With their lessons of generosity over and done with, Rarity, Broly and Sweetie Belle emerged from the front doors of Carousel Boutique. A very sunny day with hardly any clouds in sight. The white Unicorn sighed as she stretched her back. Basking in the warmth of the sunlight.
“Ahh. Now that is a job well done,” Rarity proudly proclaimed. Feeling good about teaching the Saiyan about generosity. As well as good manners.
Both her and Broly’s attention was gained by an excited Sweetie Belle.
“I would like to stay and see what’s next. But I have to go and meet up with Applebloom and Scootaloo. I just have to tell them about this.”
Rarity smiled at the level of enthusiasm her little sister showed.
“Ok, Sweetie Belle. Be sure to tell them about Broly.”
“Oh, I will!”
Sweetie Belle then surprised the two by rushing up to Broly. Then began to give the surprised Saiyan a tight hug. Due to the difference in height, the small Unicorn could only hug his legs. As the stunned Broly looked down at her, Sweetie Belle continued.
“This has been so much fun!”
Watching the scene, Rarity feeling of surprise changed to happiness. Seeing her little sister being so friendly to someone as powerful as Broly was a sight to behold. She then made a nervous smile as a thought appeared in her mind.
‘It’s probably best if I don’t tell her about what he truly is.’
After the hug ended, Sweetie Belle took a couple steps back as she waved the Saiyan farewell.
“Bye bye, Broly. See you soon!” She said as she began to run off into town and out of sight.
After Sweetie Belle left, Rarity turned towards the perplexed Broly with a question in mind.
“Are you alright, darling?”
Broly silently paused. Feeling emotions that he hardly ever felt before. He wasn’t even sure if he had ever felt them at all. It left him unnerved. Uneasy. The startled Broly then turned to Rarity in response.
“Your sister. She’s… very friendly.”
Rarity breathed out in relief. Knowing what was going on with the Saiyan.
“I see. You’re still very new to others showing you kindness. But don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll get used to it eventually.”
As she paused in silence, Rarity began to think back to that one word she just used. A word that made her think of the next pony that would be best to teach Broly next.
“Hmm… Kindness.”
Her attention was brought when Broly spoke up.
“What are we doing now?”
“Well… we’re going to meet up with the others for lunch,” Rarity answered after looking at her watch to see the time.
“Follow me,” She continued as she lead the way through town with Broly following her.
After several minutes, Rarity and Broly reached towards the centre of Ponyville. During the walk, the large Saiyan noticed that he wasn’t being stared at as much as before. It seemed that the ponies had already gotten used to him being around. That being said, he was still gaining glances of awe and fascination. Something of which he himself was getting used to.
The pair soon reached to a café. To their satisfaction, the rest of the group were already there. Pinkie Pie was the first to spot the two. To which she informed her friends.
“Hay! Rarity and Broly have made it!”
In response, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Spike and Starlight looked to Rarity and Broly in glee. The Alicorn waving them down.
“Hay, you made it! Come over here!”
As Rarity and Broly reached the group, Twilight couldn’t contain her excitement.
“So, how did it go? Was everything alright?”
Rarity was happy to give the good news.
“Oh, it went far better than we first thought. Broly was such a quick learner, the lessons just flew by. I even got Sweetie Belle to help out.”
Amazed at the news, Twilight looked over to Broly. Who was walking up to her.
“This is fantastic news, Broly. And you also met Rarity’s sister?”
“Yes. She was very friendly.” The Saiyan replied. Making Twilight smile in response.
“And I see Rarity has got you dressing up,” Rainbow Dash commented as she pointed at Broly’s new vest.
Most of the group were a little stunned. For whatever reason, they hadn’t noticed Broly’s vest until it was pointed out. Rarity then gave clarification.
“Well, I figured he would look his best with something on.”
But then Applejack pointed out a flaw with the Unicorn’s choice.
“Ya haven’t got anything in a larger size?” She asked. Noting that the vest looked rather small for Broly. To which Rarity explained.
“It was the largest one I could find.”
“Well, I think he looks great in it,” Fluttershy complimented. Giving Broly a reassuring smile.
