitating over pieces of a broken table, a hammer and a few damaged nails. “Now, time to put this baby together!”
Rarity blinked each time she heard the hammer strike and asked, “She knows what she is doing, right?”
“Not in the slightest,” Fleur answered with a chuckle.
Fancy Pants spoke loudly, “Miss Fluttershy, keep in mind that from now on, Applejack and her family are your responsibility. Make sure they behave to not anger your neighbors for your own good.”
Noticing yet another silent nod, he asked the fashionista to follow him outside before lowering his head to her ear and whispering, “I am more than certain that your master lied in some parts of her story, but I will let it slide. Right now, she needs friends more than ever.”
“Y-yes, I will do my best.”
“Good,” Fancy said before gesturing to Fleur to leave the cottage, who gracefully followed.
With the guards and Vinyl cleaning the room, Rarity walked inside and approached her friend, or the shell she was now. “Fluttershy, I cannot even imagine how dreadful you must feel right now, but please, let us help you.” After not receiving any reaction, her ears dropped and expression filled with sorrow as she rubbed her foreleg. She looked around at the barely touched teacup and levitated it. “You always loved this tea every time I visited. Please drink it.”
“I’m not thirsty,” Fluttershy murmured, her eyes barely opened as she looked at the floor.
“Not thirsty, but you are dehydrated. Even your eyelids are dry from crying. Please,” Rarity pleaded, but the levitated teacup was weakly pushed to the side. “What about blood? I know you refused Fleur’s gift, but I am sure that your animals can share some with you,” Rarity added, only for whistling sound to capture her attention. She quickly noticed Angel with several squirrels, two seals and even an angered bear who entered through the hole in the wall. The bear growled as he looked enraged, his aggression ready to be unleashed on the alerted guards. Angel quickly climbed onto his head and poked it before pointing at the dead body lying on a sofa. The bear quickly calmed down and sat.
Rarity smiled and said, “See, your friends are here and more than willing to feed you.”
“I’m not hungry…”
“Fluttershy, please…”
“I said no,” she responded. “My peaceful life is ruined. Applejack h-”
Rarity quickly pressed Fluttershy’s head against her belly, embracing her in a gentle hug. Ensuring that the guards won’t hear what they shouldn’t.
“Sssh… it will be okay, sssh.”
Fluttershy was more than willing to search for comfort in Rarity’s embrace, pressing herself against the soft fur on her friend’s chest.
“I’ve given up… so much. I can’t take it anymore…”
***
Rarity stroked her friend’s mane as the hug lasted for a minute. The sight of a pureblood showing weakness to her servant was something that the guards found pitiful and sad as they escorted the sleepy mare upstairs towards the bed. Rarity pointed out a secret passage under the bed as both thestrals pulled it to the side, revealing a secret entrance into an underground room behind an illusion. The passage went between floors into an underground chamber thanks to a pulled-back wall on the ground floor.
The lack of light wasn’t an issue for thestrals as they examined the room, noticing only one dusty coffin and several candles surrounding it. The guards looked at each other as their pity towards Fluttershy only grew. Carefully, they placed the pureblood thestral inside the coffin and closed the lid. After climbing back to the bedroom, they pulled the bed back to its original location.
“I can’t believe that she’s living in such conditions. She’s from the pureblood family for crying out loud. Does she have any dignity at all?” one guard said as he fixed the pillow on the small bed.
“I would say she is a definition of poverty and humility, but it can’t be helped after all that happened. The worst however is that she willingly neglected our master’s protection, just to keep that huntress’s family alive,” the second guard responded.
“I feel kind of bad for her. She lost her family and nearly died in a fight against an assassin spy… wait, does not a mix between assassin and spy make Sharp Eye a ninja?”
“I suppose, but he was also a summoner.”
“I read some books where ninjas could summon monsters and stuff with their ninjutsu or whatever it was called. Wait, what were we talking about?”
“Thank you, Sirs,” Rarity said as she pointed towards the exit of the bedroom. “However, we still have a lot of cleaning to do. We cannot let Mistress Fluttershy wake up in ruins, can we?”
Both guards nodded before returning to cleaning and salvaging. Rarity raised her foreleg as she was about to follow, but failed to take a single step. Her ears and head dropped before her eyes closed as guilt struck her like a tidal wave. “What have I done…” she murmured to herself.
“Nothing,” Vinyl added, startling Rarity from her hooves. “What’s on your mind?”
After grabbing Vinyl’s helping hoof, Rarity stood and replied, “Nothing special.”
VInyl patted the fashionista’s back. “Don’t give me that. Ever since Fancy sensed that his blood bond with Sharp Eye broke all of the sudden, you were kind of on edge.” The musician smirked. “And do I even need to mention your heart-rate when he pointed towards your master’s cottage? Or how you were sweating like a fountain? Or–”
Rarity pushed away Vinyl’s foreleg and frowned. “I get the idea.” She looked back at the bed and sighed. “She needed me.” After taking a deep breath, she continued, ”She needed me more than ever and I didn’t follow.”
“Why’s that?”
“I…” Rarity started hesitantly. “I was afraid of being recognized by Applejack. I let Fluttershy face both the harsh words of a huntress and an assassin. I left her alone to endure silver bolts that Sharp Eye apparently used just to save my own skin and keep that I am thestral a secret.”
“But you’re sorry, right?”
Rarity shoot Vinyl an angered glare. “Of course I am! If I was there to support Fluttershy, she would not be a devastated wreck!”
“What happened, happened. Water under the bridge as they say. But you’re sorry and want to fix everything, and that’s what matters,” Vinyl said with a proud smile before patting Rarity’s back again. “You have no idea how many times I’ve messed up, but Tavi and big Fancy boss lord and so on always forgave me. They let me make up for my mistakes.”
Rarity rubbed her chin and smiled warmly. “I guess you have a point. I will just need to help Fluttershy in those harsh times and apologize for not being there for her in time of need.”
“That’s the spirit,” Vinyl said as she once again pat Rarity on the back, causing her to roll her eyes. She walked into the main room as the fashionista followed, only to stop in her tracks as her eyes opened widely.
“W-what monstrosity is that?” Rarity asked while pointing at Vinyl’s work. “It looks nothing like a table!”
Vinyl tilted her head to the side in confusion. “It was meant to be a table?”
Rarity’s face turned red and steam nearly shot out out of her ears. “I won’t stand for such a fashion crime. Kill it with fire!”
Pinkie Pie, also known as Ponyville's best party planner whose life was dedicated to making everypony smile, had a feeling that somepony had a bad case of the frowns. As with every single night, she was about to go to her well deserved rest after hours spent with her friends and at work in Sugarcube Corner. But today, her peaceful sleep was interrupted by a wave of uncontrollable trembling. She opened her eyes while her ears dropped, her puffed mane flattened as if it were a balloon that had lost all its air.
“Doozy...” was the only word that left her mouth.
Somewhere in Ponyville was a pony who was not smiling, who was anything but happy. Pinkie couldn’t stand for it, she wouldn’t rest until she put that frown upside down. She yawned and considered that maybe putting off sleep wasn’t the best idea in the first place. With a sad smile, she pressed her head against the pillow and closed her eyes. If what her doozy told her was correct, cheering this pony tomorrow will be the most difficult challenge in her entire life.
“Applejack, Applejack!” Apple Bloom yelled as she poked her older sister. Unable to get any reaction, she jumped towards the bed, landing on the quilt covering her sister’s belly. “Applejack, wake up! Don’t make me wait any longer.” The filly yelped as a sudden roll of the farm mare threw her off the bed. She shook her head and smiled as her sister yawned. “You’re up, finally.”
“Huh… Wha’ in tarnation is this fuss all about?”
“How was your huntin’? Did you get that mean vampony? Were you hurt?”
Applejack straightened her legs and rubbed her eyes. “Oh, that,” she said in a sleepy voice. “It was, how can Ah put it… an unusual case.”
“Unusual?” Apple Bloom titled her head to the side in confusion before taking a few steps back, giving space for her sister to get off the bed.
“Eeyup,” Applejack started, trying her best to imitate her older brother. “Ah got a mean vampony and Ah’m as fine as a mature apple picked from the tree. That’s all that matters.”
“And what ‘bout the unusual part? Please tell me sis, tell me, tell me!” Apple Bloom plead while jumping up in place.
“Well.” Applejack rubbed back of her neck nervously. “It’s…” She smiled awkwardly. “Ah’ll tell ya when yer older.”
“Aww… That ain’t fair,” she said and frowned the moment her sister rubbed her mane. The filly trotted and followed Applejack into the field, but were stopped by Big Mac and Granny who waited for them outside.
“Oh no, you ain’t goin’ to work today missy. Ya just returned from huntin’ and need some rest,” Granny said with a firm tone. Her glare saying that she was not going to back down.
Applejack responded with a firm stomp. “Ah’m fine. A mission or two ain’t enough to keep me from work.”
Apple Bloom watched silently as the arguing lasted for minutes with stubbornness and pride fueling it. Unable to take it any longer, she jumped between her family and shouted, “Can Winona and Ah play at Fluttershy’s!?”
This got Applejack’s attention as if a swarm was in the apple orchard. The filly took a step back and continued, “What Ah mean is Fluttershy said she’ll visit and play with Winona today, and she ran off last night after hearin’ that scary story. Ah thought we could visit her instead. Save her the trouble.”
“Awww, tha’ so sweet,” Granny said with a cheerful smile. “O’course ya can go little seed. That shy pegasus with a heart of gold surely will appreciate it.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac added firmly.
“Ah don’t think so,” Applejack said in a depressed tone. Noticing the questioning looks on everypony’s faces, she frowned. “Forget it. Ah’m goin’ to bed.”
Apple Bloom could only stare as her older sister just agreed to give up on working. DId Applejack just? the filly thought before rubbing her chin. “Suspicious.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac said, nodding in agreement.
“If that mare ain’t hidin’ somethin, then Ah’m a timberwolf’.”
Apple Bloom sharpened her glare. Ah’ll get to the bottom of this.
*** Rainbow POV ***
“I’ve gotta face it. I’m as much of a detective as Applejack is an egghead. Maybe Flutters or Pinkie will have some clues,” Dash said to herself as she flew towards the cottage. I gotta give AJ some credits though. That earthquake that buried my friends was not a natural occurrence. The wind blowing through her mane did little to calm her frustration. “I swear, if somepony was trying to hurt Fluttershy, I’ll wipe the floor with them… wait, is that Apple Bloom?” With a swift turn, Dash flew towards the filly and dog before landing with a weak thump against the dusty road.
“Apple Bloom!”
The filly turned around and waved while Winona barked happily. “Rainbow, what are ya doin’ here?”
“I should be asking you the same question.” Dash pointed accusingly. “What brings you here without one of your family?”
The filly rubbed her foreleg. “Well, a few days ago Fluttershy saved Winona–” The dog barked cheerfully and jumped in place. “We tried to thank her and be very welcomin’, but she ran after hearing a scary story.”
“She did?” Dash asked before closing his eyes and chuckling. “Good old Fluttershy, she hasn’t changed a bit.” After opening her eyes, she looked between the dog and the filly before adding, “I’d ask how this is related, but I can already guess you both want to play with her and thank her again.”
“Ah sure do,” Apple Bloom said before being licked in the muzzle. After pushing Winona’s face away, she continued, “Ah mean, we sure do.”
Rainbow Dash spread her wings and offered, “Want a lift? I’ll get you there in a flash.” Noting a nod and hearing a bark, she added, “Hang on tight.” With one move of her wing, she placed Apple Bloom on her back who had latched onto her neck, next grabbing Winona’s belly and flying off. The dog exposed her tongue as it flapped across the wind.
Several seconds later, Dash descended towards a small bridge leading to Fluttershy’s cottage and placed Winona on it. Apple Bloom jumped from her back, landing next to the dog. With no passengers on board, Dash’s attention then focused on the damaged cottage. Planks covering holes in the walls, cracks all over the house, and even fragments of wall scattered over the grass. “W-what happened here?”
Apple Bloom looked at the cottage and asked, “What do you mean?”
“I mean this place look as if a tornado went through here or something, and I don’t remember any storms being scheduled that could cause it.” In an instant, Dash remembered her investigation and the idea that somepony was trying to hurt Fluttershy hit her like a hammer. Not wasting a moment, she dashed towards the door and knocked hard enough for it to break loose. Apple Bloom quickly followed.
“What is this dreadful noise?”
“Rarity?” Dash said the moment a fashionista emerged from the kitchen, a rolling-pin levitated by her side.
“Rainbow Dash, Apple Bloom, what are you doing here?” Rarity asked in confusion as she placed her weapon on the floor.
The pegasus facehooved at the sudden feeling of deja vu before saying in a more annoyed tone, “I should be asking you the same question.”
“Oh, you are absolutely correct,” the fashionista responded as she approached and pointed at the filly. “Though I would prefer if we talked in private.”
Dash looked at Apple Bloom. “Oh, sure.” She turned to the filly and gestured towards the exit, when suddenly a dog ran inside and jumped at her. After receiving a few licks in the face, Winona jumped at Rarity, knocking her on her back.
“No, wait, you will ruin my mane!” Her words were ignored as the dog covered her face in saliva before turning her attention to the floor, sniffing. “No, wait, do not go there,” Rarity said and got back to her hooves while Winona went upstairs. As she and Dash arrived in the bedroom, their attention focused on the dog sniffing the bed and Angel looking at her in annoyance. “Winona, be a dear and leave the bedroom, please.”
Not bothered by Rarity’s pleas, the dog tried to crawl under the bed, but Angel’s whistling stopped her. With a quick hop, the bunny jumped on Winona’s head and started to stomp on it. The dog shook Angel off onto the floor and started licking him, who in response crossed his paws and frowned. Apple Bloom entered the bedroom, but was hauled away by Dash a moment later while Rarity grabbed the dog with her magic and brought her outside.
“Okay you two, Rare and I need to talk about something important. I want you both to stay here,” Dash said with a lecturing gesture of her foreleg, but Winona just passed her and ran for the door, forcing Rarity to levitate her back towards Apple Bloom. “Okay, as I was saying–” Dash failed to finish as the dog make another run for for the stairs. “Oh, for Celestia’s sake!” This time however she wasn’t captured by Rarity, but instead was stopped by a paw of a bear with Angel perched on his head.
Rarity pointed inside and said, “I believe Harry will keep Winona in check. Let us go.” Dash nodded while Rarity continued, “Apple Bloom, be a dear and wait for us here.”
Dash followed the fashion mare as she looked around, easily noticing many attempts to repair the damage and a pile of ashes in place of the table. Her fear for Fluttershy grew with every passing second. The moment they were in the bedroom with closed curtains, the pegasus asked, “Okay Rares, what in Celestia’s name happened here?”
“Are you going to call the princess’s name in every second sentence, darling?”
Dash frowned. “Stop stalling and cut to the chase.”
“Alright,” Rarity said as her head dropped in shame. “The meeting… didn’t go as planned.”
“Meeting? Fluttershy didn't tell me about any meeting.”
Rarity sat on the bed and levitated over a plate with cookies and crumbs from the eaten ones, but the pegasus just pushed it to the side and shook her head. With plate placed back on the shelf next to the bed, Rarity said, “Around a month ago, Vinyl Scratch moved to Ponyville and gave me a message to pass on to Fluttershy. It was saying that Vinyl’s former master wanted to meet with Fluttershy at the old castle in the Everfree Forest and discuss important matters with her.”
“Wait a minute,” Dash said, shocked, her wings spread, “why didn't she tell me?”
“Well, you were busy and Fluttershy didn’t want to bother you,” Rarity said before placing her hoof on the pegasus’s shoulder. “Besides, you are not a vam… thestral. She was unsure your neck would be safe amongst the crowd.”
The moment Rarity retreated her hoof, Dash massaged her neck, smiling with a hint of fear. “Yeah… good point.” Fluttershy was always careful about drinking my blood back in Cloudsdale, but if what she said is true, not every thestral is as gentle as her.
“Anyway, let us go back to telling the story, shall we?” Noticing a nod, Rarity continued. “On the way to the meeting we encountered a problem, a hunter to be precise.”
“Hunter? You mean like a monster hunter!?” Dash shouted, but was quickly silenced by Rarity’s hoof. The unicorn quickly stood from the bed and trotted to the window, peeking from behind curtain to make sure that the filly was too far to hear it. With a sigh of relief as both Apple Bloom and Winona were busy playing with Angel and Harry, she returned to her previous spot on the bed. “Did he attack Flutters before following her back to the cottage to finish the job? Is he dead? Is Flutters alright?”
“First off, she is not a hunter but a huntress, though I guess it is my fault for not stating it from the start,” Rarity corrected. “And to answer your questions; no, she didn’t follow Fluttershy here to finish the job, they’re both alive, Fluttershy let her go and she is resting now.”
“Alive?” Dash frowned and facehooved. “I know Fluttershy is too kind for her own good, but what about you? You probably could have finished off the hunt...ress. Those bastards deserve nothing better after what they did to Fluttershy’s parents.”
“Her parents?”
“Oh, right,” Dash responded before looking to the side. “She probably didn’t tell you.”
Rarity didn’t need more words as she raised her hoof to her muzzle. “Oh my… so her parents were…” Noticing a sad nod, she continued, “And yet she spared her life…” Rarity bit her lips before murmuring, “she suffered so much and still didn’t gave up on her principles.”
“That’s Fluttershy for you. She may seem weak, but she is tougher than she looks. Pity that her strength is misdirected,” Dash said before taking a deep breath and pointing downstairs. “Okay Rares. If the huntress didn’t cause all this mess, who did?”
“A spy, or maybe an assassin, I am not sure. When Fancy Pants, leader of the Canterlot’s clan, found out that Fluttershy wanted to spare the huntress’s life–”
“He got mad and sent an assassin after Fluttershy?!” Dash shouted before being silenced by Rarity’s hoof. “Sorry.”
With a firm stare, the unicorn pointed out, “Fancy Pants would not do such a shameful thing. Sharp Eye acted on his own.” Her ears dropped as she looked at the floor before continuing in a sorrowful tone, “However, he did withdraw his offer of protection. As long as the huntress’s family is alive, Fluttershy will be on her own.”
“Protection?” Dash said as a memory of what Applejack once told her came into her mind. “Like, for example, somepony or vampony would want to hurt Fluttershy?”
“Nopony would dare to raise a hoof at her with Fancy Pants being involved.”
Dash stomped her hoof against the floor as it cracked a bit from the impact. “That’s it. I can’t stand by and watch as my friend’s kindness is bringing her pain. Just tell me the name of the huntress and I’ll snap her neck,” she said loudly, but not too loud as a struggle waged inside her. The question if she was really ready to take a life for her friend’s sake was born in her mind. After making one quick run to the window to check on Apple Bloom’s distance from the cottage, she looked at the unicorn with a curious stare.
Rarity smiled awkwardly and chuckled. “Would like something to drink? I believe you might be parched after coming here.” Noticing a shake of Dash’s head, she said, “I always wondered why Ditzy’s family would put so much effort with a secret passage under Fluttershy’s bed. What I mean is that the bedroom is on the second floor. It would be so much easier if–”
“Rarity,” Dash said with an angered glare as she walked towards her.
“Lord Fancy asked his guards to help me clean the mess, but I think a small renovation is in order.”
“Quit stalling. Those hunters deserve no mercy, and if I have to kill to protect my friend, so be it,” Dash said, hiding her hesitation behind determined stare.
More seconds passed as the unicorn tried to find any sort of excuse, but Dash’s glare broke her resistance. She sighed in defeat and said the huntress’s name.
“Applejack.”
“W-what?” Dash said as she took a step back and fell over, her eyes wide and breathing quickening.
“Applejack and her family are monster hunters,” Rarity stated, not looking the pegasus in the eyes.
Dash rose to her hooves and closed her eyes as she leveled her breath. Her mind trying to deny this new information. After a moment to calm down, she sat and demanded, “I want to hear the full story. Spare no details.”
Rarity took a moment of her time to head outside and explained to Apple Bloom that Fluttershy was not feeling well while asking for her to leave. The filly, somewhat satisfied after playing with the bear and other animals in a game called ‘monster catcher,’ went home, trotting happily with Winona by her side. With both the filly and the dog out of the picture, she started recalling yesterday’s events.
***
Both mares sitting in the middle of the room looked at their hooves in depression as Rarity opened her mouth, but closed it a moment later, unsure how to cheer up a pony whose friend turned out to be an enemy. Dash’s words caught her attention, “I see how it is. The friend I knew for the past several months… is gone.” She could see Dash’s ears flattening against her head and noticed her bitten lips before the next words left her mouth, “She was an enemy all along.”
“What are you going to do?” Rarity asked, somewhat afraid of incoming answer.
Dash grit her teeth and closed eyes as tears started to flow from them. “Why?” She turned her head and slapped the shelf. “Why Applejack?” She grabbed a plate of cookies and threw it at the wall, but Rarity’s magic caught it just in time.
***
Dash looked around for anything to unleash her anger on. Part of her felt relieved that her friend was alive, spared thanks to Fluttershy’s mercy and sacrifices. But another part was enraged. Damn you AJ. Why a huntress, why you of all ponies? The pegasus delivered a kick against the shelf next to the bed, but the fashionista blocked it with a hoof.
“Calm yourself this instant!” Rarity ordered while taking a fighting stance, standing on her rear hooves with forelegs prepared to restrain the pegasus.
How can I forgive her, forgive all the pain she caused Fluttershy? Dash thought as her wings started to flap uncontrollably, sending a breeze against Rarity’s face. Fluttershy’s delicate heart was wounded, she had to fight for her life twice, she lost the protection of some vampony lord and is now blaming herself for taking a life, all because of you. Dash’s thoughts were interrupted by movement from under the bed.
Rarity and Dash turned to look at the moving bed, or rather at the secret passage that opened and revealed their friend. In an instant they rushed to Fluttershy, who rubbed her eyes and looked between them. “M-morning.”
“Fluttershy, how are you feeling?” Rarity asked in concern, still remembering the trembling wreck her friend was the previous night.
Dash wiped her tears.
The thestral looked her friends in the eyes for a few seconds in silence before murmuring, “Poorly.”
Any hope that their friend had recovered even a little had gone out of the window. Rarity’s ears dropped as she asked in a sad tone, “Is there anything we can do to cheer you up. Tea? Cookies? Music? Blood pack maybe?” Fluttershy shook her head in response. “But darling, you haven’t eaten or drank anything since yesterday, and you lost a lot of blood during the fight. You must be starving.”
“And if I do?” Fluttershy asked with defeated tone. “Does it really matter?”
“Of course it matters,” Rarity said with a firm stomp. “Your health is very important to us.”
“It shouldn’t,” she responded before turning to Dash who stared at her motionlessly. “Hey Dash...”
The pegasus grabbed her friend tightly. “Why didn’t you tell me you were going to a dangerous meeting? If you took me when all this happened… I’m so sorry, Fluttershy.” Much to Dash’s surprise, her friend didn’t hug her back, nor did she say a single word. It was as if she was nothing more than a motionless doll.
The moment she was released, Fluttershy walked downstairs in silence. Dash and Rarity followed and assisted with feeding animals, who seemed to be very depressed for obvious reasons. A few birds flew inside from the window with a tiara made of flowers and placed it on their master’s head before singing to the best of the abilities. Squirrels placed nuts on the floor in a shape of a heart and even a seal entered the cottage and pointed at his own massive neck, obviously inviting for his master to feed. Their attempts failed to bring any reaction from Fluttershy who just fed and pet them absentmindedly before cleaned the nuts from the floor with her wing.
Once Rarity entered the kitchen to make a tea for herself, Dash got in Fluttershy’s way and spoke in desperation, “Flutters, I recognize this look.” She grabbed her friend’s forehoof and plead, “Don’t you dare to stay under the sun for hours, or any other attempt on your life.” Tears started forming in Dash’s eyes once again as her grip on Fluttershy’s hoof tightened. Her wings spread and flapped nervously. “Don’t you dare, you hear me? Don’t you dare! I won’t let you, even if I will need to guard you entire day and night!”
Fluttershy responded nearly emotionlessly, “You can rest easy, Dash. I won’t die, no matter how much I wish to do.”
“W-what?” Dash asked, her mouth opened agape.
“If I die, Applejack and her family will be killed… I won’t let this happen,” she said before stomping as a few centimeters hole in the floor was formed from the impact. Her face gained a small resemblance of determination. “I won’t bring any more deaths if I can help it. I swear.” She sighed and looked at the seal who bounced small ball on the top of his nose. “I’ll feed, but later. I’m not in the mood at the moment.”
As the thestral passed the pegasus and went into the kitchen, Dash’s ears and wings dropped. Did she give up…? Did she just give up on everything? She grit her teeth and felt as if her blood was boiling. Applejack caused all of this! When I’ll get my hooves on her– Her thoughts were interrupted by knocking on the door. “Who's there?”
“The one and only.”
“Huh…” Dash rubbed top of her head. “Pinkie?”
The door opened as streamers were shot into the room. Pinkie Pie stood at the entrance on her rear hooves and with spread forelegs. A wide smile formed on her face. “It’s me!” Before Dash could recover from her shock, Pinkie jumped over and spoke, “Last night, I felt a doozy, but it wasn’t any normal doozy, but a very, very big one. I mean, a pony becoming very very sad in a cottage near the Everfree Forest, what can be bigger than that?”
“Umm…”
“And so I thought, ‘Pinkie, you can not let this pony be sad’. By this pony I mean Fluttershy by the way… So the moment I woke up this morning, I asked the Cakes to give me a free day for a ‘sad pony emergency’. I gathered some supplies and rushed here so here I am,” Pinkie finished with her teeth exposed in a smile while her muzzle pressed against the pegasus’.
With help of her foreleg, Dash pushed Pinkie’s face away and said, “Okaaay… but I think her depression is far too deep even for you to handle. This is very serious, Pinkie.”
“Well duuh. Of course this is serious. A sad pony in Ponyville is a serious business. Just leave it to Doctor Pinkamena Diane Pie to make it all better,” she responded and patted Dash’s head. Not waiting for permission, Pinkie passed the pegasus and looked around the room while bouncing in place. “Where’s Fluttershy? Where’s she, where’s she?” Noticing the shy mare coming out from the kitchen, she dashed to her.
***
“Hello Fluttershy!” Pinkie shouted before displaying the most cheerful smile she could muster. After not receiving any response as they both stared at each other, she continued, “I’m here to cheer you up. We’ll have all kinds of fun.”
“Fun? I’m sorry, Pinkie, but you’re talking with the wrong mare,” Fluttershy said calmly as she stared at the party pony with emptiness in her eyes. “You’ll just waste your valuable time trying to cheer me up.” She looked to the side and added, “You’d be better off having fun with all your other friends.”
Pinkie gasped in a pure shock. “How can you say that? I can’t have fun and cheer with anypony knowing that one of my friends is so sad!” Her ears dropped as a pout appeared on her face.
“You should know me better than that,” Pinkie said before pressing forehoof against her own chest. “I won’t rest until I bring back the smile on your face. Cross my heart, hope to fly–”
Fluttershy cut off Pinkie with a hoof and sighed. “It’s those efforts that I call useless. I feel hollow… empty… you can’t fill the void with happiness.” She whimpered. “Ever since I met you, you tried to welcome me, cheer me up, bring a meaning to my insignificant life.” She gestured over the no longer as ruined as yesterday room, pointing at a few of her saddened animals. “All my animal friends, and the bits for food I need to feed them, I have only thanks to you. And yet, I did nothing in return, nor was I fun to be around.”
Pinkie approached and lowered herself, now looking up at Fluttershy’s dropped muzzle. “But I don’t want anything in return. Being a good friend isn’t a trade, but a desire to make others happy. Besides, your smile was reward enough.”
Fluttershy turned around. “That’s why you should leave. I can’t smile and you can’t bring a smile to my face. From the start I was a poor friend.” She shook her head. “All I am doing is making you sad. You shouldn’t waste your time on a pony like me.”
Pinkie was about to grab Fluttershy if only to squeeze the sadness out of her, but her promise of respecting personal space restrained her from such action. She poked her hooves together and said, “Please, don’t say such things.” She carefully placed a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder. “Sure, we had a poor start and keeping my energetic self in check wasn’t easy, but you’re anything but a poor friend. If anything, I wasn’t a good friend to you.” Her ears dropped. “I should’ve visited you more often, organized you better and bigger parties, I’m so sorry.”
“...”
Pinkie’s forelegs trembled as her as she closed her eyes, fighting against herself before embracing the pegasus with her hooves. Squeezing Fluttershy’s belly and wings while pressing the head to her chest. “I’m willing do everything in my power to give you giggles and make your worries go away, starting with a warm hug.” She tightened her grip to a bone-crushing level, but the shy mare didn’t seem to care.
“I’m… tired of hugs,” Fluttershy murmured with a bored expression.
Pinkie gasped before pushing the hugged pony towards sofa and next throwing Dash and Rarity outside. “This is worse than I thought. You two better stay outside, things are going to get overwhelmly cheerful!”
***
The door to the cottage slammed shut, leaving Fluttershy’s friends outside, speechless. They looked at each other and shrugged. “So, what now?” Dash asked.
“We leave it to Pinkie Pie, I suppose. I must admit that she is slightly crazy and… may seem over the top.”
“May seem?” Dash raised an eyebrow.
“I get your point. However, while I do not know Pinkie very well, I am sure about one thing.” She smiled weakly. “You cannot stay sad whenever she is around.”
Both mares flinched at the loud noises coming from the inside as streamers and balloons escaped from the window on the upper floor of the cottage. Dash quickly pressed her ear against the door.
“What is she doing?” Rarity asked curiously.
Dash kept her ear against the wood for a moment longer. “I think she is singing something like; ‘I’m gonna make you smile… if you’re sad or yellow… because I love to make you smile, smile, smile…”
“Oh my,” Rarity said as she took a step back and raised forehoof up to her mouth. “I had not expected she would bring out the big guns so fast. Hopefully she will manage to get Fluttershy out of her depression.”
Dash walked away from the door gave Rarity a serious stare. “This isn’t the only problem we have to worry about. Fluttershy’s life may be in danger.”
“Danger?”
“Do you remember the spa incident?”
Rarity frowned before wiping sweat from her forehead, already feeling rays of the sun weakening her body. “How could I forget, I nearly died!”
The pegasus rubbed back of her neck nervously. “Yeah, about that. It seems that it wasn’t an accident, but rather some sort of assassination attempt. Rarity, are you alright?” The fashion mare gasped as her body didn’t budge. “I know it may be hard for you,” Dash said and poked Rarity, who just fell onto the ground as a foreleg landed on her forehead dramatically. Suddenly, the sound of a moving couch caught Dash’s attention as it levitated towards the cottage and landed next to Rarity with a loud thump.
***
“So… this is what happened,” Rarity said while lying on her couch, Dash sitting next to her. “The rubble that crushed my bones, all the pain and my transformation into a thestral. It all happened because,” she paused and lowered her head, “somepony with the power to cause earthquakes tried to take Fluttershy’s life.”
“Pretty much,” Dash said in understanding as she placed forehoof on Rarity’s shoulder. “I know it must be difficult to accept, but I hope you won’t hold a grudge against Fluttershy. I wanted to ask her if she knows who the assassin might be so we can protect her, but now I feel that she wouldn’t be able to handle it right now.” She looked at Rarity with pleading eyes. “Please Rares, don’t tell her what I told you. She’ll blame herself for what happened to you and she already seems suicidal.”
The fashionista stood up from the couch. “Do not worry Rainbow Dash, I will not do anything to hurt her wounded heart and I would not dare to blame her for what happened to me that day.” She looked at the cottage and said with determination, “Right now we should focus on protecting her.”
“I knew I could count on you,” Dash said cheerfully. “Hopefully Pinkie will know if somepony new visited the town that day. Her memory and ability to find out if somepony is moving to Ponyville is legendary, like when Flutters and I moved to here after my birthday party.”
“Speaking of Pinkie,” Rarity interrupted, “how is she doing?”
The pegasus shrugged. “Not sure. From the noises I’ve heard, I assume she sang one more time and told several jokes, but the curtains down here are drawn so I couldn’t see anything.” She rubbed the dirt with a hoof as she continued, “I honestly doubt any of those loud noises will accomplish anything besides scaring Fluttershy.”
The door suddenly opened and both mares quickly approached it. What they saw however tore apart any hopes they may have had. Instead of a cheerful and bouncing in place pink mare with a puffy mare, they saw a mix between pink and grey, a straight mane and tail, but worse of all, they saw tears.
“Pinkie, what happened?!” Dash asked with a panicked tone.
The party mare just wiped her tears and spoke, “So sad. She’s so sad and there’s nothing I could do.” She looked at the floor in shame. “I tried songs, jokes, games, threw cake into my own face, all kind of delicious desserts, but she never laughed or smiled…. it hurts.” She dropped to the floor and looked up at the now towering ponies, their worried faces did little to cheer her up. “I tried... I really tried... I’m so sorry."
“Pinkie, it was only half an hour,” Dash said before receiving a surprised stare from Rarity. “Yeah, you were out cold for quite a while.” She turned back to Pinkie and helped her stand. “Listen Pinkie. You tried your best and any effort counts, but with Fluttershy, you need way more time. She needs all support she can get and time to heal after what she experienced.”
“Y-you’re right. I shouldn’t give up,” Pinkie said as her mane puffed up again. She took a cupcake out of nowhere and spoke, “I’m not gonna give up until I will bring back smile on Fluttershy’s face, cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. Pinkie Promise!”
“Okay…” Dash said hesitantly before being grabbed by the party mare a moment later.
“There’s no time to lose. Fluttershy’s upstairs, lying on her bed,” Pinkie said hastily before whispering, “I want to organize a special surprise here in the cottage. Can you take her away somewhere for a few hours? It’s important.”
Dash looked at Rarity with a doubtful look, but the fashionista nodded while smiling encouragingly. “If it’ll help my friend, sure,” Dash responded, whispering.
After releasing the pegasus, Pinkie grabbed Rarity and quietly said, “I’ll need your help with the surprise.”
“S-sure, darling.”
“Great,” Pinkie said before releasing Rarity who landed on her flank with a weak thump and a moment later massaged it.
Disappearing in a cloud of dust, Pinkie dashed towards the second floor with Dash following her, only to run outside with a depressed pony on her back. She placed Fluttershy on the ground, pulled Rarity inside, threw out Rainbow and closed the door.
Both Fluttershy and her friend blinked in confusion as they were now stuck outside. The blue pegasus was first to speak, “Well… that happened.” She turned to Fluttershy and asked, “Wanna hang out? I know you don’t like being in public or under the sun, but maybe a walk will clear your mind.”
Fluttershy looked at the ground for a few seconds while rubbing a little pebble. After kicking it lightly, she nodded silently.
“Cool. Where would you like to go?”
The vampony pointed towards Sweet Apple Acres in the distance, causing Dash to spread her wings and ask, “What, why there?”
“Winona… I promised to visit her.”
“B-b-but, after everything that happened, you can’t possibly consider going there of all places!” Dash protested with a firm stomp. “Don’t you care that it’s the home of your enemy?”
“No,” Fluttershy responded absentmindedly. “There’s something I need to confirm with Applejack.”
“And if she attacks you? You’re defenseless under the sunlight, that’s something she can exploit,” Dash said in panic before pointing at Fluttershy accusingly. “And your hunger makes everything worse. Now even the sun could be deadly, you have to reconsider!”
Fluttershy shook her head. “If Applejack would be willing to exploit my weakness, there's something I need to find out.” She sighed. “If I die, so will her family.”
Dash bit her lips. She knew it was a terrible idea, however it seemed important to Fluttershy and it would be better if they both went to confront Applejack rather than Fluttershy doing it on her own. “Fine, but I’m not leaving your side even for a moment, got it?”
“To be honest… I hoped you would say that,” Fluttershy said with a nod before they both went towards Sweet Apple Acres.
“Here ya go,” Apple Bloom said as she placed another basket under the tree. “Yer turn, Big Mac.”
The muscular stallion released his hold of the cart and approached the tree. After one solid kick, six baskets were filled with apples while Apple Bloom helped to transport them into the cart.
While Big Mac proved his huge strength and decent stamina on many occasions, he lacked his sister’s speed and agility, and while Apple Bloom who was very quick on her little legs, she didn’t have her strength. In order to cover for the resting Applejack, the filly moved baskets while Big Mac took care of the hauling and bucking.
Apple Bloom wiped sweat from her forehead and spoke, “Ah sure hope mah sis gets better soon, same for Fluttershy.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac responded with an impassive expression.
As the work dragged on, Apple Bloom climbed onto Big Mac’s back and laid on it. Her tired breathing slowly calmed. “Hey Mac, Ah was wonderin’. Do ya remember how Sis said that Fluttershy won’t play with us before goin’ to bed?”
“Eeyup,” the stallion responded before kicking another tree, causing the filly to grab his neck tightly.
“Maybe Applejack went to check on Fluttershy last night and found her sick. Dash and Rarity said she’s not fellin’ well today.”
“Makes sense,” Big Mac responded.
Apple Bloom was about to take a short nap, but two pegasi caught her attention. She pointed at the sky and shouted, “Look up!”
The stallion raised his head and waved, so did Apple Bloom, quickly catching their attention.
Rainbow Dash sharply banked in front of the farming pair while the second pegasus kept flying towards the family’s house. Dash landed with a weak thump before wiping the dust from her foreleg. “Sup?”
“Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres,” Big Mac said and approached. His smile firm but welcoming. “Mah sis is restin’.”
“I see, thanks for the heads up,” Dash responded and spread her wings.
“Wait!” Apple Bloom called, quickly jumping onto the ground as she ran towards the pegasus. “How’s Fluttershy? Is she still sick?”
“Sick? Oh yes, a bit,” Dash said before pointing at her friend. “But she decided to check on Winona anyway.”
“Winona’s fine,” Big Mac said firmly. “Yer friend should stay in bed.”
Dash chuckled. “I told her the same, but you know Fluttershy when it comes to animals.”
Big Mac looked at Dash suspiciously who kept on a fake smile. “Is that so?”
“Y-yes. I’m not lying or anything.”
Big Mac looked down at Apple Bloom and said, “How about we give Miss Fluttershy a warm welcome?”
“Yaaay!”
***
“H-hello,” Fluttershy said as she now stood in front of the Apple family home with Rainbow Dash by her side. In front of her stood a massive stallion, a bouncing filly and a barking dog that ran in a circle around her and Dash.
The moment Winona stood on her rear paws and was about to lick Fluttershy’s face, her ears dropped as she returned to standing on four. She whimpered and nuzzled her forelegs.
“Welcome to our humble farm, Miss Fluttershy,” Big Mac said while gesturing his forehoof over the house. He next looked at the saddened dog and raised his eyebrow. “Ah appreciate yer concern ‘bout Winona, but ya should look after yer health first.”
“My health?” Fluttershy said in confusion before Dash whispered to her ear. “Oh, right.” She knelt to the dog face’s who looked back at her with sad eyes and licked her muzzle. Fluttershy stroked Winona gently and continued, “I feel a little better.”
Apple Bloom felt chill in her bones at Fluttershy’s voice. Until now, every time the pegasus visited, she was either cheerful when dealing with the farm animals or was whispering while hiding her face behind her mane.
But now...
The filly shook her head and jumped into the cart before picking the best apple she could find on the surface. “Mah sis always says; an apple a day will keep ya in good health.”
“We’d be honored if ya joined us on the dinner,” Big Mac said.
Fluttershy bit her lips and closed her eyes as a memory of yesterday’s events flashed in her mind. Welcoming hospitality, delicious food with an apple flavour, games and thankful smiles. It was a wonderful dream that turned into a nightmare filled with betrayal, hatred and suffering.
“I-I wouldn’t want to be a burden.”
“Please,” Apple Bloom plead with puppydog stare.
“N-no…”
“Please.”
“I said no,” Fluttershy nearly shouted as Dash went between her and the filly.
“Fluttershy’s... not in the mood.”
“Awww…” Apple Bloom lowered her head while Big Mac rubbed his chin in contemplation. He could already tell that something was wrong from Fluttershy’s reaction, but he couldn’t put his hoof on it. The bags under eyes, signs of dehydration, thin empty looking stomach, messed up feathers and mane barely falling into the ‘slightly sick’ appearance category.
“Apple Bloom,” the stallion said, gaining everypony’s attention. “Could ya go with Miss Fluttershy to the chicken coop? Ah’ll tell Applejack ‘bout dinner.”
“Will do,” the filly said with a salute. Not that the animal expert needed her guidance, but she was always happy to be in the calm pegasus’s company.
“Applejack!”
“Big Mac?” the farm mare responded from her spot in the bed as she rubbed her eyes. “Dagnabbit. Ah hate nappin’ before doin’ any work.”
“Then why’d ya go to sleep?” Big Mac asked before receiving an annoyed glare. “Ya gave up far faster than Ah expected.”
“Are ya makin’ fun of me?”
“Nope” the stallion said. “It’s dinner time.”
“Oh shucks.” Applejack frowned and jumped from the bed before grabbing her hat. She was about to bypass her brother, but stopped at his next words.
“Miss Fluttershy’s visitin’.”
“Is that so?” Applejack asked coldly, the upper part of her face in the shadow of her hat.
“She came to check on the farm animals and refused to join the dinner.”
“Ah see…”
“She’s not fellin’ too well,” Big Mac added.
“Ah’m not surprised.”
With a stomp, he sat in front of the door and said firmly, “Yer hidin’ somethin’.”
“What?” Applejack raised her left foreleg and tilted her head back as her brother looked deeply into her eyes. The farm mare decided to stand her ground rather than seeking excuses. “So what if Ah am?”
They both stared at each other as if ready to fight, when suddenly the stallion's expression softened. He sighed and walked to the side.
“Ah’m sorry, big brother. It’s somethin’ Ah best keep to mahself.” As they went downstairs, Applejack noticed Granny Smith putting yet another pie on the table, but somepony was missing. “Apple Bloom? Where’s Apple Bloom?”
“With Fluttershy,” Big Mac responded.
Applejack stopped in her tracks. After taking a few slow breaths, she spoke, “Ah’ll go fetch her.” Not waiting for a response, she walked outside before galloping. If Ah remember Fluttershy’s usual schedule, she always start with the chickens. Applejack grit her teeth and increased her speed. She may have proven to be different than the monster Ah expected her to be, but Ah ain’t goin’ to lower mah guard just yet. What’s she doin’ here so soon anyway?
You know Fluttershy would never hurt Apple Bloom or any member of yer family, another thought crossed her mind, but she decided to ignore it. At this point, she wasn’t sure about anything.
As she ran to her destination, a familiar face caught her attention. Rainbow Dash, she thought before sighing in relief. Maybe Dash brought her here for some reason, that explains a thin’ or two. She waved and shouted, “Hey Dash!”
The pegasus flew over and landed with a weak thump before saying in annoyance, “Oh, hey AJ.”
Apple Bloom ran over and looked up at her sister. “What are ya doin’ here? Ya should be nappin’–” She yelped in surprise the moment she was grabbed into a sisterly hug. One foreleg embracing her neck while her head was pressed against Applejack’s chest.
“Have Ah told ya how much Ah care about ya, little sis?” Applejack paused before releasing her sister and smiling awkwardly, “Anyway… are ya ready for dinner? Ah came to fetch ya.”
“O...kay…” the filly responded before pointing at Fluttershy, who was hiding behind her mane a few meters away. Winona by her side. “We were ‘bout to check on the cows. Can Ah stay with Fluttershy a little bit longer?”
“Nope,” Applejack said as she shook her head. “Yer goin’ straight home, little missy.”
Apple Bloom frowned. “And what about ya?”
“Ah’ve somethin’ to settle with Fluttershy. I’ll join ya once Ah’m done,” Applejack responded as her sister walked away with a lowered head. With her attention now focused on Fluttershy, she said, “How do ya do? Didn’t expect to see ya ‘round here again so quickly. How’s yer health treatin’ ya?” After not receiving any response, she looked at Dash and asked, “Can ya give us some privacy, just a minute or two. Ah want to talk with Fluttershy one on one.”
“Like hay I will,” the pegasus responded harshly. “I won’t leave my friend’s side even for a moment.”
Applejack took a step back as she looked at Dash in shock. “Why are ya angry all of the sudden?”
“Why? Why!” the pegasus said, rubbing ground with a hoof as if a bull preparing to charge. “Yesterday I found Fluttershy’s cottage in… well, ruins! It was a bit fixed thanks to Rarity, but my friend was devastated.”
“R-Rainbow…” Fluttershy said quietly while raising her foreleg.
“Ah ain’t some thug that raided her cottage if that’s what yer suggestin’,” Applejack said with a fierce tone. Her stare softened a moment later as she smiled sadly while her ears dropped. “Are ya sayin’ ya don’t trust me?
“Trust you? You of all ponies pointed out that the earthquake at the spa seemed unnat–” She paused as Fluttershy looked at her curiously. “What I mean is I find it kinda suspicious that a farm mare like you would question it. I feel as if you knew more than you were telling. You’re hiding something.”
“Ah’m sorry Dash, but it’s somethin’ Ah can’t tell ya.” Applejack placed her forehoof on her chest. “But it ain’t reason enough not to trust me with Fluttershy. Ah just want to talk with her in private.”
“And what’s it you want to talk about that you don’t want me to hear?”
“Enough,” Fluttershy cut in as she approached her pegasus friend. “Why did you mention the spa incident. Do you know something I don’t?”
Rainbow Dash smiled awkwardly as she looked to the side. “Y-yeah… but it’s nothing important. Don’t concern yourself with it.”
“Alright, I won’t ask you to tell me,” Fluttershy said with a depressed smile. “But could you at least leave me to talk with Applejack, please?”
Dash bit her lips. As much as she wanted to keep Fluttershy safe and give the huntress a piece of her mind, she didn’t want to stand in her friend’s way. With a hesitant nod, she walked away until she was out of earshot as she now observed the talking ponies diligently. Her wings spread as she was ready to jump in at the slightest act of hostility.
***
Go home? Go home! Ah ain’t goin’ home, Apple Bloom thought, now slightly annoyed. Applejack didn’t tell me about her adventure and is keepin’ secrets, Fluttershy’s sick and sad and doesn’t want to say why. She turned around and noticed that her sister and Rainbow Dash had some sort of argument. She bent her legs and crawled quietly towards the closest apple tree before trotting on the tips of her hooves to another one and next another until she was as close as she could get. Noticing that Rainbow Dash had her back to her while walking away, she jumped into a bush and exposed her ear.
Winona approached Applejack and licked her face before sitting next to her. The farm mare wiped saliva from her face and gave Fluttershy a suspicious stare. “Let’s drop the charade, shall we?” She stomped firmly. “Why’re ya here? What do ya want from mah family?”
Charade? Apple Bloom thought as she peeked from the bush, quickly noticing distress on Fluttershy’s face as she didn’t responded.
“Ah asked ya a question.”
“I…”
Applejack walked closer and said, “Speak up. Ah don’t have all day.”
“N-nothing.”
“Nothing?” the farm mare said as she raised her eyebrow. “Nothing! Ah don’t believe ya. What’re yer intentions?”
Fluttershy shrunk back and answered with a mix between fear and sadness, “I came to check on Winona and the animals. I swear.”
“Ah don’t believe ya. Tell the truth!”
Apple Bloom could only stare with wide eyes at her angered sister. Why is Applejack bein’ so mean? After all Fluttershy did for us, she doesn’t deserve to be treated that way. Ah’ll tell Granny.
Unable to withstand Applejack’s angered glare, Fluttershy said quietly, “I… wanted to… to–”
“Ah’m waitiiing.”
“–Talk with you.”
“Talk with me? Well, Ah’ve got nothin’ to say to ya.” The farm mare stared at the pureblood who looked down at the grass and rubbed it with a forehoof. The silence lasted for several seconds before Applejack sighed. “What do ya want to talk about?”
“Oh… umm… did you report on me?”
“Report on ya? Just yesterday, Ah returned from a buckin’ mission. Ah was tired and it was late at night. What do ya think?” Applejack said loudly, causing Fluttershy to look away and her ears to drop. Winona approached and nuzzled her forelegs.
Mission? Did she tell Fluttershy that she’s a huntress? Is this the secret? Apple Bloom rubbed her chin thoughtfully. Wait a moment... Fluttershy bein’ sick and sad, Applejack keepin’ secrets, Dash bein’ overprotective and there were cracks on the cottage walls. She gasped. That vampony my sis was huntin’! She must’ve attacked Fluttershy, and Applejack saved her! It must be it. But why’s mah sister so angry?
“Oh, right,” Fluttershy said quietly before gathering as much courage as she could and looked Applejack in the eyes. “So... what will happen now? Will you report on me?” Tears formed in her eyes. “Do you hate me? Will you try to kill me?”
Apple Bloom gulped and felt chill go through her bones. Now staring at Applejack as if she saw a ghost. K-kill her?
Applejack closed her eyes and tilted her hat as shadow now covered most of her thinking face. Seconds seemed like minutes for both the filly and vampony as they awaited judgement. Their heart rates drastically increased. The filly started to bite her hooves as she both couldn’t wait and feared the answer that was about to come. Winona whimpered and was embraced by Fluttershy who pressed the dog’s head against her chest as if seeking comfort and calm her nerves.
The moment Applejack took off her hat, Fluttershy flinched. “Ah’ll be honest with ya. Ah owe ya for helpin’ me deal with that vampony and ya spared mah life, but this doesn’t mean that Ah trust ya. Yer an enemy of mah kind and Ah can’t ignore what ya are.”
Fluttershy looked up at sun that was peeking from behind the clouds as it’s rays were greatly weakening her, slowly burning through her reduced reserves. Next she looked at the huntress and took a defensive stance. “Are you going to attack me now?”
Applejack shook her head. “Let me finish. Ah won’t try to kill ya, nor will Ah report that yer a vampony.”
So she was turned into a vampony. Poor Fluttershy. She looked at the stressed pony in pity. Of all ponies, ya don’t deserve it, to be turned into a monster.
“You won’t?” Fluttershy recovered from her shock as she looked at the huntress with her mouth agape. “But it’s your duty.”
“Ah know mah duty!” Applejack snapped as she approached Fluttershy with firm steps who walked backward in response. The moment the vampony tripped to the side, Winona got in the way and barked at her owner. “Mah duty is to protect mah folks and the innocent from monsters like ya. But ya proved that ya can restrain yerself.” Applejack grit her teeth and pointed her own eyes before pointing at the trembling Fluttershy. “Ah’ll keep mah eyes on ya. Ya act nicely and Ah won’t bother ya, but ya hurt or turn a single pony and Ah’ll show no mercy. Furthermore, Ah don’t want to see ya any near mah family, pureblood!”
P-pureblood? This can’t be! Apple Bloom put hoof on her mouth and felt as if her throat was dry. This can’t be, she is too kind to be such a monster.
She remembered all the horror stories about how purebloods turned innocent ponies into zombie-like slaves against their will. Was Fluttershy really one of them? Was all her kindness an act? A way to gain others their trust and then kill them or use them for her own ends? Tears began to fall from her innocent eyes as she felt her heart breaking bit by bit. She liked Fluttershy, she was so kind and fun to be with. Was it all just a lie? Why’s Applejack keepin’ it a secret? Is she under mind control? No, she wouldn’t be actin’ like this if she was. Maybe Ah should get Big Mac or Granny.
“I would never hurt Apple Bloom or anypony else in your family! I don’t want to hurt anypony! Why do you think I have you under my protection?!” shouted Fluttershy, her voice tangling between sorrow and desperation.
Apple Bloom’s ears perked up when she heard this. Protection? Why would a vampony protect us?
Applejack thought the same thing as her sister and asked, “W-what are ya talkin’ about?”
Fluttershy took a deep breath and exhaled. “It’s just as I said. I want to protect you. Do you know how hard it was to convince the other thestrals to let you live? If I really didn’t care about you, I would have just killed you or kept you as my slave. But I never wanted that. I wanted you to live and be safe.” Fluttershy stepped forward, but Applejack kept her distance which ended up with the former having a hurt expression on her face that nearly melted Apple Bloom’s heart.
“Look, I know you distrust me, but I still care about you and your family. I'll warn you if there is a threat to ponies in Ponyville. As much as I wish to avoid violence, I know the hunters' guild will get suspicious if you don’t do your job. All I ask is that you don’t hunt other thestrals, or else the other covens will come after both you and me. It was the deal I had to make to keep you alive.”
She sighed before continuing with a tired voice, “From now on, I’m responsible for the thestrals in Ponyville and for the actions of your family. This little town is my territory and I want to keep everypony safe, no matter the race.” She looked at Applejack with pleading look and said, “I know you won’t like it, but could you please work with me in making sure our home is peaceful?”
