Diary of the Dead

Chapters

Shocking News
A Freight Train of Emotions
Shoulders To Cry On
Causality
Looking For a Way Out
Opening the Diary
Sunset's Early Crimes
What Sunset Needed
A Mysterious Entry
Voices in Sunset's Head
Whispers of Suspicion
Iron Entries and Magical Words
Hell In The Hands of A Genius
Magical Encouragement
The Storage Facility
Caught!
A Cell Shadowed Reunion
Friendship's Plot
An Evil Family
The Villainous Endgame
Geodes vs. Guns!
A Spring Job
The Quiet Taketh Their Revenge
A Second Visit to Celestia's Office
An Obstacle and How It Fought Back

Shocking News

Sunset walked up the concrete sidewalk towards one of her most favorite places: Canterlot High School. True, when she’d first arrived there from Equestria, it had been the bane of her entire existence. She’d wanted to tear the whole institution apart with magic, thus creating the dictatorial existence she’d always dreamed of. But then, a certain purple girl had come from Equestria and shown her the true magic that friendship and trust brings. She’d always considered herself in that girl’s debt, and she kept in regular touch with her. After all, friendship transcended the boundaries between the human world and the pony world.

Oh, Twilight, she thought as she walked around the statue in front of the school, I miss you.

It was no lie. Through the past couple of months, she’d found herself worried about her friendship with the pony princess. Even though the equine constantly reassured her of their bond, she still felt incomplete without her there. Human Twilight was a lot of fun and reminded her of Princess Twilight, but it just wasn’t the same. She didn’t share that previous quadruped bond with the human version of her friend. Equestrians shared things that humans just couldn’t experience because they weren’t ponies. The joy of galloping through a meadow with the wind in one’s mane, the thrill of experiencing a fresh hay cake, and zeppelin tours deep into the atmosphere. Sure, humans had exciting things, too, but there was such a deep connection between Sunset and her pony friend.

In fact, she’d been questioning all of her friendships severely. It seemed like nothing happened between the adventures she shared with her human friends. They’d go on this magical quest or dangerous journey and then be left with nothing but schoolwork. Sure, they’d share the generic trip to the movies or the mall every now and then. But it felt like they were growing stale. This put Sunset in a bit of a quandary: were they friends…or were they simply superheroes? If one of them were to die that very day, would she care enough? Would it be a simple, “goodbye,” or would she weep?

Many more questions had rattled her brain for those months, so she’d decided to do something about it. She took a weekend and went off to the mountains to be alone. Her mind needed clearing, and she definitely found solace there. She rented a cabin nestled deep in the heart of the wilderness and supplied herself with food and water. Once there, she did some hiking, some drawing, and some journaling.

Is friendship real? She asked the paper as her pen crashed upon it, or is it simply activated whenever it’s convenient? Can I count on them to be there when I need them most, even if it has nothing to do with magic or villainy?

Thankfully, she’d been able to answer some of these questions. Her solitary confinement had helped her mind breathe, and she recalled all the good times she’d shared with her friends. From magical quests all the way down to hanging out after school, she determined that friendship was real. If one of them got hurt, it would devastate her. Their bond could never be broken, and she returned to her life confident in that fact. The concept had simply escaped her for a little while, and she determined to have her friends over to her apartment so they might discuss it. She wanted to relay everything she’d learned while on her own in the forest.

But when she left the statue and arrived at the front door, something was amiss. The school was oddly dark and abandoned. The door still hung from its hinges and the glass was intact. The only things out of place were the two small yellow ribbons clinging to the windowpane. Sunset had never seen these before, but chalked it up to the school supporting a worthy cause. She silently tried to open the door, but found it to be locked. It was surprising, considering the fact that it was 8:00 sharp on Monday morning.

Did I miss something? She asked herself as she heard the roar of a car pull in behind her. She turned and saw Principal Celestia stepping out of her bright red Ford Mustang GT. Sunset had always been something of a gearhead, and she was enamored with the headmaster’s wheels. But now was not the time to talk about cars. She needed to solve the mystery of whatever happened there. As Celestia walked up the stairs with her head bowed, Sunset couldn’t help but detect a note of deep sadness. It was rather frightening, for she’d never seen Celestia in such a dour mood before.

“Um…good morning, Principal Celestia,” Sunset ventured.

“Oh, goodness, Sunset,” Celestia said, shaken from her stupor, “you startled me.”

“Sorry, ma’am,” Sunset said respectfully, “but…I’m just wondering why the school’s locked up.”

Celestia gave her an odd look. “You mean…you haven’t heard?”

“Heard what?”

“Oh, boy,” Celestia said, “alright, come to my office. You need to know something.”

She ushered Sunset inside, and they walked through the dark hallways. Some light was peppered throughout for security reasons, but other than that, it was pitch black. The yellow girl felt somewhat unnerved by the setting. The lockers all looked like monsters, and the normally colorful posters felt very depressing. It was like the wonderful world outside had not allowed itself to be transitioned into the establishment. The corridors that typically buzzed with students were awfully quiet. In fact, the silence was so loud that Sunset ended up covering her ears and squatting to the floor.

“Are you okay, Sunset?” Celestia asked with tender kindness.

“I…I’m just not used to the school being so deserted,” Sunset said.

“Yes, it is somewhat atypical of our normal routine,” Celestia responded, “but, soon enough, you’ll find out why.”

With that, Celestia led Sunset into the large and spacious principal’s office. Sunset gulped as she remembered being sent here for causing trouble. Of course, that was before Princess Twilight had arrived and she’d been reformed. When she was evil, she considered the trip something of a badge of honor. Now, it scared her to death.

“Take a seat,” Celestia said solemnly.

“I’m…not in any trouble, am I?” Sunset asked, “I can’t think of anything I’ve done to-“

“No, Sunset,” Celestia said, “you’re not in any trouble at all. I’d forgotten that you went to the mountains this weekend, so you couldn’t have heard the news.”

Suddenly, Celestia broke down and began to cry. Sunset was shocked at this behavior from her superior. Normally, Celestia was serious, stern, and tolerated no nonsense when it came up. But she was also incredibly kind with a great sense of levity to balance everything out. If there was one thing she was not, it was depressed. But the tears rolling down her cheeks now created a new silhouette in Sunset’s eyes. She knew Celestia was human, but it still stunned her to see the principal in such a way. She got up and hugged her teacher, feeling the same bond she’d felt when apologizing to Princess Celestia back in Equestria.

“I’m…not exactly sure what to say,” she said honestly.

The principal sniffed. “You don’t need to say anything, Sunset. I know it’s odd to see me cry, but I do carry human emotion. The loss of a student is something that causes me grave pain.”

“Loss of a student?!” Sunset asked in fright, “who?! How?! Was it one of my friends?!”

Celestia nodded and tried to compose herself. “Sunset, I’m afraid…Fluttershy is gone.”

A Freight Train of Emotions

Sunset felt like she’d been run over by the trains that passed their city on a regular basis. It was as if one of the various silent movie villains of the 1920s had tied her to the tracks. Celestia’s mouth moved, and the words spilled out, but they all seemed to be in slow motion. Worse, Sunset’s ears appeared to have gone completely deaf. No matter what her principal told her, it didn’t register. Her auditory systems had been momentarily disconnected, and all she could think about was Fluttershy. The questions she’d thought were answered came flooding into her mind once again. Now, she had to face them. She had no other choice.

It was thus that memories of her dear friend came riding in on the interrogative statements. Like beautiful paintings, they ran through her head, playing with her synapses and gaining footholds in her subconscious. She could barely move, as everything slowed down severely around her. Everything became laser focused on the memories. She saw herself and Fluttershy in various settings, all the while enjoying the wonderful benefits of their friendship. From adventurous outings to quiet moments, the animal lover had been a constant in her life. She truly cared for her, and she found that the solution to her earlier problem regarding death was smacking her in the face.

She suddenly began to cry, and before she knew it, a river had formed. Falling to her knees, she wailed to the ceiling of the principal’s office. She felt Celestia embrace her, but it did nothing to stop the pain. This was more than she could bear. To be more frank, her heart was experiencing a deep hurt. All of her feelings regarding her departed friend were shattered. She saw their friendship hurtling off the cliff of life, smashing to pieces in the abyss below. Her lip quivered as she soaked her teacher’s customary yellowy top. She ground her teeth together, trying desperately to alleviate the horrible feeling of loss. But it would not go. It dug in deeper as she buried her face into Celestia’s shoulder. To the kind faculty member’s credit, she allowed the high school senior to express her emotions as much as she needed to.

She bent her head around the weeping girl, pulling her closer. “It’ll be okay,” she whispered, “sh…”

“How can you say that?” Sunset asked as her grief spilled over, “Fluttershy is dead, and all you can do is sit there and tell me it’ll be okay?! It won’t be okay, damn it! It won’t!”

“Come now,” Celestia said soothingly, “there’s no need for that kind of talk. I know it hurts, Sunset. I’m empathetic to your pain because I’m feeling the same. Fluttershy was a wonderful student, and a terrific friend…not just to you six, but to me as well. Yes, there were times when I had to remind her of our pet policy. But at the same time, her devotion to both creature and person was not to be denied. We must remember her in this manner, Sunset. We cannot remember her with such harshness.”

“But, I can’t!” Sunset wailed, “don’t you see?! She was my punching bag, my scapegoat! I did so many horrible, unforgivable things to her!”

“You changed, my dear student,” Celestia said, “you were so close to her before she passed…and I’m certain she forgave you for everything.”

“She couldn’t have!” Sunset said, scrunching up into a ball, unable to take the hurt anymore, “she just couldn’t…”

Celestia was deeply concerned for the emotional state of her pupil. She sat down beside her and ran her fingers through the fiery mop that spilled in front of her. Feeling the softness reminded her of just how close Fluttershy and Sunset had been. She knew that Sunset, deep down, blamed herself for the kind girl’s demise. No matter if it had been a murder, an accident, or anything else, Sunset felt a devastating sense of self-loathing.

The principal suddenly recalled when, as a girl, her pet goldfish had died. She’d fed it, cared for it, and loved it more than anything. However, fish, much like everything in this world, sadly passed away. She’d been so upset about it that she locked herself in her room and refused to come out. She blamed herself, thinking that, if she had only fed it one more time, it might have lived.

But through her mother’s tender love and her father’s parental wisdom, she’d been softly guided back to the correct path. She realized that, as much as she loved the fish, death was a foregone conclusion. It was then that she learned how to deal with death: by surrounding one’s self with friends and celebrating life, including the one that was lost. So, they held a small funeral for the fish, who was then let free in a small pond near their home.

Now, as an adult, she knew what her weeping student was feeling. Sunset had acted in such a bullying manner for so long, especially to Fluttershy. Now that the naturalist was no more, Sunset was feeling that same hurt that Celestia had felt with the fish. Sunset felt like, if she’d only apologized once more, everything would be alright. Her grief was being espoused in a million different ways, and none of them were good. But thankfully, Celestia also knew what the solution was to the issue.

“Sunset?” She asked as the poor girl stopped quaking.

“Yes?” Sunset responded, looking up with eyes that betrayed a heavy sense of anguish.

“I think you should go see your friends. I know they’re having a small meeting to remember, mourn, and just be together.”

Sunset sniffed and looked down. “I…really don’t feel like it.”

Celestia nodded. “I understand your feelings, I really do. But at the same time, I’ve found that an excellent way to deal with loss is to remember the people who care about you. Fluttershy loved you dearly, Sunset, and she loved her other friends too. I feel that it’s only right for all of you to be together during this troubling time.”

Sunset sniffled again and nodded at Celestia. She rose from the floor and walked out of the office, followed closely by her friend and teacher. But her tears didn’t stop as she stumbled down the hallway, helped along by the kind principal. The way was very blurry, but she managed to get back to the front door. Once there, they parted ways, and Sunset made her way towards Twilight’s home, where Celestia said the gathering was taking place.

I…didn’t even get to say goodbye, she thought as she walked along, not that it would have mattered. I was so horrible to her. I’m not even worthy of weeping at her funeral! I…regret so much. I’m so sorry, Fluttershy. Please…forgive me.

Shoulders To Cry On

Sunset made her way down the city street, kicking at a small pebble in front of her. The tears had subsided, but the pain of Fluttershy’s death still lingered on. It shattered her heart, creating a substitutionary spirit that bled fire and scorched her soul. This was worse than the time she’d broken her leg in a skiing accident. It was more torturous than when Flash Sentry had broken up with her. Her emotions were in a shambles, and all she could do was attempt to pick up the pieces and move forward.

But first, she needed to do what Celestia had suggested: mourn and remember with friends. So, she found herself walking out of the city proper and into suburbia. She knew the way by heart, but she also knew she’d pass the Shy residence. When she did so, it was all that could be done to keep from bursting into tears once again. More memories of her beloved friend assailed her mind, keeping her from rebuilding pillars of joy. She knew Fluttershy would want to be remembered with kindness and love. But at the same time, how could Sunset help but weep? Her mind whirled until she fell to her knees and began shaking in front of Fluttershy’s old home.

Keep it together, Sunset! She told herself, there’ll be plenty of time for expression in private. Get up, damn it! You’ve just gotta…make it to Twilight’s.

She did, but just barely. The sight of the Shy household in passing had broken her. As she made her way up Twilight’s front walk, she found each step to be weighted. Every muscle in her legs cried out as the emotional pain turned physical. Her head hurt, and she finally fell on her stomach and began crying all over again. She didn’t care who saw. The horrible feeling was too much to bear, and she needed to get everything out. Keeping it bottled up inside was only adding to her trauma. She felt the tears escape her eyes, dripping onto the solid concrete below. She wound her arms around some invisible silhouette of the departed, crying her name until she was out of breath.

It was in this disheveled, sad state that Twilight found her. The purple girl took pity on her friend, picking her up and dusting her off. Sunset managed to wipe the tears away and noted that Twilight’s eyes were red and her nose was puffy. It became apparent that the intellectual had been doing some severe weeping of her own. The two girls embraced, letting the tears flow, thankful to have someone’s shoulder to cry on. When they backed away, they looked into each other’s eyes, trying to find some kind of answer for this terrible tragedy.

“I…take it you heard?” Twilight asked through a voice racked with brokenness and heartache.

“Yes,” Sunset said in much the same tone, “I…I just can’t believe it. It doesn’t seem like it’s true.”

“I know,” Twilight said, “but it is. Now, we have to deal with this.”

“How?” Sunset asked in a voice that would break even the toughest of people, “how, Twilight?”

“By being with each other,” Twilight responded, “by remembering Fluttershy, by crying together and supporting each other.”

“Like she did?” Sunset asked in reference to the departed.

“Exactly like she did,” Twilight said.

Sunset didn’t say anything more, but allowed Twilight to nuzzle up against her. The two best friends felt their warmth combine as they headed inside the house. Once there, Sunset found everyone in a state of numbness. Rarity moved about the room, serving cocoa, tea, water, and whatever else her friends might have needed. But the way she maneuvered was somewhat surreal, as it was in stark contrast to her normal grace and fluidity. She was blinded by tears, but still continued to offer up her generous spirit to those who needed it.

Fluttershy would be proud, Sunset thought as more tears flowed.

“Oh, hey, Sunset,” Rainbow suddenly spoke as she rose from the couch. She and Pinkie Pie had been a small mound of hair, tears, and arms. They were cradling each other, trying desperately to alleviate the severe pain. But it seemed to be no use. Nothing could stop the memories of Fluttershy that assaulted their senses. They could smell her sweet scent, hear her quiet, soothing voice, and see her beautiful blue eyes. Worse, they could almost touch her spirit, feeling its kindness as it warmed their hearts.

“I…see I’m not the only one who’s been emotional,” Sunset said.

“Yeah,” Dash said, “it feels weird to cry, you know? Like…I’ve been…holding something back.”

Sunset put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay to cry, Rainbow. Fluttershy was a great friend to everyone here. Crying just means…you loved her.”

“Oh, I did love her,” Rainbow said, “I loved her more than a sister. She was…my best friend. I mean, I love all you girls, but when it came to Fluttershy…”

“I know,” Sunset responded kindly, “it’s the same love I have for Twilight. We’re all such good friends, but we do have those people that we love in a special way. Having a best friend is fine, Dash, and when that best friend is taken…it…hurts.”

“So, then, why are you crying so much?” Dash asked.

“Fluttershy was my friend, too,” Sunset said, “and…I have a lot of regrets when it comes to her. Before I knew all of you as friends, I knew her as a subordinate. I was such a bully to her.”

“…and you’re worried that no apology would be enough?” Dash finished.

Sunset nodded. “You took the words right out of my mouth.”

Dash looked at the floor, not knowing how to answer this particular question. Sunset’s pain was too deep, even for her to grasp. Sure, she’d always given Fluttershy a good natured ribbing over fear. But she’d also been the first to cheer whenever the quiet girl conquered a phobia. She couldn’t imagine what it was like for Sunset. Knowing that you’d never be able to truly apologize and make up for past mistakes. That was why Sunset wept so bitterly and why they’d heard her wailing outside. Feeling helpless, Dash walked to the other side of the room, put her arm on the wall, and cried some more.

Causality

Sunset couldn’t get used to it. She knew she was with her friends, but they felt like strangers. There were chasms opened between them, pushed further by Fluttershy’s death. They needed to cross them in order to navigate this dark time, but they could not. For the more they attempted to jump, the more the canyons moved. Every time Sunset attempted to speak with a friend, it was as if her mind could not comprehend the English language. All the words were slurred, with a distinctive tone of devastating heartbreak. She tried to talk with Pinkie, Rarity, and even Applejack. But she could not initiate a conversation without some memory of the departed stabbing at her mind. Then, she’d break down in tears all over again. She cried until her head ached, and Twilight had to help her into another room.

“I can’t accept this,” she told her best friend, “I just can’t accept that she’s gone.”

