This is the 13th chapter. I don't own the series of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
Dragonshy
Somewhere outside of the Everfree Forest, one can find a cottage stationed along in a small creek. It's at a little residence where Fluttershy called home. The reason why she lived alone in the cottage is because of the woodland animals, this way she's never alone. For her cottage doubles as a miniature animal shelter, where animals from all shapes and sizes visit her for either food, shelter, injuries, or just spend some time with her. Of course, she has her share of permanent members of her home.
At the moment, Fluttershy busily tended to some of the nearby animals, jumping down to the creek to give the fishes to the otters, spitting out the worms for the nearby birds in the tree. It was then she noticed her little white bunny, Angel, gobbling down his carrot. Angel was quite unique compared to the other bunnies. He didn't mind trying to make himself heard and he's very smart. But at times, he's also very spoiled and no problems of showing it.
"Not too fast now, Angel bunny." Fluttershy said, approaching him. "You don't wanna get a tummy ache."
Fluttershy chuckled to herself, as Angel stopped eating and looked at her indignantly. Angel then dropped the carrot and left it unfinished with his arms crossed.
"You really should eat more than that, don't you think?" Fluttershy suggests.
Angel says otherwise as he hops away.
"It's not play time yet." Fluttershy told the bunny, grabs the carrot and catches up to him as she sets the carrot down. "I know you want to run, but...Just three more bites."
Angel just crossed his arms, pouting at Fluttershy as he turns away, refusing to eat the carrot with the shook of his head.
"Two more bites?"
Angel shook his head again.
"One more bite?"
Angel still refuses to eat it when Fluttershy leaned her face close to the bunny.
"Pretty please?"
The only reply that Fluttershy gets is Angel kicking the carrot farther away from him and hopped away. Fluttershy just sighed herself, before hearing Angel coughing.
"Oh, goodness." Fluttershy said, worried. Are you okay?"
Angel then coughed again.
"Are you coughing because there's a carrot on your throat?"
Angel coughed again, glaring afterward.
"Because you need some water?"
Angel then gives a very loud, definitive cough. He pointed his paw upwards, showing a black smoke as Fluttershy gasped.
"Because of that giant cloud of scary black smoke?"
The fearful Fluttershy felt the back of her head nailed by the recently kicked, unfinished carrot.
"I'll take that as a...yes." Fluttershy sighed, defeated.
Angel just continued glaring at Fluttershy with annoyance. In times like this Angel can truly be a brat.
My Little Pony, My Little Pony
Ahhhh
My Little Pony
I use to wonder what friendship could be
My Little Pony
Until you all share this magic with me
Big adventures,
Tons of fun,
A beautiful heart,
Faithful and strong,
Sharing kindness
It's an easy feat
And magic makes it all complete
You all have my little ponies
Do you know you're all my best friends?
In Ponyville park, several ponies conversed with each other. Just then, Fluttershy raced about trying to give a warning about the oncoming black cloud of smoke in the sky.
"Help. Help! Please?" Fluttershy called out.
Unfortunately, her soft tone could barely get any pony's attention much less any pony who can hear her.
"There's-There's a horrible cloud of smoke. It's headed this way and...EEEK!"
Fluttershy shrieked when a pony suddenly popped in front of her, a ball bouncing up and down her head.
"Don't be such a scaredy-pony!" Rainbow Dash said, bouncing the ball. "It's just me, future Equestria ball-bouncing record holder...346, 347,..."
"This calls for a celebration!" Pinkie Pie said excitedly.
"Oh no, Pinkie Pie, this is no time for celebration." Fluttershy said, worried. "This is time for panic, for-"
"Ooo! I'm going to need balloons!" Pinkie Pie continued, not hearing Fluttershy at all. "One for every pony in Ponyville!"
"There's-there's smoke." Fluttershy tried to explain. "And-and where there's smoke, there's fire. And-"
Fluttershy's words fell deaf on ears as Rainbow Dash kept bouncing her ball and Pinkie Pie got ready to count some ponies.
"Let's see." Pinkie Pie observed.
Pinkie Pie pointed her hoof to count the ponies in the park, each one looked up at her as she counted them aloud. Many of whom Pinkie Pie is most familiar with.
"That's 1, 2, 3, 4..."
"354..."
"...5, 6..."
"355, no, wait..."
Pinkie Pie's counting caused Rainbow Dash to lose her concentration and she lost control of the ball.
"7..." Pinkie Pie counted.
"Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow Dash bellowed. "Now I have to start over."
Pinkie Pie smiled apologetically, as Rainbow Dash glared at her.
"We're all going to have to start over, in a new village." Fluttershy points out. "'Cause ours is gonna be-"
Fluttershy couldn't get any pony to listen to her as Rainbow Dash stomped away without another word.
"Hey, Rainbow Dash, wait for me!" Pinkie Pie called out.
Pinkie Pie followed Rainbow Dash, leaving Fluttershy behind, defeated and completely ignored.
"Oh, please, this is an emergency." Fluttershy pleaded the other ponies. "I-I need every pony to-"
"Listen up!" The voice of Twilight yelled in the distance.
Every pony stopped chattering and faced the direction of the voice. There upon the bridge stood Twilight Sparkle, with Mario Star and Comet Stardust standing beside her. Three unicorns had very serious look on their faces.
"Smoke is spreading over all of Equestria!" Twilight declared.
"What? Oh no! That's awful!" The ponies said worriedly.
"That's what I've been trying to-" Fluttershy began.
But since Fluttershy was in the way back of the crowd, her soft voice still couldn't be heard.
"But don't worry." Twilight continued, unintentionally cutting Fluttershy off. "Mario and I have just received a letter from Princess Celestia, informing us that it is not from a fire."
"Oh, thank goodness." Fluttershy said with relief.
"It's coming from a dragon." Mario said.
The other ponies gasped, while Fluttershy stiffened.
"A...d-dragon?!" Fluttershy sputtered fearfully.
It wasn't long before the seven friends and the two foals gathered inside of the Golden Oak Library.
"What in the name of all things cinnamon swirled is a full-grown dragon doin' here in Equestria?" Applejack asked.
"Sleeping." Twilight answered plainly.
As she shuffled through her books, the others faced her in confusion.
"Huh?"
Twilight proceeds to place another book into some saddlebags.
