//------------------------------// // Lab Rat // Story: Waking up as Rarity. // by TonydBrony //------------------------------// It’s a cool night tonight. The breeze blew my straightened mane into my eyes, but I don’t mind. With a push of a hoof, I knocked the stray hairs out of my face to get a good view of the station. It’s a low roofed building with blue walls, tinted out windows and a large number thirteen atop it. Yeah, it’s just a police station. Nothing special about it. “Let’s get this over with.” I grumble as I trot next to Alriez. “After all, what could go wrong?” As soon as I step hoof in the pristine police station, my heart starts up like a nascar racer. Instantly, my blood pump goes into overtime. My eyes absorbing every little detail of the room and awaiting officers. The bleach white walls and shining blue tile flooring makes me uneasy. Not to mention the dozen men and women dressed in blue who must have been predicting my arrival. Their many eyes bore down upon me, feeling naked against their gaze. I must have screamed, for the once busy lobby now went silent. All of their eyes were on me. A wave of dizziness washed over me and I feel myself hit the floor. I suddenly feel a pair of feminine arms wrap around me, and my hooves take to the air off of the cold tile floor. My heart continues it’s endeavor to beat itself out of my chest while a gentle voice speaks soft tones of courage into my ears. “It’s okay dear.” Blue and red lights flashing... “You’ll be just fine.” A sheet of darkness obscures my vision... “Just stay calm.” I can feel myself start to hyperventilate, my breaths growing more and more shallow with each inhale. “Deep breathes, dear.” The last sentence was lost in transmission as my eyes get heavy and the familiar feeling of unconsciousness overwhelms me. “Hrrnngh.” Was the last thing to escape my lips. ^v^v^v^v^v^v^ You know what I really like? Planes. I LOVE planes. Especially if I get to look out the window and look at all the little things below that would normally be big! You know when I DON’T like planes? When I get thrown out of one at break neck speeds and I’m falling towards a churning dark blue ocean. Did I mention how deathly afraid of the ocean I am? No? Well, I am very fucking afraid of the ocean. End of story. “AHHH!” I screamed, flailing my arms around as I plummeted. Ok, not end of story. I’ve still got a good, what? Six thousand feet to go? Yeah, that sounds about right. After all, falling dreams never last too long. Right? “Your fear of water is quite irrational, darling.” Said a posh voice as the air rushed past my ears. Still falling. “What are you afraid of? Sharks?” I turned my head and saw Rarity falling next to me with an orange in hoof. Oh, and that water is getting pretty close... “You’re more likely to get hit by a car!” Rarity said with a soft giggle. Oh, look! A pelican! “You should face your fears.” She said, poking me in the chest with a white hoof. “I’m right behind you.” She said with a wink... SPLASH! I hit the water with enough force to break my neck, yet I was still alive... With Rarity right next to me, eating that... damn... orange. “You might want to turn around, dear.” She said, her voice sounding like I was listening to her through a foot of glass. She pointed a hoof to something behind me. Fear took over as my head turned to see a set of large teeth about to take a bite out of me... I’m sure you’re probably thinking that this is where I wake up and realise that this is just a crazy-ass dream, right? Well if you did, you would be sorely mistaken. Why? Because when a nightmare really gets to you, it REALLY gets to you. My lungs were beginning to burn as I moved my body through the viscous liquid that felt more like honey than water. Just as I felt the gnashing teeth came down, I jerked my legs out of the chompers path. Yet, my limbs were slow to react to my commands as I tried to swim to the surface of the thrashing water. I turned my head in pure fear and saw the beast that haunted a countless number of my nightmares. Fins the size of sedans, eyes with no pupils, and dark green scales. Not to mention the gaping maw filled to the brim with teeth larger than my fist. Then you had it’s body. The freak of the sea had to be the size of an elephant! The light of the sun was starting to shine through the water as I came closer to breach the water. I broke the surface of the water, filling my lungs with sweet oxygen. Just for a moment, my fears melted away as I tread water and look up to the beautiful sun that is shining down on me. “Oh, Tony.” A floating white unicorn giggled. “You should know that your nightmares never end peacefully!” “You don’t mean...” “Oh, what do you have to worry about?” She smiled, holding a glowing hoof out to me. Something tugged on my leg, bringing back the panic that had once flooded me moments ago; then I started sinking. My arms began to splash in the water around me and seawater started to fill my lungs. My hand wrapped around what I could only hope was Rarity’s hoof. “I’ve got you.” Her voice sounded heavenly as I coughed up the water that had plagued my lungs. My eyes drifted upwards to my saviour. Her pristine white coat was untouched by the horrifyingly rough waves. “Thanks...” Was the only thing I was able to choke out before I had to shield my eyes from the burning sun. “Maybe I can make through this