Twilight didn’t say anything, but held the poor quaking girl as she continued her weeping. She knew exactly what Sunset was going through. Back at Crystal Prep, she’d lost a dear friend named Ruby Quartz. The two were inseparable, from kindergarten all the way to their junior year. They’d experienced all the beautiful ups and downs of friendship. They’d fought when, in their middle school years, they found that they had shallow affections for the same male scientist. They’d cuddled deeply on stormy nights during sleepovers in the second grade. Finally, it was Ruby that Twilight had turned to when her dear grandmother had passed.

One day, Ruby was diagnosed with extremely malignant stage four cancer. Twilight was absolutely inconsolable, weeping in the same manner that Sunset wept now. The prognosis for Ruby was terrifying: death. The intellectual remembered how she’d refused to leave her bubble afterwards. She’d spend all her time at school, and then return home only to rest. When Ruby passed away, Twilight had turned her back on friendship. She became obsessed with the Everton Independent Study Program, feeling that she had to attain it in order to satisfy her memories. But then, she met the girls at Canterlot High and realized that the true way to mentally lay Ruby to rest was to return to friendship.

As she stroked Sunset’s hair, she felt a deep pity overtake her. Tears of empathy began to fall, and she pulled her into a hug. Sunset gladly returned it, thankful for someone who she could count on. Even though Fluttershy’s death was a common devastation, she knew Twilight would always support her. That was one of the big things that held their friendship together. In the old days, Sunset would have bullied Twilight into exhaustion. But now that the light of amiability shone upon them, Sunset looked to Twilight to be something of a rock during these dark times. She pulled her face back, but remained in the embrace, needing the loving touch of a dear friend.

“What…happened?” She managed to ask in an extremely shaky voice, “how…did she…go? Please tell me…she wasn’t in pain.”

Twilight looked at the ground. The details of Fluttershy’s death had come from her parents, and they were a little sketchy. Of course, that could be because Mrs. Shy couldn’t stop weeping for her daughter. She cried out about Fluttershy’s dream to become a veterinarian and how it had been stomped into the dirt. Then, Mr. Shy managed to get out what actually happened. Now, it was up to Twilight to relay the same devastating details.

“I can’t say if she was in pain or not,” Twilight said, “but she was in a terrible car crash.”

“A car crash?” Sunset asked in shock, “but…Flutter was one of the best drivers out there.”

“It wasn’t her fault,” Twilight responded, “her father told us that she was going through a green light. The light beside her had turned red, but a drunk driver didn’t see it. He was killed instantly in the accident, but she was clinging to life. They airlifted her to CHS Memorial…and the doctors took her into emergency surgery.”

“I guess it wasn’t successful,” Sunset said with horrific sadness.

Twilight nodded with the same pain. “It wasn’t. Fluttershy fought her hardest, but in the end…”

“…death won.” Sunset said before bursting into tears all over again.

“Oh, Sunset,” Twilight said as she felt more liquid burn her own eyes, “we have to remain strong for Fluttershy’s family. They’re feeling worse than we are right now.”

“How could they?” Sunset asked, burying her head into Twilight’s hair, “they didn’t bully her.”

Twilight sighed and put a tender arm around Sunset’s neck, pulling her close. Every ounce of her wanted to jump into Sunset’s body and remove the pain. She hated seeing her best friend so torn up about everything. All of the past mistakes and misdeeds were coming to light, and Sunset felt like she owed a very heavy debt to the departed. Every single punch thrown, kick placed, and hair ripped out bore a severe consequence to the weeping girl. Now, she’d never be able to know what Fluttershy truly thought. Sunset had to have believed that the friendship she shared with the quiet animal lover was something of a mirage. Fluttershy’s death solidified that theory, and it was up to Twilight to pull Sunset out of it.

“No, they didn’t,” she said, “but they were related to her. We were her friends.”

“How? How could she have truly been friends with a monster like me?!” Sunset asked, blue eyes wide as saucepans, “how could she have trusted me? I was the one who told her that her dreams were stupid! I was the one who berated her for loving animals so much! I was the one who punched her…and kicked her…and spat on her…and hurt her!”

Sunset broke down again as Twilight continued stroking her hair. “You have to let that go. It’s all in the past. Fluttershy forgave you for everything, I just know she did.”

“But she never told me, Twilight!” Sunset wailed, “she never told me…”

“Just because she never told you, doesn’t mean that it wasn’t true. The look in her eyes, the smile on her face…she loved you, Sunset, just as she loved me. Every ounce of her life was lived in love and service to both person and creature. She would never hold a grudge…especially not to you.”

Sunset broke from the hug and looked at her friend. Using a shaking hand, she wiped the tears from her eyes. “I…just can’t believe she’s gone,” she said.

“I know,” Twilight responded.

“My heart hurts,” Sunset said simply.

“Mine does, too.” Twilight replied, gathering Sunset back into the same hug that connected them through this horrifying hour.

Looking For a Way Out

It was terribly difficult to return to school. The hallways were the same, the classrooms were the same, but nobody felt the same. Fluttershy had made such a huge impact on everyone through her quiet kindness. Attending their beloved institution without her just didn’t feel right. It was especially hard on Sunset and her friends, who couldn’t take a step without crying over some memory of days long past. But, through their mutual support and love, they managed to make it to their first class. In irony’s ever mounting cruel streak, it just so happened to be biology with Ms. Cheerilee…Fluttershy’s favorite subject.

Will the pain ever leave me? Sunset asked herself as she sat at her desk. The previous few days had been a near impossibility for her. She’d hauled herself out of bed that morning, exhausted from another night filled with tears and terrible dreams. Her mind constantly replayed scenes from when she was a bully. Regrets tortured her soul, and she felt that the only way to make up for it was to do something drastic. Her body suffered the consequences, as she refused to eat very much. So, she arrived at her desk that morning cold, hungry, tired, and very lonely. She felt like she was the only person in the world going through this. Somewhere, she registered that her friends would never stop loving her. But unfortunately, these feelings were very easy to suppress.

“Good morning, class,” Cheerilee said solemnly as she took her spot at the front of the room, “I want to welcome you all this morning. I know we’re all going through such a trying time right now. But I want to assure you that the faculty and I are open to discussion. If any of you need someone to talk with, we’re all here. Also, if you need to take a moment out in the hallway, simply ask and I won’t stop you.”

“Ms. Cheerilee?” A voice asked as a blue hand shot up.

“Yes? What is it, Trixie?”

“The Great and Powerful Trrrrixie…is concerned,” Trixie said with a shocking sense of honesty, “I mean, Fluttershy was our friend…and now she’s suddenly gone. What happens if one of our other friends goes?”

“Oh, don’t even bring it up!” Bon-Bon suddenly exclaimed, inching closer to her best friend, Lyra.

Cheerilee sighed. In all her years molding young minds, this was the most difficult thing she’d ever had to do. She now had to try and explain death to these hurting, distraught teenagers. It would be easy to just pull out a science book and point to a chart. But that would be disingenuous…and even somewhat hurtful. She had to make them see that death was not something to be feared and that it was not going to take their friends away right then. But even so, people in grave mourning were apt to believe anything. She was worried that she might stumble and minimize the departed’s demise.

“Look, everyone,” she said, “I understand what you’re all going through. Fluttershy was an amazing student, with a sharp mind and a love for everything taught to her. That was especially true in my classes of science and nature. She brought a joy to the class that was unique to herself. Her personality shone through in every single project, and every last assignment. But more than that, she brightened my day when she walked through my door. The point is, death comes for everyone eventually. But we mustn’t remember Fluttershy for her death, we must remember her for her life. Think of all the amazing things you got to experience with her, the wonderful friendships you shared with her. That will get you through this, and all of the other sad times in life.”

Everyone realized the wisdom in the teacher’s words. Though a few tears were shed, they fell with a sense of purpose. Droplets carried kind, warm happiness from the eye down to the very heart itself. Fluttershy would not have wanted them to weep in hopelessness and despair. No, she’d want them to cry happy tears. She’d want them to remember the embraces, the laughs, and the smiles. Soon, everyone began chattering among themselves, relaying different times that the kindhearted girl helped them.

“There you go,” Cheerilee said when everything subsided.

“Thanks, Ms. Cheerilee,” Trixie said, wiping some tears away, “I needed that.”

“I think we all did,” the teacher responded in a voice thick with emotion, “now, Principal Celestia has asked us to observe a moment of silence in Fluttershy’s memory. We will do so, starting…now.”

It was the longest moment of anyone’s life. For Sunset Shimmer, the time was heavily weighted. It only gave her cause to think of the terrible things she did to Fluttershy. They whipped her brain, showing her a severely distorted picture of her relationship with the animal lover. She bent her head into her arms and began sobbing all over again, unable to take the terrifying pain any longer. Then, in a sudden fit of terrible emotion, she jumped up from her desk and raced from the classroom towards her locker. There was something hidden within that, she thought, might help erase the horrifying hurt forever.

But Twilight chased after her, and they ran right by Celestia’s office, and soon, the faculty member initiated pursuit. With her best friend and most trusted teacher hot on her heels, she knew she had to ramp up the speed. So, she put on a burst and managed to beat them back to her locker. She quickly put in the combination, yanking the lock off and frantically flying through the contents. Then, she found what she was looking for: a retractable knife. She flipped it open, admiring the silver gleam of its menacing blade. She turned and saw Twilight and Celestia approaching. The looks on their faces went from determined to desperately horrified when they saw the sharp tool.

Sunset held it to her neck. “I’m joining her!” She cried as tears flooded her cheeks, “I’M FUCKING JOINING HER!”

“SUNSET, NO!” Celestia barked sternly.

“There’s so much to live for!” Twilight pleaded, “please, don’t do this!”

“There’s nothing to live for,” Sunset said as Twilight and Celestia approached, “nothing at all!”

“Yes, there is!” Twilight said as tears burned at her eyes, “there’s all our friends, this school, your dreams!”

“My dreams mean NOTHING!” Sunset roared as she prepared to plunge the knife into her jugular, “not as long as I have so much to regret! I don’t deserve to live while Fluttershy rots in a box six feet beneath some God forsaken graveyard!”

“Sunset, stop this at once!” Celestia commanded, getting around behind the girl and grabbing her arm, “Twilight’s right! There’s so much more to live for!”

“BUT THERE ISN’T!”

“Damn it, Sunset, I’ve already lost one of my best students this week! I am NOT about to lose another! Now, for the love of God, drop the knife!”

To be continued…

Opening the Diary

Sunset’s apartment seemed rather lonely that evening. She made her customary microwaveable dinner, and sat down at the one chair that graced her table. Yes, the entire room seemed to tower over her, filling her with a sense of dread and sadness. No matter what, all she could think about was Fluttershy and the horrific decision that had almost been made. The more that it assaulted her mind, the more she saw what a bad choice it was. Thankfully, she had friends who had convinced her that suicide was not the way out.

You were right, as usual, Twilight, Sunset told herself, Fluttershy would have been devastated if I’d done something so terrible. I can’t leave my friends or the school. I still have a lot to live for, and she’d want me to chase my dreams. So, Fluttershy, I swear to you that I will. Someday, I’ll realize every wish I’ve ever made…I promise.

After making her silent promise, she dug through her fettuccini with a determined look on her face. Some element of sadness still existed, but it was quickly evaporating in favor of a certitude unlike any she’d ever known. To be utterly frank, it felt amazing. She saw Fluttershy standing in front of her, urging her forward. She’d made a promise to her deceased friend, and she intended to keep it. The ghosts of the past might haunt her mind forever, but she knew a bright future lay in her path. She was now more eager than ever to find it and to erase the damage she’d done beforehand.

When her dinner had been scarfed down, she threw away the container and turned her attention elsewhere. She sat down on her bright red couch and pulled the diary from its place in her jacket. Sitting it on the coffee table in front of her, she began mulling over some ethics. On the one hand, it was Fluttershy’s very personal diary. She didn’t feel quite right in pawing through it. But on the other hand, it could open up so many doors to how Fluttershy truly felt. Sunset had often wondered just how deep of a sisterly love Fluttershy had for her. The diary could be the answer to everything!

“Alright,” she said out loud, staring at the book, “I’m gonna look through you…in Fluttershy’s memory.”

So, she flipped it open to entry number one. It was from December, and Sunset recalled it as the time both she and Fluttershy had first arrived at CHS as freshmen. Sunset was cold and angry, enrolling in the school just to satisfy her plans for world domination. Fluttershy was as quiet and kind as she’d ever been. Sunset recalled how, on the first day of class, she’d bullied the poor girl in order to establish dominance. The horrible memory racked her mind, until she couldn’t take it anymore. But then, Fluttershy’s image appeared once again, beckoning her down to the page.

Dear Diary,

Today was my first day of high school. It might be a tad bit silly for someone my age to be keeping a journal. But I find writing to be a solid and solitary form of escapism…especially from the world I’ve found myself in. High school is, no doubt, some form of ancient torture. I thought the political and social hierarchies at Canterlot Middle School were bad. But here? Here you have to look, sound, dress, and act like everyone else! Individualism? Forget it. I tried to explain my love of animals to someone, and not only did they laugh at me, they told me that I wasn’t worth anything! Oh…I miss my friends from CMS! They stood beside me, and didn’t berate me no matter what! But they all went to other schools far away…and I…I had to go here…to this stupid institution where I have no friends!

“Wow,” Sunset said aloud, “I had no idea Fluttershy could be so…angry.”

The entry continued:

Nobody likes me here, and I feel I’ve stumbled upon a thorny patch in the garden of life. I was forced to eat lunch alone today, while I watched everyone else join up with their ridiculous cliques. Ugh! I hate cliques! Always bitching and moaning about everything while making life hell for everyone else!

But that wasn’t even the worst part. I met this girl, Sunset Shimmer. She seemed very cross about something, so I tried to warm up to her…and she hit me! She punched me right in the arm! I’ve never been treated so awfully in my life by anyone! She even forced me against a locker and tried to take my books away! Oh…will I ever find peace at this horrid academy?

Sunset was in tears all over again by the time she finished reading the entry. She closed the diary and held it to her chest, thinking over and over of that fateful meeting. The feel of Fluttershy’s skin on her clenched fist echoed through her mind. It was then that she formed another regret: taking the diary in the first place. If she hadn’t, then she wouldn’t have been forced to remember that terrible day.

“But, perhaps,” she said to nobody as she sniffed, “…perhaps I was meant to find this. To see just what my behavior was, and how much of a monster I’d become. Oh, Fluttershy…I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for everything!”

“I’m sure she forgave you,” came the kind, concerned voice of Twilight Sparkle.

Sunset jumped up in a start. “Twilight! You’re here!”

“Well, Celestia did ask me to act as your accountability partner this week,” Twilight said, “and, from the looks of things, I got here just in time. You weren’t about to-“

“No, I wasn’t,” Sunset said, getting the gist of Twilight’s speech, “I was just…looking through this diary we found.”

“Ah, I see,” Twilight said as the two settled on the couch together, “anything interesting?”

“Plenty,” Sunset responded, “I’ve only read one installment, but it’s taught me a lot.”

“What about?”

“The way she felt when she came to CHS,” Sunset said, “…and the day I first hit her.”

“Whoa…,” Twilight said, “…I mean, I know you weren’t exactly the nicest girl back then. But, hitting Fluttershy?”

“Yep, I did,” Sunset said, “and I’m not proud of it at all. I used to be, because I thought I was putting Fluttershy in her place. But, now…now I just hate myself for it.”

“You made a mistake,” Twilight said, “but your friendship with Fluttershy made up for it.”

“I don’t know if that could ever make up for it,” Sunset said, “but I know one thing that can.”

“What’s that?”

“Following my dreams,” Sunset said, “and achieving the impossible. Not just for me…but for her as well.”

Sunset's Early Crimes

The next two days were slow for Sunset. It seemed rather cyclical. She’d wake up, eat breakfast, watch some television, and then flip open Fluttershy’s diary. The daily reading would last for a couple of hours, during which she learned so much about her deceased friend. She felt like she understood Fluttershy on a whole new level after reading so much. Chuckles left her lips at the funny parts, and tears fell at the sad ones. A sense of vicarious living began coursing through her body as she read further and further. Indeed, she felt as if she were inhabiting Fluttershy’s body, dealing with fear, failure, joy, and even a little romance.

But the parts that were the hardest to get through were the ones regarding herself. The early entries were all the same: “Sunset Shimmer hit me today,” or, “Sunset Shimmer spat at me today.” It tore her soul apart to see just what a horrific bully she’d been to the poor girl. These were the moments when tears fell, but she forged ahead, wanting desperately to know more. As she went along, she found the descriptions getting worse and worse. She knew what was coming, and she gulped in anticipation. It was the first time she’d ever been kicked out of school, yet she did not learn her lesson.

“Here we go,” she said as she turned the page, “…the worst moment of my life.”

“Monday, March 3rd,

Dear Diary,

Today…Sunset did something that I’ll never forgive her for. She’s thrown my books on the ground and told me that I’ll never amount to anything. I’ve had to go to school in her shadow for all this time. But that PALES in comparison to the awful thing she did today. She slammed me up against my locker and began assaulting me. She twisted my arm so badly that the doctors were shocked it wasn’t broken more than it was. I’m having to write this with my other hand, so please excuse the bad handwriting. Anyway, then, she punched me in the face! She’s never done that before. I was in so much pain that I couldn’t see straight. But she wasn’t through yet. She slammed me on the ground and drove both knees into my chest. Two of my ribs are broken!

I’m writing this in severe pain from a hospital bed…and I hope to God she gets her comeuppance! I may be a kind girl, but even I have limits. What Sunset did was uncalled for and I hope she rots! I HOPE SHE ROTS!

The entry ended there, but the stains from Sunset’s tears did not. She could still recall Fluttershy’s bones crunching under her grasp. Worse, still, she recalled how much she’d enjoyed it. In her eyes, Fluttershy had been a weak pawn in a game of social chess. She’d been the queen, and she’d thoroughly loved it when she got to beat down someone weaker. Now that Fluttershy was gone…Sunset knew she’d never be truly forgiven for something so careless and violent. She held the open book to her chest and cried severely, apologizing over and over again for her actions.

