Twilight stepped in, “It doesn't matter. What's important is that nopony was hurt. Now, if we can get back to the matter at hoof, I think Rainbow Dash had something to say?”

“Ugh,” Dash grumbled, “Seriously? I thought we already did this!”

Fluttershy wasn't really paying attention.  She was still focused on Nocturne's small, yet surprising act of kindness.  It made her think about what this so-called 'phantom pony' was really like, and why he acted the way he did.  It also reminded her of her subconscious thoughts from earlier, when she'd encountered Nocturne herself.  She'd been confused at his words, and had thought for only a second that maybe Nocturne was simply acting out of fear or paranoia, and was only pretending to be scary.  He could be just as scared of them as she was of him.  Coupled with this warmhearted act, Fluttershy couldn't help but think, Maybe Twilight was right. Maybe we're judging him too quickly, like we did with Zecora. Maybe there's something about him that we don't see.

Maybe Nocturne's not such a bad pony after all . . . .

Fluttershy was wrong.  So horribly wrong.

She couldn't understand how it could be this way.  She was so certain that Nocturne's evil behavior was just a veneer for his pain and sadness.  But he had made it all too clear yesterday that he wasn't about to give up in convincing the world that he was truly a beast.  Because of him, Rainbow Dash had been hurt, and he even threatened to do the same to Fluttershy herself, should she ever return.  Fluttershy, who had treated Nocturne with compassion and understanding, had been threatened with harm by the same pony she'd been so kind to.  All of her efforts were wasted; Nocturne really was a monster, just like all of Ponyville said he was.

But Fluttershy refused to give up.

In fact, she was now writing out her own letter to the 'phantom pony', offering another chance at a truce.  Yes, she had foolishly thought that Nocturne was just another pony.  Yes, she was wrong in assuming he'd never hurt anypony else.  And yes, his true nature seemed to be revealed.  But Fluttershy was determined to dig deep into Nocturne's heart and find a kind light in the dark.  Nopony was beyond redemption, and Fluttershy wanted to make sure Nocturne knew that.  If he really was a monster, then it was time to soothe the heart of the savage beast, not with music, but with Fluttershy's best quality—kindness.  At least, it would get this creature to leave Ponyville's citizens alone, and at most, it would give Nocturne a better path to follow.  A path to decency, warmth, and gentility.

Fluttershy finished writing her letter on her own (since Spike had inadvertently revealed Fluttershy's intentions last time, she had opted not to have him write it this time, just to be safe), and read through it a few times to make sure it looked okay, and that all that needed to be said was said:

Dear Nocturne,

By now, you're probably angry with me about interfering in your life so often.  I understand if you are, but please, don't be; when you scared me away the day we met, I had no idea what I was about to see.  But now that I've seen it, I'm sure that there is so much more to you that what you show everypony.  I don't know what your reasons are for hiding from ponies and scaring them away if they get too close to you, and I'll probably never know your reasons for hurting my friend Rainbow Dash, but whatever they are, I wish you would find some way to let it go.  I wish you nothing but peace and happiness, but I can't keep doing it if you keep acting so cruelly.

Yes, I said 'acting'.  As silly as it sounds, I know there's still good in you.  I don't know why, but I know there is.  I'm not sure whether you insist on hiding your heart away on purpose, or if you just can't help it, but I believe that all ponies are good deep down.  And you're no different.  What you did to Rainbow Dash was mean and cruel (I'm awfully sorry, but it was), but I'm sure you only did it because, deep down, you believe it too, and you don't want anypony to see that.

I'm sure there's still good in you, Nocturne.  I hope you can show me that someday.

Please, take care of yourself.

Love,

Fluttershy

She folded up the letter and tucked it safely in a fold under her wing.  One last time, she thought to herself, I'll only go back one last time.  She wasn't sure how she would get this letter to Nocturne without arousing his anger, and she was even less sure, if she found a way, that Nocturne would ever see this letter.  But she couldn't give up on another pony in pain.  Even if he really was a vicious, irrepressible beast, she couldn't give up on him now.  It would be cruel to turn away now, and while Fluttershy was many things (admittedly, not perfect things), she was not, nor could ever be (on her own) cruel.