"According to Princess Celestia, he's taking a nap." Twilight explains. "His snoring is what's causing all the smoke."
"He should really see a doctor." Pinkie Pie told the others. "That doesn't sound healthy at all."
"Well, at least he's not snoring fire." Rarity said, trying to stay positive. "What are we meant to do about it?"
"I'll tell you what we're meant to do." Rainbow Dash said. "Give him the boot. Take that. And that!"
Rainbow Dash began to punch and jab about, nearly smashing a nearby horse figurehead Twilight positioned on a pedestal. She used her magic to move it out of harm's way, as Rainbow Dash tried to dive right at it. Then Mario grabbed her behind and held her down and bonked her in the head with his hoof, making her grunt in pain while rubbing her sore head. Twilight stood over Rainbow Dash.
"We need to encourage him to take a nap somewhere else." Twilight corrected her.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Mom." Comet said, earned her attention. "Dragons won't take kindly to anypony who would try to wake him up."
"And why is that, darling?" Rarity asks.
"Dragon can get angry very easily when they're disturbed in their sleep." Comet explains. "Also, they don't like their treasures getting stolen either."
Twilight couldn't help but sigh, approaching her son.
"But still, sweetheart, Princess Celestia has given us this mission, and we must not fail." Twilight told him. "If we do, Equestria will be covered in smoke for the next hundred years."
Fluttershy gasped.
"Hmph, talk about getting your beauty sleep." Rarity remarked.
"Like it would make a difference." Mario muttered.
"All right everypony, I need you to gather supplies quickly." Twilight instructed. "We've got a long journey ahead of us. Let's meet back here in less than an hour."
"The best y'all could gather is hiking gears, cuz' you'll be in for a mountain climb." Apple Shine suggests.
"We'll do that, sugarcube." Applejack said to her daughter, accepting her suggestion.
"Okay, girls..." Rainbow Dash replied excitedly, holding Pinkie Pie and Rarity.
"Ahem..."
"...and extra." Rainbow Dash remarked, making Mario snort. "You heard her. The fate of Equestria is in our hooves. Do we have what it takes?"
Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity gave confirmation that they did, standing on their hind legs before marching out of the library one by one. Of course, Rainbow Dash flew out and Fluttershy was the last to leave.
"Um, actually..." Fluttershy spoke nervously.
But no pony paid attention to her...except for one.
"Fluttershy, what's wrong?" Comet asks softly.
"Something wrong, Fluttershy?" Mario asked gently.
Fluttershy gave a timid squeak before leaving the library without another word. Mario and Comet, worried about her, decided that the stallion was going to share a word with Fluttershy as soon as she could. Comet then turn towards to his mother, walk to her.
"I want to help." Comet said, earned her attention.
"Oh no, Comet, it's too dangerous." Twilight shook her head. "Once I have the Cakes babysit you, you will have to stay here in Sugarcube Corner until we get back."
Comet couldn't help but scoff, not liking the idea of staying, but Twilight wanted to keep her son safe from harm, including the dragon. Mario shook his head with a chuckle, seeing the little colt being told by his mother.
In the meantime, all the other ponies spent the time getting ready.
Rainbow Dash headed straight for the condominium, sticking her front hooves into the streams of rainbow-colored water which flowed around her living space. She proceeded to paint her face with the smear of rainbow.
"Raah!" Rainbow Dash cried out, striking a pose.
After Applejack told her daughter to stay in Sweet Apple Acres with the Apple family, Applejack had her family gather supplies and the hiking gear in the saddlebag. Big Mac and Apple Shine helped set them upon her back. While they were heavy, Applejack kissed Apple Shine in the forehead and prepped for action.
"Yaaa!" Applejack cried out, striking a pose.
After Twilight Sparkle sent Comet Stardust in the Sugarcube Corner and ask the Cakes to babysit him, Pinkie Pie came out with her saddlebags fully loaded...with party streamers that made her bags pop whistle. Pinkie Pie laughed before recomposing herself.
"Oh, I mean, grrrr!" Pinkie Pie spoke, trying her own intimidating pose.
At the Carousel Boutique, Rarity finished packing and placed a military helmet upon her head. She just walked by the mirror when she saw the hat and made a face.
"Ewww!" Rarity muttered.
Rarity swapped it for a floppy camouflage style hat.
"Much better. Onward!"
Fluttershy timidly left her home wearing a football helmet, water wings, baseball chest gear, and a round beach tube. She barely opened her door and crawled outside when it slammed shut behind her. Sadly, her pose was of her jumping in complete fear.
The six girls stood side by side with a colored backdrop in their respective poses. Then Mario came still wearing his wrappings around his front and back hooves, but he's carrying a golden hammer around his back.
"Okay, guys. Are you ready?" Mario asked, which got confirmation from the four mares.
"Let's go!" Applejack said.
She and the others zipped away from their backdrops, all except Fluttershy.
"Um, let's...not?" Fluttershy remarked with a light squeak.
The above backdrops disappeared, leaving Mario looking at her with concern.
A short while later, every pony stood packed up and ready to go. They stood side by side in formation before Twilight Sparkle.
"All right girls, Mario, listen up." Twilight said. "I'm mapping out the fastest route, but we've all got to keep a good pace if we expect to make it up the mountain by nightfall."
"M-m-mountain?" Fluttershy spluttered.
She noticed a very tall mountain in the distance, the source of where the smoke was coming from.
"The dragon is in that cave at the very top." Twilight explains.
"Looks pretty cold up there." Applejack observed.
"You bet it is." Rainbow Dash said. "The higher you go, the chillier it gets."
"Good thing I brought my scarf." Rarity said.
Rarity pulled out a pink scarf, wrapping it around her neck.
"Ooo! Pretty!" Pinkie Pie gaped with awe.
"Heh, oh, yeah." Rainbow Dash replied sarcastically. "That'll keep you nice and cozy."
Meanwhile, Twilight was charting their course while Fluttershy gulped before attempting to voice her concerns.
"Um, excuse me, Twilight?" Fluttershy said timidly. "I know you're busy, but..."
"Uh-huh." Twilight said. "Well, we could go this way."
Twilight's tone sounded as if she wasn't really listening. Not that she meant too, but Twilight was too focused on the map to hear what Fluttershy had to say. Nevertheless, Fluttershy kept trying.
