I think this chapter came out better than I expected. Perhaps you will think so as well. Also, I like the dichotomy between Dalia and Calabus. I think it's pretty neat.

Dawn was sitting in the warmest home she had ever known; Fluttershy's cottage was the epidemy of perfection: flowers showered her lovely home, vibrant warm colors decorated the abode, the woodland creatures cavorted without fear layered within their souls. This is an area of safety; a haven of assured protection, but also a place of calm and fun.

The couch was very comfy, and the tea Fluttershy was about to serve entranced Dawn to a point of fascination. Though the mare and even Dalia were relaxing, Calabus was wary of anything Fluttershy did; he didn't trust her a single bit despite the assurances from Dalia who tried to ensure nothing wrong was going to happen.

Fluttershy set a warm cup of tea in front of Dawn as the pegasus sat next to her, fanning her tea before taking a tiny sip to savor the taste. Dawn was about to do the same, but Calabus, in his paranoia, ardently advised against it.

"What is it now, Cally?" Dalia said. "It's just tea."

"That's chamomile that yellow dingbat served!" he shouted angrily. "Drinking that drivel has a calming effect, which can make you sleepy; what if the mare served that beverage to entice Dawn back into her slumber and did something horrible?! Am I the only one who thinks about these potential dangers?!"

"Cally, calm down," Dalia soothingly said, trying to deescalate Calabus's rage. "Trust issues I understand, but this is going a little far even for you."

Calabus, you are truly worried.

"Of course I am, you idiot!" he vehemently hissed. "Call me a paranoid lout, but I'm just looking out for you, Dawn."

If it will settle your nerves, I will decline the tea.

Calabus tried to simmer his ever-increasing anger. "Good," he uttered lowly. "I... I am sorry, but you haven't been awake in years, and I am scared for your safety. I don't like this at all, Dawn... however, I will try... not to overstep my bounds. Just know I do it for you alright?"

Of course. Reveal yourselves.

"Wait... what?" Calabus said, clearly confused.

"Dawn, are you sure you want to?" Dalia asked. "Fluttershy could freak out."

I want her to understand why I declined the tea; I prefer to not tell an untruth to Fluttershy. She's too sweet; too innocent.

Though happy and enjoying her own tea, Fluttershy took glanced at the mysterious mare now and again and found she hasn't touched hers. That worried the pegasus. Did Fluttershy do something wrong? Does her savior not like the tea she served? A myriad of things shot through Fluttershy's mind, but as she was currently overthinking things, the mare grabs her attention with a slight tug on her wing by using her beautiful tail.

"Y-yes, is there something wrong?" the timid pegasus asked. "If this tea isn't to your liking, I'll be more than happy to brew another for you, I don't mind."

The mare shook her head and used her hoof to direct Fluttershy's attention to her earrings. They pulsed lightly with a bright white hue and suddenly they began to glow, overtaking Fluttershy's sight. As the light began to subside and the pegasus regains her vision, she beholds two floating creatures of red and blue: one looked gracious while the other looked peeved.

Fluttershy couldn't help but drop her mouth at the sight.

"Greetings, young Fluttershy," the blue creature sweetly said. "I am Dalia, an imp in service to Dawn. "That one," Dalia pointed to the angry imp, "is Calabus, another imp that serves my little sweetheart, and please mind him, he gets quite... passionate."

"W-what... how... wha?" As expected, Fluttershy couldn't believe what she was seeing. Without a second thought, she rushes to Calabus and embraces him like a foal in her arms. "Oooh, he's so cute! Such a lovely shade of red! Look at his cute little wings, and that frown is simply adorable!"

Dawn and Dalia went wide-eyed, daring to not utter a single word. Calabus, in the arms of Fluttershy, had his head giving off smoke as his cheeks turned a shade of pink.

"Get this crazy pegasus off of me!" he shouted with such powerful force. "Let me go you dingbat or I'll scorch your wings off! Do you understand?!"

Fluttershy wasn't listening; she was in her little world. She nuzzled the fuming imp lovingly and spun around. Dalia mustered all her strength to not laugh at the hilarious scene. The way Cally was so flustered was most definitely satisfying.

