After The Hospital:

“I’m getting kind of worried now…” Scootaloo said.

“I’m sure he’s fine.” Dash said.

“He’s been missing all day… and I think he got into more of Red’s potions…” Scootaloo said.

“He can’t have broken the lock to the display…” Red said quietly.

“It wasn’t broken.” Scootaloo said, staring at Red. “It was just laying on the ground.”

“Okay from now on until he’s found, we all stay together…” Red said.

The front door opened up and Alex limped in holding himself up on a wooden stick, “Ow…” He mumbled as he took a step.

“Alex!” Scootaloo said, her tone turning to that of worry as she rushed over to help him.

“I’m fine… just… every muscle… in my body… is on fire…” Alex said, giving a small smile.

“What happened to you?” Red questioned.

“I got the shit kicked out of me… both literally for the kicking, and figuratively…” Alex said.

“Are these… bruises?” Scootaloo asked in a frightened tone.

“Was it your parents? Are you okay?” Dash asked, giving Red a worried look.

“No… it was one of my brother’s friends…” Alex said as he sat down on the couch.

“Huh?” Dash and Red both said.

“He said he cou-” Alex was cut off as he yawned, “I’m tired…” He mumbled as he closed his eyes.

“Why don’t y-” Scootaloo stopped as Alex fell onto the couch already asleep.

“I really don’t like the sound of his brother’s friends beating on him…” Scootaloo said as she sat down beside Alex and pulled his head onto her lap.

“Maybe he’s uh… training.” Red suggested.

“Why don’t you go check it out then?” Dash asked.

“On it.” Red nodded, heading out the front door.

Scootaloo picked up the wooden stick Alex had limped into the house on. “Why does this look like a sword?” She asked, looking up at Dash.

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

Red knocked on the door to Torrent’s house.

The door opened and an overly tired looking Torrent looked out. “Oh, hello Red.” He yawned.

“Why is your brother half-dead in my house?” Red asked.

Torrent sighed before opening the door up completely, “Down the main hall and the third room on your left.” He said.

Red raised his eyebrow before walking to the room directed to and looking inside.

A man was sitting in the center of a mat with his legs crossed over each other. His back was to Red. “Ah. I wasn’t expecting anyone else tonight, come in.” He said, without raising his head up.

Red walked in and sat down, staring at the man. “Who are you?” He asked.

“I am R’yotta.” The man said.

“Okay? Did you beat up Alex?” Red asked.

“Yes and no. I had no intention of leaving him with broken bones or injuring him beyond what he’ll come across when he’s here training… that is if what happened today wasn’t too much for him.” R’yotta said.

“Well he’s passed out on my couch so you tell me.” Red said.

“What do you expect with martial arts training?” R’yotta questioned as he looked up at Red, “Him to be so full of energy after a day of constant training? Just all hyper and ready to work?”

“What kind of martial arts?” Red inquired.

“Some kendo and jujitsu today. I do intend to show him a mixture of all the ones I know.” R’yotta said. “And if there was any bruising, which I’m sure there was even I still bruise with the kind of attacks I hit with, they’ll be gone in a few hours.”

“Okay…” Red shrugged.

“Now did you come in with the intention of beating me up for what happened?” R’yotta asked, raising an eyebrow.

“If you weren’t who you said you were yes… But I believe you.” Red said.

“I’m sure you’re interested in what I showed Alex today, correct?” R’yotta asked.

“If you’re planning on assaulting me…” Red started.

“No I am not.” R’yotta said as he stood up. “Come, punch me.”

“I… I don’t want to…” Red said nervously.

R’yotta smiled, “Come on. I’m offering you a free hit on me.” He said with a small chuckle. “I insist. I just want to show you one of the things I went over with Alex. Not on you if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“You’re really keen on hurting me aren’t you?” Red asked.

“I never said it was you who was going to end up getting hurt, did I?” R’yotta asked.

