Once again, I was alive. Death would have felt less painful, though. The pain in my head hit me like a ton of bricks. Keeping my eyes closed, I avoided lifting my head off the cage floor. The light would have made it worse. I wanted, so badly, to go to sleep. To wait until this was over. The concussion prevented me from focusing once I forced my eyes open. The cage I was in, was rusted and bloodied. Chains wrapped around the bars. Bones and rotted flesh stuck out between the links. I tried to gag, but the pain in my head was so much worse.

Nico… I have to…

Forcing my head to turn, I saw him. He was still trying to get loose from his chains. His arms and torso were raw from the metal links rubbing against them. I opened my mouth to speak, but another sudden explosion in my head forced me to grit my teeth. I couldn’t hear anything but the constant ringing in my ears. When I was hit, they must have caused some damage to my brain. Biting my lip, I forced my hooves under me. The ringing in my ears slightly decreased.

“Sia!” Nico’s voice was muffled. “Are you okay?”

My mane was matted with blood. I shook my head, keeping my eyes squinted.

“We have to find a way out!” He shouted.

Ignoring the tightness in my chest, I stumbled to the latch on the cage. My vision was fuzzy, so it took me a moment to realize it was warped. I noticed the raiders had twisted metal wires to keep it closed. I couldn’t get my hoof through the bars!

“Nico, I can’t undo them…” I told him. I started to feel faint.

No! No panic attack! I have to get out of here!

Shaking, I backed up as far as I could in the small cage. With all the strength I could gather, I galloped into the door, my body slamming into the bars. One of the wires flew off, almost hitting Nico. Backing up, I tried again. Another wire flew off. I didn’t even bother to keep distance. I just started ramming my shoulder into the cage with all my might.

“I hear them. They’re coming!” Nico hissed, struggling some more.

With a final shove, the cage door flew open. I tumbled out, landing on my face. My headache was beginning to worsen. I didn’t even think I could stand anymore. Everything grew more and more fuzzy. The room swirled in my vision, but I still forced myself up.

“What was that?” One of the mares said down the hallway.

I heard hoofsteps. “That buck is trying to get away!”

I crawled my way to Nico. There was no way I could get the chains off without untwisting the knotted wires. I tried to use my hooves, but I couldn’t get a good grip on them. I tried again with my feather tips, but they were too flimsy.

Damn, these hooves! Damn, these weak feathers! I need a set of pliers!

“Can’t get them… Off…” I mumbled.

“Save yourself, Sienna. I can take these bastards.” He whispered.

I shook my head. “Not leaving you, again.”

He growled. “Get out of here! Go!”

I ignored him. I won’t leave him! Not this time.

The raiders were getting closer. I quickly hid behind some of the heavy machinery. The door startled me as it slammed against the wall. The heavy steps of the raiders were making my head hurt even more. To go with that, my chest was starting to hurt! Taking deep, quiet breaths, I dared to peek under the machine to see their legs galloping around.

“The bitch escaped!” The buck yelled, slamming his hoof into the wall.

The red mare slapped him. “Whose fucking fault is it? No matter. I’ve still got my stallion over here.”

I watched as she trotted over to Nico.

He spat at her hooves. “Fuck you!”

She laughed and punched his chest, making him cry out.

“Where is the mare, you stupid cunt?” Nail Bit grabbed Nico by the neck.

Nico chuckled, weakly. “She’s gone.”

“Liar! Tell me or I’ll kill you!”

I covered my mouth as I watched the huge raider stallion squeeze Nico’s neck tighter. My rage was slowly building, but there was nothing I could do in my condition. I could barely stay conscious! With tears in my eyes, I frantically searched around me for something to distract them. Quietly, I moved a damp box out of the way and picked up a broken piece of a wrench. Aiming for the hall, I hurled it across the room, only to miss the hall by several inches. The loud clang of metal hitting metal was just enough to get Nail Bit away from Nico.

“Our little filly is still here, I see.” The mare said.

Soft clacking filled the room as the raiders scattered about, searching for the source of the noise. I pressed my body against the floor in the darkest shadow I could find. Curse my bright hide! One of the mares trotted by the place I was hiding. She sniffed the air and sighed.

“I can smell the fear. Over here, you idiots!” She called.

I gulped.

“Sia, run!” Nico yelled.