Unfortunately, Calabus didn't share in Dalia or Fluttershy's merriment. He clenched his teeth and furrowed his brows, snorting out flames. He tried so hard to keep his anger under control, but the more Fluttershy cooed at him, the less control he had. He looked to Dawn for help, but the mystified mare was completely gone; her mouth agape and she had this looked of disbelief.

"Dawn," he pleaded, "I need assistance!" Fluttershy began to tickle the little imp, but Calabus was having none of it, desperately trying to ease out of the mare's iron-like grip. "Don't just sit there you idiot, hel- oof!"

Fluttershy began squeezing the rage-filled imp. Finally, Dawn snaps out of her stupor and quickly gained the yellow mare's attention by waving her hooves.

"Hmm? What's the matter?" the cute pegasus entreated.

Dawn still couldn't speak, so Dalia spoke for her. "Dawn wants you to gently release Cally from your grip. He is not... particularly fond about your affection towards him."

Fluttershy gasped and set the withering imp on the couch as he inhaled the delectable taste of fresh air.

He turned his ire to the pegasus. "You crazy, doting, infuriating, agitating, inflaming, annoying dingbat!" Calabus insulted. His head was burning hot. "When I catch my breath, I'm GONNA... I'm GONNA..."

Suddenly, a wave of mystical power washed over Calabus and he fell asleep. Fluttershy saw Dalia casting some sort of spell with her hands as she shook her head in disappointment.

"Alright, let's start that again," Dalia chirped. "I am Dalia, that is Calabus, and we are imps, guardians who serve Dawn."

Fluttershy's eyes went wide. "Oh, her name is Dawn? That sounds lovely! And I like your name as well, Ms. Dalia."

Dalia waved a hand and blushed. "No need for that, just Dalia is fine."

Fluttershy nodded. "I understand. Dawn," she addressed the mare, "do you still want another flavor of tea? I didn't know you disliked chamomile."

Dalia perched herself on Dawn's head. "Dawn doesn't even know if she likes tea or not."

Fluttershy rubbed her mane in confusion. "Oh... but why did she refuse, if you don't mind me asking?"

Dalia pointed to the knocked-out imp. "Calabus is the reason; he doesn't trust you and thought you were going to poison Dawn or something."

The tender pegasus gasped and put her hoof over her mouth in disbelief. "I would never do something so horrible! Why would he think that?"

Dalia sighed and smoothed her arm with her teeny hand. "Calabus has trust issues, and he can be quite paranoid," she answered with a whisper as if not trying to let the imp hear. "Regardless of how he acts, Cally is very protective of Dawn, so he was just worried about her is all. Please understand, young Fluttershy, Calabus has a good heart... it's just that his past experiences made him this way. I apologize for his behavior," the blue imp bowed.

Flustered, Fluttershy meekly waves her hooves in front of her face. "No, no, that's fine, I understand," she said. "I should be the one apologizing. It wasn't very smart of me to embrace him like that."

Dalia chuckled. "You are more than forgiven, you little bundle of kindness. Give Calabus some time to see you mean no harm and he'll... tolerate you. Also, I have seen animals just about everywhere. You like them?"

Fluttershy perked up and smiled. "I love animals more than anything else; it's my passion and my cutie mark. I'm an animal caretaker, and I can speak to animals."

Dalia had an awestruck expression strewn across her face. "That's an impressive skill, young Fluttershy!" Dalia flew over to the pegasus and cuddled her face as the mare nuzzled the blue Imp. "Dawn, despite not having your skill, has an affinity for animals as well."

Fluttershy let out a cute squeal and turned herself to the aforementioned mare and hugged her. Initially, Dawn was put-off by this sudden behavior, but then she slowly leans in and accepts the embrace, hugging the pegasus back.

As the afternoon rolls by with conversation, the group eases into the evening. Dawn and Dalia met the bunny, Angel, who was to blame for Fluttershy's solo departure into the Everfree Forest and got a massive scolding from a very angry blue imp to which the remorseful bunny promptly and profusely apologizes to his caretaker and Dawn who risked her life to save Fluttershy's.

