Friendship is Magic: The Seventh Element

by Master Mr B

"When the sixth element is revealed, a special element can appear that is a combination of the other six. It serves as the controller that bounds the power if the six elements together. But nobody, not even the royal sisters, have ever uncovered this...Seventh Element..." Follow my OC as he takes part in the adventures of FiM. And possibly win the heart of Twilight Sparkle...

47. Putting Your Hoof Down

Putting your Hoof Down

Pony's Log Number 219: A pony has a right to stand up for themselves, especially when they were once bullied or shunted aside, but a pony must take care not to become the very pony that mistreated them...

"Lunch time. Who's hungry?" Fluttershy announced inside of her cottage as she rang a bell and several creatures came inside of the house, chattering about as Fluttershy dumped a large pile of animal feed into a large bowl. The animal wasted no time swarming the pile of food and a brown bunny even got knocked backward trying to get its share of food.

"Plenty for everypony," said Fluttershy. The animals stared at her for a second before they continued to compete with each other for their share of food. Then a white mouse jumped up, grabbed the box, and began to dump the contents into his mouth, instantly turning him into a very chubby mouse.

"Slow down, sweetie," said Fluttershy as she grabbed the box away and giggled at her now pudgy little friend. Her moment was interrupted when a certain bunny started thumping his foot on the floor impatiently and glaring at her while standing next to an empty bowl.

"Here you go, Angel Bunny," said Fluttershy as she took the bowl and filled it with the animal feed. Angel kicked the bowl into the air so it landed and spilled on Fluttershy's head. Fluttershy just removed the bowl from her head as Angel continued to glare and thump his foot on the floor impatiently.

"Okay, Mister Picky-pants, you win," said Fluttershy as she set down a bowl of what appeared to be a salad, "Carrots, lettuce, and apples, yum-yum-yum!" Angel grabbed the bowl, sniffed the contents and tossed it aside. Fluttershy was left stunned as Angel picked up a slice of apple. His face went green and he pretended to pass out...wait a second...pass on?! He was holding a flower as if he had gone to the great bunny hill on the sky...

"What?" Fluttershy asked in shock, "But...Well, then, what will you eat?" Angel then rushed into the kitchen and grabbed a cookbook. He then opened the book to show Fluttershy a rather extravagant salad dish.

"I'm not sure I can even make that," said Fluttershy honestly as Angel glared at her and slapped the page with his paw, "Well...I don't want you to starve...Oh, are you sure I can't tempt you with a nice piece of crisp-" Angel smacked the piece of lettuce from Fluttershy's hoof and then slapped Fluttershy in the face followed by shoving the cookbook into it.

"I'll make your special recipe," Fluttershy conceded with a sigh as she started reading what she needed for it.

That bunny is a spoiled brat, isn't he?

OUCH!

And he just threw another book at my head...

(Main theme)

It wasn't long before Fluttershy was walking around the Ponyville market area.

"Hmm, let's see," Fluttershy pondered aloud as she examined her grocery list, "Asparagus." She then headed casually toward the stand where the asparagus were being sold. She was only a few feet away when a mare wearing some glasses cut her off.

"Excuse me, um, I think you just stepped in front of me," said Fluttershy softly, but was ignored as the mare just glared at her and handed the vender a bit for a bundle of the asparagus.

"Excuse me, you made a mistake?" said Fluttershy, trying to get the mare's attention again, "You see I was actually here first and-"

"Sorry," said the mare, whose name was Lucy Packard, rather rudely, "didn't notice you there."

"I know," said Fluttershy dejectedly. She then turned around to see an elderly pony making his way towards the stand. His name was Geri. He chuckled to himself as he approached the stand to purchase his own bundle.

"Oh, pardon me, sir," said Fluttershy. Geri just looked at her as he put a hearing horn to his ear.

"Yes, what?" Geri asked.

"I think you cut in front of me," said Fluttershy.

"A cut of celery?" said Geri confused, "But-this is the asparagus stand."

"I said," said Fluttershy as she spoke directly into the hearing horn, "I think you just cut in front of me."

"Ohoh, no need, dearie," Geri answered as he made his purchase, "I'm already in front!"

"I noticed," Fluttershy mumbled indignantly when two teenage mare appeared out of nowhere...right in front of her.

"And I was, like, oh wow," said a pony named Turf to her friend, who was named Surf, yet they were dressed like teenagers from 1986. (Any pony fan will know how significant that year was for My Little Pony.)

"Hey!" said Fluttershy.

"Would you mind moving back?" said Turf with plenty of attitude to go with it, "You're in my personal space."

"But-" Fluttershy tried to protest.

"Seriously, do you need your asparagus that badly?" Surf retorted rudely, "Get a life."

"Oh, okay," Fluttershy conceded as she backed away, "There's no rush." Fluttershy was so busy backing away that she hadn't noticed that Pinkie, Rarity, and Mario had arrived in the scene. They had heard everything.

"Fluttershy," said Rarity sternly as she walked up the yellow Pegasus with Pinkie and Mario nearby, "you mustn't let them treat you that way."

"And ponies wonder why teenagers can behave so atrociously and get away with it," Mario muttered, shaking his head.

"Oh it's-it's really no big deal," said Fluttershy dismissively.

"It's bigger then big," Pinkie retorted as she gave Fluttershy a glare, "It's double big. You're a pony with a problem."

"What problem?" Fluttershy asked innocently. Pinkie and Rarity exchanged looks and gave each other a nod. They then looked at Mario, who just gave a quiet nod in agreement. Pinkie then turned Fluttershy around then ran past her, making the yellow Pegasus spin about as she fell down.

"Oh, go right ahead Pinkie Pie," said Fluttershy quickly, "You first."

"Right there!" Pinkie exclaimed, still glaring as she poked Fluttershy's forehead, "that's the problem."

"You've got to stop being such a doormat," said Rarity.

"A doormat?" said Fluttershy and Mario winced.

"Isn't...that word a tad...cruel?" said Mario uneasily.

"It's no offense. I meant it as a pushover, darling," Rarity replied before speaking to Fluttershy, "You've got to stand up for yourself. You'd have no problem if Mario tried to cut you off."

"Let's see about that," said Pinkie as bucked Mario to move forward, cutting Fluttershy off. Fluttershy pushed him out of the way.

"I was here first!" Fluttershy said to Mario's face.

"Sorry, I was pushed," said Mario sheepishly before giving Pinkie a glare.

"See, Fluttershy, you can do it," said Rarity, "Promise us."

"Oh, okay, I promise," said Fluttershy as she headed toward the stand where only one stalk of asparagus remained for sale, but then a colt walked by, dropped his bit and took it without even stopping.

"Oh that's okay, I don't mind," said Fluttershy sadly. Rarity then came up to her.

"Watch and learn," said Rarity as she approached the colt, whose name happened to be Gizmo, "Hold it right there, mister small and handsome." The colt turned around show his face was covered in pimples.

"Uh, who, me?" Gizmo asked surprised.

"Oh, of course," said Rarity, using her charm to her advantage, "Nopony ever called you handsome before?"

"Uhh, that'd be a big no," said Gizmo sadly.

"Oh well, they should!" Rarity continued, "How about flexing some of your muscles for me?" She grabbed Gizmo's fore-hoof, making the bow tie around his neck spin about. He attempted to flex with his other fore-hoof, producing a muscle no bigger than a small lump for his effort.

"Oh my heavens," said Rarity, trying to sound impressed, "Do you think a strong, handsome stallion such as yourself could give my friend that last asparagus?"

"Nuhh," Gizmo mumbled, completely frazzled and love struck as Rarity grabbed the asparagus bundle from him, gave him a bit, and walked away.

"See, that's not so hard, is it?" said Rarity to Fluttershy as she put the asparagus bundle into her saddle bags.

"Umm...I guess not," said Fluttershy.

"Alright then!" said Rarity as she grabbed the grocery list, "What else is on your list?"

"Let's see..." said Fluttershy, "I also need tomatoes." It wasn't long before the four friends arrived at the tomato stand.

"Here you go," said Fluttershy as she purchased three tomatoes and put a single bit on the counter and turned to leave. The pony selling, named Roma, cleared her throat definitively.

"That'll be two bits," said Roma, pointing towards a sign that showed that three tomatoes were priced at two bits, "not one."

"Oh, but last week, it was only one bit," said Fluttershy, looking back.

"That was then, this is now," said Roma firmly.

"Oh, okay," said Fluttershy as she placed a second bit on the counter, "I don't want to argue about it." Roma just smirked until Pinkie entered the scene.

"What do you think you're doing?" Pinkie said to Roma angrily.

"Mindin' my own business," said Roma rudely, "maybe you should try it."

"Yeah right," Mario remarked as he stood next to Rarity, "You'll have better luck asking Pinkie not to smile." Rarity just smirked at the joke. Pinkie just glared at Roma.

"Two bits for tomatoes is outrageous," Pinkie protested as she pulled one bit towards her, "One bit is the right price."

"I say it's two bits," said Roma as she pulled the extra bit back with the other.

"One bit," said Pinkie as she pulled the extra bit back to herself.

"Two bits!" said Roma as she pulled it back and pointed at her price sign.

"One bit!" Pinkie retorted holding a price sign she had made out of the blue.

"Two bits!" Roma shouted again as she pulled the extra bit back towards herself.

"One bit!" Pinkie shouted as she slammed a fore-hoof on the table.

"Two bits!" Roma shouted back, slamming her fore-hoof on the table. Fluttershy and Mario also peeked up from the background to watch the two mare haggle.

