Chapters Fluttershy took in a deep breath of the fresh but damp morning air as she stepped out of her cottage. She had risen early so that she could begin her daily routine of chores for the animals which she cared for. But before beginning, the pony paused to take in the beauty of the day. The sun was already above the hills in the sky, casting its bright, warm glow down upon the land which surrounded her. The heat of its rays had caused a thin layer of mist from the morning dew which rested upon the grass to hang low in the air. It was already growing warm, and it looked as though it was going to continue doing so with a distinct lack of any clouds in the clear cerulean blue skies above. Her eyes followed the contours of the landscape until they reached the edge of the Everfree forest, its dark, towering trees keeping its contents cool and sunless. Her ears raised and her eyes focused as she noticed movement within the shadowed underbrush.
She stood curious and frozen as a stallion stumbled out from the forest, tripping over a root and nearly crashing to the ground. He then looked around again and again as if lost and confused. Besides the fact that his mane and fur were a mess, tangled, caked with dried mud, and some parts covered with burrs, the stallion appeared rather average; a pony that would not be all that noticeable in a crowd. His coat was a light brown, almost the color of cream and his mane the color of coffee. She squinted to see the cutie mark upon his flank. It was too distant for her judgement to be accurate, but it seemed to be a cookie. She could tell that something was amiss and began to trot towards him at a quick pace.
The last of the dew that still clung to the grass beneath her hooves soaked into her fur as she made her way towards the stallion. “Um, hello? Is everything okay?” she asked in a soft holler. The stallion’s light blue eyes darted towards her, and he stood there still and silent until she reached him. “Are you okay?” she asked again.
“Um… yes… I’m just a bit lost,” he let out hesitantly, his eyes leaving hers and returning to examining the landscape.
“It really looks like it. Are you from around here? What’s your name?”
“No… and it’s… um…” he muttered, his eyes turning up towards the glowing blue sky and squinting at the sun. “S-Sunny… Skies? Yes, that’s right, Sunny Skies,” he then said more confidently, giving her a nod. That confidence disappeared quickly, and he turned away in what Fluttershy took as embarrassment. A pale yellow caught her eyes, and she looked down at the sun upon his flank which seemed to match his name nicely, she thought. She then remembered thinking it to be a cookie previously. At a distance it had not even appeared to be yellow at all.
“I’m Fluttershy. So where did you come from then? Is there anything I can do to help?” she asked softly. The stallion paused, opened his mouth, and then shut it softly again.
“Is something wrong?” Fluttershy asked, soon after realizing that her question had already been answered.
“I’m sorry,” he said weakly before pausing once more. “I can’t…” he said after a moment. Fluttershy let out a soft gasp, remembering how he had struggled with his name as well.
“Could you have amnesia? You must. Why else couldn’t you remember?”
“Yeah, that’s it. That makes sense,” he agreed rather quickly.
“Oh my, well, it’ll be okay… even if it’s not. I’m sorry. You’re lost, have nowhere to stay, and you’re probably starving and parched. How about you stay with me until we figure things out? You can get cleaned up and I’ll make you something to eat.”
“I… alright. Thank you, Fluttershy.”
“Mhm, and then once you’re feeling better I can take you to a doctor. Now come with me. I’ll show you my home,” she said with a soft motion of her head in the direction of the cottage.
The two were silent on the short jaunt back to Fluttershy’s quaint and homely cottage. She led Sunny Skies to her bathroom and returned to the kitchen to make breakfast for both of them and to allow him the time he needed to clean himself up.
***
To Fluttershy’s surprise, the stallion who seemed almost even quieter than herself was much more willing to converse when he sat down with her for breakfast, a generous stack of pancakes before him. She was barraged with a series of questions about her life, an activity that might make her uncomfortable with the normal stranger, but with him, it was different. She also could not help but notice that perhaps she had misjudged him as the average stallion before. There was something different about him, something she could not quite put her hoof on. Yes, he looked as average as a stallion could be at first glance, but with closer examination, there was something unique about him. He did stand out. She was unsure of exactly how though, and it was not just his personality either.
“There’s a lot of animals here. Are they your pets, or are you just caring for them?” he asked, his eyes examining the many creatures wandering about the pony’s home.
“Oh, well yes, some of them are pets like Angel,” she said pointing a hoof to the impatient bunny standing on the table beside her with a scowl on its muzzle, “and the others I’m caring for.”
“So is that your duty… er… job here?”
“Mhm, but I’d consider it a major part of my life more than anything else. I absolutely love caring for all of these lovely critters.”
“Hm, well, it’s good that you enjoy it, especially if you’re getting paid to do it… bits right?”
“Um… yes?” Fluttershy muttered softly, a bit confused by the asking of a question with such an obvious answer. Unless he was a pony born in another land with a different currency. He certainly looked Equestrian though. She then remembered the amnesia that plagued him, and began to feel as though her answering of the question was a bit harsh.
“So, I can tell you like the company of animals. Is there anything else you do for fun?”
“Oh yes, I love nature just as much. It is these amazing little critters’ home, after all. So I spend a lot of my time outdoors. Um, otherwise I guess I just like relaxing at home, or any situation that’s calm and not too exciting.” She gave Sunny Skies a smile before taking a bite of her pancakes.
“Hmm, sounds nice. Any friends then, besides the animals, I mean.”
“Oh yes, I have five very close friends. Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and-”
“Princess Twilight Sparkle,” the stallion interrupted.
“Oh, um, you know them?”
“Well, of course I do, doesn’t everypony? I mean even me who’s not from around here knows. I didn’t know you were that Fluttershy.”
