Chapter six. Sparkle.

Due to the fact that she had been getting out of bed later and later each day, nopony in the household took any notice when she didn’t show up for lunch. In fact, until it was noticed that she hadn't even show up to feed her animals, nopony in the house suspected anything fishy. And even then, they only sent Applebloom to check Fluttershy up. However, the young maid came back in shock and with tears in her eyes. They couldn’t get a single word out of her, so Macintosh and Mr. Le Clairvaux went to investigate further.

They found Fluttershy in her bed. Her fur was a pale yellow and her eyes were closed. They immediately understood Appleblooms reaction. Mr Le Clairvaux froze, but Macintosh leaned over to check her pulse.

“Macintosh...is she still…”

“Eyup.” Then he was silent for a while. “But just barely”

Mr Le Clairvaux swallowed hard. “Well” he said, voice shaking as he tried to hold down his emotions “The poor filly must have thought her mistress was dead, and by Solaris, she almost looks like she is.”

“Eyup.”

“My poor little girl… what has happened to you… Macintosh… give me a moment alone please.”

“Master, is that...eyup!”

Macintosh left, but he shot his master a worried eye. Mr Le Clairvaux sat down on the side of the bed and just looked at her for some minutes. Then he took her hand, and stroke it. As he did, Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes. They were dim, and almost totally lifeless. Panic erupted, and hadn’t it been for the fact that Nana came in to the room that moment, the poor mare would have died that morning. She saw a brown fluid float from Fluttershys mouth, as she tried to regain her breath. The father stood next to her with an empty glass in his hand and panic in his eyes. He had tried to give Fluttershy a glass of Brandy, however the pale mare was to weak to drink, and the result was that she almost choked on the burning liquor. From that moment, Nana took command. Macintosh was immediately sent for Dr. Turner, and Mr Le Clairvaux was sent to bed courtesy of Applejack. After that, Applejack was sat to guard at her mistress bed until the doctor arrived. Poor little Applebloom, finally, spent the hours in her grannys tight embrace, until the tears stopped.

...

Dr Turner was an old fashioned doctor, who didn’t spoke many words, and the strict opinion that layponys knew nothing worth of knowing about sickness.

The doctor performed his examination with a stiff upper lip, and no word came over his tongue but "hmm". He took her pulse, checked her blood pressure and  took her temperature without any change in his demeanour. He was deaf to all questions. But when he had to move her head to check on her eye movement, there was a sudden change. On the side of Fluttershys neck was a strange wound placed, it was a spectrum of the colours red, dark orange and brown in a twisted pattern, with two circular wounds in the center. The doctor still didn't say anything else than "hmmm".  But his face gave him away. He was shaken, almost afraid.

He gave Fluttershy a needle of sedative and wrapped up his bag. But in the hallway outside Fluttershy’s room, he stopped.

"hmm...mmm... Mr Le Clairvaux, may I speak to you in private?"

“Well, of course. Please, come with me. But, why…”

“The fewer ears that listens, the better. What I have to say… I’m not sure how to deal with it myself.”

They went into the study. The doctor put down his bag on a table.

"I will start with the good news. I didn't come too late, your daughter's life is saved."

"Oh, thank Solaris! But what is the matter with her?"

"That is a really good question… It is very unusual to lose that amount of blood, and there is no medical explanation… There are a few diseases possible, yes…” The doctor was more talking to himself than to the other stallion in the room. “But none of them covered every symptom. The wound do looks like an animal have done it.  But, an animal that size here in Equestria? I find the idea absurd. How much I hate to admit it, there is no explanation to your daughter's symptoms nor in medical or natural science. That leaves only...”

Mr Le Clairvaux swallowed. He did not like what the doctor was implying. If there was no scientific explanation, there was only one alternative left. But he refused to think that thought. It was to fantastic.

“Surely doctor, you are not saying that...” The doctor interrupted him.

“Trust me, I want this even less than you. But I feel that I have to show you my train of thoughts, so you won’t think I’m crazy. Actually, I wanted to prove the same to myself. No medical man should seek answers in the field of the fantastic, but I’m afraid i don’t have much choice… And yet… I still hesitate to tell you everything.” He was silent for a while. “Ah, I have an idea... You see, my theory is so fantastic that I can’t possibly back it up with my brief knowledge of these matters. So I have a suggestion..."

