Author: Dangerous Amoeba Pastebin URL: jBdLbw1K.html Date: Jul 18th, 2014 >Be Anonymous >Only human in Equestria. Probably. >While inna woods one day, you’re dropped into some forest close to some tiny village. >At least you decided to take plenty of things innawoods. >Your moist nugget and plenty of boolits, as well as bug out bag, where very useful until you found Ponyville. >You were a novelty for the first year of your stay here, ponies knew about you, but nobody was interested in you. >Until you joined up with the equestrian guard. >You did it just for the experience and bits. >The standards for joining aren’t exactly high. >Neither are the standards for staying, because in less than a year you had 3 medals and 5 certificates for exceptional ability. >And where commandeering your own squad of 4, plus you. Best ranked squad. >The certificates hardly mean anything, although Shining would tell you otherwise. >’Exceptional stamina’ always felt like it was the equivalent of a ‘You can run! Good job!’ as if it where kindergarten. >Anyway. >During a standard anti-smuggling patrol, in some middle of nowhere land. >Your patrol is attacked by smugglers, well-armed smugglers. >There were reports of attacks, but nothing of what happened. >At least that’s what Shining told you. >That’s why they sent the captain of the guards, to investigate. >Captain of the guard, and highest-ranking squad. >In reality, the ‘well armed smugglers’ where just 8 or so morons who managed to get lucky. >They were armed with some kind of bomb, and swords. >With weird luck, they managed to knock out Shining, and one of your squaddies. >Thankfully, your squad followed their training, and you shot the attackers. >Turns out, one of the ponies you shot was some leader of a smuggling cartel or something. >This was the most heroic thing anyone had ever done for the past 50 years or something, and so you and your squad where promoted to ‘Princesses guard’ >An honor that had not been granted to anyone for 40 years. >Shining Armor, the captain of the guard thought he owed his life to you. >And after many bar visits, parties and such. He’s still your only real friend. -------------------------------------------------------- >Today, you and your unit are accompanying the Princes Mi Amore Cadenza, to ponyville. >A bit weird. Princesses generally have an appointed guard. >You’ve accompanied other princesses, but never Cadence. >But it is technically part of your duty. >What’s weird is that the princess asked you to go, not an order, an invitation. >Since you’re just a travel guard, you handed the princess over to the castle guards, so now you’re off duty. >So you go to your favorite little pond at the edge of the Everfree forest. >Ponies really scared of this place, because Everfree forest. >You sit on the stump that has been your relaxation spot since you got here. >It’s a nice place. The insects humming is a gentle sound accompanied by the sound of water entering the pond via a tiny stream. >Ponies opinion of you changes from Monster to nobody to person to hero. >But this little place stayed the same. “This sucks; I’m supposed to be on leave. What in hell did she invite me for anyway?” >You think aloud, it should be safe to do that. >”Why did I invite you to go to Ponyvill with me?” >Hearing a princess’s voice, you instinctively turn around and salute. “My apologies princess.” >You probably won’t get any real disciplinary action, but you rather not temp fate. >”I never understood why you do that thing with your hand...” >She walks closer, waving her hind area with each step. >”...Not that I’m one to mind. It makes you look... Big.” >She whispers, trying to get to your ear. >You gulp “It’s a salute ma’am.” >”Hmm. At ease soldier.” >You relax, and let your hand down. Still standing at attention. >”Please sit down, I rather not have you look down on me. You’re a big guy.” >Trying to hold back the words. You fail. “For you, princess.” >You sit down on the stump facing the princess. >She also sits down on her rump. >”Let me ask you a question. What do you think about... Me?” “I’m not sure I understand the question princess. >”Right. Anon you’re a direct kind of guy so let me just lay it on the table” >”I know you have certain needs, certain wants.” >”You have a certain want I want to help you fulfill.” >The sultry voice and vague ‘want’ makes you question her intentions. >You’ve entertained the idea, but nothing more than a fap fantasy. >Most ponies are scared of your physiology, large and predatory. >Except Twilight, she took the anonymous D for science, and now she comes back every other week for a retest. >You dismiss the thought of sleeping with your best friend’s wife. >Cadence continues. >”I am willing to give you what you want, if you give me what I want” >She twirls her loose hair in a hoof. >”Humans last for a very long time, and that means I can finally get that feeling which I have always