“I… yes, I am,” the pegasus muttered in embarrassment, unsure of whether or not his tone was that of amazement or fear. The pink glow of her cheeks began to stand out from her yellow coat. “But what I meant was the amnesia. It must be improving, or maybe that’s just a memory that’s never gone away?”
“Oh… right, uh, maybe it is getting… better?”
“Well, I certainly hope it is,” she said in a soft and considerate tone that she hoped helped to hide the sudden anxiety that was rushing over her.
“Anyways,” Sunny Skies said to her relief, her change of mood being much more noticeable to him than she had hoped.
“…Um, I actually do need to get to the animals. They haven’t had their breakfast yet either, and of course I have a full day ahead of me taking care of them,” Fluttershy said, one of Angel’s paws tugging at the thick curl of her mane. “Besides, I’m sure you’d like some time to rest and catch up after all,” she muttered, hurrying to finish off her pancakes so that she could tend to the patient and some not so patient animals.
“Actually, I should thank you for all you’ve done to help so far. Is there anything that you need me to do, or do you need an extra hoof with your work?”
“Oh no, no, no,” Fluttershy said with a soft shake of her head. “That’s so very kind of you to offer, and I’m sorry for refusing, but you need your rest. You still look exhausted,” she said, glancing up at his eyes, a dull glaze over top of them, “and maybe a bit confused?”
“I’ll be fine to work though. Trust me, I’m used to it… or I think I am, I mean.”
“Oh no, I’m positive. You need your rest. I’ll be fine. I do this every day,” Fluttershy said somewhat more assertively, yet still with a softness in her tone.
“Hm, alright then. Thanks again, Fluttershy.”
“Oh yes, of course, I probably won’t be back for lunch. You can have or make whatever you want…oh,” she muttered, noticing the almost untouched stack of pancakes still sitting in front of her guest. There was only a bite or two taken from them, and she knew they had already grown cold after finishing her own. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Yes, much better than I was. Thank you,” he said with a nod and smiled. Unsure of whether or not he was avoiding the question or simply not fully understanding why she had asked, she decided not to push it any farther.
“You’re very welcome,” she said with a smile. “I’ll be back before dinner, I hope you get some good rest and are feeling even better when I return.”
“I have a feeling I will. Thanks again.”
Long Day, Relaxing Evening
Throughout the day, Fluttershy could not help but think of the stallion that she left to reside inside of her home. She thought of the way he stumbled out of the forest, the first moment she saw him. She thought of his quiet and confused speech that then became more open, and the fact that he had eaten so little. She was excited to return and hoped that the day would go by faster so that she could meet him for dinner, even if he was still unable to eat. She was interested in the seemingly average and unassuming Sunny Skies, and was hoping that perhaps conversing with him, even with the fear of things growing awkward between the two of them, would aid her in learning more about him. Along with that, she hoped that it would somehow bring the flame back to the memories and reignite them for his sake as well. Even though her day did not go as fast as she wanted it to, it did seem to go by somewhat quicker than the average day, and she was still beyond excited to return to the stallion, even after such an exhausting day of aiding the animals that resided around and within Ponyville.
The door gave a low, soft squeak as she pushed it open with her hoof. “Hello, I’m home,” she said softly, both to the many animals which resided in her residence and to Sunny Skies. She smiled softly as she noticed him sitting on the couch, eyes eager and much brighter than the dull haze they held that morning. Although she was sure this effect was from a day of well needed rest and relaxation, she hoped that even the perhaps some of it could have spurred from her arrival as well.
“Hi, Fluttershy,” he said with a nod and then smiled.
“How are you?” she asked, making her way into the living room. “Feeling any better?”
“I think so… but I don’t remember anything yet,” he added quickly, giving a shrug.
“I’m sorry, but at least you’re feeling better. How was your day? I hope my home was okay for you.”
“It’s perfect,” he said in a kind, happy tone. “I haven’t been doing much though. Resting like you said.”
“Good, you needed it so much. Did you find anything for lunch?”
“I didn’t have anything.”
“Oh? Well, you barely touched your breakfast either. Are you sure you’re feeling well? Is something wrong with your stomach?” Fluttershy asked, frowning with concern. She had not wanted to pry but after two missed meals, she was worried.
“I’m fine. I actually never eat… much. It’s normal for me,” Sunny Skies muttered.
“Um… did you want any dinner… or…?” Fluttershy muttered back in an even softer and more hesitant tone.
“I’m really not sure.” Fluttershy opened her mouth but then shut it softly. She knew that continuing on with the subject would only make their conversation more awkward. Along with that, the stallion certainly did not look deprived of nutrition, thin, but not unhealthy. He knew his body better than she did, and if he was doing well, there was no need for her to worry.
“I’ll make a little extra just in case,” Fluttershy said sweetly, heading off towards the kitchen. Her stomach was certainly empty after a day of caring for the animals. “Um… even if you don’t eat anything, are you going to join me?” she asked softly, turning back to him with a hopeful look in her large, teal eyes.
“If you’d like me to. I’ve been looking forward to talking more.”
“Of course… I… I have too.”
“Really? I thought I might have bothered you with all the questions I was asking this morning.”
“Oh no, not at all. Questions like that help me to talk more anyways. Besides, maybe talking about certain things like my friends this morning will help with your memory loss too. At least, that’s what I’m hoping for.”
“That could be, and good. I’m glad.”
