The Endless Summer Sun Celebration

Chapters

Fluttershy Introduction
Chapter One - The Beginning
Chapter Two - Dreams?
Chapter Three - Realization
Chapter four - Trial and error
Chapter Five - content removed
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven - Old One
Chapter Eight - Sorrow
Chapter Nine - Darkness (Caution, violent)
Chapter Ten - Atonement
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve - Joyful Tidings
Chapter Thirteen - Passing Time
Discord Introduction

Fluttershy Introduction

Years have passed since Princess Twilight came to be the Princess of friendship and time has served the group well.

Granny Smith passed away and left not only the orchard and everything in it to Big Mac and Applejack, but also an enormous bank account. Applejack is now a manager of three apple orchards, An Orange orchard, a cherry orchard and a turnip farm. She works as much as she needs to and travels sometimes, but she is happy and she still produces the best cider in Equestria.

Applejack has Applebloom supervising Sweet Apple Acres to train for someday taking over the family business. For a young mare Applebloom has the determination of any Manehattan business executive.

Rainbow Dash was a strong reservist for the Wonderbolts, if she ever wanted to join full time she could, but Rainbow Dash wanted to have fun and adventures so she resigned, much to the dismay and surprise of everypony. She has a colt now, she named him Kalida Scope Dash. He’s a little ball of energy and takes after his mommy.

Rarity is a true fashionista, her styles appearing across Equestria and her boutiques are in every major city: reservations stretching out for months ahead of time to have custom clothes made. Sweetie Bell moved back north and the money she and her parents receive is enough to let them vacation almost all year round.

Twilight is basking in joy at the endless libraries she’s invited to view and open across the realm: as well as various dignitaries and representatives she gets to meet and negotiate with. She spends so much time doing princess things that her castle often goes neglected. She did have the Library repaired so the ponies in Ponyville have books to read and a place to gather.

Pinkie was lucky to meet with Cheese Sandwich and they started a party company. They travel across Equestria planning parties and coordinating others, they are the go-to ponies for partying in the whole realm, it seems. It seems there is a romance there as well, but they won’t talk about it.

And, that leaves me, Fluttershy, what have I done over the past years? Well, I’ve fed and taken care of thousands of animals.

It’s the Summer Sun Celebration this week, so all the girls will be getting together and we’ll have so much fun, even if it is only for two days. The sun will rise in two days and it will be the best day because of the year, because all six of us will be together again. Well, that is before they all go back to their busy lives.

Chapter One - The Beginning

“Oh, good morning Angel,” Fluttershy said as she opened her eyes and brushed her frazzled mane away from her eyes. She was looking at a bunny rabbit resting on her chest, arms crossed, with a scowl on his face, “I guess you’re hungry for some vegetable salad and spring water, right?” Nodding the upset bunny hopped to the floor and bounded out of the room.

‘It’s another day, time to check on my friends and loved ones,’ Thought Fluttershy confidently, ‘First it’s Angel’s salad, then I’ve got to give the squirrels their nuts and I’ll mix in some dried berries for them as a treat. The birds need seeds, but I can’t give them the best ones today, I have to save those for tomorrow morning because the next shipment comes in then.’

Continuing her mental list of things to do and who eats what, Fluttershy made her way to the kitchen, made a quick salad for Angel and began to make herself some hot tea and a flower cucumber sandwich for breakfast.

As she was pouring her tea as she realized she had forgotten her sugar on the counter by the stove. Smiling to herself she went to grab it, as she was about to grab the sugar bowl in her teeth she heard a plate fall to the floor and shatter. She jumped and fell to the floor then began to listen and heard a chirp. Looking over she saw her sandwich strewn across the floor she sighed in relief.

Perking up she hopped to her front legs and fluffed her mane, looking at the table there was a bird fluttering its wings landing on the rim over her cup, “Oh, please, don’t spill tha…” the bird hopped and the cup rocked and spilled, then the rolled over the edge and smashed to the floor, “Oh, that’s ok I guess, I needed to get a new set of cups and plates anyway.” Fluttershy said, meekly, lowering head.

Watching as her favorite cup, which was given to her by Twilight, break was hard to see, ‘I can’t blame the bird, I should have set it more to the center of the table. It’s my fault, anyway, I can eat at lunch,’ Fluttershy thought as she stood up fully and walked to the corner to get a broom.

After feeding her woodland friends three hours had passed. The sun was rising which meant it was nearly 10 am. “I think you’re okay for a couple hours my friends, I’ll see you soon,” Fluttershy said as she trotted cautiously to town.

Today is the Summer Sun Celebration, all my friends will be coming in from all over Equestria and we'll have one of Pinkies famous parties, talk and have great time. I miss seeing them but like Twilight said 'Life moves on, with or without us.' she thought as she made it into town. First I have to go and get some candy and meet the girls in Pinkies room, then we're going to get lunch, then go to the library to have our party. I'm getting so excited, oh, but not too excited.

On her was to Sugarcube corner where all her friends were going to be she began to worry, I hope everyone is as excited to see me as I am to see them, I feel nervous and I know I have no reason to worry. We haven't all seen each other at the same time for almost five months and I sense some animosity among them and I really REALLY don't want to be in the middle of it.

Sulking now, she walked through town nearest to the buildings as she could be, trying her best to fade into the background as she could until she got to her destination.

Walking in the door of Sugarcube corner a few ponies noticed her but didn't acknowledge her knowing Fluttershy to be not a conversationalist in even the slightest sense. Walking slowly to the counter she hopped up and looked sheepishly at Mrs. Cake, who was taking an order. “Hey, get to the back of the line,” grumbled a large mare from the line.

“O-oh. Okay, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be a bother, please, go ahead,” said Fluttershy as she walked to the end of the line. Several minutes passed before Fluttershy made her way back to Mrs. Cake, who was looking excited and full of energy with all the business going on.
“Oh, Fluttershy, how are you? Are you here for a box of nutty chocolates or a box of nuts, or, a box of chocolates?” asked Mrs. Cake with amusement.

“N-no, I was wondering, I guess, I mean I could get those if you have them, as long as no pony else was going to get them.”

“Okay, Hun, I’ll get them ready for you, right now,” Mrs. Cake said as she turned to grab a box and two bags.

“Um, also. I was wondering, that if, um, P-Pinkie Pie was ready upstairs?” Fluttershy said in almost a whisper, so as to not disturb Mrs. Cake as she gathered the various treats.

“Here you go dear, that will be 3 bits,” Mrs. Cake stated as she laid the bagged and boxed candies and nuts on the counter. Reaching into her saddlebag Fluttershy produced the money and took the desserts, “Next in line please, what would you like,” Mrs. Cake continued.

Walking aside Fluttershy sank into the floor, bags in her hand a box balancing on her back, she looked at the floor, ‘Why didn’t I talk just a little louder, I know her and I need to go upstairs. She could have heard me if I was a little louder. I know she has a job to do, but it was my turn...’

“Sweetie, what’s wrong?” asked Mrs. Cake standing over Fluttershy, “I bet Pinkie would know how to cheer you up, she’s at the Library with all your friends, they were going to stay here but it’s, um, too busy to have a meeting,” she said, trying to find the words.

Weakly smiling Fluttershy looked at Mrs. Cake with her exposed eye and nodded, “Thank you, Mrs. Cake, I appreciate you taking time to tell me that. have a nice day,” Meeting? since when has us getting together been a meeting?

As Fluttershy was leaving she smiled as a young colt who hopped under his mother and stuck his tongue out at her, “Why is she so weird, mommy?” he asked garnering a snicker from a couple ponies in line and a loud ‘SHH’ from his mother.

‘I know I’m not weird, I just prefer animals to ponies, that’s a normal thing to want in life,’ Fluttershy thought as she left the bakery.

Opening her wings she took off and flapped her wings fast and hard, trying to get to a good height as fast as she could so she could glide to the library and not have to worry about making a scene. Although she was still wary of heights it was worth the risksince she could shave a lot of time off her trip and be safe with her friends in no time.

Seeing the tree in view she angled her wings and began to circle the tree and landed with expert skill right where she wanted to. Smiling to herself she folded her wings and trotted to the door, ‘Oh joy, I’m here. I’m so ready to relax and be with the ponies I love and that love me for me.’

Lightly rapping on the door, she could hear noise and talking inside, so she waited.
“Knock Knock.”

“Knock Knock.”

The door swung open with a force great enough to knock Fluttershy five feet back, sending the bags flying out of her mouth. Applejack as laughing, looking back at the group, as she trotted out and tripped over Fluttershy, “Oh, dang Fluttershy, are you okay? I didn’t see you on the ground over here, ya find a ladybug that needed some carin’ for?” asked applejack.

“Oh, n-no, there’s no ladybug,” Fluttershy said as she got up, “I was knocking on the door for the last few minutes and then you opened the door and knocked me back, I’m sorry.”

“YOU’RE sorry? Fluttershy, why in tarnation are you apologizin’ for when ahm the one who knocked you down, are you okay? I’m sorry, none of us heard you knocking. Wait,” applejack said as she straightened up, “You were knocking for a few MINUTES?”

Twilight walked out the ajar door to see Fluttershy picking up two bags and Applejack staring at her in shock, “Uh, hey guys, what’s up?”

“Twi, I knocked Fluttershy here over, and she was outside the door for five minutes before I opened it into her. FIVE minutes, Twi.”

“Oh, that’s okay, Fluttershy was, is, just being kind and trying to not disturb us unannounced. But, Fluttershy, you know this is a public library, no one lives here," she emphasized public, "and you’re our friend. You’re always welcome here anytime, you know that, right?” Twilight said.

“Y-Yeah, I know that, but I didn’t want to be rude. I haven't been to the library since you had it rebuilt and wasn't sure how to enter. Should I just walk in or knock. But if I just walk in would I know for sure that you were going to be in here because you weren't at Sugarcube Corner. ”

Rolling their eyes Applejack and Twilight sighed, “Fluttershy, c’mon now, lets get up and get inside."

"Ahm gonna run and get that cider I was talkin' about, and I’ll see y’all in a bit,” applejack said to Twilight as she galloped back to her farm.

Walking into the library Rainbow Dash, Pinkie and Rarity were talking in a circle, all at once holding their own stories trying to get the other to listen to theirs. Rarity was taking the lead in volume with a tale about a robe crusted with faux diamonds made for a Canterlot noble.

Dash was talking about a subsonic dive loop she was working on and how the effect would dazzle her little stallion.

And Pinkie was looking at a cupcake and pointing to it with an intensity that would make any foals mouth water. She only kept mouthing the words “Look at it, it’s amazing.” Pinkies eyes were full of awe as she stared into space.

Smiling to herself for the first time since she left her home that morning she laid the bags down on a table and trotted over to the group then stopped short, her wings opened slightly and her mind was aghast in shock, ‘My box of chocolate nuts, I must have dropped it when I was flying.’

She resigned herself to the thought that she wouldn’t have all the treats she had bought on a whim.

Sitting behind Rarity and waiting for an opportunity to join in the conversation Spike came up behind her holding a cup of punch.

"Excuse me, Fluttershy, Rarity wants some punch," Spike said breathily as he looked at the over dressed white mare.

“Oh, Spikey, I didn’t see you there, how are you? Are you eating enough… what do you dragons eat besides gems?”

“Oh, well Fluttershy, actually I eat anything but gems are just like candy to us dragons. Sweet sweet gems, red ones. Green ones. Blue ones.” Salivating now the dragon began motioning like he was eating them, "But," he snapped back to reality, "I've gotta get this punch to the most beautiful creature on the planet. Maybe she'll thank me with a kiss or some jewels from her dress."

Leaving him to his fantasy Fluttershy turned to to Twilight.

“Twilight, are there big events planned for this years sun raising? I know its not for another 17 hours, or so, but if I can help I’d be glad to.”

Looking at her friend Twilight smiled and shrugged, “Everything is already done, Fluttershy. I’ve checked the list, double checked that list, and confirmed with every pony in town that everything is set. Princess Celestia isn’t going to be here this year, so I don’t feel I need to be super specific like I used to be.”

“And we checked that list twice more, then made a list of lists we had to check,” added Spike with sarcasm as he walked toward them.

“That’s right Spike, and thanks for all your work today. I actually don’t have any more lists or charts to check right now. OH, I should make a list of things to do today and tonight to keep myself busy until the next time I need to make a list.”

Slapping his face with an audible thud garnered the attention of all the ponies in the room as Spike groaned loudly.

Smiling with an obviously forced effort he turned away, “Thanks Twilight, I was hoping I’d have another list to write. I’ll get the quill,” Spike stated as she dashed to a desk, tears forming in the corner of his green eyes.

“Uh, Twilight, maybe, uh,” stammered Fluttershy, trying to come to the defense of the little dragon. She knew he’d spend the next hours writing lists instead of having any fun, “Can Spike help you maybe later with the lists?”

“It’s no problem, Fluttershy, this is my life,” stated Spike, “I’m happy to spend all my free time on one of the best days of the year *sigh* making lists.”

From the group Rarity spoke softly, "Oh, poor Spike, still at her beck and call after all this time." Rainbow and Pinkie nodded, Pinkie was moving the cupcake slowing into their view as they watched Spike prepare.

“Spike, I’m sorry, but I only need one list, title it ‘Everything to do today and this evening before the sun rising ceremony,” Twilight said dismissively.

“Well, if its only one list it shouldn’t be to bad, I guess,” grasping the quill in his claws he began writing her needs and wants.

After an hour even Fluttershy was having fun mingling and engaging with other ponies, waiting for the sun to reach midday so the party could go outside and they could visit the city events as per Twilights schedule. The cider was brought in a keg and everyone had several cups and sang songs celebrating the day and their time together, all except for Twilight and Spike.

Noon came and went. The cider was nearly gone a large part of it being in Rainbow Dashes belly. The full mare couldn’t fly at the moment and was laughing giddily around the room with a distended belly. The party went outside as noon finally arrived except for Twilight, Spike and Fluttershy. The trio stayed back while the others went to see the events and win some prizes, and see the town many of them only saw when they needed to be there.

Fluttershy chose to stay back and care for Spikes wrist as he often complained of cramps after writing marathons when he was done. Two o’clock was almost about to chime when Twilight finally finished, the papers fell to the floor and Spike fall on his butt, dropping the quill, which Twilight quickly levitated and kept from hitting the floor.

Glaring at Twilight Fluttershy went to the little dragon and took his swelling wrist in her hoof. Looking at it she blew lightly as the dragon blushed, “Awe, you don’t have to do that, Fluttershy, it’ll stop hurting in an hour, you know that,” Spike said.

“I’m so sorry Spike, I keep forgetting how hard this is on your wrists. But, do you think you could help me check my check list before you go and join in the events?” Twilight said with an awkward smile.