"But if I just have a second..."
"Uh-huh...no, we want to avoid that."
"So, um, I was thinking, um, maybe I should just stay here in Ponyville."
"Uh-huh."
"Oh! Good. I'll stay here and-"
"Wait!" Twilight called out.
Realizing her mistake, Twilight saw Fluttershy trying to leave.
"You have to come! Your way with animals will surely come in handy."
"I don't think I-" Fluttershy objected.
"Oh, and don't worry about your little friends in the meadow." Twilight added. "Spike's got it covered while you're gone."
Spike appeared next to her with Angel on his head and several animals surrounding him.
"You can count on me!" Spike said confidently.
In response, Angel rudely slammed his foot on Spike's head, making all the other animals scatter.
"Ooooh! Hey! Hey! Wait!"
Seeing this display, Fluttershy was more uncertain about going than ever.
"I don't think he's up to the task." Fluttershy replied nervously.
Twilight didn't seem worried despite Spike's display of chaos. Mario remembered that he wanted to talk to Fluttershy. He was about to speak up when Rainbow Dash hovered next to Twilight.
"Are you sure you want Fluttershy to come along?" Rainbow Dash whispered. "I mean, that pony's afraid of her own shadow. She's just going to slow us down."
Mario glared at her.
"Oh, she's just a little nervous." Twilight said. "Once we get going, I'm sure she'll be fine."
"Of course she will." Mario adds, in Fluttershy's defense. "She had no problem with the Everfree Forest and Nightmare Moon. Being timid isn't a bad thing."
Then Fluttershy, seeing her own shadow, squealed and dove into a nearby bush to hide. Twilight looked indignant, as Rainbow Dash smirked as if silently suggesting she was right. Mario gave her a discreet growl at her before walking away.
Fluttershy, meanwhile, sighed sadly to herself and lowered her head to the ground. She feels a hoof around her and looked up towards the smiling gaze, courtesy of Mario Star.
"Don't worry, Fluttershy, I won't let anything happen to you." Mario assures her. "I'll do what I can to keep you safe during this trip."
Fluttershy actually dawned a faint yet sincere smile as she looked toward Mario.
"You really mean that?" Flutteshy asked.
"Yes, I do." Mario nods.
"Alright girls, Mario." Twilight called. "Move out!"
Every pony charged forward with poor Fluttershy directly in the way.
"But...but..." Fluttershy stuttered.
Before anymore could be said, Fluttershy was scooped off the ground by the other five mares as they up the mountain. Fluttershy screamed in terror as she bounced about the top of the pony pack. She then bounced off and screamed again expecting to hit the ground.
"Oomph." Fluttershy grunted.
It was then she found she had landed in Mario's forelegs. Then he placed her on his back.
"Don't worry, Fluttershy." Mario said, pacing behind the group. "You're going to be okay. Hold on tight!"
Fluttershy whimpered before wrapping her front hooves around his neck a little too tight.
"Easy there, I need to breath!" Mario strained as Fluttershy loosened her grip. "Thank you...now hang on! I'm about to pick up the pace!"
Fluttershy shut her eyes as Mario sped up a bit, zooming right past the other girls.
"See ya! Wouldn't wannna be yah!" Mario retorted, speeding by.
"Oh, it's on!" Rainbow Dash said, taking off the skies.
The other ponies increased their speed as well, ready for a little race, but Mario already left them in the dust which he's already ahead of them.
After a lengthy run, the whole team arrived at the base of the mountain. Suddenly, every pony heard a loud roaring so great the whole ground rumbled. Fluttershy gasped, ducking behind Applejack.
"Whoa." Rainbow Dash spoke. "What was that?"
"That is what it sounds like when a dragon snores." Twilight answered.
"A full grown to say the least." Mario adds. "Even Spike never snored that loudly."
Fluttershy just nervously gazed toward the mountain.
"It-It's so...high!" Fluttershy spoke timidly.
"Well, it is a mountain." Rainbow Dash spoke matter-of-factly. "I'm going to fly up there and check it out. Wah!"
Just as Rainbow Dash was about to take off, Applejack grabbed her tail.
"Hold on, now!" Applejack said, stopping her. "I think we should all go up together. Safety in numbers and all."
"She's got a point." Mario agrees.
"Oh, all right." Rainbow Dash agreed reluctantly.
Soon the whole group climbed their way up the mountain at a steady pace. Along the way, Rarity suddenly remembered something.
"I hear the only thing that sparkles more than a dragon's scales are the jewels they use to build their nests." Rarity told them. "Ooo, if I play my cards right, I might be able to convince them to part with a few!"
Pinkie Pie, who was a pace ahead of her, quickly turned around.
"Welcome to my cave, Rarity!" Pinkie Pie replied, imitating a dragon. "Care for a diamond?"
Pinkie Pie tried giving a menacing roar, which caused Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash to laugh in response. Twilight Sparkle pushed herself between them.
"Girls! This is no laughing matter!" Twilight retorted, pulling ahead. "Fluttershy, you're the expert on wild creatures. What do you think the dragon will be like? Fluttershy?"
Every pony looked down only to find Fluttershy hiding in one of the bushes. Mario stood outside the bush, silently trying to convince Fluttershy to come out.
"Hey! What are you waiting for?" Rainbow Dash shouts from above. "An invitation?"
"If you're the one sending it, I'll decline." Mario muttered quietly.
"Ooo, I think I have one in my bag!" Pinkie Pie replied.
Not even realizing the sarcasm in Rainbow Dash's voice, Pinkie Pie searched for the invitation in her saddlebag. All of a sudden, Rainbow Dash and Rarity were blasted in the face with some of her pop whistles complete with cheering sound effects.
"I-It's so...so...steep." Fluttershy quivered.
"Well it is a cliff." Rainbow Dash snarked. "You could just, oh, I don't know, fly up here?"
Mario gritted his teeth, before releasing a long breath. Mario tried so hard to keep his temper in check.
"Come on, Fluttershy, you can do it." Pinkie Pie said. "Flap those wings!"
"Finally." Mario said, feeling a little better. "Some actual encouragement."
"Oh...okay." Fluttershy said.
