//------------------------------// // Wake and Words: Ending // Story: Amicitia // by Impurity //------------------------------// "Everyone deserves kindness no matter what they have done, if they are willing to make amends and not excuses." No... *Beep* It’s gone. What happened to them? Twilight thought to herself, her eyes still closed. *Beep* Is it over? *Beep* Where am I- *Beep* What is that annoying be- *Beep* Is this my punishment? Twilight sighed mentally. To be interrupted by a- *Beep* Why do I even bother? She thought to herself. *Beep* Wait... That sounds like a heartbeat. *Beep* Is that mine? “Of course it is silly! I mean it can’t be anypony else’s. Or maybe it is.” A cheery voice rung throughout her mind; followed by a rather large gasp. “What if it’s mine!?” Who is it? Twilight thought, speaking to the one inside. “You don’t know? Take a guess then, or two, or three, or four or as many as you’d like, we have plenty of time before- whoopsies, almost gave out my secret!” The character giggled heartily. There was only one pony who could laugh at a situation like this. Pinkie? What are you doing in my head? Twilight asked, still only able to hear her. “Wow you’re such a good guesser, maybe even the best of the best. Is there even a world record for best guesser in another dimension?” Pinkie drabbled on, ignoring her question. Pinkie did you hear me? “Oh I did don’t worry, you aren’t going cray cray or anything yet.” Even though she couldn’t see the pink mare she could envision the bright smile on her muzzle. “And I’m here to tell you something very very very very very very very very very very- Pinkie! “Very super duper uber important and I mean so important that it could decide the fate of Equestria.” Twilight mentally gulped. She had been in many situations where the fate of Equestria was in her hooves but it never sat well with her that it was. “Or something like that, I forgot what he said.” He? Who’s he? Twilight asked, intrigued of a mysterious stallion who had sent one of her best friends into her mind. “Silly, I can’t tell you that. I would be breaking the rules of the game and nopony likes a cheater. But he told me to tell you these few words, said you would know in due time.” “I’m sorry but the events that are about to unfold need to happen. You are the only one who can tip the balance of harmony.” Pinkie recited word for word what he told her to say. “That’s why I’m here. Pinkie delivery, at your service!” But what does he mean by balancing harmony? “Can’t tell you,” Pinkie said in a singsong voice. “Even if I could there just wouldn’t be enough time.” Her voice fading after each word, until it completely disappeared, as if being deleted from existence. What? Twilight asked, only to receive a painful headache that burned the throughout her skull. “Miss Twilight?” A completely different voice whispered to her. It was much more gentle and sweeter, like a mother speaking to her young foal. “Twilight are you there?” “Ugh, where am I?” The purple mare mumbled weakly, opening her eyes. Luckily she did so slowly because the instant her eyelids parted, the blinding fluorescent lights shone into them but because of her precaution she had no need to close her them. The sight that was presented to her was mainly a blurry white, but she noticed that there was also somepony above her, somepony who seemed vaguely familiar. “Oh thank Celestia you’re awake.” The voice sighed in relief, letting out a small puff of air from its lungs. “Can you understand me right now?” Twilight in fact could understand what she was saying, or at least Twilight thought it was a she, but her thoughts were jumbled up at the moment and had no idea what to say. So instead of using speech she shifted her hoof slightly as a form of communication, hoping she would notice. “You can hear me, that’s good to know.” The pony who stood beside her now said, glancing at her hoof. Twilight still had her eyes open and in turn her focusing ability had started to stabilize, now able to tell who it was and with that knowledge inferring exactly where she was. She was in the hospital and the one on her right was a nurse at Ponyville General Hospital and an acquaintance. The mare who asked her those few questions was nurse Redheart, the one who took her job as a nurse much more seriously than the rest. Even some doctors are baffled by her vast knowledge in the many fields of medicine, ranging from the simplest jobs such as a family doctor to the hardest of them all brain surgeons. Any question you asked her about doctors, procedures, which patient needs what, in what doses or in what intervals, she would know. Most wondered why she doesn’t just become a doctor with all her extensive knowledge. The only thing she says is, “Why should I study for another 4-8 years when new patients come every day? It’s not worth it to be a doctor when I can help thousands, if not tens of thousands in the same amount of time.” Twilight knew her because Redheart came to the library one night, asking for books on rare diseases. At first the purple mare was suspicious of her, as it was around 11:25, well past sunset and had the nurse explain herself. A colt in the hospital was suffering from an illness the doctors had no idea how to treat, so Redheart rushed over trying to find out