The Shy One

Chapters

Chapter 1-Every Story Starts Somewhere
Chapter 2-Getting Help
Chapter 3-Feeling Safe At Home
Chapter 4-Futtershy's Nightmare
Chapter 5-Protecting My Love
Chapter 6-Gentle
Chapter 7-Blue and Yellow Dreams
Chapter 8- A Day Without A Rainbow
Chapter 9- Worried
Chapter 10- Feeling A Change
Chapter 11- Fluttershy Wins
Chapter 12- Free Falling
Chapter 13- She Needs Me
Chapter 14- Angel Of The Night
Chapter 15- One Small Spark, One Big Wildfire
Prologue

Chapter 1-Every Story Starts Somewhere

When did all of this start, I was trying to remember. It should have been carved into my mind, the first time I saw Fluttershy cry. That wasn't the first incident that happened, but it wasn't a good incident. This whole chain of events started at a place called...flight school. Ah flight school, a place where young Pegasi learn to spread their wings and learn to fly. Ha, I remember when one of the instructors said that on our first day. Flight school is fun, I mean, where else could I have learned such epic flying skills? This was the only place, or at least, the only place that I know of. If there are other schools like this out there, well I sure hope they would be as good as...

I'm getting off track here. Flight school is fun in that aspect of "learning to fly", but sometimes, when that aspect is gone and we actually have to go to school, then, sometimes, things could get a little rough. Especially for Fluttershy.

I was the cool kid...to most. There were a couple of guys who always called me Rainbow Crash and it would really tick me off, but besides those three idiots, I was pretty popular, especially when I did the Sonic Rainboom for the first time. Fluttershy however, was a different story. She was shy, sensitive, and she could barley even speak. Her voice was always a tiny whisper that was almost inaudible. Sadly, she got made fun of for that, and everything else. She never really understood why they were making fun of her, but I could tell, deep down, that it was starting to eat her up. She always tried to play it cool and go along with it, but when the remarks and the harassing got to a certain level, that's when things started going really wrong. She would storm off the scene in tears while the kids were laughing at another pony's insults. Why did they have to be so mean, was always Fluttershy's question, and I never had a logical answer for it. It made her feel down. Nobody liked her, nobody cared. Nobody took in the fact that she was the most sensitive Pegasus at the school. They never realized how much it hurt her, inside and out. Like they ever noticed her pain, they never cared anyway.

I remember one time, she had stormed off to a bathroom, and I followed her. I could hear her soft sobbing as I entered the doorway. She had locked herself in one of the stalls. I raised my hoof to knock, but I hesitated. Maybe I should just let her cry. No...she needed someone to comfort her. I knocked on the stall door.

"Fluttershy? You okay?" Stupid thing to ask. Of course she wasn't okay. She was being harassed yet again.

She sniffed. "N-No...I'm not...how would y-you feel if you were...bullied like this...e-every day..." Her soft voice whispered. She started sobbing again.

I frowned. I always hated seeing her this upset. I also never wanted to see her cry, it always pained my heart, for some reason. I thought of ways to cheer her up, and I thought of something...

"Fluttershy, how about you come to my place after school. We could have a little talk. Maybe...I could cheer you up..."

After a moment of silence, I could hear the lock click, and she opened the door. She tried to wipe the tears out of her fuzzy eyes.

"D-Does it have to be...a-after school?" She asked.

I was...surprised, to say the least! I had never heard of Fluttershy ditching school, but, this was different. I could tell she wanted to prevent from getting bullied by any means necessary. I contemplated the consequences. You know what? I'm Rainbow Dash. I can take the risks that come along with it.

"No, it doesn't. Come on, we can leave right now. We have about 10 minutes before lunch is over." I said. She nodded and we headed out.

Author's Note

Chapter 1. Rainbow Dash finds her friend sobbing in the bathroom, and she asks the blue Pegasus to help her in a risky way,

Chapter 2-Getting Help

It wasn't very hard to sneak out. All the teachers were in the teachers lounge and there were no security guards in the halls at the moment. We flew all the way to my house, and I had never seen Fluttershy fly so much, or so fast. She wasn't a very good flyer to begin with, but I could tell that she was flying with a mission, to get away from everyone else. I could see some tears streak behind her as she flew. We finally arrived to my humble abode. Fluttershy almost crash landed from how fast she was going.

"Whoa...you okay Fluttershy?" I asked.

She shook her head to get some clouds out of her hair. "Yeah, I'm okay. I...I didn't realize how fast I was going." She admitted. She sighed from the reason.

"I know. You wanted to get away from everyone, I could see it. But now that were here, maybe we could talk." I led her to my room. She said that she was feeling a bit exhausted, and that she needed to lie down. She lay on my cloud bed, sighing from the soft plush feeling. I sat on the bed with her.

"So...do you want to tell me anything? I...I just really want to help you Fluttershy...I--"

She sighed. "I just...want to know why everyone...hates me..." Tears formed in her eyes. 'Oh no...she's going to cry again. I hate seeing her cry...'

"Fluttershy...I can't answer that, because I don't really know why. I'm sorry...I can't help you with that one..." Strike one Rainbow...

"sniff, It's okay Rainbow...it's fine...it's...fine..." She was close to bursting. I needed to think of something fast.

"Well, look on the bright side Flutters...at least, I care about you." She looked up at this.

"R-Really? You...you care about me?"

I couldn't help but stare into those deep blue eyes. They were so...mesmerizing. "Yes Fluttershy...I care about you. I know what your going through...and, I just want to help you through it...that's all..." I gave her a soft smile. It's almost like those eyes were saying thank you.

I left my gaze when I felt something wrap around my body. It was Fluttershy, and she was giving me a big hug.

"Thank you Rainbow...I...I really appreciate it...you have, no idea..." She sniffed, trying to hold in her tears. I stared at her for a moment. just realized how soft her fur was...

"Of course Fluttershy...hey, I have an idea." She loosened her embrace and listened. "Why don't you come over here every night? My parents are usually out doing weather business, so half the time I'm alone here." I looked at her with some hope. "Does, that sound alright? I mean I understand if you don't--"

"Yes. That sounds fine." She smiled at me. I nodded.

"Awesome. I uh...really hadn't planed anything out, so I figured we could just, hang out and do stuff." I said.

"That sounds wonderful." She said with that usual soft voice. I smiled. She blinked a couple of times and yawned. She relaxed herself on the bed. I could tell she was tired. I smiled again.

"You can sleep here Fluttershy. I can see that your tired."

"Oh...I mean...I don't...want to be any...trouble..." She sighed and closed her eyes.

"I don't mind. Really. Honestly, you can sleep here any time you want! It's fine with me." Fluttershy gave me a small smile.

"Thank you...mhh" She shifted and sighed. "Rainbow...Dash..." She fell asleep. I sighed, feeling accomplished in cheering her up. I also made myself a promise right then and there.

'If she ever needs help, I'll be there...' I looked at my clock. It was only 1:30 in the afternoon. I thought about the things my parents would say when they found out I was skipping school. I would need to explain Fluttershy's cause well enough for them to believe me. I decided to watch some T.V. in the meantime. While I was watching, I could have sworn I heard Fluttershy say something in her sleep from the other room.

"Rainbow Dash..."

I didn't think anything of it. There is no way that could have been Fluttershy. It was way too loud, even for her! I continued my channel search.

Author's Note

Chapter 2. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash have a sensitive moment returning home, and Fluttershy sleeps at her house after, with a little encouragement from her friend.

Chapter 3-Feeling Safe At Home

Throughout our time in flight school, Fluttershy and I hung out a lot. We did many things, but one big pastime was flying. I always flew, wherever I went, I loved flying. Fluttershy however, was the opposite. She didn't fly a whole lot, only to the places where she needed to be. With that, came the obvious setback, she wasn't a very good flyer, period. I tried to help her with that, usually to no avail, but I hoped that one day, my training could pay off for her.

Even though we had our good times together, school was still rough on Fluttershy. The insults were getting worse, and they started getting physical with the shy pony. Fluttershy's worst fear was to get hit, by anyone or anything. And one day, she did. One of the kids knocked her to the side, and she went flailing to the floor, while everyone laughed. I could see her about to cry. I took the initiative, and I quickly picked her up, and got her out of that situation as quick as possible. When we were at a safe spot, a deserted hallway that no pony ever walked in, Fluttershy sat down against the wall, put her head in her lap, and cried to next period. I felt very sorry for her.

Every night was almost the same thing. We would have discussions on the day, and all the bad things that happened. It hurt Fluttershy to have to talk about all the things that happened to her, but she knew that talking about it with someone else, was the best thing to do. She would cry and sob for a while, and I would cheer her up. Then, we would talk about anything good that happened, or plans for the next sleepover or get-together. That always seemed to make her happy. Most of the time, she slept at my place, which again, I didn't mind. It was fine. If she felt good here, then be my guest. One day though, she said something that really warmed my heart.

It was a warmer spring night, and we were talking about an incident at school, were some kid in science class totally mixed the wrong ingredients in the test tubes, and all the stuff came gushing back at him like a hose. We have science together, so we both saw the whole thing happen.

"I know right? That was by far, the funniest thing I've ever seen!"

"Yeah, it was, but I really feel bad for that kid. I know he didn't mean for that to happen..."

"Yeah, I guess I do too, but hey, his mistake..." I stopped and snickered. "Was one of the funniest things I've ever seen!".

We laughed at that. Hearing Fluttershy laugh was always nice. She had the best little laugh, so light, so soft...

The room grew silent for a moment. Fluttershy opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She was very hesitant.

"What is it Fluttershy?" I asked, munching on apple.

"Um...I...um..." She looked up at me, then down at the bed, then back up, back down. I wondered what she had to say...

"Come on Flutershy. Remember, you can tell me anything." I said. She sighed.

"You want to know...the biggest reason I like staying here?" She asked.

I stopped eating. "Sure. What is it?"

She started, then stopped. Finally, she spoke. "The reason...I like staying here...is because..." Her mouth trembled. What did she want to say? It was eating me up!

"Yes?"

"It's...because..." She hugged me tightly. "It's because I feel safe here! I love being here, because I know nothing bad will happen!" She started sobbing in my fur. I looked down at her. 'She feels safe...' I kept repeating the thought in my head. I returned the hug, stroking her soft pink hair.

"Aw, Flutters...that's, really sweet. I'm glad I can make you feel that way." I said. I wasn't really into the mushy gooey talk, but for Fluttershy, there was an exception. I truly was glad that I could make this sensitive, shy pony feel safe, when nothing else could. It really warmed my heart.

She nuzzled her head into my shoulder, her soft breaths on my body. I looked down at her, still stroking her hair. She was so soft, and I could almost feel her slow, steady heartbeat. I felt something rise in my heart in that moment, some sort of, feeling that I had never felt before. I looked back down at her. She was asleep, breathing ever so slowly on my body. I smiled and layed her body down on the bed, pulling the covers over her. She snuggled herself into them without knowing. I stared at her for many seconds, thinking about something that was on my mind.

'Was it? I mean...we've been hanging out for a while, and, she seems to be enjoying her stays more and more...'

'No, it can't! That would be wrong...wouldn't it?'

'Maybe not...if it is true...she feels safe, Rainbow...she feels safe...with you.'

I smiled at her sleeping body. I had that thought in my head the whole night, and even longer. I would be contemplating the choices for...not a very long time...because that same night, the answer soon came to me.

Author's Note

Chapter 4. Fluttershy admits the reason that she enjoys her stay's at Dash's apartment and Dash herself contemplates a thought that is swimming in her head...

Chapter 4-Futtershy's Nightmare

Chapter 4-Fluttershy's Nightmare

I slowly opened my eyes again. I couldn't sleep at all today. I wondered if it was the thought that was swimming in my brain, the one from earlier. I couldn't get it out of my head! I kept thinking about it, over and over again, but I still didn't have the answer. It should have been abundantly clear what my choice was...but apparently, it wasn't. I turned around in my cloud, sighing from my tiredness. I was so sleepy, but, it's almost like I was too tired to sleep. I closed my eyes again with another sigh, but they opened right back up when I heard a noise...

"Mmph..."

