//------------------------------// // Chapter 12; Unexpected Visitors // Story: Shattered // by BronyNeumo //------------------------------// Chapter 12 “What? You told them where she was?” “I’m sorry! They just… they seemed so upset… like they wanted to know their daughter was ok.” Fluttershy choked on her words between deep breaths as she ran, her wings twitching at her sides. Twilight still struggled to keep up. “I didn’t know what to do.” “Fluttershy, wait! Slow down, no; stop!” Twilight gasped as her friend finally put the brakes on, the pair halting just on the outskirts of Ponyville. Twilight quickly pushed her up under the cover of a low-hanging tree, falling into the shadows as some passers-by strode into town. “Are you crazy? We can’t just go running through town! Everypony will know something’s up!” Fluttershy’s voice rose to an unnaturally high octave, as her eyes grew wide in near panic. “We have to! There’s no time!” “Hang on.” Twilight laid a hoof over her friend’s shoulder, and shivered as she felt the rapid beat of her pulse. “I don’t understand. I need time to think. Why’d they come looking for you first?” Fluttershy ruffled her feathers and glanced skyward, biting her lip. “Twilight I’m very sorry but I don’t think we should stop we should get there right now before something bad happens.” Fluttershy began shifting about nervously, as if she couldn’t decide whether to take flight and beeline directly to Rainbow Dash or to simply cower behind her mane. A part of Twilight’s mind, even working at as furious a clip as it was, registered how abnormally firm and forward a manner of speech the other mare had worked up the resolve to maintain. If not for the deafening whirlwind of conflicting emotions and stress she was experiencing at the moment, she might have even found time to feel proud of her friend. “Easy there. I’m just as worried as you are, but we shouldn’t panic, ok? There’s no way we can just go waltzing into town. It’ll draw suspicion right to Rainbow Dash.” “What if she needs us? We should go now.” “Fluttershy, I promise I will get us there as quickly as possible. But right now, we need to be calm. We need to think for just a moment. Now, please, tell me why they came to you.” Fluttershy was still shaking uncomfortably, but she managed to nod and draw in a few calming deep breaths, allowing her anxieties to peter out, if only for a moment. “Rainbow Dash and I were such good friends in Cloudsdale, I saw her parents almost every day. Even after Rainbow Dash ran away from home, I kept in touch with them. Then when I moved here and Rainbow found me, I told them about it, just to let them know she was safe.” Fluttershy took another deep breath, but her jitters seemed to have returned. “Then just a moment ago they came to my house and they were asking where she was and I panicked! I didn’t know what to do and they seemed so upset so I told them she was at the hospital and then they left and then I felt really bad so I went to find you but you weren’t at the library and now we really need to go make sure she’s ok please Twilight we need to go!” Her breaths descended from a calm rhythm into uncontrolled hyperventilation, her words bleeding together to form one barely coherent sentence. Twilight nodded quickly. “Alright, I get it. I understand. Here, grab my hoof, and hold on tight.” Deftly, Fluttershy reached out and wrapped her own hoof around her friend’s, “Wh—why should I…” She trailed off as she noticed an arcane purple hue begin to light up her friend’s horn. “Because…” Twilight grunted, “This’ll probably be a bumpy ride.” With a flash and bang like lighting and a small, terrified ‘eep’ lost to the overpowering roar, the two ponies vanished. ======================================================================== The hospital room had fallen into a pensive, uncomfortable silence by the time Nurse Redheart slipped out the door and let it shut gently behind her. She could sense, like an electric jolt running down the length of her neck, that the three ponies within might best be left alone. With every step she took, however, the irrepressible sparks of doubt and guilt pricking at the back of her mind grew ever more persistent; so much so that she found herself full-on running—and having to skid to a halt—by the time she reached Doctor Stable’s office. He was fast asleep, leaning back in his chair with his hind hooves resting on the edge of his desk, by the time she strode in. His chest rose and fell in simple, peaceful rhythm, his eyes closed lazily. Nurse Redheart faltered for a moment; unsure whether she should truly wake him. Her nagging, biting