Appetizer

"Ugh...huh?"

These were the first things to escape Ryan's mouth when she awoke. The world around her was a blur as her eyes tried to refocus. She lifted her head looking around her, trying to understand what she was looking at. At first she had no clue as to where she was, the fading images of what had been a strange dream still pervading her mind.

("I was just sitting around with Boa, playing TF2. With how rare dreams are l don't get why it would be so bland. Whatever, I should get up an-...")

She stopped moving, looking down at her hooves where she had placed them under her to push herself into a sitting position. She stayed like that, her forelegs underneath her as the memories came back. The accident, the talks with the princess, the transformation. Somewhere in the back of her mind she felt guilty for only just now thinking of her best friend, but that was for some other time. Right now she was letting the thoughts settle in her mind before she attempted to do anything.

("...")

"..."

("Oh.")

"Oh, I guess I-"

She shut up quickly and swung a hoof to her mouth, hitting her nose.

"OW!"

Putting her hoof back down and using the pillow to rub her hurt nose she pondered her new voice.

("Is that what I really sound like now? And my mouth feels....funny.")

Lifting her head from the pillow again she carefully worked her new mouth, rotating it this way and that, opening and closing it, messing around with her now slightly bigger tongue, even giving a try at whistling. She ended up just blowing air.

("Not even magic can fix talent.")

Wanting to leave talking for later she decided the first thing to do was find a mirror.

("The best way to get used to cold water is to just dive all in at once. This should work the same way.")

She crawled to the edge of the bed, wanting to get to solid ground before trying to walk for the first time. At the edge she looked to the white and gold tiled ground, nervous at trying out her new body unassisted. This did not stop her from trying though and she brave reaching one hoof out and touching the ground, then another. She was now hanging on to the bed with the back half of her body with her rim rod straight forelegs holding up her front. Slowly she took her right back leg and set it on the ground, finally putting her last leg on the ground right after. She did not move a muscle, getting use to just standing.

("It feels all...weird. Like I'm doing right and wrong at the same time. Maybe I should get a look at where I'm actually at while I adjust.")

Moving nothing but her head and her neck she examined her surroundings. She saw she still had that patients gown but ignored it for now. Right in front of her was a bedside table with a book titled "Equestrian History 101".

("I'll have to remember to read that later.")

Further forward was a pure white wall with nothing more than a door and a painting of what looked to be a forest surrounded by mountains with a small town in the middle. The corners where the wall met the others were small ornate pillars.

("Makes sense I guess. I should be in the princesses castle.")

Looking to her left there was just another wall, completely barren of any decoration other than a analog clock.

("Five-Twenty Five? I thought I would have out longer.")

On her right the third wall had a rounded metal hoop with a curtain hanging from it and nothing else of note. Turning her neck so she could see behind her-("That's gonna come in handy")-she looked to the last wall. It held a rather large window that currently had it's blinds shut but it's curtains left some what open, allowing a small amount of morning light to filter in. She could also see one other bed beside her own with a curtain of it's own. Overall aside from it being larger and a bit more elegant it appeared to be a standard hospital room.

("Not anything else to see. It's time to get moving.")

By now she had been able to relax on her legs. First thing she did was get the gown off, grasping it with her teeth and throwing off somewhere. Next, taking a moment to try and think about how she was supposed to walk she lifted her front right leg at the same time as her left back leg. She kept them there, balancing on her other two legs before bringing them both of her raised ones down forward at the same time. As she was not face down on the tiles she took it as she did it right. Repeating this process carefully she walked to the wall in as straight of a line as she could manage, almost tipping over at times. She eventually made it to the door safely.

("Okay, that's walking in a straight line, now let's try turning.")

And so it went that she spent the next fifteen minutes practicing the ins and outs of walking. She felt quite pleased with herself that she had not ounce fell over, not even as she tried walking in a circle. Afters another few minutes she felt confident enough to brave going out.

