Chapter 18: The Stare Master

It was another busy day at the Carousel Boutique and Rarity was moving about trying to get another order finished. She also had to deal with a small lavender and pink mane filly, who was mentioned before with the name of Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle was actually Rarity's little sister and the older pony didn't seem to be handling the idea of watching the filly and doing her work too well at the moment.

"Where'd I put that?" Rarity mumbled to herself, "Ohh, I thought I already..." Some clattering was heard as Rarity shuffled about. Some balls of yarn were rolling across the floor.

"Oh, and I can't forget I've got to..." Rarity continued, "Oh, how am I ever going to get this done?" Sweetie Belle was just watching her older sister run back and forth across the room and then gave her a light eye roll.

"Are you sure I can't help?" Sweetie asked curiously, "I could-"

"No!" said Rarity, cutting Sweetie Belle off.

"Maybe just a-"

"No thanks!" Rarity interrupted again.

"How about-"

"Just stand over there," Rarity instructed.

"But-"

"Where you'll be out of the way," Rarity finished and then remembered something, "Ribbon, ribbon, Where's that ribbon?"

"I got it," Sweetie Belle shouted as she tried to reach for it by standing on the table with the sewing machine and stretching out her fore-hoof. Then there was a loud creak as Sweetie Belle knocked the thread off the table.

"Whoa!" she shouted as she lost her balance. Rarity watched with a gasp as the thread knocked a nearby mannequin over, which then launched three yarn balls that were on the floor into the air towards another shelf.

"Aah!" Rarity cried as she ducked to avoid the flying object as the domino effect continued. Clattering noises could be heard until things finally settled, leaving a huge mess in the room. Sweetie Bells surveyed the mess as Rarity gave her a glare.

"Um, I-I'll just go and stand over there, where...I'll be out of the way," Sweetie Belle said nervously before zipping away as fast as she could.

Rarity just sighed to herself. Apparently, this hadn't been the first time something like that had happened whenever Sweetie Belle tried to help her.

*Main theme*

It wasn't much longer before Rarity had managed to clean up the mess herself, which was another habit she had developed when dealing with Sweetie Belle "accidents". Sweetie Belle felt a little shunted.

"Won't you at least let me help you clean up?" Sweetie Belle asked, feeling rather bored and eager to clean up her own messes.

"No," said Rarity in a tone that wanted to end the discussion immediately, "You've helped me quite enough."

"I'm sorry, sis!" said Sweetie Belle sadly, "I just thought that if I could help, I might find my special gift and finally earn my cutie mark." Sweetie Belle looked at her blank flank as Rarity listened quietly for a moment.

"I understand," Rarity said, "It's just that... I need this time to fill this order without any... complications." Rarity’s words carried more weight than Sweetie Belle could grasp, but Sweetie was too innocent to pick up on it.

"There’s never any... complications... with me helping out when Storm’s here," Sweetie Belle mumbled, her cheeks puffing up in defiance. "I never mess up like that when I help him."

"Sweetie Belle, I know you’ve got quite a crush on Storm," Rarity said, swiftly changing the subject, "but he’s far too old for you, and he already has his heart set on another pony."

"I know, I know," Sweetie Belle said indignantly, "He already told me, but I can’t help but like him. He’s just... really cute." Sweetie sighed to herself dreamily, prompting Rarity to roll her eyes.

"Okay, all done," said Rarity, "Now, back to work. I've lost a lot of time, and I cannot have any more interruptions."

DING-DONG!

"Oh, what now?!" Rarity snapped as she heard the doorbell and Fluttershy walked inside with a basket.

"Oh, sorry," said Fluttershy, hearing Rarity's outburst, "I thought the "open" sign meant you were open, but I must have been mistaken."

"Fluttershy! Forgive me!" said Rarity as she rushed over to her. "I was so wrapped up in my work that I had forgot you were bringing Opalescence back from her grooming!"

"No worries, Rarity," said Fluttershy, "I've left her there in the basket." Opal just purred as she came out of the basket, showing her beautifully groomed coat.

"Oh, she looks great!" said Rarity as the cat began to purr and snuggle Fluttershy's fore-legs, "I just don't understand how you were able to do it! I can't get near without getting a swipe from her claws!"

"HISS!" Opal said defensively and tried to swipe at Rarity.

"Ahh!" Rarity yelped as she pulled away just in time before she thought of something, "Did you use...the Stare on her?"

"On no!" Fluttershy exclaimed in her soft tone, "I wouldn't! I couldn't! I-I don't really have any control over it when that happens. I-It just happens. Storm can use something like it, though. I’ve seen him do it to stop Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie from arguing. He’s surprisingly good at calming ponies down, even when they’re being difficult."

"What do you mean?" Rarity asked curiously. Fluttershy sighed.

Fluttershy sighed. "Earlier today, Storm was trying to settle a fight between two squirrels on a low tree branch. They started laughing at him and throwing acorns at his head! He got so annoyed, but instead of yelling, he... well, he meditated. He just sat under the tree, closed his eyes, and breathed. It took him fifteen minutes to find his inner peace again."

"That sounds so mature," Rarity said, nodding approvingly.

"It is," Fluttershy agreed. "Storm can be sensitive, but he’s always in control. He’s patient, but I think he struggles with wanting to make everything perfect for everyone."

"Me too!" Sweetie Belle chimed in. "He’s so cute!"

Fluttershy giggled, and Rarity sighed in annoyance.

"But, no, I didn't use the Stare on Opal," said Fluttershy, "I'm just good with animals. It's my special talent, you know?"

"Well, you should have a picture of Opal as a cutie mark instead of those butterflies," Rarity suggested.

"Ooh, ooh, oh, oh, oh, oh!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed excitedly, "Maybe I can be good with animals, too!" Sweetie Belle approached the white cat and turned her head towards Rarity as she spoke.

SHING!

Opal took a swipe at Sweetie Belle's mane, cutting off one of her curls as a wide, devilish smirk appeared on the cat's face.

"Or not," said Sweetie Belle as she zipped away from the cat, Fluttershy and Rarity laughed.

"I'm sorry I can't invite you to stay and chat, Fluttershy." said Rarity, "I've bitten off more than I can chew with this order."

"But you're not eating anything," Sweetie Belle remarked.

"No, Sweetie, it's an expression," Rarity explained, "It means I've taken on more work than I can handle. I've got twenty of these special robes to make tonight! They're due in Trottingham tomorrow morning."

That was when Storm entered the boutique, the door jingling softly as it swung open.

“Hey, everyone,” Storm greeted with a warm smile, his deep voice calm yet carrying an unmistakable presence. “What’s going on in here?”

“STORM!” Sweetie Belle squealed in delight. She zoomed across the room and latched onto his foreleg in an exuberant hug.

“Hey, Sweetie Belle,” Storm chuckled, returning her hug with a light, gentle pat on the back. “Looks like you’re in high spirits today.”

"Storm, darling, what brings you to my boutique?" Rarity asked, a smile softening her previously frazzled expression.

“I was just taking a stroll around town,” Storm explained, his tone relaxed yet attentive, “when I saw Fluttershy bringing Opal here. I thought I’d drop by and see how you were all doing.” His eyes shifted between the golden material on the table and the faint traces of chaos still lingering from Sweetie Belle’s earlier “help.” “Looks like things have been... lively.”

“Lively is one way to describe it,” Rarity replied with a dramatic toss of her mane. “I’ve been trying to manage Sweetie Belle’s... enthusiasm while finishing these robes.”

“Enthusiasm, huh?” Storm said, a playful glint in his eye as he glanced at Sweetie Belle. “Sounds like you’ve been busy.”

“I just wanted to help,” Sweetie Belle piped up, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and longing.

Storm knelt slightly to meet her at eye level, his expression softening. “Helping’s great, Sweetie Belle, but sometimes it’s just as important to let others focus. There’s a time for everything.”

“See? Storm understands!” Rarity exclaimed dramatically, gesturing toward him as though presenting evidence to a court.

Storm chuckled, standing up. “So, what’s all this about robes?”

