Chapters Fluttershy among the Ropes and the Tide
In the southwest of Mount Aris, hundreds of leagues in the middle of the sea, lies the Sparkor Archipelago. This group of islands extends in the shape of a dagger over the great ocean, and at both ends of the archipelago stand two islands that are very different from each other: the great volcanic island of Rou and the paradisiacal island of Vaneisy.
The island of Vaneisy is famous for its lush fauna and tropical jungle, making it an attractive place for explorers and tourists seeking a natural paradise. Its sunny climate and white sand beaches, bathed by turquoise waters, are ideal for rest and relaxation.
In contrast, the island of Rou presents a completely opposite terrain morphology. With hills of granite and basalt surrounded by rivers of lava that descend from an active volcano, the climate is constantly stormy, giving the island an infernal appearance.
Despite the adverse conditions, Rou is the most inhabited of the two islands due to the high mining activity caused by the exceptional quantity of unique gems and minerals found on its surface. The interior of the volcano is a geological paradise that provides the island's inhabitants with the necessary wealth to survive and prosper in such an inhospitable place. The large city and ports on the north side of the island are proof of this prosperity.
And at the top of the mining city and crowded ports stands the magnificent royal castle of Abigail, made of gold and bright red granite. Not counting its side towers and annexes, it would easily triple the size of the Canterlot Castle counterpart. If its size, design, and colors were not enough to impress the visitor, it also stood out for the fact that it was built on a floating mountain that rose slightly above the island. That's how impressive the government center and capital of the small kingdom of Rou was.
Undoubtedly it was impressive. If someone were to ask Fluttershy, who was on one of the castle's balconies, if she felt amazed, she would forcefully answer yes, but she would also confess that she was terrified.
"This isn't working," the helpless pegasus said to herself in a low voice. She had gone out to the balcony to see the sunset and distract herself, but the apocalyptic vision of the city and the swirling lava beneath her, resembling grotesque giant eyes, only increased her stress.
The howling voice of the wind reached her ears, along with the crunch of rocks falling and the constant gurgling of lava sliding down the hills. Unable to bear the oppressive environment any longer, the Pegasus decided to return to the castle.
However, only her front legs moved. The lower half of her body seemed to have adhered to the stony surface of the ground.
Fluttershy frowned. Old fears began to bite at her flanks again.
She closed her eyes and took a deep exhale. She cleared her mind and began to focus. She started to visualize her home, her forest companions, her friends in Ponyville, and above all, the five friends who had supported her so many times.
Slowly, the stiffness in her hind legs diminished. Suddenly, as if she had been freed from a trap, she took a few clumsy steps forward.
"Phew... what a relief," Fluttershy said with a hopeful smile as she lightly shook her lower legs. Her limbs were fine again. For now.
Without paying any more attention to the terrifying outside world, Fluttershy returned to her room.
This was a royal guest suite composed of four rooms joined by a common area. Each room had a large bed, desk, individual bathroom, among other luxuries, and of course, a wardrobe with traditional clothing from the kingdom. Before her arrival, the necessary preparations had already been made, so Fluttershy had everything she needed to attend a gala within the castle.
However... Fluttershy looked at the clothes on her bed with heaviness.
It was an outfit that matched the castle's brutal architecture, in that sense it was harmonious. But she could hardly wear it without feeling uncomfortable. The outfit they had selected for her was a wide black dress with red edges that covered her entire body. It had golden engravings of fierce birds and bipedal reptiles on its sleeves. The ribbon that went around her waist was red like blood, with a brooch that looked like the skull of some demonic beast. In addition, there were several more accessories with eerie characteristics. However, none made her more uneasy than the feather hat that accompanied the dress.
It was a very pretty white hat, with intricate star designs on its golden edges. Even Rarity would have marveled at this unique piece. But it also had a very particular detail. Attached to the hat was the taxidermied body of a squirrel holding a feather in its central part. For any inhabitant of the kingdom of Rou, having that hat would be quite an honor and luxury.
However, what Fluttershy felt at that moment was quite the opposite. The squirrel in question had a gaze that penetrated deeply into the pony's spirit. Not to mention how realistic the taxidermy looked. Just the thought of carrying the corpse of a relative of her forest friends on her head made the pink-maned pegasus feel dizzy.
Fluttershy was lost in her thoughts when a sudden knocking on her door made her jump.
"Chronolapses, Fluttershy! Are you ready yet? We have to be in the banquet hall right now, punctuality is a crucial factor here in Rou," a frenzied voice with an unusual accent said from the other side of the door.
Fluttershy was startled and exclaimed, "Oh, my goodness...!" The visit to the balcony and the impression of the contents of her closet had distracted her too much from her urgent mission. Without further ado, she opened the door to her room.
Quickly, an unusual-looking mare entered. She had a messy gray mane that blended with the color of her thick scarf around her neck. Her fur, a similar shade to peaches, could barely be seen under the white lab coat that covered her entire body. Although her clothes were in muted colors, her bright heterochromatic eyes (blue and red) were impossible to hide behind the thick black and square frame glasses she wore.
