The Manehattan Crusadersby Soprano BeatChaptersUpon ArrivalSky's StoryMeeting with the PrincessFluttershy's TalkUpon ArrivalIt was a sunny afternoon in Ponyville. Apple Bloom and her two friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, were waiting at the train station for Apple Bloom's cousin, Babs Seed. Babs had mentioned in her telegram from last week that she'd be bringing a surprise for the three of them, but wouldn't give any hints as to what it was. "What do think it is?" asked Sweetie Belle. "Not sure." Apple Bloom answered. She had shown the telegram to the other crusaders as soon as she got it, but they still couldn't figure out what it was. "Didn't you write back to her?" "Yeah, but I forgot to ask about the surprise." Scootaloo cut in, "Look! The train's here! Maybe now we'll find out what it is." The train stopped, and Apple Bloom quickly spotted her cousin running over with two other ponies. "Who're they?" Apple Bloom wondered. She didn't have to think about it for very long though, as Babs expained everything soon after she got to them. "Hey, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo! How's it goin'?" Babs asked. "Babs! We're doin' great, but what's the surprise, and who are they?" Apple Bloom answered pointing a hoof at the two ponies with her cousin. "They are the surprise, Apple Bloom! Cutie Mark Crusaders, meet Lily Grace and Sky Dusk!" Lily Grace was a light pink filly and wore an aqua-colored bow in her wavy, brown mane that had aquamarine streaks in it. The colt, Sky Dusk, was slightly smaller with a midnight blue coat and a tousled, blond mane and tail, which had patches of a lighter blue towards the bottom. "Hi!" said Lily Grace. "Nice to meet you, Lily!" Sweetie said in her usual, squeaky voice. As she said this, Apple Bloom noticed Sky Dusk start to hide behind Babs. "Hey, Sky Dusk!" Scootaloo said. Sky peeked around Babs' shoulder and gave a shy wave back to her. "Hi," he said quietly. Babs leaned over to Apple Bloom. "Sky Dusk is kinda shy," she whispered in Apple Bloom's ear. Apple Bloom nodded and said softly, "Hiya, Sky Dusk. My name's Apple Bloom." Sky looked over at the yellow filly. "Hi, Apple Bloom," he said shyly, giving a small smile. "I told them about our club and they said they wanted in!" Babs announced. Apple Bloom looked over at her friends who were excitedly talking to Lily Grace. She was excited too. Back at the last Apple family reunion, Babs had mentioned two new blank-flanks at her school who wanted to join the crusaders. "So, Babs told ya'll about our club?" Apple Bloom asked. Sky Dusk nodded. "She said you guys help ponies get their cutie marks." "Yep." Apple Bloom started walking slowly toward Sky, but, when she saw that he was starting to back away, she stopped. "Do you help colts too?" he asked. "Actually we've never had one in our group before. You'd be the first. if you're still joining, that is." "Oh." Sky had started backing away again, this time into a nearby shadow. "Hey, is somethin' wrong?" Apple Bloom asked quietly, taking a few steps closer. "No, I'm fine," he answered. "Ya sure? Ya know we won't hurt nopony." Apple Bloom gave a reassuring smile. Sky nodded and smiled a little. "Hey, why don't we show Lily Grace and Sky Dusk the clubhouse?" Scootaloo shouted over all the talking. "Ooh! That's a great idea!" Sweetie Belle said. Apple Bloom looked at Sky. "C'mon! Let's go. I'm sure you'll like it." Sky looked up from his hoof, showing his deep blue eyes. "Okay," he said quietly, giving a small smile. And with that, they all ran off to the clubhouse. Once they reached the clubhouse, Apple Bloom started giving a tour of it as Sweetie and Scootaloo demonstrated what they did in each place. Babs was going to help, but forgot what they did in most areas of the little clubhouse. During the tour, Apple Bloom noticed that Sky Dusk was backing towards the door, but that he didn't seem to realize he was doing it. She pulled Scootaloo aside and asked if she could take over. Her friend nodded saying, "Sure, but why?" Apple Bloom looked back at Sky, who was almost at the door. "Just need to check on somethin'," she said. "Or somepony," she muttered as her friend went back to finish the tour. Apple Bloom walked back towards Sky. "Hey, you're not leavin' are ya?" she said when she got to him. Sky looked up at this. "I, uh..." he stammered looking back at the door. "I don't think so." Apple Bloom looked at him, slightly confused. "Okay... Well, do ya want to go up front?" Sky looked over at where Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were finishing up the tour. "No thanks. I'll just... stay back here," he answered. "Okay. I'll stay back here with ya then," Apple Bloom said smiling before turning back to her friends. Sky smiled a little before doing the same. After Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle finished giving the tour, everypony went their separate ways. Sweetie offered to have Lily and Scootaloo come to her house to hang out some more, while Babs headed off to the orchard to find Applejack and Bic Macintosh to say hello. Apple Bloom and Sky stayed behind in the clubhouse for a few minutes before Apple Bloom asked Sky to come over to her house. She wanted to try to get Sky a little more comfortable around the crusaders, but wanted to take it slow. Seeing as how the others were with Lily, Apple Bloom decided to start by finding out a little more about him and his shyness. Sky's StoryWhen they got to the house, Apple Bloom said, "Why don't we go up to my room? We'll be able to talk alone up there." Around them, Applejack was teaching Babs how to buck apples and Big Mac was plowing the fields, so it was kind of loud. "And quieter," Apple Bloom added. She wanted to talk to Sky and ask him why he was so shy, but knew he wouldn't do it unless they were alone, and that, even then, it would take some persuading. Sky was a little nervous, but reluctantly nodded yes. Apple Bloom lead Sky into the house and up the stairs to the bedroom. Once in her room, she closed the door behind them and motioned for Sky to sit down. As he did so, Apple Bloom hopped up onto her bed and sat down. "So," she said. "What do ya wanna talk about?" She knew what she wanted to ask him about, but wanted to make sure he was comfortable talking at all first. Sky shrugged and looked down at his hooves. "I don't know," he answered shyly. Apple Bloom pretended to think before saying, "Ooh, I got somethin'! It's really more of a question though." Sky looked up at this. "What is it?" he asked nervously. Apple Bloom looked down sheepishly. She didn't really think about how she was going to ask him, so she decided to just come right out with it. "Well, I was wondering, why are ya so shy?" she asked. Sky was so surprised by this that he nearly fainted. "W-What do you mean?" he stammered. "Maybe that was too quick..." she thought. "Well, Babs said you were pretty shy and ya haven't exactly proven her wrong." Sky looked back down at his hooves, embarrassed. "I don't know, really..." he answered quietly. "Oh," Apple Bloom said noticing she had embarrassed him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do anythin' wrong." "You didn't," Sky said. "I just... don't really know how to answer that and was kind of surprised by it, that's all." "Well would ya mind me askin' a little more about it?" "I guess not..." "Was there somethin' goin' on