Stay With Me

by SweetieBloodlust

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, Human
Length: 10302

A brand new and strange creature has arrived upon the land of Equestria. Celestia takes the creature in and as time passes both find themselves drawn to each other as they complete the struggles of life together.

A new creature, completely unknown and unheard of in the world has arrived upon the land of Equestria. Seeing as the new creature is sapient and disoriented, Celestia offers the strange man, as he is called, a place to stay away from public view at Canterlot Castle. As the man struggles to regain his memory, the two soon find themselves becoming close to one another, enjoying time in sharing their pains, desires and pleasures and what its like to raise a family.

Published 2019-01-19 05:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-03-31 04:11:07 UTC

Prologue I: Arrival

The man gasped for air as his head shot up to the surface. His heart pounding as he flailed about. Splashing the water every which way. His reddish and brown blouse which he wore with beige suspenders soaked in water. His hair tangled. He pulled himself to the shore and fell over on his side. Taking deep breaths. His last memory being the feeling of a crushing weight upon his head and the feeling of liquid filling up his lungs. He spat out water, gasping for air like a fish. Coughing and blowing his nose. His blurry eyes settled and he took in the sight before him. Around the pool were bio luminescent plants that shined off the glimmers of the purple and dark blues. The reflection of the water, shining the lights of the plants every where. The mystical setting would have been comforting had he been spared of the pain and confusion he was in.

“Where...am I...?” He looked around not sure of where he was. While his memory certainly wasn't clear he certainly didn't remember being in cavern. He shivered and wrapped his arms around his torso.

“Ugh!”

His head suddenly pounded as though combined with the force of a thousand soldiers practicing upon his temple. He stumbled backwards and clutched his forehead. Masculine hands wrapping his visage. It died down just as quickly as it started and with leveled eyes he gazed at what seemed to be an exit. A path leading into a dark space. He heard the sound of rain pouring down, the crackling of lightning and the sound of wind. He waddled forward, hooves clacking against the ground but one thing echoed in his head.

“Where am I?”

The man treaded through the thickened brush. Leaves crunched under his every step and under the blinding darkness with no source of light, he could not make out the path before him. The thickened leaves and hanging vines of the forest was unforgiving to his body and clothes. Thorns tore and ripped his blouse and skin which was soaked with water. His plaid shirt was stained, his burnish gold hair disheveled and his arms pressed tightly against his chest. Hoping to retain some type of warmth as he was unusually cold. He looked up, seeing as how the moon hung high in the sky as the stars twinkled about in discordant harmony. Each a faint glimmer of his past. Only faint memories, blurred and violent flashed through his head. The feeling of crushing weights, the sounds of wails and screams was all that remained.

As he made his way through, he came to what he assumed to be the end of the forest. He stopped and stared at the glaring view before him for within the heavy darkness of the night, he was able to make out the subtle shape of a building. He stared at it, unsure of what exactly it was. A lighting flash across the sky revealed for a hot second more detail of the unknown building.

“....a castle?” The man blinked. “Who builds a castle in the middle of a forest?” he wondered.

Pondering if a rich hermit all but lived there, hoping to escape from the sensationalism of the bustling city or village life or the unfettered toxicity of modern man. Curiosity seeped in through him the longer he kept his eyes upon the unknown architecture. As if signaling him to move on, a cold wind blew sending a shiver down his spine. The wetness of his skin, clothes and fur only served to emphasize to him his pitiful state as it amplified the coldness against his flesh.

The man took a step forward but a loud creek startled him. He looked down and moved his hoof back.

A bridge....

The bridge was old and tattered. Held together flimsily by only a mere two poles and rope on either side with lines of rope forming the fencing on the sides of the bridge. The wind blew and wobbled it, making it shake faintly in the wind. Another flash of lighting revealed the true scale of exactly what was in his way. Exposing the large chasm in the earth that the bridge connected to the other side of. It went from under the bridge and stretched to the right side of the building. It was steep, possibly reaching as deep as a 6 story building.

His stomach sunk.

The thought of having such an unpleasant and sudden abrupt end to his life at this moment in time, when help was so closely in reach, made him shudder. But the thought that help could be so closely in reach, perhaps somewhere in that building gave him enough courage to edge on.

Placing carefully each leg in front of the other, he made his way across the creaky bridge. Step after step he braved the rain, wind and cold and paced himself.

“Slow and steady...slow and steady...”

He repeated to himself. Refusing to look down.

A lighting flash broke the sky.

“Gah-!”

He looked behind himself and saw his leg protruding through a newly created open hole. He watched as the plank of old, moss covered wood fell into the chasm, disappearing before his sight and falling into silence. The man swallowed and nervously re-positioned his leg. He lifted his chin up and continued to make his way across the haunting bridge. He was half way to the other side but there was a side of him that said that he was also in equal to just turn back.

He shook his head of the thought. Return back to the forest or continue to hope? He chose the obvious.

He power walked the rest of the way to the other side and took a deep and relieved breath. The ordeal was finished, he was now back on hard, sturdy, dry ground.

“Thank God.” The man made a cross on his chest and pressed forward. Unaware of the beasts that lurked not far behind him.

The man walked through the doors of the abandoned castle. Surveying the architecture and hearing the rain invade the space through the broken ceiling. He stood in the court room where two large staircases crisscrossed one another.

“Ugh...”

His head pounded. He cupped his temple and shook his head. Grimacing at the sudden migraine. The architecture bringing forth memories of his home. Flashes of scenes played flashed rapidly in order through his head. A large dragon, a shattered castle and the screams of soldiers and terrified citizens rung through him.

This castle...felt like his old home.

“Guess no one lives here...hopefully.”

He moved to the alicorn statue located in the center of the room and circled it. Not minding the rain that poured in from over top of it.

“Already wet...can't get any wetter.” he mumbled to himself with a shrug of the shoulders. He looked the statue up and down, analyzing every crack. He rubbed his hand across the statue and felt the wet moss that had collected in crevasses.

