Falling asleep was not a struggle for me. The memories had left me mentally exhausted. This time, however... I remember waking up to find myself in Ponyville again. Or rather somewhere near it. I noticed the feeling of someone next to me. Touching me. I was still clearly in bed, but not my hospital bed. The person beside me... Fluttershy. I was back in my own home. Although it seemed like I had woken up at the crack of dawn. The sun was only just starting to rise.

I looked down at her. She looked so serene in her slumber. So...real. But as I gazed at her, I felt no happiness. By that point, I knew that this realm is nothing more than a vision of what would never be. While I was initially enthralled with it the first few times, knowing the grim truth made this dream uncomfortable.

Without a word, I climbed out of bed and dressed myself in jeans and a red polo shirt. I did not want to stay around the illusion of the woman I once loved. It almost felt like the mere sight of her was taunting my emotions. Even though the memories were no longer constantly forcing themselves into the forefront of my mind, I could still recall them. That dream has died.

I quietly made my way downstairs and into the living room. Scootaloo was nearby, but... I felt uneasy approaching her as she slept in bed. Why? Was it because I knew I was going to lose her soon? And in the new room to the back of the house... I remember. It was a new addition. And inside in a little bed was... Gladesong.

That darling filly... I wanted to approach her, yet I wanted to stay away from her. The ultimate achievement of my relationship with Fluttershy, and also the greatest slap in the face I had likely ever received. As if her mere existence was taunting me and my memories. The joy of living an ideal life with those I once held close to my heart was gone, replaced by a feeling of emptiness. A life I will never have...

I left that house with a heavy heart. That is a life that is gone. And I did not want to be reminded of it. The landscape around the cottage was quiet without a sign of life or movement. I wanted to get away from there. To get away from that lie of a life.

I headed south, staying on the outskirts of Sweet Apple Acres. Knowing the Apple family, at least one of them was likely waking up to begin harvesting apples. And I did not want to have to come across Applejack. My destination was further south. My favorite location for just being alone to think.

The pond at the park. A fairly isolated location. And exactly where I wanted to be. I sat myself down on the peninsula that jutted out into the body of water. There was still a sack of fish food just sitting there, but I did not feel the need or desire to toss any to the fish that were likely just under the surface. I just felt so... I do not even know the right words for it. My mind just felt...devoid of any happiness or drive.

After a few minutes, I leaned back and allowed myself to just lie on my back and look up into the steadily brightening sky. The air was somewhat cool, but it was beginning to warm into what one would expect for a late summer day. But soon, I heard the faint sound of grass rustling under someone's feet. Someone was approaching. Not in the mood for company from an illusion of someone I care about, I was prepared to just ask them to leave me be. Instead, I found a pair of familiar faces who I knew for sure were not mere illusions soon looking down at me. The twin princesses of the moon.

Feeling somewhat elated to see a pair of faces I hold dear to me, I promptly sat up and looked at them. Luna was the first to speak with a somewhat worrisome expression. "My friend, are you well? It's strange to find you this far out here at the breaking of dawn."

"It's not like I decided when I would wake up. I'm never up thiis early in the real world." I replied while resting a hand on my bent knee.

"Even so..." Nightmare Moon began while pausing briefly to turn to the north. "Why are you not back home at this time? We were expecting to be visiting you while you were having breakfast."

I was actually mildly surprised by that claim. Could they really not guess why I was not at home with Fluttershy at the time? I let out a sigh before turning away from them. "There's nothing there for me anymore. Just a mirage."

"But surely... Doesn't this dream bring you joy? This is where you... Just look at your wrist. It still bears a band of gold." Luna retorted while pointing at my hand. Indeed, that marriage band that I saw during that wedding before the world began to melt away was on my wrist. As if that bizarre anomaly never happened.

I gazed at the bracelet in silence momentarily. With a sigh, I slid it off and dropped it to the ground beside me. "It's not real. You both know that."

Nightmare Moon looked on in a show of mild shock. She knows me well and likely knows that I would normally never consider doing such a thing. "But...the Fluttershy of this realm still..."

I felt a tinge of bitterness swell in my heart before I scowled at my two royal friends. "What is the point of coming back to this dream if it's just going to end and place me right back where I am in the real world? I'm tired of being taunted with this illusion of the life I once had knowing that I'm never getting it back..."

They fell silent. And for the next few moments, they said nothing. But I could see that they understood what I was saying. I turned my gaze back to the pond. But soon, I heard the two alicorns draw close. And I then felt a wing from each of them drape across my front and back. Luna then spoke softly from my right, "We understand, James... And we will do what we can to try to make this dream one of happiness."

With a sigh, I lifted my hands and gently dragged my fingers against the feathers that lined them. I felt secure and at ease in their embrace, a feeling that has become a rarity recently. Eventually, I heard Luna gasp lightly before she seemed to lean towards Nightmare Moon. "Sister, I just had an idea."

Whatever she said next into her sister's ear was too silent for me to make out, but it prompted a rather excited smirk from her. "Why didn't I think of that?"

The two sisters then retracted their wings and stood up beside me. I remained seated, though they both smiled while Nightmare Moon began to speak. "Well... Seeing as how you would rather not be here, perhaps you would prefer it if we went somewhere else for the duration of this dream?"

They seemed to be up to something, but I had no reason to doubt them. I nodded and started to climb to my feet. "Yeah. Anywhere as long as it's not Ponyville."

"Then I can assure you that you will not be disappointed." Luna said with a smirk while her horn was engulfed by her blue magic aura. A second later, there was a flash from it before the aura faded. It was then that I found myself with them not by the pond, but at the very edge of the Everfree Forest and the path that leads into it. "Shall we be on our way?"

"Wait... The Everfree Forest? Why here?" I asked while feeling puzzled as to why two of the ruling princesses of Equestria would even want to set foot inside it.

Nightmare Moon cast me a caasual smile while she turned to me. "Well, it's certainly heavily isolated from Ponyville. So, why not just a rommp through the forest?"

I certainly was not entirely convinced and crossed my arms. "Where... Hang on. Are you suggesting that we pay a visit to the castle ruins at the far end of the forest?"

Luna and Nightmare Moon snickered and chuckled heartily before the Princess of the Night grinned at me. "How did you ever guess?"

Having been to that place only twice in my life, I suppose it would make for an interesting visit if we returned to those ruins. With a shrug of my shoulders, I nodded at them. "Well... I don't see why not. Lead... Wait... How long will it take to get there? It took me close to a full day to get there the first time."

"Well, if our memory serves, we still have a general idea of the most direct path through the forest. We used to live out here once, after all." Luna explained while she began to head into the trees. Trusting her as my guide, I hurried along after the Princess of the Night with Nightmare Moon close behind me.

Even though I had been in the Everfree Forest at least once over the last few weeks, it still never feels all that routine whenever I walk along that path. It felt so...authentic. Like I was not dreaming at all. I suppose when either of the princesses of the moon are with you, they blur the line between illusion and reality.

They did not seem to have any difficulty navigating. Neither Luna nor Nightmare Moon stopped to get their bearings. Even when we finally went off the path, they just constantly walked along with me between them. "Hey... Uh... I know this is all a dream, but... You two seem like you're very familiar with this place."

"Does it surprise you? We used to live here, so we were familiar with the path that led in and out of the forest." Luna explained while glancing back at me over her shoulder.

Nightmare Moon then added, "The forest used to not be quite this...wild while we still resided in our castle. The Everfree Forest only really became an untamed spread of nature at its purest once Celestia forsook it after.. Well...you know."

"Indeed. I was quite surprised to find that she had relocated it to the top of the nearest mountain during my absence. Canterlot did not even exist back then." Luna continued while she led me along. I looked around at my surroundings while we walked. To imagine that this forest was at one time much more orderly. One would never know by looking at it today.

We eventually came to a cliffside that I had never passed before. There seemed to be a familiar path below that seemed familiar to me. While the drop was not that great, probably not reaching more than fifty feet, it certainly would not be easy to traverse downward. There even seemed to be a steep earthy slope by the cliff, almost as if a landslide had taken some of the path away. "Uh... Are you sure this is the right way? I don't remember passing a cliff in the forest."

Nightmare Moon actually seemed rather nervous at the sight of the cliff. Although it did not seem to be due to a fear of heights. "Oh dear... Uh..."

Luna seemed puzzled by her sister's unease and asked, "What is it, sister? You never seemed to be one who is prone to vertigo before."

With a rather shameful look on her face, Nightmare Moon let out a sigh. "I'm the one who triggered the landslide here that took away a chunk of the path. It was to keep the bearers of the Elements from reaching where the Elements of Harmony were being kept. I'm glad that they escaped harm from the fall."

That certainly caught me by surprise. I looked over the cliff, seeing that it was a fairly long drop at the bottom of the slope. "Well, that explains why we all took the low road when we came out here to find you. It was the path they remembered... Wait, you tried to..."

"You must remember, James. I was not the mare I am now. But fear not. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy ensured that they all made it to the bottom safely." Nightmare Moon explained while still seeming not proud of her actions.

"Although..." Luna muttered while she came closer to the edge while surveying the path at the bottom of the cliff. "We will eventually have to descend to that path below. It will likely save us some time if we descend here now." She then spread her beautiful blue wings and took to the air before swooping down to the path below.

"Well, we shouldn't let her get too far ahead." The Princess of Dreams said with a smile while her horn was coated by a deep blue aura. A second later, I found myself standing beside Luna with Nightmare Moon behind me. Obviously the use of the teleportation spell. "Shall we?"

We continued on without a hitch, although we eventually came to a river that seemed all too familiar. While I could not see through the water clearly due to the poor lighting of the night the previous time around, I could see that we were near the shallows. We could very likely walk across. Even so, I did not want my socks to get wet.

My two royal friends seemed to have the same idea. A few seconds later, I found myself on the opposite sside of tthe river in a flash. Luna then looked at me and smirked. "Let me guess. You thought we were just going to wade across?"

That line actually got a laugh out of me. However, I then looked back at the river behind us. "Makes me wonder why Twilight didn't just flash us across the river in the first place."

"Well, there was a bridge here at one time. Although considering that it has been at least a millennium since that fateful night, it has likely just rotted away." Nightmare Moon added while we continued on into the trees. Considering the constant exposure to moisture from the river, I doubt that bridge lasted longer than ten years without maintenance.

