> The Wolf of Equestria
>  by MrAquino
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Work
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another day, another paycheck from rounding up carts. That's what I always say to myself… next to "you're gonna get a new job soon.". Working at Walmart, doing the same job for over 7 years, makes you start wondering what's even the point. Car broke a year ago, so going anywhere without my roommates or family is near impossible, and I'm unsure about Lyft and Uber. But it was near 12, just getting back from lunch, to head back outside to an empty bay, since management, or "team leads" as they call themselves, don't send anyone outside. But I passed through our loading bay, where the store gets their supplies, hearing the beeps of forklifts backing up, chatter about the latest sport event, and some music blasting on a radio.

"Hey! You!" Oh, Team lead. They probably want to tell me the bay is empty. I turned around to face them. Never paid attention to them, since they only stay for a month.

"Yes?" I replied.

"The bay is empty, and we need you back outside immediately."

"Ok… care to tell me what's new?" They took a deep sigh. I love being a smartass with them. My sort of payback for being treated like crap.

"Just get outside."

"Can do." I turned around, getting back to what I was going to do. But… something was off. I can only guess, but during my short chat with the team lead, one of the forklift driver's phones rang… normally no one was allowed to be on their phones, let alone answer calls. But he did just that, went to answer it, but maybe they had butter fingers, because they dropped their phone. Instead of focusing on what's ahead, they reached down to pick up their phone. They drove not only faster, but veered off to the left, crashing into the shelves… the one that I stood by. I stopped as I heard a loud clang, followed by some stuff falling. Because of the sudden jump scare, I looked to the metal shelf and looked up. A huge box fell. I didn't even had time to react, or scream, only darkness. 
> The change
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Am I dead? That's the question that only rang in my head. Well… ok, more than that. My head was throbbing. Something definitely hit it, so I guess I'm alive. But next to a headache, and my vision being blurry, everything about me just felt… off. But I heard the sounds of other people around, and what sounded like a train… maybe someone switched to some train ASMR? And my nose… I smelled… muffins? Did someone bake muffins?

"Are you ok, sir!?" The voice of a woman asked. She sounded a bit louder than I expected … probably the person who drove that forklift. 

"I'm… I'm ok…" I replied, rubbing my eyes with my right hand. My fingers felt off as well; not only did they feel hairier, but my fingernails were sharper. In fact, my face felt different, not just hairy, but was it a different shape? "Ma'am… was I in a coma? I feel so…" my vision began to take shape, but I stopped and stared at what I'm witnessing. From being a blob to form, sitting in front of me was a pony! But not any pony; Derpy from My Little Pony: Friendship is magic! I recognize the grey coat, her blonde mane & tail, and those eyes… the large, wonky eyes. But not just that, instead of being in the back of my Walmart, I was in a train car, with what appeared to be the desert passing through. I was sitting down on a seat instead of laying on the floor. The Pegasus before me looked very concerned.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hit you on the head like that." She picked up a travel bag. "Here's your luggage, Mr… um…" I stared at her. 

"... This has to be a dream." I blurted. "I'm gonna pinch myself, and I'll be back home." I did just that, using my right hand to pinch my left arm. The sting was there, but so was the feeling of my left arm being much hairier than usual. What the hell was going on!?

"Oh no, I hit you that hard, didn't I?" Derpy simply said, looking very ashamed of herself. "I-I'll leave you be, Mr. Wolf."

"Wolf!?" She left, leaving me alone. Various other ponies watched her leave the train car, a mix of glaring daggers at her but also sympathy for me. I stood up, the uneasiness feeling taking over. 

Looking down, I was wearing brown loafers, and my usual shorts were now grey pants with a darker vertical line pattern. Of course, I hate to admit it, but I'm usually large, with a belly, but now, I was really skinny, and wearing a white dress shirt under a blue polo shirt with black suspenders holding my pants up. The fact I was wearing different clothes, and having lost weight, is enough of a scare, but seeing my arms different practically made me jump! My arms were usually hairy, but now they were covered in bluish-grey fur! And my hands… they ended with claws, not my usual fingertips. Touching my head made me realize that my ears were now on top of my head, and it was much softer than before. Looking back, a large and fluffy tail hung over my rear, sticking through a pre-made hole through my pants.

I began to panic as I looked out the window and practically screamed at the sight of my own reflection! I was no longer a human, but a wolf! Not just any wolf, but… Legosi from Beastars? My face now ended with a muzzle, and I had cream fur over my face that led down to my neck and, assumingly, to all the way down my chest. I opened my mouth, and practically all of my teeth ended with sharp looking canines. I couldn't help but verify it all as I touched my face and teeth, indeed feeling the fur and sharp canines. 

"Is he alright?" I heard a foal whisper, my right ear twitching.

"Who asked that!?" I asked, turning around. A foal in the far end cowered, hiding from me. But then my nose started twitching as I smelt something. Something… was burning. Something was on fire. Oh shit! "FIRE!!! FIRE!!!" I screamed, running to the source, opening a door! "GET OUT! THERE'S-" I opened the door and entered the front of the train's coal room. A stallion with a shovel just stared at me, looking confused. "A… loose coal." I picked up a piece of coal near my foot and tossed it in his pile. With a nervous smile, I backed away and left the room. But in the car I was in, I heard whispers from everyone.

"That pony really did hit him hard, didn't she?"
"Has he never been on a train before?" 
"Is he going to act like this at his stop?"

I blushed from my public embarrassment, ears going low, head lowered, and tail between my legs as I headed back to my seat. It just occurred that as a wolf, I now have both sensitive hearing and smelling… guess that's what the muffin smell was when I woke up. Taking my seat, I took a deep breath, needing to calm down. Perhaps I can text one of my parents and-... oh wait… no phones. Crap. Wait! Check Legosi's luggage! I opened the travel bag Derpy handed me earlier. Inside was extra clothing, pretty much expected, but inside, stacked on the clothes, was two pieces of paper. I grabbed the first one and quietly read to myself.

"Dear Mr. Legosi,

We are proud to have you, on behalf of Capper Dapperpaws, to join us for Twilight Sparkle's New School of Friendship here in Ponyville! We ask you to bring what you'll need as you'll be living with us in one of our many dorms on campus. We've sent you a schedule for the classes you'll be attending daily, but also the clubs we hope you'll join and enjoy. We hope you enjoy your stay, you learn something, and, most importantly, make new friends and memories here.

Sincerely,

The Council of Friendship."

I picked up the other piece of paper. Yep, it was a schedule. Breakfast from 7 to 8, Math from 8:15 to 9:15, History from 9:30 to 10:30, a lunch break at 10:30 to 11:30, a cooking class from 11:45 to 12:45, and then English at 1 to 2. But below were some clubs, notably circled, probably by Legosi, was the drama club and study club. Well… if it's going to be like high school all over again, I better keep the schedule and look over it until I get the locations down in about a week. But… I still don't get what happened; did I die at Walmart and now I'm Legosi? Did Legosi die and I took over? And is this actually Beastars Legosi, or, since this is Equestria, what are some of the differences? Wish I had read the Manga or watched the anime… or had a phone to get in touch with my friends. But, I guess I'm alone now. Maybe I can find a way home? After all, anything is possible in Equestria, so I can find a way home.
> Welcome to the School of Friendship
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Next stop: Ponyville!" The voice of a stallion announced as the train began to slow down. Seems this was my stop. Everything was back in the bag, except for my schedule. The train came to a complete stop, and the doors opened. I stood up and took a deep breath, walking outside and onto the station, alongside a few other ponies, going in and out respectively. The train left in a few minutes and I stood alone, out in the open… the letter didn't say anyone would meet me, looking back. Guess I have to go there myself. Not a biggie. I picked up my travel bag and began to head towards Ponyville. 

To say I stuck out was a huge understatement. I never really thought about it, but I towered over everypony. If I remember correctly, someone online did some math involving an eight foot tall candy cane and Scootaloo, leading to the result that a good majority of ponies are four feet tall. As for me, even back home, I was pretty tall, a bit over six feet tall, and I guess as Legosi, my size has remained the same. A lot of ponies were shocked and slightly startled at the sight of me, and I can't necessarily blame them, with a towering wolf walking around… even if I was nice wearing clothes. But I was more focused on finding the school, and what better way than to find the eye sore that was Twilight's castle? And just like me, it was easy to find, being huge and shining bright compared to the rest of the more peasant-like buildings.

I stopped at the crystal castle's steps, turning around to get a good look of Ponyville. It was… well, rather peaceful, actually. Normally, I'd just be focused on my job and rush to get the bay filled while a dozen customers stand in the bay, waiting for me to bring in the carts, as if I'm a sort of expert at carts and bring in only the best. In fact… if I am dead back home… Call me cruel, but I want to see the looks on their faces as they've lost their only competent cart pusher outside and have to work outside in the heat of Arizona summer. And I didn't stop to realize just how nice it feels outside. Even though I am covered in fur, it's not overwhelmingly hot like back at home, but a nice warmth… a kind of warmth that's asking me to enjoy a nice glass of lemonade. 

My left ear twitched as I heard someone approaching. I almost jumped back as Twilight Sparkle stood next to me! I recognize the purple Alicorn with the darker shaded mane & tail, complete with a lavender stripe. Being this close and personal, however… Even though I towered over her, my heart was beating rapidly. She looked at me, a bit inquisitive. 

"... Are you Legosi?" She simply asked.

"Um… y-yes, ma'am." I hesitantly replied, handing her my schedule. Her horn glowed with it's purple aura, taking a look over. 

"Oh? I didn't know you were into drama. Rarity's going to be thrilled when you come tomorrow."

"T-Tomorrow?"

"It's a Sunday, Legosi, you'll be starting tomorrow. I hope you didn't have a hard time finding my school." I couldn't help but look back at the castle.

"I figured it was going to be around here, ma'am."

"I do like an observant student. But can I ask you a question?"

