Song of Whispers

by Wintergreen Diaries

First published 18th of May, 2012

Fluttershy befriends a pony who refuses to speak, believing his voice causes only disaster.

After a recent humiliating experience involving too much chocolate mead and karaoke that was less than "family friendly," Fluttershy flees into the safety of the forest to escape the mess she's made. Wandering aimlessly for hours deep in thought, she comes to and realizes she has no idea where she's wandered, is incredibly thirsty, and very uncomfortable under the late summer sun. So, when she discovers a chilled pond with which to slake her thirst and cool down, she pays little heed to the strange green bush on the far side. That is, until it opens its eyes.

Creds to OminousBrony for cracking the whip, and tossing in ideas.
art by askheroichamburger of DeviantArt

Rosy Cheeks

A place to ponder, a place the think; someplace where peace reigns and solace maintains order. For turmoil of the mind and heart, such a place is as desirable as cool water on a midsummer day, or the heat of a well stoked hearth on a chilly winter night. Such was the sole desire of a lone pegasus mare plodding one hoof in front of the other, having no particular destination other than someplace other than the home she couldn’t dare to face. Heartbreak was a heavy enough burden for somepony that couldn’t break six wing power, but to add town-wide humiliation to the point that she couldn’t even show her face in public, and you have a mare who simply wants to disappear.

The forest was calm. An oddity that was lost on Fluttershy, as any other time she would have noticed the lack of birdsong and the chatter of the many animals that lived in the wooded areas outside of Ponyville. Many of the animals knew all about her, how she would selflessly attend to any and every need of the many critters that thrived in the dense foliage, but none approached. Alarm was beyond the mare, her mind replaying her folly over and over, and there was no escape; how can one run from one’s own mind? Too mentally exhausted to fight it, she let it start from the beginning...

“Easy on the mead, there, Fluttershy. You’ve already downed two.” Applejack chuckled at her usually tame friend’s flushed cheeks, rosy with the delightful warmth of dissipation. To say that the pegasus had found a new favorite was putting it lightly, and her tolerance had grown to the point that she could handle a monumental five mugs before promptly passing out in a stupor, a whole one more since she started drinking at the opening of the tavern.

“Better be careful, Applejack. She’s gonna be out-drinking you soon!” Rainbow Dash chimed in, snickering as the earth pony became defensive.

“Not on yer life, Rainbow Dash. Just you wait till this foal comes t’ term, ah’ll drink anypony under the table.”

“Challenge accepted, Applejack. I’m sure you know where to find me.” Berry smiled sweetly at the mare’s competitive gaze, who sat sipping her Shockberry juice like wine. Being married to the resident brewer and yet unable to partake of the finer drinks in life was a heavy burden for Applejack, who had developed quite a taste for fine alcohol. Silver had joked more than once that the foal was going to end up drunk from her milk in the days immediately following the end of her term, and while she laughed it off, it was quite possible he was right.

“Don’t go thinking you’re just going to win. If Storm wasn’t forbidding me, I would take first in the Running of the Leaves.”

“Yes, Celestia forbid I want to take care of all three members of my family,” he muttered, coughing as he received an elbow in the ribs. The two foals in Dash’s womb had a quick discussion before reaching a consensus and, mimicking their mother, kicked hard, the sudden buck causing her to choke on her rainbow juice. “See that? They know I’m right.”

“Pipe down in there, no tag teaming!” she shouted at her stomach. “You know, I’m starting to understand why Twilight got so crazy.”

“What’s the matter, sugarcube, can’t handle a good buckin’?”

“I could match you in the orchard any day! Come on, let’s do it!”

“If there were apples on the trees, ah’d take you down mahself, but there ain’t gonna be fer a good month or two. So, don’t go ‘round makin’ claims you can’t prove.” Storm gently placed a hoof on the fuming mare’s shoulder and eased her back down to her seat, where she stewed for a bit before mellowing to a quiet sulk. It required less energy and, to be fair, she didn’t much like giving vent to her temper, volatile though it had been since inception. Applejack was bearing her burden in true earth pony fashion, making nary a fuss and, if one could believe it, enjoying the trials of motherhood, save abstaining from alcohol. While perhaps not quite as strong as Applejack’s appreciation for the wonders of ethanol, Rainbow Dash did miss her schnapps, leaving their longing for a good drink one of the few things that they could agree upon.

Sweetie Belle, as usual, was dominating the center stage, singing to her heart’s content while Scootaloo, still somewhat hesitant about displaying her grace and prowess, joined in only occasionally on the “cooler,” more upbeat songs where dexterity and speed took priority over poise. Applebloom, eager to expand her knowledge of beautification, had spent hours upon hours learning tricks and secrets from the local dressmaker who, at this point, was enjoying a nice buzz much the same as Fluttershy, despite having consumed twice as much. Applebloom sat at a table nearest the stage, only half paying attention as her attention was divided between the myriad of beauty tips she had left to try and her friends’ dazzling performance. The song drew to an end and, in desperate need of a drink, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle made their way over towards Applebloom and sat gratefully at the bench.

“Whew! I’m parched, you got anything to drink, Applebloom?” The filly continued staring at the stage for a few seconds before shaking her head a few times to refocus.

“Huh? Oh, sorry, you two. Ah was lost in thought again. Here, let me...” she started before Ruby walked over, a tray of four drinks levitating above her head.

“Since somepony can’t pull her head out of the glue long enough to get drinks, I thought I’d step in. Here you go!”

“Awww, come on, Ruby. Ah’m not that bad, am I?”

“You keep thinking that much and you’re brain’s going to explode. Either that, or you’ll turn into Twilight.”

“An’ what’s wrong with Twilight? Ah mean, aside from when she’s freakin’ out an’ breakin’ stuff fer me t’ fix.”

“Um... I’m going to go with the ‘freaking out and breaking things’ part.”

“Scootaloo, ah think yer brother is makin’ you right sarcastic.”

“It’s her mother too, Applebloom. There’s not a lot she can do about that.” Sweetie Belle grew a devious smile as the good natured laughter temporarily drew the spotlight away from her. “Of course, seeing how you’ve turned a new leaf and have gotten all girly on us, I bet my sister could give you a few lessons on...”

“Quiet, Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo hissed, covering her mouth with a hoof. “It’s bad enough that I’m a dancer, I don’t need any help being less cool.”

“Scootaloo, didn’t Rainbow Dash specifically say a few weeks ago that you had some ‘sweet moves?’ What’s cooler than that?” Scootaloo was about to answer Ruby’s inquiry when she fell silent, simply pointing as Fluttershy made her way towards center stage amidst rousing cheers from her friends. Stooping down, she browsed through the selections until she found a song she actually recognized. She hadn’t danced in quite some time, but that particular track was her favorite. She knew every lyric, and even in her inebriated state could remember every second of her routine. Sure, it would require some minor adjustment due to the lack of a pole, but she’d manage somehow. She punched in the selection, took a stance, and gave everypony a show. Ponyville was not ready.

“I see you watchin me sway,
I know I’ve caught your eye.
One glance at my flank,
And I know that you’ll die...

There’s no need to be coy,
And I just want to say -
I’ve been dreamin’ bout your plot,
So let’s go roll in the hay...

Keep it coming
rock me steady
I see it in your eyes
I know that you’re ready

You might think I’m nice
but I know you like me naughty
You’re the only one I want
In this whole damn party

Hold me tight,
smack my flank,
now kiss me deeper
deeper, deeper... Yeah!”

Not so much shellshocked as they were mortified, her friends watched the display in silence for a time before realizing that, yes, it was indeed Fluttershy singing. And dancing. Applejack may have calmed down about things of a more sensual nature since becoming active herself, but she couldn’t help but wonder why in Equestria Silver would even have such a song in a “family establishment.”

“Ah’ve got words fer mah stallion when he gets back from Canterlot.”

“Which ones, ‘rock me steady’ or ‘smack my flank?’” Applejack’s irate glare and none-too-friendly rebuttal were lost as Rarity screamed out encouragement to her friend who was too lost in the music to notice the attention of everypony in the room being focused solely on her. It wasn’t just because of her singing either. To label her dancing as “sensuous” would be like simply labeling Pinkie “happy.” It just wasn’t enough to do it justice. Pinkie clapped merrily with the tune, and not one for self restraint, joined in for the final repetition of the chorus, swaying her plot just like her confident pegasus friend and adding a heavy dose of potent confusion to the arousal pervading the room. The last of the bass faded out, and Fluttershy opened her eyes as if from a trance.

A small squeal was all she could manage to let slip before passing out. Every horn of every unicorn was aglow, and every pair of wings stretched tight. Nopony could resist, and Storm was very much aware of the dire position he was in, given that even a few inches away he could feel the heat emanating from Rainbow Dash as her mood suddenly turned “sour.”

“What the hay, Storm? Why are you looking at Fluttershy like that?”

“I wasn’t!”

“Yeah? Your wings say otherwise!”

“You’re one to talk!” he countered, pointing at her wings that were similarly uncooperative.

“Don’t go turning this on me, I haven’t had any in months!”

“Uh, yeah, me either, Dash. Kinda in this together?”

“Oh, would you two just kiss an’ be quiet? Pinkie, could you go help Fluttershy off the stage? Ah don’t think she’s goin’ t’ be too pleased when she wakes.”

“Okie dokie lokie!” Marital discord didn’t seem to register on Pinkie’s internal disturbance meter, so she left the two mares and downcast stallion to bicker amongst themselves as she cheerily hoisted Fluttershy onto her back and carried her back to the bench. Fluttershy didn’t stay out long, though upon waking she wished she had, because everypony seemed to want a chance with this new mare. After all, while physically identical, the devilish diva that had just stolen the show couldn’t possibly be the quiet, demure Fluttershy.

“Excuse me, miss. Are you single?”

“Will you go out with me?”

“You wanna come back to my place?”

“MARRY ME!” It was, admittedly, an overwhelming thing to wake to, and sensing her friend’s discomfort, Rainbow Dash cleared her throat and silenced the lot of them.

“If I hear one more lewd come on from some spineless slob that only wants his wings fondled, I’m going to seriously mess somepony up, so just leave her alone! Or her,” she added, seeing some mare’s face light up at the gender specific rebuttal.

“Freefall, don’t even think about it. Go back to the kitchen,” Storm commanded, culling the eager pegasus into submission with a stern scowl.

“Missy, that was a fine show ye gave us, but something tells me it may be your last.” Fluttershy was much too petrified from the dawning realization of what had transpired to pay Silent Gale and Cloudburn any attention as they approached.

“I would never have expected that coming from you, Fluttershy. Would you mind teaching me a few tricks?” Cloudburn laughed, nudging the unresponsive mare.

“Aye, there’s an idea I could get behind,” Gale chuckled, giving his mare a fond glance. Scootaloo agreed wholeheartedly that learning such a dance would be way cooler than the slow, ballet type things she usually had to put out for the more soulful songs, and thus found herself looking up eagerly into the mortified mare’s face.

“Me too, I want to learn. That was way better than...”

“Scootaloo, absolutely not. Don’t even think about it,” Storm muttered, clasping a hoof over his eyes.

“Fluttershy? Fluttershy, are you all right?” Not even Crimson, now one of her closest friends, could break the spell, the mare in question sitting ramrod stiff and staring straight ahead with both hooves covering her mouth.

“Sorry, lass, I think your friend may be a wee bit muddled in the head right now.”

“Eeyup.” A sharp gasp followed as she realized that she was not breathing, and that Big Mac had seen. It was over. It was all over. She would never be able to show her face in Ponyville again.

“I... I...”

It was just downhill from there. Cat calls, hushed whispers, jibes and howls of laughter followed her wherever she turned, despite her friends best efforts to stay the torrent of mockery. She’d been bullied and made fun of numerous times, and it never got any easier. Even with her success during the hurricane season and the respect she had earned then, not even that could stave off the encroaching feelings of doubt.

“Have I even... made any progress at all? I’ve been assertive, I’ve tried dancing, and still... I couldn’t even talk to Big Mac, before it... was too late.” She looked towards the sun, now at its zenith in late July, almost August, and was forced to consider her deteriorating physical condition. She had been walking for hours, eaten nothing that morning, and not a single drop of water had graced her now thoroughly parched throat since early that morning. Add a night of restless tossing and turning, coupled with a frail body unused to any extended physical activity, and she quickly realized that she would need water and a break very, very soon. That would have been fine, if she had any idea where the hay she was, as her deep thought had robbed her of any sense of direction.

Wearily, she lifted a hoof to wipe away the sweat beading her brow before continuing on, driven forward by the misleading hope that physical distance could somehow improve the mess she had unwittingly made. I wish I could just blame it on the mead, but I know I wasn’t. I mean, sure, if I thought about it a little more, I guess I could have seen it was a, um, dirty song. But I didn’t think everypony would be so... She shook her head as the heat rose to her cheeks. If I’m really that, well, attractive, then why... hasn’t anypony ever asked me out? I can’t remember a single one... I wonder... if the problem is me? I bet it is... But, then, what do I do? I’ve tried everything I can think of, it’s just... so... “Frustrating!” Rearing, she bucked a tree, causing nought but a few leaves to fall from the light rap to its trunk, and a lancing pain in her already tired hooves. She tried to continue on hoof but winced, her flagrant display of displeasure resulting in a bruise-like pain in her hind legs, throbbing at every step. With no option left, she spread her wings and took to the sky, ascending above the sea of arboreal green.

“Oh my, is that a pond? I hope it is.” The thought of fresh water and a place to escape the sweltering heat that caused the horizon to shimmer and dance was a tantalizing notion indeed, and without hesitation she made straight for it, landing gently and smiling at her stroke of good fortune. However, her imminent bath was halted as she spied a large, green mass at the far edge of the sizable spring. What is that? It doesn’t look like any plant I know if. It looks almost like... hair? But that can’t be right, nopony has a mane that... well, uncared for. Nervous to approach, she decided to try her best and ignore it, taking a generous drink and relishing the life giving waters as they trickled down her throat all the way to her empty stomach. She giggled quietly, the tickling sensation enjoyable in an odd way, and she gently lowered herself into the water and gave a contented sigh as her aching limbs and fatigued body drank in the refreshingly brisk cool of the natural reservoir.

For the first time since the dreaded occurrence of the evening prior, and not counting the scant sleep she had attained during the long night that followed, her mind emptied itself. The distant cry of a woodthrush echoed through the small glade free of trees, a light breeze rustling the grass and offering its soothing whisper. It was simple, clean pleasure, and Fluttershy cherished the peace as she drifted across the surface, using her wings to gently propel her in a slow circle around the rim.

She had almost fallen into a shallow doze when she bumped up against something soft. Cracking open her eyes as she leaned her head back to take a look, her vision was suddenly obscured by a sudden mass of wet hair, and with a soft shriek she leapt back, splashing slightly in her haste to get away. Her trepidation grew as the same material or whatever it was wrapped around her hooves underneath the water, and she stepped even further back as her the pounding of her heart became audible. Why am I so nervous? I don’t understand, it’s not alive, so... A small, almost imperceptible noise came from behind the wall of emerald strands, and despite her rising fears, Fluttershy swallowed them down and edged closer. Oh my goodness, what am I doing? Why am I... reaching toward whatever this is... I’m... I’m afraid, but I can’t stop myself...

Of its own accord, her hoof slowly stretched out, and she shook softly as she made contact with what felt like the finest laces of silk. Pushing just a little deeper, she pulled back the hair to see a closed eye and part of a muzzle. What she had once thought was simply a furled flower she now found to be a horn, and she yanked back her hoof, realizing that she wasn’t alone. The mass of hair was indeed the unicorn’s mane, though he or she seemed to be fast asleep. Summoning what remained of her courage and berating herself the entire time, she attempted to get a better look, stepping closer and pulling back more of the massively overgrown mane. As fine as it was, it was extremely knotted and stuck out at crazy angles, giving the unicorn an almost lion-like appearance, but his face... He looks... so peaceful and gentle. The gut twisting fear slowly ebbed away, being replaced by a feeling of calm. I don’t want to wake him, but... I want to at least know his name, or something.

She took a moment to forestall the eventual meeting by giving him a more thorough examination. He wasn’t brawny by any means, but he was tone, the sinews in his legs clearly indicating that he traveled often and far on hoof. He, as a whole, was colored in varying shades of green, from the bright, almost yellow-green of his coat to the vibrant, foliage colors that made up his mane and tail which, admittedly, could use a good grooming. And a trim, for that matter, as the last pony she had seen with such bountiful hair was Celestia herself, or perhaps Dawn when she grew older. “You... you’re really, um...” she whispered, dropping her hoof down to his cheek. A single, fleeting second of tranquility remained before his eyelids snapped open and she found herself looking into the bright, scarlet eyes of a pony that conveyed one thing and one thing only: terror.

Names and Lessons

I’m scared. That singular thought was all the unicorn could manage, being just a few hoof lengths from the delicate flower of a mare that dared to gaze upon his beastly form. Logic bid him run, but his limbs were unresponsive. Experience bid him flee, but no movement came. No, the only thing that the unicorn could really do is stare back at the luminous, aquamarine eyes that beheld him not in fear, but in wonder. He told himself to look away, that even gazing upon her might cause more harm than good, but after being alone for years, years that he had lost count of, the sudden presence of such a beautiful creature robbed him of the strength to escape, leaving him enchanted and immobile. His attempt to quiet his heart overcompensated, stopping completely for a moment as the mare’s voice drifted over the waters, softly gracing his ears like feathers to his face.

