Interesting Times

by Timothy48

Chapter 1 (A Whale of a Tale)

500 miles North of the Hawaiian Islands, July 11, 1908 AD, 5:03AM

The North Pacific was rarely ever calm, and today was no exception. Captain Joshua Phelps, captain of the tramp freighter SS Marlin Spike, stood on the bridge with the ships wheel grasped firmly in his callused hands. He was tall, standing a shade over six feet. He wasn’t what you would call a handsome man. What with his closely cropped brown hair, strong jaw, and weathered look. However, he wasn’t ugly either. Least the ladies didn’t say anything about it when he was in port on liberty.  

As he fought with the wheel, he prayed that both he and his ship would make it through this hell-spawned blow in one piece. The Marlin Spike, while only four years old, was still just a freighter ship and a small one at that, displacing only about four thousand tons fully loaded.

As her prow scythed through the massive fifteen foot swells, the torrential rains and howling wind pounded against her hull in a dull roar. While struggling to keep the ship under control, Joshua made a mental note to himself. If we ever get out of this alive, I will never take this route again! I sure hope like hell that the cargo doesn’t break loose with the pounding this tub is taking! As if to drive home his point. The Marlin crested yet another wave and dropped down into the trough on the other side, like a punch-drunk prizefighter.

Suddenly the door to the rear stairwell burst open, and Joshua’s second in command, Patrick Fitzgibbons stumbled through the doorway. His dark green rain slicker dripping salt water, and his flaming red hair plastered to his scalp. His green eyes were full of panic as he yelled over the roar of the sea. “Cap’n, there’s water in the forward cargo hold!”

A chill ran down Joshua's spine. If there was water in the forward hold, then that meant that either one of the hatches hadn’t been dogged shut properly, or it had popped open from the rolling and bucking of the ship. Alternatively, there could be a hole or burst seam somewhere in the hold. Either possibility was bad and if left unchecked could sink the Marlin. With no port or land within five hundred miles, that scenario could only end with all hands lost at sea.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts Joshua asked, “How bad is it?”

Patrick replied, “Bad enough that it’s slowly beginning to overwhelm the water pumps sir. I give us about six hours or so before we’re in real trouble.”

Joshua simply nodded, and turned back to look out through the rain spattered windows as he continued to fight the storm

Four hours later and the flooding had only worsened. The Marlin was having difficulty cresting the waves and now rode noticeably lower in the water. Thankfully, the cargo had not shifted, yet, but if the storm did not abate soon it would all be moot.

As the Marlin crested yet another wave, Joshua noticed that it wasn’t as high as the ones before it. Could it be? Yes! The weathers clearing! He thought, a sigh of relief escaping as he slumped slightly against the ship’s wheel, exhaustion catching up with him. As the minutes passed, the waves grew smaller and smaller and after a half hour or so, the rain was all but gone.
 
Joshua let out another sigh of relief at their good fortune at having cheated Davy Jones again. As he was straightening up, Patrick burst onto the bridge. “Cap’n!”

“Yes Mr. Fitzgibbons?”

“It looks like we might make it sir!” He replied, a big grin on his face. “Now that we don’t have as much water coming in through wherever it was coming through, the pumps are able to keep up better now. Though we’re still taking on water, but it’s less than what it was earlier.”

“Do you think we can make Hawaii?”

“No idea sir, worth a try though.” Patrick replied,  Joshua simply nodded.

Looking out through the windows he saw that the ship had taken a fearful pounding. The forward crane was bent at an angle and it looked like the generator that powered it had been torn from its mounting, being washed overboard during the storm. Debris littered the deck and it looked like several of the lifeboats had been pretty well smashed to kindling. The ship rode low in the water by the bow and had a slight list to starboard.

“Hey Cap’n,” Patrick called out.

Joshua turned his attention back to Patrick and asked, “Yes Mr. Fitzgibbons?” Pointing towards the north Patrick replied, “I think that storm blew us off course sir, according to our maps there isn’t supposed to be any kind of land near us.”

