Chapter 6: Friends and Enemies were made that day
Night Mare Moon descended from her flight from the edge of space in a slow, controlled manner. There was no need to hurry, even if she did grow to despise the cold vacuum of her domain. Yet it was all she could do make the accursed creatures stop. It took a full six minutes of being exposed to space to kill them, and even then the fallen princess could tell if they were truly dead or merely sleeping the ill effects of space off.
She had instead decided to teleport them into the old vault in the castle of the Everfree. She would reclaim that castle as a base of operation, and plot the takeover of her sister’s realm. And from there, take over all of Equestria.
Still, there was time to enjoy the view of Equestria. There were many parts best seen up close, many changes. For example: there were those settlements on the other side of the Everfree Forest and its surrounding mountains. The ponies of Equestria were a cautious, timid breed if you discounted certain deviants. Clearly whoever built them was civilized, and she could easily make out several large buildings.
She began to circle around the settlements. Thick plumes of steam rose from the large buildings, something very unlike most pony method of manufacturing. Windmills and patches of large obsidian panels were easily seen from her height in the sky. There were several distinct towns and villages, visible farms being tended to by strange machines. The structures themselves were very pony-like, yet at the same very different. Most were either made of wood or brick, like most Equestrian homes. Some were metal, which was very strange from Night Mare Moon’s perspective. Yet all of them were almost uniformly some sort of box. Sure, there was some variance in the external displays, but it was clear that it was built around some sort of box.
Also strange was the extensive use of glass. It was all so clear and perfect, and whoever built the settlements were able to afford it in such quantities as that they could put it in their houses as a common item. On some of the larger buildings they even put so much of that crystal glass up as to create the illusion of an open space without sacrificing shelter. What a novel luxury!
And the roads! Such magnificent feats of engineering! Instead of cobblestone they were paved with a strange, grey stone that was perfectly smooth saved for some cracks and wear. These roads linked the cities, with others branching out throughout the settlements. Even the unpaved roads had hardly a stump in sight, and all had deep trenches along the sides for good drainage. Night Mare Moon could appreciate such efficiency.
And yet the oddities continued to mount. Strange, metal pony-less carrages drove along the roads, most of them having a cart welded to the back. The creatures themselves were too small to be ponies, or diamond dogs, or any of the number of sentients that Night Mare Moon was familiar with. There was also the use of large metal towers with some sort of cable strung between them, which served some arcane purpose she couldn’t yet fathom. What other oddities and wonders did they have? She decided to land in one of their cities to take a closer look.
They were strange creatures, she noticed as she landed in one of their open parks. First was the fact that they were bipedal, like a baby dragon or a chimpanzee. Like a chimpanzee they had very expressive faces, which clearly showed the awe they held her in and that she so rightly deserved. Unlike those creatures were mostly hairless, save for patches at the top of their heads analogous to a mane, their brows, and for some like male ponies a mustache or beard on their faces. They wore a variety of clothing all over their bodies, generally favoring a sort of denim leg coverings, leather shoes upon what on a pony would be their hindlegs, and tunics of varying styles. These beings seemed very much familiar, although how it was so did not immediately come to mind.
Night Mare Moon displayed her wings for a few more moments after landing, to clearly allow the creatures to take in their majestic beauty. She then pulled them close to her body, smiling as she had their undivided attentions.
“Take me to your leader.”
~ ~ ~
Fluttershy and Applejack made their way to Ponyville at a comfortable pace. Applejack was able to sit on the brim of Fluttershy’s ranger hat, while the pegasus was careful not to step on an errant flower, earth worm or insect. It was not the exercise, or the distance, but the sheer awkwardness of the situation that made the two uncomfortable.
“Umm… Applejack…” Fluttershy began to say in her bass voice.
“What is it, sugarcube?” Applejack asked in her appropriately pitched voice.
“Well… what if this isn’t a hallucination? What if it’s some other side effect of the pretty blue flowers…” the pegasus gasped at the implication. “What if it’s magic? Could it be zebra magic? They use a lot of plants and herbs in their alchemy and medicine.”
“Well, sugarcube, that’s one possible interpretation,” Applejack said. “But at this point I’m reminded of the noted philosopher Renaldo de Cart, who theorized that it was possible that his perceptions were wrong. It could very well be that nothing exists but myself, and all of reality is simply my mind or soul trying to entertain itself. Or it could be that an outside world exists, but all that I perceive is a trick by a mad wizard who’s done put my brain in a jar like a cheesy ol’ SF movie. I can’t be sure of anything ‘ceptin’ that I’m here and I’m thinkin’. Cogito ergo sum, if you’re feelin’ all fancy like.
