//------------------------------// // Chapter 13 // Story: Rune Cascade // by Valtyra //------------------------------// Frederick felt numb. It was like someone had hit him with a shock rune, then repeatedly hit him with a war hammer; in short, he wasn’t feeling peachy. First, his sense of smell returned, “Alright,” he sniffed the air, “Disinfectant and linoleum, I’m in a hospital, or a morgue.” He thought to himself. What seemed like minutes, but could have been hours, his hearing returned. The sounds of ponies hoof steps echoed throughout the room, causing slight discomfort. Getting frustrated he still couldn’t move, he tried focusing on some of the sounds, to get a picture of where he was. He focused in on some ponies talking and figured out they were in the same room as him. They were whispering, obviously trying not to wake him up. They sounded familiar and he strained himself to hear them properly. “When do you think he’ll wake up?” “I don’t know Luna, when he’s ready I guess.” “Oh, the princesses...” he thought, “Why are they in the hospital?” Suddenly, Frederick could feel his body again; he wished he couldn’t. The pain was immense, infinitely worse than what teleportation could do to him. His body felt like it was melting from the inside out. Unfortunately, he couldn’t scream or move, meaning he had to silently take it; only an elevation in his heartbeat signalled anything happening on the monitor. A few hours passed with no changes. To pass the time Frederick would remind himself how to rebuild his machine, mentally tinkering with the design to streamline the process. Whenever he would have another flair of pain, it would always be less than before and soon enough he was barely feeling anything at all. Then the rest of his function returned. He opened his eyes and was greeted with darkness. “Oh great, I’m blind...” he though, before he turned and smiled when he saw the corridor light, “thank you...” Slowly, Frederick leaned up and reached a sitting position. He noticed all of the wires sticking out of his body and traced them back to the machines. To him they looked intimidating; Alaria didn’t have any technology like this and he didn’t even want to try and understand it, let alone fiddle with it. Looking down, he pulled the covers back and saw that this time, the hospital had put a gown on him, “most likely Twilight asked for me...” he smiled at the thought of her and fluffed a pillow up, move f it back so he could lean up. Frederick looked around the room. It was more furnished than his last hospital stay, with books, chairs, tables and another bed, “aw, they let Twilight sleep here,” he mumbled, looking it over. Frederick watched as a small colt walked past the room. He stopped, coughed and carried on past, dragging his IV stand alongside him. Frederick looked away and saw a jug of water and a glass. Not able to get out of bed, he saw no option than to use his magic to levitate them over. Sighing, he faces the glass and summoned his aura around the glass. Surprisingly, he found it easier than ever, plus it didn’t feel as numb as before; in face it was quite warm, like the heat on a summer’s day. Confused, he levitated the glass over and tried picking up the jug. While heavier it didn’t seem to bother him and a few seconds later he was holding both objects. He poured out some water and levitated the jug back over to its table. Taking a sip, he sighed in relief and downed the whole thing. He levitated the glass back over and laid back, “Ok, so my magic is stronger, why?” He muttered under his breath. Reaching out, he plucked a book from the shelf and examined the new feeling of his magic. It seemed to alternate between the feeling of a summers day and a spring night. “The only ponies to touch me with magic are the princesses...” he rolled his eyes, “they both teleported me, they must have affected my magic,” he pulled a few more books of the shelf and soon enough he was levitating four of them in the air, when he used to be able to do two at most, “not that I’m complaining...” he mumbled. He placed them back on the shelf and frowned. He wanted to see Twilight, to know if she was alright, but didn’t know if he was allowed out of bed. Soon the urge to see her was too tempting and he pulled the wires out, causing alarms to blare from the machines behind him. He looked back in shock and quickly got out of bed. He heard some ponies running outside and froze when a small group turned the corner and stopped, “You’re awake!” One of the group shouted. Frederick rolled his eyes, “Yes, now I want to see Twilight,” he asked. One pony stepped forwards, “I am Dr Heart Beat, please return to your bed until we can determine you can move about without injuring yourself.” This pony was wearing a white doctors coat had a brown mane with a green coat. He wore a pair of spectacles on his nose and was unicorn. Frederick