What I'm Not Afraid of

Chapters

What I'm Not Afraid of
A World Upside-Down
Above the Water

What I'm Not Afraid of

Chapter 1

It's okay, Fluttershy... You can do this. Just walk up to him and tell him how you feel. The yellow pegasus walked slowly on the path to the Ponyville Schoolhouse as her knees shook with every step. Very few noises were heard while Fluttershy continued her endeavor, which caused the mare to feel even more uneasy. Normally, Fluttershy would not be walking down to the school house because there is no reason for her to do so. Today she had a reason. Two reasons to be exact.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders were having a sleepover at Rarity's home. Rarity would have picked them up from the school, but she has a large order to fulfill and must get it done before tomorrow afternoon. Applejack would have picked up the girls herself, but has to get a hefty amount of chores done around the farm. Rainbow Dash wouldn't have minded getting the fillies either, but she was too busy with practicing her fast looping. Knowing that Fluttershy is great when it comes to watching children, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash turned to her as a reliable resource. Fluttershy happily accepted the offer to go and pick up the Cutie Mark Crusaders this Friday afternoon.

This would have been the only reason for her to go to the schoolhouse, but there was another reason why she was heading there. It was Thunderlane. She knew that the stallion had a little brother and he always came early to pick him up. The day prior, Fluttershy asked Thunderlane if she could ask him a favor. He complied. But before she could ask him her “favor”, he had to leave due to an emergency. As he left, Thunderlane said that she can ask him her favor tomorrow. And now, tomorrow was today.

It has been several weeks. Several weeks of bottling up emotions that are not meant to be kept inside for long. After making up her mind, Fluttershy was about to do something daring: she is going to confess her emotions to Thunderlane.

Throughout her life, she had known the mohawk maned stallion ever since she was a filly. He was only an acquaintance for many years. However, several months ago, Thunderlane and Fluttershy began to associate with each other after a weather patrol run, causing the two to create a healthy relationship. Today, she was ready to change their friendship from friendly to romantic. Fluttershy's heart fell for Thunderlane because of his strong determination to get his tasks done, his will to improve, and his love and care to his brother, Rumble.

As Fluttershy was reminiscing about Thunderlane, she almost walked off the pathway and into a sticker bush. Quickly, the pegasus evaded the plant and regained her hooving on the road once more.

After a wide right turn, Fluttershy saw a stallion in her path. It was Thunderlane. His mohawk fanned over his cranium in a mix of white and sky-blue colors. His tail had the same colors as his hair which was short and stubby. His body was a very dark gray, causing him to stand out if he were to fly in the open day sky. Thunderlane's physique was very sleek; muscular, yet averagely sized; the stallion's attractiveness made Fluttershy desire him even more. The cutie mark that rested on Thunderlane's flank was a gray cloud with a single bolt of lightning flashing out from it, closely resembling Rainbow Dash’s.

Thunderlane was not facing her as the mare approached. He was looking up at the sky with his wings spread out. From what Fluttershy saw, Thunderlane was fanning himself with his wings, trying to keep cool; which is understandable, considering the current weather was quite warm.

Upon taking a few steps toward him, time suddenly froze for Fluttershy. There he is! This is it! This is your moment to be happy with somepony! However, the mare couldn't get herself to move forward. All she could do was stare and blink at Thunderlane. Slowly, doubt and fear began to settle into Fluttershy's heart.

But... what if he says no? What if he thinks I'm some freaky animal lover that isn't his type? Oh...

It was a tough moment for Fluttershy. She had never told a stallion her emotions before. She was told throughout her life that the stallion is supposed to ask the mare out, not the other way around. But to Fluttershy, this tradition seemed outdated and lame to her. She felt her emotions grow soft toward the stallion and she wishes to share them with him.

There was one problem: Fluttershy is very shy; she is a pegasus that is easily flustered. Whenever she is unsure of herself, she begins to doubt, and when doubt begins to settle in her mind, she gives up more often than not.

Shaking her head, Fluttershy screamed internally, trying to scare the doubt that attempted to settle into her heart. You need to do this! You just never know what might happen out of this if you don't try!

Time then caught up to her. Everything began to move normally once more. Mustering up all the strength she had, Fluttershy slowly took a step.

Snap!

A twig broke in two from the weight of the pegasus' hoof. She lightly yelped and went back a few paces. Thunderlane's ears twitched and turned to where the sound was from. He looked to see his friend looking down at the broken twig.

“Hello Fluttershy,” he spoke, approaching her.

“H-hello...” Fluttershy replied softly. Flicking her hair with a wave of her head, Fluttershy's pink mane shrouded her face to hide the blush in her cheeks.

“How are you today?”

“Oh... you know... busy... things...”

This was a common attitude that Thunderlane was accustomed to. He knew that it was common for Fluttershy to become shy around ponies. However, something was off about her today. She looked awfully nervous.

“Is everything okay?”

“The twig startled me,” Fluttershy spoke quickly.

“I can tell.” Thunderlane gave the mare a smile that made her heart flutter. “So, remember that favor you wanted to ask me? What was it that you want to ask?”

BUDUM! Fluttershy's heart pounded hard against her breastbone. This is it! Tell him! TELL HIM!!!

“Umm, maybe we can start walking to the schoolhouse first? I want to... enjoy the scenery.” Oh... this is so hard!

“Of course.” Thunderlane's voice caused Fluttershy to flinch. “Are you okay?”

Just tell him! TELL HIM NOW!!!

“Sorry... I've... got a lot on my mind and my thoughts have been drifting all over the place.” That's it, Fluttershy. Just ease up on it. Don't rush. At this point, Fluttershy was shaking like a dog left out in the rain.

Concerned, Thunderlane spoke, “Whatever is on your mind, it sure has you worried...”

“W-why do you say that?” Her shaking intensified. You know exactly why, Fluttershy!

“You are shivering so violently. I've never seen you act like this.”

“Y-y-you know m-me... just n-normal old F-F-Fluttershy b-b-being sh-shy.”

Something was obviously up and Thunderlane wanted to bring it to light. He reached his hoof out and touched Fluttershy's shoulder. The shivering stopped instantly. Fluttershy felt his hoof and loved how it felt. She wanted the touch. She wanted him. She wanted to share the love she felt for him. But she can't find the courage to tell him that she wants his love; at least, not yet.

“Fluttershy,” Thunderlane said softly, smiling at the flustered mare. “You are my friend. I have no idea what is going through your head. However, you can tell me anything. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I just want to let you know that I am here to help if you need any.”

Everything he was saying warmed the pegasus' heart. He spoke with such promise and compassion. And that smile. It looked so nice. All Fluttershy wanted to do was stare at it all day.

This is the moment you have been waiting for, Fluttershy. Confess your feelings. You may never get a chance like this ever again. Tell Thunderlane... you love him.

In an instant, Thunderlane noticed a huge change in Fluttershy's attitude. She was no longer shivering. However, her face was beet red. She looked away and tried to hide her blush from her cheeks. Oh no... Not this again... he thought.

“I...” Fluttershy spoke quietly. Looking back at Thunderlane, she noticed that he looked a bit uneasy; almost scared.

Don't worry about his expression! He probably knows what you are going to say. So just go for it!

The two pegasi stared at each other, both with uneasy expressions.

Please Fluttershy... don't say what I think you are going to say...

Just count to three... one... two... THREE!

“Thunderlane, I... really... really like you!” In an instant, the dark-gray stallion's face lit up red and his ears retreated back. Thunderlane's wings fanned out as Fluttershy moved slightly toward him. Don't stop now! Keep going! You've already said it. Now tell him why! “I just... nopony has made me feel as special as you make me.” An uneasy smile came across Fluttershy's face. “I-if you would like... w-will you be my special somepony?”

You did it Fluttershy! You DID IT!

“I... don't know what to say. You... find me special?” Not again! PLEASE NOT AGAIN!! Thunderlane was both flustered and hurt. His heart felt like it was about to be crushed.

“Yes. And... it would be nice to get to know each other better. I mean, if you want to.”

Fluttershy gave Thunderlane a cute smile. A smile that nopony cannot say no to. And that is exactly what Thunderlane did not want to see. And he had to give the impossible response. Celestia... please give me courage... I don't want to hurt her...

While the stallion contemplated what to say to the mare, Fluttershy noticed his expression. Oh no... Fluttershy's face mimicked Thunderlane's unsure face. He saw her eyes. He could feel her reading him.

“What's wrong Thunderlane?” Fluttershy asked weakly, hoping that what she was seeing was only a facade of indecisive emotions.

Looking down, Thunderlane let out a sigh. “Fluttershy I... I can't be your special somepony...” Gazing back at the mare, Thunderlane saw a slow change of emotion. Fluttershy's eyes widened with disbelief. Tears began to form on her lower eyelids. They ran down her face quickly, and created thin vein of salty liquid. The world around the pegasi was quiet. The sound of Fluttershy's tears were heard as they splashed in a small, collected puddle.

Staring at the small lake, Fluttershy took in a deep breath and huffed. “I see-” she choked.

