The Natural Elements

It was early in the night as Luna took to the air. Night court ended sooner than expected but she couldn't complain. In all honesty, Luna disliked all the paperwork and bickering from the nobles. She much rather be out in her domain with the wind in her mane and the stars twinkling in the vast empty sky above. As she flew, the cool breeze of the late fall air soothed her headache from her last visitor. For the life of her she couldn't figure out how her 'nephew' ever became a prince or ever lived past childhood. None the less, she tried to ignore the petty arguments he made about the many nightclubs that dot Canterlot. To her mind, Blueblood is just a pampered colt with a silver spoon shoved so far down his throat he might as well be choking on it.

With her headache ebbing and her tempered cooled, Luna landed on her observation balcony. She was about to head inside when something unexpected struck her. The sensation was overpowering as it washed over her senses. Luna quickly turned around to look for the source of this energy. To her dismay this power aura was coming from the Ever Free Forrest. Luna found herself trembling as she gazed out at the black mass of clouds over the Ever Free. What in the world could have that kind of power? She thought to herself.

She steeled her gaze and steadied herself as she reached out with her senses trying to 'feel' who this being may be. Though she couldn't sense that, she did feel them moving closer to Ponyvile. Luna was tempted to fly down and stop them before they made it out of the Ever Free but she remembered the the nature of that place all to well. The forest might be doing one of three things. First, it just might be amplifying the power of the individual, making them feel stronger than they rely are. Second, it's doing nothing to the aura she's feeling and this being is very strong. Lastly and the most disheartening, the forest just may be subduing the aura she's feeling meaning this individual is stronger than her.

Luna was unprepared for the last wave of energy as it struck her hard. She screamed in agony as her head reeled from the pain. On impulse, the two guards outside her door came in to find the princess of the night on the floor clutching her head. "Princess, are you hurt?" Her unicorn guard asked as he came to her side. Even though the pain was intense it subsided quickly. Still it felt like some pony struck her brain with a sledgehammer. "We are fine." she replied as she got to her hooves. "Did thou not feel that, Spark?" She asked as she looked him in the eyes. "Feel what, Princess?" Was his curious response.

"Never mind then." Luna said as she turned to look back to the Ever Free. Reaching out again with her senses, she could feel the one responsible for this was getting weaker as they approached Ponyvile. Luna just realized that this aura could have awoken her sister and caused her similar pain. Turning around to the earth pony guard, "Steel, go check on our sister and see if the 'disturbance' we have felt has woken her!" With a silent salute he left the room. Luna turned her attention back on the diminishing aura that now, by her guess, was at the periphery. We hope whoever that is, is too weak to do any harm to anypony. Luna thought to herself as she continued to watch from her balcony.

A shadowy figure slowly made its way to the edge of a dark forest. Looming before them a cozy little town. Most of the lights were out but through their clouded vision, they could see what looked like a tree house with its lights still on. Slowly the cloaked figure limped to the building. All the while, the rain continued to fall upon the valley.

Inside the Ponyvile Public Library, Twilight was busy with her studies of this storm. By what Rainbow Dash had told her, not much is known on the weather that comes from the Ever Free. So far her studies have proven that the weather that comes from Ever Free is just like the weather made at the weather factory in Cloudsdale. The odd thing is that the necessary conditions for weather to happen in that place just don't exist. Caught up in her studies, Twilight didn't realize that she had woken up Spike.

"Hey, Twi, what are you still doing up?" The little dragon asked as he noticed Twilight was stooped over her work desk with her hooves on her temples. Twilight jumped at the sound of his voice. "Spike, you surprised me." She gave him a sheepish grin. "Sorry if I woke you up." Spike waved her off with a claw, "It's alright. I couldn't sleep for some reason anyway. What are you up to this time of night?" Twilight showed Spike all her notes as she explained. "I'm trying to better understand the weather that sometimes blows in from the Ever Free Forest. So far I've come up with noting."

Before Spike could make a comment, there was a loud thud as something solid hit the front door. The sudden sound caused both Spike and Twilight to yelp in surprise. "What was that? Was it the wind?" Spike asked as he hid behind Twilight. "I don't know, but I doubt it's the wind because there is no wind tonight. I think somepony's at the front door." Twilight responded in subdued tone. As if to confirm, there was knock at the door. As Twilight approached the door, both Spike and her heard three moor knocks. Each knock quieter than the one before. On the last knock, it sounded as if a hoof slid down the side of the door.

