“Don’t be afraid, little friends; I’m right here.”

If you ever hear me saying that, then you’ll know that I take care of animals. I’m the kindest pony in the whole of Equestria; kindness is a must for an animal caretaker like me. It’s very easy to frighten the animals of Equestria; that’s one reason they come to me.

My coat is the color of the sun; my mane and tail are the color of a flamingo’s feathers. Speaking of feathers, I have wings; however, I don’t like to fly very high. I usually use my wings to cuddle and caress, not to flap and fly.

Just like most animals, I have one very serious problem: I’m shy. I’m afraid of heights, too, so instead of flying smoothly and gracefully, I usually just flutter. Therefore, my name is Fluttershy.

“EEP!”

The sight of a towering white alicorn wearing splendid regalia struck me like lightning.

“Hello, my dear.”

The alicorn smiled politely.

I lay down and covered my eyes, quivering in utter fright.

“Oh, dear—you poor, petrified pegasus!”

As soon as I heard those words, I uncovered my eyes and looked up at the alicorn.

“My name is Celestia; I am the Princess of Equestria.”

The princess heard sweet chirping all around her.

“You know, I love animals—especially birds!”

She turned sideways to show me her Cutie Mark—the picture on each of her flanks—which was the sun.

“The Summer Sun Celebration is coming soon.”

My eyes opened wide, and my ears stood up straight.

“I love the summer sun!”

“So do I. I also love to listen to the birds as they make their sweet music. Therefore, I choose you to make some music for me on the day of the Celebration.”

I hung my head and thought long and hard.

“I would love to help you with the music!”

“Thank you very much.”

“I’m Twilight Sparkle. What’s your name?”

Twilight Sparkle was a unicorn; her coat was purple, and her mane and tail were navy blue with a single hot-pink stripe.

“Erm—I’m Fluttershy.”

“Could you speak up, please? I couldn’t hear you the first time.”

“My name is Fluttershy.”

I was so shy that I could not speak any more loudly than a whisper.

“Well, I guess my work is done here…”

“A baby dragon! I never saw a baby dragon before! He’s so cute!”

“This is Spike; he’s my ‘No. 1 Assistant’.”

“Hi, Spike. I’m Fluttershy. It’s so nice to meet you!”

“Ready?”

My songbirds were, indeed, ready.

“…Princess Celestia!”

As Rarity opened the curtain, everypony turned to look to where the spotlight was.

“From this day forward, the night—will last—FOREVER!”

That voice belonged not to Princess Celestia but to Nightmare Moon—an evil black alicorn!

“Fluttershy?! What are you doing here?!”

A blue pegasus whose mane and tail were all the colors of the rainbow had come to my cottage.

“Rainbow Dash!”

“You remember me! I was worried about you!”

“But when Nightmare Moon showed up, she frightened me, and I couldn’t help galloping away!”

Rainbow Dash took pity on me and comforted me with her wings.

“We lost you, so we came all the way here to find you.”

Twilight Sparkle was glad that she and Rainbow Dash had found me.

“Oh, dear—it’s dark!”

The unicorn used her horn to illuminate the path to Ponyville, where she had moved in.

“Why, hello, darling!”

“Howdy, sugarcube!”

“Hi!”

A white unicorn, an orange Earth pony, and a pink Earth pony greeted me—each one in her own way.

“EEP!”

Five ponies gathered around me as I lay unconscious on the floor.

“Girls, I think you scared Fluttershy.”

Twilight Sparkle used her horn to envelop me in her magical grasp.

“I’m sorry, Twilight; I’m just so shy!”

“Oh, Fluttershy, you don’t need to apologize. Princess Celestia told me to make some friends, and you are one of my friends now!”

“But I’m still afraid of Nightmare Moon!”

“We can defeat Nightmare Moon with the Elements Of Harmony. There are six Elements, but only five are known by name: Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, Laughter, and Kindness.”

“I wonder what the sixth Element is.”

“Nopony knows, Fluttershy; it’s a mystery.”

“The Everfree Forest?!”

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Twilight Sparkle, and Pinkie Pie begged me to go with them.

