Above Eagles

    Is this love?

    I had never seen someone so beautiful-- and that, I can say truthfully. No offense, feminists.

    Her snow white coat resembled the perfect balance of beaueousness and firmness, as if she knew of the beauty she gave off, but was still rooted in charge. Both her mane and tail were curly and purple, but there was so much more than just that. The azure eyes which graced her equally graceful face were locked on me, and in that moment, I knew what Heaven felt like. Because she smiled.

    "Oh!" Rarity exclaimed, the seas of blue never leaving my own. "You must be Andrew! I've heard much about you from Rainbow Dash. My, you're much more handsome than I had expected! Well, I'm glad we can finally meet under better circumstances than before... My friends have been talking about you non-stop since that day!" A look passed on her face. "...I hope that didn't come out too disturbing for you, Darling. I meant nothing of it."

    She called me handsome. And darling. And she was my new housemate indefinitely.

    How long have I been here? Four days? Five days? It didn't matter. It just felt like a roller-coaster of emotion, not a life. Pain, guilt, and anger? Already know 'em. Happiness, friendship, and security? I'd kill to know those guys. But love? Celestia-dammit, I was shaking its warm, fuzzy hoof right now!

    "Tell me, Nurse Redheart, why must a poor, undeserving stallion like this be placed in such... ghastly confinement? He's not a psycho, for Celestia's sake! Why, he's thrust in here comme un cheveu sur la soup!"

Com uhn shuvuh ser la soop... What language is that? I mean, it's definitely far out there if it hasn't clicked with my ever-so expanding knowledge of world culture~.

    I'm being sarcastic, by the way.

    "Andrew has been experiencing frequent acts of somnambulism in the past. We thought it'd be fitting to make sure everything is nice and padded, where no harm can be done."

    Rarity peered over to Redheart's way. "Oh... Somnambulism? Please explain."

    "It's a synonym for noctambulism."

    "Which is?"

    "Sleepwalking, Rarity."

    "Ah."

    The beauty which was Rarity trotted more into the room, the door enveloped in an azure mist before closing gently behind her. The mare pulled a chair up to the side of my bed with her magic, and sat on it afterwards. A warm smile was planted on her features--

Her MAGIC?!

    My focus snapped to the closed door. Then, the chair. Then, Nurse Redheart. The mare's reaction was in my same league, her cyan eyes as wide as saucers as she almost stumbled to the floor. Yet, her hooves eventually caught up with her as she stood again, although her flabbergasted visage stayed intact.

    "Well, I'm sure some bubble wrap paper on the corners of the walls wouldn't have been too much of a fuss," Rarity remarked, meanwhile. Her beautiful smile soon diminished, transforming into a thin line as her eyes met my chest, covered with the sheets of the bed. Rarity let a sympathetic drop enter those blue irises of hers. "I apologize for intruding, but... may I?"

    I was still recovering from the initial shock. I felt numb all over again, and I hoped to whatever God out there that my lunch had made some restraints in my stomach. Nurse Redheart was still staring at me, although her features were gradually growing more stoic, now at the level of "dumbfounded." She looked like a complete idiot, but so did I.

    I tried to recover as smoothly as I could, and by the look on Rarity's face, I thought I did pretty damn well. With a brief nod, the unicorn's horn glowed. Its azure counterpart engulfed the sheets of my bed, drawing them off my chest. I felt the blood rush to my head, and briefly thought of using my talent to keep it from betraying my stoicness.

    Rarity's eyes widened momentarily. I knew they were examining the ugly wound, most likely thinking of the night it was inflicted. The blood, once again, rushed to my face as the unicorn's own turned a shade greener, her eyes unfocusing on the gash. I took that as a sign, and quickly pulled the covers back up.

    Rarity turned away and swallowed. I simply turned away.

    Too much was happening right now! I didn't know what to react to! I just met the single most beautiful pony in my life, just before she developed a good reason to not be impressed by my antics, and had what I believed to be an anti-magic radius around my body be diminished, just like that. Was I still able to even use my ability? I didn't know, and frankly didn't want to test it.

