Lunaverse: Galaxy Rangers - A Flutter of the Heart

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Epilogue

Chapter 1

A Flutter of the Heart
Chapter 1
by Rixizu

Fluttershy hummed to herself as she walked home from the market carrying her groceries. She made sure to avoid any puddles that came across her path on the road and get mud on herself. They had a tremendously scary storm last night and signs of it were everywhere. She frowned when she spotted a poor tree the wind had broken almost in two. Still, she knew it would become home to many animals, so it wasn’t a waste of life. That’s what she liked about nature, it had a balance and good things could come from bad ones.

She remembered how much Mr. and Ms. Gopher complained about their home getting flooded the poor dears. Thank Luna, they had found refuge in her house last night. Oh, why must the weather ponies insist on creating such big storms? They create such problems for everypony and animal.

Fluttershy jumped when she heard somepony yowl. She looked around worried. That scream sounded painful. She didn’t like being around ponies all that much, but she couldn’t ignore a hurt pony in need. It didn’t take her long to find the pony in question. It was Trixie of all ponies!

“What the hey?” Trixie said groaning. She laid flat on her face in the road with her red cape draped over her.

“Oh my gosh Trixie, are you okay?” Fluttershy asked rushing to her aid.

“I’m fine.” Trixie got to her hooves and dusted herself off picking her hat from the ground and putting it back on.

Fluttershy let out a sigh of relief. She would hate to see anything bad happen to Trixie. She had a bad scrape on the middle of her head and it bled a little down her face. Not serious, but still painful looking.

"Stupid crack," Trixie grumbled, "what the hay are you doing in the middle of the road?"

"Let me help you with that," Fluttershy said. She pulled out an antiseptic wipe from her saddlebags. She always kept basic first aid with her in case something like this happened.

“I’m fine.” Trixie waved the wipe away.

"Okay," Fluttershy said looking down. She'd been looking forward to treating the mare. Well, she supposed it was just a scrape and nothing to worry about.

“Carrot Top!” Trixie yelled. Work ponies could be seen all over the carrot farmer’s house doing various tasks working on the final touches of the building.

Fluttershy didn't have all the details, but according to the news, some bad ponies from the Night Court destroyed it. She shivered. It was scary to think of those beasts coming to a small lonely town like Ponyville. It made her a little nervous to the honest. She came to Ponyville in the first place to get away from them believing the town too small and insignificant to gain their notice. Still, it was nice to see their misdeeds undone for once. The workers were being loud, but Trixie had impressive lungs and could be heard over the racket.

“Trixie?” Carrot Top asked coming around the other side of her house. Her eyes widened when she saw the nasty scrape on her friend's head. “Are you okay?”

"Just some stupid random large crack in the middle of the road," Trixie replied, "I will have to get a work order to get it filled in."

Carrot Top let out a nervous laugh. “Yes, you probably should.”

“That doesn’t matter!” Trixie said. “Something terrible just happened!”

Fluttershy and Carrot Top’s eyes widened at this news. They listened with rapt attention for what the mare would say next.

“Corona’s reformed!” Trixie proclaimed.

Carrot Top blinked. “What?”

“I know! Isn’t it horrible?” Trixie replied.

“Um, yes?” Fluttershy had no clue what Trixie was talking about.

"How about you start from the beginning?" Carrot Top as Trixie explained her trip to the moon and how they came across Corona's castle. She told just what she thought of Corona's so-called reformation.

“Come on. You can I both know Corona’s up to no good right?” Trixie asked looking at her teammate with hopeful eyes.

Fluttershy felt conflicted. Part of her wanted to accept the princess’s turn of heart, but she knew how cruel and evil some ponies could be. A sudden turn around like that seemed unlikely. Not like her opinion mattered or anything. Why was she even getting involved in this? She stayed silent as Carrot Top took in the Red Ranger’s words. She didn’t want to get in the way.

Carrot Top cursed and kicked a rock away into the grass. “You’re probably right. Ponies like her don’t change.”

“Finally, a pony that sees sense!” Trixie raised her hooves in triumph. “Everypony acts like I’m a paranoid foal who jumps at her own shadow!”

I don’t think that. Fluttershy thought. You’re the smartest pony I know. Well, besides Twi, but you’re almost as smart as her. You were trained by the princess after all.

Carrot Top smirked. “You have overreacted sometimes before.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Trixie waved a dismissive hoof.

“We should at least come up with a plan in case she is lying.” Carrot Top said.

“Great idea!” Trixie looked at the sun calculating the time. “We will have a group meeting at lunch to talk about this.”

Carrot Top nodded. “I’ll be there.”

“If you would excuse me, I still have to get Twilight.” Trixie sighed. “Apparently she’s locked herself in for an experiment and won’t come out.”

Fluttershy smiled. That was so like her friend. Whenever Twi got get her mind on an experiment or project, she let nothing get in her way. She also forgot to take care of necessities. Twi once mentioned in one of her letters a time she focused so hard on a project that she almost went an entire two weeks without food and almost no sleep.

Trixie turned to leave and Fluttershy coughed. Trixie seemed to have forgotten that she was still there. Ponies did that sometimes. She could be in a room, and nopony would even notice her until she spoke up. Sure she didn’t like being around ponies, but it was still annoying.

“Yes?” Trixie asked.

Fluttershy opened her mouth and found she couldn’t speak. She had many things she wanted to say. She was so sorry about what happened in her house a few months ago and wanted to apologize. Vicereine Puissance and her thugs had attacked Trixie and Twi and the only thing Fluttershy could do was run in fear and shame. She’d never forgiven herself for running out on them even if she couldn’t do anything to help. Fluttershy tried and tried to get the words out, but it only came out in an almost inaudible squeak.

Why can’t I say what I want? Fluttershy thought in dismay. She was so hopeless. Trixie shifted from hoof to hoof. Almost three minutes had passed without Fluttershy saying anything and the situation was getting awkward.

Desperate to fix the situation, Fluttershy said the first thing that came to her mouth. “Good luck Trixie.”

"Sure, thanks," Trixie said awkwardly.

She left and Fluttershy looked down in shame. Why did she tense up so much around Trixie? True she was nervous around other ponies, but Trixie was a friend. It made no sense. She wasn’t like this around Twi or Ditzy.

If only I could be as cool and strong as Trixie.

Fluttershy sighed and trotted back home dejected. Her spirits lifted a little when Mr. Bluejay flew up to her to cheer her up and it raised her spirits. She swore next time she would get the nerve to confront Trixie. Next time for sure.

"I'm glad to hear you're doing well Twi," Fluttershy said, "I was so worried after you know what happened."

Twilight sunk in Fluttershy’s couch and sipped her tea. It was so nice to able to have her favorite pen pal over. Twilight had been over at her house at least twice a week since moving to Ponyville. Twi found a nice house to rent on the outskirts of town close to Fluttershy’s house. It gave her enough peace and quiet to do any experiment she might cook up. Fluttershy felt safer knowing a strong pony like Twi was around with all the craziness that been happening in the last few months. They didn't talk about anything in particular as usual. Fluttershy enjoyed having somepony around she could just talk to and not worry about offending them or saying the wrong thing.

“So, how’s Trixie doing lately?” Fluttershy asked with as much casualness as she could. She hadn’t seen Trixie for a few days and wanted to hear how the mare was doing.

Twilight made a vague gesture with her hoof. “The usual. She’s been making all these crazy plans and even I’ve given up trying to make sense of them.”

“What do you mean?”

“Ever since she learned about the possibility of changelings, she made us memorize this crazy passcode to prove we aren't an imposter. Would you believe it involves dancing of all things?"

Fluttershy blinked. “Really?”

“I’m wondering if the stress is getting to her.” Twi hesitated. “Though with Trixie, it’s a little hard to tell.”

“Oh dear.” Fluttershy filled with concern. Poor Trixie.

"And that isn't even the start of it!" Twilight said. "According to Pinkie, she's stocking up supplies in hidden bunkers all over Ponyville and the Everfree Forest!”

“For what?”

“A worst case scenario in case Corona takes over Equestria." Twilight explained. "She wants to make her own resistance group and those supplies will help if they ever need to hide out or launch covert attacks against Corona’s oppression.”

Fluttershy was impressed. Trixie really thought all this through.

“She already has gotten a few recruits.”

“Like who?”

“Trixie said its best nopony knows, and she’s made sure even the other members of her resistance force don’t know everypony involved.” Fluttershy nodded in understanding.

"Corona hasn't even done anything yet and Trixie assumes it's the end of the world!" Twilight threw up her hooves. “Typical Trixie.”

“You don’t think Corona’s up to no good?” Fluttershy asked curious.

Twilight scowled. "I bet she is, but we don't have proof yet. Ditzy says I should and forgive her, but how can I after what she did to me." She regained her composure. "Still, she might be genuine, we will have to wait and see."

"For her sake, it better be genuine," Twilight muttered under her breathe.

"I'm sure Trixie will fix everything," Fluttershy said. That was the Red Ranger's job after all. It was the reason Fluttershy didn't run from Ponyville the moment monsters first attacked the town. She felt safe knowing Trixie worked hard to protect them all.

“That’s what I’m worried about.” Twilight sighed. “She’s been a nervous wreck since Corona made her announcement. That and planning for the big show she’s doing for the opening of Carrot Top’s new house next week. She likes to put a lot of responsibility on herself. ”

An idea hit Fluttershy. Wonderful idea that might solve two problems at once. Fluttershy hated that bird analogy.

“How about we plan a spa date with Trixie?” Fluttershy asked. This way she could help Trixie and get her apology out. It was the perfect plan. Fluttershy loved going to the spa. Lotus Blossom and Aloe knew exactly how to melt her pain and anxieties away. Trixie needed a little getaway and Fluttershy couldn’t come up with a better spot.

“That’s a great idea!” Twilight clapped her hooves together in delight. “How about tomorrow at noon? Trixie probably won’t be busy then.”

“It’s a date.”

Trixie was more than eager to go on a spa date and she met them in front of her house. They caught her in the middle of her giving orders to her new assistant, Moondancer, for several last-minute chores she wanted to be finished. The assistant was a yellowish gray unicorn with a long stylish amaranth mane with purple and violet highlights. She mare had a thin elegant body and moved with a natural grace. She looked more suited to a modeling role than an assistant.

“After you’ve got the paperwork filled out I want you to get takeout for dinner," Trixie said holding a notepad to remind her of tasks that needed doing, "my favorite of course."

“Yes, mam," Moondancer replied, all business.

“Then I want you to pick up some new quills from Quills and Sofas. We’re low on them again, and I better not find out you’ve gotten us a new sofa. The last time Pokey went shopping there, the shopkeeper somehow convinced him to buy one. They have a no return policy. I don’t want another sofa we don’t need.”

“I won’t.”

“Then I want you to talk to Mayor Rich about my new proposal.” Trixie continued. “And tell him I’m serious about banning pranks in town. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie have gone too far this time and something needs to be done!”

Fluttershy gasped. “Oh my, did something happen?”

“I found my bed perched on top of a cloud a few days ago and almost drowned when I fell into the lake after I rolled off it in my sleep! And guess who giggled when I finally surfaced? Those two.” Trixie said those last few words dripping with venom. “Some greatest fan.”

Fluttershy decided she would have a long talk with her oldest friend about this. What she did was not nice and Trixie didn't deserve it one bit.

“Anyway, I also want you clear out the basement.” Trixie continued. “Find a good place to put the boxes. Just make sure they are out the way. Do an inventory of what’s in them. I’ll figure out what to throw later. Most of that stuff is junk, anyway.”

“You’re doing something with your basement?” Twilight asked.

Trixie shrugged. “Not sure yet. I’ve been meaning to do it for a while.”

Moondancer sighed, not sounding happy at all having to do this truckload of work. “I will have it done right away.”

“If you would excuse me, I have a relaxing date at the spa!” Trixie proclaimed and turned towards her friends. “Shall we get going? I can’t tell you much I need this. My neck has been bothering me for days.”

Moondancer scowled and her right eye twitched, but she did as instructed and entered Trixie’s house saying nothing. The group made their way towards the spa.

"That wasn't nice of you," Twilight said.

"That’s why I pay her," Trixie replied, "it’s her job after all. It's not like I don't give her days off. She's got plenty of time to go to the spa on her own time."

“I guess.” Twilight relented.

"I almost never get a day off," Trixie said, "if it's not training or my Night Court duties, it’s dealing with one crazy crisis or another. She’s lucky!”

"I don't think she sees it that way," Twilight replied.

"She'll get over it," Trixie said, "she hasn't complained once." She sounded disappointed for some reason.

“It sounds like you want her to complain," Fluttershy said surprised.

“Whenever I gave Pokey a ridiculous task, he would always complain about it and make snide comments.” Trixie made a wistful look. “Those were the days.” She seemed to fold into herself.

Fluttershy exchanged a look with Twilight. Her heart went out to the mare for her fallen friend. She tried to think of anything to raise Trixie’s spirits. “I’m sure she’ll soon start complaining and you’ll be bickering in no time!”

“Right!” Twilight said in a little too high tone. “I’m sure it won’t be long until she bites your head off and starts calling you the worst boss ever!” She made an awkward smile.

“Maybe.” Trixie sighed. “It just isn’t the same.”

“Here we are!” Twilight proclaimed trying to change the subject.” We’ll be relaxing in no time!” She laughed and stopped when she noticed nopony laughed with her and rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment.

They entered the spa and thankfully only Lotus Blossom and Aloe were there to greet them. Fluttershy was worried the spa might be packed with ponies. Even with Trixie and Twilight there, she wasn't sure she could deal with that.

“Twilight!” Aloe greeted. “So good to see you again! And I see you’ve brought some friends!”

The sisters’ smile was warming and benevolent. It put her at ease and Fluttershy already felt her fears and worries melt away.

"The full treatment please," Trixie said, "for all of us."

“Right away Miss Lulamoon!” Lotus said. Trixie flinched of their use of her last name. According to Twilight, Trixie hated her last name and got really annoyed when anypony addressed her by it.

"Just Trixie please," Trixie said, "no need to be so formal." She forced a smile fighting back a scowl.

“Of course Trixie!” Lotus replied. “How silly of me. Right this way.”

“Ah yes!” Trixie moaned as she dropped herself into the hot tub. “I so needed this!” She relaxed against the edge and closed her eyes.

“Nopony or thing trying to kill me. No disaster I need I solve.” Trixie let out a sigh. “This is the life!”

Twilight giggled. “We haven’t even gotten started yet.”

“I can’t wait!” Trixie replied. “I am so glad you talked me into this.”

Fluttershy beamed proud of herself for coming up with the idea and sat next to Trixie. She was surprised how hot she felt suddenly. She looked at Trixie and gasped when she noticed how close she was to the mare almost to the point of holding hooves. Fluttershy blushed and scooted away and thanked Luna Trixie didn’t notice this.

Stupid Fluttershy. What were you thinking? She berated herself for invading Trixie’s personal space. There’s a huge tub and you pick the spot right next to another pony. You’re being so rude. She didn’t understand it. It was so not like her at all. She hated being near ponies ever since she was little.

“Move aside Fluttershy.” Twilight flopped into the water right next to her and Fluttershy was forced to sit right next to Trixie again. The pegasus broke out into a luminescent blush again.

Is the water too hot? Fluttershy thought. It feels like I’m burning up.

Somehow her face burned even hotter when she accidentally brushed a wing against Trixie’s leg.

What is wrong with you today? Still, Fluttershy had to admit she liked being close to Trixie. It was nice.

After a nice relaxing soak in the tub, they dried off and moved on to the massage. A large white pegasus with bulging muscles and a blonde Mohawk with terrifying red eyes greeted them as Aloe led them into the room. He loomed over them almost three times her size and she fell to the ground in fright. This pony would give them their massage?!

“Greetings!” The white pegasi yelled at the top of his lungs. “I will be giving your massage for today! Yeah!”

Fluttershy winced at the loud sound and covered her ears. It didn’t seem possible this pony could get even scarier. Nope. She would not do this. This pony was too terrifying! Before she made any move to escape, Trixie did something unexpected. Not intimidated even a little, she plopped on one of the message tables exposing her back to the Pegasus. Fluttershy gapped. Did this pony have no fear?

"I didn't realize you worked here Snowflake," Trixie said with the utmost casualness.

“It's my part-time job!" Snowflake replied again speaking far too loud for Fluttershy’s liking. “I’m trying to save up so I can afford special flying classes so I can attend the Wonderbolt Academy!"

Fluttershy stared and blinked in utter disbelief. The Wonderbolt Academy? With wings that tiny?

