Then There Was You

After a nearly ten-minute walk, Jeanne and Galen arrived at Ponyville Heart and entered the emergency room. He was leaning on her when the nurses arrived with a gurney.

Concern was heavy on Nurse Redheart’s face. “Oh my, what happened?”

Jeanne swallowed hard. “An accident during a sparring match with real swords.”

Redheart’s eyes widened. She made her way over to Galen and examined his bandaged shoulder. Jeanne turned and saw the same sight as the nurse. Blood was starting to soak through the bandages Anvil Clang had given them. “Oh no. His cut is still bleeding.”

Redheart patted Jeanne’s shoulder. “It’s all right. It doesn’t look that bad. But we’ll make sure to give him the best possible care.”

“Um, are you equipped to handle a human?” She asked, a quiver of panic in her voice.

Redheart smiled reassuringly and patted her shoulder again. “Yes. This is hardly the worse incident we’ve seen. And our supply of human blood is good. Not to mention since the number of humans living in Equestria keeps increasing. Treating them is no longer as challenging as it used to be.”

The other nurses gave Redheart a serious look, then wheeled Galen through the double doors and from there into one of the exam rooms. The nurse mare looked at Jeanne. “Don’t worry. Your friend is in good hooves. The doctor will be in to see him. If you’d wait here in “Benches”, we’ll call you once he’s stabilized and the bleeding is under control.”

Jeanne blinked, then gave a fairly confident nod. “All right. Thank you, nurse.”

“You can call me Redheart.” She titled her head and gave Jeanne sympathetic eyes. “Don’t worry, we’ll take good care of your friend. Just wait here, please.” She turned and went through the doors and joined the others back in the exam room.

Jeanne looked for a bench, but was flagged down by a pony at the reception desk. “Could you please come here, young lady?”

She walked over to the desk. “Yes?”

“Can you give us some information about the patient. Anything you know will help.” The receptionist set down a clipboard and held a quill in her hoof.

“Okay. His name is Galen. He’s a human, a male. His arm was injured with a broad sword blade. And just when they took him into the exam room, it was still bleeding.” Jeanne stood there shaking. She never would have wanted to admit it to anypony, but she was scared. Sure it was just a cut, but she’s heard stories of others that were injured and cases where a simple wound caused the loss of a limb or worse…death. She hung her head, while the receptionist wrote down all the information. Jeanne almost cursed the fact that she was a guard, mainly because, a guard should be fearless in the face of anything, especially the injury of a friend.

“Do you know anything else? What’s the patient’s medical history like? Do they use any medications or have any allergies we should know about?”

Jeanne’s ears drooped. “I don’t know. I’m sorry.”

The mare shook her head. “No problem. I’ll go check with the nurses and see what they got from the patient. He was conscious. Just wait here, please.”

Turning away from the desk, Jeanne walked back past a few rows of benches and took a seat. She sighed heavily, then looked over at the double doors. There were sounds of beeps and indistinct chatter. She turned away and focused on the fish in the fancy aquarium. Curiosity got the better of her and Jeanne looked that way again. She could no longer banish the worry from her mind or her heart. That fearful sensation was still present as she turned and saw a nearby restroom. Making a beeline for it, she darted inside and concealed herself within one of the stalls, closing and locking the door. Jeanne stood their as the floodgates in her eyes opened and tears began pouring down her face. She wasn’t sure if she was overreacting, but the way his arm was bleeding left her more than a little worried for Galen. Leaving the big question – would he be all right?

* * * * * *

Malik walked a goodly distance beyond the outskirts of Ponyville. He grumbled under his breath and shook his head. Pathetic…here I thought Galen was improving. It must be that stupid Pegasus he was with. Just like so many men on Earth, they think they’re all that when they have a chance to show off for a girl. Malik scoffed and clenched his fist. At this rate he’ll never be a worthy sparring partner. And chances are he’ll never want to cross blades with me again. He hoisted the strap on his satchel and took a look around. “Ah, not far now.”

