A young child's mysterious illness lands him in the hospital, and near death. Within the next 48-72 hours, an even mysterious benefactor will aid the child to his destiny as the young unicorn filly, Little Horn.
Sam Horner's life hangs in the balance as a mysterious illness slowly weakens him. While his parents are preparing to say goodbye to their son, a mysterious benefactor shows up in Sam's dreamscapes, which resemble locations from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Notable locations include Ponyville, the Everfree Forest, and Zecora's hut. Will Sam recover completly and become something different? Special Thanks to zeusdemigod131 (Zecora), who will be providing Zecora's role in this story.
The story of Little Horn, a young Unicorn filly, begins in the magical realm of Equestria, home of the Elements of Harmony bearers, the Solar and Lunar Princesses, Celestia and Luna, and a host of equines with various color schemes, mane and tail styles, and Cutie Marks. Three tribes lived together in harmony in Ponyville: The high-flying Pegasi, masters of weather control who resided and worked in Cloudsdale, the magical unicorns, with feats of magic that would make Trixe Lulamoon, Rarity, or Twilight Sparkle green with envy, and the honest, down to earth Earth Ponies, who worked their farms and jobs in town, providing foodstuffs for everypony to enjoy.
That is, until the chimeric entity known as Discord broke out from his stony prison (thanks to the Cutie Mark Crusaders), and plunged the realm of harmony into total chaos. Tasked with restoring harmony back to Equestria, Princess Celestia requested the presence of her faithful student, Twilight Sparkle and her friends, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy to gather the Elements of Harmony and defeat Discord. The evil chaos being toyed with our main protagonists until Twiligh Sparkle was able to overcome the discording and self-doubts with her assistant Spike the Dragon and the Friendship Letters Celestia provided. Each letter read proved that Friendship truly was Magic. Armed with her newfound knowledge, the purple unicorn librarian was able to free her friends from their prisons and defeat Discord, sending him back as a stone ornament in the Royal Canterlot Gardens.
That was then, and the fateful day that chaos was free to rule Equestria again occured in the present time. Discord was freed by the Mane Six as per a Royal Decree from Princess Celestia. Hoping that Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness, could reform him, Princess Celestia suggested that Fluttershy befriend the chaotic draconequeuus. Discord played along, even admitting that "Friendship is Magic."
Finally, when everypony let their guard down, Discord struck. Discord pretended to be good and betrayed the Elements of Harmony, starting with Kindness, represented by Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash, the Loyal friend and fellow Pegasus, was wroth with rage over Fluttershy's banishment, and attacked Discord with the speed the Best Young Flier and Wonderbolt Captain could muster. Sadly, Rainbow Dash was no match for Discord's tricks. Eventually, Honesty (Applejack), Laughter (Pinkie Pie) and Generosity (Rarity) fell, leaving the Princesses and Twilight Sparkle, as well as Spike, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Zecora, the Wonderbolts, and the rest of the Apple family to contend with.
Before Discord could deal with Princess Celestia and her student, he turned to the youngest members of the community of Ponyville; the children. Cheerilee, the school teacher, had welcomed a new student to the class; Little Horn, a young unicorn filly with a brown mane and short tail. She had a light tan coat and was until this time, a Blank Flank. Two classmates, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, who were vocal about little ponies with no Cutie Mark, passed a note to Little Horn through Apple Bloom, which caught the attention of Cheerilee.
Cheerilee stopped her lecture on Cutie Marks, and looked directly at Apple Bloom and Little Horn, who were caught red-hoofed, "Apple Bloom, were you passing notes in class, again? You and your sister are going to have a talk about this." Cherilee scolded.
Apple Bloom's ears drooped, "But Miss Cherilee, Ah didn't pass any notes! It was Diamond Tiara!" She protested, despite the evidence in her front hoof. The white piece of paper was blank!
Little Horn finally spoke up, "Huh? Why is it blank?" Little Horn asked with curiousity.
Diamond Tiara stifiled a chuckle, "Remind you of somepony you know, blank flank?"
Silver Spoon, Diamond Tiara's classmate, adjusted her glasses, "Yeah, what she said, Blank Flank! Oh, and you have a small horn. Smaller than Sweetie Belle's." She glared at Sweetie Belle.
The white unicorn filly with the pastel purple and white mane known as Sweetie Belle wanted to go over and hug Little Horn. "Hay, you leave my friend alone! She may be small, but she's full of potential!" This act of kindness towards the new student made Cherilee happy she chose to be a teacher.
Scootaloo, the orange pegasi, and member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, whispered to Apple Bloom, "We should totally ask Little Horn to come to our clubhouse to join the Cutie Mark Crusaders. After all, your cousin Babs is in it, and we need more members!"
Apple Bloom smiled, "Ya know, Scoots, yer on ta something. Meet us at the clubhouse after school and bring Lil' Horn with ya!" The fillies decided to befriend their new classmate then and there.
The class continued for the rest of the day until Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon continued teasing poor Little Horn again; Diamond Tiara for considering to join the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and Silver Spoon made a crack about Little Horn's, well, small horn. This was a very senstitive issue for the young filly.
Little Horn began to cry a bit. "Stop teasing me about my horn! I cannot help it if I'm the only pony in my family with a small horn!" That outburst occured towards the end of the school day, so Cheerilee asked the young filly to stay after school and invited her family in for a conference.
During the conference, the family was able to discover the issues facing their child. The father, known as Big Horn, glared at Cherilee, "Bullying is unacceptable! I will go over to Filthy Rich's Barnyard Bargains and demand he make his daughter apologize to mine!" Big Horn stomped his hoof in protest.
Shimmer, the voice of reason and Little Horn's mother said, "Dear, please, be rational about this! We will be banned from the Barnyard Bargains store for sure! They have all our favorite things there."
The arguement on whether to demand an apology from Diamond Tiara and Filthy Rich to Small Horn made a certain Dracquoneuus very interested in this development.
Little Horn left the conference with her parents, her head down, wondering what was to happen next. Just then, Scootaloo buzzed by on her scooter and stopped, nearly knocking over the tan filly.
