Anon/Fluttershy 1

>With a pair of boots and a sack of clothes, you walk this lonely road. Your shadow is the only thing to keep you company. It is impossible for it to make up its mind of following, leading, or to walk by your side.

>You don't know where you are, but you are not lost. You can't get lost when you don't have a destination to get to. You haven't seen a single soul in days. You wonder to yourself if travelers are deliberately avoiding the roads you travel.

>The crackle of fire is a wonderful sound. You lay back as you watch the sparks fly high into the night sky. The sparks appear to jump past Heaven itself as they fade out into the dark. The night sky is one of the most beautiful things you have ever seen. Sometimes you wonder to yourself if it's even natural to be so gorgeous.

>The sun dawns on a new day. You can't shake this strange feeling. A feeling of... happiness. As if the world itself gives of an aura of good feelings. The air is cool this morning. The orange sun just barely poking up over the horizon. The morning dew adds to the ambiance of this pine forest. A smile graces your face.

--

>Picking yourself up, and burying the still hot coals of the campfire, shoulder your pack, grab your guitar, and continue your journey. There's something about the sun... It's as if it makes the colors of this forest... pop out somehow. Like a brightly colored painting.

>You continue your endless journey. Your clothes have faded and torn in the long time you have been walking. Your boots were almost worn through. Your grey t-shirt torn at the waist. The legs of your blue jeans frayed and holes in the knees. Your black leather jacket was torn and faded, bleached by the sun.

>You stop by a stream and peer into the pristine waters. You haven't shaved in a week. You were grateful of the woman who allowed you to shower and stay the night at her house. You were begrudgingly forced to accept a handout from the woman. You tried to deny it, stating the free bed was worth more to you than any amount of cash. She took it back, but hid it in your guitar case without your knowing and sent you on your way. Luckily there was a barber in town, and given you had not had a haircut for about 2 months, decided to renew your old medium fade.

>Your memories of life in the fleet and your fellow Marines were all that inspired you to keep your discipline, kindness, and clean appearance. This is also the reason you are so stubborn about asking for help or accepting handouts.

>You give a chuckle, refill your canteens, and continue along this road. This ever-so-curious road...

--

>It's about noon now. The sky has grown cloudy and the sun is having trouble breaking through. You keep walking, even though you know there's a storm brewing. You hope to find shelter somewhere soon. Maybe an abandoned barn or shed. You are not given the chance.

>The heavens begin to release their tears upon the world. You calmly pick up the pace, going into a slow jog. Please let this sprinkle be all there is today. No chance.  The rain begins to pick up, and you begin to worry about how you will survive the night if this keeps up.

>There's a clearing in the forest. A few hundred yards beyond the treeline, you spy a small hill with a large, leafy tree standing proudly against the coming storm. You run for cover and find the thick branches are holding back the water very well as only a few drops have made it through the foliage.

>You reflect on your luck to find this tree at such an opportune time. Your clothes are damp, but not completely soaked. You take your jacket off and hang it up to dry. The water will only make you colder. Deciding now is a better time than ever, you seat yourself down against the trunk of the tree and open your guitar case.

--

>It's your grandfather's old acoustic guitar. He had left it in his will to your father, who in turn gave it to you. You felt this was an insult to your grandfather, as your father clearly did not appreciate the sentimental value of this rustic beauty. It had a simple wood face and was stained a light oak color. It was beautifully polished and in pristine condition. You tried your absolute hardest to protect this treasure from the elements and are surprised it hasn't worn at all yet.

>You have taught yourself to play over the years. Although not a master, you have learned to play your favorite songs from various genres. Country, Alternative Rock, Hard Rock, Metal, and even some RnB.

>You begin to softly strum some high notes, trying to think of a song to play. You stare out into the open pasteurs, the rain coming down over the landscape. You begin to play a soft rift as you close your eyes and lay your head back against the tree. You have your song.

--

>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTt-GXnvvmw

**

>Take a photograph,

>It'll be the last,

>Not a dollar or a crowd could ever keep me here,

 

>I don't have a past

>I just have a chance,

>Not a family or honest plea remains to say,

 

>Rain, rain go away,

>Come again another day,

>All the world is waiting for the sun.

**

 

>You finish your song and to your suprise, Heaven itself appears to have heard your cries and relents. There's still a soft sprinkle, but nothing you are afraid to travel through. The sun has also fought through the clouds and casts its glorious rays upon the land. You look to the east and spot a rainbow, in all its magic, bridging across the sky. A smile comes across your face. This is the absolute, most beautiful thing you have ever seen. A single tear rolls down your cheek.

 

>"That was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard."

--

>Eyes opening wide, you jump at the unexpected voice. Were you so deep into your song that you didn't even notice someone walk right up to you? Who else could possibly be out here in the middle of nowhere? The compliment however gives you a small satisfaction being able to provide music for others who are kind enough not to interupt or pull some kind of stupid prank on a world-weary traveler.

>The voice was feminine and soft. You turn your head to meet the owner.

