I gulped nervously trying to recall how to breathe as I glanced nervously at the door.

“Yep, I just made things worse for myself, didn't I?”
I sighed, taking a deep breath to calm down.

I needed to be in a composed state of mind if I wanted to make a proper escape plan.

I groaned as I leaned back in my chair feeling utterly drained.

This was impossible.
I knew instinctively that my magic was too drained and a teleportation spell through the restraints would need at least a thousand times more energy that I could conjure.

I began to seriously regret speaking up.

I should have kept quiet, exercised my right to remain silent, instead of confessing to the theft of invaluable items that were supposedly national treasures.

“That was so stupid…” I groaned as I slumped on the table, closing my eyes, trying to ignore the burning pain in my horn that wouldn't go away.

It felt even worse then a migraine….

“I really shouldn't have done that.” I muttered to myself as the pain wouldn't diminish and just kept getting progressively worse with time.

“Starting to regret your crimes?” A guardpony with darker armour than the regular guards stood behind me with a cold expression.

“What…” I quickly turned my muzzle towards the source of the sound, feeling nauseous.

“You stole the elements of harmony. Did one of Equestria’s enemies order you to do it or do you work alone?” She scowled at me with a look of absolute revulsion.

“When did you get here?” A chill ran through me as I realized, I didn't even notice her presence.

I was confident in my skills to get a good sense of my surroundings which was how I managed to survive in the forest for so long.

Has my magic depleted to such a point where I wasn't even able to sense a larger creature than the usual snakes and toxic bugs….

This wasn't good.

“I was always here…since Princess Luna came to interrogate you…” She frowned slightly, surprised that I hadn't noticed her presence for that long.

I turned pale.
“You were always here?” I groaned as the ache in my horn increased.

“A…Are you feeling alright?” Her eyes widened in horror as my horn sparked slightly before fading away.

I felt a burning pain consume me, like I was consumed by angry flames.

“Just a bit tired.” I bit out feeling too tired to move or think clearly.

“Mana depletion….I will get a doctor!” She looked concerned as she barked orders to another guard standing outside the interrogation room.

“I am alright. I just need to rest and it usually goes away on its own” I forced a smile trying to placate the guard who looked at me with a pained expression.

“What! It happened before? And you didn't go to a doctor when it happened?!” She paced around anxiously around me, her hoof nearly digging a hole in the hard ground as she waited impatiently for the doctors to arrive.

I shrugged as I remembered how I had felt something similar while I was experimenting with magic in my cell earlier.

Not that I would tell her about me using magic, evading the restrictive anti magic barriers.

“Well I was in the dungeon when it happened. I cannot expect the luxury of medical aid as a prisoner, now can I?” I chuckled ignoring the throbbing pain that felt like it would devour me.

She didn't understand my sense of humour unfortunately.

“Why…why didn't you say anything? I am so sorry you had to go through something like that all alone…”

I froze as she hugged me.

What in Equestria…

“Uhh….Its alright, really! I am telling you I just need sleep.” I began uncertainly, taking a step back from her.

“NO! YOU AREN’T FINE!” she wiped a stray tear from her eyes roughly with her hoof.

Her loud voice just intensified the pain but I didn't dare look away from her.

“Are you crying?” I asked in a gentle voice as I brushed back the stray mane that fell over her eyes gently with a hoof.

She just sniffed more, biting her lips in frustration as she tried to hold back tears.

“I would offer you a hoofkerchief but I am afraid my resources are rather limited given the circumstances.” I didn't know what else I could do to make a crying mare feel better.

She seemed to calm down and let out an amused chuckle.
“It’s the thought that counts.”

“Thank you for calling the doctor for me. I really appreciate it.” I smiled back at her softly not wanting to make her cry anymore.

The pain was terrible as it was, without having to deal with a crying guardspony on top of it.

I was the one who should be crying right now, seeing how the night princess was probably planning my execution.
Why was a guard so worried about a prisoner? Why were all ponies so expressive?

I could hear the hurried hoofsteps that got closer.

I pretended to be fine as I ignored my slightly wavering vision.

I needed to hold on for just a while longer….

A couple of guards entered with a pony who was clearly a doctor.