It was so faint, but I could hear it! I turned to look towards the origin of the sound, and for a moment, all I could hear was silence. I shrugged, but then I heard something else; a voice.

"No..."

No? What's with that? Who was saying--

"S-Stop...please..."

Okay, that was a bit frightening. I immediately stood up, despite my bitter will, and walked towards the entrance to Fluttershy's room er...my room. At least I had the extra bedroom...

"Please...no..."

It was as clear as a bell now. That was Fluttershy alright, but I had to wonder why her voice sounded so...scared. It's like she was begging someone to stop, but they wouldn't...is that what was happening in her mind? Oh no...

I quickly looked in her room. Fluttershy was squirming around in her bed, panting and sweating, as if she was running or flying really fast.

"Please...don't hurt me!" She yelled.

That was the loudest I had ever herd her speak. Obviously, something bad was happening in that brain of hers, something emotional...something painful.

I quickly sprang into action. She was flailing around so much that I had to apply a little pressure to her hooves, to keep her from falling off the bed. It wasn't very hard to restrain her, but it was much harder that I ever imagined from Fluttershy! I held her hooves down, as she kept spurting out loud and to me, scary phrases. I tried shaking her to wake her up.

"Please don't hurt me! I'm sorry!"

"Fluttershy...wake up!" I tried. Usually, even the slightest sound would set her away scared, but she was dealing with something bigger...

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

"Fluttershy! Fluttershy!"

"Rainbow HELP!" That's when she sprung up, panting, shaking, as if coming from some forsaken dungeon.

"Rainbow...R-Rainbow..." She didn't realize that I was right there. She was still lost in the dream.

"Fluttershy, it's okay. I'm right here see? You don't need to worry...it was just a dream." She stared at me for countless minutes, until she finally crumbled into my arms, crying hysterically. She tried telling me of her dream through her many tears.

"Rainbow, it was terrible! I-I was r-running through the halls and the bullies were c-chasing me threatening to beat me up a-and I ran and ran but I got cornered a-and I thought they were going to hurt me and I tried to fly but my wings wouldn't open and I was stuck and they were going to beat me and they were menacing they threatened me and I called your name for h-help but you weren't there to save me and I-I was so scared they were g-gonna hurt me and I-I--" She didn't speak after. She continued crying.

I made most of that story out. Ouch. What could I do right now? I don't think anything was going to heal her right now. That nightmare sounded awful. I hugged her tightly.

"Flutters, it's okay. I'm right here...you don't need worry..."

"You weren't there...you weren't there to save me...w-why..." She went back into my fur. I sighed.

"It was a dream Flutters. You know I would be there for you if you were in that situation." I said.

She tried to gather herself, not to much avail. She was still really shaken and shattered.

"Y-Your right...I...I-I'm sorry...j-just that...dream was...s-so scary...it seemed so...r-r-real..." She lay her head on my chest, crying again. I stroked her soft pink mane, in an attempt to calm her down. She was still shaking violently and seemed like she wouldn't stop. This whole situation reminded me of a song I heard a couple days ago...gosh, now that I remember it, it pretty much put Fluttershy's situation into a perspective...

She, cries when she's alone...
For all life's little knocks
Everything is supposed to make us tougher,

"Sh...it's okay Fluttershy...it was a dream, it wasn't real. Try to not let it get to you too much..."

"O-Okay Rainbow..." She sniffed. "I-I'll try..." She closed her eyes for a minute, sighing. I continued on her hair. I couldn't stand watching her shake like that...

Thinking, it doesn't really show...
But I know how she hurts
And I can't bear to see her suffer,

"Fluttershy, please stop shaking...it's...it's really saddening..." I felt some tears well up in my own eyes. I really wanted to cry with her this time. Screw the too cool for crying BS.

"I'm s-sorry Rainbow...b-but I can't...I can't..." She whimpered. It sounded so pitiful. I held her closer.

I'll be there, when the world
Is coming down upon her,
When she's scared, I'll be there
Fighting in her corner,

I let a tear fall on her nose, and she felt it. She looked at me a little surprised. I closed my eyes to prevent any others, but they were burning in my eyes now.

"Okay, fine! Say what you want! I don't care!" I had an image that I was in the halls of the school, and everyone was looking at the cool and awesome Rainbow Dash cry. It felt slightly humiliating.

Fluttershy grabbed my hoof, her head still on my chest. She could hear my soft heartbeat. It must have been soothing...I looked down at my hoof, then back up to her.

"Why would I say anything like that? It's...a beautiful thing to cry..." She whipped away her stray tears.

I'll be there, when the walls
Are closing to surround her,
In the air, as she falls
With my arms around her

I stared at those deep blue eyes again. I loved them so much...

"R-Really? It is?" I asked.

"Yes, yes it is...I may not exactly like to cry at sometimes..." She paused and sighed. "But, when it happens, I think it's...a wonderful thing."

She could tell something was bothering me with this whole, crying thing. It's almost like she read my mind...

"You shouldn't feel ashamed to cry Rainbow Dash..." A small blush formed across her face. "I...actually think...you look beautiful when you cry...Rainbow..." She almost turned her head in embarrassment.

That touched my heart like nothing had ever before. It was the sweetest and kindest thing that anypony has ever said to me...I let some tears fall.

Oh great! I thought. I'm getting all soft again! I couldn't help it though. For her, there was an exception.

"Y-You really think s-so?" I asked, whipping away some tears.

She nodded. "I know so Rainbow." She said with the softest smile.

I hugged her very tightly. I couldn't help it. I had never seen another pony in the wide world of Equestria that had warmed my heart so much. I don't think I'll ever find a pony that can have an impact like Fluttershy...

"Thanks Fluttershy...your...your the best friend anypony could ask for..." I said with all the truth of my soul, sobbing lightly.

She took my embrace. "Your very welcome Rianbow Dash...and I can say the same for you."

That soft voice almost makes my heart explode every time...it is the softest and most beautiful little voice you will ever hear...She sighed and laid her head back down on my chest. I just realized that it was like, 2:00 in the morning. We needed to get some sleep.

"Fluttershy, let's get some rest. yawn...I'm really tired." I said.

"Yeah...me too..." She closed her eyes and sighed on my fur. I smiled.

"I'm gonna sleep with you tonight...I...I don't want to leave you alone right now..." Gah, the mushy stuff!

"Of course Rainbow. I don't mind...I would actually, prefer you here than away..." She whispered to herself.

I flipped the cloud covers over us. "Me too." I said with a smile and a wink. She giggled. That was the first time I heard her laugh in a long time.

"Goodnight Fluttershy...no more bad dreams okay?"

"Of course...I shouldn't have any...thanks too you. Goodnight Rainbow..." She fell asleep almost instantly.

I smiled. I knew right then and there the answer to the question I had in my mind all night...

Yes. I do.

I wrapped my hooves around her and snuggled her close to me, and soon the warmth of our bodies and my overall tiredness overtook me, and I fell asleep.

Author's Note

Fluttershy has a bad nightmare, and Rainbow tried to calm her down...and in the process, she realizes the answer to the question she had in her mind.

Chapter 5-Protecting My Love

The next day didn't go so well for Fluttershy. More mean comments, more small physical play, more BS. It wasn't very bad, and Fluttershy just sighed and blew it off. Later in that day though, that's when I had to intervene on a situation...

I was leaving my boring ass flying instructions class (I like flying, but the classes are kinda...dumb.) and I was on my way to meet Fluttershy near our next class; Science. I chuckled, remembering the kid who had mixed the wrong chemicals and BOOM. Poor guy.

I almost reached my destination, but I stopped short when I heard a voice from our spot. It was faint, but I recognized it immediately...

"S-Stop...g-go away..."

"What was that? I couldn't really hear you..."

I looked to her position, and she was being cornered by 3 colts. I didn't recognize any of them.

"G-Go away!" She said a little louder, but it was still only a whisper.

"Aw...look at her, she can barley even speak! It's sooo pathetic..." They laughed.

Fluttershy grew hot with embarrassment. "Um...I--"

One of them pushed her up against the wall with his hoof, and Fluttershy couldn't escape. She struggled and struggled, but she couldn't escape his grasp. I gulped an watched on, with a sliver of hope that she would scream or yell or do something that would attract someone else, but it didn't seem like it was going that way.

"L-Let me go..."

"Your a waste Fluttershy, a waste! Why are you even here? You're not even a good flyer anyway!" She struggled harder, but to no avail. She stared at him, tears in her eyes.

"S-Stop..."

"I wish you would just stay home...leave your unwanted self away from everyone...you don't belong here..."

"Please..." She begged.

He looked at his free hoof. "Maybe this will teach you a lesson..." He raised it to strike. Fluttershy's eyes widened at it.

"No...n-no please!"

"Now you can stay home...because I'm going to make you stay home..." Fluttershy turned her head and closed her eyes, letting her tear stained cheeks be the bully's sight. He chuckled and was about to strike--

WHAM! I flew, headfirst, straight into the bully. We were both on the ground, groaning. My head hurt so bad after that, but I gathered myself and jumped in front of Fluttershy to protect her. She was in utter shock and awe. The other two pulled up their leader from the ground. He wiped some blood off his muzzle. He looked at it and looked back up at me, a fire raging in hi eyes. I stood my ground, ready to fight at any seconds notice. Fluttershy, looked back at him and me. She did not want to be in this situation right now. It was 3 vs. 1. Rainbow was going to get creamed! I didn't care. I was ready to fight, and I wasn't planning on backing down. He yelled and the three charged towards me. Fluttershy backed herself into the farthest corner of the hall, but she could still see the fight. I hovered in the air and kicked one of them in the face. My only hit. He yelled in pain and fell to the ground, but the other two pulled me down and--

Fluttershy closed her eyes tight. She didn't want to see any of this. She knew what was happening, but she didn't want to believe it. She started crying silently as the only noises in the room were the continued sounds of punching and kicking, and the many shouts of pain and agony that came from her protector. She wanted to block it all out, but the noises still found a way in. She was being torn to pieces on the inside. She hated all these sounds, but they still tormented her, and the constant thought of Rainbow Dash--

When she opened her eyes again, the punching and kicking stopped, and there was a moment of silence, until the bully spoke.

"Let that be a lesson to you Fluttercry...and you too Rainbow Crash..." He spat on my still body and ran off with both of his minions, one who was still holding his face from the kick. Fluttershy stared at them as they left. She heard a groan come from the battered body. She quickly ran over to my spot. When she looked down on me, she nearly fainted. I was thrashed. I had never felt such horrible pain in all of my life. I looked up at Fluttershy, with only one eye. My other one had been blackened by their onslaught. I could see tears falling on her cheeks. She had no words. I tried to look over at the place where they ran.

"Get...back...here...you bastards...you...you" I lay my head back down.

"Rainbow Dash! No...no...no...why?" She started crying over me.

"No...no one...hurts you...Fluttershy...not...not on my watch..." I groaned in pain. I couldn't move any of my muscles right now. I had a feeling that one of my wings was broken.

She had the utmost gratitude for me at that moment, but she was more saddened by my condition.

"I'll help you Rainbow...I-I promise...I promise..."

Fluttershy did something I would never forget right there...She picked up my beaten body, took me all the way to the entrance of the school...and she flew like she had never flew before. I could tell she was straining hard, but she was flying, flying fast, flying swift. It was amazing...and, she was doing it for me. Her protector. I smiled, even though the pain was excruciating.

She flew all the way to my house, and when she touched the clouds, she nearly collapsed right there, but she kept her remaining energy and brought me too the bed.

"Ahh...ow..." I was laying right on my broken wing. She readjusted me. Thank Celestia. I stared at her. That amazing figure; panting hard from her work, sweat glistening on her coat, tears of sadness and I would guess, anger (If she had any), in her eyes. Her mane was messy from the wind. This was my savior right here. This shy, sensitive pony with the nicest voice in all of Equestria, one who will work hard to save a friend. I appreciated that so much...I knew she also appreciated me. I stood up for her when all hope was lost. I was fulfilling my promise, I was protecting the one I love.

"Fluttershy...t-thank you...thank you...thank you..." I passed out from the pain. I don't know what she said after, but I know it was something good and sweet.

Author's Note

Chapter 5. When Fluttershy is about to get hit by a bully, Rainbow Dash comes in and takes the fall for her, but gets beaten bad in the process.