Scootaloo removed her helmet and shook her magenta mane, "Hay, I hear you need some cheerin' up! Come with me! I got some friends you haveta meet!" This pleased the unicorn filly. Scootaloo gave Little Horn a helmet.
Little Horn placed the helmet on her head. The helmet belonged to Sweetie Belle, but she lent the helmet for the sake of safety to their new friend. "Oh, hay Mr. and Mrs. Horn. May I take your daughter to the Cutie Mark Crusader Clubhouse? I think we Crusaders can help Little Horn with that bullyin' problem!" Scootaloo asked politely as she revved her scooter, impatient to get back to Crusading with their new friend.
The parents agreed, as long as their daughter was back in town for supper. Scootaloo and Little Horn headed out, nearly knocking over poor Granny Smith in the market, "Sorry Granny Smith! Apple Bloom's at the Clubhouse waitin' for me!"
Granny Smith shook her hoof at the energetic filly, "Young whipersnappers! Take time ta look before you leap!" The elderly mare went back to the family farm, exhausted from her shopping trip in town.
The fillies were at the clubhouse, all in their Crusader cloaks. Sweetie Belle went to ask her sister, Rarity, to design one just like hers for Little Horn. "I'm here, and I brought that new recuit you wanted!" Scootaloo announced.
Apple Bloom was so excited about this new filly, "Howdy, Lil' Horn. Ah'm Apple Bloom, and this is Sweetie Belle," she pointed to the white unicorn filly with the pastel puple and white mane, "and you met Scootaloo eariler. Welcome to the Cutie Mark Crusader Clubhouse!"
The little filly's pupils shrunk as Little Horn was suprised her classmates wanted her to join their club, "Cutie Mark Crusaders?" The filly tilted her head in her query to this new place. This made Apple Bloom remember the same thing her cousin Babs Seed said when she was offered membership.
Apple Bloom continued her sales pitch, "Yep, this here club is dedicated to helping Ponies earn their Cutie Marks! You seem like the ideal candidate!" Apple Bloom motioned her friends to make Little Horn feel welcome. "Allow us to show you can do here, if you choose ta join us!" Apple Bloom's southern accent came on thick, reflecting her Apple heritage. Applejack would be so proud! Maybe if they recruited Small Horn, a Cutie Mark for Recruiting a new Crusader would appear. No such luck.
Apple Bloom then offered the first benefit of club membership, "Here's where we take attendance!" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo went over to the attendance sheet, crudely drawn with a picture of the three crusaders and Babs, along with a new picture of Little Horn. Sweetie Belle "pretended" to raise her hoof to indicate she was present for the meeting. Scootaloo marked her and Apple Bloom, as well as Little Horn present.
Apple Bloom continued with her usual recruitment/benefits speech, with where the girls would eat their snacks, and the ideal spot for ideas for Cutie Marks. "Well, what ya think, Lil' Horn? You seemed sad when those stinkin' bullies made fun o' ya." Apple Bloom felt empathy for the young filly.
Little Horn thought about what Apple Bloom and her friends said, "You got yourself a new member, Apple Bloom! I'm in!" She extended her hoof to the Crusaders, which they accepted readily.
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle went up to Little Horn and gave her a hug, followed by Apple Bloom. The Earth Pony Filly was quite strong, Little Horn had to admit.
The girls then grouped up, as when they were prepared to go Crusadering. "Here, this is our club hoofshake!" Scootaloo said, raising her hoof in the air, along with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. They motioned Little Horn to join them, and she did!
Scootaloo smiled, "We have one last thing. We haveta elect Little Horn as our newest member!" She put on her Crusader cloak, which Rarity designed. The Maroon and gold lined cloaks were small and functional for a Crusader meeting, according to the resident seamstress. Sweetie Belle put hers on, as did Apple Bloom.
Scootaloo began to bang on her bongos with her hooves to start the ceremony, followed by some dirty looks from Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. Sweetie Belle took her place on the podium, decorated for the ceremony with the Crusader logo on the front.
"Ahem!" Sweetie Belle cleared her throat cutely, "Hear ye, Hear ye! We, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, elect Little Horn as our newest Crusader, Gal Pal, etc., etc." She looked over at the other Crusaders, "What, too short? I have more if you need it."
The other crusaders brought out the cloak for their new member. Scootaloo declared as she smiled, "You have been offically sworn in! Congratulations, Little Horn! Welcome to the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" The cloak was thrown over Little Horn, who telekinetically adjusted it to fit. Like Rarity said, functional and practical. The girls posed in their Crusader cloaks and high-hoofed.
Soon, it was time to go, and the girls had to leave; Apple Bloom to the farm to wash up for dinner and help Applejack set the table, Sweetie Belle heard Rarity call her in for dinner, and Scootaloo rushed home on her scooter. Big Horn and Shimmer arrived and picked up their filly, still wearing her cloak from the ceremony. To celebrate the newest Cutie Mark Crusader, they went to Haute Coutre, which was the restraunt patroned by Twilight Sparkle and Spike in the Ticket Master episode. Savoir Faire, the proprietor, took the family to their booth, where they were joined by an elderly unicorn, Grand Horn, Little Horn's grandfather and White Horn, her grandmother.
Grand Horn had reserved the booth for the family and Little Horn hugged her grandparents. Eventually, they ordered their food. The new waiter arriving with the food and beverages was strange. He looked like a mix of creatures with a lion's paw and a griffon's claw for hands. "Your meals, sirs, madam, and miss." He said with a snake-like hiss. Grand Horn refused to eat his food, and stopped his family from doing so. He knew something was not right.
Big Horn protested, "We didn't order this! Mr. Faire, this waiter gave us the wrong orders! We wanted four hay, Daffodil, and daisy sandwiches and four waters! I demand he be fired!"
The waiter then grinned, "It's okay, because I don't work here anyway!" It was revealed to be Discord. "Suprised, aren't you! Oh, I had fun preparing my little present for your foal. I think this is the perfect time to give you my gift!"
The grandfather saw behind the disguise, "Discord! You picked the wrong time to show your muzzle here! The Element Bearers will vanquish you!" His horn glowed as Discord laughed manicially.
