Sweetie Belle was gently laid down in a soft hospital bed. Her barrel was wrapped to hold a couple of cool compresses against her bruises which could already be seen through her snow white coat as dark purplish-black splotches. She rested her head upon the pillow as she felt a sharp ache in her body. With her in the room was Nurse Redheart, Applebloom, Scootaloo, AppleJack, and Rarity. The two other members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders were leaning against the side of the bed. Their chins resting on the mattress as they stared at their injured friend.
"Sh'll be okay, 'ight?" Applebloom asked, trying to hold back a sniffle and failing.
"Yes, Miss Belle will be just fine. Just needs some rest, and to refrain from any strenuous activity for about a week." Nurse Red Heart stated as she brought over a small cup of water, and some pills. "Here, take this deary. It'll help with the pain." Nurse Red Heart instructed the unicorn filly.
Sweetie Belle took the medicine, and sipped the water without complaint. Soon slipping into a soft sleep before she could even utter a thanks. Nurse Red Heart smiled and withdrew the cup of water, setting it on a near by table with a pitcher of cool water should Sweetie become thirsty later on. She then pulled a light sheet over the sleeping unicorn. Red Heart would approach Rarity, and Applejack, and motion for them to step outside. The two mares agreed, and followed the nurse while Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo sat by Sweetie Belle's bedside. Once outside, Red Heart addressed the two mares.
"Doctor Check Up has looked her over, and has found nothing serious. Mainly just some moderate bruising around her barrel." Red Heart explained.
"Rarity let out a soft sigh. "Well that is a relief darling." She said happily, feeling much more relaxed now that it was known that her little sister is going to be okay.
"See, ah tol'ya so, sugarcube. She's a tough one." Applejack declared as she gave Rarity a friendly tap on her shoulder. Causing the dainty Unicorn to flinch, and chuckle. All while rubbing the new sore spot on her shoulder with her hoof.
"However, the Doctor would like to keep Miss Belle overnight for observation." Red Heart explained. The two mares were not happy to hear that. Rarity's ears even flopped back against her skull. "I-It's nothing serious. The Doctor is merely being cautious is all." Red Heart quickly explained as she saw the two's growing concern. While it still worried Rarity, and Applejack, it would appear that Nurse Red Heart's words helped them to relax, a little.
Suddenly there was a flurry of voices, and ponies as Rarity, and Applejack saw Twilight rushing in with a couple of Ponies carrying a stretcher, and surrounded by doctors, and nurses. They were all talking at once, and sounded frantic as they made their way deeper into the hospital. Apparently something of great importance was upon it. Though none of the three could see what it was. Red Heart watched on as well. Just as confused as the other two.
"Um, excuse me for a second. I have to see what is going on." She said quietly before trotting down the hall to follow the unique parade.
Applejack, and Rarity looked at each other for a moment, and considered following since they saw Twilight mixed in with the group. However, with Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom in the room. Neither felt the desire to leave. They quietly entered the room and looked on as the two Crusaders were simply sitting by the bedside.
"How is Sweetie Belle?" Rarity asked.
"She's sleeping and snoring." Scoolatoo reported, a wiry grin upon her muzzle as she tried to sound professional.
"An she's snorts too!" Apple Bloom added with a giggle. Her addendum being punctuated by a soft snort from the sleeping filly.
The four chuckled before Rarity, and Applejack found some place to sit to wait out Sweetie Belle waking up. They knew that she would probably be scared if she woke up with no one around. For Rarity, this was a very much needed time to relax as she laid across the small couch in the room. Today has been a very frightening day for her. Applejack snuggling up with her to show her support, and keep Rarity company. The Unicorn smiled at the stetson wearing earth pony. Very appreciative for Applejack's support. Rarity didn't even mind the dust that she just knew was going to be permeating her coat right then. She would simply make another spa trip for it. Rarity was simply happy that Sweetie Belle, and she had such wonderful friends that were willing to stand by them. The warmth of Applejack's body against hers was so nice, and with the stress from today seeping out of her. The prim unicorn was finding it very difficult to stay awake. Soon, she, and Applejack drifted off to sleep as well.
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Sweetie Belle stood upon an enormous grassy plain that seemed to run off into eternity to all points of the compass. The tall blades of grass swaying softy in the breeze, and tickled the sides of her legs. The sun above was warm, and bright as large puffy clouds gently drifted upon the breeze. Slowly crossing the sky lazily, breaking up the endless blue sky. Bringing a sense of calm to the small Unicorn. Sweetie Belle would smile as she started to trot along the plain. Feeling the blades of grass brush across her coat as she found herself giggling at the feeling.