***
Although Fluttershy was rather hungry from the day of work in the hot, fresh air outside, she decided on preparing a simple salad with plenty of fresh vegetables to top it off, not because it was lighter but because the preparation time was so much quicker. She wanted to get talking with her guest before she grew too tired, shut down, and became quiet as she usually did after a taxing day. She did not want to disappoint herself after a day of impatient excitement and she certainly could not disappoint Sunny Skies after seeing how eager he seemed to be for a conversation as well.
“There’s some extra salad on the counter if you’d like it,” Fluttershy said after setting her bowl at the table to free her mouth. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Uh, water?”
“Sure, sounds good to me.” Fluttershy trotted over to the sink and quickly returned with two glasses of water in her mouth and set one beside her salad and the next in front of Sunny Skies who was now at the table, his hooves resting upon its wooden surface.
“How was your day? What all did you do for the animals?”
“Oh nothing too much. For the animals around here, I just make sure they have food, water and are feeling well. I also help them repair their homes and shelters if it is needed. Some of them need exercise so I have to provide that for them whether it be through play, walking, and even mental stimulation. Also socialization is a must for the critters. Some of them are very good at making new friends but others not so much. I make sure they’re not lonely.”
“There’s plenty of animals around here, I’m sure that’s a pretty big task. You don’t seem to mind it much at all though, but like you said, it’s a part of you. And you said the animals around here? Do you take care of other animals?”
“Oh yes, I help all the animals around Ponyville, and am the mediator between them and the townsponies. I don’t only work with pets.”
“That’s… incredible, really. You do even more than I thought. On top of all that you work with Princess Twilight Sparkle. You might even be busier than I used to be.”
“Used to be?” Fluttershy questioned with a soft gasp of excitement.
“Oh… uh, no, I mean, yes, but I don’t remember exactly what that was… or where. I was just busy.”
“Oh,” Fluttershy let out softly, a small frown appearing on her face. She hoped that she did not hurt his feelings by bringing up the subject of his absent memory yet again.
“Anyways… what else are you planning on doing tonight?”
“Oh, nothing much at all. The weather pegasi are scheduling for rain tonight, so I was thinking of making a cozy fire in the stove and just reading… oh, or talking more if you’d like, of course. I’d like that too. I mean, unless you don’t want to. I guess what I mean is, whatever you’d like.”
“I’d like to talk more, but if you want time to read…”
“Oh no, it’s fine. Talking is fine. I’d like that.”
***
Not long after finishing her salad, the skies were filled with gray and the lowering sun was blocked as pegasi flew to and fro gathering a heavy blanket of clouds. The rain began as she washed the dishes, a steady pattering of drops hitting the roof above her. Already growing cold, perhaps more of mental shift than physical as the warmth of the day still had not warn off fully, she began piling wood in the stove. With the soft but warm roar of the fire and the occasional crackling of the blackening wood within, she took her place on the couch beside her guest who had been waiting there for her patiently and quietly.
It took no time at all for another fairly one-sided conversation to begin. Although Fluttershy wished that she could hear more about the life of the still mysterious Sunny Skies, she knew that she could not because of his condition. Even at that, she still appreciated and enjoyed talking with the kind and considerate stallion, a stallion that seemed to be genuinely interested in what she did and who she was. Nopony had ever asked her so much about her life besides her friends, and even they did so over a rather extended period, or simply learned from their time spent together. Sunny Skies, on the other hoof, seemed so interested, even in her daily life, that he wanted to learn all of it in one day. They spoke for hours and the wood resting in the stove turned into a glowing pile of embers and ash which then became the warm bed for another set of logs. The rain continued and the skies grew darker as the sun was set and the orange glow of the fire along with the warm ambience of artificial light filled Fluttershy’s living room.
“Oh my, it’s getting rather late,” Fluttershy said as her eyes moved to the window for a moment, only to see that it had grown even darker. “I’m so sorry, but I should be getting to bed. I have to get up early again tomorrow.”
“Yeah, that’s no problem at all. I’m sure I could use some more sleep too.”
“I’m going to have you take my bed. I can sleep on the couch,” Fluttershy said, giving the stallion a soft and caring smile.
“No, no, you’re already doing so much for me. The couch is fine.”
“I really do want you to take the bed though, besides I’ll be comfy on the couch. I’ve slept there plenty of times before.”
“You take the bed. It’s yours and you deserve it. I’m used to sleeping in worse conditions anyways.”
“Are… you?”
“Uh… possibly, I mean, I think so.”
“Well, then that means you deserve a nice place to sleep too,” Fluttershy said, giving him a slightly more assertive tone.
“Please, Fluttershy,” Sunny Skies begged. “You’ve done more than enough for me.”
“Okay,” she said with a sigh, “it is comfortable enough like I said, especially with the nice warm blanket and soft pillow I’ll be giving you.”
“Wow, sounds great, really.”
“Well, I certainly hope so. If not, we can always switch,” she said as she left to retrieve the bedding.
After making sure her guest was settled in and would be able to go to sleep whenever it suited him, Fluttershy prepared herself for bed as well and then scooted herself beneath the warmth of her blanket and rested her head back upon her pillow. With the light out, it only took minutes for her to drift off into sleep, thinking of Sunny Skies once more before doing so.
A New Friend and Old Ones
Fluttershy awoke to the first faint rays of the sun shining in through her window and illuminating both the light yellow fur upon her muzzle and the pink strands of her mane which hung down over her eyes. She released a contented and happy sigh, looking forward to another interesting day with her new guest. She stretched her body before pushing away her blanket and getting out of bed. After making her bed, she journeyed downstairs, the light patter of her hooves against the floor and steps making only the slightest of sounds. She could hear the quick but soft breathes of her guest filling the lower floor as she approached. She smiled softly as she peered towards the couch where Sunny Skies slept. He lay partially on his back and side. His front and back hooves were exposed, the blanket she provided him bunched together and just barely clinging to his stomach, the rest on the floor. Although she was hesitant to make even the slightest of noise, she also knew that she must at least get her day started and began to ready the food for the many animals in and around her home.
