You know that old saying about ‘Kindness should never be picky’? Well, I’m thinking it inside my mind at this very moment due to the fact that I’m going to be eating a fresh salad with some tomato and cucumbers. Naturally I wanted to find something else to eat… only to realize that I was in a world in which ponies/horses only ate things like hay, grass and vegetables. However, this world was rather… different.
In any case, I told myself that I shouldn’t be rude and refuse the gracious meal… plus, it was a salad and humans ate a lot… if I can remember. Actually, when was the last time I had a nice decent meal? Memory is still on the fritz, unfortunately…
Right now, I’m currently sitting at the kitchen and waiting for my salad to arrive – it was being made at this very moment by Fluttershy. Though I had not clue if her skills as a chef were 5-star material… but like I said: Don’t judge books by their cover.
I didn’t have to wait long from the looks of it since Fluttershy had just arrived holding a two-salad bowls in her hooves whilst flying. Reminds me of waitresses back from where I came from… if I could remember where that is to be honest.
“Sorry for the wait, Kairi… had to check and see if the ingredients are fresh. Hope you didn’t mind the tardiness.” Fluttershy apologized but I shook my head and smiled. “Don’t worry about it…” I assured her.
She placed the bowl in front me as I took a look inside – fresh salad leaves, tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, etc. - yep, definitely looks like a proper garden salad. Can’t wait to try it.
Fluttershy placed hers on the opposite side of the table before realizing something. “Oh, I almost forgot – Kairi, would you like a beverage?” She asked and I nodded – some liquid would do my throat good.
“Sure… do you have any peach or cherry juice? I love those flavors.” I told her as she nodded with a gentle smile. “Sure do. Fresh and new due to going out to the market yesterday. Hold on.” She told me before heading to fetch the juice box.
Few seconds later, she returned with two cups and a box of cherry juice – surprisingly she was holding said box in her mouth. An amazing feat… there’s definitely more to these ponies than meets the eye.
And thus the lunch rush had begun – despite my earlier comment about ‘picky kindness’ I had to admit that my salad was actually pretty good… my compliments to the chef which was Fluttershy. I especially savored my tomatoes and salad leaves… the best parts of any garden salad.
Fluttershy was also eating hers with surprisingly a fork… how she was holding onto it, I’ll never know… and don’t get me started on the house… Oh, speaking of the house:
After taking a small sip from my cheery-filled cup, I questioned Fluttershy about her house. “Say, Fluttershy… I have to ask since I’m curious on the interior of your house: why does it look like a cross between a zoo and an ordinary house – no offense.”
Fluttershy was wrapping up her chewing and swallowing it before replying. “None taken… besides my role as an Element of Kindness, I also take care of any animals that live near me or in the whole of Equestria. In that way, you can think of me as a caretaker of sorts.” She smiled once more.
“You definitely fit the role well.” I complimented before taking a bite from salad as Fluttershy sent a thankful nod to me. “Why, thank you. And you? Do you like animals as well?” She questioned me.
“Mhm…” I sent out with a nod just as I finished swallowing my bite. “I do like animals… though I don’t really have a favorite ones. However, my weakness is huskies. I love them the most.” I admitted with a small blush and a sheepish smile.
Huskies were particularly a favorite of mine since… well… still can’t remember a thing but I do believe I owned a husky named… ummm… damn it, still can’t remember a thing.
“That’s nice… you know, my friend Applejack has a dog called Winona – although I don’t know what breed she is… I’ll have to ask.” She told me as I nodded before sipping on my juice once more.
It was then that something else came up in my mind – mainly about this ‘Applejack’ and friends…
“Say, Fluttershy… when your friends aren’t on duty as the Elements of Harmony, what do they do in their free time?” I questioned.
“Well… As I told you: my role is a caretaker of animals and such. However, I also do cooking, sewing and doing music. As for my friends: Twilight is basically studying the art of Friendship and Magic while staying in Ponyville; Applejack is a worker on her farm (Sweet Apple Acres); Rarity works as a fashion designer and seamstress at Carousel Boutique; Pinkie Pie is an expert in partying and such (also, bit of a warning – she might throw you a party since you are new around here) and lastly – Rainbow Dash (my closest friend) has a job in the city of Cloudsdale at the Weather Factory along with training to be a member of the Wonderbolts.” Fluttershy finished explaining but my brain once more had stalled.