Applejack raised her eyebrow. “What’s the catch? Why are ya really doin’ this? Want me to do yer own dirty work so Ah can live?”
“Catch? I just want to help you.”
“Well, Ah don’t want it!” shouted Applejack, forcing Fluttershy on her rump. “It’s bad enough that yer makin’ me feel bad for ya! It’s even worse that Ah owe ya mah life and mah family’s, but if ya think Ah’m gonna start trustin’ ya to keep mah family safe, yer thinkin’ wron’! Ah can take care of them mahself!”
Normally, Apple Bloom would have been supportive of Applejack. However, the sight of tears running down Fluttershy’s cheeks at the hateful words made her think otherwise. Even if she was a... vampony, it was too harsh. Seeing Fluttershy, cowering and crying, made her wonder why she didn’t just try and kill Applejack for saying such things. Purebloods were killers, weren’t they? Is Fluttershy... different somehow?
Before she could think even further, she saw Rainbow Dash flying in as she delivered her sister a solid hit in the face. Applejack rubbed her cheek while staring at the pegasus who was giving a look that could kill.
Glaring down at the farm mare, Dash shouted, “How dare you! How could you make her cry? What kind of jerk does that, huh?!” She pointed at the sobbing vampony. “Fluttershy comes here trying to be nice, and all of sudden you’re making her feel bad! You’re the absolute worst, you know that?!”
“It's none of yer business, Dash. Ah know yer her friend, but trust me, it's better off not knowin'.”
Rainbow Dash grit her teeth. “It became my business when you tried to kill my best friend last night, huntress.”
“Dash! No!” shouted Fluttershy.
For the second time, Apple Bloom’s mouth dropped as did Applejack’s. Her big sister soon closed hers and said, “Ya... knew? Ya knew she was a vampony?”
“Yeah? So?”
Applejack glared at a nervous looking Fluttershy. “Ah thought ya said ya never brainwashed anypony!”
“And she didn’t! I’ve known her for years. Ever since I was a filly. Even my family knows,” shouted Rainbow Dash, stomping her hoof. “Fluttershy saved my life when I was a filly. I would have died if she hadn’t been there! I owe her everything!”
“She’s a vampony!”
“She’s my friend!”
“How do ya even know ya really are her friend? She could have ya under one of them dark spells or somethin’!” cried out Applejack.
Rolling her eyes, Rainbow Dash pointed out, “Do you really think Fluttershy’s the type of pony to bend others to her will? If that’s true, you should be under her spell already. Are you?”
Applejack opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it. Her eyes drifted downward as she muttered, “No... she freed me not long after putting me under her spell.” She then looked back up and glared. “That don’t mean a thing, though! She’s still a dark creature! All her kind are!”
“You’re impossible!” shouted Rainbow Dash.
The two glared at each other, nostrils flaring, looking ready to wrestle each other. Apple Bloom was torn and wishing that she had been ignorant of everything. On the one hoof, Applejack was her sister and she had to be supportive of her. She was the youngest daughter in a family of hunters and they were duty bound to kill monsters. Yet Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were her family’s friends. They had been close and seemed to be genuinely good ponies. What do Ah do?
“Enough!” Fluttershy shouted, getting in between the two. She glared at her pegasus friend. “Rainbow, don’t talk that way to Applejack.”
“But she...”
“She’s our friend and we don’t talk to our friends like that.”
Rainbow Dash muttered to herself before Fluttershy turned to Applejack and lowered her head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to see this become an argument. I’ll... just go home now. If you really don’t want me on your farm again... then I guess this is goodbye.” Fluttershy wiped her tears before making her leave, but stopped and turned to Applejack with a fake smile. “You know, Applejack? I really did have fun with you and your family. You all reminded me of my own. Even if it was for a brief moment, I’ll never forget the happiness we had yesterday.“
With that said, Fluttershy flapped her wings and took to the sky before crashing to the ground a moment later. After a few more failed tries, she walked towards the exit. Apple Bloom felt her heart sink as she watched her leave, almost crying out for Fluttershy to come back. She thought about all the time the vampony came over to foalsit her whenever her family was hunting and Granny Smith was unavailable. All the dinners, games, and enjoyment they had together. And she found herself not caring if Fluttershy was a pureblood. She was her friend. And one of us hurt her...
***
“Are you happy, AJ? You just hurt her even more. You can consider our friendship over as well,” muttered Rainbow Dash. “Don’t you feel any guilt? Any at all?”
“... Ah do,” answered Applejack, much to both Rainbow and Apple Bloom’s surprise. Scowling, she continued, “That foal... she’s too kindhearted. She doesn’t kill, shows mercy, even refuses to control or turn. How can a pureblood like her even exist?! Why does she keep makin’ me feel bad all the time! Ah’m not supposed to sympathize with the same kind of monsters that killed mah parents!”
Applejack landed on her haunches and shook her head. “Ah’m not supposed to sympathize with a vampony. It goes against everythin’ Ah was taught. Ah tried to provoke her, to make her angry, and she still refuses. When Ah’m with her... Ah just...”
Rainbow Dash stood there in silence. After a moment she walked over and spoke, anger replaced with compassion, “You and Fluttershy are more alike than you think.” Applejack looked up, eyebrow raised. “Fluttershy... her parents were killed by hunters years ago.”
Applejack’s eyes widened. “Wha... what?”
“I was there. Both of us. I was exploring their mansion when the hunters ambushed everyone inside. Fluttershy’s parents didn’t kill them, even offered to let them go when they were unable to fight any longer. They didn’t want to take any of their lives because they only wanted to live in peace. Fluttershy and I saw them being mercilessly killed and she's never been the same.”
A painful expression seeped over Rainbow’s face as both her ears and wings drooped. “Applejack, she tried to kill herself once. She wanted to die so much because she felt guilty for letting them die when she did nothing. They weren’t monsters, Applejack. They were good ponies who loved their daughter very much. They only wanted to be left alone and did nothing wrong.”
Rainbow Dash raised her hoof at Applejack. “I’m not saying that all vamponies, or as they prefer to be called, thestrals, are good. But at the same time, you hunters are no different. You claim purebloods ruin lives? Well, you hunters also ruined lives as well. You ruined Fluttershy’s.”
***
Apple Bloom fell to her stomach and silently began to cry. If what Rainbow Dash was saying was true, if hunters like her family ruined Fluttershy's life and killed her parents. Then... are we also monsters to them?
For the first time in her life, Apple Bloom didn’t want to become a huntress. The stories of her family’s adventures always made them sound so amazing and heroic. But what if one of those vamponies was just an innocent soul? What if they had a family or a lover? What if they really done nothing wrong? Were there good vamponies out there just as there were bad hunters? Ah don’t know... but what Ah do know is Fluttershy isn’t a monster... she’s our friend. She’s the good one.
“... Why?” asked Applejack, staring at the ground as if her world had crumbled. “If... hunters did that to her family, why am Ah still alive? Why doesn’t she try to kill every one of us?”
Rainbow Dash sighed. “Because Fluttershy still believes in her family’s teachings. She’ll preserve life if she can and she sees you as one of her friends. She doesn’t want to see anypony, friend or enemy, die because of her.” She placed her forehoof on the farm mare’s shoulder and gave her a warm smile. “She wants you to live so she doesn’t have to go through that loss again.” Rainbow Dash turned around and was about to leave, but then said one last thing. “You keep saying Fluttershy is a monster... but what kind of monster cries?”
The pegasus took off, leaving the two Apples to sit down in shock over what they had just learned and how their world had been changed forever. Neither of them knew how long they had sat down, but both soon snapped out of it when Big Macintosh called them in for supper.
It had to have been the quietest dinner ever for the Apple Family. Normally, Apple Bloom and Applejack would often talk about their day or other things, Granny Smith would add a comment or two and Big Macintosh ate in silence. The day after a mission was especially lively when the filly asked lots of questions and begged her sister or brother to tell more about their adventures. However, both Apples weren’t feeling talkative or hungry for various reasons.
Apple Bloom stared at her sister as she ate her peas one by one, a lost look on her face. She couldn’t help but sympathize for Applejack, who had always been so devoted to her duty as a huntress. Now that the first vampony she encountered turned out to be the nicest one in the world, she was torn between befriending and hating her. For Apple Bloom, it was a clear picture. Fluttershy was a good vampony. She didn’t want to turn anypony, nor did she want to kill them all because they were part of a guild that ruined her life. Even after their kind had killed her family, she remained merciful.
No monster can act like that. She’s not like the other purebloods, thought Apple Bloom. How can Ah get mah sister to see that?
“Is somethin’ wrong?” Big Macintosh asked out of the blue. Both sisters snapped their heads up, but their brother was looking only at AJ. “Did somethin’ happen?”
“Ah...” Applejack bit her lip. “Ah had an argument with Fluttershy and Dash... nothin’ serious.”
Granny raised an eyebrow. “Ah hope ya didn’t yell at them, especially that sweet Fluttershy. She’s a good and gentle pony. Wish more were like her these days.”
“Yeah...” muttered Applejack. She was quiet for a bit longer before pushing her seat back and getting away from the table. “Sorry, but Ah’m not feelin’ hungry. Ah’m headin’ to bed.”
Apple Bloom watched her sister get up and head upstairs before she turned to face the rest of her family. “Ah need to use the little filly’s room, be right back.”
Before her brother or granny could say anything, Apple Bloom hurried upstairs. She quickly turned towards her sister’s room after the final step and made it just before she closed the door.
Applejack raised an eyebrow. “What is it, little sis?”
“Can Ah... can Ah ask ya a question? I-It’s for a homework assignment.”
“Um, sure?”
Apple Bloom bit her lip and tried to think of something to help her keep Applejack focused when she remembered a lesson from Miss Cheerilee's class last week about Pre-Equestria days. “We learned in school that we earth ponies never got along with unicorns and pegasi way back when, right? So why did we? Why did we hate them so much?”
Applejack, who was actually decent in history herself rather than math and science like their big brother, replied, “It’s because we were afraid of them bein’ different and our leaders didn’t get along. Generations taught us to hate each other for rather silly reasons. We thought they were all bad apples by the actions of a few, but we forgot they were just like us. They had family, friends, dreams, ambitions, and more.”
“So what yer sayin’ is no single race can be all bad because that’s not possible? And hatin’ an entire race, thinkin’ they are evil, is wrong, even if ya been taught that your entire life?” asked Apple Bloom with a big smile.
Applejack’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped. The realization that Apple Bloom had hoped to give her big sister had come. Falling to her haunches, Applejack nearly fell over but caught herself on the door. Apple Bloom, now worried, asked, “Are ya okay?”
“What... what have Ah done?” muttered Applejack as she closed her eyes. “Oh, Fluttershy...”
“Is... is this about yer fig… arguin’ with her?” asked Apple Bloom, faking ignorance.
Applejack only nodded before lowering her head in shame. “Thank you, Apple Bloom. Ah need... Ah need to be alone now.”
Applejack closed her door and nopony saw her the rest of the night. Although, listening closely, Apple Bloom could hear her big sister crying.
“How are you holding up?” Dash asked in concern as she pushed a cloud above her friend. Luckily there were no ponies on the way between Fluttershy’s cottage and the farm to witness this. After not receiving any response, she continued, “I told you to drink something before coming here. You didn’t even take any clothes as protection from the sun.” She slowly descended and pointed at the closest tree. “How about we take a break? That spot looks nice.”
Being escorted to the safety of a tree, Fluttershy took a few deep breaths and lay in its protective shadow. “Thank you.”
“I’m even more worried now. You were never as reckless as you were today.”
Fluttershy sighed and looked at her friend apologetically. “I know, and I’m really sorry. It’s just that… I’m not thinking clearly when I am sad.”
The pegasus laid next to Fluttershy and placed wing over her back. “I know. I only wish I could cheer you up somehow.” Dash lowered her neck in front of her friend and added, “Please, don’t make me beg you.”
Not feeling strong enough to argue and barely capable to resist her overwhelming hunger, Fluttershy grew two fangs in her mouth and pushed them into the pegasus’s veins.
No longer being trapped in a filly’s body and with regained knowledge and skills accumulated over decades, she sent a painkilling substance into her friend, making sure Dash’s discomfort didn’t last longer than a second or two.
Rainbow Dash relaxed herself as she found the experience rather pleasant. Her smile widened and eyes closed. “You know, you should offer some massage services once they finish rebuilding the spa.” She quickly put her hooves on her mouth, realizing what she just said.
Fluttershy carefully pulled her fangs away and licked the wound. Word ‘spa’ caught her attention, but she decided to ignore it for now as she licked her lip with satisfaction. While her animal friends feed her regularly, Dash’s blood was the most tasty of treat, especially when she was on the verge of starvation as it filled her half empty veins and energised her body. Suddenly, a memory of drinking Sharp Eye’s blood surfaced, the memory of its taste taking away her appetite while her good mood vanished in an instant.
Rainbow Dash massaged her neck and looked to the side, hoping to see a cheerful smile on her friend’s face, but all she saw was depression. It seems not even my blood can cheer her up...
“Umm… Fluttershy, can you tell me something?” The moment her friend looked at her curiously, she asked, “Can you tell me more about what happened yesterday?” She looked at the grass next to Fluttershy’s forelegs and continued, “I know it must’ve been a very traumatic experience, and I really don’t want to make you feel any worse, but Rarity didn’t tell me all that much…” She gently grabbed her friend’s foreleg between her own forehooves and looked her in the eyes. “Please, I want to know so I can help you.”
The pureblood looked at the tree for a few seconds before sighing and whispered hesitantly, “Alright.”
***
Before Rainbow Dash could comprehend what her dear friend told her she went through, she was wrapped up in a hug as if she was a plush toy while Fluttershy sought consolation in her warm fur. “I tried… I tried everything I could to save him… but all of it was for nothing.”
Dash didn’t say a word and just let her friend vent while gently stroking her mane. As time passed, the thestral finally ceased sobbing and leveled her breathing, Dash asked, “Feeling better?”
“Y-yes,” Fluttershy responded as she kept her head pressed against her friend’s chest. “I feel like… like a lot of weight was dropped from my heart… And even if Applejack’s words were harsh towards me… I’m glad we at least talked.” The silence and embrace lasted a bit longer, only to be interrupted.
“What you’re doing?” asked a cheerful voice as both mares jumped to their hooves. In front of them was a bouncing ball of energy.
“P-Pinkie Pie?!” Dash shouted and shook her forehooves in panic. “It’s not what you think!”
“And what do I think?” asked Pinkie.
“That we... nevermind,” Dash responded as she turned her head to the side and covered her blush with a hoof.
“No you silly. How about you Fluttershy, what am I thinking?” Pinkie asked as the pegasus rolled her eyes.
“Oh, ummm… that I’m a blood sucking monster?” Fluttershy asked hesitantly, causing Dash to look at her with a pale face as if she saw a ghost.
“Nope, now your turn Dashie. Can I call you Dashie by the way? It sounds so cute,” Pinkie asked as she dashed towards Rainbow Dash.
“I’m not playing your weird games.”
“Awww.” Pinkie’s ears dropped.
“Umm, I can guess if you want,” Fluttershy interrupted, causing the party mare to jump towards her.
“Really?”
She nodded before tapping her own chin. “You’re thinking that I was on a date with Rainbow Dash.”
The pegasus blushed as her mouth opened agape while Pinkie fell onto her back and laughed hysterically. “N-n-no… b-but… that was hilarious… you and Dashie…on a date... oh my back...”
Fluttershy walked back into safety of the tree’s shade as her friend approached and whispered, “What were you thinking?” She shook her head, “Nevermind, don’t answer that.”
“I may not know Pinkie Pie all that well,” Fluttershy responded. “But just today, she was doing everything she could to cheer me up.” Her ears and wings dropped as she added in a more depressed tone, “While I appreciate her efforts, I just… I made her cry.” She looked at Pinkie who got back on her hooves. “I see that my joke worked.”
“It sure did,” Dash admitted with a firm nod. “Still, try not to embarrass me next time you tell one, okay?”
“It sure was a funny joke,” Pinkie admitted before continuing in disappointment. “Still, it should be me making you laugh, not the other way around.” She cleared her throat and stood on her rear hooves, forehoof raised in a lecturing gesture. “Anyway, what I’m thinking is, ‘how can I bring a smile to your faces?’” With a swift move of her hoof, she pulled out a picnic basket from inside her mane. Before anypony could speak, she took out a blanket from hole inside a tree. “Let’s have a picnic. It sure will be fun.”
“What, where, how?” Dash asked in confusion as she put her forelegs on her forehead.
“A blanket and basket for picnic emergencies. I have blankets hidden all over open areas that are great for picnics.”
Dash rubbed top of her head as she tried to understand what she just heard. “And the basket?”
Pinkie chuckled. “The food would go bad, silly, that’s why I always replace the food inside my emergency picnic basket everyday.”
“Forget I ever asked.”
For the next several minutes, the trio ended up eating cupcakes, strawberries and some other snacks that Pinkie brought. Even Fluttershy’s appetite improved after receiving her dose of blood and getting rid of everything that weighed on her heart. However despite all of this, she still felt some sort of emptiness that even the best food or blood couldn’t fill.
Pinkie licked her lips while making satisfying noise and asked, “Do you like it?”
Dash nodded with a smile. “I sure do. When it comes to sweets, you’re the best.”
“What about you, Fluttershy?” Pinkie asked as she carefully studied her friend’s face features.
The disguised thestral gulped what she just chewed and said calmly, “They are… good,” before fixing a small umbrella that the energetic earth pony took out from nowhere for her comfort.
Pinkie’s cheerful smile saddened for a moment as she didn’t found even smallest trace of a honest smile. “So, you girls went to visit the farm’s animals?”
“We did… I mean, I did. Rainbow Dash kept me company,” Fluttershy responded.
After finishing the last piece of salad, the pegasus said, “Pretty much. What about you, Pinkie? Why are you here?”
“I tried to ask Rarity why Fluttershy was so sad and what happened to the cottage, but she refused to tell. Something about keeping secrets,” Pinkie said before pointing at Fluttershy. “Can you tell me this secret, please?”
“I’m sorry,” Fluttershy responded.
“Pretty please, with sugar on top?” the party mare pleaded with her forelegs curled under her neck and eyes opened widely in a begging gesture, but Fluttershy just shook her head. Pinkie looked at the blanket for a moment with a sad look before picking up some sort of checklist from the picnic basket. “I prepared a special fun-filled plan and I was looking for you to put it to the test.”
Fluttershy shook her foreleg. “I appreciate it, but I just want to…”
“There’s no time to lose,” the party pony said as she rolled the blanket, throwing the pegasus and pureblood thestral onto the grass. The basket landed on the grass as well while all food leftovers fell into it. Before anypony could question how she did that, much less where both the basket and blanket disappeared to a moment later, they were captured in a powerful hug. “This is going to be the best day ever!
***
“Umm… I don’t know how to feel about this,” Fluttershy said as she looked at her shirt with a hoofball on it, Ponyville’s team flag being held in her hoof.
“Well, I am up for sport and everything, but...” Dash stated as she pointed at Scootaloo who glared at her with her tiny wings flapping rapidly. “You organized a hoofball match between fillies and colts just for us?”
“Yup. What can be more heartwarming than watching young ones playing a game of hoofball? When I mentioned that their hero will be there, lots of them volunteered.”
“This goal is for you, Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo shouted before kicking the ball towards the goalpost, only for it to bounce off the post towards Sweetie Belle’s head as it bounced again, right into Rainbow Dash’s belly. She was about to return the ball, when both teams jumped at her, covering her in a pony pile.
“I may not know the rules,” Pinkie said as she looked at the trapped pegasus, “but I think this isn’t how you play hoofball.”
“Tell me about it,” Dash responded as she peeked out from under the foals and looked into Scootaloo’s awkwardly smiling face.
***
“When you said there was lots of food waiting for us at Sugarcube Corner–” Fluttershy said before a pie made contact with her head. She carefully removed the pie tin and licked her face before continuing, “I didn’t really expect a food fight.”
“You silly, you don’t invite a bunch of fillies and foals for a snack after a hoofball match without a good old food fight. What could be more exciting than that?” Pinkie asked as she opened her mouth and let a cupcake fly into it. After a solid gulp, she took a slice of a cake and threw it into Twist’s face, who licked it with a satisfied ‘mmm’.
“I can name at least hundreds of things,” said Dash as she was about to get hit by a tasty projectile, but Scootaloo jumped in front of her and took the impact on herself. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.
***
“Festival? I didn’t know Ponyville was holding a festival today,” Fluttershy said as she held some cotton candy in her hoof. It would be a miracle if she wasn’t going be fat by the end of the day.
“Me neither, but considering how ponies in Ponyville love those, I’m not surprised. It’s not like Pinkie organized one for us at the last moment, right Pinkie?” Dash asked as she threw a ball towards a target, quickly winning a plush bear.
“Of course not,” the party mare said with an awkward smile as she pushed a few random objects into a bush with her hind leg, “that would just be silly.”
As the stand owner was about to give the reward to Rainbow Dash, instead of a plush bear, the stallion gave her a filly pegasus who was as motionless as she could be. Dash rolled her eyes at another of Scootaloo's shenanigans.
***
Dash yawned as it was slowly getting late. She looked at the dance floor filled with ponies and multicolored lights that flashed all over the place. The whole day, Pinkie was dragging them all over Ponyville for various activities. While she had lots of fun most of the day, she was slowly getting tired and sleepy. She looked at her back as a young pegasus was sleeping on it.
Dash sighed in annoyance. While she always loved to have fans who were admiring her tricks and shouting her name, this one was getting a bit out of control. Fluttershy on the other hoof…
The shy thestral became much more lively during the night hours as she was now taking lessons from Vinyl Scratch, who just happened to be running this night club.
Dash tilted her head towards Pinkie and said, “I didn’t even know we had a night club.”
“You didn’t? Where have you been the past month?” Pinkie asked as she somehow tied herself up with her own legs and was now lying on the edge of the dance floor. “Vinyl–”
“DJ-Pon 3.”
“Yeah, that. When she moved to Ponyville, with some help from Rarity, we helped her with opening this club, which ended up being an alternative to my usual welcome parties. And to my surprise, she organized a welcome party for Octavia who moved into Ponyville today, and we’re being invited.” She chuckled. “It’s kind of a weird change of pace for me.”
“How you involved me in this is beyond my comprehension,” Octavia said in annoyance as she untied Pinkie and helped her stand.
The party finally ended at 1:00 AM and the guests were leaving one by one. Two ponies stayed behind to clean the mess. Pinkie was trotting behind the leaving ponies, but then stopped in front of the opened door and lowered her head.
As Vinyl levitated pieces of plates that shattered when one of the dancing pairs lost control and crashed into the dining table, she noticed a pony standing in front of the door from the corner of her eye. After dumping the trash, she approached the sad pony and placed a forehoof on her shoulder. “What’s wrong, Pinkie? You didn’t enjoy the party?”
The party mare turned her head to the side, her ears curled. “I did...”
“Then what’s the problem?”
Pinkie sat and sighed. “She didn’t smile… even once. I tried my best, used every trick and activity that I could think of, and even sang a song, but she’s just as depressed as before.” Pinkie turned to look at the unicorn with wide eyes and sad pout. “What I’m doing wrong?”
“You’re not doing anything wrong. I mean; after the horrors of what that filly endured, I’m surprised how well she’s holding up,” Vinyl said as she patted Pinkie’s back. “She may smile or never smile ever again, who knows, but she needs pals, and you’re doing an awesome job in being there for her, cheering her up in dark times.”
“You… you really think so?”
“You bet.”
A weak smile appeared on Pinkie’s face. “Thank you.” She rubbed her neck. “Still, I really wish somepony would tell me why she’s so sad. What’s the big secret that no pony wants to tell me?”
“Oh, that’s simple, really. Fluttershy is a pureblood thestral whose parents were killed in front of her own eyes by monster hunters who attacked their mansion and slaughtered everyone inside,” started Vinyl as Pinkie’s ears perked up. Octavia dropped her mop from her teeth and looked at DJ Pon-3 with her mouth agape.
Vinyl continued, “Applejack attacked her yesterday, oh, and get this, she and her family are monster hunters, can you believe it? Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah.” She fixed her glasses and continued, “Fluttershy spared Applejack and her family, which got her into an avalanche of trouble, like that assassin spy ninja who went all crazy and attacked both her and Applejack. I thought he was cool, but he sure was a sore loser.” Vinyl frowned. “He just took his own life because he couldn’t take defeat like a pony. I mean, come on. That was sooo lame!”
“R-really,” Pinkie said slowly as her brain tried to comprehend these new facts. She looked at the ceiling while tapping her chin and stated, “Now it all makes sense.”
Octavia approached a wall and closed her eyes. With one strong swing, she hit it with her head, leaving a few cracks and a pony-head shaped hole. Without hesitation, she repeated the process a few times before wiping the rubble from her head. She next looked at her friend and asked, “Vinyl, how do you function?”
The DJ rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “I’m not sure. I never studied vamp...thestral biology,” she responded as the sound of a loud thump followed. Vinyl bit her lip and said to herself, “I think wall renovation is in order.” She approached her friend and pulled Octavia’s head which was stuck in the wall, and next licked her bleeding muzzle. When she was about to praise the taste, a loud scream reached her ears. She looked to the side at Pinkie, only to find a trembling tail emerging from a hole in the floor.
Rainbow Dash yawned as she struggled to keep her eyes open. With her vision blurry and feeling exhausted after today’s activities, she didn’t react fast enough when she tripped over a root. Her eyes shot open as she looked around, quickly noticing that she was now lying on her friend’s back. “You sure seem less tired and a lot more lively than me,” Dash said. “You really should go out at night more often.”
“I’m not sure if that’s a good idea,” Fluttershy responded calmly as she kept her pace towards the cottage. “I mean, nights are much more pleasant without the sun burning away my energy, and the stars and the moon decorating the sky are wonderful and all.” She lowered her head and continued in more depressed tone, “But I need to rest too, and if I don’t rest at night, I’ll need to during the day.”
“Yeah, yeah. You need to torture yourself by walking in the sunlight to keep appearances,” Dash stated before yawning again. Her chin pressed against the soft feathers of her friend’s wing, intrigued that thestrals can turn their batlike wings into feathery ones at will. “Are you feeling better?”
“... a little, I guess.”
Rainbow Dash frowned. “Ugh… you are still thinking about that. He tried to kill you and Applejack for Celestia’s sake! You even tried to save him!”
“I know… just… give me time…”
The pegasus’s ears and wings dropped. After witnessing the death of her parents, Fluttershy shut herself away for months. For how long she will grieve again this time?
“Wait!”
Fluttershy flinched and turned around, nearly dropping the pegasus from her back who blushed and stood up. Despite the distance, Fluttershy spotted the approaching pony thanks to her sharpened senses. “P-Pinkie?” After a closer look, she noticed two more ponies that were trying to catch up. “Vinyl, Octavia?”
The energetic earth pony pressed her hooves against the ground, trying to make a full stop as cloud of dust followed her. The DJ arrived a moment later without breaking a sweat while Octavia took several quick breaths, barely standing on her shaking legs.
“You guys? I thought you both were cleaning after the party,” Dash said as she pointed at both musicians.
“Pinkie… helped…” Octavia said as she tried to catch her breath. She slowly regained her composure and fixed her bowtie. “We finished very quickly thanks to Miss Pie’s assistance, and she dragged us with her afterwards.”
Fluttershy looked at the energetic pony who was now on the verge of tears. This very sight causing an unpleasant feeling in her stomach and growing desire to cry alongside her. She asked in concern, “Pinkie, is something wrong?”
Without a warning, Pinkie grabbed Fluttershy in a bone crushing hug. An embrace so strong that it gave her superior regeneration a challenge.
“If I knew earlier, I would have done so much more. I would’ve sung more songs, made more parties and give you even more presents and sweets!”
The embraced pony stopped gritting her teeth and struggled to give out a response, “W-what are you… talking about?”
Pinkie tightened her vice-grip even harder. “Silly me. Why should I give you sweets when you prefer blood? I wonder how mine will tastes.”
“W-what?!”
Pinkie exposed her neck and looked at the pureblood with tears flowing from her eyes. “Drink up and tell me how I taste.”
“B-but… how?” Rainbow Dash asked while rubbing her own eyes. Was this really happening, or was she still dreaming while perched atop her friend.
“She knows because my roommate, Vinyl, cannot keep her mouth shut,” Octavia said calmly while pointing at the culprit who shrugged in response.
“What, you, how?” Dash asked before realization struck her. She pointed at the DJ accusingly and shouted, “Are you that thestral who lead my friend to the meeting with some big shot from Canterlot?”
“Bingo!”
“And you just tell ponies left and right about the existence of thestrals like it’s not a big deal?”
Octavia nodded and said, “She told me without a second thought a long time ago, and Applejack learned yesterday.”
The pegasus facehooved and asked, “How are you still alive?”
Vinyl stood on her rear hooves and placed forehooves on her sides while keeping her head raised proudly. “I’m too cool to die.” She smirked and fixed her trademark purple glasses as she waited for a muscular pony to appear out of nowhere. Both of them shouted in unison, “YEAH!”
Dash blinked in confusion as she wondered where was this big pony hiding this whole time. She raised her eyebrow. “Let me guess; he knows because of Vinyl's big mouth?” Upon noticing Octavia nod and a brohoof between the unicorn musician and the big muscular pegasus, she added, “Figures.”
***
She knows my secret, this isn’t good, Fluttershy thought while ignoring an odd feeling in her regenerating bones. Though part of her felt pity for all the victims of Pinkie’s hugs who didn’t have her increased recovery.
“D-did you tell anypony?”
“N-no,” Pinkie responded, sobbing and with a sad tone still present in her voice, but at least her mane was still puffy. “It w-would be like in a h-horror story.” She released her hold over Fluttershy who landed on her flank. “S-sorry… Anyway; in horror stories when town folks learn that there’s a vampony, werepony or a changeling among them, they turn into an angry mob with pitchforks and stuff. I don’t want you run out of town. It would make you even sadder and I would lose a friend.”
Fluttershy hadn’t budged from her spot as she stared in disbelief. “F-frien…”
“Yes, friend. We’re friends after all,” Pinkie responded and wiped tears from her face. “We’re friends, right?” she asked with widened eyes as if ready to cry again.
Fluttershy looked to the side. “I would love to, but why would you want to be friends with a blood sucking thestral like me?” Noticing that Pinkie tilted her head to the side as a confused “huh” escaped her mouth, Fluttershy continued, "I’m not an ordinary thestral, but a pureblood one. I’m much more powerful and have ability to transform ponies. Aren’t you scared of me?”
Pinkie tapped her chin and looked back with relaxed composure. “I don’t know. Are you eating other ponies?”
“Sweet Celestia, no!”
“Do you drink them dry?”
“I wouldn’t dare, unless with their permission, and even then I would leave enough of portion to keep them alive.”
“Do you want to create an army of vamponies or undead to overthrow the princess and plunge Equestria into eternal darkness?”
“What? Now you’re just making up the weirdest and most insane ideas I’ve ever heard.”
With a large smile spreading on her face, Pinkie shouted, “Then I say, why not?!”
Vinyl approached and pointed out, “She already had her freak out tonight. She dug herself into the ground while screaming 'Don't eat me, don't eat me!'"
“Sorry about the floor,” Pinkie responded while rubbing the back of her neck.
Fluttershy stretched herself, still feeling the effect of the previous hug. She approached the party mare and used her own tail to wipe Pinkie’s tears. “Sorry about making you cry,” she apologised calmly.
“Sorry about not cheering you up often enough.”
“Oh Pinkie, you did more than enough. The fact that you’re not afraid of me and still want to be my friend... It means a lot to me.”
The party mare took a closer look at the smile that appeared on her sad friend, quickly noticing that it was a forced one. But it wasn’t over yet. She still had one trick ready to be used. “I still want to know how does my blood tastes, please, please, please!”
Fluttershy was about to refuse, but failed to withstand the puppy dog eyes of the party mare. With a silent nod, she lowered her head to Pinkie’s neck and pressed her fangs. As she sucked more and more, stars appeared in her eyes. With her hunger satisfied, she pulled the fangs and licked the wound as her body started shaking. "it tastes... like drinking liquid sugar."
“Fluttershy, are you feeling okay?” Dash asked in concern, only for her friend to spread her wings and dashed towards her while leaving a trail of dust right behind her.
“Of course I feel okay Dashie, better than okay. I feel as if I ate a three tier birthday cake, several kilograms of cotton candy and a bag of sugar. I mean, her blood was so sweet and even more energetic than yours,” Fluttershy said hastily as she looked around in multiple random directions.
She grabbed the pegasus with her forelegs and flew upward while her wings flapped at high speed. “I feel so much energy gathering within me and the need to spend it. I know how you love to race, so how about we have one?” Dash opened her mouth to answer, but was not fast enough. “How about a race from here to...” She pointed her forehoof. “Like this mountain over there!”
Dash looked at the pointed direction. “That’s quite a distance if you ask me, wha…” She was dropped as her friend disappeared in a cloud of dust, already hundreds of meters away. Dash shook her head and landed between Pinkie and Vinyl as she asked, “What just happened?”
“Did she drink your blood?” Vinyl asked, catching everypony’s attention.
“Yeah, so,” Dash responded, causing the DJ to laugh. “What’s so funny?”
Vinyl raised her foreleg in a lecturing gesture. “I may not be the smartest thestral around–”
“That’s an understatement,” Octavia commented with a smirk as she received a frown in response.
"As I was saying. I may not be the smartest, but even I know something about how blood affects us. Just yesterday Fluttershy lost lots of her blood in a fight and was starving. And today she sucked the blood of… correct me if I am wrong; the most athletic pegasus in Ponyville and a hyperactive party pony. With such a mix, she could probably make it to Manehattan and return here in less than an hour.”
Rainbow Dash spread her wings as she was about to follow her friend, but Pinkie stopped her by grabbing her tail. “What’re you doing, Pinkie?”
“Isn’t that obvious? It’s time for a party!”
***
“Rainbow Dash, where are you?” Fluttershy shouted as she flew all over the area faster than ever before, checking every tree and obstacle. After several minutes of fruitlessly searching, she finally decided to return to her cottage, but something felt wrong. I don’t remember my cottage being painted yellow… and where are the cracks from yesterday’s battle? She slowly approached and opened the door, only for streamers to fly at her face.
Fluttershy’s pupils shrank and mouth was agape. In front of her were: Ditzy with her parents, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Vinyl, Octavia and Pinkie. Even Rainbow Dash’s parents made it all the way from Cloudsdale just for her in the middle of the night. All of them were sitting inside a clean and sparkling redecorated room with banners; reading ‘welcome home’ and ‘you’re not alone’ held in their hooves. All the damaged bird-houses fixed, a new carpet in place of the old and dusty one, walls not cracked and a sizeable newly made table in the middle of the room with a cake on top. All her friends who knew who she was and accepted her were together inside her newly renovated and redecorated room.
For the first time after yesterday’s event, a warm smile grew on her lips that nearly made Pinkie Pie explode from happiness. Fluttershy's wounded heart still had many scars and held many sorrows that wouldn’t go away, but just for today, she felt as if it healed at least a little bit as not a tear of sadness, but tear of joy slid down her cheek.
Fluttershy rubbed her sleepy eyes and slowly opened the casket she had barely been able to bring herself inside. Spending time with Pinkie had made her feel a bit better. A very small smile graced her lips as she felt happy knowing she gained another friend. One that didn’t care that she was different from others. It was nice to have a new friend... especially since she just lost one.
She felt her depression returning and next bit her lip while her thoughts turned to Applejack. It still tore her up inside to know that her friend was now not only an enemy, but also hated her.
I guess I can’t blame her. She’s been taught to hate ponies like me. I guess I’ll just have to get used to it, thought Fluttershy.
She exited her chambers and was about to make a stop to the bathroom to freshen up when she heard knocking coming from the door. Curious, she walked over and peeked into the eyehole, only to gasp in shock. “A-Applejack?” she muttered before pressing her back against the door.
Why is she here? Did the thestrals from Canterlot return to check on us? Does she want to yell at me more?
“Fluttershy? Can Ah come in?! Ah need to talk to ya!”
Fluttershy gulped before opening the door with a trembling forehoof. Applejack, pawing the ground, was looking down at her hooves with sorrow in her eyes as she slowly raised her head. “Can... can Ah come in?”
“Well...”
Fluttershy’s answer was soon halted by a carrot that was thrown at the huntress which knocked her back a bit. Both ponies looked at Angel, noticing various angry animals by his side glaring at Applejack. The farm mare backed away, not wanting to be stampeded on by a bunch of animals who clearly were upset that she had attacked their caretaker.
Fluttershy, thankfully, got between the two and stared at her animal friends. “Everyone! That is not how we treat guests! I know you’re upset, but Applejack isn’t going to harm me.” At least physically. “So please, be on your best behavior!”
The animals all muttered to each other before retreating back to their beds. Only Angel refused to move and stared at the huntress, his eyes glowing red as he stroked his paw across his neck. Applejack, although disturbed by this, nodded.
Thinking it was best to take the talk outside, Fluttershy shut the door behind her and faced Applejack. However, as soon as this happened, she was immediately hugged. Much to her confusion. “Apple... jack?”
“Ah’m sorry...” she muttered as tears began to come down her eyes. She hugged her harder and rested her head on her shoulder. “Ah’m sorry for everythin’! Hurtin’ ya and all that... callin’ ya a monster... Ah’m so sorry!”
“Applejack,” whispered Fluttershy, who felt both relaxed and confused at the same time. What happened to the huntress who was telling her to stay out of her life? “You don’t have to...”
“Ah do!” the farm mare shouted, looking at Fluttershy with misty eyes. “Ah didn’t want to believe ya, even after all ya did for me. Ah wanted to think that ya were deceiving me, but even a blind pony can see that yer good. Yer not like them purebloods Ah grew up listenin’ about. Ya saved mah life. Mah family. All because ya wanted to see us safe.” Applejack fell to her haunches and gave a small smile. “Ah lied to mahself when Ah called ya a monster. Yer mah friend.”
Fluttershy felt her own heart skip a beat as the words echoed in her mind. Friend. She was still Applejack’s friend. At long last she let loose a cry of joy and smiled before tackling her friend. The void she had held in her heart was soon replaced with content. The huntress Applejack was still her friend, even after knowing everything about her. She was still her friend.
***
Applejack only hugged her back and relaxed as well. The doubt plaguing her heart was now gone. It didn’t seem like the right thing, but it felt like the right thing. A hunter’s friends with a vampony, a pureblood no less? Miracles do happen.
“Your tickets, please,” said the grey earth pony wearing a black hat. His face smiling, but professional.
“Oh, right, ‘fcourse,” Applejack responded as she opened her saddlebag and brought out a ticket with her teeth.
“Thank you, and have a nice day,” the conductor said after a short examination of the tickets before going to another pony.
With her tickets back in her saddlebag, the farm mare turned towards the window and sighed. Ah really dislike them inspections. Hours of traveling to Manehattan and back wasted just so they can see if Ah’m bein’ manipulated or a monster. She frowned. Not that it would work on somepony being blood controlled, according to Fluttershy. Ah wonder how many spies are hidin’ in the Hunters’ Guild itself?
Her ears drooped. As much as Ah hate them inspections and bein’ away from home, Ah need to endure and learn more about thestrals, even if Ah need to spend a day or two there.
After opening a window, she used her forehooves as support for her head and looked outside. Feeling the wind blowing through her mane, she admired the view: Grass, hills, trees, farms, all reminding her of Sweet Apple Acres. Her smile faltered as confusion and doubt overtook her mind. Ah can’t believe how much has changed in a mere week… no… in two days.
She looked at the grass, a sea of green near the railroad tracks. How simple her life was? Wake up early in the morning, work hard, eat with mah family, play with Apple Bloom, go to sleep. She liked it this way. Applejack raised her head slightly and looked at the hills. Even huntin’ wasn’t complicated. The monsters are bad so Ah have to kill them. Hunt target, heal wounds, rest, write report. She grimaced. Lots of useless paperwork. Ah could as well write, “Ah killed it” or “Ah failed to kill the target” without the pointless details.
She glanced at her saddlebag, which contained proof of her kill; fangs and an ear from Sharp Eye, something that the mysterious master of the assassin was kind enough to leave behind before taking the body for a funeral.
Applejack slowly turned her head to the side and looked at the huge city on the horizon with a depressed smile, her ears curled and eyes half closed. And now it turns out mah friend’s a pureblood vampony. Ah tried to kill her and she was tryin’ to protect mah family. Now Ah’ve gotta keep secrets from mah family, the hunters and every other pony. How did mah life get so complicated? She closed her eyes and pressed her hat against her face. If Ah get a new assignment, who should Ah hunt or not?
“The train will arrive in Manehattan in ten minutes.” Applejack opened her eyes as she felt the conductor’s foreleg poking hers back. “My apologies, I got the impression that you had fallen asleep before your stop, ma’am.”
Applejack rubbed her eyes. Ah thought Ah closed mah eyes fer just a minute or two… She looked outside the opened window as large buildings passed in front of her. Maybe it was more than just a minute.
“Thank ya kindly,” she said before grabbing her saddlebag. If Ah’m goin’ to work this out, first Ah’ve gotta learn more about Fluttershy and her past. More importantly though, how much the guild knows ‘bout her.
“Hey there, Applejack,” said an orange earth pony stallion with a bandana on his forehead and a half cut orange with a cup of juice as his cutie mark.
“Howdy, Orange Juice,” the farm mare responded before entering a dark alley. After making sure that nopony is watching or listening, she whispered, “Why’re ya here? Ah thought ya’ll’d be done with the inspection already, living nearby the guild and all.”
“And miss the opportunity to congratulate my cousin on her first vampony kill? Not even for hundred baskets of oranges.”
Both Applejack and Orange Juice went deeper into the alley before entering the sewers, a secret and a bit dirty passage to the headquarters of the Monster Hunters Guild. As they walked next to the stream of wastewater, Orange Juice asked, “So, how was it, fighting against a vampony? Did he try to bite you? Was he difficult to defeat? Did your target have bat-like wings?”
The farm mare sighed, wishing to get a break both from the horrible smell and uneasy questions. “Ah… don’t want to talk about it.”
“Aww,” the stallion responded with disappointment, his ears and head dropped. Applejack looked at her cousin in pity. While her own family trained hunters for generations, Orange Juice had to hide his secret from his parents, and nopony could hammer it into his thick head that being a hunter wasn’t a walk in the park.
The stallion raised his head and asked, “Would you like to hang out with me once the inspection’s over? Manehattan has a lot of attractions you won’t find in Ponyville.” He pointed at his saddlebag. “I’ve two tickets for a movie, ‘Let Them Apples Dry.’ I don’t really know what it’s about, but I had to get tickets a week ago, or else they would run out.”
Applejack raised her eyebrow. “Sounds like yer tryin’ to take me out on a date.”
The stallion took a step back and blushed. “D-date… n-no, it’s not a date, just two friends hanging around… doing friendly stuff.” He chuckled nervously.
“If ya say so, but Ah’ll be busy today and tomorrow.”
Slowly recovering from his shock, Orange Juice sped up a little and asked, “Busy, in Manehattan? With what? Every single time the inspection’s over, you go back to Ponyville without looking back.”
Applejack turned to the left and pushed a loose brick in the wall as it caused a secret passage to open. “Ah just want to learn more about them vamponies so Ah can be more prepared for them in the future. As much as Ah dislike it, them books don't read themselves.”
A sudden silence overtook the hallway as the only noises were hoofsteps and drops of water hitting the floor. A few magical gems lit the way with a mix of red and orange while the secret entrance closed behind them. After a moment of walking, Orange Juice asked, “You’re not planning to…” he paused before finishing hesitantly, “to try avenge your parents? Revenge against a pureblood’s a foolish wish. They are Equestria’s biggest threat and our most dangerous enemies.”
The farm mare grimaced. If a reckless pony like Orange Juice found the idea of facing a pureblood stupid, it had to be really darn stupid. Ah’ve already faced Fluttershy who not only is a very young pureblood with no fighting experience, but she was holding back. While Ah hate to admit it, if she wasn’t goin’ easy on me, she would’ve kicked mah flank. What chance would Ah have against one that’s more powerful and cruel?
She looked at her cousin with a regretful smile and said, “Nah. Mah parents were damn good at what they were doin’ and they had the support of a veteran squad.” She stomped her hoof against the floor, cracking it and leaving a hoof shaped hole. “They were wiped out like nopony’s business. If even the guild thinks twice before messing with him, Ah will too.”
Orange Juice sighed in relief before giving Applejack a warm smile. “I think I know the perfect pony to help you learn about them, a pony who faced a pureblood and lived to tell stories about it.” Applejack’s eyes opened widely as she stared at him in shock. “I know you’re not too interested in guild affairs outside of yours and your family’s missions, but I love to learn about others’ adventures. This one mission was the guild’s greatest success.”
“Ah’m interested. Care to spare some details?” Applejack asked, trying to hide her worry behind a facade of curiosity.
“His name’s Sharp Arrow. He’s a crossbow sniper and Class B hunter who was under the command of Captain Chains. During the attack on a mansion located upon a mountain near Cloudsdale, they encountered two purebloods, can you believe it?”
Applejack’s heart skipped a beat as her suspicions were confirmed. She had the opportunity to learn about deaths of Fluttershy’s parents.
***
“So you’re Orange Juice’s cousin? My name’s Sharp Arrow, nice to meet you,” said a unicorn stallion with an arrow for a cutie mark.
Applejack raised her foreleg and shook his hoof. “Mah pleasure, sugarcube. So yer one of the folks who fought them purebloods. Ah’m impressed.”
The stallion rubbed his neck and blushed. “Thanks, nice to know someone appreciates a second fiddle like me.” Sharp Arrow looked at the farm mare in concern. “Sorry about your parents by the way. Pity that we lost such skilled hunters, but in our line of work, our lives can be compromised at any moment.” He lowered his head and added in a depressed tone, “This is something we must live with.”
Orange Juice nodded. “I heard that your parents were Class A hunters when they were sent to participate in that dreadful mission. Many good ponies lost their lives that day.”
After half a minute of respectful silence, Applejack asked, “So… what exactly happened?”
Sharp Arrow pointed towards the hallway. “It’s a long story, we may as well grab something to eat.”
Applejack nodded and followed as she looked around. Outside of seeing the medical wing that was filled with magical runes and all kind of devices, she never decided to explore more of this place. The area was a mix between fancy decorations and practical equipment. Many marble tables of different sizes filled the area, some of which had seats next to them. The walls, outside of white wallpaper, had many maps, lists of targets, warnings, weapons and even targets attached to them. Weapons most likely in case of emergency.
As she went on, Applejack saw a few doors labeled as ‘Research Area, authorized personnel only.’ She passed guest room after guest room in the hallway as most hunters were using them only temporarily, most of the time being in their own homes or in the field during a mission.
She noticed a hallway leading to a restricted area that was filled with guards. According to Sharp Arrow, it was an officer’s wing, and outside of rooms for high rank officers, it also contained an armory and a highly secured laboratory. Whatever were they researching in there was top secret.
After finally reaching the canteen, the trio of hunters ordered two sandwiches and an apple pie before sitting around a table.
Sharp Arrow said, “It all started when we got intelligence report about vampony activity...”
***
“... it took a month before I could walk again… is something wrong, Miss Applejack?”
The farm mare stared at him speechlessly with wide eyes and an opened mouth as her brain tried to comprehend what she just heard. With a firm stomp against the table, she asked, “And ya didn’t find it any suspicious that none of the hunters were killed?”
“Shhh…” Sharp Arrow silenced Applejack with a hoof and looked around. Seeing that nopony paid them any mind, he sighed in relief and whispered, “There are things we best not question, trust me on this.”
Applejack blinked and tilted her head to the side. “What do ya mean?”
The stallion whispered again, “Ever since this mission, Lieutenant Unbreakable Shackles was rewarded with over eight million bits and was promoted to the rank of Colonel. You could say that he now plays the role of an advisor to the leaders of this guild.”
“And?”
Sharp Arrow massaged his forehead. “The official version of the events based on his report is as follows: under him and his brother’s leadership, they managed to kill a mansion full of vamponies and two purebloods with only a few hunters casualty, who were killed in the crossfire after rushing into the battle against Shackles' orders.” He whispered again, “The last pony who tried to point out that lack of casualties was a result of purebloods showing mercy rather than Shackles’ and Chains’ leadership skills ended up going on a suicide mission.”
Anger boiled in Applejack like lava while her face became red and she felt like smoke was starting to escape from her nose. They fabricate lies and punish those speaking the truth, the nerve! After taking a few deep breaths to calm down, she said quietly, “Ah find it difficult to believe that those… those monsters would spare so many lives. Mah parents and many great hunters died while tryin’ to kill a pureblood in Manehattan. To think that less experienced ones would survive facing two in Cloudsdale, am Ah the only one who thinks it make as much sense as oranges growing on an apple tree?”
“You’re not the only one. There were barely any vamponies to defend against our attack, and those purebloods either aimed for our legs or tried to put us to sleep. Their fighting abilities were lacking as well. It was almost too easy.” His ears drooped as he pushed aside his half eaten sandwich. “To be honest, my doubts about killing them being a good thing are growing with every passing day.”
“Huh, how so?” Orange juice asked.
“Cloudsdale, next to Canterlot, was the most peaceful area. We almost never had assignments there. At first we believed that it is due to the high exposure to the sun, but ever since we killed the purebloods residing there...” He sighed. “Cloudsdale became a battlefield between warring vampony clans. The civilian casualties have already reached over three hundred, and the number of turned pegasi is drastically increasing.”
Sharp Arrow pointed to a portrait of Princess Celestia that hung on the wall next to a clock. “After the Royal Guards and the volunteering Wonderbolts failed to deal with the riots, Princess Celestia herself ordered the relocation of Cloudsdale towards the capital to personally oversee the flying city. At first we were surprised as to why she would do it as it would put Canterlot citizens at risk, but…” He paused and looked to the side, “her actions calmed the situation for two years. Apparently those mons… batty ponies fear her.”
“Makes sense,” Orange Juice said while raising a lecturing hoof. “She’s the Princess of the Sun and supposedly possesses great power. I’m not surprised the Vamponies fear her.”
Sharp Arrow sighed. “Sadly, it was impossible to keep this city in one place for too long due to weather-related issues. The battles are once again starting anew.”
“Do you suspect a power vacuum?” Orange Juice asked as a debate between both hunters began.
Applejack ignored the debate as she was deep in thought. They were holdin’ back. Fluttershy’s parents were holdin’ back against the hunters that tried to take their lives… She looked at small, barely visible marks on Sharp Arrow’s legs. They died because they refused to kill. They kept all the vamponies in check and ensured peace for an entire city. They were an innocent, loving family who wanted to live in peace. They refused to take a life and painful death was their reward.
Applejack bit her lips and closed her eyes tightly. They were just like Fluttershy, who suffered to save mah family. She nearly died because of her kindness… Ah… Ah don’t deserve to be her friend… don’t deserve her mercy.
“Applejack!”
“Huh, wha?” the farm mare opened her eyes as she was greeted with curious stares. “Sorry ‘bout that. Ah dozed there for a second.”
“I understand. The story must have been very difficult to comprehend,” Sharp Arrow said before asking a question. “Do you want a moment to contemplate it, or would you like me to share my knowledge about vamponies?”
Applejack looked towards the exit. My friend’s kindness is admirable, but it brings her nothin’ but sufferin’. She deserves better. “Ah’m ready,” she started before turning back to her fellow hunters. “Tell me all ya know about vamponies, especially their strengths and fightin’ skills. Anythin’ that makes a vampony dangerous, Ah want to know about it.”
Sharp Arrow smirked. “Aren’t we eager to learn? I like your enthusiasm. The first thing you need to know is…”
A knocking sound filled the room as a pegasus looked away from the reports lying on the table in front of him, now focused on the door. “Enter.”
The door opened, revealing a unicorn hunter who half bowed before closing the door. “P-permission to speak, s-sir.”
“Is this important?”
“N-not really, just a report on…” he stopped upon gesture of officer’s foreleg.
“Sit and wait.”
“Yes, sir.” The hunter did as he was told, drops of sweat falling down his face. The officer in front of him just read a piece of paper, perched comfortably on a cloud while surrounded with expensive paintings, bottles of the best wines, and a table displaying his accomplishments; from medals to a picture of a pureblood family, though one would swear that part of the picture was torn off.
After three more minutes of checking his report while whistling to himself, he rolled the paper into a ball and threw it into the trash. He looked at the unicorn hunter and spoke, “Speak, but don’t waste my time.”
