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// Of Rumps and Rebellions 
// Story: Memories 
// by HuskSummers 
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I'd first like to apologize for the long time between chapters. I have been really tied up with IRL, my art, and other issues. We had a large storm hit our town a week and a half ago and I helped with cleanup for a good half-week. The art has been coming along, but it meant this had to go on hold for a short time. No fear though, because I'm back. 

Please leave a comment after reading, because I enjoy constructive criticism!

“Oh…I hope he wakes up. He looked like he was in so much pain. “ Fluttershy’s mention of how my body felt made me suddenly aware of every ache.  I sat there for a moment, unable to move. That was when Applejack stepped in to comfort the yellow Pegasus.

“He’ll be just fine Fluttershy. Remember how fast he healed up last time.” I couldn’t tell if it did any good for Fluttershy to hear this, but she did remain quiet. That was usual for her though. It took me a couple tries to build up the fortitude to attempt sitting, but finally I was able to gather the courage, and in one quick motion, I sat up. Once sitting I attempted to open my eyes, and I succeeded, but only half. The side which had been struck by Blood Warrior refused to open, and I could feel a bandage covering that half of my face.

“Nurse he’s awake!” I heard Twilight shout. Then there was a sudden shuffle of hooves as ponies made way for a pretty Unicorn nurse.

“Lie down.” Those were the first words to come from her mouth. I hesitated a moment, but she did not. She pushed me back down on the bed, and then she checked my injuries. Once she seemed satisfied, she said, “You will be able to leave in a week or so. If what your friends say is true, then you may be able to leave sooner, but do not expect it.” She had a gentle voice, but it was firm as well. She knew how to make patients feel welcome, and along that line she said, “My name is Nurse Softcast. If you need me I’ll be in my office.” Then she turned around to my friends and said, “Now, be sure not to get him too agitated. I do not want him to overexert himself.” Twilight and the rest nodded and she walked away to a door at the end of the large room. Once she was gone I had to ask a few questions.

“Where am I? How long have I been out?” Then, with a smile I added, “And why do I keep getting hurt?”  The final question seemed to get the response I was looking for, as many of the ponies in front of me smiled. I realized that it wasn’t just the Elements, but several soldiers and guards were there as well, including Shining Armor. Twilight, as usual, was the one to answer my questions.

“You’re in the Palace Infirmary.” This answer came in a factual tone. The next, however, caused Twilight what looked to be a bit of trouble as she tried to think of a way to explain what happened to me. Finally she said, “Well…you’ve been out for the entire day. As for why you keep getting hurt-“

“You’re not tough enough!” Rainbow Dash yelled, and everypony present gave a small laugh. 

“Thank you Twilight, and you too Rainbow for the brilliant reasoning behind my injuries.” There was an obvious wryness behind my comment to Rainbow Dash, and everypony, once again, laughed.

“Good to see that you are awake Pathfinder. You’re a brave pony, and I’d like to have a word with you later, if you don’t mind.” Shining Armor looked at me expectantly, waiting for my answer. I gave him a nod, and he smiled. He had me, no matter what, and he knew I’d do whatever he asked. It obviously played to my personality, or he wouldn’t seem so sure. The guards all followed Shining out, and the regular soldiers followed soon after. Thus it was just the Elements and I left in the infirmary, with a few patients at the other end of the ward.

“So…what happened?” I remembered only what had happened up to the point where Blood Warrior had beaten me half to death and after that…nothing. That was normal though when somepony passes out. I don’t think most ponies typically remember what they were unconscious for. Once again Twilight was uneasy because of my questions, and I took this as a bad sign.

“After you blacked out, the Griffons entered. They wanted something from Celestia as well. She promised them that she would do everything in her power to help them, so long as they remained steadfast friends. The Griffons understood what that meant. They are now on their way back to their homeland to prepare.” The explanation she gave me lacked one crucial piece of information. What was it that the Griffons wanted? I almost asked, but then I noticed Twilight look to the others. It was a look of confusion, as if she didn’t know what to do. Applejack gave her an encouraging nod, and she turned back to me. “The Griffons were asking for one of their own. The Emperor’s daughter, and the Empress-to-be. She went missing about the same time that the Lupine Crown Prince did.” The news hit me like a shock wave. This news was unbelievable, and it changed everything. If both sides had the other’s offspring, then a trade would have been offered immediately. That wasn’t the case though, so someone else had to have the royals.

