Fallen (Original)

Several hours later:

I was slowly pulled from a dreamless sleep, the light overhead drawing all my attention to it. My head was throbbing and I could barely focus, it felt now as if someone had fully crushed my ribcage and used me like some sort of toy, slamming me against walls and the floor. But, the pain was slowly ebbing the longer I remained conscious. Now that I was fully waking up I was able to hear a quiet snoring beside me, I looked over and saw Twilight was asleep. Why was she here? Wasn’t she back at Ponyville? I reached over, my muscles aching from exertion that I couldn’t help but feel wasn’t my own, what had I done when I blacked out? Why was that little voice suddenly gone, and… why did I feel so much better for it?

Almost as if she felt my newly awakened presence Twilight’s eyes opened, her hands moving to hold mine. “You’re awake!” She gushed, lightly squeezing my hand and moving to the side of the bed.

“Yes… I am.” I smiled up at her, shakily moving her hand onto my chest, just to have at least part of her a bit closer.

“How are you feeling?” She giggled, leaning down and kissing my forehead.

“Like I’ve been trampled.” I joked, “But… I’m no worse for wear.”

“The way your body was expelling magical energy, it’s a shock you’re even awake… I’m just happy for that.” Twilight hugged me, nuzzling my neck as she shifted her hands up to my cheeks.

“I’m happy I’m alive.” I returned the gesture, caressing her cheeks. She kissed me deeply, showing just how truly happy she was to see me getting better. “Once we’re back in Ponyville, I’m going to take you out.” I said, pulling away from her lips.

“Isn’t that a little late? You’ve gotten me pregnant… and we’re nearly married.”

“Is that a reason to not get to know you better! I’d still love to know as much as I can about you…” I pulled her back into another kiss. “Is it?”

“I have an idea then… let’s hold off our wedding until we get closer, at least mentally…” She laughed.

“Great! Now… can I ask you for one more thing?” I inquired, smiling warmly.

“Anything.”

“Don’t leave.” I pulled her completely a top me, despite the slight discomfort I felt initially, her warmth and softness washed everything away.

“Why would I?” Twilight nuzzled my neck. “I’ll stay with you as long as you stay with me…”

“I love you, Twi.” I whispered, kissing her cheek as I hugged her close.

The following afternoon:

The populace had settled down over the course of the day, the guards and changelings were already hard at work cleaning up the scene of the battle, meaning it’d only be another day or so before everypony in Canterlot could fully return to their homes with no worries.

The girls were supremely worried about Twilight, as after she had gone to the medical tent they hadn’t seen her at all, the doctors and guards had been ordered to prevent anypony from entering, and none of them knew why.

Though, it wasn’t too late into the day before they saw their friend come back out, Arkantos’ slowly stumbling beside her as he tried to get used to feeling his body again. Twilight was absolutely beaming, giggling and nearly bouncing beside him. If there was even the slightest doubt in anypony’s heart about their love, this washed it away.

Now looking at Arkantos’ despite the tired and ragged look on his face, he appeared to be just as giddy, though he was far too weak to honestly show much energy. Though moments before they could reach the girls Nightlight, Shining, Velvet, and Cadance had swarmed in on them.

“He’s fine! Just please, don’t overload him.” Twilight pleaded.

“I’m not going to overload him.” Both Nightlight and Shining said simultaneously.

“I’m just worried about my…”

“Brother.” Shining finished.

“Son.” Nightlight finished.

Twilight’s smile grew. “Oh, that’s understandable, but, he’s doing just fine.” She nuzzled Ark, who gave her a soft kiss.

“Yeah, I’m doing just fine.” Ark nodded.

“That doesn’t make me worry any less. Especially after everything that’s happened…” Nightlight shook his head.

“I didn’t say don’t worry.” Ark laughed, “Why don’t we talk in a little bit? I’m not going anywhere until the doctors clear me.”

“Well, you do know where we live.” Velvet chuckled.

“And, you both will always be welcome in The Crystal Empire.” Cadance added.

“We’ll make sure to visit you both after we truly decide on where we’re going to do.” Twilight said, leading Ark off towards their friends.

“So…”

“So what?” Twilight asked.

“Is it just a single city… or, are there territories I’m missing?” Ark asked.

“It’s a single city.” Twilight replied, “Why is ther-”

“Then why call it the Crystal EMPIRE and not The Crystal City or… or anything besides Empire… it makes no sense.”

Twilight only smiled wider, “Why bring that up now of all times?”

“Because… well… I’m honestly just trying to make conversation.” Ark sighed.

“Ark, don’t worry. Just because we both decided to hold off the wedding in favor of getting closer… It doesn’t mean I love you any less.” Twilight cupped his cheeks just as they arrived in front of the other girls, she pulled him into a soft kiss. “And from now on, I’m going to call you Arky… Just so I can feel special when I call you…” She teased.

“I’d love that.” Ark smiled wider, returning the kiss.

“Yah look like yer doin pretty well.” Applejack complimented.

“It’s thanks to all of you that I am.” Ark replied, wrapping an arm around Twilight who was more than happy to hug herself against his body.

“Are you two planning anything special?” Pinkie asked.

“Actually… yes. We are.” Twilight nodded.

“Is it something big?” Rarity asked.

“We’re… actually holding off the wedding now. Just… to get closer together before it happens. Of course, we’ll have it before our foal is born…” Twilight said, nuzzling Ark’s neck.

“W… what?” Rarity said quietly.

“Really?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Yeah, we both decided it was for the best.” Ark nodded. “It’s not like we’re breaking up, or calling off the wedding.”

“Both of those would be a lie.” Twilight added. “We just… decided it was for the best to get to know more about each other. Of course… that’ll give me much much more time to plan it all…” She lead on, waiting for it.

All the other girl’s faces lit up, “That means…”

“We can all help you get it perfect!”

Twilight smiled wider, looking to Ark who just laughed. “Keeping you girls out of it would be a crime against nature.”

“You’re damn right it would be.” Twilight nuzzled him lovingly.