Making Ends Meet
By TheYetiNinja
Prologue
The warm and calm winds blew through the thick layer of leaves, the dense trees blocking all light that trespassed, leaving the ground as dark as a mares pupil. Summer had a late arrival but was finally here. Sounds of birds could be heard from above, chirping as if to mock all animals that were forced to stay at ground level, hidden from the tree's protective barrier.
Beyond the deep array of trees lay an anomaly, a small patch uncovered by the leaves, light shone through the patch as bright as a clear summers day. Below this spot was a small garden. Thick wooden fences surrounded the garden to prevent any grounded, curious creatures from touching the purple and blue flowers that populated the garden with its natural colors. A small gate lay side by side with the fences, cooperating to stop all passers except those who could operate his latch.
The flowered garden stood there, isolated from the mysterious forest. From the forest, footsteps started emanating from the darkness. A small yellow hoof could be seen slowly pacing its way towards the garden. Emerging from the gloomy forest was a yellow pegasus holding a light, wooden basket in her mouth. She approached the gate cautiously as the thick grass below her crunched under the weight of her hoof. Reaching out her hoof to open the gate, she glanced behind with the basket swinging in motion with her head, checking to make sure she hadn’t been followed. When all was clear, she entered the garden and closed the gate behind her, the sound of the closing gate echoed through the forest disrupting its peaceful and mysterious nature.
Fluttershy diligently placed the basket onto the soft and moist garden floor, only to be shocked by the state of the flowers as she hoisted her head up in surprise. Their colors, although bright, were dull. The flowers were sagging and the petals were turning brown. Fluttershy hastily opened the basket; inside it was a small sleeping bunny.
“Angel wake up!” Fluttershy whispered loudly, she was known for her tender voice and her talent for speaking with animals. The bunny started stretching its arms and legs, shortly after giving a huge yawn. He got up and hopped gracefully onto the cozy grass. The white bunny’s ears rose up alarmingly when he looked at the flowers noticing the rotten state they were in.
“Oh Angel, this is terrible. The flowers, they’re not going to make it!” She gasped loudly “If they don-… if t-they…” Fluttershy found it difficult to string letters together at the realization of the danger she was in. Angel started into her eyes looking worried as well.
“If I can’t pick them, then I won’t make any money. And if I don’t make any money, whose going to feed all my animals.” Fluttershy took a deep gulp “What will he do? Oh dear! He won’t be happy. What should I do Angel?”
The bunny merely gave Fluttershy a disappointing shrug at the pony's immediate reaction to the situation. He hopped to where the dying flowers lay; the flowers were helplessly waiting for time to pass by until fate finally took their toll. He sniffed the flowers only to find the scent of decaying plants. Usually, the smell of a strong, sweet and natural scent would infiltrate his nose, making him feel slightly dizzy from the strength of the flowers petals. Angel looked at Fluttershy with despair, in hope that one of them could devise a plan to untangle her situation.
“He wants to see me tonight. And the winter has made my flowers looking just awful. I don’t think I can go to him tonight. What if he never pays me again? What if I have to leave my animals, my home? Where would I go? I won’t be able to see all my friends, my pets, my -” Fluttershy was now petrified at the thought of what will happen when she meets this mysterious stallion. She gulped again; her hooves were trembling in fear, her body shaking from the shock and her furry coat standing on ends.
Angel prudently approached Fluttershy in an attempt to comfort the yellow pegasus. Fluttershy stared down at the little pet and Angel gave her an approving nod. His level of communication was difficult for most ponies to understand, but for Fluttershy it was no problem.
Fluttershy gave a quick sniff. “You're right Angel. I should go see him tonight. Even if it mean he'll be mad at me, I don’t think it’s a good idea to leave a poor pony alone in the darkness. It can be very scary.”
Angel nodded again and promptly hopped back into his basket, indicating that he wanted to leave. Fluttershy stretched a smile at the bunny before closing the lid to the empty basket. Fluttershy crouched her head to pick up the basket and began walking towards the gate, opening the lock and closing it once exiting the garden. The yellow pegasus began her journey once more into the mysterious Everfree forest and back into the sweet comforts of her home.