had the idea of simply ramming past him, but that wouldn’t be the best move considering the pony was a unicorn and could render him in pain within seconds, plus it wouldn’t be a nice thing to do... “Alright, but I want to see her straight after.” “I will allow it for a short time,” the doctor replied, pleased that it worked. Frederick got back into bed and covered himself up, “So doc, how long was I out?” “Nearly three days,” Heart Beat replied, “It’s a Luna damned miracle you’re alive.” “How so?” Frederick asked, turning to face Heart Beat. “Princess Celestia teleported in with you and Miss Twilight, made a damn crater in the hallway, you didn’t have a pulse and we all thought you were going to stay dead...” Heart coughed, “anyway, Princess Luna siphoned off the magic that was stopping us from healing... whatever happened to you. You are the luckiest creature ever, seriously.” “Yeah, I guess I am,” Frederick replied, smiling. “Well, I better check if you can see your mare friend.” Heartbeat moves closer and pulled out his stethoscope. He brought it up and checked Frederick’s chest, “breath in,” he waited, “and out.” Frederick waited patiently as Heart Beat completed his tests. After about ten minutes, the doctor moved away. “Well, your luck doesn’t run out. You are pretty healthy after coming back from the dead,” he chuckled. “Gee thanks doc,” Frederick said, rolling his eyes. “Anyway, I can officially say,” he paused, “you can walk about.” “Good, now take me to Twilight, please,” he asked, getting out of bed and checking to see if he was decent. “Alright, but I have to warn you, she’s been sedated quite recently. If she wakes up, she’ll be groggy for a bit, then we’ll have to sedate her again.” “Why, what happened to her?” Frederick asked, suddenly worrying that Twilight was in a worse condition than he thought. “She become violent if she’s awake too long. We’ve tried to calm her down, but we can only do so much, maybe you can help her.” Heart Beat suggested, trotting to the door, “let’s go, we won’t have much time before she wakes up.” Frederick followed him to the door and around the corner, “We’ve had to keep you in a separate ward, the patients didn’t feel safe with you there, sorry.” Heart Beat said, looking back at Frederick with an apologetic expression. “Its fine, I’m used to it by now...” Frederick replied, shrugging, “I guess ponies don’t like change.” Heart Beat shook his head, “Tell me about it, I try and hell my patients and they don’t like the new ways I do things.” The pair walked down the corridor until they reached a set of double doors, “Alright, this is the ward where we are keeping Miss Sparkle, it has other ponies in it, and so don’t be alarmed if they get scared, a lot of them are in serious condition.” “I’ll be fine, just take me to her, please.” “Okay.” Heart Beat pushed the door open and walked through, followed by Frederick. Some of the ponies looked over and gasped, whispering to others about him, but otherwise just stood there and glared. They walked down the corridor and stopped outside one of the doors, “This is her room,” Heart said, checking the chart attached to the door, “she was sedated forty minutes ago. She should wake up soon.” Frederick looked into the room and saw Twilight hooked up to the machines and gripped the windowsill, “How long will you keep doing it?” “We’re not sure, we’ve been monitoring her each time she wakes up. We’ll stop once she does.” “What’s your opinion?” Frederick asked, looking into Heart’s eyes. Heart looked away and gulped, “We’re not allowed to say.” “Please, I need to know. This is all over my head, she’s all I have...” Heart Beat sighed, “The way I see it, we can’t do this forever; she’ll have to come off sedation. Once that happens, if she doesn’t stop hurting herself, she’ll be moved to a more secure facility; no pony wants that.” Frederick felt his breath catch, “You mean a psych ward?” He checked out, feeling tears start to well up. “Unfortunately, yes.” “How long until that is chosen?” “Maybe another week, hard to say.” Heart Beat said, looking into the room. “I’m sorry, but I have to go; I have other patients to check up on. I’ll be back later to see you.” Frederick nodded and watched as Heart walked away and disappeared through a set of doors. Turning to face the door, he pushed the whispering of the ponies out of his head and grabbed the handle. With a deep breath, he turned it and opened the door, walking in. Frederick levitated a chair over and sat down next to Twilight’s side. He held her hoof and waited for any sign of her waking up. He leaned back, keeping a hold of Twilight’s hoof and closed his eyes for second. “Why did this happen.” He thought to himself. About ten minutes passed before any sign occurred. Twilight grimaced and turned over, waking Frederick up. He leaned forwards and gripped her hoof with both hands, stroking