The raiders jerked their heads to him.

“Keep running down the hall!” He yelled louder, looking in the direction of the hall. I saw his hoof tapping the floor next to him out of their sight. Smart.

“She’s running! Let’s go!” She motioned for the others and they galloped down the hall.

When I couldn’t hear them, I tiptoed around the corner and to Nico, looking back to make sure they stayed gone. A large bruise covered his neck. I moved my eyes to his face. He had a small scrape on his cheek.

“Thank you.” I whispered.

“Get out, while they’re distracted.”

“No.” I glared at him. “I’m not leaving without you.”

I galloped around the large factory, searching for something to cut the wires off his chains. Knocking over shelves, I emptied each box. Mostly obsolete supplies and handbooks fell out. Another twinge of pain shot through my chest, stopping me in my tracks. I gasped for air. My lungs felt like they were being crushed by a radhog. The tickle in my throat grew, forcing me into a coughing fit. Each sudden compression stung. The shaking came, next. I fell to the floor, clutching my heart.

“Damn it! Sia, calm down! You’ve got to get a hold of yourself!” Nico’s voice went through one ear and out the other.

I was suffering a full blown anxiety attack.

“It hurts! It… hurts! T-tell me I’m not dying, Nico. Please, tell me… I’m going to be okay!” I cried.

“You’re gonna be alright. It’s gonna be fine. I promise, you’re not dying. W-we’re getting out of here. Together!” He reassured me.

Every time I tried to black out, my conscious jolted back to reality. The crippling symptoms crashed into me at once. I turned to look at him, to get a look at his face. The attack calmed ever so slightly when he smiled, letting me know that everything was going to be okay. Through my suffering, I still tried to stand. My body was so stiff, I could barely move, but I still kept going. I wouldn’t give up. I had to…

“Keep… going…” I breathed.

Miraculously, a large, red tool box caught my eye. There had to be something there! Every muscle in my body refused to cooperate without force. Each step I took became sturdier as I fought with my own body for control. The weight on my back slowly lightened when I finally reached the tool box. Thankfully, the drawers were already open. The tools were rusted and severely damaged. Finding a pair of wire cutters, I tested them on the latch to the box. I sighed in relief when the latch snapped in two.

“I… I found something to get the chains off.” I said, gripping them in my teeth. The rust left a horrible taste on my tongue.

Walking as fast as I could, I kept my eyes on Nico. He was the only thing keeping me hopeful at that point. My light in the darkness. The closer I was, the stronger I became. I galloped the rest of the way. If you could call it galloping, anyway. I was still stiff, which made it awkward to run.

“Hold still.” I instructed.

I clamped the pliers on one of the wires and squeezed. Like a twig, the metal snapped, falling to the floor. One down, several to go. I grunted as the next wire fell to the ground. I managed cut half the wires, before a loud bang jerked me from my concentration. Nico and I twisted around to see Nail Bit and all his muscle standing in the doorway with a frightening amount of anger covering his features.

“Fuck.”

I dropped the pliers and stumbled back. The raider stomped towards me, every step shaking the metal floor. My back hit a fallen conveyor belt. He growled as he stepped on the pliers, breaking them completely. Terror unfolded in my mind. I was going to die, again. Death knew where I lived from the many times it had knocked on my door.

“You’re gonna pay for this!” He shouted, rancid saliva raining on my face.

My eyes went wide as he grabbed me and slammed me on the ground. The breath was knocked from my lungs. Nico screamed and swore at the raider. I could hear his chains violently shaking.

“Leave her alone! I’ll kill you! I’ll fucking kill you!” He growled.

Nail Bit laughed hysterically. “Oh, this is your piece of meat? This will feel even better, then!”

I groaned, unable to get up. Try as I might, my hoof wouldn’t stay under me. The shadow of the large stallion covered me. Just as I looked up, he roughly rolled me onto my back and held my hooves out. His awful stench filled my nose, making me cringe. He lowered his head down to my face and grinned, showing his putrid teeth. I struggled under him, trying to pull my hooves away, but he was too strong.

“Oh, you found her!” The red mare trotted in, giggling in delight. “Go ahead and rough her up.”

She trotted over to Nico and grabbed his face. “You’re going to watch! It’ll set the mood for us!”