Discord floated lazily as he sneered at Grand Horn's display of magic in an open area, "Sorry, old man, not this time. I took care of those ponies eariler. You and the Princesses and that goody-two hooves student of hers are next, after I deal with you ponies!" Discord snapped his fingers, and the eldery stallion vanished. "One down, three to go. Anypony else want to try?"
The next to challenge the Chaos being was Little Horn's parents, who attempted to emulate the Princess' double team move, but the couple were defeated and banished.
Discord then turned his attention to the young filly, "Now, you going to finish that delicious food, or shall I join you for dinner, little Crusader?" He sneered as he discorded the food, making it grey and dull.
He then offered the tainted sandwich to Little Horn, "Bon appetit, My little Pony!"
Small Horn began to cry as her Cutie Mark appeared on her flank, "You took my grandfather," Her Cutie Mark appeared as a light blue heart, representing love of her family. The left side of the heart showed her grandfather's horn, pointing in a northeast direction, "And my parents!" Her Mom and dad's horns on the right side, crossed to signify the union of the family. "I won't let you harm me!" Her little horn appeared at the bottom of her heart, "or my friends!" She cried as the last piece of the mark was a light tan star.
Discord golf-clapped, "Congratulations, you earned your Cutie mark! But to celebrate, you should enjoy this delicious sandwich. I made it especially for you!" He forced the tainted sandwich down the filly's throat, followed by some discolored water. "Swallow, little filly. You'll need all the nourishment to be big and strong to defeat the likes of me!" Little Horn started to choke on the food and drink, as the secret ingredient, Poison Joke flowers, spilled out of the sandwich.
Discord chuckled, as he summoned a glass of chocolate milk, "Ah, you discovered my little gift. Like it? It's called Poison Joke. Found it in the Everfree Forest. The resident Zebra warned me about these flowers, but I am immune to its effects, unlike you."
Little Horn was covered head to hoof with blue spots and her Cutie Mark vanished, making her even sicker, "What did you do to me?" She stammered, trying to get out of the restaurant past the chaos being.
Discord thought this prank was funny, and laughed with glee, "Oh, it's starting! Good, soon, you'll be out of my mane and out of Equestria. Enjoy the custom meal I prepared for you. Consider it your last. Chiao!" He disappeared in a cloud of chaos, zipping towards Canterlot castle.
Little Horn crawled up to her hooves, still choking on her food, "Must...warn...Twilight...Princess Celestia..." She then collapsed on the ground, her fur becoming grey. Her head felt warm to the touch, as well as her small horn sparked its last spark.
Savoir Faire, cowering behind a booth, stepped out to check on the filly, "Somepony call the hospital! This is an emergency!" This was the last thing Small Horn heard before her pale blue eyes closed on Ponyville's premier restaurant and the hustling medical staff.
"Nurse Redheart, Nurse Trueheart, report to Ponyville Urgent Care, Stat!" The doctor paged when they brought in the filly. The nurses gave the doctor the sit-rep. "Nurse Redheart, who do we have?" The doctor, who resembled a ponified version of Hugh Laurie from the television show, House, M.D. got the patient chart out to take notes.
Nurse Redheart reported the situation to the doctors..."Unicorn filly found at Haute Coutre; her name is Little Horn. She appears to be wearing a cloak of some sort. Put it in her personal effects. This is the only thing she was brought in with." Once the cloak was removed intact and boxed up, the staff noticed her discorded grey skin and mane, as well as the blue itchy splotches of the Poison Joke. Her Cutie Mark was barely visible, also a side effect of the Poison Joke.
"Dear Celestia, what happened to you, young one?" Nurse Pureheart, the unicorn nurse on duty, stammered as she scanned for vitals. Nurse Pureheart continued rattling off the filly's symptoms..."Shallow breathing, fever, weak pulse, and lethargy. Mane and fur colored grey. Loss of appetite. Stomach contents suggest food poisoning, from a tainted daffodil, hay, and daisy sandwich and some bad water. Strange blue flowers within sandwich confirm suspicion of food poisoning. Glassy eyes, no signs of pupil dilation reponse. Blue splotches on coat and mane indicate Poison Joke poisoning! We have to do something!" Nurse Pureheart motioned the other doctors and staff to help the filly. The nurses made sure the filly was placed in a sterile room, and hooked up to all sorts of devices.
"She is in Celestia's hooves now." Nurse Pureheart solemly said as she watched over the filly.
A routine check from one of the nurse ponies showed that Little Horn had mysteriously vanished from her hospital bed. The staff frantically called in their security team to track down the filly.
In the human world on May 1, 2020, the sirens of an ambulance wailed as it sped through the rainy night. Mr. and Mrs. Horner sat in the back and watched their son worriedly. Only this morning he was as healthy as a horse, yet here he was, lying prone, with pale skin covered in strange, blue spots. It almost seemed surreal: how could their son fall so ill, so suddenly, and on his birthday too? They followed the directions of the medics and doctors with all the vivacity of wind-up toys. The remainder of the night was but a blur of linoleum tiling and hospital gowns for Mr. and Mrs. Horner, but it was far more than that for their son, and the doctors tending to him. Doctor Amanda Wells was called in that night to treat the patient.
Dr. Wells began her line of questioning for the parents. She listened to them as they explained that their son's name was Samuel Colton Horner, age 25. He was brought to the Urgent Care with a mysterious illness on May 1, 2020. The symptoms included greyish hair and skin, lethargy, and a lack of appetite. Sam, like his filly counterpart, had his last meal of a Philly Steak and Cheese sandwich at a local Sub Shop before he collapsed. The sandwich contained an unknown ingredient; the same blue flowers from the tainted sandwich Discord made Small Horn eat after he falsely promised to bring back her family if she ate all her food like a good little filly. Light blue splotches appeared all over Sam's body, and the doctors noticed a faint light blue coloration of a heart on the outer side of his thighs. The doctors thought that this was some sort of unusual birth mark. Muscle Atrophy and weight loss soon followed once the child was admitted and given intravenous fluids. A respirator for breathing and a food tube for nourishment soon followed. The head doctor prepared the Horners with the worst case scenario; they would have to say farewell to their child and prepare for a funeral. The family, who were very religious, called in favors with relatives, friends, business associates, and their pastor. The pastor arrived to anoint Samuel's head with oil and administer the last rites. Sam's cousin, Holly Trader, a free-lance singer, arrived to sing for him upon the request of her aunt and uncle, which helped elevate some discomfort. Holly sang some hymns that the family used to sing at church. Holly was a part of their church's choir and her talent in singing appeared to brighten the atmosphere of the room, as noted by the hospital staff and chaplain.
