Disclaimer: I do not own MLP, I do own my Ideas and OC's however.

Chapter 12

The halls rang quiet, save for the occasional flicker of a old light, and the constant beep sounding from the rooms variously placed around. Doctors of all sorts chatted quietly and politely to the people in the hospital and those who weren't from there. Some of what the doctors were saying, were harsh news. Twilight Sparkle hurriedly trotted to where she had last seen her.. Friend.

Even though it had been just a mere measly days, Granite.. The.. Stallion that just so happened to crash course into Ponyville, had made a significant impact on all of the girls lives. He was the talk of town now, because of his selfless act of saving some fillies. It made everypony think twice about him, even the six.

Twilights expression grew grim when she rounded the room he was in, seeing the shape on the bed only brought bad memories back. Ever since she'd found him, Twilight and the rest had never left his bedside, only when their duties had been called, did they leave. They took shifts, swapping in and out one by one as the days went by. Currently in the room with Granite, sat Rarity and Sweetie Bell. The white fashionatta and her expression were blank, devoid of emotion as her sister unconsciously twiddled with her mane.

The fillies had taken it hard, Scootaloo especially, as much as it pains Dash and the little orange ball of fury, one, if not both of them felt at fault. Twilight entered the room and cleared her throat gently, gaining the attention of the purple maned mare, "Rarity?" Upon hearing her name, she turned and acknowledged Twilight with a nod and flashed her a small smile, "Hey Twilight."

Said mare grew concerned at the lack of higher words, normally Rarity would speak more forward and cascade her words with elegance and class. Now.. She seemed like she didn't need to. Sweetie Bell was more excited and simply waved a hoof at the unicorn and went back to watching the stallion laying on the bed.

Twilight shut the door behind her and sighed as she slumped next to her friend, "How is he?" Rarity blinked and responded, "The doctors had to come in to calm a fit of his down. We almost lost him.. But they got his breathing controlled and such." Twilight skirted a glance at Sweetie and saw that she was nodding with tears in her eyes.

Getting up, Twilight made her way around the room a various gifts many ponies had stopped to give Granite. Collected and piled high, were a weeks worth of them too.

For one whole week, Granite had stayed in a coma of sorts, from what the doctors could tell. They told the girls and various others that the shock from both the poison, and the loss of blood was to much for him. He just needed time. To the shock of almost everypony, the Doctors told them that he would live.

But when he would wake up, is another story.

Twilight stepped over a large pile of flowers and leaned over to see Granite breathing slowly, a tube of sorts sticking out from his snout and wrapping around his head. He also had various tubes connected to him that led to different portions of IV bags.

The condition Granite had been in before he arrived at the hospital, was grim. Several sections of him had been torn, and don't even start on how many cuts he had received. From what Twilight could remember, was that they were waiting outside of the operating room for hours.

Now, Granite looked normal. Like he was just sleeping peacefully. Twilight breathed out through her nose and rested her head on Granites, silently wishing he was alright. When done, she made her way around to Rarity and made herself comfortable.

"He.. He's not going to die sis.. Right?"

Both Rarity and Twilight looked at Sweetie Bell, who amidst the silence begged. Rarity smiled and nuzzled her sibling, sighing, "No Sweetie. He'll come back." Twilight saw her friend look up and say so only she could hear, "I hope.."

Twilight gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder, to which the white unicorn graciously smiled towards. When all three turned back to the sleeping stallion, Twilight said quietly, "Rainbow should be here any moment."

Rarity looked put the door window and let out a soft snort, "I never thought I'd actually live to see the day that mare is early." Twilight let her sentiment show by a soft nod when the rooms door opened slowly.

What appeared first was the face of Scootaloo. She smiled as she limped in, her hoof wrapped in a cast. But her smile faded as she saw that the room still held the same dreary effect on it. The young filly looked behind her and said sadly, "He isn't awake yet.."

Both Twilight and Rarity saw Dash walk in, her mane was a mess; not that it wasn't before, but it was more so now. Naturally, the color of it was bright, as Dash did tend to it often or not. But now, it was dull, like she were Pinkie. Dash shut the door and heaved a shaky sigh, laying the present in a seat next to her as she sat near Twilight.

Scootaloo chose to sit next to Sweetie, who both immediately started whispering amongst themselves. Dash smiled and waved at both of her friends, "Hey Rarity, what's up Twi?" Both named, waved and said their part.

When formalities passed, all turned back to the bed.

It seemed, that because of what had happened so suddenly, caused a few changes in some ponies. It wasn't anyponys fault, but what changed was more subtle and easily noticeable. As of now, which worried both Twilight and Rarity, was that Dash was being patient. She wasn't, as she put it, Goal focused right now, only being attrained on making sure Granite was okay.

What scared all 6 girls, except one, was that Pinkie was calm. It was as if she had indeed took a chill pill and stayed that way. She hadn't bounced a single bounce since the incident, hadn't thrown a party either.

It was as if they had all came in contact with that flower again..

Dash crossed her hoofs and said solemnly, "Any word from Flutters or Applejack?" Rainbow looked at her friends as she finished. both nodded, Twilight said quickly,

"They have actual business to attend to. Applejack having her farm and Fluttershy with her animals." Twilight sighed and rubbed her tired face, relishing in the fact that she hadn't slept in days. And already, because Granite had left, the tree felt empty.

She shouldn't be worrying about things such as this though.. Twilight frowned and continued, vowing to get to the end of this weird topic, "They haven't been able to pop in for a while."

"Oh.. That sucks.."

Rarity agreed with a nod, seeing Granite shake suddenly. Twilight shakily breathed when she saw that, "I do hope he is alright.." Dash uncrossed her hooves and leaned forward, shaking her head, "Same Twi.. Same.."

Rarity finally spoke up, shaking her head with a deep scowl, "Gracious this is depressing. I do hope your week was alright you two." Both mares smiled at the mood shift, glad to have something to take their minds off of.

Dash spoke first, brazing on her skills, "I finally got to hang out with Fleetfoot the other day. She taught me some new moves." Twilight let her eyes widen in sustenance for the sudden commendation, "Wow, awesome Rainbow. That's an honor."

Dash nodded, letting loose a smile, "I know." Both Rarity and the mulberry mare snorted, taking back their assumptions of Dash ever changing.

Twilight smirked and shrugged when all eyes turned to her, "I cleaned the tree out yesterday. Other than that, I've been working on this one concoction…" Rarity leaned in and said with curiosity, "Oh? Pray tell."

Dash snickered, "Yeah, go ahead Egghead."

"Dash.."

"No, no. Don't let me stop you."

Twilight narrowed her eyes and cleared her throat, "Well, I've been trying for days to see if I could change ones appearance without magic. I have yet to test it."

Dash held up her hooves and shook her head, "Nope. Don't ask." Rarity agreed with a grunt as she leaned back into her chair. After a while of just listening to the heart monitor beep, Twilight said smiling, "What have you been up to this week Rarity?"

Said mare stiffened, averting her eyes to the window, "I uh… well you see.. Hmm.." Opposed to her stuttering and frequent blinks, Rarity just ended up sighing, "Nothing. Quite literally." Her purple gaze softened as she looked at the bed, "All this time, I have just sat in my idea room and looked at a piece of paper, hoping an idea would come."

Sweetie Bell looked at her sister in a placid gesture upon hearing that, patting her hoof with her own before going back to Scootaloo. Rarity breathed out, leaning on her hoof as she twirled the other, "But I have been able to connect to some ponies in Canterlot."

All of those who were in the room let out a surprised noise, causing Rarity to laugh, "Those ponies are quite the bunch." One of the girls was to say something, but they were interrupted by the door opening, and in walked a panting Applebloom and Applejack. The latter said with a hopeful glance, "Is he awake yet?" The looks passed around said it all.

