The Host: Equestria

Chapter 1 - Neverfree

The first thing to come into my consciousness were words. They form in my mind as naturally as I expect them to, creating my string of thoughts. I accept it as if it always has been.

My eyes, as my new language called them, remain shut. I concentrate on the contents of my host’s memories, my memories now. Vivid and colorful thoughts of this host’s past create feelings of joy and happiness, which surprises me. The memory transition was much more gentle than I thought it would be. This body, my body, feels like it was a part of me from the beginning.

I keep my eyes shut and take a few more moments to familiarize my physical self. I feel my heart beat in my chest, and soft air move in and out of my lungs. I take a breath manually, and feel a rush of energy as oxygen rejuvenates my long-slept body. As I get more comfortable, I decide to open my eyes.

Inside a lifepod, the first thing I see is my reflection on the glass pane before me. I look into my eyes and stare at the glowing blue irises, and I can’t help but feel I am staring at my true self behind the eyes; a Soul. I notice the horn protruding at the top of my head, remembering the many magical properties it gives me. My own face is gentle and familiar, and I can’t help but smile at myself. I very much like this new body, these new feelings. It is something I could get used to.

I look past my reflection into the world outside. Shades of green and blue fill my vision, and as I focus, I recognize the individual objects bearing these brilliant colors. Flowers, bushes, trees, all serve as a lush horizon to a bright blue sky above. The sun, warm and bright, causes me to squint as I gaze higher.

Hello?! What’s going on? Why can’t I move?

Thoughts that are not my own assault my mind and startle me.

What? Who are you? speaks the voice again. It was disconcerting to hear her, filled with fright and confusion. Could it really be my host speaking to me? Transition was supposed to be without problem, with no trace of the host’s consciousness, except for memories. Why is she talking to me now? This body belongs to me.

Huh? What do you mean? she says.This is my body, not yours! Her voice breaks at the end of her sentence, making me feel a tinge of guilt as I reply.

I’m sorry, but you need to leave, I tell her, thinking it will fix the problem. I hear no reply, but feel tranquil loneliness as I am once again left with my own thoughts.

A sudden whoosh of air startles me once again as the hatch to my pod slowly opens. After a few moments, it opens fully, exposing me to the world outside. Still troubled from the event moments before, I take a deep breath and step outside.

By instinct, I land on all four of my legs. I stretch them and yawn, my muscles feeling tense after such a long sleep. The pod behind me makes a beeping noise, inclining me to face it again. Along its surface lies a small screen, notifying me of a voice message. As I wait for it to begin, I try my best to forget the exchange I had with the voice in my head. Hopefully it was the last I’ll hear of her.

What was her name? Starla, my memories reply. The last I should ever hear of Starla, because this is my body now.

The screen on the pod beeped to life, and an audio message begins.

“Hello, Explorer.”

I blink at the use of my calling name. Before now, I’ve never really had a true Soul name, except for the one given to me at the Origin. I guess I could adopt Explorer for now.

“By now, we trust that you have been acquainted with your new body and surroundings. Welcome to Equis. Explorer, you are among the first souls to inhabit a host body on this new planet. Your implantation was very successful, so don’t worry about any memory complications. They should be serving you well, so you already know much more than we do.”

I mentally work through my memory, acknowledging and accepting all of the new information.

“You should already know the details of your task. Before we can begin assimilation, we must first gather information of the planet and its inhabitants. Directly east of your landing site is a small town by the name of Ponyville, where your host lived. You will make your way there to complete your calling. Bear in mind, the Equestrians are one of the most complex species we’ve encountered, and there is much we do not know. Report to this pod when you feel you have gathered enough information to pass to the Seekers.”

I nod, knowing exactly what was expected of my calling.

“Be safe, and good luck, Explorer.”

The audio stops and the screen fades blank, leaving me alone to myself.

I waste no time in my task. First step is to get back to civilization, where my host lives. The pod landed far away enough as to not arouse suspicion or panic, so it will be a decent walk before getting to my destination. I walk over to the other side of the pod, letting the storage compartment automatically open as I approach it. Inside are supplies needed to sustain myself for the time needed to walk back. Water and apples in a knapsack, all things I recognized; and a small emergency transponder in case I ran into trouble. Most species do not like what we, Souls, do to their planets. If my intentions are found out and the situation is dire, I can activate the transponder and Seekers will come to my aid.