“Oh, let me show you!” Rarity said, her tone brightening as she trotted over to the worktable. “These are the special robes I’ve been working on.” She held up a glittering golden cloth that caught the light, scattering tiny sparkles across the room.

Fluttershy and Storm both gasped softly in appreciation. “Wow,” Storm murmured, his voice carrying genuine admiration. “This fabric is incredible, Rarity. It’s like you’ve bottled sunlight and turned it into silk.”

“Exactly what I was going for!” Rarity declared with pride, her eyes practically sparkling.

"See? I've lined them in a special gold silk," said Rarity, "It took so long to make, but I think it adds just the right touch. Don't you?"

"These are lovely," said Fluttershy, "but twenty by tonight? How will you get it all done?"

"Well, I, uh..." Rarity stuttered.

“Oh, oh, oh! Maybe I could—" Sweetie Belle began, only to freeze as Rarity’s sharp glare cut her off. “...just stand over here and watch,” she finished quietly, her ears drooping.

Storm, noticing her disappointment, gave her a reassuring nudge with his hoof. “Hey, don’t take it too hard, Sweetie Belle. You’ll find plenty of chances to help in your own way—just maybe not with golden silk tonight, alright?”

Sweetie Belle managed a small smile. “Okay, Storm.”

“Well, maybe I should get out of your mane so you can work,” Fluttershy offered, sensing the tension. She was about to leave when the boutique door burst open, and two fillies came barreling inside.

“Hi, Fluttershy! Hi, Rarity! Hi, Storm!” Apple Bloom and Scootaloo exclaimed in unison, skidding to a stop near Sweetie Belle.

"Hello, uh, girls..." said Rarity wearily.

"You ready for tonight?" Scootaloo asked excitedly.

"Yup! Cutie mark planning session is a go!" Sweetie Belle answered.

"Tonight is the night we each try to find our own special talent," Apple Bloom added.

"Even if it takes us all night!" said Scootaloo.

"I'm ready!" said Apple Bloom, "You ready?"

"Very ready!" said Scootaloo.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADER SLEEPOVER AT RARITY'S YAY!" The three fillies shouted at the top of their lungs. So loud in fact, that the entire Boutique rumbled, leaving the three adult ponies rather shaken up.

"And...look what I made us!" said Sweetie Belle as she rushed over and put on what appeared to be a purple colored cape. One could hear a trumpet flourish as Sweetie Belle presented it to the others.

"Oh, wow!" said Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, as they gasped and laughed excitedly, "That is so cool! Oooh!"

"What does that patch on your cape mean?" Fluttershy asked curiously about what appeared to be an emblem on the side of the cape.

"THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS! YAY!" the three fillies shouted again, rocking the room once more.

"We're on a crusade, a mission!" Scootaloo explained.

"To find our cutie marks!" said Apple Bloom.

"Yup. And look," Sweetie Belle added as she lifted the cape, "I lined them with this special gold silk. It took so long to make, but I think it adds just the right touch, don't you?" Apple Bloom and Scootaloo oohed impressively. But Rarity felt her eyes twitch. Storm groaned.

"Oh, Sweetie Belle." Storm muttered. "How many times did I tell you to ask Rarity before using her fabrics?"

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity exclaimed when she saw the cut out holes on the fabric she had made beforehand, "What have you done? That was the last of the gold silk! Oh, now I'll have to make more. I hope I can make more. I'm gonna have to work all night. Which means...Sorry, girls, I'm afraid the sleepover is cancelled."

"What?!" Sweetie Belle said in shock.

"I just won't have any time to watch you if I want to get these robes delivered on time," said Rarity.

"But-"

"No buts this time," said Rarity in a motherly tone, "I'm sorry Sweetie Belle. It's just the way it has to be."

"Awwww..." said the three fillies sadly. Then Fluttershy got an idea.

"I, uh, I suppose I could take them for the night," said Fluttershy. The three girls gave her wide smiles.

"I couldn't ask you to do that," said Rarity hesitantly, despite the three wide grins beaming at her.

"Oh, it's no problem at all," said Fluttershy with a smile. The three fillies looked at Fluttershy again.

"Have you met my sister and her friends?" Rarity asked Fluttershy in a serious tone, "A problem is all it would be."

"Did I have a problem with Opal?" Fluttershy said smugly, "You've seen how well I can handle small creatures!"

"I suppose that's true..." Rarity pondered, the three smiles now looking at her, "and I do have alot of work to do..."

"Come on," said Fluttershy, "it'll be fun."

"I assure you, they're quite a handful," said Rarity. The three fillies just kept smiling, looking at the pony speaking.

"These sweet little angels?" Fluttershy remarked as three halos appeared over the fillies head.

Storm, standing off to the side, smirked and rolled his eyes. “Oh boy,” he muttered under his breath.

"Well...all right," Rarity reluctantly conceded.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADER SLEEPOVER AT FLUTTERSHY'S COTTAGE! YAY!" the three fillies shouted excitedly, rumbling the ground again before making a fast sprint out of the door.

"So cute," Fluttershy giggled before calling out in her own soft tone, "W-wait for me!" Fluttershy then flew off to go catch them.

Storm just watched them for a few seconds before he decided to leave…

"Oh, Storm!" said Fluttershy as she flew back, "I wanted to ask if you could help me with the girls...if...uh...Rarity doesn't mind...I see you're about too..."

"Yes, darling! You can go help her." Rarity said quickly before pushing Storm out the door, “I’m very busy, and I’m sure Storm will have far more fun helping you than watching me sew. So ta-ta!”

The door slammed behind him, leaving Storm standing on the front step, momentarily stunned.

“So...” Fluttershy asked, her eyes wide and hopeful as she looked up at him. “Will you help me, big brother?”

Storm blinked, then let out a quiet laugh, his features softening into a kind smile. “How could I say no to you, little sister?” he replied. “Let’s go make sure those three don’t bring your cottage down.”

Fluttershy giggled as they headed back to her cottage once they had caught up with the three fillies. The three fillies were still ahead of the two adults as Fluttershy flew excitedly behind them and Storm was running alongside the yellow Pegasus at a decent pace.

"Oh won't this be ever so fun?" said Fluttershy giddily as Storm smiled. "We can have a nice little tea party, and sit quietly and color, and tell each other fairy tales, and-"

"Oh Fluttershy," Storm sighed to himself.

He knew well that Sweetie Belle might be the only one remotely interested in a tea party or fairy tales. Apple Bloom could be convinced, but Scootaloo? Good luck getting her to sit quietly and color. You would need a miracle—or duct tape—to sit quietly long enough to color anything. Fluttershy’s idyllic plans seemed woefully out of sync with what the Cutie Mark Crusaders were likely plotting.

The three fillies continued zooming ahead, their hooves clattering against the road as laughter echoed in the air. They were moving so fast they nearly bowled Twilight Sparkle over as she walked along the path toward the Everfree Forest.

“Hello, Fluttershy! Hello, Storm!” Twilight greeted, waving them down.

“Oh! Hello, Twilight,” Fluttershy said warmly, slowing her pace.

“Hey, Twi!” Storm called, giving her a quick nod as he caught up.

"I'm heading to the Everfree Forest to Zecora's to get some of my favorite tea," said Twilight.

"Th-The Everfree Forest?" Fluttershy exclaimed worriedly. "Ah, you'll be careful, won't you?" Fluttershy asked the purple pony.

"Of course! How about you two?" Twilight asked curiously, "What are you doing with the girls?" The three fillies poked their heads from behind the water well.

"Rarity has a big order to fill tonight, so I volunteered to take the girls to my cottage for a sleepover," said Fluttershy, "And Storm was kind enough to offer me a hoof.."

Twilight raised an eyebrow, her expression somewhere between impressed and concerned. “Wow, sounds like everypony has their hooves full today. Taking care of those three all by yourself? And, Storm, it’s been a while since you’ve done any ‘foalsitting.’ You sure you’re ready for this?”

The three fillies stepped out from their hiding spot, wearing wide, innocent smiles as imaginary halos seemed to appear above their heads.

