Chapter One: Prelude

All was quiet that fateful morning in Ponyville. Even the birds refused to play their wonderful tune. The sound of the wind was the only sound to be heard for miles. It was a sound one normally thought nothing of. But today, something seemed out of place. The winds were much heavier than usual, much louder.

As if to start the day, a loud noise could be heard. It was the sound of the bell in the Tower ringing. A notice from the heavy, spring breeze to all who have grown fond of sleeping in, that it was time to begin this day.

"Nnngh.." groaned Fluttershy, only opening an eye to look over at the worn, electronic clock at the side of her bed. "Is it really already that late?" she sighed heavily. “I've done it again..” she thought quietly to herself.

Remembering that she had plans today, Fluttershy rushed to prepare herself for the day. She had promised to meet up with Rainbow Dash at Sugarcube Corrner today at quarter til noon. Thoughtlessly, she ran out the door as quickly as she could, only thinking of how late she was.

"I hope Dashie isn't going to be too upset with me.." Fluttershy thought to herself, as if to reassure herself that Rainbow Dash is an understanding, caring pony underneath her tomboyish exterior. As the clock ticked, Fluttershy rushed onward to Sugarcube Corner, where she found Rainbow Dash aloft atop of the building, as if she were inspecting something.

"Daaaaashie!" exclaimed Fluttershy from below.

"Oh hey, I see you've finally made it! Did you bring the stuff I told you to?" asked Rainbow Dash, gazing at Fluttershy questioningly.

"Umm, sorry. I had a rough night again and.." "Just hush.." interrupted Rainbow Dash in a disgusted tone. "Fluttershy, how many times have we been over this now? You look like an absolute mess! You've gotta go to sleep earlier so you can function of the mornings. We're Pegasus ponies, we have duties around Ponyville, you know."

"I know, it's just.." piped Fluttershy.. She could tell Rainbow Dash was upset with her.

"It's fine, I've brought along extra tools because unlike you, I can remember things. I full well remember that you're forgetful!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash cheerfully, as if to cheer up Fluttershy.

"Thanks, I know I'm a bit forgetful, I will work harder for you Dashie!" said Fluttershy, almost at a blush.

Almost all of Ponyville knew that Dashie and Flutter were very close. Since childhood they've known one another. Those who are born and raised on Cloudsdale are said to be some of the hardest working Pegasus Ponies in existence. Unfortunately for Fluttershy, she had grown lazy. Always looking for the easier way out of things, never trying as hard as she really could to succeed at the tasks she was given.

Lately, Flutter had been having strong feelings toward Rainbow Dash. Thoughts about engaging in a more serious relationship were plaguing her ability to think clearly, but she knew better than to act on these feelings. She could barely maintain their friendship without causing tension between the two, she couldn't well handle a full on relationship.

"Fly up here and take the leftmost side of the roofing off with this tool, we're replacing the whole thing today and there's a lot of work to be done!" said Rainbow Dash with a firm look.

"Erm, okay!" said Fluttershy. Eager to help Rainbow Dash with the task at hand, she flew up to Rainbow Dash and clasped the tool between her teeth.

"Is this how I should be doing it?" mumbled Fluttershy, scraping away at the roof slowly, tool in mouth.

"Yeah, just keep at it and we'll be done in no time, if we finish early, we can go to Pony Park and relax for a while. After all, it is a beautiful day!" said Rainbow Dash, looking up at the sky as if to take in the beauty of it all. "Maybe you can make a wish at the well to be on time!" she said, laughing heavily.

"Yeah, maybe.. But you know that's just an old mares tale anyway." said Fluttershy, sure of her knowledge on Ponyville lore.

"I don't know, some ponies have incredibly good luck with the well, others not so much." explained Rainbow.

"You know..." Rainbow stopped, as if to share a piece of important truth. "I've heard that the well knows your desires better than you do, and can change your life accordingly. Everything you've ever wanted could be but one bit away! Now, if that's a good or bad thing just depends on what kind of pony you are, I guess!" said Rainbow Dash, completely ignoring her work to banter with Flutter.

"I suppose we'll see, I do have a few bits left over from buying groceries last week, I can make a wish or two I think.." Flutter replied.

Time passed on, and sure as the sun rose, the roof was completed. Flutter and Rainbow flew down to collect their payment.

