Flutter Brother
Pony's Log Number 611: Everypony has one member in their family who tends be nothing but a lazy pain in the flank...
It was lovely day in the city of Cloudsdale. Near the city's suburbs, was a modest cloud cottage, which was the home of Fluttershy's parents, who were simply addressed as Mr. and Mrs. Shy. They had invited their daughter, son-in-law, and Rainbow Dash, who was a long time friend of the family, over for a nice lunch.
"We're so happy you could come have lunch with your father and me, Fluttershy and Shenran," said Mrs. Shy as her husband stood beside her.
"I'm so glad you asked," said Fluttershy as she, Shenran, and Rainbow were sitting at the dining table.
"Same here," said Shenran, "It's nice to be a part of the family."
"And it was super awesome of you to invite me too!" Rainbow added, "Things have been so busy with the Wonderbolts lately, it's great to get a chance to relax someplace quiet."
"That's exactly what I intend to do now that I've retired," said Mr. Shy, "In fact, I converted the back house to showcase my cloud collection."
"I'd like to hear all about the collection sometime, Dad," said Shenran. Since his parents had already passed, Fluttershy's parents had no problem with him calling them Mom and Dad these days, "You really enjoyed my sword collection that last time you and Mom came to visit our cottage."
"Yes I did, son," said Mr. Shy and then looked at Fluttershy and put a vegetable platter on the table, "Shenran's got his antique swords, I've got my clouds, your mom has her flowers, and you've got your animals, and your brother..." Mr. Shy just pondered and let the sentence hang in the air. Fluttershy had a concerned look on her face.
"Is the family dummy?" Shenran muttered under his breath as Fluttershy snuck a glare at him. In the few years since being married, he had only met Fluttershy's younger brother a few times and he couldn't stand being around the stallion.
"Zephyr Breeze has his...interests," said Mrs. Shy as she chuckled nervously.
"I'll say!" said Rainbow, "Remember when he was convinced square clouds were gonna be the next big thing?" Rainbow and Shenran laughed.
"Didn't he also say he was gonna go discover Sea Equestria to promote...bottled water...?" Shenran added as he and Rainbow laughed once more. Fluttershy just glared at the two and then rolled her eyes at them.
"He's matured a lot since then," said Mrs. Shy.
"When did that happen?" Shenran asked in disbelief when Fluttershy sternly slapped his shoulder.
"What?" Shenran asked as he rubbed his shoulder, "I was being serious."
"You can stop making fun of him for starters, dear," Fluttershy asked irritably.
"Hey, he still hasn't apologized for skipping out on our wedding," Shenran pointed out, "and he keeps acting like the wedding was all in your head and that you're paying me to be with you!"
"Ugh!" Fluttershy groaned and rolled her eyes a she crossed her fore-hooves.
"Yeah, I forgot that he's been doing that," said Rainbow with an eye roll.
"Actually, it's funny you bring Zephyr up..." said Mr. Shy as he walked up to his wife and put a fore-hoof on hers and they gave the group sheepish smiled. Even Shenran didn't need long to know what his parents-in-law were trying to tell them.
"Oh, don't tell us!" Shenran groaned as he slumped into his chair.
"Oh no!" Fluttershy said as she put both of her fore-hooves onto the table, "Not again!"
"It's just for a little while, dear," said Mrs. Shy, "'Til he gets back on his hooves." Rainbow then blinked.
"Wait, you don't mean-" Rainbow was then interrupted when a door burst open. It was then a sea blue stallion with a butter colored mane that was tied up in a sloppy bun and rather long and wavy tail with a five o-clock shadow on his muzzle walked into the house. He was also carrying a duffle bag.
"Guess who's home!" Zephyr announced boldy, "That's right, big sis, it's your one and only favorite little brother, moi." Zephyr gave them all a cocky looking smile. Mr. and Mrs. Shy smiled timidly. Rainbow and Shenran both rolled their eyes annoyingly. Fluttershy just groaned as she buried her face into the back of her chair. Shenran took notice and gently rubbed her back with a fore-hoof.
(Main Theme)
Zephyr wasted no time dumping his duffle bag right on top of an orange jello mold, smashing it in the process as Fluttershy flinched back a bit from the splat. Shenran glared since some of the orange jello splattered all over his face.
"Hi, Flutterbutter!" said Zephyr as he hugged the yellow Pegasus tightly, "How's the bestest big sister ever?" Fluttershy just had a very unamused look on her face.
"Hey, where's the love?" Zephyr asked, "How about a little excitement to see your baby brother?" He then batted his eyelashes at her and then gave her a noogie, making her mane drape over her face and then walked off. Shenran growled.
"I just brushed her mane this morning!" Shenran grumbled but was left unheard.
"Well, look at what the Pegasi dragged in," Zephyr said, "If it ain't Fluttershy's so called special somepony! Fluttershy still paying to keep ya around eh?" Shenran glared.
"I'm her husband you numbskull," Shenran retorted through his teeth.
"You'd know that if you had shown up for the wedding!" Fluttershy shot back sternly as she fixed her mane so it wasn't in her face anymore.
"Oh, Flutters, you and your head always up in the clouds," said Zephyr as he shook his head disapprovingly.
"Listen ta him," Rainbow remarked.
"I know right," said Shenran in agreement.
"You may be still living in your fantasies big sis," said Zephyr, "but that doesn't excuse the cold shoulder you're giving ya little brother."
"I'm not giving you the cold shoulder," said Fluttershy, "I'm just surprised. When you left, you said mane therapy was your calling." Zephyr had been hugging their parents when his eyes shrunk for a moment.
"Oh it is, sis, it is," Zephyr answered as he let go of Mr. and Mrs. Shy, "You would not believe how much stress ponies hold in their manes. Everything gets limp and unmanageable. No offense, but brushing alone won't solve the problem." Zephyr then walked behind Fluttershy and did her mane up in a very sloppy bun, which immediately fell apart over her face.
"How true," Shenran remarked, "You're still here."
"Shenran, stop it!" Fluttershy scolded before speaking firmly to her brother again, "what went wrong?"
"Nothing went wrong, per se," Zephyr replied as he pushed another plate of food out of way and placed a textbook in front of Fluttershy, "It's just the powers that be were so locked into their required style, and you know me. I've got my own style! And I think they were a little threatened." Fluttershy then looked inside of the book that had some pictures of some ideal mane styles in it. Zephyr then dug into her saddle bag and presented a mannequin head with a very poorly done mane style.
"Bleh!" Shenran said in a discreet and disgusted tone. Mr. and Mrs. Shy just stared at the mane style and both smiled sheepishly.
"O-Oh, this is...lovely, dear," said Mrs. Shy. Shenran just sighed.
"Gotta love that parental support," Shenran remarked to Rainbow.
"Ugh," said Rainbow, making a face at the mane style.
"Welllll, if it ain't Rainbows "The Best Flyer There Ever Was" Dash!" Zephyr said as he stuck his long neck at Rainbow's face. Rainbow turned away to try and ignore him.
"Oh, this ought to be good," said Rainbow flatly.
"Hey!" Shenran exclaimed as Zephyr somehow flicked his chair away from Rainbow so he crashed off screen. Zephyr then pulled up his own chair so he could sit next to cyan pony.
"Sorry, I shouldn't tease you," said Zephyr in what was clearly an unapologetic tone, "I know the super awesome flyer bit's just to impress me." Rainbow gave a surprised neigh.
"Still, thanks for showing up for my homecoming," said Zephyr as he patted her fore-hoof, "it's, it's sweet." Rainbow just gave a strained gasp as she slowly recovered and glared at him. Shenran then put his chair back since the sea blue stallion had finally moved.
"We didn't know you were coming, Zephyr," Shenran remarked, "and Rainbow wouldn't date you even if you were the last pony in Equestria!"
"Forget it Shenran," said Rainbow with a sigh and then glared at Zephyr again, "That pony is more dense than a diamond." Shenran snorted.
"I believe it," Shenran remarked.
"Aw, that's very sweet of you, Fluttershy," said Zephyr as he walked behind Fluttershy, "you pay the guy to be with you and you actually paid him to show up for little old me!"
"I didn't pay him to come or to be with me!" Fluttershy remarked in a low but angry tone, but Zephyr wasn't listening.
"I kinda thought there'd be more ponies here," said Zephyr as he looked around, "I mean, what about that party planner friend, um...Sprinkle Pie! She could've turned this into a real house partay, am I right? I mean, this place could use it. Drab!" Zephyr couldn't help but singsong that last word.
"Heh, I-I, eh..." Mrs. Shy stuttered.
