//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 Hardly a Horse // Story: Equinophobia // by eLLen //------------------------------// Ryan stumbled and dropped to her knees, cringing at the sour feelings her damaged body sent her. She got up slowly, cursing the stairs that had caused her fall, then turned her head around the premises. The downstairs of the house carried a similar small vibe to the room she left but was livelier in a somewhat literal sense. All around the space of the living room were various items needed for pet care, though brought up a scale as they practically dominated the purpose of the room, having been turned into what was essentially a shelter of some sort for all kinds of animals that were tending to themselves. Ryan searched for any sign of the equine from earlier, not really sure what she would do at another encounter. Her small plan of departure hinged on not being held up by it being here after all. To her relief, it seemed to have left if the silence didn’t lie. The woman located the door and walked over, gingerly opening it and peering outside. There was a small bridge going over a creek that lead off to what was probably the same town from earlier. She cautiously took a step outside and honestly felt surprised as she stood on the doorstep. She didn’t really know what she was expecting but just had a bad feeling due to her string of harsh luck the past two days. Or was it more? She wouldn’t be surprised if she had slept through an entire day. A sudden thump from behind, back in the cottage, caught her by surprise, sending a shiver down her spine. She slowly turned backwards, chanting words along the lines of “Please don’t be the horse” in her head, only to be greeted by… nothing. She frowned until the noise came again, this time clearly coming from below. Following the sound, she came face to face with a white little bunny peering up at her, or more accurately, scowling, as it tapped its paw against the ground. Ryan let out a small laugh of relief. “Hey there,” she said. It gestured with a paw to the house’s interior. She raised an eyebrow in return, prompting the bunny to do it again more aggressively, if that can accurately be used to describe a soft, tiny animal. “You want me to stay here?” she asked, getting a nod. “I can’t-” she started before her stomach cut her off. The bunny looked up at her, tilting its head and raising an eyebrow. She remembered the last thing she had eaten had to be an apple at least a day ago. There was no point in leaving on an empty stomach was there? “Just a moment longer,” she relented. The rodent scurried away into another room, looking back at her before rounding the corner. Ryan shrugged and followed. She briefly pondered the fact that she just had a conversation with a bunny, but for some reason it didn’t feel that surprising by now. Besides, between horses and giant snakes, a furry bunny was quite pleasant. She found herself in a kitchen that was surprisingly modern for the nature-oriented home. She glanced inquisitively at the bunny who had hopped up onto a counter. It gave her a noncommittal wave of its paw, as if saying to help yourself. She shrugged and took up the offer, proceeding to go through the pantries and fridge. Most of the shelf space was filled with food for animals but there were plenty of neutral fruits and greens to eat. The woman pulled out an apple, not unlike the one from earlier. She took a curious glance at the bunny, who was still scowling back with its arms crossed. She decided to take that as a sign to go ahead and bit in, being greeted with the pleasant taste of the fruit. One apple later, she looked back into the cabinet, this time pulling out a few carrots, but was immediately met with sudden resistance at they were pulled away. Confused, she looked to the source to find the bunny holding onto them, a possessive glint in its eye. Ryan raised an eye at the sudden change of opinion but straightened up to look over it. “Give one here,” she commanded, though with a non-aggressive tone. It narrowed its eyes at her. Ryan couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at the tough attitude it bore. She reached out to grab one herself, only to feel the surprisingly powerful swat of the paw. Her hand quickly retreated back to safety as she looked back to the carrot-thief. She narrowed her own eyes. It bit into the tip of one carrot and chewed slowly, making sure the woman heard every crunch. The much-taller human stepped in front of it. “I could take both of those from you whether you liked it or not,” she said. The bunny stopped its offensive snacking. It held out both of the carrots tauntingly, saying without words, “Try it.” The two adversaries glared at each other, each watching the other, neither willing to break the silent showdown. Forget the saying “If looks could kill.” The entire house would’ve been destroyed by the intensity of the deadlock. Then, the pressure becoming too much, one suddenly broke off, begrudgingly admitting defeat. “You’re lucky I’m not feeling