“But the real reason I’m sure I’m high is ‘cause I’m gettin’ all philosophical like.” She stood up, lightly if dramatically stomping on the brim. “And that just can’t stand! Ah didn’t get my fancy degree just ta walk the stage in a silly gown and funny hat and sit around in a library reading books all day. Ain’t the Apple way, ‘cause an Apple worth their salt solves practical problems!”
“And how do you solve practical problems?” Fluttershy asked.
“With the right attitude, a head for business, and my good friends Bucky McGillycuddy and Kicks McGee!”
“What interesting names! I hope I get to meet your friends,” Fluttershy said. She then became contemplative. “I wonder what their cutie marks are.”
She then heard a gasp from above. “Fluttershy?”
Fluttershy looked up, cause Applejack to slide down her hat. The farm pony managed to jump off unto the ground before the yellow Pegasus was tackled in an overly energetic hug from above.
“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash yelled, hugging the pegasus tightly. “I haven’t seen you in ages! I mean, I wanted to write to you but they said you moved from Cloudsdale right after took me away to be trained by the Princess. I knew you’d become something like a ranger, heck you were like a sister, no are like a sister to me and that means you’re going to be awesome, just like me!”
Rainbow Dash let go of the mare she declaired to be ‘like a sister’, oblivious to her panting. “So, what's up?”
“Oh… um… you know… stuff…” Fluttershy said in her ridiculously deep voice. Rainbow Dash gave her a confused look, causing the mare to back up a little and try to shrink herself.
Rainbow Dash gave Fluttershy a good look over, before looking the Pegasus in the eyes with that same confused look. “You’re not a colt.”
“Hey, RD!” Applejack yelled, waving her forelegs in the air to get Dash’s attention. Rainbow Dash looked down, seeing the tiny Earth pony.
“I… what?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking between the two. She then stomped the ground, giving an anguished yell as she felt a headache coming on. “What’s going on?!”
“I think I might of caused a problem,” Fluttershy said apologetically, before looking to the ground in guilt. “I’m sorry.”
“Doesn’t matter now, sugarcube,” Applejack said. “RD, am I high or is Fluttershy right about this bein’ all real?”
Rainbow Dash looked down at Applejack, eyes seeming to become unfocused. “What if I’m high? Or asleep,” the Pegasus gave an uncomfortable laugh. “Yeah, I must be asleep. This must all be some sort of bizarre dream.”
“Oh for the love of Faust!” Applejack yelled, before running to Rainbow Dash and jumping up on her back. Applejack then grabbed Rainbow Dash’s mane with her teeth, causing Dash to cry out in pain.
“Ow! What are you doing?!” Rainbow Dash yelled.
“Gettin’ ya’ to snap out of all this! We got ourselves a problem, and I’m bettin’ that a certain unicorn is our only solution!” Applejack yelled back. “Now would ya’ kindly take me an’ Fluttershy to Twilight Sparkle?”
Rainbow Dash nodded. “Okay, I’ll do that. But I’m not promising anything.”
~ ~ ~
Night Mare Moon was escorted to the building of which these ‘humans’ housed their government. It was supposedly a council, elected by the citizens of their towns from the ones who possessed the most merit. It was an admirable attempt at creating a just government for beings who’s divinity preferred to keep a hands off approach much like she used to. The fact that it was very similar to the Earth Pony tribe’s style of governance did allow the pony goddess to stand on somewhat familiar ground.
For the moment she was waiting in a large room. A few bookshelves lined the walls, with the rest of the space being tastefully adorned with human art. The similarities between pony and human sensibilities were astounding, although there were obvious differences in nuances and themes. Human paintings were less stylized, and although they included notable figures and natural scenes they also included a few large machines and a larger than average number of paintings depicting notable hardships in their society’s history.
The table which had occupied this room now stood to the side, and the blankets used to quickly make her seat on the plush carpet was more than adequate for the time being. The lighting was warm, and the red carpet and wood sidings lent the room an organic feel even despite it’s blatantly artificial and utilitarian nature.
The attendants had acclimated to her presence quickly, seeing to it that her basic needs were cared for. They were guarded about certain types of information, such as where they were from, but Night Mare Moon did not feel the need to alienate a potential ally.
Speaking of which…
“You there, human female with blond hair,” Night Mare Moon said.