"We have been meaning to redecorate," Mr. Shy said in a rather optimistic, but also weary tone.
"Excuse me, Zephyr, but who said you could decide to change Mom and Dad's decor?" Shenran retorted as Fluttershy glared at her younger brother.
"Mom? Dad? Haha!" Zephyr chortled boldly, "Wow, Flutters, you even got Mom and Dad paying him too? Wow...the things ponies do to be part of this family."
"Grrrr..." Shenran growled as Fluttershy held his fore-hoof to make her husband calm down. It was then Zephyr started posting pictures of himself on the fridge.
"Dad, please," said Zephyr, "When I get all my stuff back in here, you won't even remember what this boring old place look like!" Fluttershy just watched Zephyr leave the kitchen as Rainbow and Shenran just glared. Then Zephyr started rearranging the furniture in the living room.
"Um, Mom, Dad, can I talk to you for a second?" Fluttershy whispered. Mr. and Mrs. Shy shared worried looks as the three Pegasi headed into the hallway on the opposite side of the kitchen. Shenran was just sitting in his chair huffing when Fluttershy noticed his sour mood.
"Honey, come on," Fluttershy said in a gentle but firm tone. Shenran just sighed.
"Yes, dear," said Shenran, still feeling rather irritated as he followed his wife into the hallway.
"What is it, honey?" Mrs. Shy asked with a sigh.
"I'm not so sure letting Zephyr move back home is a good idea," Fluttershy told them as Shenran nodded in agreement, "I know you both want to help, but don't you remember last time?"
"It took us eight hours to fix the mess he made," Shenran added.
"Zephyr's just trying to find his place, dear," said Mrs. Shy as Fluttershy sighed.
"I know," said Fluttershy, "It seem like his place always ends up being your place. And then he sort of makes you do everything for him!"
"If you're going to let him stay, at least make him pull his weight with the housework and such," said Shenran, "and what's it going to take for him to believe that I'm part of this family and that Fluttershy and I are married?! It's hurts that he always talking down to me! And he still thinks I bought my way into the family or that I have to be paid to marry this gorgeous Pegasus over here!" Fluttershy couldn't resist a deep blush from that comment. Mr. and Mrs. Shy both chuckled. For the record, Shenran was just slightly bigger than Mr. Shy size-wise. So the fact Zephyr talked down to him can be taken literally.
"Well, I'm sure if you showed him some real proof, he would believe you," Mrs. Shy suggested.
"Mom, we showed him our marriage certificate and he thinks the whole paper and the professional signatures are crayon scribbles I drew myself," Fluttershy remarked bluntly. Mr. and Mrs. Shy were taken aback but then just smiled sheepishly as a clue they had no better ideas.
"Now don't you two worry about a thing," said Mrs. Shy, "We know how to handle your little brother."
I'd rather be total strangers to him Shenran thought to himself.
"Well, we may not be as bold as you, Fluttershy and Shenran," said Mr. Shy, "but don't you worry. We know how to stand up for themselves." Mrs. Shy smiled in agreement.
"That's...what we're afraid of," Shenran remarked as he and his wife both had annoyed and unamused looks on their faces.
Meanwhile, Rainbow was sitting in an armchair reading one of her Daring Do books while Zephyr sat on the armrest, boasting about himself.
"And they were all like, "We love your free spirit, Zeph! And it would be wrong to cage that! Go follow your dreams"!" Zephyr even put a fore-leg behind Rainbow as he boasted. Rainbow just tuned him out and then used a single fore-hoof to shove him off the chair rest and onto the floor. Zephyr just kept staring at her like a lovesick puppy, not taking the hint to leave her alone. It was then Fluttershy and Shenran walked into the room with Mr. and Mrs. Shy right behind them. Shenran noticed Zephyr's staring and rolled his eyes.
"Look, Zephyr," said Shenran, "Whether you accept me as part of this family or not is your business, but I do know for a fact that staring and gawking over a girl isn't the way to get them to take interest in you. Or like you for that matter!"
"Oh, and how would you know about true love?" Zephyr retorted arrogantly, "My sister pays you to be with her. Even I know that's not how real love works!" Shenran growled and then snorted.
"Why do I bother?" Shenran said in exasperation and shook his head. Fluttershy just patted his shoulder and then gave her brother a glare.
"Zeph was just telling me all about the ins and outs of mane therapy school," said Rainbow.
"You mean how they threw him out?" Shenran asked.
"Stop it!" Fluttershy scolded.
"Hey! He insulted my love wisdom!" Shenran retorted in a hushed tone.
"Doesn't mean you have to stoop to his level!" Fluttershy retorted sternly.
"Fine!" Shenran said hastily with a bitter look on his face.
"It's all so political," said Zephyr, "I just could not take it!" Zephyr then stomped away as Fluttershy and Shenran both had very irritated looks on their faces. Mr. and Mrs. Shy just had worried looks of their own in the background.
"Well, maybe if you stuck with it for more than a few weeks..." Fluttershy remarked as Mr. and Mrs. Shy
"Sorry, sis, but when something's not the right fit," Zephyr answered, "this pony's gotta fly!" Shenran just rolled his eyes as Zephyr stuck a picture of himself wearing a striped shirt, or jailbird attire since the picture was black and white, onto the fireplace mantle, pushing aside the animal statuaries that were there and one of them fell off the mantle.
"Anyway, good talk, Rainbows," Zephyr yawned, "I am so touched you came to see me, really. I hate to deprive you of my presence, but this breeze needs his Z's."
"You know it's the middle of the day, right?" Rainbow pointed out as she glared at the sea blue stallion.
"I know," said Zephyr as he headed upstairs and some maracas were heard, "Siesta! I'm just gonna assume you made up my room the way I like it, right, Mom? Oh, I almost forgot! All my stuff is out front. Wanna grab that for me Pops? Thanks." Zephyr then laughed as he made his way to his room in a hurry. Mr. and Mrs. Shy shared more concerned looks with each other. Fluttershy and Shenran both looked very annoyed.
"Same old Zeph," said Rainbow sarcastically.
"Oh brother," said Shenran remarked.
"I know, he is your brother," said Rainbow.
"Don't remind me," Shenran replied with an eye roll as Fluttershy just continued to stare at the staircase sternly.
It wasn't long before Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Shenran headed back to Ponyville. Rainbow was also worried since both Fluttershy and Shenran both had bitter looks on their faces and they weren't speaking to each other.
"I know you two weren't expecting to see your brother," said Rainbow, "but you both have been very quiet, even for you Fluttershy. Plus I've never seen you two angry with each other for this long!"
"I'm not mad at Flutters," said Shenran in surprise, "I said I was sorry for my remarks before we left, but she still understands why I felt that way."
"Even so," said Fluttershy, "I'm sorry, and this isn't at you, dear, but I'm just so...so...peeved right now!" Rainbow gasped at what Fluttershy had said and even Shenran was taken aback. Fluttershy looked rather devastated that she had said that. She then looked down to see a mare with Dinky. The fact the mare glared at Fluttershy as she covered Dinky's ears meant she heard what the yellow Pegasus had said.
"Excuse my language!" said Fluttershy quickly and apologetically.
"It's okay, honey," said Shenran, "Next time, just say you're steamed. It's means the same thing."
"Thanks dear," said Fluttershy as they held fore-hooves in the air. As they continued their flight, the three Pegasi quickly flew past Pinkie and Applejack from below. Pinkie easily caught sight of them.
"Rainbow Dash! Fluttershy! Shenran!" Pinkie called out, "It's me, Pinkie Pie! Your friend!" Despite her yelling, none of the Pegasi were paying attention. Applejack walked up to a now dejected Pinkie, put a fore-hoof into her mouth to give a loud whistle. Rainbow, who was flying ahead of the couple, came to an abrupt stop so Fluttershy and Shenran bumped into her from behind. The three Pegasi turned around and then made a landing before Pinkie and Applejack.
"Oh, um, sorry about that," said Fluttershy.
"My bad," Shenran added sheepishly.
"We just had lunch with Fluttershy's parents," Rainbow told their friends, "and you'll never guess who showed up."
"Ooh! Mayor Mare? Cranky Doodle Donkey? Cheese Sandwich? Ms. Harshwhinny?!" Pinkie asked as she held a wallet loaded with pictures of the ponies, or donkey, she said the names of and then got into Rainbow's face. Rainbow just smirked as she pushed the wallet out of Pinkie's fore-hooves.
"Zephyr Breeze," said Rainbow.
"Oh, that makes more sense," Pinkie smirked.
