I slowly regained consciousness and felt myself being lifted up off the hot pavement. I could tell I have a few fractured bones, but it doesn't seem like my wings or legs are hurt as I can move them fine.

“Hey, Marge, I think it's alive, don't touch it. It might have rabies.” A gruff voice sounded off to my right. I still couldn't seem to open my eyes and find out who was talking to me.

“Oh hush now, it doesn't look dangerous at all. It looks a bit like a cute pony actually.” I feel myself being shifted from one arm to the other. “Just look at the poor dears, they look absolutely devastated.”

“Marge, I know you have a thing for helping every single animal you can find, but those things are something I’ve never even heard of before!” I've decided that I do not like this man all that much, but his wife seems to be a compassionate person.

“Bob, show a bit of consideration, you did almost run them over you know!” Well, that certainly would have a been a bummer.

I manage to open my eyes and I find that i'm being cradled in one arm by a short woman with a wonderful smile. I manage to shift my head and look at my friend. I immediately turn away from the damage that has been wrought. It looks like she had been run over. Blood had pooled on her back and had subsequently dried in a congealed mess. Her hooves looked okay for the most part. The rest of her was scraped, bruised and bloody in some places. It looked like she had crash landed going- oh no! Fireball you didn't!

A burst of adrenaline managed to reboot my brain partially, enough for me to struggle a little. Thankfully the lady, Marge, saw my plight and let me down. I immediately tried to crawl over to Fireball. I managed a few inches before stopping. My throat felt so parched, my limbs screamed in pain. I couldn't let something like a little pain stop me though.

Slowly I tried to make my way to my companion's side. From where I currently sat I couldn't see if she was breathing. I knew she was though, she just had to be! “Dammit Fireball!” A cough interrupts what I am about to say next. “You are NOT allowed to die on me.” I manage the last few painful inches over to her and put my head to her chest.

I listened intently as I waited for the heart beat to drum beneath that silky orange fur. I needed her to smile again, I needed her to tell me a corny joke and make me facehoof. I can't live without her! Luna dammit she balanced out my stupid serious side with her hilarity, she kept me sane during times of crisis.

The tears came loose as I failed to detect any thump of the heart. This couldn't be happening! Discord I’m going to fucking kill you! Then I’m going to take your head and incinerate that devilish smile so nopony ever has to see it ever a-fucking-gain!

Softly I cried. At one point I heard some footsteps behind me, but they stopped before they came within a foot. I suddenly remembered something. It brought a sad smile to my face as I was reminded of this same situation happening yesterday. Her and her stupid jokes. You should never tempt fate.

Sniffling I wipe my nose. “You always were gunning for a kiss weren't you, one would think you really liked me if it wasn't for the fact that you denied it at every opportunity.” With a heavy heart I moved over to her mouth.

Rolling her over onto her back I straddled her body and put my mouth on hers. No breath came from nostrils and her beautiful eyes were closed for good. I leaned in slowly and pressed my mouth against hers.

I reveled in the kiss. Even though it wasn't reciprocated it was the most wonderful thing I could ever experience with anypony, ever. I closed my eyes and relaxed in her sun baked embrace. It seemed to last forever, but I knew it couldn't last but for a few minutes.

I'm jolted back to reality by a breeze on my nose. My eyes flew open and I ruffled my nose. There it was again. That same breeze came again, where is it coming from? “Bob, look, the orange one, I think I see her breathing!”

No, it can't be true, she was dead! I raised my head quickly and checked her stomach. I couldn't detect any movement. I put a ear to her stomach. I don't hear anything. My sad frown reinstated itself and I readied myself for the inevitable.

I'm about to pull away when I hear it, a very faint thump. Gasping I press my ear further into her fur. There it is again, it's slightly louder than before! Thump thump, that's a heartbeat! “God dammit fireball you wonderful pony!”

I picked her up and set her on my back, trying hard not to crumble under the weight of a pony in my exhausted state. Slowly I turned towards Marge and Bob. “Please... can you take us into town?” I had to suppress the joy in my voice.

I collapsed under the weight of my barely alive companion. I closed my eyes when I received no answer. Suddenly I found fireball lifted from me and myself also lifted from the ground. “Don't worry little horse. We'll take you and your friend into town.”

Coughing I look up at Marge, who was the one that had spoken. “Marge... by any chance... what's the name of the nearest town?”