"Um, sure. What is it?"

"Why are you wearing clothes?" I couldn't help but give her a blank stare.

"Because… I'm comfortable with clothes on." I don't know if I went naked, then I'd be like everyone else or expose myself. Twilight, luckily, nodded.

"Whatever helps you feel comfortable. But please, let me show you where you'll be living for the next semester." She led the way. I followed her, easily catching up. My eyes looked around, seeing some of the other students around, chatting with each other, but looking at me with complete shock and fear. It's getting a bit annoying already, but I guess I'll have to get used to the fact that I'm a terrifying, super tall wolf. But at least the dorms are a bit in the middle, easy access from the courtyard. Twilight opened the second door to the left and gestured for me to enter. Looking inside, the room was fairly homey looking; a pair of desks sat side by side on the right wall, with a bunk bed on the other, with a lamp and an alarm clock on a stand next to the beds. Besides a few cabinets, framed pictures, a round carpet in the middle, and a mirror between the desks, the room was fairly empty. I walked inside, setting my bag down to the side. 

"Hmm… Sandbar must be helping Applejack for extra credit." Twilight said.

"Extra credit?" I asked.

"Every Sunday. Students who help get extra credit in her classes. But please, make yourself at home, and I am glad you've arrived, Legosi. Welcome to the school of Friendship." She turned and left, the door closing almost immediately. I was now alone. Ever had the feeling that arrives where you ask yourself 'is this really me'? Multiply that at least three times as I stared at myself in the mirror, getting a better look at what I am now. Being in Legosi's body, seemingly taking over… it felt wrong. Though… I am kinda curious about what's under the shirt. I unbuttoned the blue vest first, tossing it to the bottom bed behind me, slid the suspenders off from my arms, where they dangle to the side, my pants being held by a belt buckle I hadn't noticed. The white dress shirt was stuffed into the pants, so I took it out before undoing my tie, throwing it to the bed, and unbuttoning the dress shirt. I didn't look at myself as I took off the dress shirt, throwing it to the same bed with my other clothes, feeling my fur being able to breathe in the air. But as soon as I looked in the mirror… Holy shit… I'm sexy as hell now! Though I was now skinny, I didn't know I was also ripped! And the cream fur coloring of my face and neck went down my entire chest, going down to, and more like past, the belt region, making my abs stick out even more. I couldn't help but gawk at the sight of my bare chested self now, using my claws to feel my own muscular, furry chest. I was in so much of a trance with myself that I didn't notice the door opening.

"Um… what are you doing?" The voice of a certain young stallion asked. I stopped and turned to the door, seeing the very light green coated stallion with a cyan mane and tail. Standing behind him was Yona, the Yak; the mostly brown, slightly taller but definitely bigger than Sandbar, Yak. There was an awkward pause between all of us, though Yona seemed to be trying to hold back her laughter. I blushed hard as I regained my composure.

"Oh, uh, hello there," I began. "I was… um… looking for some fleas. I was itchy and wanted to be sure I didn't have fleas on me."

"Oh. Did you find any?"

"Nope! Just a few… tangled hairs." I gave a very awkward smile as I hunched over, giving him an open hand/claw for a shake. "My name's Legosi, and I'm gonna be your roommate for this semester." Sandbar looked a bit skeptical at first… guess my smile wasn't exactly working. But he accepted my hand, shaking it with his hoof.

"Pleased to meet you. I'm Sandbar, and that's Yona."

"Yona didn't know wolves could talk." The Yak said. 

"Uh, well-" I began to speak, but was interrupted by someone else. 

"A wolf is here!?" The excited shriek of Silversteam spoke. The third door to the right opened, and the pink hippogriff with the sky blue mane & tail flew right into my room, getting quite uncomfortably close to my face. I literally backed up as she got closer. "Whoa! That is so cool! Do you know Capper? Ooh! Are you related to him!?"

"Oh, uh, pleased to meet you, Silversteam." I said, back against the wall.

"Ooh! You know my name already!?" Oh shit. "I knew my cousin and Capper became friends on that day! She must've told him about me, and he told you about me!" Nevermind.

"A wolf!?" The scared voice of Ocellus spoke, rushing in. "Oh no! We need to warn princess Twilight about this and-!" She entered the door frame, but stopped as she saw me. Past Silversteam's face, I saw the arctic blue shelled changeling with a sort of transparent red mane & tail. Another door opened, with more footsteps.

"What's this about a wolf?" The raspy voice of Smolder asked. Appearing in the door frame was the orange dragon with a yellow underbelly, purple spines from her head, and a pair of sharp looking horns on the side of her head. She looked at me, rather unimpressed though. "Eh, he's tall, but I can still take him on." The final person entered from the entrance. Walking in was Gallus, the blue Griffin with a cream underbelly, but yellow tipped feathers on his head. He sipped away on a juice box, entering the small crowd.

"Hey, what's up?" He simply asked before seeing me. "... Did someone turn into a werewolf?" I gently pushed Silversteam back, and she took it well, backing away and standing by her friends. I really do tower over them.

"Hello, pleased to make your acquaintance." I began. "I don't think Twilight told any of you, but I'm actually a new student here. I'll be bunking with Sandbar, and… well… let's get this over with: ask me a single question each, and I'll answer it as honestly as possible."

"Do you howl at the moon?" Silversteam asked.

"No, that's regular wolves."

"Where are you from?" Sandbar asked.

"Klugetown."

"Are you going to join any clubs?" Ocellus asked. 

"I'll… probably join the drama club and the study circle." 

"You know how to fight?" Smolder asked.

"I… tend to avoid the need to." 

"Do you have any plans after graduating?" Gallus asked. 

"Um… well… no… I haven't, actually…"

"... Does wolf have family?" Yona asked. I had a blank look on my face. Not only was I away from my family, but did Legosi actually have a family?

"Uh… I'll get back to you on that later." I half truthed. "But at least you know a thing about me now." I let out a long yawn. "But I'm feeling pooped. It's best if we go to bed for class tomorrow."

"But it's the afternoon." Sandbar spoke.

"It's travel fatigue." Ocellus spoke. "If I'm correct, Klugetown is pretty far from Ponyville, at least a few hours by train." 

"That's what happened to me!" Silversteam added. 

"Yeah, and it's a long day for me tomorrow," I replied. "Gotta know where the classes are and check out the clubs." I let out a long yawn, stretching a bit, cracking my back in a process. "I'll see you all tomorrow in class."

 I closed the door, picking up my travel bag and sitting down on the bed. I wasn't entirely truthful about being tired, but looked through my bag, checking them out. So far, it was more or less the same clothing I wore, save the exception of a red, long sleeve shirt, some white shirts, and a few pairs of gym shorts. Just enough clothes to last for a week and a half. I quickly stood up and took my shoes and socks off. Just like my hands, my feet ended with sharp looking claws, and were covered in fur. But I was quick to take off my pants (luckily, I was wearing underwear), and changed into the gym shorts, and one of the white shirts, making this my improvised pajama set. And though I wanted to be alone, I laid down in my bed, pulling the blanket over me, even if my feet did dangle at the end. I don't think Twilight had anticipated any students that would tower over her, and not saying she should have, but my eyes became heavy, and I fell asleep. 
> A dream.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

My eyes slowly began to open as I heard what sounded like classic music playing in the hallway from a phonograph. And my nose twitched as I smelt something freshly cooked and baked; turkey and pie. Was breakfast served door to door? Or was this an elaborate prank? But as soon as I smelt the delicious food, I was wide awake, sitting straight up. My eyes were quick to adjusting in the dark, as I was in the middle of an empty room. Gonna guess it's a prank… but I couldn't resist the smell, as my mouth began to drool. Almost instinctively, I got up to the door and opened it.

On the other side of the door was a dining room, decorated in maroon drapes from the ceiling, with what appeared to be hints of gold around the edges. Right in the middle was a moderately large table, properly set, with a cooked turkey in the middle. The turkey… I could smell it… the aroma… I… I must feast! 

"Hmm… easy to lose control, are we?" An unfamiliar woman's voice asked. I shook myself. What just happened!? I turned back to see the door I had entered was gone. Looking back, the table was empty, but sitting on the other end was a mare wearing a dark cloak, but also wearing a sort of mask you'd see at a masquerade. Her coat was white, as was the long horn on her forehead, and the wings on her sides, and her mane was blood red. She shuffled various cards in her hooves. 

"Um… hi…" I began. "I-"

"Have many questions?" She finished for me. "Oh, I know. I know everything you've asked when you first arrived here, Legosi. Or… as you're calling yourself now." I tried to open my mouth, but felt myself being pushed by one of the chairs, taking a seat right in front of her. "There's no need to speak, I've seen your life before; from your birth, all the way to right now, where you're working outside in the summer heat of Arizona for Walmart, who treat you more as a mule than a real person. Are you dead? Well, it all depends really. Is there a way to get back to your original body? Yes, but that's up to you when this is all over."

Her horn glowed as she held up a glass of wine, taking a sip from it. 

"I apologize, I should've introduced myself. My name is Faust, one of many, to be exact. Here, you can call this my home, or as I call it, the meeting room. Typically, we Fausts gather here to share stories of what happened in our own worlds, but at least one has this place to herself, so you're very honored to be here. This place, and myself, exist between dream and reality, mind and matter. But please, let's take a look into your future, shall we?"

She placed three cards in front of me, before, without any warning, appearing behind me, almost making me jump. 

"Do you believe in fortune telling?"

I wasn't sure, but in Equestria, it's very much possible.

"Hmm, very interesting answer you have. But let's find out, shall we?" 

I was uneasy, but followed her words. I carefully flipped the first card to my left over, showing a castle being struck by lightning.

"Hmm… the tower in the upright position represents the immediate future. It seems a terrible catastrophe is imminent. But what is next?"

A terrible catastrophe!? But I just got here! Nervously, I flipped the next one, showing a Cresent moon.

