Author's Note

Trigger Warning! If you have nothing nice to say, do not say anything at all. Do not read this chapter, if you know you are going to get triggered!

Listen guys.

I am being very serious when I talk about mental illnesses, I have them... and I'm sure a lot of people reading this have experienced them too. Suicide and self-harming are real major issues, that people struggle with every single day. I myself have gone through these very things, so this chapter had really spoken to me when I wrote it.

Pinkamena is not always strong, everyone has their weak points. Everyone had bad days, and things happen that we are sometimes not proud of. I wanted to make her relatable, because SHE has gone through many things that really have messed her up. Not everyone that goes through stuff become suicidal, that is NOT what I am trying to say.

This is her story, these are her struggles. Even if her problems do not seem that bad to you, you need to understand she is distressed over them. I understand not everyone would do something like this... but she has hit an all-time low, and her mind is not there.

She is not there.

In this state, I know from experience that your reasoning is gone. When you have your head in a place, a bad place, sometimes things happen, and sometimes you need help to climb back out. This WILL have dark themes in them, if you cannot handle suicide, self-harm, I ask of you to please skip this chapter. These things exist, they are real sicknesses and like a cold, people get them... and I am going to write about them because they are more common than you think.

Hidden Scars

Surprise

The halls were empty in Athena's temple, as the saddened cyborg wandered throughout the darkness. Pinkie Pie had returned a while ago being carried by Athena, which the Goddess explained her to be too tired to even walk. A strange Sphinx and wolf had seemed to be recruited to the alliance, but Surprise paid them no mind. An ominous feeling hovered over the entire temple, which Surprise had sniffed out while she walked aimlessly with her head lowered.

Her heart was ripped out, physically... she had surgically removed it from her rib-cage to inspect it... wondering why it hurt so bad. When running a diagnostic on it, nothing seemed to be wrong... so she placed it back in her chest and curled up in a ball and cried for hours. Pinkamena was right, and so was Aphrodite... she had killed all those ponies... her friends, it didn't matter back then.

She was hated. Back on her world, she was a dictator if you were to find the right term. They followed her out of fear because no pony had the ability to stop her. She was raised like this, it was all she knew... it was why she was created, she didn't know any different until she met Pinkamena.

That Demi-God fought for justice, didn't kill to get what she needed... it baffled Surprise.. for how could one be powerful without killing their enemies? How could one win a war without destruction? Pinkamena was able to fight with grace... and compassion, traits that Surprise was unable to produce.

Surprise didn't mind being hated... because she had never been loved. She didn't know what love was... she still does not even know the actual meaning of kindness! At this point was she even alive? She had no pony traits left, they were drained out of her when she was created. She was more robot than pony, but still.... she longed to be accepted... not by all... she didn't need or want that... just by one.

At this point what was she going to do? Pinkamena hates her... this time she has no doubt! She can't stop the urge to kill, to attack, to hurt... all these instincts drive the demon away from her. How does she fix this? How does she change what she is? She has never even considered changing her ways even when she was bored on her planet, for she just accepted that this was her destiny... this was her fate.

Now, she sees her emotions... are changing. Instead of wanting to force ponies to come to events she plans, murdering those who she views as toxic to her world... she wants those silly guilty pleasures she never got to experience! Sure, she's tried hugging, snuggling, and joking around before... but that was just to experiment, just to see if her pony side was still there. Her pony side was there... and the only reason she knows this is because Pinkamena brought it out.

Surprise would do anything... to protect her.... she was special. Even though Pinkamena hated her, she was going to do everything in the cosmos to make it right.

Where is Pinkamena? She's been gone all day... it's pretty late, should I.... go and find her? Surprise cocked her head before wiping her tears off her cheeks. No... she'll come back, she is probably snuggled up next to Pinkie Pie... perhaps I should go wait by the door again... perhaps I can give her something better than flowers this time... but what? Surprise walked passed Athena who was curled up in her nest fast asleep, as Dionysus slept on a pile of hay in a room across from the Goddess.

Hephaestus had burning embers under his stomach from lighting Athena's carefully woven nest on fire... which Surprise assumed would anger her in the morning. Where is that stinky Goddess Aphrodite anyways? I saw what she was doing... with Pinkamena... getting all cozy and stuff with the ambrosia... meanie pants.

Surprise wrinkled her nose just thinking of that Goddess... oh how she would love to just stick her gun up her-

Stop it... you are trying to prove them wrong... you can't go around shooting ponies anymore... you've got to remain calm, cool and collected... like a big glob of blue Jell-O. But seriously, perhaps Surprise could shave off a little section of her mane... just a little... she was sure Pinkamena would find that hilarious.

Suddenly Surprise stopped when she heard.... humming. The cyborg quickly jumped, scanning the entire temple for any intruders as her eye typed words. Searching for possibly hostility... searching... searching. Surprise lowered herself to the ground, her foreleg transforming into her signature gun as she prowled towards the voice. Is it Hera? Oh please, oh please, let it be Hera... I'll never forgive you for what you did to Pinkamena... never!

She crept closer, her sharp hearing able to weave out words from the voice.

"I’m alone forever in fear,"

"Hiding alone, drowning in tears."

"These wounds will never heal,"

"My scars are all but real."

Surprise stopped, the voice... was beautiful! Perhaps... this creature was a siren... drawing me in with pretty words.. and gentle silky voices... but I kinda can't stop listening to it... is that a bad thing? The voice was almost... shaking... like the owner was on the verge of tears... making Surprise even more concerned as she watched her AI update her on the situation. Voice identified, Pinkamena... three hundred feet, emotionally unstable proceed with caution.

Emotionally... unstable? That's strange... usually my AI only detects me when my head gets all wonky... Pinkamena isn't a robot silly... she can't snap and go bananas like me! Surprise was confused by this... her AI never lies, it physically couldn't, but Pinkamena does not have a command center like Surprise where she goes into default mode. Hormone levels drastically high... severity of mentality decreased to zero percent.

Mentality... like her mental state? No.. that's silly... she couldn't be... breaking... like I did when reliving my battle with Blackheart... that would be ridiculous... Pinkamena isn't a robot! Surprise couldn't help but chuckle to herself a little... her AI must be having a few hiccups! First of all, Mena was the strongest and bravest pony she knew... her mentality would never get so low... like Surprise that was not possible.

"My story no one will know,"

"I hide it well, pain will not show."

"Lied to you, through my tooth,"

"I’m sorry I hid the truth."

"I’m ashamed, so confused,"

"I am no longer just bruised."