"Thanks again you two, you really are wonderful workers!" Said Mr. Cake, happy that his roof had been restored to it's full, gingerbread tinted beauty.

"Anytime, give my best to Mrs. Cake if you don't mind!" shouted Rainbow, as her and Fluttershy walked off into the distance.

"..So, Pony Park then?" asked Rainbow Dash, smiling at Flutter.

"Yeah, it'll be nice to sit back and relax for a little while, and I positively must see the well! After all, if I can make my life easier, why not!" said Fluttershy, thinking only of more ways to ease her lounging about through the days.

"..." An odd silence fell between the two.

Rainbow Dash walked alongside Fluttershy quietly, not knowing what to think of her companion. But having known one another for so long, she couldn't bring herself to scold Fluttershy for her lazy, complacent ways. Rainbow wanted nothing more than Flutter's happiness and well-being.
As time ticked on, the two had made their way to Pony Park. Side by side.

...
"Well, we're here. Isn't it simply stunning at this time of day?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"It truly is a sight to see" replied Flutter quietly.

As far as the eye could see, the park was filled with the greenest grass and the most beautiful trees. The large ponds surrounding the area were crystal clear. You could see the small fish as they swam freely. The smell of warm pine filled the air and a gentle breeze could be felt.

"I think I'm going to go relax on the grass for a bit and take in this beautiful spring sky. See that tree there?" said Rainbow, raising a hoof. "When you're done fooling around with the well, head that way. I'll be nearby." she said, as she quickly flew off in the direction of the tree, not even offering Fluttershy a chance to reply.

"Well, hmm.. I'm not sure what I should wish for" thought Fluttershy to herself.

Flutter made her way over to the well. The sound of young fillies and colts could be heard in the distance. The sound of joyful activity between friends. Fluttershy longed for that feeling, as it was one all too strange to her. Remembering the promise to always be together that Dashie had made to her many a year ago, she smiled wearily as she reached into her satchel for a coin to toss into the well. She could feel herself drifting apart from Dashie. Slowly, but surely. It had become simply about work as of late.

"I... I want to wish.." thought Fluttershy to herself, holding the coin between her teeth.

"I can't allow myself to continue on like this. I don't want Dashie to be disappointed in me.." she thought, spitting the coin from her lips onto her hoof.

"I could use this chance to strengthen my relationship with Dashie. This could be my chance to let her know how I really feel.."

Unsure of what to wish for, she blurted out the first thing to come to mind.

"I wish I had a stronger relationship with my Dashie. I need to work hard to be what she wants me to be!" exclaimed Fluttershy aloud, not realizing she was in a public place. She had drawn quite a bit of attention to herself doing this.

Not thinking anything of the people staring in her direction, she tossed the coin into the well.

"Wow, deeper than I thought.." said Fluttershy, peeking over the side of the stone fixture around the well.

Hoping that her wish would be granted, she turned away from the well and began to search for the tree Dashie had instructed her to go to. Fluttershy knew in the back of her mind that her wish was selfish. She had wished to change emotions. Something that should never be forced in a particular direction.

"Yeah, that's the one.." she said, flapping her wings in preparation to take off and meet up with Rainbow.

Just as she had generated enough wing power to take off, she heard a voice coming from a nearby bench..

"..Stop." said the female voice firmly.

Flutter looked around, unsure of where the voice came from at first. Eventually she gazed upon a large, striped figure.

"If selfish the wish you make, soon you will be hers to take. Quickly now, hurry along. The problems you face ahead are very strong. Go now little one.. to a place no one should see, the blackened side of your unreality." rhymed the tall figure in a chanting tune.

Unsure of the tall mysterious figure, Fluttershy quickly backed away from the well. The eyes of the striped figure seemed empty, lifeless.

Scarred by what the figure had said to her, Fluttershy quickly took off in the direction that Rainbow Dash had said to go. Faster than she had ever flown before, she made her way to where Rainbow Dash was, her mind racing. She thought to herself that maybe love isn't something to be toyed around with. Maybe toying with fate and trying to determine her future wasn't such a good idea.

"Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash!" yelled Fluttershy. "We need to go, let's go back to my place, NOW!" said Fluttershy, very nervously.

"Erm, what's wrong?" asked Rainbow, confused.

"I don't really want to wait around and explain, I think we should go" said Fluttershy, almost to the point of trembling.