Trembling, Twilight slowly unlocked the front door. When she turned the handle, the door flew open as if something was up agents it. With a dull thud, the form of a pony fell into the library entrance. This caused Twilight to jump back in surprise. Spike came out slowly when he saw the black figure fall to the ground. "Twilight, is it safe?" He asked. "Ya, it's sa....." Twilight's voice died off as she got a better look at what was before her.

On the ground, a small foal lay on their right side. Twilight then looked to the door only to see a streak of red. Her eyes darted back to the small body, only to see a small puddle of blood beginning to form under the right side of their face. Panicking she turned to Spike. "Spike, get the first aid kit. HURRY!" she almost screamed at him. Without a word, Spike ran upstairs. Twilight quickly moved to the foal's side. with her magic she removed their hood to get a better look at them. She was now looked upon the face of a young colt. His black coat and mane were wet from the rain outside and his breathing is quick and heavy.

Spike ran up to Twilight's side, "I got it Twi." He said, holding the first aid in his claws. Twilight horn flashed with her magical aura. Spike watched as the colt, first aid kit and a book levitated slightly. He then found the colt in his arms and the first aid kit along with the book open. "Hold him, Spike wile I clean his...." Twilight began, her voice shaky, but stopped when she saw the colt's wound. A long gash from the base of his horn, across his right eye, to his cheek was oozing blood. Without another word she began to bandage the cut and stop the bleeding.

Simultaneously she began to check the rest of him for other cuts or injuries. She got as far as his left foreleg before he began to cough up blood. Frantically she looked through her medical textbook for answers. Finding the right passage in the book, it was clear he had a punctured lung that required immediate professional medical attention. Seeing his eye was bandaged well enough she quickly closed the first aid kit and got her rain coat. "Spike place him on my back." She barked at her assistant. Without complaint, spike helped get the colt on her back. "Will he be alright Twilight?" He asked, concern tinging his words. "I hope so." She too sounded concerned. "I need to get him to the hospital, can you..." Spike raised a claw to stop her. "Say no more, I'll clean this up." he said before sending her off with a hug.

Twilight left the library at a full gallop, hoping that the colt will make it to hospital. The street lights made the trip easier but the rain was making the ground slick with mud. As she ran she could feel the colt still breathing and every now and then he would cough up moor blood. At one point, Twilight thought he stopped breathing but realized that she was mistaken. As she thought she wouldn't make it they arrived at Ponyvile General Hospital.

Nurse Redheart was working on some paperwork at the front desk when she heard the front door open. She nearly gasped when she saw Twilight enter. "Twilight, what's..." That's when she noticed the black foal on her back. Pushing a button for the intercom, "Emergency at the front desk." She called. Not three seconds later a gurney along with a couple of orderlies came out to Twilight. Gently, Twilight placed the colt on the gurney before the orderlies rolled him into the hall marked 'Authorized Ponies Only'.

Panting heavily, Twilight looked to Nurse Redheart. "Will he make it?" "I think so," Redheart began. "But he looked to be in very bad shape. What happened?" "I... I don't know." Twilight breathed as her and Redheart took a seat in the waiting room. "Spike and I were up late doing some work when we herd a loud noise agents the front door. When I opened the the door, he just fell in. I guess I panicked when I saw the blood on the door. After bandaging his eye, I came here." Nurse Redheart nodded in response. "Twilight, I'm glad you brought him in but you need to go home and get some rest. You look tired and need rest. How long have you been up?" "Since yesterday." She replied sheepishly. "Get some rest Twilight, Our little guest will be fine. Dr. Ace will see to that." With that said, Twilight sighed as she knew Redheart was right. She needed sleep and worrying over the colt won't make it any better. With a nod, Twilight waved goodby to Nurse Redheart and left for home.

In the emergency room of the hospital, the colt was being stripped of his cloak and body suit. Surprised by what he saw, Ace looked to an orderly, "Get him into x-ray for a full body scan. I have to call a colleague for assistance." With a nod, the orderly rolled the colt into another hallway. Ace then walked into his office and cast a communication spell. I hope she's awake. He thought to himself.

Though Luna was reluctant to do so, but guard Spark insisted that she see the royal doctor. In her bed chambers, Luna was being checked by Dr. Will. "I don't sense anything wrong physically, Princess." The doctor stated matter of factly. "Can you explain what you felt before you collapsed in pain, Princess?" "We... I felt an aura permeate from the Ever Free. This aura felt to have struck us in the mind with the force of a hammer. The sensation was not of magic though." Listening intently, Will wrote this down for further study. "I see. On that note I'd like to look into this more, with your permission, Princess." Luna nodded at the request before rising to her hooves.