Marge smiled down on me. “The nearest town is about three hours away, Muscatine Iowa.” With that I smiled and finally allowed myself to rest once more.

--------

My dreams were peaceful for once, a surprise that I took into account. One of the perks of being a night guard is being able to sense whether or not the reality was a dream. I am in our house, laying in... my, bed?

I got up and looked around. I was in my room, well, actually it was somewhat different form my room, but still the same. While it was dark on most of the room, the left side seemed to consist of more brightly painted colors. Well, most of it was brightly painted.

I hear some breathing beside me and jump out of bed, turning around in mid air to face whatever happened to be next to me. To my surprise, my eyes fell upon the form of another sleeping pony.

Who could I possibly be sharing a bed with? I didn't really have any relationship with anypony, not like it would last across the dimensional traveling anyways. Slowly creeping up, I arrived at the side of the bed. There, staring back at me, was an orange muzzle with closed eyes. Why in all the five kingdoms was I sleeping next to fireball in a joint bed!

She seemed to be sleeping peacefully, blissfully unaware that in the conscious life she was naught but barely alive to me. Maybe this was a figment of my dream world, but like they say, once a pony becomes lucid, the dream shatters and they can do whatever they want. I try conjuring a potato in one hoof. Why did I choose a potato? Oh shut up brain i'm in a dream, nothing has to make sense. Apparently this wasn't my lucid dream because no potato was forthcoming. That means that...

I stare at my sleeping companion. This must be her dream then, it has yet to begin as well. Shit, if I am not back in the bed her dream will shatter and the peaceful sleep she has now will be disrupted and then she'll reawaken back in the real world, filled with pain and grief. No, better to live a lie and wake up to the harshness of life than to never experience the love and get the same result.

Slowly I fly over her and land softly on the bed. I manage to dig myself back under the covers before she wraps her hooves around me and starts nibbling on my ear. Is this something couples do? No, she's mumbling something. Something about... spiked brownies or something of the other. I've never heard of them but I guess brownies with spikes coming out of them wouldn't be very tasty.

Finally her eyes open slowly and I try hard to push forward a believable smile. Apparently in her dream we are a little more than just roomies. She doesn't look any older and I didn't wake up with... no, don't think about that. I don't think we've done it in this reality, which leaves to wonder why I’m even in this dream.

“Mmmhmm... shadow I had one of the best dreams...” She pulled herself closer. “We had this amazing party and there was spiked brownies, and spiked punch. Then somepony lit something on fire and instead of water, beer came out. It was awesome.”

I put on my best smile and tried to think of a response to that. How does one respond to that? “Was I there?”

I see her eyes flutter and she pulls her muzzle closer to mine, but I keep mine out of reach lest she dream that we are actually at that level. “Why yes you were, you were keeping all the bad stallions away so you could have me all to yourself.”

Okay, reality check, did she really just double dream me? Wait am I having a dream placed by Discord to fuck with me? Is this really happening?

“Hey, what's up? You don't seem as talkative this morning.” Yeah, no kidding, am I usually talkative with her in the mornings?

“Sorry...” I turn my head away. “I have a lot on my mind.”

I hear her sigh and she snuggles her head under my neck. “Did you have another bad dream again? You know that because you're a guard you can just stop right?” Facts, facts, facts, I think I actually did tell her that one time, maybe this is just her dream still.

“Hey... fireball...”

I see her pout. “What, no pet names for your mare this morning?” Okay that was a bit creepy, but I still have to go along with it. The things I do for her.

“Sorry honey.” I give her a bit of a nuzzle. Why do I feel so happy when I do that? Am I losing myself to the dream? “So, anything planned for today?” If this is the fireball I know, her mind is so chaotic that it'll adapt to whatever information it's given.

“Well, for today,” she said in a serious tone. “Today maybe we could finally... you know...” I watched a blush grow on her face and felt my cheeks also redden. This was way beyond my comfort zone, but it felt so right for some reason. “If I remember correctly, we both have the day off, so nopony would come looking for us.”

She really was serious about this! This was her subconscious speaking to me? This was ridiculous! I don't want to get married, and I'm sure Fireball doesn't either! “Finally what dear?” I can't even stop the pet names! Oh sweet Luna, it might be a dream but don't let my first time be like this!

