The morning sun was rising above the horizon in Ponyville, shining through the window into Fluttershy's cottage. She was steadily opening her eyes and sitting up on her bed, a glance at her clock showed her that it was six in the morning. With a yawn she crawled out of her bed, pulling herself downstairs with eyes half open. All her animals were asleep, however they noise she made awoke her pet bunny, Angel.
It was Tuesday, this meant she had to go and collect two sacks of apples from Applejack for her animals. It was a weekly job, and to fit in with her schedule she had to do it this early so that she could be back in time for when all the animals woke up for their morning breakfast.
In a few minutes she had her cereal ready to eat and sat a bowl of carefully cut carrots down on the floor for her pet bunny. They both ate while the glum tired expressions covered their faces. When breakfast was finished she drank a glass of water and walked to her bathroom to brush her teeth, still keeping the same blank expression.
Two minutes later she returned from the bathroom to be confronted by her pet rabbit contently waiting while holding up a small clock. Half past six was the time and the walk to Sweet Apple Acres awaited. Without a word she quietly trotted downstairs while Angel jumped in the bathroom behind her. She left through the front door of her cottage and locked the door behind her.
Outside was bright, the sun was up and shining across the land. Fluttershy looked around, now widening her eyes at the perfect morning. All was silent, not the slightest breeze to be felt. Everypony was still asleep and only the early morning workers were awake and roaming the streets of Ponyville. Fluttershy walked down the trail from her small woodland cottage and headed for Applejack's farm.
She trotted down the open streets of Ponyville, meeting no other pony in her path. The air was mild, slightly warm and the sun beamed down all over town, casting thick shadows which seemed so dark in contrast to the light grass next to it. The heat felt warm on Fluttershy's back as she came to the path outside Applejack's house, a light smile could now be seem on her face as the beautiful morning swept across the apple orchard.
At the door she gave a light knock. A few moments passed as the yellow pegasus waited patiently, not intending to knock again until she was absolutely certain nopony had heard the knock. The door clicked open from the other side to reveal Big Mac standing tall, three hooves placed firmly on the floor. The front right hoof, however, was slightly raised and wrapped in a clean white bandage.
“'Ello Fluttershy, come to collect those apples?” Big Mac asked, with a friendly smile.
“Yes please.” She said, giving a light smile and looking at Big Mac's damaged hoof briefly.
“Well AJ be up at the barn I expect. Ah had a little accident waking up this morning, tripped down the stairs a little. So AppleJack is takin' my place.” He said, taking a light step back with one hoof on the door, keeping balance as he stood.
“Ah, ok. Thanks. I'll head up there now.” She replied, glancing at Big Mac before she turned to leave and head up to the Apple's barn. Big Mac shut the door behind.
The barn wasn't too far, just a short walk up the nearby hill, and on such a pretty morning it would be a shame not to make the most of it. On her way she gazed at the wild life all around, it was more than enough to keep her happy.
For most outings to gather produce she would usually use her wings and just gracefully fly her way along. But flight was never her talent, nor did she take much enjoyment in it with her mild fear of heights.
Eventually she arrived at the top of the hill, Sweet Apple Acres all around. In front of her stood the barn where Applejack supposedly was. She walked up to it and gave a gentle knock at the door. No reply. Not even for a minute. Fluttershy continued waiting, she didn't mean to be rude so she would check and come to the absolute conclusion that either nopony was there or the knock was not heard.
After two minutes she knocked again. This time there was a little more response, the door breezed wide open to uncover an unknown pony wearing a dark brown cloak, the large hood concealed a horn and sent a shadow over their eyes.
“Can I help you?” Said the pony, Fluttershy could see the sky blue fur coat of the pony from beneath the dark shadows. The voice of this pony wasn't acting friendly, the impolite tone made Fluttershy feel unwanted.
“I'm just here to collect some apples.” She answered, wondering who she was actually talking to, but also hoping she would receive her apples.
