>It's late afternoon, and the sun, now a ruddy copper orange, shines a thin, brittle light over the Canterlot Elementary playground
>At the edge of the playground, where the asphalt suddenly gives way to a dusty baseball field, squats a small, terrified girl
>Her pink hair hangs down around her face, obscuring half of it, and providing her a place to hide her tears
>She's cradling a trembling baby rabbit, hardly more than a shivering bundle of white fluff, against her chest, hiding it in the pocket of her sweatshirt
>A few feet from her stand two boys, their eyes wide and bruises forming on their faces
>And there, standing directly between bully and victim is you, Rainbow Dash
"Beat it! Or do I hafta give you another one?"
>"Back off!" Snails whines. "We were only tryin' to play with her little rabbit!"
>He not-so-subtly tosses aside the rock he had in his hand
>"Yeah, we just wanted to see the bunny..." says Snips
>"T-t-they... said they were gonna... s-smoosh him..." the girl behind you manages to choke out between sobs
>A guilty look flashes between Snips and Snails
>"We were just jokin-- OW!"
>You kick Snails in the shins
>He scurries away, and Snips gives you one questioning look, as if trying to determine whether this is a fight he can win alone
>You give him a nice thump on the noggin to help him decide
>Both boys turn and run, calling out threats that you barely hear
>You squat down next to the girl and her rabbit, and hold out her hand
>Her sweatshirt and skirt are smeared with dust, and little bits of twig are caught in her hair
>When she looks up at you, you notice a small scrape on her cheek
>The fact that those two laid a finger on her...
>An angry, righteous feeling that has never touched your nine-year-old self before suddenly wells up inside you, all hot and golden and wild
"Are you okay?"
>The girl sniffles
>"Y-y-yeah... t-thank you..."
>She timidly takes your hand and lets you help her to her feet
>Once she's standing up, she immediately tends to the little rabbit, cooing softly too it, hardly seeming aware of her own injuries
>She must notice you watching, because she holds up the little fluffball
>"This is... I'm g-gonna... g-gonna call him Angel..."
"Uh, cool."
>You awkwardly reach out and pat the little guy's head
>"He l-l-likes you," the girl says with a smile
"He better. I just saved his butt."
>You look up from the rabbit and find its owner staring you in the face
>Her eyes are wide, shimmering, staring up at you as if you were some kind of superhero
>She's so pretty, is the first thought that goes through your mind
>"I'm, um... F-Fluttershy."
"Rainbow."
>It just feels right, somehow, to reach out and lay your hand on her shoulder
"Just stick with me, Fluttershy. Long as I'm around, I promise, nobody's gonna hurt you again."

>It's early morning, eight years later, and the sun is a heavy golden disc set into a crystalline sky
>A beautiful Sunday envelops you, Fluttershy's parents, and a few of your friends
>You all stand around a beautiful wooden casket, made from polished elm and decorated with painted butterflies
>Your best friend is lying there in gentle repose, her hands folded across her chest
>She was always fragile, and lying here, she looks like a sad, lonely doll
>You couldn't protect her...
>Nobody knows exactly what happened; she went out into the Everfree, you couldn't come with because you had soccer practice, and she didn't come back by nightfall
>They found her two days later, seemingly uninjured, except for two deep bitemarks in her neck
>You couldn't save her...
>You cradle Angel--now fully grown--against your chest as memories flood through you
>The two of you did everything together: you made her follow you to Cross Country camp every summer, she brought you along on nature walks with her family
>You ate lunch together, always partnered for class projects, attended school dances together "as friends" because neither of you knew the first thing about getting a boyfriend...
>The two of you slept over at one another's houses practically every night; both sets of parents regarded the other child as an honorary daughter
>You loved every minute you were with her, all through grade school, middle school, high school...
>There were so many things you never got to say to her
>Including one big one, you were so scared to admit it to her, and now you'll never have the chance
>Suddenly, you can't take this any more
>You fall to your knees beside the casket, and weakly touch Fluttershy's shoulder
"Hey... Flutters, this isn't funny anymore. Whatever you're doing, cut it out, okay?"
>Angel weakly struggles against you, instinctively trying to jump into his mama's arms, but probably realizing, just as you do, that something's wrong
"This isn't funny anymore! C'mon, don't do this to me! I... I love..."
>You feel Rarity's arms circle around you from behind, and she lifts you up and away from Fluttershy
>The fight drains out of you, and you go limp in her embrace
"You can't leave me alone..."

>It's the middle of the night, a year since your friend's death, and you're lying in bed, staring blankly up at the ceiling
>Without her, nothing feels the same
>You wake up late, you go to sleep late, you trudge through your day at school like a zombie, and afterwards you go back home and shut yourself in your room
>You've barely seen your friends in months
>They're worried about you, you know they are, but they've started drifting away, giving up hope
>Well, all of them except one
>Your phone buzzes, and you look over to see that Rarity just messaged you
>She's sent you a text at least twice a day, every day
>[Goodnight, Dashie! Tell me how you slept in the morning <3]
>You sigh, and toss your phone aside without answering
>She asks you this every night, as if the answer will change
>You never sleep well
>You either re-live the moments of finding out about Fluttershy's death or, on the worse nights, you relive a happy memory and wake up to realize nothing's changed, and she's still gone
>Lack of sleep has killed your energy, and you haven't gone to practice since last year
>As a result, your body has grown skinny and unhealthy, and you have deep, dark bags under your eyes
>If you do leave the house, you keep a hoodie on and hide your face if anyone tries to speak to you
>Even your parents hardly get a word out of you
>You look at your phone again, and realize it's now 11:30
>Eh, might as well get this over with, you think to yourself
>Then you roll over in bed, not even bothing to move your laptop or the half-eaten bag of chips next to it, and let yourself pass out

...

>*Scratch scratch scratch scratch*
>The sound of a bird scratching at your window wakes you
>You sit up in bed, bleary eyed
>It's still dark, though the curtains covering your window glow a pale, silvery white from the light of the full moon outside
>You start groping around the bed for your phone, but then you hear the scratching noise again, and pause
>Somethinga about the sound pierces straight through your chest, and a deep, full-body shiver runs through you
>It's not a bird
>You have no idea what it is, but it's not a bird
>You turn towards your window, entranced by the silver glow streaming from behind the curtains
>Slowly, a shadowy figure rises to block the glow
>Your heart catches in your throat
>Is this some sort of Pinkie Pie prank?
>No, she gave up on cheering you up months ago
>Then who...
>The figure taps on the glass, and you hear a low, impossibly beautiful female voice whispering to you, perfectly audible despite her being on the other side of the glass
>"Rainbow..."
>Your knees nearly give out from under you
>It's Fluttershy's voice
>You take a shaking step forward, your whole body now pouring sweat
>"Are you in there, Rainbow?"
"Y-yeah..."
>You reach out for the curtains with pale,trembling hands
"Yeah, I'm here..."
>"I'm so glad. I wanted to see you again, more than anything. I missed you so, so much, Rainbow..."
>You throw the curtains wide
>And when you see her, you sink to your knees, weeping
"Fluttershy..."
>She looks so beautiful, as beautiful as she ever did, maybe even more
>Her skin is a shimmering, pale white, and her hair flows behind her as if she were underweater, its pink now deepened into a candy-sweet shade of rose
>And her eyes, they're a vivid crimson, and as you stare into your friend's face, you feel as if you could fall deep into those eyes and happily never return
>She gives you that caring, sweet smile you missed so much, and you see that two bright white fangs now gleam in her mouth
"H-how..."
>She lets out a tiny giggle
>"It's a bit of a long story. But first, um... can I come in?"
"Yes! Of course, yes!"
>You unlatch the window and throw it open
>Fluttershy drifts through your window, and you fall into your friend's embrace, laughing and wheeping and praying that this moment won't ever end