It was at this moment that Twilight arrived with the stack of daily schoolwork required of Sunset. She found her best friend in a heap on the floor, sobbing as if life depended on it. Dropping to a knee, she gathered Sunset into a hug. For a moment, she just stroked the yellow girl’s hair, allowing her to cry as she needed to. It was obvious just how much emotion was spiking itself inside Sunset’s veins, and Twilight wanted to ensure that she didn’t try and commit suicide again.

“She never forgave me, Twilight,” Sunset said in a barely audible and severely cracked voice, “…she never did.”

“That’s not true, Sunset,” Twilight responded, “and you’ve got to quit believing that.”

“Oh, would you just read the damn entry?!” Sunset asked in a sudden rage, “here! Read it! Then, you’ll see just why I’m in the state that I’m in!”

Twilight’s eyes widened in horror as Sunset’s earlier attack was made known. Each word seemed to fly off the page in a spite filled assault on Sunset’s person. Twilight was absolutely floored by every single description. The broken arm, the punch to the face, the ribs…everything. She shook as she read, and when she finished, a part of her felt like being physical with Sunset. Anger pulsed through her body, but she couldn’t help it. After all, Fluttershy being hurt was as bad as attacking a defenseless dog or cat. It was abusive, cruel, and Twilight felt a need to show Sunset everything she’d done to Fluttershy.

“HOW COULD YOU?!” Twilight screamed when she finally found words.

“I was such a bully to her, Twilight,” Sunset said as tears and remorse painted her face, “I did so many horrible things to her-“

“Yeah, I know, but…you…I…didn’t you go to jail?!”

“Fluttershy was scared of me…scared of what I’d do if she did anything. So…she didn’t press any charges. I got suspended from school for a long time, but when I came back, I was meaner than ever. She was my target. Twilight, I planned to do something horrible to her.”

“As if you hadn’t done enough already?!” Twilight yelled, her face red and flush with rage.

“I…wanted to hurt her more than anyone, because I was weak,” Sunset confessed, “so I planned to harm some of her pets.”

“WHAT?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Twilight screeched.

By this point, she couldn’t take anymore and she lunged at Sunset. Much to her surprise, the yellow girl didn’t fight back. She just lay there. Twilight balled up her fist and tried to strike her, to pay her back for all the terrible things she’d done to Fluttershy. But she quickly realized that this would only breed more unhappiness and discontent, and that was the last thing anyone needed now. Sunset was still her friend, after all, and the past needed to remain in the past. While she was angry over Sunset’s behavior, she also knew the kind, gentle, and warm girl that Sunset had become.

“I…I’m sorry,” she said, “I shouldn’t have erupted like that.”

“No, you should have,” Sunset said, wiping her tears away, “everything I did to Fluttershy was meant to send a message to the school. ‘Mess with the bull, you get the horns.’ But I wasn’t mighty or incorruptibly strong. I…was weak. I’d failed in Equestria, so I took it out on this world.”

“But that’s all in the past,” Twilight said as she and Sunset nestled close to each other, “and I have to remember that. You aren’t that way anymore. You…aren’t a monster. You’re my best friend.”

“…and you’re mine, Twilight,” Sunset responded.

“We’ll get through this, but only if we do it together,” Twilight said.

“We may get through it,” Sunset quipped, “but…I don’t know if things will ever be the same again.”

What Sunset Needed

Twilight and Sunset took a moment to just breathe. While they did, Sunset began flipping through the pages of the diary once again. Twilight was surprised to find just how dark Fluttershy’s thoughts had become while she was being bullied. She proclaimed her love of horror films, metal music, and something of an alternative lifestyle. It seemed Sunset had driven her into a mental corner, and there was no escape…that is, until Princess Twilight showed up. But for human Twilight, she’d only gotten to see one side of Fluttershy. This diary showed an entirely new perspective, one that was as interesting as it was brutal. Then, Twilight remembered Fluttershy’s love of the band Skull Cruncher, and it all made sense.

“Wow…she certainly went to…a dark place,” she said as Sunset read yet another deeply depressive entry.

“She didn’t go there,” Sunset said, “I pushed her there. I forced her into it…just because I was pissed off at another world.”

“Well, that’s all in the past,” Twilight said, placing an arm on Sunset’s shoulder, “and I wouldn’t worry about it.”

“She said she’d never forgive me for being so violent with her,” Sunset responded, “yet, we became such good friends. I…don’t know what to believe anymore.”

“Look, maybe it’s time we moved past the ‘you being a bully’ phase and into the amiability that you two enjoyed. She’s gotta have some good in here about you, right?”

Sunset nodded and, for the first time in a while, she smiled. Her hands moved quickly as she flipped to the very day she’d been defeated in her quest for power. The smile grew larger as she read Fluttershy’s words:

Saturday, September 15th,

Dear Diary,

Well…it finally happened. Someone finally talked some sense into Sunset Shimmer. It was this odd girl who claimed to be a princess from a world filled with ponies! At first, I didn’t believe it. But then, when we grew adorable pony ears and little tails and shot rainbow lasers, I did. I never knew that I could help save the world! Perhaps…I’m not all Sunset’s told me I am. Perhaps I’m worth more than that, and perhaps I can help her as well. Yes, as surprising as it is, I believe Sunset and I could become friends. Maybe I can forgive her for all she’s done to me. Maybe…there’s a sweetness and a tenderness underneath her heart of stone. Thanks to Princess Twilight, it’s begun to be chipped away. I think that the five of us can truly help her understand that there’s so much more to life than being a bully.

I don’t know why I wrote the mean spirited things I did. I guess I was just angry. But the music and films help me control my…issues. I guess, what I’m trying to say…is that I’m sorry for writing them. I never wanted to hurt Sunset Shimmer, but I always questioned her constant targeting of myself and my dreams. She has to have dreams, too…or, at least, ones that don’t involve teenage zombie armies and conquering worlds. Perhaps…I can help her find them. Just because she was a bully to me doesn’t give me any right to be one in return. One day, I’ll find out her true intentions in hurting me all this time. But for now…I’m just glad to have a new friend.

Twilight and Sunset were in tears again. But this time, no pain accompanied them. Rather, they were touched that Fluttershy had written something so personal. It was especially impactful for Sunset, who once again, held the journal close. However, instead of a sharp thorn in her heart, she felt a wonderful warmth. She smiled as some tears dripped onto the tome, feeling just as if Fluttershy had wrapped her up in an embrace. That entry proved that Fluttershy had forgiven her, even if she’d never officially said it. The regrets began melting away, replaced with the light and love of their friendship.

“I didn’t deserve such a terrific friend,” Sunset said as she set the book back down.

“Nobody deserves friendship,” Twilight remarked somewhat cryptically.

“I…don’t follow you,” Sunset responded, “don’t you believe in friendship?”

“More than anything,” Twilight said, “but you don’t become friends with someone because they deserve it. You become friends with them because of a deep seated connection and love between both themselves and you. Nobody just randomly walks up to someone and goes, ‘I’ll be your friend because you deserve it.’ That turns friendship into a popularity contest, where you have to determine who deserves it and who doesn’t.”

Sunset realized the truth in Twilight’s words. She and Fluttershy hadn’t been friends because either of them deserved it. They’d been friends because they loved each other like sisters. Even though the past had been painful, they’d wiped it all away. When they first hugged, it was like Sunset had a clean slate. She suddenly realized that she didn’t need Fluttershy to say, “I forgive you.” That inaugural embrace had been a wordless method of passing the debt into nonexistence. Every smile they shared, every musical chord they played, and every moment they enjoyed. It all had been Fluttershy’s way of forgiving Sunset for deeds long past.

“She did love me,” Sunset said as more tears gathered, “and all I’ve been doing these past few days is sulking in self-loathing. Oh, Twilight…I feel like such a rat!”

“Don’t,” Twilight responded simply, “we all go through pain. You were just dealing with it in the wrong way. Now that you understand what Fluttershy wrote here, you can release yourself from it.”

“You’re right,” Sunset said, her smile returning, “I’m free…and I know Fluttershy would want me to continue living. So, I will. I’ll keep going, I’ll pursue my dreams, and I’ll achieve them!”

“Good girl!” Twilight praised, throwing her arms around Sunset, “that’s the Sunset I know and love! Oh, by the way, what else did Fluttershy write about?”

“Oh, you know, this and that,” Sunset said, breaking up the embrace, “she even wrote about a boy she liked!”

“Wow, really?” Twilight asked in shock, “I had no idea she had a crush!”

“It was more than a crush,” Sunset responded, before flipping to a corresponding entry, “apparently, his name was Tidal Wave, and he was a huge fan of all things sea based. That includes some of the same animals Fluttershy loved. They met and he became her only friend until…well…you know.”

“Mm-hmm,” Twilight nodded, “but go on.”

“Anyway,” Sunset continued, “she writes about how they fell madly in love with each other. She even writes about their first kiss.”

“So, what happened?”

“He had to move away,” Sunset responded, “it was probably the only thing in her life that I didn’t ruin. Poor thing. She says she cried and cried when it happened. He’s never mentioned again.”

“Wow…she went through a lot,” Twilight said, “…it’s a shame she never got a second chance with him.”

“Yeah,” Sunset said, “it sure is.”

A Mysterious Entry

Life seemed to open up to Sunset in the seconds following the realization of Fluttershy’s tender love and care. Her mind danced as wondrous memories of the friendship they shared watered its garden. Then, things bloomed into shining existence, and Sunset felt like twirling around her living room. But, she remembered that Twilight was sitting next to her, and she resisted. However, she was a bit concerned with the failed romance that Fluttershy had been put through. She suddenly knew that, if Fluttershy were alive today, she’d find Tidal Wave and get the two of them back together.

She found herself flipping further and further in the diary, wanting to know more about her friend’s personal side. Twilight accompanied her on this journey, and the two shared some very sentimental moments. There were diary entries regarding everything, from the most epic of adventures down to the tiniest daily tasks like grocery shopping. Through it all, the two readers laughed, cried, and held each other. It felt like Fluttershy was embracing them through her words, wrapping them up tightly and sending warmth coursing through them.

Soon enough, they found themselves at the entry on the day of Fluttershy’s death. Sunset stopped for a moment and turned to Twilight. The two shared a silent moment of simultaneous acceptance. They knew that they’d get to this installment sooner or later. But that didn’t make the moment any less difficult. Fluttershy’s verbal embrace counteracted these feelings somewhat, creating a small bit of bravery within the girls. Their minds were fearful of what feelings the reading might evoke, but they also understood its necessity. They had to read this…for her.

“Dear Diary,” Sunset said out loud, “nothing new to report. My life is still great. I have the best friends, and I can’t wait to see them again today! I guess the only difference between today and yesterday is that I have to head to the store after school.”

“She…was just going to the store?” Twilight asked in a shaky voice.

“Yeah,” Sunset responded, “the store.”

“It just seems so needless!” Twilight exclaimed, “she was killed while doing something we do all the time!”

“I know,” Sunset said, “but…every time we get behind the wheel, we put our lives at risk.”

“That’s true,” Twilight responded, “but it doesn’t make me feel any better.”

Sunset looked at her friend empathetically. She felt the pain begin to rise again and she did her best to keep it under control. After reading all the good times she and Fluttershy had together, the last thing she wanted to do was start bawling again. But even so, the pain was winning the inner battle and tears formed. Her lip shook as she cuddled close to Twilight, feeling her friend’s warm touch as she cocooned within her arms. The purple girl even gave her a small kiss on the top of the head, reassuring her like a mother would do to a distraught daughter.

“It hurts,” she said as the tears rolled, though not quite as freely as before. “It hurts so badly.”

“Yes…it does,” Twilight said as one or two made their way down her cheek, “but we have to be strong for Fluttershy’s family right now.”

“You’re right,” Sunset said, sitting back up and reaching for the diary. She was just about to close it when something caught her eye. Suddenly, she flipped the page…and found another entry staring her in the face! It was fully bodied, complete with Fluttershy’s beautiful penmanship, and matched the other entries perfectly. Sunset could only stare, mouth half open, as this odd entry lambasted her vision. She was so shocked, in fact, that she couldn’t bring herself to read it.

“T-T-T-Twilight?” She stuttered.

“Yeah?” Twilight asked, turning back from where she’d been answering a text message, “what’s up?”

“L-l-l-look,” Sunset stammered, pointing to the entry.

Twilight’s eyes followed Sunset’s arm right down to the writing. Now, it was her turn to babble incoherently for a moment. Once she was finished, her own mouth hung open. The two girls began breathing heavily, for it is not every day that one receives a message from the dead. The entry was completely impossible! Fluttershy had passed the day before, so how in the world could the installment have possibly ended up there?

“I…It defies all logical explanations!” Twilight exclaimed, “I mean, Fluttershy’s gone! How in the world did this get here?! What happened?!”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” Sunset said.

Twilight began mulling over possibilities in her head. One of these was that someone had found the diary and was using it in a cruel manner. It certainly made enough sense. Fluttershy was always careful to leave her locker shut up tight during school hours. But she was also incredibly easy to manipulate. Someone could have gotten the locker combination from her, and then, once she was cold, taken the journal. Twilight began thinking of possible suspects, but she couldn’t think of anyone. Frankly, everyone at school was in love with Fluttershy. Nobody wanted to harm her and, in fact, they’d fight off outsiders who did try.

“It just doesn’t make sense,” Twilight suddenly said.

“The entry?” Sunset queried, “yeah, I know.”

“No-no, not just the entry, the person who wrote it!”

“It had to have been Fluttershy,” Sunset responded, “I mean, look at the handwriting! It’s exact!”

“But that’s impossible!” Twilight argued, “Fluttershy’s dead and gone. How could she have written this? There aren’t any such things as ghosts, no matter what anyone on television or the internet says. So, in light of that circumstance, we must assume someone forged this.”

“How, though?!” Sunset asked desperately, “how could someone copy her handwriting so…brilliantly? More than that, who’d want to do this?”

“I don’t know,” Twilight said, “perhaps one of our old enemies? The Dazzlings? Wallflower Blush?”

“The Dazzlings moved out of town months ago, and Wallflower’s one of our best friends now!” Sunset said.

“So…the question is…do we have a new enemy?” Twilight asked.

“Yes…either that, or-“

“-or what?”

“…or Fluttershy’s still alive somewhere!”

Voices in Sunset's Head

Sunset spent the rest of her suspension racking her brain over the mysterious diary entry. Fluttershy was supposed to be dead, and dead people simply didn’t write in their diaries. But even more than that, she turned the page again…and found more diary entries! At first, she was so shocked that she didn’t even bother to read them. But then, she finally gathered her courage and began, starting from the very first impossibility. It was a tough task, but one that had to be accomplished. This was a mystery, and Sunset was determined to get to the bottom of it.

Help me out here, Flutter, she thought as she read, give me something to go on.

Dear Diary,

I can say, today, I’m the luckiest girl on the planet. I am alive, though in a great deal of pain after surviving a terrible car crash. They brought you to me, my dear Diary, so that I might have companionship while I lay in this hospital bed. I still remember the crunch of metal on metal and the screech of the tires on the ground. It was almost as if violence were making love to itself, drawing strength from its own putridity and then spitting it all back out. But, before I fell into unconsciousness’s loving embrace, I saw them: horrid, terrifying shadow figures. I was so out of it that I could not register their humanity…or lack of it. They could have been apparitions, for all I know.

I do not remember the exact moment of impact, though I do know who I am, and who my family is. They’ve been to see me multiple times, and they said they would tell my friends about the accident. But…I have yet to see any of my companions or their smiling faces. I’m falling into a deep sadness, for I fear that they have cast me aside. I know I was the weakest member of our group, but surely they have more love for me than that, right? I just can’t help it! I feel so alone right now! Oh, Sunset…oh, Twilight…oh, Pinkie…oh…SOMEONE come see me! I’m falling into an abyss, and I need your help to get out! Please, come save me!

The last paragraph disturbed Sunset and shook her to the core. The descriptions of the wreck and Fluttershy’s descent into depressed madness were all too vivid. Once again, she held the diary to her chest and sobbed over it. But then, reality reached out and smacked her in the face. This diary entry must have meant that Fluttershy was still alive! A warm, happy feeling washed over Sunset, and she got up and began spontaneously dancing around. She started to laugh with all the joy that suddenly rose up within her. All of this flailing about finally led her to her bed, where she plopped down and held the book close.

“Yes! Yes!” She cried with happy tears streaming down her cheeks, “you’re alive! Oh, my dear friend, you’re alive! I’ve never felt so…thrilled before!”

Is it mine? A voice suddenly asked.

Sunset sat up straight, drying her eyes, and looking around. “Who…who said that?”

I did, the voice responded, though I do not exist within your four walls. I exist within the corners of your mind and the pools of memories you share with my owner.

“…Fluttershy?” Sunset asked.

Indeed, the soothing, sweet tone responded, and, though I may not be her spirit, I am still attached to your subconscious. Consider me an extension of your conscience. But, listen, Sunset, and take heed of my words. Taking conclusions as fact can be a very dangerous thing. It exists in the form of a cliff, and you are teetering on the edge of calamity.

“What do you mean?” Sunset asked.

Thinking I’m alive simply by reading some words on a page is foolish, the voice replied sternly, for somebody could just be playing a cruel prank on you and your friends. If I am alive, you must go find me…and my attempted killer.

Sunset realized with a start that killers would be directly linked to this mystery. If Fluttershy were indeed still breathing, it was up to Sunset to deduce just who it was. An adventurous feeling crept up inside her, and she suddenly became intensely determined. Since it was the end of her suspension, she could finally return to school and get her friends involved with this. So, she quickly got out of her pajamas and redressed in her normal attire. She felt like the sunny symbol that blazed on her t-shirt was ten times brighter. Fluttershy needed her help…and she was willing to give everything.

