My Sweetie

Hearths’ Warming Day

Kuray slipped back into consciousness and immediately wished he hadn’t. His chest burned fiercely but his head was surprisingly clear. He tried to sit up but felt a hoof on his forehead that pushed him back down.

“Easy darling. You took quite a beating.” He heard Rarity say. He opened his eyes to the weak morning sunlight pouring through the window. “I’m sorry about mother. I didn’t think that she react that way.”

“It’s fine.” Kuray croaked. “How long have I been out?” He asked looking out the window at the snow that had started falling.

“Not very long actually. Only about eight hours. You heal remarkably fast.” She said pulling the covers back a bit and examining the scorch marks on his chest.

“Changelings don’t heal like ponies.” He explained. “Love energy isn’t only food to us but it’s also our magical reserves and our immune system.” Rarity nodded in understanding.

“Sweetie went for Twilight, she understands magical wounds better than anypony in town.”

“I don’t think that’ll be necessary.” Kuray said sitting up without Rarity stopping him.

“I still think it best if she checks you over.” Rarity said. Kuray opened his mouth to protest, he didn’t really like checkups whether it was from a doctor or an ameature. During a checkup, he was more likely to be discovered. But since everypony in town knew he was a changeling already, he didn’t see any problem with a check up. He nodded and Rarity looked a little happier.

“So, what  of your mother?” Kuray asked not enjoying the silence.

“She’s already on her train back to Canterlot.” She said. “Don’t take it personally Kuray, she hates changelings after what they did in Canterlot a few years back.” Rarity said resting her head on her hooves. Kuray nodded but wasn’t totally satisfied with the answer.

“What else happened?” He asked.

“Whatever do you mean darling?” She asked raising her head.

“Most ponies have moved past what happened in Canterlot. Your mother wouldn’t hate changelings so much unless something else happened.” He said. Rarity sighed and sat up again.

“As you know, some of the changelings took prisoners before they were ultimately thrown out of Canterlot.” She said. “Our father was one of those prisoners.” Rarity said. A tear escaped her eyes and ran down her cheek. Kuray reached over and brushed it away.

“I never knew.” He said sadly.

“I don’t blame you for anything Kuray.” She said.

“Does Sweetie know?” Kuray asked. Rarity shook her head.

“She was too young when it happened. We told her that he died of a heart attack and left it be. She was too young to understand what had happened.” She said. Kuray heard the front door of the apartment open.

“Rarity! I’m back with Twilight!” She called in.

“I’m in here.” She called back. A moment later, Sweetie walked in followed by Twilight.

“Oh Kuray, you’re awake!” She exclaimed rushing over to his side and giving him a kiss. “I was so worried. I don’t know why my mom would do that. I’m so sorry.” She said. Kuray and Twilight both looked over at Rarity. A length of silent dialogue passed between them.

“Sweetie, if you don’t mind, I need to check him over real fast.” Twilight said. Sweetie took a step back.

“Sweetie, I have something I need to tell you.” Rarity said. She walked out of the room and beckoned for Sweetie to follow her leaving only Twilight and Kuray in the room.

Like Rarity, Twilight had a few flecks of grey in her mane and muzzle as well as a tired look in her eyes. “Kuray, if you wouldn’t mind, could you get out of the bed. It would make it easier to check you over.” She said. Kuray nodded and hopped out of the bed. He was feeling better already from Rarity’s love energy rather than Sweetie’s. But her kind of energy was different. It wasn’t like Sweetie’s which was a mix of affection and admiration but that of protection. Like a mother would feel for her foal.

“Kuray, if you could stand on your back hooves that would be great.” Twilight said jerking him out of his thoughts. He obeyed and rocked his weight back on his hind hooves and stood like he had seen Lyra do more than a few times. Twilight examined the scorch marks on his chest. “Wow, I never knew she was such a powerful unicorn. I don’t think my magic is that powerful.” She said looking back at her wings.

After a few more moments of her pressing various cold instruments against various parts of his torso she took a step back.

“Well, Mr. Kuray, you’re lucky to be alive.” She declared. “Taking several magical blasts of that magnitude would kill any normal pony, twice. If you start to feel funny come by the Library.” She said handing him a card. Kuray nodded and followed her out of the room.

In the living are of the apartment, Rarity held a weeping Sweetie Belle in her arms. (As of right now, ponies have arms.) “Why didn’t you tell me this before now?” Sweetie Belle choked out between her sobs.

“Because I didn’t think you needed to know before now.” Rarity said quietly. She hated to see her sister cry but in this instance, it was probably best.

“And why did you suddenly decide to tell me?” Sweetie asked. Rarity didn’t really have a good answer to that.

“Because I felt it was time for you to know.” She lied. Sweetie didn’t seem to accept this answer but she was too worn out emotionally to ask any more questions.