A Master of Deceit

A soft moan of pain escaped Remiel's lips as he tried to move his body but the stiffness in his joints kept him still. Finally his eyes began to open to a blurry world. He grunted in annoyance. This was getting to be too common an occurrence. Suddenly he heard footsteps off to his right.

"Are you awake?" an unfamiliar voice asked.

"Wh-Where," Remiel began to ask in a dry, husky voice as a blurred figure stepped into his sight.

"Don't speak, save your strength," the figure told him. "Right right you're in the royal wing of Canterlot Medical." Remiel was confused by the words.

"H-Hospital?"

"Yes, now stop talking and rest," the figure ordered. Remiel did not like being told what to do. The figure turned away, but he fought through the pain of his stiff muscles and grabbed what felt like the doctor or nurse's shirt.

"The others!" he gasped out. "Where are the others?" He was forced to retract his hand as he succumbed to another one of his attacks.  Phlegm and blood flew from his lips as the coughing caused his sore body to convulse and shake. Suddenly a loud, rapid beeping rang in his ears.

"Dear Celestia!" the mare gasped. "Doctor! Somepony get the doctor!" Remiel's mind began to swirl as the sounds all blended together into a confusing jumble of noises. Until one voice broke through.

"Hold him down before he hurts himself!" Remiel felt hands press down on his arms and legs while another set turned his head to the side and held it there.

"Somepony get the anesthetic!"

"We can't give him that until he stops  coughing up blood or he'll suffocate on it!" Finally the coughing subsided and Remiel lay still, his eyes growing heavy. The hands that held him down disappeared and a single blurred figure stepped into his line of sight.

"Can you hear me?" a voice asked, but it sounded like it was under water. Remiel weakly nodded his head. His eyes began to slowly close. "That's right, just rest now."

"We need to inform the princesses, he might be sick."

"I doubt that, but better safe than sorry, I suppose." And with that, Remiel passed into yet another deep sleep, but this time he wasn't spared the nightmare that had been plaguing him for years. Suddenly his eyes shot open as he desperately gasped for air. The sudden burst of light made him squint his eyes as he tried to slow his rapid heartbeat. The next thing to register with him was a very loud and rapid beeping sound. Opening his eyes slowly, Remiel saw a white tiled ceiling above him. He looked to his sides and saw several familiar pieces of equipment. He was in a hospital?

It was then it came back to him that he had woken up before. An annoyed grunt escaped his lips as he turned his head and saw the heart monitor beside him. Forcing himself into a sitting position he noticed both his arms were heavily bandaged. Ignoring the bandages for the moment, he traced the wires back to his chest with his arm, when he also noticed the heavily bandaged area near his left shoulder. Remiel gave a small smirk of satisfaction. For the time being at least, it seems that his plan has worked. At least he assumed it had by the lack of restraints tying him down to the bed. The beeping in his ear was beginning to give him a headache. Without thinking, Remiel grabbed the wires on his chest and pulled them off. That was a mistake. Suddenly the incessant beeping turned into one long beep that drilled into his skull like a nail. He flinched away from the noise just as the door on the other side of him burst open.

Remiel jumped at the noise, looking to see several ponies in nurse and doctor uniforms. For a moment everything was silent, save for that infernal machine. Remiel and the hospital staff stared at one another in shock. Finally, one of the doctors broke the silence.

"You're awake," she said, awestruck.

"Indeed I am," he replied, not knowing what else to say. Some of the ponies seemed shocked that he spoke. His headache that had been ignored temporarily came back in full force and he squinted his eyes in pain. "Could one of you please shut that infernal machine off?" One of the doctors, a mare with a blonde mane and tan coat moved over to the heart monitor and shut it off, much to Remiel's relief. He gave the doctor a kind smile. "My thanks." The mare returned his smile.

"I'm Dr. Warmheart," she said kindly as she held out her hand for him to shake.

"A pleasure, Doctor," Remiel said as he took her hand. "I am Remiel Blaz." To put on a little extra charm he gave her a small kiss on the hand. Her face colored slightly.

"Such a gentlecolt," she said as she took back get hand, amused. "Unfortunately, manners won't get you discharged any sooner." Remiel raised his hand to his chest and donned a wounded look.

