Jade Storm was one of the guards assigned to the town hall for the 1000th Summer Sun Celebration. It felt like it would be a great opportunity but it turned out to be the beginning of a nightmare.
It's the night before the 1000th Summer Sun Celebration and the Royal Guards assigned to Ponyville are arriving to secure the town. Among them is Jade Storm, the newest and youngest member of the Royal Guard. In fact, he is one of the youngest ponies ever to join the royal guard directly from the academy. He was immediately resented by his fellow guards and rumours swirled around about meddling noble families and favouritism.
Jade simply carried on as best he could since joining the guard was his dream for many years. For him, this was his way to prove he was able to stand on his own hooves. To show those ponies who turned their backs on him that he had value. Most of all, it was a way for Jade Storm to convince himself he wasn't useless like he had been told by nearly everypony he knew. Someday a chance to prove himself would arise and he would take that opportunity without hesitation.
Gore Tag: The early chapters have some violent events and descriptions of injuries that may be disturbing to some readers.
I flipped the page of the latest Daring Do novel with my wing as the train rumbled down the tracks towards Ponyville and the Summer Sun celebration. The other guard members on the train were trading dirty jokes or playing cards. For me, this was a welcome opportunity to relax and chill out a bit. I had barely had a chance to catch my breath since I graduated from the academy. I was the top student in my class, so I was immediately posted to the royal guard. I had finally achieved my dream and years earlier than I had expected.
Unfortunately, the past two months since joining the guard hadn’t been the ideal I hoped for. My sleep schedule had suffered since I was constantly being reassigned from post to post by the squad commander. I had been posted to day shift, night shifts, and split shifts. The broken schedule meant I spent most of my time off sleeping trying to catch up. Preparation for the Summer Sun celebration had resulted in more consistent schedules for the past three days but I was still behind.
“Heads up bookworm!”
I looked up just in time for a ball of paper to bounce off my muzzle. I glared at the other guards who were laughing at me.
“Are you ever going to get tired of that?” I asked.
“Of course not,” said one guard. “It’s our duty to make sure every wannabe is on task.”
“Get your head in the game nob or you’re never going to last as a royal guard,” added another one.
I sighed and turned back to my book as another ball of paper bounced off my head. I had hoped the hazing would wind down but it felt like it was getting worse rather than better. I wondered if there was a relationship between the duration of pranks against new recruits and that recruit’s background. If there is, I really drew the short straw. Thank Celestia they don’t know exactly who my family is. If they did I would never escape from this frustrating treatment. It's not like most of my family would even lift a hoof to help me.
My dear older brother was the only pony who cared about my fate and he quietly stepped in to help me afford tuition. He made sure I was able to accomplish my goal of becoming a royal guard at his own expense. It wasn't anything they couldn't afford but it was far beyond my limited funds as the odd pony out. I did my very best to make him proud and he rooted for me all the way even as father lashed out with insults and derision right until his dying breath. Seeing the look of pride on my brother's face when I was announced as the top recruit of the year was all the reward I felt I needed.
The train shook as the brakes engaged. I felt us starting to slow down so I shoved my book back into my bulging saddlebags and checked myself over. My fur and wings were immaculate white, my armor was well shined and I wasn’t missing any pieces. The glamor enchantment was working as always and everything was in perfect order, exactly as a Royal Guard should be.
Sergeant Iron Axe marched in and shouted: “On your feet soldiers!”
We all jumped on to our hooves. When the sergeant gave an order you obeyed or you would pay the price. He paced down the train car looking over the soldiers. He paused in front of me and looked me over from top to bottom trying to find a hair out of place. Iron Axe's perpetually annoyed expression became downright angry before he turned away and began his briefing.
“As you all know, our unit has been given the honor of being Princess Celestia’s guard for the Summer Sun Celebration. Three soldiers and the unit leader are to be present in the main ceremony chamber while the rest secure the town. Many years ago, Princess Celestia in her wisdom mandated that the three soldiers for the ceremony were to be chosen randomly to prevent favoritism by command staff. As a result of this year's draw, Corporal Fancy Metal, Private Wild Ace, and Private Jade Storm are to report to the town hall with me as the ceremonial guard. The rest of you know how to secure a town, so hop to it.”
I felt my heart leap with excitement. I'm Private Jade Storm and I was going to be part of Celestia’s ceremonial guard at the Summer Sun Celebration. It took all my training to keep from squealing with excitement at the opportunity. Outside I presented a stoic but satisfied face as I trotted forward to join the other honor guard members. I hardly noticed the irate looks on the faces of the other soldiers on the train.
I followed Sergeant Iron Axe out and got my first look at the town Ponyville. The sun was just setting and cast a warm orange glow over everything. Thatched wooden homes, grass and dirt roads and what looked like an open air market. I could even see a massive oak tree over on the far side of town that seemed to have a balcony on top of it. It was a picturesque location and a far cry from the stone of Canterlot.
I didn’t have much time to take in the sights though. Iron Axe marched us straight into the town hall. A gorgeous white unicorn mare with three diamonds for a cutie mark was doing some final touch ups to the decorations. She looked over in our direction and smiled warmly.
“Hello gentlecolts! Don’t mind me. I will be finished in just a moment” she said as she used her telekinesis to tie off the ribbons.
Iron Axe nodded at her and then turned to us. “Your instructions for the ceremony are quite simple, even a witless moron should be able to accomplish them. Stand at ease beside your assigned pillar. When the princess walks out, come to attention. Stay there until Celestia finishes her speech and salute as she leaves. She may have further orders for us but that is all for now. Storm! You are on duty guarding the town hall until relieved. Metal and Ace, you are with me!”
I marched over to my assigned pillar, folded my wings and stood at ease. I watched my fellow soldiers walk out without another word. The white mare looked at me curiously.
“As if anypony would dare disrupt Celestia’s celebration” she muttered to herself. She looked over at me. “Hello, my name is Rarity Belle and I am in charge of decorations for the festival. What is your name sir?”
There are rules a royal guard must follow when on duty. Among them, I am not permitted to speak to civilians unless I am giving orders. I must maintain a stoic face and not acknowledge anypony other than the princess or an intruder. I was only two months in and Iron Axe was always watching to see if I made any errors. I couldn’t afford to make a mistake today, even though it meant ignoring a lovely mare. I maintained my position and stared straight forward.
Rarity watched me with a warm welcoming smile. Her smile quickly faded in the face of my stoic lack of response and her expression finally dissolved into an irritated frown.
“Very well, if that's how you feel, I will be on my way,” Rarity growled. Then she flipped her hair over her shoulder and walked out of the town hall.
I kept my frustration inside though. Sure I was nearly unrecognizable except for my rank insignia but I still felt horrible as I watched her trot out the door.
Curse Iron Axe to Tartarus! Why am I even on duty?
Two Hours Later:
Wow, that sounds like a fun party the town is having. I wonder if my squad is there. I wonder if my relief is going to show up anytime soon.
4 Hours Later:
Thank Celestia I am permitted to do a marching patrol of the assigned space at my discretion. I’d probably collapse if I had to stand still this entire time. I just need to ignore my grumbling stomach and how tired I’m feeling.
Six Hours Later:
. . . 8 x 8 is 64, 9 x9 is 81, 10 x 10 is 100, 11 x11 is 121, 12 x 12 is 144. 13 x 13 is 169 . . .
Seven Hours Later:
. . . 1241 x 1241 is let me see. Row 1 1241. Row 2 is 0, 4 x 1 is 4, 4 x 4 is 6, carry the 1 . . .
Seven Hours and ten minutes later:
. . . then adding up the four rows gives 1241 x 1241 is 1540081. Ok 1242 x 1242 . . .
Eight Hours later:
By the time eight hours had passed I was barely holding myself together between thirst and hunger. I’d had a rough time over the past two months since I got out of basic training, but this was by far the most painful experience I’d had yet. Eight hours on duty with no relief was an experience I never wanted to repeat. Still, I somehow managed to stay upright and awake by some miracle. It was a relief that the ceremony would begin soon.
Iron Axe, Fancy Metal, and Wild Ace pulled their helmets back on as they unsteadily walked back in ten minutes earlier without a word in my direction. I could smell the residue of alcohol as they walked past and they looked well rested and relaxed. I simply held my position as ordered rather than giving them the satisfaction of hearing me complain.
I watched the ponies of this diverse community walk in. I saw Rarity and a cute yellow Pegasus with pink hair walk up to the balcony. A rainbow maned Pegasus caught my eye; she looked like a fast flyer and her mane colors were striking. Then I had to choke down my surprise at the next to arrive. Every guard who spent any time in the palace on duty was required to recognize Twilight Sparkle. The standoffish purple unicorn and her dragon companion were also the responsibility of the royal guard. Our standing orders were to discretely guard her and grant her passage as if she was a princess herself. She was reclusive and antisocial. Seeing her outside of Canterlot was an incredible surprise.
I guess she must be here for the celebration as well. I wonder why she looks so worried. She’s acting like somepony is going to jump out and attack her. Sweet Celestia, I am so hungry. And tired. And thirsty.
“ . . . . bringer of harmony to all of Equestria, Princess Celestia!” announced the town’s Mayor, startling me out of his thoughts. I had almost zoned out but Celestia’s name brought me back into focus. I prepared to come to attention when my cue came. Rarity pulled on a rope and the drapes opened revealing an empty balcony.
Any time now princess. The sooner you get out here the sooner I can get breakfast and sleep.
“Remain calm everypony,” said the mayor, “There must be a reasonable explanation!”
“Oooh ooh, I love guessing games! Is she hiding?” said a pink pony with puffy hair while everpony else was starting to mutter with increasing concern.
“She’s gone!” Rarity called out from the balcony.
The crowd gasped with horror at the revelation and then gasped again when a cloud of black smoke coalesced on the balcony, taking the form a tall black Alicorn. There were only two of them in Equestria so I had a bad feeling about this. I silently cursed the fact that I was unarmed.
“Oh my beloved subjects.” said the Alicorn in loud voice “It’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious little sun-loving faces.”
The rainbow maned Pegasus jumped up “What did you do with our Princess?!” she yelled, trying to take flight, only to be stopped by an orange pony grabbing her tail.
I watched the event unfold as the crazy pink mare bantered with the apparently insane, cat-eyed princess who was dripping with dark magic. Her eyes were glowing with darkness.
What is going on?
“You’re the Mare in the Moon – Nightmare Moon!” declared Twilight confidently.
Impressive confidence, I didn’t know she had it in her. Wait what was that she said?
I looked up at the sky and saw the clean white moon, without the silhouette that had been there all my life. The fur across my back was prickling with fear as I realized the child’s tales were true.
“Remember this day little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!” said Nightmare Moon.
Ok, buck that. Enough standing around. Come on Iron Axe
“Seize her!” shouted the mayor “Only she knows where the Princess is!”
My fellow soldiers were quick off the mark. I was a bit slower off the mark thanks to my hunger and exhaustion. They charged in aggressively to try and tackle her.
“Stand back you foals!” Nightmare Moon shouted. She then cackled with laughter as she unleashed bolts of lightning at us. I wasn’t normally scared of lightning. My name wasn’t Jade Storm for nothing. I focused my weather magic on redirecting the lightning as it flowed through me. I could feel the energy shedding off me but I was too exhausted to ground the energy completely. I felt myself tumbling out of control and hit the ground.
Everything went black.
“Are you ok?”
I opened my eyes and blinked at the off center pair of yellow eyes that filled my vision. A cross-eyed gray Pegasus mare was looking down at me. She had a cup of water and a muffin which she passed to me as I sat up. I took both quickly and began to eat, speaking between mouthfuls.