Slowly, Fluttershy opened her wings and began to hover upward. She couldn't help but release a soft cry as she slowly yet surely rose higher into the air. Suddenly, the dragon gave a loud snore. Fluttershy whined as her wings automatically closed up and she dropped down like a rock.
"Fluttershy!" Mario shouted before he jumped up, caught her just in time and landed on the ground.
"Ugh!" Rainbow Dash groaned, covering her eyes.
Fluttershy tried to reopen her wings, but her fear caused them to remain tucked in. Try as she might, Fluttershy couldn't get them to budge.
"Ugh, we don't have time for this!" Twilight added impatiently.
Just then, Twilight noticed Applejack opened a saddlebag.
"What are you doing?" Twilight asked.
Turns out Applejack grabbed Twilight's map to examine it.
"I'll need this if I'm going to take her around the mountain another way." Applejack explains.
"Around the mountain?" Rainbow Dash retorted, groans. "That's going to take them forever."
But Applejack already made her way down the mountain. Mario stood by Fluttershy, who tried to reopen her wings. Yet as soon as the dragon gave out a loud snore, Fluttershy squealed lightly, made a goat bleat, and passed out like a dog trying to play dead.
"Don't worry, Twi." Applejack called below the mountain. "We'll be there lickety-split."
"Um, Applejack." Mario spoke. "I believe there's a much better was to do this. I think you'd just..."
"I'll do this." Applejack said gently. "You catch up with the rest of the group.
Mario looked at her for a moment before he sighed.
"Alright, but I'm going my way." Mario said.
Mario then uses his chi and wind magic, spins his body while creating a tornado-like vortex of energy as he levitates over the cliff, lands directly at the top.
Seconds later, as the group of mares just arrived, Mario was polishing the golden hammer when he turned toward the girls.
"What kept you?" Mario teased.
A dirty glare from the mares was their only response.
While waiting for Applejack and Fluttershy to arrive, Rainbow Dash cruised the air impatiently while Twilight paced back and forth in a similar fashion. Mario just sat quietly alone at one spot, meditating. As they kept watch for Applejack to meet up with Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rarity found a way to entertain themselves by playing tic-tac-toe in the soft dirt.
"Whoo-hoo!" Pinkie Pie cheered. "I win again!"
"Ugh! That's 35 games in a row." Rarity groaned, before perking up. "Best out of 71?"
Just then, Applejack arrived, but she's exhausted. She had tied Fluttershy's tail around her head like a band. Poor Fluttershy was still knocked out as Applejack dragged her into view.
"We...made...it..." Applejack panted heavily, plopping onto the ground.
"Told you it was going to take them forever." Rainbow Dash told Twilight.
"Well, it wouldn't have if I carried her up." Mario adds. "But Applejack insisted..."
"I...have...no...regrets..." Applejack spoke proudly, yet exhausted.
"I'm just saying." Mario continued. "Also, it would've been easier if you just carry Fluttershy on your back. It would've been easier than dragging her across the dirt."
Applejack's eyes bugged out before she groaned, covering her eyes in embarrassment. Mario rolled his eyes before he lit his horn.
Mario walked over and used his horn to touch Fluttershy's head as she was revived. Then the dragon snored again and Fluttershy squeaked. Mario caught her just before she passed out again.
"Easy there, Fluttershy." Mario spoke calmly. "Just calm down, okay."
Fluttershy just trembled but felt better knowing Mario Star was looking out for her. As Fluttershy got up, Mario turned back to the group.
"She'll be all right." Mario assured. "Once Applejack's ready, we can roll out."
The other ponies just exchanged looks, while Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. Though, Mario just give Rainbow Dash a death glare in return as he held Fluttershy for comfort.
Later, the seven ponies reached a particular spot which required them to cross a very steep chasm. Rainbow Dash wasted no time showing off by jumping and using her wings to glide across with ease. Twilight and Rarity soon followed her across no problem. Applejack and Pinkie Pie did the same. But poor Fluttershy was too scared to even try, gulping nervously.
"Your turn, Fluttershy." Twilight called out.
"But...it's so...wide..." Flutterhsy stuttered.
"Come on, Fluttershy." Twilight protested. "We should be much farther along by now."
"You could just leap on over." Applejack points out.
"I-"
The dragons snoring cut off Fluttershy, causing her to squat down fearfully.
"I don't know." Fluttershy finished.
Twilight and Applejack just shook their heads.
"There's nothing to be afraid of." Pinkie Pie replied. "It's just a hop, skip, and a jump. See?"
Pinkie Pie proceeds to demonstrate while Mario rolled his eyes with annoyance.
Pinkie Pie (Sings):
A hop, skip, and jump
Just move your little rump
You can make it if you try with a hop, skip, and jump
"We don't have time for this." Twilight groaned.
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in agreement. Pinkie Pie, on the other hoof, kept singing while hopping across the chasm again and again.
Pinkie Pie (Sings):
A hop, skip, and jump
Just move your little rump
A hop, skip, and jump
A hop, skip, and jump
A hop, skip, and jump
A hop, skip, and jump
A hop, skip, and jump!
Eventually, Fluttershy couldn't help but smile. Somehow, Pinkie Pie's little demonstration made the jump much easier than she thought.
"O-Okay." Fluttershy said. "Here I go. A hop."
Fluttershy did a small hop.
"That's it." Applejack called out.
"You've got it." Twilight spoke.
"Almost there." Rarity added,
"Skip." Fluttershy said.
Fluttershy made a great leap as Mario smiled excitedly.
"Just don't look down!" Twilight shouted.
Mario flinched when he heard that. Fluttershy froze in mid-air, looked down, whine, and lost her balance and tumbled, onto the edge of the other side. Apparently, the chasm she was so afraid to jump over was three feet wide. While short in distance, it was still a very long drop should a pony mess up the timing of their jump. Fluttershy's hind legs stood at the edge of one end while her front legs were on the other...and she couldn't move.
"Ugh!" Rainbow Dash groaned.
Rainbow Dash got behind Fluttershy to shove her to the other side. Twilight and Rarity grabbed Fluttershy's front hooves and pulled her forward to the other side. Since Rainbow Dash was still pushing, she collided with Fluttershy and she ended up sitting right on top of her.
"I guess I forgot to jump." Fluttershy said sheepishly as Mario landed beside her.
