I Don't Want Too Be Saved

Lily walked through town, her saddleback on her back. Today was the day they were going to tell the others of Script's sexual assault and her suicide attempt. Unfortunately, Flare and Lotus Moon were unable to join them due to daily responsibilities for the day.

Lily entered the bustling Sugar Cube Corner, the sweet aroma of pastries filling the air. The usual chatter quieted as the patrons noticed her entrance, their eyes flicking to the saddlebag on her back. She approached the group of Script's friends, who were huddled together in a corner booth, their expressions a mix of worry and confusion.

Lily slid into the booth, setting the saddlebag down with a soft thud. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the difficult conversation ahead.

"Hey everyone," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "I have something important to tell you all."

The others leaned in, their eyes wide with anticipation. "What is it, Lily?" asked Radioflash, his voice tinged with concern. "Is everything okay?"

Lily's eyes flicked to each of her friends, her voice steady despite the heaviness of her words.

"No, it's not okay. Something terrible happened to Script." She paused, looking down at the saddlebag as if it held the answer to her next words. "She was... she was sexually abused."

A collective gasp filled the air. The patrons nearby fell silent, their eyes darting to the group with concern. The friends stared at Lily in shock, their faces pale and eyes wide with disbelief. Bookie was the first to break the silence, her voice trembling with emotion.

"W-what? That can't be right! Who would do such a thing to poor little Script?"

Lily's expression darkened, a flicker of anger passing over her features. "I don't know, Bookie. But I do know that it's left Script in a very dark place. She..." Lily's voice faltered, and she had to take a moment to compose herself before continuing. "She tried to kill herself last night. Ellie found her in her bathroom, in the tub with blood. If she hadn't gotten there when she did, Script would be... she would be gone."

The group's shock was palpable, their faces a picture of horror and disbelief. Radio's face contorted in anger and pain, his hooves clenching at his sides.

The news hit the group like a physical blow. Radioflash slammed his hoof down on the table, his eyes flashing with barely contained rage. "Who did this to her?" he demanded, his voice shaking with emotion. "I'll burn them to a crisp!"

Lily shook her head, her eyes downcast. "I don't know, Radio. She never mentioned who, but that's not the worst of it."

She pulled a letter from her saddlebag, her hooves unsteady as she handed it to Radio. "This is the note she left. She's... she's not doing well. The abuse has... it's done something to her mind. She's barely functioning right now."

Radio took the letter, his face a picture of anguish as he read its contents. The other ponies looked on in horror, their eyes filling with unshed tears. The patrons in Sugar Cube Corner watched in shocked silence, many of them turning away from the disturbing news unfolding before them.

Radio finished reading the note, his face ashen, his hooves quivering as he passed it to Bookie, who quickly wiped away tears from her eyes and sniffled softly before taking the letter. The news about Script had sent waves of panic throughout the town.

In the wake of Lily's revelation, the group sat in stunned silence, the letter passing from pony to pony, each one reading the heart-wrenching words with growing dread. Bookie, her eyes red and puffy from tears, looked up from the letter, her voice barely above a whisper.

"We have to do something. We can't just leave her like this."

The group nodded in solemn agreement, their faces set with determination. Radioflash stood abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "I'm going to the hospital. I need to see her, to make sure she's okay." The others quickly followed suit, filing out of the booth and trailing after Radioflash as he strode purposefully towards the door. The patrons of the Sugar Cube Corner watched them go, a mix of shock and sympathy on their faces.

The group hurried to the hospital, their hooves clattering on the cobblestone streets as they made their way through the bustling town. The tension was thick between them, the news of Script's suicide attempt and the abuse she had suffered hanging heavy over their heads. Radioflash led the way, his face set in a grim expression. As they arrived at the hospital entrance, they were immediately greeted by a concerned nurse at the reception desk.

"Hello, what seems to be the matter? Can I help you?" The nurse's professional demeanor was tinged with worry as she took in the group's agitated state. Radioflash stepped forward, his words urgent and strained.

"We're here to see our friend, Script Singer. We... we just found out about what happened. Is she okay? Can we see her?"