well,” Ryan said resentfully to the bunny. It stared back with a smirk, biting into a carrot. It had learned from the best. It was roughly half an hour later when Ryan declared to herself that it was time to go. Her carrot-less meal had consisted of the mostly fruits but it was good enough for her. She got up feeling lighter (not physically, of course, considering she had just eaten). Whether it be having something to eat or being accompanied by a bunny that was at least pleasant to look at, she liked it. It gave her a bit of optimistic hope. That said, she felt her heart drop as the door to the outside swung open as something decided to stroll in. She swiveled around, cautious as to who it could be. She then mentally slapped herself and stopped wondering, as it was obvious as to who it was. It had to be the horse from earlier returning from its outing to who-cares-where. Why had she taken so long to eat? she ranted to herself. The bunny hopped past Ryan to the door, apparently eager to see it. Maybe it hates horses and is actually going to stare it down until it leaves, she thought weakly, knowing she had to be wrong. The bunny suddenly stopped, freezing in its hopping, and stared up at the one at the door, appearing confused. A soft voice, an oddly familiar one at that, spoke out in an unfamiliar language to address the bunny’s concern. After a moment, it recognized who spoke and resumed its hopping to them. The one who spoke then finally stepped into the house, revealing themselves. Ryan gasped. She, as the woman could tell, gave off a calm and serene vibe just by entering the room. The bunny, who had been finicky as long as Ryan knew it, seemed to be in a much better mood at her entry. From her head came long, faded pinkish hair going down the length of her slender body, which was oddly covered by a sheet wrapped around her like a dress. The newcomer looked up, her subtle-cyan eyes widening at seeing Ryan but quickly turning into a tranquil smile. She spoke something in a near-whisper that carried warming tone, this time to Ryan. Ryan, herself, was thunderstruck. She looked helplessly back at the other, not fear but in surprise, then soon a relieving happiness. She smiled back soundly at the fellow human. Fluttershy knocked on the door to the one and only library in Ponyville. In a few moments it opened to reveal one of the two purple-hued residents, this one being a young dragon under the care of the other. “Hey Fluttershy,” he greeted, “Looking for Twilight?” “Hello Spike,” she answered back, “How did you know I was looking for Twilight?” “Lucky guess,” he shrugged, “That and Applejack’s been around here the past two days.” “Oh? Why’s that?” “Beats me. Feel free to ask her yourself,” he said, moving aside for her to come in. Inside the tree-turned home and public building sat an array of books strewn about the room quite literally floating around a nucleus consisting of a lavender alicorn. She nonchalantly glanced through them, turning pages on a whim as she speeded through the words. “Hey Fluttershy,” came a voice from the couch where Applejack sat. “Oh, hello Appl- what happened to your eye?” she suddenly shifted, noticing the unmistakable form of a black eye blemishing her face. “Don’ you worry none. Jus’ an incident with a critter that came by the farm. Twi here won’ let me go ten minutes without an ice pack anyhow,” she dismissed. “That’s because you’re supposed to keep it on and off in ten minute intervals,” Twilight called out, “Speaking of which…” One flash later and a frozen pack teleported into existence next to Applejack. She grumbled but took it. “And hello to you Fluttershy. What brings you by?” she asked, her eyes still trained on the floating books around her. Content with Applejack’s dilemma, she answered, “I was hoping you could help me with something if it’s not too much trouble.” At Twilight’s nod, she continued, “I’m having trouble with a new animal I took in two days ago.” “You’re having trouble?” Twilight asked, surprise evident and paying more attention. The pegasus nodded, “She’s downright terrified of me. She even broke into tears just by being close!” she exclaimed, or as much as her quiet nature would allow. “Poor thing. Not that I’m unwilling to help, but how could I? You’re the one we usually go to for animal help. Not the other way around.” “Remember the breezies from a few months back?” Fluttershy lead. The alicorn thought for a moment, putting a hoof to her chin. “Yeah. You learned a big lesson about what it means to be kind.” “Yes, but that’s not what I meant. I’m talking about when you turned us all into them.” “Oh, I get it. You want me to turn you into one of whatever you’re caring for to try to get close to it, right?” Twilight concluded. The canary mare nodded back with a smile. “I think I can do that. So what kind of animal is it, exactly?” “It’s called a human, I’ve been told. It’s similar to a minotaur or diamond dogs in its structure and that it walks upright but looks more similar to an ape without hair. Apparently they’re either