As he continued along, Malik arrived at a small rocky ridge. He took the left fork in the road and made his way down. The ridge was to his right and a dense forest stretched out to his left. Checking the path a little father down, he saw his destination. Malik glanced up at the welcoming sign that had the name “Lucky’s Pub” in dark green and had a matching shamrock. He smiled as he started toward the front door. Many ponies in Ponyville don’t even know this tavern exists. It’s one of Equestria’s best kept secrets, despite its sizable number of patrons.

As Malik continued to make his way to the entrance, he was still impressed with the pub’s size. Not to mention even out here on its own, it had a very similar architecture to that of the buildings in Ponyville. Its walls were made of wood and stone, and the roof was crowned with tile, as opposed to the thatch that crowned a typical pony’s home.

The human knocked on the front door. It was a solidly crafted from oak and painted a dark brown, secured on metal hinges. The doorknob clicked as it opened. A burly looking charcoal gray stallion greeted Malik and grinned. “Ah, Malik.” The stallion squinted and looked behind the human, then he motioned for him to enter. “Come on in.”

After leaving the bouncer, he made his way over to the bar. A smile curled up on his face as he saw the bartended wiping down the bar. “Lucky, how are you?”

Lucky was cleaning a few mugs when his ears twitched. Looking up, his green eyes turned to Malik. “Ah, Malik, me lad. What brings ya to my pub?”

“A rather typical day, I’m afraid.” He took a seat on one of the short, but surprisingly comfortable stools.

The dark tan stallion placed a hoof on the bar. “Anything ya want to tell me about? How about your usual, eh?”

“Yeah, that would be great actually. Thanks, Lucky.” Malik set his satchel down and felt a hoof on his shoulder. Turning back he saw the bouncer. “Coal Cracker, is everything okay?”

He gave him a stoic face. “It is…except for one thing. You know the rule.” Coal Cracker pointed a firm hoof at Malik’s waist.

“Huh. Oh.” Malik saw his sword resting at his side, still sleeping in its scabbard. “Right, no weapons in the pub. Sorry. Here.” The human removed the weapon, sheath and all.

Coal Cracker took it and nodded. “I appreciate it. Sorry to interrupt you, but…”

Malik shook his head. “No, no, no. The rules are the rules.”

“Good to hear it. You humans aren’t all bad.” He snickered as he took the sword to the weapons locker. “It’ll be here waiting for you.”

“Right.” Malik turned back in his stool. He may not have been fond of the ponies, but even he knew not to mess with a built stallion like Coal Cracker.

Lucky just chuckled as he set a glass of Malik’s usual on one of the coasters. “Don’t mind Coal Cracker, Malik. He always takes his job seriously. Not sure why he didn’t get your sword when ya came in though, laddie.”

Malik reached for his glass. “Maybe Coal Cracker’s day was going about the same as mine.”

Shrugging his shoulders, Lucky just shook his head. “Eh, who knows? There, a Lime Gemstone, that should make ya feel better, me boy.”

“Yeah, I think so.”

Lucky placed a hoof on Malik’s shoulder. “What is it. What’s eating you?”

“I just found out my sparring partner isn’t as up to speed as I am. Plus, now that he was wounded in our last match.” Malik sighed, stopping to take a swig from his glass. “Ah…just as good as ever. But yeah, I doubt he’ll want to spar with me again.”

“What? Over a little scratch?” Lucky gave Malik a puzzled look. “Would he really be such a softy?”

Malik shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. “Possibly, but I hope not. And then, I’m hoping to try my hand at mixing up some potions.”

Lucky stroked his fiery orange mustache. “Ah, right. So you read up on the history of magic did ya? So, you really are gonna work out some potions then, me lad?”

“I am, Lucky. I just hope it works this time.”

Lucky let out a hearty chuckle. “You did speak with Twilight Sparkle, didn’t ya?” Malik nodded. “Well then, right there ya go. If anypony can help you with anything magic or something related to learning. It’d be her.”

Malik ran a hand under his goatee. “Yeah. Maybe stopping here was just the thing for me.”

“Exactly. You’re one of the more impressive humans I’ve met. It just seems ya lost a little of your fire. But leave it to old Lucky. I’ll help ya out.”

Taking another sip of his drink, Malik nodded. “You always do.”

“Right, now how about something to eat? I have some nice chicken or steak available. The griffons don’t need all of it. Besides, I know you humans need your proper fuel.” He winked.

