How We Met

by Rated Ponystar

First published 27th of February, 2012

A story of Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash's relationship from their first meeting to their end

A story of how two ponies, both opposites in personality, formed a bond of friendship and love that lasted throughout an entire lifetime...

How We Met

How We Met
A My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fanfic
By The Rated Ponystar
Chapter 1: How We Met
Edited by: Fernin
Disclaimer: I do not own MLP. Never have and never will

This is just a side story I’m working on for fun while I’m working on Wings Of Sacrifice.
Don’t know if I’ll make this shipping or not. For now, just friendship.
Enjoy.

A disappointment.

That’s all Fluttershy was in the eyes of her teachers: nothing more than a disgrace to all pegasi. She was the oldest filly on campus and she still couldn’t fly. Fluttershy's parents had hoped that Summer Flight Camp would help, but no matter how many extra lessons she received or how many tutors she trained with, she could only stay in the air for a few seconds. Some of the teachers called Fluttershy a hopeless case. The other students weren’t nice to her either; calling her names and mocking her whenever she made a mistake.

The poor filly had no friends to defend her and she was too nervous even to talk to most of the other children. All she had were bullies who laughed and picked on her. She would cry for them much to their amusement. This earned her horrible nicknames like ‘Fluttercry’.

With nopony to comfort or support her, the dejected filly had only her lonesome self. Fluttershy could feel her eyes getting moist as she sat alone on her favorite cloud, the main camp building just a few miles away. It was the only place she could go without anypony bothering her.

Peeking over the cloud, Fluttershy saw the distant green world below her. Maybe she would have been happier had she been born an earth pony or a unicorn. Fluttershy had never seen one, but she often heard how they looked almost like pegasi… only without wings. Some were even said to have horns on their heads. They sounded scary, but maybe living on the ground would have been better than living on Cloudsdale. On the ground, she could be nice and safe without worrying about flying.

There was also one other thing Fluttershy loved about the ground. It held such strange yet wonderful creatures. During a trip to the library she came across a book on animals that lived on the surface. She’d taken it for some light reading, but once Fluttershy opened the book she couldn’t put it down. The birds, bees, squirrels, bunnies, deer, and more all fascinated her. They were so cute and looked so soft that Fluttershy just wanted to give them all a big hug. It made her want to visit the ground even more.

But how would she ever get to the ground? Unless her parents decided to move, Fluttershy was going to forever live on the clouds as a flightless pegasus. Just as she was about to start crying again, Fluttershy’s ears caught the sound of something coming towards her… no… falling towards her! Looking up, she gasped upon seeing a bright blue comet with a rainbow colored end coming towards her at top speed.

The blur screamed, “Look out!”

Fluttershy couldn’t move, her entire body was frozen with fear. The blue blur crashed right into her, sending her flying off the cloud. Fluttershy’s head spun as her little frail body plummeted, heading for the distant ground below. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t even breathe. All Fluttershy could think about was the up and coming bone-crushing landing. It was ironic that the vast green world Fluttershy had fantasized about visiting was to be the last thing she would feel.

Suddenly, something grabbed Fluttershy’s tail and slowed her descent, bringing her gently to a complete stop. Held up in the air, Fluttershy wondered what had happened. She squeaked in surprise as she felt herself get dragged back up into the sky. Confused and afraid, Fluttershy continued to keep still with her eyes shut. A few moments later, she felt herself come to a stop. Whatever had been gripping her tail let go, making her squeak again as she tumbled into the soft familiar vapor of a cloud.

“Phew! Good thing I was fast enough to catch ya. You alright?” called a feminine, yet cocky voice.

Fluttershy kept her eyes closed. “I… am I dead?”

She heard a snicker before a creepy voice shouted, “Yes! I am the reaper of ponies and I have come to take your soul!”

“Ah!” Fluttershy squealed as she scrunched up into a ball, waiting for the unseen horror to take her. Instead, she heard the sound of laughter in the air. Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes and saw a cyan coated filly with a rainbow-colored mane and tail laughing, her hooves kicking in the air.

The stranger, presumably the one who saved Fluttershy, finally climbed to her hooves and grinned. “You should have seen your reaction! It was hilarious!”

Fluttershy’s cheeks turned red from embarrassment as she hid her face with her pink mane. The cyan pegasus’ laughter waned as she realized that her joke might have gone too far. “Hey, hey. Sorry about that. I didn’t mean it.”

“Um… okay…” whispered Fluttershy, inching away from the stranger.

The two of them avoided each other gaze, an awkward silence between them. Fluttershy knew she had to thank the other pegasus for saving her. Just as she was about to speak, her savior held her hoof out and smiled. “I’m Rainbow Dash! Future fastest flier in all of Equestria! Who are you?”

Fluttershy stared at the offered hoof. “Um… I’m Flutter… shy…”

“Huh? I didn’t hear that? Can you say that again?” Rainbow Dash asked.

The yellow filly’s voice lowered incrementally and she ducked further behind her own mane, taking refuge in its protective concealment. “Flutter… shy…”

Rainbow Dash put a hoof in one of her ears, rubbing it on the inside and scraping out some wax. Fluttershy was disgusted as Rainbow Dash simply wiped the wax onto the cloud they were on. Heedless of her companion’s revulsion, Dash moved closer to the yellow filly until their muzzles nearly touched, their eyes focused on one another. Fluttershy’s felt like she was about to faint as the two magenta eyes glared into her own. “Come on! Louder!”

“Fluttershy! I’m Fluttershy!” she cried out.

Upon hearing her name, Rainbow Dash got out of Fluttershy's personal bubble and smiled. “There we go! That wasn’t so hard! Although considering your name, I guess it was.”

Fluttershy couldn’t tell if she was joking around or making fun of her again.

“Yeah, sorry about that crash landing. I was trying to imitate this Wonderbolts trick I saw with my Dad last month. Guess I still need some work on it, huh?” Rainbow Dash gave a small smile as she rubbed the back of her head.

“Who are the Wonderbolts?” Fluttershy questioned. She instantly regretted asking this as the other pegasus was, once again, in her face.

“You don’t know the Wonderbolts?!” screamed Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy quickly shook her head. “They’re only the coolest thing ever since… since… cool was invented! They’re the best fliers in the world! Nopony’s faster than them!”

Rainbow Dash began to tell Fluttershy everything she knew about the Wonderbolts. She told of all their adventures, their tricks and moves. Dash could name every single member of the Wonderbolts, both past and present. Even Fluttershy had to admit they sounded amazing by the way Rainbow Dash described them.

The two continued to sit on the cloud for a long time, Rainbow Dash talking while Fluttershy listened. Not that she minded. It was actually quite a unique experience. Nopony ever took the time to talk to her and she wanted it to last.

“… and that’s how Storm Front invented the Hurricane of Fire.” Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy and tilted her head. “So what about you? I mean I can talk about the Wonderbolts all day, but what do you like?”

“Me? Oh… umm….” mumbled Fluttershy. “Well… I guess I like… animals?”

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. “Animals? Like birds and stuff?”

Fluttershy nodded. “Oh yes. They’re so cute and adorable. I’ve always wanted to meet a kitty or a puppy! Um… but I guess that’s… not as exciting as the Wonderbolts, huh?”

“For what? You didn’t do anything wrong,” said Rainbow Dash, raising an eyebrow. “You like what you like. I like what I like. It’s as simple as that. You don’t have to apologize for anything.”

“Okay. Sorry,” Fluttershy apologized.

“I said… ugh. Whatever, it doesn’t matter.” Rainbow Dash shook her head and floated into the air. “So you want to fly for a while? I could use a flying partner.”

Fluttershy blushed and stared at the cloud, too ashamed to meet Rainbow’s gaze. “I… I can’t…”

“Why? Got other business?” asked Rainbow Dash, landing back on the cloud. Fluttershy shook her head causing Rainbow Dash to frown. “Then… you don’t like me?”

“No!” blurted Fluttershy much to her surprise. She had never raised her voice that loudly before. Why now? “I… I just can’t… well…”

“Yeah?” Rainbow Dash urged her to continue.

“… fly.”

Rainbow Dash didn’t reply at first, but then she started to snicker. Seconds later, the rainbow-maned filly was laughing. Fluttershy closed her eyes as she lowered her head further. Another pony was laughing at her. Just when it looked like she might have found somepony nice …

“You can’t fly?! Good one, Shy. Every pegasus knows how to fly!” Rainbow Dash chuckled. It wasn’t until she heard her crying that Dash realized that Fluttershy was being serious. Dash was quickly at Fluttershy’s side, her hoof around the sobbing filly’s back. “Hey… hey… I’m sorry. I thought you were joking.”

Fluttershy nodded as Rainbow's tiny wings wiped the tears from her eyes. The soft warm feathers tickled her cheeks and made Fluttershy giggle. “Thank you."

“No problem. So why can’t you fly? Something wrong with your wings?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“No, I just can’t seem to fly. I came to the camp so I could learn to fly better, but my teachers have all but given up on me. Maybe I’m just not cut out for flying," said Fluttershy.

“That’s not true!” shouted Rainbow Dash, causing Fluttershy to jump out of her seat. “All pegasi can fly! That’s why we’re pegasi! If you weren’t meant to fly you wouldn’t be having those wings on your back!”

Fluttershy bit her lip nervously. “But…”

Her hoof was then covered by Rainbow Dash's hoof who looked her straight in the eye with such vigor that it made Fluttershy's knees tremble.“No buts! If those chumps think you’re helpless then I’m going to help you prove them wrong! I’m going to help teach you how to fly!”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “Y-y-you want to help me?”

“Of course! We’re friends aren’t we?” Dash grinned as she put a hoof around her new friend.

Fluttershy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. This stranger, who she never met before, was calling her a friend and was promising to help her learn to fly. A surge of emotions Fluttershy never felt before stirred inside her. All Fluttershy could do was just smile. “Yay!”

Still more to go. Enjoy

How We Dreamed

How We Met
A My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fanfic
By The Rated Ponystar
Chapter 2: How We Dreamed
Edited by: Fernin
Disclaimer: I do not own MLP. Now I can’t be sued.

Fluttershy could feel every inch of her body shaking as she looked down from the top of the main campus building. Right below her was her new friend, Rainbow Dash, eagerly watching. It had been a week since her new friend had started helping Fluttershy try to get airborne, but they had little success. They tried the usual routines used in flight school as well as some of Dash’s own creative schemes. They trained day and night, yet for all her effort Fluttershy still couldn’t soar into the air. Still, Rainbow Dash never gave up on something before and she wasn’t going to start now.

“You ready this time, Fluttershy?!” cried Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy looked down and started to feel lightheaded. “Um… I don’t know… What if I fall?”

“Fluttershy… we live on clouds,” answered a deadpan Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, right. Sorry."

“Come on, Fluttershy. Remember what I said! Close your eyes, relax, and keep flapping your wings together!” advised Rainbow Dash with an encouraging grin.

Fluttershy took a deep breath and closed her eyes just like Rainbow ordered. She backed up a bit, galloped towards the edge, and jumped off. She flapped her wings slowly with a steady beat and felt herself rising into the air.

‘Just a bit more… just a bit more…’ A feeling of anticipation slowly began to develop, but it soon ended as quickly as it came when one of Fluttershy’s eyes opened. Her heart froze upon seeing how high she was, her mind reeled and she started to feel dizzy. Her wings started to cramp up and instantly snapped themselves shut against her back. The terrified pegasus cried out in fear as she arched downwards, crashing head first into the clouds.

Rainbow Dash sighed as Fluttershy’s rear legs kicked frantically in the air. Grabbing her pink tail, Rainbow Dash pulled Fluttershy out of the cloud and shook her head. “You know it was funny seeing it the first five times. Fifteen? That’s kind of sad.”

Fluttershy whimpered and lowered her head. "Sorry..."

“Stop apologizing for everything, geez,” moaned Rainbow Dash, rolling her eyes. “You don’t have to do that all the time. Just relax.”

“Right, sorry."

Rainbow Dash facehoofed and suggested, “Let’s take a break. We’ve been at it for a while now.”

Fluttershy nodded as the two sat down and looked up at the sky. The half full moon shined above their heads, illuminating the school with a heavenly glow. Laying on her back, Rainbow Dash asked, “Do you think it’s possible to fly into space?”

The question went unanswered for a while until Fluttershy looked at the north star and said, "“Um, maybe. I know I wouldn’t go. It’s so dark in space. I think it would be very lonely.”

“Where’s your sense of adventure, Shy? Think of all the cool planets out there. All the stars and wonders of the universe. Maybe there might be alien animals you could enjoy looking at,” said Rainbow Dash.

It did sound intriguing to Fluttershy, but it didn’t matter anyway. After all, she wasn’t going to fly to begin with. Seeing the sad, disappointed look on her face Rainbow Dash gave her friend a smile, “Okay. What’s wrong now?”

“Maybe we should give up. I’m grateful for all you’ve done for me, but I don’t think I’ll ever learn to fly. All I’m doing is just being a burden on you. It’s hopeless." Fluttershy knew in her heart she was never going to fly. She was going to be made fun of for being the worst flyer forever.

“Oh come on. It’s not that bad. Besides, you’re okay to hang around with. Everypony else here is either a jerk or boring. And hey, I like teaching you," said Rainbow Dash.

“But, why? Why do so much for me?” asked Fluttershy. It was a question that had been on her mind for some time. Rainbow Dash was fast, cool, and always on the move. What qualities did Fluttershy have that made Rainbow Dash interested in her?

“Well, I guess you can say… you and me aren’t that different." Rainbow Dash got up and pointed to herself. “See, the reason I’m here is because I have control problems. You’ve seen that firsthoof yourself.”

Fluttershy rubbed the back of her head; she could still remember that impact a week ago.

“Anyway, you’ve never seen me in any of the classes due to our schedule differences, but trust me it’s bad.” Rainbow's tone turned sour as she stomped on the cloud they were on, sending out small puffs of vapor. “I get called ‘Rainbow Crash’ all the time and it just annoys me. Sure I lack grace, as the teachers say, but I got my own style and way of doing things. If they don’t like it then forget them.”

“How do you keep going? How do you not let what they say bother you?” asked Fluttershy.

Rainbow Dash grinned. “Easy, I keep telling myself that one day I’m going to leave this place. Cloudsdale and flight school together. I’m going to head out into the world and see what it’s got. Find a place to stay that’s interesting and maybe do some adventuring along the way. I’ll train and work on all my moves so that one day I can travel with the Wonderbolts and perform in front of everypony. Then everypony back home will know the name, Rainbow Dash.”

Fluttershy couldn’t help but admire Rainbow Dash’s goals. She smiled, wishing she had the same determination as her friend. Glancing at the cloud, Fluttershy opened up a small hole that showed the distant green surface of the world she dreamed about. “I… I think I’m the same way.” She closed her eyes and began to imagine what the earth below felt and smelled like. “I don’t like living here either. Everypony judges me because of my shyness and lack of flight talent. I want to live below on the ground. I want to see the strange plants and animals I read about all the time. To explore the beauty of the world that we live in so I can find a place that’s quiet and calm. A place nopony can judge me.”

“Then why don’t you use that to motivate yourself?” suggested Dash. “If you want your dreams to come true then keep trying until you can fly. Fly so you can get out of here, just like me!”

Feeling a rush of confidence, Fluttershy nodded and took Rainbow Dash by surprise with a hug. “Thank you, Rainbow Dash. You’re a really good friend.”

Dash struggled at first, but returned it nonetheless. “Let’s head on back to our dorms. We can talk tomorrow.”

The two bade each other goodnight, each dreaming of fulfilling their desires someday.

Keep going if your interested.

How We Triumphed

How We Met
A My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fanfic
By The Rated Ponystar
Chapter 3: How We Triumphed
Edited by: Fernin
Disclaimer: I do not own MLP... yeah I got nothing else.

She couldn’t believe it. It all happened so quickly that Fluttershy didn’t know if she was should be more grateful that she survived the fall, or the fact that she fallen in the first place. After dropping from the cloud at the start of the race, Fluttershy thought it was all over untill the butterflies saved her. They were so beautiful, their hypnotic colors breathtaking. It was more amazing then anything she had ever seen. She never felt so happy before, she felt like she was flying.

In fact, she was.

It took her awhile to realize it, but she was flying for the first time in her entire life. She thought it was all a dream until she turned around and saw her own two wings flapping just like any other pegasus. It brought her such joy she began to sing.

Her singing brought more animals. Glancing around, Fluttershy could see all the creatures she’d read about and imagined… and then something burst, filling the sky and Fluttershy’s heart with multicolored joy. Her new animal friends scattered, fleeing in fright for the safety of their homes… but with soft and encouraging words, she managed to calm them down. That’s when Fluttershy noticed it. The one thing all fillies and colts dreamed of getting.

A cutie mark.

Now Fluttershy knew where she belonged: here on the ground, taking care of the animals that surrounded her. She couldn’t wait to tell Rainbow Dash and her parents!

She looked back up into the sky, the city of Cloudsdale so high in the air. Fluttershy didn’t know if she could make it all the way. She never flew before until now. Would she be able to make it? Maybe one of the other students saw her fall and alerted the teachers? If so, she could just wait for help.

As she pondered on her predicament, one of the baby bunnies came forward and snuggled next to her, falling asleep. Other bunnies soon followed its example and Fluttershy smiled upon seeing the cutie little furry creatures yawning before dropping into a deep slumber. Fluttershy soon yawned herself. Maybe she could stay for a little while longer.

“RRROOAAAAARRR!!!”

Fluttershy jumped to her hooves while the animals scattered for safety. Fluttershy felt her legs shaking as she looked around for the source of the roar. What kind of monster was it?!

“Aaaah!” cried a voice in the distance. One that Fluttershy knew very well.

Fluttershy’s pink mane whipped around as she jerked her head this way and that, trying to find where the cry might have come from. Worry filled her voice as she called out, “Rainbow Dash?!”

“Not good! Not good! So not good!” shouted Dash as she fly towards the surface. Never in her life had Rainbow Dash felt such fear and panic before now. How could have this happened?

After the race, Rainbow Dash was in bliss. Not only had she performed only the best trick ever: the legendary Sonic Rainboom, but she also gained her cutie mark! Dash couldn’t wait to tell Fluttershy… but when she returned to the starting line she wasn’t there. By the time Rainbow Dash learned what happened, she didn’t waste any time heading towards the ground. She could only pray that Fluttershy was alright and that somehow she either managed to catch a cloud, or land somewhere safe.

Flying closer to the ground, Rainbow Dash continued to call out Fluttershy’s name, hoping to hear a response. When she heard nothing, Rainbow Dash only assumed the worse. Unsure of what to do, she continued to fly aimlessly around the trees.

“Fluttershy! Please answer!” shouted Rainbow Dash. Something rustled the foliage, shaking a few branches. Moving quickly, Rainbow dove down and landed near the shaking bush. “Fluttershy is that you?!”

What came out wasn’t Fluttershy or anything Rainbow Dash had seen before. At least, not face to face. It looked like a creature Fluttershy had showed Dash once in the book on animals on the ground. A great big bear.

Rainbow Dash felt her mouth drop upon seeing the creature rise to its hind legs. It was twice as tall as anypony Rainbow Dash had ever seen. Splattering flecks of its saliva landed on her face when it roared. Dash wasn’t the type to normally back down from a fight, but in a case like this she felt bravado wasn’t worth it.

Rainbow Dash tried to take to the skies, but the bear swung its giant paw and slapped her. The blow landed, painfully senting Rainbow Dash back to the ground with a loud cry. As the bear leaned over her, Rainbow Dash could see the long row of sharp teeth in the bear’s mouth, ready to tear her apart.

“Rainbow Dash!” cried a shrill, worried voice.

Turning to her left, Rainbow Dash saw Fluttershy galloping towards her at top speed, but quickly came to a halt when she saw the massive bear. It noticed the newcomer and turned its attention towards her. As it started to stomp it’s way towards it's new prey, Dash screamed, “Run! Fluttershy!”

Fluttershy tried to get her body to respond, but she was paralyzed with fear. As the bear got closer, her mind drifted to her knowledge of animals. What were you supposed to do when a bear was about to attack? Suddenly, Fluttershy remembered: play dead.

Quickly sitting on her hunches, Fluttershy gave out the best dying like cry she could muster and pressed her hooves to her chest. Her fake moaning caused the bear to slow down and stare at her curiously. Fluttershy gulped and continued to cough and moan while swaying back and forth. She ended the charade by falling onto her back, closed her eyes, and lifted all four legs into the air like a possum.

The bear slowly approached the seemly deceased pegasus and grunted. Its prey looked perfectly fine a few seconds ago, but now it was barely moving. Had it been sick? Or had he scared it to death?

Rainbow Dash held her breath as the bear sniffed her seemly-lifeless friend. What the hay is Fluttershy doing? Why is she playing possum? To Rainbow’s shock, the bear slowly began to step away for Fluttershy, no longer interested. Although relieved, Rainbow Dash realized that the bear was going to now come back to her.

Seeing how Fluttershy was able to trick the bear, Rainbow Dash copied Fluttershy and held her breath. When the bear turned back to it's previous target, it was stunned again to find the other pony lifeless as well. Just like before, the bear sniffed at the body and stepped back. It looked at both fillies in disgust and started to walk away.

Fluttershy slowly opened one of her eyes as the bear started to leave. She felt even more relived when she saw Rainbow Dash unharmed and playing dead as well. It seemed like they were in the clear when suddenly her nose started to twitch. Realizing she was about to sneeze, Fluttershy tried to hold it back as long as possible.

“Achoo!”

The bear snapped its head around and saw Fluttershy head move. Realizing it had been tricked, the bear roared again, and charged at her. Reacting as quickly as she could, Rainbow Dash leaped up. She flew towards the bear and latched onto its head. The bear howled, it’s deadly claws swiping in the air as it attempted to get the pegasus off its face.

“Fluttershy! Get out of here!” yelled Rainbow Dash. The bear knocked Dash off his face and she fell to the ground with a crash. In a flash, Fluttershy was at the dazed Rainbow Dash’s side as the bear soon stood over them, its claw raised to finish them off. Fluttershy looked at the bear and then at her friend. She started to feel something growing inside her. It was something she had never felt before.

She felt … mad.

“You… How dare you!” shouted Fluttershy as she eyed the bear face to face. It stopped as Fluttershy, slowly flapping her wings, lifted herself up the bear’s height. “Who do you think you are?! Attacking us like this! We did nothing to you and you come by trying to hurt us! How would you like it if something came and bossed you around?! It wouldn’t be very nice would it?!” The bear tried to look away from the furious blue eyes, but it couldn’t. Every nerve in its body shivered as it dropped to all fours, feeling week and helpless before this tiny yet dangerous pony that hovered in the air above him. Fluttershy got right into it's face and leaned down making the bear feel like a bug against a giant. “Now you go home now and never let me catch you hurting anyone again! You got that?!”

The bear shook its head before fleeing, tears pouring down from its eyes as if it was a cub scolded by its mother. After a few deep breaths, Fluttershy slowly began to calm down. What was that? I never felt like that before.

Rainbow Dash stared at Fluttershy in awe with her mouth wide open. "Fluttershy...You… You’re… "

Drifting herself closer to Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy asked, “Rainbow! Are you okay?! Are you hurt?!”

Rainbow Dash pointed to Fluttershy's wings and shouted, “You’re flying!”

“Huh?” Fluttershy turned her around and gasped. “I’m flying again! I really am!”

Dash's mouth opened even wider as she quickly got on all four hooves. “Wait?! You flew before?!”

“It was after I landed. I met all these animals and I was so happy I just started flying,” Fluttershy said, dreamily. “And look! I got my cutie mark!”

Rainbow Dash gasped as Fluttershy showed the mark on her flank. “Oh my gosh! I got mine too! Look!”

“I said you could do it! Am I ever wrong?” asked Rainbow Dash. She flew up and the two fillies hugged each other in midair. “But seriously, Fluttershy. What was that?! I’ve never seen you yell at somepony before much less get angry.”

“I… I don’t know. I just didn’t want you to get hurt and… I really don’t know how I did it,” said Fluttershy.

“Seriously?! That was so cool! You stared it down good!” Dash shouted before gasping. “We can call it The Stare! Sounds really awesome don’t you think?”

Fluttershy nodded. “I guess. Say how about we go home now? Everypony’s got to be worried about us.”

“Sure! Try and keep up!” Dash shouted as she flew ahead with Fluttershy taking her time in following her friend. She just wanted to enjoy the feeling of flight for the first time in her life.

The next day, she shocked the entire camp by flying through the obstacle course. Granted she had the slowest time in the camp’s history, but to her it didn’t matter. She felt like a winner.

There you go. Hope you enjoyed. Still more to come.

Rated out.

(Plays Metalingus by Alter Bridge)

How We Separated

How We Met
A My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fanfic
By The Rated Ponystar
Chapter 4: How We Separated
Edited by: Fernin
Disclaimer: I do not own MLP. And Glory to the Luna Republic! Why? Because it sounds cool.

Fluttershy knew this day would someday come. After all, nothing lasted forever. Today was the last day of Summer Flight Camp and she didn’t know what to feel.

From day one, Summer Flight Camp had been the worst summer in her entire life. The teachers brought her down and the other students all laughed at her. For weeks she felt alone and worthless because she couldn’t fly. Now, after so many grueling weeks, the last day of camp had finally come and she was free to go home.

Free to go back home to her little neighborhood, where nopony bothered her or even looked at her. There would be no more bullies and no more teachers, at least until the new school year started, and she could sit in her room reading her animal books all day. Now that she knew what she wanted to do with her life, Fluttershy needed to learn as much about animals and first aid as she possible could. Better yet, now that she had wings she could fly down to the ground and interact with the wildlife.

When her parents came to pick her up, they were so proud of her. The memory of the smiles when she flew for them still warmed her heart. It made her believe that her parents didn’t think of her as a disappointment anymore. Her parents were even more proud of her when she showed them her cutie mark. They were surprised at first about what it meant. After all, when was the last time anypony heard of a pegasus’ whose special talent was taking care of animals? They accepted it nonetheless and to celebrate they were even taking her out to Five Stallions, one of Cloudsdale’s most popular restaurants.

This was supposed to be a day of joy, but a dark cloud of sadness hung over Fluttershy’s head. It was funny. Arriving at the camp three months ago, all she had been able to think about was how much she wanted to leave. Now, she wished it would never end... all because of a single pegasus who helped change her life for the better.

Fluttershy was forever grateful to Rainbow Dash for all she had done. It was Rainbow Dash that helped her learn to fly, defended her from bullies, encouraged her to go after her dream. But most importantly, Rainbow Dash became her friend. Fluttershy couldn’t remember the last time she had a friend, not since kindergarten. The times they shared were some of the best in her life. Now it would soon be over.

Both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash lived on opposite sides of Cloudsdale, so the chances of them seeing each other again was low. Because of this, Fluttershy told Rainbow Dash she wanted to see her one more time before they left. Excusing herself from the company of her parents with claims of needing to use the little filly’s room, Fluttershy quickly made her way to her favorite cloud: the place where they’d agreed to meet. After all, it was where they had met the first time.

“Yo! Fluttershy!” called out a voice, grabbing Fluttershy’s attention. Turning around she saw her first and best friend descend to the cloud. “I’m not late am I?”

“No, I’m glad you’re here,” whispered Fluttershy. The two fillies looked at each other with regret in their eyes. Both of them had depended on each other for so long that seeing each other every day seemed like a natural part of life. Now they were going to have to leave each other as well as the bond they shared. Fluttershy could feel her eyes misting up, but she stayed strong. “So I guess this is goodbye, huh?”

Rainbow Dash sighed, but still kept her grin up. “Yeah, but look at the bright side. No more listening to Mr. Starbuck complaining about how he hates teaching kids or hearing those three idiots calling us names anymore.”

“Yeah…” Fluttershy muttered, looking down as she pawed the cloud distractedly.

Rainbow Dash gently put her hoof on Fluttershy’s cheek and turned her friend’s face towards her. “Hey, Shy? I just want you to know that you’re one of the best friend’s I’ve ever had. It’s too bad we live on opposite ends of Cloudsdale, ‘cause my school life would be a lot better if I had a friend like you around.”

“Oh, I’m… nothing special,” said Fluttershy, her cheeks turned red.

“Why do you always have to do that? You gotta take more pride in yourself,” said Rainbow Dash. “Seriously, look at what you’ve accomplished this summer. You managed to learn how to fly and showed all those who doubted you who was boss. You even saved my life from that bear by staring it down!” Rainbow Dash pointed out with an empathetic stomp. “Sure, you’re still a bit of a scaredy cat who freaks out over the littlest of things, but don’t let that stop you. You’ve got to remember what we promised: to work our best to get out of this town and see the world!”

“I know I… I just…” Fluttershy started to sniffle as she hugged Rainbow Dash again. “I’m just going to miss you!”

Rainbow Dash secretly wiped a tear of her own as returned the embrace. “I know… I’m going to miss you too.”

Both fillies held on as tight as they could, neither wanting to end the moment. It felt like this was the last time they would see each other again. Both had done so much for the other. It felt like there was a deeper connection then friendship. Maybe it was sisterhood or maybe there was another word for it, but it didn’t matter. What mattered was that both of them would remember each other and the time they had.

“Hey, let’s make another promise,” Rainbow Dash suggested as they continued to hug. “Let’s promise that, someday, we’ll see each other again.”

Fluttershy nodded. That was a promise worth keeping. The two slowly broke their hug as they looked at the sinking sun out in the distance.

“Make sure you don’t fall off any more clouds, got it? I won’t be there to save your sorry flank if you slip off and forget how to fly,” said Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy replied with a small grin. “Only if you don’t get attacked by anymore bears.”

The two of them laughed before looking at each other one last time and smiled. Rainbow Dash held her hoof out. “See you around, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy took the offered hoof with her own and squeezed affectionately. “Same here, Rainbow Dash.”

The pair exchanged another smile before they took off for the campus. They flew together for a short while, savoring the moment, but all good things must come to an end. Dash banked left, heading for home, while Fluttershy wheeled to the right. As they flew further apart, they glanced at each other one last time.

The fillies’ eyes met as they gave each other a smile and a silent thank you before returning with their families.

How We Reunited

How We Met
A My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fanfic
By The Rated Ponystar
Chapter 5: How We Reunited
Edited by: Fernin
Disclaimer: I do not own MLP. Blah Blah Blah.