I push the knapsack closed, hoping to never use the device. Concentrating, I attempt to use my magic to lift the knapsack out and onto my back, but something is blocking me. I shake my head - this is something that should come as naturally as speech or walking. With clenched teeth, I try again.

No! You might be controlling my body, but you can’t have my magic!

I gasp. Starla was still here. How could she be? My implantation was flawless, like it was said! It’s impossible that her conscience was sti-

Yes, I’m still here, and I’m not leaving! This is my body, you can’t just take it!

It’s mine now, I reply, ignoring my frankness. Like I said, you need to leave.

‘Betcha you can’t make me! You’ve only had my body for a few hours and you’ve already put me- erm, us, into a whole world of trouble!

What do you mean? I’m fine, I say sheepishly, doing a double take.

Um, hellooo? You’re... ah, weare in the middle of the Everfree Forest! You and I both know that’s a problem. Just how did you think you were going back to Ponyville?

I, uh... walk there?

Starla laughs within my mind. You won’t last fifteen minutes!

My heart sinks, half-knowing that she is right. I didn’t acknowledge, or barely even notice, the true dangers of the forest around me. My pod landed in a grassy clearing, an area that until now seemed harmless enough. But now, as I focus into the treeline, a dark, menacing forest stares back and sends shivers down my backside.

Nevertheless, there is still a job to be done. I reach down into the storage compartment and grab the knapsack by mouth and swing it over my back. I could almost feel Starla’s smug expression as she watched this hassle.

I’m going to Ponyville, and you’re going to go away, I tell her, hoping some assertiveness will make her disappear.

Whatever you say, Explorer, she says clearer than ever, stretching my name out in insulting sarcasm. One of the many wondrous uses of this new language.

Using Starla’s memories, I make note of the direction of Ponyville. It was early morning, and here on Equis, the sun rises from the east. I’ll follow the sun and be at my destination in no time. I take a final moment to gather my belongings, and begin my walk.

As I approach the treeline, I keep a breath in, taken aback by the eeriness of the thick forest within. Memories flash through my mind of the dreaded Everfree Forest, a mysterious place filled with wild beasts and forgotten myths. I can’t help but feel it is Starla who is presenting these unnerving thoughts in my mind.

You’re darn right I’m showing you these things! she says. Five minutes ago, you were bent on waltzing my body into there.

I bend my lip, annoyed at her constant presence. She’s becoming more apparent in my mind than before, and now it’s almost impossible to ignore her.

Nothing you can say will change my mind, Equestrian, I tell her.

And nothing you can say will make me leave, Soul! she spits back.

Pushing her remark aside, I adjust the pack on my back and enter the forest without looking back.

It got darker a lot faster inside the Everfree than I expected it to. Within minutes of walking, the canopy completely covered the sky above, leaving me in a cold darkness. I kept walking, taking every opportunity I could to mark the location of the sun so I wouldn’t lose my bearing. I know now that it’s sometime around midday, but one could swear it was midnight in the forest.

By now, I feel my legs complain from all the walking. I ignored them for the first few hours, being on edge as I journeyed through the Everfree. I’ve yet to see a threat, but that’s hardly consolation for me. I’m also trying my best to ignore Starla, but her constant remarks and insults make it increasingly harder.

Breathing harder from fatigue, I pull open my knapsack and clumsily drink from one of the water containers using my hooves. The first bottle is already half spent once I finish.

You know, neither of us really knows how far away Ponyville is, says Starla.I’d save that water if I were you.

I don’t answer, desperately wanting to take this quick rest in peace. I rub my temples with my hooves and squeeze my eyes shut.

So, Explorer, huh? she continues despite my protest. What comes with that job description?

I shake my head. I don’t want to speak to you, Equestrian.

Hey, I’m just trying to make conversation. I’m not exactly having fun in here myself, you know.

I place the water container back into my pack before answering.

Well, Explorer is the title of my calling, I say.A job, I guess you would call it, except much more deeper than that. Anyways, an Explorer’s job is to-

Take over our bodies and infiltrate our society to harvest information and annihilate our species?

What? No, absolutely not! We’re not here to harm. To survive, Souls need host bodies. So we travel to different worlds and become one with the dominant species. In this case, Equestrians.