The guards glared at me as they noticed the puffy eyes of the guard who was crying earlier.

Great…They must think I made her cry.
Well technically, she did cry because of me but….

My eyelids grew heavy with fatigue, rendering me unable to think clearly. I surrendered to the void, allowing myself to be lifted by the doctor onto a stretcher of some kind.

Darkness enveloped me, and I drifted into unconsciousness, oblivious to my surroundings and relieved of pain.

………………………………………………..

“Well, this is awkward….” I opened my eyes and glanced at the sleeping figure next to my bed.

“Don’t even think of trying anything.” The guard who stood by the hospital door glared at me.

Ah…he was the one who probably thought I made the other guard cry.

“Wouldn’t even be able to if I tried.” I glanced at the hoodcuffs restraining me to the bed before glancing at the oblivious patient laying on the bed beside me.

“Do you really think it's a good idea for him to be right next to me?” I raised an eyebrow in disbelief as I wondered if healthcare of this world was so bad, the ‘alleged’ perpetrator and victim had to be right next to each other.”

“Not usually but it's an emergency.” The taller guard grimaced clearly not liking this as well.

“Oh what happened?” I asked curious.

Did somepony else break out before me? It would complicate my escape plans if they reinforced more restrictive barriers or enhanced security measures.

“Somepony tried to interfere with the barrier. We think it's a powerful unicorn who tried breaking in.” The shorter guard whispered eager to have someone to talk to before getting a glare and a slight kick from the taller pony.

I tried not to let my expression show.
It should be fine if they think sompony else tried to break in and not me trying to break out.

It would be fine as long as they didn't suspect me of interfering with the barriers.

I coughed looking away back towards the doctor with the red cross flank tattoo checking the vitals of the pony beside me with a slight frown.

“Why isn't he waking up? Hasn't it been too long since I was arrested?” I frowned as well.

Concussions don't usually last that long.

“You tell me. You were the one who attacked Captain Shining Armor.” The taller guard growled at me.

“Uhh…’allegedly’ attacked him.”

“We were there when it happened.”
I looked away as both the guards glared at me.

“So what happens to me now?” I sighed as I drank the disgusting sludge that was supposed to be medicine.

The doctor collected the empty bowl and went back to check up on Shining Armor without giving me a single glance.

She seemed uneasy around me which was understandable considering how I was possibly a death row inmate.

“You go to trial once you heal.”

I relaxed slightly.
A trial would buy me some time to figure out an escape plan before I get executed.

“During the day time?” I asked hopeful.
I felt that the day princess was more likely to pass a relatively lenient sentence.

“Tommorow night.” The tall guard glanced at me coldly.
“Princess Luna will oversee your case and decide judgement upon you.”

“How lovely…I get another day before I die.” I closed my eyes falling asleep quickly, feeling the medicine’s side effects begin to take effect.

The guards let out a horrified gasp as they suddenly turned towards me and began to talk hastily but I was too tired to focus on their hazy words.

They must be horrified, I get a whole day before my execution just because I had to get treated for mana exhaustion.

Oh well.
They won't have to wait much long before the verdict of my execution passes.
.......................................

My eyes opened suddenly as realization washed over me.

“Ah…” I ignored the new guards who were watching over me as I tried to get up from my bed only to be stopped by the restraints around me.

“Do you need a doctor?!” One of the guards rushed towards me.

I blinked as I recognized her as the crying guard from the interrogation room.

I looked away towards the pony still asleep beside me, gasping as realization washed over me.

“I know how to wake him up! Please trust me just this once.” I extended my restrained hoof towards her as far as I could with a serious expression.

“I don't think we can let you do that….” she glanced with an uneasy expression at the unconscious Shining Armor.

“Look, you can keep watch. This will just take a few seconds.”

“Alright…but we will be watching you.” The other guard grimaced holding his spear towards me with an uncertain look.

The hoofcuffs attaching me to my bed came off quickly and I gave her a grateful smile.

I couldn't believe that when I attacked Shining Armor, I had instinctively used the same spell on him that I had used on the forest animals when they were too noisy and wouldn't sleep.

The reason he wouldn't wake up was simply because I had put him to sleep which meant I just had to undo the sleeping magic.