Red stared at him for a few moments before sighing and standing up. “You just want me to… punch you?” He asked.

“I’ll run you through what else you should do… but yes. Start with the punch.” R’yotta nodded.

Red brought his hand back and thrust it forward, lightly tapping R’yotta’s shoulder.

“Was that all you’ve got?” R’yotta questioned in disbelief.

“You know this isn’t how I fight…” Red said.

“Oh? Then show m-” R’yotta was cut off as he was thrown into a wall by Red’s magic.

“There.” Red said.

R’yotta started to laugh and clap, “Good! Good! Now for that you do understand what happens now?” He questioned.

“No? Wh-” Red was cut off as R’yotta tackled him to the ground.

“I show you how I fight…” R’yotta said as he slid his arm underneath Red’s elbow and locked it in an americana.

Red squirmed under R’yotta feebly and just went limp, his eyes shutting.

“Just tap out if you want this to end.” R’yotta said.

Red hit the mat on the floor with his head three times.

R’yotta released his elbow and stood up. “Magic is one of your only strong points then.” He said.

“Yeah… why?” Red asked.

“Alex lasted a good five minutes in that position before he finally decided to tap out.” R’yotta said with a small laugh.

“Well that’s good for him…” Red said, climbing back onto the futon that was sitting against the wall.

“I’m sure your family is worrying about you.” R’yotta said as he sat down beside Red.

“That family just got a little bigger the other day… I’m kind of a father now.” Red smiled.

“I’m happy for you.” R’yotta said. “As you can see with me… no woman would want to father any children with me.” He chuckled. “As I do still sleep on what most would call a couch.” He patted the futon that the both of them were sitting on.

“Well if you keep thinking like that…” Red started.

“And I want a wife who’s able to take the same physical exertion that I can…” R’yotta said.

“Okay if you plan on treating her like me…” Red said.

“No, no. Think of it the otherway around. I’d want someone capable of beating ME. It’d be more fun that way.” R’yotta said. “And there’s the little fact that my children would be trained by me… and you’ve seen the aftermath of the first day of training…”

“That you’re masochistic yes.” Red nodded.

“Exactly.” R’yotta nodded. “Ah yes. If he does intend on coming back I feel it should be at least a week between each lesson.”

“Well I guess you could say he’s taken a pounding twice this week.” Red said with a laugh.

“Ah he told me about that… how is it being the household slave now?” R’yotta asked.

“It has it’s ups and downs. I get fed three square meals a day… you know.” Red joked.

“I’m sure.” R’yotta said. “Now it’s getting late and I’m sure you don’t want to be in here overnight.”

“Well it’s nice to meet you. Thanks for not killing me.” Red said, holding his hand out.

R’yotta shook it, “Like wise. Except for the not killing me part.” He chuckled. “I hope to see you again.”

“If you keep beating up my son-in-law, chances are we will.” Red said, standing up and laughing.

“Have a good night.” R’yotta waved.

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

Alex yawned a little as he opened his eyes. He was greeted with the sight of both, Dusk Shimmer and Starlight sitting on his chest staring right at him. “Oh… hi.” He said quietly, staring back at the two of them.

Dusk and Star giggled and bounced up and down on Alex’s chest in sync.

Alex grunted slightly with every bounce.

Star bounced awkwardly and slipped, plopping onto the area of the bed to the left of Alex and landing on his back, lying there motionless. Dusk stopped immediately and turned to Star, staring at him.

“You okay little guy?” Alex asked.

Star’s lip quivered and he started to cry.

Alex quickly picked him up and put Star back on his chest.

Star looked at Alex silently, tears still streaming down his face. Dusk pushed Star off of Alex’s chest and back onto the bed, giggling loudly. This time, Star started giggling and kicking his feet.

Alex smiled and shook his head. “I guess it’ll be a while before I understand babies.” He said with a small laugh.

The door to the room cracked open and Scootaloo walked in, smiling as she saw Alex awake. “Hi.” She said.