yet.” I closed my eyes once more, smiling. ^v^v^v^v^v^ As I opened my eyes once again, I realised I wasn’t being carried by a celestial glowing unicorn, but an amused police officer looking down at me with soft eyes. My vision was blurry to begin with, but as it cleared, I became aware that the officers was holding me. Like an animal. Stroking my mane. Normally I would have been outraged at such ridiculous behaviour, for I am no ones pet! Yet, I let her continue to run her gentle fingers through my mane and did not resist. “Shh, she’s waking up!” Someone said who was out of my current field of view. “Awww, look at her.” The girl holding me whispered. “You’re so cute.” I opened my mouth to say something in protest, yet nothing came to mind. So, I only blushed at the compliment and nuzzled into her chest. Her body heat brought me to my senses and looked up to her once more. Her name tag rests next to my cheek. Ruth Mckenzie. “Can you please put me down, Ms. Mckenzie? If it’s no trouble.” I said, barely audible in a meek voice. About four voices, including the girl holding me instantly d'awww over the quiet statement. “Well, what are you waiting’ for Ruth? She asked to be put down.” Said a someone in an italian accent. Ruth set me down, and my hooves met the smooth carpet floor.. “Thank you, dear.” I remarked, stretching my legs. “If I may ask, how long was I asleep?” “About two hours, dontcha know.” Said Ruth. “Really?” I said, feeling and hearing the familiar pop of bones. “It feels as though I had rested for a tad bit too long.” Footsteps brought me look up once again. A very tall skinny gentleman was standing before me. “You hungry, sweetheart?” He said with a tinge of mountain man in his voice. Now that I think about it, how long has it been since I’ve eaten? Eight hours? I returned my gaze to the tall fellow and nodded. “Chief Harden said ponies like you might like an orange and some water.” He said, bending down and setting an unopened bottle of water and a vibrant orange next to it. The moment I set my eyes on the citrus fruit, my heart dropped and so did my hopes. My eyes began to sting, and I set myself on the carpet, staring at abomination that sat before me. “Are you okay?” The officers said simultaneously. I looked up with my lower lip quivering and a single tear slid down my cheek. “I-I-I...” “Yes!?” “I hate oranges!” I cried out, letting the water works go. “Oh! Don’t cry, dear!” Ruth yelped, trying to dry my tears with a rag. “I can get you a... uhh.. head of lettuce!” The Italian officer said in a panic as he ran into another officer. Chaos instantly took over the room as the officers scrambled to find me something I would eat. They tried a number of vegetables, including; turnips, spinach, and eventually a head of lettuce. As the commotion came to an end, I was happily nibbling into the lettuce and taking a sip of water. The officers, however, were panting and trying to catch their breath after running around the station in an attempt to find something edible. “Thank you for being so kind, everyone.” I curtly say, wiping off a stray bit of lettuce off of my chin. I spot my purse on a low lying table and levitate it over my shoulder. Feeling that I am ready to continue onwards, I trot to the door. I make it five feet before the door slams open and hits the wall. A man wearing a jet black suit, red tie and tinted sunglasses walks in. His eyes are hidden by his shades, yet I can feel them bore down upon me. “Ma’am.” He calmly states and gives a nod. “I’m going to need you to come with me.” I recall my agreement with the officer earlier, agreeing to run a few tests. “Of course, sir.” I say with a bow. “To run a few tests, I presume?” The man in the suit raised an eyebrow, and put a finger to his ear. “Bring the carrier around, I’ve got her.” He motioned for me to follow him. “Sir, if I may ask, where are we going?” “That’s classified.” “Oh...” He led me to a small room with tripod with a camera resting on it. “For your cooperation, I’ve been ordered to make you a picture I.D that with allow you safe passage through areas that civilians would find unpassable.” He took a seat behind the camera. “Take a seat, if you don’t mind.” I climbed up on the small stool, and decided to have fun with the picture taking process. I put on Rarity’s signature duck face just as he took the picture, causing him to sigh and ask to retake the picture. “Once more, please.” One flash and properly taken picture later, he hands me a small piece of plastic with my picture and VIP printed on the top. “I guess I am a very important pony.” I snickered. “I’ve also just been given orders to give you this.” He held another card out to me. A debit card. “For any personal expenses.” He says, tipping an imaginary hat on his head. “Why thank you, sir.” I say, doing a mock salute. This time I get him to smile, breaking his formality. The corners of his mouth peel in a full smile and offers a hand to me. “This way, my queen.” He bows, showing his silly side. “I have a car waiting for you outside.” I place my hoof in his hand and he lowers me from the stool. Together we walk out to the parking lot, where I see a large black van awaiting me. “Not exactly a limo, but it will do.” I whisper. Once inside the van, I nestle into a leather seat. ^v^v^v^v^v^ No more than twenty minutes later, I am asked to put a blindfold. “Sorry hun, it’s