A Trip with Fluttershy

The light clatter of hooves against tile flooring echoed throughout the boutique as garments flew around the room, covered in light blue magic. Mannequins stood about the room, wearing extravagant gowns that would catch the eyes of the common ponies in Ponyville, but the white unicorn knew well enough that one was flawed. The dress, no, the very first draft of the design had a fault that she had not noticed before, but now, as she stared at the gown, she could see just how mistaken she was. It was, without a doubt, unappealing despite the very purpose of its nature, and that was something the unicorn could never look passed. She used her magic to lift the silvery dress, making sure that its layers of fabric hadn’t caught on the mannequin’s head before she laid it down on a pile made up of other failures. The cerulean eyed mare let out an exasperated sigh, shaking her head before allowing the rest of the garments she had been holding with her magic to be placed down in their designated places.

It was at times like these that she was grateful for her multitasking abilities. After all, if she hadn’t acquired those skills, there was no way she would have possibly kept her boutique running in Ponyville, much less a new boutique in Canterlot for that matter. By this point, the unicorn felt as though she should just get rid of her dream of opening up shop in Canterlot. After all, she found herself quite busy all the time with demanding orders and spontaneous adventures to save Equestria again from the clutches of evil. However, despite the odds, the mare knew that she had to get a boutique started in Canterlot because of her recent engagement to Fancy Pants. She found herself smiling softly at the thought of him. She had missed him for quite some time, but work had overwhelmed her yet again, leading to the visit’s delay. Her eyes lowered, having a dejected look in them. She had promised the stallion that she would wrap up all the loose ends in Ponyville before moving to Canterlot to be with him, but it seemed that the promise would have to be dismissed for now because of the constant stream of orders. She had sworn to herself, about a week ago, that she would halt all orders until further notice, but somehow that plan evaded her.

She forced her hooves to pull her weight as she dragged herself towards the door, looking up at the sign before enveloping it in her magic. She flipped it to closed, knowing that she wouldn’t be able to take on anymore requests because of her frustration—not that she should have been taking anymore requests in the first place. She quickly found herself resting on her side, laying on her wonderous couch. It had always been there for her during her over-dramatic break downs, but she wondered if it would provide her solace and comfort for something so small and trivial. Her thoughts began to wander to her beloved. Where was he now, and what was he doing? Did he miss her? Only the sound of silence voiced back to her, even if she was unwilling to listen. She rested her head on the cushioning of the couch, tucking her hooves closer towards her. She wondered what he would say to her at this very moment. The unicorn closed her eyes, picturing him standing before her as he held out a hoof, ready to take a walk through the garden in the back of his grand estate. Though soon her imagination came crashing down as she felt a hoof gently shake her shoulder.

“Rarity, are you okay?” a small filly asked her, her green eyes laced with concern and worry.

The mare realized that she hadn’t even noticed the small filly come trotting down the stairs nor had she heard her call out to her the first time. Rarity forced a reassuring smile for her younger sister before propping herself up with one hoof. She then clamored off the couch, stretching out her forelimbs before giving a small yawn.

“I’m fine, Sweetie Belle. I suppose I pushed myself too hard today.”

She then paused, recalling how her day was. From the moment she rose from her slumber and made herself somewhat decent and acceptable in the view of other ponies, she had worked relentlessly from sewing, stitching, designing—Oh the thought made the white mare feel miserable. It was times like these that she would have enjoyed Fancy’s company to distract her. For now, she would have to settle with her little sister, not that she didn’t enjoy speaking with her. It was more of the fact of how Rarity viewed their relationship. The unicorn had spent quite a long time taking care of the filly, and from that experience, they formed more of a mother-daughter bond rather than a sisterly one. Rarity shook her head, getting rid of her stray thoughts to focus on her sister again.

“—How was your day? Do anything fun?”

She asked abruptly, causing Sweetie to look at her questioningly before groaning at her words. Rarity didn’t understand her sister’s frustration until it hit her like the cold sting of a slap across the face. She must have done it again. As of recently, her mind had been elsewhere, especially when she worked on new outfits, and usually, Sweetie would try to talk to her or ask her to go do something. The filly must have said something to her while she was busy, and she probably said whatever Sweetie wanted to hear in order to make her leave. Rarity felt guilt seep in as she looked down at her sister’s upset expression. It had seemed that this wasn’t the first time Rarity’s lack of attention and concern had bothered her.