With all of the animals’ muzzles, noses, beaks, and other eating apparatuses occupied by their morning meal, Sunny Skies finally awoke with a series of blinks. “Good morning,” Fluttershy said softly after returning a bag of food to its place of storage. “How are you feeling?”
“Great,” he replied with a rather happy sigh as he sat up.
“Well, that’s certainly good to hear,” Fluttershy said with a smile. “Are you able to remember anything yet though?” The stallion paused for a moment and brushed his messy mane back and away from his snowy blue eyes.
“…No,” he said softly.
“Well, you really should still see a doctor. Even if you’re feeling so much better physically, not being able to remember your past certainly isn’t good at all.”
“I… I’m not sure about that.”
“Oh? So you’re not feeling well then?” Sunny Skies frowned as she finished her question and then released the softest of sighs.
“…No, it’s not that,” he replied hesitantly, “just…”
“Don’t you want to get back home, remember all of your life… you could have a family that’s missing you, that’s worried that you won’t come home,” Fluttershy let out quickly, beginning to worry. The stallions frown grew longer and more uncomfortable causing him to pause again as he thought of a way to reply.
“I just… can’t yet,” he muttered weakly. Fluttershy’s body locked, taken back by the sudden change of mood she had caused.
“Oh my, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to… I’m sorry.”
“Fluttershy, it’s alright. Can I just go another day?”
“O-of course… how about you head to town with me to help you forget about this… even if you’ve already forgotten enough… um, if you’re feeling okay that is. You are still, aren’t you?”
“That sounds nice, I’ve never been to Ponyville… I mean, I don’t think I have.”
“I’m just going to get some supplies and food for the animals, but I can certainly show you around if you’d like.”
“That sounds nice, you need to hurry and get back to your other chores though, don’t you?”
“Mhm, I do, but I can take some time out of my day for you.”
“Maybe just a quick tour then? I’m sure I can take in a lot just shopping with you. That way you can just tell me what I need to hear or I can ask questions while you do what needs to be done.”
“That sounds like a perfect compromise,” Fluttershy said with a smile, a rush of excitement pushing its way through her body. “I’ve already eaten but did you need anything before we head out, even just a small snack if you prefer?”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Are you positive?” Sunny nodded quickly. “Well, we can go whenever you’re ready then.”
***
The walk into town was rather silent between the two ponies. Sunny Skies was intrigued with the world around him it seemed to Fluttershy, especially so when they grew nearer the town, the sound of the leaves moving softly in the breeze and the buzz of insects replaced by the low but pleasant tune of the many happy voices of Ponyville’s residents. The silence between them was not unpleasant though. Fluttershy enjoyed seeing the stallion’s delight and seeming amazement of the small town, and was grateful for the occasional smile in her direction.
As Fluttershy went about her shopping, almost solely for supplies and food for her animals back home, the stallion accompanying her fell back and observed. He said nothing except for the occasional greeting when prompted by a shopkeeper or passerby. It was as if the daily life and business of Ponyville was completely foreign to him. The amnesia that plagued him was always in Fluttershy’s mind, but she struggled to believe that the culture of ponies which had been a part of his everyday life could be forgotten. It was comparable to forgetting how to speak.
Twilight and the rest of Fluttershy’s friends had been planning a brunch since the previous week, and were cheerfully making their way to the restaurant of their choosing, an aura of pure bliss, fun, and friendship around them. Their noticeably unique voices and laughs filled the air and poured into Fluttershy’s ears over the lull of the many other ponies. “Oh, well, hello, girls,” she said softly as she turned her head from her now heavy saddle bags to them. Each of the colorful ponies paused as they noticed the unfamiliar stallion at her side. It was odd to see the quiet pegasus with anypony besides themselves and perhaps Discord or Tree Hugger, especially somepony completely unfamiliar.
Fluttershy’s brow furrowed at their silent gaze, her eyes turning to the cause. “Oh,” she said softly, returning to them with a smile, “this is Sunny Skies.”
“Well, you must be new in town, I know I haven’t seen you around here before,” Twilight said, her violet eyes moving from the stallion’s hooves to his seemingly frightened face as she examined him. “…Is everything okay?” she asked before letting out a sigh. “Is it because I’m a princess? Please, there’s no need to worry about that. I don’t bite, and you can be as informal with me as you’d like. In fact, you can just call me Twilight. So, where are you from, and what brings you to Ponyville?”
“I…I… um…” the stallion muttered, his hooves beginning to shake.
“No wonder why he and Fluttershy are getting along so well,” he heard Rainbow Dash mutter, rolling her eyes and giving her friends a huff. She then turned to him. “Come on, out with it.”
“I… don’t know.”
“Now how do ya not know somethin’ like that?” Applejack asked with a laugh.
“It happens,” Pinkie responded. “By the way, hi, I’m Pinkie Pie! If you’re going to be in Ponyville for a while I’ll be getting to know you really well!” she exclaimed, hopping towards the stallion and nearing her muzzle to his. He shrunk back as she gave him a glare. “Real well …”
“And I am Rarity, dear” the posh pony chimed in. “Depending on how long you’re staying, you should stop by the Carousel Boutique and I can stitch together a little something tha can help you look a little less, well, drab.”
