What do you mean, "friend?"

The world slowly swam into focus. It wasn’t much to look at.

That’s a lot of squares. Man, this is a weird dream. Oh. That’s a ceiling. Right.

I sat up and found myself in a hospital bed. My clothes were gone and all I had on was a hospital gown of thin fabric. The back of my head and neck hurt a bit, but it was very dull and even as I reached up to touch it, I could feel the pain lessen. As I started to truly wake up, a wild hope came to me.

Maybe it’s all been a dream! I hit my head. I had some crazy, wild, vivid -

This thought was interrupted - and then dashed - when the door opened and in stepped Celestia. She looked the same as before: incredibly calm yet somehow slightly ethereal. She had a soft smile on her face, but her eyes seemed sad.

“Hello, human. I’m glad to see you’re awake and recovering wonderfully!”

“Am I?” I said, grunting softly as I sat up more comfortably. I glanced around to see if there was any other hospital staff (ponies?) in my room, but there was none. “I guess I should thank all of you for helping me. Did I black out?”

“Yes. You are in the Ponyville hospital. I brought you here after you passed out. The doctors think it was a mix of incredible stress and a hard impact you took last night, the latter of which Fluttershy informed us. You should be perfectly fine now. There will be a little pain, but it will be gone soon. They say you will be released later this afternoon.”

“Wow, that’s good.” I paused and looked down, then back up. “Umm...then why do you look like you’re about to give me bad news?”

Celestia’s features softened. She pulled up a chair and sat beside my bed.

“Brendon - may I call you Brendon? - I wanted to tell you a few things in private. These are not secrets, but I believe this might make it easier for you to hear.”

This sounds like she’s about to tell me I have cancer.

“It’s about Twilight Sparkle and her journey into the human world. I sent her to retrieve a very powerful item that was stolen and taken to a parallel world. It was so similar to ours, it even had counterparts of the mares you’ve met, but in human form. When she crossed over, Twilight even became human in that world for a time. But please know that the place to which she travelled was not the world you come from.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I will try to explain. Twilight did finish the task I sent her and came back, but she had been sent through a magic mirror, not a portal. Months passed, and I believe my student, Twilight, came to miss - or at least to think greatly - about the human world she had visited. She began studying books on portal magic to other realities. It is a forbidden magic, for it is incredibly powerful and dangerous to the one who uses it - not to mention accidents can happen such as someone like you being pulled right out of your world!

"I came to know of her creating such a portal not long ago and I confronted Twilight about it. She admitted she had done it more than once already, and that she had gone to learn more about humans and their ways. The world she crossed over to, though, was your own. She could not get back to the world through the mirror. I don’t know all that she did while she was over there, but I warned her not to do it again. The strain on her would prove too great, and she could destabilize the barriers between worlds. Who knows what harm that might do?”

She gave a great sigh.

“Apparently she did not listen. And so: you are here.”

“There’s more. Isn’t there?”

“Yes. I'm afraid there is bad news and worse news. First: if Twilight doesn’t wake up, there is no one who knows exactly how to get you home. Lastly: if she does wake up, I don’t know that another portal might not do more harm than good. Even the strain on Twilight, alone, might kill her.

“I’m...I’m so sorry.”

“Oh…” It was all I could think to say. A deep feeling of loss came over me, but it seemed so vast I didn’t know how to deal with it. I felt there should be tears, but nothing came. My mind seemed almost numb. I tried to grasp onto the repercussions of this, and I latched on to the most immediate issues I could think of.

“That’s...going to be a problem for me. Can I...can I confide in you?”

“Of course, Brendon. You can trust me, or any of the wielders of the elements, with anything. Please, what is it?”

I felt shame and embarrassment well up in me, but I had to fight through all my misgivings to get the next few words out.

“I...I’m sick.”

“The doctors didn’t see any diseases -”

“It won’t show up like a normal disease. It’s more in here-” I pointed to my head “-than in my body. My mind...turns on itself. Have you heard of a depression?”

“I assume you don’t mean a deep hole in the earth?”

