Fluttershy's Path to Heaven

Chapters

1. The Holy Word
2. The Companions
3. The Enemy

1. The Holy Word

Chapter 1 – The Holy Word

There are many journeys a pony can make during his lifetime. A journey is nothing more, nothing less than a path, a hardship that ponies need to conquer in order to fulfill their objectives. Some of them made journeys desiring to find health, others to find treasure and others just for the thrill of adventure. Still, none of those journeys are more dangerous and terrifying than the search for the truth. Of course none of them is more rewarding either.

Everypony at a right moment of their lives gets into contact with the light. The light can come in many ways, but the truth that it leads to is always a single one. When the ponies see the light they have two choices: to pursue or ignore it. And many choose to ignore, because they desired to stay in the comfort of their lives, to live and do whatever they wanted to do rather than follow where this path could bring them.

Fluttershy's journey began the day she borrowed a special book in Twilight’s library. Her quest started when she was looking at the shelves of Ponyville Library, wanting to find a new book to read. It was then that a special book caught her attention: it was just waiting on the shelf to be borrowed. It was a bit dusty, showing that it had been some time since it was last borrowed. She looked at its cover: it was black, the words ‘The Holy Word’ written with silver colored words.

“The Holy Word?", asked Fluttershy, her curiosity being clear. She picked the book with her wings, bringing it near Twilight. "Twilight, what is this book about?”

“Fluttershy… I’m not very sure. The only thing I know is that there are some ponies out there who take it very seriously. I think they are called Silverians or something like that. They usually live on the borders of Equestria, so I don't really know much about them.”, answered Twilight, who was busy reading another book.

“Can I borrow it?”, the yellow Pegasus asked.

“Yeah, sure”, said Twilight.

As Fluttershy prepared to leave the room with it, a thought struck Twilight. She quickly removed her eyes from the book, looking at Fluttershy and saying with worry: "Wait a bit... I must warn you that this book... it kind of mess with ponies. Please remember that it’s only a book."

Fluttershy was confused by Twilight reaction. Why did she make this warning? Still, she just nodded in compliance before taking the book back to her cottage. And there she started to read about it…

"In the beginning the Master created the heavens and the earth", read Fluttershy loudly. She was sitting on her couch, wanting to relax after finally doing all her obligations to the animals. Angel bunny was sleeping soundly on his crib, so she would have a lot of time to continue her reading.

As she read the book, she got shocked: the book was harsh in its words, denouncing all the evil that plagued the world of the past. The Master showed himself as an implacable judge, one that would unleash vengeance upon his creation without remorse.

"I always knew that the times of the past were barbaric... so much that the Wendigos almost brought the end of our world. Still, I never expected that things would be like this", Fluttershy said, quickly closing the book with emotion.

Fluttershy put the book on a stand near her, unsure if she wanted to keep reading it. The mare had always been pretty emotive and seeing so much evil made her feel sick. Still... she felt like there was something else in the book, something that she needed to see. After thinking about it for a few moments, she remembered Twilight words 'It's just a book'. "Ah yes, that's right. It’s just a book. I shouldn't let it hold me over like that", said the yellow mare.

Decided that this was just a story, Fluttershy picked it up and continued reading. She was determined to read it until the end…

Time passed. Everyday Fluttershy would spare an hour or two to continue reading The Holy Word... and the more she read, the more questions started pouring at her mind.

The idea that a single, omnipotent and perfect creator made the world bothered her, making she wonder how could such a being even exist. The strangest thing about The Master is that he appeared like two completely different beings: one that was the bringer of love and mercy for all creation, the other was the bringer of divine wrath upon those who broke his laws.

And even through the book had several passages that made her feel uneasy, she just couldn't stop reading it. What started as something just for fun started to feel like an obligation, like she needed to go with it until the end... even if it did bring her emotions she would naturally avoid.

Things then changed when she entered in the New Covenant: it was there that she learned about the messiah, Silver Light.

Silver Light, the son of the creator… the one who took the ultimate price, dying so all the evil in the world could be redeemed. The book taught about his birth, his miracles, his teachings. The book told that his messages touched the hearts of thousands of ponies whenever he went... just like they had touched hers.

"He actually asked for forgiveness for his enemies? The ones who humiliated, tortured and brutally killed him?", Fluttershy asked in shock, tears slowly filling her eyes. She always considered herself to be good pony... but even she wondered if she would be able to do that, especially in the face of her own death.

"Love your enemies, because what value there is in loving those who are your friends...", Fluttershy said loudly again, wondering if she truly did all those things. Did she actually love others like Gilda and Discord for example? She did actually help reform Discord... but was it out of love? Was it really out of desire to help him? Or mostly because Celestia asked her too?

Fluttershy got confused upon her own feelings. She remembered how much hate, how much mean she could be... even to her friends when her buttons were pushed. And there was a stallion, one who simply let himself be taken to a slaughterhouse out of love for others.

While Fluttershy wasn't actually sure if what she was reading was real, she began wishing with all her heart that such a stallion existed. She wanted that a message like this would be relayed through the world. It was strange: she started loving the figure of Silver Light while wanting to dismiss his creator.

She read about how much his followers struggled to relay his word... and how gruesome their endings were. How could so many ponies be motivated to do something, even though they knew the consequences?