Wow... her voice is so pretty... mmm... Surprise was in a trance, a slight blush appearing on her cheeks as she nearly floated towards Pinkamena ignoring her blaring AI. Her cyborg eye became activated, almost like she was going into battle... what was going on with her robotics? Stop it! Pinkamena is not dangerous! Jeeze, I am so glitchy tonight... I am going to have to do a hard scan of my system to fix all these issues.

"Not a warrior, was never strong,"

"A Demi-God but not for long."

"I lost this battle, I lost this war,"

"I am too weakened in the core."

Surprise bounced out from behind the wall to happily greet Pinkamena... but something... was terribly wrong. Surprise's ears flattened when she saw the demon looming over an object, and quietly crying to herself as her muscles and body trembled. Her wings were torn... like she had flown and flown for miles, until the leather was unable to keep up and split from the trauma. The cyborg's eye zoomed in on the demon, as she wordlessly commanded for it to search for any wounds other than her wings.

Was she in a fight? Did HERA do this to her? She's so wounded... what happened... I don't care if she hates me for this... I am going to murder whoever dared to lay a hoof on her! Pinkamena was looking at a rock candy necklace, carefully put together with string with a little tag on it that Surprise couldn't read. Did... Pinkie Pie in her world give that to her? It's cute... but... why is she staring at it so much... like she will never see it again?

Pinkamena turned and nearly attacked Surprise when she saw the cyborg standing behind her. The pegasus flinched, dipping her head low as the demon looked at her for a second to realize she was not a threat.

The Demi-God took a long breath, "Gods Surprise... you scared me... what are you doing?"

Better question is.. what are YOU doing? "I was... looking for you... I was worried when you didn't come back."

Pinkamena cleared her throat but her voice still seemed hoarse. "Yeah well it isn't your job to come and find me, we aren't friends! Get lost Surprise, I want to be alone!" Ouch... Mena.

That jab hurt... like she had been stabbed by a dagger making her visibly flinch. Surprise noticed how red and raw Pinkamena's eyes were... and how runny her nose was... just as she had been hours earlier. She has been crying... a lot harder then I was... did... I make her cry? Did that stupid Goddess Aphrodite do this... I knew I should have shot her when I had the chance... stupid, stupid.. stupid Surprise!

"H-Have you been crying? Mena... what's wrong?" Surprise asked, approaching the demon as Pinkamena suddenly opened her mouth and hissed making the pegasus stumble back in shock!

Pinkamena noticed what she did... and calmed herself before looking towards the floor in embarrassment. "It's nothing okay... I am going to bed, don't follow me Surprise!"

Pinkamena got up off the floor as the necklace vanished in a puff of smoke. Surprise slowly watched her... but something seemed off in the way she walked. S... She's limping! It looks like she is trying to hide it too! What's going on... why is she so wounded! Scanning target Pinkamena for any injuries... scanning... scanning... four major areas found with puncture wounds. Located in the hoof and the heel.

She is HURT, some pony HURT her! But... I... can't see anything when she walks... her hoof looks.. fine from where I am standing... what... I don't understand... my AI must be wrong. Surprise squinted, lowering her head to the ground as she looked under Pinkamena's hoof... seeing something green sizzle throughout the keratin! Oh my Gods... she's wounded... and she's hiding it with Black Magic! If she THINKS hiding her injury will keep whatever pony that hurt her safe... she's wrong!

"Pinkamena... why are you limping?" Surprise asked emotionlessly as the demon turned to her and stared at the skepticism on the cyborg's face.

Keep it together Surprise... just for a few more minutes.

"I'm not limping... and even if I were why do you care?"

Surprise was hanging on a thin thread at this point. "Pinkamena... may I please see your hoof?"

"No! I said get lost!"

Surprise stubbornly walked up to Pinkamena trying to keep the anger out of her tone. "Please?"

Pinkamena sighed loudly. "If I give you my hoof... will you LEAVE me alone? I just want peace and quiet for my la... just... just never mind... HERE!"

Pinkamena thrust her hoof forward, as Surprise gently took it suspiciously looking at the Demi-God before turning her focus to the uninjured hoof. Yep... she's hiding it with a spell... something is wrong with her hoof and I am going to find out what it is... and who did it! Surprise looked back up to Pinkamena as the demon glared at her.

"Are we done? Can I go? See nothing is wrong!"

"Activate point A1B." Surprise said locking eyes with the demon as her AI Core responded. Command received breaking illusion spell on Pinkamena.

Pinkamena suddenly had terror in her eyes, as Surprise dipped forward and blew on the demon's hoof... blowing away her magic as the real hoof was exposed. Nails.... dozens... dozens.... of nails were hammered into the flesh and in the extremely sensitive tissue of the sole. Surprise was frozen... all of her hooves... they had this same wound... and they were melted... like some sadistic pony had rammed them in blazing hot.

WHO did this... this is an excruciating torture technique they used in mid-evil times! This pony is getting no mercy from me, not an inch of mercy... I am going to track them down... I will FIND who did THIS! Surprise's cyborg eye lit up, her anger unable to be contained any longer as her ears flattened against her skull tightly.

"Who did this..." Surprise asked softly unable to gather her voice, as she ran her hoof gently along the backs of the nails. Pinkamena looked away, trying to tug her hoof away but Surprise didn't let her. "WHO DID THIS?!?"

Pinkamena was weakened... unable to overpower Surprise as the cyborg kept a death grip on her hoof. Surprise's AI was warning her of an intense adrenaline rush as her head ran with millions of thoughts. Her breathing was heavy, as she clenched her teeth together... Pinkamena must have been in so much pain for HOURS! I was not there to prevent this... I could have prevented this! Some pony tortured HER!!

"S...Surprise... l....let go... please!" Pinkamena begged, tugging her hoof away but her pain and her weakened state made it to where she could not do much against Surprise.

"NO! I AM NOT GOING TO ALLOW THIS! WHERE ARE THEY?!" Surprise's voice was shrill, as she scanned Pinkamena's hoof for any DNA samples. Unable to identify skin particles, target not found. "NO! THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING! Search HARDER!" Scanning... scanning...

The more Surprise stared at the burnt and peeling flesh the more her hatred and rage burned! The pain Pinkamena was feeling would be nothing compared to what Surprise had in store for whatever sick soul did this to her! Scanning... unable to find any traces to follow up on. No... NO! Surprise slammed her free hoof on the ground in pure anger, smashing the marble to pieces as she looked back at a terrified Pinkamena.

