Applejack had been going about her normal day to day routine, when out of nowhere Fluttershy tackled her.

She blinked and looked up towards Fluttershy who backed off of her when she realized what she had done. Applejack hadn't said anything just yet, but that look in Fluttershy's eyes reminded her of one thing...Flutterbat.

Didn't Twilight fix things? Fluttershy was back to normal right? She took a deep breath as she spoke, not wanting to scare Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy...what's wrong?” she questioned, the concern audible in her tone. Applejack wanted to help her, but she wasn't sure exactly what was going on. Her instincts told her whatever it was, it couldn't be good.

“I...don't know,” replied Fluttershy honestly.

“Listen, whatever it is, you can tell me okay? Just try…,” spoke Applejack softly. She noticed how Fluttershy tensed up and her ears drooped just a bit. Applejack put a hoof on her shoulder, to assure her everything would be okay.

“I'm scared,” Fluttershy whimpered.

“Scared of what? Me? You know I would never hurt you, Sugarcube,”
assured Applejack.

“No...not you. Of myself, of what I might do to you,” replied Fluttershy.

Hearing that only confirmed her suspicions, Flutterbat was every bit still a part of her, but why would it want anything to do with her? Did it think she was an apple? As she stood and thought about it, she realized that neither of them really fully knew what was going on, but her brows furrowed, they’d figure this out together.

“Fluttershy, don't be scared, we can just sit and talk this out okay? Everything will be fine, we just need to figure this out,” began Applejack, rubbing at her chin, trying to think of exactly what to do next. She wasn't one to typically think about this kind of stuff, but if there was one thing she did know, was that she would do anything for her friends, no matter what.

How could she not be scared? She didn't want to hurt anypony, especially not one of her closest friends. She knew how much she hated the vampire fruit bats, and she really didn't want her to end up hating her, or worse...

Fluttershy took a deep, steadying breath, her whole body feeling like it would give out from under her. It seemed confiding in Applejack had been the right decision after all.

Suddenly, she felt a hoof on her shoulder, normally this would have made her jump, but she was calmed in hearing the all too familiar southern drawl that belonged to one of her dearest friends.

“Sugarcube, it's okay to be scared, it's only natural. I hate seeing you so unsure of yourself, I know Fluttershy would never want to harm her friends, don't you worry your little head off. I've got a few ideas stirring,” stated Applejack.

Applejack took a deep breath as she steadied her hooves upon the earthly grounds between her. Solid as a oak, she was ever firm and vigil.

“But…,” began Fluttershy when Applejack shook her head and looked right into Fluttershy's hues of green.

“No buts, we all have our doubts; we all have our faults and failings. we’ll figure this out, I know it. I feel it right here,” spoke Applejack her hoof right on top of Fluttershy's chest, where she was able to feel her heart thumping through her touch.

“What if...I can't control the urge?” spoke Fluttershy her ears fattened to the side of her head, her head sinking just a bit.

“If that happens, if we'll figure out what to do then if that time comes. For now, just try not to let Flutterbat take over the Fluttershy we all love and care for,” replied Applejack.

“Okay...,” replied Fluttershy timidly. Her wings straightened a bit, her heart a fluttering and a slight smile crossing her lips, as she leaned in to embrace Applejack in a soft hug.

Applejack leaned into the hug, and the two held each other. They nuzzled against each other affectionately Applejack let go of the hold as she tipped her hat towards Fluttershy.

“I'm sure I don't need to tell you this, but I have lots of work to do. If you need me, just come and find me, and I'll make time,” spoke Applejack.

“Do you need help?” questioned Fluttershy.

“No thank you, Fluttershy. Big Mac, Apple Bloom and Granny are helping out this year, so I'm not doing it all by myself.”

“Uh-huh,” replied Fluttershy softly. She should probably get going...she knew Angel was probably expecting her by this point. Though she had completely forgotten the reason she had come here. The bats!

“Oh...um, Applejack…,” began Fluttershy.

“Yes, Sugarcube what is it?” questioned Applejack as she had been about to begin apple bucking again, when Fluttershy had spoke up once more. She began to wonder if this was going to be a real issue for the two of them.

“Could I check in on the vampire fruit bats? You know make sure they're okay?” she asked.

