Chapters Angel was being a dick as usual, and wasn’t eating his meal that every other animal was enjoying. Fluttershy made him a carrot salad, but to no avail. She then gave in and cooked him his favorite meal. When Fluttershy was finished taking care of her pets and doing her household chores, she walked to town to see if she could find any of her friends to vent to. In the market, she saw Carrot Top, Lyra, even Derpy, but couldn’t find any of her closest friends. She walked to Twilight’s Library and knocked on the door. Spike answered.
“Oh hi, Fluttershy.” Spike said. He was carrying a load of books and was straining to keep his arms up.
“Hi Spike. Did I disturb you? I’m sorry. I was wondering if Twilight was home. I mean, if she’s not busy or anything.”
“Urg… No she’s not home right now. She told me to clean up the mess SHE made in her library. I’ll let you know if she comes back.”
“Oh, ok. I’m so sorry I disturbed you.”
Fluttershy then trotted away leaving Spike at the open door with an armful of books in his hands. She then walked to Rarity’s house. I hope Rarity is home, Fluttershy thought. She then knocked on Rarity’s door and this time when the door opened it was the Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. They were all glued together with sparkly shit all over them.
“Um, are you girls okay?” Fluttershy asked nervously.
“Oh we’re fine Fluttershy. We was just tryin’ to get our cutie marks in arts and crafts.” Applebloom answered.
“Alright. Is Rarity home? I really, really need someone to talk to.”
“No, she’s not. She went off with some weirdo Stallion with some fancy mane.” Scootaloo said.
“Oh, ok. Do you need help with your, um, little problem there?” Fluttershy asked.
“No thanks Fluttershy. We’ve been in situations worse than this.” Sweetie Belle answered.
“Okay, you girls have fun now.”
Fluttershy again walked away and was almost ready to cry because she needed someone to talk to. She considered Rainbow Dash, but she probably would just tell her to mare up or something, so she just started walking home. When she got there, however, she found a note taped to her door. She grabbed it and read it out loud to herself. It said:
Fluttershy! I need to tell you something really important! Please come to Sugar Cube Corner pronto!
Rainbow Dash
P.S. FLY THIS TIME
Fluttershy opened up her wings and flew all the way to town and landed at Sugar Cube Corner. She walked inside and saw Rainbow Dash nervously sitting at a table.
“Rainbow Dash, what’s wrong? You seem awfully worried.” Fluttershy said as she sat down with Rainbow Dash.
“Yes Fluttershy. Something is very wrong. Do you remember Gilda the Griffin and how she hated Pinkie Pie?” Rainbow Dash said as she nervously bit her hoof.
“Oh yes. She was very mean.”
“Well, she took Pinkie Pie and told me that if I don’t come to her house that nobody would ever see her again. I just don’t know what to do.” Rainbow Dash frantically told her.
“Oh my gosh! What should we do!?” Said Fluttershy, her voice surprisingly rising.
“That’s why I called you here. I need your help. I have a plan set out and everything.”
“But Rainbow Dash, what can I do? Gilda is scary.”
“Mare up Fluttershy! It’s not your plot on the line, it’s mine and Pinkie Pie’s!” Rainbow Dash yelled. Everypony started quizzically at the odd pair at the table in the corner.
“I…I… I just can’t…” Fluttershy whimpered.
“I didn’t mean to yell Fluttershy. I’m just upset. I thought we had gotten rid of Gilda for good.” Rainbow Dash said apologetically. “Please. I need your help.”
“I’m sorry Rainbow Dash, but what could I do? I bet anypony besides me would be more help to you.” Fluttershy told her.
“Fluttershy, please. You’re the only one I trust with this.” Rainbow pleaded.
“Oh… alright then. Just tell me what to do.” Fluttershy gave in as she mentally tried to prepare herself for what was coming.
“Okay Fluttershy. Here’s what I need you to do. Gilda doesn’t know you, so I’m going to need you to distract her while I sneak into her house to grab Pinkie and make a run for it. I’m going to give you the signal and when-“
“What’s the signal?” Fluttershy asked.
“I’m going to make a Sonic Rainboom. When you see that, fly toward Ponyville and meet me back here again. Understand?” Rainbow Dash continued.
“Y- Yes.” Fluttershy stammered.
The following evening, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash landed a couple hundred feet away from Gilda’s house. Fluttershy was supposed to distract Gilda while Rainbow Dash snuck in through her back door and free Pinkie. Fluttershy tapped on Gilda’s door.
“Whadd’ya want?” Gilda said as she opened the door to her house.
“Um, hello. I was wondering if you would like to make a donation to um…” Fluttershy said as she tried to think of something. “A donation to my foster home for animals.”
“No thanks.” Gilda said. “Wait a minute.” Fluttershy gulped. “Haven’t I seen you before?”
“Oh no. I live in the woods all by myself. I’m sure it was somepony else.”
“No, no. I have seen you. It was at that damn party Rainbow Dash’s friend, Pinkie Pie, threw for me.”
“Who’s Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy lied unconvincingly. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“In fact, I’m pretty sure Rainbow Dash should’ve been here by now… I have her friend Pinkie Pie and I’m going to throw a... party for both of them.” Gilda said slyly. She knew of their plan somehow.