Both Spike and Fluttershy glared at Twilight this time, not masking their contempt. “Oh-kay, maybe this list is perfect just as it is,” resigned Twilight, “Let’s go find the others.”

The others were getting their own snacks from sellers and gathered to share and eat. Leading the pack Rainbow Dash led them to a gaming booth ‘Sink the boat.’ “I’m going to win a prize,” rainbow said with her usual confidence.

Picking up a rock she tossed it at a small yellow boat, missing it she creating a splash that was caught and returned to the tub by the unicorn managing it, “Poor luck, you’ll do better next time. That’ll be one bit.”

Begrudgingly Rainbow Dash gave two bits to the worker, “I’ll do it right now,” rainbow said as she hovering leveled. Taking careful aim she narrowed her eyes and threw the ball, “Another miss,” shouted the worker as the splash was caught, “Another try, ma’am?” said the unicorn with a large smile.

“No way bub, this game is fixed,” Rainbow shouted, pointing a hoof at the unicorn.

“Oh, c’mon Sugarcube, if you can’t hit a little boat how are you going to hit that last loop in your next show?” chuckled Applejack as she dropped a bit on the counter.

Picking up a ball she tossed it lightly and hit the yellow boat knocking it over, “That, is how it’s done,” Applejack said tipping her hat with a smile.

“Here you go, m’lady. Who’s up next?” the unicorn asked as he tried to gather new players from the passing crowd.

Looking at the walls of the booth, she admired the numerous toys and animals. Pointing at a little stuffed Griffon the unicorn mare gave it to Applejack why popped it into her saddle bag, “Applebloom will like this.”

“Yeah yeah, lucky shot. I’ll get a prize for,” looking around Rainbow Dash eyed various shops, trying to find one she would win easily. Applejack just waited, hat tipped, she leaned against the game waiting for the challenge.

“Oh, lookie over there, I want to try fishing,” Pinkie said as she skipped on the tips of her hoods to a fishing game.

Trotting up to them after they had finished their lunch and won a few prized Twilight and Fluttershy got caught up on the others' past hours and decided to have some fun on their own.

“I want to try that one,” Twilight pointed at a magic game, “If I win I can get a scroll with a spell on it.”

“Oh, I want to go look at the animals in the petting zoo,” Fluttershy said with a smile as she dashed off.

The next few hours were quite enjoyable for all the mares: they played games, ate snacks and faire food, and Rainbow Dash won a free hooficure at the spa.

“Ha ha ha, laugh it up guys, I’ll never use this so, here ya go Rarity, have one on me.”

“Oh, why thank you dear, but I only get the package deals, I’d have no use for one hooficure. Maybe Twilight can take it?” Rarity dismissively stated.

“Um, I would love to, but I don’t usually get just hooficures, I use my magic to do most of my tasks and I only go with Rarity and have the full spa treatment when I do go which used to be weekly but is now once every few months," Twilight sighed in reflection, "so I’d have to offer it to Apple-,” Twilight said. Almost suggesting Applejack was a close call, even for being a business mare she still hated to be pampered, and a hooficure was only to be done after apple bucking season was over. Dodging a glance from Applejack Twilight suggested Fluttershy.

“Oh, well yes. I would love to take that please,” said Fluttershy with a smile. Holding the coupon in her hooves she smiled wider than she had in two days, she was going to use it first thing in the morning after the sun rising ceremony and bring her friends, who already had plans to go their own ways shortly after the sunrise.

She felt her arms getting heavy and her heart she felt her smile fading.

“Fluttershy, dear, what's wrong? Why are you upset?” Rarity asked, slightly surprised at the change in mood in Fluttershy.

“Oh, its okay. I just really want to go tomorrow, but I have so many responsibilities and things I have to do, and so do all of you.”

"Your animals will be okay for a few hours without you, just give yourself a little me time," Rarity said as she placed a hoof on Fluttershy's back.

“Okay guys, she said she’s fine, lets not sit around here all night and waste time, I wanna get another prize. Race you to the Apple Bobbing,” Rainbow Dash said as she started for a trough.

“HEY, no Flying,” shouted Applejack as she chased behind the cyan mare at full gallop, determined to lose by as little as possible, she slowed and looked back for a moment with her tender country eyes and it almost felt like she had a full conversation to tell with just one look, Sugarcube, you're stronger than you think and you can handle it.

The sun set and the events carried on, winding down so ponies could rest before sunrise. Staying up late the mane 6 talked and watched the other ponies on the hills on their blanket which was laid out by on the grass by Spike hours earlier with snacks and drinks. Her friends began to argue about their lives and Fluttershy just sat back and listened at first but realized she was pretty far outside the heated fracas.

Fluttershy slunk away and took the opportunity to fly home as quick as she could to lay out food for the nighttime animals. Going inside her home she quickly gathered all the foods she needed of and began lining them up in order of preference, creature, amount, time of meals. By the time she was done she was exhausted. She knew she shouldn’t lay down, but a few minutes of sleep would be okay, she’d hear the alarm and wake up with enough time to spare.

Slowly she climbed into bed, laid her head down, and felt sleep engulf her.

Author's Note

Thank you for making through the first chapter. I'm doing my best to make this a drama, as the story continues it will shift through a lot of emotions, temporal paradoxes and events as Fluttershy learns what it means to love and live.

Criticsism is appreciated, but please, don't be insulting. :pinkiesmile:

Chapter Two - Dreams?

Feeling a rapping on her chest Fluttershy opened her eyes and looked at Angel sitting on her chest, arms crossed and a scowl on his face like he did almost every morning. Morning. “Morning, oh no. I’ve overslept and missed the ceremony. Oh no, oh no, oh no.”

Stammering as she put on her saddle bags as she ran for the door opening her wings preparing to fly to the ceremony hill but she was pulled back a nagging feeling of a rabbit that needed breakfast, “Oh, please, Angel, can’t you get some yummy food outside in nature today?”

Crossing his arms and scowling he glared at the mare and rapped his foot on the floor.

Landing and rushing to the kitchen Fluttershy quickly gabbed a bowl, some random vegetables, chopped them roughly put them in a bowl on the floor then galloped to leave. She opened the door and she heard a chirp from her kitchen stopping her in her tracks.

“Oh, that hungry little bird is back,” she said aloud, looking at the ground just steps away, she resigned herself to the animals’ needs, then went about feeding them all. ‘Oh well, I’m sure my friends will understand, I have an obligation to the animals.’

Finishing her routine she gathered her saddle bags again figured she’d see Twilight first, as she would be the most understanding, as long as Twilight was at the Library again. Ever since the library was rebuilt Twilight has been there every day she is in town, she should be there until 10 at least collecting books for her next trip across Equestria.

Landing by the Library she leaned to knock on the door then remembered what she was told the morning before, ‘You know this is a public library...’ Twilights voiced in her mind as she remembered.

She reached for the knob and opened the door to see Spike and Twilight setting a table with cups and plates as Pinkie Pie was putting a bowl of punch on another table. "Fluttershy you’re the first here,” screamed Pinkie as she pushed the punch onto the table spilling some the rushed and tackled Fluttershy.

Falling heavily to the floor onto her back with a pony the same weight as her pressing the life out of her was a lot to take in and the Fluttershy quickly felt her eyes filling with tears and she was unable to gasp for fresh air.

“PINKIE, GET OFF HER,” Twilight shouted as she levitated Pinkie off Fluttershy. Running over Twilight lifted Fluttershy off the floor with her magic while Fluttershy gasped heavily and began to sniffle because she was hurt and scarred.

Pinkie fell to the floor as she was released from the magic, “Ohmygosh Fluttershy I didn’t know I was hurting you, are you okay?” Pinkie exclaimed as she realized her friend was actually hurt.

Lowering Fluttershy to the floor Twilight stopped her spell and walked over to Fluttershy, laying next to her and putting her arm across Fluttershys back, “Fluttershy, it’s okay now, I stopped Pinkie, and she’s really sorry. You don’t need to cry, are you hurting still?”

“No, no, it’s okay, I deserve it. How could I do this to you all?” Fluttershy sobbed.

“What are you talking about, Fluttershy? What do you think you’ve done to deserve being hurt, even by accident?” Twilight calmly asked her friend. Pinkie was leaning in from the other side, listening intently, her lips were quivering, whether from excitement or anxiety was unknown but she was waiting for an answer.

“I-I-I-I, I-I-I,” Fluttershy stammered.

“What did you do, Fluttershy! I’m going to explode if you don’t say anything more that ‘I-I-I.’”

“I-I, missed the sun rising celebration and now you all hate me,” Fluttershy sobbed.

Twilight and Pinkie looked at each other quizzically. A second later Pinkie spoke up, loudly.

“That’s it?” said Pinkie, with a stern face, “That’s IT! You had me going all crazy because of the summer sun celebration that starts in 20 hours and you are going to miss it and you’re telling us hours ahead of time so we can prepare ourselves and you think we're going to be MAD at you just because you're blowing off all your best friends because you have something better to do?” Pinkie was now shouting into the cowering mares face.

“Pinkie,” Twilight shouted as she used her magic to close Pinkies mouth, “Fluttershy, it’s okay if you’re going to miss the celebration tomorrow, we all will understand that you have to take care of your animals, okay?”

Dash and Applejack burst through the door in a race that was a close loss favoring Applejack. Smiling wide she slowed to a trot and strutted in a victory circle before noticing the scene on the floor. “Ah, so, what’d ah miss this time, Sugarcube?”

“Fluttershy isn’t going to make it to the summer sun celebration so she came all the way here SUPER early and told us first but before she could I jumped on her and Twilight lifted me off then Fluttershy started crying and then you got here,” Pinkie said.

“Yeah, so, Fluttershy isn’t going make it I guess, but that’s okay because we all understand and love her, right girls?” Twilight encouraged.

“Yeah” “Yuppers” “Ya know it”

“N-no. That’s not what I meant, I mean, I don’t think I did. Maybe, I don’t, wait-“ Fluttershy said realizing something, “The celebration hasn’t happened yet?”

“Nopers scopers,” chimed Pinkie, the others nodded in agreement.

“So, the celebration is tomorrow morning and I have all day to spend with you all?” Fluttershy said, wiping a tear away with hopefulness in her eyes.

“Fluttershy, of course you can spend the day with us, why would you think you couldn’t? If you want to miss the sunrise it’s okay too. We’re your best friends, okay?” Twilight stated calmly and sweetly.

Feeling her heart filling with joy Fluttershy put the confusion and sadness aside and hopped up, pulling her friends in close she got a big group hug. “You know what would make this an even more special moment? Cider!” chimed Rainbow Dash grinning at Applejack.

“Okay, okay, Sugarplum, I’ll get us one, but you best not be drinkin’ too much, it ain’t easy to make an’ Granny Smith won’t take kindly to a whole keg goin’ missin’ from our stockpile,” Applejack mused. Breaking up the group smiled and began to go about doing their own things, Applejack excused herself and bounded for the door.

“Don’t take too long, AJ, we’re dying of thirst over here,” called Rainbow Dash.

“I won’t silly filly, keep your britches on,” Applejack replied with a laugh as she bumped the door open hard.

‘Oh, so that’s why I got knocked over last time,’ thought Fluttershy

Rarity arrived fashionably late wearing an excessively flashy dress, Twilight talked about her studies, Pinkie was bouncing around the room laughing and popping balloons, Dash was doing loops in the air talking about her new moves and Spike was staring at Rarity as she spoke to him about a new clothing line she was working on.

“Gosh Rarity, you tell the best stories ever,” Spike said with bewilderment.

"Spike, get me a beverage, dear," Rarity told Spike dismissively as Rainbow approached.

“Rarity tells the best stories? HA, don’t make me laugh, I’ve got a new move that will make your head spin, Spike,” Rainbow said as she landed and started to talk about her moves.

Rarity wasn’t to be outdone and began talking about a robe crusted with faux diamonds she was making for a Canterlot noble. Seeing the others talking Pinkie stopped eating a cupcake and ran over. She began yelling about how great the cupcake was, then looked into the eyes of the other two and kept mouthing the words, “Look at it, it’s amazing.”

The scene was unreal for Fluttershy, who remembered the events and conversation, if not exact, close enough. Fluttershy sat back and watched, trying to remember what happened next, “Ahem,” she heard Spike say from her right.

Looking at the little dragon she recalled her conversation with Twilight and the stress Spike was put through, ‘If I ask him any questions he’ll have to write for hours, so I won’t talk to him, just in case this happens to be happening again.’

“So, Fluttershy, how’s it going with the animals? Did you have time to feed them all today, you did get here early?” Spike asked, clicking his claws together.

“Oh, I guess in the confusion I missed feeding a couple of them, since I thought I was on the wrong day and all, but they are happy and full for the time being and that’s all that matters,” Fluttershy said shyly.

“Do you know what helps me to make sure I never forget anything, Fluttershy? I make lists, lists for everything and anything that can happen, right Spike? We have lists for everything that needed to be done today and it’s all checked, double checked and then I made a list to check that I checked the lists.” Twilight beamed.

‘Oh no’ thought Fluttershy, as she looked at Spike, who was squeezing his eyes tight, whispering a prayer to Celestia under his breath.

“Oh spike, we need to make a list of things I have to do tonight. I totally forgot to make one, we have to cover everything to do from the time we leave until the time the sun rises. Spike, get a quill parchment and ink.”

“I’ve got you covered, Twi,” Spike said as he dashed to get the requested items, “Okay, lets get this done so we can have some fun.”

“Uh, um, Twilight, maybe we could forgo the list this one time and I can take Spike to the faire, If that’s not too much of a problem.” Fluttershy questioned.

“No, it’s okay Fluttershy, I’m happy to spend all my free time on one of the best days of the year *sigh* making lists.”

“It’s okay Fluttershy, Spike loves to do this stuff, we do it a dozen times a day sometimes. It’s a blast,” Twilight said as she formulated a list before she began to dictate it.

“Yeah, this is my life,” Spike grumbled.

“Um, no Twilight, I really think we should just, you know, forgo the list and have fun, think of what he’s missing out on. Think of his poor wrists,” Fluttershy said as she poked the floor with her hoof.

Ignoring the mild protest Twilight continued, “Spike, title it ‘Everything to do today and this evening before the Sun Rising Ceremony.’”

‘Oh no, poor Spike, I saw all this in a dream, I guess, and I couldn’t do anything to stop it.’

Hours passed as they had before, the party went on, Rainbow Dash drank so much cider she couldn’t move properly. The arguement and jokes at Rarity had passed and by one o’clock the list was done and all the ponies laughed as they left the library, Fluttershy trailing behind a few paces trying to think of how close this was to her dream. Except for a few changes it was really close and that confused her greatly.