"Here comes the whammy," Mario whispered to Fluttershy quietly.

"Two bits!" said Pinkie as she tried to move the extra bit back toward her but faked Roma as she put it back.

"One bit!" Roma shouted and pushed the extra bit back to Pinkie, just like Pinkie had hoped would happen.

"Two bits!"

"One bit!"

"Two bits!"

"One bit!"

"I insist it's two bits or nothing!" Pinkie snapped as she lay her head against the counter.

"One bit and that's my final offer!" Roma yelled.

"Have it your way, one bit it is!" said Pinkie before taking the extra bit as she, Fluttershy, and Mario took off in a hurry. Roma smiled and went to pick up her single bit. She blinked and realized she had been tricked. Rarity, Pinkie, and Mario giggled to each other.

"The ol' switcheroo," said Mario, "A classic and a great way to save money when shopping." He gave Pinkie a high-hoof as Rarity looked at him skeptically.

"I hope you use that trick responsibly," Rarity said with concern. She didn't like the idea of Mario using that trick to purchase her materials.

"I do," Mario replied, "Remember those lavender fabrics you wanted me to purchase for 10 bits a roll."

"Yes?" Rarity said cautiously.

"The seller wanted to charge me 20 bits," Mario answered as Rarity's eyes shrunk.

"Keep using that trick and don't stop!" Rarity said quickly as Mario and Pinkie chuckled to each other.

"See?" said Pinkie to Fluttershy, "Asserting yourself can be fun!"

"I guess you're right!" said Fluttershy with a smile.

"So, Fluttershy, do you feel like giving it a try?" Rarity asked.

"Um...ok," said Fluttershy and then gasped when she saw that the cherry stand only had one more cherry left.

"I need that cherry," said Fluttershy to herself as she rushed over to the seller, who name was Crafty Crate, "Boy, am I glad you have one cherry left. You see I'm making this special meal for my bunny Angel. He's a very picky eater..."

"..and a spoiled pain in the flank...," Mario muttered out loud, earning himself dirty looks from both Pinkie and Rarity.

"...and the recipe calls for a cherry on top," Fluttershy continued as she pit a bit on the counter. Crafty Crate just looked at her.

"So, you say you need this cherry very badly," said Crafty Crate.

"Oh, yes," Fluttershy replied, "I'm desperate for it!"

"Then it'll be ten bits!" said Crafty Crate.

"Ten?!" Fluttershy said in shock, as well as her three friends.

"GRRRR!" Mario growled as he lunged give Crafty Crate a piece of his mind, but Rarity and Pinkie held him back.

"Mario, down!" Rarity scolded.

"There's a fine line between maximizing profits and just taking advantage of your customer's needs!" Mario protested.

"True, darling, but let Fluttershy handle this," said Rarity as Mario finally settled down and snorted through his nose as Pinkie and Rarity gestured for Fluttershy to try what they did.

"Oh, hey, mister handsome," said Fluttershy, trying to be charming like Rarity, "I know you wanna do the right thing cause you're handsome, and strong, and big, handsome, strong guys are nice to everypony, right?" Fluttershy gave the stallion a wide smile, but he look unamused.

"Ten bits for the cherry," Crafty Crate repeated firmly.

"Ten bits for one cherry is outrageous!" said Fluttershy as she walked away, "I insist on paying you...eleven bits!"

"Eleven bits?" Crafty Crate said in shock.

"Umm...I mean, nine bits," said Fluttershy, trying to correct her mistake. Rarity and Pinkie looked at each other with worry as Mario cringed.

"Er, now wait a minute," said Crafty Crate, still puzzled.

"Okay, twelve bits, but that's my final offer," said Fluttershy, her three friends cringed as Rarity face-hoofed herself and Pinkie buried her head into some dirt. Mario pulled the newsboy cap he had worn that day over his eyes.

"Tell me when it's over," Mario groaned.

"Okay, I'll take it," said Crafty Crate. Fluttershy goes to pay and is immediately intervened by Pinkie and Rarity.

"Don't give him your money," said Pinkie sternly as she carried Fluttershy's bag of bits on her head as Rarity pulled the yellow Pegasus away by the tail, "One cherry is not worth twelve bits."

"But...I was only doing what you did," said Fluttershy feebly.

"It was a valiant effort," said Rarity, "but you should refuse to give him your business and just walk away."

"And next time, Flutters," said Mario, "you're supposed to start at the price you want and slowly work your way up to find a compromise price. Now come on." Fluttershy went to follow but soon looked back at the lone cherry.

"But...I can't let Angel starve!" said Fluttershy, "He won't eat it unless I make it just right."

"That bunny has gotta learn that you aren't going to cater to every little petty need," said Mario sternly, "I know you love your bunny, but he shouldn't be taking advantage of you like this. You're the parent after all."

"Well, I need that cherry no matter what it costs," said Fluttershy as she flew off to go claim it.

"Flutters, get back here!" Mario called out.

"In that case, twenty bits!" said Crafty Crate. That price tag quickly brought the rushing Pegasus to a stop.

"Twenty?!" said Fluttershy as she sat down in defeat, "Oh, but, I don't have that much."

"Then why are you wasting my time?" Crafty Crate retorted. It was then Lemon Hearts arrived holding some bits with her magic.

"I'll give you two bits for that cherry!" she said firmly.

"Sold!" said Crafty Crate with a smile as Fluttershy and Mario, who had caught up to her, looked at him stunned.

"Eh, tough break, kid," said Crafty Crate, "Next time don't be such a doormat." Mario growled loudly.

"I'll show you a doormat!" Mario snarled as he got up, ready to give that stallion a good smack down.

"No!" Fluttershy pleaded, holding a fore-hoof in Mario's way. Mario just glared before sighing to himself and helped Fluttershy to her feet. Fluttershy just walked sadly away as Pinkie and Rarity watched her go. Mario looked a bit zoned out. As Fluttershy was walking away, he saw his younger self walking in the same saddened state instead, Then some bigger colts ran by, taking his saddle bags. Younger Mario took off after them, only to be smacked away and left sitting on the ground in tears. Mario felt a tear leave his eye when a pink hoof waved across his face.

"Mario?" Pinkie asked curiously, "are you having one of those flashback moments again?" Mario shook his head to snap out of his thoughts.

"I...um...yeah..." said Mario sadly as he wiped the lone tear away.

"Was it really that bad for you when you were little?" Rarity asked. Mario gave a sad sigh.

"Yes..." Mario replied simply.

Back at the cottage, a grey goat was leaving the house, giving off a bleat as he crossed the bridge from the outside. Inside, Angel was tying a napkin around his neck as he sat by a fancy table with a checkered table cloth and candlelight.

"Ta-da! Here you go, Angel," said Fluttershy as she presented Angel the completed masterpiece. Angel licked his lips and went to take a large bite out of it.

"Sorry, there's no cherry on top," Fluttershy added, "but the rest of it is exactly what you wanted." Angel froze as he grabbed the cookbook to find that Fluttershy was right. The cherry on top was missing.

"Angel?" Fluttershy asked worried as Angel growled with fury. Then he threw the dish of food, and Fluttershy, right out of the house. Poor Fluttershy hit her mailbox, knocking the contents out of it, before she landed on the ground.

"Look at me...," said Fluttershy with a sad sigh, "I really am a doormat. Oh...Mario was right. I spoiled Angel too much and now he doesn't even respect me..." It was then a brochure landed on Fluttershy's head. Fluttershy picked it up and started reading it.

""The incredible Iron Will turns doormats into dynamos"," Fluttershy read out loud, ""Assertiveness seminar today, hedge maze centre"." Fluttershy narrowed her eyes. After what happened today, she was ready to admit she had had enough.

"As Celestia as my witness," Fluttershy declared, "I'm never gonna be a pushover again."

Later that day, several ponies are gathering at the center of a hedge maze for the seminar. A white goat and grey goat were standing just outside the entrance to the central area wearing headsets. Fluttershy timidly poked her head inside to look around, but then backed up a bit when she saw the stern looking goats. Finding some courage, Fluttershy timidly made her way inside the hedge maze.

"Oh! Ah! Uh...excuse me," said Fluttershy as she timidly squeezed herself between two ponies at the very front and gave a light squeak. Those around her glared and then...

THWACK!

Fluttershy was sent to the back of the group. It was then some music began to play, a goat bleat was heard as it activated a smog machine, then another goat activated a spotlight as a shadow appeared wearing a cape. Another goat came to remove the cape, revealing a blue minotaur wearing a black tie around his neck as he shadow boxed for the ponies and fireworks went off around him. The ponies started to cheer and stomp about excitedly. Fluttershy struggled to see what was going on as the minotaur flexed his large muscles and kissed them.

"Welcome friends," said the minotaur as he paced about the stage, "My name is Iron Will, and today is the first day of your new life! I wanna hear you stomp if you're tired of being a pushover!" Iron Will raised a hand to his ear as the ponies all cheered and stomped excitedly. Fluttershy continued to struggle to watch from the back.

"Stomp if you're tired of being a doormat!" said Iron Will as he twinkle-toed across the stage from right to left and the ponies stomped and cheered excitedly.

"Stomp if you wanna pay nothing for this seminar!" said Iron Will as he twinkle-toed across the stage from left to right. The ponies stomped and cheered excitedly, but then ponies realized what he said and stopped. They looked at each other confused for a moment but then started to laugh. Iron Will gave them all a stern glare, making the ponies stop laughing at him.

