Ponyville Apartments: Mission Adorable

> "Are you alright?"

"..."

> The yellow pegasus pony shakes her head.

> She seems a little bit nervous.

> More than usual, anyway.

> Of the pony residents, she is quietest one.

> "Here," I say as I hold out my hand.

"... okay," she whispers.

> I can feel her hoof shaking, but she seems to calm down a bit.

> From our first meeting, I learned that Fluttershy is afraid of humans.

> Probably because she thinks we are all carnivorous monsters.

> Truthfully, she isn't entirely incorrect.

> I mean, I understand that a vegetarian diet is actually very healthy.

> But this isn't something every human is used to.

> Even I have been secretly sneaking out at night for a burger or steak.

"Umm, excuse me?"

> "Yes, Fluttershy?"

"D-do you mind if I get a little closer to you?"

> "Uh, sure. I guess?"

"Oh, thank you..."

> We continue walking together, her hoof linked around my arm.

> I still don't understand why she is fine around me, though.

> But more than that, there is something that worries me.

> I feel a little uncomfortable around her.

> Especially when we're alone together.

> And I can't explain it.

"..."

> Well, it's probably just my imagination.

 

---

 

> I feel a gentle tug on my shirt.

> "Hmm? Something on your mind?"

"Well," says Fluttershy. "I just wanted to apologize."

> "Apologize? For what?"

"It must be troubling for you to accompany me outside like this."

> She lowers her head a bit.

"I mean, I know I asked you to, but it was really thoughtless of me. Applejack already agreed to come, and you probably have better things to do back home."

> I shake my head and pat her lightly on the head.

> I'd be an idiot not to come along with these ponies.

> Especially after what happened the other day with Rarity.

> I had better watch out for them more closely until they get a better handle of things here on Earth.

> "Don't worry about it. Let's just say that I did it for my own interests as well."

"Your own interests?" repeats Fluttershy. "Oh! Oh, my! B-but..."

> She turns away and blushes.

> I can't make out what she is mutters.

> "Eh? What is it?"

"N-nothing! I mean, you don't need to worry about it, right now."

> "I see."

> I wait a bit, but she doesn't say anything else.

> She does seem a little bit happier, though.

> Did I miss something here?

 

---

 

> A hoof suddenly slams on my back. Hard.

> I cringe a bit as I turn around.

> Applejack is all smiles.

"Sorry for makin' y'all wait," she says. "I might've gotten a teeny bit distracted from all the different plants in this here garden show."

> "Yeah, I can see that."

> Her saddlebag is now full to the brim. It looks fairly heavy.

"When I mentioned that I ran a farm back home, they started sharing all sorts of stories! Some of 'em even let me buy their seeds so I can try growing 'em!"

"Oh, but Applejack," says Fluttershy. "Don't you think that there isn't enough space back in the apartment building?"

"It'll be fine, sugarcube. I'm sending most of these back to Equestria for the rest of the Apple family."

> "Send them to Equestria? But, how?"

"By mail, of course!"

> By mail? Like how that wall-eyed pegasus sent me that letter?

> Now that I think about it, how do these ponies move things between the two worlds, anyway?

> They act as if they are in constant communication with Equestria.

> Though I have never actually seen how they do it.

> Maybe I should ask Twilight when we get back.

"Hey, you alright, sugarcube?" asks Applejack. "You got quiet all of a sudden."

> "Ah, sorry about that. Just lost in thought."

 

---

 

"So, where'd y'all want to go to next?" asks Applejack.

> "I don't have any particular preference. How about you, Fluttershy?"

"Oh, me?" says Fluttershy. "Well, it would be nice to visit a place with lots of animals... or children. That is, if you two don't mind."

"Sounds great! I'd like to see the animals on Earth, myself. Heard that they look mighty different from ours back home."

> "Hmm, then I guess the best place would be the City Zoo."

> Fluttershy forms the biggest smile on her lips.