>The next morning, you wake up tucked into your heaviest blankets, feeling amazing
>The first thing you do is grab your phone to text Rarity
[hey! i slept great, thx for asking!]
>She replies almost immediately
>[Splendid! Would you want to walk to school together? I'll be leaving in just a few minutes.]
[ye sure!]
>You jump out of bed and start throwing on clothes
>It isn't until you're halfway out the door that you actually start to consider what happened last night
>Real quick, you run back upstairs and check the window
>It's shut again, and locked
>With a sigh, you feel your spirits dampen a little
>It was just a dream, of course
>Fluttershy back from the dead?
>It's impossible, as much as you wish it were true
>But still, dream or not, it felt more real than any dream you've had of her before
>In fact, you can still feel the ghost of her arms around you, of yourself squeezing her back, the flush of warmth running through your body as you lose yourself in the safety of her embrace
>For the first time in a year, you walk outside without a hood covering your head, face turned towards the sun
>"Ah! Rainbow, darling!"
>Rarity calls to you from across the street
>She's wearing tight-fitted yoga pants with some fuzzy purple boots, and her upper body is wrapped in a comfy-looking wool sweater
>You run over to her side, and she beams at you as you approach
>"My, you're looking well!"
"I feel awesome!"
>Rarity giggles
>"It's been a while since I've heard you use your favorite word."
>She starts walking, and you follow along behind her
>It's a brisk October day, and the sky overhead is a single flat, gray sheet
>A stiff breeze wafts through the trees, and a few dead leaves rain down on your and Rarity's heads as you make your way to school
>"Tell me, Rainbow, what changed?"
"What do you mean?"
>"Well, what brought about this sudden burst of positivity."
"Oh, I..."
>You hesitate
>It's not like you can exactly tell her what you dreamt
"I just finally got some decent sleep."
>"Ah, that would explain it. A little beauty sleep works wonders, darling..."
>The two of you chat idly until you get to school
>It turns out you've been missing a lot of what's happening with your friends, which you feel kinda guilty about, but Rarity is happy to fill you in
>Pinkie is preparing a massive graduation party for the end of the year, Twilight is applying to colleges like a fiend, Applejack is getting ready to inherit the farm
"And what about you?"
>"Oh, me? Oh, I'm not so sure yet, darling. I've had a few ideas, but..."
"Like what?"
>"Well, I have an invitation to a Manehattan design academy. It's fairly prestigious, I suppose, but I'm not so sure..."
"That's great! Why wouldn't you go?"
>"Ah, well, there's something I'd like to ask you about, actually."
>Suddenly, Rarity looks surprisingly nervous
"Yeah? What is it?"
>"I'll, um... I'll tell you at lunch! Just meet me by my locker, and we'll... ahem, yes."
>With that, she gives you an awkward wave and disappears into the building
>Weird
>The stress must be getting to her
>Come to think of it, you haven't given any thought to where you'll be after high school
>It's been hard to imagine much of any future, without her
>When you were younger, Fluttershy had always been more of the "let's play house" type, whereas you were the "let's play baseball!" type of girl
>But, over time, you started to find you *really* liked playing house with her, being mommies together
>And, well, before you'd realized it, all your hopes for the future suddenly had her squarely in the center of them
>But now...
>You sigh, and push those thoughts out of your head, letting the warm memory of last night return
>Immediately, happiness burbles up inside of you again, and you feel ready to face a day at school
>Drawing your jacket tighter against the chill, you head inside after Rarity

>The first few classes of the day go by, and you're still riding that high, even if you're suddenly starting to feel a little tired
>When you stand up to head to lunch, little spots swim before your eyes, and it feels like somebody injected helium directly into your skull
>You ignore the feeling amd muscle through it, figuring you're probably just hungry
>As Rarity asked, you head by her locker after you drop your things off
>She immediately brightens when she sees you
>"Ah, Rainbow! How are you holding up?"
"I'm good. Kinda getting a little tired now, though..."
>Your mouth stretches open in a wide, loud yawn
>Rarity covers her mouth, very ladylike
>"You're probably just-- *hyaah* --a little sleep-deprived, dear."
"That's probably it."
>You suddenly find a weird, trembling weakness spreading through your legs, and place an arm casually against Rarity's locker for support
"So, what did you wanna talk to me about?"
>Rarity lets out a tiny, nervous squeak
>"Ah, yes! Well, it's a bit of a strange matter, I suppose. But a matter that needs to be discussed, yes. I'm not entirely sure where to begin. Let's see, um, first off... first off..."
>Rarity trails off, and you notice she's starting to blush
>"Let me just start by saying how glad I am you're feeling yourself again! I've been worried sick about you, Rainbow. All of our friends have, but I, um, I really..."
>Rarity gulps
>"I may have developed a slight, teeny-tiny bit of a crudjkgoweingdsfjwoiretubncmxkjhowieurjflksd..."
"What?"
>Rarity's mouth moves, but all you hear is dull and weirdly slow, as if she were speaking to you through glass
>Suddenly, the hallway is spinning around you, and you feel a brief, stomach-lurching flash, as if you're falling
>"Rainbow!"
>The last thing you feel is Rarity's slender arms circling around you, grabbing you right before you hit the ground
>And then... blackness

>When you wake up, it feels like you're surfacing from some deep, dark pool full of body-temperature water
>Your head hurts, and despite the blanket draped over you, you're shivering
>Rarity's worried face swims into view, followed by the clinical white of the school nurse's office
"Rarity? Wha' happened?"
>"Oh, thank goodness. Nurse, she's awake!"
>Rarity turns back to you
>"You fainted, darling. Pretty dramatically too, I might add. I was impressed."
"Well, that's good at least. Might as well fall on my ass with style."
>Rarity chuckles
>"How are you feeling now? Are you alright?"
"I'm okay, yeah. Just... man, I'm really tired. And hungry."
>Your stomach gurgles beneath the covers, as if to emphasize your point
>"I'll make sure Nurse Redheart brings you something."
>She gets up and runs to fetch the nurse, then returns to your bedside as quickly as she can
>You manage to prop yourself up in bed, though your body trembles with the effort
>When Nurse Redheart returns with a platter of cookies, juice, a turkey sandwich, and some vegetable broth, you devour every last morsel, suddenly ravenously hungry
>Rarity watches, slightly horrified, and then turns to the nurse
>"Do you have any idea what happened?"
>Redheart scans her clipboard
>"Low blood pressure. You getting enough sleep, Rainbow?"
"Mmf fnugg buff."
>Rarity brushes crumbs from your cheek
>"Swallow first, dear."
"I dunno. Probably not."
>Redheart nods
>"Get to bed early tonight. Stay away from caffeine, too. You're not... using anything you shouldn't be, are you?"
"What, like drugs?"
>The nurse rolls her eyes
>"Yes, like drugs. I'm not gonna report you to the police or anything, but if you are..."
"No, no way!"
>"Okay. Take care of yourself then, Rainbow. You're welcome to leave as soon as you feel up to it."

>It just so happens that you feel up to leaving exactly at 3 PM
>You get up out of bed and head out, where you find Rarity waiting by your locker
>"Ah! Rainbow. Excellent timing," she says, a sly look on her face
"Hey, I just wanted to make sure I was fully recovered."
>"Well, you're out just in time to walk me home."
"When did I-- ah, right. Just lemme get my stuff."
>You stuff your backpack full, then accompany Rarity on the walk home
>The sun is barely peeking through the dust-colored fall sky now, shedding a ruddy orange light over everything
>Rarity shivers
>"So... you don't happen to remember anything from just before you fainted, do you?"
>You think back, but a weird haze sits in your memory in the seconds before you passed out
"Not really. I remember you wanted to talk to me about something. What was it?"
>"Oh, nothing terribly important..."
>You wait for her to say more, but she doesn't
>She just walks along, keeping her eyes on the ground and fiddling with the hem of her sweatshirt
>When you reach her house, the two of you split
>"I"ll see you tomorrow, okay? Let's walk together again."
"Yeah, sounds good."
>Rarity beams
>"It really is good to have you back, Dash. The real you."
"It's good to be back. And, Rarity?"
>"Mhm?"
"Thanks. For... for not giving up on me."
>Rarity smiles
>"I never would."
>She takes a quick step forward and wraps her arms around your waist in a quick, tight hug
>Before you can hug her back she steps away, and heads for her house
>"Well, I must be going! Plenty of homework to do, and all that. I'll see you tomorrow, Dashie!"
"Uh, right! See you!"
>You wave goodbye, feeling... strange

>The feeling hasn't gone away by the time you lie down in bed
>You're still exhausted, and you're looking forward to some sleep, though not just for that reason
>Maybe you'll see Fluttershy again!
>You had the dream last night, there's no reason you can't dream of her again tonight
>You lie back in bed, picturing her face in your mind, the way you saw her last night
>A lovely, tingling warmth spreads from your head down to the tips of your toes
>And then a weird idea seizes you
>You jump up from your bed, unlatch your window, and open it just a crack
>For... good luck
>Then you lay back in bed and wait
>Though you're giddy about seeing her again, you're so tired that, soon, you're drifting into a dark, heavy sleep