“No. It means my thoughts tend to get very dark very easily. I have a hard time seeing the good in things...especially in me. I beat myself up in my mind, and I can’t stop the thoughts that can come rushing in. It happens most when I’m alone, but when it gets really bad it’ll happen everywhere I go.”

“I have heard a little of such things. How do you handle this in your world?”

“I take medicines.”

“And they cure you?”

“No, they help me deal with it better. I can...dismiss the thoughts more easily and push past my sad, lonely feelings. I can also sleep better.”

“I must admit, I wish I understood more fully.”

“Okay, here’s the best way to describe it. Imagine you’re walking along and the sun is shining, it’s a perfect day! All of a sudden, the clouds come rolling in, and it’s just a dull, cloudy, grey and drab day. Now, you don’t think to yourself, ‘Oh, the sun just went behind a cloud.’ No, you think, ‘There never was a sun.’ Everything was, is, and always will be this grey, depressing, dullness. You’re down and you can’t feel your way past it.”

“That is very well said. Was that rehearsed?”

“I've used that to explain this to many people. I try to help others who have my issues, so I help people understand it better.”

“You have a heart for those suffering? That is rather noble of you.”

“Is it? I just think it’s best to treat people the way you wish you were treated.”

“A very good notion, indeed, Brendon. But perhaps there is medicine here that will help you?”

“I don’t even know how my own is made. There’s just two things I do know: my mind will get worse without it, and that I've only once gone without meds for a few years without getting, uh, too bad. So I might be okay.”

“You do not sound convinced. You say you still take the medicine - ?”

“Last year I had to go back on them. I...I, uh...I was taken to a hospital because I planned to kill myself.”

“Oh my, I’m so sorry!”

“Yeah...I had a big change in my life and I didn’t deal with it well. Stayed by myself. Didn’t ask for help. It’s my fault really.”

“If you do not have full control over your mind, I do not believe that is the case.”

“You’re probably right. See? I’m beating myself up already.”

Celestia put her chin in her hand and seemed deep in thought. After a few moments she looked up. “You mentioned that you have trouble sleeping. I believe my sister could be of some aid. She can enter dreams.”

“What?! She can - ? Oh, magic. Sorry, this is all extremely new to me.”

“It is perfectly alright. There is much to adjust to. My sister’s name is Luna. The easiest way to describe her to you is that she rules Equestria with me. She is also an alicorn.”

“A what?”

“The, ah, short version is that she also has a horn and wings.”

“Oh. So that’s what Twilight is.”

“Yes, but that is another long story. My sister, on the other hand, rules with me. I am in charge of the day, while she is Princess of the night.”

“You’re the sun and she’s the moon?”

“Not exactly. I raise the sun and she raises the moon.”

“Oh, damn, this is a lot to deal with. One thing at a time: if she can help me with my dreams, I,uh, I guess give her permission to do whatever she can in my head. I mean, if she needs permission? I don't know. I just hope there isn’t stuff too odd in there.”

Celestia laughed. “Do not trouble yourself. She has seen the dreams of countless ponies and yours will not be the mind that finally disturbs her too greatly.”

I smiled. “Thank you. I mean for all of this. And for listening to me. It’s really...it’s...hard for me to ask for help.” I didn’t know why there were tears in my eyes.

“You are scared,” she said, reaching out a comforting hand and placing it on my shoulder.

For a heartbeat I tried to keep everything inside, and then it came rushing out. “Oh, God, yes!” I cried, and without thinking I flung myself into her as she opened her arms to embrace me. I sobbed and sobbed. I couldn’t hold it all in. Ripped from my world, nearly getting killed, told I’d never see my home, family, or friends again, the thought of going mad - all of that stress broke through like a flood. Celestia just hugged me back and gently patted my head. She didn’t even say a word, and I was grateful for it.

It was probably only a few minutes but eventually I calmed down and sat back again.

I sniffed. “Thank you.”

“You are most welcome. Perhaps it is best I let you have your visitor. She has barely wanted to leave your side since you came here.”

“Who? Fluttershy?”

“Yes. She seems to feel rather responsible for you. She blames herself for your head injury.”