When a skilled and trusted (and conservative) Medical man have issues with a diagnosis, you listen. Mr. Le Clairvaux knew that, and though he felt the doctors words were frightening, all he said was "yes?"

"If you permit, I will send a telegram to Canterlot, to one of my old teachers, Professor Sparkle. She has studied rare diseases....among other things. I am convinced that she will be able to help me with the diagnosis....and hopefully help us with her recovery.”

With that, and the recommendation to keep an eye on Lady Fluttershy night and day, the Doctor left. The afternoon went slowly, and with a great deal of distraction. Nopony ate much during the meals, and they all took turns in watching Fluttershy. At suppertime, there came a message from the doctor.

Received positive telegram. The professor will personally visit you and look into the matter. She needs some preparation, but will arrive in Ponyville the day after tomorrow. I hope I will be there when she arrives, but I probably have a case to oversee. Two things you must remember. NEVER leave her unguarded, and keep the windows locked. When the professor arrives, we will explain all.

Best regards, Dr. Turner.

That night, they all spent the night in the room. When the morning came, they all looked back at a calm night where nothing happened. And the morning came with even better news. Fluttershy was better. She opened her eyes, even spoke a few words and manage to eat a simple breakfast. However, the next day passed as slowly as the day before. Everypony was still worked up by the tension, and Fluttershy was still unable to answer any questions about what happened. She spent most of the day sleeping, and when she spoke, it was incoherent and confusing. The words “cat”, “love” and “blood” were returning, but that didn’t explain very much.

When the evening came, everypony were pretty tired, and it was decided that while it was to early to say the danger had passed, it wouldn’t be necessary for the whole household to watch over Fluttershy. After a brief discussion, it was it was decided that Applejack and Macintosh should watch over her that night. Applejack would watch her until midnight, and then Macintosh should take over.

Applejacks watch was uneventful and pretty boring, especially for a workhorse like her. And Fluttershy still wasn’t much of a company. She was less pale, and she was awake longer, but she couldn’t sit up, and she still spoke like a drunkard. Applejack was relieved when the clock struck twelve and she could go and wake Macintosh up.

Macintosh was not comfortable with watching Fluttershy alone. Since he was no stallion of words, his opinion was quickly overruled, but at this moment, he wished he could speak up for himself better.

“Typical. Once Gran or Jack gets the word it’s impossible for anypony to take it from them”

Macintosh had a secret. He loved Fluttershy with his whole big heart, and had done so for many years. He looked at her. She had woke up a short time after he sat down next to her. She had smiled, and said “Good evening Macintosh. You really shouldn’t have to watch over me.”

He had cleared his throat, and replied “It’s no problem, mistress. Until yer safe and healthy again ah’m not leaving yer side.”

Once again, she smiled. How he loved her smile, just like an angels smile. “You’re all so nice to me… And especially you, Macintosh. So caring…” And then, she drifted off to sleep again. Macintosh was left awake with only a single candle next to him. He felt his thoughts wander away, but he shove them aside.

“No use for silly fantasies, Macintosh. She ain’t for ya. Just do yer duties.”

And so, when Rairty came visiting that night, she found her love not alone, and with a very attentive warden. She cursed silently.

Well, well… I should not be that surprised, really. And besides, this is nothing I can’t handle.

Even though Macintosh watched the room like a hawk, there still were blind spots. He did not see the black fog sipping in from the window and moving to the darkest corner of the room. He did not see how it materialized into a dark, crouching creature either. Rairty smiled to herself. This shouldn’t be too hard. She was a good judge of character, and she had seen, however briefly, the looks he had given his mistress when she wasn’t looking. If she was right, she could take advantage of that. The creature closed it’s blue eyes, and it’s horn started to glow.

Macintosh suddenly found himself filled with warmth and cosiness. He almost dozed off in his chair, but he shook it off him. But the feeling returned, even stronger. And then, he heard a voice.

Macintosh

What was that? He looked around, but saw nothing. He sat up in his chair again, all senses sharpened.

Macintosh

That voice...so sweet and cosy. No. No. It was just his imagination, there was no one there. Nothing to worry about. Maybe he should have a glass of water to clear his mind.

Macintosh

The chair was so comfy… just a quick shut-eye, not much. Just to make sure he could stay the whole night. But the mistress… wouldn’t she complain? And what would Granny say?

