A Wish Granted

In the darkening forest Fluttershy was covered head to hoof in vines, unable to be seen at all. They pulled her deeper and deeper into the woods, each tree passing her from one to the next,  the pegasus out like a light from the magic.

***

“Wha-what’s going on?” said Fluttershy, blinking in the bright sunlight. After wiping her eyes she was surprised to find the sun shining right in her face. It was high noon? Averting her eyes she flipped over onto her stomach, standing up. “When did I get here,” she thought, “and where did all these ponies come from?”  Confused thoughts ran through her mind. Looking around she saw she was in the middle of a crowd. Her first instinct was to cringe in fear and shyness. Lowering her head she was about to close her eyes until it was over, but stopped.

Taking a second look she noticed that she was in the far back, and that no pony was paying any attention to her. She let curiosity conquer her fear and looked around.It appeared that she was in the middle of an orchard. An apple orchard, to be exact. The sun, as she thought, was at the top of the sky, shining clear and bright. There were ten rows on each side of the chosen spot, wherever that was. It was filled to the brim with hard working farm ponies.

Fluttershy and the rest of her friends were seated at the back row on the right side. Everypony was listening to the one and only Applejack give a speech on a stage near a grassy hill. She listened just in time to hear Applejack say in her southern accent, “…and so, with the planting of this here tree, it can help to bring all us apple farmers across Equestria closer together. Let this be a sign that no matter what comes, if we all grow strong and tall together, we can accomplish ANYTHING….”

Fluttershy cocked her head. That had not been helpful at all!  “What is she talking about?” she pondered. She still felt confused about what was

going on. This seemed very familiar, like this had happened before. At the corner of her mind she felt like something bad had just happened to her, but surrounded by other ponies, unharmed, on a bright sunny day the thought seemed ridiculous.

Turning to her left, she saw Rarity listening intently. Fluttershy nudged her shoulder and whispered in her ear, “Um, Rarity... what’s going on?” Rarity never moved her eyes away from the stadium; she appeared not to hear her. Fluttershy tried again, a bit louder. “Rarity, can you please tell me what's going on?”

This time Rarity heard her, but never removed her gaze. Instead she said rather sharply, “Quiet, dear! They are just about to plant... him.”

“Who?”

“Shhh! Watch.”

She looked, but could not see much for all the ponies getting up and cheering. So she flew up and hovered just over their heads. Two stallions stood just on the top of the hill behind the stage. Both looked burly and husky, with a shovel in each left hoof. An apple tree was lying right beside the chestnut one.

“That tree looks familiar,” she thought. “Why... it’s Bloomberg!”

She watched as the two dug a hole, placed the tree upright in it, and shoved the excess dirt back in. Before everypony could cheer, AJ made one last statement. “Here’s yer moment to shine, Bloomberg. May yer fruit never fall in vain. YEEHAW!”

“YEEHAW!” responded the crowed as everypony, besides Fluttershy, cheered and applauded.

There was a sudden stampede of ponies as they all, even her friends, galloped away to the town square. Fluttershy, unaware of what exactly happened, hovered a few more moments before landing on the ground. Glancing around, she saw no pony of whom to ask how she got there.

“They just replanted Bloomberg,” Fluttershy said to herself. “I’ve definitely seen that before... haven’t I? If that’s the case I have to be in Appleoosa… but wasn’t I just in Ponyville?” She pulled at her mane, a little frustrated. “AGH! None of this makes any sense at all!” Deciding to ask Applejack for an explanation she trotted to the town square as well.

When she arrived there, she was stunned at the sight. Pinkie had really outdone herself. Or at least she assumed it was Pinkie, as she saw a party cannon hiding behind a table. Tables were covered with delicious foods like salads, beans, roasted vegetables, heaping piles of sandwiches, and...APPLE PIE! Fluttershy licked her lips at the thought of tasting it. She heard country music playing and couples were dancing together. Every inch of the streets and buildings were decorated with lights and streamers. Most of it was apple themed, but some of it was... butterflies? It was odd for Pinkie to use the very creature that was on her flank for a party decor. She would have to ask her later. In the meantime, she needed to find Applejack. She approached the crowd but, oddly enough, she didn’t feel scared or nervous or shy or... anything! She was perfectly calm.