“Hi.” Alex smiled as he waved.

Starlight and Dusk turned, staring silently at Scootaloo.

“Hi you two.” Scootaloo waved as she walked over to the bed and laid down on Alex’s right.

Star and Dusk quickly scrambled over Alex and clung to Scootaloo, staring up at her and giggling occasionally.

Scootaloo hugged the both of them.

Star reached up and grabbed Scootaloo’s hair, not pulling on it but just staring at it curiously.

“So you like my hair?” Scootaloo asked with a smile.

Star let go of her hair and stared at Scootaloo. Dusk started teething on one of Scootaloo’s clothed breasts.

“Ah ah.” Scootaloo said, “Why don’t I take you both to your mom for that?” She stood up and held the both of them. She started to walk out of the room with them.

The door immediately opened and Dash stood in the doorway. “Something wrong with them? Are they hurt? Sick? What??” She asked quickly, snatching them from Scootaloo.

“Hungry.” Scootaloo said.

“Oh that’s easy.” Dash smiled, taking a seat on the edge of the bed and setting the two down. They stared up at their mother as she took off her shirt and nearly tore her bra off.

“Of c-” Alex was cut off.

“I’m sure you’re thirsty too.” Scootaloo smiled as she crawled back onto the bed and right onto his chest.

Dash’s head shot up and turned to Scootaloo. “Are you… I don’t…” She was cut off as Star and Dusk clung to her breasts and started drinking. “Dnng…”

“RED!” Scootaloo shouted.

There was a long pause. “I don’t think he’s ho-” Dash started before a flash of light cut her off, Red appearing in the room.

“Yeah?” Red panted.

“Alex is thirsty get him a drink.” Scootaloo said.

“Oh.” Dash mumbled.

“You feed your babies and I’ll feed mine.” Scootaloo said quietly as she nuzzled Alex’s neck.

“So what did you want to drink?” Red asked.

“Water’s fine.” Alex said.

Red nodded and turned around to see Nicholas standing in front of him with a tray of water. “Mm here.” Nicholas said.

“The fuck you in my house?” Red said, stepping back slightly out of surprise.

“Yeah that’s not the weirdest thing anymore.” Alex said.

“And why are you… eavesdropping and giving us water?” Red asked.

“It’s only fair.” Nicholas said, walking past Red and setting the tray on the bed.

“I think you’ll have to do a little more than this to make up for what you did…” Red started.

“No no not for that… I mean for living here.” Nicholas said.

“Huh?” Dash and Red said simultaneously.

“Oh yeah I’ll be living here for a short time.” Nicholas smiled.

“What?” Scootaloo asked.

“And… what’s wrong… with staying with your brother?” Red asked.

“Oh his place is full.” Nicholas said.

“He… lives… in a… castle practically…” Red stammered.

“I’m hungry.” Scootaloo said.

“Got it.” Both Red and Nicholas said. They exchanged a glance before Nicholas walked out of the room.

“There we go.” Scootaloo smiled as she laid her head back down on Alex’s chest. “Oh… what’s this? Muscles?” She joked as she pushed a finger into Alex’s stomach.

“Nnng still a little painful…” He grunted.

“Sorry…” Scootaloo said, pulling her hand back and laying it on his shoulder. “Just don’t get really big muscles alright? That’s just a turn off for me.”

“So…” Red said.

“So what?” Alex and Scootaloo asked.

“No one at all worried about him staying with us?” Red asked.

“It’s not like he’d kill us.” Scootaloo shrugged.

“Until of course he starts getting a grudge again, then turns into his murderous old self.” Red said.

“And how would he get a grudge if we… you know… treat him like a normal person?” Alex asked.

“He is NOT a normal person.” Red stated.

“Well… why should we treat him horribly for being different?” Alex asked, staring at Red intently.

“Being deranged isn’t the same as being different.” Red said.

“So he was deranged for helping me out with the medicine?” Alex asked. “Or was that just a once off situation?”

