The Metamorphosis: Beginningsby NachtschwalbeChaptersFirst Chapter: That's new...Second Chapter: Hang outThird Chapter: Tighten the BeltFirst Chapter: That's new...The Metmorphosis B e g i n n i n g s by Nightjar inspired by Franz Kafka First Chapter He opened his eyes. He hadn't slept an hour, yet he felt as energized as a liter of espresso and also like he had drunk something very nutritious. In short: His belly was full and he felt fresher than ever as he lay in his warm bed. It was like heaven. But there was one thing in his mind called suspicion. Why did he feel so great? He had a hard job, was living in a small flat together with his family - his parents and younger sister - and had no leisure. Sometimes I really hate my train of thoughts, he told his mind. I should try to sleep again. Maybe I will be able to dream of that feeling again. After half an hour he decided to get up. For as long as he could remember he had had problems with his skin and had learned to live with it. But when he reached for the door to the vestibule and saw a smooth, black and holed hoof he was surprised. "That's new," was the only thing he could say before he registered what he was seeing. His eyes widened and he quickly began to inspect his body. He had lost his fur, wings spread out of his back. His tail - he presumed his mane would have to look pretty similar - was translucent, green and also holed. He reached up to his forehead and found what he was searching for, but his horn was sharp and holed too. Slowly he lowered his hoof, looked at the door for several minutes, processing what he had just found out. Concluding what it meant, he let out a bloodcurdling bray. It took only a few seconds for his family to jump out of their sheets and run out of their rooms to stop in front of his suddenly sealed door. "Vigil! What happened?!" his sister, Pearl, screamed. "What, in Celestias name, are you doing inside there?!" his father, Cracker Barrel, shouted. "Is everything alright with you?" his mother, Dawn Breeze, asked. Oh damn, what should I do? What should I do?? Calm down Vigilant. It's nothing you have to worry about. Though how late is it? The buzzer showed quarter to seven. Okay, now you're allowed to panic! No, no! Calm down. You just have to say sorry and take the next train to Ponyville. Right, that's the spirit! That was when he saw strains of fog - colored in various shades of red - coming through the door and heading for his chest. Great, now I'm hallucinating, he thought. Then he tasted hot chocolate, the strains had been faster than he thought and had reached him in an instant. It felt like drinking without swallowing and it felt great. He recognised the feeling from earlier this morning. What is that stuff?! "Dear, please open the door," he heard his mother say. "I'm afraid of the consequences, mom," he answered. After several seconds of silence Pearl said, "Come on brother. There's nothing you have to be afraid of. Whatever it is you can tell us, we are your family!" The strains of fog were growing a little bit bigger and were increasing in speed slightly. Encouraged by his sister's words, he dispelled the simple enchantment off the door and opened it. He frowned when he saw the faces behind it. They changed from worried, to confused, to shocked. "Sorry!", he yelled automatically, retreating back into his room and re-sealing the door. He had noticed that the strains from his family were shrinking and decreasing in speed. "Okay, now! You don't leave us any other choice!" With these words Cracker Barrel stepped back from the door and charged pretty much energy into his horn. He let out a blast right as Vigilant unsealed the door. Normally the enchanted door would have just sprung open when the impact hit it. But currently dispelled it was hurled through the air and hit the wall at the far end of the room. Vigilant had stood right behind it. After closing the door, he began pacing up and down the room. He eventually chucked himself onto his bed, wanting to cry. But he didn't, something had caught his attention. Was that whispering? He got up and crept towards the door. Yep, definitely whispering. He pressed his ear against the door to eavesdrop. "I can't believe what I've just seen," he could hear his father saying. "What should we do?" Pearl asked. He heard sobbing coming from another corner of the vestibule. "I think we should consult a doctor about his situation," Barrel answered. "Okay then! I'm going to the hospital now!" "No you don't! We won't draw any attention to this. And besides, I first want to have my breakfast." "Dad! Vigil is a bug! We have to do something about it!" "Maybe, but first of all we have to calm down. And then we'll be able to make the right decisions," after several seconds Barrel continued, "I wonder what we should give him for breakfast," They resorted to just giving him two bowls of potato and cheese soup, some sandwiches with diverse toppings, a plate with fruits and a cup of coffee. It all tasted pretty good but Vigil had no appetite because of the strange stuff that had come from his family. "You just could have asked me, you know?" he said when his mom and sister put them on his desk. He got no reaction, "Hey now! Don't ignore me!" Nothing. "Okay