>The sound of your window opening wakes you
>You sit upright in bed, your heart hammering, and find yourself staring into Fluttershy's gorgeous red eyes
>"Hey, Rainbow."
"Flutters!"
>She's perched leizurely on your windowsill, her legs cross and her hair flowing in the breeze
>You crawl to the edge of the bed, mesmerized
>"I told you I'd come back tonight."
"I... didn't remember anything, from last night."
>Fluttershy looks a little sad
>"You don't?"
"No. It was a dream, wasn't it?"
>Fluttershy smiles
>"Do you want it to be?"
"I... I don't know."
>"Well, if it's a dream, then I think we should make it a good dream."
>She smiles, showing those glinting fangs
>Your neck prickles, and you suddenly feel a full-body desire to prostrate yourself before Fluttershy, to give yourself to her
"Fluttershy, I..."
>Your breath catches in your throat
>As Fluttershy steps into your room, her bare feet gliding silently over the carpet
>She sits in the bed next to you, cradling your face
>You feel so pathetic, lying here, a skinny wreck
>She seems so much stronger, and even more beautiful than she ever did
>You lean against her, and let her powerful arms wrap around your shoulders
"I have so much I still need to tell you."
>"Then tell me, Dashie."
>Her words whisper along your neck like a chill breeze, raising goosebumps all down your back
>"We have all night together. Tell me everything. Are you  happy?"
"No. Not very. Not without you..."
>Fluttershy coos in sympathy as she strokes her hair
>"But it's okay. You have me now. Every night, I'll come to you."
"You will? You promise?"
>"I promise."
>She presses her face against your neck, nuzzling you as she takes a deep breath
>"Ah..."
"There isn't much to tell you about. I don't see our friends anymore. I stopped going to practice. I... I really screwed up."
>"It's okay, Rainbow."
"Is it?"
>"You're still here. You're still the same wonderful Rainbow. But, please…”
>You feel Fluttershy's lips brush against your neck
>"Take care of yourself for me, okay?”
"I will! I promise..."
>"Good. I'm so happy, Rainbow. I won't ever leave you again."
"Please don't."
>You can feel yourself melting into Fluttershy's embrace, and it takes all the energy to can muster to make yourself swallow
>Her lips part, and you feel her cold, wet tongue against your neck
"F-Fluttershy?"
>"Yes, Rainbow?" she whispers
"There's something... before you... before you left, I wanted to tell you..."
>You swallow again
>You have to tell her now, if you don't, and you lose her again...
>Fluttershy turns your face towards her, and you feel yourself spiraling down into the warm, swirling depths of her crimson eyes
>She touches a finger to your lips
>"I know, Rainbow. I knew for a long time. And I wanted to tell you the same, but I was scared."
>She takes her hand away from your lips, and instead cups your cheek
>"But I'm not afraid anymore..."
"Fluttershy..."
>You close your eyes and let her kiss you
>Her mouth is deliciously cold, and you drink in the taste of her, letting her hands explore down your body
>You don't resist as she bends your neck back and trails her kiss down to your throat
>And when her fangs pierce your flesh, you feel only a brief flash of pain before you surrender yourself to her sweet, loving embrace
"I love... you..."
>And then you're swaddled by a delicate, dark sleep

>"Rainbow..."
>Your mother's voice sounds distant and muffled
"Nuuuh...?"
>"Rainbow! You're gonna be late for school, sweetie!"
>You feel a hand on your shoulder, shaking you, and you slowly rise up from sleep like drowned man breeching the surface
"W-what time is it?" you croak out
>"It's half-past seven. Didn't you hear your alarm?"
>Groggily, you shake your head
"Nuh uh."
>"Well, you better get out of bed! C'mon, I've already got some cinammon rolls in the oven. Your favorite!"
"Uuugh..."
>You try to sit up, but your body feels like it weighs a ton
>Even lifting your arms is difficult; you feel so incredibly weak
>Not to mention the air outside your bed feels freezing cold, and the idea of slipping out from under the covers is terrifying
"Don't feel so good..." you mumble
>Immediately, your mom's expression twists in worry
>"Oh no! Are you sick?"
"Think so..."
>You shut your eyes again, trying to slip back into the comforting embrace of sleep
>Your mom puts her hand to your forehead
>"Oh, my. Rainbow, you're so... cold."
"Yeah, a little..."
>"My poor baby! I'll go call for a doctor, right away. Just hang in there, sweetie."
>She affectionately pats your head
"Mom, stoooop..." you mumble
>She runs out of the room
>You don't actually feel that bad, really
>Aside from the weakness, and the strange sense of cold, you feel wonderful
>Fluttershy's kiss still lingers on your mouth; you remember it so vividly, more vividly than any dream you've ever had
>Just recalling the kiss makes you tremble in delight beneath the blankets
>You hear footsteps on the staircase outside your room
>However, when the door swings open, it isn't your mother this time
>It's Rarity
>She falls to her knees beside your bed
>"Rainbow! Are you alright? What's wrong?"
>You roll your eyes
"C'mon, Rarity. You too? I'm fine."
>"You most certainly do *not* look fine, dear."
"What? Whaddaya mean?"
>Rarity fidgets with a lock of her hair
>"Well, um, you're still your usual charming self, don't get me wrong! But, um, maybe you should have a look."
>She reaches into her jacket pocket and produces a hand-mirror, because of course Rarity would always have a mirror close at hand
>She turns the mirror so you can see your own reflection, and... oof
>You see why she was so worried
>You're seriously pale, your skin a gray, sickly ashen color
>The bags under your eyes are worse than ever
>You look halfway to being a corpse
"Whoa..."
>"I know, darling. I'm so sorry you had to see--"
>"...I look *awesome*."
>Rarity rolls her eyes
>"Yes, yes. Quite gothic chic. But this is clearly serious, Rainbow."
"Hey, don't worry. I've gotten through worse. Remember when I got that concussion at soccer practice?"
>"Unfortunately, I do. Be glad you don't."
"The stories AJ told me were pretty great."
>"She didn't tell you half of it..."
>Rarity shakes her head
>"I'll have to run to school soon, but I'll come back and check on you as soon as we're done. Is there anything I can bring you, when I return?"
"Food."
>Evfen as you say that, your stomach growls
"I'm starving, you have no idea."
>"I'll see what I can manage."
>Rarity looks down at you, hesitating
>"Um..."
"What?"
>"It wouldn't you hurt if I hugged you, would it?"
>You laugh so hard that your chest starts to ache
>Rarity blushes, but she still leans in and wraps you in a quick, though extremely light hug
>Before you can raise your arms to return it, she's running off
>"I'll be over right after school!
 
>Until she gets here, you spend most of your time dozing
>Sleep feels so nice
>After each bout, you wake up feeling a bit more energized
>By midday, you have enough energy to gobble up the lunch your mom brings you, and you pretty much chug your own weight in gatorade
>Sadly, you don't dream of Fluttershy during any of your little snooze sessions
>A little after three, just as she promised, the doorbell rings and your mom lets Rarity in
>She skips up the stairs and into your room, holding two plastic shopping bags
>You sit up to greet her, and she smiles
>"Ah, well it seems you're doing better already."
"Yeah. Might have to actually go to school tomorrow."
>You frown, and Rarity giggles
>"Well, it'll be a pleasure to have you back. The others said they'll come by later, if you're still not feeling well."
"I'm alright hanging out, just us."
>Rarity beams
>"That would be splendid!" she says, and opens up her shopping bags. "So, I decided to just grab a little of everyting I know you like..."
 