So much info… I gotta process it – so let’s see what I’ve learned so far:
· Twilight – Friendship/Magic learner;
· Applejack – Farmer (An apple farmer);
· Rarity – Fashion Designer/Seamstress);
· Pinkie Pie – Party Planner/Thrower;
· Rainbow Dash – Racer/Job at a Weather Factory;
· Fluttershy – Animal caretaker.
Whelp, got everything organized in case someone asks me a question and making sure that I don’t end making an ass out of myself. I gotta admit that those are interesting jobs… except for the party and friendship one. Strange occupations… but then again I am in a different world and no judging.
“Sounds like a lot of hard work that you and your friends have.” I voiced my opinion as Fluttershy nodded. “It is… and don’t even get me started on our role as the Elements.” She told me as I just gave a nod.
From the point on, we continued eating our meal until everything was devoured from the table – have to admit, everything was yummy and tasty.
“My compliments to the chef.” I praised her as she smiled gently and replied. “I’m glad you liked it… not my best work… but I do aim to please.” She took the two bowls along with the cups inside and flew away into the kitchen with her flapping wings.
In the meantime, I just stood at the table and remained silent – my memory was still on the fritz and so far had no idea what to do… maybe find a book to read or try to remember anything before I came to Equestria? The latter was definitely not a choice since I didn’t want a headache to come…
Just at this very moment, Fluttershy came back from the other part of the kitchen. “That reminds me, Kairi… I’ve managed to cook up a nice apple pie. Would you like-” She never finished her question due to this:
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” The screeching and scared voice of Angel Bunny screamed as he rushed into the kitchen and hid quickly behind Fluttershy.
“Angel! What’s wrong?” Fluttershy asked as she looked at the bunny that was hiding behind her as I got up with a worried expression on my face.
“Your bunny normally doesn’t scream unless there’s an immediate danger around, right?” I asked as Fluttershy nodded and spoke once more. “Yes… but he doesn’t get scared easily unless it’s a big scary animal or villain. I wonder what scared him?”
I was curious about that too and looked at Angel who was shaking in fear – despite our first meeting, I couldn’t help but sympathize with the poor thing. Wonder what scared him?
“Angel… what exactly made you scared, you poor thing?” Fluttershy asked with a maternal caretaking tone as the scared stuttered rabbit raised his head and pointed slowly at the entrance door.
“Outside?” I asked as the bunny nodded.
“Something must have scared him but it doesn’t make any sense – my animals are usually very quiet and act peaceful especially whenever I’m around to take care of them.” She told me but I shook my head.
“I don’t think its an animal you take care of Fluttershy… more like something else.” I told her before taking cautious steps towards the door.
“Wait… where are you going?” Fluttershy asked as I responded immediately. “Going to investigate… you wanna come with me?” I asked as her face became one of worrying as she looked at Angel once again who was shivering in fear.
“I’d love to… but I have to stay and try to calm Angel down. Although, are you going to be okay?” She asked me but I didn’t give an answer straight away.
What was my plan exactly here? Charging out to investigate without even taking precautions such as find a suitable weapon? That was something that only a brave fool would do in a situation like this…
“To be honest… no clue. But I should at least check things out and see who scared Angel… be back soon, hopefully.” I assured her.
“W-well… okay… don’t act like the hero though. Come back to me safe and sound, Kairi. Please.” She pleaded as I turned and gave her a comforting smile.
“I will. Don’t worry.” I assured her before opening the door and stepping outside her house.
Once outside, I immediately took a look at my surroundings – so far everything was peaceful from the looks of it but it was all quiet – chicken coop, bird houses… everything. I don’t really understand it…
Angel stated that something outside had scared him but I don’t really see anything – maybe it was a bear or something? But that wouldn’t make any sense since Fluttershy told me that she takes care of her animals very well… if that were the case, then what scared Angel and for that matter where are the other animals?