Before much more time had passed, we finally emerged from the trees and stopped at the sight before us. The castle ruins that once served as Nightmare Moon's prison. And thankfully, the rope bridge was still there. "I'm actually surprised this bridge is still here. You'd think a thousand years would be harsher on it."

"Yes, we took that into consideration during its assembly. The rope and the wood planks were enchanted to render it immune to the debilitating effects of the elements. That bridge over the river would not have been that big of a problem if it broke since it was built over the shallows. This, however..." Luna explained before stepping closer to the edge of the cliff that the bridge extended from. The fog that filled the ravine was gone, allowing us to see what a rocky drop it would have been. They simply could not afford the bridge to break while someone was crossing it.

"Point taken... Anyway, since we're here..." I muttered in reply before we began to carefully cross. We soon found ourselves standing before the great wooden doors that led into the opening chamber, although I think the proper term is foyer. Perhaps all wooden doors that led outside were enchanted to prevent deterioration.

"Well... Here we are. Home sweet home." Luna spoke rather somberly while she pushed the door open and stepped into the foyer. Once again, I found myself standing in the room that holds that odd stone pedestal with stone arms and plates reaching out. "I cannot believe how little of it remains... The elements have not been kind in the last thousand years."

"Aside from the throne chambers over yonder, yes... To think that this is all that remains of our home..." Nightmare Moon also solemnly spoke. I decided to say nothing. They were clearly experiencing quite a nostalgia trip. These ruins likely held many memories for them. However, she suddenly gasped and promptly approached her sister while smirking whimsically. "Luna. If you have a moment..."

"Hm?" Luna mumbled before Nightmare Moon began to whisper into her ear. As she spoke, Luna's expression rapidly brightened. "A brilliant idea, sister. James, would you mind following us outside?"

"Uh... OK?" I replied while doing as I was told. Once we were back outside, I glanced back at the castle ruins before looking at my two friends again. "Are we leaving already?"

"Not quite." Luna said with a smirk while her horn was engulfed by that cobalt hue of hers.

Nightmare Moon then spoke while her own deep blue aura covered her sleek black horn. "We would just like to take a stroll down memory lane."

At those words, I felt the ground rumble. I turned around and rapidly stepped backwards. The crumbled walls of the foyer seemed to be regaining structure. The roof was returning! And beyond the foyer... A castle was rising out of the ground brick by brick. And it did not just stop there. Out to the sides, more and more of a grand castle was being restored from nothing. Iit... I have no way to describe it. I suppose anything is possible in the realm of dreams.

Moments later, truly a spectacle of a castle stood before us. It did not have the regal majesty of the palace in Canterlot, but it still stood out as a mighty structure symbolizing power much like the stone castlles in Earth's history. It was a lot to take in on short notice, so I cannot recall all of the details. Even so, I was quite impressed. It seemed even larger than Canterlot Castle itself.

"There we go. Much better, wouldn't you say?" Nightmare Moon said proudly while she began to approach the mighty twin doors.

"Uh... Yeah. I mean... You basically just rewound the clock so that the castle was still standing. Nothing's impossible in the dream realm, huh?" I replied while still being thoroughly impressed by such a show of magical might.

"Indeed. When your mind powers your dreams, anything is possible." Luna spoke with a smile while using her magic to hold the door open for us. "Welcome to our home."

It seemed that the foyer's overall design differed noticeably between how it looks in the modern day and how it looked back in its prime. Instead of large arched windows that almost reached the floor, it had arched gaps in the wall that led to doors into other parts of the castle. Lit torches were suspended above the doors. An arched ceiling lined with blue tiles extended across the room above us. And at the far end of the chamber were a pair of thrones. While physically identical, their colors differed while they had banners hanging above them. The one on the right, which was colored a golden yellow, had an equally golden banner above it depicting clouds, mountains, and wind. The one on the left, which was a dark shade of blue with maybe some green mixed in, had a blue banner above it depicting the same clouds as the orange one, as well as planets and stars. It seemed that the contrast between night and day was a running theme in the chamber's design, such as the crescent moons and suns on the bases of the pillars in the room's corners and even a design on the wide red stretch of the floor that depicted a crescent moon cradling a sun in its 'mouth'. The thrones seemed to be held upon a raised platform while a flight of steps went up to them with a gap leading behind and under them into another darker chamber. Between the two thrones was what seemed to be a type of balcony from which one of the princesses would address their subjects. "Nice place you got here."

"It's certainly not up to the standards of our current home today. But back during more primitive times, this was the epitome of luxury." Nightmare Moon explained while she walked down the hall. She seemed to be drinking in the scenery, remembering days long past.

However, while looking around the room, I noticed something was missing. The strange stone display that had been just beyond the door was missing entirely. "Hey. Uh... Where'd that...thing go?"

Luna glanced at where I was pointing. "What thing? You... Oh, that. Where the Elements of Harmony once were?" She then began to carefully pick along the middle of the floor with her hooves before stopping. She then tapped her hoof against the floor where she stood. It had a noticeably hollow sound to it. "Ah, here it is. That device is just below here. A hidden vault, if you will."

Considering the sheer importance of those things, it was understandable that they would be kept hidden. But at that minute, I just wanted to explore. To see what these former ruins had to show me. "So... Am I free to go where I please?"

"Of course, my friend. Our home is your home. Explore to your heart's content. Although..." Luna replied before pausing as she held a hoof to her chin. She then suddenly lifted it into the air as if signaling that she just had an idea. "I do believe that somepony else can join us!"

Nightmare Moon glanced over at her sister and seemed to understand what she meant right away. "Allow me."

The Princess of Dreams closed her eyes while her magic aura surged around her horn. "Let's see here... No, not that one... There she is!"

With that, some sort of rift opened up in front of her before she partially stepped through it. "Come along! There's something I want you to see!" She then stepped backwards while dragging someone through the portal. Whoever it was did not seem very pleased as I heard a bit of a yelp. Needless to say, I was not entirely surprised to see who it was. None other than Celestia herself.

"Nightmare Moon, not now! I was enjoying a pastry-tasting event!" The Princess of the Dawn shouted while somewhat flailing her legs. In her magical grasp was indeed some sort of pastry. Probably a crepe.

"Uh... She doesn't have to stay if she doesn't want to." I spoke up, knowing that the two sisters were likely just trying to bring in as many friendly faces as possible to keep me happy. Although it did not seem like Celestia had heard me.

Once Celestia was set upon her feet, she took a moment to survey her surroundings. "Now, why would you barge into my dre... Wait... This place is..."

"Welcome home, sister. It's been quite some time since you last stood in these halls, hasn't it?" Luna spoke up while drawing near.

Celestia took a few steps towards the thrones once the portal to her own dream closed. She seemed awestruck with how silent she was at first. "It's exactly as I remember it... The thrones. The ceiling. Even the smell is the same." She then turned to face us. "But why bring me to..."

She froze as her eyes fell upon me. That puzzled gaze became one of... I think it was a displlay of immense guilt. "Oh my... I was not expecting to see you..."

I did not say anything and merely waved at her in greeting. However, Celestia then trotted over to me while still looking noticeably alarmed. "Are you well? It's been... How many days?"

I suppose she had a point. It was the first time I had laid eyes on her since the day we arrived in Canterlot to...deal with Discord. Celestia raised her hoof, almost as if she was going to touch my face, but she ultimately did not lift it higher than my chest. She looked troubled. It was an expression I was not used to seeing on her face. "Yeah, I think it has been a while..."

It seemed like there was more she wanted to say. However, those words did not come. She almost looked like she wanted to get away from me. As for why, I could not guess. Her sisters seemed to be noticing this behavior too. At least I assume they did if those frowns meant anything. Soon, Celestia turned away from me and faced her sisters. "Um... I'm going to take a look around. Try to see if everything is as I remember."

"Very well then. We'll be around." Nightmare Moon replied before Celestia rushed through one of the nearby side doors. I have no idea where it led. However, Nightmare Moon then faced Luna and me. "I do believe I would like to explore on my own for a while. Let's meet up again soon."

"OK. I'll stick with Luna." I retorted while Luna nodded. Nightmare Moon then paused while glancing back and forth at the other side doors before going through one and out of sight.

"Well, I suppose it's just you and I, my friend. Lead on. I shall follow." Luna said to me with a smile.

"OK. So, uh... I guess this way?" I said while making my way to another one of the side doors.

Try as I might, I cannot recall all of the details of my surroundings from the dream. My memories are strongest of areas I tended to linger in for extended periods of time. Although I do recall passing through an expansive library packed with towering bookcases. Hard to forget something like that. However, since we had more interesting things to do than sit around reading, Luna and I continued on.

The first place we stopped by was a rather cozy chamber that Luna described as a reading lounge. It certainly looked the part. There was a single bookcase to the left of the windows, which were two tall and steeply arched stained-glass windows that depicted a golden orange sun and a light blue moon and stars. The sun and moon thing certainly was becoming a recurring theme in the castle's aesthetics. There were a few fancy square pillows by the window and a couple of smaller pillows resting upon... Well, I can only describe it as a combination of a chhair and bench. It had some gentle curves in the design, likely for comfort when lying upon it. A wooden pedestal was in the center of the room and held a single book while a small round table was against the wall across the room from the bookcase.

"Ah, I recall this place. The perfect chamber for some peace and quiet when you were in the mood for a good book." Luna said with a smile while heading right to the bookcase to our left.

"I guess back then there wasn't much to do for entertainment aside from reading, huh?" I asked while making myself comfortable on the strange chair across the room.

Luna soon rested upon the pillows by the window while flipping open the book she had picked out. "I suppose so. Our castle was rather isolated, so there was... Um..."

While waiting for her to continue speaking, I noticed that Luna's expression was slowly becoming a rather perplexed and twisted grimace. "Whoa... Luna, what's with that look?"

The Princess of the Night looked up from her book at me without losing that bizarre stare. "James... Have you ever heard of that urban legend that says it is impossible to read while dreaming?"

"Yeah. What about it?" I replied while wondering what she was getting at.

She then promptly turned the book around to show me the pages and said dryly, "They were right."

What a bizarre sight. The letters in the pages were just absurdly spread out jumbles of gibberish. I could not read anything and could not help laughing at the sight of it. "I guess you know you're dreaming when all you can read is binary code!"

