Once more, Clockwork found herself walking through the imposing crystal doors of Twilight’s castle. She followed Fluttershy into the same room where Twilight had first experimented with her. She scarcely had time to look around when a nasally and raspy voice disturbed the peaceful atmosphere.
“Hey Clockwork. It’s good to see you.”
Something about the princess was definitely off. Her eyes were half-lidded from exhaustion, her nose and cheeks were bright red, and her mane was unkempt. Everything about Twilight’s current condition screamed “patient zero”. Clockwork leveled a concerned gaze in her direction.
“Oh, yeah. I probably don’t look very well at the moment. Truth be told, I don’t feel well. I’ve been working on something so hard lately that I, ummm, I kinda let myself get a little sick,” Twilight admitted with a laugh.
Clockwork’s shoulders slumped. It didn’t take a teacher to do the math and figure out she was the reason Twilight was suffering.
“No, no, don’t feel that way. Everypony knows I go overboard from time to time.”
The door creaked open as Spike walked in, carrying a steaming bowl of soup. “Yeah. When Twilight’s on one of her binges, nothing can stop her.”
Twilight smiled as Spike placed the soup on a nearby table. She reached out, pulled him close, and gave him a soft nuzzle. “Thanks, Spike. I know I can always count on you.”
Blushing profusely, Spike pulled himself away. “Awww jeez, Twilight. Do you have to do that in front of everypony? I’m gonna go see what the Cutie Mark Crusaders are up to.”
“Have fun!” Twilight called out as the baby dragon tottered out of the room. As the door slammed shut, her eyes moved to Clockwork, an undeniable excitement burning behind them. “I suppose you’re wondering why I called you here.”
Clockwork nodded.
Twilight stood up and walked to a nearby table. “You see, after doing a bit of research, I learned that it isn’t the sound of your voice that causes your unique condition. It’s the vibrations.”
Clockwork cocked an eyebrow.
Isn’t that what talking is? Vibrations through your vocal cords?
“I mean, technically, that’s what all speech is. What I mean to say is, it doesn’t matter if the pony itself hears you, it’s the sound itself that’s causing the problem. I believe it’s one element in particular that’s causing the problem. If we could alter the soundwaves—change the vibrations—you could probably speak normally. That’s why I’ve designed... this!”
With a flourish, Twilight whipped away a cloth, revealing a device resting on the table. On one end was a small black box connected to a tube. On the other end was a piece with something that looked like a grill of some type. Straps extended from the grill, probably to mount onto something.
Fluttershy’s wings fluttered in excitement, her eyes lighting up. “Wow! It’s so neat!”
Twilight and Clockwork both turned to Fluttershy, raising their eyebrows at the pegasus.
“I don’t know what it is,” she admitted, a blush tinting her cheeks.
Ignoring Fluttershy, Twilight launched into her spiel. “It’s not very stylish, but it is only a prototype. If I’ve done my homework correctly,” Twilight said, patting the device, “This will let you talk like everyone else… sort of.”
Intrigued by Twilight’s statement, Clockwork studied the device carefully, looking at it from every angle. The gizmo didn’t seem too complicated, but there was one part she couldn’t figure out. She looked to Twilight, a curious gleam in her eye.
“You’re probably wondering how you wear it,” Twilight intuited. “Well, that’s the unpleasant part. You see, this teeny-tiny box has to touch your larynx… and for it to do that, you need to push this down your trachea.”
What?! Is she nuts?
“I know what you’re thinking!” Twilight said, holding up her hooves. “It’s perfectly safe. The tube itself is a normal intubation tube and is wide enough for you to breathe through, and it’s flexible! It just might be… difficult to insert.”
Difficult? Difficult?!
Clearly, Twilight had a gift for the understatement.
“You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to,” Twilight said. “I understand it’s kinda scary. If you want to give it a shot, though, Fluttershy and I will be right here.”
Fluttershy nodded in agreement. “I’m sure it’ll be just fine.”
