> Fallen Angel > by Applefai > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Blame > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "It's all my fault. I'm the reason why he's like this." said Twilight as she walked down the hall of her castle. "Aww, come on Twilight, it's not your fault, quit being so hard on yourself. " said Spike comfortingly. "But it is, Spike. If only I tried harder to stop him I could've talked him from out from taking that dare to fly into that thunder cloud, if it weren't for my negligence he would still be awake." Twilight's eyes star to water up as she remembers that day. "I should have stopped him from taking that dare, I know Rainbow Dash didn't mean for this to happen, but it's mainly my fault I relented when I tried to stop him. "Twilight, it's not your faul__." "YES, IT IS SPIKE!" Twilight yelled with tears in her eyes. "I RELENTED, I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING ELSE TO STOP HIM. EVERYPONY AND EVERY CREATURE TELLS ME IT'S NOT MY FAULT, BUT IT IS, IT IS, SPIKE!" Twilight's voice lowers in volume after catching her breath. "It is my fault, and this is the only way I can repent. I don't know when or if he'll wake up, but I can at least monitor his situation until I do know, I keep the staff and students informed, but I won't allow them to see him like this, it'll break their hearts, especially Silverstream's and it's my burden to carry, my responsibility. I won't be able to perform my duties as headmare so I asked Starlight if she'll take over and still perform her duties as guidance counselor." Twilight turns to Spike and hugs him. "I'm sorry I yelled at you, I know you're only trying to help, but these are feelings I must face on my own." Twilight opens up a door to a room to check in on a comatose Gallus wrapped up in bandages and connected to medical equipment to monitor his vitals. Twilight let's out a sigh. "It has been six months since the accident and still no signs of improving, but there are no signs of deterioration yet so that's good." Twilight gingerly adjusts Gallus's pillow, replaces the empty saline bag with a fresh one, and covers him up. Just seeing him in this state brings Twilight to tears, she wishes with all her heart that she could just use magic to wake him from his coma, but she realizes that this ain't no fairy tale and that some things you can't fix with magic. She hasn't let anypony else in here, just her and on occasion Spike helps out in monitoring the patient. Looking down at Gallus in his comatose state brought Twilight back to when it first happened, it was a stormy day and after school Gallus and Rainbow Dash had started a routine of giving each other dares and bantering each other, given their personalities it was not surprising they would do this. "Hey, professor Egghead." Gallus said. "I figured you'd be in the library reading Daring Doo books, you're so predictable." "Oh yeah, Birdbrain? Like how you actually pay attention in class, but act like you don't?" Rainbow Dash said with laughter in her voice. "Alright, enough you two." said Twilight. "I have to go over the lesson plans for tomorrow." "Alright Twilight, but can Gallus and I at least play truth or dare and we'd like it if you joined." said Rainbow Dash. "Alright. I'll play." said Twilight nervously. "So Gallus, truth or dare?" asked Rainbow Dash mischievously. "Dare." Gallus said undeterred. "I dare you to fly into those thunderclouds." Rainbow Dash said with gusto. "Woah, I'm gonna have to stop you there, doesn't that seem a bit too dangerous?" asked Twilight nervously. "Pft, chill out worrywart, being a flyer he should be fine." said Rainbow Dash encouragingly. "But still as teachers we have a responsibility to ensure the safety and health of our students, for the sake of their caretakers and themselves." "Don't worry headmare Twilight, I'll be fine, what's the worse that can happen?" Gallus said unfazed by the dare and bolted out the door to perform the dare tasked to him. Twilight tried to run after him, but Rainbow Dash told her he'll be fine and invited her to watch as Gallus performed the stunt. Outside the school Gallus prepared for take off as the storm clouds covered the sky. Gallus took off at breakneck speed and dove into the storm clouds as the lightning raged inside. A few moments later Twilight saw that something went wrong as Gallus fell from the sky. As quick as she could she flew out to catch him only to find that he was unconscious in her hooves. Fearing the worst she along with the rest of her friends rushed him to Ponyville General to get his state examined. Twilight and the rest of her friends waited in the waiting room for what seemed