("They might not like me walking around on my own but I can't just sit around and wait for someone to come and get me. I just hope I don't get in too much trouble...")

She took the door handle, which was thankfully one of those bar handles or else she would have never gotten it open, and cracked the door open, peeking around for anyone who may be nearby. From what she saw she was in a rounded roof hallway with similar looking rooms to hers decorating it has she might have expected. Seeing that no one was out there she fully opened the door and stepped out. Looking down hall on the left or right they both made turns after four rooms, neither having any indication as to where they lead. She had just made up her mind when a pair of shadows appeared at the left turn. Seeing that her decision had been made for her she swiftly made her way to the right turn before the other ponies could make theirs. Looking down the new hall she was speed walking through she could see a set of double doors at the end marked "Recovery Exit".

("Perfect, if I stay out of sight I should be able to find a bathroom somewhere. Don't know why there wasn't one in my room or the hallway, but I ain't got time to complain.")

She quickly made her way out thinking that she would just be in another empty hall. She found herself in a rather large tunnel, reaching at least twenty five feet above her. At the entrance of this tunnel she saw a giant sign proclaiming "Recovery Wing". Beyond that was a VERY big circular room with many more wings surrounding it. In it's center was a ring shaped desk that made up the reception area. At it's front was a giant set of ornate doors that matched the rest of the decor.

And all around her where various doctors, nurses, and patients in various states of action. Most notable were the two guards that stood to either side of the door she just came out of, both of whom now had their attention on her. They both seemed some what surprised, not expecting the very pony that they were stationed to protect come waltzing out. Ryan was frozen still, her eyes going back and forth on the guards. The two gold clad white ponies were just as unsure what to do as she was at that exact moment. Their orders were to not let anypony other than doctors in and out, and then only allow her specifically assigned doctors only in her room.

By now the three had garnered the looks of the other curious ponies, who all had been wondering why the guards had been placed there to begin with. At last the guards pony on the right thought to lead her back to her room and then go inform Princess Luna that she had come to, just has the Princess had requested.

"Ma'am, if you woul-"

"SORRYBYE!"

Ryan rocketed away, racing for the reception area. The guards were temporarily stunned by the sudden bolt but soon gave chase.

"Ma'am wait! We just want to escort you back to your room!"

"NOTHANKYOUI'MFINE!"

She thanked what ever deity made it so she wasn't in any pain or tired as she speeded past confused ponies, trying her best not to run into any of them. She entered the main part of the medical wing and shot straight for the reception desk.

("Just gotta get out of here and I might be able to find a room I can hide out in 'till they pass.")

Making it to the desk she hopped over it, scaring the nurse on the other side. The guards were hot on her trail, both opting for running on either side of the desk in the hopes of boxing her in.

"Please ma'am, we were just here to guard you!" Shouted the one running on the left.

"We only want to take you back to your room for now, nothing else!"

Ignoring them she jumped the other side of the desk before they could reach her. With only a short distance between her and the door she poured more energy into one last mad dash, moving faster than even back in her top shape as a human. She felt lighter than ever before as her pursuers got further away. She did not have time to enjoy the rush as the doors were closing in quickly and as she got closer she could see a smaller set of doors embedded into the middle of the larger ones.

("The home stretch!")

She was just about to ram open the doors when they open of their own accord. With her target gone she flew right through to only find a new one waiting. Her along with this thing that went "OOF" tumbled for a bit before stopping. The world was a daze to Ryan as the speed rush wore off and she sat up from where she had landed. She found that she was on her side staring at something white and furry. Getting up, she found herself in yet another hallway, though this one was by far the largest, just has the guards came through the doors as well. Both of them stopped dead in their tracks and stared wide eyed at whoever it was she had hit. Following their gaze she looked to the ground beside her.

("OH COME ON!!!")

That multi colored mane, the size, the gold adornments. It was by no doubt Princess Celestia.

