//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Darkness And Shadows // Story: Friendship, Always and Forever // by Somber Concerto //------------------------------// I woke up, not knowing where, I tried to ask, but nopony seemed to understand me, or what I assume are ponies, but they appear as colorless blobs. They keep trying to talk to me, but they sound distant, and their words are mumbled. I don’t understand what they mean. I hear constant beeps, too loud to be ignored. They are rhythmic and entertaining. I feel needle after, needle. It used to hurt, but now it’s just routine. I feel so numb and lifeless. I' trapped in my own mind, and the walls are closing in. It could have been weeks, or years, I don't even know anymore. Sunrise, sunset, sunrise, sunset. Over, and over, and over. It's the only thing I know. I focus on it, only to keep my mind busy from some unknown thoughts. One day, there is a change. I find to have regained control of my limbs. I begin to sit up, when suddenly, a sharp pain seized up my back, I shriek, and the room fills with grey blobs almost immediately. Their movements seem to suggest a mixture of both shock, enjoyment, and panic. After they realize what has happened, all but two left. One grabs my hoof and tries to lower my onto my back. Another jolt of pain. It moves its hoof down in a motion signaling me to stay down. After that wave of pain, I don’t wish to try again any time soon. Time passes, and slowly grey blobs turn to colorful shapes recognizable as ponies. Soon after, I can understand them, and food starts coming on trays instead of inside syringes. It still stings to move, but at least I can now. Ponies still can’t seem to understand my words, but neither can I. I can’t seem to remember how.