Broly fell silent as he looked at the table the group were all sitting at. Seeing that they already had begun eating while waiting for them. Twilight could see what Broly was looking at and made an obvious guess.
“You hungry?”
“A little.”
…………………………………………………………………………......................................................
Not very long afterwards, and with an odd magical spell or two used, Broly was given what could be described as a midday feast. Apparently, his definition of being ‘a little’ hungry was, much to the onlookers’ surprise, very different to their own. The Saiyan sat at the table eating to his heart’s content. Passers-by just stood there, staring at a very surprising sight. Wondering how in Equestria he was able to fit all that food in his gut.
As Broly carried on eating, Rarity was informed of what Twilight had done after they departed.
“Really? So… everything that Turles said about this… Tree of Might is really true?” The white Unicorn asked.
Twilight gave a nod in response.
“Yes. I ran an experiment on it earlier. The results were quite startling.”
“Yeah. Just one speck of dirt made the seed grow big,” Spike added in a worry tone. But he and the others were reassured by Starlight.
“But Twilight sealed it away in a secure place. It’s all ok for now.”
Then Applejack became concerned.
“But don’t ya think we need to let Celestia know about that?”
It didn’t take long for Twilight to answer.
“You’re probably right, Applejack. It’s still very dangerous. Since our world is a perfect place for it to grow.”
As the group talked, Pinkie Pie was making her way back from the café with a plate of pancakes. But the tall stack of treats partially blocked her view. Causing her to accidently bump into a table not too far from the group. Surprising the couple.
“Hay, be careful!” The stallion said.
“Oops. Sorry,” Pinkie Pie apologized as she carried on her way. Not realizing that her tumble caused the infant of the couple to stir from his slumber.
After making it back with the group, Pinkie Pie began to tuck in. With some of her friends watching her in amusement.
“Still hungry? Sure you don’t have Broly’s appetite?” Rainbow Dash asked her in a joking tone.
“Only if the food tastes good!” Pinkie Pie replied. Almost mimicking Broly in the way she ate her food.
The group then continued on the previous subject. Unaware that the child Pinkie Pie disturbed earlier began to sob. As well as Broly pausing.
“Fortunately, Turles only had one seed. If there were more, they had probably drained Equestria by now,” Twilight continued. Her concerned were shared by Rarity.
“Our home… drained dry. That’s a thought I wouldn’t like to imagine. Luckily Broly made the right decision and chose to fight for us. Isn’t that right, Broly?”
The group were surprised when Broly didn’t respond. They couldn’t even hear him eating. They all turned to see him, only to see that the giant Saiyan was trembling. Grunting as drops of sweat formed on his head. The ponies and dragon could immediately tell that something was very wrong.
“Why, whatever is the matter!?” Rarity asked.
“Is it something you ate!?” Pinkie Pie joined.
But Broly couldn’t respond. Instead, his grunts of frustration slowly grew louder. His fists even clenched hard. Causing parts of the table to crack under the pressure. But it was Fluttershy who spotted the problem. She being the first to hear what sounded like crying. Following her ears, the yellow Pegasus spotted the couple by the far end table. Trying to comfort the crying colt.
“Twilight,” She alerted. The Alicorn then too saw the crying child. And like the Pegasus, the princess too began to have a horrific thought of what was happening. The crying… was slowly reminding Broly of what happened on Planet Vegeta! The day of his birth! The day the Saiyans were wiped out!
Such horrific thoughts… were conformed when they heard Broly whispering. Talking to himself.
“It... It’s not Kakarot. It’s not… Kakarot.”
The ponies paused in suspense. Broly was trying to convince himself that the crying he was hearing was only from another child. But they could see that it was a battle he was going to need help with. As he closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, his grunts were becoming angrier and violent. Worse still, was that the magic casters could feel that his ki was beginning to grow.
The group had to act fast. If they do nothing but watch, Broly would snap into an uncontrollable rage. All of Celestia’s hopes for him would be shattered. Or worse still… he could transform into the Legendary Super Saiyan!
