Beep… Beep… Beep
That sound was all too familiar. I knew exactly where I was but I couldn’t believe it.
I fell, how am I alive?
I should be nothing more than a gory mess in the middle of nowhere, how is this possible?
Beep. Beep. Beep
“His heart rate is increasing! I must go fetch the doctor!” A familiar voice filled my ears.
I lay still, trying to hear what was going on around me. I heard hoof steps and then a door close. A sweet soft voice spoke gently in the now quiet room.
“Brandon…” I recognised the voice as my dear Fluttershy’s, “I don’t know if you can hear me…”
All was quiet for what seemed like a millennia before I felt two fore hooves on the bed next to me. her gently voice broke the silence again.
“But if you can, I want you to know… I need you… please,” I could tell in her voice that she was crying, “Please, fight through this… for me.”
This was all I needed to hear, trying with all the effort left in my broken body I shifted my hand to hold her hoof. She gasped lightly at the touch, straining to open my eyes I managed to peek through half closed lids to where my Fluttershy was sitting.
She was wide eyed but those big teal eyes were filled with tears, tears of happiness or tears of sadness I could not be sure.
Mustering the strength to speak, I muttered her name, “Fluttershy…”
She broke down in front of me, her tears rolling down those soft cheeks. My heart melt as I watched the pony I so dearly care for cry in front of me, wanting nothing more than to give her a comforting hug but my body was too weak.
“Fluttershy… I lov-“
“Shhh,” She interrupted, placing her fore hoof gently on my lips, “Save your strength.”
Although tears rolled down her cheeks she managed a small smile.
The door swings open and in trots the Doctor followed by Nurse Redheart. The Doctor is smiling at me.
“This is very good, he’s awake!” He cheered, “Mr. Brandon, you will begin to recover even faster now that you’re conscious.”
Fluttershy smiled at the Doctor and then at me.
“So he’s going to be okay?” Asked Fluttershy, she feared the worst.
“I’m afraid it’s too early to say yet but his broken bones have healed in remarkable time thanks to his Unicorn friend.”
I raised my eyebrows and looked at the Doctor questioningly.
He began to explain, “Your friend Miss. Sparkle has been coming in every day since you arrived here and using some new spells she learnt to help speed the healing process along. Good thing too otherwise you may have not made it.”
I was smiling on the inside, the fact that my friends would not give up on me even when the odds were against us gave me comfort. I turned my head to face Fluttershy. The Doctor cut in, “Fluttershy here has not left your side since you were admitted to this Hospital three days ago.”
“Three days?” I looked into Fluttershy’s eyes and saw nothing but love and compassion, she truly was special to me and I knew I meant the same to her.
“If it were three days or forever, I would never leave you.” She whispered gently as we stared into each other’s eyes.
I hadn’t noticed when the Doctor signalled silently for himself and Nurse Redheart to leave the room. It was the gentle click of the door securing shut that reminded me where I was.
“So Twilight saved me?” I asked Fluttershy.
“Oh yes, when you fell,” She shuddered, “You fell through the tallest trees branches, slowing your fall enough to not be fatal.” She looked down and her lower lip quivered.
Reaching up and bringing her chin up so her eyes met mine I said, “Hey, there’s no reason to be upset. We’re both here and very much alive.” I smiled at her.
Looking away from my stare she gently whispered, “I wasn’t strong enough to carry the both of us, it’s my fault you fell…” The tears formed in her eyes again.
“Oh Fluttershy, you may not have been strong enough to carry us both in the air; but it was your strength that kept me alive in here.” I whispered.
She again looked up to meet my gaze and a smile crept across her lips, “Thank you.” She lent in a kissed me on the cheek. She pulled back and let out a small yawn.
“Have you slept much?” I asked.
“Not as much as you.” She responded and we both chuckled.
I slid over on the hospital bed and pat the empty space next to me, “There’s room up here.” I smiled.