“I think I am thank you” I grunted between bites. “I’m fairly experienced with lightning, thank Celestia but that was something different. What about the others?”
Her eyes swung in opposite directions as she thought. “The other three guards are out cold. Everypony else is trying to restore order in town.”
I got up on my hooves and looked myself over. No visible injuries. Iron Axe and the others were covered in blankets and were out cold.
“I guess it’s up to me then,” I said. “Where is the purple unicorn? Where did Twilight go? How long ago did she leave?”
The gray mare tapped her chin with her hoof. “I’m not sure, but she was staying in the library. It’s in the big tree on the far side of town. It has been about 40 minutes since Nightmare Moon showed up.”
I nodded and pointed a hoof at the unconscious form of Captain Iron Axe.
“Please make sure my fellow guards are cared for. When he wakes up, please inform Captain Iron Axe there that I’ve gone to provide backup to Twilight Sparkle.”
“I will!” she replied, lifting her hoof in an unsteady salute.
“Thank you. Stay safe.”
I galloped out the back door of the town hall, pausing to grab some more food and to strap on my arc blades and combat armor. There was no way I was going out unarmed. Arc blades was a light bladed metal covering strapped to my wings. In addition to being sharp, the runic inscriptions allowed me to use my weather magic to generate, focus and absorb lightning. Not all Pegasi could use them but I was extremely talented with lightning. I took off and flew towards the library. It was easy to spot. That beautiful old oak tree I spotted earlier had with windows and balconies. It was an impressive feat of plant care but one I would have to examine another day.
I dove through the open door and looked around. The library was empty but there were books on the floor everywhere. One book open in the middle of the table caught my eye and I started to read it out loud.
“There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now the Everfree Forest.”
There was no doubt in my mind what I had to do as I let the book drop to the ground and burst out the front door. I took to the sky and began flying as quickly as I could towards the forest. The old castle in the forest came up several times during basic training. It was cited as an example of fortification design. I’d never heard about it belonging to royal sisters though; to my knowledge, Celestia and Cadance were aunt and niece, not sisters. I’d never heard anypony even mention Celestia having a sister. I skimmed along the forest canopy towards the castle. There was no way to know how much of a head start Twilight had so I had no time to waste. Flying over the Everfree Forest was dangerous due to the unstable wild magic but I had no choice if I was going to arrive in time help if I was needed.
The air over the forest was unstable but I made good time. I was rapidly approaching the castle when a burst of light caught my eyes. There was a large magical discharge up in one of the old rooms high in the structure. I dove down towards the building when some angry shouting caught my attention.
“Out of our way you bucking jerks! I already told you NO!” yelled a raspy mare’s voice.
“We are to stop you by any means necessary. You aren’t going anywhere.”
“Out of our way you ruffians!”
On the ruined stairs I could see three Pegasi wearing dark uniforms standing on a stairway. They reminded me of Wonderbolt uniforms but the design looked sinister. They were armed with archaic looking blades attached to their wings that were extended threateningly towards Rarity and four other mares that I had seen at the summer sun celebration. Twilight wasn't there but civilians were in trouble so I had only one choice. I adjusted my course and slammed to the ground between the two groups.
“I’ll take care of these three,” I yelled. “Take your friends and get moving Rarity!”
Rarity looked startled that I knew her name but nodded. One of the Pegasi tried to swing at the mares as they moved up the stairs, but I blocked it with my forehoof bracer and countered with a hoof to his face sending the dark colored Pegasus sprawling. I watched the five mares disappear up the stairs out of the corner of my eyes and hoped they knew what they were doing and would be safe.
The lead pegasi glared at me. “You would challenge the Shadowbolts you accursed sun lover? You shall be the next to fall to the power of Nightmare Moon!”
“Well, thanks for confirming I made the right choice,” I replied.
The leader charged me, trying to strike with her left blade while the other two took to the air. I blocked the strike and let the force of the impact propel me off the stairway into the air. I began charging my arc blades as I dove towards the ground to gain speed. I banked between two pillars and started a climb. I heard one of the Shadowbolts utter a curse as it dodged around the pillar behind me. I flipped over and unleashed a bolt of lightning into my pursuer. He was engulfed in arcing electricity and he tumbled out of the sky. I dove again and then banked upwards and began to flap hard to gain altitude. My wings felt like lead and I knew exhaustion was catching up with me fast.
A blur came diving towards me and I barely managed to raise my leaden hooves to block a strike at my neck from one of the Shadowbolts. I countered with a hoof to his face but he turned and bit me on the leg. I screamed in pain and slashed the thing in the head with a charged arc blade, sending it tumbling away trailing smoke. There were two puncture marks along with the regular tooth indentations. The damn things had fangs!
The blood was pounding in my ears as I tried to start ascending into the sky again but I didn’t even hear the next Shadowbolt coming. All I saw was a fast moving blur before I felt an incredible burst of pain in my left wing and was nearly blinded by a burst of lightning. One Shadowbolt had made a suicide charge directly into my arc blade. He was fatally injured by the impact on my wing but the damage was done. I heard my bones snap on impact. The dying pony thing tumbled away somehow still laughing maniacally through his injuries.
I fought to control descent with only one wing while the pain threatened to overwhelm me. The castle ruins loomed large in my vision as I tumbled out of the sky. I caught the air as best I could with my one good wing and managed to turn just enough to only clip the castle wall with my limp broken wing, sending another flash of pain through my body. I was on course towards the deep canyon around the castle and there was no time to change course. I tried to slow down as I fell into the canyon but in my exhaustion, I couldn’t make my wings work and I braced my legs for the upcoming impact.
I hit the ground at full speed and I dimly heard another snapping noise as my left foreleg caught the brunt of the landing. I lost control and tumbled across the canyon floor. I finally came to rest against the cliff face covered in cuts. My head was spinning as I tried to pull myself together. I struggled to stand up but exhaustion and hunger were finally too much combined with the pain coming from every part of my body.
The leader of the Shadowbolts landed right next to me. “That was pretty terrible,” she gloated. “If you’re all the Solar Guard has to offer our takeover of Equestria will be quite easy.”
Then she stomped on my good wing. I managed to stifle my scream as it snapped as well. I turned my head and looked up at her defiantly through the haze of pain.
“When the other guards get here, you're toast.”
The Shadowbolt burst out laughing. “Other guards! Don't make me laugh. There is nopony coming to save you!”
“I did my duty to the best of my ability,” I replied. “At least I protected those civilians.”
“Don’t make me laugh,” she cackled. “They are already dead as well you failure, crushed under the hooves of our glorious leader, Nightmare Moon. You only delayed the inevitable you fool.” Her wings began to crackle with black energy. “For challenging our authority and being a sun lover I sentence you to agony.”
No. I didn't fail. Did I?
The Shadowbolt unleashed a bolt of black lightning directly into my back between my wings. It was a particularly sensitive part of the Pegasus body. I opened my mouth to scream but no sound came forth. I couldn’t even focus my weather magic to disperse the attack. I couldn't control the lightning as it burned through my wings and across my body. I was writhing on the ground, barely able to think.
Please help me, Celestia. I don't want to die.
At that moment there was an explosion in the distance and the lightning stopped. I looked up confused and watched the blurring shape of the Shadowbolt leader dissolving in rainbow colored light. In mere moments she had become nothing but dust and vanished into the darkness. Then night grew silent and the dim sounds of animals and crickets greeted my ears. I closed my heavy eyes as the sounds of the night changed to the sound of singing birds greeting the long-delayed morning and a beam of sunlight briefly hit my broken body.
I began to fade away as the pain, exhaustion, and hunger finally took my consciousness. I spared one final thought as my awareness dissipated.
Thank you for sharing your sun once more before I die Celestia.
“JADE STORM! Front and center you worthless foal.”
I felt a rush of dread at the summons but I still galloped down the hall as quickly as my short legs could carry me. I kept my wings folded at my side and my hooves on the ground even though I could have moved faster. I pushed the door opened with one hoof and walked into his study. A middle-aged white unicorn was sitting in a big overstuffed easy chair staring out the window while as I came to attention in front of the chair. His expression when he saw me was one of disgust and irritation as usual.
“You didn't scuff the door with your filthy hooves, did you brat?”
I looked at the floor, “No sir. I keep them clean as instructed.”
He glared at me and a telekinetic slap rang across my jaw. ”Don't talk back boy. Do you know why you are here?”
I never knew what he wanted from me when he was in one of these moods. I took the safest path and just shook my head without speaking.
“You are here because my son is a bleeding heart who seems to think you're worth keeping around!” he snarled, waving his hoof around angrily.
I stood stock still and didn't move. There was nothing I could say so I remained quiet while he watched me. When it became apparent I wasn't going to speak, he continued his rant.
“I have one son: a noble unicorn who will inherit my title and all the power that goes with it. You are nothing but a worthless pegasus bastard that shouldn't even be allowed to walk down the street out front. You would do well to remember that you only live here because my son insists your company makes him happy. When he finally grows up and comes to his senses you will be out that door. Understood?”
My heart had scarred over years earlier from his threats. I easily held my tears back and just nodded. “Yes, sir. I understand sir.”
“Hrmph. Don't you dare take that tone with me; Get out of here you useless feather duster.”
I bowed and galloped off to the door as quickly as I could but the floor disappeared from under my hooves. I screamed in terror as I tumbled into the gaping black abyss.
I woke up with a start, greeted by the sound of chirping crickets. I immediately began shivering from the cold night air but my skin was burning with pain as the light gusting breeze washed over me. I moaned with pain as I fought to open my eyes that were nearly stuck shut. My vision was blurred when I finally got them open but I could still see stars in the sky above. I looked at my legs sprawled out in front of me discovered a pair of forest green legs under my bracers instead of the illusory white. One leg was obviously broken and it was marred by a red fern-like pattern of burns that sparked with pain with every small breeze.
I looked over my shoulder to assess the damage to the rest of my body and gasped with horror at the sight. There were extensive burns all over my body. My fur was matted with blood and dirt from my rough landing; wounds that would get infected if they weren't treated soon. My heart nearly broke when I saw the condition of my wings. They were hanging limply on the ground from the weight of the arc blades and nearly half the feathers were missing. The ones that were left were scorched and ragged. It was clear both wings were both broken in several places but I couldn’t even feel any pain from them. I tried to move them up but they just lay on the ground ignoring my attempt to control them.
I struggled up to my haunches, letting out small whimpers of pain as I jostled my broken hoof. Using my one good front hoof I fumbled with the straps of my armor. Finally, I managed to unhook backplate of my armor and let it fall off. I began limping forward on my three good legs but it was too much. I manage about ten paces out to the middle of the canyon before my strength failed me and I collapsed to the ground again. If I had any moisture left in my body I would have had tears flowing down my face. I felt parched like I was in a desert as I tried to call for help.
“BUCK! Can anypony hear me?” My attempt at a shout came out as a croaking whisper instead. “Help?! Please . . .”
The volume of my voice faded fast and I could feel my vision going dark again. I fought against the growing blackness, fearing that I would never wake up again. I couldn't open my eyes but I still gasped out another shout and another, trying to hold my failing body and mind together. As the last sparks of my awareness began to fade, I thought I heard the distinct clip-clop sound of hooves approaching. Whoever had just arrived didn't speak right away but began rustling around in a bag. I was beginning to fear I was just losing my mind.
Then a mare's voice with a strong accent finally spoke. “I cannot help you in this space. Drink this so we can leave this place.”