“I’m... I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

She’s... worried about me? It was a ridiculous notion, one that was utterly irreconcilable with all that he had come to know. Ponies... usually run away just from seeing me. But she’s... worrying about me? He snapped to attention as she made as if to move closer, lifting a hoof from the water and freezing in place as the stallion flinched, screwing his eyes shut and shaking heavily. Don’t... please don’t... He heard a faint splash, evidence that the mare was indeed moving closer. This is the part... where you run away... “Please don’t... don’t come any closer.”

Oh goodness! Fluttershy stopped her curious advance, staring in shock as green letters danced on her vision, flickering like flames and remaining for just a few seconds before fading away. That was really, well, strange. I wonder how he did that? Seeing the stallion begin to shake, her first inclination was to go try to cheer him up, but given what he had just shown her, she instead took a step back, sitting down in the hopes that he would know he was safe. “I’m... really sorry for scaring you. It’s just, I was so hot, and tired, and thirsty... and then I saw your pond, and, well... I didn’t know you were here.”

How can she... talk to me like I’m normal? It... feels so nice, but it also hurts... in my chest. He could never hope to blot out his fear completely, but a growing compulsion bid him draw his mane back once more, peering cautiously out at the mare who was now submerged up to her shoulders. “Aren’t you going to run?”

“I... oh dear... I guess, if you want me to go, I will. I’m... really sorry for making you upset.” Why... why does it hurt so much? I don’t even know him, but I don’t... I don’t want to leave. But I can’t stay, not if it’s making him this way. That’s just not nice, and I... couldn’t possibly be mean to him. Poor dear, I really... just want to reach out to him. She felt tears begin to rise, and she quickly dropped her head, allowing the pink veil of her mane to hide them. If he was so worked up, then seeing her cry wasn’t going to help. With no excuses left, save her own desires, she rose slowly, making as little noise as possible as she turned to walk away.

I don’t... understand, why is she crying? Stop... don’t cry... You shouldn’t... have to cry, not for me. “Wait.” The mare came to an abrupt halt as the message filtered in, before she slowly turned to face the silent unicorn, waiting for him to continue. On one hoof, he knew that simply being near another pony was dangerous, that they would likely come to harm if he opened his mouth. But then... she was the first pony who had ever bothered to treat him with kindness, and he couldn’t turn her away. If all she wants is to stay, then I... please, don’t let ill come of this... “Please... don’t cry. If you want to stay, you can. Just please, keep... keep away... I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Don’t want me...” she murmured, watching the stallion as he alternated between shooting her quick glances and staring back at his reflection. Clearing her eyes of the unwanted moisture and slowly edging back to her place, she lowered herself into the refreshing water and continued staring intently at the unicorn. Fluttershy hadn’t thought it possible, but the quiet pony before her looked more fragile than she saw herself. I really like the colors of his mane. It looks very natural, like plants or vines. And his eyes are such a pretty red. I mean, on another pony they might look scary, but I think he’s actually kind of cute. Oh dear, where did that thought come from? But... it’s true. I want to know more about you, Mr. “Um, could you, maybe, tell me your name?”

“Monster.”

“Monster? Oh, I don’t believe that. Nopony would name their child Monster.”

“I don’t know any other name. That’s just what other ponies call me. Most of the time they just scream and run away, though a few throw rocks. Rocks hurt.” The very idea of such cruelty initiated the inner angry Fluttershy, and the stallion’s fear suddenly became not just on account of being near the mare, but how terrifying the dainty mare had become at a moment’s notice.

“Just tell me who threw rocks at you! I’d give them an earful, two even! Ooo, that kind of behavior, just... just...” Unable to contain her frustration, Fluttershy took it out on the pond, splashing water everywhere as she gave it an undeserved beating. She allowed herself a good huff until she noticed that the unicorn was now shaking harder, and again hiding behind his mane. “Oh, I’m sorry! I really didn’t mean to scare you more. I just... can’t stand ponies being mean like that. I’ve been bullied a lot too, so I... I know how much it can hurt.” Her apologetic smile weaved a spell on the stallion’s heart as he slowly drew back his mane, staring intently at the mare who was quickly whittling away the inhibitions that had been carefully constructed over years of painful learning experiences. “So, you don’t have a name, then?”

“I told you, Monster is fine.” Were the water alive, it would have taken a moment to plead for mercy as the stallion’s message bid her rear, bringing both hooves down and blasting them both with water. Her boundaries forgotten, she made it two steps forward before her mind was flooded with his silent pleas that she keep her distance, whereupon she immediately scooted back, sighing as she let her frustrations trickle away with the water that dribbled down her coat.

I can’t let this go. He needs a name, something nice like him. I mean, I can’t really say for sure if he’s nice or not, but... he’s no monster. I can tell that just by looking at him. “I know that we don’t know each other very well, but I’d like to get to know you more, if that’s ok. But first, you need a name. A real name,” she quickly added, noting the slight shift in his facial expression.

“Let’s see...” Her eyes roamed his form, from the various hues of forest green that made up his mane and coat to his deep, scarlet eyes, to his toned form devoid of unnecessary fat though not overly built, to his face that could easily be mistaken for that of a mare’s, so fine were his features. A name, however, isn’t just something to label a pony’s looks, and thus she thought harder. The unicorn flinched as she let out a soft squeal of glee, leaving him to wonder for but a moment before she changed his life forever. Regardless of how their meeting ended, he would wander nameless no more. “Whisper... From now on, your name is Whisper.”

As anypony that’s anypony knows, Angel is the center of the universe. So when the caretaker of the eminence of Equestria decides to callously spurn the rumbling in his stomach for what could only amount to some feeble request of yet another needy animal that can’t help themselves, he felt wholly justified in booby trapping the front door. Oh, Fluttershy would learn, he would make sure of it! Unfortunately, the intelligent though the self-absorbed bunny fell just short of omniscience, and thus couldn’t have anticipated the next pony coming through the door would be not Fluttershy, but Crimson. While, perhaps, not the prissiest of ponies, being suddenly ensnared in a net slathered in honey and filled with feathers tends to make one slightly uncomfortable.

“Angel? What the... why?” Heaving an appropriately loud sigh of exasperation, he stomped over and pointed directly at his emaciated gut, which gave an audible rumble right on cue. “I can understand that you’re hungry, but don’t you think this is a... achoo! Ugh, I got honey in my nose! Angel, this is going too far.” Tiny arms folded firmly across his chest, he turned his snout to the air as his stomach again cried out in anguish. “If you think for one second that I’m going to bow to your whims like Fluttershy, you’d best think again. And at the rate you’re going, I see nothing but a basic garden salad in your imminent future! Now let me down before I... I... achoo!”

Garden... salad? She wouldn’t dare. Unfortunately for the obstinate, pampered pet, he didn’t know Crimson well enough yet to know that she was quite serious, being secretly annoyed with his often callous treatment of one of her closest friends. So when he turned to saunter away, a sudden red aura and momentary sensation of weightlessness allowed him but a single moment to recalculate before he too found himself smothered in honey and face to face with the scarlet mare that was anything but amused, and just a hair short of furious.

“You have thirty seconds to let me down and start cleaning up this mess before you find yourself earless, mister.” Angel’s eyes screamed back his challenge as he stared back defiantly.

Somepony taking me ears? Preposterous! Nopony would dare lay a hoof on me, not if Fluttershy has anything to say about it! If this mare so much as...

“Fifteen seconds.”

She’s still going on about this? What, like she really...

“Ten.”

She wouldn’t.

“Nine.”

She couldn’t.

“Eight. Seven. Six.”

Her horn is glowing.

“Five.”

She might.

“Four.” It was at this point that Angel decided that, as much as he loved a battle of wills, he liked his ears much, much more. Crimson paused as the bunny, now covered ears to tail in honey and feathers, pried opened the area of the net that he had been ripped through and made a break for the pulley that suspended the mesh. Suppressing a smile so as to maintain her commanding atmosphere, she watched the muttering critter scamper into the kitchen, likely to find something adequate to cut the thick rope, and continued. “Three.”

What?!? She’s still counting? I’m going, I’m going! Not bothering to search thoroughly due to the proverbial axe that was waiting to fall, he grabbed the biggest knife he could find and bolted back.

“Two.”

You have no idea how tempting it is to misuse this...

“One!” A swing, a snap, and Crimson was free, slopping out of the mess and glaring daggers at the bunny who hid the knife behind his back, offering what he thought looked like an apologetic smile. Such a thing didn’t exist for him, though, and Crimson knew it. “Angel, what the hay are you doing with something that dangerous?” Pulling the knife away with her magic and setting it back in its place, she returned her attention to the irate bunny before her who was quickly coming to the conclusion that Fluttershy was the balancer that kept the mare’s closet psycho factor in check. He was partially right, as Fluttershy wouldn’t allow such a harsh reprimand, and seizing the opportunity to the fullest, Crimson set out to teach him a lesson in tough love, or maybe just long overdue punishment. It was hard for her to say which it was for sure.

Even if Night Light hadn’t been forced to concede that Cerulean was a fine stallion the day of his daughter’s wedding, he would have then and there if only for the simple reason that his grandchild was every bit as adorable as Twilight was as a foal. That’s not to say she wasn’t as a newborn, but now almost a year old and finally mastering the ability to walk on her own with minimal risk of personal injury, the beaming filly regarded the speechless stallion with curiosity. In fact, Dawn’s reintroduction effectively banished any lingering resentments that may have been hiding in the shadows. Twilight allowed herself a moment of pride as her father stared helplessly at the filly, who was already analyzing his susceptibility to her wiles, before stooping down and grabbing her daughter’s attention with gentle nudge.

“Dawn? This is Night Light, my father.”

“Hi, mom’s dad!” Yes, it’s working already, I can see it. Dawn looked back at Cerulean for a moment before turning back to Night and using the most dastardly form of foal magic imaginable; the dreaded squee. It was a dark magic, for no male could resist, and Night Light was no exception. “Win!”

“Do not think for a single second that you have free reign, Dawn Starshine.” Velvet took a step forward and assumed her mother eyes, perhaps the only force in Equestria strong enough to battle such deviousness. Dawn cursed her luck, her hopes at playing benevolent dictator dashed in the face of Velvet’s quiet resolve.

“And that’s my mother, Dawn.”

“Duh.”

“Miss Starshine, I’ll not have you speak to my daughter in such a manner while you are under my care, are we clear?” Velvet ignored the pouting and turned her attention back to Twilight and Cerulean who were doing their best not to exacerbate the issue by giving vent to the giggles boiling within. “Do not worry, Twilight. Dawn shall be perfectly fine here with us for a day. I hope your presentation goes well.”

“Thank you, mother. Dawn? You be a good girl, ok?”

“Ok...” She lent Cerulean her ear as he whispered something that significantly brightened her disposition, and she sat down with a smile, peering up at Night Light as her parents began to walk away. Twilight was curious, but didn’t have the time to wonder as a brief glow from Cerulean’s horn signaled the completion of his end of the deal. Dawn promptly followed through, pelting Night Light with a snowball that had appeared in her waiting hooves before dashing into the house.

“You know, you keep encouraging that behavior and she’s going to end up just like...” Twilight started, before realizing the destination of her statement and, rather than finish, simply shook her head with a smile.

“I’m not that bad, am I?”

“Only with Dawn. Come on, let’s hurry. Silver’s already waiting for us there, I’m sure.” With a sudden burst of speed, Twilight broke into a gallop, and Cerulean eagerly gave chase, making a note that scholastic excitement seemed to translate directly into happiness and physical prowess for his beloved egghead. Ever since receiving the invitation to speak at the School for Gifted Unicorns, Twilight had been talking about it nearly non-stop. While she had admitted that it didn’t conjure the best of memories, the idea of being given free reign to talk for as long as she wished about magic, in a room full of adept unicorns that desired nothing more than to learn, filled her with ecstasy on par with Pinkie in the full swing of a party.

Silver greeted them cheerfully, a small cart of various drinks with which to display his alchemy resting beside him, along with a jewelry box that had a few of his mother’s creations as well. They took a moment to catch their breath, gratefully accepting some of his Everfrost Peach Soda to cool themselves down, making a mental note to avoid racing in the summer heat.

“Whew, thanks Silver, I needed that. I’m sure that’s going to be a big hit with the kids.”

“Thanks, Twilight. They’re going to need it after tasting the Phoenix Cherry Juice.”

“Ugh, you even brought some? That’s just mean, Silver,” Cerulean chuckled, imagining a classroom full of panicking unicorns. “You know, just because he spends a lot of time in the mountains doesn’t mean Discord won’t notice you causing an uproar.”

“After coming face to face with Celestia in her... um... ‘altered state,’ I don’t think over-heated foals will be enough to drag him back.” A cheer from inside followed by the sound of many hooves signaled the mass exodus of the class, who gathered outside in neat rows as their somewhat stern teacher, Miss Lecture, made sure that proper order was maintained before turning to the three guest speakers.

“Thank you for coming. It’s been quite some time, hasn’t it, Twilight?”

Her voice is every bit as nerve wracking as when I studied here. But I’m not a student, so I shouldn’t have to worry... I hope. “It has. Thank you for the opportunity to be here.”

“Celestia assured me that it would educational, and as such I have no qualms. Stay on task and we won’t have a problem. Go ahead and introduce yourselves.”

Stay on task? I was the most studious unicorn in the whole school, so what the hay is that supposed to mean? No, calm down, I can’t start thinking like that already. “Hello, class. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I’ve been studying magic since I was your age.” She nodded to Cerulean, who took a step forward.

“Is anypony hot out here?” There was a low murmur of confirmations and complaints, which quickly turned to squeals of shock and relief as a thin blanket of snow fell atop their heads. “There, that should take care of that. I am Cerulean Snowgleam, and I’m...”

“A massive showoff,” Twilight muttered. Stealing the spotlight like that... It wasn’t quite the reaction Cerulean was hoping to evoke, so he drew silent and gave a nod to Silver, who was standing beside his creations with a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

“Good afternoon, kids. My name is Silver Moonshine, but due to a lengthy discourse from my lovely wife, you lot ain’t getting any liquor. I do, however, have a number of different examples of alchemy to show you all. Twilight, how do we want to do this?”

“Hmmm, even with the enchantment Cerulean put on the casks, it would likely be a good idea to serve either the Rainbow Juice or Shockberry Juice first, just in case they get warm. Go ahead and start dishing them out.” Silver had planned ahead, bringing more than enough cups for everypony, and whether just a cruel stroke of fate or poor choice on his part, he decided on the Shockberry to start. Twilight found it difficult to give any kind of oration as one by one her audience devolved into a fit of giggles, and after numerous attempts to calm the class, she bid Cerulean and Silver look away as she cast the “Want it, Need it” spell on a cup and held it over the class who now sat entranced by the overwhelming beauty of the simple earthenware chalice. A fragment of her rising frustration was dispelled as her teacher joined in on the mad scramble to build a pony tower high enough to reach it, before canceling the spell and leaving a very confused mess of students and teacher in a heap.

“Now then, as I was saying... I thought for a very long time that magic only happened when you wanted it, how you wanted it, and only with the appropriate spell. However, I know now that there are many types of magic, and simple spells are only one piece of something much greater.”

“That’s not what my textbook says!”

“Yes, but...”

“Teacher told us something different.”

“Well, that may...”

“Teacher, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about!” Twilight had once thought about being a teacher, but her patience was wearing dangerously thin under the close-minded, uninformed miscreants that were taunting her. It was the teacher that broke the pony’s back, though, and Miss Lecture soon saw a side of Twilight that she vowed never to dredge up again.

“Twilight, I’ll not have you polluting the minds of my students with your far-fetched and unfounded ideas. Now, would you...” Cerulean stood his ground as the tone of Twilight’s coat began to change, and he couldn’t help but shoot the teacher a cheeky grin before his mare forced Lecture to re-evaluate her position.

“Un... unfounded?!? I’ll show YOU unfounded!” Twilight wasn’t naturally what would be called an angry pony, but due to the events over the last few years, she had gained some small degree of control over her somewhat combustible temperament, which she took malicious glee in venting to the full degree of her vexation. “All right then, class. What spell am I using now? Huh? What, nopony knows? Oh dear, I think I’m going to have to call on somepony. How about you, Miss Lecture?” Cerulean could almost feel sorry for the ponies, but they did bring it upon themselves, so he let his wife rant a bit more before cautiously approaching and stepping between the two.

“And you called me a show off, Twi. Come on, calm down, or there will be no kids left to teach.” Heeding his gentle words, the flames extinguished as fast as they had come, after which Twilight sat down and stared miserably at the crowd of now thoroughly frightened ponies. “I do believe that my wife has silenced any dissent concerning her theories on magic?” There was much nodding, and no talking as they sat ready to absorb anything the trio had to say. “What you just saw there was what I call ‘Soul Magic,’ as there isn’t any set spell that triggers it. Really, it’s making emotions manifest in magical form, as evidenced by Twilight’s frustration. There are also unicorns particularly skilled with specific displays of magic, even if they can’t translate it into a specific spell. Basically, their heart writes the spell as needed. That is the case with my ice magic, and why I can do things that are out of the ordinary.”

The class watched with wonder as Cerulean summoned his wings, extending them a bit further than normal and doing a few fly bys before landing beside Twilight and wrapping her with a wing. “Silver, floor is yours. Seeing as how we’re on the subject of fire and ice...”

“Right. Now, how many of you have heard of alchemy?” Only one or two ponies raised their hooves, which was expected. “Alchemy was a branch of magic that was long thought a dead end, as what was meant to be accomplished through alchemy could be done much easier, and with much less danger, with regular magic. However, what you drank earlier, and this creation as well,” he said, holding the barrel aloft, “is something that no conventional magic could hope to produce.” Eager chatter erupted as he poured them all servings of the Phoenix juice, though they soon found themselves much too hot to do anything other than gasp for air and fan themselves as best they could.

