8 - Fluttershy, and Asking Why

The mare sobbed quietly, wiping her wide eyes with a feeble hoof. I approached her almost silently, trying to keep a calm air about me. I couldn't lose it with Fluttershy – I'd be shown as a monster to the rest of the crowd, and that was something I had to avoid at all costs. I rested a hoof as softly as I could on her left shoulder. She was curled up in the tall grass. "Fluttershy?"

A tiny whine escaped the yellow pegasus. "It's OK," I whispered. "I'm so sorry...I..." She looked up shyly, a tear rolling down her face. "I just...couldn't think...If I scared you, then I'm so sorry..."  She wiped the tear aside, and a smile began to appear on her face.

"I'm sorry too," she spoke, her low voice warming my mind like a hug. "I mean, if I..."

"It's alright, Fluttershy. I know what you mean. I was worried about you. Anyway, we're OK now, right?" I gave her a friendly grin. Her curled, pink mane swept aside to reveal a forgiving smile. "Let's head back. I think I've got some introductions to make...still!" We fluttered back, meeting the crowd again. They came to a standstill.

"Hey, everypony!" I gave everypony a welcoming nod. It was met with unsure smiles. "My name's Game Changer," I continued. "I've got a few questions, but I guess they can wait."

No, they can't, spoke Celestia in my mind.

Haven't I got to make friends first though?...Your Highness?

Very well, but please hurry, the princess said.

"Anyway, I'll come and say hi one by one. I'll have to make it quick, though, so sorry if it's a little brief." I stepped forward. Musical mistresses Vinyl Scratch and Octavia each gave me a firm, confident nod, backed by Baritone, Octavia's talented pianist. Surprise and Pinkie each took a hoof of mine and shook it. Lyra scowled, obviously knowing my origin. Rarity and Fluttershy turned to nudge her, and the mint mare straightened up. Mr and Mrs Cake smiled warmly. "Thinking about it, I'm kinda hungry," I murmured. The ever-present Derpy Hooves and her unicorn filly waved. Many more colourful faces rushed by, culminating in the white, navy and pink faces of royalty and dominance. The alicorns towered above me; even more so as I bowed to them one by one.

"There's really no need," smiled Shining Armor as I knelt before him. "Maybe this is more suitable," he smiled, offering a hoof-bump, which I happily returned. I cantered back over to Princesses Celestia and Luna.

"Game Changer, I know what you are about to ask," spoke Luna solemnly, "and the answer is a dangerous one."

"We reached this world through a magic mirror in the castle," said Celestia. "It is not a world that anypony here knows of. This world is also a copy of your previous life, clear of any living things...unless, of course, they reached this world through that same mirror."

Luna stepped forward. "Due to an accident in the castle, the antagonists of the stories you know well are terrorising this world, and who knows? Even your own world could be affected by this!" I shuddered to think what Discord, Chrysalis and  a whole host of other enemies I knew of could be doing on the other side.

"I think it seems likely...Discord would've made himself clearly visible by now. He's the type to play games. Please, everyone, be safe..."

"We must be quick, Game Changer. But we must also have hope. With the magic of friendship, we can defeat anyone," said Luna.

"Sure thing. Let's keep going!"