"How was she?" I asked Fluttershy as she approached the bed.

"I don't know.. She's still in a coma." She said with a saddened tone.

"Come on Fluttershy. It's not often that you survive something like this. She'll be okay, trust me." I said, attempting to put a hand on her shoulder, only to be held back by a sharp pain in my stomach.

"Careful!" She said, quickly grabbing me and leaning me back into the bed.

"I'm fine.." I said taking a breath in. "It just hurts.."

"I wonder why.." She said, giving me a serious look. I held my hands up defensively,

"Alright.. Alright... I'll take it easy. But if I have to pee I'm using the wheel chair this time okay? No more bottles.." I said.

-------------------------------------
ONE DAY LATER:

It's been three days since I was stabbed. It feels like longer though.. This pain has been making it harder to focus. It has been getting better, and Fluttershy being by my side has been a godsend. She hasn't been with me for very long, but I can't even remember what it was like without her. I just know that I never want her to go.. The doctors packed up and left earlier, seeing as I was in no real danger of going into shock or anything like that. So long as the stitches stay intact, the wound should heal normally.

Knock, knock, knock.

I looked at the door, then around the empty room.

"Here we go.." I sighed, reaching for the crutches. Like hell if I was going to be stuck in that chair for a week. Sure it hurts to walk with the crutches, but it wont kill me. I know Fluttershy would be all over me if she knew I was hurting using these, but what she doesn't know won't hurt her. I opened the door and..

"NO!" I yelled, seeing the red cloaked figure standing at the door. With everything I could, I kicked him with my right leg. I saw him fly back into the bushes as the kick forced one of the crutches to slip, sending me tumbling to the ground. I writhed in pain as the shock from the impact tore one of the stitches open.

"AHG..." I grunted, barely able to speak. I regained my focus, seeing the figure looming towards me. Horror flooded through me as I grabbed one of the crutches, swinging wildly at it.

"Please.. PLEASE DON'T!" I screamed. With the pain shooting through me I began to feel faint. Darkness growing around the room as my mind grew blank.

"Please...ple..." I muttered, blacking out.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

TEN MINUTES EARLIER:

"So he's just a normal guy? You sure Fluttershy?" Twilight asked me, a concerned look on her face.

"I'm sure Twilight. He has a... 'Curse'.. On him. It was given to him a long time ago. But trust me, he is as normal as you or me." I said.

"From what the doctors say, he's a tad...strange.." Twilight said.

"Wouldn't you be strange if you had locked yourself in a tower, isolated from the outside world?" I asked.

"Well.. I suppose you have a point." Twilight said, "And I hate being prejudice. Your right, when can I meet him?"

"Right now if you want. I was just heading home to check on him." I said, beginning to walk to the tower.

"Alright then!" Twilight said with a newfound cheery tone. We walked for a bit in silence before Twilight spoke up.

"I miss Rainbow Dash..." Twilight said emotionlessly.

"You say that like she's gone." I said sternly, stopping to look at her.

"I know.. And I know that it hasn't been that long.. I just worry." Twilight said.

"We ALL worry.. But that doesn't mean we should give up hope. So stop talking like that." I said. A smile cracked across her face.

"You're right. Nothing is certain." She said. We kept walking until I had a sudden realization.

"Oh no!" I said in a panic.

"What is it?" Twilight said with a worried tone, snapping to alert mode.

"I forgot my broach at the cake shop!" I said quickly, looking back down the road. I heard a sigh from Twilight.

"Oh... You really need to just keep it on, you would forget it less. I know where the tower is, meet you there?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah sounds good!" I said, running off down the road.
----------------------------------------------------

"Come on Twilight... He can't be that bad." I said to myself, picturing what he could look like in my head.

"They said he turned into a skeleton... But..." I muttered to myself, thinking of what kind of curse could do this to someone. I was suddenly interrupted by my ass hitting the ground. I sat there, trying to figure out what happened. It was then that I noticed a hand in front of me.

"Sorry. I should have been watching where I was going.. Are you alright?" The man said. I grabbed his hand and he pulled me to my feet.

"That's alright. It's my fault really.." I started, "I was the one lost in thought."

"Well it happens to the best of us." He said as I brushed the dirt off myself. A breeze swept by, sending chills up my spine. He apparently noticed as he took off his cloak and handed it to me.

"Here, you need this more than I do." He said with a smile.

"Oh no I couldn't..." I said, trying to push it away, only for him to wrap the scarlet colored shroud around me.

"Nonsense. I have a few at home anyways. Besides, I have been looking for a change anyway." He said.

"That's very nice of you.. My name is Twilight Sparkle." I said, holding out a hand.

"I'm Nicholas." He said with a smile, returning the handshake.

"It's nice to meet you Nicholas." I said with a smile, enjoying the cloak's warmth, presumably from being worn only moments ago.

"No, the pleasure is mine." He said, lifting my hand to his mouth as he gave a small kiss. I blushed, a small giggle escaping me.

