[DE - 6] AiE : Avalon Burning

Continued from AiE : Complications
-------------------

>That Anon motherfucker.
>He had really done it this time.
>Nurse Red Heart is gonna kill you for this.
>But with Celestia as your witness, you sure as hell weren't going to let him die that easy.
>That sonic rainboom you did to get him here may have only hurt him more, but he needed help, and fast.
>Nurse Red Heart agreed, but she was overly upset with you for not being careful.
>You know that feeling when you're just trying to help, but no matter what you seem to do, it only makes things worse?
>Yeah, it fucking sucks.
>
>Now, you're stuck hoping he'll be alright.
>The surgery ward was buzzing with activity.
>So many doctors had gone in to see if they could help.
>Some gave up in a matter of minutes; others hadn't left his side since they arrived.
>Why?
>Why couldn't he have been just somepony else?
>Just a regular pony that didn't care?
>Why did he have to risk his life for somepony he didn't even know?

-------------------

>The pegasi would've been there soon, Apple Bloom would've been fine!
>So many emotions churning inside you right now.
>Man if fucked you up.
>You felt like you were gonna be sick.
>In a few short months, he had managed to be one of the best friends you could've asked for.
>And now you might lose him.
>
>No.
>No, you can't think like that.
>
>Either way, you weren't leaving the hospital until he did.
>Not like you had a choice though.
>Nurse Red Heart made sure that you were going to stick around if Anon wanted to press charges.
>At this point, you'd gladly accept them, so long as it meant he didn't die.
>
>You hadn't spoken to anypony since you arrived, other than Nurse Red Heart.
>You begin to recall what had gotten Anon into this mess.

-------------------

>You and Anon were walking around the square.
>It was a month or so after his first time on the job with Vinyl.
>Since there was so much downtime in between Vinyl's gigs, he didn't have much to do.
>So, he tried to look for a second job.
>You decided to go with him on his hunt.
>Just to help him.
>Yeah.
>Only to help him.
>The two of you were deciding which pony to ask next.
>"So Dash, what do you think about me working for the Apples?"
"The Apples?  Ha!  No offense Anon, but I don't think you quite got what it takes to buck apples."
>"So?  Maybe I could do something else?  Besides, they're the only real lead we have right now."
>You mull it over.
>He's right, but you don't like it.
>Apple Jack might try to take him.
>Wait, why did you care?
>He was going to leave you anyway when he got his house built.
>Boy that put you in a sour mood.
>"Why don't we just go ask?  Couldn't hurt, right?"
"Fine.  Lets go."
>"Dash is something wrong?"
"I don't want to talk about it."
>"Come on Dash, you know you can tell me if somethings bothering you."
"I said I don't want to talk about it."
>"Ok, ok.  Lets go then."
>You'd started to head that way, when you noticed something wrong.

-------------------

>There was a dark cloud.  It looked like a thunderhead from a distance.
>But it was too low.
>Way too low.
>Smoke?
>"Hey Dash, isn't that the Apple's Orchard?"
>He's right.
"Yeah."
>"Is that smoke?"
"It... Looks like it."
>"I think we should get somepony.  Does ponyville have a fire department?"
"Yeah, the pegasi use rainclouds to put out fires.  I'll go get them, you wait here."
>You had started hovering in place, ready to fucking speed over to Clouds Dale and sound the alarm.
>As you were flying, you looked down to see what Anon was doing.
>He wasn't waiting like you told him to.
>He was running.
>Towards the fire.
>Dammit Anon.
>No time to go back and stop him, you had to get help.
>You were flying pretty fast, but you didn't break the sound barrier.
>You didn't want to cause any damage.
>
>You finally made it to Clouds Dale, and found the first pegasus you could.
>Just your luck, it was Derpy Hooves.
"Derpy!  Hey Derpy!"
>She stopped what she was doing and looked over at you.
>"Whats the matter Rainbow Dash?"
"Theres...  fire...  Apple's orchard...  need to sound... alarm..."
>"What?"
"FIRE ----  SOUND ALARM -- APPLE'S ORCHARD" you'd managed to yell between gasps for air.
>She seemed to get the message, and flew as fast as she could towards the fire patrol.
>She may not have the best track record, but dammit if she didn't have her moments.
>The fire patrol was on there way in a matter of seconds.

-------------------

>You had managed to keep up with the fire patrol, but the strain and stress of the situation was getting to you.
>The fire patrol had brought several torrential rain clouds with them.
>They had them stored up for emergencies just like this.
>The fire team was doing their best to keep the blaze under control, but it was looking rough.
>You weren't paying too much attention to them anyway, you were on the lookout for Apple Jack.
>You spotted the emergency medical staff setting up camp in front of the orchard.
>With the rain started and the fire patrol finally being able to approach, they started search and rescue.
>The first few ponies they found were Granny Smith and Big Macintosh.
>Big Mac had managed to get Granny on his back and was plowing through the blaze to get her to safety.
>You flew down to ask him what happened.
"Big Mac!  Where's AJ?  What happened?"
>Big Mac had just managed to get Granny Smith to the Medics, and they were checking up on her.
>"I don't know Rainbow Dash.  I was tending to the apples when I smelled smoke."
>"I managed to find Granny and get her out, but I don't know where AJ was."
"Is Granny OK?  Are you OK?"
>"Yup, I think I'll be ok.  Ah got a little warm, but we made it."

