The Doctor and The Princess

by Nano_Nick

Chapters

Prequel: The Good Doctor
Chapter One: Waning Crescent
Chapter Two: Dream Catcher

Prequel: The Good Doctor

Inganock.

The Fantastic City, as it was dubbed by it's citizens.

It had been exactly one year since the Rebirth.

Exactly one year since the fog had left the city, returning things to "normal".

Exactly one year since none of it's citizens had returned to normal.

Inganock has existed for precisely 5,001 years.

5,000 years ago, a mysterious fog enveloped the city.

Everything had been fine for 4,990 years in the fog.

There was no connection to the outside world anymore, but Inganock grew, regardless of the isolation the fog brought.

10 years ago, right after the collapse of a hospital which killed hundreds of children, many strange and violent creatures soon appeared, killing approximately half of the population of Inganock.

The other half mutated violently, growing into things thought to be fictitious.

Girls with cat ears, Birdmen, Snake people, Lizard people, Ogres, there were thousands of mutations.

Very few people retained a human appearance, and even those who did, something was different about them.

Doctor Gii was one of these humans.

While he remained normal in appearance, his brain had mutated radically. As did the brains of others who still appeared to be humans, including The Grand Prince.

A magical equation was discovered by the brilliant Grand Prince Astea, which would be forever known as The Phenomenon Equation. Those with the correct mutations could comprehend this equation, and could use it to help Inganock by healing and helping it's people.

At least, that was the intention.

But good intentions don't secure good outcomes.

The Prince was already lost, victim to his own sorrow over his people.

Insanity grew, and the city seemingly changed with him.

While fog surrounded the outside of the city, smog soon covered the inside of it.

Lower tiers of the city were heavily industrialised, while a snobbish elite resided at the top tiers.

Doctor Gii resided at the bottom.

But this was all in the past, and a story for another day.

Now, in the present time, Gii still lived at the same apartment on the same tier.

He still wore the same coat, still healed for free, still walked the same routes, and still didn't take care of himself.

The Doctor injected his daily dose of nutrients after he rose from two hours of sleep, groggy as he always was.

Although the city had changed, Gii's duty hadn't.

The city may have rediscovered it's mind, but it's people still needed help.

But today had been slightly different.

Rather than walking his rounds and looking for patients, something looked for him.

A knock at Gii's door almost startled him. He had no random visitors ever since Ati and Kia had died, and Ruo went to live on her own not soon after. He put his cup of coffee, brewed with synthetic coffee grind, on the counter, and approached the door. The rusty brass doorknob, the one that hadn't been shiny in a decade, felt the same as it always had in Gii's palm: broken.

The brown and stained door creaked open, beams of sunlight penetrating Gii's apartment. He still wasn't used to seeing blue skies and the sunlight. Squinting his eyes and holding an arm up to shield his eyes, Gii finds his visitor.

It's an odd creature, but in The Fantastic City of Inganock, nothing was impossible.

Before him stood a stout Equine creature, in shining gold armor. It's coat was white and it's eyes an interesting cyan. It's hooves had been polished.

Without greeting the guest, Gii's right eye lit up almost immediately, as he was preparing to scan the guest. The Phenomenon Equation began to flash and click in his mind, and with it, the holographic blue projection flickered from his pupil, scanning the subject.

Some would call this magic, but Gii thought otherwise.

Results were straightforward.

Equine anatomy.

Blood type of A.

No signs of external or internal trauma.

Neurological readouts were steady and stable.

This guest wasn't sick, other than a slight pain they might have had in their left foreleg due to what appeared to be muscle fatigue.

Gii removed his glasses, and motioned for the guest to come inside. As he walk towards the counter, his guest took a seat on his sofa. Gii grabbed his cracked ceramic mug, and sipped at the coffee inside. It tasted and smelled terrible, but, it did it's job.

"You're not sick. Do you need something?" Gii asked bluntly. If Kia were still around, she'd definitely get on him for being rude. The guest's eyes widen slightly, as if he wasn't expecting Gii to speak. He flipped open the small satchel he had on his back with his mouth, and chomped down on a small letter. Hopping from his seat, the guest slowly approached the Doctor, each hoof making the wooden floors creak.

Gii accepted the letter, taking it into his hands. With a slide of his thumb, he gently tore open the card, and removed the letter. His guest watched him almost anxiously, as if fearing the Doctor's response to the letter.

Dear Doctor Gii,

I will not waste your time.

My sister, Princess Luna, is very sick.

I have heard of your heroics and abilities from the many sailors and merchants Inganock has dispatched after it's re-emergence.

Good Doctor Gii, we, as a kingdom, need your help.

Please.

I know you don't accept money, but perhaps you'd accept services.

Please, if you can find it in your heart, come to Equestria.

We can discuss it more here.

---

Celestia

Gii clicked his tongue in his mouth, and hummed in acknowledgement.

"Mm." He hummed. He sipped from his coffee, and placed it back on the counter, allowing himself to think.

"Well? Can you help us, Doctor? Please?" The Equine Creature asked. Gii looked in the general direction of his guest, but not at him. Although he hadn't laughed or cried in a decade, deep down, it still gave him a faint sensation of pain to give bad news to anyone, patient or not.

"My new friend," Gii started. "I'm needed here. Look outside." Gii pointed, opening the steel blinds to his windows.

The Fantastic City of Inganock was just outside.

Smoke stacks billowed, making the city appear brown and gray. Creatures of various sizes wandered about the streets, and any human left unmutated didn't even look human when they walked among the lower tiers. They were forced to wear long dusters and gas masks to avoid breathing in the intense pollution. Although the sun and sky were now visible in Inganock, that didn't make the city any prettier.

As Gii and his guest peered out of the window, another knock came at his door. This time however, the door immediately opened.

A small boy, with human features, came in on crutches. His right leg appeared to be completely mechanical.

"Ah, Virgil, it's very good to see you." The Doctor said. His actual emotion betrayed his words. He appeared neutral, as always.

"Hiya Doc!" The young boy nearly shouted. He wobbled his way towards the sofa, and took a seat where Gii's guest was sitting. Gii walked over to him, and sat down next to him. He gently lifted up the mechanical leg, and began examining it. His right eye lit up once more, and The Phenomenon Equation began it's work.

"My Equine friend, this is Virgil. He was abandoned by his mother when he was 5 years old. The owner of a factory took him in. Factory owners do that around here, take in thousands of children at a time. If 1,000 children are taken, only about 500 survive work in the factories." Gii remained emotionless in this speech. He didn't even look up at his guest, who was staring wide-eyed at the Doctor. "Virgil lost his leg when it got caught in the machines he worked with. What did the Factory owner do? Throw him on the streets." The Doctor's blue hologram disappeared, but Gii still stared at the leg, deep in thought.

"I...I had no idea th-" The Guest started, but Gii quickly interjected.

"I found him on the streets. Dying. I took him in, paid for the prosthetic with what little money I had. Understand, back when The Grand Prince was still alive, he and his nobleman decided who lived or died. Doctors were instructed to help ONLY those people. I rejected that. So, I helped young Virgil. And where does he end up?" Gii finally looks up at his guest.

"Right back at the same factory. Malnourished. Cold. Alone." Gii finished. Gii didn't break eye contact with his Guest, but his Guest did. Gii's words, although not hostile, stung. Gii looked back at Virgil.

"You're ready to go. You should be able to use the prosthetic regularly, without the crutches. If you have any problems, I'm here, or I'm making my rounds." Gii said. Virgil smiled widely, and hopped off of the sofa.

"Thanks Doc! You're the best!" Virgil ran over to Gii, and hugged his leg. Gii only looked off in the distance some more., not reacting to the affection. Virgil released Gii's leg, and began wobbling towards the door. "Bye Doc!" Virgil called, as he cautiously walked over to the door.

After the door shut, both Gii and his guest sat in silence for a moment. His Guest broke said silence.

"Look, Doctor, I'm still getting used to his whole ambassador thing, but we need your help. I understand you're badly needed here, but we need you, as well. Are there no other doctors?" The Guest asked.

"Not enough. Even after madness left the city, even after the soldiers stopped executing lower tier citizens who attempted to get to the higher tier hospitals, there just aren't enough."

"Then, what if we send some? I can arrange an emergency fleet to be sent immediately. We can help you, Doctor. We can help Inganock."

"Even then, there's not enough." Gii responded quickly. Gii could sense the frustration in his Guest's voice. Gii wasn't being difficult, however. He was being realistic.

This City, this Fantastic City, it was Gii's life. Helping those who needed it, doing everything he can to right the wrongs of his past, and the wrongs of the city, it was his life.

Gii hadn't eaten in a decade. It was literally just nutrient injections and coffee for him.

Gii hadn't slept for more than 4 hours a night in a decade.

Gii had no hobbies anymore.

Gii had no friends anymore.

It was the most peculiar form of irony:

A Doctor that destroys himself to save his patients.

"Doctor. Please. PLEASE. We will send every idle soldier, doctor, nurse, teacher, anypony that can help Inganock. I'm asking you not as an Ambassador, but as a Stallion that's scared. Scared for his kingdom. We need help. I mean, if something bad happens, the kingdom could fall apart! Do you know what would happen to Inganock if trade shut down? Please Doctor, this wouldn't be good for ANYPONY!" His Guest pleaded.

Just then, Gii could hear Kia's voice at the back of his head. He knew exactly what she'd say.

"Don't be so grumpy, Gii! We help anyone and everyone, remember? This could be fun!"

Gii sighed through his nose. Although Inganock needed him, this was a matter of lives. If a Kingdom falls apart, millions could die. If he aided these Equine creatures, they would aid Inganock.

