Bitter Autumn

"So Fluttershy's next on the list, huh," Rainbow asked.

"It's probably the most spontaneous list ever," Twilight responded.

"Do you think she'll be able to handle it?"

"She doesn't really have a choice."

"True."

"What are we gonna' do if one of those things shows up," Spike questioned.

"I thought about that," Twilight spoke, "Rainbow, you're pretty fast. if you hide out near Spike and Rarity, you can possibly distract them. If you lose them, fly back over Fluttershy's house to monitor us."

"Sounds solid. I'm in," Rainbow agreed.

"One more thing: if the distraction fails, Spike and Rarity, split up and run as fast as you can. If possible, find a place to hide."

"Can't we fight them," Spike wondered out loud.

"Only as a last resort. If things get too out of control, we'll flee."

"I must say, Twilight, your tactics and strategy are uncannily masterful. Could this be the result of learning from your brother," Rarity wished to know.

"A little. I also took a few notes on surviving hostile situations from my fantasy and sci-fi novels."

"Most impressive."

Twilight smiled.

"Thanks."

Fluttershy was the next in line for recruitment. Her house was dark, indicating she had likely gone to sleep. The situation made Rainbow and Rarity wish they were home in their beds as well. Twilight knocked on her door, more as a gesture of politeness than anything.

"Fluttershy, it's Twilight."

"Is everything okay," Twilight heard a meek voice ask.

"No. We have a really bad situation out here, and we can't fix it without your help."

"Is Discord acting up again?"

"It'll be easier to explain if you open the door."

Shortly after Twilight's statement, the sound of unlocking latches and knobs could be heard. Fluttershy's face soon appeared within the doorway.

"What's going on?"

"It's unfortunate to have to say, and I don't think you'll believe me, but the dead are walking among us now."

Fluttershy's face twisted and contorted in extreme fear upon hearing those words. She quickly slammed the door and locked it again.

"Wait a minute; she actually believes me?"

"Well, that could've gone better," Rainbow iterated.

"Hold on," Twilight said, "I'll have to take drastic measures here. We'll never get to her otherwise. You three stay here."

Twilight left her friends and went to the side of the house. There was a small window just big enough to climb through. Twilight used all her might and broke through the glass, slowly floating in once the task had been completed.

"Sorry Fluttershy, but it's too dangerous to stay here," She said as she stared at the frightened yellow Pegasus before her.

"I can't! They'll kill me!"

"That's why we came here; to stop them."

"How can you stop the dead!?"

"I don't know. We're all gathering together before we head to Canterlot. Maybe the princesses have a solution."

"We'll never make it! It's too far!"

"We're safer in a group than apart right now, no matter where we are."

"..."

"Come with us. I promise you'll be okay."

"Really?"

"You have my word."

"But what if they find us?"

"Strength in numbers."

Fluttershy considered Twilight's logic, and could find no flaws.

"Okay..."

"Good. We need to go now. They might've heard the glass shatter."

Fluttershy nodded, and Twilight led her outside by the hoof.