//------------------------------// // A Shy Encounter // Story: The Giant that holds up the Sky // by Snowlight //------------------------------// Stratos rubbed his head, shaking it quickly, “Uhg….. I swear, these things never get any easier…” He turned around, staring at his glowing companion. “Alright Lentic! Work time is finished for tonight.” He looked almost shocked, his ethereal ears flopping down. Stratos tilted his head, “What?” Lentic shook his head and made some rather rude gestures, shaking his hooves as though challenging Stratos. Stratos chuckled, “You can’t really touch things. But since you are so persistent about wanting to stay around, I will let you stay around. Though I did say ‘for tonight’, so you would be here for a while anyways.” Lentic lunged in the air in victory. “But.” Stratos watched as he fell back to the ground, looking back at him. “You can’t be wandering around looking like a pony ghost. Several things are wrong with that. We need to change your appearance.” Lentic looked at himself then nodded. “Good. Everythings settled, now stand still.” Stratos’ horn glowed an eerie blue magic, enveloping his trusty companion before he began to spin around quickly, being concentrated to a glowing light. A puff of smoke surrounded the two and when it cleared, Stratos had no choice but to laugh at what he saw. Lentic was now a small cloud, no bigger than his ear. “OOOOH~! Oh, good heavens you are so TINY! Priceless!” He called out, though his fit of laughter was stopped by a small bolt of lightning shooting just above him. Looking up he saw the tiny cloud turn to a dark gray, static flowing around it. He also took note of the scent of what smelled like burnt mane. “You are so mean.” Another bolt of lightning shot out at him. “Okay! Sorry. Though be careful, the clouds here are rather large so stick to them, since you’re-“ He snorted, “Fun-sized.” Lentic began to charge another salvo before Stratos shook his hooves, “I couldn’t help myself, I had to do it, no more!” He covers his mouth, holding back another laugh. He watched Lentic calm down before flying off towards the sky. Stratos then looked around, the forest looked rather confined now without him, no room to move… or take deep breaths… as though the trees were growing around him, trying to block him off. Stratos shook his head; he didn’t realize his breathing had sped up to the point of hyperventilation. He also appeared to be huddled on the ground shivering, how embarrassing. He got up and calmed himself. ‘Be fearless, amazing! You aren't scared of the closing walls, the shrinking flora… the lack of space…’ Oh it was staring all over again. His horn glowed and a small ball of light was emitted from it, making him feel a little better. But what would REALLY make him feel better is if he could get out into the open space again. He began walking, being sure to keep a close eye out. He knew all about the Everfree Forest, and all the animals that reside in it. Timberwolves were a rather large threat, he even heard about the appearance of Manticores, Cockitrice, even an Ursa Major. And what would you know, sounds of cracking twigs and branches. Stratos made a quick turn of his head, aiming the magical light in the direction of the sound. He squinted his eyes since there were too many trees to make a complete picture of what he was looking at, though a perceiving guess was made, since these moving shadows sharing growls, size, and eerie green eyes, not to mention the absolute worse scent he has come across for quite some time. Timberwolves, the only explanation. Proving his theory correct he watched the branch composed wolves come out of the bushes and trees, showing their teeth in a vicious snarl. Stratos fixed his posture, shaking in pride of his guess, he was right. He was right. He was… right. Stratos’ ears fell back as he realized how painfully wrong it was to be right in this form of situation. Should he fight them? ‘No’ he thought, ‘That would attract attention…. And I could get hurt…’. Should he fly away? ‘No, ponies could see me’ he shook off the many ideas that breifly popped in his mind. That left only one option, and that option is perfect, the best, absolutely original. Stratos slowly began to back up as they walked towards him, eyes shrinking to the size of needles, pebbles and blades of grass giving way to their set path. He then turned around and lunged forward, running as fast as he could. Behind him he could hear the cracks and howls of the pack animals giving chase to him, and a peak back at them showed they were gaining on him. He was too