When I woke for the second time that morning, the sun was shining through the window. Groggily, I looked upon Fluttershy's now sleeping form. 'So she fell asleep too. Good, she needs her rest.' Yeah. Now, what's on the agenda for today, Will? I blinked to clear some of the sleep from my eyes. It didn't work. 'Don't ask me those questions before I've woken up. I can't think straight. And my head hurts.' Well, to be fair, you did drink last night. And there's a pot of coffee there on the counter. 'Thanks.' I didn't put it there. I sighed, and got up.
I walked slowly to the counter, almost tripping and banging my leg against Fluttershy's bed. There was a note by the pot. I picked it up to read it.
“Will,” it read.
“I brought you this pot of coffee. I know how much you humans rely on this stuff to be awake, and we just received some beans from your friends in the forest. Thanks, by the way, for what you brave men are doing. It means a lot, and we appreciate the help. Take this coffee as a token of my gratitude. Also, when Fluttershy wakes, give some to her if she wants. I hear coffee done right has caffeine, which I read was a stimulant that provided energy. She'll need it if you're bringing a unicorn in to operate. It'll take a lot of energy. Thank you, and you're welcome,
Nurse Redheart.”
I set the note back down on the counter, and went searching for a mug. Opening one of the cabinets above the counter, I found several mugs. I looked for some sugar, and as a secondary objective was looking for cream as well. I could drink black coffee, but I liked some cream in mine. Milk would do as well, so I ended up searching for that too. I found sugar, and in an ice box found some milk. I began to wonder why these things were there in the first place; it was as if it was made for coffee. I poured a bit, filling the cup about eighty percent; I filled the rest with milk and sugar. Stirring, I took down another mug in case Fluttershy wanted some.
I sat down in my chair-turned-bed, and placed the mug of hot coffee onto the nightstand. I must have spent ages, just staring at Fluttershy, thinking things over. 'She loves me too.' Was there ever any doubt, Will? 'Yes, there was.' Oh, right. Er, sorry. 'No no, it's alright. You didn't mean it.' Well, what will you do now? 'I think I'll wait to see if she wakes up soon. If she doesn't, say in the next twenty minutes, I'll leave a note and go look for that unicorn. If she does...' If she does? 'If she does, I'll offer her coffee. Whether she wants some or not, I'll tell her I have to go look for somepony.' Sounds like a plan.
I checked my watch after what seemed to be an hour. Only ten minutes had passed. Regardless, Fluttershy stirred and awoke. She wasn't facing me, but when she turned, I said to her, "Good morning, sleepyhead." And I gave her a very warm, crooked smile. She returned it.
"Good morning, Will. How did you sleep?" She asked, still not fully awake. Understandable, with a fissure in your hand.
"I slept well this time. I think you had a part in that." My smile held.
Unsurprisingly, hers did as well. "I'm glad to be of use, then." She sniffed the air. "What's that smell?"
A little worried, I asked, "Does it smell bad?"
Her eyes widened a bit, and she said hastily, "Oh, no! It actually smells very good! Very, very good! What is it?"
Mentally breathing a sigh of relief, I told her. "It's coffee. It's a drink humans like that wakes them up and gives them energy."
"Could I try some?" She asked earnestly. Well, as earnest as one can be having only woken up quite literally a minute before.
"Sure." I got up and walked to the counter. "Now, I don't know what you like, so I'll just pour some on its own for now. You tell me if you want it sweeter or lighter."
"I understand sweeter, but lighter?" She wondered, confused.
"Well, to me, how dark my coffee is doesn't really affect how it tastes. For me, that is. It's purely cosmetic, really. Some people say it tastes better, but I'm not them; I can't agree."
"Oh." She said, and I guessed that she was accepting my answer even if she didn't fully understand it.
I poured a little bit into her mug, only about a large sip's worth, and brought it to her. She was about to grab it when I told her, "Be careful. It isn't piping hot, but it's not cool either."
She nodded, taking the mug gently in her good hoof. In a gesture of love, I kept one hand close by so that I could help her or catch the mug should she lose her grip. She took a very small, delicate sip from the cup, and shook her head. "It's very... bland... sorry."