-------------------

>A couple minutes later, Apple Jack had come barreling down the street.
>"Rainbow!  Big Mac!  Whats going on?"
"Theres been a fire AJ--"
>"I can see that!  Big Mac, is everypony OK?"
>"I'm Ok, and Granny Smith is bein looked over by the medics."
>"What about Apple Bloom?"
>"I don't know AJ, I figured she'd be with you."
>"APPLEBLOOM!"
>With that, AJ started running towards the barn, but a pegasus from the fire patrol stopped her.
>"Miss, we can't let you go in there.  Its too dangerous, please just let the fire patrol do their job."
>"But my little Apple Bloom is in there!  And you're no gonna stop me from gettin her out!"
>With that, you can see the distress in the pegasus' eyes.
"AJ, let them do their job.  It's what they do best."
>"Rainbow!  I can't just leave Apple Bloom in there!  She could get killed!"
"Which is exactly why I won't let you go in there!"
>"Excuse me?"
"You can't go in there!  You'll only add to the fire patrol's job of trying to save you!"
>Before AJ can respond, you hear a fire pegasus yell "Hey!  Stop!  You can't go in there!"
>You and AJ both turn to see who he was shouting at, and Anon was running towards the inferno.
"Whats he doing!?"
>"Who is that Rainbow?  Whats he doing?"
"Thats Anon, you remember, the Alien?  I don't know what he's doing, but it sure doesn't look safe!"
"I've gotta stop him!"
>"Miss, we've already got our hands full trying to find Apple Bloom and now that Alien!  We cannot let you enter!"

-------------------

"LIKE HELL!"
>You'd started to fly, but AJ had tackled you to the ground.
>"LISTEN HERE!  If either one of us go in there, we'll only be causing more work for the fire patrol!"
>Man, Karma's a bitch.
>
>You and AJ did all you could do.
>Wait.
>God damn, you'd never felt so useless before.
>
>A couple minutes pass, and Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Spike had all arrived.
>AJ had explained what was going on;  Big Mac was just as worried as she was.
>And there wasn't a damn thing you could do.
>Granny had been taken to the hospital.
>You were told she'd be fine, but she needed more attention than the medics could give her here.
>About that time, you heard Big Mac.
>"Look!  It's the Alien!"
>Sure enough, it was Anon.
>And he had Apple Bloom in his hands.
>
>But neither one of them looked good.
>Some pegasi flew over to get them to the medical tent, where you and your friends were waiting.
>His skin looked... cooked.  All over.
>Apple Bloom looked a little burned in a few spots, but far better than Anon.
>You heard overheard one of the medics say "She'll be fine, but we need to get the Alien to the hospital as soon as possible; he needs emergency care."
>While a couple medics tended to Apple Bloom, another went to talk to AJ and Big Mac.
>But only one medic was starting the process of moving Anon.
>They said he needed help fast.
>So, being Rainbow Dash, you aimed to get him just that.

-------------------

>You had snuck in to the tent while the medics were distracted.
>You managed to get Anon in your grip, and took off without a second thought.
>As soon as you were a distance away from the rest of the ponies, a medic noticed his patient was gone.
>"Hey!  Stop!  He needs help!"
>The thought of stopping never crossed your mind.
>As soon as you were at cloud level, you broke the sound barrier.
>Your wings cried out from the stress, but you ignored it.
>Anon needed help.
>You weren't going to let some medic stop you from helping him.
>You made it to the hospital on the other side of town in record time.
>You managed to get Anon to the ER, and they took over from there.
>A couple minutes later, he was admitted to the Surgery Ward.
>Nurse Red Heart gave you an earful when you tried to stay with him.
>She had a guard come and keep an eye on you.
>"IF he makes it out of this, I'm going to recommend he file charges against you."
"For what?!"
>"For worsening his condition!  You should've let the medics handle it!  He was in no condition to be moved, let alone break the sound barrier!"
>Awww shit, you dun goofed.
"Will he be alright?"
>"We don't know yet.  When he's in a condition to talk, I'll let you know.  Until then, you stay here."

-------------------

>So here you are now.
>Waiting.
>Being twisted emotionally.
>It hadn't been this bad since you found out your parents were dead.
>You felt something wet hit your hoof.
>You look down, and it was a tear.
>You'd been crying.
>Shit Rainbow, whats gotten into you?
>
>You'd lost count after the seventh doctor entered the surgery ward.
>
>You were woken up by Twilight tapping you in the side.
"Wha- whazzat?"
>"Hey Rainbow, you ok?"
>Suddenly, the recent events came flooding back to you.
"Wheres Anon?  Is he OK?  Is Apple Bloom OK?  How long was I out?"
>"Woah, calm down Rainbow.  Anon has been moved to Intensive Care."
>So he's still not out of the woods yet.
>God dammit Anon.
"What about Apple Bloom?  Or Granny Smith?"
>"Granny Smith is fine, she just fainted.  As for Apple Bloom, the doctors say she'll be fine in a couple of days."
>"You were out when I got here, so at least four hours."

-------------------

>Well, he's out of surgery.
>At least you have that.
>He'll be fine.
>He's handled tougher.
>
>A couple of hours pass.
>Your wings are starting to fill the burn.
>Oh Celestia they ached!
>What you wouldn't give for Anon to--
>No!  You've got to stop thinking about him like that!
>He's not even a pony!
>You shouldn't feel like that towards him!
>It's wrong!
>
>Yet here you are.
>
>
>You hear someone talking, and look up.
>Nurse Red Heart was talking to Twilight.
>She glanced over to where you were sitting, and resumed talking to Twilight.
>That expression didn't look good.
>Gotta stay positive Dash!
>Right.
>
>Positive.
>
>Nurse Red Heart finished talking to Twilight, and headed off to resume her duties.
>Twilight walked over to you.
>She had tears in her eyes.
>No.
>
>No.  No.  No.
>
>She looked at you with the most endearing look she could muster.
>
>NO.  NO!  NO NO NO!
>
"Whats going on Twilight?  Tell me.  I need to know."
>
>She was tearing up pretty badly.
>She looked down at the floor.
>Oh god.
>"Anon...  Is being moved."
"Thats great!  So, he's out of Intensive Care?"
>"No, they're moving him tomorrow..."
"So where are they  moving him to?  Can I visit--"
>"He's being moved...  Dash, I don't know how else to say this, so I'll just say it.  Anon is being moved to the morgue."