back in Manehattan? Were ya bein' bullied like Babs?" "Not really. I guess I've always been kind of quiet, but when ponies started making fun of me for it and being for a blank-flank, I think I just stopped talking for the most part." "So how'd ya meet Babs and Lily?" "Babs had seen me at school before and knew I was shy. So, when she found out about my being picked on and that I was a blank-flank, she told me about your club and introduced me to Lily. They stood up for me whenever I got picked on, and I slowly became friends with them" Apple Bloom was speechless for a moment. She had never heard Sky talk that much since he had gotten to Ponyville and hearing him talk that much surprised her. She soon regained her ability to speak after she noticed that Sky was looking at her funny. "So, ya had friends, but how come you're still so shy?" she asked. "I don't know really. I just get nervous around new ponies I guess. Even if my friends are around," he answered. "Hmm... I guess I can see why you're so shy, but what about when you're around ponies you do know? I mean, I know you still haven't been around me, Sweetie Belle, or Scootaloo very much, but Babs introduced ya to us just like she did with Lily right? How come you're still so shy around us?" "I don't know. I guess... it's just been me, Lily, and Babs for so long, and that I get nervous when in crowds, or even just in big groups, that I just couldn't bring myself to talk." "Would it make it any better if we just did it like this? Ya know, maybe one or two of us at a time, just talking? And maybe having Lily or Babs in the room too?" Sky nodded. "Yeah, I guess so. I kind of like this," he said, giving a small smile. "Great. Hey! I've got an idea. You said you're still shy around new ponies, right?" Apple Bloom asked. "Yeah," said Sky slowly. "Well, if ya wouldn't mind, I'd like to introduce ya to a couple ponies that might be able to help. What do ya say?" "Okay..." "Good! Now let's go!" "Wait, you mean now?!" "Well yeah. You okay with that?" "I guess so..." "Great! Now c'mon!" Meeting with the Princess"Where are we?" Sky asked. They had gone back into town and it looked to him like Apple Bloom was leading him right towards a tree made of crystal. As they got closer, he noticed it had doors and windows and also that there were lights on inside. "At Princess Twilight's castle," Apple Bloom answered. "P-P-Princess Twilight?!" "Don't worry. Twilight's the princess of friendship, and she's real nice. She might be able to help." "Okay..." Sky was really nervous. He got nervous enough in front of regular ponies he didn't know, and the thought of meeting a princess that he had only heard about made him so nervous he could barely stand. Apple Bloom knocked on the castle door, and, within seconds, a small, purple dragon appeared at the door. "Hiya, Spike! We're here to see Twilight. Is she home?" "Yeah, she's in her room. Come on in." Spike answered, leading the ponies inside. "I'll let her know you're here." As Spike left, Apple Bloom noticed that Sky seemed exceptionally nervous. His breathing was heavier, and he looked a little pale. "Hey, are you okay?" Apple Bloom asked. Sky was starting to get a little dizzy. "Yeah, I'm okay," he said, though he knew he wasn't. "Do ya wanna sit down?" asked Apple Bloom gently. Sky felt his heart racing and his breathing getting heavier. He nodded. "I think that would be a good idea." Apple Bloom helped Sky to a couch near the castle entrance and they both sat down. "Are ya sure you're okay?" she asked. "Ya don't look so good." "I'm fine," Sky answered. "Just a little nervous. I've never met a princess before." "Is that all?" Apple Bloom breathed a sigh of relief. "I thought somethin' else might be wrong." "Yeah, that's all it is, but it's still making me really nervous." "Aw, you'll be fine. Princess Twilight's-" "-Here!" Sky yelped as the princess came in. He jumped behind the couch. Apple Bloom rolled her eyes before giving a small smile and grabbing his tail between her teeth to drag him out. "Hi, Apple Bloom! What's up?" Twilight asked. "Hey, Twilight," Apple Bloom said through her teeth, which still held her friend's tail. "My friend Sky Dusk here could use you're help," she said once Sky was out from behind the couch. "Oh?" "Yeah." Apple Bloom turned to her friend. "Sky, meet Princess Twilight!" Sky swayed back and forth until he finally fainted right then and there. "Oh my gosh! Apple Bloom, what just happened?" the princess asked. "I... I dunno! I guess he got so nervous that-" Apple Bloom started. "Why was he so nervous?" asked Twilight, who was now much calmer. "He's really shy and get's nervous around new ponies, so when he met, not only a new pony, but a princess! I guess he just couldn't take it." "Well we better take him upstairs." Twilight used her magic to set the colt on her back and held him in place with her wings. "Come on," she said as she lead the little, yellow pony up the stairs. Sky woke up on a plush couch in a room with crystalized walls lined with bookshelves. He looked around, but didn't see anypony and started to panic. "Where am I?" he asked no pony in particular. "You're still at Twilight's castle," Apple Bloom said as she followed the princess into the room. Sky's eyes opened wide. "W-What?!" "It's okay, Sky." Twilight spoke with a gentle tone meant to calm the little colt. "You fainted after Apple Bloom introduced you to me, so we took you up here to my study. I laid you on the couch and covered you with a blanket Apple Bloom found in the corner." At this, Sky noticed for the first time the blanket surrounding him. After hearing what happened to him, all he wanted to do was take that blanket into a corner and use it to hide himself. I can't believe I fainted right in front of a princess he thought. He pulled the blanket over his head, his face bright red. He let out a quiet moan. "Aw, Sky, it's okay. I talked to Twilight about it and she understands," Apple Bloom told her friend. Sky pulled the blanket even further over him. A princess had not only witnessed him fainting in front of her, but now also knew why. He was more embarrassed than ever. Twilight saw he was embarrassed and put a hoof in front of Apple Bloom to keep her from talking. "I think we're embarrassing him," she whispered. "Well, what do we do now?" Twilight pulled the blanket off Sky's head, who, in return, buried his face in the couch to try to hide it. "Sky?" she asked the small colt. Sky lifted his head slightly so he could see the princess. "Yes, Princess?" he replied quietly. "Would you mind telling me a little about you and your shyness? If you're not comfortable talking about it that's fine. I'm just trying to help, but I need to know a little more than what Apple Bloom told me in order to do so." Sky buried his head back into the couch, and, after a long pause, gave a small nod. Twilight smiled and said, "Good. Now, why don't you sit up so we can have a proper talk?" Sky sat up slowly wouldn't look up. He kept staring at his hooves, as he was still embarrassed. Apple Bloom noticed what was going on. She hopped onto the couch lightly and sat down next to him. Sky looked over at her, giving her a grateful smile. The yellow filly smiled back and gave a small nod towards the princess, who was levitating a small cushion towards herself to use as a seat. Sky finally looked at Twilight, though she didn't really look like