Life of a new Pieby ReilyChaptersChapter 1: Dreams of a new lifeChapter 2: In the HospitalChapter 3: Hospital VisitChapter 1: Dreams of a new lifeEars ringing. Head pounding. I slowly lifted my head. My head felt incredibly sticky. I turned to my right and as I saw my best friend's unconscious form before everything faded to black. Last thing I saw was red droplets littering the floor. “Nicole!” I cried out before I started to see a bright white light. But somewhere among the light, I thought I saw a green flicker. Everything around me faded. Gone was the car and my friend. In its place was a neon green haze that slowly contorted and twisted itself. After what seemed like ages, the haze transformed into giant tendrils. These tendrils rammed themselves together until an eerie version of my studio apartment appeared before me. I went to reach for the handle, but my hand simply passed through the doorway. Unnerved by phasing through the door, I looked around. Everything glowed from the ratty purple sofa to the stainless steel mini fridge. None of it seemed natural by any means. Still I remained curious about what outside looked like. A cold chill passed my spine as I slowly walked to the far edge of the room and looked outside. Awaiting me were endless blue flames in all directions. A high-pitched blood-curdling scream rang out from within the fire fields. I immediately flung my head back inside and tried to catch my breath. Whatever was going on here was beyond disturbing. Even by my nightmare standards. I sighed and placed my hands over my face. It’s not even a huge bar to surpass. I’ve been chased by gigantic black scaly winged abominations, fallen off buildings, and had my face torn off by wild animals. Yet, unlike the others, here I was passing through walls. I swear this nightmare better not end like the others. There’s way too many important things I have to do today. At least my living room seemed fairly safe for now. I started to go through my checklist just to be sure. I peered under the end table, then pulled my reclining chair forward and backwards as I checked for any stragglers. I briefly glanced at the television set, before finally completing my search. I wiped the sweat from my brow, in relief. That relief almost went away as I started hearing crackling noises. Rather than fire or lightning, the ghastly green glow was slowly being dissipated from the room. It grew warmer and the room was being filled with regular white light. It almost felt normal. With a sudden tingle down my spine, I strangely started to feel normal and relaxed. Every irrational fear I had about what was going to happen disappeared. Just poof. No thoughts, head empty. Taking advantage of this, I made my way over to my extra comfy chair. Greeting me was a dusty old book that seemed to be calling for me. After picking it and blowing the dust off, the cover caught my interest. A single pink teardrop glowed in the center , bringing life to the leather-bound book. The gold trim around the cover was an additional neat touch. I wistfully sighed. It looked just like that image on the front of her occult pamphlet. Oh how I wished I didn't dismiss it all on Valentine’s of all days. Maybe then we could have had a good evening. Instead all we were left with bitter words and an even more bitter meatloaf. I lifted the book and skimmed through it, though, before I could finish, it levitated towards the center of the room, dragging me along for the ride. Once the book arrived, a pink and yellow beam of light appeared. I tried looking closer at it to investigate, but accidentally fell on it. Images emanating from the light rapidly passed by me. Passing by me were pink translucent balloons, orange flowers, and yellow butterflies with sparkly wings. Then came indigo wavy lines going back and forth and every which way. While I didn’t understand why or what, the images could have stayed as actual shapes. Giant torrents of wind bellowed through the room, tossing everything about. A flash of red light passed before, and everything started to shatter. A rainbow passed before me. All I felt was weightlessness, but while I tried trashing to wake myself up, nothing seemed to work. When my vision cleared, I discovered I was lying face down. After tilting my head up, I saw I was surrounded by trees through which there wound a thin and overgrown path. Thunder over the horizon, and I was pelted by torrents of rain. Staring up at the sky I was already soaked and cold. In a few empty patches in the clouds, I made out stars. None looked like the ones I saw when I got lost in the woods that one time in middle school. No Orion's Belt. No Polaris. Just the trusty moon and a few other bright objects. Lit up by the moon was a very smooth gray rock in front of me. Inscribed on the surface were intricate carvings that were reminiscent of words, but none of the shapes constituted English words or words belonging to any other language I was aware of. Another oddity was my hand. My painted nails and silky smooth skin and pristine digits, now gone. I can’t even ungrasp them. In its place, was a stubby, fur-covered appendage. I wish I had actually paid attention to Lorraine's animals now. Animals of all kinds lived on her farm. Cows, horses, roosters, and even a handful of sheep. True, my boss's sister who was living up in the mountains definitely had country knowledge I'd never hoped to get. But I really ought to know the basics. Alas my heart belongs to the city with its pretty lights and upbeat classy restaurants. Thinking back to Lorraine, she always told me to go see her animals and some of that sweet country air might do me some good. I'll believe it when I see it. Still I swore I made a promise to see them soon. As for when, I can't remember. When I heard a splash, I looked down. In a large puddle forming atop the stone was the reflection of a very small drenched winged horse with a reddish mane. I rubbed the water and watched the droplets pass by. It definitely was one of the most lucid dreams I had experienced. I was cold and wet, and, most recently, my nose had started to itch. Every rational part of my brain cautioned me not to touch it, but the impulse was too strong. “Ow!” I said immediately regretting it. At once, my nose ached and leaked blood which coalesced with the rain and washed away. Whenever I got hurt in a dream, I'd wake up relatively soon after. So why did it not happen? Prying me from my thoughts were several pairs of bright red eyes staring at me from all around, rustling in the trees. I knew what was likely to come next, and I decided I wasn’t going to stick around for it. I started running as fast as I could with the short and stubby legs, but, unfortunately, I lacked technique and practice to move effectively in the new form. I slid face first into a bush. I decided to keep slowly placing one hoof in front of the other, so at least I could continue making progress. If I needed to actually run, though, I’d be mincemeat. When I got out of the clearing then kept heading north. One thing that was bothering was the tree distribution. Trees and more trees were facing me, and I didn't know where I was headed. If only I could have seen things from higher ground. An idea hit me as I remembered those wings. Maybe I could fly and see where I am; or if I'm lucky, get out of the woods that way. I went for an awkward slide run followed by a jump. While I was technically in the air for a second, it wasn’t flying. Even exerting a lot of pressure against my shoulders should have done something. I groaned as I looked like a complete idiot. Internally kicking myself, I tried to come with any better ideas. While none were coming, I felt something very hard hit my back. It stinged and I figured danger was close. “Ow! This isn't funny. If you're coming to attack me, I’m warning you that I won't taste very good.” Wincing as I realized how dumb and non-threatening I sounded, I closed my eyes waiting for the inevitable. But nothing happened. No visceral terror. No violent biting. I slowly opened my eyes. Right in front of me was this little brown beady-eyed squirrel with a bushy long tail. Holding an acorn. “Haha. Very cute. Now will you please shoo? I've got places to be.” I turned around and started walking away from it. Only to get hit with another acorn. “Okay. Okay. You got me twice. Quit-” Before I could get the final word out, that little cretin threw another one. Right nearby was a little stash of acorns, and he clearly