//------------------------------// // 108 // Story: Yonder Wandered Fluttershy // by Darkonshadows //------------------------------// Bonnie had pulled Fluttershy into Head Hunter for a private little chat, since Stanley’s magic had worn off on her a long while ago and it was time that they had a talk. “Okay we need to talk since I know you’re back in your right mind, especially before anything else happens. You’ve kind of distracted me from this and it’s important Fluttershy.” Crossing her arms Bonnie leaned back. “So what do we have in terms of friendship?” “I think we’re doing okay. I know you can’t stop entirely, but you really have cut back on the stealing. Well, except for the few times when I’m not around.” Fluttershy pointed to the two blaster pistols Bonnie had holstered and Bonnie saw what she was pointing at, she had a few metal stars and three kunai knives on her. They still had to discuss who was going to Hawaii and who would be coming with them to Japan, Fluttershy was all for Soft Echo going to Hawaii with Roller and Donnabelle. She entirely trusted Bonnie’s six hundred plus siblings more than the place she was heading to, plus she really didn’t like the idea of dragging the filly through any more dangerous situations. “Hey, I’m practical when it comes to a fight and they practically left these weapons behind. Now be honest, am I being a better being? I haven’t stolen from Steven’s house and I didn’t even promise not to do that to you.” If Bonnie were honest with herself, she might even be close to completely breaking her kleptomaniac tendencies and her genetic programming. She wasn’t doing it for Fluttershy since it was mostly for herself; only some of it was trying to make her friend proud of her. She could be pretty downright heroic if she put her talents and mind to it. “I’ve only recently picked up some stuff from those ninja and that’s about it. Also one of those strange green missiles I got from Samus and managed to disarm, but to be fair she did shoot it at me. I think that missile will be useful and she’s not exactly using it.” “Well that’s wonderful news, but better is rather hard to quantify Bonnie. All you need to do is have your heart in the right place and to continue being my good friend.” Fluttershy put a hoof on Bonnie’s shoulder while giving her a bright room lighting smile. “At least you’re being really honest here.” “Yeah, if I’m going to continue being completely honest here, I find you highly attractive and that’s not a part of my genetic programming talking. For some reason I’m attracted to your four legs, that long pink mane of yours and your adorable nature in general. The reason why I’m not acting on it or asking you out on a date is because I’m still trying to come to terms with my feelings. I’m also taking your current state of mind into consideration as you’ve accidentally did something that led to a lot of people dying, I know for a fact that you’re not exactly happy with how things have turned out thus far since you’ve met me and that I’ve also been the cause of some of your problems.” It felt rather nice to Bonnie to get all that off of her chest, Pleakley’s E.AR.W.A.X group might not have helped her, but a friend she loved certainly did in so many ways. Fluttershy made her feel like she was something worthwhile. “No matter what you say, I’m not going anywhere and I’ll always try to be the thief who’s a close friend of yours. Heck I’m even planning on going back to your home planet with you, though I’m really going to miss my family if we can’t come up with a way to keep touch. I’m missing Shush already and we haven’t left Beach city yet, she may be a ditz but family has kind of become really important to me.” It was a lot for Fluttershy to take in and Bonnie was right, she was also quite flattered that Bonnie found her attractive. Bonnie was a little strange, but she has come a long way. She felt touched that Bonnie understood she felt sad that she kept getting put into the path of pain or suffering, sometimes that pain and suffering was not necessarily her own. She couldn’t begin to imagine how Annabelle was taking Belladonna’s death and then subsequent knowledge that she couldn’t even hold on to a piece of her that was Donnabelle, it was really quite sad. “I think I’m okay with you being attracted to me, I’m not entirely comfortable or even ready to date you or do anything romantic. I know that may upset you to hear, but I must really thank you for being so understanding of my feelings Bonnie, you’re really quite sweet.” Fluttershy leaned forward and kissed Bonnie on the cheek causing her to blush as it wasn’t her forehead this time. “Maybe in the future I’ll give us a chance, but you might be waiting for an eternity. I might fall in love with someone else or I might not feel the same way about you after going on a few dates, but I would like to think we have an unbreakable friendship.” “I’m okay with that and I can be an adult about this. So anything you want to talk about before we start making decisions as to who’s going to Japan? I know you don’t like being involved in fights, but you held up pretty well last night.” At some point you cared about someone so much that