//------------------------------// // Interlude: Whats a Princess to do? // Story: The Second Year; Gravidity // by TwilightsmyMare //------------------------------// Her breath came in short gasps as she stared at the human form crumpled before her, she had lived a long time and seen and accomplished many things but she couldn't recall a time when she had been more confused. She kept looking back and forth between the body and portal finally checking herself when she realized that even with the small amount of healing magic she had poured into him the human was still in grave danger. The rise and fall of his chest slowing, the beating of his heart too she found putting her ear to his chest. The strange armor he wore was still quite hot any other pony would have been burned arid vapors still came off of it causing her to wrinkle her nose. That armor had to go first she thought carefully pulling piece by piece off him with her telekinesis, despite her care some parts were melted into his very flesh those she had to cut off him. She had no knife but a razor sharp piece of crystal served well enough. He was bleeding profusely by the time she was done a pair of some sort of undergarment the only undamaged piece of clothing left to him. She poured healing into him cursing herself and her schedule, she had power but not enough knowledge of human internal structure, she could and did heal the cuts and burns only faint scars left, the broken leg too she repaired but inside she... She stopped the flow suddenly realizing his breathing had stopped. "No..." She scanned him finding his heart silent as well. "No!" She wanted to scream at herself but instead acted, she thumped him on the chest above his heart hard sealing her lips to his as she pushed in a lungful of air again and again. Wake up! Please! Please wake up! I'm sorry... I'm so sorry! She lost track of time performing the same act time and again her tears flowed like an ocean falling upon him until she finally felt something... Ba-Bump... She gasped as his mouth opened sucking in a great lungful of air before he began coughing uncontrollably his eyes open but seeing nothing staring straight ahead. She held him as he coughed making sure he didn't hurt himself for several long minutes making soothing sounds. His breathing finally stabilized and she pulled back looking down at him with concern, his color slowly returned to normal as did his heartbeat and his eyes no longer darted about wildly they stared straight ahead again but after a moment seemed to focus on her, a confused look on his face he smiled reaching out for her. "What'r... You... Waiting... For..." He managed to gasp as his hand fell back and his eyes closed. Immediately concerned she sighed in relief finding his breathing and heartbeat still going strong. "Just passed out..." That crisis averted her mind immediately went back to what was she going to do? Her mind was well attuned to crisis management, she'd had many situations over the years when she had to act immediately but almost all involved her pony subjects and not her! She was flustered, she knew if she channeled enough power she could break through the barrier but such an expenditure of power would have vast repercussions all thought Equestria and very likely the human world as well... Her immediate concern was to make sure this human was well but she couldn't bring herself to teleport him to the hospital... Partially ashamed of her own part in this whole situation and rumors did and would fly. There were some who didn't trust humankind the few that remembered not even because of the past simply because they were different, Rick in particular... She smiled to herself, he being the only one... Well, not now. Many felt he had no business in Equestria let along being a Knight of the realm and while they were not brave enough to voice their opinions to her or her sister about it the whispers and gossiping were rampant. As much as she would like to stamp out such petty things she knew that was never going to happen, and many of those involved were influential and even royal ponies... She sighed... As long as they kept their displeasure limited to what they did now they would let it be. Making up her mind she teleported the two of them to a small empty chamber, unused for many years it wasn't far from her chambers. She channeled her magic sealing the door and soundproofing the chamber before borrowing a bed from the hospital along with bandages, medicine and other medical paraphernalia. She returned to the room quickly tucking him in then sat back all of her useful medical items set out before her and began to cry... A prevalent... Almost unquestionable 'fact' throughout Equestria was that the Princesses were infallible, all knowing, in control of every situation... She never felt so much like she was living a lie then she did right now. She had hundreds of years of knowledge, taxes, military matters, food and water needs for all of Equestria! She could heal and thanks to Rick’s discovery she had a bit more knowledge in that area but she still didn't know what to do... She sniffed a thought suddenly coming to her. Rick! He could help, he could keep this secret... A sudden mumbling derailed her train of thought, he's waking up! Panicked she quickly unraveled some bandages wrapping them around his chest one leg and arm and finally around his eyes before covering him again. He coughed weakly croaking out. "Water...?" "Oh!" She quickly conjured a pitcher and a glass pouring and carefully giving him small sips. "Slowly..." After a glassful he seemed sated his hands slowly reaching up to touch his face. "What happened? I... I remember the condenser was about to blow... I fell then... An angel..." He shook his head slightly. "Just a dream I guess, where am I?" "The hospital...?" "Where? Midland...?" "Uh... Yes, that’s right..." "Am I ok? Why can't I see? Am I going to be blind?!" A note of panic was clear in his voice his hands again reaching for his face. "Stop!" His hands froze then fell back to the bed. "Thank