"It's quite alright, love. Just needs a bit of sugar, then. Would you like some milk in it as well?" I asked, unaware of what I'd just said. I started pouring more coffee, about halfway filling.
"What... did you call me, Will?" She asked, eyes wide, but her lips were smiling. I almost dropped the coffee pot.
"What... uh... well, to be honest, I don't-" You called her "love." You said, "It's quite alright, love." 'Thanks, Bill.' Any time. "I called you... love, I guess."
"I know you did." Her smile grew wider. "I like it." Suddenly feeling self conscious, I started to shake my hair down, but Fluttershy stopped me. "No, don't do that. You might spill the coffee. And... I... like your eyes."
"Sorry," I apologized. I poured a bit of sugar in, about a spoonful. I walked back to Fluttershy while I stirred. I handed the cup back to her, and she took another experimental sip.
"Sorry, just a bit more, thank you."
"Again, it's alright. You don't have to say sorry, Fluttershy." I got up, and walked to the counter yet again. I didn't mind, though. I'd do just about anything for her. Anything, Will? 'Yes, anything.' So... if she asked you to, I don't know, lay down with her, you'd do it. I wasn't prepared for that question, and I almost dropped the pot a second time.
"Will! Are you okay?" Fluttershy called, worried.
"Yes... yes... I'm okay. I just... lost my grip is all." I poured my new special one a good cup of coffee and put in another spoonful of sugar. "Care for a bit of milk in your coffee, Fluttershy?" I asked, mostly to draw attention away from my mental mishap. Coward. Why won't you tell her about me? 'I don't know, maybe I want her to keep loving me? Honestly, since when have you seen schizophrenic-like people accepted widely by the general public?' Not even admitting to me that you've got mental problems just proves yourself a coward. 'Shut up, Bill. I've had enough of you for now.'
"That would be lovely, thank you, Will." I nodded, then brought the mug over to her. She took a sip from the now topped-off mug. She nodded and said, "Thank you, Will. It's very delicious."
I chuckled. "I'm glad you like it."
We sipped our coffee in silence, but a glance at my watch made me start. "I'm so sorry, Fluttershy. I have to go. I need to find the mayor, and another pony. I'm sorry to leave on such short notice."
"It's okay, Will. I don't mind. It's your job, you have to do it. I'll be okay until I can see you again." She said with a smile. "See you later, Will. I love you."
"I smiled back at her. "I love you too, Fluttershy. I love you too. Now, I must get going; the mayor will need this radio, and I must find that unicorn!"
Fluttershy looked at me confusedly. "What unicorn?"
Hastily, I replied. "Just a unicorn Fluttershy. A friend I made on the way here. I need her help with something."
"Help with what?" Fluttershy asked, worry creeping into her voice.
"Fluttershy, please, calm down. She won't take your place. My heart only has room for one pony, and that's you. I just need her help fixing something. I'll be back as soon as I can. I promise."
"Okay, Will. I believe you. I'll see you later."
"Bye, Fluttershy... wow, that was a long goodbye." I walked out of the room, leaving a half-worried, half-love-swept Fluttershy in her bed. I passed Nurse Redheart on the way out of the hospital. She waved a hoof at me in a gesture to follow her. I complied, heading into a storage closet. Her words she'd said to me last night still haunted me. "Is that a date?" I'll admit, meeting in a storage closet was kind of... unsettling for me. "Uh... Redheart..." I gulped. "What's this about?"
"Will, calm down. You look like some buxom pony just waved her exposed flank in your face!" She laughed, albeit softly. "No, I'm not here to steal you away from Fluttershy. But I need to talk to you about her."
Relief flooded over me. My cheeks became noticeably cooler, and my discomfort dwindled. But it was replaced with worry. In my experience, getting news in a closet during troubling times, and Fluttershy's severed arteries certainly counted as "troubling," was a bad thing, and only bad news could be heard. I prepared myself for the worst.
"For one thing, I asked around as nonchalantly as I could as to whether visitors could bring in outside sources for help. Good news, getting your unicorn here is a go."