I saw another blush come to her features. “Well...” I can't help it, my eyes screw up in disgust and my mouth turns into a frown.

I saw a bit of recognition in her features before she opened her mouth in shock. “Sh-shadow?” It was all she could get out as things suddenly melted away like rain on a window.

----

I woke up in the spacious backseat. I feel much better than before, but I’m still shaken up by what I just witnessed. Does fireball harbor 'more than just friends' feelings for me? I don't even know If I do for her. “Hello deary, how did you sleep?”

I looked up at the smiling face of Marge. I tried to smile back, but I couldn't quite cut it. “Oh, did you have a bad dream?” I wanted to nod, but it would have been a lie. I simply look over at my sleeping companion before inching slowly away. “Oh, are you two not- she was just simply distraught without you sleeping beside her, you even stopped twitching those beautiful wings of yours when we put the two of you together.”

So apparently I do harbor some hidden feelings. It would never work though, she's a day guard and I’m a night guard. Plus we have completely opposite likes, dislikes, and personalities. “No, we aren't married, yes that's what it's called, we are just close friends, I guess you can say I’m all she's got. She's all I got as well.”

“Awww, aint that sweet.” I heard a scoff come from the front driver's seat, probably from Bob. Marge then proceeded to slap his shoulder. “Bob! Be nice to our guests!”

“They're horses marge. Plus they're getting fur on my backseat.” This bob character doesn't seem all that mean, maybe he's just grouchy all the time. Oh Luna did I just say grouchy? Maybe me and fireball have more in common than I think.

“They are not! Focus on driving.” I heard some grumbling. “We were on our way there anyways, it's only a small detour.” She returned to the front-seat and started talking with her husband animatedly. I don't know why, but fireball is fidgeting. That isn't very good for her back, I guess I should get next to her again.

As soon as I curl up next to her she ceases moving and starts breathing easier and stronger. I wrap a wing around her barrel and dig my muzzle under hers so she's leaning on me. Social norms be damned, if this helps her get better so be it. If it just so happens that it looks like I’m comforting my wife, then by damn I better be proud to be the envy of most stallions.

----

It turns out that I had woken up only about thirty minutes away from Muscatine. I didn't know where exactly Princess Celestia and Princess Luna lived, but I'm guessing that if I just follow the explosions and random sightings of 'crazy horse things' I’ll find them. No offense to the princesses, but in this world it would be impossible to go one day without getting pointed at or called a freak.

I still can't believe that I had been living next to discord for twenty five years! All those times he claimed he had seen some anomaly was so he could get me off his trail.

Now that I think about it... random occurrences seemed to have saved my life from time to time throughout my life. A close call with a car wreck here, a small miracle there. Was he really telling the truth about resurrecting his army of guard pony things? I don't really much enjoy the prospect of being forced to marry only a certain pony just so I can continue the species that was made specifically to serve discord and make sure that ponies everywhere were submissive to him.

I shivered at the thought, drawing my companion closer to me. I don't really much enjoy the thought of ever getting married. It seemed like too much effort to do the same thing that me and fireball already did, plus... that.

Let's not think about that. “Hey there deary, we've arrived, time to get up.”

I raised my head slightly, barely able to see the sign that said 'Muscatine City Limits'. “Not to be a bother, but you wouldn't happen to know where the residential area is would you?” I know that Marge wouldn't exactly mind taking us somewhere we could get help, I’m just worried about Bob.

“Hmmph, I suppose you want to get dropped off at your friends house.” Bob received a small slap for his comment.

“Bob!” Marge turned her head back to us. “We do, but shouldn't we get you two to a hospital?”

“In any other case, yes, but we are meeting someone who would probably be better for helping us.” I really hope that Celestia and Luna knew a bit of healing magic, it hurts me deeply to see that long scar on Fireball's back. I'm pretty sure it's infected too. If she were a pegasus she'd never fly again. I'm very thankful that she had kept her head up so as to protect her horn.

I caught a small smile from marge as I nuzzled Fireball. “Oh okay, Bob.” She turned to her husband who simply grumbled.

“It will be another few minutes.”

“Thank you Bob.” Then the truck seemed to delve back into silence. I looked outside my window; it seems to be about five or six at night. How in the all of Equestria did we manage to sleep so long? Oh yeah, we were near death when Marge and Bob found us. I doubt Discord would have let me die, but Fireball was no exception to his cruelty.

