You are Anon
And right now, you're rather...stumped with the request the Celestial Princess had just asked you.
Not too long ago you had just finished dealing with Twilight and Trixie from their duel and over hearing how angry Celestia got for them nearly vaporizing you was touching.
If not slightly creepy.
Had you not shown up when you did, well, things might have gone a bit awry, and you'd hate to see Twilight or Trixie face the wrath of Celestia when both are responsible for your destruction.
Of course, that didn't happen, and all was good...but her request...
Did....she just ask what you think she just asked?
'Excuse me?' Was all that could come from your mouth as your brain tries to figure why she'd ask to 'inspect' you.
Celestia only smiles, that heart warming, controlled smile.
Whenever she had that on you couldn't tell anything about her, she seemed so happy, so perfect when she looked like that, it was hard enough to read her expression, let alone even her intentions as she suddenly teleports a news clipping...the same one Trixie showed you, before your eyes.
"Anon, you do recall you were Knighted during the ceremony after the...defeat...of the crystal dragon do you not?"
You thought hard for a moment, memory a bit fuzzy... It had been a year since you were back here, both in this world and your own... a lot was on your mind since then.
'I remember a ceremony Celestia, but...I didn't know I was knighted.'
Celestia smirked a bit, sighing with a content sigh as she eased a wing around you "The medal you were given, it was to display the Knighthood of the Equestrian Royal Guard, had you forgotten it was Luna's idea?"
She ushers her head to her sister who looked equally surprised, but remembering back when you were in the hospital and she had...uttered....those words.
*Facepalm*
Sly devil she was...
Celestia giggled a bit more, clearly excited for what was to come as you exhale, putting both hands out in front of you.
'Look Celestia, i understand you want to test my skills since the last time I was here, and you know what, I won't disagree; knowing you of course i won't have much choice.' you raise a finger though 'I must ask one thing.'
Celestia perked her ears "What is it Anon?"
'At least give me the day to rest and reacquaint myself with everypony, I'm sure they all want to see me again and I'd be quite...happy...to see them." you look back at the crater 'as well as...you know...clean up this mess.'
Celestia smiles, outstretching both wings "Leave that to me Anon." she said as she flew upwards with a wind-snap and took her altitude quite high above Ponyville. Gazing down, you could see her horn start to brilliance as a sudden radiance cascaded from her, enveloping her in a brilliant white light as everything suddenly flashed in an instant...and as you opened your eyes from the flare...you could see that everything was back to normal.
Celestia flew around once to inspect her work before she gently fluttered back down a few feet before you, hovering just a bit above ground level
"Ah...it has been so long since I had done such a spell, it certainly invigorates the blood!" she said as she let out another huff of satisfaction, turning to you with a grin.
"Your request will be granted Anon, but I expect you to be back here by Dawn tomorrow...understand?'
'Yes your majesty!' you call as you could see a faint blush on Celestia's cheeks.
"Very well, take care Anon and please, no more jumping into magical beams of energy, I would much dislike having to reanimate your corpse." she said with a content sigh as she flew off, leaving everypony both in awe and amazement.
"Bye bye Princess!" Pinkie shouts as you sigh and slump to the ground, everypony quickly trotting around you as you exhale.
"Well all be, ah had no idea you'd been Knight Anon!" AJ said "that there be quite an honour ta take sugh!"
"It certainly is!" Rarity added "such an amazing thing to have, to be a friend to an Equestrian Knight, oh I could faint from the majesty of such a glorious title!"
"We have to make your welcome back party super duper Anon!" Pinkie added as she cartwheeled about "its going to be exciting!"
'Yeah....Exciting...' you mutter as RD looks at you.
"Hey, whats eating your end?" She asked "You just got Knighted, now why you acting all out of shape?"
The others agreed as you look at RD.
'To be honest, I don't want to come here to only be tossed into a fight again...its...just odd coming from Celestia.'
"I couldn't agree more." as you turn to the sound of Princess Luna approaching, everypony turns to her as she bows her head to you.
"Anon," she began "may I have a word with you...alone?"
She looks at everypony else as they look back.
"Ah, well if the Princess wants yah Anon..' AJ began "ah betta get back to the farm, feel free ta come on bah after yah done here sugh!"
"Oh yes! Please take the time to see all of us dear, it would be certainly fitting to have a proper meet and greet to mark your return!" Rarity added.
"And Don't forget the party, It will be SUPER special tonight!"
You chuckle 'hehe, I won't...' you turn to Trixie and Twilight, both still...awestruck as AJ taps your shoulder.
"Du worry bout those two, Rainbow and I will get em settled back at Twilights, least we can do to try and help them."
'Thanks AJ, dependable as always.'
The mare 'kirtsies', crossing her fore hooves and bowing her head a tad. "yah most welcome anon."
Luna and you began to walk towards the egde of Ponyville, the Night-time Princess oddly quite for the first few moments as you walk side by side, getting away from the commotion earlier as you leave the village.
'So...' you mutter to cut the silence 'what was it you wanted t-'
You didn't have much of a chance to finish before you feel the warm, plush coat of Luna right in your embrace as the princess pressed her body right up to yours, her frame against your chest as her neck is just along your shoulder.
"oh Anon~" she said softly "how I missed you so..."
You blank, blinking a few times as you look down at the mare upon your chest.
You get ALL the Princesses...
'Uhh...I missed you too...what's with the sudden-'
"Anon, it has been...such a time since your departure from our realm, thy is overjoyed to see you and embrace the strength you held."
'Uhhh...right...I take it I missed quite a lot.'