“Really?” Trixie said in wonder and smiled. “Good for you!”

Snowflake smiled down at Trixie. “Thank you!”

"Well come on," Twilight said urging Fluttershy on toward the tables.

“I don’t know.” Despite how friendly this giant pegasus seemed, Fluttershy still had reservations.

“This guy?” Trixie laughed. “There’s nothing to worry about. He wouldn’t hurt a fly! He’s a real softy at heart. Trust me.”

Urged on by Trixie’s words, Fluttershy laid down on the message table. It turned out Trixie was right. Snowflake treated them like a real gentlecolt with hooves that melted their muscles into hot butter. She loved every minute of it as every drop of tension in her body seemed to disappear. Dear Luna, why didn’t she do this every single day for the rest of her life?

The rest of the spa date went wonderfully. They got their manes and hooves done, relaxed on a bed with a face mask, and enjoyed time in a steam room. As Fluttershy left the spa, she couldn’t think of a time she felt more rested and relaxed. Best yet, she had a nice chat with Trixie. Trixie loved to talk about herself and told Fluttershy so many things and she soaked in every word. Fluttershy barely had to say a thing to egg the other mare on. The princess's student talked about her life in the palace in Canterlot, her studies under the princess herself, and her adventures as a Ranger. She even made little illusions with her magic to recreate her previous battles.

It was mid-afternoon when they left the spa. Fluttershy marveled at how much time had passed. She needed to get back home. Mrs. Owl had an appointment about her injured wing at four and she couldn't bear the idea of keeping any of her patients waiting.

"Sorry, but I need to get going," Fluttershy said, sad to leave her friends.

Trixie waved a hoof. “Go on. I have like a million things I need to do. I really hope Moondancer got the basement cleared out. I’ve gotten tired of the mess down there.”

"Maybe we might, um, do this again sometime?" Fluttershy asked hoping beyond hope.

"I don't see why not," Trixie replied and Fluttershy’s heart skipped a beat.

“Later!” Twilight waved as Fluttershy made her way back home.

Fluttershy hummed to herself as she walked. She replayed her spa date with Trixie and Twilight in her head several times. She laughed at a story Trixie told about the time Luna tried to learn how to rollerblade. To this day the moon princess forbade any talk of it in front of her on the threat of banishment. Already Fluttershy looked forward to her next spa date with Trixie. The mare had so many stories and always knew how to make her laugh.

I sure am happy whenever I’m around Trixie. Fluttershy thought. I don’t know how the mare does it. Maybe it’s her skill as a natural performer?

Fluttershy froze when she hit on a horrifying realization. She forgot to apologize to Trixie for the running off when Vicereine Puissance attacked her house! She slumped. How could she forget that? She had hours with the mare for Luna’s sake.

Oh well. I will just tell her next time.

The thought of seeing Trixie again brightened her mood, and she didn’t feel as bad anymore.

I’m sure thinking a lot of Trixie lately. Well, Trixie was a wonderful mare so how could she not?

Fluttershy saw in a passing window she was blushing. Why was she blushing? Because of Trixie? Nah, that couldn’t be it. Trixie was just a friend. A friend she found to be the most wonderful mare in the world and loved being around.

Could I have a crush on Trixie? Fluttershy wondered. She wanted to deny it, but the more she thought about it, the more everything clicked into place.

Fluttershy’s blushing intensified and felt like she would explode from embarrassment. This was all so alien to her. Not once in her life had she ever had feelings like this for another pony. She had no clue how to react.

It shouldn’t have come as a surprise. She had always known she liked girls far more than boys. And Trixie was a very attractive mare so how couldn’t she fall for the mare?

“I need to lie down.” This was all too much for Fluttershy to handle.

Author's Note

Note: Snowdrop is the Lunaverse's name for Bulk Biceps.

Chapter 2

A Flutter of the Heart
Chapter 2
by Rixizu

“Trixie, you are the most wonderful mare I have ever met and I want to become your marefriend!” Fluttershy made her best smile. Her reflection grinned back seeming unnatural and forced. Angel shook his head in agreement. She deflated a moment later. Angel didn’t like Trixie all that much. In fact, he couldn’t stand her, but he wanted to support his friend.

“No, that won’t work," Fluttershy said, "I sound desperate and pathetic. Let’s try again.”

“ Trixie, yo! You’re pretty sweet and cool! How about you and I become marefriends!” Fluttershy made what she thought was a cool pose trying her best Rainbow Dash impression.

Angel put his face in his paws in utter embarrassment.

“Okay, maybe that isn’t the best approach either.” Besides, it wasn’t like her at all.

Angel chittered as he gave his own suggestion and Fluttershy gave a reluctant nod. If it worked for Cloudkicker, why not her too? It was also not unlike typical bunny courtship according to Angel.

“Hey Trixie, how about we go to the bar and get a few drinks? Then we’ll bang. Ok?”

Her bunny’s reaction took her more than enough about how well that line worked. Fluttershy didn't even like drinking all that much. And the idea of them banging… Fluttershy turned beet red.

Maybe I should worry about telling her my feelings first.

“How about this?” Fluttershy cleared her throat. “Trixie you are as beautiful as a flower to my eyes. You brighten every room you are in, you shine brighter than the sun. You make me as happy as a bee when it pollinates a flower or a pig as it rolls in the mud. Our love will be like a beautiful bird singing through the trees.”

No, that was horrible. She was just rambling on about nothing and even she had no clue what she was talking about. Besides, the metaphors clashed in a rather disastrous fashion. Fluttershy howled in frustration and threw herself on her bed and dove her face into the pillow. Angel hopped on the bed and gave her a reassuring pat on the back.

"Thanks, Angel." The pillow in her face made her impossible to understand, but her pet bunny got her meaning well enough.

Fluttershy was clueless how she would express her feelings to the mare she cared about. She wanted to tell Trixie how she felt but worried how the words would come out or if they would come out at all. Knowing her luck it would just come out an inaudible squeak. Confronting Trixie about this terrified her. What if Trixie didn’t like girls? What if she refused? It was too much to handle.

Oh Angel, what am I going to do?”

Fluttershy grabbed Angel and petted him. It annoyed the little bunny at first but he accepted the strokes on his head soon enough.

Of course, now she had it. She would just not tell Trixie about how she felt. She would watch from a distance loving but never telling. This way she could love Trixie and not get hurt! No, it was another horrible idea. She didn't want to deal with unrequited love for the rest of her life. It would be too painful, too sad.

Come on Fluttershy! You can do this! You can march up to Trixie and tell her exactly how you feel! If only it wasn’t so scary. Why couldn’t she be a brave pony like Trixie? Nothing scared her. That was the reason the Elements of Harmony choose her and not little old Fluttershy. She was so pathetic. Trixie wouldn’t choose her. The Ranger would want a cool and strong pony like herself. Somepony who was talented and interesting. Not a pony like Fluttershy. Trixie deserved somepony better.

“Ow!” Fluttershy yelled as Angel slapped her in the face. “What was that for?”

Angel told her to stop moping and feeling sorry for herself. She wasn't a pathetic pony. She was kindest most gentle pony he had ever known. Any pony would be lucky to have her. If Trixie didn’t accept her for who she was, then the mare was missing out.

Thanks, Angel." She needed that. "But I don't know if I can outright confess to her," Fluttershy said.

Angel thought about this and chittered his response. Bunny language was complicated and required stick attention to the movements of their nose and whiskers to gain a good idea what was being said. Angel’s face was animated as he explained his idea.

Fluttershy blinked. “Start up slow? Reveal how I feel over time?”

Like what? Fluttershy didn’t think she would be any good at flirting. An idea struck her. She stood up.

“How about I write to her as a secret admirer?” It might work. This way she could test the waters to see if Trixie would be up to having a special somepony. It would be easier to write about her feelings than talk about them and Fluttershy loved writing. She wrote plenty of manga based fanfics and romance was her favorite subject to write about. Twi could never stop raving about how good her stories were.

Angel thought about it and agreed with her. He pushed her towards her desk and pointed at it instructing her to get working, already tired of moopy lovestruck Fluttershy. She giggled and grabbed a quill and started work on her letter.

Fluttershy caught her breath as she hid behind a bush next to Trixie's house. She'd been so quick putting her letter in the mailbox she wasn't even sure Rainbow Dash could've spotted her. Now all she had to do was wait for Trixie to grab her mail and judge her reaction. Her heart pounded in anticipation. Angel hid next to her and pointed out Ditzy coming with her mailbag and mailpony cap ready to deliver the mail for today.

Fluttershy had put her heart and soul into the letter. She must’ve rewritten it at least 40 times and it took five hours to finish it. The letter was in a pink envelope with a heart-shaped seal with a touch of her favorite perfume. It had no name of course.

"Hey, Ditzy," Trixie said as she left her house to greet her friend and teammate.

“Yo!” Ditzy waved as Trixie approached her. “It’s good you came out here. You have a package you need to sign.”

Ditzy got a clipboard and a pen out of her bag with her mouth and presented it to Trixie. Trixie used her magic to take the pen and sign the clipboard. Ditzy examined it for a second before nodding and presenting her friend with a package.

“Finally!” Trixie grabbed the package and examined the label. “I thought it was lost in the mail at this point.”

“What is it?” Ditzy asked.

“A birthday present from my aunt and uncle in Neigh Orleans.”

Ditzy blinked. “Wasn’t your birthday almost four months ago?”

“Yes! Yes it was!” Trixie growled.

"That's strange.” Ditzy did some mental calculations in her head. "With standard shipping, it should've been here in three weeks at the most. “

"Our postal service at work," Trixie replied in a dry tone.

"None of that," Ditzy said. "I'm sure it was just some silly mix up."

“Anyway, did I get anything else in the mail?” Trixie asked changing the subject.

Ditzy checked her bag. “Nope. Doesn’t look like it.”

Trixie nodded and turned to go back into her house.

“Wait, can I see what your aunt and uncle got you?”

Trixie shrugged and made quick work of the package with her magic. Inside it was a miniature stuffed elephant well worn from obvious years of use and play. Much to Fluttershy’s surprise, tears gathered at the Red Ranger’s eyes.

"Elle," Trixie said in a quiet voice, "and here I thought I would never see you again." She brought the toy near to her heart and hugged it.

Fluttershy gapped. She’d never suspected Trixie had this side to her. The scene was adorable and Fluttershy’s heart swooned.

Trixie noticed Ditzy was giggling at her and tried her best to look cool. “Thanks for bringing this. I thought I lost it years ago.”

“Look there’s a note.” Ditzy pointed to a letter coming out of the box.

"Dear Trixie. We found old Elle while cleaning the attic and thought you two might want to reunite after all these years. We know how much you loved him. Happy Birthday, Trixie. Love Aunt Moonsinger and Uncle Sky Shaper.” Trixie said reading the letter out loud.

"That's sweet of them," Ditzy said.

Trixie made a small smile. “They're the best aunt and uncle a pony could ask for. Besides Luna, they practically raised me.”

Trixie looked lovingly at her toy elephant. "I can't believe they found you, Elle. I must've lost you when I was over for one of my biweekly visits back home." She broke out into a grin. "I can't wait to show this to Princess Luna! Back in the day, we were inseparable. We went to every class together."

Trixie noticed Ditzy amused expression and backpedaled. “Not that I care all that much. It’s just an old toy after all. I’ll probably end up losing it again or something. And don’t you have a route to do?”

Ditzy rolled her eyes. “Okay, I’ll go.”

Trixie walked back to her house giving her foalhood toy a loving look and whispered to him how she would give him the best spot in her room.

“Wait!” Ditzy cried out and Trixie turned back to her friend.

“What?”

“There’s something in your mailbox.” Ditzy pointed at the pink letter and Fluttershy’s heart soared. She gasped when she noticed the hearts and broke out into a grin.

“I have a good idea what that might be,” Ditzy said with a smirk, “and who it might be from.”

This is it. This is the moment.

Trixie grabbed the letter from the box and examined it. Ditzy glanced at over her shoulder. Time seemed to stop for Fluttershy as she waited for Trixie response.

Trixie groaned. “Not another love letter. Moondancer!”

“What?” Moondancer said from the front door.

“Throw this in the fireplace will you?” Trixie floated the letter to her assistant and Moondancer nodded. A few seconds later and the sound of paper burning came from Trixie’s house.

Fluttershy gaped in utter horror. Everything around her became dull and gray and sound became muffed. The following conversation was almost intelligible to her.

“Really? You aren’t even going to read it?” Ditzy asked in disbelief.

“Nope.” Trixie straightened up in pride.

“I don’t believe you.” Ditzy put her head in her hooves.

"Hey, if I ignore them long enough they’ll give up and get off my back," Trixie said defending herself.

“But, just, fine be that way.” Ditzy threw up her hooves and trotted away and began muttering to herself.

"Trust me, it's for the best," Trixie shouted after her and re-entered her house.

Fluttershy didn’t know what to do or say or even if she should break out into tears. All the joy sucked out of her like she was being drained of all life. Angel gave her a reassuring pat on the back before glaring in Trixie’s direction saying some rather rude things about her.

“It’s okay Angel.” Fluttershy’s voice contained no emotion. “Let’s go home.”

The walk back some was a complete blur and before Fluttershy knew it, she was back in her house covered with a blanket, a mug of hot cocoa in her hooves. Her animal friends gave her comforting words and Fluttershy felt better.

Angel stomped around her house cursing Trixie’s name. He told the other animals what happened. They screamed and howled in fury and outrage. Soon the animals formed a mob. Torches and pitchforks were given out and were gripped tight in claws, beaks, paws, and tails. Angel yelled out a battle cry and the surrounded animals did the same. They demanded Trixie’s head on a platter and marched out of her house for retribution.

Fluttershy eeped when she realized what they were doing and flew out of her house as quickly as her wings could carry her. She landed in front of the mob with her hooves spread out in a placating gesture.

“Now everyone, let’s not do anything rash.”

All the animals cawed, roared, hissed, and barked at once and she couldn’t make out a single word expect Trixie’s name. It wasn’t hard to guess they wanted the mare’s head. Her head spun on how to defuse this situation before it exploded out of control.

"I'm, um, happy you're angry on behalf, but it's fine, really. I don't mind at all that Trixie burned my love letter."

Another torrent of outrage at Trixie’s name, and they raised their pitchforks and torches more than ready to use them. Her argument did little to convince them, but Fluttershy pushed on anyway. She had to save Trixie no matter what.

“Really, it’s fine. She just misunderstood.” Fluttershy kept speaking with no idea what the next word would be. “She’s super popular! Like, um, Sapphire Shores! She probably gets like a million love letters! She doesn’t have the time to read them all! She’s so overwhelmed by them no wonder she burns them at this point.” Fluttershy gave her best-winning smile praying to Luna almighty she would get through to them.

The animals looked at each other not sure if they bought this argument. Angel yelled some more angry things stomping his foot for emphasis. A few birds complained about how Trixie destroyed their home when she went out gallivanting in her Zord not caring or noticing the damage she did. Some squirrels nodded in agreement and one complained about losing her entire supply of food. Gophers complained about the horrible ground quakes caused by Trixie’s giant robot. The entire group exploded with various complaints about the Red Ranger and Fluttershy winced.

The problem was that they weren’t wrong, and they had every right to be angry. Trixie could be careless and didn’t notice the problems she caused for others.

Like how she burned my letter without even thinking of my feelings. A bitter part of her whispered. And yet, Fluttershy didn’t want to abandon her.

"No, you're right to be angry at Trixie," Fluttershy said looking down, "she can be a bit of jerk sometimes, but she's also a very courageous pony. She fights hard to protect everyone."

Inspiration struck her and she continued. “Remember when that cigar monster tried to burn down half of the forest, Trixie fought with it by herself she protected all of you, and didn’t ask for anything in return.”

In fact, this was the first time she ever set eyes on Trixie in her Ranger form. Fluttershy had marveled at the battle and how Trixie fought to prevent even a single tree from getting burnt even blocking attacks with her own body. Not a single tree caught on fire that day and Trixie pulled out a win. Fluttershy wondered if this was when she first fell in love with the mare.

The animals talked about it. Mr. Snake mentioned a time when he got turned into a monster by Corona and how Trixie saved him. Fluttershy remembered that day. Trixie herself had brought Mr. Snake to her so he could get better after he turned back to normal. Trixie was a caring pony in her own strange way.

“So, please,” Fluttershy said in a whisper almost breaking out into tears, “don’t hurt her.”

The animals, moved by her speech, nodded. Even Angel agreed and patted her on the hoof taking her hoof in his paws. The animals dispersed going back to their homes and Fluttershy promised to talk to Trixie about not playing around in her Zord and only using it during a crisis.