Following suit, Dr. Will got to her hooves as well before she felt a magical tug at her mind. "Excuse me, Princess. It appears that I have somepony who requires my attention." Dr. Will bowed to Luna before leaving her bed chambers. In the hall she answered the message to her mind. An image of a stallion appeared before her. "Well brother," She began. "I never would have thought you would contact me this early in..." Dr. Ace cut her off. "No time for pleasantries sister. I need you her stat." She looked at him in confusion. "What do you need me there for, brother? My practice is treating nobles and..." Again, Ace cut his sister off. "Sis, I have a 'code black' laying in x-ray right now and I'm in the dark." Even though his tone was calm, his words were tinged with concern.

At hearing this, Will stopped walking and stared at her brother incredulously. "What do you mean a 'code black'? Princess'...." For the third time tonight, Ace cut his sister off. "I don't have time to explain things, Sis. I know I've been an ass in the past but I need you here now. I can't do this without you." At those words, Will nodded, dismissed the spell and galloped to her quarters in the palace. With her necessary things packed she teleported to Ace's office.

By the time his sister arrived, Ace had the x-rays and was shocked at what he saw. Will took one look at the x-rays and gasped at what she saw. Ace looked to his sister. "This may be my patient, but this is your expertise. You lead, I follow." He spoke in an emotionless tone. With a shaky nod, Will and Ace left the office towards the operating room. This was going to be a long night for the all of them.

Surgery was long but ended with the colt resting in post op. "I don't ever want to see a case like this again." Ace stated flatly as he took off the surgeons mask. "We're doctors, little brother. Cases like this are always a possibility." Will said soothingly as she placed a hoof on her brother's shoulder. "You know what I mean, Sis." Ace retorted flatly. "The little guy is lucky somepony got him here when they did. He's maybe eight or ten years old and judging by the amount of healed bone fractures, he's been through more things than the royal guards go through in their whole career."

When they got to Ace's office, Will turned to her brother and smiled. "Think of it this way, Ace. You and I were just dealt a bad hand, but you turned around and still won the pot." This got a smile from him. "Thanks, Sis. I know gambling is my special talent," His smile faded. "But I don't want to think of it like that." Ace looked to the folder with the colts information on it. "Ace, I have to get back to the palace. Check up on him every half hour and let me know of any complications." Will gave her brother a hug and gathered her things before teleporting back to her room in the castle.

When Dr. Good Will left her room, Luna went back to her balcony to find the presence from before. It took her some time but she found them. They were somewhere in Ponyvile. Though their aura was very weak, it was stable. Just as she was content with letting it be, the aura pulsed. It didn't hurt as much as to let her know that it was not going to die. When the pulse died down, it completely disappeared from her senses. Luna let out a sigh and looked at the clock. Seeing it is almost dawn, she began to lower the moon as on the horizon the sun was beginning its rise.

With the morning sun up in the air, Luna made her way to the dining hall for breakfast. As she approached, she could smell the many morsels the chefs were preparing. Inside the dining hall, Celestia sat at the table. Already a pile of scrolls and papers sat to her side. Hearing somepony enter she turned her attention to them. "Morning, Luna." Celestia said in her usually cheery mood. "Morning, Sister. I see that thou has started early today." Luna stated gesturing to the pile of papers and parchment. "Yes and no. I couldn't get all my work done yesterday so I decided to finish it this morning." Celestia said with a sigh.

Breakfast arrived after Luna decided to help her sister. With the small piles of paperwork finished, Celestia turned to Luna. "So how was night court?" Celestia's innocent question was met with a sharp reply. "They nephew nearly wast banished to the sun for his insolence. To accuse the nocturnal gathering spots of our citizens for his lack of rest is absolutely unfounded." At that, Luna stabbed her knife into a jar of blueberry jam. With a sigh she pulled it out and spread some on her toast. "OK," Celestia cautioned, "Other than Blueblood being himself, was there any other things that happened?"

Luna paused as she finished her piece of toast. "Yes," She began with a confused look on her face. "We... I felt a disturbance last night." Celestia's brow furrowed. "What kind of disturbance was it?" "Some...one stronger than us.. me came out from the Ever Free and entered Ponyvile." Luna looked to her sister. "They are in no condition to do any harm for they are very weak, sister." Celestia lowered her head in thought. "You right to let this being go, Luna. If they're as strong as you say they are then Twilight will find them and report to me about them." "There is one problem with that sister." Luna interjected, "It was not a magical disturbance the individual made." Celestia looked curiously at her sister. The responding look though, gave her the answer she was looking for. After dabbing her lips, Celestia got to her hooves and began to leave. "Excuse me, Luna but I have some scrolls I need to read."

