I entered my cottage and was met by the worried faces of my friends. They each looked at me in a different way, but the overall feeling they gave off was concern. I noticed that Rainbow Dash wasn’t even looking at me. She was looking down at the floor as she sat on the couch. Rarity glanced over to her and nudged her.

“Go on,” she said, giving Rainbow another shove. She slowly looked up at me with tear-filled eyes.

“Dashie?” Before I could say anything else, she jumped off the couch and held me in a warm hug. She started to cry down my back.

“I’m sorry Fluttershy. I didn’t mean anything of what I said. I was just mad. I didn’t know what else to say. I’m so sorry,” Rainbow cried. She managed to remain slightly composed through it all, but just barely.

“Rainbow, you don’t need to cry. I know you didn’t mean any of it. We were both upset with each other, and we both said things that we regret now. So I guess I owe you an apology too. I’m sorry,” I replied. She let me go and looked at me, still with tears in her eyes.

“Thanks Fluttershy. Can you ever forgive me?” she asked me. Even though I knew she didn’t mean any of what she said, it didn’t change the fact that she said it all.

“N… No. I can’t Dashie. I’m sorry, but what’s done is done. It doesn’t matter why you said the things you said. You said them, and sadly, that’s how it’s going to remain. I’m sorry, but I just can’t forgive you.” She looked shocked at my response. But, after a moment, she seemed to realize the gravity of what she has said. She nodded her head and walked out the door.

“And where da ya think yer goin?” Applejack asked.

“I’m going home,” Rainbow answered simply. She walked out the door, unfurled her wings, and took off for Cloudsdale, leaving me with the rest of the girls.

“Fluttershy?” Twilight chimed in.

“I’m fine Twilight,” I quickly replied.

“Are you sure you can’t forgive her Fluttershy?” Rarity asked.

“Did she tell you what she said?” I asked them all. They all nodded in response. “Then you should know why I can’t forgive her. It may sound bad just hearing about it, but if you were there for it, you’d think a whole lot differently.”

“Something’s up here! Where’s the Fluttershy that we know and love?!” Pinkie Pie called out.

“Pinkie Pie!” Rarity spoke up.

“No, she’s right Rarity. I’m not the same Fluttershy anymore. When I was with Matthew, he helped me overcome most of my shyness. He taught me to be more open with others, even though he was the only real person I ever spoke to. But, nonetheless, he helped me to change. I thought it would be for the better, but here, it seems like I’ve only been changed for worse,” I stated. I didn’t want to be so mean about it all, but it was the truth.

“We understand, don’t we girls?” Twilight said. They all nodded in unison.

“I’m sorry,” I said.

“No need to apologize dear. You’ve been through a lot. We’re just glad that you’re home,” Rarity responded.

“It seems you’re the only ones who feel that way,” I said, walking passed them and heading into my room. I locked the door behind me and left them to be alone. I lied down in bed and stared at the ceiling. A few moments later, a knock came from the door.

“Fluttershy, do you want us to stay overnight again?” Twilight asked.

“No, you can all go home. I’ll be fine,” I answered.

“Alright. Sleep well Fluttershy. We’ll see you tomorrow,” Twilight finished. I heard her walk back to the others. When the door to the cottage closed, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

At first, I thought I was dreaming. Then, I realized that I was once again in the nighttime sky that came when Princess Luna had arrived in my dreams. It took a moment for me to realize it, but when I did, I felt a strong sense of security. The absence of Princess Luna was confusing, but it didn’t last. After about one minute, she appeared.

“Hello Fluttershy,” she greeted.

“Hello Princess Luna,” I replied.

“How was your first day back in Equestria?” she asked.

“I… I don’t really know,” I answered. “It was both terrible and joyful.”

“I see. As promised, I bring a message from Matthew. He wished for me to tell you that, all things considered, he is holding in. He also wished for me to tell you that he loves you.”

“Thank you, but I already knew the second part. He told me earlier today,” I said.

“He did? Explain.” I went on to tell Luna of how my argument with Rainbow Dash led me to run to the Everfree Forest, where I was greeted by Zecora. I told Luna of how Zecora made a concoction that allowed me to see into Matthew’s world, and that I was able to hear him speak to me. I noticed a small tear run down Princess Luna’s face as I finished with the events that happened when I returned home.

“It seems to me that your day was far more terrible than joyful,” Luna said.

“I think you may be right,” I responded. “I know Dashie didn’t mean any of it, but it was just so hurtful.”

“I understand. We tend to say things when we are angered, and most of those things are not good.”

“I just wish she hadn’t said any of it. I can’t forgive her for it, and therefore, I feel like I’ve lost a friend,” I said.

“You will never lose Rainbow Dash as a friend, remember that. She will always be your friend no matter what. You both just had a hard day,” Luna said, trying to comfort me.

“I know. Thank you for everything you’ve been doing,” I started. “Did you talk to Princess Celestia about allowing me to be with Matthew again?” I quickly asked afterwards. Luna sighed, but kept her head held high.

“I have, but she was quite clear with her reasoning to keep you two apart. It was the same as before, only now, she made her point even more apparent. When she discovered that I have been speaking to the two of you, she was greatly displeased,” Luna explained.

“Oh, I see…”

“Do not despair,” Luna continued. “I intend to keep negotiating with my sister about having you two reunited. It may take some time though. And, seeing as though she knows of my current activities, I may not be able to visit you as often. That being the case, I must go now. I intend to visit Matthew’s dreams before the night is out.”

“Please tell him that I love him too,” I said. I completely remembered what Matthew had said before, and I owed him a reply. The Princess smiled at me and nodded before turning around and walking away. As she disappeared, I closed my eyes yet again and returned to my dreams.

Author's Notes:

Did I leave something out? I feel like I might have. If anyone thinks of something to add, let me know. If I deem it important enough to add in, I'll be sure to do so.

But yeah, Fluttershy got a visit from Luna again. Stuff happened before that. Yeah...