“I haven't got any, get lost.” The unicorn replied, raising his head a little. Fluttershy noticed the dark green eyes of the mysterious intruder, and the scar which ran down the side of his chin.
“Oh, but Applejack has them every Tuesday ready for me to collect. Surely she should be here.” She was confused about this situation, the pony seemed rude, not the kind of pony Applejack would allow into her treasured family barn.
“I said I haven't got any, now get lost!” The pony shouted, more violent than before. He slammed the barn door, almost hitting Fluttershy.
She was thinking of reasons why Applejack wasn't the one answering the door, but none seemed logical. This was one beyond Fluttershy's thought. Something was going on, and in this rare occasion she was suspicious. She flapped her wings, flying up to the roof, steadily setting herself on top. The small, open tower on the roof allowed her entrance, and a way to peak down and see what was going on inside the barn.
Carefully leaning on top of the opening she took a gaze down.
The room was crowded with at least eight or nine more unknown unicorns, all in the same dark brown cloaks, but there was only one with a hood, the one Fluttershy had already spoken to. They all pointed towards a corner, the hooded one standing in front. Two unicorns were holding onto a captured pony's two front hooves, holding her down so that she could not escape. Fluttershy recognised this pony as her farmer friend Applejack.
“Now, Applejack, tell us where the damn family tomb is!” The hooded unicorn shouted, anger in his voice and a dark frown across his face.
“Ah won't say!” Applejack shouted in resilience, looking for ideas for escape. Fluttershy looked down at her, struggling in the hold from the two unicorns holding onto her, preventing her from escaping. She was in shock, her friend was captured and held to the ground being interrogated.
“You will, eventually you won't be able to stand the pain I have for these situations.” The unicorn stared down at the squirming earth pony in disgust, but awaiting some more response before he furthered the interrogation to torture.
Fluttershy wanted to do something, she knew this was bad and her help was somehow needed. Run for help? It would take too long, nearest building was the Apple's house, but though Big Mac could take some bandits to the ground any other day right now he had a damaged hoof, he would stand no chance. That meant it was up to her... To do something... Anything...
She had a plan, it was dangerous but it was a plan none the less which would hopefully set Applejack free to fight back against the bandit unicorn group. With a deep breath and a raise of her heart rate she was ready... She wasn't brave, but her friend needed help, that was enough for her to stand up against these mysterious intruders.
'Come on Fluttershy, you can do it.' She thought to herself, trying to encourage her to jump in to execute the plan as quick as possible. She began standing right to the ledge she was hanging from at the top of the barn, ready to leap in. Now or never...
She let herself fall, wings began flapping to let her glide onto a pole which had been placed as some sort of stabilising at some point. She carefully balanced herself on top, fitting all four hooves onto it. She looked down, none of the unicorns saw her. She had to get closer than this, to grab their attention... Or she could shout...
She inhaled, put all her effort into the best shout she could produce. “Applejaaaaack!” She screamed...
…
…
…
But it wasn't loud enough... She realised how quiet she was, how difficult it was for her to make a noise for anypony to hear. Looking down she still saw Appljack struggling. She now wished she wasn't so useless...
There was a wobble at her hooves, the beam was moving, shaking around. She couldn't keep her balance, it was about to fall so her only option was to jump up and start flapping her wings to keep air born. The beam fell, luckily crushing two unicorns in the process and bashing them to the floor to leave them injured and crushed. With the crash all eyes darted around the room, after a few moments they all pointed at Fluttershy.
“Sorry!” Fluttershy apologised.
“Get that pegasus right now!” The hooded unicorn shouted. He appeared to be the leader, and his minions were attacking!
Fluttershy looked down to Applejack, delighted to see her face lit up, but still held captured by the two unicorns. But now was the time to concentrate, two unicorns allowed their horns to glow bright green, without a moment two bright green missiles were flying towards her. She let out some undiscovered natural skill, dodging both in an elegant pattern of flight. The missiles repeated though, leaving Fluttershy's original plan completely abandoned and now there was a fury of chaos.
