Fluttershy Leans In
Pony's Log Number 705: Fluttershy is about to take the first step to achieving her greatest dream...
Before we begin today's adventure, there is something very important alot of ponies have been wondering about since last season. And that is where and how is Shenran's new chaos fox, Eevee, is doing living at the cottage. Well, for starters, the other animals were a little cautious around Eevee at first because Fluttershy told them he came from Discord's dimension. This made Eevee feel like an outsider for a couple of days. Fortunately, once the other animals saw that Eevee wasn't dangerous and just energetic. They found the courage to allow him to hang out with them and soon Eevee made lots of new friends. It also helped that Eevee was rather athletic and very helpful with Fluttershy, Shenran, and the rest of the animals. He didn't take long before Eevee was very popular with everypony and every creature.
Everyone except for Angel, who disliked Eevee the moment Fluttershy and Shenran said he was here to stay. The problem had nothing to do with what Eevee was, but Angel's problem was that Fluttershy was paying more attention to the fox over him. Long story short, Angel tried to set Eevee up so he would get into trouble, but Fluttershy and Shenran caught on immediately to Angel's scheme and scolded him severely. This made Angel despise the fox even more. Eevee tried to be kind, but all he got were raspberries and food chucked at his face. Even when Angel saw Eevee cry after he bonked the fox on the head for simply offering him a carrot, Angel refused to accept the fox as a friend or part of the family. It seemed like the more Angel got scolded for his bad behavior, the more he resented the fox.
This the day came when Angel's jealousy boiled over.
Eevee was trying to round up some of Fluttershy's chickens. Angel thought it would be funny to scare the chickens out of the coop to make things for Eevee more difficult. But Angel soon regretted it when the chickens started getting a little too wild and he was forced to run for his life from a huge stampede of chickens that were following him. Then there was trouble when a second set of stampeding chickens came right at the bunny, ready to sandwich him alive. Angel panicked and got ready for the worst. Then to his surprise Eevee, shoved him out of the way, getting the poor fox tramped by wild chickens instead of himself. Angel saw Eevee laying on the ground looking battered, beaten, and knocked out. He couldn't believe that despite what he tried to do, in addition to how mean he had been treating the fox, Eevee saved his life and got hurt in the process. Fluttershy and Shenran soon arrived afterward to tend to Eevee's wounds and Angel told them everything and apologizing to Eevee in tears for what happened. Angel was very grateful that Eevee was willing to forgive him. From that day forward, the bunny and fox were good friends. While they got along now, Eevee had to admit that Angel's selfish nature got on his nerves. Angel still felt a little jealous whenever Eevee got praise for helping Fluttershy and Shenran out, but he knew, deep down, if he made the effort to be more helpful, he could get that same praise. In the end, Angel knew Eevee wasn't trying to upset him.
Now we return to present time.
One day at Fluttershy's cottage, Angel and Eevee had set up what looked like an obstacle course that was made out of books and pillows and other items. Angel put on a lilac colored helmet on his head and Eevee put on a light green helmet on his own. Angel then gave Fluttershy and Shenran, who were supervising, a nod that they were ready.
"Alright, Angel," said Shenran, "Get ready to go in 3...2...1...GO!" Fluttershy then turned on the music. Some phonograph static was heard before some heroic music began to play. Angel took off as he super jumped over a tall stack of books, then did some wall jumps between another stack of books and the fireplace. Next, Angel somersaulted over a third tall stack of books, landed on a pillow headfirst and boosted himself up using his head.
"Oh! Be careful!" Fluttershy said worriedly as she looked away. Shenran held her close while watching the bunny run the course. Angel then climbed a beam near the ceiling, landed safely below, and jump onto another stack of books, did a double somersault over another stack. Then jumped toward a tall stack of cans, wall jumped off of the cans, and the tall stand of a nearby lamp. He then grabbed the chord that turned the light on, swung on it in a wide arc. Fluttershy whimpered and looked away again, burying her face into her husband's shoulder.
"Easy, honey," said Shenran, patting her head gently to calm her down as he kept watch on the bunny. Angel then jumped off the cord and landed on another tall stack of books. Angel then went for a long jump, which time slowed down as he made the leap. Fluttershy and Shenran both cringed as Angel barely reached the very edge of the stack of books on the other side. Angel then lost his footing, slipped, and fell off as both books stacks collapsed on top of him. Fluttershy gasped.
"Angel!" Shenran called out as he and Fluttershy rushed over to the bunny.
"Voy-voy!" Eevee called out as he rushed over the bunny as well.
"Are you okay, Angel?" Fluttershy asked as she and Eevee cleared the books off of him. Angel sat up and shook his head. He then saw that his foot was red and swollen. He quickly tears up and started crying loudly.
"I told you entering the Ponyville Parkour Contest was a dangerous idea," said Fluttershy as she held the injured bunny in her fore-legs.
"Yeah, nopony can beat Mario in a parkour contest," said Shenran, "And I hate to say it, but Diamond Tiara already surpassed your personal score a couple of months ago." Angel just whimpered, feeling too hurt to feel jealous.
"You just rest here, and I'll have you all fixed up in no time," said Fluttershy as she sat Angel down on a dark purple cushion as Eevee gave him a gentle hug to feel better. Fluttershy then headed toward a nearby cabinet and checked inside it.
"Oh, dear," said Fluttershy, "We're all out of bunny foot braces. Shenran, dear, I thought you ordered me some more."
"That was...a long time ago honey," Shenran replied as he went to check a clipboard, "You usually tell me when you low on supplies and my recent order checklist doesn't have bunny braces on the list. I can order some today, but they won't be here for at least a couple of days."
"Please do that for me, dear," said Fluttershy, "Once you do that, I think we need to pay a visit to Dr. Fauna."
"Evoy-voy!" Eevee chanted as he put got ready to try the parkour course.
"Absolutely not!" Fluttershy and Shenran said together.
"Do you wanna have a sore foot like Angel?" Shenran said sternly.
"Evoy..." Eevee said sadly as he removed his helmet and looked rather sad.
"Oh, cheer up, sweetie," said Fluttershy, "You can keep Angel company while we take him to Dr. Fauna." Eevee perked up when he heard that he could go visit Dr. Fauna as well and gave them both a smile. Angel just whimpered again as his foot continued to throb painfully.
Soon, Fluttershy had Shenran get her a little wagon ready so she could pull Angel to the animal clinic. Eevee rode with Angel to keep him company, trying to make conversation with Angel to help take his mind off of the bunny's sore foot. It wasn't long before they reached the front door to Dr. Fauna's clinic. Fluttershy went to open the door, but found that it wouldn't open no matter how hard she pulled on it.
"Let me try," Shenran offered as Fluttershy stood to the side. Shenran grunted as he tried to pull and push the door open, but it was no good.
"Geez, that door is either stuck tight or locked up good," Shenran remarked as he panted and sweated a bit, "Unless I've gotten soft..."
"Honey, don't be ridiculous," said Fluttershy, "You work out every day and are very, very muscular." Shenran blushed and smiled sheepishly. Even Eevee chuckled quietly at his master's expense. Fluttershy giggled but then remembered with the door stuck or locked that their trip to see Dr. Fauna had been for naught.
"Oh, I was sure she would be here today," Fluttershy remarked. Angel's ears dropped sadly and whimpered. Eevee patted the bunny's shoulder sympathetically, but he was feeling just as disappointed.