“Yes, Your Highness?” the woman asked. Night Mare Moon was sure that she introduced herself at some point, but the amazing thing about being thousands of years old is that one develops enough of a poker face to keep from bouncing around giggling like a filly at all of the strange and wonderful things the strange creatures have.
“I was told that you specialized in protocol. Is that correct?” Night Mare Moon asked, making sure that the right not of condescension entered into her voice.
“It’s a useful skill to have,” the woman replied. “Although we’ve never had a First Contact event, so forgive us for any missteps.”
“If you are mindful of your place I shall be mindful of mine,” Night Mare Moon said. “What are the titles that your people use?”
“Governor Chapman is most formally referred to as Madam Governor,” the blonde woman said.
“I see,” Night Mare Moon replied. “Who else shall be at her court?”
“Well… it’s not really a court, but the special session was called, approved and rushed in. We’ve got about a third of the legislature in right now from their day jobs. The Comptroller, Transport and Minerals Commissioner, Commissioner of the General Land Office and most of the Territorial Board of Education managed to make it here as well.”
“Territorial? Your people answer to a higher sovereign?” Night Mare Moon asked, before a man opened the door.
“They’re ready for you, Your Highness,” the man said aloud.
“That question shall have to wait for later, then,” Night Mare Moon declared with an air of finality, before walking through the hallway. Again it was a fairly modest affair, utilitarian as an Earth pony’s council halls but with a few touches of high society as one would expect from the unicorns. Soon she was at the chambers, a rectangular room with numerous long tables and chairs. Some of the humans had tablets of a sort, while others were reading paper or had work on some sort of strange rectangular device. At the front of the room was the same general set-up, a picture of several older human males (patriarchal figures?) and their seal.
“Good afternoon and greetings, Protector Night Mare Moon,” the woman at the podium said. “I am Governor Jacqueline Chapman of the Colonial Territory of Navarro. It is my duty and privilege to welcome you on behalf of the people of Navarro, our mother countries of the United States of America, the Dominion of Canada, the Federal Republic of Germany and the human race.”
“We thank you, Madam Governor,” Night Mare Moon replied, taking on her formal court persona. “We hope to conduct much business for both of our races benefit. What of the current political situation do you know?”
“Fairly little,” the Governor admitted. “Navarro is apparently fairly isolated. We discovered the portals, then we discovered this world. Among others. We settled this world under the assumption that it was fully uninhabited. We never thought to look, quite frankly.”
“A mixed blessing it is that you have, Madam Governor. If it would please this assembly, allow Us to bring you up to speed.”
~ ~ ~
Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Applebloom walked through the streets of Ponyville, mostly happy with how the day was turning out. No new threats from the outside for Rarity, and no school for the three fillies. So far they seemed content to walk around with Rarity, looking at all the ‘cool machines’ and ‘awesome soldiers’. The innocence at which they viewed the camp was endearing to the dressmaking unicorn, and they weren’t causing mischief, so Rarity was content to keep an eye on the three fillies for their respective guardians.
“So why exactly are ya’ going to be takin’ all those summer classes, Scootaloo,” Applebloom asked, as the three made small talk amongst themselves.
“Well, I spent a lot of time in the hospital while they were fixing me,” Scootaloo said. “I know that my heart and a few other parts are mechanical, and a couple of my bones are mostly enchanted mythril now. So I can’t exactly be a normal Pegasus. But it’s cool, since I get to hang out with Sweetie Belle. Nurse Redheart and Lyra are pretty cool too.”
“What does Lyra do?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Oh, all sorts of neats stuff. She built these wings, for one thing,” Scootaloo said, stretching out the appendages. “I need to get them refitted for the growth spurt. These are just to keep me from sticking out too badly, but the next set should let me fly a little bit at a time.”
“It is quite simply amazing what that mare can do,” Rarity commented to the three. “Which is why it is also very puzzling. Her cutie mark is a lyre, not a gear or some other obviously mechanical thing.”
Scootaloo shrugged. “Beats me. She said that ‘Cutie Marks don’t really matter that much.’ I mean, your cutie mark are gems but you make clothes.”
“Well darling, a special talent can only take you so far. You need to broaden your horizons and learn other things to truly make it stand out,” Rarity said. “In any case, here’s the radio tent that you three wanted to see. Just remember that you can not… touch… A THING.”
The three sighed to the older unicorn. “Yes ma’am.” They all said in unison before they entered into the tent.
What they saw was several tables and large stacks of equipment. For the most part there were only one or two unicorns who were tinkering with this radio unit or that. In the middle, though, was Lyra, fretting over a television. She was apparently reassembling the housing, while carefully managing a few wires.
