//------------------------------// // 1 — Where Am I? // Story: Zero Fate // by GreyNimbus //------------------------------// There is much that can be said about the powers of wishful thinking. And all I've learned from that is 'expect the unexpected'. An example would be wondering why I'm in so much pain right now. I feel like I was tended to by the world's most merciless massage therapist with a BDSM fetish. Some of the bones in my limbs feel like they're bending in reverse while at the same time, lost a bit of length. Although, I can't clarify this because somehow I can't see anything. My eyes feel so heavy that I can barely peek. But I know that feeling is also believing. "I swear, if I'm in the hospital again, I'm gonna be so damn nettled." I groan under my breath. I have a very unpleasant history with hospitals; after I was struck with an eye condition called Keratoconus, I was required to have Corneal Transplant surgery, but the doctors operating on me totally screwed me on the hospital bills. Luckily I got away with it when my brother, who was supporting me, gave them the wrong billing address. That's why I don't respect or trust hospitals. I don't doubt that they want to help mankind, but I believe they have more interest in money. Setting aside my hatred for the medical institution, I try to move my body. What I was laying on didn't feel like a bed, more like a waxed floor. It's so cold, but it doesn't bother me. Especially with my hot-blooded body. I try opening my eyes to get a clear picture, but only managed to get my left one to open a peak. In front of me, an inch away from my face was a wall that appeared to be made out of crystal. I could make out a reflection, but it was fainter than a window's. Not to mention my poor eyesight made it even harder. I know it wasn't wallpaper or some sort of holographic wall because it reflected my struggling attempts to move. But it didn't mimic the appearance that I'm familiar with. I was in too much agony to question my situation. I just wanted to sleep this pain away. It would be easier if I didn't have the sound of coughing and gagging behind me. Wait... "Is everypony alright?" I heard the faint voice of a young woman coming from another room. There's someone else here? Maybe they can... Oh, right, too much agony. I'll just do what I said I was going to do. I rested my head on the cold hard floor with a painful groan before I quickly lost consciousness. "Girls, I think I heard something in the other room!" Fatigue. Sickness. Pain. None of those feelings can compare to what I feel right now. This was pure agony times three. I know for a fact that I wasn't dreaming because I remember (slightly) clearly what happened to me after I stared at the moon. Normally you forget what you dream about right after you wake up. I was falling. Falling like a skydiver without a parachute. It didn't help that I had Acrophobia. I can feel myself waking up from the void of slumber. I kept my eyes shut as I let out a yawn. I groaned as I try to stretch. "Auhh... what happened?" The pain coursing through my body before losing consciousness had been reduced from Bone-itis pain to numbness. I can feel my limbs move, but I was too numb to properly feel where I was. I was in a bed, that much I can make out, but who's bed? I finally open my eyes. Both of them. "Oh, good, you're awake." "Huh?" I turn my head to the suddenly calming voice. Who... what am I looking at? Is that a Unicorn? It's staring at me with such huge, sparkling eyes. The 'Unicorn' turned its head around and shouted, "Girls, look! He's awake!" There were more Unicorns and... non-Unicorns sitting behind the one who spoke. They all turned to stare at me too. I was more scared and confused than a homeless man under house arrest. Following my instincts, I reacted accordingly; I suddenly scooted myself to the edge of the bed I was laying in, trying to keep my distance from these techno-colored equines. I then began to hyperventilate. "Wha... Who are you!? Where am I? What's going o- Oww!" My head hit what felt like the edge of a window sill. I brought my hand to the back of my head to try and ease the pain. The numbness was starting to subside. Normally, I would just hiss in pain and walk it off, but for some reason, my eyes started to water and cloud my vision once again. I wanted... to cry. I shut my eyes tight and let the tears flow down my cheeks while sobbing with my head lowered. Through my suddenly childish sorrow, I could hear multiple gasps, most likely coming from the equines. I paid no attention to them as I just wanted to vent. I don't even care why I was crying anymore. "Oh, no. P-please, don't