"You tell me who did this to you... I promise I will avenge you... I'll take care of you first... but then... then THAT PONY will DIE!" Surprise yelled, watching as Pinkamena's eyes started to water.

"Surprise... this... you can't find this pony... just let me go.."

"NO! I will find them! STOP PROTECTING THEM MENA!"

"You don't understand-"

"Help me understand Mena! I didn't protect you! AGAIN! Some pony out there tortured YOU, and they will pay for what they did... I SWEAR!"

Pinkamena was sobbing, as she desperately tried to pull away. Why are you pulling away? I am not going to hurt you I am going to hurt THEM! Why are you protecting them from me? Don't you want them to pay for what they did? Why are you trying to run away... I can't protect you if you keep running Mena! I can't live knowing this keeps happening to you... you keep getting hurt and it is all my fault! Scanning... Scanning... no results found.

"Tell me Mena! WHO ARE THEY, PLEASE! I can't let them go Mena... I just can't... I'm sorry!"

"S...Surprise... y...you c-can't find them... hic... you wouldn't understand!"

Pinkamena shook her head like she was fighting with something. Scanning for any and all lifeforms within a hundred-mile radius. Surprise couldn't bear to see Pinkamena's tears... it crushed her... but more then anything it just made her more livid... and bloodthirsty! Keep searching... I want to know about everything around her that moves... they couldn't have gotten FAR!

"Please, Mena... I am BEGGING you tell ME!"

"I can't... I...I can't... p-please.... s....stop... please!"

"They are getting away... I have to FIND THEM!"

Pinkamena screamed out in inner pain, as she choked on her words. "ME!"

Surprise stopped... everything in her body just stopped.

Pinkamena was able to pull her hoof away from Surprise as the cyborg just sat there... unable to breathe... unable to move... just stare. The demon was shaking from head to tail, as she sobbed looking towards the floor as Surprise shook her head in disbelief. Her head sparked, her AI Core silent... unable to process what the Demi-God had said... unable to believe it... but she knew the words were true... or her AI would have called her out on it.

Surprise opened her mouth to say something and even though she had a million words to say she could only say one. ".....Why?"

Pinkamena shook her head and clenched her eyes shut before yelling. "I DID THIS BECAUSE I WANTED TO!!"

The demon shot off towards the ceiling in a burst of green light, before melting into the marble ceiling. Surprise was too shocked to move... too confused to speak... and just sat there... unable to accept what she had said. I... I've never heard of a pony... torturing themselves! I... I don't understand... why... why Mena? Surprise had never encountered this... never in her life... she didn't know what to think... or what to do!

I... I can't hurt Pinkamena... even though I said I would kill the pony who did this to her... because she did it to herself... but WHY... why would she put herself through so much pain? Is there something I am missing... is there something normal about this I should understand? She was in pain... I knew that much... but... not just the outside is hurting... something... something else is hurting!

"I need to find Athena!" Surprise said, as she picked herself up onto her hooves but wobbled. "I have to fix this... I have to learn what this is... there has to be a way to reverse this... to help her."

Surprise galloped towards the Goddess as fast as she could, which only took seconds with her super speed. The cyborg approached Athena, as the griffon nuzzled herself in her soft sticks and breathed out happily. Surprise poked the Goddess a little harshly, making her groan and roll over before she poked her once more a little harder.

"Athena... wake up... p..please... I need your help!"

"Mmmm, it's like... three in the morning... go to sleep, mmm.."

Surprise slapped her angrily, making Athena jump up.

"What in the Gods name? WHAT Surprise... what do you NEED?"

The cyborg licked her dry lips. "W...Why would a... pony... purposefully.. w-want to hurt themselves?"

Athena sighed loudly before patting her branches and curling back up. "You woke me up at... three something in the morning to ask me a psychological question? Goodnight Surprise... go... go bother Pinkamena or something... Nike wore me out and I just want to get some shut eye."

Surprise poked her again, making the griffon's golden eye pop open. "I need to know right now!"

"Uuuuugh... it's a mental illness thing... you know how it goes."

Surprise cocked her head. "Men...Mental illness?"

"Haha, real funny Surprise... go to bed."

Surprise blinked, as the griffon slowly watched her confusion and came to a realization.

"B..By the Gods... you... actually don't know what mental illnesses are... do you Surprise?"

Surprise shook her head slowly as the Goddess looked at her with a saddened look. I... never heard of that before... is it a sickness... how can I cure it? Mental is a word associated with the brain... d... do I need to create a cure?

"Oh dear... S-Surprise... this is a very... very deep and emotional topic... I.... I am going to take you to my library, and I just want to tell you... this world... this... area of knowledge... is very... scarring. It leaves wounds on both the victim... and their loved ones... it is an invisible illness... that can take down the strongest of us..."

Invisible? How... how can something not be seen by me? I have advanced X-rays, perhaps she just forgot about that. Athena beckoned Surprise to follow her, as the cyborg carefully walked next to the Goddess as she lit a way with her claw made of golden light. The griffon took a few turns, guiding them both down the dark temple hallway until they made it to a vast untouched library neatly decorated hundreds of feet upwards.

Athena snapped her claws, as a bookshelf suddenly morphed in front of them to reveal hundreds of books which the Goddess sorted through with her hawk-like eyesight. The griffon hesitated by one book, before gently tugging it out from its snug spot and flipping through the pages. She approached Surprise before pressing the book to her chest and looking towards the floor with a painful gaze.

She gently handed the book to Surprise with words of wisdom. "This is not a sickness that can just be cured Surprise... not even in your world. Please... when you read this, just remember... that what you asked... sometimes leads ponies to... other ways of hurting themselves... and that.... is a dark path to read about."

Athena gently placed her claw on Surprise's shoulder, before leaving her to learn about this... illness that she couldn't cure. My world has medicine that can cure almost anything... ponies live for hundreds of years because of it! I can find a cure... it cannot be too hard... it might take a few days but I am one of the smartest cyborgs in the universe! Surprise took a seat on a wooden chair, as a lamp swung over her head giving her light.

Her tail swept across the ground, as she ran her hoof along the cover of the book.

Disorders: What They Are, What They Do, How They Affect Their Ponies.

Surprise had a bad feeling about the book, just by staring at the cover with a pony crouched in the corner holding their head. The cyborg swallowed, slowly opening the cover as the carefully started to read what was inside with a heart as heavy as lead. Athena had folded a page for Surprise as the book fell into place allowing Surprise to read what the Goddess had left for her.