I breathed a sigh of relief. I didn't want to break into a hospital. Though, crashing through the window would have been cool... until glass shards ripped themselves into Fluttershy, in which case I'd pick one up and hold it up just above my collarbone- WILL! STOP THAT TRAIN OF THOUGHT, NOW! I hastily complied. Letting go of my control wouldn't help Fluttershy at all.
"Secondly," Redheart said, completely oblivious to my mental storms. "The sleep drug, our next shipment, isn't scheduled to arrive until late this night. You have all day to do your best to save Fluttershy."
"That's such good news. If I, er, weren't... 'tied up' with Fluttershy, I'd kiss you. Of course, that'd probably make you uncomfortable, and then I'd have three frightened people to worry about... myself included."
Redheart smiled. "You're very... noble. I like that." Then she did something completely unexpected. At least, I didn't expect it. Bill did, though. And he was laughing his psychological ass around in my mind. Redheart leaned up, almost to the point of falling forward flat onto her face, and kissed me on the cheek. I just noticed how tall she actually was.
Will, she kisses you, and you admire how tall she is?! You have problems getting priorities straight. 'Whatever.' Redheart stood normally again. "Will... I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me."
I shook my head. Whether I was clearing my head of Bill's presence or denying her apology, I didn't know. "As much as it makes me look like a bad... 'coltfriend,' I believe the term in Equestria is, I didn't mind. I've been on the receiving end of unintentional stuff this whole time. I've... kind of gotten used to it." Incredible! Will's said something I can agree with! 'I said shut up, Bill!' Okay, okay, sheesh. Don't get your knickers in a bunch.
"Oh... well... um... anyways," Redheart began, trying to bring the subject away from an uncontrollable moment of passion... I hoped it was passion. I don't like pity dates. "So, you're cleared for your unicorn, the shipment arrives late tonight. Oh! And one last thing, Will. While you're gone, I'll be by Fluttershy's side constantly. Aside from times I need to use the restroom. I'll be there to help her with anything she needs. You can count on me, Will." She said, with a determined look.
I nodded. I moved my hand to lay it on her shoulder. "I trust you, Redheart. Make sure she's okay when I get back. I'm afraid I may be gone for several hours, as I need to speak with the mayor first, but I will hurry back as soon as I can. I'll return with the unicorn, willingly or no."
"Will!" Redheart chastised, quite angrily. "I won't have you ponynap a unicorn so you can fulfill your needs!"
"Oh, no no no, nothing like that!" I tried to save myself. "I have a feeling this unicorn knows Fluttershy well, I simply need to convince her to come. If she doesn't believe me... well, I'd have to prove it, wouldn't I?" I asked with a mischievous grin.
Redheart smirked. "Oh, well, I wouldn't want somepony to ignore you. You have to have proof, and you have to show proof to be believed... alright, Will. You've got one thing going for you: You are a devil."
I gave Redheart a small hug. "Thank you, Redheart." I looked her in the eye. "I'll be back, I promise."
She nodded. "Now go! If we're found here, we'd be in big trouble!"
I stared at her blankly. "But you-"
She looked at me in mock anger. "I said GO!" She stage yelled.
I cringed either way, but did as she said. Checking to make sure nopony was around, I said to her, "Coast is clear." I began walking towards the exit. At least, I thought it was towards the exit. None of these halls had directional arrows.
"Will!" I heard Redheart call out. "Exit's this way!" I sheepishly turned to walk in the correct direction. As I passed by, I heard Redheart say, "Don't worry, Will. Trust me, I'll be with her for as long as it takes."
I stopped then, for a thought just came to my mind. "Why do you care that much for Fluttershy? I mean, I don't want to question you, and I am very grateful for your help, but I just don't understand. I mean, if it's alright with you."
She shook her head and chuckled. "You're perfect for Fluttershy. But... I care for her especially because... well, she's... let's just say that if we were humans, we'd have the same last names, and we're close in age." Good god, Will, she's almost as bad at admitting things as YOU are! But I ignored Bill for the moment. I was still processing what I'd been told. Meanwhile, Redheart continued on to Fluttershy's room, seeming to have forgotten all about me. But, if I could trust her, I knew she hadn't.