"Well, alright. If you insist.." groaned Rainbow, as she disturbed her comfortable position in the tall grass.

The two ponies quickly made a beeline for Fluttershy's abode. Along the way Fluttershy tried to explain what happened to Rainbow, but Rainbow couldn't quite comprehend what the already startled and confused Fluttershy was saying while flying at such breakneck speeds. Later, they arrived at Fluttershy's front stoop, it was growing late and the sky had turned a light purple hue. Flutter turned the knob to her door.

"Thank goodness.. we're here.” she said quietly. “I'm home everyone!" she called out to her many animal companions.

"Um... Where is everyone?" Fluttershy asked no one in particular, realizing that none of her companions were inside.

“I'm scared, Dashie. There are so many strange things happening, I don't know what to think.” she said, the sound of genuine fear could be heard in her words.

“Calm down, you're beginning to make even me nervous! You should sit down before you worry yourself into a coma. You have some Cider don't you? I'll pour us some, it'll help you relax.

The smell of warm, apple cider began to fill the air of the humble abode.

“Here you go, be careful. I've heated it.” said Rainbow, looking down at the worried pony. “Now, tell me what happened.. Why are you so shaken up?”

"This striped figure..." Fluttershy began to explain what had happened, sparing no detail, to Rainbow Dash.

”...”
"So you mean to tell me all of that is true?" asked Rainbow Dash, a hint of doubt could be heard in her voice.

"Yes, it is. I'm not sure what to think." said Fluttershy calmly.

"I won't make light of your problem, but I think you're worrying over nothing. Someone is clearly out to scare you. You're a known scaredypony anyway!" said Rainbow Dash sincerely.

"I know I'm not the bravest, but I am no scaredypony!" said Fluttershy, upset that Dashie still said such things about her. "But you're probably right, The wishing well it is just an old mares tale after all. You said so yourself, right?!" exclaimed Fluttershy, seeking reaffirmation.

"Sure is, none of that stuff is true. Some people simply have too much time on their hands." said Rainbow Dash. "It's late, I should probably head back. We have things to do tomorrow as well. Try to get a good night of sleep, alright?" pleaded Rainbow Dash.

Flutter only nodded, worried of the future. The two ponies said their good nights and Rainbow Dash set off for Cloudsdale. As she made her way, she couldn't help but be filled with worry for her companion.

"Meh, she'll be alright.." Rainbow reassured herself as she flew off into the darkened night sky.

Curious where her pets had gone, Fluttershy set out and began to inspect the surrounding areas of her home.

"Aaaaaangel, where are you? Mister Squirrel? Are you there?" called out Fluttershy.

“Awooooooooooo!” the many wolves were the only sound to be heard. Endlessly howling at the unusually fluorescent moon.

She searched and searched, but there was not a soul to be found. All of her animal companions had gone mysteriously. Having had her companions for so long, Flutter couldn't begin to think why they would leave so abruptly. But alas, it was late. Remembering that she had things to do tomorrow, Fluttershy discontinued her search and headed home to prepare for bed. The sound of bathwater being drawn could be heard downstairs. Fluttershy removed her satchel and hair accessories, and sunk deeply into the warm, soothing waters.

"Ahh, that's so relaxing!" she said aloud, happy that the day was over with and she could go back to lounging around. "This is the first time in a while that I've actually had to do such strenuous work!" she said mockingly. "I absolutely deserve this bath!" she said loudly as she chuckled to herself.

Some time later, she arose from her bathwater and dried herself off. Ready for bed. She made sure to remember that she had things to do in the morning. She set the alarm on her little electronic clock to 9:00 A.M. Only hoping that it would be loud enough to wake her from her sleep. Sleepy, Fluttershy climbed into bed and pulled the drawstring on her lamp. Now with only darkness as far as her eye could see, she gathered her blankets, rolled over and closed her eyes.

“Tomorrow.. tomorrow we'll see how true any of this really is.” she said as she quickly fell into a deep sleep.

All was quiet. Until..

*rustle rustle* ..nnngggh...

Chapter Two: An Unsteady Tone

Chapter Two: An Unsteady Tone

"..You?

It is you..."

A voice could be heard quietly, carried by the moaning winds.

"You who chose to cut the bonds of fate. You who have become the catalyst for the arrival.. You will experience my hell."

