Lost Tales of Equestria: Hollow

Chapters

Chapter 1: An audience with the Sun
Chapter 2: Once upon a dream
Chapter 3: A celestial task
Chapter 4: Departure
Chapter 5: A town in dire straits
Chapter 6: A plague of purple
Chapter 7: Calm before the Storm

Chapter 1: An audience with the Sun

[Canterlot Castle: Throne Room]

"Thank you, Princess! I'll use that light tonight and see if it works!"

Celestia watched as the most recent guest of her day court trotted out the throne room with a smile, happy that she was able to guide the young colt through his surprisingly simple problem compared to what the Princess was usually brought to her.

To think that there are still colts to this day that are afraid of the dark! The princess's smile slips slightly as flashes of her past embrace the forefront of her mind. Though perhaps not an unfounded fear considering what usually holds power in the night.

"NEXT!!!" One of the guards stationed near the large doors of the room called out, motioning for the door to open while mimicking the fellow guard across from him's stone-faced exterior to a T...

...That is, until the next day court guest walked through.

As soon as the figure stepped into the room, every guard went rigid and held their spears close to them. Some of the guards even glared at the figure once it passed them, though they never looked it in the eye when doing so.

Stopping in front of the throne, the creature in front of Celestia stood tall and proud as it stared the ruler down. Standing on hind legs, Celestia was sure that this creature was close if not the same height as her, though the garb it bore were what truly had shifted the mood of the room all the while putting everypony on edge.

Wearing what looked like a cloak of sorts that hung down to the buckled boots on its...claws? feet? Hooves did not make that shape or fit in such a article of clothing. Perhaps it was a griffon of sort? Maybe one of those harpies from beyond the shores?

Celestia noted multitude of pockets and a tome tied to this creatures side that blended seamlessly with the underneath of the cloak, which was an equally dark shade of pants and clothing that did little to nullify the eerie presence of the creature. In what the princess deemed its right claw bore a sort of walking stick that extended up to the creatures midsection, though an odd lamp seemed affixed to its top, bearing a purple flame that flickered almost ominously. Both claw-like appendages were covered by gloves and at the top of the creatures body was a face covered by both a hood and a mask of a Raven.

Staring each other down for an eternity, Princess Celestia was just about to ask it's name when it spoke up.

"Are you the ruler of this land?"

A gravely voice spoke up, as soothing as claws on a chalkboard. It motioned its free claw to itself and did what seemed to be a curtsy.

"My name is Isaac Hollow, and I seek an audience with you, ruler."

With her wits collected, Celestia gave a curt nod, attempting to read the creature's intentions but with absolutely no facial expressions to be had nor prior experience with its kin Celestia was currently drawing a blank.

"You have my attention, Sir Hollow. What is it you seek?"

Isaac Hollow, as stated by the creature, tapped his pole against the ground twice as the flame flickered for a moment before returning to its eerie light.

"As you can guess from my attire, I am not one of this country. I hail from a land far from here, one that is riddled with plague and sickness." The creature began to pace back and forth, every eye in the room now on him as he spoke. "I spent weeks traveling around your land attempting to find a way home to aid my people once more, but during my travels I stumbled upon something quite apalling."

Returning to his original position in front of Celestia, Isaac motioned behind him to the doors.

"If you would let the next pony in line inside, as they are with me, I would be forever grateful as they are needed for this part of my speech."

The guards at the door blinked in surprise, not expecting to be called out to during the creatures audience with the princess, but a nod from their ruler gave them all they needed to know as they opened the doors once more and let the next pony inside.

To Celestia's growing surprise and intrigue, the pony that walked in bore an identical outfit to Mr. Hollow. The same black hood and drapes that covered almost every part of the pony in front of her, only without the crow mask to block her face.

Coming to a stop next to Isaac, the earth pony mare sat on her haunches and look up at the princess, with eyes that seemed vaguly familiar to Celestia.

Placing a claw on her withers, Isaac nodded once, seeming to comfort the mare as she relaxed into his touch.

"This mare and her family live out near the badlands, toiling away on a mineral farm. It would happen to be that during my travels I came across them when one of their kin were sick...deathly so. However, due to the humble lifestyle these ponies lived, they did not have the currency to pay for the doctor to travel out there and do a check up, let alone the currency for medicine to cure her ailments."

Staring around in a circle, Hollow eyed up several of the noble ponies present in the audience. "How many of you here can vouch for the welfare of those who live beneath you? How many of you can look me in my eyes and tell me that smaller towns and communities are covered medically?"

"Several towns outside of the big cities have Hopsitals, such as Ponyville and Cloudsdale!" A stout noblepony spoke out, fixing his tie as he glared at the creature. "Healthcare is available to those who need it."

Pointing his lantern staff at the pony, Hollow shook his head.

"From my time there, Ponyville is a town built next to a highly dangerous wood, one I traveled myself in search of herbs and tonic ingredients. It would look bad for the town to not have some sort of medical insurance to keep ponies from not living there." Tapping his staff against the ground again, Hollow undetached the Tome from his hip and opened it, flipping through page after page as he continued. "And Cloudsdale is a floating city, and regardless of how such a feat is possible any medical care there is only truly avaliable to those who can fly to reach it, not any sick or wounded below its streets." Shaking his head, he glanced at the noblepony once more. "What can you say of the towns on your borders away from cities and royal eyes?"

Not getting a response and stopping on a page, Hollow turned the book around and showed it towards the princess, it's pages showing an illustration of the creature in front of her and a title that said "Plague Doctor".

"I am what was known in my time as a Plague Doctor. During the plague of my homeland, we were charged with seeking the less fortunate and poor among townsfolk and treating them, regardless of pay and class." Closing the book and returning it to his hip with the clasps clicking on his leg, Hollow returned his gaze back to the mare beside him.

"This mare right here was vital in helping me save her sister from the venom of a snake that had bit the patient during their time on the field. However, if I hadn't came along and prepared the antidote there's a reasonable chance her sister would have perished."

Stepping forward, the pony removed her hood, revealing a grey toned mare underneath with a equally dim mane that acted as a curtain for one of her eyes. She bowed deeply before looking up once more at the princess in front of her.

"Please, your highness...listen to Hollow's request." She spoke quietly, far too quiet for anypony that wasn't Celestia to hear, though the emotion beneath her words held true.

"My request is simple, Princess. Help me organize a nest of my crows, and we will serve as traveling aids and healers, helping those that cannot afford the healthcare your hospitals and magic users demand from them."

Eyeing the creature carefully, Celestia stood from her throne and began to approach Hollow. Each step she took down the staircase to her golden seat weighing heavy as she thought about what he had said.

Have medical prices and healers rose in the past years? Is it in part to all the attacks and accidents that happen across Equestria? Why hasn't anypony mentioned this to her? It was true there were some towns Celestia hadn't visited in years, but she had self appointed mayors for those towns and they were required to send reports of health and welfare among their citizens monthly.

However, Celestia had an inkling that some of the nobles in the room at the moment had a part to play in this problem. Many of them were known for being greedy, and some were downright hostile to the 'lower class' as it were. It would not surprise her if news of this inflation had been surpressed to keep pockets lined with gold or if monthly reports had been exaggerated for the sake of keeping the princess off of their backs.

Stopping right in front of the creature, Celestia stared into its mask and shook her head.

"Let me see your face, Sir Hollow. Let me judge thy intentions from your own eyes."

Though he hesitated for a moment, Isaac lifted his free hand up and removed the mask, dropping the hood as well as he pulled it over his face, letting several gasps ring through the hall as even Celestia flinched at the site.

The creatures skin was pale, and what almost the entirety of his face was burned, with only the segment around his left eye being left unscathed. The burn spots had several scars on them, and if there had been a mane on its head it had long since vanished. Though what really stood out to the princess was his eyes. Celestia hand't seen green eyes this dark in centuries, and there was a certain fire in them that reminded her of the Element of Honesty.

The fire of a job needing to be done, and knowing your the only one who can do it.

"Why?" The princess asks, keeping eye contact with the creature as his face remains stone cold. "You are from somewhere beyond our plain, with no loyalties to my citizens or myself, so why do you care so much for their health?"

Looking into the burning eyes of the sun monarch, Hollow knew what he said next would determine if he got the crown's aid or not. he had been stuck in this world for months, and while he had orignally wanted to go back, there were living creatures here that needed his aid as well, and he couldn't go back until his job was done.

"Back home, I had a wife and a son. We were poor, and when the plague hit they both perished to it. No doctor or physician or healer would give us the time of day due to our class and empty pockets...I vowed to do everything in my power to not let that happen to anyone else." Hollow spoke, the fire in his eyes dimming somewhat as pain replaced it for a moment.

A sad smile graced Celestias lips, as a mental probing spell showed no hidden motives from the creature in front of her.

"You have suffered quite the ordeal, Sir Hollow." Celestia stated as she returned to her throne tapped her gold laced hoof against the ground, earning the attention of her secretary, who prepared to write whatever the princess stated into action.

"Your intentions and heart are true, Doctor. And in light of what you have shown me today I have a proposition: You speak of those who cannot afford our healthcare. So, you will travel to Ponyville and temporarily set up shop there, and in the three months time you are there you can show proof of what you have told us today then you will have the crowns full support for a country-wide effort. For now though, seek the sick in that town and aid them, proving both your capabilities and mental fortitude to do what you have said you would."

The mare beside Isaac bowed, whispering a thank you while the creature returned his mask and hood to his face, though not before Celestia could spot a grateful smile adorn his lips.

"Your most kind, Princess. Royalty back home would have never agreed to such a proposal."

Frowning at the idea of such a thought, Celestia shook her head.

"Any ruler has their duty to serve their citizens, as I do my little ponies." Turning to her secretary, Celestia leaned in close to her ear. "Raven, prepare a modest sum from the royal vaults and two of our reserve guards to go along with these two. While I am confident in his words, I want eyes on the ground monitoring his actions at all times until I am sure he can be trusted with the safety of my citizens."

The secretary nodded and quietly began writing up everything that would need to be passed along as the princess returned her gaze to the doctor and his companion.

"Until the resources have been acquired and are ready to be moved, feel free to reside here at the castle until you depart. There is much I would like to ask of your homeland and your skillsets, and I am sure you and your friend are tired from your travels."

Doing one last curtsy, The doctor turned on a heel and walked out of the room, his friend trailing behind as she hid her face once more from the prying eyes that watched them leave.

I wish to trust his words, but until I know more he must be kept close by. Celestia thought as the next pony was called into the room. In the end, the safet of my citizens comes first, but let us hope that creature is true to his word.

[Canterlot Castle, 10 minutes later]

"Your room for the time being, Sir." The guard who had been guiding them stopped in front of a rather big door and opened it, allowing the three of them to walk in and be met with a huge guest bedroom.

Turning to the guard, Hollow gave the pony a curt nod while his friend laid out across the bed.

"Thank you, good sir. Though I wasn't expecting such a room for a commoner such as I."

A smirk danced across the guards face for a moment before returning to the emotionless stare as he turned to the door.

"The princess is a benevolent ruler, and while she has her reserves she truly hopes you are true to your word, Doctor. If you need anything though, our guard patrols these halls frequently and will gladly assist you during your stay."