-------------------

>The words seemed to hang in the air.
>She said them so quietly.
>But they were so deafening.
>No.
>It's not possible!
>It's just not!
>He was still alive when you got him here!
>You had to see him.
>Right now.
>Didn't matter how much trouble you got in, or who got in your way.
>You were going to see him.
>Twilight of course tried to reason with you, but you didn't listen.
>You found a map posted on the wall, and located the Intensive Care Ward.
>For the second time today, you probably broke a speed record.
>There it was, Intensive Care.
>You broke into the room, and began your search for him.
>A few ponies were there; most unconscious or nearly there.
>Then you found him.
>Lying across four beds.
>He wasn't moving.
>You sat down next to him.
"Hey Anon, how you doing?  Twilight tried to tell me the craziest story!" you told him.
>Your tears were flowing freely now.
>Reality and reason were trying their damnedest to set in; but you wouldn't have it.
>You refused to believe it.
"Anon?  Hey man, come on.  This isn't funny anymore."
>Still nothing.
>You heard steps approaching.
>It was Twilight.
>She was fighting back a torrent of tears.
>She hated seeing one of her friends cry.
>She hated losing a friend.
>But she knew what she had to do.
>So did you, and it wasn't going to be easy for either of you.

-------------------

"Don't do it Twilight.  I'm going to stay with him."
>"I'm sorry Dash, but we both know there's nothing either of us can do."
>Her horn started to light up.
>You tackled her to the ground.
>She was dazed, but otherwise unharmed.
>You flew over and landed on top of Anon, taking a defensive stance.
>You extended your wings, and crouched down low over Anon.
"I said, I'm staying with him."
>Twilight's tears were free flowing now.
>It was making it that much harder to focus.
>You weren't crying anymore.
>No, your tears had been replaced with rage.
>How dare she try and take you away from him!
>How dare she give up so easily!
>She was lighting up her horn again.
>You charged.
>This time, you didn't make contact.
>Somepony else had caught you with their magic.
>It was Nurse Red Heart.
>And boy, was she mad.
>You'd probably caused quite a bit more trouble by trying to get to Anon, but you didn't care.
>She was talking sternly to you, but you ignored her.
>She held you in place.
>She was obviously being strained, but she held you back.
>Finally, you began to wear yourself out.
>Naturally, you broke down and resumed crying.
>Thats when Twilight noticed something.
>"Nurse Red Heart, wasn't he burned when he arrived?"
>"Well, yes.  Of course.  We tried to treat his burns, but he seemed to have an impossible immunity to healing magic."
>Twilight's eyes went wide.
"Twilight, what is it?"
>"He's--"
"He's what?"
>"He's not burned."

-------------------

>Both you and Nurse Red Heart turned to look.
>Sure enough, there wasn't a single burn on his body.
>"I don't understand.  He wasn't responding to our treatment earlier!"
>"Maybe..."
"What is it Twilight?  Whats going on?"
>"You remember when I put the cloud walking spell on him?"
"Yeah."
>"Do you also remember how I told you to come back later that week for another treatment?"
"Yeah."
>"How long has it been since his last treatment?"
"Well... we kind of um...  Well..."
>"How long Dash?  A couple of months?"
"Yeah, that sounds right."
>"Nurse Red Heart, I think you should get the surgeons in here."
>"Why darling?  I hate to rain on your parade, but Anon is still dead."
>"Maybe not."
>This had your attention.
"What do you mean, Twilight?"
>"Well, that spell shouldn't have lasted as long as it did.  It was only meant to last a couple of days, at most."
"What are you getting at?"
>"I think he might not have an immunity, but a delayed amplifying reaction to magic."
>Now wait a minute.
>Things are starting to make sense.
>"Nurse Red Heart, I think you need to get the surgeons back in here, right now."
>"But--"
>You tackled her onto the ground.
"If you don't get them, I will."
>Her magic wouldn't stop you again.
>After she recovered from being knocked down, she looked you right in the eyes.
>Boy, she was pissed.
>But that all went right out the window when her gaze met yours.
>You're not going to let him slip away.

-------------------

>Nurse Red Heart reluctantly went and rounded up the surgeons.
>She wasn't happy about it, but after seeing how quickly you knocked out your guard when he tried to stop you...
>Well, she figured it'd be easier and less damaging to give you and Twilight the benefit of the doubt.
>After she left, you resumed your place on Anon.
>
>A few minutes later, the surgeons were in the room.
>You got out of their way and let them do their thing.
>They focused quite a bit of healing magic into Anon.
>This went on for a good ten minutes, before Nurse Red Heart spoke up.
>"Thats enough gentlemen.  You see girls?  I'm sorry, but he's gone."
>No.
>No, you're not going to lose him.
>You flew up and landed on him again.
>Your tears were running full on now.
>He can't die.
>Not now.
>
>Your body takes action before your brain can think about what just happened.
>You'd hit him in the chest.
>Hard.
>"Rainbow Dash!  Enough!  Guards!"
>"Rainbow, please!  There's nothing you can do!"
>You ignored them.
>He need you.
>And you sure as hell weren't going to let him down.
>You needed him too.
>You hit him hard again.
>You raised your hoof for a third time, but just before you started to swing downwards, you heard Twilight.
>"Rainbow!  Look!"
>She was pointing at Anon.
>
>
>Movement.