'It's just a book.', Twilight words kept going on Fluttershy’s mind. And even with all the evil she had read about in this book, she started to wish it was true. Because of him, just him... what he showed to be. She wished from the depth of her heart that a stallion like this truly existed. There were many ponies who actually preached love... but how many preached love against those who hates you?

She finally arrived at the ending of the book. In it there were promises of a new world, a perfect heaven for the ones who were saved and final punishment for those who weren't. The prospect of the world ending was a new one for the innocent mare, one that deeply worried her. What if a final judgment really existed? Would each of her deeds be put on a scale, for everypony else to see?

She finally closed her book. She truly started to wonder if it really was 'just a book'. Many ponies called the prophecy of Nightmare Moon just a story... and they were all proved wrong in the end. What if there really was a final judgement coming to her world?

The more she thought about it the more sense it made. How could a perfect world such as hers be created without the supervision of a supreme being? Some ponies stood that the alicorns were the ones who created the world, others that it was created in a concentrated mana explosion. Still, each explanation ponies came up with would always create even more questions, questions that would show the need of an external force, something else in order to deliver them. Was this force just 'chance'... or could it be the Master?

Wanting to know more, she decided to do something that the book suggested, something that she never had done before: she prayed.

Fluttershy closed her eyes, put her hooves together and said: "The Master, I am still not sure if you are real... but your book says: 'ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.' Please then, show me the truth."

She suddenly felt relieved, like she had just gotten ridden of a heavy burden on her back. Feeling content, she closed the book and went to her bed…

That night Fluttershy had a very vivid nightmare: she saw Ponyville, Canterlot, Cloudsdale. She was standing on top of a mountain, a mountain so tall that it allowed her to see the entirety of Equestria. Suddenly, she saw the skies turning red and began hearing the sound of thunder falling.

Trumpets began to ring in a chorus, like an announcement of the end of the world. Fire started to fall from the heavens, destruction falling upon the entire world. Fluttershy quickly closed her eyes, trying to shield them from the horrifying images…

"Oh no, please no!" she screamed, not wanting to see anymore.

Suddenly the sound of destruction stopped. She slowly opened her eyes, seeing the destruction the fire had brought. Tears started falling from her eyes to the ground, shocked for the destiny of her homeland.

She then looked through the burned remains of Everfree Forest: there was a ray of light cutting through the skies, showing a city who wasn't affected by the destruction.

The city was yellow like gold, releasing light through the horizon. Her vision focused on it, allowing her to see inside: the ponies which lived there were wearing white robes, all of them also releasing light. They were calm, protected from the fire by the light that bathed the city.

"Is this... the promised Celestial City?" asked the confused Fluttershy .

Suddenly she heard a voice, softly yet kind ringing on her ears: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

"All this destruction... is there a way I can save this world?" replied Fluttershy, using her hooves to clean her tears.

She then saw an earth pony standing before her: it was a stallion, strong and tall. He had the appearance of a hard farm worker, using a short, silver mane. His body was white and his eyes were silver too. Compared with other stallions, he didn't seem that special... but there was a huge light from heaven following him.

"Are you... him?" Fluttershy opened her mouth, unsure of which word she could say that would fit what she was seeing with her eyes.

"Follow me" the stallion replied with a smile.

The stallion then turned in pure light, looking like a star. It quickly started flying towards the Celestial City on the horizon.

"Wait, please! I have so many questions!" Fluttershy shouted as she started to run after him.

Not paying attention, Fluttershy accidentally tripped, falling from the mountain. As she fell, she heard his voice saying: "Know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Fluttershy woke up. She was sweating... heavy. It was not everyday that she had a dream that was so livid… a dream which showed the end of all things.

At first she tried to disregard it as a simply nightmare, but the next night she had it again. What was the chance of having the same dream two consecutive nights?

She decided that there had to be something wrong with her... or was it perhaps with the book? She needed to know more, so she started to search for more knowledge.

She started to visit Twilight library regularly. Twilight would often comment: "Wow, Fluttershy! I knew you liked reading... but not that much.". Twilight didn't bother to see what the yellow pegasus was actually reading.

She started picking books, maps and anything else that could show Silver Light and where he lived. While the mare succeeded in learning more about the areas taught in the Holy Word and their tribes, she just couldn't find anything about Silver Light. Nothing at all.

Feeling tired and down, she returned home. 'Well... I did what I could do. I guess there was nothing to find after all.', thought Fluttershy. Even saying those words to herself, she knew that this wasn't entirely the truth. Her dream… she knew where she had to go find her answers, but she was afraid of it. Even though she lived near the Everfree Forest, she knew that nopony had ever crossed it completely and returned.

Fluttershy decided to call off the day, going to her bed… and as she expected, there was the same dream of all those nights. She woke up, breathing heavily and sweating like in the other times. This night, however, she tried something different: she kneeled over the floor, closing her front hooves and praying: "Silver Light... I want to find you. But I am afraid of going into the forest alone. Please send me a light."