then! I'll talk to my reflection!" When he said it he thought that it wouldn't be a bad idea to look into the mirror, just to see himself properly. As he did he frowned. He looked like something between a kelpie and a bug with some obviously predatorial characteristics. He also noticed that he had lost his cutie mark, the image of two crossed sabers behind a relatively small kite shield having disappeared from his flank. "I hope the doctor finds a way to change me ba..." Something was wrong, as he spoke there was no movement. His lips remained closed! Author's Note Thanks for reading! Second Chapter: Hang outThe Metmorphosis B e g i n n i n g s by Nightjar inspired by Franz Kafka Second Chapter He opened his mouth wide and moved his tongue, trying to produce a sound but only getting a short hiss. Disappointed he looked into the mirror with a frown. When he turned away from his reflection he looked into the worried face of his sister. He shrugged it off and went to the desk. The smell of the meal was mouth watering. He heard the door closing behind him as he levitated a Sandwich to his mouth. He totally understood why he wasn't allowed at the dining table. Who'd want to eat with a bug?They had served him so many delicious meals that he would feel bad for complaining. He took a bite and swallowed. It tasted good. But he now realized that he wasn't hungry at all. Instead he felt like he had already eaten too much. When Pearl entered the room she found that everything was left as it was except that the apples had been carried away. She looked at Vigil with a deep frown and levitated the bowls and plates out of the room, closing the door behind herself. Vigil hopped off the bed and turned to the window. The castle wasn't that far away and the guidons on it's spires flapped in the wind. He used to work there. He thought of his employment and how long it would last till they would come and ask for an explanation. By now he should have been in Ponyville to attend to the signing of a contract between his superiors and some shop - he didn't remember the name. He was once part of the Royal Navy as a Warrant Officer. He had been given that honor for being one of the best helmsmen. But that was before his parents had invested their whole savings in a travel-agency. The debts had been increasing very fast and they had had to give up after only one year. Because of that, Vigil had quit the service and found a job to help his family pay off the debts. It would take another three years to clear them. The sound of the opening door announced the arrival of the doctor. Vigilant watched the door as he listened to the steps and whispers on the stairway. Maybe I should open the door. He didn't move an inch. Some weird curiosity - not the normal kind but born out of anxiety and suspicion - forced him to concentrate on the whispering as it became louder and easier to understand. "Good morning, Doctor, how was your trip over here?", Barrel asked as he opened the door. "Well, at first, it's noon right now. And second, the hospital is only three hundred steps away so it shouldn't be called a trip. But all in all the day started off nicely and I think I can manage something like neurodermatitis.", the doctor answered. "Ah, good. If you would follow me, please?" After a few steps the doctor asked, "So what is the core of the problem here? Why couldn't your son just come over?" He could see Barrel's Adam's apple jump when he gulped. "Ahem. The reason is, doctor, that it's worse than ever. It looks outright - forgive me for the word - disgusting. We didn't want to bother anypony out there. And in case of the problem itself, well, let's just say that I don't believe that you've ever seen something like this and all the nor have my family. Because of that I called for you to come over to make sure a professional is caring about him." "I see. So what did he say about it himself? Maybe he has a suspicion as to what has triggered this situation." "That's one of the problems, sir. He hasn't spoken. It even seems that he can't. He also rejects food and has overslept! He has never done something like that." The doctor stopped walking. "Sir, I am sorry, but I am not here to fix this kind of problem. I am not a psychologist but I think you should call it midlife crisis. Or some kind of late - very late in this case - adolescence. And I would also say..." but he was cut off not by Barrel but by Pearl. "Please, Doctor! This is serious! My brother is incarcerated in that thing. We don't know if he's screaming in pain or if he is even still there! We don't know what has caused it nor how we can help him! But he needs our help and I want my big brother back!" As she said the last words tears were rolling down her cheeks. "Now, now, dear. Stop shouting and calm down. I am sure the doctor will give Vigilant back to us.", Barrel tried to calm his daughter and the sobs slowly trailed off. "We might continue walking now.", Barrel suggested after some seconds. The doctor just nodded. The rest of the way upstairs no one talked. Everything he heard were hooves hitting wood and the heavy breathing of his father. His concentration dissipated and he looked straight at the door still standing by the window. I should open it, he thought