“Pinkie! Help stop that crying!” Twilight alerted to Pinkie Pie. With the pink mare rushing off to the couple to try and cheer up the child. It left the rest to try and calm down the agitated Broly.
“Woah, chill big guy. This is a very bad time to freak out.” Rainbow Dash said. Joined by Applejack.
“Calm down, big fella. Just breathe.”
“Please, darling. Not after all the help me and Sweetie Belle gave you,” Rarity added.
Twilight stood up from her chair. Her saddened tone trying to get through to Broly.
“You have to calm down, Broly. Celestia would never want this.”
Their pleas seemed to have failed. Broly’s energy was growing more to a point where white ki was slowly escaping his body. The Saiyan snapped his eyes open as his grunts grew louder. His expressions showed anger and frustration. But then, to the surprise of the group, Fluttershy rushed up to him and hugged his left arm. Desperately trying to reach out to him.
“Please don’t do it! Don’t be the monster you once were!”
Suddenly, Broly’s eyes widened in surprise in response to what Fluttershy said. He was still feeling angry. Yet, he felt surprised. Causing him to pause. Twilight and the group all fell in silent at the sight. Fluttershy got through to him. And luckily for them, her timing was on point. The child’s crying stopped. Replaced with laughter. Despite his agitated expression, Broly looked over to the end table. Only to see the Pinkie Pie successfully making the child laugh. No tears in sight.
With the course of his trauma gone, Broly took several deep breaths as he looked down at the ground. Calming down, his muscles relaxed as his energy dropped back down to how it was. The rest of the group all breathed a sigh of relief as they sat back down on their chairs. Already feeling warn out. As he calmed down, Broly opened his eyes. Then turned his head to see that Fluttershy was still hugging his arm. The poor mare was so scared that she thought that the bad things were continuing. It was only when Starlight spoke up where the Pegasus was brought to attention.
“Uhh, Fluttershy. You can let go of him now.”
“Hmm!?”
Seeing what she was doing, Fluttershy eventually released her hold and sat back down on her chair. A blush of embarrassment on her face.
“S-Sorry.”
Twilight however saw what Fluttershy had done was a good thing.
“No. Don’t be. What you just done was brilliant.”
With her job done, Pinkie Pie rushed back to the group.
“Is everypony still in one piece!?”
“Yep,” Applejack answered on behalf of the group.
As the pink mare sat back on her seat, Broly spoke up. Surprising the group with what he said.
“S-Sorry.”
The group all looked at him. They were stunned at the expression the Saiyan was showing. His face. His eyes. They were filled with guilt. Guilt from his behaviour. But it was Twilight who surprised him.
“No. We should be the ones who were sorry.”
All eyes looked to Twilight in surprise. Even Broly looked at her with a puzzled expression. To which the Princess of Friendship explained her statement.
“We were just so excited with Celestia’s plan to help you. And from hearing such good progress you had with Rarity, I guess… we forgot about what we’re dealing with. We really want to help you, Broly. But there’s some things that need to take time.”
The group soon realized what Twilight was talking about. Broly may had learnt generosity. He may be a quick learner. But his mind was still damaged from his horrific ordeal. His mind was still riddled with artificial magic. But worse still, his mind had been twisted from PTSD. Events that would trigger his memories of his childhood. How he was tortured. Nearly executed. All of which were the cause of his violent outbursts. Broly was still new to Equestria. And such damage that had been done would take far more than a single day to fix.
Thoughts of Broly’s past was bringing down the mood. So Rainbow Dash tried to cheer the group up by complimenting Fluttershy.
“Well, what you did back there Fluttershy was… probably the bravest thing you’ve ever done.”
The yellow Pegasus quickly began to feel bashful from the praise. To comfort Broly when he was calm was one thing. But when he was agitated was something else.
“Well… uhh…”
Remembering Fluttershy’s act of kindness made Rarity realise of the idea she had earlier. To which she brought to the attention of the group.
“Oh, everypony. May I make a suggestion? Regarding of who gets to teach Broly next.”
The group all looked to the white Unicorn in surprise. Interested in that she had in mind.