"And from the look on your faces," said Applejack to Fluttershy and Shenran, "I'm guessin' it's for another one of his "extended stays"? And I'm bettin' apples to oranges he's still claiming your marriage ain't real?" Shenran just snorted as Fluttershy angrily face-hoofed herself.
"Shenran's certainly feeling rather annoyed, but Fluttershy's feeling a bit peeved," said Rainbow. In the background, the mare and Dinky appeared. They both gasped as the mare gave Rainbow the sink eye and pushed Dinky forward.
"Zephyr's our brother, and I love him," said Fluttershy as Rainbow noticed the mare and Dinky in the background, "But he's never learned to do anything for himself. I don't know why my parents keep letting him trot all over them! And they don't help us convince him that Shenran and I are married. He's always disrespecting my husband and he's jokes around that I paid Shenran to be with me! That's insulting to the both of us, especially since he still won't apologize for not attending our wedding! How lazy can a pony get!?" Fluttershy then inhaled and exhaled heavily before just snorting to herself.
"Well, there's not much we can do about Zephyr being in denial about your marriage or the fact he chose not to show up for it," said Applejack, "but if your parents won't stand up for themselves, maybe you need to stand up for them."
"You know, you're right!" said Fluttershy, "Come on, honey!"
"Lead the way honey!" said Shenran as the couple sternly took to the air to head back to Fluttershy's parent's home. It didn't take long before Fluttershy and Shenran arrived at the front door of the Shy household.
"Now remember dear," said Fluttershy, "I'll handle the talking since Zephyr actually listens to me. Just keep quiet and don't let him get to you, okay? You promise?"
"Yes dear," said Shenran as they exchanged smiles and a kiss with each other. Fluttershy then took a long deep breath before she went to knock on the front door.
SMASH!
"What the-?" Shenran exclaimed as he and his wife headed toward where they heard the loud sound. They both peeked from the corner of the house and gasped loudly. There they saw Zephyr taking over the back house as Mrs. Shy was trying to salvage the damaged flowers and Mr. Shy was hovering about trying to save the escaping cloud samples that had been carelessly tossed out and broke free from their bottles.
"Zephyr Breeze!" said Fluttershy sternly.
"Just what do you think you're doing?" Shenran said in the same tone.
"Oh, hey, sis, pony my sis paid to be her boyfriend," said Zephyr from a window and getting the stink eye from Shenran, "Come to see me work my magic and turn this place of drab to fab, huh? Well, watch and learn!" Zephyr than ducked back inside.
"Pass..." said Shenran bluntly.
"Can't you see what you're doing?!" Fluttershy exclaimed as she pointed out how their parents were struggling to salvage the items Zephyr was tossing out. Shenran, to be helpful as well as avoid having to say something he'd regret to his brother-in-law, went to help Mr. Shy with his escaping cloud samples. Zephyr then shoved a bunch of clouds in a bottle outside.
"Yeah!" Zephyr replied, "I'm getting rid of this old stuff so I can turn the back house into my art studio! I've decided I'm gonna be a sculptor!"
"Great, art that needs to be condemned before it was ever created," Shenran remarked as he used some spare bottles from his own magic saddle bag, which Mario had given him last Hearth's Warming.
"Shenran," Fluttershy warned and gestured for him to keep quiet.
"Sorry, dear," said Shenran as he captured another cloud. Fluttershy then turned to Zephyr.
"I'm talking about Mom's flowers!" Fluttershy pointed.
"She's gonna move them so I can have my mediation patio here," said Zephyr, "She loves replanting stuff. Don't you, Mom?" Zephyr didn't resist kissing up a bit when he looked at Mrs. Shy. Mrs. Shy just looked at a now wilted flower in her fore-hoof and smiled sheepishly. Shenran also noticed the wilted flower.
"Aww, those are the flowers I gave you last Mare's Day," Shenran said sadly.
"And Dad's been collecting his favorite bit of cloud from the factory since before you were born," Fluttershy added.
"The very best from every production run since my first day on the job," Mr. Shy said proudly as he captured another cloud, "Ah!" Mr. Shy then yelped as he lost the grip on the bottle and it shattered, making the cloud escape into the air. Mr. Shy sighed.
"But why hold onto the past really?" Mr. Shy said in sad tone. Shenran then appeared beside him with the captured cloud in a new bottle.
"Oh thank you, son," said Mr. Shy as he took the jar from Shenran.
"You can't just fly in and change everything Mom and Dad have built here," Fluttershy continued.
"But this is the only place big enough for my studio/meditation garden," Zephyr protested, "Ooh! Unless I do it in the living room!"
"I know speaking up for yourself can be hard, believe me," said Fluttershy to her parents, "even with Shenran's help it was still hard for me to speak up, but Zephyr will never stand on his own if he can lean on you." Shenran nodded in agreement as he stood beside his wife. Zephyr had been heading toward the main house when he froze at what Fluttershy had said.
"Don't be so dramatic, sis!" Zephyr retorted as Fluttershy and Shenran both glared at him. He then quickly zipped behind Mr. and Mrs. Shy, "Mom and Dad just wanna let me be me! Right? I can do plenty on my own." Zephyr didn't noticed that as he hugged the two Pegasi that they looked away from him.
"I agree," said Fluttershy, "Which is why you should move out."
"Indeed," said Shenran, "You'll have plenty of space to be yourself and find your...groove...if you had a place of your very own." Zephyr froze and started to sweat.
"Oh. Well...I mean," Zephyr stuttered, "I-I totally would, but...I don't think that's what Mom and Dad want! It's not, is it?" Zephyr didn't resist giving both Mr. and Mrs. Shy the puppy dog face as he held them.
"Ehhh..." Mrs. Shy stuttered.
"You know we love you, son, but your sister and brother have a point," said Mr. Shy. Zephyr started to tear up.
"Sure, I mean, I really just came back here to keep you guys company," said Zephyr, "but...whatever's best for the family. I just...I just gotta grab a few essentials." Zephyr then started walking toward the house, grabbing a garden gnome squirrel and hugged it.
"And...y-you definitely have somewhere else to go?" Mrs. Shy asked worriedly. Fluttershy and Shenran walked up, each putting a fore-leg to her shoulder and shook their heads. They wanted the older Pegasus to keep strong.
"Of course!" said Zephyr as he held several animal gnomes in his fore-leg, "There's plenty of ponies who'd love for a little breeze to blow their way." He then walked inside the house, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Shy sharing sad looks with each other. Mrs. Shy was fighting back tears.
"It's okay, Mom," said Shenran as he gave her a warm hug, "Tough love isn't something we like to give to anypony. But you can't let Zephyr guilt trip you. He needs to do this and strike out on his own, right honey?" Fluttershy was quiet at first, but then looked at her husband.
"Right...honey," said Fluttershy with a worried look on her face. Once the couple knew Mrs. Shy was going to be okay, they headed back to the cottage. Shenran had just finished with the dishes as Fluttershy put a plate with a carrot on the table for Angel to eat.
"So...where's Zeph gonna go now?" Rainbow asked curiously since she had come by to visit and find out how things went.
"I'm not sure," said Fluttershy, "Oh, I hope I did the right thing..."
"Are you kidding?" said Rainbow, "One hundred percent!"
"Of course you did, dear," said Shenran, "If Zephyr ever wants to make anything for himself, he's gotta take the first step on his own."
"Hey, sis!" said a familiar voice.
"Oh sweet Celestia..." Shenran squeaked when Zephyr burst through the back door of the cottage.
"Your new roomie's here!" Zephyr announced as Fluttershy and Shenran stared with their mouths hanging open.
"Okay, maybe like seventy percent," said Rainbow bluntly as Fluttershy and Shenran both now had very annoyed looks on their faces. Shenran was the first to speak up.
"Give me the word, Flutters," Shenran whispered to her, "Just give me the word and I can have him out of here in five seconds flat!"
"Honey," said Fluttershy firmly as she put a fore-hoof on his chest, "I think some of the animals need to be fed outside. Please take care of that while I deal with our...houseguest."
"Freeloader is more like it," Shenran muttered.
"Go!" Fluttershy said sternly and glared at him.
"I'm going! I'm going!" Shenran said as he hovered out of the cottage from the back door, but he did give the sea blue Pegasus a death glare before leaving.
"Um, Zephyr," said Fluttershy in a calm but stern tone, "When Mom and Dad told you to find someplace to live, I don't think they meant here."
"Well, it's not their house," Zephyr said smugly as he dropped his duffle bag, placed the bunny gnome on the table and Angel started staring at it, "so by definition, it's someplace else. Am I right, Rainbows?" Rainbow just glared and said nothing.
