Echoes of distant machinery bounced off the dimly lit walls. Alone I pushed forward, trying not to make a sound. My mane itched as the air grew heavy. As the stench of industry grew ever so closer. The echoes transformed into harmony of machines. Rusted iron doors that were chained shut, now flanked both sides of the endless hallway. As I pressed on I could’ve sworn I heard faint scratching noises. I looked behind my back for a few moments and saw nothing. I slowly moved on, trying to find an exit. The scratching noises returned, and I quickly looked behind my back once more. Again it fell silent, I turned around and picked up the pace. This time I heard what can only be described as nails scratching a stone surface. I stopped dead in my tracks and froze as the scratches continued to get closer.

I gulped and took a look down the hallway. Nothing, just torches dancing in the dark. I looked forward and there it was, a figure that I’ve never seen before. The eyes consumed what little light that touched them. It’s shrunken features were defined as a twisted grin slowly formed. It twitched as it moved closer. My breathing became more labored as I closed my eyes in terror. I couldn’t even move. I tried to scream, however my throat burned as if I swallowed hot coals. I choked on my own pleas for help, as the sensation of hot tears rolling down my cheeks. I felt a cold breath along my right ear as I heard it’s words “hungry.”

It was a sudden shock that snapped me back to reality. My eyes stung in pain as warm tears continued to escape. I heard familiar voices calling out to me, while new voices tried to calm them down. My body was on fire, as sweat dripped out of every pore. I tried to say something but my throat was twisted in a knot. I attempted to lift my hoof, but my body rejected my command. Muscles screamed in a familiar agony, and my bones felt so brittle.

What had happened? Where was I just now? What was that creature? The blurred memory of talking to my two new friends, flooded my mind for an instant. After that everything went blank. My eyes felt as if needles were scraping the surface. My senses were going haywire, and the light was going dim. I heard the echoes of Machinery once more, I was being dragged back to that hell. My eyes shot open as the similar scent of tobacco grazed my nose.

The voices that once filled the room fell silent, save for my labored breaths. I heard hooves slowly walk towards me, and then stop. “Turn her completely on her side. Also place a bucket below her, she will need it.” The voice spoke with authority, yet there was a calm demeanor tied to it. I felt two different pairs of hooves shift my position. The jade mare placed the bucket right below me. Our eyes locked for a moment, and I exchanged a weak smile with her. Her lips trembled for a few seconds and she got teary eyed as she left my vision.

I felt a single hoof tap my back, each earning a wince. But it was when the hoof tapped my right side. That is when my body recoiled in pain. She rubbed the affected area with something cold. Each tap earned a labored breath that escaped my burning lungs. “I can only push you towards the right direction, it will be entirely up to you to climb out of the abyss.” They took a deep breath and struck my side as they exhaled.

My eyes widened as my body jolted, a rippling sensation spread all across my body. I gasped and attempted to scream in pain. It felt as if needles slithered up my throat. My head snapped towards the bucket, and my muzzle dove into it. Without a moment too soon, I vomited a dark red chunks that smelled like death itself. After a second round of vomiting, I gathered bearings. lifted my face out of the bucket and looked up. My two acquaintances looked at me in shock, as three other mares had inquisitive looks.

My eyes shot to the three new faces, I tried to guess who was it that spoke those words along with striking me in the side. As I had plenty of questions to ask them. My nose twitched once, as I noticed the scent of tobacco had left the room. I blinked a few times, and then my body went limp. The soft warmth overtaking me once more. The two mares rushed to my side just as my eyes closed.

My left ear twitched as I heard water pouring into what seemed like a bowl. I opened my eyes and saw the cream colored unicorn wringing a rag over a bowl. She gently went over my thigh with the rag, trying not to wet the bandages that were just below it. She had an indifferent expression as she repeated the process once more. On the third wring, I cleared my throat to make my presence known. She looked up at me and nearly jumped in joy. With her magic, she placed the bowl down along with the rag. Rushing to my side, she gave me a hug. I was stunned at first, but soon returned the gesture. She released her grip and backed up a few paces. I looked at her and grinned, “may I have some water please.”

Later in the afternoon the jade mare joined us, and was sitting on the ground to the left of my bed. She had been reading through a stack of parchment and would glance up every few minutes to ask a question. Once an answer was provided she’d then mark down something on the parchment. I learned that her name was Rosemary and her partner’s name was Chamomile. They were both students of medicine, and shared a dream of becoming Apothecaries one day. They shared a few stories that was surface level information. But once the subject of their numbers being cut in half. They refused to elaborate any further than that.

Hence why these novices were taking care of me. Chamomile poured another glass of water for me, and continued to stir the pitcher with her magic. “I added some mint and lime to make it a bit more refreshing.” I nodded in approval, and took another drink. Rosemary glanced up and tapped one of the documents. “I just need a few more details about you, and we can finally submit our report.” I adjusted myself and took another drink of water. Rosemary spoke up, “so what’s your name?”

