Goku continues to follow Fluttershy through the woods due to the promise of a hearty meal. They have been walking for almost an hour, and Goku’s hunger was only growing. Fluttershy couldn’t help but steal a few dozen long glances at the boy; she had never seen an animal like him before. He had hairless, smooth, pink skin; no fur or feathers, although he had a large grouping of hair on the top of his head. It kind of looked like a really odd mane-style. Fluttershy thought that he may just be a hairless monkey; he even had a tail. However, he was the first monkey she had ever seen with the ability to speak, not to mention he wore clothes. Speaking of his clothes, what the heck was he wearing? It was bright orange under the caked on dirt, with blue wristbands. It was torn in several places and sported a strange symbol over his left breast. Fluttershy did not recognize this symbol, this was interesting. Slung around his shoulder was some sort of… walking stick maybe? Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud grumbling sound.
“How much further? I don’t think I can last much longer.” Goku whined as he trudged on forward. He looked like he was going to collapse; both of his arms clenched his stomach.
How dramatic. He reminded her of Angel bunny in some ways; he tends to blow things out of proportion when he gets hungry. Fluttershy continued to walk onward, slightly in front of Goku.
“Oh…. We’re almost there. Not much further now.” She reassured the little monkey boy.
A few moments pass with complete silence. Goku was more interested in feeding himself rather than make conversation. Fluttershy while curious, is well, shy. It was quite odd; she was much more comfortable around Goku before she realized he had the ability of speech. Fluttershy, now feeling even more uncomfortable with the silence, decided to break the silence once more.
“So….. Ummm….” The bashful Pegasus attempted to speak.
“You said you lived with your grandpa? Were you two living somewhere in the Everfree forest?”
Goku was only barely keeping up with Fluttershy. He looked woozy; even though it was apparent he was exaggerating. He broke his trance like state and decided to answer his new friend with another question.
“Everfree forest? Is that were we are now?” Goku asked with a clueless look on his face.
“Yes.” Fluttershy responded, somewhat surprised.
Did this poor monkey get lost? He doesn’t even know where he is. Her train of thought was interrupted when Goku continued speaking.
“Oh, then no. I’ve never been here before. I’m from really far away.” Goku said, hoping to sedate the Pegasus’ curiosity.
Fluttershy began to speculate. Goku said earlier that his grandpa was trampled by a horrible monster; did that mean this little guy was on the run? Just how far has he gone? Is it possible that he is from the lands beyond Equestria? That would certainly explain why she’s never seen another creature like him before. Maybe he’s from the Crystal Empire? No, a hairless animal wouldn't be able to survive in such a cold environment. Maybe that’s what the clothes were for? Most ponies only wear clothes for fashion, but maybe Goku wears his for warmth? Then again, it is very thin, and would do a poor job at keeping him warm. So many questions raced through her head; where was he from? How long has he been on his own? Are there more like him? How old is he? She was so caught up in her own thoughts, that she failed to see the tree right in front of her; and walked straight into it. The dazed Pegasus fell back into a sitting position as she was knocked onto her flank.
“Ouch..” She moaned.
Goku couldn't contain himself. He fell to the ground and burst out in a roaring laughter. Fluttershy gripped her nose with her left hoof; it was quite painful, but she was more embarrassed than anything. Her face turned a bright shade of scarlet, as she tried to shelter herself.
“You should watch where you’re going!” Goku laughed.
Fluttershy’s face only turned a brighter shade of red, as she vainly attempted to shelter herself behind her wing. Goku’s look of joy turned to one of confusion.
“Fluttershy? Are you okay? Why is your face all red? I didn't think you hit the tree that hard.”
No response could be heard from the timid Pegasus. She attempted to shelter herself from Goku’s on looking eyes as she scurried in front of him.
‘How strange…’ Goku thought. Why was she acting this way? She seemed so friendly earlier, but now it’s like she doesn't want to be seen. He didn't really think much of it after that; he wasn't much of a thinker on an empty stomach. Hell, we wasn't much of a thinker in the first place.
Fluttershy and Goku exit the forest. They are greeted by warm sunlight and the sound of the birds chirping. A grassy plain lies before them; with a bridge over top a flowing stream. Various animals frolic across the plain and through the trees, seemingly carefree in nature. As they cross the bridge, several birds can be seen flying overhead, as well as fish swimming through the water. This made Goku’s stomach growl yet again; He could have eaten that fish nearly an hour ago. He was a bit grumpier than he usually would be, though the promise of dinner kept him going.