"And what makes you think Fluttershy and Shenran are just gonna let you move in with them?" Rainbow remarked.
"Stop oogling me and help me settle this," Zephyr said in a flirty tone, not hearing anything Rainbow said and making the blue Pegasus' jaw drop. Zephyr just smirked arrogantly and closed Rainbow's mouth for her before walking away.
"You know what?" Rainbow sighed, "I totally forgot that I promised to help Pinkie Pie...sprinkle...something..." Rainbow then flew out of the window as quickly as she could. Shenran then saw her taking off outside.
"Thanks for the help, Dashie," said Shenran bitterly as he continued his work outside. Back inside, Fluttershy was still dealing with Zephyr.
"You said you had plenty of places to go!" Fluttershy said sternly as her brother was tasting a soup that was cooking on the oven.
"Ehhh..." Zephyr said, trying to play dumb as he twirled his fore-hoof. Fluttershy just face-hooved herself and sighed loudly.
"Fine," said Fluttershy with much reluctance and annoyance in her tone, "You can stay here-"
"You're the best!" said Zephyr before Fluttershy could finish and held her in the air, "We're gonna have so much fun."
"On one condition," said Fluttershy slowly.
"Totally. Anything," said Zephyr.
"You have to get a job," Fluttershy told him and stuck a fore-hoof to his nose. Zephyr winced as he set Fluttershy down.
"Cracking the whip, huh?" Zephyr remarked, trying to regain his cool and noggied Fluttershy's mne over her face again, "You always were kind of bossy."
"Zephyr Breeze..." Fluttershy warned under her breath as she fixed her mane again.
"Kidding!" said Zephyr, "Get a job. Absolutely." He then walked into the living room just as Shenran entered the house. Fluttershy still had a stern look on her face as she headed over to the stove.
"I take it things didn't go well, dear," Shenran asked.
"Actually, we came to an agreement," said Fluttershy, "I told Zephyr he could stay." Shenran's eyes shrunk and his jaw dropped.
"You...what?!" Shenran interjected in shock and disapproval.
"But he has to get a job," said Fluttershy smugly as Shenran just glared.
"Honey, I love you and I'll always help and support you," said Shenran, "But Zephyr never keeps his end of the deal!"
"Oh, he will," said Fluttershy, "He's got til tomorrow to find something or he's out of here." Shenran just glared but then sighed.
"Ugh...fine," said Shenran, "I guess I can put up with him for one night. But he better not say anything about me living here. Since he's still under the delusion we're not married." Fluttershy opened her mouth to protest but then sighed annoyingly.
"He would say something along those lines," Fluttershy remarked and then huffed.
"How do you resist the urge not to beat him up sometimes?" Shenran asked.
"Shenran, you know I'm not that kind of big sister!" said Fluttershy angrily.
"Hey! You beat up Mario once or twice!" Shenran protested.
"That was a completely different situation," said Fluttershy sternly, "and besides, do you really think me beating up Zephyr would do any good?" Shenran sighed.
"Probably not," said Shenran, "Rainbow did say he's denser than a diamond." Fluttershy snorted but then sighed.
"I know he is," said Fluttershy sadly. It was then they heard some scrapping and noticed that Zephyr was moving the couch. Shenran growled inwardly.
"If he touches any of my swords or shields, he's gonna get it!" Shenran snapped as he rushed into the living room. Fluttershy just watched her husband disappear before just sighed annoyingly.
Fluttershy and Shenran didn't waste any time making sure Zephyr fulfilled his end of the bargain. The rooster was barely crowing the next morning as Fluttershy, Shenran, and Zephyr were walking through town.
"Where are we goin' so early?" Zephyr yawned lazily, "You have no idea how bad morning sun is for your mane."
"I wake up this early every day," said Shenran, "and my mane is just fine."
"Same with mine," said Fluttershy and then smirked, "Besides, Zephyr, remember how we talked about you getting a job?"
"It was just yesterday," said Zephyr, "and it's totally on my to-do list, but you can't expect me to find something befitting my awesomeness overnight."
"I thought you might say that," said Fluttershy as Shenran smirked beside her. The three Pegasi then arrived just outside the Carousel Boutique. Fluttershy knocked on the door and Rarity came out a few seconds later.
"So we did it for you," said Fluttershy and Shenran together.
"What?!" Zephyr replied in shock. Inside the boutique, Rarity had set up various sets of white fabrics and bowls filled with the three basic colors of paint.
"These fabrics all need to be dyed those colors," said Zephyr, "Do you think you can handle that?"
"Um, I don't know," Zephyr muttered until Fluttershy and Shenran glared at him.
"You get started while Fluttershy, Shenran, and I head to the store for more supplies," said Rarity as she and the Pegasi couple prepared to leave, "Ta-ta!"
"Good luck!" said Fluttershy as she and Shenran made their exit as well and Shenran closed the door. Zephyr just stood still for a few seconds. He then noticed that Opal was dipping her paw in the yellow paint and flicking it off onto the fabric snootily. Zephyr then smirked deviously.
A couple of hours later, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Shenran were returning to the boutique.
"Thanks for giving our brother a job," said Fluttershy to Rarity, "I just hope he's up to the task."
"Me too," said Shenran wearily.
"Oh, darlings, dyeing fabric is the simplest thing!" said Rarity as they walked inside and headed to the room where Zephyr was supposed to be working, "You just dip the cloth in a bo-" Fluttershy, Rarity, and Shenran both gasped dramatically. The work area was a complete mess with hoofprints all over the floor. The fabrics were not only misprinted but also damaged. Their jaws were still hanging open as Zephyr was sitting on a nearby bed on his stomach reading a book, humming innocently to himself.
"Rarity, you're back!" said Zephyr once he noticed the three ponies. Fluttershy and Shenran glared.
"What did you do?" Fluttershy demanded.
"Since you talk to animals all the time," said Zephyr, "I just figured it runs in the family, so why not outsource this stuff, you know?" It was then several animals ran past them covered in paint or holding pieces of torn up fabric.
"Turns out the animal communication thing isn't genetic," said Zephyr plainly.
"No duh!" Shenran retorted, "I had to do years of hard studying to get good at animal communication. In other words, I worked hard to learn how to do something! Try it sometimes!"
"Nevermind darling," said Rarity before speaking sternly to the sea blue pony, "Zephyr, I asked you to do this job! Not pawn it off on innocent woodland creatures!"
"Okay, I guess you have some feelings about this," Zephyr replied coolly, "But you should know that it's basically your cat's fault for walking by and giving me the idea. But I'm actually kinda into this look!" Opal then appeared covered in paint and then leaned in at the cat. Opal yowled and went to swipe at the stallion, but he pulled away just in time. Rarity jaw just hung open when she saw the condition of her cat.
"So I guess what I'm saying is...you're welcome," Zephyr finished smugly as he handed her some fabric. Rarity just stuttered in frustration before she found her voice.
"Zephyr, this is just unacceptable!" Rarity yelled angrily as she threw the fabric piece he had given her to the floor.
"Wow, I guess I know when my efforts aren't appreciated," Zephyr replied arrogantly and left in a rather snootily fashion.
"Ugghh!" Rarity growled angrily as she closed the door. She then gave Fluttershy and Shenran a glare. Fluttershy just giggled nervously and blushed as Shenran just sighed to himself.
"Sorry, Rarity," said Shenran, "It's not our fault Zephyr just an egotistical dummy."
"Hey!" said Zephyr as he suddenly reappeared from the doorway, "Just cause Big Sis pays to keep you around doesn't mean you can call moi mean and nasty names."
"Maybe so," said Rarity with a glare, "But let's get the record straight here, Zephyr! Fluttershy and Shenran are married and you do have issues taking responsibility for your actions!" Zephyr blinked and the laughed.
"Wow, just how many ponies did you pay to believe your fantasy, Flutterbutter?" Zephyr remarked, ignoring the second half of Rarity's remark, "I mean, if you two are married, I bet you probably eloped considering how comfortable you are with large crowds. Probably hired your tailor friend here to make you some plain-jane wedding dress. Am I right?" Rarity felt her temper flare as Zephyr spoke. Her temper boiled to its limit when he insulted her dress-making talents.
The view showed the outside of the Carousel Boutique. Then shifted so the entrance to the boutique was in the right.
"DAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Zephyr screamed and Rarity literally threw him out of the boutique. And she didn't use her magic to do it either!
A few minutes later, Fluttershy and Shenran lead Zephyr inside of the Castle of Friendship.
"Whoa! Those are tall!" Zephyr remarked as he looked at the windows.
