//------------------------------// // Chapter 41; House Call // Story: Most Daring Pony // by CowgirlVK //------------------------------// Doctor Stable leaned against the wall as he slid his card through the reader; clocking out after a long day at the office. Nothing had happened that could be considered ‘out of the ordinary’, but as it is with most days in the medical field, it wasn’t easy. “Heading out?” Nurse Redheart asked. The older doctor nodded. “I’ll be checking in with code vines on the way home.” The white earth pony mare blinked. “Code- Oh, you mean them.” He nodded. “Yes, I need to check in and make sure everything is going alright.” A rumble of thunder shook the hospital’s windows. “Well Doc, I’ll hold things down around here. I’d suggest you hurry. Looks like the weather is on after all.” Doctor Stable frowned but nodded. “A little rainwater never hurt anypony.” Nevertheless, he pulled an extra jacket from his office closet. As he stepped into the lobby his ears picked up on the discussions going on around him. Some, if not most, were centered around loved ones. His heart ached for these. Other ponies were gossiping about what was going on in town. “-And then,” one mare said. “Out of nowhere this giant blue pegasus with claws entered the town and landed on Townhall.” “Ponies don’t have claws,” the other mare, whom she was talking with, scoffed. “This pony had claws and no Cutie Mark! When any of us tried to get close to her, she’d just flap those monstrous wings of hers and blow us away!” “Now I know you’re kidding. That would take a pony bigger, stronger, and faster than Rainbow Dash. We both know that that doesn’t exist.” “I vow it on my honor. That’s what happened!” The mare insisted. Doctor Stable didn’t stop, but the story caught his attention. He shook his head; the claws he could believe. When working on a project for Celestia, he’d had a field job in the Foal Mountains. There he found out about the phantoms and their unique abilities. Although, he’d never heard of a phantom so strong; He would not put it past nature for there to be at least one or two. Most Phantoms were average sized, but he’d seen a few that were larger. He also knew that they were a whole lot more strict on training than even the pegasi were due to their lack of numbers. Not to mention the fact that each pony was required to do their part for them even to hope of keeping the weather under control. “Did you see that mare?!” A stallion said. “Such grace, such skill. To think she’s only a teacher.” “Yeah, quite a prize, but I think the gray one has a claim on her. I’d hate to get between the two of them. That friend of Soarin doesn’t look like a stallion I’d like to lose a bet with, despite his quiet nature.” Doctor Stable kept walking, his ears pinned back. That reminded him of his nephew’s therapist and her team. If that was them, then that means Celestia was probably behind it. He doubled his pace, fretting over why they could possibly be there. Celestia didn’t just send that crowd for no reason. He stepped out into the rain and shivered as the cold wind hit him. He was glad the castle wasn’t more than a five-minute walk from the hospital. Not surprisingly, there was nopony out on the streets. Still he hurried on, keeping his eyes on the ground and used a shield spell to keep the torrential rains from his back. Finally he arrived. With mud-spattered hooves, he knocked thrice. Instantly, the door was opened by two guards. With a nod of gratitude, he entered the hall and permitted the guard to take his rain gear and rinse off his hooves. He then followed the other guard to the throne room. His eyes scanned the great throne room; here Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie, Sweetie, Apple Bloom, and Spike the Dragon were all sitting. In addition, there were two mares he didn’t recognize... or he wished not to recognize. Twilight was the first to greet him. “Oh doctor, I didn’t expect you!” she said. He nodded. “Decided to come by and see how our two invalids were doing.” Twilight frowned. “Worse, and better.” He frowned, puzzled by her words. “Really Twilight? How so?” “Applejack is improving.” Twilight began. “That’s good to know. How’s the external healing coming?” He asked. Twilight smiled. “We’ve kept her mostly still; the scar has scabbed over nicely.” “That’s good. Now, how’s Dash? Last I heard she’d-” he raised an eyebrow when Twilight’s expression darkened. “Worse, much worse. And her dreams