I screamed, tears streaming down my temples and into my mane. Nail stuffed a rag in my mouth, silencing me. He kept his grin as he shoved my hind legs apart. I sobbed through the rag as I felt his disgusting genitalia touching me. I shook, violently. Words couldn’t describe the fear that grasped my body. He was going to violate me and I couldn’t do anything about it.

“You son of a bitch! I’ll destroy you! I’ll cut your balls off! You sick fuck!” Nico yelled, earning a slap from the mare.

The agony that shot through my nethers was enough to make my body spasm. I pulled my legs, making one pop out of place. He was raping me! He was killing me! I wept, uncontrollably as I heard Nico’s screams. The pain in my foreleg at least took away most of the discomfort in my marehood. I closed my eyes, praying for death. Praying for something to fall from the sky and crush me. I wanted to die. To get away from it all!

Nail Bit head-butted me. “Open your fucking eyes! I want you to feel this shit!” He laughed.

My mind was shutting down. I couldn’t struggle. I couldn’t get away. I couldn’t even avoid his murderous glare. I could only lay back and let my dignity be taken away from me. Let the humiliation smother me. I could feel my privates ripping every time he shoved it inside me. His grunts were enough to make me want to bang my skull on the floor. If his head wasn’t pressed against mine, I would have. I whimpered some more through the cloth.

“Yeah, keep whining. It cranks him up even more!” Nail growled, punching the floor inches from my face and throwing my legs father apart.

I tried to scream in pain. My throat was getting raw.

“Yeah, bitch. Yes!” He roared.

“You know that’s not the only hole?” The mare cackled.

Nail paused. Then, the grin appeared. The grin that pierced my courage, shattering every ounce of bravery I have and ever will have again.

“Hold her down and open her mouth.” He told her.

“Mother fucker!” Nico screamed profanities until he could barely speak.

The mare trotted over and snatched me up, holding my forelegs behind my back and putting a knife to my side. “Do it or I’ll kill your friend, right now.” She pulled the rag from my muzzle and threw it to the side. I wept, my tongue still dry. He stood on his hind legs using my head to balance. The smell left me gagging and struggling to get a breath of fresh air. He brought it to my lips, almost getting past my teeth.

ZAP!!

The stallion burst into ashes. The mare let go of my legs, making me fall to the floor and curl up into a ball. Redd zoomed through one of the the high windows, followed by Violet. He flew into the mare, knocking her into a wall. Her head cracked against the hard steel. The corpse slid to the ground, her blood draining, quickly.

“Sienna!” Violet flew to me. “Redd, get Nico free! We need to get her to Zangth! She’s bleeding!”

My body still convulsed from the shock. I stared at the wall, still curled up. I was so tired. I wanted to sleep.

He’ll be there. He’ll kill me if I close my eyes! I can’t close them!

The loud zap of Redd’s rifles were followed by chains hitting the floor. Hoofsteps pounded the metal floor over to me. Nico picked my head up, inspecting my face. I was too dazed to look at him. I just wanted to go home. I wanted to forget about the pearls. Forget about everything. He pulled me into an embrace.

“I’m so sorry… I couldn’t save you from those… I’m sorry.” He said, clinging to me.

“I can’t close my eyes. H-he’ll come for me!” I pushed away, resulting in my body convulsing again.

“S-Sienna?”

“She’s going into shock! Let’s go!” Redd yelled.

I kept my mind shut down. I was embarrassed of what had happened. Scarred. It would be burnt into my mind for the rest of my life. I couldn’t really tell you what I wanted to feel. This is what I got? For trying to do the right thing? I was trying to help these ponies. To save them from Hope. I wanted nothing more than to keep Equestria as safe as possible. I knew not everypony was monstrous. The ones who were, would hopefully learn.

Redd helped Nico get me onto a table in a large room. A mare stood to my right. She wore thick glasses and had a straight, auburn mane. The white coat over her orange fur had the name “Cherish” on the breast pocket. I stared at her for a while as she tinkered with some medical supplies.

I slowly turned my head to see a stallion in a similar coat. He spoke in hushed tones with Violet. No, he was no normal stallion. I squinted my eyes. His stripes gave it away.

“Z-Zebra! Zebra!” I flailed and struggled to get up. They had strapped me to the table!

The two ponies and zebra rushed over and held me down.