I felt a vial pushed against my mouth which I opened in response. I felt the flow of a sweet liquid on my tongue and greedily gulped it down. I managed to open my eyes and saw a striped face with blue eyes looking back at me with concern in the dim light. There were a number of gold rings around her neck and she had two giant gold earrings in her ears. I recognized her as a zebra and she smiled gently when she saw my eyes finally open.
“I see you are awake my gentle guard. How did you come to be so marred?”
I gasped as the pain began to fade away and my strength began to return. The sensation was incredible and I almost screamed with relief as the burning sensation on my skin began to subside.
“I came to the Everfree to help against Nightmare Moon. Some of her minions caused me to crash and I think they used some sort of lightning on me.”
She nodded. “You are fortunate I was out so late. There are many creatures here full of hate. Let us get up and leave this place; I will help you maintain your pace. Zecora is the name I choose, how should I refer to you?”
Zebras were rare in Equestria but I had once read that in their homeland helping those hurt or lost was an obligation they took very seriously. It was a natural thing given how dangerous the Savannah of Zebrica was. I could feel the pain continuing to fade and carefully stood up with Zecora’s help, avoiding putting weight on my broken leg. My wings were numb as they hung uselessly off my body but they caused me no pain. Zecora moved up next to me and gently provided support.
“My name is Jade Storm. Thank you for your aid Zecora.”
“You pain and suffering I can delay but your injuries have not gone away,” she said with a tone that spoke of great urgency. “That potion will keep you strong but it will not last for long. I will help you to my lair so you can get some proper care.”
I smiled as I took my first limping steps with her helping me along. “Lead the way.”
“Your injuries are still quite severe so my action is quite clear,” Zecora said. “I must prepare another potion so that we can get you back in motion. After you drink your fill I can take you to Ponyville.”
It had been a week since the painful walk from the castle in the Everfree Forest to Zecora’s home. I had just made it to her home as the potion began to wear off and I just managed to collapse on her bed before I fell unconscious. Today she had explained that the potion she had given me gave me a dangerous trade off. It stabilized major injuries and provided a major energy boost for about two hours, but then the body needed to nearly shut down for recovery. Over the next several days she had bound my injuries as best she could while making sure I was fed, watered and cleaned.
She informed me that my burns were so extensive I probably would have died of dehydration within another day. She had treated them with a paste of her own design which she said would slowly restore the skin to normal. I was covered in bandages to protect the damaged skin while the treatment did its work. Vision in my left eye was blurry and Zecora told me it was gray instead of the normal blue. Even half my brown mane had burned away. After waking up I had taken one look at myself in her mirror and immediately asked to borrow her cloak to protect the bandages from damage.
I was greatly concerned when she informed me nopony had come into the forest since the Summer Sun celebration. Zecora could not risk leaving me alone while unconscious and there was no indication anypony had come near her home recently. Now that I was awake she was going to travel to the hospital in Ponyville to try and enlist their help transporting me there. If that failed, I would have to walk there myself under the influence of a second dose of the injury suppression potion. She would get the last necessary ingredients if the hospital refused to speak to her and escort me to their front door if she had to.
It was frightening that nopony was looking for me. I hoped those five mares were still alive and that Nightmare Moon had actually been defeated. My fellow guards should have been looking for me as well but if the world had fallen apart I couldn't blame them. Zecora had just found me quite by accident while harvesting night blooming flowers in the canyon by the Castle ruins. I was already weary from our conversation and I laid my head down to rest.
“Have a safe walk Zecora” I murmured. “I’m going to get some sleep.”
I was roused out of my rest by the door slamming open. Zecora marched in with an unusual expression of irritation. She tossed her cloak in the corner and huffed angrily.
“It makes my eye want to twitch when the ponies flee like I’m a witch” she grumbled. “I have done nothing wrong; why do they hide when I come along?”
I looked at her with some sympathy. “I wish I could answer that for you Zecora. Perhaps I can speak to the residents for you once I'm better. Saving my life must count for something in their eyes.”
“You are kind to give me hope but some of them ran into Poison Joke. A filly tried to speak with me but the others caused her to flee.”
“I’m sure somepony in town knows about the plant. They live right next to the Everfree Forest and I'm sure they can make a cure with ease.”
Zecora’s smile came back. “Hopefully you are right; maybe you can help end my plight. Now I must make this cure so the walk you can endure.”
The next morning I ate a very light breakfast while preparing myself mentally for the walk into Ponyville. My body was still incredibly weak and I hoped the hospital staff would allow Zecora to explain the nature of her potion instead of simply running away. We were both startled when somepony started pounding loudly on her door.
“Is that a knock at my door? This has not happened before!” she exclaimed.
She opened up the door, revealing a small yellow earth pony filly with red hair and a bow. The filly looked quite panicked and nervous.
“Ummm, hello Zecora. Ahm Applebloom” She said nervously. “Ah know we haven’t treated you right but my sister and her friends have a problem this morning. They seem to be cursed and they think you did it! Ah don’t believe it but ah hope you can help!”
Zecora shook her head, “They did hear me when I spoke; those leaves of blue were Poison Joke. I can mix up a brew that will fix them up like new. Please come in and have some tea while I look up the recipe.”
Applebloom smiled and trotted in. “Thank you Zecora, I knew the stories were . . .” She trailed off when she saw me. “Ah didn’t know you had somepony else living here.”
I looked at her from under my borrowed cloak. “I had a run in with Nightmare Moon’s minions and was unconscious out here in the forest. Zecora found me and has been helping me regain enough strength to travel the rest of the way to Ponyville Hospital since they apparently won’t speak to her and come out here.”
“You’ve been out here since the Summer Sun celebration?” she asked in surprise. “Ah haven’t heard anything about a missing pony! How badly hurt are ya? How did you get out here? Who are you? ”
“I’m Jade Storm of the Royal Guard. I’m pretty severely injured and I probably would have died without Zecora’s help. As for how I got here . . .”
“I apologize but I must interrupt, there are some flowers I need plucked” Zecora interjected. “I need somepony to send while I begin to prepare this blend. I do not wish to presume but can you help me Applebloom?”
“Jus’ tell me what Ah need to find” replied Applebloom. With a short list in hoof, Applebloom galloped off to gather the herbs.
I watched Zecora put more wood under the cauldron, stoking the fire. Then she began adding ingredients.
“Are you sure she will be safe out there Zecora?” I asked.
She nodded. “The beasts do not come here; repellent keeps the nearby forest clear.”
I spend the next twenty minutes dozing quietly while Zecora prepared the cure for Poison Joke. She was speaking in her native language as she worked and humming quietly. I had to admit that in spite of the pain I was still in from my injuries, staying with Zecora had been a breath of fresh air. She ran a hoof just above the surface of the steaming water and let out satisfied hum.
“Mmmm! The perfect temperature for ponies, I presume. Now, where is that little Applebloom?” said Zecora.
I lifted my head up and was about to respond when a loud commotion started outside. A bunch of ponies started screaming in a wild panic. Then a rainbow colored blur exploded through the door and tore across the room breaking bottles and knocking masks off the wall. I watched the dose of stabilizing potion I needed go flying across the room and smash against the wall. Zecora was shouting in her native language again, I think she was telling them to stop, but I couldn’t say for sure.
“Woah there. Easy, Rainbow Crash!” said a squeaky voice.
The rainbow pony seemed to have no control over her flight. Wait, was she wearing a tack and bit? What the buck? I tried to get up to my hooves but my broken leg was still slowing me down. Then Twilight Sparkle came charging through the door with the yellow pegasus and the crazy pink pony. Bizarrely, Twilight’s horn was covered in blue spots and flopping around.
“What have you done with Applebloom?” Twilight yelled.
I stared in disbelief when a tiny orange pony lassoed Zecora’s ear and jumped onto her head to start grappling her ear. Zecora looked almost heartbroken as she looked up at the angry little pony on her head. As the rainbow pony went tearing past me again, I gathered my strength in my back legs, jumped up and grabbed her tail in my mouth. She dragged me off the ground and ricocheted off the ceiling before crashing to the floor. I yelled in pain as my broken hoof hit the ground. I used my uninjured leg to pin her wing to the ground so she couldn’t take off.
“You hold still before you do any more damage” I commanded through gritted teeth. “What is wrong with you?”
“What the buck! Lemme go, get off of me” she yelled.
“Not until you calm down!” I responded. Twilight galloped over and bucked me in the left wing through Zecora’s cloak. My vision flared white from the pain. I think another rib broke from that kick and it couldn’t have done my already fractured wing any good either. I collapsed to the ground gasping in pain.
“We’re on to you and your minion Zecora” she declared. “I didn’t want to believe that you cursed us but the evidence is overwhelming!”
“You made me look ridiculous” accused Rarity. I looked over to see a blurry blob of purple hair.
“You made me sound ridiculous,” said the yellow Pegasus in an absurdly deep voice.
The pink mare spat around her swollen tongue.
“How dare you! You destroy my home, destroy my work. Then rudely accuse me of being a jerk?” shouted Zecora.
I started to pull myself to my hooves and prepared to speak about Zecora's purpose here.
“You put this curse on us, now you’re gonna uncurse us!” countered the rainbow Pegasus. “And you STAY DOWN!” She shouted in my direction. “Who do you think you are anyhow? This is between us and Zecora.”
Her back hoof shot out straight at my head leaving me no way to dodge it. It collided with the side of my head just below my ear and I felt the bandages ripping under her hoof. My head was ringing like a bell from the impact but mercifully blackness took me a moment later.
Twilight Sparkle’s POV
I watched the strange stallion collapse to the ground under the impact from Rainbow Dash’s kick. I hoped we could get him out from under whatever spell he was under but for the moment, it was best if he just stayed out of this. I turned back to confront Zecora who had been fairly passive so far but now she had a furious expression on her face. She charged Rainbow Dash, roughly pushing her away from the stallion.
“Get away from him you beast; I hope he is not deceased!” She ignored us as she knelt down beside the stallion, pushed back his cloak to check his head and breathing. “Wake up Jade Storm my friend. In your state sleep could be your end. “
I stared at the stallion's face with a sudden burst of worry. There had been bandages on his face that had been torn by Rainbow Dash's kick. They had been hiding a horrifying web of burns that seemed to be coated with some sort of paste. The side of his head was also bleeding from a fresh cut where Rainbow’s hoof had impacted. Fluttershy had surprisingly forgotten her fear and quickly knelt down across from Zecora. I suppose her instincts to help others overrode her normal fear and shyness. Zecora jumped up to her hooves and dashed over to a shelf. She quickly pulled out a bandage and tossed it to Fluttershy.
“Yellow pony please bind his gash; Your cure will be done in a flash.”
At that moment, Applebloom walked through the door. “Zecora! I think I found all the things ya asked for.” She stopped to take in the scene. “What in Ponyville is goin’ on here? Is Jade gonna be ok Zecora?”
I was shocked to see Applejack emerge from behind Zecora’s ear. It was impressive she had held on for so long. “Applebloom! You’re okay!” she called out.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” Applebloom asked in a confused voice.
“Because Zecora is an evil enchantress who cursed us, brainwashed this guard and was going to cook you up into soup!” I responded automatically even though I had a sinking feeling we had made a terrible mistake.
Zecora looked at me with disdain and stood up. “Many moons I have been living here; what is the cause of this fear? This stallion did nothing wrong; now we must hurry before he is gone. Applebloom please inform these mares; I have no time for splitting hairs.”
Apple Bloom shook her head and pulled off her saddlebags before grabbing Applejack off Zecora’s head. Zecora took the items and dashed over to her cauldron and began mixing in a frenzy.