    I was brought back from my thoughts when, after a few seconds, Rarity's appetite was to not see the light of day.

    "I'm sorry, Andrew," she apologized almost immediately. "I thought I could handle it the second time around. I sincerely apologize."

    Great. Now I felt guilty, along with all those other feelings. I was about to apologize, also, but Nurse Redheart stepped in. I was suddenly grateful, too, as I remembered my verbal condition.

    "Rarity, why don't you tell Andrew about his temporary home?" Her voice was pithy and cautious, as if she was afraid of the white unicorn!

    Another one of those sounds only a squeaky toy could make emitted from Rarity. I turned back to the unicorn to see a twinkle in her eye. It was as if she had forgotten all about the wound, and once again, her flamboyant smile resurfaced.

    "Oh! Why, yes. I forgot all about my previous endeavors! Andrew, I hope you'll be just fine staying at the Carousel Boutique..." She paused, as if waiting for a response. Never heard of it. I made that clear with a shake of my head. "Wow, you truly are new in town, I suppose," Rarity acknowledged. "Well, I won't leave you in the unknown. The Carousel Boutique is the head of fashion in Ponyville! It sells a wide variety of dresses and hats, all vended by yours truly. Not only that, but it's also the place I call home. I hope you don't mind pet cats and little sisters, though."

    Can't say I've had either.

    "Well! I suppose you can stay in the guest room-- that is what it is for, after all. My pet cat, Opalescence, shouldn't be a problem-- she doesn't like dusty corners... Don't worry, though! It'll be all tidied up by the time you arrive." Rarity tapped her chin with a hoof. "Tell me, Andrew, are you fond of cats?"

    I bit my tongue. For this long, I had been restraining myself from talking, and for three good reasons: one, being I sounded like a four year old. Two, being I cannot screw up this relationship. She was the only pony I was willing to bunk with indefinitely. And then three, being I sounded like a four year old. All three were unique and downright terrifying in their own way. I glanced Nurse Redheart's way for help. She was giving me a stare, and for a second, I didn't know why. Then, I was reminded of the anti-anti-magic powerhouse sitting beside me. Today was not a good day for me...

    ...Ah, shit. Small words first.

    "Sure," I said plainly. It sounded like a golden attempt to me, but to her (being as civilly educated as she sounded), I sounded like I was from Da Hood. Evident by her face. Well, God dammit.

    "Well, that will be a trait that will bode well," Rarity nodded. "Opal does seem to be around in the most unlikely of situations... As I was saying, I will provide you with a bed, closet, and restroom. I hope it will be enough-- I'm a little tight on money at the moment." A tap of her chin. "I'll have to introduce you to Sweetie Belle when you come over. The eighteen-plus rule to visit is quite unnessesary in my opinion."

    "It is indeed nessesary," Nurse Redheart joined in, trotting beside Rarity. There was noticeably less shakiness in her step, but the unwavering surprise was still cemented in her eyes.

    Rarity peered up at Redheart, letting out a mildly accusing, "Huh." The nurse took that a completely different way, waiting until the unicorn turned back to me before taking a few big steps back, wearing a face like she had juaf dodged a bullet. "Continuing off of my previous topic, early breakfast and late dinner will be provided. You needn't pay anything; you are a guest, after all. Lunch, you will need to go out to eat. I apologize, but hard work never sleeps! I'll have a talk with Pinkie Pie or Applejack, seeing if they'd like to show you the best places to eat. They both know the town like the back of their hoof!" A look passed on her face. "Oh, it's just dawned on me that you haven't met Applejack. Perhaps a brief visit could be arranged...?" Rarity turned to Nurse Redheart expectantly. The latter seemed to object at first, but then reluctantly agreed?? Was Nurse Redheart scared of Rarity?

    ...Wait. Back up a bit. Nurse Redheart is scared of Rarity. I mean... Rarity.

What. The fuck.

    "Excellent!" my new Love was exclaiming meanwhile. "I'll tell her to come over sometime. How's tomorrow sound? ...Fantastic!" Rarity turned back to me. "Applejack is a close friend of mine. She's very congenial, although a bit on the more literal side of things. Either way, I think you two will become great friends."