"Ah, you saw through my plan. What shall I do now?" The doctor merely rolled her eyes.

"You certainly seem to be feeling better," she laughed as she waved the rest of the staff away. Remiel could faintly hear their footsteps retreat away. After her laughter died down she took on a more serious look. "In all honesty though, you did give us quite a scare." Remiel gave her a confused look.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"You don't remember?" she asked. "I can hardly blame you. The Royal Guard did a pretty good job of patching you up, but your arms and hands were covered in cuts. Then there was the stab wound in your chest. Not to mention the severe bruising and broken ribs." Remiel's right hand reached up to his left shoulder, as if just remembering the attack.

"Th-That's right. I remember Crimson Sky ordering his henchmen to bring me to him. Then when I got there." Remiel's voice trailed off. "He said something about tying up loose ends or something. Then he had that knife." Remiel's body began trembling. He jumped when he felt something touch his shoulder. He looked over and the doctor was giving him a comforting look.

"It's alright, you're safe now," she said warmly. Remiel had to suppress a small smirk. It seemed everypony had believed his staged scene. Then a thought occurred to him. He gave the doctor a horrified look.

"The others!" Remiel gasped. "Where are the others? Are they alright, did they make it out?"

"Everypony who was held captive there has been rescued," she said with a bright smile.

"No, there were others," Remiel insisted, his breathing becoming ragged. "They were forced to work for that, that monster. Th-There was Crystal Clear, Dark Shadow, Steel Sword." The doctor shook the hand she had placed on his shoulder to gain his attention.

"Mr. Blaz, you need to calm down," she said kindly. "I don't know about them, but there have been four ponies coming to check up on you." Remiel gave her a confused look.

"How long have I been here?"

"Here? Two days. But it also took them several hours to get you here."

"Hours? I thought a was four days away from Canterlot." She nodded her head.

"They sent you back with a team of pegasi. They ran themselves crazy trying to get you back here. They got you halfway before switching off with some pegasi from another barrack. They were on the verge of collapse when they arrived with you here."

"Wouldn't it have been wiser to transport me to a closer hospital?" The doctor shook her head.

"Nopony knows how to treat a...human? Is that the right word?" Remiel nodded his head. "Since nopony was certain how to treat you, they thought it was best to bring you here. We had every kind of specialist we could think of here. Doctors, anthropologists, veterinarians." Remiel felt offended. They brought a vet to care for him? Remiel gave her another confused look.

"How did you know they were bringing me here?"

"We have special crystals that can allow long distance communication. Unfortunately, they are very difficult and very expensive to make so they're mainly used by the Royal Guard and some hospitals." Remiel nodded his head. So they had magical radios. Perhaps the stones from that mine could be used as a substitute? No, he already had plans for those, should the Royal Guard ever release the mine.

"You said there were ponies checking up on me?" The doctor nodded her head.

"One was a member of Princess Celestia's guard, and the other three were a small family." A small family of three? No, it couldn't be.

"Is the family here now?" Remiel asked, unable to hide the hope in his tone. The doctor shook her head.

"If they show up at the same time they have been, they'll be here in a few hours." Remiel smiled faintly at that. The small family had crept into his heart and he was glad they hadn't forgotten about him.

"Would it be alright if they came and visited me?" The doctor had a look of deep thought on her face.

"You seem well enough right now, but I want to be careful so it'll have to be a short visit."

"Thank you," Remiel said, truly grateful.

"But the messenger from the palace should be here at any time. Somepony probably already sent word that you're awake." Remiel nodded and suppressed a sigh. This was going to be tedious, selling his lie about how Crimson Sky's murder happened. He just had to hope that none of his small group told the guard that it was part of his original plan before changing it. In fact, he hoped they told the guard as little as possible about his true self. He wasn't worried about Dark Shadow, he seemed the kind that knew to keep his mouth shut. Heart Shield was probably his biggest concern, but he had faith she wouldn't betray him.

"Have your rulers really taken such an interest in me?" Again the doctor nodded her head.