Holly's singing helped her cousin feel better and snap out of his coma. Holly took a break from her singing to allow the nurses to run Sam's vitals, so she went to the restroom and then the cafeteria. While in the restroom, Holly discovered two Treble Clef Cutie Marks in the shape of a heart on her thighs. She was very anxious about what these marks meant to her and her connection to her sick cousin.
The fever broke that night, but the patient would be kept for observation for a few more days, just to be sure he would make a full recovery. Family and friends took shifts on May 1, the day young Samuel C. Horner last was conscious. Sam slipped into a medically induced coma that night, which prompted the hospital staff to move him to the Intensive Care Unit.
Later that evening, Sam's hair grew a bit, and some color returned to his skin. The skin became a light peach color, and his hair a light brown. The blue splotches and the faint blue marks on his thighs were of much concern to the hospital staff. When the doctors checked his vitals, it was noted his eyes were a pale blue color. When questioned about this, the beleaguered parents surmised that their child's eyes were always that color, but his hair was a darker brown. Still the doctors saw some promise as Sam's breathing slightly improved. The respirator, intravenous and feeding tubes were left in to ensure Samuel was getting his valuable nutrients and dispose of his waste. Sponge baths were given after the fever broke to keep Sam clean and germ free. The hospital also helped as much as they could financially. The parents hoped the hospital stay would not bankrupt them. Holly held some fund raisers at her local church to raise money to pay for her cousin's medical bills. She even sang at some church benefits, and people gave as they were able to do so.
Later that night, while Sam slept, he began to dream while he was in his medically induced coma. The dreamscape appeared to be similar to the Everfree Forest, a location from the television show, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Sam walked along the path in his dream, seeing strange blue plants on either side of the path. Sam recognized those plants from the sandwich he ate prior to his coma, and attempted to avoid those plants as much as he could. His longer brown hair reached to his neck in his dreamscape, as in the real world. He was alive within the dreamscape as his blue eyes saw a hut. Sam wore nothing but the hospital gown and his underwear underneath the gown. He did not know who owned this hut, but the decor had an African motif to it, complete with an herbal garden in back and some strange tribal masks. Sam approached the front door to the hut, and wondered who lived out here.
One week prior to Discord's attack, Little Horn and her family moved to Ponyville from Canterlot. Big Horn, Small Horn's father, was fed up with how his daughter was being teased at her old school for having such a small horn. Eventually, he ended up at Town Hall and requested an audience with the Mayor. The Mayor of Ponyville welcomed the newest unicorns to the town and showed then three different homes that were available.
The Mayor first showed the family the town house. "This spacious Town House has Four rooms and three baths. It is within walking distance to the Town center, Sugar Cube Corner, the local bakery shop, and the town markets." Mayor Mare commented.
The family took a tour of the home, and decided to take the Town House, after much thought. The other places they visited were a cottage by the river and the Forest house, near Fluttershy's Cottage and the Everfree Forest. "An execellent choice. Let us go back to Town Hall and I'll handle your paperwork." The Mayor headed back to the Town Center and prepared all the paperwork, keys, and the deed to the house. After paying the usual fees, Little Horn and her family moved their possessions into the Town House.
That evening, a knock was heard at the door. Once opened, a pink Mare with a Fuschia mane and tail began her Welcome to Ponyville Song she did with Cranky Doodle Donkey! The welcome wagon shot confetti and a cake popped out of the oven! "Hey, I got it right this time! This cake's for you!" The cake had "Welcome to Ponyville!" in pink letters with white frosting.
Pinkie smiled, "Hiya! I'm Pinkie Pie, and I just saw you move in! You must be new here, because I know everyPony here. So, what are your names?"
Big Horn smiled, "Well, I'm Big Horn and this is my wife, Shimmer. My father, Grand Horn, and my daughter, Little Horn." He looked over at his daughter, "Little Horn, come on out and talk to our new neigh-bor!"
Little Horn laughed at her father's horse-pun joke, "Oh, dad, that was lame." She smiled and saw Pinkie smiling back, holding the welcome cake. "Hi, and Thanks for the wonderful cake...."
Pinkie Pie gasped, "Oh! Oh! You know, since you moved here, I want you to come to Sugar Cube Corner and meet some of my friends, and my employers, Mr. and Mrs. Cake. I work at Sugar Cube Corner and we have the best parties there. There's cupcakes, music, cake and ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, sugar cubes, saspirilla, and games like pin the tail on the pony!" Pinkie reared up on her hind legs to show her over-excitedness, nearly dropping the delicious cake. She could not contain her excitement of throwing a welcome party for her new friends!
Shimmer and her family took the cake before it could fall over and accepted Pinkie Pie's RSVP, scheduled for the next afternoon. The four unicorns went to Sugar Cube Corner, only to see it dark inside. Little Horn lit up her horn, only to have the lights come on, and party favors blown! "Suprise!" Yelled Pinkie Pie as the other ponies began to mingle and eat snacks, drink punch, and play games.
Little Horn saw three little fillies gathered around a table, and decided to go over to meet them. The yellow Earth Pony had a pink Bow in her red mane, and seemed to be the most vocal of the group. The white unicorn filly with the pastel purple and white mane and tail looked like she was bored, and the orange Pegasi filly with the magenta mane looked over at the newcomer.
Scootaloo, the orange Pegasus mentioned before, bumped Sweetie Belle, her unicorn friend, and said, "Hay, isn't that that new unicorn? You should really go talk to her, Sweetie Belle."
Sweetie Belle pointed to herself, "Why me? Why not Apple Bloom?" She sighed, "Fine, I'll go talk to her." The unicorn filly went over to talk with Little Horn. "Hi, I am Sweetie Belle! What's your name?"
Little Horn muttered, "Small Horn, why do you want to know?" She seemed kind of down for somepony to be invited to a Pinkie Pie - Welcome to Ponyville Party!
