I awoke early in the morning, facing the cyan mare that lay beside me every night, making sure I had everything I needed for a quick recovery. She looked after me better than anyone could and I was forever grateful to have fallen for someone as amazing as her. She began to stir and her gorgeous eyes came into view as her eyelids slowly opened and adjusted to the bright light now filling the room.
“Mornin’” She said groggily and let out a yawn before stretching.
“Morning” I replied smiling at the sight of her bedraggled mane and sleepy appearance. “You want to get some breakfast before we get on the train or would you just like to get packed up and go?” I asked and she considered the options for a few moments before deciding on getting some breakfast.
I pulled myself up to a sitting position using my front legs and dropping myself into the wheelchair situated beside the bed. Rainbow had insisted on helping me most mornings but I was pretty stubborn and always politely refused. We made our way through to the small dining hall where some ponies were also eating and we quickly grabbed some food and took a seat at a table in the corner to await Matt and Twilight making an appearance. We sat and ate almost in silence, some light conversation breaking apart the hush of our table.
Eventually Matt and Twilight trotted into the room side by side, indicating that they had managed to work out their problem that they had had yesterday. I smiled to myself, happy that the pair had managed to patch things up. They went well together, like apple pie, as the saying goes. They sat with us at the table and announced that they were all packed and ready to go whenever we were. Twilight had the Train timetable memorized so catching a train wouldn’t be a problem. I sighed as I looked down at my state. Leg in a cast, wing in bandages, although the story behind the injuries was pretty badass, I couldn’t help but feel a little incapacitated and almost like a burden on my friends and marefriend at this point. They had looked after me for so long and although I was close to having my cast removed it felt like an eternity to be waited on day and night.
Rainbow had obviously caught me looking over myself and my face had probably given away my thoughts. Her hoof found its way to mine and I couldn’t help but smile as she looked lovingly into my eyes, all negative thoughts now melted into the back of my head with every second looking into those deep pools. A small smile now spread onto my face and I turned to join in the conversation with Matt and Twilight, which remained on the topic of what our plans were for arriving in Ponyville. It was pretty much agreed that we were all going our separate ways and getting some rest after arriving, and Matt would be my caretaker for a few days although I hated to burden him with that.
After Matt and Twilight had finished their meals, Rainbow and I departed to our room to pack our belongings. We didn’t have much to pack so before long everything was neatly tucked into Rainbow’s bag and we met with Matt and Twilight in the foyer before checking out. The pony behind the desk was as helpful and cheery as ever, making sure our stay was alright and that the rooms were suitable. We had no complaints and the young colt was happy to check us out and then we were on our way back to Canterlot train station. The way through the streets took nowhere near as long as it had upon our arrival now that we knew our way around and I wasn’t getting lost almost every five minutes.
The train station loomed into sight, the tall marble building towering above the small shops that stood beside it. Scaffolding still stood against the walls, to allow ponies to fix the last of the damage to the structure. The main platform was not as crowded as our arrival now as most of the ponies that had arrived for the Gala’s festivities had departed home. Our train was waiting at the platform ready to depart the city on time and we seated ourselves in a booth in the caboose that had space for my wheelchair. After a brief wait the train jolted to life and we were on our way back to Ponyville.
I let out a sigh as the buildings began to pass by and began to thin as we neared the city limits, the events of the past couple of weeks flooding into my mind and causing me to zone out into the chaos that had transpired at the Gala. I snapped myself out of the trance though, knowing that Matt and Twilight would soon be too engrossed in their books to be any company for Rainbow.
“So Rainbow,” I said sparking a conversation with the mare sitting on the seat closest to me and she turned to face me, “When will I next see you after we have the time to relax and stuff?” She looked thoughtful for a moment before answering.
“Well I have weather patrol for the next few days, because of being away for so long, and I’m dying to get some decent flight practice in, so I’m not sure. We’ll just have to see.” She gave me a small smile and I felt a little disappointed that I might not see her for a few days, but then again we had been together for a while now and some time to myself would be nice. Maybe I could get some music written or come up with some ideas for a piece. It seemed so long since I had played any music and it was beginning to get to me, after all the mark on my flank wasn’t for nothing.
“Any new ideas to be incorporated into your routine?” I asked, trying to keep the conversation alive for the extent of the journey. Her eyes brightened at the question and the next half hour was spent being given a precise rundown of how her routine was performed and executed, down to the most miniscule detail. Most of the time I was completely lost to what she was speaking about but she seemed so happy talking about her passion that I couldn’t bear to ask her to stop, so I tried my best to come up with responses that seemed fitting to the topic.