Many ponies start to experience a decrease in their enjoyment of life, when they enter the beginning stages of depression. This disorder can be caused by many things, or sometimes does not even have a trigger at all. Some ponies go through this when a very traumatic event happens in their lifespan, leading to rare happiness, trouble eating, insomnia, lack in confidence and more during the first few months. Depression affects how ponies think, feel and act. Depression makes it more difficult to manage from day to day and interferes with study, work and relationships. A pony may be depressed if for more than two weeks they have felt sad, down or miserable most of the time or have lost interest or pleasure in most of their usual activities, and have also experienced several of the signs and symptoms that were listed above. If not treated, it can lead to other severe symptoms like over preening in pegasi, magic blocks in unicorns... and can lead to self-harm in all races.

Thunder boomed from outside as Surprise jumped, she nervously swallowed as she turned the page labeled "Self Harm." So depression... is that what Mena is going through? That might explain why she is not eating... why she walks around at night all the time, and why her behavior is changing so suddenly.

Self-harm can be a variety of things, from forcefully plucking out feathers in Pegasi, to purposefully chipping horns in unicorns, and messing with hooves in earth ponies. Ponies that do this are often seeking to punish themselves, for either an action they did in the past, or the hate they feel for themselves due to bullying by their own mind or other ponies. They can even use this method to distract themselves, alter the focus of their attention. Or regain control over their minds when experiencing pressing, unavoidable and overwhelming feelings or thoughts. The acts of self-injury are so often bloody and horrifying that it makes it harder for ponies to be thoughtful about what these acts mean. There is a tendency to panic when you see somepony you care about bleeding from self-inflicted wounds, or covered with scars. Such panic interferes with thinking, and makes it harder for ponies to understand the motives behind self-injury. Forcefully trying to corner a pony suffering from this will often lead to hostile responses, making the pony trying to help be pushed away... and in this case if not treated or stopped may lead to suicide.

Surprise felt her spine tense up... she did not like that word. I... I don't want to continue... this... this is scaring me... Pinkamena... can't have this... she... would have fought it off.. can she fight this off? Can I fight it for her...? No... I have to keep reading... I have to understand... I have to know how to help!

Suicide is a complex issue involving numerous factors and should not be attributed to any one single cause. Not all ponies who die by suicide have been diagnosed with a mental illness and not all ponies with a mental illness attempt to end their lives by suicide. This is a severe and dangerous thought process, that when put into motion will end a pony's life when completed successfully. A loved one should look for signs in a pony diagnosed with severe depression or has been acting strangely around them while hostile. Signs can range between:

• Making preparations for death
• Dangerous self-harm behavior
• Recent life trauma
• Aggressive behavior in strange times, or life crisis
• Unexpected rage, or strong mood swings
• And the most common, withdrawal

Withdrawal... doesn't that mean... wanting to be... alone? Surprise's mind suddenly went into a flashback mode, as her brain tried to grasp the song Pinkamena was singing. Her words came back to the cyborg, as the pegasus hung onto every single word.

"Not a warrior, was never strong,"

"A Demi-God but not for long."

"I lost this battle, I lost this war,"

"I am too weakened in the core."

No... Pinkamena... you can't be... But her thoughts kept coming back to her.

"If I give you my hoof... will you LEAVE me alone? I just want peace and quiet for my la... just... just never mind... HERE!"

Her last... Oh, my Gods... No... NO! Surprise slammed the book closed as she started to hyperventilate. I LEFT HER ALONE!!! The cyborg's pupils shrank to the size of pinheads, as she tucked in her head and smashed through the giant stain glass window in the library. She opened her wings before she could fall down the mountain as the rain from the storm blinded her with its harsh howling wind!

"Core find PINKAMENA!" Surprise commanded as the pegasus frantically scanned far and wide for the Demi-God. Scanning... Scanning... match discovered, twelve point five miles located in Dead Stallion's Cove. Surprise's hooves shot out fire as they matched the speed the cyborg needed to get their as fast as possible. She zoomed across the sky, shooting smoke for miles as she dodged mountain tops... and sliced through full grown trees with no intent on changing course.

Pinkamena... please... please don't do this! So many of us need you... I need YOU! Surprise's wings burned, her feathers ripping off but she didn't care! Her mane stuck to her face, as she rammed her way through a stony arch blowing it to pieces as she continued to advance towards Dead Stallion's Cove. Mena... why... WHY... what is causing you so much pain... I'll fix it... I'll do anything you can't leave me... PLEASE!

Surprise landed on a rocky ledge overlooking a crashing and swirling ocean, as she panted and desperately searched the cove for any signs of the Demi-God. Her robotic eye picked up on something swimming underneath the water... something huge... and full of teeth! Warning... hostile threat detected, five thousand and twenty-eight pounds, identified as Greek legend Scylla, best strategy advised: Flee.

Surprise jumped.

With no hesitation, she hit the water, before gathering herself and adjusting her robotic eye to view the ocean's depths. Thousands and thousands of skeletons and pieces of fallen boats were lodged at the very bottom of the pit, as Surprise swam towards the heart of the beast's lair. She saw something... swaying at the bottom, as she focused on the figure... before gasping and losing half of the air she had in her lungs.

There was Pinkamena... with self-inflicted chains around her neck and forelegs, being pushed and pulled by the underwater tide while motionless. Surprise swam as fast as she could towards the demon, before stopping in front of Pinkamena's muzzle staring at the closed eyes of the mare.

"MMMMMMPH!" Surprise screamed, shaking Pinkamena by her shoulders... but was given no response.

Something swam behind her, as Surprise without a second thought activated her gun. She pointed it towards whatever was in the ocean with her... but she saw nothing as she turned back to Pinkamena. The cyborg put away her gun and instead had her foreleg transform into a saw, as she slammed the spinning blade down on the thick chains.

Something slapped Surprise away, blowing her feet away from her target before she recovered and spun back around. The cyborg activated her gun once more, as something sped at her like a torpedo with an open mouth full of jagged mossy teeth! She shot at Scylla, hitting the creature square in the back of the throat as it roared and retreated preparing to attack once more as Surprise forced her way back to Pinkamena.

Oxygen critically low, need to resurface or possibility of drowning increases towards success. Surprise ignored Core, as she once more cut through the chains. One snapped, causing her to free Pinkamena's left foreleg as she put it on her shoulder before tugging the loose chain away from the Demi-God's neck. Pinkamena doesn't have any air! I don't have much... but it should be enough until I can get her out!

