Fluttershy's First Griffin Holiday
It was a normal day in Ponyville, the weather team had scheduled clear skies for the week, so the sun’s warm rays fell pleasantly on a small cottage near the edge of the Everfree forest. The front door opened to reveal a butter-yellow Pegasus with a pink mane and tail. Taking a deep breath Fluttershy savored the soft breeze and warm sunshine.
She sighed contentedly and calmly trotted off to her postbox to get her mail. Pulling the letters out she gave them a quick look through. A few bills, a letter from the owner of a pet she’d treated, most likely a thank you letter, standard things for Fluttershy.
The last one confused her slightly. Its return address was from the Griffon Kingdom. Fluttershy was almost certain that she didn’t know any griffins. The only one she’d seen face to face had been Gilda and that hadn’t gone very well. If what she heard from Rainbow though was any indication, Gilda had turned over a new leaf so she shouldn't judge her too harshly.
Setting the other letters back in the box she carefully opens the later and reads its contents. Her eyebrows slowly climbed into her mane the more she read.
“Dear Fluttershy,
Um, hi, you probably don’t remember me… or don’t remember me fondly, heh. I’m Gilda, that griffin friend of Rainbow Dash. She probably already told you about what happened here in the griffin kingdom when she showed up. One hell of an adventure that was, and who would have thought baking soda was so essential to scones. I sure as cluck didn’t
Getting back on track, I wanted to apologize to you for how I acted when we first met, I wasn’t in the best place emotionally back then but that’s no excuse. So as an apology gift I’d like to invite you to celebrate the biggest and totally awesome Griffin holiday ever with me! It’s in roughly a week from now on May 23. I hope to hear from you soon so I know if you can make it or not. Let me know either way k?
Gilda the Griffin. “
Fluttershy wasn’t sure what to make of this. She didn’t want to outright dismiss this invite. Gilda seemed sincere in her letter about wanting to apologize and had invited her to a major holiday as a way to do it. But she wasn’t good in crowds, let alone crowds of ponies, or griffins, in this case, she didn’t know. She didn’t want to be rude and refuse but she wasn't sure about going either. She bit her lip as she tried to think it through.
“Whatcha reading Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash’s voice asked from right behind her.
“AHHHH!” Fluttershy screamed in startlement, jumping into the air and twisting around to look at her good friend with massive, scared eyes. Rainbow looked shocked before she just shook her head with a small knowing smile.
“Sorry Flutts, but I’m surprised you didn’t hear me calling you. Must be important if it has you so focused.” Rainbow said as Fluttershy breathed to slow down her racing heart.
“I guess so.” Fluttershy nodded. A thought popped into her head. Gilda was Rainbow’s friend first, maybe she could help her.
“Um, I got a letter from Gilda just now, it’s what has me so confused.” She told Rainbow who seemed surprised.
“G writing a letter? That’s a first… What's she want?” Rainbow asked head cocked in curiosity.
“She wanted to apologize for how we first met and invited me to a holiday in the griffin kingdom with her,” Fluttershy explained. Rainbow’s eyebrows shot upward in surprise. Then she smiled excitedly at her friend.
“Are you serious! That’s awesome! You should definitely go! Griffins can be a bit rough around the edges, but they know how to party for sure. I’m so Jealous.” Rainbow exclaimed much to Fluttershy’s amusement. Her friend was always so excitable. Rainbow didn't seem put off by the idea, so her worries were taken care of.
“Well, I guess if Rainbow thinks it’ll be okay, I don’t really have a reason not to go. I’ll have to ask Spike if he can watch my animals again for a bit while I’m away but that’s minor. If the date is right, then I need to send a reply either today or tomorrow for it to arrive on time.” Fluttershy thought out as she and Rainbow, who was animatedly telling her about the first griffin party she’d been to, walked back to her cottage. She had a letter to write.
Stepping off the train and into the newly made Griffinstone station, Fluttershy was nervous but impressed with the building. When Rainbow and Pinkie had been here, they said most of the buildings had holes in the roof, some being run down, others completely demolished.
What Fluttershy gaze looked upon was a beautiful town that kind of reminded her of Ponyville, only the houses were made out of stone and brick rather than wood. She saw Griffins of every age and size walking and trotting around with big smiles on their beaks, talking animatedly.
She noted some odd things about the griffins though, mainly what they were wearing. Most Griffins were wearing a strange helmet with two horns on the side, similar to a Minotaur's horns but shorter. Along with the helmet they all wore a large pair of work boots on their back paws. It was a strange sight for sure.
“Fluttershy!” She heard her name called and looked around till she found the smiling face of Gilda waving at her not too far away. It was a small shock to Fluttershy, she’d never seen Gilda smile, at all, and here she was grinning like Pinkie Pie. Gilda also wore a pair of boots and a horned helmet.