Both apple siblings sighed in vain, choosing their seats accordingly. Applebloom with her friends, and Applejack next to Rarity. The CMC had taken to the floor with quiet expressions. Not one had said a peep since they had come here.

Applejack breathed heavily as she sat, "So, which wunna you wants to have a break? Ah'll watch 'em." No one said anything, causing the Earth Pony to laugh heartily, "That's an agreement I can come to."

So, they all fell into silence, gathering their thoughts and best hopes for something to happen. To which, at some point, it did,

"Ah never got the chance to ask y'all bout the Gala. How'd that go?" Questioned Applejack nervously, her eyes betraying the fact that she wanted the silence to not rule. All perked up to that, Twilight raised a hoof with a gentle grin, "I got to speak with Celestia about what's been happening around Equestria."

Dash raised a brow, "And?"

"Apparently an Earth Pony tried to fly."

Said Twilight sighing. Dash snorted and stretched her wings, "Right. Well did he?" Twilight snorted and said with a shrug, "Curiosity killed the cat Dash."

"Right. Right."

"Well that is quite grim." Rarity said whilst grumbling. All eyes turned to the fashion pony, Dash spoke up with an evil smirk, "So what'd you do at the Ball Rarity? You swoon some unlucky stallion?" Rarity blushed and said stuttering, "N-no!"

All laughed as the blush grew heavier, "Well…" Rarity smiled, as she was able to compose herself, "Does embarrassing a stallion count?" Dash quirked an interested brow as the white unicorn continued, "Yes? Well then, I will have you know that Prince Blueblood will think twice about messing with me."

Twilight shuffled in her seat, "What did you do? I remember you saying something about a Prince and his.. Less formal way of treating you."

Rarity giggled and pointed a hoof, "We. Twilight. Granite and I made the Prince out to be a fool. It was quite the sight to behold." Applejack guffawed and snickered into a hoof, "Yah mean that fella with the weird tux? Ah saw him alright. Guy was stark mad and drenched."

Rarity laughed with her friends as they to snickered, "Ah yes. Granite left an imposing note and impression on Blueblood." Twilight, after getting over her fit, said with a smile, "So that's why you had a crowd?"

Rarity beamed, "Oh why of course! Because of Granite and his quick thinking, I gathered quite the mass. I even was able to secure some new high class friends." From the bored look Dash was giving, Rarity snorted and grumbled, "Not that any would care."

Dash smirked, throwing a cotton ball that she picked up from her gift, making it bounce off the formal unicorns nose with a satisfying, *boop*, "Its not that I don't care Rare, I heard about somepony named Torial, making a commotion with an embarrassed prince."

As Rarity was wiggling her nose, Dash smiled and winked at the unicorn, "I just didn't know it was with Granite. Moving ahead huh Rare?" Rarity froze and blinked, her white fur betraying a hot blush, "Dash.. You.. Take it back."

"Oh come on, don't deny it! You have somethin for him!"

Applejack smirked and leaned over to Twilight, who had raised a flat brow, the orange mare spoke so that Rainbow Dash could easily hear, "Says t' one who wants another, 'Rematch.'

Rarity and Dashs jaws dropped open, Dash more so as she stuttered like her friend, "Wh…What? Me? Please. H-he couldn't even keep up with me the first time." All three other girls smirked and giggled as the joke meant something else. Dash grew even redder as she finally got it, "O..oh.. Buck…"

Applejack roared as their friend tried hiding behind her mane, "Just like Shy!" Twilight and Rarity too snickered at her expense. But they stopped when they heard another laugh, it was familiar too. Turning to the source, they all saw Pinkie rolling on the floor, kicking her hooves in a humorous manner.

Sensing the lack of laughs, Pinkie halted and said cheerfully, "Aww.. Not funny anymore?" All but one laughed, "Nah Pinkie, its still funny. How're ya doing Sugarcube?"

Pinkie hopped up, her signature bounce noise easily heard in the silence, "Funny you should say Sugar Cube! Just came from there to deliver these.."

She pulled a tray out of nowhere filled to the brim with muffins, and said with a smile, "To a certain somepony! But.. He's still asleep." She frowned slightly, sliding the tray next to her others before, sitting near the CMC, "I'm just hoping he'll be able to eat them all."

Twilight smirked and patted the pink mare on the shoulder, "I doubt he'd not want to. He's been eating that awful goop this hospital calls food." Everypony shivered.

Applebloom spoke up with a cheer, "Well, he has a bunch of stuff to open up when he wakes!" Applejack smirked, blinking at the positive remark her sister gave. She hoped too. They all did, it would be terrible if the pony they just got to know just disappeared..

Twilight looked at her downtrodden friend and nudged her, the orange pony looked up and was met with a comforting smile. Twilight whispered, "He'll be fine." Applejack laughed and agreed, "Yeah. Ah know."

Rarity turned her head and smiled, "So what'd you do Applejack? Did you get to sell your tarts?" Applejack nodded and tipped her signature Stetson up, "Not only sell, but ran out. Ah have Granite and Rarity tah thank for that. By the time the ball was endin, ah was out of stock." The shock of the Earth pony's exclamation rippled inside the room.

Dash chortled and nodded, "Yeah, I saw a lot of ponies grabbing for Applejacks cart. How much did ya make AJ?"

Applejack blinked and looked up as she did her own calculations, counting on her hoof,

"Well.. There were four pies. 75 Apple Fritters.. 60 Apple Fries.. Around 200 bits?"

"Celestia.."

"Yeah, ah was panicking around the end. Too many customers."

Dash and everypony else gave her smiles, to which they then turned to Dash, "What'd you do Dashie?" Said mare puffed her chest out and she gave a proud smile, "I was able to hang with the Wonderbolts." Pinkie appeared next to her friend and leaned on her shoulder, eyes alight with excitement.

"Oohhhhh! Not to many ponies are able to do that! How'd you do it? Hang out with the Wonderbolts I mean?"

Dash chuckled and said with a small smile, "It wasn't easy. But I had help." Twilight smirked and prodded the rainbow pegasus, "I'm guessing you sweet talked to Soarin'?"

Rainbow gave Twilight a flat stare, "Please. He can go shove his face in a pie."

Snickers all around. Even from the little fillies who were playing around on the floor harmlessly. They had somehow found an open present that had revealed a rubber ball. They took no moment to bounce the heck out of it.

"Nah… it was.."

Rainbow shrugged, scratching the base of her neck, "Well it was Granite."

"Told ya."

"OH STOP IT!"

Applejack snickered evily as cotton balls were sent her way. Rainbow huffed and looked away from her friends and their laughing, "Anyway, he didn't even speak to me. Spitfire fixed that."

Applejack smiled and clopped her hooves together, brightening up suddenly, "Oh tha' reminds me! I just got somethin from Ditzy the other day, it was from Spitfire herself." For some reason, Applejack pulled out the letter she spoke of, setting it down on her lap, "I didn't want tah open it, but I think ah know what it is."

Dash gazed in awe at the letter, "He was invited to the Derby? Lucky.." She added the last remark with a sigh and a frown. Applejack snorted and held up the letter again, dividing it into two letters, saying through clenched teeth, "Seems like Spitfire remembered you too Rainbow."

Dash's eyes lit up brighter than New Yorks Time Square, letting out a signature fangirl squee, "OHMYGOSHOHMYG-" She was silenced by an obstinate Pinkie, who for once stuck her hoof in Dash's mouth. Her other went to her snout, gesturing to the stallion who had groaned suddenly.

Everypony went silent as Granite moved, hoof twitching silently. But as quickly as it began, he went rigid and sighed before falling back to his previous solid movements. All the girls groaned, and scuffed the floor separately.