“It’s okay! Zangth is one of us! He’s not going to hurt you!” Violet patted my cheek.

I opened my mouth to say something, but all I could do was groan in pain and continue to struggle.

“Sedate her.” The zebra told Cherish.

“No! Stop!” I cried.

The needle stuck my rump before I could say anything else. As if Luna, herself, cast a spell upon me, my body relaxed. My thoughts receded into the dark pit of my consciousness. I lay on the table as Violet stroked my mane. I pierced her eyes with mine, wondering if she was going to leave my side again, like she did so many months ago.

She tried to smile. “Zangth, what can I do? I have to help my best friend.” I squeezed her hoof as hard as I could, but the sedative kept me from tightening my muscles.

“First, I’ll need to stop the bleeding. Are you sure you don’t know what happened?” The zebra didn’t have an accent at all. I found it odd, since he didn’t seem to be a half-breed.

I was raped! Violated! I wanted to scream it out loud, but I was too exhausted.

“I’m not sure. Nico should-“

“They did what?!” I heard Redd yelling in the next room.

I didn’t know if I was moving slowly, or time was moving quickly. Before I knew it, my hind legs were strapped farther apart and something was prodding my, already burning, marehood. I cried. Celestia, I cried. Not only for me, but for those who had to live in this place. They were raped and beaten every day, while I was here getting medical attention for it. Was I that selfish? Violet nuzzled me after she wiped my tears away. I kept my eyes on her to keep my mind off of whatever they were doing to me.

“I want… Grandma. Daddy.” I whispered, slightly drunkenly. I felt like a foal, but I didn’t care.

Violet sniffed. “We’ll get him when we’re sure you’re okay, hon. I promise.”

“No… Can’t leave. Please, no.” I reached for her with my other hoof. At least, I think I did.

“Rest, Sia. I won’t leave you.” She gently brought her hoof to my forehead, moving my bangs.

I flinched a little when a needle stuck me down there. It took me a little while to realize I was being sewed up. It must have been worse than I thought! Zangth finally came into view as Nurse Cherish finished up down there.

“Miss Violet, I’m going to need you to hold her while I set her leg back into place. Thankfully, it isn’t broken, but it is out of its socket. I would wait, but the tranquilizer doesn’t last as long as we really need it too.” He fixed his thin-rimmed glasses and nodded to me.

“O-okay.” She murmured, trotting around to my limp appendage. Violet grabbed my shoulder and held it down as Zangth placed his hooves on the joint and the bone that was supposed to be there.

“Ready? One, two…”

On three, I felt my leg twist and pop, sending pain straight to my brain. Even with the sedative, I let out a cry. Just as it came, it went. It was sore, but nothing like it was. I groaned when he put pressure on the joint with his hoof. I’d seen the medics in the Enclave do the same, so I knew he had to make sure it was in the right place.

“There.” I heard him say. “I really wished I could have used a healing potion for the rectal tear, but we had to use our last two yesterday. The stitches will do, for now. They’re enchanted, so they will dissolve after the tissue is healed.” He trotted to the other side of the room. “I thank you for the bag of caps, but you didn’t have to pay right away.” He smiled.

Violet shrugged. “Just keep the change. We didn’t really have time to count it out.”

Zangth nodded. “Many thanks. I want keep her here over night. In the morning, I’ll distribute some mild Med-X.” He eyed Violet over his glasses. “She needs to rest. And for the love of stars, keep her sober. With that anxiety, she doesn’t need to drink alcohol! Drunkenness is only going to make it worse! If you need me or Nurse Cherish, just call for us.”

With that lecture, he trotted out the door. Cherish rolled her eyes and smiled, warmly. “He’s such an asshole.” I heard the door close and hoofsteps walking down a hall. Violet sighed and continued to stroke my mane. Keeping my eyes on her, I made sure she stayed by my side. I had a few questions about the strange physician, but I figured I had better wait until my attention wasn’t so clouded.
The door burst open and in walked Nico and Redd, the latter red-faced.

“This place is nothing but rotten, no-good, savages!” Redd snorted, pacing around the room.

Violet glared.

“Violet, don’t blame him.” Nico scolded, resting his hooves next to me.

I’m so happy, you guys are here with me.

A tear rolled down my cheek. I wasn’t sure if I smiled, or not.