It was thus that she arrived back in the hallowed halls of Canterlot High School. She quickly sought out her friends, who welcomed her back after a week’s absence. Hugs were exchanged, much to the delight of a passing Principal Celestia, who also welcomed Sunset back. She praised the returning student for not giving up on life, and explained that Twilight made full reports on everything Sunset planned to do.

“She said you’re going to fulfill your dreams, not just for yourself, but for Fluttershy as well,” Celestia said with a smile, “I’m very proud of you, Sunset.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Sunset said respectfully.

“Well, I must be off to a meeting. Good day, girls!”

When they were alone, Sunset pulled the diary from its place in her backpack. The other girls were mesmerized by its beauty. Even Rainbow Dash, known for her tough tomboyishness, stared in awe. They knew that this was no ordinary journal, but in fact, the final memoirs of their departed friend. It brought tears to their eyes, but also a smile as they tried to solve the puzzle of just what may have been written there.

“So…Fluttershy’s diary, hm?” Rainbow asked.

“Yep,” Sunset responded, “but that’s not all. When Twilight and I looked inside, we found an entry from the day after she died!”

“What?!” Rarity exclaimed, “but, darlings, that’s impossible!”

“It might be,” Sunset said, “but sometimes impossibilities can actually be very real. This is one of those times. I mean, just look for yourself!”

She flipped the journal open and pointed to the entry. The other girls were in shock. “But-but-but-but,” Rarity stammered, “but that’s…that’s insane! I mean, she’s gone!”

“Is she?” Sunset asked cryptically.

“What do you mean?” Rainbow asked.

“Is Fluttershy truly dead?”

“Um, yeah she is,” Pinkie Pie said, “we all heard from her parents, went to that really sad mourning anti-party at Twilight’s, and we’ve all received the location of her funeral. So…it looks like she really is gone.”

“That’s just the thing, Pinkie!” Sunset exclaimed, “we haven’t been to the funeral yet. Until we see the body, then we have to assume she’s still alive somewhere.”

“But what if it’s someone just yankin’ our chain?” Applejack asked.

“I don’t think so,” Sunset responded, “the handwriting’s too perfect! Guys…we have a mystery on our hands…and we’re the only ones who can solve it. Who’s with me?”

“I’m in!” Pinkie chirped.

“Me too!” Twilight said.

“I’ll design us new mystery solving outfits!” Rarity exclaimed.

“Oh, yeah!” Rainbow said.

“Aw, shucks. What the hell? It could be fun!” Applejack said, “though I still think it’s somethin’ of a wild goose chase.”

“Maybe, maybe not,” Sunset said, “but what I do know is that, together, we’ll solve this caper!”

Whispers of Suspicion

The group of friends were determined to find out the truth behind what happened to Fluttershy. It all began at her memorial service which was devoid of a casket and a body. This didn’t strike anyone as being particularly odd, as some memorials are conducted in such a manner. For, after all, who wants to view their dead loved one? It would have been much too painful. Even so, Mrs. Shy was inconsolable, crying as if the very world were ending. In her case, it probably was. Though, with the odd journal entries, Fluttershy’s friends could no longer see any need to weep greatly. Sure, they shed a tear or two, but other than that, they were rather stoic.

The absence of any type of coffin did have an impact on one person. Sunset thought it strange to have absolutely nothing to remember Fluttershy by. Unless, of course, there was some type of sacred tradition in the Shy family. Perhaps some type of religious belief or personal choice kept them from having the funeral with the casket in sight. Either way, the front of the sanctuary looked rather empty…suspiciously empty. Sunset began to ask herself a lot of questions, but thought it wise to keep them secret until the time was right. She also planned to interrogate some members of Fluttershy’s family. She had no need to do so to the fallen’s close friends, as they were all just as curious as she was.

What secrets could you possibly be hiding? She asked herself.

When the service ended, a small organ piece was played as the family rose. Since there were no pallbearers, they walked out first. Everyone followed suit. They’d all been told that, while their presence was greatly appreciated, they would not be allowed to attend the burial. Once again, this didn’t strike anyone in particular. A lot of graveside services were just for the family and a few very close friends. But when Sunset and her group were among those left behind at the church, it drove her even further into suspicion. She began to think that, perhaps, Fluttershy’s family was keeping something from the rest of the group.

She eventually cornered one of Fluttershy’s cousins, Breezy Way. The poor girl was absolutely hysterical, crying to the point of being in pain. Her black dress was layered over with tears, a fashion choice not uncommon to the mourner. She sniffled a bit and tried to gather herself together to answer Sunset’s questions. But every time Sunset brought up the allegedly departed, Breezy burst into tears all over again. It seemed that she and Fluttershy had been inseparable in their love of flora and fauna. Sunset knew raw, pure emotion when she saw it, so she decided to let sleeping dogs lie.

Moving across the room, she found another of Flutter’s cousins. His name was Pine Forest and, much like his moniker’s inspiration, he was rather tall. But, Sunset was able to face him unflinchingly, despite his intimidating stature. She noted that he wasn’t in hysterics like Breezy had been, nor was he very stoic either. He just seemed rather indifferent to the whole affair. Losing a family member was difficult, and his nonchalance sparked yet another wave of suspicion in Sunset’s body.

“You’re Pine Forest, right?” She asked as she stood in front of him.

“Yeah, that’s my name. Don’t wear it out.”

“Mm-hmm,” Sunset said, “I’m Sunset Shimmer, Fluttershy’s very close friend.”

“Oh, yeah, Sunset Shimmer,” Pine quipped, “Fluttershy used to talk a lot about you at our family reunions. At first, she would tell us how you’d bully her. But then, for some reason, you two became good friends. It’s almost like…magic!”

You have no idea, Sunset thought. Out loud, she chuckled awkwardly. “Right…magic, yeah. Look, I’m speaking with all of her family members and offering my moral support. I can imagine how much pain a tragedy like this must cause you.”

“You know, Sunset, it’s funny, but…I don’t feel pain,” Pine said.

“You don’t?”

He shook his head. “No, and…I feel guilty for not feeling any. I mean, Fluttershy and I were never very close, but we were still on good terms with each other. I just wonder…why I don’t feel any pain. I mean, she was my cousin…my friend. I…I should feel something, shouldn’t I?”

Like a bloodhound on the trail, Sunset felt she’d stumbled across something important. Her eyes moved up and down her subject’s face, trying to see any telltale signs of dishonesty. It was very suspicious for a close family member to feel nothing at a funeral. It also fell in line that he might have been trying to cover something up. But at the same time, Sunset also realized that his lack of interest could simply stem from a poor relationship with Fluttershy. Perhaps he was embarrassed by it, so he claimed friendship in an effort to shovel dirt over the problem.

“I guess not everyone cries at funerals,” she said in an awkward attempt to keep him in the dark about her true efforts. Thankfully, she spied Twilight softly waving her over. “Oh, there’s my friend. I really need to go, but it was nice talking with you!”

“It was nice talking with you too,” Pine said as she walked off.

After making her way to the purple girl, the two nonchalantly strutted out of the church doors and into the grass outside. “I noticed you were chatting up a number of her family members,” Twilight said.

“I was,” Sunset said.

“Good,” Twilight said, “so was I.”

“I guess great minds think alike,” Sunset said with a humorous gleam in her eye, “but tell me…what did you find?”

“I spoke with a cousin of hers, Sky Shine,” Twilight responded, “and she was behaving in a very odd manner.”

Sunset was just about to ask what kind of manner when their friends suddenly showed up. They all began talking at once, as if they were reporters in a very busy newsroom. It seemed that Sunset wasn’t the only one with a suspicion at the lack of a body. Rarity reported that two of Fluttershy’s family members were rather shifty during the whole proceedings. Rainbow Dash and Applejack said that they caught snickers coming from the booths behind them during the funeral itself. Finally, Pinkie Pie claimed that the cake on the dessert table was made from a fake cake mix!

“Um, Pinkie? We’re trying to solve Fluttershy’s disappearance, not the cake’s ingredients,” Sunset said, rolling her eyes.

“But the cake was a lie!” Pinkie whimpered, “I trusted it…and it betrayed me!”

“Somethin’ tells me the cake ain’t the only thing gallivantin’ around the truth here,” Applejack said.

“I think you’re right, AJ,” Sunset said, “we’ve gotta get back to the diary. Maybe Fluttershy’s entries are hiding clues we didn’t see before. Come on!”

Iron Entries and Magical Words

The girls all rushed back to Sunset’s apartment, eager to peruse the diary for more information. For five of them, it would be their first time seeing it in an in-depth environment. Sure, Sunset had shown them the mysterious entry, but at the same time, she’d also neglected to show them anything else. They didn’t know of Fluttershy’s anger, sadness, loneliness, or hurt. They were completely clueless of her secret romance and of how terrible Sunset truly was. But the yellow girl was willing to face up to her past in order to ensure Fluttershy’s future. When they arrived at her coffee table, she flipped the book open and began to show them a deeper side to their lost friend.

As they watched, they kept their eyes peeled for clues. They wanted to know anything that might help lead them to the departed’s truth. But they were also shocked and appalled at Sunset’s mistreatment of her. The story of the broken arm hit them the hardest, as they all remembered Fluttershy’s cast. She’d claimed it was because of a nasty fall, but now they knew that she was being dishonest on purpose. She was so scared of Sunset’s temper that she was willing to lie to her close friends to protect herself. Now, ironically, they were looking to protect her from someone else’s lies.

“I can’t believe you broke her arm!” Dash exclaimed.

“Darling…you really were evil,” Rarity said bluntly.

“I know, I know,” Sunset said, “and I deserve every bit of vitriol you give me. But later. Right now, we have to keep searching.”

The girls looked at each other and nodded. There was a much more important task at hand. So, Sunset continued flipping through the entries until they got to the day after Fluttershy “died.” They’d already scrutinized this one closely, so Sunset turned to the next one. The girls began to read it together, and they were shocked at what they found. To say it drove them to tears would be an understatement, although some brave souls attempted to fight off the emotion. It just didn’t seem possible, yet there it was in black and white.

Dear Diary,

I…am…alive, although just barely. They can scratch me, claw me, hit me, kick me, and shoot me, but I will NEVER go down for them! They don’t deserve the satisfaction of seeing me quiver in fear. No, I will continue to rise against them. They want me to be someone cruel, vicious, and mean, but I cannot go against my principles of kindness and love. So, I sit…in my prison of iron…waiting to be rescued like some damsel in distress. Perhaps…my friends have found this already. That’s my only hope.

The evil ones might have imprisoned me, but they’re going to make a mistake. They’ve already begun to disguise me for a trip back to my school. They want my locker combination, and the times when Principal Celestia will be in and out of her office. Their conspiracy against Canterlot High School and this world has begun. They are evil, and they’ve captured me. So, I’ve hatched a little plan of my own. When I’m there, I’m going to drop this diary onto the floor. I know someone will find it and come for me. Sunset…I hope to God that it’s you.

The girls were overjoyed. Fluttershy was truly still alive! They couldn’t help but cheer and hug and feel absolute relief. Even Sunset, stoic as she was, placed her head into her hands and wept tears of happiness. She felt Fluttershy’s warmth begin to envelop her again and she smiled. But at the same time, she recognized the weight that had been put onto her shoulders. Fluttershy had specifically named her at the end of the entry. She had been placed on the edge of a cliff, holding her friend up as the abyss slowly advanced upon them.

“Sunset? You okay?” Applejack asked, wiping her tears away.

“I’m better than okay,” Sunset said, “I just found out that I have yet another chance to prove my friendship to her. But…”

“But what?” Pinkie squeaked.

“But if I fail…then we might lose her forever.”

“That’s why you’ve got us!” Dash exclaimed, “we’ve faced how many villains and come out okay?”

“Let’s see…you’ve faced me, The Dazzlings, Midnight Sparkle, Juniper Montage, Wallflower Blush-”

“I rest my case,” Dash said satisfactorily, placing a hand on Sunset’s shoulder.

Sunset smiled. She was so lucky to have friends like them. Knowing that they had her back every step of the way lessened the load. She couldn’t believe that she used to abhor friendship like she did. Now, she felt as free as a bird, soaring through the sky. Determination began coursing through her veins. Fluttershy was counting on, not just her, but all of them to come rescue her. They just had to figure out where she was.

“Um…I hate to break it to y’all,” Applejack said, “but we’re still more lost than the side plot in The Last Jedi.”

“Ooooo, nice reference,” Pinkie said.

“Thanks, but my point is…we don’t know hide nor hair of where Fluttershy actually is!”

“Maybe she left us another clue?” Rarity asked, “I mean, she did write a lot into that tiny entry. Perhaps there’s something we missed.”

Sunset nodded and turned the page. Much to everyone’s shock, there were more entries! They told of Fluttershy’s awful prison, of how she was tortured every day, and of how they starved her. But she also told of her unbreakable fortitude, which brought a sense of joyous satisfaction to everyone involved. But as Sunset continued to turn the pages, the entries just kept coming. Then, they arrived at the current date. As they watched, something magical happened. Words…came out of nowhere! It reminded Sunset of the journal she shared with Princess Twilight back in Equestria.

Dear Diary,

More starvation again today, although I hope by now, my friends have found this trinket I left them. Girls, if you are reading this, then you must know that you’ve all been lied to. It’s all part of a conspiracy against this world. Humans are the target, but that’s all I can say for now. They’re coming for me…they’re coming to beat me again. I’m in such severe pain that I can barely write this. Please…come rescue me. I’m in hell…and I need all of you more than ever before. Don’t forget me…

Hell In The Hands of A Genius

Rivers. They weren’t just waterfalls…they were rivers. Crimson in color, they tore their way across her skin, betraying her many wounds. They were thick in constitution and endless, stopping only to allow even more blood to flow. These were beyond mere cuts, scratches, and nicks. These were deep embellishments of evil, taking their toll and laughing in her face all at the same time. She’d lost so much of the life giving liquid that she became dizzy and faint, only to be filled up via syringe just so she might be tortured again. Time became difficult to track. She was starved, beaten, and harmed in the most disgustingly heinous ways possible…and she was losing all hope.

She wondered what she’d done to deserve this, and then she remembered the reasons they had given when she first arrived. Her mind went to a very dark place as her captors arrived to administer punishment again. They forced her into suggestive poses, taking picture after picture before wrapping barbed wire around her face. She cried as she felt the horrible sharp points piercing into her skin, drawing out the contents, and then spitting them out so it could feed again. Once this method of torture was completed, then came the horrible lashing. She was stripped of her clothing, made to stand, and then mercilessly whipped. The cat o’nine tails had glass strewn throughout its twisted leathery design. These shards stuck in her back, causing excruciating pain and an extreme amount of bleeding.

I was always so kind to everyone, she told herself, why should something so innocuous lead to something so…evil? Should I have been the same bully Sunset was? No…no, I couldn’t! I’d never harm my friends or my fellow human in such a manner! I must keep hope that they’ve found my diary and are coming for me!

But, with a new lash coming every few seconds, it became difficult to understand hope. In fact, Fluttershy began to ponder the fleeting nature of the concept. With every new beating she endured, she questioned why humans hope at all. What kind of maddening, sickening idea was it that technologically advanced bipeds had called “hope?” Just how could hope ever break through the darkness surrounding her? The pain impacted these thoughts, jackhammering them deep into her cerebral cortex. The mind that had been planted at birth began to wither away. Her cries became silent, and she fell against the whipping post, accepting her fate. The captors took great joy in this, as they felt it was a breakthrough they’d been looking for.

So, they untied her and sat her in a chair. Lights flashed all around, frightening her a bit, but otherwise doing little to undo the damage done. She was still bleeding, and she felt the faintness return. But a quick syringe of blood “voluntarily donated” by some poor hapless sap quickly gave her a boost of energy. It did nothing to make her feel any better, as she knew exactly what the captors had done with the donor. They were probably lying dead at the bottom of some spike filled pit somewhere. She knew these people very well, and she also knew what happened to those who crossed them.

“Now, Fluttershy,” an interrogator squawked, anger and hatred in his face, “for the last time…where is the portal?”

“I’ll never tell you,” Fluttershy growled, “you can do whatever you want to me. You can wrap me in razor wire, waterboard me, beat me, rape me, or even KILL me! I will never talk!”

“Mm…she’s such a brave girl, sir,” the interrogator said, turning to his boss, “pity that bravery is such a conduit for foolishness, isn’t it?”

“Indeed it is, Sharp Eye,” the man said, stepping into the light, “but if anyone knows where the portal is, it’s her. She’s always been the black sheep…the RAT…and you know me, Sharp Eye. I…hate…rats.”

He said these words with spitting hatred, bending down to look his captive square in the eye. For his efforts, he received a defiant load of her saliva. But this didn’t anger him. He knew that he had this particular bird caged, defeathered, and utterly flightless. Nobody was coming for her. He could do whatever he wanted to her and fling aside the leftovers for someone else to deal with. His evil, black heart, which was already quite shriveled, somehow shrank even further. He hated this girl with every fiber of his being, not only because she wouldn’t talk, but because she was a stain on his life.

Patience, he told himself, do not move yet. Striking her will only infuriate her, and we must know the location of that portal! Soon enough, this world will be ours, and we will enact our judgment upon this pathetic human race! So, just keep practicing your game of silence, Fluttershy. You’ve already lost.

“Shall I beat her again, sir?” Came another, much more feminine voice in the room, “I have a new lash I’ve just been itching to try! Also, I’d love to play with her body some more!”

“Stay calm, Torture Rack,” the boss said, “we only move when the ball is in our court. Right now, it’s in hers. We have no need to harm her anymore…at least, not for now. Soon, the time for beating will come again…unless, of course, she talks.”

“I’ll never talk,” Fluttershy said with an attempt at bravery, “and you can take your lashes and SHOVE THEM UP YOUR ASSES!”

“Ooooo…she insulted you, boss!” Torture said with excitement, “now you HAVE to let me hurt her!”