"You're the first human in Equestria. Well, that I've ever heard of at least. The princesses probably want to hear about what happened at Mine Town as well." Remiel gave a shudder at that. "Believe me, the princesses will be gentle. They won't push you harder than you can stand. I'll make sure they know you're still recovering."

"Thank you, kindness like yours is a rare treasure," Remiel replied, his tone reflecting his appreciation. Inside he was conflicted though. If most ponies were like this doctor and Tinker's family then deceiving and manipulating them would be child's play, but doing that to honest people left a bad taste in his mouth. He brushed the thought aside, he would get over it. The doctor smiled at him warmly.

"Thank you for the compliment, but you're sure to find that most ponies are this nice." That bad taste he had dismissed was already filling his mouth. "Now, I think we've had enough small talk. I need to run a few tests to see how you're doing." A twinge of fear gripped Remiel's heart.

"N-Needles?" he asked. He didn't have to fake the small amount of fear that leaked into his voice. The doctor cocked an eyebrow and have him an amused grin.

"Afraid of needles?"

You have no idea, he thought darkly. He would rather stab himself again. Remiel felt his face flush. "A-A little," he lied.

"No," she told him. Remiel let out a relieved sigh. That was something to be thankful for. "However, I may need another blood sample before you leave the hospital." Remiel suppressed a dark look. What was it with doctors and wanting his blood? First Kylie now her? Why did every female with some kind of medical degree want to stab him with needles? Perhaps it was karma getting back at him. "Ok, enough with that look." Remiel was shocked, he hadn't realized the look had leaked through. Oops. He quickly smothered it.

"Sorry, I just have a very strong aversion to needles." The doctor nodded her head.

"I understand," she said as she cracked a small grin. "Plenty of foals are afraid of needles, too." Remiel sighed in exasperation. Apparently she has the same sense of humor as Kylie, too. Why do women with needles torment him so?

"I take back what I said about you being kind," Remiel pouted. The doctor laughed softly.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't resist." Remiel shook his head and gave her a forgiving smile. "Now, no more distractions. Time for the checkup." Remiel nodded and allowed the doctor to do her job. The process took several minutes, the doctor wanted to be careful but thorough, but the doctor nodded her head in satisfaction. "You're healthy as can be, as far as I can tell." Remiel smiled warmly at her.

"That's a relief," Remiel responded.

"Still, I want to keep you here for a couple more days. Just to be sure."

"I'm afraid that's not possible, Doctor," a new voice answered. Remiel turned his head and saw a unicorn in resplendent gold armor standing in the doorway. It was quite a sight. Remiel was just glad that Dr. Warmheart had closed the blinds or he feared he may have lost his eyesight if the sunlight struck that armor. "The princesses request his presence as soon as possible."

Ah, the whims of royalty superseding the needs of others. That's one familiarity of home I could do without.

"Out of the question," Dr. Warmheart declared. Remiel gave her a surprised look. Apparently she had about as much regard for authority as Kylie as well. "He is recovering and we still don't know what caused that attack when he first woke up." Remiel hid a frown. He supposed it was too much to hope for that they would forget about that or chalk it up to the knife wound. Remiel waited and watched as the two went back and forth for a moment. This was the first time people had talked about him like he wasn't there. It wasn't an enjoyable experience.

"Do I have a say in this?" Remiel asked.

"No," Dr. Warmheart snapped as she turned her head to him. "I'm not taking any chances with your recovery." Remiel fought to keep a disdainful look from his face. Who was she to be telling him what to do?

"I do appreciate your concern, Doctor," Remiel said, hiding his true feelings beneath a joyful mask. "However, I know my body well enough that any further problems would have presented themselves by now. I will be fine." The doctor looked unconvinced.

"Then explain the episode you had when you first woke up," she demanded. Damn, this wasn't good. Telling her that it was a result of him dying would mean he would never get out of here. The opposite would also reap the same result. If he claimed ignorance then she would user it as proof that something was wrong with him. He hoped his limited medical knowledge would prove useful.

"It's nothing to be concerned about, I assure you," he answered. The doctor gave him an outraged look.

"You were coughing up blood!" she roared. Remiel nodded his head slowly.