“Wow, Rainbow Dash’s assertive lessons must really be kicking in,” she thought. Still, she flew cautiously into the crowd. It was hard to spot the orange colored pony among so many other orange or orange-related coated ponies. She did her best to maneuver around them, and made it to the stage where the band was playing. Sitting down for a breath she saw Twilight only five pony couples away! She was dancing in her own funky style to the music.

“Twilight! Twilight, it’s me! Over here!”  Fluttershy called, waving her hoof above the crowd.

Twilight never looked in her direction and kept on dancing. Fluttershy floated over the mares and stallions dancing, and landed beside the unicorn.

“TWIILLIGHT!” she yelled in her loudest voice.

The mare never stopped dancing, but looked at her friend and simply said, “Oh! Hello, Fluttershy. Come join the fun. It can wait until later.”

Fluttershy stared a moment, considering what her friend had said. It didn’t make much sense; she never even got to ask her question! Still, she wasn’t feeling shy or uncomfortable in this crowd, which was something that didn’t happen often. She guessed it could wait until later. It wasn’t like she was going to die if she didn’t get an answer. Her curiosity wasn’t that strong. Perhaps she could dance just for a little bit. Just a few minutes couldn’t hurt. Besides, it looked as if Twilight wasn’t going to stop any time soon.

For some reason her question stopped feeling important at all. She looked around at all of the happy ponies dancing away, wanting to join in with them. She wasn’t much of a dancer. She didn’t even really like to dance, as she was afraid of other ponies judging her. However, in this strange situation the thought of being embarrassed or judged just didn’t feel like a reality.

She broke out of her thoughtful trance and began to dance. It felt wonderful! The music, the lights, her friends! She didn’t understand what was going on, but it could definitely wait until later. For now she was having fun. This was one of the few times she actually could enjoy a social event.

Back, forth, right leg, hind leg up, a twirl here and there and then spin! Smile, giggle, fall down, get up, and keep dancing. Repeat. That was Fluttershy’s main dancing style for most of the time and she never stopped.

The clock ticked on endlessly.

She never stopped for a moment and never wanted to. She felt as if she could never get tired and food sure wasn’t on her mind. It felt as if there was magic to the music that gave off a certain happiness that kept her going. The song seemed to go on for an eternity, and it didn’t bug her a bit. If the music were to stop then the happiness would be gone and she would feel tired. In a sense this was true. There was no unicorn magic making her happy and energized. That didn’t mean there wasn’t magic. It just wasn’t the type you can see or perform. It was a type of magic you can only feel, deep inside your heart and soul.

However, when the pony couples had enough dancing for the night and began to disperse to their own home the music did stop eventually.

Fluttershy DID get sleepy all of a sudden. Everything was getting dimmer. Her vision began to go black, the sun seeming to vanish.

Her strength vanished, and she fell to the ground, Spike’s tail the last thing she saw before all was black.

***.

The yellow mare was curled up in a ball, fast asleep. Her wings were spread around her small body like a blanket. Soft hooves lay under her outstretched neck. A stray ray of sunlight drifted across her eyes, causing them to flutter open.

With a start she raised her head and looked around, frightened. “Wha-what happened?” she thought. “Where am I?” Flashes of her dream filled her mind as she scratched her head. “Oh, wow. I was dancing up a storm.” A slight shudder went through her body as she gulped. “In front of all those… ponies.”

Her head felt a bit strange, but she wasn’t in any pain. “Okay. I was dreaming. But before that I… what was I doing?” She scratched her head. She felt like there was something she was forgetting.

She saw something moving out of the corner of her eye, and she quickly turned to look. Her heart rate increased rapidly as she saw vines approaching her. It all came back to her then. The vines capturing her, knocking her out for… for whatever reason. She tried to be absolutely still, but she couldn’t help trembling in fear. She hoped they weren’t going to attack her again.

Three vines came together right near her, but didn’t touch her. They seemed to make an arrow shape, pointing in a certain direction. Fluttershy was reluctant to take her eyes off of them. After all, that was how they had captured her the last time. However, she knew it was pointless to resist. She could tell she was deep in the depths of the forest, with no clue how to get out. Her wings wouldn’t move because she was too scared, so her only means of escape was running, and that hadn’t helped the last time.

