//------------------------------// // Wherever the Truth May Lie // Story: A Nopony That Everypony Knows // by Taxidermy //------------------------------// Another morning, but I awoke early, ate, same old morning regime. However, once I arrived at work, I noted the fact, that there were a million books stacked on hundreds of carts in the lobby of the library. I knew the mare behind it all, Twilight Sparkle. I tapped her on the shoulder. “What’s all this about?” I gestured to the books. “I figured everypony needed something to do! It must be so~o boring just sitting there.” “What about the library? Is this it?” “Time Turner suggested if the library was that empty, we use it for another camp. I can always stay with Applejack, but these ponies’ homes were destroyed in the explosion… The farm is being used as refuge as well…” She trailed off sadly. “You can stay with me, if you wish.” I smiled at her. “Really?” Her ears perked up at the notion. “Of course, anything you need.” I smiled. “Oh my gosh! That would be perfect! I know Medley’s family is staying with Rarity and a few ponies with Applejack, Pinkie Pie has the baby cakes to worry about and Rainbow Dash’s house is… well, clouds. There’s always Fluttershy, but… her animals think I’m too pushy.” She laughed a little. “Oh wait! I forgot! Pinkie Pie desperately wants me to stay over with her. I’m so sorry.” “It’s fine. Where’s Spike?” “Oh, he’s running around with Rarity.” I nodded and trotted towards the hallway with all of the patients. The number of ponies considerably decreased, since most of them were staying with other ponies. I trotted down another hallway that led to rooms of rich ponies. I noticed blood pooling from underneath the door of a door—I ran quickly to the door, soon accompanied by Time Turner, Rarity and Spike. Spike stood there, a bit of a traumatized look on his face. “Oh goodness! I was just in this room!” Rarity said after she shrieked. “I gave the unicorn a brush and then left—she was perfectly fine! S-Sh-She was happily humming and whistling—and not at all hurt!” Rarity raved on. “—Pony Feathers—Redheart! Redheeeart!!” Time Turner yelled. “Redheart! What happened! Why is there blood?” He continued to yell. My heart dropped and raced. “I have no idea—I just got here!” I said, my voice as trembling as much as Rarity’s. I opened the door carefully opened the door, in case the patient might be behind it. The patient was passed out on the floor, with her leg tore open. I paused and looked back at Time Turner. “Get me this patient’s records. Her eyes were fresh with tears and her leg bore no past stitch marks, or any other sign of harm. She was next to the doorway, sprawled out, which explains why the puddle was at and under the door. I looked back and Time Turner was already there, a file in his mouth. “Good, now look for any records of leg injuries.” I commanded, and he did so. His rage had passed. “No past records.” He interrupted my train of thought. What should I do? I could stitch it up, but we don’t have any numbing left. I would have to hope the patient doesn’t wake. I glanced back at Rarity; Spike had left her side. “Rarity, get me a needle, a match, a tin bucket, warm cloth and surgical suture or thread! Now! Hurry!” I rushed the mare. She hurried to the search. I put both hooves and my nurses’ cap on the wound, the cap soaked up the blood and the pressure was slowly stopping it. It wasn’t nearly enough though. Behind me, Time Turner impatiently paced with worry. He kept glancing then looking away quickly, every now and then, a glimpse, then a sickened look. I kept pressure on without stop, until Rarity returned with her favorite needle, a box of matches, a tin bucket, a warm cloth and her thread for clothing. I felt this would be very, very bad, but I had to do it. Either they bled to death or catch an infection—until the next shipment of supplies comes in “Hurry!” Time Turner rushed. I set the needle on fire, to sterilize it best as possible. Then I threaded the string through it and wiped the dry and semi-dry blood from the wound. The patient stirred, but with no further reaction to the sudden lack of pressure. I made the first stitch, with a yelp from the patient… After that entire situation, I returned to my normal work day schedule and tried to get the screams of pain out of my head. Time Turner had been caring for patients when something else happened. A pony received a horrible concussion. This pony had shown no signs of concussion or any head trauma. In fact, this pony was a unicorn who had singed off her entire tail while preforming a spell. Her name was Galaxy, she had no cutie mark, she was a bright purple almost pink with a various colors of hair: the most prominent were red and orange. And on the back of her head, there is a cut, a minor one, but a cut. It was the only instance of this happening to a pony other than a Pegasus, after 3 months. 