As the friends left the woods there was an air of tension between them. It had been on Fluttershy's insistence that they rescued the dog. Not just any dog though, this one was different. The great three headed creature had been trotting demurely behind Fluttershy ever since she had fixed him with that famous stare of hers. Now he trotted along with her like any other pet dog out for a walk. Fluttershy whistled and chattered away to her new friend about what a cute doggy he was and why did so many people misunderstand him. She couldn't think.
Twilight, Applejack, Rarity and even Pinky walked cautiously a little distance behind, out of head's reach so to speak. Rainbow Dash famous for her zooming flights about the place hovered quietly above them.
"Darling are you sure you know what you are doing? He's the most dangerous 3 headed animal in the land" ventured Rarity. " In fact he's the only one in the land."
At that moment the dangerous three headed dog had turned over on his back like a puppy because Fluttershy was tickling his tummy with her hoof. There was a look of sheer ecstasy on his face.
"Don't be silly Rarity dear. Look how well he responds to me," said Fluttershy and she went to pat one of the great canine's heads.
"Rowowowee," howled the dog. At that noise the rest of the party jumped back and froze with horror. But Fluttershy carried on matter of factly.
"Why dear I do believe there's something the matter with that mouth of yours."
Before any of her friends could stop her Fluttershy had persuaded the enormous dog to open one of it's mouths. She practically had to climb inside to see what had caused the howl. Her friends were struck dumb with fear.
"Oh poor dear," cried Fluttershy who was completely unconcerned about the fact that she had her head inside the beast's mouth. " No wonder you're so grumpy, look at the state of you're teeth. When did you last go to the dentist?".
Applejack who was the first to come to her senses said, " Dentist? Fluttershy that hairy beast would have swallowed a dentist for breakfast."
" Rowwowo. Row," called out the dog.
" Now dear what did you say, scared of the dentist? A great strong beast like you. Something must be done about this." Then Fluttershy started giving orders, which was such an unusual event that her friends were somewhat dumbfounded and so did exactly what she said.
"Rainbow Dash off you fly to fetch Emily Trot the best unicorn dentist I know. Better perhaps not tell her who she's treating until she get's here so we can give her one of Twilight's special teas. You know the ones that taste of your favourite food. That will calm her down nicely.
"Twilight I think we might need some of your spell books with calming potions and sedatives for Cerberus and the Dentist." she continued.
Startled by Fluttershy's orders and calmness Twilight teleported herself to the back to her castle to fetch the books and several bottles of ingredients. She was half way back before it dawned on her that Fluttershy was giving the orders. Meanwhile Fluttershy had sent Pinkie for party jellies which would be so much needed after the operation for the "invalid".
Lastly she sent Rarity and Applejack to fetch silk cushions and the best cider respectively.
Cerberus had a glum look on all three of his faces.
"Don't worry Cerbie,"comforted Fluttershy gently stroking his ears. "You know the dentist will be far more scared of you than you are of her. Think of your reputation."
"Arrowaw," exclaimed the miserable dog.
"You're scared of it hurting. Well stop right there! Twilight's potions never fail. You won't feel a thing and neither will the dentist. Twilight makes them taste just like your favourite food."
"Awwww," cried the creature.
"What's the matter now?" asked Fluttershy. There were some muffled sobs and a few indistinct words from which Fluttershy was able to gather that Cerberus unlike any other dangerous three headed dog was in fact a vegetarian.
"Oooh," said Fluttershy." I can see that won't do your street cred' any good. If they find out that the slathering ferocious beast guarding the gates of Tartris doesn't actually eat meat and would not want to be bothered devouring even a casual passer by, you'll be laughed out of hand. Even worse Tirek could escape. I'm sure we can explain it to Twilight so she understands not to let the cat out of the bag and she really ought to know being a Princess and all. Let's hope she comes back first so we can catch her before the others arrive. Fortunately because of her unique skill of teleporting Twilight was indeed first to return. Spike the baby dragon followed too.
"Now Twilight dear, Cerbie has a bit of a personal problem he doesn't like to share," explained Fluttershy. "You see dear he tells me his favourite food is soya and mushrooms."
"You mean,"comprehension flashing across Twilight's face. "The mighty Cerberus guarding the gates of Tarterus is a vegetarian."
"Exactly dear. Now we mustn't let anyone else know or what would happen to his reputation?"
" Not to worry," Twilight said. "It will be quite easy as the flavours come through automatically. The chemicals themselves choose what to make. We just won't make a big thing of it."
"That's great," said a very relieved Fluttershy." You know I was beginning to worry about what I was going to feed him on. I couldn't possibly have supplied any of me dear forest friends for his supper; but mushrooms are no problem."
" You mean you are actually going have that creature to stay? What about the the gates of Tarterus? With noone there to guard them Tirek could escape."
It's only until he recuperates and anyway he's done a deal with someone who owes him a favour from 500 years ago."
"And who would that be?" asked Twilight.
"It's the Hydra from Froggy Bottom bog" said Fluttershy sweetly.
At that moment everyone else began to arrive all at once. When Emily Trot saw her patient for the first time, quite naturally she fainted. But she was soon brought round by Twilight offering a calming cup of potion which smelled and tasted exquisitely of strawberries, her favourite. Just as she was about to faint for the second time a happy contented smile drifted over her face and she came round.
"She'll be fine now, won't you Emily? Twilight said looking carefully at the little unicorn to make sure that the potion had worked completely.
"Now Cerbie, time for yours," said Twilight.
There was a faint growl from all three heads. "On second thoughts perhaps you had better give it him Fluttershy. He probably thinks I'm trying to poison him."
So Fluttershy coaxed and soon the first head was drooping, followed by the second and the third. There was a gentle thud as Cerbie hit the soft silk pillows provided by Rarity. They all stood around looking nervously as they watched the steady breathing of the immobilised beast.
"Better get started soon," said Twilight. "It's quite a strong potion but it will only last about an hour." She smiled at Emily Trot.
"I've never worked on one of these before, I might have to improvise." Emily opened her large bag of tools and instruments. She started on the first head wedging it open with a wagon jack. Normally she used a metal gag on ponies to help them keep their mouths open. It meant she wouldn't have to worry about those enormous canines closing round her neck.
Emily Trot worked methodically hammering, drilling, filing, filling and on a few occasions having to pull teeth out.
"And I thought they were big enough when they were in his mouth," exclaimed Rainbow Dash with round eyes as she examined one of the enormous rotten teeth in front of her. In the end Cerberus had twenty three fillings and four extractions. Emily Trot looked pleased with the results of her handiwork.
"He may be disorientated when he first wakes up. I should stand well back while he gets his bearings. Is there any more of that delicious tea?" she asked hopefully.
So sorry no," smiled Twilight."You had it all while you working. Thank you so much for helping our friend. But here's some of the Apple's best cider and you can send your bill to the Royal Treasury. "
"Oooo. Is it time for the jelly yet?" asked Pinky jumping up and down excitedly. " I bought ice cream, but it might be a bit soft by now."
"We'll soon see," said Applejack as the animal gave a huge grunting snore, rolled over and opened one eye.
"Now take it steady dear," soothed Fluttershy "Here's Pinky with some ice cream and jelly." All three heads looked up at once. Apparently even three headed monster dogs like jelly and ice cream after a visit from the dentist.
The End