intended to keep going all night if he had to. The squirrel even grabbed another one and kept bouncing it in his paws. “Seriously?” That squirrel pantomimed some pointing and looks like he wants me to follow him. “Okay. Okay. I'm going. Jeez.” I followed him, walking past more trees and some lovely picnic tables with lovely red and white tablecloths on them. If it still wasn't pouring the rain out, it’d be wonderful to sit down for a few minutes and use them to dry off. But they'd have to be positively soaked by now. Thus we kept walking and while I was feeling way worse for wear, I could have sworn that I saw some buildings in the distance. Although most of everything had an element of blurriness to it. Thankfully the rain had finally let up, and it appeared dawn had arrived. I fell over on the grass and the squirrel started scampering off towards who knows where. My eyelids were drooping and I started to feel myself losing consciousness. “Wake up!” My eyelids snapped open and my vision definitely wasn't the greatest. In front of me was this blurry pink creature with a curly mop on its head and she seemed quite a bit taller than I was. “C’mon! Please get up. I don't wanna lose you again.” Shakily pushed myself to get back up onto all fours, I studied her expression as best I could. She had tears in her eyes and her hair seemed to be this half poof half straight mix thing. But she held her head close to mine. “You're warm and wet. And a little hurt. But that's okay! I can get you somewhere safe and fairly warm and Fluttershy will finally come out of the cottage and she’ll be overjoyed to see you. She's been cooped up for days upset about you. And it's going to be great cause I think I can make this into a great unofficial first birthday slash welcome back into existence party. Wouldn't that be great?” “Party! What Party? And why wasn't I invited!?” I huffed breathlessly. I tried moving my head to get a look around but that proved to be impossible. Just the same ol general blurriness around me. “This is an important question. But do you think you can walk? Or crawl if you don’t actually know how. If not I can totally carry you on my back. Nod if you can understand me.” My mouth felt incredibly dry. “Yyes”, I tried to say. But I doubt she could hear me. Like a mouse squeaking would probably be louder. With no other words to give I tried nodding. Then with as much effort as I could muster, I shakily raised these legs and fell back down on my belly. “Right. Carry it is, if you wanna hold on try to keep your forelegs low and not too tight. But don't worry too much. This isn't the first time I gave another pony a ride.” She picked me up by the scruff on my neck and gently set me on top of her. Her fur was very soft and it smelled like cotton candy with just a hint of vanilla. Just like my favorite perfume, funnily enough. I gently wrapped my arms around her and held on with a tiny bit of strength. “Okay all aboard the S.S Mama Pinkie. Next stop is Golden Oak Library. Please keep your forelegs and all other appendages firmly in the upright and locked position until the ride has come to a complete stop.” Her hooves clopped firmly against the ground and while she was busy moving, I couldn't help but wonder about something. The name Pinkie feels incredibly familiar to me. Maybe I knew it from somewhere. Like I know no reasonable person would give their kid that name, but where would I have heard it before? A rock and roll theme echoed in my head. Something something my little pony perhaps. But...rock and roll songs don't feature lyrics like that. And all of this thinking was starting to give me a really bad headache. Plus my stomach was feeling incredibly queasy. “Okay we're here!” Pinkie gently placed me down by the scruff of my neck onto some wooden floors. The floors creaked a little bit, but otherwise like some solid oak. I heard Pinkie talk with this other purple blurry thing that probably was a pony. They exchanged words that I had trouble understanding what they were saying. All that noise in my head kept blocking it out. I heard some ruffling into a closet and Pinkie gently lowered a soft green blanket onto me. I saw them make weird motions at each; a hoof over the heart, a fluttering motion, and a hoof near the eyeball. Weird. I wondered if they were going to give themselves an eye infection. Horse hooves can't be that sanitary. Plus it was so sad to hear about horse eye infections. Pinkie walked right directly in front of me. “I'll be right back! Parties don't invite ponies to themselves! Oh! But that would be a great idea! A party that comes to the ponies! That would be perfect for the party cannon mark two! I'll be back faster than you can say pickled pumpernickel pistachios!” She then popped her head back in for a second. “Whoops! Almost forgot to tell you your name! It's Strawberry Gentle Pie! Or it will be if Flutters agrees. We had this whole list picked out for you. Be right back with the party stuff for real this time.” My head was feeling like it was going to explode. Additionally I couldn't focus too well. But everything I heard wasn't making sense. Everything felt like it was going swirly. And look pretty colors. Pinkie was here again. Boom came from something within the room. Pink yellow cake, plentiful pink blobs appeared. And soon enough there was clopping of more hooves. They were starting to gather all around me. Then I saw Pinkie have a spotlight on her. “It isn't a Pinkie party without the guest of honor! Can you wave to everypony for me?” Everything felt cold and I thought I heard something shattering. Then images popped up in my head. Ponies all around me. Their familiar faces. Doll after doll. Each one taken away. No matter how much I pleaded. No matter how much I tried to hide them. And one by one, they were snapped in half by her. That awful old mean witch. And now they're here. Here for revenge. That's it. That must be the reason why they're here. They've come to do to me what she did to them when I was a little girl. I covered my eyes and lowered myself to the ground. “It isn't my fault. It's not my fault”, I repeatedly said. Hoping that they would listen and go away and leave me alone. One of them was grabbing onto me. A yellow one. My personal favorite. “Shhh Mommy's here. It's okay. You're okay. Ahem. Everyone out! And leave me alone with my baby if that's okay.” I walked forward only to start feeling incredibly dizzy. I fell over and the world began turning dark. Chapter 2: In the HospitalSlow steady beeps of machinery droned on in the background. I opened my eyes and was greeted all at once by a blinding flash of white light. Surrounding me were cabinets, a sink, an IV stand, and this far too big bed. Like it could easily fit two of me laying down on it. All at once I knew this was a hospital room though. I always hated them. The sterile smell in the air, less than stellar staff, and the way my wallet cried after I left. There were more important things on my agenda. I had to leave soon! My job needed me. Someone had to greet potential clients. Additionally, documents didn't organize and type themselves; as much as I’d like them to. It'd make life so much easier. Maybe it would free me up to actually investigate and do the job I wanted to do. But nope, papers didn't take care of themselves and goodness help me if that coworker was without his fancy coffee. While I was berating my job, the door cracked open. In came a fairly giant yellow figure with blue hair. Something about her looked completely wrong; four legs with no arms. On top of it, the massive protrusion bursting out of her forehead and what appeared to be razor-sharp teeth. She got closer and closer, and I was a little concerned about whatever was in my IV. Various aches and pains went up and down my body. In addition, this room felt absolutely sweltering. Some fans would do nicely. “Hello little one. I'm Nurse Snow. How are you feeling?” She started eyeing me closer. “Your boo-boos are certainly looking better. Mind sitting up so I can take your temperature?” I hurriedly sat up. “Gah! Phone! Phone! Do you happen to have my phone?” She tilted her head to the side. “What do you mean dear?” “I mean-”, my nose wiggled, “achoo! I'd like to call my boss. Ms. Hart. Fairly tall lady. Has her hair in a bun. I had a photo of her somewhere. Though you must have seen her at some point.” Loretta was one of my emergency contacts and has done a lot to help me when I started working for her. I'd be