Three Days in Two Years

“And that’s the last thing I remember,” Fluttershy told Iron Will.

She was thankful that Discord managed to send her to a good friend of her’s. Although it was strange to see a full city of minotaurs. She expected a single maze that held Iron Will’s family.

Instead she sat in a small fragment of a much larger maze. A constantly changing maze. Shifting every day, hour, minute? Seems that it had a mind of its own and changed whenever it felt like it. Any creature would be confused and want to leave this area as soon as possible. No wonder no pony visited the minotaurs.

Poor things probably got lost.

“Iron Will is sad to hear that,” the minotaur sighed, “Iron Will hopes to help you find your way back.”

“Oh thank you, mister Will!”

Iron Will patted his son’s head and told him to go help his mother.

“But… minotaurs have problems with people leaving Labyrinth. It’s not an easy thing to do.”

Fluttershy sulked in defeat. Tears welled in her eyes.

“Aw, don’t cry. It’s just this place is a giant puzzle. If you don’t learn how to exit properly you end up getting lost.”

Fluttershy nodded with understanding.

“Unfortunately, Iron Will can’t teach you about Labyrinth.”

“B-But…”

Iron Will held up a finger, “No buts! Iron Will has a room you can use but Iron Will still has a job to keep.”

“Ok…”

“Don’t worry, Fluttershy, Iron Guard’s going to take good care of you.”

“Who?”

“You’ll find out tonight.”

Fluttershy frowned. She glanced over to see a familiar lamp, “That’s a nice lamp.”

Iron Will smiled as he grabbed the Discord shaped item, “I found this at a bizarre that didn’t accept bits. Looks just like Discord! Oh, I don’t think you ponies knew he was held in high honor amount the minotaurs.”

“No, we didn’t know that,” Fluttershy gasped.

“Discord created the city of Labyrinth during his reign. Before, minotaurs herded in grassy fields and were quickly gobbled up by hydras and other monsters.”

“Discord saved your species?”

“Yeah! We were so thankful for him that we devoted our art, weapons, and homes on his teachings. The way of chaos has been an important part of minotaur culture ever since.”

“I almost feel bad for calling him a meanie now.”

“Ah don’t feel too bad. You’re friends with him now! That’ll get all minotaurs to help you.”

Fluttershy giggled before realizing something important.

“Um… can you point me to the bathroom, please?”

“Oh sorry Fluttershy. I’ll walk you there. It’s going to take a long time for you to learn a maze.”

“How long does it usually take?”

“About two months.”

Fluttershy’s eye widened, “How long would it take to learn Labyrinth?”

Iron Will frowned, “Two years if you’re determined enough.”

The two walk along walls, around corners, and through arches. The small journey was confusing and seemingly lasted forever. Eventually they made it to a door labeled ‘bathroom’ Iron Will knocked. With no answer he opened the door and let Fluttershy in.

Fluttershy couldn’t help but think of the amount of time she’d have to spend before seeing her friends again. Two years is a long time to be alone. She misses them. She misses Discord, Angel, and all the cute critters that collected around her cottage. She was going to have to endure it. Angel can take care of himself and the animals, she said to herself. Even if he couldn’t she had other friends that knew how to take care of them… Like the veterinarian! … who’s name she never learned. Pinkie would be so disappointed in her.

Fluttershy knew it was going to be difficult. She knew what she had to do.

Hopefully this Iron Guard will be as nice as Iron Will.