I opened my eyes. Such a simple action, an action that I’ve been doing ever since I was a filly; it hurt more than any pain I’ve ever experienced. Around me all I could see were trees. Not just any trees mind you, but those spooky trees you find deep in the Everfree forest. I tried to stand, but I couldn’t, but I notice my once bright yellow flank was covered in mud and dirt, my red hair a tangled matted mess. Recollecting my thoughts, I try to remember what in Equestria I am doing here, just to realize that I can’t. I feel my memories teasing at my mind, taunting it as I try desperately to grab a hold of them. Panicking, I felt my heart racing quickly and my mind becoming fuzzy. I saw a stripped figure in the distance galloping towards me, but my mind had other ideas than to confront the mysterious figure.
I blacked out.
As I regained consciousness, I was in a different place. The entire room was white, and I was in a soft bed. I see a nurse trotting over to me, apparently talking to me because all I can see is her mouth moving as she readies a syringe. I try to say something, but again my mind becomes fuzzy. Before I lose all grasp on reality, I am able to croak out “Scarlet… Ray”. My name.
I blacked out.
Once again I awake, and I was feeling much better than before. I can comfortably move without feeling pain, and I clumsily stumble out of bed as I make my way over to the window. Outside, I see ponies making their ways home as the sun sets beyond the mountains of Equestria in the distance. I hear the door open and turn to greet my guest.
“Yes?” I notice that my voice is much better, and smile, overcome with joy.
"HellomynameisPinkiePieandZecorafoundyouintheforestandshesaidyouwereintroublesowehelpedyou! Ilikepartiesdoyoulikeparties? MaybewhenyoufeelbetterwecanhaveasurprisepartywithalltheotherponiesinPonyville!”
Dang, this pony speaks really fast… I couldn’t understand a word she said. I could feel my mind becoming fuzzy again as I desperately tried to comprehend what she said, but in the heat of the moment all I could manage was a measly “What?” I noticed the other pony inhaling deeply, as if to blow out some birthday candles (or in her case, speak quickly). I managed to put my hoof up to her mouth and interject “Please speak slowly!” before she repeated what she had previously said.
With a nod she says “Hello, my name is Pinkie Pie and Zecora found you in the forest and she said you were in trouble so we helped you! I like parties, do you like parties? Maybe when you feel better we can have a surprise party with all the other ponies in Ponyville!”
Sighing with relief, I managed a smile.
“I would like that! I would also like the opportunity to properly thank you. I don’t think I’ve introduced myself. My name is Scarlet Ray. What’s your name?”
Almost as if she were a puppy that had been offered a treat, she replied energetically “Pinkie Pie! And I already know your name! Don’t ask how. Oh boy a party! I’m gonna go get ready right now” and with that, she disappeared into thin air.
.
Sighing with relief and sudden exhaustion, I collapse back onto the bed. I desperately try to remember the reason for why I was in the Everfree forest to begin with. Everypony knew that was a taboo place to enter. In frustration, I push back my red hair over my ears as I feel a searing pain in my palm. Looking down I see the number “3” branded upon my hoof. My heart races as I desperately try to remember the association of the number with myself. But all I can remember is being in the dark as a searing pain went through my right hoof; the hoof that has the three on it.