“Warrant Officer Heartstrings…” Rarity began.
“Lyra,” Lyra countered. “Name is Lyra. Just because judge won’t change papers doesn’t mean the fact is false, just not recognized. Argument from authority no way to win debate.”
“Heartstrings, are you in one of those moods you get? Why exactly is there a television in the company’s radio shack?” Rarity asked, ignoring the comment.
“Well, explaining is involved,” she began, before continuing on. “Noticed unusual broadcast. Normally in band that is of limited range, likely bouncing off of ionosphere. Ionosphere supercharged after attack, might have something to do with the Princess’s dissaperance… matter for another time. Signal unusually strong, likely relatively close… just over mountain?
“Unusual pattern, indecipherable… then Insight. Experimental digital transmitting technology. Output not unlike television broadcast, no… is television broadcast. Little development, royal monopoly stymies innovation in field, amateurs disenfranchised by junk band allocation, cartels and military have stronghold, partial reason for enlisting, even then tinkering disapproved of. No matter. No current interface, technology in infancy… so made own interface. Cheated, liberal use of magic to compensate for lack of direct knowledge of encoding, very high energy use and prone to quick degradation. Should be interesting. Always have taken after father when Insight occurs. Mercury’s genius well regarded in magi-tech engineering circles.”
“I see,” Rarity said neutrally.
“You’re being polite.” Lyra countered.
“I am. But I am amazed by what you’ve done. Just noticing the signal could save us a lot of trouble,” Rarity commented. “It’s times like these that I forget why I’m constantly annoyed by you. Well… besides the wild personality shifts… and the mad science… and the theft of property during the mad science… and the conspiracy theories… the breaking and entering… the human fetish… that creepy way you’re always at the same places I am…”
“Thanks,” Lyra said, before blinking. She swayed a bit on her hooves, before finally regaining her balance. “Okay, Insight’s over. By the way, your parents are going to need a new TV.”
“And now I’m reminded of why I am constantly annoyed by you,” Rarity said flatly.
“You love me for my eccentric charm and you know it,” Lyra said playfully, before noticing the fillies. “Hey girls. You want to see what’s on the other side of the mountains that nobody wants to cross because of the gaping wounds in reality from which all monsters are born?”
“Sure!” the three fillies replied egerly. Lyra smiled just a broadly, before pressing the on button with a hoof. At first there was static, which caused her to apply magic to the internals of the television. When the spell matrix didn’t align the way she wanted it to, she then hit the television’s side housing with a forehoof, causing Rarity to wince.
The image on the television screen resolved itself. Two creatures, both of the recognizably dressed in formal business suites, although one was of female cut. They both looked vaguely like hairless apes, one of a light pink and the other of a dark brown color.
“They exist!” Lyra said, wonder in her voice. “They really do exist. All those years… all that fanart…”
“Quiet!” Rarity ordered. “They’re saying something.”
“… Territorial Guard members are to ensure that their issued combat rifles and personal deployment bags are ready. The Maritime Dragoons, QRT and Military Police Regiment have been officially ordered to muster at full strength, and all Regimental Headquarter Companies have been officially called into Stated Active Duty. We repeat that there has been no declaration of war, but the appearance of the alien and the abrupt closing of the wormhole that is our only link to Earth has prompted the government to respond with caution until more information becomes available.”
“… what’s going on?” Sweetie Belle asked, worry in her voice. “They’re trying to appear calm, but the one in the pink suit is almost ready to cry.”
“Some sort of mass mobilization,” Rarity said. “They could be in trouble. Wherever this ‘Earth’ is, it’s probably where they’re originally from.”
“And now to Dr. Jacobson, at the University of Navarro,” the female said, “Dr. Jacobson, what exactly are we dealing with.”
The scene on the television then changed to what they recognized as a university office. “Well, what we have for the first time is something that is truly alien. It appears to be some sort of female equine creature, a mish mash of the mythical unicorn and pegasus.”
A photo of Night Mare Moon then appeared on the screen. “She calls herself Night Mare Moon, Lady Protector of Equestria and Goddess of the Night. As you can see, she is wearing some sort of armor of a clearly artificial origin. We currently believe that it is a sort of ornate, ceremonial armor, since it does not provide protection of what the areas we believe the vital organs are. The damage you see is probably recent, likely from some sort of creature.”