you, you will see again but it will take some time. What is your name?" "John... Didn't you already know that from my ID, my employers, my family...?" "Of course! I... I just had to ask to make sure you didn't have any memory impairment..." "Oh... Sorry, I'm just... Sorry... What’s your name?" "Celestia..." Oh! She cursed herself, that’s not a very human-like name she thought. "Celestia...? That’s a beautiful name..." She felt her cheeks flush slightly, she was well used to empty compliments every day from those who wanted something from her, but this human... John, knew nothing about her, even what she looked like! It was... Nice. "Th... Thank you. How do you feel? Any pain?" "Sore, very sore all over but not that bad considering... How did I survive? Is everyone alright?" "I... I'm sorry I don't know the details really, I think everyone else got away safely though..." She hoped she wasn't lying but the rest of the humans seemed safely away before she was whisked away... They got whisked away... "I see... Well I'm glad to hear their all fine." "Can I get you anything? More water or some food?" "Another drink please, are you a doctor Celestia?" "Me? No, no just a nurse." She poured another glass of water helping him with it but careful not to touch him lest her secret be revealed. Not yet, she had to get to know him better, make sure he was going to be alright. "Thank you, I'm sorry I'm very tired all of a sudden..." "No problem! You need your sleep! If you need me for anything just call out and I'll be here..." "Thanks I..." Before he could say anything else his head lolled to the side his breathing slow and steady. She shook her head pulling the sheets back up again and weaving a simple spell that would let her know the moment he called out for her. She soothed back his unruly mop of hair with her fore hoof, strange... So alike Rick but so different too, the same sort of skeletal structure naturally but their facial features, build... She shook herself pulling her fore hoof away, I'm in over my head. I need help and advice, she still intended to ask Rick for assistance but right now there was only one other being in Equestria she could trust... Her sister, glancing out the window she was surprised to see it was full night, she remembered soaring around the human world for some time but... No matter, she teleported herself to the back of the night court audience chamber observing her sister deal with the concerns of their subjects, the night court was usually very quiet ponies who had come from out of the city and couldn't or wouldn't wait until morning as well as emergencies. She had observed her many times especially after her return to them and while it had taken her some time to get into it she had become quite adept at reading ponies and getting to the truth of the matter at hoof. Since Discords return her night seasons had become more... Lighthearted, occasionally known for being quite strict now she was more concerned with making every pony happy, sometimes that just couldn't happen but it made her smile to see her try... "Doing a bit of slumming Celestia?" She jumped slightly turning to glare at Discord a moment as he reclined in midair with a oh so amused look on his face. "Discord..." She fought to keep a smile off her face, since his 'reform' and reconciliation with her sister she had to admit the change in him was amazing, though she had to warn him more than once to stop pranking the guards and maids although she had to confess she herself was occasionally guilty of that too. The way her sister shone now made her so happy and admittedly a bit jealous... She felt a gentle series of taps on her head. "Hellooo, Equestria to Celestia... You in there?" "Sorry... I'm fine." "Sorry? Sorry?! I can't say I've ever heard you say that word before, what’s wrong?" "Nothing! I... I just need to talk with my sister when she has a moment." He raised an eyebrow questioningly. "Oh? You’re being very secretive Celestia, it's not like you at all. What’s going on? You know I'll worm it out of you eventually..." He added with a sly grin. She sighed and smiled wryly. "I guess you’re right, if you must know..." She drew a deep breath. "I visited the human world and while there saved a human from a horrible fate but accidently teleported him back with me and now I have him sequestered in a room that he thinks is a human hospital!" Discords gaze moved from confusion to anger for a brief moment before moving right back into confusion. "You..." He shook his head rolling his eyes and turning his back on her but still keeping his head pointed towards her. "Fine... You could have just told me it was none of my business instead of making up that ridiculous story." He faded out of view. "I'll go see if Luna has a moment to help you with your new pet human..." He chuckled as his voice moved away. She breathed a sigh of relief resisting the urge to say 'He's not a pet!' She took a chance, after all who would believe such a tale...? Well one would she hoped... She couldn't afford to make Discord curious if he began searching... He may have made peace with Rick on Luna's behest but she couldn't risk it... Not now. Out in the audience chamber Luna giggled as 'something' tickled her brushing her mane aside and whispering in her ear, she glanced back toward her and nodded. "We shall adjourn for a half-hour." Everyone bowed as Luna rose and quickly came across the room towards her. "Sister! No one’s seen you for hours! I was getting worried." "Sorry, some... Things happened, can we talk? Privately." She added knowing Discord was nearby. "You wound me Celestia!" He gasped reappearing draped across Luna's back. "Fine have your mare talk, I'll go and make sure the delegates are... Entertained." Luna smiled and pulled him down for a quick kiss. "Be good." "When have I ever been anything but my love?" He chucked wandering off. "So what is it?" "I... Sort of took your advice..." "About what? I know you've been keeping some free time for yourself..." "More about finding someone..." "Oh! Tell me, tell