again. He moved to the entrance and was about to dispell the door when a thought struck him. What if he concludes that I'm not curable? What should I do in that case? I wouldn't be able to work any longer and I doubt that someone else will employ me. I wouldn't even be able to go guard again. Oh my. That means I couldn't earn money to pay the debts. His mind circled around these realisations and eventually came to a conclusion. I would be totally worthless. "Vigilant? The doctor is here so would you be so kind as to open the door again and let him do his job?" the voice of his father sounded from behind the door. Vigil was still caught in his thinking at this point and went on with it. I have to find somewhere else to live so they don't have to maintain me. Would they do that? Of course. Also this sounds very self-centered. Then he took a deep breath. I shouldn't make such plans unless it's necessary. I should open the damn door now and see if there is something the doctor could do. "Okay, now! You don't leave us any other choice!" With those words Cracker Barrel stepped back from the door and charged a considerable amount of energy into his horn. He let out the blast right as Vigilant unsealed the door. Normally the enchanted door would have just sprung open when the spell hit it. But, currently dispelled it was hurled through the air and hit the wall at the far end of the room. Vigilant had stood right behind it. As he regained consciousness he felt the pain from every part of his body especially from his head, but all in all it was bearable. He felt fabric so he had to be in the bed. He rose from the sheets and opened his eyes. Nopony else was there and he couldn't hear anypony outside except for the street infront of his window. The door was leaned against the wall next to the frame it originally belonged. He walked through it and into the parlor where he found his family at the dining table. Except for his father who laid in his armchair breathing heavily while the doctor took his blood preasure. Oh damn. He burnt the candle at both ends with that spell. He lowered his head knowing it was his fault. As he drew closer the doctor turned around, rose and came to Vigilant to guide him back into his room. Startled by that Vigil growled at the medic. Every pair of eyes were focused on him. Every single one showing shock. His own expression wasn't an exception. What the hell was this?! Embarrassed he lowered head and ears and headed for his room again. What was this stuff all about?! That's not me! But I also don't see why he tried to bring me back here. Just like he was trying to hide me or something. Or he thought I should stay in bed after that incident. He paced up and down the room. Oh my. I think this whole thing is getting out of hoof. Though it never was in it in the first place, I think there is some psychological stuff along with the chitin. Why am I calling it chitin? Well it fits for me looking a bit like a bug and so on. That means I might lose my identity completely and to avoid that I need something to remind me. No, that wouldn't work or would it? I don't know. However I can't even think of anything to remind me so it's kinda pointless to think about that anyway. So how about that odd feeling of satisfaction and that taste of hot chocolate? I mean it is tasty. Especially along with apples, though I don't think the inventor of candied fruits thought of this way of consumption. I think these strains are causing it but I wonder... That was when he felt a great weight pull at his legs. He looked around and took in his surroundings. Nothing. Not even the tiniest filament. Except for the ceiling lamp which laid on the floor. But why is it still on? He tilted his head backwards and what he saw led him to the conclusion the the feeling of great weight of course was caused by gravity. With this in mind he looked at his hooves - which were covered in some green gum or something like that which originated from the holes - were attached to the ceiling and nothing less. Then he fell. Hit the bed. Hit the bed. Hit the bed! Author's Note So here's chapter two. And I still would be glad about any constructive advice! Thanks for reading! Third Chapter: Tighten the BeltThe Metmorphosis B e g i n n i n g s by Nightjar inspired by Franz Kafka Third Chapter A whimper, not his. He hadn't hit the bed as he had wished and the impact had sent a sharp pain through his spine. Similar to this thud, he heard another one right where the door had to be. Concerned, he ignored the soreness of his back and jumped to his hooves to see to the pony who had just fallen unconscious. It was his mother. Deeply worried, he lowered his head and nuzzled the cheek of Dawn Breeze to wake her. He wanted to tell her that he was alright and that she didn't need to worry. Oh, yeah, I can't talk. Forgot about that. Then something else dawned on him. She wasn't afraid of me hurting myself but of me hurting her! Me falling down in front of her must have seemed like an ambush or something. "Mum, I would never try to hurt you." No he hadn't forgotten his inability to communicate again. He just had to say something. "I know, dear", Dawn answered. Taken off-guard, he winced a little. "Y-you understand me?!" Infinite