>For the rest of the afternoon and into the evening, you and Rarity sit together, chowing on snacks and watching through episode after episode of Dragon Ball Z (your choice, obviously)
>It's a dreary, cold gray day outside, but nestled under the covers you feel perfectly cozy
>Rarity isn't paying that much attention to the show, but it isn't exactly her thing anyway
>She sits at the foot of your bed, though over the course of your lazy afternoon, and gradually scoots further back, until she's resting next to you, on the other side
>Eventually you doze off, and when you wake up, it's dark outside
>Rarity has her homework spread out in her lap, but she's watching you
>When she notices you're watching her, she glances away, blushing
"Wha...?"
>"Nothing."
>Rarity starts fidgeting with her hair again
>She shuts her notebook and sets it aside, staring out through the darkened window
>"You remember, yesterday, I had something I wanted to say to you? Before you, em, fainted?"
"Yeah, of course."
>"Are you feeling up to hearing it now?"
"Totally. I'm actually feeling pretty good, now."
>Rarity smiles, though she looks nervous
>"I can't believe I'm getting up the nerve to say this again. Rainbow, I know this may strain things between us, and I sincerely hope you won't feel put into an uncomfortable situation if you don't feel the same way, but I..."
>Rarity gulps
>"...I may have developed a tiny bit of a..."
>You sit up
>For some reason, Rarity's nervous is catching onto you too
>You reflexively brush your hair back from your shoulder...
>Rarity's eyes wide
>"Darling, what is *that*?"
"Huh?"
>You turn your head, trying to follow her gaze, but she's staring at a spot on your neck that you can't see
>Rarity reaches across the bed, and you feel her smooth palm against the nape of your neck
>Her finger probes at a spot a few inches below your jaw...
>And a brief, white-hot flash of pain wracks your body
"Gah! Careful!"
>"I'm so, so sorry!"
>Rarity sits back, dropping her hands into her lap
"What is it?" you ask her. "Something bad?"
>"I don't know. It looks like... well, it may sound ridiculous, but..."
>Rarity shakes her head
>She holds up her phone and snaps a picture of your neck, then shows it to you
>There, set against your pale skin, are two bright-red puncture marks
>They look almost like
>You share a glance with Rarity
"That's, uh... kinda weird."
>Cold, leaden dread settles into your stomach
>Fluttershy's visits...
>They couldn't have been
>"Yes. Quite strange, darling."
>Rarity's voice is worried, distant
>She slowly stands up from your bed
>"Rainbow, would it be okay if I stayed with you tonight?"
"Um..."
>You glance over at your window, and the back of your neck prickles
"If you want to."
>Rarity sighs, relieved
>"Thank you so much, darling. I just... I think I'll worry about you a little less, like this."
>She stands up from the bed
>"I'll dip home real quick to grab my things. I'll be back in twenty minutes, understand?"
>You nod, and fall back into bed
>Now that you know they're there, you can feel the scars in your neck, and can feel Fluttershy's fangs biting into them
>The worst part is, even though you're nervous, you're not actually all that scared
>Part of you is, but the other part...
>As soon as Rarity leaves, you feel that part of yourself starting to grow anxious, almost *excited* at the prospect of another visit from your friend
>From your love
>Knowing that you can still bring her happiness, still be important to her...
>A part of you *wants* Fluttershy to feed on you again
 
>Rarity slips into your room somberly, holding a sleeping-bag and neatly folded pajamas under one arm and a case of bottled cold-brew coffee under the other
>When she sees the look on her face, she stops and gingerly sets her things down
>"I'm... sorry about this, darling. I know that I'm probably being a little crazy. It's just, those marks, this illness..."
"Yeah..."
>"I just... I worry about you a lot, Rainbow."
"I know."
>Mixed emotions war in your heart
>One part of you is overjoyed, relieved, to have a great friend like Rarity by your side
>The other half feels jealous, angry, wants her to leave so you can belong only to Fluttershy
>”You’re absolutely sure you don’t mind if I stay here with you?”
“No,” you say, trying to sound nonchalant. “It’s alright. Been a while since I’ve had a sleepover, anyway.”
>Rarity smiles, looking relieved
>”Yes, a sleepover. That’s a nice way to think of it.”
>She spreads her sleeping bag across the floor, sets the coffee next to it, then starts unfolding her PJ’s
>”Er, you wouldn’t mind if I…”
“Huh? Oh, yeah. Go ahead.”
>You avert your eyes, cheeks slightly pink
>You hear Rarity’s clothing rustle and drop to the ground, then sound of silk sliding over her skin
>”Alright, I’m decent.”
>You turn back, finding her dressed in a loose silk slip, her shoulders and legs bare and beautifully pale
“You look really good,” you blurt out, then cover your mouth
>Rarity giggles, her cheeks also coloring a deep red
>She fidgets with a fine silver chain, which you just now noticed she’s wearing around her neck
>”Oh, well, I was hoping it wouldn’t be too drab,” she says, waving away your compliment, though she’s clearly pretty flattered
>For a moment, neither of you say anything, until Rarity eventually breaks the silence
>”Well, I think it’s best if you get a little sleep, now.”
>She settles in on top of her sleeping bag, though you notice she doesn’t actually get beneath its covers
“Are… you not gonna sleep?”
>”Well, I thought, maybe for a bit….” Rarity says nervously, fiddling with her hair. “…I thought I might watch you. Just to make sure nothing, erm, strange happens.”
”Oh.”
>”Ah, I’m sorry if that’s too weird!”
“No, it’s okay.”
>You twist the blanket in your hands
>Will Fluttershy come if Rarity is watching you?
>The longer the night goes on, the more desperate you become to feel her kiss again
>But…
>You look up at Rarity
>She’s watching you from the foot of her bed, her eyes full of nothing but concern
“It really is. Thanks, Rarity.”
>You reach out and touch her hand
>She jolts, but doesn’t pull away
>”Of course, dear. I’m sure it’ll end up being nothing, but still, it’ll put my mind at rest.”
“I understand.”
>You sit back in bed and snuggle back beneath the covers
“I’ll see you in the morning, alright?”
>”Right,” Rarity says. “Goodnight, Rainbow.”
“Goodnight.”
>You turn off the lights and almost immediately feel some much-needed sleep coming back to you
>Rarity watches you the entire time, her violet eyes just barely visible in the dark
>At one point, she whispers something under her breath, though you don’t catch what she said

>When you awaken, it’s to the caress of a soft, cold hand against your cheek
>Fluttershy’s face is only a few inches from yours, and her eyes fill your entire vision with red
>She’s hovering directly above you, her filthy clothes flowing about her as if underwater
“Flutters…” you choke out
>”Hey, Rainbow.”
“How did you… what about… where’s Rarity?”
>You crane your neck, and you see Rarity resting against the edge of your bed
>The coffee bottle has spilled from her hand, leaving a dark stain on the carpet
>You’re relieved to see that she’s still breathing
>”I put her to sleep. I don’t want her to get between us.”
“Is she going to be okay?”
>Fluttershy’s looks hurt, and seeing the flash of pain across her face sends an icy dagger through your heart
>”Why are you so worried about her? I’m here, Rainbow…”
>Fluttershy takes ahold of your face again
>”…isn’t that what matters?”
“I…”
>You try to focus on making sure Rarity’s okay, but thoughts of your friends just seem to slip out of your mind
>Fluttershy’s bloodlust settles into you, and you find your body reflexively moving to bare your neck for her
>She gives you that beautiful, petite smile you fell in love with, showing her fangs
>”Mmm, Rainbow…”
>She drifts down until her mouth meets yours, and goosebumps crawl along your flesh as you savor her kiss
>Her cold, wet tongue slithers against yours, and you taste something bitter that you somehow know is the remnants of your own blood, mixed with her saliva
>Fluttershy pulls away from the kiss, and trails her tongue down to your neck, where the twin scars tingle as she laps at them
>You writhe beneath the covers, your whole body begging her to feed on you
>But that tiny, scared part of you wins out, for just a moment
“Wait…”
>Fluttershy stops
“If you take more… I might… might die…”
>Fluttershy hangs her head, and her hair falls like a curtain over her face
>”I’m so sorry, Rainbow. But I, um… just c-can’t resist…”
>She opens her mouth again, running her long predator-tongue over her teeth
>”I don’t want to hurt you,” she says
>Her voice cracks, and she sounds like she’s about to cry
>”But I… I *have* to have you… nobody else tastes as sweet. Not like you…”
“Fluttershy…”
>Your heart nearly breaks, seeing her so sad
>Weakly, you reach up and tug the collar of your shirt away from her neck
“It’s okay. If it’s for you, it’s alright… no matter what…”
>Fluttershy smiles
>”Thank you, Rainbow. I love you so, so much…”
>She sinks her teeth into your neck, and agony-mixed bliss fills your body
>Little white stars dance in your vision, and you can feel a beautiful blanket of deathly cold beginning to envelope you
>You’re going to die here, the tiny terrified part of your brain tells you
>You shut your eyes, totally okay with that
>As long as it’s for her, you’re alright if your life ends like this…
>Suddenly, the beautiful death-kiss ends, and Fluttershy flings herself off of you, crying out in pain
>”Screee!”
>”Get away from her!”
>You blink, and the world around you swims back into focus
>Rarity is standing to your left, bent protectively over your body
>Her right hand is outstretched, holding out a locket on the end of a silver chain
>The locket is open, but you can’t see the picture
>Light is flooding out from it, and Fluttershy cries out in pain as the light washes over her
“S-stop…” you mumble
>Fluttershy scampers up the wall and across the ceiling, sticking it to it like a spider, and flees through the window
>She pauses, perched on top of the sill, and turns to Rarity with pure, animal hatred showing on her face
>”I’ll kill you, Rarity” she says, using her normal, petite voice. “You won’t k-keep Rainbow from me. She’s mine! Only mine! I’ll kill you!”
>She bares her fangs in rage, then disappears in a puff of inky-black smoke
>A single bat pinwheels off into the night, flowing under the light of a dull, red moon
>Rarity collapses next to you, pressing her fingers against your neck
>”Rainbow! Darling, speak to me! Are you alright?”
“Y-yeah…”
>You start to shiver, and are terrified to realize you can’t stop
“Just really… really c-cold…”
>”I’m going to call a hospital!”
“No, I’m… I’m fine, just… just gotta sleep…”
>Rarity is already up, though grabbing her phone and dialing the emergency number
>She’s the last thing you see before you pass out