protocol.” The next hour burned by a lot faster than I expected it to. Although, I did sing a number of songs along the trip... The van came to a sudden halt and I was blindly escorted out of my seat. As I trotted, I was able to pick out various bits and pieces of conversations. “She’s here...” “Ready chambers...” “Three... two... one...” I heard the sound of a dull thunk, followed by an intercom coming on. “You can take the blindfold off now.” A metallic voice instructed. I slid the fabric off of my eyes and put a hoof to my eyes to reduce the amount of light in the room. As my eyes adjusted, I looked around the room I was in with curiosity. “Why am I in a garage?” The room was awfully warm and I was starting to sweat. “And why is it so hot in here?” The garage door suddenly moved along its railing, letting more light shine into the room. With no hesitation, I galloped under it. The other side of the door looked like a test range of some sort, a massive concrete room with scattered objects and a cluster of electronics to the right. Several darkly dressed agents were standing around the electronics, but one of them looked up to me with a cold smile that held less warmth than an orange. I really feel I may be going overboard on the oranges bit, but it’s like they stalk me, I swear. “Ms. Bell, I presume?” The smiling one asked. I decided I didn’t like him. He sounded like Blueblood. “Yeah, that’s me.” I called over to him, trying to be as obnoxious as I could. “And who are you?” “It’s a pleasure.” He said while rolling his eyes. “I am Richard Belmont. I suppose I can cut the formalities. Just follow me and try to keep up.” He said with every bit of “royalty” in voice. Before we started testing, I was weighed and measured. Richard led me through the facility, where I was going to take a multitude of tests. Some physical, some to challenge my mental capabilities. Most of them seemed to be no problem at all, but a few of them looked to be a challenge. “Let’s get started, shall we?” Richard said with a sinister tinge in his words. “Test number one.” Richard threw back a hanging tarp that was being used as a door. Behind it were a number of complex machines lined up on the walls, along with a treadmill plugged up to a computer. “Endurance.” “So, what? All I have to do is run?” Richard gave an innocent nod as I stepped onto the treadmill. “Well then, on with it.” I said, with my nose a bit up in well deserved pride. “Just run... Gallop for as long as you can.” The machine made a soft whirring sound and slowly came to life. I trotted against the slow current until the machine sped up. My equine heart beat rapidly as I galloped faster and faster. “C’mon Ricky, I used to do this all the time! Speed it up!” “A bit cocky aren’t you?” The treadmill suddenly went into overtime and I almost lost my footing. Hoofing? Whatever you call it. “Nicely done, max speed of twenty-six miles per hour. You certainly are a fast little pony.” Richard said, writing the results down on a clipboard. He pressed a button on a console and the treadmill instantly stopped, sending me forward into a wall. THUD! “Ow, my little nose! Again!” I could hear Richard snickers for a moment as I pried myself from the wall. I dizzily walked over to Richard, my eyes crossed. “Did I pass?” “Yes, you did.” He said, smiling down at me. “Only thirty nine more to go.” I groaned and followed him to another room where a line of weights lay in a line on a row of towels. “You need to try lifting them, to see how strong is your magic. One at a time, starting with the half pound weight.” Richard explained, seemingly bored. I took in a deep breath and trotted over to the first weight. “Simple enough.” I stared at the weight for a moment, searching for the spark of magic that lay within me. The weight was enveloped in a light blue glow and started to rise. Slowly, I brought it to eye level and began exploring the strength of my magic. I raised it to the ceiling, then brought it back down. “Done.” I said, looking for the next weight. The increasing weights were fairly simple and easy to manage until I reached a fifty pound weight, which strained me, and two separate twenty pound weights were difficult to hold at once. He recorded the results and clicked his pen. “Good job.” He said sarcastically. Richards smile made me think he enjoyed watching me struggle. As if this was just some big game to him. Everything about this guy made me want to kick that smug look off his face. Then why not do it? “Next, is our first projectile test.” He said, for once he actually seemed concerned or unsettled. “Are ponies startled by loud noises?” “I would guess so.” I said, cracking my neck. “Why do you ask?” “Come with me.” He lead me through a pair of double doors with soundproofing layered across them, to a firing range. On a nearby table lay a pistol and a rifle. “The test is to see if your shields can stop bullets.” He gestures to a dummy at the end of the range. “We would see if you can protect that dummy. Can you do this?” “I... guess so? I’m not sure if I can make a shield though.” I mumbled while looking at my hooves. “All I’ve been able to do so far is pick stuff up.” “If you can try, it would be great. Let me help you get some earplugs in.” He said, taking two foam plugs and approaching me carefully. “I’ll give it a shot.” I said a little bit louder than I meant to. “What could