glee swam through his voice. "Of course, Vigilant. Why wouldn't I..?" That was when she opened her eyes and looked into two steel blue ponds with softly gleaming black surroundings. And huge white fangs. Her face betrayed her intention to scream and it came. High-pitched and quickly fading into wheezing. Her asthma took it's toll on her. Pure panic came over him. He didn't know what to do to stop it. It had never been this bad and if anypony else knew it only would be Pearl. Where were they all? Didn't they hear the scream?! "Help! Anypony! Please Help!" The door to the living room opened and Cracker Barrel rushed through it. Hope rose in Vigils heart as he saw his father. He looked down at his mother and reassured her that she was going to get help. Cracker Barrel took a run and shortly before he would have dashed into his son he turned and bucked as hard as he could. Vigilant flew through the air into a far corner of his room. Instinctively he jumped up but collapsed again as great pain struck through his left leg. He looked at it and a moan of pain escaped his compressed lips as he saw a bend where none should have been. He looked at the door where his father gave Dawn Breeze several medications. It caught him a glare full of disbelieve, concern, sorrow, anxiety and hatred. He thinks I caused it on purpose, he stated mentally, his thoughs empty of emotion. Is he right? »ʔ҉ʕ« The warmth of the sun felt good on his face and the ponies in the street below the apartment were beaming and enjoyed the first morning after Winter Wrap Up. He frowned. Vigilant hadn't been outside for months and even his window had been sealed. The door was long since repaired and his leg has healed rather quickly, though it still ached terribly and looked kind of wrong. His back also hurt like hell and it felt like he was carrying his own bodyweight on strong cables which cut between his dorsal vertebrae into his intervertebral discs, though he didn't know if he even had that kind of anatomy anymore. His family had been able to manage to live with him. Or better: without him. They had gotten jobs on their own and had rented out one half of the flat to some distant relatives of some noble house. They were very distant ones but still snooty enough to let everypony know. The window was his only …well…window to the outer world and so very often he occupied himself by staring out of it for hours on end. I’m hungry, I am so hungry. The foggy strings he has gotten earlier from his family had dissipated. He couldn't even think clearly. He shuffled in circles. Physically and mentally. His head was lowered and his eyes unfocused. Hooves. Walk. Pain. Shoulder. Family. Hunger. Food. Street. Window. Apartment. Family. Hunger. They had abandoned him, forgotten about him and now lived without him. »ʔ҉ʕ« Darkness. Warm, breathing darkness embraced him. The calm blanket of woven shadows draped over him felt divine. He felt like floating, while his muscles were in a state of utter relaxation. He dove deeper and deeper into the flowing, living gloom. Suddenly there was a spark, short-lived but bright. There! Another one! He followed the sparks, curious of what had caused them. The next one lingered a few seconds longer. Then a firework broke loose startling him. It was breathtaking. He suddenly realized that there was also sound. He floated forward appreciating such beauty. The melody drew him to its source. Then it stopped. He opened his eyes. He was standing in the living room. Pearl held her violin in her magic and her parents sat next to her. The two subtenants sat with their backs towards him. Odd. They looked so tall. He looked down. Oh. I’m laying on the floor. I must have crawled my way here. “Celestia help us”, he heard the whispering of an unfamiliar voice. As he raised his head he saw the two lodgers staring at him. He struggled to get onto his hooves. Then there came the screams. He turned around, not listening to the shouting behind him and limped back into his room towards the window. Something struck his mind. Not a real thought yet he took action in effectuating it. He concentrated his last resources of strength and hit the window. The glass shattered. They had only sealed the lock. He climbed onto the sill and looked over the city. It was late in the night and the lights were spread like stars illuminating the opposite of the sky. He began to think. He thought of his name but couldn't remember it. He thought of his family and saw nothing. He thought of his purpose and saw none. He thought of something good. He saw sparks and heard a melody. They were right in-front of him, just out of reach, a way leading towards them. He stepped forward. »ʔ҉ʕ« Darkness. Warm, breathing darkness embraced him. The calm blanket of woven shadows draped over him felt divine. He felt like floating, while his muscles were in a state of utter relaxation. He dove deeper and deeper into the flowing, living gloom. Author's Note FINALLYFINALLYFINALLYFINALLYFINALLYFINALLYFINALLY!!! !! ! I'm so sorry that it took forever to end this I beg for forgiveness. That's the last chapter of "The Metamorphosis" and I think I made it good. So still: If anyone has any complains just write them. That's the entire story edited to the best of my ability. Excuse me while I go jump in a ditch ~Warrior Kitten, Editor