“I'm sorry Fluttershy,” Thunderlane responded with a concerned stare. When he reached for her, Fluttershy quickly retreated backward, leaving a small gap between them. “I would, but I can't...”

“It's... ok-kay.”

But it was not okay for either of them.

“I... have my reason for why I can't be your... special somepony.” Thunderlane's attempt to explain why he could not date Fluttershy only made her feel worse. With clenched eyes shut, she cried. The words “I can't be your special somepony” rang in her ears over and over. Nothing could compare to the pain she was feeling. Her heart was crushed. It felt heavy and sad. If she could tear out that organ of emotions out of her chest, she would have. But with each pulse the heart made, pain coursed through her veins.

While the mare cried, the stallion stood with sorrow in his eyes. He was helpless on assisting Fluttershy feel better. The damage was already done and Thunderlane couldn't do anything about it at this moment. All he could do was watch the kindest mare in all of Equestria cry.

“I-” Fluttershy sobbed weakly. “I respect your choice Thunderlane...” More emotions flooded out of her and she whimpered a bit louder than how she was before. She tried to lift her head up to look at Thunderlane. But the shame of him seeing her in such a depressed state kept herself from doing so.

“Please,” Thunderlane begged. “Just... let me explain why I can't-”

“No! Not now Thunderlane!” It was a soft yell, but Thunderlane heard Fluttershy loud and clear. “I just... want to be alone!” Fluttershy spread her wings and flew up into the sky as fast as she could.

Thunderlane did not pursue the pegasus in distress. He watched her fly away and disappear behind some trees. I'm so sorry, Fluttershy... I'm so... so sorry...

***

“Alright girls,” Applebloom exclaimed. “When we get to Rarity's, we get straight onto crusadin'!”

“You bet!” Scootaloo agreed. “I made a list of some things we can try and get our cutie marks at.” She placed the list on the desk as her other two friends looked down at the long list.

“Is professional fishermare on the list?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“No, but we can add that.” Scootaloo scribbled Sweetie Belle's suggestion right below sculpting.

RIIIIIIIIIIIING!

The bell chimed loudly, alerting the children that school has finished. “Alright everypony,” Ms. Cheerlie said to her class, “you all have a great weekend.” Chairs scraped the wooden floor as the colts and fillies got up and began to leave the classroom. Chatter quickly grew as the children began to mingle and discuss what they will be doing during their weekend.

Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle were among the last few to leav. As they came to the door, a small colt with wild dark-blue hair approached their flank.

“Hey,” he said to the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“Hello Rumble,” Scootaloo replied back.

“Whatcha doing this weekend?”

“Just our normal crusadin' business,” Applebloom answered. “What about you?”

“Not much really...” The light-blue boy stretched his wings outward, trying to get a cramp out of them. “My brother and I are going to do some chores around the house, but that's all.”

“Why don't you come crusading with us?” Sweetie Belle asked. “You don't have your cutie mark and it would be nice if you got one while doing one of the things we plan on doing.”

“Sure!” Rumble glanced at his bare flank that bared no image. “I might as well try. I hope it is as cool as my brothers!”

Four children came forth from the schoolhouse and the sun shined down on them as they were relieved that the weekend has begun.

“Hey brother!” Rumble called out as he saw his brother. Thunderlane gave an uneasy wave. He wore a smile, but Thunderlane's eyes kept glancing away from his relative.

“Hey Fluttershy,” the Cutie Mark Crusaders yelled in unison as they saw the yellow pegasus. She gave a light wave without smiling. Instinctively, the three ran over to her, wondering what was wrong.

“Hello girls...” Fluttershy spoke.

“What's wrong Fluttershy?” Applebloom asked, immediately noticing the sad frown.

“I'll tell you three later...”

Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle looked at each other with concern. They knew when Fluttershy was upset, she was obviously hurt for a good reason.

“I'll see you three tomorrow!” Rumble called out as he stood next to his brother. The Cutie Mark Crusaders called back to him with a “yeah!”

In that moment, Fluttershy and Thunderlane looked at each other. Both pegasi frowned and quickly took a gander some other direction.

***

It was strange behavior to the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Normally Fluttershy would have greeted them with smiles and hugs. But today, she only gave frowns and no hugs. They were beginning to enter the town as they continued to walk in silence. Nopony dared ask Fluttershy what was wrong; however, Fluttershy was hoping somepony would.

Wanting to end the silence, the yellow mare asked with a light smile, “So, how was your day girls?”

“It was good,” Scootaloo responded. “We did painting in class today.”

“And what did you three paint?”

“We all painted a vase full of flowers,” Sweetie Belle said. “It was fun, but none of us got our cutie marks in painting. Scootaloo's flower looked like a lion trying to eat the vase.”

“Hey, I saw a dandelion in that bunch of flowers! I might as well be creative. Art doesn't have to make sense you know.” Scootaloo raised her snout in the air, confident that her art was the best she could have done.

“Now now girls,” Fluttershy interjected. “I'm sure all of your art was great.” Finally, the mare smiled. It made the three fillies happy to see her in a good mood.

“So how was your day-” Applebloom was cut off as Scootaloo crammed her hoof over her friend's mouth. Fluttershy's smile quickly left her and she held head her down.

“Way to go Applebloom,” Scootaloo hissed.

“It was not good...” Fluttershy answered in a depressed sigh.

“What happened?” Sweetie Belle asked as she ran up to Fluttershy's side while Applebloom and Scootaloo remained behind.

“I... asked a stallion to be my special somepony and he said no...” Fluttershy's heart swelled up as she answered the child's question.

“WHAT?!” the Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed in shock. Other ponies looked at them, wondering what the commotion was all about. The unwanted attention caused Fluttershy to cover her face with her wings as she blushed in embarrassment.

A flurry of questions were shot at Fluttershy.

“Who was it?”

“Why did he reject you?”

“What rapscallion would not want to be with you?

“You want me to get Rainbow Dash to beat him up for you?”

“Girls!” The entire town must have heard Fluttershy. At this point, she knew others were looking at her anyways so she didn't care anymore. “I don't want to talk about Thunderlane... Please... I don't…” The mare froze at what she said, now that the cat was out of the bag. But she didn’t care if the girls knew; at least they were aware of what caused her sadness.

Once more, the four walked in silence.

***

“Why hello girls!” Rarity spoke as she opened the door and saw Fluttershy and the fillies who accompanied her.

“Hey Rarity,” they all answered in unison. Quickly, the fillies trampled off into Rarity's home and up the stairs. The thumping of hooves were heard as the girls ran around upstairs.

Turning around, Rarity asked Fluttershy, “So, how was your day?

“It was alright...” Rarity walked further into her boutique and Fluttershy followed behind her.

“Mine has been quite busy. I had to relieve myself from work for a while before I go insane. I've been working since dawn and I am so glad to have my happy and kind friend over to keep me company before I resume my task.”

Turning back, Rarity saw her friend's sad expression. “Fluttershy, is something the matter?”

Fluttershy was not afraid to hold anything in. “I'm a little heartbroken...”

Rarity gasped. “HEART BROKEN?! WHY, WHEN WAS THIS? I NEVER KNEW YOU WERE FOND OF ANOTHER STALLION!” She saw the pegasus turn her head and saw Fluttershy cry. “Did he hurt you?” A flame grew within Rarity's breast. “WHO WAS IT? WHO WOULD DARE HURT MY FRIEND!?”

“I'm sorry Rarity,” Fluttershy huffed, “but I rather not talk about it right now.” With all the strength she had, the mare bolted out the door and took off into the sky. If she could, Rarity would have chased after her friend. Sadly, she was not blessed with the gift of flight. Walking over to the door, Rarity closed it and looked at the stair case. At the top stood Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle, who wore the same sad face as her own.

“What happened to her?” Rarity asked the girls.

***

Under normal circumstances, Fluttershy likes to fly about twenty to thirty feet in the air because she is closer to the ground. But because of her heartbroken spirit, she didn't want others to see her and flew higher up than usual.

It took Fluttershy no time at all to reach her cottage. She touched down at her door and noticed a note on her door. It read:

I'll be running a little late today, Fluttershy.
I have a few things to attend to.

-Your Chaotic Friend, Di$C0rb

As soon as she finished reading it, the paper removed itself from the door and opened the door for the mare. The random act made Fluttershy giggle as she went into her home. When she was inside completely, the note closed the door and drifted over the trashcan. It crumpled itself and fell into the bin with a light thump.

Fluttershy went over to her couch and laid down on it. She looked at the analogue clock on the wall. It read: 2:27pm. I wonder when Discord will get here...

On Friday's, Fluttershy and Discord have their normal routine tea session. They talk about how their life has been and what they have been up to. During their last tea session, Fluttershy told Discord about her crush she has had on Thunderlane. When he heard this, Discord was slightly jealous. But Fluttershy reassured to him that her romantic relationship with Thunderlane will not interfere with her private tea sessions with Discord. Sadly for Fluttershy, there was no romantic relationship.

