Reignite

It's been two days since Mom had visited, over that time Sunshine and I spent the time with Matt. Sunshine thankfully was now getting comfortable around Matt now, but Matt on the other hand was worrying again.

“I don't see how you can be so calm about this Mark?” Matt wondered as he paced around the room in worry. “Who knows how the others will react to...well this?” He pointed to himself, referring to the change.

The thought had occurred to me, but I would imagine our friends would be accepting of our situation. Freaked out a little maybe, but they wouldn’t abandon us outright especially not after everything we’ve been through...

“...?” Sunshine gave Matt a confused look, and then went back to watching the cartoons on TV.

“Matt everything will be fine.” I reassured him, “They're our friends remember. I hardly believe that they would treat us badly because of something we had no control over.” I know I’m right, I mean how could they? It wasn't like we up and decided to turn into ponies now did we?

“It's just...I don’t know.” Matt shook his head, “How do we know they won't freak out because of this?”

“Well for one look at the situation.” I tried to reason, “We can't help our situation for one, and two has anyone else we know been affected by this?” Matt tried to find and answer but kept silent when he couldn't find one, “For all we know some of our friends and family could have ended up like this, so we're all could be in the same boat here.”

“How could you say something like that Mark?” Matt asked me in shock, “I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.” Truth be told I wouldn’t wish this on anyone either.

“Hey! I didn't mean it like that!” I snapped back defensively, “But you can't just rule out that possibility now can you?”

“I know what you meant Mark!” Matt snapped, “It's just I don't want to be in this situation! My life is more or less ruined now. It irritates me how you can be so calm about this.”

“...!” Sunshine whimpered due to hearing us argue.

“Matt would you mind quitting with the attitude already!” I scolded, “Sunshine doesn't like hearing people argue.”

“Oh excuse me!” Matt replied sarcastically, “And then there's that, your acting like her mother for god's sake. What's that all about?” I looked offended.

“I can't help that!” I barked, “I'm still trying to figure this out, I can't help that I see her as my own daughter, just like I can't help that I’ve changed gender!”

“...!” Sunshine hid under her bed sheets. We both took notice and stopped arguing.

“I-I'm sorry Matt, I'm just really emotional right now.” I apologised, “I know I should be more worried about all this, but I'm just trying to take this a day at a time.” Matt went silent for the moment.

“It's okay Mark.” Matt replied, “I'm just over thinking all this right now and I'm probably worrying over nothing.” Sunshine peaked out from under the covers, her ears perked up in relieve that we weren't arguing any more.

“...” She smiled nervously at us.

“We're sorry for arguing Sunshine, it's just sometimes even the best of friends will argue over the silliest and littlest of things.” I reassured her.

“...I...” Sunshine tried to speak, but it sounded no louder than barely as whisper, “...I-It's okay Mommy...I-I know you won't hurt me...” My heart soared when I heard her call me 'Mommy'. I couldn't help myself I hugged her.

“I-I would never hurt you honey, and I won't let anyone hurt you ever.” I reassured her, I couldn't believe it I'm her 'Mommy'. I never felt so happy. Matt looked at me with a happy expression.

“I'll let Antonia know Sunshine is speaking again.” Matt stated as he left us alone in the room. I didn't say anything as my attention was solely on Sunshine at the moment, I heard him clearly though.

I sat and watched some cartoons with my 'daughter', saying I was overjoyed that she saw me as her mother was an understatement. I honestly had no clue why that made me happy, it just did. All I'd ever tried to do with her was make her feel loved.

I wondered briefly if this is what my own mother felt, when she first held me or my brother and sister were born. I never considered myself ready to be a parent, I was too afraid to turning out like my own father.

My thoughts turned to her real parents, or better put the complete monsters that beat her. I hope where ever they are they rot in prison for the remainder of the lives; they didn't deserve to have such a wonderful daughter.

An hour or two passed, and soon we were greeted by Antonia who currently had a worried look on her face. Sunshine was asleep taking a morning nap.