It was dark; all ponies had taken their toll for the day falling into their deep sleep. All ponies; except Fluttershy. Ponyville was usually such a busy place, even with their small community, but the night was different. All there was to see were empty market stands and dark houses.
The moon was bright, weakly illuminating the path ahead of Fluttershy as she nervously trotted down the grassy tracks of Ponyville. All of Ponyville's houses were locked tight, no candles could be seen lit from within its houses. Sounds of crickets could be heard from all directions, the occasional owl sounds would also blend in with the harmony of the cricket’s chirping.
The lonely pegasus continued walking down the dimly lit pathway, her eyes darting around Ponyville’s scenery, paranoid of her surroundings, anticipating the worst.
Fluttershy stopped.
Ahead of the pony, emerging from the darkness was a light brown stallion - an earth pony. His facial features could barely be seen from the blackness of the night, his eyes were completely camouflaged by the night shadows. Tall and well built with a seemingly dark colored, rough and shortly cut mane. Slowly and sturdily, he approached Fluttershy with a discomforting and sinister grin on his face.
“Well, where is it?” The mysterious stallion questioned her hastily, wasting no moments. He clearly meant business and had no time for story telling.
“Um…. Well I, um, couldn’t get any. I mean… the flowers. They were dying and I couldn't -” The yellow pegasus froze at the realization of the sudden angered expression in the brown pony’s face.
“You said tonight and tonight is now! WHY HAVE MY -” He choked at the last word. Despite being somepony who doesn’t seem interested in listening to reason, he was still sensible enough not to raise his voice in the quiet night, in case he caught the attention of nearby neighbors.
“Where are they then?” He demanded firmly, staring at Fluttershy with his blackened eyes.
Fluttershy’s facial expression clearly displayed her fear. Her pink mane covering over one of her eyes while the other one gazed into his distressing expression.
“They’re… they’re in the forest.” Fluttershy lowered her head hiding herself from the brown pony.
“And? Are they gone?” He asked, bringing his head closer to the pegasus to better hear what she had to say. He was losing what little patience he initially had.
“Yes… I mean, they are dying and um… I can’t cure them because, well, I don’t know how.” Fluttershy winced at the stallion's aggravated face. "I’m sorry.” She whispered, in a desperate attempt to lower his temper.
“You pathetic pony! I can’t trust you with even the simplest of tasks!” The pony had eaten his last straw of patience.
Fluttershy winced in fear again “oh… I’m so, so sorry. I could try cure the flowers… if you want me to, that is.” Her face melted in grief and suddenly stared at the brown pony whose anger was clearly about to be taken onto her.
Lifting his leg, slowly, the brown pony gave an evil glare at Fluttershy one last time just before striking his hoof down onto Fluttershy’s tender cheeks. Fluttershy let out a quiet cry trying her very best to withstand the pain; but it was overwhelming, she cried in the intense throbbing pain, but tears wouldn’t arrive to comfort her face. She held a hoof to her face to tend to her fresh wound while kneeling down slightly on the other, showing mercy to the brown pony.
“So? When will I get them?” Speaking loudly but intentionally avoiding unwanted attention. Ignoring her condition.
Fluttershy’s mind raced as she began thinking of a rapid solution to the situation while trying to ignore the consuming pain. If only her friend Applejack could help her. Not only would she be able to stand up to the stallion, but also her excellent farming skills would have no problems curing the dying plants. That's when the idea hit her.
“M-my friend Applejack could help m-me” The pain had caused her voice to distort from the sporadic breathing patterns. “If you just give us o-one week. P-please?” She begged the pony, her dignity completely out of the window.
The brown pony huffed heavily still showing little care for his actions.
“You have 3 days to save my plants! If you don’t come by Saturday at dusk, you can say goodbye to all your beloved friends - for good.”
“Okay…” Fluttershy whispered, tears finally slowly dripping down her freshly bruised face. One of the tears reached her throbbing, and already swollen, bright red bruise. The tear reached the center of the wound, slowly turned red and then continued running down her face. Blood was seeping out of her left cheek.
The brown pony turned around, showing no remorse of Fluttershy’s condition, and sturdily marched back into the darkness, disappearing from the scene.