Surprise angled Pinkamena's head before pressing her lips to hers and blowing more than half of what she had left into the mare's lungs! The demon stirred but didn't open her eyes as the lack of oxygen started to take it's toll on Surprise causing her to become sluggish.

Scylla burst from the darkness, her thirteen heads aiding the dominant one as Surprise opened fire! The plasma blasts from millions of years of advanced technology ate away at the monster's thick hide making it squeal and retreat once more back into the darkness of the ocean. Surprise was going to pass out... as Core screamed in her ear. Thirty seconds, before complete system failure. The cyborg carefully aimed her saw at Pinkamena's trapped leg attached to a boulder, as she weakly held her saw in place until the Black Magic chains were cut.

Surprise gently held Pinkamena, as she started swimming upwards until her leg was painfully snatched by Scylla! The cyborg yelled out in pain, making her time limit even shorter as she rammed the saw into the beast's nose! The creature refused to let go... the surface so close... as Surprise clutched the Demi-God with everything she had, not allowing Scylla to harm her any further!

You will NOT harm her, even if I have to drown to keep it that way! Surprise summoned a rocket from her side, as it shot through the water and exploded right on Scylla's eye! The monster roared in pain, freeing Surprise's leg as she used all her strength to push herself through the water.

System failure in three.

No... I can make it... just a few more feet!

Two.

Scylla roared and opened her jaws.

One.

Surprise burst through the surface, filling her lungs with air as Scylla leapt out of the water. Her jaws snapped closed, but missed Surprise as she flew away from that monster as far as she could go! She landed on the grass as she placed Pinkamena down on the ground, and coughed and hacked the water from her lungs as she gasped for air.

"M...Mena!" She cried, stumbling over to the silent and still Demi-God. She placed her ear on the mare's chest, unable to hear a heartbeat before she pressed both her hooves over the demon's heart. Surprise put massive pressure on Pinkamena's chest before performing CPR. "Come on Mena... don't do this!"

Do I have anything that could get the water out of her lungs? Why... Why am I so stupid? I have prepared myself for anything that could happen to me... but not for HER! Surprise opened her mouth before blowing air into her lungs and repeating the process. Mena... you are strong, you can get through this... just trust me, I'll save you!

Pinkamena's back suddenly arched as water spilled from her mouth. She was gasping for air, as the Demi-God's eyes remained closed and Surprise's eyes filled with tears. I have to get her out of this rain... she is already wet and cold! The pegasus hauled Pinkamena on her back, as she scanned the entire area for temporary shelter. Area found, twenty meters ahead, no threats detected.

Surprise was weak, but she ran as fast as she could towards the area Core had scanned. She jumped downwards before ducking in a safe cave, as the storm raged outside. Surprise gently placed Pinkamena down, before standing over her and pressing her body against the Demi-God's and spreading her wings around her sides.

Their stomachs were flattened against each other, as Surprise's heaters inside her body activated. You... stupid, stupid mare! Why would you scare me like that... why would you do this? The cyborg sobbed, wrapping her forelegs around her teammate's neck as she buried her muzzle into the demon's neck to check on her pulse. This... heat... it isn't enough! She's a demon, her body temperature isn't that same as a normal pony... I need more heat... intense heat!

Surprise tried to activate something to pixilate into her hoof, but Core reminded her of her damage. Some systems are offline... in need of repair. No... I need heat! If I cannot reach my tools... Pinkamena will DIE! Surprise brainstormed, making a fire and placing her on top of it will not be enough... it has to be a big flame! She was panicking as she hugged Pinkamena tight until she remembered something.

"I can... combust... it will damage a large part of me, but it will produce a large enough flame to keep you warm Mena." Surprise said as she took a deep breath. This is going to be painful... but worth it... I will save your life Pinkamena... and then I am going to figure out what drove you to do this. Surprise swallowed, but didn't allow herself to dwell on the pain... as she activated every single flammable object inside her.

Warning combustion threat. I know... Areas are being severely damaged, recommended to terminate active robotics. I am not going to... combustion in three... two... one... system offline.

Surprise exploded, bursting into flames as she weakly fell on Pinkamena unable to move! The flames ate away at the rock, but she knew these flames would not hurt the demon... as her metal started to melt. I... am burning alive... but this pain... is nothing compared to what you must feel Mena... I am used to this... I live in pain... and I will not allow the same thing to happen to you.

Surprise made sure her wings covered every inch of the demon's body, as the warmth started to make Pinkamena's pulse get stronger. The burning cyborg smiled weakly, as she closed her eyes and tried to ignore the pain... and instead celebrated that Pinkamena was going to be okay.

Surprise sat like this for hours, her flesh and fur burning away for the sake of a demon who hated her. But you know what? She wouldn't trade this for anything in the world, nothing at all... there was no where else she'd rather be. Why she felt this way she had no idea, or why she cared so much she had no clue... but she did... and she wanted to.

Eventually, Surprise's combustion died down, leaving that monstrous sight she hated exposed. Her robotic eye spasmed, along with her fur in patches surrounding melted and dented metal. Her organs were cooked, but the metal around them protected them from the worst as Pinkamena stirred beneath her.

Surprise was able to pick herself off of the demon as Core came back online. System ninety-two percent down, in need of hard repair. The pegasus sat on the stone in front of Pinkamena as the demon's eyes fluttered open, Surprise leaned in to make sure she was not hallucinating as she felt her eyes leaking from worry.

The demon groaned as she picked herself up and looked around. "Th...This... this is not... I... I am... a-alive?"

Surprise trembled with rage. "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!"

Pinkamena jumped when she saw the crying cyborg in front of her. I am furious at you Pinkamena! B...But... I am also scared... and confused... and worried about you! Surprise quivered, as her entire body shook from the aftermath of her adrenaline, her fear, and her pain... as her robotic eye zoomed in on the demon.

"Why... WHY would you want to KILL yourself??? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW SCARED I WAS??" Surprise cried, throwing herself at Pinkamena's hooves choking on her gasping breaths. "Tell me WHY Mena... I'll take your pain away if you just tell me what you NEED!"

"Did... Did... you save me?" Pinkamena asked quietly as the cyborg slowly lifted her head to stare at the steady poker face of the Demi-God.

Surprise slowly nodded, but was not expecting Pinkamena's face to twist in rage!

"You should have let me DIE! Now I have to do it all OVER again! You idiot Surprise, I told you to leave me ALONE!"