“A winged unicorn huh. The queen had one of these....the queen...”

A crack of lighting, much louder than before, jolted him. Causing his heart to race a little. He took a deep breath and looked around before heading up the stairs. The walls were filled with cracks which moss and bold twigs had made their home in. Much of the ceiling of the building was broken and even crumbling as pieces of brick and rock bounced off his head. He saw it as a warning and moved ahead anytime he felt such a thing. Afraid that his head was to be caved in by the falling debris. Coming into a long hall with six doors, he looked up and saw two tapestries, ripped, worn and faded from the elements. Trying to make out the faded imagery depicting on them.

“More winged unicorns? Someone had an affinity for them huh? Perhaps its a royal symbol...”

Curious he walked through one of the openings in the hall and ended up at room that was lined with multiple shelves and ruined books scattered about with a desk lying broken in half in the midst of the floor. Rain pouring in from the open ceiling.

“A library huh?”

He picked up a book off the floor which fell apart instantly in his hands. “Well, that's just nice.” He dropped it and picked up another. Holding it with freezing and shaking hands which he ignored. “Finally one that's intact.” He flipped it open and skimmed through some of the information. His eyes squinting trying to read the barely visible words in the dark of night. Using the lighting flashes as a source, he read what he could out loud.

“She became black as coal, her mane fading into a light purple from her once radiant blue. The shimmer within it, mimicking a violent dance of discordant stars. Her teeth grew sharper, her eyes gleamed into a slit and her platinum regalia morphed into a suit of armor as though ready for battle. The entire sky was engulfed in such a darkness never once seen by pony eyes. The princess of darkness had become the empress of nightmares...”

A loud clash was heard from behind and the man jumped. Snapping his head behind him. His eyes darted across the room. He noticed nothing out of the ordinary but did wonder if the pile of books near the door had been disturbed. Unable to remember clearly if they were sprawled across the floor when he came in.

His heart pounded nervously and he took a deep breath. Partly waving it off as paranoia. He looked back at the book. “Is it a novel? Considering the tapestries and statues I wonder if its a religious book? It seems whoever built this castle really idealizes winged unicorns...perhaps this place is a temple...?”

The man shivered and moved on unable to withstand ignoring the cold any longer. His legs ached, his sores stung, and he was wet and cold. Eyelids heavy with fatigue. He has to find somewhere to rest.

The man made his way through the castle speedily than before. Arms clutched against his chest. He went up the multiple openings in the hall way which took him multiple places. One led him to a staircase that was met with an abrupt end to a broken and torn apart balcony. Another led him to a room that had a spilled over hour glass whose sand had hardened into near solid rock. And then finally, one room led him to a unseemly room that was surprisingly kept in much better condition compared to the rest of the architecture. Above was a glass dome that allowed the light from the moon to shine in its full glory.

It was just enough light for him to see what the small quarters had to offer. There was a single book case devoid of books except a few that were barely intact, a small sofa bed with a pillow that was covered in cobwebs and dust with stuffing coming out of it. Looking as though it hadn't been cleaned in a millennia. In the middle of the floor was a pedestal and next to it a ragged blanket as though prepared just for him. As if calling out to him he grabbed it and wrapped it around himself and made his way to the dusty sofa bed. Collapsing onto it with a sigh of relief.

"I hope I don't get lice..." he mumbled. He shivered for a while before his body warmed up, finally drifting into a deep sleep as the howls of wolves faintly wavered in the distance.

They sniffed about in the library, a pack of six as they surveyed the scent of their prey. Turning around and following the alpha as they made their way out of the room and into the halls. The scent of blood intoxicating them.

Author's Note

Finally finished. Things will be slow due to schooling as I only have weekends off. Decided to go ahead and make our local alien what I originally intended him to be and so the other chapters will have to be edited to be consistent. Knowing this, I ask that you treat the other chapters that were published first (1-3) as semi-drafts of sorts for now. Prologue part II is to be coming soon and thank you very much to those who have enjoyed my fanfiction thus far. Critiques are always welcomed!

Chapter I - Ponyville Hospital

Spring

Ponyville Hospital was the busiest hospital and medical ward throughout Ponyville as it was the sole hospital throughout the town. While pharmacies were present for those who needed to pick up medicine and get small vaccinations all other health needs had to be completed at the small yet humble and well received place. The building stood on the outskirts of the town and was getting too small to accommodate the ever growing and expanding town which was now beginning to be like a small city. While the hospital did end up getting an expansion it ended being outrun by the immigration and growing population that was being born and moving into the town.

Today however, was one of those few days where it remained tamed. Lights beamed in from outside the windows as it reflected off of the blue painted walls of the break room. One of the mares who were present breathed out a sigh and looked out the window. White fur blending in against the white tiles and a strain of pink hair hanging over her head.

"It's so nice outside and here I am, cooped up in this forsaken building." she mumbled. A saddened look present upon her face. Nurse Redheart was one of the most respected nurses present in the hospital. Earning the adoration of those who were new to the field of medicine and were sent to be trained under her. While she immensely enjoyed her job, she did wish at times that she could shut the place down and do as she pleased for a day.

"When duty calls one must answer...I guess."

"Talking to yourself again Redheart?"

Nurse Redheart looked over towards the door and saw none other than her very assistant. A white and bright blue maned unicorn pony with eye shadow of equal color, she was one of the newest ponies to work here at the hospital having completed her training over six months ago. Her quiet and soft nature allowed her to be approachable to the young ones in the pediatric unit despite the rambunctious and sometimes rude behavior that some of the young colts and fillies all to often showed. Redheart wished she had her temper for she would be all too ready to strangle one of the poor souls. Despite her gentle and soft outspokenness, her young looks made it seem as though she was one who could easily be taken advantage of but her tongue was known for changing from a harmless dove to a viper when bitter.

"Nurse Joy. What are you doing in here?"

"I'm on break of course but the head nurse wanted me to let you know that the creature we took in yesterday has woken up. She checked on it today."