“In alchemy, the ingredients put in are every bit as important, no, perhaps more important than the magic that goes into it. Think of it as combining science with magic. The drink which you are all finding to be quite out of place in the summer heat, is imbued with the essence of fire from the feather of a baby phoenix.”

“I feel like I’m on fire, make it stop!” Similar cries arose and Silver decided it was time to give them some relief, and then broke ranks as he explained the icy peach soda that brought immense relief, each taking two helpings to counteract the cherry juice. After they had all calmed down, he began passing out a few of his mother’s creations, explaining that alchemy wasn’t just used for drinks, but had many different applications.

“That’s so pretty! I want to be an alchemist!” Silver shook his head sadly at the filly’s enthusiasm, shooting an apologetic look at the teacher before pulling down his shirt so they could all see some of the scars.

“Alchemy... is dangerous, and it comes with a price. Nopony that practices the art walks away unscathed, and as I’ve learned, nopony should practice it alone. And,” he continued, cheering up so as to dispel the growing gloom from his revelation, “that’s why you’re not allowed to even think about trying it until you’re all much, much older.” The simple change of voice wasn’t enough, and he turned to Cerulean and Twilight with pleading eyes.

“Ok, sad time over! Time for a song.” Cerulean hopped up onto the cart and struck a pose, smiling down at the class as the area around him began to shine, an cheerful melody carrying on the breeze as he sang. Twilight found herself involuntarily tapping her hoof to the ditty, but even through his smile she could tell that his mind was no longer on anypony present, but the pony who had taught him the spell so many years ago.

Simple happiness is easy to detect, normally by slightly squinched eyes and a telltale grin. Elation normally results in some kind of shout, eyes closed and mouth open as joyous noise bubbles forth. But, as Fluttershy soon found, even in silence some ponies can display rapture without a word. She couldn’t have possibly known just how mightily she was influencing the newly appointed Whisper, but even in the quiet of the forest, she could tell without any shouts that the tears beading his eyes for those of gratitude, and not of sorrow. It seemed like something so simple, but as she looked into the single scarlet eye that was visible, she knew it was something more.

Not having spent any time with ponies, but rather being driven away from them, Whisper had no label with which to describe the feeling rising in his chest. After running, one becomes exhausted, whether emotionally or physically, and it only grows worse with time and further exertion. For Whisper, even though he had forgotten the exact amount of time that had passed since he woke up, alone and abandoned on the coastline, it had been sixteen years of isolation and rejection. He couldn’t say for sure if he had finally found rest, but he wanted to hope that maybe, just maybe, this was the start.

New Friend

Whisper. A manner of speech that could take all manner of meanings, from the alluring whispers of the night to contained anger. For Fluttershy, the stallion before her that refused to speak verbally simply made her think of a soft, gentle voice of comfort, even as he still kept her at a distance. Regardless of what he thought of himself, she couldn’t imagine him ever willfully hurting another pony, and thus she allowed herself a small amount of forwardness, posing a question.

“So, um, Whisper? Why do you think you’re so dangerous?” What had once been overflowing joy turned to anguish as he bowed his head, obscuring his face completely. The pegasus instantly regretted her inquiry, as the quaking in his shoulders informed her that any tears that remained were no longer born of happiness.

I don’t... want her to run away, but she deserves to know... If she’s going to be near me, then what right do I have to keep... my shame to myself? “My magic... hurts ponies. It makes bad things happen, and I’ve hurt... I’ve hurt ponies before. I never meant to, but...” He chanced a glance at her, pulling back his hair for just a moment before letting it fall back in place. No... don’t look scared, I... I knew it. I am a monster...

“You... poor thing...” The unexpected comfort chipped away at the doubt clouding his mind, and he realized what he incorrectly assumed to be terror was actually horror at his own condition. “You’ve been pushed away... and hurt... and on top of all that, you’re so scared of your magic that you... live all alone? You’re not a monster, Whisper. You’re just not.” Whisper couldn’t understand the mare’s logic, completely disregarding the disaster he had just confessed and focusing solely on him. He wanted to believe it, but pictures of an unconscious pony partially buried under rocks danced through his mind, followed by the remembrance of fear in a young filly’s eyes as she saw him near the edge of a forest, and many others thoughts like these rose from the depths of his mind. The memories flooded back, and he couldn’t accept what she said.

Desperate to cleanse his mind from the thoughts, Whisper glanced at the sky, signalling Fluttershy to do the same. Sunset drew nigh, and clear blue turned to deep pink, matching the mare’s mane and tinting the color of the pool. Whisper couldn’t help but stare, awed by the mare that repeatedly fought back against every notion about himself that he contained. It was with disappointment that Fluttershy stood, realizing that she had quite a trip to make, tired, relaxed limbs, and a gnawing hunger that had been attempting to satisfy itself with her stomach lining in the stark absence of food. It would also soon be dark, and while she didn’t know of any inherent dangers lurking in that particular forest, it was still quite scary at night.

“I need to be, um... going home now...”

But... I don’t want... no, I can’t think like that.

“Do you think that, maybe, you could walk with me? I mean, if you don’t mind, that is.” It was the first time she had seen the stallion move, and quickly at that, standing bolt upright and waiting for Fluttershy to lead the way. With a giggle at his eager motion, she pulled herself out and trotted a short distance, looking behind her to make sure he was following when she found herself staring very much the same as he had been just moments before. As he stepped out, his mane reached towards the grass below, just a few inches too short at the longest point to make a connection, while his tail was similarly overgrown, trailing behind him like a snake in the grass. He stopped, what Fluttershy thought, was just a little closer than he had allowed in the pond, and with a faint smile she flew into the air, got her bearings, and landed again, beginning her trek as her silent companion plodded along behind her.

As many questions as Fluttershy had swirling around in her mind, what she couldn’t deny was that she found herself drawn to the strange pony for reasons she couldn’t realize on a conscious level. However, despite his feral appearance and strange mode of communication, rather than feel intimidated, she felt comfortable. Certainly, that likely had to do, at least in part, to the lack of any visible desire to relocate to the nearest bed and engage in blush-inducing activities for which her mind, body, and heart were not prepared. It also helped that he was about as approachable as herself when Twilight first appeared, well, before she had learned to be more comfortable around other ponies. The correlation struck her, and her soft giggles at meeting somepony more shy than herself drifted back to the stallion whose curiosity was soon rivaling his trepidation.

“How come I don’t scare you?”

“Well, that’s a silly question, Whisper. You’re cute. Oh goodness! I mean...” How’d I let that slip out? I wasn’t even thinking about his pretty mane or face or... oh. I guess, maybe, I was. Just a little...

Cute? Really? Whisper stopped and examined himself, the action requiring multiple attempts due to the jade veil that repeatedly spurned his attempts at creating a good mental image. Fluttershy glanced behind her as he broke into a trot to catch up, coming just a little closer. “I don’t get it.”

Doesn’t get it? I don’t want to have to explain it, it’s so embarrassing! But... if it makes him feel better, I guess I”ll just have to deal with... oh, my cheeks are already flushed. Ok, then. “Well, you see, I really, um... like your mane. And tail. Oh, and your face, too, when I can see it.”

“So... you like all of the things that make ponies run away and call me ‘monster?’” Oh no, I made her angry again! Fluttershy came to an abrupt halt, her hoof still poised midstep, hovering a moment before slowly lowering to the ground as she turned a half circle, stomping as she went.

Ooo, that’s it. Whisper, I’ve tried to be nice, but it’s time for assertive Fluttershy to come out! “Ok, I’ve had just about enough of all this 'monster' nonsense! I don’t care what other ponies have said. Your name is Whisper, you’re a nice pony, and I don’t ever want to hear you say that word again!” He cowered for just a moment before glaring back with childlike defiance that gave way to dejection.

If what she says is true, then maybe... would it be all right if I... Assertive Fluttershy beat a hasty retreat as normal, kind Fluttershy gave her the stare. Whisper took a single, hesitant step forward, followed by another, and then another. He stopped just a few hoof lengths away, and Fluttershy could see in his one visible eye that he struggling to overcome his fears.

“Whisper, it’s ok... don’t be afraid.” Like salve to a wound, her words urged him forward, and he stopped just a few inches away. There was no desire within Fluttershy to run, or hide, or defend herself, but simply to see Whisper experience kindness.

If I’m really not a monster, then please... just let... let me... His hoof was trembling before it left the ground, drawing first to his chest before slowly reaching out, stopping a few inches from her hair. Please don’t run. Just... just a touch. I don’t need anything more... Fluttershy ignored the palpitations of her heart as the stallion turned his face away, withdrawing his hoof just a little as his fear fought for dominance over his desire. There was a sudden warmth against his hoof, and he opened his eyes to see the mare pressing her cheek softly against it, not the slightest bit afraid.

“I told you it was ok, Whisper,” she murmured, bringing her own hoof over his own and holding it loosely in her grasp. “It’s ok...” Her warmth, her words, and her presence seemed to soothe the raging inhibitions that, with anypony else, would have been nigh crippling. But there, in that moment, he could almost believe that she was right, that everything was going to be ok. “You know,” Fluttershy started, her voice wavering a little as she cradled the stallion’s hoof in her own, “I really... don’t want today to be the last day I see you. Would you maybe... let me see you again tomorrow?”

“We can... meet back at the pond at noon.” I’m scared, but this warmth... I don’t want to let this go. Who’s there? In a flurry of green, Whisper yanked his hoof back and dashed away, quickly melting into the forest and disappearing from sight as a rustling sounded from the bushes behind Fluttershy.

“Wait, Whisper!”

“Fluttershy, is that you?” She ignored the voice, continuing to scan the forest for any sign of Whisper, but it was pointless. How could she expect to spot a green unicorn in a forest?

“Thank you, Fluttershy. I’ll see you tomorrow.” The words lingered on her vision even as she closed her eyes, dancing like flames before slowly drifting away. She could still feel his hoof on her cheek, and she mimicked the motion, placing her own where she wished his still remained.

“No, thank you, Whisper.” As the snapping of branches and rustle of leaves grew louder, she turned to face her concerned mare friend.

“Fluttershy? Oh thank goodness, it is you. Are you all right?” Crimson asked, looking her over to make sure she wasn’t injured. While not abnormal for Fluttershy to spend time in the forest, staying out this late and not having any idea where she’d gone worried Crimson, who had been wandering for nigh an hour by the time she was fortunate enough to hear Fluttershy’s exclamation.

“Yes, I’m fine, Crimson.”

“Who were you talking to?”

“A new friend.” Crimson shared Fluttershy’s smile, grateful to see her recovered after her unwitting destruction of her reputation. “Come on, Crimson. I’m hungry, and I wouldn’t mind something to drink.”

“You sure you want to head back to the tavern so soon? You should see the pile of love notes on the table, and I’m pretty sure Rose Luck made a fair amount of bits this morning, judging by the new garden of roses springing from your doorstep.”

“I’ll simply tell them that I already have somepony special.”

“But you don’t, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy was usually quiet, so not receiving a response in and of itself wouldn’t have invoked any suspicion were it not accompanied by an immediate blush and a swift retreat behind her hair as she walked, narrowly avoiding a somewhat painful collision with a tree that wouldn’t have budged even for angry Fluttershy. “Oh? So he’s that kind of friend?”

“I... I didn’t mean, um... what I meant was... oh dear.” As curious as Crimson was at the groundbreaking statement, she contented herself knowing that Fluttershy was unharmed, happy once more, and ready to face life with a smile.

“Tell you what, let’s get you home first. I think Angel would like to be let down, anyways.”

“Let down? What do you mean?”

“You’ll see.”

Dawn had come to the conclusion that her grandmother was, quite possibly, the most unreasonable, immovable, aggravatingly uncharmable pony to ever walk Equestria; even the princesses were no match. After an afternoon without cupcakes, nor the ability to eat outside the kitchen, or make messes, or even color on the walls, Dawn had learned a valuable lesson, and thus was overjoyed to return to her parents upon their arrival early that evening. After spending a rather dreary afternoon under the iron rule of the task master named Velvet, Dawn ran to the door at the sound of the knock, clinging to her mother’s horn like a comfort blanket the moment it was visible.

“Dawn? Did you have...”

“No fun! Your mom no fun! No cupcakes, no juice, no ladybug... no cupcakes! Wanna go home!” Cerulean nodded sagely as he looked at Velvet’s calm expression, not doubting for a second the validity of his daughter’s assessment.

“Where’s dad?” Twilight inquired, doing her best not to laugh at her daughter’s plight.

“Time out,” Dawn muttered, shuddering as she remembered her own dark corner.

“Your daughter is quite the troublemaker, Twilight. You should really try to expand her palette a little, as the only thing she seems to have a taste for is sugar. Have you been letting Pinkie Pie foal sit?” Velvet inquired with a condescending look.

“No, mother, we already talked about that,” she said with a sigh, blowing a few strands of Dawn’s mane from her face. “Thank you for taking care of her, mom. We’re going to stay the night in the castle, but I really do appreciate your help. Love you, mom. Oh, and father too, wherever he is.”

“Dear? You can come out now.” Night Light dutifully trotted over and threw his arms around his daughter, whispering into her ear.

“Help me.”

“Dad, you’re not good at whispering,” she whispered back, watching her mother raise an eyebrow. “Mom, give dad a break. I think he’s had enough for today.”

“I suppose I could allow myself to relent a little. Very well, come, Night Light. Apologies must be made.”

“Does that mean...” Cerulean started before he was abruptly shoved away from the entrance.

“Yes it does, and we’re leaving. Bye!” Slamming the door and trotting a short distance, Twilight waited for Cerulean to catch up before they both continued on towards the castle where they were to dine with her brother and the princesses. Silver was, naturally, in charge of drinks, the princesses paying for the transport of not only liberal amounts of his current lineup but also the first few barrels of Dragon Liquor. Twilight and Cerulean walked into the banquet hall just in time to see Silver tapping the first barrel, Celestia having cast aside her usual regality in exchange for eager anticipation of a night of revelry.

“Sister, staring at thine cup won’t make it fill any faster.” Celestia ignored Luna’s observation and returned her pouty face towards the chalice that yet remained unfilled, partially due to Silver’s inability to both laugh and knock in the spigot. Affixing the nozzle was equally challenging, and the eager Celestia gladly assisted without consent, pouring herself a glass and guzzling her first mug in a matter of moments. Twilight and Cerulean sat down across from Shining Armor and Cadence, who were both amused and slightly worried at the ruler’s behavior. Unfortunately for, well, everypony, a certain Draconequus stole a taste of the fabled dragon liquor, decided that Silver was the greatest pony since Celestia, and promptly laced everypony’s drinks with a small amount of the potent alcohol. Besides, if even he, as highly tolerant as he had become after thousands of years, could enjoy such a delicious treat, how could he not share?

Crimson was indeed true to her word. There were, at a glance, no fewer than fifty roses in a heap near her door where Crimson had shoved them prior to beginning her search in the forest. Fluttershy knew instantly what she was referring to upon entering her house, finding a very miserable, angry Angel stuck quite firmly to the ceiling. His wild paw motions were, in a word, ineffectual, due largely to the fact that the only part of his body that he could still move were his eyes and nose.

“Crimson, what happened?”

“Well, seeing as how flour and water make paste, I decided to see what happens when you mix flour and honey. I must say, I’m surprised it lasted this long. Hey, Angel,” she called out, meeting the murderous eyes with a grin, “are you going to be a good bunny now?”

If you slept here at night... Pouting and faking tears, Angel pleaded silently with Fluttershy who was already working on pulling him down. Unfortunately the mixture had already partially set, and it took Crimson pulling on her hind hooves to finally yank him down, leaving a rather offsetting, discolored ring which Crimson was sure would serve as a constant reminder to better behavior.

“Angel bunny, what did you do to make Crimson so angry, huh?” Angel muttered a steady slew of animal curses before falling silent as he entered the dungeon. “Oh, sorry, I know you hate baths, but you’re really dirty, so um... tough.” Any attempt to dissuade the mare were lost, along with the sticky mess clinging desperately to his limbs, under the warm flow of water from the bath tub. Fluttershy had seen Angel upset, but the look that he was giving Crimson bid her look at the clock, and, noting that it was past opening time at the tavern, hurried her friend out the door.

Starfall Tavern, as expected, was packed, with Storm and Pinkie, of all ponies, handing out drinks left and right while Berry waved frantically at Crimson for assistance. Fluttershy waved as her friend started her shift, heading over to the relative safety of her friends who were sitting near the stage, not wanting to be any closer to the temptation of alcohol. Rarity happily scooted over to make room as she sat down, but she didn’t even make it through a full sentence before she found herself receiving all manner of unwanted attention. Rarity looked like she was about to go crazy in Twilight’s stead, horrified at some of the utterly perverse things being hurled at the pinnacle of purity, so Fluttershy decided to save somepony’s life and grant, perhaps, the most requested wish.

“Ok, everypony. You want another show, right? I guess one more song couldn’t hurt.”

“Fluttershy? You can’t be serious, encouraging this kind of behavior!” Her exclamation was lost amidst the throng of cheers as she waited near the edge of the stage for Sweetie Belle to finish up. “Oh, I need a few more in me before I can enjoy another song like the last. Honestly, our sweet little Fluttershy...”

“Ah know exactly what you mean, sugarcube. Ah ain’t partial t’ hearin’ such things unless it’s from my own mouth, an’ only t’ my stallion.”