“Wait, wait, wait,” Rainbow Dash groaned, flying in front of all of them. “Can you hold off on all the introductions for just one second? With a quick turn, she faced Sunny Skies with glare that was much more threatening and real than Pinkie’s, her hooves crossed. “What do you mean you don’t remember where you’re from.”
“Please, Rainbow Dash, don’t do this to him. He’s already been through more than enough and doesn’t need you yelling at him,” Fluttershy growled, digging her hoof into the ground. “I found him the other day stumbling out of the Everfree Forest completely lost and confused. We think he has some kind of amnesia.”
“Have you been to the doctor?” Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow in his direction.
“Well, I… I need to… but…”
“He hasn’t been yet. He just isn’t ready to go.”
“Well, if he’s okay enough ta be wanderin’ around town with ya, then why not?” Applejack asked.
“I don’t know. He just isn’t ready yet. He’s been through enough. So I’m not going to push him. You girls shouldn’t be either.”
“Fluttershy,” Rainbow muttered, motioning for her to come closer. She did so and was led slightly away from her guest and the others. Rainbow spoke again, this time in a hushed tone. “Don’t you think all this is a little suspicious? I get that you’re caring for him and all, but haven’t you thought about it? This guy stumbles out of the forest conveniently close to your cottage, supposedly not remembering anything and goes to the most caring and, sorry, but gullible pony in Ponyville. I have a feeling something isn’t right here, and I’m not just saying that either. Something about that pony seems off, really off. I don’t know what it is, but trust me.” The confident pegasus was given a vicious glare in response.
“Rainbow Dash, just because you think for whatever reason that he looks suspicious does not mean that he is.”
“I’m not just saying I think so. I can tell. Something isn’t right here, about him and the situation.”
“Well just because you think that, it doesn’t mean it’s true. Sunny Skies is a very kind, considerate, and caring stallion. Not that you would know.” Rainbow huffed and shook her head, her rainbow mane flicking back and forth across her forehead.
“Don’t tell me you’ve got a thing for him.” Fluttershy froze, her cheeks growing pink. “Great.”
“I… didn’t say I did. I don’t know. I never really thought of him like that but… now… um…”
“Yeah, whatever. I’m done warning you, especially now that I know how you really feel about him.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, you’re more stubborn than you think you are about this sorta thing, I mean look at what happened with Discord. I’m not saying I don’t trust you, but you are pretty naïve. Just watch your back around him, alright?”
“I don’t know about that,” Fluttershy huffed, trotting back to Sunny Skies. “Come on, let’s go,” she said, giving him a nod.
“Whoa there, you silly pony you, aren’t you coming to brunch with us? You said you would, didn’t you? Huh?” Pinkie asked as she turned to leave, “Sunny can come along too.”
“Oh… oh my!” Fluttershy gasped, her eyes growing wide as she remembered. She then looked over to her new friend, his eyes even wider than hers and his pupils dilated with fear. “I completely forgot with all that’s happened. I, um, really hope you don’t mind, but I think I’m going to have to cancel.”
“It’s fine, Fluttershy, no worries,” Twilight interjected before any of the other ponies could comment. “We’ll get together some other time. You know we always do. Come on, girls, let’s go so we can get a table.” Fluttershy let out a sigh of relief after her friends were a far enough distance away not to hear it, and then turned to Sunny Skies with a smile.
“Well, that was a bit stressful. I’m so sorry you had to deal with that. I wasn’t expecting them to be so… rude.”
“It’s alright, they weren’t being rude at all besides Rainbow Dash. I just got nervous being around them, I guess.”
“Oh, it’s fine. I understand. It doesn’t mean we’ll treat you any differently just because of, well, who we are.”
“Hmm, we’ll see,” he replied weakly.
“Now, would you like me to show you around the town more, or would you rather head back to the cottage?”
“I… think I’ve seen enough for now, and I think I might still be a bit weak from the other day.”
“That’s perfectly fine. Let’s head home and let you rest then, okay?”
“Home?” he asked curiously.
“Yes, it’s as much of your home as it is my own.”
“It is?”
“Of course, you’re my guest after all, and you can stay as long as you need.”
“I… thank you, really. I’ll… I’ll have to return the favor somehow at least. I promise you. I will.”
Although Fluttershy was rather hesitant to return to her humble cottage that afternoon, she felt her legs moving at a quicker pace than her usual gait. Her muscles were already strained from her day and her eyes tired. Yet those glazed eyes still darted nervously to and fro as she neared the house. From the outside, all was silent and peaceful as ever. Birds chirped happily in the trees surrounding the cottage, squirrels scurried across the path leading to the door, and a variety of insects hung low in the air. It was as if it was a normal afternoon like any other, but she knew it would not be. Her movements grew slower and slower as she neared the door until she eventually came to a stop, thoughts rushing through her mind, both good and bad.
She let out a soft sigh and then masked a gulp before putting the slightest of smiles on her face and pushing the door open. “I’m here. I’m so sorry I was a bit late, I…” she froze halfway through the door. That glaze of a long day in her eyes vanished and was replaced with a shimmering vibrancy as they grew wide at the sight before them. Standing in the middle of the room was a changeling, the insectoid plating that covered its body a nightmarish black in contrast with the warm and comforting colors of her home. Jutting out from either side of its mouth was a pair of sharp white fangs, polished and glimmering in the sun that poured through the windows. From its sides came a pair of paper thin, translucent wings tinted with a sickening blue-green. Jagged holes covered its legs, giving them a misshapen appearance. Its pupil-less eyes were pointed directly at her, glowing a hazy, cold artic blue. Above them was a horn as sharp as its fangs, only adding to its menacing nature. Fluttershy was so startled by the Changeling in her home, she made no note of the fear in those eyes which to her seemed soulless. It was actually even more afraid than she was.