I lay back and rested my head on Fireball's neck like she did me, whatever happens, we have each other, and personally, I wouldn't have it any other way.

----

Much to my distaste, I had to awaken Fireball. At first she was a bit surprised by our proximity, but when I explained that she was rubbing her wound, she seemed more comfortable with it, or was it the fact that I wasn't mad?

I was able to exit fine, but Fireball couldn't jump down. I managed a small hover and I airlifted her to the ground. Once down on the ground she was able to walk at a slow pace. I turned back to the truck and our two saviors. I see the window roll down and Bob stick his head out. “Now listen, I didn't drive all this way to hear that you two died okay? So get going and find your friends.” I smile a bit. Looks like Bob wasn't as hardhearted as I first thought.

When he stuck his head back in I caught a small wave from Marge as the window rolled back up. With a small rumble they pulled away and we were once again on our own to face the next challenge.

I picked up one of Fireball's hooves and wrapped it around my neck. She looks like she needs the support.

Much to my surprise it's pulled off. “Silly Shadow, I can walk, it's just my back that-” I heard a painful hiss. “hurts.”

I move over again to try and help her but she waved me off. “I told you, I'm fine.” She hissed with pain once again, but after a few steps she seemed to not be in as much pain as before. “Come on slow poke! I'm sure Celestia and Luna are going to be surprised when we show up half dead, I want to see the looks on their faces!” Oh boy, he we go again.

I let out a small smile though, I’m glad to have the old Fireball back.

----

We have been wandering for hours, and still no princesses. We even got up the courage to ask a few people. Those that didn't shut the door screaming “I'M CALLING ANIMAL CONTROL!” along with some other 'choice' words, couldn't help us. So we wandered for hours, unable to find anything. It's already getting late into the night, and we've had to blow out the tires of one animal control van to keep from being captured.

I heard the screech of tires and sighed again. “Looks like we have another one... try not to hurt this one this time.”

I heard a slight chuckle. “Yes, dear.” She had been torturing me with those pet name ever since Bob and Marge left us. I'm wondering though, if she doesn't secretly wish I’d reciprocate.

Her horn glowed a soft comforting orange. This was followed by the loud POP POP, of tires and the screeching of wheels. I cocked my ears, listening for any other noises, but other than some more cursing, I didn't hear the unmistakeable crash of the car flipping. “Thank you, the last thing we want is for the police to be involved in a death.”

I saw her turn back to me, her eyes flashed yellow for all of a second. “We've already dealt with the police for the past few days. It's not like we couldn't handle them.” This is true.

Sighing I realize that she is wrong though. “Alas, it would keep us occupied and attract unwanted attention.”

Her devilish smile faded replaced by concern. “Yeah, I guess you're right.”

I saw her look back over the expansive neighborhood. “Well... I think we just about checked every house here. What now?”

That, my friend, is the million bit question. “I guess we just have to check around everywhere else.”

I heard a groan come from her. I don't blame her, if my inner clock is correct then it's around ten at night. Of course this is around the time that I would be in the beginning hours of my shift, but this was way out of her comfort zone. “Come on, you can get on my back for now, we'll start with the outskirts and work inwards. I'm guessing that they'd probably have a house set apart so nobody is curious.”

This of course is received with much gusto as she launches herself upon me. “Thanks Shadow!” Of course her weight doesn't go unnoticed and I let out a grunt as I regain my stance.

I figure she doesn't require me to reply, so I don't. Before I lift off I realize that she is in fact snuggling my neck and holding my barrel rather affectionately. I think she really has a thing for me now. I guess I should try to confront her about that rather vivid dream that she had the other night. If she really does have a fling for me, then I need to let her down easily, if she's trying to cope with the pain and everything else, well, no harm no foul.

“Hey, Fireball.” I get a soft happy noise from my new passenger. “Can... you explain that dream you had earlier today?”

The air around me heated up and I had to control my altitude as the sudden heat lifted me up. “What? You know you can tell me.”

“What's there to tell Shadow, you were there, I can see that now. You know it's not polite to intrude on other ponies dreams.” Again the temperature rose, and again I had to try and control my flight.