Fluttershy suggested they get some food since she hadn’t eaten for maybe a day, maybe a few hours. Time was confusing right now so food is always a good way to sort out confusion. Looking around Fluttershy started to watch the crowd. A young cold was eating cotton candy, a group of mares talked and giggled, there was a pony on stilts standing as tall as two horses. Everything was so close to her dream, how could it be so accurate?

Jugglers, unicorns casting magic spells, there were few Pegasus that were flying low above the crowd, a common simple town faire by any means.

Eating a small Daffodil and lettuce sandwich with a large cup of water soothed Fluttershys nerves. The others were getting their own snacks from sellers and gathered to talk and eat. Not wasting any time Rainbow Dash chowed her food down and led the group to a gaming booth ‘Sink the boat.’ “I’m going to win a prize,” rainbow said with her usual confidence.

“No way bub, this game is fixed,” Rainbow shouted, pointing a hoof at the unicorn.

“Oh, c’mon Sugarcube, if you can’t hit a little boat how are you going to hit that last loop in your next show?” chuckled Applejack as she dropped a bit on the counter.

Picking up a ball she tossed it lightly and hit the yellow boat knocking it over, “That, is how it’s done,” Applejack said tipping her hat with a smile.

“Here you go, m’lady. Who’s up next?” the unicorn asked as he tried to gather new players from the passing crowd.

“Yeah yeah, lucky shot. I’ll get a prize for,” looking around Rainbow Dash eyed various shops, trying to find one she would win easily.

“Oh, lookie over there, I want to try fishing,” Pinkie said as she skipped on the tips of her hoods to a fishing game.

“I want to try that one,” Twilight pointed at a magic game, “If I win I can get a scroll with a spell on it.”

The group played a couple games and the challenge between Rainbow Dash and Applejack was in full swing. Twilight won a scroll with a spell even foals knew, disappointed she resigned to give it away. Pinkie was carrying an armful of candy with a smile full of chocolate bits. Fluttershy had gone to the petting zoo, this time she was the first done, and was waiting at the meeting location for the others.

Applejack and Rainbow came running up, racing again. Rainbow dash won by a landslide having cheated by flying near the end, “How d’you like them apples, huh, AJ?” beamed rainbow dash.

“Ya know flying is cheating, so you’re disqualified,” Applejack said, catching her breath.

“Whatever, I won, you lost, get over it,” Rainbow Dash said smugly.

“Oh yeah, well about time you won something tonight, Rainbow Dash.”

“Hey, I won this race and I won this,” Dash said, holding up a coupon.

After some discussion Fluttershy ended up with the coupon. This time, however, she took it and smiled, she beamed and giggled, “I didn’t know I would really get this, I can’t wait to go.”

“Wow, really Fluttershy? You’re always so scardey weirdy and busy wizzy with all your fluffy wuffy animals, how are you EVER going to find an hour to get your hooves done?” Pinkie said, practically pressing her muzzle against Fluttershys.

“Oh, w-well, I have a feeling tomorrow will be a great day, and since you all will be here we can all go before you all have to leave, Rarity and I used to go every week,” Fluttershy said, lowering her arms slowly, “At least, unless you don’t want to. I’d understand.”

The others looked at each other and smiled, “Fluttershy, you know we’re here for each other, like always. So, let’s go tomorrow after the ceremony, okay?” Twilight said.

Smiling Fluttershy put the ticket in her saddlebag and then asked what they were going to do next. ‘This day is just like my dream, I think I’ll stay with my friends tonight, my woodland friends will be okay, just this once.’

As the sun set, ponies set up blankets and picnics across the hills and prepared to rest for the morning sun. The six spent the night talking about their lives, work, experiences and growing families. Quickly the stress of their lives turned sour.

“I know it ain’t right to say, but we see this sun rise every day of our lives, and now I gotta take days offa work to watch it rise here?” Applejack said out of nowhere.

“Yeah, I know, I put off training a new recruit on my sonic rainboom, and I’m here. I didn’t tuck Kalida in to bed, that’s the first time in four years. Remember I brought him last year, now he has a cold and I can’t be there with him because of this stupid sunrise,” Rainbow Dash shouted at the others.

“Oh, well you have it easy, I have to leave an hour after sunrise to get to the other side of Equestria to stand and wave as a delegation of Griffons enter the port of whatever town and then I have to be at Canterlot an hour after that to teach practical magic to an honors class, then i have to come back here to have a spa day with all of you,” Twilight barked.

Biting her tongue Rarity was turning red with frustration, her cheeks puffed out as she held back joining in the tirade, her ‘professionalism’ holding her back as thoughts of her designs going unfinished were boiling inside of her mind.

“Oh, um, guys, I don’t think you have it all bad. We have each other and that is enough, right?” Fluttershy said, too meek to be heard among the others.

They argued until late into the night. A horn sounded in the distance and the moon began to drop from the sky to the amazement of all that viewed it.

“Uh, guys, GUYS?” Spike called as he pointed to the rising sun trying to get the arguing groups attention, “The sun is rising.”

Looking at the sun crest over the hill Fluttershy felt a little annoyed that their one day together had to end like this. The sun crest the hill and blinded the mare, shielding her eyes with her forearms she blinked and looked around.

Chapter Three - Realization

Feeling a weight on her chest she looked down and saw an upset bunny sitting on her, “Gah!” Fluttershy shouted as she jumped and reared on her hind legs.

She looked around at her room in a mild panic, ‘What, W-W-What? I was just at the hill a second ago, now I’m home? Maybe, it was a dream?’

Sitting on the floor now she saw a very upset bunny staring her down, “I-I guess you need breakfast?”

Looking at Fluttershy the bunny nodded and turned, hopping out of the room. Lowering herself to all fours she hopped off her bed, made it quickly and looked around her room, ‘how did I get back here? Maybe I’m sick, Twilight will know how to fix my dreams, if there is anything even wrong with them.’

Gathering her thoughts she went and prepared Angel her morning salad, then set about making herself a little breakfast. She decided that her dream sandwich sounded good enough so she made a mixed flower and cucumber sandwich and prepared herself some tea, remembering the sugar this time. As she sat in her chair a red bird fluttered into the kitchen through a window.

“Oh, hello little bird. I have a cracker for you, I saw you in my dream last night, or last last night in my dream last night? Well, here you go,” Fluttershy said calmly as she passed the cracker to the bird who landed on her cup, “Oh no!”

The cup tumbled and spilt the warm tea as it fell to the floor. The bird fluttered it wings and nibbled the cracker as Fluttershy looked at the broken cup and spilt tea, ‘At least I still have my sandwich this time.’ Getting up quickly she went to the corner to get a broom and dustpan then heard her plate smash on the floor.

‘Oh, so you’re the one who did it in my dream, and, just now? Well, I guess I’ll eat lunch at the cafe, well, I mean at the library. This day and dream is really confusing, what will I do if I’m still dreaming? Oh, I hope Twilight has a cure or remedy.

Finishing up her feeding chores efficiently and as quick as she could Fluttershy flew to town with a bit of haste. ‘No matter what happens I have to stay calm, the summer sun celebration is almost here, or was here, or is here, and…’ stopping her thought as she looked ahead, Fluttershy saw the faire set up and ponies walking about the ground.

‘It’s today then, I guess,’ she thought as she flew to the library landing fast and trotting to the door, opening it with a bit of urgency.

“Fluttershy you’re the first here,” screamed Pinkie as she tackled Fluttershy.

Feeling the ground approach Fluttershy twisted slightly so as to not have the life forced out of her when she landed this time, landing slightly to her side with Pinkie Pie rolling off the yellow mare as they huffed. “Pinkie, don’t do that! You could hurt Fluttershy, I’m sure she doesn’t want to be in the hospital on the one day we all get together this month,” Twilight scolded.

“Yeah, I know, but I’m so super duper happy that Fluttershy is here and early and…” Fluttershy put her hoof over Pinkies mouth to stop her.

“I’m fine this time, at least I didn’t almost die,” Fluttershy said.

“Wait, this time? Almost die? What are you talking about Fluttershy?” Twilight asked with a sceptic eye.

“Well, you see, I woke up two days ago, but it was yesterday and now yesterday is today.”

“Wha- that doesn’t make any sense Fluttershy, can you elaborate the details please?”

Pinkie was working her way in between the two, listening intently.

“Well, y-you see, I woke up, and everything that happened yesterday in my dream is happening today, and it’s the same as it was in my dream inside my dream. Everything is happening the same over and over, can you help me, Twilight?” asked Fluttershy.

“Well, if I understand you correctly I think what you’re talking about is an old phrase called Déjà vu; a feeling of doing something you’ve done before, even though you haven’t actually done it yet. I have a feeling you just had a really strong dream and it was so real that it synchronizing with reality. It’s just coincidence, Fluttershy. I mean, there isn’t any proof that Déjà vu is real.”

“But Twilight, in my dream Applejack and Rainbow dash raced into the library and applejack won. She did a victory circle then said ‘hi’ to us,” Fluttershy replied, “It felt so real.”

“Fluttershy, I know dreams can feel real sometimes, but-“ the door burst open and Applejack came bursting in followed closely by Rainbow Dash who crossed her forelegs and scowled as Applejack did a victory circle.

“Wowowowow, did you see that, Twilight? Fluttershy can see the FUUUUTURE. FLUTTERSHY, what am I thinking of right now?” Pinkie exclaimed as she grabbed Fluttershys face and pressed it to her own, staring into her eyes with wonder.

“Uh, Pinkie, I don’t think I have powers like that,” Fluttershy said as she pulled away, “Maybe I just got lucky. Twilight did say dreams seem real, so I guess that is the answer.”

“Yes, I said that, however this does seem to be a timely coincidence. The chances of that happening are great, so I don’t see any reason to disagree with Fluttershy, it’s just luck.”

Looking at the trio talking Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked on, “Uh, what are you guys talking about? Is Fluttershy suddenly psychic?” mused Rainbow Dash.

“Hi Rarity!” Pinkie shouted, waving her foreleg frantically, “Last one here gets the last cupcake,” she said as she ran to rarity with a Cupcake in her hand.

“Oh, no dearest, I’m not having a cupcake from your hands, I’ll have it myself, thank you,” Rarity replied as she levitated the cupcake from Pinkie while stopping Pinkie mid stride.

“No, I am not a psychic, I just had a realistic dream. Right, twilight?” asked Fluttershy with a hopeful look.

“Ugh, I already agreed with you; this is a coincidence and that’s that. Lets just go about our day, and if anything happens you’ll tell us, right Fluttershy?”

“Uhm, right,” agreed Fluttershy with a smile and a nod.

The time at the party went just as it had before: Spike took notes, Cider was drunk, laughs were had. The events of the evening went as they had from Fluttershys perspective. When she got the coupon, this time she simply put it in her pocket with a soft, ‘thank you.’

Watching as the sun rose later that night the light pierced her already closed eyes making her wince.

Chapter four - Trial and error

Opening her eyes Fluttershy felt the bunny on her chest and moaned, “Mmugh. I don’t think this is a dream, Angel,” the little rabbit uncrossed his arms and looked at the mare quizzically, “Yes yes, breakfast, I know.”

Getting up and making her bed Fluttershy went to the kitchen, went through the routines and prepared herself her sandwich and tea, this time though she closed the window before sitting down. Hearing a light ‘thump’ Fluttershy looked up from her prepared breakfast to see a red bird looking at her through the window.

“Oh, don’t worry, I remember you. Here, I have a cracker ready for you, but you’re staying out there today little friend,” she said as she opened the window a crack and slid the cracker out to the excited bird. Sitting down Fluttershy finally had her breakfast and it was delicious, the tea was refreshing and gave her more energy than she had the past few mornings.

Feeding her friends was fast and efficient as usual, she hummed a song while she did her morning duties and even laid out some extra food for later this time, “Okay friends, I’m off to town, to the summer sun celebration, again, I think.”

Arriving in town by air Fluttershy decided that she was going to get chocolates this time so she flew straight to Sugarcube Corner and walked in. The line was long but not too bad, she was behind the same mare that had told her to go to the back of the line the first time. Waiting her turn she purchased her treats, on purpose this time, grabbed the bags in her mouth and tossed the box on her back, then left.

Taking to the air she felt the box fall loose. Stopping as carefully to a hover as she could, “Oh no, I lost it again, where did it go?” she said aloud, trying to see where it had fallen, “Oh well, I guess some lucky filly will get a nice treat.”

She continued to the library, landing softly outside with the chocolates and nuts clutched tightly in her mouth. Knocking loudly three times she opened the door, “Fluttershy you’re the first here,” screamed Pinkie as she ran towards Fluttershy. Seeing her energetic friend charging at her she opened her wings and dashed to the side quickly dodging the pink blur.

Pinkie stopped a few feet outside the door and looked around confused then turned around and trotted back inside and sat by the doorway looking at Twilight who was welcoming Fluttershy, “Fluttershy, it’s so good to see you so early, and,” Twilight whispered, “great dodge, I didn’t think you could react that fast.”

“Thank you Twilight, I just had a feeling I should jump,” Fluttershy said with a smile, “I brought some chocolates from Sugarcube Corner, and I want to share them with all my friends today. Say, Twilight, can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Of course you can, did you want to talk alone?” asked Twilight.

“Oh, yes please, just for a minute though.” Twilight led them into the kitchen. “So, Twilight, I know being a princess is very stressful and you travel a lot and I want you to know that I’m here for you if you ever need a rest or break or someone to talk to.”

“I know that, Fluttershy, you’re a great friend and, yes, it is a lot of work being a princess. I have to travel across Equestria twice a day, sometimes more. Whenever a problem arises I have to be available, whenever a celebration is going on, I have to be available. Whenever I have a personal issue, I have to be available to aid the other princesses regardless of my personal needs,” Twilight sighed.

“I know I’m a princess and all of Equestria needs me, but what about my needs? I really miss being here in Ponyville with all my friends like the old days. We spend all our time living our lives until a new threat or challenge needs us to unite, I just don’t feel like the friend I need to be,” Twilight was toeing the floor as she spoke.

“Oh, Twilight, you are the friend you need to be and the friend we need you to be. It would be wonderful for you to spend more time here, and maybe in a few weeks everything will calm down so you can do more than sleep in town then have to fly or teleport to wherever twice a day.”

“Really? I mean I know I am a good friend, I just don’t always feel like I am. I think I’m going to try to spend more time in Ponyville, Equestria can manage having me not be everywhere at once when everything happens. Thank you, Fluttershy, I needed this talk, it’s almost like you knew what I needed to hear.”

Smiling Fluttershy went to her friend and gave her a big hug, “You’re welcome, Twilight, Applejack and the others are here, let’s go say hi.”

“What? How can you know that, I didn’t hear anyone come in.”

Walking into the other room the mares had formed into groups with Pinkie juggling cupcakes Rainbow Dash was hinting for Applejack to get some cider and Rarity was doing her best to placate a love struck dragon.