her coat. “Twilight, I’m here,” he whispered. She turned to him and opened her eyes. They sparkled when she saw him, “Hey... you’re alive.” She mumbled, just loud enough for him to hear. “Yeah, I woke up a little while ago, how are you feeling?” He asked, looking her over. “My head hurts,” she said, her expression turning sad, “I’m sorry. You got hurt because of me. I’m so stupid.” She laughed, “Silly Twilight.” “No, I didn’t. I knew the risks and would do it again.” Frederick replied, cupping her cheek, “understand?” Twilight nodded, “My horn hurts...” she muttered, with a faraway look. “I know,” Frederick said, stroking her cheek, “try and sleep. It’ll get better.” She nodded and turned over, closing her eyes. Frederick continued to hold her hoof as she lay there; the only company being the heart monitors beep. A few minutes later, the nurse walked in, looked at Frederick with surprise and checked the time, “Is she asleep?” She asked. “Shh,” he motioned, “she just nodded off.” He whispered. “Oh, I guess I won’t need to sedate her this time; we’ll keep monitoring her though.” She looked back at Frederick, “I’ll ask to have you moved in here, and maybe it’ll help more.” Frederick nodded and the nurse walked out with a spring in her step. He turned back to Twilight and leaned back; he would help her through this, even if it killed him. ___ Celestia paces around her chambers, her anger rising, “Why would they do this?” She asked. “You know our subjects, they freak out at the tiniest thing they don’t understand,” Luna replied. She removed herself from the bed and walked over. She placed a hoof on Celestia’s shoulder, stopping her pacing. “Yeah, I know. But it doesn’t make it right.” “No, it doesn’t. At least Cadence was understanding,” Luna said, “she actually tried to help.” “Good, Twilight will need her.” Celestia looked away and walked over to her desk, “I will speak with her family; it’s simply disgraceful.” “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Luna asked, “Maybe you’re taking this a bit too hard?” “A bit too hard?” Celestia questioned, turning around to look at Luna, “sister, they called her a... Cross breeder and disowned her. She doesn’t deserve it!” “I know, but we are rulers we don’t get the right to meddle in private pony affairs. I learnt that the hard way.” “This is different,” Celestia retorted, “this is Twilight.” “What’s that got to do with it? You never did this with Star swirl.” Luna said, “What’s going on, sister.” “I, I’ve been feeling... protective of her lately, more than usual.” She said, looking away. “Oh.” “Indeed, I think I’m ready for one.” “Now? Isn’t it too early?” Luna asked. “Yes Celestia replied, “anyway, I have to talk to Shining Armour, his actions are unacceptable for a pony in his position.” “Do you want me to come with you, I was there.” Luna asked. “That won’t be necessary, I doubt he’d lie to me, especially with his wife there.” Celestia said. “Very well, I await your return.” Celestia teleported out of the room, leaving Luna alone. She warped outside the Sparkle household and sighed. Walking to the door, she knocked using her magic and waited for a reply. It came in the form of Twilight Velvet “Princess, what have we the honour?” “I need to talk to your son, is he in?” Celestia said, barely disguising her malice for the mare. “Uh, yes. Let me fetch him,” she walked inside for a few seconds and Shining walked to the door. “Princess,” he bowed, “it’s good to see you. What brings you here?” “You do, or more specifically your actions against one of my subjects.” “I’m sorry, I don’t know what you mean, and what pony do you mean?” He asked, causing Celestia’s anger to rise; thankfully she kept it simmering under the surface, unwilling to let it boil, lest she actually hurt this foal. “Frederick, the human. He is my subject and friend to both of your princesses. Your actions against him are unacceptable for somepony in your position. Therefore, you will be demoted back down to private and stripped of your medals.” “Are you bucking kidding me? That thing is rutting my sister and you punish me! She’s the cross-” “Say it and you will be sterilized!” Celestia shouted, “Twilight has earn the right to date who she wants to. Let me remind you that you rutted an insect for a while; you are in no position to say anything.” Shining looked away, a blush appearing on his face, “It’s no way for a mare to act.” he said, defiantly staring into Celestia’s eyes. “Really, your mother didn’t think to when she dated a gryphon, or dare I say, a dragon for a while. It was talk of the town.” “You lie!” He shouted, “She didn’t!” He said, gritting his teeth. “Maybe, ask her yourself.” Celestia smiled, “you will report for duty after a suspension, a week should do it. One more buck up and not even your wife will be able to save you. Celestia said, leaning down, “your family isn’t welcome at