Unconventional Magic - 11: Change

Act III - New Life (working title)

>An empty black void
>That's all you see
>Are your eyes closed?
>You can't tell
>You can feel nothing
>Hear nothing
>Smell... something
>Smells like...
>A hospital room?
>If only you could move something or open your fricken eyes, you could figure it out
>...Wait, voices!
>They were very muffled at first, you couldn't make out a single word
>Minutes pass by before you're able to start making out various words
>"But.. Caden... what... mean... not help... Celest... please!..."
>It sounded like Twilight
>They went back and forth a couple times and you determined the other must be Celestia
>Eventually you could finally make out most of what they were saying
>Twi:"-just doesn't make any sense!"
>Tia:"..we will have to keep an eye on this behavior. Be glad you won't have to worry about his health. Now if you'll excuse me I must go check on Cadence."
>The princess doesn't sound very happy
>Twi:"Yes Princess..." Twilight responds in a sad tone
>You feel the presence of something being placed on the bed next to your thigh
>At least you assume it's a bed
>Wait... you can feel that
>Well that's good, another sense coming back, can't complain there
>The first thing you do is attempt to open your eyes
>It wasn't an easy task, but soon enough you manage
>The light was blinding at first

>Eventually your eyes adjusted to the light and you saw Twilight sitting in a chair next to your bed, resting her head on the bed next to your motionless right arm
>She was obviously down about something
>Her ears were down, mane was quite a wreck too
>You move your eyes to look around the room, and don't notice anyone else around
>Not even Rainbow Dash
>You regained a good deal of feeling back from most of your body, and the first real movement you attempt is your right hand
>You slowly raise it and place it onto Twilight's head, gently petting her
>Her eyes shoot wide open and look your direction
>"A-Anon?"
>It almost sounded like she was afraid to ask
>Speaking was even harder than moving your hand, but you're able to pull it off
"Who else- would I be?" you respond quietly, trying to give off a smile
>You figure it must have worked, because Twilight smiled back at you
>She follows that by jumping out of her chair onto the bed along-side you and doing her best to give you a hug
>"Oh Anon, I'm so glad you're awake!"
"Hey, easy now Twi. Just how long was I out?"
>She pushes herself off you and sits up
>Twilight was showing you a real warm smile, and had tears forming in her eyes, of happiness it seemed
>"A couple days. I thought for sure you'd be back sooner considering how fast you healed."
"Really? Wait, that healed!?"
>Twilight nods and pulls the blankets off you, revealing your bare chest and stomach

>Sure enough, there was no wound
>It did leave a hell of a scar though
"But... how?"
>"They don't really know... Celestia and Luna performed some magic on you when they came-to, but there wasn't much they could do. When you got here, you just.. I mean, it was like your body just healed itself or something."
"Oh.. well I guess that's pretty cool."
>"Uh, yeah it was a good thing, for sure."
>Twilight smiles innocently at you, but you can't help but be a little curious
"So.. Celestia didn't sound very happy.. what all happened?"
>Twilight recoils, almost gasping before placing a hoof over her mouth
"Twi? What's wrong?"
>She lets her hoof down and sighs
>"Oh, you heard her huh? It's.. nothing big, really.. she just isn't happy about what you did to Princess Cadence."
"What? I didn't do anything to her, she stabbed me and I collapsed. At least I think it was her. That was her horn that I saw going through me wasn't it?"
>"Yeah, it was her, but.. you really don't remember do you? Hmm.. That means I was right!" she exclaims joyfully before remembering the situation and calming back down "Sorry."
"Right about what? What the hell happened Twi?"
>"Umm, well.. you see... when Cadence jabbed her horn through you, I came running over to help, but..."
>Twilight pauses and looks down, scared to go on any further
"Didn't you teleport behind me and attack her?"
>"I... no.."
"Twi, just tell me. Please."
>She takes a deep breath and looks back at you