A fluorescent shadow appeared before Fluttershy's bedside.

"Now let us see how this one fares under extreme mental stress..anguish..hate."

The winds began to howl, and a peculiar aura came about Fluttershy's bed.

"One by one..starting with you." the figure said quietly..

After a time, the voice fell silent. Only one sound could be heard, Fluttershy's labored breathing. It had been done, the bonds tied and their fates sealed. Her return would be soon.

Still as a fresh corpse, Fluttershy laid silent. Her chest still, nay a breath could be heard. This would be her curse. Her nightmare.

As the night went on, silence broke as the sound of dripping water could be heard.

"nnngguh.....no".the sounds of a muffled voice echoed softly.

It was Fluttershy's voice. She had awoken to find herself what appeared to be a holding cell. Chained tightly to the many metal fixtures lined along the back of the cell's wall, she began to panic.

"Where am I? Where and what is this place..? I can ask questions later, I have to free myself." Fluttershy thought to herself as she wrestled with her chains in an attempt to free herself.

It was no use. The more she struggled to free herself the tighter her bonds became. The sound of loud rattling chain could be heard echoing throughout the dark, dampened hallways. Not thinking, she had drawn the attention of a nearby guard. Whoever had brought her to this place was coming for her. They knew she was conscious. The sound of footsteps could be heard slowly approaching, as if descending down a stairwell. Too dark to see, a figure approached the cell.

"I see you're awake. It is time, you will come with us." said the figure, snapping his finger as if to summon assistance.

Two more shadowed figures appeared from what looked to be a fluorescent rift and unlocked the door to the cell.

The young pony, scared, backed into the corner of the cell slowly as the figures approached her. Almost in tears, she let out a loud weep as the figures took their final steps toward her.

"Take her." commanded the first of the three shadowed figures.

"What? ..No, stay away from me.. Stop.. stop!" she pleaded, but the figures paid no mind.

From a satchel one of the shadowed figures pulled a rope and tightly tied the already immobile Fluttershy's legs tightly to one another. Struggle as she might, the three shadowed figures were easily able to overcome her. Helpless, Fluttershy found herself being carried away through the dark catacombs.

As they traveled, a dim light began to shine throughout the catacombs. Able to finally see, Fluttershy began to look around as best she could to gather a feeling for where she had been taken. As far as the eye could see, wet stone and cold steel. You could tell some of the cells hadn't been properly cared for, as the remains of several different bodies were scattered about.

"Let me go! I want to go home! I don't know what I've done but plea--" the still crying pony was interrupted abruptly.

"Shut the hell up already you loud mouthed twit!" said one of the shadowed figures in anger. "Maybe this will put an end to your incessant crying." the dark figure reached for his satchel and pulled out a needle, filled to the brim. The shadowy figure stabbed Fluttershy directly in the flank and pushed the plunger in. She could feel her consciousness fading quickly. Seconds passed, and only the sound of footsteps could be heard once more. The struggling pony had fallen silent. Like obedient soldiers, the shadowy figures continued onward without a word.

Having reached their destination, the three entered a room. Unlike the previous setting, this room had been maintained. The floor had been done in black and white tile. Books lined the shelves on the wall and there was but a single desk with a chair, turned to face a large window that displayed a dark, starless night sky.

"So, what will you have us do with this one?" asked the first of the three figures.

"I suppose you can just leave her there." a figure motioned a hand toward the corner of the room. "I'm going to have some fun with this one before she goes!" said a cheerful, strangely toned voice.

"Hee hee, she just doesn't know what she's in for." the voice said aloud, chuckling to itself. "You three can leave now. Your duties have been fulfilled!"

"As you wish.. Pinkamena."

"..."
"Wake up you!" said a voice from across the room.

The voice was coming from the chair at the desk in the middle of the room. Still barely able to move from the medication and the restraints that held her, Fluttershy lifted her head enough to look over in the direction that the voice was coming from as the chair slowly spun around.

As sad as Fluttershy was to see it, there she sat. Pinkie Pie was sitting before her. Straight, bubble-gum pink hair with eyes that were almost demonic they appeared so empty.

"Pin.. Pinkie Pie!?" exclaimed Fluttershy. "What are you doing here? Are you doing this? How.. how could you?"

"What's the matter? It's just me. We're friends, remember?" said Pinkamena. "Unless.. You don't want to be my friend?"