So then what happens to us? she says, with a hint of anger. Do we become prisoners in our own minds, like I am now?

No, not really. You're just supposed to go... away.

Not really a nice alternative to annihilation.

I throw the pack over my shoulder, with no desire to stay in one place for too long.

What choice do we have? I reply.Souls are not ungrateful, and we make best with what our hosts give us. We improve the established societies, ensure there is no longer war, famine, or sickness. We embody all things good; compassion, patience, honesty, love. It’s for the better.

What about us, the hosts? We don’t get a say in this?

I pause, feeling the despair in her voice.

I’m afraid not, I say, and continue my walk. Starla does not reply.

More hours pass as I make my way across the jungle. Besides the thick and creepy foliage, I haven’t encountered a single creature as of yet, something I’m grateful for. Souls hate conflict within our very being, and I would not know what to do if I encountered something hostile. With the sun almost on my back, I know I am still heading the right way, but with my supplies running low, I have more than just doubts in my mind.

Why would they land you so far away from your destination? Starla asks.

Seeing a spacecraft would raise suspicion, of course.

Well, at the rate you’re consuming our supplies, I doubt we’ll make it to Ponyville.

Don’t be so pessimistic, I say. I flip open the bag on my back. Besides, we still have plenty of-

Before I could finish, a howl breaks the still forest air, sending chills through me. It did not sound far away.

Timberwolves! we think at the same time.

I hastily gather my supplies and run. I brush and scrape against large clumps of foliage along the path, ignoring them as I sprinted along. I’m impressed at the way my legs work and synchronize together allowing me to move exceptionally fast. I’ve never been in a host quite like this.

Focus! hisses Starla. You aren't faster than the Timberwolves! They’re getting closer!

She’s right. Behind me, I hear their vicious barks and howls getting louder. I turn around, and notice them already in my view. I know I can’t outrun these beasts. I deviate from the clumsy forest path and into thick brush, hoping it would slow them down and that my smaller size would allow me to lose them.

A rather thick tree branch smacks me on the face within moments. It feels as if the world was violently jerked upside down, and I fall down to the ground. My mind is racing as I try to lift myself off the dirt, coughing up dust. Starla calls to me in my confusion.

Run!

And I do, ignoring my stinging cheek. The howling intensifies, but I can hear the Timberwolves having their own trouble negotiating the thicket. I know better now to not look back, instead I focus on calculating a path ahead. I narrowly slip past a bramble of thick thorns, feeling the sharp edges scrape my hind legs. Up ahead, I see a patch of blue among the thick green.

A clearing.

With intense fervor, I race towards it, seeing no other option. The forest abruptly opens, causing me to squint as sunlight graced my eyes after hours of darkness. I almost did not notice the large crevasse immediately after the last of the trees, as I skid to a stop to avoid falling to a painful fate. Over to the side, I see an old, neglected wooden bridge. A good thing, I must be somewhat close to civilization. I turn my hooves and run towards it.

My heart is screaming at me furiously, begging for a rest, and my entire body stings from the abuse by the unforgiving flora of the Everfree. My adrenaline makes me ignore it all, pushing me to keep going. What else can I do?

Use my magic! I hear Starla say. I mean - our magic!

I’m already halfway across the bridge when I stop upon hearing her words.

What do you mean?

You know exactly what I mean! Use the spells; defend yourself!

Yes, I know exactly what she means. Like I said, utilizing a host’s abilities should come naturally, and with Starla no longer blocking me from her magic, I can use it. I feel a new type of energy surge through me, something Starla had been keeping from me since I awoke in the pod. It felt amazing, but I still had a feeling that stopped me from fully embracing it. And this time, it wasn’t Starla.

What’s the matter? she asks, sensing my hesitation. They’re coming, get ready!

The spell you and I are thinking of... that will get rid of the Timberwolves, won’t it?

Yes, of course! She sounded hysterical, the wolves were getting closer, about to clear the treeline.

I could just keep running! I say.They won’t be able to cross this bridge, they’re too big!

Don’t take that chance! We both know that these things won’t give up, they will chase you until you give out, and it’s over for us. End it right here! I’m letting you use the magic!