"We're not giving up yet," said Shenran as he lightly knocked on the door, "Hello, Dr. Fauna?"
"Hello?" Fluttershy added as she knocked on the door as well, "Is anypony there?"
"Fluttershy? Shenran?" Dr. Fauna replied in a muffled voice as she saw the Pegasus couple from her peephole on her door, "Oh, am I glad to see you both!"
"I wish we could stay the same," said Fluttershy, trying to open the door again and Shenran tried to help as well, "but the door's stuck, so we, um, can't see you."
"Don't you need some help opening the...WHOA!" Shenran yelped as the door burst open and there was Dr. Fauna, looking exhausted and surrounded by critters and birds of various shapes, colors, and sizes. A possum, squirrel, and a turquoise colored bird gather around both Angel and Eevee. Angel said nothing as Eevee waved shyly hello with his paw. Dr. Fauna then walked up Angel with Fluttershy and Shenran at her side.
"Hi there, Eevee," said Dr. Fauna, "How my little foxy-woxy today?"
"Evoy-voy-voy!" Eevee said happily as he nuzzled Dr. Fauna's cheek, making the mare giggle. She, too, had been skeptical about Eevee the first time Fluttershy and Shenran had brought him in for a check-up, but to her surprise, examining the chaos fox was very easy and Eevee grew to like Dr. Fauna instantly. Rumor has it that the little fox may have a developed a crush on her. Angel loved to tease Eevee about it, but the bunny was hurting too much to do so this time around and rolled his eyes as Dr. Fauna walked up to the bunny.
"Ohhh. Somebunny hurt his foot," said Dr. Fauna, "Let's bandage that up so he can get back home." She then turned to face Fluttershy and Shenran, "I'd keep him overnight, but as you can see, my place is just bursting with animals!" She exhaled definitively, "I don't think I can take in even one more critter right now!" It was then a giraffe appeared behind the three ponies.
"Wuh?!" said Shenran in surprise since giraffes sighting in this part of Equestria were quite rare. Dr. Fauna and Fluttershy looked up to see the giraffe as well. The giraffe, whose name was Clementine, gave a loud sneeze.
"Oh, dear," said Fluttershy, Shenran, and Dr. Fauna. It was then a deer appeared in the background and pranced away.
"Wuh?!" Shenran remarked again. Apparently seeing a deer in Ponyville wasn't too common either. (And the IDW Comics don't count!)
(Main theme)
The inside of Dr. Fauna's clinic was just as chaotic, if not worse. One squirrel ran up to a jar of cotton balls and started eating one. Then another squirrel popped out of a jar full of cue tips. Then a deer walked across the fore-ground.
"Geez, talk about a literal animal house," said Shenran.
"But these are all critters, dear," said Fluttershy, "not college students dressed on togas." Shenran laughed as Fluttershy smiled.
"You always know how to make me smile, honey," said Shenran.
"I try," said Fluttershy as the two shared a nuzzle together. Dr. Fauna just got to work tending to Angel's foot while Eevee just sat quietly on her shoulder, which she didn't mind since Eevee wasn't preventing her from doing her job. Nearby, a baby raccoon jumped into a rolling stool as its parents pushed it to the baby could ride it.
"Whoa!" Shenran yelped as Fluttershy gasped, as zooming baby raccoon zoomed between them and pushed the couple apart. Then the raccoon crashed off screen, making Shenran and Fluttershy wince. Dr. Fauna then started to bandage Angel's sore foot when a turquoise bird flew low at Fluttershy and Shenran, making them duck.
"You really have your hooves full here," said Fluttershy.
"This place is like a zoo!" said Dr. Fauna with a sigh, showing there were some birds flying and hanging about the ceiling, as well as a few bats too, "Then again, it's normally like that, but still...I can't keep up!" Dr. Fauna face-planted the table with her fore-legs on her head.
"Evoy..." said Eevee sympathetically as he nuzzled the side of Dr. Fauna's head to cheer her up, which did make Dr. Fauna smile for a moment. Then a wood pecker flew down, took some bandaging tape to put into a nest that was at the top of a nearby cabinet.
"Have you considered hiring a second hoof, or an intern?" Shenran asked.
"Voy-voy!" Eevee chanted in agreement.
"As nice as that would be," said Dr. Fauna, "Extra help isn't the main problem." She then turned toward Angel since she had finished bandaging the bunny's foot and gave him a pair of tiny crutches to walk around with.
"Oh. Now, does my favowite wittle bunny want a carrot pop?" Dr. Fauna asked. Angel just blew a raspberry at her and wobbled away.
"Angel!" Shenran scolded as Eevee glared at Angel from Dr. Fauna's shoulder, "You don't need to be rude!"
"That's okay, Shenran," said Dr. Fauna with sigh, "I think the goats ate all of them anyway." Nearby a goat was munching on something near a table. He then gave a rude belch that made him spot up a single intact carrot pop. Then put it back into his mouth to eat. Eevee just stuck his tongue out in disgust.
"I just can't believe all these poor little animals are hurt," said Fluttershy, "What happened?"
"I'm flummoxed!" Dr. Fauna replied as Eevee looked at her with interest, "Every day, there's more and more animals on my doorstep. Most of them just have minor ailments - hurt wings, stuffy noses, and such. But the trouble is even after they are all healed up, I can't just seem to get these comfy critters to leave!" Nearby some koalas were eating the leaves off of some plants. Then a bear appeared wearing a shower cap, bath towel around his waist, and carrying a scrub brush walked across the foreground. Fluttershy and Shenran looked at the bear in shock.
"Oh, dear," said Fluttershy.
"Evoy!" said Eevee in surprise.
"You said it Eevee," said Shenran, "Not even Harry get this cozy back at the cottage." Fluttershy and Shenran both watched as the bear sat on a nearby chair and began to clip its toe nails, sending the clippings smacking into the side of Clementine's head, which left the giraffe feeling most annoyed.
"They do seem to have made themselves right at home here," said Fluttershy as a green bird landed on Dr. Fauna's head.
"I wonder why they chose to flock to my office," said Dr. Fauna, "It just doesn't make sense."
"Don't be silly, Dr. Fauna," said Fluttershy with a smile, "You're the best vet pony in Equestria. At least that's what I've been telling everypony." Shenran then blinked and then groaned.
"Uh...oh..." Shenran said wearily as he looked away from his wife.
"Evoy..." said Eevee in the same tone. Dr. Fauna stared at Fluttershy wearily and then shook off various birds that had landed on her head.
"Uh...you did what?" said Dr. Fauna. Fluttershy soon realized what she had said.
"Oh, no," said Fluttershy sadly, "Do you suppose it's my fault? I'm so sorry."
"You're heart was in the right place, my love," said Shenran as he put a fore-hoof around her shoulder, "but animals do take your word to heart because you understand them."
"But, honey," said Fluttershy, "I didn't mean for this to happen. I just know animals feel safe and happy under Dr. Fauna's care."
"Evoy-voy!" Eevee replied in agreement as some ducklings chirped at Dr. Fauna before the mother duck led them away.
"Normally, I don't mind if a snake wants to slither in or a raccoon needs a rest," Dr. Fauna explained as she walked up to Clemente and patted its head, "but now this place is so full, I have no space to treat any injured animals."
"That is a big problem," said Fluttershy as Angel walked up to the yellow Pegasus and Shenran and glared at them. It was then Shenran got an idea.
