Taboo

Chapter 3: Myths and Legends

It could of been a number of things that caused seemingly all sources of light to extinguish. It could of been a heavy gust of wind that blew out all the candles in the cottage. No, wind doesn't put out light from night time celestial bodies. It could of been a cloud passing by overhead momentarily blocking the light from the moon and stars. No that couldn't of been it either, how would the candles of gone out then? Perhaps a strong gust of wind and cloud passing by overhead at the same time? Yes, it was possible and the most logical explanation available.

At least it would of been if the light emitting from Twilight's horn hadn't been extinguished as well. There was only one possible explanation and it only further fueled the Alicorn Princess's fears. All the light had been extinguished by magic.

As quickly as the light had vanished it returned. Even Twilight's horn glowed softly again. Doing a quick check of her surroundings Twilight made sure that Fluttershy was still at her side. The pegasus was indeed still standing in place albeit with her eyes closed shut and body trembling.

Okay, me and Fluttershy seem fine. She doesn't seem to be injured and I don't feel any pain so I can only assume that I am uninjured as well. Mentally breathing a sigh of relief Twilight moved to position herself in between Fluttershy and what she assumed was a SkinWalker. She turned to face the creature expecting some sort of confrontation but was surprised when she found it gone. "Where did it go? Maybe it went behind the house but I didn't hear it move. It couldn't of teleported since there wasn't any flash of magic. So where did it..."

"Twilight...," a soft voice addressed her from behind, "Was that...was that Mr. Ruffled Ears?"

Taking one last look around to see if they were safe Twilight turned to look at Fluttershy, the scene in front of her almost breaking her heart. Tears were streaming down her friends face as the rest of her body violently shook. "Was that Mr. Ruffled Ears?"

"No Fluttershy, that wasn't Mr. Ruffled Ears at all. That was...that was something else entirely. It was something that until now I had believed to be only myth and legend. There's no denying it though. From what I saw in there," Twilight tilted her head towards Mr. Ruffled Ears's shack, "and from how that thing we saw was dressed there is only one thing it could of been. It was a SkinWalker."

"A SkinWalker? What are those?"

"Fluttershy a SkinWalker, according to myth, is a wicked creature that was once a powerful unicorn pony. Somewhere along the line the unicorn wanted to become more powerful so it committed one of the ultimate taboos, it killed an animal for the sole purpose of obtaining that animal's abilities."

"It killed poor innocent animals?" Fluttershy's voice was practically trembling now. For the life of her she couldn't fathom why a pony would do such a horrible thing.

"Afraid so. Once they kill their first animal they gain their victims natural abilities plus the magical ability to shape shift."

"Shape shift, you mean like a changeling?"

"Kinda but they can only shape shift into animals that they've killed. According to the legends the more animals they kill the more powerful they become. While they can only turn into animals it's said that powerful SkinWalkers can steal a pony's face."

That was all Fluttershy had to hear. She doubted she would ever be able to fall asleep again. Not when such terrifying monsters were lurking just outside her once thought safe cottage. "Twilight...I'm really sc-sc-scared."

You're not the only one Fluttershy. I'm scared too but one of us to stay calm and try to figure out what's the best course of action in a situation like this. Hmm not really a lot we can do right now while its still dark out. Definitely not safe to stay outside either. "Hey Fluttershy, Discord is in Canterlot right?"

"Yes, he was summoned there by Princess Celestia and won't be back until next week. I've been here all alone with Angel and...and..."

Without a moments hesitation Twilight quickly put her friend in a tight hug. "It's okay Fluttershy, you don't have to say his name if you don't want to." Using her wings tips Twilight wipped away the small tears that had formed in the corners of Fluttershy's eyes. Well at least these things are useful for something. "Wait but Fluttershy, what about your hens and all your other little animal friends?"

"I lent my hens to Apple Jack last week and all my little animal friends are out right now preparing to hibernate for Winter. It's just been me an Angel Bunny."

That took a load off of Twilight's mind. Right now all she could do was craft a plan of some sort, Fluttershy being alone with her rabbit made the task of keeping her safe easier. "Fluttershy I really don't think you should stay in your cottage, at least not tonight. How about you and Angel come stay with me and Spike at the library until we figure out what to do?"

Fluttershy sniffled a little gingerly wiping her nose with a hoof. "Could me and Angel really stay with you Twilight?"

"Of course! I'm really worried about you and Angel's safety. Just lock your cottage and head back into town with me. I'll send a letter to Princess Celestia first thing in the morning informing her of the situation. I'm sure she'll know what to do."

It was only for an instant but Twilight saw a small smile appear on her friends face. "Thank you Twilight, you don't know how much this means for me and Angel. Wait right here and I'll go get him." After a brief hug Fluttershy made her way back into her cottage to fetch her beloved pet.

Okay, so for now I have everything under control. Fluttershy and Angel are going to stay at the library with me and Spike so she'll be safe for the night. Just as extra precaution I better put up a barrier around the library until the sun rises. Is that over thinking things? Surely that SkinWalker won't follow us into town right? I mean according to legend their supposed to prefer...

"TWILIGHT!" The young Princess heard her friend scream from inside her cottage. Oh no, what now? Darting back around the house and to the front of the cottage Twilight came face to face with a distraught Fluttershy. "What is it Fluttershy? Whats wrong!?"

The pegasus was breathing in sporadic short breaths. "I...I.."

"Fluttershy please, we don't have time for this! We have to get back into town where it's safe! So just grab Angel and..."

"Twilight," Fluttershy interuptted sharply, "I...I can't find Angel!"