“What? These sweet little angels?” Fluttershy said with a playful grin, gesturing toward the Crusaders.

Storm rolled his eyes but smirked. “Oh yeah, real angels—if angels had a knack for property damage.”

Twilight chuckled, shaking her head. “Well, good luck to both of you.” She gave them a quick wave and headed on her way.

As Twilight disappeared down the path, Fluttershy noticed the way Storm’s expression shifted, his brow furrowing slightly in thought.

“She’ll be okay,” Fluttershy said softly, her tone gentle and reassuring. “Twilight can take care of herself.”

“I know,” Storm replied, his voice quieter than usual. “But I can’t help feeling like... if something were to happen and I wasn’t there...” He trailed off, his ears flicking back slightly.

Fluttershy smiled warmly, her gaze steady. “You care about her, don’t you?”

Storm’s ears twitched, and his cheeks turned a faint shade of pink. He let out a small, resigned sigh. “Yeah... I do.”

“She’ll be fine,” Fluttershy reassured him, giving him a comforting pat on the shoulder. “And who knows? After the Gala, you might have the perfect moment to tell her how you feel.”

Storm gave a soft chuckle, the tension easing from his posture. “That’s not a bad idea, actually.”

Before he could say more, a tiny voice piped up from his back.

“But for now, you’re my date for the evening, okay, handsome?” Sweetie Belle declared dramatically, perched on Storm’s back and grinning ear to ear.

Storm blinked, then laughed, shaking his head. “Well, how can I say no to that, Miss Belle?” he said, playing along.

Sweetie Belle squealed in delight, holding onto his mane as he began trotting forward. “Hold on tight,” he added with a smile.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo raced ahead, their laughter filling the air, while Fluttershy giggled softly at the scene.

“You’re just too soft, Storm,” Fluttershy teased lightly.

“Maybe,” Storm said with a smirk. “But I’d say that’s one of my better traits.”

As they neared the cottage, the three fillies were already bursting with ideas for their next grand adventure.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders bug hunters!” Apple Bloom suggested, her eyes shining with excitement.

“Nah, what about stunt flyers?” Scootaloo countered, flapping her wings enthusiastically.

“Oooh, or Cutie Mark Crusaders tea party planners!” Sweetie Belle threw in, her innocent suggestion earning a groan from Scootaloo.

Storm exchanged a knowing look with Fluttershy and gave her a playful wink. “Something tells me you’re going to have your hooves full tonight.”

Fluttershy’s calm smile never wavered. “Oh, I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

Storm chuckled, shaking his head. “Famous last words, Fluttershy. Famous last words.”

(Scene changes)

Unknown to the five ponies, they were being observed through Nemesis’s orb. Several Darkballs hovered near the edges of the vision, their glowing yellow, pupil-less eyes fixated on the scene. Their spherical bodies, pitch black with streaks of dark blue, pulsated ominously. Their jagged mouths twisted and opened sporadically, exposing eerie blue interiors. Thick, black-and-blue tentacles with frayed pink tips sprouted from their bodies, two writhing above and one below, swaying as if waiting for a command.

From his throne, Nemesis watched with a wicked smile curling across his face. The sight of Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shadow mingling with their friends stirred a dark idea in his mind.

"Ah, so they're planning a little gathering," Nemesis mused, standing up from his seat of power and striding past his subservient minions. “If they want to indulge in this charade of camaraderie,” he continued, his claws flexing slowly, “why not make it... memorable?”

As he spoke, Nemesis held out his clawed right hand, summoning a dark creature that flew from the shadows of the chamber toward him. The creature was a horrifying hybrid of chicken and serpent: a cockatrice. Its eyes gleamed with malevolent power as it hissed, flapping its leathery wings in Nemesis's palm.

“Ah, my lovely little monster,” Nemesis said, his tone mockingly sweet as he cradled the cockatrice in his massive claw. “You’ve served me well before. Now, I have a new game for you. Seek out Twilight Sparkle... and leave her frozen.”

The cockatrice hissed in understanding, eager to fulfill its master’s cruel bidding. With a beat of its wings, it took off, flying out of the chamber and into the night, bound for the Everfree Forest.

Nemesis turned to the Darkballs lurking nearby. "And you two," he ordered, pointing at them with an air of authority, "follow the cockatrice. Once Storm is out in the open, bring him to me. It’s time to remind him of the power he’s dealing with."

The creatures exchanged sinister glances, nodding in acknowledgment before slipping into the shadows, their forms vanishing as they followed the cockatrice to lay the trap.

Nemesis returned to his throne, watching the orb with a smirk. "Now then, let’s see how you handle this Storm." His low, dark laughter filled the eerie chamber, echoing through the fog as his plan set itself in motion.

(Scene changes)

Soon the five ponies made it to Fluttershy's cottage. They settled down right away as Fluttershy closed the top half of her front door. Crickets were chirping quietly and an owl started to hoot as day turned into nighttime outside the house. Some of the animals and birds were chattering about as the fillies began to explore the living room.

"Wow! Look at this place!" said Sweetie Belle excitedly, "What's that? Are those chickens?"

The three fillies began to chatter loudly as they zipped about, hooves clattering as they ran across the floor and even in between Fluttershy and Storm a couple of times.

"No...problem at all," said Fluttershy to herself and then addressed the three fillies, "Okay, uh, girls, what should we do?"

"I'm gonna get my cutie mark first!" Scootaloo said boldly.

"Girls?" Fluttershy called out.

"Nuh-uh!" Sweetie Belle retorted.

"Should we-" Fluttershy tried to suggest but was interrupted again.

"I am!" Apple Boom protested, ignoring Fluttershy's suggestion.

"Girls, okay, now settle-"

"I'm staying up all night!" Scootaloo shouted excitedly, her eyes rolling about as she scared Angel right off his cushion.

"Me, too!" said Apple Bloom as she jumped on.

"Me, three!" said Sweetie Belle as she hopped on the cushion as well.

Storm leaned next to Fluttershy and whispered, “I can step in anytime. A good train toot from my horn might get their attention.”

Fluttershy smiled nervously, her wings twitching slightly. “I-I got this. Don’t worry, Storm,” she whispered back, though even she sounded unsure.

"I-I know you're excited, but-girls," said Fluttershy gently until she saw Apple Bloom teetering dangerously, "oh, oh, careful with the-oh, ah, girls-" Fluttershy then saw Sweetie Belle had gotten her nose stuck inside of one of the birdhouses hanging above.

Storm sighed and stepped forward. “Sweetie Belle, get out of there before you scare the poor birds—or break their house. Trust me, I knew a beagle once who did that, and let’s just say it didn’t end well for the birdhouse.”

Sweetie Belle managed to free her nose without much trouble, giggling sheepishly as the three fillies finally settled down on the sofa. Fluttershy blew a strand of her soft pink mane from her face, looking slightly relieved.

"So, what do you wanna do? Play a game?" Fluttershy offered.

"We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" said Scootaloo as she appeared next to Fluttershy.

"And we want to crusade for our cutie marks!" said Apple Bloom on the other side of Fluttershy.

"And, and, and, we...um-" Sweetie Belle stuttered as she appeared above Fluttershy, "yeah! What they said!"

Storm groaned softly, rubbing his forehead. “Dear Celestia, these girls are like Rainbow Dash and Twilight rolled into one. Once they’ve got a goal in mind, you’d need a small miracle to derail them.”

Fluttershy pondered for a moment, then leaned toward Storm and whispered, “I have an idea.” She straightened up and addressed the fillies with a gentle smile. “Mmm, I don’t know. How about a nice, quiet little tea party?”

Storm raised an eyebrow and leaned in closer to Fluttershy. “That’s your brilliant idea?” he asked quietly, his voice tinged with amusement. “Do you know who you’re dealing with?”

"Or...we could go adventuring in the Everfree Forest!" Scootaloo suggested.

"Yeah," said Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle as the three fillies charged for the front door.

"Oh no! The Everfree Forest is much too dangerous," said Fluttershy, "It's filled with far too many dangerous creatures."