“What happened, Nico? What did they do to her?” She asked.

He swallowed. “They… he… raped her.” His voice cracked at the word “raped”.

Violet gasped, holding her hoof to her muzzle.

Redd growled, still pacing.

“I-I couldn’t do anything. They were hurting her, and I couldn’t protect her.” He stared into my eyes.

It’s not your fault! It’s mine, Nico. I should have kept that panic attack away. I should have been braver. I could have gotten the chains off, sooner. I’m sorry!

“I’m so damn useless.” He growled.

Redd took my hoof. I tried to squeeze it. “Never again. This shit will never happen again!”

“Guys, shh. She’s so tired. We’ll just have to try harder from now on. For now, let her regain her energy.” Violet soothed.

I tried so hard to keep my eyes open, but they forced themselves closed. At least Nico would be the last pony I’d see before I settled into the expected nightmare I knew would come. The sedative would be great for future anxiety attacks, though. I’d need to ask the zebra doctor for a prescription!

My expectations were met the second I awoke in the same factory I had been a few hours before. It didn’t even feel like a dream! The scenery was the exact same, only this time, the chains that had held Nico were on the floor. He wasn’t there! I galloped forward. Suddenly, the same cage sprung up out of nowhere, blocking me in. I screamed and slammed into the cage door. It wouldn’t budge!

“Nico! Somepony! Help me!” I cried. My voice was barely audible.

“Nopony is coming.”

Panic crawled its way up my throat. It was him. Nail Bit was coming for me! I didn’t dare turn my head.

“I-it’s just a nightmare. You c-can’t really hurt me.” I whispered.

“A nightmare you’ll live through, again. And again. And again!”

Laughter exploded around me. First, just his, then the mares joined in. I covered my face, trying to wake up. I whimpered as the laughter grew. The cackling was instantly replaced by one quiet chuckle. A voice I hadn’t heard since that night after the Wild Formal. Opening my eyes, I saw her dark silhouette behind the raider ponies.

Hope.

“You’re running out of time.” For her to be so far away, her tone was loud and clear.

“I’ll get them! P-please, just leave me and my friends alone!” I stomped.

I saw her smile under the hood.

Nail Bit stepped into my view, blocking her. I looked up at him. He was a skyscraper compared to reality. The cage door opened on its own. I bolted past him, towards the hallway. Tears of joy fell from my face. I was going to escape! My hooves pounded the floor, but I was unmoving. I panted, trying to escape the invisible grip. I began to rotate on my own, turning towards the grin that will forever be with me. He grinned, wide. I blinked, then was on my back again. My breath quickened.

“This is going to be fun!” He laughed.

“No! Get off! Leave me alone!” I screamed.

“Oh, Sienna. Don’t be so cruel!” He chuckled.

His hooves pinned me down as I screamed louder.

“Sienna, calm down, it’ll be okay!” He mocked. “Sienna! Stop!” His echoing laughter deafened me.

“Wake up!” He screamed in my face.

I screamed through my sobs.

“Sienna!” He shook me.

“Leave me alone!” I yelled.

“Sia!”

“Sienna! Please!”

My eyes flew open. I was still screaming and flailing when I woke up. Nico faded into view, shaking my shoulders. The nurse stood behind him. I could feel my heart thundering in my chest. Even my head was throbbing.

“Sienna, it’s me! It’s okay.” He pulled me into him.

I panted, trying to catch my breath. “N-Nico?”

“Yes! Yes, it’s okay!” He whispered.

I slowly wrapped my shaky hooves around him. My entire body was dripping with sweat.

“Need any sedatives?” The nurse asked.

“N-no.” I said. I really didn’t want to go back to sleep.

The nurse nodded and trotted out, closing the door. I sat, listening to Nico’s breathing. I gulped and attempted to match it with my own quick breaths. He held me, my head now resting on his chest. I closed my eyes, focusing on his steady heartbeat. Maybe mine would slow to match his, eventually.

“He’s still there.” I wept.

“No, he’s not. Redd made sure of it.” He said, softly.

I picked my head up to look at him. “Where is he? Where’s Violet? I want them here with me!”

A damp cloth hovered over, wrapped in his magic. He patted my brow with it. The cool temperature helped a great deal.