shocked if she wasn't at least wondering why I am late. Instead of her handing over my phone or explaining anything, all I received was a pinch to the cheek. “Aren't you the cutest thing and what a huge imagination you have. If you ask nicely, I'll maybe let you go visit Nurse Redheart in a little bit. She’s a little busy in the other ward and managing this hospital.” A woman after my own heart. Oh, how I wanted to thank her for her tireless job. But I had to get going. She was almost ready with the thermometer. Now was my chance! I opened my mouth and clamped down on her arm. It tasted weird, like hairy or something. There were other more pressing concerns though. “You little-!” As fast as I could, I went down the corridor. While I was having trouble staying upright, nothing was going to stop me. The corridor opened up to a set of similar-looking rooms, and I had no time to think. My gut instinct said that it would be down the double doors. I pushed myself through and entered a long white room with various signs and arrows pointing everywhere. Choosing one at random, I followed a big rectangular red one up above with a word and an arrow on it. Regardless of what it said, there was no time to lose! Other hideously misshapen medical staff with various protrusions and feathers sped after me on all fours on the hunt for me. Running through the door, I thought I briefly saw a pony symbol. Though I didn’t know if that had to do with a side effect of the IV or not. Modern medicine is not something I’m a domain expert on unfortunately. Whatever was bugging me, there were usually websites for that. Websites that were wrong and contradicted each other, but information. As for information that I could pick up on right now, this room unfortunately was window-free. I was completely cornered! At least on the bright side, there was an exceptionally tall sink and mirror here. I clambered onto the sink and climbed up on top of the basin. The faucet handles were pulled, and the basin slowly filled up. I splashed my face in it; then looked up at myself. The same pink pony I saw yesterday continued to stare at me. Every action I took, it took. Raising a hoof, followed by raising a hoof. Sticking my tongue out, it followed. Refusing to accept it, I splashed my face again. However, nothing that implied this wasn’t real was making itself known. That could with it being a direct continuation unfortunately meant this was very real. My hoof pressed against the mirror, and I began to sob. The soaking wet sad mess I saw continually mocked me. For whatever reason; instead of the twenty-six-year-old professional secretary named Alexandra Clemmons with golden locks and an unrelenting attitude, I’m just in this sad small pathetic-looking pegasus with red hair and pink fur. Complete with bandages on her nose and along her sides and one on her right wing. Though I guess, this body was named with a sickeningly sweet name from Pinkie of all ponies. While she seemed less grounded than I remembered, there was something about her that screamed fun. Strawberry Gentle Pie; how it would fit so well on that show Nicole and I watched whenever I went to her house as a kid. While that show was better than everything else on TV, she seemed to love that a lot more than me. She kept detailed notes on all the characters and lore and let me borrow her notes so I could actually follow the plot. Not to mention the dolls she loaned me, that my caretaker continually smashed. If Nicole ever got word of what happened to me, she’d probably be laughing her head off. Still, I swore that I would figure out why I am a pony. The full reason and what actually happened to me. Maybe if it's possible, I'd find a way to undo it. Though I guess I didn’t know anything. Everything around me was fake! Fiction that’s been made real. Whatever theories I could have made, none of them would make sense. There’s nothing to go by! “There’s just nothing…”, I quietly muttered, wiping away tears. The doors flew open, and in came Nurse Snow. What a sight I must have been, all wet and crying hysterically. She made her way closer and closer to me while holding onto a syringe full of green liquid. My heart felt like it was already beating out my chest. Any faster and I’d probably be the youngest person ever to have a heart attack. Panting rapidly, I raised a hoof into the air and quickly put it back down as I was losing my balance. “Stay right there! You’re not in trouble.” Unfortunately, my difficulties with sliding suggested I should do something about the water. I went to try to turn off the water to make things easier for everyone involved, but started to slip. Down to the cold wet hard floor. “Gotcha! There. Safe and sound” When I landed on something fairly soft, I looked up. I was being held pretty tightly by her while the syringe was floating in the air by a mysterious light. “I'm going to need you to be a little brave for me. This is going to sting a little bit, but it’s very important you stay still. In that syringe is medicine. Please don't move.” Waiting for the prick, it came faster than I expected. That thing hurt so badly, it was like all the uncomfortableness of a regular injection times ten. Straight into the wings, presumably the fastest way to deliver any magic medicine. Then came a bandage. “I’m going to take you back to your room okay.” I started feeling a little sleepy and felt weightless for a few minutes before ending up on something very soft. Presumably her. These ponies sure do have something right. A little bumpy but it's so easy to forget. I saw the double doors, a nauseatingly cute sun; then the hospital bed. The bed came closer and closer until I was right on top. Then some nice soft blankets were gently lowered on top of me. Slowly inching towards me was a little tube connecting to a hoof. My eyelids started to close. An indeterminate amount of time later, I woke up again on the hospital bed. Same horse hooves, and the same old hospital room. But lucky me, another horse nurse was watching over me. One with white fur and pink hair arranged in a bun. She was actually rather pretty. But as I stared at her silhouette and couldn't help but think of Loretta. She’d be telling me I was probably worrying for no reason. Or she’d be disappointed with how I acted. Not mad, just disappointed. Which always made things ten times worse. My teeth chattered, and I tried slowly scooting away. Despite them being some weird form of ponies, I still can't trust them. Big scary animal that I can't understand. “We're not going to hurt you. Please calm down. We only want to help.” The phrase struck a chord with me. When I looked up at her, my mind drifted back to that cold October night when I tried to run away from foster care all those years ago. The day I first met Loretta and her sister. It was unseasonably cold and windy, and after getting yelled at for one thing or another, then threatened to be sent to bed without dinner, I tried to leave by myself. Made it as far as the McDonald's down the road before I bumped into Loretta, and she grabbed onto me. Every child being fostered knew better than to randomly approach a strange adult. It was a one-way ticket to getting hurt and ending up missing. Rather than hurting me as I had expected, she bought me a burger, then handed me a business card so I could call her if I needed something. Though it actually ended up taking years before I got the nerve to actually call her. But just like then, there was someone who might be nice. I sat still for a moment and cleared my throat, and thought about what to say. “I'm really really sorry about trying to run away from the hospital.” I knew I was nervous, but I'd never been able to actually feel any twitches before. Or even suspected I had any. Yet here I was now with a left eye twitching rapidly. “It's just…I. I'm scared. I don't understand what's going on, and I would really appreciate going home soon. There's some very important things I need to get to.” Nurse Redheart looked at me with sympathetic eyes. "I understand little one. But please be patient. If I let you go too soon, you'll just be brought back here again, and it won't be fun for any pony involved." Nurse Redheart looked to the side. "Your parents will be here tomorrow to visit you. If there's anything that would make you more comfortable, please let me or one of the nurses know." Parents, they must mean Pinkie and the yellow pony. At least it's a one-way ticket to avoid being sent to a group home