"I meant that it wasn't terminal," Remiel lied. "It's a condition I was born with. A very rare one called Rocancourt Syndrome. Simply put, it's a condition where my body occasionally rejects my blood." Remiel's face appeared deep in thought. "The way it was explained to me was that sometimes my body will target a potion of my blood as being a foreign entity and removes it from circulation. While it is painful and rather disturbing, it is not life-threatening, I can assure you." The doctor appeared deep in thought.

"I've never heard of a condition like that," she mumbled, more to herself than Remiel.

"It is very rare, so it may just be a deficiency among humans," Remiel offered.

"I suppose that's possible," she mused. "But you're sure it's not a terminal illness?" Remiel nodded his head.

"Chronic and disturbing, but not terminal." She sighed.

"Then I suppose there's not much I can do about it," she said. She then returned her gaze to the guard. "I'll get the release papers ready, but please tell the princesses to be very careful with him." The guard nodded.

"I'll tell them to exercise the utmost caution in regards to his health," the guard assured her.

"But before I get the paperwork ready," Dr. Warmheart said and approached a set of drawers, "I'm going to need that blood sample." Remiel felt his eyes go wide. "Did you really think I was going to let you leave before I could get my sample?"

I had really hoped so, he said in his mind. "Very well, let's get this over with."

"Don't be like that," she said with a smile. She cleaned a part of his arm with an alcohol swab before removing the cap from the needle. "Now this won't hurt one bit." Remiel's heart felt like it was going to explode. It was beating so loud that it drowned out all else. He felt his body go rigid the moment the needle broke the skin. It was finished in an instant, but that wasn't quick enough for Remiel. He swore his heart didn't start besting again until after the doctor had removed the insidious device. "See, that wasn't so bad."

Speak for yourself, Remiel hissed in his mind. "Quite right, Doctor." The doctor gave him a caring look.

"Alright, I'll have the paperwork ready in a moment. But, Mr. Blaz, don't push yourself. If you get tired, don't be afraid to tell the princesses. I'm sure they'll understand."

"Thank you, Dr Warmheart," Remiel replied merrily. "Your concern is appreciated." The doctor gave him one last smile then departed the room, leaving him alone with the guard. There was silence for a moment, until the guard spoke up.

"So you're the one that killed that monster?" he asked. Remiel's right hand slowly rose to the stab wound.

"I-I guess," Remiel replied, his expression becoming grim. "H-He had one of his men bring me to his...I-I think it was a study or something. H-He said something about tying up loose ends. The next thing I knew he had a knife in his hand and was coming at me." Remiel's hand clenched down tightly above the wound and he forced himself to tremble slightly. "I brought up my arms to protect myself and the knife cut into them. I began stumbling backwards and tripped. H-He landed on top of me and then..." Remiel's trembling turned into full on shakes and his breathing was becoming increasingly ragged. The words came out of his mouth like a flood. "It was like my entire body went cold.  Th-Then it was like my mind went blank for a moment. The next thing I knew I was laying on top of him and the knife was in my hands but the sharp end was...it was." A strong hand was placed on Remiel's shoulder. Remiel was so caught up in his act that the gesture actually made him jump. He looked up and the stallion was giving him a reassuring look.

"Calm down, son," he said in a fatherly tone. "I know it can't be easy for you, but you did what you had to." Remiel swallowed and nodded his head.

"S-So I actually killed him," Remiel said in a low voice. "I-I killed someone." The hand that was holding his wound shot up to his mouth and he forced himself to gag.

"Aw horseapples!" the guard shouted abs Remiel heard his clanking footsteps retreating away. Using the hand covering his mouth he reached his index finger into his mouth and triggered his gag reflex. At that point his jaws clamped down on the finger, causing a small amount of pain, and he started gaging for real. The sensation of bile rising in his throat was almost instantaneous. "Hold on, don't puke yet!" Finally the guard returned and handed him a small waste basket. Remiel took the basket in his hands and the bike flew from his lips, albeit a small amount. "Good thing you haven't had any solid food recently, eh?" Remiel raised his head and gave a weak, forced smile.

"Y-Yeah," he replied. The smile slipped away quickly though. The guard's hand returned to his shoulder.