conscience, however, finally convinced her. Wary of jolting him awake too suddenly, she first tried getting a gentle stir out of him, but after several repeated whispers of his name, he still slumbered on. Finally, with a sigh, she stepped nearer to him and cleared her throat rather loudly. “Doctor!” “Gah! Where’s the fire?” “No, it’s only me, doctor.” The stallion took a few deep breaths before leaning forward in his chair and lifting his hooves to rub at the latent weariness in his eyes. “Whew…. Nurse Redheart. You had me…” He yawned once, stretching his fore hooves at odd angles, “You frightened me there. What is it?” “I’m sorry to disturb you doctor, but there’s…” She paused; words suddenly failing her. “A situation has come up.” The other sighed and dropped to the floor, rolling his head from side to side so that a few audible cracks could be heard coming from his neck. The nurse winced at the sound. “Well, I suppose I never could get any decent sleep around here anyway. What sort of situation?” After a few seconds of hesitant silence, Nurse Redheart finally decided that being clear and forward was the best course of action. “Rainbow Dash’s parents are here.” Doctor Stable started at the statement, his eyes going wide and the last thoughts of getting back to his nap suddenly banished form his mind. “Well, that’s certainly unexpected.” The nurse nodded. “I had the same thought when they approached me a my desk. I thought the father looked familiar, but I just couldn’t be sure until he showed me his card.” “Are they still in the lobby now?” Redheart winced. “Well, no. I let them back to see their daughter. They’re with her now.” At this, the doctor’s gaze hardened, and his eyes narrowed as he leaned slightly forward, worry and a touch of anger seeping into his voice. “Didn’t I expressly tell you not to allow anyone access to Rainbow Dash?” She stood up just a little taller and matched his gaze. “You told me to use my own judgment to decide if anypony had a reason that warranted them access. They being her parents, I made the call that they had reason well enough.” The doctor blinked a few time before he relaxed, his body noticeably settling into a less tense stance. “Well, I suppose I can’t fault your logic. I wish you would have consulted me first, though.” “I didn’t get an opening to ask you privately. The two of them were too insistent to break away from.” “I see… shall we walk?” The doctor gestured out the door, in the direction of the recovery suites. “I suppose I should meet them. I’d like to get an eye for their interaction with her as well, from what I gather from her friends, her parents have never come around before. I don’t recall their names even coming up in conversation.” The nurse frowned as the two strode back out into the corridor. “That is true. I do find it odd that we were never even instructed to inform them of her condition.” The doctor nodded. “Which, of course, begs the question, why do they drop in now, of all times, and more importantly, how did they find out in the first place?” “I’d wager they read it in their newspaper this morning. No doubt the news has reached Cloudsdale by now.” “Indeed. I’m more interested in knowing how they knew she was being held at this hospital, though. Especially if neither we nor Twilight Sparkle told them.” “Maybe there’s a reason they were never told? What if they and their daughter don’t get along? I didn’t even think of that, I was too shocked when they came in.” “They’ve been together for a few minutes now. I’m sure any underlying animosity would have—” “GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT!” “—surfaced by now…. Well, I suppose that answers that question. Let’s go.” The two medical professionals took off running down the long hallway, stopping only outside the door before barging in on the scene. An icy, piercing glare had set itself upon Rainbow Dash’s face, her magenta eyes staring daggers across the room at the present mare and stallion. She had jumped up in her bed, blankets cast aside, and stood atop the sheets, a pillow clenched tightly in her jaws. Her tail swished back and forth. Her wings were spread to what seemed their fullest extent, twitching erratically at her sides, as if she were trying to make herself appear bigger, and all the more threatening. Beyond the wild look on her face, and past the seething, the flared nostrils and the chill of her gaze, however; her eyes betrayed fear; fear and the look of a wild animal cornered with nowhere to run. A lamp lay uselessly on the floor where it had been knocked and sent flying from its place on the nightstand, a scattered collection