“I don’t see what the big deal is,” Rainbow Dash muttered with a shrug, causing Applejack to turn a disapproving eye to her overly eager friend.

“Lemme get this straight, Dash. You’re completely ok with Storm bein’ stimulated by our friend over there?” Swiftly excusing herself to go take over Storm’s serving duties, Rainbow Dash bid him kindly remove himself to the storeroom and stay put until such a time as Fluttershy had finished whatever wing provoking song she had planned for the evening. “Huh, ah didn’t think so. Ah swear, that mare ‘as a one track mind. Oh Celestia, it’s time.” Rarity quickly downed her cider and turned bright red well before any word was spoken, her still very active mind writing its own song as Fluttershy took center stage amidst howls, leers, and laughter.

Not having yet had any mead, Fluttershy was still very much intimidated by the crowd before her, as she once again found all eyes trained on her. But she was on a mission, and with luck, it would only take saying it once. She tapped the microphone once or twice to make sure it was still working and everypony quieted down, eager to listen and watch.

“Um, good evening, everypony.” Apparently she had said something right, as the room erupted into cheers and whistles as she tried to continue. It was frustrating, and it soon outmatched her fear and caused a slight alteration to her original plan. “I wasn’t going to sing, but you’re all so supportive that I think I might be able to give you a song. This is one I wrote just for you. Ahem...” Seconds creeped by and everypony leaned in. “I’M TAKEN, SO GET OVER IT!!! Oh, and, um, thank you for the flowers.”

The sound that followed was the shattering of many ponies hopes, dreams, and perhaps a few glasses as the already colossal and unexpected shout was amplified, partially deafening everypony present, save one particular stallion who had taken refuge in the pantry. Storm’s booming laughter in the silence that followed spread first to Rainbow Dash, and then to the rest of Fluttershy’s friends as she trotted off stage, her snout pointed in the air and entirely unconcerned with the ponies picking up the pieces of aspirations and mugs.

“Fluttershy, that was magnificent the way you handled yourself!” Rarity exclaimed, gleefully looking around at the downcast stallions and, to a lesser extent, mares.

“Ah gotta give it to ya, Fluttershy. Ah didn’t think you had that kinda strength in ya. Sure proved me wrong,” Applejack added, shaking her head.

“Oh, don’t be so surprised, Applejack. Fluttershy is much stronger than she gives herself credit for. Now, Fluttershy, what’s this about you being taken?” Rarity inquired, turning her attention to the mare seated beside her.

“I... um... you see...” Fluttershy wasn’t the only pony that knew how to be assertive, and there was simply no way Rarity was about to be kept out of the loop on gossip as juicy as her demure friend’s mystery stallion.

“Fluttershy?” she cooed sweetly before dropping her voice to a low growl. “Tell... me... everything!”

Silver had, at Applejack’s insistence, brought a good deal of the sobering agent just in case things got a little crazy. As they finally managed to wrest Celestia from the table and force her to take the shot, he silently thanked his wife for clearly thinking things through more thoroughly than he had, and having had enough, gave his warning about further consumption and trotted back to his room to promptly pass out. Cerulean and Twilight ignored the warning, snagging a little bit more before following after him, stumbling not from lingering inebriation but the memories of everything that had happened, the mirth robbing their tired bodies of what little dexterity they had. Utterly exhausted and glad that Dawn, in all the chaos, hadn’t managed to get her hooves on any of the copious amounts of alcohol consumed that evening, set their daughter to bed before flopping down themselves.

“I can only imagine... what kind of trouble Silver would be in if Applejack were here to see all that.”

“Ugh, don’t make me think about it. I still can’t get it out of my head. I wouldn’t have guessed that about my brother...” she muttered, shivering and drawing closer to Cerulean.

“Shining Armor? What about Luna?”

“Should Celestia retain any memory of tonight, I fear Luna may never live it down.” She cracked open a weary eye and found her stallion grinning, eyes closed and horn glowing softly. “Tell me you’re not...”

“If it’s about you, I can think whatever I want, though in this case it’s not my imagination, just a vivid memory. I knew you had a wild side, but... wow.”

“Can we just go to sleep?”

“What, already? That’s not Canterlot tradition.” She was about to comment when she felt his lips press gently against her forehead, and her sigh of exasperation turned to one of contentment. “Get some rest, Twi. It’s been a long day.”

The star strewn skies lit the forest below with shadows, and through years of practice, Whisper made nary a sound as he followed the critter before him. While perhaps not able to spell or read, he found communication with animals to be a simple matter, and since every single one knew of Fluttershy, he only had to ask but once to be led to her house. He stopped at the edge of the forest, staring at the cottage in the distance where the raccoon was pointing.

“Thank you for leading me.” Eager to begin his rounds, the raccoon simply nodded and scampered off, back to the forest and its bounty that remained uncollected. Glancing left and right, he took his first shaky step out of safety and into a world he had avoided for many years. Putting one hoof in front of the other, he slowly made his way towards the structure, his eyes making note of his surroundings in detail, from the chicken coup to the many birdhouses hanging from the trees, to the bridge that ran over a shallow stream. Throwing his tail over the planks, he tread softly, the fibers softening the fall of his hooves. Excitement beat out his fear as a singular thought propelled him forward.

Just one more time, I’d like to see her. I won’t bother her, I just... want to look. Drawing up beside her house, he cautiously raised his head up to the window, peering into the darkness and seeing nothing. Oh... I guess she’s not home right now. Falling deep in thought, he didn’t pay any particular attention to where he was wandering until he came to, standing in front of her house with a hoof half raised to the door. He immediately yanked it away, taking a few steps back as his heart rate increased at his audacity. No, I can’t just walk in... What would she think of me, snooping like this? And yet, even as he told himself these things, his hoof stretched out once more, coming to a rest the door. Maybe... just a little peek.

It was strange the way fate could answer questions before they’re asked, and sometimes, if one was lucky, grant wishes before they were uttered. Unfortunately, how it goes about doing such things is entirely beyond the control of the recipient. So, while Whisper was secretly hoping to see Fluttershy inside, perhaps asleep, or at least at some point that evening, this wish was to be granted. However, the price he paid was walking straight into a certain furious bunny’s trap. Whether Crimson or Fluttershy, Angel was adamant that somepony was going to receive the same treatment he had that afternoon, and so he set about crafting the perfect reprisal.

It worked like a charm, and he watched with glee as whoever had dared enter was promptly yanked to the ceiling and into a rather large mass of what remained of the stock of honey and profuse amounts of flour. Not bothering to check who it was, he returned to bed and settled in for a restful night’s sleep, though he was hoping to hear at least some shouting in return for his efforts. This wish, as fate would have it, was fulfilled no more than an hour later, and it wasn’t the lullaby to his ears that he had hoped it would be. No, it sounded a little more like...

“Oh my goodness, what is this mess? What on... Whisper, are you all right? Wait, honey and... flour? ANGEL BUNNY, YOU GET OUT HERE RIGHT NOW!”

Unwanted Protection

When somepony thrives on being assertive, one can’t help but notice it in the world around them. Iron Will had experienced not one, but two shivers run down his spine that day, the second waking him from sleep, and he couldn’t help but silently cheer for whoever was using the power of assertion to such a degree, while also taking solace in the fact that he wasn’t on the receiving end. Angel, on the other hoof, was receiving the dressing down of his life, which he was fairly certain was over, while whatever strange, effeminate stallion had walked in remained firmly glued to the ceiling, terrified on multiple levels as his suspicions of the origins of the shout he heard earlier were proved correct. This sweet, gentle mare had a side that he never, ever wanted to evoke. Ever.

“Now, go... to your bed... and don’t let me see you again tonight, Angel. You are in a lot of trouble.” No further goading was necessary, as Angel bolted out the door and into his outdoor house, eager to be away from the burning teal eyes that he was pretty sure would have roasted him alive if he had stayed a second more. Fluttershy took a moment to try and calm herself before turning back to Whisper, who was watching her every move. His mane and tail were hanging down, and Fluttershy was again impressed with how long they were, though she didn’t take long to stare as she hovered a short distance away. “I’m so sorry about my pet bunny. He’s been very bad today, but I didn’t think he’d do anything like this. Are you alright?”

All right? Her voice is almost as dangerous as mine. “I’m scared. Please, don’t yell at me. I know I shouldn’t have come inside, but I just... wanted to see you again.” Fluttershy couldn’t adequately describe her elation at his unspoken words, but she became quite aware that Whisper was in a position where he couldn’t run away.

I wonder if maybe it would be ok if I... no, it’s too soon for that! What would Rarity think... And everypony else? I mean, dancing is one thing, but kissing somepony on the first day? Not even Rainbow Dash did that. But... as scared as he is, I... don’t want to miss the chance. She beat her wings just a little harder, closing the distance and stopping just inches from his muzzle, staring into his eyes that could see the war being fought within her mind. He could feel her breath brushing against his face, and it was as enthralling as it was terrifying, letting somepony be so close. I... I can’t, I just can’t do it. Not like this...

“H-here, let me help you down.” Blushing furiously, she turned her attention to digging him out, the mixture only half set and fairly easy to scoop away. Curious, she paused and gave the mixture a lick, noting the sweet taste of honey and resuming her work before nearly falling to the ground as the idea of eating him out passed every so briefly through her mind.

“Um, are you ok?” Her answer came out as an unintelligible squeak, as she herself blushing much too hard to do anything other than stare at the floor. “If it’s a problem, you can just leave me here... It’s not that uncomfortable, I’ve slept in worse.” Shaking her head a few time and taking deep breaths, Fluttershy calmed herself enough to resume working. How Angel had managed to stick such a large amount of the gooey paste to the ceiling was a mystery, but then again, he had also devised the trap to get Whisper up there in the first place, so she didn’t dwell on it too much. She did, however, notice the rope still leading to what she guessed was a hoof, and she momentarily left her post to grab a knife and cut through the cord. She waited a moment or two, but he stayed put, so she returned to the kitchen in time to hear a rather wet sounding thud come from behind her, the unicorn coming free and landing face first.

“Ouch... my nose.” The pain soon drifted to the back of his mind as he rolled over, finding himself staring up at Fluttershy who was sitting beside him with glassy eyes.

“I’m... sorry you fell, I didn’t mean to make that happen.” Whisper pried one of his hooves free and slowly brought it towards her, before watching a rather messy blob of honey glue drip down, causing him to halt for fear of getting her dirty too. His hoof’s retreat was again halted as Fluttershy caught it, bringing it to rest upon her cheek, savoring the warmth despite the sticky substance that now caked one side of her face. Whisper was helpless to do anything but stare in awe, his view of himself clashing with the unmerited kindness he was being shown and failing to overcome it. His eyes closed, bringing the sensation in his hoof greater clarity as he treasured the moment, sweeter than the honey that caked his coat and mane.

I don’t know anything about this stallion, but I... really would like to know more. He’s so gentle, so kind... I don’t have any trouble speaking to him at all. I think... I like him. Oh dear, what am I thinking? It’s only been a day, Fluttershy. You can’t be thinking like that. But... he’s so soft. Fluttershy had watched a few old romance videos, but even she knew that they weren’t real. In truth, she didn’t really know much about relationships at all, not having talked with anypony about her feelings until recently. All she knew is that she felt something, and she didn’t want to be shy about it. Being afraid had robbed her of so many joys, and she wasn’t about to let this one slip away.

What is... Whisper opened his eyes, his wonder turning into something he hadn’t experienced before as she began rubbing her face against his hoof, nuzzling it and quite obliviously making a rather sticky mess of her face. The sweet taste of honey tempted her tongue, and her wings slowly stretched out as she delicately began cleaning the hoof now held in her own. What’s... happening to my body... my heart? And what could this beautiful mare see in me that would make her... oh no. No, please... Regardless of if a unicorn understood their own physiology or not, their body would react to stimuli all the same, and as his horn shone with a brilliant green light, he yanked away and fled to a far corner, trembling as he fought to stem the slow build of magic in his horn.

Oh no, I scared him again! “I’m... I’m sorry, Whisper, I didn’t mean...” she started, beginning towards him when the glowing green letters again flashed across her vision.

“Stay back! I don’t... want you to get hurt...”

“Whisper, I don’t understand...”

“My magic destroys everything! So please, just... stay back until I... have myself under control.” Dang it, why is she still walking over? “I said stay back!” She came to a stop, staring at the quaking stallion with sorrow.

“Why...won’t you let me help you?” For the first time, she became afraid as the stallion whirled on her with blazing eyes, grief running down his cheeks in the form of tears.

“Because I don’t want you to die!” I knew it, I shouldn’t have come. I shouldn’t have let her near me, because she’s wrong. I am a monster, even if she can’t see it. Fluttershy fell back with a soft cry of shock as he bolted out the door and into the night, the faint glow of his horn disappearing amongst the trees and leaving her alone in the womb of silence. Her own tears began to fall as she looked at the remnants of the honey on her hoof, before pressing it to her cheek and wishing her hoof was his.

“Whisper... I just wanted to help... I’m sorry. I’m sorry...”

It was odd, to Dawn, to hear her parents wake with a groan after sleeping late. If sleep really was so important, then why were they clutching their heads, and stomachs, after she graciously let them sleep an extra hour? It was conclusive evidence for staying up later so as to avoid such side effects from being too well rested. Were she a little more learned about alcohol, she would have been able to recognize a hangover, but alas she still had much to learn. Silver stopped by their room first, greeting Dawn and continuing to the couple that were doing their best not to moan too loudly for fear of hurting the other’s head.

“I take it you two aren’t acquainted with hangovers.”

“Ugh, Silver, I thought that stuff we took last night was supposed to fix everything.”

“Did you drink anything afterwards?” Twilight cracked an eye open to look at Cerulean before responding.

“We might have snagged a little more...”

“I seem to recall explicitly tell you both no more after taking the sobering agent. No wonder you both look so trashed,” he said with a chuckle, levitating two vials towards them which they gratefully received, downing instantly and laying back to wait for them to kick in. “I will admit, I’ve never given anypony the hangover cure after they’ve taken alcohol with the sobering agent, so this will be interesting to see.”

“A warning next time would be nice.”

“What, you’re still my test subjects, aren’t you? Now pipe down and tell me how you feel, it should be kicking in.” It was indeed, and having never felt the hangover cure, they both found the sensation thoroughly unnerving, like someone had stirred up a whirlpool in their stomach while putting their limbs to sleep, their outer extremities tingling as the substance worked through both the sobering agent and what remained of the alcohol. Were it just a single drink it would have been fine, but as Silver hadn’t served any more that night, it was clear they had taken in more Dragon Liquor.

“Cerulean, remind me to teach Discord a lesson when we see him next.”

“Only after I’m through with him,” he chuckled half heartedly, before rolling to face Dawn who was watching with piqued interest. “Dawn, are you hungry?”

“Brekkist! Me wants brekkist!”

“But that means I have to move,” Twilight pouted, burying her face in Cerulean’s mane and holding him close. “Silver, could you take Dawn with you? I’d like a bit more time in bed.”

“Sure thing, Twilight. Come on, missy, I hear Luna has a thing for pancakes.” The thought of syrupy goodness prompted the filly to abandon her analysis and scamper after the stallion. Cerulean lay his head back down, content to simply spend a few more minutes wrapped in Twilight’s embrace, but a shift and a song bid him roll over, matching the tempting smile of the mare standing over him.

“Sunshine, sunshine, Cerulean’s awake...” The view was just as pleasant as she turned around to finish the chant, though he couldn’t help but comment, not being one to place many restraints on his speech.

“I’m having flashbacks of last night.”

“Yes, well, Cadence isn’t here so I don’t have to worry,” she quipped.

“Clap my hooves...” he continued, bringing his hooves swiftly to her flanks, enough to make a sound but not enough to cause any kind of pain.

“Do a little shake...”

“Celestia, I do declare Dawn to be my favorite foal. Her appreciation for pancakes almost surpasses my own.” The filly had already downed ten, ignoring her slightly distended belly and piling liberal amounts of syrup upon an eleventh. “Silver, where are her parents?”

“Likely otherwise engaged, as is tradition in my castle, it seems,” Celestia answer for him, laughing softly as her sister cast her gaze to her plate.

“Yes, well, her brother certainly seems to think so. I find no faults in Shining Armor, save his inability to lock a door.” Having said her piece, she applied herself to her pancakes, not about to be outdone by the sugar fiend that was finally beginning to show signs of slowing. After powering through twelve, the overstuffed filly flopped down on the bench, sucking on a syrupy hoof and snoring around it. Shining Armor, Cadence, Twilight, and Cerulean entered at the same time from opposite ends of the hall, and a room wide blush ensued as silent confirmations met unspoken inquiries.

“Cerulean, if you were with anypony else, I’d give you a high hoof, but since you’re with Twili...” Shining Armor began, trailing off as he dared not speak on the subject in any greater detail than embarrassed allusions.

“Understood. I won’t feel offended, not after...” Cerulean replied, shaking his head.

“Yeah, let’s just... not talk about last night.” The pact was made then and there, with everypony speaking in one accord, content to let what happens in Canterlot stay in Canterlot.

Due to encouragement, rigorous effort, and a newfound taste for Silver’s ethanol wonders, Rarity had managed to ease her frustrations while still maintaining her chastity. Sure, she would admit to anypony that waking up in the morning with a crippling hangover and the remnants of the previous evening's meal left unattended on the floor wasn’t the most ladylike behavior, but it was better than caving to her primal urges, at least to her. Besides, nopony had ever...