Fluttershy was left in the darkness, scared – hurt – her only way back home by hoof as it was too dark to fly safely. She fell to the floor tending to her ugly bruise, the pain still throbbing in her left cheek, blood still oozing out at a steady pace, tears still running down her face. She sniffed. Opening her mouth slowly and shakily she spoke in hopes that the mysterious pony would hear her.
“I’m sorry…”
Author's note: This is literally my third EVER creative story, I will be open to constructive criticisms,
Also, if you find any grammar mistakes, tell me in the comments, or PM me and I will fix them. Thank you for taking your time to read my fic. I plan to finish this one, and make several more. Finally, this isn't really "dark", more of a light-dark.
Chapter 1
Three days later…
Fluttershy was making her way to Sweet Apple Acres. The sun was shining brightly, its rays beating down on the ground. The weather had taken a quick turn of the tables. Less than a week ago, snow was still present; now, the sun baked everypony that stood underneath its radiance for too long.
Slowly, she paced herself towards the farm. Fortunately the apple trees were beginning to grow more leaves and provided a refreshing shadow for the mare to walk under. The farm was in view, gradually expanding as Fluttershy approached it. The mare was at the gate. Opening it nimbly, she entered the premises of the farm and began her short journey towards the front door.
Standing face to face to the large wooden door she lifted a hoof in an attempt to knock on it. The yellow pegasus hesitated for a moment, restraining her hoof in mid-air... Come on Fluttershy. Applejack is the most dependable pony in Ponyville. She’ll definitely help you save those flowers. Reassuring herself of Applejack’s reliability - the pony took in a deep breath followed by a heavy sigh. She knocked on the door.
Knock-knock.
Short moments later the door opened. Fluttershy took a glance of the inside yet no pony was present. She took a step back in slight confusion as to who was responsible for opening the door.
“Howdy there Fluttershy” A small earth filly with a yellow coat and red mane greeted her with a high-pitched, finely tuned voice, it was Applebloom. Typical for the smaller pony to answer the door, they were always curious as to what is happening around them.
Immediately, Fluttershy lowered her head in surprise of the appearance. “Oh, hi Applebloom. Is your sister here? If it’s okay, I need to ask her something.” She spoke in a confident, yet gentle, whispering tone. Fluttershy had grown accustomed to the fillies after having taken care of them multiple times, and found it easier to open up to the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
“Ah don’t know, lemme go check on her.” The filly unexpectedly slammed the door shut, making a sudden loud noise as the door made contact with the doorframe. Fluttershy squealed in surprise, flustered by her unsuspecting, rude actions.
Fluttershy could hear Applebloom yell from inside the large, wooden, red house. The door acted like a soundproof barrier, as the sounds echoing through the wood were barely comprehendible, although, Fluttershy knew that is was Applebloom calling for her big sister. A voice replied to Applebloom, even less comprehendible, it must have been Applejack from further away. Shortly after - Fluttershy could faintly hear the stairs within the house creak under the weight of somepony’s hoof. They reached the bottom of the floor and gradually became louder as the steps approached the door. The door opened, and to Fluttershy’s expectations it was the mare she had been desperate to speak with, Applejack.
“Howdy there Fluttershy! Applebloom told me that you needed ta talk ta me.” She said with a wide grin on her face “What have ya got on your mind Sugarcube?”
“Oh, hi Applejack.” Fluttershy whispered loudly “I was just wondering if you could, well, help me with something.” Fluttershy had found it much more comfortable to talk with her friends although, she would usually let them lead the conversation. This time, it was up to her to take control.
“Well of course I can help ya out. What’s causing the trouble?” Applejack politely asked, keeping the conversation flowing.
“Well, you see, I have some flowers in my garden that are dying. I don’t know if you could maybe, o-oh you don’t have to, but if you can, help me save the flowers?”
Applejack gave out an hmmm… “Ah don’t know much about flowers, only trees.” Applejack replied.
“Oh, o-okay then, never mind.” Fluttershy lowered her head in disappointment and started pondering. What's going to happen to me if I don’t get the flowers to him. Oh he’s going to be so mad at me. The pegasus pondered, deep in thought as she glared at the ground below her.
