Happy Halloween! · 10:04pm Oct 31st, 2015
Just taking this oppertunity to wish you all a Happy Halloween and update you on my progress with the next chapter.
Long story short, life had to take priority, my coursework had to be done and my job had me on some late shifts. Anyway, the next chapter is about ready, I just need to re-read and make any alterations that are needed. As you have all been so patient with me I'll give you a preview of whats to come, bear in mind this is the 'rough cut', so there may be some spelling and gramatical errors, it may also change between now and when its published.
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Reiver fidgeted nervously in the plastic seat, really wishing he still had thumbs to twiddle if only to relieve the tension.
The waiting room of Ponyville dental practice was about what you would expect, plastic chairs, white wall, out of date magazines and a carpet that might have been fashionable in the nineteen eighties, but didn’t really hold up to modern sensibility.
He tried to focus on his breathing just like he had been taught, visualising the fear that nestled in the pit of his stomach as a gold mist, exhaling it before inhaling a blue smoke of calm. In, and out, in, and out, no matter how many times he repeated the exercise it did little to help him.
“You alright there Reiver?”
Reiver looked up at Applejack, who sat to his left.
“Not really,” he replied. “I’m trying to stay calm, but this place reminds of a doctor’s office.”
“Don’t worry partner, I’m with you every step of the way.”
That thought actually comforted the colt. He had been nervous about this visit ever since he told Applejack about his toothache. That morning he had barely spoke a word as his phobia welled up from inside him. It was only Applejacks presence that kept him from having a full blown panic attack, she kept reassuring him and holding his hoof, it reminded him of how his mother used to act when he got scared.
“When did Twilight say she would be back?” he asked.
“After your appointment,” she replied. “Don’t worry; Colgate is the best dentist in Ponyville. You’ll be okay.”
Reiver just sighed, and then returned to his breathing exercise. However, he was interrupted by a nurse poking her head around the door.
“Applejack, Reiver. Colgate will see you now,” she said.
“Time to go,” he muttered, reluctantly getting to his hooves. Applejack place a reassuring hoof across his shoulders and Reiver tried to relax as they entered the examination room.
The room wasn’t that different from those on earth, a dentist’s chair, desk and the instruments that might be required for a tooth extraction. Reiver rubbed his cheek nervously at that last part, he had to remain calm. This was not a doctor’s office and Applejack was here, he was going to be fine.
He saw Colgate washing her hooves, and was surprised to see that it wasn’t the pony he expected. The one he was familiar with was also known as Minuette, and had a blue coat and mane with white streaks, giving the impression of toothpaste.
This pony was completely different; her coat was a snow shite and her mane was toned in red, white and blue, which still resembled the toothpaste that was her namesake. Her cutie mark was a toothbrush crossed over a tube of toothpaste, this was set against a pearly white molar. She was wearing a set of blue scrubs and Reiver could see a horn poking out from her mane.
“Howdy Colgate,” said Applejack.
“Hello Applejack, it’s so nice to see you again. I trust everything is going well at the farm.”
“Darn tootin,” she replied. “Thanks again fer helping Big Mac the other day.”
“It was no problem, that type of wear and tear is typical of a farm pony. Just make sure he uses the grind guard when ploughing from now on.”
Colgate moved over to Reiver and got down to his level. She gave him a friendly smile, but all that did was make him swallow nervously.
“You must be Reiver,” she said. “I’m Colgate, it’s nice to meet you.”
Reiver, remained silent.
“He’s afraid of doctors,” explained Applejack. “This place is making him a bit nervous.”
“Ah,” she replied. “Don’t worry Reiver, there’s nothing to be afraid of. I’m just going to take a look at your teeth.”
“And pull one out with a set pliers,” Bedlams voice echoed in Reivers mind.
“Not helping”, he hissed angrily.
Taking a deep breath, he came out from behind Applejack and stood in front of Colgate.
“…hi,” he practically whispered, as all his energy was going in to remaining calm.
“Hi,” she replied. “Applejack said you’re scared, it’s okay, everypony gets scared now and again. You don’t have anything to worry about; it’s just a simple operation. Once that tooth is out, you’ll feel much better.”
Reiver remained silent; he really didn’t want to be here.
“If you would like to take a seat, we can get started,” said Colgate, gesturing to the dentist’s chair that seemed to embody most of Reiver fear. He swallowed hard, why couldn’t he keep a lid on his feelings, back home he might still have been scared of the dentist, but at least he could control himself so that it didn’t interfere with his appointments. But right now he could feel himself shaking like a leaf in a storm. Maybe it had to do with his sudden change from man to colt, he simply didn’t have the maturity to keep his feeling in check anymore.
Right now it didn’t matter either way; he wasn’t going to leave until that rotten tooth was out. With a look up at Applejack, who smiled reassuringly, he took a seat.
“Don’t worry, we don’t use needles anymore,” said Colgate, lighting her horm. “A simple spell is all we need to apply an anesthetic.”
A white glow enveloped his lower jaw, numbing it effectively.
“It works wonders on little colts that are afraid of needles,” she replied.
Reiver just smiled nervously, he had to remain still, but that was like asking a puppy to stop chasing its tail. It wasn’t until he felt Applejack hoof on his own that he felt even the slightest measure of calm.
“Don’t worry Partner, I’m right here with you.”
Reiver looked at her gratefully before turning back to Colgate, and paled at the sight of several dentistry tools in her magical grip.
“Okay then, open wide for me and we’ll have that tooth out lickety split.”
“I can’t do this,” he muttered.
“Don’t worry mate, I’ve got this,” replied Bedlam, then Reivers world went white.
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Oh Celestia and Luna. What is Bedlam up to now?
3511035 You'll have to wait to find out
In all honesty its not The. Worst. Possible. Thing!
3512270 But... I hate to wait!
Argh, why do I have to wait?!
I want to see Reiver go completely loco. 