Leaving the room and closing the door, Isaac found himself alone with his friend at last. Placing his staff and mask on a table nearby, the man sat on the bed and smiled at his companion.

"Marble...thank you for your support today. While I could've possibly made my point alone, having you there made the whole situation more bearable."

Blushing at his praise, the mare hid her face in her mane and let out a soft "mmm-hmm", earning her a soft laugh from the doctor.

"No need to be bashful, it was you who decided to come with me after I helped your sister get better, after all." Hollow stated, remembering the rather grouchy patient he had helped during his time on Marbles homestead. The mare had been poisoned, and if Marble hadn't known where to find the creature Isaac might've never been able to contract an antidote in time.

"Though...I can't help but feel like I tore you from your home. If you ever feel like you want to head home, I'll make sure you get back, ok?"

Marble looked up at the doctor once more, this time with a surprisingly firm stare as she shook her head.

"I...I want to help ponies, like you." She softly muttered as she laid her head against Isaac's leg. "I wasn't much help on the farm, and Mama can use the money from my allowance to hire real help for the farm."

Sighing at her words, Isaac ran a gloved hand through her mane as a small smile tugged at his face.

"Either way, I'm thankful for your help. And once we get the crowns support you can use your share to help your family get out of that rut they're in." Hollow said, thinking back to what the Princess had said to him in the throne room.

Three months in Ponyville? Considering the forest and some of their citizens, it shouldn't be too hard to find some ponied that can't afford healthcare...or even someone who injured if recent news has anything to say about it. Hollow thought, looking at a newspaper on the nightstand speak of black vines that had terrorized the town after he had left.

Watch over me, My love. This world needs my aid before I can return home.

Author's Note

This appeared in my mind one day during time in the woods...now it's a thing.

Quick note: Technically, the Bubonic plague and Plague Doctors did not exist at the same time, as the plague came long before...however, I am deciding to abuse the Alt-universe tag for both Pony and Human worlds by making them happen at the same time, sue me.

Hope this tickles some of yalls fancy, as I have high plans for this. if yall see any errors or wish to comment, please do! I want this story to be as good as possible for all

Chapter 2: Once upon a dream

Dropping in from the moonlit sky, Luna landed gracefully on her hooves, feeling the cool touch of stone slabs below her as she began to walk on what appeared to be a dimly lit cobblestone path, a touch of eagerness putting a pep in her trot.

After waking up from her slumber, Luna had been informed by her guard of the newest development in the castle: A visitor that claimed to be a sort of disease doctor that dressed in dark robes and wore a birds mask. And after confirming the rumors with her sister, the night Alicorn thought it be best to dive into the creatures dreams in hopes of learning more about the individual in question, especially if the creature turned out to be lying in some sort of way.

Though Luna wouldn't be able to lie if she was asked if meeting such a creature gave her a sense of adventure she hadn't felt in far too long. The being sounded like he was from a storybook or the stuff of dreams, for crying out loud! how was she NOT supposed to be excited?

On the note of dreams, this one had dropped her into what seemed to be a countryside with both rolling hills and a forest in the distance, though Luna seemed unable to tell where on the planet this dream took place, something that didn't sit well with the princess whatsoever.

"He claims to be a foreigner...but the very stars above are unknown to me." Luna noted, following the cobble path through an lifeless field as her gaze was transfixed upwards. "Where could such a creature hail from that my very own night could seem so...different?"

Finally tearing her gaze from the stars, Luna found herself upon a fork in the road, the left road facing a rather large graveyard nearby and the right path leading down towards a collection of lights down the hill surrounding a couple of dark shapes the Alicorn couldn't quite make out.

A village, perhaps? Luna pondered, though as she approached the fork she felt her body tugged in the direction of the graveyard. Deciding to go with the flow of the dream in hopes of finding its source, Luna let it pull her all the way through the multitude of gravestones peaking from the ground.

After a short while of stepping past grave after grave with barely enough time to even spare a glance at the headstones, Luna felt her body come to a stop near a wilted tree. Nearby its fading bark was a single figure standing out among the terrain as it peered downwards at the earth.

Finally having sight on her goal, Luna took a deep breath and began to move towards the creature, though the night princess couldn't shake the pit feeling that had begun to grow in her chest as she approached.

Getting a better look at the dark figure, Luna glanced down at what he seemed to be standing over. The creature was overlooking two headstones that stood out from the rest, his attention undivided as Luna's ever approaching presence remained unknown.

Now, what did sister say his name was? Luna frowned, wishing she hadn't jumped the gun on getting excited about meeting the mysterious creature and actually paid attention to her sister's ramblings. It was something like Iraac or islaax or...

Luna's eyes widened as it returned to her, a happy smile dancing across her face for a moment for the small victory before the princess cleared her throat.

"Sir Isaac? Is that thou?" She spoke, causing the figure to stir from the unmoving trance it had been in and turn towards her, quickly attaching a mask to his face while doing so.

A raven, just as Tia had mentioned...how peculiar.

"Who are you?" Isaac asked, the sluggish tone of the voice behind the mask letting Luna know he was still within the dreams hold, something that had to change if this conversation was to go anywhere anytime soon.

Tapping her hoof against the ground, Luna felt a ripple shoot through the dream, solidifying it as Isaac shuddered in reaction, his mind unloading almost instantly.

"I..." The man faltered, glancing at the graves beside him for a moment before letting out a long sigh, returning his gaze back to Luna. "So, even one's dreams aren't private in this realm?"

Luna shook her head warily, rather surprised to hear the annoyed tone the man was using, as if he was angry about Luna even being there at all.

"I am Princess Luna, Alicorn of the night and guardian of dreams, it is our job to enter them and protect my subjects from nightmares." Luna introduced herself calmly, hoping to pacify the situation and possibly get some questions answers from the figure. "Pray tell, would you allow us the grace of asking thee about this place?"

Hollow remained unmoved, staring her down through the mask for what seemed to Luna like eternity before the man gave a slow nod.

"Very well. Though, if you wouldn't mind I have some thoughts of my own I'd like to pass by you, your highness."

Grinning widely at the rather fortunate turn of events, Luna summoned a pillow from the dream and sat on it, eager to get started.

"We thanketh thee." Luna began, watching as Hollow sat criss-cross in front of her, placing his claw-like appendages on his knees as he gave her a nod to continue. "Our first question is simple, where on Equiis do you hail from?"

Watching her carefully, Hollow body rocked slightly as he let out a breath.

"Have you and your fellow princess assumed I was from this world this whole time? Because where I am from neither magic nor talking animals exists." Isaac explained, earning him a wide-eyed stare from an shocked Luna.

Not from this world? But that wou- Mentally, Luna face-hooves as a couple of details that Luna did remember from her talk with Celestia had began to make sense. His straight-forward attitude towards us and talks of a mass plague we know nothing of would make more sense now. It would also explain why his dream consists of such foreign stars and terrain, as he is from beyond the Equestrian plane itself.

"Ah, that explains why thine stars are so odd." Luna tells the man, earning a grunt as he leans in slightly.

"Odd how? Aren't stars just stars?" Isaac asks, starting to wonder just how powerful these royals were after all? Jumping into one's dreams and from what Marble had told him were older than dirt...At this point Hollow didn't know whether to be relieved such power seemed to be used by good peo-ponies or afraid that such power could be directed onto a mere mortal if the need arised.

"The stars of this realm are of my design, as I place them every night along with the moon." Luna informed the man, rather proud to be able to teach somepony about her talents, especially one who knew nothing of them. "As my sister does with the sun each morning when she raises it."

Slightly reeling from that information, Isaac leaned back and let out a shaky breath. Scholars had barely begun to research into what was beyond the sky and past the planet, let alone the sun and the moon. And here Isaac was getting answers for how another realms celestial bodies moved! And by the hooves of living beings no less!

It would be exhilarating if his mind wasn't having such a hard time processing with the information.

Holding his head in his right hand, he waved for the princess to stop her explanation as be calmed the throbbing that was starting in his forehead. Isaac could question his own and his planets existence later, there were more pressing matters that Hollow had to press the royal on.

"So...in terms of sickness, has your people suffered from any epidemics? Any sort of mass plagues or illness that has spread in the past?" Hollow questions, shaking his head one last time as he looked the night princess in her rather large eyes, noticing her gaze was filled with concern as she frowned slightly.

"Not that we can think of, though thou must excuse our memory, as we were absent from this world for an eon before returning a few years ago, so our sister might have more information than I." Luna explained before leaning closer herself, her eyes wandering across the rather tired stance the creature in front of her was sitting in. "Are thou alright, Sir Isaac? It's not common for one to be exhausted in a dream so easily."

Slowly standing, Isaac nodded once as he leveled himself on his heels.

"I will be fine, as this is a dream my health isn't my biggest concern." He stated before glancing back at the headstones behind him, a pained breath releasing from his chest. "After all, I have a job to do, and a little exhaustion won't kill me just yet."

Following his gaze, The Alicorn couldn't stop the next question from leaving her lips.

"Those graves...who do they belong to?"

Watching his whole body tense at the question, Luna worries she struck a nerve as the man slowly turns back to face her, his shoulders broadening while his hands clench up.

"With all due respect, Princess." Isaac states, a level of venom in his words that makes Luna break eye contact with the man. "That's none of your concern."

"Forgive us, we didn't mean to-" Luna begins to apologize, but Isaac only shook his head as he starts to walk past her.

"Yes, you did. You jumped into my own mind and sanctuary uninvited and decided to press personal matters as little more than a stranger in my eyes." Hollow spat as he stopped near the exit of the graveyard, noticing everything around him beginning to fade and warble.

Is this what the end of a dream is like for those who are conscious during the process? Isaac felt his mind wander for a moment before the sound of hooves behind him brought his thoughts back to the rather irritating princess approaching from behind.

"Sir Isaac, wait!" Luna exclaimed, teleporting in front of him with a saddened look in her face. "We didn't mean to press your past, Doctor Hollow. Don't push us away for one mistake, not when we were doing so well!"

Hearing a groan through the mask, Luna looked on as Isaac lifted his hands to his face and removed the mask, allowing Luna to look at his scarred face and finally see the eyes of the man she had been speaking to.

"All it takes is one mistake, your highness..." Isaac whispered, and Luna found she could not look away from the empty gaze that had transfixed on her from the man, one that screamed of a pain Isaac seemed far to keen to hold onto. "One mistake, and you can lose everything."

Almost instantly, everything around them vanished into the void, with Hollow dissipating shortly afterwards, leaving Luna alone in the empty void of what was once a dream.

"Sir Isaac...what has thou suffered through to believe such a thing?"

[Guest room, early morning]

Yawning softly, Marble snuggled into the warmth beside her as she let out a content sigh. She wasn't sure why her bed was suddenly so warm, as even on summer days the farmhouse never really got that much warmer than room temperature, but Celestia knows she wasn't complaining!

Pushing her body into the warmth, she can't help but nose the soft patch of soothing skin she felt rub her face as a content sigh left her-

SKIN?!?!

Her eyes shooting open, Marble realized she was hard-core snuggling Isaac, to the point where it looked like she was trying to melt into the man's back with the way she had straddled the man's back with her hooves!

Pushing herself backwards in an attempt to untangle herself from the situation, Marble overshoot her goal and hit the ground hard, sending a flux of pain down the side of her body alongside an annoyed groan.