3 months later, pegasi were all receiving small cuts, and shortly, deeper cuts. They kept getting deeper until one Pegasus had a cut to the bone, then a few more of these. Eventually, pegasi had missing bones. It would be a new gory sight every day I came to work. Galaxy, also lacking a family, had been staying with me since the injuries began. She’s only a filly and a very ambitious one at that. I’ve been teaching her about medicine and healing every since. One afternoon I came home from a day off—I had visited Rarity’s boutique and came home to see Galaxy gaping out the window with her eyes filled with terror. “Galaxy, are you alright?” I questioned. She gave no reply. Not a twitch. She was scarcely breathing. She only stood. Stood still as stone. After a few moments, her eyes darted to me, then back out the window. She screamed and galloped faster than any pony I’ve ever seen, to the door, locked it, ran to the window, locked it, ran to the basement, locked the door. I stood there questioning her actions in my head. “I lost it! I lost it!” “I’ll say…” “The—the—the—the dog! The dog is—the dog is—“ She stuttered, in a panic. “What dog? Poppy?” She nodded “The—diamond dog took her! The diamond dog TOOK HER!” She yelled and ran in circles “What?” “Diamond Dogs—they took Poppy—and they had a cart full of bones and—they had an entire WING on the top of the pile! Blaze’s wing! They cut it off!” I didn’t want to believe her, but I couldn’t wrap my mind around any other explanation. Nah, it couldn’t be diamond dogs. That’s ridicules.— KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! “Royal Guards!” A booming voice from the door bellowed and tried to door handle. “Open this door or we shall do it for you, Redheart!” He threatened. How rude. “What is it?” I opened the door, with a false smile. “You are under arrest and will be taken to the Canterlot dungeons.” What? For—What did I do? “What did I do?” “You are responsible for the missing bones and wing of Blaze.” I caught a glimpse of an orange mane. Spitfire and Blaze were behind the royal guards, they both looked furious. “You are the one who cut off Blaze’s wing! He can never fly now! It’s all your fault!” Spitfire yelled then joined by Soarin’ and Fleetfoot. Then by Wave Chill and Rapid Fire(who had woke up from the coma only days before) joined as well, and other pegasi behind them. Galaxy looked even more confused— “No—it’s the diamond dogs!” She yelled. “Arrest her too—she’s not in her right mind and is an accomplice.” I didn’t resist arrest, though Galaxy did all she could to get away—it was utterly useless. Down the street was the carriage—where I could see Time Turner and Rarity, and in the front seat… my old childhood crush, Serenity sat with a grin on his face. Rarity kept her poise, but I could tell she was distraught—Time Turner was ranting about only Celestia knows what. We were walked ever so slowly down the dirt road, everypony in town was on the sides of the roads, looking at us—at all four of us. I glanced to my left and saw something I could never forget. Scootaloo’s face, as she stood next to her mother—who lost an entire leg thanks to whoever was stealing bones from pegasi. She thought I was involved…she blames me… The walk was not that far, but it felt like a century before we reached the carriage. Rainbow Dash shoved Galaxy into me and Fluttershy gave me the saddest look I could bare. Medley was there at the end of the street, standing on all fours, a patch over her eye, but one eye told me all I needed to know. She glanced at Rarity, who now had a necklace just like hers. They nodded at each other and then—Medley smiled at me, the look in her eye told me everything was going to be fine—and I had nothing to worry about. April stood