Chapter 6-Gentle

My eyes (er...eye) shot wide open. I was breathing heavy and fast from this dream I had, another one about Fluttershy. Thankfully, I woke up before the bad part was seen. I glanced around the surrounding area; I was back at home, at my cloud fortress, that I call my own. I looked over and Fluttershy was sitting there. She just noticed that I woke up, and she gasped and ran over to make sure I was okay. I nearly jumped when I saw her...

"Fluttershy! F-Flutter--AGH!!!" When I sat up, I felt an excruciating pain run through my body. It all came back in a flash, when I got beat up, and the pain that came afterwards. I lay slowly back down.

"Fluttershy..." I said weakly.

"It's okay Rainbow. Don't try to get up, just lie there...I'm going to mend you right up..." She had a first aid kit right next to her, and she pulled out some medicine.

"H-How long have...have I been out? Uhh..." I held my head with my hoof.

"About...30 minutes or so. I'm surprised you woke up, actually. I thought you would sleep longer...you were...pretty...beat up..." She gulped and paused, an awkward silence filling the room. I eventually broke it.

"Yeah...I know...but, I..." I paused. "I wasn't go to let the hurt you! I wasn't! I made a promise to protect you..." I suddenly grew angry. "Those jerks, those cruel hearted bastards! I want to kill them! I--" I winced from the pain again, still mumbling out some angry phrases. "I want...them...to feel my pain...I want--I want--"

Fluttershy was a bit stricken by my words at first. She had never seen me so angry, so full of hate towards someone else...but she understood.

"I know...I know, but that's over Rianbow...now, I'm repaying you for your help...please, just relax and lay back..."

I nodded, despite my will to say more hated phrases. She unscrewed the bottle on the medicine, and she put some on a small towel. She warned me of something...

"I'm going to be as, as gentle as possible Rainbow...but, just to warn you, it still might hurt a bit..." She waited for my response.

I wanted to say, "Nothing hurts me more than to see you suffer..." but all that came out was...

"O-Okay...Fluttershy..." I gulped. I didn't want to have any more pain, but knowing Fluttershy's truth, I had to trust her. Besides, she was the most gentle being in all of Equestria...

I yelped out in pain as the rag gently slid over one of my many cuts. I grit my teeth to overcome it, noticing how slow and light Fluttershy was stroking it.

"It's okay Rainbow...I promise I'll be gentle...I don't want you to hurt more than you already do..." She said with that soft, caring voice.

I took a deep breath as she continued with her work, cleaning my cuts, putting bandages on them, so on and so on. The one thing that really struck me was...how, gentle she was actually being! I knew Fluttershy was the really sweet, soft and caring pony, but, I never realized how caring she could actually be. She was going slow, but not to slow. She was making sure the cuts were clean, but still in the process, being as gentle as possible. I was so grateful to have her. Her promise was true, she wasn't causing me much pain, if any pain at all. I loved her for that...and for every other reason there was to love Fluttershy. I can name a ton...

"Ooo...Rainbow...um..." She was staring down at my leg.

"What? Is, is something wrong?" I tried to see what she was looking at, but I could barley raise my head due to the pain. "Agh...what it is Fluttershy?" I asked, a little concerned.

"There's...there's just a really big gash on your leg Rainbow...This...this may hurt much more than the rest..."

Even when she said that, the softness of her tiny voice was so assuring. It's almost as if I had heard the exact opposite of what she just said. I knew it would hurt, but that voice...almost made the pain go straight away.

I screamed in agony as a sudden stinging pain rattled through my leg. Fluttershy gasped and nearly dropped the bottle of medicine on the ground. She was almost expecting that kind of reaction...

"Oh my...are you okay Rainbow?" She asked with concern in her voice.

I grit my teeth. That really hurt. I wasn't expecting it too be that bad!

"Y-Yeah...ow, I'm okay Flutters...j-just keep...doing what your doing..." I said as I sighed.

She nodded. She continued cleaning the long gash, a little bit of blood still oozing from it. I groaned and squirmed in my spot, trying to relieve some of the pain. Fluttershy looked like she was close to crying. I could see it in her face, though she tried not to show it. She obviously felt horrible for me, and I knew she hated to see me hurt. It probably hurt her inside to have to do this, to put me in more pain, even though I've already been through so much, but we both knew it was for the best. I'd rather be in helloads of pain, than to get an infected cut and possibly die.

She finished with the cut, and sighed, thankful that it was over. She didn't have any words for me, as she continued down to my hooves...

"Ah! Wait Fluttershy!" I tried to curl my hooves against me, so she couldn't touch them.

"What?" She was taken aback. "Why Rainbow? What's wrong? Am I doing something--"

"It's not your fault...I just...I don't like other ponies touching my hooves..." I blushed in embarrassment. That sounded so stupid at this moment, but...I just can't stand when ponies touch my hooves. They're...really sensitive.

"Oh...well, um...there's a couple of cuts that I need to clean on them..." She thought for a moment. "I'll try to be extra gentle." She said with a little smile.

Extra gentle? She still could be more gentle? She was already doing such a nice job at not causing much pain, and not making me feel much, but she could still be nicer? It's amazing what this pony can do...she's the greatest...

"Okay, here I go...try not to think about it, if it bothers you too much Rainbow..."

She started lightly stroking the cuts with the rag, just like before. This time, that instant contact with my hoof made me shiver. Each stroke, each tiny, light stroke made me make some other weird motion or sound. Eventually, it got to the point where the sensitiveness really started to kick in, and I almost couldn't handle it.

"W-Wait Fluttershy...it's t-too sensitive...please...s-stop, ah..." I bit my lip.

She saw my condition, and she stopped, afraid that she was doing something wrong.

"Oh...I'm sorry Rainbow...I should have--"

"D-Don't be...it's okay. I was...k-kinda expecting that...heh..." I said awkwardly.

She brightened a bit, happy that she hadn't done any damage to her best friend. She took the rag and headed for the opening.

"I'm gonna clean off this rag Rainbow. I'll be back in a minute..." She said as she walked out.

I sighed on my bed, thinking about those sensitive feelings in my hoof. Fluttershy probably couldn't tell, but I was...actually...getting slightly aroused by her actions. My foot was at that point of sensitivity, where those feelings, were actually feelings off...slight pleasure. I had never felt that before, and I had never seen my hooves so sensitive. It was a bit too much, but at the same time, I almost didn't want her to stop. It felt...really good...I sighed, thinking of how dumb I was being. Getting pleasured from my hooves...how weird am I? Also that I was thinking that it was Fluttershy who gave me those feelings, really started to...heat me up. Gah, what's wrong with me?!

She returned a moment later, the freshly cleaned rag in her hand.

"Okay...were almost done Rainbow...I just need to clean up your face, then we can be finished." She said softly. She narrowed her eyes at me, noticing the little flecks of sweat on my forehead.

"What?" I asked. Why was she staring at me?

"Just...your sweating. Are you, too hot in here? I bet I could cool it down..."

"N-No, I'm fine, really." I blushed. Oh god, why am I sweating? Damn this heat...

"Okay...well, just relax. It'll be over before you know it..."

She sat on the side of bed, leaning in to get a better look at the marks on my face. A couple cuts, bruises, some swelling, and one badly blackened eye. Bottom line; it wasn't good. She sighed sadly, then began without any words. My one eye stared at her contently through the whole process. I gulped.

Oh my...she's...she's so close to me...so close to my face! I...I could almost just...lean in and--

For some reason, she seemed a little...tense while doing this. I could just see it in her structure. She, of course, was being gentle as gentle could be, stroking very lightly at the cuts, watering down the bruises, and everything else. I flinched multiple times from the stinging medicine, I couldn't help it. All the while, so many thoughts were swimming through my mind.

I should do it, show her how I truly feel about her, to tell her all the things that I love about her...all the things, that make her a good pony...but, I don't want to make her uncomfortable, and what if...she doesn't feel the same? What would I do...without her?

I just wanted to have some peace. I wanted to rip all the thoughts out of my head, and throw them away, for just one minute...one minute of complete silence. I would like that...just one time.

Before I knew it, I fell out of my trance, and Fluttershy was pulling away, nodding at her work.

"Okay..." She took a breath. I wonder if she had been holding it in..."That should be good...Rainbow."

"Thanks Fluttershy...ugh...why did this have to happen?" I shifted, facing the doorway. "I hate them...so much..." I raised my voice a little. "If they would just leave you alone--"

"Hey, don't say that. It's okay Rainbow..."

"That's the thing Fluttershy, it's not okay! Don't say it is, because...you don't deserve what your getting! You deserve to be rewarded for you goodness, you should feel safe at school," My voice was getting louder and louder with each phrase. "You shouldn't be getting laughed at by those jerks just because of the way you are! Everypony is special in their own way, you have your qualities that make you who you are. The fact that they make fun of you and laugh and hurt you just for being you...makes me..." I closed my eyes. "Makes me want to explode with RAGE! I hate what they're doing to you! You don't deserve it! YOU--"

I could've sworn that I had been flying. The pain from my aching muscles came back again, and I lay back down without any words. Fluttershy seemed like she wanted to say something, but she herself couldn't find any words. She sighed, then slowly snuggled next to me in the bed, hear head nuzzled under my chin.

"I'm glad that you care Rainbow..." She paused, and I looked at her. "At least...I have someone to go to when I'm feeling down..." She huddled close to me.

I smiled softly at her. "Of course Fluttershy...remember, I always be there for you..." She looked up at me with those big azure eyes, the ones that I cherished and loved to look at, and she smiled.

"I'm glad I have you Rainbow..." She said a bit weakly. She closed her eyes. I could tell she was exhausted. She had flown, faster and harder than ever, from the school to here, and she stayed awake until I woke up, and then, she cleaned up every small wound on my body...and, even some wounds on the inside. She nuzzled her body against mine, our heat mixing together. It was making me sleepy as well...

"I'm glad I have you...Fluttershy..." I said with a sigh.

She smiled once again, then she soon fell asleep. I hugged her yellow body softly.

"I love you...Fluttershy..." I soon fell asleep as well, the little filly that I loved held tightly in my arms. I wasn't letting go...

Author's Note

Chapter 6. Rainbow Dash finally wakes up, and Fluttershy starts healing her many wounds...gently, of course.

Chapter 7-Blue and Yellow Dreams

It was a warmer night in the city of Cloudsdale, the two pegasus ponies sleeping soundly in their cloud bed. One of them however, was having one heck of a...steamy dream. She couldn't help it. Even after it was all over and done with, those thoughts of arousal were still in her head, and they followed her into her dreams. She never thought she would be having a dream like this, but it was happening, and to tell the truth, she liked it. Her love for her friend was almost uncontrollable in this moment, and she was going to show that it was...

"What do you mean by...gift?" Fluttershy asked, a little confused.

"Just relax and lay on the bed, and I'll show you..." I said softly.

She was hesitant, but she nodded. She knew that Rainbow Dash was always caring with her, she knew that she wouldn't make her feel uncomfortable.

She layed her head down on the cloud pillow, relaxing her body on the plush-soft bed. She sighed, still wondering what Rainbow had in store for her. She closed her eyes for a moment, waiting for her gift.

"So...why are you giving me a--"

Her eyes shot open when she felt something wet on her lips, and she blushed hard when she saw what it was...

"Rainmph, Dahph?!" She tried to say Rainbow Dash, but her lips were muffled by the cyan mare's own. She was not expecting this kind of gift. She tried to push her off at first, but she could feel the passion in her kiss, and she soon found herself giving way to her. This was the first time that anyone had ever kissed her...and it felt like magic.

After a minute of pure passion, Fluttershy pulled away, gasping for breath. They stared into each others eyes for countless moments, letting all the feelings sink in. Their kiss was beyond words...

Finally, I spoke. "Did you like that?" I asked the blushing yellow mare

"Y-Yes...I...I never had anyone...kiss me before..." She turned her head shyly. I smiled at her.

"I haven't either Flutters...but..." I pulled her close to me. She gasped and looked into my magenta colored eyes.

"R-Rainbow..." She said nervously.

"You are an amazing kisser Fluttershy..." I gave her another small kiss on the lips, and she made a small sound.