“Oh, Spikey-Wikey, can you be a dear and get me some punch, and some of the delicious chocolates?” Rarity asked Spike, doing her best to get some personal space, “I’ve been here two minutes and that dragon is already pestering me,” Rarity said under her breath.

“Twilight, Fluttershy, it’s great to see you! I’ve been so busy designing a new clothing line in Manehattan that I nearly forgot how great simple town life can be. And I see Applejack is doing well, not kicking trees has done a lot for your hooves,” Rarity mocked.

‘Oh my, I don’t remember her talking like that last time,’ thought Fluttershy.

“Oh, really Miss Big in the Britches, I’m surprised you could find the time to even get in the door with your head that big,” Applejack joked. Dash landed with a thud on the wooden floor holding her sides laughing.

“Oh AJ, that was a good one. Hey Rarity, nice hair, I bet you spent a weeks worth of bits getting that done just so you can have a bird land on it today during the fair, right?” Rainbow Dash giggled as she rolled over laughing.

“Yeah, I, didn’t really get that one Rainbow Dash, but as long as you’re happy. So, Rarity, it’s so good to see you again. I hear your business is doing great,” Twilight asked.

Spike was handing Rarity her punch when she sneered at him, “I have no need for punch, silly dragon, I am on a diet. I have to set a standard for my models and protégés. But, I will take a chocolate, I can’t say no to a chocolate. Thank you Spikey. And Twilight, yes, I am doing very well, my business is the best in Equestria. I see the locals are still full of pep,” Rarity pointed at the laughing mares, which now included Pinkie.

“Oh yeah, we got pep all right. Something you ain’t had in a blue moon,” laughed Apple Jack.

“Okay, okay guys, lets remember why we’re here and just have fun, like we used to,” Twilight asked, almost pleading.

“Yeah, let’s PARTAY,” shouted Pinkie pulling out confetti from nowhere. The others looked at Pinkie blankly for a moment, then they all began to laugh.

Later that evening after they had set up their blanket and began to talk and to Fluttershys surprise after Applejack began complaining Twilight Sparkle chimed in and began to praise Applejack for her hard work. Rainbow Dash used the chance to try to complain about having to leave Kalida but Fluttershy took the initiative, “Rainbow, how old is Kalida? He’s gotta be about four now, right? Is he flying yet?”

“Wha-? Uh, yeah! He’s almost as great as I was at his age,” Rainbow beamed, “Why, I would be surprised if he learned the sonic rainboom next week.”

“What’s that dear? I couldn’t hear you over all that manure I hear falling,” Rarity chirped.

“What was that, ya fancy galoot. Rainbow has every right to be proud of her kin, what’ve you done with yer kinfolk since you made it all rich and famous with your shiny clothes? Given them some fancy clothes to wear around town, lookin’ like some trotting fools so the
have to vacation every week to get away from the stares?” Applejack interjected.

‘Oh no, Rarity seems to be the most unhappy pony tonight. I guess I’ll try to work on her tomorrow, and Twilight.’ Thought Fluttershy.

“Oh, dear, if you had any real idea of what fashion meant then you wouldn’t wear such drab clothing outside the mud pit, I've seen you wearing that same two piece brown suit every day.”

“Mud pit? I’ll show you a mud pit, thems my father's clothes you hemmed up for me,” Applejack shouted as she tossed a hoof full of dirt and grass as Rarity, hitting Rarity on her side.

“Agh! My couture! L-l-look at what you’ve done? This is one of a kind I made for tonight,” complained Rarity as she stared at the marred dress.

“Serves you right, big mouth, thanks Applejack,” Rainbow said, giving a hoof bump.

“Now, guys, lets stay calm, we’re here as friends, lets remember that and,” Twilight was cut short as a lump of dirt smacked her in the chest.

“Oh, sorry dear, I was aiming for the Blue bird and apple head,” apologized Rarity.

“Oh, oh, me too,” Pinkie said as she threw an armful of dirt in the air, raining it upon herself.

They all began arguing as Spike called to them, trying to have them look at the rising sun.

‘Oh my, this went bad fast,’ thought Fluttershy as the sun blinded her through her closed eyes.

Chapter Five - content removed

Deleted due to convoluted storyline, sorry and your welcome. :twilightblush:

I'll rename the chapters, eventually.

Chapter Six

“Oh, what am I doing wrong, Angel?” Fluttershy asked the upset bunny, I’ve spent the last week trying to get all my friends to be happy, but nothing works. Applejack and Rainbow Dash are mad at Rarity every time, and Rarity just thinks she’s so much better, Twilight keeps making Spike write lists and, well, Pinkie is okay, I guess.”

Angel stopped looking upset at the pony he was standing on and was listening now, “Oh, every night it ends in a fight, I made a change somewhere along the line and last night Pinkie brought cupcakes and there was a huge cupcake fight. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I guess I’ll just take today to spend with my friends here.”

Starting her day as she had for the past few she fed her friends, ate her sandwich and tea breakfast, then went about tending for her cottage. Looking at the Everfree forest she began to think, ‘I wonder if I can make new friends? I wonder how many creatures are in the forest, maybe, just maybe I can befriend a timberwolf. I don’t think they’re as bad as they seem, I can try the stare on them if I need to, and if anything goes wrong, I should just wake up in bed, I hope.’

Making a plan she put on her saddlebags, added some various fruits and berries and a dried fish, then made her way into the forest.

Reaching the first shadows she stopped and shivered, the cold magic of the forest began to cover her as she entered slowly. Fluttershy jumped with a scream as she felt something land on her back.

Snapping her head around she saw Angel on her, looking at her, almost telling her ‘no,’ “Oh, it’s okay Angel, I’ll be okay. If anything happens I’ll just fly away and come home.” Looking at each other Fluttershy smiled and turned into the forest, Angel on her back.

The forest was as dark and foreboding as ever. The trees creaked, there were odd noises that seemed to come from everywhere, and the feeling that she was being watched was ever present. After nearly 45 minutes of wandering around Fluttershy became saddened, “I haven’t seen any creatures or critters at all in the forest today. Maybe they’re all taking a day off,” she mused.

Hearing a shuffling in the woods she turned and looked at the source, only to see darkness and shadows, suddenly a sharp pain filled her back and she couldn’t move. She heard a growling sound but couldn’t move her head well enough to see where it was coming from, “A-A-Angel?” Hearing no response sent adrenaline coursing through her veins as her spine began to sting.

Turning her head she finally saw a timberwolf standing over her, it’s massive maw stuck in her back, and Angel trapped, covered with her blood, pressed against her torn flesh.

Gasping in fear and slowly encroaching pain no words could escape her as the timberwolf lifted her up then began shaking, trying to get the pony out of its mouth. As the world turned to a blur Fluttershy could only think of her friends, and how she was going to die alone here. There wouldn’t be a tomorrow, none of her friends would know what happened to her as she was flung through the air.

Hitting a tree she felt her wing snap and she cried out in pain as she tumbled to the ground. Coughing she looked up as the timber wolves circled what was left of Angel, and began to fight over the bunny carcass, “Angel? Oh no, please, don’t…”

Trying to stand was pointless with the pain racking her body, she began coughing, feeling something warm on her chin as she tried to stand again, the weight of her body making it difficult she lifted herself up. Looking as the wolves ate what little remained of her friend she began to walk towards them.

“You monsters. Angel was a great bunny and my best animal friend, how could you!?” she shouted, the wolves looked at her and cocked their heads. Looking at the largest one that had some of her blood on its teeth and maw the others regarded him then he turned away. The others followed without hesitation as the mare shouted angrily at them.

After they had left she fell to the ground, bleeding, broken wings, coughing and in pain she felt dizzy and nauseous. She couldn’t stop looking at the spot Angel was and began to cry. She was alone in the forest with no one around her as she she laid her head down and slowly felt herself slip into sleep, "Oh, Angel, I'm so sorry. This is my fault." As she fell asleep she heard the timberwolves growling from the bushes, the rustling was very close.

“AAAAAAHHHH,” She shouted as she jumped from her bed, flying to the ceiling and hitting her head, looking around she was back in her room, a confused bunny laying on the floor looked up at her. “Angel? OHMYGOSH ANGEL!”

She folded her wings and crashed to the bed then bouncing to the floor sheembraced the little critter, her eyes pouring salty tears onto the bunnies coat. Trying to escape her hold proved pointless as she bawled so Angel waited, confused and upset until she stopped.

Quite some time passed before she stopped crying and let Angel go, “Oh, Angel, you have no idea what happened, but I’m so glad you’re safe and alive,” turning around she looked at her body and sighed, realizing she was not injured, “This is one crazy thing that’s happening, let’s get you some food.”

Returning to town by air it was almost 10 again after she fed her animals sang a few songs and enjoyed the day since she was alive. She landed at the library and entered, dodging the pink blur and receiving praise from Twilight Fluttershy grabbed Twilight by her shoulders and looked into her eyes, “Twilight, something strange is happening to me, do you have any books on time travel or dreams about, uh, Déjà vu?”

“Fluttershy? That’s an odd thing to ask, and this isn’t my library anymore, but let’s take a look.”
Twilight smiled as she began levitating books into piles around herself, “Spike, help me look for ‘Impractical Places in Time,’ it should be here, no wait, over there somewhere.”

“Okay, Twi, I’m on it.”

“Oh, I can help too, I love finding things,” Pinkie said, running to the basement to look for books about time.

“Oh, thank you Twilight, I really need help. I think I’m stuck in time,” Fluttershy said calmly.

“What?!” Twilight said dropping books all around, “Do you mean you’re in a temporal loop or you’re reliving a paradox based on set circumstances or-”

“I don’t know,” Fluttershy interjected, “All I know is every day is today until sunrise tomorrow, and yesterday Angel died, and I think I did too, and it’s a lot to take in.”

“Wait, you DIED!? Fluttershy, do you know what this means?”

“Um, No, I-“

“I don’t know either, but it could be a scientific breakthrough if my research proves fruitful!” Twilight said as her eyes began to sparkle with optimism.

“But, Twilight, if everyday is today, then anything you learn you’ll forget tomorrow, today, whatever.”

Falling silent Twilights ears pulled back as she realized any scientific advancement would be meaningless, “Well, are you sure that what you’re saying is real and not a dream?”

“Well, Applejack and Rainbow Dash will come in in the next half hour, Applejack will win and do a victory circle, she’ll tease Rainbow and say “What’dya think of them apples?”

“Well, that’s not much to go on, that sounds very circumstantial, I think we're getting too excited over nothing, now that I think about it. I’ll help you research whatever you need, but I’m very skeptical.”

“Oh, well, I understand. I just need to know whatever I can, because-,”

“Look at what I found!” Pinkie burst in with a book in hooves ‘Time Travel: Experiences, Causes and Practical Uses.’

“Well, let’s take a look,” Twilight said as she levitated the book and began flipping through the pages, “Oh, look here, it says
‘Repeating Time Loops: These can occur but are unexplained, one case has been reported in antiquity and the Alicorns that were in it eventually got out of the loop with all their knowledge and skills retained, however, the times spent in a time loop is nearly impossible to track and ending said look may take perceieved years or longer. Use caution before casting time spells, have skilled aids nearby, don't die, ask for help...’ it kind of goes on with warnings for the next two pages. Fluttershy, if this happening to you I'm sorry, but I don't see where it says anything to end it, but it does say Alicorns, maybe the Princesses know."

Closing the book Twilight looked at Fluttershy and squinted, “Are you sure this might be happening to you?”

“Oh, yes, I am. After yesterday watching Angel,” Fluttershy choked on her words.

“Okay, I understand, I’ll try to help you and way I can, let’s get to the castle and I’ll run a few experiments, okay?” Twilight asked as she placed a hoof on Fluttershys shoulder.

“Okay, I have all the time in the world, or today.” Spike laughed at the pun.

With a purple poof of magic Twilight and Fluttershy were in the castle science lab. It was originally an empty room in the basement that was supposed to be a barracks for troops however Twilight had it refit to fulfill her scientific knowledge as well as to practice new spells that could apply to technology. There were all kinds of chemistry equipment; flasks, tubes and burners, there were electronic devices only Twilight could understand and various scrolls and books on advanced subjects piled two ponies high around the room.

“Okay, let’s look get started,” Twilight said with a smile as she donned a white lab coat.

“Well, all tests show that nothing is wrong, I don’t get it. If you’re really experiencing today in a temporal loop, there should be a magical or scientific answer, and I’m not getting any readings at all. Your body is in great shape; the amount of magic in and flowing through you is normal, if not a little lower than average for a Pegasus, and you haven’t been in the Everfree forest, except for yesterday when you think you were hurt.

I don’t know, Fluttershy, the evidence isn’t proving your argument right.”

“I know, but maybe if tomorrow is today again, then maybe I can prove it to you and you’ll believe me and be able to do more then.”

“Okay, I can agree to that, I’ll tell you something that only I know and you’ll tell me that tomorrow, if it happens as a test. But, what should it be?”

Thinking as she unhooked various probes and sensors from her friend she had an idea, “I know; when I was a filly I had a crush on this teacher of mine, Lemon Lime, she was my first grade magic teacher. I’ve never told anyone that. I loved when she wore an orange vest because,” she sighed, “when she would cast spells it would make his eyes glow in contrast and they were amazing eyes, let me tell you, Uh,”

“Um, Twilight, I think I get it. So, are you, um..."

Twilight realized what she had said and blushed as she covered her mouth dropping what looked to be sensitive and expensive equipment. There was an almost unnerving silence between them as Fluttershy sat and looked at Twilight who was in shock at what she had said, the only noise was a light hum coming from a machine in the distance.

After what felt like a lifetime to Twilight she lowered her hooves and breathed in heavily then exhaled a shaking breath, "Fluttershy?"

"Yes?"

"I said she, didn't I?"

"Yes, is that what you meant to say?"

Thinking and beginning to tremble slightly Twilight chose her next words carefully, "No. Fluttershy, please, you can't tell anyone. I never made that mistake before now and I need you to keep it between us, okay? You have to promise me. Pinkie Promise me."

I’ll remember and I promise not to tell anyone else, no matter what.” Fluttershy said as she mimed the Pinkie promise.

"Woah, knee tail mane? Someone just made a Pinkie Promise," Pinkie said.

"Pinkie, how can your Pinkie sense know that?"

"I don't know, but my Pinkie sense does," she smiled.

"Twilight, can I ask you something?" Fluttershy asked looking at Twilight her soft eyes.

Gasping Twilight didn't know how to respond. Maybe she doesn't know what she Pinkie Promised to and it's just about keeping the teacher a secret. Maybe her reaction was too much and unnecessary.

Still in disbelief over her slip up but hopeful now she sat in front of Fluttershy a couple paces away she forced herself to smile and nodded.

"Are you into mares?"