slow, he wasn’t an athlete, and their bodies, though made of wood, were incredibly agile. He thought for a moment, what did he have to help him? He didn’t have any spells in mind that could increase his speed, and teleportation was only limited to his field of vision. All that was left were his wings, though thinking a little more about it, maybe he didn’t have to use them to fly…. It was his best shot; he gave a mental shrug and prepared himself. His wings opened while he was in a full sprint, and with the next step forward he used his wings to propel himself forward. It took him a few staggering hops, avoidances of incoming trees, and dodging the several branches that suddenly appear in front of him, but he slowly, and surely, got the hang of it, practically gliding over the ground. They were still on his tail though, almost literally, feeling their wooden jaws just barely missing his tail and their terrible, horrifyingly terrible, breath still fouling the air. It made him want to lose his dinner, gagging at the scent. “HUUUOOoooh my gosh. HRK, HUAH…” It was so bad, like sweaty socks filled with moldy cheese that was left out in the sun for weeks. The Timberwolves didn’t seem to care about their awful sense of hygiene though, they just kept chasing him. Even with his now difficult to retain speed, they were still keeping a pace on him. He dodged another tree, feeling his ear brushing against a branch that connected to the trunk. Behind him he heard the sound of branches breaking, and the whining sound of a dog. His head popped up, realizing they did that. Timberwolves were just a bunch of branches and sticks and leaves. Well… living ones that is. How could he forget. He squinted those azure eyes; he swore he saw something that didn’t quite fit in. It looked like a fence. As he got closer he realized it was in fact a fence, he could even see a cottage! Or at least some of it, wooden door, windows, things houses have. Save the moss covered roof, flowers blooming all around, and the incredibly large amount of rather impressive bird houses. The wonderful style of naturist architecture was the last thing on his mind though. The wolves were still behind him, trying to make him their really early breakfast. All or nothing. Branches broke, leaves fell through the air, twigs and branches cracked and hit the ground, and a cloud themed stallion shot out of the foliage like a bullet. He lunged over the fence, and almost lightning fast opened, entered, and closed the door to the cozy cottage, blocking the door with his body. He peeked out through the little door window and saw the Timberwolves pacing around, outside of the fence before howling and running back into the forest. He wiped his forehead with a grin, “Whoo! That was much too close…” Turning his head back towards the room his ears fell. He was being watched. By way too many animals, squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, beavers, a dozen varieties of birds, including a flamingo. And a small little rabbit that seemed to be angry at the new guest. He rubbed his chin, “So this place IS abandoned….” He looked to his left and saw a wall of fur. A little higher and he saw the face of a bear. A bear… It just wasn’t his day. Stratos screamed and jumped behind the couch, peaking his eyes out. They all just continued to watch him, staring, little malevolent ideas forming on what to do with him. His mind thought for the worst. Meanwhile. Fluttershy woke up with a soft yawn, stretching her body and wings. It was still rather early, but the animals need their breakfast. She hopped out of bed and stretched again, this one a bit more brief before looking in a mirror. Her long pink mane was unchanged, no need for brushing, though she did have a bit of drool on the edge of her mouth and a blush of embarrassment appeared over her muzzle as she wiped it off. She was glad nopony else was here. Upon the short time for personal grooming, she softly walked down the stairs and- “DON’T EAT ME! I AM TOO STRINGY! I wouldn’t taste good. I’m OLD!!” Fluttershy’s eyes opened wide and she ran down the stairs and let out a gasp. There was a stallion in her living room, on his head a pot, and a straining spoon extended out with magic, he must have gotten into her kitchen. “Oh my goodness!” She gasped, hooves being brought to her lips. He looked terrible, twigs and leaves were stuck in his mane, mud and dirt covering him, a look of fear over his eyes. He looked at her, he seemed to be a little sleep deprived and exhausted, this may explain as to why he screamed he was too old, he actually looked