She smiled back and climbed gently onto the bed, lying on her side she shuffled back until my chest was pressed against her. I gently ran my fingers through her mane and she sighed softly, reaching around and pulling her closer into my embrace; we drift off into a peaceful slumber.
----------------------------------------------------
Knock, Knock, Knock
“Huh?” I grunt as I lift my head from the pillow.
Oh, the door…
Looking next to me, I see my sweet yellow Pegasus still sleeping comfortably. I can’t help but smile at her but quickly divert my attention to the door.
“Come in.” I try to whisper loud enough for the visitor to hear but quietly enough not to wake the sleeping Pony.
The door creeks open slowly and a familiar face pops her head through the door, “Am I interrupting?” Twilight asks.
I bring a finger to my lips to signal silence and Twilight quickly nods her head. She opens the door just enough to sneak through and closes it gently behind her.
I gently speak, “What can I do for you Twilight?”
“I’m just here to give you one last dose of the healing spell I learnt, the Doctor says after one more session you should be able to get out of here.” She whispers.
“Oh, that’s fantastic news! Just let me wake Fluttershy.” I say a little louder. Turning to the sleeping Pegasus, running my fingers through her mane and whispering gently in her ear she stretches out her legs and shivers, “Good morning Brandon.” She says sleepily.
She rolls over on the bed and catches a glimpse of Twilight, getting up and off the bed in a split second the Pegasus blushes. “Hello Twilight.”
Twilight hid a small chuckle behind her foreleg. Regaining her composure she said, “Hello Fluttershy.”
Fluttershy only blushed harder and hid it behind her mane.
Noticing that Fluttershy was quite embarrassed that her friend had caught her and me in bed together I cut in, “So Twilight, is there something we can do for you?”
Twilight turned her attention back to me, “Didn’t the Doctor tell you I would be stopping by?” She asked, “To help your recovery with magic.” She answered her own question.
Suddenly realizing that the Doctor had indeed told me about my last session of healing magic today I felt quite stupid for not remembering.
“Ah, yeah he did tell me… it just slipped my mind.” I rubbed the back of my neck trying to hide my embarrassment.
“You were distracted by other means, it’s quite alright.” She mocked me and winked at Fluttershy.
Both Fluttershy and I refused to make eye contact with one another or the purple Unicorn standing before us.
“Can we just get this over with? The Doc said I could leave after my last session.” I plead with Twilight.
“Of course!” She laughed, “I’m ready when you are.”
“Alright, let’s do it.”
Twilight simply nod her head and closed her eyes, her horn began to glow in a familiar fashion as to when Rainbow Dash and I were at her home having the cloud walking spell cast on me. I closed my eyes and soon enough felt my body surrounded with unnatural warmth. The feeling was being absorbed into my body, spreading throughout my limbs and passing through my chest. The feeling died down and eventually disappeared, I opened my eyes.
“How do you feel?” Fluttershy gently asked whilst looking concerned.
“I feel… good. Actually I feel great!” I exclaimed.
“I’m glad to report that nothing has gone wrong, you should be able to get out of that bed.” Said Twilight.
Without wasting any time, I swung my legs around to the side of the bed and stood up, my knees buckled and I would have fallen if Fluttershy had not caught me and helped me to stand up straight.
“Take it easy Brandon, you may no longer be injured but you did just spend 3 days lying in a Hospital bed.” Twilight warned me.
“I guess I kinda forgot about that part.” I joked.
“Well I think it would be best if you were to take it easy for a few hours.”
“Yeah, you’re right Twilight. I need to rest.” I said as I sat back down on the edge of the bed.
“I’m sorry to have to leave in such a hurry but there are some things I must attend to back in town,” Twilight turned to leave but hesitated, “Oh I nearly forgot! This is for you.” She levitated a large brown box over to the bed. It was an ordinary looking box except for the large red ribbon tied around it.
“Who’s it from?” I questioned.
“Why don’t you open it and find out?” Twilight suggested with a smile.