Applejack stared at the saddened mare before her, pondering about what was going on in her mind. Slowly, she also began to progress into deep thought until an idea rapidly sparked to her. “Hold on one sec Sugarcube, Ah think Ah’ve got an idea.” The orange earth pony zipped out of the scene steadily galloping towards the shed; abandoning Fluttershy, who remained at the doorstep.
Fluttershy didn’t show any recognition of Applejack’s disappearance, she simply stood there – wondering.
Two weeks ago…
Fluttershy had found the brown stallion in the usual meeting spot at the darkest hour. The brown pony had definitely seemed agitated and had something on his mind, what could have possibly ticked him off this time. After exchanging several words with the mare, his rage had eventually reached its peak.
“I told you not to say anything about our trades to ANYPONY… OR ANIMAL!” The brown stallion shouted in annoyance.
“I’m so sorry… I promise, Angel won’t tell anypony” Fluttershy replied, intimidated by the stallion’s deep breaths and aggressive behavior.
“If you tell another soul about our little trades, you’ll be griffon’s dinner.” He threatened.
“Okay…. I won’t, I promise” Fluttershy was petrified of the situation. Fearing for her life as it slowly became more understandable to her that it could end right here.
“Now, get out of my sight! Worthless mule.” The brown pony swayed as he spun round in a 180-degree turn, readily lifting his rear hooves preparing for an attack on the defenseless, tender yellow pegasus. Time slowed down for Fluttershy as she embraced for the attack…
…His hooves stretched out, making full contact with the yellow mare’s sides. The sounds of crunching could be heard from the point of contact as she propelled backwards and onto the floor from the full force of his hind legs; coming to a crashing halt followed by a squeal of agony as pain rocketed through her spine and across her body, making her muscles strain under the throbbing ache that emanated from the her sides.
Fluttershy released a huge cry, as the pain was far too much for her delicate body to handle. Tears were rushing down her face drop by drop while she held her aching sides with her front hooves to inspect the damage dealt. To the mare’s luck, her organs seemed to remain intact. Another shockwave of intense agony shot through her spine, she yelled out again, her face red and wet from tears.
The brown stallion had stomped on her a couple extra times with his front hooves before taking a step back to review his handiwork. With not a single sign of remorse or hesitation, he turned around once again to leave the vulnerable and injured pony behind, alone, in the darkness.
A teardrop had found its way out of Fluttershy’s eye, slowly dripping down her face and hitting the dry ground below her. I can’t let that happen again. She thought to herself, trying her best to suppress the memory at mind.
A minute of silence passed while Fluttershy grieved at her encounters with her only source of income. Applejack was making her way back from the shed she had charged into moments ago, quickly making her way back into the scene where Fluttershy had been somewhat mourning her memories. A pouch was hanging from Applejack’s mouth, no bigger than her front hoof. Finally within touching distance of Fluttershy, she lowered it to the floor, adjacent to where the yellow pony was standing. Fluttershy lifted her head trying to retract the tears from her face, hiding her emotions, slightly surprised by Applejack’s arrival as well as confused from the contents of the pouch. It seemed like some sort of… magic powder?
“I found ya some magic fertilizers, a gift from Celestia when we got rid of them changelings. She knew Ah’d be having problems growing my trees during the winter. All ya gotta do is sprinkle some onto the flowers, they should get your flowers feeling better lickety split!”
Fluttershy stared at the shimmering powder, her smile slowly becoming more obvious. “Wow, thank you Applejack. Are you sure you want to give those to me? I mean… it was a gift from Celestia. It’s special to you.”
“Ah’m sure of it Sugarcube. Keep it, and use as much as ya want. Ah won’t mind.” Applejack had a comforting grin on her face. Her generous side had definitely flourished from giving Fluttershy those magic fertilizers.
Fluttershy gave an agreeing smile back, “Thank you so much Applejack.” She leant forward to give Applejack a friendly nuzzle, as a way of saying thank you before turning round and preparing her journey home to fetch Angel and then promptly making her way into the Everfree forest…
“Fluttershy!” Applejack called before the yellow pegasus could begin her journey. The yellow mare turned around attentively to listen to the orange pony. Applejack slowly approached her, with a caring motherly look on her face, staring curiously at Fluttershy’s cheeks. Applejack raised a hoof at the yellow pegasus’s cheeks, gently rubbing the sides of it as yellow makeup began to wipe off, revealing a nasty, large, blood red, infected bruise on her face.