    I nodded, unfeeling.

    "Well, let's see... You already know my name by now, via Nurse Redheart there. I've told you about your new home and other occupants... Oh, that's right! I've mentioned before that the Carousel Boutique is a public shop, have I not? Many ponies will come in and out a day, so I hope you're fine with visitors. Do not worry, though, nopony is permitted to our private quarters. D'accord, so we've got that out of the way. The room? Check. Food schedule and Ponyville? Check. What did I miss...?" Rarity tapped her chin, looking away in thought for a moment before mentally 'ah-ha!'ing. "Oh, right! Please make sure to wipe your hooves before entering. You'd be surprised by how many customers come in each day with no concern of my property!"

    I nodded yet again. That seemed to calm the unicorn, as she let out a happy sigh, settling back in her chair. The informational side of her face diminished smoothly when she opened her mouth again. "Well, now that all the nit-picky, nessesary details are out of the way, I'll tell you some about myself."

    Yes! About time!

    "As you know, my name is Rarity. I'm an A-list designer and fabricater of dresses, hats, shoes, really anything clothing related! I've lived in Ponyville for most of my life, but I frequently travel to the fashion capitals of the world-- in fact, I'm booked for a flight to Fance this Winter, for a contest."

    I'm no psychologist, but I think she likes clothes.

    "Miss Rarity? Um, this is an interview, not a resumé..." Nurse Redheart joined in, although cautiously. She kept her distance with the fashionista. "Andrew needs some time to rest. Could you...?"

    "Oh! How rude of me. I forgot this was not a casual matter." Rarity's horn glowed once again, placing the chair back in its original corner. Both Redheart and I's eyes were excruciatingly trained on the floating furniture, from its take-off to its descent. "I'm glad I could finally meet you, Andrew, and that you're recovering swimmingly. I hope we'll get to know each other very well in the future!"

    You have no idea, my cheveu sur la soup.

    After a quick thank you to Nurse Redheart, Rarity exited the room with her now memorable grace. The moment that door shut from behind, Redheart dashed to my bedside, snatched the pillow from underneath (the back of my head earning a sudden introduction to the padded wall behind), quickly turned around and sat on my bed, and screamed in that sucker!

    Wait, wait, wait! Ah-ha! She actually--?! Oh, this is GOLD! Nurse Redheart, Queen of Verbal Abuse and Domination, screaming into a pillow. She's finally getting what she deserves! I need to remember this for the rest of eternity! Mind Tape Recorder is now ON! Oh, what does she sound like?

"MMMMMGAAAAHHGG!!"

    Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Nurse Redheart. Having a breakdown. In a pillow. Just... Mwah. Please, show me more of your grief. I need it. For psychological recovery.

    Nurse Redheart finished her initial outburst and turned away. She stayed in that pose for quite some time, and neither of us spoke to one another. I was too busy silently celebrating! Redheart's figure rose and fell as she finally let out a long sigh.

    "Try to see this from my point of view," I heard from the turned mare. Steadily, my ears rose. Her voice was tinged with something I had never heard before. "I don't know... what is going on around here, Andrew--" The first time she said my name without an ounce of venom in her voice? "--But this is... you..." Once again, her face drooped into the pillow with distinct intent. My schadenfreude eventually faded, replaced with slight guilt--

No. Naddah. Nope. I am not feeling bad for her! She's the one who had constantly verbally abused me, put me under (shudder) Stress Tests, and drugged me before redecorating my entire room so I look like a psychopath! That's three solid reasons right there! Rule of Thirds! I win the argument. End of story.

    ...Oh, stop peering off into the distance, Redheart! I'm not falling for your pretentious bullshit. I am God damn immune to your self-pity. ...No, seriously, stop looking away. It's weird-- just... just look at me and cry. So I can see your sadness head-on, of course! Not that I feel bad for you. Come on, be a mare...! God dammit, look at me!

    ...Oh, for buck's...

    ...I feel bad for her. There. I thought it. You happy for this character development bullshit? Just look at her for Celestia's sake! Shit... Now I feel guilty.