Hesitantly, she turned her body in the direction they were pointing. Looking around she gasped, not believing what she was seeing. The sun had just reached the edge of the grassy hills beyond, casting golden rays everywhere. It adorned the trees that encircled her. Tall willows and beeches surrounded her. Looking around herself she found it rather odd and beautiful.

Just as she was getting distracted by the beauty of the trees she felt something touch her tail. She let out a frightened squeal as she saw the vines behind her, but they didn’t tie her up. They only gave her a few nudges, clearly intending for her to head forward. Still a little nervous she began to walk, wondering what was about to happen. She went up a small incline.

She was on a small island at the top of a hill, about four feet high, which sat in the middle of a circular trench. Looking closer she saw a groove several feet wide and long going down both sides of the hill. From what she could see it seemed there used to be a river or stream passing through there, but it had dried up for some reason.

Blue, star-shaped flowers grew along the edge, giving off a peculiar scent.

As she began to walk again a vine encircled the edges of the pond, blocking her way, so she sat down, assuming this was the final stop. As she sat there she began to get an odd feeling, like the area she was in was full of a strong force beyond her understanding. Something like magic or life or perhaps something else entirely. All she knew at that moment was that she stopped feeling afraid that the vines were trying to harm her. They had brought her here for a reason. She wasn’t sure what that was, exactly, but she didn’t believe they had malevolent intentions.

Once she sat down the vine once again pointed. Having been nervous before she had mainly just been looking at the ground as she walked. Now

she glanced upward, following the vine’s directions, and saw another tree..

She gasped out loud, marveling at its beauty. “The mother tree,” she said in wonder.

It was massive. It was at least four times the size of the Golden Oaks Library. Long, thick roots clawed at the ground, uprooting the turf and some stones. Little blue flowers grew around the base. The bark looked like it could be an oak, but it had a much richer brown color that wound up around the trunk and sprouted into the large limbs above. It had many branches and each were at least six feet long. The leaves were unlike anything Fluttershy had ever seen. The bottom leaves were ripe as if from spring, but as she looked upward it turned into a deeper green and eventually blended into shining golds, oranges and reds. It was hard to see the top, but she could guess it had lost most of the leaves and only bare branches were visible. A tree of all four seasons.

For all its unique characteristics the most noticeable aspect was the interesting image grown into the middle of the trunk. Some of the bark was a light blue, making a picture. It looked like a five-branched tree, with a colored stone in the top of each limb and in the middle was a fuchsia, star-shaped gemstone.  Oddly, the entire picture seemed to be glowing, not reflecting light.

Like the area around her the large tree also had a circular trench around it that was empty, the hill she was on looking like it would empty into the one below her had there been water in it.

Fluttershy inhaled sharply. “Oh, my. It’s... it’s beautiful. No, breathtaking!” She stared at it in wonder, taking in every detail of it that she could see. She had never seen another tree like it in her life.

After her initial amazement passed she started to ponder something. “It is a pretty tree,” she admitted, “but why would I be dragged all the way out her for some pretty scenery?” Looking around the area again she said, “Well, this was fun. Can I go home now?” Scratching her head she said,

“I wish I knew where I was. Am I still in the same forest, or a different one? What happened while I was out cold?”

“You, my dear, are in the heart of the Forest Accord, normally known as the Whitetail Woods,” a voice said.

Fluttershy felt a chill crawl up her spine. That voice... it was unlike anything she had ever heard. It felt like it came from everywhere, making it impossible to pinpoint its origin. It seemed to be feminine, but it was hard to tell. Its pitch was like echoes; echoes of knowledge, of joy, of peace, and of sorrow. Soft and sweet, it seemed to resound off of unseen walls. It had a melodic overtone to it.

Fluttershy jerked her head around and was in an upright position in seconds. Her head looked sharply for the one that had spoken. She found no pony. It was only her. Just her and the... trees.

Trees!

“I was foalnapped by vines, just like the ones coming from that big tree. Were you the tree that foalnapped me here?"

“No, my mare. I only brought you here with the gentlest care.” The voice seemed to come from everywhere, making it impossible to  Its center was glowing, lighting up whenever it spoke. Fluttershy was now on full alert, ready to answer the call of instinct and fly away. A sentient tree was more than she was willing to contend with. She tried to force her wings to open, hoping she could escape if she flew straight up, but they were uncooperative.

She began to pant heavily, blind terror going through her. She wanted out!