Though unwilling to give punishment without the proper motivation from Dalia, Fluttershy declares, very timidly, that Angel the bunny will not have a single carrot or any carrot-themed dishes concocted by Fluttershy or any creature for at least a full week. He wasn't even allowed to leave the area to scavenge for naturally grown carrots.

Devastated upon hearing the poor news, Angel sought a compromise but the bunny was refused any salvage of his punishment and had to accept it until the sentence is over. The little devil should be glad that was all for his punishment; if Calabus was still awake, the bunny might've been left with a few burn marks.

With that out of the way, Fluttershy brought Dawn to her animal refuge; Sweet Feather Sanctuary, where the mare explored the lush environment while being constantly, and rather cutely, assaulted by its residents.

The pegasus was quite surprised; Dalia had told the mare that Dawn has a way with animals, but the way Fluttershy saw it, the animals just flocked over to the mare without her doing anything. It was like they were drawn to her presence. Animals do work in strange and mysterious ways. Perhaps what the pegasus saw earlier in the Everfree Forest explains the near infatuation the animals have for Dawn.

Whilst pondering her thoughts, Fluttershy was pulled away by Dalia who politely pleaded if the pegasus could help Dawn. Confused, Fluttershy looked in Dawn's direction and saw a myriad of animals cuddled up to her in a large pile. Though happy to witness such a cute spectacle, the pegasus saw Dawn struggling to breathe and lightly ordered the animals to give the mare some space.

Sad, they complied and went off into the sanctuary to do whatever while the group headed back to Fluttershy's cottage to see a still-sleeping Calabus sucking on his thumb like a baby.

Dalia wanted to laugh. Oh, how she wanted to laugh, but she decided against it. Both she and Dawn hardly ever see Calabus sleeping; he was always sharp and vigilant. If it wasn't for the rare instances they saw Calabus rest his eyes, the girls would have thought he had insomnia.

Dalia explains to Fluttershy that Calabus never liked staying in one place for too long, he had to be constantly moving; checking whatever location Dawn found herself in; surveying the area for any potential dangers: anything that could hurt Dawn he made note of in his head and acted accordingly. No matter how hard Dalia tried to reason with the paranoid imp, all attempts to ensure nothing could go wrong always failed.

Although Fluttershy admired Calabus's dedication to keeping Dawn informed and protected, she asked why he was so angry all the time and why he didn't trust anypony outside of Dalia and Dawn. Dalia told the pegasus that it isn't her right to divulge Calabus's past experiences. That would have to come from the imp himself whenever he decides to trust Fluttershy.

Fluttershy was sad she wasn't able to fully understand Calabus's actions, but she thought it would be prudent to let things run their course; there was no point in rushing into things by force.

After some time passes, as the sun started to set red, Calabus began to stir from his slumber. He wakes up and yawns, scratching the back of his head before groggily surveying his surroundings. A lazy scowl appeared on his little face.

"Still... argh," he rubbed his eyes as another yawn escaped his lips, "still in that dingbat's hovel..." He felt the softness of the couch and rolled his eyes. "Hmph. At least the couch was adequate." He looks around Fluttershy's home and cringes. The environment was too cute and cuddly.

Leering at the home with a spiteful gaze, Calabus heard a clanging noise in another room a few feet away. He listened and heard the humming of a delightful tune. "Dalia?" he lightly called out. "Is that you?"

No response. Curious, he gets up, stretches, and began fluttering his wings towards the sound. He exits the living area and found himself in a small clean kitchen. He looked toward the source of the humming and saw that yellow dingbat of a pegasus washing dishes.

Then it clicked in his head. Dawn and Dalia aren't in the house!

"Where are they?!" he bellowed at the mare, his rage beginning to build.

Fluttershy yelped at the volume, losing her grip on her dishes as they fell into the sink. Luckily none of them broke. Sighing, the pegasus met Calabus's ire-filled eyes with a small smile and a polite reserved wave.

"G-good evening, Mr. Calabus... sir," the mare whispered. "Did you have a nice nap?"

