Chapter 4: The Forgotten Memory

As Dusk listens to Zephyr’s plan, his face changes from curiosity, to smugness, then to shock and finally to a very satisfied look.

“So, do you understand what you need to do?” asks Zephyr.

“Perfectly. I will probably start the first part of the plan tomorrow morning, when you get the day off.”

“That would probably be the best time Dusk. Thanks for the help.”

“No problem.”

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Later that evening, Dusk decides to call it a day and to go back to Fluttershy’s house. In the distance, he can see the outskirts of the Everfree Forest. He shudders, vowing to never go back in there again unless absolutely necessary.

He follows the pathway that she told him about, and he eventually finds the house that she was talking about. There are all sorts of animals near the house such as bunnies, squirrels, deer, chickens and numerous species of birds. There are a lot of areas for the various animals to stay in as well. There were bird houses on trees, small animal houses around the house and the chicken coop for... chickens. The house itself looked like it was part of nature. There were the obvious foundations of a normal house, but the roof consisted of leaves and various plants. It somewhat reminded him of Twilight’s tree house.

As Dusk walks over to the door, he notices different reactions from the animals. The bunnies maliciously stare at him, the birds and smaller animals look scared and the larger animals were curious about why he would be here.

He knocks on the door.

*knock knock knock*

He hears hoofsteps approaching the door. As the door opens, he sees Fluttershy holding a carrot in her teeth.

“Evening Shy. Why have you got a carrot in your mouth?”

She moves away and gives a bunny the carrot, who starts devouring the poor, helpless vegetable.

She starts talking, “The carrot was to feed Angel Bunny, so how was your day?”

“It was fine. I didn’t get the job, but I am working with someone that will help get me the job.”

She smiles (D’AWWW) and happily says “Oh, that’s great. I hope that they will help you with your job.”

“Thanks Shy.”

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Dusk sits on Fluttershy’s couch while having idle chatter with her.

“When I was walking through the Everfree Forest.” recalls Dusk,  “I came across this beautiful patch of blue flowers. I would of picked some up, but I remember hearing a warning about them. They were called Poison Joke or something”

He saw Fluttershy’s face look up in recognition.

“What’s up Shy?” he asks in a questioning tone.

“My friends and I have actually been affected by Poison Joke.”

“Really? What did the plant give you?”

Fluttershy looks away, “I don’t want to talk about it.” she quietly responds.

“If you are going to bring it up, then you should know that I’ll be curious about it.”

She stays defiant.

“But if you don’t want to talk about it, then I wont press the issue.”

“Thanks Dusk.”

“No problem.”

There is a deafening silence, until Dusk decides to bring up another topic.

“So Fluttershy, what job do you do in Ponyville? I mean, Twilight is a librarian, Applejack is a farmer but I don’t really know what you do for a living.”

“Uhh... I’m like a vet in Ponyville. I take care of all the wild animals, and any injured pets that anyone has.”

“Do you like to do tha- *hit*”

Interrupting him was Angel, who threw a half eaten carrot at him. He seems angry about something. Dusk looked curiously at Fluttershy, who was scolding the bunny. Angel hops back into his little animal hole.

“Oh no Dusk. I’m sorry about that.” says the devastated Fluttershy, “Angel Bunny doesn’t like when someone else is in the house.”

“Nah, don’t worry about it. I’ve had a lot worse.” ‘A lot, lot worse.’

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Fluttershy is busy in the kitchen making dinner for Dusk and herself.

“Hey Shy? What are you making?”

“I can’t tell you until its ready.”

“When will it be ready?”

“Soon.”

“Fluttershy, you are impossible.” Dusk says in a harsh tone. Much harsher than he intended,

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t know, I’m- eep.” She is on the verge on crying.

He tries to comfort her, “Uhhh... d-don’t cry Shy,” he was suddenly filled with grief and regret. “I c-can’t handle it w-when...” Dusk suddenly falls onto the floor, shaking uncontrollably, in a semi-conscious state. Next Chapter: Chapter 5: Betrayal Estimated time remaining: 8 Hours, 9 Minutes