"The moon in the upright position. It represents hesitation and mystery… very interesting indeed. So you'll meet a misfortune soon, and a great mystery will fall upon you."

Are we sure this isn't a joke on me immediately? I already had a misfortune and I'm already having a mystery of what happened to me and is happening to my body right now. But with one last card in front of me, I flipped it over. It was an old man with a cane in one hand, holding a lantern with the other.

"The hermit. Upright as well. This represents self discovery and understanding! Seems this adventure will help you understand yourself at the end of it all. Seems you'll most likely grow up as well." 

"... this is interesting and all," I finally began to speak. "But… why did you pick me? I think there's someone better that you could've picked."

"Oh indeed, but this wouldn't be interesting to show to my fellow Fausts. But we will meet again soon, and hopefully, without you getting a bump on your head. Ta-ta for now."

"Wait, what do you mean by-?"

RING!!!

I jerked myself awake and bumped my head on something hard. The impact made me groan in pain as my eyes opened. I was back in the student room, and I had just hit my head against the bottom of the top bed. The ringing continued as I turned to see the alarm clock had gone off. Reaching over, I pressed the top, making the ringing stop. With a groan, I sat upright on my bed, head feeling a bit swollen now. Was that all a dream? But if not… what danger was heading my way?

"Woah, you ok, Legosi?" Sandbar asked. I looked up to see the young stallion was already up, most likely seeing me hit my head against the bottom of the top bed.

"Yeah, I'm ok." I replied. "Just… had a weird dream."

"Really? What happened?"

"... It's not important." I stood up, stretching with a long yawn. "Oh boy, first day of school."

"And a bright day for us all!" Sandbar walked out of the room, though slowly closed the door. "I'll be outside, ready to give you a tour after you get dressed."

"Yeah, yeah. I'll be with ya in a sec." He closed the door. I turned back to the mirror, looking back at my reflection. Upcoming danger? What could that mean? And why did I act like that in front of some cooked turkey? That delicious smelling cooked bird… probably slowly baked… all mine…

I shook myself again, and swore that my reflection glowed for a second. ...Did it? My stomach grumbled. Ok, let me get get dressed, get some breakfast first, and attend my first day of school. 20 year old guy in the body of a teenage wolf in what's essentially an academy… yeah… this is strange. Wait… what I did last night… oh God! This felt way creepier! Hopefully, I can find a way out of this body and get back to my own.
> First Day of School
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I followed Sandbar around for a small tour of the entire school ground right after getting breakfast; a bagel with cream cheese and an apple. It wasn't exactly great, but knowing it's ran by only seven ponies and a baby dragon, I can't exactly complain.

"So, what do you think of the school so far?" Sandbar asked.

"It's… alright." I answered. "If I remember correctly, didn't this school shut down because… how do I say this… some of the students weren't ponies?" Though I knew the answer, I should show some interest.

"Yeah. Neighsay and the EEA didn't appreciate what Headmare Twilight was doing. He didn't believe creatures can be friends with each other and ponies."

"Right… well… this school is supposed to help teach friendship to others. But what if they already have friends?"

"Oh? And who are your friends?" 

… Crap! He got me there. And I don't think any I'd my real friends back home can work. "Uh… I mean, not me, but metaphorically speaking, what then?"

"I think you need to ask headmaster Twilight about that." As soon as he finished that statement, he bumped into another pony. They were a mare, around Sandbar's age, a Pegasus with a mint coat & feathers, and with a fairly long violet mane & tail. 

"Oh! I'm so sorry, Sandbar!" She spoke, catching some papers that fell to the floor. Sandbar stood up, shaking himself off.

"Oh hey, it's no problem. I was just showing our new student around the place." The mare looked up at and gasped, pretty close to screaming. I just stood back, giving a bit of an awkward wave with an equally awkward smile.

"Uh… hi." I simply greeted. The mare hyperventilated a bit. Sandbar gently nudged her towards me.

"Soaring Virtue, meet Legosi. Legosi, Soaring Virtue."

"He's a- he's a- he's a-" She stammered.

"... A wolf?" I spoke. She promptly let out a scream and booked it, leaving a small trail of papers. "... Who was she?" 

"Oh… sorry about that," Sandbar apologized. "I guess it's because you're a bit… well… scary looking." 

"Ya think?" I leaned down to pick up one of her papers. They looked like Math questions. "... Is her first class math?" 

"Uh… yeah, I believe so." The bell rung overhead. "Oh! You know the way to get to your first class?" 

"I should." And if he's right, I should follow her scent if I got lost… that sounded creepier now that I'm saying it.

"Come meet me outside of the school to get a tour of Ponyville!"

"Uh, yeah, sounds nice." I started to head towards the classroom, picking up the papers Soaring had dropped.





I entered my first class, and sure enough, sitting down in the front seat was Soaring Virtue. She looked at me and seemed startled to see me enter the same class with a few others. But I think me approaching her made her look like she was going to have a major panic attack. 

"... You dropped these." I simply stated, carefully putting the papers in front of her. She looked very much surprised and confused. "I… uh… I'll let you be." I turned around, but nearly jumped at the sight of a particularly famous pink pony. 

"Ooh! A new student!" She spoke, rather excited, pretty much disappearing and reappearing everywhere around me. "Oh! Are you Legosi? Or is it pronounced Legoshi? She or see?"

I didn't know whether I was saying his name right. "Um… either is fine, Ms. Pinkie Pie." 

"Oh! That's great to know. And I see you gave Soaring Virtue her papers back. You're such a charmer." I blushed.

"N-no, I was just doing the right thing. That's all." She laughed at that.

"Oh I know. And that's an important step in friendship. But please, take a seat right… there!" She pointed to an empty neat next to Ocellus. "But before you do, please, tell the class your name and something interesting." I turned to the classroom looking at me. Oh boy, school anxiety coming right back.

"Uh… h-hi. I'm Legosi… or Legoshi, however you want to say that. And… uh… I'm a wolf." There was a delay, but a small applause. A sigh of relief came as I sat next to Ocellus. 

"Alright, class, so today, we'll be going over-" Pinkie presented her subject, though my attention came to Ocellus.

"You joining the study circle?" The changeling asked in a whisper.

"Um… yeah." I answered. 

"Oh good. I need a study partner really badly."

"Well, that's good, because I may need all the help I need to pass some subjects." 

"Ahem!" Pinkie spoke. We both sat up and looked at her before she went back.

"Be here on Thursday?" Ocellus quickly asked.

"Yes." I simply answered.





History class rolled along, and inside was Sandbar and Yona, both sitting next to each other, with the teacher this being, very surprisingly, Spike the dragon.

"Hey, Legosi," Sandbar said, "how did your first class go?"

"It was… ok." I answered. "But how did you know that mare, exactly? Soaring Virtue, I mean."

"Oh, she works at my dad's restaurant."

"... Wait… your dad has a restaurant?"

"It's great!" Yona intervened. "Great place to hang out! Next to Sugarcube corner."

"Um… what's it called?"

"The Coconut Grill!" The stallion and yak answered simultaneously.

"Oh… that… sounds interesting. Is that you wanted to show me, Sandbar?" 

"Yeah, and others." He replied.

"Ah… well, I would like to see the town as well." I kinda already got the layout of the place from the show, but again, I want to at least seem to be new here and lay low a bit. But this Coconut Grill does sound new, so I'm a bit intrigued at least.

"Wolf look strong." Yona commented on me.

"Uh, what?" I asked, looking down at myself. "I mean… I'm probably stronger than most folks here, but-"

"Wolf should join Yona tomorrow."

"... Uh, ok… but where-?" She placed both of her closed hooves over my snout, shutting me up. 

"Not in front of Sandbar."

"Aww, come on, Yona," Sandbar playfully whined. "You always go missing on Tuesdays."

"It secret." She simply replied. Ok, this got me a bit intrigued… maybe I will join with whatever Yona is doing tomorrow. 





Lunch had arrived, and though I could see Sandbar sitting by the other creatures, I wasn't sure if I could just sit down and join in whatever conversation they were having. So just like back home, I just sat by myself and enjoyed my meal; a grilled cheese sandwich with a cup of mixed fruit. Though my ear was twitching, I overheard a conversation from another table. 

"So, did you try it?" A young stallion asked.

"Uh, no!" Another replied, "That's just an old mare's tale."

"No, it's real!" A mare said. "I looked into my reflection that night as well, and my reflection said it wanted to be an author."

Looking into your reflection at night? What were they on about?

"You sure it was midnight?" The first stallion asked. "Because any other time, and it fails."

"That's also the other reason why I'm not doing that silly game." The second stallion replied. "I'm not going to stay up until midnight just to supposedly chat with my reflection to learn what I really want."

Hmm… a chat with your reflection to learn what you really want? I'm… a bit hesitant about that… does it work on other days or just Mondays? … Bah! What am I thinking? That's probably some satanic shit like Bloody Mary or using a Ouiju board. But my mind was taken away as Soaring Virtue approached me, looking a bit scared. 

"Um… is this seat taken?" She asked. I just shrugged and gestured to the table.

"Take a seat." She complied, sitting in front of me as I took another bite from my sandwich.

"Hey… uh… about earlier…"

"Yeah?"

"... Thanks… and I'm… well, sorry about that."

"... Eh, you're not the first to act that way around me." Probably untrue for Legosi if he came from Klugetown, but very truthful for me back home.

"Oh… I uh…" She took a bite from her sandwich, leaving us in awkward silence. 

"... Sandbar's taking me to the Coconut Grill after school."

"He is?"

"Yeah… what's it like over there?"

"It's… ok…"

"... Doesn't exactly sound promising coming from you." 

"N-no, it is, I'm just… well, a bit anxious, that's all." 

"Because you're with a wolf who stands twice as tall as everyone?"

"... Yeah." We continued eating in silence, though I finished first, standing back up.

"Well, I hope tonight will be better, and the rest of this school year."