Great, now I’m back to square one about how to confess my feelings to her.

After days of debate with herself, Fluttershy decided it would be best to just confess her feelings face to face. No flirting, no subtlety or long drawn-out attempts to confess her feelings. She didn’t want to end up like a manga character that spent the whole series sending hints of her feelings, only for the protagonist to cluelessly not notice these hints at all. She didn’t think she wanted to deal with that and it seemed all too likely Trixie would be like the clueless protagonist. Like a Band-Aid being pulled off, she wanted to get it over with. No more agonizing if Trixie would accept her feelings.

She legs shook as she approached Trixie's house. She could see Trixie through the window sitting in a rocking chair reading a book. Moondancer was nowhere in sight making this the perfect chance to confess her feelings. Fluttershy made her way to the door and readied herself to knock. She pushed her hoof towards the door. A million ways this encounter could go wrong flashed through her mind. She begged herself to not lose her courage. Her hoof hit the door, but the blow was so soft it made no noise.

That was pathetic. Fluttershy berated herself.

She tried again, but her next attempt was little better than the first. Frustrated, Fluttershy slammed her hoof against the door.

"Coming," Trixie said trotting towards her door.

“Eep!” Fluttershy zipped into a nearby bush.

Trixie opened her door and growled when she saw nopony was there. “Very funny Rainbow Dash, Pinkie. Hear this. Enjoy these pranks while you can. When I'm done, nopony will ever prank in this town again!" She shook her hoof in the air and slammed the door behind her.

Fluttershy put her face in her hooves. How could that go so badly? She debated trying again, but couldn’t get back the nerve and went back home defeated and her head hung low to the ground.

“Oh, hi Fluttershy,” Twilight said walking towards her, “is something wrong?”

“Sorry Twi, I don’t want to talk right now,” Fluttershy said. “I’m glum about my failed attempt to confess my crush to Trixie.”

Twilight blinked. “Excuse me.”

Fluttershy froze and turned beet red. "I said that out loud didn't I?"

Twilight squealed. “You have a crush on Trixie? You need to tell me everything!”

Fluttershy sighed. Why did she have to open her big mouth?

"I would never have guessed you would fall for Trixie of all ponies," Twilight said after Fluttershy told her story. They were sitting at an outside café drinking tea.

Fluttershy blushed. “Well, yes, she’s a nice pony. I just wish when the time comes I will get the words out.”

Twilight pondered this. “Yes, I can imagine for a pony like you it would be pretty difficult.”

Fluttershy gave a noncommittal nod and sipped her tea.

Twilight’s face broke out into a wide grin. “We need to research this!” She bounced back and forth in her chair eager at the prospect of a research project.

“I guess?”

“We need to get to the library right away! It’s bound to have a book on the best way to gain the confidence you need to confess your feelings to Trixie!”

“Um, I’m not so sure.”

“Trust me. Books can solve anything!” Twilight pulled Fluttershy towards the library.

Fluttershy sighed. You would say that Twi.

Twilight searched the shelves for books on romance and squealed when she found a book that pleased her and presented to Fluttershy.

“Iron Will’s Guide to Successful Love Confessions?” Fluttershy asked. The book had a blue minotaur giving a thumbs up surrounded by red hearts. One the back it boosted how it would turn even the timidest mouse into a fierce amazon of love.

"All this talk of confessions got me thinking and I just remembered something. A friend of mine had the same problem as you," Twilight said, "she said this book fixed everything."

“I’m not so sure Twi.” Fluttershy looked over the book again. Something about the cocky grin on the minotaur’s face didn’t give her a lot of confidence in his romantic advice.

“Trust me. You don’t know until you try.”

“Okay,” Fluttershy said. What was the worst that could happen? This might actually work.

Chapter 3

A Flutter of the Heart
Chapter 3
by Rixizu

Fluttershy walked up to the mirror and took in a deep breath. She read the book again making sure she was doing the instructions correctly and straightened her posture making it more confident and self-assured. She wasn't going to just confess her feelings; she would announce her feelings to the world with the ferocity not of a lion, but of a dragon. No, on second thought, Fluttershy liked the lion analogy better. Lions were cute. Dragons were something not even to be considered.

Sure enough, the Fluttershy looking back at her seemed like a completely different pony. This pony took charge of her destiny and didn’t care what other ponies thought of her. She backed down from nothing and made herself the master of all aspects of her life. This pony wouldn’t shy away from telling the most special pony in her life how she felt.

She deflated and sighed. It was one thing to talk big about becoming self-assured and confident, and another to make yourself become like that. Self-confidence wasn't a switch you turned on and off at will. Yet, this book told her different.

Well, I might as well go ahead with it. Despite her misgivings, she wanted to at least try. What was the harm, right? And didn’t Twi say this worked for a friend of hers? That had to be proof that this method worked.

Fluttershy spent the next hour screaming at a mirror in her most confident pose how she felt about Trixie and how she wanted her share her life with her. Her voice hurt by the end of the session, but Fluttershy felt more confident. Her doubts melted away replaced with iron and steely resolve. She could do this. No, she had to do this. She wouldn’t let little doubts and fears impede her love.

She smiled. Yes, tomorrow would be the day for sure when she finally confessed to Trixie. Failure was not an option.

The next day Fluttershy woke up nice and early sooner than she usually awoke, but her anxiety made a nice night of sleep impossible. When she got to Trixie’s house, she found the love of her life already awake and guiding her assistant Moondancer as the latter moved several heavy boxes to the trash. The poor dear floated them in her magical aura while Trixie stood in the back doorway doing nothing to help, sipping some orange juice from a straw. Fluttershy hid in a nearby bush to watch. She kept Angel home this time. She wanted to conquer this by herself.

With a pained grunt, Moondancer placed the boxes down near the trash. She almost collapsed from exhaustion. Sweat dripped from her brow and her usual meticulously styled hair was in a tangled mess.

"Moondancer, I want you to carry these three boxes to the trash too," Trixie yelled from the doorway. She grunted in annoyance as she read through some papers in her hooves and threw them into an open box and closed it. “Did Duke Blueblood keep every paper that came his way?” she said. “Half of this box is just old credit card applications he got in the mail. And do these ten boxes too. Junk, all of it.”

Moondancer hissed under her breath and her eye twitched. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good.” Trixie yawned. “All this work is making me tired. I’m going out for a quick stroll and get myself a quick snack too.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Moondancer’s voice was stained and her eye twitched more violently as Trixie left her sight.

Poor Moondancer, I will have to talk to Trixie about treating her better. Still, this gives me the perfect opportunity to confess my feelings.

“This is great. She’s alone now giving you the perfect opportunity to confess your feelings!” A voice said behind Fluttershy almost giving her a heart attack.

“Twi! What are you doing here?” Fluttershy whispered.

“Well, after I gave you that book, I spent all night thinking about your confession. So, I spent the whole night researching love confessions. Isn’t that great?” It didn’t look like Twi had gotten any sleep last night. She had deep back bags under her eyes behind her thick black glasses. Despite that, she looked eager and full of energy.

Fluttershy opened her mouth to protest Twilight’s appearance but decided against it. It would be mean to turn her friend away after coming all this way to help. And she made excellent moral support.

“Okay. Let’s go.”

They followed Trixie through town as the Red Ranger did mundane errands, but it soon became clear that Trixie was just making excuses to see her friends while trying to not make it obvious. While sweet, this made it difficult to find a good opportunity to be with her alone. Still, Fluttershy refused to be deterred, and she followed behind like a hawk ready to strike at any moment.

Fluttershy was too busy with her task trailing her quarry to notice that their surroundings were becoming familiar. Twi nudged her with an elbow and she took her eyes off of Trixie for a moment. She gave Twilight a questioning gaze and stopped when she noticed they were in front of Fluttershy’s house. Trixie walked up to it and gave the door a rhythmic knock.

Oh my gosh, what could Trixie want with me? What should I do? Should I sneak back into my house and greet her at the door? Or should I walk up to her? Oh, my. So many decisions. So many choices. What if I get it wrong? No silly, you are overthinking this. Walk up to her and ask what she wants, then invite her in and bam you have the perfect chance to confess. Just do what Iron Will told you. Face her like a predator stalking her prey. Trixie will like that approach.

“Are you going?” Twi asked and Fluttershy responded with a nod. “Then get going.”

Fluttershy stomped toward Trixie making every step pound the ground with as much force as she could muster. Well, the truth was it wasn’t all that strong. The mere thought of hurting the grass made her ill, and she might accidentally stomp on some bugs! So it came out more like a gentle trot, but it was good enough.

“What do you want?” Fluttershy made her voice growl and added some huskiness and suggestiveness to it, both imposing but alluring.

“There you are.” Trixie turned around and froze when she saw the look Fluttershy was giving her.

“What do you want?” Fluttershy repeated this time becoming more aggressive showing she wasn’t some little filly that could be walked over. She straightened and loomed over the object of her affection.

“Um, well, I wanted eels, I mean, electric eels for a show, and er. It’s nice to see you Fluttershy, and…” Trixie said babbling nonsense.

“Cat got your tongue, Trixie?” Fluttershy scoffed and flicked her hair. “Whatever, come into my house and we will discuss this.” It was more of a demand than a request that left no room for disagreement.

“And who knows.” Fluttershy flicked her head gave her most seductive look. “You might get something interesting out of it.”

“I gotta go!” Trixie announced and disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

Fluttershy gapped as Trixie galloped at full speed away from her and put her face in her hooves. How could that of go so wrong? She did everything the book instructed her. It promised this assertive attitude would be both dominating and enticing. It didn’t appear to the case. No, it only made Trixie scared of her and the mare fought monsters for a living! She hung her head in shame.

"That's not what I was expecting to happen," Twi said dumbfounded, “I don’t get it. It should’ve worked.”

Well, it didn’t. Fluttershy said in her head angry and frustrated with what happened. She took out Iron Will’s book and glared at it then let out a sigh. It wasn’t the book’s fault she was so incompetent.

“Let’s just get out of here.” Saying nothing else, Fluttershy made her way to her front door.

"Now hold on," Twilight said getting in her way, "we can't give up yet. Let's try one more time."

“What’s the point?” Fluttershy shot back.

“Are you really going to let a small setback stop you?” Twilight asked pleading with every part of her soul. “You love her Fluttershy, and love is about taking risks and putting yourself out there. Are you telling me you’re happy with Trixie not knowing how you feel?”

“Well...”

“Exactly!” Twilight said. “I know you’re scared, but you need to get out there and take charge of your destiny. Fluttershy, you are a much braver pony than you know and have a heart of a lion. Don’t let these setbacks hold back your happiness.”

"Alright," Fluttershy said relenting, "I will try one more time."

“Yes!” Twilight almost jumped from the ground in excitement. “Let’s get out there and track her down.”

One more time. Fluttershy looked at the book by Iron Will. She appreciated what it was trying to do, but she realized it pushed too far and made her too aggressive. She would just have to change its advice somewhat. It obviously wasn’t the type of tactic that would work on somepony like Trixie for whatever reason. She would keep the confidence, but not be so scary. It was worth a try. Reining in her fear and worry, she followed Twi into town.

Fluttershy had no clue how the pink, cute, and funny building of Sugarcube Corner could be so intimidating. It seemed to loom over her in the bright warm cloudless day somehow. Fluttershy shook her head. She was just being silly now. She straightened and walked into the front door. Twilight gave her an encouraging smile, and it warmed her heart and gave her strength. Their quarry had finally stopped to rest and Fluttershy wasn't going to give up this chance.

You can do this Fluttershy!

She gasped when she saw the interior of the building. She had heard about it being remodeled after a monster attack, but she hadn't imagined this. The bakery had a built-in gym now with exercising equipment, a dojo, and even a pool. A pool! Who had ever heard of a bakery with a pool? She wondered how the heck they got the money to pay for all of this. Was the insurance money that good? She put aside her thoughts, for now, she looked for Trixie.

Trixie sat at a table eating a cupcake with her dutiful assistant Moondancer standing nearby. Fluttershy brightened. What a perfect opportunity to have a one-on-one chat with her crush. She approached carefully and quietly to not startle Trixie. Twi gave her a reassuring smile and Fluttershy pushed on. Neither Moondancer nor Trixie noticed her as she approached.

“Um, Trixie, I was wondering if we might have a chat.” Fluttershy’s unexpected appearance made Trixie jump. She gave Fluttershy a nervous look like she might attack at any moment.

"I guess," Trixie said her voice uneasy and worried.

"Alone," Fluttershy said.

“Okay. Moondancer, could you, I don’t know, clean the chimney in my house, please? Yeah, that's it! I've been putting it off, and why not? This is the perfect time to do it. It’s a nice day.”

“What?” Moondancer exclaimed and glared at her boss. She composed herself, clinched her teeth, and nodded though not happy one bit. “Yes, ma’am.” She left them alone.

“Trixie, I'm sorry for the way I acted," Fluttershy said looking down ashamed, "I didn't mean to scare you."

Trixie looked at her surprised. “It’s alright. You just started me.”

“I was trying to be more assertive. It, um, didn’t work out that well.”

Trixie thought about this. "It wasn't a horrible attempt. Just don't look like you're about to bite somepony's head off."

They laughed at this and Fluttershy felt better. She was glad to learn Trixie wasn’t mad or angry at her.

“Truth be told, I was trying to become braver to tell you something important.” Fluttershy thought about Iron Will’s book again and how it told her to be bold and loudly declare how she felt and she planned to do just that.

Trixie eyed her curious. “Like what?”

"Trixie, I…" Fluttershy froze as she stared at Trixie beautiful violet eyes. “I really like you.”

Trixie’s head tilted. “Okay? I like you too.”

Fluttershy blinked her hopes rising like a wave. “Really?”

“Sure, you’re pretty cool.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Fluttershy blushed. Her heart soared to heights she didn’t believe were possible.

“I don’t know why you had to go to all this trouble just to ask if I wanted to be your friend. Aren’t we already?”

Oh crap, she misunderstood what I meant.

“Um, that’s not quite what I meant.”

“What then? Please tell you’re not going to tell me you’re in love with me or something? You know I don’t care about that nonsense.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened in shock and horror. She tried her best to control her racing heart. “You don’t.” She said weakly.

Trixie snorted. "Of course not. Who do you think I am, Lyra? I couldn't care less about that loovy doovy nonsense. I am perfectly happy with where I am. Besides, love is just dumb.”

“I see. It’s a good thing that wasn’t what I wanted to say at all.” Fluttershy said, sagging in her seat.

Trixie wiped her brow. “Phew, that’s a relief. I was worried for a second that love letter I got was from you. I really didn’t want to tell you I wasn’t interested. That would just be awkward.”

Trixie waved at Pinkie at the counter. “Can I get another cupcake? Oh, do you want anything?”

“Sure.” Fluttershy had to force the words out. “A normal one would be fine.”

Trixie nodded and repeated their order. “Okay, so what did you want to tell me then?”

Fluttershy’s mind raced on how to cover this. A confession of love was out of the question. She wanted to break down and cry, but not in front of Trixie. Anything but that.

"I, um, well I was wondering if you would like to go on weekly spa dates? I, um, had fun hanging with you and it would be nice to have a weekly time for us to meet up.

Trixie brightened. “Oh, so that is what this is about? Sure, I would like that. I can’t tell you how much I need a need a weekly spa session. Things get so stressful around the office and this Corona reform nonsense isn’t helping.”

“Yes, how wonderful.” Fluttershy’s voice sounded hollow to her ears, empty of any emotion. Her conversation with Trixie was dull and muted. She just nodded to everything said to her too depressed to pick up anything that was being said to her. Fluttershy gave her goodbyes and left, or at least she thought she did.

“How did it go?” Twilight asked as she left Sugarcube Corner.

Fluttershy muttered something inaudible. Tears gathered at the edge of her eyes. She felt the sudden compulsion to give Twi a hug and cry in her chest. The sudden embrace surprised Twi, but she softened and stroked Fluttershy’s hair and whispered comfort at her.

“It’ll be alright.” Twilight soothed. They stayed like that for several minutes. Fluttershy took comfort from her friend’s embrace and felt not as horrible as before.

“What happened in there?” Twilight scowled. “You would think Trixie would have put your confession down with at least a little finesse. I am going to give that mare a piece of my mind. She shouldn’t have treated you like that.”

Twilight let go of Fluttershy. “Wait here.” She stomped towards the entrance of Sugarcube Corner.

Fluttershy realized that Twilight was about to do and cried out for her to stop, but it fell on deaf ears.

