Camp Everfree was over, and all was seemingly forgiven. Gloriosa would be walking on thin ice with the students and faculty of CHS, but now she can work on rebuilding her camp with much safer means besides unstable magic.
Unfortunately, for the Rainbooms, things were far from over. All of them were congregated in the ER waiting room of the hospital Coppermane was taken to after sustaining severe injuries from their battle against Gaea Everfree. Fluttershy cried hysterically in Rarity’s arms with rest of her friends gathered around trying to comfort her.
“Shh… it’s okay, darling,” Rarity said, rubbing her back.
“But what if he’s not?!” Fluttershy shouted. “What if… what if… oh goodness…”
“I’m sure it won’t take much longer, Fluttershy,” Sunset said.
“Coppermane’s a strong guy,” Applejack said. “I’m sure he’ll pull through.”
Fluttershy sniffled. “Oh gosh… I’ve never been so worried.”
“We know, sweetheart,” Rarity said, holding her. “It’s going to be okay.”
Fluttershy perked up at the sound of the door opening. She saw a doctor come out and walk towards them.
“Are you ladies here for… Coppermane?” he asked, looking at his clipboard.
“Yes!” Fluttershy shouted. “Yes, we are! Is my Coppermane okay? Will… will he make it?” She choked on her words, barely able to bring herself to say what she said. The thought alone cut through her her heart like it was butter.
The doctor sighed. “I’m afraid he’s in a coma, miss.”
Fluttershy gasped. “No! Oh my gosh…”
“He sustained a solid head injury. He also broke a couple of ribs, his right arm, and his left shinbone, as well as severe bruises.”
“Oh, my poor Coppermane!” Fluttershy cried. Rarity quickly got up to hug Fluttershy and comfort her.
“I wish I had better news for you ladies. Honestly, looking over his injuries, he’s lucky to be alive.”
“See?” Applejack said. “I told ya he was hardy!”
“It’s a good thing we got him here in a hurry,” the doctor said. “We have him in a room right now where we’ll monitor him.”
“Doctor… m-may I go see him?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yes, of course. Right this way,” the doctor said.
He led them down the hallways past many other patients’ rooms. Fluttershy couldn’t help herself from glancing into passing rooms, and each patient she saw only made her more and more worried. After walking for what seemed like minutes, they arrived at the closed door of Coppermane’s room. Fluttershy braced herself for what she was about to see as the doctor opened the door.
Fluttershy gasped at what she saw.
“Oh my goodness!” Fluttershy squeaked, rushing up to her sweetheart. He had casts on his arm, torso, and leg, the last of which was elevated. Reddened bandages covered his head and chest, and many areas of his skin were severely bruised. Wires connected him to machines monitoring his pulse and a IV needle was inserted in his left arm. Tears drenched Fluttershy’s cheeks again as she stood next to her true love.
“Coppermane… my poor baby,” Fluttershy cried, taking Coppermane’s hand.
“I’ll leave you ladies alone for a bit,” the doctor said. “Visiting hours do end in about half an hour, so don’t get too comfortable.”
They all gave the doctor a nod, whom exited shortly after. The girls all returned their attention to Fluttershy sobbing next to her comatose boyfriend.
“This is all my fault!” Fluttershy cried.
“Huh?” the girls asked.
“I… I was too slow,” Fluttershy whimpered. “I told him to leave; to get to safety, and then… oh gosh! It should’ve been me! I’m so sorry, Coppermane!”
Sunset came forward, putting her hand on Fluttershy’s shoulder.
“Fluttershy, if Coppermane hadn’t done what he did, you might not even be here,” Sunset said. “And more importantly, he didn’t have to do it. You didn’t make him do anything. He pushed you out of the way because he cares.”
Fluttershy didn’t look at Sunset. All she could focus on was her comatose boyfriend, and all his wounds, as if he needed more.
“Sugarcube?” Applejack said, putting her arm around Fluttershy. “I can’t say I know exactly how ya feel, but I think I speak for all of us when I say that we’re here for you.”
The girls nodded.
“You’re strong, Fluttershy,” Rainbow said. “And so is Coppermane.”
“He’ll be back in no time!” Pinkie said, always the chipper one.
“Exactly,” Sunset said. “For what it’s worth, we’re all here for you.”
Fluttershy turned around, and saw all her best friends smiling back at her. Their eyes carried such warmth and comfort, like they always do. The greatest friends she could ask for and more.
For the first time that day, Fluttershy gave a small smile.
“Th-Thank you,” Fluttershy managed to say, choking on her words. They all came in and gave her a group hug. The warmth helped to mend her broken heart a little. In reality, she was strong because of her friends, and she couldn’t be more thankful to have them.
The girls hung around for as long as they could before the doctor came back.
“Visiting hours are over, ladies,” he said.
“C’mon, let’s get goin’,” Applejack said. “It’s been a long day.”
The girls nodded. In spite of the circumstances, they could all go and relax for the night knowing their good friend was in good hands. At least… most of them.
It took a lot for Fluttershy to muster up the strength to let go of Coppermane’s hand, even when the doctor came in.
“Miss?”
Fluttershy looked up and saw the doctor staring at her. He offered a smile.
“Miss, I understand how you feel. I know you’re worried, I would be as well, but you have my word that we’ll take extra good care of him. And you can come see him as much as you want during visiting hours.”
A tear ran down Fluttershy’s cheek. As much as it would hurt to leave him, she knew the doctor was right. He was in good hands. Besides, this was beyond her caregiving abilities. She gave the doctor a nod, and turned towards her lover one last time. She stood up, sandwiching his hand in between hers.
“You’re strong, Coppermane. Please… come back to me soon,” Fluttershy said. She leaned in and gave him a delicate kiss. “I love you… my prince.”
More tears fell out as she reluctantly let go of Coppermane’s hand.
“Th-Thank you, doctor,” Fluttershy said. “Please… take good care of my Coppermane.”
The doctor smiled and nodded. “You have my word, miss.”
Fluttershy managed a small smile, and couldn’t help herself from blowing her lover a kiss before finally walking out of the room to join her friends, whom had been waiting patiently outside. The door closed behind her, and she nearly broke down crying again. Her friend immediately rushed up to hug her.
“Poor darling,” Rarity said. “Is there anything we can do to cheer you up? A treat from the Sweet Shoppe? A spa treatment? A sleep over?”
Fluttershy sighed, pondering to herself.
“Um… a-a treat sounds nice…” Fluttershy said, sniffling.
“Of course, sweetie. Right away,” Rarity said.
The girls led Fluttershy out, planning to do whatever they can to cheer her up.
Fluttershy was silent most of the time, her head spinning with thoughts of Coppermane. She’s never been so worried, even when one of her animals were sick. She knew Coppermane would pull through. He’s the strongest guy Fluttershy knew.
It was just… how long would it be before things returned to normal? Or would they ever be normal again?