“Yeah. I could really sink my teeth into a steak right now. And do me a favor, make it medium. I hate burnt meat.” Malik lowered his head a little and gave Lucky a superior grin.

Lucky nodded approvingly. “There it is. The confidence you didn’t come in with. Your gray eyes are not meant for disappointment.”

“No, they aren’t.” Malik smiled and took another gulp of his Lime Gemstone.

“Will ya be want’n a refill, lad?” Lucky grinned.

“Of course.”

Lucky left the bar and walked back into the kitchen. Meanwhile, Malik sat a little more confidently. Yeah, why was I worrying about that dolt Galen? Even if he doesn’t come back, I can always find others to spar with. He isn’t the only human. And perhaps there are other stallions like Lucky. They wouldn’t be too bad an option. Malik nodded and took another sip from his glass. Perhaps these ponies aren’t so bad after all. At least those that come here anyway.

“No! Leave me alone!”

Malik looked up from his glass and turned toward the sprawling section of tables. Lucky’s Pub was more than just a simple tavern. It was also a restaurant and there were rooms upstairs for wondering travelers to book for the night. And in the dining area, there were also games and a pool table. But the thing that caught the human’s eye was the cries of the waitress.

“Please stop.” She cried again.

Malik took a harder look and saw one of the patron stallions harassing Emerald Leaf, one of the waitresses, an Earth pony. She was waiting tables and it appeared that the stallion was rubbing his hoof along her flank near her cutie mark.

“Come on, cutie. Don’t be so uptight. Give daddy some sugar.” He reached over and pulled her in his forelegs. “Yeah. That’s better.” He gave her kiss on the lips.

She pulled back and smacked him with her hoof. “No, let me go.”

The stallion rose from his table and snarled. “You worthless hussy.” He threw her onto the floor. Emerald leaf cried out in pain.

Malik turned in his stool and slowly rose to his feet. He started panting heavily as the whimpering cries of Emerald Leaf washed over him like a storm of daggers. “Not…another…bully.” Malik watched as the terrified white mare hunkered. Her apron was torn and her violet eyes were full of fear and tears. The stallion, a dark red brute slowly made his way toward her. His orange eyes were full of anger and his dark yellow mane framed the fury on his face.

“Now, are you gonna be a good little mare, or am I gonna have to take what I want?” He held up a thick hoof as he reached for her.

Malik continued to seethe with anger, but he didn’t move. Fear held him at bay, until the stallion drew Emerald Leaf in his clutches again. “Nooooo! Please, let me go.” She tried to free herself, but she was injured and the stallion was stronger than she was.

“Not again…no.” Malik looked down at the barstools and picked one up. He walked forcibly over to the stallion.

“Heh, heh. There.” The stallion kissed Emerald Leaf again. “Isn’t that better?”

“Leave…HER…alone!” Malik growled and all but hissed his words, while holding the stool at the ready.

The stallion let out a boisterous laugh. “Bwa, ha, ha, ha, ha. What do you think you’re gonna do…human…ape?”

“This!” Malik moved around and smashed the barstool into the back of the stallion’s head. It broke into four pieces making him drop Emerald Leaf, giving her a chance to slip away.

He turned to Malik, rubbing a hoof on the back of his head. “Not smart.” The stallion plowed his right hoof into Malik and sent him sailing into a nearby table. He struck it with such force that the table broke and the surrounding chairs fell to the floor with a wooden bang.

“Ow.” Malik went to get up, but the stallion was moving toward him. “That really hurt.”

“Yeah, and now I’m gonna finish you.”

“Eh-hem.” The stallion turned and saw Coal Cracker standing there. “You’re going to do what? Hmm?”

The stallion stared at the fury in Coal Cracker’s blue eyes. “Nothing. Nothing at all, sir.” His ears drooped and the cockiness he had been running on seemed to fizzle like a deflated balloon.

“Well, well, Timber Axe, acting up in my pub again?” Lucky joined Coal Cracker, and his green eyes shown with betrayal. “I gave you a chance when I let you come back. But now, you harass my waitress and attack one of my patrons…and a friend at that.” Lucky shook his head. “Not a good idea for you.” He pointed a hoof, then turned to Coal Cracker. “Come on, let’s throw him out.”