The time was now 2:32pm.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

“Come in,” Fluttershy spoke.

The door opened and a large serpent like creature came into the cottage. “Why hello Fluttershy!”

“Hello Discord,” the mare replied with a smile.

Discord was wearing a small top hat on his cranium and had a cane in his lion paw. Upon his torso was a black button up shirt that stretched down to the midsection of his body. With a coat rack to his left, Discord placed his top hat onto it and removed his jacket and placed it on the tall wooden stand. His cane jumped out of his hand and leaned against the wall without his help. “Sorry I am late my friend. I had the serious case of the dance fever and I had to go to the local disco club in hopes to shake it off.”

“Are you feeling any better?” Fluttershy got up from her seat and went to her friend.

“I am feeling ever so better; however...” Discord looked at his cane that was leaning on the wall and noticed that it was bending left and right. “...I think my poor cane now has the dance fever. I just hope it does not break into a conga line.” He placed his paw on Fluttershy. “You don't want to know what happens if you break into a jive when you have dance fever.”

“Well at least you are feeling better.” Fluttershy hugged her friend and Discord hugged back.

“But I was late!” he said dramatically. A violin suddenly appeared and began to play a soft, high pitched tone. “To think I, your best friend, would be late on such an important event. Will you ever forgive me?” Discord began to cry historically as a small raincloud above him began to shower water onto him as he sobbed.

“Umm... you were only two minutes late.”

“But I was still late... WAAAAAHHHAAAAA!”

“There there, I'm not upset. In fact, I couldn't be more happy that you showed up when you did.” Besides, I am the one who should be crying...

“Really?” Suddenly, a bright light came from behind the raincloud and it looked to be a small sun. “Well that is a relief.” With a snap of his fingers, the violin and cloud vanished. “Sorry if I was a little over dramatic. You know how I can get when I think I upset you.”

Fluttershy giggled. “At least it shows that you care.”

“Why thank you for noticing.” Discord clapped his paw and claw together. “Now, on with the tea session!” With another snap, a white table with a tea kettle and two glass tea cups appeared before them.

“Would it be okay if we move the table closer to the couch?” Fluttershy asked. “I wish to be somewhere... soft.”

“Of course.” Instead of using magic, Discord simply pushed the table over to the couch. Fluttershy made herself comfortable on the sofa as she faced her friend.

“So Fluttershy,” Discord asked as he threw in some sugar cubes into a cup as he poured tea into it, “how was your day?”

Remembering the events of what happened with Thunderlane, she responded, “Most of it was good.”

“Most of it? Did something go wrong with your chores? Was it that bear that lives here?” Discord wagged a spoon at the pegasus. “I tell you Fluttershy, that animal can hurt you you know.”

Fluttershy stared downward. “No, it was not the bear...”

“Well it must have not been that stallion, Thunderlane you have had feelings for.” The draconequus huffed as he said “Thunderlane”. He could feel the jealousy boil inside him, so he had to be careful about what he says about the colt. “I'm sure everything when well with asking him out.” Discord took a harsh sip from his tea... and then took a bite out of his cup.

No response. All Discord saw was his friend continuing to stare down. “Fluttershy?” He moved the table aside and came to her side. “What's wrong?”

I might as well tell him... “Thunderlane said no.”

Discord's face frowned. “Oh...” Something inside Discord's warped heart made him calm about the situation. If Discord would have heard any news about somepony upsetting Fluttershy, he would have turned that individual's world upside-down quite literally. This time, it was different. Discord knew that if he were to act rambunctious, it may upset Fluttershy even more.

Fluttershy's lips began to tremble and her eyes began twitch. Her face writhed with sorrow, unable to contain her sadness. With her heart oversaturated with hurt, she began to whimper softly and cry. Carefully, Discord moved slowly toward Fluttershy, wanting to comfort her. He got his wish as she went to Discord and wrapped her arms around his midsection of his snake-like body.

Discord watched his friend lament. He almost had a bit of a sick liking to Fluttershy's crying. Her whimpers were sweet and innocent, almost cute. Regardless of that, it still hurt him to see the pegasus he values so much in such a broken state.

“I was-” Fluttershy choked. “I was afraid of this...” Discord wanted to reply, but zipped his lips shut, literally. “You know,” she said as she looked up to him, “when you think about it, I am afraid of a lot of things...”

Unzipping his lips, Discord said, “And there is nothing wrong with that.”

“I know. I just wish I wasn't afraid of so many things. But...”

“But what?”

“There is one thing I know I am not afraid of.”

Discord scratched his chin with his claw. “And what might that be?”

It relieved Discord to see Fluttershy smile at him. “To show what I am feeling. That's what I'm not afraid of. I know it took me a while to tell Thunderlane how I felt, but I just couldn’t hide my emotions. I also know, just in general I don't like to wear a facade when it comes to how I feel about anything. If something makes me uncomfortable, I voice my opinion then and there- Well... sometimes. It usually takes some time for me to get out what I need to say.”

Discord let out a chuckle. “I always knew you were brave.”

Fluttershy giggled, “I guess.”

“You are always so modest Fluttershy. You were able to stand up to me when I was such a sour lemon.” He snapped his paw and a lemon fell into his other hand; or rather, claw. “But with your element of kindness...” Grabbing into the air with the paw, Discord sprinkled some sugar on the lemon. “you made me enjoyable.” He then took a bite out of the bright fruit only to be greeted with a sour flavor. “OOO!” Discord's lips puckered and writhed. “Needs more sugar.”

“Let me help you with that,” Fluttershy insisted. Taking hold of the fruit, the mare kissed a part of the skin that was not bitten into. It was something Discord did not expect, but was happy with his friend. “I hope that one lump of 'sugar' was enough.”

Taking the lemon, Discord popped the remainder of it into his mouth. The bitterness didn't change a bit. “Maybe a few more lumps would have done the trick,” Discord choked.

Without warning, Fluttershy moved toward Discord and gave him a tight hug. “Thank you for being here for me and cheering me up.”

The large creature patted his friend on the head with care. “Any time Fluttershy. But I still don't know why Thunderlane turned you down.”

“I don't know either...” With her heavy heart still being a burden to the pegasus, she leaned into her friend. A strange organ pulsed in Discord's chest, making Fluttershy think of better things. Like her friend's care for her. “I always knew you had a heart. I can hear it.”

“Of course I do! I wouldn't be alive without one you know.” Ready to snap his fingers, he asked, “I can show you mine to further show that I have an actual heart.”

“N-no, that will be fine!!” Fluttershy shook her head, trying to not think about nasty organs. Wanting to keep her current positive attitude, she turned her attention to the tea. “Shall we resume?” she asked, gesturing a hoof to Discord's glassware.

“Of course!” Discord snapped his fingers, warming the tea within the teapot. A loud knock rattled the front door, causing Fluttershy to flinch at the sudden appearance of new guests. “No pony is home!” the draconequus called out to the door.

“I am here to see if my friend is okay, Discord...” Rarity's voice mumbled from the other side of the wooden door. “In fact, we have come to see if you are all alright.” Looking over to his friend, Discord saw Fluttershy give him a reassuring nod in opening the door. Irritated that their tea time was being interrupted, he snapped his claw and the seal swung outside, smacking a pony in the face. Rarity began to swear out loud, in pain by the blunt strike upon her face.

Fluttershy shot a glare at Discord, wondering why he did what he did. All Discord did to comply was with a shrug that said, “Wasn't my fault she got hurt. You never stand too close to a door you know.” Not wanting anypony else to get hurt, Fluttershy flew over to the door and pulled it open. Before her, Rainbow Dash, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo looked back with smiles. Rarity was still muttering insults to Fluttershy's supposed friend.

“Hey Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash spoke. “You doing alright?”

“Yes.” Looking back, Discord sat on the couch, looking innocent with a halo above his head, as he poured tea into two cups. “Discord has been helping me a lot and am glad for his support.”

In a quick blink, he appeared behind the visitors, holding a pocket watch in his paw. “And I do appreciate you five coming along to see of our dear friend Fluttershy is okay.” Shoving the portable clock at the guest's faces, they all saw the small hand on the watch point to an image of Fluttershy's smiling face with a tea pot beside her. “However, it is our time to be alone. So if you don't mind-”

“Discord...” Fluttershy disapproved of his attempt to dismiss her other friends with a small shake of the head. “I am sure they want to make sure everything is fine.”

“Oh alright.” Giving the others a bothered frown, Discord muttered to the five guests, “Just don't take your time. I may be the Lord of Chaos, but I certainly cannot turn back time. So don't waste mine...” In a flash, the draconequus vanished before reappearing inside the pegasus' cottage.

“Sorry he has to act like that,” Fluttershy smiled at her friends.

“Don't worry,” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk. “He won't reach the level of awesome as me that is for sure.” The pegasus held a hoof to her breast with pride.”

“Oh I bet you think that!” Discord barked.