"It's not your fault, Fluttershy." Mario assures her. "Some pony forgot the golden rule when it comes to crossing chasms and/or bridges that are higher up!"
Twilight looked puzzled until she realized what Mario meant.
"Oh right, heh..." Twilight replied sheepishly. "Never...tell them to 'not' look down...cause...they will..."
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as Mario helped Fluttershy off her back. They then reached a certain point along the trail as Twilight brought the group to a complete stop.
"Let's keep it down." Twilight whispered. "According to the map, we're entering an avalanche zone. The slightest peep could cause a huge rockslide."
"...I've got a bad feeling about this." Mario muttered, kept his calm composure.
Poor Fluttershy was already terrified.
"An...an ava...ava..."
"Shh!" Twilight hissed as Fluttershy shut her mouth.
Every pony was on edge, as they made their way down the path as quietly as they could. Rainbow Dash bumped a nearby tree causing it to release a pair of leaves. One of those leaves landed right along Fluttershy's flank.
"AVALA-!" Fluttershy jumped in shock.
Applejack shoved a hoof into her mouth, while Fluttershy flew to dodge and avoid getting crushed. There were several close calls along the way. Mario used his golden hammer to smash some of the larger rocks before they can crush him or his friends. But eventually, there were so many rocks and so overwhelming he was forced to dodge. The timing couldn't be worse for the others.
"Oh no! Help!" Twilight cried out.
"Twilight!" Mario shouted.
Mario jumped over the boulders and landed beside her. One was about to hit her, but Mario scooped her up in a bride's position and jumped out of harms way.
Eventually, the rocks settled down and every pony coughed out all the dust in their lungs.
"Oh my!" Applejack coughed out. "Every pony okay?"
"We're still here. And you, Twilight?" Mario asked as he looked at Twilight in his forelegs as she held him.
They gaze at each other for a moment before Twilight immediately shook her head and blushed. Mario saw it and blushed as well before he set her down on the ground.
"Thanks to you I am." Twilight said.
Twilight gives Mario a friendly head nuzzle as an additional thanks. Meanwhile, Rarity's fur was completely covered in dirt.
"Eugh! Blech!" Rarity retorted in disgust.
Rarity quickly shook herself clean, but got Pinkie Pie dirty in the process. Though, Pinkie Pie didn't care at all.
"Whoo-hoo! Let's do it again!" Pinkie Pie proposed.
"Let's not." Mario replied.
Mario helped Fluttershy to her hooves, breathing a long sigh of relief.
"Uh! This is why a girl always packs extra accessories." Rarity said, wrapping her scarf around her neck. "Oh, please tell me I brought the tiara that goes with this."
"Uh, think we got bigger problems than making sure our hair bows match our horseshoes." Rainbow Dash said.
Rainbow Dash pointed toward the now larger pile of dirt and rock blocking their path. Fluttershy sighed sadly, avoiding Rainbow Dash's death glare yet knowing this 'was' her fault.
"Sorry." Fluttershy said sadly.
"Aw, no big whoop, sugarcube." Applejack said with sympathy.
"Yeah." Twilight adds with a sigh. "We'll just have to...climb over."
Fluttershy followed from the back with Rainbow Dash hovering over her. Seems every time Fluttershy slipped and whimpered, Rainbow Dash would only roll her eyes and grunt in annoyance. Finally, Mario had enough.
"That does it!" Mario yelled angrily, stomped his hoof. "I've had it with your attitude, Rainbow Dash! If you're not going to help Fluttershy, just go ahead without us! At least some pony will make sure she climbs over this hill in one piece."
Rainbow Dash just glared before she did fly ahead of them.
Afterwards, things were fairly quiet once they reached the top. Twilight had already reached the bottom, as the other ponies carefully made their way down. Mario held Fluttershy by the side to keep her from sliding down if she lost her footing. Fluttersy did slip, but not too fast for Mario to hold her back and they slid together. They collided with Rarity and eventually Applejack before crashing toward the bottom of the hill.
"Wha! Wha..." Applejack sputtered.
"My apologies." Rarity said.
"Not your fault." Rainbow Dash said, glaring at Fluttershy...again.
Fluttershy whimpered sadly, as Mario growled at Rainbow Dash, who flew over to Twilight with a sigh.
"Still think it was a good idea to bring Fluttershy along?" Rainbow Dash asked in annoyance.
"We're about to find out." Twilight answered. "We're here."
Before their very eyes was a large cave where the dragon was sleeping. Twilight tried to keep a determined face, but she's fearful.
"Rainbow Dash, you'll use your wings to clear the smoke." Twilight instructed.
"Mm-hmm!" Rainbow Dash replied, flying up to the smoke.
"Rarity and Pinkie Pie, you'll create a diversion to distract the dragon if things get a little hairy in there."
Pinkie Pie and Rarity exchanged some smiles when Pinkie Pie zipped away and started squeaking a rubber chicken in her mouth. Rarity made an 'Okay...' face, as Twilight looked stunned before recomposing herself.
"Applejack, you're ready with the apples in case he decides to attack." Twilight continued.
Applejack bucked two apples toward a nearby tree trunk for practice.
"But it shouldn't come to that, because Fluttershy and Mario will do what they need to do to wake him up, and between the three of us, we should be able to get him to understand why he needs to go. Is every pony ready?"
Fluttershy just ducked, trembling fearfully while the other ponies gave their confirmation that they were ready to go.
"Okay then, we're going in." Twilight declared.
Twilight headed right into the cave, walking about a few yards inside.
"So, what is the best way to wake up a dragon without upsetting him?" Twilight asked. "Fluttershy? Mario?"
Twilight turned around, finding neither of them followed.
"Oh, come on!" Twilight retorted with annoyance.
Twilight found Mario trying to get Fluttershy to come, but she buried her head into the dirt and refused to move. Twilight tried to help Mario push Fluttershy forward.
"Come on!" Twilight grunted. "We have to do this! Now! Every...second longer the dragon...sleeps is another...acre of Equestria that is covered in...smoke!"
One by one, the other mares lined up behind Fluttershy to move her forward. But she held her ground. Pinkie Pie was the last to get behind every pony, but all she did was laugh and hug Applejack at the back of the line.
"I-I-I can't go to the cave." Fluttershy said sadly.
"UGH!"
All of the ponies behind her groaned, falling onto their backs.
