//------------------------------// // First day New // Story: Masquerade // by Jewel_Eater_Dragon //------------------------------// “Finally awake I see, that was a nasty fall you had, Luckily for you, your wounds were not that bad. I usually have guests that are pegasi, But not Unicorns that fall from the sky.” I still lay there, looking at the roof. Soon, I sat up, “Thank you.” I reply rather absentmindedly as a pony handed me what I assume to be a hot cup of tea, well, it looks like tea anyway. I take a sip, expecting it to be slightly bitter. I am surprised that it was in fact rather sweet. I look up to see this striped pony in front of me. “If I may… how long was I out?” I asked. “It’s a little hard to say, but I believe that you've been asleep a week, plus minus a day.” “Oh, I guess I missed the wedding then.” I said rather disappointingly. It was then I took a closer look at my caretaker. She was a rather tall white mare with black stripes across her body. Straining, I remembered a book somewhere about ponies from faraway lands. I could not remember what they were called actually. I asked, trying not to be impolite, “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude, but if you don’t mind, who are you? And where am I?” “Think nothing of it, you did land on your head, My name is Zecora, and you, my dear, are in my bed” My eyes open wide in surprise. The teacup almost slips from my hooves. Thoughts and questions start flooding my brain. It was then I heard Zecora chuckle. “A fidgety one you are, that is true, But worry not, for I have done nothing to you. Come to the table and keep me company, for I am sure you must be hungry.” It was then my stomach started to growl, and I realized that I really was hungry, starved in fact. After all, it has been a week. I’m surprised that Zecora didn't think much about the fact that I was unconscious for over a week. Anyway, I slowly pulled the covers off and climbed down from the bed. As my legs took my weight, sharp pains shot through me. My legs hurt, my sides throbbed and for a moment, I suffered a splitting headache. ‘Slowly my friend, you need to slake your hunger and thirst, But if you move too fast, you’ll make those injuries worse.’ She was right. It did hurt, a lot. However, through the pain, I realized something else. The floor seemed farther away than usual. It was a weird feeling, not to mention rather perplexing. The pain stated to ebb away and I took a look at myself and found that my legs seemed to have doubled, or maybe even tripled in length. I would probably be a little more worried or curious, if everything didn’t hurt this much. I slowly limped over to Zecora and the table she had set out. It was then I noticed that I was almost as tall as her. “This is weird.” I winced as I thought to myself. Usually I have to look way up when speaking to anypony else. Panic started to flow through me when suddenly, my stomach growled, rather loudly, and tighten rather painfully in protest once again from the lack of food. I decided to ignore the nagging thoughts and at least satisfy this hunger. I sat on one of the stools, looking at the meal Zecora had prepared. Truth be told, I only recognized the bread and the Zap Apple Jam. The others were fruits and plants I have never seen before. I picked up a fruit; at least I think it’s a fruit, which resembled a sort of red bulb with petals growing out of its side. “That is called a dragon fruit. It is a rare and delicate treat. Its thick red flesh is moist and sweet.” Zecora said as I inspected the fruit. I laid it down and picked up another. This time a heavily spiny … plant, or, at least I think it’s a plant, and looked towards Zecora, wondering what in Celestia’s name this is. “That fruit has a rather pungent smell with flesh that resembles paste, Believe you me that a durian is an acquired taste.” She brought over a jar full of yellow paste. “In here is some I had opened last night. If you dare, you are welcome to try a bite.” She said as she opened up the jar. I moved closer, placing my nose near the open jar and took a deep sniff. The smell was exceptionally strong and rather pungent yet, I did not find it unpleasant at all. “Now this is rare, unlike other, you did not hold your nose, or cry in despair.” “I guess I’m a little different.” I told her as I lifted a spoon with my magic. “Strange though” I thought to myself. The spoon felt a little more secure in my magic than it used to be. I held it up in front of my face, again wondering how it that I can hold it so securely? The spoon did not shake or wobble as I lifted it with my magic. Usually, only something as small or as fine as a needle can I levitate without any effort. Once more, my stomach made a sound, forcing me to ignore the new changes and to focus at the real task at hoof. Getting something to eat. I scooped a little bit of the yellowish paste with the spoon and put it into my mouth. The flesh is thick and as I sampled it, I was surprised that it was really sweet and had a mild bitter taste in the end. Nothing like the way it smelled at all. However, I found it very much to my liking. I happily licked my lips. “This