//------------------------------// // Chapter 9: Proud of You // Story: One Thousand Years Ago, Book 2 // by Scroll //------------------------------// “Got a patient for you, Doc,” Blaze announces as she walks into Doctor Pink Heart's office while carrying a very pained Cozy Glow in both of her arms. “Oh dear!” the doctor exclaims when she beholds Cozy wincing tight in pain. “Just, ah . . . put her on the operating table right there,” Pink Heart instructs while using her writing quill to point at one of three empty operation tables. “Sure thing, Doc,” Blaze accepts as she approaches the indicated table and sets Cozy down on it fairly gently for a dragon. Once Cozy is set down, she winces in tight pain again. “Hey,” Blaze calls down to Cozy which makes the little mare crack her eyes open up at the dragon above her. “You did good out there, kid. Some real fine work.” “I never was able to carry up the large sandbags,” Cozy reminds sadly. “I could barely lift myself with the extra weights on me.” “I know,” Blaze returns with a tone of acceptance. “You did what you could. You pushed yourself to your absolute limits. “Now me and the others,” Blaze thumbs over her left shoulder, “we've been doing this for a while, so that's why we could toss the old sandbag back and forth in mid-air without breaking too much of a sweat. I also expected excellence from Rumble, too. He's used to this kind of training regiment. Likely this is even easy for him compared to what he's been through, but you,” Blaze nods to indicate Cozy, “you're a manzy, panzy, spoiled pony princess. I didn't expect you to accept this training session at all, let alone push yourself as far as you did.” Blaze nods at Cozy in approval as she says proudly, “You got guts for a pony princess. I'll give you that.” She leans her head further down as she adds, “Since you've shown a willingness to grit your teeth, I'll give you some advice that is common in the dragon lands.” Blaze gives a forward pushing motion with her right claw as she says, “'Push past the pain', we dragons always say. If you decide you want something,” the same claw that gave a pushing motion earlier now stabs downward with a point instead, “then you fight for it! You do whatever it takes to achieve your goal, and if it causes some pain along the way, then that will ultimately make you stronger in the long run.” Despite her pain, Cozy looks cornerwise down as she smiles with a fond look while saying, “Another mentor I've known in the past said something similar to me. Actually, in a way, two individuals said that to me.” Cozy looks back up at Blaze. “Funny thing is, they are brothers to each other, yet they haven't seen each other for a long time.” Cozy's eyes shift to her right as she adds with a slight wince of confusion, “Also . . . they really don't look related.” She looks back up at Blaze. “I'm guessing that 'brother' is more of an honorary title even though they don't get along anymore.” Blaze nods in acceptance as she says, “That can happen. Many cultures bestow such a title to each other for a variety of circumstances. I've known dragons who call each other that when they fought together, or even against each other, in some epic battle. Once that mutual respect is established for whatever reason, their will makes that title more meaningful than blood ever could.” When Blaze offers an open claw between them, Cozy did not understand what to do at first. As it held there and Cozy observes this meaningful offering look to Blaze's eyes, Cozy figures it out. Despite the stabbing pain in her back, she lifts a hoof and places it in Blaze's offered claw. Once she does, Blaze surrounds her claw on Cozy's hoof with a tight grip. “I've never called anyone an honorary sister before,” Blaze tells Cozy. “I didn't even do that with Smolder, a dragon who inspired me and challenged me to try a radical new way of thinking and living. I do respect and appreciate her for what she's done for me, but I reserve that title for someone who wholeheartedly earned my respect, and Cozy . . . you are not there yet. It will take a lot to earn that title from me, for I have high standards. But, today, you took a big step towards that achievement. Keep it up. Be strong! If you do, you'll not only earn a friend, but an honorary sister.” “Then that is what I'll do,” Cozy promises firmly as she pushes into Blaze's claw almost like a hoof wrestling contest. Blaze does meet that challenge with resistance, too. During that time, Cozy meets Blaze's eyes with a “blaze” of determination and resolve in her own eyes. In reply, Blaze nods in respect. At that moment, they both grow surprised when Cozy's geode glows a little brighter. As Cozy looks down at it, she realizes it has become a little stronger due