Chapter Thirteen – Fluttershy

Fluttershy's heart was pounding at such a high rate, she genuinely afraid of going into cardiac arrest. The excitement on this day simply wouldn't stop, or at least slow down. First the Princess discovering that Frostburn was gone, and now an angry mob tearing through the town. If nothing else happened today, it would be too much for her.

Frostburn had taken the lead, the hood of his cloak flapping behind him. The pegasus was running faster than anypony else, even though they all were pushing maximum speed. Briefly Fluttershy wondered if he had lots of practice in these types of situations.

Rainbow Dash was the only one in the air, neck and neck to the ice and fire stallion. Followed by Rarity, and she was tailed by Fluttershy herself. Applejack brought up the rear, wheeling her chair as fast a physically possible. She obviously hated the fact that she was slowing them down, but there was little to be done about it.

The outskirts of Ponyville were coming into view. Fluttershy allowed herself to hope that they would make it. The fact that they were heading into the Everfree Forest was not to pleasing, but it beat getting trampled by an angry mob.  Or arrested for harboring a known criminal.

Their hopes were deflated however. Several guards suddenly clamored out from behind nearby houses, blocking the group's path. Everypony skidded to a halt, realizing that it was an ambush. Rarity gasped. Fluttershy squeaked in concern.

Frostburn tried course correction, attempting to turn around, but Celestia suddenly materialized in front of him. He backed up.

"P-princess Celestia…" Rarity stammered. The Princess of the Sun looked down in great upset on the ponies. Her face was creased into an angry frown.

"Where's Twilight?" Rainbow demanded. As if on cue a guard pushed the purple unicorn into view. Twilight avoided meeting the eyes of her friends. She looked defeated. Celestia must have dragged information out of her, and it did not look like it was fun on Twilight's end. Fluttershy didn't blame her for giving them up, she found Princess Celestia very intimidating right now.

"I'm very disappointed in all of you." The Princess began. "Especially you, Twilight Sparkle."

"Princess, if you'd let me explain..." Twilight started.

"The time for explanations is over." Celestia declared. "This pegasus is a threat to Equestria." She said, pointing out Frostburn. He glared. "And I do not take threats lightly."

"Neither do I." Frostburn said. "And that sounded like a threat."

"I hope it does not anger you too much." The Princess said with obvious sarcasm.

"Oh, you wouldn't like me when I'm angry." Frostburn retorted.

"Maybe we can all calm down and talk about this rationally." Fluttershy said.

"Enough!" Celestia cried. Fluttershy squeaked in shock. "You five, and Pinkie Pie as well, have disobeyed me today. I will deal with you all later."

"If y'all would just listen to what he had to say." Applejack said from her wheelchair. "You'd know the truth."

"That's right." Rarity said. "Frostburn doesn't deserve execution."

"He's our friend." Fluttershy chimed in.

"And we won't abandon him!" Rainbow added. At the time, it looked like she was blushing, but Fluttershy couldn't be sure.

"Princess Celestia." Twilight said, stepping forward. "You have to believe me when I say that…"

"No." The Princess said firmly. "No, I don't have to believe you Twilight. No matter what it is you have to say, it won't change the fact that Frostburn is a menace. Honestly, I don't see how you ponies can stand with him after what has happened here."

"We will not move!" Fluttershy said, surprising herself. Frostburn had done terrible things, yes. But she couldn't hate him for it. Fluttershy's friends all shouted encouragement. Fluttershy turned to face Celestia, who towered above her with an angry scowl.

"No." Frostburn said. Everypony turned to him in shock. The blue pegasus stepped forward. "I've never had friends until today, and I certainly didn't expect to find friends here, in Ponyville, but it happened. I only wish it had been under better circumstances." He turned facing the ponies he now called friends. "I am sorry for everything I did. I never meant for it to happen, but I can't allow you all to fall with me. You should not have to choose between me and her. So what I do here is my choice from now on." Nopony spoke, Fluttershy held her breath.

Frostburn turned back to the Princess. "This is my fault, not all of it though, and I know no matter what I say, you'll never believe that. But believe this; my friends don't deserve to take the blame for what's happened here today." His voice softened. "I can only hope that they will forgive me."

Fluttershy was confused for a moment. Then she realized what he meant. Everypony did. Frostburn had no plans to go quietly.

"No!" She cried. Applejack realized it to, and moved her wheelchair to block Fluttershy from running up. Rainbow Dash did rush forward, dodging Rarity's block. Twilight let out a panicked scream.

The soldiers surrounding the ponies had no idea what was about to happen. Some attempted to charge forward, unsure exactly what it was they need to charge at. Celestia was just as confused as they were, her head tilted to one side and eyebrow raised. Frostburn lowered his head.

Fluttershy shut her eyes and put her hooves up to protect herself. She braced her body to be burned.

Frostburn's wings flew open. Next Chapter: Cold as Ice Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 21 Minutes