Clockwork picked up the mask and held it in her hooves. Years and years of isolation, embarrassment, and even anguish sat upon her heart. She realized that she might be holding the very key to fixing the problem that had plagued her since the day she had been born. Turning to Twilight, she nodded and moved to the chamber they used for their past experiment.
“Wait, what are you doing?”
Clockwork turned to Twilight and mimicked coughing, and then clutched her stomach.
“Oh, right. Good thinking.”
Fluttershy tilted her head. “I don’t get it.”
“It’s simple. If she coughs or gags while trying to put it in, she might make some noise, which would cause us to have an um... an accident,” Twilight explained.
“Oh.”
Pulling the door shut, Clockwork found herself in the chamber once again, this time with the mask. As much as she wasn't looking forward to what had to be done, the time for waiting was over. Sitting down in the chair, she held the mask up to her face.
Okay, Clockwork. Just relax. Take a few deep breaths, then try pushing it in.
Steadying her breathing, she inhaled, and exhaled. She did this several more times, psyching herself up for the main event. Drawing one more deep breath, she pushed the tube in, probing for her windpipe. Clockwork’s mind immediately went into panic mode. Tears formed at the edge of her eyes as her body fought against the foreign object. Suppressing her gag reflex, she pushed it in further.
Suddenly, something in her head snapped, demanding she stop. She pulled the hose out and stumbled from the chair, falling into a coughing fit. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Twilight and Fluttershy, both wearing looks of pity and sorrow.
Somehow, this only steeled Clockwork’s resolve. Climbing back onto the stool, she lined the hose up with her mouth once more and took a deep breath. With a silent countdown, she pushed the hose in again, more forcefully this time.
Her throat burned and the tears multiplied as she gagged on the tube. She barely made it halfway in when her stomach turned. Ripping the tube back out, Clockwork collapsed once more, wretching the remnants of last night’s dinner on the floor. The pain in her throat subsided, but her eyes stung from the tears.
“It’s okay, Clockwork. I’ll just have to try something else.” Twilight sounded utterly defeated, her lips curled into a frown.
Through her tears, Clockwork saw Twilight and Fluttershy walk to the plexiglass chamber door, probably to come help her out. Her eyes fell onto the mask once again. She knew it was now or never. Spinning around, Clockwork grabbed the chair and moved it beneath the chamber door’s handle.
Twilight’s eyes went wide and she ran back to the control panel. “Hey! What are you doing?”
As if to answer the question, Clockwork picked up the mask once more.
Deep breath, in… and out.
In… and out…
In…
Ignoring her body’s pleas, Clockwork jammed the tube down her throat again. Every instinct she had screamed for her to stop, that this didn’t feel right, that it was dangerous. She pushed on heedless. A new pain made itself known to her when she realized she had pushed the whole tube in.
Maybe that’s my larynx?
Clockwork felt around on the sides of the mask until she found the straps. Pulling them around her head, she fastened them to the other side of the mask, setting it snugly in place on her muzzle. Her body, having dealt with the trauma of insertion, finally relaxed, breathing through the tube. Part of her was pounding, screaming at her that this wasn’t right, that something was off and she needed to fix it right now. She swallowed those feelings and fought the urge to gag as the tears finally stopped. She concentrated on her breathing, taking metered breaths. Eventually the protests from her body ceased and she was simply left with the unnatural feeling of having something crammed down her throat.
“Are you okay?”
Clockwork turned to Twilight and Fluttershy. Both of them seemed antsy, nervous even. She simply walked to the chamber door and pulled out the chair. Stepping through, Fluttershy and Twilight rushed over to meet her, their eyes wide with concern and anticipation.
“I’m okay.”
It sounded scratchy, mechanical, probably due to the speaker. Somewhere in there, though, was Clockwork’s voice. She had heard it. More importantly, her friends didn’t seem to be in any pain.
“Twilight… I can talk.”
The alicorn’s face brightened with a smile. “Yes, Clockwork, you can.”
Suddenly, it all washed away. Like a clogged drain finally being opened, so much pain and heartache sloughed off of Clockwork. Fresh tears came to her eyes as she tackled the alicorn in front of her.
“I can talk, Twilight! I can talk!”
“Woah!”