Calabus snorted fire from his nose, frightening Fluttershy, sending the pegasus falling to the floor on her flank. "What did you do to them?!" he demanded. "Tell me or I'll roast you where you stand!"

Fluttershy, who was trembling from Calabus's rage, answered, "T-they are outs-s-side the c-co-cottage playing with t-the animals..."

Calabus's rage was nearly boiling, but it simmered slightly from Fluttershy's answer. He scanned over the pegasus like a hate-filled beast multiple times, trying to find any indication she was lying. He looked and looked for a reason to incinerate Fluttershy, but he found nothing and huffed loudly. He only saw her cowering in fear, shaking from his hostility.

He grumbled and went to a nearby window to confirm Fluttershy's response, and she was fortunately right. Calabus saw Dawn being harried by a small group of cute white mice playing with her tail while Dalia watched fondly. She was happy, laughing at the tiny animals. Even Dawn was smiling, wagging her tail like a dog for the mice to catch.

Suddenly, all the pent-up rage began to flow away; a sigh of relief blew from Calabus as his half-lidded eyes watched the duo from inside the house. Eventually, he broke away and turned to Fluttershy recovering off the ground from his rage.

"Stars Above..." he muttered, looking guilty. "I almost let my temper consume me."

"Mr. Calabus," Fluttershy called out, gaining the red imp's attention, "would you like some tea? It always makes me feel better when I'm down."

Calabus's eyes narrowed, staring deep into Fluttershy's eyes. What he heard was genuine... there was no trick waiting to be sprung.

Maybe... maybe I should, for Dawn's sake at least.

"Fine!" he blurted out. His sudden outburst made Fluttershy flinch.

The imp flew to the kitchen table and landed, crossing his arms. To Fluttershy, Calabus was like a stuffed animal; he looked so cute and cuddly. Sadly, she had to refrain from snatching Calabus up and giving him nuzzles to avoid any retribution.

Slowly and carefully, Fluttershy made some tea and presented it to Calabus. The pegasus sat near the imp, hoping he would at least drink the tea. Calabus inspected the warm beverage with a deft eye, attempting to deduce the flavor, and then he furrowed his brows and shoved it away.

Fluttershy was disheartened. "I'm sorry, Mr. Calabus," she softly said. "You don't like chamomile?"

The imp's frown intensified. "I can handle some freaking tea, alright?!" he snapped, prompting another flinch from the pegasus. "I... just don't trust it!"

Fluttershy let out a dreadful sigh. "I promise I didn't put anything bad in it. Let me show you." Fluttershy gently took the cup of tea and sipped it. Calabus glared at the pegasus, but nothing happened. "See? It's safe. I would never hurt Dawn, Mr. Calabus, you have my word. Please, just a tiny sip?"

Calabus studied Fluttershy's face for anything suspicious, but he just couldn't find anything. The pegasus was being honest and kind, to a fault. He looked at the cup and sighed.

"Whatever," he muttered, taking the cup and bringing it to his lips.

He hesitated multiple times, too many times, but Fluttershy was being genuine. He forced himself to drink from the cup, gulping the entire beverage all in one go. He set the cup down as an airy burp released from his mouth.

"Oh my..." Fluttershy whispered. She was completely stunned to see Calabus wolf down that warm tea like it was nothing.

He crossed his arms again. "What?" he said, annoyed by Fluttershy's shocked expression. "I was thirsty... it was good."

Fluttershy saw Calabus's cute cheeks puff up; he was pouting! Fluttershy was trying to stay composed but the more cute things Calabus unwittingly did in front of her were making that extremely difficult.

"I... I'm sorry," he spoke out.

Fluttershy was taken aback by the imp's sudden apology. "What do you mean, Mr. Calabus?"

He groaned, saying, "I'm sorry for snapping at you, alright?! I'm sorry for frightening you! I'm sorry for threatening you and calling you names! I'm sorry for making you feel sad when you were trying to be a good host! I'm sorry, okay?! I just... I fear for Dawn... for her safety. And for Dalia. I'm sorry for being a jerk!