of get-well cards blown down from their own positions and strewn helter-skelter about the tiles as well. The water from a long forgotten, upended glass spread its way slowly, almost comically so, into a puddle on the floor between the frantic mare and her startled, hesitant parents. Wide-eyed, stunned into silence, and far less than composed, the pair could only weather their daughter’s sharp gaze. To his credit, Doctor Stable reacted to the situation far quicker than Nurse Redheart had assumed he—having only been woken moments before—could. “What is going on here?!” He bellowed, just as the pillow left Rainbow Dash’s mouth and was sent into a soaring arc across the room. An older, deep pink pegasus mare with a shock of unkempt electric blue for a mane and tail ducked, the projectile narrowly skimming her head. There was fear in the mother’s eyes when she stood up again. “Please, Rainbow Dash! We’re sorry! We just want our daughter back!” “NO! You hurt me! You rejected me! I don’t want you here—I never wanted to see you again!” “We were wrong! We were so wrong, we just—” “You had your chance. I don’t want you here. Get out!” Doctor Stable rushed forward, interposing himself between the distraught mare and the bewildered couple, he turned on the two, fixing them with a hard, unshakable gaze. “That’s quite enough.” His attention settled on the stallion, who, behind a wavy frock of familiar rainbow hair, seemed to harbor a gaze just as determined as his own. “Sir, I fear your presence will disrupt the fragile psychological state of my patient. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” “Not just your patient, but our daughter. We’ve got just as much a right to see her as anypony.” “I understand your concern, but her precarious condition trumps whatever else may concern you. Keeping her in a safe, sound place is my top priority right now.” The other stallion’s voice remained calm, yet resolute. “I’m sure you’ll agree that this is a family matter. We’ll stay, thank you very much.” Nurse Redheart had backed herself up against the wall and hid her mouth behind a hoof, her mind balking at the clamor and upheaval, the blame for which seemed to rest squarely upon her shoulders. The sudden sound of hooves sliding on linoleum added to the overall noise, yet brought the nurse back into focus as Twilight Sparkle, her face awash with concern, and a very frazzled-looking Fluttershy slid into the room. “Nurse Redheart! What’s happening?” She tried to speak coolly over the din, but found it a struggle just to make herself heard. “It’s her parents. We fear they’re distressing her too much, but we’re having trouble extricating them from—” “I said I don’t want you here!” Nodding once, Twilight dove right into the fray. “If everypony would just listen, I’m sure we can reach some…” “And just who are you?” The rainbow-maned stallion rounded on her, and she stood as tall as she could. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, I’m—” “I assure you, we have nothing but our little girl’s best interests at heart.” “I hate you both!” Rainbow Dash growled, having jumped to the ground, a front hoof pawing at the tile floor. “Sir, I must insist that you leave before she becomes even more distraught.” Doctor Stable fixed them with an even sterner gaze, but only received twin looks of defiance in return. “We’re not going anywhere.” “Please, I don’t want to have to beg, but…” “We’re NOT going anywhere.” “GET OUT!” “Just be reasonable now. There’s no need for temper.” The doctor cautioned; worry creased his face. “She’s our daughter, we have rights—” “You’re causing her undue distress.” “You’re the one causing undue distress!” The pink mare snapped, her fixed gaze stone cold. Rainbow Dash growled once more; Doctor Stable glanced back at her in alarm before advancing upon the couple. “I’m only going to ask you one more time.” “We are NOT going—” “EVERYPONY QUIET!” The chaotic racket of only seconds before was instantly replaced by perfect, dead silence, as six heads immediately spun towards the source of the overwhelming cry. Six pairs of eyes stared, bewildered, at Fluttershy, her eyes wide, her breaths coming one after another in quick succession, her stare flicking alternately from face to face as she searched the room. Each of the other assembled ponies stared back at her in wonder, astonished, their thoughts coming up blank, for several seconds. Twilight was the first to shake her head clear of the enchantment, and she cleared her throat. “Right. Well, thank you, Fluttershy.” She rounded on mother and father; neither spoke up. “Now, Mr. and Mrs., erm… Dash?” The stallion