A Hopeless Situation?

Tida was making his way to the Harmony Foundation to help for a little while before going to the work camps later in the day.  It was never a set schedule with helping the foundation, as sometimes he dropped in during the morning to help, while other times he couldn't stop by because of the work camps.  He wanted to help the foundation more, but in the end he helped the Harmony Foundation as much as he could, sometimes having to sleep over at the foundation because of the curfew in Manehatten.

Noticing that a light, orange-brown earth pone mare fell in the middle of the street, Tida made her way towards her to see if she was alright.  Tida inwardly grimaced when he got a better look at her: one of her forelegs, as well as one of her hind legs looked damaged, and a scar of some sort was on her side, partially covered by her saddlebags.  Tida hoped that she was still conscious as he lightly shook her.  "Can you hear me?"  Tida asked, hoping to get a response.

Mira groaned and carefully tried to open her eyes as someone was shaking her. Then she became aware that this someone was talking to her.
"Ye...yes. I'm fine", she answered as she finally managed to really open her eyes and saw a brown stallion in front of her. He wasn't only brown but some kind of orange was there, too. But it wasn't her kind of brown-organge, darker but...
Mira shook her head. Did she really had to think about how this colour is called right now?
"I'm fine", she repeated and slowly got back on her hooves, grimacing lightly because the legs still hurt a bit.

Tida backed away slightly when the mare stood up.  Even though she was saying that she was fine, she really wasn't as he noticed the slight pained look she had.  "Are you sure you're alright?  You look like you're in some pain" Tida asked with a slightly concerned look.

Now Mirror had the problem to be honest. Always. When somepony asked her how she was, just because you ask this question to be friendly, she answered how she was with truth, not only I'm fine, thank you.
So, there she was, in a twisted situation because she didn't want to bother the stallion but non the less did she want - or manage? - to just say that she's perfectly fine.
"I'm...fine enough", she managed to say. But she was quite sure that this answer would lead to further questions.

Tida frowned.  He knew that something was bothering her, but it seemed that she didn't want to talk about it.  The worst thing is to force someone to do or say something that they didn't want to, which would be bad.

"I don't think that your fine, since it seems that something bad happened to you because of that scar you have, as well as the pain when you walk.  But it also seems like you don't want to talk about it, and that's understandable."  Tida thought for a moment "Though, at least let me take you to somewhere where you can get some help with your injuries" Tida offered.

Mira suddenly got a light bad conscious for not having told him. The way he spoke made it more than clear that he wasn't a usual pony but indeed worried. At least in a way.
Mirror swallowed. "Where would that be? You know, I have no money at the moment, I cannot pay anypony, I fear."
She looked awkwardly.

Tida nodded "It's a place where I was going to, a place called the Harmony Foundation.  Money isn't required, but appreciated as the ponies there help the displaced and poor of Manehatten as best as they can.  I volunteer there, so if you would like to go, you can follow me.  We can walk slow if you do want to go.  Wouldn't want to make your injuries worse" Tida said as he waited for her decision.

Mirror thought. Originally, she wanted to go looking for Fire Ruby. But now she wasn't sure her legs could keep her up all the way to the farm.
"Is it close?", she asked. "I'm not sure how much my legs will take today. Probably I've overxerted them..."

Tida nodded "It is close, just a few more streets down that way" he pointed in the direction of the foundation.

Mira nodded. "Okay, let's go there. I've never heard about that foundation. In what way do they help?", she asked. She wondered if the foundation got anything to do with the rebellion but she didn't ask that. She could never know how others thought about the rebellion.

Tida started to explain the ways in which the foundation helps out to her.  "They help the poor and unfortunate ponies of Manehatten by providing food, a place to sleep, and some medical attention.  Though, they help whoever comes through the door that's in need of help" Tida said as he started to walk slowly towards the foundation so that she could keep up.

Mira walked alongside Tida. She winced at the words, for she felt like "poor and unfortunate" was to describe her now. She wondered what had happened. Over the years, through the war, she had managed to keep herself alive and healthy.
She blamed Manehatten for what had happened. It was that damned city that destroyed her life. And then again, it were the griffons who had destroyed her life.
Mira felt like she had failed. But she pulled herself together. "I hope I won't bother the foundation too long. I just... would like a meal maybe, if they have some. The moment I can walk longer distances again, I can get money again", she told Tida.