Gilda quickly made her way over to Fluttershy.
“I’m glad you could make it,” Gilda said, looking slightly awkward. Fluttershy could understand. Gilda like her in that regard, not the most outgoing.
“Thank you for inviting me,” Fluttershy said, keeping most of her face hidden behind her long mane. She may have learned to speak up a bit, but she still had trouble showing her face to most. Gilda gave her a kind smile.
“I owed it to you for how much of a jerk I was the first time.” Gilda flinched slightly at the memory and her shoulders and wings slumped some.
“Sorry about that by the way.” She scratched the back of her head in embarrassment. Fluttershy offered Gilda a small smile in return.
“It’s okay, I understand you weren’t in the best place. As Rainbow would say, it’s cool.” Fluttershy hoped bringing up their mutual friend would brighten the remorseful griffin up. It seemed to work cause Gilda chuckled and smiled warmly.
“That’s so Rainbow.” They both giggled about their multicolored friend's antics. Fluttershy glanced around before a question formed in her mind and she asked Gilda about it.
“Why are you all wearing those hats and boots? Is it part of the festival?” She asked. The grin Gilda sent her was so wide and happy it rivaled that of Pinkie.
“Yep! It’s traditional holiday clothes, we wear them for the whole celebration. Come on and we’ll find you a pair of boots and a helmet to wear if you want. The boots are a must, but a helmet is an option.” Gilda explained and pulled Fluttershy after her.
While she was dragged into the town Fluttershy suspected that Gilda and Pinkie were more alike than the griffin would like to admit. They ended up at a small stall that was handing out different size boots for free. Gilda explained this to a curious Fluttershy, how money-loving Griffin would just give something away.
She said it was part of the holiday tradition every Griffin should have a pair regardless of money or social standing. Some families had pairs of boots a few hundred years old, they’d become heirlooms of that family and were worn only once a year. It seemed odd and a bit silly to Fluttershy but she didn’t think it was her place to demean another races' traditions, so she kept it to herself.
She soon found herself with a pair of light tan work boots on her hind hooves. It was a bit difficult to walk since she didn’t have paws to fill in the toe of the boots, but she could manage. Gilda had also convinced her to wear one of the helmets as well. It wasn’t as big as some since they were heavier than they looked. So, she had picked a smaller one and while the small helmet looked a bit silly on her head the smiles, she received because of her attire made her heart warm a bit.
For the next few hours, Gilda gave Fluttershy a tour of Griffinstone, treating her to lunch, shopping and showing her some of her old chickhood haunts. Along the way, she saw other griffins preparing for the festival. Fluttershy was very confused at some of the traditions that Gilda said were part of it though. What pony, or Griffin, in their right mind would cover their lawn in mayonnaise? Fluttershy could comprehend it.
But to counter that confusion was an exuberant and animated Gilda who explained the traditions with happy abandon. As Gilda chatted away Fluttershy found all her fears were unfounded. She was enjoying herself and Gilda’s company quite a bit. Once you got past the rough and tough exterior, Gilda was just a fun-loving griffin who liked to crack jokes and just have a good laugh.
It was later, around Two in the afternoon, when a few of Gilda’s griffin friends had come looking for her.
“Hey, Gilda! We’ve been looking for you. The main event is about to start, and we got worried when you weren’t around. You're usually like the second one there at the least.” The drake with dark grey feathers, light brown fur and silver eyes asked.
“Yeah, you’re the one who gets really into the holiday spirit, more than most do, what are you doing here?” The other asked. She was a hen with dark green feathers and fur with blue-grey eyes. Gilda’s eyes widened in shock and her head whipped around till they found the nearest clock.
“It’s that late already? Damn, I didn't realize. I was busy showing Fluttershy here around Griffin Stone and explaining the history behind the holiday to her.” She Gestured to Fluttershy who gave a small wave of her hoof in greeting. The two newcomers looked surprised to see a pony and one dressed up for the holiday to boot.
"Fluttershy these are my two friends, the drake is Trouble, and the hen is Rhiannon.” Gilda introduced the two griffins. Rhiannon glared slightly at Gilda.
“How many times have I told you to not use my full name?” She asked hotly, though there was no real venom in her voice. Gilda just smirked back.
“42, counting this time Rhia,” Gilda answered getting a sigh and a small smile back from Rhia. Fluttershy was a bit confused about what the Drakes name was, so she turned, hiding behind her mane a little and asked.
“Um, excuse me, but what does Gilda mean when she said you were trouble? If you don’t mind me asking that is.” She scuffed a forehoof on the ground. The drake chuckled in amusement.