The other unicorns were waiting for their chance to leap up to grab her out of the air. The leader stood guard of Applejack, making his priority clear. Fluttershy's new plan was to circle the room and avoid being hit while she thought of another plan to get Applejack free. The missiles continued missing to hit their target.
Fluttershy needed a miracle, circling the room over and over wasn't helping, eventually she would get tired and fall... But what if the two unicorns firing got tired first? Surely conjuring that magic took some effort, and maybe if she could beat them in stamina she could glide in for whatever aggressive attack she had...
That was her plan, she silently begged in her own mind for it to work...
After several more times circling the room she noticed a lack of sparks being fired at her. They must've gotten tired, so now was the time to tackle them, head on. She gathered whatever courage she had and dived into the unicorns standing side by side, beating them into the ground together. It was a surprise to Fluttershy, she never thought she could display that strength.
Another two were down, but her landing was dodgy and she was now confronted by another three unicorns, ready to jump at her. She shut her eyes, cowering at what was about to come...
… But nothing did.
The barn doors exploding open was enough to stop the battle. All eyes faced the big red pony charging in with a bandaged hoof, except Fluttershy who was curled up in a ball for the fear running through her mind.
Big Mac had come to the rescue. His aggressive force tossed the unicorns aside with ease, smashing them both into the barn wall. Seven enemies down, his next target was the leader guarding Applejack. There was anger in his eyes as he towered over the hooded enemy.
“You had better be leaving right now, Dark Sky!” He boomed, all four hooves placed firmly and equally on the ground, even with one bandaged. Dark Sky didn't cower, he smiled as he looked up at the enraged Big Mac.
“Of course, but I'm afraid I still require some information.” He hinted at a wish for more battle, which Big Mac delivered. A hoof came down on the enemy at full speed, but the bandit was already jumping into the air, eyes closed and hood down revealing a long, sharp horn with a dark blue mane down his back. The evil smile was still there as his horn lit up. A series of flashes jumped around the room, lighting every corner and causing every pony, except Big Mac, to quickly shut their eyes.
When the light subsided it was clear Dark Sky had used his magic to teleport out of the barn, to avoid any more confrontation. The other ponies were forced to leave without a leader to fight the powerful foe. Big Mac allowed them to run, he was more concerned about Applejack's safety.
“Big Mac!” Applejack shouted in relief as she stood up. “You saved us!”
Big Mac smiled, closing his eyes and taking a slight bow while raising his bandaged hoof. Fluttershy rose behind him, realising the battle had ended. She looked to Applejack, and a welcoming stare was returned.
“And Fluttershy. If you didn't come save me I'm sure I'd have taken a beating back there!” She thanked her yellow friend, being grateful for the help she had received. There was a brief smile before everything became serious again. “Fluttershy, you need to get yerself to safety... Those weren't your usual bandits...” She paused for a moment, the smile was long gone. Big Mac nodded, a signal to carry on. “They wanted somethin' from us. I can't say, none of us can.” She closed her eyes.
Fluttershy looked at her, she was worried, Big Mac was too. After such strength, even with a horrid injury... And he was worried of something. But she didn't want to go home and forget it all... It was something important to Applejack, and in whatever way she could... She wanted to help, she was determined to.
“Applejack, please, let me help.” She requested, feeling brave after managing to tackle two unicorn bandits to the ground. “I need to help. You're my friend and I can't abandon you, no matter where you're going.”
Applejack looked at her, understanding the difference in her behaviour, and the change in her eyes. Fluttershy was in a rather unusual mood, that was obvious. The courage she was showing was outstanding for her. While in the past she was afraid of just about anything dangerous, this was a time that she felt a new spark of bravery.
Applejack wanted her help, she would welcome it gladly. But it was not her decision, it was Big Mac's. He was the eldest, therefore it was up to him to decide, so it was him to persuade.