Thrown off-balance by the sudden tackle, both ponies fell to the ground.
“Thank you, Twilight! Thank you so so so so so much!”
“Ack! Clockwork, please!”
The earth pony paid no mind to Twilight’s plight. She simply hugged the alicorn for all she was worth, and rocked gently in her embrace. She wasn’t sure how long she sat like that until she finally realized she should let Twilight go. She watched and rubbed the tears from her eyes as Twilight stood up, a gentle smile on her face.
“You’re welcome. It’s only a prototype so it’s not perfect, but it’s the best I could come up with in such a short amount of time.”
Still sniffling, Clockwork wiped her nose and stood up. “It’s close enough to perfect for me. You just have no clue what it was like. I wanted so badly to talk to somepony, anypony! Anything from just a hi or how do you do. So many times I read a book and just wanted to discuss it with somepony else, but never could!
Twilight and Fluttershy cracked a smile toward each other. “You say you like books?” Twilight asked.
Clockwork nodded. “Yes, I do! I read books all the time! I’ve never had anypony to share it with, though, so I’d just sit at home, being bored.”
A sly smile crept up on Twilight’s face. “I have something I’d like to show you…”
By Celestia’s mane…
Clockwork found herself standing in what she imagined heaven might look like for a nerd such as herself. It would stand to reason that any castle would have a library, but her expectations about this castle had been shattered so many times, the thought never crossed her mind. From ceiling to floor, bookshelves lined the room, practically overflowing with knowledge.
It’s amazing! I could spend the next five years of my life in this room!
“Well?” Twilight asked, doing a twirl. Her eyes shimmered in excitement. “What do you think?”
Clockwork glared at the alicorn. It wasn’t until Twilight tapped her muzzle that the gears in Clockwork’s head started turning and a furious blush graced her cheeks.
“Oh, right! I can talk! Sorry about that, I’m not used to it yet. I usually just monologue in my head.”
Twilight giggled. “It’s okay. If you’ll remember I told you I used to live in a library. I salvaged what I could, made some orders and, ta-da! Now I have my very own royal library! You’re welcome to check out something anytime. In fact, I bet I know something you’d looove to read,” Twilight said, pulling a book from a seemingly random shelf. She thrust it toward Clockwork, excitement bubbling over in her voice. “Here! It’s the latest Daring Do book: Daring Do in Escape from Shallowmere Island!”
Clockwork pushed the book aside and walked past Twilight, her eyes still focused on the other shelves. “No thanks, I don’t read books for fillies. Where’s the historical section?”
A long silence followed this statement. A silence Clockwork didn’t like.
“Oh…”
Freezing in her tracks, alarm bells started ringing in Clockwork’s head. She turned and saw Twilight clutching the book, her eyes cast downwards at the floor.
Uh oh.
“Twilight? You read those Daring Do books?”
The alicorn managed a nod. “I’ve always loved Daring Do. I didn’t realize other ponies saw them as books for fillies...”
Wow. I’ve had the ability to talk for all of ten minutes and I’ve managed to wreck somepony else’s feelings. Great job, Clockwork.
“To tell the truth, I’ve never read a Daring Do book.”
At this, Twilight lifted her head.
“I just always saw fillies reading them and kinda assumed, ya know? That, and I just looked at whatever was on the front and it was always some pegasus running from alligators or something.”
Twilight snorted with a hint of anger in her breath. “So you literally judged a book by its cover.”
“Yeah… I’m pretty crap…” Clockwork said, rubbing the back of her neck.
The silence built between the two as Clockwork’s mind reeled. Much like the clocks and watches she worked on, the gears began turning in her head.
“I have an idea! We should start a book club!”
Slowly, Twilight lifted her head. “Really?”
“Sure! We can take turns picking books, then get together and discuss them.”
Twilight extended the book she was holding hesitantly. “Would you… maybe want to start with a Daring Do book? You did say you’ve never actually read one…”
Truth be told, the idea made Clockwork sick. She always saw moody fillies with piercings and a bad case of the emo lug those books around. If it came down to it, though, she was sure she could swallow her bile long enough to make it through one book. It’s not like she had the strength to say no to those shimmering eyes in front of her anyway.