like years. "How could ya let Gallus do a fool thing like that anyway Rainbow Dash?" Applejack said angrily. "I have to agree with Applejack darling, what made you dare him to do such a thing as that?" "Look I didn't mean for him to get hurt, I thought he could handle it." Twilight hearing this couldn't stand her friends bickering with each other. "It's not Rainbow's fault, it's mine. I didn't do anything else to stop him, I relented and just didn't run after him when he left the library to take the dare." "Aww, it's ok, Twilight. It's not your fault either." Fluttershy said empathetically. "No, it is, Fluttershy. I'm the one who relented and didn't stand firm. At that moment Nurse Redheart entered the waiting room with gloomy demeanor and aura. "The test are complete and frankly I wish I had better news. Gallus has sustained multiple injuries due to the shock and the resulting truama has left him in a coma." Nurse Redheart said with a hung head. Twilight and her friends all gasped in light of this revelation. Twilight with tears in her eyes turned to her friends to ask for their help in informing the students and to not let them see him as she went to Grandpa Gruff to inform him. When Twilight arrived in Griffonstone she relayed the news to Grandpa Gruff, but she was aghast at his response. "So that feather head took a dare he knew was dangerous and fell into a coma? Why should I care he ain't my kid nor has no relation to me. He's merely a moocher to me and nothing more, with him gone I have one less mouth to feed. You wasted your time coming here." Grandpa Gruff flew off leaving Twilight in a shocked state when Gabby and Gilda approached her. "That's Grandpa Gruff for you, most of us griffons might of changed, but he's still stuck in his ways. It's a miracle he actually took Gabby and I in off the streets when we were in Gallus's situation. Gilda said with empathy. "Ms. Twilight, is Gallus going to be ok?" Gabby asked with tears in her eyes. "I don't know, but I'll keep you two in the loop. I'll watch over him like a hawk." Twilight told the two griffons before flying off. > Becoming a star? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight was brought back to the present by Spike's voice. He told her that school went nicely as usual and that the students has missed her as headmare and are so concerned about Gallus that they made him a get well collage. Twilight pleased to hear the news thanked Spike for the status report and genitally hung the collage on the wall next to Gallus's bedside. The time was getting late and Twilight had made a habit of sleeping next to Gallus instead of her own bed to keep him company. Twilight had fallen asleep next to Gallus whose face had once adorned a frown, now adorned a smile as the purple pony lay next to him. Unbeknownst to any creature outside of the coma, Gallus had been dreaming, in this dream he was with his mother and father, they had never abandoned him, he had just hurt his leg on impact and his mother was bandaging him, his heart filled with joy at the feeling of having a family and he had wished it'll never stop. But alas, everything can't be happy all the time, in the waking world Twilight had to step out to help Starlight in a school problem that she didn't know how to tackle and thus plunged Gallus in a barren Ponyville where no one was around, his friends were no where to be seen and he was completely alone. He would fly around looking for any signs of life, but it was as if a horrific incident occurred there was no one in sight not even the one he loved. At the school of friendship the students had just started lunch, the student six sat at the table they usually occupy, save on seat which was as barren as a wasteland. Sandbar trying to break the silence tried to comfort a woeful Silverstream who was barely eating. "You know Gallus is going be just fine, I hope nothing happens to him, but my parents say that when we die we become a star in the sky." Sandbar said trying to comfort Silverstream. "Yeah, we yaks also believe that." Yona said patting Silverstream on the back." "So do us changelings, it's how we say heaven." Ocellus said, also trying to comfort Silverstream. "Yeah, we Dragons may be rough and tumble, but even we believe in an afterlife." Smolder said while trying to comfort Silverstream who has been getting a bit irritated. "STOP IT!" Silverstream yelled with tears in her eyes. "He is not gonna die, he's gonna be just fine. He has to be." Silverstream fell silent and wept with her friends holding her shoulder to comfort her. "He just has to pull through, he has to. Silverstream said with tears in her eyes. "I love him." Back at the castle the