>"Rainbow?"
>A soft hand is on your cheek
"Mmmm..."
>"Rainbow? You awake?"
"Mmm, Flutters..."
>You lean your face into the gentle palm
>"Erm, not quite..."
>Your eyes flicker open, and you find yourself looking into Rarity's violet eyes
>"...sorry, darling. It's me."
"Oh."
>The events of last night slowly filter back into your mind
"Oh! Rarity?"
>YOu try to sit up, but your abs give out almost immediately, sending you flopping back onto the bed
>Rarity presses her hand against your brow
>"Easy, dear. No need to panic. You're safe."
"There was... you..."
>Rarity's face darkens
>"Yes, I know. We have a lot to talk about, don't we."
"Yeah. Guess we do. You're okay?"
>Rarity looks touched, a tiny smile plays across her lips
>"Yes, I'm fine. More than fine, now that you're awake. We had a, erm, a bit of a scare on the way here. Or, at lesat, I did."
"It was probably mostly you," you say with a grin
>Rarity scowls
>"Well, I can see your sense of humor has returned. I *may* have panicked a tad more than was necessary. But heavens, Dash, after everything we saw, I think that's only fair."
"Rarity?"
>"Yes?"
"You were amazing. Last night, I mean. Thank you."
>Rarity's face goes a deep, deep red
>"Oh, well, I was only protecting a friend."
"And looking like a total badass doing it."
>Rarity can barely even get any words out
>"Well, I simply... I just... aha~"
>She's staring into your eyes, mesmerized
"And Rarity?"
>"Yes, darling?"
"Could you, uh, turn your back? I think I'm gonna throw up."

>After fighting through a wave of intense nausea and sweating out half the moisture in your body, you're hungry enough to eat even hospital fod
>Rarity manages to sweet-talk the nurse into giving you double portions, and you shovel it all down, even the nasty vanilla pudding with the consistency of-- yeah, not good
>Rarity sits with you the whole time, alternating between concern, relief, and a dark, strange worry
>The two of you try to chat, but it's hard to find any light subject matter to talk about
>Eventually, after a long silence, Rarity speaks up, looking up at you from her mug of tea
>"Rainbow?"
"Yeah?"
>"I hope you won't be mad. But, I asked Twilight to do a little research for me, and... I think I might have found someone who can help us."
"Who?"
>"She's a doctor. But she apparently has some experiences with, erm... strange circumstances. Like yours."
"So you tried to find a vampire hunter?"
>Rarity nearly spits out her tea
>"I... may have, yes. You and I both know what we saw last night, Rainbow. There's no point denying it."
"Fluttershy is my friend. She isn't trying to hurt me."
>Rarity sighs
>"You're probably right, Rainbow. But she nearly killed you last night."
"You didn't hear what she said. She just can't help herself. She doesn't want to hurt me."
>"Be that as it may, dear, your life is still in danger. I can't risk sacrificing the girl I... am particularly good friends with."
"Hmph."
>You cross your arms over your chest; the IV is gone now, but there's still an ugly bandaid placed over the spot where its needle lanced your arm
"I won't agree to anything that will hurt her."
>Rarity slowly nods
>"We'll ask the doctor what she thinks. Hopefully there's a way to keep you safe without..."
"Without what?"
>"I don't know, darling!" Rarity snaps
>She clenches her mug, sighing
>"I don't know. This is all so scary. I almost lost you, Rainbow. If I had, I just..."
>Rarity hangs her head
>"I'd be broken without you. You know how that feels better than anybody."
"Then you know why I can't lose Fluttershy again."
>"I..."
>Rarity bites her lip
>"...I suppose I do. But..."
"But what?"
>"It's nothing. The doctor should be here tonight. She's flying in from overseas, apparently."
"Alright. But if she tries to hurt Flutters in any way--"
>"I'll do my best to make sure she doesn't, darling."
>Rarity reaches under the blankets and takes your hand.
>"I promise. But, please, Rainbow..."
>She sighs
>"If you have to choose between Fluttershy and yourself..."
"I'll choose her. I always have, ever since we were kids. I promised I'd protect her, and I'm not going to break that. Not for you, not for me. Not for anyone."
>Rarity falls silent for a long time
>"I... I understand."
>She stands up, letting go of your hand
>"I'm going to see if I can find myself something to eat. Do you want me to come back later tonight?"
>You're surprised at the hurt you hear in your voice
"Y-yeah. Of course I do."
>"Okay. I'll return soon."
>She struts out of the room, leaving you alone

>You're sitting upright in bed, legs tucked against your chest, when the door swings open
>Rarity enters first, carrying two plastic-wrapped chocolate muffins
>Behind her enters a woman you've never seen before: she's tall, and she carries herself in such a way that you immediately know muscle is rippling beneath the heavy bomber-jacket she's wearing
>Her hair, surprisingly, is cut into a mohawk that sweeps back from her brow, and a single pale scar runs down the right side of her face
>Her legs are clad in tight-fitted black pants, made from a heavy canvas material, and her feet are clad in heavy boots
>She looks nothing like a doctor, but everything like you'd imagine a vampire would
>"Ahem, Rainbow?" Rarity asks, passing a muffin into your hands, "this is Dr. van Shadow. She's the one I was telling you about."
>The doctor nods
>"Call me Tempest," she insists
>Her voice is sleek, yet contains a rough, steely edge
>She reaches out to shake your hand, and you're surprised to find yourself gripping plastic hand beneath a glove: her right arm is a prosthetic
>Tempest unzips her jacket and shrugs it off, hanging it up near the door
>Beneath, she's wearing a gray tank-top, showing off whipcord muscles bulging beneath her skin
>As you suspected, her right arm ends at the elbow
>If she notices you staring, though, she clearly doesn't care
>She stays silent as she pulls up a chair next to your bed and sits beside you, running her eyes along your form
>"So. The first part of my job's already been done, eh?"
"What do you mean?"
>"I don't have to convince you that monsters are real."
>"I'm afraid not," Rarity mutters
"You don't. But I want to make one thing clear. You can't hurt her."
>Tempest raises an eyebrow at that
>"First time I've heard that before."
"She's... she was my friend. There's gotta be a way you can cure her, right?"
>Tempest shakes her head
>"My job would be a lot easier if I could."
"Oh."
>You can't hide the disappointment from your voice
>Tempest leans in, and a bit of the edge drops from her voice
>"Tell me about your friend. What was her name?"
"Fluttershy. She was..."
>It all just sort of tumbles out you: memories of Fluttershy, her favorite things, all the weird little parts of her personality that made you love her...
>Tempest listens calmly
>Rarity stares at the ground, her expression unreadable
>Before long, you're too tired to keep going
"Sorry. That was maybe a little more than you wanted."
>Tempest lays a heavy hand on your shoulder
>"You did good. She sounds like she was really someone special."
"She was. She is."
>Tempest sighs
>"Rainbow. The thing that's been visiting you, it isn't your friend."
"Yes she is!"
>The words come out louder than you intended, but Tempest doesn't flinch
>You avert your eyes, suddenly becoming very focused on counting the threads in the hospital blanket
>"It has Fluttershy's shape. It has her memories. But it isn't her."
"But..."
>"I know. I'm sorry."
"You can't hurt her. I don't care what she is. I made Fluttershy a promise."
>"This is how you'll keep that promise. There's something else in her body now. Something terrible. Can I ask you a question?"
"Hmph."
>"Would Fluttershy-- the Fluttershy you know --ever hurt you?"
"No. Of course not! She couldn't hurt anyone."
>"The Fluttershy that's been visiting you, she almost killed you. Is that something your friend would ever have done?"
"She said she couldn't help it..."
>"I know. She can't. She's not in control of herself anymore, Rainbow. The best thing you could do for her, is to set her free."
"I... but..."
>There's nothing you can say
>Deep down, as badly as you want Tempest to be wrong, you know she's right
>Your Fluttershy is gone, and if there's no way to bring her back, that means...
>You drop your face into your hands and start to cry, for the first time since the funeral