“Hmm.” Coal Cracker nodded firmly.

Timber Axe whimpered as the two seized him and dragged him out of the tavern. They took him outside and gave him a powerful toss across the road. Timber slammed into one of the oak trees and nearly toppled it, leaving a big dent in it.

Lucky walked over to him and placed a hoof at the once rowdy stallion’s throat. “Now, don’t ever let me catch you in my pub again. Or…well, it won’t end well for you. Let’s leave it that, son.”

All Timber Axe could do was cower there, even after Lucky went back into the pub.

Coal Cracker helped Malik back onto his feet. “You okay?” He asked the human.

“Uh…” Malik groaned softly, then shook his head. “Ugh, yeah. I think I’ll be okay. What about…Emerald Leaf?”

Lucky walked up to Malik. “She’ll be fine, laddie. But what about you, my boy, you’re bleeding?”

Malik looked himself over. He did have a few cuts that were dripping a little blood. “Oh, wow. He really clocked me hard, didn’t he?”

“Aye, but ya took it with courage and at least he didn’t hit ya in the face.” Lucky went to the bar and grabbed his first-aid kit. “Here, let’s patch ya up.”

Coal Cracker shook his head. “I turned my back to check on a few arriving patrons and he struck. Grrr.” The stallion snarled. “But, thank you, for keeping an eye Emerald Leaf.”

Malik managed a smile. “Sure. Ouch. That smarts.” Lucky applied some disinfectant to his wounds, while Coal Cracker made his way back to his station by the door.

“I gotta ask ya one thing, me lad. Why did you take on that stallion all by yourself?” Lucky poured more peroxide onto a cloth, before he resumed blotting Malik’s wounds.

Looking over to the table area. The cook and his aide were cleaning up the mess in the tables, while another waitress was tending to Emerald Leaf. She looked over at Malik with curious eyes. He wasn’t sure why she was looking at him. He hung his head and sighed. “Timber Axe was picking on her. It just made me snap. Even though she’s a pony…Emerald reminds me of someone I used to know back on my world. She was bullied and it didn’t end well.”

“Ah, I see, laddie. Well, that was brave, and a little bit stupid, but mostly brave. I’m sure Emerald appreciates it. And I’m sorry I was out of the room for so long. Didn’t think I’d have to wake the cook.”

“It’s nothing. Nothing at all, Lucky.” Malik sat there. Here I am giving Galen a hard time. I can’t even best a stallion. But, that feeling…it was just like when I found out about what happened to her. He closed his eyes and remained on the stool, while Lucky bandaged him up.

* * * * * *

Jeanne had returned to “Benches” and took a seat. The waiting was the hardest part. As she sat there, she felt a little silly for having been so emotional. However, Galen had come to mean a lot to her in a short time. While Jeanne had done her messing around with the occasional stallion, she never really had anything this close to a special somepony or a meaningful relationship. That and she never thought she’d fall for a human.

Puffing out a sigh, Jeanne looked up at the front desk and then over at the doors where they had taken Galen. There was still no word.

Another twenty minutes passed and she heard somepony call her name. “Jeanne, Miss Jeannedarc?”

Jeanne looked up and saw one of the nurse ponies. It was he white one, Nurse Redheart. She remembered her from when she brought Galen in.

The Pegasus rose to her hooves and lightly trotted over to the nurse. “Yes?”

Nurse Redheart smiled and offered Jeanne blue eyes full of sympathy. “Galen is resting in his room and all patched up. If you’d like to follow me, he’s been asking about you.”

Jeanne smiled for the first time since she entered the emergency room. “He is? Please, take me to him.”

“Of course. Right this way.” Nurse Redheart motioned to Jeanne.

Jeanne followed her back through the double doors and into a long hallway. She looked to the nurse and then at the plain walls of the hall. Then, she noticed a series of doors and room numbers.

“Galen is right in here, room 103.” Redheart stopped at the proper room and motioned for Jeanne to enter.

She swallowed hard as she slowly made her way inside. Her ears twitched as they met the sound of a heart monitor. “Galen?” She asked.