“Alex…” Red started.

“What?” Alex asked.

“You might find it a little hard to just forgive him because he says he’s changed… He put everyone’s lives through hell all because he was jealous of his older brother, so he cursed him, stabbed and crippled him, electrocuted his wife to near death… Poisoned MY wife, and nearly got me killed trying to save her. I killed a giant spider you know.” Red said.

“So it’s impossible to change is what you’re saying?” Alex asked a slight depression in his voice.

Red stared at Alex. “What… what’s wrong?” He asked.

“Nothing.” Alex said, looking away from Red.

Dash glared at Red.

“No no… I’m not becoming the bad guy here. Everyone around him dies, and I’m not going to let that happen.” Red said, turning and storming out of the room.

“Red!” Dash called. She turned to Alex and Scootaloo, setting the two babies next to them. “Watch them.” She said, jumping up and rushing out of the room.

Scootaloo picked both of the babies up. Star and Dusk stared up at Scootaloo with a glint of sadness in their eyes, making them look like they were about to cry.

“Don’t worry. Your mommy and daddy will be back soon.” Scootaloo said comfortingly as she cradled the both of them against her body.

Star and Dusk stared at Alex as a small amount of tears slid down their face.

Alex took in a deep breath before he looked at the two babies and smiled.

Dusk slipped out of Scootaloo’s grasp, whining quietly as she crawled into Alex’s lap.

Alex held her as he sat up against the head of the bed. “You don’t have to cry. I’m fine now.” He said softly.

Dusk’s eyes grew heavy as she relaxed, falling limp against him as she fell asleep.

Scootaloo looked down at Star and noticed he had fallen asleep.

“They’re both so cute.” Alex smiled.

“They are… I wonder what ours would be like?” Scootaloo smiled, scooting closer to Alex.

Alex kissed her on the lips, “I’m sure if they’re girls they’ll be just as beautiful as you are.” He said, his smile growing.

“I think I’d have to fix two problems before I start breast feeding.” Scootaloo laughed, returning the kiss.

“Well it won’t be that hard to fix… but that can wait can’t it?” He asked jokingly.

“Yep… But just one thing…” Scootaloo said, leaning in close.

“Anything.” Alex whispered.

Scootaloo gripped the collar to Alex’s shirt tightly, nearly choking him as she pulled him closer. “If you ever hurt my parents when you’re like you were the other day…” She said sternly.

“I wouldn’t… they’re just as much mine now… as they are yours…” Alex grunted.

“Great, just so we’re clear.” Scootaloo smiled, releasing him.

“And I wanted to ask… about what happened yesterday…” Alex said. “I’m sorry if I hurt you at all…”

“Mm… you are?” She teased.

“Yeah…” He nodded.

“Well I can think of a few things to make up f-” Scootaloo was cut off as Alex leaned in closer.

“But I’d totally wreck you again…” He whispered.

Scootaloo’s legs closed tightly and she bit her lip.

“I’m not going to do it without your consent though.” Alex said, kissing her cheek.

“We’re not doing it with the babies in the room.” Scootaloo said, slugging him hard in the jaw. “Now stay here and rest before I give you more bruises.”

“I wasn’t suggesting we should…” Alex said, lightly rubbing his jaw.

“Yeah okay. Enjoy your alone time tough guy.” Scootaloo chuckled, taking both kids and walking out of the room.

Alex slid back down on the bed and laid his head on a pillow. “All alone.” He sighed.

A few moments later the door opened again and Nicholas walked in with a tray of food. He paused and looked around. “You didn’t eat them did you?” He joked.

“Yeah… I can’t eat anything at the moment.” Alex said, waving his hand dismissively.

“Oh well.” Nicholas shrugged, setting the tray down and sitting on the bed next to Alex.

Alex sighed as he stared up at the ceiling. “Do you mind if I ask you something?” He asked.

“Sure, what’s up?” Nicholas asked.