>The next few hours pass in a blur
>Tempest is in and out, busying herself with something around the room, but you don’t pay much attention to her
>She leaves when your parents come by 
>They fawn over you, telling you what a brave girl you are, bringing you more presents than you know what to do with, promising they’ll throw you a big party when you get out…
>They’re besides themselves with worry about you, and you really appreciate their concern, but it’s hard for you to feel much of anything right now
>Everything feels so empty, so unfair
>You got Fluttershy back, only to lose her again
>Though, if Tempest is right, you never had her back at all
>You pretend to need sleep, so your parents will leave you alone
>Rarity, of course, stays behind
>Even when you pretend to doze off, she sits on the bench, occasionally glancing at her phone or working on homework, but mostly just watching you
>A part of you wants to ask her to leave too, so you can be well and truly alone
>But… you don’t
>Even if she’s just sitting there, just keeping you idly company, it feels nice to have her around
>So you pretend to sleep, all the while aware of Rarity’s gaze enveloping you like a featherweight, cool blanket
>At some point, though, Rarity’s phone buzzes
>She sighs, and you hear the scrape of wood against tile as she gets up from the couch
>”Rainbow?”
“…”
>You continue pretending to be asleep
>”My parents called. They need me to watch Sweetie while they’re out. But I’ll be back as soon as school ends tomorrow, I promise.”
“…”
>”Dr. van Shadow promised you’ll be safe here. She’s staying in a hotel right across the street, in case you need her.”
“…”
>”…feel better, okay? If there’s anything I can do for you, just text me.”
“…”
>You shift slightly beneath the blankets
>Rarity waits a moment, then sighs
>”You definitely could use some sleep. I guess I could, too. Goodnight, Rainbow.”
>You hear a rush of air as the hospital door swings open, followed by Rarity’s footsteps as she exits the room
>She pauses, though, and you hear her shoes squeak against the tile as she turns back to you
>”I love you,” she announces to the quiet room
>And then she’s gone

>You don’t sleep for a long time after that
>A part of you wants to believe that Rarity was saying it purely as a “I love you as my best friend” type of thing
>But even you aren’t dense enough to believe that
>How dare she feel like that about you when you’re still hurting over Fluttershy!
>How long as she been hiding this from you?
>Do you feel the same way back?
>Can you feel that way about anybody, now that the girl you loved for the past 8 years is gone?
>How did you not notice how she felt sooner?
>These questions chase themselves in circles through your head, until eventually they all cancel each other out and you sink back into the same empty despair as before
>Stupid Rarity…
>…
>…you miss her already

>At some point, an orderly comes by and shuts the lights off, plunging you into darkness, save for the thin bit of moonlight streaming through the window
>You roll onto your side, watching the window
>Tempest said you’d be safe tonight, but you know that *she* will come for you
>Fluttershy, or whoever it is that now looks like Fluttershy
>You aren’t sure how you feel: two sides war inside of you
>A part of you believes Tempest, and fears the monster that’s taken your friends shape
>But a dark, primal part of you anxiously awaits your next chance to sink into your friend’s embrace—whether it’s the real Fluttershy or not, it feels like her, and that’s all you really need
>Slowly, that primal part of you starts to win out
>The promise of a hug from Fluttershy, of a kiss…
>It’s too much for any other part of you to bear
>You know that, if she comes, you’ll invite her in again
>The logical part of you is disgusted that you’re letting yourself be putty in this monster’s claws, but it’s Fluttershy
>You could never say no to her, no matter what might have become of her
>Gradually, the wan moonlight filtering through your window is obscured, and a you see a human silhouette hover into view, entirely in shadow, except for her glowing red eyes
>Fluttershy floats just outside the window and extends a claw, beckoning you to stand
>You obey
>The floor is frigid beneath your bare feet, and you stumble a little as your weak legs try to carry your weight
>You pad over to the window, entranced, already finding yourself sinking into the crimson pools of Fluttershy’s eyes
>The window is latched shut, but you pry the mechanism open and fling the windows inwards
>Cold night air rushes over you, cutting through your thin hospital gown and into the skin beneath
>You shiver
“Fluttershy…”
>”Who took you from me, Rainbow?”
“H-huh? Nobody. I had to come here, because…”
>”No. No you didn’t. You know I wouldn’t hurt you. Someone else brought you here, right?”
“…”
>”It was Rarity, wasn’t it?”
>She must be able to see the truth on her face
>”She wants to keep you from me, Rainbow. She wants you all to herself. She’s always had a selfish side.”
“She told me she loves me,” you blurt out
>Fluttershy hisses
>”Did she? Well, maybe her and I will have to have a little talk. She shouldn’t say things like that, not when she knows they’ll just hurt you.”
“I…”
>”What’s wrong, Dashie?”
“You aren’t… going to kill me… right?”
>Fluttershy lets out a soft, motherly coo
>”Oh, Dashie. Who told you that?”
“It was… nobody. I just…”
>”Rarity’s putting terrible ideas in your head. I would never, ever hurt you. You know that.”
“I… I do.”
>”I want you to live forever, Dashie. With me.”
“You mean, I’ll be…”
>”Like me. Won’t it be nice? We’ll be together as long as we want to be. And nobody can take you from me again.”
“I…”
>”Don’t you want that?”
>You swallow and slowly nod your head
>Eternity with Fluttershy, it’s the kind of thing you could only ever dream of…
“I do.”
>”Then… may I come in?”
“Y-yes.”
>Fluttershy slowly glides into the open window, her pale, smiling face now illuminated by the moonlight, fangs gleaming…
>And then a loud crack rings out, and a flash of light illuminates the room
>Fluttershy recoils, as if stung, hissing in pain
>”W-what is this!?”
>She extends a claw forward, as if to grab for you
>Again, just as her fingers are about to pass the threshold of the window, the room flashes and Fluttershy recoils, clutching her now-smoking hand against her chest
>You glance around the room, shocked, not understanding what’s going on
>Then you see it
>Around the room, attached to the walls with blobs of wax, are sheets of paper
>They’re placed in places you wouldn’t normally look: behind doors, right above the bed, just under the window
>But each one contains scrawled writing in a language you can’t read, and the text is *glowing*
>Fluttershy groans in pain
>”Dashie…”
“Fluttershy, I…”
>”Someone is trying to stop me from getting to you! Who is it!?”
“I don’t know, it…”
>”It’s Rarity, isn’t it!?”
>Fluttershy grabs at her own hair, which you notice has grown ragged and is filled with bits of leaves
>”I’ll… I’m going to… agh! I’m going to k-kill her!”
>She cries out in pure fury, and then is gone in a puff of black smoke
>A lone bat pinwheels off into the night
>For a moment, you're too frozen with fear to react
>Then it hits you—Rarity!
>Fluttershy knows where she lives!