Fluttershy snuck past a still-sleeping Angel; it was early enough in the morning that he didn't have to wake up just yet.  “You just stay right there, sweetie,” Fluttershy whispered, “I'll be right back.”

“No,” Fluttershy said to herself, her own resolution scaring her a bit, “I don't believe that. Maybe some ponies don't want friends, but it never hurts to have them. And once Nocturne knows he has friends, he'll stop trying to be so scary. Then nopony will fear him anymore.”  The nervousness from her own words notwithstanding, Fluttershy felt a bit excited, as well.  This was what Rainbow Dash had been talking about; she need to be more confident and assertive.  This was her chance to do just that.

She just hoped Nocturne wouldn't mind a little “assertive friendship”.

It seemed like such a long time since she made that vow.  It had only been two days, but so much had changed since then.  Nocturne had upped the ante in protecting himself and keeping ponies away, and made it clearer that he wanted to be left alone.  Any opinions of his decency (apart from her own) had soured instantly after he had attacked Rainbow Dash.  Things were looking bleak in Fluttershy's quest, but she was too far in to give up now.  It would seem like a waste to turn away now, but it was also far more difficult now than before.  In any other situation, Fluttershy would have been somewhat discouraged, but this time, she had to press on.  She knew that, somehow or other, Nocturne needed her.

Fluttershy flinched quite suddenly when a bunch of white things dropped down on top of her, and she stopped in her tracks.  She let out a small, startled squeal before realizing that the white things piling up around her were harmless.

“Oops!” went a call from above, “Sorry, Fluttershy! I guess I slipped with the bag a bit.”

Fluttershy looked up to see a gray Pegasus mare with a blonde mane and crossed eyes drop down to the ground.  She carried a bag full of mail on her side, and the bag looked as though it were only half full.

“Oh, that's okay, Derpy,” Fluttershy replied, calm now, “You didn't do anything wrong. Here, let me help you.”  And Fluttershy began picking up letter after letter, envelopes and folded papers all around, and stuffing them back into Derpy's bag.

“Gosh, thanks, Fluttershy!” Derpy smiled with her mouth full of mail; she stuffed it into the sack before continuing, “You're really nice, you know that?”

Fluttershy blushed a bit, “Aww, I'm just helping out another pony, that's all. Is that all of them?”

“Yep!” Derpy nodded, “I'd better get back to it. Thanks again!”

“You're very welcome, Derpy. Have a good day!” Fluttershy waved to her as she took off, and Fluttershy started back on her own path.  It always felt good to spread a little kindness, whether it was the local mail pony, or the phantom of Everfree himself.

Nopony was above kindness.

Almost dropping the package (which certainly must've contained something glass), Derpy placed it on the steps of the house, tapped on the door, and trotted away.  Another successful delivery.  Sure, she made a mistake here and there, but that didn't bother her.  Most everypony in Ponyville was really nice about her ditzy tendencies, and she always remembered after making a mistake to try harder next time.

Stopping on the side of the road, Derpy pulled out another letter to see where she was headed next.  This one looked pretty scant; there was nothing on it but a name.  Derpy squinted a little to read it, “Hmmm . . . Knock . . . . turnee? Knock-turnee? Who's that? I know just about everypony in town.”  She sat and thought about it for awhile, but after a few seconds, she just shrugged.  “Oh, well,” she decided, “I'll figure it out soon, I guess. I gotta come to this Knock-turnee's house eventually right? Well, off I go!”  She stuffed the letter back into her bag and took off for the next house.

Fluttershy slowly picked up her head; her face was still wet with her tears.  “I . . .” she started precariously, “. . . . I was . . . . in the forest . . . . and I saw . . . .” she sniffed, hesitating to reveal her encounter, “. . . I saw him! The phantom pony, Nocturne! He was as scary as the stories say he is! He was awful!!”  Unable to go on, Fluttershy buried her face into her pillow and went back to sobbing.

Twilight sighed and responded calmly, “Now, Fluttershy, I doubt it was a 'phantom pony'. Besides, it couldn't have been that bad. It wouldn't be the first time we've all jumped to conclusions. This could be just like that situation with Zecora. You probably just bothered him, or maybe he was feeling cranky—”

Fluttershy looked up again, still shaking and shedding rivers of tears, “I saw him! He was definitely the monster everypony talks about! He had big, ugly, scary bat wings, and he looked at me with red eyes! He had red eyes! And they glowed! He was mean, and scary, and he yelled at me and I don't even know why! He was so horrible!!”