Luna seemed absolutely baffled by my words, but laughed anyway. But once that was over, she began to flip through the book again. Perhaps she was just looking for illustrations if nothing else. However, while I lounged around on the sofa of sorts, I caught a glimpse of someone taking a peek into the room. It was Celestia, but she promptly ducked out of sight after quickly glancing at me.

It was no secret that Celestia seemed distraught about something. What had happened since the day I lapsed into that coma? Seeing that Luna was unaware that her sister had just peeked in on us, likely while expecting the room to have been deserted, I decided to bring up the question. "Hey, Luna? How has Celestia been lately?"

My royal friend lifted her gaze from the book upon hearing my words. Her expression immediately darkened as a melancholy frown spread across her lips. "Celestia has... My sister has not been well. She has been struggling to cope with clashing emotions that have befallen her since that dark day."

Her answer surprised me. Celestia, despite her beauty, grace, and very friendly demeanor, always seemed like someone with a strong will. I was surprised that she was still being so deeply affected by this past crisis. As of now, it has been roughly two weeks since that day. "It doesn't sound like her to show that level of weakness. She always seemed like a very strong woman to me."

"She still has her limits, James. Her heart has been heavy for days." Luna replied with a sigh. "She's been dealing with a great deal of guilt and the lingering pain of loss. I doubt she has had to deal with such a blow to her soul since the day she had to seal me within the moon."

"Loss? Of what?" I asked while feeling rather bewildered. What had she lost recently? I certainly was not aware of anything of the sort.

Luna seemed to be distracted by some personal thoughts before she offered a brief explanation. And her words caught me by surprise. "I'm not surprised you are unaware that Discord was at one time a dear friend to the two of us."

Friends? With him? "Seriously? You were friends with... Oh... Oh my god..."

I instantly felt my skin crawl with sweat and anxiety. Had I... Had I robbed the royal sisters of an old friend? Luna quickly set her book down and rushed to my side before placing her hoof on my arm. "James, no. You must not blame yourself. When all is said and done, Discord's demise was for the best. There was no hope for that fool."

The unbearable heat that filled me was not quick to fade. I looked at her with my hand holding my face. "You sure? I mean... Does Celestia hate me?"

"Not in the slightest, my friend. More than anything, she blames herself for what has occurred. He may have been my friend at one time, but that is an era that has long since passed. The friend we once had ceased to exist eons ago." Luna said while shaking her head. She seemed bothered by the memories, but at least she seemed to have long since come to terms with them. But it seemed that her sister had not.

I felt only slightly more at ease after hearing those words, though Luna did not leave my side. "OK... Well... What is her take on me?"

Luna did not seem entirely certain of how to answer that question. She hesitated before asking, "Whatever do you mean? Is something wrong? You do not think ill of her, do you?"

"No, of course not..." I replied quietly while feeling myself scratching my skin as the anxiety subsided. "It's just... I'm not sure of what she feels about me. Whenever we've interacted, it's usually been... I guess strictly business. I mean we have spent time together like that day a few weeks back. But more often than not, everything we've done together has revolved around rather serious topics. I'm not sure she even views me as a real friend."

There was a moment of silence between us before Luna spoke up softly. "James... What is she to you?"

Not an easy question to answer. I had to stop and think before I could offer a reply. "I... Well... I don't know. Compared to you and Nightmare Moon, she's always been a bit more distant and more professional. But... Well, I'll be honest. She's someone who is very difficult not to like."

"Is that why you purchased that ring for her?" Luna asked quietly without ever looking away.

I knew which ring she was speaking of. The golden ring that I always see resting at the base of her horn with an amethyst embedded on the front. "Well... I didn't want her to feel left out when I got you and Nightmare Moon those matching rings. I... Well... I like her and I wanted to make her happy. Do you think I did?"

Luna smiled very warmly. "She always wears that ring, James. You did indeed make her happy." She paused momentarily before asking, "Is she your friend?"

"Good question... I really don't know." I replied quietly while setting my head down. "I don't think she's ever shown that much of an interest in me aside from checking on how I've been adapting to life in Equestria and inquiring into my bond with you and Nightmare Moon. I mean I know why she brought me to Equestria. But... I don't know where we stand with each other."

My friend seemed to glance around for a few seconds before speaking to me in almost a whisper. "Allow me to let you in on a little secret. During these dark days, I have found that she is lamenting her lack of interaction with you. If given the chance, I'm certain the two of you would be very dear friends."

"Seriously? Me and Celestia? And she has?" I asked in slight surprise. Perhaps it is because I do not know her terribly well, but that was a claim I was not expecting.

Luna seemed quite certain of her claim as she nodded promptly. "I do. I can see quite a bit of her in you, James. You probably have more in common with Celestia than you do with Nightmare Moon and I. Trust me, I think you two would mesh nicely."

Feeling slightly more at ease, I decided to stand up. "Well, if you say so. Uh... I'm gonna take a look around some more. See what this place has to offer. Let's meet up again in a while."

"All right then. Try not to get lost." Luna replied while I made my way out the door.

I wandered all over the castle without any sense of direction or destination. A hallway here, a spiraling stairwell there. I had no idea just how massive those older castle designs could get. Eventually, I found myself outside the castle atop a long stone walkway that spanned to the left side of the castle. It seemed to lead to one of two wings. And the view was spectacular. I could even see a rather impressive stone dragon statue perched upon the central structure's side. The walkway was very high off the ground and did not have a whole lot preventing me from falling over the side, so I almost felt as if the ground below me was swaying just slightly.

The section of the castle ahead of me seemed to be the area where the old throne room used to be. The place where I took shelter in when I hid out in the Everfree Forest last year. Although it did puzzle me. I clearly saw where the real thrones were in the middle of the castle on the ground floor. Why would another throne be placed elsewhere?

I did not have much time to think of it. I saw a patch of white with bits of gold standing at the far end of the walkway along with a wavering flag of bright pastel colors. It was Celestia. Knowing she likely did not want to be bothered, I turned to my left and just leaned against the ramparts while gazing out over the impressive view of the castle and courtyard. There appeared to be smaller sections of the castle below that seemed separate from the main structure. Possibly servant quarters. At the edge of the courtyard stood a vast wall with an opening that led to the bridge that spanned the chasm that we had only just recently crossed over. It did not seem tall enough to really protect the castle from an invading army and there did not seem to be a gate at the entrance. Perhaps it was due to them just not being necessary.

A minute later, I heard Celestia's hooves clopping past from behind me. She said nothing to me as a silent tension built in the air. It was almost as if I was expecting her to shove me over the side. The sound of her hooves fell silent momentarily before they continued on to my left again. But just as I thought she was about to reenter the castle, I heard her footsteps once more coming towards me. They came to a stop when I felt she was right beside me. And this time, she did not depart. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her gazing out at the horizon with me. When I turned to gaze at her, she spoke without even looking at me. "Magnificent view, isn't it?"

Her expression was mostly neutral. Although I did offer a reply. "Yeah... Almost as good as the view from Canterlot."

Celestia's expression became uneasy when she saw that I was looking at her. Her eyes glanced at me before she turned to me and began to almost nervously back away. "I'm sorry... I just wanted to see the... I'll be going now."

It was almost as if she was unsure if she should even be around me. Very unusual behavior. Finally, before she could leave, I pushed myself back from the ramparts and faced her. "Are you OK? It's not like you to be this...well...nervous."

Her ears drooped. And it was then that she finally explained herself. "I feel as if I should not even be in your presence... You are at death's door and the blame is mine..."

I had all but forgotten about my body's condition in the real world. She was right. I was and currently am dying. But surely it was not her fault. "Hey, don't say that. I've got nothing against you."

"That is only because you do not know..." She spoke softly while looking and sounding like she was on the verge of tears. I had never seen Celestia look and sound so vulnerable. She seemed like shee was prepared to turn and flee. However, I held out an arm to her. I felt no ill will towards her, regardless of whatever reason she felt I would have. She glanced at my hand, seemingly debating on whether or not she should stay or leave. And a moment later, she made her decision.

Celestia trotted forward into my embrace and rested her head upon my shoulder. I felt her tears flow. Tears of what I was sure was pent-up guilt. She whimpered and sobbed while her wing wrapped around me. "Forgive me... Forgive me for what I forced you through..."

I was at a complete loss of what it was she was even implying. Should I have been upset with her? I suppose I could have asked her, but I was compelled to remain silent. She was clearly under quite a bit of emotional duress and I did not want to bring up any further bad memories with unwanted questions. So I just stood there while holding her in my arm.

A minute passed before Celestia's quiet weeping seemed to stop. I did not speak. All I did was hold her in my arm. Although she soon lifted her head and looked at me with a forlorn expression. "I'm sorry... I must seem so pathetic weeping like this..."

I shook my head and replied as straightforwardly as I could. "You're not. There's nothing wrong with being honest with your emotions."

She did not speak, but I could see that Celestia was rather surprised by my honesty. She soon lifted her hoof to her face and rubbed her eyes with her wrist to dry her tears. Even though her weeping had ceased, she still frowned with noticeable sorrow. Remembering how she seemed like she wanted to flee from me, I spoke up. "If you want to go somewhere else, I won't mind."

I turned my attention back to the view of the Everfree Forest that spreads beyond the courtyard's walls. I could see the distant forms of rounded hills beyond the trees. It was just such a majestic view and gave me a sense of isolation while being surrounded by nature. I did not have much time to contemplate it though. I soon felt a large wing drape over my right shoulder. There was no need for alarm though. I knew that Celestia was standing just to my left.

The Princess of the Dawn was grimly silent. If that tearful breakdown was any indication, she was still under a great deal of duress. Hoping to ease the tension, I tried asking a few questions. "You know... This castle doesn't look like it has much in the way of defenses. That wall seems a bit low and I don't even see a gate."

My attempt to change the subject seemed to work. Celestia spoke without looking at me. "There was never much need for complex defenses. We only had as many guards stationed here as necessary. We never had any enemies and the worst we would ever have to fear were wild beasts that had the courage to cross the bridge that spans the crevasse dividing our castle from the rest of the forest. And it was a rare day that the guards would actually have to fend off such creatures." A quick glance out of the corner of my eye revealed a slightly amused smirk on her muzzle. "I even occasionally caught some of the guards complaining of how dull their duties were due to lack of threats to deal with."