"That's no joke, friends," said Iron Will, "Iron Will is so confident that you will be one hundred percent satisfied with Iron Will's assertiveness techniques, that if you are not one hundred percent satisfied, you. Pay. Nothing. But I pity the fool who doubts Iron Will's methods! You don't doubt me, do you?" Iron will got into the face of a nearby stallion, named Meadow Song.

"Uh-uh, no sir," Meadow Song said nervously as the rest of the ponies surrounding him nodded in agreement.

"That, my friends, is your first lesson," said Iron Will as he stands on the two heads of the white and grey goat, ""Don't be shy, look them in the eye"." The pones smile and began to chatter with each other, except for Fluttershy, who felt like an outsider for the moment as she tried to feebly make eye contact before she went back to watch Iron Will from the back.

"Now, to demonstrate that Iron Will's techniques will work for anypony," said Iron Will, "I'm gonna need a volunteer." Several ponies raise their hoof to be chosen as the two goats began to scan the crowd. It was then the white goat saw Fluttershy trying to squat to the ground and hide and the grey goat gave a bleat to Iron Will informing the Minotaur about the yellow Pegasus.

"You in the back row!" Iron Will announced as the ponies split down the middle to reveal a cowering Fluttershy.

"Who, me?" Fluttershy asked timidly.

"Yes, you!" said Iron Will firmly, "Iron Will wants you on stage!" Fluttershy gulped.

"Uh, well..." Fluttershy hesitated.

"Now!" Iron Will shouted.

"Okay," Fluttershy conceded with a whisper as she headed towards the front of the stage, but headed around the group of ponies despite the fact they had split down the middle to offer her a faster path. Fluttershy had just gotten into the stage when the white goat stood in front of her. Fluttershy tried to go around him, but the goat kept getting in front of her.

"Whoaa!" said Iron Will in a dramatic tone, "He's blocking your path. What are you going to do about it?"

"Um, politely walk around him?" Fluttershy guessed.

"No," said Iron Will.

"Gingerly tip-toe around him?"

"No!"

"Go back home and try again tomorrow?"

"No!" Iron Will snapped, ""When somepony tries to block, show them that you rock"!" Iron Will didn't hesitate to raise his voice at Fluttershy, making her mane flow in the wind, as he used a finger to flick Fluttershy's flank, making her jump forward and knock the white goat out of the way and onto his back. Fluttershy was a bit dazed from the collision but recovered quickly.

"Oh! Sorry," said Fluttershy.

"Don't be sorry! Be assertive!" said Iron Will as he got into the face of the goat, ""Never apologize when you can criticize"!" He then cleared his throat before shouting, "Why don't you watch where you're going!? Now you try." Fluttershy hesitated for a moment before approaching the white goat.

"Uh...next time, get out of my way before..." Fluttershy stuttered, trying to find her words and be assertive, "I bump you, 'cause...I totally won't be sorry when I do!" Fluttershy flinched away a bit and was unsure if what she did was correct. Iron Will got bits in his eyes as he smiled excitedly. He quickly grabbed one of Fluttershy's fore-hooves and lifted her into the air.

"You see my friends?!" said Iron Will, "If my techniques can work for this shy, little pony, then they can work for anypony!" The rest of the ponies cheered excitedly. Fluttershy just looked at the cheering crowd before smiling excitedly. She just might have found an answer to her problems.

The next morning, Fluttershy was standing before her mirror with the brochure to the seminar clipped to it. Some of her animal friends were there watching her.

"Okay, I feel good," Fluttershy told herself, "I'm ready to "attack the day" as Iron Will says." Fluttershy headed toward her front door as her animal friends waved her good bye and good luck. As Fluttershy made her way outside, she noticed Mr. Greenhooves watering her flowers. Correction, Mr. Greenhooves was over watering her flowers and humming to himself.

"Excuse me, Mr. Greenhooves," said Fluttershy, "But I-I think you might be overwatering my petunias...again..." Mr. Greenhooves just chuckled.

"Let the professional handle it," said Mr. Greenhooves said dismissively. Fluttershy turned to walk away when she remembered what she had learned about being assertive. She narrowed her eyes.

""Treat me like a pushover, and you'll get the once over"," Fluttershy said to herself. She then slammed a fore-hoof over the hose to prevent the water from flowing out of it.

"Hm? Hmm..." Mr. Greenhooves mumbles as he shook the hose and then looked at the nozzle to see why the water wasn't coming out. Fluttershy then removed her fore-hoof, allowing the water that had been building up to come out of the nozzle with a massive splash. Mr. Greenhooves coughed and spluttered from the sudden water blast.

"Well, perhaps that is enough water," said Mr. Greenhooves feebly to a glaring Fluttershy.

"Thank you," said Fluttershy indignantly as she made her way across her bridge before giggling with glee, "I can't believe is worked." Fluttershy then smiled as she made her way into town.

Meanwhile on one of the bridges, Bon Bon and Cherry Berry were pulling two carts loaded with stinky garbage. They had stopped moving to have a conversation with each other right in the middle of the bridge.

"Showpony business is tough," said Cherry Berry to Bon Bon.

"Go ahead, try one of your jokes out on me," said Bon Bon, "I laugh at everything."

"Okay, okay, okay," said Cherry Berry, "A donkey and a mule are stuck on a desert island..." As Cherry Berry began telling her joke, Fluttershy had arrived to cross the bridge. Fluttershy cleared her throat to get their attention since the two ponies were blocking her path.

"Excuse me?" said Fluttershy, "Would you mind moving your carts so I can pass?"

"Yeah, yeah, in a minute, I wanna finish up this story," said Cherry Berry rudely as Bon Bon glared back at the yellow Pegasus, "And the donkey says to the mule..."

"A-hemmmm can you move?" said Fluttershy sternly, "You're blocking my path."

"Yeah, yeah, in a minute!" Cherry Berry retorted, "So the donkey says the mule..." Cherry Berry's voice faded a bit into the background but could still be heard.

"Why don't we build a boat to get off this island?" Cherry Berry told Bon Bon. Meanwhile, Fluttershy was getting angry. She could have easily flown over them, but to her, that option was only for doormats. She wanted to be assertive and that meant making the two ponies move.

""When somepony tries to block, show them that you rock"," said Fluttershy as she walked up to both carts and angry bucked the back of both karts at the same time.

"...and the mule says..." Cherry Berry continued.

SPLAT.

Fluttershy bucking made the cart tip over and dump their contents on top of the two ponies.

"Ugh! Easy does it, lady!" said Cherry Berry indignantly, "We're moving okay?" The two ponies then pulled their carts out of the way, not even bothering to recollect the spilled garbage and dirt littering the bridge.

"Good!" said Fluttershy, not caring about walking over or through the dropped garbage on the bridge. She was just pleased that she got the two ponies to listen to her and move out of her way. Fluttershy then arrived at Sugarcube Corner. She noticed that there was a long line of ponies waiting to make a purchase.

"Who's next please?" said Pinkie since she was handling sales for the day, "And what can I get for you today?" Fluttershy then felt somepony tap her shoulder, making her look back when a pony zipped in front of her and bumped Fluttershy back.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Fluttershy demanded, "Didn't you see me?!"

"Uh, I guess maybe," said the pony, whose name was Shoeshine, rather snootily.

""Maybe"? "Maybe's are for babies"," Fluttershy remarked, her voice getting louder as she spun the pony around and made direct eye contact with her before yelling, "Now go to the back of the line where you belong!" Shoeshine smiled sheepishly and scooted behind Fluttershy without a word. The other ponies in front of her looked back. Fluttershy gave them a glare, causing all of them to back out of the shop. Their hooves made rewind sounds as they formed the line outside and giving Fluttershy a clear path.

"Heyyy, look at you!" said Pinkie impressed as Fluttershy smiled confidently and flew up the counter. Rarity and Mario, who had stopped by for a break from their work at the boutique, walked up to the counter.

"Oh your attitude is so feisty," said Rarity, "it's fabulous."

"It's good to see you take charge of situations, Sis," said Mario, "Ponies will think twice before messing with you from now on."

"Looks like that monster's workshop really paid off," said Pinkie, somehow knowing that Fluttershy had gone despite nopony telling her.

"Iron Will's not a monster," said Fluttershy with a light shake of her head, "He's a minotaur and a true inspiration. His techniques really work."

"Well, they certainly made a difference in the way you carry yourself," said Rarity, "You truly are a whole new Fluttershy."

"New and improved," Mario announced before adding as joke, "and now with 20% more flutters!"

BONK!

Fluttershy used the hammer Mario had given her for turn battles to smack him on the head, leaving him dizzy. Pinkie and Rarity cringed, but still managed to give a nervous chuckle.

"Dork," Fluttershy muttered before saying to Rarity and Pinkie, "but to answer your question, yes I am. And new Fluttershy feels pretty stoked about new Fluttershy."

"Well, old Pinkie Pie feels really proud of new Fluttershy," said Pinkie as Mario managed to recover, "Proud as pink punch. Want some?" Pinkie then presented a large glass filled with punch on the counter and started to laugh. However, for some odd reason, Fluttershy took offense to Pinkie's laughter.

""You laugh at me, I wrath you!"" Fluttershy said angrily before knocking the glass of punch on Pinkie. Rarity gasped and Mario rushed over to the yellow Pegasus.

"What was that for?!" Mario demanded, "Pinkie was just laughing at her own joke!" Fluttershy gave Mario a fierce glare.