“Hello? Anybody around here? Hello?” I called out to the animals but there was no response – also, I’m aware that animals can’t talk yet I was in a different world…
After careful looking I was stumped – there was nothing out here besides the peace and quiet so what made Angel so scared that much?
This question was never answered due to the ground beginning to shake – whoa! Was there an earthquake going on at this very moment or something? Looking forward, I saw a bunch of scared animals running towards my direction and my eyes widened.
Jumping backwards quickly, I was able to avoid the large stampede that was to collide into me but dust filled the area everywhere – it covered my entire body and I think some of it got caught into my mouth. I began to cough very heavily… son of a- *COUGH-COUGH!* Bitch…
Eventually, the dust storm blew itself away along with the rest of the animals. Shaking off the rest of the dust, I had to wonder what made the animals get all scared like that… a big monster or something like that? Timberwolves were out of the questions since they were just wolves made out of wood plus- Hey, wait a minute… who the heck blocked the sun?
This was due to me seeing a huge shadow ground that was blocking out the sun – huh… it was getting bigger and bigger. As I turned around, I had to wonder who would just block out-
(I immediately gasped when I saw a swarm of yellow-eyed black skinned ants that traveled in waves towards my location.)
I took a few steps backwards and gulped as they got closer and closer – searching quickly for a weapon of any kind, I noticed a stick laying on the ground: though what good would it do for me? Ugh, never mind…
Picking up quickly, I went into a defensive pose and held the stick with my two arms as the tide was getting closer-and-closer. I had to do this… I had to stop these ants before they did some serious damage…
…which ultimately proved futile as the tide swept me in its inside – the stick was thrown away as the ant-like creatures began to spin me round-and-round inside this black tornado I think. It continued to sour through the air as I started to scream:
“OMG… this is absolutely infuriating! Help! Someone help- Oh, crap!” I yelled as I was thrown away into the air by that tide.
Oh… crap. I was about to fall… and probably break my bones or die. Something that I didn’t even want to happen. Closing my eyes, I screamed and immediately began to fall.
Oh, god… I was gonna die… I was gonna… I’M GONNA DIE! SOMEONE HELP ME OR SOMETHING! HELP!
Here it comes! Oh, god… I’m dead… so dead or in a coma! Someone saved- Wait a minute… I… didn’t feel dead or any broken bones just yet… what just happened? Did someone save me?
Opening my eyes very slowly I saw that I was on the ground but not what you’d expect – I was in somekind of protective sphere from the looks of it and floating as well… also, my hands feel really heavy for some reason.
What just happened…? When did this shield get here and who conjured it? It saved me from death or a coma but who summoned it… more importantly, what was making my hand feel so- *GASP*
Staring down, my jaw was wide open when I saw a strange weapon that I’d never seen before – it was a cross between a sword and a key. Yet, it seemed familiar to me… especially its design:
It was round and curvaceous and at first point appeared to be harmless. One side of the hilt was formed in the shape of a breaking ocean wave while the other was formed into a beige vine of sand that wrapped around the shaft which somehow resembled a sunset. The vine was connected to a bouquet of colorful flowers which formed the teeth of the weapon and somehow entwined to create an outline of a heart. Lastly, a red silken keychain was connected to a token which resembled a strange star-like fruit that I’d never seen before…
Funny thing is that it looks familiar… yet I can’t quite place my finger on it. Maybe it belongs to the cosplaying outfit to the girl called Kairi… probably. Ugh, why can’t I remember a thing?
My eyes widened as I just realized something – was this weapon the reason that this shield was up and how was it able to create it? It seems almost… magical for some reason.
The shield began to disperse as I landed gently on my two feet onto the ground – taking a deep breath, I was grateful to be alive and not ending up with broken bones or dead… yet I feel like I’m forgetting something-
Oh, shit! Those ants! Just as I thought of this, the ant-like tide came back as it stood still in the air and prepared for me to make the first move. Taking a deep breath, I glared at the tornado that was holding those little monsters with yellow eyes before I got into a defensive pose.
“You little pricks picked the wrong day to mess with this human!” I declared with full confidence…
…just as the tide began charging at me.
(I… can do this… I CAN DO THIS!)