“Big Mac,” she began. “You've gotta let her help. I saw what she did, in short she is the most trustworthy ally we've got right now. With your hoof damaged we won't be able to do this alone. You know that.”
Big Mac listened to her sister, and stared at the yellow pegasus, eyes sparkling with determination. This was a quick decision, time was not on their side. They had to inform the family and make a run, an escape on a journey to who knows where. “I know. We need the help.” The eyes of the two mares brightened up, gleaming at the result of the red farmer. “But Applejack, keep an eye on her, don't let her fall behind.”
“Of course!” She agreed. They headed out the barn door, ignoring any damage which was caused in the fight. The quest was serious, and Fluttershy was about to know why. They walked down the hill to the Apples home.
“So, I guess I gotta explain the situation.” Said Applejack, walking alongside Fluttershy. Big Mac was leading, he was the strategist, the one with a plan while his friends followed for support. “Us Apples have had a secret for generations now, one which we haven't been allowed to tell anypony. So please, don't tell anypony else about this.”
“Of course.” Fluttershy nodded in agreement.
Applejack looked down at the path as she continued speaking. “When our great grandparents came to Ponyville they made an agreement with Princess Celestia herself. They agreed to take some rare and important books from the Canterlot archives to hide out here, to hide them from any evil that could create living nightmares with the spells they contain.” She paused to take a breath before continuing. “And I 'spose you can tell we've been found out. To protect our family we're going to take the books, and run...”
Their pace was quick as they walked down the hill. Fluttershy glanced at Big Mac's bandaged hoof. She realised he tried walking as normal as possible, enduring whatever pain was being inflicted. And this wasn't the first time, back in the barn he burst through a door and slammed the same hoof on the ground... The determination and endurance of this earth pony was outstanding, nopony else she had ever met could compare. The extent he goes through to protect the ones close to him was truly incredible...
“We're going to run? Being chased by bandits?” Fluttershy asked, trying to confirm she had the right idea.
“Yes, I hope you don't mind?” Applejack replied, hoping her friend would stay close.
This sent a shudder down Fluttershy's back, but it wasn't going to put her out of this adventure. For once she wasn't scared of the danger, after what she achieved in the barn.
“I'm staying here, by your side Applejack. But I do have a question... Where exactly will we run to?”
At that moment Big Mac began speaking, this was his area of speciality. He knew the plan better than Applejack, he knew exactly where to go. “We head south, further than I expect you've ever been. The route we're taking is covered in deep forest, perfect for cover and to hide. But we have to avoid meeting relatives, we can't get them involved, it's for their own protection.” When Big Mac had finished they found themselves outside the Apple residence.
“Fluttershy, come inside.” Applejack invited, they walked inside to a living room filled with two very messy sofas, one of which Big Mac had laid on for the past two days in recovery. “We need to get some stuff ready for the journey. I want to ask you a favour...” She revealed from a drawer a pen and a piece of paper with an envelope. “I need you to write one letter, we're going to pass Twilight's house on our way, she needs to know about this... But I have some instructions...”
She briefly told the instructions, making certain points very specific which Fluttershy understood completely. But she knew this would be a sad note, it was a farewell which couldn't have much detail. After all, nopony knew how long they would be gone.
Applejack left the room to help Big Mac with some supplies for their quest while Fluttershy sat down on a chair, next to a desk which she leaned on as she thought. She didn't have long, time was short. She thought quickly to put everything she wanted to say into the letter...
'Dear Twilight...
There's a lot to say... But time is short, we have to leave soon. Me, Applejack and Big Mac are leaving Ponyville and we don't know when we'll return, if at all... It is for the safety of everypony as we're chased by a band of rogue unicorns seeking the power of spells which were hidden for many years. They can cause chaos, and I've promised to help do whatever it takes to stop them... I can't say where we're going, and once you're finished I recommend you destroy this letter immediately. Please, only tell our Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Pinkie Pie, and make it quite clear not to spread word of this, not to anypony. It's important to all our safety...