“Hey, Jeanne. Over here.” He spoke a little weakly.

Jeanne’s face lit up. “Galen.” She smiled as she walked over to him. He was lying in bed and his right arm was bandaged where he’d been cut. Concern was strong in her sapphire eyes. “Are you okay?”

Galen chuckled and nodded his head. “Yeah. A little sore, but I’ll be all right.”

“Thank goodness.” She ran her hoof through his short brown hair.

Another pony walked over to greet Jeanne. “Hello there, Miss Jeannedarc. I am Dr. Screen.”

Jeanne looked the doctor over. He was a tan stallion wearing a white lab coat and had a stethoscope around his neck. He pushed up his glasses as he held Galen’s chart in the pale cyan glow of his magic.

“Hello, doctor. How is Galen?”

Doctor Screen smiled and checked Galen’s information on his clipboard. “He had a three inch laceration and it took quite a few stitches to suture the wound.” The doctor flipped a few pages on the chart. “Ah, yes. He lost a little blood, but nothing that warranted a transfusion. Of course we have a supply on hand from donors like Galen and other humans that both live in and frequent Ponyville. Eh-hem.” He cleared his throat. “So far, Galen is stable and his vitals are looking good. We’re just keeping him for a little longer to make sure his vitals stay that way. Another hour tops. Then, we can release him to you.”

Jeanne breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s wonderful. Thank you so much, Dr. Screen.”

He smiled and gave Jeanne a proud and confident look. “No problem. That’s what I and my fellow physicians and the nursing staff are here for. If you don’t have any questions at this time, I’m going to slip out. But if you have any later, Nurse Redheart can help you with them. Right now, I’m going to write up his orders and prepare his release papers. You should be out of here well before dinnertime.”

“All right. Thanks again, doctor.”

“Mm-hmm. You’re very welcome. If you’ll excuse me.” The doctor took his leave and left Jeanne alone, for the moment, with Galen.

Galen reached over with his good hand and caressed Jeanne’s velvety shoulder. “So, looks like it wasn’t too bad. Still, I hope I didn’t worry you too much.” He looked over at her and smiled.

Jeanne turned to hug Galen making sure to mind his injured shoulder. “It’s all right. I’m just glad you’re okay. I was worried about you.”

Galen reached up ran his fingers through Jeanne’s silky blonde mane. “Aww, Jeanne.”

She looked up at him, a fresh smiled decorated her face and her eyes glistened with tears of joy. “Mmm, Galen.” She nuzzled his cheek and sighed as he nuzzled her back.

“Jeanne…you’re so sweet.” He kept caressing her mane. “I guess I should have quit while I was ahead with Malik.” Galen chuckled a little.

Jeanne laughed a little back. “Yeah. You were amazing though. I dare say, our captain would have been pleased with your skills.”

“Thanks, Jeanne, but I still have a long way to go. But, I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Ahh, Galen. I’m glad too.” She rested her head on his left shoulder and sighed again. The Pegasus could breath easier. Galen was going to be all right.

* * * * * *

Following the altercation at “Lucky’s Pub”, Malik returned to his house. He retrieved the copy of “Bubble Brew’s Guide to Potion Making” that he had borrowed from Twilight Sparkle.

Like a number of homes in Ponyville, Malik’s was blessed with a basement. His featured both an in-home entry point and an outside point that ran along the side of the house. He set the book down on a large wooden table. The basement was an idea place for him to set up a lab of sorts. He got the ideal from Twilight after he started borrowing books from the Golden Oak. Hearing her speak of the experiments she did in the lab she set up in her basement gave him the same idea.

He had the book opened to what seemed a simple enough recipe. Though, even with a hefty dose of common sense, potion making was a very delicate art. So far, Malik hadn’t been overly successful. Today however, he felt a lot more confidant, despite getting his butt kicked at the hooves of a large stallion.

Double-checking the book, Malik nodded once he had all the ingredients he needed. Carefully, he added them one by one to the small mixing caldron he had on the table. It bubbled and churned under the flame it rested upon.