> She looks positively delighted.

"That sounds, wonderful!" she says. "What are we waiting for?"

> The yellow pegasus pulls my arm excitedly.

> Her wings brush at my side. They flap slightly.

> So soft. I shudder a bit from the feeling.

"Hold up, girl!" says Applejack. "Now don't get yourself too excited, y'hear?"

> The orange pony pulls Fluttershy away from me.

> She lowers her voice to a whisper.

"Remember what Twilight said - no flying! We need to keep ourselves secret from the humans. So try to relax, alright?"

"S-sorry about that," says Fluttershy. "I'll be on my best behavior."

> I sure hope so.

> We quickly head for the zoo.

> Fluttershy squeaks all the way.

 

---

 

"Oh! Are those baby bears? They're so cute!"

> Fluttershy squees in delight.

"And those little lion cubs! And those tiny tortoises!"

> Her wings flap a bit. I pat her back quickly to flatten them.

> She notices and lowers her head.

"S-sorry," she whispers. "I got a little too excited."

> I gently pat her on the head.

> "Try to relax. You have plenty of time to enjoy yourself."

"That's right, sugarcube!" says Applejack. "We'll be followin' right behind you."

"But how about you two? Won't you be bored if we stay here too long?"

"Ah, don't sweat it! Me and this here human have a lot to talk about."

> Huh? We do? I don't think Applejack mentioned anything before we left.

> Fluttershy looks a little worried.

"A-are you sure, Applejack? Twilight said that-"

"Don't worry. I know what Twilight said."

> The pegasus pony glances at me for a moment.

> She slowly lets go of my arm and sighs.

"Alright then," says Fluttershy. "If you say so."

> She looks back at us one more time before running up to the lion cage.

> And in an instant, she returns to her excited self.

> Fluttershy seems to be enjoying the place.

> And I doubt if she can cause much trouble here.

> So I clear my throat and turn to Applejack.

> "So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?"

"The truth," whispers the earth pony.

 

---

 

> Applejack doesn't say anything else.

> Looks like it is my turn to ask questions.

> "Well then, let's start with a simple one. How did you ponies learn about Earth?"

"Heh," says the earth pony. "That one isn't simple at all."

> She pauses for a moment, thinking.

"From what I reckon, Equestrian folk discovered this place only recently. And by accident, too. Can't tell you much besides that, since I don't know much about the first incident myself."

> "You aren't the first ponies to arrive here?"

"Nope. The existence of Earth is being kept secret from everyp0ny. Only a few are even aware that humans exist. Heck, my friends and I only learned about y'all a few weeks ago."

> "I see. Then humans and ponies met in the past?"

"Yep. Don't know much of how those encounters went, though. All I know is what our researchers and scientists told us during our briefing."

> "And that is?"

"They said that the technology and magic on Earth is on a similar level as Equestria. And that it was only a matter of time until humans discover a way to travel to our world."

> I see. So that's what it is.

> That's why they want to observe human behavior.

> "So I'm guessing that you're supposed to be ambassadors of Equestria, or something?"

"Hmm."

> She pauses to think again. Applejack looks a little sad when she speaks.

"I'm not really sure, to tell you the truth. We've just been instructed to send reports about humans while we're here."

> Then, she cheers up and gives me an encouraging smile.

"But I do hope that y'all can live in peace with us Equestrian folk, someday."

 

---

 

> A group of excited children pass by.

> Their guardian seems to be a single middle-aged woman.

"Remember children," says the woman. "It was thanks to our anonymous donor that we can spend the day at the zoo. So be on your best behavior, alright?"

"Can we have some ice cream?" asks one of the children.

"We'll all have ice cream after we see the animals."

> The children cheer at this.

"Now go ahead and explore, but come back here with your partner when it's time."

> With that, the children from the orphanage scatter in different directions.

> Hmm? Fluttershy seems to have noticed the children.

> She watches them very closely, covering her mouth to stop from squeaking.