"Don't. Tell. Me. What. TO DO!" Fluttershy retorted, her voice getting louder as she shoved Mario down onto his back. Mario was shocked and even Rarity's jaw dropped once again. Sure Fluttershy could get sassy with Mario, but the yellow Pegasus had been getting extra rough with him today.

"Bye girls," said Fluttershy. The fact she didn't add Mario could have meant she was ignoring him or including him with the girls as an insult. Pinkie sat up with a empty punch bowl on her head as Mario recovered to his hooves. They were all stunned over what had just happened. The ponies watching everything from outside all ran off when they saw Fluttershy leaving the shop.

"What a day," said Fluttershy, feeling rather pleased with herself as she did a little flutter jump and raised a hoof in the air, "Taxi!" Fluttershy ran over to climb in when a pony named Royal Riff beat her to the taxi and hopped inside.

"Oh no you don't," said Fluttershy angrily, ""Cut in line, I'll take what's mine"!" Fluttershy then pounced on Royal Riff. A dust could appeared as Fluttershy beat him up and then sent him flying out of the taxi seat.

"Aieeeeee! Ow..." Royal Riff screamed as she landed just outside the steps to Sugarcube Corner...somehow landing right on top of Mario. He, Pinkie and Rarity had rushed outside when they heard the fighting noises.

"I'm always the fall guy," Mario muttered indignantly as glared at the stallion. Royal Riff gave a sheepish smile and ran off.

"Nopony pushes new Fluttershy around!" Fluttershy yelled angrily as she shook a fore-hoof at everypony nearby before screaming, "NOPONY!" The taxi pony flinched as he took off at high speed to take Fluttershy to her destination. Pinkie, Rarity, and Mario watched her disappear with weary looks on their faces.

"Old Pinkie Pie is not so sure new Fluttershy is such a good idea after all," said Pinkie worried.

"Old Rarity agrees," Rarity added.

"Uh...why are we talking in third person?" Mario asked before getting dirty looks from both ponies, "Fine...old Mario has got a bad feeling about this."

"Old Mario needs to stop reading Pony Wars books all the time," Pinkie retorted. Mario just rolled his eyes.

The next day, Fluttershy was back to pep talking to herself in the mirror. However things were different. She wasn't showing just confidence in her stance and voice, but...aggression.

"You got this new Fluttershy!" she told herself boldly, "This day is yours! And nopony's gonna take it away from you!" She then turned to some of her animal friends.

"Am I right?!" Fluttershy asked them, "Right!" Her voice was so strong that she literally knocked them all onto their backs. She then boldly left her house and then checked her mailbox.

"What?!" said Fluttershy angrily as she grabbed the letter in her box, "He's delivered the wrong mail, again!" Just down the road from her house was the mail pony. He was trying to make another delivery. Despite the thick lenses on his glasses, he was trying to shove mail inside of a birdhouse instead of the actual mailbox.

"Oh-" he exclaimed as Fluttershy flew over to him.

"And new Fluttershy does not want to wrong mail delivered to her cottage!" Fluttershy said sternly as she made the mail pony back away a bit.

"Ohh, did I mix 'em up again?" said the mail pony named Mr. Zippy as he reached into his bag and pulled out a single letter for the yellow Pegasus, "Sorry about that." Fluttershy was too angry to accept it.

""You apologize, I penalize"," said Fluttershy to his face.

"Oh!" said Mr. Zippy, who was so startled that he tried to run away, but ended up crashing into the mailbox, getting himself stuck on it. Fluttershy sternly grabbed a stamp, slapped it against his flank, and sternly took her letter with her mouth. Another mail pony with a cart attached to himself arrived to take the other mail pony away. Fluttershy walked away in a snooty and indignant manner. As she made her way down the road, a tourist pony named Globe Trotter was looking around the area. He then saw Fluttershy walking by and rushed up to her.

"Excuse me," said Globe Trotter, "do you know how to get to Ponyville tower?"

"Sure," said Fluttershy, her voice muffled by the letter in her mouth, "you just-" As Fluttershy tried to talk, the letter in mouth fell out and it floated into a puddle of water, soaking it. Fluttershy gasped.

"Oh, that's a shame," said Globe Trotter and meant it too. But Fluttershy just growled at him.

""You make me lose, I blow my fuse"!" Fluttershy yelled angrily before grabbing the camera hanging around his neck. Pinkie, Rarity, and Mario had arrived in time to see everything and gasped silently.

"Hey!" Globe Trotter exclaimed as Fluttershy twirled him about twice before throwing him away from her. Globe Trotter landed in a pile of hay while his camera flew off his neck and bonked the side of the bell...of the Ponyville Tower. He ended up getting where he needed to go. Fluttershy just smiled to herself as her three friends approached her.

"Fluttershy!" Rarity exclaimed, "What are you doing? That's no way to behave!"

"There was no reason for you to toss him like that when you dropped that letter all on your own," Mario scolded. While Fluttershy's back was against them, they couldn't see how irritated she was becoming. She was in no mood to listen to ponies scolding her for her actions.

"Didn't you see what he did to new Fluttershy?" Fluttershy retorted defensively, "And he thought new Fluttershy was a pushover!" Rarity, Pinkie, and Mario exchanged looks with each other worriedly. Mario in particular was feeling very uncomfortable all of a sudden.

"No, sweetie, he didn't," said Rarity calmly, "We saw the whole thing. We think you've taken your assertiveness training a little too far." Fluttershy just hovered above them with an angered looked on her face.

"What?!" Fluttershy snapped as she angrily pointed a fore-hoof at Rarity, "You just want new Fluttershy to be a doormat like old Fluttershy. But old Fluttershy is...gone!" Mario shuddered nervously as Fluttershy raised her head back and shouted at the top of her lungs.

"New Fluttershy? Old Fluttershy?" said Pinkie, feeling rather puzzled.

"What happened to nice Fluttershy?" Rarity asked, "we want that Fluttershy back."

"What happened to my sweet and kind sister that we all know and love?" Mario demanded.

"No, you want wimp Fluttershy," Fluttershy protested as she flew around them, her anger become more livid as she spoke, "You want pushover Fluttershy. You want do-anything-to-her-and-she-won't-complain, Fluttershy!"

"Hey, I've never taken advantage of you and you know it, Flutters!" Mario shot back sternly, "I was the one who made sure you were respected!"

"Well new Fluttershy doesn't need you anymore!" Fluttershy yelled back, "Independent Fluttershy needs nopony!" Mario felt like something hit his stomach, especially when he was seeing himself when Fluttershy said that.

"Nyaaaaah!" Pinkie yelped, feeling dizzy since she was trying to watch Fluttershy as she hovered around them, but got her neck twisted and untwisted again before pleading, "Too many Fluttershy's to keep track of! Make it stop!" Pinkie held her head as Fluttershy flew over to her.

"Thing's getting too complicated for your simple little brain, Pinkie Pie?" Fluttershy jeered as she pressed a fore-hoof to Pinkie's head and pushed her down. Rarity caught the now distraught pink pony with her fore-hooves before she hit the ground.

"Hey, just because you're giving Pinkie a headache doesn't mean she's dumb," said Mario sternly. Fluttershy just looked at him with a bored look on her face.

"Mario, let me be upfront with you about this," said Fluttershy before smirking deviously at him, "You and Twilight, it will never work out. Why? Because she would never love a pony whose so worthless that he'd waste his whole life pursuing her heart!" Mario jaw dropped before he gave a loud whimper and his eyes looked ready to burst into tears. All his strength to defend himself had melted away instantly.

"Now, stop right there!" Rarity said sternly, "Let's not descend things into petty insults and how dare you say that to your own brother!"

"Why not?" Fluttershy taunted, "I thought "petty" was what you're all about, Rarity. With your "petty" concerns about fashion!" Rarity gasped, deeply hurt as she turned away to hide the fact she now wanted to cry.

"Hey, leave her alone!" said Pinkie sternly and standing on her hind legs, "Fashion is her passion!" Pinkie posed like a model and sway her hips to emphasize her point. Fluttershy was not impressed.

"Oh, and what are you passionate about? Birthday Cake? Party Hats?" Fluttershy retorted in a mocking tone that made Pinkie frown and sink back down on all fours.

"I can't believe that the three most frivolous ponies in Ponyville are trying to tell new Fluttershy how to live her life," Fluttershy told them angrily, "when they are throwing their own lives away on pointless pursuits that nopony gives a flying feather about!" Each word Fluttershy spoke, it was like somepony was literally ripping apart the hearts of the three ponies before her. Pinkie and Rarity still had some strength to hold back their tears, but were slowly losing their ability to do so. Rarity and Mario were bitting their lips to hold back, but the latter had already lost his battle with the tears streaming down his face.

"Looks like nasty Fluttershy is here to stay!" Pinkie croaked.

"I cannot believe what that monster Iron Will has done to you!" Rarity added in the same tone before she, Pinkie, and Mario ran off, crying loudly as Fluttershy watch them disappear.

"Iron Will's not a monster," Fluttershy screamed, "HE'S A MINOTAUR!" Fluttershy landed hard on the ground, growling in pure rage as she looked at herself in the puddle of water next to her.

One second.

One second was all it took for Fluttershy to see who she had become and what she had just done. A loud whimper escaped her lips as tears began to stream down her face.

"I'm the monster," said Fluttershy sadly as a pair of tears splashed into the puddle. Then Fluttershy slowly made her way back home. In fact, she walked so slowly that it was early evening as she made her way inside of her cottage and closed the door.

It was early next morning when Rarity and Pinkie met each other just outside of the Carousel Boutique. They didn't need long before they knew what they needed to do.