    "Four days ago, I met you," Nurse Redheart's voice sounded, whisping away my thoughts like a swift tornado. "You had a hole... straight through your chest. Your heart is destroyed, Andrew. We were stitching you back up when I saw it." The mare shuddered quietly and numbly, holding the pillow close. "Do you know what it's like to have everything you've worked for, your entire life, just... torn down? I've wanted to become a nurse for a long time. I wanted to save lives, Andrew. I wanted to save ponies from what happened to you, but... you're alive. A spear. Straght through your heart." I felt cold inside. Now, I felt complete guilt take over. "Everything you work for, you've sacrificed for, you've strived for, just proven wrong right in your face. Andrew, it feels like you've never been helping anypony to begin with. You just don't know what to believe anymore. You're lost...

    "Three nights ago, you showed me your talent." I felt the warm embrace of embarrassment hug my features. "I was coming back to get some papers, when I saw you fall. I dashed forward, running to catch you, but then... you floated. You avoided death from unavoidable odds. I just couldn't believe it, and the next day you confirm the fact that you have telekinesis, as an earth pony. Not magic - there's no aura. But telekinesis." Nurse Redheart stopped talking, letting a dragged-out sigh escape from her diaphragm. She hesitated on the next part, not wanting to continue. I somewhat knew what was coming, before the bitter information came to light. "I know you were listening two nights ago. In all honesty, I wasn't angry, I was scared. What if Cactus Blossom died, and you just lost control? I know you're not a bad pony, Andrew. Twilight helped me realize it that night." Nurse Redheart's back stayed turned at me as she slowly looked up. "I've seen two clips since then."

    I didn't bother to question her. My ears didn't perk up. I certainly didn't attack. I just...

    I didn't want her to be scared of me, God dammit. I've been alive for four days, and not one has been without anger or sadness. I needed somepony to not be a cause of those.

    "Andrew, I've seen you have friends," Redheart whispered. "I've seen you as your true self. I've seen you gain your powers."

    My hoof started to twitch again, but this time, I stopped it.

    She sighed again. "...I thought I knew what to believe again. You were just different. It wasn't me, it wasn't my profession, it was just you. But then, Rarity walked through that door, and just tore down my beliefs again. Your anti-magic radius has its exceptions, Andrew. Just like my tolerance of... what's been happening." Nurse Redheart stayed calm, the only movement of her being the gentle rising and falling of her back. Her ears were flattened as if a weed hacker had trimmed them off, and the way her head was bowed amplified that impression.

    I stayed quiet, peering at the nurse I previously detested. Why hadn't I seen this before? Of course this was my fault. The very first time I met her I literally ripped open my chest, shattering her life's work. Then, she saw me use my ability redhoofed. Then the clips. Then, my anti-magic radius weakness. Now, I didn't want to know anything about my past; that could wait. I just want her to know something.

    She must've heard me scooting closer, as Redheart immediately stood up and clopped to the floor. Anxiously, she turned around rubbing the back of her head. "A hoofshake will do just fine, Andrew," she stated brusquely. "I'm... not a hugger."

    I sat their awkwardly, my arms stretched out like a bird before I realized what I must've looked like. After quickly adjusting myself and nodding respectfully, I backed up into my resting spot before holding out my hoof. She trotted around the bed before extending her own hoof, and slowly went up and down after gripping mine. The two joined appendages looked like they wrapped around each other snake-like, yet it felt... weird. There's no other way to put it in words besides "two trios of fingers intertwining," but that couldn't do it justice.

    A small, formal smile planted itself on her features, and stayed intact as we shook hooves. I let a complacent curve form on the corner of my mouth, too. Did this mean we were friends? Or, perhaps, acquaintances? Either way, it was an improvement.

    "I'm afraid this doesn't change... a lot of things, but I'll try to go easier on the Stress Tests," Nurse Redheart informed just after her hoof hit the floor again. "I'm normally not supposed to treat somepony differently, but then again, you are no pony."

    At least she knew me well enough to know I didn't take offense. I joined in the inside joke with, "And I'm already different."