Redheart shot up. "Its-its awake?"

Joy nodded her head. "Yes. Sluggish, but awake."

"But Ms. Neightingale stated that she herself would work with the creature one on one when it woke up."

Joy grabbed a chair and sat down in front of Redheart. Opening up her lunch.

"Unfortunately, Ms. Neightingale has a meeting to attend too so she doesn't have a chance to approach it. So she asked if you could do so in her stead."

"B-but my break..."

"She said that she'll compensate you for your time so no worries." Joy said chewing. Mouth filled with the contents of her veggie burger.

"Ugh." Redheart flopped her head back down onto the table. "And here I was, having looked forward to my break."

"Duty is like pee Ms. Redheart. You gotta answer when it calls."

The older nurse simply narrowed her eyes at her assistant who simply stood blankly at her. The things she say with a straight face?

"Fine, I guess I'll go. Not like I have a choice it seems. Maybe I can finally have a good look at this creature while I have the chance."

"Maybe it'll talk to you. It seems like its intelligent. At least I would think so, since it came in here wearing clothes."

"I would hope so, makes my job a lot easier." Redheart opened the door and gave a small wave to her assistant before walking out. "I'll see you later Joy. Enjoy the lunch."

"Same to-wait!"

Redheart turned her head to see Joy levitate a small index card size note over to her. "I forgot to give you this. Its a permission slip by Ms. Neightingale to enter the room."

"A 'permission slip'? Since when did nurses need a permission slip to enter a room?"

"Ever since Ms. Neightingale took office." she chuckled. "It's just too ensure that not anyone will enter the room. Show it to the guards by the room and they'll let you in."

"She even has guards stationed by the room?"

"That's the head nurse for you."

"Talk about extreme..." she sighed. "I better be going. I'll see you later Joy."

"You too Redheart." she smiled at her as she watched the door close.

Nurse Redheart made her way through the winding halls lined with green paint. As her hooves stepped against the marble floor her eyes squinted at the paper upon the clipboard she was given. "It says that they've been moved to room....two twenty-eight?" She let out a slight gasp as mild shock struck her. Those rooms were mostly saved for those who were deemed a tad bit to risky to board with another. Often times it was simply saved for those who were causing too much trouble for the hospital's liking. As she approached the door she was greeted by two stallions.

"Good afternoon Ms. Redheart."

"Good afternoon..." she said with a hint of confusion. "Why the defense?"

"Ms. Neightingale asked that we watch over the room as too prevent just anyone from going in and out of it. There are quite a few curious ponies around here that I'm sure wouldn't mind taking a peek inside. She's also asked us to ensure that all unauthorized personnel be kept from going inside the room at all times. Regardless of intent."

She's taking quite the precaution isn't she?

"Is there any particular reason your here right now? Your break is usually around this time isn't it?"

So many questions. "Yes, but Ms. Neightingale wanted me to check up on the creature that arrived here last week."

"Oh, really? You have any proof that she did?"

"I do in fact. Nurse Joy took the small slip she had clipped on top of the pile of papers from under the clip and showed it to the stallions who looked at it closely. Seeing if it was signed with the head nurse's signature. "Now if you will excuse me..." Before she could take another step, she was stopped.

"Excuse me?"

"I'm sorry Ms. Redheart but we need to see an ID."

"A-an ID? What in the-"

"Please don't take it to heart Ms. Redheart! We were asked to do this by the head nurse!" The other guard spoke up who was younger than the stallion who stopped her.

She frowned. "Fine." She begrudgingly unclipped the ID from her chest and showed it to them both who nodded their head approvingly and stood aside to let her through.

"We thank you for cooperating Ms. Redheart."

"Yeah, if you say so." she said slightly annoyed. Shutting the door she turned around to see the creature sitting upon it's bed. It's head hanging low as a leg dangled over the bed. It had two large bandages on its cheek and forehead and others littered across its left arm and legs while its right arm rested in a cast. Nurse Redheart's eyes became soft as she gazed upon what appeared to be a male of some kind. She had never seen such a creature before the poor thing was rolled in speedily to the ER for surgery on the night Fluttershy desperately called them for help. Being one of the nurses who helped in his surgery. Only now was she able to get a clean look at the creature.

His brownish golden hair was unkempt and messy and his light skin was damaged and heavily bruised. WIth the largest wound located on his abdomen. A deep gash that took many gauzes to stop bleeding before being able to be stitiched closed. Despite that, he was a beauty to look at. His body stood upright and his figure was well proportioned. His long legs and arms had the body of a stallion who worked. The epithet of 'hairless ape' certainly did him no justice. The man turned his head to her. His face carrying an unwelcoming look.

She gave him a small bow of the head.

"My name is Ms. Redheart and I am a nurse here at Ponyville Hospital."

The man simply stares exquisitely at her with wide eyes, unsure how to respond to the sight before him. He expected a creature that was one of his own but instead was caught in the midst of unbelief. Redheart simply stares back with a nervous smile. Unable to break the awkward silence between them as she herself tries to hide her curiosity of the creature staring at her with brown eyes.

She clears her throat. "My assistant reported to me that you were awoke and so I decided to check on you."

She sits down the clipboard on the stand beside his bed and ruffles through the papers in the drawer. Unconsciously the man reaches out a hand towards her causing the middle aged mare to jump. Ms. Redheart snaps her head around and is frozen at the closeness of this large unknown creature violating her space. She looks to the left of the wall and notices the help button not far out of her reach. What is it going to do? She remains stiff and frozen. Unsure of how to properly respond to such a large and unknown creature in front of her. The man remains unphased as he ignores his injured state and runs his long and thick fingers through her mane and slides his hand down her face, stroking the right side of her cheek as he does so.

"You...you spoke."

Ms. Redheart didn't respond for some time as the words processed through her mind.

The man removes his hand as clear unbelief mixed in with confusion is expressed in his gaze.

