//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Warframe: Rebirth // by REDMAMBA //------------------------------// Chapter 2 Celestia casually walked down one of the many hallways of her castle. Striding along, she wore one of her signature ‘poker faces’, even though internally she was scared. The events of the day prior still weighed heavily in her mind. She’d dealt with death all her life, so she was no stranger to it, but to see somepony so young in that state… it got to her. Sighing, Celestia cleared her mind and continued forward. Once she made it to the castle infirmary she greeted the head nurse at the front desk. After asking her about the young filly the nurse guided her over to the doctor that saved the young ones life. “Doctor Ray,” she greeted. “Your majesty,” he greeted back, “I’m guessing you are here about the mysterious filly?” Celestia nodded, “What do you know?” He widened his eyes and turned his head momentarily and sighed nervously. “Follow me.” Walking into a nearby office, Celestia took a seat in one of the available chair while Ray closed the door behind himself. Walking over and taking his seat. “So,” he started while pulling his seat forward. “Where do you want me to start?” Celestia took a deep breath, “From the beginning.” Ray leaned back in his chair, “She’s female, approximately nine to twelve years in age. She has suffered various cuts and bruises overtime…” “Child abuse?” Celestia questioned. “Possibly.” Ray leaned forward in his seat. “But it was her blood scan and pupil dilation that makes me curious.” “Why?” “... She’s blind.” Celestia blinked and widened her eyes at the news, “Her right eye somewhere along the line was taken. Judging by the scar… it was bad, hence the eyepatch. But whatever caused it was a very serious accident.” He leaned back in his chair again, “But it's the blood scan that has me worried.” “How so?” Celestia asked. He stood up and walked over to a nearby filing cabinet. After a second of searching he pulled out a single sheet of paper before walking over and handing it to Celestia. “What am I looking at doctor?”she inquired. “A standard blood sample.” The sheet showed a simple, blown up view of a healthy ponies blood. It was in itself an excellent example of proper health. “And here is hers,” he said while holding out a second sheet of paper. Taking it Celestia examined it closely, only to find no difference. Double checking for a better result she held up both sheets side by side. Squinting she examined both with a keen eye. The sheet in her left hand showed the ponies. There was no sign of disease or abnormalities. Now, whereas the fillies -at first glance- looked healthy, but upon closer examination, small, worm like parasites could be seen in the plasma. “She's infected with what looks like heartworm,” Ray said grimly, “And it is extreme.” Celestia’s heart sank, “Can you treat it?” Ray sighed. “...Maybe…” In return Celestia let out her own sigh. “Well...do what you can…” “We will,” he reassured while walking over and placing a hand on Celestia’s shoulder, “She’s in good hands.” Celestia placed a hand on the doctor's. “I know…” *** Celestia lazily fell backwards onto her massive king sized bed. She idly stared at the ceiling which housed a massive mural of her cutie mark. Turning her head to the right she eyed her nearby desk she would use to write at or do paperwork. From there she looked past her hooves at her massive book case. It contained her own personal collection of her favorite books. History, spell, romance and various other books populated its shelves. Looking to her left she spotted the painting of her and her sister. The picture was of her and her sister Luna when they were teens. Both wore massive, toothy smiles as they held each other close. Luna was in one of her many light blue dresses while Celestia was gowned in her signature white dress. “Oh Luna…” For over a millennium Celestia had regretted not taking her sister's feelings into consideration. Even when she did try to help her sister, she was pushed away in a fit of yelling. Ever since that fateful day, Celestia did her best to care for all her little ponies, big… or small. Her thoughts drifted back to the filly. “Not again…” Rising from the bed she quickly disrobed her royal regalia and dress and bra in exchange for a basic blue tank top and a pair of grey sweatpants. Leaving her room she headed for the infirmary. To her the walk was rather quick as she rounded the final corner to the infirmary. Walking up to the receptionist she asked, “Where's the filly?” Most of the time, the castle infirmary only cared for the occasional guard who was injured in a training mishap or the filly or colt that failed a particular spell in her school. Tonight, the medical bay only contained one patient. On the other side of the desk the nurse manning the booth frantically searched the dirty desk for the paperwork in question. After a couple of seconds of searching files and stacks of paperwork she held up a file and opened it. “Uhhhh… 4A,” she said before looking up at the princess. Thanking the mare, Celestia turned from the desk and headed for the room. Opening the door and stepping inside, Celestia was greeted by the sleeping form of the unknown filly. She watched the sleeping child for a second before walking over to the bed. Using her magic she levitated a chair over to where she stood and took a seat. Pretty soon thoughts started to fill her head. Who was she? Where did she come from? How did she get her scars? What was she doing so high in the sky? Celestia’s thoughts were cut short when the filly moaned in her sleep. Looking at the child Celestia watched as the girl’s face winced in fear. The princess didn’t have to think to hard to know that the young child was having a nightmare. “Shhh, shhhh,” she cood lightly while leaning forward and placing a reassuring hand on the fillies, “It’s going to be alright.” This small action seemed to calm the filly as she started to visibly relax. In turn this caused Celestia to smile. It reminded her of her sister from oh so long ago. Tears welled up in her eyes. “I don’t know who you are or where you came from,” she said before releasing the girl's hand and leaning back in her chair, “But I promise that I will take care of you.”