Though her fun would be cut short as the sun seemed to dull, and diminish. the once vibrant colors of the world around her faded almost to a dismal grey. A chill quickly enveloping her as a sense of foreboding began to brush at the back of her mind. She started to lower herself down, make herself small, and hopefully unnoticeable. Her moss green eyes constantly scanning just over the blades of grass. Even the ground felt cold, and uninviting. Sweetie's heart started to hammer in her chest as every fiber of her being was telling her that she was in danger.
As she looked to the distance, she felt a tickle of the fur on the back of her neck. The sensation of something simply looming over her. Slowly, hesitantly, she turned her head to look back. Her eyes immediately widened at what she saw behind her. For there, standing behind her was the Golem that she, and her friends encountered. Its yellow beady eyes glaring down at her with menace, and hateful intent. A gaping hole in its chest where the crystal cocoon once was. Large rocky digits cracked as they opened, and closed. Sweetie Belle quickly started to hyperventilate as she felt panic grip her being. her instinct screaming at her to do the one thing she could do, Run.
With a high pitch scream, Sweetie Belle tore across the grassy plain as fast as her small legs could carry her, the Golem tromping directly behind her. With a deep rumbling roar it began bringing its massive fist down just shy of the fleeing filly. Sweetie looked as she ran. Looked for any place that could slow the monster down, or provide her a hiding place until it goes away. Yet, there was nothing, nothing for as far as her eyes could see. As she ran the blades of grass poked, and felt like they were trying to slice into her legs. In between pants, soft whimpers of fright could be heard. Sweetie Belle could feel it was just behind her, getting closer with each lumbering step. How it has not caught her, she was too scared to even think about that.
Sweetie Belle's terror would gain the notice of another. She looked upon the scene that laid before her. A terrified young filly being pursued by a enormous rock construct. Curious. Deep navy blue hooves stood upon a small raise. An ethereal mane of Stars, and space fluttering in some unfelt breeze. Soulful teal colored eyes watched with pity.
With but a thought, Luna appeared before Sweetie Belle. Causing the young filly to skid to a stop before colliding with Luna's front legs. Just behind her, the Golem appeared to have lost sight of its prey, and started to search around for the small Filly. Smashing its large club like appendages against the ground as if throwing a tantrum. Sweetie Belle could only sit on her hindquarters, and look up at the Princess of the Night, and Dreams. her chest rising, and falling rapidly to catch her breath.
"Princess Luna!" Sweetie Belle gasped in surprise.
"Yes, Sweetie Belle. It is a good thing to see you again." Luna stated with a smile. Her speech being more informal during her time in ponies dreams. Remembering having helped the Unicorn with jealous feelings towards her sister before.
"I-If you're here, then that means..." Sweetie trailed off as the realization dawned on her.
"Yes, my little pony. This is nothing more than a nightmare. Though, I must say, it is a very powerful nightmare. What has made you conjure something like that monstrosity?" Luna asked as she looked at the large golem.
Sweetie Belle began to explain what happened in Ponyville that day in as much excited detail as she could give. It would be news that Luna would receive that night when she met with her sister for their shared meal had she not heard it from the filly. Sweetie Belle explained how she, and her friends made "Perfect" Zaku costumes, and accidentally scared Fluttershy. How Michael helped her escape the Wrath of Rarity, and them trying to mimic the strange hum that the Mobile suit makes when it comes to life. Luna listened with rapt attention to the little filly's story. Listening carefully for any signs of lies, or exaggeration. Yet, even though she knew the young filly was telling the truth, it was still hard to believe. This was a troubling development that her sister needed to be made aware of.
"...and that's when Michael came! He charged in all heroic, and....and...." Sweetie stated before a soft sigh escaped as her lips started a small smile.
Luna's eyebrow raised as Sweetie Belle let out that sigh. It was worrisome to the ancient Alicorn. However, that was not why she was here.
"Sweetie Belle, I can tell that this experience has left an indelible mark upon your memories, and thus your dreams. However, this is but a dream, and you can control it. If such a creature truly instill fear into you, young Sweetie Belle. Then you must summon a avatar. Something or somepony that, to you, embodies your ideals of safety, and protection. Something that gives you a feeling of Hope, and Courage. The image of your parents, or a stuffed animal. I have even seen young foals fashion suits of royal equestrian armor for themselves." Luna explained, offering suggestions to the young filly.
Though For Sweetie Belle, she instantly knew what would become her Champion. Something that no nightmare could stand against as it has already stood up to two, and came out triumphant. A bright beaming smile slowly spread across Sweetie Belle's lips as she watched her chosen champion take form right behind the Princess of the Night.
"Have you chosen your champion?" Luna asked as she looked upon Sweetie Belle.