next to her mom—she stood tall and strong, with a necklace like her mother’s. I noticed a large group of Pegasus who all bared the same necklace. Even a few Wonderbolts—who were without their uniform stood there, they stood tall and proud and strong like April. The Wonderbolts who were there were Silver Lining, High Winds, and the unidentical twins: Lighting Streak and Fire Streak. The other pegasi were Brilliant Bloom, Airheart, Blue Skies, Luke and Wildfire. —I was pushed up into the carriage and the trembling Galaxy was soon, after I. “And lastly—these cuffs are not proper! I could break out of these any second if I so wished it! They are hardly taut!” Time Turner yelled then struggled around with his hooves, to get them out of the magically adhered cuffs. “I-I just don’t want to right now!” One of the unicorn royal guards pulled the tarp over our heads so that we were not seen. I glanced to Rarity who was scooting closer. One of the accompanying unicorn guards had cursed Rarity, so that her magic was not of any use at all. She nudge a necklace onto mine and Timmy’s necks. “Now what’s this?” He questioned. “Welcome to the Underground.” Rarity said, out of her usual fashionista-like tone. Galaxy had felt left out, Rarity noticed then gave her one as well. “What we do,” Rarity began again, “is make sure what you could call ‘justice’ is carried out.” Time Turner tilted his head in inquisitiveness. “Like right now. Neither of you stole bones or injured patients, right?... Right?” “Yes, we—we had to have been framed—I know it sounds fishy but it’s true.” I stuttered. “Oh, I know, dear.” “You do?” “You wouldn’t do something like that.” What a relief… “I have a feeling that Celestia has a better reason for summoning us—other than arresting us… or at least I hope so.” She said sadly. “It’s a bit of a long trip, get some rest. The carriage was flown into Canterlot by the Royal Guards, it was a slow ride, Galaxy had slept on my forelegs the entire way. She had such admiration for me, such… love. I felt that I needed to protect her with each last molecule of my existence. So I would. “We’re here. Stand up. Alert!—and bow for the princess!” The Royal Guards yelled and yanked the tarp down. One led us out, and all four of us immediately bowed, as a navy blue—tall mare approached us. “Do not bow, stand, look me in the eye and tell us the truth.” Luna bellowed, her eyes had hatred in them—almost as if Nightmare Moon were resurfacing. “We did not steal anypony’s bones, your highness!” We said in sudden alarm, our eyes burning holes in hers. “Take them to the dungeons until that can be confirmed.” She said in a slightly softer tone. We were led down, down, down many flights of stairs until we reached the dungeon underneath the castle. It was dark, chilly, and terrifyingly lonely. “Oh come on!” Time Turner yelled. “This isn’t any sort of place for a filly and two mares!” Anger reflected in his voice. “Hold them elsewhere! These stallions are a danger to them!” Galaxy stuck tightly between Time Turner and I, trying to hide from the other ponies. Rarity had been silent since she last spoke in the carriage; she held her head high and said nothing at all—barely even made a noise as her hooves clunked against the cold concrete floor. Galaxy, Rarity and I were led into one cell—Time Turner in another. “Ah reckon ya’ll been blamed for somethin’ ya’ll didn’t do either?” A familiar voice said in a deep country accent. “Applejack!” Rarity yelled happily and hugged her ruffian friend. “What in Equestria are you doing here?!” “Ah been blamed for killing a Pegasus pony—Firefly and taken all her bones!” She yelled. Ponies in other cells looked towards us with terror. They believed we killed ponies and took their bones, I suppose. If anyone outside of the dungeon asked—we didn’t, but if they ask… “sure.” Maybe that would keep Galaxy safe. “We both been blamed!” A little voice squeaked. “Eeyup…” A stallion said from the cell next to us. “Why ah just c’ain’t believe nun’ them!” A shakey old mare said with disdain. “The entire family from the farm was blamed?!” Time Turner jumped from his sitting position with surprise. “Eeyup.” “They said since we were covered in blood and had their bones in ahour hooves—that we did it!” Applebloom squeaked. “They also blamed us for Scootaloo’s mom!!” “Applebloom?” Galaxy