He made sure to add each item just when the book called for. A misty haze began to form in the basement and added a refreshing scent of mint to the air. The potion bubbled after he added some powder to the mix. It was an ingredient known as lyme powder and unlike lime powder on Earth, this was a consumable ingredient.

Slowly, Malik stirred the concoction as the mist continued to roll and hang from the pot it was brewing in. Checking the book again, he began wondering if this would turn out all right. There was only one ingredient left to add. “Hmm, add 1tsp of vanilla extract…but do so only while the potion is bubbling.”

The human blinked as he saw the bubbles dancing on the surface of the potion. Steadying his hand he poured the vanilla onto the spoon and then dumped it into the brewing mixture. He set the bottle of extract down and waited.

A few seconds passed and the potion gave off three big bubbles and then just returned to its normal bubbling. Only now, the mist it gave off had a somewhat pungent aroma and seemed to lose its appeal. Holding his nose, Malik checked the book. “What?!” He facepalmed and groaned. “How could I miss that part? Ugh! Only add the vanilla after the potion has been brought to boil a second time.”

He made his way to the side entrance of the basement and opened the dual doors and climbed up the steps. Malik emerged into the fresh air outside and just sighed. “Why…why does it have to be so difficult?” He leaned along the side of his house and lightly banged his head along the wall.

Malik turned his eyes to the sky and began to wonder if swordsman skills were the only thing close to power that he would ever be able to achieve. If so, then life in Equestria would bear him no better fruit than he had on Earth.

He closed his eyes and took a cleansing breath in through his nose. Then, he noticed what sounded like someone knocking on his front door. Malik furrowed his brow. He wasn’t expecting anyone and he figured he wouldn’t hear from Galen or his mare until he was patched up.

Malik made his way to the front door and looked on in surprise. “Emerald Leaf? What are you doing here?”

The lovely white mare smiled at him. “Hi, Malik. Is now a good time?”

He placed a hand to his chin and shrugged his shoulders. “Yeah, I was just taking a little break.”

“Okay.” She walked over to him. Happiness sparkled in her violet eyes as Emerald lightly shook her head adjusting her lengthy emerald green tresses. “I just wanted to thank you for helping me earlier.”

Malik resumed leaning on the side of his house. “Sure, it was nothing.” He turned and saw a few bandaged spots on her cheek and barrel, near her cutie mark – a group of sparkly green catalpa leaves. “Uh, that stallion didn’t hurt you too much…did he?” The human looked at the grassy ground and lightly kicked it with his boot.

Emerald walked in front of Malik. “No. He didn’t. I’m sore here and there from when he threw me to the floor…but.” He looked up at her. Sincerity mirrored in her eyes. “Had it not been for you, he might have hurt me a lot worse till the others could have come to my aid.”

As he listened to her talk, Malik had never realized what a delicate voice Emerald Leaf had. It was soft and soothing, yet forceful enough that he could tell she was a passionate pony. He smiled at her and stood up straight. “I’m glad I could help.”

She placed a hoof over her mouth and cleared her throat. “Um, I know that unlike other humans in Ponyville, you don’t seem as fond of us. But, I just wanted to thank you…you know, for what it’s worth.”

“Sure…sure. I appreciate that. Well, I’d better head back inside.” Malik pointed to his house and sighed.

“What were you doing…and is that bold minty potion I smell?” She took another sniff. “With traces of burnt vanilla?”

Malik turned to the basement doors. Both were still open. “Why yes. I was…attempting to brew some in my basement. Good nose.”

She giggled. “It’s a gift. Not my special talent, but a gift.” Emerald walked over to him. “Did you need or maybe want some help?”

He placed a hand to his chin. Malik wasn’t sure if accepting help would be practical or a sign of weakness. Then again, Lucky had mentioned speaking to Twilight, only Emerald might be a little easier to understand. Given his own vast vocabulary, Malik still found himself stymied when Twilight went off on a tangent. “All right. But, you have potion brewing skills?”

Emerald chuckled as she followed him over to the basement doors. “Not a lot actually, but it’s not unlike cooking or baking. They all use recipes, and I don’t want to brag, but lots of ponies like the things I make.”