Sweetie Belle put a hoof over Little Horn's shoulder, "Oh, you are a unicorn, like me! Well, let's meet my friends, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo! We have this really cool clubhouse. Maybe you can come check it out!"
Little Horn smiled a bit. Sweetie Belle seemed like a good friend to cheer you up when you felt down. Small Horn arrived and then the questions began, such as if she could do magic. Little Horn said she could do basic spells her mom taught her, but she would like to learn more about magic. She also admitted her cousin, Harmony, was also teaching her magic after school.
Apple Bloom suggested the Crusaders would visit the Books and Branches library, home of Twilight Sparkle and Spike the Dragon to earn their Cutie Marks in Library Magic Researchers. Small Horn decided to check out the library and the day after the party, in the afternoon, the girls went to visit Twilight Sparkle. The lavender unicorn levitated several basic spell books in front of Small Horn to read. Small Horn took the first book that piqued her interest, and began to read at the table Twilight offered. "Let me know if you want another magic book, I have several more, and I'll get Spike to get you a library card so you can check out the books you want." Twilight smiled as Small Horn continued to read her book, turning the page by magic. Twilight could see a little of Small Horn in her, and the thought about writing Princess Celestia concerning Small Horn's quest for magic studies was on her mental checklist.
After reading the magic book about the dreamscape realm, Small Horn asked Twilight about it. Twilight was not familiar with the dreamscape realm, because all she knew about it came from Zecora, Princess Luna, or Princess Celestia.
Small Horn seemed interested in the Zecora character. "So, Twilight, who is Zecora, and why do you suggest I go ask her about the Dreamscape Realm?"
Twilight began her lecture about Zecora... " Well, Small Horn, Zecora is a Zebra who lives out in the Everfree Forest and knows a lot about herbal remedies. Just stay on the path from Fluttershy's cottage and avoid the Poison Joke. Trust me, my friends and I had a bad experience with that blue plant."
Just then, Spike was eating his ice cream and heard about the Poison Joke story, "Oh, yeah, that was hilarious! There was Appletini, Spitty Pie, Hairity, Flutterguy, Rainbow Crash, and..."He stifiled a laugh, "I still have nothing on that floppy horn, Twilight!" The Little dragon held his sides and continued to remember the misfortunes his friends had.
Twilight sighed as she rolled her eyes at Spike's antics, "Anyway, Zecora may be scary to some ponies because she has her own ways. She's very helpful when it comes to herbal remedies and may be able to help you with your dreamscape problem."
Small Horn decided to try for Zecora's and see what the Zebra could do about her horn and this dreamscape thing the third day of her arriving in Ponyville. Along the way to the path Twilight suggested, she encountered the Element of Kindness, Fluttershy.
Fluttershy was tending to her animals and saw the filly take the path. "Oh, my, please don't go in there! There's all kinds of terrible creatures. Manticores, Cockatrices, and others! I should go with you, if you don't mind. Just need to tell Angel Bunny to watch the other animals, okay?" Small Horn waited as Fluttershy timidly approached her, "I'm Fluttershy. I heard from Twilight you needed to see Zecora?"
Small Horn nodded, " I want to know about this dreamscape and if can use my magic. I also want to make my horn bigger." Small Horn said, feeling more confident as Fluttershy escorted her to Zecora's Hut. The zebra was home at the time of the visit, and invited them in. Three cups of tea were brought out, and they discussed the purpose of Small Horn's first visit to the Everfree Forest.
Small Horn spoke up after drinking her first cup of tea. "I would like to know about the Dreamscape realm. Sounds pretty interesting. Ms. Twilight suggested you may know about it, Ms. Zecora?"
The zebra looked puzzled, "Young child, why do you seek the realm of dreams; when in the daytime, you can now see?" Zecora thought about the filly's question more, and began to mix up some brew. "Small Horn, I have just the thing; your empty cup, to Zecora you must bring."
The filly saw her cup was empty, so she tenatively brought her cup to Zecora. "So, I just drink this tea and I'll be able to enter the dreamscape, Ms. Zecora?"
The Zebra mixed the herbs within Small Horn's tea; placed two sugar cubes in it for taste, and offered it to her. "Indeed, my new friend, drink this all down; tonight when you sleep, in the dreamscape you will be found. Zecora will be there to lend you aid, if you feel anxious, saddened, or afraid." The potion was consumed, and Small Horn and Fluttershy left Zecora's hut. Small Horn did not feel the effects of the potion until the fateful day, when Discord showed up, and banished her and her family to a realm unfamilar to her.
While Sam was being taken to the hospital for the severe food poisoning, cramps, and the greyish skin, hair, as well as the blue blotches over his body, the potion's effects kicked in response to Sam's anxiety and fears of dying. When Sam opened his eyes, he was not in the hospital emergency room, but in a strange forest. Was he here before? The path led from a cottage with animal homes decorating the outside yard to deeper into the forest, past the strange ble flowers. Sam heard a familar feminine voice warning of the plants, "Beware, Beware, You Pony Folk! Those blue plants, They are no Joke!"
Sam recognized the voice from a past memory. It sounded like Zecora, the zebra character introduced in the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic episode, Bridle Gossip. It was the exact same line the zebra warned Twilight Sparkle and her friends about the Poison Joke plants. The other ponies were pursuing young Apple Bloom through the Everfree Forest in an attempt to keep her out of trouble, since they did not trust the zebra at first. The lesson learned was that you should not judge others based on their physical appearance. Zecora's knowledge of herbal remedies and sage wisdom earned her the gratitude of the town. Zecora would late be able to travel into Ponyville to visit with the other ponies and share her knowledge or aid those in need of her advice and counsel.
Sam stammered, "Z-zecora? Is that you?" The zebra had her cloak up over her head, as she somehow sensed this person needed help. Sam followed as best he could until he reached the path and then made his way to the hut where the Zebra resided.
Dreamscape: Everfree Forest - Exterior: Zecora's Hut
Following the path through the forest, Sam Horner's struggle for life continued. Shaking, feverish, and covered with light blue splotches on his skin and grey all over, the young man stumbled across a hut. There was a calm about this place; something drew him here, and the African mask motifs surrounding the exterior of the hut and its wooden door looked vaguely familiar to Sam. Was he here before?