"Stupid...small...beds."

Muttering quietly to keep from waking Isaac, Marble lets out a couple of Ye olde curses she learned from her mother as she slowly rose to her hooves. Taking a moment to glance at the figure still sleeping, Marble sighs in relief at the fact that Isaac remained asleep through all of that.

Quietly trotting around the bed and getting to her admittedly strewn about stuff (Hey, you try fighting your natural introversion to support your friend in front of the princess!) and let out a soft groan once more, having a feeling today would be one of those days.

Moving her robes aside, the mare looked through the saddlebags beneath them until she found what she was looking for, pulling out a rather thick tome before returning to the bed, making sure to enter it much quieter than her exit this time.

Laying on her side so her back faced the man beside her, Marble looked over the book and opened it to the last page she had been on.

Chapter 4: The five W's on how a tourniquet can and should be used to save lives.

It had been a medical book her mother had gotten for her birthday a year ago, something that her father had thought was a waste of money considering it had little to do with rock farming, but had bit his tongue when his wife had given what Marble and her sister's called the Medusa stare.

A sad sigh escaped Marbles mouth before she could stop it at the thought of her parents, thinking back to the day she left the farm rather...abruptly.

They understood why I couldnt tell them, right? I left them a note and some bits to hire someone else after I left, so things should be fine!

Marble tried to reason with herself, though it didn't stop the frown from finding a home across her face.

Who am I kidding? Momma's probably dissapointed and Papa's is definitely furious. But I couldnt had just told them I wanted to leave, there's no way I could've managed to convince them it was what I needed to do!

It didn't help that Marble knew just how much of a wet blanket she was when it came to confrontations. It had only been recently through her travels with Isaac that her temperament had begun to change. Oddly enough, when your striving to learn how to help others and keep them alive and happy, you have to learn how to be a bit aggressive if it meant getting through to stubborn ponies.

Looking over her shoulder at Isaac's sleeping form, Marble felt the frown on her face give way to a smile, her thoughts returning to that day she left once more.

We've been traveling for about five months now, and I've learned so much from Isaac and simply helping anyone we came across. Marble looked to her book, caressing the page lightly as she felt her smile grow wider, the previous feelings of sadness all but forgotten. From what he has told me, he had been a doctor back home for years, and even with being in a new world he managed to hit the ground running with learning how to help those in need.

Flipping the page, she was just about to read it when she felt the bed shift behind her and a presence loom over her from above.

"Huh, might have to borrow that book sometime. I've never seen a tourniquet look so clean."

Jumping slightly, Marble felt a 'eep' escape her as she rotated herself to face Isaac, only to have to look up as he had already stood up from the bed and was leaning over it to see what she was reading, though she didn't like that smile on his face one bit.

"Sorry if I scared you, Marble." Isaac said with a sly smile as he leaned back and walked to the bathroom, grabbing his garments along the way and leaving Marble to watch him as he retreated to the rather large restroom that was connected to the room they were in.

He did that on purpose, that lanky sneak!

Puffing out her cheeks, Marble huffed lightly as she sat up, putting the bookmark back in her book and placing it to the side.

If he's in a playful mood then I'll show him a playful mood.

Giggling to herself, Marble returned to her saddlebags and pulled out a shining sliver rock, turning her gaze to the bathroom as she began to approach it.

The rock itself wasn't too impressive, though thanks to her sister Limestone accidently cracking a bigger version of it open one day in the rain.

For some reason, if it was wet and hit with enough force it would set off a bright light...which the sister's learned the hard way by being blinded for a full day after the incident, earning a talking to from her mother and a promise to be more careful in the future.

Thankfully, this was a much smaller rock compared to the geode her sister cracked open, so the flash wasn't nearly as dangerous and could be used regularly on anypony.

It made for a great way to mess with her sisters when they came to visit though. Marble giggled once more, a mischievous smile gracing the shy mare's features as she slowly opened the door enough to where she could see where Isaac was.

Thankfully, he was looking in the mirror as he dressed himself rather than showering or anything else (Admittedly, Marble didn't really think that part through, though in hindsight him being stuck on the pooper when she threw the rock probably would've been funnier.)

Bringing the rock close to her mouth, she licked around it enough to moisten the outside, then heaved it right at the wall where Isaac's face was closest to.

Closing the door just as quickly, Marble heard the flash go off and Isaac's yelp of shock as the following sound of him stumbling backwards in the bathroom gave her a giggling fit.

"MARBLE!!!!" Isaac roared from within the bathroom, more annoyed by the fact he had been hit with that damned rock again than the fact that Marble had done it. This hadn't been the first time she had done this, and usually she saved those blasted rocks for whenever Isaac messed with her.

Recovering from the blast, Isaac quickly exited the bathroom and locked eyes with his prey. Said prey had stopped giggling and recognized the look on the man's face as she raised her hooves and shook her head rapidly.

"Oh, you thought you could blind me and not get payback, you silly mare?" Isaac growled with a smile as he slowly stepped towards Marble, who in a spurt of boldness smiled back as she got to her hooves and blew a raspberry at the doctor, making his smile go wider. "Well, I think it's about time I figured out where your ticklish...for research purposes of course."

And with that, Marbles wave of bravado was gone, as she was a VERY ticklish mare and wouldn't last a second against Isaac's very dexterous fingers. But just before she could accept her fate a knock at the door saved her from Isaac's vengeance for the moment.

"Mr. Hollow? Princess Celestia sent me to collect you and your companion. She wishes to speak you to join her for breakfast."

A guards voice echoed through the door, inciting Isaac to walk up and knock on the door twice.

"Tell her we'll join her in a minute. I have to help my companion with something real quick, but we will be there shortly."

Hearing the guard walk away after a few moments, Marble heard Isaac mutter something about the princess and long noses before he turned back to her, his smile large and his eyes hungry.

"Now...where were we?" He spoke with a laugh as Marble tried to scurry away but didn't get more than two steps before he caught her in his grasp.

Though from the smile on her face when his hands grabbed her waist and lifted her off the ground to the onslaught of giggles she released when he began his assault, Marble knew she didn't really mind tickle torture as long as it was Isaac delivering it.

Author's Note

Hey! We got a second chapter in a good amount of wait time, what?!? (Hey, a chapter a week might just be what the doctor ordered)

Ok, so this chapter had been fully written about 3 days ago, but after rereading it I found I didnt like at ALL how the conversations flowed, so I full deleted the 3k words I had and rewrote it. Hopefully, yall like this more.

Also, I'm sorry if the Luna speak seems off...as I am learning that I REALLY don't like attempting to write her, but she was necessary to shed some light on Isaac's past without using a wall of text.

As per usual, any glaring corrections that I missed don't be afraid to point them out, as this experience is made better when it's legible. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 3: A celestial task

"The princess will be with you shortly."

The same guard that had come to his bedroom door, and had guided them through the rather large and maze-like style that this castle shared, stated curtly before taking his station in a corner of the room.

Offering a quick thanks to the stallion, Hollow, who was now fully dressed and had adorned his mask before leaving his room, walked alongside Marble had also dressed in her darkened robes as her saddlebags sat snug on her back. (Said mare had used the silence of the walk to the dining hall to recover from the ''payback'' the doctor had delivered back in the room for her, but hadn't been able to look the man in the face since out of embarressment of the situation.)

Marble was also quite grateful Isaac hadn't judged her for her use of the horrid giggle-snort she had released back in the room during said payback. Celestia knows her sister Limestone always gave her Tartarus for it.

Looking around the rather expansive room, Isaac wondered if the castles back home could hold a candle to the level of regality that was being shown during his time at this palace. Even the lesser rooms like his bedroom had fancier beddings, exotic furniture and pillars lined with the finest stone and gold at the top and bottoms of them. Not to mention the fanciful tapestry and what had to be chandeliers made of crystal above.

Taking in his surroundings, Hollow acknowledged that the room he was currently in was no exception. The table just ahead of him was long and narrow as to support a large dining company, and at the opposite end stood a rather large chair that made no question to whom's rear claimed such a spot. The table itself bore silver candle holders spaced evenly among decorational greenary and plating that bore either gold or silver tint depending on how close they were to the royal seat.

Taking small strides, Hollow took in the regal atmosphere as much as possible, a small part of the man enjoying being surrounded by such things, though all it took was a mental reminder of the purpose of him being in such halls to curb that growing excitement.

Finding a suitable seat three chairs down from the lft side of the royal chair, Isaac found the chair was suprisingly capable of holding his weight, being able to sink into the chair without any creaks or broken legs from the seat.

Must get a lot of visitors that aren't ponies. The thought came to Hollow's mind as a brief recollection to something he had picked up from a rather studious mare in ponyville after a visit to the towns local library...something about multiple different species that made their home in Equestria and how the mare had never seen something like him before. Quite the odd pony, that one. Though she did have that combination of wings and horn that Marble had told the doctor was unique to pony royalty, so he had made sure to humor her questions for a few hours on the promise that if he did return he would answer more questions.

A quiet laugh escapes Isaac as the image of the excited royal flashes in his mind, earning a questioning glance from his partner as she takes the seat to his right.

"It's nothing, just recalling our time in Ponyville." Hollow explains, watching a smile adorn on Marble's face at his words.

"It's a really nice town." She began, shifting in the seat to get more comfortable. "Smaller than cities like Canterlot but big enough to have more than a couple families in it, it was wondeful."

Seeing the shy mare get excited was a rare sight, something Isaac had learned quickly after she had agreed to accompany him. While Marble did have her bursts of energy her and then, it was mostly done in private (the little sneak had quite the playful side to her) she wouldclam up in public and it would cause the mare to become as talkative as the corpses Hollow used to work with back home.

Smiling at her enthused state, Hollow felt that spark inside him well again, though this time he was more hesitant to suppress it this time. Just before the doctor could give it more thought the big doors they had entered through swung open once more, this time allowing the princess entry as the sun monarch's eyes landed on the two of them.

"Good morning, Doctor." Princess Celestia said as she trotted to her seat at the end of the table and elegantly sat down into the confines of its cushions. "Did you find your chambers to be adequate?"

Giving the princess a quick nod, Hollow straightens out his back with an audible crack (something that sent a shiver down Marbles spine in the process, though the princess seemed unfazed by the sound) and placed his hands on the table in a folded manner.

"Some of the best sleep I've had in months...barring your sister's invasion of my mind during such a rest." Isaac pressed calmly while ignoring the shocked look from his companion. "I wasn't under the impression that first time guests were to be subject to a sort of magical mental probe, but I would ask that it doesn't happen again if possible."

The doctor had to give the princess credit, she managed to keep that smile on her face after the man had said his piece, though Hollow could tell it was a bit more strained than before thanks to the small tug the princess gave to her cheek bones to keep said smile intact. Turning her gaze to the guard at the door, all it took was one quick motion of her head to have said guard leave the room quickly, giving them the privacy needed for whatever was to be spoken of next.

"I assure you, my sister entering your dreams was not done out of any lack of trust or a means to violate your privacy willingly, it is purely her job and special talent to walk the dream world and watch over our little ponies." The princess stated, hoping to disperse the ever-growing tension that had began to drain the merry atmosphere from the room. This was not how she had wanted her first actual conversation with the creature to go, considering how much of a help he could potentially be for her citizens if the princess played her cards right.