Facing the oak she asked in a voice barely above a whisper, “Wha-what do-do-do-do-do y-you want wi-with m-me?”

“My dear, you look so scared. There is nothing to be frightened of. Let me assist you.”

Fluttershy cowered,  looking rapidly around, expecting to be captured by vines and knocked out again until she was more cooperative. “P-please don’t hurt me!”

“Look over towards the blue flowers.”

Reluctantly she did as she was told. The tree center glowed bright, and the flowers appeared to respond to it. They puffed up a little bit, pollen spraying out of them.

Almost instantly the area was suffused with a flowery scent. It washed over her, into her very being, filling her with warmth and comfort as if she had her friends next to her, holding her tight. She closed her eyes, taking in breath after breath of the intoxicating aroma, her shivering stopping and her fear eroding.She felt half-asleep, that kind of just waking up feeling where you’re not quite awake and real life takes on an almost dreamlike quality.

“There now,” said the tree. “Are you feeling calmer?”

She nodded, a giddy smile on her face. It faded slightly when the flowers stopped spraying pollen. The smell began to dissipate, though its effect largely remained. With a clearer sense of mind she realized why the tree’s voice seemed to come from everywhere: it was speaking directly to her brain.

“Now then… Fluttershy, is it? I am Concord, the queen of this blessed Forest Accord. I know this must be a bit unsettling for you, but hear our story and our plea before you leave.” She paused and waited for a reply from the shy mare.

“Leave?” Fluttershy said hopefully, perking up.

“I’d like to ask you for a favor. If it is not to your liking than I will have to let you be, but I don’t think you’ll mind the terms.”

“A favor? From me? Why not anyone else?”

“I have my reasons.”

“Um, what could a tree possibly want from me? I mean, if you need more water I could tell my pegasus friends to schedule a storm for you, I guess.” She felt a little sheepish. “I, um, well, don’t like flying very much. I don’t participate in the weather patrol.”

The tree let out a scratchy noise that sounded like laughter. “It has nothing to do with weather, although you’re on the right track. You see, my life is in grave danger. That’s why I brought you to me.”

Fluttershy backed up a step, falling to the ground and covering her face as she began trembling again. “B-b-but I’m no fighter! I can’t do anything!”

“Calm yourself, young mare. There is no battle to be fought. I only require a little of your assistance.”

“I… I don’t believe you! You knocked me out and brought me here, and you did something to Rainbow Dash! Where is she? You made her explode!”

“Don’t be silly. That pony you saw was only a replica, an illusion with a more solid form.” With a bright glow the flowers puffed up, releasing something that looked different than the pollen from before. Billions upon billions of microscopic pieces began to come together, growing larger and larger until what looked like an exact copy of Rainbow Dash appeared in front of her.

“What’s up there, Fluttershy?” it said, giving her a sly grin. “The tree means you no harm. It knew that you wouldn’t come to the center of the woods quietly, so it had to knock you out. But don’t be too upset. She made sure to fill your mind with pleasant dreams so you’d sleep soundly until you got here and awoke again.”

It closed its eyes, and with a breath it dissipated, just like before. Another wave of the pleasant scent from before washed over the area.

“You see, Fluttershy,” said the Concord Tree. “Your friend is fine. I only used a form you trusted because you became so scared I feared you would escape before I could talk with you properly.

“Will you hear my tale?”

The knowledge that Rainbow Dash hadn’t been killed, combined with the flowery scent still wafting around her, made her feel relaxed again.

“Well, I could give her a few moments to talk. It might even clear things up,” thought Fluttershy. Out loud she replied, “Um… yes. I will listen.”

“Very good,” replied the tree, “but first, let me introduce to you the members of the Council of Fellowship.” She pointed with one of her branches to various trees. “This is Will-be willow, Ask-me aspen, Mark-it maple, Elective Elm…” She went on to call out the names of numerous trees. When she came to an apple tree she said, “And this is Apple Bringer. He informed us of you.”

“Whaaat? Me?” asked Fluttershy, surprised.

“Yes, he got the information from his cousin News Bringer, and his cousin News Bloom, and his cousin Bloomberg....”

“Bl-bloomberg!” Fluttershy called out. “Applejacks tree?”

“Yes. He was with you, wasn’t he? He was the one that gave us your whereabouts initially. Once we knew what you looked like, all I had to do was pass the information along to the rest of our kind.