Shrugging, I slid the box closer to myself. I un-wrapped the ribbon and pulled open the lid of the box. Inside was a pair of black jeans, a white formal shirt, a black jacket that looked somewhat pricey and a pair of black dress shoes in my size. I pulled out the jacket that was folded neatly inside and a small folded piece of paper fell into my lap.
“What’s this?” I asked no one in particular and opened the small note.
Dear Brandon,
A lady always keeps her promise. Your casual attire will be waiting for you at the boutique when you are ready to retrieve it, for now enjoy the suit and I hope you are feeling better soon.
- Love, Rarity.
A smile spread across my lips and I chuckled to myself. Even though I was hospitalized and my chances of survival were slim, Rarity still made the suit for me.
Twilight was smiling at me now, “I’m sure you’ll look amazing in your new suit.”
“I sure hope so.” I laughed.
“Again I’m sorry but I really do have to go now, so much to do.” She excused herself and left the room.
“That is a lovey suit Brandon.” Fluttershy commented quietly.
“Thanks Fluttershy, shall we see if it fits?” I asked with a smile.
“Oh yes.” She smiled back.
---------------------------------------------
Here I am, standing in front of a mirror wearing the nicest suit I have ever seen. Although the colours are quite formal the suit itself looked like it was suitable for everyday wear. I rolled the sleeves halfway up my forearm and didn’t bother to button up the front.
I look goooood…
“You look handsome.” Fluttershy interrupted my thoughts.
“Thanks Fluttershy.” I beamed at the yellow Pegasus.
“Do you think we could get out of this place though? I’m not a fan of Hospitals.”
“Oh, yes of course.” She replied.
Leaving the Hospital room we walked through the white corridors until we reached reception.
“Hi there, Brandon is checking out.” I said to the nurse working the front desk.
“Of course Mr Brandon, just sign here and you’re free to go,” Said the nurse.
Leaning down to sign the papers I scribbled my name in all the required places and placed the pen back down on the desk. “Thanks.”
“Thank you Mr Brandon, from all the staff at the Hospital we wish you good luck in your future and we hope to not see you in here again to soon.” She winked at me.
Simply nodding my head, Fluttershy and I head out the front doors of the Hospital.
Walking out of those big doors to be greeted by the sun light and birds singing was a good feeling. Taking a deep breath through my nose, I sighed with contentment.
“I think we should head into town and thank Rarity for the new clothes.” I said to Fluttershy.
She agreed and we started off down the road, heading for Ponyville.
It was a long walk, especially since my muscles were only now getting back into the swing of things; but it wasn’t too much trouble. It seemed the more I walked the more my muscles remembered their job and started moving with ease.
When we were but a few blocks away from the centre of town, we heard a scream. A pony I recognised as Carrot Top ran around the corner about 15 feet ahead of Fluttershy and I.
“Quickly Brandon help!” She turned and disappeared behind the corner.
Without hesitation my muscles kicked into over drive, someone needed help and I was going to do my best to help them! Running around the corner I caught a glimpse of Carrot Top’s tail disappear behind another corner not 20 feet away. Running as fast as my legs would allow me in their weakened state I rounded that corner to yet again see Carrot Top zip around another corner.
She needs to slow down or I’ll never catch her!
I neared the corner; turning left I realized I was on the main road of Ponyville. I came to a sliding halt and my jaw fell open at the sight before me.
“SURPRISE!” Yelled a chorus of ponies.
Party cannons were firing off, sending streamers and confetti all over the street as all of the ponies cheered. It looked like the whole damn town was here!
“What the?” I mouthed.
“Surprise!” Yelling in my ear, I turned to see no other pony than the infamous Pinkie Pie bouncing before me.
“Pinkie! You set this up?” I had to yell over the sound of the cheering ponies.
“Of course! You’re new here and everyone that I haven’t met before gets a party thrown for them!” She laughed and continued to bounce. “Are you surprised? Huh? Are ya? Huh? Huh?”
I laughed at the pink mare in front of me, “Very.”
She cheered and jumped in the air, confetti shooting out of her mane. She landed for a split second and then lunged at me, latching onto me in a hug.