“Morning, sis, are you in... ugh, what is that smell?” Sweetie Belle called out, cracking open the door and spying the evidence of over-indulgence. “Oh, that’s just gross, Rarity.” Sweetie Belle was forced to cover her nose as she entered, her voice prompting Rarity to give a luxurious yawn and sit up, blinking sleepily before the scent caught her nostrils, drawing her eyes to the testament of her newfound vice.

“Yes, quite. Would you mind cleaning that up for me?”

“Wait, what? No way, do it yourself. Sheesh, what do I look like, a maid?”

“Oh, now that is a darling idea. Hmmm...” Her silent musings continued as she climbed out of bed and set about dealing with the mess while Sweetie Belle tried desperately to remember for what reason she had even intruded that early in the morning.

“Dang it, sis, I’ve completely forgotten why I woke up early now. It was important, too!”

“It doesn’t have anything to do with Applebloom’s attempts at makeshift style enhancements, does it? It took forever to get the glue out of your mane after last time.”

“No, I made sure she never does anything like that again. I mean, it did look pretty good, but still! I like being able to comb my mane.” It was quite surprising to suddenly be smothered with affection in the form of a well meaning hug, but she accepted it readily, returning the motion.

“Sweetie Belle, just know that I am proud of you. You may not have taken to fashion as I had hoped, but you’re still my little sister.”

“Thanks, sis, but... where did that come from?” she asked, pulling away.

“I was just happy that you care about your appearance enough to fuss over your mane.”

Right, I should have known. “Rarity, I’ve always cared about it, I just... can’t do anything right when it comes to fashion. I tried my best, but I can’t do anything with that dumb fabric or make up.” It was truly a tragic situation, to care so much about beauty yet be unable to help oneself. “Oh yeah, I remember now! Silver and the others are coming back today, so I wanted to sing something special! Would you be able to find the time to, maybe... help me look better?”

“Sweetie Belle, not even the largest diamond in the world could keep me from saying yes. Drop by whenever you are ready, and I shall make you shine like the stars. Without glitter glue.” This time, Sweetie initiated the hug.

“Thanks, Rarity. You’re the best sister I could ask for. But... if I may say one thing...”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Take a shower before I come back, ok?”

Fluttershy would readily have traded the sadness that hung about her shoulders for something as simple as a hangover in an instant, the feeling coming in swift upon her awakening. She went about her chores automatically, paying scant attention to anything, even Angel’s numerous attempts at apologies. Time went quickly while she worked, but as the clock struck ten, she found herself alone on her bed, wondering what it is she could have done better, and what it was that went wrong. Angel answered the knock on the door, letting Crimson in and pointing urgently at Fluttershy, who she immediately sat down beside on the bed.

“Fluttershy? Hey, what’s wrong?”

“I... think I hurt Whisper.”

“Hurt... what?” Fluttershy couldn’t help but cry softly as she recounted their meeting in the forest, the fears he spoke of and finally his late night appearance, where he ran away. Crimson listened intently, though she was just as confused as Fluttershy and not able to offer much advice, save the one thing that she knew quite a bit about. “Fluttershy, when a unicorn’s horn glows like that, and they aren’t casting a spell, it’s because they’re... well, aroused. The magic witihn begins to gather inside the horn, and...”

“I know that, I’ve tasted it before.” It was mentioned so casually that Crimson temporarily lost the ability to think. “Twilight’s was really, um... really good on scones.” Were she not so utterly dumbstruck by the mare’s nonchalant admittance to indulging what some ponies considered risqué, bordering a fetish, she would have commented that the mare’s statement confirmed her suspicions that Twilight was indeed delicious. Realizing she had gotten off topic, Fluttershy returned to the crux of the matter. “What I really want to know is why he thinks his magic can only break things and hurt other ponies. I thought magic was something unicorns did on purpose, and I just know he would never hurt somepony. Not intentionally, I mean.” After a false start or two, low level cognizant functions returned, allowing Crimson a coherent response.

“That’s something only he can tell you, Fluttershy. And from what it sounds like, it may take a while before he’s comfortable with that. In the meantime, you need some serious cheering up. Why don’t we go meet up with the rest to welcome my brother and the rest back?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t... I know he probably won’t be there, but I promised Whisper that I would meet him in the forest. If there’s even a chance...”

“Well, what are you sitting around here for? Why not get a head start? Don’t worry, I can explain to the rest, I’m sure they’ll understand.”

“Oh, thank you, Crimson.” They went their separate ways at the door, and Fluttershy made good time flying to the pond. She arrived early, and even though she didn’t expect him to be, her heart fell as she found the tranquil pool abandoned. It was quite cool, and with nothing else to do save bide her time, she lay back on the surface of the waters and prepared herself to wait. Not one hour, not two, but as long as it would take.

Determination

The perfectly sung melody of the lark, the buzzing of the bees as they collected their pollen for the good of both the flowers and the hive, as well as the gentle breeze that caressed the leaves of the trees, giving the forest a voice: it was all lost on Whisper. He had made a promise, and even though he didn’t remember anything about his past, or really, about social convention in general, it gnawed at him to just walk away. He told himself, time and time again, that it was for the best, that if he didn’t show, she would leave after a time and go back to life as usual. That, if nothing else, she would be safe, and his magic wouldn’t go off like it was starting to in the house. And yet... he couldn’t shake the simple feeling that this was wrong. It had only been a day, less than twenty four hours that he had even known the mare existed, but as he watched the sun rise to the center of the sky and start its descent, he slowed to a stop.

It feels... like something’s missing. Why am I doing what I don’t want to do? It’s for her safety, isn’t it? But, if that’s really true, then why... He continued his aimless journey, trodding through the brush until a leafy branch brushed across his face, jolting his mind and leaving no doubt as to what it was he couldn’t put his hoof on; it was her hoof on his cheek. It belonged there, but he was walking away. An overpowering desire flooded through him at the remembrance of the first kindness he had ever been shown, and it sealed his fear away as he frantically searched around to gain his bearings. If nothing else, even if I can’t afford to stay with her, I want... to at least see her, one more time. Chancing another glance at the sun, he figured he was already an hour late at least, and the urgency boiling from within flared a little brighter, pushing him into a brisk trot.

“Twilight, can you take Dawn for a moment?” The foal was still sleeping quite soundly, and her mother willingly complied, levitating the foal over to her back and casting a curious eye at Cerulean. They were due at the train station soon to catch the morning train to Ponyville, and there were no detours planned. It was a spur of the moment decision on Cerulean’s part, but one that Twilight knew was important enough to allow. “I’d... like to check on Bangles, if that’s ok.”

“Of course, Cerulean. Just don’t miss the train, ok?” Bidding Twilight and Silver goodbye, he changed course, passing through the residential areas until coming to a small, single pony house. He had thought that with everything that had happened, he’d never be able to forgive, but all it took was seeing her after having Spikeflail ripped from her consciousness to see the depth of her brokenness, perhaps even greater than his own had been. And so, it was with confidence that he raised his hoof, rapping on the door a few times and listening as the telltale jingle of her favorite accessories signaled her approach.

“Ce... Cerulean? I... what are...”

“Do you mind if I come in?” She immediately shook her head, standing to the side as he entered and looked around at the bleak living conditions. There was a single, one pony sofa, a small wooden table near the kitchen, and a matching chair that looked like it had seen better days. There were no wall hangings, decorations, or color, really, the walls being painted a drab grey. It was like she had turned the place into a monument of depression, and it moved Cerulean to pry, just a little. “Bangles... you haven’t been well, have you...”

“I... have a place to live, and food to eat. I really shouldn’t...”

“Ponies need more than that, Bangles. Have you... made any friends at all?” She slowly closed the door, not wanting to face him.

“What right... do I have... to anything like that?” No, I can’t let him see me cry... I don’t deserve his sympathy, after what I’ve done... “Cerulean, everypony here knows... they know what I’ve done... Just getting groceries is enough of a task, let alone finding... somepony who will give me the time of day.”

“So, you’ve been all alone these last two years?” She flinched as his hoof descended on her shoulder, and despite her half hearted attempts to resist, turned to face him with small streams flowing from her eyes. “Come back to Ponyville with me.”

“Freefall, hurry it up! Come on, man, we’re gonna be late to welcome back the boss!” Snowdrift’s shouts were seemingly ignored until a very miserable, very tired looking pegasus dragged himself over to the door, cracked it open and peered at his grinning friend with eyes that conveyed nothing but loathing. “Late night with the mares?”

It’s just not fair. I’m the one who’s good with talking, who knows what to say and when to say it, so how come he gets the prize and I’m stuck trying to snag whoever date I can find? It’s just not right! “That... is the last time... I try dating twins. It was horrible.”

“Scarred for life, eh? Aloe and Lotus, who knew?”

“They’re monsters! They act so sweet, but... but...”

“Ok, come on, maybe Silver will throw a mini-party at the tavern when he gets back. Speaking of, you could always ask...”

“Don’t even mention that pink bundle of crazy. Contrary to appearances, I do like a mare to have at least some capacity for rational thought.”

“Whatever, Freefall. Come on, let’s get going.” Allowing himself one more groan, Freefall complied and plodded wearily beside his friend. Berry was, predictably, waiting outside with Ruby, which only served to deepen his jealousy as he watched Snowdrift banter back and forth with his fillyfriend, making the most glaringly obvious verbal blunders only to have Berry laugh them off and reward him with kisses. It was simply unfair. The rest of the gang was already there, with Applejack at the forefront next to Spike. It was just past noon, and Freefall was certain that no amount of booze, soda, sugar, or any other substance known to ponykind would be able to yank him from his dejected funk. The train pulled up, the ponies filed out, and then he saw her.

Cheerful chatter broke out all around as Twilight, Cerulean, and Silver stepped out into the sunlight, but the mare that followed after commanded all of Freefall’s attention. With beautiful emerald bangles adorning her legs, also matching her scilliant eyes and gleaming hair, complementing the lemon yellow coat and cute freckles, he made true to his name and fell with a thud, his legs deciding that standing was much too audacious in the presence of such beauty. Snowdrift, looked back and forth between the two and rolled his eyes.

“Just can’t resist a new mark, can you.”

“No, Snowdrift, this is for real. I think she’s...”

“Don’t even say it, ‘cause I’ve kept track. At least, since flight camp.”

“She’s the one...”

“One hundred and forty two, my over-eager stallion. Congrats.”

True to her inner commitment, Fluttershy sat at the edge of the pond, eyes closed and hind legs hanging over the edge, sending ripples across the surface with each soft kick. She didn’t bother looking at the sky, as she had done countless times that afternoon, because it didn’t matter. Even if it took all night, if it meant she’d get to say she was sorry, to see Whisper again, it would be worth it. Whisper... even though you’ve broken your promise, I forgive you. Please, come back. I want... to feel your hoof on my cheek. She mimicked the motion with her own, smiling as she began to sing. The tears came, slowly at first as she simply spoke what was in her heart.

“You think you’re a monster...
I told you I knew better...
but still, you ran away.
All you’ve ever known is pain,
I see you hide behind your mane,
just as I do, every day...

All I want is a Whisper,
All I need; a gentle touch.
I long to hold your hoof once more,
feel the warmth I miss so much..."

As she opened her eyes, she turned her gaze slowly to the sky, where the sun was no longer visible and pink was fading to deep scarlet as the last of the daylight faded away. Her hoof slowly dropped from her wet cheeks and to her chest, as she managed one last verse before being too overcome to speak.

“Oh please, I ask you, wind;
won’t you carry this song to him?
I know he could use a friend...
So even if he never shows
my care for him, he’s always know...
Even if... this is... the end...”

What... what is this... Whisper slowed to a stop as an incredible feeling of sorrow washed over him. He hadn’t been thinking about anything other than finding his way back to the pond, but it was growing darker and he was becoming more and more lost by the moment. But this feeling... Fluttershy... this is... you, isn’t it? Please, hold on, I’m trying! Closing his eyes, he focused every sense, every fiber of his being into the emotion flooding his heart. It was faint, but he could swear he heard something, deep in the forest. Glancing up as the last of daylight faded and stars came into view with the rising of the moon, he followed the tug within his chest, his hope to see her again driving away what remained of hesitation.

His usually silent canter, his stealth and precision were cast aside as he barreled through the undergrowth, ignoring the whipping branches and roots that floored him time and time again. It took all his effort not to cry out in pain as he jumped a fallen tree only to land in a briar patch, covering his body in inflamed, raking scratches. It never occurred to him to stop and question the urgency with which he fled, and if he had, the answer would have been simple. No matter his reasons, this anguish that was echoing through his soul was because of him, and it couldn’t go on. That mare... doesn’t deserve to feel like this. Not the one pony who treated me like I'm normal. No, wait, come back! Like the receding of the sea, the silent call slipped away, leaving him without direction, lost in the night. What could... please, just let her be safe... Offering a silent prayer to the wind, he pressed on as the last of the feeling drifted away.

“Freefall, what is this?” A glance revealed it to be, by his best guess, one of many severely botched orders that he had put out that night, his somewhat limited mental capacity entirely consumed with thoughts of the new mare in town. She was, at a glance, one who kept herself presentable, quiet, and perhaps most importantly, “smoking hot,” as he put it. Snowdrift could handle an appreciation for beauty, but what he couldn’t handle as head chef was one of his kitchen staff consistently pumping out sub-par food. If it weren’t for the fact that a good buzz would likely worsen the infatuation, he would have allowed it in the hopes of temporarily removing extra thoughts from his mind.

“That... uh... was supposed to be... shoot, what’s it called?” Snowdrift didn’t even bother attempting to correct him, tossing the dish aside and storming out of the kitchen. If Freefall was unfit, then it was his duty to find a suitable replacement, even if it was only temporary.

“Cerulean, do you have some time?”

“Sure, Snow. What can I help with?”

“Ever since the arrival of your friend, Freefall has been, well, useless. More so than normal, I mean. I need somepony to help on the line, or Silver’s gonna take a hit to business after the dreadful dishes he’s turning out.”

“Wait a second... you mean he’s got his eye on Bangles?”

“Yeah...” Cerulean rose without a further word on the subject and into the kitchen, taking his place beside Freefall and getting right to work. The pegasus in question was, at that point, too enraptured to pay him any heed, at least until Cerulean raised the topic on his mind and gave him reason to speak.

“So, Freefall, is it?”

“Uh huh.”

Ok, first things first. If this clown is even thinking about double dealing... wait, would it be triple dealing, since he was with the spa sisters last I checked? Doesn’t matter, if there’s even a possibility... “How’d your date with Aloe and Lotus go?” He promptly dropped not a pinch of cayenne into the pot but the container itself, shuddering not for the ponies that would be consuming the soup, and likely copious quantities of Everfrost, but the horrors that filled his mind at the memory.

“Please, never mention those two by name... Worst night of my life, trying to keep those two happy. You wouldn’t believe... ugh, I’m not even going to mention the horn file.” Stepping in and fishing out the now empty container of pepper, Cerulean checked one worry off the list and moved on to the next item.

“Word around the tavern is a certain mare has caught your eye.” Cerulean quickly yanked Freefall’s hoof out of the way as his skills with a knife were called into question, likely saving the usability of the hapless stallion’s limb, or at least negating the need for stitches. “I’ll take that as a ‘yes.’ I happen to know her very well, so I’m going to ask; how much do you even know about her?”

“I don’t even know her name, yet. I’ve never had any issue chatting up the ladies, but I just can’t focus since seeing her.”

“Clearly.”

“You said you know her, right? Oh man, come on, you’ve gotta tell me about her!”

Ok Freefall, you asked for this. Let’s see what happens in the brain of yours when confronted with something serious. “What I tell you stays between us, agreed? I'm serious, you say anything about this to anypony and there will be pain.”

“Sure thing, whatever, now come on! I’m dying to know about this mare.”

“Ok, well, for starters, while under the influence of a split personality formed from early childhood trauma, she raped me, had me thrown in jail, and later tried to kill both myself and Twilight. But other than that, she’s real quiet.” Hmmm, just as I expected. I think his brain has just exploded, though his ears have done a great job at holding it in. Sorry, Bangles, for giving your secrets away so easily. But this clown clearly...

“But... she’s really pretty.”

Clearly... has a one track mind. Great, what the hay am I supposed to say to that? “Did you... even hear what I just said?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, that stuff. You said that was her other her, or whatever, right? Does she still get like that?”

“Well, no, but...”

“Ok then, what’s there for me to worry about?”

I suppose I really should thank you, Freefall. You’re making me feel much better about myself and my sometimes questionable intelligence. Still, one last test. Snowdrift turned at Freefall’s yelp, having been tossed to the ground and frozen up to his neck by a very serious looking Cerulean. “Freefall, you cannot possibly understand with that feeble mind of yours what she’s been through. She doesn’t need to be let down, or to have her heart broken anymore than it already is, so give me something to show me you’re serious.” Cerulean, not knowing Freefall all that well, couldn’t have understood how much it spoke to Snowdrift that he wasn’t backing out, nor pleading for mercy. That alone would have convinced the pegasus, but he knew that Cerulean needed something more substantial.

Oh man, this just got intense. What does he want me to say? No, screw that, what should I say? How much do I want this mare? “You can... take what’s left of my wings.” Cerulean narrowed his eyes for a moment, watching for signs of hesitancy before shattering the ice and helping him to his feet.

“That may be the smartest thing you’ve ever said, Freefall. What do you think, Cerulean?” Snowdrift murmured, thankful that his friend hadn’t come to harm.

“I think I need a drink. I’m starting to feel like a genius hanging around this guy, and I don’t want it getting to my head,” Cerulean mumbled, shaking his head in disbelief as Freefall looked from face to face.