This was it. Flutteshy was sixteen, the adult age of ponies. She had finished her last year of school and even managed to get her veterinarian license early. While she was happy to finally be leaving Cloudsdale, her teachers were sad to see her go. They often told Fluttershy how she was one of the most kind and prodigious students they ever had and wished her the best of luck. Her parents were also proud of her. They’re baby girl had finally grown up and was ready to live her own life.

As a gift, her parents offered to buy her a home in whatever town she wanted to live in. Fluttershy wanted someplace quiet with lots of animals: a place out in the open country, where she could live out in solitude and take care of animals for the rest of her days. After some searching, Fluttershy found the perfect place. A little town called Ponyville.

Fluttershy was so overcome with excitement that she had to arrive at her new home as soon as possible. After tearful goodbyes and promises to visit, Fluttershy left Cloudsdale with a smile on her face. Hours later she landed a few miles distant from the town. From where she stood, the pegasus could see tons of ponies in Ponyville all going about their business, unaware that they were going to have a new neighbor.

Seeing so many neighbors brought a chill to the shy pegasus’ enthusiasm somewhat. She still didn’t like interacting with strangers that much, but Fluttershy knew that she would have to interact with the residents eventually. Just not now. Thrilled with the prospect of seeing her new wooden house, Fluttershy trotted merry across the path that lead to her new home.

Much to Fluttershy’s delight, some of the birds and a few furry animals such as bunnies and squirrels crossed her path as she traveled. Whenever an animal would look at her with curiosity, Fluttershy responded with sweet words and heartfelt smiles. After winning their trust, the happy animals followed her with their own skipping and prancing, won over by the pony’s kind aura. Fluttershy giggled at the sight of her band of followers. It reminded her of that story with the piper and the mice.

As she got closer to her destination, Fluttershy looked to her left where her eyes gazed towards the thick, wild forest on the outskirts of her new home. Just looking at it gave the timid pegasus a shiver down her spine. Fluttershy could swear she could feel the danger coming from the forest. It made her want to run away and hide under a rock. The pegasus made a mental note to never enter that forest.

Finally, she saw her home…her half-finished looking home to be exact. Confused, Fluttershy slowly approached the half-made house, wondering why it wasn’t finished. The workers, mostly earth ponies with a few pegasi and unicorns, were still nailing and hammering the woodwork together as if they had just barely started.

“Um… excuse me?” said Fluttershy. Her soft voice failed to get any of the workers attention over the raucous sounds of construction work. “Please… if I can get somepony’s… attention…”

“Hey!” a gruff voice shouted.

Fluttershy leaped into the air and squeaked. Turning around she saw a brown coated, blond manned earth pony dressed in overalls and wearing a hardhat walk up to her. His tall muscled figure made Fluttershy cringe as she felt the stallion’s height tower over her. “This is a job site. What’s a mare like you doing here?”

“Um… I… I-I’m Flu-u-uttershy… and… I’ll b-b-be go-oing now… sor-rry… “ stuttered Fluttershy. She attempted to flee, but the stallion caught her by the tail.

“Hold up! Fluttershy? Aren’t you the owner of this house? Uh, well house in development really,” asked the stallion to which Fluttershy slowly nodded. The stallion slapped his hoof into his face. “Ah, great. Listen, this is embarrassing, but one of my pegasus workers accidently crashed into the construction last week just as we were halfway finished. So were kind of behind schedule.”

“Oh, it’s okay. Um, how long will it take to finish?” asked Fluttershy. It shouldn’t take that long. Maybe a few hours or a day?

The stallion looked at the construction and rubbed his forehead. “If I had to guess, I’d say a week at least.”

“A week? But… but I don’t have anywhere else to go!” Fluttershy gulped. "Where am I going to stay for a whole week?!"

“Sorry, kid. I wish I could help ya. You got enough bits to stay in an inn?”

Fluttershy nodded. Depending on the prices she could stay in a room for a few days. Maybe if she pleaded her case the owners could help her somehow. It was worth giving a shot.

“Don’t worry, Ponyville’s a nice place. Well, my cousin tells me at least,” the stallion commented.

Fluttershy thanked him and made her way towards town, her hooves shaking. The stallion shook his head. It was a shame for such a young cute mare to have to wait for her home to be finished. All because that klutzy worker of his ruined another job. He had to get rid of that cross-eyeing pegasus. Maybe his cousin in the mail delivery business could have better use for her.

A loud crash followed by shouts of surprise and anger made him cringe.

“Oops! My bad!”

Shaking his head, the stallion turned around and said, “Hey! Derpy? We need to talk…”

The town was filled with more ponies then Fluttershy thought there would be. In fact, it seemed to be a busy market day if the long lines at the stands showed anything. A few of the residents looked at her with curious eyes, but soon went back to their business. Okay, just calm down. It’s okay. Just find an inn and you’ll be fine.

“Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie!” shouted a pink earth pony right into Fluttershy's ears. Fluttershy gasped and fell onto her back as the strange pink pony that came out of nowhere suddenly got into her face and jabbered, “Hey! I’ve never seen you before! Which means you must be new, unless I’m getting old and missed somepony that I don’t know in Ponyville. But that’s silly because I’m fifteen and I know everypony in Ponyville. Do you know why? I’m Pinkie Pie and I’m the pony whose job is to make everypony smile! So I want to know who are you and I need to ask if you like vanilla or chocolate?!”

Fluttershy tried to say something, but the earth pony’s chattered so fast that she barely caught any of it except for her name and the last question. “Um… why?”

“Because silly! I need to know what sort of cake you like! I like all kinds of cake! Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, orange, ice cream, pineapple-do you like pineapple, cause you look like the kind that does-grape, sugar, coffee-I’m not allowed to have it anymore for some reason-coconut, oatmeal, and many more! So which do you want?”

Fluttershy slowly looked around her to see if anypony was paying attention to them, but much to her shock they were ignoring her. Why? Was this something that happened normally around here? Pinkie Pie continued to stare at her wild and crazed looking eyes. Fluttershy wanted to get away from this strange pony and hide. She just needed to distract her somehow. Without thinking, Fluttershy pointed to up the sky and said, “Um… look! Um, the sky is filled with giant flying… flower headed… monkeys riding… rocket powered roller skates.”

“Where?!” Pinkie Pie’s head snapped up, eagerly searching for the giant flower headed monkeys riding rocket powered roller skates. Although she was in disbelief that it worked, Fluttershy quickly got up and fled.

Pinkie Pie continued to look up at the sky for a while before she started asking if anypony had seen the giant flower headed monkeys riding rocket powered roller skates. They only just stared at her.

Fluttershy galloped as fast as she could though the surprised crowds. She really felt guilt for deceiving that strange pony, but her nerves had failed her. When she looked behind for any sign of Pinkie, Fluttershy tripped over a basket full of apples. Fluttershy yelped, tumbling to the ground before sliding to a complete stop with apples scattered around her.

“Mah apples!” Fluttershy opened her eyes and saw an orange coated earth pony with blond hair and a cowpony hat on top of her head. The earth pony was glaring at her which made Fluttershy gulp as the cowpony growled. “Ya’ll should watch where ya goin’! Ah need to sell these apples and if they get ruined it hurts mah business.”

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” Fluttershy whimpered as she put her hooves over her head. The farmer’s expression softened before she nudged the scared pegasus.

Fluttershy slowly look the smiling earth pony and began to relax when she saw that her anger was gone. “Hey, ah’m sorry. It’s just ain’t been a good business day and it was wrong of me to take it on ya. Ah’m sorry.”

She extended her hoof and Fluttershy grabbed it. Back on her hooves, Fluttershy smiled and bowed. “Thank you. Sorry for your apples, again.”

“Ain’t no big deal, sugarcube. Name’s Applejack, from Sweet Apple Acers. Who might ya be, now?” inquired Applejack as she started picking up her apples.

“Oh, I’m… Fluttershy."

No sooner had the words left Fluttershy’s mouth, Pinkie's head popped out of a basket of apples. Fluttershy and Applejack jumped back and gasped at the sight of the grinning pony. “Fluttershy! That’s your name?! Great! Now I know what to write on the banner for your party!”

Fluttershy yelped again and was soon speeding off in the distance becoming nothing more than a tiny yellow speck.

“Pinkie Pie? Do ya know who that was?” asked Applejack.

“Well, duh. She just said her name, Applejack. It’s Fluttershy and she’s new!” Pinkie Pie jumped out of the basket and started hopping along in Fluttersh’s wake. Applejack just looked inside her basket and then at the fading mysterious pony.

How was that even possible? Applejack shook her head. Maybe it was best not to think about it.

Fluttershy was going to have a panic attack. She had to get away from that crazy stalker. What should she do? Find the police? No, she had always been so intimidated by them that she could barely speak. Try to use The Stare? It might work, but she had no control over it. Pray and wish that she could disappear? Unless she developed magical powers in the next five seconds, it wasn’t likely.

There was only one thing Fluttershy could do: hide.

She looked around for a safe place to conceal herself, her hooves clopping on the ground impatiently. Her eyes spotted an exquisite and glamorous blue store with dresses held by mannequins. Seeing no other place to hide, Fluttershy flew inside and closed the door with a loud slam. Catching her breath, Fluttershy slid to the floor with her back against the wall as she sighed in relief.

“Um, can I help you?” asked somepony in front of her. Looking up, Fluttershy saw that it was a white coated unicorn with a purple curled mane.

“Sorry, I… I was just…” Fluttershy lips were then silenced when the unicorn put her hoof up.

“Don’t talk, darling, I know why you’re here and what you need! Lucky, I, Rarity, am the finest dress maker in all of Ponyville! Come with me!” The unicorn, Rarity, took Fluttershy by the hoof and dragged her to a small display stage with mirrors all around her.

“Wait… I…”

“Hold on, darling. Just need to look for it,” said Rarity as she went through her many colorful designs.

Fluttershy attempted to get off, but Rarity pushed her back onto the stage. “Please, I’m not here for a dress…”

“Well, of course my dear. Nobody comes into Rarity’s shop for just any dress. So what’s the occasion?” asked Rarity.

Fluttershy didn’t know what to say. All she wanted was just to come to her new house and now all this craziness had happened to her. First the crazy earth pony, then she made a mess with somepony's apples, and now this unicorn thought she was here for a special dress for an occasion. “… it’s not like I’m here for a wedding.”

Rarity only heard the last word and gave a girly shriek. “Oh my gosh! A wedding?! You’re getting married?! At your age?! Oh my stars! Why didn’t you say so?!” Before Fluttershy could protest, Rarity clamped her hooves to Fluttershy’ cheeks, her blue beaming eyes staring into her own pair. “You must be as old as me, maybe a teensiest bit older, and already you found your special somepony?! My word, he must quite the stallion. I bet he was an old childhood friend that fell for you as you were growing up and he’s finally proposed to you! Oh, so romantic!”

Her face turning blue, Fluttershy only managed to muttered, “I’m not... marrying any.... stallion.”

“Oh?” Rarity’s eyebrows raised up, but she still smiled. “I see. Don’t worry, my dear. Marrying a mare is perfectly fine. True love knows no bounds after all.”

Breaking out of Rarity's grip, Fluttershy backed away from the stage and eyed the door. “No, I’m not getting married at all.”

“Not getting married? Then…why are you here?” asked Rarity, scratching her head.

Relieved that she was finally listening, Fluttershy explained, “I was trying to hide. This pink pony kept following me and I just wanted to get away.”

“Ah, Pinkie Pie,” Rarity smirked. “This always happens. Don’t worry… um… what’s your name?”

“Fluttershy."

“Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie just likes being friendly. She’s a nice mare, but she goes a bit too far sometimes. Chances are she’s making a party for you right now." Rarity got off the stage and walked towards the frightened pegasus. “I’m sorry for bothering you so much. I just moved out of my parents’ house a few months ago and opened this shop. I’m a bit… edger to get a start on my career.”

“It’s okay. I understand. I just moved out of my parents’ place in Cloudsdale too,” said Fluttershy.

“Really? What’s your profession?” Rarity looked at Fluttershy’s Cutie Mark. “Butterfly catching?”

“Oh, I take care of animals. I had a home, but it’s still under construction so I don’t have a place to live for a while,” said Fluttershy, pawing the floor.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I would offer you a place to sleep, but the guest room hasn’t been furnished yet,” said Rarity.

“It’s okay. Thank you for the offer anyway, Miss. Rarity.” Fluttershy smiled and bowed. At least she made friends with one nice pony.

“Please, call me Rarity. As a gift, please take any of the dresses you see before you.” Rarity waved her hoof around the many dresses displayed around the shop.

Fluttershy shook her head. “Oh, you don’t have to do that.”

“Nonsense, dear,” Rarity assured her with a wave of a hoof. “Think of it as a welcoming gift. After all, it is your first day here in Ponyville.”

‘And what a day it has been…’ Fluttershy thought as she looked around the shop. If Rarity was going to be insistent about this, she might as well be the good mare and take one. Her eyes stopped at a long fancy white dress with rainbow colored buttons and rainbow colored scarves around the waist.

Fluttershy smiled as she stared at the dress, reminding her of a friend she had so long ago. Rarity noticed this and asked, “Does this dress suit you darling?”

“Oh, well. I guess. It reminds me of an old friend of mine,” said Fluttershy as she touched the soft dress. “I met her in Summer Flight Camp and she was the best friend I ever had. It was thanks to her that I learned to fly and even get my cutie mark. She always stood up for me and made those horrible days enjoyable.”

“She sounds like a truly loyal friend,” said Rarity.

“Yes, she was. Too bad I haven’t seen her since camp ended.” Fluttershy sighed. “I wonder where she is now? Maybe she’s joined the Wonderbolts already. It was always her dream to join them.”

“Sounds like she’d get along well with our newest weather patrol leader. That pegasus is always practicing her ludicrous stunts so she can prove to the Wonderbolts how good she is. Well, I’ll go get a bag for you, dear,” Rarity said, walking over to a set of cabinets.

When the cabinet opened, a barrage of confetti popped out from inside, showering the room with colorful scraps of paper. Rarity and Fluttershy leaped back in fright as Pinkie Pie, wearing a party hat rolled out of the cabinet. “Surprise!”

Fluttershy was about to flee when she stopped mid-step and realized the futility of it. Accepting her fate, Fluttershy turned around as Pinkie Pie bounced towards her and handed her an invitation. She looked at it and tilted her head in bewilderment. “Um, what's this?”

“That’s your invitation for the ‘Welcome Fluttershy to Ponyville’ party that’s going on in half an hour! And what kind of welcoming party would it be if we didn’t have the pony we were welcoming with us?! See you at Sugarcube Corner!” shouted Pinkie, bouncing out of an open window.

“I swear, she’s going to drive us all crazy one day…” muttered Rarity. Turning to her newest friend, she asked, “Something wrong, Fluttershy?”

“Oh, it’s just… well I’m not used to being the center of attention… I don’t really want to go, but… it would be rude of me not to…” said Fluttershy, hiding behind her mane.

Rarity smiled and gave her new friend a comforting pat on the head. “It would be best to go. Pinkie Pie may be a bit… strange, but she does throw some delightful parties. Besides, she puts a lot of effort into them and it wouldn’t be nice to not let her see the fruits of her labor. Am I right?”

Fluttershy had to admit, Rarity had a point. Pinkie Pie may have been eccentric, but she was only trying to be nice. Besides, nopony, except her parents, had ever thrown her a party before. With her mind made up, the two exited the boutique and made their way to Sugarcube Corner.

Fluttershy never expected so many ponies to be there just for her welcoming party. After a few nervous hellos, the pegasus was quickly surrounded by ponies who wanted to know everything about her. Thankfully, Rarity was there to help keep her from getting overwhelmed. She managed to answer a few questions, mostly involving pets when they found out she loved to take care of animals, and she slowly managed to calm down and enjoy the party around her.

“Seems like ya’ll enjoyin’ yourselves,” drawled a friendly voice. Fluttershy turned around and saw Applejack tipping her wide-brimmed hat in greeting.

“Oh yes, it’s a nice party. I just wish it was a bit more… quiet,” admitted Fluttershy, wincing at the loud music being played.

Applejack chuckled. “Well, ah ain’t ever heard of a quiet party before. Especially, when Pinkie Pie is involved."

Fluttershy nodded as she closed her eyes, taking the sounds around her. It was a unique feeling to hear so many voices talking at once. The loudest of course was Pinkie Pie, who was greeting another guest at the entrance. “Hey! You made it! Didn’t think you were going show up!"

“And let a party go on without me?! Hay no!” a cocky mare’s voice shouted.

Fluttershy’s eyes widen. That voice… it couldn’t be.

Was it her?! Was it really her?! Fluttershy quickly started to move past crowds and bumped past ponies, edger to see the new arrival. Looking up, she saw familiar rainbow colored mane that stood out against the crowd and her heart soared.

“So who is this newcomer anyway?” asked Rainbow Dash, looking around.

“Oh she’s a pegasus! Her name is…”

“Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy shouted with teary eyes of joy.

Turning around, Rainbow Dash’s mouth dropped at who she saw. “F-Fluttershy?! Is that… you?”

Rainbow Dash’s answer was a flying tackle that sent both mares to the floor. Fluttershy buried her face into the chest of her oldest friend, tears dripping down her face. “It’s you! It’s really you!”

Rainbow Dash quickly got out of her stupor and hugged her fillyhood friend. “I can’t believe it… you’re actually here.”

“I missed you so much,” whispered Fluttershy. She still couldn’t believe it. Out of all the towns in Equestria she picked the one where her best friend lived. Fluttershy had always hoped that the promise she made with Rainbow Dash on the last day they saw each other would come true. And now it had.

Rarity stepped forward and cleared her voice. “I take it you two know each other?”

Rainbow Dash grinned as she lifted Fluttershy and herself into the air, grabbing everypony’s attention. “Everypony! Meet Fluttershy! This girl here saved my life when we were kids by staring down a bear all by herself!” Gasps and astonished exclamations filled the air causing Fluttershy to blushed. Rainbow Dash held her hoof high into the air. "She’s one of my oldest friends so treat her with the same respect as you would treat me! If I find out anybody doing anything wrong to her, I’ll kick you into the skies! Got it!” Rainbow Dash warned. Everypony nodded in agreement before the happy chatter of celebrating ponies filled the air once more.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash floated down to the ground. Pinkie Pie zipped over, grinning from ear to ear. “Oh my gosh! I didn’t know you two were old friends! This is great! Now we have two things to celebrate tonight! I’m going to get my super large party poppers for this!”

Pinkie dashed off as Rainbow shook her head in amazement. “That Pinkie Pie. She’s so random. Anyway, I can’t believe you’re here, Fluttershy. I was beginning to think I might never see you again.”

“Me too. I never forgot about you though, Rainbow Dash,” said Fluttershy. Indeed, she didn’t. She even made efforts to head into Cloudsdale on her own to look for the cyan-coated mare, but she had never gotten far.

“You still helping animals and all that?” asked Rainbow Dash as she guided both of them towards the punch bowl.

Fluttershy accepted a cup from her friend and took a sip. “Oh yes. I can’t wait to get started. What about you? You in the Wonderbolts yet?”

“Naw, you gotta be eighteen to join so I’ve got at least two years 'till I can start to try out. Even then that’s only if they got any positions open. So I’m hanging around here. There’s a lot of space to fly and practice my stunts, plus the folks seem to like seeing my special moves. Guess they know talent when they see it.” Rainbow Dash flapped her wings proudly. “I should totally come over your place tomorrow and show you my stuff.”

Fluttershy’s ears drooped. “Oh, well... I don’t have a home yet. My house is still in construction."

Rainbow Dash nearly spat out her drink. “What?! No way am I letting you sleep without a roof over your head. You’re sleeping with me tonight and every night 'till you get you house fixed up.”

“Really? I don’t want to intrude,” said Fluttershy.

Rainbow Dash grinned and punched her friend lightly in the arm. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got space and besides, I’d never abandoned a friend. Especially one of my oldest ones who I haven’t seen in such a long time, so quit worrying.”

Fluttershy rubbed her arm and nodded, "Okay. Sorry."

Rainbow Dash shook her head. Some things never changed…

Still don't know if this is going romantic or not. But I'll make a decision in the next chapter.

Rated out.

(Plays Metalingus by Alter Bridge)

How We Laughed

How We Met
A My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fanfic
By The Rated Ponystar
Chapter 6: How We Laughed
Edited by: Fernin and Souldin
Disclaimer: I do not own MLP. If I did, I would so make a Daring Do spin-off or Dr. Whooves

When you grew up in the city of Cloudsdale, seeing snow wasn't exactly something that was spectacular. However, seeing it on the earth's surface was an entirely different matter. The first time Fluttershy saw snow on the ground she thought she had entered a new mystical world. In fact, winter was one of the most important times for her job. The hibernating animals needed somepony to make sure that they weren’t awakened early.

Needless to say, Fluttershy had been looking forward to her first winter in Ponyville. When she opened her door on the first winter morning, the yellow pegasus felt like she had been raptured into a wintry heaven. The snow completely covered the earth as if an artist took his brush and painted the landscape pure white. Fluttershy slowly walked along the soft solidified blanket of snow, sighing in comfort as she felt the solid water beneath her hooves. The young mare inhaled the wispy chilling air before exhaling a warm visible breath, and eager to explore her new surroundings, raced back inside and quickly got her hoof woven yellow and pink striped scarf. She also grabbed her saddlebags filled with other scarves that she had made for any of her animals should they cross paths.

After making sure her door was locked, Fluttershy ventured out into the new white world that lay before her. Humming a favorite tune of hers, the smiling pegasus trotted merrily through the snow covered paths as she looked up and saw blue jays twiddling in the sky. Upon hearing her whistling, the blue jays flew towards the animal caretaker and happily chirped in tune. Fluttershy giggled before she thanked them by giving each bird a small purple scarf.

After they left, Fluttershy looked over the distant town that she had grown to love over the last few months. Coming to Ponyville was one of the best choices that she had ever made in her entire life. Not only were the ponies very nice to her, but Fluttershy had also earned their respect by becoming Ponyville’s official animal caretaker; a job she was took pride in.

Fluttershy also managed to find new friends that helped her settle in. Rarity the dressmaker shared a lot of similar interests such as romance novels and stitching. The elegant unicorn also often invited her to weekly spa trips, mostly so Rarity could talk about her week while Fluttershy just listened. The farmer Applejack was not only kind but also supplied the her and her animal friends with a hefty supply of apples every month. In return, Fluttershy would travel to Sweet Apple Acers and help take care of any livestock issues such as helping the birth of a newborn or calming the sheep down for a shaving. Finally there was Pinkie Pie, who was pretty much friends with everypony. Although no longer frightened of the energetic earth pony, Fluttershy was sometimes still unnerved by her constant sporadic appearances.

But perhaps the greatest thing about Ponyville was the fact that she had found her old friend, Rainbow Dash. Even though it had been years since they saw each other, Rainbow Dash hadn't changed a single bit. Dash was still her cocky daredevil attitude like self, but the rainbow-manned pegasus still retained her loyal adventurous spirit. Out of all her friends, Rainbow Dash was the one that Fluttershy held the closest to her.

Upon thinking of her childhood friend, her teal eyes turned towards the distant cloud home where Rainbow Dash lived. There was little doubt in Fluttershy's mind that her adjustment to Ponyville wouldn't of been as enjoyable if it wasn't for Rainbow Dash. It was Rainbow Dash who gave her the entire tour of the town. It was Rainbow Dash who checked up on her for the first few days in her new home to make sure she was alright and adjusting. And whenever Fluttershy was in trouble, she could always count on Rainbow Dash to help her.

Like the one time a few stallions cornered her behind an alley and kept harassing her for a date. Rainbow Dash happened to be nearby and swooped to her rescue, managing to back the colts off and even slugged one when he said something incredibly rude to Fluttershy. It was like Rainbow Dash was her own guardian angel.

"Hey Fluttershy!" shouted a voice from above. Looking up, Fluttershy spotted a familiar rainbow streak flying in the sky. It zoomed and twirled in the air before diving down towards the surface. Like a shooting star, Rainbow Dash descended at neck breaking speeds. Even though she had seen this many times before, it still made Fluttershy worry. Just as Dash was about to collide headfirst with the ground, she pulled up and fully extended her wings causing her to glide likes she had the grace of the falcon. Placing her hooves on the ground, Rainbow Dash skidded to a halt while kicking up snow into the air.

Fluttershy gasped as the snow pile fell on top of her making her look like a snowpony. Rainbow Dash immediately fell to the ground laughing, her hooves kicking in the air as she struggled to breathe. Fluttershy soon laughed as well before she shook the snow off her mane.

Rainbow Dash snickered as she lifted herself back up. "Sorry Fluttershy... Haha, I just thought I'd give you a show for your first snowfall here in Ponyville.”

Fluttershy look at her friend with an amused smile. "I really appreciated it, Rainbow Dash. But don't you have weather duties today?"

Rainbow Dash waved the question off with her hoof. "Chill, Fluttershy. I managed to convince Raindrops to take my shift so I could hang out with you. So what sort of awesome snow activities do you want to do?"

"Oh, I don't know. What sort of things you do when it's winter? Nothing dangerous I hope?” asked Fluttershy.

“Relax, Fluttershy. It’s all harmless fun. Besides, you could use a little excitement." said Rainbow Dash.

Dash’s term of the word ‘excitement’ usually meant a lot of intensity that the poor yellow pegasus wasn’t use to. She didn’t want to make it sound like she didn’t want to have fun and hurt Dash’s feelings, but there were previous times that Dash’s fun had gotten a little out of hand. Like the one time the speedster convinced her to help out in a prank that covered the park in green jelly. They had to spend a week cleaning it all up when they got caught. “I don’t know…”

Faking a few sniffles, Rainbow Dash put her forehoof over her heart. “You wound me, Fluttershy. You don’t trust your best and most noble friend?”

Fluttershy fell for the act and started apologizing which just made Dash laugh. Realizing that she had been tricked she glared at Rainbow Dash, but replaced it with a smile. “I really need to catch on when you’re acting serious or not.”

“Yeah, you’re too easy to fool sometimes." Rainbow Dash placed her hoof over her heart again. “I, Rainbow Dash, promise that Fluttershy will have the most exciting, and safe, time of her life if she agrees to follow me.”

Smiling, Fluttershy nodded as Dash quickly took her by the hoof and dragged her into the air.

“First item on the list! Belly sledding!” announced Rainbow Dash, pointing to a steep hill that was covered in snow and looked very slippery. It was almost as tall as Rainbow Dash’s house.

Fluttershy looked at her friend, stunned that she was even suggesting such a thing. "Wouldn’t sliding down on ice using your stomach hurt?"

Rainbow Dash flew to the top of the hill and looked down. “Don’t worry. It may be icy, but it doesn’t hurt at all. It’s as smooth as a cloud, but much more fun! And if you’re still unsure, try using your flank. Works almost as good as your belly, but not close enough. Watch!”

Licking her chops, Rainbow Dash lowered herself to her stomach at the edge of the hill. She then pushed herself off with her back hooves and gave a thrilling shout as she raced down the icy downward path. Fluttershy couldn’t help but be fascinated by the amount of fun her Dash was having. Rainbow slowly began to subside in speed before coming to a complete halt right next to her.

Lifting herself up, Rainbow Dash did a little pose, showing off how harmless it was. “So you ready? Let’s have a race to see who can go faster.”

“Um, okay.” Fluttershy agreed as the two of them flew back to the top of the steep hill.

Fluttershy decided to go the safer way and sat down on her rear while Dash went back on her belly. “You ready?” asked Dash. Fluttershy nodded as anticipation knotted in her stomach. “Three… two… one… go!”

Both mares pushed off at the same time as they raced neck and neck towards the bottom of the hill. Rainbow Dash then poised her body completely straight like a spear and sailed on ahead. Determined to give it her all, Fluttershy leaned a bit forward in an effort to match her opponents speed. Suddenly, she noticed something up ahead and gasped. A small ramp made of snow was straight ahead in her direction. Fluttershy tried to steer out of the way, but it was too late. Covering her eyes, she flew right off the ramp with a small scream. Rainbow Dash, meanwhile, had made it to the bottom and cheered for her victory. “I won! Oh, yeah! Nice try though, Fluttershy… Fluttershy?”

“Look out!” screamed Fluttershy from above. Looking up, Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened as Fluttershy crashed on top of her. Fluttershy moaned a bit before she lifted her hooves from her eyes and looked around. “Dash? Where are you?”

“… Under your butt. Please get off…” Dash muttered from below her friend's tail. Fluttershy gave a small 'eep' before getting off. Rainbow Dash shook her head and moaned. “Oh, I’m going to feel that in the morning.”

“I’m sorry. I tried to avoid the ramp but…” Fluttershy’s ears lowered themselves in shame as she turned even redder.

“Ah, forget it. I’m tougher then I look,” Rainbow Dash reassured her friend with a smile. “But just in case. Let’s try something a bit more relaxing for our next activity: snow sculptures.”

Now this was an activity more to Fluttershy’s taste. Not only was it quiet and safe, she could also create cute snow animals. Both girls decided to do their sculptures in secret; agreeing to not see the other’s work until they were both finished. Fluttershy carefully made a set of baby snow bunnies all hoping around a larger snow bunny that had angel wings on its back. It looked like the bigger bunny was watching over the smaller ones playing around like a divine guardian. It brought a tender feeling to Fluttershy’s heart as she began to imagine the scene playing out in her mind.

“Nice one, Fluttershy. Totally fits you,” Rainbow Dash commented from behind. Fluttershy turned red from the praise as she started to turn around.

“So what did you make Rainbo-DRAGON!” Fluttershy flew straight through her snow bunny angel, sending the pieces flying as she hid behind a nearby tree. Every part of her body shivered as she closed her eyes and hoped the giant beast would go away.

“Fluttershy! It’s just a model. It’s not real.” Rainbow Dash’s words perked Fluttershy’s ears. Slowly peeking out of her hiding spot, she saw that the dragon was indeed just made out of snow, much to her relief. Embarrassed, Fluttershy walked back to the sculpture, continuing to shiver at the sight of the snow monster. It was so life like, right down to the scales. Its wide sharp teeth looked almost big enough to rip her into pieces and its tail lifted off the ground like a spiked whip. If it wasn’t for the fact that it was made of snow, Fluttershy was sure she would have had a heart attack.

“It must be good, if I made it scare the feathers off of you.” Rainbow Dash then flew up to the snow dragon and gave it a good smack in the face. The face of snow monster fell to the ground, leaving the dragon headless. “See? Harmless.”