"Is it...magic? How are you able to speak?"

The familiar word snapped her out of her trance. "Magic?" she shook her head. "Oh no! Not...magic. We ponies can speak just like...you."

The man's eyes narrowed. Creating an even more annoyed and frustrated expression. "Impossible. Since when can animals talk?"

Ms. Redheart simply tilts her head in confusion at him as he gazes around the room with a wary look.

"This has to be a dream." The man gazes down at the floor but then speaks up again." Where am I and who runs this hospital? And why is that you can speak?" With each question his voice raises. "Who owns you? Are you a chimera?"

The plethora of different questions confuses the young mare. "I explained to you that all ponies can speak and that you are at Ponyville hos-"

"This is preposterous. You are not a product of magic or a chimera so now you tell me that ponies can speak?" Anger and stress seeps through his words. He turns up from his bed and places a hoof down upon the floor. "The explanations you give me makes no sense."

Redheart steps back as the man threatens to come even closer than before. Fear beginning to be the expression of her eyes.

"I...I..."

"I demand an answer. Who is your master? What is this place? I have never heard of some place called Ponyville."

"I don't have a master but there is a head nurse. Please, if you would but stay-"

"I can't stay here." The man knocks the bed covers off of him showing his equine lower half. "I must find my way back. This can't be happening. Am I'm finally going insane?"

Redheart watches as the man fights with the IV drop and the bandages on his arm.

"Please! You are not well! You must stay in bed!" She pleas. Uncertain on how to approach.

He is clearly disoriented. He shouldn't be moving like this. He'll open up his wounds...

She watches as the man's hands tremble as he snatches the needles of out of his arm and casts them upon the floor Causing blood to splatter upon the once clean white floor. The sight of blood triggered Ms. Redheart and caused her to ignore the potential danger in her patient and jump in next to him. Using her hooves to try and restrain his aggression.

"Please! You must stop this! You'll reopen your wounds! They have just been stitched together!"

"Get off of me!" He shoved her with the base of his arm causing her to be pushed back. She caught herself and gritted her teeth at him.

This is no good. He isn't listening to me. I'll go and get help!

Just as she was about to turn and leave, the room is stormed by the three unicorns. All wearing reflective vests.

"Restrain him! Ensure that he doesn't cause anymore damage!"

They unleash their magic upon the centaur. Creating from their horns magic rope like bindings that encircle around his wrists and ankles.

"Wait! Stop! It will only make things worse!" She calls out but her plea falls upon deaf ears once more.

The stallions struggle to restrain such a muscular individual and barely manages to dodge a quick buck from his back legs as he fights with them.

This is just great, just great! I have to get the head nurse!

She runs out the room and dashes down the hall. As she does, she bumps into a cart carrying a patient causing a few glares from the doctors and nurses to be thrown her way.

"Sorry!" she yells as she continues down the hall. Being sure to dodge any incoming traffic. Just as she was about to turn a corner, she notices a pony with blue curly hair and white fur.

"Nurse Redheart?"

"Joy!" she ran over to her, chest heaving with anxiety.

"Nurse Redheart are you okay? I heard commotion when I was passing the room. I peeked inside and saw that the patient we took in was tearing his IV's and bandages and shoved you so I went to get security since the guards weren't there. They must have stepped away for the time to handle something."

"No Joy! Security is only making matters worse! He's disoriented but he wouldn't listen to me."

"I didn't know what to do. You looked like you were in danger."

Nurse Redheart sighed and grabbed her assistant causing her to yelp. "I need you to go and get the head nurse. Tell her that its an emergency concerning the creature we received from Fluttershy."

"Um, okay..."

"Now!"

Joy yelped and made a dash towards the head nurse's office. Redheart made her return to the room and heard a loud thud that rattled the room. She barged in and saw her patient writhing on the floor. Clearly having fallen off of his balance. The man winces and touches his side feeling a wetness seeping through the bandages as some of it pours out onto the floor. Mixing in with the crimson stains left by the thrown needles.

"Oh no." Redheart rushed over to the man's side. "Move!" she pushes the stallions out of the way and surveys the damage he had caused to himself and that no doubt security surely exacerbated.

"Out! I will not have you ruin my patient any more!"

"But Nurse Redheart-"

"Do as she says."

A voice like venom pierces the room and causing all to fall silent. All eyes turn towards door as before them laid none other the head nurse Neightingale. Ignoring the following eyes of her subordinates, she makes her way through the crowd. Her curled red hair bouncing in the soft glare of the window as her beige fur reflects the shadows of the individuals who stood before her. Her long navy blue cape gently grazed across the floor as she made careful attempts to not touch the crimson stains that laid right underneath her hooves.

She held her head up and her posture was straight and tight as though nothing could make her budge from focus. She was known as one of the best nurses in Ponyville and wore her title upon her hoof. Ensuring that everypony knew whoshe was and what she was about. She was harsh with her words and a stern critic in every way but her virulent personality was tolerated due to the fact that everything said by her on the job was to either better the pony involved or ensure a smooth running of the clinic. One thing was certain however, she cared deeply about her patients and took her job ever seriously and passionately. Almost too seriously as far as Redheart was concerned but perhaps it was the stern, no nonsense nature that made her so adept at doing her job as she had successfully kept her position as head of Ponyville Hospital for over twenty-years.

She stopped with eyebrows furrowed as she gazed upon the restrained patient who was in no position to continue fighting.

"This is the patient causing all of that commotion?"

"Yes ma'am."

"I see..." She picked up her head and looked towards the stallions. "Your services are no longer needed here. You all are dismissed."

One of the younger stallions spoke up. "Are you sure Ms.Neighting-"

Before he could finish, the head nurse hissed through her teeth. "Dismissed."

The young stallion swallowed and followed after the others as the head stallion motioned for them to depart. As they exited, the young stallion was stopped by an older one as a hoof rested upon his shoulder.

"When the old lady tell you you gotta go...you gotta go. Don't question her a'ight?"

