Ryan awakened as the lightly sunrays came through the window and onto her face, though she didn’t feel inclined to open her eyes.
She felt refreshed in more ways than just physically, like a burden had been taken off her aching back. That very thing did happen in a sort of way, though not literally. Reflecting, she agreed to herself that things were looking forward from here on out. And that was all thanks to her friends.
Friends… that was odd, she figured, she’d just called a small group of people, horses no-less, friends even though she barely knew them over a day. Well, they seemed to think of her as a friend so why not? She just wished she’d been better to them. It wasn’t a pleasant first meeting. What’s happened has already happened, she told herself, using the words she’d told Fluttershy. Don’t be a hypocrite. Just look forward.
Ryan shifted on her spot, leaning against a soft cushion instead of a bed. She must have fallen asleep here. Feeling a warmness against her side she grasped for what she assumed was a blanket; it was probably one that Fluttershy had brought her. She’s such a nice host.
As she grabbed for the fabric, it had the odd effect of making a contented sighing sound.
…what?
Ryan opened her eyes curiously and beheld the sight of Fluttershy herself soundly asleep and leaning against her.
Looks like she fell asleep too, Ryan concluded. She thought for a moment on what to do then decided on just getting up, letting Fluttershy sleep. As she moved her hands to try to gently adjust the sleeping woman, Fluttershy reacted in her sleep. Her head nestled into Ryan’s arm as she pulled Ryan into a close embrace, an arm reaching around her.
“Eh,” Ryan said a bit awkwardly. So much for getting up.
“Well isn’t that precious?” a familiar, mischievous voice said aloud.
Ryan looked up in surprise to find one mismatched chimera peering down at the two.
“I didn’t know she was a sleep-cuddler.”
“Have you been watching us sleep?” Ryan asked incredulously.
“Of course not. What kind of draconequus do you take me for?” he exclaimed dramatically, “I just got here.”
“Okay,” she said exasperatedly, “So why are you here?”
“Now you’re wanting to talk?”
“It’s not like I’m going anywhere.”
Discord gave a small laugh but quiet enough not to wake Fluttershy. “Alright,” he said, “I just wanted to check on you like the good friend I am. It’s been so long since we last talked.”
“It’s been a day.”
“And so much has happened! Just look at you. One minute you’re angry at Fluttershy and the next you’re cuddling her.”
“I’m not cuddling her,” she protested, “She just did this in her sleep. And how do you know about the argument?”
“I have my ways,” he dismissed, waving a paw, “I said I was going to be keeping an eye on you and I admit, you have been quite entertaining.”
“Thanks. I really enjoy knowing my pain is entertaining to you.”
“Oh, don’t be so dramatic. Everything worked out well, did it not?”
Ryan grumbled.
“Just look. It’s like your fear isn’t even there anymore! You were having full conversations with them.”
“It’s an appearance thing. I can’t stand the sight but I’m better at talking.”
“Why would you suppose that?” he asked.
“Because they sound human and act human?” Discord perked an eyebrow. “They’re not that bad when they can talk back, I guess. It’s… nice.”
Discord held his paw to his mouth, clearly holding back laughter. Then he stopped just as simply and said in a low voice, “Told you.”
“You never told me anything. You just kept giving me vague clues and teasing me.”
“Teasing? Why, I’m incredibly sorry you felt that way. I was just trying to lighten the mood.” Ryan couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic or not. “…and the room,” he added with a smirk. Sarcastic it is. He gave a short laugh before raising his claw hand and giving it a snap.
Ryan gave a look for a moment before raising her own hand and snapping back.
Discord widened his eyes then narrowed them. He held up his paw as well and snapped them both at her.
Gently pulling out her other hand, Ryan returned the gesture with twice the snaps.
The chimera came back with a rhythm from his claw/paw as he leaned in closer.
Ryan came back just as strong.
The two engaged in an epic clash of snapping, neither side giving any ground. That is, until Discord brought his tail into the mix and proceeded to inexplicably add to the battle with the snowy hair at the end of it. Ryan slowly slid into a stop as she tried to registered just what she was looking at, giving Discord a look of triumphant satisfaction. He then looked around the room, seeing a complete mess of chaotic magic having turned he room into a habitat of living and flying furniture. He snapped once more, reversing it.