"More than you would think Sir Anon...and that is why I wished to speak to you alone, there is much else thy must be told of what has come to past...notably...Tia's condition." Luna said slowly as she looked away.
'Condition?' You reiterate.
"Yes...you see...Anon...she..." she paused "she had grown quiet found of you, more so than I had first thought./ How casually she had decided to move on with her duties once you left was almost surprising. Tia acted like it was nothing...but...I could tell something was...missing from her." Luna looked down "Days went by, not much had changed, we kept diligent with our tasks with our subjects and the council as Princess's should but...there were days Celestia would set herself to her study and never emerge until the following Dawn. other times she would take wing and fly off, returning hours later with grass and leaves in her mane. Grass and leaves! NO royalty should ever be seen with such ill fitting attire for their appearance!"
You snicker a bit 'Maybe she just wanted time alone...you know...to think?'
Luna huffed "Yes...of course...she obviously sought it needed to take time away from her work to rest, which is reasonable, all Princess's must keep both physically and mentally fit...but...that wasn't what really changed her." Luna looked at you as she seemed to have a hard enough time continuing at whatever she meant to tell you.
"I...know it is not my place to say this; it's for Tia to whisper to you when she feels needed,. but Anon...you should know, it is JUST you know so that you may handle yourself as proper with her when she does decide to tell you." she paused, slowly magicking her horn as she set about an orb of energy before you.
In it, you could see Canterlot castle, and a bunch of guard ponies all over the place; decorations everywhere, certainly something big was going on as it pans over the city.
"Three months after you left there was to be a celebration, Shining Armour, elder brother of Twilight Sparkle, was to be knighted as Captain of the Royal Canterlot Guard. Everypony was to attend, especially Twilight and her friends.
However..." Luna pause "During his time in Canterlot, Shining Armour had been visiting a unicorn mare he had started to fall for. Everypony thought nothing, but....Twilight, something didn't seem right about that mare to her."
Luna looked away again, sighing as she let her head hang, as she inhaled slowly. The orb showed a picture of Shining Armour, a handsome looking stallion with a white coat and blue mane, standing tall and proud in proper attire as a dark grey, almost silver looking mare, quite beautiful in appearance, stood by his side, her deep eyes of green almost alluring in a rather...creepy...sorta way.
"I must admit, we were foolish to disprove of her theory of something being wrong, but what evidence did she have? Speculation that this mare was...manipulating...Shining Armour...we weren't too sure at the time, but...we should have listened."
'I take it she was right?'
Luna nodded "Exactly so, only, we wish she wasn't at times... When the ceremony began for Shining Armour, he was instantly taken under the spell of this Unicorn...who....had shown herself to be none other than Queen Chrysalis, Ruler of the Changeling Hordes."
'Changeling?'
Luna's expression turned stern, her thoughts on the event obviously making her concered as she looked at you. "Changlings are almost as old as Equestria itself, though, records of their existence are slim, they have survived countless changes in their realm of the Scorched Lands. Some had said they were once a race of graceful, peaceful creatures, only to be turned into vile beasts as they are by dark magic. We are unsure how...when....or even why, but they are a serious threat to all creatures of this land. They possess the unique ability to shift their form into any pony, be it earth, pegasus, and unicorn, within a moments notice. When Chrysalis emerged, we knew we had to do something."
The orb now showed the mare changing from at one point a pretty little thing to a large, black, insect like creature with holes in her hooves, insect-like wings, a sharp tooth grin and a crooked horn.
'Sounds pretty dicey...I take it with both you and your sister there, you were able to quell it?'
Luna looks at you, her expression was more hurtful than you could take, and a spike seemed to stab right through your gut as she turned away.
"Changelings...feed of love, they consume it like a virus and grow stronger with it. Shining Armour had loved the mare guise Chrysalis had played with him, and with the love of a powerful Unicorn...she..." she paused again, closing her eyes as a few tears started to form.
"I...I cannot say it."
You walk over, gently placing a hand around her neck and pulling her in.
'Tell me, I take it that you had a very bad time with it.'
Luna nodded slowly, eying you with a look of renewed hope as she pushed into your gut.
"Tia had set to challenge Chrysalis, to defend her subjects from the witches reign, but...with the power of love behind the evil queen, she....cast down my Sister with magic mightier than any we've seen before."
The spike stuck deeper.
Pain.
God...that was...depressing beyond belief.
'Celestia...beaten?' you mutter, you certainly can't hold any victories of the Princess yourself, she was tough, much tougher than you, yet this...Chrysalis, this changeling, had so easily bested her with the power of love?
It was almost laughable, but you weren't laughing.
The orb continued to showed what she meant, at first it was Celestia and the changeling queen jousting it out horn to horn, and at a point you could see Celestia was physically stronger than the insect witch, but, as soon as they began throwing magical attacks, you could tell Celestia was slowly losing her footing.
As Celestia took wing, she charged a mighty beam, sending it right at the evil queen, in response, Crysalis returned fire with her own, and for a moment, it looked like Celestia would win.
That was...
Until the beam from the queen began to push right back, eventually engulfing Celestia's magical attack and sending a powerful wave of energy right into the Princess's horn.
Her body flung from the air, slamming into the wall and tumbling to a heap in the floor, her crown...tossed aside as it clinked along the ground and came to a halt some distance from the shattered form of the Celestial Princess.
