I stood there beside Sweetie Belle as she rested on the hospital bed, with a cord connected to her arm as she had a monitor on her. The brown maned doctor examining her as she was resting as I couldn't help but stare at her, replaying what happened earlier.

I looked over after answering questions from the little fillies with a smile on my face. It was nice seeing the little ones glow with inspiration and awe. It made me feel proud, like I was doing something right and showing them a good path. I then looked down my side, expecting to find Sweetie Belle as she had disappeared and I scanned the area in hopes of finding her. But the other thing I noticed was that my sword was also gone. My eyes opened wide in fear as I began to panic, Applebloom and Scootaloo looked over at me in worry as Scootaloo asked.

"Hey, what's wrong? You okay?" I continued to scan the area more hastily, hoping I can find Sweetie Belle, fearing what may happen if she...

"Did any of you girl's see where Sweetie Belle went?" I asked urgently as the girls looked at one another, Applebloom giving a shrug of uncertainty as Scootaloo looked back up at me.

"No, we don't know. But don't worry we'll look for her." She said.

"C'mon, let's hurry up and find her." Applebloom urged as the girls took off and I faced the students.

"Sorry everypony, can you give me a moment please?" I excused myself as I made my way to the teacher, Ms. Cheerilee as I gained her attention.

"Excuse me, do you know where Sweetie Belle went by chance?" I asked as she looked at me in wonder.

"Sweetie Belle went that way for some reason while you were talking. I assumed she was getting something for you." Ms. Cheerilee replied as I looked over to where she was pointing.

"Thank you." I said quickly as I took off in a dash, making my way to the left side of the school before cutting the corner, then meeting up with the girls along the way as we were all looking down to find Sweetie Belle chasing after somepony, looking a little closer to find it was Diamond Tiara. But why and...what is she holding?

"There she is, let's hurry and catch up to her." Applebloom urged as we made our way down, getting closer as I heard Sweetie Belle calling out to her. She was...calling out to Diamond before she also mention...Salvation?! I looked more closely as I noticed what Diamond was carrying was my sword, then as I saw Sweetie's horn glow green as it enveloped the weapon, my heart sunk with fear as I went as fast as I could, outrunning the little fillies beside me towards the pair as I yelled out.

"SWEETIE BELLE, DON'T TOUCH IT! LET GO OF THE SWORD!" But it was too late, her magic gave out and Sweetie Belle toppled over to the ground as Diamond Tiara looked with a scared expression, clearly confused by what just happened as Sweetie Belle's magic was drained by Salvation as soon as she made contact with it. I made over to them as I lifted her up and held her carefully in my hands. She looked pale and weak in my arms, I held her close as the girls came up behind me and turned to face Diamond Tiara.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?" Scootaloo shouted in anger as Diamond threw the sword down and stomped her feet.

"I didn't do ANYTHING. I was just minding my own business and she came along and just passed out." Diamond tried to excuse as I looked up at her with anger in my eyes.

"Quit beating around the bush. What were you doing with Salvation?!" I demanded as she looked at me confused.

"What are you talking about?" She asked as she flicked her mane to the side with a "hmmph", I furrowed my eyebrows as Applebloom came to help out Sweetie Belle. I stood up once Sweetie was in good hands and approached Diamond and grabbed the sword from the floor and sheathed it as I stared down at her. She kept her eyes away, avoiding my gaze as I tried to keep in mind that she is but a child, but that won't mean that I will excuse her reckless action.

"You better speak up and tell me what you were doing with this sword, and WHY you were so insistent to not release it when Sweetie Belle told you to stop." I demanded even further as she cast her gaze slowly towards me before looking another way.

"Because...I don't like you." She simply I wasn't going to accept just that, it's too easy.

"I'm sorry you don't like me, and whatever reason you have is your own. But look at Sweetie Belle and ask yourself this..." She cast her eyes at Sweetie's pale expression as she was breathing heavily, exhausted from what just happened as I noticed Diamond's eyes softened.

"Does she deserve to be in the state she's in, simply because you don't like me?" She turned her gaze to me as I asked my question before spouting.

"It's not like I wanted her to end up like that. I have no idea what happened. Like I said, I was just mad at you, boasting about and showing off that I wanted to put you in your place. That you are not all that and you're just a silly monkey-looking thing who is having fun with some of your toys and whatnot and making a big deal out of it." I looked at her in disappointment as I shook my head.