“What have you done with my friend!?” Fluttershy yelled.
“See! I knew it was you!” Gilda gleefully said.
“But, how did you know about our plan?” Fluttershy asked her, growing edgier by the second. Had she already caught Rainbow Dash sneaking around her house? Was she with Pinkie right now?
“Let’s just say that I had a friend following Rainbow Dash for a while now. Why don’t you come in? You can see Rainbow Dash and your friend Pinkie Pie again.” While she walked in, unsure if she was doing the right thing, she panicked inside of her head tried to think of a way to get out of this while saving her friends. The first thing that came to her mind was Applejack bucking apples. (I think you all know where this is going) When Gilda turned around to close and lock the door Fluttershy got on her front hooves and bucked Gilda in the back of her head. She was knocked out cold. She then ran around the house, looking in every room for signs of Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. She found nothing of her two friends. Her last resort was Gilda’s basement. She was scared half to death to go down there, but the power of friendship (I know, it’s a bit cheesy), overpowered her fears and she walked down there. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were in fact down there. Pinkie Pie was lying on the ground unconscious and Rainbow Dash was lying down in front of her, her wing broken.
“Rainbow Dash! What happened?” Fluttershy stammered.
“Ugh… Gilda… She- She knew…” Rainbow Dash mumbled. “How- How did you know she had caught me.”
“I didn’t.” Fluttershy told her. “She told me. Rainbow Dash, Gilda knew about our plan. You were being followed for days and when we were in Sugar Cube Corner her friend overheard you and let her know in advance. We need to get out of here now!”
“But how did you get past her?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Well… you know how Applejack bucks apples all the time?”
“Oh.”
“Anyway, we need to get out of here. Is your wing is broken?” Fluttershy said.
“Yeah, my bad one.” Rainbow Dash answered.
“I’ll have to carry Pinkie Pie then. You’ll just have to walk. Then we’ll get you to Doctor Hooves.” Fluttershy told her. RD picked up Pinkie Pie, trying not to strain her broken wing, and set her on top of Fluttershy.
“Oh my. She’s heavier than I thought.” Fluttershy groaned.
“We’re gonna have to tell her to lay off the cupcakes.” Rainbow laughed to herself. “If we get out of here in one piece.”
“Don’t think like that. I knocked Gilda out cold with that buck to the head.” Fluttershy said; not sure if she was proud or horrified at what she had done.
“Well I’m proud of you Fluttershy, you mared up… Ha-ha…” Rainbow Dash collapsed on the ground.
“Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy yelled; they had just left Gilda’s house. She was sure they were going to make it. She set down the unconscious Pinkie Pie and went to the fallen Rainbow Dash. “What’s wrong!?” She then remembered that Rainbow Dash was limping earlier and she didn’t remember Rainbow Dash telling her anything about her right hind leg. She looked and saw that she was bleeding from a gash in her thigh. “Why didn’t you tell me about this?”
“Oh that… Ha-ha… it’s just a scratch…” Rainbow Dash mumbled.
“Rainbow Dash, we need to get you to a hospital now! You’re losing blood by the minute!” Fluttershy yelled. How was this possible? She searched frantically for something to stop the blood flow while she had her hooves pressed over the wound. How had she not seen the blood before? She then remembered Rainbow Dash limping. She shook her head. This was no time for that. She resumed searching and saw an abandoned cloak lying about ten feet away.
“Rainbow Dash, I’m going to have to let go of the wound for a little bit, okay?” Fluttershy told Rainbow Dash. “It’s only going to be for a little, I promise.”
“P-Pinkie Promise?” Rainbow Dash muttered, still cracking jokes.
“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Fluttershy assured her. “On the count of three now… get ready… One… two…” She began. “Three!” She quickly let go of the wound and dashed for the cloak to her right. She snatched it in her mouth and made the fastest turn she had ever done. She sped up even more to get back to the bleeding Rainbow Pony. She tried her best to fold it into a rectangular shape, and plucked one of her own feathers to use as a type of tourniquet. It would do for now.
“Can you walk now?” Fluttershy asked her.
“I- I can try.” Rainbow Dash stood up. “Urgghhh… I need to lean on you. Can you carry Pinkie Pie and help me walk at the same time?” Rainbow asked her.
“If you can trudge on with a broken wing and a wound on your calf, then I can manage.” Fluttershy smiled weakly. She picked up Pinkie Pie in a Fireman’s Carry and let Rainbow Dash lean on her. The power of adrenaline keeping her going. In a short while, they arrived at Ponyville. Fluttershy put Pinkie down and Rainbow Dash slumped on the ground. She saw a pony coming. Was that… Applejack? No, it seemed like… Derpy maybe? She couldn’t decide; everything was getting blurry and she was fading into unconsciousness.
“Fluttershy are you okay?” A familiar voice called, seeming distant. She was so tired she couldn’t even open her eyes to see who it was.