Upon saying those words, she felt relaxed. Just like when she prayed the first time. "Perhaps it was this that my heart was desiring...", she said quietly as she returned to sleep…

This was the first night in many that she actually slept well. In fact… she felt like she had never slept better. When she woke up, she was feeling great, highly motivated: she almost jumped out of her bed, quickly making up a list of all her chores, marking which tasks she had been delaying during her study of The Holy Word.

Angel suddenly woke up from the commotion, watching what his keeper was doing. Fluttershy was working fast, setting her objectives of the day on a nearby table. She was thinking, seeing the most efficient way to accomplish them.

Angel reacted by giving a few steps backwards, terrified by how her owner was acting. What happened to the shy mare that he knew so well? While she had never failed to live up to her obligations, it was just so strange to see her acting confident and taking pleasure upon her menial tasks.

He could only watch as Fluttershy went straight into the kitchen, setting up breakfast for her and her house animals. After eating, she picked her list and went straight outside, determined to fulfill every last thing on it.

Her friends noticed through the weeks the difference in Fluttershy life, which kept reading about this single book and would sometimes even talk about it. For some reason they couldn’t see, each day Fluttershy grew more confident… not only in her personality, but also in her faith. Their friends decided to stay quiet about this issue, not wanting to upset her. That stood until one day, when Twilight finally decided to confront her about what was happening.

“Are you still reading that book, Fluttershy?” asked Twilight clearly worried.

“Yes. My heart… it tells me to keep going”, said Fluttershy, her wings touching the place where her heart resided.

“But didn't you say that book made you feel uneasy? If that’s so, you should stop reading it”, replied Twilight, continuing: “I have many other good books on my library. You could also try them!”

“But Twilight… while there are things in this book that made me upset… there are other things that I have been feeling. Things that I have never felt before”, Fluttershy answered.

“What do you mean, Fluttershy?”, Twilight questioned. That last bit picked her interest.

“I… I had a vision, Twilight. I saw that a great fire is coming from the skies… and that it will destroy Equestria as a whole. And then there is this stallion that promises us that there is a refuge, a place where we can be saved from the fire. But we need to find it first!”, explained Fluttershy.

Twilight stared at Fluttershy, disbelief clearly in her face: “That’s… that’s impossible, Fluttershy! It makes no sense, why would fire come from nowhere and destroy everything? And who is this stallion that claims to know how to save the world?”

“He is… he is Silver Light, the son of the Master, our creator”, said Fluttershy, worried that Twilight wouldn't take her seriously.

Twilight looked for a whole minute at Fluttershy, thinking about what to say: “That’s… enough for me. Listen Fluttershy, I don’t want you to read this book anymore. This book is just stories… fantasies, Fluttershy. It’s not real.”

“But…”, Fluttershy tried to argue…

“Fluttershy, the world has existed for millions of years. We have Celestia, our leader, and the elements of harmony to protect us. This is silly. The world won’t end… not in such a silly way, I mean”, Twilight continued.

“Twilight… I think I want to see it for myself. I truly believe in it, because what my heart is feeling can’t be an illusion. And I want to search for this place… and when I find it, I will bring you and all our friends so they can be saved too”, said Fluttershy, decided.

“Fluttershy, you won’t find anything. I… I lied to you before”, Twilight admitted, a bit of guilty in her voice: “Truth is… I had already read this book. And I too searched for this refuge, but I could never find it.”

“But Twilight, did you truly believe in it?”, asked Fluttershy.

This question pierced Twilight. She stood still for a moment, no reaction, before finally answering: “Listen Fluttershy… I am tired of arguing with you. You want to get in this dream hunt, fine. But I warn you, you won’t find anything. Because there is nothing to be found.”

Before Fluttershy could counter-argue, Twilight got up and left the house. Fluttershy could only look as her friend went away.

Fluttershy felt bad for the discussion she had with her friend, however she was decided to find the truth about the book. Every day she kept reading the book, and she started to meditate about what lessons she could get from it. But even with all her dedication, there were still passages she couldn't understand. She wished to simply move, to seek the city at the heart of the Everfree Forest… but she couldn't find how she should start her journey for the light. So Fluttershy choose to do what the book had told her to do: she starting to pray every night, wishing for somepony who could guide her in her journey.

As time passed, Fluttershy began to get unsure if her prayers were actually being received, because no matter how much she read for herself, she just couldn't find the right way to start her search.

But one certain day, during a moment of weakness, her prayers were answered. Fluttershy was alone in her bedroom, looking at the book:

“I keep trying and trying… but I just can’t find the way. Perhaps Twilight was right… but was everything I felt just a lie?”, Fluttershy asked, tears starting to fall from her eyes.

As doubt filled her heart, she heard someone knocking on her door. She went and opened it, seeing a stallion outside. He was white, his eyes and hair being black. He had a cutie mark of a silver cross and was an earth pony.

“Hello, miss. I need to ask you for some directions…”, he said, when he suddenly noticed the tears in her face. He then gave a worried look, asking: “What’s the problem, miss?”

“It’s just… I have this book here; it’s named ‘The Holy Word’. I read and read it, trying to find the path to him… but I just can’t seem to grasp it”, answered Fluttershy, shame clearly in her voice.

“Do you really want to find the light?”, asked the stallion.

“Yes... please, you don’t know how much hard this has been for me!”, pleaded Fluttershy.

