//------------------------------// // Awaken // Story: Of Crystals and Light // by guardianxela //------------------------------// He breathed heavily, the heat all but unbearable. Why was there heat? Fire, all around him? Why was he surrounded by fire and destruction? Was it the gray creature, in front of him? Sitting on some makeshift throne? He staggered forward, towards the large gray entity. It looked like a giant pony, at least four times as big as him, but with a flat face instead of a muzzle and four horns that were far longer than they should be. With a smirk it unleashed a wave of force and fire, knocking him down and setting him on fire. "Noct!" Called out somepony, rushing to help put out the fire on him. "Hang in there, buddy! Stay down, we'll keep him busy!" The creature that helped him was also like a pony, obviously male, with short blonde hair and goatee, and also a flat face instead of a muzzle. He didn't have a coat, just peach-colored skin. He got up, rushing off towards the red monster. Wait, Noct? Why did he call him that? Did he know him, somehow? He staggered to his feet, looking around. "Noct, over here!" called out a second voice. "Quickly, before he strikes again!" He looked to his left, seeing a third sort-of pony, this time with light brown hair slicked back and with gray sunglasses. This one was crouched down behind a stone ledge, taking cover from the fire. He stumbled over towards him and the safety of the ledge, only to be tackled from behind towards it. He looked over his shoulder and saw a bigger sort-of pony, though not nearly as big as the red one. This one had black hair in a short ponytail behind his head, and a short but thick beard. Whoever this fourth one was, he was clearly a friendly, as he pushed him down towards the ledge with the sunglasses-wearing one. The second one from before joined them, all four crowding together behind the ledge. As they crowded together, somewhere in the back of his mind he realized something: he knew these three. Logically he shouldn't, but his instincts screamed that he knew them. He couldn't remember them, but they felt like old friends to him. Ponies he trusted more than anyone. Ponies he would die for. "Here it comes!" said the second one. A surge of fire shot out above them, all four crowding together even tighter. When it died, the blonde pulled out a small weapon of some kind before rushing out past the ledge. The big guy with the ponytail rushed out to join him. The one with the sunglasses held out some green object towards him, breaking it and letting the green substance wash over him. It felt good when it did. He wasn't as hurt, and he felt stronger. With a nod in thanks, he stood up, ready to face the big red monster as a weapon suddenly appeared in his hand. "Let's go!" With a shot, he sat up, disoriented again. Where was the fire? Where was the monster? Where were his friends? After a few seconds, he was able to push the panic away, forcing himself to assess his surroundings. Off-white room, sink, window to his right showing nice late-evening scenery from a few stories up, table and door to his left, empty chair in the corner, a clock on the far wall, saying it was 19:33, and he was in a bed. He looked at himself. Left arm wrapped in bandages, but not restricting movement. Right arm had an IV inserted, with a drip bag and pole next to the bed. "...hospital," he said, voice a little raspy. "I'm in a hospital." But why? What happened that landed him here? He tried to sit up, but it took some effort. He looked down, seeing a hospital gown on him. And he could feel some kind of bandages on his chest. He tried putting a hand to his back, to feel if the bandages also bound his wings. Yup, they were bound, and he winced in pain as he tried to reach for them. He put a hand to his head, wincing again as he felt some bandage there too. Looking under his blanket, he saw that one of his legs was also in bandages. What the hell happened to him? He let go of the blanket, putting a finger to his chin as he thought. He couldn't remember what happened to him, but what about before? Was the blank in his memory just for whatever landed him here? Before he could think further on it, the door opened up, revealing a light blue pony with a dark purple mane tied back in a bun, wearing white scrubs and a nurse's cap, looking at a clipboard in her hand. "Alright, time for - oh, you're awake!" she said, having just closed the door behind her. "Thank Celestia! Tell me, how are you feeling?" "I...okay, I guess," he said. "Got any water?" With a nod, the nurse put the clipboard down and walked out to grab some. While she was out, he decided to test his limbs, see if there were other problems. He squeezed his fists tight. Nothing. Tightening his legs felt a little sore, but nothing he couldn't ignore. So, as far as he could tell, his arms and legs were functional. His head was damaged some, and his torso wasn't in much better condition. His wings were bound, and probably also unusable. After a minute, the nurse came