“How is she?” Antonia asked,

“She's fine, Matt and I had a bit of an argument this morning which upset her but aside from that she's speaking again, she's still as quiet as a mouse the majority of the time though.” I explained with a happy smile. “She called me Mommy.” I giggled a little with joy.

“As much as I'm overjoyed at that news, I'm afraid one of your friends is here to see you but he doesn't look so well.” Antonia explained with a worried expression.

“Send whoever it is in then. I'm sure they're well enough to ask a few questions at least.” I asked my voice started to fill with worry, “What are the symptoms?”

“Well he seems to be coughing, suffering from a sore throat, complaining of pains around his shoulder blades as well as feeling dizzy.” She explained worryingly, my smile fell quickly with worry and my once good mood went out the window.

“W-who is it?” I asked, “Please tell me Antonia...tell me who it is!”

“He said his name was Shane. Is the symptom's that bad?” She inquired.

“Get him a room, if he's suffering from symptoms like that Shane needs to be monitored.” I begged, “Please help him Antonia there must be something you or Dr Weiss can do to help him!”

“Why? What's going on?” Antonia asked increasingly worried.

“What Shane is complaining of sounds similar to the symptoms Matt and I showed before we changed.” I explained, “I guess the pains in his shoulder blades might indicate what he'll turn into, like my headache turned out to be my horn.”

This didn't bode well, first Matt then me and now Shane. Things just seem to be getting out of hand with these transformations was it contagious now? I doubt it otherwise there would have been a more widespread panic across the globe, if anything the changes seemed to be random in who was changed.

“Antonia what are the chances that whatever the causes the change is contagious?” I asked, Antonia took a brief moment to think.

“In all the early cases we ruled out the changes being contagious by comparing blood samples from family members to the person who had changed. The results came back negative for any signs of a viral strain would show up.” Antonia explained, “We even compared it to a DNA sample of the person from before they changed, both samples were a complete match.”

“I see...” I responded deep in thought. “So on a technical level, they haven't changed at all?”

“Well aside from your change in gender, but basically yes your right.” She confirmed, “This is even confusing my husband and he's the hospitals specialist.”

“Is there anything else?” I inquired; there must be more to it than this.

“Aside from the psychological and physical effects, it's more or less behavioural patterns like herding, signs of heat and the like.” Antonia continued, I had a confused look upon my face. “Herding from what I understand in this case is where ponies form small groups to look out for each other; they usually have some form of common ground between them.”

“And what about heat?” I wondered,

“Heat is a period of time where an animal's libido sky rockets, it more or less means it's mating season.” I blushed at Antonia's explanation, “For the ponies here though, when heat seems to occur is different for each person, it only seems to affect the adult mares though.”

“Oh well ain't that swell.” I dead panned, “How about ponies that changed gender as well?”

“Oh there's been a few.” Antonia answered, “There's been cases of Male-to-Female, as there is Female-to-Male.” I sighed in relief as I considered the possibility I wasn't the only pony whose gender changed. “Can you tell me about Shane?” Antonia asked.

“He's been one of my closest friends since college; he's also a bit of a rival as well when it comes to games.” I explained, “He's very dependable, loyal and surprisingly humble about his actions. Even I don't know why but he hardly talks about himself.”

“Ah now I'm seeing a bigger picture to this...” Antonia responded earning her a curious look from me, “From the brief time I chatted with Shane, he reminded me a little of you personality wise.”

“...” I remained silent for a moment, “Yeah, that's not the first time I've heard that...”

“You certainly give the impression you hold him in high regard.” Antonia commented.

“Well he's done a lot to earn that respect; we have a lot of history between us.” I explained, “...would it be possible to get him a room near mine? He'll need his friends nearby to help him adapt.”

“I'll do what I can...” Antonia answered; a small sad smile graced my features.

“Thank you...this means a lot to me.” I said simply, “Is he here now?” Antonia nodded,

“He's in the reception now.” She stated.