"And you thought that taking my sword is going to make it all better? What would that have accomplish? The only thing it has caused is your classmate to get hurt." I lectured as she cast her eyes away, trying to avoid the fact that was in front of her as I continued. "I know you didn't mean any of this to happen, that your issue was meant to be directed at me. But surely there are better ways of approaching this. I'm sorry that which my speech came out as boasting and it irritated you, but maybe it's better if we directed our attention to helping out Sweetie." She looked at me in agitation as she huffed.

"Then why are you wasting your time talking to me? You should be helping her right?" I stood up as I made my way to pick up Sweetie Belle, holding her in my arms before turning to face Diamond Tiara.

"Good question, why am I wasting my time talking to you? I figured you would be more understanding, not for me, but for your friend and your own decision." I turned around and sprouted out my wings, opening them wide as I kept Sweetie close to me to keep her warm. I turned to face Applebloom as I informed her.

"I'm going to take Sweetie Belle to the hospital. Please get Rarity and let her know that her sister needs her at the hospital as soon as possible. I'll watch over her in the meantime." Applebloom nodded in understanding as I gave my wings a good flap, lifting Sweetie Belle and I off the ground, another flap as we were ascending towards the sky, making our way towards the hospital.

I looked down at Sweetie Belle in my arms and kept her covered so the wind doesn't give her chills. As we were making our way, I couldn't help but feel terrible as I consult to myself. "Despite me being furious on what happened under my watch, I feel like Diamond Tiara had a point. I've...been getting too comfortable with this new life. The thought of what happened to my mother, my friend and his father, I left my world in an attempt to get away, in hopes that I had the answer in my hands. But my answer turned into more of a puzzle then anything. Sure, I now have this new power bestowed to me, but what good does it serve me right now?What am I using it for? Have I entered some stage of being drunk with power? Is this the beginning before I start abusing what I have? I...I think I may have to reevaluate myself and my priorities. If I had been more conscientious then Sweetie Belle may not be in this condition. Even though Diamond Tiara did something so childish and rash, in the end it's my fault for letting it come down to this."

We finally made it as I touched down and went into the hospital, moments passed by as she was checked in, looked after by the staff and now...here I am, waiting beside Sweetie Belle as the doctor left the room, leaving Sweetie Belle and I alone. I gently brushed her mane as she made a soft sigh, hearing the monitor beeping as I closed my eyes.

"I'm so sorry this happened Sweetie Belle. I guess...I'm not that good of a knight huh?" I spoke softly as I had my gaze downwards before I heard her murmur softly.

"Vi...Vincent..." I looked at her, thankful that she is speaking and is recuperating as I smiled in appreciation for this, and then the door burst open as Rarity bolted inside the room with Spike behind her as they looked towards us and Rarity yelled out.

"SWEETIE DARLING, ARE YOU ALRIGHT? Oh deary, wha-what happened to you my dear sister?" She asked as she dropped beside the bed, holding her hand with both of hers as she was tending to her before turning her attention to me as she continued to ask, "Vincent, what happened to Sweetie Belle? Is she going to be alright?" I looked at her as she asked me in a worried tone, her eyes shown absolute fear for her little sister. It was painful to watch, and was even worse when I felt I was to blame, that I was at fault for letting this happen.

"She was chasing after a student in class. I...I was careless, I never even noticed that my sword was even taken, but by the time I found out, Sweetie Belle was holding the weapon." I explained with a pained expression, my eyes were cast downward as she tilt her head before examining her sister for a moment, and then fixing her gaze back at me.

"But...I don't see any cuts or wounds. What happened?" She asked, clearly confused on the matter as I gave a heavy sigh.

"My sword...it uh...it has this thing where it can...absorb magic. Your sister grabbed the weapon, not with her bare hands but...with her magic itself. I...assumed that wrapping the weapon would prove to be safe for ponies I pass by, but...I didn't know that direct contact with magic would...seep through the bandages. I'm...I'm so sorry Rarity. This is all my fault." I choked in my explanation as Rarity began to tear up.

"Her...magic? Her magic was...being drained?" I hesitantly nodded from her question as her eyes darted everywhere in a mix of panic, worry, and confusion.