“Don’t even start! This is the fourth time this week, Rarity! I’m sick of you being so busy all the time. You don’t even notice when I’m talking to you anymore—If you really don’t want to talk to me, then just say so!”

Her green eyes had welled up into pools of tears before she bolted for the stairs. She hadn’t even made it to the door by the time sobs had begun to escape her mouth, penetrating the once comforting silence of the home. Rarity sighed deeply, fixating her gaze on the stairs where she had just seen Sweetie. Was she really that terrible of a sister? She hadn’t realized that her work was affecting her personal life so much. First, she had been forced to put aside Fancy, and now Sweetie was feeling alone and neglected. What would be next? Her best friends? Her face paled at the thought. No, she had already pushed them aside too. She hadn’t spoken to any of them since a few days ago, but they would understand that she was busy with work, right? Then again, Sweetie didn’t seem to, and she was sure that Fancy’s patience would eventually wear out.

Rarity shook her head before briefly running a hoof through her mane. She would fix this, starting by talking to Sweetie. She made her way to the stairs, letting her hooves guide her upwards. It wasn’t until she was halfway up the staircase that she heard a soft knock at the door. Intrigued by who might be coming by so late in the evening, the mare made her way down the stairs before trotting towards the door. When she opened the door, it revealed a yellow pegasus with a soft, flowy pink mane. Rarity smiled weakly at one of her best friends, trying to guess why the shy mare would stop by at this time. What day was it again? Perhaps she mistook the date, and if that was the case, then she must have missed their usual trip to the spa.

“Fluttershy, dear, what a surprise! Please, come inside.”

Rarity used her magic to widen the door further, gesturing for the pegasus to come inside and take a seat. Fluttershy smiled appreciatively before walking inside, taking in the view. She almost frowned at the sight. It wasn’t Rarity’s usual organized and professional work environment. Garments still laid scattered about with rough sketches and random accessories splayed out across the room. It didn’t take Rarity long to catch on to what Fluttershy was thinking, feeling more embarrassed about freely allowing her friend to come inside to see this mess she made.

“Please excuse the disastrous mess. I simply have been overwhelmed by orders, and I haven’t had time to clean up.”

Rarity began trying to tidy up the room, hanging clothes back on racks while papers were shuffled into a neat stack and put in their proper place. Her friend may have spoken after she did, but she didn’t seem to notice while she busied herself. Fluttershy attempted to help, but Rarity wouldn’t let her and insisted that she should sit down. The pegasus obliged, regardless of whether she really wanted to or not. Rarity left the room for a short while before returning with a floating tray with cups filled with tea. Rarity sat adjacent to fluttershy, offering a cup to the mare. She seemed content with the tea, knowing that the unicorn must have prepared her favorite.

“I’m sorry again for the mess, but aside from that, what brings you here?”

Rarity levitated her cup, nourishing herself with the warm tea. It was a satisfying taste, and she made a mental note to herself that she should try to have more afternoons where she relaxed with a cup of tea. Fluttershy peered down at her cup for a moment before taking a sip of it, softly smiling afterwards.

“No, I’m the one who should be sorry. I should have waited until tomorrow, but I had to give you a letter. Derpy asked me to deliver it to you since I had planned on visiting you today.”

Rarity watched as Fluttershy handed her the white envelope—did she come in with that? Had she been that distracted? She didn’t bother to dwindle on those thoughts as she opened the envelope, pulling out a crisp letter. The handwriting was unmistakable, causing Rarity to give a genuine, warm smile.