wanted.” >You speak up, to avoid any confusion. “Princess if I may. I’m not sure I follow, what exactly do you need?” >She looks at you as if you’re a child, and chuckles. >”Oh anon your so innocent and sweet. Let me say it simply. I want a test run, like Twilight.” >You have mixed feelings. On one hand, she’s top quality lay. One the other, she’s your best friends wife. >She traces a hoof over your chest directly above your heart; this action causes a slight shiver in your body. “Princess. Aren’t you married?” >You ask the question disappointed. >Thinking back to when you’re deployed with Shining, he would always miss his wife. >Poor guy can’t sleep right without her. >”Silly Anon, my husband knows nothing. What he doesn’t know can’t hurt him” >”My chamber guards, the gardener, the butler, Willy, the changeling spy who’s always lurking around the place...” >"I've fucked them all, and tonight, I want you. It’s not betrayal it’s just a little fun” >This, bitch. >Not only does she turn out to be low quality slut. And she’s cheating on your best friend. >Course, you can’t say anything. Not directly. “But princess, the captain is always there, why would you do this?” >The energy drains from her voice and she almost goes monotone like the element of laughter’s sister. >”I wouldn’t, if your friend could last a minute” >Ouch. >Your silent and still hoping this is just a joke/dream >”So my loyal guard, what do you say? I get what I want and you get what you want.” >Funny she called you loyal. >She traces the hoof down your rib cage, lower past your belly and settles just above your penis. >You stare at Cadence’s bedroom eyes. >Slightly shocked, and a bit mad. >She can’t be serious, they always acted like an inseparable couple. >>”Hello dear, what are you and Anon talking about?” >She is startled and quickly moves the hoof off your groin and onto the grassy ground. >He with a rather large grin on his face slaps before Cadence 4 pictures. >Cadence being spit roasted by the chamber guards. >The Gardner giving her a ride >The butler in pony style >and her gagging on Willy’s Willy >She stares at the pictures as if they showed her family being disemboweled >>”Happen to know anything about these, dear?” >A single tear forms in his left tear duct. His shit-eating grin still holds. >”Honey I-I can explain!” >Cadence is panicked, sweating, worry in her voice. >Shining’s face of mischief turns to one of anger. >>”Explain what?! That you have been cheating behind my back?! >You step back and let the couple go at it. >”W-Well I wouldn’t need to if you could fulfill my needs!” >>”Is that what a vow is worth to you?!” >Cadence now just looks down at her hoof. >>”I trusted you, I love you and I though you did the same” >His anger is now wearing down, and slowly turning to sadness. >He turns to you; tears are pouring freely now, he opens his mouth to speak. >Closes his mouth as if he couldn’t bring himself to say whatever he meant to say. >He huffs and storms off. >You turn to Cadence she just stares at her hoofs silently sobbing. >Looking at her, you wonder if she is lying to try to get your sympathy or if she is genuinely sorry. >You turn towards Shining; his storm has worn down into a walk, with his head hung low. >Can’t leave a friend in need. >Besides, you answer first to captain, before princess. >You start jogging towards Shining. Catch up to him and match his pace. >He speeds up slightly, and moves out of view of the pond, behind some wild bushes. >Nothing you can’t keep up with. >You put a hand on his withers. >He bumps you away >>”Not now Anon, just leave me alone for a while” >Translating from depressed to English: >>“Don’t you dare leave me too!” >You put a hand on his chest and slightly lift him, stopping him. >Then kneel down, still slightly taller than him. >He weakly tries to move away, but you hold. >>”Damn it Anon! I told you to leave me alone!” >He chokes out between sobs, tears soaking into his face fur. >You lift him higher, until his head is the same height as yours. >He still tries to miserably pull away. You force him into an awkward hug. >He gives up fighting, and gladly hugs back. >Pressing his snout into your chest, his horn, poking over your shoulder. >He sobs into your chest; you feel tears soak into your guard issued shirt. >After you don’t know how long, Shiny asks you a pained question. >>”Y-you weren’t thinking about it r-right, buddy?” “Course not.” >>”D-did I do something wrong? W-was it me?” “Hell no.” >>”Th-then why did- did she-.” “I don’t know.” >He tries to ask another question, but a sob cuts him off. “Let’s get you home.” >He doesn’t protest, and you carry him in his current state. >Carrying Shining along with your rifle is awkward, but you manage, and also make sure to cover his cutie mark. >You take him to a hotel room the guards hire every time they’re in town. >Officially, the guards should bunk in the castle, but the castle has limitations