a princess to him despite her wings, as she was not wearing a crown or any royal attire. Twilight noticed that he still seemed slightly uncomfortable, so she asked him, "Would you mind me introducing myself a little better?" Sky nodded, and she continued, "I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle, Twilight to most ponies. Before the Elements of Harmony had to be returned to the Tree of Harmony in order to save Ponyville, I was the holder of the element of magic. I grew up in Canterlot studying as Princess Celestia's protege thinking friendship wasn't important, but, when Celestia sent me to Ponyville to check up on the preparations, Nightmare Moon came, shrouding Equestria in eternal night! I was about to go into the Everfree Forest alone to stop her, despite the offer from five other ponies, whom I had met while checking on the preparations, to come help. When I said that I wanted to do it alone, they said that they weren't going to let their friend go into the forest alone." As Twilight told the story about Nightmare Moon's defeat, Sky listened intently, getting more comfortable as he got to know the pony he was talking to better. Twilight soon finished telling the tale of Nightmare Moon's return and started telling them about how she became an alicorn. "When I reached the ground, I spread out my newly-received wings, amazing my friends," she said. Twilight went on, telling the story of how she got the castle. "Discord gave me the pendant he received from Tirek, and Applejack said, "Think that's the last one we need?" We raced back to the chest, and, as I held the medallion to it, it transformed into the last key and slowly levitated into the remaining, empty keyhole. I said that we should turn them together, and, when we did, the chest opened, and we received a new power which we were able to use to defeat Tirek." Sky looked over at Apple Bloom, whose eyes were wide open. "Didn't you know this already?" he whispered in her ear. Apple Bloom shook her head. "I knew she became a princess and had a castle here in town, but I never knew what exactly happened," she whispered back. Twilight was just finishing up the story of where the castle came from. "Princess Celestia asked me if I knew what my purpose in Equestria was, and, this time, I knew the answer. It was to spread the power of friendship across Equestria with the help of my friends." Sky was speechless. He looked over at Apple Bloom only to see she was just as stunned. Sky turned back to the princess, putting his ears back and crouched down to try to hide. Twilight saw this and said, "So, now that you know a little more about me, Sky, do you think you're a little more comfortable telling me about yourself?" The small, blue colt slowly sat up again, saying quietly, "Yeah, I guess so..." Twilight smiled and turned to Apple Bloom. "You can talk now, Apple Bloom," she said with a small laugh. Sky turned to his friend and saw that her mouth was still wide open. He muffled a small laugh before giving Apple Bloom a small nudge. Apple Bloom shook her head wildly for a moment and said, "Huh?" Twilight giggled and turned back to Sky. "So, you were saying?" Now it was Sky's turn to be speechless. "I... um..." Apple Bloom stepped in to help. "This is Sky Dusk. He came with Babs and Lily Grace on Babs' trip here. He's really shy, and we were hoping you could help him make friends and not get so nervous around new ponies even if he's shy." "Oh, well could you explain to me why you're so shy, Sky?" Twilight asked. "I don't know..." he said quietly. Apple Bloom leaned over to him and whispered, "Just tell her what ya told me." Sky nodded and tried to remember what he told her. Once he did, he told Twilight. He explained to her as best he could as to why he was shy, as well as how he met Babs and Lily. "Hmm..." Twilight said when he finished. "Well, I honestly don't know much about being shy, as I was never all that shy, but I may know somepony who might." "Who?" Apple Bloom asked. "Just come with me." Twilight stood up and started towards the door. She turned back to see if they were coming. Apple Bloom was already up and off the couch and was helping Sky stand, whose legs were shaking from sitting so long after having fainted. Twilight picked up Sky with her magic and set him on her back, holding him in place with her wings just as she did after he fainted. Twilight gave him a kind smile, and Sky blushed. Apple Bloom trotted over, and Twilight led them out of the castle. Fluttershy's TalkSky strained to see over the princess' head. Twilight had carried him almost the entire way to the cottage, which Sky saw they were now approaching. She had tried to get him to walk, but, as soon as he stood up, his legs wobbled beneath him and he collapsed. Twilight had picked him up and carried him the rest of the way to the cottage. As they got closer to the cottage, Sky started to get nervous and curled up into a ball on Twilight's back. She told him not to worry, as there was nothing at the little house that would hurt him. When they got to the door, Twilight slid Sky off her back and carefully set him on the ground before knocking. There was no answer, so Twilight flew up over the cottage and saw Fluttershy in the backyard grooming her pet bunny, Angel. She flew back down to where Sky and Apple Bloom were waiting for her. "Follow me," Twilight said when she was on the ground. "We're going around." "But won't the owner of the house be mad if we go in their backyard?" Sky asked quietly. "Trust me, she won't be," Twilight answered. "The owner's a great friend of mine, and I know she won't mind." She led the little ponies around the small cottage to the backyard. When they got there, Sky looked up to see a light yellow mare with a long, light pink mane and tail. He almost immediately ran over to Apple Bloom and hid behind her. "Hey, don't worry," she told him in a gentle tone. "Twilight brought ya here for a reason. Besides, ya already have somthin' in common." "What?" Sky asked, peeking around his friend to look at her. Apple Bloom opened her mouth to answer him, but was cut off by Twilight calling out to her friend. Fluttershy looked up from her grooming to see Twilight waving. She smiled and started to walk over to her friend, but was interrupted by Angel's thumping on the table with his hind leg. Fluttershy promised him she'd be right back before trotting over to Twilight and Apple Bloom. She didn't notice Sky, though, as he was still hiding behind Apple Bloom. "Hi, Twilight, Apple Bloom. What brings you here?" Fluttershy said as she came up to them. "Hello, Fluttershy. We need your help with something, if you don't mind," the princess replied. "What is it?" At this, Sky poked his head around Apple Bloom, but, when he saw Fluttershy, he quickly whipped back around to hide behind his friend again. "And who is this little colt?" Fluttershy asked, noticing Sky for the first time. "That's Sky Dusk. He came here with Apple Bloom's cousin, Babs Seed, but he's really shy around new ponies and has a hard time making friends," Twilight said. "That's why we're here. I thought that if there was was anypony who could help, it was you." Apple Bloom moved away from Sky to keep him from hiding behind her. When he realized this, Sky quickly jumped behind a nearby tree. Apple Bloom gave a small roll of her eyes, and, smiling calmly, walked over to the tree and pulled Sky out