I hesitated a bit before using my magic to wake him up.

I immediately had spears pointed at me as they realized I was capable of using magic within the barriers.

“HALT! Step away at once!”
“What do you think you are doing to the Captain!”
I ignored the orders and kept working on the undoing spell despite the agony it caused my already aching horn.

“Huh? Where am I?” Shining Armor’s eyes flew open as his eyes met mine.

“Good morning Captain. You are finally awake, I see.” I didn't dare to move but cut off my magic immediately once I was done.

I had a sinking feeling that they would soon realize, I was the one who messed up with the barriers trying to figure out a way out.

It made me even more uneasy as I realized this could risk them finding out Rainbow and Fluttershy played a role in aiding a prisoner. Probably the rat too would get in trouble for helping me out.

"You are the pony who saved the Griffin child." He said, recognising me.

"Yes, sir." I answered looking up warily at his thoughtful expression.

I didn't dare to look away from the Captain’s sharp gaze as he studied my pained expression.

“Its okay. Stand down.” He ordered the guards and the spears were immediately held away from me.

“Thank you.” We both spoke at once.

I blinked in bewilderment.
I thanked him for stopping the guards from impaling me but why was he thanking the pony who attacked him, causing him to be hospitalized?!

“For saving the Griffin back then. The doctors said you saved the child's life. Paid enough bits to cover all the patient's medical expense too. That was very kind of you." his expression softened as he smiled at me.

I didn't want to tell him I thought I was just covering my own medical fees so I simply shrugged.

"I didnt mean to hurt you. It was an accident and I apologize for that." I said softly glancing at his bandages.

"Why did you suddenly teleport towards me?" He questioned, looking right into my soul.

"I was trying to save my pet....so I broke in the palace to get Fluffy out. Teleported on you accidentally while trying to get away." I admitted honestly.

I felt like he would know if I was lying.
He was an experienced guard after all with perhaps years of experience dealing with interrogation of criminals.

He would look right through me if I wasn't honest.

"You saved me too. You must be an exceptionally skilled unicorn to be able to perform advanced restorative healing spells despite enhanced restrictive barriers enforced by the Princesses themselves….” He seemed calm and composed as he seemed to look into my soul with his sharp eyes.

"Yeah," I replied, averting my gaze, hoping he wouldn't realize that I had instinctively put him to sleep back then and only woke him up much later when I realized what I had done.

“Captain!” A guard rushed towards him whispering something about a princess looking for him.

“She was worried about you. Good luck!” I couldn't help but smirk as I saw him blush.

“I will be back. Stay right here!” He ordered me gruffly, hiding his embarrassment.

“Of course. Where else would I go? Take your time with the Princess.” I laughed as he galloped away looking quite red.

“A letter for you…” A guard entered the room after a while and gave me a letter.

He nodded slightly towards me as I opened the letter reading the contents, wondering who would write to me.

I frowned, clearly not expecting this.
My frown deepened as I read the contents of the letter before realization dawned upon me.

I turned away from the guard as I kept reading so he wouldn't notice the expression on my face.

“Someone you know?” the bored guard asked getting back to his spot.

“A friend.”
I couldn't stop the smile from spreading across my face as I read it.

All of us have been thinking about you. Great things are happening here, but it’s not the same without you. Unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies alike, all of your friends send their regards. Although it’s tough now, remember that you have a lot of support. Rest assured, brighter days are ahead.

During these times, it’s important to stay strong. We all miss you and can’t wait for your return. I hope you’re keeping your spirits up. Life can be challenging, but you are tougher. Little things can bring joy even in difficult times.

Hold on for a while longer. Everypony here believes in your innocence. Life has its ups and downs, but your strength must never waver. Ponies here believe, you will win your trial.

You should know that you’re not alone. Our thoughts and support is with you. Understanding that can hopefully be comforting during your time there.

Everything may seem distant and bleak, but it’s not as bad as you think. Stay strong and hopeful. Caring friends will always be here for you. At the right moment, everything will fall into place. Prepare yourself for that time. Everypony is looking forward to your return.

Always with you in spirit.
Truly yours.
Mid Night.

Author's Note

Who do you think wrote the letter at the end and what do you think it means? 😌