“Blame my parents for their bad sense of humor. What Gilda meant is my name is actually Trouble. Mom said it was because my egg was a pain to lay.” He explained with a smile. Fluttershy’s mouth made an 'oh' shape and she nodded her head in understanding. Rhia than got her attention.
“So, you’re here to celebrate the holiday with Gilda?” She inquired. Fluttershy nodded with a happy smile.
“Oh yes. She’s been keeping me company and showing me around. I’ve been having a good time so far and it’s interesting to hear the history behind the holiday. That and Gilda’s a good storyteller.” She spoke. Gilda’s chest feathers puffed up a smidge hearing that. Rhia smiled and nodded.
“It’s nice to see a non-griffin enjoying a griffin holiday.” She said then her grin grew huge with excitement.
“Glad you’re having a good time and hope you’re ready for more Fluttershy. The sing-along is about to start any minute!” Rhia said, bouncing slightly in excitement. Gilda and Trouble shared her excitement. Fluttershy was still confused but decided to go along with it. Being quickly ushered along she followed Gilda and her friends to where the citizens of Griffon Stone had gathered.
The main square was filled with griffons in helmets and boots. The houses and buildings were covered in colored streamers, bright lights, and lanterns of every color. Fluttershy was amazed at how happy and friendly all the Griffins seemed. It was a complete 180 from what Pinkie and Rainbow said they were like and how she and Gilda had first met.
Seeing them like this made a warm feeling start growing in her chest. It reminded her of how, no matter who they were, anypony could always have a change of heart if shown kindness. She lost herself in the happiness of the crowd along with Gilda and her two friends.
Not too long after they made it to the square a large drake walked onto a raised platform and lifted a megaphone to his beak before he spoke.
“Are you all feeling the holiday spirit?!” He yelled to the crowd. Fluttershy cheered along with them, all that cheering practice with Rainbow really paid off. The Drake smiled with glee before he raised a claw and the crowd quieted.
“This holiday has been a Griffin Stone tradition for countless generations and with any luck, it will continue to be one for countless more. I see so many griffins I recognize here and just as many more that I don’t. This is a holiday where we all come to together, regardless of circumstances and celebrate!” He yelled and the crowd cheered with him Fluttershy too. It was so nice seeing others come together in happiness and celebration.
The drake motioned for silence again and gestured to a band near him. They quickly got ready to play so music. Fluttershy could tell something was about to happen, the excitement was like an electrical charge running across her feathers. She’d only felt this happy to be a part of something when she was together with her friends. She was excited, well excited for Fluttershy, but excited, nonetheless.
The Drake raised his claw once more and the crowd hushed. Fluttershy was awed at how quiet it was. A pin drop would have sounded like Pinkie’s party cannon. The Drake on the platform cleared his throat and spoke with a smile.
“It is my honor that with signaling the start of the band… That I declare…” He paused for dramatic effect. Fluttershy could see Gilda, literally, vibrating with excitement. She stifled a giggle. So much like Pinkie but would never admit it. She focused back on the drake. He waited a few more seconds before shouting at the top of his lungs.
“I DECLARE THIS, THE 769TH WEASEL STOMPING DAY!!” He bellowed and the band started to play a very catchy tune. Fluttershy cheered along with the crowd. She watched as hundreds of small, cute furry weasels were suddenly running around. Griffin chicks laughing and smiling as they chased them. It took a bit but with the first lines of the song that every griffin sang along with, reality set in.
Fluttershy froze and watched in horror as a griffin chick jumped up and came down on the back of a weasel… boots first.
“ WHAT?!” She screamed but she was drowned out by the griffins singing happily and loudly.
Fluttershy whipped her head left and right in a panic. She couldn’t just stand here and let the cute weasels get stomped. She darted into the throng of Griffins determined to save some weasels. She spotted one close by, just sitting next to a bush. She darted forward and was about to scoop it up when Gilda leaped from behind the bush and landed with a crunch on the weasel with her boots.
Gilda looked at a shocked Fluttershy and smiled apologetically.
“Sorry, Fluttershy didn’t mean to take yours, oh look there’s one you can get.” Gilda pointed and Fluttershy saw another being circled by some griffins. She ran as fast as she could, but she didn’t make it. She tried again and again but she couldn’t save a weasel. She kept trying though and all the while the griffins sang.
Over and over again Fluttershy tried to save a weasel. She grabbed one and tried to shoo it in a safe direction, but a griffin jumped out of an alleyway and stomped it. The chicks laughed and cheered as they stomped around like it was the greatest thing. She cried and ran to save another. While she hated that the weasels died, she had to admit the Griffins were… creative, in their stomping, much to her horror.