nodded, clearing his throat. “Spectrum, and my wife, Firefly.” “Right. As Rainbow Dash’s acting attorney, in the interest of preserving my client’s mental stability and overall health, I must ask you to leave immediately.” Spectrum frowned. “Look. I’m not going to answer to some—” Twilight stepped forward, putting her muzzle right near his and locking gazes with him. Startled, the bigger stallion jerked backwards, while Twilight held her stare, so close she could taste his breath on her tongue. “If you remain, I will be forced to levy legal action against you.” Their staring match lasted but a few more brief, yet anguishing, instants before Spectrum faltered and looked away. Twilight let a satisfied grin slip onto her face. “Good. Fluttershy will escort you out.” Looking for only the briefest moment like he was going to lodge another protest, the stallion’s mouth hung open for a second before he shut it and strode quickly from the room. Twilight’s gaze settled upon his wife, and she glanced away, frowning, her eyes awash with guilt. “I’m sorry about him. He can lose his temper sometimes, but he’s a good pony, really.” She began to walk towards the door as well, and was followed by Fluttershy. Just as she left, Firefly cast a single forlorn glance over her shoulder, back at her daughter. “Despite what you may think of us, we really do love you, Rainbow.” She turned tail and walked from the room, and Fluttershy let the door close behind them. When they were gone, Twilight stepped backwards, breathing a deep sigh in relief. “There, now that’s… that’s more like it.” She glanced around the room, but stopped when she heard faint sniffling from behind her. “Rainbow? Are you ok?” She turned around and nearly jumped at the sight of her friend, slumped over and clutching at the bed for support. There were tears in her eyes. Twilight rushed over to her. “I don’t understand. Why did they come back? All these years. I thought… I thought they hated me. And I hated them. I’m so confused!” Rainbow Dash choked, punching the mattress with a firm hoof. “I’m so confused!” Twilight bit her lip, grabbing her friend’s fore leg before she could do anything else to potentially hurt herself. “It’s alright, Rainbow. Things are just…” She paused for one tiny instant—one instant entirely too long—grasping about in the darkness for the right word while Rainbow Dash’s watery gaze searched her, “difficult now. Everything’s going to work out. You’ll see.” “You don’t know that.” “It’s going to be ok. I will make it ok.” “How can you say that? How can you look me in the eye and say that when you have no idea, when you can’t possibly have any idea, what’s going to happen?” She struggled the restraint, but Twilight held firm. Finally, adrenaline spent, Rainbow Dash collapsed into her friend’s waiting grasp, broken sobs leaking from a spent shell of a pony. “Why did they have to come back? Why couldn’t they just stay away? I didn’t want to see them; I never wanted to see them again. Why are they here?” “I don’t know, Rainbow. Maybe they really were just worried about you?” “They don’t care about me. They didn’t care when I left, so why should they now?” Doctor Stable cleared his throat as he approaching, bringing both mares to glance over toward him. “Sometimes ponies really can change, even if you don’t expect it. I won’t pretend to know much about your relationship with your parents, Miss Dash. But whatever happened between you, it sound like they’re willing to try and make amends. At least, so long as another shouting match doesn’t develop.” Rainbow shook her head, still leaning against Twilight. “I don’t believe it. They didn’t care then and they don’t care now. All these years and I never even saw them, not once.” The elder shrugged. “That’s merely the opinion of a humble doctor. You can take it or leave it.” Looking over at her friend, Twilight frowned. “How you feeling, Rainbow? Can you stand?” “Yeah…” The pegasus pushed up, getting on top of wobbly legs. “I got it.” Twilight frowned at her in concern. “No, I got it. Really.” “Alright.” Twilight looked over at the stallion. “Doctor, may I have a private word?” “Certainly.” Nurse Redheart muttered something about getting a rag for the spilled water and left the room as the two unicorns met by the door. Twilight dropped her voice to a hushed whisper. “Does this affect our plans at all? I’d still like to move Rainbow out of here tonight, although I understand if this happening has you wanting her under closer observation for a little while longer.” “Normally, I’d be inclined to say yes, but this situation is rather unprecedented. I should ask, do you really