Mom decided it would be best if we took her car to the nearest hospital, which if I remembered correctly was a 20 minute drive from where I lived. As we left the house, I was reluctant to leave due being afraid of the public's reaction to me. Mom knelt down next to me giving me a small reassuring smile.

“It'll be okay honey.” She said warmly and led me to her car. I climbed in the back and Mom fastened my seatbelt. I was embarrassed a little but I quickly dismissed the feeling. “I'm sure the doctor will have some answers.” Mom reassured me as she climbed into the driver’s seat.

Mom switched on the car radio to one of the classical stations. Over the journey it played out various piano and violin pieces which calmed me a little.

I watched the world go by as we passed various buildings, trees and cars. Thankfully I lived in quiet area of town, so traffic was practically non-existent at this time of day. The only downside to where I lived was some of the locals, who took every chance they could to insult various passers-by and harass anyone who looked at them funny. I remember plenty occasions when the police got involved and arrested some of them, sadly though it seemed if you arrested one another two would show up later on like they were cockroaches or something.

I quickly learned over the years how to go unnoticed, and it helped greatly when I couldn't avoid large groups of people like that. I feel very uncomfortable around large groups of people, I'm not a people person despite what my colleagues at work said. I'll come off to many as being quite confident, polite, generally friendly and I come off a bit stoic, but in reality I'm actually quite shy and I hate being the centre of attention.

“I wonder if Matt is in this situation.” I wondered, Mom gave me a curious look from the rear view mirror.

“Is he a friend of yours from work?” I nodded in confirmation.

“Yeah, he called in sick on Thursday, now that I think about he was complaining about similar symptoms I had before I turned into this.” I explained, raising one of my front hooves and gesturing at myself. Mom remained silent but she kept a worried expression.

The rest of the journey was silent beside the music from the radio. I worked with Matt the day before and he was doing fine, no coughing and certainly no complaints of pain or a headache so I couldn't have caught that bug from him, could I? Everything about this seemed off.

“Just keep it together Mark; you can’t have a break down now…” I thought to myself, I couldn’t let my mom find out the emotional breakdowns I’ve been having for a few years now.

We finally arrived at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and found it unbelievably busy which wasn't surprising due to recent events if the news was anything to go by. Nurses and doctors alike rushing about to treat various injured suffering from gashes and cuts to broken limbs.
I never felt easy around hospitals; I never understood why and just put it down to any number of things. Anyhow we approached the main reception I noticed I was getting a few curious looks as my hooves clopped on the polished blue floor of the room. I swore I heard someone mention something on the lines of 'another one' and a few hushed insults from some of the people there.

We waited, and soon I found I would be receiving attention I didn't particularly need or for that matter want. A clearly drunk young man, who looked like he was in his early to mid-twenties, came in by the main entrance he took a look round and caught sight of me. He looked like he was contemplating something with that whiskey bottle in his grasp. He swayed a bit before taking a run up to throw the bottle at me.

“Go back to yer farm, yer fuckin' freak!” He insulted as he threw the bottle, at that range he wouldn't miss even if I dodged it. I closed my eyes out of fright and braced myself for the blow.

“...”

Nothing, I heard the bottle smash against something solid that's for certain, but I didn't feel a thing. I opened one of my eyes, The drunk in question had been dragged off site by the hospital security, and the bottle laid broken a foot in front me so what stopped it? Everyone just looked at me speechless.

“What? What did I do?” I asked, turning to Mom. She shook her head.

“I don't know?” She shrugged, “The bottle just broke the second it got anywhere near you, like it hit something solid in the air.”
I thought for a moment, was it something I did out reflex? As far as I knew it was something I had no control over at present. After that we were seen by a middle aged man, with very short blonde hair, wearing the typical white coat and pair thin framed glasses. He took one look at me, blinked, took off his glasses, cleaned them then put them back on to certain he wasn't seeing things.

“Ah Mrs Geary, to what do I owe the pleasure?” The doctor asked, thankfully he was our family doctor and the one who gives me my heart check up. He glanced down at me again. “And who's your friend?” He asked warmly.