She looked to be more surprised than anything, not hurt or even angry. Her crown had been thrown from her head in the impact, her other regalia still fine and dandy. The guards having snapped out of their surprise ran over, one coming to Celestia's side and the other coming to Ryan.

"Your highness, are you alright?"

Sitting on her haunches, Celestia gave a small shake of her head before replying.

"I am fine, I was just caught off guard is all. I am not hurt."

Nodding the guards pony turned to glare at Ryan who was now standing and being held in place by the presences of the other guard.

"You are in a lot of trouble missy. I don't know who you are but-"

"That is enough Gilded Light, she has done nothing wrong." Celestia was now standing back up and was levitating her crown back onto her head. The now named pony looked at her with uncertainty clear on his face.

"But your Majesty, she-"

"Had no way of knowing that I would be entering at that exact moment. An accident is not a crime. As for why she was running to begin with, I will talk with her personally. For now you two can return to the barracks. There is no point in keeping a secret that has made itself known."

Both guards stood at attention and bowed.

"Yes Princess."

With that both of them walked off leaving Ryan with the Princess she had just rammed. Celestia looked back to her with a smile.

"Come along my little pony, I would like to speak with you."

With that she started walking, making her way for the medical wing again. Ryan wanted nothing more than to run but knew better and resigned herself to following the Princess.

("Shit...She's going to punish me. God fucking DAMNIT!! Of all the people I could have run into it had to be the princess that I'm not friends with.....")

As the two walked back through the reception area Celestia received bows and Ryan glares from the various ponies that had to jump out of her way. Ryan kept her head down trying to avoid their stares and stayed quiet, occasionally glancing at the princess nervously. She grew more anxious with each step, the possibility of what was going to happen to her piling up.

They were at the hallway entrance, which she now saw had the words "Recovery Rooms 100-150" on a plate above it. Celestia grasped the door handles in her magic and opened them widely for them. Just before the doors shut Ryan got a glimpse of a pony making the "I'm watching you" motion with their hoof.

The walk to her room was silent, Celestia facing forward calmly with a pleasant smile on and Ryan quietly contemplating her demise. The only other ponies they past were a nurse helping a patient along down the hall. At last they came to a stop in front of her room which she noted was number 125.

("Room one twenty five, my soon to be grave.")

Celestia opened the door and walked in, Ryan hesitantly following behind. After she was a few steps in the door closed behind her. She was unsure as to what to do and just stood waiting for the royal equine to do something. Celestia motioned with her head for her to sit on her bed. Gulping she did has the princess wanted while said princess brought a chair over for behind the other bed that she had not noticed earlier. They both got themselves situated, Ryan laying on her belly with her legs tucked in and Celestia on her bum i the chair. Ryan waited once again for Celestia to act first. She could not look at her directly instead opting to look to her side. After a few seconds had passed she saw Celestia raise her hoof.

("Shes going to hit me. She prefers old fashion beating over using magic for punishments.")

Ryan brace herself for the hit. She cringed reflexively when she felt a weight on her shoulder. Confused she looked up at the smiling face that waited for her.

"You are very timid for one that has braved so much."

Ryan visibly sagged, not caring how confused she was at the moment, glad that she was not in any trouble. Celestia let off a light laugh at the sight, taking her hoof back and letting Ryan relax. Ryan felt better without having to worry about being punished but still had many questions on her mind. She decided to give talking another try.

"...Princess, I don't understand. I thought I was in trouble."

("I'm never going to get used to that. I sound like a husky tomboy.")

Celestia just laughed again.

"Of course not. I meant it when I said it was an accident."

"O-oh, well um...Thank you."

"Nothing to thank me for. Now I believe I said I wished to speak with you and the most interesting topic on my mind was why you were running to begin with."

Ryan's ears flattened at this.

"Righ-right, that. Well you see Princess I was..I was trying to find the bathroom."

Ryan blushed as she said this, finding the floor very interesting. The adorable embarrassment made Celestia chuckle.

"And because your room nor any of the others have one you ended up looking for one until you ran into the guard?"