While I know the ponies of Equestria have never been a violent sort, I could imagine how boring it must be to go day after day with the same patrols and standing watch for hours at a time without anything interesting happening. However, I then noticed Celestia place her hoof upon the rampart before us. After glancing at the solemn princess beside me, I hesitantly reached out and tenderly set my hand over her hoof. I just wanted to make her feel better knowing that I was there for her.

I was hesitant to look at Celestia. Mixed emotions and thoughts filled my mind. But I soon felt myself calm slightly when I noticed some weight shift against me. Celestia had begun to gently lean against me while her wing's grip tightened, pulling me against her. It was not uncomfortable at all. I felt secure in her grasp. Returning the favor, I instinctively reached around the back of her neck and gently grasped her left shoulder while my arm rested upon her back.

For a minute or two, we just stood there in each other's embrace. I tried to not think much of it, though I would be lying if I say I did not notice how borderline romantic the moment seems in hindsight. I was unsure if I was supposed to feel calm or nervous, though Celestia did not seem to mind at all. Eventually, I decided to ask a more serious question. "Um... Is there a reason why the throne room I saw in that section of the castle over there isn't the same as the ones we just saw?"

Celestia let out a sigh before she began to speak. "Well... If you must know... It all began after the birth of Nightmare Moon."

I said nothing to allow her to speak. The memories were likely unpleasant as her voice carried a noticeable monotone to it. "The castle received varying degrees of damage during her rebellion, though the throne room suffered the greatest degree of deterioration. But after sealing Nightmare Moon within the moon... I lost so much of my will. My sister was gone... Repairrs were minimal. And I could not bear to seat myself in my throne while seeing Luna's throne remaining empty beside me day after day."

There was a momentary pause before Celestia continued to speak. "To escape being reminded daily of what I had lost, I had the west wing's main chamber converted into a new throne room. For a time, it was enough to keep me distracted. But after a few short years, I could bear it no longer. I gathered the guards and servants and departed from here to leave behind the home where I had experienced my greatest failure. It was where Luna and I had reigned since Discord's defeat and I was not going to stay there if Luna was not with me anymore. A new castle was constructed upon the nearest mountain. And over the centuries, Canterlot slowly grew around it." She then let out a brief sigh. "I suppose that it was for the best. I had a much easier time staying in touch with my subjects without being in the middle of a forest. Although without the constant presence of us ponies, the forest essentially turned feral as it was now free of any sort of control or influence. That was when it became known as the Everfree Forest."

"I'm sorry if I brought up any painful memories..." I said softly, feeling guilty for asking such a question in the first place.

However, Celestia merely sighed with her head still leaning against mine. "Don't be. I lived with that regret for a thousand years, but Luna is once again with me. Not only that, but Nightmare Moon herself has become a dear sister to me as well. A thousand years of remorse have given way to many more of happiness with my two sisters."

For a while, the two of us just stood there. Neither of us moved, nor did we release each other from our grasps. However, I did feel a slight quiver in the air. Was I on the verge of awakening?

Before I could allow myself to awaken, I felt the need to ask. "Celestia... Have the doctors been keeping you updated about my condition?"

I felt her cheek muscles droop in a frown. "They have... I last received an update at midnight."

After a moment of silence, I realized that Celestia was not going to speak further unless I asked her to. "And...my current condition?"

I was strangely unsurprised by her revelation as she sighed deeply while bowing her head. "Your vital signs grow weaker with every passing hour... The process is slow, but at its current rate, the results will be...fatal."

"Nothing neew then..." I muttered, not surprised at all by the grim news.

Seconds later, I felt Celestia lean slightly harder against me. "James... May I make one request?"

For whatever reason, I was getting a rather desperate vibe from her despite her melancholy tone of voice. "Sure..."

Her voice was quiet, but it sounded like a whispered plea. "Please... Survive."

Something was wrong as I heard those words. Even as I dreamed, the memories were beginning to flicker through my mind. That dull nagging pain nipped at my soul every several seconds. That familiar bitterness filled my heart, though I tried to ignore them. "Is it because of the reintroduction project...?"

"No..." I heard her whisper in return. Her answer to my question was not what I expected as she wrapped both wings around me in a tender embrace. "Survive... For them...and for me."

I was unsure of what to say. Although I did feel warm and calm upon hearing those words. I embraced the Princess of the Dawn under the cover of her wings, her head resting upon my shoulder. I could hear her long and deep breaths. I decided to remain there until I finally awakened. She truly cares. And I was feeling genuinely grateful for her support.

Even though I knew I was due to awaken soon, I was not concerned about finding Nightmare Moon and Luna. They were likely making their way towards us to make certain we would all be together during the final moments. However, out of nowhere, I noticed Celestia's body become coated by a billowing magic aura of a familiar beautiful light shade of blue. Celestia seemed to notice it too as she was suddenly pulled away from me towards the castle. "Wha... Who's there?! Release me!"

It was then that I heard a voice from behind her that I dreaded. Carrying the accent of a noble lady, yet laced with an insatiable greed. "Gladly. In exchange for the crown jewels, that is."

Rarity. Where had she come from? Before I even had time to comprehend anything, something swooped by me and snatched me off the ground. With that speed... It was Rainbow Dash for sure. Likely just trying to get me away from that horrible mare. I found myself being held aloft with her arms hooked under mine as I hung in the air. Rarity was indeed behind Celestia, her coat and mane still a heavily grayed hue of what I remembered. But what was wrong with Rainbow Dash's forelegs? They seemed strangely...dull?

What she said from just behind my head chilled my blood as I was filled with a sudden feeling of dread. "Time to earn your wings, big guy."

She released me. And down I went. As I began to fall, I saw Celestia glance at me and let out a shriek. Once I had fallen past the suspended walkway, I soon saw the Princess of the Dawn leap over the edge and dive towards me with arm outstretched. She looked panicked, desperate to reach me before I could hit the ground.

Despite the unbearable sensation of falling, I managed to focus enough to reach out to her as well. She was rapidly closing in on me. But just before my hand could make contact with her hoof... My head was heavy. My vision blurred as my eyes regained focus. I had awakened. And those wretched memories were there to greet me.

Why... Rainbow Dash had never turned on me. Why did she let me fall? It feels like it is impossible. Yet, those last words she said... She intentionally let me fall to my doom. And now, that memory is lingering among the maelstrom of scalding memories that swirl constantly in my head. Why did I have to wake up? If I have to endure this numbing pain every second I am awake, I would rather slumber forever.

The sun was only just rising at the time. Not much light was shining in through the window. I turned on the lamp to my left to add some light to the room. Aside from the beeping of my heart monitor, the room was deathly silent. Even the phonograph in the corner had ceased emitting music. The atmosphere was just so...gloomy.

One of the nurses stopped by with breakfast as usual, but I was not feeling the least bit hungry. Combining the memories that constantly assaulted my mind with that horrible awakening from that otherwise fine dream, I was feeling utterly emotionally drained. Just perfect misery.

The morning was quiet and uneventful. I just stared at the ceiling, my eyes focusing on the spinning blades of the ceiling fan Rainbow Dash had made out of clouds. Or was it just one cloud? Either way, I tried focusing on that, hoping that maybe the steady rotation of the blades would lull me into sleeping again.

Ultimately, it worked. I drifted back to sleep, though I cannot recall what it was I dreamed of. Just a short catnap. I was awakened by a familiar sound. A knock at the door. I think I may not have been out for more than a couple of hours. Although those memories quickly resurfaced in my mind, much to my irritation. Try as I might, I could not stop myself from thinking of them. But after I rubbed my eyes to help wake myself up, I felt a twinge of more pleasant emotions push the negative memories down momentarily when I looked towards the window that stood to the right of the door. The blinds were closed, but they soon opened when they were coated by a familiar billowing pink aura. And standing on the other side was Twilight Sparkle.

Seeing someone I trusted unconditionally, I motioned with my hand for her to approach me. And that is just what she did. She stepped out of sight and pushed the door open. Twilight then trotted in as the door swung shut behind her with her saddlebags at her side. But along with her seemed to be something else. It seemed to be a birdhouse with a slanted red roof and bottom. It was resting squarely on her back since it seemed to have a good center of balance. "Good morning, James. Sorry if I came a bit later than usual. I had to stop by somewhere across town first."

I remembered seeing that birdhouse somewhere before. And there is only one place I know where birdhouses are used for interior decoration. "You got that at Fluttershy's?"

"Yes, it's pretty obvious, isn't it? I decided to stop by and ask if there was anything she would like to donate to decorate your hospital room with. She decided on a bird house. She said it was something unique to her home, so I went with it." Twilight explained before using the levitation spell to lift it from her back. She then began to glance around the room and said, "The only question is where can I put this. I don't see any ceiling tiles I could get the wire stuck between."

I was at a loss of where to have the birdhouse placed myself. There does not seem to be anything in the room it could hang from. However, Twilight then turned her gaze upward. "Hmm... That might work."

She appeared to be looking at the room's ceiling lamp. It seemed to consist of a short black metal pole with a round shallow glass bowl to create a glow instead of a shine below the light bulb. The bottom was held up by a round metal plate that was likely screwed in last to secure the bowl in place.

After examining the wire that was attached to the roof of the birdhouse and finding that it ended in a hook, Twilight began to lift it towards the lamp. I think she then looped the wire around the base of the pole and then secured it in place by snagging the hook on the wire. "There we go... Oops... Uh... I think it'll be OK."

The birdhouse was indeed hanging from the light. But due to its weight, it had the lamp tilted to one side on a lopsided angle. Fortunately, birdhouses tend to be very light, so it was unlikely that it would pull the thing out of the ceiling. She then turned to me and cracked a rather somber smile. "Well... There we go. You've got a little something from each of us here. How do they look?"

I took a moment to look around the room. Twilight's potted flowering plant at my bedside, Applejack's wooden stool, Rainbow Dash's ceiling fan, Pinkie Pie's phonograph, Rarity's porcelain lamp, and Fluttershy's birdhouse. However, I did not find myself feeling as...pleased as I think I should have been. Seeing the gifts from the four mares who betrayed me did not make the memories more painful but... All I could do was look at Twilight and speak briefly. "It's nice."