“You’re almost as bad as that bunny,” Ryan said, glaring up at him.
At that, Discord narrowed his eyes and darted his head about the premises. “Don’t talk about him,” he said in a conspiratory whisper, “He knows when you do that. He can smell fear.”
Ryan looked unamused.
“Well you’ve checked on me,” she said, “I’m fine. You can go now.”
“So rude! I’m just trying to help.”
“Really? And how are you doing that?”
“Well for one thing, I was going to tell you that Twilight’s transformation spell is about to wear off.”
Ryan’s eyes widened. “What?” she demanded. Her eyes darted to the form of Fluttershy that was firmly draped around her.
“Probably in mere moments, in fact. We’ve been talking for a few minutes.”
“What?!”
It was at that moment of perfect timing that Fluttershy’s body began to glow a purple tint, much to Ryan’s horror. The sleeping human was encased by a flash, leaving behind a smaller and much different form; it was the form of a horse awkwardly dressed in unfitting clothes. And it happened to be holding tightly on to Ryan.
There was a deafening silence.
Then there was the sound of quick, unequal breaths being taken on an incline.
Then finally, there was the quiet muttering of “Oh, God.”
“You’re going to have to be more specific,” Discord unhelpfully added.
Ryan was frozen that, if not for the lack of ice, she would’ve passed quite well with. She stared into the tired face of the sleeping pegasus, the specter of fear gripping and tearing away at her once again. She was trapped. Again. By the same horse. But even if she couldn’t force herself away, she instead forced herself to an anchor that would keep her calm, or as calm as she could be. She was already beyond calm if her sure signs of discomfort were any indication. Her anchor, however, kept her in her place with the knowledge of who it actually was that held her; it was the kind and gentle Fluttershy, the one who cared for her so, she constantly reminded herself, not the irrational embodiment of evil her twisted phobia had lead her into pursuing. She was trapped but she was, at the absolute least, trying.
“Need some help?” Discord offered casually.
“You think?” Ryan snapped (without her hand), her unease-stricken words riding an exhale.
Discord shrugged. Then, raising a paw, he snapped. Instantly, Fluttershy’s eyes darted open. She looked, wide eyes telling sheer confusion and tiredness and the sudden awakening. Then she saw the somewhat-shaking form beneath her and quickly backed off, though not of knowing who or what it was. It was an automatic movement.
“Wha?” she managed, disoriented.
Unfortunately, a still horse is one thing and a fully mobile one making quick movements is another.
Ryan gasped as she tried to lean further into the cushion on the couch that wasn’t feeling very compliant. She let out an undignified squeak before she could stop it.
Fluttershy’s eyes looked up to see a human’s, prompting a flinch out of said human. She floundered, trying to take stock of what was happening all of a sudden.
“Try The Stare,” Discord called sarcastically.
Whether it be her mind being illogical due to her sudden, magical awakening or her reacting to a false sense of danger, she made the mistake of complying.
Her eyes set into a deadly, serious gaze that looked miles beyond. They told a story of pure, unrelenting power that few would think possible of such a quiet little pegasus. And this was directed entirely at Ryan.
Instantly, everything went still in silence. Ryan stared back into the incredible eyes as Fluttershy returned. Even Discord dropped his carefree persona to watch wide-eyed. What have I done? he asked himself.
Then it promptly ended just as suddenly as Ryan slumped over, having fainted.
It all happened in the span of mere seconds.
Ryan had a second awakening that morning at the distant sound of voices talking. She felt far from refreshed. That was not a comfortable sleep.
Gradually, the voices grew clearer she counted three, all of them familiar. She managed to work her eyes open but squinted as they adjusted to the light.
“She’s awake,” someone said.
“Stay with me Ryan!” another one said dramatically. She groaned at it. She could recognize that cynical voice anywhere. “How many fingers am I holding up?” Discord asked.
Ryan held up her middle finger.
“She’s fine,” Discord remarked.
As Ryan’s eyes adjusted, she saw three figures in view, though one darted out of view quickly. She made out Discord looking over her and to his side, Fluttershy, though thankfully a human once again.
“Are you okay, Ryan?” she asked. The concern and… guilt? Was clear in her voice.