It was early afternoon when Twilight finally woke up. At this she was hardly surprised, she didn't even get home until four in the morning. After getting out of bed, she ran her brush through her mane and made her way down stairs. It was as if Spike had had expected her to come in at that moment because he was making lunch for the two of them. "Hay there Twilight. There's a note from the hospital on the table for you." "Thank you, Spike." She said as she opened the note.

Miss Sparkle, my name is Dr. White Ace. I need to speak with you face to face about the colt you brought in last night. sincerely Dr. Ace.

The briefness of the note caused Twilight to furrow her brows in confusion. "Is everything alright Twilight?" Spike asked as he brought a pair of sandwiches over to the table. "No," Twilight said as she put down the note. "The doctor wants to talk with me about the colt we saved. His note's just a bit vague on the reasons why." "I can watch the library wile you go check up on him." Spike offered. "Thanks Spike." Twilight said as the two ate the rest of their lunch.

The weather outside was bleak as Twilight made her way to the hospital. Yet the weather couldn't keep one pony's spirits down as Pinkie Pie zipped all over Ponyvile. "Hi there Pinkie!" Twilight called out. "Sorry Twilight, can't talk, got to find new pony!" Pinkie called back. Her words blurring together. Before Twilight could call out again Pinkie was off in a blur of pinks. At that Twilight shook her head with a chuckle.

For the second time in as many days, Twilight found her self entering the hospital. She walked up to the front desk and gave the note to the receptionist. "Dr. Ace wanted to talk with me." After looking at the note, the receptionist pointed down a hall, "Third door on the right." She said sweetly. With a polite nod, Twilight walked to said door and produced a pair of knocks. "Come in." Was the reply.

When she stepped in, Twilight noticed a dark green coated unicorn stallion with a bright red mane sitting behind a desk. "Ah, Miss Sparkle I presume?" He asked kindly. Twilight nodded. "Please call me Twilight. You wanted to talk with me Dr.?" "Yes, but I also have something to show you. First things first, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Dr. White Ace, don't let my cutie mark fool you, I do practice medicine." Curios enough, his cutie mark is a stack of poker chips. "Now," Ace continued. "With that out of the way, lets go see how the little guy is doing. Please follow me Twilight."

After passing down a couple of halls they came to room twenty. Ace held the door open for Twilight and closed it behind them. He then cast a spell on the door and windows. Twilight gave him a curios look for the spell cast. "My apologies Twilight, I need to pull a third party in our conversation and don't want prying ears hearing what they shouldn't." He said calmly. With another flash of pink, a familiar face appeared before them. "Dr. Will!" Twilight exclaimed as she hugged said unicorn. "Twilight, It's good to see you." Will said as she accepted the hug. "You two know each other?" Ace added. "Well, that makes introductions essayer. Lets get to the reason why my sister and I needed to speak with you Twilight."

Dr. Will moved aside the privacy curtain to reveal the sleeping black colt. Twilight could see the bandages on his face were fresh and his breathing has softened. "The poor kid has been through a lot in the past day." Will stated remorsefully. Ace hovered the folder of the colt to his sister and nodded to her. Silently telling her that she needed to say the next few things for he couldn't. "Apart from the laceration on his face, the little guy suffered multiple broken bones, a punctured lung and a large bruise on his right side." Twilight sat silently listening to every word as she stroked the colts mane.

"How badly was he hurt?" Twilight asked. "Well," Will began again. "His left foreleg was broken in four places. Same thing for all the ribs on the left side and his left wing was broken in three places." To that, Twilight curiously raised an eyebrow. "Left wing?" Ace answered her with a nod. "He is the main reason for me calling my sister for help." Will walked over and removed the thick blanket from the top of the colts body. Now with his cloak and clothing off, Twilight could see his wings. One was in a soft cast and the other folded against his body. "He's an alicorn." Twilight breathed.

"Yes," Ace said while he looked at the folder on the colt. Looking at the clock, Ace gave his sister a glance. With a nod, Will traded places with Ace so he could check up on the colt. After placing a hoof on the colts head, Ace put the blanket back on him. "Sis, are you sure that this is normal? His low body temperature concerns me." "Yes Ace. At least I believe so." Twilight looked to the foot of the bed and noticed the colts belongings. "Are these his?" She asked Will. "Yes, well, other than his body suite that's all of his things."

Pausing for a moment she looked to her brother. Looking back to Twilight, "Twilight, could you do me a favor?" She asked. Twilight gave a nod. "We're doing all we can to find out who this kid is and find his family. I was wondering if you could help by finding out what this is and what it means?" To 'this', she levitated an amulet on a fine silver chain.