First Chapter: That's new...The Metmorphosis B e g i n n i n g s by Nightjar inspired by Franz Kafka First Chapter He opened his eyes. He hadn't slept an hour, yet he felt as energized as a liter of espresso and also like he had drunk something very nutritious. In short: His belly was full and he felt fresher than ever as he lay in his warm bed. It was like heaven. But there was one thing in his mind called suspicion. Why did he feel so great? He had a hard job, was living in a small flat together with his family - his parents and younger sister - and had no leisure. Sometimes I really hate my train of thoughts, he told his mind. I should try to sleep again. Maybe I will be able to dream of that feeling again. After half an hour he decided to get up. For as long as he could remember he had had problems with his skin and had learned to live with it. But when he reached for the door to the vestibule and saw a smooth, black and holed hoof he was surprised. "That's new," was the only thing he could say before he registered what he was seeing. His eyes widened and he quickly began to inspect his body. He had lost his fur, wings spread out of his back. His tail - he presumed his mane would have to look pretty similar - was translucent, green and also holed. He reached up to his forehead and found what he was searching for, but his horn was sharp and holed too. Slowly he lowered his hoof, looked at the door for several minutes, processing what he had just found out. Concluding what it meant, he let out a bloodcurdling bray. It took only a few seconds for his family to jump out of their sheets and run out of their rooms to stop in front of his suddenly sealed door. "Vigil! What happened?!" his sister, Pearl, screamed. "What, in Celestias name, are you doing inside there?!" his father, Cracker Barrel, shouted. "Is everything alright with you?" his mother, Dawn Breeze, asked. Oh damn, what should I do? What should I do?? Calm down Vigilant. It's nothing you have to worry about. Though how late is it? The buzzer showed quarter to seven. Okay, now you're allowed to panic! No, no! Calm down. You just have to say sorry and take the next train to Ponyville. Right, that's the spirit! That was when he saw strains of fog - colored in various shades of red - coming through the door and heading for his chest. Great, now I'm hallucinating, he thought. Then he tasted hot chocolate, the strains had been faster than he thought and had reached him in an instant. It felt like drinking without swallowing and it felt great. He recognised the feeling from earlier this morning. What is that stuff?! "Dear, please open the door," he heard his mother say. "I'm afraid of the consequences, mom," he answered. After several seconds of silence Pearl said, "Come on brother. There's nothing you have to be afraid of. Whatever it is you can tell us, we are your family!" The strains of fog were growing a little bit bigger and were increasing in speed slightly. Encouraged by his sister's words, he dispelled the simple enchantment off the door and opened it. He frowned when he saw the faces behind it. They changed from worried, to confused, to shocked. "Sorry!", he yelled automatically, retreating back into his room and re-sealing the door. He had noticed that the strains from his family were shrinking and decreasing in speed. "Okay, now! You don't leave us any other choice!" With these words Cracker Barrel stepped back from the door and charged pretty much energy into his horn. He let out a blast right as Vigilant unsealed the door. Normally the enchanted door would have just sprung open when the impact hit it. But currently dispelled it was hurled through the air and hit the wall at the far end of the room. Vigilant had stood right behind it. After closing the door, he began pacing up and down the room. He eventually chucked himself onto his bed, wanting to cry. But he didn't, something had caught his attention. Was that whispering? He got up and crept towards the door. Yep, definitely whispering. He pressed his ear against the door to eavesdrop. "I can't believe what I've just seen," he could hear his father saying. "What should we do?" Pearl asked. He heard sobbing coming from another corner of the vestibule. "I think we should consult a doctor about his situation," Barrel answered. "Okay then! I'm going to the hospital now!" "No you don't! We won't draw any attention to this. And besides, I first want to have my breakfast." "Dad! Vigil is a bug! We have to do something about it!" "Maybe, but first of all we have to calm down. And then we'll be able to make the right decisions," after several seconds Barrel continued, "I wonder what we should give him for breakfast," They resorted to just giving him two bowls of potato and cheese soup, some sandwiches with diverse toppings, a plate with fruits and a cup of coffee. It all tasted pretty good but Vigil had no appetite because of the strange stuff that had come from his family. "You just could have asked me, you know?" he said when his mom and sister put them on his desk. He got no reaction, "Hey now! Don't ignore me!" Nothing. "Okay then! I'll talk to my reflection!" When he said it he thought that it wouldn't be a bad idea to look into the mirror, just to see himself properly. As he did he frowned. He looked like something between a kelpie and a bug with some obviously predatorial characteristics. He also noticed that he had lost his cutie mark, the image of two crossed sabers behind a relatively small kite shield having disappeared from his flank. "I hope the doctor finds a way to change me ba..." Something was wrong, as he spoke there was no movement. His lips remained closed! Author's Note Thanks for reading!