“Then I can help you. I know the way”, answered the stallion, his words comforting the yellow pegasus.

“Thank you, mister…?”, asked Fluttershy, waiting for his name.

“You may call me Evangelist, for I go from town to town preaching the word. Silver Light, the son of the Master, actually resides in this direction”, he answered, pointing with one of his hoofs to the forest. He continued: ”Far behind the mountains and the Everfree Forest. If you look with your heart you will see his shining light. Can you see it?”

“I…”, Fluttershy looked at the direction, trying to see something. After looking straight for a few moments, she finally noticed a ray of light shining on a very far place. Her eyes got wide, her voice softly replying: “I… can.”

“It was always there, Fluttershy”, answered Evangelist. He gave her a head nod, before continuing: “Those who look deep inside their own hearts can see it, but sadly very few ponies have the necessary faith to do so. This is why my work is important: all ponies have the capacity to see the light… they just need a little push to do so.”

“I see”, replied Fluttershy, still amazed by what had just happened.

“Then you are ready to go, Fluttershy. Start your journey, go now and don’t look back. And when you arrive you will find the door”, said Evangelist.

“The door?” asked a confused Fluttershy.

“Yes, and you will know how to unlock it. You should go quickly, because they are coming to try to stop you”, answered Evangelist, pointing to the trail that went to her house.

Fluttershy looked where he was pointing, only to see Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Rainbow Dash coming near her house.

“But I…”, said Fluttershy. Her heart was beating fast and her thoughts were flying like a rocket.

“They won’t believe in you. But your heart knows this is true. If they stop you, you will never be able to see it for yourself. Go before they catch with you”, said Evangelist, waiting for her reaction. He stopped for a moment before asking: “Do you really believe in the word?”

“I...”, Fluttershy was frozen. Now it was time to make her choice. She closed her eyes, thinking about everything that happened, everything she felt and did. She finally realized the truth, answering: “I do.”

“Then you know what you need to do”, replied Evangelist, using his hoof to touch his heart.

Having made her mind, Fluttershy quickly turned to the Everfree Forest, running towards it with all her might.

“Fluttershy, come back here!”, screamed Twilight.

“Fluttershy, darling, please don’t go!”, shouted Rarity.

“Fluttershy, we need you here!”, screamed Rainbow Dash.

“C’mon Fluttershy, what about your cottage?! Your animals?!”, questioned Applejack loudly.

“Fluttershy, is it because of the muffins? I promise my next batch will is far better!”, shouted Pinkie Pie, tears falling through her cheeks.

Upon hearing their voices, Fluttershy stopped for a second. She turned her head back, tears falling through her face. She suddenly shouted: “I am sorry… I really wish there was another way… but there isn’t! I have to do this… I have to do this for all of us!”

Upon saying these words, Fluttershy started to run with all her strength towards the darkness of the Everfree Forest. Her friends could only look in awe as the well known shy Pegasus disappeared from their view…

Author's Note

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8:32

2. The Companions

Chapter 2 – The Companions

Fluttershy friends stood frozen for a minute, trying to understand what had just happened. Fluttershy, one of their best friends had just run inside the Everfree forest. Where was the scared, low initiative pony they knew and loved?

The first one to snap out of it was Rainbow Dash. She turned back to her friends and said: “What are you guys doing? We have to chase her!” starting to run towards where Fluttershy had disappeared.

“Rainbow Dash, don’t go without us!” shouted Rarity, who went running after her.

“We need to make a plan first!” followed Twilight.

“And what do you plan to do when you get to her?!” asked Applejack loudly, before continuing: “Bring her by force?!”

Rainbow Dash suddenly turned midway, shouting back: “She needs our help! That is the only thing that matters!”

Without losing another moment, Rainbow Dash returned to her chase, going in a speed that was impossible to follow.

Pinkie Pie prepared to go after the duo, when she noticed that Twilight was still frozen in her place. She looked at her with sad eyes, asking: “Hey, Twilight? What’s wrong? We have to follow Fluttershy!”

“It’s… it’s my entire fault that this happened. Why did I allow her to borrow that book? Now she is inside the forest, searching for something that probably doesn’t exist, in a place full of dangerous creatures and monsters...”, answered Twilight, a tear falling from her eyes.

“Twilight, it’s not yer fault” said Applejack, putting a hoof on the back of her friend. She continued: “You could never expect that to happen.”

“Twilight, we can still catch her! Let’s go after them!”,Pinkie Pie shouted while bouncing in place, trying to get her attention.

Twilight shook her head, trying to recover from the shock. She turned her view to Pinkie Pie, then to Applejack… and then to Evangelist. Looking at him, she began to walk towards the stallion, clearly anger in her eyes.

“YOU! It’s your fault this happened!” shouted Twilight in a menacing tone, continuing: “What things have you put into her head?!”

“She made her choice. In truth I tell you I wouldn't be here if she didn't ask for it”, Evangelist answered in a soft voice.

“You took her from us… you sent her to a place full of monsters and dangers! What were you thinking!?” Twilight kept shouting.

“And in truth I tell you: she is far safer there, with the many monsters and dangers that lurk in the Everfree Forest, than here, living under sin and in ignorance of what is going to happen”, Evangelist answered again, this time raising a bit the tone of his voice.