"Oh hey, Twilight." Trixie grinned as her friend approached. "Hows…" Whatever Trixie was about to say was lost after Twilight slapped her in the face. She flew off her seat and crashed into an empty table behind her, snapping it in two. Nearby ponies screamed in shock and backed away from the enraged Twilight. Pinkie yelled about no fighting in Sugarcube Corner.

“How dare you do that to Fluttershy?” Twilight’s voice roared in outrage. “You are such an insensitive jerk you know that? Do you have any idea just how much you meant to Fluttershy?”

Trixie winced and rubbed at her jaw. She looked at her attacker in complete confusion. “What?” She eeped and ran behind a nearby table getting some distance away from her attacker.

“Poor Flutters tried so hard to confess to you. She put her heart into telling you how much you meant to her, how much she loved you. You should be ashamed of yourself!” Twi pointed an accusatory hoof at Trixie.

“Fluttershy, what?” Trixie looked at Twilight baffled.

Fluttershy put her face in her hooves. Of all the ways she wanted Trixie to learn about her feelings, this was not it. Could this day get any worse?

"Let's get out of here Fluttershy," Twilight growled grabbing Fluttershy with her magic before she could protest.

"Hold on a minute," Trixie said trying to get their attention, but Twilight was already out the door.

Twilight grumbled to herself as she stomped through town with Fluttershy floating behind her. “Stupid Trixie. You’re too good for her Fluttershy. She doesn’t deserve you at all.”

“Um, please put me down?” Fluttershy really didn’t like being treated like she was luggage and flying in the air without her wings was disconcerting.

“Oh, sorry.” Twilight floated Fluttershy down to the ground.

“Thanks.” Fluttershy relished having the pavement back under her hooves.

Twilight grabbed Fluttershy by the shoulders. “Don’t worry about Trixie. You didn’t need somepony like her, anyway. There’s always more fish in the sea. Don’t let a jerk like her get you down.”

“Um, well.” Fluttershy had no clue at all how to fix this misunderstanding and worried this might have broken Twi’s friendship with Trixie. She didn’t like what Trixie did, dismissing her feelings like that, but the mare didn’t deserve to lose a friend over it.

Fluttershy tried a different approach. “You didn’t need to hurt her. That wasn’t a good thing you did.”

“Well.” Twilight hesitated. “I hated how she made you cry. Only a total monster would do that.”

Fluttershy resisted putting her face into her hooves again. She hated how everypony and animal treated her like she was a delicate flower that would break at the slightest touch. Even her own parents treated her like that. Yes, Trixie’s rejection hurt, but she was a big filly and could handle her own problems thank you very much.

Do I really appear so weak to everypony?

Maybe she did. Throughout her life, she had always avoided any conflict and tried to appease everypony. She ran away from Canterlot to protect herself from Night Court politics. She hid in her home avoiding ponies. Fluttershy felt like such a coward. But maybe she could change, or at least stop this situation from escalating even further. This needed to be put to a stop right now. She would not let Trixie lose a friend regardless of what happened. She recalled everything from Iron Will’s book she could remember and put forth all the assertiveness she could muster.

“Hitting Trixie like that wasn’t right.” Fluttershy’s voice was strong and commanding.

“But she…” Twilight looked at her confused by this sudden confidence.

“No, Trixie didn’t deserve that.” Fluttershy floundered as she tried to come up what would be the best thing to say next. “She did nothing wrong. She rejected me, and I took it a little too hard. That’s all.”

Twilight looked like she wanted to argue, but Fluttershy’s glare made her reconsider. She sighed relenting. “You’re right. I overreacted.”

“You should apologize.” Fluttershy almost exploded in giddiness. This was actually working.

Twilight nodded and looked down in shame. “I’ll do it right away.” She teleported away.

I did it! Fluttershy wanted to jump up and down in the air. Instead, she thrust her hoof into the air. “Yay.” It wasn’t a very loud victory cry, but it did its job.

She still didn’t feel all that great as she walked home. Trixie’s rejection still stung, there was also a sense of accomplishment too and she took pride in how she handled the Twilight situation. She would be okay.

Fluttershy froze as she came to Trixie's house. She saw a very unhappy Moondancer cover in black soot on the roof her perfect coat and mane ruined by black grim. She held a chimney sweep brush in her hooves. Fluttershy turned red at the rather colorful words Trixie’s assistant was using most of which were directed at Trixie.

The poor dear. Fluttershy thought. I should fly up and give her some encouragement.

It surprised Fluttershy that Moondancer was nowhere in sight by the time she flew up there. Confused, she peered down to find any sign of the mare. She brightened when she saw Moondancer in the backyard.

Moondancer let out another curse as she violently opening a tool shack and threw her brush inside. Fluttershy was about to fly down and met her, but a familiar voice froze her in her tracks. No, it couldn’t be. Not her again. Fluttershy’s blood turned ice cold.

“Having a bad day?” An elderly mare took in Moondancer’s dishevelment with private amusement and a cruel smile tugged at end of her mouth.

“Shove it Puissance," Moondancer growled turning to face the mare, "how much longer do you expect me to play spy for you?”

Chapter 4

A Flutter of the Heart
Chapter 4
by Rixizu

Fluttershy’s mouth stood agape. Moondancer is a spy for Vicereine Puissance! Oh, no! What should I do? This is terrible, horrible! Poor Trixie! I have to warn her!

Fluttershy took deep breaths to calm down. Panicking would help nopony. Her eyes widened in fright as Puissance moved to look in her direction, she quickly ducked to avoid being seen.

“Well!” Moondancer said getting into her boss’s face. “How long?”

"Hmm," Puissance said distractedly before looking back at Moondancer, "as long as it is required obviously."

Moondancer gritted her teeth. "Do you have any idea what is like to work under that mare?" She spat the last word.

Puissance gave a cruel smile. “If you aren’t up to it, somepony else could always do your job.”

"I'll do the job," Moondancer replied, "I'm a professional. I do as I am told."

“Then quit whining already.”

Moondancer’s eye twitched, but she bit back a reply. “What are you doing here, anyway?”

“Not that it is any of your business, but I have matters I need to discuss with Representative Lulamoon. She doesn’t appear to be home. Pity.”

Moondancer raised an eyebrow. "And you came in person to this small no-name dirtball?"

“What is this? Twenty questions? I don’t have to explain myself to you.”

Moondancer growled under her breath but again bit back another angry retort.

"Just tell Lulamoon I want to see her as soon as possible," Puissance said, "you can handle that right?"

“Yes.” Moondancer’s voice was tight.

“That’s a good girl,” Puissance replied. Fluttershy wasn’t sure it was possible for somepony to be more condescending. Puissance whistled and a golden chariot piloted by two pegasi in neat green suits flew from the sky. The old mare entered it and Fluttershy scrambled out of sight as the old mare flew her away, and with that, she disappeared into town.

Fluttershy laid there on the roof trying to calm her breathing. Moondancer is a spy for Puissance. What was she to do? The thought of confronting Trixie again after what happened in Sugarcube Corner hurt. It was too soon, and the wounds were too raw, but she needed to do something. Trixie was counting on her. Who knew what does two were up to? It was too dangerous for Trixie not to know about this.

I need to this, for Trixie’s sake. She closed her eyes and swallowed the pain. No matter how much it hurts.

Would Trixie even believe her? Moondancer was her assistant. She's just some random mare with a crush. Fluttershy stomped her hoof off the ground. She would make Trixie understand the truth even if it killed her.

It took a painfully long time for Trixie to get back home. It was almost dark by the time she arrived. Fluttershy spent the entire time hiding in a bush not wanting to hunt all over town again to find the mare. Still, it wasn’t all a waste. She’d had a nice conversation with some bunnies that hopped her way and later when some worms crawled out of the ground.

I really need to stop hiding in bushes and spying on ponies. Fluttershy thought. It might send a bad message about me.

It relieved Fluttershy to see that Trixie was in high spirits. Twi’s apology must have gone over well. In fact, there was a slight wobble in Trixie's step. Did the two go out drinking?

"Oh, you’re back," Moondancer said as she exited Trixie's house. "Where have you been? You still have all this paperwork that needs your stamp of approval."

"Just out for a few drinks," Trixie said. Her voice was steady, but a little slurred. "Not enough to get wasted sadly. I got too much responsibility." She looked downtrodden as she said this.

“I’m sure you do.” Moondancer did little to hide her sarcasm.

"Don't know when some random crisis will strike," Trixie said not noticing Moondancer's tone. "did anything happen when I was out?"

“Vicereine Puissance asked to meet with you," Moondancer replied her face impassive.

Trixie cursed. “She didn’t happen to have a retinue of thugs with her did she?”

“Not as far as I could tell.”

Trixie sighed. “This can’t be anything good. I didn’t drink nearly enough to deal with that old harpy. Fine, I’ll see what she wants in the morning.”

“Very good ma’am.”

"Oh, and by the way," Trixie said almost off hoovedly, "I'm letting you go."

Moondancer spluttered and stared in shock. “What?”

What? What is going on? Fluttershy stared at the scene stunned.

“I’ve been thinking this over, but sorry I'm just not feeling it," Trixie said nonplussed, "I don't think it’s working out."

“But I do everything you say! To the word!” Moondancer cried out in outrage.

“True.” Trixie nodded. “That is why I will recommend you to the princess’s secretary. I’m sure she will be able to find you a position better suited to your talents.“ As if the situation was concluded, she trotted to her house.

“You can’t fire me!” Moondancer spat the words and glared.

"Uh, yes I can," Trixie said, "I'm your boss."

“I’ve done everything you’ve said.” Moondancer was yelling now repeating her point. “Everything! To the letter!”

"Yes, and that is why I am helping you get a better job," Trixie said this like she was talking to a small foal.

“You can’t do this to me! Not after everything!”

“Just go.”

Moondancer let out an ear piercing scream of rage. “You and everything you love will burn for this! Burn!” With that, she stomped off.

“You aren’t exactly helping your case!” Trixie yelled back. “Dear Luna. No wonder I had some bad feelings about her. Some ponies!”

That was not what Fluttershy expected. I should’ve known things would’ve worked themselves out. Still, that Moondancer mare frightened her. That explosion of anger was something else.

It doesn’t matter. Moondancer had left and was no longer a problem. She thought about warning Trixie about her ex-assistant being a spy but decided against it. It could wait. She had no desire to confront Trixie at the moment.

“So, why do you want to see me?” Trixie asked eying her guest warily.

Vicereine Puissance was sitting on the chair in front of Trixie’s desk posed and elegant as she sipped her tea. Trixie couldn’t help looking around the room expecting goons to jump out at her at any moment. Her guest, on the other hoof, remained calm and unperturbed. As usual, there was an air of smug satisfaction to her. "I have a project I want to propose," she said, "it is one that would bring more traffic to this little town of yours."

“Go on.”

“I want to restore the Castle of the Two Sisters,” Puissance replied. Trixie gapped at her.

“Really?” she said not believing her own ears.

Puissance smirked. “The castle is an important piece of Equestrian history. You can see the benefits this would provide to Ponyville. The tourism alone would boost the town’s economy greatly. It will become much more than a little farming town in the middle of nowhere.”

“But, how?” Trixie asked. “It’s in the middle of a deadly forest full of timber wolves, sirens, zomponies, giant spiders, manticores, and who knows what else."

Puissance raised an eyebrow at the mention of zomponies, but stood up straight and proud. “We are ponies. A superior indomitable species that can and will overcome anything. I will enjoy bending the Everfree to my will.”

Dear Luna, she is serious. Trixie had heard of Vicereine Puissance’s ambition and guts, but never dreamed it could go this far. She felt a tiny bit of admiration for the old hag.

"Okay, I don’t see why not," Trixie said, "I will bring this to Mayor Rich and the town council at the meeting today.”

Filthy Rich was the one that took Mayor Mare's job after it turned out that she was super corrupt and tried to frame Trixie for her various crimes. So far Trixie liked the new arrangement. They got along well and he had a good head for the job.

At least today’s meeting won’t be as boring as the others. She already had enough talk of zoning to last several lifetimes.

Puissance inclined her head. “Inform Mayor Rich I wish to speak with him as soon as he is able. I plan to be in town for a few days and want to speak to the town council myself. ”

Trixie gave a grunt of acknowledgment. Puissance stood deciding the meeting is over and started for the door.

“One question.” Puissance froze at the door her hoof of the handle. “What exactly do you get out of this?” Trixie said with suspicion. Puissance had to have other motives. She wouldn’t help a small town or anypony out of the goodness of her own heart.

Puissance chuckled. “At least you are putting some thought into this. There might be hope for you yet. The Night Court needs this.”

“What do you mean?”

“Thanks to those buffoons Night Light and Greengrass, any goodwill the public has towards the Night Court has evaporated. Its public approval rating is the lowest I've ever seen. I will not stand for it.”

And considering you’re like a thousand years old, that’s an impressive feat.

“This project will be the first step to help improve our relations with the public. I wish to prove not all Night Court members are corrupt and self-serving. I plan to pay for everything in this project. It will be an impressive act of generosity and it will help poor little Ponyville.” From the sound of her voice, it didn’t sound like Puissance cared about Ponyville at all.

“And I personally plan to help Princess Luna crack down on the corruption of the Night Court.” Puissance continued.

Trixie stared at the Vicereine like she grew a second head. “What?”

“Alas, I have become derelict in my duty in protecting the Night Court from its more unsavory members. A mistake I plan to make amends for.”

"I bet." Trixie didn't hide her sarcasm. Of course, she would do this. She saw an opportunity to boost her popularity and planned to take advantage of it for everything it was worth. Never mind the fact Puissance was probably the most corrupt of them all. Even though it was never proved for sure that she was behind Dinky’s foalnapping a few months ago by a bunch of mob goons, Trixie knew for sure she was guilty as sin.

“Besides, when Princess Celestia proposed the project to me, it intrigued me.”

Trixie’s heart dropped. “Corona?”

Oh crap, she’s involved with this? I should’ve known.

Puissance nodded. “Restoring a castle to its former glory is an exciting prospect. A challenging project like this exactly what I need at my age. Opportunities like this are rare and I plan to conquer it. Like everything else.”

A chill went down Trixie's spine and she wasn’t sure why. The look Puissance gave unsettled her to the core and Trixie fought back a shutter. Puissance left without saying another word.

"No, I'm fine Angel," Fluttershy said slumped over her couch. Her pet bunny patted her on the back and she gave him a grateful smile.

Trixie’s rejection hurt more than she expected. She didn’t have much energy to do anything. Just thinking about the mare made her heart ache. Angel did his best to cheer her up, but he could only do so much to get her out this depressed slump.

Trixie, why do you have to be the way you are?

It turns out she didn’t know Trixie as well as she thought now that the dust had settled and the evil of Moondancer gone. Their entire conversion in Sugarcube Corner played through her mind in an endless loop. Trixie was a caring loving mare but didn't think through her actions. Why did Trixie have to be such an idiot when it comes to love? Trixie just had to say the most stupid and hurtful thing possible. A wave of self-loathing and bitterness flooded over Fluttershy.

This is what I get for reaching out to other ponies I guess.

Angel patted her on the hoof and promised to make her some tea and she gave the little bunny a grateful smile and he bounced away. She wondered if it would ever stop hurting. Fluttershy slapped herself on the face.

Get a hold of yourself Fluttershy. Don’t let Trixie get you down.

She winced when she realized that she still had business with Trixie. She still needed to tell the Red Ranger about Moondancer being a spy for Vicereine Puissance and who knew what that old Viper was up to. That old hag was without a doubt the most dangerous member of the Night Court. Her aunt told her many scary stories about the mare. Still, she was not looking forward to confronting Trixie.

Does Trixie even feel guilty about what she did I wonder?

Fluttershy told herself enough with the pity party and angst. She looked herself in a nearby mirror.

You can do this Fluttershy, now get out there and confront that Trixie!

"So, what can I do you for?" Trixie asked. "Would you like some tea? I'm not the best at making it though. Moondancer had to be let go, so it’s just me doing everything." She laughed, and it was obvious how forced it was. Fluttershy got a distinct impression that the mare didn’t want to be here.

An awkward silence passed between the two of them. It stretched for forever and neither wanted to start the conversation. Trixie fidgeted in her seat and tried her best not to look at her.

Come on, say something, pleaded Fluttershy internallyBut Trixie continued to say nothing, and the silence continued.

After what seemed like a long agonizing hour, Fluttershy forced herself to say something, anything to get this conversation going.

“Birdsong sure is pretty isn’t it?” Fluttershy blurted and pointed to some robins singing on a nearby tree.

"They sure are," Trixie replied, but didn't elaborate and said nothing else afterward.