"New Fluttershy or not," said Rarity as they made their way down the street to Mario's house, "we need to make sure that she knows we're not going to let her treat us like she did yesterday."

"Right," said Pinkie firmly before she softened as she felt her tears began anew.

"Oh Pinkie," said Rarity as she held her pink friend close, "I'm sure Fluttershy didn't mean what she said."

"It's not me," said Pinkie in a sad tone, "it's what she said to big brother. I had hoped I'd never have to see Mario cry that hard ever again! He actually believed her, Rarity! And he said he didn't want to be her friend anymore!"

"I remember that," said Rarity as they reached the front door to Mario's house, "And you were there when I told him not to do something that rash because he was upset. Hopefully he's had time to settle down." Rarity then knocked on his door.

"Mario, darling," said the marshmallow pony, "It's Rarity and Pinkie, can we come in?"

"Doors unlocked," said Mario in a flat tone. Rarity and Pinkie made their way inside to find Mario reclining...on a chasse sofa in the living room?

"Where did you get that?" Rarity asked.

"I bought it a couple of months ago for when I feel depressed," said Mario, "Unfortunately, I forgot to buy some ice cream to eat while I cry to ease the pain." Rarity looked a bit stunned.

"Learned that from you," Pinkie sing sang into her ear as Rarity gave her a dirty look.

"Sorry, I can't help it if it seems like I'm copying you, Rarity," Mario whimpered, "You're not the only one who doesn't do well with handling criticism and insults. I lose self-confidence in myself when it happens and suddenly everything I do doesn't feel good enough. Besides, I think better about things when I lounge on a chasse sofa then my regular ones..." Rarity just smiled, but she would never admit that Mario did learn this habit from her.

"Alright," said Rarity as she took a seat on the sofa edge, "but are you feeling any better."

"No," Mario answered honestly as he sat up, "but I have had some time to realize something."

"What's that?" Pinkie asked as she sat behind Rarity.

"Fluttershy and I have something in common," said Mario, "the desperate need to be loved and accepted." Rarity and Pinkie looked stunned.

"Mario," said Pinkie, "did what happened with Fluttershy happen to you too?" Mario looked at her sadly and nodded.

"I acted just like Fluttershy," said Mario quietly, "and I drove away my old group of friends by being defensive, mean, and I insulted them."

"Then...why did you feel the need to be so mean to everypony?" Rarity asked. Mario sighed to himself.

"I was angry," said Mario, "I had grown up my entire life being bullied and pushed around so much. I felt like it was me against the world and it was so bad that I just didn't feel like I could ever defend myself. So, like Fluttershy, I would just take it, hoping they would just have their moment and leave me alone. Then I finally got my cutie mark and started exercising more so I could be physically as well as intellectually stronger. With my feelings for Twilight to motivate me, I felt like I had a goal to pursue. I wasn't just some worthless pony that Princess Celestia pited and took in. I was somepony important and anypony who says otherwise would pay. They would pay!" Mario then clasped his fore-hooves over his mouth and took a few deep breaths to settle himself down. Rarity and Pinkie flinched a bit when he raised his voice a bit.

"Sorry, I have a very strong long term memory," said Mario sadly, "it makes forgetting the pains and heartaches of my past all the more difficult. Guess my point is that I spend so many years stuffing down all that hurt and negative feelings because I didn't want to look even weaker than I felt on the inside. When I finally felt on top of the world, it just...made me so angry when somepony would try to tease me or claim that I was just a joke. I couldn't take the insults anymore...inside I was screaming: why can't ponies just accept me? Why can't they just love me for who I am and what I can do? The more those hurt feelings stayed inside of me, the more those feelings poisoned me and I felt myself feeling so...angry...at everypony. That time I had all that ego. It certainly didn't help cause all that anger started coming out in the way I acted and with how I treated those around me."

"Did you realize you were hurting others by lashing out at them?" Rarity asked.

"In that state of anger," said Mario, "all I saw were ponies trying to knock me down, wanting me to become that shy, pathetic pony I used to be. I was sick of being told what was wrong with me. So...I started mocking and teasing their flaws and interests. In my mind, I didn't care if it hurt. All I could think was: let's see how you like being torn down for a change!"

"That sounds just like Fluttershy," said Pinkie.

"So...when did you realize that how you were acting wasn't right?" Rarity asked.

"Ironically, it was just a couple of weeks after my accident," said Mario, "I can remember feeling nothing but anger and rage. Anger at being removed from the team. Anger for, at the time, losing my ability to even walk. Anger at my friends, who I thought abandoned me. I remember grunting and snarling about in my wheelchair. Enjoying all those aggressive feelings, when somepony came to see me. It was the pony who had caused my accident. I wasted no time yelling, eventually screaming at them to get lost, blaming them and insulting them for what had happened. That was when they pushed me in front of a mirror and asked me this question: Is this who you want to be for the rest of your life? It only took me a second to see the angered face I was making before I broke down and wept." Mario sniffled as he felt some extra tears leave his eyes. Rarity and Pinkie had watering eyes as well.

"So...you saw what your anger was doing to you," said Rarity.

"Yes," said Mario, "As much as I wanted to be assertive and stand up for myself. I lost part of myself to my own anger. Anger that wouldn't have been there if I had taken the time to speak up about it instead of just...stuffing it all down inside."

"What happened after?" Pinkie asked.

"It took me a long time to heal," said Mario, "my old friends from Canterlot took weeks before speaking to me again so I could even apologize. I could have probably done so sooner, but...I didn't because I never felt like I deserved it, even if I was sorry. After all I had been through, I kind of pulled back on trying to be around ponies for a long time, at least with ponies outside the old group. It wasn't until I came to Ponyville that I found the courage to try and to make new friends again."

"Why is that?" Rarity asked.

"I maybe a very talented pony," said Mario, "capable of many things, but that doesn't mean that I have an easy time believing in myself. After I lost my temper to being too assertive and getting that big ego, I was afraid of showing off my talents again. You remember when Twilight and I faced against Trixie, Rarity. We feared being looked at negatively, so we hid our magical abilities until the Ursa Minor attacked. I didn't want to make the same mistakes again. I especially didn't want to hurt ponies like I did when I was angry. In fact...the reason I spent more time with Twilight wasn't entirely because of my feelings for her."

"What was the other reason?" Pinkie asked.

"It was because I didn't want to hurt anypony ever again," said Mario, "I used it as an excuse to hide away...hide away from the pain and...to accept the idea that maybe I really am just worthless pony, doomed to be bullied forever, and nopony would ever truly accept me..." Rarity and Pinkie looked at each other and then narrowed their eyes.

"We need to go see Fluttershy right now," said Rarity firmly.

"Yeah," said Pinkie in the same, "she's literally a big colorful party balloon with too much air inside of it. Eventually that balloon is gonna burst and somepony needs to catch her when it does!"

"I agree," said Mario firmly as he sat up from his chassie sofa, "If Fluttershy knows that we haven't abandoned her despite all those...hurtful words...she'll have a faster recovery. If there was ever a time she needed her friends, it is now!"

"Then let's get to it!" said Rarity as she headed out of the door and began to run.

"We're coming to save you, Fluttershy!" Pinkie added as she ran alongside Rarity, "From...from...yourself!" Mario caught up to the two ponies quickly as they hurried to Fluttershy's cottage. The three ponies gasped at what they saw when they arrived. The wind blew and the howling of a wolf could be heard in the background as they noticed that Fluttershy's cottage had its windows and front door all boarded up. Her trees were void of all their leaves and all the animals and birds were gone.

"Oh sweet Celestia we're too late!" Mario whimpered as he and the two ponies continued to look at Fluttershy's house with worried looks on their faces.

"No it's not," said Rarity, "She probably just burned out not too long ago." The three ponies quickly rushed up to the boarded door.

"Fluttershy, are you in there?" Rarity asked after she knocked on the door.

"It's Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Mario," said Pinkie as she stood next to the marshmallow pony with Mario beside her.

"Go away!" said Fluttershy from inside the house, "Go away before nasty Fluttershy strikes again!" The three exchanged looks, seeing that Fluttershy had reached her breaking point and was now blaming herself for what happened.

"Oh, sweetie," said Rarity gently, "We all say things we regret."

"We did?" Pinkie interjected in a clueless tone.

"Shh," said Rarity and Mario at once.

"We don't hold it against you," Mario added, "It's not your fault."

"Yes it is," said Fluttershy, now being seen sitting inside her house and was being tied to a chair by Angel, who doesn't exactly seem sure that doing so was a good idea, "Pinkie's right. I'm the one to blame. But don't worry. I'm never coming out of my house again. Everypony will be alot safer with me and my mean mouth locked away." Rarity looked to Mario, her eyes wondering if he felt this way too.

"I did kind of close off and focused more on my studies because of what happened, especially after I was prevented from returning to racing after I recovered," said Mario sadly, "it was hard socializing with others because many ponies were slow to forgive or talk to me. I don't blame them thought. I was very mean and arrogant."

"Well that's not the case here," said Pinkie, giving Mario a sympathetic nuzzle, making him feel better and Rarity nodded in agreement as she turned back to Fluttershy's door.

"Sweetie," said Rarity, "Pinkie Pie and Mario don't blame you, nor do I. You just received some bad advice from that Iron Will character." Rarity, Mario, and Pinkie all donned stern looks when Iron Will was mentioned.

"Yeah!" Pinkie replied in agreement, "He's the one that made you super-duper nasty!"

"Pinkie!" Mario retorted as Rarity gave the pink pony a jab and a glare.