This earth pony, who looked like a pharmacist hard at work, was Dr. Akito Aishime, Fluttershy's travel companion and also a great work friend.
"Wow! So, you're planning on going naked to the gala? It's not the most prudent decision, but I support you. It would be a good method to reaffirm your position as an ambassador of Equestria," the doctor joked with a smile.
"No, it's not that... I don't have a suitable dress for the gala," Fluttershy responded with a saddened voice.
"Excuse me, can you explain?" the doctor responded with a skeptical look. She had already noticed the full closet of the pegasus.
"None of these dresses make me feel comfortable," Fluttershy said while uncomfortably looking at the squirrel hat on her bed. Akito noticed this detail and immediately understood what was going on.
"Umph, in that case, how about if I lend you one of my gala dresses?" replied the doctor quickly.
"Yes! That would be great! Wait... Do you have gala dresses?" questioned a surprised Fluttershy.
"That's right. Not only do I carry science equipment in my luggage. I'm also technically prepared for situations like this," said the doctor with eloquent confidence as she adjusted her glasses.
"Thank you so much! You really save me, Akito," said a grateful Fluttershy with a little flutter.
"Don't worry, friends are for this," the doctor felt an unexpected smile, but quickly returned to her usual serious expression. "By the way... What's your opinion on chest manes?"
The storm raged over the rugged cliffs of a desolate island.
A black stallion charged through the torrential rain and the lightning flashing in the night sky. In its wake, a pack of prehistoric reptiles pursued him. The ferocious raptors chased him relentlessly, with eyes that shone full of anger and hunger.
Finally, the path of that frenzied pursuit came to an end at a steep cliff.
But the stallion did not falter. His determination was indomitable. He knew he had to reach his destination, no matter what obstacles might arise in his path.
Fearlessly, with a mane waving like an infernal tongue of fire, he leaped into the void. Along with him, the shadows of his pursuers fell like debris upon the rough waves of the sea.
Fluttershy among the Ropes and the Tide
Letter to Twilight - Missive I
Dear Princess Twilight,
Three days have passed since I left Mount Aris with my friend, Dr. Akito Aishime, on our journey to the Sparkor Archipelago. The trip has taken longer than expected due to bad weather, but thanks to the bravery of Captain Celaeno’s crew, the airship managed to successfully navigate around the storms over the Eel Sea. Finally, this morning, we arrived at the island of Vaneisy.
Twilight, it’s a wonderful place! I had been told about its beauty, but I never imagined it would be so breathtaking. The beaches have sand as white as milk, and the waters along the coast shine with a turquoise hue that reminds me of Rarity’s favorite gems. The weather is so pleasant that, at times, it makes me feel like I’m back home... although here, there’s more sand and a lush tropical flora that fills the air with life.
And the wildlife! Twilight, for the first time in my life, I saw Vaneisy’s famous rainbow swans. They are the most beautiful birds I’ve ever seen. Their feathers shimmer with every color at each wingbeat, and their crests glisten like stars. Flying alongside them would have been incredible. Well... technically, we were about ten kilometers away, and I wasn’t allowed to leave because it was time for a customs inspection. But even so, watching them from the airship was a magical experience. I wish you and the girls had been here to see them with me.
The island is also full of fascinating creatures. I saw majestic white elephants and elegant pink panthers strolling along the banks of the Indigo Rivers. I spotted giant buffalo resting among the island’s mountains and all kinds of nocturnal birds. There’s so much I want to tell you about these and many other creatures I’ve discovered!
(...)
I’m sorry if this letter has gotten too long. I just realized I’ve nearly filled an entire roll of parchment, and I’ve only been talking about the animals. It’s just that everything here excites me so much. Every corner of Vaneisy is a surprise, and I can’t even imagine what awaits me tomorrow.
They say the wildlife on the island of Rou is even more impressive. I wonder if I’ll be able to handle so much wonder. I hope Celestia grants me the courage I’ll need to keep exploring this rich and beautiful archipelago... and that you, if possible, grant me a bit of your patience.
Tomorrow we’ll reach the end of the Sparkor Archipelago. I can already see the great island of Rou on the horizon. I’ve heard things about that place that unsettle me a little, but I’m more determined than ever to complete my mission successfully. I’ll write to you as soon as we arrive.
Sincerely, with love for her friend,
Fluttershy among the Ropes and the Tide
The Grand Sempiternal Gala - Part I
Waving her hoof in the air and bowing with leisurely elegance, Fluttershy performed a rehearsed bow in front of her friend, Dr. Akito Aishime.
“Did I get it right this time?” the pegasus asked, raising her head quickly with an unusual gleam lighting up her eyes.
“Your accuracy is optimal and consistent with the previous 25 runs. It shows no significant deviations within the acceptable range for your performance at the Great Sempiternal Gala. However, I note with concern an increase in your anxiety parameters,” the doctor replied, adjusting her glasses while focusing her cool gaze on the slight twitch fluttering one of Fluttershy's eyelids.