“Yes, sir!” he responded with a salute before reporting. “A few minutes ago in the canteen, I overheard three hunters talking about the glorious day of your greatest victory, sir. However…” He rubbed his foreleg. “They mentioned the possibility of the purebloods showing kindness.”
The officer raised an eyebrow and placed both of his forelegs on the table. With his forehooves touching each other while elbows pressed against the wooden surface, he spoke, “Is that so?” Noticing a firm nod, he ordered, “Their names and ranks, now.”
The unicorn saluted and spoke as professionally as he could. “Class C hunter Applejack, from a family of hunters that reside in Ponyville. Class D hunter Orange Juice who resides in Manehattan, and the one who was telling the story was Class A hunter Sharp Arrow from the Cloudsdale division.”
“Sharp Arrow,” the pegasus said coldly as his stare caused unicorn hunter to step back. “I had hoped that he learned his lesson.”
“It… it was Applejack who voiced her concerns, Sir.”
His angered glare softened as a small smile rose on his lips. “I see. So Applejack, who less than a week ago killed her first vampony, got interested in dealing with them and got the wrong assumptions after listening to Sharp Arrow’s story. I guess she does take after her parents.” He smirked. “I suppose I can forgive one of our rookies for getting the wrong impression.” He opened his desk and took out a small bag of bits before throwing them towards the unicorn, who gratefully grabbed it with his magic.
“Thank you for your generosity, sir. You’re too kind.”
“You deserved it,” the officer said with a fake warmness. “The fact that you could tell their names, ranks and location of their homes on the spot impressed me. In fact, you deserve to call me by my name.”
“That’s an honour, Sir Shackles.”
Unbreakable Shackles relaxed himself in his cloud and pointed towards the door, “Before you return to your post, please be so kind as to summon my brother here.”
“As you command,” the hunter responded as he half bowed before leaving the room.
With no pony around, Shackles looked at his very fancy room. Riches, power, influence, he had it all. He pushed a stock of papers to the side and placed his hind legs on the table. Now relaxed and with his forelegs under the back of his head, he thought, Applejack from Ponyville, hmn… Ever since that large failed operation to take out the pureblood that resided in Manehattan, we lost plenty of Class B and A hunters, a huge loss that shook those three big fish that run this place. After that, the price for a pureblood’s head was tripled. And only three year later, I killed two. Luck shines down on me brightly.
He took out one bit from his opened saddlebag and tossed into air before catching it with his hoof. Both Applejack and Tearbat… or was it Flutterbat, now reside in Ponyville, and just now I was informed that the farm mare learned about my story. Is this a coincidence, or maybe fate has given me another golden opportunity? He looked at the bit on his hoof and smirked. “Let’s gamble.”
The door suddenly opened as a pegasus with chains for his cutie mark entered. “You called, brother?”
“Perfect timing. How’s your progress on recruiting Maud Pie?” Shackles asked, still lying comfortably as he looked at his younger brother.
Unbreakable Chain rubbed back of his neck nervously. “I’m sorry, but she still refuses. I tried the physiological approach, telling her about patriotism and stuff, but she didn’t seem bothered at all. Bits didn’t speak to her either.”
“What about rocks? I heard that she is obsessed with them. Did you used your trump card?” Shackles asked.
“Yes I did, but she still refused.”
The relaxed expression on Shackles vanished as it was replaced by disappointment. He rose from his comfortable position and massaged his forehead. “So she refused the rare collections of meteorites? I thought she always wanted to have them, but would never have access or permission to buy them.”
“I was surprised too.”
Shackles rubbed the table with a hoof. “Pity, a pony of her strength with some combat training would make an excellent bodyguard and meatshield. It’s very difficult to find earth ponies with her level of earth pony magic nowadays.”
“Easy come, easy go,” Chains responded as he shrugged. “So, what’s our next move?”
Shackles stood and walked towards his brother before placing forehoof on his shoulder. “Oh, I’m not giving up on her that easy. When I want something, I get it.” He pointed at a file on the table. “According to Maud’s profile, she has a sister in Ponyville, a very lively and cheerful one.”
Chains approached to take a closer look before glancing at his brother in confusion. “Do you want me to go to Ponyville and see if we can use Pinkie Pie’s desires to get Maud’s cooperation?”
“There’s no need for that,” Shackles said as he started stretching himself. His wings spread as he started to do pushups with them. “It’s been a while since I went to the field. I think I’ll visit Ponyville personally. I get the feeling that fortune will smile upon me there and I can kill three birds with one stone.”
“Three birds? What’s there to Ponyville beside’s Pinkie Pie?”
“Besides a farm mare named Applejack who as of lately became too curious for her own good, there is also an old friend of mine I would like to visit.” He smirked devilishly. “I wonder how she is holding up after all these years.”
“It is such a strange feeling,” Rarity started as she looked at the moon from behind an opened window, her head perched on her forelegs. “It is like… like a desire to go outside, but not just for a calm stroll under the stars, nor to take your special somepony on a date under the moon.” She looked to the side at her cat that was sitting on the windowsill and licking herself clean. “I would say… it is more like a desire to run or fly, to go wild and face the night, or so to speak.”
“Meow.”
“Oh, I know, Opal. I guess I am still adapting to my new instincts. Fluttershy warned me about them. She said that if I want to keep my daily life, I cannot stay awake at night, no matter how strong the desire.”
“Meow,” the cat responded before nuzzling Rarity’s foreleg.
“I wonder how everything will turn out from now on. With the assassin who tried to hurt Fluttershy on the loose and with Applejack knowing her secret identity, our lives in Ponyville will be anything but peaceful.” She petted Opal’s head and rubbed her neck, who purred in return. “It would have been much safer if she just killed Applejack and allowed the elimination of the Apple family.”
Opal growled and turned around, exposing her back to Rarity, whose ears drooped. “I know that it is very mean of me to wish for somepony’s death, however… the Apple family wishes us the same… Well, for now only Applejack, but if they learned the truth...”
“Mmmeeeooow!”
“Do not look at me like that. I do not set up the rules. I am no longer a unicorn, but a thestral. Monster hunters are my enemies.” She hissed, causing Opal to jump back and hiss in return. “How can Fluttershy be so stupid, choosing a friend over the protection from Lord Fancy Pants. I nearly died because of her!”
Opal showed her claws and hissed again. Rarity kept glaring at her cat in anger for several seconds before gasping. “What I am doing? Oh Opal, I am so sorry.” The cat slowly lowered her defenses and turned around, showing Rarity her back once again.
The thestral looked at the moon with guilt overtaking her. “It was very mean to think of my friend like that, much less to blame her. She did the right thing by sparing the Apple family.” Rarity sighed and added in a sad tone, “I know I should support her, but…but I am scared.” Much to her surprise, she felt the warm fur of her pet once again nuzzling her foreleg. She carefully grabbed the cat into her embrace, pressing her gently against her chest.
“Fancy Pants and Fleur are pureblood thestrals, ruling a clan under the princess’s nose, who would have thought?”
“Five more minutes,” Rarity murmured before yawning, but the poking only became stronger. She rubbed her eyes before opening them as Opal’s face was the first thing she saw. “What is it, Opal? Surely it is too early to open the boutique yet.” Rarity’s ears perked up as a knocking sound reached them. If as a thestral, I should have stronger senses, then my hearing surely has improved very late in the game.
As the distance between her and the door shrunk, Rarity called out, “I am coming.” She slowly opened the door, ready to say that the boutique wasn’t opened yet, only to be tackled to the floor by an overenthusiastic filly. “S-Sweetie Belle?”
“Rarity, I was so worried!” Sweetie Belle shouted before hugging her sister’s neck.
***
“Please do remind me, how did you convince me to play bowling in the first place?”
The tall white unicorn with brown mustache responded, “Because we’re family and we should spend more time together.” Three hoofballs visible as his cutie mark.
“Your father’s correct, sweetie,” said the pink unicorn mare as she tossed her bowling ball, the loud noise of falling pins followed a moment later. “Six out of ten! Now that’s what I call a score.” She approached Rarity and patted hers back. “Make mommy proud and show those pins who’s the boss.”
Rarity sighed before levitating her bowling ball and prepared to throw it. Ever since that spa incident, my family have been visiting me at least three times a week. She looked at the pins in growing anger as images of her parent's heads appeared on top of them in her mind, all yelling at her to do this and that. Sport activities all day long. Do they not realize that our interests do not intersect? The day I will start being good at physical activities is the day Applejack will start loving dressing up in my fashion projects!
Before she managed to calm her nerves, the round projectile was already on the way. Rarity’s eyes shot open as her throw not only shattered the pins into pieces, but the ball itself left a hole in the wall. She frowned. Oh, so now those stupid powers finally decided to show up. She smiled awkwardly at her impressed parents and the not-so-impressed bowling alley owner.
***
“That will be thirteen bits, ma’am,” the stallion said as Rarity levitated over the payment, but not before convincing her parents to let her pay for herself.
“Thank you, and next time you will throw a bowling ball, I would like to advise a more gentle push,” the alley owner said before pointing at the hole in the wall. “Pure strength will only get you so far.”
The fashionista apologised again and lowered her head while her father’s voice reached her ears. “That was really something. I had no idea your magic could be that strong.”
“Yeah, you really showed those pins who’s the bowling king… queen… princess,” the filly said enthusiastically. “I hope one day I’ll be as good as you.”
“Thank you, Sweetie, but I do not really think making holes in someone else’s property is something to celebrate,” Rarity responded while rubbing her foreleg nervously.
“Awww... but it’s the best part,” the filly said as she looked at the floor while her ears drooped. Her mood quickly improved as an idea popped into her head. “What if I will get a cutie mark in hole making… demolishing… or repairing what damage I cause? That would be fun.”
“That’s my filly,” Hondo Flanks said with a cheerful smile while rubbing the top of the filly’s head, taking his daughter’s words for a joke.
“Father, I get the strong impression she was not joking,” Rarity murmured before looking at her parents with a serious stare. “May I ask you a question?” Noticing a nod as they turned their heads towards her, she said, “Ever since I opened my own boutique, you have not been visiting me very often. I could even say that your visits were quite rare.” As her mom and dad lowered their heads slightly and rubbed their forelegs in guilt, Rarity asked, “So why have there been all these family reunions and silly games we play together lately?”
With a warm smile, Hondo Flanks placed hoof on her shoulder and said, “Ever since we heard about that spa incident, we were reminded how dear you are to us.” He embraced his daughter in a tight hug as many ponies looked at them, making Rarity blush. “If it wasn’t for Rainbow Dash, we would be visiting you at your grave instead of spending time together as a family.”
“Father… I am a grown mare, please stop embarrassing me in public,” Rarity responded as she desired to be free from the hug in front the crowd of ponies in the area, but part of her wanted for it to last a little longer. “I… I love you too, Father, Mother, but you cannot watch my every step.”
“We know, darling,” Cookie Crumbles said as she took her into a hug while moving her husband aside. “We just wish to spend more time together. One day we’ll grow too old for any outdoor activity, so we want to make the best of it.”
Sweetie Belle jumped onto Rarity’s neck, following the example of her parents. “And I want to have fun with my older sister! We already thanked Rainbow Dash for saving you, and now we can play together. Yay!”
Rarity closed her eyes, feeling warmness of her family’s love while ignoring her public humiliation. Suddenly, her eyes shot open. Grow too old? She looked at her younger sister. Will… will I outlive Sweetie Belle? Will I stay young while everypony I know will grow old and pass away before my very eyes? One look at her smiling family filled her with gloom. Will I have to live for centuries while grieving over my family? How can I even hide the lack of aging? Making excuses and saying that I used a lot of makeup can only work for so long. Finally released from the embrace, the fashionista turned around, hiding her depressed smile from her family’s sight.
***
“Hoofball, seriously?” Rarity complained as she was now standing next to her father between two goals with group of fillies and colts in front of them. She looked at Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle and asked, “How did you even organize a team of this size?”
Scootaloo raised her head and smiled proudly. “After Pinkie put together hoofball teams in an attempt to cheer up Fluttershy, we found it was really fun.” She pointed at the ponies behind her who nodded energetically. “We're, according to Pinkie Pie, the Official Emergency Cheering Up Sports Association.”
Sweetie Belle approached and added cheerfully, “I thought it would be fun, so I asked our parents and Scootaloo if we could have a match.”
Rarity rolled her eyes. “Forget I ever asked.”
She looked up at the sky as sweat started to form on her forehead. Out of reflex, she raised her foreleg to protect her face from the rays of the blazing sun and grit her teeth. This was going to be a long day.
***
“Over here!” Sweetie Belle shouted to her father, who kept the soccer ball in the air with his rear hoof. A few fillies tried to jump high enough and kick it or headbutt it, only for the ball to bounce out of their reach. With a solid push, the ball went towards Sweetie Belle, who started to bounce it on her head, careful not to pierce it with her horn as she ran towards the goal. Noticing two colts charging at her, she pushed the ball upward and kicked with her hind legs. “Mom, catch!”
Rarity, after tripping over three times while failing to kick the ball in correct direction, was appointed as the goalkeeper instead of being on the offensive. Her mane was a mess and a small blush was present on her face since she failed to stop the ball with her chest. She had to admit, her father could try his luck working at Sweet Apple Acres with this kind of strength.
As Rarity was observing her family trying to outsmart at least ten fillies and colts, her vision became blurry. The sun was blinding her. Rarity raised her foreleg defensively while feeling as if she was part of a vegetable soup, her legs barely keeping her stable.
“Is this… is this how Fluttershy felt…? No wonder she disliked coming outside so often, and why Dash kept the sky clouded during our strolls through Ponyville…” Rarity said to herself as she wiped sweat from her head. “Not to mention her fear that a monster hunter will attack her from every shadow.”
“Rarity, watch out!” A warning reached her ears as she looked towards the source and noticed several clouds of dust forming behind the charging fillies. In an instant, Rarity lit her horn and caught the soccer ball a meter before it could reach the goal.
That was close. Good thing that magic and wings are allowed for a goalkeeper, or else they would not be able compete with strength of earth ponies… now that I think about it- “Ouch,” Rarity yelped as she was tackled to the ground. As she opened her eyes, a young white colt with brown spots named Pipsqueak was on top of her chest. The ball now free from her magic rolled next to her head.
“Goal!” Scootaloo yelled before jumping onto Rarity and hoof-bumping her classmate.
“Excuse me, would you both be ever so kind and let me stand?” Once there was nothing weighting on her belly anymore, the fashionista stood up onto her hooves and wiped the dust from her fur.
“Cheaters!” shouted Sweetie Belle as she ran over and pointed at her sister. “What was that?”
Pipsqueak blinked in confusion. “What do you mean? She had the ball in her magic, so I tackled her.”
“You don’t tackle the goalkeeper, that’s against the rules!” Sweetie responded with a stomp.
“Wait, you don’t? I thought you were supposed to tackle whoever has the ball,” Pipsqueak responded, confusion clear on his face.
Sweetie Belle facehooved. “Wrong game.” She sighed before explaining calmly while pointing at the ball, “This is a soccer ball. In this version of the game, we try to score goals without tackling each other, especially the goalkeepers.”
Pipsqueak shrugged. “Not my fault both games are called hoofball.”
Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes. “It should’ve been obvious after Miss Cheerilee and Pinkie Pie explained the rules.”
Both Pipsqueak and Scootaloo rubbed back of their neck and blushed in embarrassment. The orange pegasus spoke first, “Yeah, about that. We kind of slept through that part. In our defense, it was kind of boring.”
Pipsqueak added, “I memorised some rules from both games… my bad.”
Sweetie Belle facehooved again, this time with both of her hooves. "Ugh... this is worse than telling you about what you slept through in that health class…” Upon noticing the nervous smiles on their faces, she pressed her head against the ground and groaned.
Rarity watched the arguing foals with a weak smile, when suddenly dizziness overtook her. She pressed her shoulder against a goal post and laid a forehoof against her head. The world was spinning before her eyes.
“Are you feeling alright?" Sweetie asked in concern as she poked her sister’s foreleg.
Rarity looked down at her younger sister while ignoring the fact that her vision was fooling her as she saw two fillies instead of one. She faked a smile and said, “I am… fine… just a little tired.” Rarity placed foreleg on her mother’s shoulder for support as she was escorted towards the closest tree, receiving a cold drink from Sweetie Belle a moment later. She sat under its shadow and took a sip from the cold drink between her forehooves. Noticing several pair of eyes staring at her in worry, especially Pipsqueak who rubbed his foreleg in guilt, Rarity spoke, “Please do not worry about me, I am just a little tired, nothing to be concerned about.”
After everypony went back to playing their game, Rarity sighed, her forelegs trembling as she tried to drink the water from the cup. Feeling relief as if she jumped into a pool of water after hours spent in the desert, she thought, So this is how my life will be like from now on. The desire to drink blood, strength and magic surges at the worst moments and feeling weakness under sunlight. Rarity closed her eyes. Worst of all, how will I handle near immortality… Fluttershy delayed this topic long enough. The next time I face her, I will not take ‘no’ for an answer.
“Rarity!”
“Huh?” The fashionista opened her eyes as her blurry vision slowly sharpened. She looked around and next at the faces of her worried family. “Where did everypony go?” she asked, surprised that the playing field was now abandoned. Her eyes opened widely as the sky was orange while the sun was very low on the horizon. “How long was I asleep?”
“Two hours,” said Hondo Flanks between his breaths.
“Two… two hours!” Rarity responded with panic as she got back to her hooves as if a crab nipped her in the flank, noticing the dirt and dust covering her fur. “Yuh…” she yelped, wiping the dust away while her face filled with disgust. “I slept under a tree, in the dirt… for two hours?”
“Eeyup,” Apple Bloom said as she sat next to Sweetie Belle. She asked cheerfully, “Ah don’t think even mah sister naps outside that long. Ya must really like earth and fresh air.”
Rarity stopped dusting off her fur and gave her father a pleading look. “Can we please go back to the boutique, please?”
“Actually,” Hondo responded, “we’ve gotta go home earlier than we’d like to today, but Sweetie Belle asked if she can stay with you for a night.”
Rarity took a step back and laughed awkwardly as she was about to refuse, but her sister's puppydog stare left her speechless. I swear, that sort of puppydog stare needs to be outlawed. “Alright,” Rarity said as she pressed her forehead against the tree.
”I knew we could count on you. See you soon, Sweetie.”
Her parents then left her with the two fillies, while Apple Bloom wanted to hang out with Sweetie Belle. Rarity rubbed her chin in thought. Wait a moment, maybe I can hit two birds with one stone. She looked at both fillies from the corner from her eye and asked innocently, “Would you both like to play with some cute little animals?”
A mysterious hooded figure galloped into the dark alley before a black aura surrounded it. Slowly, a black substance spread across the earth while the creature vanished as if it were ice melting into water. After several seconds, nothing but the hood remained.
A multi-colored pegasus flew into the alley, looking around while her ears were straightened. With her guard up, she slowly approached the hood that was left on the ground and with flap of her wings, she pushed it to the side. “You can run and hide all you want, but I’ll get you sooner or later, just you wait!” Rainbow Dash shouted with a stomp, her voice filled with rage and determination. “I’ll make you pay for what you tried to do to Fluttershy, I swear!” With another flap of her wings, she dashed deeper into the alley.
Half a minute passed before a black liquid emerged from the earth and reformed itself into the hood, returning to its full size. “Stupid pegasus,” he said while gritting his teeth. “Ah fear that Ah’ll need to go against my master’s wishes and add another target to my list.”
So be it.
“Master?” He looked around for the source of voice before smirking and closing his eyes. Greetin’s mah lord. Mah deepest apologies for failin’ to fulfil mah duty as mah mission is bein’ compromised by a very quick and perceptive pegasus.
A mere pegasus getting in the way of assassin of your qualities? Intriguing. The weak deserve to die, but strong deserve to serve. Spare her life and continue with your assignment. You have my blessing to strike your top target from the shadows of the night, the cold voice said in his head.
As ya wish, mah lord, he responded, resisting the urge to kneel as there was no physical presence he could show respect to.
Before I will leave you to your task, is there anything you wish to report me? Any useful information you gathered on your target’s progress? the voice asked curiously.
The mysterious figure chuckled in his mind. Oh yes, Ah have. The meetin’ between purebloods turned into a disaster. Mah target ain’t only defeated the huntress, but also put her own reputation on the line to protect the huntress's family. Jus’ like her parents, she let her kindness lead her to her own downfall. Without the influence of Fancy Pants, only one pegasus stands in the way of mah mission.
As I had hoped for, the dark voice responded, causing his servant to blink in confusion.
Well, what happened next was somethin’ Ah didn’t expect. Sharp Eye, Fancy Pants’ best assassin and spy tried to eliminate both of mah targets, only to die because of his overconfidence. After not receiving any reply for several seconds, he asked, Is somethin’ the matter, mah lord?
Sharp Eye was strong, merciless and intelligent, a great thestral who could have found a place in the world I am creating… Even if he had sided against me, I would’ve spared him. However, he lacked two important virtues. Respect and humility. Let it be a lesson to you, my slave. Never underestimate your opponent as overconfidence was the downfall of many powerful and great beings, the dark voice lectured.
Ah’ll take it to mah heart.
Good. Anything else?
The thestral responded in his mind, At first, mah target was broken. Ah expected Ah’ll need to disregard mah assessment of her as trash and eliminate her with ease alongside that pesky pegasus, but she ain’t just recovered, she’s even made an alliance with the huntress who tried to kill her.
Very good. Maybe she may earn her right to live. One’s strength relies not only on their own power, cunning and skills, but allies as well. A cold laugh followed. Go forth and test her resolve. Let her prove her worth. It will determine if she deserves to live as a proud pureblood, or die unworthy like her parents.
The mysterious figure looked at the brown sky and said with pride and respect, “As ya command, so it shall be.”
“Of course you two can play with my animal friends, I’m sure they would love it just as much, isn’t that right?” Fluttershy asked as she looked at her little critters who cheered in response. Fluttershy knelt to both fillies and said warmly, “Just be careful. Many of my friends are very tiny, some even frail, so please, be gentle.”
“Will do,” Apple Bloom said with a smile on her own; Sweetie Belle nodded.
As both fillies ran outside with a few critters following them, Fluttershy turned to Rarity who stared at her with a mix between seriousness and anger. “Umm… is something wrong?”
“Is something wrong? Of course there is something wrong!”
Fluttershy took a step back, sensing the increased heart rate, heavy breathing, strong blood pressure and hostility in her friend’s voice. It wasn’t the first time she sensed it within her friend. Fluttershy noticed that Rarity had been very tense and stressed ever since Sharp Eye’s death, not that she could blame her as it was a very stressful night.
Despite all the efforts Pinkie Pie and others put into cheering her up, even after Applejack’s apology… Fluttershy still felt as if another part of her died that day. It made sense that Rarity would bottle her stress and anger inside of herself.
“You have been delaying it for long enough, but no longer. I am not leaving this spot until we talk about it, no more excuses,” Rarity stated with a stomp of her hoof as the floor cracked under it. The fashionista frowned at her increased strength.
“I… I don’t understand…”
“I want to know how can I handle immortality!”
Fluttershy flinched as her ears drooped, she looked to the side and said quietly, “Are you sure… it’s a very difficult topic, and–”
“I said no excuses. It has bothered me for days,” Rarity stated, her voice even more determined than before as she resisted to stomp again, afraid to cause even more damage.
The pureblood sighed before walking towards the table. “I wish it could wait a bit longer… at least until you’ve adapted to your new life, but if you feel you’re ready… alright.”
“No, no, I won’t leave unt–” Rarity paused, her eyes blinking in confusion. “Wait… you agree with me, just like that?” Noticing a firm nod, she approached and asked, “No change of topic? No refusing or hiding? You will just talk with me openly and without distractions?”
“I will.”
Both mares entered the cottage and sat across the table, staring at each other in silence with glasses of blood in front of them. Meanwhile, Angel oversaw the fillies, keeping them out of trouble… though one could replace ‘keeping them out of trouble’ with ‘trying to keep out of trouble’ as Sweetie and Apple Bloom, during their attempts to fly on eagle and falcon, ended up in tree sap after crashing into a tree.
Rarity took a sip of blood and asked, “How do you handle it? Aging far slower than ponies around you, seeing how your friends and family pass away?”
“I don’t.”
“Excuse me?” Rarity asked in confusion. “What do you mean you don’t?”
"What I mean is that while I have had to sever connections to some I've cared about by faking my funeral… something every turned thestral and pureblood need to do at one point, I haven't had to deal with anyone I care about dying from old age… yet."
Fluttershy let out a heavy sigh. "The only deaths of loved ones I've had to contend with were violent ones... this affected what I have done ever since. For the past few years, I lived in fear of my secret being exposed, or of a hunter attacking me at any moment. I resist my desires to explore a pleasant night in order to stay awake during a day. This past week was filled with pain and regrets because I spared the Apple family and things aren’t going to get any better in the next few years.”
Rarity felt a surge of guilt and desire to embrace her friend to cheer her up. This whole time she was complaining about her own problems, but they were nothing compared to what Fluttershy had to endure.
After taking a few deep breaths, Fluttershy continued, “But I have to keep pressing forward. No matter the pain and sadness I feel or what regret I have, I can’t stop, I just can’t!”
“You cannot stop?” Rarity asked, feeling pity for her friend, but her curiosity took over. “But why, what kept you together, what helped you past all the hardship you encountered?” She stood to her rear hooves and pressed forehooves against the table, her head tilted towards Fluttershy. “Tell me, please, please, pleaaassseee.”
The silence lasted for several seconds as the fashionista’s heart was beating restlessly, her breath leveled but loud. Fluttershy looked back at Rarity and said calmly as another tear formed in her eye. “Back in Cloudsdale, the same day Rainbow Dash and I moved to Ponyville, I was unsure where should I go and what my goal was. Without my parents’ guidance I felt lost, but then Ditzy told me something that gave me purpose.”
“Purpose?” Rarity asked before retreating back to her sitting position.
“She reminded me how I saved Rainbow Dash, and how happy her parents were because of that. If my powers allowed me to make at least one family happy, maybe it was worth it to keep going. Maybe there is another pony I can help.” She pointed towards Rarity. “After the earthquake, I saved your life. When Pinkie brought homeless animals to me, I gave them shelter. When Applejack brought her dog to me, I wouldn’t have been able to save her if not for my ability to manipulate blood and separate it from the poison.”
She lowered her head. “If I died in Cloudsdale, I would make Dash sad. If I give up now, the Apple family will be executed." She sighed. "This is what pushes me forward. If I can be of any use, that is good enough for me.”
Rarity rubbed her neck. Should she tell her friend the truth behind the spa incident or not? If kept as secret, it would only put Fluttershy at risk, but it may tear apart another part of her poor soul. “About the spa incident…”
“Yes?” Fluttershy asked as her ears straightened upward.
The very look of the curious smile of her friend made Rarity hesitate a bit longer, but she steeled her mind and spoke as calmly as she could, “It was not an accident, darling. It was an attempted assassination.”
“W-what?”
Rarity gulped. She was so going to regret her next words. “Your friend Rainbow Dash told me that according to her investigation, the earthquake was not a natural phenomenon, but caused by dark magic. She did not tell me how she obtained such information, but…” She paused for a short moment, sensing as if Fluttershy’s heart stopped beating for a second or two. The very look in her friend terrified eyes confirmed her worry. “Please, do not blame yourself. I know what you are thinking, but it was not your fault I was caught in the crossfire. I forgave you, so please, don’t be sad.”
Fluttershy’s eye twitched as she took the glass of blood between her trembling hooves and slowly moved it towards her face, but before the pleasant liquid could reach her teeth, the glass slipped onto the floor, shattering into pieces covered in red liquid.
She hid her face behind her mane and spoke, “The Apple family… they’re in danger only because I was in the forest when Applejack attacked, and you, you would still live a carefree life… if I wasn’t with you in the spa.” She turned around and added while sobbing, “I’ve caused only trouble and suffering for those around me… Maybe I should’ve never moved to Ponyville in the first place.”
“Stop it this instant!” Rarity interrupted as she rounded the table and hugged her friend. “It was not your fault. Being in the wrong places and at the wrong time does not make you guilty.”
“Aren’t you... mad at me?” Fluttershy asked as she pushed herself from the hug, her face still wet from tears.
“I was angry at you, I won’t deny it,” Rarity responded, causing her friend’s wings to drop and eyes to close, “but I realised that it was foolish of me. You could not have predicted that some sort of assassin would try to hurt you, or that other ponies may get hurt in the process. However... you knew that if you did not turn me into a thestral, I would have died, leaving my family to grieve.” Noticing that Fluttershy opened her eyes, Rarity wiped the tears away gently and added, “Do not grieve over something you cannot change and be proud of what you accomplished. Please, promise me that you will not let guilt consume you.”
Fluttershy nodded hesitantly. “I… I need to find this pony who tried to hurt me and stop him… or her… I can’t let my friends risk their lives for me.”
"I understand your resolve, but making decisions while under stress is not the best course of action." Rarity smiled as she pointed at the exit. “How about we take a stroll outside to clear our minds. Fresh air, a cool breeze and beautiful view of the stars are just what you need.”
Fluttershy asked hesitantly, “But what about our talk about talk about immortality…?” She raised her hoof in a lecturing gesture and spoke, “While we aren’t really immortal, especially turned thestrals, we’re still long living. I’m too weak to cast an age altering spell, but I can still cast an illusion that can help you look like somepony else, or make you look older… however you’ll need some acting skills to seem enough like an old lady to fool anypony. It will also be necessary to fake your death and start life from the beginning as a different pony every once in a while to avoid suspicions. Some thestrals sometimes take their own lives by asking others to pierce their hearts with silver when they are put asleep to not feel any pain and…”
“That’s quite enough,” Rarity said as she placed her forehoof on Fluttershy’s mouth. “Forgive me for my lack of manners, but you already answered to my question how I can handle outliving those dear to me.”
“Really?”
Rarity nodded energetically and smiled warmly. “Yes. If I cannot handle living for myself, I just need to live for others. You showed me that I will experience grief, regret and other kinds of suffering, but if you can push yourself forward, I will too, or at least try.”
Fluttershy smiled and nodded. She felt relaxed in understanding that Rarity wasn’t really angry at her. The fashionista then put her hoof across her friend and asked, “I only ask one thing of you, Fluttershy.”
“What is it?”
“I... I don’t think I will live past Sweetie Belle. She is so important to me and I need her in my life. These past few days have shown me that. I do not know if I will change my mind in the future, but when my sister finally passes away.... I wish to join her. That is when I wish to die.”
“Rarity.... y-you can’t ask me to...” whispered Fluttershy, horrified.
“Oh, no. I will not ask you to end my life. I know you do not have it in you, but I will find somepony to do it. And I may change my mind as well, just... well, plan my funeral to be very good is all I ask,” said Rarity.
“I... I will...”
“Good, anyway...” Rarity leaned back and smiled. “Since we are in such morbid conversations these days, how about you tell me how you faked your death the first time?”
“Oh, well, it's kind of embarrassing really,” said Fluttershy as she rose from her seat and went towards the back door, Rarity joining at her side. Their past worries temporarily forgotten as the two began to relax during their peaceful stroll.
“Umm… Apple Bloom. Are you sure it’s… safe?” Sweetie Belle asked hesitantly as she sat in front of a large bear, staring at the rope around his neck and Apple Bloom on his back. “I’m all up for finding our marks, but don’t you think that a bear rodeo-riding cutie mark isn’t really worth it?”
The farm filly shook her head. “Oh come on, ‘fcourse it’s safe. What could possibly go wron’?”
Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes. “Yeah, what could possibly go wrong?”
“Fluttershy’s pets ain’t mean, Ah’ll be fine,” Apple Bloom said as she pulled the rope with her forelegs. “Ready… ummm… Harry, was it?” Hearing a growl of confirmation, she pulled the rope again. “Yeehaw!” The moment the bear jumped, the filly yelped, barely holding the ropes. Out of reflex, she grabbed the rope with her teeth, desperately trying to keep herself stable on the bucking bear.
“Ohhh... I knew it was a bad idea,” Sweetie Belle said while walking backward. The moment her friend was thrown from the bear’s back, she ran to the side and jumped, catching Apple Bloom in mid-air, only for them both to roll on the ground as stars circled above their heads.
Angel giggled at the silly display, when suddenly his ears perked up, his eyes half closed as he looked around. Suddenly, he felt the earth tremble under his paws. With a few quick jumps, he climbed onto the bear’s shoulder and whistled.
Apple Bloom rubbed her back before standing to her hooves as she looked around in confusion. “What’s goin’ on? What’s all that commotion?” she asked as she saw the animals acting oddly. The bear with Angel on his shoulder was growling towards the forest while a falcon, an eagle and a few snakes gathered around him. Birds flew around in a panic before heading towards the cottage. It didn’t take long before the farm filly’s question was answered by a strange movement that caught her attention. “Is that… a tree?”
“Huh, what?” Sweetie Belle massaged her forehead before looking in the pointed direction. Her pupils dilated. “Am I dreaming?”
“Ah hope so,” Apple Bloom said as the trembling under her hooves grew in strength, her eyes unable to look away from the four large walking trees. Much to her confusion, their roots were straightened by some sort of dark aura as they not only supported the weight of those trees, but also moved them forward. “Ah… h-hope s-so.”
***
After another whistle from the bunny, the bear charged at the tree, his paw striking against the wooden surface while leaving a cracking mark on it. With his paws on both sides of the tree, the bear steeled his legs and wrestled against it, stopping it from moving any further.
Angel, noticing that another tree was approaching from the side, jumped onto the bear’s head and pointed his paw at the flanking enemy before whistling again. Both the falcon and eagle attacked the branches at the bunny’s command, which the tree ignored as a mere annoyance.
Carefully examining the tree from top to bottom, Angel’s attention focused on the roots and ordered the snakes to attack them.
The tree started to tremble as the snakes tried to bite the roots, but the animals quickly stopped attacking as their eyes flashed in red. With both the tree and snakes heading towards the bear, Angel jumped onto the ground and focused his own power before putting his paws down, emitting burst of electricity to knock out the attackers.
Not wasting a moment, he focused his power and absorbed the dark magic from the shocked snakes as it gathered between his paws. With a ball of dark energy at his disposal, he pushed it towards the tree roots, shattering a few into pieces. While it seemed to slow down the tree, it didn’t stop it as a dark aura formed around the branches.
The bear seemed to be losing the struggle, forced to take a step back by the overwhelming strength of the tree, at least until Angel climbed onto his shoulder and whispered to his ear. Taking his advice, he raised his leg and smashed it against the root, which in turn provided him with a needed advantage. His victory didn’t last long as several branches straightened towards him and grabbed his neck and paws.
Angel focused another spell as the branches around the bear burned, though his fur also suffered a small burn from the fire. Now free and no longer choked, the bear dropped to his paws and ran away, outrunning the slow moving trees and branches that tried to capture him.
Angel examined the battlefield as his army of animals was retreating, clearly outmatched. While he found the weak point of the enemy and focused on attacking the roots with his magic, one bear wasn’t enough to smash them while fighting four aggressive trees. Smaller animals on the other hoof proved easy to corrupt by dark magic around the roots, making them useless. Four trees! Angel looked around in panic as realization struck him. While he and his personal army were fighting against two trees, the other two and the two fillies were missing.
***
“Why can’t I imagine up a marshmallow ice cream statue of Rarity?” Sweetie Belle asked as her forehead was furrowed from her concentration. “No matter how hard I try, I can’t make anything appear. Shouldn’t I be able to imagine stuff in my dream?”
Apple Bloom took a step back as several animals did their best to stop two trees from advancing while another two were heading towards them. “Ah don’t think it’s a dream.”
“Not a dream?” Sweetie asked as she doubled her effort. “Walking trees are fighting Fluttershy’s animals, how’s this not a dream?”
The farm filly turned around and grabbed her friend before galloping away with her friend on her back. “Dream or not, Ah ain’t goin’ to find out.”
“I think we will, look!” Sweetie Belle said as she pointed ahead of her.
“Pony feathers!” Apple Bloom said and flinched, startled by the approaching bushes. Their moving branches making them even more intimidating. Now panicked, she looked around for any kind of weapon, quickly grabbing a stick between her teeth.
Sweetie Belle’s ears curled. “I don’t really think it will do anything, Apple Bloom,” she said before picking up a rock between her hooves and showing it to her friend.
Not wasting a moment, Apple Bloom kicked the rock with her rear hooves, sending the projectile flying with great speed as it penetrated one bush, crashing through branches that got in the way. Apple Bloom’s satisfaction didn’t last long as the bush just continued to walk towards her, not affected by the hit at all. The filly jumped to the side in fear the moment one bush spread its branches towards her, barely avoiding being grabbed. “What do we do? Ah don't want to end up as plant food!”
Sweetie Belle rubbed her chin. “Maybe they’re angry or something?” She slowly approached and said, “Excuse me Mr. Bush, whatever we did, we’re really sorry. Please don’t be mad.” In response, the bush shot its branch out and grabbed Sweetie’s foreleg, causing her to yelp in panic, but was quickly freed the moment her friend attacked the branch with her teeth. Now understanding that this perhaps wasn’t a dream, Sweetie Belle trembled and yelled, “Help!”
Apple Bloom took a defensive stance and used tricks that she learned by observing her sister’s training, kicking bush after bush with her forelegs or grabbing their branches, only to run around the bush and tie it. “Is it just me, or are their branches as flexible as if they’re made of bubble gum?”
Sweetie Belle ignored the question as she tackled one bush into another one. “I noticed it too. Also, where did you learn how to fight like that?”
Apple Bloom bit her lips. Surely it wasn’t the best time to tell her school friend that she learned it from her sister, who hunts monsters from time to time.
“Behind you!”
The farm filly turned around and curled in fear as a giant tree towered over her. She wanted to run, but her legs refused to heed her call, paralyzed with fear. Her pupils shrank as a large branch flexed towards her at high speed, only to feel something tackle her from the side. She shook her head and opened her eyes as her mouth was agape. Sweetie Belle was smashed to the ground by a big branch, a bruise visible on her head as she lay motionlessly on the ground.
“Sweetie Belle!” Apple Bloom shouted as she stood to her hooves. While she already considered Sweetie Belle as a friend, the fact that she took a hit for her and was now badly hurt struck her like a hammer. Feeling a surge of guilt, Apple Bloom ran towards the unicorn, but her path was blocked by a tree branch. Her legs trembled and her breath became rapid as she was now surrounded by several bushes and two evil trees.
Apple Bloom closed her eyes and awaited the impact, but instead the loud sound of cracking wood reached her ears. She slowly opened her eyes and looked up, noticing the bear struggling against the tree while Angel jumped onto its roots, attacking them by burning them with a mere touch. Not wasting a moment, she jumped over one bush and picked up Sweetie Belle before trying to escape, but her hind legs were grabbed by several branches as she was pulled back. “Help!” she shouted as dark spikes rose on the branches.
“Leave her alone!”
Apple Bloom looked towards the source of voice as Fluttershy with large bat-like wings flew in her direction. She yelped in fear as the vampony swung her wing swiftly, cutting off the branches. Apple Bloom’s breath slowed down as she could feel her heart trying to escape her throat. She looked at Fluttershy who stood between her and the filly-hungry plants. Wings spread.
“How dare you hurt two innocent fillies! If you try to harm a single hair on their heads, I’ll tear your controlled plants to pieces!” Fluttershy said with a firm stomp.
Apple Bloom felt the earth trembling lightly from the stomp before looking up at the sky. Even if she wasn’t a vampony expert, it was obvious that at night, a pureblood like Fluttershy would have access to her full power. Please Fluttershy… be a good vampony like Ah hope you are.
The branches from the bushes straightened again, armed with black spikes as they wrapped around Fluttershy’s legs and neck. Their vice grip strengthened and Apple Bloom stared in horror as blood started to cover the spikes. Much to her relief, Fluttershy’s wings flapped as she flew above the ground, easily shattering the branches that held her in place.
“I’ve warned you!” Fluttershy shouted as her blood that was covering spikes of shattered branches levitated and rained on several bushes, melting them as if it was acid rain. Two large branches shot from the tree to slam against the wounded pureblood, but Fluttershy dodged it with ease and grabbed both branches between her hooves. Her teeth grit and her wings rapidly flapped as she pulled the tree to the side, causing it to lose its balance and fall with a loud thump, generating a slight tremor.
Apple Bloom noticed a bunny jumping on the roots of a tree as if giving a signal to his mistress, to which Fluttershy responded by diving into the roots and shattering them to pieces with pure strength. The dark aura quickly dispersed as the dangerous tree became immobile.
“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity shouted as Apple Bloom looked at the fashionista who grew a pair of fangs on her face and her ears transformed.
“Rarity… you too?” Apple Bloom said in shock as she pointed her hoof accusingly at the unicorn vampony.
Ignoring the filly, Rarity stood on her rear hooves and took a fighting stance, her forelegs raised. “I was never one to engage in violence and I do not like to sully my hooves,” she started before hissing. “But for what you all did to Sweetie Belle, I will make an exception!”
She galloped towards the tree, dodging left and right as two large branches with dark spikes slammed against the ground. Emerging from the dust of the impact, Rarity lit her horn and pulled on the roots before performing a jump kick, shattering them with her hoof. With magic gathering in her horn, she shot a powerful blast that made a small hole in the wooden surface.
***
“Aim for the roots, it’s the source of the trees’ manipulation,” Fluttershy lectured as she evaded another attack and dived towards the other attacking tree, cutting the roots with her wings. Rarity took the example and shot beams of dark magic to destroy the roots as well.
As Rarity ran towards Sweetie Belle and embraced her unconscious body, Fluttershy shouted, “Your sister is safe, she’ll be alright!”
After receiving a nod from Rarity, the pureblood thestral landed on the ground, her eyes flashing in red as she studied the ground, quickly noticing streams of dark magic connecting destroyed roots to some sort of source. Not wasting a moment, she galloped, following the discovered trail until she noticed a dark figure near the entrance to the forest.
“Why did you attack those innocent fillies? Who are you? Answer me now!” she shouted while her nostrils flared and her teeth gritted.
“Shut up and fight!” the mysterious figure responded as two more trees came to life while hooves made of stone emerged from the ground, grabbing Fluttershy’s legs.
Fluttershy's eyes snapped open wide as she saw that one of the trees tilted towards her direction as if trying to bodyslam her with its weight. With a shake of her head, the pureblood spread her wings and flapped with all her strength, breaking off the fake hooves that held her against the ground.
With all the speed she could muster, Fluttershy slammed herself into the tree before emerging from the other side, leaving a big hole in the wooden surface and pieces of wood raining all around her. She dove towards the enemy, but her progress was stopped by another tree that got in the way. With a rush of adrenaline and her power at her peak, Fluttershy tackled the upper part of the walking tree, knocking it towards the mysterious hooded figure who jumped to the side.
In an instant, Fluttershy flew towards the assassin and pressed him against the tree before tearing off the upper part of the hood, revealing the assailant’s face. He was a red coated stallion with a surprising resemblance to Big Macintosh, though not as big and he had a visible scar going across his left eye. His mane was brown. He had pointy ears, fangs and thin pupils while lacking wings, clear signs of being a turned thestral. “Why are you doing this? Why are you trying to hurt innocent fillies, have you no shame? Answer me!”
The stallion just laughed. “Darn impressive. It seems that ya have a spark of being a worthy pureblood in ya,” he said before looking to the side, his attention focused on the two fillies next to Rarity. “But it appears that to get this spark out, ya need some proper motivation.”
Fluttershy felt her blood boil as she resisted the urge to slap the vampony. “You used innocent fillies to provoke me? Why? Why do you hate me so much? How can you be so cruel?”
“Cruel?” he said before chuckling. “Ah’m just a pawn. Ah find no pleasure in what Ah have to do. Mah goal is to see if ya deserve to stay on the chessboard or not.” He smirked. “Ah must praise ya. Yer doin’ darn good so far.” With the help of his forelegs, he freed himself from Fluttershy’s grasp before turning around. His forelegs bent while hind legs were lifted above the ground.
Fluttershy’s eyes widened as time seemed to slow. She recognized this technique. She saw it countless times when watching Applejack work. A half eaten apple cutie mark was the last thing she saw before two rear hooves made contact with her belly. She felt as if her chest was crushed from the impact while her body was sent flying against a tree. A surge of pain went through her spine as she penetrated one tree and crashed into another, now stuck deeply in it.
***
Apple Bloom couldn’t believe what she just witnessed. While her older sister could push a tree hard enough to uproot it and make it fall over, something that Big Mac could do even more easily, seeing something similar being done by Fluttershy was breathtaking. Now that Ah think about it, Ah doubt Applejack could make a hole in the tree by slamming into it, she thought before looking at the unicorn vampony who observed the fight while still holding Sweetie Belle in her embrace. “Excuse me, Miss Rarity?”
The fashionista looked at her and next back at the fighting Fluttershy. “Apple Bloom, it is not safe here, you need to hide, quickly.”
“But…”
“No buts,” Rarity stated as her horn lit, capturing both fillies in her levitation as she galloped towards the cottage. “Take Sweetie Belle indoors and wait there.” She released the farm filly before placing her younger sister on Apple Bloom’s back. “We are not going to hurt you, I swear, please believe me.”
Apple Bloom knew that tone. It was the same Applejack always had whenever something dangerous had come to the farm and she wanted Apple Bloom to be safe so her mind could focus on the current threat. With a sigh, she nodded. “Okay, Ah’ll be safe.”
Rarity smiled and nodded before turning her attention back to the fight.
Apple Bloom, hidden with Sweetie Belle behind the tree, waited and prayed that the two of them would be alright. At the same time, she was excited. She knew she was suppose to go to the cottage, but this was her chance to see her first vampony vs vampony fight. No way she was gonna miss it.
***
Rarity ran over to help her friend, her horn charged with magic. “Are you hurt, Fluttershy?” she asked with concern before pulling Fluttershy from the tree and onto the ground.
The pureblood thestral held her chest with a foreleg as she was clearly in pain, her eyes half closed and teeth grit. With all of her determination, she looked around in search for her foe, but he was gone. “I… I’m fine… just give me a moment,” Fluttershy said between breaths as her bones slowly regrown inside of her. She spread her wings, ready to give chase, but a hoof on her shoulder stopped her. “I have to stop him before he hurts more ponies to get to me!” she shouted as her eyes watered. “Why does everypony around me always end up hurt?”
“Now is not the time for self pity,” Rarity said firmly before pointing towards the cottage. “We just showed our true forms in front of Apple Bloom. How are we going to get out of this one?”
Fluttershy bit her lip. “If both of them were unconscious, we could easily say it was a dream or something, but Apple Bloom might tell her family. If it was just Applejack, she could help us explain everything, but Big Macintosh and Granny Smith are another story. They’ll hunt us down or inform the guild.”
“Help us?” Rarity asked in confusion. “Why would Applejack want to help us? She tried to kill you last time!”
“We made up and she promised to keep it a secret. I trust her, Rarity,” answered Fluttershy.
Rarity sighed and shook her head. “Very well, I believe you. However, this does not help our current predicament. What should we do? Do we can erase her memory? Can we even do that?”
Fluttershy shook her head. “No, that’s way too advanced for me and I’m not really at full power at the moment. Maybe we could—”
“Ugh, what happened? Rarity?! Where are you?!” cried out Sweetie Belle’s voice.
Rarity froze the moment she heard it. In an instant, both mares focused as their fangs disappeared while their eyes and ears returned to normal. Fluttershy’s wings and cutie mark transformed as well. Now in pony form, they both rushed over behind a tree to see a blushing Apple Bloom and a confused Sweetie Belle; the latter was rubbing her head while moaning in pain. “What happened? I remember getting hit in the head and...”
Rarity wanted to curse her luck. Not only was Apple Bloom a witness to their vampiric nature, but they also now had to deal with Sweetie Belle. She could already see Sweetie being told that her sister is a monster by the little filly, giving a glance of hate and disgust before shouting she never wanted to see her again.
“D-don’t worry, Sweetie Belle. Ya just fell and hit yer head on a rock is all,” said Apple Bloom, smiling. “Nothin’ strange happened.”
Both thestrals mouths dropped in shock. Was Apple Bloom going to tell on them later? Big sister mode kicked in as Rarity levitated her Sweetie onto her back. “There there, darling. It is okay. Let us get you into Fluttershy’s cottage so we can patch up your bruise, we can even have a sleepover.”
“Okay,” whimpered Sweetie Belle as they made their way towards the cottage.
***
With Sweetie Belle now resting on the couch with an ice pack on her head, both Rarity and Fluttershy sat in the kitchen across a nervous looking Apple Bloom who was poking her hooves. The awkwardness only grew with each passing second.
After at least a minute of silence, Fluttershy bit her lip and was ready to say something, but the filly spoke first. “Ah knew yer a vampony.” This made the pair of eyes widen. “Ah’ve known for a while anyway. Ah overheard mah sister and Fluttershy’s talkin’ and put the rest together.”
“But... if you knew, then why did you not tell anypony else?” asked Rarity.
“Because Ah don’t want ya to get hurt!” shouted Apple Bloom before going back to a whisper when she remembered that Sweetie Belle was sleeping in the other room. “Yer both such kind ponies. Ah don’t think yer evil like Ah was led to believe. Am Ah right?”
After a moment to recover from the shock, Fluttershy nodded and said, "Of course." She smiled warmly. “We just want to live in peace, Apple Bloom. A lot of us do. I’m not saying some aren’t... mean, but we’re some of the good ones.”
“Ah know. Ya wouldn’t have left mah sister alive if ya weren’t,” said the filly and smiled back. “Don’t worry about me spillin’ yer secrets. Ah’ll keep mah mouth shut just like Applejack. Just don’t tell her Ah know? Ah don’t want to get in trouble.”
“I think that’s a fair bargain,” Fluttershy said, sighing in relief. With one problem out of the way, she examined the filly. “How’re you feeling? I’m sure that this experience most likely frightened you.”
Apple Bloom shook her head. “Maybe a bit, but Ah found it excitin’. And Ah wasn’t hurt thanks to ya.” With a large smile, she continued, “Thank ya kindly for saving mah life.”
Fluttershy felt a warmness in her heart, but it was quickly extinguished by a wave of guilt. She lowered her head as her ears curled. “I… I don’t deserve it.” Noticing confusion on filly’s face, she continued, “It’s my fault. Your and Sweetie’s lives were in danger because of me.”
Rarity massaged her forehead with ‘this again’ face expression while Apple Bloom titled her head to the side and asked, “What do ya mean?”
Fluttershy looked to the side. “I was his target. You and Sweetie are both innocent victims. If you both didn’t come here, you wouldn’t have been in danger in the first place.”
Rarity placed her hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder. “You cannot blame yourself for something you have no control over.”
“How can you say that?” Fluttershy responded, forehoof held against her chest. “I understand everything now. The ability to control trees and bushes, the ability to cause an earthquake, it’s the result of mixing earth pony magic with dark magic. Only turned earth ponies are capable of such a feat.”
“You do not mean...” Rarity started before hissing, “first he caused the earthquake that killed me and now he tried to hurt Sweetie Belle. Oh, when I get my hooves on him, he will not live long enough to regret what he has done.” She quickly placed a hoof over her mouth and chuckled innocently. Luckily Sweetie Belle was still fast asleep. “I did not mean it Apple Bloom…”
The farm filly looked at Rarity suspiciously. “Wait a minute. How are ya dead if yer not?”
“Fluttershy turned me into a thestral to save my life,” Rarity responded, causing the filly to smile.
Apple Bloom approached Fluttershy and looked up into her saddened face. “So ya saved a friend. That’s mighty kind of ya.”
Fluttershy took in a deep breath before responding, “I thank you for your kind words.” She let out a sad exhale as her voice suddenly turned much colder. “However, until I capture that assassin, being with me is too dangerous. Apple Bloom, Rarity, I want you both to stay away from me from now on.”
“Awww…” Apple Bloom said in disappointment, her ears drooping. There were so many questions she wanted to ask Fluttershy, so many games they could play together, and now they couldn’t even spend time with each other.
“Darling, you cannot be serious,” said Rarity. “You cannot face him alone.”
“I have to, Rarity. I lost the most important ponies in my life once, and I swore I would never let that happen again,” Fluttershy said before looking Rarity in the eyes. “Besides, while I doubt he will do the same again, in case he will targets Apple Bloom or you to provoke me...” She pointed at Apple Bloom before saying in a commanding tone, “Rarity, I’m ordering you to keep an eye on Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, and ask Vinyl if she can help.” She blushed and tapped her hooves together. “If you don’t mind that is.”