Walking slowly alongside her and listening, Tida couldn't help but smile.  Soon he began to chuckle.  He tried his best to stop, but had a hard time doing so.  He stopped because he wanted to try to stop chuckling and compose himself.  She might think he was making fun of her.

It was quite clear that Mira had done some little mistake. Probably not a bad one since then her companion wouldn't laugh - probably. But still a mistake. She looked embarrassed to the ground while her cheeks got red. "Stupid of me, I guess?" Either it was the food thing - because she imagined the foundation to exactly be founded for giving food and probably Tida also had said this. Or it was because of the money sentence.
"I don't like the thought of being one who needs the help of such a foundation, you know? Three weeks ago everything was fine..." And then this masked stallion happened to pass her by. Mira trembled inwards.

Tida managed to compose himself "No, it isn't stupid of you.  It's just that you remind me of me, so I have a better idea of how I must sound like when I talk with other ponies."  Tida started to walk towards the foundation again, his expression turning from a slight smile into a slight frown "I know how that feeling is, though sometimes, we all need some sort of help for us to get back up on our hooves.  It's no good to try and do everything yourself..." Tida said as he started to think back to when he was in his home country.

Mira looked at him, surprised. That wasn't the expected answer - or better: the expected reason. When the stallion started to walk again, she need a little second to follow him. A light smile on her face because now it was her being amused.
"You might be right. I just feel like I get too much help in too little time." She thought about Fire Ruby who promised her to help - wherever he was. About Prism who brought her to the hospital and about Glowing Heart and the other ponies down there. And now also...
"What is your name? I am Mirror."

Tida snapped out of his train of thought upon hearing her introduce herself.  Tida unconsciously stopped and faced her, and gave her a deep bow of his head.  He also unconsciously started to greet her in his native language "始みてぃウガンビラ。ワンナヤ太陽ヤイビン。" (Hajimiti ugannbira.  Wan naya Tida yaibin)

Realizing that he had let slip his native tongue, Tida mentally facehoofed.  "I mean... my name is Tida" he said to Mirror as he still unconsciously gave her a bow of his head when he introduced himself to her.  He then turned around and continued to walk towards the foundation.

Mira looked at him confused. "O...kay. Hello, Tida." She walked alongside him. "What...language was that?", she asked. She'd never heard any other lanuage than the Equestrian one.

"That language is a language to the far east of Equestria, from a country called Neighpon.  Sorry that I said it, as I'm pretty sure that I'm the only one who knows that language, which would make it hard to communicate with others" Tida said.

Another language in Equestria? Mira was stunned.
"I've never known that there were more than one lanugage in Equestria. Neighpon, did you say? I fear I've never heard about that part of the country either..." She thought for a moment. "Why would you be the only one knowing this language? It doesn't seem like you invented it - or did you?"

Tida shook his head "I didn't invent the language, as it was being spoken when I was a colt.  As for why I know the language, I originally came from Neighpon, spoke and was spoken to in that language.  It's only natural that you would learn a language that you've heard since you were young".

Mira nodded. "That's very interesting. So you are the only one speaking that language here in Manehatten?" Another thought occured her. "Don't you want to go home sometimes, then?"

Tida nodded "Yeah, I'm the only one that I know of that speaks that language over here".  Hearing Mirror's next question, Tida stopped walking "帰るかな。。。 (kaeru kana...)" He said to no one in particular, looking off into the distance.  "Maybe I should go back home... though, maybe I shouldn't" he said to Mirror, not facing her when he said that.  Spotting the familiar building with 'The Harmony Foundation' sign, Tida motioned towards it.  Turning to face Mirror, Tida said "here it is, the Harmony Foundation.  Let's go."  He started to walk towards the building.

Mira got the feeling of having mentioned something that she better hadn't. She bit her tongue. Luckily, they have apparently reached the foundation, so that she could go back to the former topic instead of bothering Tida with stupid questions about his home and language. They lived in post war times. Everypony might have lost someone or something.
So Mira looked instead at the building. She saw a sign saying that there was the foundation. Mira had never gone these streets before, otherwise she might have noticed it.
She got nervous while they were walking towards the building. Whom she might meet there? How would they react?
But she didn't say a word, just followed Tida.

Before entering the building, Tida asked Mirror if she could wait at the back of the line when she entered.  As Tida entered the foundation, he went past the line on ponies that was already there waiting to receive a free meal.  Stopping at the counter, he pulled a small pouch from his bag and gave it to a yellow mare with an orange mane while saying something to her.  Giving her a slight bow of his head, Tida went behind the counter.