They approached perhaps the strangest house Goku had ever seen; It looked as if it were growing out of the ground like a tree. Grass and moss protruded from the rooftop, as well as several birds’ nests. As organic as it sounded, there were still windows as well as a door. Fluttershy opened the door for Goku and gestured him to enter.
“Welcome to my cottage…” She ushered him inside.
Inside of the building was a green hardwood floor, several couches and a stone fireplace. A small table as well as several chairs could be seen. Three more doors could also be seen, leading into other rooms; it wasn't anything special, but it was homely. It was nice by Goku’s standards, considering he was used to either sleeping in the woods or at master Roshi’s house. Strangely enough, there were nearly as many animals inside the house as there were outside the house. Fluttershy joyfully trotted in front of Goku.
“Alright everyone, I have somepony I need to introduce to you all!” She declared happily.
All of the animals sprung to attention. Squirrels, birds, bunnies and even a grizzly bear lined up in an orderly fashion, much to Goku’s surprise.
“Y…you can control animals?!? Are you some sort of witch?!” Goku stumbled backwards, obviously not understanding Fluttershy’s way with animals.
Fluttershy just chuckled at Goku’s misunderstanding.
“No, I’m a Pegasus; I don’t have any magic. It’s just my job to take care of all the animals, just like you.” She said sweetly.
She placed her hoof on Goku’s shoulder, calming him down a bit. She gently pushed him forward; he now faced the assembly line of woodland creatures.
“This is Goku; he’s a monkey I found all alone in the woods! He’s going to be staying with us for a while and…” She was interrupted by a loud grumbling sound.
She turned to see Goku, practically blue in the face.
“Umm, Fluttershy? Can I have some dinner now please?” He asked in a very weakened tone.
“Oh! I’m sorry Goku, please follow me!” Fluttershy said, a bit embarrassed.
The rest of the animals dispersed as Fluttershy led Goku to the kitchen table. He took a seat ad Fluttershy continued into the kitchen. A few minutes pass before she returns with a bowl of various greens and fruit. Goku would have liked some meat, but he wasn’t very picky at a time like this. Much to Fluttershy’s surprise, Goku practically pounced onto the bowl, devouring it in mere seconds. She takes a step back as Goku starts pounding his chest; releasing a massive belch. A wide grin overtakes his face as he lifts his bowl.
“Can I have another bowl please?” He asks, chuckling in delight.
‘How could he have eaten that entire bowl so fast?!’ Fluttershy thought frantically to herself. It took her a moment to snap back to reality.
“Oh, umm… Sure.” She assured the boy, still in a little bit of shock.
This was getting ridiculous. Nearly forty seven bowls of fruit later and he’s still eating! There is just no way an animal of his size can eat this much and still stand, let alone want more. Fluttershy looked on in both amazement and concern as the hairless monkey finished up the last bits of fruit and began licking the bowl. He was insatiable! Even some of the other animals began to take notice. He slammed the bowl on the table, still sporting his toothy grin.
“Do you have any more?” Goku asked yet again.
Fluttershy’s eyes only grew as her jaw almost hit the floor. He still wants more? She wasn't even sure if she had any fruit left!
“Oh umm.. I’m sorry Goku, but…. I think I’m all out.” She informed him. She still had some food in the cellar, but if she gave him any more there wouldn’t be enough for the other animals.
Goku’s grin disappeared as he leapt from his seat.
“That’s okay; I think I should be fine until breakfast.” He said calmly.
Fluttershy only sighed in relief. She would have to make a stop into town tomorrow to sugar cube corner and Sweet Apple Acres if she expects to feed him again tomorrow. It was beginning to get dark outside; Goku grabbed his power pole and headed for the door. Fluttershy raised her hoof.
“Where are you going?” she asked in a concerned tone.
“Thanks for the food Fluttershy, but I really need to get going.” He replied, letting out another small belch while doing so.
“Don’t be silly, it’s getting dark out! It’s dangerous this close to the Everfree forest at night. You can stay here…” Fluttershy trotted in front of Goku, blocking his exit; almost like a concerned mother.
Goku was a little taken off guard by the Pegasus’ protectiveness, though he didn’t see the problem.
“Okay, I guess I can at least stay here till’ morning.” He said happily.
Fluttershy was relieved.
“Good, I don’t want you out there freezing! You can stay in my guest room for now.”
‘Goku sure is a strange one. He’s not like any species of animal I have ever heard about. Maybe Twilight will know more about this than I do…’