The younger stallion shook his head. "Y-yeah. Glad to know."

He swallowed. She's scary.

Neightingale watched as the door shut closed behind them. Not speaking until she was sure that they was out of view and ear. Leaving her and the other two nurses, completely alone with their fallen patient. She took her hoof and moved the man's face for a better look and waved in front of it. Watching as his eyes blinked only slowly.

"He's not very responsive but he's alive. As for the wound on the side, its reopened no doubt but not as much as the blood will have you believe. It will have to be stitched closed again. Nurse Joy, go get some gauze and medical tape from the first aid kit and patch his wound. Once your finish, send word of to his surgeons that his wound has reopened and will need to be stitched closed again."

"Understood." Doing as told, the blue haired pony immediately makes her way over to the first aid kit hanging upon the wall of the room and pulls it down. Bringing it over to the site of the injured man. She squats down next to him and removes the dirtied gauge and bandages and replaces them diligently with cleaner, newer ones.

Redheart simply stares on with her head hung low and ears pulled back as she watches Joy work with what was no doubt her responsibility.

Neightingale's eyes falls upon her and she senses her distress knowing that Redheart was just as passionate when it came to her job as she was.

"Don't beat yourself up. Things happen Redheart. You did the best you could do."

"I-I know. I felt it could have been handled better had somepony not gotten security."

Joy shuttered as she felt daggers pierce through her, refusing to look up.

"Leave her be. She did what she believed was truly best in this situation. Agreed that security made it work but I don't think there was any other way to secure a violent patient."

"I...suppose that your right."

Joy stuck her tongue out at the pink maned nurse earning a wrinkle of the nose.

"Everyone did what they were suppose too but do tell, just how did things escalate so quickly?"

"Well...I suppose..." Redheart hung her head down low and sighed. Rubbing her face with her hoof. "I-I don't know." She let out an exasperated breath. "Too many questions...too many things going on..."

Neightingale looked at her with pitying eyes and rested a reassuring hoof upon her shoulder. "I understand but I'm going to need to get to the bottom of how things suddenly ended up the way they were here. Perhaps I can also gain a better understanding of exactly what creature was dropped off in front of out doorstep since he's awake now."

Neightingale made her way towards the door but not before looking back towards Redheart. "Help Joy straighten him up and stay with her until the surgeons arrive. You don't have to tell them anything but only what they need to know. I will handle the rest. Once you two are finish, you both can take an hour break since you both sacrificed it dealing with this mess. Afterwards, be sure you both come to my office so we can talk about where to go from here understood?"

"Understood." They answered in unison.

"Good. I look forward to it." The door closed tightly behind her as she made her way back to her office.

Redheart let out a deep breath and looked back down at the man who had all but fallen asleep. The morphine from one of his torn out needles finally putting him at ease. She watches silently as Nurse Joy finishes up patching up the injured man and then gazes out the window. Watching as the sky has shifted from the blue to a reddish orange. The sun lingering just behind the horizon.

Author's Note

This came out much longer than attended. Ms. Neightingale is the head nurse of Ponyville Hospital in the comics and yes, Nurse Joy is named after Nurse Joy in the Pokemon series. If any one was thinking of it to begin with. Nurse Neightingale is forty-five years old, Readheart is thirty-three and Joy is twenty-seven. There was suppose to be a prologue but I just don't feel like writing it If you see any noticeable mistakes, let me know (nicely plz). I work to improve and don't hesitate to let me know your thoughts.

Chapter II - Wanting Answers

"Ms. Neghtingale are you here?" Redheart asked as she peeked inside. Wishing not to intrude upon her boss's space.

"Yes I'm here, just sorting through some papers." Redheart walked inside as Nurse Joy followed close behind.

The head nurse went over to her desk from her file cabinet and sat down. "You can bring a chair over and sit in front of my desk. There are a few things to discuss."

Both nurses rolled over a chair and sat down in front of the head nurse who had picked up a newspaper. Grumbling under her breath. "Cursed paparazzi..." she grumbled.

The two nurses stared at the large unfolded papers in front of them. The large bold print of Equestria Daily situated dead center at the front. Their eyes skimmed the page and just below it was an equally as bold title that caused her to slouch in disappointment.

'Unknown and Weird Creature Found by Everfree. Have Aliens Contacted Us? What Secrets is Ponyville Hospital Hiding?'

Redheart rolled her eyes. Really?

Next to the headline was an unruly picture of their boss caught telling the press off three days ago. Her eyes wide and mouth opened in an unpicturesque manner as the press had swarmed the hospital. Trapping the mare as soon as she had walked outside.

The head nurse folded up the paper. "All right, lets start from the beginning." Nurse Neightingale stated with a sigh. she put the newspaper down and grabbed a pen and sheet of paper. "We've had this creature-for lack of a better term-for about a week now correct?"

The two nurses nodded their head.

"Good, just wanted to make sure that I was still on the right track." She continued to write. "I'm still trying not to punch a hole thorugh the wall after dealing with that cursed press. Every day is a letter asking me for information. I told the nurses to just ripped them up. We can't disclose patient information anyway. Regardless of what they are."

"It's too be expected considering what we are dealing with. Did you really expect that nurses and docs were going to be quiet after seeing a creature like that being rolled into the hospital?" Redheart smiled.

"I'ts too much to ask isn't it?" Neightingale continued. "So, Fluttershy found this creature on the edge of Everfree Forest, bruised and unconscious. Clothes tattered and ripped apart. No doubt attacked by something. The assumption being that it was timberwolves. He was then taken to us to treat for his injuries under my supervision."

"If you don't mind me asking Ms. Neightingale, What are you writing for?"

"Queen Celestia."

"Queen Celestia?" The two nurses said in unison. Looking at one another.

"Don't you think that it's too soon?" Joy spoke up. "After all he hadn't spent long here in the hospital. He's just truly recovering from his injuries not to mention that his most severe wound has slightly opened back up."

