The next night found me tossing and turning in the small bed. It seems my insomnia has caught up with me again. After some time I gave in, sat up and turned on the light. Early on, in addition to my books, I’d requested a blank one in which I could write down notes. On the small nightstand there was a quill and an ink pot, so I carefully dipped the quill and made a few journal entries, making sure not to allow any ink to drip onto the bed. My teacher would have freaked.
Day 5. Still no closer to getting home, but rapidly picking up the language. Can use simple phrases, but still a far cry from having an actual conversation.
My foot has completely healed, to my utter amazement. Made a request for some shoes, or at least some socks. The ponies were surprised I needed such things, as they only wore such on formal occasions. Twilight said she’d see what she could do.
Pinkie visits me every day she can. I know she works at a place called 'Sugarcube Corner' because she talks about it all the time. I'd love to see it.
The others keep their distance. I don't think the blonde pony has forgiven me for scaring her and her sister. I can tell Rarity is still a bit creeped out by me, and as for Rainbow Dash? I don't think we'll ever be close, but she's not as distant as she's been. I think that has a lot to do with Fluttershy.
Met the dragon Spike a few days ago, yet another wonder of this place. Beginning to believe anything is possible here. The young dragon seemed very excited to finally speak to me and made an odd request that made Fluttershy smile, Pinkie giggle and Twilight sigh in exasperation if I read her expression correctly. Apparently, Spike was under the impression I might have, and here I’m directly quoting, “laser eye beams.” He wanted to see me use them. When I shook my head and smiled, he seemed disappointed, but then showed me a comic book and pointed to one of the characters that very roughly resembled humans. Out of curiosity, I inquired if the character was a hero or a villain. Once he’d heard the translation, he launched into a tirade that would have taken much longer if Twilight hadn’t cut him off. The little guy really likes his comic books.
The condensed version of his speech was the character is a misunderstood entity, shunned at first but then gradually accepted. Considering my situation, I found that…oddly specific. Twilight shooed him out after a few minutes, as it was time for my lessons. I could tell he really wanted to stay, but he brightened when I told him through Fluttershy I’d love to talk to him again. Pinkie also said something to him and patted his head, which seemed to cheer him up further. I already like him.
I smiled to myself as I made these last entries. Then the lamp went out. At first, I was annoyed and reached over to turn it back on. Then something brushed against my hand. I jerked my hand back and stared. Someone or something was standing next to my bed.
I screamed and scrambled away, my eyes practically staring out of their sockets. Then I heard breathing.
“Who…what are you?!” I shouted.
It…laughed, and then it spoke.
“Not alone.”
I felt a presence behind me, and I spun around. In the dim light coming through the window, all I could see were its teeth. I screamed again and tried to bolt for the door, but it stuck something in my shoulder. I was out before I’d taken two steps.
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When I awoke I was pinned down on the bed. I thrashed and tried to scream for help but only heard more laughter. The room was still in darkness, but there was just enough light to let me see the vague shapes of my assailants. Whatever they are, they’re not ponies.
I could see them standing over me, and then I felt claws run lightly down my face. I shut my eyes and jerked my head away. Then I noticed my pajama top was pulled up, leaving my belly exposed. The claws touched my stomach, and I flinched away. Pain shot through me, as I felt something moving underneath my skin. New horror seized me. What had they done?! Then I felt rage building. I didn’t know what these things are, but I realized now they’re toying with me. I put forth all my strength, and I felt my restraints start to snap.
Then I was grabbed around the throat. The claws were razor sharp, and I felt blood start to trickle down my neck.
“Hold still and listen, or your head will leave your pitiful body.” It squeezed a bit tighter, and I felt more cuts. I stopped struggling. It loosened its grip, just enough for me breathe.
“Very good. We have a task for you, one which you will complete.”
“What do you want?” I wheezed, trying to sound brave.
“You will seek an audience with the one called Celestia. You will make sure you are within five feet of her. This implant will do the rest. You have three days.”
“What…what do you want with her?”
“Three days. Tell no one. Or we finish what we started.”
The next moment they were gone, my restraints disappeared, and the lamp came back on. I jumped up quickly and looked down at my stomach, as I felt my gorge rising. The "implant" spasmed a few times, then was still. Then I looked up, and then I fell to my knees as the meaning of their last words became clear.
Fluttershy lay beaten and bloody in a corner of the room.
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Twilight bolted straight up in bed. Somepony was pounding and yelling at her door. It sounded like…Char-Elles? She quickly got out of bed and used her magic to open the door and turn on the lights. He ran into the room, yelling at her in his language.
“Char-Elles…what’s going on? What’s wrong?” He yelled and pointed out the room, then made motions for her to follow him.
“I don’t understand you! What is it?” As she moved closer to him, she noticed the red stains on his neck and clothing. Then the scent hit her.
“Dear Celestia! Is that…blood?!”
The alien screwed up his face in concentration.
“Flut-ter-sy! H-u-rt!” He turned and ran to the door, stopping only to desperately beckon to her.
“Pl-ees!”
She quickly followed him out and back to his room. The smell of blood was almost overpowering for her as she got within a few feet of his open door. Her heart gave a sickening lurch when she saw who was inside.
“Fluttershy! What happened?!” Twilight was utterly still as she watched the alien kneel and carefully cradle her friend in his arms. He turned his face towards Twilight and started to speak, but stopped when he saw how she was staring at him.
Her voice was deathly quiet. "What did you do?"
A purple glow surrounded Fluttershy as she was forcefully taken from his arms.
“What did you do?!” she screamed.
There was a flash. They disappeared from the room.