“Patience, my dear, patience,” the boss said, “her own words will come back to bite her. I guarantee it. She’s an annoying piece of work, duped into friendship with those…revolting idiots surrounding her. One even claims to be as smart as I!”

“But, boss, you’re one of the smartest people in the world,” Sharp Eye pointed out.

“Exactly,” the boss said, “my intelligence quotient knows no boundaries. Soon, the world will be mine, and everyone will do my bidding. Then, and only then, shall those faithful to me have their reward.”

“Sex, money, and hookers?” Torture asked hopefully.

“Darling, you can have all the sex you want in my world,” the boss said, “I really don’t care. But your reward is not carnal, nor materialistic.”

“Yeah…you never really told us what the reward was,” Sharp pointed out.

“Oh, Sharp Eye, you’ll find out…very soon,” the boss said, chuckling evilly.

Magical Encouragement

While Fluttershy was being tortured, her friends were consistently trying to find her. They looked everywhere in Canterlot City, but every lead came up dry. Someone said they thought they saw a girl matching Fluttershy’s description staying at a hotel. But when the girls checked it out, they found nothing but a yellow bed sheet and some pink curtains. Applejack remarked on how the hotel had nothing but one star reviews online, and it wasn’t hard to figure out why. Yet another lead saw them head below the surface, into a sewer pipe. Well, okay, most of them did. Rarity, even for sweet friendship, would not set foot inside. So, she acted as a lookout while the other girls combed through the system. Unfortunately, all they found was a lot of off putting water.

“There’s gotta be somewhere we haven’t tried yet!” Sunset remarked one day as the girls gathered in her apartment to try and sort things out, “I mean, Canterlot City is huge! We certainly can’t have found every nook, cranny, or other hiding spot!”

“But where would someone evil take our dear Fluttershy?” Rarity asked.

“I don’t know,” Sunset replied, “but we can’t blow the cover on our operation. We have to keep up the front that we’re simply looking for a lost friend.”

“Sunset’s right,” Twilight said supportively, “if we tell everyone we interrogate exactly how much trouble she’s in, it could spiral out of control.”

“Or…” Applejack said thoughtfully.

“Or what?” Rainbow asked.

“Or we just might save her life,” Applejack said, “admit it, guys. We’re just high school girls. There ain’t no way we can crack a mystery as big as this one. I mean, it’s more convoluted than the plot to Avengers: Endgame!”

“You really didn’t like that movie, did you?” Rainbow asked dryly.

“No, I didn’t, but it was the first thing that popped in my head,” Applejack retorted, “now, pay attention! Fluttershy’s in a hell of a lotta hot water right now. We know she isn’t gone, ‘cause them magic journal entries keep a-comin’ in. If we act immediately and notify the proper authorities, we could save her and have a hootenanny of a reunion party!”

“OO! Reunion parties are some of my favorites!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Yeah!” Applejack said, “and more’n that, we’d have our friend back! So…what do y’all think?”

“I mean…it certainly does make sense,” Rarity said.

“Yeah,” Rainbow chimed in, “I just want Fluttershy back and, with the journal, we can prove that she’s being hurt.”

“We can’t prove a damn thing,” Sunset suddenly said.

The other girls stopped short. They were so sure that they’d figured a way out of their problem. More importantly, they were ecstatic at the possibility of receiving Fluttershy into their midst once more. But Sunset didn’t seem to agree. The fiery haired girl sat on her bright red couch, toying with the diary in front of her. Something about her was very determined, and this frightened her friends. They looked around at each other for some kind of transitory phrase, but could find none. Nothing could sap the awkwardness that permeated the room.

That is, until Twilight made a move. She crept to the couch and sat next to her best friend, resting a hand on her shoulder. Sunset looked up and seemed to connect with the purple girl’s violet eyes. She smiled and gingerly took Twilight’s small gesture, grasping the hand with a touch that was at once soft and loving, yet firm and absolute. Her mind was playing games with her again, and she felt Fluttershy’s cool, soothing voice speak to her.

Please, the voice said, don’t quit on me.

But I don’t know where to turn! Sunset yelled internally, I have no idea what to do next. There has to be something I’m doing wrong, some little element of this that I’m not seeing.

Listen to me, the voice said, when the time is right, you will know what to do. Look to the magic of our friendship to save us.

As if on cue, the diary suddenly came to life. An entry wrote itself as the girls gathered around. They’d all bore witness to Equestrian magic before, but it still baffled them. The words shimmered as they came into the book. It was like Fluttershy herself were sitting there writing them. They flowed with beautiful penmanship, speaking life into each page, breathing a gorgeous sense of love into every last stroke. It was so amazing that it drew tears from a couple of the viewers.

Dear Diary,

I remain…trapped in these walls of stone and other materials too numerous to name. My captors have been merciless in their punishment. My clothes are torn and ragged. My skin is so scratched and bruised, it’s barely recognizable. I have wanted to give up hope. But…I won’t. I refuse to give up because I know my friends have found this diary. I know they did, and I know that the magic of friendship will help them find me. I know they’re reading this as I write it. So, I’m going to switch from writing to you, Dear Diary, to writing to them.

Dear Friends,

You must know how much I adore each one of you. Rainbow Dash, for your loyalty and courage. Rarity, for your beautiful, generous heart and stunning creativity. Pinkie, for your laughter, humor, and parties. Applejack, for your integrity and hard work. Twilight, for your mind, your love, and your magic. Sunset, for your blazing attitude and unwillingness to let a friend go. As I sit in my cell, I think of you all very often, and how much I love you and miss you. Whatever lies have been told about me, you must continue to try and find me. For I feel in my heart that you’ve found this journal. As for how I’m able to write in it without being present, I shall explain that when this is over. For now, we have more pressing matters to attend to. This is your magical connection to me. Don’t give up on me…please. I’m waiting for you and I cannot wait to see you and hold you all again.

Fluttershy

Sunset looked up from the page with tears streaming down her cheeks. For the umpteenth time, she held the diary close to her chest. She felt renewed strength course through her body. A love unlike any she’d known before caused all doubt to cease. It was amplified by the presence of those around her. It was the same friendship she and Fluttershy knew before, but multiplied a thousand times over. Warmth flooded her being, and she rose from her seat. She turned around and placed the tome back on the table, wiping her eyes and looking at her friends.

“We’re not going anywhere,” she said, “Fluttershy needs us…and we’re going to rescue her.”

The Storage Facility

It was the next day at school when Sunset got the tip of a lifetime from someone she didn’t expect: Wallflower Blush herself. Pulled aside by the somewhat timid girl, the former villain was a little shocked at the desperation on her face. But she was a friend, no matter how recent, and Sunset trusted her. If Wallflower claimed something, it was almost as if Applejack had done so. Truth ranked very high on her list of morals, and she wasn’t about to let that slip. Sunset often found that, if Applejack were unavailable, Wallflower worked just as well.

But this was different. Wallflower was absolutely frantic. Her eyes were wide, and her hair was a bit mussed up. In stark contrast to her normal personality, her gestures were wild. Vocal tones emanated from her throat that Sunset had never heard before. To be quite frank, they were terrifying. It was something between a deranged whisper and a pained squawk. Sunset’s eyes grew wide as the tip was given to her. But her heart also sank when she heard what Wallflower had to say.

“Listen, Sunset,” Wallflower said, her voice strained from some kind of screaming, “I’ve just come from the east side of town.”

“Well, yeah…you kinda have to come from there, considering that’s where your house is,” Sunset said somewhat dryly.

Wallflower rolled her eyes, but let the comment slide. “Look, something fishy’s going on over there.”

“Fishy? How so?”

“It surrounds the East Side Storage Company,” Wallflower said, “there are multiple waves of men and women going in with guns. But that’s not the weird part. I’ve seen many members of Fluttershy’s family going in! Now, I’m not saying the two are connected, but I had to tell someone!”

“Thanks, Wallflower,” Sunset said, her heart sinking ever more rapidly, “I’ll be sure and keep that in mind.”

The two girls walked off. Considering Wallflower knew nothing of her investigation, Sunset wondered why she’d come to her instead of going to the police. After all, that would have been the logical and responsible thing to do. Also, it wasn’t that Wallflower had just randomly bumped into her. The timid girl had taken great pains to yank her into a side area just to tell her that. It was very strange, and the only reason Sunset could think of was that Wallflower had been stalking her a bit. She knew of Wallflower’s secret obsession with her, but she’d made it clear the extent of their friendship. Wallflower had promised to hold to those parameters…but had she?

Sunset didn’t have time to answer the question. She needed to gather her friends and head for this storage facility. It didn’t take much for them to heed the call, and together, they went out after school. Their hearts shared memories of Fluttershy, binding them in their search for her. They were almost like a small army, directed by their need to feel their friend again. Nobody tried to play the hero. In fact, they were all scared to death. But they put up a brave front, knowing that Fluttershy’s very life could depend on their movements.

They hopped on board a bus and headed downtown. Along the way, Sunset formulated a small plan for when they got there. Posing as grieving friends, Twilight and Rarity would make their way into the facility’s office. Once inside, they’d ask the desk clerk if Fluttershy or her family had a unit there, claiming that the departed had left them a cherished memento. If Wallflower’s intel was correct, the clerk would lead them to the unit. The others would be waiting around the end of the row. When the clerk walked off, they’d simply slip in undetected. Hopefully, they’d find some kind of answers.

After arriving at the East Side Storage Company, the girls leapt into action. Sunset led a brigade around to the side, where an iron fence stood in their way. Rainbow Dash, utilizing her athleticism, quickly scaled the bars and landed on the other side. Sunset and Applejack were able to do the same. That left poor Pinkie, who tried her hardest to get up. Unfortunately, her muscles weren’t exactly built for this kind of thing. So, Sunset and Rainbow made a human ladder. Applejack climbed up, straddling the fence’s top bar. She beckoned Pinkie to jump, and the party planner did. Her hand grasped the farmer’s, and she was hauled up via Applejack’s superhuman strength.

“Thank goodness we’ve still got our geodes,” Pinkie remarked as they all landed inside, “or else I might not be in here!”

“Don’t celebrate yet, Pinkie,” Sunset warned, “look.”

Pinkie turned, and her jaw dropped. It was unlike any storage facility she, or her friends, had ever seen before. Armed guards swarmed all over the place, carrying heavily loaded AK-47s. Even their sidearms were automatic. They also held sharp knives inside holsters for hand-to-hand combat. Sunset, being the gamer that she was, quickly deduced just how much damage each weapon could deliver. She then pushed her friends into the shadows, hunkering down and ordering them to whisper.

“Guys, if we’re caught, we’re dead!” She said harshly, but quietly.

“Them guns could kill us all without the guards even flinchin’,” Applejack drawled softly.

“So…this is a lost cause, then?” Rainbow asked with hope for a negative answer.

“No,” Sunset said, “until our final breath, we fight. These are the people holding Fluttershy and telling the world that she’s gone. We have to fight…for her.”

“What happens if we get there and she is dead?” Pinkie asked, “I don’t think I could forgive myself.”

Sunset turned and put a hand on her shoulder. “Pinks, listen to me. Whatever happens, we’re doing this for Fluttershy. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to defend friendship to the very end. It’s all we can do. If we get there and she’s been killed…then we need to accept it and destroy those who did it. Either way, we’re gonna kick some ass.”

“Yeah!” Rainbow exclaimed quietly.

“For Fluttershy!” Applejack said in solidarity.

“Pinkie?” Sunset asked.

“Alright,” Pinkie said, “I don’t like fighting. I’d much rather throw a party. But if I have to…I’ll DECIMATE anyone who stands in my way.”

Sunset smiled. “That’s my girl…”

Caught!

It didn’t take long for the team to regroup and assess their situation from a safe place. Rarity and Twilight had been surprisingly successful. Though, it wasn’t very hard to figure out why. Feminine charm won the day, as both girls had struck suggestive poses to woo the male guard at the checkpoint. Rarity was dressed in a beautiful dress, though underneath it, she packed some heat in the form of a crowbar. Unfortunately for the girls, that was the only weapon they had, so they needed to ration it out. Once the team was all together again, Rarity dumped the dress in favor of the stealthy cat suits the other girls wore. She couldn’t help but be pleased at her designs.

“See? I told you I’d come up with great outfits for us to wear!” She whispered, “saving the world…or, at least, Fluttershy, in style!”

Sunset rolled her eyes. “Rare, as much as I’m thankful for the work you put into these suits, nothing is more important than our objective. I’d go out there stark fucking naked if it meant saving our friend. Now, then, let’s move on to more pressing matters. Applejack and I ran a small recon mission while the rest of you made it here.”

At this point, Applejack produced a small piece of paper from her hip pocket. It showed the storage facility, and what they could do to help save Fluttershy. The farmer explained that the evildoers were keeping Fluttershy locked up in the northwest corner, inside an abandoned storage unit. She was guarded very carefully, with organizational shift changes to cover any funny business that might arise. The soldiers that were part of this special team were equipped with a loadout even more lethal than the regular guards. They packed China Lakes, grenade launchers, and one or two even carried advanced, high powered flamethrowers.

“Good night!” Pinkie exclaimed quietly when Applejack finished, “why in the world do they need all that just to guard Fluttershy?”

“I don’t know,” Sunset admitted, “it does seem like overkill.”

“Overkill is an understatement,” Dash quipped, “I mean, it’s Fluttershy! The kindest, sweetest, most trusting girl ever! She’s so timid, even a small pin drop can set her off. It just doesn’t make any sense!”

“Maybe not to us,” Applejack said, “but it is what it is, and we have to deal with it. I’d lay ya three to one that they’re packin’ more weaponry than some small countries.”

“Do they have anything else?” Twilight asked.

“We saw a few with bazookas,” Applejack said, “and a couple had miniguns. They’ve also got sniper rifles, heat seekin’ missiles, the works!”

“I’m starting to think this is way bigger than just Fluttershy,” Pinkie said, voicing everyone’s thoughts.

“Then we’d better get her out before it’s too late,” Sunset said.

“But how?” Dash asked, “If she’s being guarded so carefully, then how can we get her out?”

“Here,” Sunset said, pointing to a special spot on the map, “this is the security command center. We infiltrate that, we extract Fluttershy. I’ll lead the team, and Rare, I want you with me. You’ve got the weapon, and you’ve got the looks to charm anyone. Twilight, you come too. The rest of you need to head directly for the cell. Once the door opens, I need for you to haul ass and get her out. Alright?”

“Alright!” The girls said in unison.

“Let’s move,” Sunset growled.

The team maneuvered its way toward their designated objectives. Once they reached a certain point, they split up, each focusing on a singular mission. Sunset, Rarity, and Twilight headed towards the command center. Determination was a brush painting the canvases of their faces, especially Sunset’s. She still felt like she owed a debt to Fluttershy for their friendship. This would repay it and so much more. No longer would the hugs feel empty, or the words spoken be hollow. They could truly be friends after this.

I’m comin’, Flutter, she told the trapped girl silently, and nothing’s gonna stand in my way.

Meanwhile, Pinkie, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash made their way towards where they assumed Fluttershy was being kept. Once there, they noted the extreme amount of guards based around the one cell. It was still very odd to have that many dispatched to the same location. But the questions could wait for later. Now, it was time to hunker down and wait for the buzzer to sound, signaling the opening of the cell. The iron bars that stared back at them were very menacing, and they quaked at the thought of what was happening to Fluttershy. The magic journal entries had described, in gross detail, every ounce of torture.

“I just hope she’s alive,” Applejack whispered.

“She’ll be okay,” Rainbow responded confidently, “I just know she’ll be okay.”

Back in the command center, the three girls slipped quietly past two guards, only to find themselves at a checkpoint. A keypad offered itself, commanding them to enter a code. Unfortunately, none of them knew exactly what it was. Rarity tried multiple Fluttershy related things, only to come up emptyhanded. Sunset attempted some things regarding the city or the high school, but was unsuccessful. Finally, Twilight stepped up to the proverbial plate. She was packing the biggest bat ever seen: her mind. Utilizing her genius infused grey matter, she quickly determined an algorithm that could assist in this situation.

“Got it!” She said softly, “it’s so obvious. There are only 2-“

“There’ll be time for explanations later!” Sunset exclaimed desperately, “let’s go!”

The girls snuck their way into a huge room filled with computers and cutting edge technology. They stared in awe and then hid behind one of the gigantic processors standing in front of them. Sunset looked down at her watch, noting that it was almost time for another shift to occur. In her small reconnoiter with Applejack, they’d carefully counted the time between these shifts. They also noted that there was a two minute window where everyone on the base was moving to a different position. It was done with careful precision, but it was impossible to move that many in such a short time.

“It’s a bit of a risk on our foes’ part,” Sunset said, “those two minutes give any enemy some time to formulate a plan. But by the time that the operation is in place, another shift has commenced.”

“Oh, darling, there’s no need to worry,” Rarity spoke, “we’ve got a plan.”

“We do?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, we do, Twi,” Sunset said, “it lies in using those two minutes to our full advantage. Guys, we’re not just gonna bust Fluttershy out…we’re gonna take this entire base down! Twilight, you’re the best out of all of us with computers. I’ll need you to bust through the security firewalls and get Fluttershy out. Rarity, you and I are gonna break everything else in here with the crowbar.”

“Alright,” Rarity said, “I’m ready.”

“Me, too!” Twilight chimed in.

“Good,” Sunset said, “then we move on my signal. Ready….hold…hold…hold…and go!”

The girls raced from their hiding spot as soon as the guards left to begin their new jobs elsewhere. Twilight quickly approached the main terminal, hacking just as quick as her mind could figure out the codes. Meanwhile, Rarity and Sunset went to busting and smashing. The steel crowbar glinted in the dim light as they wrecked every single piece of equipment in the room. Thankfully, nobody outside seemed to hear, and before they knew it, the job was done. Twilight also managed to find the code to the cell in the northwest corner of the facility. She typed it in, pressed “enter,” and listened as a huge buzzer began to sound.