“Yeah… I’m fine,” she said as she leaned into a sitting position, “Just a bit dazed. What happened?”
“You fainted when I… stared at you,” Fluttershy admitted.
“Stared?”
“She’s the staring contest champion,” Discord piped in, “That, and she was a pegasus again.”
Ryan knit her eyebrows. “Yeah, I think I remember that.”
An awkward silence loomed until Fluttershy broke it suddenly. “I’m so sorry!” she burst, “By the time I realized what was happening it was too late! I’m sorry…”
Ryan looked at her in surprise. She actually looked on the verge of tears. “Hey, it’s okay,” she said softly, “It was an accident. No harm done. Really.”
Fluttershy nodded solemnly.
“What I don’t get,” the unseen third, whom Ryan recognized as Twilight, said, “Is why the spell wore off. It doesn’t need a continuous source of magic so Fluttershy could theoretical stay human for as long as she likes.”
“I don’t know, Twilight,” Fluttershy said, “I just hope it doesn’t happen again.”
“Uh-huh,” Ryan agreed, turning to Fluttershy to see her in her full human-ness again. Then she noticed what was obvious only to her. “Why aren’t you wearing any clothes?” Ryan asked as she averted her eyes.
Fluttershy looked down at herself for a moment before looking up, a bit confused. “I didn’t think it was important. I was focused on making sure you were alright.”
Oh. “Sorry,” Ryan said, “Human just have a taboo on that. It was… unexpected.”
Fluttershy nodded then excused herself, leaving Ryan feeling a tad built guilty. However, a thought interrupted her. “Twilight?”
“Yes?” came the answer from behind, “I’m not a human right now if that’s what you’re asking.”
“No, it’s not that. You said you don’t know what happened to your spell?”
“That’s right. I can’t think of any reason why. I’m going to have to perform some tests later,” she added more to herself.
Ryan looked up at Discord for a moment said, “I’m pretty sure Discord knows. He came to tell me it was about to happen.”
Discord glared at her.
“Really?” Twilight asked, “Could you tell me?”
He thought for a moment, his face serious. Then he said in monotone, “Ah, yes. I believe it was Fluttershy’s own internal magic eating away at the spell, recognizing it as some foreign magic.”
“That… actually makes sense,” Twilight said, “I’ll look into it. She should be fine for a bit now that the spell’s been cast again.”
“Glad I could help. Now, I’ve got to get going. I hear my laundry calling and you know what that’s like, Twilight. Tell Fluttershy I said bye.” With that he snapped, teleporting out.
“He’s hiding something,” Ryan commented.
“He’s always up to something,” Twilight replied.
“Mm.”
“So how are you doing? I mean, other than having just awakened up from a faint.”
“Same as when we talked twelve hours ago. Just fine,” she joked.
“Yeah, same here.”
“Fluttershy told me about a bunch of adventure-things you, her, and your friends went on. All of those really happen?” Ryan asked, wanting a second opinion.
“Yes they did. Though, knowing Fluttershy, she probably tuned it down a bit. She’s modest like that.”
Tuned down? Ryan thought, memories of Fluttershy telling of how they held off an invasion of bug-changing things coming to her.
“Where did Discord go?” came Fluttershy, making her reentrance in clothes.
“He left. Said goodbye,” Twilight answered, then told her why the spell failed. Fluttershy nodded. “I think I’m going to get going to,” she said, “I left suddenly when you sent Discord to come get me so Spike’s probably clueless about where I am.”
“Alright. Thanks for coming.”
“Anytime,” she said, “See you two later.”
“Bye,” they both bid.
“Oh, and Ryan? I’m going to get started on researching how you got here and how you can leave. I’m feeling confident about it.”
“Thanks,” Ryan said.
Twilight nodded then teleported out with a flash and a pop.
Alone again, Fluttershy said to Ryan, “Sorry about earlier.”
“It’s fine, Fluttershy. Not a big deal.”
Fluttershy looked uncertain for a brief instance but she let it go with a small smile. “Well, now that everything is back to normal again, I want you to take the day slowly and try to stay off that leg, alright?”
“Alright,” she agreed.