“They went for Mixer. Don’t worry, it’s not far from here. Shattered Hoof is only a mile away.”

“W-where is here? Who is that zebra?”

“We’re in one of the Fluttershy medical clinics. Zangth is a good zebra.” He assured.

I looked around. The room I was in was no longer all white. It was actually kind of homey. Framed paintings of flowers and animals hung on the soft, green walls. They weren’t near as beautiful as Nico’s creations, but they were still pretty to look at. Next to me, an I.V. tube snaked down and into my foreleg. If I was correct, it was only fluids.

“How are you feeling?” He asked, trying to keep a smile.

I rotated my shoulder. “Sore, but certainly better.” I looked down. “Physically, anyway.”

His smile faded. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t.” I held his hoof and shook my head. “I just need you here, now.”

Nico hung his head.

I frowned. “What’s wrong?”

He cleared his throat. “I-I thought I could watch out for you. I thought… we could…” He closed his eyes. “Sia, you deserve somepony better than me. I… love you, I just can’t let you get hurt anymore. I want you to stay closer to Redd from now on.”

My last bit of happiness shattered at his harsh words.

“I’m still going to help you find the rainbow pearls, but you’ll be safer with him. Violet, too. I already spoke with them before they left. Redd, not surprisingly, agreed.” He faked a chuckle. “I think you two were made for each other, to be honest.”

I was speechless. My mouth gaped open, trying to let the words escape. There just weren’t any to escape.

“I don’t even know what I’m saying. It’s not like we’re a pair, or anything.” He blushed.

My brain imploded. The only word I knew to say escaped my muzzle with no permission from me, whatsoever. “Okay.”

He looked at me and flattened his ears. “O-okay.”

“So, we just forget everything?” I said, trying to be as calm as possible. On the inside, I was tearing to pieces.

“I-I didn’t say that…”

“Why not? I only let you do things to me I never would have imagined doing with another stallion.” I shrugged. “No big deal.”

I’m losing it.

He stared, wide-eyed.

“You’re right, Redd and I do have chemistry. It was silly of me to think you and I would ever have anything together.” I gave him a half smile and put my hoof on his shoulder. “But, I do want to still be your friend. Please? I don’t want to lose you, altogether.”

Why? I thought we had something! You were all I wanted in this blasted world!

He nodded, slowly. “Of course. I couldn’t ask for a better friend.” He returned my smile, clearly forcing it.

I hugged him. “Thank you, Nico. For everything.”

Damn you!

“No, thank you, Sia. You made me wake up to a lot of things.” He squeezed me, gently.

I faked a yawn. “I’m happy to hear that. Er, if you don’t mind, I think I’m gonna try and get some more sleep.”

“Oh, yes, I’m sorry. I’ll be just around the hall if you need me. I’ll send Redd or Violet in when they get here.” He told me.

I nodded, watching him drag his hooves out into the hall. As soon as the door clicked shut, I threw my head into my pillow to muffle my frustrated scream. When I was done, I pulled the blanket up to my neck and laid on my side, away from the door. There were no windows, so I couldn’t tell if it was daylight or not.

“Why?” I whispered. “I love you...”

Tears poured from my eyes like a waterfall.

What else is going to happen to me? You picked a great time to do this, you fucking asshole!

Sobbing, I silently prayed I was still dreaming. I knew it wasn’t, but I was willing to lie to myself, once. I was beginning to think the goddesses, wherever they were, hated me. It didn’t change the fact that I would still get to the pearls, but it would mean I would definitely go back home afterwards. I curled up, covering my nose with my tail, and sighed. There was nothing else to do, so I sucked it up and tried to get some sleep.

The door creaked open, waking me from my snooze. I didn’t even bother to turn around, only half-open my eyes. They were a little swollen from crying. It was probably just the nurse or doctor coming to check my vitals, anyway.

“Oh, dear goddess, my baby!”

Daddy?

I raised my head to see him trotting quickly to the side of the bed I was facing. He grabbed me and squeezed me tightly. “Redd told me what happened. I’ll murder those bastards with my bare hooves!”

I thought of that gory image. I’d definitely hate to see him fight.

“I-it’s alright. They’re already dead.” I said, resting my head on his shoulder.

He rubbed my back. “You shouldn’t have left the bar.”

“Daddy, I’m fine.” I lied.