go wrong? After all, we are just playing with live ammunition.” “We will be behind these bulletproof shields.” He said after putting in the earplugs and gesturing to the clear sheets. “Go ahead and see if you can make a shield.” I tried to think of something strong. Something that can protect something... A wall, armour, a literal shield. I grunted once and tried to envision the magical shield around me, cutting me off from that annoying ass, Richard. A shock went up my spine as I felt a something hot on my forehead. I opened one eye with hopes of there being a magical shield around me. The entire world was a shimmering blue, and in my shock I let go of the spell, and the world returned. “Aha!” I said happily. “We don’t need such a large shield. Just one about a foot wide, in front of the dummy.” He instructed, putting a pair of earphones on. “Alright.” I panted, still smiling. He took me behind the bulletproof glass and instructed me to hold a shield in front of the dummy's torso. With the magical aura in front of the dummy, he picked up the pistol. A moment before he fired, I heard a dull hum start up somewhere nearby, but I was focusing on maintaining the shield so I didn’t pay much attention until a loud bang jolted me, a flash of light erupting from the pistol, but nothing else happened. I didn’t feel anything. “Did I do it?” I called loudly to Richard nervously. He chuckled, taking the magazine out of the gun. “Blanks, let’s see what we got, come on.” I gaped at him in shock for a moment before grumbling and following him to an adjoining room, in which at least five men in suits and headphones were looking over a 3d image of the shield. I saw as they slowed it down, and they could see it expanding outwards and towards the gunfire reflexively, as the sound had reached me. After a few ripples it had faded when nothing hit it. “We are examining the magic shield to see what it’s made of, and how it works. Next test will be live rounds, promise.” Ricky said, patting me on the head with a smirk before slipping back into the firing range. “I hate you Ricky.” I grumbled, bringing the shield up once again. Once again, he brought the pistol up to his chest, loading a new magazine into it with, what I could only guess were real bullets. “Firing in three... two... one!” This time around, I expected the loud bang and flash. I tensed myself right at the final moment when he pulled the trigger. Suddenly the world was on fire, I came to on the ground, with an ache at the front of my head, obviously my horn must have exploded. Naturally I started screaming. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Ricky asked, seeming genuinely concerned. “I’ve been mutilated! I’ll be called stumpy, I can never sew again!” He seemed confused. “You’ve blown my horn off!” I shouted, putting my hoof to my head and bumping said horn, which hurt quite a bit. “Oooh, nevermind. That does smart a fair bit.” I mumbled, shaking my head as if to cool it off. Shakily pulling myself to my hooves once again. “Are you okay?” He asked, kneeling down next to me. I responded by narrowing my eyes at him. “I’ll be fine.” “Very well.” He stood and took off his earphones, as well as removing my earplugs. “Do you want to see what your magic accomplished?” I said nothing as I rubbed my head with a hoof. “Sure...” We made our way back to the side room, and the very excited technicians moved aside to let me see a frozen image of a nearly flat bullet, stretching the shimmering blue square like rubber, the next frame the square was torn into little pieces, but the bullet seemed to spin in place for several more flames, before bouncing gently off the dummy’s chest. “Almost five hundred joules of energy expended before the shield shattered. According to the chart, Ms. Bell is one of the... less magically inclined unicorns, so by that estimate we can guess that the leader, Ms. Sparkle, would be able to deflect armor piercing rounds, if not stop them dead.” One of the techs said, with a grin. “Excellent. Once the leader is located, we will have to ask her if we can perform some testing with her as well. All friendly stuff. Thank you for your help.” Ricky said to me, with a grin and another pat on the head. Which hurt like hell. v^v^v^v^v The testing was cut short and I was sent to the hotel I would be staying at for the next two days. Personally, I couldn’t be happier. The farther I get away from that hell hole, the better. Another thing; I got to ride in the black van again, but I honestly don’t remember jack shit about the ride. I think I passed out as soon as my head touched the leather. After I woke up, Ruth, the officer from earlier was there to escort me into the five star hotel. She helped me check in and even walked with me to my room. As we rode the elevator to floor twenty three, she bid me farewell and I swear, I think she was crying again. “Don’t forget to stop by the station sometime.” Ruth said as she choked back a sob. Once she left, I clicked open my door and laid my eyes upon the softest looking bed that had ever existed. I galloped and jumped onto the bed, causing the pillows and blankets to jump with me. “Tonight, I sleep like a king!” I yelled as I settled into the fluffy cloud of a bed. That would be queen, dear. “Whatever...” Within an instant, my eyes shut and I was snoring away.... A/N: You wanted a long chapter, here. Have it.