"Oh great!" Rainbow Dash grumbled. "She's scared of caves now, too."
"I'm not scared of caves." Fluttershy said. "I'm scared of..."
The last part was mumbled so softly, no pony could hear her.
"What's that, sugarcube?" Applejack asked curiously.
"I'm scared of..."
Fluttershy still couldn't say the last word aloud.
"What?" Twilight asked.
"Just spit it out, Fluttershy..." Mario urged. "What are you afraid of?"
"I'm scared of dragons!" Fluttershy blurted out.
Then the dragon gave another snore, blasting the seven with smoke. Pinkie Pie squealed as the smoke made them all cough. Once its cleared, Fluttershy hid behind Applejack again.
"But Fluttershy." Twilight said. "You have a wonderful talent dealing with all kinds of animals."
"Yes, because they are not dragons." Fluttershy argued.
"Oh come on!" Rainbow Dash retorted indignantly. "We've seen you walk right up to a horrible manticore like it was nothing. Mario even stopped us from attacking it too."
"For once...Rainbow actually makes a good point." Mario adds, not hiding the sarcasm.
Rainbow Dash noticed, however, and snapped her in his direction.
"You say that like I never come up with good ideas!" Rainbow Dash argued, agitated.
Mario rolled his eyes, looked unamused as he was annoyed.
"Yes, because he wasn't a dragon." Fluttershy said.
"Spike is a dragon." Pinkie Pie points out, behind her. "You're not scared of him."
"So true!" Mario agrees.
"Yes, because he's not a huge, gigantic, terrifying, enormous, teeth-gnashing, sharp-scale having, horn-wearing, smoke-snoring, could eat a pony in one bite, totally all grown-up dragon!"
The dragon gave a loud snore. Fluttershy whimpered, as she shuddered low to the ground.
"But if you're so afraid of dragons, why didn't you say something before we came all the way up here?" Twilight asked.
"I was afraid to." Fluttershy admitted sadly.
"Ugh!" Rainbow Dash groaned again.
Mario could feel his temper is about to reach its limit, knowing it could explode.
"All of us are scared of that dragon." Applejack said sympathetically.
"I'm not." Rainbow Dash said smugly. "And neither is Mario."
Her response earned plenty of death glares from the group.
"Almost all of us are scared of that dragon." Applejack continued. "But we've got a job to do. So, get in there with Twilight and Mario, and show them what you're made of."
Fluttershy just stood still, lowering her head sadly.
"I-I-I just...can't." Fluttershy sighed, sadly walking away.
"Oh, Fluttershy." Twilight said quietly.
Twilight and Mario could only watch as Fluttershy disappeared in the horizon.
"You know what?" Mario asked definitively. "Personally, I don't blame her for walking away."
All the other ponies gave Mario puzzled looks.
"What are you talking about?" Twilight asked.
"As far as I'm concerned, no pony listens to her." Mario explains. "I found out Fluttershy was in the park before us. Apparently, she tried telling Pinkie and Rainbow about the smoke, but was ignored every time!"
While Pinkie Pie looked ashamed, Rainbow Dash just rolled her eyes at him.
"She wasn't afraid to tell you about being scared of dragons, Twilight." Mario added sternly. "You were too busy discussing you so-called brilliant plan and reading your map to listen either way. You all ignored her when she was trying to speak up and I'll admit, I share the blame since I didn't know about this until later. But the point is: Speaking up isn't one of Fluttershy's strengths, but that doesn't give any pony the right to ignore her or tune her out!"
The other ponies looked down in agreement. Yet Mario noticed, Rainbow Dash didn't seem to care.
"As for YOU!" Mario thundered, pointing his hoof at Rainbow Dash. "You've been worse! Not only did you ignore her, but you've grumbled and complained about her all day! You treat her like she's nothing but a burden to the rest of us when I know for a fact you're known her longer than any of us! If this is how you've treated her all these years, it's no wonder she has no confidence in herself! And they call you the 'Element of Loyalty'!"
Rainbow Dash, taken aback by Mario's harsh words, turned away without saying a word. Mario breathed loudly; his anger still livid as Twilight approached him.
"Look Mario, we can discuss this and apologize to Fluttershy later." Twilight said. "But right now, we need to figure out how to deal with that dragon. Think you can calm down long enough to help me persuade him to leave? You're only one besides Fluttershy who has studied Dragon dialect."
Mario released a long sigh.
"Fine..." Mario sighed. "...But you better make up with Fluttershy when this is over."
Twilight confirms with an understanding, as they headed into the cave together.
"We're going in." Twilight said. "He...probably just doesn't realize what he's doing...right?"
The other ponies just agreed nervously, as they stuck their heads from the outside before disappearing.
"Love the moral support." Mario muttered.
Eventually, the two unicorns reached their target. The dragon itself was definitely huge, and as Rarity points out, it used a huge collection of jewels as its nest.
"Mr. Dragon." Twilight spoke gently.
Her only response was a rumble from him.
"Excuse me..."
"Mr. Dragon." Mario called louder.
The dragon rumbled again, as he opened his eyes and glared at the two.
"Oh good, you're awake." Twilight said. "Please allow me to introduce ourselves. My name is Twilight..."
Then the Dragon gave a loud yawn, as Twilight and Mario cringed in disgust.
"Ugh, P.U.! Where's a breath mint when you need one?" Mario muttered, holding his nose.
"Augh! Puh! Sparkle..." Twilight continued, covering her nose. "And my friends and I are residents here in Equestria. Ponyville, to be exact. We've come here to ask that you find another spot to take your nap. It's just that you seem to be doing an awful lot of snoring, and every time you do, you send out a terrible cloud of smoke."
The dragon just snorted, releasing more smoke against Twilight and Mario, making them both cough.
"Equestria simply can't survive a hundred years in a dark haze." Twilight continued. "You understand, don't you?"
The dragon simply sat up with a loud yawn and stretch.
"So, you'll find another place to sleep?" Twilight asked hopefully.
The dragon merely laid back down with a loud thump and snorted again, covering the two ponies with smoke. It sent another blast that covered the other ponies, sending every pony in a coughing fit while Twilight and Mario found their way out...but, only Twilight made it out.
"Where's Mario?" Twilight asked, looking around.