again. There was something that I could ask for, come to think of it. Since I'm in horsey land, I should at least know the basics of the country I'm in. "If it's okay, can I have a history book to look at? To pass the time." She gave a friendly smile. "I think we can arrange something." She started to trot out the door, only for it to nearly hit her on the way out. She mumbled quietly, "Celestia, please grant me patience." Chapter 3: Hospital VisitAnother nurse had arrived. A blue one with a green mane arranged in a bun. On some level, it's kind of nice to see all these furry folks. They're cute and if I was a little girl; I would be in bliss despite some aches. Alas I'm not. The more I looked around and stared, the more I realized that everything I understood about actual horses didn't really apply here. Whatever evolution was up to here really didn't consider predators. How a candy colored creature survived long enough to grow a full sized brain and evolve, I won’t ever know. Plus just watching them grab stuff, it's just so mesmerizing. Hoof goes down, the object goes up. Hoof moves, the object stays. Hoof goes down again and the object goes down. The nurse finally must have noticed my staring. “How ya doing? You're in my rotation today so you'll be in excellent hooves. Now I have an excellent story to read to you with lots of pretty pictures. Plus I hear your moms are going to be coming by and may end up bringing you a little treat. It'll perk you right up I bet.” I'd like to know what's going on, and soon. Though honestly it kinda scares me. Having worries that I could actually be dying isn't something I can help easily. Still just as those old caretakers used to say, until I can't physically move; be quiet and walk it off. But still, the last nurse did confirm I was here for a really good reason. I raised my right hoof. Then awkwardly lowered it. I wanted to ask what the heck was going on, but my biggest concern was sounding like an idiot. After taking a deep breath , I begrudgingly asked my question. “Hey. Um excuse me. This will go over my head, I know. But what exactly is wrong with me?” The nurse ruffled my mane. “There there. No need to be down on yourself. You see your glands aren't quite producing enough mana and your body is going through it way faster than it can replenish. Our IVs are trying to help give your body a boost so your mana pool doesn't dip back down into dangerously low levels.” That explanation only confused me more unfortunately. I really need to find a library and get some basic books when I can leave this cooky hospital, and add mana to the list of subjects I need to learn. Still I give them perks for trying. “Any additional questions?” The nurse asked. I shook my head no. I’d probably just make myself look really bad if I asked if it was something every five year old here knew about. If mana is anything like oxygen, I just need to know it exists and is meant to be inside you. “Suit yourself. But remember there's no such thing as stupid questions. With that out of the way, I’ll start reading you a story.” She reached over and showed me a lovely paperback book with a full moon on the cover over a field of grass. It was incredibly pretty. The moon, all nice and large near the top. The vibrant colors were a nice touch too. Now if only I could read those black letters. “Mare in the Moon: myths, prophecies , and other legends by Sunny Skies. You're going to love this story. Why I reckon every pony here in Ponyville is happy to have their own piece of history right here with that fiasco a few years ago.” I rolled my eyes at that remark. It seemed fairly clear that whatever happened in this town was some relatively easy to explain phenomenon and they decided to use folklore to fill in the scientific gaps. Still as much as I hate it, this information is probably worth remembering. I listened with patient ears as the nurse recounted the tale of two princesses, one of the sun and the moon. At the end of every page , she showed me those beautiful watercolor illustrations following the text. There was a white horse with an aurora for a mane and a blue horse with a mane full of stars. It's only the second page, and I swore these two sisters are going to fight. Predictable plots twist alert. “Sun and moon. Why would they ever get along? They're hardly ever around at the same time”, I asked aloud. “Continue listening and maybe you'll find out” , the nurse said with a wink. While I sat at the edge of my seat, I kept hearing about their marvelous adventures uniting ponies together or taking down some ancient evil. The artwork was good , but I really wish I could read it myself. I've always learned best seeing the words right in front of me; lectures don't do me any justice. When the story was put down, I thought back to what she said. It was a few years ago. A few typically means three or less, and in the story Nightmare Moon was scheduled to return in the thousandth year. This year must have been the thousandth and third year, over a thousand year time difference from Earth apparently. The nurse put down the book, and a steady rhythmic tapping came from the door. Knocking on a door with one of the things needed to keep you upright, that's certainly something. Whichever horse is doing that sure is great at balancing. “Those would be visitors. I’ll let them in before Miss Pie invites herself in, again. She does wonders for the hospital but gave me quite a fright.” The nurse pony gently opened the door and there was Pinkie again. Plus a yellow one with wings. She looked so sweet and nice; and smelled like posies. I wonder if she likes animals. Then again, this is an animal world and with a butt tattoo like that she probably takes care of them. Maybe the younger sort. Before I could ask any questions, Pinkie came closer and closer. Then gave me a big hug. “I didn't wanna leave you all alone! But now I'm here again. Just a few more days in this boring hospital and you'll be home with us. Doesn't that sound great?” I was about to open my mouth and ask questions, but Pinkie quickly pulled a cupcake with pink frosting and blue sprinkles from her mane. “I've also brought you a cupcake. Something told me you needed one.” I reached out with my free hoof and I felt this odd staticky sensation in my hoof. Not like I was shocking anyone, it was more like a little tingle. My grip faltered and it just about hit the floor. Pinkie somehow caught it before then. “No worries, I can help hold it for you” She held it really close to my muzzle and I bit the cupcake. The taste was absolutely perfect and I’ve never had something this great. It was soft and sweet and the best thing I've ever had. Far from the days of stale kinda soggy cupcakes of my actual youth. When I finished it, I knew my face was definitely messy. But honestly I didn't care too much. Freshly baked and I swear I could almost taste the love. While I nearly forgot I had wings, they slowly flapped for a few seconds. Pinkie's smile stretched out so nearly filled her whole face. Her front hooves eagerly pounded the floor. “So you liked them? I knew it! I knew it! Just wait till you learn about the secret ingredient and my special techniques. Oh we'll have so much fun.” Oh how I envy that boundless energy. I’m exhausted. I can’t even remember having that much energy as a kid, much less more recently. Pretty sure I’d be quaking in the corner with dark circles under my eyes like that yellow pony over there. “Um. Hey…can you come here for a second? It’d be easier if I could see you.” The butterfly tattooed pony whose name I swore up and down was Posey came to the right side of Pinkie. Her soft pink long mane was pretty. If I am stuck here for a while, I wouldn’t mind growing it out to be her size. It’d be all nice and flowy in the wind. I can picture it now. Realizing I was getting sidetracked, I needed to focus. Or at least that ridiculous thought of my head. “Oh. Is everything okay? Need a hug? I know it's kinda scary. Trust me I know. Maybe you'd like your pillow fluffed.” She took hold of my pillow and pressed down on it with her hooves. “Um actually. I wanted to thank you for taking care of small little critters. While they probably aren't always best-behaved, I think they wanna get along with you. I truly do.” Posey gave a soft small. “You're welcome. And while Angel sure has his ways to show his appreciation, I know very well he was always a softie. I promise we'll be back before you know it. We love you.” Posey gave me a soft hug and they were escorted out of the room.