>For a moment, you stand frozen in front of the window
>Your weakened legs threaten to give out, and the whole world seems to pinwheel around you
>Dread hangs heavy in your gut, pinning you to the floor
>The look of pure fury in Fluttershy’s face is burned into your mind, and you want to do nothing more than curl up and die
>But Rarity’s in trouble!
>After everything she’s done for you, you can’t just let Fluttershy…
>Can’t let her…
>A terrible image of you cradling Rarity’s pale, drained body pops into your mind, overpowering even the wracking terror coursing through your body
>You will your legs to move and start scrambling madly around the room, trying to find your phone
>The pajamas you were wearing when they brought you here—which were stripped from you and replaced with a hospital gown—are folded neatly on a table in the room’s corner
>You fish your phone out of the pajama-pants’ pocket and call Rarity with fumbling fingers
>She picks up on the other end, and you can tell from the lack of haze in her voice that she hasn’t been sleeping
“Rarity!”
>”Rainbow? Is something wrong—“
“Don’t worry about me. Are you okay? Is anyone there?”
>”Just me and Sweetie.”
“Lock the doors. Don’t let *anybody* in. Hide if you can. I’m gonna come over.”
>”Rainbow! You absolutely must stay in that hospital! You have recovering to do. And besides… you’re the one she wants.”
“But…”
>”I know how to handle myself, and I’ll call Dr. van Shadow. I promise, darling. We’ll be alright.”
“But…”
>”I’m afraid I must insist, dear. Stay right there. You’re in the safest place you could be.”
“Yeah, but… but you’re not.”
>A long silence stretches, and when Rarity speaks up again, you can hear a surprisingly tender tone in her voice, despite the danger
>”I… know you must be worried. But I really can handle myself, darling. I’ll see you first thing in the morning, okay?”
“Okay…”
>Rarity sighs, and another silence stretches over the phoneline
>”Goodnight,” she says, and then quickly hangs up
“Goodnight…” you whisper to the empty room
>You plop down onto the bed, staring at the floor
>She’ll be alright, you try to tell yourself
>Tempest will find her, and she knows what to expect
>But…
>You can’t just sit here and worry about her!
>You jump up and run to the door, then pause
>But she told you to stay!
>But you can’t just wait to see what happens!
>Your friend is out there, and she might be in trouble!
>But she told you to stay!
“Agh…”
>You groan in distress and thump your head against the wall
>The smart thing to do would be to just stay here; Fluttershy can’t get to you, and you have all the potential help you could need nearby
>But…
>You raise your head, your mind made up
>Rarity’s in trouble
>And despite what she says, she’s up against a lot more than anyone can handle—you aren’t just going to let her handle it alone

>Five minutes later, you’re sprinting down the hospital halls, dressed in the pajamas and a thin hospital bathrobe
>A few nurses call out in alarm, but even in your weakened state, you’re too fast for anyone to catch you
>You get to the elevator and slam on the “garage floor” button
>Then you wait…
>…
>…
>…
>…
>…
>…
>…
>…
>…
>…
>…
>…
>*ding*
>Then you sprint out into the parking garage, not even feeling the cold October wind slicing into your skin
>You wind past rows of silent cars and run out into the open air, finding yourself facing the main road
>That’s when you realize you have no plan past this
>Rarity’s house is at least ten miles from here, and you don’t have your car
>Could you try to phone a cab?
>Just as you’re pulling out your phone, a sleek rental BMW pulls up in front of you
>For one terrifying minute, you’re sure you’re about to be tossed inside by some hospital security or FBI or something
>But the window rolls down and you see Dr. van Shadow staring at you
>”What are you doing out here!?”
“It’s Rarity! She’s…”
>”I heard. She just called me.”
>The barest hint of a smile cracks Tempest’s scarred face
>”And nothing I say will convince you to stay behind, I imagine?”
“Nothing at all.”
>”Then get in. And fasten your seatbelt. We’re about to break a few of your country’s motor laws.”
>In spite of the situation, all the nervous energy puts a smile on your face as well
“Break all of ‘em if you have to. Let’s go!”

>True to her word, Tempest makes the ten-mile drive to Rarity’s in about as many minutes, driving highway speeds down darkened suburban streets and taking turns in squealing, wild curves
>You pull up outside her place to see that the windows are dark, and Tempest parks behind a small motor-scooter stationed in the shadow of a large tree
>Terror twists your gut, but Tempest is already out of the car, striding up to the front door with long, purposeful steps
>You sprint along behind her
>She reaches Rarity’s front door and jangles the handle
>”Locked. That’s good.”
>She knocks
>”Rarity! It’s me!”
>You hear shuffling from inside, and feel a surge of relief
>Rarity’s voice comes from the other side of the door
>”What’s the secret word?”
>”Um, it’s…”
>Tempest glances back at you, and you’re shocked to see a bit of blush in the older woman’s cheeks
>”It’s ‘Dashie.’”
>The door swings open and Rarity is standing there in a nightie
>She’s wearing the same silver locket around her neck as last night, and she had a high-powered flashlight in her hand
>Her eyes fall on Tempest first, then on you
>”Rainbow!”
>Mixed emotions run across her face
>Relief, delight, anger, fear… and they all sort of mix together
>”What are you doing here?”
“C’mon. You really thought I was gonna just sit around while you’re in trouble?”
>”I, um…”
>Rarity laughs
>”No, I suppose you of all people couldn’t be asked to do that. Now get inside, quick!”
>She ushers both of you in, then slams and locks the door
>Tempest immediately starts inspecting the main floor
>”Windows all locked,” she says. “Good. Upstairs?”
>”All of them.”
>”Anyone else in the house?”
>”Just my sister.”
>”And did you tell her?”
>”Well, no…” Rarity says, looking somewhat conflicted. “I couldn’t exactly try and convince Sweetie that vampires are running around.”
>Tempest sighs
>”The hardest part of this job, next to dealing with the bastards themselves. Pardon my Dutch.”
>”But I did make up a story about a serial killer. She knows not to let anyone in.”
>Tempest nods; she seems on-edge, still, but satisfied
>Rarity turns to you
>”Fluttershy came to you, didn’t she?”
“She did. But she couldn’t get in.”
>”I placed wards around the room,” Tempest explains. She’s making a circuit around the room, peering through the windows. “They’ll totally seal her out, but they last for a night only. And I don’t have time to make more.”
“So we just don’t open any doors for her, right?”
>Tempest nods, then points out the window
>”That bike. Is it yours?”
>Rarity looks confused
>”What? No, of course not. I’d never drive such a ghastly thing.”
>”Whose is it?”
>”I have no idea. I’ve never seen it before.”
>Tempest frowns
>”You’re *sure* nobody else is here?”
>”Sweetie Belle’s room is the only other occupied room, so unless one her friends snuck in—oh shi…”
>Before Rarity can finish, you hear a heavy thud from right above you
>”No. Oh no, no no no no no…”
>Rarity sprints towards the stairs, with you and Tempest following close behind
>You pound up the stairs to Sweetie Belle’s room…
>”It’s locked!” Rarity cries out
>”Here.”
>Tempest raises her foot, which is clad in a heavy-soled combat boot, and smashed the door inwards
>The window is open, its curtains fluttering in a faint, cold breeze
>Just beneath the window lies the form of a young girl—slight of build, with a shock of short-cropped purple hair
“Scootaloo!”
>Blood is seeping from a wound on the girl’s head, and she doesn’t respond
>She’s dressed only in her underwear and a pair of Rainbow-colored socks, lying amongst a pile of discarded clothes
>You rush into the room, only to hear an all-too-familiar voice hiss out from the shadows next to Sweetie’s bed
>A pair of glowing red eyes illuminates the darkness, and Fluttershy slowly glides into view
>In her arms, she’s holding the pale, trembling form of Sweetie Belle, who is still very much conscious
>Fluttershy comes to a halt in the middle of the room, cradling Sweetie like a dancer with her partner
>”R-Rarity…” comes Sweetie’s terrified voice. “W-what’s going on? W-w-why can’t I m-move!?”
>Rarity is stricken dumb with fear
“Let her go!” you demand
>Fluttershy shakes her head
>”I’m really sorry, Dashie. I didn’t want to do this. But I won’t let them steal you away.”
“She didn’t steal me! You’re acting like a… like a monster!”
>Fluttershy bares her fangs in anger
>”I. Am. NOT!”
>Sweetie cries out in pain as Fluttershy’s grip tightens around her wrist and waist
>”I love you, Rainbow! More than anyone else ever could! I can give you eternity! Just stop listening to *her*, that… that…”
>Rarity finally snaps out of her trance
>”That what, darling?” she asks, her voice cold
>Fluttershy’s eyes narrow in pure, unadulterated hatred
>”Liar. Self-centered, manipulative liar. You want Rainbow for yourself. You don’t even care that I’m the one she truly loves.”
>Fluttershy raises her hand from Sweetie’s waist to Sweetie’s cheek, turning the poor girl’s head so that her neck is exposed
>Several bright-red hickies stand out there, and Sweetie squeezes her eyes shut in embarrassment
>”I’m s-so sorry, Rarity…” she moans
>”It’s alright, dear. It’ll all be alright, I promise,” Rarity says
>She turns to Fluttershy. “Let her go. She isn’t a part of this.”
>”She wouldn’t be, if it weren’t for you. Oh, Rarity. This is what happens when you only think of yourself. People you love get hurt…”
>Rarity takes a furious step forward, but Fluttershy opens her mouth and presses her teeth right up against Sweetie’s defenseless neck
>”Unless, of course, you want to make a trade…” Fluttershy says
>”Me for her?”
>”Exactly…”
>Rarity looks back at you
>Tempest slowly begins drawing something from her coat, so subtly you can hardly see the movement
>”Stop!” Fluttershy shrieks
>All of you freeze, bound in place by her voice
>”Come here, Rarity. And I’ll let her live.”
>Rarity grits her teeth, trembling with terror and rage
>”I’m so thirsty, Rarity. I can’t wait very long…”
>She pricks Sweetie’s neck with a single fang, and Sweetie squeaks out in pain