At this point Twilight anger was getting pretty close to explode. “If anything happen to her… I will never forgive you”, she warned, her words cold like steel.

“Should you ever do anything to me… know that I will forgive you”, Evangelist answered with a smile.

“Wha.. What kind of reply is this?!” Twilight shouted, not finding a way to counter it. Who in the world replied a threat like that? “Ah, forget you! Pinkie, Applejack, let’s go after Fluttershy!”

“Okie dokie loki!" said Pinkie Pie, starting to bounce in place again.

“Right after you, Twilight!”, said Applejack, a determined look on her eyes.

Together, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Twilight Sparkle rushed towards the forest, trying to catch Fluttershy and hopefully take her back to the safety of Ponyville and her friends.

Evangelist stood, only looking as they disappeared from his vision. When the last mares entered into the forest, he knelled into the ground, starting to pray: “My lord… I know that the yellow mare will be safe… but what will happen with her friends? Please… look after them.”

Fluttershy ran the further she could inside the forest, before her need of breathing finally catching up with her. Stopping to rest for a minute, her mind started race again: ‘What have I done? I never thought this was actually inside me. As I too reckless? But… he was right. They would try everything to stop me. Oh, I really hope I didn't cause them too much worry…’.

Fluttershy looked back, checking if she had truly lost her chasers. Not seeing anything, she got up and started to walk through the forest.

‘It’s strange…’ , Fluttershy thought, continuing: ‘It seems that the Everfree Forest isn't so terrifying… not like in all those times I visited her before. In fact, I never noticed how different some of those flowers are… some are even kind of pretty.’.

Fluttershy started to daydream as she went through the path, her thoughts only being interrupted when she stepped on a stick or almost tripped at a branch.

The forest was serene: the only sounds that could be heard were of birds and small animals. For a place that was usually regarded as a dangerous and spooky place, the forest was actually relaxing Fluttershy’s body from her previous chase.

As Fluttershy kept going through the path, suddenly a force pushed her with great strength. Fluttershy rolled on the ground, ending falling on her back. She looked back only to see Rainbow Dash and Rarity standing near her.

“Girls, how did you catch me?” Asked Fluttershy, surprised.

“*puff* *puff* I am not called Rainbow Dash for nothing!” said Rainbow Dash, who was catching her breath. Feeling a bit better, she continued: “Anyway, are you nuts Fluttershy? Running away like that?”

“*puff* *huff* Yes, darling. You shouldn't try to do such reckless things without telling us!, Rarity continued, also recovering from the chase. She continued: “Because of you, my hooves are muddy and my mane is full of leaves.”

“I am sorry. But you guys didn't believe me before… you would try to stop me.” Fluttershy answered, looking sad.

“Of course we would!” shouted Rainbow Dash, continuing: “Listen Fluttershy, this is foolish! I already talked with Twilight and she told me that this… book of yours is just a tale, a myth! And besides, why are you doing this? What did this story promise you that would make you risk your own life?!”

Fluttershy stopped for a moment, remembering about everything she had read. She then felt a surge of confidence filling her, allowing her to say everything that was in her heart:

“Rainbow Dash, I know it’s hard to believe… but I felt it. I know it’s true. Listen, Silver Light promises us a refuge from the destroying fire. I read about it, the Celestial City... it will be a place where we will receive eternal life, a place where everything will be happiness. There will be treasures that nopony never touched before. And most important... it will be a place with no tears, because its owner will be there to wipe out each one of them”, Fluttershy answered.

“Wait, there is more”, Fluttershy continued: “But while the promised rewards are many, they aren't the true reason I ran away. Listen, when Silver Light died on the cross... he sustained all of the sins of the world. I read the book and I say, there were many passages who made me feel terrible. But I saw that each of them had been provoked by evil. He didn't just die on the cross; he took the burden of all of the sins in the world! He paid the ultimate price just that you and me could have a chance for salvation. And we never asked for it… he died so that those who believe in him could be saved…”

Fluttershy stopped again, a tear falling from her eyes. She touched her heart with one of her wings before continuing: “I want to see him, Rainbow Dash. To sacrifice yourself to save the whole world and everything that will come after you… is there a greater proof of love? Or kindness? He was the son of The Master, he didn't need to do any of this. But he did. This is why I believe in the book and this is why I believe in him.”

“I believe that he exists… and that he is around the world, somewhere waiting for us to find him”, Fluttershy said, tears starting to fall freely. She continued: “I have to find him. This is the only way we can have a chance at salvation.”

Her two friends could only stare blank as the yellow pegasus made her speech. When Fluttershy finished it, she got kind of shocked: she had never talked so much about herself before. And for the first time… she had finally said everything that was in her heart. She looked at her friends, waiting to see if they finally understood why she believed in the book.

Both of Fluttershy friends stood for a few minutes in silence. Rarity was the first one to say something: “Darling, I am so sorry. I now see why this is important for you.”

Then it was Rainbow Dash turn to say: “Yes, this… Silver Light, is it? That seems like a cool name.”

“So... hum... you guys believe in me?”, said Fluttershy, wiping her tears and giving a smile.

“Hum… nope”, answered Rainbow Dash with a sly smile. She continued: “However I won’t stop you anymore. You must do what you must do.”