Second Chapter: Hang outThe Metmorphosis B e g i n n i n g s by Nightjar inspired by Franz Kafka Second Chapter He opened his mouth wide and moved his tongue, trying to produce a sound but only getting a short hiss. Disappointed he looked into the mirror with a frown. When he turned away from his reflection he looked into the worried face of his sister. He shrugged it off and went to the desk. The smell of the meal was mouth watering. He heard the door closing behind him as he levitated a Sandwich to his mouth. He totally understood why he wasn't allowed at the dining table. Who'd want to eat with a bug?They had served him so many delicious meals that he would feel bad for complaining. He took a bite and swallowed. It tasted good. But he now realized that he wasn't hungry at all. Instead he felt like he had already eaten too much. When Pearl entered the room she found that everything was left as it was except that the apples had been carried away. She looked at Vigil with a deep frown and levitated the bowls and plates out of the room, closing the door behind herself. Vigil hopped off the bed and turned to the window. The castle wasn't that far away and the guidons on it's spires flapped in the wind. He used to work there. He thought of his employment and how long it would last till they would come and ask for an explanation. By now he should have been in Ponyville to attend to the signing of a contract between his superiors and some shop - he didn't remember the name. He was once part of the Royal Navy as a Warrant Officer. He had been given that honor for being one of the best helmsmen. But that was before his parents had invested their whole savings in a travel-agency. The debts had been increasing very fast and they had had to give up after only one year. Because of that, Vigil had quit the service and found a job to help his family pay off the debts. It would take another three years to clear them. The sound of the opening door announced the arrival of the doctor. Vigilant watched the door as he listened to the steps and whispers on the stairway. Maybe I should open the door. He didn't move an inch. Some weird curiosity - not the normal kind but born out of anxiety and suspicion - forced him to concentrate on the whispering as it became louder and easier to understand. "Good morning, Doctor, how was your trip over here?", Barrel asked as he opened the door. "Well, at first, it's noon right now. And second, the hospital is only three hundred steps away so it shouldn't be called a trip. But all in all the day started off nicely and I think I can manage something like neurodermatitis.", the doctor answered. "Ah, good. If you would follow me, please?" After a few steps the doctor asked, "So what is the core of the problem here? Why couldn't your son just come over?" He could see Barrel's Adam's apple jump when he gulped. "Ahem. The reason is, doctor, that it's worse than ever. It looks outright - forgive me for the word - disgusting. We didn't want to bother anypony out there. And in case of the problem itself, well, let's just say that I don't believe that you've ever seen something like this and all the nor have my family. Because of that I called for you to come over to make sure a professional is caring about him." "I see. So what did he say about it himself? Maybe he has a suspicion as to what has triggered this situation." "That's one of the problems, sir. He hasn't spoken. It even seems that he can't. He also rejects food and has overslept! He has never done something like that." The doctor stopped walking. "Sir, I am sorry, but I am not here to fix this kind of problem. I am not a psychologist but I think you should call it midlife crisis. Or some kind of late - very late in this case - adolescence. And I would also say..." but he was cut off not by Barrel but by Pearl. "Please, Doctor! This is serious! My brother is incarcerated in that thing. We don't know if he's screaming in pain or if he is even still there! We don't know what has caused it nor how we can help him! But he needs our help and I want my big brother back!" As she said the last words tears were rolling down her cheeks. "Now, now, dear. Stop shouting and calm down. I am sure the doctor will give Vigilant back to us.", Barrel tried to calm his daughter and the sobs slowly trailed off. "We might continue walking now.", Barrel suggested after some seconds. The doctor just nodded. The rest of the way upstairs no one talked. Everything he heard were hooves hitting wood and the heavy breathing of his father. His concentration dissipated and he looked straight at the door still standing by the window. I should open it, he thought again. He moved to the entrance and was about to dispell the door