"Honey," Shenran said in hushed tone, "I think this is a sign that the time has come."
"What do you..." Fluttershy then realized what her husband was saying, "You're right, honey! Dr. Fauna.,this is a problem that I'm going to fix for you! Shenran and I already have the perfect solution that'll make the critters happy and give you more space. Then you'll have all your ducks in a row!" It was then the ducklings gathered around Angel, making him rather uncomfortable from all the attention and tried to walk away, but the ducklings followed him...in a row. The mother and father tried to follow as well, but the father tripped over and fell on his face. Eevee laughed...at Angel running away.
I thought you liked being the center of attention, Angel Eevee teased on his own dialect.
Oh be quiet, loverfox! Angel snapped in his own dialect as the ducklings kept following him. Eevee blushed, especially when Dr. Fauna noticed.
"You are so cute, Eevee," said Dr. Fauna as she scratched one of Eevee's ears, making the chaos fox purr happily. Shenran and Fluttershy smiled until the former realized something.
"Honey?" Shenran asked, "You said this ideas was yours as well as mine. But we all know that this idea is solely your own."
"Oh, sweetheart," said Fluttershy as she cuddled up under his chin, which Shenran held her close as she spoke, "I know this is my idea, but you're my husband. Until you came into my life, I always thought that if I ever went through with this idea, that I would have to do it alone, but that's not the case anymore. I found my true prince and now I want him to share this idea with me. It's our idea now and we'll make it a reality together." Shenran smiled as he gave Fluttershy a loving squeeze.
"You can count on me to support you every step of the way," said Shenran. Fluttershy gave him a kiss to say thank you.
"Um, I hate to interrupt," said Dr. Fauna wearily as the bear started to shimmy with his towel, making her and Eevee rather uncomfortable, "but the sooner you fix it, the better!" The bear then tossed the towel over Dr. Fauna and Eevee before walking away. Fluttershy and Shenran came over as the former removed the towel.
"We're on it!" said Fluttershy.
"Come on, Eevee," said Shenran as the little fox hopped onto Shenran's back as the Pegasus couple and Angel headed on their way back home. Dr. Fauna just sighed as a green bird landed on her head.
A couple of hours later, Fluttershy and Shenran wasted no time gathering the rest of the Mane eight to the cottage for an emergency meeting. Twilight, Mario, and Rarity were sitting on the sofa, Pinkie sat on her own single chair, and Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood nearby at the right side of the room. Eevee then appeared wearing a waiter's vest and bow tie to offer some tea to the group, which Twilight and Rarity gladly accepted a cup each.
"Everypony is ready, honey," said Shenran, "Did you want me to..."
"I'll tell them, honey," said Fluttershy as she kissed her husband's cheek, "You just stand there and look cute."
"Okay," Shenran said with a light blush on his face.
"I want to thank you all for rushing right over when Shenran and I called," Fluttershy told the others as she paced back and forth in front of them. It was then a squirrel rushed past Angel's resting basket. Angel yelled at the squirrel for disturbing him.
"Dr. Fauna needs our help with a serious problem," Fluttershy continued.
"A friendship problem?" Twilight asked as her husband listened with interest.
"No," Fluttershy replied, "Her vet clinic is a bit...maybe, um...overrun with adorable critters in dire need of a safe place to lay their heads, and...they don't have anywhere to go!"
"Looks like your better at advertisement than you think, Flutters," said Mario. The others all glared at him, "What? That wasn't a joke! Fluttershy told me she's been spreading word about Dr. Fauna's services. Alot of animals know she wouldn't steer them wrong and trust her. Why else would Dr. Fauna be overrun with patients?" Fluttershy sighed.
"It is my fault this happened," said Fluttershy sadly, "and now she's having alot of trouble even treating patients because of it." Mario, Twilight, and Rarity exchanged sad looks with each other.
"Oh, that's just awful," said Rarity.
"I know!" Fluttershy replied.
"Yeah," Applejack said with concern, "Dr. Fauna's always fixin' Winona up when she ain't feelin' too fine, so helpin' her out is A-okay by me."
"Hah! Yeah!" Rainbow said in agreement.
"Indeed," said Mario, "Dr. Fauna does alot to keep Charlie happy and healthy as well."
"Evoy, voy-voy-voy-voy!" Eevee added and then gave a sigh as hearts floated from his head. The others snickered and giggled to each other. They all knew about Eevee's crush on Dr. Fauna. Angel just stuck his tongue out in disgust.
"You can count on us," said Rarity.
"Okie-dokie-lokie!" Pinkie added in agreement.
"Okay!" said Twilight.
"Oh, that's great news!" said Fluttershy, "Because it means you'll all be helping me with something special, too. Something that's been a dream of mine for a long time. And now Shenran wants to be part of it so it's now going to be our dream. Something special that we can share as a couple." Fluttershy then extended a fore-hoof to her husband, who held it back with his own fore-hoof as they smiled at each other.
"Aww!" Twilight and Mario cooed to each other.
"Oh, goody!" said Pinkie as she stuck her face toward the Pegasus couple, "Is your dream to make a bouncy castle shaped like a gigantic bundt cake?"
"Um, no," Fluttershy replied as Shenran looked at the pink pony skeptically, "Not exactly."
"Huh. Just me then," said Pinkie as she hopped off her chair.
"My dream, which I'm sharing with my Shenran, is to build a real animal sanctuary," Fluttershy explained as she raised a fore-hoof to let a red bird rest on it, "A beautiful habitat where every animal - whether sick or scared or even just lonely, feathered, furry, scaly, or slimy - every critter would be welcome. My sanctuary can be the one place in Equestria they can call home 'til they're feeling ready to take on the world." As Fluttershy spoke, Angel, who was pouting due to being surrounded by other critters, perked up with interest. Harry felt a little bashful when Fluttershy emphasized the fact he's always around cause he felt lonely. The rest of girls all had smiles on their faces. Rainbow was so moved that she was brought to tears, which she quickly wiped away. Once Fluttershy finished, the other animals all cheered for Fluttershy. Harry blew his nose since he had gotten a little teary as well. The group was then caught off guard when they heard the sound of some light sobbing. They first turned to Mario, who they saw was crying.
"Sorry," Mario croaked and sniffled, "That just touched my heart. You all know I'm a sensitive colt." The others just chuckled sympathetically.
"He's not the only one..." Shenran croaked since he was crying too.
"Oh honey!" Fluttershy said with a giggle as she used a fore-leg to wipe his eyes and they shared a loving hug with each other.
"Wow, Fluttershy!" said Twilight as she walked up to Fluttershy, "I've never heard you speak with such conviction."
"It's a beautiful sight to see," Shenran added softly to his wife.
"Oh! That was exquisite!" said Rarity as she walked up to the yellow Pegasus.
"Pretty awesome!" Rainbow added as she did the same.
"It's so inspiring," said Mario as he walked up too.
"Oh, thank you, everypony," said Fluttershy, "You all taught me so much about building my self-confidence over the years. It's because of your friendship, and also love and support in Shenran's case, that I finally feel able to make my dream...oops...I mean..." She looked at her husband, "our dream project a reality. But we can't build the sanctuary alone. Will you join me?" The others immediately and eagerly agreed.
"I'm happy to offer my extra hooves to ya," said Applejack when a thought came to mind, "But come to think of it, I actually know a filly who'd be more help than I would. She's a friend of mine from Winona's sheep-herdin' competitions - Wrangler! Heh. She's an expert in animal enclosures."
