Cadance stared out her window. She had been in the clinic for a whole week and wanted to leave. However, Doctor Salty and Nurse Bucket insisted she stay until they cleared her with a bill of good health.
Ever since she had mentioned leaving to the two, Nurse Bucket had been watching her like a hawk. She was with her every minute of every day, but she did leave during the night. But only when she was comvinced Cadance was asleep. It was hopeless, unless she figured out a genuis plan.
Since she woken up, she had been spending her days talking to the guards and her medical staff. The guards had appeared on the second day, as on the first she was only awake for a few minutes.
They had asked for her statement, but Cadance had no clue what that mean and had to ask the guards. Having to ask made Cadance feel embarrassed, how far behind was her village from the ever changing world.
They explained that a statement, was what you saw happen at the crime scene. The guards explained that the guards usually wouldn't do this and it would be left to the police. But because a royal was involved it was given to the royal guard.
Cadance didn't want special treatment becausr she was a 'royal'. However, Cadance was glad that this case would get the attention it deserved. She explained everything that happened to her in the hut, and she explained that every foal was an victim.
They seemed hesitate to believe her, but nopony would say they didn't believe a royal to their face. Once she was crowned Princess, she would make sure her village thrived and those foals were treated fairly.
Cadance had also spoken to her doctor, because he was the only pony who could tell her about the others. She constantly worried about Twilight and Jack. Jack was apprently being trapped like herself, so she wasn't too worried about him. But Twilight was the real pony she was wooried about. Twilight had apprently been hit very badly with the spell and magical exhaustion.
She wished, she could visit both of them. Bit Nurse Bucket and Doctor Salty had forbidden it. They claimed she still needed to rest, but Cadance felt perfectly fine and she didn't want to be in a bed, completely fine, when somepony else might need it.
Cadance had only one small idea, which she could use to escape. Pretend to fall asleep and then once Nurse Bucket had left. She would fly out the window, that she was currently staring out of. It was the perfect plan.
So far, Cadances plan was a success. When night had fallen she had 'fallen asleep" and buried under the covers. Nurse Bucket had left shortly after and turned off the lights as she did every night.
Now was her chance, Cadance thought. She carefully climbed out of bed and quietly trotted over to the window. She used her magic to open the window and prepared to take flight. Cadance knew she had promised that she would not use her magic again. But this was an emergency.
Without her magic, the only other way Cadance could think of was smashing the glass. Which would cause lots of noise and commotion, which Cadance didn't want.
She spread her wings and jumped out of clinic. Cadance felt unbelievable joy, to be able fly again. The last time, she thought it would be last time. Cadance hadn't wanted to be different, she still didn't want to be different. She still wanted to only use her magic and wings for emergencies, but she would crowned a Princess. Would all her suffering of not using her decorations be in waste when she became a Princess.
This was Cadances biggest worry, she took a few deep calmly breathes and continued to fly. She had a destination, but at the moments she was just enjoying feeling the wind under her wings..
Cadance soon felt, another place there hooves around her. Pulling her back to the clinic, she panicked and went into shock.
"What were you doing, Cadance? You know you are suppose to be resting." The Nurse asked sternly.
Cadance quickly unfroze once she realised it was Nurse Bucket. She would have to lie, Nurse Bucket would watch her forever if she discovered Cadance had left for freefom. "You see......I was.....ummm..ahh." Cadance said, trying to think up an convincing lie.
"I'm waiting." Said Nurse Bucket, tapping her hoof.
"Ummm......I.....I.....I.....I was flying to heal quicker."
"Flying to heal quicker, where did you hear such a funny idea." Nurse Bucket asked.
"A doctor, I heard a doctor said it. So I decided to try it."
"Cadance, sweetheart. You should have just told me. I would have let you outside if you have told me your reason." Nurse Bucket said.
"Really?"
"Of course."
"Great, can we do it tomorrow."
"Of course, I think I will bring some of my other patients along to try your this new technique."
"Are you sure that is a good idea?" Cadance asked, she didn't want anypony to get more sick because of her.
"Of course it will be fine. In fact, I think I will bring this Pegasus who has a broken wing. He has been so desperate to fly again, he will do just about anything. I can't wait to tell him."
"Wait! Are you really gonna throw a Pegasus with a broken wing out a window."
"Of course. Unless you are admitting something."
"No, no. Nothing."
"Great, then off I go."
"Won't he be asleep." Cadance asked, trying to stall.
"He is an early riser."
Cadance couldn't let this happen. She couldn’t injure an injured pony, just so she could stay out of trouble. "Wait! I lied, there is no such thing. I just wanted to visit Jack and Twilight, I wanted to make sure they were okay. But I got distracted and lost track of time."
"Its okay, Cadance. I knew you were lying. I wanted to see if you would ever tell the truth."
"Would you have actually thrown the Pegasus out the window." Cadance asked.
"Maybe, the Pegasus in question is quite a thrill seeker. I'm sure he would have loved it."