“Okay... but we should probably start with the first one, right?”
Twilight chuckled. “Right! Silly me. Hold on a moment.” Using her magic, she put the new book up, and grabbed one from the far end of the shelf. “Here you go: Daring Do and the Sapphire Stone! Oh, I can’t wait until you’re through with it! This is gonna be so much fun!” Twilight shouted, clopping her hooves together.
“Yeah… so fun...”
Walking over to a nearby calendar, Twilight pulled it down and produced a quill. “So… when do you want to schedule the meeting?”
I should be able to choke this thing down in a week.
“How about a week from today?”
Twilight nodded and checked off the calendar. “Okay! I’ll tell Rainbow and some of the others to get on it. I mean, Rainbow has already read it about a hundred times. She won’t need long to read through it again. I can read it in a day.”
“Then it’s settled. Next week we’ll reconvene here for a book club meeting. Deal?” Clockwork asked, extending her hoof.
Twilight shook it firmly. “Deal.”
Tucking the book into her saddlebags, Clockwork turned to leave but stopped in her tracks. Once more, she threw her hooves around Twilight’s neck, eliciting a gasp from the alicorn.
“Thank you, Twilight, for giving me my voice.”
Twilight giggled, closing her wings around Clockwork. “Awww. You’re very welcome.”
As befitting the Princess of Friendship, Twilight’s hug was amazing, only made better by those wings of hers. Clockwork finally found the strength to let go and offered Twilight one last smile as she turned and walked away.
The day had started humble and rather unassuming, not counting the whole obliteration of Fluttershy’s nose, yet destiny had finally smiled upon Clockwork.
“Hi! Who’re you?” she asked, vigorously shaking the hoof of a pink pony with a yellow mane.
“I-I’m Lily, who are y—”
“My name is Clockwork! I’m originally from Canterlot, though I moved from there to here to live out my days in quiet solitude and tranquility here in Ponyville!”
“Uhhhh, That’s great Miss Clock—”
“Oh, no, you can just call me Clockwork! Say, are these flowers?”
“Yes, I grow the—”
“How much for twelve daffodils?”
“Ummm, Twelve daffodils, that would be six bi—”
“Here you go! Great talking to you! Hope to see you around soon, friend! Bye!”
Clockwork took off with her new bundle of flowers, leaving a very confused pony in her wake. Lily was just the first of many new ‘friends’ to fall victim to Clockwork’s newfound enthusiasm. She ran through the streets, greeting any and every pony she could find.
This is so much fun!
Her amber eyes fell upon a now-familiar building, causing her to squee in delight. Slamming into the door, she set the bell chiming like crazy as the humble shop’s inhabitants all turned to look at her.
“Pinkie Pie!”
The pink pony looked up from the register, her eyes widening in confusion.
“I need six chocolate cupcakes, a bottle of milk, and extra sprinkles in a go bag, yesterday!”
Pinkie saluted, becoming a blur in the process. Clockwork’s eyes brightened as the paper bag with her order slid across the counter.
“That’s six chocolate cupcakes, one bottle of milk, and extra extra sprinkles, just for you,” Pinkie announced with a wink. “Twelve bits please!”
Money changed hooves in the blink of an eye and a moment later, Clockwork stood by the door, ready to leave.
“Oh, and Pinkie Pie?”
“Uh-huh?” she asked, her eyes brightening.
“You know that party you’ve been wanting to throw?”
“Yeeeeees?” Pinkie’s smile widened.
“Next Saturday evening!”
“Eeeyes!” Pinkie screamed, her hooves nearly touching the ceiling with an impressive backflip.
Standing outside, Clockwork meticulously scanned the town, looking for anything she could do. Sudden realization dawned on her.
“Bed sheets! I need bed sheets!” she shouted, tearing off through the street.
A long, relieved sigh followed the subtle click of the front door. After a tiring day of meeting, greeting, and frenzied shopping, Clockwork finally made it home. Her saddlebags were fit to bursting with groceries and other items she had neglected to purchase since moving in.