"I'm glad you noticed," said Twilight as she, Spike, and Diamond Tiara walked inside the room, "because they're your new job."
"Wha?!" Zephyr exclaimed before glaring at Fluttershy, "You said you were taking me to tea with the princess!"
"Actually, I said Shenran and I were going to tea with the princess," Fluttershy corrected firmly, "You are going to work." Zephyr began to sweat.
"Sis, c'mon!" Zephyr protested and then looked at Shenran, "Help me out here, dude!"
"Oh, you want my advice now?" Shenran teased and then said sternly, "How about listen to your sister and get to work!" He then walked off as Zephyr still had a worried look on his face.
"Don't worry Zephyr," said Twilight, "it'll be easy. I just a Pegasus pony to fly up and wipe each window clean from top to bottom."
"And I'm here to make sure you do it right," said Spike smugly. As Twilight, Fluttershy, Shenran, and Diamond Tiara took their leave. Zephyr then had a devious smile on his face once again.
"By the way," said Fluttershy as the group headed on their way, "Where's Mario?"
"Master is helping Applejack for the day," said Diamond Tiara, "So...what's his deal?"
"He's a pony who needs to learn how to do things for himself," said Shenran.
"And he will one way or another," said Fluttershy confidently, but then noticed that Diamond Tiara looked rather uneasy.
"Is something troubling you?" Shenran asked the tiara wearing filly curiously.
"His behavior reminds of me of when...I used to be rather...polarized to doing things myself," said Diamond Tiara, "I had no idea how rewarding it feels when you do a good days work and to do things on your own."
"Well, good thing you learned sense," said Fluttershy as she used a wing to pull the filly in for a hug, "and hopefully my little brother can do the same." Shenran just sighed.
""Hope" is the word," he muttered to himself.
"There is just one thing I wanted to ask, if I can ask you an honest question, Fluttershy?" Diamond Tiara said timidly.
"What is it?" Fluttershy asked.
"I can tell he's the type of brother that probably gets under your skin," said Diamond Tiara, "And...considering how you sass Mario from time to time...I have to wonder..."
"I don't lash out my negative feeling about Zephyr on Mario," said Fluttershy in a gentle but firm tone, "Mario just gets on my nerves in his own way." Diamond Tiara and Fluttershy giggled to each other. Twilight just rolled her eyes.
A little later, Twilight, Fluttershy, Shenran, and Diamond Tiara headed back into the room Zephyr was supposed to be at work. They then gasped dramatically again, but this time it was in amazement instead of horror. All the windows were nice and clean and Zephyr was just sitting in Twilight's throne strumming a ukulele.
"Wow, Zephyr!" said Twilight, "This looks amazing!"
"You're quite a natural at it," said Diamond Tiara.
"Uh, you know, like you said, it was easy!" Zephyr replied. However, Fluttershy and Shenran couldn't help but feel a little suspicious.
"Where's Spike?" Fluttershy asked.
"Wasn't he supervising you?" Shenran added.
"Up here!" Spike shouted and Zephyr winced. Twilight, Fluttershy, Diamond Tiara, and Shenran looked up and found the little dragon dangling from a rope and cleaning a window.
"You were supposed to supervise, not do all the work!" Twilight shouted at him.
"I was supervising!" said Spike, "And then Zephyr asked me about different cleaning techniques and which one was best and if I could -Hey! I did do all the work!" Diamond Tiara snickered.
"I can't believe you fell for that, Spike!" Diamond Tiara laughed, "that's "how to get out of your chores 101"! I didn't think you were so gullible!"
"Oh hush up, Di!" Spike retorted indignantly. Twilight looked at Zephyr skeptically. Zephyr was already backing out of the room nervously.
"Don't let him fool you," said Zephyr nervously, "Old Spike is quite the taskmaster." Zephyr then ran off as Spike appeared next to a glaring Twilight and Diamond Tiara as they all shook their heads disapprovingly to Fluttershy and Shenran.
"Sorry," said Shenran feebly as Fluttershy just smiled and blushed. They were both feeling every embarassed. Then to make matters worse, Zephyr came back.
"By the way, Princess," said Zephyr smugly, "If things don't work out with that Prince of yours, just know that yours truly is single and available." He then gave a flirty smile at Twilight as the purple pony gritted her teeth.
The view showed the outside of the Castle of Friendship. Then shifted so the Castle entrance was on the right side.
"DAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Zephyr screamed as Twilight threw him out of the castle. And, like Rarity, didn't use her magic.
Later, Fluttershy, Shenran, and Zephyr were walking through town again. Fluttershy and Shenran were fuming. Not only had Zephyr botched two job opportunities but he had embarassed them by getting tossed out of the Carousel Boutique and the Castle of Friendship. Unlike others times, Zephyr noticed their sour moods.
"Oh, come on, sis!" Zephyr said, "I had to ask Spike to make sure I was doing it right."
"You didn't do it at all!" Fluttershy snapped angrily as she got into his face and poked his chest. She then took a deep breath to calm herself down. Shenran gave her a worried look. He could tell his wife's patience was hitting its limit. He knew his own temper already was.
"Well, I guarantee there won't be any fooling around on the next job," said Fluttershy confidently.
"I have no doubts your next idea is fool proof," said Shenran, "but is it Zephyr proof?" Fluttershy just smirked.
"Yes, yes it is," said Fluttershy.
"Next job? Zephyr proof?" the sea blue stallion asked nervously.
WHOOSH!
A strong gust suddenly appeared as Rainbow appeared.
"That's right, Zeph!" said Rainbow, "You're coming with me!"
"You don't have to come up with some excuse to hang out with me, Rainbows," said Zephyr, trying to play it cool, "Let's just go for a fly and see where the day takes us." Zephyr gave Rainbow a cocky smile. Rainbow just groaned.
"We're going to Wonderbolts Headquarters," Rainbow told Zephyr sternly, "And I'm gonna give you a job so simple and straightforward, not even you can weasel your way out of it." Rainbow then poked Zephyr and got into his face, "And the second you try, I'm gonna zap you with a storm cloud! Got it?!"
"Oh, I got it," said Zephyr, still trying to play it cool, "I can already feel the electricity between us." Rainbow just rolled her eyes. Fluttershy just had a hopeful smile on her face. Shenran just shook his head at what he called Zephyr's stupidity.
The Pegasi couple then returned back to the cottage as Fluttershy and Shenran both got to work cleaning up the living room. They had just finished when Shenran froze and then rolled his eyes.
"Five...four...three..." he started counting bluntly.
"Shenran!" Fluttershy said angrily, "Can't you just have a little faith in him?"
"...two...one..." Shenran continued and then pointed a fore-hoof at the door. Right at that moment, Zephyr came bursting in with his mane fried.
"Rainbow Dash is crazy, okay?!" Zephyr exclaimed, "She expects me to do stuff right when she asks me to do it! It's insane."
"Whoa! A job where you have to do what the pony in charge tells you to do!" Shenran remarked dramatically in a purely sarcastic tone, despite the stink eye from his wife, "What is the world coming to?"
"I know right!" Zephyr replied as Shenran face-hoofed himself since Zephyr clearly missed the fact he was being sarcastic.
"So you just quit? Again?" Fluttershy asked sternly.
"Well..." Zephyr pondered.
Twenty Minutes ago.
Inside the Wonderbolt's compound, Zephyr was at his post when Soarin and a few other Wonderbolts came inside. Zephyr didn't take long to get under the skin of Soarin, Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and Blaze.
"It's about time there was another stallion such as myself joined your ranks," Zephyr bragged, "Hey, Soarin, as much as I've got dibs on Rainbows, you mind sharing your cute mares with moi?" Zephyr batted his eyelashes at Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and Blaze. Soarin gritted his teeth.
A view was shown of the outside of the Wonderbolt Compound, followed by a scene where the entrance was on the right side.
"DAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Zephyr screamed as Spitfire threw him out of the compound.
KA-BOOM!
"AIYE!"
Zephyr screamed again since Rainbow had stationed her storm cloud just outside the compound and gave him a good blast of lightning once she saw him get thrown out. And she nailed him another four times before Zephyr finally was off the grounds.
Back at the present
"...Escaped was more like it," Zephyr finally answered once he stopped pondering and lay down on the couch," Besides, what was I supposed to do?"
"Keep trying? Finish something for once?" Fluttershy replied, "Maybe that way, you'd actually find something you like to do!"
"That all sounds fine for your friends and your paid boyfriend over here," Zephyr remarked as he pulled the blanket over himself, "but it's just not for me." He then turned his head away. Shenran glared at him. Fluttershy blinked for a moment.