And there was a good chance of a repeat performance.  But Fluttershy had to take that risk.

She slowly approached the border to the Everfree Forest, feeling much more nervous after having seen Nocturne's temper up close.  She wouldn't run away this time, though.  She was determined, and she would stay that way.  She had to show Nocturne the kindness he needed, even if nopony—not even himself—believed he deserved it.

She'd worked out a plan for this moment on her way over; it wasn't much, but it was all she had.  She'd knock on a tree, almost like knocking on a neighbor's door, leave the letter, and walk away before Nocturne saw her. Knowing Nocturne, he'd hear the noise and run to confront the 'trespassers', and if Fluttershy was gone by the time he arrived, the letter left in her place, he was sure to find it.  It was the perfect plan.

She reached out and tapped on the nearest tree with her hoof (it sounded a bit louder than she was expecting), then reached into the fold under her wing and grabbed . . .

Nothing.

She felt around under her wing with a hoof, and felt nothing but fur and feathers.  No letter.  She bent her head down to see underneath, and saw nothing.  She did the same thing under her other wing, but there was nothing there.  Now, she started to panic.

“Oh, dear!” Fluttershy fretted, looking all around her to make sure she didn't drop it, “Oh, no! Where is it? Oh, where is it? I hope I didn't lose it! Please tell me I didn't lose it!”  She looked all around, but couldn't find it anywhere, so it was looking more and more likely that she had.

Fluttershy heard rustling in the forest, and her panic intensified.  Nocturne had been furious with her when she'd had a reason to be here, but now that she didn't, who knew what he would do to her?  Having no other choice, Fluttershy turned and flew away, keeping her line of sight focused on the ground beneath her so she could retrace her steps.  Let's see, she thought, I left the house, turned a corner, held up traffic helping a mouse cross the street, and then I bumped into Derpy and helped her pick up her—

OH, NO!!

Fluttershy flapped harder and stayed high above the ground.  She knew exactly where that letter might be, but she was going to need some help in finding Derpy.  Fluttershy didn't even know if Derpy knew Nocturne, so she could be anywhere by now.  It may be awhile before she got to Nocturne's letter, but she still had to be caught before she delivered it.  Nocturne showed Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash little to no mercy, and considering Derpy's absent-mindedness, she had no idea what she was about to get herself into.

Fluttershy made her way quickly to Sweet Apple Acres.  There was only one pony she knew who could help her best.

The burning red eyes cut through the shadow of the forest and out into the clear.  She was back.  That insufferable Pegasus meddler was back, probably with another gift of friendship and kindness.  When would this torment end?  As soon as the eyes hit the clearing, they saw . . .

Nothing.

Nocturne gently poked his head out from the brush to see Fluttershy flying away in a panic.  She'd been scared away before he'd even got there.  Was she really that much of a wimp?  If Nocturne were capable of laughter anymore, he'd find it humorous.

But at the same time, that feeling returned.  It never really left; it was always there, and no matter how vicious and brutal he acted, it would always be there.  It was there when he'd first scared Fluttershy away.  It was there after he'd disappeared after hurting her impudent rainbow-maned friend.  It was there every day since he'd left Ponyville.

Loneliness.  Isolation.  Pain.  No matter what he did, it was always there.  And this time, it was his own fault.

“. . . . . . . . . . . . Please don't go . . . . . . . .”

“AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

The door slammed as soon as the word was spoken.  Derpy thought that was so unusual; all she did was show her the note and ask who 'Knock-turnee' was.  Was it really necessary to freak out like that?

“Hmm,” Derpy muttered, concerned, “I just don't know what went wrong . . .”  Still, she pressed on.  She had a lot of work to do, and she had to find out who this 'Knock-turnee' pony was.  There was no address, but if he lived in Ponyville, somepony had to know exactly where, right?  And everypony had to get their mail eventually.  It was her job, after all.

Putting 'Knock-turnee's' note back in the bag, Derpy moved on to the next house.

“You want me to help you do what, now?”