“Oh my… W-what happened to ya Fluttershy?” Applejack was awestruck, staring in disbelief at the large bruise residing on Fluttershy’s cheeks. Her eyes began to glisten from pity of the poor yellow pony.
“It’s nothing, really. I uh… bumped into a tree.” The pony lied, mustering a subtle smile. Her heart began pounding, as the pursuit of the lie could either lead to success or failure.
Applejack gave Fluttershy a concerning look, as if knowing that there was more to the story. Fluttershy started trembling slightly in fear of Applejack discovering her dark secret. The eyes from Applejack stared right through Fluttershy. Her stare became more concerning to Fluttershy as the yellow mare’s head began to twitch from side to side due to the nerves and pressure.
“Well I hope you get well soon Sugarcube, it looks awful.” Applejack’s concerned face unexpectedly became a comforting, caring smile, and her stare turned into a friendly gaze. Fluttershy’s heart sank, almost falling over, as she was relieved from the weight of the pressure built up from the lie. Who knew lying could be so difficult.
“Thanks.” Fluttershy replied giving a couple seconds of awkward silence… “I should probably go now.” Fluttershy promptly turned around to avoid any other conversations that might endanger her secrets. Applejack continued to stare at Fluttershy as she left the apple orchards, as the yellow pony began trailing through the dense apple orchard.
Returning to the Everfree forest had seemed like a routine that had been engraved into Fluttershy’s schedule. Everyday, during the afternoon, she would enter the forest; check on the flowers; if they were ready, she would pick them; if not, she would return home and try again tomorrow.
This visit was different.
Fluttershy slowly made her way towards the gate, with Angel resting on her back, using her mane as a pillow while he sleeps. In the mares mouth laid the woven wooden basket she brought in the previous visit, containing the fluorescent pouch or magic fertilizers, courtesy of Applejack’s generosity. Quickly, Fluttershy noticed a tiny agile creature resting between the V-shape the wooden fences made at their tip. She stared at the creature curiously, observing its peculiar round, fuzzy shape. As Fluttershy stared in slight disbelief, it became obvious to her as to what she was staring at. “Parasprites!” She shouted in horror.
“Oh my goodness not the flowers!” She squealed as best she could with the basket in her mouth as her hooves instinctively began galloping at full pace towards the gate, Angel, being given an abrupt wake from the instant change in motion, firmly gripped onto Fluttershy’s mane to avoid falling off her back. Fluttershy opened the gate hastily to inspect the damage done to the flowers.
The yellow mare froze.
What was a beautiful garden – was now a pile of dirt. What was filled with colorful flowers and green grass had become a wasteland, a dustbowl. Nothing more was left, except a few remaining parasprites. They must have devoured most of the garden’s contents while Fluttershy was visiting Applejack. Even the chaos that was expected from the parasprites had already disappeared. All that remained was emptiness.
Fluttershy stood at the entrance, frozen, her muscles stunned by the devastating site before her eyes. Angel, who was still residing on Fluttershy’s back hopped off and walked onto the now dry and lifeless dirt, waving his hands at the parasprites to shoo the few that continued to dwell in the garden, the few that were aimlessly wandering around, searching for more flowers to chew on.
The yellow pony’s muscles had begun regaining strength as she attempted to speak. All that could be seen coming out were inaudible sounds as her mouth jittered open and closed. She was struggling to string words together.
“I’m doomed…” At last she had found her voice box, Fluttershy knew what was coming, there were no two way about it. She was going to lose all she had - her friends, her pets… her life.
Maybe… maybe it doesn’t have to end this way. Her thoughts began processing. Maybe she could run, hide in the Everfree forest, and avoid the disaster. Maybe she could fly to some other village, and start a new life. No matter if her friends miss her, right? They would miss her either way, seeing as she would be claimed from the stallion anyways; it was either the end, or a new beginning. Which one to choose? Get killed, or try starting a new life somewhere else?