"It was a terrible moment...as soon as Celestia fell, thousands of Changelings stormed Canterlot. Many of our guards were overwhelmed and even as we remained within the walls of the castle, we could hear them scurrying, digging, trying to get inside... it was madness..." she sighed again "had Twilight and her friends not banded together and freed Shining Armour from Chrysalis control, we may have lost all of Canterlot on that day...
The orbs final scene was Twilight, her friends, and even her brother, all together as a mighty force of energy began to ripple through them, cascading all over as the power of friendship and love combined to strike down the witch, and send her, and all her changelings back to the desolate lands whence they came.
The orb then dissipated, its job done.
You sigh, seeing things had worked out in the end, but can still hear Luna sniffling a bit.
"It was...saddening, as soon as the insanity had subsided, Celestia was sent to the infirmary wing of the castle, to the same doctor who treated you...of course."
'Ah, Professor Sketch?'
"Yes, so you remember him?"
'Yeah, why wouldn't I, sure he was the only doc who wanted to study a human so in depth.'
Luna smiled a bit, her expression still hurt by the story she told "Indeed, his work was quite welcoming and he had Tia patched up in a few days...but...then you know how the rest goes."
You sigh a bit, nodding as you gaze up at the early afternoon sun.
'Yeah...guess I do...but for now, I think its best we deal with whats needed. When Celestia comes back tomorrow, I'll be ready, and whatever she decides to do or say, I'll be wary of it.'
Luna smiled brighten, seeing your confidence as a welcoming sigh "I wish you well then Anon, and...thank you."
'For what?' you ask.
"For coming back." she said before she nuzzled into you one more time, and then eased away as she took wing to return to the castle.
You were left alone again, sighing contently as you rubbed the back of your head, clearly you've been a bigger impact then you first thought to these ponies.
Made you feel good actually.
To be seen as a good influence, to be wanted.
It was a welcoming, if not somewhat creepy feeling as you slowly ease up to your feet and dust yourself off, watching the Lunar princess fly back to her home before you look around Ponyville.
The fall season certainly brought out its beauty, nothing like you've seen at home for a looong time,
The trees filled with leaves of every colour, bronze, red, brown, it was pleasant.
You take a moment to turn about your surroundings, seeing the all too familiar Apple Family far just a tad away as you start walking towards it.
"Well howdy there Anon, good ta see yeh again!" Aj said as she hefted another basket of apples onto the cart tied to Big Macintosh, the same one Twilight had flung at Trixie, certainly he wasn't to happy having to make the same trip twice.
'Good to see you to Aj, need a hand?'
AJ smiled "Nah thank yeh Anon, but thanks fer asking, we got this all wrap up nice n'tight." she tapped BigM on the shoulder as he went on his way, leaving you and AJ as the big stallion gave you a nod, trotting his way back to town.
"So, what brings ya'll back here, thought you wus with the princess."
'Yeah...' you said 'Was, she had to go back home, filled me in on a bit of whats been happening since I left. Missed quiet the party'
Aj huffed, eying you with an almost 'you got to be kidding me' look.
"Ah can tell yeh for one thing anon, aint much of a party since yah left, sure she told you what hoohaa has been causing a ruckus round these parts."
'You mean the changeling thing?'
She nodded "gave us all a scare for 'while, but we gotta thank Twi for what she done, sending em packing without much of a fuss, impressive ta see how much love she got fer her Sibling, can say that ah share the same with mah own."
'I wouldn't be surprised if you could have called on that power with Big M or Applebloom, you're all quiet close.'
AJ blushed "Thanke yeh kindly Anon, we care fer one another, been with one another fer a long time, though we may not have em magic powers like Twilight and Shining Armour, ah am sure the love we have is just as strong as any ol spell."
You nod 'I could imagine, 'especially considering all three of you and Granny work a farm together, lotta team work for that bit I guess.'
AJ nods "darn tootin..." she trotted over to the barn, easing a bag out from inside and trotting over to you with i,
"by the way Anon, we neva did get a chance ta pay yer back for all your hard work, must say, ah am suprised how ya'll humans can work night n'day. BigM tried it once, worked a full night shift like ya'll did, but..." she chuckled a bit, tipping her hat a ltitle "he slept fer two days straight. Bit o'haperin to our harvesting time, s'peically with the seasons winding down."
'Eheh...' you rub the back of your head 'We're quiet a capable species to work both day and night, we adapt to whatever the world around us acts like.'
"Ah can see that sugha cube, mighty fine in your standing ta handle it so well." she smiled, easing the bag down before you as she opened it, exposing three bottles.
Booze bottles.
Your eyes go wide.
"When ya'll left Anon, yah missed one of dem best times round Ponyville; the Apple Cider season. We harvested a buncha barrels of the stuff, but each time it sells out double quick, we rarely have more dn enough tah get enough set aside." she pointed at the three bottles "but, fer yah hard working on dem nights, we were able ta mix a good few extra, and decided ta save some fer yah when yah decided to get your rump back here ta Equestria." she smirked "they aged pretty darn good, so ya'll be in fer a wonderful treat!"
You blinked.
Cider.
As in...apple cider.
THAT was their booze-type beverage here.
Dear lord this was going to be worlds of fun when you crack those open...but then you had a thought.
'I guess I should save these for tonight then, with the party and all.'
"Well that'll be a swell treat fer everypony anon! Very kind of yeh ta offer that up."
'Well, its three bottles, even for me I know I can't finish all that cider myself, would be quite selfish of me.'
AJ nods "same old anon, always carin fer everypone else."
You shrug 'Hey, gotta be me yah know, besides, would be a wonderful treat for Pinkies Party.'