I really just want to grab a bite to eat and lay down.
She briefly considered grabbing her cupcakes and running straight to bed to mess up her new bed sheets.
Nah. I’d rather wake up and have everything done.
Propping open the fridge door, she began unloading the small selection of groceries she had purchased that day.
I wonder what Pinkie Pie plans to do at that party. Ponies say she’s rather... unpredictable.
Having finished with the groceries, she carried her saddlebags into the bathroom and unloaded a few essentials. Towels, soap dish, chrome shower suction cup basket.
Oooh, shiny!
She wiped the basket with a hint of glee. Looking at the lip of her jacuzzi, a nearly-empty travel-sized bottle of shampoo seemed to taunt her.
Off to the trash with you!
She tossed the bottle into the air, and with a sharp kick, sent the tiny plastic container flying into the trash can.
Take that, over-priced travel-sized junk! Never again will I be halfway through a shampoo and realize I’ve run out.
To this day, she never knew how many times she was supposed to rinse, lather, and repeat, but she usually stopped at three. Pulling out a large bottle of shampoo, she slammed it on the lip of the tub with a satisfied smile.
All done! Just one more stop left.
Clockwork trotted out of the bathroom down the hall.
Trotted wasn’t exactly the right word for it. This was a strut, but with more of a victorious feel to it. It was a triumphant gait, for which a suitable word had yet to be invented.
I should make a new word for a victorious trot. I wonder how hard it is to have a word declared legitimate. Is there a ceremony?
Kicking her bedroom door open, Clockwork stared at her foe, eager to finish the fight. Reaching into her saddlebags, she pulled out her fresh bed sheets and threw them on the ground.
So, my arch nemesis. Tonight, I will have a good night's sleep, once and for all.
With military efficiency, she tore open the sheets and spread them across the bed. She snapped one corner into place, and then a second… but something seemed wrong. Walking over to the third corner, she pulled it taut, only to have the opposite corner come loose and fly into her face.
Huh?! What gives?
Repositioning the sheets, she tried again, only to have the third corner pop loose, smacking her in the face once more.
What the…
Picking up the package, she looked over it carefully.
Ultra soft sheets, yadda yadda yadda, one-thousand thread count, blah blah blah… wait, full size?
Clockwork’s world spiraled out of control, victory now lost, slipped between her hooves.
How in the world could I have forgotten to look at the size!
Deep in her heart, she knew the mattress was taunting her, laughing.
I am still going to sleep on you tonight!
With an angry grunt, Clockwork tossed the bag of cupcakes and bottle of milk onto her bed. She started to climb on when something important hit her.
I can’t eat with this thing on.
Grabbing the strap on the side of the mask, she undid the clasp and loosened it. In one swift motion, she pulled out the mask, tube and all. Falling into a coughing fit, she caught her breath while clutching the mask. Turning it in her hooves, she examined the device, taking in all the imperfections, the utilitarian nature of the thing. Given enough time, it probably could have been refined, manufactured, changed into something a bit more socially acceptable.
Then again, when was the first prototype of any product attractive? All she really cared was that she could talk, just like everypony else, and that was good enough for her.
Putting the mask down on her nightstand, Clockwork’s eyes fell onto her saddlebags once again, this time upon a much less welcoming sight. The edge of Twilight’s Daring Do book peeked out, almost as if it were taunting her. With a grimace, she grabbed it and hopped onto the bed.
Might as well get started. I don’t have to read much tonight. Just enough to keep pace until Tuesday.
Nestled into her ill-fitting bed clothes, she grabbed a cupcake and took a large bite out of it, enjoying the spongy cake and creamy icing.
If I’m gonna suffer, I’m gonna suffer with chocolate.
Clockwork opened to the first page, and began to read.
“As Daring Do trekked through the tropical jungle, the wet heat sapped her energy and slowed her every step. If only she could escape this oppressive atmosphere and fly up into the cool, blue sky. But, her crash landing in the jungle had injured her wing, and she was grounded for a few days.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“A few days… It might as well be a few months, or a few years...”