when a thought struck him. What if he concludes that I'm not curable? What should I do in that case? I wouldn't be able to work any longer and I doubt that someone else will employ me. I wouldn't even be able to go guard again. Oh my. That means I couldn't earn money to pay the debts. His mind circled around these realisations and eventually came to a conclusion. I would be totally worthless. "Vigilant? The doctor is here so would you be so kind as to open the door again and let him do his job?" the voice of his father sounded from behind the door. Vigil was still caught in his thinking at this point and went on with it. I have to find somewhere else to live so they don't have to maintain me. Would they do that? Of course. Also this sounds very self-centered. Then he took a deep breath. I shouldn't make such plans unless it's necessary. I should open the damn door now and see if there is something the doctor could do. "Okay, now! You don't leave us any other choice!" With those words Cracker Barrel stepped back from the door and charged a considerable amount of energy into his horn. He let out the blast right as Vigilant unsealed the door. Normally the enchanted door would have just sprung open when the spell hit it. But, currently dispelled it was hurled through the air and hit the wall at the far end of the room. Vigilant had stood right behind it. As he regained consciousness he felt the pain from every part of his body especially from his head, but all in all it was bearable. He felt fabric so he had to be in the bed. He rose from the sheets and opened his eyes. Nopony else was there and he couldn't hear anypony outside except for the street infront of his window. The door was leaned against the wall next to the frame it originally belonged. He walked through it and into the parlor where he found his family at the dining table. Except for his father who laid in his armchair breathing heavily while the doctor took his blood preasure. Oh damn. He burnt the candle at both ends with that spell. He lowered his head knowing it was his fault. As he drew closer the doctor turned around, rose and came to Vigilant to guide him back into his room. Startled by that Vigil growled at the medic. Every pair of eyes were focused on him. Every single one showing shock. His own expression wasn't an exception. What the hell was this?! Embarrassed he lowered head and ears and headed for his room again. What was this stuff all about?! That's not me! But I also don't see why he tried to bring me back here. Just like he was trying to hide me or something. Or he thought I should stay in bed after that incident. He paced up and down the room. Oh my. I think this whole thing is getting out of hoof. Though it never was in it in the first place, I think there is some psychological stuff along with the chitin. Why am I calling it chitin? Well it fits for me looking a bit like a bug and so on. That means I might lose my identity completely and to avoid that I need something to remind me. No, that wouldn't work or would it? I don't know. However I can't even think of anything to remind me so it's kinda pointless to think about that anyway. So how about that odd feeling of satisfaction and that taste of hot chocolate? I mean it is tasty. Especially along with apples, though I don't think the inventor of candied fruits thought of this way of consumption. I think these strains are causing it but I wonder... That was when he felt a great weight pull at his legs. He looked around and took in his surroundings. Nothing. Not even the tiniest filament. Except for the ceiling lamp which laid on the floor. But why is it still on? He tilted his head backwards and what he saw led him to the conclusion the the feeling of great weight of course was caused by gravity. With this in mind he looked at his hooves - which were covered in some green gum or something like that which originated from the holes - were attached to the ceiling and nothing less. Then he fell. Hit the bed. Hit the bed. Hit the bed! Author's Note So here's chapter two. And I still would be glad about any constructive advice! Thanks for reading!
Third Chapter: Tighten the BeltThe Metmorphosis B e g i n n i n g s by Nightjar inspired by Franz Kafka Third Chapter A whimper, not his. He hadn't hit the bed as he had wished and the impact had sent a sharp pain through his spine. Similar to this thud, he heard another one right where the door had to be. Concerned, he ignored the soreness of his back and jumped to his hooves to see to the pony who had just fallen unconscious. It was his mother. Deeply worried, he lowered his head and nuzzled the cheek of Dawn Breeze to wake her. He wanted to tell her that he was alright and that she didn't need to worry. Oh, yeah, I can't talk. Forgot about that. Then something else dawned on him. She wasn't afraid of me hurting myself but of me hurting her! Me falling down in front of her must have seemed like an ambush or something. "Mum, I would never try to hurt you." No he hadn't forgotten his inability to communicate again. He just had to say something. "I know, dear", Dawn answered. Taken off-guard, he winced a little. "Y-you understand me?!" Infinite glee swam through his voice. "Of course, Vigilant. Why wouldn't I..?" That