"Ah sure it will be a hit Anon..." Aj laughed, closing the bag a bit "Ya'll takin it now or what?"
'Mind holding it and brining it tonight? I still have other ponies to see.'
AJ nodded "Sure thing anon, we'll drop it right off when we go n'see yeh."
You smirk, giving AJ a thumbs up 'Great, now then, I better get to seeing the others.' You bow to AJ
She blushed a bit, kirtsing back.
"Take care Anon, and be safe now ya'll hear?"
You tread along the outskirts of ponyville for a tad longer, eyeing the orchard of AJ's family as you make your way along the edge. You remeber being here the first time, hiding out and keeping your distance from these ponies, not wanting to get involved in their lives. Perhaps they would fear you, or not find you fitting, but had it not been for Pinkie, well, you may have never been bothered to stay, even try to make friends with them.
And what friends they were; you've never met such wonderful ponies....was a tad of a shame they were here and you were back home.
You train of thought is suddenly stop as you had bumped into tbe soft yellow frame of a pegause.
"Eeep"
You look down to see Fluttershy blocking your path.
'Fluttershy?'
She looked up at you in surprised, clearly distracted.
"Oh.. a-anon, i hope i didn't hurt you with my road block..."
You wave your hands 'no no its fine... just... why ARE you blocking the roAd?'
She kicked her foot down a bit, gently kicking the dust from the dirt as she looks down at a family of turtles just on the other side, a small one, a mid sized one, both pushing a larger one from behind.
"Ah...W-Well, Rainbow Dash's new pet, Tank, his relatives were around when she picked him as her pet, and...well I'm just helping them get around to my hut where they will stay, being family of a friends pet and all.."
'Well that's very sweet of you.'
"Ah..t-thank you Anon" she blushed a bit as the turtles made their way across the road as Fluttershy smiles as she takes wing, hovering just a bit above the ground "W-would...you like to help them get to their new home?"
You shrug, got nothing else to do 'Sure, can't see why not.'
Fluttershy smiled "oh yay~" she said softly, clapping her hooves together as she leads you off behind the turtles.
You hadn't been to Fluttershy's cottage before, in fact, you hadn't really warmed up enough to know more about her true capabilities as a friend...and perhaps a secret martial artist.
When she rescued you and Cermina from the spider lair that one time...
You never seen her move THAT fast or hit THAT hard.
You wouldn't really want to get into a scrap with her if she's got some wicked moves like that.
It was...odd, how strong and tough she was to defend her friends....considering Fluttershy would literately bend over backwards for anypony to make them happy.
The turtles for example, most often no one would bother.
Not Fluttershy, she cares A LOT for animals.
As she fluttered around the trio of turtles, she'd move branches and rocks aside, even lay herself down as a bridge over easily walkable gasp to let them trod right over her.
It was to some extent cute, and ultimately, the very base of her element; kindness.
You just made sure they didn't separate or tumble over, your hands easier to flipping them right side up than Fluttershy hooves and risk hurting them. It was pleasant to be honest, something about her made you feel quite relaxed as she began to hum a tune.
A soft tune, filling the air with her beautiful voice before a few birds began to chirp along, eventually leading to a whole symphony of her animals friends singing along as you just walk behind her, admiring the sudden coiography of all the animals signing their respective sounds in perfect harmony with Fluttershy as you suddenly arrive in front of her cottage and the tune slowly dies down.
"Here we are" she said with a smile as she opened the door for them. "Go on and make yourselves at home."
You chuckle 'well, seems we got them here safe and sound.'
Fluttershy nodded "Thank you for helping Anon, it was very nice of you."
'Don't mention it, besides, I got time to kill.'
Fluttershy's expression becomes worried.
"Oh, you wouldn't want to hurt time now would you, I'm sure it wouldn't like to have to be..."| she gulped "killed..."
You facepalm 'Ah....no Shy, its just a figure of speech.'
Fluttershy blushed deep red "oh..sorry...Twilight...told me about those....you say them a lot."
'Yeah, don't take it too seriously, besides, I don't want to hurt anypony anyway.'
Fluttershy smiled again, returning to her happy deminour, giving off a soft chuckle.
"Well thats good to know...uhm..." she paused for a bit "would you like to join me for tea Anon...I mean, if its not too much trouble or, or if you don't have any matters to attend now?"
You smile as you put out a hand 'Lemme check' you fish out your phone and check the time.
Considering it still used 'your' time zone from home, you could see that it was only around noon.
'Make it tea and brunch, and you got a deal.'
Fluttershy smiled "sure...that would be nice."
You feel slightly bad taking advantage of the situation like that, you were hungry, and eating hayseed sandwiches and eggs for the past three days doesn't do you well, considering you wanted to eat something more towards your tastes - protein.
Of course, that would result in needing meat, something you knew perfectly well most of these ponies would detest.
You couldn't ask Fluttershy to go out and fetch some meat, none of the animals around her place would even require it as part of their diet, but you need something, and for pete sakes you would be happy with any-
You pause as fluttershy eased a plate of fish infront of you.
Not fish like a meal.
But...fish
A whole fish
Tuna from the looks of it.
"ah,,,s-sorry..." Fluttershy said as you stared blankly at it "You...you need to eat something with high protein right?"
You blink 'Yeah...how'd you know?'
Fluttershy meeped, feeling like she stepped on a touchy subject "Pinky Pie told me...I...I wanted to know more about how..to take care of you...if you ever had the spider-bite problem like last time."
You nod....course you did talk to Pinkie about what you needed to eat, getting a chuckle as you remember the peanut butter and jam escapade you had with her.