Sam tentatively approached the hut's main door, and thought about knocking. Who would be inside? He decided to gamble a chance and knocked weakly. Soon, the door opened to reveal a strange creature, covered with a brown cloak pulled over its head. The creature had four hooves, and its grey/white fur on its legs had black stripes. Piercing yellow eyes gave way to deep blue as the creature stepped to the threshold to get a better look at the visitor. The creature in question was a zebra, complete with a Mohawk-style mane, beautiful, calm, piercing eyes. The zebra also had gold jewelry on its foreleg, neck and some earrings, completing the look of an African tribeswoman.
The Zebra spoke as Sam approached her home, "Hello, friend I am called Zecora and this is my home, now why in the Everfree do you roam?" The zebra, known now as Zecora, asked as she spoke in rhyme.
Sam saw the Zebra and leaned against the doorpost, "Miss Zecora, I am Sam Horner. I have not been feeling well as of late. My body lies in a hospital bed and the doctors don't know what is wrong. I ache all over, I have lost a lot of weight...my hair and skin are grey and I'm warm to the touch." He continued his list of symptoms to Zecora as he spoke of the strange blue flowers he saw in his sandwich. "Just think, this all started out with a nice family dinner and a really bad sandwich."
Zecora frowned, "You say that you ate Poison Joke? Come with me, for a herbal remedy you must Soak!" She began to prepare her journey to Ponyville's Day Spa, mixing up a batch of the Poison Joke antidote. Zecora even mixed a batch of potions to soothe aching stomachs and bring vitality to her patient.
Sam coughed a bit as Zecora finished her antidotes, "That would be good for the skin, but what about my appetite? I haven't eaten or drank anything since I came to the hospital? And, what is this place? Why do you look so familiar?" The greyed Sam shook his head as he was led by Zecora back to town.
Zecora spoke, again in rhyme, "My dear Sam, your in Ponyville; now, come and Zecora will fix what makes you ill. Our first stop is the Day Spa, run by Aloe and Lotus; they will fix your mane so no one will notice!"
Sam looked at his brown hair, or as Zecora mentioned, his mane. "My mane?" He looked puzzled, "Aloe, Lotus?" He thought about the pink and light blue Earth pony twins who ran the Day Spa Zecora mentioned. "Zecora, I'm not really one of you..."
Zecora turned to stare into Sam's blue eyes, "Behind this face, lies a filly; Come now, Small Horn, do not be silly!" Zecora then entered the spa area and Sam followed inside. Aloe and Lotus, the Blossom twins, saw the human and listened to Zecora's explanation of their new client.
Aloe spoke up first, "Miss Zecora, We have never performed our spa treatments on a human before...but this isn't a human?" The Pink mare with the light blue mane looked over to Sam, quizzically.
Lotus interjected, "But sister, we must help that poor filly! She must look her best when she finds her true self, ja?" Somehow, Aloe and Lotus saw the filly behind the facade. "Oh, imagine if every mare and filly came to our spa for a mother-daughter Spa Day!" Lotus exclaimed. Ideas for ways to increase sales for their spa floated through the twins' minds.
The Spa Twins decided to help, as they had no customers that day within the dreamscape, but it was so real! The smell of the herbal remedy Zecora brewed up, as well as the stomach ailment treatment made Sam feel more at ease as he relaxed. They went to work, pouring the bath. Sam was lowered in and Zecora grabbed a brush in her mouth, as the soothing herbs cleared all the Poison Joke splotches away from Sam's body, leaving him with a light tan hue to his skin, as well as his long brown hair. The faint outline of Small Horn's Cutie Mark was seen as the Spa Ponies took turns rinsing, lathering, and repeating the process of shampooing Sam's mane. Zecora offered her stomachache remedy to Sam, and bade him to drink. Sam complied and his stomach stopped hurting. The Spa Twins then filed his nails, much like they would if they had a pony client. Once the herbal treatments were successful, Sam felt cleam and refreshed. He was wrapped in a white robe and led to another room to talk with Zecora about the next part of his journey to unlocking his inner filly.
Back in the real world - Earth
Sam lay in his hospital bed as the nurses checked on his vitals. He was still unconscious, but the nurses saw his skin and hair had the appearance of someone had taken a bath or partaken in a day spa treatment. he was devoid of any blue splotches, and his skin and hair looked pristine. She called for the doctor, and she arrived to examine Sam.
The female doctor then began her report, "Sam Horner, age, 25, brought in yesterday with probable severe case of food poisoning. Skin, nails, and hair look clean, as if the staff bathed the patient. Nursing staff deny any sponge baths of this type. " She checked on the hair, nails, and skin closer. "Faint "Birthmark" of light blue heart with strange horn symbols on either side of patient's outer thighs. Noted from last night's examination. Unexplained muscle loss due to lack of nutrition. Continue to give nutrients intravenously." She examined and felt the silky brown hair, "Mr. Horner's hair appears to be long and full, with a silky texture. Will take samples to confirm DNA." The nurses trimmed some of Sam's hair to test for any foreign substances or drugs. "Something is not right about this." The nurse muttered to herself, as Sam's vitals were taken, "So, just who are you and why aren't your parents here?" She asked Sam quietly.
Sam woke up in his hospital bed, feeling refreshed, and very much alive. The potion and spa treatments that friendly Zebra and her pony Spa attendants in that Dreamscape, as he called it must have worked their magic. Then, the female doctor came by.
The female doctor, who was Dr. Vanessa Wells, as indicated on her name badge, checked Sam's vitals, "Oh, look who's finally awake! Welcome to the land of the living, Mr. Horner, or..." she ran her fingers through Sam's brown hair, "shall I start calling you Miss Horner?" She smiled, "I really like your mane! Tell me, where do you have it done?"
Sam glared at Doctor Wells, "First of off, last i checked I was male before I ate that really bad sandwich. Did you find out what was in it?" He then tried to shoo the doctor's hands from his longer hair/mane. "As for why my hair looks this way, uhm, I have no clue."