I managed to find the exit without much trouble. I nodded to the receptionist, who still hadn't been rotated out. She responded by batting her eyes at me. In response to that, I gulped and pulled at my shirt collar, suddenly feeling very hot and very uncomfortable. However, noticing the playful grin on the receptionist's face, I got over it quickly. I wanted nothing to do with her. At least, nothing more than I had to. I opened the doors to leave the building, putting my hand over my eyes to block out the burning glare of the sun.
And ran straight into Applejack.
I didn't recognize her at first, so I said, "Oh, I'm sorry, miss. Excuse me."
The sound of my voice, she realized who I was pretty quickly. "Will? What are ya doing here? Did ya get hurt?"
And, like her, her voice reminded me of who she was. "Applejack? What? Did I get hurt? Well... I guess you could say that. But... it wasn't a physical pain."
She frowned very slightly, sadness creeping into her expression. "Is... is it because of... mah brother?"
I shook my head. "No, it isn't. It's... it's... Fluttershy. She invited me to stay last night, and I said something awful..." Tears welled up in my eyes, and I felt like a pansy. "She cut her hoof... severed both arteries. I'm going to find help."
"Oh mah! That's terrible! Please, is there anythin' I can do fer ya, sugarcube?"
"Yes. Do you... do you know where I can find a purple unicorn? Dark blue mane with a pink and purple highlight?"
"Yeah, Ah do. She's Twilight Sparkle, one of mah best friends. She's also a good friend a Fluttershy's, she'll help. What do ya need 'er fer?"
"I need her to see if she can fix Fluttershy up... the doctors... they... they said they couldn't do anything... and I don't want her to die, Applejack. Call me selfish if you want, I want Fluttershy to live..." Then I broke down.
Applejack raised her hoof to lay it on my shoulder, and she could do that because I sank to my knees. Giving it a couple good rubs, she said, "Don't you worry, sugarcube. Twilight's the best unicorn Ah know, and Ah'm not jus' sayin' that. She lives in the library."
"Could you tell me where it is, please?" I asked, wiping the still flowing tears from my eyes.
"Sure thing. Library's down two buildings to the right. Make a left at the intersection, then four buildings down thataway. You can't miss it; it's a large tree practically in the center of the square."
I put my hand on her shoulder now, saying, "Thank you, Applejack. Thanks. A Nurse Redheart is with Fluttershy now. She said she do her best to stay with her for as long as I'm gone. Say hi to her for me."
"Will do, sugarcube. Don't worry, Redheart's one a the best nurses in Ponyville. Fluttershy's in good hands."
I nodded, then got up. Bill put a determined look on my face. Remember, Will. Mayor first. Give her the radio, tell her how it works, answer five questions, then skedaddle. 'Good plan, Bill. Thanks.' No problem, lover boy. I walked out of the hospital, then followed AJ's directions. AJ, huh? You know, aside from calling her "love" once or twice, you haven't given Fluttershy a nickname yet. "No time," I said, but realized I said it aloud. A few ponies walking by looked at me strangely, as if I were crazy. To be honest, Will, you probably are. 'Yeah, you have a point.'
I turned left at the intersection as I'd been told. I noticed that there was a shop on the corner, aptly named "Sugarcube Corner." It looked like it had been designed by a culinary artist. It looked like a giant gingerbread house: frosting, gumdrops, lollipops, candy canes and all. There was a pink earth pony standing in the doorway shouting things out like "Come to Sugarcube Corner" or "We have the best sweets and eats a pony could ever wish for." I made a mental note to take a peek inside at some point, but continued towards the town hall.
It was pretty easy to spot, the town hall. It looked like a human establishment, to be honest. Large, wide steps heading into a row of pillars. Looked like a human courthouse, in my opinion. Which, of course, made me wonder. 'How did these ponies build these things, and why do they look like human structures?' There were some theories floating around in the government, Will. Theories about how this was a human colony and that some mutation occurred and they all got transformed into ponies. Load of bull, that, but people are asking around as well. It makes me look bad, but I was worried about the thought of human researchers just flowing throughout Equestria, ruining infrastructure and everything else in search for an "answer."