“You know there’s no such thing as a curse Twilight,” said Applebloom.
I stared at her in disbelief and felt my muzzle flushing with embarrassment. Hearing those words thrown back at me left me feeling like a complete fool. I kept my mouth shut and gestured at her to continue.
“It was a warnin’ about that blue plant. Zecora says it's called Poison Joke” she continued. “That pot of water there is for the herbal ingredients. Yah just hafta take a bubble bath in a good old natural remedy to fix it right up. It’s all in this here book.”
I looked at the cover of the book Applebloom indicated and winced. I owed Spike a big apology when we got back to Ponyville.
“But what about this stallion?” demanded Rainbow. “He attacked me! What did you do to him?”
“He said he was a royal guard earlier,” said Apple bloom. “I didn’t find out why he was here but some of his gear is in the corner.”
Zecora looked over her shoulder to glare at Rainbow as she continued adding herbs to her cauldron. “He was terribly hurt by his foe; so to the hospital, we planned to go. It was not safe for him to stray, so I could not take him until today. Don’t you dare give him any flak; he is not the one who burst in and attacked. Now, this cure is finally prepared but the bath is too small to be shared.”
Rainbow Dash looked back at her aggressively but I waved my hoof at here to stop. I walked over to the stallion and lifted up the cloak with my hoof to confirm these so called injuries myself. I felt my face growing pale as I looked over the mass of bandages, splints, and burns. I let the cloak drop out of my hoof and turned to face Rainbow Dash. I had to fix this mistake somehow.
“You take the cure first Rainbow Dash. As soon as you are recovered, fly to the hospital as quickly as possible. I need you to inform them we will be bringing in an unconscious pony with severe burns, broken wings, a broken leg and undetermined additional trauma. Get them to meet us as close to the forest as they're willing with a stretcher. As soon as the rest of us are cured we will help Zecora bring him into town. Quick! There’s no time to lose.”
I was grateful when my friends simply burst into action and began their task. Rainbow Dash jumped into the cauldron and nopony else question my decision. I looked down at the mysterious stallion wondering who he could possibly be and why he was in the Everfree forest in the first place. I hoped he would survive so I could get some answers.
I was welcomed back to consciousness by the incessant beeping of a heart monitor. I tried to take a deep breath and began choking on the tubes stuck in my mouth and nose. My eyes flew opened in a panic but all I could see was blackness. I tried to move but I was strapped down so tightly I couldn’t move. The beeping sound became more erratic as I began to panic but then I heard the sound of somepony galloping in.
“Shhh, it’s ok, you’re safe. My name is Nurse Redheart. We’ll get these tubes out of you in just a moment.”
I felt a tingling sensation on my face and I cringed for a moment from the unfamiliar telekinesis near my face. I began to cough as the tubes were gently pulled out of my mouth and nose. A moment later I felt a straw floating in front of my mouth. I sipped a few mouthfuls of the liquid ambrosia but gasped with pain as it flowed down my abused, aching throat. I felt the covering being taken off my eyes and I winced at the sudden brightness.
When I could finally open my eyes properly I could see the two pony standing next to me. There was a tan unicorn in a lab coat and a white earth pony with pink hair who had to be Nurse Redheart. The doctor stepped over to introduce himself. “My name is Doctor Horse. Do you remember your name?”
“Jade Storm,” I replied softly without hesitation. “Where am I?”
“You’re in Ponyville Hospital, Jade Storm,” the doctor replied. “What is the last thing you remember?”
I paused to think for a moment since I still felt foggy. “I was in Zecora’s hut recovering while she prepared a potion to help me travel here. Some ponies burst in and attacked her . . . somepony kicked me I think.”
“At least that is promising,” he said with some satisfaction. “We will have to do more tests but I’m reasonably certain your memory is not damaged.”
The doctor’s choice of words worried me and my voice was weak when I asked the obvious question. “What do you mean ‘at least’?”
The fur on the back of my neck stood on end as I watched the doctor’s face fall. He looked uncomfortable and refused to look me in the eye.
“Well, you see . . . we’re not entirely sure yet. You’ve been unconscious for nearly a month and we haven’t been able to do a proper assessment as a result. Your broken bones and skin abrasions are mostly healed. Miss Zecora has provided an herbal cream that has done wonders for healing your skin where you were burned but your fur might take time to come in properly. Once you’ve gotten your bearings and are able to get out of bed we will do a full functional assessment.”
I looked around the hospital ward, noting the equipment and the total lack of decoration. The doctor and nurse were continuing to avoid my gaze while I looked around the room. I was beginning to feel like there was something they weren’t telling me.
“A month? Have I had any visitors?”
“Zecora and a couple of the mares that brought you in have visited a few times,” Nurse Redheart replied. “Also, a stallion claiming to be your brother stopped in once. The name he gave was Sapphire Star but that’s all the visitors that I’m aware of. Twilight and your brother asked to be notified when you awoke. Would you like us to inform the two of them that you’re awake?”
I nodded absently and stared at the ceiling feeling a bit lost. At least Blue had come to see me and I hoped he would be able to come by again soon. It sounded like his disguise was still solid but I knew he would have trouble getting out of Canterlot to visit me without anypony noticing. I was concerned that there was no indication the Royal Guard had even stopped in.
The doctor was taking down my vitals while Nurse Redheart smiled sympathetically and hoofed over another bottle of some sort of liquid with a long straw.
“Keep sipping these fluids,” she said. “If you keep them down we’ll be able to give you a proper meal to start getting you back to normal. Once the doctor makes sure your bones are completely healed, I’ll be able to get you out of that harness so you can lie down in a more comfortable position.”
The doctor and nurse then left the room. I looked over at my left wing that was stretched out, bandaged and immobilized. It felt numb and when I tried to twitch a wingtip, nothing happened. I closed my eyes and fought back a wave of depression. I was scared of what the doctor hadn't told me yet.
A few hours later I was resting on my stomach in a much more dignified position with my eyes half closed. I still had an IV in place, but all the other miserable tubes had been removed. My numb wings had been carefully furled by Nurse Redheart and bound in place until a full examination could be done. I wouldn’t have even known they were being touched if I hadn’t watched her fold them up.
I hadn’t tried to get up but I would be forced to give in once all the liquids I had consumed worked their way through my body. I was buried under a couple blankets since I couldn’t seem to stay warm. I was giving serious consideration to just trying to doze off when a knock on the door caught my attention.
"Are you awake?” a mare asked quietly from the other side of the door.
I easily recognized Twilight Sparkle's voice. "Yes, come in."
Twilight Sparkle pushed the door open and trotted in. She looked nervous which I suppose made sense considering what had happened. She stopped a short distance away and wouldn’t meet my eyes. I bit back a snide remark about how nopony would look at me and simply waited for her to speak.
“Hello,” she said quietly. “I’m glad to see you’re awake. How are you feeling?”
“I’ve been better Miss Sparkle but the doctor says I’m healing.”
“Please call me Twilight. I’m sorry I broke your ribs but I was scared when you pinned Rainbow Dash.”
“Rainbow Dash is the pegasus with the multicolored mane?” I asked. When Twilight nodded her confirmation I continued. “I am sorry it came to that but she was recklessly destroying Zecora's home. I wouldn’t be alive now without Zecora's generosity. Please tell me you didn't hurt her."
Twilight looked slightly ashamed of herself. "I made a terrible mistake but I've made up for it. Zecora is being treated properly by the residents of Ponyville."
"Thank you, I'm glad to hear it," I replied. "What happened after the Summer Sun celebration? Why was nopony out searching?”
Twilight looked uncomfortable when she answered, “There was no search since nopony was reported missing after the Summer Sun celebration.”
I felt a sinking feeling in my heart and a burst of anger. “You mean nopony from my unit reported me missing after the mess with Nightmare Moon? What about the ponies who were with you? They saw me at the castle! Granted, I was in my uniform at the time but you mean they didn’t say anything when the guard who helped them didn’t come back?”
“The guard who protected my friends was awarded a Medal of Bravery from Princess Celestia before he returned to Canterlot with his unit.”
My jaw dropped and my mouth opened and closed several times while I tried to find the words. Of all the reasons that could have come up regarding why there was no search, this one threw me right off. Every time I tried to start a sentence it just seemed inadequate.
“But I was . . . why did they . . . who . . . How . . . WHY?” I asked with growing frustration as I tried to put a simple question together. “Did the Royal Guard simply forget I existed?”
“I contacted my brother as soon as we discovered you were a guard,” she said in a flat tone. "This was what he sent back."
I knew her brother was Captain Shining Armor and that worried me. She looked incredibly uncomfortable as she silently levitated a scroll out of her saddlebags and into my hooves. I took it and clumsily unrolled it.
Jade Storm – Dishonorable Discharge
Jade Storm is hereby found guilty of the following charges as a result of his cowardly actions on the date of the Nightmare Moon incident.
Charges:
- Desertion
- Insubordination
- Dereliction of Duty
- Abandoning Post
- Theft
Sentence – Revised
The following sentence will be imposed:
- Jade Storm will be dishonorably discharged from the Guard.
- A fine equal to the value of all missing and damaged equipment will be levied against Jade Storm
- Jade Storm will forfeit of all earned wages since joining the guard.
- Jade Storm’s name will be struck from the record of the Royal Guard and the Military Academy.
- A period of five years to be spent in prison: In light of crippling injuries the sentence has been reduced to no jail time.
Signed:
Squad Commander: Iron Hammer Captain of the Guard: Shining Armor
Attached was a list of twenty ponies that had provided affidavits as evidence. I recognized most of the names as soldiers from my unit. Twilight Sparkle’s name was added at the end of the list, indicating she had delivered the medical assessment. I stared at the document but I couldn’t make sense of it. This was my reward for nearly dying to protect civilians and the Princess? I looked over at Twilight hoping this was an awful joke. Her refusal to meet my eyes told me it wasn't.
“You really believe this? I don’t even get to speak in my defense?” I already knew the answer to this question but it was all I could think of to say.
“A Royal Guard can be tried and sentenced in absentia if sufficient witnesses are available,” she replied automatically as if reading from a book. “I provided medical evidence so they would commute your prison time. It was the least after Rainbow Dash and I caused you additional injuries at Zecora’s place.”
“I didn’t desert my unit!” I choked out through my aching throat. “I flew to the castle in the Everfree Forest and found five ponies on the stairs being threatened by Nightmare Moon’s minions who I then engaged in combat. I was severely injured during the fight and crashed in the canyon by the castle where Zecora later found me.”
She gestured her hoof at the scroll I was holding with a skeptical expression on her face. “So you’re telling me everypony on that list is lying in their sworn affidavits? You’re saying that the soldier who was commended for his bravery lied about his heroic actions? That the Captain of the guard can't trust the honesty of twenty royal guards?”
“I guess I am.”
She was silent for a moment but then she spoke again. “Given that it’s your word against twenty witnesses, the logical conclusion is that you are not telling the truth.”
I stared at her for a moment longer trying to figure out what to say. She still refused to look at me and I realized there was nothing I could say. I let the scroll flutter to the floor of the room. My head was starting to spin so I closed my eyes and let my head collapse down on the blanket.
“Oh my goodness, are you ok?” Twilight asked.
“No. Get out.”
“Pardon me?”
I didn’t waste the energy to open my eyes while I responded with bitter sorrow. “You heard me Miss Sparkle. Joining the Royal Guard was a dream that I spent years of my life work towards. I could tell you I graduated top of my class and it would be insane for me to throw that away but what's the point? You judged me long before you ever walked through that door and my word is completely worthless in the face of your ‘logical conclusion’. You’ve successfully delivered my reward for doing the right thing so please just leave."