was when she opened her eyes and looked into two steel blue ponds with softly gleaming black surroundings. And huge white fangs. Her face betrayed her intention to scream and it came. High-pitched and quickly fading into wheezing. Her asthma took it's toll on her. Pure panic came over him. He didn't know what to do to stop it. It had never been this bad and if anypony else knew it only would be Pearl. Where were they all? Didn't they hear the scream?! "Help! Anypony! Please Help!" The door to the living room opened and Cracker Barrel rushed through it. Hope rose in Vigils heart as he saw his father. He looked down at his mother and reassured her that she was going to get help. Cracker Barrel took a run and shortly before he would have dashed into his son he turned and bucked as hard as he could. Vigilant flew through the air into a far corner of his room. Instinctively he jumped up but collapsed again as great pain struck through his left leg. He looked at it and a moan of pain escaped his compressed lips as he saw a bend where none should have been. He looked at the door where his father gave Dawn Breeze several medications. It caught him a glare full of disbelieve, concern, sorrow, anxiety and hatred. He thinks I caused it on purpose, he stated mentally, his thoughs empty of emotion. Is he right? »ʔ҉ʕ« The warmth of the sun felt good on his face and the ponies in the street below the apartment were beaming and enjoyed the first morning after Winter Wrap Up. He frowned. Vigilant hadn't been outside for months and even his window had been sealed. The door was long since repaired and his leg has healed rather quickly, though it still ached terribly and looked kind of wrong. His back also hurt like hell and it felt like he was carrying his own bodyweight on strong cables which cut between his dorsal vertebrae into his intervertebral discs, though he didn't know if he even had that kind of anatomy anymore. His family had been able to manage to live with him. Or better: without him. They had gotten jobs on their own and had rented out one half of the flat to some distant relatives of some noble house. They were very distant ones but still snooty enough to let everypony know. The window was his only …well…window to the outer world and so very often he occupied himself by staring out of it for hours on end. I’m hungry, I am so hungry. The foggy strings he has gotten earlier from his family had dissipated. He couldn't even think clearly. He shuffled in circles. Physically and mentally. His head was lowered and his eyes unfocused. Hooves. Walk. Pain. Shoulder. Family. Hunger. Food. Street. Window. Apartment. Family. Hunger. They had abandoned him, forgotten about him and now lived without him. »ʔ҉ʕ« Darkness. Warm, breathing darkness embraced him. The calm blanket of woven shadows draped over him felt divine. He felt like floating, while his muscles were in a state of utter relaxation. He dove deeper and deeper into the flowing, living gloom. Suddenly there was a spark, short-lived but bright. There! Another one! He followed the sparks, curious of what had caused them. The next one lingered a few seconds longer. Then a firework broke loose startling him. It was breathtaking. He suddenly realized that there was also sound. He floated forward appreciating such beauty. The melody drew him to its source. Then it stopped. He opened his eyes. He was standing in the living room. Pearl held her violin in her magic and her parents sat next to her. The two subtenants sat with their backs towards him. Odd. They looked so tall. He looked down. Oh. I’m laying on the floor. I must have crawled my way here. “Celestia help us”, he heard the whispering of an unfamiliar voice. As he raised his head he saw the two lodgers staring at him. He struggled to get onto his hooves. Then there came the screams. He turned around, not listening to the shouting behind him and limped back into his room towards the window. Something struck his mind. Not a real thought yet he took action in effectuating it. He concentrated his last resources of strength and hit the window. The glass shattered. They had only sealed the lock. He climbed onto the sill and looked over the city. It was late in the night and the lights were spread like stars illuminating the opposite of the sky. He began to think. He thought of his name but couldn't remember it. He thought of his family and saw nothing. He thought of his purpose and saw none. He thought of something good. He saw sparks and heard a melody. They were right in-front of him, just out of reach, a way leading towards them. He stepped forward. »ʔ҉ʕ« Darkness. Warm, breathing darkness embraced him. The calm blanket of woven shadows draped over him felt divine. He felt like floating, while his muscles were in a state of utter relaxation. He dove deeper and deeper into the flowing, living gloom. Author's Note FINALLYFINALLYFINALLYFINALLYFINALLYFINALLYFINALLY!!! !! ! I'm so sorry that it took forever to end this I beg for forgiveness. That's the last chapter of "The Metamorphosis" and I think I made it good. So still: If anyone has any complains just write them. That's the entire story edited to the best of my ability. Excuse me while I go jump in a ditch ~Warrior Kitten, Editor