'Ah...and what she say?'
"She said you needed something...like...m-meat..." she felt uneasy saying it "b-but, I don't have any...I only have fish for my bear friends..."
'Bears?'
She nods.
'Ah...welll....' you look at the Tuna 'That is high in protein, but, if you're going to serve it to a human, you got a cook it first.'
"oh...OH!" she blinked "Ah...I...I didn't know...I...I'm sorry I hope I did-" you put a hand on her muzzle
's'alright Shy, ever prepare a fish before?'
She shook her head "Only pasta and...salad...and...nuts and raisins snacks..."
You nod 'Not bad...but Fish, well, let me show you.'
She blushed, looking at you as you ease up and start walking to the kitchen, only....to see a white rabbit staring at you.
He didn't look too happy.
You blink, looking down at this....tiny...little white rabbit.
'Uh....hi?'
The rabbit glares at you as Fluttershy swoops over and picks up the little bunny in her hooves, showing him to you.
"Aha...Angel, say hello to Anon, he's a new friend of ours and a very nice human. Anon, this is Angel, he's my little assistant and close friend here."
'Ah...thats pretty nice....hey there lil-' you outstrech a hand slowly to rub his head.
He swatted it away
"Angel Bunny, you know better than to be rude to our guests, Anon here is just going to show me how to properly prepare food for him, please let him into the kitchen Angel." Fluttershy said as the bunny muttered something in rabbit tongue.
"Oh no he's not going to eat us, where do you get these silly ideas Angel?"
Another yammering as he glared at you again, fidgeting out of Fluttershy's grasp and walking up to you. He was about to kick your shoe before he was swooped up again "Now now Angel, be nice....Anon isn't going to hurt anypony here right?"
You nod 'Yeah...considering what Fluttershy here did to that nasty old spider who captured me the last time.
Fluttershy nods as Angel stares at her "Yes, he's the one we looked at after the spider trouble, remember? We had to bring him here when he was out cold...poor Anon."
The rabbit looked at you, studying you up and down before huffing, sighing as he looked at Fluttershy and nodded.
"Oh thank you Angel" she said with a smile and hugged the little guy tight, a little too tight as he looked at you and gave you a "I'm watching you" sorta look as you eased past the pair and into the kitchen.
Fluttershy's kitchen was indeed simple in its own regard; it reminded you almost of a doll-house's set of a kitchen: wooden furnishings with matching table and chairs, a sin, fridge, stove and the like. It certainly was swanky, but you had a task at hand to do.
Quickly you mosey over to the counter, checking the silverware for any sharp knife.
Of coruse, it wasn't easy, you did find many, but....the rabbit...Angel...kept staring at you. Ypu could feel his eyeballs digging into the back of your neck as you sigh, pulling a knife out as the glare dug deeper.
You roll your eyes, checking the knife a bit.
Dull..
You draw another.
It's also dull...
You draw a third.
HAT TRICK!
it too was dull....
You sigh, putting it back as you look at the pair.
'Well, here's yah problem, you got no sharp knives...but...that's beside the point...' sharp knives and ponies...yeah, not a good idea.
You pull out your phone, eying it over as you slap it into your wrist guard, letting it sync with the device as its screen glows blue then turns black, showing an icon of a sword and below it, a shield. You nod, remembering how that shield saved your butt in the magic duel, and certainly something useful to have for later, but now, you needed your old faithful.
You press the sword icon as it vanishes, and a warm sensation begins to radiate from your hand.
You raise it, seeing the grid-like image of your blade's handle appear and 'assemble' itself in your hand before you grab it, feeling the long-forgotten weight before you clutch it, and draw a vibrant blue blade.
Fluttershy meeps and holds Angel tightly, both keeping him close and preventing him from trying anything at you as you level the sword, and slowly shrink its blade to a good size knife.
'Alright...seeing as we're down a knife, I'll use this...now then....first!' you begin, by taking the fish from the counter 'is to wash and clean'
You turn on the sink, letting the water run as you dump the fish in and begin to scrub it sides, dragging the scales off as you do.
"Anon...the scales-"
'Are meant to come off.' you finish her sentence as she nods and hovers closer, watching you clean the fish before you pull it out and lay it on the counter again.
'You don't happen to have a cutting board.'
Fluttershy nods, zipping off and returning with a wooden plank in her mouth.
'Thank you' you say as you take it gently from her maw
"You're welcome" she replied, blushing as Angel sighs, rolling his eyes.
You put the fish on the plank and slowly pick up your blade, keeping it away from Fluttershy as you start to very carefully sear off the scales along its sides. The blade cut smoothly, perhaps knowing not to cut into the fish, and only removing the scales as you clear one side, then the other in quick succession before looking at your knife.
'Cool...' was all you could mutter as you look at Fluttershy
"uhh, if you have a weak heart...I suggest you turn away.'
Fluttershy blinks "Why?"
'Because...' you point to the head 'thats got to go.'
"oh....okay..." fluttershy turned quickly, not one to see such things as you exhale, ease the blade up and with one hefty *WHUMP*
Its head came off.
You pushed it to the side as you took your knife and began to cut open the stomach, removing the inards and then dumping them all in a pile.
"ah....may I look now?"
You blink, turning to see fluttershy still floating, looking away from you.
'Oh...uh yeah, its cool.'
She turns, seeing the head and organs at one side....
you can see her go green slightly, but she gulps, holding it in as Angel shakes his head, squirming his way out of her grip and sitting atop her head now.