“I know, but… I-I-it was j-just s-so sc-cary,” stuttered Fluttershy .

Rainbow Dash landed next to her and gave her a pat on the back. “Don’t worry, Shy. If any dragon comes near you, I’ll kick its scaly behind back to the cave it crawled out of.”

Although it was highly unlikely that Dash could do anything against a real live dragon, Fluttershy was grateful nonetheless. Having Dash around as company always made Fluttershy feel better no matter what and she hoped it would stay that way forever. “So any other activities?”

A sly grin grew on Dash’s face which made Fluttershy a bit worried. “Yeah, do me a favor and turn around.”

Reluctantly, Fluttershy obeyed. A second later she felt something soft and cold hit her on the backside of the head, nearly knocking her off her hooves. Fluttershy turned around to see Rainbow Dash holding a snowball in her one hoof. “Third, and my personal favorite, is a snowball fight!” Fluttershy gasped and she ran away, avoiding snowballs from above while Dash laughed hysterically. “Come on, Fluttershy! Show me your stuff!”

Whipping behind a thick oak tree, Fluttershy gulped and tried to focus. Taking some snow, she rolled it into a ball as she slowly peeked around the tree only to narrowly dodge another snowball. Dash, a few feet away, whistled a tune while lazily flapping her wings. “I can wait all day, Fluttershy. Come out and take this snowball like a mare.”

Gulping, Fluttershy tried to think of a solution to get out of her predicament. She saw trees nearby for cover, but Rainbow Dash would surly hit her again. Maybe she could fly? No, it would be too obvious. An idea then came to Fluttershy as she smiled. If she couldn’t go around or above, she would have to go under.

Not too far away, Rainbow Dash yawned. “Okay, that’s long enough. I’m coming for ya!”

With a loud cry of excitement, Rainbow Dash zoomed around the tree and fired her snowball… only to hit nothing. Confused, she landed on the ground and looked for signs of the pink-maned pegasus. “Where is she? I could have sworn she was around here…”

Dash was so preoccupied with her pondering that she didn’t notice a small lump moving across the snow similar to a groundhog underneath the dirt. Just as she was a foot away from her target, Fluttershy leaped out from underneath the snow with her snowball raised. Rainbow Dash turned around and was shocked by the sudden ambush until she felt the snowball smack her dead center in the chest.

Realizing she had been hit, Rainbow Dash faked a groaning sound and raised herself to the air, forehooves placed over where she had been hit. “Augh! You got me! I’m a goner!” The dramatic pegasus proceeded to fly around like a wounded bird while giving out fake death cries and coughs. Putting her hoof over her forehead, which reminded Fluttershy of a certain white unicorn, Rainbow Dash shouted, “Why cruel fate! Why do you end the life of such a young, awesome pegasus?! Oh, woe is unto me!”

Fluttershy now couldn’t help but laugh at her friend’s performance as Rainbow Dash flew to her side and placed a hoof around her neck. She pretended to cough as she weakly whispered, “Tell them…I fought well, Fluttershy… do not weep for me… my time has come…” Removing herself from her friend, Rainbow Dash proceeded to stumble around. “So cold… I’m so… cold…”

Giving one last ‘death cry’ the ‘dying’ pegasus ended her performance with a flop to her back and lifted her hooves straight up in the air as she closed her eyes and stuck out her tongue. Fluttershy clapped her hooves for the performance. Just as she was about to speak, she looked up and spotted something not too far away. Narrowing her eyes, Fluttershy spotted the body of a small tiny creature that looked like it wasn’t moving.

Her material instincts kicking in, Fluttershy galloped towards the creature while accidently stomping on Rainbow Dash’s stomach, knocking the wind out of her. Groaning, Rainbow Dash glared at the retreating Fluttershy and yelled, “Hey! Is that any way to treat the dead?!”

Seeing Fluttershy running like the wind, Rainbow Dash got up and followed. When she arrived, she saw the animal lover cradling a tiny bunny in her arms. Rainbow Dash got a closer look at it. “Is it dead?”

“No, but he’s very weak. I need to take him home!” Fluttershy gently held the bunny with one hoof and proceeded to fly in the direction of her home, Rainbow Dash right behind her.

Realizing that time was of the essence, Rainbow Dash decided to take action. She flew ahead with her tail inches from Fluttershy’s face. “Grab my tail and hold on to that bunny!”

Fluttershy gently grabbed the rainbow colored tail with her mouth and held on tight. A split second later, Fluttershy felt the wind rushing against her cheeks as Rainbow Dash double timed it through the woods. In a matter of minutes, they managed to arrive at Fluttershy’s cottage. Despite feeling a bit woozy, Fluttershy quickly entered her home and got to work on saving the poor bunny.

“Here you go, little one. Eat it all up,” Fluttershy gently pushed the carrot soup towards the weak little bunny that lay on a small basket covered in blankets. The bunny looked at the soup and put his paw inside the bowl before licking it. His eyes widen and immediately dived in, slurping the delicious soup greedily. “Oh my, some little bunny was really hungry wasn’t he?”

When it finished, the bunny held out the bowl for more, but Fluttershy shook her head. “You can have more later, ok? Right now you need to rest.”

The bunny’s response was throwing the bowl against her head. Fluttershy yipped as it sailed over her and crashed into pieces against the wall. Now she was going to have to buy a new one. “Please go to sleep Mr. Bunny? I promise to make you more soup when you wake up. Extra carrots too!” The bunny thought it over before nodding. He gave a loud yawn and lowered his head, drifting into a deep sleep. Fluttershy couldn’t help but be moved. It was as if the bunny was sleeping like an angel.

“Everything alright, Fluttershy?” asked Rainbow Dash, flying from the staircase. A towel was wrapped around her head before she shook it off and left it on the ground.

Fluttershy picked up the towel and threw it near a hamper. “Oh, just fine. Nothing to worry about, did you enjoy your shower?”

“Yeah, thanks again for letting me use it. How’s the little guy?” Rainbow Dash nodded towards the sleeping bunny.

“Oh, he’s going to be fine. I really am grateful for your help, Rainbow Dash,” said Fluttershy, nuzzling her friends neck.

“Y-Yeah well, I’m always there to help out.” said Rainbow Dash, blushing.

After she finished, Fluttershy went to her couch and took the big red blanket off it before walking towards her fireplace. “You want to sit with me next to the fire? Um, unless you got other plans then forget I said anything…”

Rainbow Dash shook her head and sat down beside the yellow pegasus as they wrapped themselves around the warm blanket, staring into the dancing flames across from them. The two mares sat next to each other in silence, but occasionally glanced at each other and smiled. Fluttershy could feel the blood rush to her cheeks as she muttered, “I really had fun today… I never knew winter could be so much fun.”

“And we’ll have plenty more of them in the future,” Rainbow Dash yawned as she began to feel her eyes droop.

“Oh, um… you can sleep here if you want…” said Fluttershy, but the tired pegasus was already asleep. Fluttershy smiled as she leaned on her oldest friend, her sensitive ears listening to the strong heartbeats inside. Rubbing her snout against Rainbow Dash’s warm cyan coat, Fluttershy sighed in comfort as she slowly drifted into her own dreams. Dreams of a certain cyan pegasus…

If you haven't guessed, I’m making it romantic.
Thanks to Souldin for his edits.
Still more to come.
Rated out
(Plays Metalingus from After Bridge)

How We Hurt

How We Met

A My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fanfic

By The Rated Ponystar

Chapter 7: How We Hurt

Edited by: Fernin and Souldin

Disclaimer: I do not own MLP. Now read my minions.

To say it had been an interesting day would be an understatement. Not only had Rainbow Dash won the Best Young Fliers Competition and get a chance to hang out with the Wonderbolts for an entire day, but she also performed one of the most amazing and fantastic tricks ever: the legendary Sonic Rainboom. When Fluttershy saw the stunning explosion of color, she cheered so loud the entire stadium had to have heard her.

The sight of the marvelous wonder brought nostalgic memories of the day Fluttershy got her cutie mark and landed on the earth for the first time. Fluttershy was so happy for her best friend; how could she not be when Rainbow Dash, the hero of the day, flew over the astounded audience.

When they arrived home, news of the competition had already reached Ponyville as everypony begged for answers as well as hoping to see Rainbow Dash. After explaining the situation, the disappointed crowd soon dispersed while the rest of her friends headed back to their respective homes. All but Fluttershy who decided to wait at Dash’s cloud house for when she returned. After all, she had been supporting the victorious mare for weeks with her moral support. It only seemed right to give Rainbow Dash her own personal congratulations. Hours had passed as Fluttershy wasted her time counting clouds, imaging them shaped like cute little animals, 'till the sun began to set in the distance.

“The champ is here!” shouted a loud familiar voice above Fluttershy’s head. Looking up with a knowing smile, the waiting mare she saw her cyan friend, golden crown still perched on her head, fly down with the biggest smirk the yellow pegasus had ever seen. Slowing her descent, the young champion touched base with her cloudy front yard and poised; her wings fully spread and her head held high.

“Welcome back. Oh, Rainbow Dash, I’m so proud of you,” Fluttershy rushed forward, immediately hugging her best friend. Rainbow returned the gesture.

“Thanks Fluttershy. I really can’t believe I managed to do it! My second Sonic Rainboom! I sure showed everypony today, huh?” Dash grinned as she took off the golden winged crown and looked at it with pride. “Winner of the Annual Best Young Fliers Competition. Me! I can’t still believe it. I thought I was going to just make myself look like a foal in front of everypony.”

“I knew you could do it,” said Fluttershy, “and it was a good thing you saved Rarity and the Wonderbolts too.”

“Yeah, maybe I should be thankful Rarity got all big headed and flew too close to the sun.“ Dash chuckled, but the stern look from Fluttershy quickly changed her tune. “I was kidding! No competition is bigger than a friend. I know that.”

Fluttershy nodded in approval. The idea that they nearly lost one of their friends today brought a shiver down Fluttershy's spine. “I can’t believe we almost lost Rarity... I would have... She could have...”

Sensing her discomfort, Rainbow Dash gently rubbed her snout against Fluttershy’s neck. With her friend's comforting touch against her fur, the nervous pegasus began to feel more at ease. “Relax, it’s all over. Besides, I wasn’t going to let what almost happened before happen again.”

Tilting her head, Fluttershy asked, “Again? You mean... like how I almost fell when we were kids?” Her question didn’t receive an answer right away. Rainbow’s shimmering eyes dulled for a moment, her gaze drifting towards the sinking sunset. Fluttershy gave her friend a comforting smile before she hugged her. “Rainbow, it was an accident and a long time ago. I don’t hate you for what happened.”

Rainbow Dash lowered her head slightly to nose Fluttershy’s silken pink mane. “ “I-I... I know...It’s just sometimes I think about what would have happened if... if something did happen to you. Back then I almost imagined you all crunched up in a ball... motionless...”

Rubbing the cyan pony’s back reassuringly, Fluttershy whispered, “But I’m right here with you. Nothing bad happened.”

Shrugging free from her friend’s embrace, Rainbow Dash turned away. A moment of silence wedged between them before Rainbow Dash slowly turned back, her eyes spearing Fluttershy with a serious glance. “Fluttershy, do you know what my greatest fear is?” Fluttershy shook her head. “I’m afraid that... one day I won’t be fast enough to save somepony when they need me. I’m one of the fastest pegasi in Equestria. Hay, maybe the fastest in the world! But if something was to happen where I wasn’t fast enough to save you, or Rarity, or Twilight, or anypony... I... I never would be able to live with myself.”

“Oh, Rainbow...” said Fluttershy, looking at her friend with sympathy. “Nothing bad will happen to us. I promise.”

“Not really something you can promise, Shy. After all, crazy things happen...” said Rainbow with a sad smile.

Realizing that the conversation was taking a rather negative turn, Fluttershy decided to change the subject. “So what were the Wonderbolts like? If you don’t mind me asking...”

This lit up Rainbow Dash’s face in a heartbeat. “Oh, you wouldn’t believe how awesome they are! I never thought anypony could be cooler than cool, but those guys are like... like... super cool!”

The pair sat down comfortably on the soft, fluffy clouds as the jubilant pegasus began to tell the Fluttershy all about her time with her heroes. Rainbow Dash explained and bragged her awesome day while Fluttershy sat silently with her head over her folded hooves; her ears listening to every word with a dreamy smile as nostalgic feelings emerged. Even though she was no longer the squeaky filly from before, Dash’s voice still held the same warm and comfortable tune that soothed Fluttershy. Occasionally, Fluttershy let herself get a glimpse of that wild, colorful mane. It was like staring into a sea that held all the colors of the world, flowing in the breeze as if it was enchanted.

“... So Spitfire told me that, if I’m lucky, I might get an approval to join a Wonderbolts audition sometime in the future! Can you believe it!” Rainbow Dash finished which caught Fluttershy’s attention. Rainbow Dash gave a unusual small girly scream as she began to blab about how awesome it would be to finally be a Wonderbolt.

Unbeknownst to her, Fluttershy felt differently. She shifted nervously as the terrible realization dawned on her. It took the shy pegasus several seconds to work up the courage to give voice to her epiphany. “Being a Wonderbolt means... traveling around the world and performing right?”

“Yeah! Not just Equestria! Draconia, Grydon, Zetswana, and all the other nations out there that allow the Wonderbolts to perform! Traveling around the world nearly all year with the bonus of seeing so many new lands?! It’s my dream come true!” shouted Rainbow with joy. Fluttershy, however, felt her heart sink.

“H-how long... would you be on... t-t-tour?” Fluttershy stuttered, pawing the cloud nervously.

Rainbow shrugged. “Pretty much all year. Like eight to ten months or so,”

The world suddenly seemed to stop. Rainbow Dash gone for a year? No, not just a year. Every year she would be gone, only returning home for a short time before vanishing again. Fluttershy knew that she should be supportive of Rainbow Dash’s dream, but a part of her dared to wish it never happen. She had only just reconnected with her oldest friend and now Dash was going to be gone soon?

Ever since they reunited, the two pegasi had always been together. Even when they weren’t hanging out, they always saw each other on the streets, or in the clouds, and greeted the other with a wave. Now the Wonderbolts were threatening to ruin it. But what right did Fluttershy have to hold back her best friend? Dash had loyally supported the yellow pegasus in her own dreams since they met, so why was this any different?

“You okay, Fluttershy? You looked zoned out,” asked Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy snapped out of her inner turmoil, and managed to nod. Rainbow shrugged before heading to her door—pausing a moment to look back at her blushing friend. “You want to stay for the night? I mean I’m still pumped up to party so I don’t mind having a late night sleepover.”

Fluttershy shook her head. “I’m sorry, I need to head home and see how Angel is doing. I’m a bit worried about him.”

“Suit yourself. See you tomorrow,” Dash waved goodbye before she headed inside. Her heart filled with doubt, Fluttershy muttered a farewell of her own before heading out.

“There they are! It’s the Wonderbolts!”

A thousand screaming fans cheered in droves as the greatest flying team in the world stood tall and proud, making their way out of the stadium where the red carpet lay out for them. The near-endless flashing lights of photography lit up the night sky like fireworks exploding for a celebration. The eager fans reached out their hooves with photographs and posters; some were even just reaching out their bare hooves to simply touch one of them.

Surrounded by their hulking bodyguards, every Wonderbolt was there: Spitfire, Soarin’, Fleetfoot, Wildfire, and, of course, their most famous and talented member….

“Rainbow Dash! Over here!” shouted a photographer. His camera worked into overtime as the lens captured any part of the leading mare it could be pointed to; from the flashy rainbow mane to the sexy flank that thousands of stallions drooled over. Rainbow Dash just smiled and waved, basking in the glory that had come with being the Co-Captain of the Wonderbolts.

Meanwhile, a certain yellow pelted pony was pushing through the crowd, muttering apologizes as she passed. Like the rest, Fluttershy was here to see the Wonderbolts, but she had also come to meet a certain friend she hadn’t seen in years. With one last push, Fluttershy managed to reach the front of the side, but she misplaced her hoofing and rolled onto the red carpet.

“Hey! You’re not supposed be here!” exclaimed a muscled white pegasus in a black suit. Fluttershy cowered in fear as he towered over her. Some of the fans noticed this and even tried to attempt the same thing, but the squad of bodyguards saw that it didn’t happen.

“Chill, Brocky. She’s just a fan.” Rainbow Dash pushed aside her bodyguard and looked at the pegasus with a slick smile. “You know, mostly its guys that fall down in front of me, but I don’t mind the mares once and awhile. Especially cute ones like you.”

Getting up, Fluttershy looked at her old friend with pleading eyes. “Rainbow Dash, don’t you recognize me? It’s Fluttershy! We lived in Ponyville together!”

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow and rubbed her chin. “Ponyville… Ponyville… rings a bell…”

“You know? Me? Twilight and the others? Elements of Harmony? Please try to remember!” urged Fluttershy.

Her pleading turn to horror as Rainbow Dash shook her head and shrugged. “Sorry, kid. Doesn’t ring any bells. Maybe you got the wrong pony, but here…” Rainbow Dash whistled and Brock pulled out a signed photo, stuffing it in Fluttershy’s mouth. “See ya later.”

Spitting out the photo, Fluttershy tried to shout, but Brocky had seized her by the tail and mane, throwing her back into the crowd. After a harsh landing, Fluttershy looked up to see numerous blue specks fly into the sky and disappear in the distance. With their idols gone, the roaring crowd soon settled and dispersed, leaving the heartbroken pegasus all by herself. Fluttershy uttered Rainbow Dash's name over and over again, with each whisper slowly getting louder. Pounding on the fluffy white cloud below her, Fluttershy sat all alone in the darkness.

The morning rooster’s crow signaled the start of the new dawn as Fluttershy slowly opened her misty eyes; images of her nightmare still lingering. She forced herself out of bed, her pink mane all ragged, before dragging her hooves downstairs. When she arrived in her living room, Fluttershy nearly jumped as her door knocked. “Mail Service!”

Calming herself, Fluttershy opened her door revealing a cross-eyed grey pegasus with a blond mane searching through the mailbag strung across her chest. “Morning, Fluttershy! How goes the morning!”

The sleepless pegasus gave a loud yawn. “Not a good start, Derpy.”

Derpy Hooves smiled sympathetically while one of her eyes glanced in the direction of the roof. “I know how that feels. Some days I forget which way to wake up in the morning and I slam my face into a wall. Thankfully, I don’t suffer from nose bleeds anymore when it does happen!”

Receiving several letters, Fluttershy thanked Derpy who gave a quick farewell before zooming into the air... after hitting a tree branch by accident. With her mail in her mouth, Fluttershy headed back inside where she spat the letters out onto the dining table and started sorting them out. “Bill... bill... a letter from mom and dad, how nice... an advertisement, I should read it I mean it would be sort of rude not to. Hm? What’s this?”

A bright blue and yellow envelope stood out from the other ordinary ones, catching her interest. Flipping it to the front, Fluttershy’s mouth dropped. A golden lightning bolt with wings was sealed on the front of the letter, a symbol that was only associated with one organization: the Wonderbolts. She looked at the address and nearly collapsed. The addresses was Rainbow Dash’s.

Realizing that Derpy made a mistake, Fluttershy felt every part of her body sweat as she looked at the letter like it was an execution notice. It was Rainbow Dash’s so it had to be given to her. Yet, what if this was the letter that would take Dash away from Ponyville? Before Fluttershy knew what she was doing, her hooves were already tearing the envelope open and taking out the letter.

With shaking hooves, she read it as fast as she could:

Dear Rainbow Dash,

Congratulations, due to your impressive performance at the Best Young Fliers Competition (As well as saving our hides) we have decided to offer you a chance to audition for a position in our team this year. As we mentioned to you yesterday, every three years we offer an audition to pegasi who we feel are talented and gutsy enough to join.

You will compete against dozens of other pegasi for a chance to earn a position on our team. Normally, we don’t offer this opportunity to a pegasus so young, but due to your actions as of yesterday, we’ve decided to give you this one chance to try out early.

The auction is tomorrow at 10AM at the stadium in Cloudsdale where the competition took place. If you cannot join the auction, or you feel you are not ready, we understand and we hope to see you in future tryouts. Either way, we have our eye on you and we hope either to see you tomorrow or hear more from you soon.

Signed, Spitfire (Captain of the Wonderbolts)P.S. The team says thanks again

A hurricane of emotions stirred inside of Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash had a chance to finally join the Wonderbolts, and at such an early age too! The sight of the cyan pegasus soaring into the air with joy made Fluttershy just as excited. But then her mind turned back to her horrible dream.

What if came true? Would Dash just forget all about her and where she came from as she grew more famous? Fluttershy stared at the simple flimsy letter. It would be so easy to just tear it apart and hide the pieces. She could burn it, bury it, even flush it down her toilet. But what kind of friend would Fluttershy be if she did that?! No, she had to go get the cyan pegasus and tell her the good news.

With her resolve set, Fluttershy dropped the letter back on the table and made her way towards her door. When she opened it, she jumped back upon seeing Rainbow Dash with her hoof raised in mid-knock. “Uh? Hello?”

Fluttershy gulped, her eyes quickly glancing to the blue and yellow envelope sitting back on the dining table in plain sight. “R-Rainbow Dash?! What are you doing here?”

“Just came by to say hi. I passed by Derpy and she said you were looking a bit out of it,” Rainbow Dash leaned forward and asked, “Are you okay?”

“Um, yes... I mean well...“ Fluttershy quickly hid her face behind her pink mane. What was she going to do now? Tell Rainbow Dash the letter or not?

“Are you sure? You were zoning out yesterday and now you look like you haven’t slept all night,” pointed out Rainbow Dash

Fluttershy shook her head and closed her eyes. Despite what she wanted it was important for her friend to know about the letter and her opportunity to join the Wonderbolts. Just as she was about to open her mouth, Rainbow Dash quickly put up a hoof to silence the mare. “Okay, I see what the problem is.”

“Y-you d-do?”

“Yeah, I’ve been so busy with the competition and the celebrating that I haven’t hung out with you in a long time. So what do you say you and me hang out tomorrow when I don’t have my weather duties?” suggested Rainbow Dash

Fluttershy froze. The idea of a whole day with Rainbow Dash was making her heart beat like crazy. She was so happy it almost make her want to fly into the air and scream for joy. Then she remembered the auditions tomorrow. If she told Rainbow Dash about them, then no doubt the plans would be abandoned so Dash could rush off to live her dream.

Fluttershy’s desire and her need to do good for her friend kept clashing in her head like two armies. It was driving her crazy. She wanted to do the right thing... she had to do the right thing. She slowly opened her mouth and said, “I would love to, Rainbow Dash.”

“Great, see you at 10AM sharp.” Dash gave her friend a grin before she flew away.

Waving goodbye, Fluttershy slowly closed the door. The breath she held was let out as she pressed her back against the door before sliding down. It was just one auction. The letter clearly stated that Dash was all but welcomed to join the Wonderbolts. What was another three years? Rainbow could practice in the meantime and get even better. Right?

With her mind set, Fluttershy decided to put the mail away later as her animals needed caring right now. But in her heart Fluttershy knew what she was doing was wrong... she just hoped she wouldn’t end up regretting it.

The next morning, Fluttershy forgot all about the letter and focused on getting ready for her day with Rainbow Dash. When Rainbow Dash arrived at 10 AM—on time for once—the two of them simply lost themselves in the fun. Each picked a different activity to do in order to even out the time spent together. For Dash, the two of them raced around Ponyville, play a few ball games, and even did a few childish games such as hide and seek. While Fluttershy wasn’t the best out of all these activities, her choices managed to suit her own skills. Needless to say, the cyan pony wasn’t all too enthusiastic about feeding ducks at the pond, capturing butterflies, and going fabric shopping. Still, she respected Fluttershy’s wishes and kept herself from whining… mostly.

While both pegasi did their best to enjoy the opposites choices, they also made sure to do a few things they both loved. The best by far was lounging on the soft grass of a sunny field as the warm rays heated their soft tummies. It was all more satisfying when Rainbow Dash brought back ice cream cones and they ate the frozen treat while watching clouds float by in silence.

After finishing her ice cream, Rainbow Dash yawned as she stretched her forehooves out as Fluttershy giggled. “Do you want to take a nap?”

“Yeah, that sounds nice…” Dash muttered. Laying her head down, she quickly feel into a deep sleep.

Fluttershy stared at the cute sleeping face and felt her heart skip a beat. Heat rose to her cheeks as Fluttrshy scooted closer to Dash, lost in thought. Confusing thoughts swirled in Fluttershy’s mind as she tried to find the words that described what she was feeling. It was like a combination of feeling both ‘wonderful’ and ‘frightened’.

Raising her hoof, Fluttershy inched her towards the rainbow-mane that stood out from the rest of the world. It reminded her of the mane of Princess Celestia, regal and flowing in the wind like a sea of colorful fire. Fluttershy desired nothing more at the moment then to touch that multi-colored mane and brush it all day long.

A snort from the cyan pegasus, stopped Fluttershy whose face turned red as she retreated her hoof. ‘Wha… what was that?!’ Another yawn from Rainbow Dash alerted Fluttershy as she turned around and faked a smile. “Did you sleep well?”

“Like a baby.” Rainbow Dash answered as she jumped up to all four hooves. “Oh man, what a day. I haven’t had so much fun in a long time! Remind me to hang out with you more often next time I get days off, Fluttershy!”

Fluttershy blushed as she got up, her mind still lingering on her previous actions. “It wasn’t that exciting...”

“Well, yeah… I think I could have gone the rest of my life not learning about how many different fabrics there are from one salespony. It was like Rarity, but with the eggheadedness of Twilight,”said Dash with a roll of her eyes.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel bored,” apologized Fluttershy.

Rainbow Dash just shook her head in amusement. “Same old, Fluttershy. I had fun, alright? Even if some of it I didn’t really agree with. Say, why don’t we head back to your place for a drink? I’m parched.”

Nodding in agreement, the two pegasi flew off back towards Fluttershy’s cottage.

When they arrived, Rainbow Dash immediately asked to use the bathroom which Fluttershy pointed to, letting the desperate mare obey her body’s needs. Fluttershy made her way into the kitchen where she said hello to a couple of her mice families and took out her tea set. As she prepared the beverage, Fluttershy heard a flushing sound followed by a relaxed sigh of pleasure from her washroom. Rainbow Dash’s hooves could be heard heading towards the dining room when she stopped and yelled, “Hey, you left your mail out in the open.”

“Can you put it away please?” asked Fluttershy. She flew up to one of her cupboards and took out a tea cup... before it shattered into pieces on the floor. Rainbow Dash was looking at her mail…. The same mail that she forgot to put away yesterday.

With great haste, Fluttershy flew into the dining room only to freeze as she saw her worst fears come true. A stupefied Rainbow Dash was right there by the table, reading the fancy golden letter that had been originally addressed to her and signed by Spitfire. Neither of the pegasi moved as a pair of widening magenta eyes continued to read the letter that spoke of her wildest dreams.

Minutes passed when finally, after what seemed like forever, a shaken Rainbow Dash slowly turned her head to a Fluttershy. “You... you knew about this?”

Fluttershy tried to come up with a response, but only a tiny squeak managed to escape her mouth. Rainbow’s eyes no longer held the twinkle of passion or excitement, but shock and betrayal.

“Dash... I....” Fluttershy tried to speak, but Rainbow Dash stomped towards her. Fluttershy squirmed as her weak legs gave in and she dropped to the floor, cowering below her raging friend.

“Did. You. Know. About. This.” Dash asked again, each word spoken in vile hate.

Fluttershy tried to think of something to say. Anything that could explain her actions. In the end, all she could do was nod. Rainbow Dash stared at her with disbelief and Fluttershy couldn’t blame her. “Why....Why didn’t you tell me? You could have told me and I could have been there. It was my shot, Fluttershy. It was my shot at my dreams! Why didn’t you tell me?!”

Fluttershy eyes started to fill with tears. “I... I just... I’m sorry...”

“Sorry?! You're sorry?!” Rainbow Dash levitated over the pegasus like a raging god of the sky. Fluttershy pressed her face against the floor. “How could you do this to me!? You knew it was my dream to be a Wonderbolt and I could have just possibly gotten it right now! Now I have to wait another three years before I can try again! I can’t believe you did this! You of all ponies! My best friend!”

Each screeching accusation slowly suffocated Fluttrershy's heart, making her feel like the scum of the earth. Fluttershy felt something wet splash onto her muzzle, jolting her out of her self-hating world. More dropletsof water landed, making her looked up to a shock. Above her stood Rainbow Dash who stared at her with teary eyes filled with hot, angry tears. If there was any more proof that Fluttershy had made the worst mistake in her life, it was right before her. She started to rise, a hoof coming up automatically to wipe the tears away from her friend’s face.

“Don’t touch me!” shouted Rainbow Dash as she pushed away the hoof and flew back. “Don’t even look at me you... you... backstabber!”

“Dash, wait! I can explain!” Fluttershy pleaded, but the Rainbow Dash shook her head.

“No! Don’t bother! I don’t need to hear anything from you! I use to think you were a friend, but I was wrong! I hate you!” Rainbow Dash flew out of a nearby window, breaking through the class without a care.

Fluttershy screamed out her name as well as endless apologies, but to no avail. With her best friend--now former friend-- gone Fluttershy slowly fell to her flank and wailed.

‘What have I done..?’

End of chapter.

Is this the end of Fluttershy and Dash’s relationship? Will Derpy ever learn to fly straight? And what is it with fangirls making yaoi fanfiction of Boromir from LOTR and Eddard Stark from Game of Thrones every five seconds?

Tune in next time.

Rated out!

(Plays Metalingus by Alter Bridge)

How We Fled

How We Met

A My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fanfic

By The Rated Ponystar

Chapter 8: How We Fled

Edited by: Fernin and Souldin

Disclaimer: I do not own MLP. If I could, then all traces of My Little Pony Tales would be completely wiped from the face of existence. Seriously, it’s worse than 3 and 3.5. At least that one you can make fun of...

As the hands of the clock ticked, Rarity could feel herself nearly dying from boredom. Flipping through magazines and criticizing the latest fashions could only entertain her for so long. Glancing at the clock, she let out an annoyed huff. What was taking Fluttershy so long? Normally, Fluttershy was always first to arrive for their weekly spa date, yet for the last two hours Rarity had sat in the same seat reading the same magazines over and over again. Either Fluttershy had forgotten to send a message, or the shy mare was going through some sort of ordeal.