He knew what he was going to do.

Inganock would have help in one week, according to his guest. Although some of the citizens would surely die, a week was better than a month. Gii couldn't knowingly let a Kingdom crumble.

"How did you arrive here, Ambassador?" Gii asked. The Ambassador perked up, no longer looking so afraid and hopeless

"I sailed here. Inganock's Navy transported me. The S.S. Black Knight and S.S. Hourglass. For a Kingdom that hasn't sailed on open seas for 5,000 years, your sailors are amazing. And please, call me Shining Armor."

Gii grabbed his powder blue cloak off of the table he had in his dining room, and slid it over his head. He grabbed his reading glasses, and put them in the front pocket of his shirt, under his cloak.

"We should go. Before I change my mind." Gii sighed, lightly examining himself. Shining Armor smiled immediately.

"Thank you Doctor! Thank you!" He cried out.

A few hours later, Gii and Shining Armor had walked to the far east side of the city, where the Harbor was. As they were walking down to the rusty harbor, Gii noticed that both ships that Shining Armor mentioned were docked, their Sailors stocking them up. The Sailors, regardless of their race, were all wearing white pants with gray and orange striped shirts. From Ogre to Human, they wore the same uniform.

It was actually quite fascinating to see so many creatures working in harmony. They were all laughing and smiling, enjoying themselves.

Maybe it was because they were all human at their core.

Sailors formed assembly lines, handing crates down the line and onto the ship. Marines stood at the entrances to the boat, and were also up in the lookouts, equipped with long-barreled Brass Rifles. There were even a few Steam Knights onboard the decks of the ships, although they didn't seem to be doing anything. Perhaps intimidation was their role.

As they continued their walk, Gii spoke up, without looking at Shining Armor.

"What seems to be ailing your Princess?" He asked. Gii asked the question just as the two of them were crossing over the ship. The two Marines who stood guard at the bridge to the ship waved them on with the barrels of their rifles.

"Uh..." Shining Armor hesitated. The two humans at the front of the boat intimidated him mildly. He had made contact with humans before, but none that carried anything like what they had. He shook his head around, as if to regain his mind, and resumed normal operation.

"Well, it started a year ago. Luna started to complain about nightmares. Although it worried us, we wrote it off as anxiety. Then, headaches started up with the nightmares. Long story short, now she's stuck in bed, with an extremely dangerous fever. She even loses consciousness at points. To be completely honest..." Shining Armor swallowed hard. "She...She may not be there, when we get there." Shining Armor looks away from Gii, into the horizon containing the Ocean.

"Gii! Be nice! Say something!"

Gii could hear Kia's voice once again. Kia had seemingly become his consciousness, after her death.

"I'm sure we'll arrive in time, friend." Gii said half-heartedly. Shining Armor didn't seem to catch his hesitance.

"Really? You really think so? I mean, do you think we can help her?" He asked.

"I can never promise anything. But I've never met anyone who needed my help, who I couldn't help." Gii explained. Shining Armor got excited.

"Really?!" He asked, almost jumping.

"That's not to say it wasn't extremely difficult and heart-wrenching."

"Oh." He said, calming down.

A customs officer stopped the two of them.

"Any luggage?" He asked. Gii shook his head.

Gii had no luggage other than the powder blue cloak on his back and the clothes on his body. The Phenomenon Equation was the only medical tool he'd ever need, and that was stored in his brain.

Shining Armor also didn't have any luggage, which was convenient. He was a diplomat, so he was allowed to bring however much he wanted, which made Gii fear the worst. The New Grand Prince also decreed that any Diplomat, from Equestria or somewhere else, could be transported directly to Inganock via it's own Navy, as well.

That was the first set of calm ideas held by a Grand Prince in a decade.

The officer left the two of them after confirming their luggage.

Gii and Shining Armor had boarded the S.S. Black Knight, and met the Captain. He appeared human, but his right eye and arm had been replaced with mechanical prosthetics. He was a gentle older man, by the name of Aeterna. He instructed them to wait wherever they pleased, and that the boats would be leaving the moment they had been stocked.

"Good Captain Aeterna, please tell me, have you sailed to Equestria previously?" Gii asked. The Captain laughed.

"5 times. Only got lost once, and that was the third time. They're kind little critters over there, so don't worry about that."

Gii secretly activated The Phenomenon Equation, scanning the neurological signs of the Captain. The hologram didn't flash from his eye, so the scan was a stealthy one. Without the hologram, all Gii could scan was neurological signs. But that's all he needed.

"Are you confident in your abilities? We need to arrive soon, without delay." Gii continued.

"Absolutely! I know we can do it! We even got the Grand Prince's blessings! I know we can do this!" He exclaimed, laughing some more.

The scan of The Captain's previous sentence revealed to Gii that he wasn't lying. So The Captain was either telling the truth, or was extremely confident in himself. Either way, the voyage should go very well.

Gii and Shining Armor both picked a spot at the front of the ship, staring off into the horizon.

Neither spoke to each other, as both were in deep thought regarding their future.

Gii, the future of Inganock.

Shining Armor, the future of Equestria.

If Princess Luna didn't survive, both were sure to have dark times coming.

If Princess Luna did survive, both were sure to have bright times coming.

Both of them shared the same silent determination.

"Hey, Doc?" Shining Armor asked.

"Yes?" Gii responded. After a moment of silence, Shining Armor continued.

"What's that thing you do with your eye? Will that help Luna?"

"It's called The Phenomenon Equation. It's difficult to explain, but it allows for me to manipulate not only the anatomical structure of things, but space itself."

"Huh? Is it a device? Like, an implant or something?"

Gii didn't feel like discussing the past of Inganock, or the mutation that occurred that gave him the ability to comprehend the equation. Gii had seen magic before, and this wasn't magic. This was more like the apex of science and technology; to manipulate the world around oneself by willpower alone.

"It's magic." Gii lied. Shining Armor smiled.

"Oooooh. Alright, I get it now. Well, I hope it works."

"As do I."

About an hour later, the Steam Engines kicked on, making the boat vibrate.

Aeterna laughed proudly with his arms on his sides.

"Alright lads! We're Equestria bound! 1 week! Settle in!"

The boat rumbled as if it had a hungry stomach, and off it went into the ocean.

Although Sailors ran about, laughing and shouting, all Gii heard was silence.

Gii stood unfazed.

The fresh wind of the ocean, the most fresh air Gii had ever experienced in his entire life, blew his hair about.

"Gii. You know you've held onto this for too long. We love you, but it's time. Let go of Inganock. Let go of Ati. Let go of me. It's over. We're gone." Kia whispered in his mind.

"No." Gii said out loud, not changing his neutral facial expression. It was odd, but Gii had only heard Kia's voice in his on very few occasions after her death. Now, it was seemingly growing more frequent.

Shining Armor perked up at the sound of Gii's voice, not knowing of Gii's internal conflict.

"You say something?" Shining Armor asked.

"No." Gii repeated again.

"Oh." Shining Armor frowned, turning his attention back to the ocean.

They both returned to staring at the horizon.

And with that, the voyage had begun.

An Ambassador, powerless to help his leader and his people.

A Doctor, powerless to help himself.

A journey, one of laughter and tears, one of happiness and sadness, a voyage of discovery and destiny, was beginning.

And Gii had just taken the first steps.

Chapter One: Waning Crescent

The Steam Knight known as Unit M.19487-018220 awoke from his "sleep". With several small bursts of steam, followed by a large release of steam, his body came to life once more.

The amount of steam he was releasing would surely dampen the room, or even rust his shiny brass armor. To avoid scrutiny from his kinsmen, he decided to leave his room, and go to the deck of the ship.

With every step he made, small spurts of steam hissed from his joints.

He had long forgot the sensation of being human. The last time he had truly been human was a decade ago.

When he got to the deck, he found a figure was already there, which was odd. Unit M.19487-018220 was always the first to awake on this voyage.

The figure was leaning over the railing at the front of the ship, looking into the horizon. His powder blue cloak blew to his right with the ocean breeze, revealing his shiny black boots and black pants. His hood was down as well, making his black hair, which came down just past his eyes, blow with his cloak.

Unit M.19487-018220 knew that the figure heard him approach, but was paying him no attention.

Diverting power to his voicebox, he prepared to speak to the figure.

Steam hissed from his shoulders as he formulated a sentence.

"QUERY: DOCTOR GII. HAVE YOU NOT SLEPT?" His voicebox boomed from his right shoulder. His voice didn't sound anything how it used to.

The figure turned his head to the right, looking at Unit M.19487-018220 out of the corner of his right eye, which was glowing a very bright blue. The figure, who Unit. M.19487-018220 recognized as Doctor Gii, was using the Phenomenon Equation for something. Probably examining the distance from the ship to the nearest landmass, Equestria. The Doctor then returned his attention back to the horizon.

A bright green continent was coming into view. The Doctor wouldn't have to wait long.

"Good morning, Kerkan." The Doctor said quietly. His voice sounded solemn.

Unit M.19487-018220 felt a faint sensation, albeit briefly. He hadn't been called that name in a very long time, and even so, only The Doctor seemed to remember it. Maybe it was because of the past they shared.

"REPEAT: DOCTOR GII, HAVE YOU NOT SLEPT?" He repeated. He stood completely still, small bursts of steam hissing out of random joints on his body. After a period of silence, Gii responded.

"No. I slept plenty the previous night." He answered. "How long has it been since you've slept, old friend?"

Unit M.19487-018220 didn't respond. The faint sensation within him resurfaced. Before he could respond, Gii turned around, facing him.