"Why thank you mi-"

>What the hell? Where did that lady go? And where did this small yellow horse come from? Are those wings?

>You reach a hand out and pet its long, pink mane.

"How did you get out here? Where did you come from? What kind of little pony are you?"

>You were certain the coat and mane were dyed and the wings are attached by a rope or something. Probably by some cute little girl. However it seems the little girl must be playing tricks on you, as she has run off and left this little pony here.

>"Oh... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to bother you but-"

>Wait a minute... What...?! You quickly withdraw your hand and let out a small shout as you tumble back a few feet.

>"Oh my! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to startle you!"

>The yellow pony rises into the air, spreading its wings and slowly starts to hover towards you.

"What in the hell?!"

>Your mind goes back a few minutes. You must have fallen asleep and this was surely a dream. There's no such thing as a yellow and pink... pegasus? With this realization, you prevent the heart attack that was starting to build in your chest.

>All those nights alone must have finally tripped your brain into imagining such an exotic creature. You take a deep breath and regain your composure.

--

>"Please don't be mad at me! I'm really, really sorry!"

>You notice her eyes start water up as she reaches out her forelegs to you. You grab hold with one hand and she pulls back so you are sitting back up.

>Strange... It's soft and feels like real fur. You recall having dreams before of being able to feel objects. It usually turns out to be a random bed post or something in the morning.

"It's quite alright ma'am."

>You adjust yourself so you are sitting crossed-legged, one hand on each knee, with your back straight.

"I just didn't expect to see anyone else around here. I also apologize if I frightened you in any way."

>The yellow pony seemed to calm down and lowered herself to the ground. She lowered her head in embarassment, looking off to the side. She speaks very slowly.

>"I... I heard you singing. It was just... wonderful. I heard you from the road so I decided to investigate. I sat behind the tree to listen and not disturb you.

>You deduce that this is a very shy creature by her soft voice, stutter, and her posture. She refuses to look you in the eyes and even appears to be trying to make herself smaller.

>If this is truly your imagination, it makes sense. It's obviously a physical manifestation of your own shy nature. You always had a hard time asking for help from others, and even an outright fear of talking to strangers. A fear that must be caused by some form of post-traumatic stress.

>"It was some of the most beautiful singing I have ever heard. And that instrument... you play it so well."

>Okay now it's just gushing. You feel your cheeks blush and a smile cross your face.

>You pet her head again. She looks up at you with a large smile. You have never known this kind of cute before.

--

>The rain has stopped completely now. You set your guitar in its case and grab your jacket.

>"Oh, where are you going... uhm... I'm sorry to trouble you... but what kind of animal are you?"

>You stop in your tracks. Animal? This thing thinks YOU'RE an animal? Well, that makes as much sense as the fact there's a talking, yellow pegasus in front of you. But you jest.

"My name is-"

>You cut yourself off. You haven't had to use your name in a while. There was the lady who gave you the handout, but before that, a long time. You decide that now is a chance to start anew with no repercussions.

"Anonymous. I am a human. Pleased to meet you Ms..." You hold out your hand.

>The pegasus extends her foreleg to meet your handshake.

>"I'm..." She blushes and looks away. "I'm Fluttershy."

>Aww... You find it a little uncreative, but it suits her perfectly. It's even adorable to say the least.

"A pleasure to meet you Fluttershy."

>As you shake her leg, your stomach grumbles something fierce.

--

>You freeze again. The smile on your face disappears into a frown. You look down and place a hand over your stomach.

>It had been two days since you last ate. A can of mixed fruit isn't much of a meal, but it held you over this long didn't it? As much as you tried to spare your food, you simply did not have enough for you to survive any longer out here. You can't hunt with just a knife, and scavenging for berries and other small plants seems to be more effort worth giving than the reward in return.

>Fluttershy immediately recognizes your distress. Still holding your hand, she grabs hold with her other hoof and gingerly raises herself into the air. A look of pity and concern on her face.

>"Oh you poor little guy. You simply must come with me so we can get some food into your wittle belly."

>Okay didn't you just establish this? You are not an animal. Or a baby. And it could just be you, but your twice her size! Standing side by side, she would only come up to your waist.

>Nodding your head, you allow her to pull you by the hand. About 15 minutes later, you arrive at a small, two-story cottage. The path bridges a calm, flowing stream in front of her house. You can see burrows in the small hills surrounding the house and bird houses in the trees. Rabbits, chipmunks, other small creatures, and birds a-plenty are everywhere. This pony sure has a thing for animals doesn't she? That could explain why she talks to you like one.

>She leads you up to the front door. You have to almost crawl just to get into the house. As soon as you walk breach the threshold, a warm draft of air hits you.

>You gasp and roll back outside. The stink of all those animals in her house almost made you gag. The fact that it was so hot in her house made it ever more unbearable.

--

"Uh... hey Fluttershy... I'm just gonna... stay out here. Okay?"

>"But you need to come inside. It looks like its about to rain again and you look so wet and cold."