Fluttershy was drifting in and out of consciousness. When she awoke, she appeared to be in Ponyville’s hospital. Dr. Hooves was there, talking with… was that… Princess Celestia? She tried to lift her arms but she was still so tired. She drifted back into sleep, thinking of Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash; wondering if they were all right. When she next awoke, she was in a dark room, and she saw Gilda. No, not only Gilda, the Queen of the Changelings, Chrysalis.
“You have failed me miserably Gilda,” Chrysalis said disappointingly. “And I thought you were the best…” Her voice was chilling. Fluttershy thought that they had banished her. Did she somehow escape?
“It was that damned friend of theirs, Fluttershy! I thought she was a wimp!” Gilda yelled.
“Silence, Gilda. We will have another chance. This time, I’ll have you work with the spy who was following Rainbow Dash.” Chrysalis told her.
“And just who would that be?” Gilda asked impatiently.
“It’s Bl-“ Fluttershy woke up. It was just a dream, she thought. But it was still strange that Gilda was in it. Then again, it wasn’t. She lay there for a while, thinking deeply about her dream. Dr. Hooves walked in while she was still deep in thought.
“Ah! Fluttershy, you’re awake!” He exclaimed. Fluttershy gave a little squeak. “Oops, didn’t mean to startle you!” He chuckled to himself.
“Dr. Hooves! How are my friends? How is Pinkie Pie? Rainbow Dash?” She asked.
“They’re just fine. They asked the same about you. Pinkie Pie even tried throwing a party in celebration of your bravery.” Fluttershy laughed at that. That’s just like Pinkie. “How are you feeling, by the way? You carried Pinkie a long time out there.?
“Oh, I’m fine. Just a little sore, that’s all.” She told him.
“I expected that. I just want you to stay in the hospital for the rest of today and tonight. Make sure you didn’t get hurt and we didn’t notice. You can leave right in the morning.” He replied.
“Thanks.” Doctor Hooves left and she could hear him talking to one of the nurses.
“That Pony deserves a medal, I’m telling you.” His voice trailing off. She couldn’t help but feel a stab of pride in her chest as she remembered the events from… Her thinking paused… How long had she been out for?
“OH COME ON! WHAT DO YOU MEAN, ‘NO CUPCAKES’?” She could hear Pinkie from a few rooms away. I guess she was on a strict diet until she gained back the weight she lost from hunger. Her thoughts interrupted, she quickly became quite bored and decided to go and visit her friends, after an O.K. from one of the nurses. She decided to visit Rainbow Dash first, she wasn’t ready for Pinkie Pie yet. When she walked in, she saw a stack of books by Rainbow Dash’s bedside. It looks like she was re-reading the Daring Do series again.
“Rainbow Dash, hi!” She said as she came up to her bedside.
“Fluttershy, how are you?” Rainbow replied as she put down her book. “I haven’t been able to thank you for saving me yesterday. The damned nurses won’t let me leave my bedside.” She joked.
“Oh, it’s nothing. It’s what friends do, right?” Fluttershy blushed. She was not used to this praise of being so brave. They then proceeded into small talk involving Rainbow Dash trying to convince Fluttershy to read the Daring Do series. She hastily took the first book in the series, not wanting to be rude. After, she walked to Pinkie Pie’s room.
“OHMIGOSH! Fluttershy!” She tried to get up to run across the room to embrace her, but was quickly pushed down by a nurse who gave her another telling off. “Yeah, yeah, I got it.” Next to her bedside was one measly balloon and Fluttershy guessed it was the closest thing the Hospital gave Pinkie to have a little celebration.
“Can you believe this place? It’s sooooooooooo boring here.” Pinkie Pie sighed. “I’m not allowed to dance, play music loud, or use my party cannon. I can’t even eat a cupcake until tomorrow.” Pinkie complained. Fluttershy grinned. Pinkie couldn’t go one day without a cupcake or a party.
“Well, at least you get to eat something now.” Fluttershy said encouragingly.
“Yeah but the food is so gross!” Pinkie got another telling off for that one too. It didn’t help that the nurse in charge of her was also one of the part time cooks. Fluttershy was shooed out of Pinkies room and she just wandered around the hospital for a while. She passed the vending machine and decided to buy a little treat to eat. She put in one bit into the machine and selected the apple tart candy. She couldn’t help but think of Applejack and how she was doing. She finally walked back to her room and opened the book Rainbow Dash had encouraged her to read. She wasn’t really an adventure fan, but she had nothing else to do. She sat for the rest of the evening reading the book and munching on snacks from the vending machines.
When evening came, and Princess Luna rose the moon into the sky, Fluttershy put the book down. She had finished it. It actually wasn’t half bad, she thought to herself. She got up from her bed and stretched. She had been laying down for hours. She picked up the book in her mouth and walked over to Rainbow Dash’s room to return the book to her. She needed to stretch her tired muscles anyway. She opened Rainbow’s door and she was fast asleep in her bed, book still open in her hooves. She gently put the book she was holding on her table and also put Rainbow’s book on the bedside table. She closed the door silently behind her and took another walk, meandering around the hospital. She started to think about the dream she had last night again. As she walked closer to her room, her thoughts were interrupted again. Hadn’t Rainbow’s door been closed? She was sure of it. She walked over to her door and peeked inside. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. I guess it was the wind, she thought to herself. She walked out of Rainbow’s room again, making sure the door was closed this time, when Pinkie’s scream pierced the night.