"Yes.."

Ryan's head sunk lower, her face practically on fire.

("Taking a beating would have been so much better....")

"Oh dear, don't feel embarrassed. It is only natural that you would need to relieve yourself after incapacitated for so long."

At this Ryan's blush died down a fair bit. She looked back up to the royalty.

"O-oh no, it's not that. I actually wanted to look in a...mirror."

("Why am I getting so embarrassed, I feel like I'm under a microscope. Stupid hormones...")

Celestia's smile shifted from merry to motherly. How she could do that Ryan had no idea but still welcomed it either way.

"Ah, I see. You wish to get a better look at your body."

It was a statement rather than a question but Ryan still nodded.

"Then I will have one brought to us, the wait can give us a chance to speak some more."

Ryan's ears perked at this.

"That would be nice, thank you."

Celestia cast a spell making a scroll and quill pop in to the air, held in her golden magic. She quickly pend out a message before rolling it up with a ribbon. She then lit it up with a fire started with a spark of her magic, the scroll being engulfed and then floating always as golden ash. Returning her attention to Ryan she found her staring intently before she realized she was noticed and looking away again, blush back in full force.

"You found my magic intriguing?" She asked encouragingly.

Ryan hesitantly looked back to her.

"Yeah..um..You see back home there wasn't any real magic. I always thought it was out there somewhere, just not in my world. To see real magic being used so nonchalantly is just mind blowing!"

Her rising excitement drew out another laugh from Celestia. Ryan was surprised before she turned her eyes downward, her ears lowing again. Celestia was confused for only a brief moment before understanding came to her.

"Do not be distraught young one, I was not laughing at you or your enthusiasm. I was simply reminded of another who grew excited when presented with something new for them to learn. I am sorry to have offended you."

"It's fine, I'm more emotional then I'm use to either way."

Celestia's smile fell at this. She knew she should have started with the largest obstacle first, but she had hoped to come to the topic naturally. It was too late now and all she could do was help her the best she could.

"Ryan, would you mind telling me about how you are feeling?"

Ryan's eyes darted to her a second before staring back down, her ears giving a twitch.

"I don't mind." *Sigh~* "It feels like each little thing shoots a butt load of hormones through me. I was bit reserved before so I really don't know how to deal with it. I feel like I'm going to explode! I just don't know what to do!"

With that she splayed out her front legs and plopped her head down on the bed. Celestia's graced her face again at her little act.

"It sounds very similar to when a young mare starts to go through puberty I must say."

"UGGGH, please, what ever higher being that can hear me do not make me go through that AGAIN! I've already done my time!"

"Do not fear, it won't be the same as puberty to be more precise. Once you have learned to cope with your emotions you should be perfectly fine."

"I just have to learn everything else about being a girl alongside being a pony."

"Yes, but you will not have to do it alone if you'll remember."

At this Ryan sat up quickly, her eyes lighting up a bit.

"That's right Luna! She said she'd help me! Where is she now?"

"She is asleep right now."

"Oh, That's right. She works at night so she wouldn't be up by now. Could you tell me when she usually gets up?"

"When the sun sets."

"...She's nocturnal then?"

"Yes."

"...I'm not sure what to do."

Ryan was honestly not sure what to do or say, having hoped to start learning from Luna and maybe figure out where she will be living. Celestia was amused at the earnestness the mare presented.

*Knock Knock*

"That must be the mirror I sent for."

Celestia opened the door from her chair and in walked a pair of ponies carrying a full length mirror. They walked it over next to the princess and put it down. They both bowed before one spoke.

"Is there anything else we can do for you Princess?"

"No, this will be all. Thank you."

Another bow and then they left. Celestia stood and walked just beside the mirror turning around to face Ryan.

"Well come on, I know you are anxious but there is no point in delaying."

"I-I Know! Just give me a um..I mean just uh.."

She closed her eyes.

*Inhale, sigh~*

("Time to dive.")