very rare or mythical,” she described. Twilight had an odd reaction by Fluttershy’s expectations. She looked befuddled for a moment then turned to Applejack who nodded back. “Did she happen to be wearing clothes and have dark blonde hair?” the lavender mare asked. “Yes, but… how did you know that?” Applejack answered for her, “Remember when Ah said that something’ on the farm gave me this?” she said pointing to her ice pack-covered eye. “She gave you that?” Fluttershy asked, putting the clues together. “Happened while Ah was chasin’ it off for stealin’ apples. Threw some fancy record player at me.” “A whole record player?” the pegasus asked confused, trying to imagine just what that would look like. Twilight piped up, “Actually it’s pretty small. I’m still trying to figure out just how it works.” She held up a rectangular piece of metal covered in glass on one side. A chord that broke off into two sprouted from one end as well. “It stopped playing music a while back and hasn’t started again since.” Fluttershy raised an eyebrow. “Is that why Spike mentioned you’ve been here?” she asked, addressing the farmpony. “That’s right. Somethin’ seemed off about the thing. Not too many animals wear clothes or have newfangled things like that. Twi insisted on followin’ the matter,” she explained. “I was trying to find it in these bestiaries but I guess you had it all along,” Twilight said with a laugh. Fluttershy simply nodded, taking the new information in. The fact that it had some impossibly small record player had some… interesting implications. Such as ones about the words “who” and “where.” But enough of that. She wanted to get back on topic. “Can you perform that spell on me?” Twilight nodded. “I just need something to base it off of. Using the actual animal works best but I doubt we have that option in this case. I’ll need something with a DNA sample as to replicate it onto you. Would you be able to get maybe some hair or a glass she’s recently drank out of?” Fluttershy responded by reaching into the saddlebags that were hanging at her side. She pulled out a piece of cloth that torn all around. “Will this work? It has her blood on it.” “Uh, yeah,” she answered, “But may I ask why you were carrying that around?” “The last time with the breezies you cast the spell directly on them. As you said, we can’t do that this time so I was thought you could use it with something from her. I guess I was right.” Twilight smiled, “Good thinking. Now, did you want to do it now or…?” “Now, if you can please. I’m having Angel take care of her for now but I would like to get back myself soon.” “I understand the urgency,” Twilight said, drawing a curious gaze from the pegasus, “Alright,” she said to herself, properly recalling all the components of the spell. The last thing she needed was to have a transformation go wrong. “Ready?” she asked once sure of herself. At the other’s affirming she added, “This may feel a bit odd at first but it’s nothing you haven’t done before.” Fluttershy merely nodded, preparing herself. Unlike last time, she was a bit nervous but that was probably because she knew what was coming. Anticipation is always worse than the event. However, she pushed her doubts aside with a thought of the one who needed help. Her caretaking responsibilities always came first and she wasn’t going to break that vow today. She managed out a weary smile indicating she was ready. Twilight’s already-lit horn glowed brighter, carefully placing all the airborne books around her into neat piles. She then steadied her gaze in concentration and turned it to the awaiting Fluttershy. With an experienced control of magical will she shot off a beam of glow from her horn that encased the targeted mare. She then turned her horn to the cloth, still keeping the beam constant, and sent off another one. Once connected to the two ingredients of her magical mixture, she followed the familiar path of the spell. She flashed a confident smile to the pegasus then initiated the final moment. The effect was instantaneous. Fluttershy’s whole form began to convulse, being morphed into a form much more different than the breezie. Her back arched upwards as her hind legs shifted into a different position- one for bipeds. As her canary coat began disappearing in spreading blotches her facial features shrunk to unfamiliar proportions, her entire muzzle retracting into her head. Her form became skinnier as a pale skin tone took hold. Her limbs followed suit, what were her hind legs becoming longer and sprouting an unfamiliar form that ended in digits not unlike those Spike that had, though lacking claws; her forelegs had the same ordeal, albeit with longer digits on a more flexible base. The entire process happened in mere moments but was completely unhindered by the brief time, for upon the spot where Fluttershy stood was an entirely different kind of creature. It looked up, then down at its new form. In a familiar voice it asked, “Did it work?” “Ah’d say so,” Applejack answered, having watched the display in interest, “You