As the shining moon sank over the horizon, the glowing rays of the sun bathed a valley and revealed a small town below. Much of its residents had still been asleep, but with the rising star came life as a few denizens went about their small businesses. So was another morning in the magical land of Equestria as the town of Ponyville began waking up. It's citizens walked and chatted while heading towards their daily routines and chores. The adults prepared their shops while the sounds of children running and laughing to school filled the ambience of the quaint village. But in the outskirts of town, away from the bustle of work was a small cottage. This lone dwelling stood atop a small hill near a stream that went under a small bridge. The little house was covered in a vibrant green moss that made it look as though it were an enormous shrub. The owner of the home was fast asleep while the morning dawned. As the sun beamed through the window of her bedroom, she stirred and swayed until she finally awoke. The young woman yawned softly and rubbed her eyes as she gazed towards the light, only for her hair to suddenly block her vision. With her entire body protesting for sleep, she brushed aside her mane and stood out of bed to stretch. She began with her arms, working her way around her legs, and finally in a swift motion she extended the pair of wings that grew out of her back. They were a soft shade of yellow that seemed golden as they reflected the early sun. Having finally woken herself, the girl looked at a nearby clock and gasped. "Oh dear, I'd better get breakfast started before they arrive!" Given her guests wouldn't come until a few more hours, Fluttershy had always stayed punctual in her chores. Without hesitation the young woman quickly grabbed a bathrobe and headed downstairs to the kitchen.

Fluttershy lit the stove as she prepared the oven for baking. Bringing out flour and other ingredients from her pantry, she began to prepare an assortment of baked goods ranging from fresh loafs of bread to pancakes and muffins. She then brought out bowls of fresh fruits and vegetables and separated each to use for juicing and salads. Peeling away at some potatoes, the girl hummed a merry tune as she toiled without rest for each dish to be perfect. Within the hour that she was given, Fluttershy had made a bountiful feast fit for her friends and their families. However her job hadn't been completed. Opening a door that led to her backyard, the girl brought in a large bag of animal feed. Opening the sack, she then began pouring cups full of the mix onto every dish and bowl. With the addition of its new garnish, the breakfast that Fluttershy had prepared was finally finished. It was at that same moment that a small skittering sound was heard coming down the stairs, which prompted the girl to greet the source of the noise.

"Oh, good morning Angel. How is my little bunny today?", asked Fluttershy with happiness and care. Hopping down the steps was a small white rabbit that stopped as it heard its owner call him. It stared toward the young woman with a scowl before continuing to go down the steps. It wasn't until the disgruntled rodent began sniffing the air that its expression changed. "I see you woke up just in time for breakfast.", said Fluttershy. Without even acknowledging it's owners words, the small hare darted towards a small tray of carrot waffles and began feasting on them. Fluttershy began hearing small scratching sounds coming from the front door. Looking at the clock, the girl quickly rushed towards the door and opened it. Her heart came at ease as she was greeted by a group of woodland critters that were at her door step. They ranged from small, cute animals like mice, squirrels, otters, and other small mammals. The only exception was the large grizzly bear that was towering over a family of shrews. Fluttershy looked up and saw that the birds that lived in their nearby nests had also gathered around her home. At last, all the guests that Fluttershy had been preparing the feast for had arrived. The girl smiled and announced, "Welcome everyone! Come in, breakfast is ready."

All of the animals eagerly entered the humble abode as Fluttershy greeted each one. Each rodent that passed by her squeaked in delight as they saw the food that lay before them. The birds tweeted and sung their morning melodies as they perched themselves and pecked at their millet. Almost every creature was in except the bear, which the girl stepped aside to allow entry. The large beast let out a hearty grunt as it licked the side of the girl's cheek. She giggled and showed him a spot at the table that had a honeycomb atop a nest of acorns. Seeing that everyone had made it over, Fluttershy walked over to her pantry and took out a loaf of bread and a flask of jam. The small woman then prepared a simple jelly sandwich for herself and began eating it. All of a sudden she felt a tug on her robe and looked down to find a squirrel holding a walnut up to her. "Why hello there. Do you need help with that?" said Fluttershy while the squirrel nodded in agreement. The girl grabbed the hard nut and cracked it open for her small friend. However as she handed the opened shell back, the rodent only took half the nut and allowed her to keep the other half as thanks. She smiled at the gesture and petted the squirrel's soft fur. Fluttershy was very fond of her woodland friends visiting her and keeping company during the day. They had always listened and cared for her when times had been rough. Even though she had regular friends, they never understood her problems or needs as much as the animals did. Grabbing the soft inside of the walnut, she added it to her small breakfast. However before she could take a bite, she heard a large crash near her front porch. All of the animals went into an uproar as Fluttershy did her best to calm them. What shortly followed was a large thud and a knock on her door.

"Goodness! Could that be another of my animal friends that was late? I hope they're not mad that we already started", said Fluttershy as she walked toward her front door.