There was silence before I heard Twilight’s hoof steps as she walked out of the room without another word. I sat in stunned silence while my mind tried to process what had just happened. Then I heard somepony come back into my room.
“How are you feeling?” asked Doctor Horse.
“Terrible,” I replied. “Tell me how bad my injuries really are.”
“Well as I said, we still need to do a functional -”
“Don’t give me any crap,” I interrupted. “You know something you’re not telling me.”
The doctor was silent for a moment before he let out an irritated sigh. “Fine, if you insist. The damage to your wings is severe and I have my doubts you'll ever fly again. The worst case scenario is your nerves may be damaged enough to leave your wings completely paralyzed. Even if you do regain function, your magic reserves have not begun to recover which may adversely impact your ability to manipulate the weather.”
Crippled. That's what the document was talking about.
“Thank you,” I replied tersely. “How soon before I can leave?”
“We’ll have you back on your hooves tomorrow. Since your injuries are mostly healed and assuming there aren’t any complications once you're up, you’ll be able to leave in three or four days. There isn't much we can do for your magical injuries here but I'll make some arrangements for therapy."
I nodded and closed my eyes while he left the room again. My face was calm but inside was a storm of emotions. I felt like I had been stabbed in the chest and my wings felt like lead weights against my body. I buried my face in the mattress and blankets and finally broke. I started to cry, using the blankets to muffle my sobs. I think I was still crying when I finally fell asleep.
“Greeny! Wake up lazy bones.”
There was only one pony who ever called me Greeny. I opened my eyes and found a wall of blue fur standing in front of me. I lifted my head to look into the worried face of my brother. Well, at least the face he wore when we visited in public. Currently, he looked like a unicorn with blue fur and a black mane. His cutie mark was a generic gold star and he was wearing the amulet that contained the disguise enchantment around his neck.
“Hi Blue,” I replied, using his nickname rather than the name he used while in disguise.
“I’m sorry it took me so long to get here,” he said sadly as he took my hoof in his.
“You have your duties to attend to Blue; you know I’ve always accepted that. I'm glad you're here now.”
“I was horrified when I heard the news,” he replied. “What happened to you? Please don't be afraid to tell me the truth. I’ve heard some awful things from the guard and I swear I won’t think less of you if they’re true.”
I silently prayed to Celestia. If my brother didn’t believe me, I wouldn’t have anypony left to turn to. So I told him everything that had happened at the Summer Sun Celebration from the train ride into Ponyville. I told him every detail I could recall until I was knocked out at Zecora’s home in the forest. When I finished, I stared at the mattress fearing what he would say.
“I believe you, Jade,” he said firmly. “I knew the story had to be garbage as soon as I heard it. There's not anything in this world that would convince you to abandon your duty.”
“Not even to earn your father’s love,” I replied.
Blue winced. “I hate what that tribalist monster did to our family before he died. You didn’t deserve what he did to you and I'm sorry I couldn’t do anything to stop him.”
“You did what you could,” I countered. “You made sure I had a roof over my head when everypony else in your family wanted me gone. In spite of his best efforts, you stayed strong and kept your principles. Even if you don’t get to show your best face very often, I know the truth.”
He sighed. “You kept me grounded when our father tried to push my nose to the sky. Come on, how is it you’re cheering me up when you’re the one who’s in the hospital with a tarnished reputation?”
“He was never my father Blue and comforting you is all I can do,” I said sadly. “I have so little else to give now.”
“Your friendship is possibly the greatest gift you could ever give me Greeny,” he replied. “I’ll do everything I can to help you. Do you need any bits to take care of things?”
“I’d better not Blue,” I said. “They might decide to reinstate my jail time if they don’t think I’m suffering. I'll do my best to work through this myself first.”
“You’re not going to lie down and just accept this, are you? That doesn’t sound like the Jade Storm I grew up with.”
“I don’t know Blue, this is worse than when we were foals. Look at the discharge papers on the table there. Twenty of my so-called brothers in arms closed ranks and lied under oath. I can’t even comprehend what I did to deserve this level of betrayal. Now it’s my word against all of them. Even if by some miracle I can get my name cleared I can’t return to the royal guard. How could I ever trust them with my life?”
I felt his magic squeeze my hooves gently. "You are right of course. I did look into case law before I came here. Since this was approved by the Captain of the Guard, it can only be overturned by him or one of the Princesses. Even then, you will need one or more witnesses to support your version of events to even have a chance at a hearing.”
“I know. Thank you for believing in me Blue.”
“You’ve never lied or taken advantage of me as long as I’ve known you,” he said with a chuckle. “I practically had to force you to take the tuition money for the academy. What are you going to do now?”
“I honestly have no idea,” I said bitterly. “I think I'll have to stay here in Ponyville for now but it depends whether Twilight has poisoned the town against me.”
“Twilight Sparkle?” he asked incredulously. “Why in Equestria would she do that to you?”
“She delivered the sentence to me," I replied indicating the letter on the table. "I told her the truth but she didn’t believe me. If I hadn't been there, I'd be hard pressed to believe it when faced with twenty sworn statements. She didn't look thrilled to be talking to a pony she saw as a worthless coward. I’ll be surprised if I’m not asked to leave town as soon as I leave the hospital.”
“I don’t believe she would do something so petty,” he replied. “I’ve had my issues with Celestia's lax attitude towards the behavior of her personal students but Twilight is a good pony from everything I've seen. I believe she lives here in Ponyville now along with the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony.”
“So she did find them,” I murmured.
“Yes. They purified Nightmare Moon and released Celestia’s sister. Her name is Luna.”
I felt a sudden flash of fury.
“SERIOUSLY!?” I yelled. “They put a crown on that monster that crippled me?”
Blue put a calming hoof on my shoulder. “She’s not a monster now, Jade.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” I snorted. “Her minions or manifestations are the reason I’m here now.”
“Don’t judge her until you meet her,” Blue replied. “I’m sorry that I need to get back to Canterlot. I wish I didn’t have to leave you alone since I don’t know when I’ll be able to visit again. You sure you don’t want any help?”
I pulled him into a hug. “I’ll figure things out. You have responsibilities Blue and I’m glad you found the time to come see me.”
“Someday I hope I can finally acknowledge who you are to me without this awful disguise,” he said while hugging back. “You know how to find me if you need help. Good luck Greeny. Love you.”
“Love you too, Blue.”
He trotted to the door and waved his hoof once more before disappearing. The door glowed gold from his magic as it quietly swung closed. I was left alone with my thoughts again. Without a real witness, there was no way to confirm my version of events. Truth be told, there were actually five mares that could confirm the truth about what happened that night. The problem was they were all friends with Twilight. To say I felt despair would be an understatement.
Blue was the last pony that came to visit during my stay in the hospital. Twilight didn’t return and nopony else came by either. Over the next three days, the doctor’s worries were confirmed. My wings just flopped uselessly onto the ground without something to support them. I couldn’t even muster muscle control to fold them up. I think the only reason the doctor didn’t amputate them was because they were healthy and healing on the outside. It left me a fleeting hope that if my magic healed they might to as well.
The worst feeling was when a pegasus brought in a small cloud. My hoof went right through it like it wasn't even there, nailing home the simple fact that I really was crippled. To top it off, I felt weak and lethargic, thanks to days being bedridden. Even though I was healed, my body still ached from inactivity and from my residual injuries. The worst was healed up but I was going to be in pain for a long time while my body recovered.
As if that wasn't enough, another letter arrived from the Royal Guard the night before I checked out of the hospital. The doctor brought it in and I struggled to unroll it with my hooves. Without my wings, even turning the pages of my books was going to be a struggle. It never occurred to me how much I depended on my wings for day to day life.
Jade Storm:
Owing to the damage and missing pieces of gear from your issued kit all personal items present in your locker, military saddlebags and dormitory room are being held as collateral. They will be released when the full costs of the damage and missing items are paid. If the money or a payment plan is not forthcoming within a period of six months, these items will be sold to cover the costs.
There was a list of the damaged and missing armor pieces along with a price indicating the amount I owed. I nearly choked when I read the total debt. I wouldn’t have earned that many bits working a year in the guard. I scanned the list of the things being held as collateral and counted off every item that I could call my own from my only formal suit to my saddlebag. Even my books were on the list.
The worst part was, they had my two favorite Daring Do novels. The fact that they were signed books from the first print runs of the first two novels was only a bonus in my eyes. They were special to me because they had been gifts from Blue. Now I had six months before they would be gone forever.
They really have taken nearly everything. My health, my honor and every item I value.
When I was discharged the next day I left the hospital as quickly as I could. I was embarrassed but relieved to discover Blue had left enough bits to pay my hospital bill. The last thing I needed was another debt hanging over my head. The doctor had given me a prescription for some powerful painkillers, cream for my burns and referral to a physical therapist that could possibly help with my wings. I took the prescriptions politely and without comment. There was no point in telling the doctor I wouldn’t be able to afford any of those things. I didn’t even have enough bits to buy an apple.
Once I got outside I took a deep breath and looked down at Ponyville. The picturesque town still looked lovely but it seemed to be cast under a growing shadow. I looked up at the sky when the sun began to disappear. The local weather team appeared to be preparing a major storm based on the appearance of the clouds they were gathering. From their progress, I probably had another hour or two before the skies would open.
My body was still aching from the residual injuries and walking was going to be difficult until got back in shape. I pulled Zecora’s cloak in tightly around myself and began to limp towards town. I didn’t have much time to find shelter for the upcoming stormy night.
I slowly limped into town without creating much of a stir. Concealed from view under my borrowed cloak, the ponies in town barely spared me a glance. They were focusing on preparing for the upcoming storm. I drifted in the direction of the town square trying to figure out a where I should go. With no bits on hoof, there wasn’t really anything to do but find a sheltered nook somewhere.
Eventually, I walked up into the park at the center of town. There were a number of ponies working hard to pull the loose branches off the trees in preparation for the storm. Two familiar ponies were among the workers. Rarity and the orange earth pony mare whose name I hadn’t heard were pulling down branches. I watched for a bit, admiring her skill as she used her lasso to hook the branches and pull them down.
Meanwhile, Rarity seemed to be fussing around, reattaching branches. Her horn glowed and the leaves on one branch transformed into some fancy topiary. It was an impressive spell but the lasso-wielding pony was quick to rope the branch she was fussing with and yanked it down easily.
The orange pony spat out her rope. “Just take the broken limbs down, Rarity. Don't y'all care about nothin' other than prettifyin'?”
“Somepony has to,” Rarity said disdainfully. “You were making an absolute mess of the town square, Applejack.”
“Yeah, well, the storm's gonna make an even bigger mess if we don't prune all these loose branches so they don't tumble down on anypony.”
“I simply cannot imagine why the Pegasus ponies would schedule a dreadful downpour this evening and ruin what could have been a glorious sunny day.”
Applejack was clearly annoyed. “Think more practical like, will ya? They accidentally skipped a scheduled sprinkle last week, so we need a doozy of a downpour to make up for it, is all.”
I felt the first drops of rain hit my head and turned to leave the park. I had wasted too much time with my slow walk and even more watching Rarity and Applejack. I didn't have the energy to move any faster.
“Ya’ll better hurry up and get home there!” Applejack called after me. “Take care.”
I turned and waved my hoof politely at Applejack. I thought I saw her eyes widen briefly with recognition when she saw my hoof but moments later she was distracted by Rarity. They were arguing about something but I didn’t have time to stand around and listen. I left the arguing mares behind and limped my way towards the main part of town. The rainstorm wasn't going to wait for me to be under cover.