The rest of the work involved a lot of cutting, donning, and eventually removing the tail of the fish, leaving only two, large, slabs of fish meat and a pile of 'gubbins' as you call it, beside it.
Fluttershy certainly wasn't use to the prospect of 'gutting' the fish and cleaning it like you did, but seeing she held her own well was enough to think of her as one heck of a trooper....
Despite the...you know...shyness and all.
You sigh, wicking off the last few bones into the pile as you smirk.
"Is...that what you cook?" She asked, looking over the meat
'Yeah, that's it, all that work for two slabs of meat, not much really, but, its better than eating bones and guts and ewwie gooey stuff.'
Fluttershy blinked "ewwy gooey?" she asked, tilting her head a bit
'Yicky Nasty, the gross insides we don't really like.'
She giggled "You do have a lot of funny words Anon, are all humans like this?"
You sigh, smirking 'some, but...not all sadly....lets not dwell on that.'
"oh..." she folded her ears "I'm...sorry if I..."
'no no, its okay Shy, its ok...'
She smiled, easing a tad closer to you as you can see Angel looking at you atop her head.
'Relax...' you mouth to him 'I aint here for funny business...'
"Now...what do we do?" Fluttershy asked as you look down to her.
'Now...we cook it....why don't you go start on a salad, and while you're at it, pass me some olive oil, lemon juice, and maybe a bit of black pepper.'
Fluttershy nodded as she zipped off, returning quickly with each of the things you asked.
She was good...you take each one, thanking her for it as she went off with a smile to begin the salad.
You didn't notice Angel Bunny beside you until he pulled out a pan.
You looked at him wide eyed as he reels it back.
'You gotta be-' you say as you brace, only to her a clink as you look to see what Angel Bunny did,
He placed it on the stove...
He gave you a look again, and then scampered off to help Fluttershy.
You exhale deep as you look at the pan.
Number 1: how did he get it
Number 2: Glad he put it down and not smack your face in.
What was this, Saturday Morning cartoons?
Wait...don't answer that....
You huff, looking at the olive oil Fluttershy gave you....it was rather drab with the name "olive oil" on the side with pair of siloutted ponies bordering an olive.
Of coruse, you'd be suprised if there wasn't already a pone with the olive as a cutie marker...what would her talent be, martinis perhaps?
You chuckle at the thought as you dab some oil into the pan, then some on the fish, adding the lemon juice and then sprinkling black pepper on it.
To be honest you never did this before, you've seen your mother cook it as well as your grandfather, but this...hell...you're shooting from the hip for a cooking attempt at Tuna.
But you NEEDED this, you need to eat...to Live!
You hero grab the tuna and with a defiant HA! Slam them both into the pan and begin to cook them
Fluttershy meeped in the background, taken by surpise with your call as you start cooking.
'C'mon mr fishey, lets see what you can do!' you shout as you start laughing like an idiot, tossing the fish around in the pan, flipping it when you thought best.
Boom
What a flip
And the side you had been cooking looks seared just right.
The smell was godly, it wasn't too spicy or sweet, a right rich aroma which began to cascade around the room.
"Mmmmm, that smells good~" Fluttershy says as she turns to see you, you give a grin.
'Darn right it is, humans are quite skilled in the kitchen.' you say with a smirk as you flip the second filette, it was turning out quite nicely as you look over back to Fluttershy to...
OMFG
She's on your shoulder, well, fore-hooves on your shoulder as she's looking over, mesmerized perhaps by the sizzling of the fish in oil, or maybe the smell of it.
Could Ponies eat fish? It wasn't...odd
History had said that horses would eat anything to survive, and you could guess that some sailors, transporting horses, probably fed them fish when they were low on feed.
It was...odd...but the fact she was so interested made it hurt that you may be eating both of these yourself.
As you finish cooking, you slip the fish upon a plate and dribble a bit more oil and pepper atop it, kissing your fingers as you go "manifique!" like a french chef.
Fluttershy giggled slightly "yay" she said in the cutest, most heartwarming softest voice ever.
Your heart melted a bit as you resisted the urge to hug her.
You sit down at the table as you have the plate of fish before you and Fluttershy with her salad, as well as a pot of tea with two cups.
You insisted she have all the salad unless she couldn't finish it, then you;d be glad to eat it.
But the fish
She kept looking at it.
You could guess she didn't often see someone, perhaps even somepony cook such a meal such as this, especially with a group of animals that eat mostly greens, hay and sweets, especially with the one who CARED for other animals.
It probably was just as confusing to her as if you were watching an alien cook a lizard to a desirable meal, you still wouldn't eat it because its a lizard.
Horses, or ponies, would probably be in the same boat seeing a fish dish made before them, it would be awe inspiring, but hella-wrong to eat.
You slowly begin to poke at the fish with your fork slowly cutting away a piece and eating it.
You pause
"Anon?" Fluttershy asked
You look at her, chewing...chewing, then swallow.
'Mmmhmmmm thats good!'
Fluttershy smiled as she clapped jher hooves "Oh, thats wonderful to hear Anon, I...hope its to your liking?"
'Why wouldn't it be?' you asked 'I cooked it.'
"Ah, yes, you did, but uhm, i mean, how....does it taste?"
'Taste? Like...fish....oh'
Her head dropped a bit "Uhm, well, I never tried fish... before..."
Yeah...just as you thought.
'Well... its...kinda a tough taste to it.'
"tough?"
'Well its Tuna, tuna is a very thick slab of fish, and they are often quite good when you cook it right...' you poke it gently 'Its also the most healthy of the fish types I often eat, so it's worth the time to prepare esepcially when it has such a hearty taste.'