“Somepony is playing a dangerous game, and it looks like we’re all going to be pawns in it. The only reason for both to be kidnapped is if someone wanted this war to happen, or that person is trying to end the war with some drastic measures.” The last plan, oddly enough, didn’t seem to absurd to me, but it was much more likely that whoever was behind the kidnappings had something to gain from a rebellion. I looked to Twilight for her opinion, and she readily gave it after walking to my side.

“I think you may be right. This isn’t good. Celestia’s already mobilizing the Royal Army and Air Force. The Wonderbolts are being called back from their show in Stalliongrad in order to be briefed. The Griffons already have their military bearing down on the Lupine, but they plan on retreating in order to regroup with our armies when they arrive. They are also marshalling more forces.” She spoke in a hushed voice. This information could be extremely harmful if it got into the wrong hands, so she was right in doing so. Why she suddenly trusted me I didn’t know. It probably had to do with getting my flank handed to me by Blood Warrior in defense of the Princesses.

I wondered for a second if Equestria had any more allies that would be willing to help her in a time of need, and once again it seemed as if Twilight could read my mind, as she spoke, “Princess Celestia is also going to the nomadic Dragons. They are beings of the Sun, and as such owe much to her. The Zebras have already sent back a message that they would help materially, but they cannot spare any of their warriors.”

“Not to mention she has the Elements of Harmony!” Rainbow cockily shouted. Nurse Softcase glared at her through the open office door. It worked just as well as Fluttershy’s Stare worked on the animals. I chuckled and nodded. She was right. The Elements were nothing to scoff at, especially after the memories I had seen of Twilight and the others. One pony I was surprised hadn’t spoken was Applejack. I decided to change this.

“So, we have allies. What do you think Applejack?” She looked at me for quite a long time before answering.

“We’re in a right tough position. These wolves, from what Twilight says, are born an’ raised fighting. They’re ready. They have experience. Worst of all, they have something to fight for. They won’t be easily defeated.” Her Element shined through in the words she spoke. She was right, and that meant all of Equestria was in danger of falling. I suddenly winced in pain, and everypony noticed. 

“Oh…are you okay?” The quiet voice of Fluttershy spoke out. Her eyes were wide, so I turned my wince into a smile. I was positive

“I’m fine, just a little sore. I’ll be back on my hooves in no time.” They all knew I was lying, but none of them called me out on it, except of course, Honesty herself.

“Don’t try to sell us that day old fish and tell us it’s fresh! You’re hurt, and you’re staying in bed until you get better!” She seemed hurt that I would lie to them, but also worried about me. I guess that they still wanted to help me, even though I really didn’t mean anything to them.

“I’m sorry Applejack. I just didn’t want any of you to worry, especially when you have bigger things to focus on.” She still didn’t seem happy, but she at least accepted the explanation. Twilight then spoke again.

“Okay girls. Let’s leave him alone now so he can recover. He’s right…right now we have something else to focus on. We can visit him again tomorrow.” She knew what was important, and truly what happened to me didn’t matter all that much in the large scheme of things. What did matter was the fate of Equestria itself. The pain coursing through my body made it hard to fall asleep, but that was what I did. I had plans for that night, and I was going to need my rest if I intended to execute them properly.

I managed to do exactly what I’d planned. The amount of sleep I’d had already made me rested enough that I woke in the middle of the night. Before I left my bed, I made sure to check on Nurse Softcast. The light in her office was off, so I assumed she wasn’t there. Slowly, and with great difficulty and pain, I managed to steady myself on all four hooves on the floor.

I walked toward the end of the Infirmary where Twilight and the others had gone. The whole way I quietly endured the pain that every step caused me. Finally, mercifully, I reached the large double doors. There was no way I was going to open them without making a lot of noise, so I sat for a few minutes staring at the doors. There was something about them that seemed off. Ultimately my slowed cognitive functions caught up with my intuition as I realized there was a smaller set of double doors built into the large set. That was how everypony walked in and out without disturbing the patients. I could have hit myself upside the head for being so stupid, but at that point, it would have likely knocked me out.