Back on the floor, the other team took the cue and began heading for the cell. The giant iron doors began swinging open, leaving the guards confused. They began firing every which way, each claiming they saw an enemy soldier. But then, their captain got them in line and they began to search thoroughly. The girls moved from shadow to shadow like cats, leaving nothing behind except for the wind. They finally made it to the cell, but then…when they looked inside…they were shocked to find nobody there!

“Um…what do we do now?” Pinkie asked.

Applejack turned and looked behind them at the MASS of soldiers piling up, guns pointed in their direction. “RUN LIKE HELL!” She shouted.

Back in the command center, Twilight, Rarity, and Sunset’s faces fell as they watched the proceedings via security camera. It turned out that they’d been upstaged by whomever their opponent was. They’d purposely left many guards around a completely empty cell, knowing that someone would come looking for Fluttershy. That left the other guards free to guard the real cell and keep her under wraps. Sunset silently cursed their foe and herself for not knowing. Unfortunately, she didn’t have much time for self-reflection. Suddenly, the door behind them creaked open and in walked three figures. They turned and gasped when they saw just who it was. Sunset’s mouth, in particular, fell to the floor. Two of the newcomers weren’t familiar at all, but one was extremely recognizable.

“M…M….Mr. Shy?!” Sunset coughed out.

“Yes, my dear,” Fluttershy’s father said, “and you’re gonna find out just what happens when nosy little brats invade my facility. TORTURE RACK…KILL THEM!”

A Cell Shadowed Reunion

Twilight and Rarity scattered like mice, running for their lives to the nearest exit. Rarity looked somewhat comical, waving the crowbar and attempting to act brave. But, in reality, she was as scared as she’d ever been. For, after all, it’s not every day that one has multiple armed guards chasing one’s self. She swatted wildly about, utilizing the crowbar not so much as a tactical weapon, but as a glorified flyswatter. It did manage to connect with a number of its targets, sending them crumpling to the ground. But, mostly, it was blind luck. Twilight followed closely behind, and the two were able to make it out of the command center and hide on the other side.

Sunset, however, wasn’t so lucky. Torture Rack managed to place her in electrified handcuffs, zapping her as she went. The pain was excruciating and Sunset screamed, but Torture loved it. She continued her namesake, electrocuting Sunset over and over again. While all this happened, Mr. Shy stood with a male associate, eyeing her with great hatred and disgust. Sunset wondered how this man could portray someone so sweet on the outside, yet be so sinister on the inside. She also questioned his motivations. Why would Mr. Shy, of all people, be running a secret military facility posing as a storage area?

“Oh-hohohohohoho,” cackled Torture Rack, “you like having the volts? Hm? You like having them? OOOO, they make your arm BUUUUUUBBLLLLLEEEE!”

“You’re not all there, are you?” Sunset questioned dryly, yet with her signature wit.

“Maybe I am, maybe I’m not!” Torture exclaimed before laughing crazily and skipping around Sunset, “ring around the rosey, pocket full of posey, Sunset, Sunset, you get ZAPPED!”

Another pulse pounding, brain melting surge of electricity coursed through the captive. She bent her body in half, trying desperately to ease the awful feeling. But it was no use. Her mind was spent from the pain of multiple shocks, and she finally gave up. Nobody was there to help her. She was all alone, and she felt her hope begin to crack. Soon enough, Mr. Shy stepped forward and slapped her in the face.

“Bitch,” he said with cruelty, “you’re just like my pathetic daughter.”

“Good,” Sunset said defiantly, “at least one of us is.”

“UGH!” Mr. Shy exclaimed, hitting Sunset harder, “you’re gonna learn the meaning of pain by the time I’m through with you! Torture, take this worm to my daughter’s cell. I want to watch them salivate over each other before I kill them.”

“OHHHHH, yes!” Torture said, twisting her face up in a smile, “we’re gonna rip ‘em, and shred ‘em, and have ‘em for breakfast, right?”

“Oh, for god’s sake, Torture,” Mr. Shy’s associate commented, “why does everything with you have to be either food related or egregiously violent?”

“Because I love to watch human beings suffer!” Torture hissed, “Oh-hohohohoho, yes! It’s GOOOOOOOD! Very GOOOOOOOOD!”

“Enough, you two!” Mr. Shy ordered, “I want this whore in my daughter’s cell immediately. Give her the same VIP treatment we give Fluttershy.”

“YEEEEEESSSSSS!” Torture shrieked in a voice that would make glass wince.

The two picked Sunset up and dragged her off towards the northeast corner of the facility. It was then that the bedraggled and exhausted girl realized her mistake. She saw the sheer amount of soldiers guarding the decoy cell from before. Then, she noted that there were three or four guards in front of the true cell. It all suddenly came crashing in on her. She’d been so focused on saving Fluttershy that she hadn’t really taken into account the oddness of having so many guards for someone with such a low profile. Her eyes glazed over as she felt the crushing blow of failure weighing heavily on her shoulders.

I’m so sorry, Fluttershy, she said to herself, I was reckless in my planning, and I couldn’t save you.

It’s okay, she heard the sweet girl’s voice whisper back, I don’t want you blaming yourself for this. You couldn’t have known. I especially do not want our reunion to be one of tears and sadness. Let us rejoice, for we are back in each other’s embrace.

Suddenly, an iron door opened and Sunset, after having her cuffs removed, was hurled inside. In an odd twist, she was very thankful for the cell. It sure beat the hell out of being electrocuted every three seconds. But then, the door slammed shut behind her and she was left inside. She slowly got up, turned, and beheld a bittersweet sight. Her mouth dropped to the floor. For the first time in quite a while, she saw Fluttershy. But…it wasn’t the same happy and kind girl she knew. This was a defeated, forlorn, painful being dressed in rags.

“Fluttershy?” Sunset asked.

The yellow girl slowly looked up from where she sat, and a tired smile spread over her face. “Sunset Shimmer.”

Sunset couldn’t hold back. She raced over and flung her arms around her friend. They both wept buckets, thrilled to be back together, yet hopeless at their situation. Both of their hearts wished for the same thing: freedom and friendship. They had reclaimed one, but the other seemed very far away. Still, it was wonderful to be holding each other again, and Sunset even placed a small kiss on Fluttershy’s cheek.

“I’ve missed you more than you know,” Sunset said, wiping her tears away.

“I’ve missed you, too,” Fluttershy responded, “and I’m sorry I can’t react with a bigger spring in my step, but-“

“No, don’t say that,” Sunset said, “I understand.”

She finally got a good look at Fluttershy and winced at the sight. The poor girl’s clothes had been torn to shreds. Bruises, scratches, and infected wounds marked her skin. There was a great deal of emotional and physical pain clouding her pretty eyes. Sunset gently reached a hand over and stroked her cheek, trying desperately to let her know that she wasn’t alone. But all the same, the image that was before her was not Fluttershy…or at least, it wasn’t the true Fluttershy.

“What the hell have they done to you?” Sunset asked.

“What the hell haven’t they done to me?” Fluttershy responded. “Burning, whipping, electrocution, rape…you name it, they’ve done it.”

“Oh, god…” Sunset said, sickened by Fluttershy’s description, “…I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Fluttershy responded.

“We tried to rescue you,” Sunset confessed, “but we failed.”

“No, you didn’t,” Fluttershy said, “you came for me, and that means you didn’t give up on friendship. In my mind, that's far from failure. If our friends are still out there fighting, then the mission is not lost. We just have to have faith in them. Tell me…are they still out there?”

“I sure hope so, Fluttershy,” Sunset said, “I sure hope so.”

Friendship's Plot

Twilight and the rest of her friends bolted for the exit. They heard gunfire behind them, and she could only watch as Applejack took a bullet to the leg. Even so, the farmer hobbled along, determined to make it out alive. Feeling a little bit like defeated soldiers, the girls managed to scurry their way through a door before every guard in there opened fire. They raced into the forest outside the facility, catching their breath only when they understood that nobody was following them.

“Get Applejack down and elevate that leg!” Twilight barked when everyone was there.

They did so, not questioning her authority, and she began dressing the wound. While doing so, she winced at the sheer pain that traced Applejack’s face. Their friends gathered around her, offering words of encouragement and love. Pinkie got down and hugged her head, leading to a small smile from the wounded. She thanked them all for their friendship, but confessed that it felt like someone had driven a railway spike through her appendage. Twilight bandaged it with a first aid kit she’d brought, and Rainbow speedily made a compress from some natural elements.

“Here,” Twilight said when they’d finished, “now, keep that leg up high. We don’t want clotting.”

“Right,” Applejack grimaced, “leg up high, got it.”

“Listen, everyone,” Twilight said, turning to her friends, “we have two of our best friends trapped inside the lair of our greatest enemy ever.”

“Yeah, and just who are we fighting, again?” Rainbow asked.

Twilight stopped short. In her haste to help Applejack, she’d completely forgotten that three of her friends had no clue who their foe was. It wouldn’t be easy to tell them that kind old Mr. Shy, who’d always been there with pearls of wisdom, was actually an evil entity. But she needed to. They had to know of their opponent. If they didn’t, then any rescue mission would be compromised from the outset. So, she took a deep breath and prepared her mind.

“It’s…Fluttershy’s dad,” she said in a voice that was a lot weaker than she intended.

“What?!” Pinkie asked in shock, “you mean Mr. Shy? The man we just consoled at his own daughter’s, albeit, fake, funeral?!”

“Yes,” Twilight said, nodding her head, “and it’s up to us to stop him and his goons from whatever they’ve got planned.”

“Darling, we never found out what they’ve planned,” Rarity said.

“I know,” Twilight said, “but we will.”

“You mean, we’re going back?” Rainbow asked.

Twilight struck up a brave pose. “Yes, Rainbow Dash, we are,” she said, “for as long as the sun shines and the moon glows, we’ll do our best to rescue our friends. We have the ultimate power in the entire world: the magic of friendship.”

“Why do I feel like we use that every single time we bust some bad guys?” Rainbow asked dryly.

“Because we do,” Twilight said, “now, girls, listen up. No more sneaking around in the dark. We go in…and we do things our way. Deal?”

“Deal!” The girls said.

“But, darling, while I’m quite excited about our friendship and our geodes,” Rarity said, “there’s still the matter of the military aspect of the complex. Frankly, sweetie, they’re packing heat!”

“But we’re packing some of our own,” Twilight said, “and ours can beat anything as long as we stick together.”

“What about AJ?” Pinkie asked, “she’s in no condition to fight. Her leg will take months to heal!”

Twilight crouched down beside Applejack and gave her a look of concern. She knew exactly what her farmer friend was thinking without it being voiced. The two shared a close bond, and Twilight understood Applejack’s nature. Next to Rainbow Dash, she was probably the most loyal member of their group. Twilight knew that Applejack would want them to remain so to Fluttershy and Sunset. Their friendships were at stake, and Applejack had suddenly become expendable.

“AJ, I know it’s hard, but…you mind sitting this one out?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t have a choice,” Applejack said, “as much as I hate just sittin’ around bein’ lazy, it’s up to y’all to rescue Fluttershy and Sunset. You’ve gotta bring ‘em back! They’re a crucial part of our lives…and we can’t let ‘em slip away.”

“Applejack’s right!” Rainbow sang out in agreement, “let’s go kick some ass!”

“WHOO! ASS KICKING PARTY!” Pinkie shrieked.

“SHHH!” Twilight said, leaping on Pinkie and placing a finger on her mouth.

“Why, Twilight, I didn’t know you cared so much,” Pinkie said with a bit of sass.

Twilight smiled. “Oh, you. Listen, everyone, we can’t attract attention to ourselves. Lives are at stake here, and we must be willing to fight for them. Sunset and Fluttershy are in there, and god knows what they’re doing to them. One of the people that flanked Mr. Shy was this crazed lunatic carrying some kind of handcuffs. For all we know, they’ve already killed our friends.”

An audible gasp came from the girls.

“But,” Twilight said, holding her hands up, “perhaps not. We have to operate under the assumption that they’re still alive and waiting for us. We must be willing to spill our own blood in order to rescue them. That’s what friendship is, and it’s what we have to adhere to. Now, then, we move in three hours. Agreed?”

“Agreed!” The girls said.

Meanwhile, back in the lonely cell, Fluttershy and Sunset tried to console each other. It was difficult, what with one being taken and tortured every now and then. But, they managed to calm each other down somewhat. Fluttershy felt the cool, sweet touch of her friend, and Sunset bent her head around Fluttershy. By this point, she’d felt a lot of the same elements of pain that Fluttershy had. She knew that her friend wasn’t exaggerating in the least. Her body still stung from the last beating she’d received. They’d also asked her about a portal, and she knew they meant a portal to Equestria. Bravely keeping her mouth shut, she took a merciless bashing, returning to the cell with dried blood and in severe pain. But it was then that Fluttershy had received her and helped dress her wounds with her own clothes.

“Flutter?” An exhausted Sunset asked.

“Yeah?”

“Why does Mr. Shy want me gone? What’s his obsession with this portal? More than that…why has he beaten you so badly?”

Fluttershy gave her a look somewhere between fear and truth. “Sunset…you’ve no idea what you’ve just asked me.”

An Evil Family

Fluttershy slowly attempted to sit up. Knives of pain stabbed their way through every single move she made. The feeling was so intense that it caused her to instinctively wince every time she blinked. She ground her teeth together, but was determined to make it back to an upright position. Her mind was soothed ever so slightly when Sunset began to help her, but even the company of a great friend couldn’t diminish the horror. Torture Rack herself could not have dreamt up a more painful method of mental destruction. It was a pain that buried itself deep in Fluttershy’s heart and would not let go. Thousands of tiny claws grabbed onto her soul, forcing it into agonizing submission. She didn’t want to relive her life, but she had to. Sunset needed to know, and perhaps talking about it might help.

“So…what do you mean, I don’t know what I’ve asked you?” Sunset queried as she helped Fluttershy sit against the cell’s back wall.

“You just don’t know,” Fluttershy said in a voice barely more audible than a whisper, “you don’t know what life has done to me.”

“Yes, I do,” Sunset said, “I read the diary you left me. I saw the pain you were put through when you lost Tidal Wave…and when I bullied you.”

Fluttershy gingerly reached a hand out and stroked Sunset’s cheek. She noted the tears forming in her friend’s eyes. It broke her heart to see the cumbersome burden Sunset had placed on herself. She looked absolutely devastated, and Fluttershy knew that she had to say three simple words to make it all right. Sunset might have figured this out by now, but hearing it would help her to move away from the dark place she was in. Fluttershy understood Sunset’s own deeply laid hurt, and she managed to pull herself over and grasp her friend in a hug.

“I forgive you,” she said, “I’ve always forgiven you, Sunset.”

Sunset smiled as she returned the hug. “You know, some part of me never gave up on that. Every single smile, moment, and dream that we shared with each other was enough. I guess I forgot that for a minute there. The memories of what I read in the diary were…horrifying.”

“No offense, but you were horrifying,” Fluttershy said, getting some feelings out that had been locked up for too long, “I was so terrified of you.”

“You had every reason to be,” Sunset said sadly, “I was an awful person.”

“But you aren’t that way anymore,” Fluttershy said, managing a smile, “and I’m proud to call you my friend.”

Sunset returned the smile. “Thank you, Fluttershy. That means more than you know. But…was there more? Were there moments you didn’t write about?”

Fluttershy looked at the floor, then back at Sunset. “Every single book in the world has things that are left on the editing room floor. Some stories, characters, and elements just aren’t meant to be written. My book is unique in that it is based solely in everyday life…and the hell that I lived through. It wasn’t what you put me through, Sunset. It was what my family put me through. Day after day passed and I wasn’t sure if I’d make it out alive. I knew that this place was being built, and I also knew its purpose: to house me. Sunset, they hate me. My family wants me dead.”

“So, why haven’t they killed you yet? Why are they keeping you alive? For that matter, why are they behaving so…despicably?”

“Because it’s how they are,” Fluttershy went on, “it’s how my family’s been for generations. See…they’re all born geniuses. For some reason, for centuries now, every single baby born to the Shy clan has been instilled with an IQ of 150 or above.”

“Holy shit!” Sunset remarked, “pardon my French, but that just seems…impossible!”

“It should be,” Fluttershy said, “but it isn’t. All of my cousins, my parents, and even my brother. Every single one of them is a born genius.”

“Wait-wait-wait…Zephyr Breeze is a born genius?” Sunset asked in complete disbelief.

Fluttershy nodded. “Yep. But he’s a brilliant actor. He plays the role of a lackadaisical slacker just to win the support of the people around him. That’s what makes him so brilliant…and such a threat.”

“Are your parents both evil?”

“Yes,” Fluttershy said sadly, “and because of that, I’ve never had a normal life. See, my entire family hates those who aren’t born with brilliance and aptitude. If you have to work for your grades, your job, or your family, you’re considered beneath them…and they want you dead. It’s a tradition that was started by my grandmother, Shutter Shy, although she was long from the first genius in our family.

For 1,000 years, the Shy clan has produced some of the world’s top minds. They were all born this way. Until modern medicine allowed doctors a window into the human body, they assumed it was some kind of deific blessing. My family were revered by all of America’s leaders. From Washington to Lincoln, and Hayes to Taft, my family were consistently consulted. True, the leaders didn’t often go with the suggestions my family gave them, but they still held them in a very high regard. More than that, the Shies always used their abilities to help others.

That is, until Shutter came along. She was a manipulative, dastardly woman, Sunset. She filled the air with her vitriol. I remember listening to her rants when I was small. My parents ate it up. She had taken her place as matriarch of our family, and unlike all who came before her, she was going to try and take over the world. She declared that my father, mother, and brother were fit…but when I was born, she shunned me. Obviously, someone whose heart has never been warm cannot understand the depth of a concept like love. But I always expected it from her. I never received it, not from her, nor anyone else in my wretched clan!”