Pinkamena barreled past Surprise, her weakened body not letting her get very far though. The cyborg couldn't believe what was happening... she was going to go out there and do that AGAIN? What... WHY.. Mena STOP! I am not going to let you go through that again! Just talk to me! PLEASE!

Surprise bit on Pinkamena's tail and tugged her away from the entrance of the cave, as Surprise moved in front of her. "Mena... you aren't going anywhere! You're not thinking straight! You have to listen to me, I care so much for you... Pinkie Pie cares so much for you... you can't leave us we'd be lost without you!"

Pinkamena roared! Warning new threat detected.

"You have no right to tell me you care for me! You care for NO PONY! Pinkie Pie will live without me, I'm no longer going to walk these lands with my curse... and my p...pain! You have NO idea what it feels like to need something you can NEVER have Surprise!"

Pinkamena lowered her head to the ground as Surprise watched the Demi-God start to circle her. "Pinkamena... I know exactly how you FEEL! I've wanted to be normal... to feel loved, ponies have the need to want love... and friendship I don't have any of that.. and I live with the pain every day! I have no idea what needs you are talking about, but I can help... we can get what we both want together just give me a chance!"

The Demi-God lunged towards the entrance but Surprise pushed her back! Pinkamena rolled on her back before popping herself back on her hooves with her fangs exposed.

"YOU have no emotions Surprise! YOU ARE A ROBOT! You kill, sleep, and destroy and that's all there is to YOU!"

Surprise kept her stance as the demon hissed. She's not herself right now... she doesn't know what she is saying!

"I THOUGHT that was what I was... and then you showed me there was more to me! I have so much to offer... you showed me that Mena! You told me I could make friends, as long as I showed them they had nothing to fear! You don't have to fear me Pinkamena! You can talk to me, you don't have to hide from me!"

Pinkamena screeched once more trying to force her way out. Surprise knew Pinkamena would hate her for this... but she had to do something! The cyborg used her hoof to kick the side of the cave, the demon was knocked to the ground when the earth started to shake.. as a giant rock avalanche came piling down onto the entrance of the cave! Surprise's strength made it possible, but she really thought she could talk Pinkamena out of this... to where it didn't need to resort to caging her.

I know you are too weak to dig yourself out right now Mena... but we have to talk.. we have to! Surprise watched as Pinkamena screamed and pawed at the rocks but to no avail, making her fall onto her rump and shake violently.

Slowly Pinkamena's head turned her entire eye covered in glowing blood red.

Major threat detected, prepare for battle. Mena...?

"YOU!" Pinkamena screeched, lunging at Surprise before crashing her hoof into the weakened cyborg's head. The pegasus went flying, slamming into the back of the cave and denting the rock as more of them filled the entrance. Surprise cried out in pain, as Pinkamena charged with no intent on holding back.

"Mena... Mena stop! It's me Surprise! I won't hurt you!"

"I know who you ARE!" Pinkamena responded, as Surprise dodged her deadly hoof as it crashed into the spot she was recently a part of! Oh my Gods... she knows what she is doing... this isn't her Black Magic... this is just her rage! Surprise stumbled back as Pinkamena crawled on the wall to get to her!

"This isn't you Pinkamena! You are kind and loving! I am not going to fight you! I never will!"

Pinkamena lunged again, busting a rock into dust as Surprise weakly rolled out of the way! "Oh yes you will! You LIVE for battle and war, so here you go Surprise! An opponent just as bloodthirsty as YOU!"

Pinkamena spat out fire, as Surprise jumped behind another large rock. The fire washed over the stone as the cyborg trembled. What do I do? What do I DO? Surprise felt something stir as Core responded to the threat. Enemy weakened in lungs, best strategy advised aim for the injured organs. "No! Pinkamena is not OUR ENEMY!"

The demon picked up the rock before throwing it towards the cave wall. Surprise cowered underneath Pinkamena's wild and murderous gaze, as her pupils shook within her eyes.

"I am damn well your enemy! I am going to KILL you Surprise, so get your weapon and fight back! You are a warlord, you aren't soft... you KILL just for fun! Why is this any different!"

"NO!" Surprise yelled making Pinkamena cock her head. "I am NOT going to fight you!"

Pinkamena opened her wings before creeping up on Surprise who flattened herself against the wall. "Only one of us is getting out of here alive... and it might as well be YOU! Do it Surprise... KILL ME!"

Surprise shook her head.

Pinkamena scorched her with flames, but they were not as hot as she would have thought they would be. Suddenly she was ripped up and slammed on the wall, as Pinkamena's claws suddenly appeared holding her neck in place. The cyborg gasped for air... as the demon panted, holding her firm and allowing her hooves to dangle below her.

"DO IT Surprise, I am right here! It's YOUR life or mine! I know you have one more kill left in you somewhere... do you truly want to die a coward's death to prove something so useless as pretending to care? You have never chosen another life over your own! Never! FIGHT BACK!"

Surprise shook her head refusing. "No! I'll die before I hurt you!"

Pinkamena's rage was growing as she tightened her grip on Surprise's neck. "I do not believe a WORD! What are you waiting FOR? Do it already! I know you're charging up a surprise attack or something! Just a little bit more pressure and I'll snap your neck! Do IT!"

"NO!"

"Are you stupid? YOU ARE GOING TO DIE right here right NOW! If you do not FIGHT BACK!"

"You can kill me Pinkamena... but I am never going to fight back! NEVER! I'll never hurt you! I am not your enemy! I'll never be! I owe you everything Pinkamena... even my life... so take it... if you hate me that much, if this will make you happy... go ahead... I won't stop you!"

Pinkamena's snarl relaxed, as her grip loosened. "Y...You really aren't going to kill me... are you?"

Surprise shook her head slowly and sincerely.

Pinkamena let her go, as she slowly walked back. Surprise coughed, gasping for air as she weakly trembled when holding her body weight up. The demon flattened her ears and painfully closed her eyes as she turned her back on Surprise and pressed her head gently on the cold cave wall across from the cyborg. When Surprise recovered, she looked at the un-moving demon silently crying across from her before finding the courage to approach her.

You aren't dangerous Mena... I knew what you were doing... you wanted me to kill you... I did not know if you were actually going to end my life, but I was not going to let you give into.... all this.

Surprise sat next to the demon, as she gently turned her head to see Pinkamena's tears sliding down the cave wall. Surprise used her telekinesis to turn the demon's weak head, as she held the Demi-God's soaked chin in her hooves. She was broken... defeated, mortally wounded where no pony could see her pain... but Surprise did.