Twilight immediately frowned at my words. I think she was about to ask me if something was wrong, but that would have been a pointless question. There is plenty wrong with me right now. Even so, I still tried to at least offer some explanation behind my lethargy while I set my head back down. "Bad dream... Don't feel very peppy this morning... Or hungry."

"Bad dream... Right... Princess Celestia sent me something this morning that was meant for you. But...I couldn't help reading it. Knowing it was for you got me curious." Twilight replied glumly while using her magic to lift a scroll from her saddlebag after removing them.

A message from Celestia... That was right. She was looking right at me the instant before the dream ended. Tried to save me. I took the scroll in hand and opened it. If I recall correctly, it went as follows. "James. This is Celestia. Are you well? That was such a horrid way for you to awaken. I cannot even fathom how Rarity and Rainbow Dash were also able to get into your dream. Even so... Why would they do such things to you? Forgive me for not being able to reach you in time. I truly tried my hardest to reach you while in such a panic. Luna and Nightmare Moon came to me immediately after we all awoke. They were alarmed that the dream had ended so abruptly and so I sent this message to you. The sight of you plummeting to your doom still haunts me at this very moment. I shall send word to the Ponyville Hospital staff to try to stay alert for any other more subtle hints as to what may be happening to you. My prayers are with you, friend. With warmest wishes, Celestia."

The last person I was expecting to hear words of care from at all was Celestia herself. I sighed while rolling up the scroll. "That was nice of her."

However, Twilight still seemed a bit disturbed by the contents of the scroll. "I know... But...how did that happen? I thought Nightmare Moon and Princess Luna would be able to keep your dreams pleasant. But still, it's amazing you can share a dream with somepony like that. Maybe I could join you in your dream tonight?"

"I'll try to put in a good word with them." I replied quietly, although I still was not feeling very excited or happy at all. I then handed the scroll back to her. "Let Celestia know that I appreciate her concern."

"I will." Once Twilight had placed the scroll back in her saddlebag, she turned her gaze towards the cardboard box that was next to my bed. She was clearly curious about the contents of my most recent journal. I merely nodded at her to give her permission before she lifted it from the box and took a seat on Applejack's stool. However, she then turned her gaze towards the cart that held the food I had been given for breakfast. I barely even remember what it was. "Aren't you going to eat this?"

"Not hungry." I replied bluntly. I had no appetite whatsoever. Seeing that there was no reason to continue that discussion, Twilight started to read and flip through the papers that held my writing.

It did not take her long to provide some feedback. "Wow... I knew the princesses are powerful, but to have magic strong enough to turn something that big into dust?"

I said nothing while just trying to relax and distract myself from the thoughts that flooded my head. Twilight soon even started to giggle. "Wow... Completely outclassed. I can see why magic has a much stronger foothold in Equestria than technology does."

Although her expression became more calm and serene while likely focusing on the next segment of my dream. "Huh... So that's how humans once lived in Equestria..."

There was something about those words that caught my attention. I lifted myself up by propping myself on my elbow and looked at her. "You know?"

Twilight seemed surprised that I had heard her as she glanced over the papers in front of her. "Know about... Oh... That. Princess Celestia told me in private. Don't worry, I haven't told anypony else. It's a national secret, you know."

Not surprised that Celestia would find Twilight to be trustworthy enough to reveal that information to, I decided to leave it at that. While reading over my journal, Twilight would sigh, she would smile, and she would even laugh. But she then had some more verbal feedback to offer. "Wow... Taking on a dragon and winning without a scratch? No wonder the princesses have done so well at keeping Equestria safe for so long. They're the mightiest ponies in the world."

"Yeah, that was a sight to see..." I said softly while laying myself back down since my elbow was getting sore.

Before long, Twilight frowned sadly while bowing her head. "I can't understand why that happened when Cadence did that... She was only trying to help..."

I said nothing, though I could vividly remember the agony I felt when she used that spell on me yesterday. It hurt like nothing I had ever felt. It even caused me to bleed. Would that spell have killed me if she did not stop? Twilight did eventually reach the end of the journal, which took a couple of hours. But she then seemed to examine the journal itself. "Um... James? Did you tear something out of here?"

That caught my attention. I immediately turned to her. The last page seemed to have had the lower section ripped out. "Lemme see that..."

Twilight passed the papers to me. When I held them in my hands, I found that the last page seemed to have stopped at where I had originally planned to end my journal for the night before I picked it back up again. Everything below it had been removed while all the following pages were missing. "I know I wrote more after this..."

"Why would it be missing? Did something happen?" Twilight asked while seeming noticeably confused and even suspicious.

"I... I remember having a visitor last night. But I had almost fallen asleep and was extra groggy. That's why I wrote it down so I wouldn't forget..." I grumbled while not being able to clearly recall much from the previous night. Did the person who visited me come back and remove my writing to cover his or her tracks? I just have no idea.

"Hmm... Well, it looks like whoever it was didn't want to cause any trouble. There's no sign of breaking and entering. And they didn't hurt you. Maybe it's nothing to worry about. Could've been just one of the doctors stopping by to check on something." Twilight said aloud while looking around the room. True, nothing seemed out of place. Even so, I found it annoying that I could not remember more. I was not awake enough to write until after my mysterious visitor had departed. Still, it was inconsiderate to remove my writings.

"Anyway, I'll go ahead and send this journal to Princess Celestia right away. I'll also pass along your words to her. I'll be back in just a little while, all right?" Twilight added while she stuffed my journal into her saddlebags and placed them on her back and sides.

Seeing no reason to keep her, I nodded. "All right. Take your time." Twilight then approached me for a second before placing a brief kiss on my lips. A moment later, she said her goodbyes and was out the door and gone. It was then that I decided to at least start writing this journal to pass the time.

Roughly by the time I was finishing the above paragraph, I received a visit from someone else. There was a knock at the door, then in trotted Rainbow Dash. "Hey, I was wondering if you were up. Morning, James." She then flapped her wings to propel herself across the roof in a long hop. "Everything OK this mor... OW!!!"

It seems she did not notice the new decoration hanging from the room's ceiling lamp and bonked her head on it before losing her balance and falling to the floor. That was so unexpected and funny that I could not help letting out a muffled snicker. Rainbow was not very pleased with it though and let out a groan while rubbing her head. "That hurt... What hit me?!"

I decided to point out what it was she collided with. "Twilight dropped something off from Fluttershy's house."

"Huh? Fluttershy?" My bold friend replied before looking up. It did not take long for her to notice the birdhouse hanging from the lopsided lamp. "A birdhouse? That's Fluttershy's, all right. Hey! That means..." She then took a look around the room while apparently eyeing the five other gifts I had received. "I guess this means you've got a little something from all of us! Pretty nice setup, right?"

As nice as it was, I did not feel enthusiastic at all. My response was quiet and subdued. "It's OK."

Rainbow immediately gave me a look of concern. "Hey, are you... Oh, who am I kidding? There's no way you're OK after all that happened. But...you're sounding even more out of it than you were yesterday."

I lifted my right hand and laid it upon my forehead while letting out a sigh. "I don't know anymore, Rainbow... I'm just so drained... The memories won't shut up and I can't stop seeing things in my head that I wish I could forget..."

However, Rainbow Dash then seemed to be fixated on something before her. Was she looking at my hand? "Hang on... Didn't you have a cast on that arm?"

"The cast was taken off yesterday, Rainbow. The burned skin peeled off and my new flesh has all grown in." I replied while rolling onto my side so she could see my full arm. The skin was still a bit pinker than the rest of me, but that would likely change before long.

"Whoa... It looks extra soft and cushy. How'd I not notice it yesterday? Uh... Hey, could I have a feel?" She asked in return while lifting a hoof towards my hand. I think she just wanted to make sure that it was fine.

While I was tempted to do as she asked, I retracted my hand as a recent memory flashed through my mind. I know it was just a dream, but... I could not forget. Rainbow Dash snatched me up in her arms and then let me fall to my doom. Would the real Rainbow Dash be willing to do the same? "I... I'm not sure."

"Oh, I get it. Extra sensitive right now? Gets really itchy when it touches hair?" She asked innocently without having the slightest idea of what I was thinking. How could she? I doubt she was even present in my dream.

I was unsure of how to word it at first. How was I supposed to tell her after all we had been through that I was not entirely sure if I could trust her? "No, it's not that... It's just... Well... Did you have any dreams lately where...you dropped me off a cliff?"

Her ears drooped instantly and her eyes immediately dilated upon hearing those words. I know those words hurt her, but with the memory that lingered in my head... She stepped forward, reached out, and held her hoof to my face. I was afraid she was going to slap me. But instead, she spoke softly to me with a desperate tone of voice. "James... I don't know what made you think that'd I ever do that to you, but don't ever go there. I said that you'll always have me and I meant it. Where'd you even get that idea anyway?"

"A dream... Dreamed you snatched me up from behind and dropped me off a castle. I knew it was you from your voice." I replied quietly while feeling a twinge of guilt fill my numbed heart. I did not want to worry her. I knew she is one of the few people I have left who I can unconditionally trust now. But that memory... She and Rarity came out of nowhere. Why would Rainbow Dash do that in my dream?

For a moment, Rainbow Dash said nothing. Her eyes wandered while her head turned here and there. Finally, she looked at me with a most worrisome expression. "James... I don't wanna sound superstitious, but... I'm honestly starting to think someone's out to get you. Putting these sick thoughts in your head... Do you think you've been poisoned lately?"

"I really don't think so... And it would have to be a pretty bizarre poison if it affects the mind and emotions this strongly..." I muttered in response, not really sure if anyone I know would be trying to kill me. Or rather by that point, I simply did not care...

A glimmer of determination filled my friend's rosy eyes. "Well, I'm gonna get to the bottom of this. I'll be right back. Gonna check around with the doctors and maybe anypony that talked to the night watch. Stay put." And with that, she hurried out the door and was gone. Although she also took the opportunity to remove my undesired food cart. Bless you, Rainbow Dash...

Once again, I was alone. Possibly as a result of Rainbow's energetic presence, I was feeling slightly more restless than before. I pushed myself up until I was sitting in bed. I had no drive to really do much, but I did not feel lazy enough to just lie in bed.

My eyes glanced around the room while I tried to ignore the sounds and sights that constantly filled my head. It was while I did this that my eyes fell upon the vase of flowers that were on the nightstand to my left. Still a polished black with pinkish azaleas sticking out of it. While that combination somehow instilled a feeling of unease in me by itself, I noticed something else on it that had not been present before.

