> Gentle Giant?
>  by RunicTreetops
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Gentle Giant?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy covers her face with a wing as another wave crashes against the side of the ship, spraying her with cold, salty water. Although she is wearing appropriate seafaring clothing, the South Luna Ocean isn't known for having a forgiving climate. The small seafaring vessel typically cuts through the water like a knife, but this area seems to be particularly violent at the moment. The overcast skies threaten to rain at any moment, and the only other pony aboard the ship, the captain, is focused entirely on keeping the ship steady.

Fluttershy, meanwhile, is completely focused on the water. She's been at sea for three days now on a journey to research a few aquatic creatures that live far out into the South Luna Ocean. Admittedly, there is only so much she can do while on a ship, especially in waters as dangerous as these, but this part of the planet is one of the least explored, and the world deserves to know about the creatures that inhabit it. At least, that's her justification. In reality, she just really wants to see some whales. But that doesn't sound nearly as cool, now, does it?

Right now, however, Fluttershy is concerned. Something is amiss, and it isn't the weather. With a furrowed brow, she retreats from the front deck of the ship and heads to the wheel.

"Captain Merrick!"

"I already told ya, call me 'Merry,' lass, it's easier on the ears!"

"Captain Merry, can you stop the ship?"

"Aye, give her a few moments to slow down, first." As the ship slows to a crawl, the rocking caused by the waves becomes more apparent to the two vulnerable ponies. "So, what'd ya find this time? More o' them whales o' yers?" The pair walks back to the front of the ship, each with their own pairs of binoculars. However, whether it be due to the rough waves or his bad eyes, Merry can't see anything of interest. "Er, lass? I dunno that I can see what you're seeing."

"That's the problem, Captain. There's nothing out here."

"Well, ya can't expect every inch o' of the sea to be crawlin' with critters."

"I wholly disagree. There are thousands of species of fish and other sea life that call these waters home. I don't just mean there aren't any whales or anything like that. I mean that there's nothing here."

Merry looks confused for a moment. He may be a stallion of the sea, but he is no marine biologist. 

"So, er, what does that mean for us?"

"I'm not sure, but I think there has to be a reason that nothing lives here."

"In my experience, lass, that typically means we shouldn't be here, either."

As he looks out to the water, Merry feels a chill wash over him. Thinking he was underestimating the temperature, he goes to button up his raincoat, only to realize that he is no longer being pelted by the rough waves. In fact, the waves appear to have calmed. Completely. That's... not normal. Captain Merrick has spent many days at sea. Along the way, he has had many exciting and dangerous encounters, one of which cost him three of his legs which are now replaced by wooden pegs. But this? 

...This creeps him out.

And it looks like Fluttershy thinks so too.

"Captain Merry, I think something is wrong."

"Aye. Whatever it is about these waters, I don't like it one bit. I'm turnin' us around."

As Merry starts to turn to head back to the wheel, Fluttershy tenses and places a hoof on his shoulder to stop him.

"Captain, I think something is coming."

With a nervous gulp, Merry turns once more to follow Fluttershy's gaze. She stares into the now completely calm ocean, staring intently at the water's surface. A mixture of fear and intrigue is visible in her eyes, and Merry begins to question the sanity of this typically demure mare. It doesn't help that he still doesn't see anything. Does she just have a sixth sense for this sort of thing?

Then, all at once, the water in front of the ship becomes rough. Ripples pour out in all directions, seemingly sourceless for just a moment before the water itself begins to rise in a pillar in front of them. As the surface tension finally breaks, the cause of these strange occurrences becomes all too apparent. 

A massive behemoth of a creature rises out of the water. Seemingly reptilian, it is covered in grayish-brown scales. Its wide, bulky appearance gives it an aura of absolute strength, even if little more than its head and shoulders are visible above the water. As the seawater streaks down the sides of its face and splash into the ocean below, the two ponies realize how unfathomably huge this creature is, and how utterly small they are in comparison.