Fluttershy wanted to put her face in her hooves. What kind of conversation starter was that? Now nopony was saying anything again.

After several more agonizing minutes, Trixie found her voice. “Look, I, well, I’m sorry.” She had a pained expression on her face. "I'm a dumb mare," Trixie said continuing, "I shouldn't have said those things. It's like whenever love comes up; my mouth automatically says stupid crap. I didn't mean to hurt you. Never. You're a sweet pony and a thousand times better a pony than me."

Fluttershy could tell the apology was genuine. In fact, Trixie looked almost to the point of breaking into tears. Fluttershy’s heart went out to the mare.

"I forgive you," Fluttershy said. Her voice was quiet but strong and resolute.

"Thanks," Trixie replied a weak smile on her face, "we can still be friends right?"

“Absolutely.” Fluttershy nodded.

Again, this reminded Fluttershy why she loved this mare so much. There was something cute about her vulnerability. It reminded her that, despite being a beautiful, cool, and powerful superhero, Trixie was still just a pony. Fluttershy stared into the Red Ranger deep violet eyes and blushed.

Darn it Fluttershy, you’re supposed to get over your feelings for Trixie. Why does the heart have to be so complicated? Try as she might, she couldn’t fight back the love she had for the mare. She looked at Trixie’s lip and fought back the urge to kiss her.

No, bad Fluttershy. That would just mess things up.

Maybe if she stayed friends with Trixie, someday the mare might develop feelings for her. It was possible. Hope bloomed in Fluttershy’s heart. Her romance with Trixie might not be doomed after all. It was a silly desperate thought and it might not even happen, but Fluttershy didn’t want to deny it.

Fluttershy’s heart soared as she left Trixie's house and headed back home. As usual, they had a wonderful chat. She coerced Trixie into revealing some of her foalhood adventures with Elle her toy elephant. As expected, the two got into all sorts of mischief much to the princess’s exasperation. There was this one time Luna guilt tripped Trixie into behaving by making her think she almost started an all-out war with the Zebras with a prank she pulled on the Zebra ambassador. Or at least that was what Trixie claimed. She said she had nightmares for months afterward about it.

It warmed her heart to know how comfortable Trixie was opening herself up to her. Fluttershy wasn’t sure why, but Trixie liked confiding to her and relaxed around her. Maybe it was because Fluttershy would never judge her? Regardless, Trixie valued her as a friend despite not knowing her long.

Fluttershy blushed. Maybe just maybe one day Trixie would open her heart to her. Deep down, Trixie was a lonely pony that wasn’t good with other ponies and needed somepony like her to stand by her side and comfort her. And what was a better treatment for a wounded heart than love?

Fluttershy hummed to herself one of her favorite songs as she approached her house. She froze when realized something. She forgot to tell Trixie about Moondancer being a spy! How could that slip her mind?

Stupid Fluttershy forgetting the most important thing Trixie needed to know.

“I’m glad you didn’t tell Trixie about me, it makes this so much easier.” A voice said behind her.

Fluttershy shrieked and turned around. Behind her with an evil grin on her face was Moondancer.

“W-what are you doing here?” Fluttershy’s voice shook as she spoke.

Moondancer’s grin widened. “You’re exactly what the boss needed to get back at that Corona cursed mare Trixie.”

Fluttershy backed away trying to any to escape. Moondancer seemed to loom over her and her face transformed into something grotesque. It was hard to describe. Her eyes were wider and her face shaped differently somehow. The eye color was the most unsettling thing of all. They were two different colors. One a sickly orange and other was a bright purple. What was this thing? She needed to get away and warn Trixie. She had to get to safety.

Fluttershy beat her wings with everything she had in her desperation to escape. To her, she didn’t seem to move. Moondancer seemed more amused at Fluttershy’s attempts to escape than worried. If only she wasn't such a pathetic flier. She wasn’t ever far off the ground when a bolt from Moondancer's horn hit her. Every muscle in her body stiffened and she fell to the ground like a statue. Try as she might, it was impossible to move a single inch and her eyes darted back and forth looking for someway anyway for her to escape.

“Yes, you are exactly what I need to make sure Trixie pays.” Moondancer’s voice said seething with hatred. “And she will pay that I guarantee you.”

Chapter 5

A Flutter of the Heart
Chapter 5
by Rixizu

Fluttershy eyes were blurry as she tried to open them. Her head hurt and she didn’t know why. She couldn’t move her limbs. Was she too wrapped up in her blanket? She felt a strange swinging motion as she tried to move. What was going on?

Her eyes cleared, and she got a better view of her surroundings. She appeared to be in a dark warehouse. That made little sense, and she looked down and found herself suspended rope in the air over something covered with a tarp.

Where the hay am I? In a moment, everything came back to her. She remembered her meeting with Trixie and what happened afterward. Moondancer had attacked her and knocked her out with a spell. This was horrible! Trixie was in danger! Fluttershy struggled against the rope binding her.

“Ain’t no use doll. No way could a little thing like you get out of those bonds.” A stallion said from Fluttershy’s left. He was an earth pony with a well-dressed blue suit over his chocolate colored coat and a well quaffed gray-blue mane.

“Who are you?” Fluttershy asked.

“Just a stallion with a bone to pick with that marefriend of yours.” The stallion replied. Fluttershy noticed there were other ponies in the warehouse. There were at least twelve of them and they looked like bad news. “She’s got a lot to answer for.”

Oh no! Poor Trixie!

“Please don’t hurt her.” Fluttershy gave them a pleading look. “I’ll do anything!”

The ponies just laughed. "No can do. That marefriend of yours will pay! Nothing has gone right because of that mare! She's made my organization into a laughingstock. Worse, she's inspired others to fight against us! Us, the mob, the scariest ponies in the world and they're winning!"

The Boss paced. “Damn these heroes and their freaky powers. That weird bug mare with the motorcycle has almost completely dismantled my organization in Manehatten.”

The Boss stomped his hoof. “I won’t stand for it. Somepony will pay, and first I’m starting with Trixie!”

"Um, I'm sure she didn't mean it," Fluttershy replied trying to be diplomatic.

This only seemed to enrage the Boss further his face turned red from his fury. “I don’t care.” His face turned cruel. “And now I have the perfect tool to get back at her, you.”

He pulled the tarp way from under her and revealed a tank full of crocodiles. He smirked.

“She better do as we say, or her marefriend will be dropped into this tank of ravenous reptiles. We made sure to not feed them for a week.”

Fluttershy gasped in horror. Those poor crocodiles! How could anypony be so cruel? Fluttershy knew that, while crocodiles could survive a long time without food, years in fact. Intentionally starving any animal was evil beyond words. These ponies were monsters! She gave the crocodiles a sympathetic look which they appreciated.

The Boss misinterpreted her reaction and made an evil grin and the goons behind him laughed and jeered at her. “So doll, you understand just how screwed your marefriend Trixie is. I know her. She wouldn’t endanger somepony she cares for.”

Fluttershy grunted in annoyance. Trixie wasn’t her marefriend despite how much she wished it to be so.

“Boss, she’s coming!” A goon yelled from outside.

"Perfect." The boss said. "I told her that if she tried anything, you would go bye-bye and gave her no time to get her friends. I said she only had five minutes to get here before things got nasty. This time we have her exactly where we want her and she’ll do what we say.”

I don’t think you know Trixie very well if you think that, thought Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy!” Trixie cried out from outside. She kicked the door open and hit an unfortunate thug in the face who was standing too near. Trixie ran past the poor pony not even noticing.

Trixie relaxed as she got sight of Fluttershy hanging from the roof. She eyed the many goons around her weighing up her options.

"Welcome, Trixie." The Boss said grinning. "As you can see we got your marefriend so don’t try nothing."

Trixie narrowed her eyes. “If you harmed a feather on her, you will regret it.” She stepped forward menacingly.

Trixie! Fluttershy’s face turned beet red and her heart sped up. She never realized that Trixie cared that much about her.

"Hold right there." The Boss said. "One more step and the little filly here takes a dip in this pool of ravenous crocodiles." He held a remote with a large red button in the middle.

Trixie froze and eyed the pool and Fluttershy with worry. “What do you want? Who the heck are you?”

“We, wait, where are the three ponies that I sent to get you?” The Boss asked confused.

“Them? I beat the crap out of them before I got here.” Trixie replied.

The Boss ground his teeth. "Fine. We will talk about that one later. Who am I, you ask? Look closely.”

Trixie squinted and thought for a long moment before shrugging. “No clue.”

The Boss threw up his legs. “Come on! How can you not remember me?”

Trixie shrugged. “Clearly you weren't worth the brain cells needed to remember you.”

"What?" The Boss exclaimed his face turning red.

Trixie, please don’t antagonize the bad guys. Please.

“Nevermind.” The Boss took a deep breath to regain his calm. “This is payback for everything you did.”

Trixie groaned. “Again? What is it with people wanting revenge against me? I don’t even know who you are.”

This almost set off the Boss again but regained his calm back in time. “I will only say this once, I want you to lie on the ground and let my ponies restrain you.” He smirked as five thugs surrounded Trixie. “We’ve warded this entire warehouse against illusions. All your spells are useless here.”

If Trixie looked concerned about this, she didn’t show it. She looked bored instead. “And if I don’t, you will drop Fluttershy into a pool of crocodiles.” She put a special emphasis on the word Fluttershy. She seemed more amused than scared now and had a crooked grin on her face. Everypony in the room gave her a confused look.

"Don't make this any more difficult," Moondancer said appearing from the shadows from behind Fluttershy. She looked very pleased with herself.

Fluttershy would have jumped if she could move. Where the hay did she come from?

Trixie wasn’t surprised at the sudden appearance of her ex-assistant. “I thought you might be involved in this after I learned that Fluttershy was in danger. It made too much sense. I’m kinda angry with myself now; I should have figured you were a spy sooner. No wonder you sucked so hard at your job.”

“I am going to kill you!” Moondancer’s calm demeanor shattered and four ponies had to restrain her to stop her from trying to strangle Trixie. It took several minutes to calm her down.

"Obey or else," Moondancer growled murder in her eyes.

Trixie seemed to consider this for a moment. “Else.” She punched the nearest goon in the throat. The poor mare flew into a nearby wall and dropped to the ground.

“Wha?” The Boss’s job dropped.

Trixie didn't stop there. The remaining goons tried to jump her, but she ducked under them with a speed they had not been expecting. Fluttershy felt bad for the stallion Trixie hit in between the legs with both of her back hooves.

“Stop it!” The Boss cried out when Trixie dropped another goon with a punch to the face. “I mean it! Or else your marefriend will take a dip for sure.”

Trixie ignored him and continued fighting. The rest of the goons, after being conflicted and confused for a moment, joined in to apprehend her. Trixie, seeing she was about to be overwhelmed, grabbed the stallion she hit in between the legs and threw him into the incoming mob. They didn’t see this coming and collapsed into a heap.

“Give me that.” Moondancer grabbed the remote from the Boss. She gave her a cruel smile. “Seems your little friend doesn’t care about your life after all. So much for the Element of Magic, avatar of friendship and Red Ranger. I always knew she was a total hypocrite. She only cares about herself. When the chips are down, she only cares about saving her own skin.”

Fluttershy screamed as she fell into the pool. Water filled her vision, and she plummeted underneath. She struggled against her bonds. She couldn’t move her limbs. If this continued, she would drown. A bunch of green shapes came toward her jaw extended. Fluttershy sighed in relief as one crocodile pulled her from the water with his jaws onto one of his friend’s back.

Fluttershy coughed water out of her throat. "Thanks, Mr. Crocodile." He smiled back at her happy to help and whipped the water behind him with his tail. He bit at the rope holding her and in a second, she was free.

Moondancer stared at her speechless. She tried to say something, but nothing came out. She scowled and her face distorted into something ugly and evil looking. One of her eyes turned orange and the other purple.

"I see," Moondancer said, "somehow she had this figured out. I don't know how, but she did. Fine then, I will just handle it myself.”

Moondancer’s horn lit up and Fluttershy felt herself being pulled out of the water and eeped in terror. She fell back on the crocodile’s head when one his friends snapped at Moondancer’s face and she jumped back in fright. She tried to grab Fluttershy again with her magic, but several of the crocodiles jumped out of the pool and snapped at Moondancer this time almost getting her head, missing by only a few inches.

“On second thought, never mind.” Moondancer eyed the crocodiles and backed away far from the pool. For the first time, she realized just how many of the deadly reptiles were in the pool.

"That's right, back off meanie!" Fluttershy said so proud of her new friends. The crocodiles that snapped at Moondancer gave her a wave.

Moondancer growled in annoyance and her eye twitched. She turned back to Trixie’s fight and her eye twitched even harder. It wasn’t going well for the thugs. Despite being so outnumbered, most of the goons were down for the count. Trixie wasn’t playing fair even a little and fought dirty as one thug found out when Trixie levitated the mare’s hair and threw it in her face distracting her for a moment and received a painful looking punch to the gut taking the breath out of her.

Moondancer turned her gaze toward the Boss. “Well, do something!”

“I, um, well…” The Boss said flustered. “Didn’t count on her being this good.”

“Imbeciles! All of you!” Moondancer replied her face turning bright red. “It shouldn’t have been this hard!”

"Yep, I'm just that good," Trixie said overhearing this conversation elbowing one nearby goon in the face as he tried to sneak behind her, "I don't even need to transform to beat you guys."

Moondancer's eye twitched and gave out a cry of impotent rage. "Imbeciles! Imbeciles! Imbeciles! Fine, you are mine, Trixie!"

She stomped towards her hated enemy and ignored the goons in her path. One thug bumped into her and she backhooved him in the face paying him almost no mind. Terrified, any remaining ponies opened up around her tried to stay out of her way.

Trixie smirked. “It’s your turn, huh? Let’s see what you can do.” The thugs formed a circle around the two combatants giving them the space they needed.

"I've been looking forward to this," Moondancer said stretching her neck, then her front legs.

The two combatants circled each other looking for an opening. Much to Fluttershy’s surprise, Trixie slipped and collapsed on the ground. Moondancer took advantage of this opening with a punch to Trixie’s face, but Trixie was ready for it and her horn lit up with a light so bright it pained the eyes. Moondancer howled in pain and rubbed at her eyes unable to block the swift kick Trixie threw at her ribs.

“You little.” Moondancer bared her teeth. “That trip was a trick wasn’t it?”

Trixie just smiled and swung a punch at Moondancer's midsection which the mare blocked. Trixie jumped back when Moondancer threw a punch of her own and blocked the follow-up blow. Despite all the previous fighting with all those thugs, Trixie didn't look tired at all as she dodged and blocked any attacks Moondancer threw her way. She moved with a swiftness and grace that made Fluttershy fall in love with her all over again. There was something elegant about it. Moondancer howled in pain when Trixie took advantage of overextended punch and got a hit to the jaw for her trouble.

Trixie stroked her chin with a hoof. “I seem to recall offering you a chance to spar with me. Too bad you didn’t accept, right?”

Moondancer's face contorted in anger in an ugly way and she spat blood on the ground. She charged and attacked with a terrifying abandon that caught Trixie off guard for a moment. She yelped in pain when Moondancer clipped her side.

“Looks like you do still have some fight left in you,” said Trixie rubbing her wound Despite this, she looked like she was enjoying herself.

This time Trixie was prepared and kicked Moondancer’s hooves out from under her as she charged causing her to fall painfully onto her face. She howled in pain when Trixie kicked her in the ribs and flew several hooves away from the impact.

Moondancer hissed in rage as she tried to get up from the ground and paused for a moment. She took a deep breath to calm herself and she relaxed and gave Trixie a cold stare when she got back on her hooves.

"You think you're funny, don’t you?” Moondancer said in a low deadly voice. “Rile me up so I don’t fight very well.”

Trixie shrugged. “I try.”

The smile Moondancer gave next made Fluttershy’s blood turn cold her face became unequine again. “But there’s something you don’t know about me. I didn’t want to do this, but you don’t leave me much choice.”

Moondancer dashed forward with seeming abandon. Trixie dodge the punch sent her way with ease and yelped when she was thrown off her hooves by...a lizard’s tail? Trixie crashed to the ground with a blocked a punch sent her way and grunted in effort at the sheer force of the blow. She gasped when the saw that she hadn’t blocked a hoof, but a tiger’s paw. Trixie kicked Moondancer off her. Her eyes widened when she got a good look at her opponent. Fluttershy gapped in wonder and fear and the crocodiles with her shook in terror.