Jagged text wrapped around the vase as if someone had carved them in. Only they were not. The text almost seemed to faintly glow and quiver in a way that made it all the easier to read. The text consisted of only two words written entirely in capital letters, but they repeated themselves all over and over around the sides of the vase. And for whatever reason, I felt a sense of gut-wrenching panic set into me as I read those two words over and over again.

IT'S ME

"It's you..." I muttered quietly as I felt as if the letters were burrowing into my mind and soul. "Who are you? Is it me? Or you?"

I felt as if I was on the verge of suffering a panic attack. This was not a form of mere symbolism such as azaleas in a black vase. Someone or something was trying to communicate with me. Although it felt more as if someone was taunting me with just these two words. Or was it just a hallucination? Was my constantly assaulted mind just exhausted to the point of seeing things that make no sense?

I had no way of knowing what in the world I was even witnessing. Feeling myself beginning to almost hyperventilate, I finally covered my face with my hand. I waited a minute or so before I parted two fingers enough to actually see past them. Much to my relief, the cryptic words that lined the vase were gone. It was still an unsettling shade of black, but at least I felt as if I was no longer being toyed with.

Perhaps I just did not get as much sleep as I wanted, what with me being forced to awaken by my apparent sudden 'death' in that dream. I tried to make myself comfortable and laid my head back down on the pillow and closed my eyes. But not before draping a piece of tissue paper over my eyelids. A strange instinct. My eyes had just provided me with an unhealthy dose of stress and I did not want to see anything else that would set my nerves on fire. With that, I tried to relax myself enough to actually sleep even as those memories hounded my thoughts at every turn. I could only hope Rainbow Dash would not mind finding me asleep when she returned.

Another day at work, another day worrying about my friend... I mean... I just can't stop... Just when it looked like things were about to get better when he woke up, we had a really mean monkey wrench thrown into the works. He's... No, he can't die... I haven't even had the chance to say I'm sorry for breaking that Pinkie Promise...

I can't even work. Mr. and Mrs. Cake have given me the last few days off because I'm just too depressed to do my job... All I'm doing is just lounging around on my bed, listening to these audio tapes I recorded. I can't get anywhere near him, so I have to make do with hearing his voice in these recorded memories...

"Hey, James! Did I ever tell you I have more than one best friend?"

"I think the whole point of having a best friend is that there is only one. That's what the 'best' in it stands for, right?" I heard him say in the recording.

"Well, not for me! Besides, everypony wants to be the best, so they'll just argue over who is the best of the best! That's why I think you can never have only one!"

I still remember that funny look he gave me. "OK then... Well, Twilight's one of your best friends, right?"

"Uh huh! Can you guess who the other one is?"

"I'm drawing blanks. Sorry." And he went right back to mixing that cake batter. That was just before I gave him a big hug from behind.

"You are, silly!"

I was crying. What happened to those days? Why can't things go back to the way they were? I don't want to say goodbye... "I wish there was something I could do, Gummy... I don't wanna see him go..."

Gummy was looking right at me and didn't say anything. But I could tell what he wanted to say. And it was brilliant. I felt my tears stop dripping as I gasped louder than I've gasped in a long time. "You're right! Why didn't I think of that?!"

I started running around the room gathering up all sorts of stuff. I realized I had an important duty to keep. I knew that my friend is dying. That he'll be gone in less than two weeks. But even so, I still have to do my part. If nothing else, I'll at least do everything I can to make sure his final days are the happiest days of his life.

"OK, let's see. Board games, fancy masks... Yeah, I think I've got everything! Thanks for the advice, Gummy! I'm off!" And off I went! I ran right down the stairs and outside before hurrying over to the hospital. Oh, why bother running? Why not just jump to the next panel to save time? Or better yet, just hop down a few paragraphs.

I was right outside his room. My heart was racing. I hadn't seen him for a few days. I took a peek in through the window to the left of the door. It looked like he was all alone and taking a nap. Perfect. I slipped inside the room without a peep. Aww... Sleeping like a baby. Good thing the big boys don't cry when they wake up!

I went looking through the records next to my phonograph that I let him borrow. It looked like he had been taking good care of it. But where is some peppy music... Ooh, my favorite ragtime songs! That'll perk up anypony!

I got that playing right away and put on my frilliest and most sparkly mask and reached into my saddlebags and pulled out some tambourines and started giving them some shakes. With all that music, it didn't take long for him to start waking up. "Hey there, James! I know things are looking pretty bleak, but we're gonna fix that! Good old Pinkie Pie is gonna make these coming days some of the best you've...OW!!!"

I don't know what hit me! One minute I'm dancing and shaking, and the next something hit me right in the noggin! It even knocked me right off my hooves! When I got my bearings, I saw that little square mirror on the floor by me that was on the windowsill. Did he...throw it at me?

"Get out...!" I heard him yell at me. James was sitting up with his hand gripping his head while it looked like he was trying to not look at me.

He looked hurt. Like he was in a lot of pain. But I had to help him! There was something I had to do to make him feel better during his final days! "James, it'll be OK. I just wanna..."

"No, go away!" He shrieked at me while trying to cover his eyes. What was I doing wrong? I just wanted to help, but it felt like I was only hurting him even though I wasn't doing anything.

My skin was burning... I was almost ready to cry. I didn't know what was going on, but it was scaring me. "I... James, please... I... I just wanna help... Let me..."

He yelled at me while peeking past his hand. His voice... He was in pain... Lots of pain. "Just hearing you and looking at you hurts! I don't wanna be reminded of you! Just get out!"

I don't remember much of anything else... I remember screaming and crying as I ran out of the room. I ran to the only place in town I knew where I could find somepony who would listen and understand. I... I can't stop crying... What did I do... Why can't I do anything?!

I guess it would be OK if I wrote this in too. Pinkie Pie just came bursting into my house immediately after I had sent James' journal entry to Princess Celestia and was about to leave and go back to the hospital. She looked like she was all dressed up for some sort of party, but her sparkling mask was all lopsided and... She just looked and sounded like a wreck. In the last four years or so that I have known her, I have rarely seen Pinkie Pie have a breakdown like this. I know we have all been under quite a bit of stress lately, but... It was still such an extreme reaction.

I gave Pinkie Pie some tea to help calm her and she just started writing in a stack of papers I had close by on a desk. Maybe it was to help relieve stress or maybe to leave a record of what happened, but I did not complain. I just wish I knew what happened. Once she had stopped crying and had finished that cup of tea, I finally decided to approach her and ask what was wrong. If Pinkie Pie was that torn up over anything, it must have been something pretty extreme. "Feeling better, Pinkie? If you wanna talk about what happened, I can listen."

She sniffled and hiccupped for a moment before she started to talk and face me. "I... I was just trying to help..."

"Pinkie, you know that the only ones who can help him now are the hospital staff. They're still trying to figure out what is wrong with him. They're doing all they can. All we can do now is be patient and wait..." I said while trying to be as gentle as possible with how I worded my sentences.

"It's not that, Twilight... I know I can't save him..." She said while wiping the tears from her eyes. "I knew that he's probably gonna die... So...I went there to try to make his last days in Equestria some of the happiest he's ever had... To make sure he would die smiling..."

That... Such a noble endeavor. "Pinkie... That's such a wonderful idea... You're such a good friend to him... But...what happened?"

She paused for a second while trying to catch herself to make sure she would not cry. "He... He yelled at me... Hit me with a mirror... Said that just looking at me and hearing me hurts him... How can I help him if all I can do is hurt him, Twilight?!"

For Pinkie Pie, being unable to help a friend in great need is one of the worst things in the world. And it was tearing her apart on the inside. But while she started to cry again... Something hit me. The way she said that. "Hang on... You said that he is hurt whenever...he sees and hears you?"

"That's what he said..." She whimpered pathetically with her face buried in her arms. As for me, I felt a burst of hope and inspiration fill my heart. For the first time in a while, I smiled wholeheartedly.

"Pinkie. We just might have a way to get you close to him." I then trotted over to the kitchen and retrieved something that I was sure would help.

However, Pinkie Pie just gave me a tired and odd look. "Uh... Twilight? Is that a dish towel?"

That was exactly what it was. Black and longer than it is wide, it was pretty much just what I needed. "It certainly is. Now then, just leave your stuff here for now, Pinkie. We need to head on over to the hospital. If this works, you won't have to worry about anything hurting James when you want to see him."

"OK... Let's go." I think she did not have a whole lot of hope or just did not get what I had in mind. I was a little unsure of how it would play out, but it was the only idea I could think of. As for now, I am setting this journal aside. I need to hurry back over to check on James.

What in the world was she even doing there? I fall asleep a few hours ago and I wake up to ragtime blaring in my room and the jingling of tambourines. And... Pinkie Pie. Why did she have to be there? Just looking at her and hearing her voice brought the memories of her wrath and screams to the forefront of my mind. It hurt... Thought a vein burst in my head. Even when she was gone, the ragtime continued to play from her phonograph. What a completely unfitting type of music to play during such tension. She even left a mess on the floor when she ran out of the room...

If Rainbow Dash did not come back into the room right after Pinkie Pie left, I would have likely thrown something at the phonograph to turn it off. Not even a minute after Pinkie Pie's shrieking voice faded away, Rainbow Dash stepped back into the room. "Hey... Did Pinkie Pie stop by while I was out? She just ran right past me bawling her eyes out..."

I did not offer much of a reply. With my head now throbbing with a headache, I was not in the mood to talk. I merely set my head down on the pillow with a growl and set my right hand over my face to ease the strain on my eyes. Rainbow Dash then let out a sigh and sounded like she trotted over to the phonograph in the corner. "Ugh, she was playing ragtime? That's really not the first kinda music I'd think of listening to if I was laid up in the hospital."

Once the room fell silent, I heard Rainbow Dash trot over to my bedside on the left. I then felt her hoof rest upon my arm. "Hey... It's OK, James. I checked around and there hasn't been anything weird or suspicious going on. Nothing's been slipped to you. Although... Did Pinkie Pie really give you that much trouble? I'm amazed she even came by to visit after...you know."