The nurse's face fell, and she nodded slowly, her expression grim. "Yes, of course."

The nurse led them to Script's room, the group following her in somber silence. As they approached the door, the sound of quiet sobbing could be heard from within. Radioflash pushed the door open gently, revealing Script lying in bed, motionless. Ellie was sitting next to her, she looked up as the group entered, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

"She still shows no sign of improvement..." she whimpers.

Radioflash walks forward, his hooves shaking as he moves to sit beside the bed. He gently places a hoof on Script's shoulder.

"Script... it's us. We're here for you." Script just lays unresponsive on the bed, her chest slowly rising and falling.

The group gathered around Script's bed, their faces etched with concern and sorrow. Radioflash's voice was laced with emotion as he spoke. "We're all here for you, Script. We love you, and we're not going to let you go through this alone."

Bookie sniffled softly, her eyes brimming with tears as she gently stroked Script's mane. "You're so strong, Script. We know you can get through this."

The group continued to offer words of comfort and support, their voices blending together in a chorus of love and encouragement. Despite their efforts, Script remained unresponsive, her body still and her breathing shallow. The atmosphere in the room was heavy with tension and worry.

After a long moment of silence, Radioflash spoke again, his words laced with a quiet intensity. "We're not going to let you suffer like this, Script. We're going to help you, no matter what it takes."

The group stayed with Script for hours, taking turns sitting by her bed and offering words of comfort and support. As the sun began to set, Radioflash's stomach growled audibly, breaking the somber silence that had settled over the room.

Ellie looked at him with a tired smile. "You should eat something, Radio. You need to keep your strength up if you're going to be here for her." Radioflash sighed, running a hoof through his mane.

"I know, but I don't want to leave her side. What if she wakes up while I'm gone?" He glanced at the clock on the wall, which showed it was nearing dinner time. The others in the group looked at each other, silently debating whether to insist or let Radio stay.

After a moment, Bookie spoke up. "Why don't we take shifts? We can have someone here at all times while the others get some food and rest."

Radioflash considered the suggestion, his brow furrowed in thought. After a moment, he nodded slowly. "Okay, that could work. I'll stay here with her for now, and you guys can go get some food. I'm not really hungry anyway."

The others exchanged glances, a mix of concern and understanding on their faces. Ellie stepped forward, placing a hoof on Radioflash's shoulder.

"Alright, but you have to promise to eat something when we get back."

Radioflash nodded, his eyes never leaving Script's still form. "I promise."

As the others began to file out of the room, Bookie turned back to look at Radioflash. "We'll be back soon, Radio. Just hang in there."

Radioflash offered a weak smile, his voice barely above a whisper. "I will. Thanks, Bookie." As the door closed behind the departing group, Radioflash turned his attention back to Script.

He gently stroked her mane, his voice soft and soothing. "I'm here, Script. I'm not going anywhere." Hours passed in silence, the only sound the soft beeping of the monitors and the occasional rustle of Radioflash shifting in his seat. As the night wore on, Radioflash's eyelids grew heavy with exhaustion. Despite his best efforts to stay awake, he eventually drifted off to sleep, his head resting against the edge of Script's bed.

Radioflash's sleep was fitful and restless, his dreams haunted by visions of Script's pain and suffering. He tossed and turned in his seat, his hooves clenching and unclenching as he fought to stay asleep.

As the first light of dawn began to filter through the hospital window, Radioflash's eyes fluttered open. He blinked a few times, his vision blurry and unfocused as he tried to shake off the lingering effects of his troubled sleep. Ellie stood beside him, her face etched with concern.

"You should go home and get something to eat, Radio. You've been here all night."

Radioflash's gaze shifted to Script, who still lay motionless on the bed. He sighed, running a hoof through his mane. "I know, but I don't want to leave her side."

Ellie placed a claw on Radioflash's shoulder, her voice gentle but firm. "Radio, you need to take care of yourself too. You can't help Script if you're exhausted and malnourished."

Radioflash hesitated, his eyes still fixed on Script's still form. After a moment, he nodded slowly. "Okay, I guess you're right. I just... I don't want to miss anything if she wakes up." Ellie squeezed his shoulder reassuringly.