"Goshtarn it…"

"Same."

With a sigh, all girls who were sitting in seats, leaned back. All fillies who were on the ground began yawning, realizing just how late it was getting.

They all perked up when they found Fluttershy peeking through the door, when she saw the gazes of her friends, the shy pegasus blushed and said quietly, "Am… am I interupting?"

Dash waved a hoof and snickered, "Nah Shy. Come on in." Fluttershy gulped and said with a soft tone, "Well I hope you don't mind if I brought a few others." All perked up as Twilight said evenly, "Who?"

Fluttershy smiled and stepped aside, allowing her, 'others,' to step in.

When she meant others, most had thought that she would bring in a few small animals. But all eyes widened and jaws went slack when two familiar Alicorns stepped in. Princess Luna first, followed by her older sister, Princess Celestia.

They hadn't taken more than a few steps before all were bowing and respectively saying their greetings. Both Princesses looked at one another before smiling, Celestia speaking first, "Come now. Stand. " Luna giggled and said in whisper, "You need not bow little ones."

Everypony looked at the Alicorns and then one another before shrugging and standing. They all wore smiles, Twilight the biggest as she near tackled the sun goddess, nuzzling her fur affectionately. Celestia smiled and returned the love with her own, "Hello Twilight."

The unicorn stepped back and gushed, her eyes full of both curiosity and concern, "Princesses! I don't mean to be rude, but what are you doing here?"

Princess Luna shrugged and walked over to where Granite lay, "Is it not appropriate to escape away from our duties?" Celestia let out a small giggle when Twilight stuttered and couldn't come up with a proper retort, "Luna, be nice." Luna sighed and said with a roll of her eyes,

"As you wish."

But Celestia answered warmly, "It is not only my duty to protect Equestria, but to also protect my little ponies. So for today, Luna and I decided to check on you all and Granite." Celestia said with a smirk, she finished by saying, "Our Guards were far from pleased when we told them we did didn't need them.." The truth rang out in her words, silencing any doubt. Twilight sighed and leaned on her mentor, "Thank you princess." She received a nod as Celestia's aura appeared around the door and closed it shut.

Fluttershy worked her way around the mass of presents and bodies, settling herself near the fillies, who in turn smiled and hugged the yellow pegasus.

With formalities and happy moments passed, Luna turned her attention back to the pale blue stallion, eyes searching for any movement. Once she saw none, she craned her head and said softly, "How long has this one been like this?"

Dash sighed and shrugged, "A week now? He hasn't opened his eyes, from what know, the whole time. Or even tried to vocalize anything." Applejack agreed with a soft smile, "We've been taking turns watching em. If anything had happened, we'd know."

Celestia let her gaze soften at the looks of all her subjects. She glanced down to see Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie Bell looking the worst. The sun Alicorn said softly, "You care this much for him?" All turned to look at Celestia, the looks said it all.

Twilight, being the closet to her, nodded solemnly. Luna walked to her sister and craned her neck, casting a glance to the sleeping form, "Sister, I have an idea.. Whether or not I proceed, is in your hooves." Celestia lifted her head from Luna and frowned, gazing at Granite with hope, "If it will help him awake, I see no reason to deny you such an idea. Explain Luna."

Luna sighed and said forthwright, "I might be able to peer into his dreams, if such is your wish."

Celestia blinked and after a moments thought, nodded, "Alright Luna, you have my agreement. But I will join you." The Midnight Princess nodded and chose to sit next to Rainbow Dash, who stiffened as the night Princess sighed, "If you don't mind, I wish to be undisturbed, I will be back momentarily."

Applejack watched as Lunas horn glowed, casting a sick blue over herself and Celestia, followed by a sudden gasp from Granite. Leaning over, The earth pony who was unaccustomed to seeing such an act, whispered to her Unicorn friend, "Twi? What're they doin to Granite?"

Twilight said just as softly, letting her gaze shift to the magical energy in front of her, "I think Luna is trying to wake Granite up.. She is the Princess of Dreams, so.. Maybe she's establishing a link to him?" Applejack looked at Twilight with a flat stare,

"In Equestrian Twi."

"Oh Right. Luna is going inside of Granites dreams to try and wake him up that way."

Applejack and everypony looked back at the scene before them, the orange mare taking off her Stetson, "I hope it works.."

No one said anything as Granite fidgeted in his sleep.

Gerald

So yeah, battling my minds worst enemies happens in dreams. And it takes time away from the fact that I couldn't wake up.

I held my sword at the ready, facing impossible odds. Before me were at least more than one hundred foot soldiers, their faces literally blank, save for the uniforms of black and their eyes a deep red. I didn't question of what happened or where I was when I woke up. When I did, I was faced down with these odds as well.

It started off with just one of them. I didn't know what it was at the time, so I didn't know how to handle that situation. And because of my cautiousness, I was hurt early on and regretted ever getting hit, for it stung like bitch making me know if I were to get seriously injured, then that would be it for me. And what was weirder, is that this was a dream. I pinched my self, and slapped myself around, but the only thing that hurt were the steel blades my foes held towards me.

I tried thinking these fuckers away, but they were persistent. The soldiers had attacked me ruthlessly and without warning, the only signal were the caucasmic footsteps they made.

I breathed out and clutched my weapon with renewed strength, urging my will to be unbreakable. The only thing to be broken were the bones and skulls of those in front of me. I was about to battle this fuckers without thinking… So With a cry of fear, I rushed forward, summoning some allies for the fuck of it all. The soldiers all raised their weapons and charged as well, yelling as loud as I.

I guess to really explain the battle and how I had survived for so long, I had to further go into of what I used and tactics I put forth.

Well, Since it was a dream, I tried to summon some power armor, only to be met with a simple kevlar vest. I try asking for a gun of any kind and was given a sword of gold. Relishing on the fact that my minecraft skills were unmatched, fucking gold swords are terrible. But it kind of made me look like Finn from Adventure Time.

So it was Meh.

The shadows, that's what I called them, adapted to everything I threw at them, and they were sneaky as fuck. They took on forms of those I knew and used them to pit against my emotions. I couldn't use the same tactic twice, otherwise I'd end up with my head lopped off.

Who knew right?

But what really surprised me about this, was the allies I could bring out and the defenses I could throw at the enemy. For as long as I had been in here, wherever I was, I quickly learned how to survive. So I made my allies constructs of different time periods. Some were roman and other were Greek. Some looked Spartan even.

And there were the people that looked awfully similar to the guys off of Assassins Creed, I shit you not. I actually think I helped pull Ezio out of a skirmish with brutes half his size.

But anyway.

My point, is that I had no idea what was going on. I had been wandering aimlessly for hours. These enemies I faced, never stopped coming. And they wouldn't. For days and nights, I spent cowering, fighting and defending myself from them, earning ugly scars and terrors I couldn't bear facing again.

I could always heal myself, but when I was hurt, the wounds looked like the poison Timberwolves used. I would begin to get drowsy, and I would start disappearing. So that brought a horrible thought to mind, if I were to die here.. Just like the matrix.. I would die wherever I was in real life. So with that in mind, most of my time was spending saying nope and booking out of fights. But I was cornered.

Save it for ironic, but here I was in the middle of a gorge, two walls either side of me, allowing narrow passage, fighting along Spartans gleaming gold.

Told you.

But even though the golden Spartans were beefy as hell and carried weapons that glinted war, I was scared, frightened to the core. I had been running away, laying traps and hoping that I could slow down the things chasing me.

But they caught up with me later.

The first words of slaughter reached my ears as steel clashed with steel. Different Spartans immediately fell, impaled by the dark blades The Shadows used. Wherever the golden allies collapsed to, they would shake and just disappear.