“Would you mind looking after Sunshine till I get back?” I asked her, and again she nodded.

As I made my way towards the reception, I began feeling nervous, frightened at Shane's reaction to my now ponified body. How would he react? Would he scream in horror, run off or worse? Or would he be accepting of me? Taking a deep breath to calm myself down I entered through the doors turning a few heads from both people and pony alike. I quickly spotted Shane's messy blonde hair amongst the people there; he was currently talking with the receptionist.

“Please.” Shane pleaded in between coughs; his usual voice was a bit scratchy now. “Can you tell me if Mark Geary is here, as crazy as it sounds I asked Dr Antonia Weiss about him?” The receptionist took a look through the roster of patients currently here.

“Ah yes, Ms Geary has been here a few days now as a patient, she came here with her mother on Saturday afternoon.” The receptionist answered, the look of confusion on Shane's face practically said it all.

“I'm sorry, but did you say Ms Geary.” Shane asked confused as ever. The receptionist just sighed and repeated herself.

“Yes I did say that Ms Marcia Geary came in here.” I shook my head at his confusion, and made a mental note to ask about the name change.

“Shane that's enough.” I stated simply in my effeminate voice, Shane turned to me and mouthed 'What the fuck' under his breath.

“M-Mark?” He choked out, “You’re like this to?” I couldn't say I was surprised by his shock, after all how would you react if a unicorn mare came out of nowhere and started talking to you?

“Uh...yeah, I think you should come with me.” I suggested.

We made our way back to room 213; Shane was asking me questions about how I ended up like this which I refused to answer until I was back in my room. I did wonder what was going through his head right now, but alas I couldn't read minds.

“Shane can I ask you something?” I inquired.

“Sure shoot.” He responded.

“How long have you been sick?” I asked, hoping then this wasn't what I thought it would be.

“I've been like this for what a couple of days now, why?” Shane shrugged, making me worry a bit more.

“Fuck…” I cursed under my breath, “Shane I think it’s best to wait until we get to my room before I answered that, I think having Antonia there might help me to explain it to you better, there’s a lot about this I don’t understand.”

We entered the room, Antonia was by Sunshine reading some notes she had most likely got from one the nurses.

“Shane you've already met Antonia, the sleeping filly is my little Sunshine.” I introduced them to Shane. “I suggest you take a seat for this.” Shane did as he was asked and sat down on a nearby chair.

“What's going on?” He asked voice thick with worry.

“Shane could you describe your symptoms, please.” Antonia asked in a professional tone.

“Um...coughing, pains in the shoulder blade area of my back, a sore throat and recently this morning a slight itchy feeling.” He answered. Sighing Antonia responded with some bad news.

“I'm sorry to tell you this Shane, but you’re displaying symptoms that all the ponies here have had before they changed.” This immediately threw Shane into a panic.

“B-but I'll change back right? You have a cure for this don't you?” Shane asked in the fret of panic. “Please tell me you can do something….anything about this!”

In all my life I have never seen Shane so distressed before, I didn’t want to tell him so help me god I wish I could tell him otherwise. I didn’t want this to happen to him, it’s bad enough this happened to me and Matt.

“I'm sorry Shane, but once you change you can't turn back.” I answered solemnly for Antonia, “You'll never be human again...You’re not the only one here who’s changed, aside from myself Matt was changed as well. You can even take a look at Sunshine and I don't have to tell you not even children are spared from this fate.” Shane just looked so defeated by the finality of the situation, I honestly couldn't blame him.

“H-how am I gonna cope...?” He asked himself. Antonia and I shared a worried look.

“Now...Shane please listen.” Antonia pleaded, “While we can't stop the change, we'll be there to help you like every pony that is staying here. Your friends will be there for you too.” Shane took a look at me, and I nodded in agreement with Antonia's statement.

“Shane we've been through a hell of a lot already, and I don't intend to abandon you after all we've been through.” I confirmed, I sighed a little over the thought of recent events, “I think everyone needs to help each other right now.”