Taking the steps three at a time, which wasn't hard seeing as how the steps were made for ponies, not humans, I reached the doors quickly. I opened the doors, and was immediately ushered inside. I was taken to a room off to the side, without even a chance to say anything, not even to the receptionist. I was plonked down into a chair, and I heard a lock click. A single lamp was on overhead, which I thought was pretty clichéd. A single, gruff voice spoke up. "What do you want?"
Be careful, Will. Play along for a bit. We don't know who these ponies are. 'Good advice I'd already taken, Bill.' Sorry. "I'm here from the Space Army. I'm here to speak to the mayor."
"No one sees the mayor unless we say so." There was evidence of hostility in his voice. Really, Will? I would never have guessed. 'I meant more than usual. As if he isn't really a guard for the mayor.' Hmm... yeah, now that you mention it, it doesn't seem right. Did you see the receptionist's face when she saw them taking you? It looked like she was afraid of them. 'Yeah... Okay, playing along is a bad idea. They didn't tie me up. They have too much faith in themselves. I can take them, right?' Probably, but don't get carried away. We don't know how good they are. They might've left you free because they simply are that good. Be careful. 'Will do.'
Thanks to Bill, I knew... just knew there was one behind me. Like lightning, I pushed off with my feet. The chair flew backwards, with me still in it, and slammed into one of the ponies. I heard a grunt of pain, then stood up. I jumped over the table and caught the other with a quick right hook. I backed off into a corner. Most would prefer open spaces, but I liked to be in a spot where no one could sneak up on me. The one I'd punched recovered first. He leaped at me. With practiced skill, I dove under him, bending my right leg at the knee, which caught the pony around the ribs with my sharp-heeled boot. I heard him lose his breath.
When I landed, I rolled. It was then I was surprised at how large the room was. I drew one of my knives, a "contraband" one from my ankle. I crossed my arms in front of my face, the knife facing away from me and "resting" on my left arm. I took up a fighter's stance. It was at this time, before the other could make a move, that the door flew open with enough force I was sure it ran the risk of flying off its hinges. I saw who was charging in. The ponies who ran in were wearing suits with visible bulges in the chest area. They were wearing padded armor.
"Sir," The lead one called to me. "I'm going to ask you to put the weapon down and come with us."
"And just where am I being taken?" I asked, anger rising in my voice.
"Sir, we're taking you to holding for attacking officers of the law."
"Really now," I said, sarcasm dripping from my mouth. "Then explain to me why you guys are so corrupt? Because honestly, I don't see holding a sergeant of the Space Army will help your case at all. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if-" And as I said that, I jumped forward, doing a somersault over the two new contenders. I sailed over both of them and landed outside in the main lobby. I slipped my knife into its sheath, glad I didn't have to use it. I ran over to the receptionist. "Mayor's office. Where is it?" A frightened look was on her face. She opened her mouth to say something, but I cut her off. "Don't lie to me, ma'am. I'm from the Space Army. I was sent here to speak to the mayor."
She closed her mouth, then reopened it. "To the right, head up the stairs to the third floor. There will be a pony at a desk at the top of the landing. She'll give you better directions. I just work down here."
I nodded. "Thank you, ma'am." Then I ran in the direction she'd said. Will, this is weird. You were very hesitant to break into the hospital to save Fluttershy, but now you seem to be doing something similar to the town hall. Strange. I ignored Bill's comments for now, wanting to keep my focus on the task at hand. I reached the third floor landing quickly. I stepped up to the desk. "Which way to the mayor's office?" I asked in as calm a voice as I could manage.
"Who are you?" the pony, a colt, asked.
"Sergeant Will of the Space Army. I need to speak to the mayor."
"Whatever. Down the hall, make a right. Pass one intersection, then at the second hang a left and you'll find her office as the fifth door on the right."
