“We did not call thee ‘small’,” Princess Luna argued, “We merely remarked that thy stature is perfect for this assignment.”
The air chariot was making a good pace towards Ponyville, the enchanted metal cut the night air like a knife and reduced the sound of the howling wind to a dull murmur.
“You want me to meet with a filly who is intimidated by ponies taller than herself,” Replied Corporal Mango of Her Majesty's Royal Night Guard, “What else could you have meant by that, Princess? At least allow me to wear my armor.”
“Dost thou pride thyself on thy ability to frighten young foals?” Questioned Luna, “If thou sayest neigh, thou hast no reason to take offense at this assignment.”
Mango straightened his posture to sit a little taller, but next to his Princess he could be mistaken for a colt.
“As you say, Princess,” Mango grumbled.
Redheart sighed as she made her way towards the exit. Her hooves ached and she could imagine crawling into bed.
“Redheart, a moment please.” A voice called from behind her.
“If it can’t wait until tomorrow, find somepony else,” Redheart replied without looking back.
“Wait,” Paper Stack, Assistant Director of Nursing, stepped into her path, “You looked after Green today and yesterday, right?”
Redheart sighed again. “Is there another problem with Green?”
If Green was asking for her she’d go back, she decided, even if it was technically illegal for her to work any more hours today.
“You’d know better than I,” Paper Stack admitted, “To that end, I want you to attend Green’s progress review.”
If eyes could speak, Redheart’s would have been screaming ‘are you bucking serious’ as she pushed past Paper Stack to walk towards the door.
“Sure, fine, when is it?”
“Tonight.”
Redheart turned back and gave Paper Stack a suspicious glare.
“Tonight?”
Paper Stack nodded and tried to look apologetic.
“You’re holding a progress review meeting in the middle of the night,” Redheart asked incredulously, “For a patient in stable condition who’s been with us less than three days?”
“The princess is coming to check on Green’s care,” Paperstack explained.
“Alright, good luck with that.” Redheart continued towards the door.
“You can’t leave,” Paper Stack instructed, or pleaded - Redheart was too tired to tell the difference. “The meeting is in less than an hour.”
“Do you have a royal decree ordering me to attend?” Redheart questioned, “If not, I need to leave now, I have a shift in the morning and it’s illegal for me to stay any longer tonight.”
“I’ll find somepony to cover your shift,” Paper Stack begged, “I’ll give you an extra day of paid leave at double-time rate.”
“Can you actually find somepony to cover my shift at this time of night?” Redheart asked. “I don’t want them working short-staffed.”
“If I can’t find somepony I’ll cover your shift myself.” Paper Stack promised, “I still keep my registration up to date.”
Redheart smirked at the idea of Paperstack being back on the floor after more than a decade of administration work.
“I’ll hold you to that.” Redheart quipped, “Now if you’ll excuse me I need to consume twice my body weight in coffee.”
“Are you sure we’re talking about the same filly?” Twilight asked, “Rainbow was ranting all of yesterday about how she was too dangerous to be around other fillies, and now you’re telling me she was so timid she could barely speak.”
Unlike her night-owl friend, Applejack was the kind of pony that went to bed early so she could rise before Celestia’s sun. The farm pony let out a yawn.
“Well, Green did leave a nasty bruise on Scootaloo’s face,” Applejack responded, “You know how protective Rainbow is of her little sister.”
“So it was an accident?” Twilight questioned.
“From what Apple Bloom told me, Green was so delirious she thought the crusaders were a pack of Timberwolves.”
“Is she still-”
“No,” Applejack quickly clarified, “She knows what’s going on now, she’s just… terrified. She doesn’t have anypony to turn to.”
“She has you.” Twilight placed a hoof on her friend’s shoulder.
“Maybe not.”
“You’re having second thoughts?”
“Not at all, Ah just - Ah don’t think she likes me.” Applejack replied
“She barely knows you.”