"An odd coincidence that our paths should cross again, old friend. I'm glad it's under happier circumstances. We're about 2 hours from the coast, in case you were wondering. I intend to heal this princess, and return to Inganock within the month. Kia left something for you before she passed. I'd like to give it to you when I return."

The Doctor was an extremely organized person. He probably already had the entire voyage planned out, with exact times on how long everything should take.

"KI...KIA?" The Steam Knight stuttered. The faint sensation within him flared up at the mention of Kia. He couldn't remember who she was, but for some reason, he almost felt an emotion. The sensation left him, leaving him feeling bothered. It was like when a sneeze escapes one who badly needs it.

Doctor Gii nodded at Unit. M19487-018220, and returned to leaning on the railing. His right eye began to glow again.

Neither the Doctor or the Knight spoke again.

The Doctor went back to staring at the horizon.

Unit M.19487-018220 turned around, and walked to the back of the ship.

Two hours later, the crew was wide awake, and preparing landing procedures.

Gii had not moved an inch.

Sailors ran about the deck, calling to one another. The sound of their feet on the metal deck drowned out the sound of the ocean splashing beneath the ship. Marines took their positions at the lookouts and on the deck, brandishing their rifles. The Steam Knights were in the engine room, using their immense strength to manually slow the engines of the ship by holding the large tubes which carried water to the furnace closed. Captain Aeterna calmly watched all of his men from the back of the ship.

Gii could see the harbor on the coast. He could also make out the small Equine creatures moving about the shoreline.

They were very close to docking.

Shining Armor walked up beside Gii, and immediately began briefing him.

"Alright Doc, we're officially in Equestria, so we can use some pretty powerful magic now. Equestria practically sweats magic. I wouldn't be surprised if your little eye trick is more powerful, too. Anyways, once we land, I can get us teleported to Canterlot, and we can get to work immediately." He explained, while looking at the horizon with Gii.

"We?" Gii asked. Shining Armor let out a single chuckle.

"Well, Nurse Redheart is currently at the palace, helping all she can. I'm also helping by dispatching every idle unit under my command to gather whatever supplies we need."

"Ah." Gii responded. For the first time in several hours, Gii lifted himself up off of the railing, and stretched. The ship was literally moments away from docking. He walked over to where the bridge would connect with the harbor, and the moment the ship had released it's anchors, he disembarked, with Shining Armor right behind him.

"Lead the way, Ambassador." Gii said, examining his new environment. Everything on this new continent was extremely bright and colorful. While it was certainly a refreshing contrast to the brown and gray city of Inganock, it was overwhelming. Gii noticed that many Equine creatures worked at the dock, and to his relief, he also noticed that none seemed to pay him any attention.

Dock workers. They see humans often. I should expect unwanted attention when we move further into the kingdom.

What struck Gii the most was something he hadn't seen in his entire life: trees.

He had heard of trees before, and the records from before the fog discussed them in length, but never had Gii seen trees before.

It appeared as if this kingdom, Equestria, was the polar opposite of Inganock.

Gii, albeit overwhelmed, was not excited nor fascinated. His neutral expression remained, which seemingly concerned Shining Armor.

"What, no questions? I mean, you ARE in a different kingdom. Is everything okay?" He asked. Gii's eyes finally met his.

"I'm here. Take me to your Princess." He responded coldly. Gii was here to get a job done. The sooner, the better.

"Alright, alright. Follow me." Shining Armor said, tilting his head to signal Gii to follow him. As they walked, Gii took note of everything.

Flowers. Trees. Blue water. Smiling citizens. Peace.

Everything Inganock was missing.

A small dirt path led away from the bustling harbor, through the forest. Gii followed beside Shining Armor as he led him through the thicket. Gii closely examined the trees as he walked past them all, noting their color and leaves. He wanted a chance to explore and study the greenery. Perhaps he could do so in between visits to this Princess.

"So, Doctor...uh..." Shining Armor started. "Have you always been a doctor?" He asked. He was attempting small talk with Gii.

"Yes." He responded. Shining Armor smiled.

"Really? Nothing beforehand?"

"Nothing." He answered. It bothered Shining Armor how Gii didn't look at him when he spoke.

"Well, I hope you like food! We've got a welcome party set up!" Shining Armor exclaimed, laughing nervously.

"Welcome party? How were you able to relay a message that we were coming?" Gii asked.

"Well, uh..." Shining Armor laughed nervously. "I may have been a little arrogant, and told everyone I would get you to come no matter what."

"Mm." Gii hummed in acknowledgement. Shining Armor swallowed. He was starting to become unsure of Gii. He hoped he was as good as he was made out to be.

The path ended in a clearing of the forest. At the end of the path was another Equine creature, standing near a stone arch that was a little taller than Gii.

"Star Sparkle, the portal, please." Shining Armor called.

"Yes General!" The Equine creature apparently called Star Sparkle called back. Star Sparkle's horn adopted a magical haze around it, and as it did, a water-like wall formed inside of the arch.

"Now, it may feel funny, but I promise you'll be okay." Shining Armor explained. "Just walk right through it."

With that last sentence, Shining Armor slipped through the arch. There was no sound, but the water-like wall seemed to ripple violently.

Gii approached the arch, and examined every detail of it. He activated the Phenomenon Equation, and scanned it thoroughly.

Star Sparkle appeared to be watching him in awe.

After a few seconds, results came back.

Ancient structure, artificial in nature.

Primarily made of limestone.

Imbued with magical properties.

Linked to a similar structure several hundred miles away.

Gii sighed, and straightened his cloak. He picked his feet up, and walked as he normally would, through the arch.

His vision grew so blurry that everything appeared gray, but he didn't feel anything.

Was he there already?

Gii could hear rustling and what sounded like whispers.

After a few moments, his eyesight was returning to normal, but Gii felt it was taking too long.

Using his Equation, Gii concentrated his healing on his eyes. His right eye flickered on, lighting up the bright blue it always did. Gii heard a collective gasp from what sounded like a crowd gathered in front of him. The equation quickly cleared up his vision, and he was able to see what was waiting for him.

"WELCOME, DOCTOR GII!" A crowd of equine creatures shouted. Gii appeared to be in a large garden, which was surrounded by walls. It appeared as if he had been teleported to the gardens within a big palace. Amassed directly in front of him was a crowd of equine creatures. There was a banner being held up by two equine creatures who were flying in the air, and in poorly drawn English, it read, "WELCOME DOCTOR GII!". The E was backwards, and the letters were randomly either uppercase or lowercase. A small equine creature, a child perhaps, left the crowd and approached Gii.

"Do ya like the banner, Doctor? Ah made it mahself!" It exclaimed. It was very small, with a pale yellow coat, and it sounded like a female. Another small equine creature, another child, called out from the crowd.

"Nuh uh! We helped too!" It called. The pale yellow creature turned around to the crowd, stomping her two front hooves.

"You're too chicken to come meet The Doctor, so ah made it!" It called back, sticking out it's tongue.

"It's wonderful. Where is the princess?" Gii asked.

"Good Doctor, she's asleep. Won't you enjoy this party with us? We prepared it ourselves. We wanted to make you feel welcome." Another creature explained, stepping from the crowd. This one had a gray coat and black mane, with light violet eyes. "I'm sure we ponies are similar to humans in the aspect of celebration."

It appeared as if these creatures called themselves ponies. The children must be fillies.

"There is nothing to celebrate. Take me to the princess." Gii said bluntly. The crowd seemed hurt by Gii's words. Deep down, Gii felt bad for being rude, but he WAS here for a reason. Another pony stepped from the crowd, this one with a white coat and pink mane. It had cyan eyes, and what appeared to be a red cross on it's flank.

This was the nurse Shining Armor mentioned.

"Doctor, I can take you to her. I'm Nurse Redheart, by the way. Follow me." She said. Gii nodded his head, and followed Nurse Redheart through the crowd and out of the gardens.

The moment he left, the crowd grew louder.

"Shining Armor, is he mad?" A pony asked. "What did you do?"

"Me? Nothing! Doctor Gii, he's a good human. I've seen his work, although it was only one patient. A little human kid that he gave a prosthetic leg. It's good work. But it's certainly...depressing, I guess would be the word." Shining Armor responded. A pink pony, seemingly full of energy, approached Shining Armor. The rest of the crowd dispersed, enjoying the party without the human it was intended for.

"Shining Armor!" The pony identified as Pinkie Pie called.

"Yeah?" He responded.

"Did you say that mister Gii is depressed?" She asked.

"I would guess so." Shining Armor answered. Pinkie Pie smiled widely.

"I bet I can fix that!" She nearly shouted, as she bounced off into the crowd.

The party was in full swing.

It was actually Luna's idea to have such a party for the Doctor.

Meanwhile, across the palace, Nurse Redheart led The Doctor through many corridors and hallways. They went up a staircase with purple carpeting, and were at the beginning of a long hallway. At the very end of the hallway was a large doorway with two doors, both decorated with crescents.

"That's her room. She's just in there." Nurse Redheart said, leading Gii down the hallway.

The hallway itself had no other rooms or decorations. It just had windows on the right side of it, which gave a view of the city near the palace.

Nurse Redheart reached the end of the doorway, and outstretched a hoof to the doorknob, turning it quietly. She then gently pushed the door in. It appeared as if she didn't want to wake the princess. Redheart held a hoof to her mouth.

"Shh..." She whispered. Gii nodded his head, and walked into the room.

The room itself was enormous. It was dimly lit, too. Dark azure curtains prevented the sunlight from entering through two massive windows at the back of the room. Two miniature staircases on opposite sides of the room led up to an elevated floor which contained a desk, and an enormous bed. On the wall near the bed was an orange decoration, the shape of the sun. At the center of the decoration, a small torch burned, which gave the room what little light it had.