"It hurt to see her, Rainbow... I've got a headache now, thanks to her..." I grumbled and moaned while rolling to my left. She was gathering up the stuff Pinkie Pie dropped and placed them on the wooden stool from Applejack's house before picking up the mirror I had tossed and placing it back on the windowsill to my right. She then looked at me with a frown before coming to my bedside. "How long was I out?"

"A few hours. I saw Twilight come back while you were out and she decided to stay at your bedside for a while. She left about an hour before you woke up. Said she forgot to do something at home." Rainbow replied while I started to caress her head with my right hand. It did not take long for her to start to push against my hand with a relaxed smile on her face. "Wow... I didn't think your skin would feel this soft after the burn healed... Almost as plush as a cloud cushion..."

I felt myself crack a tiny smile as I watched Rainbow Dash just lose herself in my touch. The soft feel of her coat was all the more noticeable upon my new soft flesh. Rainbow soon closed her eyes and set her head down on the side of the bed to allow my fingers to get dragged through her mane. Although before long, there was a knock at the door that drew my attention away from her.

A glance at the wall ahead of me revealed that the time was about half past 3 PM. "That late already? I must've been out for a while..."

"Maybe it's the girls again. I got it." Rainbow Dash said while she flapped her wings to propel herself to the other side of the room. However, she ended up bopping her head on the birdhouse hanging from the ceiling lamp again. "Ow!!! Come on, isn't there a better place to hang that?!"

I got a good laugh out of that little accident. But then Rainbow Dash rubbed her head while tending to the door. She stuck her head out of the room to talk to whoever was there. But judging by how whoever was there did not come charging into the room, I had a hunch it was not the Cutie Mark Crusaders. And sure enough, Rainbow Dash took a step back and smiled at me. "Hey, James. Your game buddy wants to say hi."

I did not have long to process what that meant. She stepped away from the door as it swung open, revealing a little colt wearing a propeller beanie on his head while a pair of saddlebags hung at his sides. I felt a small smile creep across my face as I immediately recognized him. "Button Mash..."

The little colt trotted into the room while smiling at me. "Hi, James! You feeling OK? That sleeping disease finally wore off, huh?"

"Button, a coma is not a disease. And I'm sure James must be very tired right now. Don't give him too much trouble." I heard a motherly voice say from the doorway. A gorgeous familiar earth pony mare stepped into the room with a saddlebag or two hanging from her sides. She then cast her warm loving smile towards me. "It's so good to see that you're awake, James. I was worried that you would've been out for much longer."

It seemed that both mother and son had decided to visit. "Thanks for being concerned, Eleina. And it's good to see you, Button." I said softly, feeling rather mentally drained even as the memories temporarily retreated in the presence of two faces I was happy to see.

Button Mash propped himself up on his hind legs and used his forelegs to pull himself up to the bed. Such a cute kid... "Are you OK? It's gotta be really boring being stuck here. Hang on." He then reached into his saddlebag and lifted something out in his teeth before placing it on my bed. "You wanna borrow my Joyboy for a while?"

It was a little handheld video game system that I had seen before. And although it seemed more designed for the use of hooves instead of hands, I think I could have operated it myself just fine. However, I calmly pushed it back to him. "I appreciate the offer, but no thanks. I don't have much drive for anything right now..."

This clearly shocked my little friend. "Huh?! But you're always up for a game of Equestrian Heroes when we're at the arcade! Why not?! I brought some extra games if you wanna try them!"

"Button, that's enough. I'm sure James isn't feeling very well. Remember the last time you had the flu? You couldn't even stay focused on your Joyboy." Eleina spoke up to quiet her son down before she came closer to me. She looked genuinely concerned for me. "I'm sorry if he seems a bit enthusiastic. Button has been pretty worried about you ever since he came home from the hospital after visiting you. You two were always such good friends."

"Thanks... He's a good kid." I replied weakly as I felt the memories starting to resurface. My hand reached out and removed Button's beanie before I began to scratch his scalp through his mane, prompting a delighted chuckle from the little colt.

Eleina then smiled a bit more and began to reach into her own saddlebag. "If you're feeling hungry, I whipped something up before we came over. A little home cooking that's good for the body and soul. I hope you like vegetables."

In her jaws was a thermos. I watched while she managed to remove the lid and set it down to double as a bowl. And when she poured its contents out, I was greeted by a delightful aroma and a plume of steam. It seemed to be vegetable soup filled with broccoli, green beans, tomatoes, corn, and kidney beans in a delicious looking broth. It was topped off by numerous little noodles shaped like letters. Alphabet soup. Rainbow Dash then trotted over to take a look. "Wow, looks like you've finally got some real food! Thanks, Eleina!"

Despite my memories, the presence of familiar faces and such a delightful aroma was enough to get my appetite going. "Nothing beats a mom's home cooking. Thank you, Eleina. I really need this."

Eleina giggled adorably before passing me a spoon while she set the thermos and the rest of its contents aside. "I was hoping you'd like it. Button loves my homemade alphabet soup. He insisted we bring some to you."

I made short work of the soup. As soon as the bowl was empty, I poured the rest and helped myself to it. Eleina really knows how to cook. "Man, that was good... Thank you again."

However, I noticed that my words did not seem to reach her. Eleina seemed to be locked in conversation with Rainbow Dash while Button was playing his Joyboy nearby. I decided to just listen to the two mares chat. However, Eleina then asked the question I do not think Rainbow Dash wanted to hear. "So... Do the doctors know what is wrong with him? It's been about two weeks since he was hospitalized, right?"

Rainbow frowned instantly upon hearing those words. I stayed silent. With my appetite slaked and with a lack of new distractions, I felt the memories starting to bear down on my mind again. "Well... They don't. They've been trying to figure out exactly what's eating away at him, but..." Rainbow Dash then bowed her head, clearly not wanting to admit or remind herself of what was stated days ago. "Unless they find out what the problem is...he doesn't even have two weeks left."

I heard a light clack. It looked like Button had put his Joyboy down before looking at his mother and then at me. I suppose he had overheard their conversation. Eleina looked jarred as well, judging by that gaze she was giving me over her shoulder. She then turned back to Rainbow Dash and asked, "You're serious? He really..."

"The docs said two weeks at most... It's already been a few days. And they've still got no leads..." Rainbow said forlornly with her head bowed. I know she was trying hard to not seem more upset, but it was likely a struggle for the brazen mare to keep her true feelings about the matter buried.

Button then tapped on his mom's leg and asked, "Mom? What does that all mean? What does James have two weeks left to do?"

Eleina looked back at me with a rather sad frown before facing her son. Button Mash is still very young. Only eight years old at this time of writing. Even younger than the Cutie Mark Crusaders by a year or two. It was no small surprise that he could not comprehend mortality. Eleina dropped to just her knees and spoke softly to her son, likely in the hopes of making him understand the concept of death. "I'm so sorry we would have to have this talk in this kind of situation, Button."

Bit by bit, his mother spoke while choosing her words carefully in such a way that a young child would understand. She spoke of things such as the local cemetery and even Button's grandfather, who he apparently did not know very well. But after a short while, Button looked over at me. "You mean... James is gonna...?"

The sweet mother mare nodded solemnly while I just lied back down on my mattress. Button then walked over to me and asked quietly, "James... Are you gonna...die?"

The air had become thick with tension. I had no way of knowing how well someone like Button would handle the news. But with my voice thick with a monotone, I spoke the honest truth. "Yeah..."

"But... But I..." Button stuttered briefly while his eyes quickly started to gather tears. He then jumped right at me and wailed, "But I don't want you to die!"

I was actually mildly startled from Button Mash's outburst. I supposed I should not have been surprised that someone so young would be more likely to become emotionally overwhelmed. I instinctively wrapped my arms around the crying child, holding him tenderly against my chest. The sound of Button crying... It is truly a pathetic sound to hear.

While Button whimpered in my grasp, his mother came over to my bedside. "I'm sorry about Button, James... You have always been a good friend to him and... I hope you pull through in the end. You've always been such a sweetheart..."

"Thanks..." I muttered in return while stroking Button's head. I wanted to tell Button that I was going to be fine. That he should not cry yet. But...I could not. I know my days are numbered. And I would be lying if I said I was not partially looking forward to it. So all I did was hold him while stroking his mane. I had not yet placed his beanie back on his head.

Soon, Rainbow Dash came over to my bedside as well. "Hey, Button? Do you know if the girls are coming over today?"

I too was noticing that it seemed odd that the Cutie Mark Crusaders had not yet shown up. Although Button Mash soon dried his tears and spoke with a bit of a sniffle. "They... They said that they're gonna let James rest until the weekend gets here."

"I guess they just wanted to give you a break. They'll probably be showing up again in two days." Rainbow replied while glancing at the window for some reason.

There soon was the sound of something tapping on the window that was to the right of the door. When we all looked over, I was mildly surprised to see Twilight Sparkle peeking in out of the corner. She motioned for Rainbow Dash to approach her with her hoof. Rainbow responded with a nod and then looked at the three of us while she trotted to the door. "I got it. Just a second."

We all watched in silence while Rainbow began to pull the door open. But before it could open entirely, Twilight seemed to stop it from the outside, leaving the door open just enough for Rainbow to pass through. While standing halfway through the door, Rainbow Dash seemed to engage in a brief quiet conversation with Twilight before stepping back and allowing our wise unicorn friend to enter.

"Hello, Twilight. It's good to see you." Eleina said in greeting while trying to smile.

Twilight nodded with a somber smile of her own before glancing at Eleina and Button Mash. "I'm glad you two could stop by to visit. However... I really don't want to ask this of you, but is it possible you could leave us alone for a while? We really need to take care of something important in private right now."

"I understand, Twilight. We'll get out of your way right now." Eleina said with a nod before she gathered up the thermos and spoon she had allowed me to use and placed them back in her saddlebag. "Button? It's time to go."

"OK, Mom..." Button said halfheartedly. He then looked up at me briefly before giving me the best hug he could manage. "Don't die... Please... You've always been my best Player 2..."

Touching words... There was something genuinely sincere about such a childish way of saying that. I felt myself smile and possibly even shed a single tear while I gently placed his beanie back on his head. "Thanks, Button..."

Eleina gave me that warm motherly smile she always has on her face and gently patted my arm. "I really hope everything will turn out OK in the end. Take care, James."