“You know this isn’t only your welcome party but it’s also your ‘you’re-out-of-hospital-and-alive-from-a-near-death-experience’ party!” She blurted out.
Laughing at the pony hugging my side and tussling her pink mane and she smiled widely at me.
“Attention everyone,” came a voice over the speakers that had been set up around the street.
The ponies cheering and laughing died down and they all turned to where the speaker was standing, a large stage that had been built for just this occasion. Looking up at the stage I noticed it was Twilight Sparkle standing in front of the microphone.
“We all know why we’re here,” She began, “To welcome our dear friend Brandon to Ponyville and Equestria.”
“Ponyville rules!” came a male voice from the large crowd and everyone laughed and cheered.
“Yes, Ponyville does ‘rule’,” She chuckled.
“Our friend Brandon came here from a place unknown to us, he was alone and I’m sure quite afraid. But when my dear friend Fluttershy found him out on the road, he showed no signs of aggression or threat to her. She brought Brandon to me, granted I was unsure of him when we first met I quickly came to realize that he meant us ponies no harm. He has shown that he cares about his friends and that he would do anything to protect them, even if it might cost him his life.”
The crowd was silent; you could hear a pin drop. I was looking up at Twilight, lost in her words. It was almost as if she were speaking directly to me.
“He is and always will be a dear friend of not only myself but to ponies all over Equestria. We are here today to thank him for his kindness to those around him, his loyalty to his friends and most importantly, his friendship. We thank you Brandon.”
All eyes were on me, silence loomed around me. I took a step forward and then another, another and before I knew it I was walking onto the stage to meet Twilight. Our eyes locked I walked over to the purple Unicorn, knelt before her and pulled her into my embrace. The crowd roared and cheered as Twilight hugged me back. “Thank you Twilight.” I whispered into her ear.
“Thank you Brandon.” She whispered back.
We pulled from the hug and I stood up, the crowd still cheering and applauding. I took a bow and the cheering grew louder, some of the ponies in the crowd were whistling and the party cannons were firing off once again. I moved off the stage and down the steps to where my four friends and my special Pegasus were waiting.
“Ya’re a good fella Mr Brandon.” Said Applejack.
“Yeah, you sacrificed yourself to save Fluttershy. You’re a hero!” piped in Rainbow Dash.
“And that suit looks simply ravishing on you darling.” commented Rarity.
“You’re like a super hero without the costume!” added Pinkie Pie.
Fluttershy just smiled at me, I knew we were going to talk later.
Twilight caught up behind me and I turned my head to meet her, “You will always be our friend Brandon.” She smiled at me.
“Thank you, all of you this means so much to me.” Tears of happiness formed in my eyes.
“Group hug!” Pinkie Pie yelled.
Her arms extended to cartoon like lengths and she grabbed us all and pulled us into the hug. We all laughed and smiled even though we were squashed together like sardines in a can. Pinkie Pie released us and a screeching sound played over the speakers.
Everyone turned their heads to the stage to see a white Unicorn wearing purple tinted sunglasses with a multi-coloured electric blue mane.
“Hello Ponyville! Are you ready to party?” She yelled down the microphone.
The crowd once again cheered and roared.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” She smirked.
Pressing a button on a large black box in front of her, it transformed into a DJ station and multiple over-sized speakers. “Let’s get our wub on!” She cried out.
Flicking a few more switches, bass heavy party music was soon blasting out of the speakers and the ponies in the street cheered and started to dance.
“Ooo this is my jam! C’mon girls let’s dance!” Pinkie Pie squealed.
All of my friends went galloping off into the crowd except one. Fluttershy remained by my side.
“You don’t want to dance?” I asked her.
“Oh, um… I never was a good dancer.” She replied.
“Well maybe in that case you and I could head back to your place for a while? “ I hinted and winked at her.
She blushed and then said, “Oh, I think we have some time before anyone notices we’re gone.”
We hurried into a back street, out of sight. Running and giggling together we head back to our home.
Yep, I think everything is gonna be just fine…