me!" She grabbed Celestia giggling like a school filly. She smiled a moment but then he face fell. "It didn't... Go as expected..." Luna frowned hearing the conflict and distress in her sister’s voice. "Tell me." "I will... But it would be easier to show you too..." "Okay." Without another word she teleported the two of them into an empty chamber, Luna looked around curiously. "I'm not seeing it..." "Luna... I need you to promise... Keep an open mind and you can't tell anyone! Especially Discord." "Sister... You know I would keep any secret for you, but to keep this from my beloved..." "Just for now! When you see you'll understand I promise." "Okay, I promise." She sighed her horn lighting up a section of wall becoming transparent revealing her made up 'hospital' room John still bandaged and asleep his breathing steady. Luna looked back and forth between the window and her sister. "What am I...?” Her horn too glowed briefly before she turned back to face her. "It's no illusion... Nor a viewing portal... Sister... What have you done?!" "I... I..." She burst out in tears collapsing into Lunas embrace, she held her tenderly stroking her mane letting her get it all out. When she regained her composure she told her sister the whole story from beginning to end leaving nothing out. Other than the occasional question Luna just listened amazed that her sister took such a risk! Her sister! It had been like pulling teeth to even get her to relax a bit and delegate some of her duties. "I've ruined everything..." Luna giggled despite herself causing Celestia to shoot her a wounded look making her burst out in laughter, finally she managed to get ahold of herself wiping tears from her eyes. "It's not funny!" "Sister... The fact he may be trapped here is not funny, and if he is I hope he can adjust as well as Rick did. But your insistence in blaming yourself is." "But..." "Shh... You've said your share now it's my turn. You saved a life... You've done it before and I have no doubt you will again but in this instance I am sure he would have perished without your assistance and yours alone! If the past three years have taught me anything it's that things happen for a reason. The element bearers freeing me, Ricks arrival, Discords return, even you taking Twilight Sparkle as your student in the first place! And now this..." "Luna..." "I don't know what fate has in store for you two, but I know it happened for a reason. Maybe not one we can comprehend right now but something... I think your right to move slowly though... Maybe... I don't know, we need a human’s insight. I will contact Rick in the dreaming... "Do you think he'll help?" "Of course! He might not have any answers but I know he'll do what he can." "It's worth a try..." They turned together to watch his sleeping form. "So... Can I pretend to be a nurse too?" "Luna..." She blushed slightly. "Feed him and fluff his pillows?" She teased. "Luuuna..." Her blush deepened. "Maybe a nice sponge bath?" She giggled. "Luna!!!" She was prepared to leap upon her sister when they both froze distracted by a sudden outburst of coughing from the room beside them. "Celestia?" "He knows your name?!" "I had to... Just... Just give me a moment..." She teleported into the room drawing a deep breath. "Yes John?" He jumped slightly but smiled. "You’re very quiet..." "Sorry about that..." "Don't be, sorry to bother you but my throats very dry..." "Not a problem." She moved a bit closer conjuring a pitcher of water filling a glass for him. He cocked his head slightly a confused look on what she could see of his face. "Strange... Your heels almost sound like hooves..." She very nearly dropped the glass and pitcher freezing in place. "Oh! Yes... It's just these... Heels...?" "Must be uncomfortable after a long day." She breathed a small sigh of relief giving him a drink. "Some days, but I'm quite used to them to be honest. Is there anything else you need?" "Is there a radio I could listen too?" "A radio...?" "Just some music would be nice if possible..." "Oh! I think I could manage..." She felt a strange sensation coming over her, she'd felt it before a part of Equestria, music, singing... It came upon you in certain circumstances and many times even right out of the blue. She had let it envelop her before and resisted it others, this time it felt different... Stronger, building inside of her she couldn't resist and didn't want to, she smiled and opened her mouth to sing... Song She finished feeling exhilarated, he hadn’t interrupted but the smile on his face said volumes even remaining as he drifted back to sleep as she finished. She smiled to herself again soothing his hair back and covering him back up before teleporting back to her sister who waited a wide grin on her face. "What?" "Yoou like him..." "What?!" She turned to see the wall still transparent her sister having witnessed it all no doubt eavesdropping with her own magic. "D... Don't be silly." "Yoou liike him..." She giggled again sidling up to her. "I... I don't even know anything about him!" "Tia and John sitting in a tree k-i-s-s-i-n..." "Luna!" This time she really did tackle her the two of them wrestling, tickling and laughing like school fillies until they collapsed exhausted. "You’re such a pest..." She grinned nudging Luna. "Missed you too." She stuck her tongue out as they relaxed back together. "What am I going to do...?" "Tia, I know it's been awhile but I'm sure you can pick it up quickly enough..." "Luna!" She blushed again and shook her head. "Be serious please. What possible use could he have for a mare like me...?" "Well..." "Luna!" "Okay, okay... Assuming your have something in common and when he sees you he doesn't freak out..." Celestia groaned putting her head in her fore hooves, Luna put her wing around her pulling her close. "You do like him... Don't try to deny it, I can tell. And that’s good, so good." "But..." "Shh... We'll work it out, if we have to we can... Send him back, somehow... But things happen for a reason, right?" She glanced back at John sighing. "Maybe..."