“Pinkie!” Fluttershy yelled out loud. She burst into run and tried to open Pinkie Door; it was locked. She again got on her front hooves and kicked down Pinkies Door. There was Pinkie, in her bed, and looming over her was a figure in the same cloak as the one she made a tourniquet with to save Rainbow Dash. Adrenaline filled up in her body again and her first reaction was to tackle whoever was under that cloak. She jumped and spread her wings. She used al her might to achieve maximum speed and bowled into the cloaked pony. Except it wasn’t a pony. It was Gilda.
Fluttershy had pinned Gilda to the floor, desperate to again protect her friends.
“Pinkie, get out of here and call the police!” Fluttershy told her. Pinkie jumped out of her bed and tried her best to go wake find one of the nurses. Fluttershy then realized Gilda had a knife in her hand, and hesitated for a moment. This gave Gilda a perfect opportunity to strike and she broke free of Fluttershy’s grasp and sliced the left side of her face. Thankfully, Fluttershy instinctively turned away from the blow, but it would still be sure to leave a scar there. Fluttershy fell over and Gilda took the offensive, getting up and leaping on top of Fluttershy. She rolled out of the way, however, and got up on her hooves, while Gilda crashed to the floor. Fluttershy got a moment of rest while Gilda recovered from the fall she wasn’t expecting. When Gilda did get up, she lunged toward Fluttershy and this time she wasn’t so lucky. She was pinned against the wall and Gilda laughed maniacally. It was clear that she was losing insanity.
“Now you’re going to die, you little bitch!” Gilda growled. “This time, I will have my revenge on you, and your friends!” She brought the knife to Fluttershy’s throat, about to cut her, when her hand stopped moving. A gunshot rang through the night air. Gilda spit blood and it splattered against Fluttershy’s chest. It seem time had frozen, and when it returned, Gilda fell over onto the floor, dead this time. Fluttershy turned her head to see the pony that had saved her life. It was Pinkie Pie, standing there with a .357 Magnum, smoke coming from the barrel. She dropped the gun and Fluttershy and Pinkie embraced in a hug, crying tears of joy and of being so frightened.
Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were taken into custody by the police for questioning and to ensure their safety for the next few days. Fluttershy was treated for shock therapy, but she insisted that she was fine and she didn’t need it. Pinkie Pie was temporarily arrested and was tried before a court and jury to see if charges were to be pressed for murder. However, both the judge and the jury agreed it was not an act of violence, but an act of self defense. Gilda was going to be put to death anyway due to the fact of her latest and previous crimes. She had no known relatives and therefore Pinkie had an easy court. When the final day of being questioned came and went, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were again released back to the hospital for final check-ups for wounds, each had a personal bodyguard that switched at six hour intervals, guarding their houses.
“Pinkie, thank you for saving my life.” Fluttershy told her.
“Hey, it’s what friends do, right?” Pinkie said. That was the same thing she had said to Rainbow Dash only a few days ago. “Now we’re even.” Pinkie smiled. In an odd way, this experience had brought their friendship even closer than it already was. They were at Fluttershy’s house, waiting for their friends to come so they could tell of their… adventure. They hadn’t seen them in a week and a half, after all. Pinkie Pie, of course, was throwing a party in celebration. Fluttershy thought she was mainly throwing the party in happiness of finally getting out of the hospital, and not because they saved each other’s and Rainbow Dash’s lives. Oh well, a party is a party. She rubbed her cheek, and her hoof ran across the scar that had formed there from the slash of Gilda’s knife. Just then, Applejack walked in through Fluttershy’s door.
“Hey ya’ll!” She said, and came over to hug Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy.
“Ow, ow! Careful of the wing!” Rainbow Dash yelled.
“Oops. Sorry.” Applejack giggled. Rainbow Dash did too. “How are ya’ll doin?”
“I’m fine.”
“I’m as good as the cupcakes at Sugar Cube Corner!”
“Awesome, like always.”
The three said in unison. The all stared at each other and started laughing again. It felt good to be hanging out with friends again.
“I wonder when Twilight and Rarity will be here?” Applejack said at last, gasping from laughter. She didn’t need to say it twice, because Rarity and Twilight walked in together.
“Yay! We’re all here so we can get this party started!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Just let me get my party cannon first!”
“Goodness, that guard outside your door is such a ruffian, Fluttershy.” Rarity said. “When does he switch out?”
“Oh, in a few hours. They switch at six hour intervals.” Fluttershy replied.
“My darling, what happened to your face?” Rarity asked suddenly. Fluttershy had been expecting this.
“It was from when Gilda cut me. I have a scar there now.” Fluttershy muttered. She knew it wasn’t very attractive.
“PARTY TIME!” Pinkie Pie yelled. She pressed the button to her party cannon and confetti went all over the place. It was in everypony’s mane, but they were all having such a good time that they didn’t care all that much. Pinkie Pie brought cupcakes, Rainbow Dash brought the Daring Do series to give back to Twilight, as she had already finished the series again. Applejack brought Apple tarts, and Rarity even brought some jewels for Spike to munch on, as he wasn’t a big fan of pony food.