In response, Fluttershy, with a large full-length mirror beside her and several dresses strewn on the floor after having tried them on, noticed her friend's comment in her reflection and let out a long sigh.
“Uuuu... I know you're helping me a lot with this, Akito. I really appreciate your effort, but... all this waiting is killing me,” the pegasus suddenly burst out, spreading her wings in an unusually energetic gesture for her.
“I agree that this time dilation of your presentation was not contemplated in our initial schedule. However, your level of anxiety is disproportionate,” replied the doctor, carefully placing her helmet over her friend's outstretched wings to help them return to their natural position. “In addition, I consider the change in schedule to have been a favorable event in our best interests. It allowed us to select a suitable dress for the gala.”
“True... but...” muttered Fluttershy almost inaudibly, raising one of her hind legs as Akito meticulously inspected the folds of the voluminous skirt she was wearing.
Concerned, Fluttershy couldn't take her eyes off the mirror in front of her.
The skirt, no, rather the dress as a whole was an absolute contrast to her usual style. Accustomed to simple outfits and soft colors, that garment seemed over the top, even outrageous by her standards. Although she secretly had some similar dresses stored in her closet at home (which she occasionally wore on the sly), she would never have considered wearing them to a gala as important as this one.
If her friends saw her dressed like that, what would they think? Fluttershy shuddered slightly. She didn't need to ask herself a question with such an obvious answer. Instead she should pay attention to other details ...
(“Why does Akito have this kind of clothes?”) Fluttershy didn't know what to answer to that. Her doctor friend, a serious professional who hardly ever attended parties, let alone galas, seemed a bit out of place having something like that in her repertoire. Could it be, perhaps, some kind of hidden hobby?
As her thoughts flitted in search of an explanation, she couldn't stop her gaze from returning, again and again, to one particular point in her reflection in the mirror: the voluminous chest hair.
Fluttershy sighed again, but this time with discomfort as she watched her friend lightly palpate the chest mane checking its softness.
More than a flashy accessory, the chest mane had a color that matched her fur so perfectly that it could easily be mistaken for a natural part of her body, which could possibly lead to very embarrassing misunderstandings.
(“It's almost as if I have melons sticking out of me...”) thought the disconsolate pegasus with her eyes on the 'melons', although her musings (which she already considered an energetic and useless plea to reduce them) were interrupted by the doctor's energetic voice.
[...]
Hello readers of fimfiction. I regret to inform you that the continuation of this fic has been devoured by a draconicus, lover of unnecessary texts. Please, if you wish to continue reading you can enter the following link where you will find the complete text in its original language.
Fluttershy among the Ropes and the Tide
The Grand Sempiternal Gala - Part II
At the top of a tower, wrapped in a cold and misty wind, a ragged-looking hooded figure watched the procession of lights advancing down the main street just below him.
"WOOUUUUUUUUUUUUU" he yawned in boredom from the stone window where he was sitting, tired of the voices and music coming from the monotonous celebration taking place that night.
"One more moon... another gala... another dance..." he sighed before letting out a loud burp and settling into his coarse brown blankets.
With careless gestures, he picked the remains of food from between his teeth with his filthy claws. Then, without a second thought, he spat into a nearby flowerpot.
How many galas had he witnessed before? How many more would he have to endure? How much longer would he have to take part in those pompous, elitist rituals? Would he spend the rest of his life like this... like a forgotten piece of furniture in the middle of parties full of supposedly wealthy yet knowledge-starved guests?
He possessed power and cunning, and yet... there he was, alone, being himself.
Bothered by his own thoughts, the stranger turned his gaze away from the dark abyss beneath his feet and looked up at the sky.
Then, as if the firmament had responded to his desire, the clouds tore apart in wisps, allowing the light of a vivid night sky to shine through.
Nine red moons, each in a different phase, shone in perfect alignment, forming a flawless straight line among the stars. For anyone who knew how perpetually dark and clouded that sky usually was, the sight was overwhelming—almost magical.
Surprised, the stranger felt a fleeting emotion. His normally gray eyes flickered with a crimson glow.
But it was a passing feeling. The sky soon closed again, swallowed by the clouds.
Was this a sign of good fortune? he wondered. He hadn’t expected something like this to happen. Perhaps it was just luck... but if it really meant something… maybe he should…
Doubting his own thoughts, he leapt from the window ledge with vigor and fixed his attention on the great object that dominated the dark room.
Then, after a long silence, he spoke:
"Perhaps, my old friend… the time has come to caress your curves once more. You long for it, don’t you? I do… It has been so long. Forgive me if I am not gentle with you, but this time, I want to do it my way. And I don’t care if everyone in Rou hears us. I want to hear your beautiful voice…"
A mischievous smile appeared on his face as his hands—thin and filthy yet adorned with gleaming rings—rested upon the pristine surface of the great golden bell standing before him.
[...]
Hello readers of fimfiction. I regret to inform you that the continuation of this fic has been devoured by a draconicus, lover of unnecessary texts. Please, if you wish to continue reading you can enter the following link where you will find the complete text in its original language.