“Well, what is it, Rarity?” Spike asked.
Rarity then shared her idea.
“After what happened with me and Sweetie Belle, and after what happened just now, I think the pony who’s best to teach Broly next should be Fluttershy.”
The surprised ponies looked at the Unicorn. Then over to the stunned Fluttershy.
“M-Me!?”
Rarity then explained for her reasons.
“Well, while he was learning my lessons, Sweetie Belle had shown kindness to Broly. And I think it would be best to teach him more about it since he was exposed to it.”
Twilight began to show support to Rarity’s idea.
“Well, it makes sense. And Broly learning kindness early on would be very beneficial.”
Fluttershy began to feel nervous. She thought that she would be one of the last of the group to teach Broly. Not that she wouldn’t want to. It was just that she’d hoped by then, she would be mentally prepared for it. But for her to be the second pony to be up for the task… it quickly made her feel pressured. Worried that she wasn’t ready for such an important task.
However, all her nerves came to a shattering end when she heard Broly. The Saiyan looking at her as he spoke to her.
“I would like to learn from you.”
The group paused in surprise. It seemed even Broly wanted Fluttershy to be his next teacher. As for the yellow Pegasus, she looked at the alien warrior in surprise and awe. Almost touched that he wanted to learn from her. She began to think. If Broly learnt how to be kinder, it might help quell the anger within him. She could help him be less violent and less prone to violent outbursts.
With a rush of positive emotions flowing in her, and not minding her newfound responsibility, Fluttershy took in a deep breath to calm herself and spoke proudly.
“If you all really think I’m up for it, than… than I’ll try my best.”
The group began to cheer for their usually shy friend. Happy and surprised at how brave she had been lately. As for Broly, he was watching the action. And then down his left arm. Remembering the hug that Fluttershy gave him when he was acting up.
………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................................
After their lunch meeting, the group one again parted ways. Leaving Fluttershy alone with Broly. The Saiyan then turned towards the smaller mare when he heard her talking. But she was talking to herself. In an attempt to psyche herself up.
“Alright, Fluttershy. You can do this.”
Feeling confident, the yellow Pegasus faced Broly as she spoke up.
“Ok, Broly. Just follow me, and I’ll take you to my cottage.”
To Broly’s surprise, Fluttershy reached out and held onto his right wrist. To which she began to pull him. Seeing that the anthro mare was just trying to guide him to her home, Broly walked with her. Letting Fluttershy lead him the way. At first, Broly was puzzled as to where Fluttershy was taking him. Because even though they were walking on a path, they were heading out of town. The Saiyan found himself surrounded by nature. After a lengthy pause, Broly spoke up.
“You live… out here?”
Fluttershy could see why Broly was confused. She began to explain herself.
“That’s right. You see, I have a special affinity with animals. And having my cottage out here helps me better connect with them. And it’s out of the way of other ponies.”
She then let out an excited gasp. Almost surprising Broly.
“Oh, you’ll get to meet all my animal friends! They could even help with the lessons! Oh, they’re going to love you!”
Broly was surprised at how excited Fluttershy was. To see the timid pony being so happy and positive was something he didn’t expect to see. He could tell that such a sight would be rare to see. In fact, it almost made him creep a smile on his face.
But then his attention shifted towards in another direction. Looking almost sternly. Fluttershy could feel the muscles in the Saiyan’s wrist tighten. A sign that something had gotten Broly’s attention.
“Broly?” She asked as she looked over her shoulder. Wondering what had got the Saiyan’s attention. And why he looked so stern.
As he kept his sights on one spot, he spoke up.
“What’s that place?”
Following his line of sight, Fluttershy saw what had gotten Broly on edge. Beside them was a very large dense forest. Despite being broad daylight, the forest itself remained dark and eerie. The Pegasus knew full well what the forest was. But was surprised to know that even Broly could sense that something was off about it. She then explained to him what it was.
“That is the Everfree Forest. Not many ponies go there much. Well… me and my friends have been in there several times. But it’s not a very safe place to be. It’s full of danger and scary creatures.”