"I'll send somepony over to you if anything changes, alright?"

Radioflash stood up, stretching his limbs and trying to shake off the fatigue that had settled into his bones. He nodded at Ellie, gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks, Ellie. I appreciate it." He turned to Script one last time, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll be back soon, Script. Hang in there." With a heavy heart, he left the room, slowly walking down the hallway.

Rosie and Bookie walked down the hallway, a card and flowers in their grasp.

"I hope she's awake. I've been so worried about her." Bookie whispered.

Rosie squeezed Bookie's shoulder gently. "She'll be okay, Bookie. We're all here for her."

As Rosie and Bookie approached Script's room, they could see Ellie through the window, still sitting by Script's bedside. They entered the room quietly, not wanting to disturb her.

Ellie looked up as they entered, her eyes bloodshot and weary. "Hey guys," she said, his voice hoarse from lack of sleep.

"Any change?" Rosie asked.

Ellie shook her head, her expression somber. "No, not yet."

"Maybe we should give her some space," Bookie suggested gently. "Let her rest without the constant visitors."

Ellie sighed, running a hoof through her mane. "I know, but I can't bear the thought of leaving her alone. What if she wakes up and I'm not here?"

Rosie set the card and flowers on the nearby table, then turned back to Ellie. "We can take shifts, like we did with Radio."

Ellie considered this for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Alright, that might work." She stood up, stretching her wings and back. "I think I could use a break anyway. I feel like I've been sitting in this chair for days."

Rosie and Bookie exchanged a look, then approached Ellie. "Why don't you come with us to the cafeteria?" Bookie suggested. "We can grab some food and come back in a little while."

Ellie's stomach growled, a reminder of the long hours without food. "I suppose that wouldn't be the worst idea." She gently patted Script's hoof. "We won't be far, Script. Just trying to get something to eat and maybe stretch our legs a bit."

With a final glance at Script's motionless form, Ellie followed Rosie and Bookie out of the room. As they walked down the hallway, Ellie's thoughts turned to the events that had led to this moment. The abuse, the trauma, the suicide attempt - it was all too much to process.

She found herself stumbling slightly, her wings drooping. Bookie immediately noticed and steadied her.

"Easy there, Ellie. You're not in any condition to be walking around like this."

Ellie managed a weak smile. "I know, I just... I can't believe this is happening."

Rosie and Bookie exchanged a concerned look as Ellie stumbled. Rosie moved to her other side, offering additional support. "Lean on us, Ellie. We've got you," Rosie said gently.

The trio made their way to the cafeteria, moving slowly to accommodate Ellie's exhausted state. Once there, they found a quiet corner and settled in. Bookie fetched some food and drinks for everyone, while Rosie kept a watchful eye on Ellie.

Ellie's face was pale, and her wings drooped as she sank into the chair, her usual energetic demeanor completely gone. "I just... I can't believe this is happening," she repeated, her words cracking with emotion. "I can't believe she felt so alone, so desperate, that she thought this was her only option."

Rosie reached across the table, placing a hoof on Ellie's. "We all felt that way at some point, Ellie."

"She didn't even tell us about any of it..." Ellie's voice trailed off, her gaze dropping to the table. "I should have noticed something was wrong. I should have been there for her."

Bookie set the tray of food on the table, then sat down beside the griffon. "Ellie, you can't blame yourself for this. You were there when it mattered most - you saved her life."

Ellie's eyes welled up with tears, her lower lip quivering. "But what if I hadn't been there?" She drew a shuddering breath, trying to steady herself. "What if I was just a few minutes later?" Rosie and Bookie looked at each other, their expressions mirroring their shared worry and sadness.

Bookie leaned closer, speaking in a gentle but firm manner. "Ellie, you can't change what happened. What you can do is be here now, for both yourself and for Script."

Ellie's gaze lifted, meeting Bookie's, and she took a shaky breath. "You're right. I just... I don't know if I can handle this." Her words were laced with a quiet, desperate edge. "What if she doesn't wake up? What if she's... what if she's gone forever?"

Rosie squeezed Ellie's hoof gently. "We have to stay positive, Ellie. We can't give up hope."