For its part, the beast simply stares at them, its massive eyes almost leering at the two ponies. To its surprise, neither of the two ponies look away. Fluttershy stares back into its eyes with wonder and curiosity, while Merry returns its stare with an equal intensity. Fluttershy has dealt with animals of all kinds, and while in the past she would have been afraid by something like this, she has learned how to handle even the most stubborn creatures. All she sees is an absolute marvel of nature and a creature that she has never heard of before. For his part, Merry chose to cast away his fear. He has faced down terrifying creatures in the past, from megalodon sharks to terrifying krakens. You don't live a long life on the sea without claiming your place near the top of the food chain. Deep down, he understands that there is little he could reasonably do against a creature like this, but to back down from its challenge would be accepting certain death. 

"Wow. Mr. Lizard, I don't know who or what you are, but you're beautiful." The beast's attention turns squarely on Fluttershy, its two massive eyes staring directly at her without needing to move its head at all. "I've never seen anything like you."

The creature makes what sounds like a huffing noise as extremely hot breath pours out of its tiny nostrils. Without looking away from the creature or making any sudden movements, Merry voices a concern that he has had since this creature emerged.

"Ya know, I didn't think he was real."

"Captain Merry, you know what he is?"

"Tis only a story, lass. Legends tell of a titan that lives deep in the ocean, ready to annihilate anything it deems unworthy of living on this planet. Many vessels have been lost for disturbing its peace, and very few have lived to tell the tale. Those that have can only describe bits and pieces of him, as he never fully rises from the water. And they call him... Godzilla."

A deep, growl-like sound escapes Godzilla as his attention turns to Merry. His eyes narrow a bit before the growl ends.

"Actually, he wants me to tell you his name is actually Gojira."

"Heh, that ability of yours to understand beasties never fails to surprise me. Well, I want you to tell him that he's a big nerd."

"That seems a bit uncalled for, don't you think?"

"I'm still calling him Godzilla, lass."

With those words the three stand in relative silence for a few tense minutes, apparently all unwilling to make the first move. Eventually, Fluttershy speaks up once again.

"Um, Mr. Gojira, sir? Would it be okay if I asked you some questions about your biology? I just think you're fascinating, and I would like to know more about you."

Gojira lets out another growl, this one sounding less... threatening than the last, though its appearance is still undeniably terrifying.

"You don't want me to take notes? That's okay! If you'd rather have the details be kept a secret between us, that's fine by me!"

With a massive nod, the two engaged in conversation, only one half of which Merry could understand. It's kind of jarring watching this soft-spoken, fragile pegasus mare ask questions like "how tall are you" or "how do you reproduce" to a colossal terror like that, only for the beast to actually respond in the form of various guttural growls and huffs, which she apparently understands. The two talk like this for hours, eventually causing Merry to get surprisingly bored while staring down something that could kill him just by breathing too hard.

After a while, though, the conversation seems to be winding down before Fluttershy asks a question that practically makes Merry jump right out of his peg legs.

"If you're so bored, would you like to visit Ponyville with me?"

W-what?

"Lass, what are ya saying? We can't take this beast back to land with us!"

"Why not? He's a gentle giant! And it's just like you said, his job is to protect the planet from those that want to harm it. But right now, there isn't anyone who wants to harm it! So, he's been bored out here. He's the only one of his species left, you know."

"That doesn't mean he can come to land with us, lass! Intentional or not, to say he would cause some problems would be an understatement!"

"Oh, you're exaggerating! He's a sweetheart! Aren't you?"

To Merry's horror, Fluttershy flies up to the massive form of Gojira, giving him an affectionate rub on the tip of his nose. She may as well be less than an ant to him, and yet he seems to almost coo at her touch. It's... kind of cute to watch.

"...Well, I'm not responsible for anything that happens once we make it back to shore, alright lass?"