"What I mean is," Pinkie clarified, "there are other ways to assert yourself besides yelling at everypony." Fluttershy just sadly looked at the floor with a glum expression on her face.

"Yes!" said Rarity in agreement, "You can stand up for yourself without feeling unpleasant about it."

"I-I'm not sure that I can," said Fluttershy sadly, "I'm too far gone. Whenever I try to assert myself, I become a monster." Fluttershy looked at herself in the mirror, as she does so, she sees her head with Iron Will's horn on her head as lightning strikes to make her look scary. Fluttershy cringed.

"Oh sweetie," said Rarity, "You're not a monster."

"She's right, Flutters," said Mario, "I understand how you feel right now." Fluttershy was stunned.

"H-How?" Fluttershy asked.

"Because the same thing happened to me not too long ago," said Mario gently, "I know what it was like to be bullied and mistreated to the point that you feel helpless. You try to keep peace by avoiding confrontations and arguments, but in the end, all you were doing was stuffing down all those negative feelings in your subconscious. I once thought I needed to be aggressive in order to show ponies that I was somepony worth respecting. But in the end, all that did was cause all those negative and hurt feelings to bubble over and I lashed out at those I cared for the most." Fluttershy was quiet for a moment.

"So...you know how awful I feel right now?" Fluttershy asked.

"Would this be what's going on in your mind?" Mario replied quietly, ""I can't believe I just did that. All I wanted was to be respected by others. I didn't want to spend another day being pushed around and I ended up doing to my friends exactly what ponies did to me. I'll never forgive myself for being so mean and I wish I could just disappear. I don't deserve friends. I don't deserve to be respected or feel special. Maybe all those ponies were right about me"." There was a long silence before Mario heard the sound of somepony sniffling.

"That's exactly how I feel," Fluttershy whimpered softly.

"Please don't feel like you have to deal with this alone," said Mario gently, "We all think you're very special, Fluttershy. We love you for who you are. And just as Rarity said, you're not a monster."

"No, but he is," said Pinkie as she pointed into the distance. There just before Fluttershy's bridge was Iron Will, sanding on the back of the grey goat.

"Ugh, talk about bad timing," Mario remarked.

"Iron Will's my name, training ponies is my game," said the minotaur, giving a thumbs up. Rarity and Pinkie then looked in the direction Iron Will was making his pose.

...

Uh...why are all the eyeballs on me?

...

Fortunately Rarity then chose to speak before Pinkie could break the fourth wall to answer my question.

"What a darling little catchphrase," said Rarity.

"Your friend Fluttershy loved Iron Will's catchphrases," said Iron Will as he flexed his muscles, "Word on the street is that she doesn't take no gruff from nopony! So, Iron Will is here to collect Iron Will's fee." The minotaur wrapped a single arm around Pinkie and Rarity, leaving them a tad uncomfortable and frazzled before he let go and made his way toward Fluttershy's cottage.

"Fluttershy is in no shape to deal with that creep," Pinkie told Rarity.

"Well how about one of you comes with me so we can distract Iron Will in a turn battle," said Mario, "and the other can find a way inside Fluttershy's cottage and sneak her away somewhere safe."

"Good idea!" Pinkie nodded.

"I don't think that will be necessary," said Rarity, "But...we'll keep it as a backup. He appears to be a man of business and good business ponies...err...minotaurs...need to be well mannered. Maybe I can reason with him." Rarity then rushed towards the minotaur and gasped.

"I'm sure a big, brave, powerful, and rich monster-" said Rarity before she corrected herself, "I mean, minotaur like you doesn't need that money right away. You can afford to come back later."

"Are you kidding?" Iron Will protested, "Fluttershy is overdue as it is. Iron Will collects now." He then picked up Rarity by tip of her horn and dropped off down the side of a small cliff, where she landed hard inside of a bush.

"Hey! That's no way to treat a lady!" Mario retorted angrily as Pinkie rushed over to the cliff to see if Rarity was alright.

"Do something!" Rarity pleaded as she poked her head out of the bush.

"Leave me sister aloooooooooooooooooooooonne...UGH!" Mario tried to block Iron Will from reaching the door when he was picked up by the horn and tossed away. Mario landed hard next to Rarity's bush.

"He didn't even let me finish my sentence!" Mario replied woozily. Iron Will had managed to rip off one wooden panel when Pinkie got in front of the door.

"We're not even sure Fluttershy is home right now," said Pinkie as she stood on her hind legs against the door until Iron Will picked her up by her tail, "Uh, she might be off frolicking with some woodland creatures. Uh, why don't you give us some time to track her down for ya?"

"Iron Will does have some grocery shopping to do," he said out loud as he dropped Pinkie, pulled out a shopping list and basket, and turned to walk away, "Iron Will will come back this afternoon."

"But that's only half a day," Pinkie protested, "We need one full day at least."

"Iron Will will delay for half a day and no longer," Iron Will told the pink pony.

"A full day!" Pinkie demanded as she sat up.

"Half day," Iron Will retorted.

"Full day!" Pinkie yelled.

"Half day!" Iron Will shouted with a dynamic pose.

"Half day!" Pinkie retorted with the same pose and going for the switcheroo.

"Full day!" Iron Will shouted as he leaned down to get into her face.

"We need half a day and no more!" Pinkie retorted as she stretched her neck like a giraffe and then vibrates in mid air as her neck un-stretched itself.

"Well, you'll get a full day and no less!" Iron Will shouted as he once again held Pinkie off the ground by her tail.

"Okie-Dokie, see you tomorrow," said Pinkie as she tried to walk away in mid air.

"Wait, what?" said Iron Will as he held onto Pinkie's tail, especially once he realized he was tricked. To make matters worse...

"Achoo!"

...Fluttershy chose that moment to sneeze. Despite the soft volume, Iron Will heard it loud and clear.

"Huh, sounds like the search won't be necessary," said Iron Will as he let go of Pinkie's tail, "Iron Will collects now." Pinkie, Rarity, and Mario, whom the latter two had finally recovered were standing just a few feet away, gasped as Pinkie and Mario went to block the door.

"But we had an agreement!" Pinkie protested, "You gotta come back tomorrow."

""When somepony tries to block, show them that you rock"!" Iron Will retorted sternly.

"We'll show you who rocks," Mario shot back and went to make his horn glow to summon a turn battle when...

SSSSSSSSSSS

...a simple lick of the tongue and twist of two fingers, Iron Will instantly put out the glow in Mario's horn.

"Wuh?!" said Mario stunned and even Pinkie was in shock. While they were stunned, Iron Will tossed both of them out of his way.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Mario and Pinkie screamed.

SPLASH!

They both landed in a nearby puddle of mud. The two ponies spluttered a bit when Pinkie noticed that the white goat was munching on her tail.

"Get off!" Mario scolded as he swatted the goat in the face to make him let go and rush away. Iron Will then pulled off all the boards on Fluttershy's door at once.

"Your payment if overdue, Fluttershy," said Iron Will sternly. Then reeled back, ready to smash the door down with a single punch when...

...he politely knocked on it instead.

It wasn't long before the door opened and Fluttershy just stood calmly before the minotaur. Rarity, who had gone over to Mario and Pinkie to see if they were alright, cringed with worry when she, Pinkie, and Mario saw Fluttershy come out.

"Somepony hold me," Mario said to them quietly, "If he throws Fluttershy like he did with me and Pinkie, I don't think I can control my temper." Rarity wrapped a fore-hoof around him for security as Iron Will snorted.

"You were nothing but a doormat," Iron Will told Fluttershy, "and Iron Will turned you into a lean, mean, assertive machine! Now pay Iron Will what you owe Iron Will!" Iron Will didn't resist making muscular poses and even doing a moonwalk to emphasize his point. Fluttershy just looked at him blankly before saying.

"Um, no."

Pinkie, Rarity, and Mario were left in complete shock.

THUD!

(Lose a life fanfare...x2!)

Both Pinkie and Mario passed out. Even the white and grey goats gave a shocked bleat. Iron Will was dumbfounded for a moment.

"Ohhh, I'd hate to be you right now," said Iron Will as he looked like he was getting warm up for fight, "because Iron Will is gonna rain down a world of hurt unless Iron Will gets his money pronto!" By now Rarity had revived both Pinkie and Mario and they were just watching from afar with fearful looks on their faces. Especially when Iron Will shouted at Fluttershy, making the yellow Pegasus flinch and her mane flowed due to his loud voice. However, Fluttershy remained calm.

"Well, if you won't listen to reason," said Fluttershy before calling out, "I'll just need to tire you out. Mario now!" As if by instinct, Mario a long and fast dash at Iron Will, activating his horn for the turn battle.

"Let's a go!"

"I'm ready!"

(Cue favorite RPG boss battle music)

Iron Will laughed at the whole situation.

"You think you can defeat Iron Will?" he boasted.

"We're not trying to defeat you," said Fluttershy, "Just get you to calm down."

"We are?" Mario asked puzzled, for he was ready to fight.

"Yes," said Fluttershy, "Time for some Chopper Ponies!"

"You sure?" said Mario, "I'd have to use my hammer to..."

"Just do it!"

"Alright!" said Mario as Fluttershy got in front of him. Before anything else, he put a protective barrier around Fluttershy since the first part of the move required him to whack Fluttershy underground. He didn't want to hurt her when he dunked her plus the barrier would make it easier for her to go under.