Rosie's hoof tightened around Ellie's as the griffon's eyes welled up with tears once more. "I'm trying, Rosie. I really am. But it's so hard to stay positive when she's just lying there, so still and... and lifeless." Ellie's voice broke on the last word, and she ducked her head, her wings curling protectively around her as a sob threatened to escape.

Bookie moved closer to Ellie, her expression soft and understanding. "I know it's hard, Ellie. We're all hurting right now. But we can't let fear and despair overwhelm us."

She glanced at Rosie, a silent acknowledgment of their shared worry, before turning her full attention back to Ellie. "You need to take care of yourself, too. You can't keep going on like this without rest."

Ellie lifted her head, looking between Rosie and Bookie, her face lined with exhaustion. "I just... I need to be with her. Any second she might wake up or..." She stopped, unable to finish the sentence, her anxiety too overwhelming.

Rosie's brow furrowed. "Ellie, we understand that you want to be there. But you won't be much use to anyone, least of all Script, if you fall apart."

Ellie's breath caught in her throat, her body tensing with the effort it took to maintain her composure. "But what if something happens while we're gone?"

Bookie squeezed Ellie's arm gently. "We'll only be gone for a short time, Ellie. And we'll be checking in regularly. If anything does happen, we'll know immediately and be right there."

Ellie took a shaky breath, then slowly nodded, her wings lifting slightly. "You're right." She looked at the food in front of her, then back at Rosie and Bookie. "I suppose I should at least try to eat something."

Rosie smiled encouragingly. "That's a good idea. You need to keep up your strength, especially for when Script wakes up."

Ellie took a small bite of the sandwich on her plate, chewing slowly. "I just... I keep thinking about everything she's been through. The abuse, the trauma..."

As Ellie took another bite, Rosie and Bookie kept a watchful eye on her. Bookie took a sip of his drink, then spoke, "You know, we can't let what happened to Script happen to any other ponies. We need to find out who did this and make sure they're brought to justice."

Ellie's ears perked up at the mention of justice. "I want to help, but..."

Rosie and Bookie shared a look of understanding. They knew Ellie was hurting, and the thought of pursuing justice for Script was weighing heavily on her mind. Rosie placed a hoof on Ellie's, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"We understand, Ellie. You've been through a lot, and this is a difficult time for all of us. But we can't let this go unanswered."

Bookie leaned forward, her expression serious. "I agree with Rosie."

Ellie's eyes flashed with determination as she set down her sandwich. "You're right. We can't let this go unanswered. I want to help bring the one responsible to justice, no matter what it takes." She glanced at the clock on the wall, then back at Rosie and Bookie. "But first, I need to get back to Script. I can't leave her alone for too long." Rosie nodded in understanding. "Of course."

She stood up, her wings unfurling slightly as she prepared to leave. "Thank you both for being here for me. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Rosie and Bookie stood as well, both giving Ellie a gentle smile. "We're here for you, Ellie. Always." Bookie added, "And we'll be here for Script too. We won't let her face this alone." Ellie took a deep breath, steadying herself.

"Thank you." Ellie's claws trembled slightly as she rose from the table. "I should go back now."

She turned and started walking towards Script's room. Rosie and Bookie followed, keeping a respectful distance behind her. As they entered the hospital hallway, Ellie's steps slowed, her wings twitching nervously.

"I just hope she wakes up soon." Her voice was barely audible, laden with worry.

Lily walked into Script's room, finding Ellie standing beside her bed, her eyes puffy.

"Ellie?" Lily's voice was soft and concerned as she approached. "How are you holding up?"

Ellie turned to face Lily, her wings drooping slightly. "I'm... I'm okay, I think." She looked back at Script, who was still motionless in the bed. "But I'm more worried about her."

Lily moved to stand beside Ellie, her hoof gently resting on the griffon's back. "I understand. We all are."

Ellie's breath hitched, and she closed her eyes for a moment. "I just... I keep thinking about what she's been through. The abuse, the trauma..." Her voice broke, and she turned to face Lily, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I don't know how she'll ever recover from this."