With some reluctance, Button Mash followed his mother out of the room. However, Twilight then approached me while she used the levitation spell to lift what seemed to be a black rag from her saddlebag. "OK, James. I was doing a little brainstorming and had an idea. There may be a way to help you heal."

"Uh... Is that what that rag is for?" I replied while wondering what she was getting at with that thing beside her.

"Yes. After thinking back on your reactions to various stimuli, I think I know what the problem is. Or...part of the problem, at least. Hold still and sit up a bit." I did as I was told and lifted my head. Next thing I knew, Twilight tied the rag around my head like a blindfold. Its dark coloration kept out all light, rendering my sight blank.

"Why did you blindfold me?" I asked in some puzzlement.

"You'll understand in a minute. Hang on. I need to let somepony in." Twilight replied from my left.

However, while I heard Twilight's footsteps moving away from me, I heard Rainbow Dash speak up while she turned the phonograph back on with some gentle classical music playing. "Twilight... Are you sure this is a good idea? You saw what happened last time..."

"I know, Rainbow... But after analyzing some things, I'm sure this will work." I heard Twilight say before hearing the door creak open. "OK, he's ready. And remember. Not a peep."

I was very curious as to what was happening around me. But I soon heard the slow tempo of approaching hooves as the door closed. I started to reach for my blindfold to lift it, but I then heard Twilight speak up again. "No, James. I know it's tempting, but you must not remove that blindfold. Trust me."

I decided to take her seriously and just rested my head back down on my pillow. However, as the seconds went by, I realized that Twilight's voice had been coming from by the door. Whoever was approaching me was not her or even Rainbow Dash. "Twilight... Who did you let in?"

She spoke softly as the footsteps came to a stop beside me. "Somepony who misses you dearly..."

The temptation to remove my blindfold was strong, but I resisted that urge. Who was it? Soon, I felt a hoof rest tenderly upon my arm. I finally spoke up quietly, "Who are you?"

There was no answer. I turned to my side slightly and began to feel along the person's arm. It was definitely a pony. I then felt along the neck and then to the jaw. The muzzle structure was definitely that of a mare. I then slid my hand up and along her mane. I felt her lurch towards me, bringing her body close to my face as if this mysterious visitor was about to embrace me. The mane felt...frizzy. Poofy... And the scent... That smell in her coat. It was...vaguely sweet and got my sweet tooth excited. Like baked cakes and cookies. One name came to mind. "Pinkie Pie...?"

At first, I was filled with a sense of panic. The Pinkie Pie I knew was long gone. But at the mention of her name, I felt her wrap her arms around me tightly while quivering. I felt something warm and wet drip onto my shoulder. Tears... These actions were not like those of Pinkie Pie when I last saw her before I was hospitalized. I could not hear her voice. I could not see her body. I felt no pain. And among the maelstrom of painful memories, I saw them. The memories of better days with my peppy friend. The Pinkie Pie I thought no longer existed was holding me in her arms.

As this realization came over me, I instantly felt myself choke up. Tears began to cascade down my face and past my blindfold. She was there... Right there in my arms... I feared she was gone forever, but she was right there. I could not see or hear her, but I could feel her. Smell her. I knew she was there as I held her in my arms.

"Are you all right, James?" I heard Twilight ask from somewhere to my left.

"Ye... Yeah... This is Pinkie Pie, right?" I said through the tears while our grasps on each other remained tight.

I heard Twilight speak again. "It is... She came to me after she visited you today and mentioned how you told her that seeing and hearing her induced pain. And it looks like she was right." The sound of hooves approached me while she continued to speak. "This proves it. Your senses of sight and sound are what cause you to be hurt whenever they're around. But you can still feel through touch. And you can still smell."

She was right. I could still feel Pinkie Pie in my grasp and I could smell the scent of freshly baked sweets that had been absorbed into her mane and coat. And I am all but sure I could taste her if I wanted to. And strangely... The memories still remained in my head, constantly assaulting my mental vision. However... I soon noticed that some memories were no longer present in the storm. The ones of Pinkie Pie... They were gone. I actually had to consciously think of them in order to remember them.

I was tempted to lift my blindfold and see her. I wanted to see Pinkie Pie instead of just holding and smelling her. After I felt her lift her head from my shoulder, I whispered to her. "Hang on, Pinkie... I want to try something."

I brought my fingers to one side of my blindfold and began to lift it to uncover one eye. But the instant I opened it and saw that tearful pink face with blue eyes gazing at me... The memories... They exploded into my mind once more. I cringed and yelped, feeling as if my skull was beginning to crack. I instantly pulled the blindfold back down, the pain quickly receding. However, I then felt that tender firm embrace of my friend once more as she rested her head against mine.

"As I thought... James... I know it's tempting, but... Until they find out exactly what is wrong with you, you'll just have to settle for your three other senses. It's the best we can do right now..." Twilight said from nearby while I felt Pinkie Pie rub my head with her hoof.

I then heard Rainbow Dash speak up from just ahead of me. Likely while standing at the edge of my bed. "Sorry if that's all you can get right now... If you want, we can go get the rest of the girls."

As tempting as that was, I was feeling...incredibly relaxed for the first time in a while. While some of the memories continued to bombard my mind constantly, they had lost one fourth of their intensity. And for the first time in days, much more pleasant memories had begun to creep up past them to ease the pain. I decided to softly speak my answer. "No... Tomorrow. Right now... Pinkie is enough..."

There is not much else I can really document about what happened while I was blindfolded. I could not see or hear Pinkie Pie at all, so my interactions with her were extremely limited. How does one who is blind interact with someone who is mute? Either way, I could still feel her presence. It still had that familiar sense of cheer I had grown to love, but at the same time, it felt more...subdued. Somber, if that is even possible for her. But considering the deteriorating state of my body...and her constant adoration for her friends... I could understand why she was not as happy as she normally was.

At one point, Pinkie and I ended up playing a game of Weather Patrol with Twilight relaying Pinkie's guesses to me. But since I could not see where my own game pieces were, I had to rely on Twilight to actually set the extra 'hit' and 'miss' pegs down. Although I think Rainbow Dash sometimes messed with me by tricking me into making misses when she would sometimes take Twilight's role. I even laughed a few times. But I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for Pinkie to remain silent in the presence of laughter. For her to show such restraint for my sake... Bless you, Pinkie Pie.

Near the end of the day, Pinkie Pie had to depart for home. She stayed by my side all afternoon and well into the evening. But when she did finally have to leave, I felt her place an endearing kiss on my forehead. I almost never receive kisses from Pinkie Pie, so it must have been an exceptional show of adoration for a friend she sorely missed. We shared one last tender hug before I heard my friend leave the room. It was then that Rainbow Dash spoke up. "OK, James. You can look now."

I lifted the blindfold from my head and glanced around the room. The only people there were Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle. They were smiling brighter than I had seen them smile in recent memory. Twilight then asked, "So... How was it spending time with Pinkie Pie?"

I must admit... I was feeling slightly happier than usual. The memories in my head had lost some of their viciousness now that some of them were not present. I merely sat up in bed and yawned. "It was...nice."

"Yeah, you're looking a bit better now. Maybe pretty soon, you'll finally be on the road to getting better. I bet the rest of the girls can't wait to see you." Rainbow replied with a big grin. She was right. I did feel like I had slightly more energy than before. I even found myself eating dinner that night.

Before Rainbow Dash and Twilight could depart, we were paid one last visit by one of the hospital's doctors. The same one as always. "Ah, I was hoping I'd find you here."

"Hey there, doc. We were just about to head home. What's up?" Rainbow asked while she stood up from Applejack's stool.

The doctor seemed to have a clipboard floating near him with a slip of paper attached to it. He then lowered it to his face and began to look over it. "I just wanted to give you an update on your friend's condition. We still have not found any clues as to what the cause of his ailment is, but..."

"Yes? What's wrong?" Twilight asked while sounding somewhat worried. Although judging by the doctor's rather calm expression, the news could not be that grim.

After a moment more, the doctor began to speak. "Well... I have a tiny bit of good news. It seems that just this afternoon, his...deterioration, if you will, slowed somewhat. It was only barely noticeable, but the rate of decline has slightly decreased. I suppose that's a sign that we're making progress."

"Seriously?! It's finally getting better?! All right!" Rainbow Dash suddenly cheered before jumping into the air and raising her hoof high. Twilight also grinned brightly with some excitement while looking back at me.

"I'm afraid there's nothing else to report. But I will keep you updated if anything else comes up. Have a good evening, you two." The doctor said with a bit of a smile before departing.

"Wow... So, things are finally starting to get better?" Twilight asked while she turned to us. She was looking noticeably more hopeful than before.

"Well, it's about time! I'm sick of all this gloom and doom in the air!" Rainbow Dash said with a groan. It felt good to see her back to her usual rowdy self. She had been more subdued than usual in recent days.

Twilight seemed to glance at the clock before coming over to my bedside. "Well, visiting hours are just about over, so we should be heading home soon. But how do you feel, James? It looks like you might pull through after all. Isn't that great?"

To be honest... I was unsure of what to feel at the time. The allure of death was still there among the constant mental torment. But with the taste of relief I had just experienced... I was feeling more hopeful and positive than I had been since the day I awoke from my coma. "I...think so."

"Still feeling kinda out of it? That's cool. You just take it easy, James. We'll bring the whole gang by tomorrow. That cool with you?" Rainbow asked in reply while sounding much more cheerful than before. All I could do was nod. If things really can go back to how they used to be, then I was certainly willing to try.

Twilight placed a kiss on my cheek before smiling at me. "Don't worry, James. Things are going to get better starting tomorrow. Just make sure you hold onto that blindfold. You're gonna need it."

"Will do... See you tomorrow, girls." I said softly while waving goodbye. Once the two of them had left, I placed my makeshift blindfold in the bottom drawer in the nightstand to my left.

I cannot believe what happened today. Pinkie Pie... The real Pinkie Pie was there with me. And tomorrow... Rarity... Applejack... Fluttershy... Will they still be what I remember? Either way, I am eager to get to sleep and escape these irritating memories. I wonder where I will find myself this time when Nightmare Moon and Luna find me...

I have found myself becoming rather exhausted as a result of continuously working on such a grim and depressing plotline. As a result, I am going to go back and proofread all the previous chapters to the story in the hopes of relaxing myself with reading happier times. I will not start on the next chapter until the entire story to date has been edited and revised.