Twilight froze, her mind went blank and she could feel herself stop breathing as she looked into Fluttershys calm and loving cyan eyes for a few seconds thinking of what to say. Words she had only thought of in the back of her mind in the rarest of moments were all she could think of, "I like and prefer mares in romantic relationships, however in my defense I haven't had a real relationship with a mare because my studies and training come first as well as my friends and the safety of Equestria and until I get to a certain point in my life and learn everything I need to know I'll think about getting a marefriend but until then I'm fine with looking.

I don't mean looking, it's more like just thinking.

No, I don't mean thinking, well I do because everything we do is thought before actions.

Not that I want to act on my thoughts, because that would be impulsive and I'm not impulsive I'm the opposite and need lists and structure and.."

Twilight was standing now and almost hyperventilating as she tried to rationalize her feelings into words that couldn't come together to resolve themselves. Fluttershy sat and listened for another moment before getting up and rushing to Twilight and hugging her tightly.

"Twilight, I still love you and I accept you for who you are and always will. I believe our friend will too, have you tried talking to them yet?" Fluttershy said as she loosened her hug.

Looking at Fluttershy Twilight leaned into Fluttershy and pressed her lips to hers. Gasping and moving back Fluttershy coughed lightly and looked at the floor, "Oh, Fluttershy, I'm so sorry. I don't know why I did that, please," Twilight started stammering as she lost her words which surprised her since she always had something to say.

"Twilight, it's okay. I'm not that kind of mare and I will keep your secret from everyone, even that I know about it in the next loops, but you have to promise me one thing," Fluttershy looked at Twilight sternly. Twilight gasped lightly while leaning back, ready for bad news as she nodded.

"I get to do the chorus in your wedding," she says as she hugs Twilight. Twilight sighed with relief and felt her heart in her throat.

"Fluttershy, thank you. I think I'll tell the others."

"Really?"

"Yeah, first thing tomorrow."

Sharing a giggle Twilight teleported them back to the library, “Oh gosh, it’s already night time? Hurry, let’s find the others,” Twilight said as she collected herself emotionally.

Finding the others camped out on the hill arguing was upsetting to walk into and for the first time Fluttershy noticed other ponies staring at the scene, “All of you argue every night and I can’t stop it,” she confessed to Twilight.

“Really Fluttershy? I can’t see why we’d be fighting over anything.

“Well, you’re not fighting with each other as much as you all argue over how unhappy you are with your lives.”

“Well, I think we all need to talk before it’s too late, c’mon Fluttershy.”

Walking up to the arguing group Twilight gathered their attention and told them about Fluttershys predictiment.

“So, that’s what we believe is happening, and at sunrise she’s going to start today again, so we need to help her get out of this loop. I’m out of ideas, anyone else have any ideas?”

Dash was the first to speak, “Well, I don’t buy it. There’s no proof here and I don’t see any reason to waste time listening to this.”

“Dash, your son, Kalida, is at home sick and you want to tuck him into bed because this is the first time you haven’t tucked him in in four years. You raced Applejack to the library and lost just by a little and she did a victory circle and said, “How d’ya like them apples? Later, or earlier tonight, you played a toss the rock game at a yellow boat and missed, twice.

Then Applejack won and picked out a stuffed Griffon with green button eyes, lastly Rainbow Dash won a coupon for the spa.”

All the others looked at Fluttershy with shock, “How, how’d ya know all that?” asked Applejack

“Oh, my, gosh. SHE’S PHYCHIC! I’ve always wanted a psychic friend, what am I thinking?” screamed Pinkie as she grabbed Fluttershy and pulled their faces together. Pulling away Fluttershy sat next to Twilight and faced the others.

Fluttershy gave a shortened version of her past few loops she filled them in to the best of her ability. After she was done she was bombarded with questions for an hour as everypony tried to understand the hows and whys.

As the night went on they all began talking about what they would do with their time offering ideas to Fluttershy including shopping in Canterlot, gambling in Las Pegasus, racing in Cloudsdale and the lists went on.

There was a horn signaling the rising of the sun over the hill as the group gathered around Fluttershy, “Oh, it’s almost time. Anything you want me to tell yourselves tomorrow?”

The others looked at Fluttershy and smiled, “We love you, Fluttershy, be safe,” Rarity said as Fluttershy was blinded by the rising sun.

Chapter Seven - Old One

Dear Mental Diary,

Today marks three days that I've been in bed. I don't know what day today is except that it's still the Summer Sun Celebration. I think it's been a few months of the same day, also, I think I've already said all this a couple days ago in my other mental diary. Everything is the same, day after day, after day, after day.

Angel wakes me up every morning and I fed him almost every morning and the same for all my animals. Normally it would be the perfect start to my day and for a while it was. Now every morning they're in the same place, waiting for the same food, the same stories, the same songs.

I don't know what to do now that my friends that have come from all over Equestria and I've tried everything to get them all happy and having fun it never ends that way. Twilight can't help me and I've tried learning her science but it's mostly too complicated for me to understand.

I've spent the past couple weeks just visiting with them until they start to argue then I come home. I guess this is all there is now. Just staying in bed until I'm old and ... what if I never age. What then? will I spend the next thousand years trapped like Luna?

Oh, why me, Celestia, what did I do?

"Celestia! That's it, I have to see princess Celestia. She'll know what's happening."

Fluttershy hopped out of bed passing Angel and all her other animals and made for the library. Landing and running to the door she tried and tried but it was locked. "It's never been locked before," frustrated she began kicking the door with her forelegs and calling for Twilight.

"Hey, it's barely after sunrise, stop shouting and go back to bed," somepony yelled from her window, making Fluttershy stop her efforts.

"Hmm, well, maybe because she doesn't live here and there's no librarian today because the holiday she must have a key to get in, which means that she's in her castle," Fluttershy flew to the castle and to the balcony, knocking heavily on the crystal doors to Twilights room.

Twilight hopped out of bed at the sound of panicked rapping at her balcony doors and with a groan she trotted and opened them, "Uh, Fluttershy, is everything okay, Celestia just raised the sun, are you that excited to..."

"Twilight, you had a crush on your first grade elementary teacher Mrs. Lemon Lime and you loved when she wore and orange vest, you have to help me find princess Celestia because I'm trapped in time," Fluttershy said in one exasperated breath.

Taking a couple steps back Twilight tried to wrap her mind around what was just said, "Uh, how did you-? I never told anyone about-, trapped in time? Uh, Fluttershy, I understand-"

"Yeah, I know, its circumstantial and illogical and you want to run tests with your multi-spectrum analyzer to check my metabolic rate and thyroid systems as well as my neurological synapse reactions after you ask me a boring series of baseline test questions. No time for that! I need help, this is the third month, I think, and I'm going crazy. I can't even feed my animal friends anymore, it's not fun anymore. IT'S NOT FUN."

Falling to all her knees Fluttershy crawled to Twilight and pleaded, "Please, I need to see tomorrow, every day is today."

"Uh, okay, I think you're proving a strong case here, I'll take you to Princess Celestia, I think you may have a real problem, but how did you know about, I mean did you tell anyone about- Oh buck me, you know that I'm..."

Fluttershy stopped her pleading and looked at Twilight with her best 'really' face.

"Okay, let's go," Twilight said as she opened her wings and cast a teleportation spell.

"Princess Celestia, Princess Twilight wishes to see you," a royal guard asked from the doorway to the throne room.

"Oh, that's a surprise, I thought she was in Ponyville until tomorrow afternoon. Send her in."

"You may enter, your highness."

Walking in Twilight, with Fluttershy close behind, trotted to Celestia as a dozen professionally dressed diplomats were dismissed as they entered. Celestia smiled and bowed her head slightly, her mighty horn, elegant and white always impressed Twilight. "Princess Celestia, I'm sorry to bother you today, and so early too, but Fluttershy has a problem. She says she's trapped in a temporal loop, living today over and over and over again. Do you know of anything like this happening before or if it's even possible?"

Standing up Celestia frowned. She looked at Fluttershy, sizing her up and looking into her eyes, almost as though she were peering into Fluttershys soul. Celestia began to cast a spell without warning startling Twilight and Fluttershy, then they were in a dark domed room, illuminated by what seemed to be enchanted crystals, with a loud whinny a gigantic Clydesdale horse appeared in front of them. Twilight and Fluttershy fell backwards onto their rumps and clutched each other tightly as the large horse looked forward with glowing white unblinking eyes.

"What is your request, child?" The horse bellowed in royal volume, it's voice echoing and resounding through the room, the walls glowing with reverberation, showing the room to be more like a sealed cave.

Responding in kind, "Old one, I am Celestia, sister of Luna, Daughter of Sol. I have reason to believe this mare to be locked in time, is that so?"

A grumbling could be heard as the horses eyes blinked, turning black then a soft yellow, "I see it is so. She will repeat this day until the day is over."

Well that's vague thought Fluttershy and Twilight in unison.

Twilight and Fluttershy released each other and stood, walking next to Celestia's side and staying safely close, "What's that mean, princess?" Twilight asked.

Ignoring her Celestia continued, "I recall the last time this happened, and what ended it, what will help her end her day?"

"Love is the truest test for her to pass. She has the love of many, yet none. Her friends have the love of many, yet are in disharmony. She will live today until she passes the test," the horse bellowed, its eyes turning light red.

"Wh-what does that mean?" Fluttershy shivered as she tried to speak.

Looking at her, the horse spoke, "You have been told all you need to know. Find the answer yourself and suffer immortality until you do."

Covering their ears Twilight and Fluttershy looked at princess Celestia, "Old one, thank you for your time and I wish you a good rest."

With that Celestia cast a spell and they returned to the throne room.

"B-But princess, I don't understand, who was that horse? What did you mean last time this happened? What about Flut-" Twilight was cut short by a stern glance from Celestia.

"A long long time ago, Luna and I were trapped in a repeating day. It was the worst day of our lives and it lasted for longer than either of us could remember. Luna and I tried every spell and trick and potion but none worked. The Old One, one of the founders of our world, helped us get out of it, but first, Luna had to give in to her darkest desires: She had to become Nightmare Moon."

Twilight gasped as she raised a hoof to her mouth. Fluttershy felt the weight of the world on her back suddenly as she fell to the floor.

"So, I have to become evil and be trapped in the moon for a thousand years to be free from today, or something like that?" she said wearily.

"Oh, no no no Fluttershy," Celestia said opening a wing and pulling in the whimpering Fluttershy close, "what happened to us was what we needed to do. It taught us a true lesson about power, controlling ourselves, and the loss that our powers can cause. We are wiser for it, and the experiences of spending years in the same day helped us to become the wise experienced rulers we are now. Fluttershy, I can't answer the riddle for you, but maybe when you see tomorrow, your bond with your animals will be stronger than anyone could know."

"B-b-but p-princess, I don't want to spend another day in, today. I want it to be tomorrow, I have my animals and my friends. I see them everyday doing the same thing, what am I to do?"

Looking at Fluttershy kindly Celestia thought for a moment, "Fluttershy, I can not answer that. You have to simply find the right answer to the riddle. It may take you a couple years or maybe a week. It sounded like you have to find love and bring harmony to your friends."

Those were not the words Fluttershy wanted to hear and she fell to the floor and cried harder than she had in years.

When she was finally consoled she looked at Twilight and Celestia and asked a simple question, "Can I leave now?"

"Of course, you may leave and return any time you need to, just tell me you're in a time loop and we spoke with the Old One, I may have nothing new to offer you but maybe I will. Only time will tell."

Chapter Eight - Sorrow

After leaving the throne room Twilight let Fluttershy lead and tried to talk to her as they walked the paths out of the castle, "Uh, Fluttershy, I-I don't know what's happening to you, but no matter what, where or when I'm here for you."

"Oh, Twilight, if you could only know what it's like. I haven't felt happiness for days now, every day I wake up in my bed with Angel looking at me angrily wanting food, and then the bird spills my tea if I forget to close the window, Rarity is rude, Pinkie is - Pinkie, and you make Spike write checklists until he can't move his claws. Except for a few changes that happen when I pull one of you aside."

Perking up Twilight had an idea, "Fluttershy, that's it! You're the only one who knows things change, none of us do."

"Yeah, so what good is that?"

"Well, if you can find how to make a big enough change, maybe you can change the rules of the day and find out the riddles answer! All you have to do is keep making changes with us until something happens. Then, you can just figure out what love has to do with it and voila, you're out. Tomorrow is today and life goes on.' Twilight had stopped walking to listen to herself talk and was feeling very proud. She looked around and didn't see Fluttershy, "uh, Fluttershy, where'd you go?"

Fluttershy took to the air as soon as she heard Twilight stop walking, knowing that the ideas would be useless to her. Why me, and why can't the princesses help me. With four of them they should have some magic spell in their horns that should be able to stop this from happening. Celestia didn't even try anything. This is so frustrating, why. Why? "WHY" she shouted at a volume beyond what she was capable. She began coughing as she flew toward Ponyville.

"No magic is going to stop this. I don't know what that stupid riddle means and the advice I got was as useless as thinking of tomorrow happening."

She looked at the view, admiring its beauty and closed her eyes, feeling the breeze against her mane, "I can do this."

She flew to Ponyville and landed at her cottage, went in and went back to bed.

Dear Friends,

I'm sorry to leave you like this, but I have been cursed and can not live this day any longer. I have consulted the greatest users of magic in the world and none of them can help me. I hope you can understand. Your friend always, -Fluttershy

Flying higher and higher above Ponyville Fluttershy didn't bother to think anything yet, she didn't want to cower out. This was what had to be done, for her friends and her loved ones to see tomorrow.

The wind had stopped, the air became biting cold and her breaths became shorter as she stopped and looked down.

I wonder how many other ponies have come this high? Why would they, there's nothing up here, no clouds, little air, it's cold even though the sun is right above me."

She folded her wings and began to fall.

It was a sensation she hadn't felt since training in her youth in Cloudsdale, the air began to thicken and all she could hear was a heavy loud 'Whoosh' as she closed her eyes, she moved her body slightly angling herself head first toward the ground, the air stinging her scalp as she fell.

I hope tomorrow will be a glorious day. I wonder where I'll land, probably in the Everfree forest. I'll be gobbled by some beast that is hungry, and in my last action, I'll still have helped a poor critter. I feel clouds, only a few more seconds."

Opening her eyes to see where she was going to land, head first to end her suffering, she saw... the library. "Oh no-"

"What in tarnation was that?" Applejack said.

"What are you talkin about, AJ?" Rainbow Dash asked puzzled.

"Well, if you ever walked anymore the ground just shook for a quick second like an apple tree fell over."

"Oh, for Petes sake, you use country-isms like they're the only way to speak, you still don't have the class that a manager/owner should have," Rarity said, obviously trying to start another argument for fun .