No longer swearing, Rarity spoke elegantly, “Everypony, this is no time to have a pageant on who is the better friend here.” Even if I spend more time with Fluttershy much more than anypony here. “We are all here just to be sure our most kind friend is unharmed.”As much as Fluttershy wanted to be “unharmed,” the damage to her heart was already done. “Speaking of harm...” A harsh glare burst from Rarity's eyes. “TELL ME WHERE THAT RAPSCALLION RESIDES SO RAINBOW DASH AND I MAY GET A LITTLE DOWN AND DIRTY!” The sudden outburst shook the shy mare and she had to take a few steps back.

“Sister,” Sweetie Belle asked with her voice no where near the volume of the older sibling, “you said you wouldn't get like this on the way here.”

“Yeah, there is no need for violence,” Applebloom agreed with a nod.

“Why not?!” Scootaloo argued, looking up at her unofficial sister. “I'm sure Rainbow Dash would want to show Thunderlane not to break a perfectly good mare's heart.”

“But we don't even know why he turned Fluttershy down. She didn’t tell us why he did, so why are we jumping to conclusions?” Sweetie Belle looked at Scootaloo with disapproval.

“Then we will beat an answer out of him,” Rainbow Dash suggested. An argument began to erupt at Fluttershy's front door. Three ponies were siding with irrational harm while two stood against it. And Fluttershy was growing distasteful toward her visitors.

“Stop!” Fluttershy shouted. At once, all sound was void and nopony dared to speak. “If you are all going to argue and wish harm upon somepony I care about, then you can forget about trying to help me!” The mare's brows creased with irritation and fear for Thunderlane. A rare sight to see. Without having to look back, Fluttershy stepped into her cottage with Discord behind her.

“I am afraid you all are no longer needed,” he spoke in a calm tone. “Thank you for your time.” Then the door closed slowly, and the sound of locks clicking followed.

***

The door to Rarity's boutique opened as three fillies briskly walked inside. As for the two older ponies, Rarity and Rainbow Dash went into the kitchen, their minds on Fluttershy. Both wanted to make sure she is no longer hurt, but also want to bring a lot of pain to Thunderlane.

Rarity grunted with frustration, opening her cabinets for something to cook for the fillies. “I am frustrated with that heart breaker. How dare he!?”

Rainbow Dash sat at the table, folding her arms in thought. “I remember seeing him with Fluttershy a lot these last few months and they looked happy together.” Thinking some more, she leaned in her chair a bit back with only the back legs touching the ground. “What I don't get is why Thunderlane broke her heart!”

“Because he is oblivious to the fact that Fluttershy wields the element of kindness!” Rarity grabbed a bag of pancake mix and placed it on the counter top with a thump. “Maybe we need to gather the others and blast him away with the Elements of Harmony, and show him the magic of friendship!” The white mare balled her hoof and lightly jabbed it at the brown bag. It coughed up a small dust of flower as it took Rarity’s blow.

“I am with you on that,” Rainbow Dash nodded. “With my element, I will show Thunderlane how to stay loyal to Fluttershy.”

“And with my abilities I have obtained, my powers with teach him to be generous to those who share their hearts to him.”

Three heads peaked into the kitchen, listening to the older mares talk about bringing harm unto Thunderlane. “Ya see what ah mean, Scoot?” Applebloom whispered. “Do you think violence is the answer here?”

Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle hid behind the wall so the two kitchen dwellers didn't catch them spying. After thinking a bit, the filly pegasus replied, “I will admit... I don't like seeing Rainbow Dash get this riled up.” However, something still burned in the child's heart. “But Thunderlane broke Fluttershy's heart!”

“But we don't even know why he turned her down!” Sweetie Belle squeaked. “I think when we go and get Rumble for crusading, we need to warn Thunderlane that he has some crazy mares on his tail.”

“And why would you want to protect Thunderlane?” All three fillies leaped back to see Rarity grinning at them mischievously. Rainbow Dash rounded the white unicorn with the same sneer, looking down to the children. “Or rather, a better question would be is: do you know where Thunderlane lives? Also, how would you three feel about breakfast for dinner?” Never in their lives did the fillies think breakfast can have such... evil connotation.

A World Upside-Down

The morning light caked over Ponyville as the sun slowly rose in the east. Cool air hovered about as Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were followed by two aggressive mares. Rarity and Rainbow Dash looked at each other with sneers, trying to guess what the other was thinking.

“Again,” Applebloom whispered, “nice job for not keeping your voice down last night...”

“Will you stop guilt tripping me?” Sweetie Belle wined. “I had a hard time sleeping because of my mistake already...”

“Honestly, this would have happened eventually,” Scootaloo remarked. “Besides, with us three there, we could try to protect Thunderlane.”

“An' what could we possibly do?” The cowpony huffed, wondering if Rarity and Rainbow Dash would do any, or worse, all of the things they said they wanted to do to Thunderlane. Applebloom looked back, to see the older mares talking among themselves. Both wore their respective element of harmony, ready to use them for harm instead of good.

“How much further must we walk girls?” Rarity asked, waving a hoof at her face. “The sun is starting to heat my back up, and I am wishing I had brought my parasol.”

“We are almost there...” Scootaloo answered, not glad she was correct. The five rounded a corner before approaching a house that had a few potted plants on the porch. A colt marched about, watering the flora that grew in a nice flowerbed.

When Rumble noticed them approaching, he waved at the Cutie Mark Crusaders. “Hello,” he smiled before sprinkling some tulips with the watering bucket in his mouth.

“Hey Rumble,” Scootaloo replied, her friends doing the same. She and the other crusaders couldn't help but look nervous. “You umm... ready to do some crusading?”

Placing the water-filled can down, the colt shook his head with a grunt. “Thunderlane is having me do a bunch of chores while he is out and about. The jerk!” Rumble kicked at the dirt a little. A chunk of wet earth flung toward the five, crumpling as it collided with the ground.

“Sounds to me like your brother likes to not care about other ponies' feelings,” Rainbow Dash huffed, further fueling her distaste toward Thunderlane.

“You got that right,” the colt rolled his eyes in agreement.

“Speaking of your brother,” Rarity asked, batting her eyes beautifully, “where might he be?” Rumble creased his brows, wondering what the older mare was trying to do.

“He...” In his peripheral, he noticed the Cutie Mark Crusaders shake their heads, not wanting him to speak. Despite their efforts, he resumed, “...went to Fluttershy's for some reason. Then he is going to breakfast with Blossomforth. All to leave me alone with these chores...”

Rarity and Rainbow Dash looked at each other with fire in their eyes. “I think I know why Thunderlane turned down Fluttershy...” the cyan mare spoke coldly.

“Yes. He seems to have another mare in mind.” Rarity touched Rainbow Dash's shoulder and grinned. “Let us go change his mind.”

Rumble looked at the five before him in confusion, unable to hear the older ponies conversation. However, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom heard their words of spite and glanced at each other with worry.

“Say girls...” Rarity looked at the fillies with a plastic smile. “Why don't you three help Rumble with his chores? Who knows what amazing cutie marks you might get. Maybe get something that may resemble gardening.”

“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash agreed with her wings fanned out, almost ready to take off.

“Trust me,” Rumble muttered, “I have been doing these chores for years and have gotten no luck with a cutie mark.” He held up a hoof, gesturing to the flowers. “Trust me, these flowers are only here to give me unnecessary work.”

“But if you are constantly working hard all the time,” Rarity reassured, “you might get a cutie mark that shows you can do hard work.” Looking to the three girls, she asked, “Don't you three agree?” The words of the white unicorn was even convincing the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They did want their cutie marks, whatever it may be. And the girls have never thought about getting a cutie mark in hard labor.

“When you put it that way...” Rumble hummed in thought, liking Rarity's words. Looking to the three fillies, he asked with a smile, “Let's get these chores done, yeah?” The words that came out of the colt's mouth sounded weird. Never in his life did he think he would want to do any amount of chores in hopes he would get his cutie mark during chores.

“I guess...” Applebloom answered, worried for the fate of Thunderlane. Her friend's faces gave off the same amount of concern.

“Then we leave you to your crusading girls.” The white unicorn looked to Rainbow Dash, ready to confront the heart breaker. “Let's go...” Without saying any words, the two broke into a run, almost crashing into another pony.

“Now let's get to work,” Rumble spoke with enthusiasm. “I wonder what a hard-working cutie mark looks like.” But the Cutie Mark Crusaders stood in place, unwilling to ignore the situation at hoof. The only action they could do was glance at one another with guilt. “What's up?” the colt wondered, looking at the three girls.

Unable to contain herself, Applebloom blurted out, “Rumble, your brother is in danger!”

***

The morning air was nice and refreshing as Thunderlane flew through the air toward Fluttershy's cottage. He knew he had to get to Hoofy's Cafe in thirty minutes to meet up with Blossomforth. However, Thunderlane knew he had to speak with Fluttershy and her confession from the other day. The image of her crying plagued the stallion's mind all night. He knew he hurt her and need to be sure she was alright. But something told Thunderlane that he would not be welcomed at her cottage, as if to say danger was waiting for him.