Somehow Moondancer’s normal unicorn body had twisted into something bizarre. It was hard to describe. She looked like a mishmash of a pony and various animals like a mad scientist stitched her together. Fluttershy wasn’t sure what she was looking at. Nothing about her body’s construction made any sense. The only consistent thing from her old body was her face though now she had two mismatched fangs and her eyes had changed color. The Boss and the remaining goons gasped and backed away. Many of the thugs fled the warehouse in fright screaming ‘monster’. Others kept their distance and backed up against a wall or hid behind the nearby crates.

Trixie, instead of being afraid, tilted her head as she looked over her foe. Her face lit up in sudden understanding.

"Of course." Trixie brightened. "I knew Corona was behind this. You're another one of her freaky monsters. You really had me fooled. Well, I’m going to ruin whatever she has planned. I won't let you or anypony hurt Fluttershy."

It all makes sense now. Did this mean that Puissance and Corona were in cahoots? Fluttershy stroked the crocodiles’ heads to calm them down and whispered to them that everything would be okay. The poor things were so scared of whatever Moondancer was.

Much to Fluttershy’s surprise, Moondancer’s face twisted in rage. “I am not a monster you nitwit!”

Trixie gestured to Moondancer’s new form and raised a questioning eyebrow. “Really?”

"Yes, really," Moondancer growled back, "I'm a Discordian. And I'm not working for Corona! What do you take me for? I would never betray Princess Luna!"

“But you work for Puissance!” Fluttershy said in protest. How exactly were the two different?

“Oh, so that’s what going on here!” Trixie said in dawning understanding. “Not sure what a Discordian is, but it makes sense I guess.”

"Yes," Moondancer said with strained patience, "but she's just a slimy Night Court noble. Not an insane ex-princess out for revenge against Luna herself. And no, I don't believe Corona is reformed either."

Huh, I didn’t know a spy like Moondancer would be such a patriot.

“Finally, somepony that talks sense!” Trixie said beaming.

"Now, back to the manner at hoof." Moondancer said, "I would give up if I was you Trixie or things will get nasty. I hope you say no, it's been a while since I've tested my claws on somepony."

"I hope you give up," Trixie replied, "it's never been good for anypony's health to mess with me."

“I think it’s about time I show you what I can really do.” Moondancer’s body flickered in and out of existence and she disappeared.

Trixie didn't panic and instead stood her ground, senses alert and ready. She jumped out of the way when Moondancer appeared from above and to the right with swung a kick aimed at Trixie's head. Trixie tried to retaliate with a kick of her own but screamed in pain when Moondancer's skin became brick-like. Trixie flew back from a painful looking punch to the chest. Moondancer gave Trixie no time recover as she moved in for another attack. Trixie tried to attack first with a blow to her head, but instead, her hoof got stuck on Moondancer's mane like it was sap or glue. Trixie tried to pull away, but it was no use giving Moondancer plenty of opportunity to deliver several painful blows to her ribs. Trixie caught the last punch with her hoof and yelp when Moondancer’s strange bird-like claw became a dog’s head, a German Shepard to be exact, and bit into Trixie’s hoof and she pulled her hoof away and blew on it.

"Okay, this is different," Trixie said.

She stomped her hoof into one of Moondancer’s back legs and this time it did hurt her. Moondancer’s hair turned back to normal and Trixie jumped away. She eyed her opponent trying to think of the best way to approach this situation.

“Aren’t you going to call your armor?” Moondancer asked. “You will need it.”

“Nah, I don’t need it.” Trixie waved a dismissive hoof. “I can win this on my own. Besides, you aren’t really a monster. It doesn’t feel right.”

"Fool." Moondancer moved into to strike and this time her body split into three. They surrounded Trixie circling her like predator moving in for the kill.

They jumped at Trixie as one. Trixie kicked the first one that came near her and it popped like a balloon and the Red Ranger flinched from the sound. This gave the second Moondancer the opportunity to grab Trixie from behind, she struggled in her grip but couldn’t free herself. The first Moondancer punched Trixie in the face then the chest. Trixie grunted but didn't cry out. When the first Moondancer moved in to deliver another punch to the face, Trixie's horn exploded in light blinding the two. Trixie tore herself from the second Moondancer's grip and headbutted her in the face. This Moondancer burst into oranges as she dissipated much to Trixie's confusion.

Moondancer recovered and she and Trixie exchanged blows. Unfortunately, when Trixie got a good hit in all it did was bounce off Moondancer’s body stretching it like rubber. Trixie hissed from another hit but kept fighting. She got another hit in, but this time it slipped off of Moondancer’s fur like she was slippery with soap.

"Give up," Moondancer said grinning at a panting Trixie, "you can't win."

Trixie whipped sweat off her forehead. “Make me. I’m not even close to done yet.”

“I think I will.” Moondancer circled around Trixie and Fluttershy blinked her eyes not sure what she was seeing. Moondancer’s body seemed to stretch like a coiled spring and she encircled Trixie like a snake. Trixie tried to get out of the way but she wasn't quick enough and Moondancer wrapped her in a vice-like grip. Trixie tried to struggle out of it but to no avail. Trixie tried her flash trick again, but Moondancer was ready for it and closed her eyes before Trixie got off her spell. Moondancer tightened her grip painfully in retaliation. Trixie then summoned her morpher, but a nearby goon saw this and knocked it out of her hooves before she could use it.

"Finally!" A voice said from the doorway. "How long does it take you to subdue one pony?"

Puissance walked through the door not too happy. She pushed a thug trying to get back on his hooves out of her way as she strutted towards Trixie and Moondancer. Several scary looking ponies accompanied her in black suits and shades.

Boss poked his head out from behind the tank. “As you can see, everything is under control!” His ponies came back into the warehouse relieved to see Trixie subdued. They tried to act as if they hadn’t just gotten their butts hooved to them.

“The mastermind finally comes.” Trixie had not given up her attempts to escape and gave Moondancer some difficulty keeping her trapped. “I was wondering when you would show your wrinkled old hide.”

"Quite," Puissance replied perturbed, "I'd almost given up on you, Discordian."

“I get the job done.” Moondancer yelped as Trixie bit her, but she didn’t let go. “A little help here?”

A unicorn that came in with Puissance leveled his horn at Trixie and shot her with a stunning spell. Much to his surprise, it wasn’t enough to put her down, and he needed to shoot her two more times before she went unconscious.

“Thank Luna!” Moondancer let go of Trixie and shifted back into her pony self.

"Bring her," Puissance said, "It's time to get going. We still have a lot of work left to do."

Chapter 6

A Flutter of the Heart
Chapter 6
by Rixizu

Oh no! Oh no! Oh no! This was very, very bad. Poor Trixie. Fluttershy watched as the Boss's mob ponies put the Red Ranger into restraints and put a ring on Trixie's horn to prevent her using her magic.

“This time you won’t escape.” The Boss said at Trixie’s unconscious form. “We wouldn’t underestimate you this time. No way will you be able to slip through our hooves again!”

"Glad to see you have the ability to learn," Puissance said dryly, "bring her."

A stallion in a black suit grabbed Trixie and threw her on his back. Another grabbed Trixie’s morpher and put it into a saddlebag.

“What about Fluttershy?” Moondancer asked pointing at her.

Oh crap. Oh crap. Oh crap. She was thankful when the crocodiles formed a protective barrier around her and bared their sharp and deadly teeth at the goons. The thugs backed away afraid to get anywhere near her.

Puissance sighed and rolled her eyes. “What a bother.”

“We can’t just leave her.” Moondancer crossed her front hooves. “She’ll get Trixie’s friends!”

“Yes, thanks for pointing out the obvious Discordian.” Puissance replied and Moondancer’s eye twitched in annoyance.

Puissance pondered about their problem for a moment and smirked. “If she’s so friendly with these reptiles then why get in her way? Bring the whole thing, I have an idea.”

Fluttershy gasped as everything shifted underneath them. She peered out and saw several unicorns use their telekinesis to lift the entire tank. Everything went dark as they threw the tarp back over the tank. She shivered in fear and her crocodile friends tensed with worry. Something terrible would happen to them that much was certain.

"If she tries to slip out, grab her," Puissance said.

Fluttershy sighed. If only she wasn’t such a pathetic flier and was cool and fast as her friend Rainbow Dash, she’d be able to avoid these evil ponies no problem. She stroked the head of a nearby crocodile to ease both of her and their worries.

“We’ll find a way out of this.” The tank lowered onto something and it moving again. Fluttershy guessed it was a cart by the sound of the wheels turning. “I hope.”

I hate stunning spells. Trixie groaned as she awoke. Her head throbbed, and she blurrily opened her eyes. Her whole body had a floating sensation. She panicked when she realized her body was suspended in a tube of some green liquid.

Oh crap, I’m drowning! After a moment of terror and flailing about, she realized that she could breathe the liquid as if she had gills. It made no sense to her and there was probably some nerdy answer, but as long she didn't drown it was fine with her.

She found herself in what appeared to be a high-tech lab. It all appeared to be the best money could buy. It was an egghead’s dreamland if only Twilight was here. She’d be nerding out right about now. Ponies in lab coats were taking readings, writing on clipboards, and doing whatever smart geeky science types did.

Time to get out of here! As she already suspected, her magic was a no go. They must have put a magic restrainer on her and Trixie confirmed it when she touched the top of her horn. Any attempt to remove it proved to be impossible. She tried punching the glass, only to wince in pain. She trying kicking it and still no effect. No matter how hard she kicked or punched it, it stayed intact not even getting a crack in it.

"It's tempered glass, Trixie. You won’t be able to break that easily.” Puissance’s smug voice said. The glass and the strange liquid distorted the sound, but Trixie could make out the words well enough.

Trixie glared at her having a million things she wanted to say, but she couldn’t speak while submerged. It was vexing.

Let’s try this then! Trixie called her morpher to her, and nothing happened. She tried it again, but still nothing. Did this mean she wasn’t the Red Ranger anymore? Had the Element of Magic abandoned her? She took a deep breath and calmed herself and closed her eyes. She searched deep down within herself and touched her connection to her Element and power. It hadn’t disappeared, it was only blocked. Puissance wasn’t making this easy for her. She looked around the lab again and spotted her morpher.

Oh right, I dropped it back at the warehouse. Wires connected it to a computer and other fancy looking machinery. Several scientist ponies were around it taking notes and studying it with great interest. To the left of it was a duplicate of sorts, but it had a darker color and had a different design. It had fewer buttons than her’s did and had a rounder shape. It also had a slot for what looked like a key?

Great, they’re trying to copy my power.

"I see you realize the situation you are in Trixie," Puissance said, "you belong to me now."

Trixie made a rude gesture. Nopony owned her. Nopony would ever own her. Not now or ever! She kicked at the glass again this time even harder. It hurt but made her feel better.

"Amusing," Puissance replied, "but pointless. You will live in this tube for the rest of your days. I will learn everything about you and your strange powers.”

Trixie rolled her eyes. Not this again. What is it with Night Court nobles wanting to become Rangers? They were already rich and powerful. Couldn’t that be enough?

“Your friends won’t save you. Alas, they will find your “body” in a few days outside the Everfree forest. It’s well known you like to train with your Zord in the forest. Unfortunately, an unexpected creature attacked you and tragically ended your short life.” Puissance mimicked drying her eyes with a handkerchief. "I'll make sure you'll get a fine funeral and dedicate the restoration of Castle of the Two Sisters to your memory. I'll even get you your own statue in the outside plaza. A fine memento to a great hero who died too young."

I really hate you. And Pokey is the one that deserves a statue, not me.

“I will finally have what should belong to me.” Puissance quaked with fury “If it wouldn’t accept me, then I will take it by force. It is an insult that this power passed me over for lesser ponies. I had a chance you know, to wield one of the Planetary morphers. The one that wielded the power of death, Pluto.”

Trixie’s eyes widened in shock. Oh, come on, more of those things? Wonderful.

There was just so much they didn’t know about those damn Planetary morphers. The lead scientist went missing and all the research data vanished. Both disappeared right after the Night Court Rangers defeat. Princess Luna tried to find out more but came up empty-hooved. Trixie blamed Corona for it, but as usual, everypony thought her as just paranoid. It figured that there was another one. Still, where did it go? Why didn't Fisher and Greengrass use it? It would have tipped the balance in their favor. Trixie planned to quiz Fisher about this as soon as she got out of here.

Puissance twisted in anger. “It rejected me. Me! Ridiculous.” She calmed herself down. “No matter, they proved to be weak in the end. I have a better source of power now, you.”

Trixie didn’t like the way the old hag was looking at her like she was a morsel ready for serving. Trixie didn’t want to think what Puissance would do with her power if she ever got her hooves on it.

“Infinite potential.” Puissance smiled to herself as she walked away. “I look forward to tapping that.”

Trixie slumped to the bottom of the tube. She ignored the scientists working around her. How the hay was she to get out of here? And what about Fluttershy? Was she okay? Trixie kicked the same spot she hit before. The scientist ponies looked amused but soon got back to their work. Trixie glared at them. She would get out of here, find Fluttershy, and stop Puissance. A little thing like unbreakable glass wouldn’t get in her way.

“You really don’t know when to give up do you?” A pony approached her tube, Trixie recognized Moondancer. She was back in her normal pony form and glared up at Trixie.

Trixie smirked and kicked the glass in the same spot again. She recoiled in pain. She’d hit it a little too hard this time.

Moondancer rubbed her forehead with a hoof. “I don’t believe you. Well, even if you escape. I will kick you little flank again. I hope you do escape. I am looking forward to beating the stuffing out of you.”

So am I Moondancer. Just watch me. I’m the Great and Powerful Trixie. No cage can hold me.

---

Finally, this thing stopped. Fluttershy hugged her crocodile friends close as somepony levitated the tank again and landed hard on something that sounded like cement. She heard some ponies outside complain about the work.

"Quit complaining you bums." The Boss said. "The Ladyship wants this loose end taken care of. She will not tolerate another blunder." He shuddered at the last word.

Fluttershy winced as they removed the tarp and blinding light shined into the tank. When she got her sight back, she found herself in yet another warehouse. Where was she now? She looked around and found a window that showed a gleaming tower of a rich elegant design. She recognized it as a building in Canterlot.

“What are we going to do with them?” One thug asked. “Wasn’t the plan to release the crocs back into the wild? We can’t do that with her here.”

“That was the plan, but the Ladyship has an easy plan to deal with this meddlesome Pegasus.” Fluttershy didn’t like the smile the Boss made one bit.

He gestured to several of his ponies and they levitated a steel grate next to the tank. Fluttershy eyed a barrel one earth pony carried tilting her head in curiosity. She screamed when they dumped its contents on her. Blood, what the hay?

“She thought it would be best to let the crocs finish the job.” The Boss said with a cruel smile.

Before Fluttershy could react, they put the steel grate over the tank blocking any escape. The bars were too thin for anypony to get through. The Boss locked it closed with a key and put it in a coat pocket.

“I wonder how friendly her croc friends will be once they see an easy meal.” The Boss laughed and walked away. The other thugs left as well to not watch the gruesome sight.

Fluttershy backed away when she saw the hungry looks the crocodiles were giving her. “Now now, we’re all friends here. You don’t want to eat me! I’m a pony. No, no good at all. When I get home, I will give you the meat I store at home for my meat-eating friends! Doesn't that sound good? Hmmm… so good! So much better than a pony!”

Never in her wildest dreams had she ever seen something so cute look so scary and deadly. Her words didn’t even seem to touch them, they were too blinded by a predatory need for food. She grabbed the steel bars above her and shook them for everything she was worth, but it was no good and they didn’t even budge. This was bad. She was going to die! The crocodiles surrounded her ready to jump in for the kill. She jumped back as one snapped at her, almost gobbling her up in one bite.

I’m sorry Trixie. She was so pathetic, and now because of her Trixie was doomed. No, she had to be positive. There had to be a way out of this. Trixie wouldn’t have given up in this situation. She would have laughed in its face and break out, not giving up for even a moment.

Fluttershy closed her eyes and channeled everything. She tapped into her fears, her hopes, her love for Trixie, and everything she cares about. This would not be the place she met her end.

“Stand down.” She stared at the crocodiles as they got ready to pounce jaw extended to tear her to shreds. They froze in terror and shock frozen like somepony had just stopped time. They tried to begin their charge again, but Fluttershy just glared at them harder.

“I mean it. Bad crocodiles.” Fluttershy said more forcibly. “It is wrong to eat ponies and you know this.”

The crocodiles shrunk under her gaze and apologized ashamed of themselves for what they were about to do. Fluttershy smiled and swam towards them and gave the poor things each a hug glad they were back to their senses tears glistened in their eyes.

