Gilda's Training

Making her way down the beaten trail to Ponyville, Fluttershy could see that the town was filled with activity as usual. Taking in the many rows of apple trees that soon filled each side of the road in front of her, each red morsel practically begging her to take a big ol' bite out of them as they glistened in the sun. However, coming up to an opening in the trees, the yellow mare could spotted one exceptionally 'big' apple that Fluttershy wouldn't mind taking a bite out of any day.

Big Macintosh was far too busy in his chores to notice the the pink haired pony that was making a stealthy approach behind him. Delivering a powerful buck to the trunk of his newest target he  was quite literally rewarded with the fruits of his labor being delivered directly into the strategically placed wheel barrel beneath the kicked tree's branches. Wiping the sweat off his brow, the strong stallion was fatigued, though he did not show it, skipping breakfast to finish his day's work in the crops early could tire even somepony as muscularly toned and fit as himself, and he had actually wished he had listened to his sister's advice to at least get something to drink before beginning.

Deciding that this load would be enough to warrant a trip back to the farm he turned to hitch himself in, but was stopped when he bumped into an abnormally relaxed Fluttershy with a curious smile on her face. Most ponies would at least yelp or jump back in fright from such an unexpected intrusion, of course Big Mac, being as he was, only brought his head back slightly as his eyes widened before coming back to his normally humble demeanor. The two shared a short awkward silence that only he seemed to be picking up on.

“Uh, Howdy Miss. Shy. What brings yall tah Sweet Apple Acres taday?” the big red pony blurted out, feeling slightly uncomfortable just gazing at the mare's stare.

“Oh, well, I was just on my way in to town when I noticed that you where all alone up on this hill, and looking very parched. So I thought I might come up here and see if I could get you anything to drink, after all working alone like this can be dangerous if one isn't hydrated.” the yellow mare responded in a smooth tone as she brought herself closer to the stallion's muzzle.

“Ah see,” Big Macintosh said while slowly backing his head away from the encroaching mare, finding that she simply leaned in closer as a result, “well, that's a fine gesture and all Miss. Shy, but ah do reckon I'll be fine till lunch, and um, besides, ya don't seem to have any refreshments on yer' person anyhow...”

“Please Big Mac, call me Fluttershy, and...” Fluttershy leaned all the way into Mac's left ear, “...I'm sure I can find you something wet to suck on!”

Big Mac's heart was racing a million times a minute as his mind tried to process what he had just heard. Was this the real Fluttershy? Was this a trap set by his sister to see if he would slack off? Or, was this really even happening? He backed up several steps before knocking over the wheelbarrow and himself with it. Stammering to find something to say, but he had never even been on a date let alone approached like this!

“I.. um.. w-well... I'mtryingtogetoutofworkearlysoIcangetsomefabricfromRarity'sshoptomakeMissSmartyPantsanewdress... AND I LIKE APPLE JUICE!” the muscular stallion blurted out in desperation before he covered his mouth with his forehooves. He had said far too much for his liking as the mare could tell from his even redder than usual face.

Fluttershy had given up all inclination to not laugh at the stallion's predicament, as bad as she felt for him, his obvious inability to process her sudden advances was as funny as it was cute. Giggling as she walked past him and back down the cliff side, flicking the bottom of his chin with the tip of her tail while swaying her hips in a way that was gave him a good view of all six of her butterflies. Turning her head slightly revealed a devious smirk as cooed, “We'll I've got to go, but maybe later I can help you out with your bucking!”

Big Macintosh simply laid where was, both eyes and mouth agape and utterly speeches. He could only watch as the mare provocatively arched her rear up and took flight, speeding to Ponyville in a manner that might make one think she and Rainbow Dash had traded places for the day. Laying down in stunned silence for however long it took his oldest sister to notice he hadn't brought back a load of apples in an acceptable amount of time.

“Big Macintosh! What's the matter with you? Why are you laying on the ground while ya expose these apples to all sorts of vermin?” Applejack yelled at her older brother as she made her way over to the sad sight he was in.