"That's true but it's important that something truly outstanding like this is known to her majesty. She is the ruler of the country after all. I believe she should at least be made aware of whats going on in it. We know nothing about this creature. Hell, we barely know if its even a male to begin with. I'm just going off what I know about stallions and the pleasant information given to me from the nurses who changed him out of his ragged clothes. Not to mention Equestria Daily won't shut up about it. I didn't think that within a week that they'll be off running at the mouths. We ponies are quite the talkative bunch aren't we." she groaned. She seemed more annoyed than she ever was before.

"I would assume she was the first to know." Nurse Joy commented.

"She probably does but I'll send the letter as a precaution. At least I can rest knowing that I did my part at the least. I wanted to write this letter in front of you both so you all will know what will be happening from this point forward. Especially since you two had direct involvement with him." she looked down at the paper and continued writing.

Redheart rubbed her front leg and furrowed her eyes at the tiles.

"Hopefully her majesty will know what to do. But I do wonder if she will know what to do? None in Ponyville has seen a creature like this before."

"She's lived longer than any of us so if any pony may have an idea on what we are dealing with its probably her. At this point the most she can do is probably only gather more information on him. "

Joy turned her attention to Redheart. "Redheart, are you okay?"

"Hm? Oh, yeah, its just..."

"Its just...? Neightingale pressed.

"When I was interacting with him, he seemed curious as to what I was. Saying how it was 'ridiculous' that I, an animal could speak. He also mentioned magic and asked if I was a chimera."

Ms. Neightingale and Joy looked at each other with wide eyes. Interest more peaked than ever before. "Did anything else happen between you two?" The head nurse asked.

Redheart shook her head. "No. That was it before chaos unfolded."

"Is he from a place where magic is the norm? How does he know what a chimera is?" Joy questioned. Redheart looked at her and smiled. Can't help but seeing how she was like a small filly who was absorbed in a good story.

"Your asking all the questions we all want to know the answers to." Redheart responded. "In all my years I have never heard of other worldly contact being accomplished nor a creature such as this. Contrary to what the papers state." Thinking back to the newspaper.

"I'll be sure to put this very important information into the letter what you told me. No doubt something like this should certainly capture the attention of the Queen. To ensure that she most certainly gets it, I'll past the letter through her most faithful student Twilight as she has direct delivery of letters through her dragon. How long before our unique patient will get well enough to see anyone?"

"I say give it about three more weeks." Joy replied. "That should be enough for his large wound to have healed properly enough to allow for movement.

"Alright. Three more weeks it is. I'll tell her majesty that she will be free to visit him by then and I'll also put in a tiny request of a restraining order on the paparazzi." Her eye twitched as she thought back to the ugly picture they took of her screaming at them. Plastered all over the front page of the newspaper.

Redheart and Joy simply chuckled. Seeing the clear irritation of their boss caused by the news.

"It's late and we both are clearly tired and since none of us work the night shift, lets call it a night. Its already seven o'clock."

"There isn't anything else that needs discussion?" Joy asked.

"No besides that from now on, you two will personally be in charge of him. I will still have guards sanctioned by just in case anything else happens. Outside of the surgeons, I'll be placing the majority of care in both of you mares hooves. Report to me anything new and his well being."

Both mares bowed their head. "Yes ma'am."

The head nurse let out a sigh. "You both are dismissed. I will see you mares tomorrow."

"Do you want us to put back the chairs?" Redheart asked.

"Don't worry about them, I'll move them tomorrow."

"Alright then. I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Same to you Redheart."

"Have a good evening!" Joy happily waved.

Nightingale smiled back. "You too Joy."

The door closed and the two mares went their ways but not without pondering upon the days events.

"Do you really think...that he's an alien?"

"Joy..."

"Well I'm just saying. What if Celestia never seen a creature like the one we saw before?"

"That doesn't mean hes an alien Joy."

"I know but it will speak volumes. Celestia had a thousand years to see Equestria become a country and travel the world. Shes a living encyclopedia!"

"Maybe we, us ponies, have never seen something like him. Afterall he did mention a chimera and magic."

"Hm...you are right on that." Redheart smiled and rolled her eyes. "But I don't know something seems fishy!" Joy puckered her lips. Scrunching up her nose to look like a fish. Redheart simply giggled.

"If you say so."

As she gathered up her belongings and parted ways with her assistant she couldn't help but wonder through the night about the creature that Equestria had stumbled upon

Author's Note

Meh, too lazy right now to put a description of the office.

Chapter III - Planning

Celestia sat in her room, watching the minutes tick away as she sorted through piles of papers littered around her table. She sighed and stared longily into the flames of the fire place that burned with passion. Passion she wished she all but had at the moment.

Her white fur absorbed the light of the fire as her multicolored mane of pastel blues and pink that seemed forever caught in a wind was now messy and unkempt.

The solar queen often found herself in these situations. Tired, stressed and most of all bored. There were times she wished the Storm King would return. Just to add some excitement to what she viewed, a rather dull life. A life she felt she lived much too long to experience.

The smiling and constant apperence of a beautiful queen mother of her nation was at times too much. If only reason would allow that she could set the sun eternally so her night sleep would never end.

She heard a winding noise and her attention to the flames was broken.

"Celestia?"

"Oh, Luna"

The night queen smiled and made her way inside her sisters Chambers. Despite being twins, Luna was reffered to as the baby by her sister due to being born last. Much to her chargain.

The lunar queen was a polar opposite of her elder sister. Her dark blue fur and bat wings stood against the bright demenaor of her sister. Her ever flowing mane and tail reflecting the very time of day in which she reflected most. Sparkling as though stars were captured in her very mane. Dark and at times even brooding, she immediately attracted more attention in the room than any other and demanded respect. Quick to snap back and not one to like when questions are asked. Luna carried a strong and leading position.

"I saw that your door was open and figured I'll take a peak inside to see if you were awoke by any chance. Turns out that you are." She smiled.

"Unfortunately."