"Oh, yeah, same as you." 

Though I left, I swore Sandbar was giving her the bedroom eyes. … Maybe I was seeing things, but I should probably ask him about his opinions on Soaring when we're alone.





Thank God Lunch happened because there was so many smells in Applejack's outdoor cooking class. And who else was in my class but the two birds themselves, Gallus and Silversteam. Though I'm starting to question if Faust is behind this since I'm assigned with them as my partners for this class.

"Hey! Legosi!" Silversteam spoke. "Have you ever done any baking?"

"... I've cooked before," I answered "but I'm not much of a baker."

"Ooh! And have you ever done meditation?" 

"Um… where is this going-?"

"She wants you to join Fluttershy's meditation circle on Wednesday." Gallus blurted. 

"Gallus!" Silversteam yelled. 

"What? That's what you were doing. And I say he's more of a Buckball player than a meditation."

"... And when is Buckball?" I asked. 

"Told ya. It's supposed to be today, but coach Rainbow Dash is feeling a bit ill today."

"... Well, I'm not much of a sports guy, nor a meditation person, but both sound intriguing, so it can't hurt to try." And it would probably help with credentials… wait… why am I thinking of this when I should get back to my real home?

"Hey, that's sweet!" Silversteam spoke. "We're gonna have a swell time!"

"Don't Jinx it already." Gallus commented.





Last class, and it was English, taught by Rarity, and I was next to Smolder. Though, unlike the others, she didn't even tried to talk to me at first.

"Oh my!" Rarity began. "Mr. Legosi! I did not realize you're so into drama."

"Uh… pardon?" I asked.

"Oh, Mr. Capper sent me photos of you "expressing" your love for the act." I'm a bit scared now.

"He did?" 

"He didn't tell you? Well, I'm glad he did, and might I say, you look… special with that make up and dress on." Wait, what!? 

She then showed me a folder with not only written information, basic things like age, height, weight, ECT, but my eyes were caught on some photos of m-er-Legoshi in a pink dress with make up on, making… him looking like a drag queen. To say I was shocked was an understatement. I know that in early times, only men could perform, so if there was a female character, then they'd dress up as a woman, usually also wearing a mask. But to see… me… in that… and giving a sultry look to the camera… I needed a moment. Too bad my moment was ruined by Smolder snickering, seeing pictures of me in a dress.

"You sure look pretty with that dress." The dragon snickered. My cheeks blushed as I quickly hid the photos back in the folder.

"Smolder," Rarity spoke in a stern voice. "It's not nice to laugh at someone's hobby and express their love for the fine arts. I think you should also join Legosi this upcoming Friday, if not, so I don't dock you points." Smolder's expression went sour.

"Ugh, fine, I'll attend… not like I've got anything better." Well… this is going to be interesting… I just hope she doesn't  somehow show anyone those photos.





As soon as class had ended, walking past the various ponies and fellow students, I met up with Sandbar at the school entrance.

"So, how was your first day of school?" He asked, leading the way.

"It's… alright." I answered, following him. "Lots of folks asking if I'd be interested in joining their clubs and after school activities."

"Well, yeah, if you're gonna be here, you may as well try things that interest you." 

"Not saying you're wrong, but I usually just head home, do my homework, and eat dinner before going to bed."

"You never wanted to try anything?"

"I did, but couldn't; both of my parents were busy with work, so my brother and I had to come home immediately." He stopped and looked at me with a surprised look.

"You have a brother?" Oh shit! Did Legosi have a brother?

"Uh… yeah. He… didn't want to join… for… a job!"

"Oh? What does he do?" 

"He's… a fisherman. He catches fish for a living." I just smiled and prayed he believed it.

"... Sweet! I hope to meet him one day." Thank the lord. He continued our path. "I hope Soaring Virtue is there today." 

"You really do seem to like her." 

"Yeah! And she totally likes me!" 

"And why do you like her exactly?"

"Uh… she's pretty."

"So you're attracted to her because of her looks?"

"Well… she's also nice to me."

"I mean, from what I've seen so far, everyone seems nice to each other."

"... You've never been in love, have you?"

"No, but I've been hit on before by other people." High school memories… I never got those guys names, and it took me too long to realize they were hitting on me. "Let's just say it felt really weird."

As Sandbar said earlier, he gave me a tour of Ponyville, and like when I first arrived, ponies were shocked and a bit frightened to see a towering bipedal wolf walk around town, even if I was wearing what I believe to be a school uniform. Sugarcube Corner, Carousel Boutique, that Quills and Sofas only store, pretty much all of the landmarks from the show are presented to me. But last was The Coconut Grill, right next to the Ponyville pond, but just a bit away from the town. It looked like a classic beach shack, with some Tiki statues as the pillars, with various fishing nets and surf boards decorating the outside walls. Sandbar entered through the door, and I followed, though unlike back in school, I had to kneel down to enter. Gonna safely guess that Twilight's doors are tall for Celestia, and these people don't expect royalty to enter at all. But the interior really did read something like a bar, with some tables around inside, with most seats being stools around the bar area, but most of the seating being outside on a large dock with enough space for a stage. A few ponies were inside, drinking from coconuts, and I can smell the flames and... fish… meat…

"Yo, welcome to the Coconut Grill," the voice of an old, surfer sounding stallion spoke, shaking me out of that phase. Is this going to happen all the time? Anyways, my attention went down to see, indeed, an older looking stallion. He had a green coat with a sky-blue mane tied up into various dreadlocks, really selling that laid back beach bum look. "Yo! I ain't seen someone like you before! You new around here, man?"

"Hi dad!" Sandbar spoke, approaching his father. "This is one Legosi, one of my new friends in school."

"Woah… you've got, like, a talent for befriending, like, non ponies, Sandy." Sandbar blushed.

"Dad, not in front of my friends." Sandbar's dad turned to me.

"Sorry, the name's Beach Bro." He extended his hoof out. I reached over to shake it.

"A pleasure to meet you, sir. And this is a fine place for you." 

"Thanks, man. And hey, since you're here, you wanna try some of our Coconut shakes and fish sampler?"

"YES!!!"I barked, making everything quiet. I quickly covered my mouth. What the hell did I do that for!? "I mean… yes, please." I quickly followed Sandbar to our seat, lowering my head and ears, quite embarrassed for what I did. 

"You alright, bud?" Sandbar asked. "Is this normal?"

"Uh… n-no… I mean, I'm fine, but that wasn't normal. I…" I took a deep breath. "Look, I'm gonna be honest, I don't know what's happening to me. It's really hard to explain, and even if I do, it's gonna sound fake."

"I'm listening. Go ahead." As he said that, Soaring Virtue approached our seats and handed us our Coconut shakes. She had a smile, but it looked rather forced… maybe it was for Sandbar, since he didn't notice and just waved to her before focusing back on me, taking a sip. I took a sip from my drink as well. Very creamy and sweet… almost like drinking Vanilla ice cream, almost.

"Well… it happened last night. I was approached by this mare-"

"Princess Luna?"

"... No. Different mare, actually. She was white and-"

"Oh! Princess Celestia." 

"... No. Can I finish?" Sandbar nodded apologingly. "Anyways, I was approached by this mare with a white coat, with a red mane that wasn't waving." I stopped, anticipating another interpretation. Luckily, Sandbar didn't. "Well, I was in this room, a sort of ball, and it was like she could read my mind, and had a fortune telling me."

"... You were approached by a fortune teller?"

"You can say that. She got some tarot cards and said that some disaster was coming soon, and it was a mystery, but it would lead to self discovery."

"That sounds ominous." 

"Yeah. But the weirdest part was… was…" my nose started to go off as I smelt something delicious approaching. Freshly cooked… steaming almost… meat…"

Small pony sat the plate down. Fish… cooked fish… large quantities… mine! MINE!!! Ponies scream! Don't care! It's mine! Feast! Feast for myself! Fish taste good! Fish is weak! Fish is food! Food make me strong! All are-

Squeak!~

… Ball!?

Squeak!~ Squeak!~

A BALL!!! BALL!!! BALL!!! BALL!!! Baby pony have ball! Throw for me! Throw ball!

Squeak!~

Run run run! Catch! Bring it back! Give ball back! Throw it again! Throw ball again! 

Squeak!~ Sploosh!~

Chase chase chase! Jump! Dive for ball! Ball for baby-!

Splash!!!~

… What the hell just happened to me!? I was underwater, with something in my mouth… it felt important. I swam right back up to the surface, seeing a crowd had formed on the dock of the Coconut Grill. Why were they looking at me? And why do they all look scared?

"Puppy got ball!" A very young foal spoke, looking a bit like Sandbar in coloring, but with some pink in her mane. 

I grabbed the thing I was holding in my mouth. Wait… I jumped into the lake to catch a ball? But I also felt a bit full… last I remembered was seeing the fish sampler and… Oh. Fuck my life. I could see Sandbar looking very embarrassed at what just happened, even sneaking away. I… I gotta get away as well. I very quickly swam to the nearest shore, shaking myself as dry as I could, and just booked it! Didn't stop for anything! Just ran back to the school, running past everyone, not even caring if I was still wet or not. Ran right into my dorm and slammed the door! 

Did I just seriously lost control of myself? Everything was a blur. Is this going to happen a lot? When Faust said about the upcoming disaster… Am I the cause of it? I hope not! But if I am?... No! I have to prevent this! I have to keep these… instincts in check! And it was in the Coconut Grill! Sandbar wouldn't tell anyone about this. … Would he?
> First week of school
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Tuesday 


Before School


Welp… everyone knew what happened. Someone during my breakout had taken photos and made it the big story of Ponyville's local newspapers. There was a bit of a split between students looking at me with fear and others mocking me, some even saying if I'm interested in playing catch. God, why did I do that!? Or better yet, what was Legosi doing before I took over? And I can just see Sandbar holding his head down, ashamed that not only did he show me around Ponyville, but we're roommates and in the same dorm. I'm… not gonna try to talk to him… not now… maybe later… hopefully this whole fiasco dies soon. 