Shaking his head, the pegasus had made up his mind. Thunderlane needed clarity with Fluttershy, telling her his reason for turning her down. However, we was not looking forward to explaining that to her. In fact, he hated himself because of his reason.

Touching down, Thunderlane's hooves clopped as they came in contact with the stone brick bridge. He stared at the innocent estate. Birds flew around, chirping as they glided above the trees. Small woodland rodents skittered and dashed about the ground, almost too quick for the stallion's eyes. And the cottage rested as if it too was asleep, and Thunderlane didn't want to disturb who the building; and whatever might live in it as well.

However, Thunderlane had no choice, but to awaken the structure. He needed clarity between himself and Fluttershy. She needed to hear his reasoning for turning her down. As he walked to the door, Thunderlane hated himself even more for choosing the morning to talk to Fluttershy. Nopony would want to begin their day with negative news. But if the stallion was to relieve himself of his guilty conscious, Thunderlane trudged on.

Raising a hoof to knock, the stallion sealed his fate. He swung his arm at the wooden seal.

Knock...

A blur of alarms suddenly screamed. Every animal within the cottage's vicinity darted away, afraid of the sound. Thunderlane lept into the air, not expecting the various alerts that went off. Not sure what to make of the situation at hoof, the stallion took a few steps back, thinking it would be best to come back another time. But he bumped into someone, stopping his leave.

A serpent body shadowed over Thunderlane as Discord sneered down at the black pegasus. Reaching into his fur, the draconequus pulled out a key with various buttons and pressed it. A car chirp went off, signaling the alarms to cease their function. “I am so glad that I installed an anti-heart breaker alert system last night.”

“H-hey,” Thunderlane stuttered, intimidated by the Lord of Chaos, and rightfully so. The pony knows of Discord's abilities, along with his close relationship with Fluttershy. “Is umm... Fluttershy home? I need to talk to her.”

“Wouldn't you like to know.” Discord flicked the key at Thunderlane, displeased with his presence. With a snap of his finger, a white shirt with Thunderlane's face appeared on the draconequus’ torso. A red circle with an “x” was planted on the stallion's picture. “Because of your charade, dear Fluttershy has been practically bedridden with heartache.” Thunderlane could picture the depressed mare lying in bed, unable to stop her sobbing. His heart gripped with pain, knowing he was responsible for Fluttershy's grief. A sharp claw pointed at the pegasus, along with an angry stare. However, Discord smiled. “And because of your atrocious action, I am now in charge of the Anti-Thunderlane fan club.”

Clasping his paw and claw together, a table of Anti-Thunderlane objects appeared. Discord was now behind the table, wearing a blue and white striped shirt and hat. “If you act now,” he whispered, “you can get the Anti-Thunderlane t-shirt, mug, and poster for only ten bits when you join.”

Looking at the product that he had now created, everything had a silly Thunderlane face with the same circle and x across it. The entire scenario he was in did nothing to help him feel better. “Discord, please,” Thunderlane begged, his ears bent back with sadness, “I need to talk to Fluttershy. I need to tell her why I turned her down.”

“You don't need to tell her anything!” Rainbow Dash's voice echoed from the sky. In a blur of color, the pegasus was in Thunderlane's face. “You have a lot of nerve showing your face around here...”

“Rainbow Dash...!” Rarity dragged herself across the bridge, breathing heavily. “Must you... huff... be so... fast...?” But the moment her eyes fell upon the heart breaker, any amount of exhaustion left the unicorn and gained the ability to dash like her friend. Pushing Rainbow Dash out of her way, Rarity began swearing, “You uncivil, repulsive, hurtful, and ungrateful troglodyte!” At this point, Thunderlane was beginning to regret his trek to Fluttershy's home. He should have expected angry friends to have confronted him at this point, for this was not the first time it has happened. His back pressed hard against the cottage as Rarity stomped after him.

“What do you have there Discord?” Rainbow Dash asked, pointing to the merchandise.

“This is Anti-Thunderlane club product for all of your support against that hurtful stallion!” Discord pointed his paw at Thunderlane, not sure where to keep his attention. Everyone who was before him was not pleased with his actions. And each one could do numerous harmful things to him, whatever that may be.

But the word “product” caught Rarity's ear and she turned to see Discord's wears. As she browsed his merchandise, the unicorn frowned with disappointment. “Discord dear, if you are to sell shirts with Thunderlane's disgusting expression, have the shirts look a lot less... plain.” The clothing was a simple white shirt and that was the obvious sign of Rarity's disapproval. But that didn't stop Rainbow Dash from applying the shirt to herself.

“I think if you are to call this fan club anything interesting,” Rainbow Dash spoke, flying in the air, adjusting her t-shirt, ”I would change it to Thunderlame!”

“I actually think that is an excellent choice for a name change,” Discord agreed.

“What can I say? I do have some pretty awesome ideas.” Rainbow Dash folded her arms with a smirk quickly following.

Looking back to the door, expecting to see Thunderlane, Rarity asked, “Speaking of that ruffian, where is he?”

In the sky, the dark-gray stallion darted through the sky, adrenaline coursing through his blood. He needed to escape before anything worse could happen. But a heavy weight suddenly pulled Thunderlane to earth. With a heavy thud, Thunderlane's flank hit the ground hard. Looking to see what prevented his escape, he noticed a ball-in-chain strapped to his ankle.

Once again, Discord's shadow loomed over the stallion. “Just where do you think you are going?” With adrenaline in control of his instincts, Thunderlane made another attempt to fly away. But the ball-in-chain was too heavy, leaving the stallion to collapse from exhaustion.

Discord lifted the chain with his paw. Thunderlane dangled like a chandelier, helpless in his predicament. “Do know what it is like to have your world upside-down?” A wide grin grew on the draconequus. “Because I put the definition into literal terms...”

Above the Water

Rumble followed behind the Cutie Mark Crusaders, running as fast as he little legs can. He would rather fly, but the colt has no idea where Fluttershy's home is and needed the three to lead him to her cottage. “Why didn't you tell me Thunderlane was in trouble the moment you three got to my house?” he panted with his brow furrowed at the girls.

“Did you see how Rarity was looking at us?” Sweetie Belle replied with another question. “When my sister gets crazy, you can tell when her right eye starts to twitch. It is hard to notice, but when it happens, you better watch out.”

Rumble grumbled at the Cutie Mark Crusaders and their inability to warn others about somepony’s inevitable danger. He knew their cutie marks were not going to be anywhere close to being a guard of some sort.

With the cottage coming into view, the girls were relieved to see that they have arrived. But when they saw Thunderlane dangling over a large bucket, they froze in shock; Rumble took off, his wings taking control.

“Let go of my my brother!” Rumble shouted at the draconequus who sat at what looked to be a lifeguard post. Discord wore a red and white striped shirt, holding onto a fishing pole that had Thunderlane’s hooves hogtied with rope for a fishing line. As he dangled above the pool of water, an angry fish leapt out and tried to take a bite out of his face. Thunderlane swung his head forward, nearly losing a part of himself.

Pointing at the bucket, Discord let out a chuckle and pointed at the large bucket that was filled with water. “You better be careful, there are piranhas in there...” From where Rumble was standing, the container was at least three times as large as he was and could only watch his helpless relative dangle above the water.

Thunderlane tried to look at his brother, but his efforts to swing and glance at Rumble did not work. “Rumble, go get help! Go wake Fluttershy!

“Oh come on Rumble!” Rainbow Dash put an arm around the colt and smirked. “Let him… hang out for a while so he can learn a thing or two. Besides, your brother left you to do all of your house chores. I am sure you are angry with him doing that to you, aren't you?”

Rumble snorted, “So! That doesn’t make me want to hurt him! He is my brother!”

“We aren’t going to hurt him darling,” Rarity spoke from behind with a reassuring voice, though the colt was not buying it. “All we are doing is some… fear tactics.” Glancing up to Discord, she said in a cold voice, “Lower him...”

Thunderlane felt himself get closer to the dangerous water, his tail touching the surface. He could feel the carnivorous fish tug at his tail, but thankfully were not eating it. “Please, I am sorry! Let me go!” It was the only thing the pegasus could do. In a fit of fear, Thunderlane tried to shake himself free, but it did nothing. Unable to do anything else, he began to tear up. “I’m sorry! It’s my fault Fluttershy is so upset!”

Thunderlane’s words fell mute on his torturers’ ears; only Rumble heard his brother’s plea. “Aww, he is crying,” Rarity mocked. “Discord, did Fluttershy sob all evening?”

“She did a little this morning.” He shook his head and frowned at Thunderlane. “The poor mare got any sleep last night…”

Thunderlane’s ears fell back, his body growing limp. He has given up. “Do what you want to me… I guess I deserve this…” Rumble couldn’t believe what his brother had just said. He knew Thunderlane was stronger than that. Why was he caving in so easily?

“Hey Rumble,” Rainbow Dash asked. Rumble shot an angry glance at the sky-blue mare; she ignored the expression. “Where is Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle?” It suddenly dawned onto him that they were nowhere to be found. Maybe they went to get help. He could only hope.