"No..no that's not what I--"

"Do you know what happens when someone doesn't want to be my friend?!" interrupted Pinkamena menacingly.

"Pinkie.. what have you become?" asked Fluttershy, quivering in fear.

"What have I become? Ha. I haven't become anything. I've always been here! I've always been waiting. I knew you'd come along eventually. She told me you would. She did tell me never to let you leave, you know!" said Pinkamena with her head tilted to one side, smiling in an odd manner.

"She? Who is she?" asked Fluttershy.

"Now that wouldn't be any fun now would it?" said Pinkamena, giggling aloud. "I cannot simply tell you. I will however tell you this. If you want to leave this place, only you can make a way out. Even I can't get out of here. She simply doesn't allow it. But with all of that said, let's have some fun. Shall we?"

Pinkamena approached the still immobile Fluttershy in a menacing manner. Standing over the pony, she began to kick Fluttershy repeatedly.

"You know if I let you go she'll be angry with me." said Pinkamena, still kicking away at Fluttershy.

"Please.. Pinkie.. stop.. it's me! Please, you're hurting me!" exclaimed Fluttershy, gasping for air.

"It's because of you that this is happening, because of you that I have to be here, like this." exclaimed the pink pony in a blind rage. "Stop..? Sure. I'll stop. I would never want to hurt you." she said, slowly leaning down in Fluttershy's direction.

Pinkamena slowly ran her hoof under Fluttershy's neck, and held her head up to face her.

"Do you know how long I've been here now? Why, I've lost count. So many hours, so many days, so many years! It almost excites me thinking about the many days of solitude!" said Pinkamena in an upbeat tone. "Do you think you'll get out of this?" asked Pinkamena, staring deeply into Fluttershy's eyes.

"I..I don't know. I don't even know what this place is. I don't know what I've done to end up here." replied Fluttershy, unsure of anything that was happening.

Pinkamena had a seat beside Fluttershy, untied her hooves and sat her into an upward position. Still feeling drugged, there was nothing Fluttershy could do but sit and watch. Pinkamena leaned against Fluttershy and began to rub her hoof down Fluttershy's exposed underside.

"You're here because of it. It led her to you. You made a wish you were never certain of to begin with while your emotions were vulnerable. She intervened, and here you are! She won't stop until your mind belongs to her."

"I've been here for so long, there's no hope for me. But you, you can get through this. Take the things that have happened tonight and never forget them. Keep your friends close, she will target them and use them against you at every opportunity. She's crazy like that!"

Pinkamena's hoof had reached the tip of Fluttershy's clitoris. She began to rub slowly up and down. The pink pony leaned over and gave Fluttershy a hug. Her body as cold as ice and as empty as her eyes. Fluttershy suddenly felt an overwhelming sadness from this entity..

"Hehe, you know you have a lot ahead of you.. You might just not come out of this in one piece! You'll need to be careful. She'll be watching you." said Pinkamena.

"nnnnnggghhhh...." groaned Flutter, her eyes growing heavy quickly. "Tell me more.. Exactly where is here? Who is she? Why me?" she asked, struggling for her words.

"Simply because you were vulnerable, silly. She needs you now. That's why you've been trapped here! This is your creation. This is your mind. Crazy huh? You should keep in mind though, just because this is your mind doesn't mean there aren't other cards in play. You aren't solo up there anymore girly. Just be careful when you go to sleep."

"It's time for you to go. I will handle her. You have to put an end to this place. It doesn't belong here. Hell, I don't belong here! No one should have to exist in a place where time stands still. It isn't fun. And everyone knows if it isn't fun, it isn't Pinkamena!"

"This is the first of many. You've been warned. The rest won't play so nicely!" Fluttershy could hear the sound of Pinkamena's voice fading into the distance.

"..."
*bleep bleep bleep bleep bleep*

The sounds of an alarm filled the room. Fluttershy awoke quickly with a deep gasp as if to take her first breath in days.

"No.. it couldn't have been..?" Fluttershy quickly arose from her bed, grabbing her alarm clock. It was noon again. The clock's alarm had been going for hours.

".. I have to go see Pinkie Pie! I need to know she's alright after that.."

"...."
"Now now.. what did I tell you about letting her go like that?"

The sound of a blade being drawn could be heard as the Pinkamena Fluttershy had encountered took her final breath.