"Legosi," the news announcement spoke overhead. "Please report to Headmare Twilight's office." Shit. Well… better get it over with. I really didn't want to, but I don't want to get into more trouble than I already am.






I sat in front of Headmare Twilight's desk. She looked rather disappointed in me. There was a brief silence between us as I tapped my fingers on my knees.

"Do you know why I brought you here?" She asked.

"Y-yes." I answered.

"Capper never told me you'd act like that. Care to explain why you did that?" Ok, I can do this. I took a deep breath.

"Twilight… I don't know what came over me. But I should've told you this when we first met; before arriving here, I had an accident." Twilight cooked an eyebrow at me.

"An accident?"

"Yes. It was an accident, but I was knocked on the head from something heavy and was temporarily unconscious."

"... was it by someone you knew?"

"No, ma'am. It was a grey pegasus with a blonde mane & tail, and with wonky eyes." She thought about it but smiled. 

"Ah! The mailmare. That makes perfect sense. I've had a few encounters like that." Her smile disappeared as she went back to being serious. "But are you going to blame her for your actions?"

"N-no, ma'am. I am very sorry for what I did. I promise I'll keep this in check and not do that again." She looked at me deeply.

"... Consider this a warning, Mr. Legosi. But if anything happens..." I stood up and gave her a respectful bow.

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you very much." I turned to leave.

"Legosi?" I stopped.

"Y-yes?"

"... Please attend Fluttershy's meditation circle tomorrow after school."

"Ah… I actually have been planning to join since yesterday." I gave an awkward chuckle before leaving.


After school 


The classes were a near completely different experience from yesterday. Everyone was whispering about me. But I swore, Soaring Virtue looked the most uncomfortable around me. Were my actions really shocking? And Sandbar looked the most embarrassed around me in class. Guess he didn't want anyone to know he took me to the Coconut Grill yesterday.

I was walking back to my dorm but stopped as I heard something rustling in a nearby bush to the left. Turning, it was obviously Yona trying to hide in a bush. If her horns didn't stick out, then the rest of her, admittedly, huge body would. 

"Psst!" She whispered, trying to get my attention.

"... Hello?" I replied, playing along.

"It Yona."

"... Yes… I can see."

"Follow Yona, wolf. But don't look obvious. " She stood right up, ripping the bush out of the floor, side stepping and stopping every now and then. I don't think anyone was going to fall for her disguise, but I made a promise to meet her yesterday, and I'd like to avoid a rather awkward conversation with Sandbar. With her leading, and me following, stopping every few seconds, it took a while for us to reach the back area of the school, and to another lake that was behind it. It was then Yona ditched the bush, shaking off the various leaves and twigs. 

"So… what's the point of this-?" I didn't get to finish as Yona rapidly ran to and headbutted me in my chest, flinging me back and into the trunk of a tree.

"Hmm… Wolf should've been faster to react." I let out a wheeze.

"Why… was that for yesterday…?"

"Not really. Yona wanted to see if Wolf is strong and fast. Wolf doesn't seem so, but is tough."

"... How?" I could only cough.

"Wolf not crying."

"... oh goodie…"

"Yona awaits Wolf's attack." I got up, feeling my chest sore.

"You want me to fight?"

"Yes."

"But… why? Why not get Smolder or Gallus to do this?"

"Dragon and Griffin busy with studying. Wolf is available."

"... When you said to meet you, I didn't think you'd want to fight."

"Yona need something to bash. Yaks best at smashing, but not great at holding back. Yona think Wolf great partner for bashing. Is Wolf good basher?" I stood up straight.

"It's been a few years since I've gotten into a fight, and even then, I don't remember anything but some teachers telling my parents I went Happy Gilmore on some other students." Yona looked at me with confusion.

"What's Happy Gilmore?" Oh… right… 

"It's… an expression in my home. But I'm not gonna fight you, Yona. You seem like a nice gal, and I don't want to hurt you."

"Yona can handle anything. Yaks tough." I don't think she's gonna let this down.

"... Fine… but give me a moment." I took off my vest, then suspenders, and my overall top clothing off, followed by my socks and shoes. Couldn't help but stretch and crack a few of my bones, making me look and feel a bit like this was going to be an old school action movie scene. And it was followed by me doing a bit of a kung fu pose, something John Claude Van Damme would do, with a motion of my right hand to tell Yona I was ready. She understood and charged at me immediately. Prepared now, I readied myself and properly grabbed Yona by her horns, being pushed back by a bit, but my clawed feet acted like cleats and held me in the sand. It was a bit of a stalemate for a few seconds, until I began to move forward, walking ahead and pushing back Yona. She didn't take that well, and pushed back herself. 

"Gonna… give… up…?" She strained. 

"Ladies… first…!" I replied. Yona then shook her head rapidly, throwing me off and crashing into the sand. She then started to shovel me with her horns, rolling me across the sand, literally steamrolling me for a few seconds before stopping. I wanted to puke as I tried to regain my vision from all of that spinning.

"Ha! Yak won this round, wolf!"

"... Hooray for you." 

"That very fun! We should do this again next week!"

"... Can I at least put on my different clothes then?"

"If Wolf think it'll help, Yona want Wolf at best." She's sounding a lot like Goku from Dragon Ball now.

"Thanks… I'll just rest here for a bit…"






Wednesday 


All I could hear was something running through a forest and some sort of growling. Only thing I could see was the vague shapes of trees zooming past through a red bloodshot vision. But whoever I was looking through, it ended with them jumping into an opening, and pounced on… me. I could only scream as it ended fast.

I woke up with a mix of cold sweats and pants. Everything was normal as I was back in my room. Sandbar above was grumbling, but still asleep. Ok… it was just a dream… but it felt weird. I checked the alarm clock; it was practically midnight. … Hold on… didn't some folks say something about talking with your reflection at midnight? I mean… I probably should go back to sleep… but that dream… It felt pretty weird. Maybe… you know what? I'm gonna be a bit safe.

I got up and walked to the mirror on the other side of the room. Looking outside, it was fairly dark, with a bit of a storm brewing. But looking back at my reflection, I looked at myself in only my pajamas. Still attractive there, Legosi… or me… whatever. 

"Hi there, reflection." I jokingly began in a bit of a hushed tone. "I… hope this actually isn't some satanic shit and you come out of the mirror, but… what do I actually want? I… well… went a bit wild a few days ago, and I was curious… if that's what I want? Is that it?" I stared at my reflection for a bit. Silence. Heh, it's nothing. Crazy ponies. I rolled my eyes and turned around.

"Join me…" A whisper spoke, making me stop. I turned back to see my reflection, but my reflection… it wasn't in the same position as I was in. Rather, it was still standing there, but… now covered in what I could only believe was blood, and it's eyes… they were glowing red… in a really menacing manner. My heart was beating rapidly. Is this legit!? My body was shivering as I turned around to see my literal bloody reflection. 

"What the fu-?"

"Join me…" My reflection spoke in that voice, reaching out. Ok, this I not going well… but I continued walking to my reflection. What the hell was I doing!? This is how people die in horror movies! And I'm going to it!!! "You seek the truth, don't you? What do you really want?"

"... Y-Yes." WHAT THE HELL AM I SAYING!?!?!? RUN!!!

"Then come into our realm. What we really want."

I… reached out into the mirror. Rather than feeling glass, it felt like I stuck a finger through a puddle, but it wasn't wet, and there was an open space on the other side. The bloody reflection went away, back to my normal self. My hand was inside, and nothing was pulling me inside. I could literally just walk right in and-

CRASH!!!

A sudden bolt of lightning made me jump and scream as I backed away from the mirror, crashing into my bed. My sudden loud scream made Sandbar wake up, and he wasn't happy about it.

"Legosi!" He yelled groggily. "What the hay are you doing!?"

"My reflection!" I stammered. "I-it was alive! It was covered in blood! He told me to join! And I stuck my hand in the mirror! And-!"

"Ugh… Legosi, stop, please, it's bad enough that you went wild after the first day of school, but now you're insisting your reflection is alive."

"It was alive! And I stuck my hand in the mirror!"

"... Yeah… go back to sleep. Stop acting crazy." 

"I'm not crazy! I'm not! I'm… I'm…" God… am I crazy? Did that seriously just happen? I looked back at the mirror to see myself sitting on my bed. What was that? I… I need some rest, really badly. But first… I just need to cover that mirror up. I quickly put a shirt over the mirror before heading back to sleep.


After school.


It was a rather long day at school. The classes felt longer, and I think Yona told Sandbar what we did after school yesterday. He seemed rather concerned, until Yona said how she beat me. Sandbar looked embarrassed for me. I can't really blame him, but I didn't want to hurt Yona. I just hope this doesn't spread like the incident back in the Coconut Grill.

Anyways, I headed to the center of the school yard, right in the open, seeing  Silversteam with Fluttershy and a few other students. I easily recognize that yellow pegasus with a long pink mane and tail. She looked a bit startled seeing me.

"Oh my… you must be Legosi." She said.

"Yep. That's me." I replied, taking a seat next to Silversteam. The other ponies scooted away from me, though Silversteam was just fine with me. 

"Twilight told me you did plan on joining us."

"I asked if he'd like to join, professor Fluttershy." Silversteam spoke up.

"Yeah… she told me I should join." I said.

"Well that's great to hear." Fluttershy replied with a small clap to her hooves. "Most of us are here because we're at the halfway point in out weekly schedules, and are feeling a bit stressed out, and this is where we can relax and meditate. Have you ever done meditation before?"

"... Not really." I answered. 

"Well, I'm glad you can join us." She pulled out a tray from behind her, with a tea set prepared, freshly brewed. "A simple cup of green tea works wonders. But let's begin, shall we?" She handed us all a cup of warm tea. I could smell it… and it was… pretty relaxing, actually. "Now, clear your mind, and follow my directions…" I took a deep breath, readying myself to follow her instructions.