Chapter 1: Dreams of a new lifeEars ringing. Head pounding. I slowly lifted my head. My head felt incredibly sticky. I turned to my right and as I saw my best friend's unconscious form before everything faded to black. Last thing I saw was red droplets littering the floor. “Nicole!” I cried out before I started to see a bright white light. But somewhere among the light, I thought I saw a green flicker. Everything around me faded. Gone was the car and my friend. In its place was a neon green haze that slowly contorted and twisted itself. After what seemed like ages, the haze transformed into giant tendrils. These tendrils rammed themselves together until an eerie version of my studio apartment appeared before me. I went to reach for the handle, but my hand simply passed through the doorway. Unnerved by phasing through the door, I looked around. Everything glowed from the ratty purple sofa to the stainless steel mini fridge. None of it seemed natural by any means. Still I remained curious about what outside looked like. A cold chill passed my spine as I slowly walked to the far edge of the room and looked outside. Awaiting me were endless blue flames in all directions. A high-pitched blood-curdling scream rang out from within the fire fields. I immediately flung my head back inside and tried to catch my breath. Whatever was going on here was beyond disturbing. Even by my nightmare standards. I sighed and placed my hands over my face. It’s not even a huge bar to surpass. I’ve been chased by gigantic black scaly winged abominations, fallen off buildings, and had my face torn off by wild animals. Yet, unlike the others, here I was passing through walls. I swear this nightmare better not end like the others. There’s way too many important things I have to do today. At least my living room seemed fairly safe for now. I started to go through my checklist just to be sure. I peered under the end table, then pulled my reclining chair forward and backwards as I checked for any stragglers. I briefly glanced at the television set, before finally completing my search. I wiped the sweat from my brow, in relief. That relief almost went away as I started hearing crackling noises. Rather than fire or lightning, the ghastly green glow was slowly being dissipated from the room. It grew warmer and the room was being filled with regular white light. It almost felt normal. With a sudden tingle down my spine, I strangely started to feel normal and relaxed. Every irrational fear I had about what was going to happen disappeared. Just poof. No thoughts, head empty. Taking advantage of this, I made my way over to my extra comfy chair. Greeting me was a dusty old book that seemed to be calling for me. After picking it and blowing the dust off, the cover caught my interest. A single pink teardrop glowed in the center , bringing life to the leather-bound book. The gold trim around the cover was an additional neat touch. I wistfully sighed. It looked just like that image on the front of her occult pamphlet. Oh how I wished I didn't dismiss it all on Valentine’s of all days. Maybe then we could have had a good evening. Instead all we were left with bitter words and an even more bitter meatloaf. I lifted the book and skimmed through it, though, before I could finish, it levitated towards the center of the room, dragging me along for the ride. Once the book arrived, a pink and yellow beam of light appeared. I tried looking closer at it to investigate, but accidentally fell on it. Images emanating from the light rapidly passed by me. Passing by me were pink translucent balloons, orange flowers, and yellow butterflies with sparkly wings. Then came indigo wavy lines going back and forth and every which way. While I didn’t understand why or what, the images could have stayed as actual shapes. Giant torrents of wind bellowed through the room, tossing everything about. A flash of red light passed before, and everything started to shatter. A rainbow passed before me. All I felt was weightlessness, but while I tried trashing to wake myself up, nothing seemed to work. When my vision cleared, I discovered I was lying face down. After tilting my head up, I saw I was surrounded by trees through which there wound a thin and overgrown path. Thunder over the horizon, and I was pelted by torrents of rain. Staring up at the sky I was already soaked and cold. In a few empty patches in the clouds, I made out stars. None looked like the ones I saw when I got lost in the woods that one time in middle school. No Orion's Belt. No Polaris. Just the trusty moon and a few other bright objects. Lit up by the moon was a very smooth gray rock in front of me. Inscribed on the surface were intricate carvings that were reminiscent of words, but none of the shapes constituted English words or words belonging to any other language I was aware of. Another oddity was my hand. My painted nails and silky smooth skin and pristine digits, now gone. I can’t even ungrasp them. In its place, was a stubby, fur-covered appendage. I wish I had actually paid attention to Lorraine's animals now. Animals of all kinds lived on her farm. Cows, horses, roosters, and even a handful of sheep. True, my boss's sister who was living up in the mountains definitely had country knowledge I'd never hoped to get. But I really ought to know the basics. Alas my heart belongs to the city with its pretty lights and upbeat classy restaurants. Thinking back to Lorraine, she always told me to go see her animals and some of that sweet country air might do me some good. I'll believe it when I see it. Still I swore I made a promise to see them soon. As for when, I can't remember. When I heard a splash, I looked down. In a large puddle forming atop the stone was the reflection of a very small drenched winged horse with a reddish mane. I rubbed the water and watched the droplets pass by. It definitely was one of the most lucid dreams I had experienced. I was cold and wet, and, most recently, my nose had started to itch. Every rational part of my brain cautioned me not to touch it, but the impulse was too strong. “Ow!” I said immediately regretting it. At once, my nose ached and leaked blood which coalesced with the rain and washed away. Whenever I got hurt in a dream, I'd wake up relatively soon after. So why did it not happen? Prying me from my thoughts were several pairs of bright red eyes staring at me from all around, rustling in the trees. I knew what was likely to come next, and I decided I wasn’t going to stick around for it. I started running as fast as I could with the short and stubby legs, but, unfortunately, I lacked technique and practice to move effectively in the new form. I slid face first into a bush. I decided to keep slowly placing one hoof in front of the other, so at least I could continue making progress. If I needed to actually run, though, I’d be mincemeat. When I got out of the clearing then kept heading north. One thing that was bothering was the tree distribution. Trees and more trees were facing me, and I didn't know where I was headed. If only I could have seen things from higher ground. An idea hit me as I remembered those wings. Maybe I could fly and see where I am; or if I'm lucky, get out of the woods that way. I went for an awkward slide run followed by a jump. While I was technically in the air for a second, it wasn’t flying. Even exerting a lot of pressure against my shoulders should have done something. I groaned as I looked like a complete idiot. Internally kicking myself, I tried to come with any better ideas. While none were coming, I felt something very hard hit my back. It stinged and I figured danger was close. “Ow! This isn't funny. If you're coming to attack me, I’m warning you that I won't taste very good.” Wincing as I realized how dumb and non-threatening I sounded, I closed my eyes waiting for the inevitable. But nothing happened. No visceral terror. No violent biting. I slowly opened my eyes. Right in front of me was this little brown beady-eyed squirrel with a bushy long tail. Holding an acorn. “Haha. Very cute. Now will you please shoo? I've got places to be.” I turned around and started walking away from it. Only to get hit with another acorn. “Okay. Okay. You got me twice. Quit-” Before I could get the final word out, that little cretin threw another one. Right nearby was a little stash of acorns, and he clearly intended to keep going all night if he had to. The squirrel