Sure enough, Joshua could see the distinctive dark smudge of land on the horizon. It couldn’t have been more than fifteen miles if that. Wherever they had been blown to, it offered the possibility of civilization. Therefore, with land in sight, Joshua turned the wheel to port and slowly the Marlin Spike changed course towards the unknown.

Several hours later, the Marlin Spike was plodding less than a mile off the mist-shrouded coastline. Joshua stood on the port bridge wing and stared out through his Zeiss binoculars at the misty tree covered shore.

Seeing nothing, he lowered the binoculars and leaning on the rail pondered what he was seeing. The colors seem different somehow. They look more...cheerful and warm, almost as if they were out of some painting*. He snorted in amusement at the thought, Course I haven’t slept in over two days! Could just be my sleep deprived mind playing tricks on me.

As if that were a cue, the mist suddenly lifted revealing a small rocky island with a lighthouse perched atop it. Normally this would not have been a startling sight. However, on this occasion as Joshua brought his binoculars back up to his face, he could clearly see that this was no ordinary lighthouse. It rose above the island by a height of about one hundred feet and was painted in bright gaudy pink and yellow stripes. He could just barely make out what looked like little hearts adorning the iron railings. Which ran around the balcony near the top of the lighthouse, about where the lantern room would be located.

Shifting his attention away from the lighthouse, Joshua could also see a small cottage a little further down the side of the island, about midway between the lighthouse and water’s edge. To its side was a small garden that looked to have seen better days. Further down Joshua could see a weathered dock, and standing on it staring back at him was a small brightly colored pony clad in a yellow rain slicker and rain-boots.
 

The day had not started well for Misty Spray, the keeper of the Rocky Island Lighthouse. She had woken up that morning to one of the worst storms that she had ever seen in her short time as a lighthouse keeper. The wind had been blowing so hard that it had nearly blown her roof off. She had silently thanked whatever pony had originally built the cottage for its sturdy construction.

After taking stock of her supplies, she determined that she had enough food for around three weeks, five if she cut back on her portion sizes. Thanks to the natural spring on the island, she did not have to worry about water at least. Her mood however, was not improved by the fact that a thick mist had descended upon the island following the storm.

After having finished checking the food supplies, she decided to head on up and check the lighthouse for damage. In addition to checking the rest of the island for further damage inflicted by the storm. So after putting on her yellow raincoat and boots, along with grabbing her old brass lantern in her mouth, she made her way up towards the lighthouse.

Walking outside she noticed that her garden had not been as lucky as her home. In fact, it had been completely destroyed. Walking down to the weathered dock where she tied up her little boat, she could see that it too had been destroyed in the storm, stranding her on her island until the monthly supply boat came by to resupply the lighthouse.

Sighing, she turned around and made her way back up the stone path towards the lighthouse. As she made her way up the stone path, she grumbled to herself. Its times like these that I wish I had been born a unicorn instead of an earth pony. I hate the taste of brass. When the supply boat comes next, I really need to remember to ask for a nice wooden lantern handle to replace this nasty metal one. After several minutes of walking and grumbling, she reached her destination.

Opening the door to the lighthouse and shining the lantern around the room as best as she could, she looked for any obvious signs of damage, such as cracks or broken windows. Not spotting any, she was about to head back to her cottage when she spotted a small stream of water dripping down from above. Grumbling to herself some more, she slowly made her way up the iron stairs towards the lantern room.

Upon reaching the top of the stairs, she immediately saw the source of the water. The door to the balcony had been blown open during the storm allowing rainwater to enter the lantern room. Thankfully, after a quick inspection, she found that both the lantern and the mechanism that turned it appeared undamaged. After having shut and locked the door, Misty Spray made her way back down the steps towards the bottom. 

Walking out into the weak morning sunlight, Misty set her lantern down and extinguished the flame inside. Picking it back up in her mouth, she began making her way back towards her cottage. When suddenly she spotted a large dark object out of the corner of her eye slowly making its way through the mist that still clung to the bay surrounding the lighthouse.