"Okay, let's not start, it was just a bump, don't worry abo-" Twilights comment was cut short by a scream from outside.

Bursting through the door the group ran to the source and stopped dead in their tracks... None of them could speak or move while they stared at the horrific sight before them.

"Angel?" Fluttershy asked as she looked at the upset bunny on her chest, she felt numb.

Fluttershy stood at the edge of the forest with her saddle bags on as she walked into the darkness and shade.

Her saddle bags were full of dried fish she was saving for various bears. She went into the forest and began singing loudly to the trees that lined her path into the darkening brush.

"Grrrrrr"

"Oh, a manticore. How lovely to meet you, my name is Fluttershy and I am a pony that has a gift for you," she said with a smile as she walked closer to the beast. It could understand her but said nothing in return; a gift from a meal is still a gift so it waited as she walked slowly. She stopped and pulled out a fish and tossed it to the creature who hopped and caught it before it hit the ground, slobbering as it swallowed it hole.

More, it said.

"Oh, of course, it's in my bags right here. Just, let me get them for you," she reached and pulled six out and dropped them at her feet, then eight from her other pack and scattered them around her, "I'm in the way, please, move me so you can eat the fish."

You are in my way. Move. it said as it bore it's teeth.

Fluttershy lowered her head and laid down, it could hear her whimper.

YOU WILL MOVE. It commanded as it approached, mere feet from her now, OR I WILL DO AS YOU ASK AND MOVE YOU.

The manticore wasted no more time as to lowered its mouth to Fluttershys head, she shook in fear and she felt her heart beating as the heat from it's mouth and drool began coating her head and neck.

It smelled her fear then it backed up looking at her confused, "I remember you, from years ago. You helped me when I was in pain. Now you offer me food and your life. I do not understand.

"Please, I need you to kill me. If you don't I'll find another who will. I'm in pain, please, help me."

That is not our way. You can not simply request death at my paws, I will eat what you offer and leave you to the timberwolves.

Fluttershy began crying as the manticore ate the fish, moving her aside as it needed, then left.

I really believed this would work. I guess I have to find a timberwolf, Fluttershy said as she got up and smelled herself, I reek of fish, that should help.

Walking back through the forest she began singing again, louder than before as she flapped her wings, spreading her scent around.

Hours passed and nothing stirred that could harm her. She was getting tired and hungry and was losing hope as the sun set, "Where are all you monsters?!?" she shouted, her voice breaking as the sun completely set.

She heard a rumbling beneath her and felt the vibrations making her body tremble as the ground behind her burst open revealing a gigantic creature that could have been a snake or at least related to one. It stood as high as a house and was covered with slime with a tooth filled circular mouth it leaned over and fell on her, sucking her into its body before she could run, if she was even going to.

Smiling as she felt the pressure squeeze her so tight the breath escaped her and she heard nothing but the sounds of the beasts digestive systems pulling her in she thought her last thought, I'm free, finally.

Chapter Nine - Darkness (Caution, violent)

Dear Mental Diary,

This is going to be my last entry, I mean it this time. I know how to get out of this day. Taking my life wasn't working, I poisoned myself, I fell, I went into the forest a dozen times. I keep waking up. Maybe, I have to do something unthinkable, horrible. I can't wait any longer, I have to get out, I'm going crazy. I feel headaches a lot, I can't think straight, most days I can't get out of bed at all and my friends come by at the same time every day, knock knock knocking on my door. Knock knock knock. Knock knock knock. KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.

I answered a few times to their gasping faces. Everytime it's Twilight first, then all of them come later to see me. "Oh, Fluttershy, what's wrong, you look terrible." they say, "I'm trapped in Tartarus." is all I say. Then I leave them at the door. Dash breaks down the door, they enter and try to talk to me. "It's okay, what's wrong, talk to us, we're here for you." We're here for you. We're here for you.

They're always here for me but none of them know what this is like. I think it's been a year now, I stopped counting the moons a while ago. I haven't fed my friends in ages, for them it's always first thing today. They're barely hungry I learned, same for me. I wake up every day and my body is the same, only my mind carries over.

Fluttershy sobbed as she turned over and covered herself in her blanket, Angel hopping on her asking for breakfast, again.

Twilight knocked on the door, she had to check on Fluttershy since she didn't show up to the library party, "I bet she's feeding her animals and lost track of time."

Fluttershy opened the door to see Twilights smile fade, "Come in," she said flatly and turned around, walking into the room.

Entering and closing the door behind her Twilight followed her friend, "Fluttershy, are you okay? You look, down."

Fluttershy leaned on her forelegs and bucked with all her might. Animals chirped and fluttered, squeaked and scurried for a place to hide as Twilight shouted in pain and fell back, the kick had landed at the base of her horn, cracking it inside her head.

Paralyzed and racked with pain she looked at Fluttershy who was crying, "I'm so sorry Twilight Sparkle, the pain. The pain I feel every day has to end. Only you can help me now, by your death I will be free of today. Tomorrow will happen and all the others will live again."

Twilights face turned to fear and her eyes opened wide, "Fl-Fl-Flutter- I-I-I d-d-."

"I know, you don't understand, you never can, I'm so sorry Twilight. You've always been there to help me, now you're going to set me free." Rearing up Fluttershy landed with all her might on Twilights head again and again. Hearing a sickening 'crack' the third time Twilight began to convulse and shake.

"Oh Celestia, I'm so sorry Twilight, I'm SO sorry," Fluttershy cried as she closed her eyes and landed one last time.

Twilight's body stiffened and she let out one last noise, then went limp.

"Oh, Celestia, Oh, Celestia, Oh, Celestia, Oh, Celestia, Oh, Celestia, Oh, Celestia, Oh, Celestia," Fluttershy cried as she laid on her friends chest, "We can both be free now."

"Sheesh, why me, I wanted to fly over to my old house and see Scoots, but now I have to check on Twi and Fluttershy, what a day so far. I can't wait to actually celebrate something," Rainbow Dash said as flew to the cottage.

Landing she walked to the door and was about to knock and heard Fluttershy crying heavily, too heavily to be something common.

Pounding on the door she yelled for Fluttershy to open the door to no response. She hovered back a few feet then flew into the door knocking it open then stopped as she saw Twilight, dead on the floor with horrible injuries and Fluttershy crying over her, blood on her hooves.

"Oh, Celestia, Fluttershy, what did you do?" Rainbow Dash said as she felt the cupcakes rising in her stomach.

Fluttershy couldn't stop crying heavily and said nothing.

Rainbow Dash flew outside as fast as she could creating a sonic rainboom as she fled the scene to the library.

Breaking through the door she vomited and screamed in terror scaring the others beyond anything they had known before.

"Oh Dash, what's wrong?" Pinkie asked as she sped to Rainbow Dash, holding her as she trembled and cried, tears running down her face her nose running and her body shaking.

"Twi-Twi-Twilight... Fluttershy-" She began crying more heavily.

The others looked at each other in surprise then left for the cottage, Applejack carrying Dash.

Fluttershy was sitting in the royal jail in Canterlot with four guards at her cell door as she laid on the floor beside the bed still crying. The first murder in Ponyville history was on her head and it was of a princess. She would be executed without a doubt now, but she knew she would see tomorrow.

As night fell she stopped crying, her body to dehydrated to make tears and her throat was too hoarse to make noise.

Taking a seated position she watched the sky light as the moon fell through her small cell window. "I'm going to be free now."

Closing her eyes she breathed deeply and smiled weakly.

Chapter Ten - Atonement

Jumping from her bed Fluttershy opened her window and jumped out, opening her wings she flew with a speed she had never had before.

Arriving at Twilights castle in a time that would impress Rainbow Dash she landed on the balcony and pulled open the door rushing in a full gallop to the sleeping Twilight. She landed on Twilight and embraced her and began to cry with a mix of joy and sorrow, "Oh Celestia, I'm so sorry Twilight, I'm so sorry."

"Fluttershy? What's wrong? Please, tell me," Twilight said with a surprise as she tried to gather what was happening to her sleeping self.

"I killed you, oh Celestia, I'm so sorry."

"Oh, Fluttershy, it's okay, it was only a dream, you don't need to apologize. Tell me what happened."

"No, twilight, it was real. I'm trapped in time, living today over and over. I tried everything to get out, my last option I thought was... Oh Celestia, I'm so sorry Twilight."

"Wait, trapped in time? Fluttershy that doe-"

Placing a hoof over twilight's mouth Fluttershy shook her head, "I know, we've had that talk enough times for me to tell you the whole conversation. Please, just let me hold you, I'm so sorry, Twilight for what I did, I'll never do it again."

Fluttershy really believes this, there has to be a logical answer and way to calm her down."
"I don't understand."

Fluttershy gasped and looked at Twilight, "Those were your last words..."
The silence was deep, so deep they could hear Fluttershys heart racing, "Fluttershy," Twilight finally spoke, "I think you should tell me everything."

"So, you've convinced me, for now Fluttershy. So, what do we do? You've already talked to the princess, you've done some pretty terrible things, and you've been seriously depressed through almost of it. I think, I think we should consult with Celestia. You've already spoken with her, but maybe she knows a spell that could help you. "

"I already tried that, we talked with some horse called 'Old One.'"

"Old One? I don't know her, but I'll ask Celestia. SPIKE?"

Ten seconds later spike burst into the room wearing an apron and with a spatula in his claws, "Yes Princess Twilight?"

"Spike, I've told you not to call me princess Twilight."

"Sorry Twi, just kidding. Hey Fluttershy, what's new? "

"Spike, I need you to take a letter to princess Celestia right now. Tell her Fluttershy spoke with the Old One, a horse. Please hurry spike. It's imperative."

"Right, I'll get it done right now, " he said as he jogged out of the room.

One minute after he left Celestia appeared in the room with a bright yellow flash, temporarily blinding the two.

"Fluttershy, you spoke with the Old One? Why did he say you? "

Cowering behind Twilight Fluttershy looked at Celestia, who was scowling at the mares, "Well, you're highness..." Fluttershy filled Celestia in with her situation. Celestia listened but didn't show any surprise or emotion until the story was done.

"This is not good, not good at all. It's almost impossible to find the solution, I imagine we've had this talk before, so let's go to the royal library, I have an idea that will help you. Come here girls, " Celestia said as she opened her wings, inviting the two to go by her sides as she wrapped her wings around them.

With a burst of yellow light they appeared in the royal library and Celestia began calling books to her with magic.

"Here it is. Come with me," she said, leading them to a different bookshelf she took out a book, "this is a blank book, I'll give it to you and then cast a spell that will open a small portal. You will be able to put up to five books or small items in it. Use those too keep logs of your days and what you can change to your benefit to find the answer."

"Oh, okay princess. Thank you, " Fluttershy said as she took the book.

Casting the complicated spell a small white rectangle opened in front of Fluttershy, "This is a magic portal outside time and space. It will follow you everywhere and you can access it anytime. When you want to open this portal simply concentrate and focus on your items inside, the magic in your body will open the window. At first it will drain you, and you won't be able to walk on clouds for a while, but in time you won't even notice it."

"Um,o-okay. Thank you princess, I guess, I guess I should have come to you a lot sooner, again."

"It's okay, child, you did and now you have a tool to help you. Please remember you also have all the resources you need to help you; you have your friends."

"Wait, princess Celestia, you were in the same loop with Luna?"

While the princess talked about the events surrounding Luna's imprisonment Fluttershy looked at her book and placed the book in the mystic portal, "How do I close it?"

"Oh, my goodness, I forgot to tell you. Simply imagine a door closing in front of the portal. It will drain the magic from your body but a lot less of it," Celestia said.

Closing the portal Fluttershy concentrated and reopened it, she sighed as she felt exhausted suddenly as her head spun for a moment and her ears rang. After a moment she regained her senses and reached into the portal, retrieving the book, "I'm going to make my first entry," she said as she walked to a podium and grabbed a pen.

Dear Journal,

I have found my confidence because of my friends and princess Celestia. Thanks to this spell I have a way to keep records and find a way to tomorrow, which will hopefully be soon. I have a renewed energy and I can not wait to see the world tomorrow and what is has to offer, and to use my knowledge to help more animals and ponies. I have learned some of the habits of the Everfree forest too, including timber wolves. I have done some terrible things but there is no looking to the past wrongs, only the past rights that will help us all out. Until next time.

"Done," smiled Fluttershy, she hadn't smiled in weeks, maybe months, it felt very nice to her, "so, now what? Should we tell the others or just have today?"

"Well, I have a world to watch, so I will leave that decision to you, fare well, Twilight, come with me, I have to talk with you privately," Celestia walked out of the room and spoke with Twilight who returned to talk with Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy, Princess Celestia told me something that she believes would be best told to you through me, you see, the time loop isn't really a loop in the best sense of the word," Twilight said rubbing the back of her neck trying to find the layman's way to say what she needed to, "you see, time is usually like a rope that is stretched out across a yard and there are strings inside the rope, those are like timelines. You are in a strand that is loose and is looped over itself but still connected to the rope."

"So, what does that mean? I don't know science Twilight, you know that."

"It means that while you loop around again and again there is a version of you that slides on the loop back around and around and while that happens at the moment the loop begins again there is another you where it ends and you see tomorrow every day. So, in actuality we need to find a way to stop your consciousness from looping all together, okay?"

Fluttershy looked at Twilight like she honestly had no idea what she said after 'it means.'

Rubbing her forehead Twilight started again, "Okay, it's like this: for you everyday is today but there is another you that sees tomorrow everyday, and we have to find out how to get you you to see tomorrow."

"Oh, OH. OH, Fluttershy said as she began to realize the implications, "You mean I'm sitting in Canterlot royal prison right now waiting trial, or I'm dead in front of you all at the library?"

"Fluttershy, I can't imagine what you're going through and I hope I never will, it must be Tartarus to be stuck in this loop, but with all our help you'll get out before you know it. Let's get out of here and spend the day doing something."

Choosing to have today as just the two of them, they spent the whole day in Canterlot and enjoyed the sights, food and events. As night fell Twilight teleported them back to the castle in Ponyville, "Fluttershy, come with me, I want you to have something."

"Um, okay Twilight, but you know I can't take it with me."

"Yes you can, you have the portal now. I just hope that portal spell works. Here," Twilight hovered her stuffed friend over, use him as proof to me that you met me, I know I can be pretty difficult to convince, but this will help. And, I'll write a letter to me too, I'm pretty sure I can convince myself of what's going on, then we can use one of your book slots to keep notes we all have to prove whats happening so that we can help you."

"Oh, thank you so much, Twilight. This means the world to me, I'm so grateful. But, um, Twilight,"

"Yes Fluttershy?"

"I have to go, I haven't fed my friends for months, they must be starving."

They both shared a laugh, Fluttershy felt alive again and ready to live. As they walked to the kitchen for a snack they began talking again, something Fluttershy hadn't done in a long time.