to the bond she's starting to establish with Blaze. That is a visual confirmation of an emotional connection. More than likely it means that Blaze has been absolutely genuine with Cozy. “What does that mean?” Blaze asks curiously. Cozy smiles up proudly at Blaze as she answers, “It is a magical sign that I have gotten stronger,” Cozy answers. She's tempted to add, “I've gained a level,” but that role-playing game terminology from her sister's world is too likely to go over the dragon's head, so she says instead, “It means I've reached a step closer to an important goal of mine. Something I want, and something I'm determined to continue to pursue.” “Excellent!” Blaze says proudly with another tight squeeze of Cozy's hoof. They continue to stare into each other's eyes with mutual respect for about a solid minute, then Blaze stands up straight as she lets Cozy's hoof go. “Well then, I'll leave you to the tender loving care of our local physician,” Blaze decides. “Yes,” Doctor Pink Heart agrees in the background while she continues to write something and absently monitor the progress of several of her brewing potions. “You do that.” “I'll see you around, kid,” Blaze tells Cozy in such a way that indicates she looks forward to that. She waves a claw at Cozy as she takes off. “Later.” After Blaze leaves, the room falls silent for a few moments. Cozy tries to look at the doctor out of the corner of her eyes, but given the fact it is so painful to turn her head because it is connected to a spine that is in such pain right now, she can barely see the doctor or her expression. From what little Cozy can gather, the doctor isn't even looking at Cozy right now. Instead, she's too busy writing down notes. “Aren't you going to tell me that I've been a fool for pushing myself too hard?” Cozy asks to break the silence in the room. “If I did, would it make a difference?” the doctor asks in reply. “I'm aware of the power of youthful enthusiasm. Seems to me you have something to prove to yourself.” The doctor's hot pink magic aura envelops her wheelchair and uses it to not only turn towards Cozy, but wheels herself much closer to her patient. Just like Cozy at this moment, Doctor Pink Heart can't move her head at all, so she merely uses her eyes to gaze down somewhat sternly at Cozy. “It is true that, as a physician, I care about the health and well-being of others,” Doctor Pink Heart expresses. “But I also don't like to waste my time and effort on futile struggles. I have enough challenges in my life, as you can well imagine. If you are determined to keep hurting yourself for some reason, then the only thing I can say to that is I'll match that determination with an equal resolve to heal you. I'd urge you not to make my job any harder, but you do what you feel you have to do because you're going to do it anyway. I've seen the type plenty of times before. After all, where do you think they keep ending up at the end of the day? “While you do all that, I will do as I feel I must as well.” Cozy frowns a bit. For some reason, a lecture from this doctor actually stings her a little. She is quickly starting to suspect that this doctor has a cunning silver tongue as well. “Where does it hurt?” the doctor asks while her expression softens a bit. “All along my spine, mostly,” Cozy answers. “In particular, the mid part of my spine.” “Where your wings are located,” the doctor concludes. “This doesn't surprise me in the least.” Cozy almost yelps when she is surrounded by a hot pink aura. It tingles and stings, but she's somewhat accustomed to this because of her mother. She feels her stomach sink a little when she's gently lifted up, slowly flipped over, then gently set back down on the table. During that time, Cozy notices a very curious sensation. It feels like a rhythmic pulse of energy that spreads out from Cozy's mid-back. It is as if Doctor Pink Heart is massaging Cozy's back using magical telekinesis alone. Although it really stings, she eventually notices that it doesn't sting nearly as much as a unicorn's magic normally does, and rhythmic pulse of energy gradually releases the tension otherwise locked in Cozy's back muscles. “Lie still . . . and try to relax,” Doctor Pink Heart encourages with a voice so soothing it almost feels otherworldly. “I shall not harm you. I promise.” “I believe you,” Cozy says in a dreamy way. The soothing releases of so much tension on her is starting to put her to sleep. As the doctor continues her tender yet very precise professional work, she floats some kind of ointment off one of her shelves. She floats some kind of white paste from it. It quickly fills Cozy's nostrils with something she can't fully put her hoof on, but the closest approximation to this scent is something