the castle anymore.” Celestia leaned back, giving a satisfied grin and teleported away, leaving Shining Armour standing on the doorstep seething with anger. ___ Twilight opened her eyes and turned to check if Frederick was still here. She smiled when she felt his hand hover her hoof and sighed with content as she turned her whole body to face him. She leaned down and kissed his hand, gently waking him up, “Frederick,” she whispered, nudging his hand. “Huh,” he jumped, “oh Twilight, you’re up.” He said, leaning forwards, “how do you feel?” “Better,” she smiled, “My headaches gone...” “That’s great, soon you’ll be out of here and back in Ponyville,” Frederick grinned, “Luna came by earlier, she stayed for a while, but had duties to see to. She thought it best not to wake you.” “That’s ok, it’s for the best...” Twilight said. She looked over towards the window and sighed. “What’s on your mind?” Frederick asked, rubbing her hoof. “Have my family come by to see me?” She asked, knowing the answer already. “I’m afraid not. Only Luna and your friends have.” “I see,” Twilight looked back at Frederick, “I’ve lost them, they don’t want me as their family now.” “They don’t deserve you then,” Frederick said, moving his chair closer to the bed, “I saw the way they looked at me. It’s my fault they did this, none of this is on you.” “No, I made the decision to kiss you and start this,” she replied, frowning, “I can’t believe mother said such things...” she trailed off, the words not needing to be said again. Frederick nodded, he knew all too well what family members can say to each other in anger; his father’s brother had almost broken apart the family, all over a business deal that went wrong, they haven’t spoken in over twenty years. A comfortable silence descended over the room, Twilight grimaced and moved over, making room for Frederick on the bed. Taking the hint, he got up and laid down next to her, placing an arm around her midsection and pulling her in. “Guess what happened to me this morning?” Frederick asked. “Hmm, you haven’t kissed me, so nothing?” She grinned and breathed deep as his lips touched hers. Her eyes fluttered closed as a warmth spread across her body. Leaning into the kiss, she moaned slightly and her face blushed crimson. Frederick reluctantly leaned back to catch his breath and saw Twilight slowly open her eyes; he felt entranced at that moment, unwilling to let that beauty go from his memory, lest he lose his mind. “Not such a bad day after all,” Twilight whispered as she inhaled. “Not at all, but you guessed wrong...” Frederick said, leaning in to whisper, “My magic grew stronger,” he grinned, “I would like you to teach me magic.” Twilight’s eyes flew open and she looked away, “I don’t think I’ll be the best teacher, she replied, looking up at her horn. “I didn’t mean right now. When you’re better, we could try it out, despite not being able to use them, I did research a little magic back on my world; otherwise I wouldn’t be able to use any.” Twilight thought about it for a second, before nodding, “Alright!” She said, receiving a kiss on the lips in return. “I knew you’d go for it, you can’t resist a challenge.” “You don’t know everything about me mister, maybe I don’t.” Twilight replied, raising an eyebrow. “Well then, I had better start studying up on you, hard.” “I look forward to it,” she grinned, leaning in for a kiss. ___ Fluttershy looked at the clock on the wall for the fifth time in a minute and whimpered, “Shouldn’t she be out by now?” She asked the group. Receiving nothing my annoyed looks she retreated back into her mane. Fluttershy, Rainbow, Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie sat in the waiting room. They had been called to the hospital by the Princesses themselves. They had all been picked up by royal carriage and brought to the landing pad on the roof, then escorted down to where they were. “Patience, my little ponies,” Celestia spoke as she entered the room, “you will see them shortly, it has been a trying day for every pony.” “Princess,” the group said, bowing. “Please, do not bow at this time,” Celestia said, “Follow me, I’ll take you to them.” The group nodded and followed the Princess out of the room. They saw that all the corridors that they walked down were completely empty. “Where’s all the ponies?” Rarity whispered to Applejack, who shrugged. Rarity rolled her eyes and stared ahead, deciding not to get into an argument. “How is Frederick?” Pinkie asked, hopping beside Celestia. She turned to Pinkie and smiled, “He’s doing well, and he was released a few days ago.” “And he stayed here?” “Indeed, he wouldn’t leave Twilight’s side.” Celestia grinned, much to the confusion of the group, “Ah, we’re here!” The princess stopped outside Twilight’s room and turned to the group, “They will be a bit delicate for the next few weeks, Twilight especially so; she went