said in hope it was really her friend. “Galaxy!” The filly jumped up and hugged her friend. “Y’all two play nice and just forget about this little—“ Applejack was interrupted. “You two forget about this entire ordeal and stay near us, darlings.” Rarity said. I noticed Applebloom’s slight limp. “What happened?” Galaxy asked after she noticed it too. “Ah must’a sprained it when them guards pushed me.” “I’ll take a look!” She said with a huge, happy grin. “Redheart taught me stuff!” Despite being in a dark dungeon, surrounded by dangerous ponies, being blamed for something as horrible as this, I was filled with glee. Galaxy was proud that I taught her something—I made her smile. It had been two weeks; I had spent my shower time protecting Applebloom and Galaxy from any… wandering eyes or hooves of other inmates, I had given my food to Granny Smith or the fillies—well, most of it at least, I had not slept since then as well, I was too paranoid something would happen to Galaxy. Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor were standing outside the cell. He unlocked both cells. “What’s this?” Time Turner questioned. “Oh, you finally found that we are innocent?” He said with triumph. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Twilight said, giving a certain look to Rarity and Applejack. They looked back at their friend, a bit confused. They just followed along and left without a word. Shining Armor guided the rest of us out. Applebloom and Galaxy hopped around, happy with a newfound friendship. Granny Smith and Big Mac had followed Applejack. Time Turner watched Twilight as she left. “What a mare.” He said in that star struck voice he gets from time to time. “Intellegence and beauty, and quite the personality.—And what a collection of books!” Shining Armor only gave him a short glare, then guided us out. Shining Armor personally escorted us home on a train. It was a silent trip. I was getting awfully sick of the silence hanging in the air like a dreadful storm the weather ponies created after not doing their work. Everypony had returned to their normal lives. Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetiebelle were jumping around and frolicking like normal. Twilight was reading outside under the soft rays of the sun. Rarity was prancing about with bags of supplies levitating around her. Berry Punch was walking to Applejack’s farm(probably for cider). Lyra and Bonbon were sitting on a park bench, watching passers by. Same, old, Ponyville. Doctor Stables pranced in---“Doctor! Stables!” I yelled and stormed over to him. “Where the HAY have you been for the past month?!” I couldn’t withhold my anger. He let the hospital practically fail. Time Turner was not far behind me before giving his part. “I am not doctor.—And I have been quite busy doing most of your job—especially the paper work!” He said. “Thank you, Time Turner. Ponies don’t do stuff like that.” “Do I look like ponies to you?” He said “—OR better yet—a doctor?” “No, I will not be returning to the hospital though.” “Why not?!” Time Turner’s voice went up high. I couldn’t help but to laugh a bit. “I am working in Canterlot now.” Someponies around us gave a quiet ‘ohhh’ or ‘ahh’ in admiration. “I am one of the princess’s favorite doctors!” He held up his chin. School fillies, for their article, took pictures. “So you abandon us?” Galaxy said a bit to herself. No reply was given; he pranced off to his home. She looked up at me a bit sad. We went home—in again—silence. “Why don’t you go over to Twilight’s and have her teach you a bit ore about magic.” I suggested to Galaxy. “Okay! Then I’ll go to Sugar Cube Corner and learn a little about baking from Pinkie Pie!” She said with a smile. I smiled back. “That sounds perfect. Dinner will be ready by the time you get back.” She ran out the door with her saddlebags already with her. I felt a bit of sadness in my chest. A twisting feeling that writhed with anticipation. Galaxy was such a smart filly—and growing up so quickly. When I first took her in she was scared of other ponies, now she’s best of friends with a filly named ‘Twist”, she takes lessons from other ponies and she always has fun, almost anywhere she goes. I am so proud of her… But it felt as if something horrible were about to happen. I looked down at my necklace. Yes, something bad would