“I was going to wear this to the Grand Galloping Gala, but just in case…”

“Oh, my goodness—a beautiful spring hat!”

“I knew you’d like it, darling!”

“Rarity’s hat has five flowers on it—one for each of you!”

“You have five friends, Fluttershy—and friends always stick together!”

“Like caramel on a candy apple!”

“Did somepony mention candy apples?!”

Since I knew that many animals loved flowers, I decided to follow my five new friends into the forest, hoping to find some animals there.

Pinkie Pie laughed her head off at the sight of many frightening faces on the trees.

“Stop it, Pinkie! This is no time to laugh; this is a time to panic!”

Tears fell from my eyes like hailstones.

“Oh, no—I hurt her feelings!”

Pinkie and I cried our eyes out together.

“It’s OK, Pinkie. I forgive you.”

Then, we tickled each other.

“Thank you for making me laugh, Fluttershy!”

“Whoa, there! Where do you think you’re going, Fluttershy?”

When Applejack called my name, I turned to face her and hung my head.

“I don’t want to be here. I’m too afraid to face Nightmare Moon!”

Twilight Sparkle heard what I’d told Applejack.

“Some animals are nocturnal, but even nocturnal animals need the sun!”

“Oh, no—not the animals, too!”

“Besides, we’re all afraid of Nightmare Moon.”

My fear of Nightmare Moon had turned into concern for all the animals of Equestria.

My newfound courage allowed me to venture into the Castle Of The Two Sisters.

“Who dares intrude into my castle?!”

Nightmare Moon’s voice made my friends and me tremble.

“Erm—help?”

Rainbow Dash was the first to comfort me.

“I’ll never surrender to you, Nightmare Moon!”

“Impudent foal! You have no choice but to surrender! There can only be one princess in Equestria—me!”

I flapped my wings and flew up to Nightmare Moon’s face.

“I’m ashamed of you!

“How could you possibly be so cruel?

“Do you realize how many animals are suffering because of you?

“There must be millions of them—billions, even!

“I have firsthoof experience with animals!

“From my experience, I know that all animals need both day and night to survive!

“I won’t let you make the night last forever, Nightmare Moon!

“Don’t get me wrong—I appreciate the night!

“However, I don’t appreciate eternal night!

“Kindly bring the sun back for everypony—and for all—animals—everywhere!”

“My dear Fluttershy, I thank you for reuniting me with my younger sister—Princess Luna.”

Princess Celestia rewarded my friends and me with the Elements Of Harmony.

I earned the Element Of Kindness.

Rainbow Dash earned the Element Of Loyalty.

Rarity earned the Element Of Generosity.

Pinkie Pie earned the Element Of Laughter.

Applejack earned the Element Of Honesty.

Twilight Sparkle earned the Element that used to be a mystery—the Element Of Magic.

“I’m truly sorry, my dear sister; please accept my apology—and my friendship.”

For the first time in my life, I was truly proud of myself!

Princess Celestia led my friends and me to Ponyville.

“Fluttershy, we all owe you our gratitude. By vanquishing Nightmare Moon, you brought daytime back to Equestria. The Summer Sun Celebration has been a sunny success!”

“Oh, thank you, Your Highness!”

“Say—do you like animals?”

“Oh, yes—I love animals!”

“Then come with me to the Canterlot Royal Gardens.”

“But Your Highness, what about my new friends?”

Spike the dragon, whom I’d met just the other day, volunteered to go with me.

“Fluttershy, this is my pet phoenix, Philomena.”

“Oh, my goodness—I never saw a phoenix before!”

“A phoenix is a very special kind of bird. It’s beautiful when all of its feathers are present. It can even burst into flame without feeling pain!”

“Erm—Your Highness, do I need extra-special instructions to take care of your phoenix? I don’t want her to burn me!”

“Don’t worry, Fluttershy; she won’t burn you. She won’t burn until she loses all of her feathers.”

“I’ll try my best, Your Highness.”

“Dear Twilight Sparkle.

“The princess has summoned me to the Canterlot Royal Gardens!

“She’s letting me take care of her pet phoenix, Philomena!

“I can’t believe that the princess would ask me—of all ponies—to go with her to Canterlot!