In that bed was a pony Gii assumed was the princess.

She was larger than the ponies he had seen so far, and her mane seemed to be ethereal. Gii quietly walked across the room and up the staircase on the right, with Redheart following him.

He turned on his equation, and began examining Luna, who was fast asleep.

She was visibly sweating, and had a frown on her face while she slept.

The hologram popped out of Gii's eye, and a cyan light quickly scanned Luna from head to hoof several times over.

Nurse Redheart seemed surprised, but didn't say anything in fear of waking The Princess.

Luna stirred gently during her sleep, but did not appear close to waking.

That's when, for the first time in a year, Gii was legitimately surprised. His eyes even opened wide.

Results of the scan were completely useless.

Gii only got one message from the scan:

"ERROR".

Gii held his right hand above The Princess, and turned the Equation back on. This time, a large holographic apparatus appeared from his hand, along with the hologram outside of his eye. This should of allowed him to see The Princess' anatomical makeup, but once again, the holograms turned red, displaying the same message.

"ERROR".

This literally had never happened before.

Gii looked away from The Princess, his eyes darting back and forth while he thought. Nurse Redheart watched him with anticipation.

"H-Hello, Doctor..." A weak voice said. Gii immediately looked back to the Princess, surprise still in his eyes. "I don't feel very good..."

Redheart and Gii must have accidently roused her from her slumber.

"Princess Luna." Gii said, immediately dropping on one knee to be at level with her eyes. "I am Doctor Gii. I've travelled a long distance to help you. I need you to tell me what's happening."

Luna coughed, but was able to speak.

"I...I am unsure...It all started with an awful nightmare..." She said. Gii examined her every facial feature while she spoke. He noticed tears welling up in the corner of her eyes.

"Do not recall it, Princess. Wait until I heal you." Gii quickly interrupted. He didn't want to see her cry. He held his hand out, and used the Equation in a different manner. Rather than a blue scanning light, a bright green light flashed on. It was a simple healing procedure. It would at least help her fever and cough, and any other small aches or pains.

Luna smiled very weakly while the wide-eyed doctor worked vigorously.

"Did you enjoy your party, Doctor? I thought, maybe, you might like it, and you would help me..." She asked. Her voice was slightly stronger, but still weak. Gii focused more energy into her, hoping for a better result.

"I apologize, but I was unable to experience it. I'm more focused on your wellbeing, Princess." Gii quickly looked over to Nurse Redheart "Please bring me some towels, and a fresh bedspread for the Princess. We don't want her lying in sweat."

Nurse Redheart nodded her head rapidly, and took the blankets off of Luna. She also removed the sheets out from underneath of her, and quickly trotted out of the room. Luna began to shiver violently, even though she was still sweating. Gii's mind worked rapidly, quickly ruling out several conventional diseases.

Although Gii hadn't sat down and studied the diseases of Equestria, something about Luna's situation felt strangely familiar to him.

He was confident that it wasn't some ordinary disease.

It never was when he was called in.

"Are you alright, Princess? You're shaking." Gii asked.

"I'm c-c-cold..." She chattered while she curled up in the fetal position. Gii stood up, and removed his cloak, revealing the dress shirt he was wearing. It was white with black, pink and purple stitching all over it. A black cross was on the large collar. He took the cloak, and draped it over Luna, who looked up at him with concern.

"B-but Doctor, I'm sweaty. It'll get wet." She objected, weakly trying to pry it off. Gii gently put his hand down on the cloak, preventing her from removing it.

"A cloak can be washed." Gii said. Luna's facial expression softened, and she rested her head on the hood of the cloak, no longer shaking. She started to close her eyes again, when her stomach rumbled.

"Have you eaten today, Princess?" Gii asked. Luna shook her head. Gii clicked his tongue in his mouth.

"What would you like to eat? I'll retrieve it myself." Gii said. Luna looked away for a moment while she thought.

"Carrots." She stated after a moment of thinking. Gii nodded his head, and went to turn around to leave when Luna stopped him. "And Doctor?"

"Yes, Princess?" He asked, turning back around.

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope you'll eat with me. I'd love to hear about your travels. Actually," Luna said bashfully. "I'd love to hear about you."

Gii maintained the same face he always had, and nodded his head again.

Gii passed Nurse Redheart in the hallway, but he paid no attention to her.

He walked back into the garden, and approached a table filled with food all over it. He grabbed a small tray that was stacked next to the food, and began filling it.

First, he grabbed several plump carrots. Next, he grabbed several celery stocks, a few spoonfuls of beans, and some grapes. Gii looked around on the table for something sweet to give Luna as a treat, but he didn't notice anything.

He also didn't notice that every single pony in the garden was staring at him. The party had seemingly froze. Gii turned around from the table, and faced the ponies.

"Excuse me, but do we have anything sweet here? I'm preparing a plate for the Princess." He explained.

"Aww! How sweet! You were right Shining Armor, he's a sweetheart!" Pinkie Pie cried out from the crowd.

"I didn't use THAT word..." Shining Armor muttered. Pinkie Pie ran up to Gii, and smiled widely.

"I'm Pinkie Pie! I'm the one who put this party together! I also baked all kinds of goodies!" She cried out again, smiling. "Right over there, at the table by those trees, there should be SOMETHING the Princess would like!"

"Thank you." Gii said.

"No, thank you, Mister Gii!" Pinkie Pie responded, happily bouncing back into the crowd. The crowd of ponies had returned to normal, seemingly content with Gii now. Gii walked over to the table that Pinkie Pie had directed him to.

"Huh." He thought outloud, examining all of the sweets.

" 'Scuse me mister, but ah never got ta introduce mahself!" A small voice below Gii exclaimed. Gii looked down, and there was the pale yellow filly from earlier. "Mah name is Applebloom! Mah friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, they ain't too brave about talkin' to ya, but they like ya!"

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Applebloom. Could you help me pick out some dessert for the Princess? I'm unsure of what she would like." Gii said. He felt a tinge guilty about being rude earlier, and was now trying to redeem himself, although he was doing this subconsciously.

"Well gosh Doctor Gii, ah don't know...uh..." Applebloom went into a deep thought. Too deep for something as simple as picking dessert. "I suppose the cupcakes are tasty!" She exclaimed.

"Thank you, Applebloom. I must return to the Princess now. Extend my greetings to your friends." Gii said, grabbing two cupcakes from the pile amassed on a large tray. Applebloom giggled in response, and darted back off into the crowd. Gii grabbed two cups filled with what he assumed was soda of some kind, and balanced them on his tray.

Gii returned to Luna's room after navigating the maze of corridors inside of the palace. When he opened the door, he saw that the massive curtains had been pulled back, and the room was now full of light. The small torch on the sun decoration was now extinguished. Redheart and Luna sat on the large bed, talking.

Luna was now wearing Gii's cloak, rather than having it draped over her. Her forelegs were through the sleeves, and the cloak stopped just before her flanks, so it fit her oddly well.

Luna noticed Gii walk in out of the corner of her eye, and stopped her conversation.

"Gii!" She called. She stood up on the bed. When she did, the massive hood on the cloak drooped down over her face. With a giggle, she flicked it back behind her again, exposing her head. "Gii, I feel marvelous! I haven't felt this well in a long time! What did you do?"

"I eased your symptoms. It's difficult to explain, so I will do so later. Here. I brought food." Gii explained as he ascended the staircase in the room. He placed the tray of food on the desk near the bed. "Nurse Redheart, I brought you food as well."

"Thanks Doctor!" Redheart smiled. She then examined the food Gii had, and frowned. "Uh, Doctor. There's only two cups, and enough for two ponies to eat. Aren't you hungry?"

"Yes, Doctor, do you not wish to eat?" Luna added. Gii took out what looked like a cigar box from his pocket, and clicked it open. Inside were syringes. Gii removed a syringe filled with a yellow liquid, and pulled back his sleeve. He gently inserted the syringe into his wrist, and pressed down the plunger.

Both ponies in the room looked at him in confusion.

"Nutrients. They're all I need." Gii said, removing the syringe from his arm and rolling his sleeve back down. Luna used magic to bring the plate and drinks to Nurse Redheart and herself, but didn't take her eyes off of Gii.

"Good Doctor, surely that's not pleasant. Wouldn't you like some soup? Or maybe a cupcake? They're quite tasty!" Luna proclaimed. Gii shook his head.

"I have no appetite, Princess. But please, do eat." Gii said.

Luna and Redheart started to pick from the plate and eat together. While they went back to their conversation they were having before Gii walked in, Gii started to closely investigate Luna's body.

This makes no sense at all. How did such a simple operation do all this? Heal her this much?

No...No, there has to be more to this.

There IS more to this.

Gii's right eye flickered on, and he began to examine Luna once again.

This time, to his relief, he got results.

Blood type of A.

No signs of internal or external physical trauma.

Neurological readouts came out different, however.

If the Phenomenon Equation was correct, and it always was, Luna's mind was in overdrive. She was thinking about something very thoroughly.

"Luna." Gii started. His hologram flickered off, but the phenomenon equation remained active. He was watching to see if she was lying. "You said you had bad dreams, right?"

"Yes Doctor, absolutely horrid dreams. But I feel much better now!" She answered. She wasn't lying here. But Gii knew better than to stop here.

"Luna, do these dreams bother you an immense amount? Would you like to discuss them?" Gii asked again.

"Ah, no, Good Doctor. These are but dreams, and nothing more. I let go of them easily." Luna responded.

She lied.