> The pegasus pony is even more excited than before.

> But she is no longer looking at the animals.

> Is it my imagination, or...

> Suddenly, I feel a tug on my shirt.

"Is that all you wanted to ask?" says Applejack.

> "Oh, sorry. I got a little distracted."

> The earth pony looks up at me, worried.

"So what else would you like to know?"

> Hmm. I paused to think.

> "Well, how about you tell me more about your farm?"

 

---

 

"And that's how we buck apples back at Sweet Apple Acres!"

> "Interesting. Never thought that one could harvest apples that way."

> Mental note: do not get kicked by this pony.

> It will likely hurt. A whole lot.

"Well, thanks for listenin'."

> We both fall silent for a while. Then, Applejack stops.

"That... wasn't what you really wanted to ask me, was it?"

> "What makes you say that?"

"Well, I know that Twilight hasn't been perfectly honest with you and-"

> I raise my hand to interrupt.

> "Don't worry about it. You told me more than enough already."

"But-"

> "I said, don't worry about it."

> Applejack sighs and smiles back at me.

"Heh, if you say so. I'm startin' to see what Twilight meant about you."

> "Meant about what?"

"Err, never mind!"

> She quickly tries to continue the conversation.

"B-but anyway, I need to tell you that I still disagree with all of this secrecy. If all humans were even half like you, I'm sure we'd have no trouble getting along!"

> Then, her smile slowly fades away.

"But humans aren't all like that, are they?" she whispers.

> I shake my head sadly.

> Applejack sighs.

> "By the way, why are you telling me all this?"

"Oh that?"

> The earth pony brightens up and smiles.

"Why that's because I like you, of course!"

> She speaks without hesitation. I feel myself blushing a little.

> But before I could reply, a shrill scream fills my ears.

> And only then did we realize.

> Fluttershy is missing.

 

---

 

> I take a moment to catch my breath.

> Damn, this pony can run fast!

> "Finally... caught up..."

"What in tarnation is going on around 'ere!?" cries Applejack.

> I look in the direction of her hoof.

> Animals are running loose everywhere.

> Some children from the orphanage are riding them.

> While the other orphans cheerfully lead the smaller animals around.

> The zoo keepers try desperately to keep the animals under control.

> The adult visitors scream and panic. A few have fainted in shock.

> My brain quickly puts two and two together.

> I turn to the orange pony.

> "Where's Fluttershy?" I ask carefully.

"Fluttershy? I thought that you were watching her."

> Then, her eyes widen.

"T-this is bad! Really bad! We need to find her! And fast!"

> "But you said that she's really good with animals."

"That's exactly why! We need to stop her before-"

> Another shrill scream. We both turn around.

> A young girl, no more than 4 or 5 years old, is riding on the back of a full-grown grizzly bear.

> She seems to think that bear cavalry is a great idea.

> The grizzly roars at the nearby zoo keepers.

> They quickly back away. The little girl just laughs, thinking that this is a game.

> I turn to Applejack, who quickly pulls something out of her saddlebag.

"I'll handle this one, sugarcube!"

 

---

 

> "Er, Applejack? You aren't seriously considering-"

"Hold on to this for a while!"

> The orange pony pushes her saddlebag into my arms.

> I collapse painfully under its weight.

"Careful now! That might be a bit heavy."

> A bit heavy? This weighs heavier than a sack of grain!

> She was carrying this around the whole time!?

"Just stay here and wait for my signal."

> "Your signal? Wait! What are you-"

> Applejack dashes off before I can stop her.

> She runs straight at the grizzly bear.

> The pony holds something in its mouth. A rope!?

"Time to hogtie this little doggie!"

> With incredible accuracy, she twirls the lasso and throws it around one of the grizzly's paws.

> Then, she pulls on the rope at an angle with her mouth.

> Before it can react, the grizzly topples over and lands face first.

"And now for some lil' pon-er, human toss!"