Dear Rarity,

I should hope that this letter reaches you in adequate time. How are you? I haven’t received a letter from you in a while. I worry about you, but I know that your friends will continue to look after you as they always have. I only wish that I could be by your side, but as you know, business calls. Though I have planned something special for us since we haven’t seen each other in a while, and though I understand how important your work is, I can’t help but to insist that you take a trip with me to the mountains. It sounds incredulous, I know, but I assure you that I believe that it will help us relax. I have already seen to it that the suite in the mountain has already been reserved for us. There is also a refreshing hot spring there that I’m sure you would enjoy. I would like to join you as soon as possible, but it appears I will have to attend a few meetings over the course of two days. Forgive me for being late, but I promise I will be there and that I will make it up to you my dearest. Feel free to take along one of your friends for the time being. I will pay for their ride back to Ponyville once I have returned safely to you. There will be a carriage waiting to escort you both.

Yours forever,

Fancy Pants

Rarity’s heart swooned at his thoughtfulness, holding the letter close to her chest. A trip to the mountains? It was something she never would have thought Fancy to be interested in, but then again, he did enjoy nostalgic things. Perhaps he held an appreciation for nature—after all, he did have a beautiful, grand garden. She wouldn’t complain though. She would take any opportunity she could get with Fancy, and if it meant going to the mountains, then so be it. She would just have to massively prepare, that’s all. Prepare for mosquitos, sunscreen, boots, something cute yet comfortable to wear in case they would like to go hiking or something in that nature. She nearly internally groaned at the thought. She knew that packing was going to be a hassle, and she wouldn’t have Spikey Wikey to help her carry her luggage. She would have to rely on the kindness of gentlecoats and her unwavering magic.

“Oh, Fluttershy, you won’t believe it! It’s from Fancy, and he says he wants to take a trip to the mountains.”

“That’s wonderful, Rarity. I’m happy that you two will be spending time together. It’s been a while since you two have been with each other, right?”

Rarity nodded, sipping on her tea again. Rarity then lowered the cup onto the table before reaching out to fluttershy’s free hooves.

“Fluttershy, it would absolutely be dreadful to be alone for a few days though. Fancy has meetings to attend to, and he said I could bring somepony along with me. I was thinking that you might? Especially since you work day and night taking care of the animals. It must be quite stressful at times, handling all of them by yourself.”

“Oh no, Rarity, It’s no trouble at all. I really enjoy being with them. Even if I am busy, I still adore each and every one of them.”

Fluttershy paused, realizing that Rarity had invited her to go up to the mountains. She pulled her hoof back, looking towards the door. It appeared as though Fluttershy wanted to go check on her animals again. Rarity understood though. She knew how much the animals meant to the pegasus.

“What about the animals? I don’t have anypony to watch them, and I wouldn’t want to trouble anypony.”

“You really are too considerate sometimes, Fluttershy. I’m sure it wouldn’t be too much trouble if Spike checked on them occasionally. If you still don’t feel okay with it, we can always ask Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.”

A few more words were exchanged between the two mares, and it had seemed that the unicorn had won over Fluttershy’s approval. They both agreed that they would meet up the next morning to take their leave.

Rarity already felt nervous about leaving Ponyville on such short notice. She had seen to it that she had closed up shop for the time being rather than let somepony else watch it in her stead. It also didn’t help that she was still on bad terms with Sweetie Belle. The filly refused to even look at her while she packed her things. Not a single word left her lips either when she had taken her over to Apple Jack’s to stay with one of her best friend’s named Apple Bloom. She trusted the honest mare to watch over her younger sister. She could only hope that when she returned, Sweetie Belle would be more willing to at least acknowledge her presence. To add on to that, she had forced herself to bring fewer bags than she normally would have. Her bags remained outside her boutique, currently where she was waiting for her ride and for Fluttershy. She had wondered how much Fancy had paid the stallion who would be carrying them up the mountain. Rarity assumed it was quite a bit considering it was farther than usual routes, and it was more work going uphill rather than downhill. Still though, she would have to remember to thank Fancy as soon as she saw him.

Soon a carriage pulled up, carrying dust along with it that made her cough a bit before she narrowed her eyes slightly in irritation at the stallion. The glare soon faded though. She supposed it sometimes couldn’t be helped. The dark coated stallion began loading her luggage, slightly lifting Rarity’s mood. Though she was more anxious than ever to know that the carriage arrived since that meant she would soon see Fancy, she still found her blue eyes searching. Where was Fluttershy? It wasn’t really like her to be late or anything. Or was the ride here early, and she just hadn’t noticed? The unicorn wasn’t completely certain as she wallowed in her thoughts, until something touched her shoulder, nearly making her jump.