"Hey, I know this is a bit sudden.. But how's about I treat you to dinner tonight. It only seems fair. But I shouldn't.. A woman as beautiful as you probably already has plans." He said. My face grew brighter, a smile attaching itself to me as I looked away coyly.

"Well.. I wouldn't say that. I'm free tonight.." I said.

"Fantastic! I'll stop by at 9? Unless that's too late." He said.

"No no.. That's fine. I just.." I stopped mid sentence, realizing I had plans with Fluttershy and the mystery man she met.

"Um.." I said hesitantly, "I already had plans with my friend. I was going to meet her boyfriend.."

"Well they can come along! It will be a double date.." He said, never losing eye contact. I wanted to tell him that Cecil was injured... But there was something.. About his eyes.

"Y...Yeah sure!" I said.

"Great. How about the diner at town square?" He asked.

"That sounds good. I look forward to it." I said enthusiastically.

"Alright. I look forward to it as well." He said before heading off down the path. I watched him turn the corner, finally alone to my thoughts again. He seemed like a nice guy. And those eyes.. That smile..

"Brrr.." I shivered as another breeze blew across me. I pulled the hood up, seeing the tower in the distance.

--------------------------------------------------

"Have a good day!" Mrs. Cake shouted to me as I snatched the broach from the table.

"You too." I said back, putting it on as I walked out the door. I started back down the path, heading to the tower. I passed a man with short brown hair, he didn't even glance at me. I saw an envelope slip from his pocket to the dirt. I reached down to grab it. There was a symbol on the wax that held it shut. It was a picture of a moon, crescent shaped..

"Um.. Sir, you dropped yo-" I stopped, looking around to see he had disappeared.

"Huh.." I mumbled, looking at envelope. There was something strange about it. There was no address on it, just the wax seal. I wanted to open it, but I knew it wasn't my business to snoop in other's affairs. I'll just look around later, maybe someone will recognize the seal. A few minutes later I arrived at the tower. Strange.. The door was open. I peeked inside and screamed. A red hooded figure was hovering over Cecil's motionless body. The man looked at me, his hand raised defensively.

"GET AWAY FROM HIM! YOU WONT TAKE HIM FROM ME AGAIN!" I screamed, flying through the air tackling the assailant to the ground. As he hit the ground, the hood came down.

"T...Twilight?" I asked confused.

"What the hell Fluttershy?!" She said, seeming a bit scared as she looked up at me. It was then that I noticed I had my fist in the air, ready to throw a punch.

"Oh!" I said quickly, hovering off her and helping her up. "I'm so sorry! I thought you were the man who attacked Cecil.."

"No.. When he opened the door he just freaked.. He kicked me, and it REALLY hurt! When I got up, he was on the floor. I tried to help him but he passed out.." She said, scratching her head.

"He tore one of the stitches... Go get me the sucher kit from the bathroom, first door on the left." I said, pointing across the room.

---------------------------------

Consciousness returned as I blinked the darkness away. Light filled my eyes as I tried to make out the room. I was back in bed, and Fluttershy was hovering over me.

"Hey..." I mumbled, rubbing my eyes. "What happened?"

"Oh your awake! Thank goodness.." She said, taking a seat close to me. "You blacked out.."

I shook my head, trying to remember what happened, then I saw it... My eyes widened, my heart started to race. A figure stood in the doorway, a red cloak draped over him. I looked around, seeing the knife I was stabbed with on the bedside table next to me. I picked it up and threw it at him.

"Cecil wait!" Fluttershy yelled. I watched the dagger sail through the air, stopping mid air as a purple aura engulfed it. He stepped forward into the light.

"What the actual fuck?" She screamed, a look of both anger and horror on her face as she grabbed the dagger from the air. My fear fell to surprise.

"Who the hell are you? Where did you get that cloak?" I demanded.

"She's my friend!" Fluttershy said quickly, floating to the other side of the bed.

"I'm sorry..." I said, placing my hands to my face. "I'm just really... REALLY on edge.."

"No.. It's my fault I guess.. Fluttershy told me what happened, and I'm the one that had the cloak on. I suppose I should have pulled the hood down before I knocked." The purple woman said. Fluttershy hugged me, she could feel me shaking, only making her tighten the grip.

"What's her name?" I asked.

"Twilight Sparkle. Nice to meet you." Twilight said, removing the cloak and putting it around one of the chairs.

"I'm really sorry Twilight.. I.." I said.

"No it's fine... Really. Next time reach for something a little less... Sharp?" She said with a weak laugh.

"Oh yeah.. I met this guy on the way to the tower. He asked me out on a date. I was wondering.. Maybe the four of us could go on a double date?" Twilight asked.

"Oh I don't think we could.. Cecil needs his rest and-" Fluttershy tried to say,

"No I can go.. A little fresh air might do me some good." I said with a smile.

"Are you sure?" Fluttershy said, a worried look on her face.