The thoughts raced through the mare’s mind. A life changing decision had to be made. It seemed so obvious though. Surely a new beginning would be better. Thoughts and memories began scanning themselves through Fluttershy’s brain as her head pumped under the thoughts. Her eyes held tight…. She couldn’t just leave her friends, could she? Running away from the problem wouldn’t help anything. Facing the problem could at least give her a chance of redeeming herself from the horrific parasprite incident - Her thoughts slowed down, a decision came to her mind… she opened her eyes again.
“No.” Fluttershy said firmly as the sound gently echoed through the forest. Angel’s attention was caught by the sound of her caretaker. Confused, Angel approached the mare as if to beg her to explain the problem. Fluttershy caught notice of her pet and nudged head down slowly; ready to confess her problems to Angel.
“I’m sorry Angel, but it looks like I’m going to have to say goodbye.” Fluttershy’s voice was hollow and stuttered from the thought. Angel was flustered, his eyes tearing up from the confusion. “I’m going to have to ask somepony else if they can take care of you, okay?” Angel gave a nod of understanding as he slowly walked towards Fluttershy with a saddened expression on his face. Moving closer and closer until his hands could reach Fluttershy’s hoof before stretching his arms out and hugging the leg that had been taking care of him for so many years.
Fluttershy’s eyes began watering as well from the though of her losses. “I’m so sorry.” Her head flopped down in shame and grief. The two shared one of their final moments, treasuring every second that passed…
After what seemed like ages, keeping a grip of their running emotions, Angel hopped onto Fluttershy’s back to make their way home before checking in on some other mares in Ponyville they had to say goodbye to - forever.
At last, home sweet home; the journey had been long and boring. The sun had already begun setting, shining through the trees, radiating a beautiful spectrum of red and orange light across the sky.
As Fluttershy approached her home, a small, pink letter was found peeking out of her mailbox. The mare, realizing this, diligently placed the basket she had been holding onto the ground to open the letterbox and take the note out of the iron container. She read the front cover of the pink and well-decorated letter.
A party invitation from you bestest of best friends Pinkie Pie.
The yellow pegasus smiled at the note and opened the letter. It read:
You’re invited to my party and I hope that you say YES!
It would be a whole lot more more fun if you could bring a dress!
And don't forget that when you come there will be lots of cake!
So please do come and have some fun it won’t be a mistake!
Fluttershy smiled again, thinking about the happy pink pony that had just sent her the letter. Everypony would visit a Pinkie Pie party; they were legendary. Although, this time, Fluttershy would not be attending. She continued walking into her home, closing the door behind her as she entered the cozy wooden house.
There was silence in the house, all the birds were resting in their nests after another attempt at teaching their chicks to fly; all the mice were in their holes after a long day of gathering cheese; every other animal had taken their toll for the long morning and afternoon, ready to fall asleep and wake up again for yet another bright, sunny day. Angel had hopped off of Fluttershy’s back, earning his rest after the long trip to the Everfree forest and back.
The silence broke by a sudden grumble emanating from Fluttershy’s stomach. “Oh my, I haven’t eaten all day.” She giggled, “I guess a quick snack won’t hurt before I leave.” The mare calmly made her way to the kitchen, where all the food, for animals and ponies alike, was stored. Fluttershy reached out her hoof, opening a cupboard and finding inside it some lettuce and pre-sliced carrots in a bowl. She attempted to grab the bowl; but was quickly disturbed by a sudden knock on her door.
“I wonder who that might be?” She questioned herself, closing the cupboard and making here way towards the lounge where the entrance resided. Opening the door the mare gasped deeply in shock. It was him, from three nights ago.
“Hello again.” His face froze all muscles Fluttershy attempted to stretch. Like a medusa, turning the fabric of her body into stone. The brown stallion enjoyed the reaction of frightened mare and indulged a sinister grin on his face. A small pair of backpacks lay to either of his sides; both of them had already appeared to be full of items.
“Eep… h-hello. Why are you here?” She asked in an attempt of bravery, although his presence still frightened the mare.
“Oh I’m sure you know exactly why I’m here.” He replied, keeping the sinister smile on his face. Guarding his control over Fluttershy.
“Why?” The pegasus asked again bravely, although still genuinely surprised by his entrance.