"Thank you, Luna. That's all I needed to know." Gii said. Luna went back to her gossip with Redheart, while Gii went into thought.

Gii deactivated the equation, and allowed himself to think deeply.

Why would she lie?

Now I KNOW there's more to this.

Gii made a mental note of these oddities.

First, the equation wouldn't scan her.

Then she seemed violently ill.

Next, after a simple maneuver was performed to alleviate mild symptoms, she was completely restored.

Finally, she lied regarding her dreams.

Gii didn't like to sneak around his patients, but he had no choice here.

He would wait for Luna to sleep tonight, he would use the phenomenon equation to peer into her mind, and see what's happening.

Perhaps that would yield more answers.

"Princess Luna, where will I be staying?" Gii asked. Luna's eyes opened wide. She swallowed a bite of carrot before speaking.

"How rude of me! At the back of my room is a door that leads to a hallway with two other doors! The door on the left is yours, the right is Nurse Redheart!" She said, apologizing.

It's probably a good thing I'll be so close to her. And it makes sneaking in here tonight much easier. Gii thought.

"I hope you don't mind being so close to us, Doctor Gii." Redheart chimed in, smiling. Gii looked over his shoulder, at the door that led to his room.

"I'm going to retire for the evening. I have research to take care of." He stated. Both Luna and Redheart cocked their head in confusion.

"But it's only 5 o'clock, Doctor?" Redheart questioned. Gii just nodded his head, and walked down through the room, and to the door.

His room was large. Larger than the room he had at his apartment. The far wall was not a wall at all, but a giant window. The other walls were painted a light violet, and the bed, which was tucked away in the far right corner of the room, shared this color scheme on it's sheets and pillows. Across from the bed was a large desk, which was completely empty except for several books with blank pages, quills, and a well of ink.

"Perfect." Gii muttered to himself. Normally, someone may be upset with the lack of materials at a desk, but this gave Gii plenty of room and opportunity to study and research in this room. Perhaps he could go collect flowers from the garden after the party died down.

Gii walked over to the window-wall, and opened the curtains wide. He then walked over to the desk, and scooted the chair out, taking a seat.

Gii had plenty to think about and reflect on.

Just in the other room, Luna and Nurse Redheart were still eating and gossiping. The moment The Doctor left the room, the topic of the gossip shifted.

"So, how do you like The Doctor, Luna?" Redheart asked, chomping off a bite of a new carrot. Luna blushed, which was barely visible from under her azure coat, but still apparent.

"Uhh...A lot?" She responded. Redheart giggled.

"He is kinda cute, huh? First human I've ever interacted with, and wowzers. His eyes get me." She cooed. "And when I came back and saw you wearing his cloak, I mean, what a sweetheart!"

"His eyes, I know! When he knelt down to meet my eyes, for a moment, I felt as if I wasn't sick! And this cloak, oh..." Luna sighed.

These two ponies, a Princess and a Nurse both abandoned all forms of professionalism and became fillies with a crush for the moment being. Redheart, however, adopted a more serious look at the mention of Luna's illness.

"Luna, speaking of being sick, how do you feel? While I would love to believe The Doctor is a miracle worker, it's still hard to believe that something that had made you feel this bad for so long just vanished." Redheart looked Luna in her eyes. Luna lost her blush, and also adopted a more serious tone.

"I feel fine, Redheart. I don't know what Gii did to me, but I really feel absolutely fine. I almost feel guilty. The poor Doctor travelled all this way for nothing." Luna explained.

"Princess, while it would be great for you to be all better, I don't think we should send Gii home just yet. Celestia hasn't even met him yet. As cute as he is, he still has to pass Celestia's standards before we let him do anything for you. When will she be home, by the way?" Redheart asked.

"Sometime tomorrow. She's visiting Ponyville, currently."

The two ponies sat on Luna's bed for several more hours, gossiping and giggling like fillies again. It was amazing how close the two had bonded, having spent a year together. Redheart had been there when Luna took a turn for the worse, or when she seemed to be healing, and Luna, in turn, became a good friend to Redheart.

She was almost as close to Luna as Celestia was.

Around midnight, Redheart decided to go to bed.

When she entered the hallway, her curiosity and generosity got the better of her.

She wanted to say goodnight to Gii, and check on him at the same time.

She went to his room, and peered through the keyhole, so she could make sure he wasn't busy.

Gii was standing at the far end of the room, facing out of the large window. A full moon, raised by Celestia in Luna's absence, illuminated the room, making Gii nothing more than a silhouette against it.

No lights were on in the room.

Gii didn't appear busy, but something told Redheart she should leave him be.

Just as she was going to turn her head away and go to her room, Gii's head turned. Although he was nothing more than a silhouette, his right eye was shining a bright blue. This startled Redheart.

"Eep!" She blurted out, throwing herself away from the keyhole.

With several quick breaths and weak chuckles, Redheart found her way back to her bedroom.

She would check on Gii in the morning.

Little did she know, Gii would be up far before her.

In fact, Gii wasn't going to be sleeping at all.

A little past 3 AM, Doctor Gii was still standing at the window, watching the night sky.

"Gii. Gii, I think it's time. Please be careful. We know what's waiting for us." Kia's voice echoed in his head. This was the first time that Gii had heard Kia's voice while in Equestria, but it was much louder, much more clear. It was as if she was in the room with him.

Gii crept up to Luna's beside, and prepared himself. He brought the chair in his room with him, and placed it right next to her. He silently activated the Phenomenon Equation, and started to link his mind to hers.

There were plenty of dangers with this.

If Luna's nightmares were particularly violent, Gii could die in reality, if he dies in the dream. This creates even more problems, because, if Gii dies in reality, Luna will die, as well. The same applies to if Luna dies in her dream. Gii would follow her to the grave.

They also wouldn't be able to wake up, unless Luna woke herself up.

Luckily, Luna would still have control over her dream, and Gii would also have limited abilities, due to their link.

Gii didn't want to have to do things this way, but, he needed to get to work as soon as possible. And if Luna wouldn't cooperate, that was fine. He would work around her.

He closed his eyes, and gently brushed Luna's mane to the side. It felt as if he was moving his hand through a gentle breeze. If he had the time, Gii would also like to study Luna's mane, now that it had piqued his interest.

Gii was now completely in tune with Luna's mind. The next time he would close his eyes and open them, he would be inside of her mind with her, experiencing the same dream she was.

He inhaled slowly, and closed his eyes.

With a very slow exhale, Gii slowly opened his eyes, revealing just what Luna was seeing.

Gii was now in a clearing of a very dark forest at night. At the very end of the clearing sat Luna, who was overlooking a black lake. Gii sighed in relief, and quickly approached Luna.

His boots crunched the dead leaves and branches beneath his feet.

"Luna?" Gii called, approaching her.

She didn't respond.

As Gii got closer, he could hear her humming some kind of melody.

"Luna? It's Gii." Gii said, approaching her.

Gii placed a hand on her neck, and that's when it happened.

Luna lept around, tackling Gii to the ground.

His head smacked the forest floor hard, making his eyesight grow brighter for a moment. Luna climbed on top of him, and put her face right in front of his.

This wasn't Luna.

This creature had a mouth from ear to ear, and it contained many jagged, bloody teeth. It's eyes were wild and dilated, it's mane unkempt, and it's tongue rolled out of it's mouth. It was like a long, pointed black tentacle.

"Doooctor Gii!" The Monster cried out in it's distorted voice. It laughed wildly, and ran it's tongue across Gii's cheek. "We've waited SO, LONG!" It screamed in his face.

Gii, oddly, kept his calm demeanor. Instead of panicking, he began to manipulate the dream. He remembered the Marines aboard the S.S. Blacknight, and all of the sudden:

"I'VE GOT YOUR BACK, DOCTOR!" A voice called out. The crack of brass rifles filled the air.

The Monster screeched in pain, and lept off of the Doctor, running into the lake.

As it was submerging itself, it turned around, and smiled at Gii while it's face slowly slipped beneath the water.

It easily was the most disturbing thing The Doctor had seen in a year.

"It's not over, Doctor..." The Creature mouthed at Gii.

A brass-plated hand grabbed Gii's, and lifted him up to his feet. Gii had successfully manipulated the dream into creating the Marines he saw on the S.S. Blackknight. When he got to his feet and looked at the lake, The Monster was gone.

"Doctor, are you okay?" One of the Marines asked. As Gii was opening his mouth, the squad of Marines quickly turned around, aiming their rifles.

Another Luna was approaching.

This one looked incredibly terrified.

"Stand down." Gii ordered. The Marines immediately did so, lowering their rifles. "Luna!" Gii called. "This is a dream! Time to wake up! We've got much to discuss!"

"O-Okay..." Luna called back.

Gii, although he had only been in the dream for a total of 5 minutes, he had seen all he needed to. He blinked, and when he opened his eyes, he was back in the chair beside Luna. Luna, however, now had her forelegs wrapped around Gii's neck, and was sobbing violently.

"D-Doctor...I told you I was fine...that they were just dreams..." She managed to say in between sobs.

"Nobody has a dream like that for 365 consecutive days and it be a coincidence." Gii responded. Luna sobbed harder, and really started squeezing The Doctor. When she eventually released him, she was still sobbing gently, but was able to talk.

"Luna, I need you to tell me everything. Now." Gii demanded. He didn't like being so blunt, but she needed to come clean immediately. Luna sighed.

"Every night, that THING, it chases me in my dreams. At first, I could get away. Then it got closer, and closer, and..." Luna shivered. "Then, it started catching me. It started getting harder and harder to wake up..." Luna sniffled. Her eyes started to well up again. "What you did, that's the first time anyone's ever chased it off...thank you Doctor. Thank you so much!" She wailed.