I layed her back down on the bed. She took a breath.

"Fluttershy...are you ready?"

"Huh? R-Ready for what?" She asked, her eyes glancing around quickly.

"For your other gift..." I said in a seductive voice. She blushed even harder at that. Her breathing quickened.

"W-What gift?" She asked. She was so tense...

"A better one...one that will make you feel so good, like nothing you would ever imagine..." I said with a smirk.

She had an idea of what I meant, and she gulped.

"W-Wait Rainbow...I...um, I don't know...a-about this..."

"Just relax Fluttershy...and let me do all the work..." I was about to start on her neck--

"Wait!" I was surprised at how loud her voice was there. I stopped.

"I..." She turned her head, one blue eye staring up at me. "I've...never d-done this before..." She stuttered.

I could sense her nervousness. I could see it, and I could hear it in her voice. I sighed.

"I haven't either Flutters...it'll be a first for both of us...I'm just kinda', experimenting right now." I admitted.

"Oh..." Acceptable answers, including for the situation at hand. I was just as inexperienced as her. "O-okay..." She sighed, knowing that she couldn't get out of this. Rainbow would be good, she knew, but...she didn't know if she was...quite ready for anything more than just cuddling. She couldn't win though, she knew it in her heart...and she also knew something else...

"Okay Rainbow...but please..." She stared up at me again. "Please...b-be gentle..."

I smiled at her. "I will Fluttershy...I promise."

She nodded. That was my sign to start. I slowly lowered my head down to her neck, and I was about to start lovin', but I noticed that she was shaking. I looked back up at her.

"Fluttershy...why are you shaking?"

"Um...Rainbow...I-I'm just s-so nervous...I'm sorry...I-I g-get nervous when t-trying something n-new..." She blushed in embarrassment.

"Oh Fluttershy...I understand. It's okay to be nervous...if it makes you feel any better, I'm a bit nervous myself..."

She was surprised. "R-Really?"

"Yes, I just...try not to let it show, and, you should do the same." I said to her and nodded. "Here, take a deep breath, relax, and try to keep your nervousness inside you."

She did all of these things; deep breath, relax, and she seemed like a whole different pony,

"There we go...now, just keep your nervousness inside, and if it shows a little, then it's alright. I understand that your new to this...let's just, enjoy it." I gave a small laugh. "I know we will..." I went back down to her neck. This time she wasn't shaking, and her heart had slowed a bit. It wouldn't be that way for long...

"Be gentle..." Was all she said. I proceeded with my task.

I gave her neck a long lick up, savoring the delicious tastes of my love. She made a loud gasp, followed by a small moan. I knew that was an indication for me to continue. I developed a pattern; a little lick, a kiss, then repeat, and every time I was greeted by the sound of a small gasp or moan from her, and I was glad to see that she was enjoying it.

"Do you like this Fluttershy?" I asked in that seductive voice, looking at her. Her face was...adorable. She was blushing so much, some of the blood went above her nose, it made a streak across her face. She was panting slightly from my actions, and she had that look of ecstasy on her face.

"Y...Yes...please...c-continue..." I was glad she was finally warming up to the situation. I smirked.

"Aw...you look so cute when you blush Fluttershy..." She looked at me, her eyes half closed. I gave her cheek a little lick, and she gasped at the feeling.

"Mmm...so warm..." She blushed even more. Her face was so red, it was like the color of beets. I went back down to her neck and continued with my playing. I loved to hear her moan in pleasure. It was really...turning me on, in a way I've never felt before. I went a little bit faster, licking and kissing any spot of her neck that I could. I think I was going a little too fast, because I heard her shout...

"R-Rainbow Dash! Ah! W-Wait! Mnnnnn....t-too f-f-fast!" She cried.

I stopped. That was the loudest I had ever heard her.

"Huh? What's wrong?" I asked.

She was panting fast and hard, just from the mirage of licks and kisses. There was some sweat on her face, a little on her body, and her hair was shagged up a bit.

"T...Too...fast...Rainbow...I'm sorry...I just--"

I realized my mistake, and I felt bad. I never wanted to make her feel uncomfortable. I sighed.

"No, don't be. It was my fault. I...got a little carried away..." I blushed.

"Oh...heh...um...c-can you please...continue, just..." She looked down for a moment. Gosh...she is so cute..."Just...can you go a l-little slower? I'm...you know--"

"Of course Flutters." She smiled at me. She was so happy that I was so understanding of her feelings. Most people weren't...

I continued with her neck for a little while longer, going slow like before, savoring her flavors. Her sweat was sweet on my tongue, and her seemingly louder moans and gasps were even sweeter. She even ahem, yelled my name once.

"Oh...ah, Rainbow...nhhh..."

I closed my eyes. I was starting to lose to my inner longings, to just have my merry way with her, but I couldn't do that. Never. I had to be gentle, like I promised, but it was hard to restrain. I could feel her heat on my body, I could hear her little gasps and moans, I could taste the soft sweat on her fur. It was all mixing together, and by Celestia, it feel pretty damn good.

"Ah...Rainbow! St-stop, nhhhhaaa...too sensitive! Ohhhh..." She moaned.

I removed my tongue from her neck, sitting back down on my normal spot. I watched her in passion, as she breathed, gasped and panted for air, covering her face to hide her red cheeks. She was shaking a little, this time I knew, not from nervousness. I was panting a bit myself. All my actions were heating me up, and she was as well. I almost had to stop short, it was getting so hot. I crawled up her and planted a small kiss on her lips, and she gladly accepted it, my right hoof touching her left.. I inserted my tongue at one point, and she was a bit surprised at first, but she let it in, and eventually, we were tongue dancing the night away. Well, exaggerations. Defiantly not that long.

This time, I pulled away to get some air. We looked in each other eyes, seeing the obvious passion, and now lust, that was in them. It was time.

"Rainbow..." She breathed.

"Fluttershy..." I said with little breath.

I knew that when she said my name, the hidden meaning behind it was "go." I started kissing every inch of yellow fur that I could find, going lower and lower, my lust for love driving me to the brink. I was still gentle, but...there were no promise that I could stay that way. Fluttershy gave me reassuring gasps and moans, and as I went lower, they were getting louder. I drove my snout into her fur, sniffing deep, taking in the glorious scents of my lover. She smelled so good...I sighed deeply, my lust even higher after my action. I continued south, nearing her nether regions. Her breathing quickened even more when I approached there. I looked at her for the signal to proceed. She shuddered and gulped.

"P-Please...do it..." She said, trying to hold back her obvious needs. She yearned for that feeling, and now she was going to get it...

I licked my lips in anticipation...This is going to be wonderful...I thought, as I took a breath and pushed my muzzle forward--

I gasped and shot up, the pain in my body still haunting me. I was panting hard, sweating like crazy, and I was burning up. I laid back down immediately, trying to reduce this stupid pain. I looked to my side. Fluttershy was still sleeping soundly, even though she had fallen off my body. I was slightly surprised, but at the same time, I wasn't. She had worked herself to the breaking point today. She could probably sleep through a thunderstorm...okay, maybe not...

I put my hooves over my face. What is wrong with me? That dream...agh! I'm so perverted! I never thought I would have a dream like that! Stupid inner urges...

I sighed, closing my eyes. I wrapped my good wing around Fluttershy, pushing her head back under mine, her body snuggled into my own. I smiled at her. She looked absolutely beautiful when she slept. She looked...peaceful. It was sad that this was the only time that she could be peaceful...a time when she wasn't awake. I knew one thing, that needed to change soon, and I knew, that she was the only persn who could do it. She just needed to face her fears, stand up to the people that have shunned her, and--

I would've thought longer, but I fell asleep.

Author's Note

Chapter 7. Rainbow Dash has a pretty steamy dream about her and her best friend, but wakes up before the...'best' part can begin.

Chapter 8- A Day Without A Rainbow

Chapter 8-A Day Without A Rainbow

I slowly opened my heavy eyes. Ugh, I did not want to get up today. I wanna just sleep the day away. I guess I could, since I ain't going to school! Not today at least. My body still hurt, and it would take a while for my wing to fully heal. I looked down to my side and I smiled.

She is...so beautiful...ahh, why can't anyone else see that? I thought.

The little yellow body stirred next to me, and a moment later, she opened her eyes, revealing those seas of blue. She looked up at me and smiled.

"Morning sunshine." I said. She kinda did look like sunshine, with that yellow fur.

"Good morning Rainbow..." She yawned. "Mmm...I feel refreshed." She said with a smile.

"You should. I mean, after all that you've done for me, you deserve a good nights sleep." I paused. "I certainly didn't get one..." I said, disappointment in my voice.

"Why not Rainbow?" She asked, stretching.

"Well, I--" I stared at her when she wasn't looking. I couldn't take my eyes off of her for a minute, it was just...the way she was stretching, her long pink hair flowing down her back. I had to shake myself from my trance, before she got suspicious.

"Uh, well...I woke up in the middle of the night from this fan--" I shut my mouth tight.

"What was that Rainbow? I couldn't really hear you." She said.

Oh man! I almost gave away my secret! I need to be more careful of my words...

"I uh...had a bad dream, is all. It wasn't too bad though, just startling." I said with a shrug.

"Oh, okay. I was hoping it wasn't bad, and I'm glad it wasn't." She smiled at me, a bright morning smile. I chuckled.

"Yeah, thanks." I tried to move a little bit. I was able to move my limbs now. The pain wasn't as excruciating, but it was still very painful. I just thought of something as well...

Oh, wait...she has to go to school without me. I'm...really worried about her now...

"Fluttershy, um...I'm not going to school today...you know that right?" I asked.

"Oh yes, I understand. I bet your still in some pain. Don't worry Rainbow, I'll be fine." She said with confidence. I gave her a soft smile, but as she walked out to get some breakfast, there was something in my mind telling me that she wasn't as confident as she sounded. Maybe she was hoping for something good today, but...I had a feeling that it wasn't gonna happen...

After she was done with breakfast, she came in to give me one last goodbye.

"Okay Rainbow...um...I hope you feel better today..." She already seemed a little down. I could see why. This was the first day that I wouldn't be there with her. I sighed.

"Thanks Fluttershy...and--"

She gave me a big hug. I returned it, not knowing what else to do.

"I'll be okay Rainbow...promise..." She unwrapped her hooves and headed for the door.

"Bye Rainbow..." She waved.

"Bye, Flutters..."

She flew off very slowly, still trying to practice her main balance with her wings.

I lowered my head, thinking about those words.

"I'll be okay Rainbow...promise..."

I looked at the opening.

"Don't make promises you can't keep, Fluttershy..." I said to myself.

Chapter 9- Worried

Chapter 9-Worried

For the whole day, I turned and shifted in my bed, not being able to sleep. Usually, I would've slept the whole day way, but I couldn't. I was so worried about Fluttershy, and I had so many thoughts in my head of what may happen without her protector around. I groaned. holding my head in my hooves.

She's all alone today, I'm not there...something is going to happen to her, I just know it, and I won't be there to help her...dammit, why did I have to get in a fight now?

But there was the other side of my thoughts...

Maybe she won't. Maybe, she'll finally face her fears and stand up to those guys! Then, she'll come home all happy from her accomplishments. I can't wait to see the day when she does...

I was still very unsure about that one. It was a small sliver of hope, that was about it. I sighed.

"Oh Fluttershy...when will you face them? When? You can't live like this forever..."

I slowly found my eyes drooping. Yes! I thought. Finally some sleep! I chuckled to myself, thinking about the day that she could stand up to them...that would be the best day ever. I feel asleep shortly after that thought.

When I awoke again, I could see that about 3 hours had gone by. Awesome. I needed that. I slowly and carefully stretched my limbs, trying not to cause any pain. I did feel a lot better. I probably just needed the sleep, including the fact that I didn't get much sleep last night...damn fantasy...hm...I guess it wasn't...that bad...

I slapped myself. What are you thinking Rainbow Dash? Of course it was bad! I should've never had that dream...

I heard the sound of blowing wind at the entrance. I knew who it was.

"Fluttershy? Is that you?" I asked.

She didn't answer. I tried to get a better look from the doorway.

"Fluttershy?" I tried again.