and rules. >Unlocking the door with your copy of the key. >>”I could have walked, you know.” >What was meant as a joke sounds like a whine. “Sure, if we wanted to take an hour with those stubby legs of yours.” >He giggles, sincerely. >You set him down, he slowly walks to the couch and you get him some water. >Walking back, you notice his blank stare; look through you as you walk by. >Carrying the water, you sit down, and set it on the table. >Shining shakes out of his thoughts. >He notices the glass, and lifts it up. >>”Thanks.” “Anytime.” >You lean your rifle against the table, and pull out the magic paper from your pocket. >Technically their only for official business, but this is probably the only use you’re gonna get out of them for a while. >Informing your squad that the hotel room is in use. >They know not to question. >You light the 4 pieces of paper on fire and it’s off. >You hear the ting of the glass as it’s set onto the table. >”I-I’m gonna go lie down.” “Alright. Call me if you need anything.” >You pick up the newspaper under the table, and try to read it. >Try as you may, your mind keeps wandering. >Mostly to what the princess is doing now. >Did she go back to the castle? Complain to someone? Was she taking another dick while shining cried? >Did she really feel bad? >It’s not your place to get involved, but you can’t just leave it as it is. For Shining’s sake. >The window is dark now, princesses raising and lowering the moon is awkward to adjust to. >You get up, and quickly head to the bathroom. >Come back, get your gun, and walk into Shining’s room. >It’s dark, the lamp is blown out. You can still hear the sound of sniffling and sobbing. “Shiny?” >You see something stir in the dark, and a moment later, a lamp is aflame. >>”H-hey bro. Need something?” >After setting your guard equipment on a chair, you walk over to the double bed, and sit down. “You gonna be alright?” >Shining moves a little, sitting prone next to you. >>”I thought everything would be perfect.” >You sigh and Shining continues. >>”Thought getting married to the princess of love would be perfect. I thought I had a perfect wife, I thought I had the perfect life, perfect house perfect job, Perfect. Friend.” >You can see him blush in the lamp light. >Placing a hand over his head, you gently scratch. You had learned quickly ponies like that. Among other things. >>”You remember that thing you said?” >He sniffles. “If it was anything I said drunk, disregard it for your own safety.” >>”Heh. No, you were only half-drunk. You said, ‘nothing can ever be perfect.’” “If you’re gonna take my drunken words as gospel, you should also know I said ‘The best way to remember things is to watch porn and memorize, so that each time you get an erection you remember.” >Shining giggles. “Wait, you don’t believe that, do you?” >>”It makes perfect sense though.” “No.” >Shining continues to giggle, but still has the voice of a child who just finished crying. >>”We should, get some sleep.” “I’ll stick around until you’re asleep.” >>”Thanks Anon.” >You put one leg on the bed, with the other leg off. >Shining lies down, his back facing you. >He can’t settle down, every few minutes he looks over towards you. >Each time you look back and smile. >He does the same, wiggles around and tries to settle in again. >Moving closer and closer each time. >This time, he snuggles his head into your leg, and sighs gently. >’He just needs someone to snuggle, Anon. No-homo right?’ >Listening to your shoulder angel, you get off the bed. >”HOLD UP, I’M SORRY!” >Shining yells out and stands on the bed at attention. >You look at him confused. >He blushes, and sits down on his rump, looking down at the bed. “Move over.” >He looks up and smiles, then lies down like before, but leaves some space for you. >You lie down on your side; extend your arm to which Shining replies by lifting his head and placing it on the arm. >Then you wrap an arm around your best friend, and bring him closer. >There is a small gap between you and Shining, which he quickly closes himself and presses his back against your chest. >You comply and snuggle tightly. “Good night Shiny.” >”Good night Anon.” -------------------------------------------------------- >You feel a warm soft body pressed against you. >Stirring in your sleepy state, you feel the body rise and fall under your arm. >You press your head into the fur, it moves a little. >Sighing, you rub your face into the silky surface. >It moves a little more, grunting. >Your eyes finally opens. Met by a snowy landscape and blue sea connecting to it. >Feeling more peaceful than usual, you don’t practice your daily thrashing in bed. >You move a little, shifting your eyes. This time met with wooden planks, covered in wax finisher. >The body your sleepy eyes thought was snow turns out to be your best friend’s fur. >Shining peacefully sleeps. His head on your arm using it as a pillow. >You realize your other arm