I lay staring at this beautiful sight for a moment, taking in the Angel's features. She had beautiful blue eyes and a long, flowing pink mane. Her coat was of a light yellow buttermilk color and her features were soft. This however, did not dampen my surprise. I quickly got up from the bed without thinking, wincing from the pain of moving so fast while so badly injured. The Angel stood there, gawking, mouth open and eyes wide. I looked around the room, trying to take advantage of her distraction to gain as much information as possible. I appeared to be in the cottage that I collapsed at, the “Angel” being the mare who answered the door. i felt like I was wearing bandages in several places, and a quick glance proved it. Notably my injured wing was wrapped tightly and in a sling. I was also naked… but so was the mare. I turn to the “Angel” without warning, causing her to jump. I clear my throat before saying:

“I am only going to ask this once… Who are you, where am I, how long was I out, and why am I naked?” I thought about it before adding, “And why are you naked, if I might ask?”

The mare stood there, shivering. Her aqua eyes slowly shrank as I tapped my hoof on the ground impatiently. Finally, she gestured with her eyes to somewhere behind me. I slowly turned around, keeping my eyes on the mare before looking. There, on the floor, were several pillows with my armour in pieces on top. She clearly recognized their value, but did not make away with them.

I nodded to her before making my way over to them, intent on dressing myself. However, after taking just a few steps, I collapsed onto the ground, my legs giving out. I grit my teeth, hissing in pain. My injuries were far worse than I initially expected. However, even now I could feel my bones mending and my flesh stitching itself together.

“EEEP!” The mare flew to my side, obviously worried for me. “Oh please don’t move!” she squeaked, barely audible, “You’re hurt! You mustn’t move!”

I looked over my shoulder at her, eyes burning. I stood up slowly, causing her to cower down. I then slowly said:

“I. Just. DID.”

The mare quickly scooted away into the nearest corner, scared senseless. It quickly became apparent to me that not only was she the most skittish pony I had ever seen, but I was also being rather asinine to the mare who saved my life. I turned my back to my armour and faced the shivering mare, (who I just now realized to be a Pegasus) and I took a few steps closer. I then straightened up, inhaled deeply, and softened my gaze.

“I must apologize for my inappropriate manner,” I began softly, “But I can’t help but feel alarmed when I wake up from what appears to have been a coma, naked, in a strange mare’s home. Pray tell, what is your name, Miss…?”

“F-f-Fluttershy,” She breathed, eyes locked onto mine.

“Miss Fluttershy, I do again apologize, as we appear to have gotten off on the wrong hoof.” I then took a few steps away from her, and that seemed to have allowed her to relax… a little.

“I am Red Storm, son of Red Wing, and heir to the Sanguine Throne. Now, if I may ask again, where am I, and how long was I out of consciousness?” the mare stood a bit taller now, but was still uneasy. She took a deep breath, and then began:

“You are in my home in the outskirts of Ponyville, near the Everfree forest. Ponyville is part of the Equestrian Empire, ruled by Princess Celestia and her younger sister, Princess Luna. You were in a coma for almost three days, and I thought you were going to die. You definitely have a broken wing, lots of bone fractures and minor lacerations, but you may also have a concussion.” The mare stopped to take a breath before continuing:

“I was afraid to take you to a hospital in your condition, and I didn’t want to leave you alone to get help in case you woke up or something happened. The storm you arrived in stopped yesterday, and would you like something to eat for breakfast?” As if on cue, my stomach rumbled. We both looked at each other uneasily, but after a moment I nodded. She then bowed her head slightly and hurried away, presumably to the kitchen.

I looked around the room again, but this time I saw something that surprised me. Along the wall near my armour were dozens of small woodland creatures, crammed into a corner. Every last one of them had a look of horror on their faces. I looked to my right and saw a mirror, instantly realizing why they were acting like that.

I looked like a corpse that just climbed out of my grave. My coat was stained red in some places, brown in others, and ruffled in all other places. My mane was doing no better, and upon closer inspection, my bandages were dirty and hastily put on, dyed a sickly yellow from infectious fluid. However, the worst was my once handsome face. My eyes were bloodshot, my nose and mouth circled with dried blood, and I had a thick layer of dirt along my cheek.

“Wow” was all I could say as I forced down the urge to gag. I must give Miss Fluttershy credit for even being able to look at me, let alone perform first aid on me. Then I heard tapping below me. I looked down to see that same rabbit that I saw before passing out standing before me. He had a scornful expression on his mug, and his left hind leg was tapping the floor, front legs crossed. ‘His courage is certainly larger than his wit,’ I thought. I leaned in close to him and made a savage look, baring my teeth and staring into his very soul. His will held strong however, as he just stood there. Glaring.

“You have earned my respect, small one.” I said to him before turning away and looking for where Miss Fluttershy had gone. I found her in the kitchen, in a floral apron preparing breakfast. I cleared my throat to attain her attention before asking:

“Excuse me Miss Fluttershy, but you wouldn’t happen to have a shower that I may use, would you?” She looks at me sheepishly before quietly responding:

“Yes, I do. It’s upstairs to the left, your highness.” This made me pause. I looked at her and smiled.

“Thank you. And please, just ‘Red Storm’ is more than sufficient.”