“Ah.. um... Fl-Fluttershy... apples-bucking... Fluttershy.. bucking-butterflies...” was all she could get out of him as he panted heavily.

Applejack gave a long deadpanned expression before helping her brother up. “Big Mac, I told ya you need breakfast to function, just cause yer strong and all don't mean ya can go against the way of things and expect to come up on top all the time. I mean seriously, Mac, goin' off about Fluttershy of all people buckin' butterflies, and such! This is what ya'll get for not listenin' to yah' sister. Just cause I'm not as good at math as ya don't mean I'm sum' clueless school filly...”

Big Mac did his best to try and make it seem like he was acknowledging his sister's prattling, but the heat in his head, as well as other bodily ligaments, furiously distracted him as he gasped for breath and went into a nervous sweat. Trying to make sense of it all as thoughts of Fluttershy came back to him. He tried his best to figure out what in the hay just happened!

…

Gilda sniffled as she wiped away previously held back tears. Looking at the door with a sullen expression as the thought of escaping crossed her mind, but the empty feeling between the feathers that where still on her wings made it go away instantly. She didn't know what that bunny was capable of, and if Flutter-Final Say caught her... she shuddered in thinking what she would do.  Looking down at the list she decided to start her chores, maybe if she finished early something good might happen, she hoped.

Sweeping the floors was the first thing to do. Angel already had the the broom and dustpan out per Fluttershy's instructions. Gilda wondered if Final Say really thought she was dumb enough not to find the supplies on her own, but did her best to show that she was grateful for the rabbit's help. Receiving only a suspicious stare, in return. Though, not nearly half as penetrating or scary or as it's master's, but Gilda knew who it represented so she did her best not to agitate the bunny further.

The rest of the hybrid's chores went by without incident, and by the time she had finished the rest of the chores on the list it was about two or three hours into the afternoon.  After being led to where the all the cleaning supplies where to be returned, the lioness and the hare where left to themselves for the rest of the day.

Unsure of what she should do next the griffon could only ask, “So, um, I did all the chores I was told to do, so now what?”

Angel responded by scurrying upstairs for a moment and came down with a second note. It read:

Gilda,

If you somehow manage to finish all your chores, CORRECTLY, before I get back. Feel free to relax downstairs until I get back. Obviously you are not to go outside, no matter what. I'm serious, I don't care even if there is a fire in the house. If there is then you had better find some way to put it out because you will not be leaving, and if you do... well lets just say you will be sleeping on a very comfy feather pillow tonight regardless of what said fire manages to burn. Oh, and  remember there is lunch in the fridge. Be sure there is NO MESS when you are done.

Also, STAY OUT OF MY MEDICINE CABINET! If you're hurt and need a bandage NICELY ask Angel and he will get one for you. Under no circumstances are you allowed in there!

-Final Say

Gilda gulped as she looked at her wings, then around the house making sure she had done everything EXACTLY as ordered. To her everything seemed fine, so she sighed, finally letting relief overtake her for the time being.

Taking out what appeared to be a peanut butter and jelly sandwich from the fridge, the griffon set the main course on several paper towels laid out against the sun pouring in through a living room window. Along with an apple, some potato chips and a glass of water, this entree was laid out on the floor here for a number of reasons. One to allow the peanut butter in the sandwich to warm up, two Gilda wanted to look at the sky and outside world and three because if she did make a mess crumbs/etc wouldn't be able to get on anything but the floor, insuring a quick cleanup. The griffon sat down to enjoy her meal, a small smile crept into her face as she took the first bite of her sandwich, unlike most birds, griffons could eat peanut butter thanks to their cat like tongues, so it couldn't get stuck to the top of her beak.

Though, she'd much rather be free and out in the world beyond this cottage, Gilda was glad to at least eat her lunch in peace not under watch by Final Say or her bunny-second-in-command. Gazing through the window at the birds as they flew through the deep ocean of blue in the sky, a sense of loss and yearning began to show itself in her expression. A sudden black figure swooped across her vision, distracted and alarmed the griffon began to look in all directions for the perpetrator.