"So, Twilight I have a real question I've been wondering for a few months now."

"Yes Fluttershy, what's on your mind?"

"What kind of mare are you looking for?"

Twilight stopped in her tracks and almost tripped, "Wh-what are you talking about? I'm not-"

"You told me plenty of times, but the first time was totally by accident. About Mrs. Lemon Lime," Fluttershy looked mockingly.

Twilight gasped and blushed and couldn't think of anything to say at first so Fluttershy turned and started walking again, "Catch up when you can, lover-mare," Fluttershy teased.

"Wait, who did you tell? Who know? How did they react?"

"I didn't tell anyone, I Pinkie promised," Fluttershy smiled, "so, what is your type?"

"Well," Twilight tried to think of where this conversation was headed and what the repercussions would be, "I honestly don't know. I've never been on a real date or anything."

"Oh, I know," Fluttershy said knowingly, "You've told me a few times how you've only had thoughts, but you won't admit it. You should be honest with me and youself and your friends so we and I can help you in this time or loop or whenever."

Sighing as she tried to wrap her mind around the question and it's answer, both of which were so difficult, "I don't know, I guess I like a nice flank and rump," Twilight said, blushing again as she said those words out loud. Before she could make a convoluted statement explaining her answer she was interrupted.

"Okay, so what else besides a nice flank and rump?" Fluttershy asked as she slowed down to get side by side with Twilight.

"Wow, I don't know, I guess it's also personality and intelligence. I really want a mare who can tolerate my obsessive compulsive intelligence and needs while offering me intelligent conversation likewise. Maybe that's a bit picky of me but I have read a lot of books on love and finding the right match and the consensus is-"

"So you want a smart mare that likes you for you and can talk with you, okay. Do you prefer any type of pony?"

"Like, race? I don't care about that, I'm not racist if that's what you're thinking."

"Oh, no no no, I wasn't even thinking that, Twilight. It's just a question. I'm hoping to help you find a marefriend."

Twilight stopped and fell flat on her chin as the words resounded through the halls, "F-Fluttershy, what are you talking about? I can't just come out like that one day, it takes time. According to 'Equality in Equestria Volume 17' the time it takes to reveal a sexual preference to your family and friends can take years. There's no quick answer for coming out in any of my books or stories."

"Life isn't like a book Twilight, it's as far from it as can be. I know I should be a lot more scared about all this but at the same time it's just another day to me. Take me to the hilltop, please."

Twilight was going to protest but she felt she had insulted Fluttershy by how the conversation changed in tone, "Okay, come here." With a shine of purple light they were at the ceremony hill, "Let's find our friends," Twilight said as she began looking around, "There they are, let's go."

Following Twilight Fluttershy didn't say anything but kept a determined look on her face the whole way.

"Hey, it's Twi and Fluttershy, 'bout time you showed up, where ya been all day? We got a good spot and thanked Spike before he fell asleep fir settin' all this up for us. C'mon and get some grub 'fore I eat it m' self."

"Wait, first I have to tell you all something important. I'm trapped in a temporal loop, every sunrise today starts again for me. Now, Twilight has something she has to tell you, Twilight."

Fluttershy had put Twilight on the spot but their talk was still hot in her mind. Taking a deep breath Twilight said the first thing that popped out of her mouth, "I'm romantically into mares please don't hate me," she said in one sentence.

Everypony looked at each other and at Twilight, she felt sweat building on her brow as any one of them would speak any moment.

Pinkie giggled and spoke first, "I knew that a long time ago, you always looked at my rump when I walked and it wasn't a regular look it was a looook so I started bouncing, then you started looking at Rarities for a couple days but then you really started looking at Cherilee and one day you watched her so much you walked into a tree and looked around but didn't see me watching you from the bushes across the road. Then there was that time you blushed when you were asking Applejack to ask for help when she tried to harvest the WHOLE orchard by herself and she fell over and said 'help me' and was on her back and you turned all red but she didn't see because she was going crazy and it was really weird to see at first but then I figured it out. Either that or you were a changeling and were feasting on her somehow, but then I saw you look at her when she got up and those were different feasting eyes I'd seen before when I was holding a party for a mare who was about to get married and they had this stallion come in and dance for them wearing one of Rarities outfits and he did things I had never seen a stallion do but all the mares were looking at him with those same eyes, but they were drooling and throwing bits."

"Wow, Pinkie, that was very... detailed," Twilight said as she began to breath heavily again.

"Look, darlin', you're one of my best friends, ain't nothing gonna change that."
"That's right sweetie, you're the best friend a pony could have," Rarity added.
"Hey, we're all awesome at our own things I guess, I have the sky, Applejack has well, apples, and you have magic and mares. Big whoop, you're not gonna get any challenge from me," laughed Rainbow Dash.

"So, you're okay with me being, me?"

The others agreed and smiled, "But, dear, I only have one question?" Rarity asked. Twilight nodded, ready for anything.

"Do I have a nice rump?" she asked as they all burst into laughter.

Chapter Eleven

Waking up this morning was the best Fluttershy had had in a long time. She hopped out of bed, made breakfast for herself and Angel, then sang a song to her other friends as she fed them. Around 10 she was done and sighed a happy relief.

Focusing on the Smarty Pants doll, she opened the window and felt the exhaustion engulf her, when she recovered a minute later she hopped up and down excitedly, "It worked, look Angel, it worked."

Angel looked at Fluttershy with confusion, she couldn't see the window.

Reaching in Fluttershy removed the book and read her passage to confirm it worked, with a large smile she replaced the book and closed the window, looking at a confused Angel, Fluttershy giggled and said her goodbyes for the day, then left.

Arriving at Sugar Cube Corner she got in line behind the colt that had teased her the very first day, smiling at him she greeted him, "Why, hello, aren't you a big stallion? What's your name?"

"Uh, mommy?" the colt asked, "Go ahead, you can tell her," his mother encouraged.

"My name is Cade Armor, and I'm going to be a royal knight someday."

"Oh, I'm sorry sir," Fluttershy stood at attention and saluted the colt, speaking with a firm voice, "Sir, it's an honor to meet you, sir, carry on the fine work."

The colt beamed and hopped on the tips of his hooves in glee and others smiled at her display of exuberance. The colt began marching around the room commenting on random things in a military tone.

"Why, Fluttershy, I think this is the first time I've heard you speak in all the years I've been in Ponyville, thank you so much for doing that for Cade, he had been a bit of a pill today, but now he's as happy as ever. I'm going to repay you-"

"Oh, no, that's okay, I was just, you know, having some fun with him is all," Fluttershy said, feeling the weight of eyes on her she felt shy again for the first time in a while.

"No, I insist, it's the least I can do. What are you doing at noon?"

"Well, I'm probably going to be with Princess Twilight and my friends playing sink the ship."

"The Princess? As in, 'Princess' Princess Twilight? Well, I can't repay you today when you have that going on," the mare chuckled, "I'll repay you tomorrow, I have a great idea in mind."

Smiling Fluttershy thanked her, 'I wish I had thought of that before. Now, Fluttershy, don't forget to note this.' she reminded herself.

Arriving at the library she entered and ran to the table, dropping the treats and then ran to Twilight and gave her a big hug, "It's so good to see you again, Twilight. I missed you, all of you."

"Oh, Fluttershy, I missed you too," Twilight said as she hugged back, "Let's all catch up quick with what we've been through the past couple months."

Fluttershy laughed, "I'll go last."

"Wait a minute, darlin'? You mean to tell me you expect us to believe you can't see tomorrow? I plum can't believe that, you're yankin' our chain. Haha, Fluttershy, you're a riot," Applejack joked as the others laughed.

"Oh, just wait a moment, I have proof," Fluttershy said as she opened the portal, she laid down for a moment while her energy came back, "see? The proof is right there."

"Uhm, Fluttershy darling, I don't think any of us see what the joke is," Rarity said concerned.

"You, you don't see the glowing portal to another dimention outside time and space?"

"Um, Fluttershy, maybe you need to lay down, I think the bed is made upstairs, Spike, help me carry her to bed," Twilight said as she walked the few paces to Fluttershy.

Reaching into the portal she grabbed Smarty Pants, the others gasped at seeing her hoof disappear into the air then pull a stuffed animal into the room.

"S-Smarty Pants? Did you get him from my room? Is there a portal to my bed right there?" Twilight made a disgusted face at the though of somepony reaching into her bed while she was sleeping without her knowledge.

Chuckling as she felt her energy recovering Fluttershy acknowledged Twilights concern, "No, princess Celestia gave me this portal thing to keep a few items with me as today happens, tomorrow I'll have to convince you again, but this is a much much better solution to what I've been through the past year."

"PAST YEAR!?!" They all exclaimed.

Fluttershy nodded and smiled, "Oh, yes. This is the best day I've had in so long, I'm so happy to see you all again," Fluttershy smiled as she eyes began to water, "All of you are the best ponies in the world, and I can't believe I've spent so much time ignoring that fact, let's go have some fun today, tell some stories and eat LOTS of food and tonight we can watch the sun rise together."

"Hey, wait a minute, if we watch the sun rise then you'll see tomorrow which means today will be over and then all this will have been a waste of time," Pinkie said quickly.

"Well, if tomorrow happens then I have nothing to worry about," Fluttershy said matter of factly, "and if tomorrow is today, then I'll have the best friends to help me."

As they sat on the hill they told stories of what they had been up to the past month, except Fluttershy. She couldn't tell them what she had done to herself or Twilight, and maybe she never would be able to.

Pinkie was holding her hooves over her mouth and doing her best not to talk, which intrigued Rainbow Dash, "Pinkie, why aren't you talking, you never stop talking and now you haven't said anything since we started telling stories. Is everything okay?"

"Mph mph mpph mumph ngm mngmnggm mghpm."

"Uh, Pinkie Pie, you should uncover your mouth to talk," Rainbow Dash said looking at Pinkie with sarcastic eyes.

Pinkie shook her head quickly.

"Pinkie, is it a secret?" Twilight asked.

Pinkie nodded, hooves still over her mouth.

The others perked up and looked at her, "Pinkie Pie, did ya make a Pinkie Promise?" Applejack asked?

Pinkies eyes widened as she slowly, cautiously shook her head as she realized something.

"Pinkie, sweetie," Rarity smiled, "Tell us," she commanded, looking sternly at Pinkie.

"Mph mph mpph mumph."

"Pinkie, it's okay, whatever you say is going to be a secret, we Pinkie Promise, right everypony?" Twilight reassured.

They all said the oath and Pinkie lowered her hooves.

"Okay, but remember, you Pinkie promised. Well, you see Cheese sandwich and I, kind of did something."

"What?" they asked.

"Well, it was cold one night a while ago, and we spent the night together in the same tent, and we did some, things," Pinkie was rolling her hooves together and looking at the ground as she spoke, the others attention focused and started giggling.

"Well, then we did some things and then we did them again and again and again and again and ag-"

"We get the idea Pinkie, so, is that it? You let him rut you?" Twilight laughed as the others began to laugh, "and a lot it seems too."

"Well, a couple months ago, you see," Pinkie wasn't laughing or smiling but thinking very hard on how to say something.

"Hey y'all, she ain't done tellin' us the story, let's just let her finish so we can get back ta laughin'," Applejack said between giggles.

"Well, I was going to tell you tomorrow, but I guess I can tell you now," Pinkie said as she reached behind her and pulled a small box from seemingly nowhere, "I kind of, had a foal."

The others stopped laughing and a couple gasps were heard as they all looked at the box with fearful awe, "Oh, oh Pinkie, I'm-We're so-" Rarity started to say as Pinkie opened the box and a balloon floated out with a picture of herself, Cheese, and a little brown foal cradled between them.

"Awwwweeee," they all moaned with relief at the cute picture, "You had a beautiful baby and didn't invite us?" Rarity said as she stared at the foal in the photo.

"Well, duh, silly heads, I was going to SURPRISE you all with my little Cheesy Pie tomorrow, but I guess since Fluttershy might not get to see him, it's okay. Cheese will understand."

"Wait wait wait wait wait, you named you foal Cheesy Pie?" Rainbow Dash laughed as she fell over.

The others laughed and jumped Pinkie for once, hugging her so tightly she couldn't even giggle, but she smiled as happy as usual.

"Hey, Dashie, it'll be like Kalida has a baby brother now! We should let them play every time we can. OOO, OOO, you can teach him to be really really fast and to be a good little brother! We'll have a party every time we get together and I'll bring extra cupcakes for the foals and we can have cake and candy and ice cream and chocolates and talk about all our adventures we've been having and how much fun it is to be rutted."

Everyone burst into laughter for the next twenty minutes as the moon fell in the sky.

"Oh, that was the best moment I've had in years, even before today. I'm so happy for you and Cheese and I can't wait to see Cheesy, but before the sun rises, where are they? Are they going to be in town tomorrow?"

"No, silly, they're at Sugar Cube Corner in my old room hiding," Pinkie smiled as all of them gasped and looked at her.

Chapter Twelve - Joyful Tidings

Fluttershy walked into Sugar Cube Corner and went to Mrs. Cake who was helping a larger mare and looked at Mrs. Cake with a big smile, "Mrs. Cake, I'm going to Pinkies room with her permission."

"Um, dear, I don't think you should," She replied.

"Oh, it's okay, I know all about it. Pinkie was very, descriptive," Mrs. Cake blushed slightly and looked away.

"I guess you do then, go on ahead, just keep quiet."

Walking upstairs Fluttershy could only think of what to expect, but nothing seemed to satiate her excited mind, "I'm going to see a newborn foal, and it's Pinkies, of all ponies."

Knocking on the door there was a brief hustling noise as Cheese Sandwich opened the door, a flurry of balloons leapt from the room as Cheese walked out, "Hello Mrs. Cake, to what do we- Oh, uh, Fluttershy, right?" he asked, surprised and confused.

"Well, Pinkie told me about Cheesy Pie, and I wanted to see him, if that's okay."

"Oh, why, yes, of course! Please, come in," He gestured inside the room.

Walking in the room was full of decorations and colors that almost made Fluttershy giggle, it was so much fun. It was ready for a party, and Fluttershy wanted to be there tomorrow when it happened, Maybe I can find a way to make it happen today.

Hearing a squeak Fluttershy jumped and smiled, "Is that him, can I see him?"

"Oh, of course, he's right here in a bed we made for him," Cheese said as he led Fluttershy around the bed to see the cutest yellow wedge of cheese, in the center a tiny sleeping foal was snoozing, a little drool on his flat pillow.

"Oh, goodness, he is so cute," she said as she walked to the side of his bed and looked at him, a flurry of happiness washing over her, "Can I, Can I hold him, for just a minute? If that's okay?"