what it was. The purple mare was touched by her care and compassion for a pony she barely even knew, that she volunteered to help Redheart. They stayed up until 3:00 A.M., when the white mare had found it. The next morning she brought it to the doctors and within the week the colt that supposedly had a few days left to live, was cured and perfectly healthy. But that was only the first time. On multiple occasions she would come over and ask for more books on recent medical works, studies, and pharmaceuticals on her own time. Always wanting to know more and more, so she could help others in need. Whenever Twilight could she would join her. “Water...” Twilight croaked her throat empty of any moisture. Once again luck was on her side as the nurse went over to the sink immediately and took a small Dixie cup from one of the drawers above. A few seconds later Redheart returned and placed the water on the table. Slowly she reached underneath Twilight and rested her back against the bed rest. Once she was sure the angle was well enough, Redheart suspended the water over her lips, letting a few drops escape before moving back slightly. The very next second Twilight burst into a coughing fit for the next few moments. When it resided Redheart brought the cup back up to her and gently tilted the contents down her throat, letting her enjoy the small commodity she lost for a long time. “Th-thank you nurse Redheart.” The purple mare spoke, this time much clearer. Redheart gave her an expressionless look. “I told you its fine to call me Red or Heart Twilight. We’ve known each other for a long enough time for us to be on a first name basis and honey I’m just doing my job, no need to thank me.” The white coated earth pony replied. “Oh I’m sorry.” Twilight apologized, unsure of what else she should say. “There’s nothing you need to be sorry for. Now, you probably have a lot of questions after your month long rest, so ask away. I’ll answer what I can.” Redheart sat down patiently waiting for the torrent to arrive. “ONE MONTH!?” Twilight yelled, nearly leaping off the bed in surprise. Redheart winced slightly, splaying her ears against her coat. “Yes Twilight, it’s been around one month since the magic pulsar bomb was released, or I think that’s what Princess Celestia called it. And I know the walls are soundproof but please can you dull your reactions just a little?” Redheart pleaded, not quite expecting a shout. "Wha- what happened?" Twilight asked, not caring about the topic, just wanting to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. "Well after you used that spell Princess Celestia and Princess Luna arrived on the scene and brought you here where we healed you. The only thing was that we predicted you would wake up within the week and stay for an extra week to restore your magic reserves but you didn't wake. All your wounds were healed and there was nothing wrong with you. The princess said you were restoring your lost energy and that all you needed was rest. So we waited and here you are." Redheart explained, forgetting a few major details. "As you can see the only problem you have now is a slightly cracked horn. You can't put as much pressure as you did before on it so you must be careful." Twilight took one of her hooves and lifted it to her horn. She gently brushed her hoof up and down, feeling the disrupted keratin. But while she was doing so, she remembered why it happened. "M-my friends! What happened to them!?" Twilight yelled, frantically trying to leave her position and find them. "Easy now Twilight, settle down. They're all fine." Redheart assured her, placing her hoof over top of her chest. Twilight trusted her and stopped moving. "Spike, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all had very simple injuries that healed on their own. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were covered in small cuts and a few lacerations that healed quickly. Applejack had the worst injuries out of all of them. She received a concussion that has cleared and temporarily lost her sight. Small pieces of pebbles and dust had gotten into her eye and infected it.The doctors quickly got to work and saved them, but her eyes have weakened so she's wearing glasses. They’re pretty cute if I say so myself." "Thank Celestia." Twilight let out a sigh in relief and let tears fall from her eyes. She was so elated that they were fine. "So what happens to me now?" "Well after the doctors run a few more tests to make sure your well, you will be released. But at the moment we only have one doctor and he’s busy, so that might not be until tomorrow. If you would excuse me now, I need to write a few telegrams. Your friends and family have been worried about you and I don't think it's fair for them to be left in the dark any longer." Redheart started to walk towards the door when Twilight called out to her. “Is there something wrong Twilight?” “I have a small favour to ask of you.” Twilight said, fidgeting with her hooves. “It doesn’t exactly put you in a great position but it’s something that I need to do if possible..” “If I am able to do it I will.” “Can you... “I can’t believe she’s making me do this.” Redheart groaned, waiting for Twilight’s friends. After their small conversation the nurse went straight to the front desk and wrote down