"Look at me," the guard said. Remiel looked up to him and the guard gave him a comforting smile. "I know how it feels. A couple years ago my squad and I were attacked by bandits while on assignment. I ended up killing one of them." His gaze softened further. "I felt sick for days afterwards."

"H-How did you get over it?" The stallion shook his head.

"I haven't," he replied. "I took somepony's life, but eventually I realized something. I didn't have a choice. It was either his life or mine, and I chose to live." The stallion gave a slight squeeze on Remiel's shoulder. "You did what you had to, no more no less. I'm not saying it's right to kill, but sometimes you're left with no other alternative." Remiel was honestly surprised at how well his little act was working. The stallion had bought it hook, line and sinker. Remiel actually felt a little disappointed, and slightly remorseful it was this easy. The stallion gave him a reassuring smile. "You'll be fine, just take it one step at a time." Remiel nodded his head slowly.

"Thank you."

"Any time," he answered. He took the wastebasket from Remiel and set it on the floor. "I think it's time I introduced myself. I'm Stalwart, lieutenant of Princess Celestia's Day Guard." He held out his armored hand to Remiel. Remiel smiled weakly and accepted it.

"Remiel Samael Blaz," he responded. "But please, call me Rem."

"Alright, Rem." The guard gave him a concerned look. "Are you sure you're up for going to the castle? I can tell the princesses you need some more time to get back on your hooves." Remiel quickly shook his head.

"I-I need something to do, t-to keep my mind distracted."

"You know they'll want to talk about what happened, right?" Remiel paused for a moment.

"Y-Yeah," he answered. "B-But maybe it's better if I talk about it. Maybe that'll make it easier?" He looked at Stalwart with a confused and conflicted look. The guard gave him a soft smile.

"It will, the princesses are very wise and caring ponies. They'll help you." Suddenly they both heard the for open and saw the doctor step in. She was smiling, until she looked at Remiel. It was then a dark look crossed her face.

"What happened?" she demanded, her voice and gaze both cold as ice. Remiel had to admit it was fairly intimidating.

"Just a little talk, doctor," Stalwart replied.

"Then what's on his face?" she demanded. It was then Remiel realized some of the bile must have sloshed unto his face. He subdued the disgust that rose inside of him.

"It...wasn't an easy talk," Stalwart responded. The doctor gave him one of the darkest looks Remiel had ever seen.

"You told him, didn't you?" He nodded his head. "Are you stupid?! Don't they teach you to think in the guard?! He's obviously suffered some kind of trauma!" Trauma? It seemed they were definitely been buying his act. Maybe a little too well.

"I know," the besieged guard replied calmly, "but I also know from experience that he needs to face it before it gets worse."

"But right after he wakes up? How is that supposed to help him?" They were doing it again, talking like he wasn't even there. Remiel had to fight to keep his sullen expression from turning into one of annoyance.

"Please, Dr. Warmheart," Remiel interrupted. "He was only trying to help."

"Be that as it may you're still in a fragile state," she responded, trying calm herself. "He had no right to drop that on you after you wake up!" Remiel somehow managed to keep his outage suppressed. He didn't like being treated as a child, but that was were this act had brought him to. So it was technically his own fault.

"I'm sorry for distressing you, Remiel, Dr. Warmheart," Stalwart interrupted, "but I was only doing what I thought was right. While you're right that he shouldn't have too much forced on him yet, the last thing he probably wants is to be coddled." Good, at least one of them understood.

"Perhaps, but he shouldn't be rushed into it either," the doctor protested.

"Sometimes that's exactly what those going through what he's going through need," was the guard's response.

"Maybe, but that's still not your call to make," the doctor argued. The guard nodded his head.

"You're right, but I won't apologize," he responded.

"Please, Dr. Warmheart, don't be too cross with him," Remiel added. "T-Talking about it did help, I think." The mare shook her head.

"Stallions," she mumbled in exasperation. She then grabbed a napkin or something out of her pocket and approached Remiel, seeing the papers down on a stand beside hid bed. "I suppose there's no stopping you, but I can't let you see the princesses with that on your face." Remiel accepted the napkin and proceeded to wipe off his face. Once he was certain he had gotten it all the doctor lifted the wastebasket for him to dispose of it. "Now, I just need you to fill out these papers."