You see, my dear, I may be the only tree who can talk, but many can hear. He was only a short distance away when he heard you say it.”

“Say what?” she asked hesitantly.

“Why, that you wished to become a tree, of course.”

Fluttershy was stunned for a few seconds, sure that she had misheard. “You… want to turn me into a tree?” she said in a bit of a flat voice.

“Yes,” the tree said. “Now the time has come for me to give you our plea. I am not an ordinary tree and neither are those with me. I come from the Tree of Harmony.”

“The tree of what?”

“The Tree of Harmony. It is the most powerful tree known to ponydom. It is majestic, bold, beautiful, wonderful, and much more powerful than me... but back to the point. I do happen to have power, but not much. I was gifted with true sentience, and the ability to communicate with those nearby me. When I was planted here my purpose was to keep all good trees healthy and in check; to bring harmony and light to every pony that rests beneath our boughs. I have been doing this for a long time and for two hundred years my power has had a steady flow from the Tree of Harmony through an enchantment placed upon the water. However, as you can clearly see, the water is not there anymore."

“Two months ago a filly came here and played with rocks near the edge of the forest. Accidentally, she caused a small avalanche, blocking the flow of the river. She left in a panic. I wasn’t able to catch her in time.  The reason I had to bring you all the here to me is that it is only those that stand where you are now that I have the power to communicate with other lifeforms besides trees. So, without anypony to unblock the flow, it dried up and filled with dirt and rocks. As the water dwindled I had a greater than normal need for it, only worsening the problem.

We looked for another source of magic, for without it I would wither like any other tree. Thank Celestia, on her throne, we found a small, magical tree named Unity. It was one of a kind and we never found another one. We used it as my supply source for strength and it worked. Until, that is, it died. My need for energy caused me to drain it to nothing, and it wilted.”

She paused a moment as all the trees began to sway in an unbroken silence of mourning. Sighing, she continued.

“He was a good friend to all of us. It was a tearful scene when he... when he passed. We all miss him, but his death is not the only reason we have such sorrow. Without another source of magic I will die as well. Feasting on other trees was only a temporary measure. So we sent a message through Be-it Beech to the Tree of Harmony about the dilemma. The reply was a… peculiar one. One that could be accomplished, but had never been tried…”

Concord paused to let all she had said sink in before the big news. Fluttershy no longer looked scared, but concerned and perhaps confused. She never said a word, but kept listening for the part when she would come into the picture. It came as a lightning bolt mixed with the fear of a thousand crowds.

“Ponies contain a large amount of magic in their bodies. If they possessed the proper qualities it’s possible a pony could become the new source of magic.”

“No way!” Fluttershy cried out. “I… I don’t want to die too! I don’t want you draining me to nothing!” She began to tremble again.

“Of course you won’t die. The area where you are is special. When the water was still here it got its power from the moon. The Tree of Harmony cast the initial enchantment, and the power of the full moon renewed it every month as it shines upon the area you sit upon.

“As I said before I am no ordinary tree. I need water in my roots like any other tree, but more than that I need magic. A tremendous amount of magic.

“S-s-so just let me leave. I’ll get my friends Applejack and Twilight. Twilight’s a super powerful unicorn and Applejack is a strong earth pony. The two of them shouldn’t have any trouble unblocking the stream. Once the water comes back than the problem would be solved, right?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

“W-why not?”

“Because the enchantment was renewed by the full moon every month. With the water completely drained the spell is broken. Even if you filled this place with water right now it would simply be regular water, even if the moon shone upon it.

“I’m not even a unicorn. I don’t have any magic!”

“Incorrect, dear. All ponies possess magic. Unicorns are simply the most obvious. It is what allows for flight and cloud walking in pegasi, and the

strong connection with the earth and the best capacity to cultivate the land in earth ponies.”

“B-b-but this doesn’t make any sense! What makes me different? If a tree can take in magic why do you need me at all? Can’t YOU just take in the magic?”

“Again, no. There needs to be a vessel. I produce no magic of my own. My magic is fueled by outside sources, the same way that you ponies cannot make energy without eating food. I cannot simply take in the power myself. It needs to be contained inside something for me to funnel it out of. The river was my source of magic, giving me the energy to care for trees in many places. Without a new source of magic I cannot do anything.”