I nod, trying my hardest to concentrate. My horn begins to glow bright, the destruction spell slowly charging. It would charge a lot faster if I were less hesitant, and Starla knows this. The Timberwolves crash out of the treeline and slow their pace upon seeing me. I count two- no, three of the beasts as they approach the bridge in a low crouch, ready to pounce on me in a split second. My horn glows brilliantly now, the spell ready to be unleashed on these wooden wolves.

What are you waiting for? yells Starla. The wolves are scratching at the base of the bridge, trying to figure out a way to get to me.

I- I can’t do this! I say.

Why not?!

This will kill them! I ca- I can’t kill them!

You’re going to kill the both of us if you don’t do something fast! Use the magic!

Every fiber of my being kept me from releasing the spell. Souls do everything they can to avoid conflict, we could never kill anything.

Even if that ‘anything’ were a vicious, bloodthirsty hound? Do it, Explorer!

I can’t!

Oh Celestia, we are going to die.

It breaks everything I’ve ever known to do what I need to do. I squeeze my eyes shut and scream loudly, releasing the spell towards the wolves. A loud explosion rocks my body, and a black hole forms in my chest upon realization of what I’d done. I open my eyes, expecting to see a massacred pile of what used to be the Timberwolves, but instead I see something else that still causes me to gasp in horror.

The base of the bridge that held it to the edge of the cliff is on fire, wood splintered and blasted throughout. The Timberwolves are dazed, but untouched, backing away from the spreading flame.

You missed! How could you have missed?! You hit the bridge, nitwit!

I’m sorry! I-

Just run! Oh, Goddesses, just run!

I follow Starla’s pleas, hearing the sound of wood breaking and ropes snapping behind me. I run as fast as I can to the safe end of the bridge, away from the Timberwolves and away from the fire. I feel the planks behind me break as I run through them, half of their foundation disintegrated by my spell. I stumble as one gives way, not being able to catch myself. The end was still a quarter away.

The bridge is going down before I make it.

A loud snap cracks my ears, and I jump towards the edge on desperate impulse before the bridge gives out. In an instant, my body is weightless, and the cliff wall moves towards me for what seems like forever. My front hooves reach out for the ledge and my eyes are locked on it, knowing my fate if they miss their mark.

My front legs hook on the edge, and my body slams hard against the cliff face. I hear a snap, and feel a sudden sharp pain in my chest. I try to pull myself over, grunting and fighting back tears as my muscles strain to support my weight.

I manage to get myself safely over the edge, relatively speaking. I lie prone on the ground, trying very hard to breath. Everywhere hurts. My body feels so heavy, and I feel like I can’t go on. I choke back sobs as thoughts race in my mind.

Starla, I’m sorry! I... I couldn’t do it.

Hey, get yourself together, she replies, her voice surprisingly soothing. It calmed me hearing her speak like this. You’re not out of the woods just yet. Heh, literally.

I pick my head up and look across the smoldering remains of the bridge. The Timberwolves were already making their way down the canyon. They’ll get to me eventually if I stay here.

I attempt to pick myself up off the ground. I receive a violent stinging sensation in my chest as a result. One of my ribs must have broken. I cry out as I take a step, and get into a sloppy rhythm of movement, limping into yet another thick jungle.

I lose sense of time as I move through the Everfree once again. With every step, it feels as if my chest is getting worse. Breathing becomes painful in itself, and I can barely keep my eyes open through the agony. Minutes - or maybe hours, I can’t tell - pass before I hear the faint Timberwolf howl again.

Oh, they’re back! says Starla.

I can’t flee again, not in the condition I’m in. There’s no way I’ll be able to outrun them this time. I collapse to the ground in pain, feeling like giving up.

No, you can’t stop!

I wish that were true, Starla. I’m sorry for doing this to your body. This wasn’t supposed to happen.

Why don’t you use your emergency transpondy-thingy? Get your alien friends to help you!

It’s too late for that, and I do-

A beam of light from ahead strikes my eyes, breaking off my thoughts. It’s a ray of sunshine, cutting its way through the thick canopy.

That might be another clearing! says Starla. It might be our way out! We can’t be too far from Ponyville now.

I sigh, but I can’t deny that I don’t share her hope. I gather what remaining strength I have and wobble myself up, and stagger towards the light. I clear through, and relief fills my mind. The Everfree Forest ends here, as if growth was blocked by some invisible wall, and up ahead I see a town. Their familiar shapes and colors brings tears to my eyes, knowing exactly where I am.