“Oh I forgot to tell you girls! I talked to Blueblood the other day. We’re on speaking terms again.” Rarity said excitedly. “He apologized for his awful behavior on the night of the Grand Galloping Gala.”
“That’s great Rarity!” Twilight said. She knew that Rarity still had feeling for him.
“Hopefully it goes better than last time!” Rainbow Dash said. Applejack nudged her hard in the ribs. “What? I’m just saying!”
“Oh, its fine Rainbow Dash. I’m hoping for the same thing.” Rarity smiled. “So how have your weeks been going, Girls?”
“Well, Applebloom finally got her cutie mark.” Applejack said.
“What is it?” Fluttershy asked.
“It’s a paint can and paint brush. She got her cutie mark in Interior Decorating. How woulda thought?” Applejack answered. “What about you, Fluttershy? Besides the Gilda disaster?” Fluttershy thought deeply. She had been having a lot of nightmares recently, and the seemed to be continuations of the dream she had at the hospital. She also had been in a foul mood a couple of days ago. It’s probably just stress, Fluttershy thought. Should she tell her friends about what was going on?
“Oh, nothing much.” Fluttershy decided not to tell them. It was her problem, not theirs. Nothing to worry about over a few silly nightmares. “I’ve just been taking care of my animals mostly. Tidying up my house a little, too. You’d be surprised how much dust there was.” She had been lying an awful lot lately.
“Alright, then.” Applejack said.
“So tell me, Pinkie. What was it like to, you know, shoot Gilda?” Rainbow Dash finally asked the question everypony wanted to know. Twilight looked nervously at Pinkie Pie, looking for her reaction.
“Well, I have shot a gun before. My dad had one on our rock farm. It was just, firing it at somebody. I was already mad at Gilda, so I kinda just… did it.” Pinkie said. “Gilda deserved it.” They all nodded. It was clear Pinkie didn’t really want to talk about it. The silence was broken by Pinkie Pie.
“Well, let’s or something!” Pinkie Pie cheered up. She put on a record of Vinyl Scratches. Wubs filled the air. Rarity was not particularly fond of this kind of music, neither was Applejack. However, the rest of them enjoyed the music and small talk ruled the rest of the night.
When the party was over, Pinkie Pie packed everything into her party wagon and she left with her bodyguard who was to escort her to her house. Then Rarity left, she had to go her ready for her date with Blueblood. Twilight and Applejack stayed for a bit longer than everypony else, and they talked to Fluttershy about Gilda a little bit.
“No, honestly! I’m fine. That’s what I’m going to the therapy sessions for!” Fluttershy said. “You can go now. Enjoy the rest of your night!” Fluttershy called as Applejack and Twilight trotted away. Her bodyguard had switched out now and it was one she had never seen before. She made sure to close and lock her door behind her as she went upstairs to her room. It was time for her to have a little relaxation time. When she opened her door, however, and turned on the light, there was somepony there already.
Chapter 4
"Hello, Fluttershy." Chrysalis said. "I need to talk with you." Fluttershy squeeled as turned around to flee the room. "That won't work, you know." Fluttershy ignored her and kept pulling at the door, but to no avail.
"What... What do you want with me? Why is everypony trying to hurt me?" Fluttershy said, not even turning around to look at Chrysalis.
"That's exactly why I'm here Fluttershy. I wan't to tell you that if you stay out of my way, you won't get hurt anymore."
"What do you mean?" Fluttershy nervously asked.
"I have some revenge I need to take care of, involving your friends. Not with you, though." Chrysalis answered.
"Wait, I thought you were locked up in the Canterlot prison?"
"It's not me, it's one of my changelings transformed to look like me."
"I'm going to tell someone about this!"
"You dare!?" Chrysalis's voice suddenly rised. "After I gave you guarenteed safety?" She started walking toward Fluttershy.
I guess this is the end for me... Fluttershy thought to herself. Chrysalis stopped walking.
"No matter, nopony will believe you!" Chrysalis told her. Fluttershy had to agree, nopony would believe her. Then Chrysalis spread her wings, and flew out of Fluttershy's window. Fluttershy than fainted onto the floor.
When she woke up the next morning on her bedroom floor, she remembered last night, and flew out of her window to Canterlot. She needed to tell Princess Celestia about this. All across town she flew by people as the waved to her and called hello, but she had no time for politeness. It had seemed she had been changing since her encounter with Gilda. The whole way to Canterlot, she thought about it and why that could be. However, when she arrived at the doorstep of Canterlot castle, a guard stopped her.
"Stop! One does not simply walk into Canterlot Castle!"
"Oh please, mister! I need to tell Princess Celestia something very important!" Fluttershy begged.
"What's so important?"
"You... You wouldn't believe me..." Fluttershy whimpered. She turned around to start walking home when a voice called out.
"What is all this fuss about?" It was Princess Celestia herself. When Fluttershy heard her voice she turned right around and walked toward her.
"Princess Celestia!" She said as she bowed. "I have something important to tell you!
"What is it Flutteshy?"
"Chrysalis..." Fluttershy started. "Chrysalis is still roaming free."