“She knows of me,” Applejack explained, “And the thought of tha’ element of Honesty punishin’ her for lying scares tha’ piss outta her.”
“You mean literally, or...” Twilight trailed off.
It took the farm pony a moment to realise what Twilight was implying.
“This ain’t a joking matter, Twi.” Applejack chided.
“It was an honest question,” Twilight blushed, “Sometimes when a filly her age gets very scared or very excited, certain... things... can happen.”
Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Are ya speaking from experience?”
“What?” Twilight’s blush deepened, “No! Of course not!”
Applejack gave a knowing smile. “Whatever you say, Princess.”
“H-hey!” Twilight sputtered, “Don’t use your honesty powers on me!”
“Ah keep tellin’ y’all ah don’t have any freaky mind readin’ powers,” Applejack snorted. “Y’all just ain’t that good at fibbin’.”
Twilight huffed and tried to set her ruffled feathers straight.
“Yer secret is safe with me, Princess Sprinkle.” Applejack giggled.
“Hey- is that Princess Luna?” Twilight interrupted loudly.
“Where-” Applejack’s question was interrupted by a sudden flash of magenta as Twilight dragged her into a rougher-than-necessary teleport. The two popped into existence in front of the hospital just in time to see Luna’s air chariot coming in for a landing.
“Land sakes girl,” Applejack admonished, “Warn a pony before you go and do that.”
Twilight smiled sheepishly.
“Well met, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna greeted, stepping off of her chariot.
Applejack briefly bowed to Luna. Twilight twitched slightly as she almost bowed, but remembered she was a Princess too.
“Rise, Applejack,” Luna commanded, “You need not be so formal whilst we are among friends.”
“We were hoping that after the meeting concludes we might engage in some stargazing.” Luna had a giddy sense of excitement as she suggested this. “We have made a few changes to the night sky and would be interested to hear your opinion.”
“Ugh,” Twilight huffed in frustration, “Can’t anypony take this seriously? We’re here to discuss serious matters.”
Luna’s good cheer seemed to evaporate, her face becoming an unreadable mask, the shadows around her seeming to darken slightly.
“Do not mistake our good cheer for a lack of resolve, young princess.” Luna spoke. “Those who would seek to harm the least of our subjects shall face our wrath. Every day, somewhere in Equestria, a pony is having the worst day of their life, yet for us it is merely Tuesday. It is noble to do what you can for your subjects, but you serve nopony by drowning yourself in their misery.”
Twilight swallowed nervously. Applejack, sensing her friend's discomfort, looked for a way to change the subject. She spotted the small thestral that Luna had brought with her and walked towards him.
“And who’s this little one?” Applejack moved to pet the young thestral’s mane, only to yelp in surprise as the pony nipped at her hoof with sharp teeth. Luna glared at him.
Mango shrunk even lower than his usual, already-modest height.
“This is Corporal Mango,” Luna explained, “One of my guards, and he does not normally behave so childishly. Come, all of you, we shall speak more inside.”
At this point, my OC would love to have a sit down with Green. {Part Kitsune, can actually read minds, and travels to other worlds including human worlds.}
Ah darn, you made the small pony a stallion. Now I can't make marelet jokes!
Hahaha.. bitey bat
Cute pics. Works well with the story, at least.
Oh Green, now look what you've done.
Say hello to Mangotini.
I dont usually do this but, AAAAAAAAAH!!! That cliffhanger!!
Thanks for the update!
Oh my nonexistent god. You could actually have M Bison as a literal bison in MLP. How has this never occurred to me?
Tiny pony guard to cute not...gonna......make x.x
smol update
It's good to see Luna trying to hammer home some wisdom in Twilight. She might be a good pony, but for the longest time she did have a nasty habit of assuming things.
I'm curious to see how things will go from here, with Green's "Review", her future home situation, and even the bit you brought up about Rainbow... She might just be acting protective, but I hope she doesn't go so far as to try and ostracize Green in the coming days.