Just as she opened and looked out, her eyes widened as she saw that it wasn't one of her cute, cuddly friends, but a tall dark silhouette of someone. Flutershy gave a startled yelp as she quickly hid behind the door in surprise. Taking a peek along the side, she slowly calmed and stared at who greeted her. It was a young woman about Fluttershy's age with short blonde hair and wore a postal service uniform; She carried a mailbag with an assortment of letters and packages. Behind her was a folded pair of gray wings that she would use to travel with. However what stood out from her appearance were her eyes. They were golden in color and invertedly crossed from one side to the other. They seemed to change direction every time she blinked, yet it did not faze the smile she had.

"Good morning Fluttershy!", spoke the girl.

Fluttershy gave a sigh of relief as she emerged and held onto the door. She whispered, "Oh... good morning, Derpy..."

"I brought you a letter! It's from Twilight", proclaimed Derpy.

Fluttershy said, "Oh... well, where is it?"

Derpy's face went blank as she looked down at her mail bag. "Uh, wait one second..."

As Derpy began rummaging through her mail bag, Fluttershy began to wonder why she had visited her so sudden. She hadn't expected the mail to have come this early and usually it would have been in the mailbox without the mailman ever knocking on the door. The cross eyed girl smiled as she felt something, but frowned as she realized it was a wrapped box. Fluttershy then remembered that this certain mail woman was often clumsy and short minded. Derpy then gleamed as she pulled out a scroll with a familiar insignia on it.

"Here it is! I had it in between two packages so that it wouldn't get lost", said the klutz proudly.

Taking the scroll, Fluttershy whispered, "Thank you..."

"No problem!", proclaimed the mail woman. "As a member of the Postal Pony, we uphold a rule of being on time and never... getting... distra...", Derpy trailed off as she began sniffing the air. All of a sudden she then began to drool.

"Hey... are those freshly baked muffins I smell?", spoke Derpy hungrily.

Before she would answer her question, Fluttershy rushed inside, grabbed a muffin from one of the bowls, and returned with the item in question. "I see you're really busy, and since you asked will you take this as payment?", said Fluttershy hastily. The bright eyed girl leaped in happiness as she grabbed the baked good and took a bite, never realizing it had millet sprinkled on top. Derpy was ready to bid farewell when Fluttershy asked,"Oh, um... Derpy? Did Twilight say what it was?" The mail woman only turned and said, "I don't know. All she said was that it was urgent and that was it. Well, have a nice day!" Derpy spread out her wings as she began flapping them in a random manner. She was airborne for about 10 seconds until she dived and disappeared behind some clouds. Fluttershy closed the door as she returned to her banquet with her animal friends, holding the scroll in both hands. Breaking the seal and unwrapping the paper, Fluttershy began to read:

Dear Fluttershy,

Something terrible has come up in Ponyville. I can't put it all in words, but you're the only one that can help. Please hurry to the Golden Oaks Library and I'll explain everything.

Sincerely, Twilight Sparkle

That was it. Fluttershy turned the paper around and in all angles but found nothing else. No clear answer or explanation was written on the scroll about what was going on. What was the great emergency that twilight couldn't even write on paper? Fluttershy couldn't understand it, but if ponyville was in danger it would be her duty to help her friends in any form of the word. Almost. Before the young woman could react, she felt something scratching at her feet and looked down to find Angel bunny lifting his dish tray for a second helping.

"Oh I'm sorry Angel, I'd love to give you more carrot waffles but my friends need me right now. Maybe you can eat with the others at the table?", proclaimed Fluttershy.

The hare only returned a frown and bounded toward the table with his other woodland brethren. With all of her animal friends having breakfast and having done all of the chores, Fluttershy made her way up the stairs to prepare herself for the day ahead.

. . . . .

Having given a quick shower and a moment to dress, Fluttershy bid her woodland friends farewell as she left her cottage and headed towards Ponyville. Taking one last look back, she saw how simple, yet tranquil her home looked as the sun rose. The girl couldn't help but feel glad that her cottage was perfectly set in the countryside so that the bustle of work wouldn't disturb her or her pets. Walking along the dirt trail, she took a look around at the quiet scenery. She smiled as the calm stream that went by her home trickled softly along the smooth rocks that stood out. Nearing the top of a small hill, she stopped as she looked upon the town in front of her. Ponyville, although small compared to most cities, was still a grand sight to behold. Not only was it the home for many bright minds and risk takers, it was also the village where Equestria's protectors known as the Elements of Harmony met for the first time. This group was comprised of six members, to which Fluttershy was a part of. Although she wanted to pace herself, she remembered that her assistance in ponyville was direly needed.