"I don't see why not, he's a heavy sleeper," Cheese said as he reached to pick up Cheesy, he gently placed the foal in Fluttershy's forelegs.

Looking down at the little one she traced his face into her mind, his forelegs were tucked to his body and he squeaked again," Oh, oh my, I haven't held a foal for so long, I forgot how delicate and amazing they are," she smiled as she spoke and began cooing.

"You look like a natural mother, I don't remember Pinkie telling me you had any children, do you?"

"Not yet," the words hitting her making her eyes pop open wider for a moment, "I, I want one. I want a foal of my own, as cute as Cheesy here."

"Well, do you have a special somepony at home? Maybe you should have the talk," Cheese smiled as he looked at Cheesy, "it will change your life for the better no matter how you look at it," walking away and looking out the window he continued, "I felt happiness and joy, I had fun and friends, but it was always Pinkie that was at the heart of my life, and when I found her again I was overjoyed. I used the next year using that joy to make more happiness across Equestria.

There was a small hamlet, maybe 50 ponies and pets combined that hadn't smiled in days after their mayor had died, it was the greatest challenge I had ever had making anypony smile, but in the end, it wasn't even me that turned the town around. A mare gave birth and the joy that filled the town was on par with what I did for my life work, for my cutie mark, for my destiny.

I came back to Ponyville and made an offer to Pinkie to join me as I traveled the country, then as we grew closer it happened one day. It was amazing and it transcended time and space, we both felt it as though we were always supposed to, we just didn't know it was missing," he looked at Fluttershy with a tear streaming down his cheek, "it was love. Love was what we were missing, and when we faced that fact and made that part of our parties, we became the most famous party planners in Equestria."

Fluttershy's eyes were trembling as he finished his story, she looked at the foal she was cradling in her arms and began to sob, but not with sadness, with hope and love, "I, I think I know what I need to do."

Fluttershy spent the next hour holding Cheesy they conversed and talked about Equestria and the parties that were held, the towns that were passed, and what Fluttershy had been up to the previous day, to the best of her recollection.

"Pinkie, can I talk with you?" Fluttershy asked after she entered the library and put her chocolates away.

"Okie-dokie-lokie slowie-pokie, what's up?"

"Well, I need to talk to you in private, Twilight, can I use the store room to talk with Pinkie Pie for a minute, please?"

"Well, okay, is everything alright, Fluttershy?" Twilight asked passively as she poured herself a drink.

"Yeah, I just need to talk to Pinkie about something," Fluttershy said as she walked to the relatively small closet.
"So, Fluttershy, what's the biggie-dealio-oh?"

Taking a breath to collect her thoughts she began by covering her ears, "Pinkie, I know about Cheesy Pie."

The door buckled outward as Pinkie screamed in confusion and excitement as she burst through the door, "Who else knows?!"

The others jumped and looked at the panicking pink mare.

Grabbing her tail Fluttershy yanked her back in and shut the door quickly, "No one, technically, only me."

Pinkie jumped out of the room as Twilight was about to break it down, "Sorry guys, false alarm, be right back, have some cake!" Pinkie shouted as she pulled a cake from... no where, and dropped it outside the door before slamming it.

"Fluttershy, what do you mean you know, how can you know? It's supposed to be a surprise for tomorrow morning, no one knew except the Cakes, and they wouldn't tell anyone ever, they Pinkie Promised!" Pinkie said through clenched teeth, obviously frustrated about her ruined party plan.

"You told me, but I need your help, I only want you to know about this, so you have to Pinkie promise me that you'll keep this a secret and help me," Fluttershy said with a straight face, peering into Pinkies softening expression.

"Okie-Dokie I Pinkie Promise, 'Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye.'"

"Pinkie, I need to find love, in a special somepony, and I don't know how."

"What?!? Who is it? Does he know? Or, is it she? I'm okay either way, these days a lot of people aren't but I've seen a lot of things traveling like in this one town it turned out that almost every pony was really a mare, but they dressed up like colts and stallions and pretended really good, but I could tell right away because when they talked their voices were all the same, well, not the same but none of them had like really deep voices like this, but it was okay because they were happy and that made it easier to have great parties."

"Wow, I forgot how you can talk when you get excited. But, no. I want a foal, a child of my own. I want love from a pony, not just from my critters."

"Wow, so, who's the lucky stallion?"

"I don't know, that's why I need your help."

"Well, why don't you ask everyone else too, they're listening at the door," Pinkie said as she opened the door, knocking her friends back, "Hey guys, how much did you hear?"

"Well, only that Fluttershy wants to fall in love," Twilight said with a teasing smile, the others were blushing and smiling at Fluttershy, who, for the first time in the last two days felt her old feeling of embarrassment encroaching on her.

"Well, sorry slow pokes, I'm helping her, c'mon Fluttershy, let's go talk outside, away from prying ears," Pinkie said as she pulled her ears almost 8 inches longer than should have been possible before they snapped back to a normal size. She hopped to the door and beckoned for Fluttershy.

"But, Sugarcube, what about our plans today?" Applejack asked.

"Oh, it's okay, you're going to beat Rainbow Dash at every game, Rainbow will win a hooficure and Rarity will spend the night planning clothes."

Looking at each other they didn't know what to say at the matter of fact way she said what would happen, "Cool, what about Twilight and me?" Spike asked.

"You're going to spend the afternoon making checklists about what to do today with Twilight."

"Oh, that's right Spike, I haven't make a list of things to do toda-.." Twilight stopped as she realized she was falling into what Fluttershy said, "Uh, Fluttershy, is there anything we need to talk about?"

Opening her wings Fluttershy hovered and shook her head with a smile, "No, you'll be okay until I see you later."

With that the two left the library and the flabbergasted others.

"So, Fluttershy, you don't know who, you don't know where he is, but you know you need to find him to have a foal of your own, which is kind of obvious because if you could do it yourself then we could all do it ourselves and then why would we ever need to rut or anything? It would just be a thing that would happen when we wanted it to and then everyone would have one, but how would that work with age and how would the pony decide they were ready and what if they weren't ready and wanted to wait but though 'Hey, I wonder what it would be like?' then poof they were pregnant with a foal and had no choice!"

"Pinkie, I know you can help me," Fluttershy said with a smile as they walked along the main road making conversation, "You see, I'm-"

"You're trapped in time and have to live the same time over and over and over again until you find true love and happiness and finally get to see tomorrow," Pinkie said as she looked around at the sights.

"Wh- How? How did you know that?"

"Well, it's obvious when you look at it, silly. Anyway, what kind of stallion are you looking for? Should we sing a song? Would that help?" Pinkie beamed.

"Uh, no, that's okay, the thing is I don't know who I'm looking for, I've never really thought about it, except in late summer around Hearts and Hooves day, but you know, that's how we all get at that time. And even then, I don't look at anypony really, I just stay in my cottage as much as possible to avoid all that silliness."

"Well, look around here, are there any stallions that make you feel something special?"

Looking around Fluttershy only saw faces blurring past her, she couldn't focus on any one of them as she stood and looked. Cutie marks were passing, smiling laughing faces went by and nothing stirred within the golden ponies chest, "No, I don't feel anything from any of these ponies, I don't even know what I'm supposed to look for."

"Well, I guess it's not so much that you have to look for something, you have to listen."

Stopping and staring into the crowd for a moment Fluttershy turned to Pinkie, "I don't hear anything either, are they supposed to sound a certain way?"

Pinkie laughed and fell over, kicking all her legs, "No, silly filly, you have to listen to you heart, not your ears."

"Well, how do I do that?"

Getting off the ground and dusting herself off, Pinkie was still chortling as she began to talk, "Well, hehe, you see, you meet a stallion and there's something you like about him, it doesn't have to be something right away, but there is something you like about him, and then you find what he likes, then you get him to notice that thing about you, then before you know it some time goes by, for some its a long time, for some not so much," Pinkie pointed to various couples, "and then one day, there is a spark, a feeling you didn't know you could have but you didn't know you could live without, and it fills you with tingles from your hooves to your mane every time you see them."

"Wow, so, you think I can find that tonight?"

"Tonight?" Pinkie fell over again rolling with laughter.

"Pinkie, I was serious, I want to see tomorrow."

Standing up again and dusting herself off again Pinkie spoke serious this time, "Fluttershy, this is going to take time, okay. I know you think I'm a crazy party pony, and you're right. But, I wasn't always like this, you know how I grew up. How I had no fun, joy or humor in my life, before that sonic rainboom. I have learned a lot since then, and laughter was all I thought I needed, until I started traveling with Cheese Sandwich," Pinkie began walking and ushered Fluttershy to stay close, "when we first started to share a tent it was fun, we played board games and truth or dare, puzzles and planned parties weeks in advance.

Then, one night we just looked at each other and something happened, we were just talking. Talking about our travels and parties we threw, then about our childhood," Pinkie stopped and looked up at the sky, there were no clouds in the sky, the sun was high above and everything was perfect about the day, "this is a lie."

Fluttershy looked at Pinkie confused, "Everypony you see here, they're all living a lie. When Cheese and I were talking, we realized the world was cold and dark if you didn't fit into a certain group or situation, if you were an outsider or grew up in a different part of Equestria than another. We both felt the spark in our hearts because we had that in common, then we did some fun stuff, and we made a pact the next morning to make it so no young pony had to know unhappiness. I remember looking into his eyes in the morning and seeing myself in them.

Not just my reflection, but I could see, well, I guess it was my soul, in his eyes, and at that moment I never wanted to be apart from him again."

Fluttershy and a few other ponies were looking at Pinkie as she finished her story, Pinkie saw the onlookers with smiles and tears in some of their eyes and blushed. Grinning and hopping on her back legs Pinkie grabbed Fluttershy and ran away, "That, was embarrassing," Pinkie chirped as she ran away with a flapping Fluttershy under her arm.

Chapter Thirteen - Passing Time

Dear real diary,

It has been a long time I've been in the loop now. I went shopping and bought everything I ever wanted and spared no expense last week. I got a dress that made me look beautiful and showed off my rump in a very attractive way. I got a few stares which felt good, I bought the dress from a store in Canterlot and when Rarity found out she was very upset I didn't invite her to my sudden trip; and it didn't bother me this time. I laughed and brushed my braids aside, oh yeah I got my hair braided and colored to a dark green. I looked so different and it was amazing.

I have given up on suicide and murder sent me to a place inside myself I never want to see again. Twilight has notes on what happened and how to get me out, all of it fruitless. I took her notes out and almost left them behind, but I can't do that to her. The notes are really important to her.

I've also learned some magic as impossible it may seem. I practiced with Twilight for a few months while we studied on the effects of magic during my loops. Twilight thought I could get out if I learned to channel the magic through me in a certain way and it turns out magic skill come through with me. I know how to levitate with using my wings and to cast a walking on clouds spell on my friends. Also I have learned to pass on my ability to speak to animals which was very exciting; Rainbow Dash spent an hour talking to a bird about what its like to be a bird.

Twilight said my magic won't be as good as a unicorns but I have a talent that no other Pegasus has ever had and my potential may be limitless. I've spent the better part of the last week learning math and history with Twilight and I am actually interested, I didn't know math was the foundation of the world. Calculus is pretty easy when you relate the math to animals and speaking of animals I have been letting them take care of themselves in the evenings while I do whatever I want.

Two years had passed and Fluttershy had a very good rhythm for waking up then feeding her animals and making it to town in time to meet Twilight opening the library. They greeted each other the same way as Fluttershy excused herself to get chocolates and greet the colt. Some days she would get on a train and visit other cities to see the sights and collect a few trinkets to take with her between loops. There was a point when she forgot her money and stole whatever she wanted.

Spending a few hours in jail was worth the excitement she felt as she flew the E.U.P. guards or police. She was a great flyer now and had the confidence of any normal Pegasus, she even started calling herself "Flutters" since she wasn't nearly as shy.

"Hey Fluttershy, what's up? I totally beat Applejack in a race to the library today, can you believe how awesome I am?" Rainbow Dash beamed with pride through her lie.

"Oh that's great to hear Rainbow Dash, I think I'll go congratulate Applejack on coming in second," she mocked.

"Oh, you don't have to, we already did that," she stammered.

"Call me Flutters please, I like that better. I'm going to see Twilight in the kitchen. See you soon."

Walking to the kitchen as Rainbow tried to make an arrogant comment she opened the portal and removed the notes and Smarty Pants, dropping them on the table with a thud then she filled Twilight in on the situation.

"Flutters, I don't really believe this,"

"I know, that's not my problem because you will after you read your notes. Please let me set you up with this amazing mare, she's exactly your type and is working today. I know just what to say to help you make your first date and what you should wear."

Ignoring Twilight as she began to speak in shock and protest Fluttershy continued, "Her name is Cathy Fish and works by the river selling flowers and salads, let's go."

"Wait, there's no way I'm going to meet a strange mare and go out on my first date in the span of one day."

"Yes you will, come here," she said as she opened a wing and invited Twilight over, who cautiously complied.

"You need to be happy and I've spent a long time getting this just right. I have a lot of other things to do today so let's go, future Twilight needs this."

After coaxing her to follow they rushed to the river, Twilight was as nervous as when she used to have to take tests. They arrived and the date was quickly set up. As Twilight blushed and held a conversation with Cathy Fluttershy went to visit Cheesy Pie then

Discord Introduction

/Discord Narration/

Oh, how do I describe the past 10,000 years? I guess miserable would be most accurate. Typically 10,000 years would be less than a blink of an eye for my people, but within my first technical decade here I was imprisoned in stone, twice, had most of my favorite powers revoked, was beaten tricked and betrayed, not to mention I made the wonderful friend, Fluttershy. She was kind, sweet and happy, often too much so at times I felt. As Discord, in this world, I was alone.

When she died she was surrounded by her animals and her pony friends, the ones that were left anyway, and she was happy. However, after she was gone I felt alone; more than I have ever before. It was and still is a sensation that I wish I could never experience again, yet, it has consumed me for thousands of years.

I have made a few newer friends, most good and a few, not so good, but none of them are even crumbs on the floor compared to the pedestal I’ve put Fluttershy on. I think I should move on: the world I came to is vastly different and much better than it was destined to be, and mortal life begins and ends in its typical style.

So, now I have my powers back, I’ve been fully reinstated, I have all the things I missed and wished for: except Fluttershy, my first and best friend. I’ve thought about bringing her back to life and taking her with me across the universes and dimensions, but I know she would resent me for giving her life while her animals died.

Should I create a universe just for her? No, she’d spend her entire existence alone and caring for animals, even if it is an eternity. So, what am I, a god-reformed, to do?

/Discord Narration/

Thinking for what felt like a year; Discord had a thought that would benefit him and Fluttershy at the same time. Smiling wickedly he had a plan to put into action: First, he would distract his younger self for a few days. Second, he would make sure Fluttershy would live a happy life beyond her forest friends.