“Fluttershy, don’t scare me like that! I didn’t even hear you. Ah, well I suppose it doesn’t matter. You’re here now, and we must be off. I’m simply dying to try the hot springs!”
The two mares got into the carriage, allowing the stallion to finish loading everything on before heading off on their long trip. A trip that the girls hoped would be more than worth it.

The ride had been bumpier than Rarity had imagined it to be. She was constantly having to readjust and brace herself every time they hit a bump in the narrow, dirt pathway. She moaned a little under her breath, more uncomfortable than she could recall. Train rides were long, but they were never this irritating, nor had her rides in Canterlot. Though she should have expected it, they were traveling up a trail that would lead them to a suite in the mountains.

“Rarity, are you okay?”

The shy pegasus asked, noting how the unicorn would shift awkwardly in her seat. Even though Fluttershy was uncomfortable as well, she didn’t particularly let it show. She didn’t want to make Rarity think she wasn’t having a good time. After all, Rarity could have chosen any of her other friends to go along with her, but she had ended up choosing her out of all her friends. She thought her other friends were far more deserving of the relaxing trip. Twilight was always doing constant research, usually working late through the night only to let it show with the dark circles underneath her eyes the following morning. Rainbow Dash had been a bit more busier with the weather as well, and Pinkie Pie was planning parties constantly, taking care of the bakery’s needs, and watching the baby twins. Not to mention Apple Jack would always find work for herself on the farm, even if her hooves ached relentlessly and her hind legs throbbed. She wished she could be as hard working as them. Thinking about it now, she felt as if she had no right to be tagging along with Rarity, even if she had been invited.

“Fluttershy?”

“Oh, my bad, I must have been lost in thought… What did you say?”

“See? You do need this trip. It will put your mind at rest—and don’t worry about me. We should be arriving quite soon.”

Fluttershy only nodded, giving a weak smile before turning her head to look out at the towering trees above. They seemed taller than the ones back at the Everfree Forest. Though they weren’t anywhere near as frightening. If anything, with the warm rays of the sun peering through the tree canopy from above, they gave the forest floor almost an illuminating, warm glow. It was almost as if mother nature herself was handing the pegasus an invitation into the natural beauty she created.

“Even from here, it looks wonderful.”

Fluttershy whispered to herself in an awe-like manner, pressing one hoof up against the door.

“Now, now, Fluttershy. I know it’s pretty, but you can take a look around once we arrive.”

The purple maned unicorn spoke in almost a motherly tone. Perhaps she had been around Sweetie Belle for too long. Fluttershy looked back at Rarity, sheepishly nodding as she withdrew her hoof back from the door.

“Are you sure you wanted me to come?”

“Of course! You’re one of my best friends, and you love nature. I knew you would be perfect to come along with me. After all, you have been stressing over your animals quite a bit.”

Fluttershy’s face paled at the thought. She had been too busy noticing her surroudings and Rarity’s discomforts that she hadn’t bothered thinking about her animal friends. She felt awful for not thinking of them, more so even now since she couldn’t be there with them.

“Darling, are you alright? You look a bit pale.”

“Yes, but I wish I knew how my animals are doing. After all, I know there are some that are still a bit sick… I left instructions for the girls and Spike, but I can’t help but worry…”

The pegasus looked down, her pink mane partially covering her face. Rarity knew the soft-yellow coated mare would soon start whimpering, thinking of different scenarios where things would go wrong.

“Fluttershy, I’m sure our friends can handle it. They’ll make sure that everything is okay. As you said, you left specific instructions on what to do.”

“… I guess you’re right, Rarity. I’m sorry for thinking about it too much.”

Before Rarity could respond though, they felt the carriage come to a slow halt before they heard the stallion’s voice.

“This is as far as I can go, ma’am. It’s only just a bit further ahead before you reach it. You can’t miss it.”

The stallion spoke as he opened the door, a rather firm expression being worn. Rarity knew that look anywhere. It was a sign of stubbornness, so no matter how much you asked, the answer was no. As soon as the mares gathered their luggage, the stallion disappeared down the dirt path, stirring up a trail of dust. Rarity groaned in irritation before taking a deep breath. Not even that would ruin the trip.