“Aloe, I’m afraid we're going to have to cancel today’s appointment. I’ll be sure to visit later in the week. If you’ll excuse me, I have to see what’s wrong with Fluttershy.” said Rarity, bidding farewell to the spa pony.

Trotting through the streets of Ponyville, Rarity tried to think of some reasoning behind Fluttershy’s lateness. Perhaps one of her animals suddenly got sick? Maybe she had just simply forgot? There was also the possibility that Fluttershy was in some sort of danger, but what were the odds? Then again, she had told Rarity last week how a hydra chased Pinkie, Twilight, Applejack, and her at Froggy Bottom Bog.

Speaking of Applejack, Rarity spotted the farmer up ahead pulling a cart full of apples. She quickly increased her pace and called out, “Applejack! Can you wait up a bit?”

Applejack turned around and smiled. “Howdy, Rarity. Need somethin’?”

“Yes, dear. I was wondering if you’ve seen Fluttershy? She was supposed to join me at the spa, but she never came. Have you seen her by any chance?” asked Rarity.

With a shake of her head, Applejack answered, “Sorry, Rarity. Haven’t seen her all day. Ah was headin’ over to her place to deliver these apples for her animals. Why don’cha tag along and we can see her together?”

“Sounds like a plan. Lead on, please.” The two ponies made their way towards the home of their nature loving friend, all the while hoping that everything was alright.

When Rarity and Applejack arrived at Fluttershy’s cottage, they were surprised to find it as silent as a grave. Normally the secluded area would be filled with the sounds of animals scurrying their little feet or birds chirping their sweet songs. However, neither of them heard anything, not even the squeak of a mouse.

Applejack parked the cart and started knocking. “Fluttershy? It’s AJ and Rarity! Ya’ll alright in there?!”

There was no response. Applejack went to knock again, but the door slowly opened revealing a surprised Angel.

“Angel? Where’s Fluttershy?” asked Rarity. The little bunny gave a sad sigh before motioning the girls to follow him inside. When they entered the house, the two mares gasped.

“My goodness! It’s like a hurricane ran through this room. Ugh, the mess!” whined Rarity. The utter destruction of the room was almost unbearable to look at. Staring at the torn curtains, smashed vases, and the scattered animal food made her cringe. She quickly looked away before the urge to tidy up overcame her.

“Ah’m more worried about what caused this mess then what it looks like.” Applejack glared at the embarrassed unicorn.

The earth pony turned her attention to Angel. “Did some big critter come in here and rough up the place? Is Fluttershy alright?”

Angel shook his head. He flapped his arms like wings, whimpering like a certain shy pegasus. The two mares realized what he was trying to do and urged him to continue. Angel continued his charade by kicking in the air and pretending to throw things, his face contorted in rage. Then he paused and buried his muzzle in his paws, throwing out fake sobs, even managing to fake tears coming out of his eyes. The message clicked for both ponies and they looked at each other in shock.

“You mean to time tell me Fluttershy did all this?” Applejack asked. When Angel nodded, the earthy pony let out a low whistle. “Whoooweee, never thought the girl had it in her.”

“Honestly, Applejack. This isn’t the time to be impressed,” scolded Rarity. “Whatever happened to Fluttershy had to be devastating and that’s something to be more concerned about. ‘Never thought the girl had it in her,’ honestly. Hmph.”

Although it was nice to get back at the earth pony for her earlier comment, Rarity quickly turned her focus back to the matter at hand. “Angel, can you please tell us where Fluttershy is? We want to help.”

The rabbit nodded and held his paw out like a wait signal before bouncing his way up the staircase, leaving the two alone. As they waited, some of Fluttershy’s animals began to appear; nervous squirrels and terrified mice peeked out of their homes, casting worried glances at the direction of the stairs to their caretaker's bedroom. Applejack nudged Rarity, nodding her head towards the worried animals. Rarity saw them and only bit her lip; never had she seen the little creatures so worried. The two friends exchanged glances, silently promising each other not to leave until they got to the bottom of all this.

Soon, they heard a set of hooves coming down the stairs. With Angel riding on her back, Fluttershy arrived at the bottom. When she arrived, their eyes widen and their mouths dropped. Apparently, the house wasn’t the only thing that looked like a disaster. Fluttersy struggled to keep her bloodshot eyes open and muttered. “Hello girls...”

In an instant, Rarity and Applejack were at their friend’s side. Rarity looked horrified as she eyed Fluttershy's disarrayed state. “Fluttershy! What happened to you?!”

Fluttershy hid behind her frizzled mane, hoping her friends wouldn’t see the tear marks that were arched around her cheeks. “Nothing happened...”

Applejack stomped her hoof aggressively, earning another scolding look from Rarity. “Nothing happened, mah hat! Ya look like ya just been through Tartarus, girl! Somethin’ is wrong and we need to know now!”

“I... I....” Fluttershy stuttered under Applejack harsh, but concerned stare.

Fluttershy didn’t get a chance to answer as Rarity placed a comforting foreleg around nervous mare’s neck and nuzzled her gently, calming her nerves as her worried face turned more serene. “Its okay, darling. You don’t have to tell us now. Why don’t we sit on the couch and get our bearings straight while Applejack makes some tea?”

“What? But ah don’t know how...” Applejack’s complaint was silenced with a glare from the unicorn. “Uh, sure. Ah’ll... ah’ll do that.”

While Applejack made her way to the kitchen, Rarity guided Fluttershy to a couch. Lying down on one of her soft pillows, Fluttershy started to close her eyes . Rarity rubbed a hoof through her pink mane delicately while humming a soothing melody.

“Yeow! Dagnabbit!” shouted Applejack, snapping Fluttershy out of her drowsy state. A montage of curses seared through the air before the earth pony caught herself. “Ah’m fine! None of ya’ll worry. Just cut myself on some shattered glass. Where does Fluttershy keep her first aid kit?”

“Um... it’s under the kitchen sink,” said Fluttershy. A few minutes later, Applejack trotted awkwardly back into the living room while balancing three cups on her back. The filled cups nearly tipped over despite the her careful movement thanks to her bandaged hoof.

Raising an eyebrow, Rarity was about to comment, but Applejack interrupted her. “Ah told ya ah can’t make tea. Ah’m sure water is just as good.”

“Um, it’s okay Rarity. Water is fine,” whispered Fluttershy. Rarity gave in reluctantly, levitating the cups to everypony before taking her own.

Fluttershy nervously took a sip to calm herself. The others sat silently, carefully watching her before the two looked at each other and nodded. Rarity took a deep breath. “Fluttershy, I know it might be difficult for you to talk about, but both of us want to help you. Please, tell us what happened that caused you to become in such a state?”

Hiding behind her mane again, the pegasus kept her silence as her friends waited. Time passed in until Fluttershy whispered, “.... it’s all my fault.”

Rarity and Applejack glanced at each other. Applejack scooted closer to hear better and cleared her throat. “Beg yer pardon?”

Fluttershy struggled to force out words. “... It’s all my fault... I... Rainbow Dash... she...”

“Rainbow Dash?” Rarity eyes rolled. “Oh, what has that pegasus done this time?”

“It’s not her fault!” shouted Fluttershy, nearly making Rarity jump out of her seat. “It’s all my fault! I hurt her! I’m horrible! I’m a monster! I’m... I’m... I’m not worthy of being anypony’s friend!”

Without warning the she leaped into Rarity’s hooves and wept on her shoulders. Rarity simply stared at her friend uncomprehendingly before rubbing Fluttershy’s back comfortingly while shooting a worried glance to the equally puzzled Applejack. Fluttershy hysterics continued as Rarity whispered, “Its okay, Fluttershy. Whatever you did I’m sure you can apologize for.”

“N-n-no, I-I-I can’t! Rai-inbow... h-hates me... and... I deserve it!” Fluttershy pushed herself off Rarity and stared at the floor in shame. “I don’t deserve any of you as friends. I’m a horrible pony. I can’t even be considered the Element of Kindness anymore.”

“Beg yer pardon, sugarcube. But what could ya have done?” asked Applejack.

Rarity noticed a few tears dripping down Fluttersy's cheek and gently wiped them away with a hoof. “It’s alright, Fluttershy. Whatever you’ve done, we won’t hate you for it.”

Fluttershy turned to her friends before dragging her hooves to the dining table and came back with a letter in her mouth. She dropped it on the couch as her friends look at the letter curiously. Rarity levitated it to eye level and started reading it in silence. Applejack leaned in over her shoulder, her lips mouthing as she read along. By the time they finished reading the letter, Rarity’s eyes widened as Applejack gave a loud cry of excitement. “Yeeehaw! Well how bout them apples? Our Rainbow managed to impress them Wonderbolts faster than Big Macintosh’s best apple bucking record!”

“Indeed. After Rainbow’s heroic rescue I think she deserves such a chance to join her favorite team!” Rarity beamed and folded the letter nearly. A thought struck as she looked at Fluttershy inquiringly. “I fail to see how this relates to anything, Fluttershy. How is this involved in you ‘hurting’ Rainbow Dash?”

Fluttershy lowered her head further. “... I got that letter by mistake... two days ago...”

All the excitement the two mares had vanished. For a while, none of them said anything with only the distant sounds of squeaking mice echoing in the room. Fluttershy started shaking like an earthquake had arrived as she forced the words out of her mouth. “... I... hid it from her... and... when she found out... it was too late...”

Wiping the tears from her eyes, Fluttershy reluctantly related what happened next—the shock on Rainbow’s face. The anger. The end of the two flyers’ friendship. Applejack’s mouth widened more over time while Rarity bit her lip from crying out in disbelief. It was unimaginable. How could Fluttershy, the most kind and sweetest pony they knew, commit such a horrible act? It was like Rarity saying that jewels were worth no more than dirt.

Shaking out of her stupor, a livid Applejack scowled in disgust. “Ya’ll mean to tell me ya just went out there and sabotaged Rainbow’s dreams?! How could ya! What the hay we’re ya thinkin’ girl?! That’s gotta be one of the most lowest and underhanded things ah’ve ever heard!”

“Applejack!” Rarity tried to put a hoof over the earth pony’s mouth, but the damage was already done.

“No... she’s right... I don’t even know why I did it... I... I just... just leave me alone!” With speed to rival Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy flew away. Like a blur, she was back up the stairs and out of sight. The slam of a door echoed across the house followed by loud sobs. Angel gave the two a glare and pointed to the front door before he hopped back to his mistress.

Rarity glared at Applejack. “Now look what you’ve done! You know how sensitive she is!”

Applejack shifted her hooves. “It just ain’t right is all ah’m sayin’.”

“Yes, I agree with you. At the same time, this is Fluttershy! Fluttershy! You and I both know that she would never do something like this without a reason!” shouted Rarity.

Applejack snorted. “Sorry for speakin’ mah mind. Besides, what good reason is there for lyin’ to a friend and betrayin’ her?”

“Well, maybe we would have found out the reason if somepony didn’t shoot her mouth off!” retorted Rarity. “Either way, it doesn’t matter now. Fluttershy’s not going to talk to us in this state. We need to focus on making her and Rainbow Dash friends again.”

“Ah’ll agree with ya on that. Question is how we gonna do it? Ah doubt Rainbow’s in the forgivin’ kind of mood,” said Applejack. “Ah mean, if ah was in Dash’s hooves ah’d be angrier than a kicked hornet’s nest.”

“Let’s go see her anyway. Maybe if we tell her how guilty Fluttershy is she might consider talking to her at least,” said rarity.

“And if that don’t work?”

Rarity didn’t answer. Casting one last worried glance to the stairs, the two of them left Fluttershy’s house.

Up from her bedroom, Fluttershy watched as her two friends galloped onto the road before she slowly made her way back to her bed, flopping onto it. She couldn’t blame her friends for hating her and leaving. After all, who would want to stay with a lying, horrible pony like her? Applejack’s outburst was enough proof that her friends were disappointed in her; even in Rarity’s eyes Fluttershy saw a hint of frustration.

It wouldn’t take long for her terrible deed to spread all over Ponyville; soon nopony will want to be with her. And why should they? She was a monster.

I don't deserve any of them...

Raising her head, Fluttershy decided there was only one thing to do. Dragging her hooves, the dejected mare walked to her closet and pulled out her saddlebags, packing a few clothes and what little possessions she had. Lifting her eyes to her dresser, Fluttershy spotted the photo of her and all the other wielders of the Elements of Harmony. Cradling it in her hooves, Fluttershy stared at the five ponies who she had called friends, maybe even sisters.

Warm, salty teardrops rained on the glass-covered photo. With a heavy heart the pegasus put it in her saddlebags. Sighing, she flew over to her desk, grabbed a quill and a piece of parchment, and after blinking away her tears, began to write...

Rarity liked to think of herself as a patient mare. After all, when one was a lady one had to be calm and collected when one doesn’t get results one wants. Getting worked up didn’t do anything but make you look immature. But sometimes...

“Rainbow Dash! For the hundredth time, get down here now!" shrilled Rarity, glaring daggers up at the cloud house above her.

Applejack removed her hooves from her ears. “Geez, Rarity. Scream any louder and yer gonna be losin’ that voice of yers."

“Well, I wouldn’t be so angry Applejack... if somepony actually answered after the last fifteen calls!” Rarity shouted so loud Applejack could swear her ears were starting to bleed.

This time they got results. An annoyed Rainbow Dash leaned over the edge of her cloud home. “Can’t a pegasus get some sleep?! You’re loud enough to wake the dead!”

“We need to talk to ya, sugarcube. Mind comin’ down to talk?” asked Applejack. Rarity remained silent, focusing on calming herself down.

Rainbow Dash groaned before gliding down to her friends. “Alright, just make it quick, I’m busy.”

“Listen, Rainbow. We need to talk about you and Fluttershy,” said Rarity, her voice slightly raspy.

The moment they mentioned Fluttershy's name, Rainbow gritted her teeth and huffed. Rarity felt her nerves jump at the sight of Dash’s raging eyes that looked ready to start a firestorm. “Why do we need to talk about... her?”

Rarity laughed nervously as she slowly got behind Applejack who wasn’t the least bit phased. Applejack stepped up and stared down right back at Rainbow Dash. “Listen, Rainbow. We know what happened and ya have a right to be angry, but Fluttershy...’

“Oh, so you know what that backstabbing liar did, huh? I don’t wanna even talk about her, much less hear about her.” Dash attempted to fly away, but Applejack quickly snapped her teeth onto the her tail just as she left the ground.

Rainbow Dash tried to fight her way free, beating her wings so fast it caused a small dust storm that nearly blinded Applejack and Rarity. Despite this, Applejack refused to let go and held her grip on the tail even tighter. After a few more attempts to escape, Rainbow Dash sighed in frustration and settled back down on the ground. Spitting out the tail—as well as gagging a bit by the taste—Applejack continued, “Now listen here, partner. I understand yer upset, but that poor filly’s gone and locked herself up. She’s been cryin’ over what’s she’s done and feels like the worst. Ah think ya’ll need to talk about what happened.”

“Talk? There’s no need to talk. I hate her...” muttered Rainbow Dash.

Rarity walked from behind Applejack and stood side by side with the farmer. “Come on, Rainbow Dash. You and Fluttershy have been best friends for a long time. Don’t tell me you're going to let this one mistake she made ruin that friendship.”

Dash went up to Rarity’s stunned face and yelled, “One mistake?! How would you like if you’d had gotten an offer to be a top store owner in Canterlot and then learned that your best friend hid the letter for you?! What would happen if you found out that you can’t get that offer back until three years later?! How would you feel to have somepony you trusted, somepony you shared your dreams with, shatter that dream after everything you’ve done to help her with her own?!” Rarity opened her mouth to retort, but Dash’s inquires rang in her head, stopping her voice. Her eyes drifted downward as Dash snorted. “Yeah, just like I thought.”

“Look, we all agree that what Fluttershy did was wrong,” said Applejack, stepping in between Rarity and Rainbow Dash. “But can’t ya just hear Fluttershy out? Fluttershy’s sorry! Really sorry! Ah’ve never seen a pony look guiltier in all my life. Can’t ya just hear her out!”

Rainbow Dash grumbled and lifted herself into the air. “I don’t care what her reason is... I’m not listening.”

“Honestly, Rainbow Dash. She made a mistake and we all make mistakes.” said Rarity. She raised a hoof and pointed it at the angry mare. “What about the time you made that dragon nearly eat us from your brash little charge? Who was it that saved us? Fluttershy—the one you doubted could do anything to help us.”

“Well...” Rainbow muttered, but Rarity raised her voice again.

“Or that time you and Applejack—no offence darling—got so worked up in that competition that you ended up missing half the leaves for the trees?” Rarity speared Rainbow with an accusing glare that made Dash shift uncomfortably, lowering herself closer to the ground.

“That’s...” Rainbow was interrupted again when Rarity stepped past Applejack and glared right above the accused pegasus.

“And remember when all of us thought Zecora was an evil witch?” asked Rarity. “We were so short sighted that none of us thought to even talk to Zecora or even question what she did. You're doing the same thing, Rainbow Dash. You getting angry at Fluttershy and jumping to conclusions before asking yourself why Fluttershy—who’s never hurt anypony before—did this to you!”

“What good reason is there to stop me from achieving my dream?!” A herd of birds squawked in fear and flew away, frightened by Rainbow Dash’s shout.

“I don't know, but that’s why you need to talk to her. You can’t run from this, Rainbow Dash. You and Fluttershy just can’t let this one incident ruin the friendship you’ve both had for so long!” argued Rarity. Rainbow just turned away with a growl as Rarity finished her attack. “Ask yourself this Rainbow Dash. After everything the two of you have been through, do you really want to end it here? Do you really want to lose her, Dash? Do you?!”

The three ponies stayed in silence for a while. Rarity and Applejack held their breaths as the angry creases on Dash’s face began to fade. “I’ll think about it...”

In a flash, the rainbow-maned flier was off, heading back to her home where the two grounded ponies heard a door slam. Rarity sighed in dismay. “Well, not as bad as it could have been... it’s a start.”

Applejack shook her head. “Ah can’t believe this. Both of ‘em are bein’ impossible. Fluttershy for refusin’ to answer and that bonehead up there is refusin’ to even listen.”

“We need to get Twilight and Pinkie involved. Maybe they might have an idea?” suggested Rarity .

“Sounds like a plan. Head on over to Ponyville and get’em. Ah’ll meet ya’ll later at Twilight’s.” said Applejack. She then galloped away—but to Rarity confusion Applejack it was towards in the opposite direction of town.

“Wait! Where are you going?!” asked Rarity.

“Ah’m gonna see if ah can get Fluttershy to come! Maybe she’s calmed down enough to explain more!” shouted Applejack as she made her way back to the cottage. Rarity silently wished the farmer luck as she made her own way back to Ponyville.

Galloping at top speed, Applejack made it back to Fluttershy’s cottage in no time at all. When she arrived at the wooden home, she was surprised to find a saddened Angel outside the door. When she got closer, Applejack was shocked to find the rabbit next to a pool of tears.

“Angel? What’s wrong?” asked Applejack. The rabbit slowly lifted his fuzzy paw and pointed to the door. She saw a note taped to the front and got closer for a better look. Looking at it, Applejack gasped as her eyes skimmed over the small, yet careful handwriting.

Dear Everypony,

I’m no longer worthy of being a friend or a caretaker. I’ve done nothing but hurt the ones I care about and ruined the life of my closest friend. She’s done nothing but support me and when she needed me most I failed her because I was afraid. Afraid of losing her to her dream and afraid of losing the bond we once shared. But now my actions have destroyed that bond and it’s too late to do anything to fix it.

She hates me and now the rest of my friends hate me. I’m a monster who deserves nothing more than to be with other monsters. So I’m heading into the Everfree Forest forever. That way nopony can ever be harmed by me ever again. Everypony is better off without me and should just forget about me. It’s what I deserve.

Goodbye forever,

Fluttershy.

P.S. Somepony tell Rainbow Dash that I’m sorry. I’ve always believed she’ll make it into the Wonderbolts someday and I know one day she will.

End of Chapter

“You think you know me...”

Sorry this took so long to get out guys. Anyway, next up we enter the Everfree Forest. And no, that won’t be the last chapter. This story still has some ways to go.

Rated out

(Plays Metalingus by Alter Bridge)

How We Healed

How We Met

A My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fanfic

By The Rated Ponystar

Chapter 9: How We Healed

Edited by: Fernin and Souldin

Disclaimer: I do not own MLP. Also, do you think if Hasbro can put money into Battlefield they can do something for My Little Pony?

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Rarity shifted uneasily under the disbelieving gazes of her friends. Silence filled the library as Twilight tried to come up with some way to deny the other unicorn’s shocking revelation, but came up empty; while Pinkie’s usually poufy mane had dropped lower than a whipped dog. Rarity couldn’t blame them; after all she wouldn’t have believed it herself had Fluttershy not told her the truth.

Finally, Twilight said, “I… I can’t believe it. Fluttershy, of all ponies... How could she?”

“Believe me, Darling. I’m still trying to figure that out myself,” replied Rarity. “But none of that matters as much as helping those two make up. The question is how?”

No sooner had Rarity asked, Pinkie’s eyes lit as inspiration struck her. Now smiling again, she bounced in place and shouted, “Oh! I know what could make them both become friends again!”

Twilight Sparkle rolled her eyes. “Let me guess? A party?”

“Actually, I was going to suggest therapy sessions that deal with relationships gone badly, but that idea is much better!” Pinkie then petted a confused Twilight on the head as one would a pet.

“How would thera—Never mind,” muttered Twilight, setting it aside as Pinkie just being Pinkie. “If we’re going to help Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash become friends again, we need to look at our fact first. Now, how did all this begin?”

Pinkie raised her hoof. “Well, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash first met at camp where Dashie accidently knocked poor little Fluttershy out of the clouds. And since she couldn’t fly that me—“

“Pinkie! I meant what happened with the letter! Not years ago!” The irritated mare interrupted her energetic friend, gritting her teeth as she did so.

“Ohhhh. Next time say it more clearly, silly,” said Pinkie.

Twilight struggled against the urge to send the annoying earth pony to another planet for her own sanity. Putting aside said urge as best she could, Twilight turned to Rarity, and asked, “Can you give us an exact thought on their emotional state?”

“Well, Fluttershy is absolutely guilt-ridden for what she’s done, but Rainbow Dash seems determined to never forgive her,” explained Rarity, her voice filled with worry.

“Looks like Rainbow Dash is going to be the hardest to deal with. At least things can’t get any worse,” said Twilight.

A loud gasp made the unicorns turn towards a shocked Pinkie Pie. With her shaken hoof pointed at Twilight, Pinkie Pie shouted, “You just said the forbidden words!”

“The what?” asked Twilight, tilting her head

Suddenly, Pinkie’s hooves were slapped against Twilight’s cheeks. With fearful eyes, the shivering earth pony shouted, “Those words! The last five words!”

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “’Things can’t get any worse’? How is saying that bad?”

Pinkie released a grateful Twilight from her grip and answered, “Everypony knows that saying those words in that order just makes things worse—and we just said it twice! That means things are going to be twice as worse!”

Pinkie Pie started screaming in terror. She galloped around the library so fast that it would have given Rainbow Dash a run for her money. Twilight rubbed her throbbing head, shouting for quiet but her voice was drowned out by the screaming. Finally pushed to her brink, Twilight summoned a mattress out of thin air and placed the bed in front of the panicking mare. Pinkie ran right into the mattress and bounced off, sailing towards the kitchen still screaming.

Spike exited the kitchen with his claws pressed to his ears “What’s with all the yell—Gah!”

The pink missile crashed into Spike, sending them back into the kitchen. The sounds of broken dishes and clashing pots made the unicorns wince. A second later, Pinkie bounced out of the room, no worse for wear. “Sorry, Spike. Got a little worked up, again.”

“…You don’t say? Ugh,” moaned Spike, buried underneath a pile of cookware.

Suddenly, the front door slammed open and Applejack galloped inside carrying a note. “Girls! Things have gotten worse!”

After ignoring an ‘I told you so’ glance from Pinkie Pie, Twilight urged the exhausted pony to continue. Gaining back her breath, Applejack shouted, “It’s Fluttershy! She’s run away into the Everfree Forest!”

The news made each of the ponies gasp. Rarity grabbed Applejack by the shoulder and stared into her eyes. “What are you talking about?! Where is she?!”

“Look at the letter…” muttered Applejack.

The three turned their eyes to the note. Twilight summoned it as Rarity and Pinkie crowded around, muttering disbelievingly at every guilt-ridden line. When they finished, none of them knew what to say.

Pinkie’s eyes started to water. “I…I didn’t even get a chance to throw a goodbye party…”

“How could she just leave like that?! Doesn’t she know how much we care about her?!” shouted Rarity, her lip quivering. “We have to get her back!”

“Agreed!” Twilight quickly turned to her friends. “We need to get as many ponies together and find Fluttershy before things get even wor—“

“Ahem?” coughed Pinkie, eyeing Twilight with a raised eyebrow.

“…Uh, get even… um… more terrible?” asked Twilight, holding her breath. Pinkie smile and nodded, much to her relief.

With her friends standing in attention, Twilight ordered, “Applejack, you and Pinkie start rounding up as many ponies as you can. Rarity, you go find Mayor Mare and get her support. I’m going to head over to Rainbow Dash’s and see if I can convince her to get the weather patrol to help out.”

“You sure Rainbow Dash is going to be in the mood to help out?” asked Rarity.

Twilight stomped her hoof so hard it knocked some of her books off their shelves. “This is no time for grudges! We all know how dangerous the Everfree Forest is! She’ll help us out! I know it!”

“Ah hope so, Sugarcube,” said Applejack.

Wishing each other good luck, the four ponies rushed out the library, determined to save their friend.

“Anypony gonna help me? Hello?” cried out Spike.

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Fluttershy was staring to regret coming into the Everfree Forest. In fact, she could say that she really didn’t think her runaway plan through all the way. All she wanted was to get away and to let everypony just forget about her: about the coward who had taken her best friend’s dream and crushed it beneath her hooves. She’d had managed to run alright—into an early grave.

With the sun starting to set, the creepy forest was looking more and more dangerous. The twisted, bare trees seemed to overshadow Fluttershy like wooden giants. A single path became indistinct and branched repeatedly, leaving the lone pony stranded in an endless maze with dozens of trails each leading Celestia knows where. Every time she heard the cry of a strange creature, her entire body shivered. With every step she took, Fluttershy’s hooves shook so hard it felt like they could come off.

When another howl went up, Fluttershy tensed up and let out a small squeak. I don’t want to be here… I wanna go home… I wanna… oh please somepony…

Paranoid, Fluttershy started envisioning her untimely demise at the hands of beasts that lived in the darkness. The terror she felt deep in her heart kept her wings locked tighter than any rope. With another howl in the distance, Fluttershy cried out and started galloping forward. It didn’t matter the direction, or where she was going, she just wanted to leave.

Help me! Twilight! Angel! Rainbow Dash! Help!

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Rainbow Dash tossed and turned in her bed, but no matter how hard she tried no position was good enough. It didn’t help that her conversation with Rarity and Applejack still lingered in the back of her mind. What did it matter anymore between her and Fluttershy? Their friendship was over… wasn’t it?

Eventually, Rainbow Dash managed to toss herself out of bed. She muffled a curse before viciously kicking her blankets off and stomping on them. After rubbing her eyes, Dash dragged her hooves towards the stair case. Halfway downstairs, her attention turned to a series of pictures nailed to her wall. Dash’s eyes lingered to one in particular: the one taken on the final day of Summer Flight Camp. Dash had decided to sneak up on Fluttershy and give her a tickle attack. Fluttershy had attempted to flee, but wasn’t fast enough. A small smile appeared on Dash’s lips as she pressed her hoof on the picture. Dash’s eyes then turned to the picture next to it: a photo of her at a Wonderbolts show. Immediately, Dash turned away and made her way downstairs, giving the pictures one last look.

A series of knocks on her front door awaked Dash from her daydreaming. When made her way to the nearby door and when she opened it, she was surprised to see Twilight. When Twilight saw Dash, she sat on her haunches in relief, sweating from brow to tail. Just as Rainbow was about yell about wanting privacy, she noticed a desperate look on Twilight’s face. Either it was from the spells she had to have used to get here, or something bad happened.

“Do you really need to keep your house so far up in the sky?” asked Twilight, catching her breath.

Dash rolled her eyes. “Well, it wouldn't be a cloud home if it wasn’t up in the clouds.”

“Arguments aside, Dash listen to me,” urged Twilight. “It’s about Fluttershy. She—”

“Ugh, not again…” muttered Rainbow, narrowing her eyes. “Listen! I told Rarity and Applejack that I don’t want to talk about her! She can just—“

“She ran away into the Everfree Forest!” shouted Twilight.

The world had suddenly come to a halt. Dash’s ears fell flat as her blood suddenly turned cold. “Wha… what are you talking about?”

Twilight levitated a note in front of Dash’s face. “Applejack went to go get her, and this note was on the front door… she’s gone Rainbow…”

Her hoof shaking, Dash took the note and read it. As she read over each word, every self-degrading sentence and promise to never return pierced her heart like a spear. Finally, she read the final two sentences. Small splashes of water stained the inky words, as Dash dropped the letter.

Without warning, she flew straight past a stunned Twilight. She tried to call Rainbow back, but her shouts were nothing but whispers in the wind. The only thing that Dash could hear was her own voice shouting for Fluttershy.

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Fluttershy hadn’t thought things could get any worse, but now they had. It was night and she was still stuck in the scariest place in Equestria. She raised her head, but only saw dark clouds above. With a whimper, Fluttershy pressed onward, turning her head in a different direction with every step. “Just keep calm. Keep calm. Sure you’re in a big scary forest… w-w-with no idea where you are… N-n-not to m-ment-tion there i-is-s n-no moon a-a-and b-big scary m-monsters are-e ev-verywh—woah!”

Fluttershy’s suddenly found herself in front of a massive large cave, almost as big as her house. She peeked inside and tried to see if anything was inside, but it was too dark to tell. “Um, hello? Anyone here?”

When she heard no response, Fluttershy debated whether or not to enter the scary dark cave. A nearby howl later, quickly answer her question. The further she entered the cave, the worse she trembled from head to tail. Her eyes darted around, checking every shadowy corner just in case.

