In the enchanting city of Luminara, where the buildings shimmered like gemstones under the sun, a young filly named Aqua Butterfly spent most of her days nestled in the heart of her family's cozy library. She was a rather quiet soul who found solace in the pages of astrology and the whispering winds that danced through the open windows.
Her brother, Amethyst Butterfly, was her guardian and confidant. His coat, a rich purple like the deepest nighttime skies, was often seen running errands by himself, ensuring no harm would come to his sister. Amethyst was known for his protective nature, a metaphorical shield to what could be described as her gentle spirit.
Aqua’s journey began at the tender age of 7. She had attended Crystal Dew Elementary School given the outstanding performance on her entrance exam. Though despite her excelling performance, she was a mental cocoon who refused to leave its shell. In her time there, she had an incredibly tough time making friends. She tried and tried again, but to no avail. That was until she was approached by a colt named Cobalt. He admitted that he was struggling with grades, which made them feel all the closer. While everypony was at recess, the two would study or play together, depending on how they felt. He was able to make her laugh and smile despite her shell always showing towards everypony else.
She had unfortunately lost contact with him about a year after they graduated. Despite that his family moved across the other side of Canterlot, they’re still pen pals. The new school year had begun when Amethyst noticed Aqua’s sudden drop in grades. He decided it would be in Aqua’s best interest to schedule a parent-teacher meeting. Right at seven o’clock sharp, he was acquainting himself with Ms. Starbeam, Aqua’s teacher, when Princess Cadence opened the door. “Are we ready?” she asked, to which both Ms. Starbeam and Amethyst nodded, sitting down.
“Mr. Butterfly, if you would like to begin the conversation?” Amethyst was surprised a bit, as he was one to never start a conversation, but was happy to regardless. “Of course. Let us begin with her class behavior.” His gaze shifted towards Ms. Starbeam, to which she also nodded. “She’s always been excellent in class. Absolutely no rude or inappropriate behavior. The only gripe I have is that she lets a few students pick on her. Thankfully, I reached out to the parents and the behavior ceased.” Mrs. Cadence looked back at Amethyst, then back at her notes. “Her grades are exceeding my expectations. I had even told Shining Armor, and he was astonished, to say the least.” She chuckled along with the others and shook her head. “Which brings the both of us to the elephant in the room.” Cadence looked back up at Aqua’s brother. “You apparently insist on homeschooling her. While I understand it’s not an uncommon route for one’s education; especially since it’s your sister’s education.”
Ms. Starbeam also added “I’d hate to agree, Mr. Butterfly, but Aqua is incredibly gifted and talented. It’d be an unfortunate event if you decided to take her out of the picture. Did you have anything in mind regarding her education?” He thought about this for a few moments, as he wasn’t expecting the question to be written out like that. He then remembered the situation they were in. “Well, the primary reason is because of a financial situation. As we all know, this is a private elementary school. So as much as I’d like to leave her in your hooves, we can’t continue to keep Aqua in your school system.” Amethyst frowned, beginning to pull out what looked like housing and utility bills. “No need, Mr. Butterfly.” Cadence interjected before Amethyst could get another word out. “There’s no need for proof, I believe you. I’m sure we both do, matter of fact.” Ms. Starbeam nodded, then looked back at him. “When do you plan on bringing her out of this setting?” “After graduating this year, unfortunately.” He replied with a hint of regret.
He knew Crystal Dew would be a cornerstone to keep pushing her forward. Matter of fact, his mind went off track, thinking about how he’ll have to get a good job to hold their lives together, maybe renovate and remove or replace some of the old furnishings, maybe painting the walls would- “Mr. Butterfly.” Mrs. Cadence said firmly, but not irritated. Amethyst snapped out of it, looking around the room to regain his composure. “Ah, yes. Thank you, Mrs. Cadence. Let’s continue with her exit procedure, is that what we were to do?” Both Ms. Starbeam and Mrs. Cadence nodded as they both began filling out paperwork.
Meanwhile, Aqua was sitting in the back of the class next to Steel. “Graduation is soon! Aren’t you excited???” He asked, barely able to keep himself in his seat. Aqua softly nodded, smiling. “I can’t wait to keep being friends with you forever.” Steel gave Aqua a huge grin and exclaimed “I hope so!!!”