***

A window slowly opened as the Cutie Mark Crusaders climbed into Fluttershy’s cottage. Scootaloo was the first to enter with ease, but both Sweetie Belle and Applebloom fell on top of her.

“Ow!” the pegasus complained as she stood up, her friends rolling off her back. “The heck?!”

“Sorry, but their ain’t no time to be all sneaky-like,” Applebloom spoke as she stood on all fours. “We need to be quick and find Fluttershy.”

“But what if they hear us?” Sweetie Belle asked. The three fillies heard the loud commotion outside with Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Discord’s harassment, Rumble’s yelling, and Thunderlane’s pleeing.

“Ah think they won’t be hearing us with all that noise goin’ on out there…” Applebloom responded to the unicorn’s question. Judging from where they were, the girls were in the kitchen. They have been at Fluttershy’s home before and know that the kitchen was connected to the living room.

“I wonder why Fluttershy has not heard anything from outside,” Scootaloo wondered. As they briskly exited the kitchen, the filly’s question was answered. The yellow pegasus was sound asleep with purple earmuffs covering her ears and wore a light-violet robe. As Fluttershy smiled in her slumber, a brown bear was sitting beside her on the couch, weighing down the sofa… and eyeing the three intruders.

“Ugh… hey…” Applebloom’s ears retreated as she and her friend stood in fear. “I umm-” A white rabbit leapt from nowhere and right in front of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. In his grasp, Angel wielded an aluminum fork, pointing the small weapon at them.

“Geeze, did Discord put you two up to this?” Sweetie Belle asked in shock of the aggressive rabbit.

With every ounce of bravery, Applebloom went forward and approached the bear cautiously. She felt a sting in her arm as Angel stabbed at her; but he was easily dealt with as Scootaloo managed to pin him down when Angel wasn’t looking.

“Please Mr. Bear,” Applebloom begged as she rubbed her back leg, “We need to wake Fluttershy up.” The large mammal folded his arms, not wanting to allow the child to do anything. “If you don't wake her, Thunderlane will be seriously hurt.” The bear flashed his large pointy teeth at the word “Thunderlane.”

“Look, you may not like Thunderlane, but that doesn't mean we should stand idly by while he gets tormented!” Sweetie Belle chimed in. “You wouldn't want to be mocked and made fun of if you got caught in a bear trap. You would want to have somepony help you, right?”

The bear blinked, pondering the child’s words. “If you let us wake Fluttershy…” Scootaloo spoke up, bringing the animal’s attention to her. Beneath her hoof, Angel squirmed to be free, but the filly kept a good hold of him. “...we will catch you a nice big fish. After all, my friends and I are looking for our cutie marks, so it is a win win for all of us!”

All three filly’s watched the bear ponder about the offer that was presented to him. However, it was not enough to convince him, so the brown beast resumed his post.

“Two REALLY BIG FISHES!” Applebloom exclaimed, reaching out her arms, pretending to hold a large fish.

“You mean fish, right?” Sweetie Belle asked with a brow raised.

Applebloom leered at her friend, not pleased with the sentence correction. “This is a serious situation right now! We have to wake up Fluttershy, not focus on my improper use of words!” Turning her attention back to the bear, Applebloom asked, “So, two big FISH!” She lurched her head toward Sweetie Belle before resuming. “Do we have a deal?”

Almost convinced, the bear rotated his paw, gesturing for more offers. “What, you want a bath too?” Scootaloo asked in a hurried tone as she heard Thunderlane yell in fear; Rumble followed up with a shout at Discord. Nodding yes, the beast gave a wide smile. “So, can you please wake Fluttershy if we do those favors for you?” To the fillys’ relief, the bear gave a thumbs up of approval.

He reached over to Fluttershy and gently took the earmuffs from his owner. Almost instantly, the pegasus was stirred by the noise from outside. Fluttershy groaned as her eyes slowly opened.

“Girls…?” she weakly responded. “What are you doing in my cottage?”

At once, the Cutie Mark Crusaders sent a flurry of words at the half asleep mare. The only thing Fluttershy was able to comprehend was “Thunderlane” and “trouble.”

Fluttershy’s ears twitched when she heard a shout from outside. Holding up a hoof, stopping the fillies mid-sentence, she went over to the door. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and the bear glanced at each other, wondering what was about to happen next.

With the twist of the nob, Fluttershy revealed the outside world; and was introduced to a horrifying sight. “What in the world is going on?!” Fluttershy yelled as loud as she could, but it came out softly.

A look of shock came from Discord, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity, not sure what to do or say. Rumble and Thunderlane were definitely happy to see the mare, but they too were surprised at her entrance.

“F-Fluttershy!” Thunderlane exclaimed over the sudden silence. “Thank goodness you are here!” Despite the many fish that swam beneath him, he looked to her with concern. “Listen, I need to talk to you about yesterday.”

Turning to Discord, Fluttershy gave him a hard look. “Release him now!” Discord hesitated, not wanting his bait to get away. “Don't make me use the stare…” The threat alone made him let go of the fishing pole, causing Thunderlane to plummet toward the piranhas.

Fluttershy lept into the air to catch the helpless stallion as he yelled during his fall. But Discord snapped his fingers just before Thunderlane collided with the water, and the stallion hovered just above the surface. Fluttershy leered at Discord as he shrugged, “What, you said let go.”

“You know exactly what I meant!” she exclaimed, now hovering in front of the draconequus.

“Hey!” Rumble exclaimed. “Where are you two going?!” Fluttershy looked to see the colt pointing at Rarity and Rainbow Dash attempting to sneak away, now halfway across the stone bridge. They froze in place, realizing they were caught and unable to escape unnoticed.

“Get back here you two!” Fluttershy demanded. As if they were being scolded by their mothers, Rainbow Dash and Rarity slowly trudged back to the cottage with ears shamefully pointed backwards.

Fluttershy’s eyes looked at Rainbow Dash, seeing her wear the Thunderlame tee shirt. “What are you three trying to do!? Kill him!? And what’s with that shirt?!” the furious yellow mare barked, gesturing a hoof to Thunderlane. As he still hovered above the water, he noticed the fishing pole was in the bucket. Thunderlane could feel the rope being tugged as the piranhas were pulling on the rod in hopes to bring him under. Thankfully, Discord’s magic prevented him from meeting a terrible fate.

“We- can explain…” was all Rainbow Dash could muster as her gaze fell upon Thunderlane. “He… he hurt you!” She jabbed a hoof in his direction. “And we wanted to show him what happens when he hurts our friend!”

“Th-that’s right!” Rarity added. “We do wield the Elements of Harmony and we should protect what is dear to us.” She gestured to her emblem that wrapped around her neck.

Discord nodded in agreement. “They do make a valid argument.” Fluttershy landed beside Rumble, both not convinced with their reasoning.

“Last time I remember using the Elements of Harmony was on you because you were very mean at the time, Discord. And I don't see any trace of evil in Thunderlane.” Fluttershy took a deep breath and exhaled before she said anything she may regret later. “Let me ask you this…” Fluttershy pulled Rumble close to her and gave him a sweet smile. Rumble’s cheeks flared as the pretty mare embraced him. “Rumble here is Thunderlane’s brother.” She looked back to Rainbow Dash and Rarity, her grin evaporating quickly. “And I am sure Rumble and Thunderlane would do anything to protect one another. So by your logic, Rainbow Dash…” The cyan pegasus folded her ears back at the sound of her name in shame. “...they should hurt you and Rarity for your cruelty.” Turning her eyes to the brothers, Fluttershy asked, “Would you two want to harm my friends after what they did?”

“No,” the siblings responded in unison.

“Exactly!” Fluttershy stamped her hoof in the dirt, kicking up a tiny cloud of dirt into the air. The small cloud tickled her nose and the pegasus let out a squeak of a sneeze.

“Bless you,” everypony said at once.

“Thank you.” Clearing her throat, Fluttershy continued, “Why do you think the world is such a bad place? It’s because some ponies think revenge is a good way to teach a lesson. It is not!” She shook her head, her pink mane swinging around and smacked Rumble in the face by accident.

“Thunderlane told me yesterday he was going to tell me why he couldn't be my special somepony.” Fluttershy suddenly froze, remembering yesterday's event. She glanced at Thunderlane as the two frowned at one another. “I just… left in a fit of tears before he could tell me why.”

“And… that is why I came here this morning: to tell you my reason,” Thunderlane replied. “I just, didn't expect this to happen.” He struggled to free himself from the tightly bound rope, but was unsuccessful… again. “However, this isn't the first time I have had angry mares try and hunt me down for rejecting a friend of theirs…”

“So you are a heartbreaker!” Rarity yelled, her eyes almost on fire; they were quickly extinguished by Fluttershy’s angry look.

“I had my reason!” Finally, Thunderlane showed some anger himself. “Even my brother knows what has happened to me the last few weeks with the other mares asking me out so suddenly.” He had to uncomfortably twist his neck to see Rumble. “Right? You just didn’t know about Fluttershy until now.” Rumble nodded but kept silent.