“Come along, Fluttershy. The stallion said it wasn’t much farther. I probably needed some outside air anyway.”

“It was awfully cramped in there…”

Fluttershy agreed with Rarity, following her while carrying only a small bag of necessities that was strapped around her side. Rarity, on the otherhand, used her magic to carry her bags, making sure that none of them touched the dirt path. They soon clamored up a large hill, sweat beginning to drip down their coats thanks to the overbearing sun. Rarity dragged her hooves along, weariness taking hold of her until her eyes scanned over what was passed the hill.

“The view is….!”

Rarity couldn’t finish her words, too taken aback by the beauty of it all. The suite was already extravagant enough, but it paled in comparison to the natural beauty of the hot springs. Even the sky seemed to enhance the experience, having a few white, puffy clouds hang loosely from it. No sign of any rain heading their way either. Even the blooming flowers and the scent of clean, fresh air seemed to overwhelm Rarity. It almost made her forget the intense heat.

“It’s breathtaking…I wish my friends back at home could see this. Angel would love it.”

Fluttershy smiled, trotting on ahead as she continued to take in her surroundings. Her mane and coat seemed to almost glow from the sun reflecting off them, her eyes brimming with newfound life. She even began to hum a soft tune, and it was soon followed by a few birds that swooped in to join. Rarity felt happy for the girl. It wasn’t often that she could catch Fluttershy in a moment like this, where she felt truly comfortable and happy. Soon other woodland creatures began to appear from the treeline, enraptured by Fluttershy.

“Well, I’ll be unpacking my things inside if you need anything. I’ll let you meet the locals…”

Referring to the animals, Rarity barely spoke up enough for the pegasus to hear her voice, clearly not wanting to disrupt her melody. The unicorn smiled before heading inside. The suite possessed a look form Japanese culture, filling the room with an inviting appeal. She gently set her bags down on the floor, walking forward to explore the suite. Her hooves welcomed the smooth, cold surface compared to the hot, bumpy trail. Her eyes trailed the walls to see traditional Japanese paintings, usually depicting of nature’s inner beauty. She knew Fluttershy would like them. She continued onwards, finding a short but wide table in the center of the room with mats on each side. She was relieved upon seeing the kitchen out of the corner of her eye. She walked through the living room area until she entered the kitchen area, quietly thanking herself that the suite was completely clean from what she had seen so far. It was nicer than she had expected, but then again, she should’ve known better since Fancy had planned it all out.

“Where is it now?”

She mumbled to herself until she pulled it out from the counter area. It was a silver kettle that she would use to help prepare the tea. She knew Fluttershy would probably want some as well when she came in. She set it upon the stove after she found everything else she would need. She smiled in satisfaction as she started brewing it before leaving the kitchen. She needed to find the bedroom. She went ahead and went back to the main entrance before levitating her things. She headed up the large staircase, still taking in the décor. Fancy Pants sure knew how to impress a lady, well—his future bride. She nearly giggled at the thought as she used her magic once more to slide one of the doors open to peer inside. Her cheeks began to burn as she quickly slid the door shut again, jerking her head back as if to make sure the pegasus hadn’t snuck up on her and saw that.

“How romantic…”

Her cheeks darkened at the thought, noting that it must specifically be a mountain suite for couples. She would have to hide some of that from Fluttershy to save herself form the embarrassment… At least until Fluttershy left, of course. She covered her face with one hoof, feeling like a filly with her first crush. She really was a mess when it came to her fiancé. Instead of dwelling on that further, she opened up another room, hoping that maybe since the place was so massive, it might have extra rooms that were… well, normal. She was relieved to find that it was a simple room with a bed to rest on the floor, noting how soft the blankets appeared to be. She reached out with one hoof, feeling its texture. She was only reassured that it was just as soft and comfy as she had imagined it.

“Everything really is perfect here… The scenery, the rooms, even the hot sping-“

She paused upon remembering the hot spring before smiling and setting her bags down. She quickly opened a few other doors before finding another room that looked pretty much the same as the other room, save for a few paintings and decorations. She made a mental note to herself where the bedrooms were at before heading downstairs to fetch Fluttershy. As if on que, the pegasus entered the suite.