As she walked faster, Fluttershy began to notice the few signs of life near the town. A strong looking man pushing a cart full of apples walked by as a group of young women were tending to some flowers. Going down the street she saw a woman looking down at a large sack of oatmeal. All of a sudden the bag began to glow a light blue and levitate off the ground. Seeing a portion of the woman's forehead light up, Fluttershy knew she was of magic decent. The lady noticed Fluttershy and waved in a cheerful manner as she went inside her home with the oats following soon after. Turning around a corner, Fluttershy arrived at town square where all the busiest of people were in a flurry. Various men and women walked and flew about their day as Fluttershy quietly walked her way around. She saw the mayor enter town hall with a secretary holding her papers, while one of the Cake's was changing a sign in front of Sugarcube Corner. She looked above and saw two movers with wings flying past, holding a large cabinet that was being hauled to another level in a house. Just then she heard a loud buzzing sound and turned to see the source. It was a small girl riding on her scooter as she propelled herself forward with her small wings. She zoomed past Fluttershy while also waving at her before heading towards a school house that was just off in the distance. Although she didn't mind the friendliness of everyone she met, she couldn't help but wonder. What Twilight said in the letter was that something terrible had happened in Ponyville. However it appeared everyone was going about their businesses like any other day. As she left the crowded street, she caught a glimpse of the giant oak tree and hurried over. Fluttershy's heart began to race as she imagined what news Twilight had to tell. At last she stood in front of the naturally founded library. Holding the letter tightly and taking a deep breath, the timid girl knocked once on the door.

All of a sudden the front door swung open, which caused Fluttershy to jump back in surprise. Her vision was then obscured by an amassment of tangled magenta hair as a girl with sky blue eyes and a grin stared at her.

"Fluttershy, you're here!", shouted Pinkie Pie, nearly sending Fluttershy in a heart attack.

"Oh, hello Pinkie...", Fluttershy responded meekly. "How are you?"

"Oh I'm doing great!", said pinkie. Then all of a sudden her face went red and she quickly corrected herself.

"I mean, I'm not doing great. It's terrible!", cried pinkie as she fell to the ground. Fluttershy thought she heard light giggling come from her friend. But before she could speak, Pinkie Pie rose up and grabbed Fluttershy by the hands.

"You have to come quick! Twilight's waiting for you inside!"

Fluttershy felt her body flail as she was quickly dragged into the library. As soon as she was through the doorway, it was shut behind her and she quickly realized how dark the room was. Almost every part of the library was shrouded in darkness, with the only exception of a window that was illuminating a group of three silhouettes in front of Fluttershy. One of the figures turned and looked at Fluttershy with purple eyes. All of a sudden a pink glow appeared on her forehead and it revealed the stranger to be none other than Twilight Sparkle. Then both of the silhouettes stepped in and revealed themselves as two of her other Ponyville friends. There was Pinkie Pie who looked as though she couldn't contain herself, and Applejack who only stood by with a distraught expression. They stood silently in the room until Twilight decided to break the tension.

"Hello Fluttershy. We're glad you came on short notice."

"Um, Twilight?", spoke the timid girl softly. "Is there something wrong?"

"Oh no, everything is just fine" said Twilight with a hint of nervousness.

"But in your letter you said something terrible had come to Ponyville."

"Well... It wasn't exactly to Ponyville, more so with Rainbow Dash", exclaimed Twilight.

"What do you mean?", said Fluttershy with confusion. "Where is she? What happened to Rainbow?"

Without giving another answer, Twilight and the other girls stepped aside to show Fluttershy what they had been surrounding. There, laying on the floor in a fetal position was Rainbow Dash. The shy girl gasped as she rushed in to aid her friend. The tomboy breathed heavily as Fluttershy tried to see what was wrong. On closer inspection, she saw how Rainbow was clasping at her sides as she groaned with despair. As she put her hand on the tomboy's forehead, she reacted with pain as her wings curved towards Fluttershy defensively. Her usual tough attitude was replaced by frailness as she laid there in agony. However aside from the clear look of pain, she couldn't see any signs of actual illness or injury. All of a sudden Fluttershy turned toward Twilight and asked.

"Twilight, what happened?"

Before she could answer, Fluttershy saw Rainbow Dash begin to stir as she tried to get up.

"Fluttershy, is that you?", spoke Rainbow Dash with a slight cough.

Without leaving her side, Fluttershy responded,"Yes, I'm here Rainbow." She began to shed tears as she held onto her childhood friend.

"Oh Rainbow, what has happened to you?", cried the timid girl.

Taking in a deep breath she replied, "Oh I feel terrible, just awful!" Catching her breath, the tomboy continued.

"Fluttershy, I caught a rare disease that only very few people can get. You can't see it, but I'm slowly losing my strength." With another cough, she attempted to finish what she was explaining.

"Twilight read that it affects all of my organs and even bones. If I don't get better soon, I might not make it."

Fluttershy quickly covered her friend's mouth in order to save her strength. She wouldn't dare imagine the idea of her best friend dying so young. The timid girl's eyes welled up as she began to cry. All of a sudden she felt her hand shoved aside as Rainbow Dash spoke again.