I hope we can return, one day.
I have one more request... While I'm gone please make sure my animals are ok, and well fed.
Goodbye...
Fluttershy'
“I heard you're going too then...” Fluttershy quickly folded the letter and shoved it in the envelope. She quickly wiped a tear from her eye and looked up to see Granny Smith entering the room.
“Umm, yes.” Fluttershy said, feeling extremely shy, not wondering what Granny Smith thought of her.
“Hmm.” The old mare examined Fluttershy closely, silently studied each of her features. “You’re the quite one, the one who likes animals, am I right?”
Fluttershy was surprised Granny Smith knew her that well, they’d never properly been introduced. It was an awkward feeling for Fluttershy when someone who she did not know had knowledge of her, almost as if she had subconsciously given a public speech without her knowing, or met a new friend and forgot them right after. “Yes.” She nodded.
“Going off on an adventure with my two grandchildren? To keep us safe here? I am truly grateful...” She urged a slight smile, though the shock was still outstanding to her. The farewell of some of her family was inevitable to her, and she was pleased that now the time had come there was somepony to accompany them and help them survive.
“You’re welcome.” Fluttershy gave a slight awkward smile back, sealing the envelope down.
“Please keep them safe...”
Fluttershy found how lost she was, spiralling in a world which she wasn’t familiar with, let alone experienced with... Her courage was sparked, lit up by a harsh situation, but it wouldn’t linger for long. Soon she would lose all hope, it was natural, just how her life was and nothing could ever change it.
Next came about ten minutes of an awkward silence. Fluttershy sat and waited, freezing as a chill gripped the air and anxiety ran down her back in a cold wave. She remained sat at a desk in the Apple’s living room, grasping the sad letter between her hooves. Before long she was confronted by the youngest of the family, Apple bloom, tears in her sweet eyes.
“Fluttershy?” She said, sniffing and holding the urge to break down into an emotional collapse. It was no surprise to Fluttershy, a filly whose family is about to be torn apart can’t handle the pain.
“Umm, yes?” She replied, sitting up and getting closer to the poor filly to help comfort.
There were no more words, Apple bloom knew what was happening just as well as Fluttershy, or even better. She had hoped the time would never come, and it was now upon her, she was dropped into a pit of tears and worries.
“It’s alright Apple bloom, it’ll be fine.” She tried to soothe the filly, trying to help eliminate the fear she had, even though everything was still unknown to both of them.
“Why do y’all have to go?!” She couldn’t bare the sadness of the farewell anymore. Tears streamed from her eyes and she soon found herself in a warm hug from Fluttershy. It was a while ago, but the thought of that one night when Fluttershy was baby sitting all three of the Cutie Mark Crusaders came to mind.
They sat there for five minutes on the carpet floor as Fluttershy silently tried to cheer up Apple Bloom. She was thinking, if only the mention of these mysterious bandits is enough to put this filly in absolute fear... Who could they be? And what could they do?
A few minutes later Apple Bloom felt better, she could leave the safety Fluttershy offered and cope with the shock of the current events. But now their time together was ending, Applejack had the supplies gathered and packed while Big Mac had the forbidden spells. The time for leaving was now, with glum expressions on all the ponies faces they left their home, waving to Apple Bloom and Granny Smith as they left the Apple home.
Through the town everything was still quiet. There was a small increase in the number of ponies wandering around, but nothing significant. The sky was greyish as the clouds had gathered around which left an undesirable effect on the ponies waking up and feeling dozy. They headed around, taking shortcuts between some buildings, passing Twlight’s library where Fluttershy briefly posted the letter, trying to keep her actions from looking suspicious. Once it was posted they continued on their way, approaching a path leading to a group of trees on the outskirts of town. This was where they were forced to part with their beloved home for who knows how long and start running in danger and worry.
It was also to protect the Apple family... And not just them, also a much wider population... But Fluttershy did not realise exactly how many ponies could be affected by a few forbidden spells...