Opening her eyes she saw Celestia once again smiling encouragingly, gesturing to the mirror with a hoof. Nodding Ryan stood up and, after taking off her hospital gown, slowly walked over to the reflective glass.

Celestia stepped back as Ryan got closer, giving her room to do as she wanted. First she peeked her head in to it's view. The thing that stood out to her first was her eyes. They were huge.

("WHOA, I look like an anime character! I could use windows for glasses!")

After she got over the size she noted that her eyes were still brown and lacked eyelash but had no other real noticeable features. The next thing that popped out to her was her muzzle. It was not to long and rounded at the nose. Having already gotten use to how it felt she opened it and got a look. Moving it this way or that way she looked at everything she could.

("Not much different there, just looks a longer version of a human mouth as far as I can tell.")

Giggling pulled her from her thoughts. Celestia could not hold it back, the sight of the mare leaning her head over opening her mouth at all angles into a mirror was just to funny. Ryan stood straight and blushed madly. The rulers giggles died down to a small smile as she waited for her to continue. After calming down Ryan stuck her head back over to make sure she didn't miss anything.

("I've got a diamond on my head.")

Indeed a small patch of lighter colored fur in the shape of a sideways box sat squarely upon her forehead. The last thing she gave thought to was that her hair seemed straighter than it was, plus the gray streaks were really nice looking.

("Yet I bet it'll still be a bitch and a half to fix in the morning.")

Seeing nothing else to critique she knew she had to take the last step. She walked fully into the mirror, turning to her side to get a full view.

("Wow.")

She was not sure if she liked it or not. Using the few other mares she had seen for comparison she found that she was thicker set then them. Not fat, just bigger. She even looked a bit taller than the other mares she's seen.

("Not being fat? Now I can get behind that!")

Her hooves weren't covered by her fur as she noticed many other ponies did. The hooves themselves were rounded.

("They kinda look like the push-pop ice cream.")

The thought of licking her hoof came up and she quickly shot it down, giving her head a shake.

("ANYWAY, what next?")

Looking to her backside she saw her tail.

("How the hell did I forget about that?")

It was black with a gray streak just like her hair, looking long and full. She turned around so she was looking back into the mirror. Giving it a good shake she swished her tail back and fro, trying various tricks and movements. She found spinning it like a helicopter quit fun. Turning back around she couldn't really anything else to check out.

("At least nothing I can look at in front of a princess...")

She was turning to Celestia when something caught her attention. In the mirror she saw her blank bum. If she thought back to her little escapade she remembered that every pony she saw had one of those marks on their flanks. As a once gentleman/human she had never looked at Luna's bum and so never saw if she had one of them too.

"I am guessing that you want to know what those marks that all ponies have are."

'"EPP!"

Ryan jumped, Celestia having sneaked around to her side.

"Um-um-um yes?"

Celestia turned around to show off her own bum mark, a stylized sun.

"These are cutie marks. They appear when a pony discovers what their special talent is. The thing that not only are they best at but also makes them the happiest to do. It represents that talent and that the pony as found what it is they want to do for their life."

"Wow, that's a lot to show just in a mark. If you don't mind can you tell me what yours means?"

Celestia faced her again.

"Not at all. You see it was the job of the unicorns to raise and lower the sun. In a time long ago the ponies did not mingle outside of their races. While the they held a weak treaty based on necessity the unicorns still held the most power being the only ones that could bring day and night. At one point the races leaders came to a true understanding and were able to form the country of Equestria, but unfortunately there was still unease of the ponies of each race, they not having gone through the events that brought their leaders together. This is where me and my sister come in. We as the first alicorns in ages were able to control the sun and moon by ourselves. With this power the three races crowned us their rulers and felt more at peace with each other. The unicorns for having such powerful magic users to lead them all, the pegasi and earth ponies comforted with being on a more even level with the unicorns. I took to raising and lowering the sun and my sister the moon. That is how we came to have our cutie marks."