Rarity looked at Apple Bloom and next at the stairs leading to where Sweetie Belle was recovering. “I will keep them safe, and if that stallion shows his ugly face…” she smashed one hoof after another, “He will regret it.”
Fluttershy’s fangs appeared as her eyes glowed. “He wants to see a pureblood’s strength. I’m going to give it to him.”
What to do? What to do!? Fluttershy thought as she paced back and forth. Ever since Rarity left with the fillies, the stress had gotten the better of her. Angel and several critters observed her from the sidelines and atop of the table. “I know Rarity will keep an eye on Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, but what if that mean thestral tries to target another pony I care about?”
She stopped, now looking at her animals in a panic as she raised a forehoof up to her face. “What if he tries to target Pinkie Pie, or the Apple family, or Rainbow Dash, or any of you?”
A few birds, rats and mice looked at each other before retreating to their hiding spots. Angel, the falcon and the eagle rolled their eyes.
Fluttershy approached the table and picked up a teacup between her shaking hooves, slowly taking a sip. “When I fought that turned earth pony, I didn’t detect as high of an amount of magic as I did when facing Sharp Eye, and he already spent a lot of it on the Veil of Darkness spell.” She rubbed her chin while placing the teacup on her right wing. “Which means that he was turned less than a hundred years ago, so it should give me an advantage should I face him again.”
She gently embraced Angel with her other wing and whimpered. “Ohhh… but what if he has an advantage in terms of combat skills? What if he will have an ace up his sleeve? What if there’s more than one?”
Angel groaned before pushing the wing away and jumping up to Fluttershy’s muzzle. His face displaying annoyance. After a moment to balance himself on her muzzle, he gestured something with his paws.
Fluttershy carefully placed the bunny on her wing, perching him between her feathers as she spoke, “I know I defeated Sharp Eye, but I did it only with help from Applejack, the Chimera, and because of his massive overconfidence.” She gulped. “He would have killed me at the very start of our battle if it wasn’t for you.” She sighed. “Applejack was right. Because of my lack of combat training and my peaceful nature, I unintentionally put others in danger.”
Angel performed a jump kick, landing softly on the feathers as he puffed his chest.
“You’re right. Maybe with help from Applejack, we can–” her words were cut short by a knocking sound coming from the door. After taking a calming breath, she asked, “Who’s there?”
“It’s me, Applejack.”
Fluttershy smiled. “Speaking of the huntress,” she murmured before approaching the door and opening them for her guest. “Hello Applejack, if you’re here for Apple Bloom, Rarity–”
The farm mare cut her off with a hoof. “Ah know, Sugarcube. Just saw Rarity goin’ to Sweet Apple Acres on mah way over, but that’s not why Ah’m here.”
Fluttershy took a step back and walked to the side as she invited the friendly huntress to enter. “Please come in and make yourself at home.”
“Thank ya kindly, Sugarcube, but as much as Ah’d like to talk all friendly with ya, that’s not why Ah’m here either.”
“Oh, for a moment I thought… nevermind,” she looked to the side, hiding her cheek behind her mane. Her suspicions that Applejack had learned about the attack on Apple Boom proving false. “So... what brings you to my humble cottage so late at night… if you don’t mind me asking?”
Applejack took a few steps inside, dropping her saddlebag onto the floor as it bursted open with books and diagrams. Among them were a set of goggles similar to those she wore during her last mission.
Fluttershy could see the farm mare putting the goggles on her face before picking up a book titled as; ‘Thestral Combat Techniques and Spells. Strength and Weaknesses,’ between her teeth.
“What is this?”
“Nw ti.e to exwain,” Applejack said, her voice muffled.
Much to Fluttershy’s surprise, she ended up being pushed towards the exit by the head of her friend before ending up on Applejack’s back as she ran towards the Everfree Forest.
I have a bad feeling about this.
***
“You want me to do what?” Fluttershy asked as she took a step back while her foreleg was raised above the ground. Now standing between lines of trees with moon and stars shining above, her thestral vision making everything visible as if it was a day while her friend was using night vision goggles to compensate for the lack of visibility.
“Ya heard me right. Ah want ya to attack me,” Applejack responded while taking a fighting stance.
Not a single muscle in her body moved as Fluttershy observed her friend with shock, her mouth agape. Before her was Applejack, a pony she once faced, but this time her friend didn’t wear any offensive gear, nor cloth that hid her identity.
“Come on, Fluttershy. Ah don’t have all day… night,” Applejack said as both mares stared at each other for a few seconds. After exhaling, she massaged her forehead and said calmly, “Listen, Sugarcube. We’re not goin’ to be fightin’ for real. It’s just trainin’ is all.”
Fluttershy lowered her foreleg and relaxed her tensed muscles, her ears drooped as she spoke hesitantly, “Training or not, attacking you is just… wrong. You can’t expect me to do it.”
“Say what? Ah already said we won’t be fightin’ for real. What’s the problem?”
Fluttershy sighed and said, “Applejack, even when you were armed and tried to hunt me… back when I didn’t know your identity, I was still holding back.” Her words caused Applejack to look to the side in sadness as she bit her lip. “Now you stand before me as a friend, unarmed, and the first thing you do is ask me is to hurt you. What did you expect I would do?”
Applejack rubbed her foreleg. “Yeah… Ah should've accounted for that.”
Fluttershy approached, sitting in front of her former enemy before saying, “I really don’t understand you, Applejack. While I am grateful that you gave our friendship a chance, even though we’re on opposite sides, not long ago you cursed my name and looked at me with distrust. You feared who I was and what I could do.” She placed her hoof on Applejack’s shoulder, who kept staring at the ground in guilt. “You gave me a chance because I proved to not be the dangerous monster you thought I was. So please tell me, why do you want to make me more dangerous through combat training?”
The huntress raised her head and took off her goggles before looking Fluttershy in the eyes. “Ah suppose it may seem odd, seein’ me turn around like that so quickly.” Upon seeing a firm nod, she continued, “It’s just… Ah learned about what mah fellow hunters did to yer parents.” Fluttershy’s eyes widened, quickly pulling back the comforting hoof. “Ah wished ya dead for what yer kind did to mah parents. Ya spared me and suffered for that, even though mah kind did the same to yer family.”
Fluttershy shook her head, her voice panicked. “If you’re trying to make up for what has happened, there’s no need for that. You don’t need to train me.”
“Yes, Ah do!” Applejack interrupted, now staring at the pureblood firmly. “Ya save lives and suffer for it. Yer too kind for yer own good, and Ah can’t stand when mah friend’s kindness bein’ exploited by those who wish ya harm.” She stomped, causing Fluttershy to flinch. “Ah can’t stand by when mah friend’s life’s in danger, and while mah duty is to protect the common folks from creatures like ya, as a friend, mah duty is to teach ya how to protect yerself.”
Fluttershy stared at her friend for a few seconds as her mind tried to comprehend the newly acquired information. She took a deep breath and asked, “Do you truly believe in what you’re saying?” She pressed forehoof against her chest. “You understand that by training a pureblood thestral, you’re going against everything you believed in? Sure, I will be able to defend for myself, but others will suffer for this.”
Applejack frowned. “Are ya kiddin’ me? You of all ponies will know when to stop fightin’! Ah trust ya, Fluttershy. Just trust in yerself.”
Fluttershy took a step back and said with a slight boost of confidence, “I’ll try.”
Applejack pointed at the open book supported against a tree. “Just yesterday Ah spent like five hours listenin’ to a lecture about how to fight and defend against thestrals and their skills. Five hours! And Ah don’t even need to go on about hours spent searchin’ through books. Don’t make me regret mah sacrifice, pleaseee...”
Fluttershy chuckled. The idea of the hardworking farm mare sitting through such a long lecture put a smile on her face. She tapped her chin thoughtfully, comparing her options. On the one hoof, combat training would risk hurting Applejack, which was the last thing she wanted to do. On the other, it would help her prepare for a confrontation against those who wish her harm, like the turned earth pony who sent plants against the two innocent fillies.
The silence lasted for a while as Fluttershy looked up at the sky, a wonderful view she often denied herself from watching. “Alright, I’ll do it.”
“Please, don’t make me beg… wait what?”
Fluttershy lowered her head and smiled. “I said, I will do it, as long as you won’t mind getting a few bruises that is.”
“Who me?” Applejack asked before raising her head proudly and puffing her chest. “This Apple shrugs off cuts and bruises like Winona shrugs off mud.” She could see the shape of her friend flying away, vanishing into the night. Not wasting a moment, she put on her goggles and saw Fluttershy transforming in front of her. “Alright, Sugarcube. Let’s try startin’ with somethin’ simple.”
“Like what?” asked Fluttershy, loud enough to be heard despite the distance.
“Air dive! From what Ah read, thestrals can use their magic to harden their thin wings, making them as hard as a shield or sharp like a sword,” Applejack said while Fluttershy examined her wings. “Try to dive against me with sharp wing and fly away. It’s called a hit and run tactic.” She murmured, “A bit cowardly in mah opinion, but what works, works.”
***
Applejack could see a hesitant nod before Fluttershy flew into air. Once the distance dropped to a few meters, both wings spread. She grit her teeth while focusing on the right wing, her eyes half-closed. Waiting until the last moment, Applejack jumped and straightened her right forehoof, which made contact with Fluttershy’s right wing, causing a spark as both attacks repelled each other.
The huntress turned her head to look at Fluttershy, who failed to fly up after their strikes collided and was now lying on the ground. Not wasting a moment, Applejack backflipped onto her friend’s back, who yelped in surprise. “Is that the best ya can do?”
“I’m sorry,” Fluttershy said as she looked up at her from rather uncomfortable position. “I know a bit of theory about a majority of spells and abilities our kind can use, but I never had the need to practice them, save for the healing spells.”
“Figures.” Applejack rolled her eyes before stepping off from her friend’s back and helping her stand. “But what ‘bout yer fight with Sharp Eye, or when ya slammed the Chimera against the ground? Ya weren’t helpless all the time.”
Fluttershy shook the dust from herself. “That’s because I mastered my instincts at a young age. I let them take over whenever I feel threatened and fight back for control to make sure I don’t hurt anypony. It helps me defend myself without any combat experience.”
Applejack nodded. “Ah see… seems flawed though.”
“It is,” Fluttershy said while rubbing her foreleg. “When I lose control, I fight without any strategy. To make matters worse, struggling to keep myself in check slows me down. However, it still helps me make up for my lack of training.”
Applejack shook her head. “Sorry Sugarcube, but it’s not good enough. As a huntress, Ah learned that a good plan’s better than a mindless brawl. Still, didn’t ya say ya learned a lot of theory?”
“I did,” Fluttershy said with a firm nod and a slight boost of confidence in her voice.
Applejack rubbed her chin. Fluttershy seems to be a smart pony. Maybe she can use it to her advantage. “Say Fluttershy, do ya know any useful ability that can help ya while divin’ towards the enemy? Somethin’ to hit from a distance and distract them?”
“I am not sure,” Fluttershy said before her ears straightened upward while a large smile grew across her lips. “Actually, I do.”
“And it’s?”
“Sonic waves. I used them to distract Sharp Eye.”
Applejack smiled proudly. “Now that’s what Ah’m talkin’ about. Try to combine both attacks and see how it goes.”
“I’ll try,” Fluttershy said before flying away, once again creating some distance between her and the huntress.
Applejack took a fighting stance and focused on her foe, who flew towards her once again. Suddenly, she felt her head aching from the overwhelming noise as if something tried to drill through her brain, forcing her to her knees. Applejack pressed her forelegs against her ears and grit her teeth, a desperate attempt that didn’t make much of a difference. She struggled to raise her head, only to spot the sharp edge of a thestral’s wing slicing the fur on her foreleg while causing a bleeding wound.
The moment she stopped hearing the unpleasant noise, Applejack examined the injury. As she expected, her earth pony magic and hardened bones resisted the strike, not allowing for the cut to go very deep. She looked back at Fluttershy, who galloped towards her with dust spreading behind her.
“Are you alright? Does it hurt?”
Applejack shook her forehoof. “This little paper cut? Please,” she said in a relaxed tone, now watching as her friend licked the bleeding wound, closing it in an instant. “Ya know ya can wait with healing mah injuries till we actually train a bit. Rushing to mah aid every minute’s a waste of time.”
Fluttershy nodded hesitantly, but Applejack could clearly see the worry in her eyes.
The huntress stood to her hind legs and placed forelegs on her sides while shaking her head. Ah shouldn’t have expected miracles from such a sheltered pony. Ah was like that too in mah youth, hesitant to hurt others. It should pass the more we fight and train.
“Is something wrong?”
Applejack opened her eyes. “N-nothin’. Nevertheless, let’s continue.”
A sea of tall buildings, green fields, trees and hills passed outside the window as minutes soon turned into a few hours.
Patience however was one of Shackles’ strongest points, especially if waiting would prove to be profitable. Today he felt especially relaxed as he admired the calm scenery with the small town slowly growing on the horizon.
Ever since the inspection, he found Applejack’s behaviour more and more suspicious as the farm mare apparently spent yesterday trying to learn as much as possible about thestrals. Normally, he wouldn’t find it suspicious if not for the fact that Apples were never keen on learning about such things, preferring to simply use brute force instead. He considered summoning Applejack for questioning, but decided to surprise her in Ponyville instead, wondering if she may have any connection with the young pureblood he spared years ago.
“The train will be arriving in Ponyville in five minutes!”
Unbreakable Shackles walked away from the window and looked at his companions: Four pegasi, each a Class B hunter who were taking the role of his personal escort.
“Is something wrong, sir?” asked a brown pegasus. Saddlebag on his side.
Shackles smiled, which filled each hunter with anxiety. “At ease,” he said, calming his crew with a hoof. “We may be on a business trip, but the possibility of danger is minimal.”
Each hunter nodded as they relaxed their firm posture.
“Good,” Shackles said before pointing out the window. “Your task is simple. Hide amongst the crowds, on roofs or in the clouds. Scout from the ground and air for any possible threat, but act casually.”
“Sir, yes sir!” the group responded with a salute while restraining themselves from shouting inside a train.
Shackles spread his wings, picking up his saddlebag with his left wing while grabbing a map with the right one before walking towards the exit. The bowtie on his neck being the only part of his uniform.
The moment he left the train station and entered the town, his escort spread out in random directions.
Fresh air, clear sky, smiling faces of ponies among colorful homes. Surely a nice change of pace from the crowded city or inside of Hunter Headquarters, Shackles thought as he walked through the town, occasionally glancing at the map. His companions no longer in his view. First stop, Sugarcube Corner. It seems I may actually enjoy myself.
A rain of streamers and confetti filled the spacious room the moment Shackles took the first step inside, his face unamused as he examined his surroundings. In front of him he could see a counter and a few cabinets displaying variety of sweets behind a glass. Several tables were positioned near the entrance and besides two doors, he noticed a staircase leading upstairs. The room itself was filled with childish decorations like hearts and sweets while from the outside, it seemed as if the building itself was made out of gingerbread and candy.
“Were you surprised, were you, were you?” asked an overenthusiastic earth pony who, just a moment ago, jumped out from behind a table and nearly pressed her muzzle against his.
Shackles kept staring back with a stoic expression before responding to the question with another question, “Does this look like the face of a surprised pony to you?” He wiped the confetti from his face before shaking it from his back.
“Nope! More like the face of an annoyed or irritated pony.” Before the pegasus could say a word, the pink mare continued, “I can do various faces too, check these!” Her eyes widened, forelegs curled under her neck and pout appeared on her face. “This is my puppydog stare, I learned it from some school fillies.”
She grit her teeth and half-closed her eyes before growling. “And this I learned from watching Winona chasing away a snake.”
The pegasus rolled his eyes at the display of different faces. This is the sister of Maud Pie? She resembles her the same way a cone of cotton candy resembles a rock.
“...And this one I learned from you,” Pinkie said, pointing at herself and him before performing the most firm and stern face expression she could muster.
Shackles sighed before approaching the counter while Pinkie appeared on the other side. “Am I right to assume that your name is Pinkie Pie?”
“Yes it is, though I’m more than certain I haven’t met you before since I know everypony in Ponyville, so how did you know?”
“From your sister, Maud Pie,” he responded calmly while examining the sweets displayed behind the glass counter.
Pinkie’s eyes widened before she grabbed Shackles and pressed her muzzle against his. “You know my sister?!”
He slid his hoof between their muzzles and slowly pushed the mare away, as if pushing a statue, before fixing his bowtie. “Not personally, but I do wish to learn more about her.”
“Are you trying to ask her on a date?”
Shackles took a step back. “N-no… of course not.” He regained his stoic composure and continued, “I am merely interested in making a good use of her strength and skills by offering her an attractive job. A generous offer that she has so far declined.”
Pinkie sat and shrugged while smiling warmly. “That’s Maud for you. You can’t get her away from rocks.”
Shackles raised his eyebrow and added, “I offered her a collection of meteorites as a bonus.”
Pinkie gasped. “What? How could she refuse that!?” Before Shackles could respond, he was grabbed again and a moment later, placed on a chair in a darkened room with a lamp blinding him slightly. “Knowing my sister, she would dig a tunnel through a mountain for weeks or even months just to get such a rare collection.” She poked his chest. “What kind of suspicious job could you possibly offer that she’d refuse?”
Shackles looked to the side, now deep in thought. This doesn’t look good. I didn’t account for Maud’s sister being this smart. I need to play it carefully. After exhaling, he took a quick breath and said, “The job is about… pest control.”
“Pest control?” Pinkie asked. “Is that really all? You just want her to deal with pests?”
“Very big pests,” he said before mentally facehoofing. Is this really the best excuse I can come up with on the spot? This is so humiliating. Suddenly, the sound of a door slamming open reached his ears. Oh great, that featherbrain is here. This just keeps getting better and better.
Both ponies looked at the door as the pegasus that barged in took on an aggressive stance and said, “Are you alright, si–”
Shackles shook his hoof in silencing gesture. “I’m fine… pal.”
“Pal?” Pinkie asked while looking between Shackles and the unexpected visitor.
“Just a worried friend. He came to check on me after you dragged me into this room against my will,” he explained while drops of sweat started to form on his head. Stupid, stupid. There’s no way she is going to buy th–
“Okie dokie,” Pinkie said, much to Shackles’ shock. She walked towards the door, bypassing the pegasus before gesturing for them both to follow through the hallway. “Sorry I got carried away. I tend to do that when it comes to my sister, but I can understand why you’d be interested in hiring her for beating up big bugs...”
Okay, I take it back. She’s not smart, she’s simply mad.
“...I mean, my sister was never afraid of rats, spiders, snakes and so on, and she could probably knock out a two meter size mutated spider with a single punch…”
Roll with it, he thought before leveling his pacing with Pinkie’s, his escort following silently. “Giant spiders are the least of our worries. There are so many hostile pests that your sister’s strength can be useful against. I was hoping that maybe you may know a way to convince her.”
“I’m afraid that’s impossible. If she refused the meteorite collection, the only thing in the world that could possibly change her mind would be me,” Pinkie said, hopping happily before returning to her spot behind the counter. She picked up a cupcake. “Hungry?”
The brown pegasus licked his lips.
“Not really,” Shackles said, pushing the offer away as his escort’s ears drooped, expression saddened. “Now, back to the matter at hoof. I would be rather grateful if you convinced your sister to change her mind. I would appreciate it.”
“Sorry, but no. I wouldn’t want to ask my sister to do something she wouldn’t enjoy.”
Shackles cleared his throat and picked up a large bag of bits from his saddlebag. “I believe you misunderstood. I would be generous and grateful if you convinced your sister to join our cause.”
“Wooow, that’s a lot of bits,” Pinkie said with excitement before shaking her head, “but I’ll pass.”
Shackles raised his eyebrow. “I can easily double that amount, and your sister will still get the collection she always wanted.”
Pinkie rubbed her chin. “You seem really desperate… dealing with big pests must be very dangerous… but if my sister said no, I won’t ask her.” She smiled warmly, her teeth shining. “Besides, I don’t need bits. All I ever dreamed of is right here.” She gestured over the large room. Her sweet sanctuary.
Shackles’ eyes widened as he stared at the crazy mare for at least ten seconds before he closed his jaw. “Are you serious?” He pointed at Pinkie. “Is there nothing you want? No need for bits, no desires? I don’t understand.”
“Bits aren’t everything. Making ponies happy, working in here, forming friendships. It’s all I need,” Pinkie said before pointing at his saddlebag. “By the way, what’s that green light?”
Shackles looked down and opened his saddlebag. He grinned. “Oh, this. It’s just a little magical gadget of mine that helps me find suitable workers. It let me know if there is an extraordinary pony nearby.”
“I think it’s acting up because of me!! My friends say I’m pretty extraordinary.”
“Well, it has been a pleasure, but I am running low on time. May I talk with your boss before I go?”
Pinkie’s ears drooped. “Awww… and what about your Welcome to Ponyville party? I got so sidetracked that I completely forgot to organize one for you.” She pointed at the hunter who kept staring at the sweets displayed behind the glass of the cabinets. Saliva dripping from his mouth. “And your friend?”
“That won’t be necessary. I am just visiting two ponies, one being an old friend of mine.”
“Okay, have fun,” Pinkie said as she pointed to the stair. “Want me to get my boss? She said she was reading a pamphlet about foal-care or something like that.”
Shackles walked with an annoyed face, his eyes half-closed and steps firm. His attention focused on the map.
“Sorry for interrupting… sir... but…”
“But what?” Shackles asked with a frown.
The pegasus rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “I… don’t want to be disrespectful, but I couldn’t help but to notice… that you weren’t yourself today.”
“Quite perceptive, aren’t we?” Shackles asked before shooting his subordinate an angered glare. “How about you use your perception in searching for potential threats.”
The pegasus looked around nervously before performing a quick salute and flying towards a nearby roof.
Shackles resumed his walk, now deep in thought. Stupid Pinkie. Humiliating me in front of my subordinate. The feeling of confusion, foolish words coming out of my mouth, I hate it! He kicked the dust from under his hooves before looking for a nearby object to unleash his frustration on. Resisting the urge to kick a flower pot from a nearby windowsill.
Unpredictable and over-energetic ponies always bring out the worst in me. I hate not being in control of the situation. He rolled the map and placed it inside his saddlebag before looking at his scepter with a green gem attached to it. A weak smile grew across his face. No matter. I may have failed to get cooperation of Maud’s sister with bits, and surprisingly even her boss didn’t seem interested in earning bits in exchange for convincing Pinkie to help me, but what I learned completely makes up for it. Information is power, this will no doubt become very useful in future.
As time passed, Shackles stopped in front of the entrance to the Sweet Apple Acres.
“Excuse me.”
With a turn of his head, his attention focused on a tall stallion, who stood still and saluted. “Class B hunter, Big Macintosh. I see you’re doing well.”
“Eeyup.”
Shackles approached to examine the stallion, his size and posture being a testament to earth pony strength. The Apples sure provide us with many strong and hard working members, but their fighting skills are a bit lacking. This one may rival Maud Pie in strength, but his size greatly costs him in agility. Not good enough material for a personal bodyguard. After inspecting his fellow hunter, he said, “I am here to talk with Applejack about vampony activity in the area, and offer my congratulations on her success. Is she home?”
“Eenope.”
“Do you know where she is?”
“Eeyup.”
Shackles levitated out the map towards the stallion as he sat next to him. “Can you point out her current location?”
“Eeyup,” the taller stallion said, pointing at a small cottage located on the map next to a tree filled location marked as the Everfree Forest. “She’s spendin’ time with her friend, Fluttershy. Should be back in about three hours.”
So my long term investment has made a friend, interesting. He smirked. I may as well use Applejack’s new friendship to my advantage. She would make a good spy, keeping an eye on that growing bag of bits.
Fluttershy galloped through a passage in the Everfree Forest, following her escaping friend. Unlike during yesterday’s training with Applejack, which was at night, this time the only protection she had from the sun were the trees and leaves blocking most of rays from reaching her.
It had been nearly an hour since their training started, and yet the earth pony had shown no signs of tiredness. Her heart-rate and breathing rhythm being a sign of good health and a high reserve of stamina.
Much to her surprise, Applejack stopped and raised both of her hind legs, now ready to attack. Out of reflex, Fluttershy jumped back, just in time to evade the powerful kick. Dust spread across her hooves before she came to a full stop.
“Not bad, but ya can’t win by dodgin’ alone!” Applejack shouted before turning around and jumping at her.
Fluttershy’s wings closed in front of her, forming a shield as it deflected the hooves of her foe. She flapped them firmly, causing a strong wind that pushed Applejack away.
The huntress pressed her forelegs into the ground to anchor herself against the wind. “What are ya waitin’ for? Now’s yer chance to attack.”
“Oh, right,” Fluttershy said before jumping at Applejack while swinging her foreleg, the punch missed though as Applejack ducked and countered with an uppercut.
Fluttershy massaged her chin before her eyes widened. Her wings raised protectively to deflect more of Applejack’s strikes. While she exceeded the huntress in terms of strength, without letting loose of her instincts, she failed to land many successful hits on the farm mare.
Punch after punch, kick after kick, both fighters exchanged blows while Fluttershy ended up mostly on the receiving side.
I must admit, physical combat against Applejack is my least favourite part of training… not that I like combat in the least, Fluttershy thought as her memory of the fight against the turned earth pony surfaced in her mind. Even when she let loose and smashed tree after tree just to get to the assassin, her hesitation gave the enemy an opening.
Think, Fluttershy. You faced a foe nearly the size of Big Mac who was excellent at hoof to hoof combat, who used dark magic to send plants after his enemies while staying at a safe distance. How can I…? Her train of thought was interrupted by Applejack who tackled her to the ground.
“Is everythin’ alright? Ya spaced on me in the middle of combat.”
Fluttershy let out a tired breath. “I was… thinking about something.”
The huntress helped her stand and pointed at the exit from the Everfree Forest. “Yer gettin’ a bit too distracted. Ah suppose a break’s in order.”
“That would be nice,” Fluttershy said as she started walking towards her cottage with Applejack by her side.
Both mares left the coverage of the trees as the cottage slowly came into view. “Ya did quite well… all things considered,” Applejack said.
“You… you really think so?” Fluttershy asked hesitantly.
“Ah sure do,” Applejack responded with a smile, matching up Fluttershy’s steps. “When Ah decided to help ya, Ah was expectin’ far more arguin’. Ah can be called stubborn and all, but yer pacifism exceeded even that.”
“Oh… well… maybe it’s because I have a reason for learning how to defend myself.”
“And what that would be?” Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me another assassin wants us dead.”
Fluttershy blushed and turned her head. “N-no… why ever you would think that?” Much to her surprise, she felt a hoof rubbing top of her head.
“Yer so bad at lying, Sugarcube. If ya don’t want to tell me, Ah’m fine with that. Just know that Ah’ll support ya,” Applejack said with an encouraging smile, causing Fluttershy to gasp. Applejack closed her mouth and fixed her mane. “Ya know all that vampony stuff and how to deal with them. Ah’ll trust ya on this.”
Fluttershy slowed down, looking directly into Applejack’s eyes while thinking of a proper response. “T-thank you.”
“Yer welcome,” Applejack said before rushing ahead to open the door into the cottage, only to flinch.
Fluttershy blinked in confusion. With growing curiosity, she approached the open door before looking from behind Applejack. No… Her eyes widened. No… Her legs trembled, bones turning into jelly. Not him!
“Welcome home, Miss Fluttershy. Or would you prefer Flutterbat?”
She opened her mouth, but no words escaped it as her throat suddenly became dry.
“What, no warm welcome? No words to say? You disappoint me.”
“Sir Shackles,” Applejack said in a panic, “what are ya doin’ here?”
“I should be asking you the same question. Now, would you mind explaining why you’re in the company of a thestral, and a pureblood at that?” the pegasus asked, looking between the huntress and the pureblood. “Furthermore. I don’t remember giving you permission to call me by name.”
This is bad, this is bad. I’m not in my disguise… in Applejack’s company. What do I do? Fluttershy bit her foreleg nervously as she looked at her panicked friend. I can’t attack Applejack or act as if she’s my prisoner, he’ll see through it with ease. Her ears perked up, picking up a sound from some nearby trees. A hidden escort. Fighting’s not an option either. Panic and anxiety grew as her teeth sunk deeper into her foreleg.
“Ah… Ah… Ah got nothin’,” Applejack said, looking to the side.
“We will talk about this later,” Shackles said before stomping firmly. “Now sit and wait.”
Fluttershy could see a weak hint of resistance in Applejack before the farm mare sat as ordered, though annoyance was clear on her face. She took a step back the moment Shackles approached, her heart beating at an increased rate.
“You sure kept me waiting, Flutterbat. I hope you don’t mind that I used your kitchen to make myself a cup of tea.”
Her mouth refused to open as she stared at her mortal enemy, shaking.
“Ever since I spared your life, I appointed a spy to keep track of your location. Send my regards to your friend’s family for taking care of you by the way,” he said, causing Fluttershy to gulp.
He knows… she thought, her fear for her friends increasing.
“You seem to have grown quite a bit. I still remember you as a young filly,” Shackles said, now stopping mere centimeters in front of her. Staring firmly into her eyes. “Ever since I took the life from your parents, I was wondering if you would actually recover from the trauma, or die as a nervous wreck. I must say that I was quite relieved after finding out you moved to Ponyville.”
Something inside Fluttershy snapped. She felt as if something was burning inside her, anger.
“Why so quiet? Is this how you thank me for sparing you?”
She looked to the side and closed her eyes. Calm down, Fluttershy… keep your anger in check.
“Are you still sore about your parents’ deaths? Are you angry at me? Do memories of how I sliced their heads off haunt you in your dreams?”
Fluttershy bit her lip, her forelegs trembling.
“If you’re angry, how about you pay me back? I’m right in front of you. You won’t get a better opportunity.”
Don’t let him provoke you, Fluttershy thought as she held her ground, her eyes watered.
“Stop ignoring me!”
Fluttershy felt a hoof slapping her in the face. She turned her head to look at Shackles with tears in her eyes. A punch in the stomach followed, pushing her a little back. After taking a deep breath, she regained her composure.
“Are you going to return the favour or not?!” Shackles asked, pointing at his exposed chest.
“Leave her alone!” Applejack shouted as she ran over, clearly angered.
Fluttershy looked between her parents’ killer and his subordinate in a panic, before blocking the path. “Applejack, stop!”
The farm mare pulled herself to a full stop. “What, why?”
Why… that’s a good question, Fluttershy thought as she wondered why she got in Applejack’s way, much less why she didn’t sink her teeth into Shackles’ neck. No, think rationally, think of the consequences. It’s not worth it. Too little to gain, too much to lose.
“Please, don’t do something you’ll regret.” Much to her surprise, she felt something pat her on the back.
“Very good. I should’ve expected nothing less from a filly raised by such a peaceful family,” Shackles said before patting her on the head. “Even after all this time, after all I did, you still follow your parents’ teachings. Still innocent, but now mature enough to know who is in charge here.”
She could feel Shackles’ hooves turning her around as his muzzle pressed against hers. “Now tell me, who is in charge here?”
“Y-you…”
“I can’t hear you.”
“You…”
“Good, you proved to be worth sparing,” he said, rubbing top of her head before pointing towards the Everfree Forest. “Now, be a good little vampony and go on a stroll through that forest while I and your friend have a small heart to heart conversation.”
Fluttershy nodded before giving Applejack a saddened glance. As she approached the forest, she grit her teeth. The anger boiling within her demanding to be unleashed, slowly reaching a critical point. Her steps becoming more firm with each second as they started sinking into the ground. A few following birds quickly hid behind the trees.
Applejack’s mind was a mess. Just a moment ago she was stopped from assaulting her officer, a mistake that would cost her dearly. Not that it changed all that much as she was seen betraying the organization. In the end, the outcome would be dire. She watched Fluttershy heading towards the forest in pity before flinching from Shackles’ stare. Drops of sweat and an awkward smile appeared on her face.
“Well… Ah can explain… actually, Ah can’t...” she said, tapping her hooves together.
“Don’t worry that pretty little head of yours. I already figured out what’s going on here.”
“Ya did?” Applejack asked in shock.
The pegasus nodded before placing a forehoof on Applejack's shoulder, his foreleg around her neck, an experience she found to be very creepy considering the circumstances. “For years you were friends with that mare, only to find out she was a young and naive pureblood vampony. Instead of fighting a losing battle, or reporting about your discovery, you decided to gain her trust by pretending to be her friend.”
Applejack’s eyes opened widely, her head threatening her with a headache as she tried to comprehend what she just heard. “Ya think… that Ah’m pretending to be her friend?”
Shackles retreated his forehoof and fixed his bowtie. “But of course. Torturing her would provide us with some useful information, however gaining her trust can will give us much more in the long run.” He smirked. “Surely you wouldn’t want to befriend such a monster for any reason other than to spy on her, am I right?”
Applejack looked to the side and frowned.
“Are you unhappy with my conclusion? Is this about your family’s policy to speak the truth and be honest with everypony?”
“Maybe,” Applejack said with crossed forelegs.
“Oh, so you would prefer if I told everypony in the guild how you befriended our greatest enemy, bringing shame upon yourself and your family?” Shackles asked before clearing his throat.
“Obtaining the truth is simple. All you need to do is make everyone believe it is the truth.” He grinned. “Surely befriending a naive enemy to gain precious information for the guild is the real reason behind your actions. Not because you felt companionship with a cause of an infection that threatens our kingdom? What would your family and fellow hunters think of you?”
Applejack stared back as her blood boiled. But no matter how much she wished, she couldn’t deny that a lie would save her and her family’s skins. “Ah’m spyin’ on Fluttershy. Yer right, sir.”
She could feel Shackle’s hoof patting her on the head, similar gesture to what he did to Fluttershy.
“Very good! Of course as a spy you’re now, I expect you will provide me with small bits of useful information from time to time. You wouldn’t want me to decide that spying on Fluttershy isn’t worth more than eliminating her.”
Applejack grit her teeth before taking a few calming breaths. “Will do.” Upon noticing that her boss turned around and was ready to leave, she asked, “May Ah ask ya a question… Sir?”
The officer stopped and turned around, now looking back curiously. “Granted.”
“Ya said ya spared Fluttershy before and yer sparing her now. Any other hunter would kill her without hesitation. May Ah ask why?”
Shackles rubbed his chest with a hoof before looking at the stars. “I suppose I can tell you, since you won’t be telling this to anypony, knowing full well the price you would pay for betraying me.”
Applejack gulped and nodded.
“The truth I told her was that I already filled my pocket after killing her parents. So I spared her as an early birthday present since it was the next day.”
“And the other truth?” Applejack asked, playing along by her boss rules.
“I did it for my son.”
Applejack blinked in confusion. “Yer son?”
Shackless approached the farm mare and spoke in a calmer tone, “I may be greedy and manipulative bastard, but I am not an idiot. I wouldn’t gain much by killing that young pureblood, but by sparing her, I leave an easy target for my son to hunt when I go into retirement.”
“Easy?”
Shackles poked Applejack’s forehead. “Is anything getting through that thick skull of yours?” He asked, receiving a frown in return. “Yes, easy. If you haven’t noticed, I am a murderer in Flutterbat’s eyes, and after all I did to provoke her, she still refuses to fight back. She’s an easy target, a perfect investment for my son’s future.”
He turned around before continuing, “Just think what will happen if after I go into retirement, my son kills a pureblood all by himself.”
Applejack took a step back as realization struck her. She pointed at Shackles and said, “He’d become a hero, just like ya did. Get boost in popularity, promotion and so on.”
Shackles chuckled. “I killed two purebloods, my son will kill one. My family will gain a legacy as pureblood slayers while my son’s future will become bright. Now, since I answered your question, I expect something in return.”
“And that is?” Applejack asked suspiciously.
“Keep Flutterbat safe. I would hate it if my son’s meal ticket were to die by somepony else’s hooves.”
Applejack sighed. This one request she would gladly accept. “Will do.” The moment Shackles… and his crew that she hadn’t noticed until now left, Applejack massaged her forehead. She always believed in honesty, and today she was forced to accept a lie to save her skin. She hated Shackles for the pain he put Fluttershy through, but ironically, his greed was the reason she was spared in the first place. The pony she talked with just now was an evil heartless greedy monster… who cared for the future of his family.
At times like this, she wished things would be black and white as they used to be.
After at least a minute to recover from her shocking experience, she walked into the Everfree Forest. “Sugarcube, where are ya?” she shouted, looking left and right in search for her friend. A few birds flew over and lead the way. As she walked further in, an odd sight caught her attention.
The road was covered by fallen trees, all pulled from their roots. Most were also filled with hoof-shaped holes, but some were sliced into large pieces, most likely by Fluttershy’s enhanced wings. After counting at least fifteen destroyed trees, a lying thestral caught her attention.
“Fluttershy!” she shouted, running over to the exhausted pony, quickly noticing sweat and heavy breathing. “What happened?”
Fluttershy raised her head and looked her in the eyes. “I… I needed to… unleash my anger.” She looked over the damage she caused and next at the small fragments of wood stuck in her mane. “Seems there was a lot of it…” She lowered her head and sighed. “Sorry for what you had to go through today.”
Applejack resisted the urge to hug her friend and instead sat next to her, wiping a few wood fragments from Fluttershy’s mane before stroking her. “It’s alright, Sugarcube. Ah’m surprised ya didn’t unleash it on that bastard of a pony.”
“That’s what he wanted. If I let him provoke me, both of us would be dead by now.” Fluttershy raised her head and looked at her with worry. “What about you, did he mark you as a traitor?”
Applejack shook her head before looking to the side. Her ears dropped. “Nope. The truth he came up with was that Ah’m spyin’ on ya, fakin’ our friendship. He expects me to give him information from time to time in return.”
Much to Applejack’s surprise, Fluttershy gave her a weak smile.
“I suppose it’s for the best.”
Applejack chuckled. “Ah suppose it is… by the way, Fluttershy, I asked him why he spared ya. Ya may not like the answer.”
Fluttershy grit her teeth and stood on her trembling legs before sitting, maintaining balance thanks to Applejack's support. “I’m listening.”
The farm mare spoke nervously, “Shackles keeps ya alive so… once he goes into retirement... his son can hunt ya down…”
“I see…” Fluttershy said before rubbing her chin. Staying surprisingly calm. “I suppose it’s good news for me.”
“Good news? What do ya mean?”
Fluttershy smiled. “It means that we’re both safe for a few decades. It gives me time to prepare.”
“Prepare!?” Applejack said, jumping to her hooves. “Are ya actually considerin’ trainin’ after all that happened?”
Fluttershy struggled to stand before nodding. “I feel more motivated to train my fighting skills than ever before.”
“What… but why?”
Fluttershy took a deep breath. “Because I realized something, something that Lord Fancy Pants tried to tell me.”
Applejack took a step back. “Fluttershy… Ah would appreciate if ya’d keep such information from me if possible.”
The thestral ignored her words and continued, “After I spared your life, he told me that I need to show resolve behind my decisions. What he tried to tell me was that being kind makes me weak and easy to exploit, either by ponies like Shackles or that other assassin that attacked Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to provoke me.”
“Wait, what!?” Applejack flinched, her ears straightened and eyes large like plates.
“I asked Rarity to keep an eye on them and Vinyl will probably help as well, but if I want to remain kind, I need to be ready to fight for what I believe in.” She stomped. “Applejack, I would like to request of you to train me and don’t go easy on me.” She pressed forehoof against her own chest. “I swear to try my best. And once I’m ready. We’ll... we’ll deal with those who wish us harm. Peacefully, and if that’s impossible, then by force.”
Applejack rubbed her eyes in disbelief before pointing at the pureblood. “What happened to ya Fluttershy? Ah expected ya to mope after what Shackles told you.”
The thestral shook her head. “Quite the opposite. He forced me to unleash what I’ve been bottling up inside me all this time. He made me realize that I need to become a new Fluttershy. A pony who faces life’s obstacles rather than hide from them.”
Applejack smiled and looked at the pureblood proudly. “Ah’ve gotta say, Ah didn’t expect it, but Ah like the new Fluttershy.” She stomped firmly, eyes half-closed and filled with determination. “What are we waitin’ for? Let’s get ya in shape, and then we’ll give that piece of trash that tried to hurt mah sister a beatin’.”
Fluttershy spread her wings and took a fighting stance.
It may be a shocking news to you, but your friend you knew as Flutterbat is still alive and that the funeral you participated in was a fake.
I’m attaching pictures of your friend who is currently residing in Ponyville under the alias of “Fluttershy.”
The elderly mare fixed her glasses before taking a closer look at the pictures of a yellow mare filled with youth and vigor. She dropped the letters as if it caught on fire, her mouth agape.
After taking a few deep breaths while holding forehoof on her chest. She knelt and picked up the letter from the cloud and took another look. Besides a different cutie mark, the features were nearly identical to a younger version of her dead friend. Aside from the yellow mare, there were many animals in the numerous pictures, from a small snow-white bunny, to a big brown bear.
The last picture caused a shake of her wing; a picture of a yellow pegasus exiting an open coffin. The dress identical to the one Flutterbat was wearing the very day of her own funeral.
Please, don’t let her young appearance deceive you. Your friend has been hiding a secret from you for a long time. I cannot stand how she is hiding the truth from her friends.
Suddenly moving to a new location, exchanging letters, faking a funeral. I was there.
I’ve found out the truth, and if you wish to discover it for yourself, please visit Ponyville and ask about a pony named Fluttershy.
I will understand if you will not believe me and ignore this letter. But in the end, you have nothing to lose from visiting Fluttershy in Ponyville, and you’ll find the truth about your friend.
Please, consider my suggestion. Sincerely, one of Fluttershy’s tricked “friends”.
Many questions arose in Sunflower’s head. After a moment of silent contemplation inside of her house, she decided to talk with Little Seed before making any decision. Her husband was Flutterbat’s friend as much as she was after all.
Applejack was breathing heavily while sweat was dripping onto the ground, her body was covered in minor bruises and at least a dozen of closed cuts. As of almost everyday recently, in front of her stood a determined Fluttershy as they both were locked in an intense training, hidden from the sun and prying eyes in the shadow of trees from the Everfree Forest.
She glanced at her silver blades she started using two weeks ago, similar to those she used again Fluttershy in the past. As much as she dreaded upon the idea of using silver against her friend, without them, she wouldn’t be much of a challenge.
Applejack raised her head and focused on her friend, on the new Fluttershy.
Once her opponent flew into the air with one strong flap of her wings, Applejack stood on her rear hooves and kept both blades raised protectively, not taking her sight away from the pureblood who flew behind a line of trees in attempt to ambush her.
The moment her target vanished, Applejack’s ears straightened, desperately trying to pick up on any sound, but all she heard was the sound of leaves flapping in the wind and the occasional bird tweeting. She turned in all directions while maintaining her defensive stance. Suddenly, she felt a foreleg grabbing her neck in a vice grip, two hind legs squeezing her belly, and two wings wrapping around her forelegs, thestral wings proving as flexible as the wings of a pegasus. Despite the new weight anchored against her, she kept her balance.
After a moment of struggling, Applejack swung her head against the muzzle of the attacker with little effect as only a moment later she felt two fangs sink into her neck. In desperation, she bit one of the wings between her teeth and freed one of her forelegs. With the help of her silver blade, she struck against the other wing, and next both legs that were wrapped around her belly.
The teeth escaped her neck and a lick followed a second before she swung her right blade, leaving only a small cut on Fluttershy’s chest who licked the blood from her fangs and took a fighting stance.
“Veil of darkness, huh?” Applejack asked as she pointed her blade at Fluttershy accusingly. Only one week of training being enough to show the importance of maintaining balance on her two legs, especially when using two blades for defense.
“Correct. It’s very draining and impractical in combat… unless used for a very short period of time for a quick ambush. The blood I drank from you recovered whatever magic I lost while using it,” Fluttershy explained, her lecturing hoof raised above the ground while a smile appeared on her face.
Applejack smiled proudly. “Ah must say, yer gettin’ really good at it.” Her words causing a blush to form on Fluttershy's cheeks. “Ya no longer hesitate to inflict injuries upon me, no matter how deep, and yet still find the time to heal them in the middle of combat.” She retreated both blades and placed forelegs on her sides. “Color me impressed.”
Fluttershy rubbed the dirt with her forehoof. “To be honest, I don’t wish to hurt you… While I heal each wound I inflict upon you, it still causes you pain…” She raised her head as her determined stare returned. “But I know how much is on the line, I can’t hesitate.” She smiled warmly. “Oh… and thank you so much for enduring our training sessions. I know it must be hard to do chores on your farm, only to practice with me after dinner.”
“Ah shucks,” Applejack said, waving her forehoof dismissively. “It ain’t that hard, Sugarcube. Besides, yer helpin’ me with farm chores whenever ya find the time. Apple Bloom is helpin’ too.”
“What about Big Macintosh?” Fluttershy asked.
“Mah big brother? That big softie has a heart of gold. When Ah explained to him Ah’m practicing how to defend against vamp… thestrals, he took some work off mah back.”
“Glad to hear,” Fluttershy said calmly before pointing at the path leading out of the forest. “You look tired. Care for a break and some tea?”
“No can do, Sugarcube,” Applejack said, wiping sweat from her forehead. Her breathing stabilized. “We’re not done yet. Ya showed me yer offensive. Now time to see yer defense.”
Fluttershy’s expression turned into a serious one as she spread her wings. Eyes half-closed.
Applejack smirked before galloping at her trainee. She jumped and activated the silver blade in her bracer, which she aimed at Flutteshy’s neck. The thestral jumped to the side to evade the blow while her sharp wing swung against Applejack’s hind leg. The huntress used her other blade to deflect the strike before landing on her foreleg. With a sharp turn, she raised her hind legs and delivered a double kick against Fluttershy, who countered it by imitating Applejack’s apple bucking technique. Both kicks collided as the farm mare ended up pushed further away than Fluttershy.
Not wasting a moment, Applejack turned around and galloped before standing on her hind legs as she swung her blades at Fluttershy, who evaded each hit, using her wings only as a last resort. Them hardened wings can deflect blows, but with enough strength, silver can damage them. Fluttershy’s getting the hang of it, Applejack thought before jumping. Her blade delivering a piercing strike.
Much to Applejack’s confusion, Fluttershy exposed her foreleg and allowed the strike to collide with it, before piercing her other foreleg against the second blade. Applejack stared at her friend in shock, unable to understand why she would do that until realization struck her. Both her weapons were stuck. Before she could retreat the blades from her friend's flesh, she felt two wings slice her forelegs before two hind legs struck her belly.
“Say uncle,” Fluttershy said as she exposed her fangs.
“Uncle, uncle,” Applejack cried out. As prideful and stubborn as she was, countless clashes with Fluttershy taught her when to quit, either from fear of losing too much blood, or just not wanting to cause her friend any more pain.
After carefully retreating the blades from her friend's forelegs, she could see Fluttershy grit her teeth, yet she refused to scream in pain.
“Fluttershy,” Applejack said, now having two pink-red pupils stare at her. “Ah understand yer tryin’ to act tough, but we’re friends. No need to hide yer pain from me.”
Fluttershy’s eyes flashed as blood returned into her wound and closed it, before she attended to the cuts on Applejack’s legs. After taking a tired breath, she said, “Please don’t worry about my physical pain, I’m used to it.” She lowered her head and closed her eyes, only now revealing her weakness.
Applejack sighed before sitting next to her friend and placing a forehoof on her shoulder. “Listen, Sugarcube. Ya said it many times that yer kind can adapt to pain, but ya never said ya didn’t feel any.” Much to her surprise, Fluttershy pressed her tired head into her chest. “It must… it must be tough to get hurt an’ heal yer wounds, only to get hurt over and over. If it gets to be too much to handle, don’t try to hide it and just tell me. Alright?”
“Alright, Mom…” Fluttershy said before flinching, her eyes opening sharply, “I mean… Applejack. Sorry!” She hid her blushing face behind her mane.
The farm mare blinked in confusion. “What was that?”
Fluttershy bit her lip before saying quietly, “Sorry… it’s just…” After taking a deep breath, she looked at Applejack sternly and spoke, “ My mom said something similar when she taught me how to heal my wounds, but I can’t think about it now.” She walked towards the forest’s exit, bypassing a confused Applejack. “We’re both tired. Let’s return to the cottage.”
Applejack nodded before following. Every group needs a leader, and if Fluttershy was in charge, she shouldn’t hesitate to follow her lead.
After walking towards the cottage by Fluttershy’s side for two minutes as the moon slowly rose in the darkening sky, she asked, “Is somethin’ on yer mind?”
“Yes,” Fluttershy responded, still looking ahead. “It’s been two months since the unannounced visit from Shackles, and yet no attack’s followed.”
“Well… Shackles became a big deal among the hunters. Maybe that bad guy ya told me about is afraid to hurt ya with him in the picture?”
“It is a possibility,” Fluttershy said hesitantly. “Regardless, I asked my other friends to pay me a visit today so we can discuss the situation. I feel we’ve been working a bit too separately from each other, but it will change today.”
Applejack chuckled. “Strength in numbers, heh. Ah can dig that.”
***
A few more minutes has passed as both Fluttershy and Applejack entered the cottage. Angel, wearing a little black cape and tiny bowtie, was already waiting for them while sitting on a large food-filled table with critters sitting on the floor in two lines. A red carpet with two golden stripes on the sides was lying across the floor between the door and the table.
Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Ah get the idea we’ll be havin’ a group meetin’, but isn’t this a bit… over the top?”
Fluttershy chuckled cheerfully before taking a seat on one of ten pillow before inviting Applejack to do the same. “To be honest, Angel found my change to being a new Fluttershy… satisfying… and now he’s putting efforts to make me more presentable as a pureblood.”
The bunny nodded before whistling. A falcon with a bowtie on his neck and a napkin in his talons flew over, carefully placing said napkin next to a glass filled with blood in front of Fluttershy.
Applejack’s ears straightened at the sound of strong steps coming from outside, quickly noticing a bear in similar uniform waving at her before closing the entrance door. She looked at Angel and said, “Animal servants and butlers. Ah take it yer following the - ‘if life gives ya apples, make an apple cider’ sayin’?”
Angel smirked before jumping from the table, only to pick up something and jump back on it. He carefully presented a badge with Fluttershy’s cutie mark to Applejack.
Upon closer examination, she noticed text saying: ‘Applejack, Fluttershy’s Personal Bodyguard.’ She rolled her eyes before throwing the badge into the corner.
“Angel, stop that,” Fluttershy called in ordering tone. “No fur and bone melting magic allowed.”
The bunny dispelled the dark aura around his paws and frowned.
After both mares took a sip from their cups as Applejack no longer felt disgusted by the fact that her friend was drinking blood, the noise of a bear’s roar filled the room. Both mares looked at the opening door, revealing a white unicorn wearing purple glasses. Next to said unicorn was a grey earth pony with a black mane wearing a pink bow tie.
“Sup, Flutters?” Vinyl said as she casually walked inside, trotting on the elegant carpet. “Wow, a red carpet. I’m really diggin’ the superstar welcome.”
“Calm yourself, Vinyl,” said the earth pony as she half-bowed. “May we enter?”
“Oh, of course. Make yourself at home,” Fluttershy said calmly with an inviting smile.
Octavia nodded before stepping in gracefully, head raised.
Vinyl looked at her roommate before glancing at the table, only to focus her attention on the farm mare. “Oh, hey AJ. Nice of you to join the dark side. I see you’re already enjoying some homemade cookies,” she said before grabbing a cookie and throwing it upward. She opened her mouth and caught it with her teeth.
Applejack rolled her eyes. “Nice to meet ya too. So yer the big-mouthed thestral who can’t keep her mouth shut.”
“That’s totally me alright, but you forgot to add ‘cool’,” Vinyl said before taking a seat next to Applejack. “By the way. Sorry about the whole... slicing you a bit back in the Everfree Forest. I tried to cut that mask of yours without hurting the muzzle. No hard feelings?”
“There’s nothin’ to apologize for,” Applejack said with shake of her head. “You were tryin’ to protect a friend. Ah can get behind that.” Not two seconds passed before Vinyl’s foreleg shot out and pulled her close to her chest.
“Come here, buddy,” Vinyl said as she pressed Applejack’s side against her shoulder, and next rubbed top of her head. “We’re going to be best buds in no time.”
“S-sure…” Applejack said hesitantly as she pushed herself out from Vinyl’s strong grip and chuckled awkwardly. If three months ago somepony told her she would be having a tea party with a young pureblood thestral in the company of animal servants, a bunny with dark powers and a musician thestral with a big mouth, not bothered by blood drinking while enjoying herself in a cheerful atmosphere, she would kick said pony all the way to a padded room in the nearest funny farm.