The rain was pelting down and the wind was becoming more vicious when I turned into a random alleyway to look for any sort of shelter. This alley wasn’t straight and had several small nooks that would be good if they were clear of garbage. Finally, I found the perfect place to take shelter. It was an old wooden crate sitting open on its side with the lid set up to hide the spot. Inside there were several blankets inside and a waterproof pair of saddlebags with school books inside. It was clear somepony else was staying here but I had nowhere else to go so I carefully pushed the blankets aside to keep them dry and slipped under the cover.
A short time later, I heard the sound of wheels rolling down the alley. An orange Pegasus filly with purple hair and zipped into view, pushing a scooter with her wings while towing a wagon. She stopped in front of the crate and grabbed a bag out of the wagon. When she turned around to enter the shelter, our eyes met. She stared at me with blank confusion for a moment before anger took over as the rain dripped off her face and wings.
She flared her wings aggressively. “What are you doing here? This is my place.”
“I’m sorry but I don’t have anywhere else to go tonight. Could I please stay here?” I pleaded. “I’ll leave as soon as the rain stops. I promise.”
“ . . . Ok, but I'll hold you to that,” she said sternly although she looked somewhat stunned that an adult was asking her permission.
She slipped the bag into the back corner of the crate and curled up on the blankets I had moved. In spite of the shelter provided by the box, she was shivering from the cold and wet.
I lifted up my cloak with one hoof. “This cloak seems to be pretty wind and water proof. Want to get under here to stay warm and dry off?”
She only hesitated for a brief moment before crawling under my cloak. She flinched briefly when she felt the bandages and patches of bare skin but she quickly relaxed. We nestled close together to try and stay warm while the rainfall became even more intense. The wind quickly picked up but our shelter was adequate. It actually became somewhat cozy with the two of us warming the space under Zecora’s cloak.
I looked down at the filly snuggled in next to me. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Scootaloo. Who are you?”
“Jade Storm,” I replied quietly.
“Why are you out here Mister Storm?”
“Just call me Jade, Scootaloo,” I replied. “I’m out here because some ponies I trusted decided to get me in trouble for something I didn’t do. Thanks to them, I have nothing except this cloak which doesn't even belong to me and nowhere to go.”
We both jumped as a bolt of lightning lit up the sky, followed instantly by a clap of thunder. I felt my heart start racing and I jumped even more violently when the second bolt of lightning blinded me. I felt like I was paralyzed for a moment and I couldn’t even force myself to move. I took several deep breaths, but there was a pain in my heart knowing what was wrong. I was afraid of lightning now, the force of nature I once manipulated with ease was now frightening me worse than the young filly beside me. Every flash of light brought back the memories of the attack used by Nightmare Moon to destroy me.
Scootaloo’s voice distracted me from my fears. “What about your family, Jade? Won’t they help you?”
I sighed, trying to figure out how to explain my family situation to this young filly. “Yes and no. My brother did pay my hospital bills but that's all he could do. I had to refuse any other help since he’s in a tough spot thanks to the monster he called father. That stallion passed away but his legacy lives on. How about you Scootaloo, why are you out here?”
I felt her wings quiver next to me but her voice was clearly trying to be tough. “I was abandoned at an orphanage far from here when I was a tiny filly. The ponies who were my caretakers were awful so I ran away as soon as I could. I decided to stay here in Ponyville when I saw Rainbow Dash fly for the first time. She’s an awesome flyer and I never get tired of seeing her. I want to talk to ask her to teach me to fly but she hasn’t noticed me. I can’t seem to figure out what I’m doing wrong and younger ponies are already flying. Maybe once I've got my cutie mark . . .”
She trailed off with a wistful sigh. I looked out at the storm, considering her situation. This was where I would be if it hadn't been for Blue. “You’re still young Scootaloo. Not everypony learns to fly immediately or instinctively. I was much older than you before I figured out how to fly. Sadly, there's nothing I can do to help you learn now.”
“Why can’t you teach me?” Her voice was curious, not demanding so I felt I could give her an answer.
“I’m completely crippled,” I whispered, trying to hold my tears in. “I can’t even move my wings, they'd just flop on the ground which is why they’re bandaged in place. I don’t even have enough Pegasus magic to touch clouds anymore, let alone feel the air currents or get off the ground. Pegasus flight isn't all in the wings although they're important. Our ability to feel and manipulate the air around us is the real key. Without magic, I wouldn't even be able to tell what you were doing wrong.”
She gave me a friendly nuzzle which I accepted gratefully. We watched the storm quietly for a while without speaking. I tried to keep my cool, but I still shivered with barely controlled fear every time the lightning flashed.
“Do you think you’ll ever get better?” she asked abruptly in a curious voice.
“There's always a dim hope but I have my doubts,” I replied sadly. “It’s been six weeks since the injury and there isn’t any sign of improvement. If I ever get better, I fear it will take years.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“Thanks, but don’t spend any effort worrying about me,” I replied as I closed my eyes and laid my head down on the cold ground. “I’ll be out of your way by morning.”
Scootaloo didn’t respond, instead just snuggling closer to me looking for more warmth. In spite of the thunder and lightning, I eventually drifted off to sleep.
I walked cautiously out onto the balcony where he was sitting. The sun was shining on Canterlot and the view from here was incredible. It was unfortunately marred by the reason I was out here. I waited silently until he acknowledged my presence.
“What is it you want to waste my time with today, whelp?”
“Sir, could I take flying lessons?”
“Why would you need to fly brat? Want to feel like you’re better than those of us stuck on the ground?”
“N-n-no-no sir. I just want to learn so I can be more useful.”
“Fine,” he snapped, suddenly picking me up with his telekinesis. “Let me help you with that.”
Suddenly I was tumbling over the edge of the balcony and into empty air.
“You wanted a lesson!” he shouted after me. “Learn fast!”
I spread my wings and tried to control my descent, but I was out of control as my wing clipped the edge of the ruined castle tower. I hit the bottom of the canyon and felt my leg snap on impact. My helmet tore off my head and flew off. A shadow fell over me while I laid in agony on the cold unyielding ground. I looked up to see a demonic black Alicorn standing over me with an expression of contempt on her face.
“Time to suffer sun lover,” said Nightmare Moon as she unleashed a bolt of black lightning into my broken wings.
My eyes flew opened as panic nearly overtook me. It took all my training to stay still rather than bolting off. I could feel the warmth from Scootaloo still sleeping beside me. I breathed a sigh of relief and looked around. The rain had stopped and the sun was just coming up. I looked down at the tough little filly nestled up against me. She seemed comfortable and I decided not to disturb her. My stomach was grumbling but there was no point in worrying about the growing hunger I couldn't afford to satisfy.
About fifteen minutes later I felt her stirring next to me. Her head lifted up and she yawned.
“OH!” she gasped when she noticed me. “Oh, oh right. Hi, Jade.”
“Morning,” I replied. “Thank you for letting me rest in your shelter. Now that you’re up, I’ll get out of your mane as promised. Take care Scootaloo.”
I groaned from the aches in my legs as I got up to my hooves. I walked out into the alleyway and stretched, noting how much flexibility my body had lost. I was disconcerted by how cold I felt in the damp morning air but I hoped getting out in the sun would help. I had never felt cold from being wet in my life.
“Ummmm, Jade . . .”
I looked over at Scootaloo who was trying to look tough while her cheeks reddened. She was trying to say something.
“Well, ummm, if you don’t have anywhere to go, I think it would be ok if you slept here again.”
“That would be very generous of you Scootaloo,” I replied. “You sure I won’t get in your way?”
She shook her head. “Nah, I think I can handle your company.”
I smiled at her. “Glad to hear I didn’t offend you. I’ll keep that in mind but I don’t know if I’ll make it back today.”
“Why not?”
I wrestled for a moment with what to tell her but final I just settled on a half-truth. “I have to go recover some things I lost and I’m not sure how long it will take me to get there and back.”
“Oh, ok! See you around then.”
“Thank you for your hospitality. Goodbye Scootaloo,” I replied before walking up the alleyway.
There was no point in telling her I had to go find a way back to the Castle of the Two Sisters and I probably wouldn’t survive the trip. I was trapped between two storms with no way out. Without my magic or wings, there was no job out there I could do that somepony else couldn't do better which left me with only the lowest paying unskilled jobs. Even if I could get a job with the weather service, it would take most of my life to pay off the debt to the guard. Blue's generosity was not an option I wanted to turn to. He had already done so much for me and now I had to stand on my own four hooves.
Recovering my armor and the helmet was the only other option since their return would erase most of the money I owed. Clearing my name wasn't even an option as far as I was concerned. Nopony would speak for me with that many statements against me. So in my mind, it came down to three terrible choices: Die of hunger under the crushing weight of an immense debt, go retrieve my armor to get rid of the bulk of my debt to live my life in mere poverty or die in the Everfree Forest like I probably should have after the Summer Sun Celebration.
I limped out into the street with the hood of Zecora’s cloak up. Ponyville was just starting to wake up from the overnight storm and some ponies were beginning the last bit of cleanup. There were leaves and branches scattered around but no signs of major damage. I wove through town, trying not to attract attention while I tried to remember the route I took to the Everfree Forest. The events of that night were foggy from the time I spent in a coma and from my already exhausted state that night.
Soon I was across the bridge beside the town hall and trying to ignore the overly fast beating of my heart. I hadn't even walked a mile and I was already feeling liked I'd travel ten. I knelt down and took a long drink from the river by the bridge to try to make my stomach stop growling. Water wouldn't hold off my hunger for much time but it helped. Then I selected a random road that pointed vaguely in the direction of the forest. There was a weariness in each step I had never felt before and it occurred to me I had been bedridden for over a month now.
The road wound through the fields and orchards of Ponyville but I didn't pay much attention to the scenery. My limp was becoming more pronounced as the pain slowly grew in every joint of my body. I had been warned that I would need pain medication for quite some time. The prescriptions and referral papers were still tucked into a pocket inside the cloak along with the letters that were the anchor around my neck. At this point, they’d be more useful for starting a campfire since ten bits for pain medication was ten bits I didn't have. Each step along the road was becoming a torture as my muscles screamed for relief. I had to keep going since I was just going to get weaker.
When I came around the next bend in the road, my attention was captured by the fairytale scene right in front of me. For a moment I forgot my pain and just admired the beautiful scene I had stumbled on. There was a beautiful little cottage nearby with a grass covered roof nestled in near the edge of the Everfree Forest. There were birdhouses and burrows absolutely everywhere around the house. Dozens of birds, rabbits, and other animals were wandering around. In the middle of it all, cleaning up loose branches from the storm was the yellow Pegasus mare with pink hair that had been with the group at the castle.
I stopped at the pathway that crossed the stream to what I assumed was her home and sat for a moment to try and regain my breath while watching the peaceful scene. It looked like she had an equally large number of animals in the back of her home. There were hawks and eagles in the trees but they were ignoring the easy prey on the ground. The whole place felt so peaceful that, for a moment I nearly forgot my pain and exhaustion. I just watched the animals flitting to and fro as if there was nothing that could ever harm them.
Sadly, a shriek of terror pulled me out of my contemplation and broke the spell. The animals and birds scattered in every direction. My exhaustion slammed back when I realized the mare was watching me with wide, terrified eyes. I lifted one hoof and pulled back the hood of my cloak so she could see I was just a normal pony before waving at her. She didn’t move a muscle and just continued to stare at me with undisguised fear. I pulled the hood back over my head, stood up and started slowly limping away to leave her in peace.