“Of course. You don't need to ask that. You are always welcome to check on them whenever you would like, after all the sanctuary was your idea after all,” replied Applejack.

Fluttershy nodded and walked over to where the sanctuary was located. It wasn't far off from the main part of the orchard, she could hear the loud thud when Applejack's hooves hit against the trees.

One of the little bats landed on her shoulder, her muzzle nudging it's own affectively so.

“Oh how I've missed you! How are you and your family?” she asked the little one.

The little one seemed to flap about in the air, using her wingspan and her fangs as she chattered on about how things were much better now that they had food for their bellies and the little ones wouldn't starve. She nuzzled more against Fluttershy, almost clinging to her, before she heard her mother screech for her, and then she had to flutter off.

Fluttershy waved to them, she sat down on her rump as she simply enjoyed the view the sanctuary gave to her. There was nothing quite like the feeling knowing she had been in the right all along even if it had been hard to stand up for herself. She inhaled a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Things were going to get better; she was sure of that much. At least, it was one thing she was sure of….

She couldn't help it. Even with Applejack's support, she still felt confused about her other half. Perhaps it was all in her mind? She...didn't really want Applejack like that right? Sure...she had often thought of someday finding a special somepony and being with someone like Applejack wouldn't be too hard for her to see, but there was a big difference between lust and love, and she had to sit and think, how did she feel about Applejack?

Applejack was a kind and loyal pony that would do just about anything for any pony in need. She was dedicated and honest, and a very hard worker. She often overworked herself in order to meet the needs of the town. This Fluttershy knew all too well, they were good friends after all.

She enjoyed watching the bats as they flew from tree to tree. She even watched as a momma bat feed her little ones for the very first time. It was so endearing to see. She knew that this was the right thing to do even if she had been scared before. She felt much more confident in her decision and why she had said the things she had. She understood Applejack's hesitation to the idea, but after her becoming Flutterbat it was then that Applejack fixed things, but yet...Flutterbat was still a part of her. She worried about what might happen if things got out of hand. She certainly didn't want to do anything to Applejack like that. No...she wouldn't.

Fluttershy simply decided to sit there awhile longer. She was able to hear Applejack applebucking the trees. She smiled every so slightly. She stood up on her hooves, wiping the little bit of dirt that got entangled in her tail before moving on. She needed to get back to her animals she knew Angel at the very least was wondering where she had gotten off too. She paused in her steps and thought about stopping by Twilight's and talking to her about how she felt, but she had already put her trust in Applejack, and she'd rather not get more ponies involved unless it was necessary. Maybe...just maybe she was delusional, and she had simply imagined those thoughts had come from within her. She quickly shook the image of digging fangs into Applejack's flank and went to leave the orchard.

“Hey Fluttershy!” yelled a young and chipper voice.

Fluttershy stopped immediately in her tracks as an ever excited Apple Bloom came into view, bouncing on her little hooves as she walked along.

“Oh hello there Apple Bloom, how are you?” questioned Fluttershy trying to strike up a conservation, yet hoping it wouldn't take long. Angel could be down right nasty when she took too long, and she didn't like making him wait so long for her.

“Oh I'm just dandy. The crusaders are finally going to get our cutie marks!” shouted Apple Bloom as her hooves left the ground, and then fell back down.

“Oh? Really? What in this time?” she asked curiously.

“Mountain climbing!” replied Apple Bloom ecstatically.

“Oh dear...isn't that dangerous?” replied Fluttershy. Her hoof immediately went to her lips, and her wings folded tightly against her frame as she attempted to picture three little fillies climbing a mountain in order to get their cutie marks.

“Yep, but it's okay because sis made us all these cool helmets, and Sweetie Belle is bringing supplies from Carousel boutique, and Scootaloo is bringing ropes,” replied Apple Bloom.

Fluttershy inhaled deeply as her ears folded against her mane. She worried about them getting in over their heads with trying to find their purpose. It wasn't something you could rush. It just came when it was time. Though before she had time to say anything else to Apple Bloom, the filly had already dashed off. Oh well...she was sure they’'d be fine...