Sleep, Macintosh, sleep. No harm will be done to your mistress. You’re watching over her, remember?

That was true. Nothing would pass him. She could sleep safely as long as he was on guard. He was a good servant, just doing his duty.

You’re doing such a good job, Macintosh. Faithfully watching your mistress. You deserve a reward.

A reward? For him? Really?

You truly deserve a reward, Macintosh. You have served your mistress well. You deserve your rest, you hardworking stallion. Your reward, Macintosh, is sleep.

Sleep. Just to sleep. Just a short moment, not much. He had deserved it, hadn’t he? Just a short break, not long… just to...make the night...easier.

Sleep, Macintosh. Sleep. Dream about a beautiful mare. Dream about love and meadows and courting under the trees. Sleep.

Sleep.

Sleep

Soon enough, he was snoring, and Rairty walked over to the bed.

“As I always say, if you want it done properly, send a mare to do it.”

Rairty watched the two ponies sleeping. There was some really interesting stuff she found in Macintosh’s mind. That could be useful later. But for now, it was business as usual. She lay herself in the bed, next to Fluttershy. She put her arms around her, and kissed her. Fluttershy instantly awoke. She smiled, a weak, but happy smile.

“My love… you came back…”

“I promised, didn’t I? I am a mare of my word, my love.”

Fluttershy blushed. “Will you...love me...tonight, like before?”

“No”

Fluttershy couldn’t hide the disappointment, but smiled anyway. “That’s ok. If you don’t want to…”

“I want to. Never doubt that, my love. I want you. I need you.” With those words said, she locked lips with Fluttershy, and didn’t let go until the disappointment had disappeared from her face. “Never doubt my intentions, Fluttershy. I love you, and I will make you mine. But tonight, the lover's duties has to be set aside. I need your help.”

“Anything, my love.”

“Good. Have you told anyone about me?”

“No.”

“Good. Please don’t. Don’t tell a soul about me, or what we have done.”

Fluttershy nodded, but suddenly, she stiffened. “But..my love… why shouldn’t I...are you ashamed of me? Are you ashamed of what we did?”

Rairty wasn’t prepared for this reaction, and was silent, just staring at Fluttershy.

“You are ashamed! I was bad, wasn’t I? I am not good enough, I’m not worthy, I am not…” She started to cry. Rairty couldn’t help but to sigh. She loved this mare, but she was surprised how low her self-esteem could be at times. She started to caress her mane, and kissed her forehead. The crying ceased, and Fluttershy looked at her, with big childish eyes.

“My love, you were marvellous. It’s not about that. I am not ashamed. But darling, we still need to do this the proper way. And you remember when you gave me your blood?” Fluttershy nodded. “Some ponies disapproves of that behaviour. We need to be a bit discreet, and until the time is right, don’t tell anypony about this. Now, tell me darling, have anypony talked about this?”

“Yes… I have been sleeping most of the time. But the doctor was here. He looked worried.”

“Mhm. Anything else?”

“They all sat and watched me the other night. They are so kind…”

Good thing I choose not to come last night, then, Rairty thought. “Anything else?”

“Well… Father said something about a Professor.” Rairty froze. A professor? There was one pony she knew of, that was indeed a professor. And that pony could threw all of her plans overboard. If only everything was prepared, and she could take her with her tonight! But she needed more time...  She tried to keep her demeanor steady, but it was futile. Fluttershy had noticed.

“My love? Is something wrong?”

Rairty was silent. There was of course the possibility that this was just something harmless, but… she could not take that risk. She locked eyes with Fluttershy, and hardened her grip on her.

“Now, you listen, my love. You must not tell anypony about me. This is not a request, this is an order. Do not tell anypony! Especially not the professor. Those ponies are...bad ponies.”

Fluttershy replied in a daze. “order....not tell anyone….bad ponies.”

“Good. Good. That’s my good little Fluttershy. Now, I will stay with you just a little longer, and then I will leave. But I will come back to you, never doubt that, my love. Now, rest in my arms.”

Macintosh woke up in a flash. Had he been asleep? Horseapples, he had been asleep! He arose, and looked around the room. Nothing. He looked at his sleeping mistress. Nothing. Steady breathing, just as beautiful as always. He was ashamed to have been sleeping on the job, but, no harm had been done. And now he could keep his watch for the rest of the night. He sank back into his chair, not noticing the black fog sipping out through the window.