is wrapped around him, and he’s clutching your hand with both of his hooves. >Trying to move your numb hand results in a moan from Shining. >Not wanting to wake him up, you let up and allow him to hold your completely numb hand. >You begin to move your head away from his, sliding gently. >He stirs a little, letting go of your hand. >You gently move your hand away, and slowly glide it over his body. >He follows the hand, and rolls over in his sleep. >You quickly press yourself down to avoid being stabbed by his horn. >He wraps his free hooves around you. >Then proceeds to jam his muzzle under your jaw, his horn angled just away from you. >You wrap around him again, rubbing his back gently. >Eyes darting around the room, afraid to move lest risk being gored on the horn. >Something that would be extremely painful. >for the both of you. “Shining.” >You whisper. “Shining!” >Louder. “Shining!” >Louder still. >”Yea *MUMBLE*-you too.” “Shining!” >After a couple more minutes of unintelligible mumbling and your attempt at waking him. >Shining takes in a deep breath, before rubbing his muzzle into your neck. >”Huh!? Oh...-” >He looks up, blushing. >You relax seeing him awake. “Guten morgen, captain Armor.” >He looks away still blushing, you swear he’s smiling. >”G-good morning Anon...” >He moves his hooves off you. >”S-sorry about that-“ “No worries. Sleep well?” >”Yea-“ >He answers coyly. >After a period of silence he moves away >You begin to slide off the bed, sitting on it’s edge. Your knees up to your chest because of the bed height. >Eyeing the clock on the wall, you realize you slept in. “Damn, we gotta brief in 30 minutes.” >You stand up, and begin walking out of the room towards the bathroom. >Hearing the clip clop of hooves, you know Shining is following you. “I’m pretty sure I gave you the schedule a day or so ago.” >”Yea, I have it in my bag. We’ll go over it over breakfast.” >Walking into the bathroom, Shining takes the sink and starts brushing his teeth. >You walk to the toilet to relive yourself. “So we’re supposed to escort one of the elements and help her deal with a Manticore or something, at around 1400.” >You finish up and hear the sound of Shining spitting. >”1400?” “2 o clock in the afternoon, man.” >You begin brushing your teeth as Shining finishes up and walks to the toilet. >”Hey bro, I don’t get your weird ass time system.” >You quickly brush, spit and speak. “It’s simpler than the standard time system. Literally the hours in a day.” >Finishing up, you walk out of the bathroom. >To the kitchen, see whatever was stocked by one of the others. >Checking the larder, you see eggs, milk and some other simple vegetables. >You get to work on some omelets. Eggs, chopped green onion, chilies, and some other stuff. >Nothing fancy, better than more apple flavored cereal. Plus it’s the closest thing to meat easily available. >Shiny walks to the table, and takes a seat. “Get ready for some eggs, you little shit.” >”Sounds good to me.” >Finishing the omelets, you begin assembling your tea. A secret recipe. >You finish up, carrying the food over and place it on the table. >Shining has some papers in his magic. >You walk back, and get the cups of tea. >Turning around, Shining quickly turns his head away. >Finally heading back to the table, you place the tea in front of shining and yourself. “What where you looking at?” >”Wha-? Oh... Errr, nothing.” >Shining looks around, guiltily. “Alright man. Eat your damn food, you freeloader.” >”It’s not my fault you’re the only good cook in the squad.” “Only good cook, shot, eyes. Remind me why we have squads anyway?” >”Shut up, Anon.” >You take a fork of your omelet, and bite into it. >Shining sets his paper down, and sips his tea. >He looks up. “Don’t you fucking dare.” >You hold your finger up menacingly. >He grins looking you right in the eye, before saying: >”This is some bomb ass tea, Anon.” “Every! Fucking! Time!” >You wave your hands in false anger. >Shining laughs. >The rest of breakfast goes mostly quietly, Shining hands you a piece of paper. >A personal letter from the element you’ll be escorting. >You skim through it. >Something about being interested in meeting the only human, and shit. >Nothing useful or interesting. Just another late fan of the novelty. Or maybe the hero, whatever. >You finish your food, and drink the last drop of your tea. >”I’ll get the plates.” “You’re doing work?! You feeling alright?” >You ask sarcastically, but playfully. >”So, you have a problem with me working, and not working. What do you want me to do?” “The dishes.” >You say smugly, before walking back to the bedroom. >You prepare your packs, making sure your things are in order. >Tools in good condition, maps compasses, etc. All in their places. >You linger on your pack a bit longer; making sure your ammunition is in good condition. >You try to reuse casing till it’s un workable, you brought plenty of ammo, but you rather save