Also, Redheart... I feel for you. The work of Human Service professionals never stops.
Smol bat horse is best bat horse
If Corporal Mango is anything like Warrant Officer Azurite...
Watch for revenge pranks, AJ. Watch carefully.
Is there any dialogue missing here?
Oh.. This is gonna be interesting... I enjoy the new chapter! Good job!
Kind of have to wonder
Isn't this a little petty for Luna to get involved with?
Or is "foal possibly sexually abused" so rare, that it draws top level attention?
Or is it the CMC's involvement that drew Luna's interest?
Ya know, these last three chapters have come across as filler more than anything. I think it would be for the best if you saved up your writing strength until you have the time and spoons to do the next meaningful chapter.
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This is too small a matter for her to get directly involved in, and her doing so is freaking everypony out.
Nonetheless, unlike all those other cases, Luna is the pony that found Green and she promised her that she wouldn't be abandoned, so Luna's come to check up on things.
Luna also knew that Twilight would be attending the meeting since Twilight was called in as a magical expert to look into Green's magic surge (there aren't many magic experts in ponyville.), so Luna is attending partially so she has an excuse to see Twilight.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Mango so cute!!!!!!!
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Heh, bite size thestral...
A part of me is very amused that everyone is trying to have Green meet new ponies to help her open up or something. Meanwhile Luna is bringing a thestral pony of all things, and she thinks because they're smol, Green won't be spooked.
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I feel so blueballed I think we all expected the report to happen
Wow... For someone to be a adult and still be colt size.
I guess there are many advantage to it but i think we all know this guards personal Trigger
Hope he is big enough to be able to compensate with technics Than again his probably comicly the longest in this apartment
Anyway... Wile i see the tactical advantage of his body height i wonder if hes actualy able to be of use. His environment has to play along to keep his charade intact. Green is no fool after all. Than again... If he can pull off that theater piece than i can see him in 24/7 special assignment with increased pay easily!
Awww... I think we could cuddle him all day ( hes probably ok with his favorite type of mares ). Mango... The smallest dominant loverboy
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Absolute gut busting laughter after your comment! I bow in awe to your perfectly sized comment
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If she did that to a 'Delirious-Patient' at that time than i wouldnt be surprised if Redheart can fit Rainbowdash into a Cider glass after the verbal lashing of the century. LITERALLY uncountable for behavior. Its like telling a bleeding person to be rude for have ruined a carpet or something in that direction.
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Probably a nice chance to get closer to 'fair Applejack' I mean... Have you seen her thigh muscle? That mare can probably go for the enire night
Or simply work on her social contacts. That need to be groomed from time to time!
All jokes aside, Luna having the foresight to bring in a pony of smaller stature is nothing short of compassionate. She's a smart cookie.
Considering this update and the previous chapter, I have the gut feeling that we're about to hit a climatic moment. I'm both hype and a little afraid. Keep it up dude.
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In other words you think the future generation isnt worth her time? Or that one adult might just ruine countless other lives? Not only serial killers are dangerous. In some way they are the smaller evil At least they finish off there victims and dont let a husk of a child behind. THAT why the Princess is involved.
Who could ignore 'that kind of treat' ? Its dangerous to all sociales environments. Probably Equestria is not so sick infested to get everypony apathetic to this.
Even in our world that one big problem need to be tackeld post haste.
Even if it 'would be' just one of many ( what would be a desaster for a nation build on Harmony ) , everyone saved is the one that saved the world.
At least i see it that way. If you 'cant save em all' go for 'save enough to count'. Make a difference.
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Priceless
/////
Its not the size that matters... ITS THE IMPACT CRATER AFTER THE FALCON 'Pun'CH
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Sir, pun again, and I will have to 'pun't you all the way to Canterlot...
I am impressed... small pony for a small problem. Go Luna, you rock!
Ah, Twilight "Sprinkles" Sparkle...
I’m not offended, but I honestly didn’t expect to see any short adult ponies.