She decided not to worry too much about it, and head back to her cottage. On her way, she could see the sweat running down Applejack's face as she wiped her brow with her one hoof. She took a pause after finishing another round of trees in the orchard. She worked too hard she thought. If only there was something she could do to help, but she was a pegasus and didn't really have the endurance for this kind of work, but even getting her baskets would save a little time wouldn't it? Though...as she looked towards Applejack, she felt this sensation run through her. She quickly shook her head. No, just ignore it Fluttershy. It's just your imagination.

Applejack was her friend, not some apple to be eaten...especially not like that. Heck, even if she tried to do such a thing, she'd end up being the one on the bottom. She wasn't a very brave pony. Heck, most of the time she hid herself behind Applejack in the face of danger, yet this other side of her was so drastically different. The things it wanted to do, the lust she felt rising within her. She was suddenly drenched in sweat and she hadn't even lifted a hoof to help…

She found herself memorized, starring hungrily, lustfully at Applejack's hindquarters. She licked her lips. Her eyes seemed to change from a green to a more reddish color. She didn't grow fangs and her wings or mark didn't change, but she felt the urge to pounce Applejack and have her way with her even though she knew inside of her that wasn't what she wanted.

“Fluttershy?” questioned Applejack, “Are you quite alright?”

“I'm fine…,” she spoke in a cheerful yet somewhat sadistic manner.

“You sure about that? You don't quite seem like yourself, Sugarcube,” replied Applejack.

“Oh, I assure you Applejack I'm perfectly normal, nothing to worry about at all,” replied Fluttershy as she went and licked at the side of Applejack's cheek.

Applejack just stood there silently. She had been about to say something, but stopped herself short. There was certainly something wrong, and Fluttershy seemed sure there wasn't. It seemed they had two conflicting opinions once more. Applejack planned to get to the bottom of this. She surveyed Fluttershy's posture and even her expression. Yep...there was no doubt in her mind. She was going to get help, and she knew just the pony to talk too — the pony who had accidentally caused this whole thing in the first place, Twilight.

“Fluttershy, why don't you stay here and help Big Mac with the apples. Just, you know, get him fresh baskets when he needs them. I'm going to go run a quick errand, and I'll be right back,” spoke Applejack. It was technically not lying, but she felt a bit disheartened by tricking Fluttershy to stay here like that.

“Oh...sure I'd love too,” smiled Fluttershy as she happily flew over to where Big Mac was.

Hopefully, she could get Twilight's help, before anything...happened.

Applejack hurried her hooves over to Twilight's home of the Golden Oak's library, and knocked on the door. A few ponies of the town had waved to her. One had even asked for her signature. She didn't have time for this! She had something important to do. She took a deep breath, holding her hat close to her chest as she thought of her dear friend. She was sure this wasn't normal of her. It had to have something to do with those gosh darn bats. She clenched her teeth, putting her hat back upon her head when Twilight came to the door.

“Applejack?” she questioned. “What are you doing here? I thought you'd be out applebucking at this time of the day.”

“Well, yes... I was, but Twilight, can I come in? We really need to talk.” She leaned in close enough for Twilight to hear and made it barely audible enough for even Twilight to hear. “I think Flutterbat might still be within our dear friend.”

“Oh...Celestia!” exclaimed Twilight as a hoof went to her mouth.

“Shh, not so loud. We don't want to get too many involved in this. You know fully well how sensitive it is.”

“Yes, come in. Spike! I need books!”

“Don't you always?” replied Spike with a raised eyebrow.

That was when Twilight Sparkle hoof palmed, and told Spike which particular books to go and fetch from the shelves while she and Applejack went into her private study to talk about what was going on. Twilight didn't really know the full story yet, but she would do whatever she could to help. Fluttershy was a dear friend, and especially with how things went with the whole bat thing, she wanted to make it up to her for seeming so rude and uncaring for the feelings of the animals. Twilight Sparkle sighed. She should know by now that magic was never going to fix things so easily.

Author's Note

Hey every pony, thanks for reading this if you are reading it as I write this. I...am so grateful that you take the time to read these stories of mine, they keep me from depression, and give me something to do that I truly enjoy, and even if I'm not the "best" out there, I hope I can bring forth something worthwhile. Not sure when Chapter 3 will be written, but hopefully it doesn't take me a whole month!