it wouldn’t be easy to let things go, but Bonnie was capable of keeping a clear head despite the fact that the ninjas might be capable of removing the stasis on her brother. She would clearly do the same with Fluttershy, as the pony was her own person and could make her own decisions. “Yeah I did, didn’t I? I don’t like violence very much, but it sometimes seems necessary because sometimes some people don’t take no for an answer or won’t stop taking from others until nothing is left unless they fight back. I’m strong enough to wrestle a bear to the ground; it kind of makes me a bit meek to know that I could hurt a pony with my physical strength. I have some really strong earth pony genetics, most pegasi aren’t really known for their physical prowess with their hooves.” It bothered Fluttershy and she didn’t like ponies picking on animals or others picking on beings smaller than them. She personally didn’t mind being picked on personally; it was how she met Rainbow Dash. She shook her head and came back to the present with Bonnie. “I was always awkward when I was younger, I felt out of place by being a weak flyer. I can only fly okay when I put my mind to it. The Rhizome suit really makes up for my flying inadequacies such as being able to help me build up speed. Since the accident that tore me from my planet I’ve started to become really good at doing pegasus things and that’s kind of upsetting since I wasn’t so good at it before.” “So you weren’t really good at fitting in when you were younger and you enjoyed your solitude huh? I guess that’s why I like you so much, you remind me a bit of myself. I really didn’t feel like I fit in anywhere with the rest of my family except for Clyde, even he had some trouble making friends. I really miss the big lug… am I crying? Look at me; I’m getting all emotional here.” Bonnie wiped at her eyes and she was pulled into a hug as Fluttershy started crying too. They both needed a good amount of release and let loose into each other to get rid of all that stress that kept building up. “You know I have a brother too, but I kind of get embarrassed by him a lot.” It wasn’t often that Fluttershy talked about her brother, but it was time to mention that she had one of her own. “He must really be missing the letters that I send him. It’s also been a while since I’ve seen him as he has his own life to live.” “Huh, your brother has his own life to live… there’s a thought. That’s kind of funny, that your people are still using letters I mean. Earth doesn’t do that personal kind of stuff anymore; most interactions are base in electronics on this planet nowadays. Rarely do you see people getting out and just enjoying a beautiful day or the horizon from a nice beach. I always look forward to seeing a horizon anytime I’m near a beach.” As she leaned into the cuddle, Bonnie couldn’t help but exclaim cutely. “They don’t know what they’re missing and if they don’t want to see it, then that’s okay. I’m following you home though, so you better keep me when I do even if we aren’t anything more than just good friends. Thanks for letting me blow off some steam on you. So, who are we bringing to Japan?” “Me, I’m definitely going to Japan! They have manga there and while I don’t have all of Belladonna’s memories, I definitely have her fine tastes in violent media. Now where am I going to get the money for it? It also makes me wonder who got Belladonna’s extensive manga collection when she died.” The appearance of Donnabelle had made both Bonnie and Fluttershy jump apart as if they had been set on fire; she was enjoying their rather red faces. “Anyway if you try to put me in Hawaii, I will never let you know a moments rest for making miss the best place to find manga in the world!” - Annabelle silently read the manga with tears in her eyes; she never knew Belladonna had such a widespread collection of romance related graphic novels. It was rather nice that she got belladonna’s entire collection; most of it was violent stuff, but at least she had some part of Belladonna still with her. The angel dog had to smile; someday she might meet another fetching boogey dog, but it wouldn’t be quite the same as that cantankerous whippet that she had whipped. Quite literally, she used to whip Belladonna and used to tie her up in that latex and leather getup she really liked. She would always have those memories at least. So long as she doesn’t reincarnate and continues having her job as an angel, she would always be willing to carry a flame for the fallen. - No matter how much Fluttershy or Bonnie tried to get Donnabelle to decide otherwise, the puppy was set on going with them to Japan and she had her reasons for it. They were all outside the Head Hunter and the discussion has been going on for a while. “I’m actually quite knowledgeable about all kinds of things in that country.” Donna would then go on about the spiritually gifted humans and all the magical stuff that went on there. “I too am quite knowledgeable, but I’m afraid I will be going to Hawaii and I will be taking the Cosmic Cap with me either way. Japan has some of the most dangerous portals on the planet and I do not wish for you to accidentally come across them