"Wait Fluttershy, you didn't let me finish." Taking another breath the tomboy explained, "Twilight was also reading about a cure, but it must be done exactly as it says." The timid girl gave a sigh of relief as she held Rainbow upright.

"Thank goodness. What is the cure?", asked Fluttershy.

"Oh, well you have to go and collect dragon scales to make a potion that will cure me", replied Rainbow Dash. "And it just so happens that in Canterlot there's going to be a second sighting of the dragons returning from their migration..."

"WHAT?!", shouted Fluttershy as she backed away, not even realizing she dropped her friend's head on the floor.

"Ow! Fluttershy why did you do that for?", retorted Rainbow as she rubbed the back of her head. All of a sudden she quickly laid back down. " I mean, can you be more careful? I'm sick remember?"

"But, what about Spike? Can't you make a potion from his scales?", questioned Fluttershy.

Rainbow Dash suddenly gave a worried expression when she heard the question, but then gave a hasty answer.

"Oh, uh Spike isn't here. We haven't seen him all morning. For all we know he could be in Canterlot or-"

"Hey everyone! We're back from mining gems. Rarity couldn't help it but she wanted to show you guys what we found!"

Everybody turned towards the doorway as the baby dragon in question walked in with Rarity and a large bag following after. The elegantly dressed woman beamed with joy as she levitated the sack by her trusted companion. Spike then noticed Fluttershy and smiled.

"Hey Fluttershy, how's your morning?", asked the purple drake.

Fluttershy replied, "I'm fine Spike, but Rainbow says she isn't feeling well."

"Really? She seemed fine when she flew-", Spike said until he was cut off by Rarity who frantically covered his mouth.

"She flew in here fine until she suddenly collapsed before all of us!", Rarity corrected dramatically as she then rushed to Rainbow's side, leaving the baby dragon confused. "Spike and I went to go see Zecora for a cure, but alas we came empty handed!"

"So then you went to go mine gems?", asked Fluttershy while she crossed her arms.

Rarity began to panic as she looked at Rainbow Dash who also had beads of sweat rolling down her face. It wasn't until Fluttershy came over to where the tomboy was laying and looked carefully at her worried expression that she knew something wasn't right. Then all of a sudden Fluttershy stood up and spoke out loud.

"Oh never mind that. Rainbow Dash I just feel terrible that you caught such a deadly disease."

Rainbow replied with a cough, "Yeah, I'll be doomed unless we get that cure."

"Its just a shame that you were close to becoming a Wonderbolt, with Spitfire looking for you earlier this morn-"

"REALLY? SPITFIRE WAS LOOKING FOR ME!?", interrupted Rainbow Dash as she stood up rapidly. Just as quickly she then regretted her actions as Fluttershy began to make a scowl. Rainbow Dash sighed.

"Okay, I may have exaggerated my condition..."

"Dash, give it a rest. She ain't buyin' it no more", replied Applejack as she walked toward Twilight.

Feeling the guilt overwhelm her, Rainbow Dash confessed, "Alright fine! I made the whole thing up."

"Dash, you tricking trixie! How could you do something like this? I had my popcorn ready and everything!", Pinkie gasped loudly while holding a container and stuffing her mouth with the buttered snack.

"Pinkie...", hushed Twilight. The young woman then signaled everyone except fluttershy. "Rainbow? Girls? A word before we tell her?"

Fluttershy was shocked at how everyone except her had been part of a ploy. She watched as her friends began to gather in a huddle and whisper while she was left out. Normally she had been used to being singled out from certain things, but never had she been thinking her friends would plan something without her, let alone decieve her. It almost reminded her of how she and her friends made up a super hero to teach Rainbow Dash humility. Had she done something wrong to get her friends attention? Just then Fluttershy signaled Spike to come near her so she could talk to him.

"Spike, did you know anything about this?"

"No I haven't Fluttershy. I don't even know what's going on or what they were doing this whole time", answered the baby dragon honestly. Before Fluttershy could continue, Twilight stepped away from the group and spoke to Fluttershy.

"We're sorry to keep you waiting Fluttershy. We just had to clear things up before asking you."

"Twilight what's going on. Why did rainbow try to trick me into thinking she was sick?", demanded Fluttershy.

"I did it because it was the only way I could get you out of your house to ask you if you could join me to go see the return of the dragon migration in Canterlot", said Rainbow as she pouted.

Fluttershy's eyes widened as she heard what her closest friend requested. Dragons. Oh how her blood froze every time she heard the word. Although she had been used to saving her home from evil, Fluttershy was far from being brave. She had many fears ranging from loud noises to shadows on the wall. Even the slightest tap on her shoulder would give her a start. But of all the terrible things she was afraid of, nothing would scare her more than an enormous fire breathing dragon. The meek girl slowly took one step back as she tried to keep her eyes on the women. She then swiftly turned toward the front door and ran to open it. However as she flung the door wide open, she was met by the bright eyed gaze of Pinkie as she stood outside with a grin on her face. Frantically, she slammed the door in surprise and turned to try and fly her way out the balcony. But her escape was cut short as Rainbow swiftly flew in front of her and caught her before she could reach the exit. Fluttershy flapped her wings and flailed her arms as she tried desperately to break Rainbow Dash's grasp.

