//------------------------------// // Tragedy Strikes // Story: The Storm // by Pazazz //------------------------------// Chapter Tree - Tragedy Strikes That evening, a nurse went to check on Pazazz and saw her sweating heavily. The mare took her temperature and winced, since it was way too high. A blood test later revealed that Pazazz had developed a severe infection in her left leg. Doctor McGrass got hold of Pazazz’s parents. “I recommend that we amputate the leg since the infection is severe.” He said this, looking regretful that it was the only option. Fluttershy was devastated, but Big Mac understood that this would be the best for his filly in the long run. “Go ahead with the Surgery, me and Shy will bear the burden. We’ll support her, no matter what,” ———————————— The surgeon had no choice but to amputate the left hind leg from the knee. He administered some really powerful painkillers and antibiotics to deal with the infection. All he could do now was hope for a fast recovery. ———————————— Pazazz woke up feeling really groggy. She noticed that her leg was not in traction any more. She quickly realised couldn’t feel her leg at ALL, and panicked. “My leg… why can I not move my leg?” She cried, trying to throw the blanket off her. Movement to one side revealed her friends had been there, waiting. Night and Glimmer gave her a comforting hug with their wings. “Uh.. there is something you need to know about your leg.” Night said, looking grave, and Glimmer looked just as uncomfortable. “My leg… what about my leg.” Pazazz said, tearing up. When her friends shared hesitant looks, she yanked her blanket away and squealed in fright. “My leg….” She burst into tears. —————————- The Nurse rushed into the room upon hearing Pazazz squeal. She saw Pazazz crying heavily while being hugged by her two besties. But the hugs weren’t able to stem the tears. Doctor McGrass entered the room and saw the friends hugging. He knew Pazazz’s friends would play a key part in her recovery and so didn’t point out she should be resting. Even so… “I think it best that both of you wait in the other room, while I talk with Pazazz for awhile.” Glimmer and Night stood their ground, shaking their heads and not moving an inch. “No… we want to stay with her. What she needs to know, WE need to know, so we can help her.” The Doctor was touched by such loyalty and decided to let them stay, even if it was against protocol. “Pazazz, you will make a full recovery now that the infection has been removed. Regretfully, to infection was so severe that saving you meant removing half of your left leg. You can be fitted with a prosthetic when you get better.” “My life is over…” Pazazz wailed. The emotional outburst and the shock tired Pazazz out so fast that she fell asleep from crying mere minutes later. Night Blaze and Glimmer were left wondering if their friend would be all right. ———— The next day: Night Blaze and Glimmer sat in the cafe eating a simple meal of veggie burgers with a side order of fries. “Why did this have to happen to our friend?” Glimmer groused as she ate. Night was left pondering that question, but he had no sure answer. “All I know is; we need to be there for our friend. She will adjust to this change of life with patience. I think I can help, though…” Night was doodling on a napkin and Glimmer soon saw the image of the prosthetic leg take shape. “Pazazz will need something light and functional.” Night smiled hopefully.