The countryside was rolling past the window at a quick pace now and the city grew smaller on the horizon as we trundled towards Ponyville. Forests, fields and plains passed while Rainbow and I chatted and Matt and Twilight discussed the books they were reading. The beverage cart came around and we purchased a selection of drinks and snacks to last us the rest of the journey even though there was not much time left before we arrived back at the station.
The train ride was passing relatively quickly and before long the small figure of Ponyville began to grow and the final approach to the station began. As the locomotive pulled into the station Twilight, Rainbow and Matt began the awkward task of fitting bags and gathering belongings around my wheelchair and I began to feel like more of a burden than I had at breakfast. I was either having to be constantly wheeled around by somepony, or they would have to help me out with certain things. I was wheeled into the aisle of the carriage as the train jolted to a halt. The doors opened and I was wheeled onto the familiar, single platform of Ponyville Train Station. It was nice to be back although it was a little off-putting to see Royal Guards patrolling the streets of Ponyville, much as they had back in Canterlot on any regular day. I sighed at the commotion the whole event had caused, but it was over now so I guess I could rest easy, the last thing the ponies around me needed was for me to become a paranoid wreck, but then again, it was difficult not to be paranoid after what had happened. I could still see Rainbow and Twilight flinch slightly at sudden noises, the events of Canterlot still obviously plaguing their minds.
Rainbow and I exchanged a heartfelt goodbye, trying to arrange a date for seeing each other later in the week. I suggested that she come with me to get my cast and bandages removed in a couple of days and she agreed to check her work rota and see if she could make it. We exchanged a long kiss and she hugged me, before taking off and heading in the direction of her house. I sighed watching her fly away and Matt stood at my side having said goodbye to Twilight a few moments ago.
“Ready to head back then?” He asked, snapping me out of my slightly down-heartened daze. I nodded in agreement and using his magic he pushed me off the platform towards our cottage. The streets seemed so quiet, so small compared to Canterlot, which I had now grown accustomed to. The small country town seemed so peaceful, though still full of life. We were greeted by the few ponies we knew on the way back to the cottage. Most wanted to hear my story after seeing me in a wheelchair, but I wasn’t in the mood to bring those memories up again just yet. I promised to tell them later on, when I wasn’t so fatigued from the travel and wasn’t still mulling over things which shouldn’t matter anymore. I was a hero, apparently, but I had done something any caring friend, any loving boyfriend would have done. I was nothing special but people were treating me as if I was. Surely I had had my moment in the spotlight, and now it was time for the memory to fade away but everyone just kept dragging it up.
I let out a small sigh as we rounded the corner and the cottage came into view. I had missed the tranquillity of the garden, and the quiet hush of the street. The city had been so noisy, I felt like I could finally get some peace. Matt opened the door and wheeled me into the sitting room, where I clumsily hoisted myself onto the sofa and put my leg up.
“Want anything for dinner? Or are you alright for just now.” Matt asked me after setting his saddlebags down by the fire and turning to face me. I pondered his question for a moment. I wasn’t really that hungry.
“I’m alright just now, thanks. Just fancy some rest at the moment.” I replied gazing into the ceiling, at almost precisely the spot where I knew the portal gun would be resting. Would it work now? Had that been the event that would cause us to be able to get home? Matt had obviously sensed my mood and had taken a seat in his armchair, as usual.
“Hey man, I don’t know whether it’s going to work or not yet. We’ll find out after you have your cast removed. That way we don’t have to worry about it not working again when you are fit to go home” He cast me a smile and I couldn’t help but return it.
“Hey Matt,” I said now looking over to where he was sat and he turned to me and nodded his head in acknowledgement, “Could you please go into the left pouch of your saddlebag, and fetch two glasses from the kitchen?” He laughed knowing that in the left pouch of his bags is where I had stored my whiskey from Canterlot. Trotting through to the kitchen, I heard him open the cupboard and he returned with two glasses. The bottle levitated from his bag and he poured us two generous measures before toasting to being home.
“So, I’ve been thinking,” I said after taking a hearty swig of whiskey, “I’m not sure if I want to go back.” Matt choked slightly on his drink before struggling to swallow his mouthful.
“What? Why? What’s made you come to that conclusion?” He blurted out, eyes wide and looking rather shocked.
“Well, what do I have to go back for?” I asked rhetorically, “I have a terrible job with abusive people, my family life is falling apart around me, most of my friends don’t want to know me anymore or they’re just not very nice people and no girlfriend to add to it all.” I took another long sip from my glass judging his re-action.
“Well I can see why you would want to stay, but you don’t belong here. It’s a whole different world and what about the people that would miss you?” That question hit right where it was meant to, the image of my best friend and the few family I have left flashing before my eyes, causing a knot to form in my heart.