It was silent for a minute before Fluttershy said something. “W-w-well... what,” she gulped, “qualities” are you talking about?”

Hmm? Oh! Yes. It must be a mare since most stallions have a harder time with magic. She must be one with nature, or something related like weather or animals A preference would be that it is an earth pony, but as long as the mare is willing to undergo the transformation, it doesn’t matter. An important factor is that she must be willing.”

“Tran- transformation?” Fluttershy asked with anxiety.

“Yes. Transformation, my dear, The mare cannot be a magical source for trees and still be a pony. It’s not possible. Let me explain it in a way you’ll understand. What would happen if a unicorn or an earth pony attempted to walk on a cloud?”

“W-well, they’d fall right through. Only pegasi can walk on clouds.”

“Exactly. Right now your magic is pegasi magic. That is why it’s incompatible with the magic we need right now. The same way your non-pegasi friends can’t walk on a cloud, you cannot process nature magic as you are now.

Fluttershy said nothing. She only stared. When she finally spoke, she said in a feeble tone. “And… and you want me to be... th-that pony?”

“We needed a pony to become the candidate, so I sent out some messengers to look for one. Bloomberg happened to be on his way to Appleloosa to find one there. Imagine his surprise when he heard you say that. He couldn’t notify me right away. He needed to wait until his connection with the earth was restored. Upon his replanting he informed me of your words.”

It was quiet again for a short time. “Why do you hesitate, young pegasus? Was it not your wish to become a tree? Did you not speak those words?”

“I… I did, but…” She looked at the ground, then back at the tree. “I was kinda joking when I said it. I knew that I wouldn’t actually ever become a tree, so I didn’t really mean it.”

The branches of the Concord Tree drooped. “I know that this is a lot to ask of you, young one, but you’re the only one I can rely on now. My magic connects me to trees and the animals who live in them and depend on them across large parts of Equestria. Once I go the protection I provide them will vanish, and they will begin to wither as well. Although I cannot properly read your memories I can still see flashes of your life. You have a great love for animals. This would keep a lot of animals safe.”

Still Fluttershy looked at the ground. In a quiet voice she said, “Is it not possible to renew the spell? Have someone cast it again?”

“As you can probably guess the energy it takes to take care of trees miles and miles away from me is considerable. The kind of energy it would

take to recast the spell is prenominal. Not even the power of two alicorns would be enough.”

Fluttershy guessed that was the case. It was her last futile hope. “So I have only two choices: To let myself stay a pony…or let you die and suffer

for my decision?” The ground in front of her began to grow moist as tears began to flow down upon it. “How… how can I say no, and cause damage everywhere? How can I say yes, and leave behind everything I’ve ever known?”

She fell to the ground, gently sobbing as she put her hooves over her face. “It’s up to me. I’m the only one who can do it! B-b-but I don’t WANT to do it. I don’t want to leave all my friends behind. I don’t want to lose Angel and all my critters. Too many others need me.”

She felt an odd sensation from the tree. Something like curiosity. “Fluttershy, is it only the thought of leaving your loved ones behind that is making you hesitate?”

Peeking out of her hooves she said strongly, “It’s not that easy! I don’t want to spend the rest of my life in this forest, only being used as a fuel source for you!”

“That wasn’t an accusation, dear. It’s a question.” In a meaningful tone it asked again, “s it only the thought of having to leave those you love that is making you reluctant?”

“W-well… I guess so. Yes.”

Relief went through the tree. “Wonderful. Than we can proceed.”

A few vines surrounded her. Fluttershy squeaked. “H-h-hey! Y-y-y-you said it had to be done willingly!”

“It seems I was a bit remiss in mentioning something earlier. You shall not become a complete tree.”

“W-well, what does that mean?”

“Let me put it this way.” The blue flowers released spores that combined into the images of Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack. “Tell me. What is the most obvious difference between your three friends?”

Still feeling frightened she said, “T-they’re all different colors?”

“Well, yes, but I’m talking about something bigger than that. The biggest difference of all.”

“They’re all different races of pony?”

“Correct. Now, then. Let’s ask the reverse of that. No matter what things in life they go through what will always be the same about all three of them? The most obvious thing of all.”

“They’re… all… ponies?”

“Exactly.”

“And… what does that have to do with anything?”

