//------------------------------// // Ch 10: Horse Doctor // Story: All These Shining Lights // by InkyTalon //------------------------------// Twilight Sparkle jerked back in surprise as the first figure passed through the portal, along with a bulky black case. It was… a unicorn, but not anypony she had expected or hoped to see. She recognized him from his Equestria counterpart… but she knew this version of him was a stranger, and didn’t belong here. Doctor Ryder wheezed and heaved ludicrously as he writhed about on the floor. He grasped his hind leg, staring at his hoof with huge eyes. “Oh my god, I’m a— I’m a— This isn’t scientifically or medically possible, I—” Twilight stood, flaring her wings outward boldly to make herself appear larger and more imposing. Her violet eyes flashed with warning as she took a step forward. “How did you find the portal to Equestria?” She demanded. “And what is this that you brought with you?” The doctor was still very much hyperventilating, and useless to answer her questions. “Where are my clothes?!” Before Twilight could attempt to interrogate him further, her vision jolted to the portal to witness Sunset and Starlight tumbling through. The two unicorn mares had been holding onto each other tightly for comfort inside the tumultuous portal. They crashed together onto the castle floor, their limbs intertwined. Sunset landed on top of Starlight, and their noses were pressed together, their horns brushing up against one another. Starlight and Sunset looked into each other’s eyes for a moment, panting… entranced. But they both quickly snapped out of it, and disentangled themselves from each other hurriedly, clumsily stumbling onto their hooves. “Starlight! Sunset!” Princess Twilight Sparkle left the doctor’s side and galloped toward them, and gave each of them a jubilant hug. “I was so worried! I’m so glad you’re both okay!” Sunset hugged Twilight back stiffly, dazed and bewildered. Was Twilight… not angry with her anymore? She didn’t have to wonder long, as Twilight began to usher out an apology. “I am so sorry, Sunset… I was wrong to assume the worst, no matter how stressed out or sad I was. I didn’t know what you were planning to do…” She still didn’t. “... but I know you’re a changed pony. I’m the one who made a misstep, not you. A… really big one.” The alicorn hung her head, her bangs falling in front of her face. “Hey…” Sunset stepped forward and briefly hesitated, before touching her hoof to Twilight’s cheek. “Look at me, Twilight. I forgive you, if you’ll forgive me. I should have explained myself, but… I don’t know, I panicked and didn’t think I had enough time. Anyway… I think the despair of the situation hit us all pretty hard. You included.” “That’s no excuse…” Twilight muttered, meeting Sunset’s eyes again. “Maybe not, but… I think it’s okay for all of us to be acting a little… off, while we’re faced with this. Really. This is an uncertain time, but at the end of the day we’re friends, and nothing’s gonna change that.” Princess Twilight Sparkle exhaled slowly, and her lips perked into a small smile as she looked up at Sunset, truly thankful. Their sentimental moment was interrupted by another exaggerated, drawn-out groan from the doctor, as if to say Don't mind me, just living a damn nightmare over here! Twilight blinked at him, frowning in puzzlement. “So… you brought him here, I’m assuming? I don’t know if you knew, Sunset, but um… we already have a Doctor Horse in Equestria… and he’s a Ponyville doctor." Doctor Ryder Horse paused mid freak-out, his ears perking. Did he hear that right? Then he scrambled upright onto all fours. “Oh, wonderful! I’ll just head back home then–” The doctor smiled and turned to hastily leave through the portal — but Starlight, unamused, used her magic to pull his tail and hold him in place. “Not so fast.” Dr. Ryder slumped his shoulders, and sent Starlight a glare. He’d forgotten about his car keys that they still had in their possession, anyway...  