Dr. Wells chuckled, "Then you don't mind answering a few questions? I can get you some food and some new hospital clothes, if you want. Those clothes look way to big on you. Must have lost some weight and some mass." She then shows Sam the bathroom, "Oh, you may need to use the bathroom before we go. I will be outside. Don't take too long, Miss Horner." Dr. Wells wrote on a new patient chart the name "Samantha Horner, age 18, female." Something about this doctor did not set right with Sam. Why was she so interested in the growth and vitality of his, or her mane?
Sam shook his head, wondering why the doctor was calling him a girl. He didn't look female, except for the long brown hair, blue eyes, and that mark thing on his thighs. He struggled to the bathroom and undid his hospital issue scrubs they placed him in after the first night. According to Doctor Wells, today was May 2, 2020. Perhaps the dream he had last night with Zecora and the Spa Ponies was real?
Sam went into the bathroom, and saw the mark on his thighs. Light blue heart with those horns, two large horns, and one smaller one at the bottom. The middle of the design had a small light tan star. What that meant was still debatable. The urge to relive himself was first priority. Sam managed to sit down to relive himself. After he flushed, he went to wash his hands, and got a good look at himself in the mirror. There looking back at him was an apparent younger version of himself. Around 18, so he surmised. Blue eyes, long brown hair, and devoid of any facial hair, excluding the fine light tan coloration of his face, legs, and arms. The nails were well manicured, as were his toes. Did he just get a manicure-pedicure (or Hooficure, as the ponies would say) from Aloe and Lotus? At least they were efficient. No wonder why Dr. Wells mistook him as a girl! Zecora mentioned the name, "Small Horn" earlier, and said she was a filly. A Filly was a small female pony who attended Miss Cheerilee's school in Ponyville. That could not be him, right?
Sam attempted to walk out to meet with Dr. Wells. As he walked beside her in the new smaller patient scrubs, Dr. Wells noted a change in gait for Sam's feet. They appeared to be raised slightly. "Walking on your toes, Miss Horner?" Dr. Wells said, adjusting her glasses. Sam remembered Silver Spoon, a classmate of Small Horn's, adjusting her glasses in that manner.
Sam attempted to change his gait; his bare feet's arches were slightly arched to support a more equinesque feel. "Uhm, somehow, my feet appear to be slightly arched, more than usual? Is there something wrong with me, Dr. Wells?"
Dr. Wells led Sam into a private office, and motioned Sam to have a seat at an empty table. She had his case file on her side of the table, and Sam sat across from her. "Now, Miss Horner, you were brought in last night for a severe case of food poisoning, correct? I have your file, so don't lie to me!" Dr. Wells continued to write more notes and watched Sam's expressions and body language. "I was on call when your parents brought you in. By the way, your parents are not here, are they? We need their insurance to cover your overnight visit in urgent care." Sam thought about the "Parents" who had come in with him as he lay dying. The only persons who cared for his welfare was a talking Zebra who spoke in rhymes and the pink and blue mares from the day Spa in his dreamscape. Zecora called them "Aloe" and "Lotus?"
Sam figured he needed to tell the truth. He breathed in, and decided to tell Dr. Wells what he knew. "Last night, I ate something that made me violently ill. Today, I am fully healthy," his stomach growled, "and hungry...hungry enough to eat like..." He was about to say "a Horse," but something stopped him..."I'm just hungry. Not sure if I want to eat meat though. The thought of eating anything with meat in it still makes my stomach a bit nauseous." He almost threw up in his mouth at the thought of eating a hamburger. Now, some hay-fries from Haute Coutre, some apples from Sweet Apple Acres, some carrots from Carrot Top/Golden Harvest's garden, or an ice-cream sundae from Sugar Cube Corner, served by Pinkie Pie? Those would hit the spot! He thought. Wait a minute, hay-fries? Sundaes at Sugar Cube Corner with Pinkie Pie? Something's not right.
Dr. Wells pushed a call button and ordered some salads and cookies for her and Sam. "So, you are a vegetarian? We do have meals at Mercy Hospital for patients who prefer fruits and vegetables over meat." The salads and cookies came in. "You like chocolate chip cookies? They're my favorite. Oh, attendants, please get Miss Horner some changes of clothes and some water. I need to follow up on her treatment, please." The attendants nodded and went to go get the items requested, "So, Miss Horner, how old are you...in human years?"
Sam cocked his head slightly as he bit into a chocolate chip cookie, "Why do you need to know how old I am? I think I was 25 when I was brought in, and as I said, I was a male, last time I checked. Why are you insisting on referring to me as a female? I don't have breasts, do I?" He looked down to feel for the tell-tale signs of mammary growth, and found none that he knew of.
Dr. Wells chuckled, "Perhaps, but let's wait and see what...develops, shall we?" That doctor seemed to anticipate Sam's every evasive move. She continued her questioning, "So, who are you really? Sam Horner, the male human, Samantha Horner, the teenage girl, or something or someone else entirely different?" She watched Sam's non-verbal communication for signs of lying or deception.
Just then, Sam's ears went fuzzy as Dr. Wells saw a new development in Sam's unique condition. Two animal ears appeared on top of Sam's head, and poked up through the brown hair. The ears swiveled and flattened with Sam's emotional state. "Ah, you are something different. The strange mark on your thighs, those ears, the long hair or mane...Tell me, Miss Horner, if that is your real name...what's your story? Where are you really from? Some place where you and your friends pretend to be furries?"
Sam glared at Dr. Wells, his/her new ears flattening near her head, "I'm not a furry!" She began to eat her salad and drink some water between the conversation. "If you want to know so much, why don't you watch My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic!" The now-teenager covered his/her mouth. "I just said that out loud, did I?"
Dr. Wells tapped on her IPad the show's title Sam blurted out. "Oh, this is that children's television show on the HUB Network, meant to sell colorful equine-based toys and accessories to young girls! There appears to be a fanbase for these, especially for the male demographic.." she then continued, aid the next word with disdain, "Bronies," She sneered, "they are called, and the female fans are called Pegasisters, interesting." She then turned to Sam, "So, which one of these," she used air-quotes to signify disdain for what Sam would eventually become, "Ponies" are you?" She looked up more on the Ponies and discovered about their leaders, the main cast, and the various background characters, as well as the three tribes. "My, my, three different types of "ponies" in a magical land, called Equestria! This land is ruled by powerful, bevelolent rulers who control the Sun and Moon, how quaint." The picture on the IPad screen was turned towards Sam to show the white Alicorn, Princess Celestia and the blue Alicorn, Princess Luna, "Oh, they are sisters, according to this site. This seems so much like a fantasy, and here you are, sporting a pair of equine ears. Very realistic, I may add."