“Where’s Nico? Was he with you?”

“Yes.”

“Why wasn’t he protecting you?” He scolded.

I held his face in my hooves. “Daddy! It’s not his fault. He was chained to a pillar. Th-they… they made him watch.”

The anger melted from his expression. “I’m sorry. I just haven’t seen him since the bar. I was so worried about you.” He hugged me again.

“Nico just left. I’m not sure where he went.” I folded my ears back.

“No matter. I asked Redd and Violet to stay with you tonight.”

“No, it’s okay, really. I-“

“Absolutely not! I’d prefer somepony like Redd be with you at all times. Nico is a great colt, but Redd has a hell of a lot of firepower. I have to get back to the tavern. There’s been a terrible fight between Specks and some mare. I’m afraid the poor guy just can’t hold his on.” He kissed my forehead. “I love you. I’ll be back in the morning.”

“Love you, too.” I smiled, until he was out the door.

I flopped on the bed, again. “I hate my life.”

“I’ve heard that many times.”

I jumped at the sound of Cherish trotting in.

“Sorry to startle you, I just know how it is. Life in the wasteland sucks, to put it simply.” She said as she fiddled with my I.V. “Feeling better?”

I nodded. “Today has just not been my day, I guess.”

She continued to take the tubing from my leg. “Oh, I can only imagine. You’re taking it remarkably well, now, though.”

I shrugged. “I have no idea why. Maybe my emotions are just so shocked, they shut down.”

“It could happen.” Her horn glowed and she put it to the small hole where the needle was. The blood stopped.

It was going to be awkward, but I wanted to ask her something. Hearing it from a somepony besides my friends would hopefully help.

“Cherish, can I ask you something… personal?”

“Of course.” She smiled.

I took a deep breath. “Have you ever been in love with somepony who didn’t want to be with you because they thought they weren’t good enough?”

The nurse tilted her head. “How do you mean?”

I fought back tears. “If somepony said they didn’t want to be with you because they couldn’t protect you.”

She blinked, then smiled. “I’m afraid I’ve never been in that situation.”

“Oh.” I slumped.

“But, if I was, I think I would feel horrible.”

Quickly, I wiped my eyes before she could see. “Yeah.”

Her smile faded. “Love isn’t just about protecting somepony. It’s going in together. No matter the danger. No matter what comes, they’ll be there for you. Even if they think they fail. Would he die trying to keep you safe? Would he be there until the very end?”

I stared at her. I didn’t know what to think. Did she overhear mine and Nico’s conversation?

She continued. “Sorry to preach, love. I’ve never been in love, but it’s what I would imagine it feels like that. Let me know if you feel woozy or more pain.” She began to trot towards the hall. “Oh, and he went outside. I’ll be at my desk. I surely hope you don’t sneak past.” She winked.

My mind was blown when she left. What did she mean by that? I didn’t want to go looking for him. Hell no! He said he didn’t want to be with me, so fine! I harrumphed and flipped back onto my side under the thin blanket. No way was I leaving this room for him! I stared at the painting on the far wall. The two birds in the picture were together, flying into the trees and over a birdhouse. I thought of the winged creatures, how they would land next to each other and lovingly stay side by side.

“Stupid birds. Stupid emotions!” I snorted at the painting.

Time passed by slowly. I tried so many times to sleep, but I couldn’t. Redd or Violet would stick their heads in to check on me. When they did, I’d pretend to be asleep. All I could think about was earlier. When I was raped and violated as if I were an object. Then, I’d think of Nico. How he had to watch with the most terrifying expression. I was selfish. I didn’t even stop to ask how he felt. I cried a few times, cowered in fear a couple of times, and even laughed at my stupidity once. My body was confused. I was confused! Finally, I threw the blanket off.

“I’m so damn stupid for this.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Level Up!

Health -4
Tools +2
Scavenging +1

New Perks!

The Good Stuff - When you have Med-X or any sedatives, you are safe from anxiety attacks for up to 7 hours.
Guardian - Because of Redd's promise, you're health bar increases by %15.

Author's Notes:

Hey my fellow bronies/pegasisters!
Sorry for the delay. I do have an excuse: Life.
Hope you enjoy this chapter! I almost cried as I was writing! I just get so emotional with my stories!
Anyway, constructive criticism is always welcome!
-AP