//------------------------------//
// Recovery, Take 2 
// Story: Diary of a Pony 
// by starshine_dash 
//------------------------------//

I awoke an indeterminate amount of time later to blackness. I could feel pressure on my eyes and guessed that they had bandaged me up. I also felt that I was indeed tied down to the bed this time and a quick poke with my magic showed me that I had another magic suppressor on. I only hoped I was in the hospital and not in somepony else's basement. My testing of my bonds apparently drew some attention, because I heard an unfamiliar voice to my right, "He's awake."

"So he is," said a regal voice from the far side of the room, "Alto, is it? I have some questions for you. My name is Princess Celestia."

Oh, good. I appear to have angered the ruler of the country, "Yes, your majesty?"

"Shining, remove the bandages on his eyes, they should be healed by now."

I felt the familiar tingle of magic as the bandages were removed and I blinked as light poured into my eyes. I squinted over at the Princess and was struck by her beauty. Words cannot describe the radiance of her perfection. I simply let my eyes adjust and stared.

She was not smiling, and for this, I was saddened, "Two nights ago, you were found pulling a pony and a changeling out of a fire, do you deny this?"

"I do not..."

"You also then demanded that no harm come to the changeling, with no concern for the pony whom you also saved?"

"Yes, your majesty. It had told me what it was and we had some camaraderie in the cell."

"Cell? What cell?"

"They did not tell you?" I asked, honestly confused.

"The changeling has not spoken a single word and Caramel, the other pony, is still unconscious. He very nearly died from smoke inhalation."

"I hope he recovers soon. May I ask, why am I bound?"

"You are bound because you associated with and demanded protection for an enemy of the crown," said the unicorn to my right, "You are also a pony of interest in the structure fire you were involved in as well."

"I understand," I said, lowering my eyes, "After the welcome party Pinkie Pie threw me, I went to the house of one Fluttershy, who lives in a cottage on the borders of the forest."

"We know who she is."

"She had offered her spare room for me to stay in until I managed to afford a place of my own. Given certain issues I had, it seemed the best option."

"I am aware of your difficulties, please get to the events leading up to your hospitalization."

"I awoke in a cell beneath the bar that burned down. In the cell with me was the changeling. I had been captured by a group of vigilantes who were sure I was a changeling. They had me bound to a wall and suppressed my magic with one of these rings."

"Captain Armor, have an inventory conducted by somepony you trust," the princess said, the captain saluting and exiting the room, "Those bands are highly controlled. Each one is tagged and tracked. If one has gone missing we may get clues to your attackers."

"I surmise that what remains of them may very well be below the ruins of the bar. I do not remember what occurred after my beating and before I pulled Caramel and the changeling out of the fire. All I remember is magic and rage."

"So, it is quite possible that you started the fire, and possibly murdered several ponies?"

"In self-defense, I swear. I blacked out and was not in control of my actions."

The princess nodded, "You tell no lies. That much is clear. I will have an investigation conducted and see if we can't unearth your captors. With any luck, they have survived to be punished properly through the law," she said, stepping closer.

"What about me, your majesty?"

"You will be placed under house arrest with Twilight Sparkle, your magic suppressed, until such time as the investigation is complete. You will be allowed basic telekinesis and light spells only, nothing heavier than ten pounds," she decreed as she freed my legs from their bindings, "She is waiting outside. Should the investigation find you at fault for murder, you will be tried with no leniency. Your changeling friend will be interviewed by yourself and Twilight will determine whether or not it presents a threat to national security.

Should it prove to be, it will be executed. I do not wish ill on anypony in my country, but should those ponies have survived, they have much to answer to. Now, I do not know how long this investigation will take, but Twilight will make sure your needs are attended to, and you may still interview for the position at Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie Pie is skilled at handling trouble so she will be able to handle you should you decide to do anything untoward."

"Princess Celestia," I said, standing carefully, "I swear by my horn and cutie mark, that I will bring no further harm to your subjects. What have I done, I cannot forgive myself for. I hope they are alive..."

She opened the door and I exited, flanked by pegasus guards and led by a sad looking Twilight. The conversation that would surely ensue once we arrived at her library would not be fun.