> Applejack quickly hops up on the bear's back while it is confused.

> She grabs the cuff of the little girl's shirt with her mouth.

> And tosses her all the way over... to me!?

"You're on!" cries Applejack. "Catch her!"

> I drop the saddlebag full of seeds and raise my arms.

> And by some miracle, I manage to catch the little girl safely.

"Yeah!" cries the child. "That was fun! Let's do it again!"

> "Oh, wow," I mutter.

> After putting the girl down, a bloodcurdling roar fills the area.

> I turn around to see that the grizzly bear has recovered.

> And it does not look particularly pleased at Applejack.

 

---

 

"Now get back in there before I get REALLY mad, y'hear!?"

> Bruised and badly beaten, the grizzly obediently returns to its pen.

> The zoo keepers lock the enclosure behind it.

> And after one last whimper, the bear retreats inside its den.

> Applejack sighs in relief.

"That took a little longer than I thought. Sorry about that."

> "Are you alright?"

"Just a bit tired. But what's up with them?"

> She points at the adults watching the scene.

> They look more than a bit shocked.

> "Well, here in the city," I explain. "Humans generally don't expect to see someone wrestle a full-grown grizzly bear into submission."

"Oh," she says, "S-sorry 'bout that. Kinda forgot about where we were, back there."

> Applejack looks crestfallen as she picks up her saddlebag.

> I can feel a number of eyes watching us closely.

> "We should find Fluttershy before things get any worse."

"I suppose you're right. Well, then-"

> One of the zoo keepers suddenly comes up to us.

"W-wait! Are you leaving already!?" he cries out.

> Applejack and I stop walking.

"We could really use your help," says the zoo keeper. "There are a number of dangerous animals still running about, and our staff are spread thinly enough as it is."

"But, I-"

"Please, Miss?"

> Applejack turns to me. Her eyes tell me that she wants to help.

> I look around for a moment. Then, I pause to think.

> Wild animals running about. Stray orphans that need to be found.

> I sigh and give her a nod.

> "Go ahead. I'll look for Fluttershy."

 

---

 

> After half an hour of searching, I pause to rest.

> My legs ache and still no trace of Fluttershy.

> If she left the zoo, then she could be anywhere in the city by now.

> But that isn't like her. She loves this place.

*sob*

> She must still be here.

*sniff*

> I close my eyes and try to think.

*sob*

> Where could she be?

*sniff*

> And what was that crying noise?

*sob*

> Crying noise? I quickly turn around.

> I notice a familiar pink mane hidden among the bushes.

> The sobbing continues as I carefully walk closer.

> "Fluttershy?" I ask slowly.

> The noises suddenly stop.

"N-nop0ny here," whispers someone from the bushes.

> I approach closer. Sure enough, it's the yellow pegasus pony.

> "Fluttershy? Are you alright?"

"Ah! D-don't come any closer!"

> I freeze in my tracks. Fluttershy just spread her wings.

> Gotta calm her down before she flies off in panic.

> Last thing we need right now is for someone to see her flying.

> The ponies' illusion spell might work perfectly, but we'll have a hell of a time explaining a flying human girl.

> "It's just me," I whisper. "I've come to find you."

"A-are you here to take me away? I wasn't human-napping! I-I just-"

> Fluttershy's eyes are filled with fear and panic.

> She retreats from me and takes a step back.

> Her wings start to flap. Her hooves rise from the ground.

> There is no more time.

> My body moves on its own.

> And grabs her in a tight embrace.

 

---

 

> Soft. Fluttershy feels so soft to the touch.

> It takes me a minute to realize what I just did.

> And it takes me a few seconds more to notice that she isn't backing away.

*sob*

> Instead, she leans her head on my shoulder.

> The pegasus pony continues crying softly.

*sniff*

> Unsure of what to do, I start stroking her mane very slowly.

> Slowly, so as not to scare her.

*sob*

> Slowly, so she can get used to me.