“W-who's there there?” the hybrid asked meekly, unsure if Angel was playing a trick on her or there really was an intruder in the cottage.

Suddenly the sound of small flapping wings sounded off on the ground in front Gilda. She looked down to see a baby bat that had awoken, looking up at her with big brown eyes at it softly squeaked. Just by the way it was moving Gilda could tell the nocturnal creature was happy to see her, still the giant smile across it's face certainly helped. It then began doing a series of acrobatic spins and twirls throughout the air, even a back-flip or two, and to the seasoned flier witnessing the spectacle it was nothing special but she knew that to the young bat in front of her these where it's best tricks it was busting out, all for her amusement.

Clapping her talons together as she cheered on the brazen little bat, giving light shouts of praise and encouragement as it finished up it's performance. Landing in front of the griffon, it panted a few times before giving a generous bow. Gilda couldn't help but giggle at the cute display.

“Hey, you're a pretty cool little dude aren't you?”, the griffon asked the first friendly face she had seen since her time at the cottage. She received a fast paced nodding in the positive from the wiry little thing. “Well, what should I call you? You do have name don't ya little guy?”

The baby shook itself head left to right, a bit of a sad expression coming over it's face.

“Hey, don't get sad, an awesome bat like you deserves an awesome name! I think I'll call you Drac! That's way better than Dracula, and it doesn't make you sound like you where named by somepony old, like my parents!”

Upon hearing this the bat youth was overjoyed at hearing it's new title. Flying in circles and spirals through the air around it's new friend the griffon couldn't help but laugh. It was the first carefree laugh she had been given in a while.

…

Fluttershy landed with considerable force for a pony known for shyness and grace, a small ring of dust shot out from the impact startling a few nearby ponies. Cracking her neck and performing a few stretches before beginning her day in Ponyville. A calm smile came over her face as she made her way into the town's market.

Idling walking through the many busy shop setups she eyed one in particular that sold a certain fruit that she knew for certain Angel would adore on his cake, though it may be unnecessary for a carrot cake he was doing his best with their unexpected guess so Fluttershy figured it would hurt to treat him further. The pink haired mare made her way to the stand with the cherry on top.

“Hello, mister.” Fluttershy greeted the pegauses who was manning the shop. She instantly recognized him, his light brown coat and dull blond mane, along with his prominent facial hair he was just as they had first meet in their last encounter. “I sure am glad you're open this week. My little bunny Angel STILL wants a cherry to go with his dessert, and seeing as you're the only vender in town...”

Fluttershy did her best to suppress the sinister smile that was building up in her body as to keep up her fragile facade, “I simply MUST have one. Last time I checked it was... one bit, correct?”

She took out a bit from her satchel with her mouth and held it in place, a soft squee coming out from the yellow pony as she looked on to the vendor.

Looking the pony in front of him up and down curiously he then laughed as he remembered this gullible pony from before.

“Oh no,” he began before clearing his throat, “ you see due to 'aggressive increase' in consumer demand I've felt the need to raise the price back up to ten bits...”

Full of himself as he chuckled at the mare's predicament, and what his luck that none of her friends or anypony else was around to help her now. “Like taking candy from a...” His thoughts where cut short when he saw the face on the yellow pony begin to change in an unpleasant manner.

Deadpanned eyes where fixated on the store clerk.

“Aggressive economy, huh? I think you might be mislead on the true meaning of 'aggressive'! Here let me show you!” Fluttershy growled before tackling the pony into his stand and shutting the window. A very short but loud scuffle could be heard and seen by the shaking of the stand from the outside, but after a few seconds subsided. The window opened back up and a joyful Fluttershy hoped back out into the open with a new bag containing a single cherry.

Noticing the rest of the cart owners and shop ponies had witnessed at least part of the scuffle, their disturbed faces trying to come back to normal as they saw her looking in their path. A relaxed look overcame Fluttershy's features. “Well they already know, might as well have fun.”