>”Don’t hurt her!” Rarity cries out
>You can see her entire body trembling as she slowly approaches Fluttershy
>Fluttershy runs her tongue over Sweetie’s neck, swirling it around the tiny prick she left and lapping up the few drops of blood
>Sweetie Belle blubbers in terror, mumbling Rarity’s name over and over
>”R-Rarity… p-p-please… h-help…”
>”I’m coming, dear. Soon, this will all be over…”
>Rarity’s eye twitches, but she keeps her face calm as she slowly raises her hands to the locket around her neck…
>”Stop,” Fluttershy hisses, her eyes going to the locket. “I remember that thing.”
>Rarity sighs, and her hands pause over the clasp
>”Drop it.”
>Rarity obediently unclasps the locket and it slides off her neck and falls to the floor, bouncing once on the carpet and clicking open
>She takes the final steps towards Fluttershy…
>You’re watching this entire scene happen, frozen by horror and the power of Fluttershy’s voice
>Your eyes drift to Scootaloo, lying unconscious in a puddle of her own blood
>You think she’s breathing, but it’s so dark in here that it’s hard to be sure
>They drift to poor, trembling Sweetie
>Then they drift to Rarity’s locket, the one that banished Fluttershy like a crucifix in the old stories
>Somehow, you know what you’ll see there before you see it: a picture, cropped from a group photo of you and your friends, showing only you and Rarity
>Your arm is slung around her shoulders, and she’s looking up at you with a mixture of annoyance, admiration, and…
>And love
>Rarity is within arm’s reach of Fluttershy now
>In one quick motion, Fluttershy draws her claws across Sweetie’s neck, opening a hideous gash right over her jugular
>A thin, pressurized stream of blood erupts from the girl’s pale throat, splattering Rarity’s chest and face
>Rarity screams in agonized terror, but Sweetie Belle is eerily silent as she crumples to the floor
>Fluttershy lunges for Rarity, fangs bared to sink into her neck…
“No!”
>Something inside you snaps, and you press through the binding curse holding your legs by sheer force of will
>All your years of being a track-and-field star coming rushing back to you, and you sprint forward, reaching Fluttershy before she can grab Rarity
>You tackle her backwards, shocked to find how dense her frail body has become
>The two of you land atop Sweetie’s bed: her on the bottom, with you pinning her arms down
>Behind you, you’re dimly aware of Tempest rushing to Rarity and Sweetie’s aid, but for now, all you can focus on is the girl in front of you
>Her face is… different, somehow
>The fangs are there, the red eyes are there, but the evil has melted out of her expression
>She just looks scared
>”R-Rainbow? What’s going on? Where am I?”
“Fluttershy…”
>”Rainbow, p-please help! It’s so dark in here, I can’t… I can’t see you!”
>Hot tears are streaming down your face
“You’re really still in there… oh my God…”
>”Please, it’s getting d-darker. Please Rainbow, h-help! Don’t let me go back down…”
“I’ll help! I’m here, Fluttershy. Just focus on me. I’ll get you out, I promise.”
>”Thank you…”
>Fluttershy’s arms suddenly surge with strength, and she easily pulls them out from beneath your grip
>”Thank you so much, Rainbow…”
>She clamps her hands around your neck, sitting up as she brings her teeth to your throat…
>*sssssssssssshing*
>A brief, metallic hiss of ear rushes past you, accompanied by a flesh of red-hot pain in your side
>You hear a dull thud as something sinks into Fluttershy’s body, and the whole world is chaos again
>Fluttershy shrieks, and she throws you backwards with enough force to send you flying across the room, where you smash into Sweetie’s dresser with enough force to drive the breath from your chest
>She writhes atop the bed, clutching at something embedded in her right breast
>It’s not a stake, but rather a thin, silver rod
>The flesh around the rod smokes, filling the room with the sickening smell of carbonizing flesh
>Tempest is advancing towards her now, a grim, serious look on her face
>Sweetie lies bandaged and blood-soaked behind her, and Rarity is cradling the wounded girl in her arms
>”Rainbow…” Fluttershy chokes out. “She’s going to kill me, Rainbow. Please…”
>”You’re already dead,” Tempest says, her voice professional and calm. “I’m just merciful enough to want you to stay that way.”
>Fluttershy hisses
>She jumps backwards, sticking to the wall like a spider
>Tempest presses the advance; she extends her prosthetic arm, and another silver dart fires from a hidden mechanism somewhere in her wrist
>Fluttershy dodges effortlessly, and the dart buries itself in the wall
>”I’ll kill you, too,” Fluttershy whines. “All of you, trying to keep my Dashie from me. I’ll keep killing you until she’s mine!”
>She turns her attention to you, and you see her legs coiling to pounce
>Tempest throws herself between Fluttershy and you, reaching into her coat and pulling out a thin silver chain, on the end of which swings a medallion in the shape of a silver star
>Bright, warm light explodes from the silver, which glows white hot when it faces Fluttershy
>The vampire shrieks, covering her face with her claws
>”Get out of this house!” Tempest commands. “Your invitation is revoked.”
>Fluttershy hisses in fury, scuttling back towards the window as Tempest advances on her
>”This love won’t protect you forever! Your love is selfish, fleeting… my love is beyond death itself!” Fluttershy spits
>”Begone!” Tempest repeats
>She takes two more steps forward, and the light from her medallion intensifies, until Fluttershy can take it no more
>She springs from the window, and a spiraling cloud of black mist streaks into the sky, and away from Rarity’s house


“S-Scootaloo!” you choke out
>You can still barely breathe after slamming into the dresser, but you stagger to your feet and run to the girl’s side, falling to your knees beside her
>You gently touch her neck, relieved to find she has a pulse, albeit a faint one
“What do we do?” you ask Tempest
>”Get them to the hospital. I’ll drive.”
>Rarity is trembling from shock, her eyes staring straight ahead as she cradles her sister
>Her face and chest are stained with Sweetie’s blood
>When Tempest touches her shoulder, she flinches
>”We should go. I’ll take her.”
>”N-no,” Rarity says. “I want to… t-to carry Sweetie.”
>”Okay. But we should move quickly. That bandage won’t hold out for long.”
>Rarity nods, and stands to follow Tempest
>You try to lift Scootaloo, but the strength still hasn’t returned to your arms
>Tempest places a hand on her shoulder
>”Let me help,” she says
>Regretfully, you nod, and allow her to gently pick up Scootaloo, moving her with a surprising amount of grace, careful to keep from moving the girl’s head

>The ride to the hospital seems to stretch on endlessly, but also to take no time at all
>You and Rarity stare blankly ahead, each of you lost in your own thoughts
>Fluttershy was ready to kill innocent people, all to get to you
>Now, you might lose Scootaloo, and Rarity might lose Sweetie
>You think back to the year you spent isolating yourself; Scootaloo texted you dozens of times to make sure you were okay, and you never answered
>She even tried to visit you in person for the first months of your self-imposed exile, but you pretended to be asleep, or to not be home
>You haven’t talked to her at all since Fluttershy’s disappearance
>And now…
>Now you might never get the chance again
>Rarity reaches over and takes your hand without saying anything
>You give it a single squeeze and silently wish that, in spite of everything, things can maybe turn out okay
>But, deeper down, you know that that’s a foolish hope