After a bit of trotting, Fluttershy decided she had gone far enough. She took off her saddlebags and lay down, her head resting on her front legs. Her sniffles echoed inside the cave’s walls as she began to question herself. What am I going to do? I don’t know where I am or where I’m going. Maybe I should have stayed back home…

But then she thought of Rainbow Dash and her pained, hate filled face. No, I can’t go home. I can’t just go back and see her again. Not after what I did.

A loud gurgle from her stomach reminded Fluttershy how hungry she was. As she grabbed an apple from her saddlebags, the pegasus tried to think of some the positives of living in the Everfree Forest. Well, I’m sure there are some animals that wouldn’t mind being my friends. All the ones without big scary teeth anyway…

Fluttershy’s thoughts turned to Angel and all the animals she left behind. It wasn’t right to just pack up and leave them alone, but they were better off without a mean pony like herself. They would be fine.

Oh, and I can be as loud as I want! I could even host my own parties! Granted, nopony can throw a party like Pinkie Pie… but… Fluttershy sighed, her head sinking even lower as she chewed on her apple.

What she would have given for a Pinkie Pie party now to cheer her up. All her friends gathered together with food, games, and music in the background. A big dance off would happen and everypony would laugh at Twilight’s attempts to show her moves. And it would all end with a dazzling air show from Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy shook her head. No! You can’t think about them! No matter how much you want to, you just… can’t…You can live without parties… or friends…

The half-eaten apple fell to the floor alongside a fresh puddle of water, right below Fluttershy’s teary face. She lowered her head against her forearms, letting out every regret she held in her heart.

Another growl made Fluttershy’s head snap up; that wasn’t her stomach. Slowly turning around, Fluttershy came face to face with a pair of yellow slit eyes. The monstrous growling got louder as the predatory glare inched closer. Fluttershy quickly jumped to her hooves, slowly retreating as her knees trembled. “Um, hi! I-I was j-just—I mean I-I thought th-this ca-cave was a-a-a-aba-abandon-ned and I-I’ll be go-oing now!”

An ear deafening roar nearly made Fluttershy jump out of her skin. The creature’s warm saliva splattered onto her face. Instincts kicking in, Fluttershy screamed and ran out of the cave. The sound of large stomping paws from behind only pushed her adrenaline further. As she passed the exit, Fluttershy cast a glance over her shoulder as she ran and saw what her pursuer: a manticore. But this wasn’t a baby manitcore like the one she had helped before; this was a full grown one, and from the look so fit, a starving one unwilling to let a meal like herself go.

As she pressed through the forest, dodging trees and broken stumps, Fluttershy could feel a growing burning sensation in her legs. Teeth gritting, she attempted to release her wings, but they were still scared shut. The manitcore, as if sensing the fatigue, started to pick up its pace, shortening the distance between them. Finally, Fluttershy could run no more and collapsed onto the grass, gasping for air.

The manticore started to circle it's trembling prey, licking its chops. Fluttershy felt her eyes tearing up as she saw the bone crushing teeth directed right at her. She curled up just as the manitcore pinned her down and raised its claws, ready to tear her face apart.

“Oh, no you don’t!” A familiar rainbow-colored streak crashed into the manitcore and knocked it off its paws.

Fluttershy stared at the figure that had rescued her, her mouth open in disbelief. “Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow Dash quickly galloped over and helped the stunned Fluttershy onto her hunches. “You okay? Are you hurt?”

Before Fluttershy could say anything, the manicore had already recovered and was charging for them. Rainbow Dash spotted the assault and quickly pushed away Fluttershy before challenging the beast herself.

Naturally, Dash flew in circles around the beast. Every swipe from the claw or tails made Fluttershy squeak, but none of them were even close to hitting their target. After avoiding another tail swipe, Rainbow Dash waved her flank mockingly a few feet away from the creature’s yellow, staring eyes. “Nah nah nah! Kiss my butt! You can’t catch me you overgrown kitty cat!”

This manticore roared even louder, scattering birds from nearby trees. It charged onward, Rainbow Dash leading it closer to a large array of boulders nearby. Just as she stopped near it, Rainbow dramatically put her hoof over her forehead, and cried out, “Oh no! I’m trap! I’m doomed! Doomed I tell you!”

With a roar of triumph, the manticore leaped—only to watch its prey vanish upwards into the sky. Before it could change course, the giant beast smashed face-first into the unyielding rocks. Dash slapped her knee while holding her sides at the sight but quickly dived back down and kicked the back of its head, slamming it again into the stony surface.

Its forehead bleeding, the manitcore let out a roar that raised the fur on both ponies’ pelts. The enraged winged beast took to the skies; Rainbow gasped at this and flew higher into the sky.

Fluttershy watched as the two of them drifted further away, becoming nothing more than specks. Guilt began to eat away in Fluttershy heart. Rainbow Dash was risking her life while all she was doing was just standing here, cowering. Her wings began to loosen as Fluttershy spread them out and soared into the air.

She flew as fast as she could, the adrenaline building inside her. When she was close enough, she could see the manticore still chasing after Rainbow Dash, but Dash’s talent in the air was miles ahead of its own. As it flew, the manitcore managed to catch a glimpse of Fluttershy. A chill went down her spine as the monster stared at her for some time before diving straight at her

**************************************************************************************************

Great going, Dash! How could you have forgotten the two huge wings! Despite its mass, she had underestimated just how fast the manticore was in the air and flapped her wings faster. Dash decided to take a quick glance behind, but was surprised to see it was no longer chasing her. Instead, it was chasing Fluttershy.

“Oh horseapples!” Dash quickly reversed her direction and dived, her body poised like an arrow. The wind surged against her face as her rainbow streak colored the black sky.

With all her strength, Rainbow Dash crashed right into the back of the manticore. Fluttershy’s screams vibrated in Dash’s ringing ears as she held onto the dazed beast, dragging it downward. The two of them smashed into a tree, the branches breaking against their backs before landing back on the ground.

Every bone in Dash’s body ached, but she still managed to get to her hooves. To her right, she saw the manticore motionless, dead or knocked out; either way it was a relief. Its wings were pierced with half a dozen sticks which made Dash wince. He’s not going to be flying anytime soon.

Fluttershy landed next to Dash and started inspecting her. “Are you okay?! Are you hurt?!”

“A little sore, but nothing I can’t handle,” Rainbow Dash boasted, trying to keep her brave words from becoming a groan of pain.

With a heartfelt cry, Fluttershy dived into Dash’s dirty chest. Rainbow embraced her with a soft smile and stroked her pink mane. A long silence stood between them before Fluttershy raised her head, looked into Dash’s eyes, and whispered, “I-I was so s-scared! Thank Celestia, you’re all rig—Look out!”

In a split second, Dash was pushed to the ground as the awakened manticore rose up. Its scorpion tail lashed out, hitting Fluttershy in the shoulder. Rainbow Dash watched in horror as the manitcore’s tail rose, Fluttershy hanging from its barb with foam dripping from her mouth. With a simple flick, the manicore sent the wounded pegasus tumbling to the ground. Her limbs spread out like a discarded rag doll as blood dripped down her motionless body.

“Fluttershy!” shouted Rainbow Dash, flying towards the bleeding pegasus. The manitcore charged as well, determined to finish Fluttershy off. Dash grabbed her off the ground just as the monster pounced. She reared her legs and kicked it in the head, dazing it enough for her to fly away.

“…. Rainbow…” moaned Fluttershy, her half lid eyes staring into Dash’s.

“Fluttershy! Just hold on! I’m gonna get you to a hospital!” shouted Rainbow Dash, blazing through the sky.

Weakly shaking her head, Fluttershy whispered, “The tail… it’s poisonous… I don’t have long…”

“No… No!” Rainbow Dash shook her head as she forced Fluttershy’s to look at her. “Listen to me! You’re not going to die! You hear me? I can save you!”

Slowly raising her hoof, Fluttershy gently touched Rainbow’s cheek. “Dash… I’m sorry… I’m so… sorry…”

Fluttershy’s hoof slowly went limp and her eyes closed. A teary-eyed Rainbow Dash tried to call her back, but she received no answer. She focused on the distant town miles away and prayed that she would make in time.

**************************************************************************************************

It was so warm. Fluttershy didn’t know where she was, but it felt so comfortable and peaceful. She felt like she had landed on the softest cloud in the world. So why was it so dark?

Fluttershy’s thoughts turned back to what she could remember. Images of the manitcore, Rainbow Dash, and the poisoned tail all came back to her. A fearful thought entered her mind: was she dead? In an attempt to move, she felt a familiar pain shoot through her shoulder. No, she was still alive.

Her ears caught the sound of hoofsteps right next to her. With some difficulty, Fluttershy managed to open her eyes to find somepony looking over here. Although her vision was blurry, the pegasus managed to recognize the pony as none other then Nurse Redheart.

“Fluttershy! Thank goodness,” said the relieved nurse. “How do you feel?”

“Thirsty…” choked Fluttershy. Nurse Redheart nodded and gave her a glass of water. After a few drinks, the blurry vision started to clear up much to Fluttershy’s relief. Slowly, she lifted herself to her hunches despite the pain in her bandaged shoulder. “How long was I out?”

“About nineteen hours. You’re a very luck mare. Had you arrived an hour later it would have been too late,” said Nurse Redheart. She started taking Fluttershy’s pulse, glancing at the clock above. “You’re lucky Rainbow Dash managed to bring you here in time.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “Where is she?! Where is Rainbow Dash?!”

“Calm down, Fluttershy,” urged Nurse Redheart. “She’s right behind you. Look.”

Fluttershy turned around and saw Rainbow Dash, sleeping on a chair. Nurse Redheart walked over towards the passed out visitor and smiled. “She kept insisting that she’d be with you at all times. Even your other friends couldn’t convince her to leave. She might be stubborn, but she sure as hay cares about you.”

Gently nudging Rainbow, Nurse Redheart whispered, “Dash. Wake up. She’s awake.”

Rainbow yawned, turning her eyes at Fluttershy. Fully awake, Rainbow launched herself at her friend, giving a hug so tight it made the still-wounded pegasus wince. “Fluttershy! You’re okay!”

“Easy, Dash! She’s still hurt!” shouted Nurse Redheart. Rainbow Dash quickly let go, but it didn’t stop the earth pony from scolding her. “Honestly, be more thoughtful next time!”

“Sorry…” mumbled Rainbow Dash, head drooping.

With a sigh, Nurse Redheart made her way towards the door. “I’m going to tell the doctor you’re awake, Fluttershy.”

Before she left, Nurse Redheart gave a sharp glare at Dash. “Rainbow Dash, I insist you head home soon. The deal was you could stay until she wakes up and we’ve broken a lot of rules for this. So hurry whatever business you have and go.”

After Nurse Redheart left, the room went silent. Neither of the two could look at each other, their eyes focused on the floor. Just as Fluttershy was about to say something, Rainbow Dash shouted, “What the hay were you thinking?!”

Fluttershy squeaked and tried to hide under the covers. Dash quickly stopped her and continued, “Don’t you know how scared I was?! When I heard you ran away, into the Everfree Forest no less, I never felt so scared in all my life! All I could think about was you, hurt and afraid, in one of the most dangerous places in world! And then you took that blow and… and… argh!”

Dash pounded the bed, gritting her teeth as she avoided Fluttershy’s gaze. Fluttershy sunk lower under her covers, holding back her tears. The two pegasi were silent again, the ticking of the clock echoing in the room. Although she tried, Fluttershy couldn’t find the right words. She just sat in silence, waiting for more yelling.

Instead, Rainbow whispered, “Don’t you know how worried I was? Holding, your body as you got weaker and weaker? All I could think about was… what if… what if I lost you?”

As she raised her head, Fluttershy gasped. Fresh, warm tears ran down Rainbow Dash’s cheek as she muttered, “I’d rather never fly again for the rest of my life then lose you.”

Fluttershy started to feel her own eyes getting misty. She hugged Rainbow Dash, who continued to sob on her good shoulder. The comforting pegasus slowly rubbed her hooves on Dash’s back, whispering, “I’m sorry. I’m okay… I’m okay…”

“I told you didn’t I? I told you … that I never wanted to lose anypony … And you almost made me lose you. You jerk....” Rainbow Dash slowly freed herself from Fluttershy’ grip and dried out her eyes.

A third round of silence fell as Fluttershy’s thoughts turned to the letter. Again, all of this was her fault. Again, she had made Dash cry. With a deep breath, Fluttershy decided to end this once and for all. “I was afraid…”

Fluttershy lowered her head. “When you said that you would have to leave when you became a Wonderbolt… I was afraid that you would forget about me and everypony here. I kept thinking that everything would change. You would be famous and live the good life, but I would never get the chance to see you again…”

Fluttershy turned away from the unreadable Rainbow Dash. “But it wasn’t right! I never should have hidden that letter from you. After everything you’ve done for me, all the times you supported me; I failed you in the end because I was afraid to let you go. I’m so sorry, Rainbow Dash. For everything…”

She closed her eyes, waiting for Dash to yell at her and declare their friendship over for good. Instead, she heard a small laugh. Rainbow Dash gently hit her on the head, and mumbled, “You really have been stupid lately, haven’t you?”

A serious glare reflected in Dash’s eyes that Fluttershy had never seen before. “Fluttershy, I would never, ever, forget about you and the others. Nothing in the world can ever keep me from doing that!”

“I know, but what if…”

“Forget about what if!” shouted Dash. “Being a Wonderbolt is the dream I’ve had ever since I was little, but what good is that dream if I don’t share it with the ponies I care about?”

Fluttershy felt her eyes getting misty as a smile appeared on her face. “Rainbow…”

With a grin of her own, Rainbow Dash said, “Fluttershy, you’re one of my best friends. I’d fight Nightmare Moon all over again for you, or any of the other girls. Even when I become a Wonderbolt and we start seeing less of each other, my loyalty will always belong to Ponyville. After all, it wouldn’t be the same without the most awesome pegasus around would it?”

The two pegasi giggled at the statement. Fluttershy blushed and asked, “So… does this mean you forgive me?”

“I… I won’t lie. I still am a bit angry at you. It stinks that I’m going to have to wait three more years…” muttered Dash. Fluttershy could feel her heart beginning to sink, but her worries soon disappeared as Dash gave her a warming smile. “But, I do believe you feel sorry for what you’ve done. So… yeah, I forgive you.”

With a joyful cry, Fluttershy leaped onto Rainbow Dash, giving her a bone-crushing embrace. The two old friends held onto each other for a long time, their hearts at peace with one another. After a while, Rainbow Dash broke it up and made her way towards the exit. “I better tell the others you’re okay. You’d better get some sleep.”

“Rainbow Dash,” called out Fluttershy, giving her a gentle smile. “Thank you…”

Dash rubbed the back of Fluttershy’s head before wishing her best friend sweet dreams. Fluttershy decided to take her advice and lay down on the pillow. Slowly drifting into her dreams...

**************************************************************************************************

Fluttershy continued to push through the crowd of hundreds, muttering apologizes as she went. Like the rest, Fluttershy was here to see the Wonderbolts, but she had also come to meet a certain friend she hadn’t seen in years. With one last push, she managed to reach the front of the side, but she misplaced her hoofing and rolled onto the red carpet.

“Hey! You’re not supposed be here!” exclaimed a muscled pegasus in a black suit. Fluttershy cowered in fear as he to wered over her like a giant to an ant. Some of the fans noticed this and even tried to attempt the same thing, but the squad of bodyguards saw that it didn’t happen.

Just as she was about to get thrown out, a voice cried out, “Fluttershy?!”

A ray of hope shone for Fluttershy as she saw Rainbow Dash come quickly to her rescue, ordering the bodyguard to stand down. With a helping hoof, Fluttershy found herself in the arms of her old friend who looked excited to see her. “Fluttershy! It is you! What are you doing here?”

“Oh, I was just in the area and I thought I could visit. Unless that’s a problem…” mumbled Fluttershy.

“Nonsense! Any friend of mine is always welcomed to hang out with me,” assured Rainbow Dash. She turned to the other Wonderbolts who were staring at them curiously. “Hey, gang! This is my old pal, Fluttershy.”

The famous team greeted her warmly before one of them, Soarin if Fluttershy remembered correctly, shouted, “Come on! Can we get something to eat now?”

Everypony except Fluttershy laughed at Soarin’s pleading. Rainbow Dash shook her head. “Always thinking with your stomach, Soarin.”

Fluttershy smiled, pleased that Dash was doing well and having fun with her teammates. “I guess I’ll be going now.”

“Wait!” Dash tugged on her tail, much to her embarrassment. “I haven’t seen you in a long time. Come with us and you can tell me how things are back home.”

“I-I don’t know…” said Fluttershy, pawing the red carpet.

“Come on, please?” begged Rainbow Dash, using the famous puppy eyes trick. Fluttershy quickly caved in and nodded.

“Alright! Let’s go have some fun! Remember guys! Keep it easy for her,” said Dash. With her best friend and the Wonderbolts by her side, a smiling Fluttershy flapped her wings and followed them into the night sky.

“You think you know me…”

And yes I am still alive. Really enjoyed this chapter, but I have a feeling I’ll enjoy the next one a lot more. Only 4 chapters left to go.

Rated out

(Plays Metalingus by Alter Bridge)

How We Comfort

How We Met

By The Rated Ponystar

Chapter 10: How We Comfort

Edited by: Fernin and Souldin

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Rainbow Dash slammed the front door open and trotted into her home, her hooves pounding against the fluffy floor. She turned her head towards the torn rainbow-colored dress she had worn with pride earlier this evening. Without any hesitation, Rainbow Dash ripped it off and threw it to the ground like a piece of trash. She removed her golden shoes and laurel before making for the fridge. After grabbing a bottle of sarsaparilla, Rainbow flopped to her couch and sighed.

Worst. Night. Ever.

Despite what she may have said in the donut store, Rainbow Dash’s experience at the Grand Galloping Gala had been nothing short of a catastrophe. Oh sure, she had met the Wonderbolts and they remembered who she was. Even better, they invited her to their own personal V.I.P. lounge. What should have happened next was talk of flight tactics and Wonderbolt history, maybe even a successful pitch for them to drop the three-year wait requirement.

Instead, every single Wonderbolt was too busy talking to the rich ponies to pay attention to her. What was she? Chopped asparagus? Rainbow Dash had saved their lives; she’d saved Equestria, for crying out loud. Wasn’t she worthy of some attention? Even her attempts to show off went unnoticed, until she messed up trying to carry that huge statue near the end. That, of course, got everypony’s attention on her.

Rainbow Dash drowned her disappointment in sarsaparilla, eying the ruined clothes Rarity had made for her. Too bad such an awesome dress had been wasted on an eve of misery. In fact, the pegasus was pretty sure all her friends were feeling just like her. All their dreams and expectations, crushed like the small clouds Rainbow always dealt with for clear sunny days.

It was funny, the more Dash thought about it. Months ago she and her friends had fought over Twilight’s tickets. Had she known this was going to happen, she would have told Twilight a big fat ‘no’ before going back to sleep.

“Why am I even thinking about this?” mumbled Rainbow Dash, finishing her drink. “Ugh, stupid Grand Galloping Gala.” She needed some air, maybe even a cloud to beat up. She lifted herself into the air and flew out the window.

*************************************************************************************

A few daring dives and loop-de-loops later, Rainbow Dash took a rest on nearby cloud. Overhead the full moon lit the night sky, moving slowly through the endless sea of space with a thousand twinkling stars. Twilight had told her that stars were big hot balls of gas millions of miles away. Dash wondered if it was even possible to fly to those stars and see them shine.

Rainbow Dash groaned and closed her eyes, letting the music of the night play for her: the echoing of the crickets chirping in the grass, the owls hooting in the trees, and the spring breeze blowing against the clouds. The tears of a moaning pony who—Rainbow Dash instantly opened her eyes.

The pegasus held her breath and concentrated on the faint but familiar sounds of sobbing. Ears twitching, she managed to isolate the voice and looked down. In the shadows of the park stood a single pony; crying all alone. Rainbow Dash jumped off her cloud and glided to the ground, landing not too far away from whoever was in distress.

When Rainbow Dash got close enough, she spotted the pony’s pink mane in the moonlight and recognized her at once. “Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy squeaked and hid under her front hooves, quivering from head to tail. Rainbow Dash walked over and nuzzled the frightened pegasus, whispering, “Shy, relax. It’s me, Rainbow.”

Fluttershy slowly peaked out of her hooves and stopped shivering. She raised her head and wiped traces of tears from her eyes. “Wha... what are you doing here this late at night?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” said Rainbow Dash. “You okay?”

“I... I don’t... know...” confessed Fluttershy, hiding behind her mane

Rainbow focused on her friend’s ruined dress and smirked. She didn’t want to admit it, but, next to herself of course, Fluttershy had looked the best out of all of them when they arrived at the dance. Shame that it was also just as torn up. “Let me guess. Post-Gala issues?”

A whimper confirmed Dash’s suspicious and the sympathetic pegasus gave her best friend a hug. She gently pushed away the pink bangs to reveal a set of puffy red eyes, reminding Dash of the events months ago that almost ended their friendship. Inside those blue innocent pools, Rainbow could see so much pain and guilt. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Fluttershy stood as still as a statue and respond just the same. For a while, the two pegasi let time pass in silence before Fluttershy whispered, “I yelled at them...”

Rainbow Dash tilted her head as Fluttershy spoke again, this time a bit louder. “I yelled at them... screamed even... I’ve never raised my voice so loud before...” Her front left hoof started shaking and she brought it up to her pale face, looking at it as if it was an abomination. “I tried to make traps... traps that could have hurt them... I even held a squirrel in my mouth... like... like some... wolf!”

To Rainbow Dash’s shock, Fluttershy smacked herself hard against the face. Just as Fluttershy was about to hit herself again, Rainbow Dash grabbed the hoof and dragged it down. The two struggled against one another as Dash shouted, “Fluttershy! Stop it! Hurting yourself isn’t going to help!”

Although Fluttershy tried, she wasn’t strong enough to match Rainbow Dash and fell to ground in defeat, her arm going limp. Rainbow Dash released her grip and slowly stroked the mane of the crying pony. Fluttershy bitterly shouted, “How could I have done something so... so... horrible! I’m supposed to help animals! Not scare them!”

“Fluttershy...” whispered Rainbow Dash.

“I can’t go home! Not to my animals! I don’t deserve them! I don’t even deserve to have this cutie mark!” cried out Fluttershy, nodding to her flank.

“Don’t say that!” shouted Rainbow Dash, startling Fluttershy. “Nopony should ever say they aren’t worthy of a cutie mark!” Dash pointed at Fluttershy’s cutie mark and continued. “You earned it when you took care of those animals the first time you landed on the ground. Since then, I’ve seen you heal, nurture, and save animals better than any vet could! Everypony in town and every animal in the forest loves you!”

“But... but the garden... the Gala...” stuttered Fluttershy. “All those frightened creatures...”

“So what? If they can’t see a kind and gentle pony then they don’t deserve you!” declared Rainbow Dash, lifting her friend up. “You don’t see me crying around like a sissy when I crash or make a mistake on my flying. So things didn’t go our way with the Gala, who cares?! I’m not going to let you beat yourself up just because it didn’t end the way you expected it. You're still you and you’re still the best at what you do.”

Fluttershy sniffled and stared into Dash’s eyes. “You... really mean it?”

“Cross my heart and hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye if you have to,” joked Rainbow Dash. She turned towards Canterlot in the distance and got an idea. Leaning towards Fluttershy, she said, “Hey? Want to feel a bit better after all the manure we went through back there? Watch this!” Fluttershy only tilted her head as Rainbow Dash, grinning mischievously, looked towards the royal city and shouted, “Hey! Grand Galloping Bored Feast! You’re so terrible that you make opera look like a rock concert!”

Rainbow Dash turned back toward her nervous friend and waved her hoof to follow suit. Fluttershy gulped and looked at the city. “Ummm... Hey... Grand Galloping Gala! You... aren’t... um... fun?”

“Come on! You can do better! Try it like this,” said Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash turned back towards the city and shouted, “My grandma and her retirement home can host better parties then you, Gala!”

Fluttershy giggled as Rainbow Dash turned around and said, “See? It’s fun! Go on already, try it.”

With a deep breath, Fluttershy stared at Canterlot. Memories of how the Gala treated her and her friends came to her mind. For the first time in her life, Fluttershy decided to act mean towards something. “You stink, Gala! Your worse than rotten dragon eggs and Rainbow’s cooking combined!”

“Hey!” cried Rainbow Dash, but she was laughing just as hard as Fluttershy. The two of them could barely stay on their hooves with their mirth echoed around the park. With an even wider grin, Rainbow Dash turned around and shook her hindquarters in the air and slapped it. “Hey Gala! Kiss my flank goodbye because I’m never heading back to your party ever again!”

“Yeah! Kiss it!” cried out Fluttershy, coping Rainbow Dash. Soon the two had to hold onto each other for support, their sides aching.

Rainbow Dash was surprised Fluttershy was acting just as juvenile as she was. Normally, the pegasus would panic if she thought she hurt somepony, but she had just waved her rear at the most important city in the world with Rainbow Dash and showed no guilt. Either Fluttershy really hated the Gala just as much as she did or it was a sign of the end days. Ah who cares, it feels fine either way.

Realizing it was her turn, Fluttershy shouted, “The Grand Galloping Gala is a... Petrie?”

“Petrie?” questioned Dash, halting her laughter. “What the heck is a Petrie?”

Fluttershy pointed to the sky where Dash spotted a black owl flying towards them with haste. It landed on Fluttershy’s back and started hooting urgently. Rainbow Dash could only raise an eyebrow as her best friend addressed the night bird. When the owl finished, Fluttershy put her hoof to her mouth and gasped.

“Right now? She’s having them now?!” shouted Fluttershy. “Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness! I have to get home! Rainbow Dash! I need you to come with me! I’m going to need your help!”

“Why? What’s wrong?” asked Rainbow Dash. Before she knew it, Fluttershy had already grabbed Dash by the hoof and started dragging her. “Woah, hold it! I can fly, you know!”

*************************************************************************************

Never in her life had Rainbow Dash seen Fluttershy fly with such vigor. The once frightened pegasus had turned into a warrior, rushing off into battle to save an innocent child from a big monster. Rainbow had tried to ask what the trouble was, but all she received were orders to fly faster.

At last, they arrived at the cottage. Fluttershy quickly opened her front door and dashed inside. The animals turned to her with relief and joy as they made way for their caretaker. Rainbow Dash nervously stepped forward as well, aware that the creatures were eyeing her curiously. When she made it to the living room, Rainbow spotted the emergency: a fox lying on her side, twitching in pain.

Angel Bunny hopped towards Fluttershy side and pointed to the raspy fox. Rainbow Dash got a closer look and saw that the fox’s belly was huge. Immediately, Rainbow Dash realized what was going on and felt her nerves jump even higher. Fluttershy asked her to help with this? She didn’t even know what to do except maybe panic.

Fluttershy gently pressed her hoof on the fox’s stomach and whispered, “It’s okay Diana. I’m here now and we're going to make sure your kits come through safely. Just relax.”

The soothing words made the vixen calm down and she started to breathe more slowly. Fluttershy immediately turned to Angel and ordered him to get a set of blankets and sent Rainbow Dash for hot water. The two quickly went to work without a word while Fluttershy slowly stroked her patient's coat.

*************************************************************************************

Two hours later, Fluttershy sighed in relief. In her arms she held a sleeping kid while the other three snuggled against their mother. Lightly placing the fourth kit next to the vixen, Fluttershy stepped back as she gave the new family a warming smile. “Aren’t they so cute together, Dash? Dash?” Fluttershy turned around and saw Rainbow Dash leaning on the wall while holding her hooves against her stomach. Fluttershy walked over and asked, “You okay? You look a little green.”

“I... I’m just... is that really how foals come out too?” asked Rainbow Dash, wide eyed.

“Somewhat, but it’s actually a bit longer and a little... well...” The animal caretaker tried to find the words to explain.

“Messy?” asked the fellow pegasus, taking in deep breaths.

“... That’s one way to put it,” replied Fluttershy, blushing.

“Yeah. Okay. Note to self: Never have a baby. Ever!” declared Rainbow Dash as she sat down. She looked at the sleeping kits and smiled. “Although, I guess I have to admit that they are kind of cute.” The two pegasi stood side by side, watching the foxes in silence. Rainbow Dash then turned to Fluttershy and asked, “Still think you're unworthy of them?”

“No... Not anymore...” said Fluttershy with a smile. “Thank you, Rainbow Dash.”

“Anytime, Shy.” Rainbow Dash made her way to the front door. “I’ll catch ya later. I’m going to head to bed.”

The two bid each other goodnight as Rainbow flew out of the house. Fluttershy closed the door, making her way to her own bed while letting out a tiny yawn. When she got upstairs, Fluttershy tucked herself into bed as her thoughts turned to the kits. They were so cute with their small eyes and red fluffy tails.

Fluttershy could just imagine all four of them jumping around her as they laughed and giggled under the sun. But soon their pelts began to change from bright red and white to yellow fur similar to hers. They sprouted wings as their manes soon turned into the colors of the rainbow. They were no longer foxes, but baby pegasi who looked as if Fluttershy was their mother. But if she was their mother, the other parent would have to be—Fluttershy instantly woke up to her rapidly beating heart.

Wha... what was I thinking?! Those foals... those manes... Fluttershy thought.

All throughout the night, Fluttershy could only think of were those foals… and a certain rainbow-manned pegasus.

How We Planned

How We Met

By The Rated Ponystar

Chapter 11: How We Plan

Edited by: Fernin and Souldin

*****************************************************************************
The chirping of robins awoke Fluttershy for another early morning. Yawning and smacking her lips, she opened her eyes but soon closed them again. The first rays of light from her window had nearly blinding her. Shifting to the other side of her bed, she reached out for another pillow. To her surprise, she felt something else—a warm, furry pelt. Somepony was in bed with her. Fluttershy opened her eyes and saw a familiar set of magenta pools staring back at her.

With a silent gasp, Fluttershy stood up. Rainbow Dash followed suit. The sunlight from the windows shimmered on Dash’s mane, lighting it up like the rainbow it resembled. A thousand questions went through Fluttershy’s head. Before she could ask any of them, Rainbow Dash slowly brushed away the strains of her pink mane covering Fluttershy’s face.