“Rainbow Dash… I really wish you would believe it”, Fluttershy said sadly. She then remembered of her vision about the destruction that was coming. Suddenly her face was filled with hope as she had an idea. She said: “Don’t worry, Rainbow Dash! When I arrive at the sacred place I will ask the lord to send you a personal invitation.”

“Well… sure, why not!” answered Rainbow Dash, feeling a bit uncomfortable. She turned to Rarity and said: “C’mon Rarity, let’s go.”

“Wait Rainbow…” said Rarity. She smiled before saying: “I will go with Fluttershy.”

“Are you kidding?” Rainbow Dash asked in disbelief.

“Rainbow Dash… if a place like this truly exists, don’t you think it’s worth trying to find it?” asked Rarity, showing her a wink.

Rainbow Dash quickly got close to Rarity, whispering: “Rarity, do you truly believe in what Fluttershy has said?”

“Of course not, darling” she whispered back, continuing: “But haven't you heard that every tale has a little of truth? Perhaps there is something to be found. And besides… somepony has to go to keep an eye on her, doesn't it?”

Rainbow Dash nodded, agreeing with Rarity. She then gave a few steps back, turning to Fluttershy and giving her a wide smile: “Well, okay then! Have fun with your search guys. I am going to get a cloud, take a little nap, you know?”

“Oh bye, Rainbow Dash. We will see you later!” Rarity said, making a hoof signal to her.

“Rainbow Dash, are you sure you don’t want to come with…” before Fluttershy could finish talking, Rainbow Dash started flying, quick leaving in a rainbow colored flash. Fluttershy could only stare as her friend left the area.

“Don’t mind her, darling” Rarity said, putting a hoof on her back. She smiled to her, before continuing: “Now Fluttershy, tell me more about what we can find in this refuge… especially the treasures.”

Fluttershy eyes got wider, truly believing that Rarity was wishing to learn more. She began to talk about everything that she had read, while Rarity was only nodding with her head.

Together the duo went deeper into the Everfree Forest. Little did they know that their first test of faith was at hand…

Author's Note

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
Matthew 5:8

3. The Enemy

Chapter 3 – The Enemy

Rarity and Fluttershy were walking together through the forest. While they were going Rarity kept asking about the promised safe haven to Fluttershy... however almost all of her questions were more interested in the promises of treasure rather than salvation.

“Do you think there will be many gems in this refuge?” asked Rarity. Her imagination started to fly, showing her a beautiful city full of many buildings, each one decorated with all kinds of gems sparkling at the sun, just waiting to be found by somepony.

“I don’t think so, Rarity. The treasures the book promised weren't… things you can actually get in your hooves”, Fluttershy explained.

“Ah”, replied Rarity, feeling a bit disheartened. She asked then: “But what about silver? There should be lots of silver, he is Silver Light after all!” Rarity imagination started to go again, this time showing a city made of solid silver, with many jeweled crosses and other expensive things.

“Hum…” Fluttershy said a bit uncomfortable, trying to correct her friend: “I don’t think you are actually understanding what this is really about…”

“Of course I do darling!” Rarity reassured her. She continued: “…hey, you also said something about shining clothes. Do you think they are made of a magical fabric? Some kind of new texture?” she spoke as her mind went wild for a third time, imagining how much bits and fame she could get if she made a dress from such material.

“…sigh”, released Fluttershy. She looked up, looking at the sky through the few gaps that existed in the dense vegetation. She began to wonder if Rarity would ever get the message she was trying to share.

After talking for almost an hour without interruptions, Rarity questions finally stopped. “You know dear, I think I will wait to see by myself when we arrive there,” she replied, finally ending the issue. Fluttershy only nodded, tired of answering question after question... while most of her answers went ignored. The duo then proceeded through the woods in silence, taking the time to enjoy the silence of the Everfree Forest…

Sometime later, while the two mares were going through the way they heard a voice coming from the woods: “I wouldn't go through this path if I were you.”

“Who is there?” asked Rarity.

The duo looked around, trying to find where the voice came from. From the middle of the trees a stallion showed up. He was brown, having red eyes and a like flame mane. His head and most of his body were hidden by a wide brown cloak. His appearance was kind of terrifying, a strange creepy smile in his face.

“What are you two little mares doing here?” the stallion said, slowly shaking his head. He continued: “You two must be lost, otherwise I don’t see why you would be going through this way.”

Fluttershy was downright scared. While it was true that Fluttershy never felt comfortable near strangers, there was something in him that made her feel extra uneasy. It was like she could feel evil coming from his presence.

Fluttershy slowly moved besides Rarity, afraid. Rarity was also speechless: she had never seen a stallion with such color scheme before. She also felt like there was something wrong, but she couldn't exactly understand what it was.

Being naturally more sociable, Rarity gave one step forward, answering: “We are seeking a pony named Silver Light. It was said he had a sacred refuge, a place full of treasures. Is it near?”

“Ah, I get it! You two must be adventurers!” answered the stallion with a smirk. Staring at the two mares for a moment, he continued: “You are not the first ones to come after him. I saw many and many ponies trying to find his place. Do you want to know what happened to them?”