think it’s wise to take her out of our care, after what we just saw?” “I think this event underscores my original idea in removing her. I think it’s more imperative now than ever that she be taken to a more isolated location.” The doctor nodded. “In that case, I’ll gladly defer to your judgment. Although, I do think you should ask her first.” Twilight glanced over at Rainbow Dash, who pawed at the ground, stopping to pick up her scattered cards, carefully, one-by-one. Her feathers rustled uncomfortably, and she kept stealing glances up at the other two. “Hm. You’re probably right.” Twilight trotted back over to her friend, who looked up, one of Pinkie Pie’ extravagant cards hanging from her mouth. “Well, Rainbow, how are you feeling?” The other mare gingerly set the card back down on the nightstand. “Never better.” She mumbled dryly. Twilight frowned. “Ok, Rainbow Dash, listen. I think it’s time to check you out of the hospital and get you someplace safer.” “Someplace safer? What do you mean?” “Fluttershy’s. My idea is to get you further out of the public eye, and I think you’ll be more comfortable there. The question is, do you feel up for it?” “Yeah, I guess so.” Twilight arched her brow; her frown still prevalent. “Are you sure? Because after what just happened, maybe—” “I’m fine, Twilight. My parents just… surprised me. I’m totally fine, really.” “Are you sure?” “Look, Twilight. I’m not a baby. You don’t have to fuss over me all the time. I’m fine.” Still unconvinced, Twilight shrugged and turned back around. “What do you think, doctor?” “I suppose it’s settled then. Rainbow Dash leaves the hospital tonight.” Outwardly, Twilight smiled, but within, she couldn’t help but feel anxiety begin to prick at the nape of her neck. ======================================================================== It was well past midnight when Twilight finally deemed the town quiet enough for her plan. Shops and businesses had closed down for the night, and the last few ponies milling about in the town square and various late-night watering holes had finally managed to stumble back into their homes. Candles and lights in windows were winking out, leaving the streets awash in darkness. The sky above was still and clear, bearing a tapestry of distant, twinkling stars and a waning moon to light the town in its soft glow. A cold wind blew in from the mountains, standing tall and pitch black against the starry night sky in the gloomy distance. The disturbance rustled the thatched roofing on some houses, sent crisp, weary leaves flying long into the night, and bit through the exposed fur to the flesh of the unicorn and her friends as they made their way hastily up the path towards the hospital—their shivers and the ever-accumulating dead leaves skittering across the cobblestones betraying that winter was not far around the corner. It was well past the hospital’s normal visiting hours. Even so, behind drawn blinds and the glass doors, a fully lit lobby shone like a beacon out into the night. The hospital, at such an early hour of the morning, would have usually been pitch black, just as the rest of the town, but to Twilight Sparkle, the light signified that another piece of her plan had fallen into place, and she let show a little grin. Beside her, Fluttershy shivered slightly in the wind, and Applejack readjusted her hat more firmly atop her head. Twilight squinted ahead of her, and could barely make out the shape of a figure standing near the doorway. As she approached, she heard the sharp metallic sound of bolts clicking as the doors unlocked and swung outwards, allowing Nurse Redheart to step out into the cold night air. She yawned as they approached. “Good evening, Miss Sparkle. Or should I say good morning? It is rather early.” “Sorry, Nurse. There were ponies out in the square later than I’d anticipated. I didn’t want to risk being seen.” “That’s quite alright.” The Nurse leaned back into the lobby and gestured somepony to follow. “We were more than happy to stay up.” Draped in a thick gray cloak, Rainbow Dash stepped out from the hospital to stand amongst her three friends. “I still don’t get why I have to wear this stupid thing.” “Well, it wouldn’t due to have anypony recognize you.” Twilight reasoned, “Plus, it is pretty cold out tonight. I’m starting to wish I’d brought a scarf, myself.” “Fine. But I’m still not happy about it. I can’t move my wings under this thing.” She shifted around a bit, glancing out over her friends. “Where’s Rarity and Pinkie Pie?” Applejack stepped forward, nodding gently. “Rarity sends her best, but she said she had a long day and needed her ‘beauty sleep’. And