I looked to the side for a brief moment, and opened my mouth. Nothing came out, Chamomile raised an inquisitive eyebrow to my posture . Rosemary seemed a bit annoyed as she got up and trotted across the room. She stopped in front of the window, and moved one of the blinds to get a better view of the outside. “You do not even a cutie mark, we couldn't even give you a pet name based off of it.” I lifted the blanket to cover the spots in which my mark would be. She lowered her hoof and the blind closed soon after. “Would you like a name?” I looked up at her confused, as Chamomile smirked towards Rosemary. “Rosemary and I had an idea after brushing your mane one morning. “It was a rather interesting discovery that led us to the idea.” I was puzzled and a bit surprised that the two took extra care of me even though I was unconscious. I looked up to notice Chamomile turn and nod. Rosemary opened up the blinds and let the Sun's rays blind me.

It took my eyes a few moments to adjust to the bright light. I was confused at first wondering how the sun could be so bright. Then it hit me it wasn’t another reflective surface, it my mane. “Very impressive to say the least”, Chamomile chimed in. I started to laugh as I gently shook my head causing my mane to capture as much of those brilliant rays of warmth.

Giggling Rosemary exclaimed “your mane looks heavenly, Céleste.” My ears shot up to the name, and I looked up at the two mares. I felt my some of my strength come back to me, and then rose out of bed. Both of them slowly looked up towards me, since I stood a head taller than them. I closed the distance with only two steps, and hugged them both. They both returned the gesture with warmth. I broke away to face them, “ I know we just met. But from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being there for me.” The two mares nodded and Chamomile chimed in, “we will always be by your side Céleste, as friends and to patch you up when necessary.” I looked down and then at them. With pride I exclaimed “I want to join your order!”

The two mares glanced at each other and then to me. “Are you sure? The path of an Apothecary is not a road that is often traveled.” Chamomile responded to my request with a bit of worry in her voice. Rosemary got up and walked towards me. “Who are we to deny her request?” She gestured towards the door, “we can not make that decision, however we can take you to the one who can after tonight.” I looked at the door, and then towards my friends. Rosemary walked up beside me as Chamomile gathered the documents with her magic, teleporting them to what I assumed was a safe location. Chamomile chimed in as she walked towards me , “you’ve been stuck in here for nearly two weeks. I’m sure the cage bird would love to fly.” I blinked a few times and nodded.

Rosemary looked back at me, “Even though we've had our conversions, I understand that we didn’t answer all your questions. However I rather show you, than you having to be stuck in this room for any longer than you need to be.” Chamomile soon trotted towards the door. “She has a point, let’s finally get you out of this room. Let’s explore and find the answers that you are looking for!” I smiled and trotted towards them. Only stopping to look back at what was my home for the last two weeks. It was time to move forward. Leading the way I pushed the door open. My two new friends following my lead. Rosemary taking to my right, and Chamomile taking to my left.

My jaw dropped as I took in my surroundings. This entire time, I was staying inside a structure residing on an edge of a lush green valley. I walked up slowly upon the edge of a cliff. I rested upon a stone wall that guarded me from what seemed like a one hundred foot drop. There was a large river splitting the green fields of grass. The sand along the river bank shone, as large boulders rested along its shoreline. The sunset reflected on the water, orange and yellow hues dancing upon its surface. There was a sense of awe that overtook me as I continued to look over my new surroundings. The refreshing breeze blew our manes in the wind, taking the leaves of the nearby trees upon a journey. My charcoal coat felt refreshed while the breeze continued to brush me. Clouds began to slowly roll in front of the sun, casting large shadows upon the valley. There were a few mares that skipped along the edges of the shadows, as if playing a game. All the while others trotted towards the fields. Rosemary snickered, “a tad excited are we?” I looked at her in confusion, not even realizing that my tail had been swaying from side to side the entire time. Chamomile chuckled, “we could take you there, if you’d like.” I turned towards her grinning and nodded, “yes please!”

My eyes lit up as my hooves touched the soft grass. Rosemary and Chamomile finally caught up to me panting a bit. Once I found a clearing I raced down the hill, losing the two of them for some time. I looked back at them and blushed. “Sorry about that.” Rosemary spoke up “go ahead enjoy yourself.” In an instant I galloped towards the river, passing other ponies. The Sun's warm rays brought back a comfort that I had been longing for. I looked around as other mares began to give chase. I smiled at them, and they all returned smiles too.

We all galloped, and started to share laughs together. Chamomile and Rosemary soon gave chase too, and soon there were ten of us. We ran in circles, and rolled around on the grass. I caught a glance of Chamomile shooting Rosemary a smirk, the poor mare had no idea. Rosemary let out a yelp and screamed in excitement. Chamomile had tackled Rosemary, and they were soon wrestling on the ground. Other mares soon followed Chamomile’s example and began tackling each other. I was in the middle of a group of mares wrestling each other.