“I can’t imagine why. She’s been amazing! She saved my life in the Everfree Forest and let me sleep in her house. She’s been...a good friend. I wish she wasn’t so down on herself, though.”

The princess smiled. “Your face seems to have brightened up a bit since you spoke of her.”

“Hmmm? I did what?”

“Oh nothing, it’s probably best that you get your mind onto other things.” I couldn’t read the smile that was spreading on her face.

“Well, I do want to make myself useful now that I’m going to be...living here. What can I do around here?”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll find something to occupy yourself and be of great help to the ponies here. But I encourage you to rest and take in all that you can. There is a lot that you will have to adjust to, and we will have to adjust to you. However, if you do want to do something in the meantime, you mentioned that you, too, have noticed Fluttershy’s self deprecation. She has come a long way from where she was, but I have personally felt that her lack of confidence has kept her from more...fulfilling relationships.”

Again with that smile.

“You mean her friends aren’t good enough?”

“Oh, goodness, no! They are her best friends and have been of incredible aid to her, as she is to them. No, what I mean is that I believe that if someone were to go alongside her more often, somepony new whom she hasn’t known much, and help build her up...well, I think she might listen more than from those who have constantly said the same for years.”

“Oh, you mean like how my parents always said I was 'an attractive young man' and I didn’t believe them because I figured it’s what parents are supposed to say? Yeah, it took someone else to help me see past that. A few people over the years.”

“Is there somepony like that in your life now? I mean your life back on your world?”

“Huh? No! Not in a long time.”

Best. Not. Think. About it.

“Oh, that’s good.”

“Huh - ?”

“So my assignment to you, Brendon, to help you feel more useful, is to help build Fluttershy up more and help her see herself as the amazing pony you see her to be. Maybe more.”

“What, is this like a quest? Am I a knight doing an errand for the queen?”

She laughed. “No, no, no. For your new Princess.”

Now I laughed. “Right. Now that I’m here, I guess you’re my new ruler.”

We both had a little giggle at that. “No, don’t think of me like that,” she said. “Think of me as a friend. A friend in high places that wishes the best for you.”

“Geez, how many times can I keep saying thank you!”

Celestia got up to leave, and I looked down for a moment, thinking. “There is just one more thing before you go. It’s a random thought, but, uhhhh…”

“Yes?” she said, all patience.

“The...uh...the air of this place has been having some kind of effect on me. Not bad at all, but I feel...stronger. Like I have more energy. In, uh, practically all places in my body.”

“Really? Do you think it could help your sickness?”

“Well...not until you said something just now, no. I doubt it’ll make it go away entirely, but we’ll see. I was more concerned with - ”

There was a loud knock on the door, followed by a very small, “Um, excuse me. If it’s no trouble, could I come in, please?” It was Fluttershy.

For some reason I couldn’t fully explain, I suddenly began looking around wildly for my pants. I saw nothing, and then wondered why I was looking for them. Meanwhile Princess Celestia was opening the door with an “Of course, my dear,” and in walked Fluttershy.

She was well composed, with her ears back and a look of deep concern on her face. But when she saw me sitting up and smiling, she suddenly dashed forward and wrapped me in a huge hug. I was taken aback by her strength. At the same moment, her wings spread to their full length with a large *FWOOMP!* on either side of her. I couldn’t help but notice that her tail was also swishing back and forth across my legs.

“Oh! Oh, I’m so glad you’re alright! I’m so sorry I did this to you!”

“Wh-what?" I stammered, so taken aback I barely even raised my hands to tentatively hug her in return. “No! Why would I blame you? You’ve been a good friend.”

This only made her hug me even tighter with a muffled, “Thank you.” I was becoming painfully aware of how fully she was pushing her chest into me, and the swishing of her tail over the thin covering made it feel like it was going over my bare legs. I was getting so hard, and the only stupid strategy I could think of was to hug Fluttershy tightly so she didn’t stand back up and see me! I instantly saw the flaw in my plan. This was not making it go away. Quite the opposite.