Only the slightest movement of the changeling’s mouth opening caused Fluttershy to turn and bolt. She cared little of whether it was being opened to speak or attack, she simply knew that she needed to get away from the creature. With trembling shrieks, she galloped away, her hooves fumbling over themselves and tripping over the many obtrusions covering the ground, whether it be a slightly elevated mound or a rock nested within the thick grass. She had little time to concentrate on her gallop because she was instead focused on a plan. She had to get to Ponyville and alert her friends to the presence of the creature, whether that was by telling them or witnessing it themselves it if it so happened to continue the chase. She refused to look back to find out. She wondered if it was the only one or if there were more. Was it only a scout or part of a larger invasion force? Her fear only grew when thoughts of Sunny’s surprise returned to her mind. Was he okay? What had the changeling done with him? She saw no sign of the pony inside her home, and was sure he or the changeling would have done something about one another’s presence.
Her brow furrowed and her pace slowed for just a moment as she thought of an outcome that was perhaps even worse. Rainbow Dash had warned her about the stallion. She was beginning to wonder whether or not she was right all along. Had Sunny Skies sent the changeling to her, was that his surprise all along? She tried her hardest to shake the thought from her mind. He had no reason for doing such a thing, no motive whatsoever. She knew that he could not be cruel enough to do such a thing, but what if the stallion she knew was all a lie? If his amnesia was false, then he did seem rather persistent on hiding his past, having never said a word of it to her. Rainbow Dash was right, she was an incredibly naïve pony and could have easily fallen prey to such a lie, one which took advantage of her caring nature. A familiar voice suddenly filled her ears, causing all of such thoughts to vanish. “Sunny?” she gasped breathlessly, both out of exhaustion and a sudden burst of hope. What little hope she had was torn into shreds as she turned on her hind hoof and skidded to a halt, only to see the devilish creature racing towards her, its insect wings buzzing relentlessly as it pushed its way through the air. She whimpered weakly as she turned and ran once more.
“Fluttershy, wait, please. It’s me, Sunny Skies” she heard in the same voice.
“No, no it’s not!” she hollered back. “Where is he? What have you done with him? …And don’t you dare steal his voice like that!” She skidded to another stop and whipped around once more, her bangs flipping up over her eyes. Even covered by her pink bangs, her glowering was so intense that the changeling’s wings slowed to a stop and it landed a distance away, not moving forward another inch. Fluttershy gritted her teeth and growled beneath her breath. “Tell me! I swear if you hurt him… oh, I will do some… very bad things to you!”
“F-fluttershy…. please don’t do that. It’s me… it’s me.”
“I’m not going to believe you, even if you change yourself to look like him. Either tell me where he is or go away… before I do something I regret… s-something you regret.”
“No, this really is me. You just… have to believe me,” the changeling said as it slowly and cautiously drew closer.
“No!” Fluttershy growled.
“…I… I’ll prove it,” the changeling paused and let out a sigh before speaking. “When I first met you, you found me stumbling out of the forest. You were so kind and caring, but I was afraid all of that would change if I didn’t lie to you… so… so I did. I never had amnesia like you believed, like I encouraged you to think. I’m not Sunny Skies or anyone close to the stallion you thought I was. This is me... a horrible, disgusting, evil changeling.”
“Then why… why are you here?” Fluttershy muttered weakly as he drew closer still, tears forming in her eyes. “Are you here for my friends and I? Are you using me to get close to Twilight? Are you a spy, an assassin, what?” she pushed out weakly before she began to sob. She turned her face to the ground, no longer wanting to stare at the pony, or changeling she thought she knew. Tears dripped down onto the blades of grass beneath, pulling some down as they hung off their tips before falling into the sea of green.
“I’m not here for anything like that. I promise.”
Fluttershy struggled to push out painful words between her sobs. “Then…. just… tell me why… y-you’re here. Why did you do this to me?”
“No, it’s not like what you think. It’s not anything like that at all. I ran away from the hive. I’m not here for them, I’m here because of them, on my own. Fluttershy lifted her head just slightly, her vision of the changeling blurred with the tears that drowned her eyes. “I couldn’t live like that. I just couldn’t, especially after hearing the stories of ponies and Equestria. The other changelings talked about this place and you ponies like it was the most disgusting thing they had ever witnessed, but whenever I heard the tales, I… I dreamed of this place, of being a pony and living life here instead.
“Okay… I… um… I think I believe you,” Fluttershy muttered weakly as she used the tip of her hoof to wipe the tears from her eyes, trying her best to calm her sobs as well. “If you weren’t acting the whole time, and this really is who you are then I can trust you. I mean, you look different… but you’re the same pony… er… um, I’m sorry, changeling I knew all along, aren’t you?”
“Yes, Fluttershy, I really am. I have a past that I hid from you, but I’m the same me I’ve always been.”
“Um, what’s your real name?”
He sighed and shook his head. “Well, I don’t really have one. That’s how it works back there. I’m not even me, I’m just a part of the hive. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to leave. All we are there is part of a machine, all working for the queen and not having our own individual lives. Our lives are only being a part of that machine… and here, well, here you’re all so unique and individual. You praise one another for your cutie marks, these things that make you stand out from the other ponies and tell you how special your talents really are. And I’m just nobody, nothing, just a servant, a drone, a tool. I hate it. So many of us have this idea that if we dedicate our lives to the queen that we’ll be rewarded, that we’ll live a good life, but that’s not true at all. There is no reward for serving the queen, you’re just a part of the machine for your whole life.”