>"I looked into your eyes, and.. caught a faint red glow... you instantly forced some magic to your hands so I teleported out of the way. But.. you sent it backwards, into Cadence..."
>You can't believe what you're hearing
"What are you saying? Like some other force took over and attacked her? But I remember collapsing to the ground, and nothing in-between!"
>"Yeah, well.. it was really short, as soon as she pulled out, you were down.. but so was Cadence.."
"How bad was it?"
>"She's... lucky to be alive, Anon.."
"You're kidding me..."
>"I wish.. thankfully it just seemed like a defense mechanism or something, it was only there for a split-second, but.. well, Celestia thinks it came back some time after you got here, so it- or, you, could heal yourself."
"I.. ugh, what the hell... I'm gonna need some time to think about about all this.."
>You lean back in the bed and just look up toward the ceiling
>Twilight turns away and looks like she's about to hop off the bed
"You can stay, Twi.."
>She stops and thinks for a moment before turning back and simply lying down along-side you, resting her head next to your shoulder, yet still looking away
"So.. where's Rainbow Dash anyway? Or am I not going to like that answer?"
>Twilight's eyes shift to meet yours but she hesitates to answer
"I can take it Twi."

>"She really didn't like what Celestia was implying, about the little incident you had against Cadence.. Celestia was blaming it on Eris, saying it must be her evil influence or something.. then Rainbow actually started thinking about it, and wasn't liking the results.. she eventually broke down and left yesterday, we haven't seen her since then..."
>It hurt to hear, but somehow you weren't very surprised
>She was the embodiment of loyalty, and even though you did what you had to, it's possible she saw it as betrayal and just couldn't handle it
"Well... I guess I can't say I'm surprised if she's mad about what I had to do before all that, but.."
>"No, you can't blame her, but she still left when you were out, didn't even bother seeing you wake up or anything. She was really stressed out, then just got super angry, but it's still no excu-"
"Let it go Twilight."
>"But-"
"Please... I'll talk to her when the time comes, there's no sense in worrying about it now."
>Twilight scoffs at you
"You've been here the whole time though, haven't you?"
>She looks back at you and you notice a hint of pink across her features

>"As long as you have Anon. I couldn't leave one of my friends here alone considering the situation, and especially after Rainbow Dash left. I.. couldn't lose you.. not to death, or.. whatever that other thing was.. Princess Celestia also mentioned somebody should be by your side at all times to make sure no more, um.. incidents, happen.. but I would have been here anyway."
"I- Thank you Twilight, it means a lot to me."
>As you say this you place your hand back on her head, rustling her already ravaged mane, as she just smiles and closes her eyes
>You felt like you really owed a debt to Twilight after all this
>Regardless of everything, she stayed by your side the entire time
>But your best friend and lover, Rainbow Dash, apparently deserted you in your time of need
>You can understand if she doesn't like your methods, but you still pretty much saved the fucking world
>Could she not come to terms with the fact that you had to do what you did in order to win?
>Okay, so maybe you didn't 'need' Eris, but you had the opportunity and you took it
>It would only increase your chances anyway, right?
>Maybe she just needed some time to herself to figure it all out
>Was this what it just came down to though?
>Your Dashie leaving you at such a critical time, only to be replaced by your other best friend?
>The one who actually understood what you had to do and didn't hate you for it?
>The one that apparently cares a lot more for you-

>Wait, did you really just think that?
>How-
>It was true, wasn't it...
>Well, it sure seems that way
>But you probably shouldn't jump to conclusions
>You need to talk to Rainbow as soon as you get the chance and clean this up
>For now though, you were still tired and felt like passing out
>You finally realize just how big this bed was
>And that Twilight didn't have much room between you and the edge of it
"Hey Twi.. why do they have beds this big anyway?"
>"Hmm? Oh, they're mostly for minotaur, but they're not used very often. Thank Celestia, right?"
"Heh, yeah, no doubt. Anyway I'm super tired so I think I'm gonna pass out for a while."
>"Oh, okay then. You probably want me to give you some space then huh?"
"Well it probably wouldn't hurt for you to go home and clean up, but I'll leave it up to you. You can stay if you want, I don't mind the company."
>After saying that, you manage to scoot over, giving her more room
>Twilight looks up at you for a moment, then giggles
>"Okay, if you say so, I'm pretty tired myself. But.. what if Rainbow comes back?"
"Hmm.. honestly, I just don't care. I hate myself for saying it, but if what you told me is true, then she'll have to deal with what could happen when she pulls a stunt like this at such a serious time."
>"What.. what are you saying? You don't want to just let her go like that do you?"