Taking his place besides a cream - colored mare already handing out food, Tida began to hand out food as well.  He also helped the ponies in the line keep in high spirits, as it could make all the difference for ponies down on their luck.

Mira, as a first reacted nodded. "Of course", she said. Then she started thinking about what Tida ment. But entering the building and seeing a line of ponies she understood. She swallowed. Now the time has come to finally accept her situation. Tida went behind the counter and she - went to the back of the line, not sure how to handle this situation she'd never known before. She hated new situations.

Since he had been doing this for a while now, he was able to get food to the ponies quickly.  It also helped that the ponies were cooperating for the most part.  There were a few times that somepony tried to get a second meal, but thanks to the staff at the foundation, that didn't happen.  The line moved forward, and Mirror soon came up to the counter.  Tida got a ration from behind the counter, and gave it to her "Here you are" Tida said as he logged it down on a piece of paper afterwards.

Mira became more nervous and nervous as the line in front of her grew smaller and she came closer to the counter. Luckily, it was Tida who gave her the fruits and vegetables. Mira smiled lightly. "Thank you", she said. She took it and turned to go away, not being sure where to go now. So she first stood a little bit uncertain in the room.

Tida gave Mirror a slight bow of his head.  Before she could leave however, he called to her "Hey Mirror, since you're here, why don't you rest for a while?"

Mira turned around. "And... where?", she asked.

"Over here, in the foundation" Tida said as he continued to pass out the rations to ponies and logging it down.  "the trip must have been tiring for you.  I wouldn't want you to collapse in the middle of the street.  You could also have your injuries looked at".  Before Mirror could object, Tida added "and you wouldn't be imposing on anypony".

Mira smiled and turned to look around. She made some steps until she was at the wall. Since there were no chairs or benches, there was no place to sit down. But she thought she might offend somepony if she sat down on the ground, so she began eating her food standing.
Now, food. It was just then she realized she had something to eat in her hooves and that it has been a day since she last had eaten something. Which had been a carrot that Fire Ruby had given her. She was hungry, really hungry. She first smelled at the fruits before she took a bite from the apple. This was good.

Tida continued to pass out food to the ponies in the line.  While he was doing so, he started to speak to the cream - colored mare next to him.  "Miss Serene, do you think that the mare over there" Tida said, pointing to Mirror "could be checked out later to make sure that she's alright?  She has slight trouble walking, and what looks to be a scar on her side.  I suspect that she is still injured".

Serene looked up from her paperwork at the mare Tida indicated. "If she steps forward we will see what we can do but medical supplies are limited, Tida; I can't promise anything." Serene sighed as she finished filling out the paperwork and waited for the next pony in line to step up to the counter.

Tida nodded at what Serene had said.  Medical supplies were probably very limited, so it would most likely be reserved for ponies who were mortally injured.  Tida motioned to Mirror to come up to the counter.

Mira noticed Tida motioning to her. Confused she swallowed the bit of the apple she had in the mouth and came back to Tida. "Yes? Did I do something wrong?"

Tida chuckled Too much like me indeed.  "No, you didn't do anything wrong.  It's actually about your injuries.  I don't know if I mentioned this, but the foundation also helps with injuries and such.  Because you looked to be in some pain when walking to here, Miss Serene can help with that.  Also, it wouldn't be good if it happens to get worse" Tida said.

Mira looked quickly to the mare next to Tida not knowing whether it was her. "Miss Serene?", she asked.

Upon closer inspection of the mare's wounds, Serene noticed how terrible they were. Despite this, Serene kept her composure and addressed Mira with a smile. "Yes dear, but please call me Serene. If you like we could perform a check-up later on in the evening when things aren't so busy, but I'm afraid that we can't spare the supplies unless it's life-threatening."

"If you'd like, you can have a rest in the room over there," Serene said, pointing to the room off to the side of the main room. Inside the room are various beds and pillows on the ground. The room was filled with families and foals that looked like they have lived out on the streets for the past month, which is quite accurate for most of them. Before returning to her work, Serene spoke up again. "If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask me or any of the wonderful staff working here."