I saw her a moment later. I was relieved to see that there weren't any marks on her body. She stood in the doorway.

"There you are Flutters. How did your day go? Did anything happen? Did they hurt you, because if they did, I'll give them a piece of my mind!" I ground my hooves together.

She didn't answer. She didn't even look at me. From my POV, I could see tears streaking down her face, staining her cheeks. She sniffed. All my happiness just went away. Why was she crying?

"Fluttershy? Are you okay? Why are you crying?" I asked, concerned.

She still didn't answer. She just wiped her face and said,

"I...I just...need to be alone, for a while..." She headed for her room.

I looked on at her. What happened? Why was she acting like this?

"Fluttershy, wait! What happened? Please tell me!"

She sniffed, some tears hitting the cloud ground. "I...I'm sorry Rainbow...just please...let me be..." She entered her room, and shut the door behind her without another word.

I stared at the door for countless moments, thoughts running through my head.

What did they do to her? What? Why was she being so secretive? Why did she tell me...sorry?

Despite my urge to walk in and talk to her, I had to respect her privacy.

Play it cool Rainbow...you'll get to talk to her later.

I had been worried like hell before this, now, I was even more worried! She usually would speak to me about anything that happened in the days at school. This time, she was silent. Why? I lay my head back down on my could pillow, closing my eyes, but not being able to sleep.

Chapter 10- Feeling A Change

Chapter 10-Feeling A Change

I slowly opened the door to Fluttershy's room, and I was saddened by the first sound that came to my ears...

Crying.

How long had she been at it? Knowing Fluttershy, probably for the whole two hours. I couldn't see much, the room was dark, as if it was nighttime. I reached her bed, and I sighed in sadness. She was curled up, her pink tail in her hooves, alone...in the dark. This couldn't have been a more depressing sight. I sat down on it, she wasn't facing me.

"Fluttershy...it's been two hours. I know you said you needed some time alone but, I...I need to talk to you about this..."

She wiped her eyes with her tail, making it a darker shade of pink from the wetness.

"Okay..." I could barley even hear her. She still didn't look at me.

I sighed. "Fluttershy, what happened at school today? Why aren't you telling me anything? You can tell me, absolutely anything that you need, and I'll be there to help. I'm just worried about you Flutters..."

She sat up on the bed, finally facing my direction. Her eyes were red, her cheeks were stained in tears, just like earlier. I hated to see her cry...

"Well...for one thing...I was...happy that, nobody hurt me...I almost thought that...someone would, cause I was without you..." She paused. "Um...it's just...sniff...something that he said today...that...m-made me..." She stopped.

"What? Made you what?" I asked.

"Made me think...Rainbow...and...h-he makes a good point...for once..." Her voice was shaky.

"Fluttershy, what did he tell you?" I needed an answer now, for I was turning angry. He's corrupting her mind with false words again, I hate that colt!

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

"Tell me!" I almost yelled. I didn't mean to, but I was so angry inside. i just wanted to hear what kind of bullshit he put into her mind this time.

She stared at me, not saying a word. Finally, after countless tense moments, she spoke.

"He said that...if I wasn't such a coward, then you wouldn't have gotten hurt! Rainbow, it should've been me, but I-I couldn't stand up for m-myself! I'm sorry! He said he would've let it go if I had just taken the fall, but I let you take it! I'm so sorry! I'm sorry I'm such a coward! None of this w-would've happened if I hadn't been so scared! If I had j-just stood up for myself, we'd be fine and you wouldn't b-be injured! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" She put her head in my shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.

I had no words. Some of it was a lie, he still probably would've beaten me up anyway, but...Fluttershy was right. If she had stopped him, and fought back, I wouldn't be here with a broken wing, a slightly blackened eye, and a ton of pain. Maybe she finally learned something...maybe next time, she can use this knowledge.

"No no Fluttershy..." I hugged her softly. "It shouldn't have been anyone...that should have never happened..."

"Rainbow...I-I'm sorry, for being such...such a c-coward...I shouldn't have let you d-down..."

"Aw...come on Fluttershy, don't say things like that..."

Maybe that wasn't the right thing to say at this exact moment, but I hated to see her in this state, so sad, so depressed. I just wanted to cheer her up. To me, a sad Fluttershy, was the worst possible thing in the world, even worse than not being able to complete a Sonic Rainboom. Fluttershy was usually very happy, except of late, when these things started happening.

"No, they're right...I am just...a coward...I...I can barley even....s-speak to anyone...without...without..." She continued to sob in my fur. I could feel her damp tears soaking the soft substance. I looked down at her sadly. I wanted so much to cry with her, but, for some reason, I couldn't. Maybe it was that mindset of being too cool for crying. I sometimes wanted to get rid of that mindset all together, just for moments like these. All I could do, was give her a soft hug and soothing words.

"Hey, don't cry Fluttershy..." I didn't mind. In fact, I would prefer her to cry, to let all the emotions run out with her tears. Something tells me though, that some of those emotions stayed inside. "Your an amazing pony Fluttershy, believe me. Don't listen to what those other ponies say. They're just trying to make you feel like you don't belong, like your out of place, but I know for a fact, that you belong here, and you always will. Never forget that..."

She deserved every word of it...they couldn't see how amazing she was...

"T-Thank you, R-Rainbow Dash...you...you a-always know what t-to say..." She nuzzled her head deeper in my shoulder. It must have been comfy. I smiled at her. I'm glad I could at least stop her crying. I also didn't want to bring the subject back up, but it was time for a change. Something needed to happen, something that would change her life forever, and she was the only person that could do it...

I took a deep breath and grew serious.

"Fluttershy, tomorrow, when you go to school, I need you to do something for me, and mostly, for yourself."

She gave me a look. "W-What is it?"

"If anyone, including that one di--colt starts bullying you...you have to stand up to them."

Her face grew pale. "Oh, um...b-but Rainbow--"

"But nothing Fluttershy, I'm being serious. You want this to stop don't you?" I asked.

"Um...well, yes, but I don;t know if--"

"Than you have to be the one to stop it! I'm not going to be there every time you get into a situation like that. You have to learn to fend for yourself." I shifted closer to her. "You have to face your fears and stop this Fluttershy...I can see that it's tearing you apart inside, I can see it! It's...it's tearing me apart to..." I paused, holding on my tears. Damn...

"But Rainbow...I'm...I'm always so s-scared when I have to face them...I tense up and...I'm n-never able to--"

"Fluttershy, listen to me...I know your scared, I know what they've done to you, I understand why your afraid of them, but you have to stick up to them, tell them that you don't like what they're doing, and, I know you might not do this, but if your angry, tell them off! Tell them that they don't push you around! Tell them you don't like being bullied, and I guarantee you...if your confident and strong enough, they will stop. You just have to try Fluttershy..." I lowered my voice. "Please...do it for the both of us...but mostly, do it for yourself." I said.

She stared at me for a moment, surprised at my sudden rant. She lowered her head and contemplated the consequences.

"Do you really want them to do to you what they do to me Fluttershy?" I asked.

That did it. She took a breath, and said.

"Okay Rainbow...I'll try."

I was delighted by the answer. A change was coming, I could feel it.

"Good Fluttershy...good." I gave her hair a stroke. I could almost hear her purr like a cat, which would've been weird...

I had a sudden idea. "Fluttershy, I know this isn't like, your personality type but...what was the thing that made you the angriest, at any point in your life?" I asked.

She looked up at me. "Oh well, yes, I don't usually get angry but...when, when they beat you up, I was so mad...I wanted to scream to the ceiling...but that isn't me Rainbow..." She sighed.

I rubbed my chin with my hoof. "Hm...Fluttershy...I have an idea, and I think it will help you tomorrow...listen here..." I put my mouth up to her ear, telling her of my plan...

Chapter 11- Fluttershy Wins

Chapter 11-Fluttershy Wins

I was able to move myself onto the couch this time, so I could channel search. I was still in some pain, but it was slowly going away. At least I could actually move freely now without causing much pain in my limbs. My wing was still broke, and it would be like that until it fixed itself...wait, was that how it worked? Meh...

I was click click clicking away at the remote, when all of a sudden, I thought I could hear someone calling my name...

"Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash!"

It was coming from outside. I looked behind my couch to the opening, and I couldn't see anything. A moment later, I saw the familiar shape of Fluttershy, and she was flying straight at the opening. She seemed extremely happy.

"Rainbow! RianboooooAHHH!!!"

She fell into the opening, bouncing a couple of times on the cloud, until she stopped right in front of the couch. I wonder if she had little birds flying around her head, like in the cartoons. She did take quite a few bounces. I'm glad clouds are soft...

She shook herself and looked a me, a wide smile on her face.

"Why so happy Flutters?" I asked.

"Rainbow, you won't believe it! You won't! I never thought the day would come when this would happen!" She squealed.

"Whoa whoa, slow down Fluttershy!" In my mind, I was jumping with her, because I had a feeling of what she was about to say..."Just tell me what happened." I said calmly.

She sat down next to me. "Well, it all started earlier today at school. I was a little sad, because I was being made fun of with that whole Fluttershy can't really fly rant..." She blushed. "I...um, almost crashed through a window, and everybody saw. Anyway, I was just walking along, when that jerk that beat you up knocked me to the ground."

I sighed in annoyance. "Not him again..." Dick. I thought.

"Yeah, and he started making fun of me as well, saying a few other mean comments, and in that moment, I was scared again, I was being made fun of...which I hated the most, but...I had a flashback right there, of when he beat you up, and all the kicking and punching and your screams of pain, they all made noises in my head, and in that moment Rainbow...I did something I had never done before..."

I was a little saddened by all this, but when she told me about the flashback, I nearly lost it...for good reason...

"What did you do Fluttershy?" I asked, anticipating the answer.

"Rainbow...I lost it. I lost my cool! It was like a boiling pot of tea, the one that when the steam starts to rise, it makes a hissing sound, and finally, if you don't take care of it, it will pop. I went off Rainbow! I stood up to him, and I told him off, and I told him to never mess with me again! Rainbow...he actually seemed quite frightened of my sudden courage. It was...it was the most amazing moment of my life! And he said that he wouldn't, he would leave me alone from now on. He even said he was sorry, but I know he didn't mean it. Rainbow...he was scared, of me. Of little, yellow, cowardly, silent Fluttershy. All the kids were silent. It's like they had just seen a daring stunt that was never preformed before because it was too dangerous. I felt like flying halfway across Equestria! It felt so good to get that off my chest! I'm so happy!"

Ho...ly...crap! My plan worked! She had the flashback when I was beaten, and that spawned her inner anger! She...she did it! She did it!

"I...I can't believe it Fluttershy...you did it. You did it!"

"I did! I did!"

We gave each other a big hug, shouting and screaming in joy. It was done, she had stood up to that clown and told him off, something that she thought she would never do...but she did, and now, she didn't have to worry about him anymore. I was so happy for her, she could be free. She was released from this prison.

She surprised me in that moment, when she wrapped her hooves around me and took flight, carrying both of our weights into the open blue. It felt amazing, to say the least. I had missed the cool wind on my face, the rays of sun on my body, and just the sensation of flight. Fluttershy flew straight up for a little, until doing a nosedive, but not a big one. It felt so good to be back out again, even if it wasn't my own wings working their magic. I closed my eyes, enjoying the sensations of it all, the adrenaline, the steady speed, the wind, the clouds...her soft fur. She finally landed at my house again, both of us panting from the sky-ride. I smiled at her, and she smiled at me.

"You've made a huge jump in your life Fluttershy...I'm so proud of you." Jeez...I sound like a parent.

She blushed. "Thank you Rainbow..." She gave me another small hug.

"Thank you for everything."

I hugged her back. What a change it would be on her life, to be freed from this burden. I didn't think anything bad would happen to her again, but that changed one day, and it would be a day I would never forget...

Chapter 12- Free Falling

Chapter 12-Free Falling

For the next couple of weeks, Fluttershy was happy, energetic, and just back to her old self. I was happy as well, for I found out my wing hadn't been broken, only slightly fractured. My dad said it would heal in no time, and that it did. A week later I was back with Fluttershy at school, the dynamic duo! I obviously, the more dynamic one. School was actually fun for once, now that Fluttershy had gotten that jerk off her back. She seemed to be paying more attention in her classes as well. There were so many improvements and upsides to all this, and it just made her happier and happier. I loved to see her in this state. It was bliss, because she hadn't been like this in over a year. I almost wanted to cry at that fact, but I couldn't. Too much goodness was happening to cry.

