Sparkle's Quest, Samuel's Journey (Book 1 of The Alicorn Chronicles)

Chapter 16: Recovery

Sparkle awoke in an all-to familiar cottage. A magic essence radiated through her from the center. She looked around observed her room.

It was small and cozy, with blue walls and painted white clouds. The only things in the room were the bed Sparkle was laying in, and a table on the opposite side. On it there were several potions and medicines.

Sparkle rolled out of the bed. At first when she landed, her legs shook. Once she steadied herself, she walked out of the room. Her head was throbbing the whole way.

She reached the center room quickly and saw a familiar friend stirring a pot.

"Zacora!" Sparkle exclaimed.

The zebra turned to look at her, and her eyes widened with happiness.

"Ah! Hello my dear! You were asleep for so long I began to fear!" Zacora said.

Sparkle smiled it was good to know that she had a friend in Zacora. Suddenly, a tiny silver fur ball shot itself at her and attacked her foreleg.

"Moondrop! Oh, I've missed you, you silly puppy!" Sparkle said, rubbing his head.

He licked her hoof in reply. She giggled.

"Zacora? How long was I out?" Sparkle asked.

Zacora wouldn't meet her eyes. "You took quite a hit, and were out for quite a bit. The moon has risen and set five times since you came here. It's been very long I fear." Zacora said.

Five days? How could she possibly sleep for that long?!

Sparkle's stomach growled. Zacora smiled again and set a bowl if soup in front of her. She gladly ate every last bit, and settled down on a mat. She watched Zacora mix for a while, then watch Moondrop play.

All the while, thoughts raced through her head. She sat there for most of the day pondering them. How did she send that spell? Why did she send it to Samuel? Where was Samuel? Why did he come for her? Who was this other pony who had escaped when Samuel hadn't noticed? Who was she? Did he know her? Did he like her? What did Sparkle care?!

Sparkle's head was filled with so many thoughts that she missed what Zacora had said.

"What? Can you repeat that please?" Sparkle said, blushing a bit.

"I must go to town to get some things. I'll be back soon, try to stay off your wings." She said.

Sparkle nodded.

Zacora left the cottage. Not long after, Samuel walked in. He saw Sparkle and walked straight to her. He sat in front of her and looked her in the eyes.

"Are you alright?" He asked her.

She nodded. One of her questions slipped into her mind.

"Why did you come back for me? I thought you weren't good." Sparkle said.

"I can't ignore a friend in need." Samuel said.

Sparkle tried not to flinch. Was that the only reason? Because she was a 'friend'?

Sparkle met his eyes. She saw several things inside. Pain, betrayal, and even a hint of evil. But she saw one thing that she would have never expected to see in his eyes. Compassion.

"Samuel, I-" "No. Don't apologize. I'm sorry for what I said. I went to far. I understand that being wanted by the ones who mentored you is tough." He said.

She smiled weakly.

"Thank you, Samuel." She said.

She yawned.

"You should rest." Samuel said.

He helped her stand, and she walked to her room. She looked over her shoulder at him. But he was looking outside. He seemed.....distracted.

But what bothered Sparkle was that she could sense the fact that something was up. She turned and walked into her room with a tear in her eye.

She realized something as she laid down. She had fallen for the killing, mysterious, and dark stallion that was Samuel. But, she realized that it may be for the better. Now one thought burdened her.

What was she going to do about it?

~Sparkle Shimmer