"Say, what are you getting up too?"

"Nothing really. Sorting through papers like so many monarchs do."

"The monarchs I know we're usually too busy with up keeping appearances and attending fancy feasts and balls."

"Sadly those days have long sense passed."

Celestia looked down at her messy table and picked up a newspaper. "There is one paper however that has captured my attention. It's about a creature that Fluttershy found."

"Fluttershy found a creature? Why is that surprising?"

"Not just any creature. One that Equestria has never seen nor heard of before. At least, that's what I can gather from the information given to me." Celestia hovered the newspaper she had sitting upon her desk towards her sister who relinquished it from her grasp.

"What type of nonsensical title is this? Whatever this creature is I doubt it is 'other worldly'."

"I haven't personally seen it myself. It's only been over a week since that incident but the press was quick to latch onto the news when word was spread that the creature was sent to Ponyville Hospital. Quite a few are gossiping about it in Canterlot but there is little information to really go on so a lot of what I heard was but minor speculation."

"I'm surprised that the press just simply didn't hound Fluttershy for information. It's not as though she would be a hard target to do so."

Celestia chuckled. "She wouldn't be...if Discord wasn't there."

Luna smiled. "You do have a point dear sister." Luna continued to read. "You mentioned that its at Ponyville Hospital? Surely it can't be too other worldly if the creature is there.."

"Exactly. In fact..." Celestia lit up her horn and floated a scroll with an all too familiar violet star shaped seal in front of it."

"Is that a letter from Twilight"? Luna asked.

"Yes. I received it from her not too long ago. In fact just about two hours before now."

"It's not like her to send letters this late. Surely it must be important."

"It is. It's about the creature that Fluttershy apparently found. Twilight sent the letter but she wasn't the one who wrote it. Ms.Neightingale, head nurse of Ponyville Hospital, was the one who wrote it. She must have gotten Twilight to personally send it to me since she knows how close we are to each other."

"What does it say?"

"Quite a bit. It recaps on how Fluttershy found the creature on the edge of Everfree while cleaning her cottage and without hesitation called the hospital to take the poor thing in as it was greatly injured. It was unconscious for three days before waking up and causing a small disturbance. She states that it has since calmed down but there were some things to note to owhich I highlighted. First, is that the creature is capable of intelligent speech. Second, it wore clothes and third that is seemed to have some knowledge of magic and even mentioned a chimera. This is all of what Ms.Neightingale had sent me."

"So it shows that it may have some form of sapience?"

"Correct."

"It may just be a creature that we have never seen before but it sounds far from an alien to me. Seems like a normal pony that's probably so very ugly that none can tell what they are."

Celestia laughed. "Luna!"

The night princess couldn't help but grin.

Celesita shook her head. "I wish that was true but how many ponies do you know are described as 'hairless apes'?"

"Well...I can name quite a few." Luna mumbled.

"I'm serious Luna. That was the language Ms.Neightingale used to describe this creature. I think its worth putting in consideration. I can't think of any creature that fits this description that I know of and she sent this letter hoping that I will have answers." she sighed. "But I'm afraid that I'm lost like every one else. She did mention how she believes its a male based on the...descriptions of the nurses who helped change it out of it's clothes." Celestia smiled. Holding back a childish giggle. "It also walks upright."

"So the letter mentioned how it seemed to be a male with knowledge of magic and even chimera. A hairless ape that stands and walks upright...it...certainly doesn't sound like a creature we have looked upon before."

She looked towards the plethora of books that were littered around her desk and pointed at them. "As soon as I had read the letter I took it upon myself to see if I can gather any information on 'hairless apes' but I was unable to find anything and from my millennium year old memory can't recollect any time that I've heard of or encountered such a thing." The solar queen flopped her head upon her desk and made a sour face. "I'm afraid that for once I am...quite useless."

"We've been useless ever since Twilight and her friends took on the elements but do not fret dear sister, you still have cake."

Celestia was hardly amused and her sour face only grew more sour. "Thank you Luna."

"I am merely joking dear sister. Surely not all resources have been exhausted. Perhaps I can find something that may help. There is a library in Manhatten that is open 24/7. I'll see if I can drop by there tonight and find something. I'm more free during my time then you are anyway."

Luna raised an eye at her sister who seemed lost in her own world. "Um, Celestia?"

Celestia sat up. "Ms. Neightingale stated that the creature will be able to at least move around in about three weeks to a month. Giving some time for his wounds to close. Instead of searching for information I thought an alternative would be better."

Luna raised an eye. "And that is...?"

Celestia stared down at her desk before finally flopping back over. "I don't know. I'm too tired to think. I do know that it just doesn't seem practical that the creature stay at Ponyville Hospital....I was thinking..."

"Of bringing it here?" Luna's eyes furrowed towards her sister. Her tone being one of skepticism and disapproval.

Celestia sighed. "Yes."

"Are you sure about a move like that?"

"Having him here would be better than having him at Ponyville Hospital. Neightingale even asked me to put out a royal decree against the press. Telling them to not come within three hundred feet of the building."

"She's probably upset over that unsightly picture in the newspaper." Luna commented.

"Probably? Knowing Ms. Neightingale she is." Celestia grinned.

"Know that when you stated of bringing him here I was not against it sister. I just want you to be cautious and above all safe. Such a move will relieve Ponyville of such a responsibility but we also can keep a good eye on the creature. If it were to try anything we will be able to respond immediately. Not to mention we will have guards stationed along with the best security that Canterlot has to offer. I'll reexamine the locks of the catacombs to ensure that nothing is out of place."

"Luna..."

"Is the catacombs not fitting?"

"The creature is sentiment Luna, I want to stay on its good side. Stuffing it in a cold, dark cellar beneath the castle grounds is not the way to do that."

"We know nothing about this creature. Sentiment or not we must proceed with caution."

"What we do know is that the poor thing is confused and badly injured. I don't think it will be able to pull off much even if it did want to fight us."