One day, however, things changed in a literal blink of an eye. The signal had sprung for the end of the school day, and Fluttershy and I were flying to my place, for another little sleepover. We talked along the flight.

"Rainbow, did you see? I aced the last quiz!" She said excitedly.

"Wow, nice job Flutters! I did...well, decent. A 77 percent isn't bad." I shrugged.

"Oh Rainbow, we need to study together more often." She giggled. "That's what you said the last time you got a 70 percent."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah yeah..."

"It's okay though. It really isn't bad, compared to some ponies. Some ponies just ditch class and stuff." She said.

I smiled. "That's true! At least I'm doing better than them!" I did a loop in the air. Fluttershy started laughing.

"Oh Rainbow, haha! Just because your better than the ponies that don't even come to school, doesn't mean that--"

"LOOK OUT!!!" Someone yelled.

We didn't even have time to react. I heard a loud thud, then when I looked, some kid was rubbing his head in pain. I looked around for Fluttershy. She had disappeared. I looked down...my heart sunk. She was falling straight down, and she wasn't even attempting to move.

My heart started pumping fast. "No no NO!!!" I swooped down, going as fast as I could possibly fly. She was free falling at a great speed, and I almost couldn't keep up. I strained and strained to go faster, even though I was already losing my energy. It almost felt like I was about to do a Sonic Rainboom right there, I was going so fast. Through my lightly slit eyes, I could see patches of green on the ground below. They widened at this. She was close to the ground. I flew faster than I could've imagined, my will saying no, my love for the beautiful yellow mare saying yes! I closed my eyes, and I caught her in my hooves, hugging her tightly, swooping up to avoid the ground. I opened my eyes, and she was in my arms. I slowed my flight down, nearly collapsing from exhaustion. I looked over her body, panting from the trip. Her nose looked broken, and there was blood on multiple spots of her face. She wasn't moving. I started panicking.

"Oh no, oh no...F-Fluttershy, wake up...wake up!"

I took her body and swooped back up at full speed, heading to the Ponyville Hospital. I was already tired, I felt like I was going to break, but I couldn't, not yet. My heart felt like it was going to explode, I couldn't handle it. The adrenaline rush was more than I had ever felt. I was losing speed, I had to go on, had to go on! I held her tighter than ever, and I crashed through the front doors. I could hear some shouts from the doctors, nurses and the awaiting ponies. They circled us.

I was panting harder than ever before. My heart was beating so fast, I thought it was going to pop out of my chest! I looked down for a split second...she was still here, in my hooves. I looked up to the people watching.

"Please...help...her..." Everything went black.

Chapter 13- She Needs Me

Chapter 13-She Needs Me

I awoke wearily, not knowing were I was, or what had happened. I was moving on something, through a dimly lit hallway, and there were ponies dressed in white coats and masks all around me, saying many words that I couldn't hear. I looked around slowly, trying to get a view of what was happening, and I saw Fluttershy, so still, so pale. I wanted to reach out and touch her hoof, which was lying limply at her side. I couldn't reach her. She was moving with me, but she was too far away.

"Fluttershy..." I whispered while reaching. These people didn't even notice that I was doing so, they were too busy with there own things. I reached further, but I was already growing tired.

"Fluttershy...Flutter...F...Flutter...shy..."

When I awoke, I was in a small hospital room, on the small hospital bed. I blinked multiple times, trying to get my sight back. What had happened, and more importantly, what was that vision in my head all about? I looked around. There was no major equipment in my room, and I was hooked up to any machines...thank Celestia. Why was I here though? I wasn't the one that had gotten hurt.

Fluttershy was the one that got hurt, she should be the one they take care--

It hit me like a speeding bullet. Fluttershy! I have to find her! I threw the cover off and I jumped to the floor, but I immediately groaned and fell. My back left leg hurt like hell, and I didn't know why. I tried to pick myself up, but it occurred to me that I couldn't do that either. It's like all my energy had been pulled out of my body. Even if I tried to stand, I wouldn't be able too. I lay there on the stone cold floor for many minutes, thinking about Fluttershy...

I'm so worried...I hope she's okay. Why did that kid have to be going so dang fast? This shoudl've been easily avoided...'sigh', I guess it's a little ironic that right after this stuff stops happening, she ends up in the hospital. I just hope that hit didn't do much damage to her--

"What are you doing on the ground?" Someone asked.

"Huh?" I drifted out of my thoughts. "Who's there?" I asked.

He helped me up. It was one of the doctors. At first sight, I wouldn't have expected him to be a doctor. The white cloak gave it away. He seemed really young, like, 19 or 20. I stared at him.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"Uh...yeah, I'm fine. Agh, what happened?"

"You crashed through the doors carrying some other pony in your hooves. You both didn't look so well." He stopped. "She was defiantly worse than you, in fact, you didn't really seem to have anything wrong with you until we ran some tests and, well, you suffered a mild injury."

"Injury? But I was fine! I was just tired!"

He led me back over to the bed. "Yes but, when we ran the tests, we seemed to have discovered something with your leg. You pulled a muscle in it no doubt, that's why your here."

"But, I wasn't even hurt before I crashed through the doors, I was just tired!" A pulled muscle? How did that happen? I barley even use my legs!

"Our only theory is that you pulled something when you crashed." He paused. "You did have quite a rough landing, by the way."

I put my head in my hooves. "Ah, why this? Why now?! Everything was working so well...then, this happens." I sighed.

He raised his eyebrows at me. "Yes well, I realized that I never properly introduced myself back there, and you gave me quite a weird look when you saw me. Didn't expect a stallion this young working in the field did you?" He chuckled. "Anyway, I'm Doctor Hooves, a specialist in working with little filly's like yourself. I was, pretty much the only one they could find that had enough experience to work with two Peggasi fillies. To be quite honest, we don't get many Peggasi in the Ponyville Hospital." He walked towards the counter at the back of the room. "When I saw you crash in with that other Pegasus, no one knew what had happened, but I took immediate action. I knew I was going to be the one to look over you both. I must say, I'm glad you got here as soon as you did. The other one didn't look so good..." He poured himself a cup of water.

"Other one...oh no...Is she okay?" I nearly rose out of my seat, but my energy was still gone.

"Yes, um...Fluttershy, is it?" He asked. I nodded. "She was in pretty bad shape when you both arrived. We took you both in at the same time, but we mostly focused on her, because we feared with all the blood coming out of her nose that, it might have been broken. Thankfully though, it was not...but we did discover something else, something much worse than a broken nose..." He took a drink.

"What? What happened to her? Please, tell me!"

He sighed. "From the tests that we received, well, Fluttershy suffered...a concussion, and not just a mild one."

I gasped. "Oh no...is a concussion a...b-bad thing?" I asked. I really had no clue what a concussion was, but it didn't sound good.

"Well, a concussion occurs when, something fast, or heavy causes a pony to be knocked out almost instantly, or in some cases, instantly. It's a devastating blow to the head that causes brain trauma, such as dizziness, trouble thinking, or memory problems, just to name a few. Sometimes, a concussion can be very serious, because it could cause, permanent brain damage. I've seen a few ponies that have suffered concussions like that...not pretty."

This nearly blew my heart out of my chest. "Oh no...is...is she okay? Please tell me she's okay doctor..." I was almost in tears.

"The concussion she suffered was pretty sever. She never woke up, and usually, mild concussions only cause temporary unconsciousness, but when she didn't wake up after the tests, we knew it was more serious--"

"Just tell me if she's okay! Please!" I yelled, tears in my eyes. I didn't want to hear his explanation, I just wanted to hear the actual important thing.

He stopped for a moment, a little taken aback by my sudden yelling. "Well, we were worried that it would be something more serious, but thankfully, her concussion was not as bad as the one I just described." I made a sigh of relief. "But, just note that it isn't a mild one either. It's in the middle of both, so she may not remember anything that happened, just warning you."

I sniffed. That is not what I wanted to hear but...I was just glad that the concussion hadn't done serious damage to her brain. It gave me that sense of relief, but, at the same time, I needed to be positively sure that she was fine. I wasn't convinced.

"Now, about that leg of yours, did you have any trouble with--"

"I need to see her..." I tried to climb out of my bed, to no avail. I wouldn't stop. I tried again...

"Whoa whoa Rainbow Dash, where do you think your going?" He asked, trying to push me back down.

"I need to make sure she's okay..."

"I assure you, she's fine. She just needs some rest."

"No, I need to see her...please..."

"I'm not allowed to let anyone in her room right now, not until tomorrow. You can see her then--"

"No! I need to see her now! Please!" I begged, trying to push myself up. I didn't care if I had to crawl all the way to her room, I would do anything to be with her right now.

He got in my face, whispering. "I would let you see her right now, but due to the circumstances and the nature of her injury, no one is allowed into her room until tomorrow, during visiting hours. I'm sorry--"

"I don't want your sorry's! I just want to be with her! She needs me!"

"I'm sorry! There's nothing I can do right now."

"I'm her best friend! I need to be with her!" I tried and tried.

"I understand that Rainbow Dash, but I'm under oath to follow my orders--"

"You don't understand!" I paused, sinking back down into my bed. "You don't understand...the things she's gone through...these last couple of months..." I started to cry again. "You don't understand...the hell that she has been through...you don't...you didn't see it, but I did...I saw it all...I saw when she was picked on...I saw when she cried...I saw when she was nearly choked and hit by a bully..." I sniffed. "I was there...when s-she needed me most...I promised h-her that I would a-always be there in her darkest hours..." I almost broke down and bawled right there. "I-I need to k-keep that promise...I n-need too...she's alone i-in a dark room...with no one t-to help her...she...s-she cries when she's alone..." I recited the lyric. "She hates being alone...s-she hates it...I hate it...and I can't stand to sit h-here...and not be there with her..." I paused. "D-Do you understand? Are y-you listening? She needs me! I need h-her! She's alone, and s-she needs someone to care f-for her...she needs me...her b-best friend, to care for her..." I started sobbing even more, my words becoming a stutter by the tears. "S-she feels s-s-safe with me...s-she feels safe w-with her Rainbow D-Dash...she feels s-safe...s-safe..." I couldn't hold it back. I started crying and crying, and I couldn't stop. All my emotions of fear, sadness, hate, worry, had all washed over me in that moment, and it was too overwhelming. I hoped he listened to anything I said.

He was speechless. He stared at me contently for many moments, watching me cry my emotions out, thinking about his own thoughts. It seemed to have pained him a little bit after listening to my story. He thought for a moment more...

"W-Well?" I wiped some tears away, though still crying. "Are you just g-going to stand there, or let m-me see the person I care a-about?" I asked, half sad, half angry.

He was about to speak, but instead, he sighed.

"I see that you care about her Rainbow Dash, more than any pony I could have possibly imagined." He looked down. "And...I understand. I went through the same thing when I was your age. My best friend, was always picked on, and it eventually got to that point of, change...or death." My heart stopped when he said that. He sighed again. "And...it's against my own good will to deny a friendship. I can see you two really care for each other. I can sense the strong relationship between you both share...I can't deny that. I can't. It wouldn't be...me if I did that. I would seem like a heartless brute..." He nodded. "Okay...I'll let you see her." He made his final decision.

I smiled, tears still fresh in my eyes. I wanted to hug him tightly right there.

"Thank you...t-thank you...you...you don't realize how m-much this is going to change her life...w-with me just being there...trust me..."

"I get it. Come on, hop on my back, if you can. Your probably still not ready to be moving around on your own yet..."

I climbed on to his back, a little awkwardly, so not to hurt my bad leg. I wrapped my good hooves around him, so I wouldn't fall.

"Got it? Alright. Let's go Rainbow Dash..." He walked out the door. I looked down and smiled at him again. He was my hero right now...in a time when I needed it most. I'm glad he understood her pain, and mine. I'm glad he wasn't heartless like the rest of them.To me, his heart was pure gold.