Turning her head to get a better look, she nearly dropped the lantern as her jaw went slack from astonishment. Quickly remembering that she still had the lantern in her mouth, she closed it with an audible click. Before her, sliding through the morning mist covered bay, was the strangest ship that she had ever seen.

Quickly setting the lantern back on the ground, Misty Spray ran down the narrow stone path towards the dock, skidding to a halt at the end of it. She saw that the ship had come even closer and was now only a few hundred yards away allowing her to see it more clearly.

It was not as big as some of the ships that plied Equestria’s oceans, but it was larger than most she had seen. It was colored an ugly gray, with streaks of rust running down the sides of it. There was a squat wheelhouse amidships, with a large and equally gray funnel behind it billowing black coal smoke as the ship continued along its path.

She could also see two large cargo cranes. One situated both fore and aft of the wheelhouse. The forward crane appeared to have been damaged, possibly during the storm, as it was leaning precariously over one side of the ship. The ships deck was littered with debris. In addition, she could also see some strange creatures running about trying to clear the deck.  

One of them appeared to have spotted her standing on the dock and was now looking towards her with some strange device in its…hooves? Shivering, she squinted her eyes to get a better look. All of the creatures stood on two legs instead of four and seemed to all be wearing what she assumed were their version of a raincoat.

It was then that she noticed that the ship had stopped and that the creatures were lowering a small boat over the side of the ship. From her viewpoint she could see five of the creatures, including the one who had been watching her from the wheelhouse, get in and slowly lower it down to the choppy water below. Oh sweet suffering Celestia, the creatures are coming this way! Looking around in a panic Misty was about to bolt for her cottage when she heard a voice call out. “Hello the lighthouse! Can you hear me?” Misty froze. The creature had just called out to her in Equestrian! The creature called again, “Hello, can anyone hear me?”

Of course, I can hear you. I am standing right here on the blasted dock! Misty thought, slightly annoyed that the creature didn’t seem to realize that she, Wait a tick! They don’t realize I can understand them! They must think I’m just some dumb animal! Now Misty wasn’t just annoyed, she was incensed. How dare they think of me as just some common animal! Well I’ll sure give them a surprise when they get here, by Star Swirls beard see if I don’t!    
 

As the boat and its crew of five drew closer to the battered dock, Joshua noticed that the brightly colored pony that he had spotted from the wheelhouse earlier, was still standing at the docks edge. An eerily human like expression seemed to form on its face as they approached, which left him feeling decidedly uncomfortable. Shaking his head and chalking it up to seeing things again, most likely due to stress and an acute lack of sleep, Joshua continued looking for the lighthouse keeper.

Spotting nothing but the strange looking pony, Joshua called out, “Hello the lighthouse! Can you hear me?” Nothing. It was as if this pony were the sole inhabitant of the island. Trying once more and cupping his hands around his mouth, Joshua bellowed at the top of his lungs, “Hello, can anyone hear me?” Still no response, shaking his head once more, he decided that the lighthouse keeper was either still sleeping, or was far enough away that he couldn’t hear Joshua’s calls.

“What ya t’inkin Cap’n?”

Turning his attention away from the island, Joshua replied to his first mate, “Either he’s still sleeping or he’s too far away to hear my calls. Either way, we need to know where the hell we are. On top of that, we used up more coal than I’m happy with fighting that storm. We’re going to need to find a place where we can refuel.” Patrick simply nodded.

Drawing alongside the dock with the odd pony still standing there watching them. Joshua noticed that it was colored an odd shade of light blue, with a short sea green mane. Its eyes were ridiculously large and were a deep blue in color. As Joshua leapt from the boat to the dock, the pony cringed away from him. As if he were some hideous monster, not really knowing what to do, Joshua said to the frightened pony in as soft a tone as he could. “Easy there fella, no one’s going to hurt you.”

This seemed to calm the strange pony somewhat. Now that he was on the same level as it, he could see that it was built different than most of the other ponies/horses he had seen. For starters, its facial structure was just… wrong.