There was a brief awkward silent, which Cadance interupted.
"Why didn't you tell me, you knew I was lying. Why do you continue to keep me here?" Cadance asked.
"I'm sorry, dear. Like I said, before I just wanted to see what you would do and for the second question. I wanted to protect you from being a Princess, from as long as I could. I just don't want to see your pure and kind soul ruined. I'm sorry, I was selfish." Nurse Bucket said, hanging her head low.
"You weren't being selfish. You were taking me under your wing, you are a very special pony Nurse Bucket. In my life, only two ponies have ever taken me under their wing you and Jack. Where I come from, everypony is so busy taking care of themsleves. They didn't have any time to take care of others. To me, you are not selfish but very giving and caring. But I need to become a Princess as quickly as possible."
"Thank you, sweetheart. You are too kind." Cadance began to feel her cheeks burn, "I will respect your wishes and help you get discharged. Now go to bed, you have a big day tomorrow."
Cadance felt the Nurse tuck her in and then she left her again. Nurse Bucket was right, tomorrow would be a big day. She slowly drifted off to sleep.
Cadance woke up and stared out the window, once more. She was so bored, Nurse Bucket had yet to show up and Cadance needed her to be discharged.
She tried to explain to Doctor Salty, that Nurse said she could be discharged. But he refused to do it and unless the Nurse told her. Cadance would not be discharged.
Cadance almost lost hope, that Nurse Bucket would show up. But then suddenly, the door was slammed open and Nurse Bucket ran in.
"I'm sorry, I am late Cadance. I had a meeting. Lets go Cadance, I have already signed the papers for you to be discharged."
"Yes!" Cadance yelled, she jumped out of bed and ran to the door. But Doctor Salty still blocked her path.
"Are you sure, Nurse Bucket?"
"I am positive, Doctor Salty. Now I think it is time for Cadance to go." Nurse Bucket said.
The Doctor nodded his head and moved aside. "I wish you the best of luck, Princess Cadance." He said.
Cadance nodded her head. "Thank you, Doctor." She said, as she walked out the door.
Cadance walked beside Nurse Bucket down an unfamiliar corridor. Where was she going? "Um....Nurse Bucket, what are we doing? Are we going to see Twilight and Jack?"
"No, Princess Celestia has requested to see you and Miss Twilight is also being discharged today."
"What!? I have to go see her."
"But Princess Celestia.........."
"I don't care, Twilight is more important. Please take me to Twilight."
"But......fine, dear. We will go to Miss Twilight."
"Thanks, Nurse Bucket." Cadance said, she was grateful the Nurse had agreed. She wanted to make sure that Twilight got home safe and sound.
"This way." Nurse Bucket said, walking down another unfamiliar corridor. The Castle was so large, Cadance knew it would take a long time to not get lost.
They walked from corridor to corridor until the reached another medical room. "This is Miss Twilights room. I will be waiting outside."
"Thanks." Cadance said, as she raised her hoof and knocked.
"Come in." She heard a pony yell from the inside. Cadance opened the door using her magic and walked in. The room was similar to the clinic she was staying in. It was large and had a window. In the very middle of the room, she saw Twilight.
"Twilight!" She called.
"Cadance!" Twilight called as she ran to her. Cadance hugged the filly tight and was glad she was okay. "What are you doing here?" Twilight.
"I came to check on my favourite filly." Cadance said, still hugging the filly.
"Am I really your favourite filly?" Twilight asked, lifting her head out of the hug.
"Of course." Cadance said, she wasn't sure if it was the right thing to say. But based on the fillys massive smile she didn't care.
"Did you know, I am leaving today."
"Thats great, I'm leaving today too. Are your parents coming to pick you up?" Cadance asked, her question caused Twilight to lose her massive smile.
"No, they are too busy. They haven't been to visit me once."
Cadance felt outraged, how could a parent not come to visit their own foal. She buried those emotions deep, she didn't want to upset Twilight. "Thats okay, I'm sure they wanted to come. I have a great idea, why don't I walk you home. You can show me where you live and your favourite spots." Cadance said.
"Thanks Cadance, but I don't really go anywhere except magic kindergarten."
"Then you can show me that. Are you ready to go?"
"Yep!"
"Thats great, just let me tell Nurse Bucket and then we can go." Cadance said.
She then walked to the door and op ened it again using her aqua magic. "Nurse Bucket?" Cadance called out.
"I'm here, dear. Are you ready to see Princess Celestia now?"
"No, I actually promised Twilight. I would walk her home."
"Surely, her own parents can do that."
"They haven't even been to visit her once. I they expected her to walk home by herself."
"I see, well we can't have that. I'll explain the situation to Princess Celestia. Now would you like me to send a guard with you. You are unfamiliar with Canterlot."
"I will be fine." Cadance said, hoping she would be.
"Okay, then. I wish you the best of luck Miss Cadance." Nurse Bucket said, she then turned away and began walking.