“Well I’m sure I’d just fade from their memories, like I have from many other peoples. I’m so happy here, this whole world seems like it was designed for me. I wouldn’t last on back on earth. The pressure was getting to me of trying to be something and here I can be something!” My mind now moved on to happy imaginations of the future, Rainbow and I spending more time together, presenting more radio shows with Record, they were all extremely attractive prospects. Matt was now mulling over his drink, thinking over everything I had just said.
“Well I’m not going to try and convince you either way, it just seems like you’re running away from your problems.” Once again he struck me right where he intended to.
“Yeah it may seem that way, but the problems I have back there are never going to be resolved. They either solve but then rear up again, or they just never go away.” I downed the last of my drink, gazing into the bottom wishing there was still liquid in the empty vessel. Matt, guessing from my expression, levitated the bottle over and I poured myself another measure. It was getting quite late now, the sun had set and the room was now rather dark. I sighed taking another drink.
“I just don’t think I could go back there and do well from it.” I finished, hoping that would be the end of the conversation. Matt remained silent, sensing that the conversation had finished, and before long he announced that he would be departing for bed. I asked him to bring me a blanket and pillow down from my room as I would be spending the next few days sleeping on the couch to avoid having to negotiate the stairs. He placed a neatly folded blanket with pillows on top beside the couch and bid me goodnight. I listened to him walk up the stairs and his bedroom door clicked shut.
I let out a sigh and poured myself another drink. I really shouldn’t be drinking to try and solve the dilemma going on in my head, but it had never failed for me in the past. It was a difficult choice, but I had a life here! I couldn’t just abandon my new friends, my girlfriend who had admitted that she has fallen for me. It would break her heart, and I’ve broken a few before but I won’t let that happen again. After downing the rest of my drink and a little more from the bottle, I made myself comfy underneath the blanket and closed my eyes. I could see my family, wondering where I had disappeared to, and the pain I would cause them, but it suddenly lit up in a colourful flash. The cyan mare with a rainbow mane lit up the sky in a flash and all seemed right again. My mind was made up, and with that I managed to drift off to sleep.
I awoke with excitement, as today was finally the day I would get my cast and bandages off. Pulling myself into my wheelchair I couldn’t help but smile. The sun was shining, I was seeing Rainbow later and I was regaining my ability to walk and fly. Things were certainly looking up!
I wheeled myself through to the kitchen to find Matt perched on a chair, eating his breakfast. Wheeling myself over and parking beside him, I greeted him in an overly ecstatic manner.
“Morning man! Gonna be a great day!” I announced while he threw me an apple.
“Well someone certainly is in a good mood today, looking forward to walking again?” He cast me a smile and I returned it with only good feelings coursing through me.
“You bet! Cannot wait, I might go for a walk in the park to stretch my legs.” I took a bite from the fresh apple that Matt had purchased yesterday while on his way to see Twilight. He had gone over to discuss what would happen if he did leave. He came back in a good mood though. They had reached the conclusion that he would come by a few days a week to be with her, and I would keep the cottage and he would stay with me. It all seemed to be coming into place, like a jigsaw that you spent hours working on and finally you get down to the final pieces.
As I was putting my apple core in the bin, a knock sounded from the front door. Matt was upstairs in the bath so I shouted out that it was open from the hallway. The door creaked open and the head of Ditzy Do protruded around, searching for a sign of anyone. Her eyes eventually landed on me and I smiled.
“Hey Ditzy!” I greeted her in the same cheery fashion that I had greeted Matt and she entered, followed by Dinky, and an older unicorn I hadn’t met until now. She was pink, although slightly darker than Pinkie, with a purple mane.
“Hey Robbie!” she lit up when she saw me smiling at her. “I heard you were in a wheelchair, and after the whole events in Canterlot we thought we would come around to pay you a visit, I hope that’s okay?” I gestured them through into the sitting room and was introduced to Sparkler, Ditzy’s eldest daughter, who was on leave from Magic Academy. They all took a seat and I wheeled my way into a position where I could speak to all of them.
“Oh! Sorry where are my manners, would you like a seat?” Ditzy said slightly bashfully standing up. I motioned for her to sit down.
“I brought my own.” I said with a smile, motioning to the wheelchair. This got a slight giggle from Dinky and I started the conversation, finding out how they were, and how they fared in Canterlot. It turns out they had been staying on the outskirts of town which weren’t hit so hard, and they left the Gala before the chaos kicked off. But before long it turned to the subject I had tried so hard to avoid the past few days of being back in Ponyville.