On the one hoof, she felt a bit uncomfortable, as if she was an apple among oranges, or being a sugar cube in a bitter dish. On another, she was slowly starting to enjoy the friendly atmosphere. As weird as it seemed, she felt no different than when having a family reunion while meeting some of her more crazy cousins.
“Please forgive Vinyl. She tends to be very open with her emotions and gets excited easily,” Octavia said before gracefully taking a sip of tea.
“Ya don’t say.”
“My name is Octavia Melody, it is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Applejack,” Octavia said as she raised her foreleg and smiled. “If even a huntress can make a friend with Fluttershy, then I believe there is hope for all races to live together in peace.”
“Ah'm startin' to believe so too,” Applejack responded as she shook Octavia’s hoof energetically.
Another roar echoed as opened door revealed a family: A pegasus stallion with grey fur and a bronze mane, tree bricks as his cutie mark. To Applejack’s confusion, he still wore a belt filled with repair tools attached to his waist, an odd thing considering he was going to participate in a meeting. Next to the stallion stood a midnight blue pegasus with a golden mane and a hammer crossed with a wrench for a cutie mark. In front of them stood a grey mare with a golden mane and bubbles for her cutie mark, goggles hanging from her neck.
“We came as quickly as possible. Is your home in need of emergency repairs?” the stallion asked, slightly worried.
Fluttershy shook her head. “Not at all, but the reason behind this meeting is indeed very dire.” She smiled warmly and gestured for the family to enter. “Thank you for coming. Please take a seat.”
Applejack’s stare focused on the grey pegasus, a clumsy mare that more than once crashed into her apple trees.
“Applejack, please meet Bright Eyes,” Fluttershy said as she pointed at the grown mare, who gracefully half-bowed, “Mr. Vision,” the stallion nodded, “and Miss Ditzy,” the younger pegasus smiled warmly, exposing her shining teeth as she flapped her wings energetically.
Applejack shook her forehoof. “Oh, we know each other. Ah hired them to rebuild mah family’s barn.”
Ditzy stood on her rear hooves before flapping her wings, which made her hover in mid air. “Destroying your old barn was so much fun. I can’t wait to do it again.”
Applejack rolled her eyes. “Yeah… fun… Ah’ll make sure to tell ya if Ah need it destroyed again.”
Ditzy placed forehooves on her cheeks and squealed with joy before landing on the floor.
“I bet your business is going great, Twisty,” Vinyl said.
“It’s going well,” the stallion responded before taking a seat, his wife and daughter sitting on his sides, opposite to Vinyl and Applejack. “It turns out that ponies in Ponyville are quite destructive, not to mention occasional attacks from creatures from the Everfree Forest. Our repairing and building skills turned out to be very valuable for this little community.”
Vision’s wife spoke, “Personally, I find this place to be much more charming than Cloudsdale, and working here is quite satisfying.” She rubbed her daughter’s head. “As for Ditzy, while she has problems at her part-time job in the postal service, the ponies here are impressively forgiving. And it’s a good distraction until somepony require her demolishing services.”
“I love Ponyville,” Ditzy said before nuzzling her mother.
Applejack looked at the mother embracing her daughter before raising a hoof. “Ummm… so which one of ya is the thestral?”
Octavia chuckled. “A huntress using the word thestral instead of vampony. You are making great progress, Miss Applejack.”
Vinyl stood to her hind legs and said repeatedly, “I am, I am.”
“We know!” everypony said in unison.
Octavia cleared her throat and said, “As for me, I am just a donor and Vinyl’s caretaker.”
Twisty Vision pressed forehoof against his chest and said, “I am a donor too. Word ‘donor’ is what thestrals call ponies who know about their existence and are friends with them.” He looked at Bright Eyes and nuzzled her. “Though sometimes, we’re more than that.”
The mare blushed before pushing away the muzzle of her husband. “Not in front of everypony, dear.” She looked back at Applejack and continued, “I’m a thestral married to a pegasus, and we’re happy together.”
Ditzy supported her forehooves against the table. “And I am a half-thestral. My Mom says that being a mixed breed is the reason behind my sight issues, but it also makes me very tough.” She looked at Fluttershy apologetically as her ears drooped. “Also, I’m really sorry, Miss Fluttershy.”
“Sorry, whatever for?”
“For not finding out that Applejack was a huntress. When I met her on a few occasions, she seemed to be a very nice pony with a strong connection to the family, aside from a dangerously high amount of pride and stubbornness,” Applejack frowned and crossed her forelegs. Ditzy continued, “I believed that a honorable hard working pony with a desire to help those around her would never try to hurt you.” She paused. “Well… maybe she would hurt you if you tried to eat an apple from her orchard without paying first, insulted her family, or tried to cheat during a trading transaction.”
“Hey!” Applejack protested with a slam of her hoof, breaking off a small part of the table. “Ah’m not that shallow.”
Bright Eyes’ eyes flashed as the broken part merged with the table, returning it to it's former glory.
Ditzy rubbed back of her neck nervously. “Actually, you are a little bit. While your good traits outnumber the bad ones, when it comes to business, you sometimes let greed get the best of you. Your pride and stubbornness are also the causes of many of your mistakes.” She shrugged. “Oh well, the charming part about life’s that no pony is perfect. Perfection is something we can chase by improving ourselves and learning from our mistakes. It can be chased, but never be reached.”
Vinyl fixed her glasses and said, “Wow… that’s deep, buddy. Like… middle of the sea deep.”
Ditzy blushed while Bright Eyes spoke, “Please, forgive our daughter. Her special talent is reading other's character and she just can’t stop talking about what she learned when she’s excited.”
Vinyl raised her forehoof and pointed at herself. “Do me, do me!”
The grey half-pegasus nodded. “Well… I didn’t have many opportunities to learn much about you, but from what I gathered, you’re a very carefree and energetic pony. You let your emotions get the best of you and speak without a second thought, kind of like Pinkie Pie.”
Octavia looked at Ditzy with bored expression. “Oh please, it is hardly difficult to figure this out. Tell us something we do not learn after spending one hour in her presence.”
“Alright.” Ditzy nodded before clearing her throat. She spoke with a firm tone, “She’s sheltering herself from the evil of this world with her carefree attitude, facing even the most cruel situations with a smile, but she hides a big secret.”
Vinyl stood from her pillow and took a step back.
“While she’s never taking anything seriously, I would pity anypony that would make her take something seriously, because if she does,” Ditzy paused, pointing at the white thestral accusingly, “nothing will be able to stop her from achieving her goal.”
Vinyl looked to the side, away from everypony’s eyes. “Can… we change the topic… please?”
Octavia blinked in confusion. “Is this true?”
“Sorry Octy… I don’t want to talk about it.”
The suddenly grim atmosphere was interrupted by another roar as all the ponies looked at the entrance, now seeing a blue pegasus and another white unicorn.
Rainbow Dash flew in first and wiped some sweat from her forehead, her breathing heavy. “Sorry for the hold up… I had… a long trip to check on my parents.” Rarity stood at the entrance with raised foreleg, stunned.
“Are they alright?” Fluttershy asked, concern clear in her voice.
“They sure are. It seems that after the princess ordered the relocation of Cloudsdale closer to her castle, the fights calmed down for at least for two years.”
“About that,” Applejack said, getting everypony’s attention, “Ah’m curious, do thestrals really fear the princess so much they’d stop their brawl?”
Fluttershy’s ears drooped as she answered hesitantly, “From what my parents told me, one thousand years ago, Princess Celestia started hunting down all purebloods over the age of five hundred, killing them one by one to ensure that our kind wouldn’t be a threat.” She sighed. “Though sometimes I wonder… If she wanted to, she could slaughter our entire kind… instead, she eliminated only those who could pose a threat, but spared others. Our kind has been living in hiding from the public sight ever since.”
Octavia added, “I also found it odd. Princess Celestia hid thestrals’ existence from the public and didn’t interfere whenever a pureblood turned a pony into a thestral. From what other thestrals told me, she acted only when the situation escalated.”
Fluttershy took over, “I like to believe that the princess thinks of my kind as her subjects… and that she’s trying to find a compromise between letting us live while ensuring that we won’t go too far.”
Rainbow Dash landed on a pillow between Fluttershy and Vinyl and spoke, “Back to the topic at hoof, my parents said that they didn’t notice anything odd. It seems that Shackles and that mysterious assassin aren’t tracking them, or at least I hope so.”
Applejack looked away from Rainbow Dash and focused her attention on Rarity, who still stood immobile at the entrance. “Hey Rares, are ya comin’ in or not?”
The fashionista slowly stepped in and stared back at Applejack nervously, a large purple hat and pink dress now in the line of sight.
“Ah take it yer a donor. When did ya learn that Fluttershy is a pureblood?”
Rarity chuckled nervously, “Well… about that...”
Vinyl interrupted, “She isn’t a donor, but the thestral that picked up your crossbow and shot your leg. You know, back in the Everfree Forest where you fought Fluttershy.”
Rarity facehooved. “Thanks a lot, Vinyl.”
“No biggy.”
Applejack stared at Rarity, who rubbed her foreleg nervously. “When and why?”
“Excuse me?”
“When did Fluttershy turn ya and why did she do it?”
Rarity kept silent, occasionally opening her mouth to speak, but closing it a moment later. Noticing it, Rainbow Dash spoke, “You remember that spa incident when that assassin tried to hurt Fluttershy? Well, Rarity ended up in the crossfire. The only way to save her life was to turn her into a thestral.”
“Ah see,” Applejack said, crossing her forelegs. After a few more seconds of staring at the nervous fashionista, she spoke calmly, “Listen, Sugarcube. At this point, Ah couldn’t care less if yer a thestral or a werepony and Ah don’t care that ya shot me since ya were protecting yer friend.”
Rarity relaxed her tensed muscles and approached the table, sitting between Fluttershy and Twisty Vision.
Applejack continued, “We’re all in this ship together, and if we don't work together, evil thestrals and greedy hunters will sink it. So how about it?” She straightened her forehoof to Rarity, “Friends?”
Rarity’s mouth was agape as she slowly shook Applejack’s forehoof. “S-sure… friends.”
“That’s the spirit!” Pinkie shouted as she trotted inside from the kitchen and took a seat.
Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Pinkie!? Yer in this too?”
“I sure am, cake?”
Applejack nodded as a plate with slice of a cake landed in front of her.
Octavia spoke, “She knows thanks to Vinyl’s big mouth.”
“You can thank me anytime you want,” Vinyl said cheerfully. “By the way, Pinkie, remember to not let Fluttershy drink your blood after she drink Dashie’s.”
“Okie dokie lokie,” Pinkie said before pointing at Applejack. “And what would happen if she drank mine and Applejack’s?”
Vinyl shrugged, “Beats me.”
“Um… excuse me,” Fluttershy said, clearly ignored. “Since we’re all here… can we start this meeting?”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes before whispering, “Come on, Flutters. Put more volume into it.”
Fluttershy nodded before taking a deep breath and speaking firmly, “Excuse me!” With the crowd silenced, she continued, “Since everyone is here, may I suggest we start this important meeting?”
Dash patted her on the back. “Now that’s what I am talking about.”
***
Fluttershy looked at the silent group, fighting against her stage fright as she looked in each pony’s eyes. On her right she could see Rainbow Dash sitting besides her. Next to Dash was Vinyl, Applejack and Pinkie Pie. On her left sat Rarity, Ditzy’s family and Octavia. Ten pillows, ten ponies. Angel sat on the table in front of her and gave an encouraging smile.
“One of the main reasons why I gathered you all today is to inform you that from this day forward, I’m starting my own clan.”
Murmurs filled the room as she received encouraging nods from Ditzy’s family. Vinyl, Rainbow Dash and Octavia clapped their hooves while Applejack and Rarity looked at each other with doubts.
With her attention on Bright Eyes, Fluttershy asked, “Is there any news from former members of my family’s clan… that survived?”
Bright Eyes nodded. “I made a few visits to Cloudsdale since your meeting with Fancy Pants. The news of your survival was spreading quickly and your image suffered since you spared a hunter’s family.” She took a quick breath. “While those who served under Mistress Clean Mouth and Master Sample Taker were more understanding, I can’t guarantee that all of them will be willing to move to Ponyville and join you.”
Fluttershy nodded before asking, “I understand, which raises a question, would you be willing to join my clan, Bright Eyes? You and your family have already done so much for me, so I would understand if you chose to refuse.”
The mare rubbed her chin before smiling. “Of course I do. You’ve changed a lot ever since you moved to Ponyville, Mistress Fluttershy, and I will always follow policy where our kind lives with other races in peace.”
Ditzy hopped energetically. “And if you want me to demolish something that belongs to bad ponies and mean thestrals, I’m the mare for the job.” Her ears drooped. “I may spy on other ponies as well… but to be honest… I don’t really like it.”
Twisty Vision said, “I may not be a thestral, but I’ll always follow my family, count me in.”
Fluttershy looked at Rarity.
“Of course I will join your clan, darling.”
Rainbow Dash hovered in mid air. “You don’t even need to ask me. We’re a team to the very end.”
Applejack sighed. “Ah’ll join… not really a big fan of it, but we’re in this crazy boat together… just don’t turn me into a thestral without mah permission.”
Fluttershy smiled warmly. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She tapped her hooves together. “Still… what if you were dying and unconscious and this would be the only cure?”
The huntress rubbed her chin thoughtfully before giving Rarity a curious glance, who nodded encouragingly and said, “It is not as bad as it sound. I had my doubts at first, but between death and a different way of living, I would choose the latter.”
“Fine… Ah suppose ya can turn me under those circumstances.”
Vinyl and Pinkie jumped onto the table and said aloud, “Count us in!”
Octavia raised her eyebrow. “And what about Lord Fancy Pants?”
Vinyl shrugged before returning to her seat. “He kicked me out, so his loss.”
Octavia chuckled while holding a hoof close to her mouth. “I wonder how long it will take before Mistress Fluttershy will kick you out.” She looked at the pureblood and nodded. “Anyway, I cannot leave Vinyl alone, so I suppose joining is the proper course of action.”
Fluttershy felt a warmness in her heart. While her parents respectfully turned only a limited number of ponies, and only those who were willing to join while erasing memories of those who refused. Even they would never manage to gather a group as unique as she did.
With her attention on Bright Eyes, she asked, “Would you like to accept the recruiting task and see if former members from my family’s clan would like to move to Ponyville and join?”
The mare saluted. “Consider it done.”
She looked at Rainbow Dash, Vinyl and Rarity. “Any news on the turned earth pony assassin?” They all shook their heads.
Applejack asked, “Does anypony have any idea why he stopped targeting us? Ah mean, the only thing he did was cause an earthquake at the spa and attack on Apple Bloom to provoke a fight.”
Rarity spoke, “Do not forget about Sweetie Belle, but yes, if he wanted Fluttershy dead, he would not limit himself to just those two attacks. What are his goals?”
Rainbow Dash spoke up, “Well, I sat on his tail for a bit, so it may be the case, but if he was powerful enough to send living trees into fight, why he didn’t fight me?”
“I am not sure, but I have a theory,” Fluttershy spoke, now the center of attention. “When I talked with him for a short moment, he called himself a mere pawn, that his master ordered him to test if I deserve to live and stay on the chessboard.”
“Meaning?” Rarity asked.
“Maybe he stopped his attacks because I started training. Maybe he’s giving me time to prepare before some sort of test or challenge.”
“Agreed,” Vinyl said with crossed forelegs. “This sounds like the evil pony’s testing the hero for some kind of job. It fits since purebloods like playing games of chess, often making alliances or manipulating others.”
Pinkie hopped around the table in excitement. “Oh, so we’re slowly reaching the part where the evil pony is going to reveal his evil plans. Oh, I can’t wait!”
Fluttershy rubbed her chin thoughtfully while waiting for Pinkie to return to her seat. “I hope you’re right, Pinkie, because at this point all we can do is to prepare ourselves for his next move.” She looked at Applejack and asked, “What about Shackles? Was he satisfied with the information about the reason behind the fights in Cloudsdale?”
The farm mare nodded. “He sure was. He’s like a business pony. As long as we give him profitable information from time to time, he won’t bother us. As of right now, he’s looking to see if any of the young purebloods fightin’ for the territory are easy prey.”
Fluttershy stomped firmly as her ears straightened upwards, picking up a sound from outside the cottage. “Then it’s decided. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Vinyl Scratch, I wish for you three to train with me for the coming confrontation. We need to be in good shape as we wait for the assassin’s next move.”
Ditzy asked, “Can I join in?”
“Only if your parents agree,” Fluttershy responded.
Bright Eyes smirked. “But of course. My daughter may not be a fighter, but her destructive talents may be very helpful.”
“I can be helpful, yaaay!”
“What about me?” Pinkie asked.
Fluttershy pointed at the energetic pony. “Would you keep an eye on Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and occasionally check on the Apple family when Applejack is away from the farm to make sure they aren’t being targeted? Your… unique abilities seem perfect for the job.” She looked to the side. “Also… providing us with a bit of your energetic blood would be appreciated.”
“So, like spying on the spy? I’m on it,” Pinkie said with a salute.
“Does everypony agree with my decisions?” Fluttershy asked, quickly noticing several nods. “Any objections?” Everypony shook their heads. “Since we’re now much more organized, there’s one more thing to take care of.”
In the shadow of the night from on top of a tree, a hooded figure was observing the cottage while keeping his distance. The stars and moon were covering the sky while a weak wind flapped the leaves.
Report.
Yes mah lord. It seems that mah target’s gettin’ more organized. She’s invited all her companions for a meetin’.
Interesting. Can you find out the reason behind their meeting?
Mah deepest apologies, but she’s bein’ too vigilant. Ah can’t come close without bein’ detected.
A minute long silence lasted in the assassin's mind as he awaited a response from his master. First your attack on two fillies forced her to defend them, only a day later she was visited by the very pony who killed her parents, but instead of breaking apart, she took her life into her hooves. This is something I expect from every pureblood.
Master?
Combat training, gathering allies. I believe that Miss Fluttershy is ready to learn about her role on the chessboard. The turned earth pony felt a sudden urge to look up, his eyes forcefully focusing on the moon at his master’s command, or rather on the shape displayed on it. The return of the two-faced princess is drawing near, as foretold in the prophecy. Her arrival will change the world. Will she decide to lead us on the road of peace, or will it be a path of conquest? Whichever the road she will take, every pureblood will need to be ready to support her.
So mah job was to prepare mah target to assist the princess on the road of peace? Or kill her if she wasn’t worthy of that honor?
Correct. Now, is her final test ready?
Ah sent the letter to her friends, but they haven’t arrived yet, the assassin thought. Should Ah inform Miss Fluttershy about her role?
Yes, but don’t make it easy for her. The voice in his head paused as a bubble of dark aura formed in front of him, only to reveal a rolled scroll. Deliver this letter and prepare to face her. She has grown stronger, so I will lend you a little bit of my blood to even the odds.
The assassin grabbed the scroll and placed it into his saddlebag before jumping from the tree, landing with a loud thump while his legs didn’t bend. And what ‘bout mah original target? Ah’ve been delayed with killin’ the Apple family to spy on Fluttershy.
Forget about them, they are now part of Fluttershy’s strength. Preparing a pureblood for the world changing event is far more important than killing some low lifes.
As ya command, mah lord.
The mental discussion between servant and master was interrupted by a loud noise coming from the cottage as a grey pegasus with a golden mane flew through the roof, which crumbled as the result.
“My bad.”
The assassin blinked in confusion before retreating deeper into the forest, only to feel his flank bumping into something.
“Hi there.”
Out of reflex, he jumped, making a turn in mid air before his eyes focused on a pink mare’s head emerging from behind a tree. “How’d ya bypass my senses? How’d ya know about my hidin’ spot?”
“Oh, that’s really simple,” Pinkie said before supporting herself against a tree. “Fluttershy sensed your presence, and since she appointed me to keep an eye on those you may spy on, the moment she told us where you were, I decided to do my job by spying on you.”
“Job?”
“Yes. As a member of Fluttershy’s clan, it’s my job to make sure you don’t do anything mean,” Pinkie said before puffing her chest. “As for how I passed your senses, I have my ways.” She pointed at the cottage. “It seems that Derpy… Ditzy decided to look for you as well,” she giggled, “though deciding to fly through the roof probably wasn’t the best idea.”
“Ah see,” the stallion said before taking out a scroll from his saddlebag and throwing it to Pinkie’s hooves. “Please, deliver this to yer master, and my deepest gratitude for telling me she’s formed a clan.”
Pinkie placed her forehooves on her mouth, suddenly realizing she’d said something she shouldn’t have.
The eyes of the stallion flashed in red as puddle of dark magic merged with the earth as he slowly sunk into it. “And tell yer new master she should ensure discipline among her pawns.” A moment later the puddle shrank in size, leaving only a hood.
“What does it say, what does it say?” Pinkie asked as she hopped in place. Everypony except Twisty Vision and Bright Eyes, who were busy fixing the damage caused by their daughter, sat in front of the Fluttershy as she read the scroll inside of the cottage.
Fluttershy placed the scroll on the table and said, “It’s a challenge.”
“Challenge?” Applejack asked as she stepped ahead of the group.
Fluttershy nodded. “He appointed a location and time for our confrontation.”
Rarity asked, “Does it say if you should come alone?”
“Well…” Fluttershy started. “It says that I can bring my followers with me, however, unless I confront him in combat alone, I will never learn the truth behind his attacks.”
“So what he is trying to say is that…” Rarity asked, “if we ambush and overpower him with numbers, he will either run away or fight to the death?”
“That’s a possibility,” Fluttershy said. “At least by facing him on my own, there’s a chance I can resolve this conflict with words.”
Applejack stomped firmly, causing a crack in the clean floor and Angel to frown at the damage she caused. “Ya plan on facin’ him alone? Ya can smell that it’s a trap from over a mile away.”
Fluttershy hissed, exposing her fangs and spreading her wings, making Octavia and Rarity take a step back. “I’m no longer going to play by the rules of others.”
Vinyl stood on her hear hooves and placed forehooves on her sides. “Cool, so what’s the plan?”
The pureblood sat and took a calming breath before closing her wings. “I will face him alone while trying to negotiate and learn the reason behind his attacks, but I won’t be alone.” She pointed at her friends while speaking their names. “Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Vinyl, Ditzy, would you accompany me as my escort?”
They nodded.
She pointed at Vinyl. “I need you to look around the meeting area in search of traps or a possible ambush.”
“You want me to do the recon? But that’s the most boring part...”
Octavia said firmly, “Vinyl Scratch, your task is very important and you were given an order. Watch your manners when speaking with Mistress Fluttershy.”
“Yes, Mooom.”
“It’s alright,” Fluttershy interrupted, hiding a blush behind her wing. “I may be in charge here, but I would prefer if we were all acting like friends… not like subordinates and a master.”
“I like this idea,” Pinkie said, her head emerging from behind Octavia.
After reasserting herself, Fluttershy spoke, “When I faced that assassin for the first time, I found out that he’s a turned earth pony, far less experienced and powerful than Sharp Eye, but unlike him, he’s more careful and not as overconfident.” She pointed at her escort. “I should be able to defeat him on my own, but in case it’s a trap, or if he has backup, I’m counting on your support.”
Ditzy flapped her wings excitedly. “Finally, I can put my clumsiness to good use.”
Rarity raised her head gracefully. “As much as I would like to give him a piece of my mind for what he did to me and how he tried to hurt Sweetie Belle, I suppose I can let you have the honors.”
Rainbow Dash hovered in mid air and made a few jabs. “Fine, but if something goes wrong, I’ll rush in and save the day, got it?”
Applejack crossed her forelegs. “Ah don’t like it, but Ah will stay in reserve.” She grinned. “Just promise me to give him a few punches with mah name on it.”
“I promise,” Fluttershy said. “I suppose now is a good time to take a rest. Let’s meet here tomorrow before heading towards the marked spot.”
Applejack raised her forehoof. “May Ah give a suggestion?”
“Please do.”
“Ah have lots of weapons made of silver. We can use those as an ace in the hole,” Applejack explained.
Fluttershy flapped her wings and smiled. “That sounds like a great idea. Besides, if my foe has similar weapons while facing me, it’s better to be prepared.”
“Great. Meet me in mah house tomorrow night. Ah’ll make sure mah family’s busy.”
Everypony nodded, their faces filled with determination before they left the cottage, one pony at a time. As the crowd vanished, one pony was left to meet the cottage owner with pleading eyes.
“Pinkie, is something wrong?”
“Why I can’t participate? Is this because I told that mean pony that you made a clan, is that it?”
Fluttershy sighed before placing her wing on the party mare. “Pinkie. You’re the best at bringing smiles and making other ponies happy, but not at hurting. Please, just stay away from this one.”
Pinkie Pie rubbed the floor, her ears drooped and her voice filled with disappointment. “Alright...”
Now left alone with her animal servants and Angel, she gave the bunny a firm stare. “Sorry Angel, but I need you to stay here and hold the fort. I don’t want my animals to be used as hostages if I can help it.”
Angel whistled and commanded the critters to return to their homes before saluting.
Fluttershy lowered her tired head and walked upstairs before sinking into the comfort of her bed, not bothering to enter her secret chamber so she could sleep in her coffin. A difficult day was awaiting her tomorrow.
Fluttershy walked nervously as she followed Applejack into her home. It wasn’t the first time she was invited inside as she often foalsat Apple Bloom, but this time she was about to see inside a secret room filled with weapons designed for her destruction. Not that thestrals didn’t use silver weapons against each other, but they always found it shameful, preferring to face each other with skills and power to maintain their honor.
As they entered the basement area, barrels meant for apple cider caught their attention. Almost all most likely empty, though it didn’t stop Rainbow Dash from licking her lips.
“Is this what I think it is?” the pegasus asked.
“It sure is! After we beat that evil thestral, Ah’ll see if Ah can find some leftover cider for us to celebrate,” Applejack responded.
Fluttershy sensed the increasing heartbeat of her friend while noticing the rapidly flapping wings and saliva dripping from her mouth. “Calm down before you cause too much noise,” she said, pulling her friend by the tail.
Rainbow Dash grit her teeth and closed her wings, barely containing her excitement.
Fluttershy looked away from her friend, once again focusing on Applejack who pushed one of the barrels to the side, which in turn opened a secret shaft that lead downwards. “Ah’ll get a lamp with fireflies, feel free to look around.”
Following her friend’s suggestion, Fluttershy descended into the darkness with the help of her wings. The rest used a ladder to follow her, easily noticing the sets of hunting gear in the spacious room. On her left were a few crossbows attached to the wall with boxes filled with bolts under it, something that caught Rarity’s eye as she stepped from the ladder and approached, examining each bolt’s quality.
On the right were claws, knives and blades attached to metal bracers, Rainbow Dash being the first to fly over with Vinyl joining a moment later.
Behind Fluttershy by the wall were several types of gems filled with all kinds of magic, as well as a wide range of bombs; from explosive to smoke. Fluttershy bit her lip upon seeing Ditzy’s attempt to grab one, but released a sigh of relief when Rarity’s magic pulled the clumsy mare away. The fashionista gave Ditzy a disapproving stare before taking a closer look at the gems.
Fluttershy bent her legs and curled as she walked backward, the very look of the objects that could cause lethal wounds filling her with anxiety. She flinched the moment her flank bumped into a combat outfit. After picking it with her wings and examining it, she quickly recognized the camouflaged outfits from her confrontation with Applejack. The flameproof boots from it were lying nearby while the pair of goggles were hanging from a wall mounted peg.
The outfit was suddenly pulled from Fluttershy’s wings and examined by Rarity, her attention focused on several poorly done patches and stitches visible on the surface. “This is dreadful, just dreadful.” Her pupils kept flashing red in the darkness as she half-closed her eyes and stomped. “There should be a law separating the Apple family from needles and threads.”
“Ya try findin' a pony to sew yer stuff while yer keepin’ up appearances,” Applejack said as she stepped from the ladder, a lamp with fireflies held by her tail lighting the room. “Ah couldn’t just come to ya and ask ya to sew these without bein’ suspicious.”
Rarity raised her head arrogantly. “I do not want to hear it. What is important is that from now, I will be fixing all your combat outfits, hats and costumes.” She gave Applejack a challenging stare.
Both mares kept staring at each other before Applejack sighed. “Fine. Ah didn’t like sewin’ anyway.”
With a source of light, Rainbow Dash picked up two metal bracers equipped with silver claws and attached them to her hooves. “Your stuff’s really neat, AJ. I’m glad they aren’t aimed at Fluttershy.”
Rarity approached and levitated over a crossbow. “I believe this weapon would be more suitable, giving you the ability to attack while staying at a safe distance.”
The pegasus pushed away the levitated weapon and shook her head. “Thanks, but no thanks. I prefer the direct approach.” She raised her head proudly. “I’m all speed. A crossbow would slow me down.”
The fashionista nodded. “Suit yourself, Rainbow Dash. I will use the crossbow.” She levitated over three magical gems. “And those as well. I always knew that gems could possess or store magic, but to see a gem with a rune holding an offensive magical spell is a rare treat.” She looked at Applejack and asked, “May I use those, darling?”
“Sure. Pick whatever strikes yer fancy.”
Rarity looked around as her eyes examined the area in search for something. After failing to find what she’s hoped for, she looked at Applejack and asked, “Do you have either a rapier or an épée with a silver edge by any chance?” Upon seeing a shake of farm mare’s head, she looked back at the range weapon. “I always thought a fencing sword to be the most elegant weapon, but I suppose the crossbow will have to do.”
Vinyl levitated over five throwing knives, which seemed to be made of magically enhanced steel, edges being the only part coated in silver. “You sure have a huge variety of cool stuff, and here I thought you were an inexperienced low ranking softie, considering how easy it was to beat you.”
Applejack sighed as her ears drooped. “Those were… mah parents tools.”
Fluttershy examined each weapon in search for the most suitable tool for a fight against an expert in close combat. She stopped immediately upon hearing Applejack’s words as she approached and placed her forehoof on the huntress’ shoulder. “I know how much it does hurts… but grieving over your loss will not bring your family back.”
“Ah know, Sugarcube… Ah know,” Applejack said before gesturing at pictures on the wall displaying her proud ancestors. Her hoof stopping on a picture of her family.
“Snow Sweet was swift and stealthy. Crossbows and camouflaged gear were her favorites,” Applejack said as she pointed at her mother in the family picture. A mare with a light yellow coat, blond mane, and a half-cut red apple for her cutie mark.
“Mah dad’s name was Hawkeye Delicious. He was almost as strong and tough as mah big brother is now, but could rival mah agility. This dangerous combo struck fear into any monster or thestrals that faced his blades,” Applejack said as Fluttershy examined the features presented on the picture.
Red coat, light brown mane, if one added a scar across his left eye… Fluttershy gasped, nearly losing her balance. This can’t be. She took a few steps forward to take a closer look. The resemblance… Can this really be…
“Is something wrong, Flutters?” Rainbow Dash asked as she landed next to Fluttershy. “You look as if you saw a ghost.”
Fluttershy closed her eyes, now deep in thought. This can’t be true… is Applejack’s father really… She slowly opened her eyes and looked at back of Applejack, who kept staring at the picture. I can’t let her face him until I am sure…
“Ummm… Applejack.”
“Yes?” the farm mare turned to the side as she now stared back.
“I know you may not like it… but I think you shouldn’t accompany us tonight.”
“What?” Applejack asked in confusion as she turned and approached Fluttershy, as did the others. “Why not?”
Rainbow Dash flew up a few centimeters and hovered above the floor, her forelegs crossed. “Yeah… why not? After training with you for past two months, she got really good at kicking thestral flanks… No offence.”
Fluttershy looked to the side as she had to agree with her friend. While she got better at self-defense and improved her skills, Applejack got the opportunity to train in thestral-hunting combat first-hoof. No other hunter had the privilege to practice on a pureblood and live to talk about it. The only exception being those who attacked her family and survived thanks to her parents’ mercy.
“I must agree with Rainbow Dash,” Rarity said with a raised forehoof. “At this point, Applejack will be far more useful in combat than her.”
“Hey!” Dash frowned.
Vinyl threw and caught a knife playfully. “That huntress just gave us lots of good tools, and you want to keep her from attending the party? Not cool.”
Fluttershy rubbed her foreleg nervously. “Applejack… I don’t doubt your skills… but I really really think you shouldn’t face this one thestral… even from the sidelines.”
“But why?” Applejack said, her voice filled with disappointment.
“I’m sorry but I can’t tell… at least not yet,” Fluttershy said before gulping. She took a deep breath and looked her friend in the eyes. “There’s something I need to confirm while I will face him. If my suspicions are correct, it would be best if you stay away from him as far as possible.”
Applejack took a moment of thinking as her ears drooped. She glared in anger as she sat and crossed her forelegs. “Well, too bad, cause Ah ain’t stayin’.”
“But… you said you trusted me,” Fluttershy pointed out.
“Ah trust ya, alright, but Ah expect some trust in return. Ah’m not goin’ to stay behind when ya face the creep who tried to hurt Apple Bloom without a good reason.”
Fluttershy turned back to her friends and thought deeply. If I use my authority and order Applejack to stay behind… her trust in me would crumble, and I shouldn’t risk our friendship like that. If I will tell her my suspicions, it’ll distract her from the task at hoof, and if I’m wrong, I would put her through unnecessary stress and open old wounds. If I will bring her along without giving many details and my suspicions are proven true… what she will see will cause her nothing but grief. Awww… what should I do?
“Sooo?” Applejack asked impatiently. Her stare stern.
Fluttershy took a deep calming breath before turning to Applejack, her face showing signs of sadness. “Applejack… right now I have only suspicions, but I think there is a high chance that the assassin we’re facing… is somepony you really wouldn’t want to face. If I’m right… this encounter will open some of your past emotional wounds.”
She closed her friend’s mouth with feathery wing before she could answer. “If you’re determined to come along, I won’t stop you, but please, consider staying behind. If my suspicions are correct, staying here would spare you a great deal of pain.”
Applejack pushed the wing away and shook her head. “Ah appreciate yer concern, but Ah’ll be fine.”
Fluttershy sighed and lowered her head. “Alright… but if what I fear is true… you’ll wish you didn’t come along.” She approached and picked two small bottles filled with water enchanted with light magic and placed it inside of her armored saddlebag.
“Ah’ll be the judge of that.”
]
Slowly, the group approached the appointed location as the sky was filled with stars and clouds, occasional lightning adding tension to the atmosphere.
Unlike yesterday when Fluttershy was filled with confidence, the minutes before the encounter made her steps shaky as her mind was distracted and hesitant. What she felt wasn’t fear for herself as for the first time in many years, she felt confident in her skills and her friends. This time power and numbers were on her side as she was prepared to face the threat.
What haunted her mind were fears about the coming fate of her enemy and the mental state of her friend.
It didn’t come as a surprise that the meeting spot was in the ruins in the Everfree Forest. Being separated from civilization and the sight of the princess’s controlled territory, filled with wild creatures and magic that scared ponies away, turned the ruins into an attractive location for thestrals. A good hiding spot, meeting location and a fighting ground. A perfect place to make a mansion, should she ever decided to expand.
Fluttershy gave a quick glance at Applejack, who kept giving her a confused look ever since their last conversation. Each look at the farm made her wonder if she should just warn Applejack that the assassin may be her father with the risk she could’ve been wrong.
Vinyl left the group and galloped into the line of trees as she started her recon.
Each step became heavier as Fluttershy lead the group upstairs to the exact same location where Lord Fancy Pants organized his grand gathering. Slowly leaving the stairs and entering a spacious area without a roof, Fluttershy’s senses kicked in as she looked up at the stallion hiding behind a gargoyle statue.
Fluttershy’s feathery wings spread as she stopped the group and pointed at the hiding thestral. “You can come out now, I know you’re there.” Upon not receiving any response, she grabbed a small stone with her wing and threw it at the statue.
“So ya found mah hidin’ spot from such a distance,” said the stallion as he emerged and jumped down with a loud thump, casually stepping towards the middle of the room. Not wearing anything besides a saddlebag and hoof bracers. “Yer senses are sharper than ever.”
Fluttershy shook her head and spoke aloud, “I could feel your presence two months before you caused an earthquake to harm me, and this feeling kept returning from time to time, but I couldn’t put my hoof on what caused it.” She pointed at the stallion accusingly. “Now I know, and I’m not going to be caught off guard.”
“Ah see ya’ve decided to win by numbers,” the stallion commented, glancing over her company.
“I didn’t,” Fluttershy said before her eyes flashed, her body quickly shifting into her thestral form. “I brought my friends so they can see to it that our duel is fair.” She bent her legs, taking the stance of a panther preparing to hunt. “No traps, no ambushes, no trickstery.”
“Wise…” the stallion said before raising his hoof as a silver blade emerged from his right bracer. “I hope silver gear ain’t cheatin’ in yer eyes.”
Fluttershy shook her head and next patted her armored saddlebag. “I predicted you would use hunting gear against me, so I have some of my own.”
“Ya keep impressin’, no wonder mah master sees potential in ya.”
“Potential... in me?” Fluttershy said as she pressed forehoof against her own chest. “What do you mean? Why your master is targeting me?”
“If ya want answers, earn them!”
***
Applejack’s mouth was agape as she struggled to say a word, but kept failing. Her throat quickly turned dry. Are my eyes an’ ears foolin’ me? she thought, wondering if it wasn’t just a trick. It has to be an illusion… mah father’s dead! Her attention shifted to his silver blades, the exact same weapon type she used against Fluttershy… which belonged to her father.
As she observed the events with Rarity and Ditzy by her sides, she could see the stallion galloping at Fluttershy, leaving a large cloud of dust behind him before jumping, his blade failing to slice his target as the pureblood flew into air. The dusty floor trembled from the impact caused by stallion’s hooves.
Those movements, that fightin’ technique…
Fluttershy let out a sonic scream at her foe before diving at the stallion. Her wings leaving a cut on his foreleg. She turned around and went for another strike, only to change her direction before two large hooves made contact with her head.
That applebuckin’ kick...
As she observed the fight, Applejack noticed that in terms of agility and mobility, her friend had the upper hoof, outmaneuvering the stallion on every occasion. Their training definitely helped as the pacifist pureblood didn’t hesitate from delivering blows. The stallion however seemed far more experienced in combat, managing to keep up with Fluttershy despite his lack of speed and greater size. His blade strikes rivaling in accuracy with only the best hunters. In terms of strength, he exceeded Big Macintosh as his attempt to jump at Fluttershy ended up with him shattering a dusty pillar, spreading rubble all over the room.
He’s even faster and stronger than mah Pa was… but how…? Suddenly Fluttershy’s words went through her mind as she put the puzzle together. Did Fluttershy recognize him from the picture… so that’s what she meant… oh horse-apples. Applejack grit her teeth. If her friend was correct in her assumptions, the assassin who nearly killed Rarity and tried to hurt Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle was in fact, her father. A proud Class A hunter turned into a thestral.
Applejack’s legs trembled and her ears drooped as she looked at the floor, unable to look at the battle in front of her. Now it all make sense. Fluttershy knows the pain of loss, and she knows that seein’ one of mah parents bein’ alive, only to see them die again will hurt far more if Ah thought they were dead…
“Is something wrong?” Rarity asked, her voice calm. “Applejack, what is wrong?”
The farm mare didn’t answer as she rubbed a stone with a hoof while feeling butterflies in her stomach. She restrained tears from dropping from her eyes, but inside she felt like crying. Ah should’ve listened to Fluttershy… Ah should’ve trusted her… and now Ah’m payin’ the price. The sounds of battle filled her with sadness as she blinked tightly with each noise of a strike or a yelp of pain. The idea of her new friend who protected her family fighting against her turned father being unbearable.
***
Sweat dripped down Fluttershy’s face as she stared down at the enemy, her wings flapping slowly but steadily as she kept a few meters distance. I can’t get close to him, he’s too skilled.
“You can do it, Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash cheered loudly. “You’ve been training so hard, there’s no way you can lose!” She took a deep breath and shouted, “Kick his huge flank!”
Fluttershy gave Dash a quick glance before focusing on the silver blades. Easier said than done, she thought while considering her options. While her friend wasn’t wrong as she could easily overcome him by giving into her instincts… but it would come at a great cost. She needed a plan.
“Is somethin’ wron’? Is this thestral to much to handle? Yer older and a pureblood, why’re ya so afraid?”
Fluttershy ignored the obvious taunt and kept considering her options. She smirked as a plan formed itself. With a quick dive, she flew at the stallion and opened her mouth, sending out sound waves as even her friends pressed their hooves against their ears.
“Ya think pullin’ the same old trick will work? Think again,” he said before turning around and raising his hind legs, struggling to ignore the harmful noise.
Remembering a flying lesson from Rainbow Dash she had two weeks ago, she swiftly rounded the stallion, staying out of his attack range until her wing struck the bracer on his right foreleg, leaving a big cut visible on the metal surface while tripping the assassin off balance.
The moment his legs pressed against the ground for support, Fluttershy dashed into his chest and pushed him towards a wall, slamming him against it as the stone cracked under his weight.
I didn’t expect wrestling a bear would teach me something practical, she chuckled before hitting the damaged bracer with a hoof, shattering the metal while the damaged blade fell to the floor. Remembering her wrestling with the bear and training with Applejack, she evaded a hoof strike from the pinned stallion and countered with an aerial kick towards his muzzle. With the head of her enemy now deeper in the stone, she landed on her forelegs and raised hind legs before delivering a direct blow to the stallion’s stomach, throwing him through the wall onto the green fields outside the castle.
“Way to go, Flutters!” Dash cheered.
“You were even more destructive than me,” Ditzy said, stomping her hooves in applause.
“It was astonishing,” Rarity said before poking the farm mare. “Are not you proud, Applejack? She performed your technique perfectly.”
Applejack raised her head to look at Rarity, before slowly turning it towards Fluttershy. “Oh… s-sure, eeyup.”
Fluttershy looked back at the huntress. While one could see hints of depression and doubt, she could sense far more. She could only imagine how it would feel if she found out that her own father was alive, only to fight against both her and her friends. She sighed and spread her wings before following the stallion through the hole in the wall, her determination waning.
***
As she followed the trail left on the ground by the rolling stallion who weighed nearly as much as Big Mac’s, she noticed hoofsteps leading towards the trees. Her fear that the enemy had escaped vanished the moment vines shot from under the ground, wrapping around her hind legs and wings. Unable to fly, she was slammed into the ground, her face and muzzle now stuck in it.
With a weak push, she raised her head and spat the dirt from her mouth before noticing more vines coming from the Everfree Forest. Before she could react, she felt thorns pierce deep into her skin as the vines tightened their hold against all of her legs, neck and belly. She yelped in pain before gritting her teeth, blood dripping from between the vines.
“Yer speed’s impressive,” the stallion said as he emerged from behind a tree and slowly approached her. His hooves pulsating with dark magic with each step as the aggressive plants responded to his command. His saddlebag slightly damaged but in one piece. “However, I have ways to deal with fast chickens like ya. Both the plants and magic of this forest make mah spells so much stronger.”
“W-why are you doing this?”
The stallion sat in front of her, ignoring Dash and Ditzy, who helped Rarity and Applejack by transporting them from the castle floor onto the ground.
“What did Ah say about questions? Ya need to earn them by beatin’ me.”
“F-fine… have it your way…” she struggled an answer as her eyes flashed red, causing the blood on the vines to boil, destroying them as if it became acid. She added in an angered tone, “But if you don’t give up soon… you’re going to regret it.”
The stallion took a step back before gritting his teeth and swinging his left bracer, his silver blade going for Fluttershy’s stomach. Before his strike connected, a bit of blood levitated towards his eyes. Feeling the burning sensation across his face, his attack missed as he started wiping the blood with a hoof.
With a burst of strength, Fluttershy pulled the vines, tearing them off at points that were damaged by her deadly blood before looking at her armored saddlebag, noticing a few dents and cuts. Not wasting a moment, she opened it and picked up a reinforced bottle, luckily undamaged. With the bottle now in her hoof, she threw it at the blinded stallion, splashing the water filled with white magic as it started to burn his fur.
She threw two more bottles before dropping her saddlebag as it hit the ground with a loud thump. Suddenly feeling lighter, she flew at the stallion filled with agony and delivered an aerial kick against his left bracer before destroying it with slice of her wing.
“Consider this a warning. Surrender now or it will only get worse from here,” she said before landing four cuts with her wings. If she learned anything by listening to Applejack’s advice, it was to press on when she had the advantage. The blood retreated from the vines and stallion’s face, right into her wounds before closing them. “You no longer have your weapons, I’ve won.”
The assassin was breathing heavily, his face turning from angered to furious. “Mah weapons are broken, but yer out of magical water. It’s not over yet.”
Fluttershy spread her wings treatengly. “It is over. Without silver weapons, we both can rely only on our strength, speed and power. As a pureblood, I can heal my wounds in an instant as long as I have enough magic. Your body may heal fast, but I have a clear advantage.”
“Alright…” He sighed. “Ya proved yerself. As much as Ah’d like to keep fightin’, Ah’ve gotta defeat.”
Fluttershy closed her wings and approached, her guard still up. “So… are you going to answer my questions?”
He nodded.
***
Fluttershy sat two meters away from the enemy, her friends sitting by her sides.
“Whoa, Fluttershy, that was awesome,” Dash said as she examined her for injuries. “You had me worried for a second there when those vines caught you.”
Ditzy interrupted, “Actually, Fluttershy’s victory was assured. Purebloods will always have the advantage over a common thestral, especially against a younger one. This fight was as good as won.”
Dash looked at the eye-crossed mare and asked, “Really? She had a victory in her grasp from the start?”
“She did. The question wasn’t if she could win, but how much blood and magic she would lose during the battle,” Ditzy said before looking at the the defeated enemy’s damaged saddlebag, “or if he had any secret weapons.”
Applejack joined in. “When Ah faced Fluttershy for the first time, as shameful as this sound, Ah left many deep injuries with mah blades.” She pointed at the stallion. “This one was stronger and more skilled than Ah was, yet Fluttershy did far better.”
Rainbow Dash crossed her forelegs. “Cool.”
Fluttershy waited for her friends to finish talking before taking a deep breath and asking, “First, would you introduce yourself?”
“Hawkeye Delicious,” he said, causing Applejack’s eyes to open widely, before she lowered her head. “Ah wish Ah could say it was a pleasure meetin’ ya, but that would be a lie.”
“Why were you targeting me… what’s your goal?” Fluttershy asked with growing curiosity.
“To test yer resolve, skills and determination. To see if ya’d face the challenge or break into pieces.”
“But why… why would your master want to test me? Why am I targeted?” Fluttershy paused upon noticing a chuckle leaving the stallion’s mouth. “Did I say something funny?”
Hawkeye pointed his hoof at Fluttershy and asked, “Do ya truly believe ya were the only target? That’s a laugh.” He stood on his shaking legs and spread his forelegs. “Mah master send his pawns to test pure blooded thestrals all over Equestria. Preparin’ them, putting trials in their way, decidin’ which ones deserve to die. Yer just a small part of a big picture.”
Fluttershy’s mouth opened agape as her mind was overwhelmed by this new information.
“Oh my…” Rarity said, hoof raised up to her mouth. “But why would your master do such a thing? What is he preparing them for?”
Hawkeye sat and frowned. “Ah’m approved to answer only the questions of a pureblood, not her worthless pawns.”
“Pawns!” Rarity stood to her four legs, her movement was quickly restrained by Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “Just give me ten seconds and I will show you what this worthless pawn is capable of!”
Fluttershy raised her trembling foreleg, gesturing for Rarity to calm down before asking, “So if I understand correctly, your master sent you to Ponyville with the mission to turn my life into a nightmare to both test and train me?”
“Mah master wished to cull the weak from the herd. He believes that what doesn’t kill ya makes ya stronger,” Hawkeye said calmly before shaking his head. “And no, Ah wasn’t sent here to test ya. Mah master thought ya died alongside yer family after he manipulated hunters to attack their mansion.”
Fluttershy took a step back, her heart suddenly beating at rapid speed as she pressed hoof against her chest. So that attack… those rumours that led hunters to my parents’ home. It was all part of some stupid test!? She felt butterflies in her belly as tears started to form in her eyes. Her depression quickly turned into anger at the stallion's next words.
“One of mah lord’s servants was sent to Cloudsdale to spread rumours, leading the hunters to believe that thestrals were living in a mansion on a mountain. Yer parents at their age and power should’ve been victorious, and yet they died.” He massaged his forehead. “Weaklings, fools. To die on the very first trial...“ He pointed at her. “But yer different. Ya made a friend who helped ya survive, yer friend’s family gave ya shelter till ya moved to Ponyville.”
Fluttershy grit her teeth. Her attention focused on a nearby tree as she wished for nothing more but to rip it apart, if only to unload some steam.
“When Ah was sent to this little town, mah mission was to kill the family of hunters,” he said as Applejack raised her head and stared at him as if he was a ghost. “During mah mission, Ah found out ya were still alive. When Ah reported ‘bout it to mah master, he changed mah mission to continue yer trials. To see if ya’d succeed where yer parents failed.”
“Shut up!” Fluttershy shouted, hissing, her ears raised upward and wings spread.
“Yeah! Shut up!” Dash shouted. Now hovering next to her friend.
Applejack walked ahead of the group and took off her hat, now holding it against her chest. “Why… Pa… why did ya agree to kill us, yer own family?”
The stallion blinked and tilted his head in confusion. “Family?”
“Yes, we’re family for Celestia’s sake!” Applejack said as tears started to stream down her cheeks. “Yer Hawkeye Delicious, a member of the Apple family. Big Mac, Apple Bloom and Ah are yer children. Don’t ya remember?”
The stallion massaged his head as a sudden headache struck him. After a moment, he raised his head and shook it. “Unfortunately… Ah don’t.” He stomped. “Now get outta mah way. Ah need to inform yer mistress about her role and answer her questions. Ah’ve got no time for yer trickstery.”
Applejack felt as if her heart was broken to pieces, put together, and then smashed into dust. She placed her hat on the ground and walked back to the group, sitting next to Ditzy, who placed a wing on her back. Rarity joining in by placing a forehoof on her shoulder.
Fluttershy took a few calming breaths. It seems that he was brainwashed, or that his memories were erased. That would explain why he can’t remember anything. After a moment of thinking, she asked, “Many purebloods died during those trials, but for what purpose?”
The stallion smirked. “Ah believe mah master would like to answer that by using mah mouth.” He opened his saddlebag and grabbed a bottle of blood surrounded by dark crystals.
Ditzy spread her wings and flew against the stallion, bypassing the confused mares as she tried to stop him from drinking.
Fluttershy could see dust spread around the area, her senses detecting the mare lying atop of the stallion who still held the bottle in his hoof.
“Get off me!” Hawkeye shouted before pushing Ditzy off his back and drinking the blood. His eyes turned black.
“Derpy, are you okay?” Dash asked as she flew over towards the dizzy half-breed thestral. “Why did you charge like that?”
“I tried… to stop him from drinking that blood, but the bottle didn’t shatter.”
Fluttershy flew over and said, “It must be protected by dark magic. No wonder the bottle didn’t break in that saddlebag during our fight.” She looked at the stallion the moment the dust had settled, who now stared back with black, lifeless eyes.
“Greetings, Miss Fluttershy. It is a pleasure to speak with you, even if not in person, but through the mouth of my pawn,” Hawkeye spoke with a half-bow, his voice suddenly different as a grin formed on his face.
“Greetings, Miss Fluttershy. It is a pleasure to speak with you, even if not in person, but through the mouth of my pawn,” Hawkeye spoke with a half-bow, his voice suddenly different as a grin formed on his face.
Fluttershy hissed. “So you’re responsible for the death of my parents?”
“Yes, I am, but in the end, their weakness was to blame. They isolated themselves from the rest of the world, healing ponies under their disguises. If it wasn’t for me, you would still be sheltered, oblivious to the true world around you.” He pointed at her. “And now look at you. Making allies, forming a clan at your age, fighting against enemies and facing obstacles with both strength and words. This is the resolve I expect from every pureblood.”
“Because of you, I was forced to turn Rarity to save her life, protect fillies from killer plants, and live without seeing my parents ever again. All the innocent thestrals that were serving us died as well… some which were my friends.”
The stallion raised his head arrogantly. “You give me far too little credit. I went further than that. I ordered my pawn to lead hunters into the Everfree Forest. I hoped your current subordinate Applejack would attack you and your escort.” He chuckled. “In the end, you went ahead of time and encountered her alone, and even decided to spare her. Losing the support Fancy Pants had offered, and even killing his personal assassin. This I did not foresee.”
Fluttershy could see the stallion clopping his hooves in applause as she resisted her desire to attack Applejack’s father and tear his legs off.