through things I’ve not the right to say." Celestas turned the handle and opened the door. The group walk into the room and rush over to Twilight’s bed. She was laying on the outside of the covers asleep, star swirls book on her chest; her leg occasionally kicking out. “Awl, she looks so cute like that...” Fluttershy mumbled, with a rosy face. “I know right,” Frederick agreed, turning his chair with magic to face the girls. They jumped back surprised by his presence, “Hey, I guess you heard Twilight is leaving today?” “Yes indeed,” Pinkie replied, grinning her signature smile. “It shouldn’t be too long, her horn needs to be tested one last time and then we can go.” “It looked bad before,” Rarity grimaced, rubbing her horn. “It was,” Frederick said, “but it’s over now. We just want to put it behind us.” “Darn right,” Applejack said. “What I want to know is, why didn’t any of you come to see me?” Frederick asked, leaning forwards. The group looked to each other and started sweating under his gaze. After half a minute Frederick leaned back and laughed, “There’s no hard feelings, you came and saw Twilight that’s more than enough for me.” The group wiped their collective brows and sighed, “Why did you stay? The hospital let you leave?” Pinkie asked bouncing up to him. “Well I couldn’t just leave her here, plus the food is delicious,” he grinned and turned to Twilight, then leaned over and poked her side, “Hey it’s time to get up.” The girls looked between Frederick and the now awake Twilight. “Hey, what gives?” Twilight shouted, pushing his hand away. She noticed her friends and clammed up, “Hi girls, what brings you here?” “We heard you were leaving and wanted to help,” Rarity replied, “I hope that’s ok. It’s a bit selfish to only let Frederick help.” Twilight and Frederick turned to each other and grinned, “I guess it is, sorry girls. I couldn’t resist her charm when she asked...” he trailed off. “What?” Applejack asked. “Girls, I have an announcement,” Frederick said moving onto the bed. “Twilight and I are dating.” Twilight hesitantly looked between Frederick and the girls with a look of uncertainty; she didn’t know how this would turn out and it would likely break her if they reacted the same way as her family. The girls looked to each other and then to Twilight’s hoof that rested on top of Frederick’s palm. “Congratulations!” Pinkie shouted, throwing confetti into the air, “I’m so happy right now, I could burst into treats!” Twilight’s smile grew with that and she turned to the rest. “I think it’s awfully romantic, you are a very lucky mare,” Rarity winked, causing Twilight to blush and look away. “I hope you will be happy together...” Fluttershy said smiling. “About time you found somepony, I was beginning to think you likes mares,” Applejack said, grinning. “That’s cool, I guess. Just your own alien colt friend!” Rainbow shouted, “seriously though, congrats.” Twilight couldn’t be happier, her friends had accepted her decision. She wrapped her legs around Frederick and was pulled into his embrace. The girls saw this and echoed, “Awe.” Twilight pulled away and blushed, “Girls, please,” she groaned. “Oh please Twilight, you should enjoy it,” Rarity said, “Girls, we should give them some privacy before we leave.” The group agreed and left the room, leaving Twilight and Frederick alone. “At last,” Twilight sighed. “I thought they would never leave,” Frederick said, using his magic to close and lock the door and flip the blinds. He then picked up Twilight in his magic and flipped her on her back. She squealed and grinned, “Oh yes,” she moaned as Frederick pressed his lips against her own. She writhed in pleasure as his hands trailed up her side. Frederick pulled away for breath and stared down into Twilight’s eyes, “how did I get so lucky?” He asked, whispering. Twilight stroked her hoof against Frederick’s chest, “I don’t know, I ask that every day.” He reached up and cupped Twilights cheek, rubbing his thumb against her coat, “Are you sure you want to leave, we can stay another night to be sure?” Twi looked away, “I need to get back to Ponyville, too many bad memories here now...” “Alright,” Frederick said, kissing her on the cheek, “let’s go, they are probably worried about us,” he grinned. Twilight hit him on the arm and slid out from under him. She caught a sneaky glance at his behind and blushed. She turned to the door, gripped the handle with her hoof and opened it. Frederick followed Twilight out of the room after picking up his jacket. “Has the doctor arrived yet?” He asked walking out. “Hello Frederick, I take it you’re well?” Hear Beat asked. “Very, thank you,” Frederick replied, “How about you?” “Can’t complain to be honest, lots of patients.” He said, smiling, “I’ve been told to handle your discharge papers.” “Great,” Twilight said, “I’d really like to go home.” “Of course, please follow me.” The pair