From just the initial clash, I had already lost at least twenty of my allies. Looking behind me though, I saw many more. It filled me with hope, and I summoned that Kevlar vest I had. Surging forward, I found my target, slashing down, I cleaved through the shadowy construct like it were nothing, watching it dissolve and slop to the ground, forming a puddle of black. The next few were no difference.

Because of the narrow passage, we were able to pile many of The Shadows into a group and slaughter them. Rinse and repeat.

But halfway through, like I said, they adapted to the tactic and actually used the wall and scampered into the defenses. Within that brutish moment, it all went to shit.

Another twenty of my allies fell, leaving me out in the open, with several Shadows closing in. Panicking, I raised my sword just in time to parry a blow from a bigger shadow. While he was stunned, I brought my blade to cleave his foot off, and in one fluid motion brought the blade into his chest as he fell.

I ended having to pull my blade from the blackened ground to whirl around and face the countless others. What made me sigh in relief was that the Spartans were gaining ground, fast. So I leapt into battle, my eyes whipping left and right as I swung my sword wildly, each hitting another construct. Each breath I took sent me forward into the lines and every kill sent me flying back. But for every shadow we killed, two Spartans died. It was getting to the point to where we were low on constructs and the shadows just kept coming. But I could see that their line was thinning as per the fact that I could see the other side of the gorge.

Glancing around, I could estimate about 40 constructs and hella more Shadows. I had to think of something, and I had to think of it fast. Looking at my surroundings, I saw two key points, one being the end in sight, and two; the ridge above us. That was the best vantage point right now, and if I could get some archers up there, we could probably win this..

No sooner had I thought about it, several golden archers lining up along the ridge top. I smiled wildly and shouted, "SHIELDS UP!" Plan set into motion, we were going to send the Shadows on a nice King Leonidas death party. My constructs obeyed, throwing their shields up and pushing the shadows back as they did so. They covered the top of our heads and the area in front of us.

I bellowed once I saw the shields glint in the dim gorge light, "FIRE!" The archers obeyed, silently pulling back the strings on their bows and sending thousands of arrows below. Several sounds of arrows scoring across what seemed like putty reached my ears, followed by the melting of the Shadows. I grinned and peered though a hole and saw the shadows flail about, arms moving wildly as more arrows hit them.

Once the archers had relieved themselves of arrows, they disappeared, allowing me to throw my sword forward, "MOVE!" That simple command, along with the thrill of battle sent the Golden Spartans forward, whether they were already dying or not, the ends of swords and hilts of shields crushed the remaining foes.

And before I knew it, I was standing at the end of the gorge.

I looked behind me and saw every shadow we had faced, now a puddle. I sighed in relief, glad that the whole battle business was over. So with no other choice, I started walking, hands in my pockets. I dismissed the armor and breathed through a simple tank top and sweats.

But as I stared ahead, I didn't see any end to my journey. It was a flat plain, consisting of flowers and several clusters of trees set about. Frowning, I crossed my arms and saw through the trickery. The Shadows were conniving little fuckers.

My first hour, I had to figure out what was real, and what was fake.. I'm just going to say… I had to end a few of my family and some of my friends. Whoever I thought I could trust, was either one of the Shadows or was just a part of my dream. Dad could go eat a dick, but my sister and mother were harder. Grandparents too…

But I'm going to move past that. The mimics were easy enough to spot. Just pose an impossible question and if they got it wrong, they ate my golden sword.

But ahead, was all new territory to me, and I had no idea what to expect, let alone to finally be able to rest. I hadn't slept in what.. A day now? Eh.. I could sleep when I was dead.

I stared at the ground, at my bare feet was the dividing line, the rocky ground of the gorge and the grassy green of the plain. Could I risk it?

Well, I was, until I heard my name called out. Within hearing that, I had summoned my sword and vest, shouting as I heard,

"Granite!"

"Who goes there?"

From the shadows of the gorge, appearing simultaneously, were Celestia and Luna. Alicorn Princesses of Equestria. They both had looks of pure relief when they saw me, but that died immediately when they saw I had a sword leveled towards them.

Luna spoke first,

"Gerald what are.."

I said coldly, trying to keep my calm, this was new, and I was hoping that these weren't mimics,

"You have ten seconds to explain why you are here. Nine seconds until you find my blade through your heart."

Celestia deadpanned and narrowed her eyes, "Allow us twenty and maybe I won't suffocate you with your pillow as Luna and I depart from here." I lowered my sword and threw it into the ground, "Twenty seconds it is then."

Celestia sighed and said evenly, never wavering, "Gerald, you have been unconscious for an entire week. Almost everypony is worried for your health, and we do not know when you are to awake. Luna and I are here to bring you back."

I sniffed and raised a brow, "Ten more seconds, maybe I believe you. It feels like I've been here longer than I have been. But, are you the real Luna and Celestia?" Luna scoffed and said with a growl, "Of course."

I smirked and said with a shit eating grin, "Prove it."

Both princesses/possible imposters, looked at one another before they looked back at me. Luna's horn lit up, a dark blue, and a searing pain went across my jaw. Celestia sighed as I rubbed the side to where Luna had used her magic to slap me. Looking back at Celestia, I saw her horn glowing.

But nothing was happening. I frowned and was about to comment, but I saw Luna giving me an evil smirk as she pointed somewhere down below. My head whipped down and I saw a yellow glow appear and flash near my crotch.

The next moment, I was on the ground groaning. Hot Damn Celestia could hit hard.. I twitched involuntarily and grunted as I face planted the dirt, "God… I wanted.. Ugh.. To have kids… Celestia… Oh Jesus.."

Both Alicorns hollered in laughter as I stood shakily, using my sword for support. I grimaced at every sudden movement and said with a grunt, "You are a cruel.. Aghhhh.. Cruel, evil princess." Celestia wiped a tear from her muzzle and gazed at me with humor, "You said to prove it. So we did."

I tried to walk, and instead doubled over, "ohhhhh my tenders.. Celestia, by the gods, I will have my revenge… just you wait." Thus Luna, done with rolling with laughter, breathed out and said, "We are happy to see you Gerald."

"I agree, many were and still are worried about you."

I nodded and chuckled weakly, "The feeling is painful but mutual you two. Are the fillies okay?" When I saw both nod, I sighed in relief, "That's good news… here I thought I was gonna die hearing Scoots or one of them kicked the bucket.." Luna responded with a hint of anger, "You were planning on dying?"

I nodded and chose to sit down, standing hurt, "I've been wandering… gahhhh…. aimlessly for days, just barely surviving whatever my head has been throwing me." I gestured to the plain before us, "I've been running for so long, that I was pretty sure I wasn't going to survive the next journey." Both Celestia, and especially, Luna frowned. Luna being the one to say, "You have been facing nightmares? Normally my magic nullifies the dreams of anypony during the night.. thus making them free of fear."

I clicked my tounge and said smiling, "Alas dearest Luna, I am not a Pony." Luna facepalmed and grumbled something intellectual while Celestia stepped forward, "Well, how have these nightmare hurt you?"

"Did I say nightmares?"

"Then what Gerald? We want to help you."

I groaned as another wave of pain passed me, damn you Celestia. If it even is you…, "I don't know.. But they, The Shadows, have been hunting me down ruthlessly." I finally stood and pointed behind them, immediately growing grim, "If you need more to wonder what they are, just look behind you"

Both did as I asked and seemed to gaze in curiosity rather than shock. Seeing the puddles I had created slowly taking back their shape. When they turned to look back at me, I was slowly limping away.

"Gerald. Where are you going?"

I turned and threw my hand forward, "This way! I'm not battling more of those shitheads."

Luna frowned and gazed at her sister, "Tia, those aren't nightmares." Celestia agreed with her sister in a nod and turned to the creatures, "Yes. I believe that this might be the side effect of Gerald's coma."