Applejack looked back at Fluttershy in confusion after she finished explaining her situation.  “Oh, please, Applejack,” Fluttershy begged, “I need to get that letter back before Derpy delivers it. After what happened to Rainbow Dash, if something happened to sweet little Derpy, I . . . well . . . I could never forgive myself . . .”

Applejack sighed, “Fluttershy, I'd love to help y'all, but . . . I really think this Nocturne is somepony you oughta not deal with. If he's that rough, think of what he coulda done to you.”

“But, Applejack,” Fluttershy attempted to argue, “Pinkie Pie is helping Rainbow Dash recover, and Twilight and Rarity are already worried about me, and I don't want to make it worse . . . oh, but that doesn't mean I want you to worry about me, I just . . . well, this whole thing has gotten so out of hoof that I . . . I just don't know what to do . . .”

“Calm down, sugarcube,” Applejack soothed her, putting a hoof on her shoulder, “I still think Nocturne is a bad'n, but this means the world to ya. I can tell. Gimme a few seconds to get ready, and I'll come with ya.”

Fluttershy beamed, “Thank you, Applejack! You're such a wonderful friend! I promise, it won't take long, and once we get the letter back, I won't ask you to do anything involving Nocturne ever again. I promise.”

Applejack's brow furrowed, “Only if you promise me somethin' else, hon. Promise me you won't get in too deep with Nocturne. I don't want him hurtin' you the same way he hurt Rainbow.”

“Don't worry,” Fluttershy nodded, “He won't.”  Applejack seemed satisfied, but Fluttershy wasn't sure she could keep this promise.  She was already in deep with Nocturne, and she wasn't sure how much deeper she could get.  Fluttershy only hoped it wouldn't be too much, and she hoped this letter would help.

If it didn't, she just didn't know what else she could do.

“Nocturne?! The phantom pony?! Where?! Where is he?! Everypony run!! Honey, take the kids to the basement! NOCTURNE'S COMING!!!”

Another slammed door, this one inches away from hitting Derpy in the face.

'Phantom pony'? Derpy thought, confused, What does that mean? And why does everypony get so scared just at his name?  Derpy still didn't know who 'Knock-turnee' was (or was it 'Knock-turn? It was probably the latter, but by now, the former had become habit), but he seemed like he wasn't really wanted in Ponyville.  Derpy couldn't understand why, though; she knew why some ponies made fun of other ponies (she knew there were some that made fun of her, but she didn't really mind), but what made these ponies afraid of another pony?  Was he bad? Was he mean?  Did he do something wrong?

Derpy suddenly remembered something; she'd heard other ponies talk about a 'phantom pony' before; in fact, the town had been buzzing with word about him for the last few days.  Something about Fluttershy having a bad run-in with him, and Rainbow Dash getting hurt, or something like that.  Was it really as bad as all that?

Well, hearing that 'Knock-turnee' and the phantom pony were the same pony gave Derpy a clue.  She'd heard that the 'phantom pony' lived in Everfree Forest; it wasn't really an address, but it was close enough.  And as far as the kind of pony he was, well, that must be just nonsense.  If somepony took the time to write a letter to him, he must be worth the trouble somehow, right?  Sure, he's caused some bad feelings to spread around town, but maybe he just made a mistake?

Hoisting up her bag, she spread her wings and made her way for Everfree Forest.  'Knock-turnee' had a special delivery waiting for him.

Twilight crouched defensively, but Fluttershy stopped her.  Slowly, she pushed the basket toward the glowing orbs.  “Um . . .” she began, “I just wanted to give you this. As . . . well, as a thank you. For what you did for that squirrel yesterday.”

The eyes seemed to glance between Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle, then to the basket.  There was a pause, then the eyes narrowed, and Nocturne's light, yet vicious voice replied, “This is your last warning. Stay away from me and my forest, or else.”

Unwilling to stand and watch anymore, Twilight stepped forward and spoke, “Now wait just a minute! Fluttershy is trying to show you kindness, and this is how you repay her? Who do you think you are?! I'll bet this is the first time anypony has ever been nice to you, you ungrateful, mean-spirited old—”

She didn't get to finish.  Bursting from the shrubs, on either side of the eyes, was a pair of enormous, scaly, ugly black wings.  Accompanying them was another furious growl, “NOW!!”