"I... I can't fight anymore..." Pinkamena began, as Surprise put her hoof to the demon's lips.

"Then let me fight for you..." Surprise said, as she used the intact feathers of her wing to wipe away Pinkamena's tears. "Let me take care of you Mena.... or at least give me the chance to try."

Pinkamena pondered for a moment, looking into Surprise's raw and purple eyes before... she nodded.

The demon lifted her chin out of Surprise's hooves before giving her a blank stare. A numb one... like she couldn't feel anything at all anymore. The cyborg put out her hoof, before beckoning Pinkamena to do the same which the Demi-God wordlessly obeyed.

Surprise's throat tightened when seeing the nails again, but she quickly got to work pulling them out. She gently wrapped her teeth around the first nail, before tugging it out of Pinkamena's flesh. The demon flinched, but Surprise was gentle as she did the same to the second one. Pinkamena seemed nervous when Surprise touched the third, the nail must have been deep or an emotional scar was made from it. The cyborg put her hoof on the Demi-God's cheek with a smile, as the wounded mare looked deep in her eyes.

"I'm not going to hurt you." Surprise said softly, before leaning back down towards the hoof and pulling out the nail. Pinkamena lurched back with a hiss, as the opened wound started to bleed making Surprise jump into action. "Shh, shh! I'm sorry it was really deep!"

Pinkamena winced, her ears back before Surprise gently tugged the demon's hoof back into the open. Surprise couldn't help but start to cry when looking at the morbid wound that Pinkamena had made. Her teammate looked away, no emotion present as Surprise worked on getting every single nail out from under the mare's flesh. Pinkamena would sometimes scream, bare her fangs... even going so far as to lunging at her when she felt pain... but she always gave back her hoof even knowing that it would hurt.

When the pile of nails rested by Surprise's flank, she looked at the wet, shaking, and broken demon in front of her. Surprise had a lump in her throat, she had been through so many things... but never had something put her through so much pain and heartache as this. The cyborg crawled over to the demon, before placing her chin on top of her head and wrapping her wings around Pinkamena's sides. Her forelegs wrapped around Pinkamena's neck, gently pressing the Demi-God's back into her chest as she cried softly.

"Mena... I was so worried, I thought I was never... going to see you again! D...Do you have any idea h-how much you mean to me? How much I am changing because of you? Stop carrying this all by yourself, I...I'll take it all from you... I want... no... I need you to be happy! We need you here with us... you're a leader... my hero... you turned me into the pony I have always wanted to be... I can feel things now... care, fear, compassion, all for YOU!"

Pinkamena was unresponsive as she slowly lifted up her hooves and looked at the wounds.

Surprise squeezed the Demi-God tighter her tears absorbing into the silky mane of her teammate. "I may be more robot then pony, but I still bleed when I fall down. I understand pain Mena... I was taken apart piece by piece, and had to live as a monster my whole life. B...But this... what you are going through... I know I can help with! You reminded me that it's not too late to change who you are... and it's not too late to turn something so hopeless into something worth fighting for! You are worth more to me than anything, I'll carry you wherever I have to until you are able to walk again... and even after! Please... your life is a gift to so many of us... without you... without.."

Surprise trembled unable to continue her words as her wings brushed against Pinkamena's sides. She could feel the demon's heartbeat even through her back as the organ hammered like a furious drum. The demon remained quiet, as Surprise gently rubbed the side of her muzzle on the Demi-God's neck.

I am giving her love, true sincere love... a feeling I thought I'd never experience. I want her to have all of it... every single inch that I can produce! Surprise rubbed her cheek against Pinkamena's their tears mixing, as the pegasus closed her eyes feeling the living warmth coming out of the demon's fur. It... feels good to give love... and she's letting me! Please keep taking it Pinkamena... I never... believed it... but they say that love is strong enough to overcome... anything...even this.

The demon's fur was so soft, but Surprise's didn't allow herself to get lost in confusion from all her mixed emotions. Pinkamena's head slowly turned giving her a milky stare, as Surprise cocked her chin to the side looking into the lost and emotionally unstable face of the one she cared so much for.

"You... need medical attention." Surprise said anxiously as she looked back at the demon's severely wounded hoof. Thank you for having trust in me Mena... but now... you have to be trustworthy... please don't make me have to chase you and cage you. "Pinkamena... I need you to listen to me."

The demon was still unresponsive as Surprise brought Pinkamena's head towards her eyes. The cyborg brushed the mane away from sticking on her cheeks, as the demon sniffed.

"I need you to promise me something... and I need you to mean it." Surprise began, as Pinkamena continued to look in her eyes without any readable expressions. "I need to tend to your wounds, so I am going to open up that cave... but I need you to promise not to run... because if you do, I am going to have to restrain you... and I do not want to do that... I really don't Mena... so please don't make me!"

Pinkamena blinked but said nothing.

Regardless I have to make sure there isn't rust in her bloodstream from those nails, and patch up her open wounds... so I am going to put my trust in you Mena... you can't escape me, I won't let you harm yourself! Surprise took a deep breath before her foreleg transformed into a gun. She shot one blast, before the plasma collided with the rocks and stone and bursting into pebbles as the outside was revealed. Please don't run... please don't run!

Pinkamena's wings twitched. Surprise held her breath, when watching her eyes absorb the moonlight from outside. The demon stared at the open vastness of the entrance, before turning to Surprise and growing still.

She's not going to run! She's not running! Surprise couldn't help but truly smile for the first time that night, as she hugged Pinkamena out of happiness! "T...Thank you for trusting me enough to listen." This was progress... we are making progress through this! I knew you could do it Mena! I just knew it!

Surprise gently approached Pinkamena, before rubbing the top of her head under the demon's chin. She tensed up but allowed Surprise to lift her off the ground with her magic, before levitating her onto the cyborg's back. Surprise held her breath, wondering how she could react but was pleasantly calmed when the Demi-God's forelegs wrapped around her neck cozily securing her grip on the pegasus.

Pinkamena's back legs dangled, as Surprise slowly opened her wings being careful not to startle the demon in a fragile state. The cyborg caught the wind under her wings before gently lifting off into the sky, she didn't like the silence but she did not feel right trying to get words out of the mare. Surprise felt Pinkamena's hot breath against her fur, as she accelerated higher into the storm clouds to avoid the light rain pounding her face.

Once she was above the clouds, she could slowly see static buzzing under her which made a very calming light show. Pinkamena seemed to be staring off into the distance, deep in thought as the pegasus followed the map she had programmed into her brain. Core made notes of everywhere she had been, so she would never be lost trying to get somewhere she needed to go.