The younger sister smiled and nudged her older counterpart, "An asteemed observation sister. Now all we need to do is make Gerald come with us." Celestia smiled and gave Luna a brief nod, turning to the limping human, "Gerald? A moment?"

Oh for the love of… "Yes?" I said turning. Luna smirked and raised a brow as her magic enveloped me, "Time for you to wake up, human." I blinked and said slowly as I was dragged to the night princess, "How are you going to do this?"

Celestia grew grim and said sullenly, "By showing you your worst nightmare." Luna finished with a petty wink, "I am going to, 'Scare,' you awake." I gulped and chuckled nervously, scrambling for anything to grab onto, "No way out of this huh?"

Both Alicorns shook their heads causing me to sigh in fuck alls, "Godamnit.. You two are evil." Seeing the shadows behind them get closer, followed by the evil giggles by the princesses, calmed nothing short of my fears. Luna said sweetly in a soft tone as my eyes grew dreary, "Sleep.."

Outside

Twilight tapped her hoof impatiently as she gnawed on the other one. The room had grown chilly by the sudden vanishing consciousness of both princesses. The two Alicorns sat on opposite sides of the room, Luna on the right and Celestia on the left.

Relishing in the warmth of having her friends around her, Twilight breathed, "How are the little ones?" Casting her gaze, Twilight saw that the three fillies were laying on the bed, curled around the pale blue stallion. Applejack smiled and said sleepily, "They're fine Twi.. How bout you?"

Shuffling in the uncomfortable chair, Twilight whispered, "Now officially worried." The orange earth pony blinked away sleep and sat up, stretching herself outwards and yawning, "Oh come on Twi.. It's the princesses we're talking 'bout.." Twilight nodded, but kept her eyes focused on the sleeping forms around her, "I know. Go back to sleep AJ, I'll let you know when something happens.."

Applejack muttered, "Maybe soon Twi. Granite seems like the tough type." Twilight tried hiding a snicker but failed miserably, causing the almost asleep cow pony to raise a sleepy brow, "What?"

Twilight whispered evilly, "That what you see in him AJ?" Applejack sat forward and somehow maintained a harsh whisper, "Now what's tha' supposed to mean?" Twilight looked away innocently and smiled, "Nuthin. Just wonderin'.." Twilights smile grew as she saw the blush grow on the Farm pony's face,

"Fine… Ah guess there's no hidin it.."

Twilight was to comment, but a sudden groan from her friends made her silent.

Knowing that pulling someone from what Granite was facing, made everypony slowly drift to sleep. It would take a while, but whatever happened, they would be there. Most of them anyway.. If Twilight had to guess, it was about 2 in the morning from just how dark it was outside.

Rarity and Pinkie were sleeping together, the latter curled up on the former like a dog. Dash and Fluttershy were under a few stacks of boxes, Dash having her leg humorously sticking out of the pile as though she drowned. Fluttershy was softly snoring on top of a large present with her wings draped over herself like a blanket.

Applejack had tried her best to get comfy, but the outrageous outburst had the effect of making her stop what she was doing and just think. And you can't sleep well if you think. Its like wondering how, on Christmas Day, how Santa could get his fat ass down a chimney. Or if you didn't have a chimney, your door.

Anyway.

Twilight heard the groan again and frowned, trying to see which one of her friends had donw it. But casting her eyes about, she found out that it was rather Granite. Eyes widening in anticipation, Twilight shook AJ rapidly, "AJ! LOOKLOOKLOOK!" Applejack groaned and said slowly, "Twi?"

Twilight lifted her friends face with her magic, "Look!" Frustrated that she couldn't move her head, Applejack was about to comment, but seeing Granite slowly sit up made her shut right up.

When the stallion finally was sitng up fully, Twilight and him locked gazes.

"Uhm… Hi?"

Granite

Ignoring the fact of what I had just been through barely seconds before, I sat up slowly, trying not to move so much. Celestia and her crotch destroying move still hurt and I felt like I had been shoved through a paper shredder. Groaning, I rubbed my face and breathed out.

When slurred voices reached my ears, hoping that I wasn't in another dream or nightmare, I looked up. There in front of me where Twilight and Applejack, the former looking at me with relief and the latter with shock. So I did what I could and cleared my throat,

"Uhm.. Hi?"

Twilight leapt up and damn near broke a few other fragile things in my body, crushing my face into her belly as she said faster than I could think, "OHMYCELESTIAGRANITEYOU'REBACK!" My mouth opened and closed multiple times as I stared at the blackness before me, before long I said slowly, "Twi? I cant breathe, your belly is in my face and I think you broke a rib."

Twilight giggled nervously before she hopped off and said loud enough for the other shapes in the room to hear, "Sorry Granite, its just that we were kinda excited to see you awake again."

When she jumped off, I had held my side and breathed in and out, chuckling dryly as she finished, "Thanks Twi.. I almost didn't wake up.." Stopping myself I nearly choked, "Wait we?" I blinked and looked around the room again. Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack.. Dash? Didn't expect to see her here.. Wait where's..

"GRANITE! YOUR AWAKE!" I gasped and jerked back when Pinkie popped up from the foot of the bed, her blue eyes alight with excitement. I smiled and said weakly, "h-hey Pinkie.."

A voice from the corner admonished the ecstatic pony and said sweetly, "Pinkie. Leave the poor Stallion alone. How are you Darling?" Oh thank god, one more scare like that and I'm going to have a heart attack..

I groaned and said with a grin, "Sore. But glad to be alive.. Thanks Rarity." Said mare nodded and went back to holding Pinkie. Dash was next, flying over my bed and hovering upside down with a wide smile, "Dude!"

I laughed and weakly held out a hoof for her to bump, "Heya Dash." I blinked and noticed that her hair was more dull than the last I saw, her eyes too, held less of the usual attitude Dash had,

"Dash? You do something with your mane?" Dash righted herself and said with a shake of her head, a small smile on her face, "Nope.. I haven't had the chance to care for it, cuz of all that's been going on."

I frowned and quipped, "I'm sorry to hear that Dash." The Rainbow Pegasus shrugged and said nonchalantly, "No reason for you to be sorry. I should be apologizing."

"For what?"

Dash had a forlorn look cross her face as she settled at the foot of the bed, "Well.. I was supposed to be watching Scootaloo and her friends the day you got hurt... Cuz they uh.. Well I was supposed to show them some of my tricks.."

I looked at Dash for a good minute, each second, her ears swiveled back to the point of where she had a small blush and was looking away. That wasn't a reason for her to be sorry was it?

I shook my head and laughed, surprising everyone, and I immediately regretted doing it, "Haha.. Ohh… crap.." I sucked in though my teeth and held a hoof out when everyone tried to make sure I was alright, "That's not a reason to be sorry Dash. I wanted to hang out with the girls that day. We did, and I got hurt." I shrugged and said with a smile, "Big Deal."

Dash held out her hooves and said with exasperation, "But you almost died!"

I shifted so that I was sitting forward, my eyes glinting with hope, "Almost, being the key word. You want to make it up to me?" Dash eagerly nodded, causing me to smirk, "Make sure I don't do something stupid like that again." I held my side and laid back down, "Cause those Timberwolves kicked my ass.."

Several grunts of approval passed through the crowd. But I paused and said slowly, "Wait.. Where are those three rascals?" Looking for an answer, Fluttershy caught my attention and pointed to my lap, her eyes full of approval.

My gaze followed hers, and my heart melted.

All three were curled up where my leg space parted. They didn't care of they were on top of each other, and probably didn't care that it looked like an awkward position. I laughed quietly and leaned forward, gazing at their sleeping forms, "Geez.. You three.."