aren’t helping,” Twilight said. His expression darkened. “Have you called Luna?” “Yesterday.” He nodded approvingly. “Good. No progress?” “She quit jumping out of windows,” Twilight responded bluntly. He looked dumbfounded. “I heard about that, but I thought it to be a rumor.” The purple alicorn shook her head. “I wish it were, but we’ve had to keep an eye on her. I think the dreams are-” “Nope,” The doctor glanced up noticing the two strange ponies walking towards him. He froze, noticing their eerily familiar movement. They were walking, talking, moving completely in sync with one another. “I was hoping it wasn’t you.” He frowned sighing. “Greetings, Twins Persimmon, and how are you doing?” He spoke like he was talking to a single pony. A smile of delight spread across both mares’ faces. “Very well, Doctor, and you?” They continued to speak in sync with one another. “It’s been a long day, but I’m glad for it to be over,” he said solemnly. “So, how’s matters in the Mountains?” “Very well Doctor, thank you for asking,” they said. “So, do you know who is who?” He looked between them. “Does it matter? You are two-thirds of one magic, two parts of one body; the names mean nothing to you.” He raised an eyebrow daring them to argue that. The laughed, nodding approvingly. They then shook their sheets from their backs smiling. “Oh, what have we here? I think it’s generous Lady Stitch and the daring Captain Feathers,” he played with them as though they were but foals. They were eating up every moment of his attention. He acknowledged them how they truly were while in that state; one. This pleased them both. “So, Feathers- Or do you want me to call you Moti?” He asked. “I prefer Lilly," She responded. “I’m sure that ‘nope,' was more from you than your sister.” Lilly nodded. “Yes Doctor, it was. Dash’s problems go back to when I still had her as a student.” “I didn’t know you had Rainbow Dash as a student.” He stated, surprised. She nodded again. “Yes. Many years ago when I was a tutor at my Grandfather’s school.” “Ahh,” he said, the piece falling into place. “So, what’s going on?” Lilly sighed before giving him a complete overview of the afternoon and the past few days as she knew it. As needed, Twilight would add to the information what Lilly could not provide. “I’m beginning to understand the picture.” He said at last as the story came to a close. "Not good. And it’s from guilt?” He asked Lilly for confirmation. “Guilt and Dash’s need to be free,” She affirmed. “How about Applejack’s emotional state? What do you take from that?” The captain frowned. “I’m afraid Doctor, I’ve not much to say. First off, I can’t read unicorns or earth ponies most of the time. I wish I could. Second, Applejack keeps what she’s feeling to herself. She is perfectly capable of thinking through and evaluating her emotions. She’s a thinker, a deep thinker. For her, as long as there are no surprises, and she’s satisfied that her work on the farm is being done to her standards, I don’t see any reason why she’ll be too much of a problem. If we have a problem, it will center around either homesickness, impatience, or something coming up that she didn't foresee; like Rainbow Dash jumping out of a window.” He nodded in affirmation. “Glad to hear you think so. From what I last saw of her, she wasn’t in good shape emotionally at all.” “Neither was I,” Lilly pointed out. “When I lost my decency and had to rely on everypony else for my most basic needs. Shoot, she can’t even go to the bathroom without an audience. Honestly, I’d be down as well. Although, she’s not one to dwell, she takes what she has and moves on.” He nodded. “Twilight? So, how have you and your friends been holding up?” Twilight drooped. “It’s been rough.” Doctor Stable nodded knowingly. “Being a caregiver isn’t easy. If you need me to, I’ll send a nurse over to help with evenings.” Twilight’s ears pinned back. “No Doctor, we can handle this. My friends and I have handled it, but it hasn’t been easy.” “You are preaching to the choir.” He stepped forward and patted her on the shoulder. “Chin up child, you’ll get through this. Now, I’d like to see the patients.” “Flash,” Twilight said to the guard standing by the door. “Take care of the fillies. I’ll be sending Arrow and Scootaloo down to you.” “Arrow is here?” he asked Lilly with a hint of concern in his voice. “Arrow’s idea,” The pegasus said flatly. “She came despite orders to stay home.” “Steady’s around too I hear. You can’t blame the