-------------------

>You looked at him again.
>You needed to be sure.
>Everypony else in the room had froze in place.
>All eyes were on Anon now.
>
>Silence.
>Dead silence.
>
>Then you heard it.
>He gasped.
>
>Praise Celestia, he gasped.
>
>His chest started to move.
>He was breathing.
>
>You took him into the most lethal of bear hugs you could muster.
>The adrenaline coursing through your body was finally starting to dissipate.
>You were exhausted.
>But you'd be damned if you were letting go.
>
>Then you felt something.
>It was Anon.
>He was returning the hug.
>There was cheering and quite a bit of commotion after he started moving.
>But no pony dared attempt to remove you from him.
>He managed to whisper into your ear, "thank you."
>The overwhelming feeling of joy and relief that those words carried outmatched by anything you'd ever imagined.
>You raised your head to look down at him.
>He had passed out, but he was alive.
>You wanted to tell him anything and everything.
>So long as he didn't do something like this again.
>
>So long as you didn't lose him again.

-------------------

>It had been several hours since Anon had come back to you.
>Twilight was right.
>Something about Anon made any magic used on him was amplified, but only after a while.
>You'd finally been convinced to let Anon recover.
>That and maybe four guards finally tore you off of him.
>
>You were back in the room Nurse Red Heart had told you to stay in.
>Now the door was locked, and there were two guards outside of the room.
>Nurse Red Heart was right, you did make Anon's condition worse.
>And she was still going to recommend he press charges against you.
>So long as he was alive.
>You'd stayed up through the night, but it showed.
>You were beyond exhausted.
>There was a bed in the room, and it was calling your name loud and clear.
>
>AJ and Big Mac had come by to see how everypony was doing.
>You weren't allowed any visitors at this point though.
>The thought of you hurting Anon plagued you.
>It brought a fresh stream of tears to your eyes every time you thought about it.
>
>It was morning now, but the lack of windows in your room prevented you from knowing that.
>You decided that now would be as good a time as any to sleep.
>
>Your mistake.

-------------------

>You were standing in Anon's room.
>He was shouting at you angrily.
>He had decided to press charges.
>God, it felt awful.
>You broke down right then and there.
>The guards kept you from going to your knees.
>It was terrible.
>
>There was a blur.
>
>You were at a funeral.
>You were accompanied by four guards.
>An unusually large casket lay open in a field.
>There were no words spoken.
>You approached the casket, you only had a few minutes before you had to be at your tribunal.
>It was Anon.
>He was in a tuxedo Rarity had made for him.
>It was of the finest silk.
>You were in a striped prison suit.
>This was your fault.
>You didn't help him.
>You hurt him.
>Had you not done anything, he might still be alive right now.
>Vinyl Scratch had showed up.
>She didn't speak to you.
>She barely admitted your presence.
>She blamed you for his death too.
>
>You opened your eyes.
>You were greeted by the same hospital ceiling you saw before you went to sleep.
>You were in the same room.
>
>It was a dream.
>No, it was a nightmare.
>A horrible, horrible nightmare.
>You were crying profusely.
>It felt terrible.
>
>You let your tears flow freely.
>No point in hiding it.
>Not like anypony is going to find out.
>Or that you cared.
>
>You wept.
>And wept.
>Until you couldn't anymore.
>Then you continued weeping.
>
>It seemed like hours had passed.
>Or maybe even days.
>In your state of mind, time wasn't traveling like is was supposed to.

-------------------

>There was a knock at the door.
>"Rainbow Dash?"
>You looked up, and in the doorway stood Nurse Red Heart.
"Yes?" you managed to say in between sobs.
>"Follow me."
>You got up, and walked over to her.
>She led you down a hallway, and your two guards followed.
>
>You didn't dare say a word.
>You couldn't think of any to say.
>
>She led you to a door labeled 'RECOVERY WARD - ROOMS 1 - 10'
>She led you through to room eight.
>
>She turned to you before continuing.
>"Now.  If you speak without being given permission, or make any sudden moves, I'll have the guards throw you right back in that room."
>You nodded your head.
>You understood.
>"Just for extra insurance, you'll be wearing these."
>With that, one of the guards wrapped your wings down onto you with a locked security wrap.
>The other put a muzzle on you, along with chaining your legs.
>Seemed a bit harsh, but you didn't argue.
>You were in no mood to.
>This was probably going to be where the authorities interrogated you.
>When Nurse Red Heart was finally satisfied with your limited mobility, she opened the door, and led you inside.
>You followed blindly.
>Preparing for the worst.
>You're probably about to get banished to the moon by Princess Celestia herself.

-------------------

>"Alright.  Down to business."
>One of your guards stepped outside to guard the door, the other remained by your side.
>"Anon, this pony is responsible for your worsened condition.  Had she not pulled you through the sound barrier, you would probably only be recovering from burns."
>"We've held her here, as per pony law, until you determine weather or not to press charges.  I recommend you do so, but the decision is still yours to make."
>"This key is her freedom.  You decide how to use it."
>She stepped back from the bed.
>Anon lay there, key in his hand.
>He looked over to you.
>He still looked pretty beat up, even without the burns.
>They had his chest bandaged, and one of his legs was in a cast.
>He looked at you, and you could feel his gaze begin to burn.
>Your eyes started watering.
>It was just like your dream.
>
>He motioned for you to approach, and the guard let you do so.
>He looked you over, and looked at the key in his hands.
>He leaned in and whispered in your ear "You can't get rid of me that easy."
>With that, he unlocked all of your restraints.
>He scooped you up into a hug.
>You hung there in his embrace, before finally returning his hug.
>And crying like an idiot.
>He held you tight, and you did the same.
>Wanting this wonderful feeling to never end.
>
>Nurse Red Heart wasn't happy with his decision, and she voiced her opinion loudly.
>"How can you forgive her?!  She only made your condition worse!"