the high quality stuff. >OK. It’s not high quality, it’s steel cased surplus 30 cents a round. But it’s better than the black powder stuff you’ve been reloading. >You carry 5 clips of surplus, and 15 of the black powder stuff. >Finishing your packs, you go over to the closet and change your shirt. >Just to look a little presentable. >”A-Anon?” >Shining stands at the doorway. Looking at you with worry in his voice and tears in his eyes. >You walk over and kneel down in front of him “Yea, buddy?” >”D-did, that really happen? Anon?” >You instantly remember what ‘that’ is. >All morning you had forgotten about it. Everything felt so perfect. “Shiny-.” >You try to say something to help, but words escape you and you look down at the floor. >”Anon...” >Shiny wraps his hooves around you. Pressing his muzzle into your neck. >You too wrap your arms around him. Feeling some wetness on your neck. “Wish I could do something...” >You whisper, not sure if you wanted to say that out loud. >”Don’t you dare say that. You’ve done more than anypony else would.” >Shining says through tears, you look him in the eyes and wipe some tears with your hands. >You offer him a smile, wiping the last of the tears. >”Th-thanks Anon...” >He hugs you again, this time just a friendly hug, you don’t feel new tears. >”I-If we run into... Run into...” >He ponders on the words for a second, before clutching his eyes shut and holding you in a death grip. >”If we run into the bitch.” >You feel a few tears leak out at that. >”Keep me from doing something stupid.” “Will do buddy.” >Shining finally lets go. >”Let’s move then.” >He walks over to his kit, waiting for you. -------------------------------------------------------- >After helping Shiny with his Armor and packs, you get to wearing your stuff. >”Th-thanks, Anon.” “You’re gonna start thanking me now?” >You stare at him quizzing in a playful sense. >”No... No. Just, umm, ah, just...” >Shining’s eyes look around the floor, searching for words. >”Just, umm appreciate you.” >He says blushing. “I love you too faggot.” >You place a hand on his head, shiny leans forward and lets you do your thing. >Running your hand through his hair, trace around and settle for scratching at the base of his ear. >He sighs before, lifting a leg and point his hoof at you. >You make a fist and dap his hoof, before standing up and making your way to your things spread around the floor and bed. >Checking the equipment, you’re distracted by the hooves clopping behind you. >Turning to check when they suddenly stop, Shining is smiling sincerely in the doorway. >Your mind is flooded with sympathy, wondering if he’s genuinely happy or if he’s lying. >You try to take your mind off what happened and think about your equipment. >You begin wearing your basic armor provided by the guard. >Modified pieces of pony leather armor. Knee pads, shin guards, vambraces, and some smaller pieces for your body. >You were given especially made ceremonial armor, it’s part of the title. >But that thing weighs over 30 kilograms, because of the massive amounts of gold, and extra components for looks. >Plus it’s bulky, you feel like you may as well wear sand bags. >So you opt to wear the leather armor you were given when you signed up. >Your boots, gloves and helmet are the only things the guard armorers made for you. You modified everything else. >The helmet was made to your liking, and it’s basically a cross between a stahlhelm and m1. >Ponies still stare into your helmet confused at the maze of straps and fabric. >You remember Cadence helping you make that helmet. >She offered to help herself. She was known for always being there to lend a hoof. >She’d always ask you if you needed help with anything. >All the princesses are very hands-on about their subjects, but she was a lot more personal. >Until yesterday, you’d have never assumed her to being cruel. >You shake your head, snapping the final clamp on your cheap chest carrier. >Most of its pockets are filled with large cumbersome tools. Compasses of 2 types, maps, sewing kits, fire starter kits, and so on. >Things that have a smaller more advanced counterpart back home. >Placing your earmuffs around your neck, you finally put your helmet on. >Shining is still standing at the door with his smile. >You stare at him for a second, but he doesn’t react until you begin walking towards him. “Alright, let’s go.” >”Hmm?!” >Shining snaps out of his trace looking up at you expectantly, still smiling. “Let’s get going.” >You grab your mosin, slinging it over your shoulder. >”Oh. Ok.” >You lock the hotel room, while Shiny walks towards the stair well. “Right, so we’re briefing at the castle, in the war room.” >”All the others were staying at the castle?” “Yea, some of the castle guard where injured or something. My guys had to stay help out if they need it.” >”Alright.” >Stepping out onto the early morning streets is refreshing. >You remember early morning