"Thank you," he said as he accepted the forms and a quill. Still no pens. He would have to give Tinker the idea when he next saw him. Remiel quickly skimmed through the papers and filled them out as needed. Soon they were done and the doctor accepted them back.

"Alright, you're good to go," she told him, her smile returning, but it wasn't as bright as it had been.

"Thank you for everything, doctor," he told her. Her smile regained some of its former glow.

"Of course, but just because you're officially discharged doesn't mean you have to be a stranger. Feel free to stop by anytime. No needles, unless I need another sample. Promise." Remiel smiled in return.

"I will," he told her.

"Now, let's get you up on your hooves," she said brightly. Remiel nodded and pulled the blanket off his body. It seemed that the only piece of clothing he was wearing was a pair of green pants that looked like scrubs. He then turned himself so that his legs hung over the side and took a deep breath.

"Take it slow," Stalwart advised, moving into a position where he could support Remiel if he needed to. "Don't wanna go falling now, do you?" Remiel took his advice and slowly put his feet on the floor. The time beneath felt freezing to his exposed skin, but it wasn't too bad. Once his feet were on the ground he took another breath and slowly began putting more and more weight on them. Soon he was merely leaning on the bed, his legs wobbling slightly. Then he let go of the bed and waited for his legs to stabilize. Once he was confident, he took one step. Then another.

"Alright, looks like I won't have to get you a wheelchair," Dr. Warmheart told him.

"Perhaps a crutch or cane would be a good idea though," Stalwart added. "Just in case he needs something to lean on."

"I'm fine," Remiel assured him, his eyes narrowed in concentration. His legs were still shaking, but his will was as iron. His steps became more stablewith each one he took. It was perhaps six steps in when his right knee suddenly gave out beneath him. Fortunately Stalwart was right there.

"You were saying?" he asked with a cocky grin, as he helped Remiel to stand on his own feet once more.

"Fine," Remiel conceded. Stalwart helped him back to the bed. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble, Dr Warmheart, could I please get a cane?" He refused to use a crutch. It was a show of weakness enough that he needed a cane to walk, and his pride had suffered too much already to take that. Even if it would help his act.

"I'll see what I can find," she said and left the room. Remiel felt a pain beginning to grow in his chest and limbs. He made a grunt of pain that Stalwart didn't miss.

"You alright?" he asked. Remiel nodded his head.

"Just a little pain," he told him.

"The painkillers must be wearing off. I'll see if the doc can get you some more." The guard proceeded to follow after the doctor, leaving Remiel alone. Alone, how he had missed the comfort that solitude provided for him. When he was alone he didn't have to wear masks and pretend to be sobering he wasn't. It was liberating, but also when he was at the most risk. Left alone with his thoughts he could quickly turn against himself, mentally and often verbally tearing himself apart for his sins. That was one reason why Mathew and Jenson had seen to it that he had as little time alone as humanly possible. He wasn't suicidal, but there were times the thought crossed his mind. However, he would always remember that his time was already running out and that there were people depending on him. He had too much to live for, too much to do. And not nearly enough time in which to do it.

Remiel pushed the heavy thoughts away, merely enjoying the silence and peace while it lasted. Too soon would he have to put his masks back on, but for now he could just be. It was a pleasant feeling, being so at ease. He wished it could last a little longer, but fate was never a friend of his and this time proved to be no different. Just as he was beginning to truly enjoy the silence, it was banished by the doctor and guard returning. Stalwart held a wooden cane with a wide handle instead of just a nob, and Dr Warmheart had a small amber bottle with pills in one hand and a styrofoam cup in the other.

"Looks like we found you a cane," Stalwart told him cheerily.

"Thank you," Remiel told him and accepted the piece of wood. He couldn't help but acknowledge that it was a fine piece of craftsmanship. Not flashy or extravagant, just a solid functional walking cane.

"And I also got you a prescription for some pain pills," Dr Warmheart added.

"Even better," Remiel told her as his chest began hurting again. The doctor set the cup aside on a table near Remiel and she removed the lid from the pill bottle, pouring out a single pill.