Surprise descended downwards until the cloudy ground of Cloudsdale territory could be seen, along with Pinkie Pie's cottage. The house morphed sensing it's master, as it transformed into Surprise's little hideout where she could tend to Pinkamena in privacy. She landed before entering the home, feeling Pinkamena's grip tighten as Surprise tucked her wings and went downstairs where she had many medical tools stored away.

Most of them were robot related, like multi-purpose aerospace scanners... which Surprise used to repair rockets, plasma guns, and many more. She gently lifted Pinkamena off of her back before sitting the demon on a flat table that slowly started to scan her vital signs, before giving a coded report on her overall health.

Hmmm.. she's infected from walking on open wounds, a slight beginning of tetanus and abdominal swelling from her near drowning experience. I am going to have to give her some shots to combat a few of these issues, before giving her some antibiotics so she does not get pneumonia.

A robotic arm responded to Surprise's wordless commands, as it slowly brought up a small gun with the muzzle coated with a halved blue and smooth sphere. My planet evolved way passed needles, good thing too.. I want this to be painless.

Surprised picked up the gun. "Mena... may I please see your chest please? This will not hurt a bit, I just have to make sure the water in your lungs goes away... okay?"

Pinkamena just stared at her, as Surprise moved closer to the demon before looking up to make sure she could continue. Surprise gently rubbed the tip of the gun over the skin, as the medicine soaked into the mare's pores before painlessly breaking through the skin and entering the bloodstream. When the tube filled with the right amount necessary for the treatment was empty, Surprise tossed the gun away as it absorbed into the floor.

Pinkamena seemed to take a deep breath and sigh. It must be working getting rid of the water, to where she can breathe well again. A small wheeled robot bumped into Surprise as it opened a hatch and revealed the next shot needed to help the Demi-God. Surprise took it out before looking at the silent mare staring at her with no emotions at all, before she put her forelegs on the table so she was eye level with Pinkamena.

"I need you to lay down, this will not hurt... it will just feel a little cold."

Surprise placed her hoof on Pinkamena's chest before putting a little pressure, as Pinkamena let herself go down. The cyborg lifted up the first hoof, before gulping at the infected and irritated wound. The jar of medicine the robot had retrieved would get rid of the infection, as well as clean out any diseases in the wound. Surprise dipped her hoof in the glowing purple goo, before picking up the demon's hoof and slathering the goop all over her injured limb.

Pinkamena tensed up as Surprise gently rubbed her hoof in circles to get the medicine deep within the open puncture wounds. The mare seemed to relax, as the pegasus continued to do this on every single hoof until she let the goo do what it was made to do. Pinkamena's eyes were slowly blinking, which Surprise could assume meant she was drowsy... the medicine often released melatonin to get the body to sleep so it could help repair itself.

"Core take us to bedroom B2," Surprise commanded as her house lit up flashing when addressed. Pinkamena jumped, looking around frantically as Surprise zoomed over to calm her. "It's okay, it's okay! My AI is installed in this house... it will help keep us safe... and I will program it to respond to your voice as well. So if you need anything just ask me or Core.. we will take care of you."

Pinkamena relaxed as a gentle glitch caused them to warp into another room. The demon was placed directly onto a comfortable bed, as Surprise appeared in front of her on the floor. She watched as Pinkamena tucked her wings across her sides and curled up into a ball, before staring directly in front of her at the wall. She's still not okay... this is awful... I know she does not like snuggling... but.. I don't think she wants to be alone.

Surprise lowered herself to the ground as she approached Pinkamena scared of how she might react. "Mena... d...do you mind if I stay with you for the night? P...Please?"

This might be selfish of me... but I really need to be around her... to make sure I am there if anything goes wrong. She's in such bad shape... it physically hurts me to watch her go through this, and I'll do anything to make her happy again.

Surprise put her forelegs on the side of the bed, as Pinkamena stared right through her. The cyborg didn't even know if the demon noticed her climbing the bed, as she laid on her side and met the Demi-God's eyes. They stared at each other for a few moments, as Surprise held her breath for the millionth time during this... hoping Pinkamena would allow her to soothe her through the night. You don't have to be alone Mena... I won't let you be alone... at least not tonight.

Pinkamena blinked, before picking herself up. Surprise didn't know what to do, and started to panic. Is she going to run away? No... NO, just give me a chance I promise I'll-

Pinkamena scooted closer before landing back onto the bed and snuggling her face in Surprise's chest. The cyborg was flabbergasted by this move, nearly growing as stiff as a metal rod before her body relaxed when feeling Pinkamena grow still. Surprise wrapped her forelegs around Pinkamena's neck in a gentle embrace before covering the sleeping demon with her soft wing. She rested her chin on the top of the Demi-God's silky mane, before letting relieved and happy tears fall down her face.

Surprise covered them with blankets, before snuggling herself back in position with Pinkamena. The cyborg hugged her tight, crying silently as she felt the demon tremble under her wing. She was in so much pain internally and externally, and Surprise had no idea why! The book had said this could be caused by several things, but Pinkamena seemed too prideful to talk about them... perhaps Surprise could change that.

Pinkamena's breath blew on Surprise's chest as her wing gently brushed against the side of the demon's head. She was careful not to rest her wing on the Demi-God but instead slightly hover it, so it would warm her but not smother her and make it harder for her to breathe.

Surprise picked up her wing just slightly so she could look at her teammate's face. Her eyes were closed in a calm sort a serenity, carefully tucked into the cyborg's chest. Surprise's heart skipped a beat, before she lowered her wing and breathed in Pinkamena's scent. Yeppie yep... I am severely attached to her... like... way more than a pony should be... but I don't mind... I like it! You know what Mena? I never had a purpose that meant something to me before... but seeing you right now... needing so much help, I feel like I am the only one that could actually... help you.

Surprise smiled softly. So I am going to do just that... I don't want to be who I was... I like giving love... and hopefully one day I will receive it. I w... want to spend everyday I can with you making you happy... I don't know how I am going to do it... but I will. I'll get you to tell me why you are so upset, and... and... one day... I'll make you want to live.

The pegasus nodded to herself in agreement. Mhmm.. that's my purpose! That's what I want... that's what I need! I need to help you Pinkamena... you don't have to fight this war alone! Surprise closed her eyes in happiness knowing with her around... she could keep the Demi-God safe. Don't worry Mena... I'll figure this out... you're all I have... and I'll be by your side no matter what.