"No, of course not, I want to teach her a lesson. If she doesn't like what I did, that's fine, but she needs to talk to me about it, which she's usually good about doing. But avoiding it like this, especially when I'm unconscious in a fucking hospital, is unacceptable."
>"I suppose that makes sense. I just don't want you to give up on her like that, especially on my accord."
"Don't worry about it Twi. I'm gonna sleep now okay? Feel free to go if you want."
>You close your eyes and relax, clearing your mind, and immediately feel close to sleep
>There's something else you feel though;
>Twilight crawls up closer to you
>She rolls onto her side, facing her back to you and moving close up against you, then nuzzles her head up against yours
>Still lying on your back, you drape your arm around her and smile
>Your heart had been hurting ever since you noticed your Dashie wasn't in the room
>But if there was ever only one other p0ny that could fix that right now, it was Twilight
>You try to keep your mind clear of any more conflicting thoughts
>Thankfully you were still really tired, so it wasn't difficult
>Content with simply not being alone in this room, sleep came quickly

--------

>An unknown amount of time passes and your eyes slowly open again
>After allowing your eyes to adjust to the dim lighting of the room, you slowly manage to sit up straight
>Twilight is still sleeping soundly at your side
>You don't want to wake her up, she's probably got hardly any sleep since you've been here as it is
>Looking around the room, nothing seems to have changed, and nobody else was here
>The door however was cracked open, and you could hear quiet voices outside
>There was an aura around the door handle
>Maybe that was what woke you up?
>The door now opens, and in comes none other than Princess Celestia
>She notices Twilight sleeping and gently closes the door behind her
>"Good to see you are awake and well, Anonymous."
"Yeah, thanks Princess. How's your wing?"
>"Oh it's just fine, no damage at all. I understand you did what had to be done."
"Glad to hear it, but why did you sound so.. angry, earlier? When you were speaking with Twilight in here, that is."
>"You heard that hmm? I apologize Anonymous, but that little incident you had, even if it was only sparked in self-defense, is not something we can chance manifesting. I am expected to do whatever is necessary in order to potect my subjects. Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student, ignored me when I told her it may be dangerous to be around you in here."

"Well, no offense, but I'm glad she ignored you. If something did happen, I bet the only p0nies that would have a chance at setting me straight would be her or Rainbow Dash. As long as I have friends like Twilight around me, I don't think we have to worry about a thing."
>Celestia smiles at you
>"I hope you're right... She cares for you deeply, Anonymous. I'm sure you know that, but do not forget about your other friends. Speaking of which, you may have some visitors soon."
"Okay, but can't I just leave this place? I feel fine."
>"Oh, that's right. Yes, you can leave whenever you feel you're able to get up and move around. There is nothing more the doctors can do aside from letting you rest."
"Sweet! Would it be okay if I visited Cadence before I left though?"
>"I don't think that's such a good idea. Princess Cadence is not in good condition. She is stable however, and does not seem to hold any grudge against you, but I cannot say the same about her husband, Shining Armour. Perhaps his sister Twilight Sparkle can talk to him though. You should just forget about it for now."
"I see... If you happen to see them, please at least tell them I'm sorry?"
>"Sure Anonymous."
"Thanks... so how about your sister Luna?"
>Celestia looks away and sighs

>"Luna is.. conflicted. I cannot figure out what is wrong with her, but I've given her a break from her duties so she can have time to herself. Hopefully it's enough. It would be unwise for you to visit her now though. It's best if you and Twilight go back to P0nyville when you're able."
"That's.. unfortunate. I hope everything turns out okay. But hey, if there's anything I might be able to help out with, please let me know. I know I kind of already saved all of Equestria and what-not, but-"
>Celestia chuckles
>"Yes, that you did. Don't worry, we are greatful for what you and your friends have done, and we would like to hold a celebration for you all soon. But for now just worry about yourself and your friends. We will get everything sorted out and back to normal here."
"Alright, if you say so."
>"Good. Now if you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to. Take it easy Anonymous, and watch that power of yours."
"Of course, Celestia. Goodbye."
>Celestia grabs the door with her magic and gently opens it, considering Twilight is still passed out
>She steps out and begins to close the door behind her, only to stop at the last moment
>You hear voices outside for a few seconds, and the door opens back up
>"Your visitor is waiting for you in the waiting room down the hall."
>You nod to Celestia and she closes the door completely this time
>Well, time to see if all of the muscles in your body still work well enough