“But…why?” Sunset asked, horrified that someone would reject a small child in such a manner.

“Because I wasn’t a genius,” Fluttershy confessed, “I broke the line of perfection set by whomever the first one was nearly a millennia before me. Shutter was furious at the development and set about neglecting me. She instructed my parents to do the same. Every single time I came home with a good grade or a new friend, they ignored me. My entire life has been a series of trials, tribulations, and parental malevolence. I was the black sheep of the family…and I was treated as such.”

The Villainous Endgame

Sunset was shocked and horrified by what Fluttershy told her. The former villain stopped to think for a minute. Throughout her life, she’d done some pretty horrible things. She’d beaten Fluttershy to the point of unconsciousness, nearly crippled an entire school, and almost ripped the lives and dreams out of those she now called her friends. But what the Shy Clan had done was unforgivable. Not only had they neglected, kidnapped, and tortured their own daughter, but they’d done so in plain sight. Fluttershy’s wounds were numerous, so it fell to reason that someone should have noticed them.

“Fluttershy…I’m so sorry,” Sunset said, grasping her friend, “I should’ve done more to protect you.”

“There’s nothing you could’ve done,” Fluttershy responded, “my parents, brother, and even my cousins were born evil and they’ll stay evil. It’s up to us to ensure that they pay for their crimes.”

“They will,” Sunset growled, “I’ll make sure of that.”

Fluttershy managed another smile. She was proud to have someone so confident and trustworthy as a friend. The past remained simply that: the past. They held such a bright future in friendship, and she was so thrilled that Sunset had led the rescue team. But it was obvious that only she had been captured. Fluttershy gulped nervously as she wondered if her other friends had made it out alive. She couldn’t bear the mental images of Pinkie or Applejack lying dead, riddled with bullets. Blood soaked carcasses assaulted her mind as she began to whirl back into her previous state of doubt. The hope she had when Sunset was escorted into the cell quickly vanished, and she collapsed into the other girl’s lap.

“Sh…” Sunset soothed, rubbing her hands through Fluttershy’s soft pink mop, “it’ll all be okay.”

“Our friends? Were they…killed?”

“Not to my knowledge, no,” Sunset said.

“That’s something of a relief,” Fluttershy remarked, forcing herself back up beside Sunset, “but also something of a shock. My father employs mercenaries who are the best shots in the world. I’d be very surprised if none of our friends were injured. I just hope that it wasn’t too serious…I hope…they’re alive.”

“I do, too,” Sunset said, “but, you never answered one of my earlier questions.”

“I didn’t?”

“No,” Sunset said, shaking her head, “I was wondering about your family’s endgame. Why haven’t they killed you yet? Why do they keep asking us about a portal? Do they mean…the one to Equestria?”

“Yes,” Fluttershy responded, “and that’s why they haven’t killed either of us. We know about Equestria. Hell, we were even forced to go there when our spring break cruise ship sank! My parents crave knowledge about fantastical, semi-mythical places like that. Sunset, their endgame is simple: the complete destruction of anyone they don’t believe is necessary.”

“…and in their eyes, those who weren’t born with genius IQs are at the top of that list!” Sunset finished, “that means…well…99% of the WORLD is at stake!”

“It’s worse than that,” Fluttershy said, “they even hate people who were born smart. They have this idea that the Shy Clan is entitled to the world…and they’ll do anything to get it. They’ll steal, they’ll rape, they’ll torture and kill.”

“What about those who work for them?” Sunset asked.

“They kill them as well,” Fluttershy said, “no matter how good of a job they’ve done. In the end, they all meet the same fate.”

Sunset was absolutely dumbfounded. How could people who portrayed such niceness and kindness on the outside be so satanically evil on the inside? This was a group that wanted to watch the world burn. The reasons behind their evil onslaught were distressingly petty. They simply felt superior, and that the rest of the human race didn’t matter. Every individual person on the planet was in their crosshairs and, if Fluttershy’s tone meant anything, the family was nearing zero hour. Their endgame would soon be realized…and the world would be doomed.

“Flutter, how are they gonna do this?” She asked.

“They’ve got multiple nuclear devices spread discreetly all over the globe,” Fluttershy said, before pointing to a countdown clock outside of their cell, “and when that reaches zero, they’re going to launch. This has been their plan all along, and it’s why I didn’t tell them about Equestria. If they found out, they’d attack it as well!”

“Just like I wanted…” Sunset mused, “…I wanted to rule both worlds. I wanted the power.”

“Yes, but you’re different,” Fluttershy said, “you turned to friendship. Twilight changed you. I’ve tried desperately to get my parents to switch allegiances, and I’ve been foiled every time. My mother and father hold an impenetrable steel fortress of hatred within their blistered souls, and they will not let it go. They hate everyone who doesn’t fit their level of perfection and excellence…and that includes me.”

“That means they were all acting at your funeral,” Sunset said.

“Ah, so that’s what they’ve been telling everyone,” Fluttershy said, “I can’t say I’m surprised. My cousins were probably all snickering in the rows.”

At that point, the funeral came slamming back into Sunset with the force of a freight train. Her mind did a rapid fire roll call of everyone who was there. She was surprised at just how vivid the memory was, but then remembered that she was still wearing her geode. As she looked around the crowd, she recognized that her and her friends were the only non-Shies there. Every single person was a blood relative of Fluttershy, and she kicked herself for not noticing it sooner. She recalled how some of them had snickered and guffawed in low tones behind her. She realized that all of those emanations were purposeful.

“UGH!” She exclaimed, slamming her fist into the dirt.

“What?” Fluttershy asked, surprised at the outburst.

“I should’ve done something,” Sunset said in self-hatred, tears streaming down her cheeks, “I should’ve noticed something was fucked up when there wasn’t a body and everyone there was your blood relation! No friends except us and none of your influences. There wasn’t a teacher or a confidante to be found. I should’ve fucking known!”

“Hey, hey, hey, calm down,” Fluttershy said, grabbing Sunset and pulling her in, “it isn’t your fault. They played you, and they’re very good at it. Remember, they’re geniuses.”

“…and I was outsmarted,” Sunset said, “I thought that following the diary would give me all the answers I needed. But, I was wrong. They probably planted the diary just to fuck me over.”

“No, they didn’t,” Fluttershy said, “I planted it with my own two hands.”

“Sure, sure,” Sunset said, “I would have recognized you.”

“No, you wouldn’t have,” Fluttershy said, “I was dressed in thick clothes with a pull over hoodie on. Nobody could recognize me. But I had my diary hidden, and I also had this.”

At this point, Fluttershy reached behind a certain rock and pulled out a feathery plume. Sunset was surprised to see any kind of writing implement in the cell, let alone one so ancient. Still, though, it held a mystical charm to it. There was almost an aura around it, filling it with the magic of the hands that held it. Sunset smiled as she realized just how magical those hands were. She put her own appendage on top of Fluttershy’s and felt the pen vibrate a bit.

“Whoa!” She said, “did your quill just…shake?”

“Mm-hmm,” Fluttershy responded, “meet The Magic Marker of Mareitonia. It’s an ancient Equestrian relic. When we had to go through Twilight’s castle, she gave it to me. It was meant to be a present for all of us, but they drug me here before I had the chance to share it. The plume connects magically with any book you want it to just by saying a simple little spell. There’s a blank spot in the incantation where you put the tome’s title. So, I cast it on my diary…and that’s how I’ve been able to communicate with you.”

Geodes vs. Guns!

Twilight and the others stood outside of the complex, ready to strike. For the leader, it was a chance at redemption. She’d been unable to save two of her best friends. In fact, she’d run like a coward. The very idea that she scurried away and foolishly protected herself while Sunset was beaten and taken off to an unknown fate haunted her. But this time, she promised herself that there would be no running. There would also be no mercy if Sunset and Fluttershy were dead. Twilight instructed the girls to use lethal force if necessary. After all, these men and women had taken their friends from them and possibly killed them. But, as she did not want to stoop to that level, she also told her friends to capture as many as possible. Rarity would make a prison out of impenetrable diamonds for them to be placed in.

So it was that the team readied itself for the moment of truth. They’d bid farewell to Applejack back in the forest. But, they did not leave her without defense. Rarity left the crowbar, and Twilight used her magic to summon a couple of pistols for her. As the purple girl stood at the door, she remembered the look on Applejack’s face. It was torn, as she wanted desperately to help save Sunset and Fluttershy. But at the same time, she also understood the extent of her leg injury. So, she’d wished them luck as tears fell. Twilight promised her that they would return with their friends, and it was a promise she wasn’t about to break…at least, not if she could help it.

“Alright, everyone,” she said, “ready…ready…now!”

With that, she grabbed her geode, kicked the door in, and the girls charged back into the base. They caught the guards completely by surprise, and Twilight couldn’t help but do an internal fist pump. Unfortunately, she couldn’t create the same happiness on the outside as they were met with immediate gunfire. Taking cover behind some crates, Twilight used her magic to acquire a gun of her own. It broke her soul to have to resort to such violence, but she realized that it needed to be done. She fired on the guards at set intervals, taking out one or two in the process. But it wasn’t enough. She needed help.

Thankfully, she had friends with geodes that were just as powerful. Rainbow Dash used her speed to confuse the guards, winding them up and having them fight each other. Pinkie Pie created small grenades out of her exploding abilities, tossing them hither and thither like flower petals on a wedding day. When they detonated, not only did they force shrapnel everywhere, but they also sent out a pink substance that blinded the enemy. Meanwhile, Rarity created the prison, but then started sending sharp diamond edged knives into the soldiers. It was a grand affair, with the girls making short work of many of their foe. However, there were simply too many of them, and they drove themselves towards the heroines.

“We need a plan!” Dash screamed as she shot towards Twilight and sat down, “they’re just too numerous!”

“Dashie’s right, darlings!” Rarity exclaimed, “there are only so many diamonds I can hurl!”

“We need to get to Fluttershy and Sunset!” Twilight said, “we can’t activate our true power until we’re all together!”

“But we don’t even know if they’re still alive!” Dash exclaimed.

“Then we just keep fighting until we find out!” Twilight shouted back.

So, the girls went about their violent affair, shooting and running and causing mass mayhem. They managed to kill some of the guards, while others were placed into Rarity’s floating inescapable cube. Twilight was terrified at the thought of having to be so lethal, but she was even more terrified at the idea that her friends could be gone. So, she continued to fight, grabbing soldiers and bashing them in the face before shooting those around them. Growling to herself, she made her way forward. Sunset and Fluttershy were at the front of her mind. She left a trail of blood along the floor, but she didn’t care. Bullets riddled her skin, but the pain didn’t faze her. Determination burned at the very core of her existence. Things would be made right, and she’d be the one to ensure that.

She was quickly joined by her friends, themselves bleeding profusely from the battle. They continued to be shot at, but they also continued to respond. Pinkie’s grenades were taking their toll, and Twilight was fast becoming an excellent marksman. Rainbow Dash, meanwhile, sped on ahead and dealt with the guards surrounding the cell itself. She ran a zigzag pattern around them. Just like previously, they became confused and started to pummel each other. When they’d been sufficiently knocked unconscious, Dash called for Rarity, and the fashionista used her platform magic to toss them into the prison cube.

Then, suddenly, Mr. Shy, Torture Rack, and Sharp Eye appeared on a railing overhead. The evil genius didn’t look too pleased with the developments, and he sent Torture downstairs. The crazed woman took up a nearby fully automatic weapon and ran after the intruders. She began firing haphazardly, sending bullets into her own soldiers! But she didn’t care. Mr. Shy had promised her a lot of things if she helped him with this project, and she was determined to make her dreams a reality. Soon, she’d have all the sexual toys she wanted. Because, in her mind, sex was only fun when she was putting someone through hell by doing it.

Soon, the world will be delightfully stupid! She thought as she continued to fire, and then, I’ll be able to fuck anyone I want!!

She continued her rampage, but the girls made their own stand. Rarity created a wall for them to hide behind, and they each used their abilities to their advantage. Rainbow Dash charged from the barrier, running circles around Torture faster than she could unload her clip. Meanwhile, Rarity and Twilight both had guns of their own and fired on the deranged psychopath. Pinkie’s grenades landed nearby, exploding and sending out huge amounts of blinding pink liquid. This entire combination was too much for Torture Rack, and, after a moment, she fell over. The stillness of the body confirmed everyone’s expectations. She’d been killed.

A Spring Job

Meanwhile, deep in the cell, Sunset and Fluttershy could only listen. They couldn’t even watch as their friends fought like hell to free them. It tore into them as they recognized each individual voice. They knew that a bullet had pierced that friend, and it created a previously unknown pain. This was different than anything they’d felt before, and they huddled into one another. They were desperate for relief, desperate for any kind of knowledge that their friends were alright. But with each passing second, and every grunt or groan from outside, they lost a sliver of hope.

They tried to comfort each other, but their wounds drove knives through their bodies. Even the simple act of rubbing and hugging was difficult. It came down to something like human origami as they attempted to get comfortable. Their normal interactions had become extremely abnormal as they wound around each other. Still, though, even through the pain, it was good to have a wonderful friend to experience it with. It helped replace the hope that had been lost and gave them a certain sense of courage. This was especially true for Sunset, who, in her first hours in the cell, had been beaten mercilessly by the Shy Clan and their gang.

So it was that, as the battle raged outside, Sunset ran a soothing hand through Fluttershy’s amazing pink mop. “Tell me,” she said, “what about…your lost love, Tidal Wave?”

The question caused a new set of pain to rage inside Fluttershy and she immediately began to cry. Memories of the boy she’d lost so long ago flooded her mind. The two had been inseparable, until her father and mother got involved. They didn’t want her to be happy, so they drove him away. It was just another way that they showed their undying contempt and spitting hatred for her. She remembered the cold, lonely nights when she’d wept bitterly into a pillow, questioning some imaginary force of just why her parents treated her so poorly. After all, weren’t a mother and a father supposed to provide shelter, warmth, care, and love? She figured they’d be ecstatic for her. But no…it was not to be.

“I don’t know where he is,” she said through a voice thickened by years of agony, “but…if I could hold him in my arms again…I would. I’d kiss him, and tell him how much I’ve missed him.”

Sunset smiled. Personally, she’d never felt true love before. Sure, she’d dated some boys back when she was evil, but that was just to advance an agenda. Now, seeing the absolute anguish in Fluttershy’s eyes, she understood what true love was. She knew that Fluttershy had held on to the memories of this person that she cared for more than life itself. It warmed Sunset’s heart to think of someone with such a deep seated commitment, and she swore up and down that, someday, she’d be that committed. She owed it to herself and to the beaten girl that lay in her grasp.

“Listen,” she said, cuddling Fluttershy even closer, “I don’t know if we’ll get out. But if we do, I’ll help you find him.”

“Really?” Fluttershy asked.

“Really,” Sunset responded, “and we’ll go to the police and tell them everything your parents and your family have done.”

“Yes,” Fluttershy said, “we must. My mother, father, and brother must be made to see the pain they’ve caused. But…if we do that…I’ll no longer have a place to live. I suppose a shelter would welcome me.”

“Nonsense,” Sunset said, “I have my own place. You can come stay with me. I swear, you’ll always have a place to call home as long as I’m around.”

Fluttershy managed a smile and buried her head into Sunset’s shoulder. For her part, Sunset resumed running her hand through Fluttershy’s hair. It was soft, soothing to the touch, and perhaps the only part that hadn’t been damaged. Sunset even offered a small kiss to Fluttershy’s forehead, as a big sister might do to a disturbed and frightened younger sibling. She nuzzled at Fluttershy’s face, trying desperately to revive a sense of hope within her friend. To her happy surprise, it seemed to be working. A certain light returned to Fluttershy’s being, and she slowly bent back away from Sunset’s touch.

“We will make it out,” she said with solemn optimism, “I’m sure of it.”

Suddenly, almost before Fluttershy had finished her statement, the huge iron door swung open. A pair of dead guards flopped down as Sunset and Fluttershy’s friends made their way inside. If they weren’t all in mortal danger, the reunion would have been more grand. But, suffice it to say that they were all beyond thrilled to see Fluttershy alive. They grabbed both her and Sunset and quickly made their way from the cell towards the complex exit.

“We need to head for the local precinct!” Sunset shouted.

“With what?!” Rainbow Dash asked as they ran along and tried to keep Fluttershy from being shot, “we have no evidence!”

“Um…aren’t two severely beaten girls evidence enough?” Twilight queried.

“True, darling,” Rarity said, “but Rainbow has a point. How are we going to prove this place exists?”

“With this,” Sunset said, revealing a revolver she grabbed from one of the dead guards, “it’s got a tracking number on it.”

“Oh, yeah!” Pinkie said, “we’re gonna catch us some bad guys!”

They felt on top of the world. Home free at last, they bounded towards the exit. But Fluttershy could barely move, and it was getting harder and harder to run. Both of her legs were horribly mangled, and it was somewhat miraculous that she was keeping up to begin with. But she pushed through the burning, horrible sensation because her friends were supporting her. The human body, however, can only withstand so much pain, and she finally collapsed.

“Flutter, we have to keep going!” Twilight urged, “the guards are almost on top of us!”

“Go on without me,” Fluttershy said weakly.

“No!” Sunset barked sharply, “we’re not leaving without you! Think of Tidal Wave, think of your friends, think of your animals! You’ll be giving up your life if you stay here!”

“Darling, please,” Rarity begged, “we need you!”

Fluttershy thought of everything Sunset spoke of and managed to pull herself up. The pain was terrible, and a lot of her body had simply gone numb. But Sunset and Twilight put her on their shoulders and they booked it towards the exit. However, one figure was not about to let them escape. As they arrived at their ticket to freedom, one more obstacle stood in their way: Mr. Shy himself.

The Quiet Taketh Their Revenge

Author's Note

Last chapter, guys! I wanna thank you all for reading the story. I hope you've enjoyed it! Coming up next: The Princess's Library! Get ready, y'all, 'cause next week, 10 ponies are being dumped into Twilight's fire.