A gentle sigh escaped Fluttershy’s lips bringing a smirk to Dash’s muzzle. Fluttershy tried to duck underneath her covers, but they were torn off. She tried to run away, but found Dash’s hooves wrapped around her waist. The two of them stood still, Fluttershy trapped in Rainbow Dash’s embrace; she never felt so scared and yet so comfortable at the same time.
A hoof turned her cheek and made her face her captor. Their faces were so close Fluttershy could feel Dash’s hot breath. It smelled like the scent of summer combined with the smell of fresh flowers. It was so invigorating and overwhelming, Fluttershy ‘s wings started flapping.

Fluttershy shook her head and pushed Dash away. “W-why ar-re yo-you here?”

A moment of silence stood between them; not even the sound of the wind was heard. Fluttershy dared not move or even breathe. It was like facing a wild animal where the slightest of movement could cause a chain reaction.

Rainbow Dash took her left hoof and started to stroke Fluttershy’s side. Fluttershy tensed up, but soon relaxed. It was gentle, yet firm. Soft, but hard enough to ease the muscles. Dash’s other hoof soon joined in, rubbing Fluttershy’s other side. The two hooves slowly climbed her back towards the base of her wings: one of the most sensual spots for a pegasus.

A coo escaped Fluttershy’s lips as the hooves slowly rubbed in circles around her axillaries. The feeling made her body feel like putty. All thoughts of resistance faded. Fluttershy wrapped her arms around Dash’s waist and pressed her head against her warm muscled chest. If this was a dream, she didn’t want it to end. She wanted it to last forever.

To Fluttershy’s disappointment, the massage ended. She looked up and saw the prettiest face in the world looking down upon her. Dash lowered her head and closed her eyes, pressing her lips to Fluttershy’s. Fireworks went off in Fluttershy’s head. The kiss was sweeter than milk and honey. They fell back onto the bed, Dash on top. They continued to kiss, to the point where their lungs begged for oxygen. They separated, a line of saliva still connected to both their mouths.

“Rainbow Dash… I love you…” whispered Fluttershy. For a brief moment, Dash’s face showed no emotion and Fluttershy feared that she had ruined the moment. But it faded when Dash snuggled closer and kissed her again.

As Fluttershy continued to occupy Rainbow with her lips, she turned her eye towards her lover’s colorful mane. Fluttershy had adored it since she was a filly and longed to feel it wrapped around her hoof. Slowly, she raised her hoof and stroked the mane. It was as smooth as silk and warm as new spring grass. I must be dead. Only heaven can feel this good.

A slap against her flank made Fluttershy’s squeak. The split second her mouth was open, Rainbow’s tongue dived in. Helpless against Dash’s assault upon her, Fluttershy moaned and dug her hooves into the sheets of her bed. Every nook and cranny of her mouth was touched by the slick, muscular tongue. It made her feel dirty. It made her feel loved. It made her feel like a mare. The further Dash dived with her tongue, the more Fluttershy wanted. It rubbed against her own tongue and even her teeth, making her giggle at the ticklish flicks.

The pleasure lasted only for a few minutes, but it felt like a lifetime. Fluttershy whimpered as Dash’s tongue retreated. She bit the bottom of her lip, begging more from the mare of her dreams. Rainbow Dash smiled and raised her hoof, only to slap Fluttershy hard against the cheek.

**************************************************************************
Fluttershy woke up. When she opened her eyes, she saw her lips pressed to Angel’s muzzle. The offended rabbit was slapping at her, desperately trying to get free from the unexpectedly amorous mare’s grasp. Finally freeing himself, Angel wiped his lips and gagged, hurrying to the wastebasket to make retching sounds.

Fluttershy rubbed the back of her head, content to stay in bed until her gaze turned to her alarm clock. Rushing out of bed, she made her way towards her calendar and found today’s date circled in red with the words ‘Dash’s first play date’ and ‘confession’ written underneath. Fluttershy’s heart leaped for joy. She went to her desk and pulled out a pink notebook along with a quill and ink. Dipping the quill in the bottle, she opened her journal and began to write:

Dear Diary,

I dreamed of Rainbow Dash again. I found her in my bed. She leaned forward to kiss me and it felt like it always did. Perfect. Although, I suspect I was accidentally kissing someone else in reality…

She winced at the sound of Angel barfing into her wastebasket before continuing.

Today is Dash’s first pet play date with the rest of the girls and me. I can’t wait. I’m so excited I feel like I could do my own Sonic Rainboom! This is going to be the day. I’ve been practicing for weeks and I think this is the best time to tell Rainbow Dash how I feel about her.

I’m so scared, my tail is twitching and my back right hoof keeps thumping up and down. What if she doesn’t like me that way? What if she hates me? What if I mess up and say the wrong thing? Or what if Discord comes back and teams up with Nightmare Moon to create an army of evil to cover the land in darkness?!

Okay, chances are THAT won’t happen, but I'm so nervous. I’ve felt this way for her ever since the Gala and I’ve delayed for too long. I came really close last week when I helped Rainbow Dash find her pet, but Tank deserved her attention that day, not me.

I can’t wait any longer. I have to do this. I have my speech memorized and I just have to be brave. Only hope I can get Dash and I to be alone when I do this.

Wish me luck! Fluttershy.

Fluttershy put the diary away and turned toward a photo of Rainbow Dash smiling in the clouds. Taking it into her hooves, Fluttershy kissed it a few times before giving it a hug. Walking over to Angel, she petted his head. “You ready for our play date, Angel?”

Looking slightly less green than before, Angel shrugged and hopped towards the stairs. Fluttershy took a deep breath. “Okay! Let’s do this!”

***********************************************************************

Fluttershy kept her positive attitude throughout the entire play date. So far things had been going pretty well. Tank had been welcomed as a member of the gang by all the other pets, except for Opal who really didn’t get along with anyone. Rainbow Dash had quickly gotten into the spirit of the play date and seemed to be happy. Even Angel seemed over the whole morning kiss incident. All of them were having fun now that they had everypony involved, but now it was time for Fluttershy’s plan to go into action.

It was activity time and Fluttershy saw this as an opportunity to finally talk to Rainbow Dash alone, but there some problems. Specifically, Pinkie Pie problems.

“I’m telling you, Fluttershy. Gummy here just won’t learn how to bark, no matter how much I bribe him with sugar coated frosted brownies,” said Pinkie Pie, paying no attention to the pet biting her mane.

“Pinkie, alligators don’t know how to bark. They’re not dogs.” Fluttershy winced as Gummy proceeded chomped on Pinkie’s flank. Pinkie shook her rear and flung Gummy off.

“Well, duh he’s not a dog, silly willy. If Gummy was a dog, I would know,” said Pinkie. She gasped. “Unless he’s some super-secret changing animal that only looks like an alligator at times, but can then change his form to battle evil pet forces who want to enslave ponykind and rule the world!”

Fluttershy raised an eyebrow. “Pinkie, how much sugar did you eat before coming here?”

“My usual breakfast. A dozen cupcakes, three boxes of cookies, a case of sugar balls, seven pixie sticks, and a piece of cake,” replied Pinkie, jumping up and down with a bit of an extra spring in her leaps. “Now about teaching Gummy how to bark…”

As Pinkie babbled away, Fluttershy looked from the corner of her eye for the others. Rarity was playing a game of chess against Owloysius with Twilight, Opal, and Angel watching. From the look of disbelief on Rarity’s face and Twilight’s proud smile, the game seemed to be going in the owl’s favor. As for Rainbow Dash and Applejack, the two were competing to see whose pet could perform the better trick. As Fluttershy continued to nod to Pinkie. She felt a little guilty for being rude, but kept her ears focused on the two competitors.

“Okay, Winona! Fetch it!” Applejack leaned back and threw a stick high into the air. Winona barked and jumped, catching the sick with a small flip for show. She rushed back to Applejack and wagged her tail as her mistress petted her affectionately. “Good girl.”

Applejack took the stick and tossed it over to Rainbow Dash. “So, ya think Tank can fetch just as good as Winona here?”

“Pffht, please. Tank can do better,” said Rainbow Dash. She turned to her flying tortoise and winked. When the stick was thrown into the air, higher than Applejack’s throw, Tank was after it in a flash. He caught it in record time and flew back down to a cheering duo.

“Shoowe! That there helicopter Twilight gave ya sure is handy,” praised Applejack.

“Thanks, but it’s really thanks to learning from the best!” said Rainbow Dash, giving Tank a hug.

A smile stretched across Fluttershy’s muzzle. It had only been a few days, but she could tell Tank and Rainbow Dash were going to have a great relationship. The former had finally found an owner after years of loneliness and the latter now had a pet she could love and be best friends with. And Fluttershy herself helped make that happen. Flutttershy’s daydreaming was interrupted by a few knocks on the head from Pinkie Pie. “Yooho! Anypony home?!”

Rubbing her head, Fluttershy spotted the picnic baskets they all brought and got an idea. “Say Pinkie, how about we have lunch?”

“Now? Seems a bit early, but okay!”

Pinkie hopped around shouting for lunchtime as everypony gathered around. Food was passed for both pets and pet owners while they engaged in small talk. Rarity glanced at Owloysius and shook her head. “I still don’t know how you managed to teach that bird how to play chess so well, Twilight.”

“What can I say? He’s a fast learner,” said Twilight, taking a bite out of her sandwich. She passed a piece to Owloysius, smiling at the owls hooted thanks

As Fluttershy passed Angel his carrots, she snuck a glance at Rainbow Dash and Applejack. Both were eating rutabaga and mushroom salads while laughing at Applejack’s tales of Winona and her puppy days. “No way, she actually used to pee on Big Macintosh’s bed?!”

Applejack slapped her knee and chuckled. “Yeah, use to drive mah big brother insane. Course he didn’t take kindly to it and used to smack her upside the head. Not harmfully mind ya, but enough for a scoldin’. Eventually, we managed to get her to start usin’ the grass like any normal dog. But Ah ain’t gonna forget those days.”

Although a part of her wanted to join in on the conversation, Fluttershy knew this was her best chance to confess. Okay, let’s go. Fluttershy put her vegetable soup down and made her way towards the pair. “Um, hey girls.”

“Sup, Fluttershy? Want a taste?” asked Rainbow Dash, handing out her salad.

“No thanks. Mushrooms and I don’t really work well together.” Fluttershy could feel her stomach getting queasy just thinking about it. “Dash, can I talk to you, in private?”

“Sure.”

Fluttershy lead them towards some trees that were far enough for nopony to hear them. Sweat began to drip from her brow. Her heart was pounding so loud Fluttershy was surprised Dash wasn’t able to hear it herself. When they were far enough, they stopped. Fluttershy looked at Rainbow Dash, glanced left and right, and took a deep breath. After months of practicing and waiting, this was it.

“What’s up? Why are we here?” asked Rainbow Dash.

Here goes… Fluttershy gulped. “I … I have something I need to tell you. It’s something I’ve wanted to ask for the longest of time and…”

“Hold that thought,” said Rainbow, holding up a hoof. “Mind if I go find a bathroom first? Talking about Winona and her bathroom training days with Applejack has kind of brought the urge to heed the call of nature.”

“Oh, sure. Um… go ahead. I’ll just… wait here,” said Fluttershy, pawing the ground.

Dash flew off, leaving Fluttershy to bite her hooves nervously. She paced around a bit before stopping in front of a tree. Fluttershy took another deep breath and closed her eyes; imagining the tree trunk was Rainbow Dash. “I have something to tell you. It’s something I’ve wanted to ask for the longest of time and I’ve wanted to say this to you and you alone. Ever since I met you, I’ve always felt the two of us were closer than most. You’ve done so much for me and I’ve done so much for you, that I can’t think of another pony on this planet that I would want to ask this too. Please believe me that this comes from my heart.” Opening her eyes, Fluttershy smiled and said, “Will you go out on a date with me?”

“Sure! What are we doing?!” shouted Pinkie Pie from behind. Fluttershy gasped and turned around, face completely red. Pinkie Pie, eyes beaming, walked over and wrapped her arm around Flutttershy. “Why, Fluttershy. I didn’t know you were into me in such a way. Here I was going to tell you Angel and Opal were fighting and what do I come to find? You, confessing your deepest feelings for me! Awww.”

Pinkie Pie inched closer for a smooch on the cheek, but Fluttershy held her back. “Wait! Pinkie! I was trying to—Pinkie stop!”

While Fluttershy tried to hold back her misguided friend, she heard another set of hoofs galloping towards them. Rarity, scratched up and with a frazzled mane, emerged from the bushes. Angel and Opal were levitating behind her, trying to swipe at one another. “Pinkie, did you find Fluttershaaaawaaa?!” The telekinesis spell turned off and allowed the two pets to charge at one another.

“Hey, Rarity! Guess what! Me and Fluttershy are an item now!” cried out Pinkie, rubbing her cheek affectionately against Fluttershy’s.

Leaning back with her hoof pressed against her chest, Rarity gasped. “Wha-What?! When did this suddenly happen?”

“Only just ten seconds ago. I was just as surprised, but hey now I’ve got a special lovey dovey somepony!” shouted Pinkie.

With Pinkie’s attention occupied, Fluttershy managed to push out of her grasp. She stomped her hoof and shouted, “No! You got it all wrong! I was practicing for Rainbow Dash, not you.” Fluttershy panted as both her friends looked at her with wide eyes. It took her only a split second to realize what she said. She curled up and whimpered, wishing that she as someplace else other than here. Her eyes darted between her two emotionless friends, waiting for some sort of response.

“Ohhh, that makes a lot more sense,” said Pinkie,” I always figured you two had something going on.”

Rarity groaned, hooves pressed against her temples. “Now I’m confused. Who likes who now?”

Pinkie rubbed her chin. “Well I think Lyra likes Bon Bon. Ace is dating Colgate. Mr. and Mrs. Cake are obviously together. I think Cloud Chaser has the hots for Rain Drop. I’ve seen you, Rarity, staring at Big Macintosh when he’s not looking and-“

“I meant right this very second, Pinkie!” shouted Rarity, blushing. She raised her head with grace and huffed. “And I for one do not look at Macintosh’s backside when he’s not looking.”

“I never said it was his backside you were checking out,” said a grinning Pinkie.

Fluttershy felt a wave of relief overcome her. Her friends didn’t hate her nor did they seem disapproved of the idea. Then she remembered that Dash would be back soon. “Girls, please! I need to leave! Rainbow Dash—“

“What about me?”

Everypony looked up and saw Rainbow Dash hovering above them. “What’s going on? Why are Pinkie and Rarity here, I thought you wanted to talk to me alone?”

Rainbow’s suspicious glare made Fluttershy’s mind go into overdrive. She almost recited her speech right there on, but the mood was too much. An excuse. She needed an excuse. Stuttering and shifting her hooves back in forth, Fluttershy opened her mouth but no words came out. Rainbow Dash’s frown only grew as time went on. Fluttershy needed an idea that didn’t just involve her hiding her head in the dirt, and fast.

A hoof pressed against her shoulder, snapping her awake. Turning around, she saw Rarity give her a wink before stepping forward. “Sorry, Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy wanted to ask if you wanted to come to the spa with me and Pinkie tomorrow. After all, that pelt of yours could use a good grooming or two.”

“Hey, nopony touches the pelt of coolness, much less to fancy it up!” shouted Rainbow Dash. “I appreciate the offer, but no thanks. Now if you excuse me, I’ve got lunch to finish.”

Once Rainbow Dash was gone, Fluttershy fell to her haunches and sighed in relief. Her friends walked over and patted her on the back, but she shook them off. “I was so close …”

Rarity rubbed the back of her head. “Darling, we're sorry. We didn’t know you intended to… well… confess.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry too. I really didn’t mean it,” said Pinkie, lowering her head.

Fluttershy felt her anger wane and nodded. It really wasn’t their fault, just bad timing. She gave them a smile and opened her arms, allowing them to hug her. All three of them held on for a while ‘till Rarity said, “So, you and Rainbow Dash, huh?”

“How long have you been crushing on her?” asked Pinkie.

Fluttershy thought long and hard, back to their days as fillies. “I’ve always considered that there was something special between us. A bond that ran deeper than any other I’ve ever had before. But ever since the Gala, I’ve started to realize just how much she means to me. She makes me smile whenever I think of her. I know I can always count on her. And there is no other pony I trust more than her. Not that I don’t trust you guys.” Pinkie and Rarity nodded and urged her to continue. “But the one thing I want more than anything is to see her happy. Cheering for her, helping her find a pet, even just hanging out whenever she wants too. I would do anything to see her smile.”

Rarity wiped a tear from her eye. “Sounds more like love then a simple crush to me, Fluttershy. Which is why we’re going to help you.”

“Yeah! We’re going to make you and Rainbow Dash the best couple in all of Ponyville! Then we’ll have a huge party to celebrate. Then you girls can get married and have foals together!” shouted Pinkie, rubbing her tummy.

“Pinkie, two mares can’t make a foal,” pointed out Rarity.

“Basic biological technicalities aside, we’ll find a way around them when the time comes,” said Pinkie. Rarity slapped her hoof against her forehead, but Pinkie ignored this.

“I don’t know,” mumbled Fluttershy.

“Darling, trust me. I’ve played the role of matchmaker before. When it comes to romance, nopony knows more than moi.” Rarity turned her attention to her cat and Angel. A smile lit her face. “Idea! Fluttershy, first I need you to calm our pets.”

Fluttershy nodded and turned towards Angel and Opal, the latter of which was caught in a cross arm bar.“Um, guys. Please stop fighting?” Her pleas were ignored. She asked a few more times nicely, but still got no results. Finally, she stomped her hoof. “Pay attention to me!” Both pets stopped and looked up to see the one thing every animal that knew Fluttershy feared.

The Stare.

With eyes as piercing as daggers, Fluttershy held her head over the two. Her pose straight and demanding, her voice echoed with authority. Angel and Opal held each other in fright as they did their best to look away, but the hypnotic glare was too powerful. Fluttershy leaned down and stared at them eye to eye. “Now, you two are going to stop fighting and behave yourselves. I’m under a lot of stress and I don’t want any more trouble. From either of you! Got it!”

The two pets looked at each other and quickly hugged, flashing a smile for added effect. Fluttershy smiled and nodded in approval. Angel and Opal were about to follow her when Rarity grabbed Opal, who hissed at her owner. “Sorry, Opal. Mama’s gonna need you for her big special plan to get her two friends together. You understand right?” Opal raised her claws, ready to strike, but a disapproving glance from Fluttershy brought her up short.

“Anyway, you just leave this to Auntie Pinkie and Rarity. We’ll set up the moment and you won’t have to worry about a single thing, so just be ready!” said Pinkie. She bounced away in the opposite direction as Rarity followed her carrying a reluctant Opal.

With no other alternative, Fluttershy made her way back to the picnic with Angel hopping alongside. Although she trusted her friends, she felt almost sick to her stomach. This isn’t going to end well…

How We Break

How We Met

By The Rated Ponystar

Chapter 12: How We Break

Edited by: Fernin and Souldin

Fluttershy returned to the picnic just as her scheming friends ordered, arriving to find that lunch was nearly over. Everypony was engaged in small talk while their pets slept. Fluttershy kept herself out of the conversations, nervously waiting for her friends to enact whatever plan they had. While she was grateful for their assistance, she couldn’t help but worry. Especially since Pinkie Pie had the tendency to go over the top. Fluttershy shook her head. Maybe their plan might work? I mean, Pinkie is good at planning stuff and Rarity will be there to make sure she doesn’t go too far. I should have more faith in my friends.

“Hey, Fluttershy,” asked Twilight, “have you seen Rarity or Pinkie? They haven’t come back for nearly an hour.”

“Oh! Um… well…” Before Fluttershy could come up with a good excuse, she spotted Rarity and Pinkie Pie returning.

“I'm dreadfully sorry, girls, but I'm afraid that Pinkie and I are going to have to depart just a teensy bit early,” said Rarity. “Something's come up at the shop and Pinkie and I simply must deal with it right away.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “That’s strange. Normally, ya never ask Pinkie for help with yer frilly fashion nonsense.”

Rarity placed her hoof over her heart and gasped. “Why, Applejack. How could you possibly imagine that I would ever turn down a dear friend's offer of assistance?”

“Because the last time Pinkie 'helped' you, you ended up chasing her around town with a crazed look in your eyes and a pair of scissors in your mouth. Took ten ponies just to hold you down,” pointed out Rainbow Dash.

Wiping sudden beads of sweat off her brow, Rarity managed, with some effort, to banish the memory of that terrible... incident. “Yes well, it would be most ungenerous of me not to allow Pinkie Pie a second chance, don't you think? Anyway, must go now, toodle-oo!”

As the unlikely pair hurried away, Pinkie turned to give Fluttershy a knowing wink—and then they were gone. Soon, the rest of Fluttershy’s friends were packed up and ready to go. Fluttershy went to say goodbye to Rainbow Dash but the other flier had already left with Applejack, talking excitedly about this year’s cider season. She was about to leave herself when Twilight asked, “Hey, everything okay? Normally, you’re very energetic on the play dates, but today you were zoning out a lot.”

“O-oh, I’m fine. I just have a lot on—on my mind,” answered Fluttershy. Avoiding the unicorn's gaze, she picked up Angel with her tail and placed him on her back. “I’ve got to go now, talk to you later.”

“Fluttershy, wait!” cried out Twilight.

Fluttershy was already long gone. Spreading her wings, she left her worried friend on the ground as she made her way back home. A knock on the head forced her to turn turned around to a glaring Angel. “Oh I know I said I was going to tell Rainbow Dash, Angel. But Rarity and Pinkie said they would help me…”

Angel rolled his eyes and laid his head against the back of her neck, waving her on with one dismissive paw. With a sigh, Fluttershy continued on her way. Hopefully tomorrow she would finally be able to confess her feelings.

Dawn came the next day and Fluttershy was already feeling nervous. It was like the butterflies on her flank had found their way into her stomach. She proceeded to do her morning chores with her mind wandering. Bird seed hissed into the feeder. What kind of plan do Pinkie and Rarity have? Knowing Pinkie, it will probably be party-related... but what about Rarity? Maybe a fancy get together? Or maybe it will be both?

An insistent and none too gentle poking by Angel finally snapped Fluttershy out of cringe-inducing visions of being forced to profess her love for Rainbow Dash while decked out in a glittering ruby-encrusted dress and pushing a trolley of heart-shaped cakes and pastries. She looked down and realized that she'd put chicken feed in the impatient bunny's feeding bowl. "Oh! I'm sorry, Angel Bunny, I—”

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

"Eeep!" The next thing Fluttershy knew, she was peering out from under her couch.

Angel shook his head. He went behind the couch and kicked the scared pegasus out into the open. Fluttershy went to her door and opened it, but found nopony to greet. She was about to head back inside when she saw a note taped to her door. Picking it up, she read it:

Following the note’s orders, Fluttershy arrived in town at the time requested. Pony after pony trotted past, but Pinkie Pie was nowhere to be seen. Where is she?

“Hey, Fluttershy!” Looking up in the air, Fluttershy spotted Rainbow Dash coming in for a landing. Rainbow spat out the paper she'd been carrying in her mouth and grinned at her friend. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, I’m waiting for Pinkie Pie. She invited me to play this, um, this game,” said Fluttershy.

“You too?” Rainbow Dash spread the paper on the ground, revealing it to be the same sort of note Fluttershy had received. “I was about to head over to AJ’s to see if she wanted to hang out when I saw this on my front door. So I guess we're both in this scavenger hunt, huh?”

“Y-yeah…” muttered Fluttershy, pawing the ground.

The two mares sat down, waiting in awkward silence for Pinkie Pie to appear. Fluttershy bit her lip nervously. Was this part of the plan? Was this the plan?

What am I supposed to do? Confess here? Is that the plan? Oh, what was my speech again? Fluttershy's thoughts swirled furiously. She stole a glance at Rainbow Dash and opened her mouth to speak. The other pegasus yawned, looking bored. Fluttershy shut her mouth again and started to tremble. No! I... I can't do it!

Rainbow Dash turned to see Fluttershy shaking like a leaf in a stiff gale. “You okay, 'Shy?”

“Y-yes, just a bit ch-chilly f-from the wind,” muttered Fluttershy. Soft, warm feathers wrapped around her shoulder. "Eep!"

“There? Better?” asked Rainbow Dash, scooting closer.

“Y-yes,” said Fluttershy, closing her eyes. She could feel Dash’s wing brushing against her pelt, like being under a big wool blanket, a feeling she wanted to last forever.

“Hey, Fluttershy! Hey, Rainbow Dash!” barked an enthusiastic voice.

Fluttershy opened her eyes to see Derpy Hooves floating in front of them. “Derpy? Are you here for the scavenger hunt too?”

“Nope, just here to deliver this,” said Derpy, passing a note to Rainbow Dash. “See you later!”

The walleyed mailmare took off just as Dash opened the paper and read it out loud. “Congrats, you two are now a team! Go hunt for the best prize you've ever seen! Be brave and bold, my friends most dear. Now find a gypsy your fortune to hear!”

“I guess this means you’re my teammate,” said Fluttershy.

“Guess so.” Rainbow Dash tossed the note away and smiled. “That means there must be other teams looking for clues, just like us! We’ll I don’t know what this prize is, but if this is a contest then I’m going to win it all! Right, partner?”

“Um, right.”

“Great! You look down there; I’ll take the skies!” said Rainbow Dash before taking off.

Fluttershy followed Dash’s orders and trotted around town square. She tried to ask some ponies if they had seen a gypsy, but they didn’t hear her. Halfway around the square, she spotted a white pelted unicorn wearing a sparkling purple cloak. In front of the cloaked unicorn was a wooden stand with a crystal ball and strange cards. Fluttershy walked over and greeted the mysterious pony. “Um, excuse me?”

“Yes, Darling?” asked the gypsy, who peaked out of her cloak and gave a wink.

“R-rarity?” asked Fluttershy. “Wha-what are you…”

Rarity quickly shushed her and covered her face with the cloak just as Rainbow Dash landed. “Alright, you found her. Now let’s get our fortune told.”

“Ah, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy!” the gypsy said in a Cabayo accent. “I have been waiting for you.”

“You know our names?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“But of course! The great Mysteralda knows all!” said the gypsy, waving her hoof dramatically.

“Cool. I’ve always wanted to have my fortune told! What does my future hold?! Do I get to be famous?! Will I get to join the Wonderbolts?! Will the Coltcago Cubs win the World Series this year?!” shouted Rainbow Dash, inching closer to Mysteralda’s face with each question until the unicorn was pushed back.

“Please, Darling, personal space. And I can already tell you that last one is a ‘no.’ You don’t have to be psychic to see that…” muttered Mysteralda. She took out a deck of cards and shuffled them with her magic. “The cards will tell you of your futures, my dears. Shall we take a look?”

Rainbow Dash nodded. “Alright, but me first.”

Mysteralda flipped the first card over, revealing it to be a skeleton wrapped in black cloth and wielding a scythe. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash gasped while the latter started to turn pale. “Th-the death card! Y-you mean I-I’m going to d-die?!”

“Oh, no. That’s just a simple misunderstanding. It means you’re going to have a change in your life. A positive one in fact,” reassured Mysteralda which made the pegasi sigh in relief.

The next card turned out to be a mare and stallion kissing with a large red heart behind them. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash blushed and Mysteralda clapped her hooves. “Ah, that is the Lovers! This means your love life will take a turn!”

“M-my love life?” Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her neck and muttered, “D-does it say who it’s gonna be? Is it somepony I know?”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened. Rainbow Dash has never been interested in romance before. Why the sudden change? Does… does she like somepony?

“I will need to see into my crystal ball for this one, Darling.” Mysteralda grabbed her ball. It began to glow softly under her magic. Waving her hooves above, Rainbow Dash and the fortune-teller peered into it together. “I see… you… and somepony… you are under the stars… in each other’s’ hooves. I can see the cutie mark of your one true love!”

“What is it?! What’s it look like?!” begged Rainbow Dash.

“It’s… it’s… three butter—”

“Hey!” a voice shouted, making all three mares jump. They turned around and saw a policepony walking towards them, his moustache twitching irritably. “Miss, do you have a permit to perform in the public square?”

“Uh, well… I…” stammered Mysteralda. A pair of cuffs clicked over her front hooves.

“That’s what I thought. Come with me, missy,” said the officer, dragging a kicking Mysteralda away.

“Unhoof me you ruffian! This is a violation of civil rights! I say!” shouted Mysteralda, no longer hiding her accent. She quickly turned towards the pegasi and shouted, “Your next clue is under the desk! Hurry and go!”

Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and some of the townsfolk continued to watch the fortune-teller as she was dragged away, screaming all the while about ‘lawsuits’ and ‘police brutality’. Fluttershy stomped her hoof but quickly hid her frustration as Dash turned to her and asked, “Didn’t that gypsy sound like Rarity for a second?”

“Uh, no?” lied Fluttershy.

“Huh. Well, now I’ll never know what she was going to say. All I heard was ‘three.’ Maybe she means…” Rainbow’s cheeks started to turn red. Shaking her head, she went around the stand and retrieved the next clue and read it. “Good job! You found the second clue! But now it’s time to eat, you two. At Chez Horte ask for special nine. You’ll find a clue—and tastes divine’.” A grin stretched across Rainbow Dash’s muzzle. “We get a free meal? Sweet. Best scavenger hunt ever!”

Fluttershy felt her blush return at the thought of Rainbow Dash and her having dinner together. It was almost like a date. In fact…Realization dawned. The pieces of her friends’ scheme were starting to come together. What better way to confess than at a fancy restaurant? “I know where that it is, Rainbow Dash. Follow me!”

“Gotcha,” said Rainbow Dash as she watched Fluttershy skip ahead. “Wow, you seem to be very into this, Fluttershy. You must be excited to win, too.”

Oh, you have no idea, Rainbow Dash, thought Fluttershy as she led her crush forward.

Unsurprisingly when the pegasus ponies arrived at the restaurant, they learned they were on the reserve list and a waiter guided them to one of the outside tables. After lighting the candles and pouring them some water, he asked for their order. Both girls ordered special number nine and chatted a bit while they waited.

Hidden near some bushes, Pinkie Pie watched the two through a pair of binoculars. She was soon joined by an unhappy Rarity, now cloak-less and slightly worse for wear after her run-in with Ponyville’s Finest. Pinkie continued to keep her eyes on the targets. “You’re late.”

“Sorry… But you would not believe what I’ve been through, Pinkie! I can’t believe those hooligans, treating a refined lady like myself like some sort of common… common criminal! It took me forever to pay bail, and now I have to go to court next week to plead my case. Oh, the sacrifices one makes for one’s friends,” moaned Rarity. She narrowed her eyes for a better view. “But enough about moi. How’s it playing out?”

