Flash's POV
Silence.
That's all everyone heard after the man's roar. The roar that instinctively told Soarin to turn off the sprinklers.
We all stared at the two figures in the middle of the soccer field. The shy girl, a small smile on her face, her index finger straight at the man's neck. The man on the other hand, was anything but. From his cold eyes emitting fear, his dropped jaw, and the sight of the man's body. He was not just unconscious, he was completely petrified, as if his soul was dealt a nasty blow.
From the eyes of the shy girl...
"Well," Fluttershy giggled innocently, "looks like I win!"
Her best friends, the Special Tutorship Club, and I, dropped our jaws even further in shock and fear. Just what... What happened to her? I understood that whatever happened after the trap was up to her own judgement, she just... I just don't know how to describe it. What more but to say the Goddesses Name after this awe-yet-terrifying performance?
"Move out of the way!" Kimura charged through the crowd and towards the man, pulled out some type of kit, and began preparing something unknown. I wasn't able to see what was going on, as Vice-Principal Luna and Principal Celestia began clearing out the crowd immediately. Our Fluttershy however, just stood there gazing at the man's immobile body.
"Fluttershy!" Sunset called out.
Fluttershy heard the voice of Sunset, as she performed a double-take as a reaction.
"Oh!" Fluttershy turned around, her face filled with calmness, no longer filled with the rage or fear from before, "D-Did I do anything wrong?"
"If you mean scaring the crap out of all of us, as well as mess up that man... Then no. But it was a long time since I've seen it. Well, a lot of us." Rainbow answered,
Seen it? Seen what?
"Wh-What do you mean?" Sunset asked, apparently she has no idea too.
"Oh... If you really want to know, then we might as well visit Pinkie first. Is she alright?" Fluttershy muttered shyly,
"She's tucked into bed." Applejack replied, "we might as well visit her. Fancy leading the way army boy?"
"Army boy?" I jumped at that remark, "what do you mean!?"
"He's been talkin' 'bout you over the dinner table. Big Mac's seems to be interested in you ever since he saw you shootin' down targets!"
"For what?" I asked,
"We've been seekin' help on the farm fer some specific tasks. There's so much me, him, Applebloom and Granny can do. That's why Applebloom and her friends are desperate to hook their teacher up with Big Mac. It's sure as hell irritating for me and him."
"Just glad to know that I wasn't their target." I chuckled, knowing exactly who Applebloom's friends are, "Then again, I'm probably sure she's got a better partner for me. Ah the joy of having siblings..."
"You have siblings?" Rarity asked with interest,
"Yes."
"Let me add to that," Fluttershy interrupted, "you have another sibling aside from First?"
"Little sister, and the middle child of the Sentry family." I briefly described, "did I not mention that I had a little sister that called me 2 weeks ago? Same day that we met the man."
"Who's the girl?" Rainbow asked. I stared reluctantly at her, Rainbow's going to kill me or take out her frustration on me if I told her especially who she was. I'd better stick to the big picture.
"W-We've got other matters at hand." And I march towards the stairs, the girls just shrug and walk on. I just hope they don't figure out who it is...
Marching up the stairs with the girls in tow, I looked back to see if they were all in my sight...
Hang on...
Out towards the Wondercolts statue, away from the eyes of all the retreating students, I noticed a familiar blue-haired shorty dressed like a teacher in smart casual clothes. He seemed to be sticking his hands into one of the four mirrors, a ray of light bursting forth from his hands. With what looks to be a deep breath, walked straight into the mirrors, widening that ray of light until it was gone, along with his entire existence.
"Flash?" Sunset asked, "are you alright?"
"You look like you've seen a ghost." Twilight answered,
"Sorry..." I shook my head, "I just thought I saw Mr Shiota just walk into one of those mirrors of the Wondercolts statue." And I strolled towards the door and opened it for myself and the girls. Only this time, the six girls were just as shocked as I am.
"Girls?" I asked, "are you alright? It looks like you've seen a ghost." The girls exchanged glances of worry and fear, and shook it off.