The Pegasus then realised who she was talking to.
“Well, I’m sure that’s no problem for you though. You can take on anything.”
Broly then looked at her in curiosity.
“You… live near there?”
Fluttershy was a little surprised at Broly’s words. He carried a tone that showed a little concern towards her. She then answered the question.
“Y-Yes. I do. L-Luckily nothing bad happened to me. I’m actually quite safe in my cottage.”
Then Broly said something that left Fluttershy stunned.
“I’ll… I’ll protect you if you need it.”
Fluttershy looked at him in surprise. The Saiyan was new to the concept of friendship but had already decided to protect her from any harm. Showing that he had already formed a bond with her that made him value her as a friend.
“T-Thank you, Broly. That’s… very kind of you,” The blushing Fluttershy said as she looked away. Feeling flattered from the Saiyan caring about her safety.
The two continued on their way. It didn’t take them long to reach Fluttershy’s home. A house that looked as though it was imbedded in a hill.
“Well, here we are. This is my cottage.”
As Broly looked at the cottage in curiosity, Fluttershy however felt something was out of place. To which she then figured out what it was.
“Strange. Where are all my animals?”
Flying ahead of Broly, the yellow mare searched the perimeter of her home. Trying to find any animal she recognized. After several moments of searching, she eventually found some. A family of mice and squirrels were hiding inside a tree stump.
“Oh, there you are.”
But her glee changed to confusion and concern, the small animals were shivering in fear. She could see on their faces that they were terrified.
“Why, whatever is the matter?” She asked in worry.
Summoning the courage to talk, one squirrel squeaked at Fluttershy. Telling her what was scaring him and all the other animals.
“What? Everyone can sense a frightening creature nearby? That’s terrible. Do you know where it is?”
With a couple of squeaks, the squirrel told her where he was getting the scary feeling.
“V-Very close by? B-Behind me!?” Fluttershy translated. Feeling even more nervous.
As she timidly turned around to face the creature, her expressions changed to one of puzzlement. The only creature she was looking at was the Saiyan who was looking at her cottage.
“But… it’s only Broly that’s th…”
She paused her sentence when she realised what was going on. The ‘frightening creature’ the animals were sensing was in fact Broly himself. She felt that the animals were able to sense how potentially dangerous the Saiyan was and went into hiding. She turned back towards the hiding critters with reassurance.
“You have nothing to be scared of. He’s a new friend me and my friends had made. He’s an alien named Broly.”
Still feeling that the animals were scared, Fluttershy continued. Her tone becoming sincere.
“I know he looks scary. But he’s actually very nice. And I would very much like it if you all can be his friends.”
As Fluttershy stood back up, the critters were contemplating if they should comply. Some of which decided to give it a try. After all, if the Pegasus was ok with him, then it should be alright. The squirrels and mice slowly and cautiously exited the tree stump and out in the open. Much to Fluttershy’s delight.
“Ok, my little friends. Just follow me. It’s ok,” She said, trying to reassure the animals that Broly would mean them no harm.
She began to walk towards Broly with the critters slowly following her. Seeing the squirrels and mice following Fluttershy had perked the interest from the other animals that were in hiding. Poking their head out to see what was going on. Even as Fluttershy approached the tall Saiyan.
“Broly,” Fluttershy called out. Gaining the warrior’s attention.
As he looked at her, Broly could see that the mare was being followed by a group of small animals. To which the yellow mare introduced.
“These here are some of my animal friends. They live here with me.”
The small critters felt intimidated as Broly turned his gaze on them. It was as if they were looking into the eyes of a predator. Which was understandable, since Saiyans preferred meat as food. Some of them hoped that Broly had already eaten or that they were too small to be considered even as a snack.
They remained still, even as Fluttershy walked back to them.
“There’s no need to be shy. He won’t hurt you.”
One of the mice began to squeak to her. Giving his opinion on Broly’s appearance. To which Fluttershy softly giggled in response.
“Yes. He is very tall.”
Broly was able to hear what Fluttershy said. But was confused as to how the mare was able to know what the mouse said.
“You… can talk to them?” He asked in curiosity.