back with a cup of water, straw included. She held it out to him, and with his unbandaged hand he grabbed the cup and slowly sipped water through the straw. After a few sips, he held the cup back out to her, the nurse taking it. "What happened?" "You were in an accident, sir," she said as she put the water on the table. "You're lucky to be alive." "I...suppose so," he said, nodding. "Lotta bandages on me." "Well, no surprise there. You weren't in the best of shape when you were rushed in." "Yeah...tell me something, Miss..?" "Binding. Binding Wrap." "Right, Miss Wrap. What...what kind of accident was I in? I, don't remember much." "...um, I'm not sure I can say what happened, sir. I don't -" "Ma'am, please. I need to know." "I...very well, sir. But first, I need to ask a few questions. We know that you injured your head, but we need to verify if there was any extensive brain damage. Will you allow me that, sir?" "Sure, go ahead." "Right," she said, picking up the clipboard again. "First, what is your name?" "My name...is...Nocturnal. Sergeant Nocturnal of the Lunar Guard's Special Forces, Pegasus division." "Correct. Where were you born?" "I was born in Manehattan." "Correct. Where did you grow up?" "Uh...hard to say, really. My folks and I moved around a lot, growing up, since dad was in the military too. Manehattan. Cloudsdale. Appleloosa. Canterlot. Just about half of where the EUP is stationed at, we lived." "Correct. On a side note, I can relate myself. Military brat, too." "Oh yeah?" "Yeah...ahem, how old are you, and how long have you been in the Guard for?" "I'm 24. I've been in the military since I was nineteen. Almost over with my tour." "Correct. Where were you stationed last?" "Uh...Canterlot. But I requested for a different station, and got assigned on an escort mission for Princess Luna to the Crystal Empire...is that where we are?" "Yes, it is. One last question: what's the last thing you remember happening, before today?" "Uh...I remember having just gotten my gear on and reporting in for a mission. But, everything after is kind of a blur. Something about...a cave?" Binding Wrap looked at him, before writing a note on the paper. This concerned him. "Seems you're doing well, psychologically. We still need to do a physical exam, later on...but first, a deal's a deal," she said, putting the clipboard down again. "There are things I cannot tell you because I don't know for certain. But I can say this: when you were brought in, you had several lacerations and a few burns, like you were near a small explosion of some kind. There were small pieces of crystal embedded into your back and wings, but nothing life-threateningly deep. And...that was one week ago." Nocturnal stared at her as he processed what she said, mouth dropping open. He survived a small explosion? That was, rather impressive, if he were to be honest. Being a member of the EUP Special Forces, he was no stranger to pain and agony. Combat, grueling training, and being deprived of certain luxuries in life came with the job. A year ago, he survived fighting off a few bandits that were stealing cargo and bits from travelers, and one of them stabbed him just under his ribs. But surviving an explosion, that was new. As he was processing this, a thought occurred to him. "Wait, hold up. One week of recovery?" "Yes, that's right." "Wow, you Crystal Empire ponies do good work." "Thank you. But, to be fair, we had good help." "Yeah? From who?" Right on cue, there was a knock at the door before it opened. Both Nocturnal and Binding Wrap looked up, seeing a tall, dark blue mare of regal beauty standing in the doorway. She wore a simple midnight blue dress with long sleeves, one that went down to just above her ankles and revealed two large, dark blue wings on her back. On her feet were blue gladiator-style sandals. Her long mane looked like it was cut from the night sky, with little stars and flowing in a nonexistent wind, parted part-way by a long horn. She wore a black tiara with a crescent moon on its center, and her cyan eyes widened upon seeing Nocturnal. Almost immediately, Binding Wrap fell to a knee in reverence, Nocturnal struggling to get off the bed to do the same. "Be still," she said, holding a hand up. "Given your current condition, I would most appreciate you staying seated." "As you wish, your Highness," he said, bowing his head. "Rise, dear nurse," she said to Binding Wrap, closing the door behind herself. "You and your fellow practitioners have done well, keeping this one from passing on. Thank you." "Oh, of course, Princess Luna," she said with a smile. "We all take pride in what we do here." "As you should," she said with a smile, looking back to Nocturnal. "How do you fare today, my good knight?" "Passable, Your Majesty," he said with a smirk. "A little sore, but I can manage. Quite frankly, I'm surprised I recovered so quickly in one week." "Well, I should hope so, given it was my magic that helped speed the process along." "...um, Your Majesty? Could you, please say that again?" "I said