> Slowly, so she has time to let it all out.

*sniff*

> And slowly, I feel her stop shaking. She lowers her wings.

> Then, she whispers in the tiniest voice.

"I'm... sorry."

> I hold her tighter in response.

> Not because I'm afraid that she'll run off.

*sob*

> But because...

> "It's alright, Fluttershy. It's alright."

*sob*

> I don't remember how long it took.

> But I didn't care. I stayed with her.

> More than a pony from another world, I realized.

> She was just a young girl, scared and lost.

 

---

 

> "Are you sure that you're alright now?"

"Y-yes. I think so."

> Very slowly, I pull myself away from the yellow pegasus.

> She clings to me again the moment I step back.

> "Umm, Fluttershy?"

"Oh! Sorry, about that. I just..."

> She lets go of me reluctantly.

> Her voice becomes almost inaudible.

"...felt so safe in your arms."

> She blushes beet red. Maybe I held her a little bit too long.

> I clear my throat and politely pretend not to catch that last part.

> "You were right, though. I should have watched you more closely."

"I was right?

> "Yep. You certainly are a lot more troublesome that I expected."

"I'm so sorry," she whispers. "This is all my fault."

> She lowers her head sadly.

"If I didn't get too excited around the children and animals-"

> "Don't worry about it. I had an idea of what I was getting into when I took this job."

"Eh? What do you mean?"

> "Heh, forget about it. Instead-"

> I take her by the hoof and give her a gentle smile.

> "Why don't you tell me a little more about your special talent."

"Oh, my!" she says, blushing. "It's not really that special, but I can-"

 

---

 

"Where are we going?"

> "Somewhere with the equipment we need."

> All Fluttershy and I need now is a way to get inside this place.

> I check the door. It's locked. Figures.

"Oh, no! What are we going to do now?"

> "Hmm."

> I quickly look around. Then, I see it.

> "Fluttershy? Do you think you could find me a large rock?"

"A large rock? O-okay..."

> A short while later, she returns.

"Will this one do?"

> "That's perfect. Now, stand back."

> I toss the rock through one of the windows. It shatters.

> Then, I unlock the window through the hole and open it.

> I'm too large to fit through, but-

"Are you sure? But isn't this breaking and entering?"

> "We'll just say that some crazy neighborhood kids took advantage of the chaos."

> I carefully push her through the window.

> "Watch the broken glass."

"A-alright."

> She quickly opens the front door from inside.

> After a quick glance around, I head in after her.

"I'm sorry for asking," whispers Fluttershy. "But is this your first time doing this? You act like you've done this before."

> I just give her an evil smile in reply.

> Yep. This really takes me back.

 

---

 

"Are you sure that this is going to work?"

> "Honestly? I have no idea."

> But we need to try something. Applejack can't do this alone.

> I quickly switch on all of the speakers.

> Then, I signal at Fluttershy to start.

"H-hello? Can you hear me?"

> She whispers to the microphone softly.

> I turn up the volume so her voice can be heard.

"I know that it's a little troublesome, but I'd like to share something with all my new animal friends."

> I glance outside. Looks like her voice is being carried nicely.

> Good thing that the zoo's P. A. system still works.

"Oh! And to all my little human friends, too!"

> I turn to Fluttershy. She looks fairly calm.

> Probably because she can't see her audience.

"I'd like to dedicate this song to all my new friends here in the city zoo."

> She pauses. Then she covers the microphone for a moment.

"And I'd like you to listen, too," she whispers. "That is, if you don't mind."

> I give her a thumbs-up. She smiles, blushing a little.

"T-thanks."

> Fluttershy is ready now. She looks surprisingly confident.

> The pegasus pony puts her lips to the microphone.

> And she begins to sing.

 

---

 

"When I look in your eyes," she sings.

"I see the wonder of the world in your eyes."

> Lovely?

"I see the flight of a thousand butterflies,"

"When I look in your eyes..."

> Slender?