Looking over her shoulder, Fluttershy replied with a smile.
“Yes. Ever since I was little, I was able to understand animals. It helps me get to know them better whenever they need something.”
The fact was proven true when some of the squirrels and mice ran up her leg and in Fluttershy’s pink hair. Almost disappearing from sight. Except one squirrel that sat upon her right shoulder. Fluttershy then turned towards him with a smile.
“See. He’s not going to hurt you. He just wants to meet you all,” She said to the squirrel. As well as any animal that was nearby.
Broly then saw movement from his surroundings. And was surprised to see that all sorts of animals began to emerge from hiding. All the creatures could see how calm and even happy Fluttershy was from being near the alien. With caution, some of the animals were brave enough to slowly get closer. For Broly, some creatures looked similar to the ones he saw in his past. While others he had never seen before. Fortunately for them, the Saiyan recognized that they were Fluttershy’s friends. So he tried to appear as less intimidating as possible by remaining calm. Fluttershy was happy to see that her animal friends were beginning to be at ease around Broly. She then thought of an idea that would help everyone to get along.
“Broly. I’m going to help teach you how to be kind to others. The first thing you can do is help me feed them.”
Broly looked at her in curiosity.
“You mean… give them food?”
“That’s right.”
It didn’t took long for Fluttershy to show Broly the food stores where she kept the animal feed. After getting her hands on a bag of seeds, she then brought Broly to one of the nearby trees. Looking up, the two could see a flock of birds chirping in the trees. The Pegasus then turned to face Broly as she spoke.
“Now, Broly. To properly feed animals, you need to be gentle with them. We can start with this.”
The second Fluttershy opened the bag of bird seeds, it gained the interest of all the birds in the trees. Watching the two down below. After getting Broly to open his hand, Fluttershy placed a pile of seeds in his palm and then gave him instructions.
“Ok, Broly. All you have to do is hold your hand out. And the birds will come to you.”
Taking in the instructions, Broly walked up to the tree and then raised his hand out. However, the birds didn’t fly down to him. If anything, they moved onto a branch a little further away. Broly followed them and tried again. But the birds kept flying away.
Fluttershy could see the problem. The birds were just too intimidated to be near Broly. Not wanting the Saiyan to lose patience and get angry, she walked up to him to give him a hand.
“Here. Let me help you.”
With a pile of seeds in her own hand, Fluttershy walked up to the tree with her hand out. But instead of flying away, the birds were intrigued. One of which flew down and landed on her hand. Pecking away at the seeds. As Broly watched the bird in fascination, the anthro Pegasus spoke to him.
“I know it’s hard to make friends. Especially for someone who’s big and strong. But with time and patience, and a bit of kindness, those who are scared of you will warm up to you. And then, it wouldn’t be long before they will trust you.”
With the bird in her palm, Fluttershy slowly moved her arm towards Broly’s. Her hand soon bridged with his own. Broly stayed silent as he watched. The bird stopped eating to notice that the pile of seed in Broly’s hand was much bigger than the one on Fluttershy’s. Then after taking a couple of glances at the Saiyan, the bird hopped onto his hand to peck at the seeds.
As she moved her hand away, Fluttershy looked to see how Broly was reacting. It was just as she expected. The Saiyan had genuine amazement on his face. Him holding a tiny creature as it was feeding on his hand. Broly couldn’t explain what he was feeling. But he was clearly in awe. Even as he brought his hand closer to have a closer look at the bird, the feathered creature was comfortable enough to continue eating. Then something that not even Fluttershy expected to happen had occurred. A second bird flew down from the tree and landed on Broly’s arm. Watching the other bird eating the seeds before hopping over to join in. Then another landed, but on Broly’s shoulder. Causing him to glance at it to see it perched on him. Fluttershy let out a soft giggle in excitement. Seeing such a sight she never thought possible was just adorable. She then spoke to him. Gaining his attention.
“See, Broly. Kindness goes a long way.”