surely happen soon. I know it—I always get this kind of knot in my chest when it’s about to happen. I took off the necklace and filled my bathtub with hot water. The mirror was becoming foggier and foggier; my reflected image was slowly fading into the white veil. I stood there, staring back at myself. I took my mane from its bun and let the long locks flow past my shoulders and curl up a bit at the ends. It felt good to not have the constant pressure on the back of my head. The water was steaming from the surface. I slowly put my hoof in and let it get used to the heat… then slowly stepped in and folded my forelegs beneath me and laid. The water made my entire body warm and eventually—instead of feeling the pain of windburns on my cheeks, I felt the soothing warmth. Galaxy wouldn’t be home for at least five hours. It would be dark, but that, she was not afraid of, she could handle herself. I looked back at my cutiemark. My body was covered in dirt and here and there—scratches. My tail was matted and my mane was a darker pink than what it normally was. I cleaned off and, very regrettably, got out of the tub then dried off and brushed my mane out. It naturally curled up a bit, and was shining with its renewed clean state. My tail was unmated and equally as curly. Nopony except for my… late mother, and Galaxy, had ever seen me without my hair up, but I intended to keep it that way. I trotted into the kitchen and glanced to Poppy’s food bowl. Scootaloo had taken Poppy and had no idea I was even back. I began to prepare dinner: warm bread, honey-glazed hay, and daisies. After which, tea was set on the stove. I poured myself a cup and sat by the fire. The plush of the chair felt like clouds underneath a pegasus’s own tush, especially after only having the hard ground to sit and lay on. Another knock at the door. “Galaxy, you already have a key, don’t you?” I called. “Redheart! It’s me!” Time Turner said. He knocked again. “It’s really, really, REALLY cold out here, could you let me in?” I sighed and got off my cloud-like chair and walked to the door. So much for the hair thing, but it was only Time Turner, I suppose. I opened it. He was accompanied by April Showers and Medley. “Oh, hello.” I smiled a bit. “Hello, Redheart.” Medley smiled. “What can I help you with—“ “—Getting out of the cold!” Time Turner interrupted with a great shiver. “Right, right.” I stepped out of the way, allowing Time Turner, Medley and April in. Behind them, Spitfire, she stood with an ashamed look on her face. Her mane was down, neatly combed and she was not in her usual Wonderbolts uniform. “Redheart, I also came to… apologize about getting you and your daughter arrested.” I paused. My daughter? Did she mean Galaxy? “I really jumped to conclusions but um… they found who they were looking for. It turns out it was the other nurse… what was her name.. Oh! Screw Loose… The one that barks like a dog. Nurse Coldheart told me about her suspiciousness—and I told Serenity to investigate her and it turns out that she did it.” She stepped inside as well. After a few hours of talking, the topic I feared the most came up. “About your necklace.” Medley began. “That necklace is an amethyst, infused with the fire of a dragon—a fully grown dragon.” I stared at it. “For now, take it off. People are beginning to ask about them.” I took mine off. “Keep it safe, and when it’s time to wear it, we will find you.” “Who’s ‘we’?” I asked. “Brilliant Bloom and I will find you. Also, say ‘hello’ to Nurse Loveheart for me. It’s been a while since I’ve seen her—and I was too delirious to see her while I was hospitalized.” Everyone who had come to visit was slowly walking out the door. “One more thing.” She waited until everyone was gone. “Keep it a secret.” I nodded. She pulled off her eye patch, I braced myself to see an infected, gory hole, but instead, was an eye, just like her other. No sign of injury. I stared in disbelief. She smiled and put it back on. “Remember. Shhhh.” What was going on with Medley? Her eye was obliterated. And she certainly did not have a glass eye in place of it—it was a real one. I shook the vision from my head—but it wouldn’t leave. ____________________________________________________________ Any commentary, grammatical corrections, etc are always welcome. If you have any questions, fear not to ask.