Prologo
In the southwest of Mount Aris, hundreds of leagues in the middle of the sea, lies the Sparkor Archipelago. This group of islands extends in the shape of a dagger over the great ocean, and at both ends of the archipelago stand two islands that are very different from each other: the great volcanic island of Rou and the paradisiacal island of Vaneisy.
The island of Vaneisy is famous for its lush fauna and tropical jungle, making it an attractive place for explorers and tourists seeking a natural paradise. Its sunny climate and white sand beaches, bathed by turquoise waters, are ideal for rest and relaxation.
In contrast, the island of Rou presents a completely opposite terrain morphology. With hills of granite and basalt surrounded by rivers of lava that descend from an active volcano, the climate is constantly stormy, giving the island an infernal appearance.
Despite the adverse conditions, Rou is the most inhabited of the two islands due to the high mining activity caused by the exceptional quantity of unique gems and minerals found on its surface. The interior of the volcano is a geological paradise that provides the island's inhabitants with the necessary wealth to survive and prosper in such an inhospitable place. The large city and ports on the north side of the island are proof of this prosperity.
And at the top of the mining city and crowded ports stands the magnificent royal castle of Abigail, made of gold and bright red granite. Not counting its side towers and annexes, it would easily triple the size of the Canterlot Castle counterpart. If its size, design, and colors were not enough to impress the visitor, it also stood out for the fact that it was built on a floating mountain that rose slightly above the island. That's how impressive the government center and capital of the small kingdom of Rou was.
Undoubtedly it was impressive. If someone were to ask Fluttershy, who was on one of the castle's balconies, if she felt amazed, she would forcefully answer yes, but she would also confess that she was terrified.
"This isn't working," the helpless pegasus said to herself in a low voice. She had gone out to the balcony to see the sunset and distract herself, but the apocalyptic vision of the city and the swirling lava beneath her, resembling grotesque giant eyes, only increased her stress.
The howling voice of the wind reached her ears, along with the crunch of rocks falling and the constant gurgling of lava sliding down the hills. Unable to bear the oppressive environment any longer, the Pegasus decided to return to the castle.
However, only her front legs moved. The lower half of her body seemed to have adhered to the stony surface of the ground.
Fluttershy frowned. Old fears began to bite at her flanks again.
She closed her eyes and took a deep exhale. She cleared her mind and began to focus. She started to visualize her home, her forest companions, her friends in Ponyville, and above all, the five friends who had supported her so many times.
Slowly, the stiffness in her hind legs diminished. Suddenly, as if she had been freed from a trap, she took a few clumsy steps forward.
"Phew... what a relief," Fluttershy said with a hopeful smile as she lightly shook her lower legs. Her limbs were fine again. For now.
Without paying any more attention to the terrifying outside world, Fluttershy returned to her room.
This was a royal guest suite composed of four rooms joined by a common area. Each room had a large bed, desk, individual bathroom, among other luxuries, and of course, a wardrobe with traditional clothing from the kingdom. Before her arrival, the necessary preparations had already been made, so Fluttershy had everything she needed to attend a gala within the castle.
However... Fluttershy looked at the clothes on her bed with heaviness.
It was an outfit that matched the castle's brutal architecture, in that sense it was harmonious. But she could hardly wear it without feeling uncomfortable. The outfit they had selected for her was a wide black dress with red edges that covered her entire body. It had golden engravings of fierce birds and bipedal reptiles on its sleeves. The ribbon that went around her waist was red like blood, with a brooch that looked like the skull of some demonic beast. In addition, there were several more accessories with eerie characteristics. However, none made her more uneasy than the feather hat that accompanied the dress.
It was a very pretty white hat, with intricate star designs on its golden edges. Even Rarity would have marveled at this unique piece. But it also had a very particular detail. Attached to the hat was the taxidermied body of a squirrel holding a feather in its central part. For any inhabitant of the kingdom of Rou, having that hat would be quite an honor and luxury.
However, what Fluttershy felt at that moment was quite the opposite. The squirrel in question had a gaze that penetrated deeply into the pony's spirit. Not to mention how realistic the taxidermy looked. Just the thought of carrying the corpse of a relative of her forest friends on her head made the pink-maned pegasus feel dizzy.
Fluttershy was lost in her thoughts when a sudden knocking on her door made her jump.
"Chronolapses, Fluttershy! Are you ready yet? We have to be in the banquet hall right now, punctuality is a crucial factor here in Rou," a frenzied voice with an unusual accent said from the other side of the door.
Fluttershy was startled and exclaimed, "Oh, my goodness...!" The visit to the balcony and the impression of the contents of her closet had distracted her too much from her urgent mission. Without further ado, she opened the door to her room.
Quickly, an unusual-looking mare entered. She had a messy gray mane that blended with the color of her thick scarf around her neck. Her fur, a similar shade to peaches, could barely be seen under the white lab coat that covered her entire body. Although her clothes were in muted colors, her bright heterochromatic eyes (blue and red) were impossible to hide behind the thick black and square frame glasses she wore.
This earth pony, who looked like a pharmacist hard at work, was Dr. Akito Aishime, Fluttershy's travel companion and also a great work friend.
"Wow! So, you're planning on going naked to the gala? It's not the most prudent decision, but I support you. It would be a good method to reaffirm your position as an ambassador of Equestria," the doctor joked with a smile.
"No, it's not that... I don't have a suitable dress for the gala," Fluttershy responded with a saddened voice.
"Excuse me, can you explain?" the doctor responded with a skeptical look. She had already noticed the full closet of the pegasus.
"None of these dresses make me feel comfortable," Fluttershy said while uncomfortably looking at the squirrel hat on her bed. Akito noticed this detail and immediately understood what was going on.
"Umph, in that case, how about if I lend you one of my gala dresses?" replied the doctor quickly.
"Yes! That would be great! Wait... Do you have gala dresses?" questioned a surprised Fluttershy.
"That's right. Not only do I carry science equipment in my luggage. I'm also technically prepared for situations like this," said the doctor with eloquent confidence as she adjusted her glasses.
"Thank you so much! You really save me, Akito," said a grateful Fluttershy with a little flutter.
"Don't worry, friends are for this," the doctor felt an unexpected smile, but quickly returned to her usual serious expression. "By the way... What's your opinion on chest manes?"
The storm raged over the rugged cliffs of a desolate island.
A black stallion charged through the torrential rain and the lightning flashing in the night sky. In its wake, a pack of prehistoric reptiles pursued him. The ferocious raptors chased him relentlessly, with eyes that shone full of anger and hunger.
Finally, the path of that frenzied pursuit came to an end at a steep cliff.
But the stallion did not falter. His determination was indomitable. He knew he had to reach his destination, no matter what obstacles might arise in his path.
Fearlessly, with a mane waving like an infernal tongue of fire, he leaped into the void. Along with him, the shadows of his pursuers fell like debris upon the rough waves of the sea.