"Even so, as someone who is only recently becoming accustomed to this world, I ask that Princess Luna ignores my dreams for now, at least until we are more than strangers to one another." Isaac responded, pulling a hand back to adjust his mask slightly before continuing, as said article had became uneven as he had sat down. "Now then, before we continue to discuss things of a more important note, could we perhaps get some breakfast? I know hunger calls to me and I'd rather not let Marble listen to our ramblings without something to fill her stomach with."

Feeling the princess turn her way, Marble gulped nervously before shrinking in her seat slightly, letting out a barely audible "Mmm-hmm." in agreement with Isaac.

"Very well." Celestia agreed, her horn lighting for a brief moment as a earth pony stallion quickly made his way into the room with a conga line of maids holding dishes behind him. In the blink of an eye, the once barren table now had multiple servings of steamed pancakes, varying toasts and oats, multiple syrup canisters that each bore a different color top and a rather large pitcher of orange juice at the epicenter of the breakfast buffet. Celestia always took a certain level of pride when it came to her kitchen, as her chefs never pulled their punches with any meal they delivered, regardless of who she was dining with.

Looking at the spread in awe, Hollow couldn't retain the hungry growl his stomach let out as almost all his senses were assaulted with the divine meal in front of him. Peeking over at Marble gave the doctor confirmation he was not alone in these feelings, as the mare went from leaning into her chair to hide to sitting straight up and looming aggressively over a bowl of oatmeal.

"I knew you were royalty, but this is maddening! I've never seen such a spread before!" Hollow exclaimed, earning a giggle from the princess the second the chef and his maids left the room.

"My little ponies do try their best to spoil me, regardless of how much my advisor states otherwise." Celestia sheepishly remarked, remembering the last time she had guests over the chef had outdone himself with a twenty-layer surprise cake, earning the princess her first sick day in decades due to the stomach ache that followed. "Ms. Inkwell has accused the head chef multiple times of planned assassination by confectionary assault, though it usually just takes me offering Raven one of his creations to keep her satisfied whenever she decides makes a fit of it."

"Sounds like an addiction to sweets on both of your accounts, princess. Not my first time handling someone with such a craving, nor hearing about the body of said individual begging for mercy in return." Hollow remarked, his body seeming to droop for a second before returning to its straight posture, something that went noticed only by Marble, who had lifted her oats-stained mouth from her bowl in time to see the nonverbal shift in his demeanor.

I'll ask him about it later. He's already tense from Princess Luna entering his dreams after all, and I'd rather not press him with Princess Celestia here as well. Marble tasked herself, wondering what the princess of the night had seen in Isaac's dreams to make him react the way he did, especially if it was hurting him somehow. Even back in the room Hollow had seemed more distant than usual, as if he was remembering something that kept his mind miles away from the present.

"Is that so, Doctor?" the princess responded, an impish grin adorning her features. "Tell me, are you insinuating that I eat too much?"

On hearing princess Celestia say that, Marble turned quickly to Isaac and waved her hooves frantically, but to her horror the mare was ignored as Hollow leaned in slightly, rotating his hand around in a circle as he responded all the while ignoring his panicking friend.

"While I am no expert on your kinds biology and how a healthy Equestrian should look, you must agree that even for your size you carry a bigger flank than any creature I've seen. And considering your role as a princess its hard for me to believe that all of said flank is purely muscle."

Blinking a few times, Celestia was caught off guard for what she could say was the first time in a few months at least (Twilight ascending to alicorn status was hard to beat in the shock department, even if it had been planned). Any physician in Equestria would tell her that her body was the epitome of pony design, and any doctor would commend her for her habits rather than dare say their princess was doing something wrong. Even Inkwell hesitated now and then to tell her to pull back on the sweets depending on the day the princess was having.

The doctor in front of her, though? Celestia had a feeling when she locked eyes with him that the man would not hesitate to say what was on his mind, especially if it could potentially help someone feel better or correct something that was wrong, and that royal instinct of hers had once again proved true.

Marble, however, was currently fearing for her life. She knew Isaac was blunt, tartarus it was endearing when he was direct in his approach to help others. But to call the princess overweight to her face!?

"You know, doctor. Many who share your title in this kingdom would not dare to tell me that I am potentially overweight." Celestia stated, using a stern voice she had used when twilight was young to see if the man would back down from his claim or not. After all, if Hollow truly wished to help those that weren't capable of being helped he would be essentially starting a medical war against the Equestrian Healthcare System tself, as they would see his aid as encroaching on their talents and jobs and would try to suppress his efforts... something that had led Celestia to make Hollow start up in smaller towns first to avoid the bigger names of the industry for the time being until he could prove his words.

"If I wanted to flatter you or give you compliments, I would've became a governer instead of a doctor." Hollow shot back dryly, his voice coming off as almost bored. "And potentially probably doesn't cover the issue, as if I was to collect a census on this city's population alone and compare your sizes to the average number of theirs, I think even factoring in your alicorn status you'd be considered on the plus side of the scale."

Leaning back in his chair, Hollow unbuttoned his coat and reached into its folds, producing a hankerchief shortly afterwards that was then raised under the doctors mask to cover a sneeze, in which said cloth was quickly put back into his coat to hopefully be discarded later as a quiet "Bless you" was spoken by his companion, who had began to calm down when princess Celestia hadn't immediately banished the doctor to the moon.

"Apologies." Hollow said quickly as he readjusted his mask again. "But keep in mind my goal is to save lives and heal your people as needed, not be your or anyone else's personal trainer, so my advice can only be taken so seriously."

With that last sentence, celestia decided it was time to stop beating around the bush, as the doctor truly seemed capable for the job both withen his morals and his worth ethic.

"While I can't say I'll be acting on your advice anytime soon, I do respect your candid approach to telling it straight." Celestia began, taking a moment to eat a pancake whole before continuing. "It will be something you'll need when your stationed in ponyville, as the citizens in that town can be quite stubborn at times and tend to listen to the firm approach more often than not." Celestia told Hollow, magicking up a hooveful of papers from who knows where as she passed them telekinetically to the doctor, who laid the documents out in fromt of him.

"What are these?" Hollow asked as Marble got up from her seat and looked in close, looking over the leftmost paper in particular with a concerned stare.

"Those four documents are about your current assignment from the crown." Celestia explained, nodding to the paper on the far left of Hollow as her smile at last fell from her face. "That first page is from an agent of mine in town. They recently suffered from an attack of black vines from the everfree forest, and while the Elements of Harmony managed to pacify the threat, some of the citizens who came in contact with the vines are now suffering from an illness the doctors in ponyville can't explain. The document given will have more details on the illness itself and its contagibility, though an in-pony check up will be required of you to discern fact from falsefied rumors and superstitions."

Moving to the next two pages, Celestia's grim expression perked up somewhat. "On a lighter note, the second document is your place of residence, which will be an open building that recently became vacant. The mayor of ponyville was more than happy to lease it to the crown, stating that if we could help her citizens get better then the building would be yours free of cost, though bills such as water and utility will still have to be paid monthly to the government as anypony else would."

"I am surprised your giving me a place at all, I was certain I would be working from a inn or a tavern of sorts." Hollow remarked, a hint of relief in his tone as he picked up on the worried look of his companion. "Quick interruption, princess. Of those who are sick, would a overly joyful pony coated in all pink be among their numbers?"

Shaking her head, Celestia noticed the young mare beside the doctor breath out harshly as she spoke. "I assume you speak of young Pinkamena Pie? From the last letter my student sent a few hours ago to me, the mare and her friends are doing well, even if they are concerned about the possible spread of this illness to their friends and families."

"Thank you, princess. My partner here was worried, though she would've never braved to ask herself." Hollow replied, using a gloved hand to rub the top of Marbles head, helping to calm her down as she let go of the worry that had been building up from looking the papers over. The mare had only recently gotten over the stress of Limestone being at deaths door, the idea of her twin sister (by a few minutes) being sick as well was close to sending the shy mare into a state of hyperventilation...though Isaac's ministrations were doing a good job fighting that feeling, even if the feeling was dulled by the gloves he wore.

"No problem, Doctor. It pleases me to see your concern for your dear...friend's family." Celestia trailed slightly before finishing her sentence, unsure as to what the relationship between the two were, but deciding to take the safe route for now to avoid stepping on any hooves. "The third and fourth pages are files from our military, and pertain to the two guards being assigned to you. the situation in ponyville has only recently calmed down, and its citizens are even more riled up than usual, so they will act as both your and the towns protection if the need arises."

"So, just in case I'm not who I say I am, you have chosen guards that could worst case detain me or best case keep an eye on me." Hollow summarized with a neutral tone, finding no issue with having a bit of protection or possible aids to help when needed. "I respect the decision, princess. I am an unknown factor after all, and having the extra muscle couldn't hurt if trips into the neighboring woods are needed."

Looking the two files over, Hollow found his gaze brought to the third document first, sporting a picture of a cheerful stallion who seemed to look quite young even for Equestrians.
_____________
Name: Holy Lance
Rank: PFC
Age: 23
Classification: Stallion (Silvery coat/burgundy mane and tail) Unicorn bearing a spear piercing clouds as a cutie mark
Notable traits/actions: Enlisted in the Solar guard for 4 years and recently renewed his two contract for another 4 years of service. Notable fanboy of Element of loyalty and has gotten into several fights with other guards 'defending' her honor.
_____________

Turning his gaze to the mare and her document, Hollow realized he wasn't sure what he was looking at as it was no pony, though the moon sigil on the creatures armor gave him an idea about who she served.
_____________
Name: Eclipsa
Rank: SG
Age: 28
Classification: Female Harpy (dark blue primary feathers with red hair and tail feathers) Bears an aged tattoo of the eastern coasts pirates on her left thigh)
Notable traits/Actions: Enlisted in the Lunar guard for 10 years and has 2 more years before her contract expires. Rated top in her unit for tactical prowess and espionage missions for the crown.
______________

Placing the documents down, Hollow pointed to the last page with a finger, tapping the picture of the harpy twice.

"I have heard of several species living here during my time in this realm...but harpies?"

Celestia sipped from her tea as she regarded the last document, pursing her lips slightly as she nodded once.

"Indeed, there are many denizens both inside and outside of Equestria's borders. My sister was the one who picked this guard for your job, though I believe she might have picked an overqualified soldier of hers to make up for entering your dreams, as I recieved this from her not just before arriving here today."

Sighing, Hollow leaned back once more and lifted a hand beneath his mask, rubbing his eyes as he let the royals words sink in. Was this mare actually apologizing, or was this a ploy to get on his good side again to allow access to his mind once more? He certainly wasn't in a position to turn down the added help of an experienced soldier, but Hollow would have to keep an eye out for the lunar princess from here on out, in case Celestia's words didn't stop the mare from using her powers.

"Very well, regardless of the reasons I thank you both for the aid. When do you think we'll be ready to head to ponyville?" Isaac asked, eager to both put distance between himself and Luna and get a handle on the situation in the town as soon as possible.

Marble, having finished looking over the documents, picked them up and carefully placed them in her saddlebags before returning her gaze to the doctor as she silently sipped from her tea.

