Chapter 1: Meeting the Doctor
"This looks to be it." I thought to myself as I stood in front of a simple wooden door that was like all of the other doors that were in the office building. The only thing that separates it from the rest was the simple plague that read 'Dr. Wolf'. Feeling the wind from an open window rubbing against my shell; I shiver a bit as I started to feel a sense of nervousness and trepidation.
Taking a few deep breaths and thinking about someplace warm manages to relax my beating heart enough to reach out with a hoof to knock. I knew that he was inside as my magic could sense the mixture of emotions from not only him but from all of his past clients that hung in the air like the smell of scented candles. My ears twitch a bit as I hear footsteps approaching and I noted that there was a strange pattern to them that sounded like they were walking on two legs. I then hear the doorknob turning and I steadied myself for whoever would appear.
To my surprise, I found myself staring into the eyes of a bipedal wolf. I knew about wolves from my studies at the Canterlot University of Psychology but I was of the understanding that they were quadruped like ponies. He was wearing a suit that was in fine condition and looked to be recently pressed and he also had on a pair of reading glasses that rested comfortably on his nose. He was looking at me with a moment of surprise before settling on curiosity. "Well...I must say I didn't expect a changeling to be knocking on my door. What can I help you with?" He asked in a tone that had such calm and depth to it that I could feel the butterflies leaving my stomach.
I was also glad that he didn't slam the door in my face considering my race. Ever since the treaty, changelings have slowly been assimilating in pony society. However, ponies were still upset about the whole fiasco at the Royal Wedding and would sometimes make it quite clear that they thought of my race as nothing more than bugs. Realizing that I had spaced out a bit, I shake my head to clear to re-center my thoughts before saying "Forgive me for my sudden arrival. My name is Pisces and I'm currently a senior at the Canterlot University of Psychology." I reach into my bag and pulled out a folder detailing my skills, grades, extra-curricular activities, and a paper detailing the reason I was here. "As per school policy, all psychology students are required to take a semester as an intern in order to gain first hoof experience and to put our lessons into practice in a real world environment." I then held out the folder and waited for him to take it.
If the doctor's curiosity had subdued during my intro, it was now back again. Reaching out, he took the folder from my hoof and started to look through the papers. I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that he was at least giving me a chance. Most of the doctors shut the door on me before I even got a chance to say my name. As he continued to look through it, I took a moment to look at his room. From what I could see, there were a fair amount of books as well as a large chair, most likely where Mr. Wolf would sit on during sessions. I could feel the minutes passing by as I forced myself to keep my posture as professional as possible as well as not show any signs of worry.
When Dr. Wolf finished, he closed my folder before handing it back to me. Taking it in my magic, I returned the item back into my bags while he said "Why don't you come in. I was actually just about to have a cup of tea." I looked up at the doctor and saw a small smile on his face and I couldn't help but smile back before agreeing.
Following him inside his office, I was now able to make out the large couch that his appointments would sit on as well as a small desk and chair that Dr. Wolf must use for business. There were various photo all along the wall as well as two large plagues that held my goal; a diploma and a certificate giving me permission to be called Dr and to practice psychology. Knowing procedure, I make my way to sit on the couch while the doctor finished brewing up a kettle of tea. Pouring it into two glasses, he hands me one before moving to sit down on his own chair. I had to admit that I was a bit impressed that he was able to get up on that chair and not spill a drop of tea.
I watched Dr. Wolf take a sip and mirrored his action. Feeling the warm liquid running down my throat helped sooth my dry mouth. We both lapsed into silence as we each waited for the other to break the ice. I was trying to think of what I should be doing if this was to happened though at this point my mind was drawing a blank. I knew that my instructor told us but considering all the times I was rejected prior to this; I was unable to remember. Eventually Wolf says "I must admit that, considering your races' history in Equestria, you seem like quite the accomplish student."
I smile a bit at the praise before saying "It wasn't as easy as you would think Doctor. I had to do a lot to prove myself both to my peers and my professors. Honestly I'm still amazed that I've gotten as far as I have."
"So why do you want to be a psychiatrist?"
"Well part of the reason is to further improve the relation between ponies and changelings. However, I always felt a desire to help others who are struggling with life. I was born as a collector so I had a stronger sense of emotional energy around me and I felt like that was a skill that could help me to help others."
"So it's not some ploy to get love?"
The question was casual and I understand his reasoning for asking. Letting out a sigh, I reply "First of all, love isn't the only emotion that changelings feed on; it's just the one we find the most delectable. Second, if my only goal was to harvest emotion; why would I become a psychiatrist where I would be exposed to negative emotions that to us changelings are considered inedible." Dr. Wolf did look a bit surprised by that information but to my surprise he gave me a smile of understanding. I could sense a feeling of acceptance coming from him.
He finishes the last of his tea before saying "Well as per your school assignment; I am willing to give you a two week trial period to see if you are ready for an internship." I could almost feel my heart exploding with joy even though I kept my face of professionalism in place.
He reaches out with a paw and I took it in my hoof. Giving it a firm shake, I say with a small amount of joy "Thank you Doctor. I will do my best to meet your expectations."