“Okay,” she paused, “Want lunch? You missed breakfast and it’s lunchtime.” Her stomach grumbled. “Actually, we both missed breakfast.”
“I’d like that,” Ryan said, “Please.”
Ryan checked the battery on her phone. Twenty percent. Not ideal.
Putting it down and regretting how much battery life she used carelessly, she lazily reclined in the armchair, legs hanging loosely over the side, without a thing to do. She’d been taking the day slowly. Or was it the other way around? It had only been an hour since lunch and it didn’t seem be going any faster. She couldn’t even read a book on account of the written language not translating. The spell was convenient but it wasn’t a miracle worker.
So what about Discord? From what she’d heard from Fluttershy, he went from statue to evil chaotic spirit to annoying chaotic spirit. Of course, Fluttershy just described him as “a tad bit mischievous.” Nonetheless, Ryan didn’t necessarily like the draconequus and definitely didn’t trust him. No amount of “help” or calling himself a friend would change that so easily.
Ryan continued her bored, aimless thoughts in the boring, apt home.
It was sometime later when a knock came at the door, prompting Fluttershy to automatically open it.
“Oh, hello Vinyl. What brings you here?”
In the door stood the DJ, looking to be in a good mood by her strong smile and up beat words, “Hey. I’m going to help Ryan get over her fear, remember?”
“Oh, right. Um… let me ask her if she’s up to it. There was an… incident this morning.”
“Huh? What happened?”
“I turned back into a pony on top of her.”
Vinyl raised an eyebrow. “On top of her?”
“Yes, she…” She realized how… odd that sounded. “I was asleep at the time. I didn’t know.”
“You fell asleep on top of her?”
“I… it wasn’t like that,” she said weakly.
“Don’t worry,” Vinyl laughed, “I am not one to judge.”
She tried and failed to suppress a blush. “It-it wasn’t…” she tried.
“Relax,” she relented with a smile, “So what happened?”
Fluttershy exhaled before saying, “The spell wore off. I accidentally gave her The Stare.”
“The Stare?” Vinyl asked.
“Yes.”
“…Okay then. Want to see if she’s up for it?” she said, referring back to her original purpose for being here.
“Sure.”
Fluttershy went back into the cottage with a few steps, addressing Ryan who had been paying attention with some interest. “Vinyl’s here. She wants to help with your fear. If you’re up for it, that is.”
“Uh… sure. We can do that,” she said, not really showing much conviction to her words.
“Are you sure? You don’t sound very…” She trailed off.
“Yeah, I’m sure. Bring her in.”
Fluttershy nodded, gesturing for Vinyl to enter.
“Hey, Wolfe,” she said once inside.
“Hey.”
“Heard you had an incident this morning,” she said innocently.
“Yeah. Just a mistake though.”
“Yeah? I heard you and Fluttershy were really getting to know each other.” She smiled devilishly.
As Fluttershy stammered another insistence of “It wasn’t like that,” Ryan gave an unamused look to both of them. Though, the one at Vinyl was noticeably shorter. “I don’t… do that,” she said.
“What? Is it the gender or the species?”
“What do you think?” she deadpanned.
“Gender?”
“Um…” Fluttershy interrupted awkwardly, “Do you two want to start or… anything?”
“Sure,” they both said at the same time, though with distinctly different tones.
“I was thinking we start slowly,” Vinyl said, “I checked out a book on phobias this morning. For some reason Twilight wasn’t there but I guess I know why now. Anyways, it says to go slowly and to gradually get bigger by the day.”
“Okay. But are you sure about the everyday part? I don’t want to take away from your DJ things,” Ryan inquired.
“Nonsense,” she dismissed, “I always have too much time on my hooves. Besides, you’re my friend. I’m not going to leave you hanging.”
“Thanks,” she said earnestly, “So…”
“It’ll be like the forest. Except Fluttershy here will help. That good?” she asked to both of them. They both agreed, though Fluttershy took a minute to finish up whatever she was doing beforehand.
“Alright. Wolfe?” Vinyl said, “I’ll be on your right. Fluttershy? Why don’t you be on her other side?” Fluttershy did so as Ryan straightened up in her chair. “I’m going to come closer know, okay?” Vinyl asked, her tone more serious.