“So what happened to you, Robbie? How did you end up in a wheelchair?” Dinky chimed in after a moment. I turned my gaze to her, I couldn’t refuse telling her. She was too sweet. My eyes scanned the room and I could see everyone else was just as eager to hear, so taking a deep breath I began at the Gala. All three remained silent through my story, with the exception to the odd gasp, their eyes fixed on me with a look of horror and engrossment fixed upon them, and as the story drew to a close all three stared at me in silent disbelief.
“You went through all that in a single night?” Ditzy finally spoke after a moments silence.
“Yeah, it was pretty hectic but it all seems worth it now.” I smiled and the three ponies were a mix of disbelief and in sheer awe. Matt then broke the silence of the room as he entered.
“Hey there Ditzy, Dinky and…” He trailed off as his eyes landed on Sparkler.
“Oh, Hi, I’m Sparkler.” She waved at him, saying her first sentence since she had arrived. Matt waved back and grabbed a cushion before sitting in front of the fireplace.
“And this!” I motioned to Matt, who looked at me slightly confusedly, “Is the pony who saved my life.” I looked around the room once more to see the three now gaping at Matt, who was a little less confused now.
Matt in turn was convinced to tell his story by little Dinky and he brought down his medal for her to hold and admire. She seemed so excited at the prospect of holding an award given out by Princess Celestia herself. Shortly afterwards, the front door opened and Rainbow skipped into the room, and seeing we had company stopped in her tracks. She greeted everyone and eventually came over to give me a quick kiss.
“Well guys, I must say thank you for the visit, but it appears that I need to go to the hospital to have my cast taken off.” I gave them all a quick wave as Rainbow began to wheel me out of the room. “See you all again soon though!” I shouted back before the door slammed shut. Rainbow turned me towards the hospital and I was beginning to get excited for getting my cast off, but soon we turned onto a track which I had never taken before, which seemed pretty deserted.
“Where are we going?” I asked Rainbow. I was pretty confused because I thought the hospital was in a completely different direction.
“You’ll see.” She said, eyes dead ahead with a mischievous grin on her face, and before long she pulled me into a clearing in the trees we had been traipsing through and jumped onto my lap.
“I haven’t seen you in a few days and I didn’t get a chance to properly greet you at the house.” She announced before locking her lips with mine, her tongue parting my lips, causing me to fall back into the bliss of her company once more. When she finally pulled her lips away from mine, she stood up and began wheeling me towards the hospital again.
“Oh, and by the way,” She whispered in my ear, “You might want to do something about this,” She ran her hoof along the extent of my wing which was now fully outstretched, sending shivers down my spine, “before we get to the hospital.” With a giggle from her, we continued on our way. Luckily before we arrived at the hospital I managed to wrestle my wing under control and I checked myself in and sat in the waiting room. It didn’t take long for the doctor to call my name and Rainbow wheeled me through.
“Ready to get that cast off Robbie?” he said holding up a small circular blade. I nodded and proceeded to cut a neat line down the length of the cast. I shuddered as I felt the blade run along my skin but it turned out to be not sharp enough to cut me. With that the cast fell off and my leg was free. I stood up for the first time in what felt like an eternity. I could feel that my leg had gotten weaker but it was still strong enough to bear my weight. I sighed contently as I stretched it out behind me and I beamed at Rainbow like I had just been given the best present ever. Next was the wing bandage, which was unravelled and like my leg, I gave it a stretch and a quick flap to make sure everything was in order. It felt great to be on all fours again and the added bonus of having my wing back was even better. I thanked the Doctor before Rainbow and I trotted from the hospital, I was a little shaky at first but I eventually got used to it again as we neared the cottage.
I thrust the front door open, trying to make a dramatic entrance but found nobody was home. Ditzy and her family must have left and Matt was nowhere to be seen, meaning Rainbow and I had the house to ourselves. Trotting through to the sitting room and deciding to be spontaneous, I grabbed Rainbow and threw her onto the sofa. Jumping on top of her I pressed my lips against her neck and made my way right up towards her ears before giving them a playful nibble. Rainbow wrapped her hooves tightly around my neck as I did so and let out a slight moan. She pushed me away slightly, playing hard to get, but the condition of her wings told me that she was enjoying this more than she was letting on. I brushed my hoof along the ridge of her wing, as she had done to me earlier, and I felt her react almost the same way that I had, shivering and uncontrollably smiling. It was then that she pushed me back and leapt to her hooves. Grabbing my hoof, she pulled me to my feet and almost dragged me upstairs before slamming the bedroom door shut behind us.