"Then, I'm sorry, Zephyr, but I don't think you can live here!" Fluttershy said firmly as she pulled off the blanket. Zephyr shivered for a moment, looking rather stunned, before he huffed.
"Fine!" Zephyr retorted angrily as he grabbed his duffle bag, a picture of himself, the bunny gnome, which Angel was glad he didn't have to share his dinner with, then took Angel's dinner and made the bunny face-plant the floor, "I'll just go live in the woods like my foreponies before me!"
"Enough of your pathetic excuses and sob stories, Zephyr Breeze!" Shenran yelled as he hovered into his face, "Get your things and get out of our house! NOW!"
At this point, any pony with common sense would know not to mess with Shenran and do what he said.
Sadly, Zephyr didn't have any common sense...
"Tell me, Shenny," said Zephyr, "How much does my big sis pay to keep you around or do you work cheap?"
A view was shown of the outside of Fluttershy and Shenran's cottage, followed by a scene where the entrance was on the right side.
"DAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Zephyr screamed as Fluttershy threw him out of the house. Zephyr didn't need long to recover.
"Guess the only breeze this zephyr can count on is his own!" Zephyr remarked as he walked away with a huff. Fluttershy just watched him walk away with a sad and disappointed look on her face before closing the door. It was only seconds before that sadness turned into anger and Shenran took notice.
"Honey..." Shenran said gently.
"Not ONE word out of you! Not..." Fluttershy couldn't finish as she angrily gritted her teeth and started firmly stomping the floor before holding her fore-head and trembling. She hadn't felt this enraged since the first Gala. Shenran just watched his wife with a serious look on his face before he walked up to her still trembling and steaming form.
"Come with me," Shenran told her as he headed toward the back door.
"Grrrr..." Fluttershy growled softly as a clue for Shenran to back off, but the Pegasus glared back at her.
"Fluttershy," said Shenran sternly, "I'm saying this with love. Please just do what I say this once okay?" Fluttershy just growled inwardly and rolled her eyes. Shenran headed out the back door as Fluttershy followed with a long face and her ears bent to show she was in a very bad mood. Shenran then opened the door to what looked like an underground cellar. But this was actually an underground training area that had carpet and shogi style wallpaper. With the help of several squirrels, mice, and other critters that dug underground, Shenran had constructed the place to safely practice both his sword skills and, another hidden talent of his, kung-fu. The later was hidden talent because he never used it, which is surprising since he was highly-skilled in the martial arts. He was nowhere near being a master, but he knew enough that he was teaching Fluttershy what he knew so she could defend herself and build her self-confidence. Just like her husband, Fluttershy preferred to keep her new skills between them and he respected that. Shenran brought Fluttershy to the middle of the arena and then stood opposite of her. Fluttershy looked around bitterly when she realized what her husband had in mind.
"I'm not in the mood right now, Shenran," said Fluttershy angrily and turned to leave, "Now if you'll excuse me..."
"Fine," said Shenran casually as Fluttershy stomped bitterly away, but then Shenran added quietly, "Doormat." Fluttershy heard him and froze when she heard the word and faced him with a dark look on her face.
"What did you call me?" Fluttershy said in a low but threatening tone.
"Nothing," Shenran replied calmly, "I mean only a doormat walks away from a challenge." Fluttershy gritted her teeth and trembled angrily.
"Don't do this, Shenran," Fluttershy warned, "I know kung-fu."
"Show me!" Shenran said boldly and with a determined look on his face. Fluttershy then exploded.
"Well then...I hope you enjoy the hospital!" Fluttershy shouted in rage and then lunged at Shenran.
(Cue generic "action movie/martial arts" music)
Both Pegasi stood on their hind legs as Fluttershy went for several different punches, jabs, and kicks. But Shenran just remained calm and easily blocked every attack Fluttershy threw at him. He then did a side somersault to show off his own natural agility. Fluttershy then surprised him by doing a few back flips and side somersaults of her own. From a bystander's point of view, Fluttershy was the only pony going on the offense. Shenran spent more time just blocking and dodging her attacks. He even back-flipped behind her and managed to use his agility to keep behind her for a bit. It was then Rainbow arrived.
"Hey, I noticed Zephyr's not at the house anymore, so..." Rainbow then stopped when she saw Shenran keeping behind an enraged Fluttershy. Then Fluttershy did another back flip, grabbed him by her hind legs and flipped him over so he was in front of her, but Shenran was ready and landed on his hind legs and side somersaulted out of the way just as Fluttershy tried to kick him. Fluttershy snarled.
"Why can't you keep still?!" Fluttershy growled and went for more punches and kicks, but Shenran just slowly stepped backwards on his hind legs and his fore-legs crossed over his face to block Fluttershy's very aggressive attacks. Rainbow just winced and thought about leaving, but decided to stay put and keep quiet. She just sat down to watch the fight. She did notice that Fluttershy was being so aggressive that her mane was getting frazzled and messy as she attacked. Soon, hot tears were streaming down her cheeks as well. Fluttershy then lunged at Shenran, but he easily side stepped out of the way, making Fluttershy crash into her stomach. Fluttershy then tried again, and again, and again, and again, and then again. Unfortunately, Shenran didn't pay attention to the fact that he was a little too close to one of the walls. Fluttershy went for another lunge and crashed head first into the wall when Shenran side stepped out of the way. Shenran and Rainbow gasped.
"Oh honey! I'm so sorry!" said Shenran worriedly. Fluttershy just snarled in rage as a purple bruise appeared on her forehead as she panted heavily, gritted her teeth.
"ZEPHYR BREEZE YOU'RE THE STUPIDEST PONY IN EQUESTRIA!" Fluttershy vented in rage before she burst into heavily tears and just fell to her side and wept bitterly. Shenran just released the long breath.
"Now the worst is over," Shenran said quietly as Rainbow walked over. She looked at him funny before her mind put two and two together.
"So that's what you were doing," said Rainbow as Fluttershy continued to weep, "I had a hunch that Zephyr was really getting under her skin."
"Exactly," said Shenran as he pulled his weeping wife up so she could continue crying on his shoulder, "She was bottling up her frustrations. And after that, she put her foot down and literally threw him out of the cottage. I noticed she was about to explode."
"So you brought her down here so she could let off some steam," said Rainbow, "Good thinking, but...she is crying pretty hard."
"Can you blame her?" said Shenran, "She went out of her way to help Zephyr and he threw it all back in her face. And it doesn't take a genius to know that those remarks about me being her paid boyfriend were really starting to hurt."
"He makes me feel ugly and worthless!" Fluttershy sobbed.
"You are neither of those things honey," said Shenran, "and I'm sorry that your ideas didn't work. And I'm sorry too if my sarcasm and remarks were upseting you. Zephyr just really frustrates me."
"It's not your fault my brother is so...so...difficult..." Fluttershy sobbed, "He's just trying to tear us apart cause nopony would EVER be with the likes of him!" Fluttershy then cried harder once again.
"Shh, shh, shh, just let it all out honey," said Shenran softly as he used a fore-hoof to stroke her frazzled mane, Rainbow then sat next to Fluttershy and just held the yellow Pegasus for a little more moral support.
About an hour later, Fluttershy had finally settled down and Shenran took a good fifteen minutes to give his wife a soothing mane brush. While Fluttershy was grateful, she was still feeling rather glum as they headed back to the cottage and she started cleaning the kitchen. Shenran worked on dusting the counters and cabinets as Rainbow and Fluttershy worked together to sweep up the kitchen floor.
"Aw, cheer up, Fluttershy," said Rainbow, "I know it was hard, but you did the right thing. You couldn't let Zephyr pull the same stuff on you that he's always pulled on your folks. Plus if he can't accept the fact you found your special somepony and got married, then it's his problem! You know Shenran loves you for you." Fluttershy just looked rather glum and said nothing.
"True honey," said Shenran as he walked up to her and gave her a kiss, "I love so many things about you and you're so beautiful inside and out." Fluttershy gave him a smile but then sighed sadly.
"I guess so," said Fluttershy quietly. It was then some twittering was heard as the Pegasi couple noticed a bird on the nearby window still.
"Oh, hello, Constance!" said Fluttershy.
"How's the family?" Shenran asked. Constance then spoke to them in its own dialect. Fluttershy and Shenran both listened attentively.
"Oh? Oh, dear," said Fluttershy.
"Oy ye," Shenran remarked with a sigh. Rainbow just gave them an annoyed look. She could easily figure out what that message was about, or rather, who the message was about."
Somewhere in the dark woods, Zephyr had found himself a cave he had declared was his new home.