"Thank you. Come on, Twilight!" Cadance called.
"Coming Cadance." Twilight said, as she stood next to Cadance.
They began walking out of the Castle and onto the streets of Canterlot. Luckily, Twilight knew exactly how to get home.
Nurse Bucket took a deep breath and entered the throne room.
"Your highness." She said, bowing deep.
"Good morning, Miss Bucket. How are you?"
"Quite well, your majesty."
"That's wonderful. Now where is my niece?" She asked.
"Mis- Princess Cadance decided to leave the Castle and walk one of her friends home." Nurse Bucket said, trying not get anypony in trouble.
"I understand, I will send a few guards to bring her back. It is important, we plan the Coronation today."
"You can't, Princess Celestia. Princess Cadance assured me she would find her way back. At least give her some time, if she is not back by the afternoon then send your guards."
"I will trust you, Lady Bucket. I will wait."
"Thank you, your majesty."
"Once Cadance has returned, please bring her to me."
"Of course, your majesty."
"It was lovely to see you again, Nurse Bucket."
"It was lovely to see you, as well. Your majesty. I will take my leave now."
Princess Celestia nodded her head and Nurse Bucket took that as an opportunity to leave. She hoped Cadance was alright and that she would return soon.
Cadance walked beside Twilight, she had never seen such a place. Canterlot was so very large and busy, and ponies wore clothes for no reason.
In the village, you would only wear clothes to either protect your body or to keep warm. Wearing clothes for no reason, seemed so stupid! Even though Cadance, did wear clothes occassionally. She wore them to fit in. So she wearing clothes to protect herself.
Cadance decided to ask Twilight, if there was a reasonable explanation. "Why do they wear, those hats? Do they have horns, they need to hide?"
"No, why would anypony want to hide their horn. Most ponies who live in Canterlot are unicorns. They wear the hats because it makes them look good and it shows their wealth and importance."
"Really?" Cadance had never heard of such a thing, where she came from no pony ever dressed to look good. "But some of those hats look so silly."
"Yeah, its called fashion. My mum says the more expensive, the more silly and grand it looks."
Canterlot ponies were so confusing. "Where do you live, Twilight?"
"I live in Canterlot square."
"Do you like it?"
"Its okay, we use to live elsewhere but then mum became friends with Diamond Crust who brought the house for us. Mum expects me to go work for Ms Diamond to repay her genorsity."
"Do you want to work, there?"
"Not really, Diamond Crust owns the second best school in Canterlot and a pizza business. Mum expects me to go to school, there and then work there as a Professor. But, I want to go to the best school in Canterlot."
"Whats is the best school in Canterlot?"
"Its Celestias School for Gifted Unicorns. It has the greatest education program and you have access to the Royal library. But its really expensive, so I can't go. Ms Diamond has kindly offered me a scholarship."
"What is a scholarship?" Cadance asked, embarrassed.
"A scholarship is when because of either academic excellent or lack of money. You get either a discount on the school fees or you don't have to pay anything."
That made sense, Cadance thought. "I'm sure, you could get a scholarship at Celestias school for gifted unicorns." Cadance said, honesty. Twilight was the smartest filly Cadance had ever seen.
"Thanks, Cadance."
The spent the rest of the trip in silence. Cadance had alot of her mind, she felt so stupid and so behind compared to Twilight. She didn't lots of things due to her disadvantaged village life. Would she be able to keep up with Canterlot?
"Umm, Cadance. This is it." Twilight said, snapping Cadance out of her thoughts.
Cadance looked at the hous in front of her. It was very grand, it was two stores and made of concrete. There was garden at the front which had many different kinds of flowers. "Its beautiful, Twilight." Cadance said.
"You don't have to come in and meet my family. If you don't want to." Twilight said.
"I'd love to meet your family, Twilight." Cadance said, walking up to the door and knocking.
"Yes, who is it?" Called a voice from the inside.
"Its me, mum. Twilight." Twilight said, seconds later. A middle aged mare appeared and hugged Twilight tight.
"Twilight, welcome home! I've missed you. But dear, just because you have been through a traumatic event doesn't mean you can call me mum. It makes me feel so old, please call mummy."
"Fine." Twilight said.
"Now who is this? A new friend?"
"This is Cadance, she is the pony who rescued me."
"Oh, I see. Thank you Ms Cadance, for bringing back my only filly. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, Ms......" Cadance said, raising a hoof for the mare to shake.
"Twilight, Twilight Velvet. Now I won't having any of that hoof shaking happening around here. Anypony who saves Twilight, is practically family. Now come in."
"Thank you, for the offer Ms Velvet. But I really must be going."
"Okay, but please come back and visit and remember. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate."
"Bye, Twilight." Cadance said, as she walked away. Now she had to find her way back to the Castle.
She spread her wings and took flight. This was also an emergency, she had to get back to Canterlot as quickly as possible.