Chapter 20

Author's Note: Welcome back towards the twentieth chapter of Visitors of Equestria! We are a fifth of the way towards making this a 100-chapter story, which is sorta one of my goals for this. Anyways, today's chapter is more of a bonding time between Pika and Fluttershy, so for those of you who love Fluttershy, this chapter's for you. I have something I need to tell you all about involving this story, but I'll wait until the end. Until then, I hope you all enjoy today's chapter!

Praesidio Dimittetur Illi

Walking or, in my case, resting on the back of Rainbow Dash, who was flying, I look up at nature and take a moment to mesmerize myself with this area. Thinking back to how Fluttershy's role involves taking care of animals, it makes sense for her home to be near said creatures. There were variations of these animals back in my world, like Scorbunny for rabbits and Pidgey for birds. But, seeing these creatures without element powers like we do is sort of interesting to note within these universes.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I heard Rainbow Dash ask me, "Hey, Pika. How are you feeling?"

Taking a few seconds to examine myself, I answer, "I don't feel recovered yet, but I have the energy needed to walk now, so I should be good once we get to Fluttershy's place. I apologize if I was a bit too much to handle, Rainbow."

Waving a hoof while flapping her wings, Rainbow tells me, "Nah. Don't sweat it, kid. I handled a lot of weight on my back flying around, and you're certainly easy to carry around. Too easy, in fact..."

Hearing her skepticism, I question her, "You must be thinking on how I'm extremely light, right?" Upon seeing her nod her head, I chuckle and explain, "It's a sort of skill I had when I was born. Because of my weight, I'm able to have an easier time running around opponents, but I can get easily carried around by other ponies and 'mons. Were you surprised by how easy I was to carry around?"

Looking at me with exaggerated eyes, she exclaims, "Heck yeah! I thought for a second there that you were replaced by a big feather or something." Laughing over that scenario, Rainbow lands on the ground with ease and looks over, asking me, "Hey, can I ask you one more question?"

Ready for her question, she points at my collar and questions, "Did Rarity make you that collar around your neck?" Nodding my head, she grins and tells me, "Well, I personally think that collar looks pretty cool on ya, Pika!"

Smiling, I say to her, "Thanks, Rainbow! I appreciate your compliment."

She mentions, "No problem, kid. Oh, and we're also here at our destination."

Hopping off her back, I look around Fluttershy's cottage, intrigued to see how it looks like without my blurry vision or low stamina.

Her cottage appeared to have a multitude of animal burrows, birdhouses, and dens around it. Flowers and plants manifest the grass around her home, as various animals hang out and have fun with each other. There was a bridge which connects to her home with a river flowing underneath it, some lily pads hovering above the water. Looking at the house itself, I could see that her cottage was pretty natureful. From my viewpoint, I could see that her cottage had some birdhouses engraved within it, which was rather interesting to examine. Also, there was a fence that connected to her house and her roof seems to consist of leaves like a tree. Overall, this cottage was nevertheless pretty and beautiful, and I'm glad I got to see it in its full perspective, without any hindering drawbacks.

Waving towards the animals, who recognized me and waved back, me and Rainbow cross the bridge and I was about ready to knock on her door. However, from the corner of my eye, I saw Fluttershy talking to some squirrels, with Rainbow Dash noticing as well. Smiling wide, we walk over to Fluttershy on the field, as she explains, "Now, all you have to do is go and climb this tree here to gather food and shelter, do you got that?"

Upon seeing the squirrels smile, she smiles as well and nuzzles their heads, telling them, "Good! I'll leave you three to yourselves, but I'll come back and see your progress, is that ok?" Sighing in relief upon seeing them nod, she says, "I'll see you soon, my friends!"

The squirrels wave to her as they run up the tree, getting prepared for food and shelter.

With that done, she turns around and was about to walk towards her home, only to notice me and Rainbow Dash standing there with smiles on our faces. Smiling wide, she flys over and nuzzles the top of my head while wrapping me into a big wing-hug. Feeling comfortable, I smile warmly as Fluttershy greets, "Oh, hello there, Pika! I'm so happy you came by. How are you doing?"

I tell her, "I'm doing great, Fluttershy. I'm so happy to see you again! I was wondering if I could hang out and help you take care of some creatures today?"