even grabbed another one and kept bouncing it in his paws. “Seriously?” That squirrel pantomimed some pointing and looks like he wants me to follow him. “Okay. Okay. I'm going. Jeez.” I followed him, walking past more trees and some lovely picnic tables with lovely red and white tablecloths on them. If it still wasn't pouring the rain out, it’d be wonderful to sit down for a few minutes and use them to dry off. But they'd have to be positively soaked by now. Thus we kept walking and while I was feeling way worse for wear, I could have sworn that I saw some buildings in the distance. Although most of everything had an element of blurriness to it. Thankfully the rain had finally let up, and it appeared dawn had arrived. I fell over on the grass and the squirrel started scampering off towards who knows where. My eyelids were drooping and I started to feel myself losing consciousness. “Wake up!” My eyelids snapped open and my vision definitely wasn't the greatest. In front of me was this blurry pink creature with a curly mop on its head and she seemed quite a bit taller than I was. “C’mon! Please get up. I don't wanna lose you again.” Shakily pushed myself to get back up onto all fours, I studied her expression as best I could. She had tears in her eyes and her hair seemed to be this half poof half straight mix thing. But she held her head close to mine. “You're warm and wet. And a little hurt. But that's okay! I can get you somewhere safe and fairly warm and Fluttershy will finally come out of the cottage and she’ll be overjoyed to see you. She's been cooped up for days upset about you. And it's going to be great cause I think I can make this into a great unofficial first birthday slash welcome back into existence party. Wouldn't that be great?” “Party! What Party? And why wasn't I invited!?” I huffed breathlessly. I tried moving my head to get a look around but that proved to be impossible. Just the same ol general blurriness around me. “This is an important question. But do you think you can walk? Or crawl if you don’t actually know how. If not I can totally carry you on my back. Nod if you can understand me.” My mouth felt incredibly dry. “Yyes”, I tried to say. But I doubt she could hear me. Like a mouse squeaking would probably be louder. With no other words to give I tried nodding. Then with as much effort as I could muster, I shakily raised these legs and fell back down on my belly. “Right. Carry it is, if you wanna hold on try to keep your forelegs low and not too tight. But don't worry too much. This isn't the first time I gave another pony a ride.” She picked me up by the scruff on my neck and gently set me on top of her. Her fur was very soft and it smelled like cotton candy with just a hint of vanilla. Just like my favorite perfume, funnily enough. I gently wrapped my arms around her and held on with a tiny bit of strength. “Okay all aboard the S.S Mama Pinkie. Next stop is Golden Oak Library. Please keep your forelegs and all other appendages firmly in the upright and locked position until the ride has come to a complete stop.” Her hooves clopped firmly against the ground and while she was busy moving, I couldn't help but wonder about something. The name Pinkie feels incredibly familiar to me. Maybe I knew it from somewhere. Like I know no reasonable person would give their kid that name, but where would I have heard it before? A rock and roll theme echoed in my head. Something something my little pony perhaps. But...rock and roll songs don't feature lyrics like that. And all of this thinking was starting to give me a really bad headache. Plus my stomach was feeling incredibly queasy. “Okay we're here!” Pinkie gently placed me down by the scruff of my neck onto some wooden floors. The floors creaked a little bit, but otherwise like some solid oak. I heard Pinkie talk with this other purple blurry thing that probably was a pony. They exchanged words that I had trouble understanding what they were saying. All that noise in my head kept blocking it out. I heard some ruffling into a closet and Pinkie gently lowered a soft green blanket onto me. I saw them make weird motions at each; a hoof over the heart, a fluttering motion, and a hoof near the eyeball. Weird. I wondered if they were going to give themselves an eye infection. Horse hooves can't be that sanitary. Plus it was so sad to hear about horse eye infections. Pinkie walked right directly in front of me. “I'll be right back! Parties don't invite ponies to themselves! Oh! But that would be a great idea! A party that comes to the ponies! That would be perfect for the party cannon mark two! I'll be back faster than you can say pickled pumpernickel pistachios!” She then popped her head back in for a second. “Whoops! Almost forgot to tell you your name! It's Strawberry Gentle Pie! Or it will be if Flutters agrees. We had this whole list picked out for you. Be right back with the party stuff for real this time.” My head was feeling like it was going to explode. Additionally I couldn't focus too well. But everything I heard wasn't making sense. Everything felt like it was going swirly. And look pretty colors. Pinkie was here again. Boom came from something within the room. Pink yellow cake, plentiful pink blobs appeared. And soon enough there was clopping of more hooves. They were starting to gather all around me. Then I saw Pinkie have a spotlight on her. “It isn't a Pinkie party without the guest of honor! Can you wave to everypony for me?” Everything felt cold and I thought I heard something shattering. Then images popped up in my head. Ponies all around me. Their familiar faces. Doll after doll. Each one taken away. No matter how much I pleaded. No matter how much I tried to hide them. And one by one, they were snapped in half by her. That awful old mean witch. And now they're here. Here for revenge. That's it. That must be the reason why they're here. They've come to do to me what she did to them when I was a little girl. I covered my eyes and lowered myself to the ground. “It isn't my fault. It's not my fault”, I repeatedly said. Hoping that they would listen and go away and leave me alone. One of them was grabbing onto me. A yellow one. My personal favorite. “Shhh Mommy's here. It's okay. You're okay. Ahem. Everyone out! And leave me alone with my baby if that's okay.” I walked forward only to start feeling incredibly dizzy. I fell over and the world began turning dark.
Chapter 2: In the HospitalSlow steady beeps of machinery droned on in the background. I opened my eyes and was greeted all at once by a blinding flash of white light. Surrounding me were cabinets, a sink, an IV stand, and this far too big bed. Like it could easily fit two of me laying down on it. All at once I knew this was a hospital room though. I always hated them. The sterile smell in the air, less than stellar staff, and the way my wallet cried after I left. There were more important things on my agenda. I had to leave soon! My job needed me. Someone had to greet potential clients. Additionally, documents didn't organize and type themselves; as much as I’d like them to. It'd make life so much easier. Maybe it would free me up to actually investigate and do the job I wanted to do. But nope, papers didn't take care of themselves and goodness help me if that coworker was without his fancy coffee. While I was berating my job, the door cracked open. In came a fairly giant yellow figure with blue hair. Something about her looked completely wrong; four legs with no arms. On top of it, the massive protrusion bursting out of her forehead and what appeared to be razor-sharp teeth. She got closer and closer, and I was a little concerned about whatever was in my IV. Various aches and pains went up and down my body. In addition, this room felt absolutely sweltering. Some fans would do nicely. “Hello little one. I'm Nurse Snow. How are you feeling?” She started eyeing me closer. “Your boo-boos are certainly looking better. Mind sitting up so I can take your temperature?” I hurriedly sat up. “Gah! Phone! Phone! Do you happen to have my phone?” She tilted her head to the side. “What do you mean dear?” “I mean-”, my nose wiggled, “achoo! I'd like to call my boss. Ms. Hart. Fairly tall lady. Has her hair in a bun. I had a photo of her somewhere. Though you must have seen her at some point.” Loretta was one of my emergency contacts and has done a lot to help me when I started working for her. I'd be shocked if she wasn't at least wondering why I am late. Instead