Instead of the normal elongated muzzle, that all equines possessed, this one’s was much shorter. It was almost as if a person had tried to humanize it. Its legs were thicker and less defined than a normal equine’s. Though the strange looking boots it wore, covered up its hooves, Joshua would have bet that they too would look wrong as well. In addition, this pony also seemed thinner than a normal equine, in fact it was so thin Joshua half expected to see its ribs. However, when it moved slightly, he could see that it was well fed and seemed to exude a sense of catlike grace. Height wise, its head came up to about Joshua’s chest, making the pony a little over four feet tall.

The most unnerving part of the whole affair was that it just wouldn’t stop staring at him! He had never seen an animal with this kind of focus before. Other than maybe a wolf or dog and even then, it was only because of instinct. This pony had a look of intelligence about it. He could tell as he sized it up, that it was returning the favor.

Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore, and feeling like a fool he introduced himself, “My name is Captain Joshua Phelps of the SS Marlin Spike, this is my second in command Mr. Patrick Fitzgibbons,” He said as he pointed to Patrick, who looked at him like he had just gone and lost his mind. Maybe I have, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. He continued on, “We are in need of repairs as well as fuel and provisions. Would you be so kind as to inform me where we are and where we may find the nearest port, please?”

The pony plopped down on its hindquarters, much like a dog would, and replied in a soft feminine voice, “Pleased to meet you Captain, I am Misty Spray, keeper of the Rocky Island Lighthouse.” Even though he had been half expecting it, it still took him by surprise, for his crew it was worse.

They sat there staring at this pony- no, this mare, with their mouths hanging open, looks of utter surprise and bewilderment on their faces, one of them looked close to passing out in surprise. A smug grin formed on her face as she continued, “To answer your question as to where you are, you’re roughly one hundred miles south-west of Manehattan.”

One of the crewmembers manning the boat hesitantly piped up at the familiar sounding name, “M-manhattan? This doesn’t look like New Jersey.”

Misty Spray looked over at him and shaking her head, she replied, “I think you misunderstood me, I said Manehattan, not Manhattan, wherever that is.”

Joshua quickly asked, “What is this land called?” Misty turned her attention back to Joshua and replied, “Equestria. Why where did you think you were?” Joshua looked back to his men, and could see a look of panic settling across their faces. He quickly turned back to Misty and asked. “Do you happen to have a map of this, ah, ‘Equestria’ by any chance?” Misty nodded her head and picking herself up, quickly trotted back to her cottage.

Once she was out of earshot Joshua turned back towards his men and said in a firm tone. “Alright men, we seem to have found ourselves in a new land. However unless proven otherwise I say that we are still on earth.”

One of the crewmembers asked in a shaky voice, “H-how can you be so s-sure sir?” Giving his most reassuring smile Joshua explained, “Look at the sun, it hasn’t shifted its position in the sky. This means that we are still heading towards the east. If we were no longer on earth, it is highly likely that we could have been facing a completely different direction. Second, take a good look at the land. The colors are off sure, same with the water. However, if you remember farther out to sea, the water remains the same color that we are familiar with.” This seemed to mollify his men a little, for which Joshua was grateful. The last thing he needed right now was his crew losing it.

Turning, he saw Misty Spray returning from her cottage, a map case slung around her neck. Upon reaching him, she tilted her head forward, allowing the strap to slip off her neck, the case falling to the dock with a soft thump. Picking it up and extracting the map from its protective case, Joshua unrolled it and inspected it. Whoever had made it had certainly earned their pay. The map was highly detailed, showing many of the towns, cities, and major features that made up the country known as Equestria. It even showed their current position with a small red dot and above that the words Rocky Island Lighthouse. However, this looked to have been added after the map had been finished.

Looking up from the map Joshua asked, “Would it be possible for us to borrow this map?” Misty looked down at her hooves for a moment then responded, “I… I guess it would be alright, so long as you made sure it was returned in good condition!” Smiling Joshua nodded his head and made a show of carefully putting the map back in its case. Misty giggled at his performance and shaking her head, asked, “Not to be rude or anything but what do you call yourselves?”