"N-Nothing!" Sunset chuckled,
We wasted no time in getting to the Nurse's Office. Straight into the infirmary, we see our (or rather, their) Pink-haired friend, sitting up with a yawn, as well as her hair back into its poofy messy self again. The moment she saw us come into the room, her face was filled with happiness and joy, as if the memory of being beaten up was out of her system.
"Hey!" Pinkie waved madly waved hi, "did I miss anything?"
"Lots really." Fluttershy replied, clutching her stomach. "It... Was worth it."
"Are you okay?" Rarity asked,
"You've suppressed that punch." I noted, "Do you honestly think it easy to take a hit without feeling pain?"
"You know the saying about sticks and stones and words? I think it works vice versa for me..." Fluttershy laughed, "this is nothing compared to a person's words, always making me feel ill..."
"A big damage for one so kind and caring." I nodded,
"Oh Flashy!" Pinkie noticed me, "you came along to say hi? You're sweet!"
"Good to see you too Pinkie." I nodded, "is there any problem?"
"The Nurse said she'll be fine. She got beat up pretty bad, but there's no broken bones, just lots of bruises and cuts. She won't be attending school for the rest of the day, and will possibly be picked up from school to go home and rest." Redheart appraoched,
"B-But!" Pinkie protested, "Today's Lunch has my favourite! Curry Cupcakes and Strawberry Milk!"
Curry Cupcakes? That's a strange combination if any. Then again, Neighpon does have Curry Bread, and with Madam Yada giving one to me, it was tremendously divine. When I shared some with my siblings? Well... Let's just say the spice was a bit too sensitive for their tongues.
"I'll let the lunch ladies know then." Redheart sighed, "but would you sacrifice just one tasty treat in order so you'll be able to eat endless other tasty treats in the future?"
"Ooh! In that case... I'll be happy to wait!" Pinkie replied. Hmm, I thought of her as more of the impatient type...
"And by the way Flash and Fluttershy," Redheart added, "Ms Yada's going to call us over for a debrief. And classes will resume as normal after morning recess."
"Actually," Fluttershy replied, "will they mind if I may not come? Because--"
"We know," Redheart nodded with a smile of understanding. "I'll let Yada know, and we'll message you the info okay?"
"That would be lovely!" Fluttershy smiled,
"See you guys later," I waved as I began to leave, "and I hope you'll recover soon Pinkie."
"No worries Flashy!!!" Pinkie winked, "if it's going to make people happy, then I'm sure to get better!"
"Ah, Redheart, Flash." Yada welcomed as we entered the classroom, the rest of the Special Tutorship Club present and sitting down,
"Madam." I greeted back,
"Fluttershy?" Yada asked,
"The girl that got beat up by the man is Fluttershy's best friend." Redheart answered, "I'm sure you understand."
"Of course." Yada smiled, "remember, I was part of the E-Class with Nagisa and Kimura. We were there through thick and thin though we had some fights, we all had to care and look out for each other because we're all in this together! Now let's begin." Yada took a deep breath, and began.
"Let's take the obvious thing out of the way, we were caught with a surprise." Yada explained, "the man came early and not without the collateral damage of one student. But in the end, we managed to get through it all. I guess we can say it's a win for us."
"Victory!!!" Soarin yelled at the top of his lungs.
"Shh!!!" Cloudchaser shushed, "other people can get the wrong idea!"
"The classroom is soundproof." Fleetfoot corrected, "Mr Shiota placed something to make sure sound doesn't get out of this classroom, and he also tinted the windows with a one-way cover so no one can see what's going on from the outside."
"Wow, you guys really are assassins!" Flitter blurted out,
"More like secretive." Yada corrected, "but anyway, no one got hurt out of this, not even Fluttershy. Speaking of which, how is she?"
"She can bear it. She's a really brave girl." I added, "I... We couldn't have done this without her. So if it's possible for all of you, to thank her the next time you see her whether for today or tomorrow?"
"Hey hey," Thunderlane snapped, "we all contributed to this plan. Don't give her all the credit."
"As that much is true," Flitter added, "you were doing the easiest job. Fluttershy had her life at stake! And not to mention Flash, we should also be thanking you too!"
"Let's not fall apart here!" Yada interrupted, "we all did something that led to Fluttershy surviving and beating the man. So we all deserve a pat on the back. Tell you the truth, It reminds me of the times where we planned out our own defence and assassination."