Luna frowned. Unsure of whether or not to take her sister's advice. The incident of the changeling invasion had put her deeply on edge. Despite such a thing being years ago it had drove her to take her place among the security of her nation. Revamping the military and guards and implementing new guidelines for those who wished to enter. Though she carried a great deal of respect for her sister she knows that sometimes Celestia's nice nature was often a weak spot. This was countered by her more stern and commanding personality. One that required orders to be followed not questioned.

"I do not think that we should be one ounce lack around anything unfamiliar especially to us."

"I agree but we should at least approach the creature with sincerity and warmth. Not too much but just enough so that it isn't intimidated by us. If we immediately see it as a threat and not worth respect on the first impression it may not be as cooperative as we may want it to be." Celestia knew that Luna was not the type to be persuaded easily with such a method. "A balance. A balance between being welcoming and intimidating." Giving a smile to her sister.

"A balance?"

Celestia nodded. "A balance. I won't go unattended. I will have guards. When the creature is bought here I will have one of the guest rooms prepared for him near my quarters. I will also have guards placed by the room I plan for him to stay in as well. They will report to me about anything significant he does. In that way, he will be under the closest supervision possible and I can act when needed if anything happens. In fact, a guard shall attend him at all times. It will not only protect him but any ponies as well."

"It seems to me that you have laid out your plan."

Celestia beamed. "See little sister? I have it all under control."

"I will take your word for it. But if anything happens just know that I will show no mercy."

"I'm aware."

"When do you plan on picking up this creature?"

"When its healed enough to be bought. Neightingale stated that within about three weeks it will be able to move around safely. I will send out a letter tomorrow to her stating of my plan. Until then, I will enlist a few royal guards to stand by and enforce my restraining order on the press. I'll let her know that she doesn't need to worry any more about any funny pictures of her being taken."

"If you say so. Considering that he would be coming to Canterlot soon. There's no need to worry about research now is there?"

"Why you say that sister?"

"Well, since he's coming here, we'll be able to obtain information straight from the source. If he is not suffering from any memory issues or problems then he should be able to recall how his life is like. Like how he knows about magic and what a chimera is. Saves us the time and trouble."

"Indeed."

Luna got up from her sister's table. "If everything is cleared then, then there is no more need to discuss it. I trust that everything is under the care of your hooves."

"Leaving already?"

"The night calls sister. I trust that your plan will go well but do get some rest. It is late and those bags under your eyes cannot get any heavier."

"Yes mother."

Luna rolled her eyes and made her way to the door. Celestia gleefully smiled and levitated a pair of scissors that was laying around towards her as she set her eyes upon the newspaper. Luna took notice and raised an eye at her sister. Seeing her cut around the edges of Ms. Neightingale's photo. "Just what are you planning to do with that picture dear sister?"

"Can't you tell? Put it in my scrapbook of course. I won't let something like this go to waste."

Luna could only smile as she headed out of the door. Celestia placed the picture and newspaper on her vanity as she looked in the mirror. Rubbing a hoof against her bags that laid under her pink, watery eyes. She glanced at the clock.

It's passed nine already? She mumbled. "I should get ready for bed..." Before she did however, her eyes laid set once more upon the featured newspaper article.

Standing in the limelight of the moon, a dark colored mare stared longingly out of the large panel windows that lined the hall leading to the sun queen's chambers. The smell of the lavender flowers filled her nostrils as the light of the full moon cast a ray of light upon the marble floors. She felt a surge of magic through her horn which caused her to flinch in slight pain. Rubbing a hoof against it for ease. Her black fitted suit and red mane soaking up the invading rays.

As she stared dreaming, the sounds of hooves clicking against the floor caused her to turn her head. Appearing from the shadows was none other than the very owner of the moon herself.

"Your majesty. Back already?"

"Yes. I too have my duties to fill." Luna sighed. "I've been wanting to ask about your horn."

The mare smiled. Looking up to the blue crystal prosthesis that was fitted upon her temple. "Its been awhile but it doesn't feel as off as before. I've sometimes forgotten that I've ever had a broken one." She chuckled. "I've been practicing even still in honing my magic. I never thought I would practically have to learn how to do simple things all over again like pick up an object. Thankfully, I don't have to worry about that anymore."

"I'm happy to hear that." Luna smiled. "I'm happy also to see that you have gotten more comfortable since the year you've joined."

"I still feel a bit off at times. I don't think the ponies trust me as much. I can't blame them however. I did cooperate with the Storm king. It...only makes sense for them to be wary of me."

"You cannot please everyone. That is a simple fact of life. Not even my beloved sister can. Some ponies take a long time to come around others don't at all. Right now, you have to focus on making yourself a better pony and no one else can do that but you."

"Thank you your majesty. How was your conversation with Ms. Celestia? If you do not mind me asking."

"It went well but I'm all the more happy that I did speak to her. An important matter regarding a creature Fluttershy found was discussed."

"You mean that hairless ape everyone's been whispering about?"

"You seem to know about it."

"It's been plastered all over the front of the newspaper. You couldn't miss it if you wanted too."

"Right now the creature is being harbored at Ponyville Hospital to tend to it's injuries. As soon as his wounds heal however, me and my sister both decided that he will best be bought here."

"To Canterlot?"

"Yes. As wild as it may seem we've decided that this was the best course of action. It will allow us to keep an eye on him much more closer than if he were to stay in Ponyville. Still, I do warn her to be cautious when dealing with any potential threat but I trust that she has everything settled."

"Sounds like she does. Say, do you both perhaps know what creature it may be?"

"Nay we do not. All the more reason to be safe. At least when it's bought here we will be able to inquire about it's history. It doesn't seem to not be sapient. Having appeared with clothes and speech like ours."

"It speaks Equestrian?"

"Judging from the information my sister told me, I would assume so. Is the carriage ready?"

"Yes. Everything is prepared. It's waiting for you right outside in the Canterlot Gardens."

"Perfect. Let us not fret any longer then. The night awaits."