"Let go of me Rainbow Dash! I don't want to go!", shouted Fluttershy.

"Oh no, Fluttershy!", grunted Rainbow as she tried to hold onto her friend's wings. "You had your excuse to not go last time, but now you really owe me twice as much!"

With a voice cracking in despair, Fluttershy responded, "What do you mean?"

Still holding on to her timid friend, Rainbow Dash attempted to calm Fluttershy by loosening her grip as they both floated down. Having touched the floor, Rainbow handed Fluttershy over to her friends as she walked to the other side of the room. The tomboy then lifted her shirt midway and showed Fluttershy what she was implying. There around the side of her rib cage was a bruise that was barely recovering. Fluttershy watched as the tomboy then pushed around the surface to show how wide the damage was. Although she didn't look like she was in pain, Fluttershy couldn't help but feel sorry for Rainbow's injury.

"You see that?", said the tomboy. "Someone did this to me after I had asked them to come see the migration because they owed me!"

It was at that response that Fluttershy gasped in shock. She began to remember how Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle visited her on the day the dragons were going to fly over Ponyville, and how she tackled Rainbow Dash as she was being forced out of her home. Fluttershy then began to feel guilty that she had harmed one of her best friends. She had never meant to trample over her best friend, but Fluttershy had felt forced into a corner she didn't want to be in.

"Rainbow, I'm sorry I hurt you that day of the Dragon migration", said Fluttershy. "But the answer is still no, even with that reason"

"Oh come on!", shouted Rainbow Dash. "You're really going to ditch me this time too?!"

Fluttershy replied, "Please, Rainbow. You should know by now how terrified I get around grown dragons. I can't bear the sight of one, let alone a group of them flying over me"

"Fluttershy, we all know how you feel about dragons, but...", Twilight was explaining before Rainbow cut her off.

"But you're not being fair! Besides we face off against tougher monsters, so don't say you can't handle-"

"RAINBOW DASH I SAID NO!" shouted Fluttershy as she caught everyone, including Rainbow Dash by surprise. Her heart raced as she stood up almost over the tomboy. She then saw how all her friends looked at her. From there the poor girl suddenly fell back as tears began to form in her eyes. Fluttershy then covered her face as she cried. "I'm sorry, I can't.... I just can't....."

"So that's it then?", responded Rainbow Dash in disappointment. " You're bailing on me again? I can't believe you Fluttershy, not even after what we've been through."

"Rainbow Dash, I-", began Fluttershy until the tomboy shouted her own retaliation.

"For an element of harmony, you're nothing but a coward!"

"Rainbow!", called Twilight as she tried to make reason.

The tomboy replied, "Well she is! She can't go two feet forward without getting scared of the tiniest thing that isn't a cute animal!"

Before Twilight could say anything, Fluttershy answered, "It's okay Twilight, You don't need to defend me." Fluttershy looked towards Rainbow and said, "You don't have to remind me about who I am. I know how weak I can be and I am a coward." Rainbow Dash was at a loss of words after hearing her best friend openly admit her own short comings as if they were normal. Although she had been aware for as long as she could remember, Rainbow Dash began to question the reason why she had to put up with Fluttershy's weakness. The tomboy then angrily pouted, "Fine, stay here while I go to Canterlot! I don't even know why I bothered asking!" Fluttershy and the rest watched as Rainbow walked towards the front door without saying a word. As she opened the door, the tomboy glanced back with a disappointed look on her face and spoke towards Fluttershy.

"I don't know why I even stood up for you when we were kids. You were nothing like me!"

Everyone, including Fluttershy gasped while Rainbow Dash then ran out, unfolded her wings and lifted herself off the ground as she soared away while causing the door to slam shut from the strong down draft. As the sounds of roaring wings in flight began to die down, Twilight and the others spoke to one another over what they had just heard Rainbow say.

"What in tar nations got inta' that bad apple?", said Applejack.

Rarity replied, "I don't know what that girl's problem is, but she had no reason to stoop to such low insults like that."

"Yeah! I mean I'd get sad if I was told I couldn't go have fun with my friends but man Rainbow just really couldn't hold herself from letting all her frustration go out, and boy not only including the fact that she's been waiting all this time just to ask..."

As Pinkie Pie began one of her overly drawn out rantings, all Twilight could do was roll her eyes and smile. She felt that although each of her friends thought differently, they all shared the same idea. Just then she felt a tug on her hand and looked down to find a worried spike pointing across. Looking at what her faithful companion was pointing at, Twilight suddenly covered her mouth in worry. There sitting on the floor was the lone figure of Fluttershy as she hunched over while her friends argued. Having wasted enough time talking about their brash tomboy of a friend, Twilight called to the others.