“So, wait, do I pass?”

“You’re free to fall as hard as you want, given you stick to whatever boundaries she lays down. Treat her right, or you’ll lose more than just your wings.” True to form, he disregarded the seriousness of the moment and let out a colossal shout as Cerulean left the kitchen, going back to his work with newfound energy and purpose. There was still one problem lingering in his mind, but he would figure out some way to talk to her even if it killed him. Which, if he didn’t pay more attention to the knife, it just might.

No matter where Whisper looked, no matter how far he ran, their meeting place eluded him. His coat was matted with sweat and blood from the nicks and cuts, but he ignored the stinging sensation, pressing onward despite being short on breath. He had lost track of how many times he had fallen, but as yet another root brought him to the ground, he lay still, his chest heaving and the pounding of his heart being the only sound he could hear, save the crickets. Why is this so important to me? Just this afternoon, I was ready to walk away, to leave and never come back. It seemed so long ago, that night that he had experienced the warmth of another’s touch, but the memory was all the reminder he needed.

He could feel the urge to simply lay down and sleep growing with every labored breath, his fatigue reaching its peak while his muscles locked up from their cease in activity. Fluttershy, call out to me. Please, just a word. Something, anything to lead me back to you. I’m lost... can you bring me back? A stirring deep within caused him to shudder as he could feel magic accumulating within, and behind closed eyes he could see the increase in light as his horn began to glow. Magic was something he refused to use, as the only time it ever seemed to release was when he spoke, and the only thing that had ever brought was pain for everypony. He tried to squelch it down but stopped as his mind was suddenly flooded by a longing that wasn’t his own. Loneliness, regret, rejection: they whirled through his mind, pointing him towards the source.

Struggling back to his hooves, he tried to run but stumbled as a lancing pain shot through his right foreleg, bringing him to his knees. It was a sprain, and a bad one at that, each step feeling like his hoof was being broken off at the joint and no doubt caused by his last fall. Holding the throbbing limb to his chest, he made his way slowly on three hooves, stopping frequently to close his eyes reach out, grasping madly for the source of the despair. After another fifteen minutes, he emerged from the forest into a small clearing, back where he had met the beautiful mare that lay asleep, shivering and cold on the other side of the pond. It’s... coming from her, just like I thought... She waited... this whole time, just for me... I’m sorry... I’m sorry I’m so late, Fluttershy.

Caretaker

Without the arboreal canvas, the light of the moon painted the clearing with its soft, gentle glow. The waters were perfectly still, and as Whisper cautiously limped towards Fluttershy, who lay asleep on her side, he could see her coat glistening from the perspiration that hadn’t evaporated due to the cool of the evening. He had spent years fleeing from everypony, not letting any close, but that fear was no match for the shame that he felt at that moment, looking over at the mare who had reached out to him despite his efforts to push her away. So, rather than give it any say in the matter, he fought back violently against the rising doubt, quelling it into submission and making his way over as quietly as possible.

A glance at the surface of the water bid him freeze. Branches and leaves were stuck in his hair, blood had formed grotesque blotches of mud on the scratches near his hooves, and there was naught he could do to hide the raking welts from the thorns he had haphazardly torn through in his haste to try and find her.

How could she... see me as anything other than horrifying? I don’t even want to look at this, this... thing that I see peering back. But, if she can accept me... then... would it be ok, to be near just one pony? Whisper sat down beside her. He may have beaten back the fear of being around her, but he had no idea what to do next. Should he wake her? Hold her? Try to light a fire? For a time, he simply observed her as she slept, admiring how somepony so fragile and delicate would deign to speak to him. To wait, through the day and even into the night... Fluttershy, I’m sorry...

Hesitantly, he used his good hoof and gently placed it on her shoulder. She was freezing. Remembering the warmth he had felt accompanying the rush of magic when she had suckled his hoof, he swallowed hard and lay down beside her, blushing violently as the mere thought of the action caused his chest to catch fire. No, I can’t do that, there has to be another way. There were, but none without any kind of physical contact, and he closed his eyes as he scooted just a little closer and gently, cautiously, fearfully draped a hoof around her shoulder. The heat within grew as she pressed into his chest, nuzzling him briefly before laying still.

She’s so soft... It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, these new sensations that were quickly taking control of his mind. Even with the slight stirring of the magic within, he couldn’t bring himself to run, not after she had waited so long just for him, but instead found himself exploring, in a sense. Not having spent any time around ponies since the last time his magic went off, Whisper had no way of knowing what was and was not proper between a male and female, and thus his hoof began to wander, guided solely by innocent curiosity and instinct.

Closing his eyes, he traced a path from her shoulder up to her hair, examining the soft rosen hue and stroking her mane. Her shivering stopped and she let out an airy sigh, pressing even closer and burying her face in his chest. Does that mean... she likes this? I do too. I don’t know why, but it feels nice. I want to make her happy, so if something this simple can help, then I’ll... I'll do it. The soft glow of his horn bathed her in a cool, emerald light, and curiosity guided his hoof down her hair and then onto her wings. They were soft too, and quite interesting to the unicorn who, to his knowledge, had never touched wings of any kind. Were he not so enraptured with the mare, he would have payed more attention to his own physiology which was reacting in more ways than just a slow build of magic.

However, there was something he couldn’t ignore. For some reason, when he stroked her wings, she made quiet little squeaking noises that were simply too endearing not to continue. His wonder turned to fascination as they slowly unfurled, and he grew even more nervous as he ran a hoof along the inside. I’m so glad that I found a way to make her happy, even in her sleep. Maybe, just maybe she can forgive me... Fueled by that singular, pure desire, he pressed closer and stroked the downy wing more firmly, pushing Fluttershy’s body to a point where sleep was no longer possible, and Whisper froze as her brilliant teal eyes snapped open.

Now, not having any idea that what he was doing was, by comparison, about what hornplay was for a unicorn, he didn’t do as would be proper and yank his hoof away, beg for forgiveness, and grovel to show the depth of his remorse. No, as Fluttershy awoke, warm, blushing, and far more aroused than she ever had been while being face to face with somepony that she was, quite assuredly, attracted to, neural activity was at minimal capacity as the sensation commanded her total attention.

Ohmyohmyohmy... what is... when did... why is... “W-w-whisper?” Any other pony would have received the full fury of angry Fluttershy for violating her in such a way, but she couldn’t possibly be angry at the unicorn who had, seeing her become so clearly uncomfortable, retracted his hoof and sat staring at her with fearful eyes.

Oh no, was I doing somthing wrong? “I’m... I’m sorry it took me so long to find you, Fluttershy. I searched for hours...”

Why won’t... my wings go back down? Oooh, this is so embarrassing! “W-why... were y-you t... touching me?”

I knew it, I knew I was doing something wrong! But... it made those feelings of sadness disappear. I can’t hear them anymore, so maybe... maybe she can... “You were... really cold when I got here. I just wanted to warm you up. I didn’t mean to make you mad!”

Calm down... calm down... He didn’t know any better, it was just an accident. Ok, well, not really an accident, but... Not wanting him to run and seeing the guilt clearly spelled on his face, she ignored the fire coursing through her veins and lightning shooting through her spine as she wrapped her hooves around his neck, holding him tightly for fear he would slip away. “Thank you, Whisper. Thank you for coming back. But, um, next time, try to be a little more punctual, if you can.” It feels... so nice to hold him. Thank you, Whisper. This was worth staying out in the cold. She attempted to run her hoof through his mane but ran into a rather large branch that was lodged quite deeply in the tangled mess. She pulled away and gasped in horror as she saw all of the welts, scratches and bruises that he had accumulated in his determination to find her.

No, please, don’t look at me like that, not like everypony else...

“Whisper, you’re hurt! What in Equestria did you do to yourself?”

“I was... scared you wouldn’t be here, so I ran. I ran as fast as I could to try and find this place, but I was lost until you led me here.” She looks really mad. I should probably just...

“Stand up.”

“What?”

“I said stand up, Whisper. You’re in a lot of trouble.” Fluttershy’s stern expression fled as he painfully struggled to his hooves, whimpering as body wide muscle cramps compounded with having eaten next to nothing, and all this on top of rigorous exercise and a sprained hoof which Fluttershy immediately gave her full attention. It was swollen around the joint, turning violet against his green fur, and rather than shove him forcefully into the pond as she had originally intended, she lifted his hoof and put it around her shoulder, walking him down into the water and bidding him stand still. Despite his many wounds, as she stood beside him in the water, cleaning away the blood and grit, she couldn’t stop her wings from spreading once more.

For all his talk of being a monster and as scary as he could sometimes appear, she felt more at ease with the stallion than most of the mares in Ponyville. In spite of herself, a gentle smile grew as she cleaned his wounds, secretly treasuring not just the moment, but the time she had spent in his embrace, even if he had been moving very, very fast. This she could excuse on the basis of his innocent ignorance, and the simple fact that it was really nice. I think I’m going to have to have a talk with him about that soon. If he really doesn’t know anything about, um... that kind of thing, I should probably tell him about it, I guess. But if I don’t, maybe he’ll do it again? Oh my goodness, what am I thinking?

“Are you ok?”

“Whisper, I... think we need to talk about something.”

“What is it, Fluttershy?” He turned to face her, noting her blush with adoration and her wings with curiosity. I’m not touching them, so why are they doing that? “Are you going to go for a flight, or something? I can stay here and watch.”

I can’t do it. I just can’t do it. “I’d... like you to come back home with me,” she whispered, wrapping her hooves around his neck and squeezing him tightly. “I want to be with you. I want to take care of you. Could you, maybe, um, let me do that for you?”

“But, what if I...”

Ok, I tried to be nice about it, but if he’s going to be stubborn, so am I! “It doesn’t matter! I’m not going to let you spend the night alone in a forest when you’re clearly hurt! You’re coming home with me, and I’m going to take care of you, got it?”

How can a mare so gentle scare me so badly? But for her... I can make an exception. I’ve made it this far without hurting anypony but myself, so maybe... this will be all right. “Ok, but... it will be a long walk.” He couldn’t stop the tremor of excitement that coursed through him as Fluttershy released him, stooped down, and gently kissed the injured hoof before taking her place at his side, supporting him as best she could. He blinked back tears at her gentle words, pausing and nuzzling her just a bit as she spoke.

“If it’s with you, then I could walk all night, I think.”

It was indeed quite a trip, and nearly two in the morning by the time the cottage came into view. Fluttershy eased open the door and led him inside. Having been either glued to the ceiling or staring at Fluttershy, Whisper hadn’t really taken any time looking around the house, which felt almost as welcoming as the forest due to the sheer amount of stuff that was everywhere. Bird cages, bird houses, miniature stairways for critters, bookshelves, lanterns hanging from the ceiling, and flower filled vases replaced ferns, foliage, trees and creeper vines.

“I, um, I’m sorry it’s such a mess.”

“I like it.”

“You do?”

“It feels more natural. I was kind of nervous about coming over, but it’s not so bad.”

“I’m relieved to hear that, I was a little worried. Wait right here, we need to...” she started, stopping to heave a yawn as exhaustion caught up to her. “Need to, um, bandage your wounds and... and clean your mane.”

“Not tonight. You need sleep.” He paused as it became his turn to yawn, inhaling deep and growing incredibly drowsy. “And me too. Um... Where do I sleep? I normally just find a bush or something, but I don’t see any plants big enough for that.”

“You mean you’ve never slept in a bed?”

Bed? That word sounds familiar, like I should know what it means. Maybe it’s something from my past? “What is this ‘bed?’”

“You’ve never slept in a bed before?”

“I don’t know. I remember... words in my head, and I feel like I should know what they mean, but it’s like... there’s no picture to go with them. Like ‘candle,’ and ‘fork.’ Oh, but I know what a bathroom is! I figured that one out all by myself.” He looked quite proud of himself for a moment before growing somber again as the actual memory came back. “Well... I was hiding from some other ponies and ran inside, at which point I, um... saw it being used. The mare wasn’t very happy.” Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle at the idea of somepony her age, or at least close to it, not knowing anything about something as simple as a bed or a bathroom, and she determined then and there to be the one to teach the stallion. She was about to speak when a muffled moan came from her own bed.

“What was that?” Crimson, having come to check on Fluttershy and not finding her, had grown quite worried and resolved to stay until she returned. Sleep had overcome her, but her friend's voice had roused her from slumber, and she gave a start as she spied Fluttershy standing next to... something else.

“Fluttershy? What is...” she started before Whisper spooked, forgetting his injury and attempting to run before falling to the ground with a small whimper of pain, scrambling to get away. Not wasting a second, Fluttershy instantly flew to him, wrapped him in her arms and began stroking his mane, disregarding the bits and pieces of foliage that still remained.

“Shhh, Whisper, it’s ok. Just calm down... calm down, it’s ok.” Fluttershy held out a hoof to halt Crimson’s approach, holding the stallion close as he contemplated fleeing the scene, sprain or no. Crimson was almost as frightened, not for herself but for Fluttershy. The pony, if that’s what it was, was truly frightening to behold, like a creature born purely of the forest itself, from the flora in his overgrown mane and tail to the wounds dotting his frame.

“Fluttershy... is that...”

“Yes, my forest friend. He’s very, very shy, so, um, stay there for now, ok?” She nodded and even took a few steps back, sitting down and watching with fascination as Fluttershy tended to him like a mother caring for a foal. “Whisper, it’s ok, there’s no need to be afraid. You aren’t in any danger, it’s safe here.”

No, it isn’t. Not with me here. But I... I want to believe you. “I’m scared.”

“I know. I’m sorry she startled you, but that’s just my friend Crimson. She’s very kind, so, um, don’t be afraid, ok?”

“I don’t want her to see my eyes.”

“Um...” Why would he ask that? I think his eyes are really pretty, but I couldn’t possibly argue with him, not with him this frightened. “Ok, Whisper, I understand. Is it ok if she comes closer?” She waited patiently for an answer while Crimson grew more confused by the second, trying to figure out what Fluttershy was even responding to.

“I’m sorry, I’m not ready to be around anypony else...”

“Ok then, don’t worry about it. Crimson?”

“Y-yes, Fluttershy?”

“Um, I really hate to ask you to leave so late, but you’re making Whisper very nervous. Could you possibly come back tomorrow? Or, later today, I guess.”

“Fluttershy, is it... really going to be all right, leaving you two here alone?”

“Yes. Whisper would never do anything to hurt me.”

Fluttershy, you’ve only known him a day or two now... Please, don’t let this just be a covering for your feelings for Big Mac... “I’ll trust you, Fluttershy. Just... be careful.” Chancing a glance out at the mare as she left, he caught a brief glimpse of her Cutie Mark before the door closed. He couldn’t put a hoof on why, but it disturbed him greatly. He stayed where he was, letting himself be held by the one pony who he could be near without being overcome by dread, her soothing words and gentle touch slowly dispelling what remained of anxiety.

“I’m sorry.”

“Oh, it’s ok. Come on, bed time for you. I mean, after I at least bandage your sprain.”

“Bed... time?”

A low, bass rumble welcomed Crimson back to her room as she lay down beside Big Mac who was quite contentedly snoring up a storm. However, his status as a heavy sleeper was revoked upon consistently sharing a bed with Crimson, and despite her best efforts, he awoke as she sidled in behind him. She was grateful, really, accepting his embrace and saying nothing, which was a rather alarming indicator that something was wrong.

“Somethin’ on yer mind?”

I don’t want to jump to any conclusions, but... “I think... Fluttershy is making a mistake.”

“What kind o’ mistake?”

“Big Mac, I don’t think she’s over you yet, not completely. Tonight, when she came home, she was with some stallion. I’m not trying to say anything about Fluttershy, but I can’t help but fear she’s just finding something to ease the pain, like I have so many times.”

“Well, were they doin’ anythin’?”

“She was holding him like a child, Big Mac. For Fluttershy, that’s a lot. And she met him two days ago.” That was, indeed, a lot by her standards. Even with her closest friends, physical contact was usually shied away from, so for her to be moving that quickly was cause for worry. Unless...

“Was somethin’ wrong with ‘im?”

“Well... he seemed absolutely terrified of me. And he was covered in wounds, though nothing looked...”

“That explains everythin’. Crimson, Fluttershy may not get very close t’ other ponies, but she don’t have any rules ‘bout helpin’ others. Ah think you may be readin’ a little more into this than it needs.”

“But... he looked so frightening, Big Mac. I’m scared for her.”

“Crimson, ah wasn’t there, so ah can’t say anythin’ fer sure, but ask yerself this; does Fluttershy seem the type of pony t’ push somepony away fer lookin’ a little unkempt?”

“No, I suppose not...”

"Appearances can be deceivin', darlin'. I heard from Applejack that herself an’ her friends ran into an angry manticore in Everfree. It was a frightenin’ creature, ah hear, and it was roarin’ up a storm. Do you know why?” Crimson shook her head, waiting for him to continue. “It had a thorn stuck in its paw. Applejack and the rest were preparin’ t’ fight fer their lives when Fluttershy stepped in, pulled the thorn out, and gave the dang thing a pat on the head. Had it purrin’ like a kitten ‘fore she left. Crimson, that’s the kind o’ pony Fluttershy is, so don’t be too quick t’ judge.”

“I feel really bad, suspecting her like that... I just don’t want her to end up like me, trying to run from the pain.”

“Ah’m sure Fluttershy would fergive you even if you had said somethin’. Get some rest, an’ ah’m sure things will sort themselves out just fine.” She needed no second bidding, giving him a heartfelt kiss before drifting off, her worries melting under the heat of his chest and beating of his heart.