"See, Wigford?" Zephyr told his new sloppily looking mannequin on a stick. His own mane was now very messy and his hooves were muddy, "The Breeze needs nopony! We've got food, shelter. Just need to put the old kettle on..." Zephyr then showed the bowl of salad he had stolen from Angel and a very poorly done collection of leaves held up by a think wooden stick. He then stood before a fire-pit that had a pot on it. He then bumped two rocks together a couple of times and then dropped them into the fireplace, but nothing happened.
"Come on, sticky-sticky, make with the sparks!" Zephyr told the stick he held in his mouth. He then banged the edge of his pot, causing it to tip over and dumping the contents inside of it. The stick he was holding also broke.
"Ugh! What's a pony got to do to find a decent stick around-here?!" Zephyr yelled as he threw the stick at the pit, but it bounced off the pit and smacked him square in the face. Zephyr's lower eyelid twitched.
"Ugh!" Zephyr grunted as he threw a tantrum. First he bucked his mannequin on a stick away, stomped on his fire-pit several times, and then grabbed the picture of himself and tossed it away. In the foreground just outside the cave were Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Shenran. They had seen everything.
"That is the saddest thing I've ever seen," said Shenran, "And I'm not being sarcastic about that either."
"I agree," said Rainbow, "I know he needs to learn to do things for himself, but..."
"Oh...I can't let him live like this," said Fluttershy and then looked at Shenran sadly.
"Honey?" Shenran asked.
"I know he's caused alot of trouble and grief for us," said Fluttershy, "But...would you...for me?" Shenran smiled and hugged his wife close.
"Let's go," said Shenran as Fluttershy smiled happily. The moment was then cut off when they saw Zephyr buck the support stick to his little shelter and made the whole roof collapse on top of him. Fluttershy, Shenran, and Rainbow all approached the sea blue stallion. Fluttershy then tapped the now buried Zephyr to get his attention, making the sea pony gasp.
"Fluttershy! Hey! I was just, um, cozying up in my sleeping bag!" Zephyr said as he poked his head out of the leaves, "Ready to call it an early night!" He then faked a yawn, "Such an exhausting day, y'know?"
"It's noon," said Rainbow as a matter of fact while she stood behind Fluttershy and Shenran. Behind them, there was a hole in the trees showing the sun was high in the sky.
"You know me!" said Zephyr as some maracas were heard in the background, "Siesta..." As if the universe was sick of his cover up, the support stick bopped him on his head. Zephyr looked ready to cry before he just covered his eyes with his fore-hooves.
"Ugh...I can't do this," said Zephyr sadly, "I can't do anything."
"Zephyr, you're smart and talented," said Fluttershy as she walked up to him with Shenran right behind her, "You could do anything if you just tried!" Fluttershy and Shenran than sat down beside her.
"Easy for you to say," said Zephyr sadly, "I give it my all to find love and look at me! You didn't even try and here you are married to a captain of the royal guard!" Fluttershy and Shenran blinked and shared surprised looks with each other.
"So...you do know that Fluttershy and I are married?" Shenran asked.
"Yeah, I do," Zephyr replied, "I was just denying it because I was jealous. I mean, seriously, growing up I was the outgoing one and Fluttershy could barely say a word to anypony! The one time I saw a stallion ask her out, she ran away! I was always trying to impress the ladies and trying to get 'em to wanna date and be interested me, especially Rainbows over here! Yet here I am, all alone. And my big sis managed to find love and get married! It hurt too much to accept the truth...that's why I didn't come to the wedding." Rainbow didn't help but roll her eyes but Shenran and Fluttershy both had concerned look on their faces.
"So...you don't think I'm not pretty or good enough for love?" Fluttershy asked. Zephyr blinked in surprise.
"I...I made you feel that way, big sis?!" Zephyr asked in surprise.
"You made me feel like I don't belong in the family," said Shenran sadly, "or that I wouldn't see anything worthwhile in Fluttershy unless I was being paid to be with her." Zephyr felt like he was about to cry before he just sighed.
"Guess I did kind of try to drive you away," said Zephyr, "thinking I would feel better if Fluttershy and I were both single again. But I don't...especially knowing that I hurt Fluttershy."
"Hurt Fluttershy?" Rainbow remarked, "The poor girl had a meltdown because you kept denying their marriage and quitting on every job she went out of her way to get for you! You pushed her patience to the limit that she was ready to destroy somepony! Do you know how painful it is to see your best friend self-destruct like that and break down in tears?" Zephyr sighed.
"Way to make me feel worse, Rainbows," said Zephyr sadly, "still surprised Fluttershy and...can I call you big bro, Shenran? Just asking."
"I suppose," said Shenran dismissively in a teasing tone as Fluttershy lightly slapped his side in with a playful glare, "Fine, of course you can."
"Cool," said Zephyr bluntly, "Glad that little bit of effort was worth my time."
"If you give more effort, you'd reap even better rewards then just a new brother," said Shenran.
"And what if I give everything I have and still fail?" Zephyr asked, "Honestly, I think it's better not to try at all!"
"But then you won't ever do anything," Rainbow pointed out.
"I don't expect you three to understand," said Zephyr, "I mean, when have any of you ever failed? You literally helped save Equestria, like a dozen times. And Sis here only had to open her heart out once and she found her special somepony. I mean, bet even Big Bro's first love was my sister!" Shenran and Fluttershy looked at each other, blushing for a moment, and then quickly recovered and looked at Zephyr.
"We may have gotten fortunate in finding we were meant to be with each other in just one try," said Shenran, "But that doesn't mean we've never failed."
"Every time we had to save Equestria," said Fluttershy, "I was worried that I'd fail every time!"
"I maybe a high ranking member of the Royal Guard," said Shenran, "But every time I was in a dangerous situation, whether it be alone or with me wife, I can't think of a time when I wasn't scared of failing."
"Exactly," said Fluttershy, "Sometimes you have to do things, even though you might fail." Shenran nodded in agreement.
"But failing is the worst!" Zephyr snapped.
"You're right, it is," said Shenran.
"And quitting doesn't feel much better, does it?" Fluttershy asked him gently.
"No," said Zephyr quietly, "and Sis?"
"Yes?" Fluttershy asked.
"I'm sorry I insulted you and Shenran by denying your marriage existed," said Zephyr, "I didn't mean to make you feel like you don't deserve love or that you're not special. I was just jealous that you found it before I did, especially since it's been the only thing I can recall actually putting time and effort into...and failed to find my special somepony."
"Apology accepted," said Fluttershy, "So here's the deal. You can come back with me and Shenran, but you have to do exactly what we, not I, we, say. No exceptions."
"You sure your husband even wants me in the house?" Zephyr asked, "I pretty much made sure he hates me."
"I don't hate you, Zephyr," said Shenran, "You just drive me crazy with that overblown ego of yours."
"Thanks for cheering me up, big bro," Zephyr replied in deadpan tone.
"But I'm not the type of pony that turns somepony away who needs help," Shenran continued, "If you are willing to trust Fluttershy and make the effort to try, I'll be willing to put up with that ego of yours." Zephyr was quiet for a moment.
"I will literally do anything you ask me if it means I don't have to stay here," Zephyr replied in a resigned tone. Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Shenran all shared smiles with each other.
Fluttershy and Shenran wasted no time leading Zephyr upstairs to the second floor of the cottage. They both had an their idea.
"Okay, you know what you have to do, right?" Fluttershy asked.
"Beg for help, then quit when I get frustrated," Zephyr said bluntly.
"Zephyr..." Shenran warned as Fluttershy and Rainbow gave the sea blue pony glares.
"Just kidding! Total opposite of that," Zephyr said quickly, "Got it!" The four ponies entered a room and Zephyr was already looking very nervous.
"You two think he can do it?" Rainbow asked.
[Fluttershy - As she sang, Zephyr walked up to the crude looking mannequin that Shenran had manage to find a few feet outside the cave.]
Everypony has times in their lives
When their hearts are filled with doubt
[Zephyr Breeze]
Frustration builds up inside
And it makes you want to shout
[Rainbow Dash - She, Fluttershy, and Shenran walked up to Zephyr.]
But if you just take that first step
The next one will appear
[Shenran - He along with Fluttershy and Rainbow pushed Zephyr up to the mannequin.]
Soon you will find you've reached your goal
Success will soon be near!
[Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Shenran - Fluttershy then set the book on the table and opened it to a page for Zephyr to get to work. Then Fluttershy and Rainbow mirrored each other as they sang and flew upwards with Shenran between them as he sang and followed their movement. Then they circled the air above Zephyr,
And you find you can walk, then run
Then fly...!