She started sobbing hard again, and pulled Gii back into a one-sided hug.

Gii's arms just dangled at his sides.

What was apparent, is that whatever this thing is, it preyed on Luna's fear. And Luna seemed to be full of fear for this thing.

Gii first needed to figure what this thing was. It could be anything from a manifestation of extreme emotion to a spirit attempting possession of Luna. Whatever it was, this was surely killing the Princess, albeit slowly and painfully.

Luckily, Gii had methods to prevent Luna from having any dreams at all when she slept. This was not a permanent fix, as it required Gii to be near Luna in order to work. It did, however, give him plenty of time to research and prepare, all while keeping The Princess safe.

"Luna, I want you to go back to sleep." Gii said while Luna was releasing her grip on him.

"What?" Luna asked, with tears in her eyes. Gii picked up his cloak, which she had folded and put by the side of her bed, and handed it to her.

"I'm going to stay awake, and monitor your sleep. I can prevent you from having dreams by limiting and manipulating your REM sleep. You won't have any dreams." Gii explained. Luna, wide eyed, examined The Doctor for any signs of doubt he may have.

She couldn't find any.

"Promise?" Luna asked, holding out her hoof. Gii placed his hand over her hoof, and squeezed gently.

"Promise. Get some sleep, Princess. We have much to discuss and research in the morning."

"And you'll wake me if I start to have a bad dream?" She asked nervously.

Gii nodded his head.

Luna slipped on Gii's cloak, and took her spot back on the bed.

Gii sighed deeply, although it was silent.

He activated the phenomenon equation, and prepared for the rest of the night ahead of him.

Chapter Two: Dream Catcher

"Gii...You were so great to me..." Kia managed to cough out.

She had been hit pretty hard.

"Stop!" Gii shouted in desperation. He looked around frantically for help. All he could see were the bodies of several marines and creatures. Help was too far away. "This isn't happening! I won't let this happen!" He cried out in pain.

The only thing keeping Kia alive at this point was the fact that Gii was focusing every ounce of his energy into the phenomenon equation, which kept her on the fringe of death, and even then, her condition was rapidly deteriorating.

If he was to falter, even just a little bit, she would die.

Gii felt something cold touch his hand, which made him rapidly look back at Kia.

Kia had weakly put her hand over Gii's, and shakily guided it to her face. Her blood stained his hand, but she didn't care. Once Gii's hand reached the side of her face, he gripped it firmly. Her hand slid off of his, and down to his wrist.

She was too weak to hold her hand up any further.

She smiled very weakly.

Tears welled up in her eyes.

She wasn't ready to go, but she was staying strong for Gii. Just as he had stayed strong for her.

"Gii..." She rasped. "You know you've held onto this for too long..." She coughed, closing her eyes tight. She reopened her eyes, but only half way. Tears now freely rolled down her cheeks. "We-We love you, but it's time..." She managed to sniffle, doing her best to hold back her tears. "Let go of Inganock...Let go of Ati...Let go of me..." Kia began to cry silently. Her body shaking. Tears were now travelling down her cheeks with great speed and number. "It's over...We're gone..."

"No! Please, please don't say that!" Gii shouted, his voice breaking up.

The Hologram started to flash and beep. Gii's eyes opened wide with terror.

Kia's vitals then started to slip away. The Equation could do no more for her worsening condition.

"NO! NO!" Gii shouted even louder. Panic had completely take him over.

Kia, however, was completely as peace. Her smile didn't leave her face, her eyes didn't leave The Doctor.

The girl, this girl he discovered less than a year ago, this girl he took in, this girl he fed, this girl he cared for, this girl whom he considered his daughter, this girl who WAS his daughter, died in front of his very eyes.

She died peacefully.

The last thing she saw was the man she considered her father, crying.

Gii would never forget that day.

No matter how hard he would try, he would never forget that day.

Gii was still thinking about it when Luna woke up. He didn't even notice her sit up in her bed, and stare at Gii. He was too focused on his own imagination.

"Doctor?" Luna asked cautiously. Gii's wide-eyed expression of thought faded at the sound of Luna's voice, and he returned to reality. He made eye contact with Luna, and nodded his head.

"Good morning, Princess. How do you feel?" He asked. He got up, walked over to the massive window, and opened the shades, allowing the morning sunlight to pierce away whatever darkness from the night that remained. Luna yawned deeply, but smiled when she finished. She even giggled before she answered.

"I feel very good, Doctor." She yawned again. She smiled again, with one eye half closed.

"Excellent." Gii responded. He walked back over to the bed, and held his hand out. "I'll take the cloak off of your hands. Get it washed."

Luna shook her head.

"That's okay, Doctor. I like it." Luna replied, her hooves holding onto the cloak she was wearing. "It, uh...it keeps me warm!" She said. Gii could tell she was blushing, but wasn't sure why she would be doing so.

In all reality, Luna didn't want Gii's scent washed out of it. Luna originally just thought that Gii was cute. But ever since he saved her from The Monster last night, she had become infatuated with him.

Nurse Redheart opened the door on the far end of the room, and was also yawning. She too, had just woke up.

"Nurse, may I have a word with you? Alone?" Gii called to her. Nurse Redheart wasn't even several steps from the door she just left. She seemed surprised, pointing a sleepy hoove at herself while yawning again.

"Me?" She asked. Gii nodded his head, and led her right back into the hallway that led to their rooms. He closed the door, to make sure Luna couldn't hear anything he was about to say.

"Lucky..." Luna muttered under her breath, watching the two go behind the door. She dropped back onto her bed, and pulled her blanket up to her neck. She couldn't help but wonder what they were saying.

In just the other room, Redheart tilted her head to the side, as if she questioning Gii without words.

Gii wasted no time.

"I went into Luna's dreams last night. She is being tormented by a monster that looks like a demented version of herself. This is very bad." He explained. Redheart immediately woke completely up, her eyes widening.

"Why? What does that mean, Doctor?" She asked nervously.

"When Inganock went insane, it all started with The Old Grand Prince, Astea. He reported having nightmares to his physicians for a little over a year. Then he lost his mind. When the city became industrialized, corners were cut because of him, resulting in many accidents. Then the monsters and creatures came. War soon after. The entire city became a nightmare in itself. Do you see the connection?"

Redheart took several steps back from Gii, her nervous eyes rapidly examining Gii's face.

"D-Doctor?" She asked. "What do you mean?"

"It lasted for 10 years. More than half of the population died. The other half mutated violently. Nobody, not even myself, retained being a true human. My brain mutated radically. It's the only reason I can use the Phenomenon Equation. It's the only reason I can heal."

"How did you fix it, Doctor?" Redheart asked. At this point, it seemed more like she was begging for answers.

"Astea was killed." Gii muttered. Redheart began to look even more terrified. Gii continued speaking. "It turned out, the city had some ancient entity living at the center of it all. He was responsible for the fog that had trapped the city 5,000 years ago. He was responsible for Astea's madness. For all of the horrible creatures. I forced the Entity back to where he came from, but not soon after, civil war broke out. It was sanity against insanity. Bullets and swords against teeth and nails."

"Doctor, surely it won't-"

"Come to that." A feminine voice finished. Both Gii and Redheart turned their attention to the source of the voice: A shining white pony with a mane of cold, pale colors. It was just as ethereal as Luna's mane. Her eyes, her wings, everything about her was extremely graceful. Even just being in her presence, Gii felt a certain radiance about her.

She must have walked in very silently for the two to have not noticed her.

"You must be Celestia. I'm Doctor Gii. I'm assuming you've heard everything. Shall I continue?" Gii asked.

"Please do, Doctor." She said, looking at Gii. She didn't look scared in the least bit.

"Sanity eventually overcame. The fog left the outskirts of the city, and a new Grand Prince was elected. What bothers me, is that it seems that the moment I banished the Entity, Luna fell sick. You said she started feeling a sick a year ago, yes?" Gii asked.

"Yes Doctor. I believe it was a little over a year ago when Luna began to complain of nightmares." Celestia responded.

"I need to enter Luna's mind again. If Grimm Grimm is somehow here, we need to get to work immediately." Gii said. "If it IS him, I'll contact The Grand Prince, get as many soldiers as we can shipped over. You may also want to prepare your mili-"

"Excuse me. What? Grimm Grimm?" Redheart interrupted.

Gii's eyes met hers.

"The entity that single handedly destroyed Inganock."

Meanwhile, Luna sat on her bed, staring at the door that Gii, Redheart, and now Celestia had entered.

She knew they were discussing her situation, and that bothered her.

Luna really did feel fine. And with Gii at her back, The Mosnter couldn't get her, either.

"Whew..." Luna sighed in relief. If Gii hadn't come along, she probably would have lost her mind.

In fact, Luna was extremely happy that Gii had come along. Maybe, just maybe, she would be able to sleep in her own room, rather than this room kept for her at the palace. Her REAL room had a bigger bed, softer pillows, and a better view, but because she was sick, Celestia thought it would be best for Luna to be easily reached.

A fair point, but Luna still yearned for her old bed. Maybe tonight, Celestia would allow her to go back, as long as Gii goes with her.

Luna blushed, her mind filling with "romantic" ideas. Doctor Gii and Luna. All alone. Luna blushed slightly harder, and buried herself deeper under her blankets, sighing while she did so.

She thought she had slept very well, but all of the sudden, she started to feel very sleepy again.

Luna yawned deeply under her cave of blankets and pillows, and closed her eyes. Some more sleep couldn't possibly hurt anything.