"Excuse me girls?", Twilight began to intervene. Everyone turned except Pinkie Pie, who was still in the middle of telling her story.

"... and it wasn't until I had asked the Cake's the thousandth time about working for them that I heard them shout and tell me that I was hired the first time I asked! The point is-", continued Pinkie until she was nudged by Applejack and she finally stopped.

Everyone then looked toward Twilight as she signaled over to where Fluttershy was sitting. They all quietly stepped toward the silent woman, hoping to comfort her. Twilight then held out a hand to stop everyone and stepped in first to talk. "Um, Fluttershy...", asked Twilight. The curled young woman didn't respond. Twilight then said, "Hey Fluttershy, are you okay? You haven't said anything since Rainbow Dash left". As soon as the name was mentioned, Twilight heard a sniff and stepped back as Fluttershy began to envelope herself with her wings. The young magic prodigy then used her telekinesis to gently part the wings and reached down to take her friend's hands. Twilight watched as Fluttershy lifted her head and exposed what she was trying to hide. Tears were running down the small maiden's cheeks as her eyes reflected what little light was in the room. Her face was overwhelmed in sadness and despair as she tried to hold in her cries. Wiping away some of the tears, Twilight asked, "Fluttershy, please don't take what Rainbow said seriously. You know she always overreacts about the littlest..." Before Twilight could finish, Fluttershy lowered her head back down and sniffed.

"I don't deserve Rainbow Dash's friendship", she whispered faintly.

Twilight replied, "Fluttershy, you don't mean that. You and Rainbow Dash have been best friends far longer than any of us."

"Rainbow Dash only stayed with me to protect me from other kids who would bully me", coughed Fluttershy.

"But you were both teased when you were younger", reassured Twilight.

Fluttershy then responded, "But she wasn't the one that would constantly need help everyday! Twilight I know you mean well, but you can't speak for me when everyone says what I am is true!"

The room went silent as Fluttershy had finished stating her supposed uselessness. Twilight and the others could only frown at how their friend thought of herself. Fluttershy then stood up and said, "I'm sorry Rainbow Dash had to bring you all into this. I should go..." As the meek girl walked slowly towards the door, Twilight grabbed her hand to stop her. "Fluttershy, please hear us out. I know Rainbow can be harsh, but there was another reason she wanted you to go", said Twilight. The shy girl looked back toward her friends as they each said their own statements.

"Darling, Rainbow Dash also wanted to help you conquer your fear of dragons", said Rarity.

"She's right sugarcube. Dash would never just make ya go just ta spook ya", added Applejack.

Pinkie Pie then suddenly blurted, "Yeah silly willy! Oh, and just between you, me, and everyone here, Rainbow Dash was also scared so she wanted you to join her so she wouldn't be scared too!"

Fluttershy was confused until Twilight said, "She didn't want us telling you, but Rainbow is almost as afraid of dragons as you. She thought that if she admitted it, you would think less of her. She just wanted the one person who understood what she felt to conquer the fear there together"

Hearing those words made Fluttershy's heart melt. Her belief was that Rainbow Dash would always go head first into any danger without a hint of fear. She had no clue about Rainbow ever being afraid of dragons before. She then remembered how when the tomboy became spooked after they had finished that mission to stop a dragon from covering Equestria in thick smoke. Aside from Spike, Basil was the only other dragon that Fluttershy knew that was understanding; Even if he was terrifying. Fluttershy then heard Twilight call her and she turned her head in response.

"Hey Fluttershy, its alright if you don't want to go. If you want, you can go back home while we go to Canterlot in your place", said Twilight.

"That's right sweetness, you don't need to worry about a thing. I'm sure we can make Rainbow understand your situation and have her apologize when we return", spoke Rarity humbly.

With that said, Twilight and the others all began to grab supplies for the dragon watch while Fluttershy was allowed to return home. However as they packed their things, the shy girl did not move. Normally she would have left on the first chance of an escape, but after hearing about Rainbow's new found problem, Fluttershy began to have second thoughts. Was her best friend, who would throw herself into danger without care, really as afraid of dragons as she was? The more she thought about it, the more she began to remember when Rainbow Dash was nervous after encountering Basil and when she had told of her narrow escape from the teenage dragons of the first dragon migration. Even though she would might not want to admit it, it would make sense that Rainbow would have some fear of dragons. Of course Fluttershy thought this could have been another excuse to get her to go, but if what Twilight said was true she would be abandoning her best friend to be traumatized even further. Who knows, she'd might even gain some courage if Rainbow and her friends were there to cheer her on.

"Fluttershy? Are you alright?", asked Twilight as she held a large scrapbook of some sort.

Fluttershy meekly responded, "Um, Twilight? Does Rainbow really think that going to see dragons again will fix her fear of them?"

Twilight said, "Well its what she planned on doing. Why?"