Fluttershy is too enamored by her new friend to hear the worried sailor. Surely nothing will go wrong, right?





Outside of a small restaurant in Ponyville, Rarity and Rainbow Dash are having a relaxing lunch of cucumber sandwiches. While Rarity is clearly in her element, Rainbow Dash seems less eager to be there, though she is at least courteous enough to stay put for Rarity's sake.

"I wonder how Fluttershy is doing. The dear has been gone for nearly two weeks now."

"Eeehhhhhh, I'm sure she's fine. You know how she gets when she's around those foreign animals. She probably saw a few dolphins and lost her mind."

"Perhaps, but the South Luna Ocean is a dangerous place."

"Pfft, the most dangerous thing out there is the water, and she's with one of the best sailors in Equestria!"

"And what of the sea life? I've heard there are monsters out there!"

"Has there ever been a wild animal that Fluttershy couldn't tame?"

"...Well, I suppose you have a point."

As Rarity is about to reach for her tea, she notices a ripple form in the cup. That's... odd.

"Hey, uh Rarity? Did you feel that?"

"Feel what?"

The ground suddenly shakes. A gentle shake, but after a moment there is another, and another, and another, until the shaking becomes somewhat violent.

"Is there an earthquake or something?"

"Oh heavens, I hope not!"

The ground shakes once more, this time tipping Rarity's teacup completely over, causing it to roll off the table and spill over the ground. 

"Woah! Here, you're a whole lot safer in the air."

Scooping up Rarity as gently as she can (which, for Rainbow Dash, isn't even remotely gentle), Rainbow Dash takes to the sky, lifting Rarity about ten feet in the air. Below them, ponies hide under tables or run for whatever cover they can. 

"We don't normally get earthquakes here in Ponyville. I wonder what could be causing thi- SWEET CELESTIA WHAT IS THAT?!"

Slowly emerging from behind a mountain not far from Ponyville is the ominous outline of a colossal, terrifying creature. As it rounds the mountain, it becomes clear that perspective was the only thing hiding it, as it's just about as big, if not bigger, than the mountain itself. As its footsteps cause the ground to shake, the ponies realize that the beast is heading directly for Ponyville. An alarm rings out, causing most of Ponyville's inhabitants to panic. As ponies flee for their lives, Rarity and Rainbow Dash are left in the sky wondering what to do. Suddenly, shooting past them about thirty feet higher into the air, a formation of Wonderbolt members speeds towards the creature. 

"Haha, yeah! Go get 'em, guys!" As the Wonderbolts become little more than specks in the sky, Dash watches in confusion as, just as they reach the monster, they seem to stop for a moment before turning around and heading back the way they came. By the time they return, they're moving a little less quickly back to Wonderbolt HQ. "H-huh? Do they need reinforcements or something? Should I be helping them?"

"I don't think you have time to think about that!"

Turning her attention away from the Wonderbolts and back towards the monster, Rainbow Dash nearly drops Rarity as she realizes that it is almost right on top of them. How did it move so fast?

Rainbow Dash is an extremely courageous mare, but this beast is so massive, even she can't help but tremble a little bit as it looks down directly at her.

"T-that thing has to be at least 400 feet tall!"

Suddenly, a quiet voice, which would have been inaudible if not for the shocked silence that covered Ponyville following the beast's arrival, rings out from far above their heads.

"Technically, he's only 119.8 meters tall."

Instinctively, despite the terror filling her body, Rainbow Dash cries out, "Neeeeerd!"

"Fluttershy, darling, is that you? What is that thing?!"

Gently flying down from the monster's shoulder, Fluttershy happily greets the two mares. Noticing the unicorn's growing discomfort, Rainbow Dash slowly lowers Rarity back down to the ground before continuing their conversation.

"This is Gojira! He's the protector of the planet."

"Gojira? I feel like I've heard that name before..."

"Some ponies call him Godzilla."