You had to admit, even the fish here was good.
Fluttershy kept easing over, completelty uninterested in her salad as you can see her float up to your side.
"Oh, well, bears love tuna, and salmon, they always eat the whole fish when I catch it."
'Wait, you catch the fish?'
She nods
'But never ate it?'
She shook her head
"I...don't think it would be too appetizing for me, considering, well, we always eats vegetables and nuts...I mean, I don't even think the Princess's eat something like that."
'I would guess not, you're ponies, herbavores.'
SHe nods again.
You just stare at her, looking back down at the fish and eating another bite.
She doesn't move, keeping her eyes on you, then the fish each time you cut a peice and ate it.
'Do....you want to try any?'
She instantly flys back "oh, I...I couldn't do that...you you made it yourself right, it...it would be rude of me to ask something I did not help make."
'But you gave me the fish, thats reason enough, besides...I don't mind sharing, its two steaks of it, I can't eat both...'
"I...uhm..." she clopped her forehooves together "I...don't know if I should Anon...should I? I mean, would I be a bad pony if I did?"
'I don't see why, I mean, its not like your eating a ground beef stake from like a cow...you know?'
You could see Fluttershy going a tad pale, errr...perhaps she knew a few cows too as you sigh.
'Eh, nevermind...sorry..'
"No its...okay Anon..." she said softly "I...guess humans, being...predators...need different food than what we can eat..." Fluttershy says slowly coming closer.
"It....still looks....good.."
'The offer to try it is still there, I mean, I don't think its BAD that you eat it, not like its going to kill you or anything.'
Flutteshy looked away "I..." but before she could finish, Angel had done the deciding for her, as she was rather close already, Angel jus grabbed the fork from your hand, yanked a small peice from the plate and quickly stuffed it into a suprised fluttershy's mouth.
She didn't move
She didn't even flinch
She just hovered, cheeks puffed with the food now stuffed into her mouth as she was unsure what to do.
Angel on the other hand began looking at you, and drew out a carrot, pointing to your fish.
'Wha...you want me to prepare your carrot like that?'
He nods as you look at Fluttershy
;Would...you mind if i?'
She just shakes her head as you look at Angel and then the kitchen.
'Oh boy...'
You don't waste any time preparing Ab's desired snack, sauteing a carrot was a cake walk, adding a few herbs and oil for seasoning here and there as you flip it about in the pan.
Fluttershy was still in the dining room, not moving, her cheeks still puffed as you finish the carrot and put it on a plat as the rabbit digs in.
With that done, you return to Fluttershy as she watches you.
'Have you eaten it yet?'
SH shakes her head
'DO you... want to eat it?'
She looks at you, then around, then chews it for a moment.
You could se her ears prk a tad as you watch her attempt to consum something beyond their diet.
Guilty as charge, hopefully she won't rea-
She swallowd.
"Gulp!''
You're dumbstruck as you watch hr.
She looks at you, thn away.
"its....not...that bad..." sh muttrd, putting a hoof to her maw.
Akward pause.
Silence for a moment as you blink awkwardly
'Do you want me to get that out of you?'
She looks at you, slowly opening opening her mouth
There, right there, her tongue slups out
The fish peices, placed on the tip of it.
eyeing her with her tongue still out "I auh, laurndit from Pinkie Pâe"
You smirk as you gently take the meat from her tongue, taking it to the trash bin in the kitchen and returning.
'Well, I must say that was very good thinking Shy, you're a very good pony.''
She smiled as her eyes started to sparkle and twilight "T-thank you Anon~"
Twilight.
Twilight and Trixie.
Deadpan stop.
Twilight and Trixie
They have been alone for almost an hour.
You bolt up, almost to the unsuspecting surprise of Fluttershy.
She meeps, trotting a bit back.
"A-anon?" she asked, her voice slightly rising "is...is everything okay?"
You look at her, shaking your head 'I just realized Twilight and Trixie are alone at Twi's place last I heard...and well... last thing I want to happen is some crazy magic competition Trixie pulls Twi into...'
"Oh..." Fluttershy begins "I...wouldn't worry too much, knowing Twilight, she will do her utmost to stop Trixie from doing anything silly..."
'You sure about that?'
Fluttershy nodded "Oh...oh yes!" she smiled, pausing a bit to brush her hoof against the floor "the others may not see so kindly of her, but, she still has heart, she isn't a bad pony either...but...i'm not the type to dislike anypony for any reason unless its really really mean..."
You nod, Trixie wasn't exactly 'mean', snotty, stuck up and a braggart perhaps, but not mean.
You sigh, sitting back down slowly...
'I guess you're right...I mean, I doubt either of them would want to upset the princess and try having another magic duel'
There was a knock at the door.
You blink, you look at Shy as she looked at you.
'Expecting anypony?'
She shook her head "I'll go answer that..." she said softly as you began to clean your plate and the like off the table, putting it into the kitchen. You could see a compost bin out the window, so with a quick open, dump, and close, you remove the waste to where it could be reduced to fertilizer.
Fluttershy certainly was heck of a self-sufficient pony, living away from everything certainly had its perks, but I guess even she had to do shopping runs.
"Hello?" Came Fluttershy's soft voice as she listened to who was outside.
You could hear the door open slowly.
"Oh, hi Rarity" Fluttershy said as you perk your head, easing to the kitchen doorway.
"Fluttershy dear, have you seen Anon? I must speak with him."
You exhale, stepping out from the kitchen.
'Hey Rarity, sup?'