“Because of your kindness and your parents’ teachings, you made your life more difficult for yourself. You proved that making peace with ponies is more dangerous than conquering them by force, but you also overcame all hardship. You have my respect.”
“But why?” Fluttershy dropped to her knees and slammed the ground in her anger. “All the hardships, pain, deaths… What are you preparing us for?”
The stallion approached and pointed at the moon. “I assume your parents told you the tale of the two-faced princess, yes?”
Fluttershy sat and nodded, now looking between the stallion and the moon.
“Did you also hear about the prophecy? One thousand years after her banishment, the two-faced princess shall return and change the world. However, which face will she greet us with? Will it be Luna, who believed that peace between thestrals and other pony races was possible. Or will she return as Nightmare Moon and lead us on the road of conquest?”
Fluttershy wiped the tears forming in her eyes and said with hoarse voice, “I didn’t… know of that prophecy… but what does it have to do with me?’
“The answer is quite simple,” he said, once again looking at her with black eyes, filling her with anxiety. “Just like the princess has two faces, the purebloods are split into two sides. One lead by my honorable rival, Fancy Pants, who believes that peace is possible… and yet even he thought that sparing a huntress was a mistake.” He cleared his throat. “I lead the side which believes that conquering Equestria is the only option.”
He slammed his massive hooves together and continued, “Not long before the princess will return, both sides will clash with their beliefs on the line. Would those believing in conquest win, I will do all in my power to convince Nightmare Moon to lead us to the victory.” He pointed at Fluttershy. “But would those believing in peace win, we will need a pony capable to bring Luna into the surface, an emissary of peace to assist the princess.” He gestured over the silent friends, whose mouths were closed, but ears catching every word. “And thanks to my efforts, you have a trusted clan who will help you play your part.”
Fluttershy's ears drooped. She felt as if heavy weights of responsibility were dropping on her shoulders. Her legs shook at the mere thought of talking with the ruler of the night herself. “But… why did you have to prepare us… at the cost of innocent lives?”
“What do you know? You were sheltered by your family, while I was there to witness the banishment of Nightmare Moon, only to hear rumours about Celestia murdering the strongest purebloods one by one to ensure they wouldn’t become a threat. Our kind was unorganized and weak, depending only on Luna’s leadership.” He sighed. “For centuries I have been preparing for her return. I went to great lengths to ensure that purebloods wouldn’t be a band of self-centered weaklings, but a proud race ready to face any challenge, and soon, we shall be united under one goal.”
Rainbow Dash decided to join the discussion and flew over, pointing her hoof accusingly. “Big words coming from a coward! It’s easy to put others in danger while you sit on your flank and make others do your work.”
Fluttershy spread her wings, ready to protect her friends in case of a violent response. Much to her surprise, the stallion didn’t attack.
“I wouldn’t dare to make others face trials if I didn’t do the same.” He looked at Applejack and asked, “Young huntress, I assume you know about the mission where your parents died, trying to kill a pureblood in Manehattan?”
The farm mare grit her teeth and took a fighting stance. “How dare ya to even ask? Many great hunters lost their lives. And now Ah see ya turned mah Father into yer slave, you snake!”
Possessed Hawkeye raised his head proudly. “That was the test I placed upon myself. I gave the guild clues about the location of my underground fortress in Manehattan. We faced the best hunters they could throw at us and survived. I assure you, I am not a hypocrite.” The moment Fluttershy and Dash landed on the ground, he added, “Speaking of tests and trials, you’ve done well thus far, but there’s one final trial for you to overcome.” He smiled. “Though I am sure you will succeed.”
Hawkeye’s eyes flashed in red as a pool of a dark substance spread from his hooves, his body slowly sinking into it.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Fluttershy asked as her eyes flashed red. Her hoof slamming into the pool of dark magic, dispersing it. “Do you expect me to let your servant leave? Especially after all the effort I put into defeating him?”
The eyes of the stallion returned from red to black as he shook his head. “To be honest, I expected such outcome, however, I cannot let you capture or kill my assassin until your last trial is complete.” He pointed at the empty bottle of blood lying on the ground. “I was prepared however. Providing my servant with a bit of my blood was not just meant to let me talk through his body despite our great distance.” He smirked before jumping towards her.
Fluttershy yelped and flinched, just in time to avoid a hoof slamming against her, only to lose balance upon the earthquake that followed. Before she could react, her enemy galloped at her. She braced herself for the impact, but the hit didn’t come.
“Are you alright, Flutters?” Dash asked, holding her in her hooves while hovering above the ground.
“I’m… I’m fine… thank you,” Fluttershy responded before being placed on the grass. Her friends gathered by her side, all in a fighting stance.
The stallion raised his head arrogantly. “You may not face me directly, but even if the body I control is young and weak, it still possess a little bit of my blood. I would suggest you think carefully before picking up a fight you cannot win.”
Fluttershy looked at the assassin hesitantly. As much as she wanted to capture him and reverse the effect of brainwashing, or at least imprison him so he wouldn’t pose a threat, two facts she just learned terrified her. He did mention that he witnessed the banishment of Nightmare Moon, which makes him over a millennium old, and yet he somehow escaped the princess’s sight. She gulped. I’m not even a hundred years old, I can’t defeat a servant who drank the blood of a such powerful master.
“We have your back, Flutters, just give the word and we’ll beat him up good,” Rainbow Dash said, wings spread and voice filled with confidence.
“I believe now is the best time for us to step in,” Rarity pointed out, aiming her crossbow.
“Oh… s-sure,” Applejack said hesitantly upon feeling Rarity’s hoof poking her.
Fluttershy stepped forward and said firmly, “Like I said before, your servant isn’t going anywhere.”
“You are allowing your determination to turn into overconfidence. Have you learned nothing from Sharp Eye’s demise?” Upon not receiving any response, his eyes flashed. “In that case, allow me to show you how tough my strengthened pawn really is.”
The moment he slammed his hooves into the earth, half a hundred vines shot out from under the ground, enveloping everypony in a matter of seconds, save for Rainbow Dash as she flew up in time to escape the attack.
Fluttershy yelped in surprise as she once again felt restrained. She looked at her friends from the corner of her eye. Ditzy didn’t show much discomfort, however Applejack and Rarity were filled with agony, thorns piercing their skin.
“Hang in there, I’m coming!”
Fluttershy would roll her eyes at Dash’s comment if the situation wasn’t so dire as she and her friends were now held by vines at least two meters above the ground. Only a moment later, she could see Rainbow Dash cutting their vines from the bottom with silver claws, while evading the ones trying to catch her.
One at a time the ponies were freed, Applejack and Rarity landing on their bleeding and shaking legs while gasping for air.
Fluttershy flapped her wings, slowly descending next to her injured friends before examining their wounds. This time however, she didn’t have the luxury of time to heal them as she had to come up with a quick plan for a counterattack.
***
Hawkeye, controlled by his master, looked at the agile pegasus, who flew at him the moment her friends were free, the grey one following a moment later.
He stood up to his rear hooves, bracing himself for the impact as he sent magic into his hooves. Cut after cut, he felt silver claws slashing the surface of his body. With his magic finally charged, he grit his teeth and slammed his hooves at the ground, causing a large amount of dirt and mud to shoot upward, catching the pegasus off guard.
Hawkeye smirked as Rainbow Dash was sitting in front of him, her wings covered in mud as she tried to wipe dirt from her eyes. A large vine emerged from the ground by his side, pulsating with a dark aura.
“Earth pony magic doesn’t influence just strength and stamina, but the earth itself.” He pointed at the large vine. “Allow me to demonstrate what happens when one mixes a large amount of dark magic with earth pony magic.”
The vine kept emerging from the ground until it reached nearby trees, dark crystals growing on the tip of the vine. With one swift swing, three large trees were sliced in half, a demonstration of power that Fluttershy’s strength couldn’t compare to.
He could hear Rainbow Dash gulping in panic, easily sensing her fear and picking up the smell of her sweat. “You seem to love flying. You will not miss your legs then,” he said, sending the vine towards the pegasus’s legs.
Dash’s pupils shrank as her heart tried to escape her chest, her wings flapping rapidly, but not fast enough as drops of mud were sent in all directions.
Much to Hawkeye’s surprise, the hit didn’t connect against the target, but instead left two bleeding wounds on Ditzy’s forelegs and one big slice across her belly. “That attack was strong enough to cut trees and boulders in half. How did you survive?”
Ditzy stood on her hind legs and rubbed back of her neck, smiling awkwardly. “My mom always says I’m very tough.” She turned around and picked up Rainbow Dash between her hooves, now flying away from the hostile pony before landing next to Rarity.
“T-thanks… you really did save my flank there,” Dash said before pointing at the clearly visibly cut across the stomach while green appeared on her cheek. “I can only… imagine… how much does that hurt.”
“Not much actually,” Ditzy responded before wiping the leftover mud from her friend’s wings.
“Not much? But it’s an open cut!”
“Did you know that during a fight, an ant’s nervous system can shut down all the pain? Some of them can even have their heads cuts off and still keep fighting.” Ditzy chuckled. “My mom said that after crashing a few thousand times, my body developed something similar.”
Dash looked to the side. “That’s… something I didn’t need to know.”
“Quite the contrary for me,” Hawkeye said and crossed his forelegs. “Testing if she can live while decapitated may be an interesting experiment.”
Ditzy massaged her neck. “I’m sorry, but I fear my neck may be too hard for your vine to cut.”
“Is that a challenge?”
“M-more like a personal opinion.”
Hawkeye placed his hoof on the ground, causing the vine to rush at the clumsy mare, missing due to Rainbow Dash’s quick save.
“Stop giving him ideas, Derpy!” Dash said, holding her between her hooves while hovering above the ground.
A wall of vines formed on Hawkway’s right side, blocking a silver bolt from hitting his head. A moment later, another bolt hit the vine surrounded by dark aura, bouncing off while leaving but a mere scratch.
“Nice try, but I can sense your movements with ease. The beating of your heart alone is enough to make every ambush useless.”
Rarity walked backward, shooting bolt after bolt with little result as she backed away from the approaching stallion. “Applejack… a little help would be very welcome.”
Hawkeye’s attention shifted to the farm mare, who this whole time was staring at him. Applejack shook her head to snap into action and charged, silver blades ready to strike. He grinned, effortlessly deflecting Applejack’s blade attack to the side before grabbing the second blade between his hooves, breaking it with strength alone. “I stopped your father’s attack the exact same way,” he chuckled, “and his shocked expression was identical to the one you’re displaying now.”
Using the moment of hesitation as Applejack kept staring at him with her mouth agape, he delivered a quick punch to her stomach before throwing her aside.
“I am actually having difficulty not killing any of you. You should follow your master’s example and retreat before I will change my mind.” Each pony looked around, only now realizing that Fluttershy was missing. “What’s wrong? No longer so confident without your leader?”
“You’re wrong! Fluttershy wouldn’t abandon us!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she landed and shot him an angered glare, Ditzy landing by her side while Rarity helped Applejack stand.
“Abandon? After seeing how effortlessly I have been defeating each of you, she wisely decided to accept my mercy and give up on a lost cause. As her pawns, you should follow her example without her needing to foal-sit any of you.”
Each pony looked at each other, clearly unsure what to do, their attention shifted back to the stallion quickly though, or rather to the pair of fangs that pierced Hawkeye’s neck.
The stallion smiled as he felt blood being sucked from his body, alongside hind legs anchored around his large belly, and forelegs restraining his own. “I didn’t expect such a bold move from you, young Miss Fluttershy. Using a difficult and draining spell like Veil of Darkness at your age to bypass my senses, waiting patiently for me to be distracted.” He chuckled. “However, don’t expect that drinking a bit of…” His eyes opened widely as he was proven wrong, his legs feeling weak, the power and control over the body fading at fast rate. “W-what… you…”
In desperation, he swung his head at Fluttershy’s muzzle, but the mare still held on. With a bit of struggle, he broke Fluttershy’s hold and grabbed her foreleg, pulling the mare from his back and slamming her against the ground, creating a crater as Fluttershy’s body sunk into the dirt with a loud thud.
Hawkeye grit his teeth as a bolt struck his neck where he was bitten just a moment ago, causing blood to stream from his neck-wound, feeling weaker with each passing second. Upon sensing a powerful aura from around the young pureblood as her eyes flashed brightly with power, he slammed his hoof against her foreleg, crushing it before ripping it off the rest of the body as the mare screamed in pain. Much to his surprise, Fluttershy repaid the favour by levitating her blood towards his foreleg and belly as he felt burning sensation overtaking him, as if covered in acid.
Rainbow Dash flew over and slashed his face with silver claws, forcing the stallion to close his eyes and step back, giving Fluttershy time to stand on her three legs.
Distracted, he failed to jump back as the empowered pureblood mimicked Applejack’s technique, standing on one foreleg as her hooves struck his large foreleg, breaking his hard bones as if they were made of cheap balsa wood.
Upon seeing another silver bolt heading towards his head with his slightly opened eyes, he raised his foreleg defensively, blocking the shot. Ditzy flew at his head, grabbing it in a vice grip while blocking most of his vision.
Hawkeye struggled against Ditzy’s strength, pushing her away a moment later, only to see Fluttershy’s second kick connect with his chest. The sound of breaking bones followed as he was sent flying towards the trees of the Everfree Forest, destroying at least three with his wounded body as a large amount of wood-pieces and dust spread around the impacted area.
Fluttershy lost her balance and started writhing in pain.
***
Rarity galloped over, now looking down at the pureblood in a panic as the very look at the large bleeding wound in place of a foreleg nearly caused her to wretch. “F-Fluttershy… how can I help?”
Ditzy flew over and looked at Fluttershy in pity before pointing at what was left from the foreleg on the ground. “Only Fluttershy has the power to put herself together…”
Rainbow Dash nodded before grabbing the yellow foreleg and placing it in front of her suffering friend, who struggled to stay focused.
After a few seconds as drops of sweat fell down her face, Fluttershy commanded her blood to return into her body, separating itself from the dirt while pulling her foreleg back into its original location. She grit her teeth as her bones merged and recovered. The agony however continued.
“I can’t just stand here and watch, we have to do something,” Rainbow Dash said as she lowered her neck to her friend. “Please drink!” Much to her surprise, she was pulled away by Ditzy.
“She doesn’t need yours or anypony else’s blood. If anything, she drank too much blood.”
“What do you mean?” Rarity asked as she glanced occasionally at the location of the impact, making sure the assassin wouldn’t return to attack them.
Ditzy looked to the side and said sadly, “Fluttershy didn’t just drink Hawkeye’s blood blindly. She focused on drinking the blood of his master that was empowering him. It not only weakened Hawkeye greatly and empowered her, she also weakened the connection between the master and his servant.”
Her ears drooped upon hearing more yelps of pain. She turned her head to see Fluttershy trembling and rolling uncontrollably. “However, drinking even a bit of a thousand plus year old pureblood provided her with power she isn’t used to. Her body is desperately trying to get it under control, causing her a great deal of pain.”
“Is there something we can do?” Dash asked.
Ditzy shook her head as she pointed at Fluttershy, who a moment ago lost consciousness. “All we can do is take her to safety and keep her safe until she recovers.”
Rarity pointed at the location the assassin crashed and asked, “What about our enemy? Should not we give chase?”
Dash opened her mouth, but Ditzy spoke first, “After losing most of his master’s blood, his strength will return to normal soon. He’s no longer a threat… not that he wanted to fight us once Fluttershy has proved herself.”
“So we should just let him go?” Dash asked.
“I don’t know…” Ditzy responded nervously, holding her head in panic.
Much to their surprise, Applejack bypassed them and attempted to place Fluttershy onto her own back. “Ah’ll take her to safety.” She sighed. “Ah was useless anyway… it’s the least Ah can do.”
Rarity’s horn lit as she reasserted Fluttershy on her friend’s back before standing to her hooves. “Forgive me, but I must agree with your statement.”
“...”
Rarity glanced at the others. “I will escort Applejack and Fluttershy back to the cottage. You both can search for Hawkeye and try to catch him. In terms of speed, you both… one of you has the advantage.”
“Sounds good,” Rainbow Dash saluted. “I trust you both to take care of Fluttershy while we finish what she started.” She slammed her hooves in determination.
Aside from positives like strength and endurance, being a big stallion had its disadvantages: reduced agility and more mass for an enemy to target being only one of them. Escaping from danger ending up far more difficult. Fortunately for Hawkeye, the Everfree Forest provided more than enough hiding spots as he now balanced on the branches of a tree, hiding himself in the sea of leaves while waiting for Rainbow Dash and Ditzy to fly by.
He wasn’t disappointed though as none of the mares detected his presence. Rainbow Dash’s high speed not being much of use without a thestral’s ability to hear a heartbeat, while Ditzy’s senses proved to be poorly developed.
After a minute of waiting for the hunting party to make significant distance, he slowly climbed down, occasionally gritting his teeth in pain. After finally reaching the ground, he walked on three of his legs, limping as his broken foreleg was raised. Each step being a heavy reminder of the damage done by Fluttershy’s boosted kick to the chest.
What… happened… he thought while waiting for a response from his master, but it didn’t come. Aside from the pain, he felt a headache strike each time he tried to think about what caused his injuries. The last Ah remember was answerin’ Fluttershy’s questions… no… drinkin’ blood mah lord gave me… and then Ah woke up with a broken rib and foreleg… chased by Fluttershy’s pawns.
“Sup?”
He turned towards the source of voice, starled. A white unicorn thestral with purple glasses was staring back at him while leaning against a tree, her forelegs crossed.
“You don’t look so hot. Seems Fluttershy and her friends gave you a real beating.”
Hawkeye grit his teeth. “What do you want? Are ya here to capture me?”
Vinyl shook her head and continued in a relaxed tone, “Nah. I know better than to get in the way of manipulative games between purebloods. And Fluttershy asked me to check for traps and ambushes, not to capture you.” She smirked. “Besides, if I wanted to capture you, you wouldn’t be talking with me, but lying in front of Fluttershy’s cottage, tied up in chains and ribbons like a Hearth’s Warming present."
Hawkeye took a step back and pointed at the mare accusingly. “Ya… yer Vinyl… Vinyl the Undying! The one mah master warned me about.”
Vinyl fixed her glasses and said, “Bingo, though I never liked that title. Now DJ-Pon3… that’s way cooler.”
The stallion looked around, making sure they were alone before sitting, giving his legs a rest they desperately needed. “Mah lord said to stay out of yer way. He said that ya were hunted down over a hundred times, and yet ya always got out alive.”
The mare blushed. “You flatter me.” She shrugged. “To be fair, when you have a big mouth, you need to be quick on your legs to compensate. After a hundred failed attempts to kill, the hunters just stopped trying anymore.”
Hawkeye chuckled, regretting it immediately as he felt jolt of pain in his cracked bones under his neck. “Ah thought it was the other way around, that ya have big mouth ‘cuz of yer quick legs and talents.”
“Maybe… makes no difference to me,” Vinyl said, maintaining her relaxed tone.
He sighed. “Ah know Ah can’t escape ya, not in mah condition. If you want something, spill the beans so Ah can be on mah way.”
“Sure, but first, can I ask your master a question? He’s still in your head, right?”
Hawkeye looked to the side. “He… must be pre-occupied. Ah’m just one of many servants in need of his guidance."
“Fine by me. How about a question for you instead? Would you be interested in changing sides?” Hawkeye tilted his head to the side in confusion. “Besides him being a jerk, your boss seems to overwork you lately. I mean, just look at yourself.”
The stallion glanced at his raised foreleg before looking at Vinyl suspiciously.
“Come on and join us, it’ll be fun. We have candies, cookies, and cute little bunnies… literally.”
“Do ya expect me to betray mah master?”
“Betray is a strong word. I would call it... changing teams because your boss is a real creep,” Vinyl said before standing on her four hooves. “Fluttershy’s clan is very unique, you’re going to have a really good time with us.” Her ears drooped. “Dude… don’t make me beg!”
Hawkeye growled. “And why do ya care on whose side Ah fight on? What’s there for ya to gain?”
The unicorn thestral approached before taking off her glasses, now staring into his eyes. “Aside from making our dark world a little brighter while gaining a teammate with a sweet flank, I would prevent you from fighting your family.”
“Mah… family?” Hawkeye asked before closing his eyes in pain, his headache returning in full force.
Vinyl’s horn lit as she levitated up a stetson she appropriated secretly from a closet in Applejack’s home. She then put on a country accent as she spoke, “Yer first daughter, a rodeo pony who followed your hoofsteps and became a huntress.” She replaced the hat with a pink ribbon and performed a puppy-dog stare while speaking in a childish voice, “Your second daughter, the littlest Apple.” She puffed her chest and said firmly, imitating male’s voice, “Your eeyup and nope of a son.”
“I… I… I don’t remember having any family... “ Hawkeye said, massaging his forehead with his unbroken foreleg. “Why does it hurt… trying to remember…?”
Vinyl stood on her rear hooves and grabbed him by his shoulder, poking his forehead. “Don’t overload that big brainwashed head of yours. Good old Flutters will break your memory locks and help you recover in no time.”
Hawkeye pushed the thestral to the side and said firmly, “And how can Ah be sure yer tellin’ the truth?”
“Do these eyes look like they can lie?” Vinyl asked, once again using her puppy-dog stare.
Stallion frowned. “Should Ah assume yer tellin’ the truth, Ah still have one request from mah master. Refusing to test yer mistress one last time means mah death.”
Vinyl placed glasses back onto her muzzle and asked, “Then how about joining us after your task is over? Doesn’t seem your boss would care much if you left once you’re done.”
“Yer mistress would rather kill me after her last trial,” Hawkeye said with a roll of his eyes. He carefully placed his foreleg on the ground, testing if it had healed enough to support his weight.
“Nah,” Vinyl said with a careless shake of her hoof. “She wanted to spare Sharp Eye. She’ll forgive you.”
“Thank ya kindly for the offer, but Ah must decline.”
Vinyl shrugged and said in a relaxed voice, “Well, it was worth a shot.” She turned around and walked away.
“Wait!”
She stopped.
“Ah’ve heard ‘bout yer lack of discipline. News of bein’ thrown out from Lord Fancy Pant’s clan travel quickly. Even now, ya don't seem to care that Ah refused yer offer.”
“And your point is?” Vinyl asked with an annoyed tone. Not bothering to look back.
“Why do ya care ‘bout yer duty or yer clan so little? With yer talents, ya could get more than a nightclub.” He took a deep breath and asked, “Why are ya so different? So careless?”
Vinyl sat and asked, “What would it change if I worked harder? Make my clan stronger at the expense of another one? Put innocent ponies in danger?” She sighed and lowered her head. "When I worked for Fancy Pants, I learned that he believes in peace, and yet he couldn't afford mercy on many occasions. Fluttershy on the other hoof faced violence with kindness, but she's too weak and inexperienced to change the world. I prefer to be free and do good deeds in my own way." She then chuckled. "Or it's just an excuse for being lazy. Heck if I know."
“And what of the returning princess? The one meant to change the world?” Hawkeye asked.
“She’ll either lead us to the conquest of Equestria, turning other races into our servants, or get blasted back to the moon by magical artifacts. Not a fan of either policy.”
“And should yer mistress convince her to lead us down the road of peace?”
“If that happens, I’ll be there to help them…” Vinyl grinned, “maybe even consider to take it seriously.” She stood up and resumed her walk.
“Ah see,” Hawkeye said with a weak smile. “So yer not lazy, but lack motivation.”
“Probably,” the mare responded before vanishing into the bushes. “I’ll be at Fluttershy’s. See you soon, and don’t get yourself killed.”
Hawkeye took Vinyl’s example and hid himself between the bushes, waiting for his wounds to recover. Without his master’s guidance and after the talk with Vinyl, a seed of doubt was planted in his mind.
The atmosphere in the cottage was everything but cheerful as many critters gathered around their no longer disguised owner, who lay comfortably in her bed with an ice pack on her hot forehead, breathing heavily.
Besides the animals and Angel, two ponies were present: Applejack sitting silently beside a window, clearly depressed as she looked outside absentmindedly, and Rarity sitting besides the bed with medical equipment, unsure what to do.
“Her wounds healed themselves, none of her bones are broken, yet she looks even worse than before,” Rarity said before picking up an ice pack to touch Fluttershy’s forehead with a hoof. She gave the bunny a worried glance and asked, “Your master has a very high temperature, you do not know how we can treat her back to health by any chance?”
Angel shook his head, his smile surprisingly concerned.
“Pity,” Rarity said before looking at the medicine and bandages she gathered, most being herbs prepared by Fluttershy for her animals, all useless to heal a pony who could recover from even most lethal injuries. Unsure what to do, she looked at Applejack and called her name. After being ignored, she repeated louder, ”Applejack!”
“Huh?”
“Would you mind explaining to me why you have been sitting in place and doing nothing… while your friends and clan members have been in grave danger?”
Applejack looked outside and responded absentmindedly, “Ya already know we were facin’ mah father. Ah’ve been missin’ him for years, tryin’ to distract mahself and keep mah feelin’ bottled inside.” She sighed. “But when Ah found out he was alive, Ah couldn’t brin’ mahself to fight him.”
“Even after everything he did to hurt us?” Rarity asked with a frown.
“W-what?”
“You already learned that he was responsible for my near-death experience, attack on our younger sisters, and was even behind your hostile encounter with Fluttershy.” The fashionista approached her friend with firm steps and an unforgiving stare. “During one of my talks with Fluttershy, she told me that your family wanted to make her an honorary member… and no more than a day… or was it a few days…”
“Rares, please, get to the point,” Applejack plead, unable to look her friend in the eyes.
“What I am trying to say is that Fluttershy helped your farm on many occasions,” Rarity said, taking a quick breath. “She foalsat Apple Bloom and even saved your dog.” Her glare sharpened. “Not long after your family wanted to make her an honorable member, you ended up fighting against her in the Everfree Forest.”
Applejack grit her teeth, clearly angered by such a reminder.
“You were trying to kill her before my very eyes and only a minute after finding out Fluttershy was a pureblood thestral, you yelled at her with the most hurtful words you could come up with, swearing you would kill her. It was so easy for you to hate a pony who was your friend, just because she was a thestral, your sworn enemies.”
“Ya don’t have to remind me... “ Applejack said slowly while still gritting her teeth. “Ah’ve been regrettin’ that day since Ah made up with Fluttershy.”
“It is not about regret,” Rarity said with a stomp before massaging her foreleg. “Alright, answer me this question. Why did Fluttershy, who was holding back to fight you and even paid a huge price trying to protect both you and your family, deserve such hate? While your father, who caused us nothing but harm received mercy?”
“Huh? Where are ya goin’ with this?”
“Both Fluttershy and your father are thestrals, correct?” Applejack nodded. “After you gave Fluttershy no mercy, I expected you would not hesitate to help us fight against your father, and yet you could care less if he was going to slaughter us all.” Rarity looked at her sick friend in the bed, her ears drooped.
“I mean… I understand that Fluttershy is nowhere as important as a member of your family... and I have not expected you to try deliver a deadly blow against a father you missed so much, but I did not expect you would do absolutely nothing until the very end.” She frowned, her voice filled with the feeling of betrayal. “You hurt us as an enemy, you taught Fluttershy that sometimes she should withhold her mercy as an ally, yet when we needed your skills, you went against your own teachings and hesitated. I find your actions to be unfair…” She could feel forehoof landing on her shoulder, but slapping it away. “Why Applejack? What changed?”
The huntress massaged her foreleg and looked at Fluttershy. “Ah’ll be honest with ya… If Ah found out mah father wasn’t dead but turned a long time ago, Ah wouldn’t have rested till Ah…” she rubbed her chin thoughtfully, “...put him out of his misery.” She sighed. “But Fluttershy and Apple Bloom… they showed me how wrong mah beliefs were. Earth Ponies, Pegasi, Unicorns, Pureblood Thestrals, in the end we’re just ponies.”
Apple Bloom? Does Applejack know? Rarity thought.
“Even if mah father was turned and brainwashed, Ah didn’t see him as a monster or an enemy...“
Rarity frowned and said, “I believe Fluttershy was correct when she told you not to accompany us.”
“Ah suppose she was.”
Both mares stepped to the side, giving space for Rainbow Dash to drop Ditzy onto the floor before landing herself.
“Ah take yer chase failed.”
Rainbow Dash took a few slow breaths before stomping. “The Everfree Forest is like a maze! I already tried to catch that assassin, but I failed.” She pointed at Ditzy accusingly. “And Derpy doesn’t have even fraction of the tracking abilities Flutters has.” Her attention shifted to the pony lying in bed and she galloped over, scaring a few critters and birds as they got out of the way.
“Fluttershy, can you hear me?” Dash asked as she stroked her mane, glancing at her friend with concern. The heavy breathing of Fluttershy did little to calm her worries. “Don’t do this to me again…” She sat and looked to the side. “I saw you starving yourself, nearly dying under the sunlight, falling into depression, and every single time I felt so powerless.” She pressed forehoof against her own chest. “And here I am again… unable to heal and protect you…”
“Actually, you can help,” Ditzy said with a raised foreleg, now becoming a center of attention. “You no doubt know that Fluttershy and Zecora get along. They drink tea and exchange herbs and rare ingredients from time to time. Maybe she’ll be able to help.”
Rainbow Dash spread her wings and flew for the window, only to crash into Ditzy who blocked her way and asked, “Do you know where she lives?”
Dash stood up to her hooves and shook the stars from her head before smiling awkwardly. “Flutters wanted to take me to meet Zecora a few times, but I was too busy.”
Ditzy chuckled before pointing outside. “Fluttershy once took me to Zecora to ask if she could help with my eye problem. I’ll lead the way.”
“Sounds good,” Dash said before grabbing Ditzy between her hooves. “AJ, Rares, I’m counting on both of you to keep Flutters safe. We’ll be back as fast as we can.” She flew outside, the wind blowing the tails and manes of the ponies inside.
***
Vinyl Scratch trotted carefree while humming to herself. She noticed Rainbow Dash head back into the Everfree Forest while holding Ditzy between her hooves. She waved at them before focusing her attention on the nearby cottage, lights radiating from the second floor window clearly visible while shining stars decorated the sky.
She had to admit, the cottage looked very lovely at night.
“Why Rainbow Dash and Ditzy trust you is beyond me,” Rarity’s voice reached her sharpened hearing.
“Excuse me?” Applejack’s voice followed.
“You clearly have proved yourself not to be trusted after today’s display.”
Vinyl could hear a stomp before Applejack responded, “Now yer not bein’ fair! Ah couldn’t give mah all against mah father!”
“And what if he forms an army of living plants and lays siege to this cottage? How can I be certain you will not hesitate again? Fluttershy is in no condition to defend herself, and I think I overheard your possessed father saying that he still has one more trial left for her.”
“Ah had mah moment of weakness, but Ah swear, it won’t happen again.”
“And why should I believe you?”
Vinyl could hear Applejack exchale a tired sigh. “Ah get the impression ya hold a grudge or somethin’.”
With growing curiosity, Vinyl lit her horn and formed a thin barrier around herself, which turned invisible a moment later. She bent her legs and jumped towards the open window, her action being completely muted by her own magic. Both mares inside stared at each other, too distracted to notice her.
“Grudge, oh no no no,” Rarity said before levitating over a half empty teacup with steam escaping from it. “I only spent months hiding my secret from you in fear, seeing how Fluttershy was being hurt by protecting your family.”
“Point taken,” Applejack responded with an annoyed glare.
Rarity looked back, now starring Applejack in the eyes. “I could hardly believe it when Fluttershy said that you both got along after everything that happened, but when she invited you into the clan, I decided to give you a benefit of a doubt, to see if maybe we could become friends.”
“And Ah wasted that, is that what yer tryin’ to say?”
The fashionista nodded. “Indeed. I can somewhat understand why Fluttershy would still trust you as she is very forgiving, while Rainbow Dash was your friend for a long time, but I have no reasons to trust you and I am not going to leave my friend with you alone.”
The aura around Vinyl’s horn vanished, no longer manipulating the sound cancelling waves around herself. “Hey, wassup?” she interrupted before pushing herself inside, mud on her hooves dirtying the floor. “I could feel the tension between both of you from the outside, mind if I cut in?”
“Vinyl Scratch, where have you been?” Rarity asked as she firmly approached. She frowned before levitating upward the dirty hoof while pointing at the floor. “And next time you climb into somepony’s room, clean your hooves.”
“Fine, fine, yeesh,” Vinyl said with roll of her eyes. “So, what’s this all about?”
“First answer my question,” Rarity said, pressing her muzzle against Vinyl’s. “Where… have… you… been!?”
She pushed the muzzle away and said, “Searching for traps, chatting with the enemy, the usual.”
“Chattin’ with the enemy? Wait a darn minute! You meant ya talked with mah father?” Applejack asked, now staring at the her intensively.
“Did you try to catch him?” Rarity asked, examining her fur for any sign of injury. “Do not tell me you just let him go!”
“Okay, I won’t tell you that I just let him go,” Vinyl said in a joking tone, causing Rarity to facehoof and groan at the same time.
“I did ask if he’d be interested in joining us though, but he refused.” Vinyl shrugged. “If it makes you feel any better, the link between that stallion and his master seemed broken. Maybe Fluttershy can fix his head or something.”
"I doubt it.” Rarity spoke harshly, “After the assassin that you did not even bother to capture drank a bottle of blood from his master, he overpowered us all with ease. Poor Fluttershy tried to drink that blood away, and…” She pointed towards the bed behind her, “She is suffering from some sort of illness.”
Not wasting a moment, Vinyl jumped over Rarity’s head and landed next to the bed with a weak thump. Never before she had seen or heard about a sick pureblood as their healing capabilities could repel any infection or poison. Much to her surprise, she could sense power radiating from Fluttershy that was trying to escape, tearing her body up from the inside as the result. As powerful as it is, dark magic is always a pain in the flank. Even our kind who specialize in wielding it can either get corrupted or hurt by it. It seems that purebloods are no exception.
“Wow, now it all makes sense,” Vinyl said, giving Fluttershy a pitiful smile as she gently stroked the bat-like wing that lied spread on the bedding.
“Rainbow Dash flew to pick up Zecora… a zebra that lives in the forest,” Applejack said, sitting next to Vinyl. “Maybe she knows a trick or two to get Fluttershy back on her hooves.”
This’ll require way more than just a potion maker. I’d better pay a visit to my old boss and ask if he could spare a moment to help, she thought before looking at the farm mare with a smile. “Sounds good.” She turned around, now looking between Applejack and Rarity. “So, what you’re arguing all about?”
Applejack lowered her head. “Ah screwed up… and now Rares ain’t trustin’ me anymore.”
Rarity nodded. “Indeed, but now I see she was not the only one.”
“And what, are ya not goin’ to trust Vinyl too?” Applejack asked, poking Rarity’s shoulder.
“Why should I not trust her? If I encountered an assassin alone, I would be afraid to capture him as well,” Rarity commented, her head raised highly.
“And the talkin’ part?” Applejack asked.
“Ummm… I see nothing wrong with negotiating with the enemy… from a safe distance.”
Applejack raised her eyebrow. “So if Ah screw up, Ah ain’t to be trusted, but if she does, it’s fine?”
“At least Vinyl did not try to kill Fluttershy in the first place.”
Applejack pressed her muzzle against Rarity’s. “Can ya give it a break? Ah regret hurtin’ Fluttershy and Ah had a moment of weakness when facin’ mah father, but it ain’t happenin’ again.”
Rarity pressed her head against Applejack’s, overpowering her and forcing the farm mare to bend her legs. “I can trust Vinyl because I had time to get to know her better. We’re both thestrals and she has not failed me before… with repairing furniture being the only exception. But I cannot trust a huntress who had a change of heart and yet failed when we needed her skills.”
Vinyl looked between both mares, waiting patiently as the arguing went on, staring at her hoof absentmindedly. After half a minute, she sighed and raised her head, charging magic into her horn and releasing a spell.
Applejack stomped and spoke, but much to her shock, she didn’t hear her own words, nor did she hear her own stomping. Rarity noticing that their volume was muted a moment later. Both mares looked around in confusion, trying to speak or cause noise by clapping their hooves, but no matter how much they tried, not a single noise was made.
“Sorry to break up your riveting conversation, but I feel it won’t do Fluttershy any good if her friends and clan members were constantly yelling at each other in her own home,” Vinyl said, her words causing both mares to lower their heads in shame.
“Listen, Rares; I know AJ did some pretty mean stuff in the past and that you didn’t bond with her like the others after she attacked us, but if you did, you would see that she’s not the same huntress she was back then. Besides...” Vinyl’s tone became slightly sharper as she took of her glasses, “...showing some compassion wouldn’t hurt, I mean, sheesh… I bet you wouldn’t do any better if your own dad, who you long thought dead, appear out of nowhere and turned on you as a werepony or something.”
After taking a calming breath, she placed the glasses back on her muzzle and said calmly, “Tell you what, Rares, how about you give AJ one more chance and try to get to know her better as you both guard our boss? You can’t judge somepony fairly unless you know them.”
Rarity said something, but no noise left her mouth. She crossed her forelegs and shot Vinyl an annoyed glare.
“Oh, right,” Vinyl responded, vanishing the aura around her horn. “What did you say?”
“I said; I suppose I can give Applejack a chance... but I still have a bad feeling about this.”
“Then it’s settled,” Vinyl said, slamming one hoof against another before walking towards the window.
“Where do you think you are going?” Rarity asked, pulling her by a foreleg. “I need your help to protect Fluttershy.”
“I’m going to Canterlot to see if Lord Fancy can assist. He’s usually busy, but once he gets an opening, he should be able to help.” Vinyl looked back at Fluttershy and next at Rarity, her expression suddenly serious. “Sorry for ditching you like that, but it’ll be for the best. Besides, Fluttershy already put her neck on the line too many times, now it’s time for her clan to to do it instead.”
“Alright, I will do my best.” Rarity puffed her chest with determination before looking at Applejack. “Hopefully, the huntress will as well… but no promises.”
Applejack frowned. “Vinyl Scratch, if ya could mute Rares for an hour, Ah would really appreciate it.”
“What? How can you…” Rarity spoke, when suddenly the volume of her voice dropped to nothing. She shot Vinyl an angered glare, making her grin in response and Applejack started to laugh.
Vinyl petted Rarity on the head and said, “Best of luck to both of you both, and have fun.” She turned towards the window and jumped, the noise of landing silenced by her magic. Much to Rarity’s relief, the effect of the spell vanished after a minute.
Physical pain wasn’t new to Fluttershy as her body was damaged and healed on multiple occasions, like fighting against an assassin or protecting her friends.
It was similar with mental pain as she witnessed the death of her parents, fought against her friend who wanted to kill her and was forced to make many difficult decisions.
Exhaustion was second nature to her as she endured living with ponies under the open sun, feeling drained of all of her energy, her body becoming heavy and tired as a result.
This time however, she experienced something different, something difficult to describe. She felt as if her body was filled with a power she never possessed before, far greater than what she attained after drinking Dash’s and Pinkie’s blood in the same night. Yet, despite all this power flowing through her veins, she felt weak, as if her body couldn’t control and contain it. As if it tried to escape or overtake her.
For the very first time, she felt her blood rebelling against her and she lost consciousness because of that.
The rest didn’t last long though as her nose caught an odd smell. She struggled to open her eyes, the blurry image slowly sharpening.
“Fluttershy!”
She could hear Dash’s voice before being embraced. She yelped in pain upon feeling her friend's hooves pressing against her back and left wing.
“S-sorry!”
She could once again feel the softness of the bed, but it did little to weaken the burning sensation she felt in her blood. Her face and mane were wet. She was unsure if it was caused by uncontrollable sweating from her illness, or maybe by ice packs placed on her forehead because of her increased temperature.
Too tired to raise her head, she moved it slightly to the side, now seeing her critters, Angel, Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash, all staring at her with worry. “W-what happened?”
“You drank that earth pony thestral’s blood and became ill, that’s what happened,” Rainbow Dash said with surprisingly depressed voice. “You made us really really worried!”
“Oh… I’m sorry,” she responded with a tired voice, her breathing slow but heavy. “W-what happened to the stallion?” She could see her friends looking to the side.
“He… got away…” Dash said.
Rarity approached and added, “You do not need to worry about him, darling… We are here to protect you. Right, Applejack?”
“We sure are.”
“Was anypony hurt?” Fluttershy asked. Upon seeing the shaking of her friends’ heads, she forced a smile. “I’m… glad.” Her cheerful expression vanished as quickly as her ears drooped. “To be honest… I thought he was under blood hypnosis.” She paused to take a breather. “Aside from weakening him… I hoped I could free him from his master’s influence, but it seems I underestimated his power.”
Applejack approached, bypassing Rarity and Rainbow Dash before sitting next to the bed, now staring directly in Fluttershy’s tired bloodshot eyes. “Ya mean… ya tried to free mah father?”
“Emphasis on trying,” Fluttershy responded. “Sorry you had to see us fighting each other… I know it must’ve been hard.”
“Not as hard as it was for ya. Ah mean, findin’ out yer a pawn in some crazy scheme, the return of some princess, fightin’ a very strong thestral,” Applejack said before rubbing back of her neck. “Honestly, Ah did nothin’ to help, sorry.”
“It’s alright… I understand,” Fluttershy struggled an answer.
“It’s not alright. Rares got a point, Ah screwed up, but it ain’t happenin’ again. Ya have mah word,” the huntress responded with determination radiating from her eyes.
Fluttershy smiled warmly before gritting her teeth at feeling a sudden surge of pain. A teacup with steaming grey liquid levitated towards her muzzle.
“Drink up, Fluttershy. Zecora told us it will help,” Rarity plead.
“Zecora? Did you take me to her hut while I was unconscious?” Fluttershy asked as she took the cup between her trembling hooves. She slowly tilted the cup towards her mouth and drank the medicine, Rarity’s magic keeping it stable. Each gulp tasted worse than a mix between a very old chocolate, fish guts and melted iron, but she endured.
“Nope,” Applejack said before pointing at the pegasus. “Dash and Ditzy brought her here screamin’.”
“Very funny, AJ.” Dash shoot an angered glare at the chuckling earth pony before looking back at Fluttershy, her voice once again calm. “We told Zecora about your illness and asked if she could get you a cure before bringing her here, though I’ve gotta admit, I picked her up and flew her all the way here pretty darn quickly.”
She was about to ask, but Applejack’s hoof silenced her. “Zecora mixed some herbs and told us the smell’d wake ya up. She also brew ya some medicine.”
Rarity levitated back the nearly empty cup and pointed at it. “Actually, Miss Applejack is not completely correct. What you just drank was not a medicine, but a very strong poison meant to weaken your power.” She rubbed her chin thoughtfully before adding, “I suppose what is a poison to one race can be a cure to another.”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Details, details. What’s important is that Zecora doesn’t know how to cure you, saying that healing magic and potions are deadly for thestrals. Before going home however, she suggested asking you what to do after you wake up.”
“Can ya blame her?” asked Applejack. “If Ah was dragged from mah bed late at night, Ah’d be annoyed too.”
Poison to weaken my power? Now it all makes sense, Fluttershy thought as she turned her head to look at the ceiling, now analyzing her situation. She desperately searched her memories, hoping her parents’ teachings would help her find solution.
“So… any idea how we can heal you?”
“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity called with a firm stomp. “Show some patience.”
“Fine…”
The group looked around absentmindedly, searching for a distraction as silence overtook the room. Seconds of waiting for an answer turned into minutes.
Fluttershy’s grit her teeth as she tried to return to her pony form. As she expected, she couldn't even turn her eyes, much less the rest of her features. Her ears flattened against her head as she struggled to raise herself and look at her friends. “I... don’t know.”
Rainbow Dash took a step back while staring at her in shock. “W-what do you m-mean you d-don’t know?” She pointed accusingly. “You’re a total egghead when it comes to healing, you can count every single bone in my body, wings included. How can you not know?” Her wings flapped in anxiety as she forced a chuckle. “Now’s not a good time for joking around.”
Rarity placed calming hoof on Dash’s shoulder. “I fear she was not joking.”
“Achoo…” Fluttershy sneezed quietly, quickly received a tissue from a worried bird.
Rarity giggled. “I do not say it to everypony, but the way you sneezed is really cute.” Her attempt to improve the mood was met with an agreeing nod from Applejack.
Fluttershy pushed herself into a sitting position, her forehoof pressed against a pillow. “I didn’t sneeze a single time in eighty years, at least not from illness. Pureblood thestrals never get sick…” Her nose scrunched while another drop of sweat slid down her muzzle. “My parents taught me how to use my magic to heal, but I’m still too young and inexperienced. Unless I contact another one of my kind with a vast amount of knowledge…” she paused to take a few quick breaths while Rarity levitated the tissue to soak the sweat from her face. “All I can do is hope… that my body will recover on its own.”
Applejack smiled and looked at Rarity. “Well Ah’ll be a silly pony, ya were right about Vinyl, Rares.”
“Excuse me?”
“That musician with the big mouth said she’d go fetch Fancy Pants. Ah bet he can help.”
Rarity raised her head arrogantly. “Please call him Lord Fancy Pants, and yes, a noble of such standards surely will know what to do.”
Fluttershy smiled warmly as she tried to clop her hooves together, only to lose balance as the result as the back of her head and ears sank into the pillow. “Leading the Canterlot Clan most likely… keeps him occupied… but I think I can wait for his arrival.” She could feel Zecora’s poison draining her of her energy, which in turn weakened the dangerous blood.
It seems I have became more vulnerable to common diseases, but besides that, I am feeling better. Maybe exposure to the sun may help me deal with the power overload… no, it would be too dangerous. Zecora’s potion seems to be a more stable solution. Suddenly, a realization struck her. “If Vinyl’s heading to Canterlot, and you three are here… then where is Ditzy?”
Rainbow Dash rubbed back of her head, smiling awkwardly. “She was worried that she would hurt you by accident and went home.” Dash puffed her chest and poked it with a hoof. “But don’t worry. We’re more than enough to keep you safe.”
Rarity nodded. “You did so much for us, now it is our turn.”
“Eeyup.”
Fluttershy smiled once again, ignoring her illness. “T-thank you… my friends.”
The whizzing sound and murmurs from bypassing ponies were filling the train station as Sunflower walked outside, yawning and stretching the old bones in her yellow wings, grey tips showing her old age. Her mane was a mix of bronze and grey, while three sunflowers decorated her flank. She raised forehoof defensively from the blinding sun as she had just woke up a minute ago from her nap.
After a few quick blinks, she looked to the side, watching her taller white companion with a dark-red mane and bowl full of birdseed for a cutie mark, who looked back at her with hesitation. “So… we’re finally here.”
“Indeed.”
Both elderly pegasi stared at each other in silence for a moment, each wearing a small blue saddlebag, Sunflower’s contained the mysterious letter that lead them to Ponyville. Many talks and weeks had passed before they both gathered the courage to leave their city in the sky, ready to check the rumours. None of them believing that Flutterbat was still alive, but their tired minds refused to be at ease before making sure.
While much younger pegasi would most likely fly rather than use a train, their wings were old and both of them were out of shape, preferring the comfort of a train to tiresome activities.
They both looked around before Little Seed asked, “So, any idea what our…” -he took slow breath- “mysterious friend looks like?”
The mare nodded her head. “After I tried to contact him, he described himself as a tall red-coated stallion with brown mane and a scar, and said he would wait for us at the train station.” She looked around with half-closed eyes, her attention quickly shifting to a stallion wearing a black hood and a saddlebag, sitting next to the small stairs leading from the wooden platform.
They slowly approached, stepping back the moment he glanced at them. “Yer here to learn the truth about Flutterbat?” They nervously nodded. “Ya sure took yer time.”
Little Seed opened his mouth, but was silenced by Sunflower’s slightly trembling hoof as she spoke instead, “We needed time… to contemplate.”
The stallion half-bowed. “Hawkeye, pleasure’s all mine.” He turned around. “Let’s go.”
“My name’s Sunflower,” the mare introduced herself, quickly following the earth pony. Her husband right beside her.
"And my name’s Little Seed, nice to… meet you?” He sped up and plead, “Would you please… slow down… we aren’t up for a marathon,” he took a quick breath, “at our age.”
Sunflower interrupted, “Speak for yourself. Whenever I told you to have a workout with me, you always refused.” A drop of sweat fell down her muzzle as she started to trot.
***
The two old pegasi looked around, admiring the simple yet charming and colorful homes, occasionally trying to start a conversation with the tall earth pony who kept silent the entire way. Bypassing ponies waved their hooves while shooting them the occasional smile.
Much to their surprise, the stallion changed direction, leading the elderly pair outside of town before rounding Ponyville.
Little Seed sped up further, desperately trying to catch up with the tall pony. “Ummm.... I hope you don’t mind-” a quick breath, “-if I ask why are you wearing that hood in such pleasant weather?”
“Ah ain’t a fan of hot sunny days.”
Sunflower frowned.
Little Seed looked at the eye and asked, “And what about your scar. How did you get it?”
The silence lasted for a few more seconds before Hawkeye stopped and massaged his head, clearly in pain.
“Is something wrong?”
“N-no… Ah’m fine…” Hawkeye said, slowly regaining his composure. He touched his scar before sighing. “Ah... can’t tell ya about the scar… mah apologises.”
Little Seed’s ears drooped as he responded in disappointment, “Alright… but would you pleeease consider slowing down?”
“Slow down?” Hawkeye asked while shooting the elderly pegasus a smirk. “If Ah slow down even more, them snails will start outspeedin’ us.” He chuckled. “Mah Ma can move her old legs faster than ya.” He grit his teeth as another headache struck, this one even stronger than the last as an image of Granny Smith surfaced in his mind. Vinyl’s words followed as he started wondering if his master did indeed send him to kill his own family before Fluttershy had come into play.
“Maybe we should go to a doctor. You seems to be getting worse,” Little Seed suggested while staring at Hawkeye with concern.
“Ah’m fine!” Hawkeye responded, quickly raising his head. “We shouldn't make yer friend wait any longer.”
Little Seed approached Sunflower and whispered, “I have an odd feeling about Hawkeye. He seems to be hiding something. Maybe we should go back.”
“No time for hesitation now when we’re so close,” Sunflower responded, not bothering to look back at her husband.
“But Sunflower, dear. What if he’s…” he took a quick breath and increased his pace as they both tried to keep up with the stallion, who was already a few meters ahead of them. “What if he wants to rob us? He’s leading us outside of town where there are no witnesses.” He gave Hawkeye a quick glance, hoping he didn’t hear him.
Sunflower giggled. “You often kept saying I shouldn’t worry so much. When did you became such a worrywart?”
“I’m just being cautious. Hoping that our friend is still alive seems to have blinded you.”
Sunflower rolled her eyes. “Oh yes, because we’re suuuch attractive targets. The few bits we’re carrying surely will lure criminals from all across Equestria.”
Little Seed sighed. “Alright… I’ll play along, but if something bad happens,” he took a quick breath, “remember that I warned you.”
***
“We’re here,” Hawkeye said, stopping several meters before a little bridge, pointing at the cottage. “Wake up you two.”
Both pegasi yawned and rubbed their sleepy eyes.
“Ah swear, ya both are all feathers and bones, but no stamina.”
Sunflower stepped onto the soft grass and stretched herself, the sound of cracking bones followed. “Don’t blame us when you were the one offering to give us a ride.” She felt a breeze in her mane as she looked around, her eyes widened and mouth opened widely. Admiring the view.
“Because ya were stoppin’ for a break every darn minute.” He sat, sliding Little Seed from his back before sighing. “Let’s get this over with.”
Little Seed shook dust from his forelegs before his eyes widened, now admiring his surroundings alongside his wife. The cottage was surrounded by a grassy field and trees; some filled with nuts and holes for squirrels, while most had bird nests or beehives. Multicolored flowers decorated the area and there was a little stream clear enough for them to notice a few fishes swimming through. A few holes and nests were noticeable near the stream, but no animals besides fish were present.
“It’s beautiful,” Little Seed said while placing his wing on his wife. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
Sunflower nodded. “Of course it is, and you know who would love to live in a place like this?”
“Flutterbat?”
“Exactly,” Sunflower said before wrapping her wing around her husband, only to push him forward as she approached the entrance.
“I can walk, you know,” Little Seed commented.
***
Sunflower felt her heart beating at the rate of a young pegasus, almost as fast as during her friend’s possibly fake funeral. Her raised trembling hoof, suddenly hesitant to knock. Her husband sat a meter behind her while the mysterious stallion took a comfortable position in the shadow of a tree, out of her line of sight.
Get yourself together, you can’t back down now. She closed her eyes and grit her teeth as she advanced her hoof, only to feel it poke a soft fur.
“Welcome to Fluttershy’s cottage, where all the animals are happy, fed and well taken care of. How can I help you?”
