The trimmer buzzed loudly as Fluttershy sheered another sheep, filling up the last sack of the day. Dr Fauna, now head of the animal care department in the Crystal War smiled contentedly at Fluttershy.
"Great work Fluttershy! That's another fifty bags off to the war" beamed Dr Fauna, writing the numbers onto her checklist. Fluttershy ushered the sheep back into their pens.
"My pleasure Dr Fauna. I want to help out in any way I can. The past year has been just awful in the war" sighed Fluttershy, remembering all the friends lost in battle. Dr Fauna's smile dulled. She had dealt with thousands of injured animals in need of help, and Fluttershy had been the most promising help they had.
"I have to thank you for all your service Fluttershy. Even though you play a small part, it makes a big difference" said Dr Fauna gratefully. Fluttershy nodded and flew back to her room. The noises of war echoed from where she was, a small quiet corner of the Crystal Empire, away from harm. She heard a bang and rustle coming from under her bed, and walked cautiously towards the noises. Bracing for imapact, she poked a stick underneath the bed.
"Ow!" cried a deep voice which Fluttershy was very familiar with. Discord scrambled from underneath, moaning and grinning at the same time. Fluttershy gasped and gave him a big hug.
"Discord! I missed you!" she said, still hugging him. Discord hugged her back.
"I've had to go through all sorts of predicaments to get here! You will not believe how much I have to hide, despite being the Lord of Chaos!" grumbled Discord. Princess Celestia had released Discord, but had taken his magic away. Ponies were obviously frightened seeing him, so Discord had to go through a lot of efforts to come see Fluttershy. Discord had been sentenced to help in the animal care department along with Fluttershy, and the two had grown very close. Now, Discord visited her often, despite the trouble
"I was worried about you" said Fluttershy, offering him a seat. Discord gazed into her eyes.
"You think I'll leave you in this war? I'll always be here Fluttershy" said Discord, as Fluttershy blushed. The two leaned in, about to kiss, but the door burst open. The pair quickly turned away, Discord whistling suspiciously and Fluttershy uneasily looking around the room.
Dr Fauna stared, puzzled, "I thought you were done working Discord?"
Discord cleared his throat, "Well, I, uh-"
"Was helping me with cleaning after today's sheep" said Fluttershy, as Discord rolled his eyes. Dr Fauna looked at Discord, disgusted.
"Well, I'll leave you two to it" said Dr Fauna, "Oh, and Commander Rainbow Dash of the Third Flying Squadron and Cadets Pinkamena and Maud Pie would like to see you"
Fluttershy chuckle to herself at her friends long and professional names, "Could you bring them here?"
Discord quietly tried to escape, but Fluttershy stopped him, "Where do you think you're going?"
Discord cleared his throat, "Well, you're friends aren't to fond of me, especially Rainbow Dash"
"No, you're staying here! Besides, it may be the last time we see them" In war, you never know when someone would die, especially nowadays. Seeing her expression, Discord sighed, "Very well"
The door burst open as if one cue, and a cyan blue pegasus with rainbow mane and rugged hair, torn ear and silver wing burst in, followed by a pink earth pony mare with dark pink straight hair, and a grey earth pony with short hair. Fluttershy smiled tearfully seing her friends, hugging them tightly. Fluttershy brought them to the table, as they settled down, sipping tea.
"How's the war?" asked Fluttershy, forcing a smile. The other three shared a look.
"Rough. Storm died and Fleetfoot's in the hospital, minimal injuries" said Maud casually. Fluttershy turned to Rainbow, "How's Soarin?"
Rainbow's face fell, "The doctors say there is minimal chance of survival" Fluttershy gasped, and glanced at Rainbow, expecting some emotion, since they were dating. But Rainbow Dash remained stonefaced, staring out the window, "Aren't you upset?"