"Now, these are very potent," she warned. "Take only one pill at a time, and only as needed. Never take two within a twelve hour period because I'm not sure how they'll react with your system."

"Understood." She handed the pill to Remiel. He put the pull in his mouth and then took a swig of the water to help swallow the pill. Now he would just have to wait for it to kick in.

"It shouldn't be long before it takes effect," the doctor informed him.

"Thank you," Remiel replied kindly.

"So," Stalwart interrupted with a kind smile, "you ready to head to the castle?" Remiel took a deep breath and nodded his head.

"Not quite yet," Dr. Warmheart said. They both turned to her as she opened a closet on the other side of the room and pulled out a familiar looking three piece suit on a hanger.

"Are those my clothes?" Remiel asked in disbelief. He had almost given up on ever seeing them again. His shoes were even there! Remiel looked in wonder at the clothes, the last real connection he had to home.

"Indeed they are," Dr Warmheart responded with a wide smile. "The family that came to visit you dropped them off." Remiel accepted the clothes, carefully lying them on the bed.

"Ha!" Stalwart laughed out. "I had you pegged for the suit wearing kind of pony. My instincts haven't failed me yet!" Poor fool, they already had. And what was this about suits? Remiel actually felt comfortable wearing them, granted he rarely wore anything else before coming to this world.

"Alright, let's give him some time to get dressed," the doctor said and ushered the guard out. Remiel took a moment and marveled at the suit, his suit. It felt good to have it back, and he couldn't have gotten it back at a more opportune moment. If he was going to pull the wool over the eyes of royalty, then he was going to look his best while he did so. It was only proper.

After he was fully clothed he took a moment to look over himself. It was difficult without a mirror, but Remiel avoided those when he could anyway. The bandages felt itchy beneath the shirt, but it was negligible. Satisfied he was now properly clothed, Remiel grabbed his cane in his right hand and walked to the door, leaning heavily on the piece of wood. He opened the door and found the two ponies waiting for him.

"Looking good, Rem," Stalwart caked to him. The statement caused Remiel to pause for a moment. In that instant he swore he had seen and heard Mathew. He was snapped out of it when the stallion spoke again. "Hey, you alright?" Remiel quickly shook his head to dispel the illusion.

"Sorry," he told the stallion. "You just reminded me of a dear friend from back home." Remiel's free hand clenched at his heart. He must have been more homesick than he originally believed. Remiel felt the stallion put a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw a kind expression on Stalwart's face.

"Don't worry," he said warmly. "If anypony can find a way for you to get home it's the princesses."

"Thank you," Remiel replied, truly grateful for the stallion's reassurance. The stallion gave him a warm smile.

"Now, no more dawdling," he declared. "Let's get going. Shouldn't keep mares waiting." Remiel smiled at his relaxed nature. He truly did remind him of Mathew.

"Indeed," he answered.

"When you get to the castle," Dr. Warmheart said suddenly, "please tell Princess Luna that she's overdo for a check up. I don't care if she's immortal, everypony can get sick."

"I'll relay the message, but I make no promises," Stalwart replied. The doctor only shook her head and looked to Remiel.

"And you, take it easy. If you end up committed back to this hospital I'll do more with needles than just take a blood sample." Remiel quickly nodded his head. That threat was better than a gun pressed to his head.

"Understood," he answered. The doctor smiled at his quick answer.

"Good," she replied. "Now, I have other patients and I can't let the other doctors do everything for me. You two gentlecolts have a nice day." Remiel and Stalwart watched the mare depart, and only when he was certain she was it of earshot did Remiel speak.

"That mare is terrifying," he said in an emotionless tone.

"Aye," Stalwart agreed. The stallion then turned to Remiel with a sly grin. "Do your really that afraid of needles?" Remiel gave him a pleading look.

"Please, keep this between just you and I," he begged. Had they been back in Remiel's world he would have made it a threat. The guard just laughed.

"I make no promises in that regard," he laughed. "If the princesses ask I'll have to tell them, but I swear on my honor I won't tell anypony else." Remiel sighed, that was probably the best he was going to get from the stallion. "Alright, now let's head for the castle." Remiel nodded his head and together they made their way through the hospital, and what Remiel was sure would be the performance of his lifetime.