"Thank you, sir." I took off. In a combat running gait, I followed the directions. I nearly ran into a pony pushing a cart of concessions at the first intersection, but I jumped over it like an Olympic hurdle. I nearly slid on the smooth floor as I went around the corner of the second intersection, but made the turn. Will, there are no guards. At first, I didn't comprehend his words. But then it hit me. 'Why aren't there any guards here? I don't think they were all downstairs.' Be on your toes. I found the mayor's office, then opened the door and closed it behind me. I leaned back on it, sighing heavily. When I opened my eyes, I saw the mayor. At least, I think it was the mayor. It was a beige pony, a mare, with a white mane. She appeared to be sleeping.
"Ma'am?" I asked.
She was sleeping. She raised her head from the desk she was sitting behind. "Yes? How may I help you? Wait... who are you and what do you want?"
I sighed. "Sergeant Will of the Space Army. I was sent here to speak with you. But if I may ask a question, first?"
"What?" She asked, slight annoyance betraying her calm demeanor.
"Why were those guards down there so ready to detain me? And why were they violent? I told them who I was and what I was here for, but they stopped me anyway."
The mayor widened her eyes. "Oh, no! They shouldn't have done that! I'm terribly sorry, they must've seen you and thought you were an enemy. I truly am sorry."
"It's okay, they weren't a match for me. I didn't hurt them," I added quickly. "Well, I may have knocked the breath out of one and slammed a chair into another, but it was self defense!" I said.
The mayor laughed, which I didn't expect. "Don't worry, I believe you. Now, because you are in my care, they can't do anything to you. If they try to hold you up, show them this," She said, handing me a card. On it were the words of what I guess was a passcard. "They can't do anything now. Again, accept my apologies."
"No worries, ma'am. Now, on to business." I threw down my pack and opened it. I withdrew the radio, a grey box with an antenna sticking out of the top. "This here is a radio, ma'am. It allows people to talk to each other. I was sent here to deliver this to you, so my commanders can speak with you when they need to. I have a smaller one here, attached to my uniform." I pointed to it, a handheld radio. I moved towards the radio and handed it to the mayor. Really, I placed it onto the table. I switched to the frequency I was on. "Try it out. Press the green button to send a message."
She pressed the button. My radio beeped twice. She began to speak. "Hello. I am the mayor of Ponyville." Her words were broadcast from my radio, in a scratchy way. She removed her hoof from the device. "Wow, that is amazing. Thank you, Sergeant Will."
"It was my pleasure. Do you have any questions?" As I asked this, I set the frequency back to the company HQ's. "By the way, you have to be on the same frequency to speak to different people. It's like speaking to people face to face. You can talk to somepony in front of you, but you can't talk to one in another room." I took out a piece of paper and wrote down two numbers. "The top number is the one you're on right now, the Army's command frequency. This is the one you'll use the most. The bottom one is mine."
"Thank you, Sergeant Will. No, I don't have any questions. No, I do." She amended. "Why are you in a big hurry, if you don't mind me asking?"
I debated on whether or not to tell her. Will, being honest with her will gain her trust. Bill had a point. "I'm looking for Twilight Sparkle. I need her help to heal my..." I trailed off, unsure if I should tell her Fluttershy's relation to me. Oh, just say it, you pansy. "To heal my... 'marefriend,' I guess it's called here."
"And who is this marefriend?" She asked in an accusing tone. I could tell the thought of a "human" with a pony was preposterous.
I sighed. "She's a pegasus pony. Her name is Fluttershy."
I could see the surprise in her face. "Fluttershy likes you?! I don't see how that could be possible! A human and a pegasus, a strange combination, indeed!"
"Believe it or not, ma'am, I thought it was strange at first as well. But then, I gave it a chance. And... well, it kind of... escalated. We just started out as friends, but then Fluttershy... hurt... herself... and I let it slip..."
The mayor, calmed down, said, "It's alright, Sergeant Will. I was just surprised by the notion. I don't object, if the two of you love each other. 'Love who you will,' I've always said. Now, I can see you're in a hurry to help your special one, so go! And remember to flash the card if the guards try to hold you up again!" She called out, but I was already out the door.
I didn't run into anypony on the way to the stairwell this time around, and instead of running down the steps, I jumped down and used my wings to slow my fall. At the ground floor, I did chance upon several guards, most of which I'd met before. They drew into a half circle around me, but I had no time for that crap. I flashed the card I'd been given. "Sorry, boys, but I've been cleared. Now stand aside."