A pair of chicks were playing hacky sack with one rolled into a ball before another jumped in. Another was practicing karate as Rainbow did but with stomping involved. A griffin couple was dancing together and every step they took they stomped a weasel.
Fluttershy came upon one griffin hen who made her heart swell with hope. She was having an actual tea party with three weasels, saucers, cups, a little table the whole works. She would have cried in joy if the griffin hen hadn’t flipped the table on the weasels than jumped on it. And still, through all the carnage they Griffins sang their happy song.
Fluttershy noticed the Griffins were all gathering in one big group. Galloping to get there and hopefully save even one weasel’s life she sped onward. The song, if not for the stomping, was catchy and Fluttershy, much to her shock, caught herself humming it as she ran.
Fluttershy was now in front of the entire population of Griffin Stone. All the laughing and smiling faces looked so out of place with what she’d witnessed. She saw a single lone Weasel dart in front of the crown and freeze stiff. Fear clutched her heart as a small griffin chick walked toward the small animal.
A fiery determination blazed brightly inside Fluttershy. She may not have been able to save all the other weasels, but she would save this one. She Pinkie promised to herself that she would. Pawing the ground and with a snort of steam from her nostrils, she charged full throttle toward the weasel.
The young chick yelled excitedly at the small mammal. Such, pure, honest foal naivety as to what had just transpired that day. Fluttershy’s vision tunneled, all she thought was the weasel, all she saw was the weasel, all she felt was the weasel.
With a mighty yell, she leaped into the air, diving low so she could use her body as a shield for the poor creature. Time seemed to slow as the small animal turned its head and looked directly at Fluttershy… Before Gilda’s friend Trouble's boot came crashing down.
All they griffins yelled and cheered as their adorably horrific song came to its final conclusion. Fluttershy landed on her stomach skidding on the cobblestone and came to a stop right in front of the crowd of griffins. Slowly she got to her hoofs, her face hidden by her mane.
Gilda was concerned for her new friend Fluttershy and approached her to see what was wrong.
“You okay Fluttershy?” She asked. Fluttershy made no move except to lift her head up slightly. Gilda was extremely nervous at the wide eyes and pinprick pupils of the Pegasus. Fluttershy opened her mouth to speak but the only sound came out.
“Ahhh Ahhh…” Gilda grew even more concerned as Fluttershy’s breathing increased at a rapid pace. But her concern was switched to shock and confusion as Fluttershy turned tail and flew out of the town at a speed that, Gilda was certain, a certain Rainbowed mare would be awed at, screaming all the way.
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH…”
Gilda and the entire population of Griffin Stone watched in confusion as the Pegasus scream quickly faded and she became a speck on the horizon before disappearing completely. Gilda was the most confused out of them all. She racked her brain trying to think of why Fluttershy had acted that way. As she thought she could only come to one conclusion.
“Trouble! Why do you have to live up to your name?!” Gilda rounded on her friend who looked completely confused.
“Me? What the cluck did I do?” He asked, not liking the fact he was being singled out. Gilda growled at him before answering.
“Fluttershy came to celebrate Weasel Stomping Day with us, and she didn’t get to stomp a single weasel. The boots she was wearing were totally clean.” Gilda explained. Trouble thought for a second and his face paled as he realized what Gilda was saying.
“You saw how she much she wanted to reach that last weasel, she obviously wanted to join in, and you took it from her.” Gilda glared at her friend who shrunk back in fear and sadness.
“I-I wasn’t… I-I didn’t…” Was all he could say as guilt plagued him and he slumped in shame. Gilda sighed sadly as she looked in the direction Fluttershy had flown off. A pang of loneliness hit her. She had come to enjoy the shy Pegasus’s company, almost as much as Rainbow’s. But with what had happened today, Fluttershy probably hated her and wouldn’t want to attend another Weasel Stomping Day with her again.
Gilda shook those dreary thoughts away. She gave up on a friendship once, never again. Fluttershy would attend another Weasel Stomping Day with her she’d make sure of it and next time she’d make sure there were plenty of weasels for Fluttershy to stomp for herself.
She smiled widely as she imagined her and Fluttershy happily stomping weasels together and laughing. Gilda would make it happen, even if she had to bring Weasel Stomping Day to Ponyville. All those ponies should share the joy of Weasel Stomping Day. Gilda made those stupid motions that Pinkie showed her. It was a Pinkie promise she would keep.
Author's Note
Hope you all enjoyed this little story from the insanity that is my imagination and brain. 
Evil sure found a way with this one HAHA! 
Happy Weasel Stomping Day to you all and to many, many more to come! 
EDIT: the song is all Weird Al. I'm not that creative. HEH