“What’s your biggest fear?” Alex asked.

“Mm… That’s a big question.” Nicholas said, lying back against the headboard.

“I’m scared of failing…” Alex started.

“Aren’t we all?” Nicholas turned to him.

“Myself…” Alex finished.

Nicholas remained silent.

“It’s only made worse because I’m also scared of failing everyone around me… I just… don’t know what to do sometimes and…” Alex mumbled.

“Listen kid… I failed myself a long time ago. But it doesn’t matter… You wanna know why?” Nicholas said.

“Why?” Alex asked.

“Because when you get knocked down, you just keep getting back up. No matter how many times you fail you just… you keep finding something to fight for. If I gave up because it was a little dark… I don’t… really know.” Nicholas said, his eyes glistening slightly as he stared at Alex.

“Yeah… I know if I had just given up… I wouldn’t be here… I’d still be locked in my old room… not know what was going to happen to me next…” Alex said, his eyes started to water. “Day in and day out… just waiting for something good to happen… and it didn’t happen until I finally left…”

“Yeah… I guess bravery is something you have to fight for. I know I have none…” Nicholas sighed.

“It wasn’t bravery that drove me to run away from them… it was the sheer amount of hate I had for them…” Alex said, “Everyday… those two found a new way to get their sick pleasure off on me… physical some days… mental others… and… the worst of it was always when I’d be forc… forced down… and just…” He stopped as tears started running down his face. It was clear that he didn’t want to continue.

Nicholas just wrapped his arms around Alex. Alex saw Nicholas had tears streaming down his face, but he was smiling.

Alex pressed his face into Nicholas’ chest and started to cry.

“The world sucks… Doesn’t it?” Nicholas asked, holding Alex tightly.

“Yeah… it does…” Alex mumbled.

“Well we both have one thing in common.” Nicholas said.

“Wh… what’s that?” Alex asked shakily.

“We both have a brother that we’d take a bullet for…” Nicholas paused, chuckling slightly as he said the last part. His smile faded as more tears fell from his face. “I… I messed up… I messed up so bad…” He stammered.

“That… that doesn’t mean you can’t make up for it… It doesn’t mean… there’s no going back.” Alex said in as comforting as a tone as he could muster as more tears pushed their way through.

Nicholas started shaking slightly. “When I… I cursed my brother. I was angry. I was traveling alone… I didn’t think I needed anyone, when the only person in the world I wanted was my older brother…” He stopped as he started to cry.

Alex silently squeezed Nicholas a little.

“I don’t deserve a second chance… I should have stayed dead… I…” Nicholas sobbed loudly, half muffled by Alex’s shirt.

“There… there are few people… who don’t deserve a second chance… and… you aren’t one of them…” Alex sniffled. The two of them shifted as the door slipped open, seeing that everyone else had been listening in. The first thing Nicholas noticed was that they were crying, including Red.

“I… I’m…” Red started.

Nicholas stood up slowly and stared at him. Red rushed over and hugged him, immediately causing Nicholas to burst into tears. “I’m so sorry… Oh god I’m so sorry…” Nicholas sobbed into his shoulder.

Alex sniffled a little as he looked at the two of them.

“I was wrong… I was so wrong…” Red said through tears.

“Please… I’m so sorry…” Nicholas mumbled.

Red tightened his grip around Nicholas. “Just stop… everything is… going to be fine.” He said shakily.

“Yeah… it… it is…” Alex nodded, sniffling back a few more tears.

Nicholas pulled away after a few moments and wiped the tears from his face. “I… need to talk to Cecil… there’s a few things I need to say.” He said, his tone still shaky.

Scootaloo walked up to Nicholas and motioned him down. He leaned forward and she kissed his forehead. “Thanks…” Nicholas gave a small smile before walking out. Everyone’s gaze switched to Alex. Dash and Scootaloo sat down next to Alex and hugged him tightly.

Alex shook slightly as he started to cry again.