…

A gray pegasus with a yellow mane came up to the cherry shop owner's booth. Concerned for her manager's well being she peeked her head in to investigate.

“You okay, boss? Anything I can do to help?”

After the sounds of a dozen or so small soft objects being spit on the ground a reply was sounded, “Yes, Derpy, I need you to go look up hospitals that specialize in anal trauma, and um also the average growth cycle of cherry seeds?”

“Why?”

“Derpy, time is a factor...”

…

Setting her many large and filled shopping bags down. Fluttershy decided she would treat herself to a strawberry and lemonade smoothie at the new juice hut that opened in the town square. Finding a comfy seat under one of the tables with an umbrella she let herself relax from all the fun she was having. So many emotions and other strange feelings she had been having around ponies she would normally try to avoid. It was so exciting.

“Good afternoon ma'am!” greeted the waiter. “What can I get for you today?”

“I think I would just love to have one of your 'Super Strawberry and Lemon Mix Smoothies' and a potato salad sandwich.” she replied with a smile.

“Why, certainly ma'am. Will that be all?” After receiving her nod in approval he totaled the bill. “Well then that brings the total to eight bits, please.”

“Oh, well, I'm so sorry to say that I am out of bits thanks to my previous transactions.” She deceivingly said with the seductive bed room eyes she had been perfecting all day. Well  they aren’t really that hard to pick up when you've been around Rarity for so long.

“You see I was hoping that a new store with such a fine gentlecoat serving would see that hot little mare like me wouldn't go thirsty, or hungry.” Adding emphasis to the end almost like a moan as she began to lick her lips and even bit her lower lip a little. “You know, because its so hot out.”

“Well I um...” the waiter let the steam out of his uniform's blouse. Trying to fight the internal battle between his raging teen hormones and the wrath of his manager. One look back at the flirtatious mare in front of him and he was decided. “O-of course we at the Mane Juicer would never want a f-fine customer such as yourself to go without, consider your first meal here on the house!” Trotting away from the table he was sure his paycheck was going to be eight bits smaller by the end of the week.

Fluttershy giggled at the display caused by her facade, she didn't know what the new feelings of hers where that caused her to act this way around stallions, and certain mares, but whatever it was she absolutely loved it. After all it had gotten her all this free stuff and she had barely gone a cent over her budget for the day. The ever more nervous waiter brought her over her meal while she was lost in her thoughts.

“Tha-nk you!” she sang as she began to sip on her drink.

“Fluttershy? How are you today, darling? And just how did you simply manage to pay for all these parcels?” Questioned her friend Rarity. Along with her was their party crazy friend Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy nearly spit out her smoothie but contained herself just enough to pass it off for a cough. She hadn't really prepared an explanation for her friends and did her best to shift her mane so her scar wasn't visible, all while racing though her mind to find a suitable source for all her items.

“Hello girls, I'm just fine thanks! Um, about the bags... there was a.. sale?” she meekly presented herself. No need for them to get worried about the sudden changes going on with her just yet. She'd ease them into it.

Pinkie Pie and Rarity just looked at each other for a moment before Pinkie Pie blurted out, “Wow! We where JUST through the WHOLE market! Must have just missed those quick power sales, ahh oh well that’s the economy for you. Gotta be aggressive if you wanna make it I guess.”

“Ha ha, yeah I guess you're right, Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy did her best not to blurt her laughter, letting go of a few nervous giggles in place of it.

That being reason enough, the three began to chat for a while about this and that until the topic of the strange noises being heard at her house last night came up. Simply passing it off as a dispute between a bunch of unruly creatures from the Everfree had, and that it was no longer a problem, her friends dismissed it without a second thought. They also asked Fluttershy if she was okay, concerned that she was acting a bit strange during their chat, using the excuse that 'last night was a dozy to handle' satiated their curiosity. With that out of the way Fluttershy told them she was needed back home and had to go.

Waving her friends off she picked up her many bags and began back the trip back to her cottage.