"But...how did you...I mean...She just barely learned how to use magic. What would happen to her if her magic is depleted and...and..." Rarity was really in a fit as she was beginning to hyperventilate as I knelt down to her and placed my hand on her back gently in hopes to comfort her.

"Rarity, calm down. Getting worked up isn't going to help her with her condition. The doctor came in and checked on her, and he said that she's going to need to stay in for a day or two to rest up. I assure you, she's in good hands and she'll be okay, I promise you." She looked back at me as her eyes were tearing up, hearing my words of comfort as she wrapped her arms around me and sniffled. I looked up at Spike as he had a worried look on his face. He approached her bedside and took her hand as he caressed it with his dragon claws and sighed before facing me.

"The doctor said it may be a couple days, right?" Spike asked as I looked up from Rarity's embrace and nodded as he returned his gaze back to Sweetie Belle. While in Rarity's hold as her sniffling was calming down from my shoulders, I could see in his eyes that he really cares for her a lot. Though little has been said from the young dragon, his face sketched every word of how he felt for the young filly.

"Rarity, do you mind if I can stay here with her for the couple days?" He asked, which made me wonder why he would ask, but then maybe he asks because it's an extended time period and he's only related by being her significant other and...perhaps that's not permitted maybe? Just a wild assumption, but regardless, Rarity pulled herself from me as she turned to face Spike, her mascara messed up in a black mess under her eye lids as she sniffled once more.

"I'm...I"m fine w-with that darling. I think...S-Sweetie Belle would like that v-very much." Rarity responded as Spike gave a gentle smile, turning back to face Sweetie Belle with his claws still holding her hand. I felt touched just watching this before I caressed Rarity's cheek. She turned her head towards me and nuzzled herself against my chest as she relaxed, feeling comfort in my arms as I held her close to me, resting my head on top of her soft violet mane as they pressed against me like that of a plump pillow.

"I'm thankful to have you darling. You're such a sweet gentlecolt, I can see that Sweetie Belle really looks up to you and I can see why. You really are like a knight in shining armor, and when she wakes up, she will be happy to know her knight came to see her." Rarity praised as I smiled when hearing her words, but then the thought of what happened to her, how my carelessness put Sweetie Belle in this position to begin with. I must have looked troubled, because Rarity became more concerned as she placed her hand on my cheeks, turning me to look at her directly in her sparking blue eyes. Her head tilts to the side as she looked with care in her eyes as her thumbs caress my cheeks comfortingly, feeling her soft velvet like touch against my skin as she asked.

"Darling, I know you feel this is all your fault. But I assure you, it's not your fault for what has happened. You didn't know this would happen and if you did, you would have done something immediately to assure none of this happens to begin with." I tried to look away, but Rarity kept my focus on her as I inhaled.

"But I wasn't paying attention, I let a little filly take my weapon and run off with it. How could I let something like that happen? Because of my carelessness, Sweetie Belle took it upon herself to retrieve it and got hurt in the process." I felt this heavy weight on my chest as those words left my lips, all I could think was, "It's my fault."

"You need to stop blaming yourself dear. It's not like you to be swallowed up in grief over a mistake. You are a strong, kind, and a very caring stallion. No matter what mistakes take place, you are still you. If you wish for something like this to not happen again, then you need to make sure it doesn't happen, because blaming yourself isn't going to solve your problems. You have to get up and make that difference." I lifted my head as Rarity continued speaking to me, her words ringing inspiration, a slap of reality to wake me up from my depression. I cast my eyes at Sweetie Belle as I saw the little filly sleeping, resting soundly as Spike tended to her, staying by her side as a thought came to mind. "I...suppose she's actually pretty fortunate. It could have been far worse for her then just magical exhaustion. Nopony got physically hurt and she'll be out of the hospital by tomorrow or the day after. But, if I want to ensure the livelihoods of others aren't in jeopardy, and if I really want to make a difference back home, then I need to step up my game and start taking things seriously." I looked at Rarity as she continued to stare with those worrisome eyes. I lifted my arms and gripped her close to me, my head nuzzling into her with my cheeks resting on the side of her neck. She returned with a warm embrace of her earn followed by a chuckle.

"Thank you Rarity. I really needed that." I thanked as she sighed appreciatively as I feel her tightening her grip on me.

"You're very welcome darling. So, do you have anything special planned for tonight?" She asked curiously as I could feel a warmth emitting on my neck from where Rarity's cheeks were. I took a moment to recap on everything that was to be done today before replying back.