“Did I mention that Philomena was a beautiful bird?

“The princess expects me to take extra-special care of Philomena.

“I promised the princess that I’d do my very best—and I will!

“Would you like to see Philomena someday?

“I’ll be back in Ponyville as soon as the princess dismisses me.

“Love, Fluttershy.”

All was well at the Canterlot Royal Gardens—until…

“Philomena! Your feathers!”

I picked up all the feathers that Philomena had shed, and then, I galloped toward the palace.

“Your Highness, please come quickly! Philomena’s getting sick!”

“Fluttershy, the princess isn’t here.”

“Oh, dear!”

“I told Twilight where you were—remember?”

“Yes, but…”

“Halt! State your business!”

“Sir, my name is Twilight Sparkle. Fluttershy sent me a letter telling me where she was.”

“We’re her friends—especially me!”

“Our darling Fluttershy needs us!”

“Pretty please—with icing on top?”

“We’re telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

“Right this way, mares.”

“Thank you, sir!”

“But Your Highness, I failed you!”

“No, you didn’t. You were in the right to ask for help.”

Now, Philomena had shed all her feathers.

“When Philomena shed her first feather, I started to panic!”

“It’s all right, Fluttershy. I know you can’t help it.”

Applejack turned to face me.

“Say, Fluttershy, do you want to help me on the farm?”

“Oh, my goodness—would I ever!”

“Thanks for coming to help me out, Fluttershy. Big McIntosh is injured, so I gotta take over the harvesting for him.”

“I hope he gets better soon. Is there anything you need me to do?”

“Well, for starters, you gotta feed the chickens and give the pigs their baths.”

“Chickens? Pigs? Count me in!”

“With a pony as eager as you, we won’t fall behind!”

Applejack gave me a basket before picking up some buckets for herself.

“I hope I get to see some baby animals, too!”

I went to feed the chickens while Applejack went to harvest the apples.

“Here you go, girls—it’s time to eat.”

The hens eagerly pecked at the grain in my basket and ate it.

“Come on, little pig—it’s time for your bath.”

I tried to get the piglet into the washing tub, but she fled, and when I chased her…

“Oh, my! I’m all muddy!”

Applejack took a break from apple bucking to check on me.

“You know, you might want to let Apple Bloom clean that piglet. Just saying.”

My face fell; I decided to heed her advice.

I had finished all my chores with all the farm animals.

Apple Bloom had finished bathing the piglet.

“Erm—Applejack?”

“Yep?”

“Erm—if you don’t mind, may I help you with the harvest? Pretty please?”

“That’s mighty kind of you, Fluttershy. But I promised Big Mac that I’d do it all by myself.”

I could see that there were hundreds of apple trees left to buck clean.

With tears in my eyes, I cantered back to the farmhouse to check on Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom was a yellow Earth pony filly whose mane and tail were red.

She was the younger sister of Applejack and Big McIntosh.

“I’m worried about my big brother.”

“I’m worried about your big sister.”

“What about her?”

“When I asked her to let me help her with the harvest, she wouldn’t let me!”

“Fluttershy, could you go check on my brother, please?”

Apple Bloom pulled a puppy face.

“Of course, I will, Apple Bloom.”

I searched the whole farmhouse for Big McIntosh.

“Applejack! Would you be a dear and let me lend you a hoof?”

“No can do, Rarity. I gotta buck all these here apples all—by—myself!”

“Good heavens! Your hooves are cracked, and your coat is sweaty!”

“I’m not taking a break! This here job is worth the sweat!”

“Well, I never!”

“Hmph!”

“Please speak to me!”

“Eeyup?”

“What are you doing here?”

“Rarity let me rest here.”

“I’m Fluttershy. I’m one of Rarity’s friends.”

“Big McIntosh. Big Mac for short.”

“Applejack needs help!”

“Uh-oh.”

“Big Mac? Is that you?”

“No, I’m Fluttershy.”

“I gotta finish…!”

“N-n-nope!”

“Don’t worry, Applejack. Your brother is all better.”

“Eeyup!”

“Where are we supposed to deliver all those apples?”

“Appleloosa!”

“Thank you ever so much, darling! I never could’ve convinced that stubborn mare myself!”