from behind it and over to where Twilight and Fluttershy were standing. A struggling Sky tried to get away, but Apple Bloom kept a firm grip on his tail and was able to keep a hold of him. When Apple Bloom finally got him over to the mares, Sky gave Twilight a desperate look to ask her if he could go. She sighed, giving a small and barely noticeable shake of her head. "Hello there, Sky Dusk. I'm Fluttershy," the light yellow mare said to in a calm, comforting tone, bending down to the colt's level. "Twilight told me you were shy, and I think I can help." She gave him a warm, gentle smile. Sky looked up at her, and smiled back at her nervously. Fluttershy, seeing how shy she could be, easily saw how nervous he was meeting her for the first time. She straitened up a little before kneeling down on the ground next to him. She gently used her hoof to tilt his head up so he could see her. "Do you want to go inside?" Fluttershy asked him. Sky thought for a moment before saying a quiet, "Okay." Fluttershy smiled and stood up. She offered a hoof to Sky to help him up, and he he took it. She helped him up, and started to lead the ponies into the cottage saying, "Follow me." She turned around about halfway to the back door to see if they were coming. Twilight was right behind her, but Apple Bloom was half dragging, half carrying Sky behind them and were a few feet behind. Fluttershy flew to them and scooped Sky up in her wing before setting him gently on her back. She flew back over to Twilight, careful to make sure that Sky wouldn't fall off her. As she was going by the table where she had been grooming Angel, the little, white bunny hopped onto Fluttershy's head. the yellow mare landed next to Twilight, and, after Apple Bloom caught up, she started towards the house again. When they got inside the cottage, Fluttershy led her friends towards the seating area. "Make yourselves comfortable," she said as she sat Sky on the couch and went to her kitchen to make something for them to eat while they talked. Apple Bloom once again sat next to her friend on the couch, while Twilight took a seat in a nearby chair. Twilight noticed that Sky was starting to hide behind Apple Bloom again. "Don't worry," she told him. "Fluttershy's one of the nicest ponies in Ponyville. If not also one of the shyest." Sky crawled out from behind his friend just as Fluttershy came in carrying a tray with a plate full of cookies and some tea. She poured the tea into two teacups for herself and Twilight and gave Apple Bloom and Sky both a small cup of juice each. Then she handed everypony a small plate with a couple cookies each and gave Twilight her cup. "Thanks, Fluttershy," Twilight said as she was given her cup. "Yeah, thanks!" Apple Bloom said through a mouthful of cookie. Sky picked up a cookie and took a small bite. It was still warm from the oven and almost melted in his mouth. "Thank you, Miss Fluttershy," he said after finishing up the cookie. "No need to call me 'miss'. And you're all very welcome," Fluttershy replied with a smile. She set her plate and cup on a small table and climbed onto the chair next to it. "So, Sky," Fluttershy said. "What is it that you needed my help with again?" Sky looked down at his hooves. "I, um..." he stammered quietly. He didn't know what to say. He didn't want to tell her about his shyness, seeing as he knew nothing about her and didn't know how she'd respond. Fluttershy saw how nervous he was. She looked around for moment before spotting Angel. She walked over to him and whispered something to him. At first, he just shook his little head and turned away from her, but she whispered something else to him and quietly promised him a carrot if he did what she asked. Angel sighed and nodded at the mare. Fluttershy smiled and gave him a little nudge before going back int the kitchen. Once she left, he hopped over to where the ponies were sitting and jumped up on Sky's lap. Although he was surprised at first, Angel snuggled up to him and Sky began to pet his furry little head. When Fluttershy came back from the kitchen holding a small carrot, Angel's ears perked up and he looked over at the treat. She walked over to Sky. "Here," she said, handing him the carrot. "Give him this. I know he'll like it." Taking it into his hoof, Sky held the carrot near the little bunny, who immediately grabbed the treat and gobbled it up. Smiling, Sky let out a small laugh. He looked up to see Fluttershy smiling back at him. She gave the rabbit a quick, but gentle, pet and went to her seat next to Sky and Apple Bloom's couch. "Now, what can I do to help?" the mare asked. Sky's face fell immediately, his ears folding back. He crouched down, trying to make himself as small as he possibly could, and crawled up next to Apple Bloom. Looking at her friend, the little filly shook her head. Apple Bloom turned to the princess next to her, giving a small nod towards her horn. She nodded understandingly towards the filly, and Twilight's horn began to glow as she moved Sky out of his stiff position and away from Apple Bloom. Fluttershy thought for a moment as she noticed the commotion, trying to find the right thing to say to calm the little colt. "Sky?" she asked. "Would you like it better if we went somewhere else to talk?" "Um... m-maybe... I don't know..." He stammered so quietly it was barely a whisper. "Hello? Sky, ya gonna answer?" Apple Bloom asked. She hadn't heard what her friend had said. "I did..." "It's okay, Apple Bloom," Fluttershy assured her. "I heard him just fine." Sky looked up at the yellow mare, showing her a grateful smile. Apple Bloom gave them a confused look before shrugging and turning to Fluttershy. "Well, I think goin' somewhere familiar might be good," she commented. " I'll go get the other crusaders." "NO!" Sky yelped. His face quickly grew red as he said, "I mean, I think I should just go." Carefully stepping down off the couch, Sky headed towards the door. "Wait! Sky? Sky, wait up!" Apple Bloom called after her friend, but he never looked back. "Sky, I'm sorry if I did somethin' wrong! I was just tryin' to help!" Apple Bloom hopped off the couch and started trotting after him, causing Sky to whip his head around. "No! Please, just leave me alone!" he yelled as he took off galloping. The yellow filly started to canter after him, but found herself being lifted off the ground. She looked back at where Twilight was shaking her head. Fluttershy flew lightly over to Apple Bloom, telling her to stay at the cottage. "Let me try talking to him," she said. The mare glided through the air towards Sky, who was closing in on the edge of Everfree Forest. The little colt slowed as he neared the forest's edge. He looked back at where Fluttershy was flying towards him. She was still a long way behind him and wouldn't be able to catch up anytime soon at the speed she was going at. Though hesitant, Sky stepped into the forest before breaking back into a gallop, increasing his lead on the yellow pegasus. Author's Note Up til this point the entire story so far was one big chapter. I saw it was getting pretty long, so I split it up into chapters as best I could. Also, as I'm looking over this chapter, I realize that it kinda looks like I'm shipping my OC, Sky, and Fluttershy. Please note that I am NOT trying to ship any characters here. I don't know how to explain what I was doing, but I do know that it wasn't shipping. Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter anyway!