"But you could go with us," Sweetie Belle suggested, "and we could catch those creatures."

"I've always wanted to see Storm battle an Everfree Forest creature," said Apple Bloom, "Applejack told me how he faced a Hydra single handedly and won. Especially those shadowy creatures led by their king, Nemesis."

At the mention of Nemesis, Storm stiffened, his jaw tightening slightly. His eyes darkened as he turned toward the fillies. “Girls,” he said sternly, his voice calm but firm, “fighting an Everfree Forest creature is one thing, but Nemesis is not some campfire story to tell for fun. What he did to Cloudsdale...” Storm paused, his expression hardening. “He’s a monster, plain and simple. And trust me—you don’t want to cross his path.”

Fluttershy nodded in agreement, her voice soft but resolute. “Storm’s right. You never know what might happen in the forest. It’s better to stay safe.”

"YAY! CUTIE MARK CRUSADER CREATURE CATCHERS!" they screamed at the top of their lungs, making Fluttershy and Storm lean back.

"Indoor voices please, girls." Storm warned.

"Sorry," they said quickly before Apple Bloom and Scootaloo grabbed carpet and covered themselves with it.

"Arrrr! I am a dangerous creature from the Everfree forest! Rrrarrr!" said Scootaloo, trying to sound menacing as Sweetie Belle stood before the creature.

"Halt, dangerous creature of the Everfree Forest," said Sweetie Belle bravely, "I am Sweetie Belle, the creature catcher, and I'm here to catch you!"

"You can never catch me! I'm far too powerful and dangerous!" said Scootaloo.

"You cannot run from me!" Sweetie Belle gave Storm.

"Raaar!" Scootaloo roared as she began to Storm Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle just giggled. As Scootaloo continued to roar, even she was giggling as well.

Storm chuckled at their antics, his calm demeanor masking the growing concern building in the back of his mind. Fluttershy, however, wasn’t quite as amused. She fidgeted nervously, her eyes darting to the furniture and fragile décor around the room.

"Um, oh, maybe that's not such a-" Fluttershy tried to warn but noticed that the three fillies weren't listening, "now girls, how about we do some nice coloring? Doh-" Fluttershy flinched as they barely missed knocking something over. Storm was now concerned.

Storm stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. “Alright, I think that’s enough, girls. How about we try some coloring instead? You could draw what you think your cutie marks will look like!”

The fillies, lost in their game, didn’t seem to hear him.

"Come back, dangerous creature, so I can catch you!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Never!" said Scootaloo as Sweetie Belle jumped on a small side table.

Storm could see what would happen next.

"Careful..." said Fluttershy, "...you don't..."

CRASH!

Too late...

"...break anything..." said Fluttershy wearily as her side table was destroyed and the vase on top of it smashed beyond repair.

"Sorry, Fluttershy," said Sweetie Belle sadly.

"Yeah, sorry," said Scootaloo in the same tone.

"I guess we aren't creature catchers," Apple Bloom added in the same tone.

Storm just sighed.

"Oh, girls, it's okay," said Fluttershy gently, "I-"

"I know!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, "We could be Cutie Mark Carpenters!"

"C-carpenters?" Fluttershy stuttered as the three zoomed away and returned with a toolbox.

"Oh boy." Storm said with an exasperated look.

The Crusaders, oblivious to his worry, jumped right into their carpentry "operation." They worked like an assembly line, calling out for tools as though they were surgeons performing a delicate procedure. Unfortunately, they weren’t even sure what they were building.

"Hammer!" said Apple Bloom.

"Hammer," Scootaloo replied as she passed a hammer to Sweetie Belle and then Sweetie Belle gave it to Apple Bloom.

"Hammer!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Hammer," Scootaloo replied as she gave Sweetie Belle a hammer.

"Hammer!" Scootaloo told herself as she grabbed her own.

"Hammer," she repeated once it was tucked into her mouth.

Storm and Fluttershy exchanged wide-eyed looks as the sound of hammering, clattering, sawing, and even the unmistakable rat-a-tat of a jackhammer echoed through the cottage. The chaos shook the room, knocking Fluttershy off balance and leaving Storm to steady her with his magic.

When the noise finally ceased, the fillies stepped back to reveal their creation: a lopsided, splintered wooden structure with no discernible purpose.

"Um...that doesn't look like a table?" said Sweetie Belle.

"We were making a table?" Scootaloo exclaimed.

Storm let out a low groan, staring at the disaster before them. “I don’t know what’s worse,” he muttered to himself, “the fact that they tried to build something without a single plan, or that they somehow made it worse by working together.”

"Somepony needs to put this thing out of its misery," said Apple Bloom.

"Agreed." Storm muttered.

"We are definitely not Cutie Mark Carpenters," said Scootaloo.

"Who wants a picture of a hammer on their flank anyway?" Sweetie Belle remarked as Fluttershy pulled the "table" away and left Storm to repair it.

“Well, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way,” Fluttershy said as she approached the three fillies seated on the sofa, “how about a game?”

"A game?" Apple Bloom asked puzzled as the three fillies were now seated on the sofa.

"It's called "Shhh!"," Fluttershy told them as Storm , who had already finished repairing the side table, was standing nearby.

"What's that?" said Scootaloo.

"Well, it's a game about who can be quiet the longest," said Fluttershy, "Sound fun? I'm the world champ, you know."

“That’s true,” Storm said with a small chuckle. “I’ve seen her go hours without making a sound—even when Rainbow Dash wouldn’t stop talking.”

"I bet you can't beat me!" Fluttershy gave a light squee before taking a deep breath. The silence lasted no more than about three seconds.

"I lose!" said Scootaloo as she zipped away.

"Me too!" Sweetie Belle added before taking off as well.

"Me three!" said Apple Bloom as she did the same. Fluttershy just sighed as she released her breath as the three fillies began to zoom about again.

"Okay, now what can we do?" Apple Bloom thought and then got an idea as she rushed inside of Fluttershy's un-lit fireplace, "How about Cutie Mark Coal Miners?"

"Yeah!" they all said excitedly as once, their faces and bodies covered in chimney soot.

"No!" Fluttershy and Storm snapped firmly together.

"Awwww!" The three fillies groaned to themselves.

"I mean, it's time for bed," said Fluttershy as the three fillies walked past her, now clean, "don't you think? Aren't you excited to get all toasty and warm in your snuggly wuggly-widdle beds?"

"Snuggly-wuggly?" said Apple Bloom indignantly, "But we have more crusading to do!"

"We've got plans!" said Scootaloo.

"And capes!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Um, okay, um. Maybe the crusading can wait until morning?" Fluttershy suggested as she guided the fillies up the stairs to the guest bedroom, "When it's light? And...not so dark?" The three fillies were still glum as they gathered around a bed large enough for all three of them to sleep in.

“You should listen to Fluttershy,” Storm said, “You never know what kind of creatures are out there at night.”

"But how are we gonna find our special talent in our sleep?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Maybe you'll have a lovely little dream about your special talent," said Fluttershy as she blew out the candle to darken the room. The three fillies climbed into the bed and under the covers.

"But we're not even tired!" Scootaloo protested.

"How about I sing you a lullaby?" said Fluttershy as Storm stood next to her.

"Mm-hmm, yeah!" said the three fillies. Fluttershy cleared her throat.

[Fluttershy]

Hush now, quiet now

It's time to lay your sleepy head

Hush now, quiet now

It's time to go to bed

Storm sighed contentedly, his eyes half-closing as he leaned against the doorframe. “Always loved your voice, Fluttershy,” he said softly.

"I know this one!" said Sweetie Belle excitedly.

"Oh how wonderful!" said Fluttershy, "Why don't you sing it with me?"

Storm’s expression shifted to one of mild concern as he noticed Scootaloo and Apple Bloom exchange knowing smirks and subtly plug their ears. Sweetie Belle cleared her throat dramatically and launched into her own rendition: [Sweetie Belle]

Hush now! Quiet now!

It's time to lay your sleepy head!

Said hush now! Quiet now!