“That sounds awful,” Fluttershy gasped softly.
“Then you understand why I left.”
“I do… I’m so sorry. No changeling should be forced to live a life like that.”
“Thank you for being so good to me, Fluttershy, for making my dreams about this place come true. So far it’s been all I’ve ever wanted and more because of you. I really hope that you’ll still be able to trust me, and that you treat me the same even though you know the truth. You’re so kind, considerate, and caring that I think you will, but I’m still afraid. So afraid that I’ve been lying this whole time.”
“Of course I will. I’ll help you too, in any way that I can. I’ll help you adjust, have a life here. I promise.”
“That’s good to hear. I’m sure you understand why I held off telling you the truth for so long. I should’ve realized you’d be so considerate about all of this though. Thank you.”
“Mhm, I’m here to help, Sunny… er, um… I mean…”
“Yes, Sunny Skies, that’s my name now,” the changeling replied with a soft smile, the fangs protruding from his mouth seeming much less threatening than they originally had. Fluttershy smiled back, no longer afraid to look at him. Knowing who he was, his entire appearance seemed grow brighter and happier. He certainly was no pony, but he was no longer the menacing creature she had originally believed him to be.
“Don’t worry, I won’t look like this for long. I have to go back to blending in,” he said, noticing her gaze. “It’ll be pretty strange having to continue my life as a pony, even if I feel more like one than a changeling.”
“Hmm, maybe you won’t have to,” Fluttershy replied, her smile growing.
“I have a feeling I will,” he said weakly. “You were so afraid of me, and I’m sure you’re more understanding than most ponies. Just think about how afraid they’ll be. I don’t want that. I understand why they would be afraid though. After all we changelings have done to you, it makes sense, invading you, capturing you, stealing you away from your families and feeding off your love in the harshest way possible, basically taking the life force right out of you,” he spit out in disgust.
“In the harshest way? Can you, well, feed on us ponies or… others without bringing harm?”
“Of course we can. We’re just too greedy. We feed on much more love than we need. We suck it right out of you, but in reality, we can take love like plants take in sun. I’ve been doing it this whole time, and let me tell you, you have plenty of love to give. You’ve been providing for me this whole time because of how caring you’ve been, because of everything you’ve done for me. Even though I started out as a stranger, you still treated me like a friend, family even, and more. Since then, that love has only been growing, and you’ve been making me healthier and happier with every day. You’ve been so worried about me eating, but you’ve been feeding me this whole time… I… I know that probably sounds a bit strange, maybe even scary to you, but that’s how it is.”
“Um… no, I… I think I understand,” Fluttershy muttered in embarrassment, her cheeks growing redder and redder beneath her pale yellow fur.
“Your love has been growing so strong lately that, I… I feel like you might have feelings for me that are more than that of just a caring friend. I’ve felt it, but now that you’ve seen the real me, I’m not sure anymore.”
“I… um… um… um…” Fluttershy whispered beneath her breath, her cheeks growing even redder as her eyes darted to the ground, once again gazing at the bright green grass surrounding her hooves and swaying just slightly in the breeze.
“It’s okay. You need some time to think,” Sunny said in a kind and understanding tone. “Just please don’t run away from me.”
“... I already promised you I wouldn’t, and I won’t. I’m here for you,” Fluttershy said, her voice growing more confident, even if the expression on her face and rosy cheeks told the opposite. She returned her eyes to his and gazed into their icy blue depths. She had originally believed them to be soulless and empty, but now they seemed to be glowing bright with personality and joy. “…and… m-maybe, just maybe… I do feel something more,” Fluttershy whispered and then leaned in quickly with pursed lips, pressing them softly against his cheek before retreating. The changeling grinned, fully exposing his gleaming white fangs as his eyes widened, exposing the soul that lay behind them.
Fluttershy giggled nervously as her eyes darted away once more. “Are you full now?” she teased.
He laughed softly but blissfully. “There’s always room for more. It’ll work for now though.”
“Hm, good.”
“Yeah… Anyways, I guess we’ll have to start figuring things out then. I need to try to live a more normal life. I need to work, get a home, and all that.”
“You already have a home and a job though,” Fluttershy said with a smile. “Um, that is if you’d like to continue working and living with me. I mean, it’s worked well so far. There’s no reason for that to change.”
“Now that sounds amazing,” Sunny Skies replied happily, tapping his hooves excitedly against the earth beneath them and giving his wings a buzz. “But another obstacle we have to deal with is getting these other ponies used to me as a changeling if you really still think it’ll work.”
“Oh yes, I do. It’ll just take some time. We’ll start by getting my friends used to the idea. They won’t only be the easiest to persuade but also with them trusting and befriending a changeling, I’m sure the rest of the townsponies will start to feel more comfortable with you around.”
“But since you’re so close to them, I’m sure you’ll also have to tell them about our relationship… about us, well, being together. I’m sure that might make things a bit harder.”
“Oh… oh my… um… I never said that we were… but…” Fluttershy let out in an embarrassed panic, her body giving a slight tremble before then relaxing. “…m-maybe we will have to deal with that too though. It’ll work out, I’m sure, even if they are a bit alarmed.” She looked up at the changeling and quickly covered her eyes with her bangs before giving him a loving smile.
“I’m sorry for pushing it… I just, really want this, but please take your time to decide. Anyways, I think we’ve both had a pretty long day, you with your work and the scare I gave you, and me with all this worrying and wandering around I’ve been doing since this morning. Let’s head back to the cottage… and maybe I can make dinner for you?”
“Um… maybe we can make it together?” Fluttershy asked, remembering the pancakes from that morning.
