//------------------------------// // Chapter 19: Wakey, Wakey // Story: An Odd New Friend // by Eon333MS //------------------------------// Yesterday... The world came back to her as a groggy, blurred image, complete with a splitting headache and soreness throughout her body. She spent a few seconds staring at the plain white ceiling, and listening to a heartbeat sensor before making an attempt at further observations. She was lying down on some kind of simple white bed. She twisted head around to see a large window to her right, and noticed an IV plugged into her forehoof. She slowly twisted her head to her left, grunting along the way, and- "LOOK EVERYPONY, DASHIE'S AWAKE!!!" "Oww, Pinkie Pie. That hurt." Rainbow Dash replied, rubbing her ears with her hooves. The blurry image of pink in front of her soon focused into the unmistakable party pony. "It's simply outstanding!" Exclaimed Rarity, as she entered the hospital room. "I knew you'd make it, buddy!" Yelled Applejack, entering just behind Rarity, and waving her hat in her air as a show of celebration. Rainbow Dash started, "What's with the big-" but Pinkie Pie cut her off... "We're so happy, happy, happy, To see you're doing well! So happy, happy, happy, It makes us wanna' yell! We're so happy, happy, happy, So see you out of bed! So happy, happy, happy, There's little to be said! We're so happy, happy, happy, To see you here today, So happy, happy, happy, I make you this parfait!" And just like that, Pinkie Pie managed to pull and throw a parfait out of her unexplainable mane, as well as a breakfast-in-bet table, a small vase with water and flowers, and a get-well card. Rainbow Dash put up her forehooves in an instinctive flinch, but the would-be projectiles landed perfectly in front of her, with the table set and all. "The flowers are from me." Said Applejack. "And I hoof made the card." Said Rarity. Then all three wailed in unison, "Hope you get well, soon!!" Rainbow Dash was nervous. The exiting wake up call was shocking at first but it quickly turned into a welcomed surprise. "Hehee, thanks." She said. She took the greeting card in her hooves and opened it. The inside was decorated completely and with detail. It was filled with colorful stickers, glitter, and even some frill at the edges. Rainbow Dash could tell Rarity had gone so far as to manually write the card. Because it was in cursive (and actually a bit difficult to read), She held it close to her face. It said: Dearest Rainbow Dash Deepest sympathy to you and hopes for a quick recovery. You've never given up on us before and we promise to stand by you every step of the way. Sincerely, Your Friends. As Rainbow Dash put down her card, her field of vision was suddenly flooded with two sky-blue dots surrounded by white and pink, and her nose was assaulted with the smell of dough and cotton candy. Pinkie held her face less than an inch from Rainbow Dash's and whispered, "Try the parfait..." Rainbow Dash threw her head back in part surprise and part mortal terror. She sunk into the hospital quality pillow, started pushing away at the pink pony, and said, "Ok, ok, just lemme reach it first." Pinkie's grin grew unnaturally wide, as she quietly screamed yay and gently clapped her hooves. Rainbow Dash tried to push harder on Pinkie. Normally she'd be able to do so without problem, but this time Pinkie seemed unusually heavy now. After a few seconds of trying and failing, Rainbow Dash resorted to asking, "Hey, Pinkie," She grunted in one last effort, "Seriously, can you get off of me?" "Oh, sorry Dashie," Pinkie replied. She gleefully leaped off the hospital bed, eager to see Rainbow's reaction to the edible gift. Now that it was once again in her sight, Rainbow Dash tried to take the desert between her hooves, but found it strangely difficult. She noticed her muscles didn't respond correctly to her mental commands. She tried to mentally forced them, and while they did start to reach out farther, they also began to shake uncontrollably. Her friends watched with concern, curiosity, and a slight bit of guilty awe, as Rainbow Dash finally, but barely grabbed the parfait. Rainbow Dash resorted to pushing her head forward rather than pulling the parfait closer, but even that was difficult. It felt weird. Her body left unnaturally lazy and resistant to her mental commands. She pulled on her treat, pushed herself forward, and even stuck her tongue out, trying desperately to take just one simple taste. But alas, she failed. Rainbow Dash gave up from the strain and effort, letting her muscles relax, but even that was unnaturally slow to respond. Her muscles took several long seconds to completely relax and unflex. It didn't feel good at all. Not only did her slow-reacting body bring general soreness, but a sense of security was lost