It's time to go to bed!

"Okay Sweetie, that was..." Fluttershy tried to comment, but Sweetie wasn't going to stop

[Sweetie Belle]

Driftin' (driftin') off to sleep!

Exciting day behind you!

Driftin' (driftin') off to sleep!

Let the joy of dream land find you!

"Thank you Sweetie, um..." said Fluttershy, trying to get Sweetie Belle to stop.

[Sweetie Belle]

Hush now! Quiet now!

Lay your sleepy head!

Said hush now! Quiet now!

It's time to do to bed!

Ow!

Sweetie sang so loudly that the entire house shook, knocking items off the wall shelves, and many of the animals, including some of the chickens outside, we're startled by the noise. Sweetie Belle's singing certainly wasn't bad, at least according to Storm, but that felt more like a Gospel performance rather than a sleepy time lullaby.

Even after it seemed that the three fillies had fallen asleep, the chickens were still clucking and flapping about frantically.

"What was that?" said Scootaloo as she and the rest of the fillies woke up.

Fluttershy and Storm barely finished putting back all the things that had fallen from the shelves thanks to Sweetie Belle's solo when they noticed the bed was empty. Fluttershy gasped as she saw them already outside the house and in her backyard.

"Girls!" Fluttershy exclaimed from upstairs.

"Fluttershy, your chickens are on the loose!" Apple Bloom told her.

"I wonder what could have caused that," Sweetie Belle pondered to herself as Scootaloo and Apple Bloom just gave her both dirty looks.

"Don't worry, Fluttershy," said Scootaloo, "the Cutie Mark Crusaders will handle this!"

"Cutie Mark Crusader chicken herders! Yay!" they said loudly, but not as loudly as before as they zipped away with a rush of air and soon chickens were clucking about as the three fillies gave Storm.

"No, I don't think that's a-" But Fluttershy was too late as the girls were already on their way towards the chicken coop.

“Girls wait-! Ugghh” Storm groaned before he ushered her downstairs and out of the house so they could put a stop to the trouble.

“-Ah, come back, please!” Fluttershy pleaded as the chickens scattered. The three fillies were already giggling and chasing the birds around the yard, their hooves kicking up dust.

“Come on, girls,” Storm called out, his voice calm but edged with authority. “The chickens are fine—oh, girls, listen—”

"Girls!" Fluttershy said sternly and loud enough to make them stop running about.

Storm then stomped his hoof sternly as the three girls stood side by side next to him, not saying another word. Fluttershy went to settle the frazzled chickens as she clucked to make them settle down. All but three chickens would enter their hut.

"Come on, in you go," said Fluttershy, but the chickens ignored her. Fluttershy, who had had enough of being ignored, gave her chickens ...the Stare. Eerie music could be heard as the chicken froze in place a bit. Even the three fillies were in awe as Fluttershy's Stare made the chickens walk backwards side by side into their coop.

“If you think that’s scary,” Storm said, glancing at the fillies with a raised eyebrow, “imagine being the one on the receiving end of it. That’s where you’re headed if you don’t settle down and behave.”

The fillies gulped and nodded silently.

"There's some good chickens," said Fluttershy before turning to the other fillies, "Okay, you three. Isn't it about time you got to bed?"

"But-"

"Please?" said Fluttershy, nearly pleading.

Storm stepped forward, his expression calm but firm. “You know,” he said, his voice low but commanding, “you three always tell me how much you hate it when ponies don’t listen to you. Yet that’s all you’ve been doing to Fluttershy and me all night.” He looked at each of them in turn. “If you want others to listen to you, you need to show the same respect to them. You’ll have plenty of time to crusade in the morning—and if you listen to us, we might even help you with your cutie marks. But for now, it’s time for bed. Got it?”

The three fillies looked at one another, then nodded slowly.

Fluttershy guided them back inside and tucked them into the large bed. “So no more crusading for tonight, all right?”

“Please stay in the bedroom unless you need something,” Storm added firmly. “And keep it quiet.”

“Yes, Fluttershy and Storm,” Scootaloo said.

“We promise, Fluttershy and Storm!” Sweetie Belle said earnestly.

“Good night, Fluttershy and Storm!” Apple Bloom chimed in.

As Fluttershy blew out the candle, she and Storm quietly left the room. Storm cast a skeptical glance back at the fillies before shutting the door.

He leaned toward Fluttershy as they made their way downstairs. “They’re fake sleeping,” he murmured, smirking slightly.

Fluttershy sighed. “Let’s just hope your words sank in.”

Storm chuckled softly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of worry. “Let’s hope they at least listen to me this time,” he thought.

The moment they heard no more hoofsteps, the fillies opened their eyes and sat up in bed.

"Okay, so what kind of crusading do we do next?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"There's not much we can do from this room..." Apple Bloom pondered, "unless we become Cutie Mark Crusader cottage cleaners."

"N-no, thanks," said Sweetie Belle, not liking the idea at all.

"Well, we have to think of somethin'," said Apple Bloom, "We can't just waste this opportunity to find out what our special talents are."

"I don't know," said Sweetie Belle, "Storm seemed pretty upset earlier with us..."

"Oh you just don't want to disappoint your boyfriend," Scootaloo teased.

"Hey, at least I have one!" Sweetie Belle retorted indignantly.

"Yuck! I don't want none of that mushy stuff!" Scootaloo retorted, showing her age.

"Hey girls! Look!" said Apple Bloom as she stood outside their window. Part of the wired fence was broken and there were chicken footprints leading away from the coop, "Some of the chickens may have escaped!"

"Into the forest!" Sweetie Belle added as she saw the trail of chicken feet prints heading in that area.

"Cutie Mark Crusaders chicken rescuers are a go!" they whispered to each other.

They slowly made their way downstairs and into the living room.

(Scene changes)

By now, Storm had returned home and Fluttershy was just reclining peacefully on her sofa, feeling very pleased with herself.

"It really wasn't that hard," said Fluttershy to herself with a sigh as her eyes were half-closed. As she spoke, the three fillies sneaked past her and out the back door, "Nothing's gonna get past Fluttershy! Good with animals, good with kids. And Storm was so worried when he left. Well it seems he had nothing to worry about."

Outside, the three fillies were quietly galloping towards the Everfree Forest. They had also donned their capes before heading out. As they passed a particular wooden post, Scootaloo's cape got caught. While she managed to break free, her cape tore in the process.

"Wait up!" Scootaloo whispered loudly and went to catch up with the other fillies.

(Scene changes)

Meanwhile, Fluttershy had fallen asleep on her sofa.

"Mmm, peace and quiet," said Fluttershy, but then she realized that wasn't a good thing, "Too quiet." Fluttershy rushed upstairs to find the guest bed empty. She then looked outside and found the broken fence and chicken feet prints. She rushed outside and headed towards her chicken coop.

"Girls? Girls?" Fluttershy called out as she peaked inside the coop. That was when she noticed one of her chicken nests was empty, "Elizabeak! She's missing! Girls?" Fluttershy then followed the feet prints and noticed there were some hoof prints next to it and the torn piece of Scootaloo's cape.

"Oh no!" she exclaimed, "They must have gone looking for my missing chicken! Which means...they must have gone into..." Fluttershy gasped and then gulped, "...The Everfree Forest!"

(Scene changes)

Several minutes later, Fluttershy paced nervously back and forth in front of her cottage, her wings twitching anxiously. She had sent a letter to Storm via one of her birds, urging him to return immediately.

It wasn’t long before Storm arrived, his expression a mixture of worry and determination as he landed gracefully in front of her.

“Fluttershy, what’s going on? Are the girls okay?” Storm asked, his tone urgent.

Fluttershy looked at him with wide, tearful eyes. “Those girls have really done it this time! They’ve bitten off more than they can chew, and it’s all my fault!” Her voice cracked as she continued. “I never should have offered to watch them. I thought I could handle it, but I couldn’t!”