in your travels.” It was immediately decided that Virgil had a point and would be taking the hat with him, especially since he knew the most about its usage. Now it was a matter of whether or not Soft Echo would be going to Hawaii or not. “We already know that the Etecoons and Dachora will be better off going to Hawaii to stay with the rest of your family Bonnie. Virgil is going with the hat because it’s safer for us that way and since Donnabelle is coming with us, it means that Soft and Roller will want to follow as well.” It was a good thing that Fluttershy had so many friends that wanted to look out for Soft in case she got lost. Apparently the Etecoons destroyed the other four other monster trucks that had been on the ridge last night and in the midst of having stolen one and they went on a wild ride around Beach City. “I really don’t like the sound of this place we’re heading to.” Roller was a loyal to Fluttershy. Donnabella was a bit reluctant to let the kid com on the trip since she had told them about how dangerous Nerima was at any given time and had even told them about the nickname of it being the ‘insanity ward’. Soft Echo just wanted to go just because Donnabelle did. Fluttershy still needed someone who could fight to look out for the others. It was assured that Fluttershy and Bonnie were going personally, they were still trying to convince Donnabelle to go to Hawaii and the puppy wasn’t having any of it. Roller rolled up to Fluttershy and revved loudly to gain her attention and then he started to make several noises in the form of a rather good suggestion, he mentioned that he was willing to go to Hawaii to watch out for Fluttershy’s other friends. “Um, we never really thought about who would be taking what. We have two ships and one of them will have to carry Head Hunter to Hawaii, while the rest of us go to Japan.” Fluttershy had been arguing with everyone else over whether or not to let Soft Echo come with her to Japan, she had reasons to bring Soft Echo along and she had just as many to send her to Hawaii to stay with the Pelekai family. “I’m doing the Hawaii run, I can carry the Head Hunter there. That is if you can trust me with delivering it there safely.” Volunteered Samus, who sometimes didn’t trust herself after all the destruction she’s caused. She had to second guess herself plenty of times before doing something such as destroying a race of deadly parasites that could have wiped out the universe by blowing up a planet on purpose. “Yes, but a Chozo warrior would be very useful in Japan given many people there use spiritual energy based attacks.” It was the truth that Chozo made their armor to stand up to spiritual damage and Virgil could see that Fluttershy might need Samus’s firepower given her track record for running into ludicrous situations. “It is our job as Galactic Guardians to watch over Ambassador Shy.” Stretching out and throwing a few punches and kicks Betty was waiting for them to finish discussing logistics of who was going where. “Yeah, but can you fight off demons and take spiritual attacks from humans? Nerima has a reputation for a reason, there are these guys known as the Nerima Wrecking Crew and they specialize heavily in martial arts of all forms and they are physically capable enough to knock down buildings with a sneeze and that’s without using their spiritual energy.” Shaking her head Donnabelle at least made her point as to why she should go, she knew a thing or two about demons from what memories she did have of Belladonna. While she didn’t have everything, she certainly had enough to be useful. This included the knowledge that magic ran rampant throughout Nerima which had upset Bonnie for obvious reasons. “That’s just the humans, not counting the monsters and demons that can do the same that keep popping up there.” “We can do our very best ma’am!” It seems Sparky never ran out of good cheer, despite his goofy countenance he was quite tough and had beaten eight sumo ninja and held off another five on his own. “I’m sure we can handle anything you can throw at us, we can really think outside the box. Was that the right Earth euphemism?” “Can’t I just go to Hawaii?” Almost everyone seemed to be ignoring that Foxglove was still there, the bat had been fidgeting at the back and forth arguments and was a little frightened at the prospect of meeting demons, monsters and even humans that could level entire buildings with a sneeze if Donnabelle was to be believed. The puppy was half demon and angel, which Foxglove could detect with her sonar screeches and thus Donna’s story was quite believable to the bat. “No, we need you with us in case someone breaks the stasis on my brother.” Taking an interest in the bat, Bonnie narrowed her eyes at Foxglove. “You can fix it if it comes to that right?” “I guess I will have to and I believe that I can.” Foxglove said nervously while twiddling her wings, she did truly have the capacity for it after all. The spell wasn’t that complex and it was being performed on a small object that Foxglove could carry without needing magic to boost her flying strength. “Okay, so that’s me, Bonnie, Foxglove, Donnabelle and Soft Echo. Roller, I trust you will