Seeing her excited gaze, she says happily, "Really? That would be most wonderful, Pika! I can't wait for my animal friends to reunite with you after our dinner last time."

Feeling happiness within me, I nuzzle her fur and tell her, "I can't wait either!"

Looking over at the cyan-colored pegasus, Fluttershy also greets, "Oh, and nice seeing you too, Rainbow Dash! How was your Wonderbolt trip?"

Grinning, Rainbow answers, "It was a blast! Good performance from the crew, and tons of fans wanting our autographs! But, to be honest with you, Flutters, I'm kinda glad to be back home."

Nuzzling her friend, Fluttershy says, "Well, in any case, I'm glad you came to visit. What are you going to do now?"

Placing a hoof on her chin, Rainbow mentions, "I might as well rest up and hang out with AJ, or somepony." Flapping her wings, she tells us, "It was nice seeing you, Flutters, and I also want to thank you for mentioning this kid to me!"

Pointing towards me, she finishes with, "As for you, Pika, you've definitely landed on my cool list, and I can't wait to hang out with you!" Waving towards us, she says, "Later!" and zooms off towards the distance back to Ponyville.

Waving back, the yellow pegasus looks at me and asks, "So, shall we head on over to my home?

Feeling senses of joy and excitement, we both walk over towards her house as Fluttershy explains, "I was thinking that we could first help out some young birds on flying. Then, we could feed some of our animal friends before heading out towards the Everfree Forest."

Getting worried, I ask her, "We're going to the Everfree Forest? Are we gonna be ok?"

Giggling towards my worries, she pulls me in for a side hug as she answers, "Yep! With you beside me, we'll both be safe from its danger."

Smiling at her comfort, I tell her, "Ok then. I accept your plan, Fluttershy."

Smiling gleefully, she says in a happy tone, "Oh, thank you, Pika! I promise I'll keep you safe from its creatures, including Manny the manticore."

I giggle and counter back, "Alright, but only if I protect you too!"

Hearing her laugh, she declares, "Of course, Pika. We'll both protect each other."

Heading inside the cottage, Fluttershy heads towards the kitchen and I was about to follow her, only to get a nudge. Looking to the side, I was surprised to see Angel there, who was looking at me not with an angry expression, but with confusion instead. Smiling, I ask him, "Hey, Angel. It's me, Pika. Are you doing good?"

Upon seeing him nod, I smile and say, "Great! I'm just visiting and helping out Fluttershy with taking care of animals. If you need anything, just let me know and I'll assist you, ok?"

With me saying that, I could see, to my delight, Angel's expression changing into one of happiness as he hugs me around my neck. Giggling to his action, I hug him back and declare, "I'll take that as a yes, then."

Suddenly, I could hear a giggle as I look to my left, only to see Fluttershy smiling while holding a basket on her back. Looking at her with a smile, she asks me, "I see you and Angel are both becoming friends now, right?" Upon seeing the both of us smile, her smile widens as she claps her hooves and says, "That's great! Now, how about we begin our errands, Pika?"

Nodding my head to her question, she opens the door for me as she hands Angel a carrot. Walking towards the entrance, I wave to Angel, who waves back as he eats his carrot, before me and Fluttershy exit her house.

Both of us smiling, we walk towards one tree with me climbing up while Fluttershy flew up. Getting on one branch, I look right and see a nest consisting of baby birds. Smiling wide at the sight, Fluttershy goes towards them as she says, "Hello there, my friends! Are you all ready to learn how to fly?"

Hearing chirps of joy, she smiles brightly as she explains, "That's great! Now, I'll show you how to fly properly, with Pika here assisting you. All you have to do is flap your wings and you'll be flying in no time."

I could see the baby birds look at each other with worry, but I made sure to reassure them about this. Getting their attention, they look at me as I tell them with reassurance, "Hey there. I know it may seem scary but I promise you, if you try to fly but fail, then I will catch you and give you another chance at it, ok?" Hearing my statement, they look at me and Fluttershy with confidence as they nod.

Smiling at me, Fluttershy comments, "Ok then. Pika, you'll be on the ground, and be ready for if any bird drops down, ok?"