“...” Shane remained silent.

“Shane, please listen to me!” I pleaded, “I'm here for you, and Matt’s here for you and all your friends will be there for you. Like we always have been in the past, even when you tried to shut us out.”

“...I'm sorry Mark, but this is just too much to take in.” Shane answered, he sounded so defeated.

“I know it is Shane, believe me I know.” I replied, “I just don't want to see my friends or family hurt because of this.”
Antonia waited for us to finish before she explained to Shane, that he'd have to stay the night for safeties sake. Shane left with Antonia to be added to the patient roster and given a room.

“Please be alright...” I muttered to no one in particular.

Meanwhile in another place, a man was running for his life through a crowd pushing them left and right out of his way. Various cries and obscenities were aim towards the man as he ran in a panic.

“Oh god, please leave me alone!” He yelled at no one in particular.

As he ran into the centre of the park and out of the crowd, he took a moment to catch his breath and look around for whatever was chasing him, but found nothing. He noticed everything around him had stopped moving as if they were frozen in place.

“W-what the fucks going on?!” He screamed, “W-what’s doing all this?!”

“They’re all frozen in time.” A low disembodied voice explained simply, “I’m the one doing all this, so I’ll ask once again are you done running?”

“I don’t know who you are buddy, but I’ll run as much as I have to!” He shouted angrily at the voice. As he tried to run once again he tripped and fell unable to move his legs. “What the fuck?” He cursed, “Why can’t I *** away?” He clasped his hands around his throat, “Why can’t I say ***?!”

“Are you forgetting something perhaps?” The voice asked flatly, “There’s no point *******, you can’t even **** right now.”

“Why are you doing this to me?” He asked the voice.

“Because you know something you shouldn’t. “ The voice explained, “I can’t have you running your mouth off and putting everyone else here in danger.” A look of realisation washed over the man’s face.

“Y-you mean those creatures?” He asked the voice.

“Yes, I’m sure you’ve seen them hiding away in whatever crack and crevice they can.” The voice answered back, “They’re watching you, waiting for the perfect moment to devour you and your memories.”

He shuddered, ever since he had found out he’s felt nothing but a cold wind over his shoulder, it was like something was breathing down his neck. He knew it was also biding its time waiting for the perfect moment to make its move.

“They are very patient creatures, you know.” The voice continued, “They can wait, they have all the time in the world to wait, and don’t think you’ll be safe once you’re dead either. As long as some shred of you remains even if it’s just the tiniest mention of your name, they will devour you and then go after everyone you’ve ever met. Every man, woman, and child who as ever laid eyes upon will die, and become another one of those creatures.”

“S-so what’s stopping them?” He asked almost afraid.

“Me…”The voice answered simply, in a matter of fact tone. “I’m the only thing right now that’s stopping them from devouring you. I grow tired of this pointless chatter, this can go in one of three ways.” The voice paused for a moment, “You can either surrender that memory to me and live, I can let those creatures devour you, or I take that memory by force and kill you myself.”

“F-fine, just take it.” The man said defeated.

The second he finished his sentence, he felt a gloved hand grasp his head. In front of him stood a hooded man who was lifting him up as if he was nothing.

“You’ve caused me quite a bit of bother you know.” The hooded asked sounding almost annoyed, “If anything your stupid little stunt would have made my job a hell of a lot harder. Just think countless lives would be lost just because you couldn’t keep your damned mouth shut.”

The man let out a muffled scream, as he tried to free himself from the hooded figure’s grasp.

“Don’t bother, you can’t even *** now anyway.” The hooded figure reminded him, “I’m going to take that memory now, and all you’ll be left is a headache.”

“I won’t forget this!” The man yelled, before he went limp and was knocked out cold.

“Yes, you will…” The hooded figure said simply before vanishing and letting time resume its normal course once again.

Off into the distance, a shadow let out a low snarl of frustration and retreated back to whence it came.