Chapter 6: Stormy Skies
Shimmer Star woke up to the sound of pen scratching on paper. It was still dark so he had to turn on his lamp to see that Twilight Sparkle was writing something. Turning on his side, Shimmer noticed that Fluttershy wasn't in her cot.
''What are you doing up? And where's Fluttershy?'' Shimmer asked in a sleepy tone. Twilight jumped slightly at hearing him.
''Oh, Shimmer you're awake, I couldn't sleep knowing that I forgot to tell Princess Celestia about our trip.'' She turned her page slightly to show that she was writing a note to the Princess.
''And what about Fluttershy?'' Shimmer stood up and slid into his vest.
''She went outside, something's bothering her but she won't tell me.'' Twilight said this as an invitation for Shimmer to try. He grabbed a lamp and walked outside. It took him a few moments to find her standing near the edge of the boat.
''The water out here is much more violent than in Equestria.'' Fluttershy continued to look down at the water.
''Fluttershy, what's wrong, I know you, and this isn't normal.'' Shimmer pressed his flank against his, partly for warmth, mostly out of empathy for her.
''I've missed you. Six years ago I left for Flight School and for Ponyville. Yesterday you show up again at my doorstep out of the blue. I thought you had come for me. And then you tell me Silver is missing.'' Fluttershy started shaking as she spoke. ''It's a lot to take in.'' She opened her mouth to speak again, but broke down into tears.
''Oh, I didn't know you felt this way; to be honest I've missed you too. But I wasn't expecting you'd even remember me.'' Fluttershy turned her head to look at Shimmer and smiled.
''Shimmer, of course I remember you, I loved you. I think I still do.'' Shimmer beckoned with his head and the two of them returned to Twilight. Fluttershy lied down on her cot, and Shimmer joined her, letting her use his flank as a pillow.
Just as he was about to nod off, Sea Swell barged in. ''Commander Shimmer, we're about to run headlong into a storm.''