"I don't have any plans for today. Hehe, maybe I can spend some time with you. By the way..." I pulled back from our embrace, her hands sliding to my shoulders as I held her by the hips before continuing, "Have you heard from Luna at all? I kinda feel like I've been neglecting you girls, and I didn't want to give you two the idea like you've been forgotten, ya know." Rarity smile sweetly from my concern before she booped my nose with her finger.

"I know you wouldn't do something like that darling. You're too sweet to do something so thoughtless, and besides, I feel you are a stallion of your word when you say you'll always be there for us." She stated with a wink as I smiled in response, her words sinking deep inside me and lifting me after my self-loathing.

"And as for Luna, she said that she's going to be occupied with her royal duties for a while. She didn't say when she'll be done or when she'll be able to see us. But, she is a princess and as her herdmates, we should understand that she has her responsibilities and we'll be patient for her." Rarity relayed as I nodded in agreement.

"You're right Rarity. Everypony has their responsibilities that they need to tend to, same goes for you and I. You running the Carousel Boutique and me tending to the orchard and training." I commented.

"Speaking of training, how goes your magic lesson's with Twilight?" Rarity asked. I rubbed the back of my head with a slight cringe, being reminded of her lesson's like being in school.

"Well, she's having me do a lot of studying. Haven't gotten into any magic as of yet. In fact, I think she's thinking of giving me homework." I replied as Rarity held her hand against her lips as she giggled.

"Well, that sounds like something Twilight would do. Always the studious one, but at least you are handling it well. When will be the next time you go see her?" She asked as I rubbed the back of my head, hesitant on replying at first.

"Well...the day after tomorrow I'm supposed to meet up with her back at the library. I'm hoping we can touch the subject on actually learning some magic, but right now she's having me grasp the basics when it comes to channeling, containing, and releasing magic. Although this is all concept and not really applying this...physically I suppose." I explained as Rarity was nodding in understanding. Her finger rest on her chin as she watched me, giving me her undivided attention as she kept a pleasant smile while listening.

"That makes sense. It's always good to grasp the very basics of magic before you attempt performing it, otherwise there may be some backfires, or maybe you might strain yourself unnecessarily." I chuckled at Rarity's response as I placed both my hands behind my hand.

"You know, that's pretty much what Twilight told me as well when I asked her about it. So maybe if I show her I have a good grasp of how magic works, maybe she'll give me some hands-on practice." Rarity nods from my assessment.

"Maybe. Although I should warn you that she may give you some very rigorous test to make sure you are absolute about your knowledge on magic." I had a worried expression as Rarity warned me of what to expect from Twilight before she placed her hand on my cheek.

"Don't worry darling, if you like, when we go home I'll tell you what I know about magic so that you get an understanding from a personal perspective." I smiled from Rarity's offer as I placed my hand over hers, cupping her cheek with my other free hand and lean close as my forehead rest under her horn.

"I'd like that very much. Thanks hun." I thanked as I leaned even closer and pressed my lips against hers. Spike turned his attention to us and smiled before looking back and Sweetie Belle. Being a supportive figure as he checked up on her to see how she was doing and comforting her as she rest. Rarity hummed in approval as our lips were massaging one another, her soft velvety lips caressing mine as we smacked our lips appreciatively, desiring one another before we pulled away and stared in a dream-like state, our eyes locked to each others gaze. She blinked with an allure as her eyelashes flapped in a smooth motion.

"You...don't need to thank me dear. I'd do anything to help." Rarity commented. I felt very fortunate to have her beside me, giving me the support to help me progress, to advance in my task to better myself, all for the sake of helping my home and bringing things back as it were, that is...if I find a way back.

For the remainder of the day, we spent our time together, socializing and watching over Sweetie Belle, hoping that she'd wake up, but she remained there sleeping in peace. Rarity and I decided it was getting late and we should be heading home. We offered if Spike wanted to come with us and he only asked to stay put to be there beside her in case she wakes up, then he can be there to explain what's going on. I knew there was more to it then just that, but I didn't press on it and let him have his time with his girl as Rarity and I took our leave back to the Boutique.

As we arrived back at Rarity's home, we went to her room, hand in hand, before getting ourselves comfortable and removing our attire. We crawled into bed, nuzzled together in each others arms before sleeping soundly within the comfort of our embrace.