“Fluttershy, this isn’t your fault,” Storm said gently, placing a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. “Those girls just don’t know when to quit. I should have been firmer with them, but I didn’t want to be that pony—the bossy foal-sitter who ruins their fun.” He sighed, his ears drooping slightly. “I guess I wanted to be like a certain foalsitter and friend of mine.”

Fluttershy shook her head. “You were only trying to respect my decision to handle things on my own,” she said softly. “I was the one who told you to step back, even when I really needed you to intervene.”

Storm gave her a small, understanding smile. “Maybe. But let’s face it—we were both way over our heads tonight.” His tone shifted, becoming more focused. “We can sort that out later. Right now, we need to find those three before they end up in real danger.”

Fluttershy took a deep breath, steeling herself. “You’re right. We have to bring them back safely. No more hesitation.”

“That’s the spirit,” Storm said, his eyes glinting with determination. “Come on. Let’s bring those crusaders home.”

Together, they turned toward the dark, foreboding path leading into the Everfree Forest. Fluttershy hesitated for just a moment before Storm gave her a reassuring nod.

(Scene changes)

Meanwhile, the three fillies were hot on the trail of the renegade chicken. Apple Bloom was trying to call out to it.

"Here, chick-chick-chick-chick-chick!" Apple Bloom called out, "Brawk, bawk-bawk-bawk, brawk!"

"What are you doing?" Scootaloo asked in annoyance.

"Callin' for the chicken!" said Apple Bloom.

"That's not how to call a chicken," Scootaloo protested.

"Oh, and you know how to call a chicken?" Apple Bloom asked indignantly.

"I know that's not the way," said Scootaloo in the same tone.

"Then show me," Apple Bloom said in annoyance.

"I don't have to show you!" Scootaloo retorted.

"You're just a chicken!" Apple Bloom shot back.

"Am not!" Scootaloo protested.

"Oh wait, now I know how to call a chicken!" said Apple Bloom, "Scootaloo! Scoot-scootalooooo!"

That was when they passed a dark hole that had some creepy looking eyes staring at them, but neither filly noticed them.

"That's so funny I forgot to laugh," said Scootaloo sarcastically.

"You also forgot how to call a chicken," Apple Bloom pointed out.

"Why, you..." Scootaloo snarled as Apple Bloom gave the pegasus filly a raspberry.

"Come on, guys," said Sweetie Belle, "we're not gonna find the chicken or our cutie marks by arguing."

Little did Sweetie Belle know that the wind made a tree branch that looked like a giant claw lean towards her as if to grab her, but she was so focused on making her two friends stop fighting that she never saw it.

"Maybe that's our special talent," Apple Bloom suggested, "Arguin'!"

"Is not!" said Scootaloo.

"Is too!" Apple Bloom protested.

"Is not!"

"Is too! Anything yet?"

Scootaloo checked her flank but there was nothing.

"Nope," Scootaloo answered.

"Darn," said Apple Bloom. The two just looked at each other and began to giggle to each other. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to have a cutie mark in arguing, who know what it would look like…. An ominous wind continued to blow though their pathway as the three fillies continued their search.

"Heeeere, chick-chick-chick-chick," Apple Bloom continued to chant, "baaawk, bawk-bawk-bawk-bawk-bawk-bawk-bawk, b-baaaaawk!"

As they pressed onward, they had no idea that the Darkball appered behind them as the monsters watched the three fillies leave twitching in anticipation.

(Scene changes)

Fluttershy and Storm cautiously made their way through the Everfree Forest, their hooves crunching softly against the underbrush. While Storm scanned their surroundings with sharp, focused eyes, showing no trace of fear, Fluttershy found it much harder to do the same. Her eyes darted at every rustle, her wings twitching nervously.

“Girls?” Fluttershy called out in a trembling whisper. “Girls?” She froze when she thought she heard something in the shadows and gave a soft squeak, shrinking into herself.

Storm stepped closer and gently wrapped a wing around her. “It’s okay, Fluttershy,” he said in a soothing tone. “Big brother’s here. I’ve got your back.”

Fluttershy took a shaky breath and nodded. “You’re right,” she said, mostly to herself. She stood a little straighter, trying to muster courage. “Get a hold of yourself, Fluttershy. Storm’s here for you. Just put one hoof in front of the other. You can do this.”

She took a step forward, but her hoof landed on a twig with a loud snap.

“Ahh! What was that?!” Fluttershy cried, jumping back in fright. She backed up so quickly that she bumped into a tree. With a startled scream, she zipped off in a rush of air, galloping blindly through the forest.

“Fluttershy!” Storm called, immediately chasing after her. His hooves pounded the ground as he followed her panicked trail, his voice steady but firm. “It’s just a twig! Slow down before you hurt yourself!”

Fluttershy eventually skidded to a halt, her breathing ragged, just as she spotted something in the distance. Storm caught up and stood beside her, his own breath steady.

“Twilight? I-Is that you?” Fluttershy asked, squinting through the dim light.

Storm’s eyes narrowed as he took a step forward. “Twily?” he called, his voice tinged with both hope and concern.

“Oh, Twilight, it is you!” Fluttershy said with relief, rushing forward. “Thank goodness you’re here. I need your help. The girls are out here somewhere, and I’m afraid that they’re—”

Her words died in her throat as the moon slipped out from behind a cloud, illuminating the figure in front of them. Both ponies gasped in horror.

Twilight stood completely still, her entire body turned to stone. Her once-vibrant colors were replaced with a dull, lifeless grey.

"Oh! What happened to you?" Fluttershy asked, placing a hoof on Twilight, only for her to tumble over to the side.

Storm just looked in shock. He could see what had happened to her and lowered his head as he sat next to her.

"Oh, no!" said Fluttershy, "If you've been turned to stone, it must mean-oh!" Fluttershy realized a horrible truth, "Oh no, the girls! Don't move. I'll be back for you. Girls!"

Fluttershy then ran off when she realized that someone was missing. Fluttershy turned around and saw Storm still sitting before the petrified Twilight.

"Storm, we need to hurry and find the...girls..." Fluttershy lifted his head. A pained look was across his face as hot tears were pouring from his eyes.

"No, no no no no no no no, this can’t be happening!" Storm screamed.

"Storm, please calm down, there's no time..."

“I should’ve gone with her!” Storm suddenly snapped, his voice filled with self-recrimination. “I could’ve protected her! I could’ve stopped this! But I stayed behind, and now…” His voice broke, and hot tears spilled down his cheeks. “I never even told her how much she means to me…”

Fluttershy knelt in front of him, tilting his chin with her hoof so their eyes met. “Storm, listen to me,” she said firmly, her voice steady despite her own fear. “Twilight won’t stay this way forever. This can be fixed. But right now, there are three fillies out here who need us. If we don’t act now, the same thing—or worse—could happen to them.”

Storm sniffed and blinked rapidly, forcing himself to focus. “A… cockatrice?” he asked, his voice regaining some of its steadiness.

“Yes,” Fluttershy confirmed. “I’ll explain on the way, but we don’t have time to lose. We have to find them now.”

Storm nodded and wiped his tears away with a quick swipe of his hoof. As he stood, his sharp gaze caught movement among the trees. He squinted, his eyes narrowing further as he spotted several shadowy forms floating through the forest.

“Wait,” Storm said, pointing with his hoof. “Those… I don’t know what they are, but they don’t look friendly. Could they be with Nemesis?”

Fluttershy followed his gaze, her breath catching as she spotted the strange, floating creatures with glowing yellow eyes.

“You don’t think they’re… after the girls too?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Storm’s jaw clenched as he took a determined step forward. “We don’t have any time to lose. If those things are heading for the fillies, we need to stop them before they do.”

Fluttershy nodded, her resolve hardening as she turned toward the trail.

Storm hesitated for a moment, looking back at Twilight’s petrified form. He leaned down, pressing his muzzle gently against her cheek.

“I’ll come back for you, Twily,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I promise.”

With that, he turned and followed Fluttershy into the forest, his heart heavy but his resolve unshaken.

(Scene changes)

As for the three fillies, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were still fighting.

"Is not!" said Apple Bloom.

"Is too!" Scootaloo shot back.

