Chapter 2: Choeropsis Liberiensis Juramentum

They arrived in the majestic city of Zephyr Heights. Their first stop was a nearby hospital so they could see what they would do about Sunny. The princesses Zipp and Pipp used their influences to capture the attention of the best doctors within the city. It didn't take long for a team of doctors to see the five of them.

"What seems to be the problem?" a doctor asked.

Sunny explained what was wrong with her wings and horn.

"Well, we've never dealt with magical afflictions before. There might be some historical records that showed what they did back then."

"So, you can't help me?"

"You aren't in pain, right?"

Sunny shook her head.

"If this were a normal illness, I would recommend cutting them off."

"Cut them off?" Sunny echoed. "How? Everything passes through them."

The doctor had to clarify that it involved cutting off the surrounding parts with the hope that the afflicted portions also go. "The other suggestion is to do nothing and see what happens."

Izzy said, "She'll probably fade away entirely by then! Her horn and wings faded away a bit more on the way here."

"Do you want her to lose her wings and horn?" another doctor asked.

"Is there another way?" Zipp said.

"There might be, but that will require research. It's been many moons since we had magic. If only the useless unicorns kept records."

"I need some time to think this over," Sunny said. The thought of losing her horn and wings like this troubled her. It was undeniable that the magic was taking over more of her body.

"We'll be ready to operate whenever you give us your consent. Our team will be researching on alternative solutions meanwhile."

They headed out of the hospital. Sunny didn't have much hope that they could find an alternative solution. Magic was still new to the world, and it was unlikely anyone had experienced something similar in the past.

"It's all my fault for bringing magic back," Sunny said. If the doctors cut her wings and horn off, they had to cut the surrounding area as well.

They walked out of the hospital together.

"Follow me," Zipp said. "I have an idea."

Zipp led the group to the lower portions of Zephyr heights where there might be something among the abandoned buildings.

"Sunny, maybe you shouldn't be here with us. Maybe if you stop moving the magic won't spread as fast," Izzy said.

It was logical yet she didn't want to be all alone. "I don't want to spend the day alone."

"I'll keep you company."

Izzy took careful note of the progression of Sunny's affliction. Pipp decided to go with them as well so she could use her influence to get them what they want within Zephyr Heights. The most motionless activity they could think of was watching television.

Pipp led them to the palace where they stayed.

"Wow," Sunny marveled at the place they were in.

She was all too eager to show them videos of her past performances. There was even a channel dedicated to all of Pipp's shows on repeat. Throughout every video she told tales of what it was like.

After several hours, Sunny said, "I'm going to sleep."

This was rather odd since they hadn't even eaten supper yet but Sunny was out like a light. At least, the affliction didn't spread as much.

"We should give her some peace and quiet," Pipp said.

Hitch and Zipp returned from their search with nothing substantial to report. They found out that the magic of friendship could turn an alicorn back into a pegasus, but it was unclear on how to actually do that. Murals weren't the best way to understand what happened.

Pipp went and prepared an array of fruits for them to eat for supper. Izzy decided to check on Sunny after the meal. She screamed in terror when she saw what happened to Sunny. They all came rushing to the room.

The magical condition consumed more of Sunny's body.

"Wake up!" Izzy nudged Sunny.

Sunny was still sleeping soundly even after multiple attempts.

"We should take her to the hospital," Izzy said.

The four of them carried Sunny to the hospital who still managed to remain asleep despite everything that was happening around her. They arrived in the hospital soon enough.

"Her condition became worse," Zipp said. "Have you had any success in finding an alternative?"

The doctor shook his head.

"Can you perform the operation?" Zipp asked.

"Not without her consent."

"She might not live that long," Izzy said.

"Can't you make an exception?" Hitch asked.

"And we might be making everything worse. It's her choice and that's final. None of you are her guardians and thus can't give consent on her behalf. We can allow two of you to remain by her side."

"I'm a princess and I demand that you operate on her," Zipp said.

"It's not your decision," the doctor said calmly. "The rest of you need to leave."

Izzy decided to stay with Sunny who was set up on the operating table in case she woke up and gave consent. She tried everything she could to wake Sunny as she saw the magic spread before her very eyes. It was taking more of her away.

From what she heard outside, Zipp was still busy arguing with the doctors about performing the procedure on an unresponsive Sunny.

Izzy noticed how unsupervised the room was. She had an idea – although she lacked confidence. Her plan was to leave the hospital temporarily and watch a few videos on how to amputate limbs. It shouldn't be that difficult and Sunny's time was running out. All she needed was an excuse to leave Sunny so she could come back with more knowledge. It would be even better if Zipp managed to convince the doctors to do their jobs so she wouldn't have to.

The room was all set up for the operation – all they needed was Sunny's consent and from the looks of it, she wouldn't be able to give that.

Desperate times called for desperate measures.