Upon ArrivalIt was a sunny afternoon in Ponyville. Apple Bloom and her two friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, were waiting at the train station for Apple Bloom's cousin, Babs Seed. Babs had mentioned in her telegram from last week that she'd be bringing a surprise for the three of them, but wouldn't give any hints as to what it was. "What do think it is?" asked Sweetie Belle. "Not sure." Apple Bloom answered. She had shown the telegram to the other crusaders as soon as she got it, but they still couldn't figure out what it was. "Didn't you write back to her?" "Yeah, but I forgot to ask about the surprise." Scootaloo cut in, "Look! The train's here! Maybe now we'll find out what it is." The train stopped, and Apple Bloom quickly spotted her cousin running over with two other ponies. "Who're they?" Apple Bloom wondered. She didn't have to think about it for very long though, as Babs expained everything soon after she got to them. "Hey, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo! How's it goin'?" Babs asked. "Babs! We're doin' great, but what's the surprise, and who are they?" Apple Bloom answered pointing a hoof at the two ponies with her cousin. "They are the surprise, Apple Bloom! Cutie Mark Crusaders, meet Lily Grace and Sky Dusk!" Lily Grace was a light pink filly and wore an aqua-colored bow in her wavy, brown mane that had aquamarine streaks in it. The colt, Sky Dusk, was slightly smaller with a midnight blue coat and a tousled, blond mane and tail, which had patches of a lighter blue towards the bottom. "Hi!" said Lily Grace. "Nice to meet you, Lily!" Sweetie said in her usual, squeaky voice. As she said this, Apple Bloom noticed Sky Dusk start to hide behind Babs. "Hey, Sky Dusk!" Scootaloo said. Sky peeked around Babs' shoulder and gave a shy wave back to her. "Hi," he said quietly. Babs leaned over to Apple Bloom. "Sky Dusk is kinda shy," she whispered in Apple Bloom's ear. Apple Bloom nodded and said softly, "Hiya, Sky Dusk. My name's Apple Bloom." Sky looked over at the yellow filly. "Hi, Apple Bloom," he said shyly, giving a small smile. "I told them about our club and they said they wanted in!" Babs announced. Apple Bloom looked over at her friends who were excitedly talking to Lily Grace. She was excited too. Back at the last Apple family reunion, Babs had mentioned two new blank-flanks at her school who wanted to join the crusaders. "So, Babs told ya'll about our club?" Apple Bloom asked. Sky Dusk nodded. "She said you guys help ponies get their cutie marks." "Yep." Apple Bloom started walking slowly toward Sky, but, when she saw that he was starting to back away, she stopped. "Do you help colts too?" he asked. "Actually we've never had one in our group before. You'd be the first. if you're still joining, that is." "Oh." Sky had started backing away again, this time into a nearby shadow. "Hey, is somethin' wrong?" Apple Bloom asked quietly, taking a few steps closer. "No, I'm fine," he answered. "Ya sure? Ya know we won't hurt nopony." Apple Bloom gave a reassuring smile. Sky nodded and smiled a little. "Hey, why don't we show Lily Grace and Sky Dusk the clubhouse?" Scootaloo shouted over all the talking. "Ooh! That's a great idea!" Sweetie Belle said. Apple Bloom looked at Sky. "C'mon! Let's go. I'm sure you'll like it." Sky looked up from his hoof, showing his deep blue eyes. "Okay," he said quietly, giving a small smile. And with that, they all ran off to the clubhouse. Once they reached the clubhouse, Apple Bloom started giving a tour of it as Sweetie and Scootaloo demonstrated what they did in each place. Babs was going to help, but forgot what they did in most areas of the little clubhouse. During the tour, Apple Bloom noticed that Sky Dusk was backing towards the door, but that he didn't seem to realize he was doing it. She pulled Scootaloo aside and asked if she could take over. Her friend nodded saying, "Sure, but why?" Apple Bloom looked back at Sky, who was almost at the door. "Just need to check on somethin'," she said. "Or somepony," she muttered as her friend went back to finish the tour. Apple Bloom walked back towards Sky. "Hey, you're not leavin' are ya?" she said when she got to him. Sky looked up at this. "I, uh..." he stammered looking back at the door. "I don't think so." Apple Bloom looked at him, slightly confused. "Okay... Well, do ya want to go up front?" Sky looked over at where Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were finishing up the tour. "No thanks. I'll just... stay back here," he answered. "Okay. I'll stay back here with ya then," Apple Bloom said smiling before turning back to her friends. Sky smiled a little before doing the same. After Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle finished giving the tour, everypony went their separate ways. Sweetie offered to have Lily and Scootaloo come to her house to hang out some more, while Babs headed off to the orchard to find Applejack and Bic Macintosh to say hello. Apple Bloom and Sky stayed behind in the clubhouse for a few minutes before Apple Bloom asked Sky to come over to her house. She wanted to try to get Sky a little more comfortable around the crusaders, but wanted to take it slow. Seeing as how the others were with Lily, Apple Bloom decided to start by finding out a little more about him and his shyness.
Sky's StoryWhen they got to the house, Apple Bloom said, "Why don't we go up to my room? We'll be able to talk alone up there." Around them, Applejack was teaching Babs how to buck apples and Big Mac was plowing the fields, so it was kind of loud. "And quieter," Apple Bloom added. She wanted to talk to Sky and ask him why he was so shy, but knew he wouldn't do it unless they were alone, and that, even then, it would take some persuading. Sky was a little nervous, but reluctantly nodded yes. Apple Bloom lead Sky into the house and up the stairs to the bedroom. Once in her room, she closed the door behind them and motioned for Sky to sit down. As he did so, Apple Bloom hopped up onto her bed and sat down. "So," she said. "What do ya wanna talk about?" She knew what she wanted to ask him about, but wanted to make sure he was comfortable talking at all first. Sky shrugged and looked down at his hooves. "I don't know," he answered shyly. Apple Bloom pretended to think before saying, "Ooh, I got somethin'! It's really more of a question though." Sky looked up at this. "What is it?" he asked nervously. Apple Bloom looked down sheepishly. She didn't really think about how she was going to ask him, so she decided to just come right out with it. "Well, I was wondering, why are ya so shy?" she asked. Sky was so surprised by this that he nearly fainted. "W-What do you mean?" he stammered. "Maybe that was too quick..." she thought. "Well, Babs said you were pretty shy and ya haven't exactly proven her wrong." Sky looked back down at his hooves, embarrassed. "I don't know, really..." he answered quietly. "Oh," Apple Bloom said noticing she had embarrassed him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do anythin' wrong." "You didn't," Sky said. "I just... don't really know how to answer that and was kind of surprised by it, that's all." "Well would ya mind me askin' a little more about it?" "I guess not..." "Was there somethin' goin' on back in Manehattan? Were ya bein' bullied like Babs?" "Not