of her handing over my phone or explaining anything, all I received was a pinch to the cheek. “Aren't you the cutest thing and what a huge imagination you have. If you ask nicely, I'll maybe let you go visit Nurse Redheart in a little bit. She’s a little busy in the other ward and managing this hospital.” A woman after my own heart. Oh, how I wanted to thank her for her tireless job. But I had to get going. She was almost ready with the thermometer. Now was my chance! I opened my mouth and clamped down on her arm. It tasted weird, like hairy or something. There were other more pressing concerns though. “You little-!” As fast as I could, I went down the corridor. While I was having trouble staying upright, nothing was going to stop me. The corridor opened up to a set of similar-looking rooms, and I had no time to think. My gut instinct said that it would be down the double doors. I pushed myself through and entered a long white room with various signs and arrows pointing everywhere. Choosing one at random, I followed a big rectangular red one up above with a word and an arrow on it. Regardless of what it said, there was no time to lose! Other hideously misshapen medical staff with various protrusions and feathers sped after me on all fours on the hunt for me. Running through the door, I thought I briefly saw a pony symbol. Though I didn’t know if that had to do with a side effect of the IV or not. Modern medicine is not something I’m a domain expert on unfortunately. Whatever was bugging me, there were usually websites for that. Websites that were wrong and contradicted each other, but information. As for information that I could pick up on right now, this room unfortunately was window-free. I was completely cornered! At least on the bright side, there was an exceptionally tall sink and mirror here. I clambered onto the sink and climbed up on top of the basin. The faucet handles were pulled, and the basin slowly filled up. I splashed my face in it; then looked up at myself. The same pink pony I saw yesterday continued to stare at me. Every action I took, it took. Raising a hoof, followed by raising a hoof. Sticking my tongue out, it followed. Refusing to accept it, I splashed my face again. However, nothing that implied this wasn’t real was making itself known. That could with it being a direct continuation unfortunately meant this was very real. My hoof pressed against the mirror, and I began to sob. The soaking wet sad mess I saw continually mocked me. For whatever reason; instead of the twenty-six-year-old professional secretary named Alexandra Clemmons with golden locks and an unrelenting attitude, I’m just in this sad small pathetic-looking pegasus with red hair and pink fur. Complete with bandages on her nose and along her sides and one on her right wing. Though I guess, this body was named with a sickeningly sweet name from Pinkie of all ponies. While she seemed less grounded than I remembered, there was something about her that screamed fun. Strawberry Gentle Pie; how it would fit so well on that show Nicole and I watched whenever I went to her house as a kid. While that show was better than everything else on TV, she seemed to love that a lot more than me. She kept detailed notes on all the characters and lore and let me borrow her notes so I could actually follow the plot. Not to mention the dolls she loaned me, that my caretaker continually smashed. If Nicole ever got word of what happened to me, she’d probably be laughing her head off. Still, I swore that I would figure out why I am a pony. The full reason and what actually happened to me. Maybe if it's possible, I'd find a way to undo it. Though I guess I didn’t know anything. Everything around me was fake! Fiction that’s been made real. Whatever theories I could have made, none of them would make sense. There’s nothing to go by! “There’s just nothing…”, I quietly muttered, wiping away tears. The doors flew open, and in came Nurse Snow. What a sight I must have been, all wet and crying hysterically. She made her way closer and closer to me while holding onto a syringe full of green liquid. My heart felt like it was already beating out my chest. Any faster and I’d probably be the youngest person ever to have a heart attack. Panting rapidly, I raised a hoof into the air and quickly put it back down as I was losing my balance. “Stay right there! You’re not in trouble.” Unfortunately, my difficulties with sliding suggested I should do something about the water. I went to try to turn off the water to make things easier for everyone involved, but started to slip. Down to the cold wet hard floor. “Gotcha! There. Safe and sound” When I landed on something fairly soft, I looked up. I was being held pretty tightly by her while the syringe was floating in the air by a mysterious light. “I'm going to need you to be a little brave for me. This is going to sting a little bit, but it’s very important you stay still. In that syringe is medicine. Please don't move.” Waiting for the prick, it came faster than I expected. That thing hurt so badly, it was like all the uncomfortableness of a regular injection times ten. Straight into the wings, presumably the fastest way to deliver any magic medicine. Then came a bandage. “I’m going to take you back to your room okay.” I started feeling a little sleepy and felt weightless for a few minutes before ending up on something very soft. Presumably her. These ponies sure do have something right. A little bumpy but it's so easy to forget. I saw the double doors, a nauseatingly cute sun; then the hospital bed. The bed came closer and closer until I was right on top. Then some nice soft blankets were gently lowered on top of me. Slowly inching towards me was a little tube connecting to a hoof. My eyelids started to close. An indeterminate amount of time later, I woke up again on the hospital bed. Same horse hooves, and the same old hospital room. But lucky me, another horse nurse was watching over me. One with white fur and pink hair arranged in a bun. She was actually rather pretty. But as I stared at her silhouette and couldn't help but think of Loretta. She’d be telling me I was probably worrying for no reason. Or she’d be disappointed with how I acted. Not mad, just disappointed. Which always made things ten times worse. My teeth chattered, and I tried slowly scooting away. Despite them being some weird form of ponies, I still can't trust them. Big scary animal that I can't understand. “We're not going to hurt you. Please calm down. We only want to help.” The phrase struck a chord with me. When I looked up at her, my mind drifted back to that cold October night when I tried to run away from foster care all those years ago. The day I first met Loretta and her sister. It was unseasonably cold and windy, and after getting yelled at for one thing or another, then threatened to be sent to bed without dinner, I tried to leave by myself. Made it as far as the McDonald's down the road before I bumped into Loretta, and she grabbed onto me. Every child being fostered knew better than to randomly approach a strange adult. It was a one-way ticket to getting hurt and ending up missing. Rather than hurting me as I had expected, she bought me a burger, then handed me a business card so I could call her if I needed something. Though it actually ended up taking years before I got the nerve to actually call her. But just like then, there was someone who might be nice. I sat still for a moment and cleared my throat, and thought about what to say. “I'm really really sorry about trying to run away from the hospital.” I knew I was nervous, but I'd never been able to actually feel any twitches before. Or even suspected I had any. Yet here I was now with a left eye twitching rapidly. “It's just…I. I'm scared. I don't understand what's going on, and I would really appreciate going home soon. There's some very important things I need to get to.” Nurse Redheart looked at me with sympathetic eyes. "I understand little one. But please be patient. If I let you go too soon, you'll just be brought back here again, and it won't be fun for any pony involved." Nurse Redheart looked to the side. "Your parents will be here tomorrow to visit you. If there's anything that would make you more comfortable, please let me or one of the nurses know." Parents, they must mean Pinkie and the yellow pony. At least it's a one-way ticket to avoid being sent to a group home again. There was something that I could ask for, come to think of it. Since I'm in horsey land, I should at least know the basics of the country I'm in. "If it's okay, can I have a history book to look at? To pass the time." She gave a friendly smile. "I think we can arrange something." She started to trot out the door, only for it to nearly hit her on the way out. She mumbled quietly, "Celestia, please grant me patience."