The next morning came early with the doctor. He had his bag and a telegram. The telegram said that the professor was to arrive with the 11.27 train, and Macintosh was sent to the station to pick her up. The doctor examined Fluttershy, and to everyponys joy, she was much better. She ate a healty breakfast, and her speach was not as confusing as the night before. The doctor decided that she sould remain in bed until the professor arrived. They had coffee, and Mr Le Clairvaux told the doctor about the strange words Fluttershy had told them.

“Yes… yes, that confirms… no, not confirms but… Well, it suits with my theory. No, I will not tell you more now, the professor will soon be here to tell you everything.” Unfortunately, a messenger showed up. The doctor was needed in the village. And therefore only Nana, Mr le Clairvaux and Applejack was ready to welcome the visitor when she arrived. As Macintosh entered the courtyard and the carriage, a Grey earthmare stepped out. She had a cold demeanour, and she wore a black suit. Daring enough she wore trousers. She looked exactly like they imagined a professor from Canterlot university would look like.

“Ah, professor! It is a pleasure! I hope you will be able to spread some light over this…”

The grey earthmare interupted him.

"I am terribly sorry, but you are mistaken. I am not professor Sparkle, merely her humble assistant.  Octavia Melody at your service. The professor found... Something interesting down the road, and she had to take a look. But she will be right here.”

As she spoke, a purple unicorn mare galloped into the courtyard with a hearty smile. "Hello everypony! I am so sorry but I just HAD to follow the eteric trace of an elf. They are SO rare these days. Oh, horseapples, where are my glasses…”

Mr Le Clairvaux had been travelling the world and seen a lot of things, but never had he encountered a more rare species than professor Twilight Sparkle. If Doctor Turner had been there, the house might have been a bit more prepared. Even Fluttershy knew a bit about her. The Professor was a central subject of the gossip at the University. Her students called her 'eccentric'. Most other student called her 'a total nutcase'. But nopony could really describe her in another way than “well...she is Sparkle.” At the university, Fluttershy used to give those students a scolding, but when she actually saw her in person the first time, she was inclined to agree.

The ponies standing in the courtyard this day shared the same feeling. The professor was wearing a black top hat, with a strange pair of thick goggles laying on the brim. On her muzzle was placed another pair of green-lenced glasses which she constantly peaked over (and forgot she was wearing). Her hair was purple with a pink streak, but it was unkept, and flooded over her back like a wild stream. She wore a black suit jacket over a equally black long dress, complete with a corset, and around her waist, she had a dark green shimmering belt. She wore fingerless black gloves, and in her left hand, she held a notepad. Her eyes shifted focus instantly, which gave the impression of attention, intelligence, and total confusion at the same time. There was no other word to describe her than..."Sparkle".

“Oh, there they are... Oh, but my manners! Good day, dear sir! You must be mr. Le Clairvaux. Oh, but what a MANSION! The telekinetic energies here must be… how old is this house? No, don’t tell me don’t tell me… 1674!"

“Uhm… 1690 actually… but, Professor…”

“1690...DAMNIT!”

“Professor, do you want to..”

“What I want? What I WANT? Oh, my good sir, TONS of things! I want to travel the world, I want to succesfully merge a cake with a sandwhich, I want to find THE BEST COFFEE IN THE UNIVERSE! But that is not why I’m here. Octavia, please take care of the instruments. And, my good stallion, thanks for the ride. Are you now capable of the transportation of our luggage?”

“Ahm sorry?”

“Oh, by SOLARIS! Did that lazy horse Turner tell you NOTHING? This affair will take at least three days! We need somewhere to sleep, and it should be close to the subject in question! Now, where are our quarters? Oh, nevermind, I’ll find them myself!”

She took one of her bags, and trotted in through the main door. Left on the courtyard was four very surpriced household members and a grey earth pony with a face that spoke of thousands of similar events. Picking up a cello case and a violin case, she spoke.

“Sorry about the professor, she is like that all the time. Better get used to it. Well, as the professor said, this process will take a while, and it would be best if we could stay here during the time. We need two rooms. Can that be arranged? Oh, and get Dr Turner to come here as soon as he can.”