“It was nothing. I was just concerned for Applejack.”

“Oh, Fluttershy, you simply must accept a reward from me!”

“But what?”

“The Grand Galloping Gala is coming up. You may not go there without wearing proper attire!”

“The G-G-Grand G-G-Galloping G-G-Gala? P-P-Proper attire?”

“Welcome to the Carousel Boutique—where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique!”

“Erm—thank you, Rarity.”

“Don’t mention it, darling. I always aim to lend a hoof.”

“Well, erm, now that you mention it…”

“Yes?”

“Erm—I’m afraid to go to the Gala. There’ll be too many ponies there!”

“Afraid to go?!”

“Yes.”

I was wearing a new dress, which Rarity had made just for me.

“There you are, my dear Fluttershy—a solid-green dress with flowers and leaves for accents!”

“Erm—is this dress for the Grand Galloping Gala?”

“Yes. Do you not love it, darling?”

“Erm—yes. I love it.”

“I beg your pardon?”

I could not bring myself to speak up, so instead, I galloped out of the boutique in a hurry.

“Fluttershy, wait!”

“Ooh—pretty! Did Rarity make you this dress?”

“Yes. But—I don’t want to hurt her feelings.”

“What do you think of your dress?”

“It does suit me; I do love nature—and animals, too!”

“Then why didn’t you tell Rarity?”

“I tried to tell her.”

“What was holding you back, Fluttershy?”

“I’m too shy to go the Gala.”

“You’re back, Fluttershy! How may I help you?”

“Fluttershy has an objection to the dress you made for her.”

“Sweet Celestia! How could anypony object to such a lovely dress for the Grand Galloping Gala?!”

“Calm down, Rarity, and let Fluttershy explain.”

I trotted up to Rarity and comforted her with my wings.

“My dress will make me stand out, and I really don’t like it when everypony can see me.”

Tears began to form in Rarity’s eyes.

“It’s an easy fix, Rarity—just give Fluttershy something to hide her dress.”

“Oh—my—goodness! It’s perfect! Thank you so much, Rarity!”

“Customer satisfaction is my top priority, Fluttershy!”

“A dull-brown cloak with dull-green leaves on it is perfect for you, Fluttershy.”

“Thank you, Twilight. But—I’m still afraid to go to the Gala.”

“Oh, darling, don’t worry! You won’t be going alone!”

“Of course not—Princess Celestia invited all of us!”

“Fluttershy, meet Owlowiscious. He’s an owl.”

Twilight Sparkle had adopted Owlowiscious one night; he was her new assistant.

“Erm—Twilight? Why are his eyes closed?”

“Owls are nocturnal.”

“Oh, my—I hope I’m not too late!”

Unlike Owlowiscious, I was a morning pony.

“Well, I could make you a schedule…”

“Erm—actually, I’m going to take a nap.”

“Spike and I are going out to watch a magnificent meteor shower.

“Please take good care of Owlowiscious while we’re gone.

“If you need somewhere to sleep, you may have my bed.

“Make yourself comfortable at the Golden Oak Library.”

I could see that Owlowiscious was still asleep.

“Good day, Owlowiscious.”

With that, I put Twilight Sparkle’s note to me under my wing and trotted upstairs to her bedroom.

“Twilight was so kind to me!”

“What a shower!”

“I’ll say!”

“Hi, Twilight! Hi, Spike! Hi, Owlowiscious!”

“Hi, Fluttershy.”

“Owlowiscious is just about ready to wake up.”

“Oh, my goodness! Finally! I can’t wait!”

I got straight to work taking care of Twilight Sparkle’s owl.

I fed him all his favorite foods. However, he needed to eat healthy foods. Therefore, I also fed him some foods he did not like much.

I groomed his feathers very carefully. Afterwards, I got to tell him some knock-knock jokes. He liked all of them a lot!

My nap was too short to allow me to stay awake very long past my usual bedtime. Since Twilight and Spike had taken the bedroom, I had to go to sleep on the library rug instead. Owlowiscious just flew down to me and gave me a friendly good-night wink.

“Awww—she looks so cute when she’s asleep!”

“I agree, Spike.”