I was almost to the forest when a soft gentle voice piped up behind me. “Ummm, excuse me?”
I turned around and was startled to find the terrified yellow mare had flown up behind me without making a sound. The terror I had initially seen in her face had subsided to nervous curiosity. She seemed to shrink in on herself when I looked at her. I pulled the hood back down so she could see my face while I spoke.
“Hello,” I replied in what I hoped was a gentle voice. “What can I do for you?”
She seemed to relax a bit when I replied. She seemed like she was trying to work up some courage. “Ummm, are you the stallion who was at Zecora’s cottage? That is if you don’t mind me asking.”
“Yes, that was me,” I replied.
“Ok . . . Did you know this road goes into the Everfree Forest? I mean it’s ok if you want to go back in there but after everything that . . . I’m sorry”
I sighed and sat down on my haunches to rest for a moment. Standing was becoming a difficult chore and I was feeling overheated. “Thank you for confirming I’m going the right way, Miss . . .”
“Fluttershy,” she squeaked almost inaudibly. Then she spoke with a bit more strength. “Why are you going back? You don’t look well. Not that you look bad, it’s just, you’re limping and pale and didn’t you just get out of the hospital?”
I fought off a wave of dizziness. “I did. I wouldn’t be going back in that forest if I had any choice, Miss Fluttershy.”
“There’s always a choice isn’t there?” she whispered.
Even though she still looked frightened, the worry in her eyes was almost overwhelming. I looked at the ground. “My only other choice is worse. Does this trail lead to the castle?”
“Oh no, but this will take you to Zecora's,” she replied.
“I guess that will have to do,” I said in a weary voice. Why was I so tired already?
“Please, are you sure you want to go into the forest alone?”
you useless feather-brain.
“I have to go,” I retorted. “I'm not useless.”
“Useless?” she gasped. “Oh no, that can’t be right. Why would you say such a horrible thing about yourself? Everypony can be helpful in ways you would never expect.”
I looked over at her surprised. “Didn't you . . . You mean Twilight hasn’t told you?”
“No, all she told us is that you woke up. We were going to stop in but then we had to go ask that dragon to leave,” Fluttershy said while shivering at the memory. “Should she have told us something?”
“No, I suppose not. Goodbye Fluttershy.”
I weakly lifted myself into a standing position and turned to begin walking towards the forest again. I was starting to feel light headed and it was getting hard to put one hoof in front of the other. I made it about ten steps before I stumbled. I instinctively tried to use my wings to catch myself but they were still bound to my side and unresponsive. I feel down face first onto the dirt road and laid there unmoving on the ground for a moment.
“Oh my,” came Fluttershy’s quiet voice.
I groaned from the pain of the impact before struggling back up to my hooves yet again. I turned and began to trudge down the road again. My hooves were dragging in the dirt.
“Please, you can’t go in there in this state.”
Weakling.
I swayed but I kept pushing onwards step by step. I wanted to snap, to lose my temper but this mare had never done anything to me. Had she? I couldn't remember and her kind tone of voice was confusing me. It didn't fit with the nasty things that I was hearing.
“I told you, I have no choice,” I responded weakly. “I have no time. I'm not weak. I'm not useless. I won't let him win.”
I continued trudging down the road but she flew around in front of me and stared at me with utter confusion. “This doesn’t make any sense,” she pleaded. “What could be so important in the Everfree Forest? Why would you do this to yourself?”
Coward.
I swayed back and forth like a drunk while I reached under my cloak and pulled out the military discharge, the fines, my prescriptions and the medical referral. I hoofed the entire works over to her, barely managing to keep myself up on three legs. She took them and looked down at the papers I pushed into her hooves and back at me with confusion.
“This will answer your questions,” I replied in a small voice as she looked at them and back at me “You might as well keep them. This coward will pick them up if I make it back out.”
I started to walk around her and aimed myself at the Everfree Forest trail again. The trail was moving about and shimmering like a mirage. I paused and blinked a few times to try and make the world stop spinning around.
“IF!?” she gasped in horror.
Suddenly Fluttershy was right in front of me, her nose only inches from mine. Those frightened teal eyes had turned hard as ice. The expression on her face was incredibly intimidating as she glared into my eyes.
“You are NOT going into that forest alone in your condition mister! Do you understand me!?”
You worthless pegasus.
I flopped down on my haunches again and nodded dumbly. It was worse than the muscle locks I suffered early in basic training. I couldn't even twitch as I began to sway back and forth.
“Oh my, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that to you,” she said apologetically. “Please get up.”
You're nothing but a failure.
It was his voice but he was dead. He couldn't be here. I honestly tried to get myself back up but my legs didn't seem to want to cooperate. My front hooves slipped from under me and I flopped down on my side. My head felt awfully heavy as well but I managed to hold it up. I began shuffling forward on my side, trying to stand back up, crawl or anything.
“No, I have to get up,” I gasped, beginning to panic as I scrambled along the path with my useless hind legs dragging. “I can't fail. I'm not worthless. Don't say I'm a failure. Don't hurt me.”
“Nopony is going to hurt you," she whispered gently. "Whatever is in the forest can't be worth your life."
"What life?" I muttered as I turned my head to try and look at her.
My heart stopped when I saw that Fluttershy wasn't alone anymore. The blood drained from my face at the sight of a familiar white unicorn stallion standing beside Fluttershy. He was glaring at me with familiar loathing. His eyes were dead, bereft of any care or affection as he stalked towards me. I began trying to scramble faster to get away from him, squirming along to try and get away from my nightmare.
You don't matter. All you are is a blight on my family.
I cringed as he raised his hoof. “Don't, don't hurt me. Please don't. I didn't mean to, I'll be quiet, Sir.”
I used to be able to march for hours and now I was so weak I couldn't even muster the energy to get back up to my hooves. I continued trying to shuffle along the road towards the forest when I felt a cold breeze on my left side. I looked discovered my attempts at crawling had pulled my cloak partway off. The bandages securing my wings had torn and they were flopped down into the dirt. Still bereft of most of the feathers, it was a horror to look at with no fur and no life.
All I heard from Fluttershy was a horrified gasp.
My humiliation was complete now and I knew he would be gloating. I tried to roll away to the side of the road or maybe into that creek but my limbs weren't obeying. Nothing was working anymore. The white stallion was standing over me now and he seemed to be enjoying every moment.
Weakling. I always knew you were trash.
“H-H-How could the hospital let you go in this state,” she asked in a frightened voice.
“There was nothing more they can do,” I croaked as I gave up trying to move. “There's nothing left. I can't fail, I can't . . . I can't do this . . . I can't . . .”
The last thing I saw was Fluttershy's concern contrasting with the vicious hate on his face. White fur blurred in front of my eyes and it felt like a hoof hit me. That was about when someone turned the lights off and I knew no more.
Muffled voices greeted my latest return to consciousness. I opened my eyes and found I was lying on a couch in a room filled with animals. They were scurrying about, minding their own business. A pair of brown bunnies stopped to watch me with worried eyes, so I smiled as best I could while being non-threatening. They cautiously walked over and nuzzled my face briefly before hopping away. Somepony had re-bound my wings and covered me with a warm blanket but my cloak was nowhere to be seen. I could hear the voices of several mares speaking and I strained to hear who it was.
“Ah keep tellin' ya, this don't make no sense,” said Applejack.
“It's right here in black and white,” Twilight replied.
I looked around the room while I listened to their discussion. I had never seen a home better suited for animals. Walkways, houses, stairs and cages sized for all manner of creatures were all over the room. It was incredibly cozy and alive with activity. This had to be the interior of Fluttershy's house but what was I doing here?
“This says he ran away right?” Rainbow Dash piped up. “He broke his oath, abandoned his post and Princess Celestia right? Isn’t this what he deserves?”
I snorted angrily at what I heard and turned my attention away from the conversation. My head was throbbing with pain but I'd already heard more than enough. I put my front hooves on the floor and pulled myself off the couch. I still felt weak and dizzy but I managed to stay on my hooves. I started to walk towards the door without attracting any attention but a moment later Fluttershy ran in through the back door.
“Hello. Are you feeling any better?” she asked in a worried tone as she walked over to me.
“How did you know I was awake?” I asked, surprised y her quick arrival.
She looked embarrassed and avoided my gaze. “My bunnies told me you woke up."
I looked around the room at the diverse animals. “You can understand them?”
“Yes, they’re my friends,” she whispered. “Please don't go. The sun will set soon and you're not well.”
I looked out the window and confirmed she was right. That didn't matter, not after what I had heard.
“Thanks, but I don’t intend to stay where I have to listen a few arrogant mares play judge and jury. I've heard more than enough opinions already.”
“Oh dear, you heard them?” she said in a nearly inaudible voice.
I glanced over at the back door; unsurprised to see her other friends peeked in through the back. I glared straight at Rainbow Dash who was hovering about a foot off the ground with her front legs crossed.
“Well yes, I got what I deserved didn't I, Rainbow Dash?” I growled in her direction before starting to limp towards the front door.
“That's what I said,” she replied firmly.
“Thanks for letting me know wing paralysis is on the books as a punishment now,” I called back over my shoulder as I continued weaving towards the door. “Your sense of justice disgusts me. I guess Nightmare Moon won after all.”
Her tone suddenly turned to one of shock. “What? You're -”
“Oh shut up,” I snarled, spinning back around to glare at her. I wanted to flare my wings angrily but they remained firmly unresponsive. “Don't act like you didn't know you self-righteous brat. After all, the fact that I'm crippled is the only reason Miss Sparkle there didn't have guards waiting to haul me off to prison when I woke up. It's not like I even had a chance to defend myself from any of these absurd accusations.”
Twilight had a distraught look on her face. “But the affidavits said . . .”
I interrupted rudely before I had to listen to any more of this crap. “Yes Miss Sparkle, twenty Royal Guards said under oath that I'm an awful cowardly pony who abandoned his post and ran away. Just shut up about the Celestia damned affidavits already!”
I was balancing on the line between rage and tears as I stared off into space rather than looking at any of them. My head was spinning so I took a deep breath to calm myself and find my balance. There was no response from the six mares standing in the room, so I looked Fluttershy in the eyes. It hurt to see them full of tears after everything she had done for me today. I bowed my head to her respectfully.
“I apologize for my behavior Fluttershy,” I said quietly. “Thank you for your kindness but I have to go now.”
With that said, I turned and walked away from her and her friends towards the front door. I didn't hear a single sound while I struggled to keep my legs moving towards the door. Soon I would be on my way towards the Everfree Forest again. Succeed or die; that was the only thought left in my mind as I pushed the front door opened. However, instead of walking defiantly off into the forest, I walked into a pony and was knocked back on my haunches. Applejack had somehow galloped around the house to stop me from leaving without me noticing.
“Now you look here,” she said sternly. “Ah don't appreciate you takin' that tone with mah friends. Why are you so obsessed with going into the forest?”
I glared straight at her though my eyes were feeling a bit glazed over. “You're not letting me go without an answer are you?”
She stared at me, solid as a rock in the doorway. “Nope.”
I knew I was too weak to push past anypony, let alone a determined Earth Pony. I assume you saw the insane debt I owe the military as part of those charges?”
“Ah did, but what does that have ta do with the Everfree Forest?” she asked.
“My helmet and armor are in that forest. I was forced to leave them behind due to my injuries. I have to retrieve them to even have a hope of surviving this farce of a punishment.”
“So why don't you just get a friend to go get it for you darling?” Rarity piped up from the other side of the room.