Soon after saying that, I noticed that Celestia and Luna were waking up. Celestia came to first, gasping and holding her head. Her eyes darted around her surroundings, trying to find something familiar, and when they landed on me; she relaxed slighty.

Luna was more calm in her wake. She simply breathed in and her eyes shot open. The Night Princess found me in default, her eyebrows knitted in confusion, an emotion I hadn't seen Luna have before. Celestia had more of a sorrowful look as she stood,

"Ah, Granite. Welcome back to the land of the living."

Chuckling at her humor, I held my suspicions and nodded my thanks, "Thank you Celestia, Great to be here." Luna sniffed and too, stood, "Hopefully you shall be staying." I smirked,

"No promises."

I received a hard slug on the shoulder from Dash, which made me laugh,

"What?" Dash snorted in contempment,

"You're Terrible."

I held my hooves out and complained, hoping to get my point across, "Seriously? I've been asleep for like a week, and I can't even joke about it?" Twilight raised a brow and said as if it were the obvious answer, "Well, considering you almost died? No? I don't think you can."

I crossed my arms and puffed,

"Y'all aren't any fun." I looked at Pinkie and said with a smile, "What about you Pinks? Can't I joke about it?" Pinkie giggled and opened her mouth to say something, but Twilight shot her a glare. Pinkie deflated and said with a frown, "Sorry Granite.."

I sighed and looked at Twilight, "I can't believe what you've done. Making Pinkie say no to fun? Terrible." Twilight shrugged and leaned into her seat, "Your fault."

I narrowed my eyes and said with a huff,

"Touché."

I was glad to be back, here. Wherever I was. Although the urge to descend back into my 'sleep mode,' was still present, I stopped myself from shutting out everyone and just sleeping. It would look bad on my part.

Dash was saying something about how she and I were going to a, "Derby," but I was more focused on the fact that I was hungry, and that there was a huge hole in my stomach where that food should be. I blinked and looked up when the room had gone silent, "Is there possibly any food I could snack on? It feels like I haven't eaten anything for a while."

Pinkie giggled from somewhere and called out, "Well what do you want?" I turned to look at her and my stomach did flips. There was a whole table dedicated to food, muffins, cakes, pastries, a few donuts and.. Was that a chocolate fountain?

It wasn't made apparent that I was drooling, and I was known to it when I closed my mouth, "Christ.. Erm.. Well, I guess those muffins look amazing.." Pinkie smiled and bent to pick the cupcakes up, but stopped and frowned, "What about the cake?"

The question caused me to blush slightly, ringing my neck as I said, "Well, I never liked cake Pinks." Celestia gasped audibly, coming into view somewhere where the cake was, a few pieces already on her muzzle, "You don't like Cake? Granite.."

I shrugged and graciously picked up a muffin from the tray Pinkie was carrying, "What? I never had the time to taste cake. I had plenty of muffins though.."

Celestia mumbled something loud enough for me to hear,

"Yeah well, I don't like muffins.."

I choked on my food and whipped my head to the sun goddess, "You what?!" Celestia held her nose up as she stuffed her snout with the cake, "You heard me." She punctuated with a thrust of her fork, "I. Don't. Like. Muffins."

Seeming notice the tension in the air, Twilight stepped in, giggling in our expense, an emotion I hadn't noticed that was being passed around the room at the moment, "Alright you two, have your food war another time."

I scoffed and bit into my muffin, casting a playful glare at Celestia, "You're lucky Twilight was holding me back." Celestia bit off some more cake, "She wasn't the only thing holding you back." I looked down to see the slowly awakening fillies, nodding, I gave Celestia the benefit of the doubt, "Right, right."

And as if on cue, Applebloom spoke quietly in her cute southern drawl, "Sis? Wha time is it?" Applejack was to say something, but I gave her a wink and gently ruffled Applebloom's mane, "Time for you three to wake up," I admonished playfully, ",You've been sleeping forever!"

Applebloom yawned, blinked two or three times and looked up at the voice that was speaking to her. Without pause, she gave me a emotionless stare and silently prodded her friends roughly, both of which immediately brought their heads up sleepily and looked around. Sweetie Bell yawned and looked at Applebloom, sensing her friend's surprise, "Apple…Bloom?" By the time Sweetie had said Bloom, I was giving her a smirk, which she then gave me a face just like her friend.

Scoots was different. And it was more of a reaction I wouldn't expect to see from.. Well someone with her attitude. The purple haired filly was just like Dash, taking after her in so many ways, minus the flight. She was tough, caring for her friends, and never stopped trying to do what her goal was intended to do.

But yet, all of that, and what she was, after looking at me with all her friends, she was crying. It started as a lip quiver, which made me slowly frown, to hot tears that rolled down her snout onto the blanket. The reaction spread through the fillies until I found all three on various parts of my body, hugging and weeping. I sat there shocked, amused and astounded, just.. Why were these three crying over me?

Doing my best to comfort them, which was an unknown emotion to spread, I shifted them so that I was hugging them instead of vice versa,

"Hey come on know.. Why're you crying?" I said after after a few moments, I looked up and pleaded for help, but I saw that Celestia and Luna were bidding farewells to the mane six, and said six were currently at a loss for words. So there was none to give at the time. The two princesses basically noped out of this situation but silently waved at me as they exited the dim litted room.

But they both had curious looks as they left, no doubt from our incursion from my worst nightmare… Which was one thing that I would tell no one, or pony for that matter. I would take it to my grave. And that wasn't a threat.

It was a promise.

I was to ask another question as their tears started coating my bandages, but Scootaloo sniffed and wiggled in my grasp. Thinking she wanted to get out, I opened a space for her to, but this only allowed her to wrap her hooves around my back further.

I sighed in sorrow and said as I casted my gaze upwards, "Now you three are making me feel bad.." Applebloom, out of the three sniffed and nodded, which was a strange sensation as her face was buried in my bandages, "Good.. Maybe you'll think twice 'fore doing somethin like tha again.."

I smiled in good faith at the young filly and her words, draping an arm around the three, "Im guessing the feeling is mutual for all three?" The nods I felt answered all. Laughing, I watched as all three looked to me with smiles, "Well, at least you guys didn't get hu.."

I stopped dead in my words as Scootaloo shuffled nervously. For good purposes too, because she didn't move quick enough for me not to see the damage. I let my gaze soften and my voice say, "Scoots.. What happened?"

Scootaloo gulped and wiped her muzzle, "Promise you won't be mad?" I said with a smile, "Aw Scoots, thought you had more trust in me." Happy from either the fact that I was awake, or oblivious to the motion that the room was now lively, Scootaloo playfully huffed, "I do trust you! But.. I don't want you to worry.."

I blinked and snorted, causing all to swivel their ears, "Me? Worry." I tilted my head back, "HA!" My gaze focused warmly on the young filly, "You can show me."

"Don't be mad."

"I'm not gonna be mad!"

"…Fine.."

With effort, I tenderly held Scootaloo's injury, something I hadn't seen when I saw her before. I think she may have gotten it when she tripped up, because the hoof that was affected was now in a cast. But all similarities were astounding from Earth to Equestria.

I could see the markings of different students names on the cast, some saying, 'Hey Scootaloo!', other something on the verges of, 'Get better soon!'

I smiled in good faith but looked at the filly, "I am sorry that you got hurt.. But I'm thankful you're okay.." I scooped them up and gently noogied them, "All three of you rascals!" To my credit, there were several aw's and many giggles as the three fillies bombarded me with questions after their furious noogie.

I answered the best I could and sometimes made a few of them laugh, which was wonderful to hear. I'm not going to lie, I did tell them about the dream world, and what I had to do. Twilight abridged my thoughts with a hypothesis that sent me rigid. But it also confirmed my fears.

