“Fluttershy?” Martha asked as she looked out the door to a crowd that had gathered. “Do you see the people outside?”
Fluttershy was looking away from the window. She tried to focus on the satisfying feeling of getting her scalp massaged by the hairdresser. Without an answer she continued to keep her eyes focused on the ceiling.
As Martha sat in her chair waiting for Fluttershy to finish, she began to read the signs the people were holding. Some were holding signs of admirations, ‘We love you,’ and ‘Fluttershy rules’. The pair was confused as to how long this had to have been going on to have this level of organization.
The women sat awkwardly, staring as the admiration turned into a protest as a group of men came to argue with the admirers. Though the sound was muffled through the glass Martha could tell these people were fighting against immigrants. Martha felt threatened as the people pointed inside at Fluttershy, who had her eyes closed in hopes of not noticing the bad men outside.
A police officer appeared between the crowd as they tried to settle the near violent attitude of the men. With the crowd dispersing Martha gave a sigh of relief. Her relief was short-lived, however, as she noticed the officer come in with a group of men in black tactical suits. The men looked at the women in the salon and without a word sat down near the exit.
The feeling of intimidation flew across the room as the women noticed the loaded holster which had blended into the vest. Upon further inspection the women noticed several instruments of defense, both lethal and nonlethal.
The Officer stayed as he looked hesitantly at Fluttershy, whose eyes remained closed for the time being. The manager stepped out of the backroom, with an angry look upon his face.
“I thank you for getting rid of those people,” he said with displeased gratitude. “But what are these two soldiers doing in my shop?”
“The men are here to prevent any further incidents with Fluttershy.” The police officer stated. “They were sent by the Portal Preparation Agency. They won’t do any harm, they are just here to observe.”
The manager looked at the men who sat silently with their hands on their laps. “If they are government agents,” He replied, “how do I know they won’t cause any damage?”
One of the agents stood up from his seat and walked towards the manager with his hands non threateningly on his side. “Sir, you have our guarantee we won’t cause damage to your business. We are just here to secure the safety of visitor Fluttershy and those who surround her.”
“Won’t cause harm?” The manager replied, “how can I be sure of that with your guns showing under your armpits?”
“Our arms are only for last resort. We just need to be prepared.” He replied. “We will only take them out when needed.”
The manager looked him over one last time. “Fine, just don’t scare my customers.” He gave his final word before he turned back to his office, glaring at Fluttershy as he passed her by.
Martha sat still as she took in what she heard. Her mind still was trying to comprehend what had just happened. She looked at Fluttershy who lay on her back with a tear in her eye, and listened to the heavy breathing she was giving.
“Fluttershy?” Martha said with worry, “are you okay?”
“I–” She tried to speak clearly. “I got some liquid in my eye. And it stings.”
Martha felt relieved and a little annoyed at her, as she was just having some trouble with shampoo.
“I’m sorry” the hairdresser apologized as she went for a bottle of clear water and a napkin. “It must have splashed, Here, let me wash it out.” She held the eye open as she let a few drops wash out the detergent.
Martha looked at the estranged woman, as she thought of how much trouble she went through every day. “Listen, Fluttershy, we’ve been going out to for two weeks and I know very little about you.” She felt curious about her. “I know very little about you, and it feels weird that you get so much trouble for just being… you.”
Fluttershy remained silent as she listened to Martha talk.
“I mean, I hear so much about you from the gossip at the store, but none of it makes sense to me.” She continued, “I know you as just a woman who doesn’t belong but has a boyfriend that helps her and give her everything, even if it means sacrificing himself for you. Through you I see you, I can’t seem to see you as the most important person, but here you are with security guards protecting you.” She aimed her arm at the two guards. “I just want to hear from you what you are, and how it is you ended up with John.”
Fluttershy opened her eyes as she thought heavily on Martha’s request. “I, uh,” she couldn’t get the words out. “Can we talk about this when there’s less people around?” She softly spoke.
Martha sat back as she thought heavily on what theories she’d heard.
As her hair was set to be dried Fluttershy began to wonder how her life had changed as she fell through the moonstone.
____________________________________
Ever since the night she came though she could see John’s kindness. Even though he was cold at first he never said ‘no’ to taking care of her. She was scared and alone, however seeing him always calmed her down.
There were times where she felt that she was alone but she met so many great people who though were busy still had time to help her. She grew happy to have learned so much about them, and so much about this world. Though she felt as if it was too much at times, she fell to love some of the technology like the television, and Media players.
All through her time here, what she fell to love most was John, the man who took her in and with a slow smile, helped her with every problem she had. No matter what was going to happen, she knew she was going to be happy with her.
_____________________________________
With the image of John in her head as she was being let out of the hair dryer, she smiled with her heart pumping.
“So,” Martha said as she noticed the guards talking on the radio. “What now? I mean, now that you finished here.”
Fluttershy looked at the guards as one of them stood up and headed in their direction. The guard stood a yard away from the two as they looked at him with worry.
“Ma’am,” the guard called to the two women. “We need to go to headquarters. Urgent matter.”
Martha looked at him, confused about the matter. “Do I need to go?” she asked, “this probably doesn’t have to do with me.”
“You are free to go. It is just Fluttershy who is needed.” He stated.
Martha stood as she looked at Fluttershy who had a worried expression on her face. “Don’t worry.” She said. “We can probably hang out tomorrow,” she said while heading up to the register to pay for the treatment. Looking back at her she did not get an assuring look.
Martha left the building quickly and turned the corner with hopes that the guard didn’t follow her. With a quick hand she took her phone out of her pocket and searched through her contacts for “John A.”. With a quick dial she fell silent to the sound of the ring as she grew impatient the longer it took. She turned to see A van pull up with as the guards stood in line as they escorted her into the van.
“Yeah?” A man answered on the other end.
“John,” Martha frantically responded, “Something happened.”
“Some men went to pick up Fluttershy, right?” John sounded calm over the speaker.
“How did you know?” She was confused.
“I’m with the agency.” He explained, “They just need to talk to us about Monday and the crazy events that would unfold. Nothing you should be worried about.”
“So it’s nothing?”
“Nope, you can ask them. They’re here with me.” A mumbling came from the other line, “I guess you can’t, but be sure, everything will be fine.”
Martha fell silent as she watched Fluttershy be transported away from the salon with people watching. She hung up as the van out past the stoplight and around the corner.
_______________________________________
“John,” The PPA agent said, “this is serious, we have a lot to talk about.”
“Come on, We were preparing for this day for two weeks. What has changed?”
“Several things,” he replied, “mainly the intel coming from the tumblr and facebook pages about you guys. There is a large opposition about opening the portal. It even came out as a hot button topic for office. Those people were just the beginning.”
“I’ve dealt with racists and protests before, what is different?” John protested.
“People are fighting your relationship.”