I looked up and saw Celestia giving a soft chuckle. “Oh, Brendon, I see what you mean by all places." I glanced down and to my immense credit I didn't make a sound as I panicked, seeing an obvious tent in the sheets. "Well, I wish you well and, in all seriousness, no matter what has happened, I'm thankful somepony like you is here with us."

I think I gave a parting look between annoyed and happy. Then it was time to carefully extricate myself from this cuddling mass of yellow and pink.

No, a little bit longer! She's so soft.

-Ho, yes she is!

Well, I am NOT.

-And she smells nice!

How am I going to cover this up?

I quickly pulled a knee up to make the sheets rise just enough to cover my blatant erection. At the same time I gently put my hands on Fluttershy's shoulders and broke the hug. When I looked her in the face, I was surprised to see such a bright smile and her eyes seemed on the edge of tears.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” I said, “I’m fine! Really! I’ll be out of here soon, I hear.”

“Oh, I know,” she said, sitting back in the chair Celestia had just occupied. “It’s just that I was so scared when you fell down. I knew it was all my fault and -”

“How is it your fault? You didn’t make me hit my head.”

“Well...ummm...the thing is…”

Through many apologies, Fluttershy told me of my surprising her last night by flying out of my bedroom door right into her upraised fist. I laughed so hard at the mental image of it all. She then went on to describe how she took care of me.

“Ha! Then there's nothing to blame! It sounds like I’m the one who punched myself in the face. I don’t see what you could have done differently. I have to thank you for taking care of me in my massive stupidity.” I suddenly stopped and tried to gather what few memories I had of that evening. Oh my, what did I say or do? “Did I, uh, act funny at all last night?”

“Oh, um, well, not exactly. That is, I mean, you did say something in your sleep, but I’m sure you were just dreaming.”

I think I was dreaming of her, if that was a dream.

“What did I say?”

“Oh, it’s not important.”

“Okay, if you say so.”

“Um, what were you dreaming about?”

“Well...uhh...If I was dreaming, I think it was about you taking care of me.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.”

“Oh…” Her face started to turn rather red.

Ohhhh, shit.

“Fluttershy? What did I do?”

“Hmmm? Oh! Nothing!” Her face said it was definitely something.

Nothing?! I could have done anything! A dozen possibilities went through my head; all of them embarrassing, lewd, or somehow worse. My face started to get warm. What if I touched her? Oh God, don’t think about it! Oh shit, I’m still hard!

“Well... alright.”

At that moment, a nurse pony walked in carrying a clipboard. “Ah, I see our latest patient is doing very well! I’ve just come to see if he’s ready to check out!”

Thank you! Saved by the nurse!

“As soon as you get my clothes!” I said, too loud and too eager.

“You can come get them from the desk if you want.”

Oh, HELL, no!

“Umm, Fluttershy?” I said, as innocently as I could. “Would you please go get them for me? I really need to use the bathroom.” True enough.

“Sure.”

As soon as she left the room, I scrambled to the bathroom door. I went to the sink and turned on the coldest water, splashing myself in the face, rubbing it under my arms, anywhere to make this hardon go down! Eventually I felt myself return to normal, whatever that was from now on.

It’ll all be a new normal.

After pushing my drying hair back into place, I took a deep breath and stepped back out into my room. Fluttershy was just coming back in with my folded clothes and my shoes. She waited outside while I changed, and then a nurse met us in the hallway where I was sat in a wheelchair and then wheeled out of the hospital. Along the way I inquired of Fluttershy’s friends, and she told me they had been visiting Twilight Sparkle. She was doing well and there was no longer any danger, but the doctors weren’t sure when she’d wake up.

Finally, we got to the entrance and the nurse kindly waved us goodbye as we walked back to Ponyville. My mind still reeled with my conversation with Princess Celestia. Everything seemed so much bigger and stranger than before, yet even the Powers That Be seemed to be looking out for my best interests. I even had a task to perform; one which I didn't feel qualified to accomplish. I sighed in exasperation as well as relief to be free of the bed. Glancing over at Fluttershy, I gave an appreciative smile. At least I wasn't exactly alone. And the day was far from over.