"Well, as the two guards would need to be briefed and there are certain supplies and legislative measures to take regarding these sort of actions, I would say be ready to recieve train tickets to Ponyville three days from now." Celestia informed the two, mkaing sure both of them acknowledged her words before letting her smile return. "Now that we have business out of the way, shall we finish breakfast? I've barely ate during our talks and am now rather famished."

Shaking his head with a chuckle, Hollow raised his hands up and took off his mask, setting it to the side as he began to eat his own servings of toast as he pointedly ignored the not so subtle staring of the princess.

Let her stare if she wants. Let my scarred face prove to her beyond a doubt that I am willing to put my body through hell itself before I let anyone else in my care fall to disease and plague alike. The thoughts echo through the doctors mind as he swallows his toast, downing a glass of milk poured by Marble to help it go down. I don't care what happens to me anymore. As long as I breath I'll make sure what happened to them never happens to anyone else.

Author's Note

huzzah! look whos alive!

Sorry for the VERY late chapter. Life got busy, but I managed to get past that and my writers block to pump this baby out. With things less busy for a while (at least until June) I'll be able to write more and get more chapters out.

Also, I write like 2 chapters and almost get a thousand views?! yall, that actually means a lot, and I thank everyone whos put time into reading this story so far! as usual, please comment or point out errors if you see them, as this experience is much better if its legible. Thanks again!

Edit: Sorry, forgot to post a chapter title

Chapter 4: Departure

Author's Note

(Also, didn't have much time to spell-check, so there might be an error or two...sorry!)

Chapter 4: Departure

[Two days after the mission brief, Canterlot Castle]

Being let into his room by the guard stationed outside, Hollow strode in with several bags in hand, having successfully managed to obtain supplies that had begun to dwindle during the time the doctor had spent doing research in preperation for his mission in Ponyville.

Once he had been left alone by the princess, Isaac had immediately thrown himself into studying all he could about the costs and effects surrounding the use of magic, specifically whatever he could about second hand effects magic-casting could have on those affected by the casting of it or exposure to it. While a lot of it had simply been exhaustion if overworked and spells were casted for too long by unicorns, the doctor wouldn't turn any information away as he wanted to have as much knowledge on this topic before his boots hit the ground tomorrow as magic wasn't exactly something he was well-versed in.

In fact, back in his country the idea of magic users would get one burned at the stake...though the doctor couldn't ever think of a time he ha'd ever heard of actual magic being reported back then instead of petty grudges villagers had with each other.

The supplies in question hadn't been anything strenuous to get a hold of, merely stationary tools and a few herbs that could be used in basic herbological medicine, all of which thankfully paid for in advance by the crown. To the doctors surprise, the city had shown little care for the tall creature among them dressed in all black and a bird mask, though this city was the capital of this region, so there were probably enough foreigners that passed through that desensitized the populace to outsiders.

Regardless, any lack of distraction was a blessing, as there was still so much work to be-

Well, if that's not the cutest sight I've seen all day.

Losing his train of thought and allowing the bags to fall beside his feet, Hollow looked towards the bed as his eyes laid upon the sleeping form of marble. Said mare had pushed the covers off in her sleep and was currently snuggling the pillow next to her as she occasionally nuzzled the pillowy fabric with her litttle nose.

"The ponies here have no right being that adorable." Hollow whispered to himself as he slowly backed out of the room and exited quietly, as to ensure his partners rest wasn't disturbed. Closing the door behind him with a near soundless thud, Hollow walked past the unfazed guard and began to wander aimlessly through the halls, his mind returning to the upcoming objective.

Odd vines that a random set of individuals catch an unknown pathogen from? From what the princess and the notes from the document she gave me state it seems as if the illness doesn't have a straightforward path of contamination or source of spread...though I know better. No mass illness starts without an outbreak, regardless of whether or not this turns out to be magical, and when we arrive it will be on my shoulders to not only do what these ponies could not in finding the source but to manage to stop it as well.

Coming to a stop in the middle of one of the many halls Isaac had been pacing through, the doctor felt his hands clench as a memory from the brink of his mind resurfaced, his gaze switching from the cheerfully white halls to the all to familiar sight of a death bed in his wake.

"F-Father..." The poor soul who's body and soul were forever caged withen the silken sheets croaked out, his voice shaky as Isaac knelt down before the child, reaching out and holding the boys hand in his own. "I...Where has Mother gone?"

Taking a deep breath, Hollow felt his head lower as he breathed out of his mouth, a broken sigh following right behind the shallow air.

"It's alright, Clyde. You'll see her soon, I swear." Hollow whispered, feeling the boy's hand reach up through his mask and touch the right side of his face. "Would you tell her to put the soup on the fire for me? Father has to work late today?"

Seeing the boy give him a weak nod, Isaac watched solemnly as the light left Clydes eyes, leaving the doctor alone once more in the hall with only a burning sensation where the child's hand had been.

Falling to both knees, Hollow reached up through his mask and felt the spot his son's hand had been, and did his hardest to suppress the welling emotion that dared to surge from within.

Why? Why was I spared from that blasted plague and not my child?!? Hollow's mind roared as he felt his body rock slightly, the burning sensation across his face growing as the doctors thought's began to downspiral. Why couldn't it had have been me? Haven't I earned the price of death for the sins I wrought?

As that thought rang through his mind, echoing from ear to ear in a almost wicked cacaphony of noise, a burning sensation in his wrists let Hollow know he had slammed his fists against the ground enough times to cause his knuckles to bleed through the gloves. Feeling something press into him from his side, Isaac slowly turned to his right to inspect the source of the new sensation, and was met with his face being blinded with grey as the source pulled him into a tight hug.

Marble...but how?

The doctor wasn't sure how much time had passed during the extended hug from the grey mare, but the burning feeling on his cheek had switched to a throbbing soreness in his throat, so it had been clear that he had been trapped in his companions embrace long enough for the overflow of his pain to dry up.

"H-How long..." Isaac croaked out, though he was shushed by his friend and felt a hoof stroke the back of his head.

"I don't know, but a guard came by and brought me to you. He said while doing his rounds he stumbled upon you punching the floor, and that you didn't hear him when he called out to you to stop." Marble pulled back, frowming at me as she took off my mask and stared right into my eyes. "I know your not comfortable telling me your past yet and that's fine, but don't bottle up your emotions like this, not when I'm here to shoulder some of the burden with you."

This mare, the very same mare that was more than willing to hide in the doctor's shadow whenever they went out in public, was simultaneously comforting Hollow at his lowest. Had she always been capable of such things? When he had first laid eyes upon Marble Isaac wouldn't have been too far off to say she was almost puppet like, only doing what she was asked of and barely existing outside of those bounds.

Could this be why she wished to leave the farm she was raised on? To have a chance to escape from the existence that had been carved out for her there, and to become something new as she traveled with me?

Isaac wouldn't dare complain or question her motives though, not when she seemed to be one of the few things keeping his mind and soul on the right track. If he had been alone on this quest and had one of these episodes...

Shuddering slightly, Isaac gave the mare in front of him a nuzzle to her cheek (something Marble claimed to be a sign of affection between friends when she did it to the doctor a few weeks prior) as he retrieved the mask from her hooves, placing it back on his face as he rose to his feet.

"I thank you, Marble. It seems the ghosts of my past life chose today to haunt me...though it feels unfair to force the aftershocks of such events upon you like this without paying you back."

Letting out a grunt, Marble whapped the side of Isaac's waist with a hoof before shaking her head.

"It's no burden to me, Isaac. I'm here for you whenever you have need of me, as you were there for me and my family when we needed you." With that, Marble began to walk towards the doors behind the doctor, motioning him to follow as they began to make their way back to their room, passing by several guards as traversed the castle. "Though next time, could you confide in me back in the room? These floors are lumpier than the rocks back home."

Watching the mare stretch her back out, her flank going straight into the air with a slight wiggle in the process...something in which Hollow suppressed a smirk at the two guards that passed by during the act stumbled on their next steps as their eyes traveled directly to the oblivious mare.

"Very well, as long as you try to not show off to the guards, they do have a job to do and your 'stretching' can be quite the distraction." Hollow retorted, watching as the previously stern mare had now fully returned to her shy self, noticing the guards at last as she let out a strangled "Eep!" and sped-trot out of the room, forcing Hollow to jog after the mare to keep up with her escape from wandering eyes.

"What is the matter, friend? Do the admiring eyes of these fine stallions not fill you with pride?" Isaac called out with a chuckle as he followed after the retreating mare, who was somehow looking back at him and making perfect turns around corners at the same time, a shocked glare meeting his mask-hidden amused stare...though Hollow was sure Marble knew what face he was making underneath.

"T-That's not funny, y-you turd!" She called back at him, though it took all of the mare's willpower to not smile at the scene that had somehow managed to take place. The doctor had been in a state of absolute sorrow moments before, and while she had not planned for any of this to happen, the fact it was distracting Isaac from his pain was payment enough for a little embarrassment and ribbing on her end.

She would just have to get him back for this later. The doctor would have to sleep at some point, and when he did Marble would remind him why one does not toy with one of the sisters Pie.

[The next day, Canterlot train station]

"Back to Ponyville so soon...think your sister will be excited to see us? We made quite the impression at that party of hers she threw for me, after all." Hollow asked Marble, taking a break from scanning the wary bystanders as his gaze drew to the mare beside him, who had taken the task of double-checking their saddlebags and carry-ons to make sure they hadn't forgotten anything.

"Mmm-hmm!" Marble hummed, pulling her head out of her saddlebags and attaching them to her person before turning to face the doctor. "Pinkie loved having us as company...though it will be nice to not have to share a bed with her this time."

"Indeed, nor was I wanting to use her bedroom floor as a sleeping space again. I'll have to make sure to thank the princess for the sleeping arrangements again when we next see her." The doctor agreed with a nod as a chuckle bubbled out from his chest. "Still, I can't believe those two friends of hers thought they could out-drink the creature with a bigger body density than them."

Marble couldn't suppress the giggle that came with the memories of that night. Her sister, as she did with anypony that was new, had thrown a surprise party for Isaac. And while it had taken a few minutes to get the townsfolk to get used to the crow-masked man, once they warmed up to him the party picked up quickly.

Of course, this also meant Pinkies closest friends were there, and two of the more bold ones (Marble couldn't remember much about the cyan pegasus or the Apple farmer, just that from Pinkies letters they always seemed to be locked in competition with each other) had pressed Hollow for his taste for cider. A few drinks and a rather blunt challenge from the pegasus and Hollow had found himself sitting next to two knocked out ponies.

"Greetings! Would you happen to be a Dr. Hollow?"

Turning their attention to the new voice, the pair were met with a stallion standing before them, a duffel being held in a cyan aura as he gave Marble a energized smile. "And you must be his companion that I was told about as well, I'm Holy Lance, though you can just call me Lance if you want."

Walking up to the stallion, Hollow glanced the colt over as he recalled the document stating one of his guards were going to be a silver unicorn...though the doctor wasn't exactly comfortable with the idea of such a young kid watching his back.

"A pleasure, Lance. What exactly were you briefed on again? I'd like to ensure your caught up with the situation."

That, and Hollow wanted to make sure the kid knew this wasn't a game. He had seen some of the guards the king back home had stationed in town, and most of the time the younger and newer ones didn't take the job seriously.