Author's Note
I actually might be making a second story to this at some point here if I feel up to it, and if you're interested in more.
Becoming Normal, and Something More
After convincing Fluttershy that his physical health had fully returned to its normal state, and that he had even made gains, Sunny Skies was allowed to become an assistant caretaker, so to speak, of the animals under her wings, even if so many of them were hesitant and even hostile towards the strange new stallion at first. This was his way of not only showing gratitude for what the pegasus had done for him, but also to make himself useful at her home, considering she still allowed him to stay. He wanted to do even more for her, but it was only on rare occasion that she allowed him to. Her kind spirit and pure heart almost always made her give way to hospitality instead, still treating him like a special house guest.
Even though Fluttershy treated Sunny Skies so specially, after many days which soon turned into weeks, he was beginning to feel like less and less of a guest to her and more and more of a friend, a partner. She felt this especially so when he grew used to her routine and the animals becoming even more a part of her daily life. She started to believe that Rainbow Dash had been right about one thing. She was falling for the stallion. She was willing to wait though, or rather, unable to move their relationship any faster in one direction or the other due to her nerves. She assured herself that this issue would actually do her good for once. Not only would it allow the two more time for their relationship to develop and for her to decide whether or not her feelings were true, but also, she still neither truly knew Sunny Skies, nor did he truly know himself. The issue of his amnesia was another she feared to bring up, and something of which she grew more skeptical of every day. Although unlike Rainbow Dash, she still believed the pony to be innocent. Even if he was not telling the full truth, she believed that most of it was, and that he would never do something to cause her harm.
In a way, Fluttershy hoped that she would never have to hear the truth spill from his mouth because that could lead to his return to wherever he had come from. She hoped that she could live in either a happy lie, or that his amnesia was true, and his memories never returned. She knew how selfish this was of her, and even grew angered with herself on occasion for such thoughts. Yet she knew that in her heart, all she wanted was for Sunny Skies to stay. She enjoyed his company, so much so that she was growing dependent upon it. Even if their relationship never moved towards the direction she wanted it to, she feared losing his company, and wanted the stallion around no matter what happened. Yet even with this in mind, her guilty conscious always got the best of her. Whether he had amnesia or not, she knew that she was keeping Sunny Skies away from those that loved and cared about him, and whoever they were, she knew that they deserved his presence more so than she did. These thoughts would always end in her once again questioning the stallion about his amnesia, and wondering when he would be prepared to go to the doctor. She was always met with avoidance and hesitation to her relief, until one day, his response changed. Rather than giving her a positive no, he gave her a “maybe soon,” and grew rather quiet for the rest of the day. This made Fluttershy nervous, not only because of his quietness but because of the possibility of learning the truth.
She struggled to fall asleep that night, listening to the soft, slow clacking of hooves on the wooden floor downstairs. Sunny Skies seemed to be pacing back and forth, unable to sleep as well. This was unusual for him, having adapted to her schedule of sleep so that he could work with her from the beginning of her day to its finish. After a long while of pacing, her ears perked at the minuscule squeak of the hinges in the couch giving way to the weight of his body. She lay in silence for quite some time, wondering if he too did the same before finally drifting off into a troubled sleep.
***
Fluttershy awoke to the bright sunlight illuminating her room as usual, but with the smell of sweet food filling her nose as well. She sucked it in and then sighed dreamily still in a half asleep state. She then frowned, her eyes widening as she wondered where such a smell was coming from. She perked her ears, listening intently for the noise of kitchenware clanking. She heard nothing. It was absolutely silent. She would normally be happy to be greeted with such a peaceful and serene morning, but deep down in her stomach, she felt uneasy, knowing that something was not right. She pushed herself from her bed, not taking the time to make it, and instead making her way immediately down the stairs. She gasped with surprise, noticing that her critters were just finishing their meals, each of them having a rather satisfied look on their face, even the pickiest eater of all, Angel.
She followed the smell to the table, knowing that it was pancakes. It was the first meal she had ever made for him, even if he had eaten so little of it, and now he was returning the favor, it seemed. Upon the table was a single plate stacked with just enough pancakes for her, and beside it, a bottle of syrup and a plate with butter and a knife. A small piece of parchment rested beside these items, and upon closer inspection, Fluttershy saw that there was a hastily written note upon its surface.
Good morning, I hope I made the pancakes correctly, and that they’re still warm when you eat them. I just followed the instructions in your cookbook as best as I could. It’s the first time I’ve ever done anything like that. Anyways, I apologize for being gone, and wanted to let you know I will be until after you’ve finished resolving that issue you mentioned with the beavers and townsponies this afternoon. I tried to do as much as I could before I left, and again, I’m sorry. I just need some time to think. When you do return, I’ll be here waiting for you with a surprise. Sunny
Fluttershy’s eyes moved back and forth across the recently dried ink, rereading the note over and over as she wondered exactly what he meant by “surprise,” where he had gone, and why. As she continued to ponder the note, she sat down for her meal. She smiled as she ate the pancakes. Although they were indeed still slightly warm from their recent cooking, they were thick and dense rather than fluffy, and certain areas were hardened from overcooking and unmixed batter. Fluttershy was smiling because of the considerate thought though, and was overjoyed that the stallion had done such a sweet favor for her. She let out a sigh as she finished her meal and went to wash the leftover dishes, the others having already been cleaned, dried and put away. The sigh was not that of content or joy though, but instead of worry and stress. It was going to be yet another long day, and the “surprise” that would be waiting for her when she returned to her cottage that afternoon was already causing her to worry, whether or not it was good or bad.