Joshua felt confused for a moment at the question, but then it dawned on him what she meant, and with a chuckle he replied, “As a species we call ourselves humans, however we have many different nations and thus we generally identify ourselves after our countries.”

“And what is your country called?” Misty inquired.

Joshua felt himself puff up with a little pride when he replied, “The United States of America.”

It was several hours later, with the sun moving towards the western horizon, that Joshua and his men returned to their ship. Turning to look back over his shoulder Joshua could see Misty Spray waving at them, slowly turning so as not to upset the boat Joshua waved back.

Once both parties had gotten over their shock and initial awkwardness, Misty had offered Joshua and his crew some food. Of which they were heartily thankful for, after they had settled down on the dock with their food. They had struck up a conversation.

They had spent the next few hours answering each other’s questions about their respective countries and making small talk. The sailors had regaled Misty with their many stories of life on the high seas and their experiences. They had laughed and carried on, until Misty had taken off her raincoat, thus revealing her cutie mark for the humans sailors to see.

When Joshua first saw it, he couldn’t help but stare. It was the strangest thing. A small lighthouse with its light cutting through a cartoon like fog, emblazoned right there on her flank. At first, she looked confused, and then as realization dawned, she explained to the human sailors about cutie marks.

How they formed when a pony discovered their so-called ‘special talent’ and how no amount of magic, (that had elicited a few raised eyebrows and winks between the sailors) or wishing could make it appear early. She even told them her story about how she had gotten hers, of which sadly Joshua couldn’t remember much of. (Something about a school ‘field trip’ to a lighthouse near her hometown or something like that.) By that point, he had felt like a sponge that had soaked up too much water and couldn’t soak up anymore.

However, it was a refreshing break from the responsibilities of life, which as the boat approached the Marlin came rushing back. Like some particularly annoying birds coming home to roost. As they drew alongside the ship, Joshua scrambled up the wooden and rope ladder and quickly stood on the foredeck. In the time that he and his picked crew had been gone, the remaining crew had managed to clear the deck of most of the debris and make small repairs.

As he walked towards the port side hatch that led to the bridge, he heard a voice call out to him. “Captain!” Turning he spotted his chief engineer, Marcus Scolly. He was a short man, with a powerful build. His arms were covered in a thick forest of black hair, and he sported a fierce beard that covered most of his face giving him the look of a pirate. His nose was misshapen, probably from one of the many times he had gotten into bar fights and had it broken. He had a nasty temper and a drinking problem, which didn’t help his temper, but he was the best damn engineer this side of a shipyard.

Sighing Joshua turned away from the hatch and asked wearily, “Yes Mr. Scolly, what it is?”

“Well sir, for once I’ve got some good news.” Joshua raised an eyebrow and motioned for Scolly to continue. “Well sir, ya know that we’re still taken on water right?” Joshua nodded, “And ya know how this kooky lands water is colored differently than ours, right?” Joshua nodded impatiently, “Well I got to thinking, if the water is a different color than the water in the hold, then maybe I could pinpoint some of the leaks sir.”

“And did you?” Asked Joshua in a hopeful tone, Scolly’s answering smile was all Joshua needed to know. Clapping the man on the shoulder he exclaimed, “Well done Mr. Scolly! I’ll be sure to slip a little bonus into your next paycheck.” Scolly brightened at this and still grinning nodded his thanks to his captain, and then turning away, left with a little bounce in his step.

Ducking through the hatchway Joshua made his way up the stairs leading to the bridge. Humming a spritely tune, despite fatigue rapidly catching up with him, he thought happily to himself, At least I roughly know where we are now, and best of all, it sounds like most of the major leaks are plugged. The only thing that I need to worry about now is running out of fuel. Nevertheless, if what Misty says is true, even that shouldn’t be a problem.