“Friends?” I spat in a bitter voice. "What friends, Rarity? Twenty of the ponies I thought I could trust with my life are on that list right above Twilight Sparkles. They were supposed to be my brothers in arms but they chose to destroy me instead. Nopony else chose to contradict them either. My brother's hooves are tied and I have nopony else I can turn to.”
“I keep telling you, your story simply doesn't make any sense,” Twilight exclaimed. “Why would twenty guards tell lies of the magnitude you're describing?”
I looked over at Twilight with a weary expression before turning away to face Applejack again. I struggled back onto my hooves, feeling flush and overheated. I was tired of arguing about what the truth was and I had to get started before I collapsed again. “I wish I knew. Now please stand aside Applejack.”
Applejack braced herself to stop me from escaping. “No can do, Jade. Fluttershy’s right. You are in no condition to go out.”
“What and my condition will be better tomorrow?” I asked, finally giving in to the need to sit back down. “I'm already on borrowed time Applejack. I’m a cripple with no bits, no possessions, no job and no prospects. Retrieving this armor is the only thing I can control in my life right now. I can't fail and I won’t let him win.”
“Let who win?” Rarity asked quietly.
I didn't answer that question and turned to face Twilight again. I glared at her through blurring eyes from the exhaustion and tears.
“You know Miss Sparkle, I told my brother my entire story when he visited me in the hospital. The one you dismissed as an obvious and bald-faced lie, remember? He pointed out there are precisely five ponies in all of Equestria that could provide evidence or statements to overturn that ruling. Do you know who they are?
“My friends?” she whispered against her will.
“Got it in one,” I said in a derisive voice. “The five mares you are doing your absolute best to convince that I'm guilty of every single charge without one scrap of real evidence. I don’t know why you hate me so much but you’ve done a lovely job of helping make sure I’m going to suffer.”
Twilight looked horrified by my accusation, “I didn't want-”
“Whatever,” I interrupted as I turned towards the door yet again. “You made your beliefs abundantly clear the day I woke up.”
“Wait just one dang minute here,” Applejack demanded. “How in the hay can Ah’ help clear this sentence? Ah've never seen you before in my life.”
I stared at Applejack for a moment and then spun to face Twilight. I didn't even have the energy left to lose my temper. “You didn't tell them? Celestia help me, you didn't even tell them my version of the story? I suppose that makes sense. Why waste your valuable time repeating my lies, right?”
I'm not sure I ever felt more alone in my life while I stood there staring at Twilight. At least she had the decency to look ashamed of herself but it didn’t matter. Arguing the truth was pointless when standing against the most intelligent pony I knew of. Again, I turned around to leave the room but suddenly, the pink mare with the puffy mane that had been silent this entire time popped up out of nowhere between me and Applejack.
“Then it's story time!” she said in an excited voice. “What's your story?”
“What's the point?" I asked in a weak, monotone voice. "Why would any of you care about my story when Miss Sparkle there is just going to tear it apart when I'm done?”
“Well if your story is that different from the one on those papers, it must be a good one,” she said in a strangely enthusiastic and upbeat tone.
I stared at the insane pink mare, trying to reconcile her cheerful behavior with the frustration I was experiencing. Strangely, just like Fluttershy's, her warm blue eyes made me relax just a bit, even in the face of her bizarre upbeat behavior. She wanted me to talk. Maybe once I was done they would let me go since there was no way they would believe me. I broke eye contact with her and stared at the floor as I started my story.
I sighed wearily. “Fine. I was on duty in the town hall for the Summer Sun Celebration as part of Celestia's honor guard. I was knocked out by Nightmare Moon's lightning like the other guards but I recovered fast because of my former special talent with lightning. Since Twilight knew about Nightmare Moon it seemed reasonable she would have a lead on a solution so I went to the library and found the book on the Elements of Harmony you left out.”
I paused for a moment, waiting to see if I would finally be shut down and kicked out. Nopony said a word or interrupted so I took a deep breath and soldiered on.
“I flew to the castle in case you needed backup and spotted the five of you on the steps being blocked by those Shadowbolt pony things. That's when I intervened and sent the five of you off to finish whatever you were trying to do. After you left the stairs, I tried to fight them. I was exhausted and they broke my wing, causing me to crash into the canyon. My front leg broke on impact and one of the Shadowbolts stomped on my other wing to break it before attacking me with some sort of black lightning. Before it completely killed me, it dissolved into rainbow dust and the sun came up. I passed out from the pain and woke up the next night, still on the canyon floor. I would have died in that canyon if Zecora hadn't found me.”
The exhaustion was overwhelming but I stood firm and waited. Applejack hadn’t stepped out of my way yet. I felt my stomach growl angrily but I did my best to ignore it. My face was feeling even more overheated.
“That’s all. It's not as if I have any proof beyond my word,” I said bitterly. “Royal Guard helmets have a minor glamor on them to gives us all white fur and identical eyes. There are no obvious differences between me and whoever wound up with the commendation. There is no reason for any of you to believe my story. That's all there is, so please, just let me go now."
I took a few weak steps around the pink pony towards the door, fighting off a wave of nausea. There was a faint buzzing noise in the background and I glanced around trying to find the source. In spite of my request, Applejack didn’t look like she was going to budge and her defiant expression was simple confirmation. I was about ready to make a futile attempt at pushing my way out but stopped short when Rarity asked a single question.
“What did you say when you landed on those stairs, Jade?”
I turned and looked at Rarity while struggling to remember the events of that night. “Ummm, I think it was something along the lines of ‘I'll take care of these three. Take your friends and get moving, Rarity.' It's all a bit foggy.”
“So, how did you know my name?” she continued.
I could barely hear my own voice through the growing noise but I answered her question. “You introduced yourself to me after the other guards left me alone on duty in the town hall while you finished decorating for the Celebration. I am sorry I didn't respond but there is a code of conduct I had to obey.”
“Twilight,” Rarity said quietly. “I only spoke to one guard before Nightmare Moon appeared. We never discussed the exact . . .”
There was a painful buzzing starting to build in my ears, drowning out whatever Rarity was saying to the others. I stood there swaying on my hooves and tried to start walking again. Instead, my hind legs buckled under me and I was forced to sit back down. It was humiliating to be so weak but I didn’t have enough strength in me. Applejack walked over to me and leaned in close and said something to me.
“You . . . ere . . . Su . . ?”
I shook my head to try and clear the growing noise but it was useless. I simply couldn’t make out what was being said. My body felt incredibly warm, almost painfully so. Applejack’s face became worried as she examined me. She looked past me and seemed to be speaking to somepony behind me.
Next thing I knew, I was encased in a pink aura and I floated off the ground. Uncontrollable terror flooded through me and I began to flail about, trying to grab something or somepony. I knew it was hopeless but I couldn’t give up. No good had ever come from being levitated by a unicorn and Twilight Sparkle was more powerful than any unicorn I’d ever heard of. As I feared, the grip of the aura tightened and I was totally immobilized as I floated into the air. I closed my eyes as my heart began racing and I began hyperventilating while waiting for the pain to start.
I had embarrassed Twilight and I was sure she was hauling me outside so she could fling me off into oblivion. Maybe she'd throw me in the forest. That would at least get me a head start. Instead, I felt something soft underneath me and I grabbed it as tightly as I could. The magical straightjacket slackened its grip and faded away to nothing. I didn’t even try to run; I just burrowed my face into the softness of whatever I was on to hide.
I was shaking with fear when I felt something warm being draped over me and then a hoof touched me. I cringed away at first but the hoof began stroking my back gently, making me relax. Somewhere in the distance, I thought I could hear somepony singing. There were no words I could understand but it made me feel safer than I’d felt in months. By some miracle, my body began to relax and I think I must have fallen asleep.
The room was silent when I woke up again. I cracked my eyes opened to find a nearly dark room, barely illuminated by the embers in the fireplace. Fluttershy was curled up on some cushions on the floor nearby under a blanket. A wave of guilt flooded through me. I had behaved so badly, I probably deserved to be dumped in a ditch. Instead, I was here I was on her couch again and she had chosen to stay nearby leaving me no way to sneak out.
“Are you awake?” I asked in the quietest voice I could manage. I sincerely hoped she wouldn’t wake up.
Her head lifted up in a flash and she immediately walked over to me. “Thank goodness you’re awake. Let me see . . .”
She put her hoof on my forehead and nodded in satisfaction. “Good, your fever is gone. Oooh, I’m so angry at the doctors for letting you leave in this state. Especially with that vicious storm that was scheduled last night. You were caught out in it, weren't you?”
I couldn't help smile at the contrast of her quiet gentle voice being to be angry and stern.
“In their defense, I kind of insisted on getting out of there. I felt fine and didn’t want to waste their time.”
She lifted a cup with a straw up to me. "They still shouldn't have let you go. Drink this. It should help you to feel better.”
I took the cup in my hooves and sipped on it. It was some sort of fruit drink. “I appreciate your help Fluttershy but I have no idea how I’ll repay you.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” she said in her quiet voice. “I’m just glad you’re feeling better.”
“I have to figure something out Fluttershy. I refuse to be a burden on anypony but without my wings, there isn't much I can do anymore.”
Fluttershy was silent and I took another sip of my drink. I looked around the room and saw animals curled up and sleeping everywhere.
“Jade, what happened when Twilight helped you to the couch?” She asked nervously.
I shuddered at the memory of the restrictive magical field around me and I looked off into the infinite darkness.
“I’m scared of unicorns and the power they have," I finally admitted. "Even a weak one can use their telekinesis to push me around and there is nothing I could do to stop it. Slap you on the side the head, throw you off the balcony, dunk you in a lake; it doesn’t matter. There’s nothing I can do to protect myself. Sparkle immobilized me without a second thought and she would just squash me like a bug if I irritated her.”
Fluttershy’s hoof shot to her mouth and she gasped with horror. “Twilight wouldn’t do that Jade! Neither would Rarity.”
I shivered. “You’ll pardon me if I don’t take your word for it. The only unicorn I trust is my brother and that's because he earned it.”
I put the now empty cup back on the floor and laid my head down on the couch. My eyes drifted closed again and I felt moisture in them again.
“I don’t even understand why the other guards hate me,” I whispered sadly. “Why else would they have left me to die? I told a mare in the town hall to let them know that I was going after you five but they just abandoned me. I’m only alive because a Zebra was gathering flowers in one of the most dangerous forests in Equestria. Nopony else even cared that I was gone.”
I nearly jumped out of my skin again when I felt a hoof start rubbing my back. “I’m so sorry you’ve been treated so horribly Jade,” Fluttershy murmured. “My friends and I will work to earn your trust starting tomorrow if you’ll let us.”
“I doubt Sparkle or Rainbow care about earning my trust,” I countered in a bitter voice. “I got what I deserved and it’s my voice against twenty. I wouldn't believe me if I was in their place.”
Fluttershy’s hoof on my back was making me relax. Her touch was far gentler than I’d ever felt before. It was the kind of contact I had always dreamed of but was denied all my life.
“None of us knew the extent of your injuries. Not even Twilight so please, just give them a chance.”
“A chance,” I whispered in a sleepy voice. “You really think I should?”
“Yes, I do,” Fluttershy said in a kind voice. “Go back to sleep Jade. You need to rest so you’ll be ready in the morning.”
“What for?” I murmured as I closed my eyes.
“Shhhhh. Sleep now Jade Storm,” she whispered. “We'll explain tomorrow.”
She began to hum quietly. It was a gentle sweet song that made me begin to relax and for the first time in many weeks, I felt safe. That feeling of security sent me drifting back off to a deep, dreamless sleep.