Chapter 3: Hospital VisitAnother nurse had arrived. A blue one with a green mane arranged in a bun. On some level, it's kind of nice to see all these furry folks. They're cute and if I was a little girl; I would be in bliss despite some aches. Alas I'm not. The more I looked around and stared, the more I realized that everything I understood about actual horses didn't really apply here. Whatever evolution was up to here really didn't consider predators. How a candy colored creature survived long enough to grow a full sized brain and evolve, I won’t ever know. Plus just watching them grab stuff, it's just so mesmerizing. Hoof goes down, the object goes up. Hoof moves, the object stays. Hoof goes down again and the object goes down. The nurse finally must have noticed my staring. “How ya doing? You're in my rotation today so you'll be in excellent hooves. Now I have an excellent story to read to you with lots of pretty pictures. Plus I hear your moms are going to be coming by and may end up bringing you a little treat. It'll perk you right up I bet.” I'd like to know what's going on, and soon. Though honestly it kinda scares me. Having worries that I could actually be dying isn't something I can help easily. Still just as those old caretakers used to say, until I can't physically move; be quiet and walk it off. But still, the last nurse did confirm I was here for a really good reason. I raised my right hoof. Then awkwardly lowered it. I wanted to ask what the heck was going on, but my biggest concern was sounding like an idiot. After taking a deep breath , I begrudgingly asked my question. “Hey. Um excuse me. This will go over my head, I know. But what exactly is wrong with me?” The nurse ruffled my mane. “There there. No need to be down on yourself. You see your glands aren't quite producing enough mana and your body is going through it way faster than it can replenish. Our IVs are trying to help give your body a boost so your mana pool doesn't dip back down into dangerously low levels.” That explanation only confused me more unfortunately. I really need to find a library and get some basic books when I can leave this cooky hospital, and add mana to the list of subjects I need to learn. Still I give them perks for trying. “Any additional questions?” The nurse asked. I shook my head no. I’d probably just make myself look really bad if I asked if it was something every five year old here knew about. If mana is anything like oxygen, I just need to know it exists and is meant to be inside you. “Suit yourself. But remember there's no such thing as stupid questions. With that out of the way, I’ll start reading you a story.” She reached over and showed me a lovely paperback book with a full moon on the cover over a field of grass. It was incredibly pretty. The moon, all nice and large near the top. The vibrant colors were a nice touch too. Now if only I could read those black letters. “Mare in the Moon: myths, prophecies , and other legends by Sunny Skies. You're going to love this story. Why I reckon every pony here in Ponyville is happy to have their own piece of history right here with that fiasco a few years ago.” I rolled my eyes at that remark. It seemed fairly clear that whatever happened in this town was some relatively easy to explain phenomenon and they decided to use folklore to fill in the scientific gaps. Still as much as I hate it, this information is probably worth remembering. I listened with patient ears as the nurse recounted the tale of two princesses, one of the sun and the moon. At the end of every page , she showed me those beautiful watercolor illustrations following the text. There was a white horse with an aurora for a mane and a blue horse with a mane full of stars. It's only the second page, and I swore these two sisters are going to fight. Predictable plots twist alert. “Sun and moon. Why would they ever get along? They're hardly ever around at the same time”, I asked aloud. “Continue listening and maybe you'll find out” , the nurse said with a wink. While I sat at the edge of my seat, I kept hearing about their marvelous adventures uniting ponies together or taking down some ancient evil. The artwork was good , but I really wish I could read it myself. I've always learned best seeing the words right in front of me; lectures don't do me any justice. When the story was put down, I thought back to what she said. It was a few years ago. A few typically means three or less, and in the story Nightmare Moon was scheduled to return in the thousandth year. This year must have been the thousandth and third year, over a thousand year time difference from Earth apparently. The nurse put down the book, and a steady rhythmic tapping came from the door. Knocking on a door with one of the things needed to keep you upright, that's certainly something. Whichever horse is doing that sure is great at balancing. “Those would be visitors. I’ll let them in before Miss Pie invites herself in, again. She does wonders for the hospital but gave me quite a fright.” The nurse pony gently opened the door and there was Pinkie again. Plus a yellow one with wings. She looked so sweet and nice; and smelled like posies. I wonder if she likes animals. Then again, this is an animal world and with a butt tattoo like that she probably takes care of them. Maybe the younger sort. Before I could ask any questions, Pinkie came closer and closer. Then gave me a big hug. “I didn't wanna leave you all alone! But now I'm here again. Just a few more days in this boring hospital and you'll be home with us. Doesn't that sound great?” I was about to open my mouth and ask questions, but Pinkie quickly pulled a cupcake with pink frosting and blue sprinkles from her mane. “I've also brought you a cupcake. Something told me you needed one.” I reached out with my free hoof and I felt this odd staticky sensation in my hoof. Not like I was shocking anyone, it was more like a little tingle. My grip faltered and it just about hit the floor. Pinkie somehow caught it before then. “No worries, I can help hold it for you” She held it really close to my muzzle and I bit the cupcake. The taste was absolutely perfect and I’ve never had something this great. It was soft and sweet and the best thing I've ever had. Far from the days of stale kinda soggy cupcakes of my actual youth. When I finished it, I knew my face was definitely messy. But honestly I didn't care too much. Freshly baked and I swear I could almost taste the love. While I nearly forgot I had wings, they slowly flapped for a few seconds. Pinkie's smile stretched out so nearly filled her whole face. Her front hooves eagerly pounded the floor. “So you liked them? I knew it! I knew it! Just wait till you learn about the secret ingredient and my special techniques. Oh we'll have so much fun.” Oh how I envy that boundless energy. I’m exhausted. I can’t even remember having that much energy as a kid, much less more recently. Pretty sure I’d be quaking in the corner with dark circles under my eyes like that yellow pony over there. “Um. Hey…can you come here for a second? It’d be easier if I could see you.” The butterfly tattooed pony whose name I swore up and down was Posey came to the right side of Pinkie. Her soft pink long mane was pretty. If I am stuck here for a while, I wouldn’t mind growing it out to be her size. It’d be all nice and flowy in the wind. I can picture it now. Realizing I was getting sidetracked, I needed to focus. Or at least that ridiculous thought of my head. “Oh. Is everything okay? Need a hug? I know it's kinda scary. Trust me I know. Maybe you'd like your pillow fluffed.” She took hold of my pillow and pressed down on it with her hooves. “Um actually. I wanted to thank you for taking care of small little critters. While they probably aren't always best-behaved, I think they wanna get along with you. I truly do.” Posey gave a soft small. “You're welcome. And while Angel sure has his ways to show his appreciation, I know very well he was always a softie. I promise we'll be back before you know it. We love you.” Posey gave me a soft hug and they were escorted out of the room.