    Redheart's smile stayed intact. "Your speech is coming in great." We shared some time together in peace, for the first time in my life. No fights, no levitating something from behind her head, and no glares at backs. We were finally on good terms, and frankly, I enjoyed it more than what I thought revenge would be like.

    "Let's just agree on something," Nurse Redheart put in my head. "No more surprises, both ways."

    I knew what she meant, even if I wished it wasn't so. No more pestering anypony for any information concerning my own life, period. It was unfair in a way, but I didn't want to screw up this relationship. As my teeth resisted the urge to grit, I nodded. My smile, however, diminished to a neutral line.

    "Andrew, please behave yourself, and that... other part of yourself. This will be the mare to show you around town, and the last thing you need is a bad relationship with said pony. And as complimentary advice, Applejack makes a great said pony."

    I nodded intentionally. "I know a few said pownies."

    Redheart gave me a ludic eye before backing out of the doorway, leaving me with my thoughts. It was silent in the small room, the only sounds coming from outside the door. It was muffled, but I heard a collection of fans and AC-units consistently in the hallway. Occasionally, a pony would emit hoofsteps as she walked past the door, and once or twice I heard one of those rolling-bed-thingies squeal by.

    My head went limp, plopping down on the cushioned square known as a pillow. My thoughts steadily drifted toward the events of the previous day. Just how did Rarity pass through my anti-magic radius? Or, was it more like she was cancelling out my talent entirely? I'd have to try something next time we're together. Is it not only Rarity who is immune to it? What about her friends? No, that can't be; Rainbow Dash and Twilight were both impacted when they were here. Pinkie, I have no idea. How many did Pinkie say Dash told about me, again? Five. So, that leaves testing on Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and the last pony, whom I haven't heard of yet. Or, is it something else entirely.

    My brain hurt from just thinking about it. I was half expecting my nose to bleed, or at least a simple whimper, but none of those came. Looks like I was well on my way to normal-ponyness...

    ...Ah, screw it. That won't come for a long time.

"...say Ah've ever seen nuthin' like it," came an apprehensive, muffled voice. The thick accent reminded me of cacti for some reason. "Ah' mean, I'm no medical pony, but Ah' know somepony jus' don't survive a wound like that. It scared the horseapples outta Fluttershy! Almost gave Twi' a heartattack, too. Rainbow definitely handled it th' best, thank Celestia. Ah' mean, I know yer' a medical... 'doctor pony'(?), an' ya know what yer' doin'. But, Ah've got to ask: how the Hell did he survive?" A few seconds of silence passed. When the Southern mare spoke again, the anxiety was radiating from just outside the door. "Pardon mah' Fancy. An' no offense to Andrew. But how does somepony survive a spear through the heart?"

    "I could answer that," Nurse Redheart confided. "But, wouldn't you like to hear it from Andrew himself?"

    A pause.

    "He's right behind this door, ain't he?" Applejack clarified, questioning. Another beat. Most likely Redheart nodding. "Ah. Didn't know that, aheh... Well, Ah' guess he should've heard that after all. Never was any good at keeping secrets, anyway."

    "You'll be surprised by how much he's improved," Nurse Redheart notified. A beam of phlegm warmed me.

    The door to my room opened, letting in some color as Nurse Redheart stepped in. A knowing glance from her and solid mettle from me was all the conversation we had. Then, the white earth pony advanced into the cushioned room, making way for the newcomer: Applejack. She entered the room with a sort of modest confidence, her chest puffed out slightly as her tail was held high. Still, a friendly smile and calm eyes implanted the theme of amity in her face. Applejack's coat was a darkish orange, yet I noticed a fair amount of bruises and scrapes on the hardened muscles, almost exclusively on the legs. Green eyes shone from under the brim of a Stetson hat, which covered an unkept, blonde mane. I knew said mane existed via the exit of the hat from her head. She reached up and grabbed the accessory, before holding it down to her chest. A coy chuckle sounded from her.