Just a few minutes later, Ms. Starbeam entered the classroom and called for her and Steel. The whole class went “ooooo!!!,” as typical if they think the both of them got into trouble. They followed their instructor down to the principal’s office, as she gave them a warm smile. Cobalt adored her, as she did him. Her family was small and saw Mrs. Cadence as an aunt of sorts. Amethyst turned to Aqua and looked down at her, given her very small appearance. “Sweetheart, you’re not going here after graduation.” Aqua quickly digested those words and looked over at Cobalt. He was in as much disbelief as she was. “Will I get to see him again?” Aqua asked out of absolute concern, as if he was going to disappear into a puff of smoke. Her brother shook his head and put his hoof on her head. “He’s still going to be our neighbor, I promise.”
Aqua and Cobalt were happy to hear what Amethyst had told them. They began to dance and skip as Ms. Starbeam did her best to get hold of their excitement. Amethyst and Cadence laughed a bit. “Oh yeah, she’s a bundle full of energy.”
It had been a few years since Amethyst had pulled Aqua out of school. Whilst maintaining a watchful eye, he had noticed her work hard on her assignments and excel in her coursework. Unfortunately, as 8th grade rolled around, she began having “those” times. Occasionally she would shout and isolate herself to “sort herself out.” He knew she meant no harm; besides, it didn’t hurt her grades that much.
One morning, Aqua woke up to the smell of eggs. She knew a good breakfast was soon; after waking up of course. She walked into the kitchen, bumping her side into the counter, and yawning heavily. The day before was another history exam, as is required by the Luminara Education System. She had studied all of Thursday night, couldn’t go to sleep the night before, and here she stood on a bright and fresh Saturday morning. Amethyst turned around to see his sister in such disarray.
“Aqua!” Amethyst exclaimed, rushing over to her. “You look so deprived of rest. What happened?” He held his hooves up to her jaw, distraught. She normally would prevent her brother from touching her half-awake, though she was just too tired to notice. Aqua didn’t answer, as she could barely keep her eyes open. “Is it ok if I lift you up?” Amethyst asked, knowing that he should always ask first. Aqua nodded heavily, groggily noises following her approval. As quick as he could muster, Amethyst lifted Aqua onto his back and brought her up to his bedroom. He laid her on his bed, put a couple of covers on her, and kissed her forehead. “Sleep first, Aqua. You more than deserve it after the past couple of days.”
Six hours later, Amethyst had some food on the coffee table when he heard hoofsteps coming down the stairs. “Hey there, sleepyhead!” Amethyst teased. “Do you feel better, Aqua?” She shrugged, unsure. “I feel well rested, but at the cost of having a splintering headache…” Then out of nowhere, Aqua heaved and puked on the floor, grabbing her head. “Aqua, you poor thing!” Amethyst exclaimed, wiping her mouth and coat. “Is it ok if I shower you? It doesn't seem-“ Aqua interrupted her brother, something she rarely does. “Please. For the love of Celestia, please.”
He nodded, quickly bringing her and a large bowl to the downstairs bathroom. He immediately turned on the shower head and ushered Aqua in. Likewise, he grabbed the head of the hose with his wing and began to coat his sister’s fur in steaming hot water. Surprisingly, she had no complaints. Aqua normally hated steamy, hot showers, but she couldn't care less at that moment. Amethyst felt her forehead burning so he cooled down the water a bit. He then grabbed a luffa and began scrubbing her gently. “Just take deep breaths, Aqua. If you must vomit again I’ll get the bowl.” At that very moment she motioned to get the bowl, but projectile vomited, getting some on Amethyst. She put her ears back in embarrassment, to which her brother gently brushed her ears. “I’ll clean myself up too, Aqua. No need to be embarrassed. Now close your eyes.” She complied as Amethyst rinsed her off.
He then helped Aqua out of the shower, dried her, then changed the bedsheets. He helped Aqua into bed and put the empty bowl next to her nightstand. “I’ll be in your room cleaning up. If you need anything, call out to me, ok?” Aqua couldn’t respond, as she was fast asleep.