So first, Mario used his hammer to send Fluttershy underground, then they approached Iron Will so Fluttershy was right underneath Mario. When they were close enough, Fluttershy popped out of the ground, sending Mario airborne holding his hammer, then he spun about, sending several strikes to Iron Will before landing on the ground and stopped spinning.

"Oh yeah!" Mario and Fluttershy chanted before returning to their side of the battlefield. Iron Will was rather stunned by the attack, before growling at them.

"Now for Knockback Ponies!" said Fluttershy as she then had Mario stand in front of her. Fluttershy then whacked Mario with her hammer, making Mario curl into a ball, Mario then hopped up a bit as Fluttershy reared back for a side swing. She then smacked Mario in his ball form so he smashed right into Iron Will's face. Iron Will was dazed for a moment before he recovered and his body glowed.

"Why is he glowing?" Fluttershy asked.

"It means that he's about to use more powerful attacks," said Mario before adding with a smirk, "and it also means he's close to being defeated." Fluttershy smirked.

""You give me the bash, I give you the smash"!" Iron Will called out. Iron Will then reared both his arm and slammed the ground to create a fast moving shockwave. Both ponies jumped over it easily. Then Iron Will then slammed the ground again, causing a large rock to come at them both, but Mario and Fluttershy easily used their hammer to smash the rocks to avoid taking damage.

"Now for a high damaging attack!" said Mario, "You ready for some Swing Ponies, Sis?"

"Let's do it!" said Fluttershy as she stood across from Mario. She then jumped into the air so Mario held her by the fore-hooves. Using just his hind legs, he began to spin Fluttershy around and around, soon spinning at a high speed.

"What are they...UGH!" Iron Will then groaned when Mario let Fluttershy go and the yellow Pegasus slammed into him with her hind legs. The minotaur went airborne from the impact as Fluttershy flew by. Mario used his teleportation spell to bring Fluttershy back.

"Now for the Cyclone Ponies!" said Fluttershy.

"I'm ready!" said Mario as got in front of Fluttershy, Fluttershy then smacked her hammer down in Mario, shrinking him to about half is regular size. Fluttershy then did a slow jump as Mario began to spin in place below her as he stood on his hind legs. Once she landed on Mario as he continued to spin, this caused Fluttershy to spin with him as she extended her fore-hooves while holding her hammer out. Mario then moved toward Iron Will as they spun about, allowing Fluttershy to strike Iron Will with her hammer several times before they slow down to a stop. Iron Will snarled before his jaw dropped. A bright light glowed from his body as several colored stars spat out around him before he disappeared, marking his defeat.

(Battle victory fanfare!)

Iron Will just huffed in irritation. His face showing he was not enjoying the fact he had been defeated by two ponies.

"Since you've calmed down now," said Fluttershy, walking away from him despite the fact he was glaring at her, "As I recall, during your workshop you promised one hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed. Well, I'm not satisfied." Now it was Fluttershy's turn to give the minotaur a stern look.

"What do you mean you're not satisfied?" Iron Will snapped, "Everypony has always been satisfied!"

"Well, I guess I'm the first then," said Fluttershy plainly, "But since I'm not satisfied. I refuse to pay. It's a simple as that." Mario just smiled.

"Now there's the sassy, no nonsense sister I love so much," said Mario to himself. Pinkie and Rarity were still in too much shock at what had happened to say anything, including the fact both Fluttershy and Mario had defeated the minotaur in a very short turn battle. Rarity had to close Pinkie's mouth since her jaw as ready to hit the floor. Iron Will glared as his two goats appeared behind him. They then huddled up, making their bleats to communicate with each other, even looking back at Fluttershy once, before they broke up to speak with her.

"Ohh, are you...sure you're not just a little bit satisfied?" Iron Will stumbled, "B-because maybe...we could cut a deal. I-I mean we're both reasonable creatures, aren't we?" Fluttershy stood strong.

"I'm sorry, but no means no," Fluttershy answered firmly.

"No means no, huh?" said Iron Will, now feeling defeated as he climbed onto the grey goat as the white goat handed him his shopping basket, "Nopony's ever said that to me before. Huh...I gotta remember that one. That's a good catchphrase for my next workshop." The goats just gave a bleat as Pinkie and Rarity watched him leave. Then they rushed over to Fluttershy and stood on their hind legs with their fore-hooves raised in the air.

"You were amazing, Fluttershy!" said Pinkie as they embraced all Fluttershy together, "You totally stood up to that monster!"

"In fact, you didn't change at all!" said Rarity, "You were the same old Fluttershy that we've always loved!"

"The one that is here to stay!" Pinkie added.

"And the Fluttershy we think is very special," Mario added as all but Pinkie let her go.

"Don't worry, old Fluttershy's back for good," said Fluttershy, "I'm sorry that I took the whole assertiveness thing too far. Friends?" Pinkie, Rarity, and Mario all gave her teary smiles.

"Friends," the three ponies said at once as they gave Fluttershy another hug and laughed together.

It only took about a day or so for Fluttershy's cottage to be restored to its former happy and welcome environment. All her animal friends had returned as well.

"Dear Princess Celestia," Fluttershy recited, "Sometimes it can be hard for a shy pony like me to stand up for myself, and when I tried it, I didn't like the pony I became. But I've learned that standing up for yourself isn't the same as changing who you are. Now I know how to put my hoof down without being unpleasant or mean."

As Fluttershy recited her letter, she was observing her animals at they ate their lunch. She was now using multiple feeding bowls to reduce any fighting or competition between them for food. Once again, Angel was just pouting in the corner. With some help from Mario, Fluttershy gave Angel a stern lecture about being respectful and appreciative of what she did for him, but it seemed to have gone over his head as he gave Fluttershy another glare when she set down the bowl of salad for him to eat. Fluttershy gave him a stern glare in return, making it clear that was his meal and she wasn't going to change it. Angel began to have a tantrum as he angrily hopped up and down. Fluttershy then gave him "The Stare", making Angel freeze before he reluctantly grabbed a piece of apple and munched on it. His skepticism soon turned into a smile as he began to happily devour the contents of the bowl. Fluttershy smiled proudly.

Once lunch was over, Fluttershy took a walk around town to enjoy the fresh air. It still troubled her to see that many ponies were rather uneasy as they saw her walking by. A few even ran off when she came near them.

"(Sigh) I guess it's going to take time for ponies not to be afraid of me anymore," said Fluttershy to herself before blowing her large pink bang, "Your assertiveness idea didn't get me respect, Iron Will, only fear. And fear is not that same thing as respect." Fluttershy then made it to her destination, which was Mario's home. She lightly knocked on the door and found that he was home.

"Hey Fluttershy," said Mario.

"Hello, mind...if I come in?" Fluttershy asked.

"Sure, I'd like some company," said Mario, "Charlie always falls asleep after he eats so I'm kind of alone for the moment." Fluttershy just smiled as she made her way inside and got comfortable on one of Mario's sofas. Mario didn't need long to figure out that something was troubling the yellow Pegasus

"Want to tell me what's bothering you, Flutters?" Mario asked as he sat next to her. It was then Fluttershy looked at him sadly.

"Mario, have you...you ever had days where you felt...worthless?" Fluttershy asked.

"Plenty of times, Flutters," said Mario as he rested one of his fore-hooves on top of her own, "Being bullied leaves deep wounds that take a long time to heal, especially when you realize just how much those pains have affected you. It's hard to have self-confidence in yourself when you've been torn down most of your life."

"I'm so sick of it!" said Fluttershy as she narrowed her eyes, "I'm so sick of being treated like I'm just a loser! What's so wrong with being kind? What's so wrong with being shy and timid? We all don't have to be bold and aggressive to be successful for crying out loud! Some days I JUST WANNA STRANGLE SOMEPONY!" Fluttershy clasped her mouth and gave a loud whimper. She began to cry.

"What's happening to me?!" said Fluttershy, "I just feel so...angry! I don't want ponies to see me acting like this! I already scared so many of them when I was being mean..." Mario took a slow deep breath.

"Fluttershy, what exactly did you do when you had to deal with something you disliked or when you get insulted or criticized?" Mario asked.

"I...I mostly try to make peace," said Fluttershy sniffled, "I don't want to fight with anypony and I don't want anypony thinking that I'm rude or being insensitive. I just want to get along with ponies and not make them upset. I really hate fighting and I've always considered myself a peacekeeper."

"So when you feel upset, or disagree with somepony, you just keep it to yourself," Mario concluded.

"Yes," said Fluttershy quietly, "I always believed that if you can't say something nice to not say anything at all. But...I guess there was a fine line between being quiet to do the right thing versus being quiet and letting ponies take advantage of you."

"That is true," said Mario, "So what do you do with all those negative feelings anyway?"

"I guess...I just swallow it just so I can keep moving on and try to stay positive," said Fluttershy, "After all, I am the Element of Kindness. I like to try to present myself as a kind and caring pony, especially with all the animals I take care of."

"And that is something to be proud of," said Mario, "But I can't help but feel that sometimes you try to put on a kind face to hide the fact you are hurting inside." Fluttershy just sighed.

"You're right," said Fluttershy, "I...I have had dreams recently where I'm surrounded by everypony laughing and mocking me. At first I feel helpless and scared, but then..." Fluttershy felt her tears began anew, "...I started feeling...angry. Then I actually start attacking everypony making fun of me. I even had dreams where ponies plead for mercy and I still beat them up. Sometimes, I'm back at the Grand Galloping Gala when all the animals were running away from me and I face same situation there as well."

"How do you feel when you're in those moments of anger?" Mario asked her gently.