“So, can I please tell Fluttershy why I rejected her without feeling threatened?” Thunderlane asked the draconequus. With the snap of his fingers, Discord freed the stallion from his bondage let Thunderlane fall into the water. Fluttershy and Rumble gasped and flew over the bucket, worried the worst has happened. But the moment Thunderlane surfaced, he, Fluttershy, and Rumble noticed the piranhas surrounded him and peaked their little heads above the water, not acting like savage animals. “I guess you all want to know why I am being used as bait.” Each and every one of them nodded. This day is getting very strange… I hope Blossomforth won't get angry with me for running late…

Fluttershy noticed Thunderlane’s nervous expression. “Just tell us when you are ready,” she said calmly. Discord adjusted himself in his tall chair, and Rarity and Rainbow Dash walked up beside Fluttershy. Rumble flapped his wings and landed on the edge of the wooden bucket, keeping his balance as he walked around the rim.

“The reason why I can't date you Fluttershy is because… I already have a special somepony…” Thunderlane spoke low, as if ashamed of his relationship.

“Oooooooohhhh! That makes sense,” Rainbow Dash spoke aloud. “Wow, now I feel like a jerk…” Her ears fell back in shame, now knowing the truth.

“As do I…” Rarity admitted as well.

All eyes, including the piranhas,’ looked at Discord, expecting an apology. “I guess I am a jerk as well…” A fish from the pool lept up and bit the draconequus’ tail. “Ow! Okay, I am sorry too!” The piranha let go, satisfied with Discord’s apology and fell into the water with a splash. “Geeze, didn't Fluttershy just tell us not to harm out of spite?” he asked to the school, wondering where the culprit went.

“And you are all forgiven.” Thunderlane was still a bit upset with the three who tormented him, but for Fluttershy’s sake, he said what was needed. “So yeah, I have a girlfriend. Her name is Blossomforth.”

Fluttershy turned her head a little. “How come I never see you two together as a couple, like holding hooves?”

“Because she wants to keep it under the radar,” Thunderlane admitted. “She doesn't want everypony knowing about our relationship.”

Rainbow Dash creased her brow at the excuse, not believing it to be a valid one. “But if Fluttershy knew that beforehoof, she wouldn't she wouldn't have been lead on.”

“But I never gave Fluttershy any hints of romantic interest, nor tried anything to flatter her on purpose.” Thunderlane had to think for a moment, knowing that was almost true. “Except for that time when I thought I could wingpress fifty pounds. I just wanted to show everypony how strong I was.”

“Oh yeah, I remember.” Fluttershy had to contain her giggles, but a few escaped. A snort came from Rainbow Dash. She knew she could wing press twice as much as Thunderlane and was nowhere near impressed at his attempt to be a strong stallion.

Rarity rose her hoof a little before making her input. Since nopony spoke after her small gesture, she asked the stallion, “But you said this was not the first time this has happened correct?” Sinking his body in shame, Thunderlane submerged his mouth under water and muttered something, but only bubbles came up, and nothing was explained.

Rumble walked around the bowl over to Fluttershy. “Thunderlane has had to reject two other mares this month.” Thunderlane nodded to his brother’s words, his eyes only looking at the curious piranhas.

“Oh dear…” Fluttershy’s ears fell back, feeling sorry for the stallion’s predicament. “Do you mind telling us who? You don't have to though.” She spoke nice words, but her eyes begged for the names of the other mares. Thunderlane looked around to see the others just as curious; except for his brother who continued to walk around the rim of the bucket.

“It was Cloudchaser and Derpy Hooves…” He now couldn't bare the sight of Fluttershy and turned away from her.

Rainbow Dash couldn't help but snicker solely for the fact that now four mares had their eyes on him. Everypony saw her expression and Rainbow Dash, chuckled, “I'm sorry, but…” She gestured an arm at the sad stallion. “Who would like you? I mean, you are good looking I guess.” Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rumble gave her a harsh stare. “I mean, aside from you Fluttershy.”

“That is what I would like to know…” Thunderlane muttered. “When I was asked out by Blossomforth, I was definitely happy, but I never thought my close friend felt romantically interested in me.” He smiled, but it was weak. “And she does make me happy. Never did I ever know what true happiness was until I shared my heart with Blossomforth.”

Rarity let out an “aww” as Fluttershy smiled for her friend’s happiness. Though, Fluttershy couldn't help but feel jealous, but kept her thoughts inward. Rainbow Dash and Discord simply rolled their eyes at the mush talk.

“Not a week went by after Blossomforth and I became special someponies...” the black pegasus resumed, his tone more low and sad, “...when Cloudchaser confessed her feelings to me. Oh Cloudchaser…” Thunderlane let out a heavy sigh. “She came to me with my favorite snack: caramel apple slices. At first, I was grateful for the kind gesture, but then I noticed as I was eating the snack, she gave me the same look Blossomforth did when she confessed her emotions to me.” He had to think about how to describe the “look.”

“Does the ‘look’ you are describing go something like this?” Rarity slightly tilted her head to the left, brought her chin to her shoulder blade, and looked up at Thunderlane. Her eyes were half closed and a trace of blush was found in her cheeks.

“Yeah, just like that.” He looked at the water as the fish looked at him, eager for the pegasus to continue his story. “And I had no choice but to turn her down because of my prior engagement.” He looked between Rainbow Dash and Rarity. “Then, when Flitter heard how I rejected her friend, well… she gave me an earful.” Every time Thunderlane blinked, he could see Cloudchaser fly away in tears and Flitter exclaiming how peeved she was at him.

“And then… there was Derpy…” Fluttershy could tell the stallion was having a hard time confessing what has happened before her own confession. “When I turned her down… oh, her face was just… so sad.” Thunderlane shook his head just at the thought alone, trying to pry the memory from his mind. “Carrot Top, Derpy’s best friend, was so furious with me, that she managed to bury me in her garden with my head just above the ground.”

“Oh my goodness!” Fluttershy exclaimed. “How long were you trapped there?”

“Thankfully, only five minutes. Derpy managed to save me despite how I broke her heart…” Thunderlane then looked to the yellow pegasus. “...And then there is you.” He opened his mouth but nothing left it. All he could do was frown and sank further into the water. As he spoke, water flooded into his mouth, but he just simply spit it out. “I couldn't find much sleep because of yesterday.” In a fit of frustration, away from the piranhas, Thunderlane swiped at the water and splashed the liquid away from everypony. “Why?! Why am I sought out!? I'm not special! All I do is break hearts! What's next, is Princess Celestia going to fall from the sky and tell me her heart burns brighter than the sun she raises?”

Rainbow Dash and Rarity now felt terrible for their act of vengeance and now understood not only Thunderlane’s reason for rejecting Fluttershy, but the pain it brought him.

“Stop that!” Fluttershy exclaimed with a furrowed brow. Everyone was not expecting her to say that and looked at one another with shock. She flapped her wings and landed on the edge of the bucket, attempting to mimic Rumble’s good balance. Unfortunately for her, she was not as nimble as the colt and fell toward Thunderlane.

He caught the falling pegasus, but was forced underwater. When Thunderlane surfaced, he saw Fluttershy’s mane was soaked and her light-violet robe swirled around in the water. “Sorry…” Fluttershy muttered, her hair covering her eyes.

Thunderlane chuckled and moved the mare’s pink hair with his hoof so she can see him. Realizing how close she was to the pegasus, Fluttershy couldn’t help but blush; happy, but sad as well. “It is alright,” he smiled. “So why did you tell me to ‘stop that?’”

Fluttershy looked down at the piranhas that swam around the two ponies. “Because you are special.” Her gaze went up to Thunderlane. “Why else would I confess my feelings to you? You are kind, and… strong, and always looking to improve, and… just…” She couldn’t keep her eyes on Thunderlane, too flustered with her compliments. “...just a lot of things.” Fluttershy’s ears folded back, knowing the true reality of the stallion’s commitment with another mare. “Did… Blossomforth tell you those same things? Did Cloudchaser and Derpy as well?”

Three other mares popped into his mind, their smiles and “looks” they gave him when they confessed their love. “Yeah…”

“Then you are desired.” Taking a piranha from below the water, she surfaced it and she smiled at the fish. “There are many fish in the sea and there are many ponies in Equestria.” Fluttershy faced the sharp-toothed creature toward Thunderlane and said, “And just like this piranha, I managed to find an adorable creature.” The animal then gave Thunderlane a wide sharp-toothed grin. Yeah… some “adorable creature” you got there…

She let it go and it joined the other fish with a quick paddle of its fin. “You just happened to be picked by other mares because of how big of a fish you are.”

Thunderlane chuckled at Fluttershy’s adorable analogy about mares and fish, and rubbed the back of his head. “I guess, heh.” His same frown returned to him, however, still saddened by the fact that he still had to reject Fluttershy. “I am sorry you didn’t know about my relationship with Blossomforth. I’ll tell her to be a little more open about our relationship so other mares don’t fall for me.” He reached out an arm to embrace the mare, but brought it back, not sure if it would be the right thing to do.