castle Twilight had left the premises and left Gallus alone for a couple of minutes, but unbeknownst to her Silverstream was coming to see Gallus, whether or not Twilight would allow it. Silverstream opened the door and was saddened to see Gallus in this state, but was relieved to know he was safe. She pulled up a chair and sat at Gallus's bedside and looked over him. "Gallus, you just have to pull through, you just gotta. I don't know what I'll do without you, you're one of my best friends, even more. Remember that time beneath the school, you comforted me by helping me face my fear and you let me into your world, or that time where you and I were partners in that spellvenger hunt? I didn't care if we win I just enjoyed being with you." Silverstream started reminiscing about the times her and Gallus shared. "I-I-I remember, how could I ever forget?" said a voice raspy, but clear. Silverstream looked down to see Gallus awake and looking at her. Joy filled Silverstream's heart as she gently hugged Gallus and said how grateful she is that he's awake. Twilight came back in around this time to see that Silverstream had disobeyed her orders and sneaked her way into Gallas's room. She would've been furious if it wasn't for the fact that Gallus had awoken from his deep slumber. Twilight relayed all that had happened to Gallus about what happened these last six months and assured him that he would graduate with his friends. Gallus trying to get up noticed something was wrong, he looked at Silverstream and asked her if she could leave while he gets out of bed, to which Silverstream obliged. "Twilight, something is wrong. I can't move anything below the waist or my wings." Gallus said in a concerned voice. Twilight's ears droop down as tears fill her eyes while she does some test. "I'm sorry to tell you this Gallus, but you're paralyzed from the neck down, there is only a one percent chance it can be undone, but you'll have to go through immense therapy. Maybe we should tell Silverstream?" "No!" Gallus yelled with fear in his voice. "Why not?" Twilight said questioningly. "She is your friend after all I'm sure she'll help you, as well as your other friends." "I said no!" Gallus said sternly. "I-I-I'm sorry I yelled Twilight, it's just I don't want to seem weak in front of Silverstream. If I appear weak in front of her she may not want to be with me anymore, I don't want to lose her." Gallus said with tears in his eyes. "Please Twilight, I'd rather stay with you and try to rehabilitate." "You really love Silverstream don't you Gallus?" Twilight asked knowingly. "You know there is a ninety nine percent chance you can be like that for the rest of your life right? I'm sure Silverstream will be more than happy to help you." ''I just can't take that chance Twilight, please, don't tell Silverstream or make me tell her." "Alright Gallus, I won't tell her and I'll do everything in my power to help you recover. I still need to repent for my sin. "Sin? What sin, Twilight?" Gallus asked in a confused tone. "My sin of not stopping you from taking the dare. If I had not relented you would've been like this or in a coma for six months." Gallus maneuvers his wheel chair closer to Twilight and caresses her chin. "It's not your fault Twilight. Don't keep blaming yourself, if it's anybody's fault it's mine." Gallus says as he lets go of Twilight's chin. "I'm the one that took the dare and the one that did it of my own free will, you didn't make me and neither did Rainbow Dash." "But I_" Twilight started to object. "But nothing Twilight, I mean what I say you are not at fault. It's my fault, I was reckless and should have known better. You have no sin to atone for with me." Twilight with tears in her eyes just burst into tears when hearing this, finally releasing six months of stress and worry. "I'm so sorry Gallus, I wish I can cure your paralysis with magic, but I can't. It has to go away on it's own. And thank you for telling me." Gallus wraps his arm around Twilight and pulled her in for a hug. "You're welcome, Twilight. And thank you for taking care of me for these past six months." "You're welcome, Gallus." Twilight said contently. > Blackbird fly > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following months of Gallus's rehabilitation took off to a rocky start, everytime he would try and walk he would be reunited with the floor. Twilight tried to help him as best she could, but each time Gallus tried to walk, he would fall and hurt himself. "I think that's enough for today." Twilight said in a worried tone as she helped Gallus back into his wheelchair. "It's great that you're trying, but don't overwork yourself, it's important you