Dropping the duffel beside the carry-ons, Lance gave a swift nod as he placed a hoof on his chest, his face scrunching up somewhat as he took a stern look upon his face.

"Gladly, I was briefed by the the princess' assistant that I was to be deployed to Ponyville to assist a Dr.Hollow and his partner in his efforts to cure an illness that has broken out there. I was also told that while I am not the only one on this job, we will be meeting Seargent Eclipsa when we disembark from the train, and was to inform you of this change of plans."

Removing the hoof from his chest, Lance let out a breath and almost instantly dropped the serious guard routine for the same smile from before.

"I'm so excited to have a station so soon into my contract! And though I do wish it was under better circumstances I can't wait for this adventure to begin."

Eyes narrowing behind his mask, Hollow crossed his arms as he shook his head, keeping his eyes locked on the yellow-eyed colt as he shifted his weight onto his heels.

"Keep in mind this isn't a storybook adventure, soldier. There are possibly lives at stake and the actions we take could benefit your country and its medical system for the better."

Gulping nervously at the strong tone coming from the masked doctor, Lance watched as Marble sighed and whacked the creature in the leg twice, nearly making Hollow fall backwards before glaring down at her.

"What? I was simply explaining to him what our goals are." Hollow remarked, pointing to the stallion with a hand. "We can't have him running around thinking this is a game."

"We also don't need to scare him out of his wits, either. Be softer on him until he can get accustomed to you." Marble softly chided Isaac before turning in the direction of Lance, using her mane to hide herself from his eyes. "S-Sorry about that...the doctor is passionate about his goals."

Sighing in relief, Holy Lance gave the mare a smile as he heard a whistle go off in the distance.

"Thanks, ma'am. Though it sounds like our train is arriving."

Giving Marble a wink, Holy Lance levitated both his duffel and the carry-ons in the air as the train pulled into the station. "And don't worry about me, Doctor! My and the Sergeants number two mission is to make sure your mission goes by as smoothly as possible."

Watching the train come to a stop, Hollow felt a surge of giddiness run through his veins as he watched the passengers disembark from the locomotive. They didn't have anything like this back in his country, and when they had first ridden the train Hollow was ashamed to admit that it had taken Marble dragging him off the device to get him to leave.

"What is your first priority then?" Hollow asked the stallion, following Lance and Marble as they entered near the back of train. Ducking into the compartment, Hollow was thankful that the trains had been built for creatures as tall as him, as walking into buildings in Ponyville had NOT been the most fun of past times...which he would have to get accustomed to again.

Being lucky enough (Or helped by a royal hoof or two) they managed to be the only ones in this car, allowing their things to take up the empty where citizens would've sat. Sitting down in a booth styled chair, Hollow watched as the colt finished up placing the carry-ons away before coming over and sitting across from the man.

"Our first and foremost job is to the crown and country, anything after that depends on our station and mission from higher-up." Lance explained, taking a moment to pause as Marble made her way over Hollow and sat on the inside of the booth, taking the chance to look out the window as the train began to pull out of the station. "As long as nothing you do endangers the local populace or is blatent heresy to Princess Celestia then I'm more than willing to aid you in whatever you see fit to task me with."

"I see. Thankfully, I'm in no mood to attempt a coup, so rest assured that your mission won't be anything like that."

turning his attention to his side, Hollow unlatched the book from his side and brought it to his lap, crossing a leg over to give the tome a place to rest as he opened its bindings, ignorant to the shocked look on Lance's face.

"Wow, and here I thought the books in the library were big, where did you get that?" Lance spoke up, fidgeting slightly in his seat as he watched the doctor glance back in his direction.

"Might as well tell you since your tasked with protecting myself and my research." Hollow sighed as he closed the book and showed its cover to the stallion for him to read. "When I first arrived in this country I found myself in a place I'd later know as Hayseed Swamp. During my arrival I got injured in a nearly botched attempt to escape some of that swamps more dangerous wildlife, and was about to pass on when the previous owner of this book found me."

"Hayseed swamp? That's like really far east right?" Lance chimed in, trying to remember the last time he had looked at a global map, let alone specifically for a place on one and failing. Guards didn't need to know that sort of stuff, anyway!

"It's close to the sea on that side, yes." Hollow answered, clearing his throat as he contiuned, though not before noticing Marble was now leaning against him as she listened in as well. "The one who found me managed to patch me up, and I spent almost a month with her in that swamp, absorbing as much knowledge as I could about this world and her skills with medicine. However, I could not stay forever, as I had a job to do, and in thanks for keeping her company and showing interest in her works, the mare gave me this book."

Taking the book in his hooves, Lance glanced at the cover again as his eyes fell upon initials engraved on the front

M.M

Taking the book back from the stallion, Hollow opened it and rested it in his lap once more. "Long story short, from what I've both been told and seen so far is that this is an Omnibook. It's got some sort of connection to it's owners in that it can display their knowledge upon the pages without having to write them down."

Looking from the book to the man before him, Holy Lance pursed his lips for a moment before frowning.

"So...it shows the owner what they already know? Aren't books supposed to do the opposite though?"

"That they are, only the last owner did something special to this one. An old friend of hers enchanted this book to where if it passed directly to a successor it would retain the knowledge of the previous owner, and said owner gave me the task of furthering her research in her stead as she no longer felt the urge to do it herself."

"So, you hold the complete and organized knowledge and research of another pony in your hooves? That's actually so cool!" Lance exclaimed, pushing his cheeks together on the word cool, something that elicited a groan from the doctor.

"Cool? I believe that is an understatement." Hollow remarked, though he dropped it as he leaned back and stretched out his back, letting his free hand rest on Marbles withers as said mare had begun to snore softly, pressed into his side in a similar way a child would to their mother. "On a different note, how long do you think we have until we arrive?"

Rocking back and forth, Lance let out a couple "Hmms" as he mulled it over before coming to a complete stop mid-rock.

"About a few hours, so if your planning on having a late night when we arrive I'd recommend we get some rest beforehand."

"That's fine, feel free to rest. I have some things I wish to look into." Hollow said, already returning his gaze to the pages in front of him, a rather informative topic on the uses of toxins in medicinal remedies appearing almost instantly as his attention tunnel-visioned instantly.

Lance, watching as the book gave its owner his subject for the time being, shrugged as he ponyloafed and laid his head down on the open seat he had sprawled across prior. While this wouldn't have been his first choice for a duty station, it beat standing guard in the sun all day. And who knows, he might get a chance to run into his idol in Ponyville, and that was worth a hundred guard duty stations! Though considering the risks of being stationed to ponyville made Lance wonder if this was the right call after all.

Oh well, how bad could a couple cases of sick ponies be?

Chapter 5: A town in dire straits

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 6: A plague of purple

Author's Note

Quick warning for the squeamish: This is a plague story, so in this chapter and multiple chapters from here on out there will be details as to the effects of the plague on the citizens of this world. While I'm sure it's not too bad and doesn't authorize a gore tag (yet) I still wish to warn yall ahead of time.

Chapter 6: A plague of purple

[Ponyville streets]

The group leaving the train station consisted of four individuals besides the Doctor, and three of said ponies looked like they had shared a few tears while Isaac had fetched Holy Lance and their bags, though they seemed quite certain it wasn't anything worth mentioning at the moment.

He would've pushed, but Marble assured Hollow that she had handled the situation and would tell him more later, and the Doctor decided to leave it at that. She seemed to have it under control, and that was enough for him.

Besides, the Doctor had bigger issues to worry about at the moment. Questions about this...whatever this was could wait for now.

"Tell me, Lance. Notice how empty these streets are? Even for an evening such as this there should be more ponies about right now, as most of their work schedules should've ended around now."

Carrying his duffel and the Doctors bag in his magic, Lance looked about as the group turned a corner and frowned, noticing for what seemed the first time how empty the town was, as not a single soul was in sight.

"Think they all got sick?" The unicorn asked, only for Twilight to shake her head.

"Since the time I last sent out an update to Princess Celestia, we've had a total of twelve sick, and those twelve have been moved to a solitary infirmary until more information could be gathered so the sickness shouldn't have been able to spread."

"It's more likely that they are hiding in their homes in fear. When a sickness spreads this hard, townsfolk tend to play it safe and not go out much." Hollow added on, noticing that every couple of houses they passed had window shades shuttering back and forth as the inhabitants inside peeked out to the world. "Until we can get a lid on this sickness, the situation here probably won't change."

"Ponies around here do scare easily, so they definitely won't be coming out until the all clear is sounded." Pinkie spoke up as they came to a stop in front of the only government building in town. "But it looks like we've arrived!"

Twilight trotted up to the door and opened it, stepping aside to allow everyone access inside.

"The mayor should be straight ahead in her office, but since the office itself isn't that big it will be only myself and the Doctor actually attending the meeting."

Giving a salute at that, Lance carefully placed the floating baggage on the ground and walked over to it, going to attention beside the bags.

"I'll stay out here and keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary."

Twilight turned to Pinkie, only to find that she had already moved herself and her sister to the bags, having decided to look at everything in Marbles possessions, much to said sisters annoyance.

"Me and my sister will chill out here with Mr. Lance!" Pinkie called out as she tried to peek at a notebook she pulled out, only for Marble to snatch it away and glare at her with a blush, intent on hiding the notebooks contents from her twin sister despite her current pleading to see it.

Hollow, watching everything unfurl before him, could only let out a sigh as he chalked it up to ponies being ponies...again. It was quite a common sight, and to be frank the Doctor was glad it hadn't unraveled further.

"Very well. Marble, you're in charge while I'm inside." Hollow stated, moving to the saddlebags and collecting the files from them before Pinkie messed them up by accident. "Myself and Princess Twilight will be back shortly, stay safe."

Receiving a nod and a good-bye wave from his companion, Hollow followed Twilight into the building, realizing just what she had meant earlier. The outside of the building itself was pretty big length-wise, but the inside was only a small lobby and a doorway that had to lead to the mayors office.

"Quite homely for a government building." Hollow remarked as he walked to the center of the room, eyeing a few chairs that seemed quite too small for him. "Then again, that's probably a good thing. Shows your mayor cares little for extravagant spending of taxes."

"The mayor has always put the town first when it comes to spending. She even does her own paperwork due to not having a secretary on hand, preferring to stay in the know about all of the towns current standings on an economical and societal level." Twilight explained as she held her hoof up to the door, going to knock before coming to a stop inches from the wood as she looked over her shoulder at Hollow.

"Doctor...can I ask you something?"

Crossing his arms, Hollow considered turning her down for the sake of hurrying the process of getting to the mayor but decided against it. Twilight had been nothing but kind and respectful up until now and the Doctor would rather not be abrasive to ponies that treated him well.

"Go on, just remember we are on a timetable for those who are sick." Hollow reminded the mare as she turned the rest of her body to face him, her expression deathly serious as she gave a nod back.

"Thanks, and it won't take long." The new alicorn stated before breathing in deeply for a moment before letting it all out. "About those sick you mentioned...do you think that you'll truly be able to help them?" She stated plainly, her demeanor becoming almost melancholic as her ears drooped. "The sick have suffered for weeks and have been getting worse."