Lily's expression was gentle and understanding. "Ellie, you can't think like that."

"But it's the truth," Ellie said, her voice trembling. "How can anypony come back from something so horrible? The scars it leaves, they don't just disappear." She glanced back at Script, her heart aching with the need to do something, anything, to help her friend.

Lily's hoof tightened slightly on Ellie's back, a silent show of support. "I know it seems impossible right now. But Script is strong, and she has all of us to support her," Lily added softly, her voice filled with conviction. "We won't let her face this alone. No matter how long it takes, we'll be here for her every step of the way."

Ellie's breath shuddered as she blinked back the tears threatening to fall. Lily's words filled her with a flicker of hope, but the weight of Script's trauma still pressed heavily upon her heart.

"I actually came to ask something though," Lily said. Ellie looked at her friend. "Do you know Script's sister, Portrait Binding?"

Ellie blinked in surprise at the question. "Portrait? Yes, I know her. She and Script are very close, despite their differences." She frowned slightly. "Why do you ask?"

Lily hesitated for a moment, then spoke, her voice low and serious. "I think we need to contact her. About Script."

Ellie's eyes widened, and she turned fully to face Lily. "You mean... tell her what happened?"

Lily nodded solemnly. "I think it's important."

Ellie's wings flared slightly, a mix of surprise and unease at the suggestion. "I don't know, Lily. Script and Portrait are so close, but this... this is a lot to burden anyone with."

She glanced back at Script's still form, her heart aching with the need to protect her friend, even from the weight of her own sister's knowledge. Lily's hoof gently squeezed Ellie's back, a silent show of understanding.

"Portrait is the only family she has left, not including her other siblings, of course."

Ellie's wings drooped slightly, her face set in a conflicted expression. "You're right, I know. It's just..." She sighed heavily, her eyes flickering to Script once more. "Script values her privacy so much. She's always been so... secretive, especially about her family. I'm not sure she'd want her sister to know."

Lily's expression softened with understanding. "I know, Ellie."

Lily's voice was gentle but firm. "But in this case, I think it's important for Portrait to know. Script needs all the support she can get, and her sister might be able to help in ways we can't."

Ellie nodded slowly, her wings twitching as she considered Lily's words. "You're right. I just hope we're doing the right thing." Lily gave her a reassuring smile.

"We are doing the right thing, Ellie. Portrait is her sister, and she deserves to know what's happened to her." Lily's hoof gently squeezed Ellie's back, a silent show of support. "I'll talk to the nurses and see if we can get in contact with her. In the meantime, why don't you sit with Script for a while? I know it helps to be close to her."

Ellie's eyes softened, and she turned to look at Script once more. "Thank you, Lily. You're right, I should be here with her."

She walked over to the chair beside Script's bed and sat down, her wings folding neatly behind her. "I just wish there was more I could do."

Lily's hoof gently patted Ellie's back before she turned to leave the room. "We'll figure this out, Ellie. Just remember, we're all in this together."

Ellie nodded, her eyes fixed on Script's still form as Lily left the room. She leaned forward, her wings wrapping around her body as she tried to process everything that had happened. The weight of Script's trauma pressed heavily on her, and she felt a renewed sense of guilt for not being able to prevent it. Her mind wandered to the day of the incident, replaying the moments leading up to it in her mind.

She recalled the way Script had seemed distracted and withdrawn, her usual vibrant personality dimmed by an unseen weight. Ellie had tried to coax her out of her shell, to no avail. Script had brushed off her concerns, insisting that everything was fine, even as the shadows in her eyes deepened.

Ellie's breath shuddered as she leaned closer to Script, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm here, Script. I'm here, and I won't leave you." Her eyes traced the lines of Script's face, searching for any sign of movement, any flicker of consciousness. "We're going to get through this together. You just have to wake up, okay?"

Ellie's words hung in the air as she gently took Script's hoof in her own, her touch feather-light. The sterile hospital room felt suffocatingly quiet, the only sound was the soft beeping of monitors and the occasional clopping of hooves in the hallway outside.

Ellie's eyes, welling with unshed tears, never left Script's face, searching for any sign of recognition or awareness.