Celestia's horn stopped glowing. The spell had worked, apparently.

"Quickly. Go now." She said, urging Gii. Gii nodded, and approached Luna's bed. He gently pulled the blankets back, digging Luna out from her nook. He brushed her mane aside, and put his hand above her sleeping head again.

Gii activated the equation, and waited for her vitals to match with his. After the Equation indicated that he was ready, Gii did just as he did last time.

He inhaled deeply, and closed his eyes.

He exhaled deeply, but kept his eyes closed.

He could feel something breathing on his face.

Gii opened his eyes, and sure enough, there was Demonic Luna, mere inches from his face. Her tongue hanged out of the side of her mouth, her eyes were just as insane, her teeth still bloodstained and jagged. They were both in the same dead forest in the middle of a starless night.

"Giiiiii..." She whispered. "You came baaaack..."

"I did, indeed." Gii responded. His calm demeanor remained.

Demonic Luna's tongue rolled back into her mouth, then slivered out of it again. It was reaching out to Gii's face. She giggled poisonously as it got closer.

Gii moved a hand up rapidly, and grabbed the tongue. He pulled it, bringing the Demonic Luna closer to his face. He was practically pressing his eyes against hers.

"I know Grimm Grimm created you. Tell that coward that I'm waiting for him." Gii demanded.

It had been a year since Gii had used the offensive side of the Equation, but he remembered what numbers to plug in.

A series of red sparks travelled up his arm and to his hand, effectively sending a shock into the Demonic Luna. She shrieked, and threw herself backward, her wet tongue sliding out of Gii's fist. She looked up at him in anger.

She roared, and hopped back to her feet. She let out another roar, her tongue flicking in and out of her mouth, and charged Gii.

Gii gently held his arm out, and reused the same sparks.

This time, a torrent of them came out, hissing and crackling as they jumped and skittered across the cold dirt ground. They briskly travelled toward Demonic Luna, who in turn, was about to run right into them.

The moment she hit them, they electrocuted her violently. She convulsed and shook as she hit the ground, and continued convulsing even when she was on the ground. When she finally stopped, parts of her were smoking. She was also whimpering.

"Damn it all, Gii. Must you destroy everything you touch?" A voice from above Gii asked angrily. Gii immediately looked up, and felt rage, rage that remained dormant since their last encounter with one another.

Grimm Grimm.

The Clown was descending from the sky, from the high dead branches of the dark forest inside of this dream.

"And really, what does it take to scare you?" He asked again.

Gii's fists began to ball themselves up at his sides.

Grimm Grimm landed next to the Demonic Luna. He knelt down, and began stroking her mane.

"There there...the bad man won't hurt you anymore." He said in a disturbingly loving fashion. He snapped his fingers, making the Demonic Luna dissolve into the ground. Grimm Grimm stood back up, and held his arms out to the sides, as if he was asking for a hug.

The Black Clown had not changed in appearance.

He still wore his black trench coat, his wide brimmed hat, his spiked black boots and suede black pants. Even his face, which was a white mask with a long nose and rose for a right eye, remained the same.

He smiled at Gii.

"I'm very glad you could make it, Gii! How long has it been? A year? That's a year too long, friend! I mean, how could you keep me waiting for an entire year? Rude. Very rude." Grimm Grimm said, chuckling.

Gii was not amused.

"What do you want with Equestria? What do you want with Luna? Why are you possessing her?" Gii asked, attempting to interrogate Grimm Grimm. Grimm Grimm smiled even wider, and snapped his fingers again.

All of the sudden, Gii and Grimm Grimm were standing on a theatrical stage. The big red curtains slipped open, revealing an audience filled with silhouettes. Spotlights flashed on, illuminating the stage. Grimm Grimm assumed a dramtic pose.

"Dear Doctor!" He started dramatically. "I wanted you! I'm afraid after your little stunt in Inganock, I can't return home!" He frowned and dragged a single finger from his eye and down to his mouth, imitating sob noises while he did so. The crowd booed Doctor Gii.

"I miss my home, Doctor! Truth be told, Equestria bores me! I don't want anything to do with it, or it's pretty, prancing, ponies! But I had to do SOMETHING to lure you here!" Grimm Grimm then smiled mischievously. "Luckily for me, I'm a genius! My plan worked! Here you are, right now!" He laughed in joy. The crowd clapped and cheered for Grimm Grimm.

"You will leave Luna's body. Now." Gii demanded, his fists still at his sides. The crowd collectively drew in a gasp, as if surprised. Then they started booing him again. Grimm Grimm held his hands up, silencing the crowd.

"Oh hush! The Doctor is just defending his new love!" He proclaimed. The crowd all collectively made an annoying 'awww' sound. Grimm Grimm then returned his attention to Gii. "Good Doctor, I'm not in Luna's body, nor her mind! No, that would be too easy! Everyone, give Gii a round of applause for being so brave, though!" Grimm Grimm cried out. The crowd clapped. "No, dear Doctor, I'm not 'inside' of her. As for where I really am, I can't say!"

Gii finally let his rage overflow. It had been a long time since he felt an emotion so passionately.

"LEAVE, HER, ALONE!" He shouted. His fists were balled up so tight, that his knuckles felt like they would tear from his skin. Grimm Grimm and the crowd both gasped.

"How barbaric! I'll have you know sir, I intend to do just that! I can't continue with my plan if I keep doing what I'm doing! One cannot paint a beautiful picture with only a single color! There's really no need for shouting!" Grimm Grimm shouted. Gii was sure the irony was intentional.

Grimm Grimm bowed to the crowd, who in turned clapped, whistled, and cheered. The curtains started to slide shut. He held his hand out to his side, and snapped his fingers again, changing the environment once more.

This time, Gii and Grimm Grimm were on a glass staircase that was seemingly floating over a black abyss. Only two black handrails were connected to the wide staircase.

Gii looked up at Grimm Grimm, who was only several steps ahead of him on the staircase.

He had an unconscious Kia in his arms.

Gii immediately started to try to run up the staircase after him.

"KIA!" He shouted. "KIAAAA!"

The staircase only seemed to continue under his feet. Although he was running as fast as he could, he wasn't getting any closer. Grimm Grimm merely remained in his dramatic position, watching Gii's desperation.

"Well Doctor, as much as I would love to continue to catch up, I've really got to run. It may be awhile before you hear from me again, so be patient! Shall I show you the door?" He asked, smiling with malice. He held his arm up.

Gii then felt an extremely powerful force pushing him. It knocked him off of his feet, and sent him tumbling down the staircase. He fell all the way down, hitting the end and even rolling off of it.

He threw his hand up, and caught the final stair.

He was now dangling above the dark abyss.

To his horror, the glass on the stair he was holding onto began to crack.

Not even a second later, it shattered, dropping Gii.

He screamed as he fell headfirst.

Just as he felt he was about to hit the bottom of the abyss, Gii jumped up.

He was sitting in Luna's bed, propped up against the wall.

Luna, Redheart, and Celestia were all staring at Gii, wide-eyed.

Gii shifted his vision between the three ponies rapidly. He then sighed deeply, and sat up, drawing his knees to his chest. He held his face in his hands.

"Doctor? Doctor, are you okay?" Luna asked nervously.

Gii didn't respond. Luna approached The Doctor slowly, and poked him in his sides with her hoof. Gii swallowed, and slid his hands down his face, groaning while he did so. He looked at Celestia. Luna was no longer asleep, which means the dream he just saw wasn't Luna's.

Grimm Grimm was toying with him.

"It's exactly what I thought it was. Luna may not feel sick, but we need to be ready for anything." Gii said as he started to remove the blankets off of him. They must have out him in bed after Luna woke up. "We have some time. I'm going to get straight to work." Gii said, picking himself up off of the bed. But, before he could get up, Celestia stopped him.

"No." She said calmly. She stood in front of him, blocking his path. She knew Gii wouldn't be childish and try to escape her. Instead, his neutral eyes peered into hers. "Doctor. You need rest. What good is a Doctor who cannot even help himself?" Gii didn't respond. He just kept looking her in her eyes.

"Gii, you already have done so much for us. But you haven't slept a wink. Nor have you taken a break. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, but rest now."

Gii and Celestia seemingly had a silent standoff. After a few tense moments, Gii finally responded.

"Celestia. I cannot rest. Every idle second, every minute, he plots. He prepares. I will not rest." He said sternly. Celestia's face remained stoic, but then, a grin grew on it. Celestia had an idea.

"I apologize for interrupting your work, Doctor. Go ahead." Celestia said, stepping aside. Gii stood up without a word, and walked to the door that led to his room. The moment the door clicked shut, Celestia smiled wider.

"Redheart, please bring me Vinyl Scratch and Pinkie Pie. Oh, and Berry Punch." Redheart smiled too, catching on to Celestia's devious plan to force The Doctor to relax. "Luna?" Celestia asked, turning around. Luna perked up from her little bout of being down. She didn't like to see The Doctor working himself into the ground.

"Yes, sister?" Luna answered.

"Keep The Doctor company." She said slyly. Luna grinned as well. As she was halfway to reaching Gii, Celestia stopped her.

"Oh, and Luna? Make him smile! Kiss him if you have to!"

Luna blushed. Celestia was too good at reading her.

Luna waited a few minutes outside of Gii's door before she knocked, to give him time to get settled and comfortable. Luna reached a hoof out, and knocked on the door several times.

No response.

Luna put a hand on the doorknob, and gently pushed it open. She poked her head in when he had just enough room.

The Doctor was slumped over in the chair by the desk, a quill in his hand. His eyes were shut calmly, and his breathing was steady.

The poor Doctor really was working himself into the ground.

