Gateway to Harmony

I felt nothing but pure anger course through me as I traversed through the many vacant corridors of the castle. So much pent up rage just appearing in an instant, it was almost painful. Where did it come from? I knew I was mad, but they were just words. I have never let anything get to me like that. I felt the familiar shroud creep up around me causing me to wince in pain due to the dark presence.

“We are disappointed in you.” The demonic tone rang through my mind sending a wave of splitting headaches.

“What are you, what the fuck do you want!?” I yell to myself. Then it started to laugh again as I double over in pain.

“Ha, what do we want? What we want is you Robert. You have so much potential, so much power that you lock away, like you did when you confronted that pathetic insect of a prince.”

“No.” I plainly stated.

“No, what do you mean no. We can give you so much power, so much opportunity. Yet you turn us away. He deserved to die.”

“NO, no one deserves that…even him.”

“You are mistaken. However, we will help you find that path you once knew, but threw away.”

“What…what are you talking about?” I ask in-between breaths.

“We cannot simply tell you, it is something you must discover on your own. Like we said before, we are not your enemy. We are here to help.” I feel the presence slowly begin to fade.

“Wait, WAIT!” I yell in desperation, but the presence was gone. There I was, keeled over on the floor, head buried in my palms. Waves of slowly dispersing pain were wading through my body.

“Robert, Robert is that you!” I heard Luna’s voice echo through the halls.

I wanted to call back but could not find the energy as I remained strewn upon the carpeted floor.

“Robert…” Luna said as she began to round the corner. A very determined look was on her face as she glanced around the corridor before her eyes landed on the limp Captain. Her expression became that of pure shock and concern. Springing to life Luna ran towards Robert. “By creation Robert, what has happened?!” Robert remained silent as he breathed slowly. Luna took a deep breath before yelling in her Royal Canterlot Voice. “ROBERT WE DEMAND YOU ANSWER US THIS INSTANT!” The moment that un-relenting wave of sound hit my ears I scrambled to a sitting position.

“Ahhh…!” I yelled by clutching my ears. “L-Luna… what are you doing here?”

“Looking for you, after that incident with Blueblood you just stormed out of the dining hall! We were all so worried about you and still are!” It was then I realized the concern I caused from my outburst. I decided to take responsibility for my actions.

“Yes Luna you’re right, I’m sorry for what I did. I was just…so angry, I-I was not myself.” Luna sighs as she takes a seat next to me.

“I am very aware of how rage can sometimes dictate our actions. Although it is important you always try your best to see the light of reason before making any hasty decisions, for sometimes the outcome can be… less than desirable.” I noticed the saddened look on Luna’s face, probably recalling an event from her past. I was curious as to what caused such a show of emotion, but decided not to press on.

“Thanks you Luna, I will remember.” This brings a light smile to Luna’s face as she looks back up at me, it was good to see her happy.

“Yes well… OH! By the stars we need to get you to the infirmary!” I was taken aback by her change in composure. Luna realized this and shied away looking back to the ground. I noticed a slight hue of red forming on her cheeks. “I am sorry for my outburst, but we do need to report to the infirmary.”

“May I ask why?”

“Robert, you were hit almost point blank with magic arrow. A powerful one at that, and the fact I just found you in a vegetative state on the floor is not a very comforting sign.”

“Wait, magic arrow… was that the glowing orb that hit me on the back of the head?” Luna nodded in response. “Well… I don’t really feel all that bad.” I then noticed the flustered look on the princess’ face. “…Although, if you think it best then I will agree.” Luna beamed a triumphant smile as she stood and began to walk forward. I quickly rose to my feet and followed in tow.

_____

The walk to the infirmary was rather uneventful due to the majority of the castle staff still taken by their slumber. As we entered the white sterilized room I was met with a very flustered white Alicorn. She was staring directly at me with a stoic look. She began to walk over to me calmly still maintaining that neutral expression. When Celestia had stopped her advance directly in front of me I decided to plea my case.

“Celestia, I know my actions were wrong and I am sorry. I let petty insults get to me and foolishly acted on them. I apologize for threatening your nephew and causing concern as per my departure. I will accept any punishment you have.” I looked down to the ground in shame, not expecting what came next. Celestia trotted over to me wrapping me in a tight hug. My head bobs up in shock. I look down to see Celestia lightly sniffling into the crook of my neck.

“We thought you were leaving, that we would never see you again.” Celestia says in-between sniffs.

“Celestia I-I… had no idea you cared this much.” I said feeling a slight lump begin to build in my throat.

“RJ, you are a kind, caring, and genuine stallion. You are such a nice pony, and I hated to see you so angry. I hate seeing any of my friends so distressed.”

“F-friend…” I say as I begin to tear up.

“Yea, Luna chimes in, we both are. Robert, you have shown nothing but kindness since your arrival here. We both know you have a good heart, and never want to see that beautiful spirit tainted by anger, fear, or sadness.” Luna walks over and shares the embrace.

“I-I… thank you…” I share the embrace before we all pull apart. Celestia wipes away her tears as Luna also rubs the redness out of her eyes. Celestia nervously chuckles before speaking.

“Heh heh, I apologize for losing my composure. I suppose all the stress of the past few weeks has been taxing on all of us.” I give a light hearted smile as did Luna.

“There is no need for apology, I believe we all needed to release a bit of our emotion.” I look over to Luna who is still smiling.

“Yes, I believe this did us all some good.” Luna said.

“Well I think we still have an examination to conduct.” Celestia suggested.

“Girls I really feel fine…” I began to resist, but both gave me the death glare sending chills up my spine. “You know I could just do a quick scan on my suit…” They maintained their expressions. “*sigh* there really is no arguing with you on this, is there.” Both immediately perked up before smiling smugly and saying.

“Nope…” Both trotted into the examination room as I followed.