that it was my magic that helped speed the medical process along." "...but...but why?" "Pardon?" "Why use your magic on me? I'm dispos -" "Sergeant Nocturnal," she said, her smile disappearing with a glare. Nocturnal and Binding Wrap both leaned away in shock, subconsciously sensing the subtle layer of power that was added to her voice. "Under no circumstance art thou to utter those word aye again. No pony is disposable, and thou art no exception. Be we understood?" "Y...yes, Your Majesty," he said, looking down. "I understand." "Good," she said, the power evaporating as she calmed down. "Thou...you, are one of my subjects. And as one of my subjects, you are irreplaceable. Never forget that." "...yes, Your Majesty." "Besides, I cannot very well replace you after what happened. Given your actions, is it truly a surprise that I added my magical prowess to your healing?" "...that, brings up a question, Your Majesty," he said, looking up. "What exactly happened to me, to land me in the hospital?" Princess Luna's eyes widened upon hearing this, her mouth dropping open a little. "Thou...you do not, remember?" "No, I don't. The last thing I remember, is reporting in for a mission. Something about a cave, I think." "If I may, Your Highness?" asked Binding Wrap. "It seems that the, um, event that transpired was traumatic enough for his mind to block it off. Thanks to your help, we were able to stave off the worst of the damage, including brain damage. Unfortunately, while the brain itself may have healed, his mind is another matter, one that we cannot touch." "Perhaps not," she said, hand holding her chin. "...still, perhaps my sister and I can do something about it. With your permission, of course, Seargent Nocturnal?" "Wait, what?" he asked. "I asked, if you permit me to fix this gap in your memory. After all, the sanctity of your mind must be upheld." "Uh...granted?" "Excellent! Tell me, Nurse...oh, I must apologize. I never got your name." "Binding Wrap, Your Majesty," she said, bowing her head in respect. "Thank you. Nurse Binding Wrap, do you believe him to be fit for relocating yet?" "W-what? To where, Your Majesty?" "Canterlot. I have an idea, but it is a gamble at best, and I would prefer my sister to be by my side to aid in the attempt." "And this idea would be, what? Your Majesty?" "For my sister and I to delve into his mind and attempt to recover his memory. Normally, I alone should be able to fix a problem of missing memory. However, given the physically traumatic nature of Sergeant Nocturnal's memory loss, it would be best if I had a second experienced hand aid me in the endeavor, to prevent any further damage." "I see...well, I would need to consult the doctor in charge, but it looks like the magic you provided is still speeding his recovery along. So, by my estimate...three days, max?" "Very well. We shall consult with the doctor, to confirm the matter. Is there anything else that must be done here?" "Nothing that can't be done later. I can see to getting the doctor in here, if you wish." "That would be for the best. Thank you." With one last bow, BInding Wrap exited the room, leaving the two of them alone. Now that they were alone, Nocturnal felt a little awkward. Truth be told, this was the first time he was ever alone with any member of the royal bloodline. Hell, even when he was around the nobles in Canterlot, he at least had other soldiers with him. If he had to guess, he probably also had other soldiers with him as well, when he was with Princess Luna last week...which suddenly brought up a thought. "Princess, was anypony else hurt when I got hurt?" "No. You were the only one who was injured at the time. Of course, you were the only soldier present with me at the time you got hurt." Well, that made things even more awkward. It wasn't like he particularly wanted to be in her presence, nor did he have an aversion to it. But, she was still one of the Princesses, the one who literally moved the moon every night. Being alone in a room with any one being who wielded that kind of power was always going to be intimidating. "So, uh...I know I asked before, but what happened, to land me here?" "I cannot say completely, for at one point we were separated for a few minutes. And it would take time for me to -" "A summarized version will do for now, Your Majesty. If it makes it easier for you, I mean." "Oh...very well." Princess Luna looked at the chair in the corner, the tip of her horn and the chair glowing a cobalt blue as she used her magic to pull it towards herself. Once in place, she ended the magic and took a seat. As she did, Nocturnal couldn't help but notice something about the way she did it. A sort of, stiffness to her movements. Like they were forced, yet practiced. The way she made sure her dress wouldn't get messed up under her legs and rear. The way she smoothed out the front of it. The position of her body. It was all, so formal. He already figured that the Princesses and other royalty/nobles were formal, most days, only showing their true behaviors in