Rainbow Dash's eyes go wide.

"Wait, THAT Godzilla? The one in the cave paintings? The one that beat up that three headed dragon? And the big plant monster? And the giant moth?"

"W-well, I believe he is the one from the paintings, but I don't know about all that."

"What is he doing here?! He's going to kill us!"

Now with a stern look on her face, Fluttershy looks disapprovingly at Dash.

"No he is not! He is my friend! He's just here to visit. He wants to see how the world is doing!"

"Well, we're doing fine, as he can see! Now, can you make sure he doesn't destroy the town?"

"How dare you! Those are hurtful assumptions, you know. He hasn't hurt anypony yet, has he?"

"I..." Looking past Gojira, Rainbow Dash realizes that there is, somehow, absolutely no destruction left in his wake. Even the ground isn't disturbed. "I guess not? But where are you going to go? It's going to be hard for him to avoid accidentally stepping on something."

"Hehe, that's okay! He promised to be really careful."

"...Right."

Suddenly, a single spear flies through the air towards Gojira, carried by an extremely impressive throw before... bouncing harmlessly off of his tough skin. Turning around, the three mares notice a squadron of Royal Guard members with their spears at the ready. The brave volunteer stands in front of them, his eyes wide, his ears tucked against his head in fear, and his armor a new shade of gold. Gojira turns his head to look down directly at the stallion, before giving a toothy (VERY toothy) grin. 

The Royal Guard were not seen in Ponyville for several weeks following this.

"Well, if you'll excuse us, we're going to visit the Sweet Feather Sanctuary!"

"U-um, alright, darling. Have... fun, I suppose?"

"Hmhm, we will!" 

Fluttershy happily takes to the sky once more and perches on Gojira's shoulder. With massive, earth-shaking footsteps, the two make their way to the outskirts of town, where Fluttershy's sanctuary awaits.





Several days later, the unlikely pair find themselves once again on the coast of the South Luna Ocean. Gojira has planted himself a bit off of the coast to avoid destroying the small town that can be found there. The two happily chat amongst each other, a bit of melancholy in the air.

"I'm sorry we couldn't spend a bit more time together."

Gojira lets out a small growling noise. Of course, "small" is relative, and it sounds more like a siren to those in the nearby village.

"Yes, I know you live in the ocean. Those gills of yours need stimulation, after all! Still, I'm glad to have met you. Maybe we will meet again!"

Another growl, this time accompanied by the closest Gojira can get to a smile.

"Haha, yes, I suppose another meeting would mean something bad is going on. But, even though everypony else thinks you're scary, I feel better knowing that you're out there watching over us."

Gojira makes a huffing noise.

"Oh, aren't you a sweetheart! Come here!"

Despite her teeny tiny form, Fluttershy flies up in-between Gojira's eyes and gives him the best hug she can. He... isn't exactly capable of reciprocating, so he just closes his eyes and accepts it. When he opens them again, he can't help but look past Fluttershy at the little fishing village. There, he sees the distinct sight of a local stallion dumping the contents of his trash can into the seawater, but Gojira pretends not to notice. Finally letting go, Fluttershy flies a bit further away from the kaiju.

"Well, I suppose you should be heading out now, huh?"

Gojira growls.

"Hehe, good luck on your trip home!"

Fluttershy waves as Gojira turns his massive form around, walking further and further into the water as his body slowly sinks below the waves. Just before becoming completely submerged, a roar rings out across the landscape. Fluttershy wipes away a single tear as Gojira disappears beneath the water.

With a contented smile, Fluttershy turns around as well, ready to head back home to Ponyville and tell her friends all about Gojira. Did you know that he's actually very well read? He loves that new sci-fi novel, "Pacific Ram." Ooh, she's going to have so many stories to tell!





The next morning, hours after Fluttershy left, the coastal fishing village had been razed to the ground. The locals claim to be ignorant as to who the perpetrator might have been.