"I can't say anything for certain until I actually see the sick...hence the visit here." Hollow pointed out, decrossing his arms in favor of placing them at his side. "I can understand the hesitation in placing their lives in my hands, but I'll tell you what I told Princess Celestia: I will do everything in my power to help those who are sick, regardless of wealth or status or ability to pay me back."

"And if you can't help them? If the sickness can't be cured and they end up either dead to the sickness or a potential outbreak hazard?" Twilight pushed, stepping closer as Hollow knelt down, leaning in close as he let out a sigh.

"Once again, I cannot answer until I've seen the sick. You can push these questions all you want AFTER I get to examine one of the infected individuals. Until then I recommend you keep your composure and help me help your town, princess."

Twilight stepped back, blinking at the man before her several times before letting out a sigh of her own, her face showing just how tired of this situation she was.

"I'm sorry, your right. You haven't even seen any of the sick yet and here I am demanding you be able to know how to fix the problem." Shaking her head, Twilight looked up at the Doctor with marks of sadness in her eyes. "One of my best friend is among the sick, and I don't know what I would do if something happened to her or any of my best friends so all of this has been hard on me, especially now with you being a potential cure for the problem where both the local hospital and the Equestrian Health System have failed." She finished speaking as a few tears dropped from her eyes, starting to form a small blotch on the carpeted floor beneath her.

Watching the mare in front of him, a pony who had been all smiles and eager personality a few mere weeks ago, be reduced to such a pained emotional state hurt the Doctor to watch. If Hollow had been a different man he would've stopped everything and comforted the mare there and then, swearing that he would save her friends and town and make sure everything ended happily.

But that wasn't who Isaac was. Not anymore. And this Doctor had a job to do. He had a chance to at least try and save this town, and he would not be able to do so by wasting time on shallow words and promises he may not be able to keep.

Words don't bring back the dead, nor do they help the living stay that way. The only way Hollow could help the crying mare before him was to do his job.

"I understand all too well the pain of watching those you care suffer." Hollow stated as he moved past the princess and raised his hand to the door, knocking on it three times before opening it slightly before looking back at the purple pony behind him. "However, you are also a figure of leadership in this town, and the inhabitants of this town need you. So as I said before, keep your composure and help me by protecting the townsfolk that arent sick, that way I can do my job without worrying about them possibly getting sick."

Leaving the princess her time to herself to stop her tears, Hollow entered the office and closed the door behind him as quietly as possibly. Taking a quick glance of the room the only thing that caught his eye was a dark oak desk sitting center in the room upon a rather faded blue carpet.

Behind said desk, which was littered with cluttered papers and pens and other small things, was a pony bearing a tan-like color to her fur and a mane that bore two highlights of grey through it.

She also seemed quite absorbed in her paperwork at the moment. She hadn't even noticed the rather tall creature standing in front of her desk.

"I assume your the mayor?"

Hearing the unfamiliar voice snapped the mayor out of her funk, making her glance up from her duties only for her eyes to widen considerably as she pushed back a bit from the creature with her wheely-chair.

"Oh my goodness! I didn't even hear you come in!" The mayor squeaked out before she coughed into a hoof, regaining her composure much faster than the Doctor anticipated as she wheeled back to her original spot at her desk. "Now, what does such a...uniquely dressed individual like you need assistance with? I am sure your no resident of this town, so I am sorry to inform you that we aren't exactly in the shape to be accommodating at the moment to tourists."

Pulling the papers Hollow received from Marbles saddlebags, Isaac placed them on her desk, tapping the one detailed with what was going on in the town pertaining to the sickness...something the Doctor really needed to get to reading over later.

"I was sent by Princess Celestia about the sick. If given the chance, I might be able to help the ponies who are suffering."

The mayor picks the document up and looks it over, her eyes roaming each line of the papyrus with diligent scrutinization before they land on the royal seal in the corner.

"So my request for help from the crown was answered? The princess believes you can help us?" The mayor speaks up, her tone a cocktail of both hope and suspicion. It's likely the Doctor hadn't been the first one to speak such words to the mayor, but if things went the way Hollow was hoping they would then he would be the last.

"I received herbical training that specialized in unique sicknesses and diseases, and as such the princess believes I am a way of helping where the Equestrian Health System cannot seem to succeed."

Looking up at him, the mayor seemed to be hesitant to accept his offer as she stood up and moved around her desk, circling the man once before coming to a stop in front of him.

"One question before I accept your aid in saving my town." She states before pointing at Hollows mask and trailing her hoof down to his boots. "If your goal is to save ponies and heal the sick, why do you dress in such dark garments? If you don't mind me saying so they don't exactly give the impression of somepony who's here to help."

Smiling behind his mask, the Doctor couldn't blame the mayor for her neither her curiosity nor where it was aimed. It wasn't exactly regular uniform for a nurse or doctor, especially not one who works with the sick. However, it was the last piece of where he came from, and even if it made his job harder Hollow would never stop wearing it.

"It's from my homeland, a place I probably not see again while I still draw breath." Hollow answered, an almost nostalgic tone in his voice as he spoke. "I bear these clothes because I made my oath to help others bearing these robes, and they will be on me until the day my job is done."

The mayor looks up at him for a minute or so with an expression the Doctor can't place. She seemed to be mulling over his words for a while before she went to speak.

"Very well. As you were sent by the princess, I would be foolish not to accept your aid." Returning to her desk, the mayor hoofed the papers back to Hollow before taking a seat once more. "Princess Twilight is currently handling the safekeeping and monitering of the sick. You will need to confer with her about their location and how to approach handling them, as well as the housing you have been given in return for your services."

"Very well. The princess should still be outside, so I'll ask her to catch me up." With a slight bow, the Doctor turned on his heels and exited through the door he had entered, giving a wave to Twilight as she stopped her from what looked to be pacing around the waiting room the entire time he had been gone.

"If you were that stressed about what I was doing you could've easily came in and checked in on us." Hollow remarked as he returned the papers in his hand to a pocket on the inside of his vest. "Though you didn't miss much, after telling the mayor I was sent by the princess she was eager to accept my offer to help the town."

"Thank goodness. I assume she's given the go ahead for things moving forward then?" Giving the princess a nod, Twilight motioned for Hollow to follow her outside as she spoke. "Good, then we can head to your housing and drop off your bags, then we can move on to checking in on the sick."

Exiting the building, the duo was met with the sight of a very red faced Marble as her sister was pestering her with multiple questions while a very amused Holy Lance watched from the sidelines.

"Oh, C'mon! Your telling you two sleep in the same bed and DON'T get busy! I've seen how you two act around each other, you act like mom and dad do whenever they think they're alone!"

Blushing even harder, Marble turned her face away from Pinkie...only to look straight at Hollow in the process, who gave her a wave and a mask-hidden smile.

"The mayor gave us the go ahead to begin working with the sick." Hollow informed the group, getting a small smile out of the still Blushing Marble.

"Then we shouldn't waste anytime in settling in. Those ponies need our help as soon as possible." The shy mare spoke up, trying her best not to look at her still giggling sister who pronked over to deadpanned Twilight who looked unamused by her friends silly mood.

"Agreed, we'll stop by the house the princess obtained for you and drop off any uneeded items there, then I'll guide you to the shelter we have for the afflicted townsponies." Twilight told them, turning to lead the way as Holy Lance levitated the baggage on the side in his magic.

"So, what type of digs did we get for this job?" The stallion spoke up as they began to walk the still-empty streets of Ponyville.

"It's a really nice house a block down from my place with the Cakes!" Pinkie exclaimed as she pronked alongside the group, occasionally circling them as she did so. "It used to this funny doctor guy, though he hasn't been seen around town in a while."

"Dr. Whooves is on a business trip at the moment, at least that's what Rarity told me." Twilight butted in, looking unamused at her friends way of referring to the mentioned pony. "She overheard Derpy talking about it when the mailmare came in to have her saddlebags stitched up after her most recent...delivery."

"Aaaanyway, the doctor told the mare he might be a while and put the house up on the market, so now it's your house!" Pinkie finished, coming to a stop in front of a rather unassuming building among the other houses around it.

The house itself didn't have any major differences in design, minus the fact the outside walls were grey instead of the lighter color used on every other house the Doctor had seen in town. The door, windows, and roofs shared their appearance with their neighbors but the roofing seemed to look reinforced with more than just hay as there looked to be metal plating outlining the foundations.

"Hmm...not bad, looks better than the buildings back home that's for sure." Hollow commented, walking up to the door and twisting the knob and pushing the door open a tad. "Surprised it's not locked up, but with a small town like this I assume thievery and break-ins don't really happen often?"

"I've lived in Ponyville for only a few years, but in the time I've been here there hasn't been any crimes like that." Twilight responded as the group went into the house one by one behind Hollow (who had to duck a bit to get into the house at all), with Lance following the rear as he took the time to move the bags in behind him one by one.

"Really? There's almost zero guard presence out here at the moment so I'm surprised nothing like that happens at all!" Lance said, closing the door behind him as he turned his focus to the inside of the house and found himself just ad surprised as everyone else. "Um...is this a magic thing or did we enter the wrong house?"

The Doctor was currently sharing in the confusion the stallion had at the moment. As opposed to the rather simple sizing the outside of the house showed, the inside was much larger than expected. The main room had a serious amount of space in it and several empty tables and cabinets lining the walls, each one having almost no dust or signs of wear on any of the wood space. Even the roof above their heads was higher than what he had expected, allowing the decently tall Doctor to stand at his full height without worry for smashing his head against any hanging foundations.

"Do all of the residential buildings in ponyville have this level of accommodation?" Hollow asked aloud as he ran a hand across the foundations above him, feeling his gloved fingers running across the wooden beams as a smile etched across his face.

It feels like a lifetime ago that I handled such wood, whoever made this house was a master at their craft.

"I...don't know to be honest." Twilight admitted, lighting her horn as the room was coated in a lavender light for a moment before dimming, only causing the princess to frown. "I can sense some sort of mystical energy around this place, but the scan isn't coming up with any answers on what type of magic this is."

"Well, if we weren't on a timetable I'd look into it more but we do have a job to do so it will have to wait." Hollow responded, turning his gaze from the wood to the group, pointing a finger at the overly pink pony beside his partner. "Pinkie your not coming with us."

"What!?! Why?" Pinkie exclaimed in shock as she shot over to the Doctor, grabbing him by the legs and looking up at him from the floor. "My friends are sick and I want to help!"

"You can help by staying away from the sick and not risking further spread of the sickness. The less ponies that go the better." Hollow remarked as he turned to Lance. "Which is why my guard will be staying behind too. After all, with Twilight will be with us if something bad happens for now."

Blinking in surprise, Lance snapped out of it and stepped forward as he shook his head.

"Absolutely not, Sir! I was tasked with protecting you and those under your care, and I can't do that unless I am present with you!"

Watching the stallion for a moment Hollow sighed and chuckled lightly at the guards work ethic.

"Fine, you come along." Looking back down, Hollow used a finger to stop the pink attachment from speaking, placing it on her nose as he spoke up. "You, however, have no such orders and most likely know ponies that are also unharmed right? You should probably go check in on them for me, if you want to help. If anyone seems odd or not what your used to seeing them like let me know immediately."