"I'm constantly worried and angry, alright?! I don't want anything bad to happen to them, alright?! I just want them to be safe! I stay up night after night, after night, after night, just to make sure no harm came to them, so they can sleep! Dawn and Dalia are all I have! I get so anxious and scared that I just lash out at times, alright?! I don't mean to, it's just how I am, alright?! Now there's danger around every corner of this dreadful forest that I just can't settle my nerves correctly, alright?! I'm sorry!"

Calabus took in small rapid breaths; he was beginning to hyperventilate. He balled his fists, his body shook, and sweat formed on his face. Suddenly, the panting imp felt something warm and soft from all around him. He began hearing the soothing sound of humming from Fluttershy. Gradually, his body stopped shaking, he stopped sweating, and his breathing went to normal.

"Hush," Fluttershy cooed, stroking Calabus's head gently. Her touch was soft and comforting. "It's okay, calm down. Breathe in and out. They are safe here, I promise."

A tinge of pink appeared on the red imp's cheeks as he sunk further into Fluttershy's comfy coat. He instinctively held onto her hooves with his tiny hands and embraced them. In an instant, all of his worry and fears were swept away like a tide receding from the sandy strand of a beach. He indeed felt calm, continuing to Fluttershy hum a soothing tune in his ears.

Fluttershy smiled. "I want to start over," she said quietly. "My name is Fluttershy. What's your name?"

I'm in too deep now.

The imp blushed and said, "I- I am Calabus. You... you can... call me Cally if you want..."

"I think I will, Cally," Fluttershy murmured.

Dawn and Dalia entered Fluttershy's cottage after spending the last few hours of the day outside. When they entered and looked at the couch, they couldn't believe their eyes.

Fluttershy was cuddling a red imp. Who's name is Calabus. That was awake. That has anger problems. That can breathe fire from his mouth and nose.

The red imp noticed the girls and scowled, saying, "If any of you utter a single word about this to any creature, you will burn. Understand?"

Fluttershy giggled. "He's just saying that," she said, nuzzling the imp as it blushed. "I'll be going into Ponyville tomorrow. Would you all like to come?"

"Yes," Calabus answered, almost too quickly.

Dalia still couldn't believe what she was looking at. "I... I would to go as well. We were going there anyway."

"I can't wait to show the girls my new friends!" the pegasus shouted, but it was a whisper. "They'll love you!"

Dalia merrily clapped her hands. "I'm sure we will as well, but for now, it's time to rest."

Fluttershy fluttered with Calabus cradled in her forelegs to the stairs. "You and Dawn can use my bed tonight. I'll sleep down here with Cally."

Dalia gave Calabus a smirk. "That okay with you, Cally?"

He growled. "Remember what I said. And I'm fine here. Hurry up and get to sleep!"

"Alright, alright," Dalia replied, sitting on Dawn's head. "We'll see you in the morning. Goodnight!"

Dawn waved at the red imp. Goodnight, Calabus.

"Yeah, yeah," he grumbled. "Night."

With that, everyone went to sleep.

Meanwhile in Canterlot Castle...

Princess Luna enters her sister's bedroom and presents herself.

"Sister," she announced, "I have something to inform you."

Her sister, Princess Celestia, was laying in her bed reading old letters from her faithful student.

"What is it, Luna?" she asked with her pleasant voice. "We still have red velvet in the-"

"This isn't about the cake," she interrupted. "The other half is mine by the way. I came here to tell you that I felt an unnatural surge of magic, or what I think to be magic coming from the Everfree Forest. Something has transpired there, I know it. It's bothering me. What should we do?"

Princess Celestia contemplated this new information. "I'll send a letter to Twilight informing her of your concerns and have her and the Elements investigate. Sound good?"

"That will do," she said. "It wasn't malicious or evil, but it felt... forboding."

Princess Celestia rose from her bed and trotted over to her little sister. "Stow your worry, dear sister. For now, the night is young. Take a flight before you help our little ponies' dreams."

"I'll take my leave, good night, sister," Princess Luna said, exiting her sister's bedroom.

"We'll figure it out," Princess Celestia whispered to herself, returning to her bed, and began to drift to sleep.