Fluttershy strode in front of a row of Canterlot guards, glaring at each and every one of the ponies. Sometimes she would catch two ponies speaking in a hushed tone but she didn’t say anything, she just paced and waited. The yellow and pink mare didn’t have to wait long before the royal messenger galloped up to her and whispered in her ear.
After hearing what the messenger had to say Fluttershy straightened her shoulders and lifted her head to face the row of guards in front of her. The guards noticed this and shifted uneasily when the stalwart stare of the yellow Pegasus was directed to each of them in turn. The silence rung out for several long moments before the yellow Pegasus spoke.
“I am sure you have heard rumors by now that Nightmare Moon has broken free of her lunar shackles and returned to Equestria. But fear not, Nightmare Moon has been dealt with by the Elements of Harmony. Also, the Princess Luna will be returning.” Fluttershy's tone was hard and matter of fact as she addressed the guards.
“Princess Luna? Princess Celestia's sister? Captain is that safe... I mean... with Nightmare Moon being part of her and all?” A tall buff unicorn stallion asked the question and a murmur of agreement was heard from the rest of the guard.
“I don’t recall hearing permission to speak!” Fluttershy barked harshly and all the guard looked chastised.
“As for your question... Yes it is safe. All remnants of Nightmare Moon have been defeated and no longer reside in the Princesses mind. She is to be treated with the respect somepony of her stature demands. Do I make myself clear?” Fluttershy said with her fiercest glare yet.
“Yes Sir!” Was the cry shouted by all the guards.
“Then you are to return to your posts. Burned Earth, Sapphire Blade you are to be stationed outside the Princess Luna's quarters until further notice.” Fluttershy said with finality.
The guards all dispersed and Fluttershy watched them all go before she stretched out her wings and bent her legs pushing off the ground as she beat her wings powerfully and took to the air. She fluidly ascended above the cliff side castle and looked down watching guards at their posts and citizens going about their daily business.
A subtle stirring of air that most would fail to pick up on caused the yellow Pegasus to turn where she hovered and face the approaching alicorns. She nodded as the two princesses got close to her and was greeted with a small smile from the sun goddess.
“Fluttershy, I have never been able to sneak up on you.” Celestia said with a warm smile as the two princesses came to a hovering stop in front of the winged mare.
“I would be a pretty terrible Captain of the Guard if ponies could sneak up on me Princess.” Fluttershy said with a small trace of warmth in her voice.
“Of course.” Celestia said but was stopped from saying anything else when the smaller Alicorn beside her cleared her throat.
“I am sorry Tia, but did the Pegasus say she is the Captain of the Guard? How is that possible, she is a mare?” Princess Luna asked curiously.
“A lot has changed since you last set hoof in Equestria little sister. But Fluttershy here is the first mare in pony history to become a Captain of the Guard, the others are too intimidated by her to give her a hard time and she is no push over.” Celestia explained kindly to her little sister.
“Oh.” Was the small reply from the midnight blue alicorn.
“Fluttershy, will you come with us and have dinner? I believe we should discuss arranging a permanent guard for Luna.” Celestia suggested with a smile.
“If it is what you wish Princess.” Fluttershy said flatly.
“Shy, this will be an informal meal. Friend time.” Celestia said with a grin.
“Friend time. My favorite. Lead of then Celestia.” Fluttershy smiled at both of the princesses.
"I will be in Ponyville visiting my cousin if there are any issues." Fluttershy stated for the third time as she paced in front of the rather nervous looking unicorn.
"Yes Captain." The stallion said nervously.
"Fluttershy, what could possibly happen?" Celestia asked mildly as she lounged under a tree in the royal gardens.
"Discords on his way back, anything could happen Princess." Fluttershy said flatly.
"True. If he gets too wild i will be sure to send him to you." Celestia with a grin.
"You're a peach." Fluttershy said rolling her eyes and then dismissing the unicorn.
After the unicorn left Fluttershy walked over to the princess and stared at her for a moment before speaking in a contemplative tone.
"Perhaps I shouldn't leave, i mean, Princess Luna just got back a few days ago..." She trailed off when she noticed the white alicorn giving her a withering glare.
"Fluttershy, you deserve a break. Go and visit your cousin. If anything happens you will be notified i promise." Celestia said with a frustrated sigh.
"Fine. By your leave Princess." Fluttershy said the words more because she knew they would annoy the princess more than she did out of any kind of respect.
"Get!" Celestia cried as she magically tossed the book that was in the grass beside her at the yellow pegasus.
Fluttershy laughed and ducked the book before taking to the sky in a fluid movement. She returned to her quarters for a brief time as she collected a few small gifts for her cousin into a saddle bag. Once the saddlebags were secured around her girth she again took to the sky as she opted to fly down to Ponyville instead of taking the train.
It was as the yellow pegasus was passing over the Everfree forest that she heard the harsh sounds and recognized them immediately. Timberwolves. Usually the winged mare would just leave the creatures to there own business but something was making the small mare drop lower to get a better look.
Approaching the sound of the snarling timberwolves, Fluttershy slowed down as she realized the sounds were coming from a small clearing. Looking down into the clearing Fluttershy first saw three large timberwolves surrounding something small and furry and black. With a frown the mare dropped lower as she attempted to make out what the animal was.
One of the timberwolves lunged forward and snapped at the small bundle, eliciting a frightened squeak from black fur. Something inside the mare made her do something she never normally would as she dropped down over the bundle just as another timberwolf surged forward.
Fluttershy twisted on the spot and kicked back with both her legs, the force from her hooves impacting on the timberwolves snout caused a large cracking sound to reverberate through the surrounding forest. The timberwolves all yelped startled and then snarled, Fluttershy didn't stick around to get mauled.
Knowing she was outnumbered the yellow mare scooped up the black bundle and launched herself into the sky. She was barely out of reach when one of the timberwolves leaped up and snapped at her, hardly missing her hoof. Fluttershy looked back over her shoulder to see three very angry timberwolves pacing below.
Finally the yellow mare turned her attention to the black bundle in her fore-hooves as she gained altitude. The small animal was tense and shivering hiding its little face against Fluttershy's chest. The yellow mare rolled her eyes at the shyness of the unknown animal and continued on her way.
Finally the small cottage came into view and Fluttershy smiled at the thought of getting to see her younger cousin for the first time in months. Gossamer Dew was the only family Fluttershy had, she had spent a lot of time with her younger cousin growing up and they had stayed quite good friends.
Fluttersy was nearing the cottage and could see the small yellow coated pegasus outside near a chicken coop. The green mane and tail flicking back and forth in the slight breeze as the little pegasus spoke to a chicken. Fluttershy ever so gently touched down on her back hooves a few yards from the other mare.
Hovering slightly as her front hooves were still full of black fur the captain cleared her throat and stifled a smile as the timid green maned mare startled rather violently and spun to face her. With a squeak of delighted surprise the little mare galloped forward and plowed into the captain.
"Easy, cuz." Fluttershy grunted at the force of the small filly hitting her.
"Shy!! You didnt say you were coming to visit!" Gossamer cried happily.
"No. After you and the other elements brought Princess Luna back, Celestia offered me a week off from my duties so i decided i would surprise my favorite cousin." Fluttershy explained with a warm smile that had never appeared for anyone but the green maned filly.
"You are here for the whole week?!" Gossamer asked excitedly.
"I sure am." Fluttershy grinned happily.