"I...I feel...strong," Fluttershy said shakily, "Like I've got power! I have authority! I can have...revenge!" Fluttershy then blinked and started to sob.

"I AM turning into a monster!" Fluttershy wailed loudly. Mario wasted no time pulling Fluttershy close and hugging her tenderly as she wept on his shoulder.

"You are not a monster, Fluttershy," said Mario gently, "This is what happens when you try stuffing down all your negative emotions inside of you for so long. It poisons you and makes you bitter. If you don't find a constructive way to deal with it, you end up lashing out at others, especially your animals and closest friends." Fluttershy cried harder.

"What wrong with us, Mario?" Fluttershy sobbed, "Why do ponies find us to such easy targets?! We never did anything to them but all they do is tear us apart day in and day out! I can't take it anymore! I sometimes wish..."

"...I could disappear forever!" Mario and Fluttershy cried out together and were soon weeping and hugging each other close. It was then Fluttershy pulled away, gritting her teeth and pounding the sofa cushion she was sitting on as her tears poured out of her eyes.

"Flutters," said Mario gently but firmly, "I think you'll feel better if you vent out what's on your mind."

"No, no, no..."

"Flutters, you need to do this," Mario sobbed as more of his tears left from his eyes, "you need to get these negative feelings out of your system. While I know it's going to take time for all that bitterness to go away completely. A good vent will help you release all that anger and frustration that is clearly boiling inside of you. Just let it out, Fluttershy. Even if you have to say something negative about me, I won't hold it against you because I'd rather you let it come out than stuffing it down again." Fluttershy hesitated before she began to discuss some of her negative feelings regarding the other girls and Mario. It didn't surprise Mario that Fluttershy had the most negative feelings regarding Rainbow, considering he had seen how brash the blue Pegasus could be with her. Fluttershy expected to feel sick once she had finished, but instead, she found that her heart didn't feel as heavy anymore. In fact, she felt much better.

"I never realized how much I needed to do that," said Fluttershy once she had calm down a bit, "I just didn't want to go about saying everything that I think about other ponies just to feel better and not stuff any more negative feelings down inside."

"Well I'm not saying that you have to walk up to somepony and tell them what you really think of them," said Mario, "But there are constructive ways that you can deal with your negative feelings that can be beneficial to you and the pony you are talking to."

"How?" Fluttershy asked puzzled.

"Let me give you an example," said Mario, "Fluttershy, I don't like it when you stomp on my tail all the time. I know you don't mean to be cruel, but my tail hairs are really sensitive and it really hurts when you step on them."

"Oh okay," said Fluttershy sadly, "I'll stop. Sometimes you get my nerves and I feel like that's the only way to get you realize that and make you stop. Next time, I'll just tell you how I feel instead just stomping your tail."

"And that's how you do it," said Mario, "I told you how I was feeling about you stomping my tail and why and you replied by telling me what I do that makes you do that to begin with. Now we understand each other a little more and we won't be upsetting or annoying with each other as much anymore." Fluttershy giggled.

"Yeah, that wasn't too hard," said Fluttershy, "I mean. I had no problem just being direct and calm when I told Iron Will why I wasn't going to pay him so...I can learn to do that in other situations. It won't be easy though...I mean, I'm so used to just stuffing those feeling down. But I guess that hasn't helped me in the long run. And I don't want to keep having days where I feel so...angry and defeated."

"I understand," said Mario, "But with some time and effort, we can both get better as learning to deal with those negative feelings and start believing in ourselves. We also have wonderful friends who love and care about us that can help. As long as we're not afraid to seek help, we'll get better. One baby step at a time." Fluttershy smiled before she looked at Mario sadly.

"Flutters..."

"I owe you a big apology, big brother," said Fluttershy sadly, "Rarity and Pinkie told me just how badly I hurt you yesterday. They said you didn't even want to be friends with me anymore." Mario sighed. It appeared he was going to have to be honest and discuss his negative emotions now, even though he didn't want to. He knew he had to for Fluttershy's sake.

"I was really hurt," said Mario, "You crossed the line by saying that because, as I told you, I too feel worthless sometimes. I actually believed what you said was true. Maybe I am wasting all my time getting Twilight to love me..."

"No, you're not!" said Fluttershy sternly, "I can see that Twilight is starting to show signs that she's falling for you. It won't be long before you and her will be together forever. I only said that because I was jealous."

"Jealous?" said Mario, "But you said you didn't see me that way."

"I don't," Fluttershy replied, "I mean...you're a real sweetheart and I love you. I just...I want my own special somepony too! All I have is a foolish dream: my stallion who's shy but fights monsters with dual swords! He just doesn't exist! I'm doomed to be alone forever as some crazy old lady whose only friends are animals!" One would have thought that would be a dream come true for Fluttershy, but Mario knew what the yellow Pegasus was so upset about. Mario held her fore-hooves with his own.

"What if I told you that I might have found a pony with that exact description?" Mario said softly. Fluttershy looked at him in disbelief.

"What?!"

"I have this pen pal that I write to on a regular basis," Mario explained as he got up and searched through some papers on his desk, "He's the son of one of Royal Pegasus guards that I used to know growing up. His name is Shenran."

"I see..." said Fluttershy, feeling rather skeptical.

"He was really, really shy when we first met," said Mario, "and he's always had a hard time socializing with other ponies because he's naturally shy. We hardly saw each other, but kept in touch over the years and became good friends by writing letters to each other. He was also a late-bloomer when it came to flying too. When he joined the cadet academy, his fellow cadets teased him alot because he had trouble speaking up for himself."

"How awful," said Fluttershy, "So...what did he do about that?"

"While he struggled to socialize," said Mario, "he made up for it by showing that he had exceptional fighting skills and other abilities. He might have a shield cutie mark to represent his position as a knight of the royal court, but the way he got his cutie mark was very inspiring. He got it protecting his family from a vicious manticore attack. Shenran took a heavy beating from it too, but despite how much he was hurting, all he cared about was keeping those he loved safe."

"So he's chivalrous," said Fluttershy.

"And he's got a big heart," said Mario, "Plus he's a master of the dual dao, aka...dual swords. He's now a respected member of the royal guard now. He's proved himself to be very brave and courageous despite never fully getting over his shy nature."

"Are you trying to set us up?" Fluttershy asked with a smirk. Mario chuckled.

"Of course not," said Mario, "I'm just saying that I've found a stallion whose had to deal with similar circumstances and has overcome them. His shy nature made making friends difficult, especially with other mares. I'm sure he would like to have you as a friend if you were willing to give him a chance."

"I see," said Fluttershy, "Well...if we can just be friends for now, I wouldn't mind writing to him."

"Great," said Mario with a smile, "I also have a recent picture of him if you would like to see what he looks like."

"Is he handsome?" Fluttershy asked, her skepticism still in her tone.

"I'm not going to say anything," said Mario as he used his magic to give her the picture, "You look and decide for yourself." Fluttershy rolled her eyes as she took the picture. There on the paper was a nicely built Pegasus stallion with a long dark brown mane and tail with a light tan colored fur. While he was out of uniform, he had a brown belt around his stomach, which had a sheath to store his swords. Fluttershy couldn't help but squee with delight as she bounced on the sofa cushion.

"Oh he's really cute!" Fluttershy exclaimed, "and very handsome! You said he's just like me?"

"Indeed," said Mario, "I'm sure getting a letter from you would make his day."

"But...what do I say to him?" Fluttershy asked as Mario used his magic to set down a paper and a pencil.

"Just start with an introduction of yourself," said Mario, "and that you want to be his friend." Fluttershy smiled and then took the paper and pencil and was about to write when she stopped herself.

"Umm...do you mind if I...wrote this back at home?" Fluttershy asked. Mario chuckled.

"Sure," said Mario, "Just don't forget to mail it." Fluttershy rolled her eyes at him.

"I won't," she replied and then gave Mario a warm hug, "Thank you...for understanding...and for helping me."

"I'm always here for my little sister," said Mario, "And my door is always open if you want to talk. Just remember that together, with the help from our friends. this feeling of worthlessness will go away. I love you, Fluttershy."

"I love you too, big brother," Fluttershy replied with a smile, gave Mario a sisterly kiss on his cheek, then made her way back home. Once back at her cottage, she made a beeline for her bedroom and began to write her letter to Shenran. The reason she wanted to do it at home was because she wanted to add a picture of herself to give to the Pegasus stallion so he could see what she looked like. Fluttershy was so excited that she sped through her writing and then mailed the letter that afternoon.

A few days later, Fluttershy checked her mailbox and was excited to see that Shenran had replied. She quickly rushed inside and opened the letter. The first lines made her blush and giggle happily.

I know you just want to be friends Fluttershy, but...you're so beautiful! I wonder if this is how it feels to be in love at first sight...oh dear...I mean...sorry. I didn't mean to offend you...

His way of writing was similar to how she wrote her letter to him.

"You didn't, Shenran," said Fluttershy to herself with a warm smile on her face, "I felt the same way when I saw how cute you are..."

If anypony is wondering, I took a test on what Pony best represented me and I got Rarity. It's why you see all the Rarity puns and jokes with Mario.

Fluttershy's problem with struggling to defend herself and being pushed around is something I had to deal with growing up. I also had to struggle with negative feelings because I used to stuff them inside of myself as well. It's why Mario Star has a similar struggle.

While I have pretty much introduced a new OC, whether he makes an actual cameo or guest star appearance will be up to you to decide. Let me know if you wanna see Shenran in a future chapter in the comments below.

Peace Pony Fans!