“Is it true that the alien is dangerous?” the male reporter asked. Rarity and Lyra shared a look, and the other ponies in the tent were watching the screen with intent.
“Potentially, yes,” the scientist said. “Her horn is as sharp as a kitchen knife, and she can probably run through a full grown adult if she had the mind to do so. She has also been observed to use some sort of telekinesis to manipulate objects. We’re not even sure what the mane and tail are, but they appear to be prehensile and responsive to the ambient environment.
“Also notice the eyes. I know they look creepy, but see how they’re positioned like a person’s, a cat’s or a dog’s instead of a horse? Herbivores have their eyes positioned to the sides of their heads to increase field of view, and run away from a predator. Predators, on the other hand, have their eyes positioned in the front to allow maximum view of what’s dead ahead for the chase.”
“So you are saying that Night Mare Moon is carnivorous?” the female reporter asked.
“Possibly. We’re observing her now, trying to gather more data. The fact that she’s a sentient limits our ethical options for study. Hopefully we can pry more information…”
“We’re sorry doctor, but a film crew has gained access to the legislative chamber. We’re broadcasting now…”
The scene on the television then switched to some sort of large chamber, just as promised. A number of humans filled the seats, but at center stage was an alicorn.
“… And so the Sun Tyrant Celestia saw in her infinite wisdom to banish Us to the Moon, and subjugate all goodly ponies under her authoritarian rule. No longer would the three tribes be sovereign, nor would ponies be allowed to rule themselves! There would be no more Unicorn Monarchy, Pegasus Senate or Earth Pony Parliament, but one rule! Her rule! The very thing we sought to prevent she embraced, and…”
Lyra had enough tack to turn the volume down to zero, allowing them to see the rant without hearing Night Mare Moon’s agitation. “We need to tell the Captain.”
“Not just the Captain, but it’s a good start,” Rarity agreed. “Get somepony to find Technical Sergeant Scratch Pad and have him transcribe everything. Against my better judgment, would you mind keeping the girls out of trouble while I find Captain MacIntosh?”
“Not at all,” Lyra agreed. “Radiopony Resistor, go to the bar and find Scratch Pad.”
The male unicorn nodded, setting his project aside and running off. The other unicorn continued with his work. Rarity gave her Lyra a small smile of appreciation before running off herself, leaving the green unicorn with the three fillies.
“So, what do we do now?” Scootaloo asked.
“Well, I was thinking about your wings…” Lyra said, grinning at the three. “Should Scoot have normal wings, awesome wings, or creepy awesome wings?”
“Umm… I think that’s her decision,” Sweetie Belle said.
“I kinda’ agree,” Applebloom said. “And I’ve only just met Scootaloo, so I can’t rightly make a suggestion.”
“Hmm…” Scootaloo said, thinking. “Tough call. If I go all mechanical, would there be enough room for the talismans to do really cool things? And can I get it in black? Or rainbow?”
"Well, tell me what you'd like to do," Lyra said, grinning at the other two. "You two can pitch idea to me as well. We can maybe get a good brainstorm, teach you fillies a few things... science can be fun, after all."
~ ~ ~
“Does thou knowest what a truth table is?” Luna asked, in the front of a lecture hall.
Twilight knew. Twilight knew that she knew, but she couldn’t remember what was being asked. It was frustrating, infurating, but she could not lie to the oft misunderstood princess of the night. “Umm… no?”
“'TIS THE TABLE WE BREAK MATH UNDERGRADS ON!” Luna declared, magically pulling the cover out of the countertop. The table had tape arranged in grid like lines on it, ‘p’s, ‘q’s, ‘r’s, ‘T’s, ‘F’s and a number of stranger symbols like ⋀, ↔,~, and ≡. With a flick of magic the princess turned the symbols into solid objects, the pointy ends of which went straight into the air. Then magic gripped Twilight, and she was yanked from her desk and made to hover above the point symbols.
“WHAT ARE THE SET ADIQUET CONNECTIVES IN SENTENTIAL LOGIC?!” Luna demaned with sadistic glee.
“I DON’T KNOW!” Twilight yelled. She was speaking the truth, the knowledge evaded her and she was more focused on trying to break the grip of the Princess’s magic. Yet even with all her power, Twilight remained as powerless as when she was a foal.
“WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMONLY USED EQUIVALENCES IN THE SYMBOLIC ALGEBRA?!” Luna demanded again, this time raising Twilight into the air. Twilight struggled, although it was in futility.
“I DON’T KNOW!” Twilight yelled again, scared witless and on the verge of tears.