cry." Said one of the equines. I'm not sure which one. I then felt the bed I was on shift a bit as someone crawled onto it and slowly moved towards me. Still crying, I wrapped my arms around my legs as I braced for whatever she might do to me. Without warning, I was embraced by a warm, furry hug and a kiss on my sore head. I suddenly feel... a little bit better. Loosening my arms around my legs, my sobbing was reduced to sniffling. I slowly open my eyes and raise my head to see who was hugging me. It was one of the Unicorns. She had a pink coat and a purple and teal mane. Her violet eyes looked down on me, showing me that aura of a mother protecting her child. Wanting to feel safer, I wrapped my arms around her torso in a slightly tighter embrace than what she was giving. "N'aww, it's okay, little guy. There's nothing to be afraid of." She said warmly while stroking my hair with her soft hoof. "Good thinking, Starlight. I didn't know you were good with kids." said the cheerful voice of one of the other equines. "Thanks, Pinkie Pie. I've never actually had much experience with kids. I just followed my instincts." Her name is Starlight? Unorthodox name, but pretty. Wait, did I just hear them call me a kid? Suddenly releasing the warm embrace, I gently pushed Starlight off me and lifted up the blanket that covered most of my body. I examined myself to find the clothes I was wearing when I went out on my nightly walk, but they were so loose and big now. No, that's not it. I inspected my hands and feet. They were so tiny! I brushed my little hands across my face. It felt so smooth! And all my facial hair was gone too. But I had to be sure. "Umm... can I get a mirror, please?" I asked shyly. "Oh, of course." said the purple Unicorn who I first saw when I woke up. Getting a better look, I can see that she also had feathered wings on her back. She's part Pegasus too? Bottling up my surprise, I waited patiently. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait long. Her horn suddenly glowed with a sparkling, deep indigo aura. My mouth has slightly gaped. One of the drawers on the nightstand that was next to the bed started to glow the same color as her horn. The drawer was then pulled out and a personal, black, oval-shaped mirror with a handle was levitated out of it, also glowing. It hovered over towards me and I hesitantly grabbed it by the handle. I brought it close to my face. What I saw... was a memory. So last night, I was right when I didn't look like myself on that crystal wall. I didn't shrink. I got younger! My hands were shaking as I held the mirror. The shaking intensified until the mirror fell out of my grip. My mind was in more worlds than one. "Wha... wha... how... How did this happen? What's going on!?" I exclaimed. "Whoa, whoa, it's okay. Everything's fine." Starlight said. "We'll answer your questions as best we can. Then maybe we can help you. Just please calm down." I felt her hoof gently rubbing my back, easing my disoriented mind. I turn to look at her. She was sitting right next to me, showing me that motherly smile yet again. "Do you feel better now?" "I... I guess. More or less." "That's good to hear. Now, why don't we start by giving each other our names?" I nodded slowly. "Good," she says as she removes her hoof from my back. I wish she hadn't, though. "My name is Starlight. Starlight Glimmer. And these are all my friends." She turned to the other equines and extended a hoof out to them. After a few minutes of introductions and asking a few questions of my own, I soon learned that I am in a land called Equestria. I'm not much of a historian or geologist, but I'm pretty sure Equestria is not on any of Earth's maps. They also told me how I ended up in one of their beds. They were celebrating a brand new night-time holiday dedicated to Princess Luna, one of the co-rulers of Equestria. They were all on their balcony to watch the night sky event when I came crashing down through the sky into the balcony windows. They found my unconscious body in the aftermath of the crash and nursed me back to health. I was told that I was sleeping for a day and a half. Well, now I know why I woke up in this bed, feeling famished and wrapped in white linen bandages on my limbs and torso. Why was I still wearing my now baggy clothes? "But don't worry, dear. While you were asleep, I took your measurements so I can make you some more fitting clothes. Don't know why you'd go around wearing something you could make a tent out of.", said the white Unicorn with the curly, purple mane and tail. "Uhh, well, I wasn't. These fit me just fine last time I wore them. I somehow got smaller. Please believe me, I was not this small!" I retorted, more harshly than I intended.   