And Nocturne was holding back then.  He had gone from that to inflicting bodily harm in days.  If it got any worse, Derpy was in grave danger.

Fluttershy and Applejack had gone along her usual delivery route (backwards, as Applejack had suggested, so that they might spot her coming the other way), going door-to-door to see if the mail-mare had been in the area.  There was no address on Fluttershy's letter, so she couldn't possibly know where Nocturne lived, but if she put two and two together and learned that Nocturne was the 'phantom pony', she would almost certainly figure the rest out on her own.  Derpy was a clumsy thing, but she wasn't stupid.

Another pony saying she hadn't seen Derpy closed her door, and Applejack sighed in frustration, “Ooh, how can Derpy be this hard to spot? The only pony in Ponyville with a lazy eye shouldn't be easy to miss!”

“We have to keep trying, AJ,” Fluttershy replied, worried, “If Derpy runs into Nocturne before us, then . . . oh, this would never have happened if I hadn't written that silly letter! This was such a waste of time, and now somepony else is going to get hurt! Oh, this is all my fault!”

“Now, now, just hold on there, sugarcube,” Applejack comforted her, “Nopony's blamin' you for anything. You've just been doin' what y'all do best, and that's being the kindest, sweetest pony in Ponyville. The only pony in the wrong here is that devil, Nocturne. He's the one who's been makin' things difficult for you, and now for Rainbow Dash, too. You had the best intentions at heart when you wrote that letter, and if Nocturne ain't a changed pony after all you've done for him, then he's better off alone. Way I see it, it's more'n that rascal deserves.”

Fluttershy felt her wings droop at Applejack's less-than-sensitive words.  “But . . .” she tried to answer, “but . . . nopony should have to be alone . . .”

“Look!” Applejack shouted, looking up and pointing.  Fluttershy looked up with her, and she saw the cross-eyed Pegasus herself, flying above town, a carefree smile on her face.

“Oh, no!” Fluttershy squealed, “She's headed for the forest! We have to stop her!”

“Come on!” Applejack said as she unfurled a lasso that hung from her side, “If we can't reach her, this will. And it'll hurt a lot less than what that scallywag'll do to her!”

Derpy saw the border to the woods down below and flew low, reaching it in record time.  The foliage was still and quiet, showing no signs that anypony lived there.  Derpy dug around in her bag, spent a few extra seconds rooting around for the letter, pulled it out, and walked up closer to the border.  It was a really creepy place for anypony to live, but Derpy had a job to do.  This letter had to get delivered.

Knocking against a tree, Derpy spoke up to the forest as if addressing a pony, “Excuse me? Mail call for . . .” she took a quick glance at the letter just to be sure, “'Knock-turnee'! Hello? Is 'Knock-turnee home? Mail call for 'Knock-tu—ooh!”

She was cut off when she felt something grip her tail and pull her away from the woods, shaking the letter out of her reach.  She was dragged back, bag and all, into town and behind a building by her tail, and when she turned around, she saw that there was a rope lashed to her tail.  The mare behind it: Applejack.

“Sorry, hon,” Applejack shook her head, “Not enough postage. Better return it.”

Meanwhile, Fluttershy stepped up to the forest border and grabbed the letter in her mouth.  She was about to turn away when she saw them.  Nocturne's fiery red eyes, glowing from the shadows of the woods.  To say she was afraid would be only half-true; she was afraid, but not nearly as much as she had been before.  She couldn't explain it, but somehow, he seemed far less threatening now.

He didn't make a single move.

They stared at each other for a long time, until fear strangely gave way to awkwardness.  In fact, Fluttershy felt her face getting warm after a few seconds.  Just what was he staring at?  Was he going to be angry?  Was he about to yell at her some more?  Was he going to attack her, like he did Rainbow Dash?  Still, she waited, and nothing happened.

Applejack and Derpy peeked out from behind the building to see the same.  After awhile, Fluttershy slowly lowered her head towards the ground, as if to bow to Nocturne.  She placed the letter in the grass, keeping her eyes locked onto Nocturne's all the while.  Finally, she took a step backwards, waiting for him to react.  When he didn't, she took another step, and still nothing.  Now that she was sure he wouldn't come after her, Fluttershy scurried back to the building her friends hid behind, finally able to breathe a sigh of relief when she met them there.