"Don't worry, I think we're happy that we survived." Soarin answered, "Flash for the plans, Fluttershy for the bait, the rest of us as the hunters, I don't even want to know what happens if we fail."
"Anyway!" Yada replied, "is any of you curious on what Kimura was going to do to the man?"
"The feeling of a plan well done and victory is currently on our minds for the moment, but sure go ahead!"
"We have a friend who's able to scrounge up information from anywhere in cyberspace, learning and upgrading herself everywhere she goes." Yada started, "she was originally designed to be a powerful learning weapon against Korosensei as well as any future threats to national security, but with Korosensei, she developed and regained a conscious."
"Your friend's an A.I.?" Cloudchaser asked,
"Yeah! Happily doing things an A.I. would do on her own, which apparently doesn't involve killing people, rather helping them, and by them I mean E-Class. That being said now, I think she and Takebayashi are beginning to have something between them, which is NOT work related... Anyhoo, she's the one who took a look into the man's database when he got arrested. Turns out he's not actually a psychopath orignally."
"Pardon?" The group spoke in unison with confusion.
"Before he was mentioned on TV about his people-punching crimes," Yada continued, "He had a small office job in an independent energy company that produced wind-charged energy equipment. Recently, one of his rants involved some political views and harshly 'criticised' other views when using Facetome. The company found out, and had him fired."
"Sounds about right." Thunderlane mumbled,
Yada continued, "the next form of search history he scrounged up was looking through various jobs that perhaps someone could take him, but that's so much he could do. Then all of a sudden, his next appearance came upon the news, being the people puncher that we know."
"But in that's the case, what happened?" I asked,
"Just what has been added onto him that makes him so crazy?" Yada asked. I immediately had an obvious answer. From the looks of things, so did the others.
"The tentacle?" Big Mac asked, Yada nodded.
"As you know, having the tentacle upon you can allow you to have another attachment that can be controlled by your mind. That tentacle can also have differing effects and functions. However, those tentacles emphasises your emotions and makes them much more honest. You can say it's something that will affect someone's intensity of anger, sadness, joy, lust, any emotion out there.
"Oh jeez, it sounds like whoever has this is going to get triggered by what other people say quite often." Fleetfoot gulped,
"It also deprives them of their humanity, or what some others said, brings out either the worst of a human being." Yada replied, "Despite our unkillable Korosensei having numerous of those tentacles, it turns out not only Korosensei had those things. Most of our challenging adversaries always had that abomination. Even a few of our classmates were subject to those tentacles before, and it was tough dealing with them."
"How bad is it?" Roseluck asked,
"Life-threatening." Yada sighed, "however, our Korosensei revealed that implanted tentacles can be removed completely from the body and mental systems of humans. Kimura's actually doing that right now, let's just hope those tentacles had expended to the point of no return."
"Students." A knock came from the door. Vice-Principal Luna, with Mr Justice behind her, who would never forget that voice?
"Vice-Principal," everyone stood up to greet our Lunar-looking principal, even Thunderlane.
"The quick 'defusal' was a success." Kimura announced, "the man is back to his normal self now."
"Congratulations Special Tutorship Club." Luna nodded, "thy execution despite the surprise attack went off without a hitch. We are proud, honoured and extremely happy to acknowledge that you and your club will continue to stand. In fact, we had high hopes for you to stay."
"Well, you did come and train with us," Redheart replied, "so we know that you care for us."
"Well said Redheart." Luna nodded with a smile, "the man still regains the memory regarding all he has done, and he wants to apologise for all the harm he has done to us."
"You're serious? Was he really not acting on his own?" Cloudchaser asked,
"Yes..." A monotone voice came from behind as the two teachers opened the way to a familiar face. We all stood ready to fly or pounce at the sight of the completely water-drenched man.
"N-No..." The man shook his hands to say no, "I mean it, it's gone. That thing, those voices." He showed his finger, no longer twitching or slimy. "I will admit that I was angry back then, but I never wanted to harm someone. I'm really sorry for what I have done to you and your friends."