really. I guess I've always been kind of quiet, but when ponies started making fun of me for it and being for a blank-flank, I think I just stopped talking for the most part." "So how'd ya meet Babs and Lily?" "Babs had seen me at school before and knew I was shy. So, when she found out about my being picked on and that I was a blank-flank, she told me about your club and introduced me to Lily. They stood up for me whenever I got picked on, and I slowly became friends with them" Apple Bloom was speechless for a moment. She had never heard Sky talk that much since he had gotten to Ponyville and hearing him talk that much surprised her. She soon regained her ability to speak after she noticed that Sky was looking at her funny. "So, ya had friends, but how come you're still so shy?" she asked. "I don't know really. I just get nervous around new ponies I guess. Even if my friends are around," he answered. "Hmm... I guess I can see why you're so shy, but what about when you're around ponies you do know? I mean, I know you still haven't been around me, Sweetie Belle, or Scootaloo very much, but Babs introduced ya to us just like she did with Lily right? How come you're still so shy around us?" "I don't know. I guess... it's just been me, Lily, and Babs for so long, and that I get nervous when in crowds, or even just in big groups, that I just couldn't bring myself to talk." "Would it make it any better if we just did it like this? Ya know, maybe one or two of us at a time, just talking? And maybe having Lily or Babs in the room too?" Sky nodded. "Yeah, I guess so. I kind of like this," he said, giving a small smile. "Great. Hey! I've got an idea. You said you're still shy around new ponies, right?" Apple Bloom asked. "Yeah," said Sky slowly. "Well, if ya wouldn't mind, I'd like to introduce ya to a couple ponies that might be able to help. What do ya say?" "Okay..." "Good! Now let's go!" "Wait, you mean now?!" "Well yeah. You okay with that?" "I guess so..." "Great! Now c'mon!"
Meeting with the Princess"Where are we?" Sky asked. They had gone back into town and it looked to him like Apple Bloom was leading him right towards a tree made of crystal. As they got closer, he noticed it had doors and windows and also that there were lights on inside. "At Princess Twilight's castle," Apple Bloom answered. "P-P-Princess Twilight?!" "Don't worry. Twilight's the princess of friendship, and she's real nice. She might be able to help." "Okay..." Sky was really nervous. He got nervous enough in front of regular ponies he didn't know, and the thought of meeting a princess that he had only heard about made him so nervous he could barely stand. Apple Bloom knocked on the castle door, and, within seconds, a small, purple dragon appeared at the door. "Hiya, Spike! We're here to see Twilight. Is she home?" "Yeah, she's in her room. Come on in." Spike answered, leading the ponies inside. "I'll let her know you're here." As Spike left, Apple Bloom noticed that Sky seemed exceptionally nervous. His breathing was heavier, and he looked a little pale. "Hey, are you okay?" Apple Bloom asked. Sky was starting to get a little dizzy. "Yeah, I'm okay," he said, though he knew he wasn't. "Do ya wanna sit down?" asked Apple Bloom gently. Sky felt his heart racing and his breathing getting heavier. He nodded. "I think that would be a good idea." Apple Bloom helped Sky to a couch near the castle entrance and they both sat down. "Are ya sure you're okay?" she asked. "Ya don't look so good." "I'm fine," Sky answered. "Just a little nervous. I've never met a princess before." "Is that all?" Apple Bloom breathed a sigh of relief. "I thought somethin' else might be wrong." "Yeah, that's all it is, but it's still making me really nervous." "Aw, you'll be fine. Princess Twilight's-" "-Here!" Sky yelped as the princess came in. He jumped behind the couch. Apple Bloom rolled her eyes before giving a small smile and grabbing his tail between her teeth to drag him out. "Hi, Apple Bloom! What's up?" Twilight asked. "Hey, Twilight," Apple Bloom said through her teeth, which still held her friend's tail. "My friend Sky Dusk here could use you're help," she said once Sky was out from behind the couch. "Oh?" "Yeah." Apple Bloom turned to her friend. "Sky, meet Princess Twilight!" Sky swayed back and forth until he finally fainted right then and there. "Oh my gosh! Apple Bloom, what just happened?" the princess asked. "I... I dunno! I guess he got so nervous that-" Apple Bloom started. "Why was he so nervous?" asked Twilight, who was now much calmer. "He's really shy and get's nervous around new ponies, so when he met, not only a new pony, but a princess! I guess he just couldn't take it." "Well we better take him upstairs." Twilight used her magic to set the colt on her back and held him in place with her wings. "Come on," she said as she lead the little, yellow pony up the stairs. Sky woke up on a plush couch in a room with crystalized walls lined with bookshelves. He looked around, but didn't see anypony and started to panic. "Where am I?" he asked no pony in particular. "You're still at Twilight's castle," Apple Bloom said as she followed the princess into the room. Sky's eyes opened wide. "W-What?!" "It's okay, Sky." Twilight spoke with a gentle tone meant to calm the little colt. "You fainted after Apple Bloom introduced you to me, so we took you up here to my study. I laid you on the couch and covered you with a blanket Apple Bloom found in the corner." At this, Sky noticed for the first time the blanket surrounding him. After hearing what happened to him, all he wanted to do was take that blanket into a corner and use it to hide himself. I can't believe I fainted right in front of a princess he thought. He pulled the blanket over his head, his face bright red. He let out a quiet moan. "Aw, Sky, it's okay. I talked to Twilight about it and she understands," Apple Bloom told her friend. Sky pulled the blanket even further over him. A princess had not only witnessed him fainting in front of her, but now also knew why. He was more embarrassed than ever. Twilight saw he was embarrassed and put a hoof in front of Apple Bloom to keep her from talking. "I think we're embarrassing him," she whispered. "Well, what do we do now?" Twilight pulled the blanket off Sky's head, who, in return, buried his face in the couch to try to hide it. "Sky?" she asked the small colt. Sky lifted his head slightly so he could see the princess. "Yes, Princess?" he replied quietly. "Would you mind telling me a little about you and your shyness? If you're not comfortable talking about it that's fine. I'm just trying to help, but I need to know a little more than what Apple Bloom told me in order to do so." Sky buried his head back into the couch, and, after a long pause, gave a small nod. Twilight smiled and said, "Good. Now, why don't you sit up so we can have a proper talk?" Sky sat up slowly wouldn't look up. He kept staring at his hooves, as he was still embarrassed. Apple Bloom noticed what was going on. She hopped onto the couch lightly and sat down next to him. Sky looked over at her, giving her a grateful smile. The yellow filly smiled back and gave a small nod towards the princess, who was levitating a small cushion towards herself to use as a seat. Sky finally looked at Twilight, though she didn't really look like a princess to him despite her wings, as she was not wearing