followed Heart Beat down the corridor and towards the nurse’s station. He stopped and asked, “Twilight Sparkle’s discharge form please,” to one of the nurses that passed it over to him. Turning around he levitated a pencil and the form over to Twilight, “Please fill this in and you will be free to go.” Heart turned to look at Frederick, “Can I talk to you for a moment?” “Sure,” Frederick looked down at Twilight, “I’ll be right back.” She nodded and walked over to a chair then sat down; scribbling away at the form. “What do you need?” Frederick asked, walking over to Heart Beat, who moved out of Twilight’s hearing. “Twilight will be delicate for a while. I’d advise against anything that would make her uncomfortable, otherwise she might relapse back into violence,” Beat said bluntly. He sighed, “I’m sorry, it’s hard to hear.” “No, I’ll have to know. I’m willing to do anything to help her recover, you know this,” Frederick replied, looking over to Twilight, “I need her nearly as much...” He mumbled. “Say again?” Heart asked. “Nothing, don’t worry about it.” Frederick said, “Anyway, is there anything else I need to know?” “Yes, you will need to fetch this prescription from the pharmacy on your way out. It’s a cream designed to speed up the healing of her horn; we thought we would be able to use it here, but she recovered faster than expected, you will have to apply it at home.” Heart Beat shrugged, “You won’t have to use it for long, only a week or so, just until her horn has healed.” “Alright, looks good,” Frederick held his hand out, “Thank you for looking after us, I appreciate it.” Heart looked at his hand and after a couple of seconds understood. He shook Fredericks hand, “It’s no problem, just doing my job,” He said, humbled. “If you’re ever in Ponyville, look me up,” Frederick said, releasing Beat’s hoof. “I’ll make sure I do, it’s been a pleasure Frederick.” Twilight walked over and passed the form back to Heart Beat, “Done, can we go now?” She asked. “Yes, this looks to be in order,” Beat replied, “I don’t want to see you in here again, got it?” He said, smiling. “Oh don’t worry, we won’t be coming back to Canterlot for a while,” Frederick said. Twilight rolled her eyes and nudged Frederick in the leg, “Alright, we have to go, take care of yourself.” “Will do, bye!” Beat said, watching the two of them walk off down the corridor towards the pharmacy. Frederick held open the door for Twilight as she walked through, “Ah here they are,” Celestia said, turning towards them, “Took you long enough.” “Sorry, forms and stuff...” Twilight replied, a slight rosy tint of her face. “Oh I see...” Celestia whispered, smiling. She walked over and hugged Twilight, pulling her close to her chest, “I’m sorry I didn’t visit more, I’ve had business to attend to.” Twilight hugged back tightly and nuzzled Celestia’s fur, “I missed you...” She whispered. “I know. I’ll try and see you more, even in Ponyville. I promise.” Twilight smiled and pulled back, already missing her warmth, “Where is every pony else?” “They are waiting on the roof, shall we go?” Celestia asked, turning to Frederick, “Is there anything you need to bring?” “You can go on ahead, I have to pick up a prescription for Twilight; I won’t be long,” He replied, looking for the sign that pointed towards the pharmacy. “Alright, come on Twilight.” Celestia turned and walked out of the room, heading for the roof with Twilight close behind. They walked up the stairs and made it to the room. Celestia held the door open and was hit by a gust of wind, “Be careful Twilight, It’s a bit windy.” Twilight walked out and ran over to the chariot, opening the door and jumping in. The rest of the girls were already in and helped her up. “What kept you?” Dash asked, pulling Twilight into her seat. “Nothing much, just paperwork,” Twilight laughed, much to the annoyance of the Pegasus. “Spare me, I don’t need to know,” Rainbow replied. “Dear,” Rarity said, “How long have you and Frederick been together?” She asked, “I know you weren’t together when you were in Ponyville...” “We weren’t, there was an accident with some nobles... He got locked up and I confessed in his cell...” Twilight answered, hiding her face. “Accident, what sort?” “He was arrested and beaten,” Twilight said, looking down and frowning, “He bought me a present and they thought he stole it.” Rarity sighed, “So romantic...” “I guess so. I was scared of losing him...” The rest of the girls smiled and nodded, “Understandable...” Applejack said, “I can see why, I hope you’re mighty happy with him.” “Thanks AJ, you don’t know how much you all mean to me...” Twilight said, tears welling in her eyes. She felt a couple drip down her face and wiped them way, “I’m sorry girls, I didn’t want to cry, not today...” “It’s alright, every pony cries...” Rainbow said, rubbing Twilight’s arm. Twilight turned and hugged her, “Thank you...”