Rainbow turned to Fluttershy, "This is war. We all have a chance to do service to Equestria, and if Soarin dies, he would have died serving Equestria, and I'll be extremely proud. If any of my friends die in war, I want to help or die with them"
Fluttershy was confused. A week ago, Rainbow Dash was an emotional wreck because of Soarin's injury, but now she was so stern and calm.
"What's he doing here?" asked Pinkie, pointing at Discord. Fluttershy blushed.
"Oh! Uh, he was helping me with the sheep?"
Pinkie rolled her eyes, "So how was he helping with the sheep when he was about to kiss you?"
Discord blushed, "Um, I tripped, and uh-"
"You two are in a relationship" said Maud bluntly.
"Fluttershy, we are in war! There is no time for love!" yelled Rainbow.
Fluttershy stood up, "You were dating Soarin, and you're serving in war more directly than I am!"
"But Soarin and I put our country before our love, he'll die for Equestria soon, not me!"
"What kind of love is it, if you can't even spend time for each other, protect each other? You'll be happy he died, then what kind of marefriend are you? Your love is about to die and you still want to fight, even though there are plenty of other soldiers and commanders! Your 'love' was a joke!" screamed Fluttershy. She suddenly covered her mouth, realizing what she had just said.
Rainbow Dash looked like she was on the verge of tears, but she took a deep breath in, face firm, "I think we are done here"
She spun around, grabbed her helmet and flew off, Maud and Pinkie close behind.
"Oh my gosh! What did I just do!" said Fluttershy, pacing around her room, "If Rainbow dies, I'll be scarred for my life knowing we ended in a fight!"
"Fluttershy-" started Discord.
"What if she is so distracted by our fight, she gets hurt?" blabbered Fluttershy.
"Listen-" interrupted Discord.
"If she dies, I'll be-" Before she could continue, Discord kissed her passionately, and Fluttershy returned it, "Don't worry, you can go apologies tomorrow"
"But the war-" Discord placed a paw on her mouth.
"I have a friend in the Flying Squadron who can organise a stay for you" explained Discord. Fluttershy hugged him tightly, "Thank you so so much!"
"Anytime" grinned Discord. The next day, the pair bid Dr Fauna goodbye and head on out to the Flying Squad Headquarters. Trudging along, they heard yells and cried coming from the battlefield, and they entered a large grey building with the Wonderbolts symbol.
The hall was filled with silent tension, ponies murmuring quietly to each other, not looking up from their food. Discord walked over to the Second Flying Squadron.
"Discord! So good to see you!" cried Wave Chill, patting him on the back, "You're Fluttershy, right? Rainbow Dash talks a lot about you"
"Like what?" Fluttershy was afraid to ask.
"That you're the kindest, most gentle friend she has. Aside from Soarin, you're the only thing keeping her fighting in the war" said Wave, and laughed, "And thanks to you, Dash has saved plenty of lives, even mine!"
"Really?" asked Fluttershy, as Discord smirked as if to say 'I told you so'
"Speaking of- Hey Dash!" said Wave, as Rainbow trotted over.
"Come on Wave. We have better things to do" sneered Rainbow, dragging Wave.
"Wait! These two wanted to talk" explained Wave.
"You ruined everything! My friend was nice and kind until you came along!" yelled Rainbow, turning to Discord.
"Me?" asked Discord puzzled.
"Yeah! I knew you were a bad influence" she cried, and panted. Her eyes glistened with tears, "I've lost one pony I love, I can't loose Fluttershy as well"
The hall went silent as the toughest commander of the Squadrons sobbed quietly. Nopony had seen Rainbow Dash upset for a while, and they thought she had became more tough after Soarin's accident. She quickly wiped her tears.
"Fluttershy, despite your-" Rainbow hesitated, "Not hurtful words, I still consider you friend. But I'm afraid, with this mess of a creature" Discord scowled, as Dash continued, "We can't be friends"
Fluttershy took a deep breath, "Despite how much I value my friendship, with you, I love Discord, and will stand by his side, no matter what, Commander Rainbow"
Rainbow smiled for a second, "While I admire your loyalty towards your partner" she shot a glare at Discord, "I'm afraid you've chosen the wrong 'partner'"
Fluttershy looked at the ground sadly, "I understand" She trotted towards the exit, and Rainbow's face fell a little. Regaining her composure, she stood taller.