"It's okay," Fluttershy said soothing them, "you were just hungry." She ducked under the water and scrubbed away the blood on her fur and seethed as she did this. These monsters killed some poor animal to do this. She would bring them to justice no matter what.

“Uh, Boss.” One thug gapped at her no believing his eyes. He rubbed at them to make sure he was seeing what he thought he saw.

“What is it now?” The Boss groaned. “Is the filly dead yet?”

“We need to get out of here!” Fluttershy whispered to her crocodile friends. “My friend Trixie is in danger and we need to rescue her.” Who knew what horrible things Puissance had planned for her? They were the only ones who could do anything.

“Oh, come on, really?” The Boss put his face in his hooves. “They’re dumb animals for Luna’s sake. Dumb animals. What are you? Some kind of freaky crocodile whisperer?”

“Hey!” Fluttershy took great offense to this. These poor crocodiles didn’t deserve anypony saying such a mean thing about them.

“So, what now Boss?” A goon asked.

"Just, okay, we've got this." The Boss straightened with newfound confidence. "It doesn't matter. She can't escape. I want a constant watch on the tank."

The thugs all groaned and complained. One yelled out about how he had planned to see his sick mother tonight. Another pulled out some hoofball tickets and pointed at them angrily. Yet another complained about how he had a train ticket to Manehatten and he had to go right now.

“I don’t care.” The Boss stomped his hoof. “Watch her and do as I tell you!” He stomped off to a very unhappy group of ruffians.

“Fine.” The thugs grumbled to each other and pulled out chairs to play a game of poker.

“It’s just for the night. We’ll get somepony else to deal with you in the morning.” The Boss’s grin turned evil. “Sides, even if you somehow escaped. You would never find Trixie. She’s in a completely different building somewhere across town. You thought we would keep you together? Ha! Not even I know where she is! Face it. She’s lost forever and the Ladyship will never let her go.”

Fluttershy looked down. The idea that she could never see Trixie again brought tears to her eyes. It was so unfair. No, there had to be a way. She would have to get to Trixie's friends. They would know what to do. They would contact the Princess and find Trixie. But they needed to find Trixie now. Who knew what horrible experiments Puissance was conducting on her?

Fluttershy examined the lock and saw there was no way she could force it open for it was made of solid steel. She tried pushing it but to no luck. The Boss watched her attempts to escape amused and walked out onto of the grate. He pulled out the key and waved it mockingly above Fluttershy in his hoof.

"Looking for this." He said. "Without it, there's no way you're escaping this, doll."

A thought struck Fluttershy and she waved at her crocodile friends while pointing at the key. They got the idea and rammed into the side of the tank shaking the entire thing. This caught the Boss off guard and one of his hooves fell through the bars causing him to fall flat on his face. The key slipped from his hooves and he tried and failed to grab out of the air in time. It fell into the water with a plop.

“Um, pretend you didn’t see that?” He gave Fluttershy a hopeful look.

Fluttershy swam down to the bottom of the tank and grabbed the key. It took only a few moments for her to get the lock free. The Boss, seeing the writing on the wall, hightailed it out of there with his tail in between his legs which disappointed Fluttershy. She wanted to at least rough him up a little for the trouble he caused or at least give him a stern talking-to. The rest of the thugs soon joined their Boss, and they disappeared out of sight no doubt to warn their Boss of what happened.

“Yes!” Fluttershy cried in triumph when she landed on the warehouse floor her crocodile friends landed next to her. It was so good to the free and she wanted to do a little dance.

Focus Fluttershy. We need to save Trixie! She needed to hurry. If Puissance moved Trixie, then they might never find her.

Fluttershy relished the fresh air as she exited the warehouse. An endless amount of bland looking warehouses surrounded her. If she remembered right, she should be in a northern part of Canterlot. She saw a bird fly above her and got an idea. She waved the bird down and told him about how she was trying to find her foalnapped friend and who did it. It was a long shot, but some animals must have seen something. The little guy promised to get all his animal friends and learn what they could.

Thirty minutes later, animals of all kinds surrounded her. Birds, squirrels, rats, various insects, dogs, cats, and many more came to her aid. Many she recognized when she lived in Canterlot. They hadn’t seen Trixie sadly, but one cat identified Puissance going into an office building at the east side of town. That was a good enough place as any to search for Trixie. Her animal friends, with the crocodiles, of course, joined her as they followed the cat to the building.

Don’t worry Trixie, I’m coming to save you!

Chapter 7

A Flutter of the Heart
Chapter 7
by Rixizu

Fluttershy nodded as Ms. Mouse told her the situation inside what appeared to be an abandoned building. Trixie was in there trapped in a green tube apparently being used to do evil science on her. At least Ms. Mouse confirmed that the Red Ranger wasn’t in any pain. Guards were everywhere inside, with two in front to watch for any trouble. Puissance was a paranoid old loon and went nowhere without a contingency of guards. It was a scary thought that they were about go in there and fight them, but they needed to do this. Trixie needed rescuing. She thanked one of her crocodile friends as he gave her war paint which she applied to her face drawing lines from the top of her face to the bottom.

Okay Fluttershy, you can do this. She pumped herself up just like how Iron Will’s book told her to. It was a strange application of his teachings on love, but they worked well. Despite her fear of the incoming fight, she was on fire and ready to do this. The image of Trixie as a helpless, pretty princess in a tower flew through her mind and embolden her resolve.

She looked at her animal friends all lined up in front of her. There must have been hundreds of them with almost every sort of animal a pony might imagine. Some of them, like the lions, had broken out of the zoo to help her. Each had war paint of their own. It touched her they would risk themselves to save her friend/possible love interest.

“Okay everyanimal, begin the operation.”

Moondancer yawned as she leaned against the wall. She put herself in the perfect position to watch Trixie. The mare still hadn't given up and swam around the tube looking for any weak spots in the glass. Nopony else seemed worried about Trixie escaping, but Moondancer refused to give her even the smallest opportunity of escape. It was insanity that Trixie thought she could escape with not only the tempered glass surrounding her, but all the guards on duty too. Not that this stopped or even gave pause to the so-called Great and Powerful Trixie. Somehow, the mare thrived on being in a corner and Moondancer won't underestimate her again.

In the background, Puissance talked with some scientists with a rare excitement in her voice. The science types huddled around Trixie’s morpher gesturing emphatically to it. Had they made a big discovery of some sort? Not that she cared. All that concerned her was getting paid, and she supposed making Trixie pay for all the suffered she went through in the mare’s service. Moondancer’s eye twitched just thinking about it.

The slamming of a door knocked Moondancer out her contemplation. The mob boss Puissance employed walked in with a nervous expression on his face his goons followed behind him. This put her on instant alert.

Ponyfeathers! What now?!

“What is it?” asked Puissance,clearly not pleased by this interruption.

The Boss wrung his hooves, terrified of the glare his boss gave him. "Well, you see, um, Fluttershy may have escaped." He screamed in pain as Puissance decked in him the face and he fell to the floor.

“Idiot!” Puissance said, seething. “I gave you one simple job. Oh, I will make sure you pay dearly for this.”

“It’s fine.” The Boss made a placating gesture. “She’s just one mare and won’t be able to find us.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Puissance turned to her hired goons. “Pack up everything. I want it all out of here in a half an hour. We’re moving it to my private estate in Califurlong. Secure the prisoner. What a pain.” She barked out more orders and everypony obeyed her without question or comment.

“Out of my sight!” Puissance moved past the cowering Boss and his thugs.

Moondancer scowled. Could nothing on this job go right? Trixie was a curse to everypony around her. Said mare watched the commotion with a smug expression on her face.

“Don’t try anything.” Moondancer transformed herself back to her original Discordian form. “You’re not escaping.”

A sudden scream startled everypony in the room. Moondancer gapped as the two guards from the front entrance ran in screaming. They were covered from head to hoof with squirrels and mice. The ponies rolled around on the ground in the vain hope of getting them off, but to little effect. In fact, it only made them angrier.

“What the hay?” Moondancer said, not sure her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her.

Ponies screamed in terror as a herd of animals exploded out the front door. The sheer variety of animals left her dumbstruck. Dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds, bears, wolves, big cats, and even insects glared at them and they looked ready for battle. Even the crocodiles from the Boss’s trap from the warehouse were there. At the sight of this, the scientists ran back and forth in panic. The guards looked fearfully from the animals to Puissance hoping, no pleading for direction. Puissance seemed more annoyed than scared and scowled at the intruders. Moondancer let out of a curse when a yellow Pegasus in war paint entered the room and stood behind her army.

Fluttershy. How many times must this stupid mare ruin their plans? How was she even able to do this? What sort of freak was she? Still, Moondancer had to admit that the timid little mare was more than a little terrifying at the moment.

Fluttershy gave the room at large a cool look and brightened when she spotted Trixie who grinned back at her. “This is your only warning. Give Trixie back to us, and we will leave peaceably. If not, we won’t hesitate to take her back by force.”

"You again," Puissance growled, "if you think I would ever negotiate with the likes of you, then you are sadly mistaken. Destroy this riff-raff."

Puissance’s ponies and the Boss stared at her with fear and horror on their faces. They were in no hurry to fight this battle. Even Moondancer had to admit she didn’t like their odds one bit. Puissance glared at them unmoved at their distress and pointed at the animals with a “get on with it” gesture.

Fluttershy let out a sigh, but a moment later strengthened her resolve. “You leave me no choice, charge!”

Pure insanity broke loose as the two forces fought or at least Puissance’s ponies tried to fight. One poor stallion punched a tiger to no effect, and it slapped him aside with little difficulty. A mare screamed as a swarm of insects charged her. She broke out into tears and ran around the room before dropping to the floor in a fetal position and sucking at her hoof like a foal. Birds pecked at goons’ faces as they tried and failed to fight them off. Ponies ran as several big cats chased them. Scientist ponies hide under a table and one of them cried for his mommy. There were just too many of the damn animals and fighting them all off proved impossible. Fluttershy stood in the background ordering the animals and helping them restrain any thugs they captured holding them still while spiders used their silk to tie them up.

Moondancer watched unsure what she should do or if she could even do anything. This was far beyond her paygrade. In a flash, she had an idea. With everypony distracted, she would get Trixie to safety. That would ruin Fluttershy’s plan quite nicely. Moondancer froze wide-eyed when she saw who was standing on top of the tank.

No, it can’t be.

Trixie looked down at her with a satisfied grin on her face. The lid of the tank was hanging open next to her. She leapt down and landed with a wet plop on the pavement bellow. She stretched her neck and her front legs.

“Ready for round two Moondancer?”

Moondancer stared at her mouth agape for a long moment. How did she? No, it didn’t matter. She should’ve seen this coming. It didn’t matter either way. She would enjoy beating Trixie’s face in.

“You plan to fight me without your magic?” Moondancer said. “That’s stupidity that even I never thought you capable of.”

Trixie let out a laugh. “I don’t need it for the likes of you.” She made a come at me gesture.

Moondancer wasted no time and struck out at Trixie with her paw. Trixie ran forward and slipped past it and hit Moondancer in the face only to bounce back when her face turned to rubber and had trouble getting back her hoofing. This gave Moondancer the perfect opportunity to punch Trixie right into the face and she crashed into some scientific equipment and landed on the ground groaning and cursing.

Moondancer whipped her scaley tail on the ground. “I don’t see why you are even bothering. You can’t win.”

Trixie got back on her hooves and rubbed at her jaw. “We’ll see about that. I just have to figure out how to get past your weird powers.”

She still isn’t giving up. Moondancer’s face twisted in agitation. Stupid. Fine, whatever. I’ll just have to hit her harder.

Moondancer stalked around her prey bending down on all fours. Trixie watched her closely ready and waiting for the next attack. She didn’t have to wait long and Moondancer feinted with a punch to her gut, but her real goal was to sweep Trixie’s hooves out from under her with her tail. Trixie didn’t fall for either attack and avoided both, grabbing Moondancer’s tail as it came at her. Moondancer tried to free herself, but Trixie’s grip stayed firm. A slight grin appeared on Trixie’s face as she swung her opponent’s entire body into what looked like a computer console. Only to be disappointed when Moondancer’s body phased through it and landed on the other side.

Trixie’s eyebrows furrowed confusion and she sighed and shrugged. Moondancer was unprepared when Trixie kicked the machine with her back hooves and the thing almost toppled right on top of her she almost didn’t avoid it in time.

“Interesting.” Trixie stroked her chin.

“Hey, that’s an expensive piece of equipment!” A scientist ponies cried out and shook a hoof at Trixie from his hiding place. Trixie ignored him and gave Moondancer a curious look and in a single leap jumped over the wrecked apparatus to Moondancer’s side. With some effort, Moondancer scrambled back to her hooves.

“Hey, don’t ignore me!” The scientist said, but Trixie ignored him only focused only on defeating Moondancer. This more than a little unsettled the Discordian who got herself back in a battle pose. Why couldn’t this mare learn to give up?

Trixie unleashed a barrage of punches and Moondancer tried to block them all, but a few broke past her defenses and Moondancer reeled from a hit to her shoulder. Trixie had hit her so fast that her transformations didn’t have the time to stop them all and the Red Ranger ignored any pain from the blocked hits even when her hoof hit concrete. She pushed faster and harder and Moondancer felt overwhelmed by its ferocity. When did Trixie get to be so skilled a fighter? Moondancer cursed her sloppiness and laziness. She shouldn’t have let herself slip this much.

No, she refused to give up and focused her chaos magic to protect her and smirked when Trixie yowled in pain when her hoof hit scolding iron. Moondancer changed tactics and focused on tiring out her opponent. Trixie would wear herself out, soon or a later.

Moondancer’s eyes widened when she heard a cracking sound. To block a blow to her ribs, her chaos magic had turned her torso to glass and Trixie had just broken through it snapping her in half. Moondancer screamed as her body fell into two pieces. In a desperate panic, she pulled her body together and sighed in relief when her body merged back together with no issue.

“Just as I thought.” Trixie beamed. "You can't control your powers at all. It’s all random. That’s why you didn’t turn your body to steel or something from start and kept it that way.”

"So, you figured it out," Moondancer growled, "it doesn't matter. You still can't win." And she refused to let Trixie use that against her. Time to turn this fight up a notch. No more games.

The air shimmered as Moondancer turned her chaos magic on full. The air around her swirled and twisted into countless shapes and patterns and the temperature in the room fluctuated so rapidly icicles formed and melted in Trixie’s mane faster than a pony could blink. Objects around her changed into random things and Trixie yelped as a pebble grew legs and walked away. A small smile formed on Moondancer’s face. This felt good, really good. She’d never let go of her powers like this before and always kept her chaotic power in check out of fear of being called a freak or monster. She enjoyed the confusion, fear, and panic on Trixie’s face. This hadn’t been what the Red Ranger had expected at all and she should be afraid. Moondancer was a child of chaos, a primal force all things feared.

“YoU’Re LucKY," Moondancer said, "I'vE never shOwn ThiS sidE OF mYselF bEfoRe. I hOpe you Enjoy It.”

Without warning, she struck. She extended her paw, and it grew and extended turning into a chain which wrapped around Trixie's neck. Trixie screamed and panicked as the chain grew red hot and tried and failed to pull it off her. Gritting her teeth, Trixie grabbed the chain, burning her hooves in the process, and pulled Moondancer towards her before headbutting her. Moondancer’s head shifted into thick oak, but it didn’t matter to Trixie who hit so hard the wood cracked in two.

The chains released Trixie as Moondancer reeled from the pain. It gave her a minor headache at worse, but it still hurt. Much to Moondancer’s satisfaction, Trixie wobbled on her hooves from the blow to her head and had burn marks on her fur from where the chain had touched her. Moondancer moved on the offensive and kicked Trixie in the ribs her leg turned into a jackhammer. Trixie tried to dodge, but she slipped on pudding that had randomly formed under her hooves and slipped onto her back. Moondancer kicked Trixie only for her leg to turn into water and it splashed around her opponent only getting her wet in the process.

“Random, remember?” Trixie wobbled back onto her hooves.

“LucKY.” Moondancer punched at Trixie and her legs turned into a pickaxe and a spear. Awkward to be sure, but dangerous enough and Trixie kept her distance staying away from the sharp blades.

Moondancer overextended and Trixie took advantage of it to punch her in the throat only to yelp in pain when it turned into a fanged mouth which drew blood as it bit her. Still, Trixie proved agile enough to dodge Moondancers next attack. The Discordian didn’t stop however and pushed Trixie towards a corner. Trixie tried to retaliate, but Moondancer blocked every hit. Moondancer enjoyed the desperate look on Trixie’s face when she saw she was cornered. It got even better when a spark appeared next to Trixie’s hair and started it on fire and she had to stop, drop, and roll to put it out.