"How lovely!" said Fluttershy.
"We'll certainly take any expert help we can get our hooves on," Shenran added.
"Ooh-ooh-ooh!" said Pinkie excitedly as she waved a fore-leg about wildly, "I know somepony, too! Hard Hat is the best construction pony in Ponyville. He can build anything you could ever, ever, ever want!" Pinkie couldn't help but shake her head about rapidly from all her extra energy. Mario frowned.
"But...I was gonna offer to do the construction..." said Mario, "I know how to landscape as well as building structures."
"Oh, honey," said Twilight, "We know you're good at building things, but let somepony else do this for Fluttershy." Mario just gave a conceded sigh in reply.
"Hearing you all mention these experts," said Rarity as she walked up to the Pegasus couple, "I am reminded that I too have the perfect pony to help capture the essence of your vision. to give it some style, some flair!" Rarity chuckled to herself.
"Is it you, Rarity?" Fluttershy asked knowingly.
"Or is it mister I-like-to-make pwetty-pwink-pwincess-dwesses," Shenran said in a teasing tone, earning him a pillow to his face from Mario off-screen. Rarity just laughed.
"No!" Rarity replied, "No. Um, I was referring to the premiere interior designer of the Canterlot Elite - Dandy Grandeur. He helped Mario and I when we were setting up our Canterlot boutique. I know that he'll be thrilled to work with you."
"Wow, everypony!" said Fluttershy, "Thank you! Shenran and I can't wait to meet all of them and hear their ideas. We're right on track to building the most wonderful sanctuary in Equestria!" She raised her fore-hoof into the air happily as Shenran smiled excitedly behind her.
It wasn't long before the three experts the rest of the Mane eight had recommended had arrived and were now inside Fluttershy and Shenran's living room. On the sofa was Hard Hat, a cobalt stallion with turquoise mane and tail wearing a yellow hard hat and orange vest. Across from him was Wrangler, a dull pink mare with a grey and white mane and tail wearing a brown jacket, sky blue shirt, and stenson hat. The two ponies just exchanged nervous smiles with each other when a snake wearing a bow tie, named Rupert, hissed to get their attention as he presented the two ponies with a silver platter that had some sandwiches on it. Each pony grabbed a sandwich before Rupert slithered over to the single chair, where Dandy Grandeur, a butter colored stallion with a white and purple mane, tail, and mustache wearing a frou-frou purple vest and matching bow tie, was sitting and drinking tea. The snake offered the stallion a sandwich, which he accepted and began to eat as Rupert slithered over to Fluttershy and Shenran.
"Thank you, Rupert," said Fluttershy as Shenran smiled. Rupert gave the Pegasus couple a polite bow and then slithered out of the room.
"Ready, sweetie?" Shenran asked quietly to his wife. Fluttershy nodded as she gestured for him to follow beside her until they were standing on the opposite sides of an artist's easel that was covered with a pink cloth.
"Ahem," said Fluttershy to get the three other pony's attention, "It's wonderful that you all join us to discuss the Ponyville sanctuary project. My friends have so many nice things to say about each of your talents. This is a big project, so I'm happy to have such experienced ponies working on it with us."
"Rarity and Mario has impeccable taste in design and friends, so I can't wait to work with you both, you know?" said Dandy Grandeur importantly.
"We-we think so," said Fluttershy timidly.
"I-I guess," Shenran added in his own shy tone.
"Yee-haw!" said Wrangler, "I'm just lookin' forward to helpin' ya out, ma'am and sir! And the animals."
"Of course," said Fluttershy.
"We like your enthusiasm there, Wrangler," said Shenran.
"So, uh, Pinkie Pie said you drew up some blueprints?" Hard Hat asked. Shenran blinked and then smile sheepishly.
"Um, not exactly," said Fluttershy.
"I wouldn't call it a blueprint to be exact," said Shenran, "More like a visual idea that we hope you can turn into a blue print. It's right over here."
"At the moment," said Fluttershy, "It's more of a dream board. Shenran helped me put it together." Fluttershy then pulled off the cloth hiding the dream board. Their dream board was made up of a collage of various twigs, leaves, berries, and flowers. Near the bottom of it was a black and white rough sketch that Shenran had drawn himself and I'm sorry to say that it did look a bit childish. Hard Hat walked up to the dream board and squinted his eyes as he looked at the contents and picture.
"Hmmm, that sure doesn't look like an animal hospital," said Hard Hat.
"Well, that's because it's not," said Fluttershy.
"We didn't say we were building a hospital," Shenran pointed out.
"It's a sanctuary," Fluttershy clarified as she butterflies gathered around her, "A place that is safe but not restrictive. Cozy but natural. A place where the animals can come and go as they please." Some mice gathered around and started squeaking as the three expert ponies had puzzled looks on their faces as they looked at the dream board.
"I know our dream is a bit disorganized," said Shenran, "but I can certainly draw up a better idea of what we're trying to build here, but we're hoping that at least our theme of the place being very natural and comforting comes across clearly." The other experts just had blank looks on their faces.
"If you have any questions, you can consult with me or my wife," said Shenran, "Since this is our project, we can help get you back on track whenever you feel lost or confused.
"So can you build it?" Fluttershy asked as she gave them the biggest and cutest smile she could make.
"Uhhh..." the three expert ponies chuckled nervously. Even with Shenran saying he and Fluttershy would answer any questions they had.
They weren't even sure of what to ask.
A few minutes later, Fluttershy, Shenran, Eevee, Pinkie, and Hard Hat were standing outside a large piece of land that the Pegasus couple owned just a short distance away from the cottage and along the perimeter of the Everfree Forest.
"I want the sanctuary to have an open floor plan," Fluttershy explained to Hard Hat as some birds held a drawing of what the sanctuary would look like and was colored before them, "No walls. More like an enclosure that melts into the trees. With a gate in the back. That way, the animals can return to the forest right when they feel ready."
"Evoy!" said Eevee in approval as he sat on Fluttershy's back.
"Sneaky! I like it!" said Pinkie. Hard Hat looked a little uneasy while Pinkie just had a smile on her face. Shenran noticed the former's uneasiness.
"Something confusing you, Hard Hat?" Shenran asked kindly.
"You know, uh, I designed the Ponyville Hospital," said Hard Hat, "I could do the exact same thing right here. I still have the blueprints. Thought it'll take a while to clear all these trees."
"Voy-voy?!" Eevee spluttered.
"But we don't want to clear the trees," said Fluttershy, "We want to use them."
"Are you sure?" said Hard Hat, "What you're talking about doesn't really seem like a cohesive structure. Or any structure I'm familiar with."
"That's because it's not a structure or any type of building of some sort," Shenran replied, "You need to stop thinking about constructing a building and more on along the lines of the front yard or back yard that surrounds the building."
"Front or back yard?!" said Hard Hat in surprise.
"Yes, that's it," said Shenran, "But on a much larger scale! That's what were going for here." Eevee nodded in agreement.
"My husband is right," said Fluttershy, "Critters don't live the same way ponies do. I know this is unconventional, but that's because we're trying to do something that's never been done before. I really believe it'll work, right honey?"
"Absolutely honey," said Shenran as he kissed her cheek as some birds chirped nearby. Hard Hat then squinted and scanned the area.
"Hmm. All right then," said Hard Hat, "I'll see what I can do."