“Good afternoon, Dr Weiss.” I replied politely, he was taken back a bit obviously expecting I couldn't talk. Mom chuckled a little,
“I'm sure you remember my eldest son.” The kind doctor soon realised the situation, and motioned to follow him to his office. The office was organised and very…minimalistic; he pulled out my medical record from the files and placed it upon the desk. He checked through the records and began asking me questions about how I've been over the previous year. I didn't particularly find the questions necessary, but it was his standard procedure and they were more to do with my heart condition than anything else.

“Now tell me Mark was there any symptoms leading up to the change?” He asked, I told him everything from the headache and scratchy voice to the eventual change. Mom had a very concerned look when I told them in detail about the transformation; Dr Weiss wrote all this down with a great interest.

“Ah I see.” He said flatly, “I'm afraid that I'll have to give you a physical to make sure you’re healthy of course.” I grimaced a bit, I hated the physicals.

“Hold on a second,” I interrupted him, “I'm not even human anymore so shouldn't I be seeing a Vet or something?” Mom tried to hold back laughing remembering her earlier comment.

“Well yes normally you would, while you’re the first one I've seen in person to be changed like this you’re not the first to be treated at this hospital.” He explained, “So we have some notes you might want to look over Mark.” He pulled something out his desk draw, and put it in front of me open.

Due to our studies and blood tests regarding these changed individuals, we have come to the conclusion that the have been changed upon the genetic level, and unfortunately we cannot reverse this change as there is no trace elements of any biological or engineered element that would indicate a change of this severity.

I frowned, so there was no possibility to change back...

Additionally after discussing the matter with those affected, we have come to the conclusion and theorise that what kind of Equine (or Ponies, as they seem to refer to themselves.)The individual changes into is based upon the lifestyle, physical and mental ability of the individual. So far to our understanding there are three difference species of Equine, we have classified them as Earth Ponies, Pegeasi and finally Unicorns each with the traits typical of their description in common mythology.

Earth Ponies seems to be the most common change, and have no defining traits aside from being physically larger, stronger and more durable the other two varieties. People who were changed into this mentioned having a very healthy lifestyle, having regular exercise and are mentally very even tempered.

Pegeasi are the least common, with only a few thousand being reported across the globe. Unlike Earth Ponies they are the lightest and least durable due to having very thin bones. Depending on age their wingspan seems to range from 3 to 8 feet. Interestingly they have demonstrated the ability to fly, as well as walk any form of moisture (most notably that found in cloud formations) and instinctively analyse weather patterns and humidity. Individuals changed into this type often mentioned living very active lifestyles and expressed an interest in travelling.

The last of the three species, the Unicorn are the second most common and quite possibly the most unique of the three. Physically they are the smallest in size, and are physically quite weak compared to the other two species. It should be noted firstly that each individual changed were either noticeably intelligent and/or suffered from a physical condition. To compensate for this Unicorns have more resistant immune systems (if our results from the blood tests are to believed, they will become completely immune to any virus or poison they have come in contact with after a day or two.) and seemingly display the ability to interact with any object equal or smaller in size to themselves with telekinesis, or erect a defensive barrier when they feel threatened. The horn upon their forehead glows when this 'magic' is being used; the colour it glows seems to vary with the individual.

Each of the species have a marking upon their flanks, we currently have no theories why they have this mark, other than no two individuals have the same marking suggesting it is unique to the person and the youngest of those changed have yet to develop one. Sadly the only thing that we can note is that they all have the life expectancy of the average human.

I read the report again to make sure I understood it clearly. I was muttering to myself as I read it earning concerning looks from both my mother and Dr Weiss.

“I can see why I changed into a Unicorn, my heart condition would contribute the physical condition and I was always been bright even if I am little dozy at times, but that doesn't explain my change in gender.” I stated simply. Dr Weiss pointed to the paragraph below of what I just read.

It also seems likely that elements of the physical appearance of the pony (such as the colour of the eyes, fur, mane, tail and most notably the gender) are influenced by the personality or mindset of the individual in question.

“What I theorise Mark,” Dr Weiss took a moment to clear his throat, “is that your change in gender is the result of a psychological issue.” I denied it, but deep down I knew he was right. I had...a few issues regarding that, but they weren't important right now.