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Pretty mutch why i expected a epic report instead of the mother of all cliffhangers Love it But i really hope for it next update! Also nice to bring the case of overworking one self and the responsibilitys around it into the story.
Its a delicate situation that can spell desaster if treated with a mental exhasted professional.
Things one can not be taken back: Time,situations & actions etc. sometimes one wrong more can change it all. That why its quite impactful to bring this topic up. Very memorable indeed.
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To quote Rainbowdash "awww yeahhh!"
Nicely done!
BRO-HOOF 》》》 /)*(\ 《《《
Ez money, thanks 4 chapter
Was that a "for me it was a tuesday" reference?
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Does Queen Elizabeth interview abused children?
Does DJT talk to every Veteran who returns from abroad?
Even the ones with medals?
Even Jimmy Carter didn't personally work for Habitats For Humanity
AND try to run the country at the same time.
Leaders just don't have the time to get personally involved in every case
IMO, it's VERY unusual for Luna to get involved in this case
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... I admit to nothing.
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Pretty sure if she had personaly assisted in a similar nature to get closer to a victim that is also a child it would bringer her personal peace. At least make sure the child is taken care of and the criminal is taken care of. Think of the good PR!
We cant save the world on our own but helping someone is often enough.
If i didnt get help in the past than ,(by some strangers in that time) i would be in a darker place now.
Sooo yeah... If someone was you at a point in time than that topic can be delicate.
Its a fiction story with characters not real individuals but the topic relevantez dont chance.
Nation leaders have no time for the individual but so is everyone until he meet or interact with someone.
Idk whats the guy next house problem is. Dont know dont care BUT some have there line. A thing they cant overlook if confronted. Example:
See a homeless? Offer em a meal if you can affort it.
Other rather feed a stray animal.
I think you get my drift. I know what you mean and im more about the moral implications than the practical approach.
Thanks for the conversation. Great storys spark quite the long range of topics.
Ah like this.
Written all nice like. Ooh-ya.
Reference to Street Fighter the movie.
So if I have this straight, Redheart is not motivated by money, or possible later relaxation, but rather schadenfreude?
...sounds about right.
The only acceptable length is MOAR.
Seriously though, you left off at a perfectly acceptable scene change. I have no complaints. (Not even unvoiced ones)
Do not worry, i am not actually certain anything can be "long enough" as long as the story is good.
Edit:
Seriously, what would happen if someone would be dropping 100k chapters per week of the most riveting story ever made. Do you think people would consider it is enough?
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Not a nurse myself, and never been one, but have known a few over the years. Quite a few of them had a very well developed sense for schadenfreude. I think it has something to do with the work environment and having to be "accommodating" to everyone and everything while they're on the clock, so seeing someone else "get theirs" tends to be cathartic in a way.
Redheart is getting a massive IOU for this.
Luna speaks wisdom; it is unwise to force yourself to carry everyone's burdens, however on the flip side general truancy is a good attitude to apply.
Green is going to be flipping confused and then hecken unamused with Mango.
Keep going! ;)
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That almost sounds horrifying. Hopefully no author will ever feel pressured to write that much!
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That might actually be too much for a lot of people. I've already seen people turned of by stories with a million plus word count before they'd even started it just because of the size of the story.
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I'm probably on a lower dose than you were. Still makes me feel rotten on the day I take it, but I have some meds to control the nausea if I need them. Fortunately it's only once a week so I can take it on my day off.
I'm still kinda itchy all the time but it's manageable.
Hope you're doing well with all your medical stuff.
Any update is a good update, with this quality! Any speed is acceptable.
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Luna has been involved since Green's nightmare in chapter 2. That's the entire reason anyone was searching for Green in the first place.
She also got a glimpse of a dream with humans in it.
This isn't a Princess randomly getting involved. There's something weird going on and she wants to know what.
Green: "Who are you?!"
Corporal M: "I'm... BatMango."