a crown or any royal attire. Twilight noticed that he still seemed slightly uncomfortable, so she asked him, "Would you mind me introducing myself a little better?" Sky nodded, and she continued, "I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle, Twilight to most ponies. Before the Elements of Harmony had to be returned to the Tree of Harmony in order to save Ponyville, I was the holder of the element of magic. I grew up in Canterlot studying as Princess Celestia's protege thinking friendship wasn't important, but, when Celestia sent me to Ponyville to check up on the preparations, Nightmare Moon came, shrouding Equestria in eternal night! I was about to go into the Everfree Forest alone to stop her, despite the offer from five other ponies, whom I had met while checking on the preparations, to come help. When I said that I wanted to do it alone, they said that they weren't going to let their friend go into the forest alone." As Twilight told the story about Nightmare Moon's defeat, Sky listened intently, getting more comfortable as he got to know the pony he was talking to better. Twilight soon finished telling the tale of Nightmare Moon's return and started telling them about how she became an alicorn. "When I reached the ground, I spread out my newly-received wings, amazing my friends," she said. Twilight went on, telling the story of how she got the castle. "Discord gave me the pendant he received from Tirek, and Applejack said, "Think that's the last one we need?" We raced back to the chest, and, as I held the medallion to it, it transformed into the last key and slowly levitated into the remaining, empty keyhole. I said that we should turn them together, and, when we did, the chest opened, and we received a new power which we were able to use to defeat Tirek." Sky looked over at Apple Bloom, whose eyes were wide open. "Didn't you know this already?" he whispered in her ear. Apple Bloom shook her head. "I knew she became a princess and had a castle here in town, but I never knew what exactly happened," she whispered back. Twilight was just finishing up the story of where the castle came from. "Princess Celestia asked me if I knew what my purpose in Equestria was, and, this time, I knew the answer. It was to spread the power of friendship across Equestria with the help of my friends." Sky was speechless. He looked over at Apple Bloom only to see she was just as stunned. Sky turned back to the princess, putting his ears back and crouched down to try to hide. Twilight saw this and said, "So, now that you know a little more about me, Sky, do you think you're a little more comfortable telling me about yourself?" The small, blue colt slowly sat up again, saying quietly, "Yeah, I guess so..." Twilight smiled and turned to Apple Bloom. "You can talk now, Apple Bloom," she said with a small laugh. Sky turned to his friend and saw that her mouth was still wide open. He muffled a small laugh before giving Apple Bloom a small nudge. Apple Bloom shook her head wildly for a moment and said, "Huh?" Twilight giggled and turned back to Sky. "So, you were saying?" Now it was Sky's turn to be speechless. "I... um..." Apple Bloom stepped in to help. "This is Sky Dusk. He came with Babs and Lily Grace on Babs' trip here. He's really shy, and we were hoping you could help him make friends and not get so nervous around new ponies even if he's shy." "Oh, well could you explain to me why you're so shy, Sky?" Twilight asked. "I don't know..." he said quietly. Apple Bloom leaned over to him and whispered, "Just tell her what ya told me." Sky nodded and tried to remember what he told her. Once he did, he told Twilight. He explained to her as best he could as to why he was shy, as well as how he met Babs and Lily. "Hmm..." Twilight said when he finished. "Well, I honestly don't know much about being shy, as I was never all that shy, but I may know somepony who might." "Who?" Apple Bloom asked. "Just come with me." Twilight stood up and started towards the door. She turned back to see if they were coming. Apple Bloom was already up and off the couch and was helping Sky stand, whose legs were shaking from sitting so long after having fainted. Twilight picked up Sky with her magic and set him on her back, holding him in place with her wings just as she did after he fainted. Twilight gave him a kind smile, and Sky blushed. Apple Bloom trotted over, and Twilight led them out of the castle.
Fluttershy's TalkSky strained to see over the princess' head. Twilight had carried him almost the entire way to the cottage, which Sky saw they were now approaching. She had tried to get him to walk, but, as soon as he stood up, his legs wobbled beneath him and he collapsed. Twilight had picked him up and carried him the rest of the way to the cottage. As they got closer to the cottage, Sky started to get nervous and curled up into a ball on Twilight's back. She told him not to worry, as there was nothing at the little house that would hurt him. When they got to the door, Twilight slid Sky off her back and carefully set him on the ground before knocking. There was no answer, so Twilight flew up over the cottage and saw Fluttershy in the backyard grooming her pet bunny, Angel. She flew back down to where Sky and Apple Bloom were waiting for her. "Follow me," Twilight said when she was on the ground. "We're going around." "But won't the owner of the house be mad if we go in their backyard?" Sky asked quietly. "Trust me, she won't be," Twilight answered. "The owner's a great friend of mine, and I know she won't mind." She led the little ponies around the small cottage to the backyard. When they got there, Sky looked up to see a light yellow mare with a long, light pink mane and tail. He almost immediately ran over to Apple Bloom and hid behind her. "Hey, don't worry," she told him in a gentle tone. "Twilight brought ya here for a reason. Besides, ya already have somthin' in common." "What?" Sky asked, peeking around his friend to look at her. Apple Bloom opened her mouth to answer him, but was cut off by Twilight calling out to her friend. Fluttershy looked up from her grooming to see Twilight waving. She smiled and started to walk over to her friend, but was interrupted by Angel's thumping on the table with his hind leg. Fluttershy promised him she'd be right back before trotting over to Twilight and Apple Bloom. She didn't notice Sky, though, as he was still hiding behind Apple Bloom. "Hi, Twilight, Apple Bloom. What brings you here?" Fluttershy said as she came up to them. "Hello, Fluttershy. We need your help with something, if you don't mind," the princess replied. "What is it?" At this, Sky poked his head around Apple Bloom, but, when he saw Fluttershy, he quickly whipped back around to hide behind his friend again. "And who is this little colt?" Fluttershy asked, noticing Sky for the first time. "That's Sky Dusk. He came here with Apple Bloom's cousin, Babs Seed, but he's really shy around new ponies and has a hard time making friends," Twilight said. "That's why we're here. I thought that if there was was anypony who could help, it was you." Apple Bloom moved away from Sky to keep him from hiding behind her. When he realized this, Sky quickly jumped behind a nearby tree. Apple Bloom gave a small roll of her eyes, and, smiling calmly, walked over to the tree and pulled Sky out from behind it and over to where Twilight and Fluttershy