minty. Whatever it is, the doctor floats and rubs this paste onto Cozy's back. The reaction it has is a curious sort of sting that is a mix between hot and cold. It almost intensifies the ice-prick sensation of the doctor's magical aura, but for some reason, it actually feels very soothing. “Knock-knock,” came Sunset's voice at the door to this clinic. “May I come in?” “You can come in,” Cozy invites. “But it might be a little challenging for me to respond. Whatever therapy session Doctor Pink Heart is practicing, it is quickly lulling me to sleep.” “I better hurry, then,” Sunset decides, “for you are indeed the mare I came to see.” “Please keep it brief,” Doctor Pink Heart requests of Sunset. “My patient needs to relax.” “Don't worry. I won't be long,” Sunset assures as she trots next to Cozy's bed. “Hey, kiddo!” Sunset greets upon arrival. “I just wanted to tell you that I'm,” she applies a hoof to her chest, “so proud of you today!” “Why? For getting myself hurt?” Cozy asks skeptically. Sunset returns her hoof to the floor as she shakes her head while saying, “No. That's not it at all, but while we're on that subject . . . I'm surprised that Rumble, of all ponies, encouraged this. He was trained by the Wonderbolts and my understanding is he did very well in the Academy. Seems to me he would know something of back strain from too intense of a flying regimen, so I'd expect somepony like him to lecture against this.” “He did try,” Cozy admits, “but he may have also been distracted working with so many new fliers and getting to know them and their limits. As a matter of fact, he did promise to keep a closer eye on me next time.” “As well he should,” Sunset agrees. “Pushing one's self too hard actually slows one's progress, because now you'll have to spend so much time recovering. Time that could have been spent training if you only paced yourself better.” “Funny. He said the same thing,” Cozy tells Sunset. “Almost exactly like that. Word for word.” “In that case, I can accept him as a true professional who made an honest mistake today,” Sunset figures. “Anyway, what I wanted to tell you is that I'm proud of you not because of what you've done, but because of why you did it.” Cozy tries to meet Sunset's eyes but the other mare is standing too far to her left. She can only see Sunset out of the corner of her peripheral vision. “I think you pushed yourself today as hard as you did because you care,” Sunset elaborates. “And it's not just to impress Rumble, although I must say you probably had that aim as well.” Sunset lowers her head and draws it closer to Cozy's face as she says, “Cozy . . . you've been a very good girl today! I am very, very proud of you. I think you've come a long way from the tyrant you used to be. Believe me when I say I know what it feels like to have to climb out of that proverbial pit that we've dug for ourselves, but I want to make sure you know that your efforts are acknowledged and appreciated. In fact,” Sunset adopts a slightly embarrassed, and slightly mischievous grin as she goes on to say, “I spoke with Cheese Pie about arranging a celebration for you as a reward for your efforts.” Sunset waves a hoof back and forth as she assures, “Nothing too big or fancy. Trust me, but she did say she's going to prepare a special meal for you, and she urges for you to look forward to it.” “Mission accomplished, then,” Cozy informs. “I am, indeed, looking forward to it. Cheese is a pretty good chef, and she knows me well.” “She knows you well because you have accepted her as a friend,” Sunset informs. “Yeah, I guess,” Cozy accepts. “Cheese wasn't nearly as pushy about it than Flurry was, but in the end . . . I regret neither results.” “Oh Cozy!” Sunset sounds gushy. “I want to hug you, but I fear that may hurt you.” “Yeah, please don't,” Doctor Pink Heart urges as she continues her work. “Cozy Glow needs to take it easy for the next few days.” Then she suggests, “How about a peck on the cheek?” “Oh, that's a good idea!” Sunset agrees then proceeds to do so. She gives Cozy a light, friendly, and grateful kiss on the cheek, then says, “Thank you, Cozy! Thank you for making a sincere effort toward being a good girl today.” “Okay, okay. Enough,” Cozy urges with a slight blush of embarrassment, but she also feels a happy inward glow inside of her. Getting praise from Sunset, somepony she really cares about, feels great, but enough is enough! “Time to go, I think,” Pink Heart urges Sunset gently. “You delivered your message, and it is successfully received. I'm sure she's looking forward to the party.” “Sure am,” Cozy agrees. “Take care of yourself, Cozy,” Sunset urges warmly. “That's the plan,” Cozy agrees as she closes her eyes while feeling dizzy with comfort, warmth, and relaxation.