-------------------

>You pulled out of the hug at this, and looked into his eyes.
>He was pissed.
>You'd only seen him mad like this once before, and that was in your nightmare.
>"Because she is the best friend I could ever ask for.  Thats how."
>"But she made your recovery time that much longer!  You shoul--"
>"Not.  Another.  Word.  It is MY decision, right?  I have made it."
>She shut up at that.
>She nodded her head, and left the room.
>The guard followed suit, as did the one at the door.
>You looked back at Anon, and did the first thing that came to your mind.
>You kissed him on the cheek.
>You could feel your face glowing now.
>Anon was taken aback a bit, but looked you in the eyes and wiped your tears away.
>"Thank you Rainbow."
>He leaned in and kissed you on the cheek.
>
>"You'll never stop being my best friend."
>You could feel yourself tearing up again.
>"Never."
>He pulled you back into a hug, and the two of you just enjoyed each others embrace.
>
>You woke up some time later.
>The two of you had fallen asleep while hugging.
>The first thing you saw was Anon sleeping.
>His breathing.
>
>Yeah, you could get used to waking up like this.
>
>You shouldn't feel that way, he's not even a pony!
>So?  Spike likes Rarity!
>And he's a BABY DRAGON.
>Eh.  Fuck it.
>
>You only live once, might as well be happy.
>
>Your morals now completely gone, you had decided that he was your special somepony.
>Even if he wasn't a pony.

-------------------

>You woke up on top of Anon.
>It was the best sleep you've had in a while.
>He was still sleeping peacefully.
>You recall the events that had transpired over the last couple days.
>First you missed a note Anon left for you, so you spent your night trying to find him.
>Then, after you do find him, you get to spend a couple days sleeping and recovering, only to have him go out and do this.
>He had been trying to find a second job, because he used up all his money on his house.
>You'd tried to tell him to not worry about it, but he insisted.
>There are going to be some changes that the both of you are going to have to accept to make this relationship work.
>Relationship.
>That word didn't seem like it belonged.
>
>Then you remembered why.
>You've decided to make Anon your special somepony, but he has no idea about any of that.
>
>That conversation could get weird pretty quickly.
>Maybe you should just take it easy for now.
>One step at a time Dash.
>Last thing you want to do is scare him off.
>
>Well, he's not going anywhere anytime soon, right?
>You've got time on your side.
>And endurance.
>You are, after all, Rainbow Dash.

-------------------

>As you lay on his chest, thinking about your future, you heard the door open.
>It was Nurse Red Heart.
>"Ah.  I see you're awake.  I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
>You growled at her in response.
>She had put you through hell and back.
>Not again.
>She backed up at your growl.
>It reminded her of the tackle you'd given her earlier.
>"Fine.  But if you get in the way of our treating Anon, it'll be on YOUR conscience, not mine."
>She left after that.
>Nopony messes with an angry Dash.
>Nopony.
>
>The growl you made had apparently been enough to wake Anon.
>"Rainbow?  Did you just... growl?"  he asked sheepishly.
"Whats that?  Oh uhh...  No.  Must've been my stomach.  Don't worry about it, you get your sleep.  I'll be fine."
>"Oh...  if you say so.  By the way, if a nurse comes in again while I'm asleep, wake me up.  I've got a few things to take care of, ok?"
"Sure thing.  Now rest."
>"...yes, mother."
>He got a light punch in the chest for that.
>
>Wonder what he needs to take care of?
>
>Oh well.  He'll tell you if he thinks he needs to.
>How you figure?  You barely know him!
>I know him enough to know that he cares.
>Yeah.  Too much for his own good.  You know this is gonna end in heartache, right?  He'll never love you.
>Love?  Who said anything about love?
>You can't hide your feelings from me.  I'm you, remember?
>...
>At any rate, you're only bucking for trouble.
>We'll just have to wait and see about that, now won't we?
>I guess we will.  I mean I will.  I mean-- oh forget it.
>Thats what you get for arguing with yourself.

-------------------

>You woke up some time later, to what felt like an earthquake.
>You looked around, and much to your dismay, it was Anon.
>He was shaking, violently.
"Anon?  Anon!  Wake up!  Snap out of it!"
>He just kept shaking.
>There's nothing you can do.
>Damn that useless feeling.
>You mind began working without your consent once again.
>You nearly broke the door down.
>You flew through the halls, approaching dangerous speeds for indoor flying.
>You finally found a nurse, and before he had time to react, you were dragging is ass back to Anon.
>Several images were passing through your mind.
>Most of them were of Anon.
>None of them were too pleasant.
>You made it back to Anon, and he was still shaking.
>The nurse wasn't overly happy about being abducted, but realized why you did what you did when he saw Anon.
>He immediately ran over to his bed, and began using his magic to try and sooth Anon's seizures.
>He was intensely focusing, but it wasn't helping.
>He knew this, and spoke up "I can't help him on my own.  Over there " he gestured towards a button on the wall you'd failed to see.
>"That button, press it and hold it down for three seconds.  Not a second more."
>You did so, and noticed the lights in the hall began pulsing red.
>Shortly after, no less than five emergency medics and two field surgeons were in the hall, checking rooms to find who set the alarm.
>This alarm was serious business for a silent alarm.