a few notes, very briefly stating that Twilight was awake. She gave it to the hospital’s deliverer and he went on his way to send them. Now all she had to do was wait until they arrived. It had been thirty or so minutes later when she heard noises coming the stairwell. That must be them now. Redheart looked down the hallway where she heard the noises increasing and then saw the doors fling open, revealing Twilight’s friends rushing towards her. Before she could even think of saying anything she was assaulting by a wave of questions that all would receive the same answer. “Yes, yes she’s okay, but I’m going to have to ask you all to wait a short while longer.” “I’m sorry, why is that?” Rarity asked, peeved at her order. “It’s just that- “We’re her friends. We’ve been waiting for over a month for this day. Why should we have to wait even longer?” Rainbow argued, trying to keep her anger in check but showing very obvious signs of it. “I know that, and you have every right to, but just please understand.” Redheart held her hooves in the air, making a pausing motion with them. “Right now the only one I’m allowed to let in is Spike.” “But- “Rarity...” Applejack placed her hoof on the alabaster mare’s shoulder, shaking her head. “Its fine Spike, go on.” Spike accepted the gesture and went past the nurse and into the room, leaving the six mares in the hallway. They just stood there in silence for a few minutes, unsure of what to say to what another before Fluttershy broke the calm. “She hates us, doesn’t she?” The yellow mare whimpered, hiding behind her mane with tears forming in her eyes. “She doesn’t want to see us but you’re just trying to save our feelings.” “No, no, no it’s not that. She loves you mares more than anything. One of the first things she asked me is if you were all okay.” Redheart assured them, not wanting them to take it the wrong way. “She’s just talking with Spike about what happened, why it happened, and everything else in between. She’ll be finished in 5...4...3...2...” Pinkie smiled, tipping her head like a clock at every second. “Pinkie I highly doubt- “Girls,” Spike whispered, parting the door. “You can come in now.” The five mares nodded and followed him inside. “Well good luck girls, I’ll just be downstairs if you need me.” The nurse spoke, walking off to where they had come from. You have wonderful friends Twilight. Now we just need your family here and everything will be like normal. For now at least... Twilight sat there waiting. She had just explained to Spike everything he needed to know and he was getting the girls right now. The purple mare was so nervous, thinking of every possible negative outcome that could happen when the girls came in. From them all just charging at her and killing her on the spot, to them berating her mercilessly without showing signs of stopping. They were mostly silly and very unlikely scenarios but she never ruled out any of them. All she could do was look at her hooves and wait. “Twilight?” All five mares asked in unison, hoping for some sort of reply. The purple mare in turn lifted her head and faced them all, semi-elated that they had not tried to attack her or assault her with words, throwing half of her scenarios out the window. When she saw their faces she had mixed feelings, uncertain of what emotions they held. Each mare wore a blank expression, except Pinkie who had a large grin. “Hi girls,” Twilight waved slowly. “It’s been awhile hasn’t it...” “Yeah,” Rainbow smiled weakly. “It sure has.” “How are you all feeling?” The purple mare asked, wanting to go somewhere with their chat. “We’re all doing fine, how about you darling?” Rarity replied awkwardly. “Good. Nurse Redheart said I’ll be out by tomorrow.” “That’s good news.” Applejack commented calmly, but looked as if she was having an internal struggle. “I know what I’m about to say may mean nothing to you all, but please hear me out.” Twilight pleaded, hoping for a positive response. The mares nodded, giving her the floor. “I just want to say that I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause you all any harm even though that was what sadly happened recently. I’m sorry for saying what I said before and I won’t lie as to why I did it. Believe me or not, I was just so angry and had no other way of venting my anger. It doesn’t justify me hurting you all and saying those things though.” “Twilight...” Applejack said. “It was fun being friends with you all, going on all those wonderful adventures and enjoying life to the fullest.” She let her tears fall slowly. “Twilight...” She spoke a little louder this time. “I only hope you can forgive me for my terrible mistake and if you can’t I understand completely.” “TWILIGHT!” Applejack yelled, causing the purple mare to jump slightly. “Y-yes Applejack,” Her voice held fear, making Applejack temporarily hate herself but not enough for her to change her next few words. “For a mare so smart, ya sure can be an idiot.” The orange pony walked up towards her, sitting right where Redheart used to be, sporting a stupidly wide grin. “Well I would have worded that differently but yes darling, what makes you think we wouldn’t want to be your friends after one small mistake?” Rarity commented, taking her spot beside the orange mare. “Small mistake? I called you all terrible