 

"And it is no surprise,"

"To see the softness of the clouds in your eyes,"

> Graceful?

"The bright reflection of rainbows in the skies,"

"When I look in your eyes..."

> Tender?

 

> Where are the words that describe her?

> Caring? Angel?

> Kind and gentle?

> There are no words to describe her.

 

> Easier by far, say I,

> To steal the sky

> From the songbirds.

> Than to find the words that seem right.

> How do you describe a dream right?

> Rare are the words,

> Where are the words?

 

---

 

> Fluttershy covers the mic with her hoof after her song.

"Do you think that was alright?" she whispers.

> "Err... Uhh..."

"Oh! I'm so sorry," she says. "You see, I haven't been singing at all recently. I guess I might have missed a note or two..."

> She lowers her head sadly.

> "What are you talking about? That was great!"

"Eh? R-really?"

> "You have an amazing voice, Fluttershy! I can't see why you would think like that."

"Oh, you flatterer, you!"

> The pegasus pony blushes bright red.

> I am in a rare dilemma.

> Half of me wants her to continue singing,

> While the other half says that I should get these ponies out of here.

> Hmm. Why is this so hard?

"Umm, excuse me?"

> "Huh? What is it?"

"Should I sing another song?"

> I pause for a moment. Logic wins through (barely).

> And I reluctantly shake my head.

> "We need to find Applejack and head out before things get even more troublesome."

"I see. You're right, of course."

> Fluttershy sighs as she puts down the mic.

> "But if you'd like, I can take you to karaoke to sing again. That is, if you don't mind..."

"Eh?"

> She brightens up immediately.

"Okay. I'd like that."

 

---

 

> Fluttershy and I sneak back to where we last saw Applejack.

> On the way, I see that the remaining animals have returned to their pens.

> They wait patiently as the zoo keepers lock their cages one by one.

> Even the most vicious ones have a strangely calm look in their eyes.

> And that isn't all.

"Oh! That's so cute!" cries the pegasus.

> I quickly pull her back behind the bushes.

> She's right, though.

> All of the orphan children are obediently assembled near the entrance.

> The orphanage matron quickly confirms that they are complete.

> Fluttershy's song certainly has a powerful effect.

> Almost like magic.

"And there's Applejack!"

> Sure enough, the orange pony is standing together with a few zoo staff.

> They thank her again before leaving.

> After making sure they are out of sight, she turns around and winks at us.

> We quickly leave the bushes and walk up to her.

> "Everything alright on your side?"

"More or less," says Applejack. "We were gettin' overwhelmed back there! Good thing you got Fluttershy to sing on that P.A. thingy."

"Sorry about that," says the pegasus. "This is all my fault..."

> "Forget about it for now. It's time we make like a tree and -"

"Get the hay out of here!" cries Applejack.

> All three of us make a mad dash for the exit.

> Thus ends our visit to the city zoo.

 

---

 

> Her pet white rabbit sticks his tongue out in disgust.

"Oh, don't be like that, Angel! Despite all the trouble I caused, he was a perfect gentlehuman."

> Fluttershy closes the door behind her and trots over to her desk.

> She pulls out a bottle of ink and a feather pen.

> Then, she sings to herself softly as she writes.

 

"In your eyes," sings Fluttershy.

"I see something that fills me with glee!"

"I see the deepness of... something,"

"Something I feel you feel for me."

 

> When she finishes, the pegasus stands up.

> Angel pretends to vomit to further express his disgust.

> But Fluttershy ignores him and continues humming to herself.

> To Angel's chagrin, she continues singing in the shower happily.

 

"Dear Princess Celestia,"

"Today, I found out how easy it is to be misunderstood by humans,"

"They can be really scary and dangerous!"

"But I've also learned that they can be kind and gentle."

"And that we can't give up on them!"

"Because someday, I'm sure that we can all sing a beautiful song together."

"- Your Loyal Subject, Fluttershy"