The young Unicorn only nodded her head glee fully before a prickling sensation tickled at the back of Luna's neck. She noticed that an enormous shadow had befallen over her, and Sweetie Belle. The young filly hopping happily in place at the sight of her champion. Luna turned, and found herself looking up, and up. Till she was staring into the glowing angry eye of the green giant that she had come to know as Zaku.
"I...see." Luna stated slowly as she looked up at the massive mobile suit, her mouth hung open slightly.
She had only ever really seen the mobile suit kneeling so she did not have a good impression of just how huge the Zaku was. Even delving into Michael's mind did not allow her to fully appreciate its scale. Luna cleared her throat, and tore her gaze away from the intimidating sight to Sweetie Belle. The Unicorn showed absolutely no sign of the fear that once permeated her entire being, and that was Luna's objective. A soft smile spread across her lips as she saw that excited look upon Sweetie Belle.
"Your nightmare no longer holds sway you, my little pony. So my work is done. I hope only for pleasant dreams from you for now on." Luna stated as she spread her large wings, and started to raise up into the brightening sky. The sun once more spreading its warmth on the grassy plains as the Princess of the Night left Sweetie Belle to conquer her nightmare with her chosen champion.
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Sweetie Belle stirred slightly in the hospital bed. She felt warm, and the fuzziness of sleep was slowly starting to leave her. She was still feeling sore, but it was more of a dull ache now instead of a stabbing pain. As her eyes cracked open, she first saw the dull orange glow of the fading rays of sunlight as it was making its way beyond the horizon. It bathed the room she was in a purplish-orange color. Specks of dust could just be seen dancing in the final rays of the sun.
"Good Evening Sweetie Belle." A familiar, warm voice spoke.
Sweetie Belle turned her head just slightly till she saw a pair of deep blue eyes framed by a royal purple mane looking at her. A smile spread across her lips as she looked upon the face of her sister, Rarity.
"Hiya Sis." Sweetie Belle yawned, and stretched. Though her injuries had her flinching back.
"Take it easy, darling." Rarity replied as she adjusted Sweetie's blanket.
Sweetie Belle let out a a breath as she relaxed again. Resting her head against the pillow. Rarity was stroking her mane in a soothing manner. The two would remain quiet for a moment before Rarity's head would jerk up, and she walk away. Leaving Sweetie Belle to wonder what was going on. She raised her head to look in the direction that Rarity departed in.
"Sargent Black, and I put our heads together, and thought that a gift could help cheer you up. It was actually Sargent Black's Idea." Rarity stated as she came back, her horn glowing a soft blue.
Sweetie Belle looked to see what it was being brought over, and gasped. In Rarity's magical grasp was a plush Zaku doll. Its Head, and chest slightly larger than its arms, and legs. It looked like an deformed version of the fearsome machine that Michael piloted to protect the ponies twice now. To Sweetie Bell, it was utterly adorable. As the doll was brought to just within her reach, she grabbed it in her forehooves, and hugged the doll tightly. A soft squee could be heard.
"Do you like it?" Rarity asked, even though she could see the answer.
"Yes! I love it!" She declared as she continued to hug the doll tightly.
"That is good. Sargent Black saw that you seemed to be having a nightmare when he arrived. He suggested a doll or something to cuddle while you sleep would be helpful. I came up with the idea to pattern the doll after Sargent Black's contraption. You, and your friends were simply so smitten with that thing. Personally, I can't see what is so interesting about it, but if you like it Darling. I'm happy." Rarity said warmly. "Also, it can go along with that doll you made. What was its name, "Pilot"?" Rarity asked which got a nod from Sweetie Belle.
"Wait, you and Michael came up with this?" Sweetie Belle asked, her eyes growing wide as what Rarity said to her completely sunk in.
"Well yes Darling. Sargent Black showed up shortly after AppleJack had to take Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom home." Rarity explained.
Sweetie held the doll up to her face, burying her muzzle in it for a few moments. A happiness came over her that she couldn't describe.
"I-is Michael still here?" Sweetie asked softly. Peeking out from behind her Zaku doll.
Rarity blinked, and looked at her sister in a concerned fashion. "Darling, I'm surprised you haven't noticed the snoring. It is quite loud." Rarity stated.
Now it was Sweetie Belle's turn to blink in confusion. Perking up her ears, she flicked them back, and forth as she turned her head slightly. Yes, There was definitely the sound of deep snoring to be heard. Looking around she found Micheal sleeping in one of the chairs. His feet kicked out, and his head leaned back. Both his arms draped over the sides. He looked like a puppet with its strings clipped. The scene had both Rarity, and Sweetie Belle giggling.
"He snores louder than Applejack." Sweetie teased.
"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity gasped before she covered her own giggles with a hoof.