Upon reaching the bridge, Joshua informed the helmsmen of their new course. After completing this task, he wearily made his way towards his cabin, down on the portside of the ship.
Closing the door behind him, he kicked off his shoes. Took off his coat and hat, and with a sigh of relief laid down on his cramped cot, seconds later he was fast asleep.

 
The darkness was everywhere. A cold wind blew through Twilight's mane as she stood on some sort of barren plain. Where am I? The last thing I remember was we were trying to use the Elements of Harmony to dispel that magic and then… it all went wrong.

Shaking her head to try to clear the memory of seeing Celestia and Luna wounded and bleeding on the throne room floor. She looked around at her new surroundings. A few dead and gnarled trees stood upon a small rise a little ways off, a broken fence standing at the foot of it.  Dead grass clung to the rotten fence posts and looking around Twilight couldn’t see anything else except for this little hill. Curiosity getting the better of her, she slowly made her way over to the fence.

As she approached it, she saw a small point of light under one the trees at the top of the hill. Quickening her pace, she soon reached the fence and rather than try to find a way around it. Twilight elected to simply jump over it.

Landing safely on the other side, Twilight could see that there were several oddly shaped rocks nearby. Cautiously walking up towards one, she discovered to her horror that it was not in fact a rock, but a tombstone. One of many that stretched out as far as the eye could see.

“What is all of this?” Twilight whispered, “I’ve never seen so many graves before.”

“Hehe, well that’s not a big surprise there little missy. After all, this here is the final resting place for a lot of people.” Twilight spun in place, startled by the dry, scratchy voice. She looked around wildly for its source.

“Over here, by the light. Come on over, I don’t bite.” Snapping her gaze to the soft yellow light she could see a lone figure lying against one of the dead trees. She couldn’t see much of him as he wore a long tattered brown cloak. His old and dusty hat pulled down low over his face, hiding it from her view.

Approaching cautiously, Twilight could see that the source of the light came from an old and battered lantern, set on a long pole. To the left of the pole sat a couple of crates with a shovel and pick resting against them. A small wooden cart was parked a few paces beyond the crates and tools. Slightly to the right of the pole lay the cloaked figure and there, not more than a pace or so from his hooves sat an open unfinished grave.

Gulping hesitantly, Twilight asked, “So, uh, what’s your name?”

Shifting slightly the figure replied, “You should be able to figure that one out by yourself kiddo.”

A cold shiver ran down Twilights spine at his reply, “Why would I know your name? I’ve never met you before in my life.” The figure simply chuckled, or at least that’s what Twilight assumed he was doing anyways, it actually sounded more like he was about to expire.

“I have many names, but you can just call me Than.”

“Is that short for something?” Once again, the figure chuckled, which was starting to grate on Twilights already frazzled nerves.

“Thanatus, my full name is Thanatus, but like I said, you can just call me Than.”

“Okay then, Than, can you tell me where I am?” The figure simply shifted and said nothing.

“You’re not going to tell me are you?” asked Twilight, an annoyed tone in her voice.

To which Than replied, “You got it kiddo.”

“Why?”

Letting out a raspy sigh, Than replied, “Because you’re not ready to know that yet my dear. In fact you shouldn’t even be here in the first place.” His statement confused Twilight, and she was about to inquire further when Than said, “Stop,” bewildered, Twilight gave Than a confused look, somehow he must have seen it through his hat. “Listen kiddo, there are many mysteries in life, some you can solve, others that are best left buried and forgotten. This is one of those best left alone, for now anyways.” Shifting once more, this time he looked to be checking something in his cloak, a watch maybe? “Times up kiddo, time for you to leave this place. Your friends are waiting for ya, best to not keep them waiting now.”

The cold wind, which had been barely noticeable up till now, at that moment picked up in its intensity, quickly building towards gale force. Blowing dirt and sand threatened to get in Twilights eyes and blind her. Squinting against the harsh wind, she could barely make out the form of Than. He had risen from his resting spot, picked up his shovel and had begun to dig.