“Fluttershy, this place is amazing! I can show you to your room, but afterwards, we simply must go to the hot spring! It looks so relaxing… Fluttershy, is something wrong?”

Rarity noticed that her friend seemed rather… troubled. She must be thinking about her animal friends again. The ‘locals’ must have made her think of them.

“Fluttershy, dear, your animals really are fine. Our friends are doing their best to ensure that they are safe and well taken care of.”

“Oh, yes, I know, but it’s not that… Though it’s probably nothing. The animals just said something about the forest here, but I think its fine. I think they were only trying to scare me.”

Rarity quirked an eyebrow, noting how peculiar that was. She couldn’t recall any animal doing that to Fluttershy, but then again, it wasn’t as if Rarity knew a lot about what went on between them.

“Well… if you say so. Come on, I bet the hot springs will put your mind at ease.”

After Rarity showed Fluttershy her room, they enjoyed their nice cup of tea that Rarity had already begun to previously prepare before unpacking their things. It was pretty quick for Fluttershy to set up her room, but it took Rarity a while longer. Though once it was done, they decided that they should go ahead and start dinner. They decided on something that would take a while to cook, so that way they could enjoy the late evenings cooler air with the hot spring. With the both of them working together, they had managed to get everything started before placing it within the oven. It would be a few hours, which would give them plenty of ample time to rest and relax their hooves in the hot spring. They made their way to it that was just out back. Rarity had been levitating towels before placing them upon an outdoor table. Of course, the unicorn had managed to keep her long mane up in a bun to prevent it from getting wet. Fluttershy had done the same, keeping most of it tucked away in the bun, save for a few strands that hanged loosely. Rarity slowly dipped her forehoof inside, smiling somewhat before dipping in entirely. She let out a relaxing breath, her long lashes fluttering before she glanced at Fluttershy, gesturing her to step inside. Fluttershy hesitantly followed, slowly accepting the heat that the water seemed to preserve despite the steam.

“This is really nice, Rarity… Thanks for letting me come.”

Fluttershy sheepishly smiled, feeling silly for doubting her friend earlier. She knew that sometimes she gave herself too little credit, and her friends would often have to remind her. Though, despite that, she couldn’t seem to forget what her new animal friends had told her.

“Don’t mention it, darling. I’m just glad our friends understood.”

“I just hope we can plan a trip where all the girls can come. It doesn’t have to be as nice as this…Just something for us to get together for.”

Rarity gave a small nod before lifting herself up a bit more to place her hoof on the edge of the hot spring. Fluttershy didn’t move very much in the water, except for the occasional slight dip into the water.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea! I bet we can go ahead and start planning with the other girls once we get back. Though we better think about what everyone would like to do—not just what one of us would like.”

“Of course, it wouldn’t be a very good trip if it was like that.”

The pegasus smiled back at the unicorn, enjoying the rest of the late evening with the mare. Though the sky continued to darken as the crickets began to play their own constant tune. An owl seemed to be nearby as well since the mares could hear it occasionally. Rarity and Fluttershy peered up to look up at the stars that were beginning to come out.
“I bet dinner is about done… We wouldn’t want to let it burn.”

Rarity reluctantly pulled herself out of the hot water, almost feeling a bit dizzy from staying in for too long—perhaps it was a good idea to get out then. She looked back at Fluttershy, making sure she was alright when she got out. Rarity then wrapped herself with a towel, using it to dry her white coat just as Fluttershy did. They both then went inside, smelling the succulent meal they had made. Rarity set her towel aside on the counter before checking inside the oven. She then took it out, placing it on one of the stove’s burners to let it cool. She turned off the oven as fluttershy let her mane fall from her bun.

“It smells delicious, Rarity.”

Fluttershy spoke up, looking over at the food before the unicorn nodded in agreement.

“I believe we did a fabulous job, but it will have to cool. Would you mind setting up the table, Fluttershy? I’ll take those towels to the laundry room, and I’ll lock the back door while I’m at it. You locked the front door, right?”