“It’s super-duper-looper! They just ordered the special and now they’re jabbering away like a couple of lovebirds. Oh, I can’t wait to see Dashie’s reaction when Fluttershy confesses!” squealed Pinkie Pie.

“I must say. I’m still surprised you managed to get them a reservation. It’s a very long waitlist from what I hear,” said Rarity.

“I know a guy,” said Pinkie, looking back into her binoculars. “Oh! Here comes the special!”

“What is the special anyway, dear?” asked Rarity.

“Rutabaga and mushroom salads! Dashie’s favorite!”

Rarity whipped her head around, eyes widening in alarm. “Doesn’t Fluttershy get sick when she eats mushrooms?”

Pinkie Pie cringed. “… Oopsie.”

“…and then Thunderlane smacked right into the middle of the windmill! You should have seen his face!” laughed Rainbow Dash, kicking her hooves in the air.

Fluttershy giggled, but quickly stopped when she noticed all the other customers staring at them. She realized that everypony besides them was dressed quite high class, almost like the ponies in Canterlot. She glanced down at herself and at Rainbow Dash. Without a dress or cravat between them, they stuck out like a sore hoof. Fluttershy began to droop, trying vainly to hide behind her mane. Oblivious to all this, Rainbow Dash simply continued even more loudly than before with another story.

Fluttershy bit her lip. So far the dinner had been going quite well. Dash was doing the talking and she was doing the listening like always. But this wasn’t the time to just sit around. This was her chance, her moment, finally, to give the speech she’d practiced so many times. Pinkie Pie and Rarity had given her this chance to say it; right here was the most romantic of moments. Fluttershy took a deep breath. “Um, Rainbow? There’s… there’s something important that I need to tell you.”

“Hold on a minute, ‘Shy. I want to tell you ab—”

“Please!” urged Fluttershy, managing to raise her voice above its normal timid murmur. “This is important.”

Rainbow Dash looked confused, but nodded. Fluttershy gulped down the last of her water, trying to fight down the feeling that her mouth was about to become a second Appleoosan desert. She cleared her throat, stared into the mystical magenta eyes she had dreamed about on so many nights, and prepared herself. Here we go…

“I have something to tell you, Rainbow Dash. It’s something I’ve wanted to ask for the longest of time and I’ve wanted to say this to you and you alone. Ever since I met you, I’ve always felt the two of us were closer than most. You’ve done so much for me and I’ve done so much for you, that I can’t think of another pony on this planet that I would want to ask this to. Please believe me that this comes from my heart.” Fluttershy started to feel her knees shake, but she couldn’t stop now. “Will you… will you…”

Say it! Just say it!

“…go to this year’s butterfly migration with me?!” yelled Fluttershy, faking a smile.

“Oh, come on!” cried out two voices in the distance, but nopony paid attention.

Rainbow Dash blinked her eyes. “Um… I guess?”

“T-that’s great… really… great…” muttered Fluttershy, hiding behind her mane again. Her one chance and she’d blown it. I really am a coward…

Neither Fluttershy nor Rainbow Dash said anything else. The awkward moment seemed to have driven all the fun out of the dinner. Their meals came and Fluttershy started eating, her mind focused only on her failure. A few minutes into the salad, she felt her stomach churning. She ignored it for a while. Of course she felt sick. She’d just made the biggest mistake of her life… but then her gut started cramping up. It was like a cactus was bouncing around inside her belly. She looked up and saw a worried Rainbow Dash. “You okay, ‘Shy? You don’t look so good.”

“I… I don’t…” moaned Fluttershy, holding her stomach. She looked at her plate and gasped. “M-mushrooms!”

Foul tasting bile started to rise up Fluttershy’s throat. She tried to hold it back, but it was a futile struggle. The waiter came forward, his face a picture of concern. “Ma’am? Is something wrong?”

Fluttershy opened her mouth to warn him, but it was too late.

“BBBLAAAAH!!!”

“EEWWWWWW!”

Fluttershy rinsed the last of the vileness in her mouth, then stared into the mirror and sighed. She’d never been so embarrassed in all her life. The poor waiter had caused such a ruckus with his ruined suit that it had even attracted ponies outside of the restaurant. The owner had given them their next scavenger hunt clue and ordered them never to return again. At least he allowed me into his bathroom to clean up.

She heard the door open and turned around to find a worried Pinkie Pie and Rarity. Rarity placed her hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder. “You okay?”

Fluttershy wiped a hoof across her muzzle. “No.”

“If it helps, it was my mistake. I forgot you get sick when eating mushrooms,” said Pinkie with a sad smile.

“It’s okay,” muttered Fluttershy, dragging her hooves away from the sink. “Where’s Rainbow Dash?”

“She’s arguing with the manager about the ban. I think she’s trying to pin the whole thing on the chef,” answered Rarity.

Fluttershy sunk to the floor and covered her eyes with her hooves. “That only makes this even more embarrassing.”

“Oh, no no no, dear, it wasn’t that… okay yes, it was that embarrassing,” said Rarity. “But don’t worry! In a few days, maybe a week, this will all blow over.”

Fluttershy shook her head and started to pace around the bathroom. “I-it doesn’t matter. I ruined everything and I bet even Dash thinks I’m an embarrassment. I’m going to go home. Go home and never come outside again. No, not enough. I need to leave town. No, still not enough. I need to fake my death, change my name, and leave Equestria forever.”

“If we’re going to do that, can I plan your wake?” asked Pinkie Pie, earning a harsh glare from Rarity. “What? It was only a question.”

“Fluttershy, now is hardly the time to be overdramatic. You need to focus on confessing. Pinkie and I have one more trick up our sleeves which I am sure will win Rainbow Dash over. You just have to see it through to the end. You can’t stop now, darling, not when you’re so close!” Rarity took Fluttershy by the tail and dragged her outside despite the pegasus’ protests. When they were outside, Rarity gasped and closed the door behind Fluttershy, locking it.

Fluttershy banged on the door, but it wouldn’t budge. She was about to cry out when she heard somepony tapped her on the flank, making her shriek. Turning around, she saw Rainbow Dash looking at her with worry. “You okay? You feeling better?”

“Um, yes?” answered Fluttershy. “Um, sorry about… ruining dinner.”

“Are you kidding?!” yelled Rainbow Dash, making Fluttershy wince. “That was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen at a dinner table! And I’ve done grosser things during dinner myself when I was growing up.”

“Y-you’re not mad?” asked Fluttershy.

“Mad? Nah, that was hilarious! The way that guy kept screaming after you barfed on him. Man, that was great.” Rainbow Dash gave Fluttershy a wide grin before reaching for the note on her back. “Anyway, why don’t you read the next clue?”

Fluttershy nodded and read the note. “You’re nearly done now. To the park! Search within, and seek an old giant with brown, gnarly skin. He has the last note; read it quick and obey. Good luck! Hope you’ll find all the right things to say… ”

“’An old giant with brown, gnarly skin…’ She must mean a tree! But ugh, there are tons of those at the park. And I don’t have any idea what she means by the last part. Guess we’d better hurry up and get started!” Rainbow Dash spread her wings and jumped into the air without a second’s hesitation.

“Y-yeah, let’s get started…” Fluttershy nodded and followed her crush.

This is the last shot, Fluttershy. You have to make it count!

Fluttershy glanced around the trees. Where could the clue be? She and Dash had been searching for what felt like hours. Now they’d even resorted to splitting up to cover more ground. Surely this wasn’t part of Pinkie’s and Rarity’s plan.

Fluttershy had only just started when she heard somepony whisper her name. Trotting to a set of bushes, she saw Rarity and Pinkie Pie waiting for her. Pinkie nodded a greeting, grinning around the note in her mouth.

“This is your last chance, Fluttershy. But don’t worry; this will make you confess to Rainbow Dash. Just take this as well.” Rarity passed Fluttershy a small leather bag. “Don’t worry! This time you’re sure to tell her with no mistakes.”

Pinkie handed her the note and wished her luck before they darted back to their hiding space. Fluttershy took the note and the bag and made her way towards Rainbow Dash. She saw her looking into a birds nest before calling her down.

“Did you find it?” asked Rainbow.

“Yes, and it had this bag with it.” Fluttershy opened the bag, revealing a set of familiar seeds the two recognized.

Rainbow Dash picked one up and observed it. “Aren’t these the Seeds of Truth that Zecora used on Apple Bloom last month?”

Fluttershy looked at the note and read it. “Plant a seed and tell your deepest secret that none has ever known. When you have two flowers in bloom, your reward will be shown.” Fluttershy blushed as she pawed the ground. “I-I guess that means we need to tell each other’s big secret…”

Now Rainbow Dash was blushing. “R-really? W-why?”

“I-I don’t know,” answered Fluttershy, avoiding Dash’s gaze. “If… if you don’t want to d-do this…”

“N-no, I trust you and… well…” Dash sighed. “I-I’ve got something I have to get off my chest anyway.”

The two planted their seeds and nervously waited for the other to say something. Fluttershy found herself wanting to get it over with while at the same time longing to run away and hide under her bed covers. She was about to speak, but Dash broke the silence before she could work up the nerve. “I’ll go first.”

“O-oh! Okay,” whispered Fluttershy.

Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head and smiled, color rising to her cheeks. “You know, Fluttershy… this is kind of strange that I’m saying this… especially since I’ve only just realized what it all means.” She turned towards the stars above. “You’re going to think this strange… but I’ve got a crush on somepony.”

Fluttershy gasped and brought a hoof to her mouth. Her heart started thumping and her tail straightened. “Y-you do?”

“Yeah… somepony that I’ve been friends with for a long time,” mumbled Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy couldn’t believe it. All this time she had struggled to tell her feelings, and here Rainbow Dash had been doing the same? She had to make sure. “Who is he?”

“Well, it’s not a he…”

Fluttershy’s chances had just increased with those five words. Not a stallion, but a mare! “Do… do you hang out with her a lot?”

A laugh erupted from Dash’s mouth as she moved closer. “I hang out with her almost every day. We do lots of things together. Sure some of it I don’t exactly like, but she’s always fun nonetheless.”

Fluttershy could hear fireworks going off in her head. It was her. Rainbow was in love with her. Who else was there that hung out with Dash more and knew more about Dash then Fluttershy herself?

“Fluttershy...” whispered Rainbow Dash. She closed her eyes and smiled. “… I love…”

Fluttershy prepared to say yes as loud as she could. This was it. She was going to—

“… Applejack.”

Every dream Fluttershy had ever had shattered into cutting, painful shards. All was dead quiet to her ears. Her heart sank into an abyss of sorrow as her stomach started to turn worse than it had at dinner. She struggled to say something. Anything. “‘… Applejack?’”

“Yeah, I mean, we’re so much alike and we do a lot of things together. Plus, she’s really hot,” said Rainbow Dash, grinning. “I’ve felt this way for a long time. I really am glad to get this off my chest. So what do you think?”

Fluttershy licked her lips, trying to ignore the taste of the bile rising in her throat for the second time that day. “Well, I think…”

This isn’t fair! I love you, Rainbow Dash! Why can’t you see that?! What she got that I don’t have! How could you do this to me?! I hate you! I hate you! Why can’t I have you?! I’ve known you longer than her! Better than her! I’ve always been there for you! I’ve dreamed of having you by my side for the longest time and you thrown me away like this?! Why can’t you see that I love you?!

“…she’s really lucky to have you.”

Rainbow Dash wrapped her arms around Fluttershy and whispered, “Thanks, ‘Shy. You’re the best friend a pony can have.”

A small tear dripped down Fluttershy’s face as she muttered, “Anytime… Dash…”

Rainbow Dash broke away and pointed to the ground. A white flower was blooming. Fluttershy wanted nothing more than to take it and rip it apart. She stopped her glaring and realized that Dash was staring. “Well, what’s your deep secret?”

For a moment, Fluttershy wanted to just scream it to the world, but the words caught in her throat. She couldn’t do it. As much as she wanted to, she just couldn’t. She shifted her hooves, praying for help.

“Contest over! Contest over!” cried out Pinkie Pie, rushing from behind a tree. She stretched her smile as far as she could. “Sorry, girls, but somepony else won before you did.”

“Ah, man! All that work for nothing,” whined Dash, kicking at the ground in frustration.

“Sorry, Dashie. That’s how it goes,” said Pinkie.

“Well, at least it was fun. Anyway, I’ve got to head home. I’ve got to get up early to visit Cloudsdale to see which town is going to supply the factory with water this year. Hope it’s our turn,” said Rainbow Dash, taking to the skies. “See you girls later!”

Pinkie Pie waved goodbye until Dash was but a speck in the sky. She then turned to Fluttershy. The mare had practically disappeared behind the pink fortress of her bangs. Rarity arrived, tears in her eyes. “Oh, Fluttershy. I’m so sorry… I don’t know how you must be feeling…”

“Do you want us to do something? Give you a hug? Throw you a party?” asked Pinkie Pie, trying to see Fluttershy’s face.

Their broken hearted friend didn’t answer at first, but finally she lifted her head and gave them a smile. The girls were shocked. They were expecting tears and wailing. Maybe even shouting. But a smile?

“I’m fine, girls,” said Fluttershy, her smile still bright. “It’s… better this way. I mean Dash just sees me as a friend and better to know before I made a fool of myself, right? Me and Dash… it just wasn’t… meant to be…”

“But Fluttershy, aren’t you devastated?” asked Pinkie.

“A little… but I want Dash to be happy and if that’s with Applejack, then so be it,” said Fluttershy. She gave both her friends hugs. “Thanks for your help, girls. Sorry I wasted your time over nothing. I’m going to get going.”

Fluttershy took off for home before any of them could say anything. Rarity sighed. “Well… she looks alright. Perhaps she really is going to be okay?”

“Rarity…” said Pinkie Pie. She pointed to the Seed of Truth Fluttershy had planted. It hadn’t bloomed.

How We Suffered

How We Met

By The Rated Ponystar

Chapter 13: How We Suffered

Edited by: Fernin, Souldin, and Clavier

Hearts and Hooves Day had once been Fluttershy’s favorite holiday of the year. A day for those who found each other and dedicated their lives to loving one another, it had a special, magical feeling whenever it came. She always dreamed of spending it with somepony she could trust and spend every waking moment with. Fluttershy believed she had found such a pony in the form of one Rainbow Dash, who had been with her for so long and done so much for her.

The idea of her and Rainbow Dash felt so right. Like destiny itself brought them together. It was her dream to become Dash’s marefriend. Maybe something more. But now that dream was gone. Four months ago she had been ready, and willing, to finally tell Rainbow Dash her feelings. But before she could, her heart had been ripped out and torn to pieces by a startling revelation. Rainbow Dash, her best friend and secret love, was in love with a mare, but it was Applejack. Not her.

What came next was the worst week of her life. It was worse than the letter incident. For a brief time, she hated Rainbow Dash for ignoring her feelings, for choosing somepony else. She even felt angry at Applejack. Sure, she didn’t know anything, but just having Rainbow Dash’s heart was enough to make Fluttershy hate her. However, the one she blamed the most was herself. She was too late to reveal her feelings. Too late to take happiness by the hooves and shelter it with her heart. Now the love of her life was gone.

Eventually, the hatred passed and all that was left was sorrow. Every waking hour was spent crying. She couldn’t sleep or eat. Her animals were left unattended, and all of them except Angel left because of her inability to take care of them. Fluttershy had given up on herself, but her friends never gave up on her.

Rarity and Pinkie Pie were there for her every day as shoulders to cry on, or just to listen to her. She told them how horrible she was, how Rainbow deserved a better mare than her. Rarity was quick to sooth her tears with whispers of encouragement, saying that she was better than any pony in town, and Rainbow Dash had no idea what she was missing. Pinkie Pie spared no expense trying to cheer her up, pulling every prank and joke in her repertoire to make Fluttershy smile again. She even skipped an entire week of parties just to help Fluttershy push through her depressed state.

At the end of the week, Pinkie Pie hosted a small party, just for the three of them, and for the first time in days, Fluttershy smiled. Slowly she had begun to heal.

Her efforts to move on were slow, but with the help of her friends she begun to fix her broken heart. Two weeks after Dash’s revelation, she walked out of her house and sang with the birds. The song caught the ears of all her worried critter friends who came back to her, relieved to see their caretaker back to her old self. With effort, Fluttershy managed to feel comfortable around other ponies, including Rainbow Dash and Applejack. The former had been worried, believing in Rarity’s lies that she had been very ill. Fluttershy only cracked a smile and thanked Dash for her concerns.

Fluttershy knew that she might never lose her feelings for Rainbow Dash, but she also knew that she had to stop being held down by them. It still pained her to see Dash pining over AJ, but there was nothing else she could do. As Dash’s friend, and the only one she trusted with this secret, Fluttershy had to do all she could to support Dash’s efforts to woo Applejack. No matter how much it hurt.

Four months passed, and Fluttershy managed to slowly move on, but on Hearts and Hooves Day, her old wounds began to reopen. It was too much for her to bear. After feeding her animals, Fluttershy made her way into to town to speak with Rarity for support. Upon arriving in Ponyville, she soon regretted this action.

All around her, couples were spending the day with each other. The way they snuggled and kissed left a cold, empty void in Fluttershy’s heart. Numerous times she saw herself and Rainbow Dash replacing them, a fantasy out of her reach. She tried to keep her eyes focused on non-coupled ponies with a few standing out. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were running around and singing about their teacher, a group of ponies were mouring at a funeral, and there was a stallion who seemed to be covered in jelly.

Ponyville really was a strange town.

Fluttershy was halfway to Rarity’s boutique when suddenly a pink arrow landed by her hooves. She gasped and fell on her haunches, staring at the arrow that came close to hitting her. Slowly reaching for it, she realized it was made of plastic. “Hi, Fluttershy!” shouted Pinkie Pie from behind. Fluttershy jumped into the air, squealing, before flying to the nearest tree and hiding inside its branches.

Pinkie Pie picked up the arrow with her mouth and put it back in the quiver she carried behind her back. Peeking out of her hiding spot, Fluttershy saw her friend, dressed in a cupid outfit, complete with a bow and quiver. Pinkie skipped towards the tree and looked up. “Hi, Fluttershy! Happy Hearts and Hooves Day! Sorry about the arrow, looks like I need more practice.”

Gliding back down, Fluttershy took a few deep breaths as she eyed the arrow and bow nervously. “I–it’s okay, Pinkie. Um, what are you doing?”

“I’m going around Inviting ponies to my annual Hearts and Hooves Day party at town hall! You coming? I’ve got heart shaped cookies, we’re gonna play spin the bottle, and I found the cutest red and white ribbons!” said Pinkie Pie, eyes twinkling. She leaned over with a curved grin and whispered, “I even managed to allow the mayor to let me use the closet for seven minutes of heaven.”

The thought of taking part in such a game made Fluttershy’s face look like a tomato. Pushing her dirty thoughts away, she reluctantly shook her head. “Sorry, Pinkie Pie... I think this year I’m gonna stay home. If that’s okay?”

“Aw, but come on, Fluttershy! Maybe you’ll get lucky and find somepony who will be right for you!” suggested Pinkie Pie. Her smile faded as Fluttershy shook her head. Pinkie placed a hoof under her friend’s chin, lifting her head until their eyes met. “Fluttershy, I know you still have feelings for Dash, but it’s still not too late to tell her. I mean, she hasn’t told Applejack how she feels, right? I’m sure if you just tell Dashie—”

“I–I can’t, Pinkie,” muttered Fluttershy, turning away. She knew Pinkie was only trying to help, but seeing Dash on Hearts and Hooves Day would just shatter her heart. “I do love Dash, but... she’s already made her choice...”

“It still wouldn't be the same without you. Please come, if only just for an hour...” begged Pinkie, her tone driving the guilt trip home.

With a sigh, Fluttershy gave a small smile and nodded. “I... I guess I can visit for a short while...”

“Yippee!” shouted Pinkie Pie, clapping her hooves as her tail wagged back and forth. “I’ll see you at seven! Who knows, maybe you might find another mare worth your attention!”

As Pinkie bounced away, Fluttershy pondered on the idea. Should I try looking for another special somepony? I... I still love Dash, but what if I fall in love with another mare? Or a stallion? Fluttershy shook her head. Who am I kidding? Nopony will ever take Dash’s place. Maybe I should just give up on love altogether...

“Hey, Fluttershy!”

The yell spooked Fluttershy out of her thoughts. Instincts kicked in and she tried to fly away, but somepony grabbed her tail and brought her back to earth. Rainbow Dash spat out the tail and gave a cocky smile that melted Fluttershy’s heart. “You’re getting much better on your kickoffs, Fluttershy. If only you could apply that effort in the air.”

“R–Rainbow Dash! Wh–what are you doing here?” asked Fluttershy, hiding her red face behind her mane.

Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrows before pushed away the locks of hair for a clear look at Fluttershy’s eyes. Tilting her head, Dash asked, “Why are you blushing?” Her face went blank for a moment before a sly grin stretched across her muzzle. “Did somepony ask to be your special somepony? It is Hearts and Hooves Day after all.”

“N–no! I was just taken by... surprise... that’s all,” said Fluttershy, getting back on all fours. She tried to will her cheeks to turn back to their normal color, but her blush persisted.

Rainbow Dash shrugged and didn’t push the issue any further. “Well, it’s a good thing I found you. I need to talk about... you know?” She whispered in Fluttershy’s ear. “That secret?”

Fluttershy blinked. “Which one? How you didn’t stop wetting the bed ’til you were six?”

“Not that one!” shouted Rainbow Dash, blushing. Her outcry attracted a few stares, which she nervously waved off. Leaning forward, she whispered, “The one with AJ.”

“Oh, that...” muttered Fluttershy, doing her best to hide the disappointment in her voice. What else could it be?

Rainbow Dash, dreamy look on her face, nodded with excitement. “Yeah, since this is Hearts and Hooves Day, I think it would be best to tell her tonight at Pinkie Pie’s party. But I want you to be there.”

This shocked Fluttershy, but her surprise quickly turned to anger. “Why do you want me to be there?” she asked, bitterly. Are you trying to torture me? You want me to be there when you confess your love to another mare? Can’t you just have mercy on me?

This surprised Dash at first, but only for a second before she answered. “Because...” Rainbow Dash struggled to continue, her face twisted like she was sucking on a lemon. “I’m afraid I might chicken out again. You know I’ve tried telling her before, but I always screw up. I say something stupid or random that makes no sense.” She picked up Fluttershy’s hoof and held it with her own. Fluttershy gasped and stared into Dash’s pleading magenta eyes. She tried to look away, but she was entranced by the passion and desperation she saw in them.

“You’re the only other pony who knows my feelings. I would love it if you could support me... but I won’t force you,” said Rainbow Dash. “I want my best friend by my side as I make the most daring feat of my entire life... next to the sonic rainboom of course.”

Fluttershy found herself torn. If she did this, her crush would be out of her grasp forever, and while Rainbow Dash would be happy, she would forever be miserable. On the other hoof, wasn’t the point of love to give that pony all the happiness you could give? Even at the cost of your own? Could she stand to see Rainbow Dash struggle to give her heart to somepony besides herself? Was it finally time to let go? Fluttershy knew, without a doubt, that she loved Rainbow Dash and would do anything for her. She even once almost died for Dash. But could she do this?

After what felt like a lifetime of struggle, Fluttershy closed her eyes and answered.

“I’ll help you, Rainbow Dash.”

As promised, Fluttershy had arrived at the party just as it was starting. The entire town hall had been painted pure white, and pink ribbons decorated the ceiling. Balloons shaped like hearts and doves floated in the air as the smell of fresh rose petals scattered throughout the floor filled her nostrils. An entire buffet of treats and refreshments stretched across the entire room. There were heart shaped cookies, red punch, white chocolate cupcakes and more. Finally, there was a dance floor, where songs ranging from fast and crazy to slow and moving were played by the DJ.

Fluttershy had decided to do what she always did in most big parties: stay in the corner doing nothing. Sure, she would eat and drink a little, maybe exchange a few words here and there, but she was only here for one reason. Fluttershy searched the area for any sight of her best friend or Applejack. She saw Spike nervously asking Rarity for a dance, which she, to his joy, accepted. Twilight was talking with Cheerilee, who had been giving Big Macintosh interesting looks all night. And Pinkie was, as usual, everywhere at once, with no explanation as to how she was able to move that fast.

At last she saw the familiar multi-colored tail, and made her way towards the dance floor. After a few instances of bumping into other ponies and apologizing, she saw Rainbow Dash shaking her hooves with the rest of the dancers on the floor. Fluttershy called out a few times, and managed to catch Dash’s attention. The two of them squeezed through the dancing crowd and walked towards the punch. “Hey! Glad you’re here. Listen, Applejack just went to help Pinkie bring in some more grub.”

Fluttershy nodded. “Are you ready?”

Rainbow Dash gave her usual cocky grin, but Fluttershy could clearly see the sweat dripping down her brow. “O–of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” Scratching the back of her head, Dash’s smile began to fade. “T–then again, I can always tell her another day, right? Why right now?”

Shaking her head, Fluttershy declared, “Rainbow, I can’t tell you what to do... but if you want my opinion, I suggest you face this head on...”

Like I tried to do with you...

This seemed to help Dash regain her confidence. She flared her nostrils and nodded. “You’re right, Fluttershy. Got to take this head on.”

Rainbow Dash’s eye widened as she pointed behind Fluttershy. “There she is! Hey, Applejack!”

Hearing her name, Applejack turned around and saw them. She walked over and tipped her hat. “Evenin’, Fluttershy. Evenin’, Rainbow Dash. Ya’ll enjoyin’ this party?”

“Yes...” muttered Fluttershy, her tone emotionless.

“You betcha!” yelled Rainbow Dash. She took a deep breath and gave the biggest smile Fluttershy had ever seen from her. “So, AJ. Do you think you and I could head outside for a second? I’ve got something I want to talk to you about.”

“Sure, no problem. See ya later, Fluttershy.” The two made their way to the exit. For a second, Fluttershy was ready to follow them and watch but stopped. A part of her was screaming at her to stop them. Tell Rainbow Dash now before it was too late. Yet, Fluttershy did nothing, but watched them leave the building. Wiping a small tear from her eye, Fluttershy took a glass of punch. Gazing towards a heart shaped balloon, she raised her cup. To Hearts and Hooves Day... and to Rainbow Dash and Applejack...

She finished the drink in one gulp and turned around, waiting for both her friends to come back and announce the good news. A few minutes later, she saw Applejack walk in... and nopony else. Fluttershy’s eyes widened. Applejack had a guilty look on her face, like she had committed a crime. There was no sign of Rainbow Dash proudly announcing her new relationship. A dark thought occurred to Fluttershy as her hoof instantly covered her mouth. She said nothing as Applejack hastily grabbed a cup of punch and drank the whole thing in one gulp.

Fluttershy watched her drink three more cups in silence. After the last one, Applejack turned around and faced her, eyes filled with sorrow. “Did you know?” Unsure of what to say, Fluttershy didn’t answer, but Applejack shook her head. “ ’course you knew, she tells ya everything...”

Fluttershy opened her mouth, but then closed it. “Wh–what happened?”

Rubbing her forehead, Applejack muttered, “She told me she liked me. Really liked me and asked if we could be more than just friends.”

“And what did you say?” asked Fluttershy, holding her breath.

Shaking her head, Applejack answered, “Ah told her that Ah didn’t think of her that way. That Ah was into stallions and not mares—not that Ah've got anything against ponies who are like that mind ya.” With a sigh, she glanced down at the floor. “Everythin’ was quiet between the two of us for a while. Then she said it was alright and to just forget everythin’, but Ah could tell she was hurtin’. Then she just flew off, but Ah swear on mah farm Ah saw tears in them eyes. Now Ah just feel plain guilty for breakin’ her heart like that.”

Fluttershy placed her hoof on Applejack’s shoulder and gave her a reassuring nod. “I’ll talk to her...”

“Really? Would ya tell her Ah’m sorry? Ah still want us to be friends...”

Fluttershy nodded and gave Applejack a hug before taking off.

The moment Fluttershy left town hall, she immediately knew where to look. She didn’t have fly far. On a cloud, just above the park, was her broken-hearted friend staring into the night sky with the most somber look Fluttershy had ever seen.

As gently as she could, Fluttershy landed on the cloud and whispered, “Rainbow?” Her best friend turned around, fresh wet streaks evident on her face. That was all Fluttershy need to see before wrapping her legs around Rainbow and holding her tight.

She heard gentle sobs and felt warm tears drip down her shoulder. Rubbing Rainbow’s back, Fluttershy encouraged her to let it all out. As Rainbow continued to cry, Fluttershy felt, to her shame, a bit of happiness as she continued to comfort her best friend. Applejack had rejected Rainbow Dash; Fluttershy still had her chance to be with her. She shook her head and held Dash closer to her, banishing such thoughts away. How can I even think such a thing? Rainbow Dash is suffering... just like I was...

What mattered was comforting her friend. Helping Rainbow get through the same pain she went through for so long. “What happened?” asked Fluttershy.

“I...I told her... said I wanted us to be more than friends. I knew everything was wrong the moment I saw her face. She told me she liked stallions. Celestia, it was so awkward.... “ muttered Dash through her hiccupping. “She said she didn’t like me that way, but we could still be friends. I just... flew off...”

“I’m so sorry, Rainbow Dash. I know this hurts, but you’ll get better eventually...”

Rainbow Dash broke out of the hold and turned away. “What do you know?!” yelled Rainbow, bitterly. “How could you know what I’m going through.”

Fluttershy closed her eyes and sighed. “Because I was rejected too...” Dash’s ears perked up and she slowly turned around to listen. “There is this mare. This wonderful mare who I’ve cared for all my life. She’s never known my feelings, but then again I’ve never showed them. When I was ready to confess to her, I learned that she was in love with another. It hurt so much. I felt angry, sad, and useless for days.

“But I managed to slowly recover. Because no matter how much I loved that one pony, in the end it’s not my happiness that matters, but hers. It’s going to hurt, Rainbow Dash, but it’s not the end. It’s never the end.”

The two of them stared at each other, silent as they stood in the middle of the night sky. Rainbow Dash wiped her face and asked, “Do you want me to kick this pony’s flank for you?”

Fluttershy giggled. “No, I don’t think that would be nice.”