Chapter 14- Angel Of The Night

Chapter 14-Angel Of The Night

We finally reached the room. I had to wonder why it was so far away. We should've been closer...He spoke a warning before we entered.

"Now Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy is out cold right now, she is in a very delicate state, just remember that. Don't try to wake her up, just let her rest. That's what she needs right now. If she does wake up, don't scare her, for that may cause further trauma. I'm going to let you in there for a little while, but when I come back, that's when you have to leave. You have one hour. That should be enough time...I'm feeling very generous." He smiled. "You words touched deep, I must say. I have never seen someone so determined to make a young pony happy...except myself, but that's a different story."

I smiled at him, but it soon faded when he opened the door. I couldn't see a whole lot, mostly just outlines of some random things..and the bed. I looked over to it. I could see a small figure in it. My heart stopped. He walked over, still carrying me on his back. I almost didn't want to see her condition. I clutched him tighter. It was a weird scene; she was there, on the bed, out cold, and their was a chair waiting right by her bed. It's almost as if someone expected me to come in. It was really surreal. He helped me onto the chair. I was close enough now to get a further look at Fluttershy. I gasped.

"Remember, one hour." He said from the door. I looked behind me. How did he get there so fast? I nodded and he closed the door, leaving us in the dark room. The only light was from the window, where the moon shone high in the sky. I stared down at her. I was already almost in tears. There was a bandage wrapped around her forehead, and there was one on her nose. She seemed unusually pale; Her pink mane had less color than usual, and even her yellow fur seemed more white than yellow. I leaned over, my head on the plastic railing that surrounded the bed, and I began to cry. My thoughts of everything that had happened had washed over me in one long flashback, starting with the bad. I could see it all in my head; the first time she cried, that time in the bathroom, when she nearly got hit by the bully, when she came home and left herself secluded in a dark room, when she woke from her nightmare and cried hysterically in my fur...when she nearly fell to her death. They all came rushing at my brain, and I couldn't stop them. I didn't want to think right now. I just wanted to turn my brain off for one second, just one. I looked up again. I wondered if I could do something...even with my damaged leg...

I picked myself off the chair, using my three good legs for support, and I slowly climbed over and into her bed, very carefully, so I didn't fall and wake her, or more importantly, accidentally hurt her in some way. I was in the bed. I noticed that it was the perfect size for the two of us. I slowly lay down beside her, and I snuggled my cheek into her warm, soft fur. I blushed from the sudden feeling. Her fur may not have it's usual bright color, but it was still as soft and warm as ever. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, this time, thinking off the good times that we shared as friends. Our sleepovers were always fun, and, it always made us both feel good when I cheered her up, and the time when she first flew fast...for me, and when she came home that one day and told me that she had done it, the thing that she never thought she would do in her entire life...be brave, and then she flew, high into the sky, doing twirls and nosedives, that reminded me off...me, and for the last couple of months, she's been happy, she's been thinking, she's been working...she's been Fluttershy.

I opened my eyes and I smiled. I looked at Fluttershy again, still out. I sighed and nuzzled my body closer to hers, laying my head on her chest, wrapping my hooves tightly around her. I could feel her soft breaths, hear her steady heartbeat. It was magic to my senses. I closed my eyes again, sighing and relaxing on her soft fur.

She's going to be fine, but I'm not leaving her anyway. She needs me now, more than ever, and I need her now, more than ever. I would be her angel of the night, protecting her in her sleep. I like the sound of that...I like...

I fell asleep before I could finish my thought.

A couple minutes later, the door opened, and Doctor Hooves came inside.

"Alright Rainbow Dash, your hours up. Time to--"

He could see her on the bed, her hooves wrapped tightly around the patients body. Normally, he would've waken her up or carried her back to her room, but these were different circumstances. He knew what was happening, and he didn't want to interfere with another pony's determined work. He smiled, and silently closed the door without any words.

Chapter 15- One Small Spark, One Big Wildfire

Chapter 15-One Small Spark, One Big Wildfire

I slowly opened my heavy eyes, immediately feeling the softness of my beautiful friend. I smiled silently from it, sighing as I brought my head up. I stared at her again, seeing if anything had changed. She was still asleep, she hadn't moved. How could she? I would have noticed anyway. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes again, letting the softness and warmth of her fur steal my senses. It made me feel sleepy, even though I just woke up...

"Have a nice sleep there?"

That startled me. I nearly jumped off the bed when I heard that voice. I looked over to the door...it was only Doctor Hooves.

"Oh. It's, just you. Um...yeah..." I yawned. "I did."

It occurred to me in that moment, that I made a mistake last night. I was only supposed to be in the room for an hour...

"Oh, I'm sorry...I just realized, I shouldn't have--"

He put his hoof on my shoulder. I looked up at him.

"Don't worry about it. I was contemplating weather to let you stay or not, but due to the circumstances, and your inspiring words, I let you stay. I could have easily taken you out and put you back in your room, but I didn't, because she needs a friend with her right now." He smiled.

The respect I had for him was rising greatly with each word and each action. I couldn't have thanked him enough if I wanted too.

"Thank you. I really appreciate it." I looked back at Fluttershy's still body. "And I know she does, too." I sighed sadly.

He nodded. "I'll leave you alone with her for a little while. I need to take my coffee break." He was at the door, but he turned back around. "I'll get you some breakfast, and I'll leave some for her as well, in case she wakes up." He left at that. I stared at the door's opening for a little while, thinking. I turned back to Fluttershy, still here, still not moving. I sighed and lay my body beside hers, my hoof on her chest, stroking her soft yellow fur. I closed my eyes, thinking only two words.

Wake up...

That's all I wanted right now. I wanted to see those deep blue eyes open and shining. I wanted to feel her moving, even if it is only a slight shift.

Wake up...please...

I almost couldn't take it. I just wanted to see her here, with me, her head nuzzled into my fur like old times. I had a little flashback of when she had the nightmare, and she cried and cried and cried for minutes on end in my fur, her body shaking from the terrible visions, and all I could do, was stroke her pink mane and give her calming words. She always seemed to like those words, and the way I stroked her soft mane. I wanted to feel it again...I reached my hoof up, and I slowly let it down, and I sighed from the softness that came next. I smiled as I began to stroke it. It felt exactly the same. For some reason, I felt tears welling up in my eyes. Where did they come from? Was it the memory of that night, and the pain that came along with it? I didn't know, but soon my silent tears were falling on her luscious pink hair. I sniffed, trying to hold them back. It wasn't a time to cry...was it?

Look at her...look at her condition. She may never be the same again! You don't know what that concussion did to her!

My subconscious had me there. I really didn't know what kind of permanent damage that hit caused. I could believe the doctors words, of it all being okay, but there was still a part of me that was unsure. That caused more tears, just the thought of my best friend...my lover, being damaged for life, something hit me, something I had never realized before, but I found out that it was all so true...

She may already be scared for life, just from everything that had happened before...

How did I never realize this? It made so much sense. All the damage from the past may never go away. It may never leave her thoughts. I hoped to Celestia that it would.

I hugged her soft body tightly in my hooves, crying my eyes out on her shoulder. I couldn't stand her like this. I wanted her to move, to feel, to breath...but she was stone. She wouldn't be moving for a while, and I knew that. I saddened me more.

"I wish...I could feel your s-soft breaths again...I-I hate seeing you like t-this..." I said to no one. "Please...w-wake up soon...it's...t-tearing me apart..." I stopped for a moment. My tears had hindered my speech. "I-I know you c-can't hear me b-but...I-I just want you t-to know that I'm here f-for you...and I a-a-always will be...t-till the day I d-die--"

Something amazing happened in that moment; right as I said that last line, I thought I could feel a slight shift in her body. That couldn't be, could it? She was still unconscious...but then I heard her make a small sound. It was very faint, and very light, but I could hear it...

"Mhh..."

It wasn't even a word, just a sigh. I looked down at her, hope in my mind. Was this really happening, or was this some sort of dream? Had I really fallen asleep before the doctor came in to greet me? But it couldn't be! I was there, I heard him, and all the stuff afterwards, was that all a dream too? No, it wasn't. I'm here, right now...and a miracle is happening in front of me. My heart starting pumping faster. My breathing quickened as I watched her with anticipation and hope.

Come on...I thought. I really hoped I wasn't dreaming...

She shifted again, very slight, but I could see it. She made another sigh, and her hoof brushed against mine...and she gasped, as if realizing that her protector was in the same exact room as her. She brushed it again, concluding that someone was right here, on the same bed. I almost couldn't hold back my tears of joy, and she hadn't even opened her eyes.

Please...open them...come on...I begged in my mind.

Not even a second later, she took a short breath, and slowly opened her magnificent blue eyes. I could tell she was still regaining her senses, for she had been out for about a day. I smiled wide, seeing the instant color before me. My eyes immediately welled up with more tears. She blinked twice, her eyes rolling around, getting a view of the room she was in...then they turned to me; a bright, smiling, crying Rainbow Dash, heart full of happiness and joy. She seemed surprised to see me. She stared at me, mouth slightly open. I was anticipating her words. She had to say something...right? That was my wish right now...and it was granted a moment later.

"Rainbow...Dash?" She asked.

"Yes, yes i-it's me, Fluttershy..." I hugged her tightly, bawling my eyes out again. These were tears of joy this time.

"Wha...what are you...doing here? Where...where am I?" She asked wearily.

I wiped my eyes, trying hard not to stutter. "You mean...y-you don't remember?" I asked.

She gave me a confused look. "Remember what? Ahh..." She held her head with her left hoof. I noticed she had tried to sit up, but I had to push her back down. I didn't want her accidentally making her head worse.

"Don't try to get up F-Fluttershy...just relax..."

She lay back down and removed her hoof. "Why do I have...such a bad, headache?" She asked.

I sighed. Now you have to tell her the whole story. Be ready to comfort her...Said one half.

I'm always ready to comfort her. Said the other half.

"Well...I'll tell you Fluttershy." I sat in the bed next to her, reciting the conversation we had before her tragic accident. She smiled for a second, chuckling at my words, but when I got to the bad part, that's when she turned serious, and she even seemed a bit scared.

"W-What? I...f-fell out of the sky? I...I don't even remember that..." She said.

"You had taken a big hit. You were probably already unconscious before you realized what had happened. It...all happened like a flash..." It was hard to speak. A part of me didn't want to say these things, but another part of me just wanted to get it all over with. I went wit the other part.

I continued telling my tale, and when I got to the part where I swooped down and back up before she hit the ground, that's when her eyes widened, and she stopped me.

"Wait...w-what did you just say?" She asked.

"Fluttershy, I swooped down and...caught you before you hit the ground. I--"

"You...saved my life?" She seemed shocked.

I took a breath, tying to hold back my tears. "Yes...yes I did. I wasn't going to let you fall..."

In the air, as she falls
With my arms around her.

"You...saved my life..." She couldn't believe it.

I sniffed. Holding back was hard. She looked at me, and I could see tears in her eyes too.

"You...s-saved my life...Rainbow...I..." She started crying, and I was already holding her tight.

"Of course Fluttershy..." I couldn't hold it anymore. "I w-wasn't going to let you die...n-not after everything you've been through. I...I wasn't just going to s-sit there and watch you fall to y-your demise. I couldn't...I w-wouldn't..." I stopped and nuzzled my head in her shoulder again, letting my tears soak her soft fur.

She glanced down at me. "R-Rainbow...I just...c-can't believe you would...d-do something like that for me." She paused, seeming pained to say it. "N-No one else would..."

"Hey..." I pushed her hair with my hoof, revealing her tear stained face. "Don't say that. I know for a fact...t-that someone else would do what I did...y-you just don't now it. T-They would save you too...if they knew w-what was happening."

"I...I would like t-to believe you...Rainbow...but I can't." My heart nearly broke right there. "You and I, b-both know...no one else would have saved me...y-you k-know..." She started crying again, this time more than before. I didn't know what to say. I couldn't really say anything to cheer her up. She was right. After all the stupid shit that they put on her, after all the mean comments and physical play...I realized I couldn't even believe my own statement. She had a point. No one else would have even cared. I hugged her tighter, not saying a word.