“What happened to them?” asked both Rarity and Fluttershy, speaking in unison.

“The smarter ones gave up along the way, returning to their homes. The others… they all had terrible, painful deaths. Their pain was so great that many begged for their lives to end, only to be denied until they couldn't take it anymore…” he answered, his words landing hard on the mares' ears. He then smiled, saying: “Doesn't this sound scary?”

“Err… Fluttershy. That does seem a bit dreadful… are you sure about it?" replied Rarity, as she started to give a few steps back.

Now it was Fluttershy turn to show courage. She quickly went in front of Rarity, answering: “You… You can’t scare us!”

“Ah, but you should be scared. Listen! Through the forest you will meet the Swamp of Oblivion. This swamp was devoured all the ponies who tried to pass through it”, he said, pointing towards the path Fluttershy was following. With a smile, he added: “They disappeared, not even memory of them remained. They were lost forever to the darkness.”

“Should you still insist, there are many creatures in this forest. Not like that dragon or manticore you tamed, Fluttershy”, the stallion continued, now pointing his hoof at Fluttershy. With another smile he added: “These creatures cannot be put in place with your stare. They will get you and rip you to tiny little bits. It will be pretty, pretty messy. And painful if I must add.”

“Without talking about the king of all the demons. Tell me white unicorn: did the yellow Pegasus there ever tell you about Decay?” he finished, now pointing at Rarity.

“Decay?” said Rarity confused. She tried to remember: she was sure that Fluttershy had said something about him… but sadly she hadn't paid attention.

Fluttershy closed her eyes, remembering what she had read about. She opened them and answered: “I read about him. Decay, the enemy of the light, also known as The Traitor. The book told me that he was a very powerful angel, but in his pride went against The Master. He was defeated and condemned to the abyss, a place where only darkness exists.”

“Yes. Decay guards the path to the sacred refuge from all those who try to seek it. And nopony never prevailed in a battle against him!” the stallion replied. His smile suddenly disappeared, his expression turning into a threatening one: “Listen to reason Fluttershy! Go back to your home: you have your cottage, your animals and your friends! You were pretty happy before reading this book… just forget about it and go home!”

Fluttershy stopped a bit, thinking about the stallion words. It was true... she did leave a lot of things back on her hometown. However… she left them to find something else. Something else who could save them and herself. Fluttershy looked at him and replied: “No… you are wrong. At first I couldn't notice it… but this book… The Holy Word was made me stronger. It has helped me grow… I will continue on this path! If I want to save the things I love… I have to first find Silver Light myself!”

“You will never leave this forest alive Fluttershy!” the stallion shouted, stomping his hoof hard at the ground. His face turned to one of pure anger, screaming: “You're not getting it! Doesn't the concept of death make you afraid?!”

“I’m not afraid!” Fluttershy only answered. It was then that a thought crossed through her mind. She gave the stallion a confused eye, asking: “Wait… you did say my name several times through this conversation. I never introduced myself… how do you know about it?”

The stallion froze a bit at the question. He then gave up a smile, which turned into a soft laughter: “Ha ha ha! You really are a clever pony! Oh well, I guess it’s time to end this farce.”.

The stallion then removed his cloak, showing a horn and a pair of wings. In his flank there wasn’t a cutie mark. Rarity and Fluttershy eyes grew wide, shouting in unison: “You are an alicorn!”

“I have looked after you for a good time. I don’t like losing followers, yellow Pegasus! I tried to save you…” said the alicorn, walking in a circle around the two mares. He suddenly stopped, before adding: “No matter. We will meet again.”

After saying those words, the alicorn charged magic through his horn, releasing it. He simply teleported himself, vanishing in a blink of red magic…

Rarity and Fluttershy could only look at each other, their mouths open in confusion. “What did just happen?” was the only thing Rarity could muster.

“I…” answered the yellow pegasus, confused. “I... am not sure.”

Fluttershy then felt something in her heart. She touched it... and then answered: “No… I think I know it. My heart warned me about his evil. He must have been one of the followers of Decay, The Traitor! Do you understand what this means, Rarity?”

“What does it mean?” Rarity was even more confused at this moment.

Her eyes suddenly got bigger. And with a smile, she jumped and shouted: “It means that everything I read is real!”

A second later, however, she noticed that didn't sound very well so she quickly amended: “Well, not that I didn't believe before… but there were so many times that my heart got in doubt. Now I see they were unfounded… that I was on the right path all along!”

“I wouldn't be that sure, darling. He sure seemed like a creepy fellow… but I wouldn't go as far as name him anything like a ‘follower of the darkness’. I mean, he didn't do anything after all,” replied Rarity clearly unbelieving. She added: “Besides, I don’t think this is a good reason to be happy. He did threaten to kill us darling.”

“Well, this is true…”, Fluttershy shrugged. “But I am not worried. Because if he is against us, then that means Silver Light is with us. He will protect us from his evil,” Fluttershy nodded.

“Sure, darling. Let’s ask the invisible stallion to protect us,” Rarity accidentally released with sarcasm. Fluttershy only looked at her with a shocked expression. Rarity then quickly added: “OH! Yes, the invisible stallion that is very real and is always protecting us. In mysterious ways, right Fluttershy?”