“Twilight, do you think we should wake her up? She’s sleeping on the rug!”

“We shouldn’t wake Fluttershy. She deserves to sleep in.”

“Can I sleep in, too, Twilight? Please?”

“Sorry, Spike, but you need to wake up when everypony else does. Leave Owlowiscious to me.”

“You don’t like any of my pies—do you, Rainbow Dash?!”

“Yes, I do, Pinkie Pie!”

“Did you even eat any of them?!”

“I absolutely did!”

“How can I know that you even took a bite out of them?!”

“Erm—girls? Could you please not…?”

“I took a bite so small that you couldn’t see it!”

“Erm—excuse me? Where are these pies?”

A foul odor invaded my nostrils.

“A pie in the garbage?”

A yellow Earth pony stallion came trotting up to me.

“Rainbow Dash threw that pie away.”

“That’s such a shame!”

“Apparently, some ponies are very wasteful these days.”

I trotted into Sugarcube Corner—a building that looked like a gingerbread house.

“I’d like to buy the very kind of pie that Rainbow Dash bought.”

A blue Earth pony mare sold me the pie.

“There you go, dear.”

“Get that pie away from me!”

“EEP!”

“I’m sorry I scared you, Fluttershy. I just can’t stand the taste of pie.”

“Can’t you take just one bite of it?”

“No. I tried pie once already, and once is enough.”

“But didn’t you like it?”

“No—I hated it!”

“Oh, dear!”

“Erm—Pinkie?”

“Ye-e-e-e-es?”

“Rainbow Dash doesn’t like pie. She told me so herself.”

Pinkie Pie broke into tears.

“It’s OK, Pinkie. Everypony’s different.”

“You’re right, Fluttershy!”

“Do you promise never to tell anypony else that Rainbow doesn’t like pie?”

“Cross my heart and hope to fly; stick a cupcake in my eye!”

“Fillies and gentlecolts!”

My ears stood up straight as the mayor called everypony to attention.

“Everypony in Ponyville loves pets, but unfortunately, not everypony has time for any.”

My ears drooped as I heard that sad fact.

“Erm—Ms. Mayor?”

The mayor could not hear me, so I trotted all the way up to her.

“May I help, please?”

The mayor listened to me very carefully.

“We have our spokespony!”

I fainted on the spot!

“You’re so lucky, Fluttershy! You get to announce the opening of Ponyville’s new pet center!”

I could not trust Twilight Sparkle one little bit.

“Having to speak in front of everypony is a nightmare for me!”

“But darling, you adore your animals!”

Right now, I even felt like my animals!

“Yes, but—erm—I don’t want to talk about them where everypony can see me! It’s too terrifying!”

“Poor Fluttershy!”

“If only there were some way to help her…”

“Angel, I’m afraid—very afraid, indeed.”

Angel was my bunny; he cried upon hearing my confession.

“I have to give a speech for a pet center in Ponyville; that’s horrifying!”

Angel continued to listen to me.

“Say—would you like there to be a pet center? Maybe you can visit it!”

Angel nodded his head vigorously.

“Oh—my—goodness! Come along, little friends!”

All my animals—including Angel—followed me.

“Ms. Mayor! You have to let Fluttershy bring her animals!”

“Why?! Do you realize how much damage and chaos animals can cause?!”

“Fluttershy has stage fright, and her animals help her feel less afraid.”

“Well, I did agree to let her help me with announcing the opening of the Ponyville Pet Center…”

“I think the pet center will be divine!”

“It won’t exist without any animals…”

“Besides, wouldn’t the ponies in the audience like to see some animals, too?”

“You have a point!”

“Hi, everypony! Do you like animals?”

Everypony in the audience paid attention to me as I spoke.

“This is my bunny. His name is Angel.”

The ponies in the audience eyed Angel and cooed at him.

“Ponyville is going to have a new pet center!”

The ponies cheered and clapped their hooves.

“Bring your pets, everypony, and they will get the care and kindness that every animal deserves!”

I blushed with pride as the audience applauded for me.

“Your Highness!”

Princess Celestia had arrived at the town hall.

“I’m very proud for you, Fluttershy. You delivered a lovely speech!”