certainly look like the thing.” Fluttershy tried standing up, or the quadruped version of being on all fours, but found her body didn’t agree with the position. Twilight spoke up, “You should try standing up on two legs. Better to get used to it quickly.” The former mare agreed, shakily putting one single-jointed leg up front to push her up. She managed to get up a fair bit, more than she honestly expected, before losing her balance and nearly plummeting down if not for Twilight’s magic-backed catch. “It will take a bit to get used to, but you’ll get the hang of the form in no time. The spell acts as a kind of guide to your instincts on how to move and do your expected functions. That’s why Applejack and Pinkie were flying well as breezies without prior experience.” “Ah thought Ah was jus’ a natural,” the earth pony chimed in. Twilight ignored her in favor of Fluttershy. “Why don’t you stay here until you think you’re ready?” She agreed in turn then took a moment to properly inspect herself, sitting down awkwardly. Apart from what she’d already seen and felt, it was completely unfamiliar. Everything felt colder with a lack of hair she noticed immediately. Holding a one of her new hands in front of her face, she gave an experimental wave of her fingers one by one. She then tried grasping at one lock of hair that fell down her front, managing to pinch it. This would take a while to get used to. At one particular feeling by her tongue as she swallowed, she put a finger in her mouth, running it along the edge of her teeth. “Oh, my,” she said in realization. “What is it?” Twilight asked, concerned if anything had gone wrong. “I think… I’m part carnivore now. Based on type of teeth I have,” she answered, feeling weird at the thought. “…oh,” was all Twilight could think to say. Applejack on the other hoof was more vocal. “That’s jus’ plain weird. And a bit disgustin’ too.” “I think I’m technically an omnivore so I don’t have to eat meat, thankfully,” Fluttershy said more to herself. A thought then occurred to her. “Could I borrow a blanket or sheet or something of the sort if it’s not too much trouble?” she asked, changing the subject. “What for?” Twilight inquired. “She wore clothes herself. The more we have in the common the easier it will be to connect,” came the explanation. The alicorn nodded in understanding, “Sure thing.” “I’ll have them back soon. Just until I can ask Rarity for some that would fit me.” “Don’t about it,” Twilight assured before a familiar pop signaled the entry-by-teleportation of a folded up bed sheet. “She’s been showin’ off that trick at every moment,” Applejack noted. Twilight smiled sheepishly. Some time later found the three ready to go. The one non-equine among them had steadily gotten better at navigating a completely new terrain of motion but had decided she was good enough to go, a tad concerned at having spent so long away. Fluttershy moved to the door, grasping the handle with her new appendages, before a though occurred to her: she would be quite the spectacle walking down the street. “Um, Twilight,” she began, “Would you be able to teleport me to my cottage or at least close by? You don’t have to if it’s too big of a distance.” Twilight waved her off, “Nonsense. I can handle it. I’m not the alicorn princess of magic for nothing. Want to come along Applejack?” She looked up at being addressed. “Sure. Not like Big Mac will let me work on the farm with a shiner anyways. Says I can’t aim a buck straight with one eye,” she muttered somewhat-bitterly, “Right, Ah’ll go.” “Alright, gather around,” Twilight requested, “Spike! We’re leaving.” “See ya later,” he called back from the kitchen. She closed her eyes in concentration, her horn alighting. A strong glow shone off and with a flash the scenery changed. The library became replaced with open scenery of nature, below them a small bridge as part of a path going over a stream. “We’re here.” Fluttershy said once her senses adjusted to the quick change. “Good job Twi. I don’ think Ah’ve ever seen you teleport that far before,” came Applejack, “…Twi?” The sound of retching came from nearby, alerting them to the presence of a lavender form hunched over a bush. “Now regrettin’ showin’ off are ya?” the farmer said amused. Twilight waved an oh-so-threatening hoof at her before walking to them with a grimace. “Thanks for taking me here Twilight,” Fluttershy interrupted, “If you don’t mind, I’m going to go check on her. Could you two stay out here? I don’t want her to have a bad reaction again.” Twilight said, “Go on ahead. We’ll wait out here if you need anything else, whether it be magical or otherwise.” Applejack voiced the same. “Thanks,” she said, then turned to her cottage, where her latest resident was. She hoped for the best, optimism driving her. She reached the door in a brisk walk, not adept at going much quicker, and took a look back at her two friends off on the bridge. They gave a supportive wave. She smiled back and reached for her door, opening it and preparing for whatever lay inside awaiting her.