"Slowly relax your bodies… and close your eyes. Let's take three deep breaths. Breathing in deeply. Breathing out softly. Breathing in, feel the expansion. Breathing out, relax and release. Breathing in… and breathing out. 

Slowly open your eyes and hold your tea in both hands. Be aware of the warmth of the cup traveling to your palms. Bring the tea close to your nose and take a gentle inhale. Feel the aroma enter your body. Take a small sip and bring your attention to the way the liquid swirls around in your mouth. Does the tea taste earthy? Floral? Or grassy? Keep your awareness on the inside of your mouth and your palate. Be mindful of the warmth of this tea. Be thankful for this warmth.

Now, take a second sip. Keep your focus on the way the tea feels in your mouth. Its taste… its warmth. On your next exhale, let go of any stress and tension in your body and your mind. Let go of the need to analyze and to think. Just try to be thankful for this moment that you've taken for yourself. Be grateful for your body, for your mind, and for your being here. Try to be aware of how you feel at this moment. If you feel tired, embrace that. Accept how you feel right now with no judgement. Maybe even try to bring a small smile to your lips.

You might practice this mantra: May I be safe, may I be happy, may I live with ease and contentment. Let's take a third sip of your tea. Feel the way it interacts with your mouth. May the warmth of this tea relieve the wariness of the heart. May it relax my tired body. May it bring me joy. Try to find happiness in this stillness."

Wow… I'm… at ease… her calming voice just got to me. Maybe it's because of my animal Half, but I feel balanced. I can vaguely remember what happened at the Coconut Grill. I was stuffing my mouth with fish, growling at everyone… Everyone was scared. But Soaring Virtue… she screamed and dropped something. I leapt from my seat and ran towards her on all fours. But I stopped as I heard a ball drop… that foal… the one who called me puppy… she dropped the ball and stopped me. Had it not been for her… I opened my eyes and stood up. 

"Oh, Mr. Legosi?" Fluttershy spoke up, a bit taken back. "We're not finished yet."

"I'm sorry, but I have to see Soaring Virtue." I said before sniffing the air. Past the tea and the other students around, I caught her scent. Following my scent, it didn't take long for me to find her, standing at the opposite end of the hallway. She looked pale after seeing me, as if she had seen a ghost. Or more fitting, a monster. She quickly turned and walked away rapidly. I followed her.

"Hold on! Wait!" I spoke up. Her walking soon turned into a trot. I picked up the pace. Her trot soon turned into a run, and into a full on sprint. "Wait! Slow down!"

"Go away!" She yelled, tears running down her eyes. She turned left and ran into a room, slamming the door. I stopped at the door and tried to open it. Locked.

"Soaring! Please, come out."

"I SAID GO AWAY!!!" I can hear her sniffing loudly. 

"Soaring… look… I came to apologize… for what happened… I… I didn't know what came over me… and what I did… and what would've happened…" I took a deep breath, stepping away from the door. "You don't have to forgive me. I'll stay away from you as far as possible. Just… don't take it out on Sandbar… he didn't know if I would act like that. I… I'll leave you be…" I began to walk away, but stopped as I realized she was in the boy's bathroom. "Oh… and… you probably didn't know… but you're in the men's restroom…" I began to scoot away. "Just a… heads-up…" I walked away with another deep breath. I doubt this will be any better tomorrow or the next few days, but, as they say, time heals all Wounds. I could hear the bathroom door opening slowly, but continued walking away. Don't want to make this any worse than it was already.







Thursday.


After school.


Fluttershy's tea meditation helped a lot, since I felt better in the morning. Some things were off of my mind and chest, and I think I can make things better. But I knew I still needed help with certain math problems. Sure, I might've passed honors college algebra and trigonometry back in high school, but that didn't mean I remember everything. Gotta work out the rusts and kinks from not using it anywhere for a long time. And luckily for me, the study circle was in the library. … Kinda wish I had a cellphone though. 

Ocellus sat across from me, looking over a book over the history of Equestria. We were testing each other's history of Equestria.

"Ok," She began. "What were the original six elements that made the elements of Harmony?" I cleared my throat.

"Strength, bravery, healing, beauty, hope, and sorcery." 

"That's… correct! You're much smarter than I expected, Legosi?" 

"... Because of that incident on Monday?"

"Um… n-not really. But… well… can I ask you a question?"

"You just did."

"... Legosi…"

"Fine. Just as long as I ask you one in return."

"Well… I'm not trying to be rude… but has anyone in your family acted like that?" I raised an eyebrow. "I mean, if you go for so long without meat, do you go… well… feral?"

"... it depends. Before Changelings became good, did you start to-?" She covered my muzzle with her hooves.

"Uh, please don't bring that up, ok?" I removed her hooves from my mouth.

"So when you ask me this, it's alright, but if I ask you about the past, it's too sensitive?"

"It's… complicated, ok? And I'm sorry for bring that up."

"... Alright. I apologize for bringing up your past. And I say it's also complicated; I got hit on the head before arriving here and don't remember anything that happened." 

"Wait, really? You don't remember ANYTHING from your past?" 

"Well… it's complicated."

"But you have excellent memory over the history of Equestria. Could it be… are you actually someone from a different world that took over Legosi's body and are trying to live his life through a lie?" An awkward silence fell between us. Did she figure it out!? Well… maybe not. She started to laugh at her own assumption. "PFFT!!! Nah, that's too ridiculous, even for me."

"Hehe… yeah… that'd be ridiculous." 

"Well, Parent-Teacher conferences are here next month. Hope you remember everything about your family by then." 

Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit! What do I do by the time that arrives!? What the hell do I say!?

"... Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell!" I blurted.

"Oh… you answered next question." She said, "Are you psychic?"






Friday


After school 


Tests… they're always the worst. Multiple chests are both the best and worst things. For the former, there's a chance the answer is in the next question, and you can get lucky with your answers. The latter… You tend to wonder if the people who made these really love to make students have a panic attack if the answer is C multiple times. The worst has to be the written tests though, at least to me. You have to write your answers and explain it in detail. Wish I could just say "you know why" and be over with my answers. 

But that's all of my tangents from the school day. I entered Rarity's classroom, seeing the marshmallow unicorn with other ponies, and Smolder standing against the wall, arms crossed, not wanting to be there. Won't lie, I used to be part of drama club back in middle school, and a bit of high school, but the latter stopped because both of my parents were too busy, and since I didn't had a smartphone back then, I'd end up waiting over an hour just to get a ride back home. Hmm… I am starting to miss having a smartphone now, thinking about it. 

"Oh! Right over here, Mr. Legosi!" Rarity announced. We're about to start some exercises first." 

"Exercises?" I asked, approaching the club. "Like stretches?"

"Oh nonono! Mental exercises. In fact, Smolder, come along dearie." 

"Ugh…" Smolder groaned, joining us.

"That's better. But come, everyone, this will be fun. We'll be playing a game called…" her horn glowed blue as she pulled out one of Applejack's various hats with some pieces of paper in it. "Scenes from a hat!"

"I know this game!" I blurted aloud. Oh boy! I'm feeling so giddy! Whose Line is it Anyways has to be one of my favorite shows! 

"Oh!? That's excellent, Legosi. In fact, you and Smolder can join together and demonstrate to everyone." All of the other ponies backed away, giving Smolder and I some space. "Now, I'm going to take a scenario you all wrote out of this hat, borrowed by Applejack of course, and our two darlings are going to act them out. Let's begin..."

Rejected clubs.

I took a step forward.

"Hi, welcome to the shedding club." Rarity dinged a bell. Smolder took a step forward as I stepped back.

"Welcome to the not caring club." Ding. 

"Glad to see you in the fully clothed club." Ding.

"Thanks for joining the fire club." Ding. 

Things Applejack does when no one is looking.

I promptly acted like no one was watching before opening a fake cupboard and pulling something out. "Mmm… pears…" Ding.

Smolder copied what I did. "Mmm… banana…" Ding.

The Scariest thing you don't want to see at night. 

I just stood forward, not doing anything. There was a mix of uncomfortable laughs. "Relax, it's comedy."





The rest of the club was more or less another class, but at least I had fun with it. I think Smolder also had fun herself, albeit, she didn't exactly want to show it. Luckily, it wasn't boring, and I think it was much shorter. And hey, the weekend was arriving, so no school tomorrow. But… what to do? Wait… do I even have money? Maybe I can find a job tomorrow? But… where?

I decided to travel into town, looking for a place I can work for part time. At the very least, with some money, I can get myself something to eat, or do something like going to the movies or the arcade. But walking through town, something felt… off. My nose twitched and I snuffed the air. Something was burning… it smelt like the engine room in the train. But… there's no train here, and I vaguely smell coconuts… The Coconut Grill!!!

I sprinted ahead to where the Coconut Grill stood. As I saw, the place was on fire. Sandbar stood by his parents, both covered in soot as some ponies were trying to put out the flames. 

"I'm a bad mother," Sandbar's mom said. "I'm a bad mother."

"You're not a bad mom," Sandbar said. "You made a mistake." 

"Where's Coral Currents and Soaring Virtue!?" The father asked. My ears rang as I could faintly hear it; the crying and coughing of a foal. A baby was inside. The smoke and heat is too much for them. They need help! I… must protect!

RUN! Run through window! Hot! Everywhere, heat! Eyes, blinding. Ears, twitching. Baby… coughing. Where baby!? Sniff air! Smoke, heavy on nose. Caught baby! Search! Search! … found baby! Small, fragile, needs help. And other pony. Other pony... 