Celestia had moved to the window and opened the curtains staring at the sun as she told her tell. Ryan found it interesting and moved to sit next to her.

"Wow, so all three leaders unanimously agreed to name you two princesses?"

"Yes, but they still held authority as their respective races, they would act as council. If they could come to an agreement they could overturn a law and other such things. Over time individual leadership of the races was left behind in favor of having Two rulers who held the traits of all three races."

"Huh."

At this there was a lull in the conversation as Ryan stared out to the mountain side below them, Celestia to the sun, or perhaps a land far off.

"Are all cutie mark stories so grand?"

This elicited a chuckle from the white equine.

"No, most are not as grandiose as ours."

"I should have figured."

Ryan looked up at Celestia. She noticed and looked back.

"Will I get one?"

"I do not see why not. You are a pony through and through now as you just had the chance to see. You just need to find your special talent."

"Okay."

Another lull, both returning to the window.

"What happens now?"

Celestia looked down at Ryan again.

"How about you tell me about your new body? How do you feel about it?"

"...I think I look fine. That's all I can really say now. Obviously I've been a guy my whole life. I was and still am really scared. For some reason in my head becoming a girl is a much bigger thing than becoming a pony." *Sigh~*

Ryan laid down on her belly.

"I guess I just wasn't ready for it. I had time to think about what becoming a pony means, how it would change my life. I would have agreed to it anyway if I really think about it, I would have been dead if I didn't, but....."

"You still are unsure of just what truly frightens you?"

"Yeah. I know it has to do with me becoming a girl but...I don't know why! I did what I had to do to live, and I know I'm still me on the inside, but I still feel terrified. I..I just don't know..."

"I believe what scares you is uncertainty."

Ryan lifted her head slightly.

"Hmm?"

"You are scared of what you do not know. With such great changes in such a short time, even a pony who I was told faced things head on would be overwhelmed. But in that time you also did something amazing. Despite all the what if's, all the ways things could have gotten worse, out of everything that you had to do and the fears of what's to come, you made a friend."

"Luna.."

"Yes, and be sure that in such a time as yours, a friend is invaluable. I will not lie and say it will go up from here. The trials and tribulations you must face will be numerous. Be glad that you will have her to turn to, and you will also have me to turn to as well. I am always happy to help my subjects the best I can, and a friend of my sister is a friend of mine."

Ryan was growing tired of how ofter her face was tinting red.

"Thank you. I..um...just don't know what to say."

"There is nothing to be said."

"Right..."

Both mares relapsed once again into silence, Celestia attention still drawn by the sun wheres Ryan's was on the ground as she thought.

"......There's so much. Stuff I had to leave on the back burner in the rush, stuff I need to learn, and all the stuff that I'm sure is just waiting around some corner. You're right, having a friend will make it possible to make it through. For whatever time it is, thank you Princess. You really know what to say. I guess that's why your princess."

Celestia smiled, standing up and looking down again to Ryan.

"I can only draw upon my own experiences and give the best advice I can. I am glad that this conversation was able to help you, but I must go now. I have day court to attend to, and when the night comes Luna must attend to night court. We have much work to catch up on. For now you will have to wait for the doctors to examine and release you, afterwards you be given a room of your own here in the castle. You will also have full access to the castle services. It is likely the doctors already know you are awake and will be here soon so be expecting them."

"Okay, I will."

Celestia nodded and made her way for the door, grasping the mirror in her magic as she went.

"Could you leave that here please?"

"Yes, of course."

With that she left, the door closing gently behind her. Ryan got up and walked back to the mirror, once again in thought.

("So this is it. My new life.")

She put a hoof to the mirror, then put it down.

"....."

Being satisfied with the mirror for now she sat on the bed, laying on her side. Looking to the side table she saw the book from before. Sitting up she grabbed it, skimming through a few pages stopping on a chapter titled "The Griffin/Pony war of 950".

"Back in the early days of pony society it was-"

As she read she was absorbed into the story as she patiently waited for the doctor.