"Fluttershy, that's impossible! We have her locked up in the Canterlot prison!" Celestia said. Fluttershy had been expecting this. "You must have imagined it in your dreams, Fluttershy! After all you have been through, I would expect that!"
"No, it's a changeling you have imprisoned! She told me herself!"
"Fluttershy, I suggest you get some sleep! I'm sure Dr. Hooves whould quite agree as well. It seems you haven't fully recovered from your horrific experience yet." Celestia told her, not paying attention to what Fluttershy had told her. She then walked back into the castle and left Fluttershy standing there with nothing more to say.Tears started to pour down and Fluttershy flew off, not wanting to embaress herself any more. She flew back to her house again. All she wanted to do was cry. Cry and think; think about what she had to do. If Princess Celestia didn't believe her, no one would!
For hours, Fluttershy just layed in her bed and cried. She finally convinced herself to stop crying, and to think rationally. She had to stop Chyrsalis herself, she kept telling herself. But how can I, Fluttershy thought to herself, I'm a pushover, a doormat! This was all the could think about, and was interrupted by a sudden knock on her door. She hesitated to whether she should open it or not, and she decided that she should. When she opened it, there was a hooded figure standing there.
"Is this the residence of Fluttershy?" The figure asked.
"Um... Yes..." She replied.
"I overheard earlier, that Crysalis, the Queen of the Changelings is still roaming free in Equestria?"
"Oh, erm... Do you believe me." Fluttershy nervously asked.
"Of course we do. And we need information to stop her. So would you mind following me?"
"Sure." Fluttershy closed and locked her door as she followed the hooded figure down the path to town. "So... who are you?"
"I'm a member of the E.A.A. It stands for the Equestria Assasin Alliance."
"Oh, really?" Fluttershy asked. She wasn't sure if she believed this pony.
"Yes, really." The figure replied, annoyed. "I'm taking you there right now."
"May I ask you name, perhaps?" Fluttershy said.
"I'd rather not tell you, but my alias is Sigma."
"Well Sigma, what do you do in the Alliance?"
"I'm the main weapons designer. All because of my specialty in chemistry."
"So... Where exactly are you taking me?" Fluttershy finally asked.
"Just wait, we're almost there." Just as they reached the town, they turned and headed toward the mountains. When they reached them, the figure leaned over a rock in a sort of rocky area. When he stood back up, Fluttershy heard a noise and looked to her side, there was now a large door built into the mountain. Fluttershy gaped in awe. Sigma walked over to the door and started pressed a button. There was some sort of small screen that he placed his hoof on, and then the door opened. Fluttershy was about to ask a question but she was interrupted.
"Well we can't stand out here all day! Get inside, quickly!"
They walked inside and they were in a hallway with windows all around. There were doors leading to different places and the first thing Fluttershy saw was a fierce battle going on between two stallions who appeared to be doing some sort of martial art.
"What is this place?" Fluttershy wondered out loud
"This is the hideout of the E.A.A. This is where we train, discuss plans, get assignments, and make weapons. Follow me please." The figure took off his hood and he appeared to be a stallion around Fluttershy's age. He had cream colored fur and a brown mane. Fluttershy followed him while she tried to look through every single window, she was amazed.
"Through here is the president of the this alliance. He will be asking you questions and helping you." He said. Fluttershy stopped looking around. She had to go in there? It was the room at the end of the hallway. He opened up the door and Fluttershy stepped inside.
Chapter 6
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Sigma asked again, his voice raised in anger.
“Why don't you have a problem?” Violet replied.
“What do you mean?” Gumball asked.
“I mean, I have a big problem with Fluttershy. Why are you all acting friendly around her? You don't even know her!” Violet yelled.
“I honestly have know idea what you're talking about Violet. She hasn't done anything wrong to any of us!” Sigma yelled back. “Tell me, what has she done that is so horrible?”
“She... She...” Violet stuttered. “She was watching us train, and she didn't even ask to come inside the training room!”
“Wow, big deal. Did anypony else have a problem with Fluttershy watching us?” Sigma said sarcastically. Grunt's of 'No' and 'Who cares' could be heard at the table. “Anything else, Violet?”
“Well, um... She...” It was apparent that Violet was trying to make something up, in desperation of trying not to make herself look like a fool.
“That's what I thought.” Sigma confidently said as he sat down and continued to eat lunch. Violet became silent and glared at Fluttershy as she ate. Fluttershy wished she had just stayed in her room today.
“So, anyway Fluttershy, what are you planning on doing for the next couple months?” Gumball asked. In fact, she didn't know what she was going to do.
“Well, I'm not really sure. Is their maybe a park around here?” Fluttershy replied. Violet snorted which earned her a nasty glare from Sigma. Than she remembered that she wasn't allowed to leave this place until they had caught Chrysalis. “Oh, never mind. I just remembered I'm not allowed to go out.”
“That sucks. What are you interested in than? I'm sure we can find something interesting for you to do around here.” Gumball said. On the contrary, Fluttershy didn't want to tell him what she liked to do. It was highly unlikely that there were any animals around here to take care of.