"Great," said Shenran, "Like I said before, if you're having trouble, just contact me and my wife for help." Hard Hat nodded as he walked away. Pinkie then walked up to the Pegasus couple.
"See, Fluttershy and Shenran?" said Pinkie, "Whatever you want."
"Voy!" Eevee replied and clapped his fore-paws together.
"Good," said Fluttershy.
"Excellent," said Shenran as the three ponies scanned the landscape. Behind the three ponies, Hard Hat had walked over to his fellow co-workers, Steam Roller and Jack Hammer.
"I know she and Shenran think they know what's best," Hard Hat said to his two co-workers as he placed the blue print he had in his saddle bags and onto a table, "but once they see how much better it works with these plans, they'll thank us. Treat it like a front yard or back yard project. Ha! Apparently Shenran knows nothing about construction."
"Uh-huh, yup," said Steam Roller and Jack Hammer in agreement as they started examining the blue print.
Next, Fluttershy, Shenran, and Eevee went to the Carousel Boutique to discuss some decor ideas with Dandy Grandeur. They were currently sitting on a long sofa with Rarity and Opal as Dandy Grandeur was looking for present some color samples to the Pegasus couple and their little fox.
"Which one do you like for the window treatments?" Dandy Grandeur asked as he used his magic to present two types of fabric. One was solid colored while the other was stripped.
"Ooooh! Loving the print on those!" said Rarity excitedly, but Fluttershy and Shenran weren't feeling as enthusiastic. Eevee stuck his tongue out in disgust.
"Um, not to be rude," said Fluttershy as Eevee looked at her curiously, "but there must be some mistake. We have no need for curtains at the sanctuary."
"Mm-mm," Eevee hummed as he shook his head.
"And why ever not?" Dandy Grandeur asked.
"For starters, we aren't making any buildings, thus there won't be any windows to treat," Shenran replied.
"Exactly, dear," said Fluttershy, "Everything is gonna look natural in the animal habitats, not like it was made for ponies."
"All those shades of brown and green? But...they're so...drab, you know?" said Dandy Grandeur with a haughty laugh. Eevee glared as he resisted the urge not to growl at the unicorn.
"Drab?" said Fluttershy, "You're calling the colors of beautiful trees drab?"
"Trees have some of the most beautiful natural colors in Equestria," Shenran pointed out, "And you don't have to limit yourself to just brown and green. Trees come in various colors, like red, orange, yellow, and even pink! You still think that's drab?"
"Exactly!" Dandy Grandeur replied, "The natural look is not in right now. This is better. Trust me." He held the stripped fabric definitively. Eevee just blew a raspberry at the unicorn and kept glaring.
"Dandy, we're not trying to create the latest fashions for animals," said Shenran firmly, "Nor are we trying to give them homes that ponies live in! Unless they grow up around a pony who's fashionable, they don't even follow fashion trends!"
"Ahem!" Eevee grunted annoyingly at his caretaker.
"Well, you're the exception, buddy," said Shenran as he scratched the bottom of Eevee's chin, "But most animals don't and I'm hoping somepony will understand that!" Shenran shot Dandy Grandeur a glare.
"Calm down, dear," said Fluttershy as she patted his fore-hoof and then rubbed Eevee's forehead lovingly, "I'll handle this." Fluttershy then cleared her throat.
"Listen, I appreciate your input," said Fluttershy, "but I just know the animals would be happier with dirt brown pillows and leaf green accents."
"Evoy-voy!" Eevee replied as he jumped up and down excitedly.
"I'll...look into it," said Dandy Grandeur with much hesitation in his tone.
"Thank you," said Fluttershy as she and Shenran got up from the sofa. Eevee hopped into Shenran's back.
"Remember," said Shenran, "we're counting on you to take those, drab colors as you put it, and make them...uh...make...them...what's a good fashion word...?"
"Glamorous?" Rarity suggested.
"Yeah, that's it," said Shenran, "Glamorous! Like my cutie over here!" Shenran pointed to his wife, who blushed at the complement.
"Oh, honey, stop it!" said Fluttershy, lightly shoving him playfully.
"Why? You know it's true," said Shenran with a smug smile on his face as they started to walk away.
"Whatever you say, dear," said Fluttershy with a playful eye roll. Rarity just giggled as she followed a short distance away.
"When a client has a vision..." Rarity chuckled. Dandy Grandeur turned around with a huff.
"...Sometimes they need me to steer them away from it," Dandy Grandeur remarked indignantly to himself, "Especially if it's dirt brown."
At Sweet Apple Acres, Wrangler wasted no time showing off her various collection of...animal cages.
"And right there, we got your standard sheep-travelin' cage," Wrangler explained, "Fits two critters, depending on the size." While Applejack had a casual smile on her face, Fluttershy and Shenran looked very, very uncomfortable. Even Eevee looked really nervous. Applejack didn't need long to notice.
"Uh, what is it, sugarcubes?" Applejack asked with concern.
"We're looking for something less like a cage and more like a nice hug," Fluttershy explained as she and Shenran walked up to Wrangler's wagon, "Maybe we lose that part."
"Voy!" Eevee nodded in agreement.
"Uh...Well then, it wouldn't be a cage," said Wrangler.
"Exactly!" said Fluttershy as Eevee had a "no duh" look on his face.
"No cages, darling, no cages!" said Shenran, pretending to act like Rarity. Fluttershy and Eevee giggled and then the former saw something else in Wrangler's wagon.
"Ooh! This is the perfect base for a little nest," said Fluttershy as she noticed some baskets, "What do you think, Eevee?" Fluttershy looked back to see that the little fox wasn't there.
"Eevee?" Fluttershy asked when he popped out of the pile of baskets with a smile on his face.
"Voy-voy-voy!" Eevee chanted happily, making Fluttershy smile.
"I guess Eevee likes them," said Shenran.
"We'll take a bunch of these and anything else the animals can burrow into," Fluttershy told Wrangler.
"You sure you don't want somethin' more secure for the critters?" Wrangler asked.
"She does have a point there," said Applejack, "You wouldn't want a bunny wanderin' into the wrong cave, would ya?"
"No! No cages," said Fluttershy firmly as Eevee sternly shook his head in agreement.
"No cages, darling, no cages!" Shenran repeated in his Rarity voice. Fluttershy smacked his side with a wing to stop it. Shenran quickly recovered, "But all jokes aside, this sanctuary is more meant to feel like a open area, which means lots of space. The animals shouldn't feel like they have to be secured in order to stay there. Plus these cages give off the wrong message to any animals that sees them. Eevee can testify to that." Eevee glared at the cage and hissed at it defensively with his tail in the air.
"Agreed," said Fluttershy as Eevee calmed down, "We want to give the animals the freedom to come and go. It's the only way they'll feel comfortable." She then lifted a fore-hoof into the air as a butterfly rested on top of it. Wrangler just has a skeptical look on her face.
"Think you can come up with something and leave the cages out?" Shenran asked Wrangler.
"I...guess...?" Wrangler replied slowly.
"Well, she's the boss," said Applejack, but Wrangler just had a long and weary look on her face.
The next day, Hard Hat was supervising the construction of his building. Dandy Grandeur was working on his window accents. Wrangler was setting up her cages. Fluttershy and Shenran had arrived together to check up on the construction progress and gasped loudly at what they saw. They wasted no time rushing up the to three experts.