Sunflower opened her eyes and smiled awkwardly, now facing a white unicorn mare with three diamonds as her cutie mark.
She cleared her throat before placing her raised forehoof on her chest. “H-hello, my name is Sunflower.” She pointed at the pony waving from a meter distance. “And this is my husband, Little Seed. We live in Cloudsdale.”
“Charmed,” Rarity said with a half-bow before introducing herself. “My name is Rarity, owner of the local boutique. Would you need elegant clothes or beautification, my doors stand open.” She paused. “Should you wish to relax, Ponyville’s spa is quite lovely.”
“Thank you for the offer, but we’re not tourists,” Sunflower pointed out.
Rarity’s ears dropped. “Shame. In any case, what brings such a lovely pair to our humble little town so far away?”
Both pegasi blushed at the complement.
“If there is an animal emergency, I will lead the way to the local veterinarian. Miss Fluttershy is ill and in no shape to assist you.”
Sunflower tiled her head to the side, noticing a huge gathering of animals all over the floor inside, right behind the white mare. “She’s ill?” Upon noticing a nod, she said, “We came a long way to visit Miss Fluttershy. We’re her friends from Cloudsdale, and if she’s ill, we should at least give her our best wishes.” She took a quick breath.
“Friends from Cloudsdale? She never mentioned you. I was certain the only pony she befriended there was Rainbow Dash.”
Sunflower turned her head as her cheeks reddened. If that mare was indeed Flutterbat, not mentioning her old friends for so many years was very rude. “We’re her… very old friends.” She looked back at Rarity and continued, “I’m certain one look at our faces will refresh her memory.”
“I apologize, but visitors are not allowed. Fluttershy’s illness is highly contagious.”
Sunflower frowned while Little Seed approached the door and shoot the fashionista a suspicious glare. He asked, “If it is indeed contagious, then why are you taking care of her without a mask or any other protective gear, hmn?”
“I… I… developed an immunity...” Rarity started to sweat while looking around nervously, both pegasi raised their eyebrows. “I am sorry, Fluttershy is in no shape to see any visitors. Please return later, have a good day,” she said hastily before closing the door with a loud thump.
Both pegasi looked at each other in confusion. “She is hiding something,” Little Seed said calmly.
“Well, I’m not leaving until we see Flutterbat.”
“But how? I hope you don’t plan breaking in. I fear my heart wouldn’t endure anything crazy like that.”
“Use the back-entrance to sneak in, or a window on the second floor. Ah’ll distract Flutterbat’s friends,” Hawkeye said as he approached the door and took off his hood. He gestured at the pair to round the house, who nodded hesitantly.
***
Hawkeye threw a small rock at the window frame on the second floor before sitting in front of the door, waiting a few seconds. It didn’t take long before the window on the second floor opened and a blue pegasus flew outside, landing with a loud thump and spread wings.
“How dare you show up on my friend’s doorsteps after what you’ve done!” Dash said, stomping and gritting her teeth.
“Ain’t ya Rainbow Dash? I must commend ya. For a pegasus, yer speed and skills are outstandin’, makin’ ya very useful for yer mistress and quite a nuisance to me.”
“Just give me a moment and I’ll be a lot more than just a nuisance,” Dash said as she started hitting the grass as if she was a bull preparing to charge.
“Very eager, ain’t ya?” he asked, struggling to resist the blinding sunlight.
He could notice another mare jumping from the window, this one had a bracer with a silver blade equipped on her forehoof.
“And the huntress is here too. Ah must congratulate ya for turning yer mistress into a true pureblood through trainin’.” He put on his hood for additional protection from the sun, regaining some of his strength as seconds passed. “Ah wonder if yer huntin’ skills are anywhere matching yer teachin’ ones.”
“Yer about to find out, and don’t expect me to hesitate this time just because yer mah Pa.” Applejack’s eyes half-closed as she took a fighting stance. “Ah’m goin’ to capture ya so Fluttershy can fix that thick head o’ yers, and if ya do somethin’ to hurt her, Ah’ll buck ya unconscious.”
The door in front of him opened, revealing Rarity wearing a large pink hat, a few silver bolts levitating by her side. “I must say, I did not expect such a bold move from you.” She looked at him suspiciously. “I expected an ambush, or you leading an army of plants, but definitely not this.”
Rarity walked outside and closed the door behind her. “You are not going to hurt Fluttershy on our watch. This is the end of the line for you, but before we proceed to capture you, would you mind explaining why are you openly facing us?”
“That’s very simple,” Hawkeye started, turning to the side, not looking at any of surrounding him mares. “Yer mistress has one last trial to face, and Ah’m here to ensure she does.”
“Fluttershy has endured enough!” Dash shouted. “She’s really sick after drinking your blood, and I won’t let you to hurt her further.”
“She’s sick?” Hawkeye asked, caught off guard. “Yer lyin’. She avoided most of mah strikes and defeated me without much of a trouble. How can she be…?” He massaged his forehead, the headache didn’t want to leave him.
Rarity stomped. “Yes, she did defeat you, but when she tried to capture you, you drank your master’s blood.” She raised forehoof up to her face. “Vinyl did mention that your master tampered with your memories. Does that mean you cannot remember everything that happened last night?”
“It don’t matter. Vinyl the Undying already offered to let me join yer clan and Ah told her Ah must accomplish mah master’s task.” He cleared his throat and lowered his head, his tone firm and dark. “Sick or not, yer mistress needs to face the past to be ready to face the future.”
“Past? What do you mean?” Rainbow Dash asked as she looked around nervously.
“Yer her closest friend, and yet ya not know much about her past,” Hawkeye said. “As an emissary of peace between our races, yer mistress will face hate and doubt. How’ll she react, should her best friends she left behind learn her true nature? This is a struggle mah master wishes for her to face.”
“Friends?” Rarity said before her ears perked upward as a noise from the inside caught her attention. Noticing it, Hawkeye opened his saddlebag and grabbed a lasso with his mouth, using it to pull Rarity away from the door.
It didn’t take long before he was being tackled by the pegasus, while Applejack’s silver blade cut the rope. A loud cacophony made by the animals inside rang out from the cottage.
Hawkeye slammed his hoof against the ground, making vines shoot up from it and restraining the pegasus’s wings before she could fly in through the window. Two silver bolts cut them a moment later while the third one struck his foreleg.
***
Fluttershy’s tired barely opened eyes were now staring at Sunflower, wondering if it was a hallucination, caused by her weakened state.
“F-Flutterbat… is that you?”
She recognized the voice immediately as her eyes shot open. She struggled to stand, but could only support herself with one foreleg against a pillow. “S-Sunflower?”
“It’s you!” the elderly mare said before approaching and slapping her. Fluttershy could feel pain, both physical and mental as her eyes watered. “How dare you… how could you… why?” She was embraced a moment later and it caused her to yelp. The pain growing in strength as her feeble body could barely endure a hug, Zecora’s poison being strong enough to restrain her powers while leaving her very vulnerable.
“Why did you fake your death? How could you hurt us so? You meanie... “ Sunflower shouted between tired breaths while Fluttershy could notice another pegasus walking up from the stairs, he was covered in both sweat and small animals that tried to stop him, legs shaking as if after climbing a tall mountain.
“Little Seed?” Fluttershy said, feeling tears dropping on her back as she was held in a firm hug. The sound of breaking glass came as the glass pieces filled the room, Rainbow Dash then flew in and landed on the floor. Critters spread out in all directions while Little Seed hid his face behind a wing.
“W-why are you here… how did you find out?” Fluttershy asked as her tired mind tried to keep up with the change of events.
Sunflower released her from the hug and looked in the eyes. “Your other friend you tricked told us through the letter that you faked your funeral, presenting us with a proof,” She said hastily. “At first I thought…” she paused, now intensively examining her features. Looking away from her thin predatory eyes to bat-like wings before pushing her away. “What happened to you?”
Fluttershy grit her teeth as she struggled to reassert herself. “I… I can explain.”
“Explain? Explain!” Sunflower shouted, pointing at Fluttershy accusingly while Little Seed approached and sat by her side. “First you disappear for years, next fake your funeral and now you look like a far younger version of yourself. Is that a costume? What is going on?”
Fluttershy opened her mouth, but no words left it. She looked away from the judgmental stare of her friends, not feeling strong enough to talk with them. Why… why is this happening to me?
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Sunflower asked, her voice filled with desperation while her ears drooped. “Say something already!”
Rainbow Dash got between Fluttershy and her friends, spreading her wings protectively. “Calm down! Can’t you see Flutters is sick?”
Sunflower was about to respond, but stopped upon feeling her husband’s wing on her back.
Little Seed asked, “Please, explain to us why our friend looks like this. Is this the result of the illness?”
“Y-yes… it’s a curse she caught from the Everfree Forest,” Dash said nervously.
“Rainbow Dash…” Fluttershy called her friend. “Please… tell them the truth.”
“But Flutters…”
“Please.”
Dash sighed before turning towards the confused pegasi. “Fluttershy… is not a pegasus, but a pureblooded thestral.”
“A what now?” Sunflower asked.
“You know. Bat-like wings, drinking blood, turning ponies and thestrals… you get the idea.”
Sunflower gasped. “She turn ponies into her own kind?! That’s horrible.”
“It’s not as bad as you think,” Rainbow Dash responded.
Little Seed massaged his neck, suddenly feeling uneasy. “So… does this mean she maintains a steady population of her kind by transferring her genes through multiples mates and females?”
Fluttershy blushed while Rainbow Dash rubbed top of her head, trying to translate the egghead speech.
***
Hawkeye grit his teeth as he looked between the two mares surrounding him, a few wounds caused by silver bolts slightly slowing him down. What’s takin’ those two so long?… he thought before jumping back, just in time to avoid Applejack’s blade which was aimed at his foreleg.
While being bigger, more experienced and a thestral would give him advantage over the huntress, the lack of proper equipment while outnumbered turned the battle around. To make matters worse, his hood damaged during the fight, no longer providing complete protection from the sun. His ears perked upward as he caught the sound of an opening door.
All present ponies turned their heads towards the pegasi running outside, an impressive feat considering their age.
“Wait, come back, you’ve got it all wrong!” Rainbow Dash called as she ran outside.
Hawkeye jumped in front of the pegasi, who pressed their hooves against the ground and stopped in front of him.
“You… you’re a… a…” Sunflower started, staring at the fangs and wounds in shock.
“Abomination…” Little Seed finished. “Just like Fluttershy.”
He grinned before picking up a smoke bomb from his saddlebag and throwing it at the ground, filling his surroundings with smoke. Everypony coughed before looking around, their visibility fully reduced.
Rarity started sensing the heartbeats of surrounding ponies, carefully navigating through the smoke. The moment she passed through it, her eyes widened as she could see the stallion escaping with two unconscious pegasi on his back.
Weakness slowly started overtaking his body as Hawkeye galloped towards the Everfree Forest. He could hear the hoofsteps of his pursuers and the flapping wings of Rainbow Dash. Much to his relief, the trees’ shadows provided him with the protection he needed, just in time as the blue pegasus landed in front of him.
“Where do you think you’re going, punk? Much less with Fluttershy’s friends?” Dash asked, her wings spread as she glared aggressively. “I’m getting really tired of your shenanigans. You’ve been just asking for a beating, so now I’m gonna deliver it!” Without hesitation, she flew at him while performing a kick, slamming her rear hoof against Hawkeye’s muzzle.
The stallion could feel hit after hit being delivered against his face, finding the attacks not just fast, but surprisingly strong. Upon noticing that Rainbow Dash picked up Sunflower from his back, he grabbed her foreleg and pushed towards the ground. He looked Rainbow Dash in the eyes and said. “Do as Ah say, or else…” he raised a hoof above Sunflower’s wing.
“Wait!” Dash said as she stepped back. “Don’t hurt them.”
Hawkeye grinned. “Here’s the deal. Either Ah hit ya, or them. Yer choice.”
“You coward!”
“Three… two…”
“Fine!” Dash shouted before approaching, her stare firm and determined. “But don’t you dare hurt them!”
Hawkeye swung his hoof, delivering a firm blow to Rainbow Dash’s stomach, sending her crashing against a tree. Not wasting a moment, he raised both of his legs before delivering a apple buck kick, his strength far above Big Mac’s as the tree was pulled off its roots and sent flying a few meters away. Rainbow Dash sank deeply into the tree and lost consciousness, only her bones being adapted to falling from great heights preventing them from breaking.
“Rainbow Dash!” Applejack shouted as she ran into the forest. Hawkeye could feel the tension in the air increasing by a mere look at the farm mare, his sharpened senses being enough to tell him that she was enraged.
Rarity caught up only a moment later and levitated a bolt into the air.
“Before any of ya decide to do somethin’ stupid. Ah suggest ya to think about safety of yer mistress’s friends,” Hawkeye said, causing both mares to step back.
***
Pinkie galloped at full speed, the cottage in her line of sight. She pressed her flank against the ground to bring herself to a full stop while a cloud of dust formed behind her. “Where are they?” she asked before looking around, only to notice Fluttershy limping on her trembling legs as she walked outside, tripping a moment later.
“Fluttershy!” Pinkie shouted as she dashed towards her friend, quickly pulling her to a sitting position. “Have you seen anypony come by here? My Pinkie Sense told me that new ponies arrived in Ponyville, but I decided to wait before greeting them until I made sure that Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle weren't in some sort of trouble, keeping an eye on them like you asked.”
Fluttershy whimpered in pain.
“Are you... feeling okay?” Pinkie asked.
The pureblood’s breathing was heavy, sweat covered her face and her eyes watered as she spoke with pain in her voice, “My friends… in danger…” she looked at her, staring desperately as if she were a scolded and crying puppy, “Please… help me.”
“Help you help your friends? How I can help?”
Fluttershy grit her teeth as she raised her trembling forehoof and pointed at the forest, losing her balance a moment later. Pinkie slid under her belly as Fluttershy ended up lying in her back.
“You want me to take you into the Everfree Forest?”
“Y-yes…”
“But you look terrible! I mean… I don’t mean you look like a mean pony, or a dirty pony or an ugly pony. What I mean to say is that you’re looking like a very very tired and sick pony. You should be lying in bed.”
“P-please…”
“But…”
“Please!”
Pinkie closed her eyes and grit her teeth. On the one hoof, the only time she saw her friend in such a terrible shape was after the fight against Sharp Eye. Her depression was truly heartbreaking to watch. On another, she couldn’t say no to Fluttershy, especially if she wanted to help her friends who were apparently in trouble.
Part of her wanted to place Fluttershy in the bed and take care of her health, another part wanted to take her into the Everfree Forest.
I have to choose… Nooo, she thought as her mind rebelled at the very idea of making such a difficult decision.
Little Seed could see Sunflower slowly opening her eyes, no doubt feeling restrained as he felt exactly the same. Her struggling failed to bring any result as she was tied against a wall. “What did I say?”
Sunflower looked at him bitterly. “Don’t say it.”
A smug grin appeared on Seed’s face. “I told you he was suspicious. I warned you that we may end up like this, but did you listen? Nooo...”
“Fine,” Sunflower started before releasing a long sigh. “You were right! Satisfied?”
“Eeyup,” Little Seed said with proudly raised head. “And don’t worry about our well-being. Apparently, he needs us unharmed.”
Sunflower nodded before examining the area.
Two massive seats sat prominently at the end of the room, each atop its own raised dias. One was a faded golden color, covered in dust and missing parts of its back. On the charred banner above it and in a faint inscription in the wall beside it, he could see the symbol of the sun that designated it as Celestia’s. The other was dark blue, similarly weathered by the passage of time, marked with a banner of a crescent moon.
The crumbling walls were in far worse condition. Numerous cracks extended from a multitude of holes, one of which featured prominently between the two banners above the thrones. Windows had been reduced to mere glass shards where they sat, and a small chunk of the roof was missing, allowing bits of sunlight inside. Rubble lay scattered across the broken flagstones of the floor, leaving only a few places where the threadbare surface of the carpet could be exposed to the eye.
Their attention focused on their captor while Little Seed asked, “So, mind tellin’ us what’s this all about?”
Hawkeye looked away from the large double door, now staring at him with mild-interest. “All ya need to know is that yer Fluttershy’s final trial.”
Little Seed was about to answer, but Sunflower beat him to it. “A last trial? If you blood sucking abominations want to play your stupid games, fine, but keep us out of it.”
“I must agree with my wife,” Little Seed spoke, taking a quick breath while finding the ropes more and more uncomfortable. “You’re not predators, but parasites. It’s bad enough your kind ruined countless lives for common ponies, now you even involve the innocent and elderly into your stupid games. Shame on you.”
Hawkeye felt yet another headache. After a moment to clear his thought, he spoke, “Parasites, ya say? Funny. Ah feel as if Ah thought of mah kind the exact same thing once.” He approached and sat in front of his captives. “Why do we deserve bein’ called such if Ah may ask?”
Little Seed frowned. “Isn’t that obvious? Ya can’t survive without our blood, and you need us to reproduce by turning ponies into more of your kind.”
“That’s a half-truth,” Hawkeye interrupted as he shook his forehoof. “We can reproduce just fine, but only purebloods can turn ponies. Pureblood thestrals are a pure and superior breed, an’ each family leads a clan, while turned ones are the lower grade ones whose only duty is to serve them.” A smirk appeared on his face. “And while we’re inferior to purebloods, compared to you lot, we’re somethin’ greater. We heal faster, we’re stronger, we gain power and magic beyond yer imagination. Parasites… no, we’re blessed.”
Sunflower blinked in confusion. “Wait a moment... I thought Flutterbat and her kind reproduce by turning ponies… at least this’s what I understood from what that blue pegasus told us.”
“Ya mean Rainbow Dash? She’s not even a thestral herself and she did kinda seem a few straws short of a bundle, so it’s no wonder she messed up the facts.” He rubbed his chin. “Why didn’t Fluttershy tell ya?”
“Well,” Little Seed started, “Flutterbat did look very sick. Odd, considering that she was suppose to recover from any injury.”
“So she’s sick… and those ponies ain’t liars… this is bad.” He started to walk back and forth nervously. “How can she face her trial when she’s weakened?” He stopped and took a few slow calming breaths.
Sunflower asked, “What do you want from us?”
The stallion stomped. “Ah wanted yer friend to face the past, reveal her secret, face either acceptance or hatred, and in the end,” he paused and turned to look at his hostages, “try to save her friends.”
“She isn’t a friend of mine,” Sunflower said with a frown. “Not anymore...”
Hawkeye approached and sat. “Ah’m curious. Why don’t ya see her as a friend anymore?”
“Isn’t that simple? Why would I ever want to be a friend of a liar and a parasite. Who knows how much blood she drank and how many lives she ruined.” She tried to move, but failed due to her restraints.
Little Seed joined in, “The pony we once called our friend was just a facade, fake. Just like you manipulated us, hiding your intentions behind a mask. The true Flutterbat wasn’t the pony she pretended to be.”
Hawkeye chuckled.
“What’s so funny?”
Hawkeye raised hoof up to his mouth, taking a moment to stop his chuckle. “Ah may not know yer friend all that well, but Ah can tell she’s innocent, afraid to hurt those who wish her harm, always thinking about her companions before herself. No… Ah feel she wasn’t hidin’ behind a mask.”
“Then why she didn’t tell us?” Sunflower asked, her voice filled with anger. “Why did she keep us in the dark if her intentions were pure? Why should we believe a word you say?”
The stallion looked to the side. “Ya don’t need to believe me, nor do Ah have interest in makin’ ya believe in mah words. Answer me this? Would ya still be her friends if she told ya?”
“Well… no…” Sunflower said hesitantly.
“And here ya answered yer own question,” Hawkeye said.
Little Seed joined in, “You can’t blame us. How can we be friends with a parasite? She’s aging far slower than a common pony, can turn one species into another, expanding their lifespan. Our so-called friend defies the laws of nature.”
Sunflower took over, “The sun is the bringer of life to all living beings, but she needs to hide from it. She’s an abomination.”
Hawkeye frowned. “Those are yer arguments? Those shallow reasons are enough for ya to hate yer best friend?”
“Hate?” Sunflower shook her head. “I never said I hated her… just that I can’t be her friend… but I don’t hate her.”
Little Seed nodded. “To be fair, I’m unsure what to think of Flutterbat. I feel betrayed, disgusted, lied to… but I certainly don’t hate her… This all is so confusing.” He sighed. “Even if she’s the cause of why we’re now tied up in the throne room of some ruined castle, Ah can’t bring myself to hate her.”
Sunflower frowned. “But don’t get the wrong idea. We still don’t want to see her ever again.”
“So ya regret that she’s not dead?” Hawkeye asked.
Sunflower opened her mouth, but closed a moment later. As angry as she was, saying that she would prefer Flutterbat to be dead than a different species felt cruel and unjust.
Little Seed decided to answer instead, “She’s expanding her lifespan by drinking blood. It goes against the natural order…”
“Hey,” Sunflower shouted. “Are you saying you wish her dead?”
“N-no…” Little Seed responded nervously, his ears flattened as droplets of sweat slid down his forehead and muzzle.
Upon noticing doubt, Hawkeye said, “Alicorns live for millennia, dragons live for centuries. Is being a pureblood really such a crime against nature?” Upon not receiving any response from the confused pegasi, he asked his next question, “Ah may not be smart, but even parasites have their place in the world.”
Little Seed thought for a moment. “Well… some plants adapted to grow without sunlight... and alicorns are considered ponies. Maybe purebloods are just part of the natural order after all.” He continued with growing confidence, “And now that I think about it,” he took a quick breath, “some organisms make symbiotic relationships to benefit each other. Maybe being turned into thestral is something like that. Gaining a longer lifespan and greater magic, but one becomes weakened under the sun and needing blood.”
“Earth ponies can grow crops faster, but as an earth pony thestral, Ah can bend plants to mah will.”
Sunflower looked between the captor and her husband. “Don’t tell me you’re taking his side now?” She turned to glare at the thestral, her voice both curious and sharp. “And you, why are you even talking with us? Not long ago, we were pawns in some sort of sick game.”
Hawkeye rubbed back of his neck. “Ah try to pass time… And for some reason, our talk seems to bring back mah memories, little by little.” He continued with a joking tone, “Maybe that’s why Ah’m wastin’ mah time talkin’ with lowlives such as yerself.”
“Hey!” both pegasi responded in unison.
Hawkeye was about to say something, but his ears perked upward. He jumped back, evading a few silver bolts from striking him before a white mare jumped from the tall window, landing between him and the hostages. “I don’t need a crossbow to use silver against you as long as I have my magic.”
She stood to her rear hooves and took a fighting stance. “And if you dare to take a step forward or try to hurt Fluttershy’s friends, I will kick you so hard that you will be sent flying out of this throne room.” She took off her hat and tossed it to the side.
Hawkeye pointed at Rarity. “So you followed me after all. I suppose that since yer mistress is sick, the burden of saving her friends rests on her clan members.” He added loudly, “Hey, Flower and Seed, did ya know Fluttershy’s white friend is a thestral? She’s the only pony she turned.”
Rarity looked back at the hostages. “True, but she did it to save my life.” She turned back towards the stallion and grit her teeth. “Speaking of which, I still owe you for almost killing me. It was the most painful day of my life, thank you very much.”
The double door into the throne room burst open as a farm mare stood on her forelegs in front of it, hind legs raised above the ground. Applejack walked inside, giving a glare filled with anger.
“Applejack on the other hoof is a huntress who tried to kill your friend,” Hawkeye said, pointing at Applejack. “An’ guess what? They’re friends now. She truly deserves becoming an emissary of peace.”
“A… huntress…” Sunflower said in confusion. “Is that true?”
Rarity looked between the stallion and the ponies behind her before asking, “Why are you telling them our secrets? What are you trying to accomplish?”
Hawkeye shrugged. “Honestly, Ah dunno. Mah mind’s a bit of a mess. Memories surface left and right. Ah don’t know what’s the truth or not anymore. Not that it matters since Ah’m goin’ to die.”
“Die? Who said anything about killing?” Rarity asked, raising her foreleg defensively. “I came here to rescue Fluttershy’s friends… and maybe introduce your face to my hoof a few times, but certainly not to kill.”
“And Ah’m here to give ya a beatin’, tie ya up and give ya ta Fluttershy. Even after all ya did, she still wishes to save ya and Ah want mah father back.” A silver blade shot out from her bracer as she aimed at Hawkeye. “But make no mistake, if ya try to hurt Flutters’ friends, Ah won’t hesitate to cut a leg or two, even if yer mah Pa. Got it?”
Hawkeye nodded. “Crystal clear.” He galloped at Applejack, the pebbles on the dusty floor bouncing from the strikes of his hooves. “But if Ah’m indeed yer father, ya know Ah was a more skilled hunter. Ah’m bigger than ya, stronger than ya, and almost as fast and agile. As a thestral, Ah heal faster and hit even harder. Yer silver blade won’t help ya against me.”
Hawkeye could see his daughter standing in place in a fighting stance. The moment he was close enough, he pressed his forelegs against the ground and turned around, his hind legs raised and ready to strike. With a noise as if a pegasus flew by with sonic speed, his legs went towards Applejack’s head, his strike exactly like Big Mac’s kick.
Applejack’s legs went to the side as her stomach and head fell to the ground, causing the two large legs to fly right above her head. With a quick swing of her foreleg, the silver blade left two wounds on Hawkeye’s forelegs.
The stallion struggled to maintain balance as his legs aimed at the floor, striking it with great force. A crater appeared in place of a dusty stone floor tile as his legs sank into it, but Applejack was already rolling to the side, quickly evading his strike. She delivered a quick sliding strike to the side of Hawkeye’s belly. His senses kicked in as he jumped to the side to evade two bolts, only for them to turn, aimed at his forelegs.
He grit his teeth as the silver went into his forelegs, adding additional pain. It was only thanks to his endurance that he could still stand. Distracted by his pain, he failed to notice the white mare jumping towards him as her hind leg delivered a kick against his muzzle, sending him flying across the floor. Applejack already waiting nearby to add her trademark kick, sending him flying into a wall.
“Not bad, Rares. Ya may be an unicorn, but ya can kick!” Applejack said with a prideful nod.
Rarity rubbed her chest. “Thank you, Miss Applejack. I suppose being a thestral has its benefits. Though I must admit, when you are not standing around, you can be quite helpful.”
“Ah had mah flank handed to me for weeks while trainin’ Fluttershy. Ah got lots of practice.”
Hawkeye struggled to stand. Feeling even more outmatched than when he fought against Fluttershy. His lack of his silver blades leaving him at a disadvantage. More memories surfaced as the image of a young orange filly staring at him flashed in his mind. A tear slid down his cheek.
Pinkie looked around nervously, unable to look away from the rusty suits of armor as she went through the darkened hallway. “Are you sure they went this way?”
“Y-yes…” Fluttershy struggled an answer. Her chin pressed against Pinkie’s puffy mane.
“If you say so. You’re the boss. Though if you want my opinion, this place is kind of spooky,” Pinkie said, wary of her surroundings. “Whaaa!” she shouted and jumped to the side, startled by the noise she heard from the distance while her passenger rolled off her back, now lying flat on the cold floor.
“S-sorry!” Pinkie shouted in panic before putting Fluttershy onto her back again. More loud noises followed, causing her ears to drop. “Maybe we should… go back to your cottage...”
“P-please…” Fluttershy plead.
Pinkie whimpered, heading straight for the source of noise, her eyes closed each time she heard a loud thump. She stopped, noticing a large, opened double door and gulped. “Well… here goes Pinkie…” She stepped through the door and looked around, quickly noticing two mares covered in bruises standing atop of a tied up stallion in the middle of the throne room.
“Applejack, Rarity!” Pinkie shouted, galloping towards the mares, only to press her hooves against the floor. She looked back at her friend, who once again lied flat on the floor. “Sorry!”
“Pinkie Pie?” Rarity said, stepping form Hawkeye and approaching Pinkie. “What are you doing here?”
“Bringing Fluttershy,” she responded, supporting the sick mare against her side.
“What?!” Rarity shouted, galloping over and staring at Fluttershy intensively. “Fluttershy, dear, you should be resting! You cannot even stand yet.”
Upon noticing that Fluttershy was too tired to respond, Pinkie said, “She told me her friends were in danger, and begged me to bring her here,” she smiled, “but it seems you did just fine.”
Applejack circled her restrained father and said, “We showed mah Pa the meanin’ of teamwork. He never stood a chance.” She pointed at the two elderly ponies behind her. “As for the friends Flutters was worried about, Ah think it was them, not us.”
Pinkie dashed towards the old ponies, only to get back to Fluttershy before she could trip over, Rarity assisting with her magic. Unable to leave her friend even for a moment, she pointed at the pegasi and said, “Are you new ponies? Are you friends with Fluttershy?”
“We were friends,” Sunflower said. “But no longer.”
Fluttershy whimpered, hiding her tired face behind her mane.
“What, why?” Pinkie asked.
“Because… because… ummm…” Sunflower paused for a moment, suddenly unsure of her own opinion. She poked her husband. “Come on… help me out.”
“Oh… ummm…” Little Seed started. “I can’t think of a reason on the spot.”
Sunflower half-closed her eyes, her stare annoyed. “You can’t possibly be considering her as a friend after what we learned?”
“To be honest, we learned way too much…” he took a quick breath, “at once. I can’t think of why we should still be friends with her… but at the same time, I can no longer think of a reason to give up on our friendship.” He massaged his forehead. “Faked funeral, being used as hostages in some sort of game, learning Flutterbat’s a different species.”
He looked between Rarity and Applejack, who kept staring back as their expression shifted from disapproval to curiosity. “But she did befriend a pony who hunted her kind, and turned another one who doesn’t seem to mind. Even our captor said she was innocent without a reason to lie.”
“But… but…”
Little Seed sat and lowered his head, his ears drooped as he sighed. “We’re scared after our bad experience and what we’ve learned. If I learned anything in my life, it was to not make rash judgments when my mind isn’t calm and clear.” He looked at his wife and gently grabbed her forehoof, stroking it. “You were always very emotional, often worried about Flutterbat’s lack of self-confidence or health. Don’t let your emotions blind you now, give it time.”
Sunflower closed her eyes, deep in thought. After taking a few calming breaths, she looked at the ill mare and said, “I… I’m unsure if we can still be friends after all that happened… I will think it over…” Upon seeing a weak nod, she added, “But know that we don’t hate you or anything… at least as long as you’ll keep your fangs away from my neck, deal?”
Pinkie trembled as she wished for nothing more than to just jump up and spread confetti all over the room, only to celebrate that her friend’s old friends didn’t hate Fluttershy. She bit her lip and restrained herself as she couldn’t leave Fluttershy’s side even for a moment. Years of struggling to keep her emotions in check around her bat-winged friend finally bearing fruits.
***
Fluttershy smiled weakly, only her weakness keeping her from fully expressing her joy while feeling as if a huge weight was lifted from her shoulders. Even if Sunflower and Little Seed were considering to no longer be her friends, the chance that they would accept her for what she really is was more than she would wish for.
For decades in her previous life as a veterinarian in Cloudsdale, she learned about Sunflower’s passion regarding the sun, how it was the source of energy and heat necessary to maintain life on the entire planet. Thanks to the time they spent together, she overcame her fear of the princess and learned to respect her, and even if the sun that Princess Celestia raised and lowered everyday was bringing her pain, she admired the flaming orb for shining upon plants and animals, keeping them alive.
The more time she spent with Sunflower, the more afraid she was to reveal her true nature, knowing that a pony whose special talent resolved around the sun would despise her kind. Now finally that fear was put at ease as Sunflower was willing to give her a chance.
The time she spent with Little Seed helped her learn more about plants and animals, bringing out her passion for taking care of cute little creatures. Becoming a veterinarian in Cloudsdale, helping animals in Ponyville, all of it wouldn’t be possible if not for that. The fact that Little Seed decided to give her a chance while convincing Sunflower to do the same gave her hope.
“Sorry for interrupting yer reunion, Sugarcube,” Applejack said, pointing at the captured stallion who struggled to free himself. “But we need to do somethin’ about mah Pa.”
Rarity frowned. “Applejack! You cannot expect Fluttershy to take action in her condition.”
Applejack shook her head. “Ah was thinkin’ about lockin’ him up or somethin’.”
“Well, this is not how it sounded.”
Fluttershy looked at Pinkie and whispered, “Can you… get me close to Hawkeye?”
“Sure thing,” Pinkie said, picking her up in an embrace before walking on her hind legs towards the stallion. Fluttershy grit her teeth until she was placed on the ground. Her legs bending before a pink tail started to support her belly.
“Fluttershy, what are you doing?” Rarity asked.
“Wait, ya don’t have to…”
Hawkeye interrupted, loudly, “Mah task is complete. Whatever ya want to do with me, don’t hesitate.”
Fluttershy opened her mouth and sank her fangs into the neck of the large stallion, her eyes closed as she focused on draining the leftover of blood from Hawkeye’s master before adding her own. Her body was once again filled with power as it overpowered Zecora’s poison. An urge to vomit growing in strength with each passing second.
Sunflower’s face turned green as she looked to the side. Little Seed on the other hoof observed the spectacle curiously.
Fluttershy retreated her fangs and licked the wound. “H-Hawkeye…”
“Yes?”
“I freed you from your master’s blood control,” more drops of sweat started to slide down her face as her breathing increased in speed. “Your memory… was altered, but I broke the locks that sealed your memories. Soon, you’ll remember everything.” Fluttershy’s eyes opened widely as she felt her blood burning, rebelling against her with full force. The pain she felt was cut short as her vision blackened. Slowly closing her eyes, she sank into the soft embrace of dreams as her body became feeble and unmoving, as if she were a pony-shaped doll.
The group gathered around the unconscious Fluttershy, their worries about her well-being proven true as she has pushed herself over her limits. One pony however was missing as Applejack lowered herself to her dad, staring at him in expectation.
Hawkeye grit his teeth, trying desperately to massage his head, but failing due to the ropes. He slowly opened his eyes as his vision sharpened. “A-Applejack?” He raised his head upward, now staring into the firm eyes of his daughter. “Ya… you’ve grown up alot since the last time Ah saw ya. How long has it been?” He struggled to stand, but found it impossible. “Why did ya tie me up?”
Applejack felt her heart warming up as her eyes were ready to burst into tears. Not wasting a moment, she grabbed Hawkeye into a tight hug, picking him up as she now stood on her rear hooves.
“Ya’ve grown stronger, Ah see,” Hawkeye said, chuckling as his huge body was lifted off the ground. He looked around in confusion. “Where are we?”
“It’s a long story,” Applejack said before placing her dad on the dusty floor. “But… just to make sure, would ya ever call Granny Smith ‘Lady Orange’ if she lost a bet?”
Hawkeye bursted into laughter. “Call her Lady Orange? Are ya crazy? Ah prefer mah flank not tanned all the way to Tartarus.”
“Dad, it is ya!” She hugged Hawkeye again, even tighter than before.
“And who else could Ah be?”
The hug lasted at least half a minute before Applejack freed her father from the ropes and helped him stand.
Hawkeye examined his daughter in confusion, quickly noticing bruises covering her. “Who... hurt ya?” Upon noticing a group of ponies nearby, her stood next to Applejack protectively. “Any of those ponies hurt ya?”
“Nope, ya did,” Applejack said firmly. As much as she didn’t wish to do anything but to celebrate, delaying telling the truth wasn’t in her nature. “Like Ah said, it’s a long story.”
Hawkeye grit his teeth and massaged his forehead upon feeling a headache. A short memory of a fight he had not long ago surfaced. He took a step back and said, “What have Ah done? How could Ah hurt ya?”
“It don’t matter. Ah thought ya’ll were dead, but yer back, and that’s what’s important!” Applejack said, wiping tears from her watering eyes. “Ah’ve missed ya.” She pressed her head against Hawkeye’s chest. “Ah’ve… missed ya…”
Hawkeye nuzzled his daughter, when suddenly a realization struck him. He retreated his head and poked his fangs, his eyes opening widely. In a surge of fear, he pushed Applejack away and walked backward. “Ah’m… a blood sucker, stay away!”
The group looked away from Fluttershy, now staring at the confused stallion. Applejack raised her forehoof and gestured with it. “Pa, calm down. It don’t matter that yer one of them thestrals, Ah don’t care.”
“How can ya say that? Ah’m no longer yer father, but a monster!” He pressed his hooves against the sides of his hurting head, memories of his capture and transformation floated to the surface. “Ah served the one Ah was sent to kill. He turned me against ya and the rest of mah family. Why’s yer blade not in mah chest yet?”
Hawkeye glanced at the bracer on Applejack’s foreleg, who looked at it and next back at him nervously before speaking, “Yer not a monster, and Ah’m not goin’ to kill ya, forget it.”
“Ya became a huntress, following me and yer Ma’s hoofsteps, it’s yer duty to kill me.” Hawkeye stomped, his expression filled with anger. “Do yer job!”
“Ah said no!”
The stallion lowered his head and sighed before galloping at Applejack. His attempt to grab her weapon and use it to end his life failed as his daughter jumped back, swiftly evading his hooves. Before he could try again, he was pushed back by Rarity’s magic.
“Calm down this instant!” Rarity shouted. “How dare you turn on us and on your own daughter after all the effort we put into capturing you and restoring your memories?” She pointed at the unconscious mare. “Fluttershy suffered to reunite you with your daughter, don’t you dare push it away.”
Hawkeye frowned, pointing at Rarity accusingly. “Don’t ya lecture me! Yer a husk and yer words are just as empty.” He looked at Applejack and asked, “Why would ya side with these monsters? Ah already dirtied our family’s good name by working for them, but Ah was forced. How can ya do it on yer own free will? Unless…”
“Ah’m not brainwashed if that’s what ya think,” Applejack said, glaring at her father with disapproval. “Ah hated thestrals for takin’ ya and Ma away, thinkin’ they killed ya both. Ah tried to avenge ya, Ah tried to kill Fluttershy, but she was holdin’ back.”
Applejack's ears drooped as she lowered her head. “Ah unleashed all of mah hate and frustration on her, and she suffered protectin’ our family. She sacrificed so much, even sidin’ with me while facin’ some powerful assassin.” She facehooved. “Ah was so stupid, so stubborn… tryin’ to refuse what’s in front of mah eyes, but over time we became great friends.” She pointed at Hawkeye and shouted, “She didn’t kill ya, she restored yer memories. Don’t let yer hatred blind ya and ruin everythin’.”
Little Seed hesitantly approached. “I know how you must feel. After we learned Fluttershy is a different species, and after you captured us, we were scared and confused. You can’t trust your judgment when you’re affected by something that strange.”
“What do ya know? Ah’m a member of the monster hunters, an organization that fights beasts and thestrals, protecting ponies like ya from them. Ya can’t understand how Ah feel, bein’ asked to turn on mah duty and beliefs.” Hawkeye looked away from Little Seed, now staring at Fluttershy. “Purebloods are our biggest enemies, a daughter of mine can’t be friends with one.”
Applejack frowned. “Ah can be!”
Pinkie nodded. “Exactly! Telling your daughter that she can’t make friends is just mean. Even more mean than trying to hurt her while being brainwashed.”
Hawkeye bent his legs, preparing to gallop while examining his surroundings. “If ya were a proud huntress, Applejack, you’d use this opportunity. Ya would help me kill the pureblood when she’s weak and her follower,” he said, pointing at Rarity. “Ah don’t know if they offered to help ya free me for yer loyalty, but if ya let them deceive ya with their lies, it’ll rest upon me to save our good name.” He galloped.
Rarity’s levitation field surrounded Hawkeye, but it only managed to slow him down, while Sunflower looked between Hawkeye and the fashionista in panic. Part of her wanted to protect Fluttershy, but her fear overpowered this desire, making her step to the side. Little Seed followed her example.
Pinkie Pie started biting her hooves nervously before deciding to grab her unconscious friend and run away while Rarity stood in a fighting stance, ready to kick Hawkeye’s muzzle once again. However, before Hawkeye managed to get closer, Applejack’s hind legs sent him flying to the side, rolling on the floor.
“That’s for leavin’ us alone for all these years!” Applejack shouted before running towards Hawkeye, her forehoof striking his muzzle before he could stand. “That’s for tryin’ to hurt us!” Another strike followed as Hawkeye’s muzzle started bleeding. “That’s for hurtin’ Apple Bloom!” Applejack’s rear hoof struck his foreleg. “That’s for all the trials ya put Fluttershy through!” A final kick landed, sending him crashing into a pillar as he bounced onto the ground, leaving multiple cracks on the stone. “And that’s for bein’ far more stubborn than a mule, tryin’ to hurt mah friend who did all she could to save ya!”
She lowered herself to Hawkeye and asked, her voice suddenly gentle, “Please, Pa, don’t make me fight ya. Ah know that purebloods are dangerous. Ah witnessed Fluttershy’s power many times, especially when Ah trained her, and she’s as innocent as a flower and not even a hundred years old.” She helped Hawkeye stand, who massaged his aching foreleg and muzzle, wiping the blood away as his wound healed surprisingly fast.
“But even if dangerous, they're still ponies. There’re good and bad, and can’t be judged as a whole. Fluttershy wished fer nothin’ but peace and friendship, and it’s enough for me to fight by her side.” She embraced Hawkeye. “Ah ask ya, will ya forget what ya learned from the other hunters and give her a chance? Yer mah father, even if ya need to drink blood. Will ya do this for me? Please?”
Hawkeye looked to the side, now deep in thought.
“Please, don’t make me tie ya up for yer own good. Ah’ll do it, ya know,” Applejack added.
Hawkeye chuckled, ignoring the pain in his muzzle. “I’m sure ya would.” He looked her daughter in the eyes. “Mah memories are a mess. Ah remember mah life before being turned, and Ah have some memories of what Ah did as a thestral. Ah can’t make promises. Ah’ll try lookin’ away from what Ah was taught about thestrals, but just for ya, Ah’ll give yer friends a chance.”
“That’s all Ah ask for,” Applejack said as she tightened her embrace.
Pinkie, already having Fluttershy on her back, smiled at the heart-warming scene. “That’s so sweet. It totally calls for a party!” Upon noticing that she accidentally sent Fluttershy flying, she caught her before she hit the ground and carefully placed her on her back while receiving a disapproving glare from Rarity.
“I believe it is too early to celebrate,” Rarity pointed out. “We need to escort Mistress Fluttershy to her cottage and help her recover.”
The group nodded in agreement as they left the coldness of the abandoned castle.
“Is it me, or do thestrals really like ruins like these?” Rarity asked as she took one quick glance at the old castle before approaching the ravine. After a quick examination of the bridge, she noticed a hastily done attempt to fix it, most likely by Fancy Pants followers as they reinforced the ropes and replaced most of the planks. A nearby tree stump indicated it was used as material to repair the bridge. “First Lord Fancy Pants invited us here for a meeting, and next it became a battleground at least twice.”
Hawkeye slowed down, massaging his forehead. “Ah remember…” With the group’s attention on him, he said, “Besides those ruins bein’ a great hidin’ spot, the pureblood that caught me…he cares about these ruins a great deal. This was the place of Nightmare Moon’s banishment, and a prophecy says it’ll be the place of her return.”
“Prophecy? Nightmare what?” Applejack asked in confusion. “Is that why Fluttershy and all them purebloods were tested, and why Fluttershy’s parents were killed?”
“Her parents were killed?” Sunflower asked as a chill went through her bones.
“They were,” Rarity answered, her expression sorrowful. “Rainbow Dash’s family took her in, but after clans started fighting for territory, she sought refuge in Ponyville. The poor dear had much to endure.”
Little Seed interrupted, “So Fluttershy’s parents were killed and then a clan war started...” She took a quick breath, continuing in a tired tone, “Is this connected?”
Rarity nodded. “Without her parents to maintain peace in Cloudsdale, young purebloods started fighting to take the territory for themselves, at least this is what she told me. Though they did stop their fights temporarily when Princess Celestia brought Cloudsdale near Canterlot.”
Hawkeye lowered his head. He always believed that the hunters were standing between the monsters and the innocent, but what he just learned planted a seed of doubt in his mind.
Rarity stomped. “I have heard about this mysterious pureblood over and over, how he defeated the hunters that tried to kill him, how he was testing and preparing purebloods for return of the princess that will change the world, but not a single time has his name been mentioned.” She approached Hawkeye and looked him in the eyes, her fangs clearly visible on her angered face. “Please tell me you remember his name!”
Hawkeye nodded.
“Would you mind sharing it?”
Hawkeye took a deep breath and said, “His name is… Lord Moon Shadow. He took this name after seein’ the banishment of the princess, swearing to prepare for her return. At least that’s what Ah heard in mah mind.”
Applejack took a step back. “Ah hope he isn't goin’ to try and take ya back. Even a bit of his blood let ya kick our flanks with ease.”
Hawkeye shook his head. “He tried to make me his proud assassin, but he only cares for purebloods. Since Ah fulfilled mah task, Ah doubt he’ll bother.” He frowned. “He still has mah wife under his control.”
Rarity looked back to Fluttershy. “In any case, we should help our mistress as fast as possible.” She glanced at Hawkeye. “If it may convince you to abandon your former beliefs and desire to kill Fluttershy or yourself, we will explain what has happened in the past few years.”
The stallion nodded and said, “Ah’m listenin’.”
“So, let me get this straight,” Fancy Pants said as he sat comfortably inside of his chariot, pulled by two disguised pegasus thestrals and at least four guards armed with spears. He looked to the side at Vinyl Scratch while passing above the Everfree Forest, doing his best to avoid attention from Ponyville’s populace. “Miss Fluttershy faced almost all of Moon Shadow’s trials and defeated his assassin in a duel, but after refusing to let the assassin go, he drank the blood given by his master?”
“That’s what I’ve heard,” Vinyl responded. “She looked pretty bad if you ask me. She drank blood from the stallion and now she’s sick. I was thinking, I dunno, that you can drink that blood from her or something.”
Fancy Pants closed his eyes, now thinking in silence. He smiled and asked, “What about her clan. Is her servant Applejack really as loyal as you speak of?”
“She is. To be fair, I think Flutters is getting far better than you are at spreading peace between thestrals and ponies, kind of makes me wonder if I should put some more effort in serving her.” Vinyl chuckled and shrugged. “If only she was older and stronger, maybe she could succeed where you failed, boss.”
The escort hissed at Vinyl aggressively.
Fancy Pants raised his eyebrow. “You know; the amount of disrespect you have shown me thus far would have gotten you killed a hundred times over, should you serve another master.” He grinned. “Though I can’t deny that you were very amusing to have around and my son really likes you.”
“Your son’s cool, a bit naive and innocent, but cool. Maybe if White Path and Fluttershy get experience after a century or two, they can bring peace between all races.” She sighed. “But it’s too late. Even if you win against Moon Shadow and unite all purebloods under a banner of peace, I’m not sure you can bring a true peace alongside the princess. No offense.”
“None taken,” Fancy Pants said with a shake of his hoof. “I say… I know I am not perfect and even cruel sometime, but I do what needs to be done to keep Moon Shadow from uniting purebloods against the Sun Princess. In the end, it will be up to the young to bring peace, all I can do is to keep the war at bay.” He sighed. “Pity that my top assassin had gone rogue and died. I was really hoping to utilize his talents against Moon Shadow by summoning his enemies to gain advantage.”
Vinyl chuckled. “And ya think it would work? He is the oldest and most powerful pureblood, even the princess failed to find and kill him. I mean, she probably suspects you and Fleur of being purebloods and keeps an eye on you, but your opposition’s serious business.”
“I know,” Fancy Pants said, looking back at Canterlot in a distance. “I know the odds of it working were slim, but if Sharp Eye’s skills could increase my chances of winning, even by a little, it would have been worth the past two centuries of teaching him.”
“Sometimes you treat your subordinates as means to an end, not as friends. I think you could learn a thing or two from Fluttershy,” Vinyl pointed out before noticing Fluttershy’s cottage in the horizon.
“Too late for this old pureblood to learn compassion I fear,” Fancy said in a saddened tone. “I hoped to help Fluttershy when her parents… died… and I ended up refusing to give any support for protecting a huntress.”
“Well, you can make it up to her now by helping her. As for the lack of compassion, come on dude, you can be a big softie if you just try. Relax and let it lead you.”
The guards frowned again, barely resisting the desire to silence Vinyl the Undying with their own hooves.
“I am looking forward to it.”
Once the chariot landed, both passengers stepped onto the grass and walked towards the cottage, accompanying guards escorting them from both sides.
As they approached, Rainbow Dash landed and took a fighting stance, bandages wrapped around her belly. “Stop right there, who are you?”
Before the guards could react, Vinyl approached and said, “Chill out. It’s my former boss, Fancy Pants. I brought him to help.”
Rainbow Dash looked at the tall stallion, his monocle, uniform and bowtie being representation of his high status. “So, you're that big guy who refused to help Flutters because she befriended a huntress?”
“Indeed.”
“And you can help her?”
“I surely intend to.”
“Perfect,” Dash said before flying towards Fancy Pants, grabbing him by his sides and pulling him inside the cottage. Despite his size, she pulled him in before the guards could stop her, Vinyl’s magic slowing down their pursuit.
"Chill out, guys, Dashie’s a bit hot-headed, but she’s not a threat.” The escort looked at her, still tensed. “Besides, if Fancy wanted to, he could kill everypony inside in less than a minute.”
The group nodded and relaxed before taking four sentry positions around the cottage, making sure no outside threat was heading towards it.
***
Fancy Pants examined the unconscious pureblood, using his senses to analyze her heart rate, blood flow and breathing. During his examination, he found that Fluttershy’s temperature was surprisingly low.
As the group watched him with hopeful stares, Rarity took a step forward and said, “We tried to use a mixture Zecora prepared, the one that could wake up Fluttershy with its scent, but even after half an hour, she is still asleep. We do not know what to do.”
“Can ya save her?” Applejack asked.
Fancy Pants gave Applejack a suspicious stare. “In her state, her blood control over you should’ve weakened. I say… your care for her is sincere.”
The farm mare bit her lip. “Ah… Ah…” She sighed. “Fine, she freed me from her control once we arrived at the cottage, not long before Sharp Eye attacked. If ya want to punish me, go ahead.” She held her forehooves together, her stare pleading. “But please, spare mah family and the others in this room.”
Hawkeye, who this whole time sat in the corner of the room, stood up and raised his forehoof, his mouth opened as he wanted to protest, but stopped himself upon hearing a chuckle.
“I figured out she would free you, but do not fret, I won’t seek retribution for her doing so.”
Applejack tilted her head to the side. “If ya knew and forgave her, why did she had to suffer fer protectin’ mah family? What’s the point?”
Fancy Pants sighed and looked to the side. “Most of my… subordinates… weren’t as forgiving. I may be a powerful lord, but I need to maintain a reputation.”
“Is reputation worth the sufferin’ ya put Fluttershy through?” Applejack asked while shooting a challenging glare.
“My my, you really do care,” Fancy Pants said before rubbing the top of Applejack’s head, forcing a blush on her cheeks. “No wonder Moon Shadow has chosen her as an emissary of peace.”
“Ya know him?!” Hawkeye shouted before Applejack could say a word. Everypony looked at him.
Fancy Pants raised an eyebrow. “Oh my, isn’t that one of his assassins… I see.” He turned back to Applejack and added, “Let’s just say we are on opposite sides. I try to convince clans to seek peace with other ponies, while he leads them to war. Without my reputation, my followers would have joined him instead. I apologize.”
“Ah see…” Applejack said as her ears drooped.
Rainbow Dash poked him and asked, “Your rival used Hawkeye to tell us that his servants were putting all the purebloods in Equestria through trials, even on himself. Were you a target as well?”
Fancy Pants nodded. “Indeed.” He pressed forehoof against his chest. “Let’s just say that my son was caught and held hostage. The trial didn’t last long, though.”
“What do you mean?” Dash asked, her stare filled with curiosity.
“While I am not a fan of violence, I cannot say the same about my wife,” Fancy Pants said before chucking. “Let’s just say that she… how would common ponies say it… scored ten kills that one night, all thestrals and members of Moon Shadow’s clan.”
“Cool,” Rainbow Dash said as she flapped her wings rapidly.
Rarity massaged the back of her neck nervously, making a mental note to never anger Fleur de Lis for her own good. “That is very interesting and all, but what about Fluttershy? Can you heal her?”
Fancy Pants looked between Rarity and her mistress before saying, “Please, gather all of Fluttershy’s clan members. Only then I will give you the answer.”
Rainbow Dash stomped. “Hey! Why can’t you tell us here and now?”
Fancy Pants frowned before poking the pegasus, unintentionally pushing her across the room as she ended up slamming into the wall. “While I admire your loyalty, you should work on your patience. I don’t wish to repeat myself.”