The white Unicorn, who I learned is named Rarity, seemed a little flabbergasted at my retort. Not wanting to make her mad, I acted as the child I now was. "I... I'm sorry, Miss Rarity. I didn't mean to yell." "Oh, it's alright, deary. You have nothing to apologize for. You seem to be in a real big mess. But don't worry, we are all here to help you. Right, girls?" Everyone else nodded in agreement. "As I was saying, after taking your measurements, I trotted back to my boutique and put together some new garments for you to wear. It took me longer than I care to admit because I've never made clothes for a creature such as yourself." "That reminds me," Twilight Sparkle, the purple 'Alicorn' said, "We still don't know anything about you. Would you care to tell us more about yourself, sweetie?" She asked with a smile. Oh, that's right. I've been the one asking all the important questions. It's only fair that I answer theirs too. "Oh! Well, I'm a human. My name is Luther." "Loofah?" Pinkie Pie, the pink 'Earth Pony' asked, tilting her head. I groaned in frustration. To be honest, I never really liked my birth name. It was always a challenge for others to pronounce it correctly. I wanted to change my name by deed poll someday but never got around to it. "No. Lu-ther." "Oh. That's a funny name." Pinkie said, giggling. Thank you, Pinkie Pie, for giving me another reason to hate myself. "There's nothing funny about it. In fact, I hate it." I said, frowning and folding my arms. Pinkie's ears dropped and looked like I upset her somehow. Oh, dammit, I hope I didn't do anything wrong. "Aww, I'm sorry, Luther. I didn't mean to upset you." Wait, she was feeling sympathetic for me? I'm not used to people feeling sorry for me. I hate making other people upset, so I let my inner child take the next step. I slowly slide off the bed, some of my bandaged injuries still a little sore but nothing I can handle. Twilight tries to stop me, fearing I might re-open my wounds. I put a hand in front of her, signaling that I'll be just fine. I limped slightly over to Pinkie Pie and wrapped my arms around her in a soft hug. "I forgive you, Pinkie Pie. You didn't know." All the other mares, excluding the tough-looking, prismatic Pegasus Rainbow Dash, gasped and let out a long "N'aww~". Pinkie, on the other hand, sat on her haunches and hugged me in return. "It... it's okay, little guy. If you don't want me to use that name, I can call you something else, if you'd like." she said. I can tell by the tone in her voice that she was shedding tears of happiness. I never met anyone so caring and emotional before. She actually gave me an idea. I always wanted to change my name before. Why not do it now? After all, I'm in a magical land of sophisticated, colorful ponies with all sorts of strange names. I might as well fit in. After patting Pinkie on the back, translating to asking her to let me go, she complied with a smile. I turn to the others with a smile of my own. "You know, I think I want to change my name. If I'm gonna stick around, I may as well learn how to fit in with ponies." They all had questionable expressions on their... 'muzzles', I think they're called? Applejack, the Earth Pony with the orange coat, blonde mane and tail, and wearing a stetson hat, asked me; "Well, sugarcube, we'd be happy ta have yah around, but don't ya'll wanna find a way to get back home?" Oh, that's right. I was so distracted by all that's happened, that I forgot all about home. I stood there, pondering what my priority should be. On one hand, I could stay here and start a new life from scratch. On the other hand, I find a way to get back to my boring, unsuccessful life in a world I was born in, but barely know. "I don't have anything else to look forward to back home. So I've made my decision; if you'll allow me, I'd like to stay here with you guys." I suddenly feel like I'm asking too much from them, especially if you consider the collateral damage I caused when I crash-landed. And I know nothing about the laws of this land, but I hope they'll teach me. I look around to see them all looking a little shocked at my decision. I was sure that I said something regrettable. That is until Starlight slid off the bed and slowly made her way towards me. I flinched, hoping she wouldn't hurt me. But, once again, I was surprised by what she did next. She gently put a hoof on my shoulder. I looked up and saw her giving me that same, genuine smile. "If that's what you really want to do, then welcome to Equestria; Your new home." I smiled and moved forward to hug her in a loving embrace once again.