"What in the name of the Everfree Forest is all this?!" Shenran demanded.
"Hey, whaddya think, Fluttershy and Shenran?" Hard Hat asked proudly, "I told ya we'd be fast. Almost finished with the building already." The view shows that the outer frame and flooring were almost complete.
"The color just pops, you know?" Dandy Grandeur remarked as he showed off the window curtains he had set up despite the fact the windows hadn't even been placed yet.
"Quite roomy inside, really," said Wrangler as she showed off a large cage with a pillow in it, "And very safe." Fluttershy just looked deeply shocked. Shenran was shocked as well as his left eyes twitched.
"Don't keep us waiting, Fluttershy and Shenran," Dandy Grandeur asked eagerly as he, Hard Hat, and Wrangler gathered around the Pegasus couple, "Do you love it, or do you love it?"
"We...We..." Fluttershy and Shenran spluttered until both their voices, and their anger, finally caught up to them, "We DON'T love it!" The Pegasus couple both pushed the three experts away using for their fore-legs and their wings.
"This is not going to work at all!" said Fluttershy as she walked up to the building as Shenran just had an angry look on his face, "A giraffe can't fit through this door, " She then pointed to the curtains, "With these curtains are blocking the light, how are the birds gonna sing in the sunshine?" She then walked over to the cage with a pillow inside of it, "And this is the opposite of a nice hug!" She then headed back the group and stood beside her husband, "I know you all worked hard, but none of you did anything we asked for!" Dandy Grandeur, Hard Hat, and Wrangler all glared at the Pegasus couple.
"That's not true," said Hard Hat as he rushed over to some planks of wood, "We used the trees just like you asked!"
"We asked you to use them to create a natural yard," said Shenran, "Not turn them into building lumber!"
"And that curtain fabric is organic!" Dandy Grandeur protested, "It's got natural fibers!"
"That's nice and all," said Shenran, "But we told you specifically what colors to use and that is not one of them!"
"And I added pillows inside of my cages!" said Wrangler, "That should count as feelin' like a hug!"
"We're your ears clogged when we spoke to you yesterday?" Shenran snapped, feeling his temper boil, "We told you no cages at all! And since when does a hug supposed to feel like your trapped or confined!?"
"Easy, honey," said Fluttershy, "I know you're upset and I am too. I deal with them." Shenran just huffed angrily as Fluttershy looked sternly at the three experts, "We may not know much about construction or interior design or wrangling, but we are experts at one thing, the care of animals! And before you question it, yes, my expertise came naturally, but Shenran studied and trained very hard to learn about animals since getting married to me. And I can honestly say he knows just as much about animals as I do! And what animals need is a sanctuary, not this!" The three experts just kept glaring, none of them feeling ashamed whatsoever at being called out for their mistakes.
"Maybe your "vision" wasn't all that it was cracked up to be, you know?" Dandy Grandeur remarked. Fluttershy and Shenran glared at him angrily.
"Are you saying we're stupid?" Shenran asked in a low, but furious tone. The fact the three experts kept glaring immediately answered his question.
"Do we look stupid to you?" Shenran repeated sternly, "Let's just think about the logic. Shall we? Let's just think about it for a second!"
"Our vision isn't the problem here!" said Fluttershy, "We told you all exactly what we wanted and none of you listen to us! We even made it crystal clear that if you were having trouble coming up with ideas to consult with me or my husband, but you didn't!" Fluttershy stamped a fore-hoof to the ground sternly to emphasize her point.
"Instead you went behind our backs and decided what you thought was right," said Shenran, "And what's most upsetting is that none of you are even sorry for what you did!"
"So while we appreciate your efforts, We no longer require your services!" said Fluttershy angrily.
"You may have volunteered," Shenran added in the same tone, "but I can still say this: You're all fired! Please leave at once!" The Pegasus couple pointed a fore-leg sternly in the direction to leave. Dandy Grandeur, Hard Hat, and Wrangler all left with a huff. Fluttershy and Shenran just watched them leave with stern looks until they were out of sight. Then they both sighed with a huff.
"Shall I go get Mario, honey?" Shenran offered, feeling rather drained from being so upset, "He can help us clean up this mess..."
"In a few minutes," said Fluttershy as she cuddled up under his chin, "I need you right now." Shenran immediately wrapped his fore-legs around his wife and held her close. Unfortunately, their quiet moment didn't last.
"Hello!" shouted a voice. The Pegasus couple let go of each other and looked back to see Dr. Fauna approaching them, "Oh, the animals have been so excited for the sanctuary, they couldn't wait any longer!" She gave a laugh, "Can we take a look inside?"
"Uhhh..." Shenran stuttered.
"Oh, um, actually," said Fluttershy sadly, "It's, uh, not ready and..." Fluttershy and Shenran gasped. There approaching fast was a huge collection of animals heading in their direction.
"STAMPEDE!" Shenran cried out with his fore-legs in the air as he got into the foreground of the oncoming group of animals. But before Shenran could get out of the way...
SQUASH!
...they ran right over the Pegasus stallion, flattening him into a pancake.
"Ow!" Shenran whined as Fluttershy rushed up to him, "I thought this only happened to Mario!"
"I'm just as surprised as you are, dear," said Fluttershy as she picked up her flattened husband like a carpet, flicked his body in the air, which re-inflated him instantly without a green and white mushroom.
Back with the animals, Clementine charged for the low archway and bonked her head on it, leaving her dizzy. The raccoons wasted no time shredding up the curtains. Some bunnies looked around with a goat and some ducks nearby. A wood pecker started tapping a support beam when the goat started kicking about and scattering the surrounding critters. Then a bear charged into a cage and got trapped into it. It went into a raging fit as the cage tipped over, knocking down some other cages and breaking out of its own cage. But the bear also got a basket stuck on its face, and was now running amok and heading right for the unfinished building! Fluttershy and Dr. Fauna both shrieked and even Shenran screamed as they tried to get the bear to stop, but it was too late. The bear slammed into a support beam, leaving him dizzy. But that wasn't just any support beam.
It was the foundation beam!
CRASH!
Within seconds, the entire structure collapsed, making Fluttershy and Shenran gasp as the area was now filled with a combination of baffled animals and rubble.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Fluttershy," said Dr. Fauna as she put a fore-leg on her shoulder.
"No, We're the ones who should be sorry," Fluttershy replied sadly, "This didn't go at all like I had imagined." Fluttershy just looked very upset.
"I'm sorry I let you down," said Shenran sadly. Fluttershy looked at him in shock.
"Excuse me?!" Fluttershy snapped, "why in Equestria would you be sorry?! You're not the pony, or ponies, who ruined this for us!" Shenran sighed.
"I can't help but feel like I should've checked in on them more," said Shenran, "Could've prevented them from going behind our backs...just something...something I could've done..." Fluttershy put a fore-hoof to his lips.
"No," said Fluttershy, "It's bad enough that Mario tries to let ponies pin the blame on him, but that doesn't make it right! And I won't want you doing it either. None of this was your fault! Maybe we both made the mistake of putting our trust in ponies we didn't know. It's not your fault our dream was ruined and they didn't even care that they did..." Fluttershy's composure quickly crumbled as she started to cry.
"Oh, honey," said Shenran. He held her close with one fore-leg while stroking her soft pink mane with the other as she wept into his shoulder. Dr. Fauna had a sympathetic look on her face and remained respectfully silent. Once Fluttershy had cried out her tears, Shenran got Mario to come help clear out the wreckage while Fluttershy and Dr. Fauna got all the animals back to the latter's vet clinic.