-------------------

>The emergency staff had found Anon's room to be the origin of the Alarm, and were tending to him as fast as they could.
>There was so much commotion in the room; so many things going on at once.
>It was orderly chaos.
>The original nurse you'd found was still tending to Anon.
>There's a reason this hospital was known for its staff.
>They're dedicated.
>
>Two medics were running around, getting a manner of medical equipment that you couldn't identify.
>The surgeons were pumping Anon with so much magic, it could've brought a pony back from the dead.
>His seizures were starting to subside, slowly.
>You were ushered out of the room, but you didn't fight to stay.
>They last thing they needed was for you to get in the way or distract them.
>But you didn't move from in front of that door.
>You waited.
>And waited.
>And fucking waited.
>But you didn't move from that spot.
>This Anon motherfucker is going to drive your sanity to the Moon and back.
>
>Several hours passed before the emergency staff finally let you back in.
>"His condition is stable for now.  If he starts having fits again, hold the emergency button down for five seconds."
"Got it.  Is there anything I can do?"
>"Talk to him.  He's in a coma."
>Your heart stopped.
>
>Dammit.
>Why couldn't he just live and be done with this hospital?
"A...  A coma?"
>"Yes.  We don't know any more than that, but it appears that this is some sort of defensive reaction."
"Will he make it?"
>"I think so, but I don't know how long the coma will last."
>Bucking.
>Dammit.
>
>Dammit to the Moon.

-------------------

>You waited in Anon's room.
>It's like Celestia herself was toying with you.
>Is this some sort of punishment?
>If she were to appear right now, you'd beg her to put you in a coma in place of Anon.
>
>Almost on cue, the door opened.
>It was Applebloom.
>She had a bandage around one of her front legs, but was otherwise fine.
>Apple Jack wasn't far behind her, and asked if they could come in.
>"Sorry for disturbing you, Applebloom here was worried 'bout the Alien."
"His name is Anon."
>"Right, sorry."
"No no... I'm sorry.  It's been a long day."
>"Day?  Sugar cube, you know how long you've been here?"
"I dunno, a couple days?"
>"I hate to tell ya Rainbow, but it's been nearly a week since Anon was admitted."
>Wow.
>Time carried merrily along without consent.
>You'd missed so much work.
>You've probably worried all of your friends beyond belief.
>
"Wow...  I hadn't realized..."
>"Well, given what you've been through, I can't say I'd blame ya."
>While you and AJ were talking, Applebloom had wondered over to Anon's bed and was looking at him.
>"I cain't believe he saved me."
>"Whats that sugar cube?"
>"He didn't even know me.  Why'd he do it AJ?  Why would somepony do something like that?"
>"I dunno Applebloom, but I sure am glad he did what he did.  If it weren't for him, you might be in that bed, and I dunno what I'd do if you were."
>"Is he gonna be ok Rainbow?"
"I dunno squirt.  I hope so."
>"What's wrong with him Rainbow?" AJ asked.
"The doctors say he's in someIt was Nurse Red Heart.
 sort of defensive coma.  They think he'll make it, but they don't know how long the coma will last."

-------------------

>Those words stung coming out of your mouth.
>It was a truth you didn't want to accept.
>But you had no choice.
>You were about to say something, when there was a knock at the door.
>It was a royal guard.
>A lunar royal guard.
>"Miss Rainbow Dash?"
"Yes?"
>"Princess Luna wishes to see you.  If you'll come with me please."
>AJ and Applebloom both looked straight at you.
>Princess Luna?  What could she want with you?
"But I need to stay with Anon!"
>"Don't worry sugracube, me and Applebloom can look after him.  You do what you gotta do."
>You look from them to the guard and back.
"Ok.  If he starts shaking again, push that button on the wall for EXACTLY five seconds, ok?"
>"Whats it do?"
"Some sort of alarm system.  The staff told me to push it for five seconds if he started to shake again."
>"Oh...  well, ok.  Good luck Rainbow."
"Thanks."
>You walk over to the guard, and follow him through the halls of the hospital.
>Why did you get the gut feeling this wouldn't end well?

-------------------

>The guard led you outside, to the Ponyville park.
>Where a rather irritated Princess Luna waited.
>The Moon had just risen.
>You approached Princess Luna, knelt down, and braced yourself for whatever you had coming.
>"Loyalty?"
"Yes, Princess Luna?"  you said as you rose from your kneeling position.
>"We have much to discuss.  I suggest you make yourself comfortable."
>You laid down on a bench there, and Luna began pacing and asking you questions.
>"So.  Is there a reason you're harboring an Alien in your house?  An Alien that has been summoned by my sister no less?"
>The scroll.
>It'd completely slipped your mind.
"Princess, I can explain everything."
>"I'm waiting."
>Deep breaths.
>Here we go.
>You explain the events that have transpired over the past couple of days as best you could.
>"So, the Alien, Anon, yes?"
"Yes."
>"He saved a filly from a burning barn but was severely burned in the process; and to help him you broke the sound barrier to rush him to the hospital; and now he's in a coma?"
"...Yes."
>"And you're sticking to that story?  That is a truly feeble story.  Take me to him, Loyalty.  I want to see him for myself."
"But-"
>"Take me to him, or I might just send YOU to the Moon."
>Right.
>Gotcha.
>The Moon.
"He's at the hospital, so--"
>Without another word, Luna's horn lit up.