There was something comical about Trixie’s appearance with half of her mane burned away and Moondancer didn’t hold back her laugh when Trixie glared at her. The Red Ranger pawed at the ground in irritation. She gave her mane a disparaging look before redying herself for battle again.

Moondancer had expected Trixie’s attacks to become sloppy out of anger, but they became even more determined and precise. It was all Moondancer could do to keep up. To her horror, Moondancer realized that she was the one getting exhausted with her movements getting slower with every exchange. She hadn’t been in a fight this intense in years and Trixie showed no sign she would let up for even a moment. How much energy did this mare have? Would she keep on fighting to the point of exhaustion or even beyond that? For the fire in Trixie's eyes, she knew the answer. This mare was insane and would not give up.

Moondancer grunted in pain as one of Trixie’s punches hit her before she could guard against it. She hissed and transformed her hair into vipers and they snapped at Trixie’s hooves who pulled away in time. Then Trixie did something crazy and punched Moondancer in the head through the tangle of snakes. They struck at her as she did so, but Moondancer reeled and saw stars. She almost lost her hoofing from the impact. She backed away from Trixie and put a hoof a wall to steady herself.

Crazy, this mare is crazy. What lengths will she go through to win? She eyed the bite marks on Trixie’s right leg with fear and bafflement.

Trixie shrugged seeming to read her thoughts. “If you aren’t willing to go all the way, you don’t deserve to win.” Her body was in a sorry state, but it didn’t seem to bother her at all.

If that was the case, then Moondancer would just have to end this. She was a child of chaos. She couldn’t lose especially not to somepony like Trixie. Her body flickered as she dashed forward and she phased through Trixie who tried to counterattack and solidified behind her. Trixie crashed into a nearby piece of machinery when Moondancer elbowed her in the head.

Perfect. Moondancer used her magic to lift the machinery high in the air and dropped it back down on top of Trixie as she tried to recover. It took more out of Moondancer than she expected to lift the stupid thing. Still, if it took Trixie out of the fight then it was worth it. She smirked when she saw that while Trixie had rolled away to safety she was unable to get her back-left hoof away in time. Trixie used her body to lift the machine off her leg but she was left walking with a limp, her leg either broken or at least sprained still she came towards Moondancer still determined to fight.

Moondancer obliged her and aimed her first attack at Trixie’s injured leg. If Trixie refused to stop fighting, then Moondancer would make her black out from the pain. Trixie saw this coming and pushed her body away from the attack and returned with a punch of her own which only stuck to Moondancer’s mane when it turned into glue. A small smile creased Moondancer’s lips. This was over and she had Trixie exactly where she wanted her. Then she gave a gasp of surprise as her body left the ground. Trixie planted her hooves under her and pull with everything she was worth using the stickiness of the glue to throw Moondancer off her hooves.

Moondancer landed on the ground on her back with a painful thud. She opened her eyes only to see Trixie’s hoof coming down right at her face. She tried to use her chaos magic to block it, but it came in too fast and the hoof impacted with to much force. Everything went black, and it took a moment before Moondancer got her senses back only to see another hoof directed at he. To her horror, she had trouble gathering her chaos magic, the pain made too difficult for her to focus. Trixie gave her no time to react as she punched her opponent once, twice, and a third time.

Moondancer had one thought as she lost consciousness. Puissance better pay extra for this.

Fluttershy surveyed the battlefield. So far it had been going well. The guards tried to fight back but the animals overwhelmed them. One tried to attack her with pipe iron, but she got lucky and a crow friend of hers came to the rescue, pecking the stallion in the face before he got a swing at her. Still, it was a scary moment, and she had no clue how Trixie did this for a living. She planned to never do this battle thing again for the rest of her life and decided it would be for the best if she kept her head down until the fighting was done. She used a sloth of bears as cover until then. The thugs thought better than to attack her when they saw the furious beasts. It took longer than expected to contain all the bad guys and tie them up with spider web. Fluttershy stuck her head out of the protective barrier and gasped as Trixie limped towards her.

“Nice going Flutters, I didn’t know you had it in you.” Trixie grinned.

“Trixie!” Fluttershy gasped in shock as she got a good look at the mare. “How did you escape? What happened to you?”

Trixie shrugged like the fact that she had just been beaten up didn’t bother her. “Just some unfinished business with Moondancer.” She pointed at the Discordian and Fluttershy ordered her spider friends to restrain her right away.

“You should have waited for me to rescue you," Fluttershy said chastising her. If Trixie had waited, then she wouldn't be in such bad shape right now. That and it ruined Fluttershy’s daydream of rescuing Trixie like she was a fairytale princess.

"I don't do the being rescued thing," Trixie replied, "besides, I owed Moondancer a punch to the face for getting me into this mess."

Fluttershy puffed-out her cheeks. Why did Trixie have to be this way? Why couldn't she let herself be rescued like a normal pony? Well, whatever. She was saved now and that all that matter. That and Trixie looked super-hot right now despite the bruises and missing half of her mane. Or maybe because of that? Fluttershy resisted the urge to kiss her again.

Trixie looked around and at the captured goons. “Where is Puissance?”

Fluttershy gasped and saw that somehow the old bat had slipped away. She folded her ears back and looked down. “Sorry, she got away.”

"Figures and I bet she has an alibi placing her on the other side of the world or something.” Trixie sighed. “No doubt she has some convoluted way to prove that she was never involved in this and she’ll use her money and lawyers to get out it even if we do. I hate rich people.”

“Nevermind.” Trixie plucked her morpher from some strange piece of machinery. “I’ll get her soon or later. She can’t run from me forever.”

"I hope so," Fluttershy said. She hated how this turned out. When she charged the place, she had expected to take down Puissance and stop the vile mare once and for all. Oh well, at least Trixie was rescued and everything was back to normal.

“Where the hay is it?” Trixie muttered to herself.

“What?” Fluttershy asked tilting her head.

Trixie gave off a long string of curses and Fluttershy turned red at the language she was using. A lady shouldn’t say those things out loud especially in front of so many animals. Some of them weren’t even full adults yet!

Trixie gave out a deep sigh of resignation. “Figures. Oh well, I’ll deal with it when the time comes.”

Fluttershy gave her a nervous look even the animals looked worried. “Tell me, what is it?”

"Puissance has a copy of my morpher," Trixie replied.

“That’s not good” A chill went down Fluttershy’s spine. Who knew what that old hag was capable of? Still, the mare was like a thousand years old. She couldn’t be that much a threat right?

“Fluttershy, why are there lions here?” Trixie kept her distance from the giant cats as they got closer. “And tigers, and snakes, and are those the crocodiles from earlier?” She stepped away from the replies trying to keep her distance. Fear struck her face at the sight of all the spiders. The poor things were so misunderstood by ponies. Why couldn’t they see how cute they were?

Fluttershy flushed. She might have overdid it a bit, but how was she to know Trixie could free herself? “I’ll, make sure they get back home.”

“You do that.” Trixie yelped when a tiger licked her in the face.

Fluttershy let out an eep as her animal friends pushed her towards Trixie and blushed when she noticed how close they were. The animal encouraged her on and Fluttershy was lost for words at the moment. She stared into Trixie’s eyes. Dear Luna was Trixie smoking hot at this moment. Again, Fluttershy wanted to kiss her. Kiss her really badly.

Trixie tilted her head. “What is it?” She yelped as some snakes gave her some friendly hugs. Everyanimal watched her in eager anticipation and fought over each other to get a better view.

Fluttershy blushed. What the hay was she supposed to do in this situation? Trixie was so close now and Fluttershy wanted to act on her feelings so bad. She wanted to take Trixie where she stood and do dirty dirty things to her. These thoughts make her blush even harder if that was somehow possible. If Trixie could read her thoughts, she didn’t show it.

“Is there something on my face?” Trixie asked when she noticed Fluttershy was staring at her.

They were almost mouth to mouth now. All it would take was a small push forward and they would be in a passionate embrace. Time seemed to freeze as Fluttershy prayed to any greater being out there Trixie would lean in for a kiss. But, that moment never came.

“Stupid animals.” Trixie turned away and glared at the animals around them. “They keep pushing me forward. Are they expecting us to kiss or something?”

Fluttershy’s heart fell. As usual, romance was the furthest thing from Trixie’s mind. A wave of bitterness flowed through her heart.

I guess I’m not worth it. Why would anypony love somepony like her? Trixie deserved somepony better. Why should it surprise her Trixie didn’t want to return her feelings? She was such a pathetic worthless mare.

“Are you okay?” Trixie asked voice full of concern.

“I…” Tears gathered around Fluttershy’s eyes. She couldn’t control the wave of emotions she was going through. Part of her wanted to lie down and die. The other part wanted to embrace Trixie in a hug and cry on her shoulder. When she looked into Trixie’s eyes, all she saw was a genuine concern and not any judgment at all. Trixie put a comforting hoof on her.

"If you want to talk, I'm here," Trixie said. Her face brightened in sudden realization. "Are you hurt because I didn't kiss you?"

Fluttershy said nothing and only nodded.

“Oh.” Trixie looked down at her hooves. “I guess ponies can’t get over love that quickly. I was so dumb to think otherwise.”

Trixie remained silent for a long moment unsure what to say or do and they just looked at each other.

“I’m sorry Fluttershy, but I can’t think of you that way," Trixie said, "it's nothing on you. You're a wonderful mare and you deserve to happy. Darn it, I have no clue what to tell you.”

“I know," Fluttershy replied in almost a whisper, "it's just hard."

“If you never want to see me again, that would be fine," Trixie said, "maybe it would be better that way. Less painful.” She turned to go.

“No!” Fluttershy grabbed her by the hoof. She didn’t want this. The last thing she wanted was to never see Trixie again. She meant too much to her for that.

“Trixie, despite everything I still want to be your friend.” Fluttershy won’t budge on this. “I know you will never return how I feel, but that’s okay.”

“It is?”

Fluttershy nodded. “Yeah, I like being around you. Losing your friendship would be ten times worse than never returning my feelings.”

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Trixie asked.

Fluttershy nodded with determination. It would be hard getting over Trixie, but this pinning was killing her from the inside. If she didn’t let go, she would hang around Trixie for the rest of her life. She didn’t want that. She would be strong like Trixie. She could do this! She would find somepony else that would return her love. It was stupid pinning over somepony that would never return her feelings. Besides, Fluttershy was sure that Trixie didn't swing that way, anyway.

“Are you okay?” Trixie asked.

"Yes, I think I'm all right," Fluttershy replied, "I can push past this."

“Great!” Trixie beamed. “You are awesome Flutters!”

Every animal gave her encouragements, and they piled on her and Trixie in a big hug. Fluttershy fought back a laugh at Trixie’s expression. The Red Ranger didn’t like having bugs crawling over her despite how friendly their intentions were. That and she hated having sharp fangs so near her face.

These last few days were painful, and it still hurt that Trixie would never love her back. But she felt like a stronger pony because of it. Didn’t somepony say that pain was a teacher? She snuggled against her new friend Trixie. This time out of a love for a friend. Everything would be fine.

Epilogue

A Flutter of the Heart
Epilogue
by Rixizu

Lemon Hearts squealed as she read through her pen pal’s letter for the third time. So much had happened in Ponyville in the last few weeks she almost couldn’t believe it! Corona turning a new leaf, something out of H.P. Lovehoof turned ponies into zomponies and tried to destroy the world, and Trixie’s new assistant turned out to be an evil shapeshifting spy! She would have to talk about to Twilight later. She was in the middle of most of the action, right? It boggled the mind that her old childhood friend had become a superhero, but then again there was always something special about the bookish unicorn.

Lemon regretted not living in Ponyville where all the action was. It wasn’t anything like boring snooty old Canterlot. She doubted anything interesting happened here in over a millennia. She so wanted to move down to Ponyville, but she couldn’t. Her job and obligations in Canterlot made that impossible. There wasn’t much of a demand for professional party planners in Ponyville. Despite the drudgery of Canterlot life, she enjoyed her job. Plus, she got to meet so many cool and interesting celebrities.

Lemon pulled out the news clippings Rainbow Dash had provided her and inserted them into her Galaxy Rangers scrapbook. Her roommates thought her childish being so interested in the Rangers. Well, nuts on them. She could do what she wanted to thank you very much. Next, she applied the picture of Trixie's cool new hairstyle. Now the Red Ranger had a short punk-like mane and she looked awesome as usual. Trixie somehow had lost it during her fight with the evil shapeshifter. That mare sure knew how to be stylish. She hoped Trixie would keep it.

She sighed as she put her scrapbook away and glanced out the window. These days it seemed to her that Canterlot had a certain greyness as if all the color had been drained out. The spires that pointed into the sky seemed more like gravestones. To her, it didn’t seem like the crown jewel of Equestria ponies promised it to be. Dear Luna, did she always look at Canterlot like this? Maybe she needed a change after all. While Ponyville was out, there was always Manhattan. All sorts of interesting things were said to be happening there. It would be too bad she would have to leave Minuette and Twinkleshine, though if she worded it right she might convince them to come along with her.

A knock at the door broke her out of her thoughts. “Coming!” She put the scrapbook away and made her way to the door. The rest of her roommates were out at the moment.

At the door was an old unicorn. He looked a little familiar, but she couldn’t place him. He had strong rugged features and surprisingly buff for an old guy. The suit he wore was expensive, but from his baring, she knew him a pony used to being in charge and giving orders a noble most likely. His most distinguishing feature was his powerful piercing eyes. He evaluated her in a single look. The old guy must have liked what he saw because he smiled at her. It wasn't a warm smile, but one a pony might give for a job well done. Lemon wasn’t sure what to make of this, but she’d met stranger folks in her life and gave her best professional smile. Maybe he wanted her for a job.

“May I help you, sir?" Lemon asked.

“Yes, I believe you may.” The stallion replied. “You are Lemon Hearts, correct?”

Lemon nodded. “That’s right.”

“May I come in?” The stallion asked. “I have something at length I wish to discuss with you.”

"Sure." Lemon led in him in her townhouse. "You're in luck. With the Gala coming up, there had been little demand for parties. My schedule is open at the moment. Would you like some tea or coffee? Mister?”

"Coffee would be fine." The stallion sat on her couch. Lemon thanked Luna she cleaned up last night. It would have been so embarrassing if the place was a pig pen. He waited in silence as Lemon brewed him a fresh cup and sipped at it as he waited for her to sit across from him. She expected him to give his name when she prompted him to. Oh well, she guessed he would get to it later.

“Is the coffee to your liking?” Lemon asked as she sat down.

“Very much so.” The stallion replied. “But this isn’t about planning a party Ms. Hearts. I have a different job in mind for you.”

Lemon blinked in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve been searching for somepony special.” For some reason, he looked at the toy morpher on her purse. She had found it a couple of months ago. Despite her best efforts, she’d been unable to find out who made. Poor Rainbow. She wanted one so bad.

“Somepony with the power to change the world.” The stallion gave her a strange smile.

"That's not me," Lemon said with a wave of her hoof. What was with this guy? She wasn't anypony special.

“I disagree Ms. Hearts.” The stallion’s face became serious. “Don’t you feel it too? That something is about to happen? That the world might face something catastrophic?”

Well…” Lemon paused. She also had a strange feeling lately. An incoming dread that blanketed her in darkness. It made sleeping difficult. She thought of it as just fried nerves or stress. Nothing that bad couldn't possibly happen, right? No, that was just crazy talk. Yet…

“What do you expect me to do about it?” Lemon asked. Her eyes widened when she finally placed the stallion’s face. “Archduke Fisher.”

"Just Fisher please." Fisher laughed. "A disgraced pony like me doesn't deserve such titles."

Lemon’s mind raced. Some time ago, Fisher had plotted against the Galaxy Rangers and even created his own morphers. The plot had failed and Luna stipped him of his title and most of his power and wealth for doing so. It turned out to be an elaborate scheme to get Trixie and her friends stronger, or at least that is what Fisher claimed. Even without his title, however, he was still one of the most powerful ponies in the world. The destruction of his morpher when Trixie defeated him drained him of his youth. Nopony knew why. What Fisher was talking about hit her like an avalanche.

“You need me to fight, don’t you?” Lemon said in almost a whisper. “Like Trixie and Galaxy Rangers?”

Fisher brightened at the mention of Trixie’s name. “Yes, it took me a long time, but I finally found the last member of our little group.”

No, it couldn’t be. Her morpher couldn’t be…

"I see you realize just what fell into your hooves Ms. Hearts," Fisher said, "or should I call you, Pluto Ranger?"