were standing. A struggling Sky tried to get away, but Apple Bloom kept a firm grip on his tail and was able to keep a hold of him. When Apple Bloom finally got him over to the mares, Sky gave Twilight a desperate look to ask her if he could go. She sighed, giving a small and barely noticeable shake of her head. "Hello there, Sky Dusk. I'm Fluttershy," the light yellow mare said to in a calm, comforting tone, bending down to the colt's level. "Twilight told me you were shy, and I think I can help." She gave him a warm, gentle smile. Sky looked up at her, and smiled back at her nervously. Fluttershy, seeing how shy she could be, easily saw how nervous he was meeting her for the first time. She straitened up a little before kneeling down on the ground next to him. She gently used her hoof to tilt his head up so he could see her. "Do you want to go inside?" Fluttershy asked him. Sky thought for a moment before saying a quiet, "Okay." Fluttershy smiled and stood up. She offered a hoof to Sky to help him up, and he he took it. She helped him up, and started to lead the ponies into the cottage saying, "Follow me." She turned around about halfway to the back door to see if they were coming. Twilight was right behind her, but Apple Bloom was half dragging, half carrying Sky behind them and were a few feet behind. Fluttershy flew to them and scooped Sky up in her wing before setting him gently on her back. She flew back over to Twilight, careful to make sure that Sky wouldn't fall off her. As she was going by the table where she had been grooming Angel, the little, white bunny hopped onto Fluttershy's head. the yellow mare landed next to Twilight, and, after Apple Bloom caught up, she started towards the house again. When they got inside the cottage, Fluttershy led her friends towards the seating area. "Make yourselves comfortable," she said as she sat Sky on the couch and went to her kitchen to make something for them to eat while they talked. Apple Bloom once again sat next to her friend on the couch, while Twilight took a seat in a nearby chair. Twilight noticed that Sky was starting to hide behind Apple Bloom again. "Don't worry," she told him. "Fluttershy's one of the nicest ponies in Ponyville. If not also one of the shyest." Sky crawled out from behind his friend just as Fluttershy came in carrying a tray with a plate full of cookies and some tea. She poured the tea into two teacups for herself and Twilight and gave Apple Bloom and Sky both a small cup of juice each. Then she handed everypony a small plate with a couple cookies each and gave Twilight her cup. "Thanks, Fluttershy," Twilight said as she was given her cup. "Yeah, thanks!" Apple Bloom said through a mouthful of cookie. Sky picked up a cookie and took a small bite. It was still warm from the oven and almost melted in his mouth. "Thank you, Miss Fluttershy," he said after finishing up the cookie. "No need to call me 'miss'. And you're all very welcome," Fluttershy replied with a smile. She set her plate and cup on a small table and climbed onto the chair next to it. "So, Sky," Fluttershy said. "What is it that you needed my help with again?" Sky looked down at his hooves. "I, um..." he stammered quietly. He didn't know what to say. He didn't want to tell her about his shyness, seeing as he knew nothing about her and didn't know how she'd respond. Fluttershy saw how nervous he was. She looked around for moment before spotting Angel. She walked over to him and whispered something to him. At first, he just shook his little head and turned away from her, but she whispered something else to him and quietly promised him a carrot if he did what she asked. Angel sighed and nodded at the mare. Fluttershy smiled and gave him a little nudge before going back int the kitchen. Once she left, he hopped over to where the ponies were sitting and jumped up on Sky's lap. Although he was surprised at first, Angel snuggled up to him and Sky began to pet his furry little head. When Fluttershy came back from the kitchen holding a small carrot, Angel's ears perked up and he looked over at the treat. She walked over to Sky. "Here," she said, handing him the carrot. "Give him this. I know he'll like it." Taking it into his hoof, Sky held the carrot near the little bunny, who immediately grabbed the treat and gobbled it up. Smiling, Sky let out a small laugh. He looked up to see Fluttershy smiling back at him. She gave the rabbit a quick, but gentle, pet and went to her seat next to Sky and Apple Bloom's couch. "Now, what can I do to help?" the mare asked. Sky's face fell immediately, his ears folding back. He crouched down, trying to make himself as small as he possibly could, and crawled up next to Apple Bloom. Looking at her friend, the little filly shook her head. Apple Bloom turned to the princess next to her, giving a small nod towards her horn. She nodded understandingly towards the filly, and Twilight's horn began to glow as she moved Sky out of his stiff position and away from Apple Bloom. Fluttershy thought for a moment as she noticed the commotion, trying to find the right thing to say to calm the little colt. "Sky?" she asked. "Would you like it better if we went somewhere else to talk?" "Um... m-maybe... I don't know..." He stammered so quietly it was barely a whisper. "Hello? Sky, ya gonna answer?" Apple Bloom asked. She hadn't heard what her friend had said. "I did..." "It's okay, Apple Bloom," Fluttershy assured her. "I heard him just fine." Sky looked up at the yellow mare, showing her a grateful smile. Apple Bloom gave them a confused look before shrugging and turning to Fluttershy. "Well, I think goin' somewhere familiar might be good," she commented. " I'll go get the other crusaders." "NO!" Sky yelped. His face quickly grew red as he said, "I mean, I think I should just go." Carefully stepping down off the couch, Sky headed towards the door. "Wait! Sky? Sky, wait up!" Apple Bloom called after her friend, but he never looked back. "Sky, I'm sorry if I did somethin' wrong! I was just tryin' to help!" Apple Bloom hopped off the couch and started trotting after him, causing Sky to whip his head around. "No! Please, just leave me alone!" he yelled as he took off galloping. The yellow filly started to canter after him, but found herself being lifted off the ground. She looked back at where Twilight was shaking her head. Fluttershy flew lightly over to Apple Bloom, telling her to stay at the cottage. "Let me try talking to him," she said. The mare glided through the air towards Sky, who was closing in on the edge of Everfree Forest. The little colt slowed as he neared the forest's edge. He looked back at where Fluttershy was flying towards him. She was still a long way behind him and wouldn't be able to catch up anytime soon at the speed she was going at. Though hesitant, Sky stepped into the forest before breaking back into a gallop, increasing his lead on the yellow pegasus. Author's Note Up til this point the entire story so far was one big chapter. I saw it was getting pretty long, so I split it up into chapters as best I could. Also, as I'm looking over this chapter, I realize that it kinda looks like I'm shipping my OC, Sky, and Fluttershy. Please note that I am NOT trying to ship any characters here. I don't know how to explain what I was doing, but I do know that it wasn't shipping. Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter anyway!