“HOW DOES ONE CONSTRUCT A KARNAUGH MAP?!” Luna demanded again, using her magic to press Twilight against the ceiling of the lecture hall.
“I DON’T KNOW! I DON’T KNOW! I JUST DON’T KNOW!” Twilight cried, tears flowing freely. “I JUST WANT TO READ MY BOOKS! LET ME GO! PLEASE LET ME GO!”
“As thou wishest,” Luna said, with an air of finality. The magic grip was released. It took Twilight a fraction of a second to notice this, to realize that she was falling to her death, to know that her ignorance cost her her life.
Twilight screamed.
~ ~ ~
Twilight woke up screaming. The magic manifested itself through her horn, and overloaded the monitoring devices that were connected to her by the wires and pads scattered across her body. Sparks flew across the hospital floor, although thankfully nothing caught fire.
“Whoa there, sugarcube! I was just going to ask you what’s going on, not torture you or anything.” A tiny, high pitched voice said to her right.
Twilight’s breathing was still hard and raged. She looked down, wondering where the voice was coming from. What she saw was a tiny orange earth pony, her mane and tail tied up in ponytails and wearing a brown Stetson hat, sitting on a small wooden table that had a vase of flowers..
“… Applejack?” Twilight asked. She then looked at the door. “Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash? What’s going on? Did Applejack get into some Poison Joke?”
“I was goin’ to ask you that,” Applejack said. “What’s really going on, I mean. But first, I think proper introductions are called for. Who are you?”
“We… we went over this. I’m Twilight Sparkle, and I’m a student of Princess Celestia sent here to…”
“WRONG ANSWER!” Applejack yelled, stomping her hooves into the wood. “If you know us so well then you know I've got a knack for seein' if folk are being honest-like. You ain’t lying completely, but you’re hidin’ something. You go on acting like you know everything, and then turn up surprised when things don’t go the way you think they should. And you’re all familiar like with ponies you haven’t even met or know, especially since that doesn’t line up with the Twilight Sparkle everyone who’s ever come into contact with her remembers.
“Now you’ve grown to an unnatural size in a short time, and are startin’ to look like a Princess proper. Gangly as a filly after a growth spurt, but bigger than most. Whatever you’re doin’ or sayin’ ‘bout bein’ Twilight Sparkle ain’t the whole truth. I’d be willin’ to let sleepin’ dogs lie, ‘cept now too many things are going on that could hurt my kin folk or my friends.
“So I’m going to ask you again, before I start becomin’ truly unkind to ya’. Who are you, really?”
Twilight looked between the three, and the panicked Nurse Red Heart in the doorway, before sighing. The way Twilight looked between the three was as an old friend, reminiscing about better times.
“You want the truth?" she asked, giving each of them a smile before closing her eyes. "Okay then. My name is Twilight Sparkle. I am a Doctor of Magic, the Chancellor of Ponyville University, Agent of the Royal Princesses, the Element of Magic... and I am stuck in a time and place where my best friends in the whole universe don't remember me. I'm just a tired old mare who just want to read some books in peace.”
"Aww... you poor thing," Fluttershy said, walking up to the bed and giving Twilight a gentle hug. Twilight hugged the pegasus back. Rainbow Dash walked to the bed as well, happy to show solidarity with the group.
"Well, that just raises more questions then it answers," Applejack said, hopping onto the bed as Fluttershy let go of the hug. "But it's a start. Now, tell us exactly what all is goin' on?"
~ ~ ~
[Bonus Content from SpaceBattles Forum.]
From Rose’s Pony Anatomy:
Poison Jock (also known as the Venus Fungus) is no joke. Native to the gaping wounds in the world from which all monsters are born, it has a fairly straightforward manifestation of symptoms.
1) Itching along the feet, calves and groin area.
2) Slight discomfort. Possible confusion, especially regarding sexuality and gender identity.
3) High fever.
4) Major hormonal imbalance.
5) Cravings and extreme thirst.
6) Genetic mutation as the fungus releases a specially made magical retrovirus into the victim’s blood system.
7) Unimaginable pain as the victim’s bone structure, internal organs, musculature and skin transforms themselves to fit the gender the fungus desires. If this transformation takes place in less than a week, the victim usually dies from shock.
8) Possible immaculate conception in the case of male to female transformations.
9) Possible desire to become a magically powered vigilante.
10) The development of a distinctive highland accent.
If left untreated after transformation Poison Jock can also be transmitted via body fluids.
[Author's notes: I may be doing some editing on previous chapters.]