"Alright, listen up!" Mario said sternly, inside of the cave. "We've tried being nice about this, but nobody...I repeat, nobody ignores me or my friends! We're not going to suffer from it just because you need your beauty sleep. So, get off your big pile of scales and go sleep somewhere else! You hear me!"
The other ponies were stunned over how assertive Mario was.
"Now that's persuasion!" Rainbow Dash said, impressed.
BURP!
Suddenly, the whole cave lit up.
"WHOA! UGGH!"
Mario was thrown out of the cave and landed on the ground. He got up as he groaned in pain a bit. The others cringed as he struggled to stand back up.
"Man, that dragon is stubborn." Mario said, rubbing the back of his neck.
Another blast of smoke hit the group, sending the ponies into coughing fits until the smoke settled.
"So much for...persuading him." Rainbow Dash coughed.
"Now what?" Applejack asked, as Rarity cleared her throat.
"Obviously, this situation calls for a little 'pony charm'." Rarity replied. "Allow me, girls."
Rarity entered the cave and went right up to the dragon, who opened his eyes in response.
"I'm so sorry to interrupt." Rarity began, clear her throat. "But I couldn't possibly head back home without mentioning what handsome scales you have. And those have to be hidden away in some silly cave for a hundred years?"
The dragon began to flex its scales, grinning to himself as Rarity's words charmed him. As Rarity spoke, she walked around the jewels and start putting some of them on.
"Personally, I think you should skip the snoozing and be out there, showing them off." Rarity continued.
The dragon stood tall, feeling persuaded to do so.
"I would be more than happy to keep an eye on your jewels while you're gone."
Unfortunately, Rarity ruined the moment as the Dragon growled and pulled his jewels away from her. Rarity screamed as the dragon tried to swipe her as she dashed away. When she took off, all the jewels she wore were left behind and he grabbed them with his claw.
Back outside, Rarity was very upset as she leaned against a large rock.
"I was this close to getting that diamond." Rarity fumed.
"You mean...getting rid of that dragon?" Twilight retorted indignantly, as Mario glared.
Oh, yeah...sure." Rarity said passively.
Mario rolled his eyes, shook his head. Just then, Pinkie Pie appeared wearing a combination of a birthday package, balloons, flippers, sunglasses, and a horn in her mouth.
"What in tarnation...?" Applejack exclaims.
Pinkie Pie just blew her horn again.
"Darling, you look ridiculous." Rarity added.
"Exactly!" Pinkie Pie said. "Sharing a laugh is a sure-fire way to get someone on your side!"
Pinkie Pie bounced her way inside and they could hear her say 'Hi!'. Seconds later...
CRASH!
Pinkie Pie limped out, her balloons popped, her package damaged, and even her horn was busted.
"Apparently he doesn't like laughing, heh." Pinkie Pie said, sheepishly. "Or sharing."
"Well, that went pear-shaped fast." Mario muttered.
"All right, that's it!" Rainbow Dash spoke angrily. "We tried persuasion, aggressive negotiation, charm, and whatever it is Pinkie Pie does..."
Pinkie Pie just blew her busted horn.
"...It's time to stop wasting time!" Rainbow Dash concluded. "I'm going in!"
Rainbow Dash flew quickly inside the cave.
"Rainbow, no!" Twilight cried out.
"Get back here!" Mario yelled.
But their cries fell on deaf ears, as Rainbow Dash zoomed right up toward the dragon.
"Get! Out!" Rainbow Dash shouted.
Rainbow Dash bucked the dragon square in the nose. The dragon woke up, gave a light sneeze and growled Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash's determination melted faster as she realizes her mistake...big time.
"Heh. Sorry." Rainbow Dash said sheepishly.
The dragon roared, sending Rainbow Dash flying backward at a rapid speed and curled into a ball.
"Who-o-o-o-a!"
Mario then jumped out of the way.
STRIKE!
Rainbow Dash ten-pinned every pony outside the cave. They slowly got up, feeling rather dazed until the dragon loomed above them. The dragon roared and the five girls screamed, as they hugged each other in sheer terror. The dragon then turned to Mario, who readied his fighting stance, his golden hammer, and didn't look afraid and roared at him, but Mario leap in mid-air, slammed his hammer down to the snout.
"Okay. You wanna fight, you got it!" Mario said as he rush toward the eye and deliver a bash with the hammer, causing the dragon to roar in pain. Mario leap off the snout.
"Mario!" The girls cried out with worry and fear while Fluttershy just watched from a nearby rock.
Mario then punches the ground, burst the earth pillars at the dragon. The dragon then grew even enraged as it goes after Mario, which he punches the ground as he creates dust. The dragon clear out the dust, but Mario isn't here. Mario take the dragon by surprise as he slammed his hammer in the head, created a shockwave and sent the dragon right into the rock wall.
"Was that really necessary?" Twilight asked indignantly.
"Try practice with the hammer!" Mario remarked. "And you ask me if it was necessary."
The dragon moved out of the rock wall, shook his head and look at the ponies with an angry look on its face. The dragon then gave another roar, sending a fast current of smoke towards the girls.
"NO!" Mario cried out.
The smoke sent the girls colliding toward the rock crag. The impact was so strong the crag itself fell apart, revealing Fluttershy hiding behind it. Apparently, she hadn't gone back home but rather went somewhere to hide. Once she saw her hiding place was destroyed, she looked on in shock.
First, Fluttershy saw the Dragon itself, glaring at her and the rest of the ponies. Then she saw her friends, all dazed and bemused as they gave a loud moan from the attack. Mario glared at the dragon and readied his golden hammer. All at once, Fluttershy felt something burning inside of her...pure rage.
"How dare you..." Fluttershy spoke, her face growing stern. "How DARE you?!"
All at once, Fluttershy's voice got louder as Mario use his chi and wind magic to create a small vortex, levitate right toward the dragon, and use his hammer to slam the dragon down in the head.
"All yours, Fluttershy!" Mario called out.
Fluttershy flew right up to the dragon's snout, landing atop of it. She trots right toward the dragon's right eye, staring into it.
"Listen here, mister!" Fluttershy said sternly. "Just because you're big doesn't mean you get to be a bully! You may have huge teeth, and sharp scales, and snore smoke, and breath fire. But you do not-I repeat-you do not! Hurt! My Friends! You got that?!"