filly, She’s kind of alone in the world,” he rebuked her gently. Lilly made a face. “I know. Still, I struggle with her. She’s not what I’m used to dealing with. I find her very stressful.” The doctor smiled encouragingly. “Yet, she’s grown so much since you took her under wing. I definitely would not have accepted such a challenge as her. That filly was-” he snorted. “Entitled, and narcissistic. I would not have wished her care on anypony, but last I saw of her, you’ve worked wonders.” Twilight led the group out of the room. Lilly didn’t respond to the doctor’s words, but he noted a slightly frustrated expression cross her features. So not to pry, he turned his attention back to Twilight and Rarity. “So, Your Highness, I’m surprised you found somepony to take over weather management so soon,” he said. “That was Celestia,” Twilight answered. Stables smiled. “I’m willing to bet Luna as well. I have known these ponies for years. Lilly is my nephew’s therapist.” Twilight seemed surprised. “Your nephew?” “Connect, he has Spina Bifida. I’ve done all I can do from a medical standpoint. So his father has been taking him to the Wings to further his therapy.” “Spina Bifida?” Rarity asked. “What is that, Doctor?” “It’s a genetic disorder; it’s when the spine doesn’t grow right. It leaves the poor pony paralyzed from that point on. Lilly’s brother is working on a project that he hopes will give the pony a more complete recovery. There is also an experimental treatment that is being developed using technology. Speaking of, How’s your brother coming?” “He trieda’ to bring the mountain down on him yesterday,” Catstitch answered. The doctor looked worried. “Is he alright?” “Only thing wounded was my own nerves,” Lilly said grumpily. “I’m so glad Mom taught him that double shield spell.” The doctor shook his head. “I think what amazed me most during my time in the mountains was the diversity of spells you have in comparison to us. That is one I never figured out.” She shrugged. “Me neither, but Zap makes it work.” “The day a pegasus wields magic is the day I eat my scrubs!” the doctor joked. “Then you better start frying them up, because Cadence used to be a Pegasus,” Lilly teased back. “She’s an alicorn now, doesn’t count,” he said laughing. “Fiddlesticks,” Lilly huffed, another clap of thunder echoing her mood. With that, they reached the room. Pinkie whizzed forward to open the door. They all entered behind her. “Greetin’s Doc. Ah didn’t expect ya today,” Applejack said from her bed. Both she and Rainbow Dash were awake and upright. The farm mare was alone in her bed, but Rainbow Dash was being cuddled by both Fluttershy and Scootaloo. “Good afternoon ladies, and how are you doing?” Doctor Stable asked. The two looked at each other sheepishly. “Horribly insanely,” Arrow spat from her corner. Doctor Stable looked around at her. “And hello to you too Miss Sharp.” Arrow rolled her eyes. “Yeah yeah, so what?” Doctor Stable frowned. “Miss Arrow, the correct response is, 'Hello Doctor.'” Arrow snorted. Doctor Stable shook his head. “I pity you, Feathers.” Twilight walked over to Scootaloo. “I’m sorry Scootaloo, but we need you to go downstairs for a minute.” The flightless filly glanced up at her sister. “But Dash-” “I’ll be fine, Squirt. You’ve seen enough already.” Scootaloo wasn’t convinced, but she didn’t argue. She gave Dash a quick hug before sliding to the floor. “You too Miss Arrow,” Lilly said firmly. “Cat, go with them, take our stuff, Our escort should be showing up within the hour.” “Are ye sure sis?” Catstitch asked. Lilly nodded. “This isn’t for your ears, If I think I’m no longer needed, I’ll follow you.” Applejack looked sad. “Bye Catstitch, It’s been nice seein' ya again.” Catstitch nodded. “We’ll be back in town soon.” With that, she gathered the two saddle bags and the lamb; then she followed the two fillies out of the room. “Rainbow Dash,” Doctor Stable began. Rainbow’s eyes shifted to her barrel. She didn’t dare look up into the face of the doctor as he approached. There was a stern, but gentle look in the doctor’s eyes. “You need to tell me these things.” “You were here yesterday.” She tried to defend herself. He sighed. “Yet, you didn’t tell me all of what’s going on. Dreams?” “They’re no big deal.” Rainbow Dash tried to defend herself. Doctor Stable frowned. “I don’t call jumping out a window ‘no big deal.’” Rainbow Dash cringed but didn’t say anything. Doctor Stable sighed as he turned his attention to