Amethyst followed by a quick shower and throwing the towel in the laundry. He opened her room to find a wide variety of media from textbooks, notes, and… magazines? Amethyst picked them up and looked at the cover of one of them. Of course, it was one of “those” magazines teenage mares enjoy growing up. He decided to ignore it and place it in a neat pile on her nightstand. Next, he moved onto what seemed to be her notes. Upon inspection, they seemed to be some notes and scribbles about astrology. ‘Astrology, huh?’ Amethyst thought to himself, picking them up.
Upon closer inspection, he read more and more about hundreds and hundreds of constellations, the properties of stars; it seemed like there were hundreds of thousands of notes taken with great care. Amethyst decided to sit down for a while and read up on her findings. Constellations and astrology were never his cup of tea, but he was shockingly surprised how much detail she put into such a passion. As he was stacking her notes and textbooks for school on her private bookshelf, he heard his name from his room, followed by yet more splattering on his bed. Amethyst ran back into his bedroom to find Aqua soaked in puke, sobbing.
“Aqua, sis. If you don’t get better, I’ll have to call a doctor over.” She realized it wasn’t a question, rather a statement. Her pupils dilated, suddenly feeling a different kind of “sick to her stomach.” She was used to living with Amethyst, but neither of them knew it was frightening for her. “I’ll help you back into the shower, sis. Unfortunately, I have no choice. I’m certain you’ll be back on your feet after at least tomorrow.”
Two hours had passed after Aqua nearly had what felt like a life-threatening event happen to her. There was a knock at the door, and much to Amethyst’s surprise, it was Nurse Redheart, the overseer of the Luminara Health System.
“If it isn’t the infamous Nurse Redheart!” Amethyst teased. “Oh please, Mr. Butterfly. That’s quite a way to greet me once more.” She giggled as Amethyst laughed a bit. “Apologies for the delay, I was helping another colt down at Concord Clinic. Where’s Aqua if I may?” Amethyst nodded, bringing her up to the second floor. He knocked on the bathroom door before slightly opening it. “Are you in there, Aqua? Nurse Redheart wants to talk to you.”
Aqua shakily agreed, peeking her head out to see the nurse, and a smile lighting up her face. They became mutuals as soon as Nurse Redheart came over to do weekly checkups. Regardless of if they were mental or physical, Nurse Redheart would oversee all of Aqua’s treatment. “Unfortunately, it’s been very difficult since many of the other doctors and nurses had taken off this time. There’s normally plenty of coverage, but today is an exception.” She sighed, but put on a bright smile for one of her favorite patients. “So, Aqua, can you please tell me what’s wrong?”
“I feel like s-something came over me, Ms. Redheart. I’ve never been this sick before, and with each time I continue to vomit I fear more for the worst.” The nurse shook her head no, in order to help comfort her patient. “Are you able to walk, Aqua? I’m afraid your brother’s right; we’ll have to admit you for a few days.” Aqua agreed, despite knowing all the dangerous things there like needles and such. They made her skin crawl, but she grew to overcome her fear of such places.
An hour later, Aqua was laying in bed with an IV drip in her upper left leg, a medical bracelet in the middle of her left wing. Of course, after she was admitted, Nurse Redheart had other matters to address. Furthermore, she let her brother speak on behalf of her. A few soft knocks and a dark purple stallion abruptly broke the soft silence and a doctor entered the room donning his white cloak. He looked at Aqua, then Amethyst. “You are Mr. Butterfly, I presume?” Amethyst nodded. “A pleasure to meet you.” He said, shaking hoof with wing. “My name is Doctor Loganberry. I take it you’re Aqua’s guardian?”
“Yes, I am. She’s normally able to speak by herself but asked me to speak on her behalf just this once.” The doctor nodded, looking at his notes and nodding. He looked back at Amethyst to deliver the news. Amethyst, just like his sister, were preparing for the worst. However, it wasn’t that bad. “It just seems like a more severe of overexertion. There’s nothing to worry about. Just an IV drip and some rest, and she’ll be back on her hooves in no time.” Amethyst wiped his head with his hoof, shaking the doctor’s hoof once more. “I greatly appreciate the help, as always.” He told Dr. Loganberry, to which he smiled. “It’s what I strive for, Mr. Butterfly. But as much as I’d like to stay and chat, I have other patients to see.” Aqua gave the doctor a wave out the door as he walked out.