Ah stopped by Sugarcube Corner earlier. Mrs. Cake says Pinkie is doin’ much better, but she turned in early for th’ night.” “Will that be all, Miss Sparkle?” “Oh yes. Thank you, Redheart. And be sure to get some rest!” “Way ahead of you, there.” She yawned once more, stepping backwards into the lobby. “Good night, and good luck.” Twilight nodded her thanks, and as the group of four set off, the doors shut behind them, and the lobby’s lights went out, plunging the hospital, like the rest of the town, into darkness. Their journey through town proceeded uneventfully. Before long, the group was out on the road to Fluttershy’s cottage, drinking in the cold night air and the shrill noise of crickets and other late-night creatures sounding off in the distance. Rainbow Dash had let the hood of her cloak fall, allowing the chilly breeze to wash over her, ruffling her mane and sweeping away her worries on a torrent of cool, numbing bliss. After a while, Applejack fell into step beside Twilight, leaning over to whisper in her ear. “Twi, could Ah have a word with ya, privately?” Wordlessly, the unicorn nodded, and the two dropped back behind Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, who kept walking ahead. If the two pegasi noticed their friends’ sudden absence, they did not let on. “What’s going on, AJ?” Twilight spoke quietly, just as soon as she was sure they were out of earshot. “Remember our conversation this mornin’? Well, Ah met Rarity this afternoon and we took the girls back ta the farm. We told ‘em everythin’.” Twilight felt a sinking sensation in the bottom of her gut. “How… how did they take it?” “Applebloom and Sweetie Belle took it pretty well, Ah think. But Scootaloo seemed a might upset.” “I can imagine. It must’ve been hard for her, given how much she idolizes Rainbow.” “No kiddin’. Poor filly took it pretty hard. We’re lettin’ her an’ Sweetie Belle stay over at the farmhouse tonight—Mac’s watchin’ ‘em—but Ah don’t think it’ll help much.” “No, most likely not. I don’t think there is much we can do for her. Let her parents talk it over with her, maybe.” “Ah did have one other idea, but you’re probably right, Twi.” Twilight shook her head. “You know, sometimes, I really wish I wasn’t.” The distant cry of an owl caught her attention, but she soon dragged herself back to the matters at hoof. “So, what was your ide—wait, what’s going on up there?” Her gaze idly drifted across the two ponies in front of them, but was caught by the shadows moving further up the road, unidentifiable in the gloom, though Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had halted in their tracks. Twilight squinted into the darkness. “No. It can’t be.” She charged forward. “It can’t be!” Applejack jumped up in hot pursuit. “What is it, Twi?” Even in the dim moonlight, as she got closer, the shadows materialized before Twilight’s eyes. She could have no doubts about their identity now. “Rainbow Dash’s parents. They must’ve been waiting at Fluttershy’s cottage.” “What? Her parents? Those two are back now?” Applejack’s voice suddenly dripped with anger, and she picked up her pace, easily speeding past Twilight and skidding to a stop in front of Rainbow Dash. “Git out o’ here! Y’all ain’t wanted ‘round here!” “Please!” Firefly wailed form the darkness, “Please just let us speak to our daughter!” “Ah’m not lettin’ nothin’ o’ the sort. Not after everythin’ y’all’ve done.” “You don’t understand, we just want to speak with her.” “AH understand perfectly well! Ain’t nothin’ doin’!” When Spectrum finally spoke, his voice was calm, mellow, carrying through the crisp night air as if across the surface of a still lake. “We’ve made our fair share of mistakes. Allow us to make them right again. We just want to talk. That’s all.” The stallion stepped closer, out of the darkness, his mane of familiar rainbow hair distinctly visible in the faint blue glow. Applejack growled at him, stepping forward to shield her best friend with her body. “Ah’ve heard enough. Obviously it ain’t too safe ‘round here. Come on, Rainbow. Ah’ll take ya to mah place. You’ll be safer there.” She turned, looking back behind her, but Rainbow Dash merely stared forward, as if lost in thought. “Rainbow?” The pegasus shook her head. “No…” she whispered, before closing her eyes once and holding them shut for few seconds. When she opened them, a spark of determination lit up her magenta irises. “No. I’m tired of running, and I’m tired of hiding. I’m done. I don’t care anymore.” Her gaze shifted from Applejack to the two ponies standing just past her, looking expectantly upon their daughter. “Mom, Dad… I’m ready to talk.”