as well. If she couldn't even eat a parfait, how could she do basic tasks to even care for herself. Rarity took notice of Rainbow Dash's declining emotion and opted to grab of mouthful of the parfait in a blue magic aura. She levitated the mixture of ice cream, whipped cream, and minced fruits directly into Rainbow Dash's mouth. A smile couldn't be helped as the delicious treat rolled over Rainbow Dash's mouth. It was cold, flavorful, and just the perfect bit of sweet. Rainbow Dash took her time, not only to savor the flavor, but because even her jaw couldn't move as fast as it used to. Luckily, she hadn't any problems swallowing the treat. Rainbow Dash turned to Pinkie Pie and said, "It's really great. Did you make it yourself?" Pinkie Pie turned from exited to ecstatic in a single instant. She nearly jumped onto the ceiling screaming "YAY!" whilst airborne. As she landed, Pinkie replied, "And yeah, I did make it myself. I'm just soooo happy you like it!" "Well, care for some more then?" Rarity said as she scoped up another mouthful with levitation magic. Rainbow Dash slowly nodded her head before opening her muzzle as wide as she could like a hungry baby bird. She took the bite, happy to experience the pleasant taste again. But before she could sample a third taste, the nearby door opened up. The unicorn mare seemed to be a nurse. She wore the suggested red-cross cap, clean pink scrubs, and a small smile imbued with a bit of joy; glad to see a patient doing well. "I take it that somepony is finally awake," She said. "Yes ma'am!" Rainbow Dash called out. She lifted a hoof and tried to wave at the nurse, "I'll be flying out of here in no time!" Rainbow's hoof only lifted so high and rapidly shook back and forth. Her movements where jagged and obviously unwell. She only managed a few waves before hitting herself in the muzzle, mumbling "Oww," as she let it fall limp onto the bed. "Well, the doctor will be here shortly," The nurse said, "but in the meantime, I'll be doing a quick check-up." As the nurse stepped closer, Applejack said, "Ah' guess we better get outta'ya way." "Oh, right." Rarity said, having just realized how crowded the room had become. Applejack reached over the bed, and picked up the bed-tray within her teeth, balancing all it contained and especially careful not to spill the dessert. Pinkie and Rainbow both protested, crying out in unison, "Aww, but the parfait..." Rarity said, "Everypony can have more parfaits latter, but for now, let's give the kind nurse her space." She walked behind Pinkie and started to push her forward. "Come on now," She said. "Awww," Pinkie Pie exclaimed in utter heart-broken distraught. She eventually gave in, following Applejack outside the room. Rarity left the room behind Pinkie Pie, closing the door behind her but returning only a few seconds later. She peaked her head around the door, asking the nurse, "Do you need any help, I feel just a bit awful leaving Rainbow Dash all alone again." "'Can't say I have something for you to do, but your more than welcome to stick around." "Wonderful," Rarity replied. She walked in the room, again closing the door behind her and taking a seat on a nearby cushion. She kept a small smile, more from Rainbow Dash's well being than anything else. Things were finally going well. The nurse returned her focus to Rainbow Dash. "Alright then, miss. The first thing I need you to do is stare out the window." She lifted a hoof to point the large window that dominated most of the wall on the opposite side of the bed. Rainbow Dash raised a brow, "Wait, What would that do; why would I need to do that?" "For reasons," the nurse replied. Her expression remained soft, but unwavering. Without any real reason to refuse, Rainbow Dash said, "Meh, Al'right." She turned herself around, though not without a little difficulty. Her cranium was heavy; it felt like a brick rested between her ears, but she managed. Rainbow Dash unexcitedly looked out the window at a dirt road, a hillside, and a few buildings that were undoubtedly part of Ponyville. Her attention turned skyward at the clear blue sky and felt herself yearning. She wanted to fly free through the sky, to feel the cold air rush through every fiber in her coat, and to sleep once again on the soft, fluffy clouds, warmed perfectly by the sun; but she knew all too well none of that would happen soon. Pity that flying seems so great only when you can't do it. Rainbow Dash's mind began to wonder. She started to think about her job as a weather manager. She wouldn't be able to do said job for who knows how long. Will Cloud Kicker mange without her. No doubt she'd be able to actually do it, but it would be so many extra hours of work, and that'd be unfair to ask of her. Perhaps Mayor Mare could spare the funds to hire an extra colt