Hopping to her hooves, Pinkie gave the doctor a salute and a smile that had her tongue sticking out of the corner.

"Will do, Doctor!" She affirmed joyfully before pronking over to her sister and giving her a bear hug, lifting the poor mare off her hooves and shaking her slightly. "Be good, little sister!"

Dropping Marble, Pinkie shot over and did the same to Twilight, who seemed mixed between enjoying the hug and not liking being shaken like a bottle of soda.

"Pinkie! Let me down!" Twilight told the extremely huggy mare with a smile and a small laugh, getting Pinkie to place her back on the floor before she waved bye to the guard.

"I'll see everypony later! Byeeeeeeeeee!" With zero hesitation, Pinkie shot out the front door, holding the 'e' of bye the whole way until she was far out of hearing range.

Watching the door for a moment, Hollow shook his head and glanced at Marble, who had a rather large smile on her face into the wake of her sisters chaotic antics.

"I still don't know how she's your sister by the way." Hollow said, smirking as he ignores the tongue Marble sticks out at him as he claps his hands together, pointing at Twilight with one immediately. "We are just about ready to head out, princess, all I need is one last thing before we go."

Dropping his pointing hand, Hollow moves to the baggage resting against the wall and picks up the one belonging to him. Opening it, Hollow pulls out the staff from withen and places it off to the side before grabbing the lantern as well, something that gave Holy Lance reason to speak up.

"Uh...I've seen bags being enchanted and all to hold more stuff, as my own duffel is the same...but why were you traveling with a lit lantern? Isn't that a safety risk?"

Attaching the lantern to the staff, Hollow shook his head as he ran a hand through the flames, yet felt nothing as they danced across his fingertips.

"Usually, yes. However, this was a gift from Marbles father." The purple flame stood strong as the Doctor spoke, giving off an warm light that seemed almost unnatural to the ponies looking on. "He said it was a keepsake he had used during his pilgrimage to Equestria, and wanted myself to have it while I traveled, saying it would be of great use to me."

Glancing at Marble, Hollow felt himself smile once more before he returned his attention back to the guard.

"But we've wasted enough time as is." Hollow commented as he motioned to the princess, who looked like she desperately wanted some more details to the staff, as he had never brought it up before with her and had apparently caught her interests with it. "Twilight, if you would please?"

Shaking off her primal desire for questions at the moment, Twilight gave a nod and lit her horn once more.

"I'll be teleporting us there, so if anypony gets teleport-sickness I'd suggest you prepare yourself." Pausing for a moment as Twilight saw Marble move to Hollow and lean against him the lavender mare couldnt help but mentally 'awww' at the sight. "Alright then, let's go!"

The group vanished in a flash of lavender light, leaving the house empty as the teleportees found themselves in a completely different building than before.

"So, where in town are we now?" Lance asked, piercing the silence as the unicorn took in his surroundings, noting how the room they were in was almost devoid of anything except four doors, one behind them and three in front side by side with plaques attached to the middle of them.

"This is the solitary ward in the Ponyville Hospital, though due to it not being used until recently the staff had to do some renovations to get it standard." Twilight began to explain as she guided the group to the middle door, the words "Screen room" written on its plaque. "The hospital itself is on the other side of town in relation to the house you'll be staying in, so for the sake of time I brought us here instead."

Opening the door with her magic, Hollow found himself being led into a room with two glass screens, one for the left and right sides with a table and a few chairs in the center of the room. The walls and floor were almost barren, with only a few filing cabinets and a rusty light hanging from the roof to show for decoration.

Taking a glance at both screens, Hollow noted the one on the right had no lighting or way to see what the room on the other side held within, a stark contrast to brightly lit left side which had multiple hospital beds. Each bed held a pony that was hooked up to devices that from what the Doctor could tell seemed to be monitering their health.

"I assume those are the sick." Hollow said solemnly, his eyes on the differing states each of the townsfolk were in and how bad each case was going to be.

"Regretfully so, yes." Twilight answered, moving on his right as Marble moved to his left, the shy mare gasping as she took in what was before her. "The ponies in this room are those who got sick from seconhand exposure to the afflicted who got the sickness from contact with the vines."

Looking at the sick, Hollow reached into his vestments and pulled out the documents on the affliction, deciding to compare the notes to the site in front of him.
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After the events of the vine attack on Ponyville, there was a small respite before the first recorded site of the affliction was found. Eyewitness reports state the pony by the name of Derpy Hooves had been suffering from a coughing fit while doing her rounds for the seven days after the vine attack, and had been around several ponies before the day of the incident, where she reportedly attacked the Element of Honesty while she way to the market square. While the pegasus had been contained and quarantined, there was no mistaking the fact she was unwell{see list later below for unique symptom list for patient zero}. However, several of the ponies she had encountered on her rounds were also slowly becoming sick after three days of close proximity to the mare had passed by.
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Looking up from the papers to the sick, Hollows eyes jumped from patient to patient as he continued to glance at the notes in his hands, comparing their current conditions to the notes in his hands.
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After almost a week of research since the attack in the square, it became apparant the ponies who had been infected by close proximity to Derpy Hooves only started showing noticeable symptoms almost a week after being in contact with the mare, with worsening symptoms appearing on the hour after. Said symptoms show up in an exact order: In the first day of activity the afflicteds fur begins to mat down in irregular patterns on their body, followed by said fur feeling almost dry to the touch regardless of how much moisture is applied. In days two through five the afflicted begins to suffur from coughing fits and and suffer through dizzy spells and occasional vomiting, though it should be noted that the afflicted only seem to have these symptoms if around other creatures not infected and if the sick are isolated this step seems to not occur.
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"Doctor, is every-" Twilight went to speak, but was stopped mid-sentence by Marble, who quietly shushed her and shook her head.

"He's focusing, leave him be for now." The shy mare whispered, looking back up at Hollow for a moment before moving to the desk, sitting down in one of the chairs without making a sound. "When he gets like this it's best to let him do his thing, as it's part of his process. He'll be done soon."

Moving to the table herself, Twilight sat across from Marble just as Lance trotted over to her side, glancing at the dark room nervously.

"Princess, if you don't mind me asking what's in that other room? I might have been imagining it but I could've swore I saw something moving in the dark."

Taking a deep breath, Twilight looked down at the table for a moment as she collected her thoughts, something Lance noticed as he took a step back from the mare and sighed.

"Apologies, Princess. If it's something that serious I'll leave it be for now, I simply asked out for the safety of my charges."

"No, your fine. Once the Doctor is done looking at the other patients through the glass then I'll turn on the light in that room...he'll need to see what the other patients too." Twilight lamented as Hollow suddenly did a one-eighty, moving over to the table.

"You mean the ones who had direct contact with these vines I read about?" Hollow asked, getting a nod from the princess as he quickly moved to the other screen window. "Don't turn it on until I give the OK, I want to get a look into what your about to show me."

"Alright, let me know when and I'll illuminate that area." Twilight said, watching as the Doctor flipped the paper over and found what looked to be a highlighted section on the back.

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It should be noted that the infected who received direct contact from the vines have had a rather grotesque change compared to the ones listed above. So far, only three ponies are being affected this way, but the symptoms of a direct infection are far more severe than those who received it via secondhand exposure. Those who are directly infected spend the first week like the others, minus their behavoir slowly getting more erratic over time. During isolated confinement though, these patients began to suffur from abnormal changes to their body, such as odd bumps on the body that would release a purple pus and extreme shedding of fur and mane. The subjects also began to violently target anything not infected and had to be seperated. It is my belief that if a cure is not found then the other sick might slowly become what has become of those three individuals.

For all of our sakes, Princess...find a cure to this, or at least someone who can.
~Agent S.D
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"The three ponies who had direct contact with the vines and have been showing signs of sickness were all ponies I knew of and cared about...both townsfolk and friends alike." Twilight told the Doctor, having walked up beside him as he was reading, and staring down at her Hollow found nothing but pain in her gaze. "Applejack, my best friend I mentioned earlier, is in this section of the ward along with Derpy and Amethyst Star in hopes of keeping them safely contained until a cure is found."

Hollow felt his hands clench up as he turned to the darkened window once more. Steeling himself for whatever ghastly sight was hiding in the shadows, Hollow let out a deep breath and gave the princess a nod.

"Light it up."

Feeling Marble come up beside him, Hollow let his right hand move across her back as she pressed into him, finding the action oddly soothing while Twilight began to light her horn, reaching out with her magic to whatever source of light was in that room.

"Could it really be that much worse tha-Oh...Oh sweet Celestia." Lance began in a questioning tone, only to end in a whisper as the room was engulfed in light, revealing the three figures to the Doctor at last.

In the farthest left corner of the room from the window was what had to be the pegasus from the notes. Hollow could barely make out what was left of her blonde mane as most of it was gone, and whatever wasn't fur on her body was now covered in splotches of purple, with the excreting bumps doing their job as occasional driplits of the purple pus hit the ground beneath her as she continued to fly into the corner over and over.

Standing rather ominously near the doorway was what the Doctor could see was a unicorn, though only because her horn barely stuck out from the cluster of bumps around her head. This pony however had no mane left, and seemed to have almost all of her bumps closer to her head while her body was shaved clean of fur, replaced by the same splotches on the naked skin beneath. The poor things face was far from recognizable due to the buildup of pus blocking any trace of it.

And lastly, mere inches from the window and seemingly staring right at the Doctor was another pony, one of the earth variety if not of lack of wings or horn from the Doctors perspective. Her mane was still attached around the top of her head, most likely due to the brown hat on her head somehow keeping it there, but the fur from her body and tail was just about gone, replaced by the splotchy mess the others shared. However, since this was the only patient looking his direction Hollow got his first look at what the face of the infected looked like this far into the contagions hold.

The mare's eyes were far past bloodshot, there wasn't even any white left in them, with only the dilated pupils showing through the red veins. It was hard to tell, but Hollow could almost make out a orange tint past all of the splotches on her face... most likely the mares natural coat hanging on by a thread. Both the mares' nose holes and ears seemed to be stock full of that purple gunk that was seeping from the bumps across her body.

What stood out the most however was her smile. The mare was staring straight at the glass with a huge smile, allowing everyone looking at her to see the red and purple stains going across her teeth.

"It's like she knows I'm here." Twilight sobbed quietly, her eyes lining with tears. "Every time I come down here Applejack comes up to this window, even with the lights off. They can't look through this glass at all but she never fails to come to this spot when I into this room." Twilight turns away from her friend and curls up, using her wings to hide her face as she begins to break down.

Marble left Hollows side to console the mare while Lance had to excuse himself to go outside the room and hurl, leaving the Doctor the only one left to stare into the eyes of this plague before him.

As the sounds of Twilights sobs break the silence of the room, Hollow breathes in deeply before releasing it from his nose as he collects his thoughts.

I will overcome this plague. I don't care what it costs me, but I will save these ponies.

Turning on his heels, Hollow pockets the papers and begins to head to the door, only to stop and turn to his companion, who was still mid-hug with Twilight as she slowly calmed down.

"Get the princess to a state she can cast that teleport spell, I need to get back to our house and begin looking into this." Hollow told her, exiting out the room and leaving Marble to handle the princess.

After all, Hollow had a job to do.

Chapter 7: Calm before the Storm

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