Applejack. “So, how are you feeling Miss Apple?” Applejack blushed. “Better.” “That’s it? How much walking have you been doing?” He asked. “Some, but after yesterday, ah’ve been in bed more often than not.” The doctor nodded. “How about emotionally?” He asked. Applejack looked even more uncomfortable. "Little of this, little of that. Bein’ obedient will get me home, so ah ain’t gonna fight it.” “Logical,” Lilly stated. “What did I tell you?” Applejack frowned. “What did ya tell them?” Lilly blushed. “Sorry, I spoke out of turn. Very simply, you now know where you stand, and you’ve resolved to make the best of it. You’ve also taken the time to plan this out.” Applejack raised an eyebrow. “You’re creepy. Ya know that?” Doctor Stable nodded. “You don’t know the half of it. Now, Let’s check those stitches real quick, you haven’t gotten them wet have you?” Applejack shook her head. “Nope, ah was really careful.” “Good,” the doctor affirmed. “How about itching?” “A little bit,” Applejack stated. “That means the nerve endings are healing,” Doc said. “That’s a good thing.” “Now, any constipation?” He asked. Both mares looked at each other, then at the doctor. “Why?” Rainbow asked. “Colic,” Lilly responded with one word. “A pony’s intestine are pretty long. Nearly a mile and our bodies don’t support it well structurally-” “Lilly...” The doctor’s voice was threatening. Lilly’s face went from pink to a vibrant red. She quickly put both hooves over her mouth. Doctor Stable shook his head. “As she was saying, yes, It’s due to the length of our intestine. Laying on your back too much could cause a kink. A kink would require surgery to fix. That’s not common with smaller ponies like we are, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a threat. A large pony, because they've got more, are more likely to develop colic. Colic is a dangerous condition, if you start feeling constipated, don’t roll. This is important. Twilight, call me immediately, then walk it off if you can. Walking helps to right it... if it’s mild.” “There’s an in-between stage,” Lilly said looking sick. “But it is a real danger, I luckily was small so never had that problem, but one of my cousins nearly died last year from it.” The doctor raised an eyebrow and shook his head amused. “Lilly... Yes, there’s an in-between stage. You had a strained stomach muscle some years back.” Lilly nodded. “And you didn’t colic?” “Sure didn’t. I think it’s because I stole Grammy’s rocking chair half the time,” Lilly admitted. The doctor didn't comment immediately, but he appeared thoughtful. “Very much probable. Still, why didn’t you stay in bed?” “Pride, and I got lonely in my room.” The doctor nodded chuckling. “I can see that. A rocking chair would be smart if you guys could find one. I don’t think Dash is ready, but AJ should be able to start sitting up that long here soon.” Both mares nodded. “Now, I’ve got to run some tests.” He set down his bag and opened it. -------------------------------------------------- Rainbow was nearly asleep. After the doctor had run some tests, and had them both stretch and move for him, and being ‘doctored’ on top of everything that had happened, she was worn out. “Thanks for comin' Doc, bye,” Applejack said from the bed beside her. Doctor Stable nodded. “Just checking in. Remember to sleep, eat regularly, and don’t-” “Overdo. Ah know Doctor. Captain, are ya leavin' now too?” Applejack asked. Lilly nodded. “Any minute. The sun is going down, and the storm has slowed.” Rainbow Dash looked upset. “Already? But you just got here!” Lilly sighed, smiling sweetly. “I’ll be back. You’re getting my foal-sitter and favorite cousin in town. Believe me, I’ll stop in to check in on her, and I’ll swing by while I’m at it. That’s a promise.” “Pinkie Promise?” Applejack asked. Lilly shook her head. “A Rainbow Vow, those are stronger.” “Shoot, ah don’t even want to think about that,” Applejack said a little worried. “Well, it was good to see you again,” Rainbow said. “Ya’ know. After the whole ‘run away from home’ thing.” “I really should have checked in with you,” Lilly stated. “I’m sorry I scared you guys. But Dash, you need sleep. Both of you need to get some rest, so I’ve got to go. I’ll be back in a week or two to check your progress and answer any questions.” Rainbow Dash’s face looked suddenly more haggard. Lilly gave Dash a quick squeeze around her shoulders. “Just stay awesome. ‘k? I bet you can even make this 20% cooler.” Applejack