I felt left out, but I didn’t really blame them. I was a giant compared to most if not all of them. I sat on my haunches, and let the breeze blow my mane once again. I started to hum a tune and then noticed a grey mare with white spots staring in awe. She was wearing a forest green cloak that danced with the breeze. She put her hood down and changed her expression to a look of determination. I gave her a confused glance, and then to my surprise she charged straight for me.

I just sat there once she made contact with me. She twisted and turned. Trying to knock me down, or at the very least move me. She grunted, and then slipped on her cloak. Her dark blue mane lost its elegance. She growled as her tail whipped my muzzle. Her motion earned her a chuckle from me. She pouted, “I tried, but you are double my size!” I offered her a hoof to get her up. She looked at me in confusion at first, then smiled as her horn gently lit up. I suddenly felt like I was being pushed forward. The white spotted mare’s smile soon turned into a smirk. She pulled me forward, and shifted to the side. The soft grass broke my fall, but soon the mare jumped on top of me.

She yelled out, “Pile on the tall mare!” Soon I felt the others jump on me. Some of them tickled my ribs, and another mare gave me a raspberry on my neck. Finally the white spotted mare gently bit on my left ear. I couldn’t help but laugh and flail around. This was happiness.

The moon’s soft glow covered all of us. We had all huddled around each other for warmth. Some mares in pairs, while others were in small groups. Rosemary had cuddled up next to me, allowing me to rest my head on top of her back. Meanwhile Chamomile softy slept under my mane, while my new unicorn friend Artemis laid next to me, her eyes locked towards the stars. The river’s tune soften the mood, putting exhausted ponies to sleep. The stars acted as guardians watching over the mares and shining soft light to many dark edges of the valley.

Artemis and I were the only two awake out of the group. I looked up upon those diamonds we call stars. Artemis whispered, “Look, a shooting star. Make a wish, Céleste.” I was about to speak up, but Artemis interrupted. “If you say it out loud, it will not come true.” I looked up once more, and closed my eyes. I opened them and looked towards Artemis. She smiled, “I hope it comes true. Now if you excuse me, it’s my bedtime.” She shifted away, only stopping in her tracks as I whispered. “Wait.”

I gestured for her to join me, she looked for a second and slowly walked up towards me. “Are you sure, they seem very comfortable.” I looked at my two friends who were both fast asleep. I nodded and gave her a soft smile. I knew a lot about rearranging objects in such a way that I wouldn’t make any noise. Nor interrupted one’s sleep. After all, if you were unable to snag a key from a sleeping guard. That often meant no dinner, bandages, or medicine. “Quiet as a mouse.” I whispered while placing Chamomile and Rosemary together.

Artemis and I tensed up as Rosemary murmured in her sleep. However once Chamomile embraced her into a cuddle, Rosemary went silent once more. I turned to Artemis, and she blushed a bit. “Don’t crush me okay?” I pushed her down and nuzzled her, only stopping once she touched my right ear.

I winced in pain, as my eyes got watery. “I’m sorry” Artemis lit up her horn, and my ear went numb. I was confused and terrified at the same time. That nightmare actually happened? Artemis gave me a confused look, “you look like you’ve seen a ghost.” I tensed up as images of that creature began to flood my mind once more. I whimpered as that environment slowly started to drown me.

Without warning a soft light blue light blocked out the creature, until it disappeared. The fields surrounded us once more. Artemis wrapped her front hooves around me and held me tight. I barely met this mare, and yet I felt like nothing was going to hurt me while she had her forehooves were around me. She softly nuzzled the side of my neck and lit her horn once more. The light blue aurora tapped my forehead. I felt a familiar sense of peace similar to the one that Chamomile shared with me during my first day here.

I found myself nuzzling the mare’s chest, while she softly ran her hoof along my mane. “Chamomile and I share the same gift of serenity. It’s a necessary ability that one needs to quickly learn especially in our field of work.” I felt her heart beat faster for a few seconds, as her voice cracked with the last words of the sentence. I held her tight, and she returned the embrace. I lifted my head off her chest, “I do not want to cry anymore. I need to get stronger.” She looked into my eyes, and placed her horn on my forehead. “You will in time, hush now. Quiet now, it’s time for you to rest.” She yawned, and snuggled closer to me. My eyes closed, as I cooed one last time letting the river’s tune guide me to sleep.

Author's Note

Sorry folks it's been awhile since the last time we spoke. Had a lot of irl issues for the past couple of months. I am back and took some of your suggestions as advice. Chapter 3 is already in the works and hopefully will come out faster than the last two chapters. See you guys in the next chapter, and stay safe out there.