Late that night, Fluttershy and Shenran were busy tucking in all the various animals and critters in for the night to sleep at the clinic.
"Sleep tight, little one," said Fluttershy gently as she tucked in a river otter to a makeshift bed, "It's going to be okay. I promise."
"Sweet dreams, my friends," said Shenran to a group of bunnies as he tucked them into bed, "Things will be better in the morning." Fluttershy then headed over to Clementine and placed a ice pack on her head to help with the headache she had gotten from running into the low archway. The giraffe smiled gratefully as Fluttershy smiled back. It should also be noted that a female sloth was clinging to one of Fluttershy's hind legs as she walked around. Shenran had just approached his wife when several mice started squeaking at them.
"Settle down, you guys," said Shenran gently.
"Now, now, every mouse has gotta wait their turn," said Fluttershy as she placed them into a little square area and they quickly lay down to sleep.
"We're so sorry," Fluttershy told all the animals, "I thought my husband and I would have a beautiful sanctuary for you all to stay in by now. But we put our trust in the wrong ponies."
"Yeah, they certainly made us look like fools," said Shenran sadly.
"It's okay, Fluttershy and Shenran," said Dr. Fauna sympathetically as she walked up to the Pegasus couple, "I know you both did your best, but we can make this work here. It'll be a bit, uh, tight. Heh. But with your help, we'll have these patients back on their paws in no time, even without a sanctuary." While Dr. Fauna was only trying to be helpful, what the vet clinic pony said didn't sit well with either Pegasus. Fluttershy gritted her teeth as she felt something tugging at her heart.
"NO!" Fluttershy yelled, making a bear groan as the all the other animals looked at her curiously. Shenran was taken aback from the outburst.
"Honey?" Shenran asked curiously.
"I won't give up," Fluttershy said firmly, "we won't give up! These animals need us! And we're gonna solve this problem once and for all!" She then looked at the sloth still holding onto her leg. If this little lady can crawl all the way here from Western Equestria, We can find a way to build her a safe place to rest! Are you with me, Shenran?" Fluttershy gave her husband a determined smile. Shenran blinked before the same smile appeared on his face.
"Forever and always," Shenran replied, giving her a loving smile. The rest of the animals cheered. Dr. Fauna laughed, especially when she saw both Fluttershy and Shenran had rather sheepish looks on their faces.
"Oh!" said Fluttershy.
"Oops," said Shenran as he and his wife joined the laughter as well.
"Oops, indeed," said Fluttershy as she stopped laughing, "Everyone back to sleep now." While the rest of the animals settled down to sleep, Fluttershy and Shenran spend the rest of the night putting together a new plan for the sanctuary.
A plan they knew would work this time around.
Next day, the rest of the Mane eight had arrived back in the cottage living room. Before getting started, they had spoken directly to Pinkie, Rarity, and Applejack about what had happened with the so-called experts. Then they decided to address everypony else as Eevee, once again wearing a waiters vest and bow tie, served more tea and cookies to everypony.
"Thanks for coming, everypony," said Fluttershy, "As you know, building the sanctuary didn't go quite as planned."
"I know, right?" said Pinkie, "Who would've guessed that Hard Hat wouldn't build whatever you want?"
"Maybe you should've just volunteered to do the building," said Twilight to her husband, "Since you actually know landscaping."
"Well, nopony could've predicted those experts would disregard what Fluttershy and Shenran wanted," said Mario, "I forgot how headstrong Dandy could be."
"Indeed," said Rarity sheepishly, "I never would've invited Dandy to help if I thought he'd act in such a manner."
"And Wrangler sure made a fool outta me, too," said Applejack sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head, "I'm sorry, Fluttershy and Shenran."
"Voy-voy," said Eevee gently as he jumped up beside Applejack and nuzzled her side. Applejack just smiled and gave him a little hug so he could sit with her.
"It's okay," said Fluttershy as Shenran smiled and nodded in agreement, "You were all just trying to help. But we know that letting all the experts go was the right call."
"So what are you gonna do now?" said Twilight.
"Most likely not throw in the towel," Mario remarked.
"You got that right, bro," said Shenran.
"Yes, we're going to try again," said Fluttershy, "We're going to rebuild the sanctuary and do it our way this time!"
"All right, Fluttershy and Shenran!" said Pinkie.
"You show 'em, filly!" said Applejack to Fluttershy.
"You go, bro!" Mario said to Shenran.
"That's the spirit!" said Rarity to both of them. Rainbow wasted no time hovering over to Fluttershy's dream board.
"How about putting an awesome flying course for the birds right there?" Rainbow suggested, making Fluttershy back away from the dream board as the others gathered around it.
"And a carrot cake stand here?" Pinkie suggested as she appeared from behind the dream board.
"Ooh, a library cave?" Twilight asked.
"How about a miniature railway so the animals can enjoy a train ride around the sanctuary?" Mario suggested excitedly.
"Here we go again..." Shenran groaned as he face-hoofed himself.
"Evoy..." said Eevee wearily as he stood beside Shenran.
"Not this time," said Fluttershy in a low tone to her husband and Eevee.
"Everypony...STOP!" Fluttershy shouted loudly as everypony stopped talking and looked at her. Shenran was most impressed.
"Nice done, dear," said Shenran.
"Thank you," said Fluttershy before speaking to the others, "I appreciate you sharing your thoughts, but I need everypony to respect ours. Other ponies might be experts in their fields, but animals are our field of expertise. And if we say this is what I want, then this is what needs to happen! Oh, um, for the animals of course." Fluttershy couldn't help but get a little timid at the end, but the tone of her voice made it clear she meant what she said about doing things their way. The others were most impressed.
"Wow!" said Pinkie, "We should call you "Flutterbold" now!" said Pinkie.
"Nah, Flutterbeauty is more fitting," said Shenran. Fluttershy blushed and rolled her eyes as a smile appeared on her face. Everypony else laughed. Then Mario stepped forward.
"I completely respect your decision with doing the sanctuary your way, Flutters," said Mario, "But I want to make a proposal to you because, hear me out, I am a bit worried about something regarding your project." Fluttershy went to protest, but then realized Mario said it was a concern as well.
"We're listening," said Fluttershy in a no-nonsense tone.
"Might I suggest constructing some sort of train station near the outer rim of your sanctuary," said Mario, "it would make delivering the supplies you need to keep things running much easier." Fluttershy and Shenran exchanged smiles with each other.
"We can certainly find a place for something like that," said Fluttershy.
"Yeah, good idea, Mario," said Shenran. Mario smiled and went back to standing beside his wife.
"To get things back on track," said Fluttershy, "We called in a favor from a couple of old friends. They'll be here any minute."
"I thought you said no more experts," Twilight remarked.
"These are two experts We know we can trust to put the animals first," said Fluttershy, "Plus there are no ponies better at both gardening and building." It was then there was a knock on the door. Angel hopped up to answer it despite his still sore foot. There walking inside was a familiar mint green unicorn with her yellow bows on her bun mane and tail holding her lemon wand with her magic.
"Hi!" said Anemone.
"Anemone!" Everypony called out happily as Fluttershy walked up and gave her a hug.
"Hugs and pokes," said Anemone as she tapped Fluttershy and Shenran's cheeks with her lemon wand, making them chuckle.