Nodding at her request, I jump down and prepare for any birds that fall down towards me. Luckily, thanks to Fluttershy's helpful instructions, the baby birds fly easily and happily, their confidence growing ever so slightly. I smile upon seeing how great the birds were at flying like Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.

After we taught the birds how to fly, we both head out towards multiple burrows and dens, giving various kinds of animals food like berries and plants. Seeing the animals eat their food with a pleasant experience, I smile and touch my chest towards the location of my heart. I could tell my heart was experiencing serene bliss as I watch on with Fluttershy, who looks at me with a happy expression.

Eventually, we head towards the entrance of the Everfree Forest, prepared to protect each other from the creatures within. While we walk alongside the trees, we decide to start up a conservation, with Fluttershy being the first to start off with, "So, Pika, how are you with Twilight?"

Smiling wide, I tell her, "Twilight is one interesting pony. She's so amazing not only as the Princess of Friendship, but also as the Element of Magic. Though, she's not the only one who's extremely cool. I've met your and Twilights' friends, and they're all so amazing and nice."

Seeing her excited, she asks me, "Wow! I'm so happy you met my friends. How were they like, if you don't mind telling me that is?"

Smiling, I shake my head and tell her, "I've met Rarity, who's extremely pretty and generous, making me this amazing collar." I show her my collar, to which she looks at with awe over the design.

"I've also met Applejack, severely hard-working and honest, who introduced me to her family." Nodding her head, I next tell her, "Then, I met Pinkie Pie, who's really bubbly and energetic, but extremely kind, just like you!"

Smiling at my compliment, she nods and gestures for me to continue. Still smiling, I tell her, "I went and met Spike, who is an amazing and cool dragon, giving me kindness just like with Twilight."

Giggling, she nods and I finish with, "Finally, I met Rainbow Dash, who is so cool and amazing, we both raced and tied, but she saw me with so much respect we officially became friends."

I could see Fluttershy look at me in shock, as she contemplates how I met all her friends, only to smile bright and hug me, saying, "That's so sweet, Pika! I'm glad you were able to meet my best friends. But, if you're up for it, which pony do you like the most?"

Smirking, I shock her by declaring, "Well, to be honest, Fluttershy… I don't have a favorite pony." Looking at me with pure confusion, I explain to her, "You see, I'm normally a creature who doesn't have a favorite in terms of friends and family. So, in my heart, I see you and all of your best friends as my favorites."

Seeing her mouth almost drop to the floor, I tell her, "You are so kind and sweet, Fluttershy. Twilight's very friendly, Rarity's truly generous. Applejack's purely honest, Pinkie Pie's extremely funny, and Rainbow Dash's loyalty makes her very fierce! If I have to be honest with you, Fluttershy, when you saved me, I wanted to repay you for what you've done to help me out. I saw how you care for your animal friends as well as with your best friends, too. It makes me so happy I… I… I don't even know how to feel! The only thing I can say is you and your friends are nothing but pure amazing for what you've done for me."

Fluttershy shakes her shock off, only to nuzzle me passionately while hugging me with her hooves. Giggling, she tells me, "I'm so glad you see me and my friends with so much respect, Pika. You're definitely one of the kindest creatures I've met and…"

Suddenly, I could hear her stop talking as we both hear the sounds of bushes rustling. We look at the rustling bush as Fluttershy holds on to me with a protective hug, signifying that she would protect me from the danger emerging. Getting scared, I put my paws around Fluttershy, worried over what's rustling among the bushes.

Quickly, before Fluttershy could wonder what just emerged, I push her out of the way and jump back, just as a familiar scorpion's tail strikes from where we were at earlier. Looking at the wielder, I could see that a certain manticore was up and running for another round of trying to eat me, as his mouth was all watery again!

Getting worried, I decided that while I did fought him last time, I'm not gonna attack him, but stall for time. I know for sure what I'm doing is very crazy, but I can't stoop down to this manticore's level of savagery.

Roaring loudly, he prepares to strike me down using his tail, but just as he swings it, I use Protect, shielding myself from its attack. To my shock, I could see Fluttershy flying towards the manticore, whispering to him softly, "Wait! Please, Manny! Don't hurt Pika! He's my friend!"

Not hearing Fluttershy's plea, he strikes at me with his claws, trying to break my Protect, but failing to break or cause a dent upon it.