I shook my head as I found myself somewhere else. Wait… I'm inside the Coconut Grill. And… oh shit! I'm in the middle of the Coconut Grill as everything is literally burning to the ground! But looking down… wait… it's that foal… the one that called me a puppy… and Soaring Virtue… she's looking up at me with heavy eyes. Wait… what the hell am I standing around for!? I gotta get them outta here! I picked up the foal first, but I also had to get Soaring out of here. With no real option, I carefully placed the scruff of the foal's neck in my mouth, getting a grip but also not hurt them. I picked up Soaring Virtue with both arms. She's a bit lighter than I expected, but still heavy. Looking back, I can see our exit. Adrenaline hit me hard, as I booked it out of there! My eyes were getting heavy from the smoke, and I couldn't properly breath, but I ran out into the opening, just moments before the entrance caved in.

A hospital wagon rolled right up, with some ponies coming out with a stroller. I quickly placed Soaring Virtue down to the stroller, whose eyes opened, seeing my silhouette in the dusk sky. But in my mouth, I pulled the foal out of my mouth and turned to see her face. She was silent. My knees gave in as I fell to them. No… nonono! Was I too late!? Why did I stop!? I might've saved Soaring's life, but-!

Cough! Cough!

The foal's eyes opened as she got a good look at me.

"... Puppy." She simply said. 

My heart… I'm so relieved. I wasn't late! She's alive! And my tail! It's… it's wagging! Is this what pure, unadulterated joy feels like!? Everything didn't matter! It was just me and this foal!

"Legosi!" Sandbar shouted. "You… you saved my sister!" I turned to him and back to the foal… yep, I can see the similarities.

"I… uh…" I stammered before putting her back to the floor. She tripped a bit, but ran a few laps around me.

"Puppy! Puppy! Puppy!" She cheered. Sandbar's mom approached me, tears running down her eyes. Didn't realize being on my knees made me see eye to eyes with ponies, as she lifted one of my hands with a hoof.

"Th-thank you so much." She teared up. "You're such a good boy."

"... A good boy?" 

A good boy… I'm a good boy. Good boy. Love it! I good boy! Happiness! Treasure feeling! I good boy! Announce to everyone!

"I'm a good boy! I'M A GOOD BOY!!!"

Run through town! Announce to all! I good boy! No be scared! I good boy! See moon! Howl! Howl for all to hear! I good boy!





I don't know what happened. But I felt great about it! I felt on top of the world! I was back in my room, laying on my bed. Looking at the clock, it was nearly midnight again. I looked back at my reflection… the shirt I covered fell off, and I saw my bloody reflection again. He stood there, and motioned for me.

"Join me…" He simply spoke. I stood up. I may feel on top of the world, but I needed to do this. 

"Ok… you can do this." I spoke to myself. I walked to the mirror and stood in front of it. My bloody reflection dissipated, going back to my old self. Like before, I stuck a finger in it, and it went through; it wasn't wet, but an open space on the other end. With a deep breath, I went in head first, taking a step in, not stopping. 

I entered what looked to be a forest. It was dark, with no real source of light around. I could only vaguely see a path, past the various foliage. Already entered this… mirror dimension, so I may as well continue onwards. My heart beated pretty rapidly as I had a case of the cold sweats. I heard a snap of some twigs behind me. Time to run! I sprinted through the forest as something chased me! I ain't gonna stop! Not one bit! Follow the path until… is that light?

I ran through and entered the lit area. It was a bit of a clear opening, surrounded by trees. Wait… this felt familiar… then I heard it… growling from the trees. Followed by something jumping. I turned to see something leapt at me. I screamed as it pounced me. With a left hand, I grabbed it's throat, keeping its gnashing maw away from my face, with drool slobbering all over my face, as it's claws tried to reach for me. 

"Get… off!!!" I yelled, delivering a hard right hook. It got off with a whimper as I got up. But seeing it now… it wasn't a thing… it was… me. It was my bloody reflection, eyes glowing red, snarling at me. But the most strangest detail is that half of his body was cracked, like a mirror if it was shattered, with some missing pieces. We both went in a circle. "Wait… you… who are you?"

"... You know exactly who I am." His voice sounded like mine, but… I couldn't find a more cliché word… evil. 

"N-no. I don't."

"You don't remember? You do though. When that Faust showed us that turkey. When you think of meat. The Coconut Grill incident. You lost control of yourself because you just want the delicious flavor of meat!

"Wait… that's you!? Wh-who are you!?" He chuckled.

" I told you... I'm you! Your reflection. More specifically, your instincts. The thing you've tried to regress for so long, to give up what we are; a carnivore!"

"Wait… you're… my instincts? And I've regressed you for how long?"

"Don't you remember? Ever since you were just a pup, you wanted to be like those ponies. You ignored me for all of your life, staying away from the fish markets and any place with meat. But now… now you see all of that training is all for nothing." He began to laugh maniacally.

"Wait… you're probably only half of my instincts then! If you're my instincts, then why did we save that foal's life!?" He stood silently, followed by his eyes turning blue.

"They were young and weak." His voice changed to something that was more selfless. "No one young should suffer to be like that." his eyes changed back to red. "And it's not fun! The thrill of the hunt is what we seek and you know it as well!"

Trying to remember a few things about wolves… maybe I can… aim them? 

"Wait… you said you want the thrill of the hunt and to eat meat, right?" He went straight to my face.

"Yes..." He drooled.

"Uh… well… you're right." He looked a bit shocked. "Yeah, ponies do eat meat. Granted, it's not explicit. If you saw what I saw, then you know it's nothing explicit. We haven't seen them kill a cow or pig, but we did see fish, right?"


"... Correct."

"So… how about this? If they serve meat, I'll be sure to get some. Sounds good?"

"... But what about the hunt!? We need to hunt!"

"Ah. There's a good answer. I know that Ponyville is near a forest, the Everfree Forest. How about… I think it's today, right? Every Saturday night, we can go out and hunt any animal we see. Does that sound fair?" 

"I… it sounds good...but what of the others in this place."

"Ok, simple rules to follow. Anything that can talk like us, isn't to be eaten. If they have an animal with them, don't eat them either. And most importantly… Let's remain calm. I don't want to lose control of myself, even if it does feel good."

"... You've rejected us for a long time. Why are you accepting us now?"

"... I got hit in the head. Even you should know that." My reflection stood there, but smiled, not in a menacing way, but in a friendly way. The cracks on his body disappeared as they glowed, floating in the sky, and going into my chest. It wasn't painful, but I felt... whole. Like, I was missing a piece inside of me. 

"Who are you?" A voice asked. I turned to see who it was, but felt myself being jolted out, back through the woods, everything going away and consumed by light. 
> First Saturday
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun hit my eyes, making me wake up. I felt groggy waking up. Looking around, I was back in my room, but I was on the floor. My back felt a bit bad, but I mustered the strength to get up. Looking outside, I was met with the familiar grey, dopey eyed pegasus, making me jump back in surprise.

"Package for Mr. Legosi!" She said, holding a small package to me. 

"Uh… thanks." I replied, accepting the package. My ears twitched as I could hear a ruckus happening on the outside of my dorm room. The door opened and Sandbar entered, pushing the door shut with some cameras flashing.

"Dude!" He yelled. "You're the most popular creature in Ponyville right now! What you did yesterday…!" He jumped in cheer, giving me a hug. "Sweet Celestia, I'm best friends with the coolest guy ever!" I gently pushed Sandbar away. 

"Heh, calm down, man. I just did the right thing without thinking." I looked back at the package Derpy gave me. With a simple cut from my claw, I pulled out some white headphones. Huh… weird. But inside was a note.



A treat for a good boy.

-F



Huh… guess she saw everything. But how did it work? I was a bit skeptical, but I carefully placed the headphones over my ears. Guess I shouldn't have been so surprised, but like magic, in a magical world, it turned on, with some catchy, yet relaxing music. I knew what I should just do today. No need to change at all as I just opened out of the door and walked out.

The music was able to mute out the world for me, as various ponies tried to get my attention, very likely asking me why I did those actions, and if I knew who burnt down the Coconut Grill. But I wasn't alone as Sandbar tagged along, getting the attention of the news ponies, unintentionally becoming my distraction. 

Out of the school zone, I jammed out to the music much more, everyone on the streets was surprised to see me walking and not paying attention. Well… I was paying attention, but heading to the hospital. If anything, I'd like to see Soaring Virtue, and see if she was alright. And I will say, walking to areas while jamming to music probably made me move faster, as I entered the hospital doors, seeing Nurse Redheart, the white unicorn with a pink mane in a bun. It made sense for me to take off my headphones.

"Um, hi." I began. "I'm Legosi, and I'm actually here to see Soaring Virtue."

"Hello, Mr. Legosi," Redheart greeted. "I'm sorry, but only family members and close associates can see her." Ah… should've figured that.

"Well he's with us." Beach Bro spoke, having entered the front office, alongside his wife and their baby daughter. "We're here to, like, see if Virtue is okay."

"Puppy!" The foal announced, reaching for me. 

"Ah, well, as long as Legosi stays with you, it should be alright." Redheart replied. The doors opened as Sandbar rushed in, practically chased by the paparazzi as well.

"... Hi guys." He said with a sheepish smile. I rolled my eyes. Seems I'm gonna have to be interviewed by these ponies. 

"Please, if you follow me." Redheart spoke, leading the way. Our group followed.

"So…" I began, trying to talk to Beach bro. "About what happened on Monday…"

"Relax, man." He replied. "What happened, happened. But what happened yesterday, that's all that matters, y'know?"

"I… guess so…"

"But you did go a little wild after what my wife told you." 

"... I did?"

"Were you never called a good boy before?" Sandbar's mom asked. Wait… I remember… weird… on Monday, it was a blur, but now I remember it as clear as day.

"... Oh! That! I'm sorry, it was… a lot. I just saved two lives and… well… I was full of adrenaline, ma'am." 

"Huh… that was weird of you. But now little Coal Currents can't get enough of you." As she said that, I felt a tug at my legs. Looking down, the foal was pulling at my pants.

"Puppy! Puppy play!" She announced. I couldn't help but pick her up.