"Lemon says she does alot of flower arrangements for animal habitats in Horse-a-lulu," said Fluttershy, "So I know she'll help make the sanctuary look absolutely beautiful."
"Don't forget super cute!" Anemone added. The others chuckled. Then there was a second knock on the door. Eevee opened the door this time to allow inside another familiar pale blue stallion. He laughed as he walked inside.
"I heard somepony needs construction help fer them critters!" said the stallion.
"Big Daddy McColt!" said Twilight and Mario excitedly as she they rushed over to him. The former gave him a hug as the latter shook his fore-hoof.
"We met each other back when the map called me, Mario, and Fluttershy to the Smokey Mountains," Twilight explained.
"And he certainly knows his stuff with it comes to buildings and caring for animals," said Fluttershy, "Just like Anemone here knows about garden arrangements and caring for animals." Anemone and Big Daddy McColt exchanged nods with each other to say hello.
"Well, shucks," Big Daddy McColt replied, "Let's not stand around talkin' about it. Let's build us a sanctuary!" Everypony, including Eevee and the rest of Fluttershy and Shenran's animals friends, cheered excitedly.
As some montage music inspired from the episode "The Hooffields and McColts" began to play. Big Daddy McColt, Anemone, Fluttershy, and Shenran were examining the picture. In the distance was the rest of the Mane Eight, Big Mac (with a cart loaded with various supplies), Starlight, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were ready to get started. Then there was a Toot-Toot. Everypony looked as some magic tracks and buffers appeared. Diamond Tiara had arrived, with Silver Spoon in the caboose. Their train had some freight cars loaded with new trees and flowers all ready for planting.
To start, Big Mac and Rainbow worked together to set up some wooden poles about the area. Mario, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon worked together as Anemone instructed them on where to place and plant the trees. Fluttershy and Shenran double checked their picture to make sure everything was properly placed. Then the Pegasus couple exchanged nods with Bid Daddy McColt. Once Mario and Pinkie had finished sculpting the rock structures for the background of the sanctuary. Spike lay down on his stomach to hold a ruler near a pond as Twilight and Starlight used buckets to add the right amount of water into it. Then Pinkie tied a rope to the end of a nearby tree branch, then jumped toward it to reveal she had added a tire swing and enjoyed a quick ride. Rarity then used her magic to set up a hammock between some newly planted palm trees. Rainbow, Angel, and Anemone worked together to set up a special single leaf palm tree so that it was tell enough for a certain giraffe. The Cutie Mark Crusaders, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon worked together to building a wooden staircase that led up to a nearby tree that had various platforms built into its branches. Twilight flew up and added some edible leaves inside a basket that had been placed on one of those platforms. Applejack and Anemone then worked together planting various flowers about the area. Mario used his sewing skills to create an animal friendly velvet pillow and Rarity used her magic to tie it to a nearby tree branch. Then Mario and Applejack got to work setting up a station platform and staircase that led to the sanctuary's personal storage cave. After several hours of hard work, team work, and organization, the sanctuary construction was complete. Everypony stood before Fluttershy, Shenran, and Big Daddy McColt happily. The three ponies just smiled in approval and share a high-hoof with each other.
Everything had been done exactly as Fluttershy and Shenran had wanted.
The next day, once Mario and Diamond Tiara had brought supplies to the new sanctuary, Fluttershy and Shenran brought Dr. Fauna to come and see the completed project.
"Are you ready?" Fluttershy asked the vet clinic pony.
"Oh, I'm more excited than a beaver in a log pile!" said Dr. Fauna excitedly as she kept a fore-hoof around her eyes. Eevee, who was with the Pegasus couple, giggled to himself.
"Okay, you can open your eyes!" said Fluttershy as Dr. Fauna did just that. She smiled excitedly as what she saw.
"Welcome to Sweet Feather Sanctuary, a safe and cozy retreat for every creature," Fluttershy announced.
"Where any creature can feel rested and rejuvenated to their hearts content," Shenran added. Dr. Fauna gasped excitedly. The animals were already enjoying the newly constructed grounds. The bear was enjoying a nap in the hammock. The otter was having fun with the tire swing. The giraffe was sitting comfortably under the single-palm tree. The ducks were swimming in the nearly pond as a ferret came out of one of the many caves.
"Oh, Fluttershy! Shenran! This is amazing!" said Dr. Fauna.
"Now you should have plenty of room at the clinic," said Fluttershy, "because once you've treated them, they can recover here! With help from me and my husband of course."
"Um, honey?" said Shenran as he got his wife's attention and pointed to the sloth who was slowly trying to make her way to the sanctuary grounds.
"It's okay, Lola," said Fluttershy as she put the sloth onto her back, "We all move at our own pace." She then set the female sloth into the velvet pillow to get comfortable. Fluttershy then looked at both Shenran and Dr. Fauna.
"Sometimes, all we need to do is believe in our dreams," said Fluttershy, "And when we finally reach our goal, we'll know that it was worth what it took to get there, because the view will be even better than you imagined!" Shenran and Dr. Fauna both smiled in agreement as they stood beside the yellow Pegasus. The three ponies continued to enjoy the sights of the sanctuary a little longer before Shenran was pounced to the ground by a overjoyed yellow Pegasus who hugged him lovingly.
"Thank you," said Fluttershy happily as they sat up.
"For what honey?" Shenran asked.
"For what?!" said Fluttershy in surprise, "Shenran, you've been nothing but loving and supportive of my dream ever since I told you about it. In fact..." Fluttershy felt her eyes water, "...ever since we've been together, you've always been kind, loving, caring, and supportive of me. You saw my inner strength and confidence long before I did. Even when my self-doubt frustrated and tested our relationship, even our marriage, you never gave up on me! You've always believed in me. I wouldn't have this sanctuary, or even my self-confidence, if it wasn't for you. I love you so much...my Shenran." Fluttershy choked a sob as she gave him a happy smile. Even Dr. Fauna couldn't help but shed a tear as Eevee gave her a cloth to dry her eyes, which she accepted gratefully. Shenran gently wiped his wife's tears away with his fore-hoof, making her giggle.
"I love you too, my Fluttershy," said Shenran, "I've believed in you the second I met you. Just because your shy and timid doesn't mean you aren't meant to do great things. After all, we all reach our goals at our own pace. No matter how long it takes for you to keep growing, you'll always be my girl." Fluttershy laughed happily as she gave him a good two second kiss. Shenran returned the kiss. Dr. Fauna just smiled in the background, pulling Eevee in for a hug, which he sighed happily in her fore-legs.
This was just another perfect example that even when the journey to our dreams is long and difficult...
It only makes the victory even sweeter.
While somepony had asked about Eevee in the reviews, I actually planned on the little Pokémon inspired fox to make his return in this chapter. Hope you enjoyed seeing him again and how he gets along with Angel. The alternate opening was meant to give you all a quick summary to how Eevee was adjusting to living at Fluttershy and Shenran's cottage.
Kudos if you enjoyed my little pun on the movie Animal House.
Kudos if you caught my parody to a scene from A Bug's Life.
I'm really glad that fans love seeing Fluttershy and Shenran together. I couldn't resist having a cute moment between them for an alternate ending.
Next time: Diamond Tiara takes on her very first friendship mission involving not just another tiara-wearing filly and her dog, but also involving some issues between Rarity and Sweetie Belle. Growing up is hard to do...
Peace Pony Fans!