"Back to your meals. Nothing to see here"
As Fluttershy and Discord were leaving, they heard voices coming from the infirmary.
"She herself is in desperate condition, you should see her" said a female voice.
"If she sees me again, she won't be able to cope in the war" protested a male voice.
"You've only got a week more!" cried the female. Curious, Fluttershy peeked inside, and saw Nurse Redheart and Soarin Skies talking.
"Excuse us, but what were you talking about?" asked Fluttershy, boldly stepping forward. The two turned heads to see Fluttershy. Nurse Redheart was in a panicked state, hair messy and face distressed. Soarin was in bed, dozens of machines and bandages attached to him, but he was able to speak.
"Fluttershy is it? Come in, Rainbow's said a lot about you" said Soarin. Discord and Fluttershy walked in, shutting the door behind them.
"You were talking about a 'she'?" asked Fluttershy. Nurse Redheart sighed.
"You've probably heard, Soarin will only be around for a week" she said, "Which is why he should spend as much time a possible with Rainbow Dash!"
Soarin rolled his eyes, "She'll get distracted! I was barely able to convince her to leave me and be strong, and you're about to make it worse!" he argued.
"Um, I need your help" interrupted Fluttershy, "Rainbow Dash is mad at me, she said I shouldn't date Discord"
Soarin chuckled, "She's really over-protective of people she loves"
"I know, I've never been more insulted in my life" said Discord, "And I'm centuries old!"
Fluttershy hoof-palmed, "Anyway, no time for jokes, so can you help?"
"The only way to help is to help her in a cause she is passionate for. She'll be convinced of your loyalty then. But that's not a good idea, since the only thing Dash is passionate about these days is-"
"The war" finished Fluttershy. Discord laughed, "Woah woah woah, you're not going to war!"
Fluttershy grew a look of determination, "I have to prove my worth to Equestria, my friends and you. I need to help!"
"But-" started Discord.
"Thousands of ponies and animals are dying Discord! Perhaps even Pinkie, Rainbow, and Maud someday, and I want to help. Every bit counts, and even someone like me wants to make a big difference to helping our kind" announced Fluttershy, "I will go to war!"
Discord, Nurse Redheart, Soarin, and every patient inside stared wide-eyed at Fluttershy, shocked of the small yellow pegasus' outburst.
"Oh! I mean, if that's okay" said Fluttershy embarrassed, returning to her meek self.
"Do I look okay?" asked Fluttershy, putting on the bulky armour. Discord stared.
"Um, yes?"
Fluttershy rolled her eyes, "Thanks for making me feel better"
"I mean, it doesn't matter. I still don't think you should go" said Discord.
Fluttershy shook her head, "I need to prove myself"
"But maybe there's another way to do that" said Discord. Fluttershy stood near the enterance to the battlefield.
"I'm going to make my mark Discord, and no one will stop me" Before Discord could stop her, Fluttershy ran to the lines, where Princess Celestia was about to lead the ponies into battle. Discord and Fluttershy tried to squeeze though the chattering ponies to find a familiar face, and they found Pinkie and Maud Pie.
"Fluttershy? Discord? What are you doing here?" asked Pinkie.
"We're here to fight along with you" replied Discord.
"Good luck. Hope you don't die" said Maud. It was a grim wish, but it was realistic in war. All of a sudden, they heard a defeaning horn and charged into to battle. Fluttershy ran as well, but she had no idea what to do. Following Pinkie and Maud, she hid behind them. This just got real!
"Um, what are we meant to do?" asked Fluttershy.
"Our main goal is to fight off the captured Crystal Ponies, and try to attack Sombra, and hopefully kill him" said Pinkie, sending a powerful punch to a Sombra Warrior while talking. Fluttershy gave a brisk nod, and spit up. She ran across the field, seeing fighting, injured and dying ponies. But one mare caught her attention. Rainbow Dash flew through the sky, shooting things below. She was tackled midair, and fell towards the ground.
