Black Gates: Fallen

In Ponyville General:

As of now, the girls decided to enter one at a time, (sans Pinkie as they’d told the guard to not alert her. Chances were pretty damn good she’d know anyway, but they wanted him to at least be prepared for her insanity.) so Twilight was the first to enter the room. She was kept under the watchful eye of the guards in the room whom stayed back just far enough to give a feeling of safety to anypony who entered the room, while making sure the human wasn’t on edge from the heavily armed guards constantly hovering nearby.

Twilight was waiting patiently for the nurses attending him to finish up. She didn't have to wait too long, and soon she pulled a chair to his bedside.

Her heart sunk as she saw how terrible he looked. It was like even medically unconscious and ‘sleeping’ he didn't get any rest. It was as if he was plagued with nightmares. That was on top of him looking utterly drained, though he had the smallest smile on his face as the nurses left, leaving a tray of food, and a glass of orange juice along with some pills for him to have when he felt ready to eat or drink.

“Hi there.” Twilight said quietly, trying not to give him a headache.

“H-hello.” He looked to her now, “Are… y-you another nurse or doctor?” He asked quietly.

“No, I’m not, don’t worry.” Twilight assured, smiling down at him. “I’m Twilight Sparkle…” She introduced herself. “I’m one of the mares you saved from that beast. Though… the one you actually saved is waiting outside.”

“Ma- Right… I’m not in the Emp-” He trailed off for a moment and his smile quivered. “I’m Arkantos Reichthad… Arkantos or even Ark works just fine though.” He laughed weakly.

“It’s nice to meet you Arkantos.” Twilight said. “I’d like to be the first to welcome you to Equestria… I’m sorry it all began in such a terrible way though…” Her ears drooped for a second.

“If you believe that’s the worst thing that could’ve happened, missy…” He coughed softly. “You’re sorely… and thankfully mistaken. I’m happy I’m alive… but, before anything else happens… did… another human, or… b-body come through after me? Or… s-somewhere nearby?”

“No… why, could there be another of th-”

“Then… his body was consumed by the spell…” Arkantos sighed, looking up at the ceiling.

“Who’s body?”

“My best friend’s.... The one who allowed me to escape hell.” Arkantos closed his eyes.

Twilight’s face fell. “Oh…”

“There’s… nothing that can be changed.” He said, smiling up at here again, this one seeming genuine despite the obvious emotional pain he was in. “At least those beasts won’t have a hold of his body… he’s resting somewhere better.”

“I hope he is…” Twilight reached a hand out and touched his shoulder. “You’re alive, that’s what matters, right?”

“Yeah…”

“I… don’t know what it’s like to lose a close friend, it must be horrific… but… here, in Ponyville you’ll at least have a few friends to begin with. And a place to stay.” She smiled slightly. “I already have a room ready for you when you’re feeling well enough to leave… of course, you’ll have a guard escort… I ho-”

“It’s fine… believe me when I say that this… whole procedure I’ve dealt with from both sides before… though never with a new world.” Arkantos assured. “They’re doing their jobs, and I wouldn’t expect to go unwatched.”

“That’s a relief… I was sure you’d be more freaked out by being watched.” Twilight sighed. “The Princess was so worried you’d do something… but, looking at you now…”

“It’s a wonder I’m awake.” He sighed. “I know.”

“Are you hungry or thirsty?” Twilight asked. “Or… did you want to be al-”

“Yes to your first question… and no. Please, I… need someone friendly nearby right now…” Ark said quietly, “Especially if I fall asleep again…” He shivered.

Twilight’s face fell again. “Um… I’ll send somepony in… just I need to send something out. Um…” She glanced to the guards motioning them closer. “Keep an eye of Fluttershy alright… I…”

“We doubt it too.” The guards nodded. “Don’t worry Miss Sparkle, we’ll keep an eye on her and if anything happens we’ll get her out.”

“Thank you.” Twilight smiled slightly as she stood up. “I’ll talk more with you later… I’ve been having trouble sleeping the past few days too. Maybe talking will help us both?” She offered.

“That’d be great.” Ark smiled up at her.

Twilight left the room, motioning to Fluttershy, “He’s very nice… at least from the little conversation I had. I have to go send a message directly to Luna. Now… I want Fluttershy to go in there. He’s… lonely even with the guards. But, I’m suuuure if all of you behave and don’t try to talk all at once… he wouldn’t mind more friendly ponies in the room. Just he might freeze up… if he does, my brother told me, just… let him calm down, but a friendly touch or kind words might work wonders for bringing him down.”

“Yay!” Fluttershy smiled, now both her and Rarity entered the room.

“What… are you sending a letter to Luna for?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“He’s having nightmares… like, he doesn’t look like even passed out he wasn’t sleeping well… which, shouldn’t happen…” Twilight shook her head.

“W…” Applejack murmured.

“Maybe Luna can help him out by finding the root cause of his nightmares… It’s… strange though. I’d think she’d already be trying too… and why hasn’t she made her presence known to him?” Twilight muttered. “Is… Celestia actively trying to get him to fail? No… no, she wouldn’t do that… would she? D-do I even know her?” Twilight continued to mumble to herself as she left the hospital.

“Should we… stop her?” Dash glanced to Applejack.

“No. No, we shouldn’t. Let’s… go talk ta this human. That’s what she’d like us ta do… let’s let her do what she needs ta do.” Applejack shook her head, walking into the hospital room.