private. But he never took the time to notice the tiny details about their formal behaviors. Interesting. Something that Nocturnal would have to look into later if he remembered. "In summary, as you said: I met with you and your squad. A magical anomaly had been detected in the Crystal Caverns, underneath the Crystal Castle, and you and your fellow Guardsmen were to accompany a few specialist unicorns, Princess Cadence, and myself underneath to investigate the matter. A few hours after we entered, an accidental magical surge from one of the devices caused a cave-in. We were evacuating, the two of us in the rear to ensure the others made it out, first. You pulled me back, just before giant crystals could crush me. You saved me, but you and I were trapped as well. And due to the magical nature of the crystal caverns, I was unable to use my magic to teleport us back to the castle, or even risk moving the rocks and crystals with telekinesis. At least, not without the possibility of a violent reaction from them. So we chose to wait for earth ponies who could help clear out the debris. Or, that was what we decided at first. But then..." "...but then, what?" "You told me you could almost hear a voice, calling out further down into the caverns. And you were worried that somepony else was down there. I too was worried, and so we decided to investigate, telling the pony on the other side of the cave-in this so that they would not panic upon our absence. After some time, we came to what we first thought to be a dead end. But it was merely a narrow crevice. You were able to fit through, with some effort. But for me, it was much harder to fit through. I proposed for you to go through, believing you could find whoever was calling out for help and hopefully fit them through the crevice. And you agreed, admittedly with reluctance if I were to be honest. "And so I waited. But, after a few minutes, there was this bright light, almost blinding. And I could sense intense magical energy. Fearing for your safety, I threw my own to the wind and blasted my way through the crevice to get through, thankfully with no reaction. After a minute of running, I found where you were. But, I do not know what you had experienced in my absence, for immediately after there was an explosion of power, and you were flung against a nearby wall. Fearing for your life, I picked you up and rushed you back to where the cave had collapsed, and thankfully they had already created a hole big enough for me to pass you through to them so that they could rush you to the hospital. "Once I was able to get out, I rushed to the hospital to oversee your recovery, but they told me you could very well die, because of your injuries. So I repaid the favor I owed you, upon saving my life, and aided in saving yours. After that...well, here we are now, talking about it." Nocturnal sat there, once again with his jaw dropped open. That, was a lot to take in. Even if it was just a summary. He was trapped in a cave with Princess Luna, after having saved her. He supposedly heard somepony's voice deep in the cave, and they both went to see if it was somepony in need of rescue. And he was stupid enough to separate from her through a crevice? Oh, his commander was going to have a field day with that bit, once it made it into the report. And then came the explosion, although Princess Luna made it sound bigger than what Binding Wrap had described. An explosion strong enough to slam somepony against a wall wasn't what he would call small. And she carried him herself back to where they'd been separated from the others, and miraculously they already had created a hole big enough to pass him through. And finally, as she said earlier, she had a direct hand in helping him heal. As a way to pay him back for saving her life. "...uh...wow," he said, looking down. "That...that's a lot to...wow." "I admit, it is quite the story. Almost unbelievable, I must add." "Yeah, no kidding. Gonna be the weirdest report for me to type up...wait. What about the voice of the other pony? Were you ever able to find somepony down there?" "No. After you were in stable recovery, I soon went back to investigate the caverns, this time with other soldiers of both the Lunar Guard and the Crystal Guard that specialized in investigation. None of us found any sign of anypony being down there. Whatever voice you heard, I do not believe it belonged to a living being. Still, the investigation is on-going, and hopefully something will turn up." "I see. Thank you, Princess." "Of course...but, you still looked troubled. Why? Is something wrong?" "Well, I'll probably get my ass chewed out by my commander when this is all said and done. I mean, I led you on what amounted to a wild goose chase, even if it was with good intentions. And, I left you behind to make my way through a small hole. There's no way she's going to let that go." "Oh? Not even if I was the one who proposed that idea?" "I, doubt it. We're the Lunar Guard. It's our duty to protect and escort you. I mean, don't get me