Thankfully, they did. They looked really upset by it too, as if they wanted to break their duties and gnash me to bits. I hurried from the town hall. It was then that I realized the truth of Applejack's earlier words. The library was very visible; the tree was easily seen from where I was. It wasn't right in front of me, but it was only a few blocks over. I hastily made my way to it. It wasn't even as far as I thought it would be. In fact, it was practically next door. Standing about ten feet from the door, I took a breath, nervous. You can do this, Will. It's easy; just knock on the door and ask her for her help. See? Easy. I wish I had Bill's confidence.
I walked up to the door. With a quaking hand, I knocked three times. I waited about a minute, and without a response, I knocked harder. Still not getting an answer, I tried the door handle. It was unlocked. Well, of COURSE it'd be unlocked, it's a bloody library, not a bank vault! 'Shut up, Bill.' "Hello?" I called out.
"I'll be down in a minute!" I heard a female voice call from upstairs. Through the ceiling, I heard several scuffs and scrapes, as if boxes and crates and hooves were being moved around upstairs. 'It makes a bit of sense, really, when taking the fact that Twilight supposedly lives here.' It does, doesn't it? I'm sure there's a door upstairs that she locks. 'Maybe.' My thoughts were interrupted with hoofsteps coming down the stairs on the opposite side of the room. The purple unicorn, Twilight Sparkle, emerged from the stairwell. "Oh, it's you," she said, seeing me. "What can I help you with? Checking out a book on manners?"
"Look, ma'am-"
"Twilight." She said tersely.
"Twilight... I need your help."
"Why should I help you?" She asked, her eyes narrowing. But my patience was wearing thin. The guards at the town hall must have taken it all.
"Because it's about your friend, Fluttershy!" I yelled. "She's hurt, and she needs your help!"
"What?! How did she get hurt?!"
"She was being nice to me by inviting me to stay at her house for the night. We got to talking, and I'm afraid I said something hurtful. She asked me to feed the animals she had outside. When I finished, Angel, her bunny, came out and brought me to her. She's sliced her hoof! AND EVERY MINUTE I SPEND HERE ARGUING WITH YOU IS A MINUTE WASTED!" Tears were rolling down my cheeks then. WILL! CALM THE HELL DOWN, SOLDIER! I unintentionally sank to my knees. "I'm sorry... sorry... sorry for yelling... sorry for saying that... I'm sorry, Twilight... sorry... I'm sorry Fluttershy... sorry, sorry, sorry..." The tears were now gushing out. WILL! I ASKED YOU TO CALM DOWN, NOT CRY LIKE A FREAKING BABY! GET UP! Sobbing, I stood. NOW, ASK HER TO COME WITH YOU! CALMLY! "Will you... come with me and help her?" I asked through the tears. My voice wavered with sadness.
Twilight, completely unaware of what was going on in my head, stood looking at me confusedly for several moments. "I don't... what... but..." She stammered. "Yes, I'll help Fluttershy. But what is it to you?"
Sniffling, I looked at her through my blurry eyes. "BECAUSE IT'S ALL MY FAULT!" I cried, both literally and in the verbal sense. My voice was hoarse, and I couldn't really scream as loud I'd have liked. I was ashamed. I went from tough soldier in the town hall to a crying baby in the library. I was a weak little baby.
"And?" She asked, as if I had more to say. Which, in truth, I did. "I've seen ponies do things and not care that what happened was their fault. What's your problem?!" I mumbled something unintelligible, which, unsurprisingly, Twilight didn't understand. "I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that."
"Because I love her!" I yelled hoarsely. "I love Fluttershy, okay? If you've got a problem, too bad! I don't care! I love her, and nothing will change that! I love her and she loves me back! Now, come on! She needs your help!" I turned to the door, and when I didn't hear hoofsteps following, I turned back to Twilight. "What's the matter?! Come on! Fluttershy needs you!"
"YOU LOVE FLUTTERSHY?!" And that's when, somehow, her mane erupted into flames, her eyes became red, and she growled at me.
Will, run!