//------------------------------// // Chapter 24 - Discharge // Story: Rising Above // by Quick Fix //------------------------------// April 2nd Scootaloo stretched slightly as she got up, being able to sleep in was an admitted plus to hospital routine. Another was having both her eyes back in use, her injured left adjusting to regular use well. Unfortunately, muscle damage from the impact meant it was unlikely her eyelid would sit naturally ever again, though all things considered, she could settle for looking slightly quizzical as the worst effect she suffered from the ordeal. Glancing round, she noticed somepony had left her a newspaper, a further glance at the clock showed she had some time before Recovery showed up. Scootaloo shrugged to herself and picked it up, checking the headline news. Equestrian security forces have confirmed that Starlight Glimmer, the current number two on the list of Equestria's most wanted, was captured in the San Palomino desert yesterday. Though unconfirmed, reports suggest Starlight was found in a destroyed compound with a number of ponies that match a number of missing pony reports over the last year. The ponies held at the site have been transferred to Las Pegasus for treatment. A security pony, who requested to remain anonymous, refused to give out details but merely commented that each pony rescued 'had received cake...From somewhere.' Story continued on page four. Scootaloo couldn't help but chuckle at that last part. She remembered seeing enough signs in Ponyville to know which ponies were responsible for the cake, and possibly playing a role in dealing with Starlight. "Sounds like you two knew what you were doing then, well done AB, Pinkie." She said to herself, grinning before opening the paper up and reading through some other articles that caught her eye. The next time she glanced up, about twenty minutes had passed and she realised she hadn't even heard Recovery come in, considering he was standing at the foot of her bed with a soft smile on his face. Scootaloo scrambled slightly to put the paper aside and sit up again, smiling back. "Good morning to you, miss Scootaloo." "Morning, Recovery. If you're here, have the docs decided on something extra today?" "Even better, all your signs have been good for weeks and with how your eye adjustment is going, we think you're ready to check out." "Seriously?" Scootaloo almost jumped out of bed at the news, her heart soaring. Finally, she could get a chance to go home again, see all her friends and family, retrain herself to ride and fly. "I, I didn't mean to sound ungrateful. I know you put a lot of work into helping me." "I understand, everypony gets homesick," Recovery nodded and motioned toward the door, waiting for Scootaloo to look over the ward one more time before they walked out, heading for the reception. "All the same, I'm glad that I had the chance to help such a nice pony as yourself." "And I'm glad I had such a kind pony looking after me. Seriously, thank you." Scootaloo noticed the subtle look away Recovery made but didn't comment on it. He probably had to constantly deal with Canterlot nobles and from what Rainbow Dash had told her, he'd be hard pressed to get the time of day, let alone a thank you when healing them. The two of them headed through to the hospital lobby, Recovery handling the paperwork as a thought came to Scootaloo. "So, hang on, did anyone account for my equipment when I was admitted?" "I made sure to check, your things were recovered and your parents took them back to your house in Ponyville," Recovery answered, double checking the discharge papers. "Also, to make sure there are no lasting effects on you, I'm going to arrange for a follow up check at Ponyville hospital once you're settled at home." "That sounds good, thank you." Scootaloo looked round the reception area as she waited, it was mid morning and several other ponies were waiting around to be seen to, a number of them taking notice of her. She smiled and waved at them before glancing outside, where even more ponies seemed to be gathered. A tap on her shoulder brought her attention back to the desk, Recovery indicating a few parts she had to sign. As she looked them over and started signing, he looked over and noticed the crowd outside. "Oh sweet Celestia, not again," He groaned, facehoofing as Scootaloo looked up at him. "Sorry, even since it became public that you were recovering here, the press have been hounding for a story. We can slip you out the side entrance if you'd prefer." "Thanks, I'm not good with the media..." Scootaloo gave the forms one last check over and turned round, toward the main door. "But dealing with it with benefit us both. So, one more time, thanks for everything." She smiled at Recovery and headed for the door, trying to keep her composure. As she stepped through the doors, she kept her eyes shut at the expected rush of camera flashes, letting her eyes catch up before looking at the gathered reporters. There must have been at least a dozen all after her take on things and as many looking for their own twist, all she could do was answer honestly in this situation. Scootaloo silently raised a hoof to quiet the crowd before glancing round and pointing to one of the reporters. "Miss Scootaloo, do you have any comments on what occurred in the arena?" So, they were playing hard from the start. No matter, Scootaloo thought as she looked back at the reporter, she just had to stick to her guns of honesty. "I take full responsibility for what happened in February, I made an error of judgement and the result put me here. I'd like to take this chance to apologise to everypony who had to witness it. Next question?" She pointed to another reporter. "Will this accident have any impact on your career?" "I hope not, thanks to professional medical care, my most serious injuries are limited to these," She pointed to the scar and eyelid. "I'll have to make some adjustments to my setup but it won't impede my work. Next?" "Is there any truth to the rumors that this may have been pre-planned to regain attention for your stunt work and draw a fresh sympathy crowd?" Scootaloo sighed in frustration, she recognised this mare as another Equestria Today reporter, probably attempting to mix a fresh report to twist with a smear campaign. There was a time where tact would be useful for dealing with this, but Scootaloo couldn't be bothered to find it right now. "The 'rumors' as you put them, were from an opinion piece posted several months ago. Do you honestly think I'd attempt a maneuverer as suicidal as it came out to be for something as petty as attention? Honestly, your newspaper keeps posting slander to discredit me just because an editor has been holding a grudge against me for decades, I could sue at this rate. I wont, because it wouldn't solve anything, but you're better than all this as well. Do you really think spreading another pony's spite is worth it in the long run?" "I...No, sorry." The reporter backed out of the crowd and slinked away. Scootaloo watched her go, rubbing her forehead in agitation. She'd been in the same place back in school, that stint as Gabby Gums was not a proud one to remember. It didn't help her mood either, any drive she had to deal with the press was shot now. "Sorry, everypony else. I'll be happy to arrange further interviews when I've returned home but I'd like to get a train home before it gets dark. So for now, no further questions please." They didn't listen, naturally, still trying to ask further questions as Scootaloo moved off. They didn't try to get in her way though, backing off as she headed for the station. That was a small relief at least, as well as the fact that her little vent back there might have convinced a few others to keep their distance for now. There were higher priorities to focus on for now. Tricks to relearn, wings to spread, ponies to boost. Scootaloo could feel in her heart that she was close to bringing this whole mess to an end, all she had to do was get home for now. Then she remembered she didn't have any bits for a train ticket.