-------------------

>Next thing you knew, you were standing in front of the hospital, next to Luna.
>"I do not wish to wait any longer.  Time is of the essence."
>Right.
>You gulp, and lead the way into the hospital, towards the recovery ward.
>The moment Luna entered the hospital, Nurse Red Heart was at the ready next to her.
>"Is there anything I can do for you Princess?"  she asked, as she rose from her bow.
>"I wish to see the Alien.  Can you take me to him?"
>Nurse Red Heart blinked for a moment, looked at you, then back a Luna, and seemed to put two and two together.
>"Of course Princess, but he's in a coma.  I don't think he'll be able to answer any questions right now."
>"No matter.  Please take me to him."
>"Of course Princess"  Red Heart said as she assumed the lead position in your little convoy.
>You finally make it back to Anon's room, and his condition remains unchanged.
>Applebloom was asleep on a bench, and AJ was starting to look tired, but was still next to Anon's bed.
>Applebloom woke up from her nap upon your entry.
>They both looked up when you and Nurse Red Heart entered.
>AJ was the first to speak.
>"Rainbow, I thought you were with Princess Luna?"
>Right on cue, the princess of the night entered the room.
"I am."
>"Princess!"
>Applebloom and AJ both bowed immediately.
>"Please excuse us.  I wish to speak with Rainbow alone about this Alien."
>With that, everypony else in the room filed out; leaving you with Anon and Luna.

-------------------

>"So, this is the Alien."
"Yes.  His name is Anon."
>"Anon.  Well then, I suppose we should get right to it.
>This is not going to go well.
>"Do you have anypony that can corroborate your story?"
"Twilight and Nurse Red Heart will both tell you."
>"Magic and a head nurse.  Very well.  I will interrogate them as well.  For now, though, I need to speak with the Alien."
>That was starting to get on your nerves.
>He had a name, dammit.
"I'd love for you to be able to, but he's in some kind of coma."
>"Ah yes.  Do you know what caused the coma?"
"No, I don't.  I asked the doctors, and they told me it looked like some sort of defensive reaction."
>"Very well."
>With that, Luna's horn lit up.
>There was... well, you wouldn't call it a flash of light.
>The opposite happened.
>The light seemed to flow towards Luna, instead of emanating from her.
>After the... inverted flash of light, Luna was standing before you wearing battle armor.
>Oh boy.
>Here we go.

-------------------

"Ummm, Princess... What's with the armor?"
>"This Alien is still unknown in it's intentions and hostilities.  I prepare for the worst."
"But--"
>"SILENCE.  I shall make my own judgments of this Alien!"
>Right.
>Moon.
>No place for a pegasus.
>
>There's still one problem though.
"Princess, he's still in that defensive coma thing."
>She gave you a deadpan look before returning her attention to Anon.
>Her horn began to glow dark blue, and her eyes glowed white.
>The Princess of the Night didn't mess around.
>There was an arc of lightning connecting Anon to Luna now.
>Anon began shaking again, but when you made movement towards the emergency button, Luna promptly pushed you back with her wing.
>"DO NOTHING.  DO YOU NOT TRUST YOUR PRINCESS TO DO WHAT IS BEST?"
>You gulped.
"NO!  Not when she's electrocuting my friends!"
>She growled.
>
>Ya know, there are certain things in this existence that you would gladly go without hearing again.
>A grown dragon growling.
>The deafening silence when you heard Anon was thought dead.
>The explosions and unmistakable smash of talons against scales when two dragons fought each other.
>
>Luna's growl topped all of that.
>She may have been gone a thousand years, but there's a reason it took another demi-god princess to do send her there.

-------------------

>The lightning connecting Luna's horn to Anon grew more intense.
>His shaking had become more violent now, and you were seriously starting to wonder if Luna really wanted him alive.
>There was a sudden draw from all the light sources in the room.
>It became pitch black instantly.
>For a few seconds, you couldn't see anything.
>Then, there was a spark.
>And the lightning resumed.
>It was still dark, but the lightning was giving off light.
>Just enough.
>Princess Luna's eyes, horn, and the lightning she was generating were the only sources of light now.
>Her expression was that of determination.
>Determination to kill Anon or save him, you didn't know.
>But determination.
>
>Luna's horn glowed brighter once more, and there was yet another flash of light.
>When you opened your eyes again, you were surprised to find that light had returned to the room.
>"I guess I shall have to work on your trust, Loyalty.  I hope this helps to earn it."
>
>Your eyes followed her gaze, and fell upon Anon.
>Who was sitting up.
>
>The time it took for your brain to catch up to your body seemed like an eternity.
>You were instantly on his chest, hugging him the best you could.
>
>
>"I guess I should take naps more often."
>Oh Celestia it was good to hear his voice.
>You just held him tight.
>"Hey, Rainbow, who's this?"
>You knew exactly who he was asking about.
>Even though she brought him back from his coma or whatever it was; you really, REALLY didn't want to answer that question.
>"I am Princess Luna of Equestria.  You are the Alien known as Anon, yes?"

-------------------

>"Yes, I am.  I apologize for not responding to your sister's letter, I had intended to do that today, but--"
>"There is no need to explain.  Loyalty has brought me up to speed on the events of the recent weeks."
>"Weeks?  How long was I out?"
"It's been nearly a week since you've been checked into the hospital, Anon."
>"A week?"
>You nodded.
>"Then princess Luna, I suppose you're here to collect me?"
>"That was my intention; however given your current state, I think it best to wait a couple of days."
>You finally released Anon from your hug, but remained on his lap.
>"I was hoping you'd say that.  I've got a few things that should be taken care of before I go.  Will I be coming back to Ponyville?"
>You looked at the princess when he asked her that question.
>Needless to say it was burning in your mind too.
>"I cannot say for certain."
>Her poker face was strong.
>"But, I wouldn't be planning on an extended stay in Canterlot."
>Well that was cryptic as fuck.
>Damn that poker face.
>"Right.  How long before we leave?"
>"As I said, your condition is of concern, so I shall return in two nights time to see if you have stabilized."
>"My condition?"
"You were in a coma for a while Anon, it was--"
>"Actually, that's not entirely true.  What I brought him out of was not a coma."
"But... then what was it?"
>"Anon, your species has some sort of delayed reaction to magic that amplifies it.  I had to remove quite a bit of healing magic from you."
>"Healing magic put me in a coma?"
>"Not quite, rather it...  it started to 'correct' you."
>"Correct me?  What do you mean?"