“Well, it wasn't really my fault that I ended up in it, you really couldn't get any decent rest without me sleeping next to you so I want to know what's up.” The temperature finally receded back to normal and I corrected as such, descending a bit more so nopony would think we were a big bird.

“If you must know... I’ve thought about settling down, maybe having a foal. I guess you're really the only stallion in my life now, so I guess my mind put you in the place that I wanted.” Whew, dodged the bullet on that one! That still leaves questions though.

“So, you're looking to settle down? Got any ideas what you're looking for in a stallion? I have a few buddies in the guard, and if they don't work out then I’m sure they know some stallions as well.”

I hear a sad sigh, followed by her head switching sides of my neck. Her hooves fidgeted and her tail twitched nervously in the wind. “I guess that might work.”

I smiled, if this works out, nothing would make me happier than watching her make the happiest decision in her life. “Well, describe him for me.”

“Well...” she paused for a long time. Did she fall asleep? “He'd have to be a pegasus.” She had not apparently. “Then he could do the stuff I was unable to reach, plus he could give me flight rides. Some things magic just can't replace.” Okay so he's going to have to be a strong pegasus who likes flying and is trained with a passenger. That doesn't narrow it down much.

“Anything else? That really didn't narrow it down much, most of my mates I talk with are pegasus.”

“Well I would like it if he was on the same time schedule as me, no offense.” Oh, no taken, trust me, I’d want a companion who goes to sleep at the same time as me too. “Though if I found the right stallion I guess I could change a little for him.” I felt a hoof leave my side and her neck rise from mine. I think she's rubbing her head. “He can't have too good a sense of humor, I want the upper hoof you know.” Well that narrows it down a ton.

“Great! I think that narrows it down to about the four or five day guards I know or a buddy of mine knows.” I feel proud of myself for being able to help her. Maybe she'll let me play the father at the wedding sense hers were...

I shake my head, why bring up sad thoughts when we're about to come upon a very happy d- “SHADOW LOOK OUT!”

I turn my head and refocus my eyes just in time to dodge a tree. I compensate speed and control for stability as I try to keep Fireball upon my back. “AGAIN!” I heard her shout as soon as I pulled out of my turn. I could not dodge this tree however and hit the branches, losing control immediately.

We fell through numerous branches, hitting our hooves, our muzzles, and pretty much everything else. I tried desperately to grab Fireball, and managed to spin her around so her back was to my stomach, protected against the branches. The tree can't be that tall, she took the fall for me last time, now it's my turn.

I manage to flip myself over so I’m on the bottom as we spill out of the tree and onto the front lawn. Thankfully there are no roots.

I groan in pain as my back hits the ground. It isn't as bad as it could be since I made it at such an angle that it didn't hit squarely. It still hurt though.

I let my hooves go limp and fireball managed to crawl out. “Shadow, are you okay?” Her tone was unmistakeably concerned.

I let out a dry laugh. “Yeah, I’m-” I wince. “I'm fine. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon though. You unicorns must be made of strong stuff.” I can feel myself blacking out from both the pain and from exhaustion. My other wounds are starting to take their toll again. Groaning I manage to flip myself over so I’m at least not lying on my damaged side. “Heh, looks like somebody is going to get a surprise when they wake up.”

I felt myself being dragged by my neck, the cool dew covered grass sliding beneath me. I hadn't the strength to fight her grasp, and neither did I want to. I looked over the lawn we had managed to land in. It seemed just like the others, there were those two Luna damn trees in the yard, providing shade to most of the property. I couldn't see the house, but it looks like Fireball is dragging me up to the front stoop, probably to keep us out of sight, mostly, from the other houses and the road.

“You know, you didn't have to land on your back. You could have shared the fall with me.” I heard Fireball's guilt ridden voice. She obviously puts some blame for my injuries on herself.

“Nonsense, I’d take a fall for a beautiful mare like you.” It was true, there was no reason for her, already injured, to be injured any further. Though I could see it brought a blush to her cheeks when I mentioned the beautiful mare part.

“He has to be selfless too...” Oh we still talking about her dream stallion? Well... I don't know many stallions that wouldn't take a fall for a mare. It's in our blood to protect our mates.

My eyes started to close and my breathing eased as I drifted off into a peaceful sleep. Maybe I’ll have another nice dream tonight instead of a nightmare. Next Chapter: A Normal Day at Work Estimated time remaining: 28 Minutes