Ash and Fluttershy were still walking along, and conversing about their worlds. Fluttershy loved animals, and because Pokémon were like animals, she felt she had to come along with Ash, to make sure the Pokémon had good homes, and were safe. Ash described his world, how there were humans everywhere. “Honestly, the only things that resembled ponies were Pokémon like Ponyta and Rapidash… I don’t know if I’ll ever get back home…” he sighed mournfully. The scenery was quite wonderful as the verdant grass tickled his hooves, the wind whooshed all around them, accompanied by the chatter of animals, and causing the tree branches to dance. The sweet scent of pinecones and grass was everywhere. Nopony noticed the Ratatta, made friendly by Fluttershy, was following them. Fluttershy blushed as she told ash that she liked him. Ash didn’t know too much about love then, and he was too self-absorbed to truly realise what she meant. And then, Fluttershy asked a question. “The Pokémon never changed into ponies like you did. What if only humans could change? What if you’re a pony, forever?” Ash’s mouth went dry and it was like his heart stopped. What if that was true? He’d never see his mother again, or Pikachu, or even Professor Oak! “Well,” said Ash with a forced smile, “At least I could stay here with you.” He was really happy about staying with Fluttershy, but the thought of never seeing his loved ones again was overwhelming! In fact, Ash didn’t even realise that Fluttershy was blushing.
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Ash and Fluttershy then encountered a Pidgey. Ash finally noticed the Ratatta, and he realised he had to weaken the Pokémon. He commanded the Ratatta that Fluttershy had befriended to tackle the pidgey, and when it did, Fluttershy looked absolutely devastated! “Sweet Celestia! H...how could you fight animals against each other!” she rushed toward the injured Pidgey and held it against her chest. “There there… it’s okay… you’re safe now… Ash, how could you?”
“Y-you don’t understand! In my world, you have to weaken the Pokémon before you catch it, or it breaks the Pokéball!” Ash was depressed that he had upset Fluttershy for some reason that he didn’t understand.
“Well then,” said Fluttershy hopefully “Maybe, umm, you could make friends with the umm Pokémon before you catch it…maybe.”
She petted both the Pidgey and the Ratatta, until they started to like her. “Would you two like a new home?”
The two Pokémon made nodding gestures, so Fluttershy threw the Pokéballs at them and caught the Pokémon successfully. “YAY!” Fluttershy shouted joyfully. “Hey Ash! Maybe there is Pokémon in Manehattan, or Canterlot! I’m sorry for trying to make you run around to other places, it’s just, umm, I desperately wanna show you every bit of Equestria, the only problem is, you’re an earth-pony, so I can’t show you Cloudsdale City!” Fluttershy looked like she was about to burst into tears.
“It’s alright, Fluttershy. I’m touched that you even wanted to come along this journey with me,” Replied Ash. Fluttershy still seemed sad, so he trotted up toward her and gave her a hug. Little did he know that Fluttershy’s face looked completely red.
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Ash and Fluttershy decided to rest. After finding some chocolate cupcakes in a small lunchbox in Fluttershy’s bag, they decided to have a picnic. On the box, there was a note reading: “Made with love, from Princess Celestia.” After eating, the pair was completely full. Fluttershy suggested writing a thank you letter to the Sun Princess, so Ash tried writing on a piece if stationery that conveniently, was also in the bag. Ash’s hoofwriting was something to be desired, so Fluttershy ended up writing the letter. “Hey Fluttershy! Let’s go search for Pokémon! We can even walk to that Canterlot place you were talking about!” smiled Ash.
“Umm, Ash. You have to catch a train that leaves from Ponyville to get to Canterlot. Ponyville really isn’t that far away, umm, we can go back and board the train. Umm, also, I have to pee,” murmured Fluttershy.
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Fluttershy told Ash she had to pee, just so she could walk in the woods to be alone with her thoughts. “Ash….” She whispered. Even thinking of him made her heart feel tingly and brought a blush to her cheeks. Why did she feel this way about him? Why couldn’t she admit it? Was she simply too shy, or was it something else? She realised it wasn’t her shyness, but out of fear of having her feelings rejected. Did he already have a special somepony? Was he a coltcuddler? Or did he simply not like her? She was just too scared to ask him if he liked her. She realised that she did admit her feelings to him, but he either wasn’t listening, or didn’t care. It was just so infuriating! She groaned in anger, more at herself than at Ash. And then, Fluttershy had a brilliant idea. She would confess her feelings in Canterlot! It was the most wonderful place she could think of! She didn’t know how, though. She’d never been in love before, and she wasn’t certain she was in love now. “What do I do?” she sighed. “I’ll go to Canterlot first. Then I’ll decide what to do!”
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“So, you feel ready to go now?” asked Ash excitedly. He was worried about Fluttershy, she took ages, and he honestly thought he couldn’t do this journey without her.
“I’m alright, Ash,” Replied Fluttershy, as strong and confident as a warrior before battle. They ran back to Ponyville in what felt like a few minutes. And then, they bought a ticket for the next train to Canterlot. Waiting for the train was a long and awkward experience. It was quite strange, yet Ash really wanted to hold Fluttershy’s hoof. He noticed her staring at him, and he blushed. “Do I have something on my face, Fluttershy?” He asked.
“No, Ash. Your face is fine!” giggled Fluttershy, still blushing.
Then, Gary Oak showed up. “Hey losers! I thought you were going on an epic quest to get all the Pokémon out of Equestria?”
“What the buck is your problem? You were always a dick, Gary, but seriously? What the buck, what do you have against ponies?” snapped Ash.
“Look, Ash, it wasn’t my idea okay. Cyrus, the guy who runs Team Galactic, threatened me to, and told me he’d kill everyone I loved if I didn’t destroy Equestria,” he started to stammer uncontrollably. “W-well…s-smell ya’ later, losers!” Gary rushed off, looking embarrassed.
A few minutes later, the train to Canterlot showed up. The engineer called out “AAAAALL ABOARD!”
And so, Fluttershy and Ash, walking hoof in hoof, climbed aboard the train, as their great Equestrian Adventure continued.