We emerged from the bedroom after what had seemed like hours of bliss, we didn’t know how long we had been locked away but I didn’t really care. My mane was a mess, I could feel it without the aid of a mirror, and I could feel a few marks on my neck from some playful nibbles. Rainbow was, pretty much, the same way. We made our way down to the kitchen, and to our horror Matt was sat at the table. He turned slowly to look both of us dead in the eyes before smiling.
“Having fun were we?” He goaded, obviously looking for a reaction which he got as Rainbow and I both turned a shade of crimson, “You know I’m pretty sure most of Ponyville heard that, but then again I was sitting just here so one of you is going to have to pay for my trauma therapy.” He turned back to his mug of cider, shaking slightly with laughter. Rainbow and I simply looked at each other in disbelief. Not one to be embarrassed or out-done, I took a seat opposite Matt and leaned back in the chair.
“You know Rainbow,” I started, giving her a wink while Matt wasn’t looking; “I think that sounds like somepony here,” I nodded my head in Matt’s direction causing him to look up, “Isn’t getting any from Twilight.” I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. It had worked, he turned a slight shade of red and Rainbow let out a slight laugh from across the room.
“Hey it’s not like… It’s just that… aww screw you.” Was all he could muster before taking another drink of cider. My comment had obviously hit the right spot.
“So you’re saying you haven’t…?” I pushed it further, seeing how far I could push him. He simply glared at me from across the table.
“It’s not like that, we have,” He started, then let out a slight sigh, “but we don’t like to go broadcasting it, because… you know,” He looked away bashfully now, and I was a little confused until it finally twigged.
“Oh.. My.. Was it? Was it both of your first times?” I asked, not really mocking anymore. “Well congratulations Matt! Welcome to the club! The next drinks are on me.” I pulled out my whiskey and offered it around, and before long we were all engaged in a drinking session and the subject of conversation had moved on to Matt’s departure, which we were not sure was still happening.
Eventually it began to draw late, and I was feeling slightly drunk. Rainbow was getting ready to depart and I trotted to the door to say goodbye. Giving her a kiss, she held it for slightly longer than usual, and I enjoyed every second of it more and more until she finally pulled away and flew into the night. I sighed as she began to blend in with the night’s sky and turned to find Matt standing in the doorway from the sitting room.
“I think you know what time it is.” He said slightly mournfully. I nodded and we trotted up to his room where he levitated the portal gun from its hiding place under his bed. He looked at me before powering it up. The device whirred to life, lighting up and tying a knot in my stomach. A deafening crack filled the room as we shielded our eyes from the bright flash. We look at each other, not taking our hooves away from our faces for a brief moment, before we turned in synchronisation to look at the wall.
There it was. A bright blue oval now occupied the space that was once a blank area. Matt let out a sigh of relief and we shared a smile. I then decided to announce my decision to him.
“Hey Matt, I’ve decided to stay here. You’re going to come in a few days a week to see Twilight so we’ll still see each other a lot.” I smiled at him and he returned it, “I just wanted to say, that through all of the events that have taken place here, I don’t think I could have had anyone better to share the experience with.”
“I will admit it has been a pretty epic little adventure.” He replied now gazing into the portal, “It’s a shame I can’t stay, but I have too many family members and friends that I need to be with. You understand.”
Although I had never felt a very strong connection with any of my family, I did understand. He had people that would miss him if he were to just fade from existence on earth, just like I was about to.
“So is this you heading back through then?” I asked him, sadness now staining my voice which had been happy all day until this moment.
“Yeah I guess it is. I told Twilight I may be leaving tonight, so she’s prepared for me not to be here tomorrow.” He replied, a tone of sadness now tainting his voice as well.
“Well I guess I’ll be seeing you soon then.” I turned to face him now. It was a sad moment, but it wasn’t like we would never see each-other again. We would have more times together, more drinks, more laughs, and more happy memories.
“I guess you will.” He smiled at me and I couldn’t help but return it. We exchanged a quick hug before he took a few steps towards the portal.
“Hey Matt!” I almost shouted after him. He stopped and turned, “Thanks for everything man, I owe you so much.” He smiled once more and gave me a slight wave.
“See you soon man.” He replied before he took a step through the portal and after a few moments it closed.
I was alone now, standing in Matt’s room. It was eerily quiet, the house that was usually filled with our witty conversations, our relentless mocking, and our drunken singing, now completely silent. I sighed and trotted to the door. I pulled it closed behind me, a feeling of sorrow now creeping through my body. But now was not the time for me to be sad, it was the beginning of my new life, with new friends. Many good times were to come, and I could almost see it in front of me.
The beginning of my new Equestrian life.