The Lost Lightning Bolt.
Why?
The white porcelain ceiling of the hospital was the only site that accommodated my one good eye. The smell of alcohol and blood filled my nostrils making me want to gag, but the mask that was keeping my breathing regulated prevented me from doing so.
"You're awake." The unexpected voice broke the stale silence.
I looked to the voice and was surprised to see the one Pegasi who wouldn't be here for me.
"The doctors said you wouldn't survive after that mob attack, you even had me on edge when you didn't wake up for 3 days." She started, "But I knew you'd pull through, after all, me and you are two sides of the same coin." She added.
My brain was circulating with many thoughts that made me want to die, but only one sentence voiced my boggled mind, "Why… am I here?" I asked.
Her smile faded into a frown, "You were attacked by a mob, they nearly killed you, broke your wings, and all four legs." She said, "The doctors said you may be able to recover your legs, but your the damage done to the nerves in your wing is to severe for them to repair." She added grimly, "Normally, I'd be onboard the train that you can fly as fast as you could back then if you tried, but from what the doctors told me about your condition, you'll be lucky to even go 25 miles per hour." She admitted.
Then it all came back to me, now I remembered what happened. I was trying to clear my mind of the memories of the Wonderbolt Academy Mishap, even after a year, when a mob of ponies began beating me. I tried to run away, but they broke my wings before I could.
And just when things looked like they were about to end, I was saved by Rainbow Dash. And after recollecting my memories, one question surfaced my mind.
"Why?" I asked.
Her expression showed that I surprised her with how I broke the silence with such an abrupt question, "Why what?" She responded.
I sighed before looking at the ceiling, "Why did you save me?" I asked, "You should have left me to die." I added.
She sighs, "Maybe, maybe not." She started, "Like I said Lightning, me and you are two sides of the same coin, you were the first Pegasus to ever match me in speed, me and you still hold that undeniable will to get to our goals or never give up." She lectured me, "That's why I saved you, because I knew that it was too late for you to leave." She finished.
I shook my head, "That mind over matter shtick might work with you and your friends, but not everypony has that kind of luck, not everypony can just turn their lives around after saying they won't give up." I denied, "Every attempt I made to turn my life around after what happened, and look where I am now, in a hospital, broken legs, lost my left eye, and my wings will never be the same, I can't do what I loved to do anymore." I finished.
She sighs and nods, "But that doesn't mean you can't turn your life around, you still have the chance to due something and make something of yourself." She tried to encourage me.
I shook my head again, "There's no point in investing in something you don't feel passionate about." I stated, "You'll fail harder than you ever had."
"So you're saying that flying was the only thing you liked to do?" She asked.
I nodded, "I can play the flute pretty well, at least that's what my music teacher told me." I admitted, "I was like the voice of a rough angle, I may have been rough around the edges, but with practice, I can smooth out those edges and become something truly divine, that's what she used to say to me." I recited my music teacher's quotes.
"Then why don't you play the flute?" She asked as if it was the obvious solution to my problems.
I shook my head, "You wouldn't understand because you got to achieve your dreams." I stated simply, "Once you know what it's like to never be able to achieve your dreams, then we can talk about turning my life around and playing the flute." I started, "But until then, all your words will fall on deaf ears and a dead soul."
She sighs and was about to respond when the doctor came in, "Ms. Dash, visiting hours are over, and the Princess wants to speak to Ms. Dust in private." The doctor announced.
And just like that, Rainbow Dash was gone and Princess Twilight Sparkle was here.
We stayed in deafening silence strong enough to kill Princess Celestia.
"Don't take this wrong way, I haven't forgiven you, it's just that Rainbow Dash was persistent on keeping you alive." She started, "You don't have to worry about hospital expenses, I paid for them all." She added.
I sighed, "Why did Rainbow save me?" I asked, as if I was going to get a different response from her, "After everything I've done to her, saving me would be the last thing I'd expect her to do." I said.
Twilight nodded, "Me too, I expected her to leave you for dead, but I guess that's just Rainbow Dash for you." She admitted, "Always being unpredictable, but I guess being the Element of Loyalty has a lot to say in why you're here right now." She added, "To be honest, it could've been either of us that helped you get here, even me."
I nodded, "I see…" I understood, "I know I'm asking a lot after what I've done and what you're doing, but I wanted to ask you; what do I do after this?" I asked.
She sighed before sitting in the chair and leaning back, "I don't know what's next for you. Nopony can ever predict the future." She admits, "But what I do know is that if you wait for things to come, than you won't achieve much. I know I may sound like I'm getting all 'mind over matter', but I'm not. The journey always start with one step, and the rest will come naturally." She stated.
I nodded, "Sometimes the best choice is the one you're least unsure about." I said.
She nods, "And right now, the most uncertain choice you have is playing a flute." She said.
I nodded, "I guess you're right…" I agreed, "Is it okay if you leave now, I'm kinda tired?" I requested.
She nods and leaves out the room to let me think.
I take a deep breath... things are gonna be a lot different.