    "Ah' apologize for talkin' behind yer' back, Mr. Andrew," she defended weakly. "Well, err... it's mighty nice to meet ya! Let's get started." She made her way to my bedside, extending a hoof. I took it, and she shook it lead-footedly. "Name's Applejack. But Ah' guess ya already know that. Ah'll be your guide for Ponyville when ya get out, along with Pinkie Pie."

Pinkie Pie? Celestia-dammit, I forgot she was helping, too! Seriously, I don't think I need any more insanity in my life. But, to spare any negativity, I held my tongue with laborious politeness...

    ...She's looking at my chest. Of course. Laborious politeness my ass. I sent a glare her way.

    "Sorry!" she quickly apologized. "My mistake. But, uh... ya honestly can't blame me, can ya?"

    Nurse Redheart smirked. I gave a stinted smile. Applejack rubbed the back of her head, putting her Stetson back on. "Yeah. Guess there's no gettin' outta that one. Can we move along now?"

    "Uh-huh," said I. Thankfully, Applejack's attention derived from the stitches on my chest. For some reason, the gash started to itch again. The urge was resisted, out of exasperation of the mare's attention to the wound.

    "Well, 'suppose Ah' better start with informalities," Applejack chuckled. "Ya already know mah' name, but Ah'm also the head of Sweet Apple Acres! Family ran, homemade, and Manufacturer of only the best apples an' apple pastries! We also sell our famous apple cider, critically acclaimed at that! Hard or soft, too!"

    Is it just me, or do all Rainbow Dash's friends own a shop, one way or another?

    "Your friend Rarity was also passionate about her work," Nurse Redheart put in from behind.

    "One of the only things we have in common," AJ grinned. I noticed the aura of meekness was gently wearing off.

    The next hour was spent listening to Applejack explaining herself, her family, and her work. Apparently, she lived with a big brother, little sister, and grandmother (all of which equally passionate in their work. One of which acceptably doing the work.). A farm was her home, including an expansive land which held the actual apples-- she charged everypony for each and every apple they took, domesticated or not. She didn't talk much about her actual self, leaning more towards telling me about her friends, but I got enough by myself. Hard-working, definitely. Tough, competitive, half laid-back, half tear-through-Ponyville-to-catch-that-pesky-apple-stealing-varmint. A fraction as pugnacious as Rainbow Dash, but at least 1.5x as strong. Utterly disgusted by Rarity's "Lady Antics" (I think I felt some fur bristle at her low view of Her Majesty's unbeatable charm), but still tolerant of their differences. Same goes with Fluttershy (who's apparently an animal pony) and Twilight (who's apparently not a talkative one. Who woulda thought?). Her only similarity with Pinkie was the mere fact they were going to be my escorts. She wasn't even sure they existed in the same universe.

    Applejack was, indeed, that pony.

    Sometimes, you can't resist.

    I know what they told me. I know the looks on their faces, the tears on the cheeks. I remember the way they screamed at me, they cried. A blender of voices, my ears the blade assembly.

    "I know how easy it is," they were screaming calmly. "I know that you might think it's the right thing to do. That you can still retain your morality. That this is just one, the only one, exception. You're thinking, this isn't someone on the street. This isn't someone that has something to live for. This is HIM. JUST. Him. The person who ruined your life, beat you mercilessly, never behaved like the person he was supposed to be. This is the person who blames you for everything. Even her death. You would only kill this man... JUST this man... He deserves it. The police were going to do it if you didn't.

    "But... listen to me. You do not want to go down that road. It's like a steep hill. If you pull that trigger, it'll kill you just as much as him. What happens next time you're pushed to the edge? You'll think 'just this once' again. You'll blind yourself with more reasons, less irrational than the last. Then, the next and the next and the next. Before you know it, your standards are destroyed. Your morality is gone. You're wanted, you're constantly on the run, and you're in hellacious regret. I know this to be true.

    "You have people you love. You are young. You are nothing like me. I'm a murderer, a criminal. I kill people for fun. And it all started with the very situation you're in. 'Just this once.'"