"Later." I simply replied. "Just not now." She let out a little pout. 

We entered a room to see Soaring Virtue on a bed, breathing through an Oxygen mask. She was very surprised to see me, but didn't move… maybe paralyzed out of fear, or told not to. Everything was fairly quiet but the beeping of her Oxygen, and the various ponies walking by with their chats. Redheart walked ahead, checking her notes.

"We're actually very surprised to see her making a fast recovery." Redheart explained before looking at me. "Had you not saved them, then she could be here much longer. Or worse." Soaring looked confused. I awkwardly waved at her with Coal Currents in my left arm. Sandbar approached her.

"Hey, Soarin," he began, speaking with some swagger in his tone. "Perhaps when you fully recover, we can go see a movie." She rolled her eyes. Yeah, smooth, Sandbar. There was a bit of a ruckus as we heard someone moving out of the way.

"Outta my way!" The gruff voice of a stallion yelled. 

"Sir! Please!" A staff member replied. "You need to wait before-" the door swung wide open as a large stallion entered, having Soaring Virtue's coat and mane colors, albeit, a bit darker, and was an earth pony. He gave a cold death stare at everyone in the room, but mainly to me. 

"Sup, Large Bouncer." Beach Bro greeted. 

"Don't you dare greet me like that!" The other stallion hissed. "Where's my daughter!?" 

"Um… there, sir." I pointed. Coal Currents began to whimper from this guy's hostility. He looked to his daughter, then to me, standing on his hind legs and cornering me against the wall. 

"I don't care if you saved my daughter's life or not, if you go anywhere near her again, I'm gonna skin you and wear your fur like a coat, y'here?" Coal Currents began to tear up a bit. I could understand wanting to protect your daughter, but this is a bit too far… What an asshole.

"Understood." I growled a little bit. We stared down a little bit. He backed off.

"Good. Now get out. All of you!" I took a deep breath as I walked out, bouncing Coal Currents in my arm.

"Mean." She simply said.

"Yes, he's certainly mean." I replied, turning to Sandbar. "What's his problem?"

"Him?" Sandbar asked. "Other than being an overprotective dad? He owns another restaurant across town."

"Another restaurant?"

"Well… more like a bar." 

"Ah… booze…" I was never a heavy drinker. Very rarely did I drink, typically only on my birthday or a very special occasion. My attention was met with a small crowd of journalists, all taking pictures of me, next to Sandbar, holding his little sister, and his parents walking in from the background. This was gonna be annoying as I handed Sandbar his little sister. "Here's your sister."

"Wha- hey! You need a right hoof stallion!" Sandbar turned to his mother, handing Coal Currents to her. "Sorry, mom, duty calls." He followed me as I exited the hospital, getting photos taken from almost every angle. It really did felt like a movie scene where someone is getting many pictures taken on the spot, and just like them, I was temporarily blinded, hearing all of the questions.

"Mr. Wolf! What did Large Bouncer say to you?"
"Mr. Wolf, why are you so tall?"
"Mr. Wolf, do you have rabies?"

Guess they didn't know my name and asked me by this title of 'Mr. Wolf'. Can't lie, being called Mr. Wolf does sound a bit cool, though, I should probably answer some questions. Clearing my throat, I gently pushed back a microphone in my face and spoke.

"Uh, hi, my actual name is Legosi, with a 'see' or 'she' at the end doesn't matter." Sandbar jumped ahead.

"And I'm Sandbar, Legosi's best friend!" 

"Uh huh. Well, to answer some quick questions, what happened a week ago was me on my worst behavior, and I heavily apologize for it. I'm doing everything I can to make myself better and more well behaved. As for what I did yesterday, I only did what I believed was the right thing to do, and got a bit excited because I wasn't complimented before."

"But what did Large Bouncer say to you?" One of the interviewers asked.

"That is between us, and only us." The crowd got closer with more pictures as I strolled through, asking more questions about that chat. "Large Bouncer is inside, meeting his daughter. Ask him when he comes out." I put my headphones on and walked away, listening to the music, muting the outside world. I can only guess that Sandbar took over and started talking about how awesome I am. But for what I should do… Other than get away from the crowd, I should head to a more quiet place. But where?







Time flew as I found myself near Sweet Apple Acres. Apple trees were everywhere, and each had a bundle of sweet looking apples to boot. My stomach growled a bit. Never realized how hungry I was. Maybe Applejack wouldn't mind if one of the students took an apple? 

I positioned myself in front of one of the trees, seeing a particularly large apple. I was never good at climbing in my old body, but maybe I can now? With a sprint, I ran to the tree's trunk and grabbed onto the branch. Ha! That was easy! 

Crack!

Or not. The branch and I fell to the ground.

"... ouch." I simply muttered to myself. The sound of a dog barking was heard.

"What was that, Winona?" The voice of a particular filly asked. Walking around the corner was the yellow coated, red mane,  and pink bow wearing filly, Applebloom. Next to her was the brown and white collie, Winona. Least to say, Applebloom looked rather surprised at my sight. 

"... Hi." I greeted. Her dog growled at me. 

"Winona! No!" Applebloom shouted, getting the dog to stop. She approached me. "What the hay are you doing here?"

"Needed a quiet place… and I got hungry."

"You got hungry?"

"I didn't eat anything all day." She looked at me then to the branch, and then the tree.

"And you climbed a tree to get an apple?" 

"Pretty much." She giggled.

"If yer so hungry, why don't you just buck one?"

"... I'm not a quadruped." She looked confused. "I'm bipedal." Same confused look. "I only stand on two legs."

"... Are y'all sure? Cause everyone said they saw you on all fours when you were-" I quickly got up and placed a finger over her mouth. 

"Please, don't remind me. I don't remember everything that happened, and I'm trying to fix it." She looked at my finger, then to me before nodding. I turned to the branch and plucked the apple on it, before taking a bite out of it. Very crunchy, also juicy, but more importantly, filling.

"Oh! Where are my manners? I'm Applebloom." She reached a hoof out to me. I returned the gesture, reaching out and shaking her hoof back.

"Legosi."

"Are ya doing anything tomorrow?" 

"... Probably not. Why?"

"Well, ya see, my big sis needs help around the barn, but because of her teaching at that school of Friendship, she's been a bit behind in her chores."

"Yeah, I can see why. But where are you going?"

"Applejack wants willing students to help work on the barn. Any who help will get extra credit in their classes." I couldn't help but think aloud

"Hmm… I'm not doing a bad job at school… probably… but extra credit is always good… aight, I'll check in tomorrow."

"Sweet! Hope you don't mind getting dirty."

"Oh I won't." She ran away, Winona following her.

"Come on! Let's tell AJ about this!" I finished my apple in peace as I looked to the sky, seeing the sky darken as the sun began to sey. I felt off… like… maybe I should stay. Today is Saturday, and if what happened yesterday was true… I better get ready.







I sat on a hill, looking over the Everfree forest. The sun was nearly gone, and my heart began to beat rather rapidly. I wasn't sure if it was because or my fear, instincts kicking in, or both. Either way, I was sweating past my fur. The sun set, and the moon rose. My vision went blurry, but also red. This was it… it's time for my hunt. 

If you ever saw the movie Get Out, imagine the Sunken Place from that. I could see what was going on, but I had no control of myself. Watching past the blurry red vision, my instincts kicked in as I ran into the forest, now on all fours, becoming more of a wolf than a sentient creature. I ran through the forest, snarling loudly and hungry. Guess the apple wasn't filling… or my instincts only tolerated it just for something fresh and living. 

It didn't take long for me to see a rabbit, unaware of me looking through a bush. I wanted to look away, but something made sure that I watched what my instincts and body did. I screamed for it to run, but nothing came out of my voice. And even if I did make a sound, my voice wouldn't be heard by anything outside. My body jumped out of the woods, scaring the rabbit and making it hop away, starting a chase. My mute screaming wanted the rabbit to run faster, but my body caught up and… I wish I could look away, but I was forced to watch.

My body snagged the rabbit in it's mouth and shook violently, snarling wildly as the rabbit made an awful scream for its life. And I could only watch as my body bit into the rabbit's stomach, ripping some flesh out with it's mouth, and started to eat. The rabbit's eyes went lifeless, but me? I… I was just eating it, no care in the world, just hungry. But as I ate, I felt myself getting closer to my vision, with the red blurry vision going away. 

I snapped back into reality and saw the corpse of a half eaten rabbit. I screamed as I fell to my back, crawling away from what I just killed and ate. Looking at my claws, a mix of blood and dirt was on them, and my stomach… Oh God
… I felt sick. I got up and quickly hurled over, puking on a nearby tree.

What are you doing!? That's food!!!

"W-who's there!?" I quickly asked.

We made a deal! Let us eat the flesh of those weaker than us!

"... Oh my god… that was real…" I still felt sick and hurled again, keeling over and crawling away.

WEAK!!! We're the Apex predator! We should be happy to kill and eat whatever we wish!!!

I stopped at a lake. The moon lit overhead, letting me see my reflection. My face was covered in the blood of the rabbit.

This is our true self! The thrill of the hunt made us feel alive! Don't tell me you're gonna back out now.

"...N-no… I… I'm sorry… it's… I've never done this before… not that I remember much from before."

Hmph! Fine. Consider this a warning. Next time, when we eat something, don't go weak and puke out our meal.

I reached into the lake and washed my face off. "And we're not hunting anyone outside, are we?"

[color=#3c26af… Never.]

"Huh… glad to see you're still around… um… Protecting instincts?" 

I rolled onto my back and looked to the moon overhead. Everything felt off with what just happened… but if this is the only way to keep control of myself… what choice do I have? With that, I got up and walked out, heading right out of the forest, tracing my steps from before.

Walking out of the forest, I saw Sweet Apple Acres nearby. My eyes felt heavy after all that activity. I bumbled up the hill I sat on and fell onto my chest, falling asleep almost immediately. God, this experience was so tiring.