chuckled, A smirk spread across Dash’s face. “Every mare across Equestria will want to go through this I’ll make it so cool.” “Oh please no!” Doctor Stable said. “Dash?” Twilight inquired. “Not me,” Fluttershy stated. “Yeah, but you guys will know the truth. Not everypony else will,” Dash replied. “So yer’ gonna lie?” Applejack frowned disapprovingly. “RD...” She winced with pain. “If any mare in Equestria can, it’ll be you. Just don’t try too hard. It could backfire,” Lilly snickered. "You will have a long way to go. Right now, you are failing the 'awesome' meter horribly." “Alright, ” The doctor shook his head still laughing. “Now what you need is sleep. I don’t think your bodies like you after today. I’ve got a mild narcotic to help you get some rest. I’ll remind Twilight to have food ready when you wake up.” ------------- “It kinda hurts me to see them like that,” Lilly commented to the doctor as they worked their way downstairs. Doctor Stable’s ears flicked back; he pushed his glasses up his nose with his magic quickly before responding. “Indeed, it’s hard to see two such proud ponies struck down like that. I find it admirable with how much pain they were both in, how much better they handled it than they did a few days ago.” “No pain, no gain.” Pinkie quoted. Doctor Stable sighed. “Still, it’s something all doctors, and other ponies in the medical field, have to steel themselves against.” “Do no harm, show no pain, bedside manner, and whatever you do, don’t spook the patient,” Lilly recited sadly. “I fear it’s one part of my job I’ll never come accustom to.” Fluttershy hugged Lilly; out of compassion, or support, neither one was quite sure. “Thanks Flutters.” “I don’t think you follow those rules well,” Twilight observed. “I’m too blasted honest for my own blasted good half the time,” Lilly spat. “Sorry, I don’t like hurting others... and my bluntness sometimes is my undoing. I walk a fine line between taking into account the emotions, and saying what needs to be said.” “I’d rather have a nurse be too honest,” Doctor Stable said. “Than not honest enough.” They reached the landing about that time. The group of younger sisters were waiting for them on the landing, having heard their voices coming down. “Well,” Doctor Stable said. “I’ve had a long shift, and I’m looking forward to home.” Twilight saw him to the door. “Thank you for coming by. I’m sure it’s not every patient you do house calls for.” Doctor Stable shook his head. “Absolutely not, but you guys are royalty.” He nodded putting back on his slicker before returning back out in the rain. After he’d left, they all stood around just thinking. Twilight noted the drawn and tired expressions on all the older ponies’ faces. It has been a long day. Of this, none of them would argue. “How’s Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo asked them, being the first to recover her ability to talk. Twilight frowned, shaking her head sadly, her ears folding back against her neck. She glanced around, looking for anypony to give the youngster a sufficient answer. “Asleep,” Fluttershy said. It wasn’t the answer the orange filly wanted, but it was an answer. Scootaloo sighed. “Miss Feathers?” Lilly sat down. “She’ll do as well as you guys can strengthen her to be.” Apple Bloom opened her mouth to say something. “Both of them,” Lilly said in a firm, but gentle voice. Apple Bloom looked disheveled. “It’s good to see mah sister doin’ better.” “Don’t count on it staying that way,” Lilly stated. “Let’s hope it does, but you never really know. This will be up to you guys. I can point, I can motivate, but you guys are going to have to do the work. This is going to test your relationships beyond their limits. Injuries have a way of bringing out the worst in us.” They all nodded. Lilly glanced over at her twin, then towards the young mare she’d been charged to raise for so long. “But you guys have a bond, this can’t be broken. You will get through it. Change will happen, but hopefully, it’ll be the best kind of change.” Lilly rubbed the center of her forehead with a hoof. A knock sounded on the door and Twilight rushed to answer it. As the door swung open, Soarin and Steady both entered. Both of the stallions looked like they’d taken on the wrong thunder cloud. Their coats were singed and their manes soaked. Steady instantly took from below his left wing a little white creature. “Goblin!” Lilly cried in happy surprise. "Goblin?” Twilight asked befuddled. “Who is Goblin?”