Gii had left the bed to go sleep in the other room, it had seemed. Luna was sure it wasn't his intention to fall asleep. Luna smiled gently, and quietly entered the room. She used her magic to float Gii carefully into the air, the quill slipping from his hand and onto the desk.

His sleeping figure was adorable to Luna.

She peeled back his blankets using magic, and placed him in the bed, covering him back up. He didn't stir once, nor make any noise. Luna crept towards The Doctor, and quickly looked back to the door.

Nobody was watching.

She briskly stuck her head toward Gii's and kissed his forehead. He looked at peace. She normally would peer into his mind to see what dreams were bringing him such peace, but she decided against it. She then giggled quietly, and left the room, allowing him to sleep in his peace. He deserved it.

Oddly enough, Gii was at peace. He was aware that he had fallen asleep without feeling tired, which would normally alarm him with Grimm Grimm stalking about. But the calmness he felt soothed him too much to worry. His dream was indeed doing this to him.

Gii was back in his old bedroom, sitting in his chair.

Kia sat across from him, wearing her favorite dress.

Moonlight was shining through the circular window above his bed, making everything glow in it's luminescence.

"Gii, you can't keep being so mean! I'll get mad!" She pouted.

"Huh? But I saw Grimm Grimm take you..." Gii asked, confused.

"You're being goofy! You know that weirdo would show you anything to make you upset!" She said, pouting again. Gii smiled, and Kia immediately softened. "That's the first time you've smiled, in a dream OR real life, in a year. Mean old Gii."

"So, he didn't take you away from me?" Gii asked, shifting in his seat.

"No, silly. I'm still here, watching you. Anyways, I meant what I said! Don't change the subject! Be nice to the ponies! Have a little fun!" Kia demanded, her arms crossed.

"But-" Gii started, but Kia held a finger up to silence him.

"Gii, it hurts me to see you like this. So, I'll make you a deal. If you agree to be nice, and to relax, I'll give you a hug. In fact, I'll come to you every night, and give you a hug." Kia said, uncrossing her arms. Gii could feel tears coming to his eyes. All of this emotion had been put away for so long. Kia stood up in her chair, and held her arms open. Gii rushed to her, throwing his arms around her chest. She wrapped her arms around his head and his neck, and let him cry on her.

Gii hadn't cried in an entire year.

"God, it hurts, K-Kia..." Gii managed to choke out. She stroked his head, running her fingers through his hair.

"See? Mean old Gii isn't mean after all. He's just sad." Kia said softly. Gii shook, but Kia held him as firm as she could, letting his tears wet her clothes. "Gii, I do need you to listen to me for a second. It's important."

Gii removed his head from Kia's chest, and wiped his eyes. He then held his head up, and was able to look her in her eyes.

"Gii, Grimm Grimm is watching. He's always watching, just like I am. Even now, he's trying to bother you. I won't let him. But I can't stop him around every corner. He's expecting you to work and slave away, tiring yourself out and pushing yourself to the brink of suicide. That's his plan. To torture and worry you so much, that you'd kill yourself. You know what he's not expecting? For you to have fun. For you to smile, and laugh, and move on with your life. That's the first step to beating him, once and for all." Kia finished. She had both of her hands on Gii's face.

"Gii." She started up again. "I realize that you won't move on and forget. But, silly Gii, you don't have to move on to let go. Love me. Love Ati. Love Inganock. And we love you too. But let go. If you can promise me this, I promise to visit you every night."

Gii's eyes lit up. For the moment being, Gii was the way he was at his peak.

"Kia, you have to swear to me. Swear to me that this isn't a trick. That you're real." Gii said desperately. Kia smiled.

"I'm not sure if I'm real or not, Gii. But I swear to you, if you'll relax again, if you'll smile again, I'll come visit."

Gii went back to holding Kia tight. After a few moments, Kia let him go.

"Well, mean old Gii, we still have about 7 hours left." Kia said, smiling.

"Huh?" Gii asked. Kia crossed her arms, and pouted angrily again.

"You haven't slept in two days! What's worse, is that you haven't slept for more than 4 hours in 11 whole years! That's awful! Even when I was around, you wouldn't sleep! So, I'm not letting you wake up! You're sleeping for 8 hours, and then I'm making sure you're awful hungry when you wake up too, Mr. 'I don't eat real food, I only inject gunk'!"

Gii smiled at Kia again.

"I'll eat. I'll sleep. I can't guarantee that I'll be extremely perky and friendly when I awake, but I promise to work on it. Just as long as you're coming back to me at night, I'll do anything."

The past few days had been exhausting for Gii, but he felt like he could finally relax. Kia, whether this was her spectre or just a figment of Gii's imagination, was calming him. The knowledge that Kia, whether by his imagination or something greater, was watching him, was just what he needed to relax.

For once, he didn't care about Inganock.

Half the world away, Inganock still cared about The Doctor and his duty.

The Grand Prince of Inganock stood in his tower, and looked at the city below. His personal retinue stood by his sides. He wet his lips, and inhaled slowly and audibly.

"Brothers. Something is not right." The Grand Prince announced. One of the members of his retinue, a young General of Inganock's Militia, gazed away from the city. He appeared to be a minotaur-like creature, unlike the others in the room, who appeared human. He was the only one who could not use the phenomenon equation. But his stomach felt queasy, and his head felt like it was spinning.

"I feel it, too." He grunted out. The retinue looked at him, confused.

"It feels just like when I was soldier. Do you remember the Battle of Tier 1?" The Grand Prince asked, cutting the attention away from The General.

"Yes, sire." His retinue responded.

"I...I remember rushing the battlefield with my brothers. I remember hearing over the radio, 'Grimm Grimm is here, Grimm Grimm is here!'. I remember the feeling of dread. I remember panicking, holding one hand on my helmet, and the other on my rifle as we retreated the 1st Tier. I remember the creatures ripping, impaling, consuming our ranks. I remember our insane brothers clawing and decapitating us..." The Grand Prince preached, as he looked over his rusted city. He grinned.

"...Then...then, I remember hearing, 'Thank the Gods, Doctor Gii is on the battlefield! Follow his lead!'. I remember the immediate feeling of euphoria. Of hope. The feeling of high morale and terror mixed together. I remember getting goosebumps the moment I had first laid eye's on Gii. I remember watching him immediately repair mortally wounded soldiers. I remember watching him running about the chaos, helping everyone he could. I remember watching him chase after Grimm Grimm..." He continued. The Young General spoke up once more.

"Grand Prince Tristam." He interrupted. "Do you believe he can handle this situation on his own?" He asked. Tristam's grin didn't fade.

"Gii supported and believed in Inganock when it was nothing more than a rusty hellhole. And look what's become of it." He said, gesturing his hand to the ruined city before him. While the city still looked miserable, it was much better compared to one year ago. "We must believe in The Doctor now. Just as he believed in us."

7 hours later, and back in Equestria, Gii woke from his sleep.

He literally didn't recognize the feeling of being well-rested. That's when his stomach rumbled.

He put a hand on his stomach, and used the other to wipe his left eye.

He yawned deeply, and got off of his bed.

"Wait a second..." He mumbled. He didn't put himself in the bed. He fell asleep on the desk. Gii shrugged his shoulders, and sat down in the chair, tying his boots back on.

His door opened quietly, but being wooden in nature, it still creaked. Luna poked her head in, a look of curiosity on her face. She then smiled when she saw Gii awake.

"Doctor! You're awake! Yay!" She said, completely abandoning her former stealthy entrance. Gii stopped tying his shoes to cover his yawning mouth, then went right back to it.

"I am." Gii said. His stomach rumbled again. Gii looked up at Luna, almost in shock.

He had not felt hungry like this in a very long time. He knew this was Kia's doing, and he knew that she was going to do it, but he didn't think it would feel this powerful.

Gii felt as if he could actually eat physical food.

"Uhh..." Gii trailed off, embarrassed from his stomach. Luna giggled at The Doctors mixture of surprise and embarrassment.

"Are you hungry, Doctor?" Luna asked, almost teasingly.

"Wha? Uhh...No, I'm fine." Gii quickly responded, attempting to save face. Luna giggled again, and seemingly became bashful.

"Doctor, if you wanna, I was thinking, maybe, we could, maybe go an-" Luna started, but The Doctor shook his head, to which Luna frowned at.

She seemed really disappointed.

"Oh...Okay..." She said, her head hanging low. She went to turn around, when Kia's voice became loud in his head.

"Gii!" She scolded. She sounded just like an impatient Mother would. Gii sighed, and remembered his promise to Kia.

"Luna, wait." He said. Luna turned around, still disappointed. "Uh...Yeah, I'm hungry. I think. I just haven't actually consumed solid food in a very long time, so, I'm a bit nervous, to be honest. But what were you suggesting?" Gii said apologetically. Luna perked up, but still seemed sad.

"I was going to invite you to come eat with me, but it's okay Doctor. I understand."

"No, I'll come with you. Nutrients won't make the hunger go away. I should eat. And..." Gii trailed off, as if he was preparing for the next words to come out of his mouth. "I may as well get to know more about you, right? You may no longer be sick, but that's not to say we can't be..." Gii swallowed, and locked eyes with Luna. "...friends. Right?" Gii asked. Luna seemed to completely ignore the fact that he seemed so cautious and reluctant, and nearly exploded with excitement.

Gii smiled at Luna's reaction without realizing it.

This would be the first time he had smiled in real life for an entire year.

Gii could hear music in just the other room, the loud thump of the bass shaking the walls.

He assumed that's where Luna would be taking him.

Perhaps, after all he's been through today, he could afford to relax.

Just for one night.