“Oh! I did?”

“Yes.”

I looked longingly at Angel, who gave a thumbs up.

“Fluttershy, I hereby dub you the official animal caretaker of Ponyville!”

“I never could have chosen a better pony for the job!”

“Howdy! I’m Shutterbug!”

Shutterbug was a light-green unicorn; her mane and tail were reddish orange.

“Erm—excuse me? Did you say ‘bug’?”

“Yes, I did! I photograph bugs—that’s my special talent! What’s yours?”

“My special talent is taking care of animals—all kinds of animals!”

She snapped a photo of me, and then, she galloped off.

“Hi, everypony! I made a new friend today!”

“What’s her name?”

“Shutterbug! She likes bugs.”

“Good heavens! There’s a bug lover in Ponyville?!”

“What’s wrong with her?”

“EEP! She’s e-e-e-e-evil!”

“Ms. Mayor, I’d like to make one thousand copies of this photo.”

“Right away, ma’am!”

The mayor took the photo from Shutterbug and printed one thousand copies of it.

“Yes! This is fantastic! My plan is under way!”

“There you go. Would you like a bag for them? They’re liable to get lost in the wind!”

As if to answer the mayor’s question, Shutterbug just gripped the copies in the magic of her horn.

“Philomena! Long time no see! How are you today?”

The phoenix released flames from her wings.

“EEP! What’s gotten into you, Philomena?!”

Then, she revealed herself to be a changeling!

“Oh, no! Somepony—anypony—help!”

The changeling foalnapped me and flew off.

“What in tarnation?!”

“Somepony committed a crime against fabulosity!”

“There are posters of Fluttershy all over Ponyville!”

“Ooh, ooh, ooh—is today her birthday?!”

“No, Pinkie—she’s missing!”

“We gotta find her pronto!”

“Oh, my darling Fluttershy—she must be in total terror now!”

“I’m her first pony friend; I say we go check her cottage first!”

“I knew that without needing to use my Pinkie Sense!”

“Come on, everypony—let’s hurry!”

A huge changeling appeared before me and terrorized me!

“Fool! I am not Shutterbug; I am Chrysalis—Queen Of The Changelings!”

I could not speak at all; I was far too afraid to find my voice.

“Speak now, pegasus!”

“Erm—wh-wh-what m-m-may I do for you, Y-Y-Your H-H-Highness?”

“Ah—nice and submissive! Me likey!”

“I love all kinds of animals; I’ll take extra good care of your drones!”

“My drones will need all the love you can give!”

“Fluttershy, darling, it’s us—your friends!”

“We saw pictures of you all over Ponyville!”

“Come out—come out—wherever you are, Fluttershy!”

“I wanna thank you for your help on the farm!”

“I’m your first and awesomest friend ever!”

“Poor Fluttershy—she’s not at home!”

“You’re right, Rarity; she could be anywhere.”

“Ooh—ooh—is she playing hide-and-seek?”

“Pinkie Pie, you gotta focus!”

“I’ll search for her in the sky; you four cover the ground!”

Changelings feed on love, and Queen Chrysalis commanded me to give my love to her drones. I did the best I could to share my love with them.

I fed them. I guarded their eggs. I kept their eggs warm. I even sang to their eggs!

Chrysalis praised me for my efforts, but I still had more work to do.

I nursed the sick and injured changelings back to health. I even gave the changelings hugs and nuzzles! All the while, I got weaker and weaker.

“Hang on, everypony! I think I know where Fluttershy is.”

“Where, Applejack?! Where?!”

“Sweet Apple Acres!”

“That makes sense, because there are farm animals there.”

“Farm animals? How disgusting!”

“It’s gonna get more disgusting if we don’t go rescue Fluttershy! We gotta hustle, Rarity!”

“Awww—the poor pony has fallen asleep!”

Indeed, I had.

“I’ll just leave her alone so that she can get her rest.”

Queen Chrysalis left me behind, and her drones followed her.

“Huh?!”

I woke up to find myself all alone in a dark room.

“Oh, no! I’m scared! HELP!”

Alas, nopony could hear me.

My friends were outside at Sweet Apple Acres fighting off the changelings by pelting them with apples.