The Quiet Taketh Their Revenge

Fluttershy suddenly rose to her feet, blanketed by a thick layer of anger. She no longer felt the enormous pain shooting through every pore. All of her nerves seemed to play a secondary role as she walked towards her father. She was determined to defeat him, by any means necessary. In fact, she no longer saw him as a father. Because, after all, fathers are supposed to behave in certain ways. He had never treated her with love or care. He’d never supported her dreams of going to veterinarian school and helping animals. His eyes had never graced her with the type of affection fathers normally bequeath upon their daughters. He’d always been a cynical, sniveling wretch of a human being, and now she was going to make him pay for it.

While violence did not come naturally to her, she did possess human emotions. Yes, there were times when she laughed, times when she cried, and times when she felt rage’s somewhat impenetrable grip on her spirit. This was one of those particular instances. A fire burned deep in her stomach, rising to her heart, and exploding in her mind. Even though she’d definitely experienced anger before, this was a new, frightening, yet rather emboldening sensation. It was burgeoned by a lust to kill. But at the same time, she also knew of the importance of capturing her father alive. He could provide every bit of intel the police needed to shut down the entire operation. So, she quickly decided that, as satisfying as it would be to see her father dead, she’d use nonlethal force.

Her father, never one to shy away from emoting, laughed in her face. “Oh, dear,” he said sarcastically, “my worthless wimp of a daughter is coming at me. Ahhh…whatever shall I do?”

“You can start with this!” Fluttershy growled.

She then latched herself onto his arm and twisted it. A satisfactory crunch came with her maneuver, and her father howled in pain. What he didn’t realize was that Fluttershy had been secretly learning how to fight. She felt a need to defend herself when her friends weren’t around, so she’d begged Sunset to show her a few moves. The former villain was very keen on the idea and had set up an entire training area inside her apartment. In almost no time at all, Fluttershy had learned how to properly spurn the advances of evil. The offensive strike she used on her father was the same one Sunset had used in the infamous “arm breaking” incident. She felt a sense of pride that this maneuver, once used to bully her, was now being used to defeat a bully.

“OH! FUCK!” Her father cursed, spitting in anger, “how can you do that to your own father?!”

“Seriously?!” Fluttershy asked, wrenching the hold in harder, “are you kidding me?! You slaughter two of my best friends, maim the others, nearly destroy me…and you’re asking ME about ethics?! Oh, give me a break!”

“I thought you were kind!” Her father howled, “I thought you didn’t have a strong, tough bone in your body! You were the two things I hate the most: weak and intellectually inferior!”

Fluttershy wrenched the hold so tight that her father’s arm almost came off and he went to the ground immediately. “I guess you’ve learned a valuable lesson!” She hissed in his ear, “NEVER mistake kindness for weakness!”

With those words, she released her hold on his very broken arm and turned her attention to his legs. She grabbed them and yanked them with a great deal of force. Feeling her way to where a pressure point was, she jabbed into it, causing even more suffering for her villainous patriarch. These were incredibly satisfying moments for the typically quiet girl. She’d left her shell behind, transforming into something both fierce and beautiful. Her friends, looking on as they nursed their wounds, were in shock at just how violent things had become. Yet, it was also incredibly inspiring. To see Fluttershy, after so many years of torment at the hands of this man, take out all her frustration was insanely satisfying.

After reducing her father to a pulp, she turned to her friends with an odd look. It became apparent that her violent outburst had drained her. She was used to being kind and loving, not physical and hateful. But all the same, a huge part of her was rejoicing. She was finally liberated from the chains this man and her family had created for her. Now, she was free to go out and pursue what she wanted. She could reunite with Tidal Wave and fall in love all over again. She could realize her dreams of becoming a vet and caring for creatures great and small. But most of all, she could be free to live her life in peace. This feeling overcame her doubt, and she broke out into a smile…before everything went black.

“Is she awake?” A voice asked as Fluttershy’s mind, much like a computer, began to reinvigorate itself.

“I don’t know,” a second voice answered, “no-wait, she’s opening her eyes!”

“Mm…” Fluttershy groaned groggily as she began registering things around her, including the white walls and the sheer amount of bandages and casts her friends were wearing. “…what the…where am I?”

“You’re at the hospital, Fluttershy,” came the soothing voice of Twilight Sparkle, “you’ve got many broken bones, multiple lacerations, and some of your internal organs were severely damaged. They took you into emergency surgery and, thankfully, saved your life. You’ve been in a coma for two months!”

“Two months?!” Fluttershy asked as her mind began to panic and flood itself with memories of her battle, “what about my dad? My family? Did they hurt anyone else?”

“Don’t ya worry, Sugarcube,” Applejack said from a nearby wheelchair, “they’ve all been taken care of right peaceable like.”

“They surrendered to police after you beat your dad to a pulp!” Dash said victoriously, “your mom and brother spilled the beans about the entire operation. All three of ‘em are here until your dad is…ugh…healed, and then they’re all gonna have their asses tossed in the slammer!”

Fluttershy looked down at her sheets. This caused a modicum of concern to pass through some of her friends. Surely, she felt some sense of thrill, right? After all, she’d just helped put an end to one of the biggest secret crime syndicates in American history. The news was all over them, and the president wanted to award all the girls the Presidential Medal of Freedom. True, Fluttershy did not know this yet, but just the simple fact of gaining closure in her situation with Mr. Shy should have brought a smile. Yet…it did not.

“Flutter…are you alright?” Dash asked.

“Yeah, aren’t ya happy about takin’ that bastard down?” Applejack queried.

“I’m happy that they’ve been neutralized, and that they won’t be harming others anymore,” Fluttershy said, “but all the same, he’s still my dad. That’s still my family. I know they don’t give a rat’s ass about me, but…I still care about them. Perhaps, while they’re in prison, I might be able to help guide them on the paths of kindness and respect.”

“Maybe,” Dash said doubtfully, “though I’d find it incredibly hard to believe that your family could show actual kindness to anyone.”

“It might take some time,” Fluttershy responded, “but I’m sure I could do it!”

“So am I,” a new voice said.

Fluttershy’s face broke into a humongous smile as Sunset walked into the room. Only, she wasn’t alone. Tidal Wave was with her. Tears came to Fluttershy’s eyes as he walked over to her and embraced her. Warmth flooded the two, and it felt like no time had passed at all. It was apparent that they’d both been heartsick, and were still very much in love. This was confirmed by the small, tender kiss they shared.

“I’ve missed you terribly,” Fluttershy said.

“I’ve missed you more,” Tidal responded, “when I heard that you’d taken your father out and were in a coma, I had to come see you. Thankfully, I ran into Sunset downstairs. She introduced herself, said she recognized me from the descriptions in your diary, and brought me here.”

“Oh…Tidal…I…I…I love you,” was all Fluttershy could muster before passing out in his arms.

“Should we be concerned about this?” Dash asked.

“I don’t think so,” Twilight said, gazing adoringly at the young couple, “the doctor said that she might be in and out. Besides…I think this is a perfect ending to this adventure.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Sunset said, “my friendship with Fluttershy is rock solid…and I feel more forgiven and loved than I ever have before.”

A Second Visit to Celestia's Office

Celestia wound her arm up Sunset’s, trying desperately to force the knife from her possession. The deranged girl had a wild look in her eyes, one born out of a pain much deeper than anything Celestia had ever known. While she understood and felt a lot of pity for her student, she also knew that suicide was not the answer. More than that, Sunset had so much she was throwing away all because of the immense pressure she put on herself. Memories of the goldfish experience flooded Celestia’s mind, and she moved with even more purpose. She was almost forced to shove Sunset up against a locker.

“Give me the knife, now!” She commanded.

“No!” Sunset barked back, “I’m joining Fluttershy!”

“Sunset, please,” came the heartachingly pleading voice of Twilight Sparkle, “we love you. Don’t do this!”

“It’s the only way I can pay the debt I owe her!” Sunset cried.

“No, it’s not!” Twilight wailed with tears streaming down her cheeks, “please, Sunset! We’ve already lost Fluttershy! We can’t lose you, too! This school needs you…your friends need you…damn it, I NEED YOU!”

Those words finally broke Sunset’s mind. She began sobbing and sank to a seated position, dropping the weapon in the process. Celestia, thankful for Twilight’s intervention, quickly scooped it up and put it in her pocket for safekeeping. Then, she helped Sunset back to her feet and embraced her. She wanted to reassure the girl that she wasn’t in any trouble for her pain. But, at the same time, she needed to show her that taking such a wild course of action wouldn’t satisfy anything. So, she allowed Sunset to cry on her shoulder as they made their way into her office. Twilight accompanied them, refusing to leave the side of someone she cared for so deeply.

Along the way, Sunset managed to tear herself away from the principal for a few minutes. She walked along with her face to the floor, trying to hide the mountain of hurt that towered over her visage. As she half-walked, half-stumbled towards Celestia’s office, something suddenly caught her eye. It was a book, beautifully coated in yellow with green and pink floral designs. The tome was certainly not something Rainbow Dash would enjoy, but it reminded Sunset so poignantly of the departed. Curious as to its origins, she bent over and picked it up. But by that point, Celestia was kindly urging her along, so she could not open it. But her mind began working on the mystery, feeling some kind of connection to the book. She silently placed it under her leather jacket, thus saving all her questions for later.

In time, they arrived at the office. “Please, have a seat, Sunset. You too, Twilight,” the principal gently ordered as they went inside. When the girls had seated themselves, she continued. “Sunset…I know how much you’re grieving right now. But doing something so drastic as suicide would only cause more pain and heartache.”

“But…it feels like the only way I can repay her,” Sunset said, “Fluttershy meant so much to me, and all I can think about are the methods that I used to torture her.”

“I know that can be difficult,” Celestia responded, “but you must know of her forgiveness and love for you.”

“How could she forgive a soul like mine?” Sunset asked hopelessly. “One so corrupt and full of hate.”

“One that USED to be that way,” Twilight chimed in, “Sunset, you changed. You’re a friend to everybody now, and we can’t lose you. I know Fluttershy’s death has been a massively sad shock to us all, but we must continue living. We all have dreams and plans, and the way to truly honor Fluttershy is to live those things out with kindness and compassion.”

Sunset saw the wisdom in her dear friend’s words and she wondered why she’d made such a drastic decision. All she’d been able to think of was her own selfish pain. She’d been unable to see what a suicidal choice would do to the rest of her friends. She suddenly envisioned them gathered again, only this time, they wept over her death. It scared her back to sensibility, causing more tears to roll. But this time, they were apologetic ones, and she immediately felt the warm embrace of Twilight’s arms, enveloping her in friendship and care. She’d always had a soft spot for her friend, but now, she needed her love more than ever.

Across the wooden desk, Celestia bent forward and smiled. “See, Sunset? Your friends love you and care for you.”

“I know,” Sunset said, sniffing and giving Twilight a thankful look, “I don’t know what I was thinking…or how I could’ve even begun to rip myself away from them. I’m so sorry, Twilight.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” Twilight said kindly, “we’re all hurting so badly right now. I understand how it could boil over into an urge to harm one’s self. But that would only impact the pain. It wouldn’t erase it. So…I’m glad you came around, Sunset, because…I don’t know what my life would be like without you in it.”

“I don’t know what my life would be like without you in it,” Sunset said.

“I’m happy this was all straightened out without any further escalation,” Celestia remarked, “but all the same, Sunset, I am bound by school legislation to initiate a punishment for bringing a weapon on school grounds.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Sunset responded, “I understand, and I’m ready for whatever you think is best.”

“A week’s suspension should be enough,” Celestia said, “but with that being said, I don’t want you to be alone during this time. So, Twilight, I’m asking you to act as her accountability partner during this time. Visit her regularly, and strengthen your bond. Okay?”

Twilight nodded. “You can count on me, Principal Celestia.”

“Good. Now, then, you’re free to go. Sunset, your suspension will begin starting tomorrow. I feel that you need to be with your friends today.”

Twilight and Sunset thanked the principal for her help before exiting the office. Sunset was embarrassed over her behavior. Her mind had been somewhat reassembled, and she looked to the purple girl walking next to her in thanks. She’d needed the deep warmth and friendliness that Twilight carried, and the intellectual was happy to give freely. Now, Sunset got close to her as they walked along, placing a friendly arm around her shoulder and loving the touch of the hand that met it.

“I…picked something up in the hallway,” she said.

“Really?” Twilight asked, “what?”

Sunset stopped, turned, and produced the book from under her jacket. “It reminds me…of her.”

“Yeah, it does carry a certain ‘Fluttershy’ aesthetic,” Twilight said, “but what do you think it is?”

“I don’t know,” Sunset said, “but there’s one way to find out.”

With that, she flipped open the cover, and the girls gasped at what was written there. In letters as plain as the nose on one’s face, it said: The Diary of Flutter Rose Shy…

An Obstacle and How It Fought Back

The girls faced the threat of one of the most devious minds in the world head on. In a show of courage, they stood together. They were bleeding, broken shells of the girls they’d been when they arrived inside the complex. But if there was one thing they held, it was a great dose of bravery. They were all riddled with bullets. Some had lead permanently embedded in their skin, though they did not know this yet. Still, they stood against Mr. Shy and his entire force. Twilight was busily analyzing the situation and trying to come up with a plan. For, after all, Mr. Shy did not hold the only enormous grey matter in the room.

As for the villain himself, he strode towards the girls while ordering his soldiers to cease fire. It became apparent that he wanted to deal with the threat himself. After losing Torture Rack, he looked as if someone had done him a great wrong. His eyebrows were furrowed in a deep show of anger. Fire seemed to shoot from his very being as he slowly made his way towards his daughter and her friends. But his anger at Torture’s death did not come from a place of deep caring. It came from a place of selfishness and an equally cold heart. He knew that with Torture gone, he had no way to solicit confessions from his captives. This put him in a bit of a corner, and he hated being cornered.

He made his way up to the group of girls and right to his injured daughter. Grabbing her by the throat, he ordered his guards to hold the others back. He slammed her up against a wall with such force that it gave her a minor concussion. But, she was still able to hear, so he bent his head around her and began to hiss in her ear. His breath was sickly warm, and Fluttershy struggled against his grip. He was certainly much stronger than she’d anticipated. Her weak muscles and bones simply couldn’t hold themselves up in his grasp. He called for a lead pipe, and one of the guards gave it to him. He scraped it along her face, all the while hissing directly into her auditory canals.

“I’ll give you one last chance,” he growled softly, “where…is…the…portal?”

“I’ll never tell you,” Fluttershy said, spitting in his face defiantly, “and neither will my friends!”

“UGH! You’re WORTHLESS!” Mr. Shy screamed as he pummeled Fluttershy’s shoulder with the pipe, breaking her collarbone instantly, “ONE MORE TIME, DAMN IT! WHERE IS THE FUCKING PORTAL?!”

“I WON’T TALK!” Fluttershy shrieked, partially out of pain and partially out of determination, “NOBODY CAN MAKE ME! NOT YOU, NOT MOM, NOT ZEPHYR, NOT ANYONE! YOU’LL NEVER DRAG IT OUT OF ME!”

“Alright,” Mr. Shy said, surprisingly loosening his grip on his daughter, “if you won’t talk…then maybe I’ll just have to convince you to talk.”

With that, he whipped out a pistol and, faster than anyone thought possible, fired directly at Sunset. She took the bullet directly in the face and crumpled to the floor. Fluttershy watched in horror as one of her best friends bled out in front of her. Suddenly, she kicked her father in the groin and hobbled over to where Sunset was. The other girls fought off their guards and they picked Sunset up. Thankfully, the bullet had lodged itself in her cheek. Mr. Shy, despite his smarts, had never been the best marksman. So, the girls grabbed Sunset and began to make their way back towards the exit.

“OH, NO, YOU DON’T!” Mr. Shy roared when he regained his footing, “SHOOT THEM! KILL THEM!”

The guards began firing on the girls again, riddling them with even more bullets than before. Things began to go fuzzy for Rarity, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash. The fashionista even fell to the ground multiple times. But the girls picked her up and they kept fighting towards the exit. Unfortunately, Mr. Shy found his pistol again and charged at them. He grabbed Rarity and ended her life with one bullet to the brain. Pinkie ran ahead of him, and he shot her in the leg, causing her to fall. Another bullet ended her existence. But still, the surviving girls kept their hope up and fought all the way to the exit.

But Mr. Shy fought as well, and he managed to get around in front of them and block the door with his own body. He gnashed his teeth at the injured friends, sending shivers down their spine. Somewhere, their minds registered that Rarity and Pinkie had not survived. But all the same, they knew they had to keep going. Not just for themselves, but for everyone else. If Mr. Shy got the location of the Equestrian portal, then everyone in the world might be in danger. Who knew what would happen if he got ahold of Princess Twilight’s magical relics or stole power from the very castle of Canterlot itself?

“Let us through, Daddy,” Fluttershy growled, “we’ve got nothing more to say to you.”

“You aren’t in a position to threaten me, Fluttershy,” Mr. Shy snapped, “I’ve got a numerical advantage, a positional advantage, and a psychological advantage. See? That’s what happens when you have friends instead of a blind collective group. You get attached to them. You see their dreams come true. You uphold their unique talents and abilities. But when it comes to raging battle…where are they? There they are…” (Here, he pointed to the bodies of Rarity and Pinkie) “…dead! Useless! Fucking useless! Now, you’ll cry and moan and my guards will be able to deal with all of you. But in the collective, everyone does what I tell them to do. They are puppets and I am the master ventriloquist. My wife and my son are learning to become ventriloquists themselves. Then…there’s you. Oh, Fluttershy…I tried to teach you. Never turn your back on the family.”

“I have a family,” Fluttershy said, nodding at her friends, “and they mean more to me than anything in the world. Yes, you’ve taken two of them from me, and I hate you for it. But, at the same time, I also know that I must escape this horrible hellhole…for them.”