Thank Celestia, we made it! exclaims Starla.

The closest structure to me is a large, red home, surrounded by farmland and apple orchards. Sweet Apple Acres, I think to myself, my memories knowing the place and its inhabitants. I continue towards the farm, hoping to see someone soon for help.

As I get closer, I see a group of bright colored Equestrians, looking to be enjoying some kind of picnic in the orchard. I wouldn’t normally approach and interrupt a group so hastily, especially so soon in my arrival, but this wasn’t exactly a normal situation. I see one of them notice me as I hobble towards them.

“Hey, girls, who’s that coming out of the Everfree?” says one.

“S-something’s coming out of the Everfree?”

“Relax, dear, it’s a pony. She looks like she might be hurt!”

“Well, let’s go’n help the gal!”

All of them drop what they are doing and come towards me. Their quick response to help strikes me warmly. Their behavior isn’t something too far from what Souls act like. Concern and compassion. Of course, this might just be my desperation and relief influencing me. I stop and lie down on the soft grass, somehow knowing I’ll be in good hands.

“Yeah, something is definitely wrong. Hurry it up, girls!” says one of them. It brings a smile to my face, something I hadn’t done in what seems like forever.

In the back of my mind is a nagging feeling, however. I haven’t heard a single sound of the Timberwolves since a few minutes back. They must have stopped their pursuit, giving up at th-

Oh no... says Starla.

She notices something in my own vision before I do. Quickly, I too, see what she meant. Out of the treeline of another section of the Everfree emerged the three Timberwolves, crouching silently towards their prey.

This time, it wasn’t me.

I led them here, and now they have their sights on a larger group of lunch. The group of Equestrians are occupied on me, and they don’t notice the danger stalking them on their flank. I try to call out to them.

“Watch out! Timberwolves!” I yell. Or, I try to yell, but all that comes out is a dry rasp that sounds more like pained breathing instead of speech. My throat is dead-dry, and my lungs are barely working. I get up, once again trying to gather whatever ounce of strength I still have.

“Look out!” I try again, but no improvement. The Timberwolves are getting dangerously close, and these Equestrians are oblivious to them. I run towards them, while every physical part of me says begs not to.

“Miss, are you alright?” says one of them as I approach.

A Timberwolf crouches lower, stance ready to pounce.

I try to call out once more, this time only managing a violent cough. I taste something odd and metallic in my mouth.

I see the Timberwolves hind legs flex. It has its crimson eyes fixed towards the Equestrian at the back of the group, a hovering, yellow pony. A pegasus, recalls my memory, but I ignore it.

“Oh, you look terrible, let us help you!” exclaims the purple one at the front of the group as I get close. I run past her and charge at the lead Timberwolf.

It pounces, jumping at frightening speeds towards the yellow pegasus. I jump, too, and aim to intercept his attack. We meet midair, just barely before it met his prey. The Equestrians all exclaim in their own ways, all reacting to the new situation. The Timberwolf and I tumble to the ground, and I hear loud cracks and snaps as it smashes down with me. I find myself pinned under the massive beast, and I look into its eyes.

My body is pain all over, and I can barely feel specifics as the Timberwolf attacks me furiously.

My eyes are closed now, and all I have is my hearing. I hear a loud blast above me, and I stop moving. No longer do I feel the intense pressure of the Timberwolf pinning me against the ground. I remain limp on my side, too weak and in too much pain to move a muscle. More loud noises, followed by the now fearful howls of the Timberwolves. They become faint, and disappear, and everything is still.

“Yeah, you better run!” I hear someone call out.

“Twilight, she’s really hurt!” says a voice that sounds right above me.

“She- she jumped right into it,” says another in a much quieter voice.

“Dash, go get help as fast as you can!”

“Already on it!”

I hear a loud whoosh and a gentle breeze passes over me. I don’t feel pain anymore, just very tired. Their voices begin to warble and warp as my mind passes into a dark tunnel.

“Miss, can you hear me? Don’t worry, you’re safe now, and help is on the way!”

I could barely make out the sentence.

That was a very brave thing you did, Explorer, I hear Starla say.I guess I was wrong about you.

Her voice sounds distant.

It was the last thing I heard before accepting the darkness.