This time, Fluttershy says in a firm, but still soft voice, "Manny! I beg of you! Please stop attacking Pika!"

Still blind to her request, he still tries to break my barrier, but this time, his strikes left a bit of a dent upon my shield. I start to get worried, cause if he hits me one more time, I can say for certain my barrier will shatter.

Once more, Fluttershy warns him with a very firm and authoritative tone, "Manny Roar! You are going to stop attacking Pika, or else you won't like what I'm gonna do to you! I will use that move on you!" Apparently, this manticore loves testing ponies because he once again doesn't listen to Fluttershy. This time, once he hits my shield with his arm, the barrier shatters as his arm goes through and hits me in the chest.

Feeling a surge of pain, I get launched a few feet away from my position before hitting against one of the trees, stopping me, but causing me to feel immense pain. I look up, only to see the manticore walking closer to me, smiling while preparing to stab me using his tail. Still feeling my body able to move, I prepare to dodge his attack via Agility, but before I perform my action, I could hear a loud and angry voice speak out towards the brute.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Getting shocked at who shouted that command, I see the manticore stop its assault upon noticing that above me was an angry Fluttershy staring angrily at him.

"Manny Roar. I am ashamed of what you have done! Not only did you not listen to me, but you hurt my good friend, Pika! Do you know how angry I am at you?" I could see him shiver up upon looking into her eyes as she continues, "Now, you're going to forgive Pika, and you'll go to your home and think about what you have done, you got that?!"

Suddenly, as if a lightbulb flicked inside his mind, he bows down to me and growls a mutter that's probably his way of apologizing. Smiling, I tell him, "Hey. I forgive you, Manny. I'm not mad whatsoever."

Growling a mutter once more, possibly a thank you, he turns and walks towards the bushes, until he disappears within them. Feeling confused, I look up, only to see Fluttershy looking at me, not with anger, but with immense worry as she lands and asks, "Are you ok, Pika?"

Standing up from my spot, I answer her, "I think so. I do feel a bit of pain, but I'll be fine. However…" I suddenly look at Fluttershy with respectful eyes, questioning her, "What you did with that manticore was so great! What did you do?"

Rubbing the back of her neck while blushing, she explains, "Well, Pika, what you saw was me using 'The Stare'. With this, I can control misbehaving animals, like Manny from earlier. I really don't like to use 'The Stare', so I only use it for order or saving a life, like what I did with you."

Smiling, I tell her, "I understand, Fluttershy. Sometimes, I don't like using some of my skills for daily use, so I only use them for dire situations, but regardless…"

I suddenly run up and nuzzle Fluttershy's neck and chest as I mention to her, "You saved my life again. Thank you so much for saving me again!"

Smiling warmly, she hugs me with her hoof, rubbing my back while saying to me, "Why, of course Pika! You're my best friend, so I'll protect you from any danger, ok?"

Looking up at her, I tell her, "Of course. But I want to protect you from danger as well."

Rubbing my head with one of her wings, she reassures, "And you will. But you're still hurt from Manny, so I'll take you home for now." Looking at her with worry, I was about to ask her about her mission at the Everfree Forest. However, before I could ask her, she tells me, "You don't have to worry about what I have to do at the Everfree Forest. I was just going to visit a friend of mine for medicine, and I'm sure Manny won't bother me for now, so I'll be safe."

Nodding my head, I was ready to walk, but Fluttershy had other plans. She grabs me with her wings, and places my body on her back. Looking at me with a smile, she explains, "I know you can walk, but I'll escort you back home, if that's ok with you, sweetie?"

I nod my head with a smile and tell her, "I'll be ok with it, Fluttershy."

With that said, both me and Fluttershy head off towards Twilight's home, the afternoon sky hitting evening very soon...

Author's Note: And that's the end of this chapter for today. If I have to be honest with you all, I may take a break with this story. I'm not done writing this tale, and I won't be for a long time. It's just that I have a idea involving the next few chapters, but I need to spend some time polishing these ideas into a good arc. The only thing I'll mention with this idea involves a mission revolving around Pika's role as the Hero of Ponyville. Until then, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and have a good day. I'll see you when I finish the next few chapters of this idea!