Whisper was the pinnacle of skittish, somepony who needed constant reassurance just to be in contact with one pony, even one that was, unless she was yelling, about as intimidating as a butterfly. For this reason, it made sense to have Whisper share her bed for the night. However, not because of any contrived social convention, but her own lack of experience with anything other than the occasional plutonic touch or a smack from Angel, she was also hesitant to attempt such a thing for fear of, well, her wings. And her hooves, for that matter. The thought of him leaving during the night, overcome by some worry was the thought that tipped the scales, and she couldn’t help but blush as she explained that the square object in the center of her room was called a bed, and it was used for sleeping. Just sleeping. Not any of the other things that were clouding her mind.

Whisper eyed the bed with curiosity, nudging it with his nose and finding it surprisingly giving. He raised his good hoof to test it further and fell face first, not having his other hoof to support him, though it accomplished the same task and quickly brought him to a simple conclusion: beds are much better than bushes. Wincing slightly as the motion jarred his hoof, he hopped onto the bed and lay down atop the covers, towards the end. He didn’t quite have the capacity to be indignant as Fluttershy laughed quietly at his ignorance, but simply tilted his head to the side, wondering what he had done wrong.

“I like this bed. It’s comfortable and soft, just like you.” I still haven’t quite figured that out. When her cheeks change color, is that good, or bad? Fluttershy wordlessly drew back the covers, instilling yet more wonder in the unicorn, and climbed in, motioning for him to do the same. She gave him wide berth, staying towards one edge while he examined the sheets, smelling faintly of lemon, and mimicked her, edging in up to his chin. “Thank you for letting me sleep in a bed. It’s wonderful.” She slowly rolled over to face him, hesitating a moment before giving in, drawing him close and sighing softly.

“You’re... very welcome, Whisper. Thank you for staying.” Her worries of an overactive mind ebbed away as sleep wrapped them both in its gentle embrace. Two ponies that were inexperienced in the such things as love and romance, and yet enjoying it at its simplest, purest form, held each other close, each grateful to the other for simply allowing the other to be near. Just before she lost consciousness, Fluttershy nuzzled his cheek and drifted off with a whisper. “I’ll take care of you, Whisper. I will, no matter what.”

Butterflies

Morning! That glorious time of day when the sun rises, the birds sing, and the sweet scent of stale bile, cider, and partially digested shepherd’s pie suffuses the air. Now lucid and repulsed by her habitual descent into the uncouth, Rarity again found herself worried over Fluttershy’s absence. True, it must be simply dreadful having so many suitors, but that is simply no reason to bail on one’s friends. Besides, Fluttershy had proven herself more than capable of standing up for herself, and there was no justifiable cause as to why she should have missed her little sister’s dazzling performance the night before. It would be greater still if she could remember the last half, but such thoughts were inconsistent with forward progress or the taming of her bedmane, so she pulled herself out of bed, cleaned up the floor, and let her minor annoyances melt away with her stress, standing under a cool shower and muttering dark threats against the lingering nausea and drum solo pounding in her cranium.

Crimson had a slightly cheerier awakening, feeling content, rested, and quite comfortable in the arms of her stallion. Despite the trepidation that was attempting to prompt her out of bed, she directed its attention to her stallion’s words earlier that morning, laughed as it sullenly stomped away, and snuggled closer to Big Mac. Now, she didn’t let anypony see it save her husband, but she hadn’t entirely forsaken her past persona, and given that such intimacy now actually meant something, she craved it all the more.

Despite the new trend being to conceive shortly after becoming active, Crimson had made it clear that, while she wouldn’t mind a foal or two in the future, she wanted some time to recover from her past and enjoy the present, and luckily their unprotected activity hadn’t resulted in conception. At her request, shortly after discovering how meaningful a good midnight romp actually could be, Twilight taught her the spell for temporary stallion infertility, an invaluable ability that had become something of a signal for her Big Mac. While eager when things started, he was a little hesitant to ask for anything, being somewhat shy about the subject. His eyes snapped open as the tingling sensation faded, and he found himself face to face with a grinning, beautiful, and all too willing Crimson.

“Mornin’, darlin’. Ah think ah know where yer mind’s at.”

“Oh, do you now? Well, I should hope a big, strong stallion like you would know how to handle that.”

“Handle? Beg yer pardon, miss, but ah believe that’s yer job.”

“Job? Oh, but that makes it sound like such a chore.” Big Mac had time for one more rational thought before devoting his attention to his wife, just as she silently asked that Fluttershy excuse her for showing up late.

Ah sure am glad Applebloom fixed the walls.

Being a light sleeper, always ready to dash away at a moment’s notice, Whisper woke before Fluttershy’s choir of birds sang their rousing wake up call. He nearly spooked, being wrapped in another pony’s arms, but then he saw the tranquility, the peace, and the unspoken gladness that tilted the corners of her mouth into a gentle smile. He didn’t want to ruin the moment, and simply watched her for a time, taking in the sights and sensations that seemed to be one of the only things that could ease his troubles. With every breath, her chest rose and fell against his own, and ever soft snore was a gentle breeze against his neck.

That strange tugging in my chest is coming back. I... her lips look... so soft. Having no framework with which to identify what is and is not acceptable, and since Fluttershy had nervously skipped out on her thorough explanation of arousal, attraction, and boundaries, he at first felt little need to resist, even glowing as his horn was at the mere thought of such a thing. And yet, there was something, some nagging doubt that warned him against such an act. It was faint, but recalling her reaction the other day when he had explored her wings, he settled for something he knew, beyond a doubt, that she enjoyed.

Fluttershy awoke to a warmth on her cheek, and cracked her eyes open to see Whisper... smiling? It filled her with joy indescribable, seeing the stallion’s sheepish grin. Shy, innocent, and bashful: Fluttershy saw herself reflected in his shining, scarlet eyes, and felt the fire in her chest ignite as she pulled back, holding his hoof in place a moment before returning the motion.

I wonder if maybe... maybe it would be ok, just a little one. But what would my friends think? I haven’t known him very long, but I... I love seeing him smile. She edged her muzzle just a little closer. Oh my goodness, am I really going to do this? I feel like I’m on fire, but... but it feels... Whisper made no attempt to move, curious as to why she was breathing so rapidly and moving closer. It was then that his original thought before placing a hoof on her cheek crossed his mind, and he found himself transfixed by her gaze and similarly short on breath. Whisper closed his eyes and waited, but what came wasn’t pressure to his lips but the very tip of his nose, lasting only for a second or two before the mare gave an embarrassed squeak and rolled away. I can’t... believe I just... missed. Oooh, I was so nervous! But it was actually kinda nice. At least to me.

Not having heard, or rather seen, any response from Whisper, she brought her hooves away from her face just enough to chance a glance back at him. He was blushing too, staring at her with wonder while holding his muzzle where her lips had graced his snout, completely unable to describe what was going on in his heart. Having noticed the form of butterflies on her flank the day prior, he had to assume that she had somehow transferred some living ones into his stomach, which, while not entirely unenjoyable, was a strange sensation all the same.

“That made my tummy go all funny. Was that magic?”

This is it. I’m gonna do it. This is totally the day I’m going to ask... er, chat... talk to... gah, Bangles, you even mess up my thoughts! Freefall shook his head as he approached the library, assuming that’s where Bangles would be. After nearly being brained with an encyclopedia for speaking out of turn and interrupting Cerulean’s child, he was informed that she was staying in the spare room of the tavern. It was a great stroke of luck, as he was less likely to make an idiot of himself without an audience. Well, less likely to be seen. Given how jumbled my thoughts are, I think me being stupid is a given. Dang, this is going to be rough. As he approached the tavern, he let himself in quietly only to hear voices, and was dismayed to hear Snowdrift call out to him from across the tavern.

“Hey, Freefall! What are you doing here?”

“Me? What about you?” he shouted back, using the opportunity to turn his thoughts away and give them a chance to cease tying themselves in knots.

“Having a drink with Berry, obviously. Come over here, Bangles may still be asleep.” An image of Freefall ramming his hoof into his face began to play on repeat for his mistake as he trotted over, sitting down opposite the couple and staring sullenly at the table. Berry and Snowdrift found it amusing seeing the womanizing stallion brought low by the mere mention of the mare, though Berry shushed him after letting him have a good laugh or two, seeing Freefall’s cloud of depression darken a little more.

“Come on, Freefall. Have some cider and calm down,” Berry offered, motioning to the casks lining the wall.

“No... I want to be level headed when I talk to her.”

“Level-headed?” Snowdrift mused. “Is such a thing even possible?”

“Snow, be nice,” Berry chided, making an effort herself not to laugh.

“Sorry, Berry. Look, Freefall, I’m sorry for ragging on you so much. It’s just so strange seeing you serious for once in your life.” The stallion simply nodded, nothing more. Oh man, this is worse than I thought. “Do you want us to put a good word in for you?”

“Like what?” He glanced up to see both ponies staring back, unsure of what to say. “Exactly. I don’t have anything to offer her, Snowdrift. The one thing I do have is a silver tongue, which unfortunately has been melted. Somehow, I don’t think “he can juggle onions” is going to get me very far.”

Sweet Celestia, she’s causing him to experience self-awareness? Finally! “Freefall, for what it’s worth, I’m glad to be your friend.”

“Why, because I make you feel smart? The world needs a moron here and there, doesn’t it...” Where once his hapless friend’s trepidation was cause for mirth, that last comment proved that, against all appearances and all odds, there was some depth buried within. But now, genuine concern came into play, and shooting Berry an apologetic glance before breaching his usually well-tamed table manners, climbed across to the other side, plopped down beside Freefall, and lent him a hoof.

“Freefall, you’re acting more awesome now than any other time I’ve seen you. You’re being real, and that’s hard to find.”

“That might be because it sucks.”

“I’m going to be honest, Freefall. I felt exactly the same when I spoke to Berry. I’m almost backed out of it, I was so nervous. I had no idea what the hay I was doing, but,” he paused, shooting her a grateful smile, “she found it in her heart to make room for me. You may be a bit more of a tail chaser, but we’re not that far apart, really.” Confidence rekindled, slowly smoldering back to life as Snowdrift’s words sparked all his many memories from Cloudspire. When there was trouble, they were always in on it together.

I guess if Snowdrift can find somepony, then so can I. Well, somepony who will stay with me, anyways. “Thanks, Snow. Now get offa me, I don’t like colts.” Berry couldn’t help but take one last jab, mostly because it was directed at Snow too.

“Really? I seem to recall being told that you were quite pleasantly lip-locked with my stallion not too long ago.”

“Thank you, Snow. I feel smarter now. Why the hay would you tell her about that?” Freefall prodded, shooting his friend a smirk while ignoring the implications towards himself.

“Because she asked what one of the most embarrassing things I’d done was! It’s not like I just up and threw it out into the open.” Freefall chuckled, standing up and feeling the confidence drain away much faster than it had built.

“Whatever. Wish me luck, I’m... gonna, um...”

“Who knows, maybe she’ll think stammering is cute.”

“Shut... up.” Stalking away from the table and finding it useless to try calming himself, Freefall stopped at the stairs and stared. On the off chance their noise hadn’t woke her, he ascended as quietly as he could, standing in front of her door for a full two minutes before finally gaining the courage to knock. Alright, here goes nothing. A gentle voice bid him enter, and after fumbling with the handle and acquiring a more severe case of the shakes, the door eased open and he found himself in her room. Unprepared, inarticulate, and entranced, he found himself unable to tear his gaze away from the soft, emerald eyes that stared back at him. I’m bo sucked... bucked, I mean, so bucked! Gah!

“So, you really did put butterflies inside me?” Fluttershy, in her bashful state, was having trouble explaining the concept of “butterflies in the stomach” to somepony when this was the first time she had experienced it herself.

“Um, well, you see... when, um...” This is too embarrassing! I’m glad Angel is still outside, he’d give me the what for, hesitating like this. “When... when you really like another pony, and you... do things together, it can cause all sorts of funny feelings, I think.” He seemed to drift off into thought at this, which gave Fluttershy time to calm herself and him time to contemplate the mystery of the non-existent winged miscreants who were still happily doing laps inside his stomach.

When you really like somepony... so, I guess, I like Fluttershy? That makes sense, she so nice. I don’t mind if she makes me feel funny again. “So I’m not really full of butterflies?”

“Nope, no butterflies.”

“Dragonflies then?”

“Whisper, there aren’t any animals inside your stomach. Just...” Wait, how is all that caused? I wish Twilight were here. I bet she’d know why it happens. “It just means you’re really happy, Whisper.” He thought for just moment more before he broke into a grin, scooting over and holding her close just like she’d taught him.

“That means you make me really happy, Fluttershy. Thank you.” Fluttershy slowly returned the motion, squeezing gently at first and then just a little tighter.

“You... make me really happy too, Whisper. I...” It’s so soon, should I say it? Wait, why does it matter if it’s soon? If it’s real, then why should I wait? “I really like you, Whisper. I’m glad we met. Now,” she continued, releasing him and easing herself out of bed, “I’m going to take a shower, then we’ll take care of your mane, ok? Feel free to help yourself to any of the food in the fridge. Oh yeah, um, please don’t run away while I’m gone, ok?”

“Ok, I’ll stay here for now.” Fridge? Shower? More words that he didn’t understand but felt like he should know. No matter, it was time to do more exploring! He examined everything around him thoroughly and soon became so fascinated by everything that he failed to hear the sound of running water. Sniffing around, he detected the scent of food behind some kind of white box. It looked like it had a handle of some sort, and a gentle tug revealed a fantastic array for fresh fruits and vegetables. This, clearly, was the legendary “fridge,” and he set about satisfying his gnawing hunger before a beauteous sound pierced through his revery.

“What is this place, filled with so many wonders~!” The words seemed to dance through his soul as he closed his eyes, focusing intently on the melody. It stirred the magic within, and just as he could sense intense sadness in the forest when she had been crying out to him, he now sensed an overflowing joy and happiness. He was powerless to resist the draw as she wove a spell within his heart, and without hesitation, he nudged open the door and sat down to watch. Had Fluttershy just been singing, this would have been no cause for alarm. However, as he watched through the glass, more indescribable feelings bombarded his senses. What anypony with a shred of awareness would have immediately identified as “arousal” was simply labled as a different strain of “curiosity,” to which he yielded without restraint.

“I’d have come here sooner, and never leave!
Yes, I... love...”

At this point she twirled, opened her eyes, and stopped breathing. He’s... watching me... shower? Her mind threw up a white flag and made for sunnier pastures, leaving her to fend for herself. After a few false starts that escaped as soft squeaks, she managed simply to name the stallion who, only vaguely aware of her discomfort, continued to wait eagerly for her to say what exactly it was that she loved. “W... w... Whisper?”

She... loves me?

The door gently closed behind Freefall, signalling his committal to the coming humiliation. Not able to recall a single instance where he was so thoroughly shaken simply by the sight of a mare, he had no experience to draw upon, and he summoned what little courage he had and took the plunge, every moment of eye contact an epic struggle not to bolt out the door and call it quits.

“Hey there.” Oh man, nailed it! I’ve so got this!

“Hi.”

Nope, I’m bucked. I’ve got nothin’. “Um...” Come on, something, anything!

“I don’t think we’ve met. May I ask who you are?”

“Nope.” Buckin’... what’s that look supposed to mean?

“No, I can’t know your name?”

Pull it together! “It’s, um...” Free-freaking-fall, just say it!

He must know... somepony must have put him up to this, as he is clearly afraid of me... “You must have heard all about me. If you’re that afraid, just go. You don’t need to torture yourself on my account.”

“I’m not afraid of you! It’s just you’re smoking hot and I want to ask you out but you make me really nervous ‘cause you’re too sexy and I just can’t think enough to even say my bucking name because just the sight of you fries my freaking tiny brain!” I said that. I said that really loud. I said that loud enough for Snowdrift and Berry to have heard. “I’ll be leaving now,” Freefall whispered, bolting out the door without giving her a chance to respond. Bangles sat staring at the place he had been standing just moments ago with utter confusion at how anypony could see her as anything other than a threat. But that pony, whose name she still didn’t know, was so enamored with her that he called her...

“Smoking... hot?”

“Whisper, what... what are you doing in here?” Fluttershy was again grateful to her mane’s ability to cloak her face, not daring to look at Whisper for fear of blushing harder, if that were possible. Doesn’t he know any better? What kind of pony would...

“Watching. And listening.” It was so blunt, so nonchalant, so devoid of sensuality that Fluttershy’s thoughts were proved false; he clearly didn’t know better. It didn’t do much to minimize her mortification, and she slowly sank to her haunches. “Oh, is this a game?” It was impressive to Whisper how the mare could manage to shrink herself so small, being entirely invisible after dropping down below the rim of the bathtub. “Are we hiding? I’ll play too!”

Fluttershy heard his hoofbeats dart outside the bathroom and clatter around the house. Not lifting herself, she snaked out a hoof and turned off the flow, determining that somepony was going to talk to that stallion sooner rather than later. She couldn’t bring herself to be angry with him, and after drying off and returning to her room, she found him crammed under her bed with most all of his tail sticking out. Any lingering trepidation was banished as she sat down, examining the silky fibers still strewn with twigs and leaves.

“You know, if you’re going to hide, you really need to keep better track of this,” she giggled, giving his tail a light tug and letting him know the game was up. “Come on out, and let’s get that mane taken care of.” The daylight flooding the house revealed the task was to be a monumental undertaking. Especially with no magic to aid her, just getting most of the foliage out took a good hour. Whisper sat patiently, enjoying the special treatment but wishing for something a little more.