She pushed her cheeks against my chest, letting the warm feeling bring her a sense of safeness. She sighed, her crying stopped. I looked down and started stroking her soft hair. She seemed to like it, because she kept sighing from the soft feeling of my hoof.

"Ahh...that feels...nice..." She said, her voice almost inaudible.

I smiled. "Aw..." I couldn't say much more. She looked pretty dang cute right now. Her eyes were closed softly, her ears flicked with each stroke, she had a little smile on her face. I was so glad to see her like this; breathing, smiling, alive. She was back, and that was a fact. She shifted slightly, nuzzling her body more into mine. She took a deep breath. I could tell she was tired, even though she had just woken up.

"You getting sleepy, Fluttershy?" I asked with a smirk.

All she made out was a small "Mmm..."

I nodded. "Here..." I lay down beside her, keeping her snuggled into my body. I could feel her slow, soft breaths on my fur. It felt like bliss.

"Sleep well Fluttershy...don't let any bad dreams haunt you." I gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'll be right here...don't you worry..." I sighed, lay my head down, and soon fell asleep, the little yellow pegasus wrapped warmly next to me.

---MEANWHILE---

Doctor Hooves was sipping slowly on his coffee, trying to get as much of his break as he could. He wouldn't have another one until tomorrow. Suddenly, the intercom buzzed up, and a mare's voice rang up.

"Um...Doctor Hooves, please report to the entrance...now!" It clicked and went off.

He looked up at it, interested in what they needed him for. It seemed rather urgent, just from her voice, including that added "now!" at the end. He sighed and walked out the door. A minute later, he was at the front. He didn't even look in front of him, he just looked at the receptionist, who was staring straight ahead.

"Alright, what is it?" He asked. No answer from her. What was she staring at? He looked ahead...and nearly dropped his coffee on the floor.

"Oh...wow. Um...why are they all here?" He asked.

"They all want to see...um...who was it again?"

Someone tugged at his white doctors coat. He looked down, and there was a little filly there. She motioned for a whisper. He leaned his head down and listened to her words.

"Mm hmm...I see...really? The whole school? Wow...okay...okay..." He looked towards the crowd.

"I see why you are all here..." I smile grew on his face. "Let's give her a little surprise visit, shall we? I'm sure she would appreciate it very much." The all cheered in agreement, and the doctor lead the way them.

I was awoken by the sound of the doctor's voice.

"Rainbow Dash, wake up!" The doctor said urgently.

I lazily lifted my head, rubbing my eyes from the slight haze that was in them.

"Mmm...what?" I asked. He had a big smile on his face. I looked ahead at the mass of people. My eyes shot open wide. I stared at them for countless moments.

"Wha...what are they doing here?" I asked.

"They came here to see Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash. Look at all the things they are holding." He said.

Indeed, almost every pony was holding some sort of card. I couldn't see what was on them.

"Wake Fluttershy up. She'll get a nice little sight here." He said.

I nodded. I whispered in her ear, hoping she would get up.

"Fluttershy...Fluttershy...wake up..."

She shifted, and a moment later, she opened her eyes.

"Mmhh...Rainbow? What's going--"

She gasped and nearly fainted under the covers by all the ponies that had suddenly appeared in her room. The all looked very happy to see her up, and some of them even started talking.

"Fluttershy! Fluttershy! We heard what happened, we feel so bad!" They all started talking at once, and I could barley even make out one word of it. Dr. Hooves tried to calm the crowd.

"Now now, hold on one minute, let's not make Fluttershy too flustered. Just leave the cards by the bed and be on your way. We don't need to much of a commotion right now." Dr. Hooves said half-halfheartedly.

They seemed rather disappointed, but they followed his demands. One by one, they left a card next to her bed, said a couple of words like; "Get well soon!", and then left. Fluttershy tried to say "thank you" to every pony, but she was already so shocked and surprised, she could barley speak. She was mostly surprised to see that, some of these ponies that were leaving get well soon cards, were some of the ponies that had laughed at all the insults and all the other stuff that the bully did. I was equally surprised by that fact. When the last one left her card, she stopped the filly before she could leave. She had one big question that she needed to ask.

"Why...why are you all...doing this?" She asked.

She smiled. "We all heard what had happened Fluttershy, the whole school did. We all felt so terrible for you, so, we gathered the whole school up and made cards for you, just to show that we all care about you, and to thank you ad well--"

"Care about me? Half the people that came in...they were the ones who laughed at all my insults, who made fun of me when he pushed me down. I'm...I'm so confused..." I pulled her close.

The filly dropped her head. "Yes well, we were going to tell you...we all felt really bad for the things that we had done. We...we were just scared Fluttershy. We didn't want the same thing that happened to you, happened to us, so we made it seem like we were on his side." Her face brightened. "But when you told him off that one did, we got inspired. I thought, 'if Fluttershy could stand up to him, than...we all could!' Fluttershy...we did, we stood up to him like you did. We weren't afraid anymore...and even his little sidekick friends joined us. You were the one that started this, well, basically, an uprising! He actually moved back to Baltimare where he was from!" Fluttershy gasped when she heard that. "Fluttershy, you helped us do this, you were the one to show no fear, you started the spark, and we created the wildfire."

As she walked towards the door, she turned back and said, "Thank you Fluttershy. Thank you for everything. You may not believe us, but we really appreciate everything you did, and we all care about you. Get well soon." She left at that.

She had no words. I had heard all of it, and the excitement I had inside was more than I could explain. I wanted to let it all out.

"Well," I had forgotten that Dr. Hooves was still here. "I will get you two some breakfast, and I'll be back shortly. Enjoy your cards, Fluttershy." He left.

Fluttershy looked at the cards, than back at me.

"What...what just happened?" She asked.

I smiled. "Fluttershy, I realize you're confused, so...i'll try to explain it as best as I can...you basically showed the kids that you shouldn't fear anyone that may seem tougher, meaner or even greater than you, that one mare, can't stand up to a whole school's worth of ponies. You showed them that they shouldn't fear that bully, and they didn't, and now he's gone." She still just stared, mesmerized at my words.

"I...helped them...overcome their fears? Of him?" She asked, still very confused.

"Yes! Yes, you did!" I just wanted to blurt it out to everyone in the hospital, I was so excited.

"I...I can't believe it...I...I never realized...the thing that...that I created...without even knowing it..." She still was trying to process it all. It was so much to take in at once, but she was starting to put it all together.

For some reason, I wanted to hug her tight and cry. Was this a time to cry? I didn't think it was...well, they would be tears of joy, but I just had that feeling to do that.

"I...I'm so...surprised and...s-shocked...I can't even--"

I did it. I hugged her tight and began to cry. All my emotions of happiness, joy and even a little sadness, came out all at once. I couldn't stop. I could feel her soft hooves wrap around my body.

"Aw...Rainbow...come here..." She returned the hug, letting me snuggle my head into her fur. I kept crying. Why was I? This was a happy time...there was no need to cry, but...as Fluttershy always said--

"It's a beautiful thing to cry." She said with a soft smile.

I looked up at her. Did she read my mind?

"I...I was just t-thinking that...F-Fluttershy..." I stuttered.

"It's the truth...and like I said..." She brushed some hair out of my eyes and she stared into them. "You look beautiful when you cry..."

I teared up even more when she said that. I laid my head back down on her chest, her hooves hugging me tight.

I sniffed. "I l-love you...Flutters..." I had to say it. It was such a sensitive and touching moment.

It's almost as If I could feel her smile widen. She hugged me tighter.

"I...I love you too...Rainbow..." We were kept in each others warm embrace for many minutes, until we heard a voice, and the sound of flapping wings. There seemed to be some commotion outside...we could hear the sound of clanking metals and different surgical instruments hit the ground, as well as possibly a coffee mug, and a whole bunch of the doctors and nurses were shouting and crying out loud. What was all the commotion about?

"Scuse' me--sorry!--oops...uh sorry!--whoops!"

Out of nowhere, for a split second, I could see a pegasus from our school fly right by our room, then we heard a loud crash, followed by the annoyed and angry shouts from a nurse.

"Uh...sorry nurse, hehe..." She looked in our room. I recognized that face and I sighed and rolled my eyes.

"Oh Derpy..." I muttered under my breath. There was some sort of metal bowl on her head. When Fluttershy saw her, and the bowl, she started giggling. She smiled at us and walked forward, looking excited.

"Guys guys! Did you hear? He's gone! The bully's gone! I can't believe it!" She jumped from joy.

I rolled my eyes. "Yes Derpy, we heard." Oh Derpy...always the one to give late information... I thought. I chuckled. She is one of my best friends, though...

She could see Fluttershy looking at her head, and giggling madly. Derpy was confused. "Why is she giggling so much?" I pointed to her hair. She looked up, and saw the bowl. "Oh...yeah, this hat! I got it when I came in er...flew in." She smiled. I laughed in my head.

"Ahem..." I looked behind her. Doctor Hooves was standing there, looking a little annoyed.

Derpy turned around, the usual smile on her face. "Oh, hi doc'!" She said.

He looked towards me. I smirked. "She's a friend...a little, destructive but, she's welcome."

He sighed. "Alright then," He looked to Derpy. "But you will have to clean up the mess that--"

He just noticed her eyes, and how they were a little...different. I noticed him, and so did Fluttershy.

"Those eyes are...fascinating. I have never seen any pony with those eyes before." He said, astonished.

Derpy's smile faded. Uh-oh. I thought. I tried to motion to him to stop, but he didn't see me.

"There...there...amazing, to say the least!" Derpy gasped, not expecting that kind of reaction.

"You...you really think so?" She wasn't so sure if what he was saying was true...

"Yes, they are! You are somepony special, Derpy." Derpy's smile widened. I made a sigh of relief. He looked back at the door.

"But seriously, you are going to clean some of this up, for you did cause it all..."

"Hehe...sorry...I just don't know what went wrong..." Her famous catch phrase. I chuckled.

"Yes yes. Anyway, Fluttershy," He walked up to her. "I have talked to the nurses, and we want to run a few more concussion-based tests, so you'll need to stay in the hospital for another few days." She was saddened to hear this, and I was too. "But...I will let Rainbow Dash stay with you at all times, just so you can have some friendly company." She smiled wide at this. I wrapped my hoof around her shoulder and pulled her next to me.

"Now, anyway, please follow me, um...Derpy, you have some cleaning to do..." He rolled his eyes. When he left, Derpy looked back at us.

"Did you hear that? He said that I was special, in a good way! He said that my eyes were amazing! I...I guess--"

"Come on little filly! You need to help us. Some of the nurses are very angry at you..." The doctor said from the doorway.

"Oh, gotta' go. Get well soon Fluttershy!" She ran straight into the wall heading out. We chuckled at that.

"I'm glad she's doing better.* It seems that the event in which the bully moved, has really changed some ponies lives." I said.

"Yes...me too...Just like me, she never deserved any of what she got." This time, Fluttershy laid down on my body. I held her close.

"In a few days Flutters, we'll be back to our old lives again. Isn't that great?" I asked.

"It really is..." She sighed. "It really is..." She closed her eyes, letting my warmth drift her to sleep.

I gave her a soft kiss on her hair. She made a little sound.

"Sleep tight, and remember, I'll be right here." I said happily.

She smiled and fell asleep.

I thought about those words. I'll be right here... I hugged her tightly. "I was always be here...Flutters..." That promise was still intact, and I knew, that it would be a promise that I would never break, for as long as I live.

Prologue

"Aw...come on Fluttershy, don't say things like that..."

"No, they're right...I am just...a coward...I...I can barley even....s-speak to anyone...without...without..." She started sobbing in my fur. I could feel her damp tears soaking the soft substance. I looked down at her sadly. I wanted so much to cry with her, but, for some reason, I couldn't. Maybe it was that mindset of being too cool for crying. I sometimes wanted to get rid of that mindset all together, just for moments like these. All I could do, was give her a soft hug and soothing words.

She sniffed and looked at me, tears still fresh in her eyes. I stared at those oceans of blue, full of tears, full of sadness. I wish they would have that usual sparkle, but for now, they didn't. I thought I could feel tears well up in my own, but I held them back in silence. As I stared at her, I remembered what led up to this day. Every event had something to do with this, her pain, her sadness, and it all added up in one big jumble that almost sent the shy pony into inner chaos.