"Is not!"

"Is too!"

"Girls!" Sweetie Belle snapped, "Our special talent is not arguing. Besides, what would the cutie mark of somepony whose talent is arguing even look like?"

Sweetie Belle’s rant was cut short when she bumped into something in front of her. She froze, looking up to find a very familiar pony glaring down at her with stern eyes.

“You’re better off guessing the cutie mark of three disobedient little fillies,” Storm said firmly, his tone low and steady, but laced with disappointment.

"Uh-oh," said Sweetie Belle.

"Girls? Girls?" said someone from above. The three fillies looked up and saw Fluttershy flying from above.

"Fluttershy?" Sweetie Belle called out as the yellow Pegasus landed next to Storm.

"Girls! Thank goodness we found you!" Fluttershy said with relief.

"Fluttershy, what-" Apple Bloom tried to ask.

"Girls, we have to leave the forest at once!" Fluttershy told them, cutting off Apple Bloom as she made them back up a few steps.

"But...we haven't found the chicken yet!" Sweetie Belle protested.

"There's no time for that," said Fluttershy, "There's a cockatrice on the loose! And so are the creatures!"

"A cocka-what now?" Apple Bloom asked confused before she realized something. "Wait, did you say the creatures?!"

"A cockatrice!" said Fluttershy, "It's a frightening creature with the head of a chicken and the body of a snake. And yes, the creatures are here too. Now come on!"

"The head of a chicken and the body of a snake?" said Scootaloo, as they began to walk away from Fluttershy, "that doesn't sound scary, that's sounds silly."

"Oh the joys of being innocent," Storm muttered with an irritated eye roll.

"Why, if I ever saw one of them cockathingies face-to-face along with the creatures varmints," said Apple Bloom, "I laugh at how silly it was!"

“Don’t even think about it, Apple Bloom,” Storm warned, his voice sharp.

"No! Never look one in the eye!" said Fluttershy as the landed in front of them.

"If you look a cockatrice in the eye-" Storm tried to warn just as the chicken walked by.

"The chicken!" Apple Bloom shouted as they went after it.

"Girls! Wait!" Fluttershy and Storm shouted as the three girls raced ahead.

"Here, chick-chick-chick-chick-chick!" the three fillies called out as they gave Storm and heard the chicken clucking again. Then they heard a loud growl as well before a chicken head popped out of another bush.

"There he is!" said Sweetie Belle, not even realizing the chicken was a she. The chicken jumped and disappeared when Scootaloo saw another chicken head in the bushes.

"Two chickens?" said Scootaloo.

"I thought only one escaped!" said Apple Bloom.

“Only one did,” Storm said grimly, his expression darkening. “That second one is—”

“Grab them both!” Sweetie Belle shouted excitedly.

“GIRLS, NO!” Storm yelled, his voice booming.

As the fillies approached, the “second chicken” emerged fully from the bush. Its head was avian, but its long, scaly body was unmistakably serpentine. The cockatrice gave a loud squawk-roar, its glowing red eyes locking onto the real chicken.

The poor bird squawked in terror, flapping in circles before the cockatrice fixed it with its deadly gaze. In seconds, the chicken turned to stone, its petrified form toppling into the soft soil.

The three fillies froze, their bravery evaporating in an instant.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!” they screamed, running blindly through a nearby bush.

Their panicked flight was short-lived as Scootaloo tripped over a rock, sending all three tumbling to the ground. As they looked up, their eyes landed on a chilling sight: Twilight’s stone form, a slimy snail crawling across her petrified face.

“See?” Fluttershy said, landing nearby. “This is why—”

Before she could finish, a swirling dark portal appeared ahead of them, and two Darkballs floated out, their glowing yellow eyes piercing through the gloom as they screeched.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!” the fillies screamed again, scattering in different directions.

“Girls, please!” Fluttershy begged, her voice strained as she tried to corral them. “Girls—listen to me! I—please!”

Storm’s gaze hardened as he stepped between the Darkballs and the fleeing fillies. His horn sparked to life, and two shimmering auric hands materialized and took out his katanas.

“If you’re looking for a fight,” Storm said coldly, his stance shifting into a ready position, “then let’s dance.”

The Darkballs screeched and charged. The first lunged, its jaws snapping, but Storm leapt over it with ease, delivering a powerful kick that sent it crashing into the ground. The second creature rushed at his back, but Storm twisted, shoving one of his blades into its mouth, stopping it mid-attack.

The first Darkball recovered and began spinning wildly, its erratic movements creating a vortex of dark energy as it flew toward Storm. He planted his hooves firmly, gripping his swords tightly.

“You’re not fast enough,” Storm muttered, waiting for the perfect moment. As the creature lunged, he sidestepped and delivered a precise strike, sending it tumbling into the second Darkball.

“Stay behind me, Fluttershy!” Storm called over his shoulder, his voice steady despite the chaos. “I’ll hold them off!”

It was just than the cockatrice arrived, looking to attack.

"Girls! Behind me, now!" Fluttershy ordered and the three fillies obeyed.

The chicken hybrid beast noticed the four girls nearby and took off after them. the cockatrice started squawking and roaring at the girls, Fluttershy narrowed her brow. Storm knew what was coming next and he was not gonna get caught in the crossfire again.

"You!" Fluttershy said sternly, "Just who do you think you are, going around and turning others into stone?"

The cockatrice froze mid-strike, clearly caught off guard. It blinked once, then narrowed its glowing eyes, attempting to reassert its dominance.

"You should be ashamed of yourself," Fluttershy continued, making eye contact with it despite knowing that it was causing her back legs and tail to become stone, "I have a mind to find your mother and tell her what you've been up to, young man."

How Fluttershy knew the cockatrice was a boy was anyone's guess. The cockatrice was now sweating but still tried to intensify its stare to speed up the stone making process. The fillies grew more worried as Fluttershy's back half was already turned to stone.

"Now you go over there, and turn Elizabeak and my friend Twilight back to normal," Fluttershy instructed firmly, her Stare now at full power, "and don't ever let me catch you doing this again. Do you understand me?"

By now the cockatrice knew it was out-matched and with a crack and small explosion, Fluttershy's back half was returned to normal. The cockatrice just ran off squawking as the three fillies watched it just smiled as she looked at the three fillies.

"Are you girls all right?" she asked, "I was so worried!"

"Yeah, fine!" said Scootaloo.

"Thanks to that stare of yours," Sweetie Belle added.

"You're like the queen of stares," said Scootaloo as she stood before Fluttershy, "You're the-"

"Stare Master!" said the three fillies together.

Then Apple Bloom realized something.

“Wait, where’s Storm?!” Apple Bloom suddenly asked, her voice rising in alarm.

A feral roar echoed from behind them, cutting through the moment of calm. They turned to see Storm locked in battle with the Darkballs.

“Storm!” the fillies and Fluttershy cried in unison.

Storm was doing his best to hold off the two creatures. One of the Darkballs darted forward, biting onto his foreleg with a sickening crunch. Storm grunted in pain as the monster flung him into the ground with a heavy thud.

As the creatures closed in for another attack, a sharp voice rang out.

“I don’t think so!” Fluttershy shouted.

The Darkballs hesitated, turning just in time to see Fluttershy launching herself toward them.

POW! Fluttershy delivered a powerful high kick to the first Darkball, slamming it into the dirt. SMACK! She followed up with a clean uppercut to the second, sending it spinning through the air.

The creatures landed with heavy thuds, stunned and momentarily incapacitated.

Fluttershy rushed to Storm’s side, crouching down to help him up. “Storm, are you okay?” she asked, her voice filled with worry.

“I’m okay,” Storm assured her, though he winced as he got to his hooves. He glanced at her with a hint of a smile. “Nice moves back there, Fluttershy. I’m impressed.”

Fluttershy smiled proudly. “Thanks. I’ve been trying to mimic your moves for quite a while. Was I good enough?”

“Good enough? You were amazing,” Storm said with a small chuckle, his admiration clear. “You even pulled off the Stare and took down a cockatrice. That’s top-tier hero work.”