“Yee-haw! Keep it up, everypony!”

Pinkie Pie fired some applesauce from her trusty party cannon.

“Take that! Now that’s a lot of applesauce!”

“That was a most ingenious plan, Applejack, darling!”

“Much obliged, Rarity.”

“Hey—where did Queen Chrysalis go?”

“Never mind Chrysalis; we have to rescue Fluttershy!”

“You made it! Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“You must have been all tuckered out, Fluttershy.”

“I was. Queen Chrysalis forced me to take care of her drones!”

“Fluttershy, did you know that changelings feed on love?”

“I know now. But—erm—I’m still afraid of Chrysalis!”

“Oh, darling, don’t worry! We brought you lots of nutritious delicacies!”

My friends were taking a horrible beating at the hooves of the changelings.

“Oh, dear! Are you OK? Oh, my goodness! You need help!”

Next, the changelings went after me!

“Ouch! Stop! You’re hurting me! You meanies!”

My friends helped me to my hooves.

Then, I flew up to meet Queen Chrysalis at eye level.

“How dare you! First, you force me to love your changeling drones, and now, you sic them on me? Really?!”

Chrysalis just scoffed at me.

“Treachery is no way to repay kindness. I’m sorry, but you forced me to do this. Prepare for the Stare!”

My gaze paralyzed the changeling queen, and then, my friends destroyed her!

“I hereby award Fluttershy with the Golden Feather Of Courage!”

“Oh! Erm…”

“Say something, Fluttershy! Everypony loves you!”

“Yes! Do speak up, darling!”

“All right. Erm—may we celebrate by getting back to building the Ponyville Pet Center?”

“What a noble idea, Fluttershy!”

“Erm—hello? Can somepony help me here?”

“Hello, little filly! Are you looking for a pet?”

“Not yet.”

“What’s your name?”

“I’m Scootaloo. I’m awesome!”

“I’m Fluttershy. I’m kind.”

“I love your wings, Fluttershy.”

“Aw—that’s so nice of you to say, Scootaloo.”

“My wings can’t even get me off the ground, much less let me fly like you.”

“Don’t worry, Scootaloo; everypony’s different.”

“I always wanted to fly. Isn’t that what pegasi are known to do?”

“Yes, but not all pegasi can fly.”

“I’d like to earn my Cutie Mark in pet care!”

“Good choice! You certainly came to the right place!”

“First of all, Scootaloo, you may not take any of the pets home. They need to stay here, so that everypony can have a chance to take care of them.”

“Can I at least take them outside?”

“Of course! Animals need to spend time outdoors; that’s where they lived before ponies adopted them as pets.”

“What’s the second rule, Fluttershy?”

“You must be in my presence at all times if you choose to take care of a pet. I have to let you know whether you’re doing it right—OK?”

“OK. I’d like a chameleon!”

“Chameleons eat insects. Some insects are harmful to crops and gardens.”

I opened a jar full of flies so that the chameleon could eat them.

The chameleon’s tongue shot out and caught every fly in its tracks.

“Wow! That chameleon’s a fast eater!”

“It sure is—isn’t it? It can also change its color!”

“Awesome! I’d love to see that!”

“Oh, no! Where did it go?!”

“The chameleon didn’t ‘go’ anywhere. It’s right where you left it.”

“But I can’t see it!”

“Chameleons change their color to show how well they are or how they feel.”

“I know how I feel! I don’t want to lose that lizard!”

“I just fed it. Now, it’s the same color as the grass.”

I put my wing on the ground.

My wing was yellow; the chameleon and the grass were green.

“Let’s try this, Scootaloo. If you can see the chameleon crawling onto my wing, just let me know.”

“OK.”

Scootaloo saw just a little bit of green on my feathers.

“Fluttershy, look!”

“Oh! Hello, little friend!”

Now, the chameleon was no longer lost.

“Thanks for teaching me how to care for a chameleon!”

“It was nothing.”

“It wasn’t nothing. It was something!”

“Oh! I’m glad you liked it.”

“You were awesome! I’m going to tell Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom all about you!”

“Maybe they would like to come, too! Good-bye now.”