Above the howling of the wind, she could hear his voice, as clear as if the wind were nothing more than a whisper. He sang the most haunting song that Twilight had ever heard. The words flowed over her as she felt herself being pulled away from the hill, as if by an invisible rope.

Oh, Death, oh Death,

Won’t you spare me over til another year?

Well what is this that I can’t see,

With ice cold hands taking hold of me,

Well I am death, none can excel,

I’ll open the door to heaven or hell,

Whoa, death someone would pray,

Could you wait to call me another day,

The children prayed, the preacher preached,

Time and mercy is out of your reach,

I’ll fix your feet til you can’t walk,

I’ll lock your jaw til you can’t talk,

I’ll close your eyes so you can’t see,

This very air, come and go with me,

I’m Death I come to take the soul,

Leave the body and leave it cold,

To draw the flesh off of the frame,

The earth and worm both have a claim,

She tried to cry out for Than to help her, but her words were lost to the wind. She felt herself falling. Falling into darkness once again and still, she could hear his voice as he continued to sing.

O, Death,

O, Death,

Won’t you spare me over til another year,

My mother came to my bed,

Placed a cold towel upon my head,

My head is warm my feet are cold,

Death is a-movin upon my soul,

Oh, Death please consider my age,

Please don’t take me at this stage,

My wealth is all at your command,

If you will move your icy hand,

Oh the young, the rich or poor,

Hunger like me you know,

No wealth, no ruin, no silver no gold,

Nothing satisfies me but your soul,

O, Death,

O, Death,

As he reached the end of his song, Twilight could barely hear his words. As if they were at the far end of a long tunnel. As darkness claimed her once more the last three lines echoed in her mind.

Won’t you spare me over another year?

Won’t you spare me over another year?

Won’t you spare me over another year?

 
 
Canterlot General Hospital, Room 12, July 12, 1908 6:14 am
 
Twilight awoke with a start, thrashing around in a blind panic, she attempted to break free of her confining prison. However, a terrible pain lanced through her skull dazing her slightly. She fell back upon her bed panting from her struggle with the beds sheets. Wait a minute, bed sheets? 

Opening her eyes again, Twilight could see that she was in some sort of hospital room.
The walls were painted a warm yellow color and an overhead ceiling lamp provided the majority of the rooms illumination. Though, a little light leaked in through cracks in the boards covering the windows. Turning her head, she saw a small night stand, with a bedside lamp and clock resting on it, and that was the extent of the rooms furnishings. No other beds, just her’s, which meant she had the room to herself for the time being.

It was at this point that she realized that she had to go to the little filly’s room. Really badly. So quickly looking around, she spotted a pull cord next to her head. Reaching out with her mouth, she grasped it in her slightly weakened grip and pulled. A musical chime sounded and within moments a unicorn nurse bustled in. “Finally awake eh?” she asked, Twilight simply nodded, “Alrighty then, what can I get for you?”

“Bathroom?” rasped Twilight, her throat dry from lack of moisture, the nurse simply nodded and ducking back out into the hallway brought a bedpan in. Twilight's eyes widened, as the nurse set about getting her ready. Looking up the nurse noticed Twilights expression, “Sorry honey, doctor’s orders. You’re in no condition to get out of bed right now, so it’s either the bedpan or…” Her voice trailed off. Twilight simply sighed and nodded.

After having taken care of business, she asked the nurse. “Where are my friends?”

“Don’t worry, they’re going to be alright, though when they brought you girls in, I had my doubts. But Dr. Stitches is very good at what he does. He expects you will all make a full recovery, so long as you follow his instructions.” She finished in a warning tone, almost as if expecting Twilight to immediately try to go against the doctor’s orders right then and there. “Now, I expect him to be along shortly to give you a check up and see how you’re doing. In the meantime…”

She never got to finish her sentence, for at the moment the door to Twilights room flew open as if by an invisible wind and there, standing in the doorway in all his chaotic glory. Wearing a goofy pair of bedazzled red sunglasses and sporting a grin that even Pinkie Pie would be jealous of, stood the creature she thought she would never see again. Discord.