or two. Or maybe- Ouch!Rainbow Dash felt a nip of pain in her other foreleg. She heaved her head back towards the otherside, asking, "Hey, why are your pinching-" "AAAAAHHHHHH!!!" The instant Rainbow Dash noticed what the nurse was really doing, the nurse levitated and pulled the syringe out of Rainbow Dash's foreleg, throwing it in the trash while exclaiming, "To late, I'm done," under Rainbow Dash's screams. All the while, Rarity held a hoof to her muzzle and giggled, aware of what was happening from her view the entire time. After a few seconds of panicking and only mild flailing despite her best efforts, Rainbow Dash's scream's died down into heavy breaths. After a few seconds more, she asked, "Why were you giving me a shot?!" The nurse kept her smile, amused by the situation herself. She replied, "Because you needed the medicine. Relax, it's not even your first dose, just the first one you've had while awake." "Can't the medicine be something I could swallow?!" "Not everything can be made into a gummy, you know." "Then why'd you ask me to look out the window?!" "I find trickery to be a bit more effective than brute force. That, and I figured you weren't the type to calmly accept an injection," The nurse's smile turned to a smirk, "Was I wrong?" Rarity called out, "Most certainly not." "Alright, alright," The nurse said, "It's over now." The nurse's voiced turned to something more soft and somehow more reassuring. It was obviously a well practiced ruse, but it worked nonetheless. "No more shots now, that was it, I promise. Now all I need to do is a regular check up before the doctor gets here." "Well," Rainbow Dash's said sheepishly, "uhh..ok." She knew full well she didn't have much of a choice. Luckily, the nurse kept her word. The next several minutes was mostly silent. The nurse did, well, just all the regular thing's you'd expect to happen at the doctor's office. She removed the IV and checked the heart rate, blood pressure, ear cannels, etc. Most of the necessary equipment was on a rolling chart placed conveniently between the two beds in the room. Everything else was already in the pockets of the nurse's scrubs. The long minutes were boring and uneventful, depending on your definition. The silence was finally cut when the door opened. It was a unicorn doctor, Doctor Horse to be precise. He had a light caramel colored coat. His mane and tail were a simple brown hue and both were combed smooth. He wore an attire for a more professional stallion consisting of a short sleeved, clean pressed white suit over a simple undershirt and a crisp tie, and small spectacles resting on the edge of his muzzle. He was levitating and reading a clipboard when he walked in. Dr. Horse moved the clipboard a side, focusing and addressing Rainbow Dash. "Well Rainbow Dash," He said, "I figured you're the type of pony to end up back here sooner or later, but Fenrir Spiders... just... jeeze, I'm not sure what to say." Rainbow Dash become nervous, "Um, Sorry." "Don't Apologize to me, you're the one on that bed. By the way," He turned his attention to the nurse, "How's she doing on the inside?" "Seems completely fine to me," The nurse responded and shook her head, "Heart-rate's good, no problems breathing, nothing like that." "Well, it's good to know there's no internal injuries. I hope we can say the same for external." Dr. Horse turned his attention to his patient, "Rainbow Dash, how is your ability to do basic movements - with your legs to be specific." "To be honest, not all that great." Rainbow Dash tried to lift a forearm to show. Despite her efforts, she could only lift it just over a foot high when she ought to be able to easily point at the ceiling. "Ok, and how would you describe how your muscles feel?" Rainbow Dash dropped her forearm and lifted the other, this time focusing and studying it. "It's an entirely new feeling," She described, "Not like being tired after a workout, it's a bit different. I feel rested but when I tell myself to move it's like, well... well, when I'm tired, I'm out of energy, and when I tell myself to move, it can hear me, but it just doesn't always have the energy to do it. But this time, I'm rested - and I have energy - but now my muscles just can't hear. It seems like my commands - mental commands- just don't get to my muscles all the way, you know?" "I think I understand, but I suppose it'd be better if we could all seewhat you mean. Let's see if we can't get you on your hooves and work from there." Rainbow Dash mumbled an 'ok'. A logical side of her said to stay in bed. But a more ambitious side wanted nothing more than to get out of here. By the doctor's suggestion, she gave into her ambitions and started to roll over. It was difficult. She realized that, all her life, getting up was always so automatic, so