Timberwolves, are by themselves, harmless. An average pony, which is weird saying believe me, like Applejack or Dash could easily ward off the poison inside and coating the wolf itself. But when two or more come into the playing field, things get interesting.

Before Twilight continued, Fluttershy said softly that she would go fetch the nurse. None had complaints as per we were either listening to the unicorn weave her tale, or munching on muffins and the like.

The Shadows I faced were a definite effect of the poison, more of like a virus on a computer that shuts it down eventually. Take that into perspective and I would've eventually shut down as the poison slowly killed me in my sleep. So in my minds sleep like trance, it created those constructs and different areas as a defense and the shadows as the poison itself.

I was basically battling the poison.

Hearing that made me laugh long and hard, some of the girls too, but laughing hurt, so I ended up holding my side after about two laughs, "Oof.. Yep, never mind.."

Everyone pointed and snickered, the fillies the most as they poked and prodded me, giggling and hiding under he blankets as I tried to swat them away. I sniggered and said slowly trying to grab Sweetie, "Don't let the Wrapped Pegasus get you! You'll become a mummy yourself!"

I growled playfully and snatched up Applebloom, she let out a squeak and said giggling, "Oh no!" Laughing, I was about to continue as I had another team member, but an opening of the door stopped me and caused me to look up.

All turned and watched as Fluttershy and a nurse step in. The nurse was a brilliant white and had a soft pink mane. She wore a simple nurse square hat that had both the symbol of the hospital in the middle of the hat and as her cutie mark. She entered and smiled, casting her violet eyes on me, "Wow, up early and ready to start another day huh?"

I noticed that she had bags under her eyes and she looked wore out, but there was a spark in those violet pools, she bumped a tray on her flank and balanced it on her head, smiling as she set it down on my lap as the fillies scampered away, Applebloom now the, 'mummy'.

The nurse cleared her throat and said briskly, "If you don't know me, I am Nurse Redheart. I have been caring and treating for what has been ailing you for the past week and so."

I laughed and rubbed my brow, that's why she looked so familiar. On the tray were an assortment of medicines followed by.. Was that tea? Oh hell yes.

Redheart moved a strand of hair away from her face and grinned, "Now this stuff tastes terrible.." She demonstrated by picking up a bottle of amber liquid, "And this stuff will help you get better" She said showing me a green pill.

I took the pill and amber liquid, shooting her a surprised look when she tried to spoon feed it to me. I spoke after a moment, getting chills from just looking at the liquid, the pill I could do. I just hated medicine that had an aftertaste, "Must I take this stuff?"

Redheart deadpanned, "Only if you want to get better?"

"Oh stop antagonizing the poor nurse Granite, take the stuff already!"

I smirked and gazed at Dash, pointing the spoon at her, "Only if you say please."

The room full of girls all said with exasperation, "Please!"

I sighed and shoved the liquid down my throat, followed by the pill. I twisted my head sideways and gave an irked face. The shit Redheart gave me was stronger than that wine Randy and I, 'Accidentally,' procured.

But I swallowed the horrible medicine AND pill, slamming my hoof down on the bed when I felt the liquid drain from my throat. I sighed and gurgled, holding my appendage to my mouth, "Don't.. Urk.. Don't ever give me that stuff again.."

Redheart smirked and uncapped the teacup, "Only if you say please." Blinking, I sighed and rubbed my temple as a wave of laughs bore down on me from about the room, "You girls are evil. EVIL.." I finished by pointing at each one with a playful sneer.

But the rest of the day… well night.. Every pony was happy, we talked, laughed, on occasion bickered over something stupid and I figured out why the fillies were playing in one specific spot.

Piled up into a mountain was a collection of fucking presents. If I had, had my glasses with me, I would've taken them off and stared stoically at the mound of boxes. But I simply stared stoically at the wrapped presents and muttered, "Ermahgerd.."

All the girls smiled and picked up an individual box, bringing them over to me and settling them near my lap, Twilight smirked, "Well what do you expect? You have been worrying everypony, its only fair for them to get you something to get well to."

I picked up a box that was bigger than me and gulped, peering under it to fix Twilight with a glare, "Yeah, that's great and all, but holy hell! Send me a get well card or something!"

Pinkie appeared next to me and giggled, nudging me softly, "Silly willy! Everypony knows the only way to get better is to open thousands of presents!" Sighing, I had to agree with the pink ball of fur, present opening was cool as fuck though. So I smiled and nodded, "Alright fine.. Who's this from?"

O.o.O

57.

I counted 57 presents. All neatly wrapped, thought of and sent to me for me to open when I got better. Now? Those 57 presents were trashed, ripped open and strewn about. About halfway through, I had noticed that the fillies were looking envious, so I told everyone that my arms were tired.

Those three were happy to open the rest of the presents.

Now, what I got was a whole different story, and it currently fills up about 3 pages of my journal.. So I'll give you a brief description of what I got.

Twilight got me a book. Imagine my reaction when I opened that one. But she told me that it wasn't just any book, it was a special book.

Yeah OK Master Oogway.

The book was about the Everfree, although ironic and it made me complain about how stupid it was, I had to tell Twilight that I would read it, lest I wanted another incident like what had just happened. So she got no fight from me on that.

Applejack got me something more plain and just her. A cool ass cowboy hat. I fucking love hats, let me tell you, and a cowboy hat nonetheless takes a grade A awesome check in my book. It matched the color of my fur, which was amazing in itself. The inside was a dark purple and surrounding the outside it was a pale blue, having a yellow buckle in the middle.

I wasted no time putting it on my head.

Next was Dash. To this day, I still snort at why she would give me this. The present box was simple, the colors being that of the rainbow. What was inside, shocked me to a somewhat silent trance.

Now, years and years and YEARS ago, Once upon a time, yadda, yadda, yadda; I guess I could say I had someone special to me give me something like what was inside this box. With a heavy heart, I have to say that she turned out to be an asshole and used me because of what I could do..

I gingerly picked up the object inside the box and sighed, my eyes glazing over as my mind warped. Dash shuffled nervously as I looked over the present, "D..Do you like it?" Coming back into reality, I looked at the bracelet.

It was in the shape of Dash's cutie mark, A cloud with a rainbow lightning bolt going out of it. The ornaments around the mobile cutie mark, were basically bits and pieces of what looked like frozen clouds. They were brilliant white balls that linked to together to hold the whole thing in place.

I smiled and put the bracelet on, "What do ya think? Stylish Rarity?"

Rarity went with the act and judged me, putting her hoof her chin, "Hmm.. I must say, it goes well with your mane.." I pointed at the white unicorn and grinned, looking at Dash, "There you have it. Of course Dash, I was just.. Remembering some stuff is all.."

Dash smiled and seemed to blush a hint, rubbing her neck in a cute fashion. I rolled my eye and went to ham on the next present, which was from Fluttershy. When fully opened, I peered inside and quipped, "Oh wow! A hummingbird feeder. Thanks Shy!" Fluttershy blushed and hid behind her mane, saying quietly as I took the feeder out, "Oh.. Think nothing of it.. If you place it on outside and wait long enough.. You can see the little birds feeding."

I smiled and peered at the red syrup inside, "They are quite amazing to see by the way. Thanks Fluttershy." Another blush, another hide behind the mane. Same Shy.

Rarity had her present levitated behind her and had told me to wait until the rest of the stuff was opened. Without complaint, I obliged and silently cursed her for being so mysterious.

Pinkie wasted no time in bouncing to her gift and bouncing back, putting it in front of me, "Open it, open, it, open it! Open It!" I snorted and watched as Dash stuck a hoof over her mouth while Scootaloo managed to open the gift.