“Oh don't be silly my son isn't like that. He's always been a picture of mental health.” Mom chipped in, sounding a little too ignorant for my liking.

"I see...” Dr Weiss looked at Mom and then back to me, “Be that as it may, I would highly recommend that Mark remains here for the night for further health concerns.” Mom nodded and told me she would be back tomorrow afternoon, before leaving us alone.

“I'm sorry about that Doc, Mom can be...a little touchy on that subject.” I apologised,

"I see you haven't admitted to it yet, you know perfectly why you switched gender.” He said with a slight frown and matter of fact tone.

“I haven't a clue what you’re referring to Doc.” I denied, with an under tone of 'please don't go there'. Sadly though that plea fell on deaf ears.

Dr Weiss pulled out another file with my name upon it and began to read from it.

“Mark shows signs depression and guilt when confronted with issue of his biological father, and does noticeably dislike being surrounded by other males due to feelings of distrust, discomfort and inadequacy most likely stemming from emotional abuse from child hood.” Weiss read as if it was a matter of fact, stopped then looked at me.

“I'm warning you Doc, don't go there!” I warned him, but once again I was ignored as he read on.

“The extent of this emotional abuse seems to have developed into symptoms of emotional instability when significantly stressed, conversing with himself and developing what's commonly referred to as a 'sugar and ice' personality.” He continued.

“Please Doc don't...” I begged and pleaded, “There's nothing wrong with me mentally, I'm normal...”

“And finally Mark has shown signs of Gender Identity Disorder, but will deny this fact due to a combination of suffering greatly from Monophobia, and a fear of rejection.” Dr Weiss read the undeniable proof.

“ENOUGH!” I cried, causing the potted plant in the corner of the room to explode most likely due to my dormant magic as the report put it. Dr Weiss wasn't fazed by it however.

“Look Mark, I'm your doctor and your denying of this isn't healthy. I've only kept this from your family because you begged me to; do they even know you've been seeing a psychologist for the past year?” He said with a worried tone.

“N-No...they don't...” I admitted, I had complete emotional break down last year. My best friend Shane stayed with me until I got over that episode; it was his idea to get professional help. Dr Weiss sighed.

“Come on Mark, I'll show you where you'll be staying, you should meet a few people like yourself there.” He motioned, before asking. “Are you okay?” I shook my head; my ears lowered clearly indicating I was upset.

“No Doc I'm not, you've just read how fucked up I am...” Dr Weiss placed a hand on my shoulder in an attempt to comfort me, knelt down and gave me a very worried look.

“May I ask why? According to your medical record you never states why.” He asked,

“My family is little old fashioned and somewhat closed minded Doc, while they aren't bothered with if people are gay, bi or transgendered. They don't support it either, less so if it's within the family.” I explained, “As far as they and everyone else are concerned I'm a healthy, hardworking and most importantly normal person. I try so damned hard to keep myself from breaking down from the pressure of it all.” I ranted, shaking a little as I spoke.

“Does anyone else know?” Dr Weiss asked,

“Aside from yourself and my psychologist, only my closest friends know.” I said simply.

“I see...I think it would be best if you saw your psychologist again soon.” Dr Weiss suggested, “I think it would be best if I went with you as well, but you will have to tell them soon otherwise you’re only harming yourself by doing this.”

There was a moment of silence between us, as I let what the doctor said sink in.

“What do you suggest I do about my change Doc?” I asked him, looking him straight in the eyes. He looked thoughtful for a moment, trying to find the words to say...

“I think you should treat this as a new start, maybe a chance to drop the restraints and just be your true self as well.” He advised, I didn't realise at the time but what he said to me would have a heavy impact on me in the future.

“I think we should get going, you have to show me where I'm sleeping tonight after all.”

We made our way to a building on the far side of the hospital campus, Dr Weiss explained that it was recently converted to cater to ponies like I whilst they were staying overnight due to the shock of the change or were injured in accidents and cases of abuse.

It was a large white building four stories tall with various plants and bushes growing around the buildings perimeter giving it a warm inviting look. He told me various things about the building and what it was used for now and before all this started, it seemed to a dormitory for the visitors who had to stay overnight, or for staff who had be available on a emergency basis.