Malik swayed his head a bit as they walked down into the basement. “Well, then maybe you can help me with this potion. Come over here.” He led her over to his worktable and presented her with the potion in question. “It was misting really good, before I went outside. So, I took it off the heat and set it on this cooling surface.”

Emerald placed a hoof to her chin. “Hmm.” She walked up to the brewing caldron and took a more through sniff. “Ahh. Good news, you don’t have to scrap this.”

Malik looked at her. “Really?”

She nodded. “Yep. I have a friend that makes potions. She’s always making bold minty potion for Sugar Cube Corner. The Cakes like to use it to help flavor drinks and frostings and fillings as well.”

Malik dared to breathe a sigh of relief. At last, there was a break in the failure. “Good. I was afraid I had wasted all these ingredients for nothing. But does, this have any other uses?”

Emerald grinned as she moved the pot back onto the flame. “Oh yeah. You can use this to help flavor mixed drinks. Lucky could suggest a few and you can mix it with black or green tea to make a very soothing blend.” She smiled.

Malik watched as she checked the book. “Those sound like good uses.”

She turned his way and nodded. “Oh, yes. Not only is this a great potion for beginners, but it’s also quite useful.”

“Hmm, you might even say…practical.” Malik grinned.

“Of course. Now let’s just get this warmed up. I know just what to do to fix this.”

“Great.” Malik stood there with Emerald as the potion heated back up. It may be a small start, but he just might get the hang of potion brewing yet. He tried not to laugh at the irony of getting more help from the ponies. And while usually their bubbly demeanor left him feeling nauseated, Malik didn’t mind Emerald Leaf. In fact, he found her as refreshing as the minty scent of the potion…minus the hint of burnt vanilla extract.

* * * * * *

Jeanne opened the front door of Galen’s house, now that they had returned from the hospital. She helped him over to the couch. “Easy now, Galen.”

“I’m fine, Jeanne. It was my arm that was hurt, not my legs. Whoa.” He staggered a little. “Okay, maybe I’m a little woozy from the whole encounter.”

“Right. Now don’t be stubborn, let me help you, silly.” Jeanne feigned punching him with her hoof.

“Ouch.” Galen pretended to grunt in pain. “Now look, Jeanne, my other arm is hurt.” He snickered as he took a seat on the sofa.

She placed a hoof to her chin. “Hmm. Ah, I’ve got the cure.” Jeanne giggled as she walked over to him. She kissed the spot she had pretended to punch. “There…feel better?”

Galen sat back and stared at her. She saw the gratitude and affection in his green eyes. “Yes. Thank you for everything you did back there, Jeanne.”

The Pegasus took a seat beside him and briefly stretched her wings, then tucked them back at her sides. “There. That’s better.” She placed a foreleg around Galen. “Are you doing all right? Let me know if you’re in any pain or if you need anything.” She smiled and like he did to her so many times, Jeanne ran her hoof through his short but soft hair.

He sighed and smiled back at Jeanne. “I think my pride was wounded more than my body. Ooh, but it does still smart a bit.”

“I should get you some water and maybe something to eat.” Jeanne went to get up.

“Wait, Jeanne.” He gently grabbed her right foreleg with his good hand. “Please, stay for a bit. The pain isn’t that bad, and I can wait a little bit for some food and water.”

“Okay, but just for a few minutes.” She sat back down and snuggled up to him. “There, is this what you had in mind?”

Galen chuckled as he placed his left arm around her. “Yeah. I’m sorry, Jeanne. I should have cancelled my match with Malik. Now, our weekend plans aren’t going to work.”

Jeanne shook her head and let her sapphire eyes gaze deep into his. “Don’t worry about it, Galen. We’re still together.” She patted his leg.

He nodded. “Right. Well, one thing’s for sure. I’m taking Clang’s advice. I won’t be sparring with that jerk ever again. Malik went too far.” Galen snarled under his breath.

Jeanne pulled back for a second. She had never seen such an angry look in his eyes. It nearly frightened her. But as quickly as she saw it form, it faded. Galen’s normal cheerful face and expressive eyes were back. She slid closer to him and nuzzled his cheek again. Jeanne sighed as he nuzzled her back. Regardless of the face he made, she was glad to hear she wouldn’t have to worry about him dueling Malik again.