"Then I wouldn't be an Element of Harmony if I just abandoned my friends...", sighed Fluttershy.

Twilight's eyes widened as she let the scrapbook fall to the ground. Everyone stopped moving as they looked toward the two girls. After getting the attention of her friends, Twilight asked, "Fluttershy, are you saying that you want to go with Rainbow Dash to see dragons?" With a heavy gulp Fluttershy answered, "If she does have a fear of dragons, it would probably be worse if I let her go do it by herself." The room went into an uproar as Fluttershy became surrounded by her closest friends. However as they neared her, she couldn't hear what each one was saying as they all spoke at once. They sounded excited as well as worried, but from what Fluttershy could tell it seemed more like surprise. Then all of a sudden Twilight began to calm everyone and allowed each of them their say.

"Darling, are you sure this is what you want?", asked Rarity.

Applejack added, "Yeah sugarcube, this ain't gona be some picnic on the prairies"

Then Pinkie rose up and said,"Yeah Fluttershy, where were going is gonna be full of all kinds of dragons. Last time there were big dragons, well actually they were all big but there were really, really big ones. There were also ones that had big teeth and ones that breath fire and-"

"PINKIE!", shouted everyone which caused the eager girl to blush and bite her tongue playfully.

"I think what she was trying to say is, Fluttershy its very brave of you to say this" said Twilight. "But are you certain this is what you want?"

Trying her best to be brave Fluttershy answered, "I know the risks and I am afraid, but if there's a chance for me and Rainbow Dash to overcome our fears, then I'll do it with her."

Everyone in the room stood surprised after hearing what their meekest friend had announced. The silence was then broken as Twilight said, "Well that's very courageous of you Fluttershy! I'm glad that you're willing to help Rainbow like this" The shy girl then felt something tug at her dress and saw Spike hugging her. He looked up and said "Wow Fluttershy, Your'e braver than me, and I'm a dragon!" All of a sudden Fluttershy found herself being hugged by the rest of her friends. She felt herself blessed for having such dear companions, even if she felt like the weakest one. However she felt a little remorse over the fact that Rainbow Dash wasn't here to see this. Fluttershy felt that she owed her a fair share of time for all the experiences she had missed out. When she felt everyone part away, she heard Twilight say "Alright, since Fluttershy is coming with us we should make another bag for her" Spike nodded as he then ran up stairs to fetch another knapsack while the girls all pitched in to help. Fluttershy watched as everyone began to share what they had for her trip. Rarity folded a blanket while Applejack took a bushel of apples that she brought from her farm. Just as spike came back with a spare bag, Fluttershy began to have second thoughts as to what she agreed to. Was she really going to see dragons dangerously close with her friends? Even if she didn't want to, Fluttershy couldn't bring herself to change her mind this far and disappoint everyone. There had to have been another way to go without feeling so scared. When she saw Spike hand the bag towards Rarity, she suddenly got an idea.

"Hey, Rarity...", asked Fluttershy softly.

Rarity replied, "Ah Fluttershy, here is your bundle of necessities. We hope that it's everything you need"

The shy girl said, "Oh, well thank you. But I wanted to ask you for something"

"What is it, sweetness?", said Rarity as she held her friend's supplies.

"Could you... let me use one of your dresses for tonight?", asked Fluttershy.

Rarity puzzlingly replied, "Well that's a sudden request. Why ever do you need one darling?"

Fluttershy then said, "It's just something I need before we go"

"Well alright then. Twilight, do you mind if I go early?", asked the fashionista.

Twilight replied, "Sure, just be back in time for the train; don't take too long okay?"

With that said, Rarity handed Fluttershy's bag over to Pinkie Pie who then placed it with the others. Before Rarity got to the door, she was stopped by Fluttershy who then said, "May I please come with you? I can help with the dress." Rarity looked at Twilight for an answer, to which she nodded. "Of course you can my sweet. If we're to join Rainbow Dash in time I'll need all the help I can get", replied Rarity. With a bag of newly gathered gems and having bid their friends a momentary farewell, the two young women exited the library and headed towards the Carousel Boutique.

. . . . .

With about 10 minutes having past, Fluttershy and Rarity had arrived at front door of Ponyville's only dress shop. The owner of the petite boutique approached the door and stood concentrated as the area around her forehead began to glow blue. There was a clicking sound and the door slowly opened with a chime, allowing the two girls to enter inside. Passing through doorway, Fluttershy saw the familiar stalls and models used to showcase many of her friend's latest and grandest fashions. After Rarity closed the door behind her, she placed the bag of jewels near a chest and made her way towards Fluttershy.

"So, what dress shall I lend for you?", asked Rarity just she was already picking out an elegantly made ball gown.

The shy woman quickly answered, "Thank you Rarity but I have to refuse. Don't take this harshly, but I can't wear one of your fancier outfits."

"Oh? And what did you have in mind then?", questioned the fashionista.