is wonderful Zecora. It’s probably my new favourite.” I smiled happily savouring the thick sweet flavor. “Take the jar then, think of it as a gift, from a new friend.” She said, handing me the entire jar. I quite happily accepted the jar, and with that we went back to our meal. During the meal, we spoke for a bit. Zecora was telling me a little about herself and the place she was from, and I spoke about the shop I owned back in Canterlot. I mentioned to her what had happened the week before as well as being struck by the energy field. Zecora listened patiently as I recounted the events that had happened. I also mentioned how I have physically changed. That I am taller and leaner than I once was. As I finished my tale, she stroked her chin and told me, “I may have an answer and yet I may not, for what have happened to you, are both a little and a lot. As you have mentioned, the changeling went through you, changed you, though it was not its intention. However, I suspected as such, for over the week, you have grown much.” “I changed while I slept?” I asked worryingly. “Indeed you have. The entire week, you continued to grow and grow. Now, finally the reason I know. However, I must say it was indeed good luck. For all we know, you might have ended up… a dead duck.” She continued “Do not despair my friend, for all we know, this might be a blessing in the end. A strapping young stallion you now be, so go on and take this opportunity. Your life has changed, yes but for the better. Think about it, isn’t that all the matter?” I thought about it for a moment and I saw truth in her words. I have changed. And I will make the best of it. I smile at Zecore and thank her for her words. The meal was finished; I was helping her clean up. It took a while seeing that I wasn’t in the best of health. However, I did insist on helping out. It was then I looked out the window and saw that it was early evening. I had put the last dish away when Zecora walked up to me with a small bag in her mouth. She placed it next to me and said, “Apply these herbs to where it hurts, and chew these berries once a day. Now you have to be on your way. For tonight I have to journey home, to gather herbs that only there it’s grown. But fear not my friend, for abandon you, is something that I will not do.” Then there was a knock on the door and in walked in a peach coloured filly with an amaranth mane. “Ah Apple Bloom, my favourite little filly, could you please do something for me?” “That’s why ah’m here Zecora. So wha’s thar I can help you with?” “My friend Masquerade here, is injured and needs a place to stay; do you think you can help in any way?” “Why sure thing Zecora, we have a spare bedroom back at Sweet Apple Acres. Ah dun think Applejack or Big Mac would mind.” “Um… I really don’t think I should intrude. You’ve already help me so much Zecora.” “Think nuthin’ of it.” Apple Bloom suddenly spoke. “No… really, it’s alright. I just need to take the overnight train back to Canterlot and …” It was then when suddenly Apple Bloom sat on her hunches, placed her hooves together and said “You ain’t gonna turn down mah hospitality now ain’t cha?” giving me those sad droopy eyes. I just couldn’t resist those adorable puppy dog eyes. I finally gave in. “Fine….” I said. And immediately she started grinning. After thanking Zecora once more, we headed out into the forest towards Ponyville. At first, I assumed that it would be a long walk, but surprisingly, we had reached the edge of the Everfree forest rather quickly. I didn’t know if it was really this close or that with these long legs I have that made the trip easier. It was soon dark as we made our way through the town. Just about all the stores were shut tight for the night and there were few ponies out. Apple Bloom and I spoke mostly about where I’m from, what I do and the one question I really wasn’t ready to answer. “So how did you end up at Zecora’s place if you were attending the wedding?” Apple Bloom asked rather innocently. “Truthfully, I’m not that sure myself. All I really remember is sky, Canterlot, trees and then it repeats, sky, Canterlot, trees. And then, I blacked out. After that I remember getting up and lying on Zecora’s thick bed.” “Haha… that thar sounds like mah friend Scootaloo when she crashes against a rock. Still doesn’t explain how yer got all the way here.” Apple Bloom said. “The truth Apple Bloom, I really do not know either. Things seem like a blur to me. Zecora says I feel from the sky, though that does match up with what I do remember.” “Oh, okay. And another thing, why do you keep on looking at yer legs all the time?” “Would you believe that before all this, I was only a little taller than you?” I answered her. “Now yer pulling a fast one on me. No way somepony as old as you could be as short as me!” she said grinning. “Old am I!” I said sounding rather shocked. However, I quickly recovered and lowered my head, pointing my horn at the little filly. “Well, this ‘old’ stallion is gonna getcha, and show you how old he is!” I said mockingly threatening her. “Charge!” and I went after her. However, in that little game, I had forgotten about my injuries