"Trust me I'm fine.. Just help me into the wheel chair." I asked. It wasn't until my arms were around their shoulders that I saw the envelope sitting near the door. I was set into the chair and quickly wheeled myself to the door. I grabbed the envelope and flipped it over. My heart dropped as I saw the seal.

"Some guy bumped into me earlier and dropped it. Do you recognize the seal?" Fluttershy asked.

"Uh... Yeah.." I said, cracking the wax and opening the envelope.

"Um!" Fluttershy mumbled loudly, "I don't think we should be meddling with other's things."

I ignored her, pulling the letter out and read it. I paused, staring at the paper.

"What does it say?" Twilight asked in anticipation. I sat there quietly, staring at the letter.

"Fluttershy... 'You' are the one that found the letter?" I asked.

"Yes? Why?" She asked curiously. I looked back down at the paper and closed my eyes, breathing a long sigh.

"What does it say?!" Twilight asked impatiently.

"It's a Christmas card. Your right, I shouldn't have opened it. He was probably off to deliver this himself." I said, pocketing the letter.

"Oh.." Fluttershy said.

"I'm sure he won't be too upset. Nothing can be done about it now, no address, no way of finding him." I said. "I'm going to go take a shower.. Er... Bath."

"Alright... Well the date is tonight at 9." Twilight said. I stopped in my tracks, spinning the chair around.

"9? That's a tad late don't you think... You know what happens to me when.." I said hesitantly.

"Well everyone in Ponyville has heard already.. There were a lot of people at that party. And besides, what are they going to do if they see you?" Twilight said.

"Panic? Scream? Try to behead me?" I said slightly worried.

"Oh come on.. Your nice, and if they can't see that then... Who cares? I've known you for a short time and your a good guy. You've only tried to kill me once today!" She said with a chuckle. I stared at her blankly, an unimpressed expression on my face.

"I was joking.." Twilight said.

"Yeah I got that.. Giving me a lot of confidence..." I replied sarcastically.

"Listen, just wear the your cloak. It IS indoors after all.. It's not like you'll be in plain moonlight." Twilight said.

I sighed, "Your really excited to see this guy aren't you?" She nodded rapidly, staring down at me.

"Okay... Okay fine." I said defeated, "But if I cause a riot, it's your problem not mine."

"Yes!" She cheered, jumping into the air. "I mean uh... Good. I'll see you tonight." Twilight said, walking out the door, closing it behind her. I shook my head, heading to the bathroom and turning on the water.

---------------------------------------------

"You sure you don't need any help?" I asked through the door to Cecil.

"I'm fine Fluttershy.. I think I can handle a bath tub." He said back as I heard the water start. I cracked the door, peeking at him. I blushed, seeing his naked body as he hoisted himself from the chair to his feet. He stumbled a little, clutching his stomach.

"Like hell if I'm going to let this stop me from taking a damn shower.." He mumbled to himself, turning a knob, switching the flow of water from the tub to the shower head. He slowly made his way into the shower, closing the curtain. I heard a long sigh of relief as the water hit him. I shook my head, snapping me out of the daze I was in. I stood up and made my way to the other room and sat down. I noticed the nightstand next to the bed. That was the nightstand from his room upstairs.. Those doctors must have moved it for him. A bit strange.. I guess he asked them too. I was about to move on, when I noticed one of the drawers cracked open. I pulled it open, not expecting what I saw. I saw an envelope.. With a cracked wax seal on it, the same wax seal that was on the letter the man dropped.. This was getting weird... And my curiosity was getting the better of me. I grabbed the envelope and took the letter out.

"YOU BROKE THE RULES."

"Rules? What rules? I don't understand.." I muttered to myself, rereading it over and over. There was nothing els written. I flipped the note over, there was nothing on the back, just those words... I quickly put the letter back in the envelope, and placed it back in the drawer. I ran back to the bathroom, peeking inside. He was still showering. I saw the other letter poking out of the pants pocket, currently lying on the floor. I cracked the door open, crawling towards it. My sight kept glancing between the letter, to the shower. I reached for the envelope.

"ARGH!" I heard Cecil groan. I froze, my entire body locking up.

"Son of a bitch..." He mumbled to himself as I saw his shadow clench his abdomen. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in. I opened them and snatched the letter, slowly backing up until I was out. I closed the door back to its cracked position. I went back downstairs and sat on the bed. I pulled the drawer open and placed both letters next to each other, comparing them.

"I was right..." I said to myself. Both of them had the same emblem on it. A crescent shaped moon. The letter was for Cecil... But why did he hide this from me? I looked at the envelope I took from Cecil's pocket, slowly pulling the letter out. I quickly pushed it back in.

"No.. I shouldn't. He didn't want it read. If he did he wouldn't have hidden it. I have to respect his privacy... I stared at the letter...

Well......

I quickly took the letter out of the envelope and opened it. I stared at the paper confused. I flipped it over, looking at the back, then back at the front.

It was blank...