Rarity smiled when she saw you.
"Oh how good it is to see you anon, I hope all is well.." she eyed you then Flutteshy "I hope I didn't interrupt anything, oh how un-lady like it must be if I had!"
You chuckle as you wave a hand
'Oh no, you're fine.'
Fluttershy nods "A-anon was just showing me how to...take care of a human...so that the next time he gets hurt or sick I have a bit more know how on what to do."
'Oh that's simply marvelous!' Rarity replies, eyes alight as she looks at Shy then you "I'm so glad he's able to tell you Fluttershy, such a wonderful friend you are!"
Shy blushed "i-its nothing" she said shly as Rarity trotted over to you before bowing.
"Sir Anon" she said as she eased up "An honour to properly aquatint you, I'm sorry you had to experience such a mess before with Trixie and Twilight."
You sigh 'Thanks, but, I don't think its anything to apologize for Rarity, I didn't know Trixie and Twilight were...well...that HEATED in a rivalry, let alone Trixie actually being able to push Twi that far.'
Rarity sighed "They go back, the last time she was here, she certainly made a very uncouth name for herself..."
'So I heard.'
Rarity nodded "I do say, she certainly had not been able to sway my view of her, beyond all the generosity I can give to this world, its much harder to forgive anypony who changes one's mane from such a glamorous violet to an...unruly Green....GREEN, such a disgusting colour for a mane!" she swept a hoof through her mane, letting the curly bang aside her head bounce slightly.
'Uh...right... look, as much as I may not approve of what she did, I cannot say she's worthy brooding over the past about...she isn't a...bad pony...' you say, rubbing the back of your head 'she's just got....friendship issues, she's been alone a long time Rarity, I'm sure you can figure that anypony being alone and even worse, ridiculed for what she's done, can't have a healthy, or better yet, stable mindset to look at making new friends.'
Rarity looked at you for a moment, passing a sigh "I know you're right anon, it would be foolish of me to refuse your wise words, but....it still merits some thought if she is truly able to fit in if we do. What is stopping her from going off again as a braggart and a blow hard, I would dare not wish to put such a fate on any of my friends."
'And partly I wouldn't either.' you mutter 'but... I spent three days straight with Trixie, and from what I've seen, she's not worth being angry at anymore than if you got mad at a client for changing his order up at the last moment." you pause
"She may not be best pony to you, but she has promise, and behind the show-off-ness she may have, she's still a decent pony to know. Give her a chance, perhaps it would improve things with her?'
Rarity sighed, looking around and away before turning back.
"You are right dear anon, I cannot disapprove your words, perhaps....you are right, maybe giving her a chance will change her personalty for the better."
'And if not.' you add 'you can totally tell me "told you so."
Rarity blinked "now why would a lady such as I wish to ridicule you if you were wrong? I am not like Trixie you know Anon."
'Ehe....sorry, guess I just felt it would be better to say than not.'
"I take your words well Anon" rarity said, smirking "but it is beneath me to make others feel foolish for a wrongdoing or a slight mistake...besides, how would that set me as a friend to an Equestrian Knight if I were to mock him for an error?"
'True....'
She giggled "oh, and that reminds me, I took the liberty of recovering your belongings Anon."
She levitated your dark blue bag before her, its appearnce slighty...better...than before.
"I couldn't help but clean it up, all that scuff and dirt, and...dust...dust from that one's cart...ehe...couldn't just let it sit there."
'Rrr-ight..totally forgot about that.'
She shoots you a look "Did you..."
'No...get off it.'
"But did she?"
'Did she want what?'
She looks at Fluttershy, her eyes innocent as she sighs "nevermind dear...I must ask though.."
'yes?'
"What is that unsual armoa coming from it? I've ever semlt it before but it has a rather...hermmm...rich and earthy taste..."
'uhh...'
You blink
OH shit, she's smelling the goods
The herbs...your magic jack...so to speak
Organically grown and local, only the premium stuff for you bub. It was well worth the time to take it, considering it would be quite...cool...to use here.
'Ah...thats just some body deodorant, you know...case I start to smell or what not...'
"Oh dear me... I do hope I did not pry?"
'no no...' you wave a hand 's;cool, thanks a ton anyway Rares'
"Rares?" Rarity questioned as she tilted her head.
'Well....you know how rare is something very uncommon, and wears is something you put on... I think the nickname of Rares seems just suiting, don't you?'
She blushed deeply, putting a hoof to her chest as she suddenly backs up.
"A-ah why yes darling, it is certainly a s-smahsing name....I...i hope to see you at the party tonight, it will be at Twilight's Library....please...come as you are."
She smiled, trotting off with a slight swing in her step as Fluttershy just looked wide eye, then at you.
"i...I think she likes you..." she whispered
'Yeah...can imagine why...'
You snicker, patting Shy's head.
'Thanks for taking care of me Shy, I mean that, I really owe you a bin of debt.'
"oh think nothing of it Anon, it is always welcoming to help a friend and...well...you did help me with something I never experienced before...."
You rub the back of your head a bit chuckling a half hearten chuck before rolling your eyes down and then back to her.
'sooo, see you at the party tonight?'
"Oh...of course Anon, I wouldn't miss it, I'm sure my animal friends will all be wanting to come."
'How...will they fit?'
"Oh, silly, they would be the outdoor party...plus" they all lined up perfectly behind her.
"They can make excellent waiters and waitresses."
'Oh....I didn't think that.'
You smirk, rubbing your head as you take yourself out, tipping your hat to the mare in the yellow dress.