“Well, I kind of want to learn how to defend myself.” Fluttershy accidentally blurted out. Crap! I didn't mean to say that out loud! Fluttershy thought. That was all it took for Gumball and Sigma to find her something to do.
***
It turned out that when Fluttershy accidentally revealed what had been on her mind for quite a while, Gumball jumped at the opportunity and took off toward the training room.
“I imagine he is going to go ask permission from the Head Trainer if it's alright if he gives you private lessons, if you were wondering what he is doing.” Sigma sighed. Fluttershy had indeed been wondering what was going on.
“Oh, okay than.” Fluttershy said, finishing off the last of her sandwich.
“Don't worry, I'll make sure that he doesn't push you too hard.” Sigma smiled. Fluttershy smiled back. Maybe this place isn't so bad after all. Fluttershy thought. Just than Gumball came galloping back, nimbly dodging tables and other ponies/stallions.
“He said...” He was out of breath. “He said that it would be fine...” He sat right back down and started eating again.
“Thanks.” Fluttershy tried to say in her most convincing tone. Apparently it worked, and Gumball smiled at her after a long drink of water.
“Well, I'm done eating.” Sigma said. “See you all later.”
“So am I.” Fluttershy said. “Is it alright if I watch you guys some more? I don't have anything better to do.”
“Sure, follow me.” Truth be told, Fluttershy knew where the training room was already from pacing the hallway earlier today, but she didn't say anything.
“Sorry about Violet. I'm not entirely sure why she's acting like that.” Sigma said apologetically.
“Oh, it's alright.”
“Violet is like a sister to me. I guess I should go apologize for being so angry.”
“Why do you think she is being like that?”
“Truth be told, I actually think she's jealous of you.” Sigma said quietly.
“Jealous? Why would she be jealous of me?”
“She probably thinks that I'm giving you more attention than I'm giving her.” Sigma sighed. “It's ridiculous.”
“Weird.” Fluttershy chuckled. They arrived at the training room again and walked inside. She sat down on the floor and watched as Sigma walked over the agility course. For about ten minutes she watched him, when the training room door opened again and Violet walked in. Fluttershy tried her best to look natural and ignore her.
“Hey, Fluttershy.” Violet said. Fluttershy ignored her. “Hey, I'm talking to you!”
“What do you want?” Fluttershy asked.
“I'm here to say sorry.” Violet said with a hurt tone. She stuck out her hoof. Fluttershy went to shake her hoof and accept her apology when she drew it back. “Sike!” She laughed and walked toward the weapons training part of the room. Fluttershy sighed and went back to watching everypony else train in the room.
***
After a while, Gumball saw Fluttershy and trotted over to her.
“Hey! Ready to start your training?” Gumball asked excitedly.
“Right now?” Fluttershy asked nervously. She didn't want anypony watching her while she was training.f
“No, in the middle of the night.” Gumball said in a sarcastic tone. “Of course right now!” In all actuality, Fluttershy would prefer training in the middle of the night. “So, what do you want to learn first.”
“Um... well...” Fluttershy started when Sigma walked over to them.
“Gumball, how about I help? You've never trained anybody before.” Sigma said. Gumball sighed and said yes.
“So, Fluttershy. Have you had any experience, well...” Sigma started to say.
“You want to know if I've ever been in a fight, don't you?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yeah, basically.” Sigma replied.
“Well, I have knocked out a griffin before.” Fluttershy said shyly.
“Whaaaaaat!?” Gumball's mouth hung open in awe.
“It was when I had to save two of my friends.” Fluttershy explained. “When she was turned around I reared up on my front legs and bucked her in the back of her head. Other than that, I haven't really had much experience with violence.”
“We'll start with basic self defense then.” Sigma said.
Chapter 5
Another figure was sitting behind a desk, the chair turned around so Fluttershy couldn’t see the pony/stallion’s face.
“Um… Hello?” Fluttershy nervously asked. “I was supposed to see you I guess. Sigma told me.” The figure spun around, it was another stallion.
“Hello!” Fluttershy jumped. He had a booming voice. “Oops, didn’t mean to startle you!”
“Ha ha, it’s alright…” Fluttershy forced a laugh.
“As you know, I’m the President of the E.A.A.”
“Of course, go on.”
“You also know, as I have heard, that you believe Chrysalis is still roaming free in Equestria?”
“Yes. She told me herself.”
“Do you know where she is?”
“Um… not exactly.” Fluttershy said embarrassingly.
“That’s quite alright!” He exclaimed. “Do you perhaps know if she is working with anyone?”
“I- I don’t know that either.”
“Well then…” He tried his best not to sound disappointed. “What do you know?”
“Um…” Fluttershy whimpered. “I know that my friends are in danger.”
“Danger?”
“Well, Chrysalis told me that she is going to take revenge on all of my friends for messing up her plan.” Fluttershy finally said. She was glad to finally tell someone and have them believe her.
“That’s it?” He replied. Fluttershy had a hurt look on her face. “Not that it isn’t helpful information! Here’s the deal, we can catch Chrysalis by using your friends!”
“What do you mean, exactly? You want to use my friends as bait?” Fluttershy asked questioningly. She was beginning to dislike this stallion.