The man's face... No longer did he have the glint of a beast, nor the vicious primal tone. He looked so down and exhausted, and his voice was that of a meek cat. Talk about a drastic change...
"Regardless, he is ready to answer for his crimes." Luna sighed, "all he wants is for you to forgive him."
"To think something deadly like that exists..." Roseluck replied,
"Well?" Big Mac asked, turning to four of us, "you're the ones who's got the brunt of it. So what'd ya say?"
Soarin, Fleetfoot and Thunderlane were silent. Staring back at the man with a conflicted view. I don't blame them. They've been taken by surprise, went through hell, Thunderlane and I got injured, forgiveness was hard.
But... There are consequences that I know if I don't forgive him.
One, this man will delve deeper into a greater pain the moment he's back in his cell, perhaps for an even much longer time. That negativity plaguing his heart is the last thing he needs, he doesn't deserve it, nor should any criminal.
Two, apology and forgiveness is very rare, because people have no remorse in the actions they do today. They'll do what they want, and they don't care about the collateral damage they bring upon because of how little it means to them. This drives many people now to just 'tolerate' other opinions and actions through apathy instead of understanding, acknowledgement or acceptance. Apathy is the most painful thing, especially on the receiving end. To be left in the dust after being screwed over, it's worse than being persecuted, because that is part of a personal interest.
Three, words are extremely powerful and can be used for constructive and destructive ways. It can elevate someone to brave the fort or cross the battlefield to advance their side, or it can crush someone straight into the ground, driving fear, sadness, and anxiety to others. It is what they say, the tongue is a double-edged sword.
Four, not forgiving someone will affect him/her in the long term, and it will always come back to bite someone in the ass, and not even some law or commandment etched on parchment or stone is going to ease that pain entirely. There was a student in school where his family was torn apart by others. His mother's pride and thus soul was torn apart by some feud or debate, causing her to commit suicide. That same party accuses her and the family that it was her own fault for being so 'weak', an insult to injury. But the husband knew, saw, heard and placed everything into view and balance, and he took it upon himself and killed those responsible for his wife's death, leaving the student behind with a murdered mother and a murderous father, all for an act of loving vengeance no less. Ironic, but it's very common. My late dad is an example after all.
And five... Well, It's not really much of a 'good' reason, but forgiving someone will drive the person on the receiving end into further guilt and humiliation, the best revenge they say. I'm definitely not wanting him to feel bad though, not that type of guy.
It's an ever-changing world though. Things go back and forth, and no matter how big or small, I'd rather change it by being me. After all, Mom, Dad, my siblings, the Goddess of Friendship, and even Fluttershy would do the same, even if it was her best friend. The moment that man seeks forgiveness is something I cannot ignore, because after all we've been through with him, he really means it.
Oh Goddess that sounded so preachy and philosophical, why the hell did I go through this? Ah whatever.
"May I know your name?" I asked,
"Windcaller." The man replied, "But I won't be known as that in the prison."
"Mr Windcaller." I replied, "there are things regarding your tentacle that I'm sure you were never informed of. In fact, we know the dangers it possesses. I don't know if you intentionally wanted this power in the first place, but I've seen you've completely feel remorse over the acts you've done. So, I forgive you, and I'm sure the Goddess of Friendship will do the same."
The entire student body turned to me in shock. Figures, it's always the first person that fires the gun, that everyone is drawn to him or her.
Soarin then turned back to the man, and spoke. "It's easy to toss the blame to others, never ourselves. Whether you got roped into the tentacle thing was true or not, you've still decided to take responsibility. Because of that, I forgive you too."
"Someone told me that forgiveness and pacifism is a delusion and a pathetic attempt to make yourself happy, that you'd rather see them get justice rather than accept their apology, I see a difference why. Those who got justice for committing a crime does not ask for apology. You did after what you've been through. You asked, I don't see why you shouldn't get it." Fleetfoot spoke,
"I promise not to hurt anymore people." Windcaller answered, "I no longer can, nor do I want to anymore."
"I see. Then I forgive you." We all then turned to Thunderlane, the only person yet to forgive him. We all knew this was a tough decision for him of all people. But what he spoke, surprised us all.