things and caused you all harm because you were trying to find me. It was the worst thing I’ve ever done.” Twilight wept, trying to make herself as small as she could. “Well it’s not like it was your fault entirely, we sort of overreacted just slightly too far. If we took the situation into consideration we might’ve noticed what was wrong with you.” Rainbow explained, taking a lot more responsibility than usual. “No offense.” “Why are you all so calm about this, you should hate me, you especially Applejack.” Twilight looked up and aimed her vision towards the black rimmed glasses that fit snug on top of the mare’s nose. “What these things?” The orange mare pointed at her glasses. “Twi, ah’ve needed glasses for the longest time but never went to the optometrist because ah thought ah’d look stupid and they would be a nuisance. Now that ah’m wearing ‘em ah think they’re alright.” “Functional and Fashionable.” Rarity chipped in. “You’re just saying that.” The purple mare said, miserably. “Really now Twilight?” Applejack deadpanned, raising her eyebrow. “Really?” “Twilight,” Fluttershy finally spoke, her voice smoother than silk. “None of us hate you for what you did. In fact we should be the ones to say sorry, not you. So can you forgive us?” “Wh-why are you asking for forgiveness? I’m a terrible friend.” She sulked, holding tears in the corner of her eyes, ready to burst at any moment. “No you’re not a terrible friend; you’re a wonderful friend who made a mistake. I wouldn’t trade you for the world. None of us would.” Fluttershy came around the bed and brought the purple unicorn into a generous hug, and the other three mares followed suit. “I’m sorry. I love you all the very same. Will you forgive me?” Twilight pleaded, tears now falling freely from her eyes. But these tears were ones she hadn’t shed for the longest time. Tears of happiness. “Why of course sugarcube.” “It was simply ghastly with you missing. Without a doubt.” “Only if you help me with my,” Rainbow started, inciting a dirty glare from Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy. “I mean of course yeah...” “You are the best friends a mare could ask for. I don’t deserve you or your kindness.” The mares backed away to their regular positions around her bed. Twilight looked at each of them and saw the cyan mare looking around the room. “Is something wrong Rainbow?” She asked, wondering if something was wrong. “Where did Pinkie and Spike go? They were here to too long ago.” “Now that you mention it, ah was wonderin why she wasn’t talking. Where could they- “Right here!” Pinkie burst through the door, already half way between the door and Twilight. “Pink-“ Was all she could say before being completely devoured by the Pink mare’s legs, smothered with all the love the pink mare held. “I’m here too.” Spike called out from the doors, carrying a box of confectionaries. “Oooh Twilight it’s been so long! I missed you so much. I’ve never been this sad since I left my family on the rock farm to come and live here in Ponyville. I was sad for days and days and days and days and days- “Pinkie can’t breathe.” Twilight choked, trying to gather oxygen for her lungs. Pinkie immediately released a large amount of pressure, but still embraced her. “Oh sorry, and it wasn’t your fault Twilight.” Pinkie assured, knowing exactly what happened while she was gone. “Huh? Oh you mean... Yeah, I’m sorry too but what do you mean?” “You girls didn’t tell her; about what princess Celestia said?” The pink mare looked towards them all. “That slipped our mind. Sorry ‘bout that Twi.” Applejack nervously scratched the back of her head. “What did she say?” Twilight asked, confused of the current situation. “None of it was your fault. Princess Celestia told us that you were under some spell. It was called reversit reversidit- “Reversitude,” Rarity corrected. “She sent you some unusual spell books a week ago and you must have cast the spell on yourself. The spell is meant to completely reverse how you think of other ponies but is harmless other than that. You must have been thinking about how we forgot about you that day and... Well the rest is history.” “But I don’t understand. All I can remember was one moment I was reading a book around sunset and went to get a drink, and the next you were all there.” “You went a little crazy your drink Twilight. The princess found four empty bottles of hard cider on the floor.” “But that doesn’t add up. I only keep one or maybe two in the back at a time. How could I have drunk four bottles of cider?” “Maybe you had some extra? Ya know, I let you keep the ones we don’t use for our little get togethers here at the library.” “I guess so...” “The past is the past, maybe it’s better to keep it that way. All that matters now is that we’re friends again.” Fluttershy spoke, with the same sweet voice as before. “I hear ya there Fluttershy.” Applejack said, tilting her Stetson straight. “Oh one last thing Twilight,” Pinkie grabbed her once again and whispered into her ear, quiet enough so nopony else could hear them. “Keep our little secret a secret.” “Did you say something Pinkie?” Rarity asked, never wanting to be left in the dark about secrets. “Nothing, nothing at all.” Pinkie put her hoof over her lips and looked at the purple mare. “Now who wants cupcakes?!”