>She has a good point. You don't want to intrude, but you don't have any other options. And you are not so timid that you're an idiot.

>You hold your breath and plug your nose as you enter her house again. There are more bird houses in the corners and hanging from the ceiling. You can see mouseholes in the walls. But the place is clean. There are vermin, yes, but you feel you can stand to be here. You take a breath but smell nothing. You must have fooled yourself into thinking you smelled something given all the animals running around.

>Fluttershy sits you down on an area rug in the center of the living room. She brings you a bowl with some hay on it and sets down in front of you.

"Hey Fluttershy?" You stare at the bowl in front of you.

>"Hmm?" She tilts her head, wondering what is wrong.

"I can't eat hay. You wouldn't happen to have some fruit or vegetables would you?"

>"Yes of course!"

>She flies back into the kitchen and brings back a bowl of mixed vegetables and a few apples.

>"I hope you find something to your liking."

>You reach for a carrot when a rabbit runs up and slaps your hand away. It grabs the carrots and runs to the other side of the room. What the hell?

--

>"Angel Bunny!" Fluttershy scolds. "Those are not for you! They're for Anonymous!"

>It sounds like shes trying to be intimidating, but her soft voice isn't making it very convincing. She reaches to grab the carrots but the rabbit slaps away her hooves and hits her across the face with the bushel and hops into the kitchen.

>Fluttershy frowns and sits down. Her bangs covering her eyes.

>"Oh Angel..."

>Wow. You've been here for less than 5 minutes and you already want to kill that rabbit. The nicest creature in the world offers it food and a home, and it treats her like THAT? You are very visibly pissed off. Not because it stole your food, but how it could do that to her and she doesn't even retaliate in any way.

>You sigh, picking yourself up and walking over to Fluttershy. You kneel down, put your arm around her neck, and hold an apple in front of her face. She looks up at you with big sad eyes. You put on the best smile you can manage. This in turn causes Fluttershy to cant her head, eyes closed, with a small smile. You can't believe that worked. You never thought of yourself as a counselor of anykind. Everyone came to you with their issues, but all you did was listen.

>Fluttershy gently takes the apple from your hand. You walk back over your bowl on the rug and sit down cross-legged. You pat a space next to you, inviting Fluttershy to eat with you. She slowly creeps over to you, trying not to make eye contact. Oh yeah. If you had doubts about her timidness before, they were gone now.

>Words are not needed to interact with this pony. Her way with animals must have given here a unique ability to communicate and understand others through body language.

>You reach for an apple and take a bite...

>Wait a minute... That... that... taste!

--

>This is a dream is it not? How are you able to taste anything! You thought it was wierd just to smell but this...

>You slowly chew, then proceed to swallow. You can feel it going down your throat. You finish off the apple and can feel the lump in your stomach. Fluttershy is helping herself to some lettuce, not noticing the look of shock and horror come across your face.

>You are unable to understand just what exactly has taken place. A yellow pegasus walks up and SPEAKS to you. Even complimenting your music. She flis over to you, takes you by the hand, and leads you back to her house. Come to think of it, that slap from the rabbit left a small mark on your hands. How did you fail to notice that?

>You are trying to wrap your head around all of this. This cannot be real. How can any of this exist? You wouldn't have been so accepting of all this if you weren't absolutely sure it was just a dream.

>Fluttershy notices your worried look. You are practically shaking. She herself becomes worried for your well being and quietly speaks up.

>"Anonymous?"

>You don't hear her. You don't even see how scared she looks right now. You are too deep in thought that your situational awareness is absolutely gone.

>"Anonymous?" This time she pokes you with her hoof in the side of your stomach.

>The sudden shock and realization that she is still here made you flinch at her.

"I think I should go."

>You try to stand too quickly and hit your head on the low ceiling. You aren't knocked out but the blow dazes you and you see stars. You fall back with a crash and lay on your back, staring at the ceiling.

>Your vision blurred, you continue in vain to piece together the events that have transpired.

--

>You close your eyes tightly. Praying that this isn't real. How did you even get here? You were certain you weren't dead yet. The last time you fell asleep was the night before, when you noticed how the sky didn't... seem... natural.

>The sun that morning even seemed to pop out the colors of the world. But again, you don't understand any of it. If this is truly a supernatural plane, how did you get here? Why were you here and no one else? All you did was follow the road. Surely other people were around somewhere...

>You open your eyes again to see Fluttershy staring you in the face with the most worried look you have ever seen. Her face is also so close it almost presses against against yours, her mane touching the floor. She jumps when she realizes you're awake.

>"Oh my goodness! Did I do something wrong? Please just lay still!"

>You turn your head to look at her but feel... soft? And strangely cold.

>You sit up and an ice pack falls off your head into your lap. There is also a pillow under where your head was.

"What? What's goi...ng...uhh"

>You sat up too fast and have just disorientated yourself. Your head gets real heavy, your vision goes blurry again, and your speech stutters. You fall back onto the pillow with a blank stare in your face.

>Fluttershy replaces the ice pack on top of your head.

--