I hefted the thing up and raised a brow, "Is… is this a party cannon? The hell?" Pinkie giggled and rubbed her arm on the indeed, Grey Party Cannon. I blinked and said in confusion, "Why.. What.. Do I need this?" Pinkie smiled and nodded eagerly, "Well of course! You should never leave home without it!"

I coughed and inspected the small cannon in front of me, its outside was a shiny grey with a pink inscription of, 'Party Cannon,' on the side. I gripped the string that had drapped over my lap and tugged on it.

There was a loud, *BOOM*, followed by Dash being hit in the face with confetti, ice cream and a party hat, she landed in a chair and slumped over. All the girls gaped at what I had done, except Pinkie and Dash, who I think was unconscious..

I slowly put the cannon down and said with a squeak, "Next present?"

To my surprise, I got many presents from a few characters I had never tried to think about. Bon-Bon got me a yo-yo, classic.. Doctor Whooves got me a time management booklet; go figure. And a few others got me an assortment of other goodies.

Next came to be the ponies I met earlier it seemed like. There was a group of presents themselves, sectioned off and marked accordingly. Upon further inspection, I saw that the presents were from Octavia, Key, Lyra, Strings, Flat and Vinyl Scratch themselves.

Octavia sent me a very well handwritten letter detailing a get together with the band and Lyra, soon after I woke up. She also sent her best wishes to the hopes that I indeed woke up, signed by herself and the band.

Key got me a box inside another box which in itself, was another box that held a note. Amongst the groans from the girls and a snicker from the conscious Dash, Key turned out to hope that I got better. I smiled and laughed as I put the boxes inside one another, moving to the next present.

Strings and Flat surprised me by getting me Rosin. But not just any kind of rosin, it was the bright yellow expensive kind. I had a whole fucking case of it now too. I chuckled inwardly and said with a shrug, "Thanks girls.."

Applebloom handed.. Well hoofed me Vinyls present, to which I groaned when I set it down on my lap. The thing was wrapped flat, but had a bulge on the top, followed by a letter with Vinyls hoof writing scrawled on it.

I tore open the package and counted off two things. One, the amazing set of headphones. HOW DOES A PONY EVEN GET THOSE?! And two, the obvious turntables, with records. I smirked and rubbed my chin as the girls leaned in to get a better look at the gift.

But with a wave of a hoof and a few noises, they all retreated, allowing me to set the turntables aside along with the headphones to read the letter.

It read,

Dear Granite,

Dude, hope you wake up. Tavi and a few others have decided for a big get together when you wake up. So, I give to you, my old turntables. They never buckin worked for me anyway, and I hope you like the headphones. They ain't exactly fancy and all, but they get just enough bass in the ear pieces. So.. Yeah.

-Vinyl Scratch

I closed the letter and smirked, god damnit Lyra.. Just couldn't keep your mouth shut huh? But with all presents opened except one, I turned to the girls and smiled, "Thank you girls.. Really.." I sighed and twiddled with the blanket, "No one's ever done this before, so I'm sorry if I never expressed enough thanks to one of your gifts."

When I looked up, I saw that they had gathered closer, Rarity being beside me, "Oh Darling, just you being okay is the best gift we got. But I don't know why you think you're done." The CMC hopped onto the bed and settled in my lap as Rarity pulled a camera from behind her.

She smiled and batted her eyelashes as we all gathered, "Group Photo!" I laughed as everyone tried their hardest to get closer, Redheart included, as she tried to photo bomb us. But she ended up being the one to take the shot, moving to the end of the bed, "Alright everypony! Say Cheese!"

"CHEESE!"

We all smiled, what else was there to do? Other than Pinkie doing a few silly faces, we got a good amount of photos, some of which Rarity was picked on, other of which we posed for different shots. I was happy, glad to be back…

Even though it was for a short while, the room had more of a more happy attitude to it as the sun came up, gracing us with its rays.

But by then, everyone had fallen asleep. Me included.

Now all that awaits, is the adventure I missed while I caught up on sleeping.

Heyo everypony! Hold your applauds and sterf! 11k words ppl! I just capped the fuck out of this chapter!

But anyway,

ONTO REVEIWS!

S13NDYGUY: (CH 1-11): Holy fuck, thanks for reviewing mate! Glad that you thought my chapters were Noice. And to answer your Shipping question, I ain't gonna tell you. Whomever sets sail with Granite will be revealed later on!

S13NDYGUY: BOLLOCKS!

A BIG FAT DILDO: XD okay first off, Great guest name, wonder how long it took you to come up with that, second; I am glad you gave me criticism :) But taking something and hitting your ass is just.. *shiver* Nevermind..

DragonLord RyuKizoku: You are now becoming my second favorite reviewer, Remind me NOT to piss you off.

*Pinkie yells from distance*

Pinikie: DON'T WAKE THE DRAGONLORD, DERP!

*yells*

THANKS PINKS!

Anyway, onto you review, *pumps fist again* love criticism. It was a bland chapter? Man, tough crowd, and I concur with the sheer stupidity I added on behalf of Granite and his strength. Only earth ponies are supposed to be able to buck Apple trees. Also, Pegasi and Uncorn's aren't very good gardeners.. And yes! Everfree has a freaking castle in it man! Why shouldn't it?! It has manticores, cockatrices and a bunch of other spoopy shit! XD but the reason I had the tree do what it did, was because Discord brought Granite here.. But what were the after effects of doing so? O.o so many questions, so many answers. I only hope that you somehow found this chapter filling, as I will being going on ball next chapter. If not, tell me why! I SHALL SOMEHOW FIX IT!

Chaddymychal: :P I never said your review was funny. I appreciate anything you and other ppls write. It was just the fact that I saw DragonLord write a long review and then I saw your two word sentence. :D I just thought that that was funny in itself. But Thank you for asking why breh! DON'T BE MAD AT MEH! I already got Dildo hitting his ass for some reason. *Shivers*

Derpy101: Lol, I understand mate! I work via tablet. The major spelling errors for me are made. Why? Well, whenever I try to spell mare it auto corrects and changes it to made. So if you see made anywhere unusual, off it as a hoax and know I meant mare.

And spelling errors happen, I knew what your review was trying to say, don't worry. And fighting is always awesome. But I feel like that was a wicked flashback.

"And fight, Trust me.."

And I finished LoTM btw, it left me in a state of just.. Why? Why does life have to be so cruel? BUT THIS IS NO TIME TO BE SAPPY!

Guest: Thanks for reviewing mate! I am currently following, favorites those two stories actually. A wish come true, was an interesting read, as per the fact I already spent a whole week reading it. Now, The Pursuit of Happiness caught me off guard in a spectacular way. I am reading that now, cuz its in development.

A shout out to Syren345, read the story if you haven't. Trust me, you won't regret it :)

English Freak: honestly, I saw your name tag and was just like,

Shit.. I done goofed.

And it turns out I was right. I do say chuckle a lot. But the other diversities of the word are difficult to place in a conversation.

"Twilight tittered.."

That seems off, but at the same time, fits better than Chuckle. So, I'm sorry if you were pissed from the fact that chuckle was my favorite word on that chapter.

Now done with reviews, I can say quite frankly, I'm glad that you ppls are enjoying the story. And I honestly didn't expect to ever write a 10k+ chapter in my life.

I have you bros to thank for that :3

So, I hope that the chapter was a filler for what happened from the previous. It felt weird writing the dream scene, cuz this is MLP, not fucking Sparta.

King Leonidas I swear if you do it..

*Leonidas lowers foot*

So do me the excellent privellage of being the one to read your review, flame or not. While you're at it, if you haven't already, and you find the story worthy, Favorite and Follow!

I'm excited to pump out the next chapter from the fact that the story itself jumped to 1,169 reviews in a less than a week.

SO REVIEW!

QoTC: What would you suggest would be the best fight scene music?

Keep on Derping!