Battle Scars

Fluttershy was feeding her chickens when the message came.

It was delivered by a member of the Royal Guard. She had seen him coming up the path, so she wasn't as scared when he started talking to her.

Still, she couldn't hide what little fear she had for the soldier. She was already intimidated by the ponies in Ponyville, and the Royal Guard was...well, the Royal Guard. They always had an air of importance exuding from them, which always made Fluttershy feel inferior.

If the solider noticed her whimpering, though (which he certainly did), he didn't bring it up. He delivered his message like a recording from one of those phonograph things she had seen before.

"Are you Fluttershy?" the guard asked.

"Y-yes," Fluttershy said.

"Princess Celestia requests that one of her most trusted Royal Alchemists comes and stays here for a while," the guard said. "She knows of your kindness, and thinks that you might be able to help him."

"What's a Royal Alchemist?" Fluttershy asked, cocking her head.

"A Royal Alchemist is a non-unicorn pony, highly trained in magic," the guard said. "They make up a third of our armed forces and half of our security, using their magic in the battlefield."

"Why does this alchemist need my help?" Fluttershy asked.

"I do not know," the soldier said. "Do you accept this assignment?"

Fluttershy thought for a moment. She REALLY didn't want anypony else staying in her cottage, especially a soldier. What if he bullied her, took advantage of her, stole all of her food?

Then again, she told herself. This soldier might need my help. What if I don't help him and we lose a war because of it?!

This lost thought terrified Fluttershy so much that she turned to the soldier and said "I'll do it."

The soldier nodded. "The Princess will be pleased. The Alchemist will be here tomorrow. Thank you for your contribution to the kingdom." He left.

Contribution to the kingdom. That last sentence reinforced Fluttershy's fears. Whatever was wrong with this soldier, she had to make it right. If not, who knows what would happen to Equestria?

"Ohmigosh!" Fluttershy said to herself. She ran back to her cottage and threw open the door.

For the next ten minutes, she ran around, picking up every little speck of dirt, dust, or food that she could find, trying to make her house look presentable. Some of the animals decided to help, cleaning up what she had missed.

When they were done, Fluttershy looked around her house, which looked better than ever. "Good as new," she said to herself. She looked at the animals who had helped her. "Thank you. I'll give you all an extra big snack later." The animals all made happy noises, then went outside.

Fluttershy turned back and noticed Angel sleeping on a couch, snoring loudly. She walked over to him. "Angel," she said. Angel woke up and turned to Fluttershy, looking slightly peeved that his nap had been interrupted. "We're going to have a guest tomorrow, so, please, be on your best behavior."

Angel squeaked angrily. "No, no, no," Fluttershy responded. "I'm just saying, sometimes, you can be a little...uninviting." Angel turned and crossed his arms. Fluttershy got slightly angry. "Angel Bunny. That's not the kind of attitude that we show guests." Fluttershy smiled deviously. "You know, he's a soldier."

Angel's eyes widened as he turned to Fluttershy. He squeaked out a question and Fluttershy nodded. "Yep," she said. "And they're not very fond of rude little bunnies."

Angel squeaked in fear, then started running away. Fluttershy grabbed him by his tail, then set him on the table. "Now," she said. "Are we going to behave tomorrow?" Angel nodded. "Good," Fluttershy said, her pleasant demeanor coming back to her. She went and grabbed a carrot, handing it to Angel. Then she grabbed a snack for each of the animals and went to give them to them.

The next day, Princess Celestia, accompanied by a hooded stallion, came to Fluttershy's cottage. When Fluttershy saw them, she immediately turned to Angel. "Remember," she said sternly. "Best behavior."

Angel nodded. Fluttershy stepped out onto the front porch and bowed. Celestia stepped out of her chariot. "Hello, Fluttershy," she said kindly. "Thank you for your help. I hope that you can help him feel better."

"I'll do my best," said Fluttershy, looking up. "Where is he?"

Celestia gestured to the hooded stallion. "Chrome," she said, "come and meet your new housemate."

The stallion, Chrome, stepped out of the chariot, leaning on a cane. His hood was over his eyes, and a scratch was were one of them should've been.

"You'll be staying with Fluttershy for a few months," Celestia said. "Please, don't be to harsh on her. I don't think she's used to taking care of other ponies."

"Then is it really a good idea for her to be watching me?" Chrome said. His voice was both quiet and forceful.

"Don't worry," Fluttershy said. "I'll take good care of him."

"I'm sure you will," Celestia said. "I'll be going now." She climbed back into her chariot, and the pullers took off, returning to Canterlot.

"Um...well, come inside," Fluttershy said. She gestured inside her house, and Chrome walked in. He looked around, nodding slightly.

"Very clean," he said. He pulled back his hood, giving Fluttershy her first good look at her house guest's face. He was a dark cyan pegasus, with a green mane that had purple highlights

What struck her, though, was the bandage. A bandage was wrapped around his eye. A large cut must've been behind the bandage, because Fluttershy could see cut marks coming from where his eye was covered.

Chrome noticed her looking at him. "What?" he asked rudely.

What...happened to you eye?," Fluttershy stammered, not knowing what else to say.

"Comes with the job," Chrome said. "Where will I be sleeping?"

"Upstairs," Fluttershy said. "The upstairs area is one big bedroom."

Chrome didn't even nod. "I'm going to bed," he said. Before Fluttershy could respond, he walked upstairs. She heard the door creak open and then slam shut.