>You slide over so your legs dangle off the side of the bed, and you step down
>Yeah, you'd have to just stretch out and walk around a bit, otherwise it seemed okay
>Oh good, you were almost completely naked, aside from some cloth they wrapped around your waist and crotch
>Taking a look around, you notice a restroom and small closet
>Might as well take a look in the closet, if they kept your clothes in here that's where they should be
>You open the door, and sure enough, everything's there, hanging up all nice and clean too
>Awesome
>You take off the cloth wrap and put on all your clothes
>Time to go meet your visitor
>You open the door but before you step out, you hear some stirring behind you
>"A-non?"
>Turning around, you see Twilight slowly sitting up on the bed, rubbing her eyes with her hooves
"Hey Twi. Sleep well?"
>She nods and struggles to keep her eyes open
>"Where are you going?"
"Apparently I have a visitor. Celestia wouldn't tell me who."
>"Celestia?"
"Yeah, I just finished speaking with her a couple minutes ago. You were out like a rock."
>"Oh.. well do you mind if I come with you?"
"No, but you should clean up a bit first. We'll just be down the hall in the waiting room."
>"Alright."
>Twilight yawns and stretches her hooves, and you walk out the door
>The halls are very decorated, and sparkly-clean
>There's noticably more upkeep here than at the P0nyville hospital, this is much nicer

>As you continue walking, you spot the waiting room
>There's an opening into it from the hall, and some windows on either side to see in
>Just one p0ny was in there, sitting on a couch, slouched over and hanging her head down
>And it was just who you wanted to see
>Regardless of what she may have done, and regardless of what Twilight said, you were thrilled to see Dashie
>She's not paying attention, so you conjure some magic to lift yourself into the air and float into the room undetected
>You stay close to the ceiling and move over above the couch, then let go of yourself
>Rainbow jumps when you suddenly land on the couch right next to her with a big shit-eating grin on your face
>She looks you over for a few seconds with a surprised look
>Since she's apparently speechless, you extend your arms, inviting her into your embrace
>She remains still for a few more seconds before finally standing up on the couch and nearly tackling you
>Rainbow wraps her fore-hooves around you, and you close your arms around her, holding her close
>"I'm so glad you're safe Anon!" she finally manages to say
"So am I Dashie. Thanks for coming here."
>Rainbow pulls back and sits down next to you
>"So... you're not mad at me?"
"Actually, I am. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't be happy to see you."
>She looks up at you curiously

"Look. I know you don't like what I had to do, but you leaving when I was in the condition I was in, just... it hurt, Dashie. It hurt a lot."
>Her ears go down and her face takes on a sad expression
>"I know.. I'm sorry, I just.. couldn't handle it. You hurt me too though, ya know. And I know I shouldn't have left, but I let the wrong feelings take over... You gotta understand though, I represent the Element of Loyalty. It's what I give out, and I guess I expect just as much in return. And, that power of yours, well.. I think it's preventing you from being loyal to me..."
>Rainbow looks down, obviously trying to hold back from crying
"So that's what it comes down to huh? You know I wouldn't have done what I did if I didn't think it was necessary. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure that I'm done with all this crap. I just want to live a normal life now, and I'd sure like to live it with you, Dashie."
>She sniffs, still trying to hold back and keep up her composure, but it's not working as well as she'd like
>Rainbow looks back up to you with sad, glistening eyes, and responds
>"I.. don't think it'll work, Anon..."
>This was the time your heart truly sank

>"Yesterday, Celestia used some spells on us elements to look into our memories, so she could see for herself what was going on with us when Discord and Eris were free. I guess she looked a little too deep and found some of my memories that were blocked or something. I knew she found something she didn't like so I forced her to spill the details."
>You just stare into her eyes, letting some tears escape your own, waiting for her to continue
>"Fluttershy. Trixie. Everything that happened in Twilight's lab that day..."
>Your eyes widen
>Shit, Celestia found that and told her!?
>Well, you're fucked now
>"I know they happened before us, and I know you had good intentions, but still.. You betrayed my trust, and you betrayed me... I just.. I can't handle that.."
>Rainbow finally lets loose a little and begins sobbing, looking away from you again
"Rainbow, I.. *sigh* There's probably no point in trying to change your mind is there?"
>"I'm sorry Anon..."
"Don't be... I still think it's ridiculous, but I understand... And I think I'll be okay."
>She manages to regain some of her composure and looks back up to you
>"You mean.. with Twilight?"
"What? I- well... I don't know.."
>Rainbow actually smiles at you
>"Come on, you know I've seen the signs, she cares for you a lot. But it's time for us to move on Anon."
"If that's really what you want... But hey, we can still be friends right? And even if Twilight and I did get together?"