“No, no, no. We’re going to station high rank members of the E.A.A to protect them from Chrysalis, and that way we can also catch Chrysalis at the same time!” He exclaimed. “It’s like killing two birds with one stone!” Fluttershy hoped he really didn’t kill two birds.
“Um, okay then. Is that all?”
“That’s about it. However, I would like you to stay here while we’re capturing Chrysalis. That way you won’t get hurt or she won’t try to pry you for information.” That was the last thing he said to her before turning around in his chair once again.
“But wait mister! What about all my pets at my house? Who’s going to feed them? Who’s going to take care of them?” Fluttershy squeaked. He called for a pony outside of his door and told her that her duties now were to take care of Fluttershy’s animals. Fluttershy guessed this was the time to leave, so she just opened up her door and went back into the hallway. Sigma was still there waiting, messing about with some small crossbow.
“Ah, you’re done! Well, come with me and I’ll show you where you will be staying for the next couple months.” He said, putting his small weapon into his pocket.
“M- Months!?” Fluttershy yelled. “How long is this going to take!?”
“Hopefully just a few months, but what did you expect? It won’t be easy catching her. She’s magical, she can fly, and she can disguise herself!”
He’s got a point there… Fluttershy thought. She sighed and just followed him down the hallway once more. He took a left into a door labeled GUEST ROOMS.
“Here is the key to your room. Your room is the last door on the right.” It reminded her of a hotel. Maybe this place wouldn’t be so bad. She took the key and Sigma turned around walked back to the main hallway. She swear she could see him take the crossbow and start fiddling around with it again.
***
Inside her temporary living place was a basic little room with a bed, a dresser, and a bedside table. Miraculously, all of her clothes and her personal belongings were already there. She checked out everything about the room; the closet, the bathroom, the kitchen, it was all very drab. She would have to make it her own. She also had to go tell her friends about what was going on, as they would be very worried. She walked out of the room and was immediately stopped by a pony who appeared to be guarding her door.
“And where do you think you’re going?” She was very intimidating.
“Well, um, I was just going to go to tell my friends where I am so they aren’t worry about me.” Fluttershy tried her best to stand up to her.
“I have orders, right here.” She showed Fluttershy a note. “I’m not supposed to let you go without permission from the boss.” Fluttershy sighed again.
“Well, am I allowed to leave my room?”
“Yeah, that’s ok. Just don’t bother anyone.” The pony rolled her eyes at Fluttershy. Fluttershy ignored her and just walked off; back into the main hall. She wanted to see what went on in this place, she walked down the hall a couple times, just to think. She kept seeing one door that piqued her interest; it was labeled ASSASIN BASIC TRAINING.
***
Fluttershy walked in, interested. She had nothing better to do so she just watched for a while; ponies and stallion's were practicing martial arts, some were taking turns at an agility course, and others were just simply being taught by mentors. This went on for a while, and Fluttershy was starting to get hungry. She turned around to leave, only to be blocked by another pony.
“Oh, um... excuse me. I was just leaving.” Fluttershy said.
“What were you doing here anyway?” The pony questioned. “You sure don't look like you were training. This is the training room, after all.”
“Well, I was just watching, I have nothing else to do.” Fluttershy answered. Fluttershy just wanted to go eat something, but this pony kept on asking questions. “Can I please just go?”
“Fine, whatever.” The pony rolled her eyes.
` “Violet, stop harassing other ponies.” It was Sigma again. It seemed he was the only nice one around here. “She hasn't done anything wrong.”
“Um, it's okay, really.” Fluttershy replied. “Well, I'm just going to go eat.”
“Here, let me show you where the cafeteria is.” Sigma went forward and Fluttershy had no other choice but to follow him. Inside she was grateful for him stepping in. He lead her down the main hall once again and they went into another room.
“Here's the cafeteria. Meal's are free, and you get three meals a day. Any extra food you want, you will have to pay for it.” Sigma informed her.
“Thanks.” Fluttershy said shyly. Sigma was a nice stallion. She noticed the line and walked over to it. The line wasn't too long, and while she waited she tried to see what there was to eat.
“Next in line.” A mare called.
“What is there to eat?” Fluttershy asked.
“We have lettuce sandwich's with either hay fries or apple slices.”
“I'll have the apple slices than.” The cafeteria mare gave her a lettuce sandwich and apple slices, and Fluttershy went to go find somewhere to sit. Sigma motioned for Fluttershy to come sit down with him. Fluttershy walked over to his table and sat down next to him. All of his friends were there too, unfortunatly including the pony who had been messing with her earlier.
“Sweet Celestia, why does she have to sit here?” Violet said annoyingly.
“Violet, shut up.” One of the other stallions at the table said. “What's your problem with her, anyway?” Fluttershy tried to ignore the conversation as she quietly nibbled on her sandwich.
“What's your name?” The same stallion asked.
“Um... my name is Fluttershy...” Flutershy quietly said.
“Well, my name is Gumball.” He replied. “It's nice to meet you!”
“It's nice to meet you.” Violet mocked.
“Violet, what the hell is your problem today?” Sigma angrily said. “If you have a problem, just say it!”