thoughtless. She'd always be able to do so on a mere whim, but not this time. This time she had to focus hard on every movement, and analyze every bit of data from what was left of her sense of touch. Rainbow Dash managed to turn herself over, rolling over to her side and then practically throwing herself so as to lay on her underside. All four legs folded, shifted, and prepared. Every hoof was positioned flat against the soft hospital bed. She took in a deep breath and pushed against the hospital bed with all her might. She pushed, and pushed, and finally lifted herself from gravity's cruel grip. On top of it all, she strained her neck to pull her heavy head upwards as well. Rainbow Dash held her eyes shut in concentration and stress. It felt like she was lifting a wagon full of bricks on her back. She commanded her legs to keep pushing, keep fighting, but under it all, they shook and tired. However, the four legs were still part of the same pony famous for her commitment and determination; they would not give up so easily. They pushed and pushed, and when they could push no more, Rainbow Dash open her eyes to find victory and glory. She finally stood, tall and proud for every pony to see. She looked over to her friends to cry out, "I did it!!" But horns of victory sang to a false tune. In her moment of triumph, she allowed herself a moment of rest, and a moment too much. Her legs gave way to the pressure and weight. Rainbow Dash fell to the side, falling off the bed. She tumbled and rolled, now suddenly speeding towards the ground, and she would've given the hospital floor an unwanted kiss had she not been enveloped by a multi-colored aura. Realizing she had not hit the ground and was now in held by a familiar -but still weird feeling- levitation spell, Rainbow Dash opened her eyes to find her left side glowing sky-blue and her right side glowing bright green. Whilst sill in the air, she felt herself being slowly, but unevenly pushed and rotated around until she floated right side up. Before being let go, her left foreleg was force upward, allowing room as Rarity trotted over and placed the leg over her shoulder. Rainbow Dash had no choice but to utilize the support, putting more weight than she'd like on her friend's back. Her legs wobbled, but Rainbow Dash managed to stand. However Doctor Horse was shaking his head in disappointment. "Darn," He said, "I was hopping you'd be in a better condition." "Why?" Rainbow Dash asked, "What's the big deal?" "I'm left with a sort of an ultimatum. You see, the venom within you is nearly gone. I'd wager it completely gone by tomorrow, but the venom isn't exactly the problem right now. The damage has already been done, and you've taken too much. The venom is meant to paralyze you, and the effects can last long after the toxin initially seeps in. Because of the nature of the venom, moving around will actually help your body heal faster. Though you never notice it, nerves constantly die and replace one another, destroying and creating new circuits within your muscles. By moving around, you'll help yourself find and replace though destroyed nerves and circuits." "And so I'm left with a difficult choice," The doctor continued, "You need to exercise to heal, but you can't. Now your body will heal anyway, albeit much more slowly. If we leave you in here, it could take weeks or even months to heal. If you were in a better condition, we could give you a wheel chair or crutches and see you flying by in a few days." The doctor sighed to himself, part in pity, and part in disappointment in himself, "There's not much I can do." Rarity spoke up, "What if I take her home with me?" "As in, care for her while she gets better?" The doctor asked. "Most certainly. She could say in my home for a few days, to some stretches here and a have workout there, and Rainbow Dash would be better in no time." Doctor Horse's eyes wandered off in though, "Well, maybe." The nurse stepped closer, "Miss, are you sure you're willing to do this. She'll need complete care with everything, and I can tell from experience, that is much more work that it seems. She'll need help with everything like eating, walking; she can't even use the restroom on her own now." "Don't worry about it," Rarity confidently replied. She turned to Rainbow Dash a smiled, "I'd be more than willing to the time and attention for my friends. I know she'd do the same for me." The doctor snapped back to reality, "Well, if everypony agrees to it, I see it happen. Rainbow Dash, are you OK with this?" "Beats sitting around in here for a month," She replied. Rainbow Dash lifted her head with a confident smile, "I'm good with it." "Well then, " Doctor horse turned around, opened the door and stepped aside as he held it open. He playfully yelled, "Get out of my hospital!"