>She just looks at you, as if she can't find the right words
"You're still one of my best friends Rainbow. I don't want to let any of this ruin what we had. Is that doable at least?"
>Rainbow brings her smile back
>"Yeah, of course! You're still, uh.. well, a pretty awesome dude, Anon. I just think we'll need a little time away from each other, then we can start over."
"Time away?"
>"Oh, umm. Yeah.. That's the other thing I was gonna tell you. Spitfire found me earlier today and offered me a spot to tour with the Wonderbolts."
"What? You're kidding right!? That's awesome!"
>"I know! I wasn't sure if I could take her offer though, with.. well, all this.."
"Rainbow, you better taker her up on that offer, and right now. That's always been your dream hasn't it? Don't let me or any of what's happened hold you back."
>"You.. mean it?"
"Of course! Go and live your dream Dashie. Don't worry about the past, just look to the future. And I'll do the same. Then when you come back, we can start over, sound good?"
>"Uh- yeah, sure. Sounds great!"
>Dashie stands back up and gives you another hug, which you happily return
>After a few seconds she breaks it and hops off the couch
>"Come on, let's get out of this place, I hate hospitals."
>She walks into the hallway and you follow
"Sure, but let's wait up for- Oh, there's Twilight now."
>As you look down the hall, you spot Twilight come out of the room you were in

>"Oh good. Hey, do you mind if I talk to her alone for a minute?"
"Uh, yeah go for it."
>Dash zooms down the hall to get some distance between you and them so you can't hear them
>You just lean back against a wall and wait
>A number of minutes pass and they hug each-other
>They both come trotting down the hall back to you smiling
"So, no hard feelings anywhere huh? Didn't see that one coming."
>Twilight giggles
>Twi:"I don't think any of us did."
>RD:"Well hey I'm gonna take off and find Spitfire, they're leaving tonight."
>Dash leaps up and wraps her hooves around you in another quick hug
>You grab her and whisper in her ear
"Good luck Dash. Believe it or not, I'm very proud in you right now. Do your best, okay?"
>You let her go and she takes flight in front of you, grinning
>"I always do my best. Later guys!"
>And with that, she takes off down the halls and out the building
>"Did you say you were proud of her?"
"Oh, umm.. well, yeah. I can't believe how mature she was about all of this just now, it's not like her at all. So between that and the offer from the Wonderbolts, damn right I'm proud of her."
>"That's.. wow, Anon. I thought you'd be a lot more down about all this."
"I am Twilight... But I guess I almost expected this to happen sooner or later..." *sigh* "I'll get over it... Now let's go home, shall we?"
>"Sure. Are you going to teleport?"
"Hmm... Actually, how about we take a train?"
>"A train? But why?"

"I dunno, I guess I just want to see the sights again, and it'll be a good time to just sit and think things over too."
>"Oh, well.. sure.. I can secure us a private room when we get there- so you'll have a quiet place to yourself, of course."
>Twilight stutters those last few words, and you chuckle at her
"Sounds good Twi, but I don't mind sharing with you."
>She smiles and looks away in an effort to hide the obvious
"Grab on, let's see if I still got it."
>Twilight places a hoof on your leg, and you teleport... well, nowhere
"Can you picture the train station in your mind? I don't remember what it looks like..."
>Twilight nods and concentrates
>You begin to focus your magic into her, attempting to do what Trixie did to you
>Thankfully you manage without much effort, and you're both standing at the train station
>Twilight trots off to the ticket booth, coming back a few minutes later with your tickets
>"Just in time, the train for P0nyville is leaving in about fifteen minutes."
"Perfect, let's go find our room then."
>You and Twilight wander through the train, and finally find your room
>Nothing special, it was rather small, just a couple short padded benches facing each-other with a window in-between along the wall
>You take seats across from one-another, both looking out the window
>The room was quiet for a while
>Even after the train started moving and left Canterlot, you just gazed out your window and admired the scenery

>Twilight wasn't looking out the window much
>Actually she still looked pretty tired
>You pat the spot on the seat next to you until she notices
>She hops from her seat to yours and sits up next to you
>You reach your arm around her and pull her up close
>Twilight freezes for a moment, then nuzzles her head up against your shoulder
"There. Now this train ride will be perfect." you whisper as you look back out the window
>You couldn't see her expression, but you knew Twilight thought the same thing