watch out for the Virgil and the others for me. Hopefully things will work out. We’ll ride with Betty.” Everyone nodded and gathered with their respective groups as Fluttershy spoke. “Now, does anyone know how the people of Japan react to us? We scared a few people in San Francisco as we were leaving since they weren’t used to seeing weird things.” “I wouldn’t worry about that, Japan is one of the weirdest places in the world. Heck that X Five guy could float around without a disguise on and he’d been seen as the tamest thing in the universe compared to the usual crap that the people there have to deal with.” Donnabelle was going to have to scrounge up some change from the sidewalk to buy at least one graphic novel, because she wasn’t leaving without at least one in her ownership. Whatever planet Fluttershy was from obviously didn’t have them. “Also don’t rely entirely on me since I’ll be working on what memories I have from Belladonna, just promise me we’ll stop by a manga store while we’re there. I can remember the words Dragon Ball, but I don’t know the context as to why I do. The only combat technique I got from Belladonna is that Hellfire Hammer thing and that’s all I got in the ways of fighting ability. So don’t expect me to be much help in a fight as I’m once again pointing out that I’m only a puppy, albeit a very intelligent, fun and incredibly awesome one with wings.” Soft Echo threw a stick by Donnabelle and she glared at the filly who smiled at her expectantly, grumbling Donnbella went to pick up the stick with her paw. When she came back with it, she dropped it in front of Soft in a disdainful manner and the pony clapped her hooves together happily. “It’s decided then, but what convention is currently going on there? It’s supposed to be where we can find Finder.” It had been a bit of a niggling portion of her brain that said it was important and Fluttershy wasn’t going into this blind. Bonnie had filled her in on Finder’s special abilities; he can find anyone and anything. Finder couldn’t have found her home planet though as his talents were limited to a general area. “I looked it up on the internet with Head Hunter; apparently they have a weekend long martial arts, anime and sci-fi convention. The kind of convention with tournaments that is likely attracting the sumo ninjas we’re after because they took a big loss of from bothering us, they probably need the money to bribe someone to free their forces that have been incarcerated.” Bonnie had to shudder. Hearing Donnabelle go on about how dangerous humans were there, she just knew that they’d come across them. It was not a matter of ‘IF’, it was a matter of ‘WHEN’ and she knew that someone would eventually attack them. “I’m going to be so high strung during all this.” “If it makes you feel any better, I’m giving you free reign to steal anything you want while we’re there. I’ll trust your judgment on it Bonnie.” Turning to the puppy, Fluttershy used ‘the stare’ on Donnabelle and she froze up. She was going to make it quite clear that she wanted Donnabelle to be a good familiar and on her best behavior while in Japan. “You will be watching out for my daughter and you will be with her at all times to make sure she doesn’t get hurt by anyone, do you understand me? If she gets lost, I expect you to bring her back to me safely are we clear?” “Yes ma’am, loud and clear!” Throwing a salute the cowed and whimpering Donnabelle was shivering under that horrible gaze, she could even feel the ice slowly covering her spine. The ice soon broke as Fluttershy released her from the gaze and Soft Echo snuggled up against her affectionately to warm her back up. “The things I do manga… and love I guess.” - After saying their goodbyes to Steven’s family, they were all standing on the bridge of Betty’s ship having been beamed up to it. Soft Echo was already trying to playfully explore her surroundings only for Donnabelle to gain her attention to keep her from doing anything dangerous since she was wearing the Rhizome suit, Fluttershy decided to keep the Lunar Locket this time. Foxglove was looking out the window of the starship that didn’t need to land to pick them up; the view from above the clouds was amazing. She had never been so high up before and Dale has been in space before, it was as amazing as he made it out to be. It was only a minute later that they were off above the planet and heading to Japan. “Well, where do you guys think we should beam down? Also don’t forget your translator Sparky; we are not having another incident like the last time. I know Fluttershy has a translator for this situation.” Betty watched as Sparky even showed her that he was keeping his translator on his person, she always had to watch Sparky because he tended to cause trouble and sometimes that was a rather useful trait of his. “Some place quiet and out of the way, I don’t want to be beamed down into the middle of so many people.” Fluttershy would never overcome her shyness entirely; she was still shy of big crowds and other ponies. The general Nerima area was loaded with people and she shied behind her mane slightly at the sight she was seeing on the screen, there were so many strangers there.