Fluttershy shook her head nervously, feeling foolish for not doing so earlier, but then again, they were very isolated. She suddenly felt overly cautious, her heart racing at the thought as she walked towards the front door. Could somepony be inside already, waiting to strike like in those stories they heard as fillies? No, that’s silly, right? She looked down at the lock, placing her hoof on it until her heart seemed to freeze in place as she heard something beyond the door. Something was wailing in the distance. It sounded deep and hollow, yet despite how far it seemed, it felt as if it was closer than ever to the suite. Her heart lurched in her chest as she heard somepony’s mangled cries of anguish erupt. She locked it faster than ever, feverishly fiddling with the lock before nearly falling back.

“R-Rarity!” She called out, her voice trembling with fear as she heard the white unicorn approach from behind her.

“Now what on earth was that ghastly noise? And was that screaming? Surely, it must be…” her voice trailed off as she saw Fluttershy’s terror filled face, “my imagination…”

They stood there in silence, both their heart’s trying to quiet their beating so that perhaps they could listen to hear more. Rarity stepped closer to the door as Fluttershy instantly latched onto Rarity’s foreleg.

“Don’t do it.”

Fluttershy whimpered, never taking her eyes off the door. It was as if she thought something would bust through that door any minute.

“Rarity, I should have listened to them.”

Fluttershy’s whimpering grew louder as tears began to brim her eyes.

“Listened to who?”

Rarity’s voice quivered, almost thankful that Fluttershy had stopped her. Though she knew she would have to face what was beyond that door.

“To my new animal friends. They warned me, and I should have listened! They said there was a m-monster out there!”

Tears streamed down Fluttershy’s cheeks before she ducked down, using her hooves to cover her head as if to hide.

“F-Fluttershy, now that’s utterly ridiculous! There are no such things as…monsters.”

Rarity tried to sound confident in order to calm the timid, frightened mare, but she couldn’t lie to herself. Even she was afraid. She had heard its twisted, gnarled screech from the woods. There was no doubt about it. Something was lurking out there, and whatever it was, it was out on the hunt. Her heart began to thrash around violently in her chest as an aching need overwhelmed her body. Her stomach tried to lurch forward at the thought of going out there, but it had to be done.

“I have to. We heard somepony…screaming. They could be in serious danger, Fluttershy.”

Though her legs failed to move despite her command. Her instincts demanded that she turn away from the door, drag Fluttershy with her, and hide. Just long enough for Fancy- Oh no. Fancy. Even if they were to hide from whatever it was, Fancy would eventually come, and he would have no idea it was out there! It could..! She forced her mind to stop reeling at the consequences as she marched forward, unlocking the door.

“Rarity, no!”

Fluttershy stood up with tears in her eyes still, pleading with her not to set foot outside the door. Anything but that. Rarity couldn’t listen. She didn’t dare to in fear she would do as the pegasus told her to do—but she couldn’t abandon someone!

“Please, Rarity! At least listen before you open it!”

Fluttershy pulled on Rarity’s leg again, but the purple maned unicorn wouldn’t budge. Though Fluttershy was right—since there was no peep hole, she ought to listen. After all, that thing could be right on her doorstep…waiting. Her heart sunk at the thought as her stomach did another flip. She hesitantly leaned up against the door, placing her ear on it. She was scared that her heart was beating too wildly—too much so that she wouldn’t hear, or worse, that whatever it was out there would somehow hear her own beating heart. She listened closely, a dreadful silence hanging over them. The tension seemed to thicken with each passing moment, yet nothing came. A loud bang hit against the door, followed by two more rapid ones. Rarity screamed, falling back on her hind legs as tears brimmed her eyes while Fluttershy fled further back into the corridor. Rarity covered her mouth instantly, tears immediately beginning to fall. It knows…! It knows they’re there, and she just confirmed it! OR HAD IT KNOWN? HAS IT KNOWN THE ENTIRE TIME?! Rarity felt nausea over take her as her heart slammed against her chest, almost feeling hard enough to break through the surface. Her adrenaline was beginning to kick in as her mind began to go blank. It didn’t matter what was beyond that door. It couldn’t matter in her mind because that meant accepting the fact that monsters were real. That something was out to get them. Something craving pony flesh and blood.