Applejack and Hawkeye’s eyes opened widely, shocked at the sight of such strength, while Rarity helped the pegasus stand.
Light from many candles filled the secret soundproof room made for Fluttershy as a group of ponies gathered in it. Fancy Pants examining each thestral carefully.
In front of him was Rarity, Fluttershy’s clan member and the only pony she turned thus far, and Applejack, the befriended huntress. On her left sat Ditzy’s family, a group of goodwilled thestrals who helped Fluttershy in her time of need. On the right were a few survivors Ditzy’s mother gathered from Cloudsdale, a task Bright Eyes was given by Fluttershy.
Fluttershy’s reputation from sparing a huntress surely made such task difficult as only three pegasus thestrals were present.
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie sat near him, both eagerly awaiting answer while struggling to maintain their patience.
Octavia arrived the last, escorting Fluttershy’s old friends towards the group while occasionally shooting her roommate a disapproving stare. They sat between Rarity and Applejack.
In the corner of the room lay Vinyl Scratch in a relaxed state, forelegs supporting the back of her head.
Fancy Pants fixed his monocle and asked, “Is everypony present?”
Bright Eyes spoke up, “Those are all the members of Fluttershy’s clan, plus those I managed to recruit from Cloudsdale, Lord Fancy Pants.” She bowed respectfully.
“Good. Let’s get to the point then, shall we?” Fancy said firmly. “Your mistress is not dead, nor she is in any danger,” every thestral smiled, “however, I cannot tell when she will wake up.”
“Lord Fancy Pants, please, would you be so kind and explain what do you mean by that?” Rarity asked, sitting as she held her forelegs in a pleading gesture.
“Of course.” He cleared his throat. “You most likely learned from your mistress that every hundred years, a pureblood enters a one year long dream. It is how our bodies adapt to our growing power and allow our minds to recover from all the stress and grief we go through.” He rubbed his chin. “Think of it as a rebirth, similar to what phoenixes go through. It helps us heal our minds and accept the deaths of those we outlive. You could say it is a defensive mechanism that help us endure outliving those around us.”
Rarity and all the non-thestrals nodded intensively.
“Each sleep allows us to become stronger and gives us access to more difficult spells and skills. However, there are exceptions when a pureblood fall asleep before that time.”
“Miss...tress Fluttershy had not informed me of this,” Rarity spoke, lowering her head shamefully, “I apologize for my lack of knowledge.”
“It is alright,” Fancy Pants said with a warm smile. “I will try to be brief with my explanation. The situations for when a pureblood enters a long slumber too early is either when their power grow too much for their bodies to handle, caused by harsh and long training, drinking blood from magically strong ponies, or by making contact with a powerful artifact. The other situation is if a pureblood go through overwhelming amount of mental trauma and physical pain, forcing their minds to shut down.”
Rainbow Dash and Applejack rubbed the floor as a sad smile graced their faces. Dash being the first to speak, “I’m afraid that poor Flutters experienced a lot of that.” She took a deep breath. “She’s endured a lot of sad things in only a few years, was forced to make many difficult choices, and even drank the blood of Moon Shadow from Hawkeye’s body.”
Fancy Pants nodded. “Usually, such slumber lasts only a year, but if it happens before a hundred years pass from their birth or last slumber, the time of their awakening is unpredictable.”
“I see…” Rarity murmured before raising her head. “It may be difficult, but since Fluttershy succeed in passing all her trials, Hawkeye no longer being a factor, I am sure we will manage without her leadership. The poor dear deserves a long peaceful rest after all she did.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Bright Eyes added as followers she gathered nodded, none daring to say a word in the presence of a powerful lord.
Pinkie was about to grab Fancy Pants in a firm hug, but Rainbow Dash intercepted. After a moment to calm down, the party mare asked, “Since Fluttershy is alive and we all have our almost happy ending, shouldn’t we celebrate with a party!?”
Fancy Pants shook his head. “I fear what we need to do is to organize a fake funeral to explain your mistress’s disappearance, not a party. I can aid you with illusions and protection, however the rest lies in your hooves.”
Sunflower frowned and stomped. “A fake funeral… again? Is this really necessary?”
Little Seed calmed her down with a hoof on her shoulder. “Put yourself in their position.” He took a quick breath. “It’s either this, or saying that she is in a coma, and I doubt she can keep her secret if doctors and nurses will keep an eye on her for years.”
“They can just say that… she went traveling…” Sunflower pointed out.
“No animal-loving pony would leave her animals for years to take a vacation. Ponies would get suspicious and question it. Besides,” he took a quick breather and whispered, “if somepony wished to hurt her, logically… he would strike a pony in a coma rather than a corpse.”
The sky was covered by storm clouds, darkening the area around the town hall and creating a gloomy atmosphere over the event that was about to come.
In the past, pegasi, thanks to their ability to control weather, prepared the sky to convey their sadness whenever giving respect to their fallen comrades, a tradition practiced even today in some places.
Mayor Mare could hardly believe that the funeral arrangements she was organizing were for a pony as young as Fluttershy. She never had the opportunity to get to know her better, seeing the shy mare very rarely, mostly whenever discussing important matters regarding the well-being of the local animals.
While she didn’t appear to be the most social pony, Mayor Mare learned a lot about her by interacting with her friends.
Ditzy’s family being the first to move to Ponyville, kindly provided Fluttershy and Rainbow with homes by buying two damaged buildings from her before renovating them.
Pinkie Pie, despite her young age, brought a huge amount of joy into the town while being the one to suggest a solution to the animal problem. With quite a fair cost from the town’s budget, all the homeless animals crowding Ponyville found a home, love and care.
The Apple Family has been responsible for the foundation of Ponyville, like the soil on which this little town was built. Their hard work and the fruits of their labor kept it well supplied. The Apples and the critters however never got along as the crops suffered greatly because of it, an issue that was easily resolved by Fluttershy, which in turn gained their respect and support.
Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy’s loyal companion, gained the reputation of a local hero after saving four mares from an earthquake during the so called ‘spa-incident’, while Fluttershy herself ventured into a dangerous forest and endured a curse, just to save a lost cat.
The Apple family, Ditzy’s family, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, a group of ponies that with Fluttershy bringing them together, contributed a lot to Ponyville’s little community and became friends. Such a shame Fluttershy was no longer among them.
Mayor Mare sighed before approaching the stand as she sat in front of the podium, her gaze now directed at the gathered ponies. It has been only a week since she had informed the entire town of Fluttershy’s death, as well as the funeral date.
It didn’t surprise her that at least half of Ponyville’s folks decided to attend it and show their respect to a mare they barely knew, as Ponyville was famous for its friendship-filled community. She couldn’t notice many crying ponies, most wearing expressions of sadness or pity. Miss Fluttershy wasn’t the most social pony, maybe that’s for the best. At least she didn’t make many ponies grieve over her passing away…
“Mares and Gentlecolts,” she finally spoke, silencing the murmurs as all pair of eyes were now on her. “We have gathered today to give our respect and farewell to Miss Fluttershy. A mare whose life filled with hardship brought her to Ponyville.” Her ears drooped as her voice became slightly more depressed.
“Miss Fluttershy’s parents were taken away tragically in a fire. After becoming an orphan, the parents of Miss Rainbow Dash took her under their care, and not long after, she sought a new home among us.”
Murmurs filled the area once again as ponies looked at each other in shock. Not that she could blame them. She herself learned about it not long after Fluttershy’s death from Rainbow Dash, a development that sent chills through her bones.
After waiting a moment for the ponies to calm down, she continued. “During her recovery, Miss Fluttershy was fearful of interacting with us, and yet she found it in herself to help countless homeless animals, as well as assist the respected Apple family with their problems. It is very unfortunate that the young and innocent life of Miss Fluttershy was cut short by a toxic plant from the Everfree Forest.” She held her forehooves together and lowered her head. “Let us give our respect in the form of a minute of silence.”
The ponies followed her example, closing their eyes and lowering their heads, the only sound breaking the silence was the wind.
Slowly, Mayor Mare raised her head and examined the area. The prepared seats in the form of pillows or hay-piles were taken by Fluttershy’s closest friends in the front row, as well as ten percent of the gathered ponies. Not that they minded it. Between two crowds of ponies was a small passage in the middle, leading to a few steps attached to the stand.
“Let this be a reminder to us of the dangers of the Everfree forest.” She took a deep breath and stepped to the side. “Anypony who wishes to give a speech, please step forward.”
***
Rainbow Dash was the first to stand from her seat and take the Mayor’s place, now facing the crowd. She took a deep breath and spoke, “Sooo… umm… I am not exactly good at making speeches…”
She gave a quick glance at the opened coffin behind her, or rather at Fluttershy resting in it. A mere look at her almost making Rainbow Dash believe that she was actually dead, if not for Fancy Pant’s words saying otherwise.
“I’ll be brief, Flutters… she was a cool pony. I don’t care if she seemed to be distant, shy and lame. Underneath that is… was a great egghead with passion, a love for animals and determination. I mean, life was literally throwing obstacles in her way, and she faced them all, caring more about others than herself.” She wiped her watering eyes and poked her own chest. “I’ll miss you, Fluttershy. You helped me become a better pony, and I will always be grateful for the time we spent together. I hope you have fun on the big cloud in the sky, wherever it is.”
She walked to the side and stepped down from the platform back to her seat between her parents, who gave her encouraging smiles and placed their wings on her back. Even though her parents knew that Fluttershy was still alive, she could notice the concern and sadness in their worried eyes.
***
Upon noticing that Dash was sitting with her parents, Applejack looked at her family, whose eyes were filled with legitimate tears. How much she wished she could just tell them the truth and put their worries at ease, much less tell them that Hawkeye is still alive. She gave a quick glance at the hooded figure sitting in back row, his face well hidden.
WIth slow steps, she walked towards the platform. As much as Apple Bloom and Granny Smith wished to give their own speeches, they decided to let her and Big Mac do it instead. She could hear the strong steps of her brother following her as she made it to the podium.
“Ah’ll be honest. Just like Dash, Ah’m not much for speeches, but Ah can say this.” She took a quick breath and said firmly, “Ah owe a darn lot to Fluttershy, far more than Ah can tell ya. Helpin’ the farm and savin’ Winona bein’ the examples.” She took of her hat and pressed it against her chest, looking at the mare in the coffin. “Ah’ll always consider her as family and be in her debt. If Ah regret somethin’, it’s that Ah couldn’t repay or thank her enough for all she did for mah family.”
She held her tears back as she looked at her brother before stepping to the side. She could see Big Mac facing the crowd and rub his foreleg, two lines made by tears visible under his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, keeping it open for a few seconds before closing as blush of embarrassment appeared on his cheeks.
He looked to the side, now deep in thought as he suddenly ran out of words, the speech he prepared in his head vanishing in an instant. He took a quick glance at Fluttershy, who seemed to be alive and as cute as ever. A weak blush formed on his checks. After taking a deep breath and another failed attempt to speak, he returned to his seat, head lowered.
***
Rarity observed both Apples, waiting for them to take their seats while feeling the encouraging hoof of her father. She stood from her pillow and walked towards the stage, stopping herself in front of the coffin while admiring its features.
The wood seemed to be of average quality, lacking any cracks as Fancy Pants funded the coffin from his own pocket, but also not too expensive as it would raise suspicions. She could notice pink butterflies decorating it on top of the yellow paint covering it, making it look like Fluttershy’s cutie mark in her pony-form. Inside the opened coffin lied her mistress and dearest friend.
Fluttershy’s eyes were closed as a peaceful smile was visible on her face. She was perched with her back against the soft inside as if sinking into a big pillow. Her wings closed and forehooves held together.
Rarity stroked Fluttershy’s cheek gently and sighed before looking at the gathered ponies, most being Ponyville's citizens, while her sharpened eyes noticed a few birds and critters gathered on and under a nearby tree. Among the crowd were Vinyl, Octavia, Ditzy’s family, who in advance decided not to speak, Pinkie on the verge of bursting into tears and her caretakers trying to cheer her up.
She looked at the suspicious figures that were sitting in the last row, not recognizing any of them.
After glancing at the cloud-covered sky, which blocked the sun from reaching her, Rarity approached the podium and spoke, “Fluttershy, she was my first friend, a little seed which I tried to help bloom into a beautiful flower.” She chuckled lightly. “In my efforts to help her become more open with the rest of the town, she ended up introducing me to ponies I never expected to befriend.” She gave a quick smile at her friends in the crowd, especially at Applejack, who redeemed herself in her eyes.
“Miss Fluttershy not only saved Opal, who ended up lost in the Everfree Forest because of my carelessness, but being in her company was very pleasant.” She placed forehoof on her chest and closed her eyes. “Drinking tea, calm conversations, peaceful strolls and so much more. I will miss her.” She gave a quick glance at Fluttershy and added quietly with a weak smile, “Sweet dreams.”
As Rarity stepped from the stage, two old pegasi bypassed her. She perched herself against the pillow and frowned the moment her father nuzzled her.
Sunflower was the first to speak, “You may not know us, so we shall introduce ourselves. My name is Sunflower, and my husband’s name is Little Seed.” She took a deep breath, her voice having a hint of sorrow. “We were friends of Fluttershy’s parents… before they passed away,” she lied as murmurs spread through the crowd.
Little Seed took over. “We may not have known Fluttershy personally, but while our skills in taking care of animals are nowhere near Fluttershy’s level, we made a decision to set up in Ponyville and continue what Fluttershy started.”
Rarity blinked in confusion, but quickly noticed a nod from Mayor Mare directed towards the speakers. I see Fluttershy’s old friends made some sort of agreement with the mayor behind our backs, though I suppose it is for the best. She smiled and gave the two pegasi an encouraging smile. At least the cottage will not fall into ruins and animals will not lose their home. Hopefully creatures from the forest will not bother them. She shook her head. After Fluttershy’s multiple explorations of the dangerous forest, no monster would dare to attack her cottage.
***
Pinkie Pie was the next one to speak as she dashed towards the coffin. “Fluttershy, why did you have to leave us!” She faced the crowd. Her eyes resisting the urge to cry while her ears flattened against her head. “Ever since I met Fluttershy, I could sense sadness in her. I tried to make her happy, but I only made it worse.” Her hoof slammed against the wooden floor. “Making her happy was the hardest thing I have ever done, but never before did making a pony smile bring me such joy.”
She wiped her eyes as her fur lost some of its brightness. “Befriending Fluttershy was the most difficult part, though worth it in the end! She even said many times that she didn’t deserve friendship, that I worked hard to help her and that she did nothing in return.” She took out a tissue from her tail to use on her eyes, and next on her nose while the always puffy mane slowly deflated. “But she did do a lot in return. She took care of cute little animals, helped the Apple family and saved them from thes–” Suddenly no more voice escaped her mouth as Vinyl’s horn flashed, keeping Pinkie from revealing Fluttershy’s secret.
The DJ crossed her forelegs and shook her head, whispering, “Sorry Pinks, but only I’m allowed to blow our covers and say our secrets out loud.” The moment Pinkie Pie stopped talking, most likely realizing her mistake, Vinyl’s aura vanished.
Pinkie blushed from embarrassment before turning to Fluttershy, approaching with slow steps before hugging the supposedly dead body. “You were wrong Fluttershy, you were a far better friend than you thought you were and I’ll miss you sooo much!” She released the body and perched it back against the soft surface of the coffin, wiping her tears from Fluttershy’s shoulder. “I hope your dreams are sweet. Farewell.”
Pinkie’s mane fully deflated as she lowered her head and walked off the platform into the crowd, her sadness spreading quickly as most ponies became even more depressed.
With no more ponies willing to speak up, a long line formed towards the coffin. While almost none of them knew Fluttershy personally, each decided to give their respect to her, a few ponies in between thanking Fluttershy for giving love and care to the homeless animals, or leaving a bouquet of flowers next to the coffin.
Apple Bloom jumped onto the coffin to get a better look as her tears fell down onto Fluttershy’s wing, her innocent heart on the verge of breaking as regret overtook her. Not long ago, she learned that Fluttershy was a kind-hearted pureblood and even befriended her, only for it to be cut short. Ironically, even her friend’s abilities and power that made her nearly unkillable, power that made purebloods enemies of ponykind, weren’t enough to prevent Fluttershy’s death.
***
Little Seed and Sunflower kept a slight distance from the line of ponies as they approached Rarity, before Sunflower spoke, “Excuse me, can I ask you a question?”
The fashionista nodded. “Of course, Miss Sunflower. Is something bothering you?”
The elderly mare pointed at the saddened Pinkie, who seemed nothing like the ball of energy she appeared to be before. She asked, “Is young Miss Pie a good actor?”
Rarity rubbed her chin before shaking her head. “To be fair, I do not know Pinkie Pie all that well, but from what I learned, I assume she is rather bad at acting, why do you ask?”
Little Seed said, “For such a bad actor, we found her grief and depression to be very sincere.” He took a step forward and whispered, “After all, Pinkie does know that Fluttershy isn’t dead… but just sleeping for a year or so?”
Rarity nodded, looking around to make sure no pony could hear them before whispering herself, “She does, but she cares about her friends a great deal. Even having her friend in a coma-like state for a few years is heartbreaking for her.” She gasped and raised hoof to her face as she glanced at the Cakes, who tried to cheer up their devastated employee. “And considering how she reacts now, I cannot possibly imagine how devastated she would be if Fluttershy was actually... dead.” She shivered at the very thought.
Little Seed cleared her throat. “Aside from that… we wish to make some agreements with you.“ He continued with a whisper, “Since Fluttershy’s animals don’t seem to mind sharing their blood, you can visit and feed on them at any time.”
Sunflower nodded, her face firm as she spoke, “However, we expect you to keep at least two meters distance from us and not bite our necks.” She massaged her neck nervously as her words caused Rarity to look to the side with lowered ears. “Do you agree to those terms?”
“So you still do not trust us…” Rarity responded before raising her head and pressing forehoof against her chest. Speaking quietly, “I am a lady with standards. I would not dare to drink anypony’s blood without permission. I swear.” She lowered her head and continued in a depressed tone, “As for the two meters distance… I agree.” She sighed. “Hopefully one day, you will trust me enough to change your mind.”
Both elderly pegasi smiled and said together, “We appreciate it.”
***
Pinkie sat in the shadow of a nearby house, away from the ponies before feeling the hoof of Applejack on her shoulder. She slowly raised her head to look into her concerned eyes.
“Shucks sugarcube, ya took it harder than Ah thought ya would,” Applejack said calmly.
The party mare opened her mouth, but closed it a moment later and lowered her head. Applejack sat next to her and placed foreleg around her shoulder.
“Hello, Pinkie.”
Pinkie’s ears perked up as she immediately recognized the voice. She jumped to her hooves, nearly causing Applejack to lose her balance. “Maud!” She grabbed the hooded figure into a tight hug, unintentionally causing the hood to fall back and reveal the grey face of her sister, who returned the gesture with restrained strength. “Maudie… what are you doing here?”
Before Maud could respond, two accompanying figures revealed their faces as Shackles spoke, “Hello Miss Pinkamena Diane Pie. We are merely attending this funeral.”
Pinkie Pie released Maud and looked at the pegasus, failing to notice anger apparent on Applejack’s face. “Mr. Shackles?”
“You remember me, I am honoured,” Shackles said as the third figure bypassed him.
Pinkie looked at the third pony before tilting her head. “Limestone? You’re attending as well? But you really really dislike leaving the rock farm.”
Limestone crossed her forelegs and frowned. “Of course I hate leaving it. I’d rather dig rocks and gems from the mine than attending this stupid funeral.” She pointed at the pegasus. “But we’re no longer working on the farm, but instead for Shackles.”
“Work?” Pinkie said, raising her foreleg questionably. “You help hunt giant bugs with your strength?”
Limestone facehooved.
Pinkie turned to her other sister and asked, “Maud, I thought you didn’t want to work for him, even for the precious meteorite collection. Did you change your mind?” Her mane regaining a bit of its color and original form.
Maud nodded, her face firm and unchanging.
Limestone stomped. “We had to, or else he would–” she stopped and gritted her teeth in pain upon feeling Maud’s hoof stomping on her foreleg.
Shackles chuckled. “It wasn’t easy, but I found a way to change her mind. And I even managed to convince your other sister, Limestone, with a generous offer.”
“Really?” Pinkie asked.
Limestone nodded, her face filled with anger.
Shackles took a few steps towards Applejack and grabbed her by shoulder. “Now partner, I believe we have things to discuss… in private.”
Both Pie sisters saluted, walking to the side.
Applejack looked at her and suggested, “Pinkie, I believe ya have wanna talk with yer sisters. Me and the… kind stallion over here have a lot to catch up.”
Pinkie nodded, joining her sisters while leaving the two ponies to themselves. While she was walking away, however, she got this feeling as if something was really wrong as she sensed stress in Applejack, while Shackles had an odd aura around himself, as if hiding mean intentions behind his calm composure.
She turned to her sisters and asked, “So let me get this straight. Mr. Shackles is attending the funeral, and you both decided to accompany him and join?”
Maud nodded. “We know how important and hard it is to say farewell to a friend.” She embraced her again, this time with more strength as Pinkie felt like a squeezed balloon. Maud’s hardened foreleg sinking into her body. “I’m sorry for your loss.” Against her efforts, Maud’s face failed to change its appearance.
“Speak for yourself. I would care less–” Limestone grit her teeth again, feeling Maud’s rear hoof on her side, who weakened her hold against Pinkie’s belly.
Limestone massaged her side before pointing at Pinkie accusingly. “Also, I would never agree to work for that creepy featherbrain if not for your sec–” she jumped to the side, avoiding Maud’s rear hoof who released Pinkie and turned towards her.
“Limestone, can we talk for a moment?” Maud asked.
“Make me,” Limestone said with crossed forelegs as she frowned.
Maud sighed before grabbing Limestone by her ear and pulling. “Please excuse me, Pinkie. I need to talk with Limestone in private for a moment.”
Pinkie rolled her eyes. “What’s up with ponies keeping secrets from me?” She nodded. “Alright, I’ll just sit here and wallow in self-pity over a friend I won’t see for a long time. You both go ahead and have your private talk.”
Unsure how to respond, Maud gestured for Limestone to follow.
***
“So, what do you want?” Limestone asked, clearly annoyed as she stared at her sister, hidden away from the rest in an alley between two homes.
Maud kept staring with her stone-like face. “You know.”
“Oh come on, Maud. It’s Pinkie’s fault that we need to risk our hides and act like a meat-shield for that featherbrain. Training and fighting against blood-sucking creatures. And it’s all her fault.”
“Pinkie lost one of her dear friends, you cannot–” Maud said, but was cut off by Limestone.
“That friend of hers is one of those we need to fight now.” She stomped, her voice even angrier than before as her ears straightened upward aggressively. “We put our necks on the line because if we don’t, Shackles will reveal Pinkie’s secret.”
“Don’t tell Pinkie.”
“Why?” Limestone asked. “It’s her fault.”
“She will feel guilty and sad,” Maud said in a neutral tone.
“That’s the point. She deserves it.”
“You will stop being mean to her.”
Limestone pressed her muzzle against Maud’s and asked, “And what will you do if I don’t?”
Maud’s face shifted slightly. Her neutral smile showing a little bit of anger as eyes half-closed. What for most ponies would look just like an expression of annoyance, barely different from Maud’s usual face, for Limestone it was an expression of fury incarnate. Sweat started to drop from her face as she walked backward, her legs trembling.
“Alright, fine, I won’t pick on Pinkie…” Limestone said, her voice filled with fear. “Just calm down. You’re really creepy when you’re angry.”
Maud’s face returned to its neutral expression.
Limestone released a breath of relief, taking a moment to recover from her experience as her fast-beating heart calmed down. She could care less about earthquakes, falling boulders and even monsters of legend, but an angered Maud had always filled her with dread.
The moon and stars shined brightly over a grave between the cottage and the Everfree Forest, no longer blocked by stormclouds as the funeral had long since ended. Instead of the grieving friends and guests paying respect, a group of grave robbers made their way towards Fluttershy’s resting place.
Shackles led the way as three earth ponies followed in silent procession. Applejack glared at him in anger, quickly hiding it each time the pegasus glanced back at her. As much as the farm mare wished to kick his flank, she kept her emotions in check.
Unbeknownst to the high-ranking hunter, Applejack looked at the nearby trees, awaiting the arrival of Fancy Pants as she remembered his last words.
”And what about Shackles?” Applejack asked, looking up into the eyes of the thestral lord. “He knows ‘bout Flutters and kept silent in exchange for info. It won’t take long before he digs up her body or somethin’. Ah figure no illusion‘ll fool him for long.”
"That is exactly what I am counting on." Fancy Pants rubbed Applejack’s head condescendingly, once again treating her like a young filly. “Just leave it to me.”
“But what will ya do?”
“Just trust me, I have my ways.”
Applejack murmured to herself, “Whatever yer plannin’, Ah hope ya’ll hurry up.”
“What did you say, Miss Applejack?” Shackles asked.
“N-nothin’.” She bit her lip as her pupils rapidly shifted to the sides of her eyes.
Shackles stopped in front of the grave, looking around to make sure there were no witnesses besides a few critters. He pointed at the grave and said, “Alright, Pie sisters, Applejack, get to digging.”
Maud Pie and Limestone did as they were told, sinking their hooves into dirt as they dug themselves into the earth. Applejack keeping off to the sidelines.
“Is something wrong? I gave you an order,” Shackles said with annoyed expression.
“Ah just… don’t get why ya want her body.”
Shackles facehooved. “To get the reward, how is it so hard to figure out?” He pointed at the farm mare accusingly. “If you hadn't failed to keep her safe, she would have become a worthy trophy for my son in the future. Because of your incompetence, I now need to salvage her dead body.” He paused, glancing quickly at the trees as he noticed a shadowy figure moving between the bushes.
He kept staring at it while continuing, “The only reason why I don’t punish you or your family is because I am aware that you put a lot of effort into keeping her safe, as per my orders.” He pointed at the hole in the ground. “However, I may change my mind if you won’t dirty your hooves and help dig out her grave.”
“Not so fast!”
Shackles looked at the speaker, as did Applejack, while the heads of the Pie sisters peeked from the hole in the ground. He chuckled and spoke, “Well, if it isn’t Vinyl the Undying. Has boredom driven you here?”
“Kinda,” Vinyl said, shrugging. “Although it’s only one of the reasons why I’m here.” She stepped to the side, pointing at a hooded figure, outlined through the darkness by the glowing runes inscribed into the hood. “My former boss isn’t happy with what you’re doing here, and wants to give you a peace of his mind.”
“Is that so?” Shackles said, grinning. “Maud, Limestone, it seems we have a welcoming party. Do your jobs.”
Both earth ponies jumped from the hole and threw open their saddlebags, slipping their hooves into clawed silver bracers. They galloped towards both thestrals as a cloud of dust trailed close.
Red eyes flashed from under the hood as dark crystals rained upon the charging ponies, leaving only barely noticeable scratches under their fur. Their silver claws failing to endure the attack as they shattered to pieces. Not slowing down, both earth ponies jumped, diving towards the stallion, who stood on his rear hooves while raising his forehooves.
Maud and Limestone swung their forelegs, delivering a devastating blow as their attack collided with the forehooves of the stallion. The ground cracked under the sheer force of the impact as he sank into the soil. Dirt and grass shooting in every direction.
Both mares bounced off, landing on the ground, still facing the stallion, whose forelegs had been torn from his body, a pool of blood beginning to form in the grass. Despite his wounds still gushing blood, the mysterious thestral did not scream.
Vinyl chuckled. “Hey boss, it seems you’ve been… disarmed.”
The mysterious stallion responded with disappointment, “Really? Is that the best pun you could come up with?”
Vinyl rubbed her chin before grinning. “I’ve heard rumours that mares can disarm you with their charm, but didn’t think they meant it literally.”
Fancy Pants sighed before looking at the charging mares, his eyes flashing red once again as he summoned large wall of dark crystals, which shattered from strikes of their hooves. The blood returning into his body while pulling the forelegs, reversing the damage in an instant. Two trees shot from the ground and levitated at the earth ponies, swinging like a bat trying to hit a ball. Both mares evaded the hit before uppercutting the trees, breaking them in half.
Applejack could only stare in amazement with her mouth agape. Unable to believe her own eyes.
“Miss Applejack. May I suggest you to attack as well?” Shackles said calmly.
“Are ya crazy?! That there thestral is a pureblood, he’ll kick mah flank in no time,” she responded.
Shackles frowned before observing the battlefield, his gaze focused on parts of the trees that had started swirling like a tornado. Despite their attempts to evade or fight back, both earth ponies ended up unable to press forward.
Confused and distracted, Maud failed to notice a tree hurling towards her with great force, flattening her against the ground. With a struggle, she stood up on her trembling legs, lifting the tree on her back before it was levitated once again, only to hit her with greater force than before. She bounced on the ground towards Shackles while her saddlebag and all its contents were broken, her once mighty hunting equipment lying scattered on the ground.
It wasn’t long before Limestone meet the same fate.
Both mares stood up despite their injuries, their bones hardened from years of harsh work; not even fractured despite the powerful impact.
“Stop fighting!” Shackles ordered, gesturing with his hoof for his bodyguards to stand down. “Who are you and what do you want?”
Vinyl stepped ahead and said, “My boss would prefer to not reveal his identity. Even his voice was changed by my spell. All you need to know is that you’re facing a pureblood over nine centuries old. In other words, you’re boned.”
Shackles grit his teeth as sweat formed on his forehead. He felt a surge of fear.
The pureblood slowly approached as the tension filled the air. “I must praise your bodyguards. If not for the fact that I destroyed their silver weapons, their strength and agility would cause me serious harm.”
Shackles stood his ground and raised his head arrogantly. “Which is why I hired them. Earth ponies possess incredible strength, endurance and stamina, and stallions with outstanding strength are not difficult to find.” He frowned, trying to buy himself more time with talking while searching for a way out of the situation. “However stallions, while strong enough to pull a train from one town to another, lack flexibility, being big targets and easy to hit. Mares are smaller and more agile, though their strength is not as great.”
He pointed at his bodyguards, who didn’t show being in pain despite multiple cuts and bruises. “However a mare with great speed and agility, while having strength and endurance of a tall stallion, now that’s a rare talent I couldn’t overlook.” He chuckled. “I’ve even learned of a filly living in Ponyville possessing incredible strength, though I am loathe to admit it will take a decade before I can recruit her as well.”
Fancy Pants stopped. “I must admit, you chosen perfect bodyguards. However,” He shrugged, “tt is clear that they lack proper training. Maybe after a year or two, they will become great hunters, but for now they are not much of a threat against a pureblood such as myself.” He looked at the farm mare, who refused to look him back in the eyes. “And the young huntress beside you, she isn’t strong enough to even make a difference.”
Applejack frowned, but refused to let her prideful nature surface.
Shackles grit his teeth. His wings spread in fear as he realized his comfortable life was suddenly in jeopardy.
“Why so silent?” Fancy Pants asked.
“I bet he’s just dying to learn why you are here,” Vinyl joked.
The pureblood chuckled. “Let’s just say that Miss Fluttershy –whose grave you are trying to dig up– had two parents.” His tone darkened. “Who were also my friends.”
Shackles took a step back, gulping.
“I will be honest. Just like them, I am not a fan of violence, and the idea of turning this peaceful town into a battlefield between thestrals and hunters isn’t very inviting.” He stomped, his hoof sank into the ground. “However unlike them, I am not afraid to take lives, and torturing you is very tempting.”
Shackles felt as if his heart was about to escape his chest. It was not the first time he took a risk when gambling with fate, but this time his life was on the table, and his cards didn’t look good. In his hooves, he had two powerful but untrained earth ponies, and one young huntress, while in front of him was a nearly millennium old pureblood. His luck had finally ran out.
“And yet…”
A ray of hope flashed as his ears perked upward, listening with rapt attention.
“As a hunter, it is your responsibility to kill thestrals, especially purebloods. Yet twice you have spared Fluttershy’s life. Even if your motive was of pure greed, it doesn’t change the outcome.”
Fancy Pants sighed. “You like making deals, don’t you?”
The pegasus nodded.
“Killing you won’t bring my friends back, and revenge will leave this town in ruin, so I will give you an offer you cannot refuse.” He pointed at the hole in the ground and continued, “You will not touch Fluttershy’s grave, nor her body. Forget about earning the reward while lying that you had been the one that killed her, and in return, your life shall be spared.”
Applejack looked at the hooded Fancy Pants with mixed feelings. On one hoof, she wished he would just kill Shackles, but on another, she didn’t want for Ponyville to suffer. Deep inside, she wished Fancy would at least punish the greedy featherbrain for his actions.
Shackles nodded before asking, “That’s very merciful of you, but what’s the catch?”
“I see you understand how it works, good,” Fancy said before pointing at him and his bodyguards. “Aside from leaving Fluttershy’s body alone, I will take forty percent of the blood from you and your bodyguards’ bodies. Let’s just say that my wife is training very hard everyday, and she loves to drink the blood of athletes. Blood from you and your strong personal guards will satisfy her greatly.”
“Y-yes, of course…” Shackles said before pointing at Applejack. “Would you also like to have some blood of the apple farmer?”
Fancy Pants shook his forehoof. “She is too weak I fear. My wife has standards.”
Applejack’s cheeks became red from anger, feeling as if Fancy Pants actually enjoyed humiliating her on every occasion.
“And don’t think of trying to fool me,” Fancy Pants warned. “If I find out that you relocated the body, and trust me, I will know… Your life will be forfeit. Is that clear?”
“Of course, good sir,” Shackles said nervously, rubbing his foreleg. “Anything else?”
Fancy Pants shook his head. “That will be everything, unless you cross me again, then the price for your life will go up drastically. Now, let’s begin the blood extraction.” His eyes flashed red as three black crystals grew from the ground, pulsating in dark magic. Vinyl opened her saddlebag and levitated three large empty bottles, barely visible in the darkness of the night.
Three crystals turned their sharp point towards the ponies ahead and levitated with great speed, one piercing Shackless’s foreleg as stream of blood escaped the wound, filling one of the big bottles in an instant. Whimpers of pain escaped his mouth as he felt weaker and weaker. Unable to resist, he accepted his punishment, losing balance as the result.
Two other crystals shattered into pieces, failing to penetrate the hardened bodies of the Pie sisters. Fancy Pants chuckled before summoning two other crystals, filling them with greater magic before creating more open wounds. Blood filling the other bottles as both mares gritted their teeth, occasionally yelping.
Applejack’s cheeks became green. Exploiting Pinkie Pie’s sisters wasn’t part of the agreement, but she couldn’t argue about it now or else her cover would be blown.
“Thank you kindly,” Fancy Pants said, closing the wounds with his magic before examining the full bottles. Luckily Vinyl had a few more empty bottles hidden behind a tree in advance, or else the ones in her saddlebag wouldn’t have been enough. “Farm filly, would you be so kind as to escort your master and his guards? After the blood loss, their bodies are likely very weak.”
Applejack nodded while wondering how Fancy Pants could close wounds without licking them, assuming it was the result of a power that was beyond Fluttershy.
Fancy Pants looked at Shackles and added, “On a side note, I believe your guards deserve some compensation for the blood they lost in protecting you, wouldn't you agree?” The moment he noticed a nod, as well as a gulp from the officer, he went towards a line of trees, disappearing out of sight.
Vinyl fixed her glasses and said, “That was… interesting.” Her horn lit as she aimed her spell at a weakened Shackles. “You got off the hook very easily, so I’ll add a little gift from me. And if somepony asks why your voice sounds weird, just tell them you encountered some poison joke in the Everfree Forest. Have fun with your new voice.”
Shackles observed as both thestrals finally left, feeling nearly exhausted as he took a moment to calm down. A laugh left his mouth several seconds later as he couldn’t believe his luck. Despite the pain he felt, he shouted, “I am alive!”
Applejack and the Pie sisters giggled at the voice that left his mouth, a very squeaky female voice.
***
Fancy Pants kept walking deeper into the forest, heading towards his well-guarded chariot, only to notice all of his guards were lying scattered and unconscious. His senses confirming that they were still alive.
“Long time no see, old friend.”
Fancy Pants looked to the source of the voice, half closing his eyes in annoyance. “I am no friend of yours, Moon Shadow. Especially after your trials cost the lives of my friends.” The powerful pureblood emerged from a black puddle on the ground, his wings spread.
Both lords glared at each other as Fancy Pants examined Moon Shadow’s features. His fur was grey and his mane black, a magical rune glowing red on the dark cape that covered his back, a similar but much smaller rune also being present on his foreleg. A full moon with a red bat flying over it as his cutie mark. In terms of size, both were equal while fangs were visible on Moon Shadow’s grinning face
“They were weak and would only weigh us down,” Moon Shadow responded. “Should our kind attempt to befriend the lesser races, your friends would accomplish nothing but hiding in their little mansion. Their overprotectiveness kept Flutterbat from ever spreading her wings.”
Fancy Pants stomped. “So I have heard, and yet, after all the hardship you put Fluttershy through to turn her into an emissary of peace, she now sleeps in her coffin for who knows how long.”
“So I have learned,” Moon Shadow responded with a weak nod. “She tried to capture my assassin as I predicted, yet she went far beyond what I have planned for her, trying to free him from my influence. Her early rest wasn’t part of my plan.” He smirked. “Though becoming more powerful is always a good thing for a pureblood.”
“I disagree. Your attempt to train her backfired. I cannot predict if she will wake up before the return of our honorable princess,” Fancy Pants said with an annoyed tone. He fixed his monocle and asked, “Still, I cannot shake my curiosity. Why did you come here in person rather than sending your servants?”
“To learn why I lost control over one of my subordinates, and once I found out what happened, I stayed to ensure that Fluttershy's body remained in her coffin. But I assume you took care of it already,” Moon Shadow said, receiving a firm nod in return. “You have my gratitude.”
The moment Vinyl arrived on the scene, Fancy Pants gestured for her to keep her distance, before asking, “And what about Hawkeye? Are you here to capture and turn him back into your brainwashed assassin?”
Moon Shadow shook his head before closing his wings. “Nothing of that sort. He has fulfilled his role, and if Miss Fluttershy wishes him to be free, then I shall respect that.” His eyes half closed as he looked at Fancy Pants with a serious glare. “Now, allow me to ask you a question. Do you have a proper replacement for Fluttershy, should she fail to wake up before Nightmare Moon’s return?”
Fancy Pants gritted his teeth before looking to the side. “I don’t…” He sighed. “With Fluttershy’s parents dead, I don’t have any purebloods under my command who could replace her. The only candidates would be either my son, my wife or I.”
Shadow Moon chuckled and turned around. “If that’s the case, as leaders, we both should talk with the princess upon her return.”
“And if she refuses to lead us either to peace or war?” Fancy asked.
Moon Shadow chuckled. “Then we shall take our future into our own hooves.” He pointed at Fancy Pants and said with a challenging tone, “We need but one leader. If the Princess of the Night won’t agree to lead us or assign one of us as leader of all clans, we shall fight each other for that position.” He pointed at himself, forehoof now nearly touching his own chest. “Should I win, I will lead us to battle against Celestia, and once she is killed or captured, we will conquer Equestria.”
Fancy Pants nodded. “And if I will win, we shall negotiate with Princess Celestia, seeking an alliance with her instead.” He raised his forehoof in a questioning gesture. “Still, I cannot help but point out that a duel would put me in a very disadvantageous situation.” He made a half bow. “You already declared a challenge, so allow me to scale the odds.”
“Interesting,” Moon Shadow said, rubbing his chin. “What do you have in mind?”
“We both can choose a champion, a pureblood who will fight by our side. I wish for my wife to fight alongside me.”
“Agreed,” Moon Shadow said, returning the half-bow before walking away. “Since the situation here has been resolved and a suitable Plan B was forged, let us depart.” The wind turned wild around the powerful pureblood as a black tornado formed around him.
Fancy Pants kept his composure, not distracted by the wind in the least. Slowly, the dark tornado vanished, alongside the caster.
With his nemesis now far away, Fancy Pants approached his guards and woke them up, one at a time while thinking deeply. The situation doesn’t look bright. I better make some precautions… He glanced at the approaching thestral and said, “Vinyl Scratch, bring me a scroll. We have a letter to send.”
A scroll, ink and a feather levitated in front of Vinyl. “Already on it.”
The royal bedchamber, a quiet room with a bed sizeable enough to bring comfort to a tall alicorn. A well decorated sanctuary where Princess Celestia could take a break from ruling her subjects, putting aside interactions with the nobility and the endless piles of paperwork. A place where she could lie comfortable and relax.
Today, however, relaxing next to a fireplace was the last thing on her mind, her eyes focused on a scroll lying in the center of her bed.
She slowly approached, taking the scroll with her levitation while taking a moment to think. It wasn’t the first time she received a message as her mysterious ally has been updating her with various bits of information, far more detailed and useful than what she could learn from her spies.
After taking a comfortable position, sinking into her bed with a half-filled teacup by her side, she unrolled the letter, now reading it with her full attention.
The letter dropped a minute later as Celestia’s eyes opened widely. Her breathing and heart-beating vastly increased. “F-Fluttershy… is dead…” Her ears drooped as she looked at the floor. Her plan on saving her sister from the corruption with the Elements was now out of her reach.
Even since witnessing a sonic rainboom, which helped Twilight Sparkle unleash her true potential and gain her cutie mark, Celestia suspected that the Elements of Harmony were behind it, most likely causing this impossible feat to spread through Equestria. Searching for worthy bearers that would one day wield them.
At first, she believed that the candidates would be lured near by their location, gathered together so they could become friends and represent qualities each Element personifies.
Her theory however turned into a ray of hope after more mysterious letters showed up, alongside pictures of five mares that now lived in Ponyville. She had no reason to distrust them as for centuries, those mysterious allies would bypass her guards and leave letters with beneficial information, which were always accurate.
However, now with one potential bearer being dead, she would have no choice but to imprison her sister and seek to cure her by other means. As painful as it would be, defeating Nightmare Moon wouldn’t prove too difficult as they both were equally matched, and with Cadence and Shining Armor leading the guard, she would gain a huge advantage.
Celestia resumed reading, now curious more than ever. Her depression only grew with each word. She slowly lowered the scroll before her head followed suit, pressing against a big pillow. It seems saving my sister from corruption is the least of my worries with the well-being of all of Equestria at risk… She sighed as the pillow slowly become wet from her tears. If what the letter said was true, she would soon need to face more than just one shadow from her past.
It has been two days since the funeral as the Apple family was eating at the table. The gloomy silence once again present as everypony except for Applejack had lost their appetite.
Applejack glanced at each of her family members. As difficult this discussion would be, she couldn’t hesitate any longer. She couldn’t act as if nothing happened in the past few years.
“Granny Smith… Big Mac…” she said, slowly getting their attention, though failing to notice any enthusiasm. “Ah have been hidin’ a secret, an important one. Ah’ve gotta tell it.”
“Secret… even from yer family?” Granny Smith asked.
Applejack nodded. “A lot has happened and Ah feared what yer reaction was gonna be. Ah’m really sorry for hidin’ it from ya.”
“Well, ya have been actin’ mighty suspicious, leavin’ the farm everyday and so on,” Granny said, raising her trembling foreleg above the table. “Whatever it is, we’ll support ya. No need to keep secrets in this family.”
“Fluttershy, she ain’t a pegasus… but a thestral.” Granny Smith’s mouth was agape as awkward silence overtook the room. “And a pureblood no less.”
Granny’s glare sharpened as she spoke, her voice filled with hostility, “If that’s meant to be a joke, it’s dang a terrible one.” She slammed her forehoof against the table.
“Ah’m tellin’ the truth.”
A weak smile formed on Granny Smith’s face. “If yer tellin’ the truth… then mah heart sure got a little lighter.” She grabbed a slice of an apple pie and chewed it, her appetite quickly returning, though Apple Bloom and Applejack looked at her with a hint of disappointment. The moment she gulped, Granny Smith added, “The less of these freaks are alive, the better. Equestria will fare better for it.”
Applejack glanced at Big Mac, who kept his neutral expression, making it impossible to read him. After a deep breath, Applejack said, “Sorry to disappoint ya, but Fluttershy’s alive.”
Apple Bloom’s ears perked upward as a weak smile appeared.
Granny Smith’s eyes widened. “Whaaat?” She slammed her hoof against the table again and said, “But the funeral… the toxic plants from the Everfree Forest…”
“That’s just an excuse. It takes way more to hurt a pureblood than a mere toxin from a flower,” Applejack interrupted. “Fluttershy fell asleep earlier than she should, and she won’t be wakin’ up anytime soon. We had to arrange a fake funeral.”
Granny Smith frowned. “What do ya mean, ‘we’? Are ya part of those lies?”
Applejack frowned. “Ah ain’t happy with lyin’ to the town folks, but they’re not ready to hear the truth yet. Ah hope that’ll change one day.”
“Have ya hit yerself in the head, or maybe that wolf in sheep’s clothing cast a spell on ya?” Granny Smith asked, slamming her forehoof against the table for the third time as the plates with food bounced on it. “We need to get rid of Fluttershy as long as she sleeps, or inform the guild if her grave is guarded.”
Applejack crossed her foreleg and closed her eyes. “It ain’t happenin’. A high rankin’ officer already tried his luck. He decided he rather save his own hide.” She shook her head. “Her body ain’t goin’ anywhere, like it or not. Not that Ah would let anypony hurt her.”
Before Granny Smith could respond, Apple Bloom jumped onto the table and tackled Applejack, now standing on her chest while looking deeply in the eyes. “Fluttershy’s alive? Why didn’t ya tell me, big sis?” She grit her teeth, her glare sharpening. “Why didn’t ya tell me? It ain’t fair!”
“Sorry little sis, Ah had a lot on mah mind, Ah’m sorry.”
“Apple Bloom!” Granny Smith shouted, now shooting angered glare towards the filly. “Ya kneeew?”
Apple Bloom nodded. “Ah did. And if not for Fluttershy, we’d all be…” she paused and gulped as her ears drooped. She slowly stepped from her sister as words were stuck in her throat.
Applejack stood up and sighed. “Ah fought Fluttershy and she held back, sparin’ mah life.” She pressed a forehoof against her own chest and half-closed her eyes. “Other thestrals wanted me dead… they wanted us all dead. Fluttershy stuck her neck in our defense. She let me use her as a punchin’ bag. We fought against an assassin side by side. There’s no way Ah’m betrayin’ her after that.”
Granny Smith turned her head to Big Mac and said, “Yer awfully silent, Big Mac. Ain’t ya have somethin’ to say to yer brainwashed sister?”
“Nope.”
The elderly mare raised an eyebrow. “Don’t ya tell me yer happy that the pureblood is alive!”
“Eeyup.”
Applejack smiled as she glanced at her brother, filled with hope. “Is that true? Ya really don’t see her as enemy?”
“Nope.”
“But… why?” Applejack asked, suddenly feeling as if her heart became heavier. When she learned that Fluttershy was a pureblood, she put the poor mare through a lot of pain, hurting her with cruel words and punches, yet her brother didn’t hate Fluttershy on the spot.
Big Mac exhaled and looked between each of his family members as his stare became serious. “Ah’ll be honest. Ah know Fluttershy for who she pretended to be, bein’ blind and unaware to what has been happinin’ in Ponyville, but Ah could tell somethin’ big was happenin’.” He pointed at Applejack and added, “But Ah trust ya, Applejack, always have. Ya met the real Fluttershy, hated her, befriended her, worked with her. If ya say she’s a good pony, then Ah believe you.”
The tall stallion stepped from his seat and approached the window, opening it to invite a bit of fresh air inside. Feeling the wind in his mane and focused on the descending sun on the horizon, he continued, “Ah never wished to avenge our parents, never wanted to fight thestrals. Mah only wish was for y'all to not share our parents' fate. If Fluttershy saved our family, enemy or not, Ah’ll be grateful to her.”
Granny Smith opened her mouth, struggling to say any words. After a few seconds, she spoke, “This’s nonsense. Ah can’t stand here and see as mah own blood get tainted. Hawkeye Delicious and Snow Sweet must be watching ya from Elysium with disgust.”
“They’re alive too,” Applejack interrupted.
“Say whaaat?” Granny Smith said as she pushed the table to the side, startling Apple Bloom while the food splattered on the floor. She approached Applejack and pressed her own muzzle against hers. “What nonsense are ya talkin’ about? They died from hooves of a pureblood in Manehattan.”
Big Mac and Apple Bloom looked at Applejack, their faces pleading for an answer while filled with hope.
“They weren’t killed, just turned into thestrals and their memories changed,” Applejack said before stepping backward, making some distance from Granny’s muzzle. She raised her forehoof and continued, “That pureblood name’s Moon Shadow. He sent Pa to kill us, but later ordered him to target Fluttershy instead.”
Silence overtook the room as each family member listened with full attention. Applejack continued, “Fluttershy saved us not only from them thestrals, but from our own blood. She fought against Pa and risked her life to restore his memories.” She took a quick breath and added, “She succeeded, but the price was her year long nap came early.”
“Is that true?” Apple Bloom asked, her pupils almost as wide as plates.
Applejack approached the door and shouted at the stairs. “Pa, it’s time.”
Each of the family members approached and looked at the hooded figure, who walked downstairs and entered the dining room. The moment he took off his hood, the jaw of everypony except for Applejack dropped.
“P-Pa,” Big Mac said hesitantly.
“Yer… alive,” Apple Bloom said.
“Yer… turned into a thestral?” Granny Smith asked, receiving a weak nod in return. Granny Smith grit her teeth and looked at Applejack. “Why is he alive? Ya should have killed him!”
“Excuse me?” Applejack asked, taking a step back as she nearly lost her balance.
Granny Smith pointed at Hawkeye and continued, “It’s cruel to let an Apple be turned into a monster. Ya should kill him out of mercy. It’s our duty as hunters and a family!”
Hawkeye shrugged. “Ah said the same thin’, but mah daughter’s too stubborn.”
Applejack frowned. “At least now Ah’m stubborn about the right thin’. Yer not a monster and Ah’m not goin’ to lose ya again.”
Before Granny Smith could speak, she felt a tiny hoof stomping on her foreleg. Looking down, she noticed an angered stare from Apple Bloom who said, “Don’t ya call mah Papa a monster.”
The filly turned and galloped towards Hawkeye, jumping into his chest while giving him a hug, her little forelegs embracing his neck. Tears of joy started dropping from her eyes. Hawkeye blushed before gently embracing his little Apple with a hoof. His eyes closed and heart warm.
Big Mac nodded and said, “Eeyup,” before approaching as well and joining the hug. Lifting Hawkeye above the floor as the result.
“Yer much stronger than Applejack,” Hawkeye said from his higher perspective, still remembering how Applejack lifted him the same way, though not putting as much strength into the hug. He returned the gesture, proving to Big Macintosh how much stronger earth pony thestral can be.
Granny Smith lowered her head and murmured, “Ah… Ah need to think about it.” She turned and walked outside in silence. Applejack was about to follow, but a hoof from Big Mac on her shoulder and shake of his head stopped her.
***
As time passed, filled with cheerful atmosphere, talks, food eating, and Big Mac’s offering to share his blood with his father, Applejack approached the window and said, “Thank you, Fluttershy, Ah’ll never repay ya for what ya did for us.” Feeling the pleasant wind, she lowered her head and added, “But when ya wake up, Ah’ll be there to support ya, no matter what.”
Big Mac approached, sitting next to his younger sister and added, “Ah wish Ah could meet the real Fluttershy. Ah’ll thank her when she wakes up.”
Apple Bloom jumped onto the windowsill and said, “She’s already an honorary Apple for savin’ Winona. How else we can thank her for savin’ us and our dad?”
Hawkeye sat behind them. “Ah suppose Ah’ll join her clan when she wakes up, learn more about bein’ a thestral. It ain’t goin’ to be easy to live as one, but after this reunion,” he chuckled, “Ah feel more comfortable bein’ mah sworn enemy.”
“Fluttershy has a clan? Can Ah join?” Apple Bloom asked, only for her head to be rubbed by Applejack’s hoof, which in turn reminded her of being rubbed by Fancy Pants. Reinforcing her belief that in his eyes, she was just like a little filly.
“When ya grow up, Ah’ll think about it, but don’t do nothing crazy, alright?” Applejack asked. She could notice disappointment clearly on Apple Bloom face as she nodded hesitantly. She looked at Hawkeye and said, “And no revenge attempts, Pa. When Fluttershy wakes up, we may ask her if we can somehow save Ma, but till then, ya stay out of trouble.”
Hawkeye laughed. “Ya really grew up a lot, Applejack. Ah’m proud.”
The farm mare glanced outside once again, admiring the sunset as she looked into the bright future with hope.