“All three races of your kind are still ponies. Whether unicorn, earth, or pegasus they are all types of ponies. If I were to turn you into a unicorn would you stop being a pony?”

“No….”

Ponies are made up of two things: their pony bodies, and their magical essence. No matter the race all three of them have pony bodies, but each

of them have a different magic suited to their race, as we discussed earlier. Thus, when you go through the transformation your MAGIC will change, but your pony BODY will stay the same. Thus, you will become a pony-tree hybrid, not a complete tree. Of course, just like how each race has their unique characteristics there’s no doubt your body will go through some changes, but you will still have freedom of movement.

“As for the second thing you were afraid of, there is no need for concern there either. You will get to return to your normal pony life. You won’t be forced to stay here. The only request I have is that you return here every month on the full moon to renew my spell.”

“B-b-but what if I forget? What if I miss the full moon?” she asked in a panic.

“There is no need to fret, my dear. Being one with nature is being one with me. I will remind you when the time comes. Because you aren’t a natural born tree I can’t communicate with you as completely as I do other trees but you will feel a strong compulsion pulling you in my direction on the night of the full moon every month.”

Fluttershy finally looked up at the Concord tree, her mind going in many directions at once. “So… what’s the catch?”

“Catch?”

“It kinda sounds too good to be true that I can just come and go as I please. There has to be a downside to this.”

“Well… in a way you could say there is. However, given your own words I doubt you’ll see it that way.”

“What’s that?”

“As I said earlier your magical essence is being changed from pegasi magic to nature magic. Your body contains the extra bones inherit in pegasi for their wings, so you may still have something that resembles wings when the transformation is over. However, without pegasi magic you will completely lose the capacity for flight and cloud walking. Those abilities will be lost for good.”

In a thoughtful voice she said, “I won’t be able to fly anymore, huh?” Warmth passed through her body from the Concord Tree as it laughed, giving Fluttershy an image of a kindly grandmother.

“True, but when one thing is lost another is gained. Even without being able to read your mind I can already see you have a deep connection with nature and animals, even stronger than most earth ponies. This will strengthen your connection immeasurably. As someone who appreciates the beauty of nature you are perfect for this job.

“Here. Let me give you just a sample of the power you’ll gain in exchange for giving up your pegasus magic.”

A vine came up to her, poking her on the forehead. She went a little crosseyed looking at it. “What are you doing?”

“Just relax, my dear, and close your eyes. Relax your very consciousness, and I will show you a world beyond your wildest dreams.

Fluttershy closed her eyes as instructed. She wasn’t sure what was about to happen, but she was curious. She felt an odd sensation. It was like something was tugging at her, but not at her physical body. It was pulling at something deeper, seeking to pull away her very identity. At first she resisted, but then took some deep breaths and stopped fighting.

After a few more seconds she felt something spark within her, and suddenly she was no longer Fluttershy. She was simply another aspect of the spirit of the Concord Tree. She felt such awe-inspiring beauty, the tremendous life force of the forest and all that it encompassed. She could “see” everything around its borders. She could “see” the  myriad of tree’s growing everywhere, the bugs crawling around foraging for food or shelter, the birds chirping and trilling contentedly as they fed their young, the moles asleep in their dens, the rainbow of colors of the flowers; she could “see” it all.

The merger of spirits only lasted about ten seconds, but when she returned to herself she was so moved by what she had felt that it brought her to tears.

“Wow,” said Fluttershy. It felt like such an inadequate term to describe things, but it was all she could think of at the moment.

The Concord Tree let her be for a few minutes before saying, “Once you become one of us you will be able to touch upon this power as well. You’re not nearly as big or powerful as I am, so you will not be able to feel as far and wide as I do, but you will have this power to commune with nature on a deeper lever. When you become a tree-pony I will look after you the same way I look after all of my other children. I won’t discriminate because you’re not a natural born tree.”

Fluttershy sniffed, her mind still on the sensations she just had. They were so beautiful she just couldn’t put to words how she felt. She wanted those feelings again. She realized she could have them again, and all it would take is doing what the tree already wanted her to do anyway. She felt she couldn’t care less whether she ever flew again if it meant she could help so many other trees and animals out.

Smiling up at the Concord tree she said, “I’ll accept the transformation. I’m ready!”

“Thank you, Fluttershy. We are eternally thankful,” the Concord Tree said thankfully.