“Huh, I didn't realise you had a place like that here.” I stated in amazement.

“Well, to be honest we only let those people affected stay until a friend or family member can come to take care of them, or until they get used to their new body.” He explained, “We're stretched thin as it is with more and more ponies appearing every day so you'll be sharing a room if you don't mind.”

“No, not really.” I replied, “Either way, it's not really like I have choice now.”

We both entered building, the inside was larger than I expected. The room itself was painted in earthy colours; it was divided into a small reception and larger lounge for people to relax in. I looked around and saw a large variety of earth ponies, unicorns like myself and even a couple of pegeasi.

“It seems we have a new member to our herd?” A soft feminine voice whom sounded much older than myself asked, I turned to look at the source and saw large white unicorn mare, with a long brown mane and tail sporting blonde highlights, honey yellow eyes that showed their years of experience and wisdom, and upon he flank was mark depicting an open book with an ink quill writing on it.

“Yes it seems, Antonia I would like you to meet Mark.” Dr Weiss introduced, Antonia gave me a once over and bowed slightly to greet me.

“It's a pleasure to meet you Mark, if you don't mind me asking. How long have you been like this now?” Antonia inquired.

“Since this morning.” I answered; Antonia looked thoughtful for a moment.

“I see, so you’re still getting used to your new body?” She asked, I just nodded in reply. “No worries then, I assume my husband has shown you those notes when you saw him.”

“You’re...husband?” I asked confused, “You mean Dr Weiss?” I turned to him giving him a look that basically said 'is this true'. He nodded in confirmation and Antonia just laughed a little.

“I've been helping my husband, as well as several of the doctors and nurses here take care of ponies that are staying here. Other members of staff were changed just like we were; it's helped greatly to keep the children and victims of abuse at ease.” Antonia explained with a small warm smile.

“How many ponies are there here?” I asked,

“46 ponies are currently staying here, aside from yourself and members of staff.” Dr Weiss answered for Antonia, “It would be best I'd get back to my office, I'll be back once I've finished my rounds.”

Dr Weiss left, leaving Antonia and I alone to discuss what was going to happen next.

“I can sense you have used your magic at least twice by now.” I gave Antonia a confused look, “I guess it must have been out of reflex then.”

“Um...How do I use my magic?” I asked, Antonia didn't answer but motioned me to follow.

“Come, I'll show you to your room. Your magic can wait until morning I'll be teaching a class about it then.” She explained.

Antonia and I made our way through various halls decorated in a similar fashion to the lounge and reception. We stopped outside room 213.

“I hope you don't mind sharing a room with a young filly.” She inquired, “She was brought in a few days ago, as victim of abuse by her parents.” I gave a look of disgust at the thought of a parent doing that to their own child. I didn't say anything but my expression said it all.

We entered the room; it was very minimalistic only having an oak desk with a TV on it, a small bathroom and a couple of beds. One of the beds was occupied by a very young pink pegeasi filly with a blonde mane, currently unconscious from her injuries.
“Is...She...?” I tried to ask but I couldn't form the words at the sight of her.

“She's just resting.” Antonia reassured, “We've treated most of the injuries, and most of the damage was done to the wings sadly so she'll never be able to fly even when she recovers fully.”

“H-How old is she?” I asked horrified.

“We don't know, she hasn't spoken a word since she woke up yesterday. We guess she's around 6-7 years old.” Antonia said in a very sombre tone.

“...”

I took a closer look at the sleeping filly, I couldn’t say why but I couldn’t help but be worried for her. I don’t know who did this to her but monsters like that shouldn’t exist in the first place.

“What’s wrong mommy?” The young filly asked, “Are you sad because daddy left?”

“I’m fine my little sunshine” I smiled warmly, “Why don’t we get some ice cream and go see grandma?” The little filly did a little exited dance for joy.

“Are you alright?” Antonia asked concerned causing me to snap out of whatever that was.

“...Uh I’m fine, I'll keep an eye on her; I'll let you know when she wakes up.” I stated simply, concern laced my voice over the young filly.

“Thank you.” Was all I heard from Antonia before she left us alone, and leaving me to wonder what that scene was all about.

Author's Note

not much to rewrite in this chapter, so enjoy.

• Silent