relax and let time help as well." "I know Twilight, but I want to try and get rid of my paralysis if I can, even if there's only a one percent chance and even if I get hurt." Gallus chuckles a bit. "it's hard to believe it's been two months since I woke up." "You're quite determined Gallus, and yes, time sure has flown by and you already got caught up in your studies and managed to keep the paralysis a secret while you're at school. I'll do my best to try and help you, but you should be thinking on where you'd like to go if you can't get rid of your paralysis. I'll come and visit of course, but you can't stay here forever, I've got responsibilities to uphold. I'll go prepare you something to eat, I'll be right back." Twilight leaves Gallus in his room she gave him to use as he recovered which has a window with a view of the school. As Gallus looked out the window contemplating the possibility if he'll ever be the same or if his friends will accept his weakness and vulnerability he say a group of friends with the brown agilian student from Lacerta with his right claw smaller and weaker than the left. Gallus could hear part of the conversation and heard the agilian's name which was Dami. He overheard how he can't move his right claw like a regular claw, but still manages to live his life. He overheard one of his friends say to Dami that they'll always have his back and that they'll be friends which brought a tear to Gallus's eye. Twilight returns with a plate of quesadillas, the dish terrified her, but they were Gallus's favorite and she loved seeing him smile, so she was always happy to make them for him. "Gallus, here's your lunch." Twilight said gently bringing him back to Earth. "Oh, thank you Twilight." Gallus said as her took the plate with enthusiasm and began to slowly eat them savoring each bite. "For someone who doesn't like quesadillas you sure make great ones." Gallus said remembering his manners and waiting to finish chewing before talking. "Thank you, I do try my best when it comes to cooking." Twilight said with blush on her face from the compliment. "I'm going to back to the school to wrap up the day, I'll be back shortly." Twilight said in a caring tone. "Alright, Twilight." Gallus said. "I'll see you when you get back." "Oh, before I go there's someone here to see you, he said your friend Smolder asked him to come talk to you." Twilight said while heading out. When Twilight left the room, the brown agilian that Gallus had watched with his friends through the window entered and began to speak. "Hello, my name is Dami. Your friend Smolder has told me so much about you, and Twilight told me about your condition." Gallus's demeanor changed from joy to sorrow when he heard this. "Oh that." Gallus said trying not to cry. "Yes, I'm paralyzed, but I don't want any of my friends to know." "Silverstream felt something was off, that's why she asked Smolder to ask me to come talk to you. You can't let this get you down, you shouldn't keep this from your friends, and more importantly don't lose hope in trying to get rid of this paralysis." Dami said trying to help him. "How can I?" Gallus asked with tears in his eyes. "I'm a blackbird with broken wings, if I tell my friends I'll seem weak, and the one that I love will think I'm a burden." Gallus said on the verge of crying. "You just remember you're not alone." Dami said reassuring him. "I have a claw smaller and weaker than the other, I can't feel my right claw, but my friends never left me, and the one you love won't think you're a burden if she truly loves you. So you take those broken wings and learn to fly." Dami said trying to motivate him, but unbeknownst to them, they had a ease dropper. Silverstream came into the room upon hearing everything. "Is that what you really think Gallus? You know I love you." Silverstream said with tears in her eyes while she hugged him. "I know Silverstream I just didn't want to be a burden on you I want you to be able to live your life..." Before Gallus could continue Silverstream kissed him causing an unnoticeable twitch in his wings and then spoke. "You could never be a burden on me, I love you so much I would carry you on my back for the rest of my life if I had to." Gallus with tears in his eyes could just hug Silverstream and utter a thank you before regaining his composure and looked at Dami. "Thank you Dami for talking to me." He then looked at Silverstream. "Would you mind wheeling me out of here and to the school? I think it's time our friends know about my condition." Silverstream just chuckled and grabbed the handles and said "Sure thing." And wheeled Gallus to the school where he can finally be with his friends again.