"RAINBOW!" yelled Fluttershy. Spreading open her wings, she dashed across the fields towards her friends, and caught her.
"Fluttershy?" asked Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy nodded, bringing her down to the ground.
"What are you doing?" she asked, as Fluttershy wiped her tears.
"I'm here to fight with you" said Fluttershy, as Rainbow Dash groaned.
"You'll hurt yourself!" Rainbow protested.
"No, I'm here to help!" said Fluttershy firmly.
"But I can't loose you like Soarin!" screamed Rainbow Dash, "I can't loose the friend I love the most!"
Fluttershy smiled, "I'm going to quote the toughest pony I know 'If any of my friends die in war, I want to help or die with them' And I am willing to do just that"
With those words, Fluttershy flew away, leaving Rainbow with mixed emotions. Fluttershy heard a loud roar coming from the left side, and flew that way. King Sombra was sneering happily at the sight. More Equestrian soldiers tried to attack him, but he shot a laser at them, freezing them.
"I can't go face to face with him, so I need to distract him first" thought Fluttershy. A voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
"Fluttershy!" Discord yelled, flying over the heaps of injured ponies, wincing in disgust, "Wait!"
"Sorry Discord, but I need to do this" said Fluttershy.
"No, I was wrong to stop you. You have a valid reason, and I want to help you any way I can" said Discord. Fluttershy beamed.
"I have a plan" said Fluttershy, and whispered into Discord's ear.
"Its too dangerous" protested Discord. Fluttershy waved her hoof.
"Nothing we can't can't handle" she said, "Oh, and I wanted to say something, just in case one of us doesn't make it"
"Yes?"
"I love you" said Fluttershy.
"I love you too" said Discord, kissing Fluttershy, catching her off guard. They split up, as Fluttershy flew to a large rock, hiding behind it.
"Hey, Sombra! Come and get me!" yelled Discord, waving his hand like a maniac. Sombra cackled evilly.
"Ah, Dissscord. My leasssst favorite villain who betrayed me all centuriessss ago" sneered Sombra. Discord rubbed his neck uneasily.
"Um, why don't we not kill me?" he pleaded. Sombra laughed, and sent a laser at Discord from his throne.
"I'll enjoy watching you sssssuffer" exlaimed Sombra. While he was trying to destroy Discord, Fluttershy sneaked up behind him.
"Time to see if this works" she murmurered. Tightening her gloves, she charged towards Sombra. Time seemed to stand still as Fluttershy closed her eyes, and screamed, yanking Sombra's horn off. A huge explosion occurred as the horn landed on the floor. Sombra howled in pain, slowing vaporizing into thin air. There was a huge crater, and Fluttershy lay in the middle. Discord ran past the thousands of soldiers and saw her. Screaming, he violently shook Fluttershy, getting no response. A medic pony came in with a stretcher, and Fluttershy was sent to the infirmary.
Three days, and the doctors had been doing all the could to try and save Fluttershy. Everypony was mourning over lost friends or happy the war was over and that they won. Rainbow Dash and Discord were in between.
"Um, I just wanted to say sorry" said Rainbow stiffly, as they sat outside the operation room.
Discord raised an eyebrow, "Why?"
"I don't want Fluttershy to die knowing I never approved of her relashionship" said Rainbow Dash, crying. Discord's eyes welled up with tears. What would he do without Fluttershy?
"I'm sorry too" said Discord.
"Why?" It was Rainbow's turn to ask that.
"The love of your life is dying, and here I am not being supportive" said Discord.
"Thanks" replied Rainbow gruffly.
The doctor trotted out of the room, "Congratulations sir, Fluttershy's okay!"
Discord and Rainbow ran into the room. Fluttershy wearily waved at them. Discord ran to her and hugged her tightly.