“For the drugged petals dammit, why else!” His lack of patience once again shone through his personality.
“Oh…” Fluttershy already knew what was coming. Suddenly, her heart sank in depression, bowing her head in defeat as a small, glistening tear formed from her eyes, only to fall to the floor, just like she was going to.
“As I expected. You don’t have any.” Surprisingly, his smile remained, not a single change in his expression displayed his expected anger. “Well, fortunately for you, I still have your bits.” Reaching onto one of his backpacks he pulled out a large sack about half the size of his bag and passed it over to Fluttershy. Fluttershy looked at the brown stallion confused at his generous donation.
“Why, thank you. But why are you giving me your money, I mean, I don’t have the, um… drug” Her voice softened at the last word, as if ashamed and embarrassed to mention it.
“I have my reasons. May I come in?” The pony began to sound friendly at this point and Fluttershy had felt almost obliged to invite him into her humble cottage.
“Oh, o-of course.” Stuttering slightly, mostly due to his surprising act of kindness and friendliness, but also from her timid character. She she took a step to the side, encouraging him to enter. The stallion slowly trotted inside, coming to a halt halfway through the lounge.
“This looks like a nice place.” His head rotated around the living room, inspecting the generic furniture, placing a hoof on the couch as if to test for its comfort.
“Thank you. It’s nothing special though, I’ve been living here ever since I left flight camp. That was a really long time ago.” Fluttershy had completely forgotten about the brown pony’s impatient and violent character and enjoyed the moments of his kind personality, as she started her best to make small talk.
“You know, it of reminds me of you. You’re kind, sweet and gentle.” His eyes fell towards Fluttershy’s as he gave her a flirtatious look. The words found their way to Fluttershy’s cheeks as she blushed, mustering a small smile, slightly confused by his immediate approach and kind compliments.
“Oh, thanks…” Fluttershy was at a loss for words, she never expected a situation like this to arise, especially from the pony facing her.
“It makes me wonder if there are other way of expressing my gratitude of your kindness, a way that you would not forget.” The sinister smile returned to his face, Fluttershy looked confused for another few seconds before realizing what he meant.
“Oh, no-no-no. You don’t have to do that, really.” Fluttershy was intimidated by his smile, afraid of his intentions.
“Ah but I want to. Why don’t you go lie down on the couch, so we can get started.” Pointing his hoof at the couch, encouraging Fluttershy towards the comfy sofa.
“No, really, you don’t have to. It’s probably not a good idea.” Her voice was softened and began stuttering again from fear of the pony that faced her. The brown pony’s face suddenly faded, giving a neutral, yet slightly angry expression.
“Get on the couch, now.” He ordered, his voice had deepened and sounded very demanding.
“Oh please no, I don’t want to.” Fluttershy began to sound desperate.
“NOW!” He raised his voice, very lucky to have not woken any of the animals. The sun had completely set; darkness shrouded the outskirts of the house while a few candles remained lit, keeping the inside visible. Fluttershy winced at his sudden raised voice.
“Please…” This was her final attempt to stop him, but before she could say any more his hoof had already raised and came down straight onto Fluttershy’s large cheek. The make-up that had previously been covering her bruise had now slipped off completely. She cried in the intense shockwaves of pain, the hit was definitely not as intense as last time, but the sensitivity still made the blow almost unbearable.
Fluttershy gave up, still crying in pain, she reluctantly crept herself towards the couch and lay down on it, her back facing towards the brown pony.
He struck with his hoof a second time, aiming it at Fluttershy’s rear, her body jerked at the hit, displaying the sudden pain she was in. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you have a night to remember” the stallion smiled as he spoke.
Moments passed while the brown stallion stared curiously at the weak and vulnerable pegasus before him, waiting for her to calm down... “Turn around.”
“What?” Fluttershy asked, her voice sounding slightly organic from the large amounts of crying that had taken place earlier.
“Turn around, onto your back.” He repeated, showing no expression.
“Okay…” Fluttershy replied. Reluctantly, she slowly shifted herself into the new position, exposing her delicate below to the brown stallion, her body was sweating, mainly due to the lack of control she had, there was nothing she could do to stop him, no hope.
“Ready?”