Into the stratosphere
[Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Shenran - The sea green stallion just watched then fly above his head nervously. Then they landed and gave Zephyr another push forward. Then they looked at each other and raised a fore-hoof into the air.]
You've got to give it your best
So you can pass the test
Give it everything that you've got
[Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Shenran - Zephyr nervously grabbed a pair of a scissors with a fore-hoof and then shakily grabbed a comb with his mouth. Then the view shifted into a columns with Fluttershy and Rainbow appearing beside him. Shenran then appeared in a box above his head.]
And we know you can win
You just have to begin
Have to give it your very best shot
[Zephyr Breeze - He angrily pushed the three ponies away and tried to walk out of the room.]
There are times when you want to give up
When you think that you can't go on
[Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Shenran - they made Zephyr walk backwards into the room. Zephyr smiled sheepishly as the three ponies walked past him. Then Zephyr got to work.]
But if you fight through with all of your might
You will find that you can't go wrong
That you could do it all along
[Fluttershy - The room went dark as she stood under a spotlight.]
Everypony has times in their lives
When their hearts are filled with doubt
[Shenran - He appeared under his own spotlight in front of his wife.]
They wonder if they can reach their goals
Their goals never come about
[Rainbow Dash - She then appeared in front of Shenran under her own spotlight.]
But if you just give it your all
You'll start to work it out
[Zephyr Breeze - He then got to work as pieces of the former hairstyle floated down next to his textbook.]
And I know I can't give up too soon
Get myself in the zone
And I find I can walk, then run
[Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Shenran, and Zephyr - Zephyr continued his work as the three Pegasi behind him hovered into the air.]
I can do it on my own
[Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Shenran - they stood behind color backdrops of cyan blue, yellow, and peach respectively.]
You can do it on your own
[Zephyr Breeze - he then held his head mannequin, which now has a more nicely done mane style on it.]
I can do it on my own
I can do it on my own
"I did it!" said Zephyr as he looked at the mannequin, "I actually finished something! By myself!"
"And it looks exactly like it's supposed to," Rainbow added.
"I knew you could do it, Zephyr," said Fluttershy.
"Didn't have any doubts you could do it," said Shenran, but then Fluttershy raised an eyebrow at him and smirked, making his chuckled nervously, "Well...maybe a little bit...but I'm glad you prove me wrong little brother. See? When you actually try, you can do things!"
"I didn't," said Zephyr, "But I do now. Thanks for believing in me, sis. Same for you, big bro, even if you had your doubts."
"That's what big sisters, and big brothers, are for," said Fluttershy as she and Zephyr shared a hug. Zephyr then gave Shenran a hug as well, surprising the stallion. Zephyr then chuckled sheepishly and pulled away when Shenran returned the hug and then gave him a hard noggie on his head.
"Hey! Hey! Easy there with the mane, big bro," Zephyr protested as he pulled away but still chuckled regardless.
"So, Zeph, now that you've accomplished this, what's next?" Rainbow asked.
"Anything I want!" said Zephyr confidently, "I mean, the sky's the limit, right?" Fluttershy, Shenran, and Rainbow just gave the sea blue stallion some skeptical glares.
"But, y'know," said Zephyr sheepishly, "I've got some baby steps in mind." He then zipped over to Shenran and wrapped a fore-leg around him.
"Since I'm gonna be staying here, how 'bout I help out the housework?" said Zephyr, "And then this Friday, we can have our own brother-to-brother guy's night out. And in the morning, I'm making waffles!" Shenran rolled his eyes and then blinked.
"Since when can you cook?" Shenran asked.
"Well...never," said Zephyr bluntly before perking up, "but I'm sure I can figure it out if I try. Am I right?" Shenran cringed at the idea of eating food from a pony who had never cooked in his life. Even Fluttershy looked a little nervous too, dreading what could happen to the kitchen.
"How...about you return to Mane Therapy School instead?" Fluttershy suggested and Shenran nodded in agreement, "You just proved you can do it the work." Zephyr began to sweat again before giving a loud sigh.
"Alright, Sis, I guess I can give it a try," Zephyr conceded. Fluttershy, Shenran, and Rainbow smiled.
A few months had passed and, with some encouragement and pushing from Fluttershy and Shenran, Zephyr had returned to Mane Therapy school and hadn't tried to quit either. One evening, Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Shenran were once again visiting Fluttershy's parents at their household.
"Thanks for dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Shy!" said Rainbow as she finished her plate, "Ha! It was great as usual."
"Thank you, dear, for not giving up on Zephyr," said Mrs. Shy as she held her husband's fore-hoof, "After all these years of pining for him, it must be so satisfying to see him on the right track." Rainbow looked a little stunned.
"Huh...?" Rainbow said puzzled.
"Have you heard from Zephyr?" Fluttershy asked, "Is he doing well?"
"Yeah, what's going on with little bro these days?" Shenran asked.
"I tell you, he's a brand new pony!" said Mr. Shy, "So full of drive and determination."
"Heh. That's great," said Rainbow. It was then the door opened and there was Zephyr. But unlike the last time, he was wearing a graduation cap and gown.
"Guess who graduated from mane therapy training?" Zephyr sing-sang as he tossed his hat, making it land on Rainbow's head.
"Hah, awesome!" said Rainbow as she, Fluttershy, and Shenran smiled.
"Way to go little bro!" said Shenran as the two stallions shared a couple of high-hoof with each other and then a hoof-bump.
"Congratulations, son!" said Mr. Shy.
"You look so handsome!" said Mrs. Shy as she gave him a hug and Rainbow put his graduation cap back on his head.
"I'm so proud of you, Zephyr," said Fluttershy.
"It was only a matter of time before they recognized my true genius," Zephyr boasted as he flicked his hat tassel.
"Oh really?" Shenran asked as he and his wife gave the sea blue pony skeptical looks.
"But actually doing the work probably helped," said Zephyr, "And I wouldn't have if it weren't for the two of you." He then gave them both a grateful hug.
"Oh, we just gave you some encouragement," said Fluttershy, "You did this on your own."
"And honestly, right now I feel like I can do anything...except find a place," said Zephyr as he hugged Mr. and Mrs. Shy close, "I can still crash here for a few days right?"
A view was shown of the outside of Fluttershy's parents' cottage, followed by a scene where the entrance was on the right side.
"DAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Zephyr screamed as thrown out of the house. Fluttershy, Shenran, and Rainbow's jaw hit the floor when they saw Mrs. Shy was the one to toss Zephyr out of the house. The older mare walked confidently over to her husband, who was just smirking.
"As we said before Fluttershy and Shenran," said Mrs. Shy in a very casual tone, "Your father and I do know how to stand up for ourselves."
"Yeah, but...that was...so bold of you, Mom," said Fluttershy, still in shock. Mr. Shy chuckled.
"While your mother was beautiful for her shy nature," said Mr. Shy, "When she showed her bold side, I found it very attractive." He then kissed her cheek, making Mrs. Shy blush and giggle. Shenran smiled.
"So that's where you get your boldness from," said Shenran before looking at his wife with a sly smile. Fluttershy just rolled her eyes, blushed, stuck her tongue out at him. Rainbow snickered.
"Uh? So I can take that as a maybe?" Zephyr asked wearily from outside the house. Mr. and Mrs. Shy just rolled their eyes. Rainbow just smirked and shook their head. Fluttershy and Shenran looked at each other as they rolled their eyes and smirked as well.
Zephyr still has alot to learn.
Doesn't he?
This chapter was definitely tricky because even today, I can't stand Zephyr that much. He's funny and entertaining when he tries to woo Rainbow, but his laziness and lack of taking responsibility for his actions make it hard for me to find him likeable. Even the brony that lets me use Shenran doesn't like Zephyr either and found it hard to swallow the fact that Zephyr was his brother in law. It's kind of why Shenran was more sarcastic than usual and was making snide remarks about Zephyr.
And I hope nopony found Fluttershy out of character for the kung-fu scene. I can't be the only brony who wonder if Fluttershy ever found a way to blow off all that frustration she had against Zephyr. Plus her husband has imperial origins from his mother's side of the family. Did you think he wouldn't teach her some form of self-defense? I don't think Fluttershy would wield swords even if Shenran offered to train her.
I hope you all enjoyed my tribute to a famous reoccurring joke from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. I think alot of pony fans would agree that Zephyr had something like that coming on plenty of occasions during the original episode. Plus kudos if you got the Shrek joke as well.
Next Time: Time for Mario, Rarity, and Pinkie to embrace to true meaning of fine cuisine! And I've got not one but TWO surprises in store for everypony in the next chapter!
Peace Pony Fans!