wrong! I know you have enough power to move the moon, so you're probably one of the strongest ponies in existence. But still, a duty's a duty." "I see...well, perhaps we can, alter that detail, then?" she said, a mischievous look gracing her face for a moment. "...what?" "It's not like she has to know everything that happened down there. We could say, that I ordered you to go ahead, in fear of the possibility of another pony being trapped down there." "...and here I thought you were all proper and honest?" "Oh, I am, mostly. But, I deal with the Canterlot nobility every night. And though I do not have the same amount of experience as my sister, I too have picked up a trick or two. We could make it our, little secret." "Huh. It's official: you're definitely my favorite Princess, now." Princess Luna couldn't help but smile and giggle some, covering her mouth a little with her hand as the formal mask she wore slipped further. And for a moment, he caught a small glimpse of who Princess Luna was under that regal act. And he couldn't help but smile at that revelation. After all, it made her less of a powerful princess, and more of a relatable pony. A rather beautiful pony, underneath it all. But then there was a knock at the door, and the mask slipped back on. In walked Binding Wrap, followed by a green crystal pony wearing a white doctor's coat over dress pants, walking shoes, a dress shirt, and a blue tie. He had his mane cut short, and a professional smile graced his face. First, he looked to Princess Luna, bowing to her in deference. Afterward, he stood up and walked right to Nocturnal, that smile still on his face. "Well, Sergeant Nocturnal," he said. "My name is Doctor Do-Well. How are you feeling today?' "A little sore, but I'll survive. I'm no stranger to pain." "I should think so, being a member of the Lunar Guard. Still, as a healthcare provider, I'd rather my patients not have to go through such ordeals. After all, I'm here to help relieve pain and discomfort. Now, I must admit, you are quite the topic of talk here in Crystalline Hospital." "I am? Why?" "Well, when any of the princesses decide to aid directly in another pony's recovery, news is bound to spread. Personally, I'm just glad you were able to survive the emergency procedure. Speaking of which," he said, turning to Princess Luna. "I was told that you requested permission to have the good Sergeant transferred to Canterlot as soon as possible. Something about a procedure involving mental magic?" "Indeed. And Seargent Nocturnal has already verbally given his permission to do so, but we would like your professional opinion on the matter, first." "Ah. Very well," he said, picking up and looking at the clipboard from earlier. "Given the rate at which Sergeant Nocturnal is recovering, I'd say that he should be fit for discharge in, three days minimum. However, I'd like to have him stay an extra day longer, just to be certain. As well as to have the formal paperwork be filled out in time. If you have no issues with that, your majesty?" "Oh, not at all. After all, I am merely a visitor. Whatever procedures must be done here, must be done." "Lovely! Then I'll send the information down to the proper ponies to be processed, and soon enough they'll send the proper forms to you both. However, should any complications arise, we may have to keep him here for longer than that. Still, we will keep an eye on you, Seargent," he said, turning towards him, "to hopefully prevent such complications." "Sounds good to me. Is there anything else that needs to be taken care of?" "Not at this moment, no. Nurse Binding Wrap and I will be back, with the proper documents. Nurse Binding Wrap?" "Of course, Doctor," she said with a nod. "Your Highness. Sergeant." With a bow and nod, respectively, the two ponies left the room to Princess Luna and Nocturnal. "I should be leaving, soon," she said, getting up. "I need to speak to my niece, Princess Cadence, and let her know about what has happened today. I bid you a good night, my good knight." He bowed his head in response, watching as she made her way to the door. When a bold idea popped in his head. Why he decided to go with it, he'd never really know. But, he did. "Hey, Princess?" he asked. "Yes, Sergeant Nocturnal?" she asked, turning back towards him. "Call me Noct, from now on. I mean, if you feel okay with it. That's what my friend and family call me. And...well, if it's not too forward of me, I'd like us to be friends." This proposal, simple as it was, widened the princess' cyan eyes. The moment of truth was upon them. This would either go well, or horribly wrong. After all, he just asked somepony of royal blood and higher standing to be his friend. Most of the nobles would have either scoffed at him or taken offense. And then, after what seemed like an eternity, a soft, real smile graced her lips. And that mask from before slipped again. "Very well. But, only if you call me by Luna." "Luna...yeah, I can do that," he said with a smile. "I wish you well, Luna." "And to you as well, Noct."