"You've got what you've earned. Twice now. Karma really is a bitch now ain't it?" Thunderlane grunted, "I'm happy such thing exists, and I ain't a praying or religious man like Brad over here. I absolutely hate this world because of how controlling it is. I mean, even when someone promotes freedom for whatever, it's still going to be a damn controlling system whether it's one or a group of people, and I for one absolutely hate doing things that I'm forced to do like you have. So guess what pal, you'd better take this to heart and remember it while you're in the cell cause I ain't saying it twice: Everything between you and me? It's cool from now on. I forgive you."
And that's the four of us. Granted, I'm sure no one was going to apologise until one person starts the chain. And to think those who are religious are accused being herds of sheep. Still though, hearing the others forgive in-person is even much more warming.
"There's one more person you need to ask for forgiveness though. The most important figure out of all of us." Thunderlane added, "and it's the gazelle you've fought with today."
"Ah..." Windcaller sighed, "yes, I know of her. Was her name Fluttershy?"
"Yep." I nodded,
"I wish I can but..." Windcaller sighed, seeing familiar police lights. "I believe my ride is here."
"I'll pray that your time in prison will be lenient. No matter how much blood is on your hands, I still believe that you can be atoned for regardless. It starts by atoning yourself." I spoke up,
"Thanks..." Windcaller smiled, "by all means, go ahead. I'm just happy to know that for once, someone really does care for me in my pathetic life before and now. One more thing that I was wrong about, she's no gazelle. She is... A dangerous Butterfly." And with that, the man left the classroom, heading for someplace that he is bound to stay in.
"Flash Sentry, thy have been commended for your actions." Luna sighed, "don't make us give you another."
"It's not for the sake of accolades Vice-Principal..." I sighed back. Please, I hate being preachy, yet I feel that I do it instinctively... Fun fact, the school has awards for exemplary performance in whatever you are known as. Your religious faith, your sexuality, your disability, your personal traits, etc, etc. That's one thing students and parents really like about CHS: Being commended and rewarded for who you are, not just your academic performance.
Now I wonder how Fluttershy is feeling right now. Will she ever forgive him? I don't know. I definitely need to let her know that he wanted forgiveness from the five of us. As of now, she's got a lot to catch up with her best friends, to apologise for keeping them in the dark regarding what she's been doing in the Special Tutorship Club. I envy her really, to have such caring friends. Sure I mean Bulk and Micro are still great company that I'd fully trust, but not so much in the form of what Fluttershy has.
And now I reflect on what Mr Shiota, Justice and Ms Yada had to go through with their class in their High-- I mean Junior High School. Their trust and friendship ring even stronger. Could Mr Shiota possibly establish the Tutorship Club not just to teach others in academics or assassination, but also to show how much trust between others matter so much? That it's worth throwing your pride aside for the sake of others? Under Mr Shiota's thumb, I had put my trust in people that I would never ever thought of putting my trust in them in the first place, and yet I'm even more thankful for this expansion of my personal circle of trust.
In the end, I just see that different lands with their cultures and ways bring forth many interesting things. And despite how many people hammer on how 'different' we are, it's actually really easy to understand and even follow.
Way after school, where everyone has gone home. Sunset walked towards the Wondercolts statue, a certain book open in her hands. As one minute has passed, a blue human figure hopped out of the mirrors, completely shaken on what he has gone through.
"Good Evening Mr Shiota." Sunset greeted, "shouldn't you be in the hospital?"
"Uh..." Nagisa quivered, "I can explain."
"No need to." Sunset waved the book in front of him, "I already know."
"You know?" Nagisa gasped, "so then that means those rumours are true!"
"And they were supposed to stay as rumours for good reason..." Sunset growled in annoyance.
"I promise to keep a secret." Nagisa saluted,
"Regardless of what happens, I should say congratulations." Sunset smiled,
"For what?"
"Ponies travelled to the human dimension through this portal." Sunset explained, "you though? You're the first human ever to use this portal and travel to the pony dimension. So... What do you think?"
"I have even more questions than ever." Nagisa answered, "but that can be left for another time. Though... I'm quite disappointed."
"How?"
"You've never even made contact with other lands unlike here!" Nagisa whined.