Fluttershy noticed the gesture and quickly moved in and held him close. She knew if there was no chance of the two of them getting together, she might as well get as much out of his warmth as she can. Thunderlane wrapped his arms around the pegasus and said to her, “Go find someone better than me. And I am sure when you do find that stallion, he will make you happy.”

“Mmhmm-” Fluttershy choked a little and grasped Thunderlane even tighter, feeling a bit guilty taking advantage of his affection. She began to sob a little, still feeling jealous of Blossomforth; but she knew she needed to rid herself of such an emotion, or she will grow to hate both her and Thunderlane.

Rarity hummed at the cute gesture from Thunderlane and began to tear up as well. Rainbow Dash, Rumble, and even Discord watched with frowns, feeling pity for the two; even the piranhas wore sad expressions. When Fluttershy broke contact with the pegasus, the water was feeling a little colder than before.

“A-anyways, I need to get going.” Standing up, Thunderlane crawled out of the bucket and landed on the ground. Water dripped from his coat and his hair drooped from the wetness, but that didn’t bother Thunderlane. He looked to his brother with a half smile. “Let’s go.”

Looking to the door, Rumble saw the Cutie Mark Crusaders spectating the entire ordeal. He wanted to ask his brother if he could stay with the trio, but remembered he still had chores to do back at the house. “Alright,” he answered Thunderlane’s question. Looking to the girls, he said, “Come by later so we can do some crusading. I still need to do chores around the house.” They nodded, but kept quiet as they watched Thunderlane and Rumble make their way to the bridge.

“I wish you and Blossomforth the best,” Fluttershy called out to him from inside the bucket. “And- and I still see you as a great friend.”

Thunderlane paused for a moment before looking to the yellow mare, giving her a wave. “Thanks Fluttershy. I will see you another time.” After walking through the dirt path that lead to Ponyville, the two brothers were out of sight, blocked out by the tall trees.

With him gone, Fluttershy looked at the piranhas and then to her friends. And began to cry.

“Oh my dear friend.” Rarity was quick to be beside her upset friend and slowly reached her hoof into the bucket, afraid her limb would become a snack for the fish. But instead of finding a sharp-toothed fish, Rarity found Fluttershy’s shoulder and gave it a gentle rub.

Fluttershy clenched her eyes tightly. “I guess I was too late…” From his tall chair, Discord snapped his fingers, causing the wooden bucket to disappear. The depressed mare was still wet, her robe soaked from all the water it sponged up. A chilling breeze whisked through the air, chilling Fluttershy to the bone.

Discord stood beside Fluttershy and asked, “Would you like a towel?” He snapped his claw and a white towel appeared in his paw’s grasp.

The mare wiped her tears and sniffed, “Yeah…” Fluttershy removed her robe, the cloth making a squishing noise at it fell to the ground. After Fluttershy dried herself off, she looked at Rainbow Dash’s neck, eyeing her element. “What were you planning on using that for? she pointed to the thunderbolt emblem.

“Umm, blast Thunderlane with a beam of loyalty?” Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head. “But I guess that won't be necessary considering he is loyal to Blossomforth.”

“And I wanted to make the magic of generosity convince him to be generous of your compassion,” Rarity added. “But he seems generous enough to care about your feelings and gave you clarity.”

Clearing her throat, Fluttershy put on her best serious expression and looked to all her friends. “Promise me you three won't do this again.”

At once, they all proclaimed, “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

“Thanks,” Fluttershy smiled weakly.

Looking at her two crusaders, Applebloom smiled, “Looks like everything turned out okay… sort of.”

Sweetie Belle frowned, “It is a shame that Fluttershy and Thunderlane couldn't get together because of his relationship with another mare.”

“Yeah…” Scootaloo’s ears perked up and she bounced up and down. “But hey, we prevented Thunderlane from being harmed! We definitely have our cutie marks now!”

At once, the girls looked to their flanks, but saw no image they have been desiring so much. In a fit of disappointment, the Cutie Mark Crusaders let out a heavy sigh. “Well, at least we tried.” Applebloom tried to sound as enthusiastic as possible, but that didn't seem to encourage her friends and herself.

A grunt came from behind the girls as a shadow loomed over them. The bear held three fishing rods on one paw and a bucket with a yellow brush scrubber sitting in the bucket in the other.

Shrugging, Sweetie Belle said to friends, “Well, we might as well get our cutie marks in animal cleaning.”

“Or fishing perhaps!” Scootaloo beamed.

“Or maybe fulfilling promises!” Applebloom bounced. Now filled with the Cutie Mark Crusader attitude, the fillies gave each other a high hoof, ready to work toward their future goal.

***

Thanks to the morning heat, along with their flight, Thunderlane’s coat was dried by the time he and his brother arrived at Hoovy’s Cafe. As soon as he opened the door, his eyes were met with a white pegasus with freckles in her cheeks. Blossomforth stood up and approached the two with a smile.

“Good morning, Thunderlane,” she spoke, kissing him on the cheek. “Morning Rumble.”

“Hello,” the brothers answered in unison.

Noticing Thunderlane’s frizzy mane, she couldn't help but chuckle. “You forget to dry your hair when you bathed this morning?”

Not wanting to tell his special somepony about the events that had just occurred, Thunderlane answered Blossomforth’s question with another, “Were you waiting long?”

“I got here twenty minutes ago.” Thunderlane winced, worried he kept Blossomforth waiting too long. “But the diner is packed, so your tardiness is excused.” The mare gestured to the bustling restaurant, servers briskly tending to their customers. “So, hair, what's up with it?”

Being the little brother he is, Rumble let out the truth, “Thunderlane was held hostage for breaking another mare’s heart.”

“WHAT!?” Blossomforth’s outburst silenced the busy room and many ponys looked to her. Her ears pointed back as her cheeks flushed. In a much lower tone, but still angry tone, she growled, “Who tried to hurt you?”

She pulled Thunderlane toward her, their muzzles touching. “I can explain dear. Y-you see-”

“U-umm…” a small voice squeaked, “Blossomforth, your table is ready…” A pink mare with her mane in a bun stood behind the pegasus she was requesting. “Do… you need a minute?”

Rumble couldn't help but chuckle at Blossomforth’s embarrassment as Thunderlane touched her hooves and placed each one individually back onto the ground. He looked to the server and said, “I think we are ready.”

***

Rumble scribbled on a child’s activity sheet as Thunderlane explained yesterday's and today's events to Blossomforth. The freckled cheek mare was ready to storm over to Twilight Sparkle’s library and tell her off about her friends; thankfully, Thunderlane convinced her to be more civil. Being smug about the entire ordeal, Blossomforth leaned up against her stallion. “It's a good thing I snatched you up when I did.”

“Blossomforth, please, you and I need to be just a little more open about our relationship,” Thunderlane begged. “I don't want to be another victim of being a heartbreaker again and getting attacked by some crazy friend. Does the part ‘I was dangling over a bucket of piranhas’ make you a little concerned?”

Blossomforth sighed, “Of course it does. I just-” Her shoulders sagged, not wanting to go through with her boyfriend’s request. “You remember what I told you before, why I don't want to be open about us.” The mare gripped Thunderlane’s hoof desperately.

Throughout her life, Blossomforth has been a mare not so fortunate with stallions. And every time she was in a relationship, she couldn't help but tell others about her stallion. However, word would catch wind to mares who spited Blossomforth and would always steal away her special somepony. Thunderlane couldn't understand the savage nature of mares, but respected her opinion.

“I…” There was no easy answer for Thunderlane. All he could do was hold Blossomforth close.

“I do applaud you for being faithful me though,” Blossomforth spoke low, her cheeks lifting slightly.

“You know,” Rumble spoke, his eyes not leaving the hippopotamus he was coloring red, “if you have to reject another mare, why not try setting them up with another stallion?”

Blossomforth’s ears twitched at the suggestion, looking to Thunderlane with a smirk. “You know what, that sounds like a great idea!”

Thunderlane didn’t like his brother’s suggestion and his girlfriend’s expression even more. “Umm, I- I am not so sure about that…”

“Why not?” Blossomforth was beginning to get enthusiastic about Rumble’s idea. “Think about it… If you don't like breaking a mare’s heart, just try and set them up with another stallion. And, with less mares off your tail, the less you can stress about another mare falling for you.”

“Blossomforth, I-”

“Then it is settled!” Thunderlane sighed in irritation that his input is getting ignored. “From here on out, for every mare’s heart you break, including the ones you have already shattered, you have to set them up with some other stallion!”

Thunderlane couldn't believe how light his girlfriend was treating his current heartbreaking streak. However, he somehow felt it was a slightly good idea, but didn't know if he had the heart to face the heartbroken. Leering at his younger brother, Thunderlane muttered, “Thanks Rumble…”

“And thanks for leaving all those chores for me to do, bro.”

The End?