Through the door I went, and, to my surprise, there were no guards stationed on the other side. Being that I was no longer in immediate danger, I relaxed a little as I walked.  For ages it seemed that I was the only living being in the castle. That changed in an instant. I rounded what felt like the thousandth corner in the maze of corridors, when I ran into an unknown pony.

This collision was exceptionally painful, but I managed to stifle the cry of pain that wanted to escape. The same couldn’t be said for the sound of the Pegasus soldier’s armor. It made quite the clatter as he hit the ground. Unfortunately this also knocked his helmet off, and that set forth a multitude of problems. I stood first, and as I went to help the soldier up, I noticed that he wasn’t a he at all. 

I helped the mare to her hooves, and she glared at me. Her long white mane ran from her light brown head all the way to the floor. She quickly picked up her helmet, pulled a cap out of the lining, and then tucked her hair in it as she put it on her head. It was the same color as her coat, so this gave the illusion that her head was shaved. Her wings looked powerful, as if she constantly trained. The whole time, she didn’t take her eyes off of me, and her glare grew in fierceness with every passing moment. The fiery red color of her eyes only added to the effect.

“I’m sor-“ I tried to apologize for running into her, but she cut me off.

“You tell nopony. Understand?” She pushed me up against a wall as she threatened me. Normally I wouldn’t have budged, but, with the state I was in, I shouldn’t have even been walking. That didn’t mean I couldn’t be my same fighting self though.

“Why?  What reasons do you have to masquerade like this?” I made sure to put my face as close to hers as possible. It was something to make her uncomfortable, but it didn’t seem to work. She simply shoved me again and glared menacingly. “I’m not backing down that easily.” I warned her, and her eyes widened.

“I know you. You’re that one who stood up to the Lupine Cheiftain. I also happen to know you aren’t supposed to be out of bed, especially with those injuries.” She had me, and I knew it. I couldn’t help but notice how good she looked either. The armor didn’t take away anything from her beauty, and her voice added to it. As I thought this she acted. Instead of pushing me again, she just touched one of her hooves to the bandage on my head. The pain was overwhelmingly excruciating.

“Okay. I get your point.” I stepped back to relieve the pain in my head. She smiled wickedly, and despite this I regained my normal fighting spirit. “You know. We’re at an impasse. So, you have to visit me in the infirmary every day. It’s going to get boring in there with no one to talk to, and the Elements will be too busy to visit. What do you say?” There was a long pause that followed, and finally she answered.

“You’ll get your visits.” She smiled, but this time it wasn’t wicked, in fact it was almost sweet. “Just remember not to tell anyone about me.” I nodded that I wouldn’t and with that she started walking away.

“Wait!” I yelled after her. Thankfully she stopped and turned back to me. “What’s your name?” I asked, suddenly almost too shy. The smile on her face told me I was an amusement to her, and more than likely, nothing more.

“My name is Quicksilver, and while I know who you are, I don’t know your name. May I have the pleasure of knowing the name of the stallion who stood up to Blood Warrior?” Her name was, much like her, beautiful. Her question was overly nice, and I couldn’t tell if she was being serious or not. There was also a sparkle in her eyes that told me she had to be thinking something awful to do to me. I responded despite it. 

“I’m Pathfinder.” I told her, and as soon as it left my mouth she started to walk away. This time her flank swayed much more, and I found myself mesmerized. It wasn’t until she turned around the corner at the end of the hall that I realized I had been staring. Suddenly I felt a hot blush creep along my cheeks. It was a good thing nopony else was there to see how red I was.

I decided that after this excursion I should stay in my bed in the infirmary. Otherwise I’d likely get caught. The only problem would be finding my way back. After wandering again for an hour or two I finally found it. Sneaking in was just as easy as sneaking out had been, and when I made it to my bed I gingerly laid down on it.
The last thoughts that went through my tired brain that night were of rumps and rebellions.