I know that she’s already being really nice, but... “Fluttershy?”

“Yes, Whisper? What is it?”

“Could you... maybe... sing some more?” The brush paused for just a moment before continuing to work out the knots, and Whisper closed his eyes as a different kind of warmth filled his soul, her wondrous voice filling him with awe. And yet, his joy was tinged with sadness as a single thought rose from the stirring in his heart. I wish... I could sing with her. I shouldn’t be selfish, though. She still gives me butterflies, and that’s really nice.

Suspicions

Well rested, semi-exhausted, and ready for the day to go on as they stepped out of the shower, Crimson and Big Mac entered the dining room just past the kitchen. Big Mac went about rummaging around the fridge for breakfast while Crimson regarded Applebloom with embarrassed amusement, her expression of deep contemplation shifting to one of disgust as the couple entered.

“Applebloom, what’s that look for?”

“Ah was just tryin’ to figure out what t’ do today, but clearly ah need t’ check that book out from Twilight again so ah can see if there’s any way t’ soundproof somethin’ twice. It just ain’t natural, screamin’ an’ hollerin’ like yer dyin’.”

“An’ yet, ah feel so alive.”

“Big Mac, yer gonna have a mallet ‘tween yer ears if you say anythin’ else. Taintin’ mah ears, what kind o’ big brother are you?”

“Applebloom, we really aren’t that loud, are we?” Crimson received nought but a sullen scowl for her inquiry, at least for a time before the filly sighed.

“No, you ain’t, ah’m sorry. But ah can still feel it in the floorboards.” Again thankful for his red coat, Big Mac’s blush was nearly imperceptible as he set out various apple treats and some vegetables for Crimson to enjoy before taking a seat beside her. “Ah think I’m gonna try t’ find Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, see if they want t’ do somethin’. Sorry fer hollerin’ at y’all.”

“It’s all right, Applebloom. We probably could use a little more self restraint.”

“Eeyup.” The filly trotted off, and Crimson bantered back and forth with Big Mac for a while. She finished first, having a smaller appetite, and bid him farewell as she made towards Fluttershy’s cottage. After some sleep, some fun, and some food, she found her worries of Fluttershy staying the night alone with that stallion diminishing, and the scene that she was met with banished them completely as she made it to the house. Rather than knock, she chose simply to observe from the window, since whatever she saw would be the most natural, which, given that it was Fluttershy, was nothing short of adorable.

Jubilant was the word that came to mind to describe her pegasus friend as she groomed the timid stallion. She couldn’t see his face, as he had his back to her, but for him, who was so frightened just by her presence, to be allowing that kind of contact, it could only mean that Fluttershy and him shared something special. Fluttershy had to keep placing a hoof on his head to keep it from bobbing to the song, as the movement made it difficult to continue combing, but sure enough, shortly after she pulled her hoof away it would start again. From where Crimson stood, it seemed much more like a mother and son relationship than anything romantic, but if it was truly making Fluttershy that happy, then she resolved not to speak against it.

Fluttershy glanced up as a knock sounded at the door, and Whisper instantly scrambled under her bed as quickly and painlessly as he could on three legs. Rather than let whoever was outside in, she trotted over and gathered up the stallions sizable tail and pushed it under the bed to aid in his disappearing act.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell where you are.”

“Thank you!”

“You’re welcome, Whisper. Just stay here for a bit, ok?” Trotting over, she found a beaming Crimson on the other side of the door. “Good morning, Crimson. Are you here to help feed the animals?”

“Well, actually, I was just coming to check on you. I was a little worried, leaving you alone with some stallion you hardly know, but after watching you two this morning...”

“You were watching us?” Crimson was about to nod and continue on to say how she didn’t expect anything of the two, but as the dainty mare’s cheeks flushed pink at the thought of everything that had happened since waking, she became rightfully suspicious.

“Fluttershy? Is there something you need to tell me?” Ok, well, that squeak speaks more than her words would. There is definitely something going on. “What kind of relationship are you in, exactly? What’s going on between you two?”

Oh dear, what do I say? I don’t even know the answer. I mean, we both like eachother, but I don’t know if he even knows what that means. “Um... I don’t...”

“Is he still here? Maybe I can ask him.”

“No, you can’t!” She hadn’t meant to shout, but she really didn’t want to have to chase him through the forest, especially given how much time she’d spent getting the last of the debris out. Unfortunately, raising one’s volume typically indicates secrets or anger, and seeing that Crimson was not upset but rather eyeing her with greater suspicion, Fluttershy knew which it was. “I’m sorry, he is here, but he’s too scared of you. Please, leave him alone. I’ll answer any questions you have.”

“I’m still waiting on the first one, Shy.”

“Oh, um...” Crimson turned to give the house a good looking over, confident that a stallion with such copious quantities of hair wouldn’t be hard to spot. Her eyes had almost passed over the bedroom when there was a sneeze, a flash, and all the loose articles in the house shook. Fluttershy and Crimson both took a moment to stare at the knocked over vases, the clock that had fallen over, and the several books that had fallen from their designated resting spots. Crimson took one step forward before Fluttershy spilled the beans, leaving Crimson even further shocked and slightly worried.

“Ok, Crimson you win. I like him, and he likes me, but he doesn’t know anything about boundaries!”

Doesn’t know anything about what now?!? “Fluttershy, when you say boundaries...” One more glance at the mare nervously shuffling in front of her confirmed it. “Explanation. Now.”

“Oh, ok, um... let’s see. This morning, he, well... he watched me shower. Oh, and this one time when we were in the forest he... um... played with... with my...” Whether she finished the sentence or not, the slow unfurling of her wings connected the dots in Crimson’s mind.

“And you’re ok with this? That’s almost as fast as I used to be, Fluttershy!”

“Crimson, he doesn’t know any better! He didn’t even know what a bed was!”

“Didn’t know... so what, then, he’s been living in the wild his whole life?”

“That’s right, I think. I want to try talking to him about it, but it’s too soon. And besides,” she started, peering back at the bed where he was no doubt still hiding, “I don’t want to scare him away. I’m hoping that, eventually, I will get him to a point that we can leave the cottage every now and then, but I can’t possibly rush that. Please, don’t be angry, Crimson.”

It doesn’t make any sense. Even if he were abandoned, he’d still have some recollection of what it was like being with other ponies. And if he was wild to begin with, there’s no way he could communicate with Fluttershy. There’s something going on, but what? Memory loss? I wonder if maybe Cerulean could take a look... “Fluttershy, I’m not angry, just... be careful, ok?” She nodded, and Crimson peered back at the bed. “Tell him I said goodbye, and I didn’t mean to frighten him.” Fluttershy stood still a moment, gazing into the distance before breaking into a cheerful grin.

“Don’t worry, he heard you. He’s sorry for hiding, but he’s just not ready yet.”

Telepathy? I definitely need to talk to Twilight and Cerulean about this. This is just too strange. Crimson waved and let herself out, and after some gentle coaxing, Whisper dragged himself out from the bed, hobbled back out to the main room and plopped himself down.

“Can you brush me more?”

“Silly, I told you I was going to get your mane and tail done, right? I’m not even halfway done, so sit still, all right?”

“What about singing?”

“You move too much for that, but if you’re good, maybe I’ll sing you a song when I’m done.” Taking her at her word, he sat up straight and stiffened, giving a nearly flawless impersonation of a statue. Fluttershy finished what was left of the mane before sitting beside him and laying his tail in her lap, running a hoof over it and taking a moment to be amazed at how fine it was. I would love to be wrapped in this, it’s so soft and warm and... oh, I’m doing it again. Normal thoughts, Fluttershy, normal thoughts! Unfortunately, it was a battle not easily won, made worse when he turned and sat facing her, watching her every move with scrutinizing interest and wondrous curiosity. “Is something wrong, Whisper?”

“Why do you like me?”

Where did that come from? I mean, I know the answer, but... “There are a lot of reasons, but why do you, um, want to know?” She waited for the telltale green letters the flare across her vision, but none came. “Whisper?”

“I didn’t know what a bed was.” To say the answer confused Fluttershy would be putting it mildly, and her hooves quickly lost their ability to brush as her mind overclocked itself trying to unravel the mystery. Fortunately, he noticed the furrowed brow and elaborated. “I look scary. I tried to keep you away. I don’t know anything about this place or other ponies, but you still said you liked me. Why?”

“I feel safe with you, Whisper.” He didn’t know what to expect, but that was, perhaps, the lowest on his list.

Fluttershy, I’m not safe. You can say I’m not a monster, and maybe... maybe I can believe that. But that doesn’t change what I’ve done, or how many ponies I’ve hurt.

“Oh, stop that. No sulking,” she commanded, waving the comb at him and regaining his attention. “Listen, Whisper, I used to be scared of other ponies just like you.”

“Really?”

“Yes. It was so bad that I couldn’t even tell somepony my name if they asked. I’m still very nervous, meeting new ponies and going new places, but I was never scared of you. I don’t know what it is that makes you so sure that things are going to go bad, or that you just break things, but that’s not the pony I see.”

“Then what do you see?” Fluttershy gently set down the brush, maintaining eye contact as she did so. In an honest expression of trust, she gently eased herself into his lap, leaning her head against his chest and wrapping his good hoof in her own.

“You think you look scary, but I find comfort in your mane. You think you don’t know anything, but I see eyes filled with wonder. You see a monster, but I see a pony who just needs a friend. I see...” Myself...

It was a little known fact that there was indeed a limit on the amount of fabulosity that Rarity could experience in a single day without being driven mad. But, for whatever reason, the universe was collaborating with its good friend fate to try and achieve just this. Sure, the morning didn’t exactly start off the greatest, but throwing away the evidence of yesterday, everything was diamonds and silk from there on out.

Firstly, she found that one of her latest designs had been featured in an eminent fashion magazine and was receiving great renown, praised by fans and critics alike. Clearly dissipation must be ladylike if she could turn out such a marvel while, admittedly, quite pasted. As a result, her boutique had landed several high paying orders which, if her performance maintained itself, would net her even more notice. After some discussion and Rarity’s revealing of her spell to find gems, Jewel was able to cut ties with the price-jacking, snobby suppliers that had all but choked her shop into bankruptcy and re-open in Ponyville. Elated to be away from the city, Jewel had crafted a few utterly marvelous pieces for her as thanks, which she was only all to willing to display, though she sometimes felt the full effect was lost on the ponies around Ponyville. Good Spirits, true to his name, set about expanding the menu of the tavern with all manner of tasty, though normal, beverages for her to try. It really wasn’t fair to the others, but Silver was winning by leaps and bounds in her mental contest, if only for his association with the two ponies.

Still, through various hard learned lessons, she knew that friends should come before work, and sating her thirst for gossip combined with worry for Fluttershy, driving her towards the cottage. Now, Rarity still had nightmares about having a green mane; it was, quite bluntly, the worst possible color, and she truly felt for anypony cursed with such an existence. Certainly, if it looked poorly on her, then how could it ever be even close to reasonable on another? Or, at least, that’s what she thought until she peeked in the window and saw Whisper.

Rarity, as her friends all knew, was prone to lapse into “fashion frenzy,” during which time logic was given a front row seat to watch mania put on a show. It didn’t matter to her much whether the pony holding her dear friend was mare or stallion; whoever it was had the most stunning, most sensational, ravishing, striking... The list went on, and she silently nodded her affirmation to every adjective before coming to the overwhelming conclusion that, for once, she had been wrong about fashion.

I was woefully mistaken in my assessment, as this clearly proves that green is the... best... possible... thing! That color, the way the mane shines in the light... why has Fluttershy been keeping this pony to herself? And who is it? It looks so natural, but nopony has a mane like that, mare or otherwise. It’s criminal, keeping such beauty withheld for one’s own pleasure. I will not stand for it! Without a further thought on the matter, or an ounce of self-restraint, Rarity barged in the door and bolted towards the stallion who, were it not for Fluttershy in his lap, would likely have bolted just as fast for his happy place underneath the bed. Fluttershy suddenly found oxygen in short supply as the terrified stallion clung to her with all his might, terrified of the white unicorn that was much too close for comfort.

Excitement in the form of books piled high pervaded the library, as Twilight finally was given a day off to do nothing but study, practice, study, and practice some more. Being a mother, while valuable for learning all kinds of lessons, was the single largest time sink she had found. Not that this cause any kind of regrets, but Cerulean knew that she would get stir crazy if she wasn’t given adequate time to get her scholastic high off of the scent of musty pages and the tantalizing tickle of dust. It was fortunate then that the knock on the door sounded in between books, though it was with great reluctance that she stood and cantered over.

“Crimson? You look stressed, is something wrong?”

“Well, I don’t know, exactly. I was hoping to talk to Cerulean, is he here?”

“No, he left this morning with Dawn to go raise a ruckus elsewhere. Is it something I can help with?”

Well, she does know a lot about magic. And from what Cerulean’s told me, she’s known Fluttershy longer, too. “Maybe. Can I come in?”

“Oh, sorry! Sure, come on in.” The mare gawked at the mountains of books piled around the room, wondering how anypony could both live in such a condition and not choke on the dust that glittered gold in the shafts of sunlight. “Ok, sis, what’s this all about?” Crimson chuckled softly at the moniker before growing serious once more.

“So, remember the other night when Fluttershy told everypony at the tavern that she had somepony already?”

“Yeah, it was kind of a shocker. I’m a little curious to know if she was actually being serious or just trying to keep everypony away.”

“It was both, actually.”

“Really? Wait, so Fluttershy actually has a special somepony?”

“I can only assume. It was rather difficult prying an answer out of her, but she admitted that she likes him, and he likes her.”

“Awww, that’s so cute! I wonder what he’s like? Have you seen him? Is he a hulking earth pony like Big Macintosh?”

“No, he’s an easily startled green unicorn that hides from anypony but her.”

“Hmmm, yeah, I can see that.”

“Twilight, if it was that simple I wouldn’t be here.”

“I’m sorry, you’re right. Go on.”

“I try not to be suspicious of ponies, but she’s told me a couple of things that are worrisome, and I’ve noticed some odd things about him. For one, he’s lived in the wild most of his life, and has no social awareness whatsoever.” Twilight suddenly became much more intrigued with the idea of studying an isolated pony than the now boring books she was so enamored with just moments before. “He... touched her wings on the second day, and watched her shower this morning.”

“And ponies say I moved fast... Crimson, that may be kind of strange, but that’s no reason to try and track down Cerulean. What’s really going on?”

“Well, he’s a unicorn, like us, but his magic... Twilight, have you ever heard of a unicorn using magic for telepathy?”

“What, you mean like speaking into another’s mind? It’s complicated, but not impossible, why?”

“He doesn’t talk, Twilight. Not a single word. And yet, he’s communicating somehow with Fluttershy, like he’s doing exactly that. No unicorn left to his own devices in the wild should know how to do that, right?”

“You’re right, that is strange. No, not strange, that’s borderline impossible, unless it had something to do with his talent.”

“He doesn’t have one. He’s still got a blank flank, and that’s not all. When I arrived there this morning, he was hiding under the bed, but when he sneezed, he released some magic and it knocked a ton of things over. Small things, like vases, but still. I’ve never heard of somepony translating a sneeze into something like that.” The more Twilight heard, the more she wanted to abandon her studies and go see this stallion.

No talent, no learning, and yet he was using fairly advanced unicorn magic? “Wait, Crimson, is it possible he’s using soul magic?” Those words were the trigger that connected the nagging doubts with her distant memories. She couldn’t know for certain, but she knew somepony who could tell her for sure.

“Twilight, please, you have to tell me where Cerulean is!”

“He’s probably at Sugarcube Corner, getting some...” She never finished the sentence, because after a brief, scarlet flash, Crimson was gone.

“You know, Dawn, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you loved cupcakes more than me.”

“Silly dad, no eat Rulean. Eat cupcakes n’ pancakes!”

“I’m sensing a cake trend.” The filly ignored his musings and returned her attention to the box of delectable treats before her. Sure, if she ever discovered that the particular strain she was consuming were laced with less sugar and more vitamins, she’d have blown a fuse, but the little foal was none the wiser as she demolished a dozen in record time. Pinkie had nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for the foal that was greedily starting in on the second box, grateful that her mother was nowhere near to stop her.

“Cerulean, if she keeps up like that, I’m going to have to actually try at the next eating competition. I mean, Spike did a great job, but I think Dawn will have him beat pretty soon.”

“I really need to expand her diet a little bit, but she’s as finicky as they come. If she tries to keep up with you, I’m afraid the only thing she’ll do is swell up like a balloon.”

“Oh, like this?” The mare, by some mystery of the universe, seemingly converted the oxygen in her body to helium and began to drift away.

“No, Pinkie, down! No wings, no fly!”

“Okie dokie lokie!” There was an audible whoosh of air as she deflated, trotting back behind the counter to score some treats for herself when the door slammed open and Crimson came charging in.

“Cerulean, you can search memories, right?”

“Yes, but...” He got no farther as she bolted over, recalled the scene where Whisper had sneezed, and pressed her horn to his.

“Take a look.” He watched for but a moment before snapping his head back and staring at her with wild eyes. “Is it?”

She never received a verbal response. Dawn found her snack time abruptly halted as Cerulean bid her hold on tight and took wing, soaring straight to the library, entering in a hurry and levitating Dawn to her mother. “I’m sorry, Twi, I’ll make up the lost study time later!” Twilight didn’t have time to ask for an explanation before he bolted away, and she did her best to comfort the startled filly who sat staring at the small puffs of snow left from his wings.