so he’d just have to cease looking for an escape and face this like a man — or, horse… “Well, Twilight…” Sunset explained. “You know how the human world doesn’t have as much magic, but it has really good technology?” Sunset then gestured a hoof in the direction of the large black case. “That’s why I brought him. This equipment — and the guy who knows how to operate it…—” “...might be able to treat Princess Celestia!” Twilight finished, her violet eyes growing wide with understanding. “I’m shocked I didn’t think of that! But… how did you convince him?” “That credit goes to Starlight. It turns out… we make a pretty good team.” Sunset grinned over her shoulder at her new friend, and Starlight gave a shy smile in return, deeply touched. “Ohhh!” Twilight crooned, pulling Sunset in for another, tighter embrace. “I’m so proud of you both!” Once Twilight eased away from the hug, Sunset met the alicorn’s gaze with a serene and dreamy smile. Everypony in the room could see Sunset’s reddened cheeks, even through her golden fur. Starlight Glimmer bit her lower lip as she saw this. Now Sunset's jealousy with Flash made perfect sense… Twilight let out a soft reluctant laugh, then cleared her throat and turned away from Sunset, addressing the doctor. "Doctor Horse?" Sunset gulped and backed away, embarrassed. Did she make a weird face? Stupid face… "Doctor Ryder, if you don't mind," he countered, as he painstakingly attempted to push his glasses further up his muzzle. Stupid hooves… "Doctor… Ryder," Twilight corrected herself slowly, then gave him a friendly smile. "I'm sure traveling to another world, and your change in shape, has you very disoriented. I know from experience. But as a Princess of Equestria, I'd like to extend my hoof in welcome." Twilight reached out, and Dr. Ryder stared at her purple hoof for a moment, before awkwardly and clumsily shaking it. His smile, although hesitant, was genuine. He liked this one. "Thank you. It is an… adjustment, to put it mildly. I just hope I can be of help. Where is the patient?" "In Canterlot," Twilight informed. "We'll go in the morning. I think we all could use some rest." Dr. Ryder sighed, and he wasn't sure if it was out of exasperation or relief. Spending the night here and sleeping as a pony hadn't been anticipated at all. But… he was indeed exhausted. They all were. "You're sure Celestia will be okay until morning?" Sunset questioned Twilight carefully. "I'm sure,” Twilight confirmed. “I got her letter; she’s gotten a room at Canterlot Hospital now, and they'll watch over her and take care of her until we can step in." Sunset nodded, taking solace at that news. Princess Celestia was a ruler of Equestria, bringing harmony to her subjects, adored by all — there is no way the Canterlot doctors wouldn’t be extra, extra vigilant of her. “Dr. Ryder, I really do hope you come to enjoy your stay here in Equestria. Why don’t I show you to the guest bedroom so you can make yourself at home? Follow me.” The doctor fell in step beside Twilight as she led him down the hall to his room. Sunset and Starlight trailed behind. Sunset gazed ahead at Twilight, and idly wondered where she’d be sleeping tonight… Starlight looked over at Sunset thoughtfully. She didn’t like seeing Sunset struggle with her feelings for Twilight, and the insecurities that came with that. Starlight had grown a little fond of Sunset in perhaps that exact way, but… that wasn’t important. Again, she just really wanted to help Sunset any way she could. What was important to her was for Sunset to be happy. Starlight whispered into Sunset’s ear discreetly. “You should tell her how you feel.”  Sunset whipped around and gaped at Starlight, totally astonished, almost tripping over. Had she really been that obvious? Instinct told her to immediately deny any so-called 'feelings'... but she didn't want to lie to Starlight… or herself. After a moment she whispered in reply, very quietly.  "I don't know if this is the right time…" Starlight sent her friend a tiny reassuring smile. "You'll feel so much better once you get it out of your system.” Starlight encouraged. “If not now, then… soon. Trust me." Sunset swallowed hard, thinking this over… but that’s what caused her to wait so long to confess, wasn’t it? Overthinking. Maybe she should take Starlight’s advice and just do it. She felt a benign little spark of confidence emerge within her, and Sunset came to the conclusion… That she should seize it while she still had it.