quite young, maybe he ate something. His fear seemed to disappear though, and it turned to panic. “You!” He pointed at Fluttershy, who cringed and seemed to shrink in fright at the words, “It’s too dangerous! There are dangerous animals in here!” Fluttershys head perked back up, “E-excuse me..?” She looked rather confused. He looked at her with the same confusion, hooves regarding the entire room, “House full of vicious animals…? Fluttershy looked about the room to see just all of her cute little animals staring up at her, unknowing what to do. She looked at the stallion, “Oh they’re not vicious, they’re just a bunch of sweetie pie’s.” She nuzzled up against the bear, which seemed to nuzzle back. He looked shocked. “A-are you alright?” She seemed worried about him. Stratos slowly looked around and noticed that all the animals had the same look of confusion he had, if not more. He slowly took the pot off his head with a large blush of embarrassment, “Very much so….Yes…Merely bruises and maybe a couple cuts…” She let out a sigh of relief, “Thank goodness….” She normally was hesitant with guests, especially stallions, but this one seemed to have been through quite the hassle. She let out a soft, kind smile, “Stay right there.” He stared at the bear, who stared back at him. “Bear….” Fluttershy left the room, going into another to fetch her first aid kit. She came back to see him still behind the couch, though cookware-less. “U-uhm… c-could you please come out from behind my couch….?” She asked. Stratos looked behind him, looked back at her, and shook his head. Her eyes narrowed, he was hiding something. Maybe it was more than just a few cuts. “Please~?” She strained the word, hoping he would come out. Again, a shake of the head. She glared at him, her eyes staring directly into his, “You need to have your injuries treated.” Stratos shuddered, he felt himself grow cold, as though some force was taking hold of him, breaking his mental barriers. He could feel a wave of submission washing over him. So cold… He shook his head quickly, trying to get the invasive feeling out of his head. “You know, I don’t think the cuts are honestly that bad-“ Her stare intensified. It was felt like she was cutting into the very essence of his soul. His ears fell back and he slowly went below the couch until his eyes and horn were the only things showing. “Stop! Please…. Just… no more!” He watched her stare slowly subside, her shy look coming back as she held that First-Aid kit in her mouth. She was just trying to help him he knew that… maybe she wouldn’t….completely….freak out. “Just promise me you won’t try and bow or do anything drastsic…” He said straight forward. Everytime he met a pony they thought he was some royal uptight prince, he never wanted to be a part of that, it brings far too much attention. Fluttershy nodded slowly with a raised eyebrow, “I…promise…” She was confused by what he meant until she saw him walk out from behind the couch, and that is when she realized what he meant. She watched as wings seemed to sprout from his back. The kit fell to the floor before she squeaked and rapidly picked it up, almost dropping it and picking it up again, “S-sorry…” She gave a hesitant smile, trying not to make any sudden movements. He tilted his head, she wasn’t bowing, or making any grace flattering gestures, which was good. But she was still rather intimidated, and he wasn’t all that good with comforting mares. In his train of deep though he jumped and yelped in pain when he felt a burning sensation on his left shoulder, “YEOW!!” “Sorry!” Fluttershy flinched, applying the cloth a bit more gently on his cuts. He didn’t even notice her, he must have not been paying attention… He watched her carefully, though, after a few moments of silence and several eyes watching him, he tried to do something he had never tried doing before. Start a petty conversation. Stratos tried to remember when the last time he had spoken to a mare that wasn’t the….he wouldn’t say psycho-mare, but rather a devoted stalker, Love Dust will be looking for him soon, though she did teach him a few things that he had never tried with her in the first few weeks of trying to lose her. 1. Share names. *Cue awkward flute music* Stratos took a big gulp and looked about as she cared for his cuts and bruises, “S…..” Fluttershy looked up at him, “D-did you say something…?” Curiosity got the better of her. Stratos coughed, head looking around as he tried jumping out of his comfort zone, way out of it. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath, “Straaa….nge day?” Way to go. Fluttershy looked a bit uncomfortable, not answering as she hid a bit in her mane. Stratos began to mentally condition himself, practically beating himself up over his blunder. He made rather strange noises in the process of his quick conditioning and this only made Fluttershy lean back in an awkward stare, wondering if he was having a reaction to the medicine. “Stra…Stratooos…. Stratos.” She looked at him, Stratos? Her head perked up, he was trying to say his name! Stratos. She nodded her head, wondering why it was so hard for him to just give off a name, though she had no room to talk. “I’m….Fluttershy….” She whispered. Stratos only got half of that, leaning down a bit, “I-I’m sorry…. Flutter…what?” She quickly, quietly said her name again, “Fluttershy…” Stratos perked up triumphantly, he rules at this whole socializing thing. “What a swell name…” 2. Get to know each other. ‘This is a bit harder than sharing names’, Stratos though. “It….” He paused, he was seizing up again. He hadn’t spoken- well, he hadn’t really gotten to know a pony for a very long time. He took another deep breath, wincing as she moved her medicine soaked cloth to the next injury. “Sorry!” She said quietly, noticing his wince. Wow, even her yells were soft and quiet. “I-it’s very much okay…. “ He felt light headed from all this, though she seemed very nice. And she wasn’t trying to rat him out to the locals. He closed his eyes, trying to imagine a situation that made him feels a bit….comfortable. “So… Miss Flutter-“ He saw her shrink down, maybe it was the honorific… “F-Fluttershy… Is it alright to ask why you keep so many…. Animals…?” He looked at a bunny, who seemed a bit annoyed at the attention he was getting from their caretaker. Apparently it wasn’t time for that question as all he received in response was an awkward silence. He let out a soft sigh. 3. Physical sign of appreciation! No…. just. No. Stratos let out a soft yawn before Fluttershy stood up and stepped back, he looked down to see cleaned areas where he was hurt, though, another look at himself and a look at her looking at him he realized, he was extraordinarily filthy. He had clumps of dirt stuck in his feathers, mane, and tail. Another gander had shown mud creating mats in his fur. Fluttershy seemed to understand what he was thinking. She pointed upstairs, “B-bathroom is upstairs….” She said in her usual quiet tone. Stratos looked upstairs then back at her, so kind. “Thank you very much” He gave a perky smile, walking up the stairs before being halted by a thought. He turned around, leaning his head down between the rails and spoke up a bit, “Uhm… Fluttershy… Would it be alright for you to help guide me out of Ponyville without really being…. Noticed?” He watched her twiddle her hooves, looking down at the wood floor, slightly to the right. “W-well…. No… But I know somepony who can help! I’ll go get her.” Stratos’ eyes flew open wide, staggering to get down the stairs before realizing he could just teleport. But before he could surround himself in his blue magic to teleport himself down the stairs to her, he watched her already leave the cottage in a huff, closing the door behind her. Stratos began to panic. She was getting another pony. He found her incredibly kind so he had high hopes she would stay true to her words. But maybe this next mare couldn’t be so trusting, she would tell everypony about him. He began to plot plans in his head. Maybe he could fly out of Ponyville… No, said to be light overcast, he would be spotted by the Pegasi. Maybe bit-by-bit teleportation… Again, no, Ponyville was too open to find proper hiding spots… He really was stuck in a corner… he let out a long, low grunt before letting his head fall. He was only left with the trust in Fluttershy. He grumbled and began to walk back up the stairs. He should at least be presentable to this new pony. He looked through each room, finding a guest bedroom, the master bedroom, rather unkept though…. He looked at the last door and entered, smiling to find the bathtub, a large half barrel with a shower-top. He turned on the water, switched it to shower, and stepped in, his flowing cloud mane straightening out under the water along with all the dirt that had since dried in it. He saw soap, and two shampoo bottles. ‘How odd…. Why are there two?’, He thought to himself as he picked up the bottles. He found out they were actually different! One was labeled, ‘Shampoo’ and the other was labeled ‘Conditioner’. Should he use both? Maybe… they WERE here after all. He began reading the instructions, finding out which to use first.