“Please! Open up! We need help!”

“PLEASE JUST LET US IN!”

Cries began to echo from behind the door as Fluttershy and Rarity stared at it in pure horror. They had gone mad. They had let their fears get the best of them to the point that they had ignored the fact that other ponies could possibly be in danger. Fluttershy’s instincts finally kicked in as she raced towards the door fumbling with the lock. Rarity followed in pursuit as she finally opened the door to reveal two ponies covered in dirt and grime. They pushed passed Rarity, fear overtaking them as they desperately tried to get inside. To escape. To hide.

“WAIT!”

Another cry echoed from the forest line as a stallion raced through the field, using the last bit of his energy to try and make it to the front door. Halfway through though, his hoof slid, tripping himself over. He landed face first, tumbling forward before scrambling to his hooves. He groaned but instantly dismissed the pain. He tried bolt to the door, but his foreleg cried out in immediate protest.

“M-My leg! Somepony, please!”

The stallion looked to the door where the four ponies were, eyes filled with fear and pain as he started dragging himself towards the door the best he could.

“I-It’s too late for him!”

One of the strangers cried out, trying to shove Rarity out of the way to make it to the door. Rarity instantly pushed the pegasus away, using her magic to keep one of them back.

“We have to shut it!”

“NO, PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME!”

The stallion cried, trying to stand again only to fall over with agony lacing his voice. The other pony began to shove against Rarity while Fluttershy remained horror ridden.

“W-We can’t just-”

Fluttershy’s voice was cut off by shrill of a scream coming from the woods. It was getting closer.

“You led whatever it is straight to us!”

Rarity panicked, shoving her full weight against the other mare. Her magic wavered, releasing the other pony in the process. He raced to the door, trying to close it only to see the yellow pegasus dart off into the field.

“No, come back!”

He yelled after her, and Rarity’s head snapped back to see Fluttershy trying to save the stallion, her mind reeling at what was happening. She instantly threw the mare off of her, trying to sprint out the door to save her beloved friend only to have weight crash down on her from above. The mare had tackled Rarity, trying to keep her in place despite the struggle.

“FLUTTERSHY!!!!”

She writhed from underneath the mare, crying out for the pegasus. Though her efforts were in vain. Her friend was determined to save him since nopony would. She couldn’t leave him—not after she had finally come to her senses.

“IT’S COMING, SHUT IT ALREADY!”

The mare screamed at the stallion standing at the door, and without a second thought, the stallion slammed the door shut. Agonizing shrieks soon followed as Rarity’s cries of protest grew louder, only for a hoof to clamp down over her mouth to muffle it. Her eyes burned from tears as did her body ache from the need to release her sudden wave of adrenaline, but the screams had died out just as quickly as they had come. Nothing was left but the three ponies and the weight of their fear and guilt.

“I’m sorry…”

The stallion whispered, his voice still trembling as he stared at the door. Though that did nothing to comfort Rarity. Fluttershy had ran straight to death’s door, and thanks to these strangers, she was probably… Rarity could only sob harder as the mare finally released her, staring down it her in regret.

“We had to. It would have killed all of us.”

“No… You did it to save yourselves! You left them there to die! YOU KILLED HER!”

Rarity yelled at them, hot tears rolling down her cheeks as she darted down the corridor and up the stairs. She made it to her room, slamming the door shut as she fell down on the bed and sobbed. She wanted to open the door. She wanted to see that Fluttershy was still out there, but it wouldn’t have mattered. Those two ponies would have held her back from opening it, and their screams only confirmed that she wouldn’t see Fluttershy with that unicorn. She would only see a grim massacre with blood splattered all over the field. She didn’t want to see her like that…. She just… Rarity sobbed harder into the pillow, gripping it tightly with her forehooves. All of this was wrong. This couldn’t be happening—there was no way. They were just relaxing in the hot spring. They were going to sit down to a nice meal. She felt sick to her stomach thinking about food before she pushed it out of her mind. It didn’t matter anymore. Fluttershy was dead. Fancy would soon be coming to this hellhole. There were two strangers in the suite with her. Worst of all, she wouldn’t make it off the mountain alive.