My head was on fire!
Figuratively of course.
Everything around the vicinity was spinning out of control as if the world itself was about to end. My hooves wouldn't stop quivering no matter how hard I tried, the air was stagnant as a stench of mold clung firmly to the air.
My eyes couldn't quite focus on my surroundings. Most of anything I could make out were blotches or fuzzy odd shapes. With a few calming inhales of air, I found my eyesight returning this odd place finally being revealed.
It was weirdly enough just a simple old house. Sure the living room I found myself in was dusty and old, but besides the portrait of a kitten hanging on the wall above the fireplace, it was perfectly normal.
I massaged my hooves over the scarlet feminine rug below. My mind running across the possibilities of where I found myself, the last thing I remember honestly was a blinding light.
Followed by the icy grip of silence.
“You're dreaming.” The cute melody of a filly's voice rang out from upstairs.
The gentle clicking of tiny hooves edging ever closer. Soon a lavender-colored little unicorn came into full view, her eyes a dark midnight blue hue that seemed to sparkle like the heavens. She had curly dark violet curls that framed her angelic features, hugging a tiny plushie of an Ursa Minor in her hooves.
“You're a filly?” I spoke up confused feeling my muzzle scrunch.
“You're one to talk.” She scoffed cutely before somehow phasing downstairs to my side.
I looked down to my hooves in somber silence. All I could make out was inky darkness, no defining features or color of my coat at all. The odd unicorn softly placing her hoof over my own, my heart slowing to a calm rhythm.
“I can't see my hooves,” I spoke in a frightened whisper, on second thought even my voice didn't sound familiar at all.
“You've been sleeping for so long.” The unicorn gave my hoof a squeeze.
“But don't worry it'll all come back to you soon! I can also assure you, that you're indeed a filly just like me!” She giggled sweetly bouncing off towards the fireplace.
“I'm a filly?” I asked quizzically with a loud snort.
Honestly, I had no idea if I was simply a child. I didn't feel like a filly, not that I even knew how that would feel. In fact, I really didn't feel like anything, as if I were just a leaf floating upon a still silent lake.
“If you're not, then what you're wearing is ridiculous!” The filly giggled as a massive blaze erupted from the fireplace wildly.
“Who are you!?” I felt a surge of unease rush over my body.
“Tantabus, but you can call me Tawny if you'd like,” Tawny spoke in a sweet tender tone, her horn lighting up in an ocean blue color to stoke the fire with magic.
“Aren't you a monster created for punishment?” I bit my lower lip in growing terror.
“Amongst other things, though I achieve no pleasure from others suffering.” Tawny turned to face me with a bright cozy smile.
“You're not Evil or Monstrous?” I spoke up trying my best to keep a brave front.
“We're all those things if we choose to be.” Tawny sighed under her breath.
“The simple act of understanding is a powerful thing, though I fear nopony truly appreciates it anymore.” Tawny shrugged before turning to me with a giggle.
“You do this to other ponies?” I asked with a hint of confusion.
“Nope, but you're special.” Tawny stepped forward slowly.
“Sleeping in silence and so very sad. I had to bring you here, offer some kindness, of a loving hoof.” Tawny lunged forward, I could just squeak in surprise as she embraced me in an extra tight hug.
“Why?” I whispered softly, feeling my cheeks burn brightly.
“You're just a filly, filly's make mistakes.” Tawny broke the embrace as her ears flickered cutely.
“Phst, I'm being called away by my mommy!” Tawny rolled those vibrant eyes.
“Mommy?” I tilted my head confused.
“Mm-hmm! This is a nightmare realm foremost, so please do be careful!” Tawny giggled playfully ruffling my mane.
“I've set up the first five rooms…” She flaunted a hoof upstairs to a large wooden door.
“By definition, they need to be spooky, ooooo!” Tawny burst into giggles her ears folded back, making a sweet imitation of a ghost.
“Though between us, I hate that! So have fun and stay safe, but please don't go any further!” Tawny flicked her ears again in growing annoyance.
“I'm coming, Momma!” She blew a loud raspberry to the air.
Before I could ask anything at all. She darted off towards the wall at a blinding pace, sinking into the surface in a pool of inky shadows. Then I was alone once more, the house full of silence and somber uncertainty.
The only thing to keep me company...
Five doors.
Five rooms.
Five nightmares.
I took each step upstairs slower than the last. I didn't feel like myself at all, scratch that entirely.
I had no idea who I even was!
Tawny claimed that I'm a filly.
Yet I feel hollow.
As if I slept a thousand years.
My body ached.
My head throbbed.
Everything was numb.
I felt so cold.
Catching my breath at the top of the stairs, I nearly toppled over on the sleek wooden floor in exhaustion. My body was on fire from just a few little steps, dragging my limp hooves to the old door of the house, I noticed a neatly folded note placed on the floor.
As if left for me to find.
Daintily unraveling the cream-colored paper, I read the message left behind.
“Oh hello.
Behind this door lies a nightmare.
I crafted it just for you!
I hope you have so much fun!
If you get bored, beyond lies four more doors.
Each will keep you entertained and cozy!
Please don't go any further, I haven't renovated anything else yet.
This house host's over a thousand doors!
I think?
Honestly, I don't really know…
Anyway, jus-just go.
Love, Tawny.
P.S. Huggles and Kisses! “
I weakly placed the note at my side in awkward silence. My strength slowly returning to my frail damaged body, eyes lifting up the splintered door frame to a golden knob. Taking one last deep breath I lifted up to my hooves, twisting the knob I entered the first nightmare.
What horrible creatures awaited!?
What unspeakable evil would I witness!?
Pink.
The whole room was a bright pastel pink color. Delicate violet sheets were neatly spread across the top of a tiny girlish bed, the hem of the sheets decorated with cute white frill. The scent of strawberries tickled my muzzle, I couldn't help myself but giggle.
Plush toys of anything imaginable lined the corner wall in an adorable fashion, in the center of the room was a simple tiny yellow table, set up for a Tea Party.
There were three seats in all, one claimed by a fuzzy plush unicorn with button eyes. One open for myself, which I easily slid into with a sensation of warmth washing over my whole body.
I fit like a glove in the tiny space, nestled perfectly in the center of my seat.
Perhaps I was just a child?
Everything seemed so much bigger suddenly, the whole room towering over myself with absolute ease. A sense of fear digging into my soul at the thought of being alone and so small, but at odds with a growing sense of youth and adventure.
I didn't need to be afraid, I was just a filly.
I had my whole life ahead of me, time enough to become stronger.
Giggling I reached forward for a large plate of snacks placed on the table. Beside the snacks was a pink-tinted tea kettle, begging to be played with properly. My eyes glancing over frosted cupcakes, glazed donuts, and even delectable muffins.
Yet before I could grab a yummy rose-colored donut, a purple fluffy spider fell down from the ceiling. I let out a feminine squeal of surprise, noticing after a few seconds it was connected to a thread of string.
I tried to hold back my laughter, the spider even sported a pair of large googly eyes.
Tawny was right.
This place did make me feel nice and cozy.
An urge to play with my Plushie filled my mind, I was starting to feel more alive.
I could have a quick Tea Party.
Pretend to be a lovely princess.
Just for an hour or so.
I was in no hurry.
After all, that old creepy door to the right was very spooky.
And I was in no hurry to be scared.