For the next hour, Broly was helping Fluttershy with feeding the animals. The Saiyan getting to meet all sorts of creatures up close. Thanks to Fluttershy’s help, he was even able to feed some of them from his hand. As a thank you for receiving an acorn, a squirrel surprised him by jumping on his hand and scurrying up and down his arm in a playful manor. Much to Fluttershy’s surprise, a lot of her animals were already getting used to Broly. Seeing that he wouldn’t try and eat them. What else surprised the anthro Pegasus was how gentle the Saiyan was being among the tiny critters. Allowing them to get close to him. Though Broly wasn’t showing it, but Fluttershy could tell that the Saiyan was enjoying the experience.
For a moment, Broly was unsure if what he was doing counted as a lesson. But he knew that Fluttershy wasn’t a fool. If she claimed that feeding her animal friends counted as expressing kindness, then it had to be true.
As the hour finished, Fluttershy had just finished feeding the bats in a nearby cave. She let out a sigh of relief as she wiped the sweat from her forehead.
“Thanks to Broly, I was able to get so much done in a short time.”
The then began to think back to when she was watching him being gentle with her animal friends. Smiling in response.
“Hmm. He may be very strong, but he is very nice.”
But her happy thoughts were interrupted by a distant roar. She gasped in shock as it echoed from the trees. At first, she thought they were the roars of a violent beast. But as the roars continued, they sounded less of malice. Much to her confusion. Being an animal lover, the yellow Pegasus decided to take action.
“Broly. Broly!” She called out.
Hearing Fluttershy’s cry of plea, Broly emerged from the bushes and rushed up to her. As soon as he reached her, he listened to what was concerning the mare.
“An animal is in trouble in the forest. Please, help me.”
Broly confirmed his answer with a stern nod. And then followed Fluttershy from the safety of her cottage and towards the Everfree Forest. Upon entering the dark place, the Saiyan felt an uncomfortable chill. Confirming for himself that the forest was not a very pleasant place to be. But he shock off the feeling as he saw Fluttershy running deeper into the forest. Following close behind. As the two ran deeper into the forest, Fluttershy could hear the roars more clearly. And was surprised at what she heard.
‘Those aren’t angry roars. An animal is in pain!’
As the two stopped and looked over a bush, they saw what the commotion was about. They could see a large brown bear. Roaring and thrashing about seemingly uncontrollably. Nearby were other animals. All hiding from the bear either in the treetops or within the foliage.
Broly glared at the bear. Seeing the creature as a threat. But just as he was about to move, Fluttershy grabbed onto his bicep. Holding him back.
“No, Broly! That bear is not being angry.”
Looking back at the Pegasus, the unsure Saiyan gave her a confused expression.
“Then what’s wrong with it?”
Letting go of Broly, Fluttershy looked carefully at the bear’s actions. As well as hearing the type of roars it was making. There was one moment where the bear looked as though it had calmed down. But the second it kept rubbing its paw against its snout, the carnivore suddenly roared and thrashed around again. Fluttershy gasped in realisation. She had found out what was wrong.
“He’s in pain! There’s something in his mouth.”
However, with all the thrashing around the bear was doing, it was impossible for Fluttershy to see clearly. She then thought of an idea. Turning towards Broly for support.
“I have an idea, Broly. Can you see if you can keep him still?”
With instructions of what to do to help, Broly looked at the thrashing bear with a determined look on his face. Waiting for the right moment to make his move. Then as the bear reared up on his hindlegs, the alien warrior jumped out of the bush. Then using his speed, the Saiyan was able to get behind the bear without being spotted. Then sliding his arms beneath the bear’s forelimbs, Broly trapped the creature in a suplex hold.
Surprised at what happened, the bear roared out in protest as he was held in place. Thrashing about to try and break free. But the strength of the Saiyan was far greater than the carnivores. But as the brown bear looked ahead, he saw Fluttershy approaching him from the front.
“I-It’s ok. Just calm down. And relax.”
Recognizing the Pegasus, the bear tried to calm down. But kept making whimpering noises as he tried to reach his paws at his snout. But then Fluttershy gained his attention.
“Something is hurting you isn’t there?” She asked. With the bear grumbling back to confirm that it was true.
