My Little Shy

Chapter 9

Have you ever had to let something go but didn't want to? Like a friend or family member? I did. Today is just another sacrifice for me.

A knocking at the door catches my attention. I stop playing with the now 21 year old Fluttershy and walk up to the door. When I open it, I find a purple Unicorn with pink highlights in her mane. Twilight Sparkle.

"Hello sir," Twilight greeted. "I'm here for my friend Fluttershy."

I look back behind me at the mare hiding behind the couch. "How did you find her?"

"When I sent her here by accident, I left a little bit of magic on her so I could find her."

"How long ago was this?"

"About twenty minutes ago. Why?"

Fluttershy peaks over the pillows. I look the Unicorn in the eyes. "Its been twenty years since I found her."

Twilight looks at Fluttershy's emerald eyes and sees the truth. "Can I talk to her?"

I allow her to step inside and shut the door. I watch her walk up to the mare hiding.

"Fluttershy?"

At this, Fluttershy jumps. "How do you know my name?"

Twilight shoots me a look. "I am your friend. Do you remember me?"

Fluttershy shakes her head. "I don't have any friends. I just have Dad."

Another look. "Sir? What was Fluttershy's state when you found her."

"She was just a filly," I reply. "She was smart but couldn't speak."

She sighs. "Fluttershy, twenty minutes ago in Equestria, I casted a spell that was supposed to help you conquer your fear of flying. You vanished. When I tracked your location, I decided to come find you. Now I know what went wrong."

"I... I don't understand," Fluttershy says shyly.

"Would you like me to restore your memory?"

I flinch. I knew what she was going to do and how.

"Will I still remember Dad?"

"Yes but a spell performed in this world will send us back to Equestria."

Fluttershy stepped back. "But... I don't want to leave. I love it here. I love my dad."

I step forward. "Fluttershy. I hate to say it but you should go with her. She'll take you to see your friends."

"But... I... I don't want to leave. Not without you."

"I don't want you to leave either, but you don't belong here. I can't hide you in my house forever. You need to be free."

She turns to the Unicorn. "Is there a way he can come along?"

Twilight takes a moment to think. "There is a way but I don't know how it will affect his body. If he is more than willing to try, I can do it."

Fluttershy looks at me. "Dad, please! I don't want to be without you."

I think it over. A lifetime with Fluttershy, or without Fluttershy. Then my dad's voice rings in my head.

"Fluttershy," I say. "There comes a time in everyone's life when their parents have to let their children go. You're a fully grown mare now." I crouch down and place my hands on her shoulder. "I'm sorry but its time you have your very own life. One without me. One that will let you live how you want to. A good parent always let their children go in the end." Fluttershy's eyes fill with tears as what I say sinks in. I give her a hug. "Don't forget, I will always love you."

Fluttershy returns the hug. "I won't. I'll always love you, too, Daddy!"

We both cry together. After a few minutes, I let her go. She walks over to Twilight.

"Are you ready," Twilight asks. Fluttershy nods quietly, looking at me afterwards. Twilight looks at me. "Thank you for taking care of Fluttershy."

"I'd do it again if I could," I reply.

Twilight closes her eyes as her horn begins to glow. Fluttershy closes her eyes as Twilight's horn touches Fluttershy. A big CRACK cuts the air and I cover my eyes. When I remove my hands, Fluttershy and Twilight are gone. I'm all alone.

I turn around to go to my room but a book catches my eye. A small yellow book with Fluttershy's cutiemark on the cover.