Before Fluttershy could answer, Rarity continued: “Ah don’t worry, let’s just keep going! We won’t find the sacred refuge just by standing here, doing small talk!”

Fluttershy sighed again. She was sure that Rarity would start believing after this incident, but it just didn't happen. Returning to their travel the yellow pegasus mind started to fly again: she had read that a follower of Silver Light would be tested many times. Was this the first test? She wasn’t sure…

She remembered what the stallion had said: ‘Swamp of Oblivion… deadly creatures… Decay guarding the path.’ She wondered if he really was lying about them. She wouldn't be surprised if the enemy of the light had put traps along the way. And even though she had just assured Rarity that Silver Light would be protecting them, Fluttershy started to wonder if they really could match the power of evil. If Decay, the strongest angel and the king of demons was really guarding the way, could they really get past him?

Fluttershy shocked these thoughts out from her head. She remembered the phrase: 'If The Master is for us, who can be against us?' If that was true then she shouldn't have fear of what was coming. She finally buried her personal worries, focusing her energy only on going through the forest accompanied by her friend…

Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Applejack were running through the path, trying to find Fluttershy. They were guiding themselves through the mark of hoof-steps, the ones that the yellow mare had left as she dashed. As they were rushing forward Twilight suddenly stopped, accidentally making Pinkie Pie crash in a nearby tree.

“Ouch! Twilly, you need to warn others before stopping!” shouted Pinkie Pie, putting her hoof on her nose.

“Oh, sorry Pinkie. Are you okay?” asked Twilight with a worried expression, quickly offering a hoof to get her up.

“Ah, sure! It was just a bit tiny hit,” answered Pinkie, gladly accepting the hoof.

“Why did ya stop?” asked Applejack, who was following from behind.

“Look…” said Twilight, pointing at the ground. At the ground there were a mark of leaves and broken sticks forming a figure similar to a Pegasus. “Do you know what this means?”

“Ah, I have an idea!” Pinkie Pie said while bouncing.

Before Pinkie Pie could answer Twilight replied, not wanting to give a chance to the pink mare to create one of her random histories: “Don’t bother. It looks like a pony crashed here. I think that means Rainbow Dash caught up with Fluttershy here, pushing her into the ground. That would explain why there is this mark.”

“Couldn't it really have been another thing?” said Pinkie, adding: “Like two bears having a wrestling contest or a…”

Twilight quickly interrupted: “No Pinkie! You can clearly see wings on the shape… and also a bear would leave a much bigger spot!”

“And also… look!” shouted Twilight, noticing something else: “There are hoof prints in this way! They must have gone through there!”

“Hmm… I see. You are really good at this Twilight!” Pinkie Pie complimented her, bouncing happily.

“I really enjoy detective novels,” Twilight nodded, making a detective pose. She always took pride on her deductive ability. “Anyway… let’s get going! I am sure we will quickly catch up with them!”

“Let’s!” said Applejack, who had stood silently watching the two mares conversation.

Twilight looked at the path, preparing to start running. As she started to give her first steps she noticed that Pinkie wasn't following her. Twilight looked back, only to see Pinkie Pie waving her hoof in a greeting way towards the woods.

“Uh… Pinkie Pie? To whom are you shaking your hoof?” asked Twilight, trying to see who she was greeting. Twilight eyes kept scanning the place but they couldn't see anything other than trees and bushes.

“Ah! I was greeting that menacing looking alicorn that was staring at us., answered Pinkie Pie, smiling. “Over there. Can’t you see him?”

“Where?” Twilight Sparkle looked where Pinkie was staring, but no matter how hard she looked she couldn't see anything. “Pinkie you must be mistaken. There is nothing there.”

“Ah ya sure, Pinkie?” Applejack also replied, making an effort to see. “I can’t see anything.”

“But girls… can’t you really see him?” Pinkie looked at them confused. She then turned her head, only to give a shocked expression. “Oh my, look Twilight!”

“What did you saw, Pinkie?!” shouted Twilight.

“Strange… he just disappeared!” Pinkie Pie said, her mouth open in confusion. “Isn't this weird, girls?”

Twilight and Applejack stood still for a minute, trying to understand what did just happen. Twilight suddenly face hoofed herself: she remembered that the mare she was talking with was Pinkie Pie. “Well… this sure was a loss of time. No matter, let’s go girls!” Twilight turned her eyes back on the track of hoof steps, following them.

Applejack didn't say anything, starting to follow Twilight again. While she knew that Pinkie Pie had a mysterious power, which they had nicknamed ‘Pinkie sense’, she also knew how fertile her imagination could be. The pink mare was probably fantasying again.

“Okie Dokie. Bye Mr. Alicorn, wherever you are!” shouted Pinkie Pie, waving her hoof towards nothing. She then started running alongside Applejack and Twilight, with destination towards the depths of the forest…

As the three mares left the area, a sudden red blink appeared. The same alicorn from before showed up from nothing: he was sitting still, without his cloak this time. He used his hoof to touch his head, doing a thinking pose. He said: “Strange… how did the pink mare manage to feel my presence? Hmm… this may become a problem.”

Upon finishing those words the alicorn vanished again, teleporting himself to an unknown place…

Author's Note

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8