“…Yeah,” Ryan said, even if she wasn’t feeling too willing. She knew the reluctance was automatic instead of her actual feelings, however. She tried to push past it.
“Okay,” Vinyl said from next to her, catching her off guard. She didn’t even hear her approach. “I want you to look at me.”
Ryan looked was incredulous. “What happened to going slow?”
“Just trust me on this. I think I know what I’m doing.”
“That’s not very reassuring,” Ryan muttered under her breath. Nonetheless, she started a slow turn to her right as Fluttershy gave an encouraging touch on her arm. She would be there, it said. In a moment, the white-coated face of Vinyl entered her vision. Ryan instinctively leaned away but she kept her gaze locked, not entirely of her own volition.
“See? Is it that bad?” the DJ asked.
“Yes,” came the answer that was marked by a familiar tone.
“Hey!” she said softly and jokingly, “I take offense to that.” Ryan gave a nervous laugh. This only encouraged the DJ. “Look at yourself. You’re doing great!”
“I don’t feel great,” she remarked back.
“Heh, don’t talk like that. The book said keeping a positive attitude is part of the process.” She suddenly went up on her hind legs, her hooves planting on the armchair. Ryan flinched away, breaking her gaze and into the empathy of Fluttershy. “Sorry,” Vinyl said, “Too much?”
“Yeah,” Ryan agreed breathily, “Too much.”
“Let’s try slowly?” Fluttershy suggested.
“Right. Wolfe,” she addressed, “Try grabbing my hoof again. Can you do that?”
“…Yeah,” she answered for the second time. Fortunately, it wasn’t as agonizing as last time and the support of friends actually made it rather straightforward. Ironically, one of those friends was what she was trying to be comfortable with. The contact also had the effect of bringing Vinyl into her vision once again. “What now?” she asked uneasily.
“Just talk to me.”
“What?”
“Just talk to me. Tell me about your day, ask me questions, anything.”
“Um…”
“Why don’t you tell us about your brother?” Fluttershy suggested, “You said he was a ridiculous pon-” she corrected herself, “person.”
“Yeah,” Vinyl agreed, “Tell a story.”
“Uh…” she sweated, staring into the horrifying and happy face of the horse, “My brother’s a few years younger than me. He’s a college student. His name is Rae…”
“What’s something you’ve done with him?” Vinyl asked, “Something you’ll always remember?”
“There… was one time when we went to an amusement park. H-he.” She stuttered. “I bet him that he couldn’t have a full lunch of carnival food then go on the roller coaster.”
“Roller coaster?” Vinyl asked.
“It’s like a train but smaller and faster and goes in circles on a track. The track turns and goes up and down, sometimes fully upside down.”
“Cool.”
“Yeah…” She paused for a moment. “He took the bet. If we’re going at high speeds while on a bumpy track with sharp turns, can you guess he what happened?”
“He threw up?” Vinyl asked excitedly. Fluttershy didn’t show the same enthusiasm.
“Wrong. He took the whole thing, even enjoying it.”
“Heh, so you lost the bet?”
Ryan gave a small laugh. “Yeah. But then he threw up as soon as we got off.”
“Ha!”
“My mom had to throw her purse away after that.”
Vinyl burst into a small fit of laughter. Ryan broke away again.
“Hey Wolfe?” Vinyl drew on the decline.
“Yeah?”
“You just had a full conversation with a pony in front of you, face to face.”
“I-” she started. She cut herself off. That was technically true. “It wasn’t anything much,” she denied, “You two were helping me and I knew you weren’t some random horse.”
“Oh, don’t be like that,” Vinyl grinned, “You’re making progress.”
“Really? All I did was tell a story while you stayed perfectly still.”
“Because we’re starting small,” she said simply, “And that was the point. The story distracted you, allowing you to open up more. Can you really say you would’ve been that good otherwise?”
“Yes.”
“The first attempt doesn’t tell me that miss ‘this is so horrible.’”
“…whatever,” Ryan dismissed, though she couldn’t help but smile.
“Alright then. Let’s do it again!” Vinyl exclaimed.
“What?”
“We are going to smash that phobia. We’ll be doing this all day, every day until then.”
“But, I-”
“We’ll go like this until you’re comfortable then move into bigger things. You just wait!”
“…ugh.”