Fluttershy beamed at his praise but quickly turned serious as the Darkballs began to stir, growling low as they rose to their feet.

The two ponies narrowed their eyes, standing side by side as the creatures prepared to attack again.

The first Darkball lunged, but Storm reacted quickly. “Not this time,” he muttered, channeling crackling lightning into his auric hand. He slammed his fist into the ground, creating a burst of electrical energy that forced the Darkball to retreat with a screech.

The second creature twitched erratically, its glowing yellow eyes flickering as it stared off into the horizon. The first Darkball mirrored the movement, and without warning, both monsters vanished into a swirling dark portal, leaving only an ominous silence behind.

“What… just happened?” Fluttershy asked, glancing at Storm.

Storm frowned, his swords still drawn as he scanned the area. “I don’t know. But whatever those things were, they weren’t here by chance. Nemesis might’ve sent them.”

Fluttershy shivered at the mention of the name, her wings twitching nervously.

Storm placed a comforting hoof on her shoulder. “It’s over for now,” he said gently.

Then Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo joined them.

"We're sorry we snuck out of the house and into the forest," said Sweetie Belle sadly.

"Yeah," Apple Bloom add with relief, "Storm was right. If we want ponies to listen to us, we need to listen to grown-ups like you. We'll listen to you both from now on."

"We promise," Scootaloo added.

Storm raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting between the three fillies. After a moment, he softened, letting out a small sigh. “You girls are lucky nothing worse happened tonight,” he said, his tone firm but kind. “But I’ll hold you to that promise. Listening to us isn’t just about following rules—it’s about keeping yourselves safe. Got it?”

The fillies nodded in unison, their expressions sincere.

"Oh you do, do you?" said Fluttershy with smirk, "Well, you better, or I'll give you...the Stare!" Fluttershy looked at them with a bulging eye, making Apple Bloom and Scootaloo flinch while Sweetie Belle looked away.

Fluttershy giggled while Storm chuckled and soon, they were all having a laugh. In the background the cockatrice was flying away when a familiar purple pony wobbled over to them.

"What...what happened?" she asked wearily. This was then followed by the squawking of the chicken, who had also been restored and its head still stuck in the ground.

"Twilight, are you okay?" Storm asked her as he approached her with concern.

"Don't worry, Storm. I said I would be okay." Twilight assured him.

"You are aware that it's already late at night?" Storm asked her, "It doesn't take that long to get tea." Twilight looked up, rather surprised until she gave Storm a glare.

"I do now," Twilight answered, "and for some strange reason I remember you kissing me."

Storm’s eyes widened in horror as his cheeks turned a vivid shade of pink. “I—uh—that wasn’t—” He groaned and facehoofed, trying to collect himself. “Look, I thought you were still… you know, stone, and I just—”

“Storm was just saying he missed you,” Fluttershy interjected smoothly, her voice light and teasing. “You two are such close friends, after all.”

Fluttershy gave Storm a discreet wink, her smile betraying her amusement. Storm shot her a flustered glare but said nothing, his blush deepening. Twilight just rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders.

(Scene changes)

It wasn't until next morning that Fluttershy began to explain everything to Twilight over some tea as the three fillies were just giggling and playing in the yard (and staying away from any of the animal homes).

Storm sat nearby, sipping his tea in silence, his gaze occasionally flickering toward Twilight. Despite Fluttershy mentioning how worried he’d been when they found her turned to stone, Twilight seemed to have forgotten the kiss—or perhaps was choosing not to address it for now. Twilight was too busy writing what had happened in a letter for Princess Celestia.

"And that's when it brought you back from stone," Fluttershy finished as Twilight wrote her letter.

"This is gonna make quite a letter to the princess," said Twilight, "I was wrong about you and Storm. You two certainly know how to handle those girls."

"Oh, I wouldn't go that far," said Fluttershy.

"Hmm? How so?" Twilight asked curiously.

"I assumed that I'd be just as good with kids as I am with animals," said Fluttershy, "Boy was I wrong. I learned the hard away not to bite off more than I could chew."

Storm nodded in agreement. “Lesson of the night: kids and animals? Not the same thing. Animals might nip or hiss, but at least they don’t scream ‘Cutie Mark Crusader’ every ten seconds.”

"You, Storm, and Rarity." Twilight added as she saw a familiar marshmallow pony walking up, "Good Morning Rarity."

"Did you finish all those capes?" Fluttershy asked curiously.

"Just delivered them," said Rarity with a sigh, "I have to admit, if you had not come along, I might not have. Thanks again you two."

"Won't you stay for some tea?" Fluttershy asked, "Storm brewed it and it's quite delicious."

"I really must get back to the shop and clean up," said Rarity, "Girls! Get your things! Time to go!" The three fillies just continued playing, giggling, and calling out to each other.

"Girls! Time to-Girls! Your things! Girls! Time to-Girls!" Rarity gave a loud groan in frustration as the three fillies continued to ignore her.

Storm and Fluttershy exchanged smiles as they stood beside Rarity.

"Allow me," said Fluttershy as she cleared her throat and spoke in a clear, but soft tone, "Girls?" The three girls stopped what they were doing and lined up in front of her and Storm.

"Yes, Fluttershy," Apple Bloom answered.

"You called?" Scootaloo asked.

"Go and get your things," Fluttershy instructed, "Rarity is here to see you home."

"Of course, Fluttershy, right away!" said Sweetie Belle as the three girls zoomed inside. Rarity was agape.

"Ah, huh, ah, how did you..." Rarity stuttered, "How did you do that?"

"I guess I'm just as good with kids as I am with animals," said Fluttershy, giving a wink as she and Storm shared a discreet hoof bump.

"Thank you, Fluttershy! Thank you, Storm! Thank you, Stare Master!" the three fillies said at once as they made their exit.

"Ah, uh, speaking of which," said Rarity once the three fillies were gone, "I could use your help with Opal."

"Of course," said Fluttershy, "How about later today?" Then she and Storm flinched as they heard an angry yowl.

"How about now?" Rarity strained as tears pricked her eyes.

Opal had apparently clawed herself into the right side of Rarity's flank. The cat gave another angry yowl as Fluttershy and Twilight giggled. Storm just shook his head while smirking.

As the laughter faded, Twilight turned to Storm, her tone unusually sweet. “Oh, Storm?”

Storm’s ears perked up, immediately sensing trouble. “Yeah?” he replied cautiously.

“You still haven’t answered my question,” Twilight said, her tone turning pointed as she gave him a stern look. “Why did you kiss me?”

Storm froze, his eyes widening. “I… uh…” He cleared his throat, scrambling for an answer. “Nothing unusual. You’ve done it to me plenty of times, so… I figured it was my turn.”

Twilight’s eyebrow arched as she stared him down.

“I mean, it’s only fair,” Storm added quickly, his voice growing quieter.

Fluttershy stifled a laugh.

Twilight rolled her eyes, clearly unconvinced. “Close friends or not, you will explain this to me eventually, Storm Shadow.”

Storm gave her a sheepish grin, his horn sparking faintly. “Yeah… eventually,” he said, his tone noncommittal.

Before Twilight could press further, he gave her a quick salute. “Anyway, gotta go! See ya later!”

With a crackle of electricity, Storm vanished, a bolt of lightning darting through the trees.

“Storm Shadow!” Twilight shouted after him, her voice echoing as she stomped a hoof. “You can’t run away from me forever! I will get my answer!”

Far ahead, Storm zipped through the forest, his smirk fading slightly. “She’s right,” he thought to himself, his pace slowing just a little. “I can’t avoid this forever. But not yet… not yet.”

Author's Note

So for those wanting to reach out to me I'm so sorry for not responding soon enough or acting like I don't want to. My life is kinda hetic on top of dealing with work and such I also want to do this story for all of you. So if I don't respond immediately it's either because I'm busy working or cause I'm doing this story so I'm not online on this site for the most part. If you do want to reach out then private message me please. Also people can comment on this story I don't discourage it as long as everyone's respectful, nice, and fair.