    My ears were deaf to their pleas. The gun's barrel was now drawing blood, the pressure increasingly painful for my victim. I twisted and pushed on it, the forehead underneath at my complete mercy. His eyes were closed, not in pain, but in respect. The very first ounce of respect he's had of me. But, it was too little, too late. A lowering of the head and a closing of the eyes for a lifetime of pain. Of feeling horrible about myself. Of constantly enduring his drunk rage, his blind blaming, and most importantly, his distrust. He never deserved my love. He never deserved my respect. He never deserved my mercy. And if I was going to go down this path as a consequence, so be it.

    I pulled the trigger. Instantly, the crowd ceased all noise. My vision was engulfed with a creamy white as, suddenly, I was falling backwards. I couldn't see much, besides the bottom of Cloudsdayle, slowly wisping away. Above me were thousands upon thousands of ponies falling with me. They were screaming, flailing, and crying almost as much as I would have, if I had any control.

    But, I have no control.

    It was, apparently, "hospital policy."

    The tough fabric underneath reminded me of a hammock of sorts. If, of course, said hammock was suspended by a metal bar just behind the back of my neck, another under my backside, and the last below my knees. In fact, that was exactly what it was. An uncomfortable, mobile hammock.

    "...yes, her. She's for patient pickup; Andrew. ...Yes, that is his name. What were you expecting, Summer Cupcake? He didn't get to choose."

    I was at the main level of the Ponyville Hospital. In front of me was Nurse Redheart, her back turned to me as she jawed away with another doctor; a gray stallion with orange eyes and blue hair, behind a counter. Medical mumbo jumbo, papers, and even more medical mumbo jumbo was filed on the counter top, a certain clipboard between him and Redheart. It was around the time Rarity came and picked me up, along with my "complimentary wheelchair." As if I needed any more embarrassment. My eyes wandered to the rest of the relatively large room, letting my chin rest on a hoof as a brusque eyebrow was raised. To my right was a row of five metal chairs attached to the wall just behind. A few meters more, and the wall bent into a corner (a small decorative tree resided in front of the crease) before repeating the furniture's placement. After the chairs ended, there was a set of double doors leading to the outside world. Sunlight passed through the windows around me, two on my wall and two on the other, to greet each other in the middle. Two twin windows on the double doors also put in their grain of salt. The floor was tile, and I could just barely see my reflection if I looked down.

    Nurse Redheart, the stallion, and I were the only ones in the base level.

    Moments later, the first mentioned pony finished her conversation. The papers returned to their original spot, under the counter, after the stallion wrote something with a red marker on them. Redheart nodded, before making her way back to me, grabbing my wheelchair handles, and pushing away.

    "If you need help with anything," she said before I could. "You know where to find me."

    I nodded. But, for now, her attention would have to wait. I was finally going outside! Out of this hospital hell hole! No more Stress Tests, broken Automatic-IV machines, or...

    ...victims.

    My excitement died just as swiftly as it came. Nurse Redheart must have seen my attitude change, as she laid a counseling hoof on my shoulder. It was warm and gentle, unlike the calculating manner she was infamous for. "Cactus Blossom will be open for meetings next week. Come whenever you'd like, and I'll make sure you can get an appointment. Anypony who says otherwise can take it up with me."

    An appreciative smile planted itself on my features. We were nearing the double doors now, and I felt my hooves twitch with excitement at the sunshine outside.

    "Andrew?" I heard from behind. "I'd take a few days to get used to your surroundings, and--" her voice lowered to a whisper. "--new body. Practice jogging and running a few times each day, and be patient. It'll come slowly, but soon you'll have full control. And please try to refrain from using your talent..." She paused. "...You're just going to do it anyways, I suppose. Try to keep it a secret as long as you can, but when the time finally comes, bring whoever saw you to me."

    I nodded. I was definitely going to practice my limits in the future, but for now, a secret it was. I quickly devised three exact rules to keep Redheart satisfied: 1. No using it on living things. 2. I shouldn't use it when I'm angry. That's it. And 3. No using it in public.

    ...Woah. Déjà vu.

    "Good luck, Andrew," Nurse Redheart urged finally, as she stopped my wheelchair just in front of the double doors. She trotted forward, pushing the doors open.

    "Thanks for everything," I said numbly.