-------------------

>"Healing magic, when over applied, tends to start correcting all the little details regarding one's body."
>You looked Anon over.
>From what you could see, he still looked the same.
>"Forgive me, but I'm new to magic.  I'm afraid I don't quite follow."
>"Of course.  The healing magic in you was building your muscle mass; strengthening your stomach to draw more nutrients than it normally does from food."
"That doesn't sound so bad."
>"No, not until you know what happens after the little things have been corrected.  Especially given Anon is apparently the only one of his species here."
>"And what's that?"
>"It moves to the finer details.  Such as your genetic code."
"You mean--"
>"I mean it was about to start re-creating him.  Had it not been stopped, Anon may have woken up very different."
"So...  how different am I now?"
>"You seem to be fine, but I've never encountered another one of your kind before.  At the very least, you should be able to go without eating meat for much longer."
"Woah woah woah, eating meat?  He doesn't eat meat."
>"Ah Loyalty, you have much to learn.  Take a look at his teeth."
>His teeth?
>You looked over at Anon, and he forged a tooth bearing smile.
>"Notice the teeth at the front of his mouth, see how they are pointed?"
"Yeah?  So?"
>"So, I eat meat Rainbow.  My species is... what did Twilight call it... a species of... Omnivores?"
>You looked at him again.
>If he eats meat, why didn't he tell you?

-------------------

>He seemed to read your mind, because the very next sentence out of his mouth was aimed to answer that question.
>"I didn't flat out tell you for a couple reasons.  First off, I knew that ponies didn't eat meat.  There are similar species on my planet."
>So, he didn't want to insult you or something?
>"Second, I didn't want to freak you out.  I haven't met another sentient meat-eating species yet, so I didn't know how you'd react.  Besides, I don't have to eat just meat."
>"He's right, Loyalty.  He has been fairly sustained on his diet so far, as I found no evidence of malnutrition during my... rather invasive procedure."
>"I hope you're not upset, Rainbow."
>You hugged him tight again, and whispered in his ear.
"You were willing to change your diet for my benefit, why in Equestria would I be upset?"
>You felt him hug you back.
>That was a good feeling.
>He whispered back to you, "I owe you an explanation.  I'll tell you whatever you want to know after all this is over."
>Then he spoke to Luna.
>"No offense princess, but how do you know all that about me?"
>"Your teeth were the biggest clue.  I've been around a while, and I've seen many different species in my time.  You're not the first one to eat meat."
>"Ah."
>"While this has been an... enlightening evening, I'm afraid I must get back to Canterlot.  I will return here in two nights, Anon.  Be ready to leave then."
>You felt him nod his head, and then heard Luna leave the room.
>You finally released him from your death grip, and sat back down on his lap.
"You heard her, we need to make sure everything is ready by the time she comes back."
>"Right.  But first, I think I just want to enjoy being with my best friend."

-------------------

>You flinched a little, internally, when you heard the friend bit.
>You'd already decided that he was the special somepony for you.
>But you didn't know how he felt towards you.
>Maybe you're rushing?
>What if he doesn't like ponies like that?
>What if he turns you down?
>
>Your mind was spinning, but one question burned supreme.
>
>What if he doesn't come back from Canterlot?
>
>You didn't want to think about that, but you couldn't help it.
>
>The next day came all too quickly.
>The previous night had been blissful.
>You didn't talk.
>You just sat in his lap, and enjoyed his petting you.
>You almost wished he would brush a wing by accident.
>It'd give you an excuse to do something stupid, like kiss him.
>What was it about this Alien?
>No other pony had affected you like this before.
>
>Maybe it had something to do with Estrus coming up soon.
>
>Oh Celestia, Estrus.
>You'd forgotten about it.
>That will be your first priority conversation with him when he gets back.
>Two weeks of extreme sexual sensitivity.
>Not but a month away.
>It would take all of your self control to not rut him into the ground.
>
>THAT conversation wasn't going well in your mind.

-------------------

>Time seemed to speed by.
>Anon spent a better part of the day sleeping.
>Vinyl Scratch had come by to see him.
>He'd told her what had happened, and where he was going.
>She had said she'll be ready.
>What did she mean?
>
>Oh no.
>What if she has a thing for Anon too?
>
>Easy.
>Eeeeaaasy.
>No need to jump to conclusions.
>"Rainbow, are you going to be able to come with me?  The princess had asked me to bring my friends."
>You punched him lightly in the arm.
"Yeah, of course!"
>
>Now Vinyl's "I'll be ready" statement made more sense.
>
>Vinyl was his friend too.
>You and her were probably the only ponies that really knew him in ponyville.
>He had been either at work or in your house his entire time here.
>The square was one thing all its own.
>He'd met a few ponies there, but not really spent the kind of time with them that he had with you and Vinyl.
>
>That worried you.
>Would you and Vinyl be enough to convince the princesses that he wasn't a threat?
>You'd find out soon enough.
>
>You'd notified work of what was going on, and got emergency leave.
>Not that you wouldn't go if you didn't get it.
>
>The night crept up on you without warning.
>You and Vinyl were in Anon's room, waiting.
>You weren't ready, but the night was.
>Along with the night came princess Luna, as promised.

###Last Edit: 7/19/12 1810