Fluttershy looked at the creature she had bandaged up, and began to fear what he would do. After all, she didn't know what species he was or even if he was harmless. He at least had to be intelligent, or at least an intelligent beings' pet, since he wore clothes. But he could still be aggressive. And who knows what things it could eat. It could be a carnivore, searching for it's next meal (it certainly seemed to be thin and hungry). It could be a foalnapper hunting for a poor, defenseless mare to snatch away to who-knows-where. It could even eat only ponies like some strange ancient horror from a myth! Fluttershy knew she wouldn't be able to stop that on her own!
Oh, dear, I had better get some help, in case it wakes -
With a groan, the thing starts to move.
“Eep.”
Fluttershy runs to the doorway to hide. The creature started to rise from his position only to fall back, covering his face, the groan increasing.
“Oooowwww. Why is it always my face...?”
Fluttershy cowered behind the doorframe, but was curious at the rich voice the creature had. It was almost as melodic as her bird choir, but in a deep tone that made her think of Barry.
“What? Bandages? Wait... WHERE ARE MY CLOTHES!?”
Fluttershy cringed at the forceful nature of the yell, but understood the reason behind it. The cringe caused her to bump into a table, making an annoying 'scrape' sound.
“Uh, hello? I'm sorry for that outburst, but it was very startling to find myself in a bed, covered in bandages and not wearing my clothes. Wonder what world I am in. Could you please come out?”
Fluttershy slowly peeked around the corner (why would clothes matter so much?), where the being was gazing at her with an apologetic look on his face.
“I sincerely am sorry for the yell, and for wasting your bandages. You know what, I should go.”
Fluttershy, upon hearing that, rushes into the room.
“Wait! You haven't healed yet! You have to stay! That is... um... if you... don't mind....”
Fluttershy immediately begins looking for something to hide behind. He chuckles at the antics for a moment, then looks away.
“Talking Technicolor Pony, Probably an Equestria....”
Turning back, he smiles at Fluttershy.
“Thank you for the assistance, but it wasn't needed.”
“Um... what... do you mean... I mean....”
In response, he just uncovers one of the wounds on his upper body, and Fluttershy gasps at the sight of it visibly closing.
“I can heal just fine on my own. As a matter of fact, bandages seem to slow it down, for some reason...”
“Oh, My...”
“Yeah, I know. It is a little shocking to see-”
“Oh, no, no, no. I... um... meant... the scar.”
A series of emotions flash through the creature's eyes, before it settles into a fully blank state. It happened so fast, Fluttershy wasn't sure what she saw in them.
“Oh. That. That is something that happened a while ago.”
"Does It still... hurt?"
"... I'm leaving now."
He stands up.
"Wait! You haven't eaten anything yet! I could-"
"No."
"B-but-"
"Fluttershy, you forcing your kindness and hospitality on me is hurting me worse than this scar."
Shock appeared upon her face and tears began to form as the words sank in. I'm... hurting him... by being kind...?
"Goodbye."
With that, the creature walked out of her room. As the door to her cottage shut, one thought was prevalent to her mind:
Am I hurting others the same way?
I swiftly walked out of the cottage and away from the place. Once I had gotten far enough away, I slumped down to the ground and put my face in my hands.
True, your Kindness hurt more than the scar, but it will never begin to compare to the pain it represents.
Shaking off the melancholy for now, I clapped my hand together and brightly said, "All right, where to next?"