Her tone was so stern all the dragon could do was whimper and cower before her stern glare. The other ponies, somewhat recovered, gazed in shock seeing Fluttershy so assertive.
"Well?" Fluttershy demanded.
Fluttershy hovered above the dragon, her eyes demanding an explanation like a mother scolding a child.
"But that rainbow one kicked me." The dragon protested feebly.
"Huh...The dragon can talk, how about that." Mario replied.
Rainbow Dash just smiled to herself, nodding her head proudly.
"And I'm very sorry about that." Fluttershy replied, leaving Rainbow Dash stunned. "But you're bigger than she is, and you should know better. You should also know better than to take a nap when your snoring can become a health hazard to other creatures."
"But I-"
"Don't you 'but I' me, mister." Fluttershy said, staring him down. "Now what do you have to say for yourself? I said, what do you have to say for yourself?"
Fluttershy was in full mother mode now. All the dragon could do was whimper until he began to cry. The other ponies looked on in amazement, not minding the fact they were getting wet under the dragon's tears. Pinkie Pie somehow pulled out an umbrella hat to shield her head.
"There, there. No need to cry." Fluttershy said, making her way down. "You're not a bad dragon, you just made a bad decision. Now go pack your things. You just need to find a new place to sleep. That's all."
The other ponies cheered as Fluttershy and Mario landed and they gathered around them.
"You did it, guys!" Twilight said. "I knew you could do it!"
With their mission complete, Twilight Sparkle and her friends made their return home. And true to their word, all of Fluttershy's friends offered a sincere apology for not hearing her out in the first place. And though she denied it, as her tears said otherwise, Rainbow Dash had a few words to share.
"Mario." Rainbow Dash spoke, earned his attention. "I wanted to apologize for being such a pain all day."
"No need to make a deal about. There's nothing to-"
"No...I'm really, really sorry. You were right. The way I treated Fluttershy was wrong...I have no excuse for my words."
Mario Star nodded understandingly, if not somewhat impressed that Rainbow Dash can show a rare moment of being humble.
"To be fair, I just snapped." Mario admitted. "I'm sorry for losing my temper; guess I should've handle this batter. We good?"
Mario holds a front-hoof toward Rainbow Dash, who looks at his hoof for a moment. Then she turns to his wandering gaze and gives a smirk.
"Yeah...we're good!" Rainbow Dash declared.
Rainbow Dash lifts her front hoof and delivers a hoof-bump to Mario Star. The other ponies looked on silently, seeing all is good between friends once more.
"You got to admit how Fluttershy acted towards that dragon was pretty awesome." Rainbow Dash replied. "You think this means she's finally gotten over her fear of dragons?"
Mario doesn't answer right away. He turns back toward Fluttershy, who walked closely beside her friends. She looked up, noticing Mario's attention to her, and quickly turned away with a small smile, hiding her blush. Mario chuckled before shaking his head.
"Nah." Mario replied. "But still...it's a start. We'll see where it goes from there."
Applejack came up to him with an interest look on her face.
"By the way, sugarcube. Where did ya get that hammer? And when did ya learn how to use earth and wind?" Applejack asks.
The others wanted to know as well as Mario chuckled.
"I learned it from Master Wu and I got that hammer from an old friend named Cole." Mario answered.
The girls were stunned.
"You were taught by Master Wu and Cole gave you that hammer?!" Rainbow Dash asked, floating beside Mario with an amazed look. "That was awesome! Did Cole taught you how to use that hammer?!"
"That and he taught me of using the element of Earth." Mario answered.
Twilight had an impressed smile on her face.
"Sometimes, Mario Star, you never cease to amaze me." Twilight said.
"Come on, guys. Ponyville's not gonna clean the smoke on its own." Mario responds with a smirk, before walked further. "Just go home."
The girls smiled before they went to catch up to him.
Meanwhile back at the Golden Oak Library, Angel gave Spike such a hard time. So much, the dragon finds himself chasing the bunny around and about.
"I said come back here!" Spike snapped, finally grabbing Angel's foot. "Ooh! How does Fluttershy put up with you furry little things?"
As Spike dangled Angel by the foot, he squirmed constantly trying to escape.
"Spike!" Twilight called out, with Mario and Comet by her side. "Take a letter."
"With pleasure." Spike sighed, dropping Angel in his head.
Spike proceeds to write the letter as Twilight recited aloud.
Dear Princess Celestia,
We are happy to report that the dragon has departed our fair country, and it was our good friends Fluttershy, who convinced him to go. This adventure has taught us to never lose faith in your friends. They can be an amazing source of strength and can help you overcome even your greatest fears.
Always your faithful students,
Twilight Sparkle and Mario Star
"Twilight! Mario! Comet!" Applejack called out. "You gotta come see this!"
As Twilight finished reciting the letter, Mario and Comet peeked outside to see what the commotion was about. Twilight joined them by the open window, the three ponies seeing Rainbow Dash bouncing her ball on her head again.
"She's just five away from a new pony record." Applejack said.
"347, 348..."
ROAR!
"Dragon!" Rainbow Dash shouted in fright.
Rainbow Dash was so scared, she lost her ball, bleated like a goat, and played dead. All of the ponies laughed, with Mario snapping a picture of Rainbow Dash in her frightened state.
"Now that's an occasional moment for the scrapbook!" Mario shouts, laughing.
Rainbow Dash rose to her feet in panic, panting heavily.
"Why are you laughing?" Rainbow Dash asked. "That awful dragon is back!"
Pinkie Pie came up to her, giving another roar. Rainbow Dash realized she had been tricked.
"Pinkie Pie, you scared me!" Rainbow Dash retorted, realizing what she said. "I mean, uh, you...broke my concentration."
Fluttershy hovered above her friend, giving Rainbow Dash a slight pat on the back.
"It's okay, Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy assured. "Not every pony can be as brave as me."
Rainbow Dash snorted, as she blew a falling leaf away from her. That leaf floated, landing right upon Fluttershy's back end.
"EEP!" Fluttershy screamed.
With a goat bleat, Fluttershy played dead once again. The other ponies just laugh at the spectacle. But deep down, they'll always love Fluttershy, no matter how high-strung or timid she was, they knew she could be brave when she wants to. Mario just chuckled as he left for home.
That's it for the 13th chapter.