and a sharp pain shot through my sides. With a painful yelp, I tumbled to the ground. Apple Bloom was quick to my side. “Okay, you ain’t old. But yer still hurt bad.” She told me, trying her best to help me up. Grunting and heaving, I slowly stood up, pain still coursing through me. Apple Bloom was rummaging through the bag Zecora had given me. She pulled out a small leaf package and opened it. Inside there sat a blue coloured berry, a red star shaped… berry, I think and a dark green pea pod… I think. “If yah chew on these berries, tha pain will go away.” “How do you know about this anyway? I asked her. “Well, ah hang out with Zecora a fair bit so I kinda know what’s good wif what.” She said grinning. “Anyway, this here combination is what Granny Smith takes when her old bones start tha act up. It helps tha numb the pain mostly.” The berries began to glow in a light grey aura as I lifted up the three berries and chewed on it. Again, I was expecting something bitter, sour or at least something unpleasant. However, it came out rather bland, which was my preferred choice to what I had assumed. Swallowing the pulp that was in my mouth, I began to limp behind Apple Bloom who beckoned me to follow her. She was carrying my saddlebag. By the time we had reached Sweet Apple Acres, most of my pain had disappeared. The lights were still on in some parts of the house. And as though she could tell what I was thinking, Apple Bloom said, “Applejack might be the only one up right now. Granny is asleep and Big Mac, well, he turns in early these days.” “So what about you Apple Bloom? Isn’t it a little late for you being up?” “Well… technically it is, but Applejack knows I was at Zecora’s. Come on in. I’ll show you the guest room.” We walked in, pass the garden and through the front door of their house. We quietly walked through the kitchen, towards one of the rooms on the ground floor when suddenly Applejack walked in. “That you Apple Bloom?” she asked. “Yeah sis. Just brought home a friend of Zecora from Canterlot who needs a place to bunk for tha night.” It was still dark as none of the candles were lit. Applejack walked up to us and greeted me warmly. “Well, howdy. Nice tha meet’cha. Name’s Applejack.” “Pleasure is all mine. I’m Masquerade. Thank you again for letting me stay the night.” I said as I looked at the orange pony in the dim light. She looked familiar; however, I could not place it. How could I? I have never been to Ponyville nor have I ever seen her before, yet, she looked really familiar. I decided not to ponder over it. “Ah think nuthin of it sugar. I can’t really ask you to sleep out in the cold now can I? Well, *yawn* I better hit tha hay now. Early work in tha morning. You better git tha bed too sis. *yawn* well g’night Apple Bloom, Masquerade. See you in tha morning.” “Good night Applejack. Oh and thank you to you too Apple Bloom. See you in the morning.” I said as I pushed open the door to the guest room. “G’night Masquerade. Oh, and don’t ferget tha chew on those berries if you start to hurt tomorrow.” “I won’t Apple Bloom. Thank you.” I closed the door behind me and looked around. The room had a bed some candles and a small shelf. The room was lit as the moonlight was shining its light through the window. Still, it was pretty dark. I thought about lighting some candles when I realized that I had no matches nor did I know where to find them. Then a thought struck me. If I could lift a spoon earlier as well as that bunch of berries, let’s try a simple ‘light a candle’ spell. I have always known how to do it, but I’ve never had the power to get it to work. I moved to one of the candles in the room. And I began to run through the spell. And almost instantly, the wick caught fire and quickly lit up the room. I was impressed with my magical ability. I could levitate more than I usually could and I could perform simple spells. I tried again. I wanted to try to move my saddlebags off the ground and bring it to the bed. This is actually something rather ambitious for me. And yet, I hardly needed to concentrate and the saddlebag glided gently towards the bed. It took me a moment to realize that it worked. I was almost jumping with joy, excitement and anticipation when, “Pain!” Yeah. The berries worked, but a cure they weren’t. Anyway, I wanted to know what else I could do, however, for the time being I was simply enjoying the use of the levitation spell. It became apparent how tired I was. Even being knocked out for almost a week didn’t seem to give me any extra stamina to stay awake. I decided to lay down on the bed and sleep. Lucky for me I remembered to move the saddlebag off the bed. As I slowly drifted off to sleep, I thought back to the two Apple sisters. Oh how they were so willing to let me stay. I should repay their kindness. The more I thought of it, the more I drifted off to sleep. It was then I remembered that they were farmers. Yes it was obvious, but it had only just struck me. I’ll help them on the farm tomorrow. That’s a good idea, I told myself. The last thing on my mind as I fell asleep, it that I better get some sleep. I need to be strong and awake in the morning.