“You alright, Fluttershy?” Applejack asked, “He didn't hurt ya, did he?”

Fluttershy shook her head, “No. In fact, he didn't do anything at all. I thought he would, but something stopped him . . . I'm not sure what . . .”

“Uhh, girls?” Derpy asked, tilting her head in confusion, “I don't really know what's going on, but, why did you want to mess with the mail so badly? That's a federal offense, you know.”

“Sorry, Derpy,” Fluttershy replied, “We just didn't want you to get hurt.”

Derpy looked even more puzzled, “Huh? By who? You mean, by Knock-turnee?”

“Umm, it's actually pronounced 'Knock-turn',” Fluttershy gently corrected.

“But, why would he hurt me?” Derpy asked, “I wasn't trying to do anything bad to him or anything. Is he just grouchy today?”

Applejack pressed a hoof to her forehead, “We need to have a talk, sugarcube.”

“About Knock-turnee?” Derpy asked, then corrected herself, “I mean, Nocturne? Well, if he's so bad, how come he didn't say anything bad, or do anything bad?”

Fluttershy wasn't sure how to answer that question.  She had asked herself that question, and had come up blank.  Why did Nocturne let her go?  Why had he not kept his promise not to hold back next time he saw her?  “I . . . .” Fluttershy tried to answer, hoping it would come to her as she spoke; it didn't, “. . . . I don't know.”

“Meh,” Derpy shrugged and hoisted up her mail bag, “It was probably just a misunderstanding. You know, all ponies make mistakes. I know I make mistakes all the time. But it doesn't make me a bad pony, does it?”

Applejack smiled and nodded, “Of course, not. Nopony's blamin' you for doin' your job, sugarcube.”  She then turned to her other Pegasus friend, “Fluttershy? You okay?”

Snapped out of her thoughts, Fluttershy answered, “Hm? Oh, yes, I'm fine. Thank you so much for your help today, AJ. I really appreciate it.”

“Well, just to be sure, I'll walk you home,” Applejack gave her a friendly tap on the shoulder, “It's been a busy day for everypony.”

“That's so sweet of you,” Fluttershy smiled.  They bid Derpy good day and set off for Fluttershy's house together.  Along the way, Fluttershy once again thought back to what Derpy had said.  She was right; a pony's mistakes shouldn't define a pony's true self, especially if that definition is a bad one.  Maybe is was just a misunderstanding?  Maybe Nocturne just made a bad judgment call when he attacked Rainbow Dash?  Maybe Nocturne just made a bad decision, and he was regretting it even now?  The more Fluttershy thought about it, the more sense it made, and the less she could blame Nocturne for it.  Combined with his hesitation today, Fluttershy's original hypothesis suddenly regained plausibility.

Nocturne really wasn't a monster.  He really was just angry.  And lonely.

Nocturne read and reread the letter over and over, but it only served to baffle him more.  'As silly as it sounds, I know there's still good in you.'  How could she possibly think that way after all he'd done?  How could she possibly believe there was even a shred of decency in him after all that had happened?  How could she possibly have the nerve to continue this stupid farce?  When would this insipid little pony learn?

Of course, only half of him thought that way.

The other half had so much unbridled emotion, it was impossible to explain it all.  Fear, joy, sadness, rage, guilt, confusion, all mixed together and muddied, each unable to be discerned from the others.  Why did he feel this way?  What was this hold that this Fluttershy had over him?  Why did he simultaneously want to hug her and hit her every time he saw her, thought of her, dreamed of her?

And why in Celestia's name could he not bring himself to attack her, like he'd promised?

He thought he could answer that last question.  The feeling that held him back was as weak as the answer to the question, but it was all he had.  A small part of him wanted to see her again.  Unlike with the rainbow-maned one, Nocturne didn't want to drive her away permanently (not consciously, anyway).  And he knew that attacking her would scare her away forever.  Why he didn't want that, he didn't know.  Why he even wanted anything to do with her, he didn't know.  All he knew was that, whether he liked it or not, Nocturne and Fluttershy had a connection.

And it was too late to do anything about it now. Next Chapter: Day 4 - 5 Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 17 Minutes