Mira nodded smiling. "Thank you, that's very nice." She made a short pause. "I don't think I'd really need much supplies. I was magic healed but simply overexerted my legs afterwards. I probably just need some rest. So... I'd accept the offer gladly." She smiled brighter now, waiting a short time if the other mare or Tida said anything before she went into the room the mare had pointed at.

Tida was glad that Mirror didn't try to push herself, especially in this part of the city.  Granted, there weren't many bad things that happened in the Eastern residential district but still...

Realizing that he had been helping for a while, Tida figured that he should probably get going to the work camp, as he didn't want to be late.  Tida finished giving two rations to a family that came up to the counter and logged it down.  Tida faced Serene and gave a slight bow of his head towards her "I'm sorry to leave now, but I must get going.  I'll be back during the evening to help again however.  Goodbye for now" Tida said, giving Serene another slight bow of his head.  He made his way out from behind the counter.

While making his way outside of the building, he passed by Mirror. "I'm glad that you've accepted the offer.  After all, rest would be for the best".  Tida gave Mirror a slight bow of his head "it's been nice to meet you again, and goodbye" he said as he made his way towards the exit of the building.

Mira had placed herself on a free mattress and waited there. Her mind was working. She thought about how soon she'd probably could walk long distances again, what she needed so that her wounds healed faster and where Fire Ruby was. She wondered if they had supplies here that she knew of and how long she had to wait in here.
As Tida came by, she startled up from her thoughts. She smiled but her smile slowly vanished as she understood that he was leaving. "Wait, Tida", she called out. "What...am I do to here now?" She still didn't know how the foundation worked and she almost felt forgotten.

Just as he was going to leave to go to work, he heard Mirror call out to her.  Turning, Tida thought about what Mirror had asked.  "Well... there really isn't much to do here in all honesty.  Maybe you can go out after you have rested, but then again, hmm..." he knew that wandering around the Eastern Residential was a bad idea.  Even if she didn't have any injuries, he wouldn't recommend that she wander around this area of the city.

"...if you do decide to go out, I would be careful in this area.  Though, there is a park near this area that is actually really nice.  I would recommend resting though.  I'm sorry that I have to leave, but I need to do something" Tida said, giving Mirror a slight bow of his head.

Mirror nodded. "Okay." She still felt unsecure. It took some seconds before she found out that she still didn't know when somepony - Serene, probably - came looking for her. If a pony came. So she sat on the mattress while slowly falling into a nap.

After about an hour handing out food, filling out paperwork and dealing with more than a few angry ponies, Serene finally noticed that the line would not be getting any shorter for a while. She still hasn't forgotten about the Mira who she promised to check on, but she just couldn't spare the time.

I really need more helpers, she thought as she handed out another ration of food.

Mira had slept. But when she awoke, she felt again unsecure what to do. She didn't know how long she had slept and hadn't a clock. Well, best ask somepony, she thought. But the ponies around her were either asleep or didn't seem quite communicable. She sighed and got up. A look outside the room might help.

In the other room she saw that there still were a lot of ponies waiting in line. She also saw Serene. But with all the ponies ahead she didn't dare to go to her and let the other ponies wait. So she shrugged and got at the back of the line, waiting for her turn.

Serene didn't miss Mira joining the line again but she doubted it was to get a second serving. Such a nice young mare, Serene thought, she doesn't deserve this kind of treatment. Steeling herself, Serene nudged Petal, one of the volunteer workers next to her, and whispered in her ear. The yellow mare with the orange mane hesitated but nodded nontheless. Petal walked away from her station but as she did, Serene's horn lit up and began doing Petal's work as well as her own.

Petal walked around the counter and lightly tapped Mira. "Excuse me, Serene has asked me to take you to the back room for a check-up. Would you follow me, please?" She asked politely, gesturing to one of the doors behind the counter.

As Mira saw a yellow mare approaching her and looked at her lightly confused. As she spoke to her, Mirra understood.
"Oh, of course. But only if you can spare the time, I don't wanna interrupt your work..."

Petal lead Mira towards the back of the main room and into the small infirmary as she talked. "There's no problems; this place can get even busier than this." The infirmary was a tidy room with about ten beds spaced evenly apart. A few of the beds were taken up by a couple of ponies, most with bandages or bruises.

Petal lead Mira to one of the empty beds, a good distance away from the other ponies so they could sleep in peace. "Right, you can take a seat on the bed if you like but I need to ask a few questions. Firstly, what happened and secondly, did you clean and bandage your wounds yourself?"