"Well I was hoping I would help you make one upstairs", said Fluttershy.

Rarity responded, "I don't know, these take time and were already on a tight schedule..."

"Please Rarity? What I need shouldn't take too long for you", pleaded the meek girl.

"Well alright then, but it may not look as great as my other works", warned Rarity as she put away the dress. Walking their way up the stairs, Fluttershy followed Rarity to her inspiration room. Fluttershy looked around the room to find various rolls of fabric that Rarity would use for her ensembles. Next to it was a large desk that would serve as both a design table and sewing station. The shy girl then caught a glimpse of something atop a large pile of loose ribbons and unfinished robes. The dressmaker then said, "Opal! You should know better than to go sleeping in mommy's work, now come down this instant!" In that moment a white cat with a green bow and studded collar stood up and jumped down from the rags with a disgruntled growl. It's attitude suddenly changed as it noticed Fluttershy and approached her with delight. Fluttershy began to pet Opalescence as she came purring towards the young woman.

"What a mess!", exclaimed Rarity as she began searching through the piles of clothing. However looking back at Fluttershy she quickly said, "But don't worry, it's nothing I can't handle for you. Now lets see here..."

Seeing that Rarity was busy, Fluttershy decided she would also help search the room. She walked toward some racks where Rarity would store her finished and unfinished dresses and began skimming through them. Although she had asked for a dress, what Fluttershy didn't want Rarity to know was that she actually wanted a dull gown during the dragon watch. Since the fashionista always bejeweled her dresses, she wanted something that wouldn't make her stand out to any scaly beast. But as always they were each uniquely made and tailored extravagantly, which were none that Fluttershy had in mind. One after another the timid women moved each dress aside and began losing hope when all of a sudden she noticed something behind the racks. Near the wall was an old bin containing an assortment of familiar dresses, with one in particular catching her eye. It was a hideous green dress with a tacky floral pattern that also had an absurd looking petal collar stitched on it; her old requested gala dress. Picking it up, she laughed to herself over how ridiculous it was and why she ever thought the dress was better than rarity's original design. All of a sudden she realized its potential and smiled as she found what she had been looking for. However before she could speak, Rarity already began to call her.

"Fluttershy darling, I found some chic dress designs for you to wear", sang Rarity in a sing-song tune as she held a pile of dresses aloft with her magic.

The shy woman replied, "That's wonderful Rarity because I think I found the gown you should use as a base."

"Splendid! Now we can finally begin to sew your new dre- BWAAGH!", began Rarity before she nearly jumped out of her skin after seeing what Fluttershy had in her hands. "WHAT IS THAT DISASTER DOING HERE!?"

Fluttershy answered, "Well, I found it in the back and I thought that this would be the perfect dress to use."

"But dear, that's the abomination that nearly cost me my career!", stammered Rarity in hesitation. She then thought to herself, "I thought I had thrown out those "dresses" a long time ago"

"I know what this is and I know its silly, but this is what I need for my dress. It just needs a bit more... touches", said the shy little woman.

Collecting herself, Rarity asked, "Fluttershy, why in Equestria are you choosing this as your dress? I'm sure there are other, better gowns we can choose from."

"I think that this dress should be given a second chance. Please Rarity, just this tiny favor, for me?", pleaded Fluttershy as her eyes grew to show her desperation.

Although she hated to face her demons, Rarity couldn't bring herself to abandon her friend in her time of need. She sighed, "Alright... I'll do it, but just because I want to see both you and Rainbow Dash make up."

"Oh thank you Rarity! Thank you so much!", said Fluttershy as she threw the dress aside and flew towards Rarity to hug her. The dress maker nearly gasped as she was suddenly embraced by both Fluttershy's arms and her wings. Although she wouldn't have minded this gesture, Rarity was finding it hard to breath with Fluttershy hugging her so tightly. With little air to speak with, Rarity replied, "You're welcome...Fluttershy...now can you...let go...so I can...breathe!" The shy girl then realized what her friend meant and quickly released the poor fashionista. Having caught her breath, Rarity then said, "Alright my dear, let's see what we can save from this wreck!" In a flash of blue, Rarity's forehead lit up and her hair parted to reveal a glowing white horn. Fluttershy then saw her old dress begin to rise up with a similar blue hue surrounding it. She watched as it was followed by various fabrics and threads as the garment floated in the middle of the room. "Alright my dear", replied Rarity. "What shall your new dress look like?"

Author's Note

Hello readers. A bit of time had passed since I last uploaded, huh? Unfortunately this was caused by overestimating my writing skills and my motivation to continue. Writing this segment in particular was taxing since it was too large just for one chapter; I ended up splitting it in two. I also noticed that this story didn't exactly take off as initially as I expected in popularity. Both of these factors played a part in discouraging my creativity and in turn my interest in fan fiction waned. This doesn't mean that I am abandoning the story however. It just means that chapters will come at a slower pace, depending on demand.