With a deep sigh, Rainbow Dash slowly nodded. “I guess I should have prepared myself for this. I mean I thought... I was so sure...” With a smile, she hugged Fluttershy again. “Thanks, Shy. Even though this wasn’t the best night, I’m glad you were there for me.”

At that moment, Fluttershy felt it return. A warm feeling she thought lost forever. It was hope. Hope that there was still a chance for her and Rainbow. Hope to experience the happiness she longed for. Giving a true smile for the first time in months, she hugged back her best friend and said, “I’ll always be there for you, Rainbow Dash.”

The two continued to hold onto each other. A few minutes later, Fluttershy heard Rainbow Dash's loud snores under her mane. At first Fluttershy thought of waking her up, but upon seeing Dash’s cute face, she decided to let it last a little longer. With a small kiss on the cheek, she rubbed her hoof through Dash’s colorful mane, and hummed into the night. “Hush now, quiet now. It's time to lay your sleepy head. Hush now, quiet now. It's time to go to bed...”

How We Kissed

How We Met

By The Rated Ponystar

Chapter 14: How We Kissed

Formally Edited by: Fernin and Souldin

Now edited by: Clavier and Sirisma

Lookin’ 4 Love belongs to Julian Lennon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8RATi1JJiA

This was a night of celebration. All of Canterlot, from the poorest to the wealthiest, were celebrating, dancing, and laughing for the royal wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and the Captain Shining Armor. Streets were filled with dancing ponies as music played across the many districts of the city. Bars, restaurants, and hotels were hosting their own parties to join in the occasion. Even the noble ponies, usually trotting along with grace and firm posture, were shaking their tails with the commoners.

Granted, their city had been almost overrun mere hours ago by an army of changelings who wanted to use them as a food supply. However, the power of love between the princess and the captain was strong enough to banish them from Equestria, giving them another reason to celebrate. But the loudest party was the one in the castle, where the actual wedding reception was taking place.

Everypony who was anypony was in attendance. Fancy Pants, the Wonderbolts, DJ Pon-3 and even the famous Elements of Harmony who had played their part in defending Canterlot. While everypony was mostly dancing to the beats of DJ Pon-3’s mixing, Fluttershy kept herself to the back while watching the celebration with a cheerful smile on her face. She was so happy that everything worked out in the end. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor were now happily married after a long struggle.

It filled her with dread, to think that Cadance had long been trapped underneath Canterlot while that mean Queen Chrysalis impersonated her. Thank goodness Twilight had found the princess, otherwise Shining may have married the wrong pony. Not to mention Equestria would have been taken over by the changelings. Fluttershy shivered at the thought of being trapped in one of their cocoons, only to be used as a source of food. She still felt guilty for not believing in Twilight when she said something was off about the fake Cadance. Even after everything she had done for them, Fluttershy and her friends were too blinded by the wedding and their belief that Twilight was jealous to put any real thought into it.

They all went to her not long ago and begged her for forgiveness; even Princess Celestia was with them to admit her fault. Shockingly enough, Twilight instantly forgave them all, saying they had a right to believe she was jealous. After much talk, and many hugs, it was past them.

Now all Fluttershy wanted to do was watch the princess and newly crowned prince dance together. Their eyes filled with passion and love for one another. It was so romantic the way they held each other's hooves, stroking each other with the gentlest of nuzzles and kisses.

Her imagination soon took over, as she imagined herself and Dash. Married and in love, with all their friends and loved ones watching them dance. A playful squeal later and she was hiding behind her bangs, fighting down her blush.

Despite Applejack’s rejection, Dash was back to her old self, and thankfully no bad blood was between anypony. Yet despite this, Fluttershy still couldn’t confess her love to Rainbow Dash. She had thought maybe the wedding would give her confidence, especially when she heard Princess Cadance was an expert on love. But with all that had happened, Fluttershy figured it was too much of a bother to tell her and decided to just stay content with things for now.

Growing bored, Fluttershy started walking around, hoping to find one of her friends. She saw Rarity chatting with Fancy Pants, Twilight singing an encore of her song 'Love is in Bloom', Pinkie trying to get ponies to do the wave, and Applejack in a drinking contest with some noble pony over a barrel of cider. She began to wonder where Rainbow Dash was when she spotted her, talking to two ponies whose uniforms showed they were from the Equestrian Air Force.

She was about to walk away when Rainbow Dash saw her and waved her over. “Hey, Fluttershy! Come over here!”

A small ‘Eep!’ escaped Fluttershy’s lips as the two Air Force ponies smiled and waved at her. Nervously, she stepped forward and greeted them. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Nice to see ya again, Fluttershy,” said the female one, who had hair that looked like a raging fire.

“Um, do I know you? Have we met?” asked Fluttershy, pawing her hoof. “I’m sorry, I’ll try to remember... um... you are... um...”

Rainbow Dash chuckled and swatted Fluttershy’s back. “Relax, Fluttershy. This is Soarin’ and Spitfire from the Wonderbolts.”

Fluttershy took a step back. Looking carefully, she pictured the standard Wonderbolt’s uniform on them and realized that they were indeed from the famous team of fliers. “I’m so sorry! I–I didn’t even recognize you.”

The two celebrities chuckled and shook their heads. “Forget it, Fluttershy,” said Spitfire, “most ponies don’t recognize us without our gear. Kind of a blessing if you ask me.”

“Tell me about it,” agreed Soarin’, rolling his eyes, “I once went to a bakery for a snack in my uniform and I had a hundred mares trying to grab me at once. When I went back without my uniform, not a single pony reacted. I even told one pony who I was and they thought I was crazy.”

The four shared a laugh. Fluttershy said, “Well, sorry again if I reacted like that.”

Spitfire grinned. “No big deal. You did better than Rainbow Dash did when we met her ten minutes ago.”

She turned to her teammate. “How many times did she go ‘Oh my gosh’ before she stopped?”

“I lost count at around thirty five,” answered Soarin, with an equally amused grin as Rainbow Dash blushed and rubbed the back of her neck. Fluttershy giggled, but soon jumped in surprise when Pinkie Pie’s voice was heard over the speakers.

“Hey everypony!” The four of them turned to the stage where they saw the party pony waving her hooves for everypony’s attention. “Let’s give another round of applause to Twilight for her awesome song!”

Everypony clopped their hooves or whistled at Twilight, who was blushing by the side of the stage. Pinkie waited until they were all quiet to continue, “We still have time for one more singer to come up and perform on stage! Who’s going to be the lucky pony?!”

A nudge to her side alerted Fluttershy to a smiling Rainbow Dash. “You should totally go on stage and sing. You’ve got the best singing voice out of all of us.”

“M–me?!” shouted Fluttershy in surprise. A second later the spotlight was on her, causing her to freeze as everypony’s eyes looked towards her.

“We have a volunteer! Fluttershy, come on down!” cheered Pinkie Pie.

Fluttershy could feel her stomach beginning to turn as ponies encouraged her to head up to the stage. She longed to open her wings and fly, but they were shut as a locked door. Fluttershy wanted to shout that it was a mistake, but she could only squeal in fright.

Another nudge and she saw Rainbow Dash nodding at her. “Go on, Shy. Don’t leave them hanging.”

Gulping, Fluttershy nodded and stepped forward. The journey to the stage felt like an eternity, and the silent, staring crowd wasn’t helping. A hundred songs she knew went through her head, from classic nursery rhymes to the latest music. What do I do? What do I sing? What if I sing a song nopony likes? I wish I could just disappear right now.

When she reached the stage, Pinkie happily gave her the microphone and bounced away. Fluttershy slowly turned around. She gasped. So many eyes. So many ways she could mess up. She could feel her rear hooves crossing, much to her embarrassment. Now they think I need to use the bathroom or something!

A few ponies coughed or began to mumble to each other. She had to say something. Anything! I can’t do this... I can’t...

Just as all hope seemed lost, a voice cried out, “Come on, Fluttershy! You can do it!”

In the back of the crowd was Rainbow Dash, still cheering her with the utmost confidence. As she stared into those exuberant purple eyes, Fluttershy could feel all her worries slowly melt away. In her heart, she knew what she wanted to sing right then and there. She flew to the orchestra ponies, who had been taking a break.

“Um, excuse me. Can one of you play piano?” asked Fluttershy politely.

A light brown stallion with a white mane nodded and stepped forward to his instrument. Fluttershy whispered her request to him, earning a smile and a nod of approval. She flew back to her spot and faced the crowd, focusing on Rainbow Dash only. A few whispers were heard as she cleared her throat and nodded to the piano player.

The soft music of the instrument echoed across the silent crowd as Fluttershy began to sing:

Her fears began to fade away as she closed her eyes and thought of all the time she and Rainbow Dash had spent together. From their first meeting as foals to today.

A series of drums started to play, spooking Fluttershy a bit, but she quickly recovered and continued.

Peeking her eyes open, she saw that ponies were already slow dancing with one another. Some were eyeing her like she was a goddess of music and they were her enraptured servants. Giggling she continued, thinking of the time she realized she was in love with Rainbow Dash.

She thought of their adventures. From their first time on the ground to the changling invasion. How together they managed to overcome every odd, and overcome every obstacle, and had seen their friendship grow stronger as a reward.

How despite their mistakes, hardships, and even fights, they managed to still be together. Maybe Rainbow Dash still didn’t know about her feelings, but it didn’t matter. She loved her and always would.

By now the crowd was cheering for her. Loudest of all was Rainbow Dash who was up in the air waving her hooves out. A smile stretched across Fluttershy’s lips before she finished the song.

When the song was over, Rainbow Dash and everypony else applauded as thunderous as a hurricane. She whistled and cheered as if she was at a Wonderbolts performance. Ponies were screaming for an encore and even threw flowers on stage. She merely waved and nodded in thanks.

“You were right, she does have a great voice!” shouted Spitfire as she continued to clap. “I’m surprised her special talent isn’t singing. Taking care of animals is what she does, right?”

“Yup, and she’s really good at it too. She even once took on a dragon and got it to calm down,” boasted Rainbow Dash.

“Dang, that is impressive,” said Soarin. He continued to eye Fluttershy, who was trying to politely excuse herself from the mass of fans. “She’s not bad looking too. She seeing anypony?”

Rainbow Dash’s head snapped in Soarin’s direction as a light growl escaped her lips. Then she remembered that Fluttershy was like her and smirked. “Sorry, Soarin’. She runs on the other side of the fence, if you know what I mean.”

Soarin’ sighed and shook his head. “Why is it always the cute ones?”

Spitfire laughed and patted him on the back. “Easy there partner. We’ll find you a mare someday. One with a as big an appetite as you.”

The three of them returned their attention towards Fluttershy, who had come back after a frightful ordeal of a hundred ponies wanting to speak to her. She had escaped thanks only to the orchestra providing a new distraction to the excited partygoers. Rainbow Dash gave Fluttershy a full blown hug, making her blush. “Awesome work, Fluttershy! Knew you could do it if you had somepony to give you a little boost. By the way, why did you choose that song?”

Fluttershy looked away. “Oh, no reason.” Her ears straightened as she heard another soft song playing and spotted ponies joining up for a slow dance. She bit her lip, before turning to Rainbow Dash and asking, “Um... Dash? I know you don’t like slow dancing, but will you dance with me to this song?”

Rainbow Dash blinked a bit before turning to the dancing crowd. Shrugging, she answered, “Why not, I guess I can handle it for you.”

“As much as we would love to join you two, we have to go shake hooves with a bunch of sponsors,” Spitfire rolled her eyes. “Nice meeting you two again. See you later.”

The two waved the Wonderbolts goodbye and flew off. Soon they were making their way to the dance floor. Finding a nice spot, they stood up on their hind legs, wrapping one hoof around each other’s waist while holding their free hooves in unison. They swayed back and forth, slowly getting used to each other’s movements as Dash lead them on. She had to admit, she was having a bit of fun with this. Hoof in hoof, they continued to dance to the song, staring into each other’s eyes.

Dash took this moment to eye Fluttershy’s dress and thought, She looks really good tonight. Cute even. Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt Fluttershy lean forward and rest her head on Rainbow Dash’s chest. The surprising motion caused Dash to stumble a bit.

“Um, Fluttershy...”

“Shh,” whispered Fluttershy, closing her eyes as a light blush appeared. “Just let me stay like this, please.”

Rainbow Dash didn’t respond, she only continued to carry Fluttershy through the dance. When it was starting to end, Fluttershy raised her head and slowly got closer to Dash’s face. Rainbow Dash tilted her head. “Um, Fluttershy? Why are you looking at me like th—” Her sentence was cut off as Fluttershy pressed her lips against her own. Rainbow Dash felt her entire body freeze up from her hooves to her feathers as she tasted the sweet, cherry flavored lips of her best friend.

The music faded from Dash’s ears as did the rest of the world. All she could hear was her heart beating faster and faster as the kiss continued. Fluttershy’s eyes snapped open and she backed away, her mouth covered by her front hooves. Falling to her haunches, Rainbow Dash just stared at Fluttershy for the longest time, her eyes as wide as dinner plates.

The two of them continued to stare at each other, both in shock over what had happened. Rainbow Dash tried to speak, but Fluttershy had already took to the skies with tears in her eyes. She didn’t even chase after her, she just sat their and touched her lips. Fluttershy had just kissed her. Her best friend had just kissed her. Dash’s brain struggled to activate again. She sat on her haunches and stared at the retreating figure. Wha... what just happened?

“Rainbow Dash!”

Turning around, she saw Rarity storming up to her, looking like a volcano about to blow. “What’s going on?! Why did Fluttershy leave crying?! What did you do to her?!”

Glancing around, Dash could tell they were gathering attention and tried to point it out to Rarity, but the unicorn slapped her hoof away and huffed. “Well?”

“Sh–she... kissed me,” muttered Rainbow Dash.

Rarity’s eyes widened, hoof over her mouth. Regaining her composure, she asked, “And... what did you do?”

“Nothing! I swear! I was just as surprised as anypony else here and I just... I... I didn’t know what to do!” cried out Rainbow Dash. She rubbed her temples and shook her head. Things were messed up. One minute she was dancing with her best friend, the next she was kissing her. “Why did she kiss me?! I don’t get it!”

Rarity shook her head in disbelief and smacked Dash upside the head. “You are seriously the most oblivious pony I have ever met! Normally I would be loathe to break a promise, but desperate times call for desperate actions.” Pointing her hoof at Rainbow Dash, she said, “Fluttershy is in love with you.”

Fluttershy is in love with you.

That one sentence made everything in Dash’s world suddenly turn in on itself. Her mouth dropped as low as it could go, a million thoughts went through her mind. In love with... me? How? When? What did... I don’t...

“W–what do I do?” asked Rainbow Dash, looking at the ground.

“Go to her and talk to her,” ordered Rarity in a tone that told Dash that this wasn’t an option.

Nodding, Rainbow Dash took off after Fluttershy, hoping to catch up with her. The questions continued to ring in her head. Why me? Why fall in love with me?

Do I... do I even love her back?

How We Loved

How We Met

By The Rated Ponystar

Chapter 15: How We Loved

Formally Edited by: Fernin and Souldin

Now edited by: Clavier and Sirisma

Fluttershy loved her.

Her best friend loved her and she never knew.

Every memory Rainbow Dash had with Fluttershy went through her head. Why didn’t she ever notice before? Did Fluttershy fall for her when they met all those years ago, or were these feelings only recently? Why did Fluttershy even fall in love with her in the first place? Who else besides Rarity knew, and why didn’t anypony tell her?

Flying into the clouds, she scanned the sky for any sign of a yellow coat or a pink mane, but there was nothing. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she glanced down at the loud and bright capital city below her, trying to remember which places she’d searched. If only she knew the city better.

Where are you, Fluttershy? She needed to find her. Talk to her about what had happened and... and... W-what happens next? Fluttershy had all but confessed with that kiss, which she could still taste on her lips. What am I going to do? Do I... do I even love her?

Her heart bounced inside her chest, like a sonic rainboom was bursting inside. No, a double rainboom. Rainbow Dash rubbed her temples. She cared a great deal about Fluttershy; after all, they were the best of friends. But romance? I’ll admit she’s... cute... heck, beautiful, I mean she wasn't a model for nothing. Yet... the mare I fell in love with was... Apple... Jack... oh horseapples...

A cold feeling washed through Rainbow Dash as if she had just been through a winter storm. She thought back to Hearts and Hooves Day, when Fluttershy told Dash of the mare she had a crush on, up on the clouds. She never gave a name... only a description that echoed in Dash’s mind.

“There is this mare. This wonderful mare who I’ve cared for all my life. She’s never known my feelings, but then again I’ve never showed them. When I was ready to confess to her, I learned that she was in love with another. It hurt so much. I felt angry, sad, and useless for days.”

It was her.

She was that mare.

She unknowingly broke Fluttershy’s heart, and made her suffer for so long.

Dash’s stomach began to knot up. “Oh, Fluttershy... I... I’m so... how did I miss it?”

“How did thou miss what?”

Rainbow Dash snapped her head around, sighting none other than Princess Luna, gliding towards her. Rainbow made an effort to quickly bow, but Luna held her hoof up and shook her head. “’Tis no need for bowing before us, Rainbow Dash. This is a night of merriment for us both. Our niece is married, after all.”

“Uh, sure... it’s okay,” muttered Rainbow Dash, looking back down.

“Does some trouble occupy thy thoughts, Rainbow Dash?” asked Luna, sitting down and extending her wing across the dour pegasus. “Tell us, and let our wisdom assist thee”

Dash glanced at Luna, whose light blue eyes twinkled like the stars above. It was different from the warming and motherly glow Princess Celestia always had. Yet, these eyes held the same compassion. Rainbow Dash sighed, “A... a friend of mine... well, she kind of kissed me.”

Princess Luna nodded, her smile increasing in length. “Ah, romance. We understand this quite well. The moon has always been a symbol for lovers since—wait,” Princess Luna eyes widened, “Thou art in love with a mare?”

In an instant, Rainbow Dash jumped to her hooves and flared her wings. “And what’s wrong with that?!”

Luna raised her hoof. “Our apologies. We were not trying to insult thee. Thou must understand that a thousand years ago, such a thing was seen as... indecent. Yet, we have long accepted that this new form of... courting, is acceptable.”

Rainbow Dash retracted her wings and sat back down with a huff. “As long as you mean it. Yes, it is a mare. Fluttershy, actually.”

“And this is a problem how?”

Sighing, Rainbow Dash buried her head in her hooves and mumbled, “Because apparently she’s been in love with me for a long time and... and I never noticed! I never thought about it! And the worst part is I hurt her by falling in love with somepony else and even forced her to help me! Granted, we never got together, but I broke Fluttershy’s heart!” She turned to Princess Luna, wiping the tears from her eyes. “Now that I know all this how can I look at her again?!”

Princess Luna closed her eyes, deep in concentration. A few minutes later she opened them once more and gave a small smile. “Tell us, Rainbow Dash. Do thou think Fluttershy would hate thee?”

“I-I don’t know. Maybe?” whispered Rainbow Dash.

“Then thou art a fool,” said Princess Luna, earning herself a glare. “If Fluttershy did hate thee so much, then why did she help thee on thy quest to court somepony else?”

Rainbow Dash blinked. Come to think of it...

“Why is it that she still continues to by thy friend? ‘Tis also wise to know the fact that she kissed thy lips,” pointed out Luna. “No, dear Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy does not hate thee. We know of what hate is, and this does not sound like its poison. This is but true love that springs forth in Fluttershy’s soul, we believe.”

Princess Luna nodded, “Yes, there is no doubt in our mind. Yet the question now is this.” She glared at Rainbow Dash with such a cold stare that the pegasus could feel her spine turn to ice. “What dost thou feel about her? Will thou continue to let her heart drown in sorrow or dost thou feel the same love she gives to thee?”

“I...” Rainbow Dash struggled to answer. Shaking her head, Dash yelled, “I don’t know, okay! I just don’t know!”

As if sensing her plight, Luna lowered the intensity in her eyes and sighed. “Rainbow Dash, we wish to help thee. Please listen to us. Close thy eyes and listen to our voice.”

Raising an eyebrow, Dash tried to comment, but Luna silenced her by placing a hoof on her mouth. “Trust us.”

Reluctantly, she obeyed. As she stared at the back of her eyelids, she heard Luna whisper, “I want thou to think about a place thou love to be. Someplace safe and secure.”

That’s easy, thought Dash, thinking about the one place she loved more than anywhere else: the air. The endless blue sky, with clouds as soft as pillows. Pillows she could sleep on, play with, and even use for practice in her tricks. She could see herself flying at her usual speeds while diving, twirling, and flipping with her powerful wings.

“Now imagine the pony thou trust the most, right there beside thee.”

A pony she could trust? There were only a handful. Before she could think however, she heard the sound of wings flapping beside her. Dash looked to her left and gasped. With wings flapping as hard as they could, Fluttershy was trying her best to keep up with Rainbow Dash, but was starting to fall behind. Rainbow slowed herself down, letting her... best friend catch up with her. The two smiled at one another before gently making their way towards a cloud.

When they landed, Rainbow Dash turned to Fluttershy, who was busy trying to catch her breath. The sun was starting to set behind them, giving her pink mane a heavenly glow. Rainbow Dash could feel the blood rushing to her head, and struggled to keep her wings from popping out.

“Now imagine that pony close to thee. Closer than anypony thou hast ever let.”

A chilling breeze went past them, making Fluttershy shiver. Immediately, Rainbow Dash walked to her best friend and wrapped both wings around her. Fluttershy pressed against her blue chest, blushing as she tried to look away, but Dash’s hoof brought it back up. Her heart was pounding again. All thoughts simply vanished from Dash’s mind as she and Fluttershy inched closer together. They could feel each other’s hot breath.

A second later, their lips touched. Rainbow Dash felt fireworks explode in her mind as her hooves wrapped around Fluttershy’s waist and drew closer. She could taste the cherry flavor once more. Using more force, she pushed her tongue into Fluttershy’s mouth, showing no restraint.

“Now open thy eyes... and awaken!”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes snapped open. There was no Fluttershy, only Luna, who was watching with amusement. Dread and disappointment filled Dash’s heart when she realized this, but then she began to perk up.

Luna’s smile widened. “Hast thou figured out thy true feelings?”

Rainbow Dash slowly nodded and gave a loopy smile. “I... I love her. I love Fluttershy!” She jumped off the clouds and gave a loud whoop. “I LOVE FLUTTERSHY!”

Luna only laughed as she watched Rainbow Dash fly back towards the city. With a satisfied smile, she began to make her own course back to the party. Even after a thousand years, we still got it! Now the love has been doubled this night!

In the royal gardens, a single pegasus was all alone, wishing she would just disappear from the world. A single moment had done this to the poor mare. A moment she grew to hate, yet love with each passing second.

One kiss. Was that enough to ruin a friendship?

She had seen Rainbow Dash’s face when she kissed her. Shock. Confusion. Fluttershy didn’t know what had possessed her to even do such a thing. When they started dancing and holding each other, it felt like she was in one of the fairy tales her mother read to her as a filly. A princess in the arms of the one she loved, dancing at a party with many nobles. But this dream was ruined…

The kiss was everything she imagined. Wild. Daring. Exciting. It was like tasting Rainbow Dash’s soul. But then came reality. She saw the confused and frightened look. She could hear the soft whispers of shock and feel the eyes of everypony on her as she fled. Never stopping until she found a place isolated from all the large crowds.

A place she could cry as much as she wanted.

Rubbing her cheeks, Fluttershy looked to the sky. What do I do now? I can’t go back to Rainbow Dash! She... she probably hates me or thinks I’m weird.... but I have to go back...

If she didn’t show up soon, her friends would be worried, and she didn’t want them to panic. But what if they disapproved of what she did?! Fluttershy shook her head. No, Fluttershy. They’re your friends. They wouldn’t be angry at you... would they?

The snapping of a twig shook Fluttershy out of her thoughts. She turned towards the nearby bushes that started to rustle and huddled close to the ground. W–w–who is it? One of the guards? Am I–I allowed to be here or did I make a mistake?! If it is a guard I hope it’s not one of Princess Luna’s! Those wings are so scary!

To her relief, it wasn’t one of the guards. Who it was made her mouth drop, until she remembered her manners and bowed, “H–hello, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.”

The newlywed giggled before gently caressing Fluttershy’s cheek. “Come on, Fluttershy. You don’t have to call me that. Just plain old Cadance will do.” She helped Fluttershy up to her hooves and wiped the tear marks off her yellow cheeks. “I take it you’ve been having a tough night?”

Fluttershy shook her head, trying to hold back from crying again. “I... I should just go. Y–you’re too busy to be dealing w–with me.”

To her surprise, Cadance gently embraced Fluttershy and began to nuzzle the top of her mane. Fluttershy nearly jumped, but slowly began to relax. Never had she felt so... comfortable and relaxed. Soon her worries and fears slowly began to fade from her mind. No wonder Twilight called her the best foalsitter ever.

“Fluttershy, I saw what happened,” said Princess Cadance, making Fluttershy hold her breath. “And I think the best thing I can do is help you and Rainbow Dash.”

“But... but...” Fluttershy tried to push away, but Cadance still held on. “I ruined it... I ruined everything... I...”

“How did you ruin it? All I saw was a little kiss. A kiss that spoke your true feelings for Rainbow Dash,” said Cadance.

Fluttershy stopped struggling and sighed. “But she... she looked so... scared...”

Cadance giggled. “Yes, I wonder if that’s how I looked when Shining kissed me the first time.”

Eyes wide, Fluttershy looked up and saw a grinning Cadance. “W–what do you mean?”

Breaking the hug, Cadance sat down and urged Fluttershy to sit next to her. The curious pegasus obeyed and sat on her haunches. Cadance gave a dreamy sigh before closing her eyes, a small smile on her muzzle. “It was on a night like tonight, actually. You see, since I was Twilight’s foalsitter, I got to know her family very well, including Shining Armor. He wasn’t so different back then, except maybe a little more headstrong. Even after Twilight started living in the castle, the two of us still saw each other.”

“Did you... did you love him back then?” asked Fluttershy, before flattening her ears. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“It’s okay, nothing wrong with asking questions,” assured Cadance with a smile. “Anyway, to be honest I think I did, but I never really noticed until it happened. The two of us were watching the stars together just outside the city. Neither of us were suppose to be out that late, but we were young and didn’t really care. Nothing happened at first. He asked how his sister was doing and I asked him how his guard training was doing. Simple stuff. Then, well, he said my name and I looked towards him. That’s when...” She began to turn red, “That’s when he kissed me.”

“Oh my. How did you react?”

“Well... I didn’t say anything at first... I think my mind was completely blank. Then I... well, kind of hit him with my hoof...” said Cadance, blushing.

Fluttershy’s mouth dropped. “You... hit him?”

“I know! I know! It was stupid, but it was just the first thing I could think off,” laughed Cadance. “But after that I just took him by the shoulders and kissed him back. That night was also when we... well... you know?” Fluttershy’s face turned red again. “We got in trouble for being out so late, but it was worth it. I’ve always loved him since then, and always will.”

“But what does this have to do with me and Rainbow Dash?” asked Fluttershy.

“Didn’t you listen? I went through something similar and it turned out alright. Just because something unexpected happens, doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance. Shining didn’t know what he was doing, but everything worked out. Sometimes your heart makes you do things your mind would never be brave enough to do.”

“So... then what I did was... okay?” asked Fluttershy, scratching her head.

“That’s up for you to decide. What happens next will be based on you and Rainbow Dash. I’m not going to say that she’ll love you or not, but you should take the chance to explain everything,” said Cadance as she got up and began to make her way back. “It’s all up to you, Fluttershy. I hope, whatever happens, you’ll be happy.”

Fluttershy watched as Princess Cadance retreated past the bushes until she was, once again, alone. Her thoughts turned to what Cadance told her. I can’t run away anymore. There’s no other place to run too. I’ve held this secret for too long and now it’s time to finally confront Rainbow Dash, once and for all.

With a deep breath, Fluttershy got up and made her way towards the bushes... only to feel her head collide with another. She was knocked to her haunches, and rubbed her noggin before looking up and gasping. Rainbow Dash also gasped upon realizing who she bumped into. A second later, she was up on her hooves and hugging Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy! I found you!” cried out Rainbow Dash. She ruffled her pink mane a bit. “I must have looked all over Canterlot for you! You had me worried.”

“W–worried? You mean... you’re not mad?” asked Fluttershy.

Rainbow Dash tilted her head. “Mad? Why would I be... oh...” She blushed. “Well, n–no, I’m not mad, but I got to know... d–do... do you love me?”

Fluttershy stared into those deep magenta eyes and took a deep breath. “Yes, Rainbow. I love y—”

She didn’t get a chance to finish as Rainbow Dash kissed her. For a single moment, Fluttershy’s mind went blank. Then she wrapped her forelegs around Rainbow Dash and kissed back, dragging them both to the ground. The two of them continued to hold on to each other, moaning as each tasted their tongues inside each other’s mouths. High above in the air, fireworks began to light up, signaling the ending of the party and the start of the honeymoon.

But for two pegasi, none of this mattered.

Fluttershy felt the warm sun beam on her face before yawning and opening her eyes. The first thing she saw was a rainbow, frizzled but beautiful. A set of eyes looked at her, followed by a smile. The smile then kissed her nose. “You look funny with your mane like that.”

Her hoof went to her mane, all tangled and equally wild as her lover’s, before catching sight of the crumpled heap that was their dresses sitting next to the bushes. A certain scent filled the air as memories of last night caused Fluttershy to start turning red. “D–did we...”

Rainbow Dash grinned before nuzzling her. “Yup... first time too?”

“Y–yes...” admitted Fluttershy.

“Do you... reget it?”

“No.”

Rainbow Dash laughed and hugged her best friend, now marefriend, before kissing her on the lips. “Guess we better get out of here before the guards find us. Imagine the news: ‘Couple found rutting in Royal Gardens.’ Quite a headliner, huh?”

Fluttershy giggled before lying back on the grass. “We don’t have to leave yet... do we?”

“Not really, we can stay a bit longer,” said Rainbow Dash, snuggling up next to her. “I love you, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy smiled and sighed.

“I love you too, Rainbow Dash.”

Special thanks my editors: Fernin, Souldin, Clavier, and Sirisma

Also Special thanks to all my readers, reviewers, favorite clickers, thumbs up clickers and the groups that put this story on their pages.

Thanks again for reading and I hope you look at my other works as well as future stories by me.

Rated out

(Plays Metalingus by After Bridge)