marches. >Guard has one mandatory 2.5km march in the afternoon, and multiple elective marches, ranging 3-7kms. >The morning march is 4 and a bit kilometers, it’s designed for the marchers to be back before armory sessions. >No body other than the ponies with military cutie marks ever shows up. >You always take it as a morning stroll. “So the elements and princesses are heading to the crystal empire.” >You hope you putting in that otherwise irrelevant fact would lighten Shining’s mood. >He continues to walk unchanged. >”Yea, they’re all busy ponies I guess.” >Looking around ponies going about their early morning stuff, some carrying things, shop owners preparing for the day. >The crystal castle stands out among the wood, brick and straw houses. >”Damn, I forgot how blinding this thing is.” “Yea. Shit, looks like we might be late.” >You quickly enter the castle, you see a pink face on a balcony watching you and Shining walk down the hall. >Turning to Shining, you hope he doesn’t see her. “Let’s move a bit faster, we’re already late.” >”Yea, race ya.” “You’re on.” >Unslinging and holding your rifle, you begin running. >Shining’s hoof beats speed up, along with your footsteps. >Through the hallways, turning into another hallway before stepping to a room. >You both enter the room at the same time, Shining huffing a little, you feel some moisture on your forehead, but nothing much. >5 Ponies stand at a table at the center of the room. “Excuse us for being late, princess.” >>”It’s alright; you’re not even really late.” >Twilight looks at you coyly, lingering on you. >>”We were just going to discuss something important about the element of kindness. Now that Anonymous and Captain Armor are here, we can begin.” >Shiny and you take your places next to your ponies >>”Fluttershy, the element of kindness, whom you will be accompanying. Is not used to talking to strangers, and has trouble with them.” >You feel Shining leaning on you, still looking at his sister. >>”Your mission, is to help her deal with a manticore that has been encroaching on Ponyville. Fluttershy is very skilled at dealing with animals, she talked down a dragon once, but she’s not too good with communicating. I expect you, Anonymous, to take charge and lead your guard in a manner that is helpful to Fluttershy.” “Yes, ma’am.” >>”And the rest of you, I expect to be respectful and nice to Fluttershy, to avoid making her uncomfortable.” >A chorus of affirmation follows. >>”Excellent. She will be here shortly. Dismissed.” “Everyone check equipment; and wear your damn hearing protection.” >You bark an order to you guys. Shining goes off to help and make sure things are in order. >>”Anonymous?” >Twilight stands at your feet, looking up. “Yes princess?” >>”I was serious about Fluttershy being really shy, I’m really counting on you to keep her safe. I’m really expecting you to accompany her and keep her safe.” >Credit where credits due, the princess of friendship cares for her friends. “Of course, princess.” >She looks at you satisfied with your answer and smiles. >>”And maybe later, you could accompany me.” >You see some red on her face, and she winks at you. “More testing?” >>”Yes, I’m in need of new data.” >Twilight looks at you coyly again, with bedroom eyes. Before looking behind you and walking off. >Shiny walks up next to you. >”What was that about?” “Nothing, just the princess of friendship worrying about her friends. >”Alright...” >You don’t know much of Shining and Twilight's relationship, but he always seems like a good big brother to her. >So you’re not sure if he knows of you and Twilight or not. >A yellow Pegasus soon walks into the room, followed by Twilight. >>”Attention, every pony!” >Everyone looks over to the mares. >>”This is Fluttershy, the element of kindness. Fluttershy, this is Anonymous, Shining Armor, Lumber, Siege Engine, Cartwheel and Ink Spot.” >>>”Umm... Hello.” >The Pegasus timidly responds, looking around the room. >Everyone replies with a greeting, causing the room to get a bit louder. >The Pegasus covers her ears, and recoils back. “This is gonna be a long day.” >You say to Shiny, as everyone gets back to checking equipment and Twilight helps Fluttershy with whatever her problem is. >Everyone finishes checking, and Twilight asks for attention one last time. >>”Alright everypony. Good luck.” >Fluttershy takes over, and speaks in a barely audible voice about nature and the manticore and how we shouldn’t hurt it. >You approach her slowly, afraid of scaring her. She looks up at you excited. >>>”Oh my! Aren’t you big! I’ve never seen a human, you’re so cute.” >You recoil for a second, and you hear Shining laughing standing next to you. “Thank you? Ma’am. Are we ready to go?” >>>”Oh please! Call me Fluttershy. And yes, I am ready to go help that poor manticore.” >You turn around from the deranged mare. “Alright guys! Move out!” --------------------------------------------------------