"Careful" said Fluttershy, as she was squeezed by Discord. As soon as he let go, Rainbow tackled her, crying hysterically.
"Not you too" whispered Fluttershy.
"I thought I lost you!" cried Rainbow.
"Realx Dashie, I'm not going anywhere" said Fluttershy.
"Don't scare me like that" shouted Rainbow.
"But-" started Fluttershy.
"JUST LISTEN" screamed Rainbow, "YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE GONE!"
"But I just wanted to prove-"
"To hell with your 'proving'!" yelled Rainbow Dash, as Fluttershy smiled.
"I missed you" sighed Rainbow.
"Me too. How are you holding up? Going to see Soarin?" asked Fluttershy.
"Wave Chill died" she, voice cracking, "And Spitfire as well"
Fluttershy gasped, covering her mouth, "I'm so sorry"
Rainbow wiped her tears, "Its okay. And also, I won't see Soarin"
"But you should. Even the war is over now" argued Fluttershy. Rainbow sighed.
"Fine"
Rainbow, Discord, and Fluttershy entered Soarin's room.
"Hey Soarin" said Rainbow. Soarin looked away angrily.
"Why are you here?" asked Soarin, frustrated, "It'll make you more upset"
"I know, it does, but it's all worth it to see you one last time" Rainbow said.
"I love you Rainbow"
"I love you too Soarin" They kissed, and Rainbow hung on as long as they could. Everypony became silent as they broke apart.
"Come on everypony! I still have a bit of a chance?" said Soarin hopefully. Rainbow smiled.
"I highly doubt that. But I'll be so happy knowing you died serving Equestria. I'll miss you"
"I'll miss you too. Oh gosh, Dash, are you crying? You never cry!" exclaimed Soarin chuckling.
"Believe me, I've been doing that a lot lately" said Rainbow. All of a sudden, the doctors burst in beaming happily.
"Good news everypony! Soarin will not die!" announced a doctor. The room was empty except for the small group. His exclamation was met by silence.
"Um, yay?" said Fluttershy, as the doctor frowned.
"Aren't you all happy? Soarin can return back to normal" asked the doctor.
"Sorry, I'm just in shock!" exclaimed Rainbow.
"Oh, but he won't be able to fly again"
"WHAT?" yelled Soarin. The doctor nodded.
"We would have attached that metal wing like Rainbow's, but I'm afraid your wing injury is past that repairing stage" explained the doctor.
"Well, at least I'm alive" sighed Soarin, looking down. His whole career and life was over.
"That' good enough for me" said Rainbow, nuzzling him. Discord coughed loudly.
"Are we done with this lovey dovey nonsense?" he asked, and Fluttershy hugged him, "Oh come on!"
The next week, they held a funeral for all those lost in the war. The Wonderbolts performed, and everyone who was part of the war was given medals of service. And of course, Fluttershy was especially honored, since she saved everyone in the end.
"Well, I better start working on my flying again" said Rainbow Dash. She had managed to try and get her hair a bit longer, since she liked it that way better.
"Actually, since I'm the Honorary Captain of the Wonderbolts now, I got you a spot" said Soarin, only to be met my Rainbow too busy squealing excitedly.
"Well, what plans have you got now?" asked Discord, as they sat at the edge of Sweet Apple Acres.
"I'm thinking of opening an animal sanctuary for all those poor animals in the war, I'll call it 'Sweet Feathers Sanctuary' What plans do you have?" asked Fluttershy.
Discord thought, "Since I'm free now, now longer sentenced to jail, my plans only involve- you"
"So you'll work at the Sanctuary with me?" asked Fluttershy hopefully.
"I've gotten my magic back, so work isn't the right word" said Discord mischievously.
Fluttershy sighed, staring at the sunset, "I couldn't ask for more than that"
Author's Note
I was reading a few Sombra Universe fanfics, and the idea struck me to do this, I found it intriguing. This time, its a one shot, since I normally forget to complete multiple chapter ones. Like, comment and enjoy!