“Well then, open up and let’s see what it is.”
The bear opened his toothy maw. Then with gentle care, Fluttershy took a good look at the creature’s sharp teeth. Then let out a gasp at what she saw. Revealing the cause of the bear’s distress.
“Oh, I see the problem. You got a cherry seed stuck between your teeth.”
She then looked at the bear as she continued.
“You really need to be careful how you eat.”
The bear grumbled back in reply. With Fluttershy explaining what needed to be done.
“We need to get that seed out. I’m sorry, but this is going to hurt a little.”
Opening his maw again, the bear allowed Fluttershy to get another look at the stuck seed. Then with careful precision, the yellow Pegasus placed her hand in the creature’s mouth. Then using her finger and thumb, pinched the seed. The bear let out a grunt from feeling the pressure against his teeth. Then after gaining a firm lock on the seed, Fluttershy spoke up. Her tone showed that she was very nervous.
“Ok. Get ready.”
The bear too was nervous. No doubt that the pain he was about to feel would be immense. Broly too steadied himself. Keeping a firm lock on the bear. Then Fluttershy began to count.
“OK. One… two……THREE!”
With all the strength she could muster, Fluttershy successfully pulled the seed out of the bear’s mouth. Such a sudden movement caused the bear to roar in pain. But within a couple of seconds, the bear stopped. Suddenly finding that the pain had just vanished. The carnivore even moving his jaw to test if the pain would still be there. Aside from an uncomfortable sting, the agony was gone. Seeing that the bear was cured, Fluttershy smiled in joy.
“Ok, Broly. You can let him go now.”
Doing as the Pegasus said, Broly released the bear from his suplex hold. The furry creature landing back on all fours. Then as the bear looked at Fluttershy, he walked up to her and surprised her by licking her face. Thanking her for helping him.
“Hehe. You’re very welcome,” Fluttershy replied. Giggling from the affectionate bear.
Broly watched the scene in fascination. Fluttershy knew that there was something wrong with the bear. But instead of dealing with the problem his way, the yellow mare analysed the situation and found an alternative solution. Helping the bear without costing a life. A feat that only kindness can achieve. Being kind to others to help them with their problems. By helping the bear, Fluttershy had made a new friend. While kindness was similar to generosity, but it also felt different at the same time.
Broly was seeing that kindness was making Fluttershy happy. And without even realising it, seeing the sight started to make him smile.
As the bear stopped with the affections, Fluttershy spoke to him with some easy advice.
“Now be careful when you eat those cherries next time. Alright.”
After letting out a roar of agreement, the bear began to stroll away back to where he came from. As Fluttershy and Broly watched the animal vanish through the vegetation, the Pegasus surprised the Saiyan by hugging his waist. The startled giant looked down at the affectionate girl clinging to him.
“Thank you for all your help, Broly,” She said. Relieved that he was there to help her when she needed him.
As he watched her, Broly spoke up.
“You… like to hug me a lot.”
Surprised at what he said, Fluttershy blushed in embarrassment as she backed away. Stuttering her words.
“Oh! W-Well… uhh. It’s… not just you. Only… to my friends when… when they need it.”
Broly looked at her in confusion.
“What do you mean?”
After calming down, Fluttershy explained the purpose of a hug. Also surprised that he had to talk about such a subject.
“Well… you can’t just hug anyone. First off, you only hug those who are your friends. To welcome them, or to celebrate something. Just like we did. And to make someone feel better when they get upset. It’s a… um… a gesture of kindness that… shows you care.”
Broly took in everything he heard from Fluttershy. The Saiyan already learning a lot from her.
“I… understand.”
Fluttershy smiled in response to Broly knowing what she was talking about. For a moment, even she was unsure what she was saying. But was happy that the warrior received the message well.
“Alright. How about we get back to my cottage. I’ll make you some tea if you wish.”
“Ok.”
With the troubles in the Everfree Forest dealt with, Fluttershy and Broly made their way back to the cottage. The Saiyan feeling good that he was learning so much. But then a question appeared in his head. Wondering which of his other friends he was going to learn from next.