Sam Glared at the Doctor, "I don't know what you are getting at, Doctor Wells, but unless you can tell me why you are interested in Ponies so much, I'm out of here." Sam attempted to leave the meeting.
Dr. Wells then ordered the orderlies to bind Sam/Samantha up. "I have heard enough out of you, young lady!"
She then summoned two burly orderlies, "Take Miss Horner to the examination room for further testing. I believe this one may prove useful."
Sam was bound and gagged, struggling to denouce Dr. Wells and her crackpot schemes as being the work of Discord, but to no avail. During the transfer of the patient to the examination room, Sam's feet began to change slightly into hooves, which Dr. Wells noted in her chart. "Patient has not only equine ears and hooves, but has changed dietary habits. Fascinating."
Sam was tied to the examination table, where a full body scanner would determine what type of pony he/she was. If the nice Zebra he/she met in the dreamscape was as helpful as she said, this would be the time to help this little pony out! Sam struggled as the guards placed restraining cuffs on Sam's legs and arms. The guards noticed the light tan fur on Sam's legs and the beginning of what appeared to be a hind hoof on each leg,
"Dr. Wells, this one's got hooves!" One orderly called out. He then made sure to bind the hooved legs to the table with leg restraints. The arms were restrained as well.
Dr. Wells glared at the henchman, "She's an equine, or pony, you idiot! She's supposed to have hooves! Four of them, to be exact. Keep her from, what was the term they use? Oh, it's called Bucking. Equines like her buck when startled or want to gallop! Bind her up so she doesn't buck!" The orderlies restrain the hooved legs and the arms, hoping they would see the full transformation in person.
Sam continued to struggle as he/she tapped into the dreamscape realm to alert Zecora for help. Dr. Wells arrived in the examination room, and pulled on a mask and some rubber gloves. "Hooves? Yes, that makes perfect sense. Our semi-equine friend here has the beginings of the human-equine transformation. Secondary characteristics include fur coloration of skin, appearance of a strange mark on the outer thighs, soon to be the "Flank" or hind quarters of the pony they are becoming. Since there are three tribes mentioned in this article about the show Miss Horner shared with us, it is safe to say she is either a A). Pegasus, B). An Unicorn, or 3). An Earth Pony." She turns on the scanning device as the machine scans Sam's body, starting at the head.
The Doctor continued, "If she is an Unicorn, she will sprout a horn in the middle of her head, and have the use of magic. I have a suppression collar handy for our "Little Pony" to wear." She holds the black collar with a tracking device embedded in it. "The other two tribes have either the ability to fly as a Pegasi or strength as an Earth Pony. She's way to weak to be an Earth Pony." Dr. Wells continued the scan..."Ah,, interesting development. No wonder why Miss Horner is a vegetarian...her entire digestive system has been modified to accommodate a herbivous lifestyle. Equines are quadrapedial as well." She turns to Sam, who is really tearing up. "Aw, don't cry my dear. I just want to see what Pony you are. I noticed your gait when we walked down to the conference room eariler today. The very start of your body slowly adjusting to your new life walking on all fours."
Sam still could not move, but her new tail sprouted, sporting the same color as her mane. She somehow got the gag loose, "You won't get away with this, Doctor Wells!" He/she looked down at the tail, "Huh, a tail? How did that get there?" The tail switched with the mood Sam was in, and he/she was not a happy pony.
Dr. Wells pulled up the Hush, Now Quiet Now song from The Stare Master episode, set it to a loop, and placed it over the equine ears of the young pony in the machine as it finished its scans. "You still haven't completed the final transformation into a female pony, or Mare...or are you younger? Oh well, listen to this song from your show, little pony. Sweet Dreams!" A blindfold was placed over Sam's eyes and the suppression collar was placed around the neck of the little pony for good measure. "Make sure she stays put. No one or no pony gets in or out, understand?"
The guards head outside while Sam falls asleep to the muscial stylings of Fluttershy's lullaby. The changes to the young man bound to the scanning device would be more evident in the coming hours and the next day. Just what kind of pony was this one to become?
Samantha "Sam" Horner was in a heap of trouble at Mercy Hospital. She had been subjected to a battery of tests, betrayed by her primary health care provider, Dr. Vanessa Wells, who appeared to be obsessed with discovering the secrets of the human-equine/pony transformation. The scanning machine travelled to her abdomen and pelvis regions, which were slowly adjusting to accommodate a quadrapedial equine creature. She had the long brown mane and tail, as well as the pony ears, which were continuing to listen to the Hush, Now Quiet Now Song from the Stare Master. Eventually, Dr. Wells came in and turned off the music and removed the blindfold. "Wake up, sleepyhead! You want some oatmeal? I also brought you an apple from the cafeteria." She held the apple towards Sam's mouth, palm up, as if feeding a horse.
Sam sniffed the air and opened her blue eyes to see the apple and the face of her captor. "Dr. Wells, why are you doing this to me? I complied with all your requests. Just let me go find my friends and family, and I won't be a bother to you." Sam attempted to grip the apple in his teeth, which by now had shifted to equine. Sam's voice was softer, and barely recognizable as male.
Dr. Wells watched as the little human/pony hybrid took a bite of the apple. "I told you I have plans for you. Big plans." She smiled as she allowed Sam to finish off the apple. "My, you are a hungry little pony, aren't you? You have a name, other than Sam?" She pulled out her chart and waited for the younger pony/human to speak.
Sam pondered about the name Zecora mentioned in the Dreamscape; Small Horn. Was that her name? What kind of name is "Small Horn?" Then, what kind of names are "Zecora" or Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, or the rest of the cast of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic?
Sam looked up at her heas with her blue eyes to see a small bud appear in the middle of her forehead. The bud then grew, then stopped to form a spiral shape that ended in a point. The horn was the same color as her skin. "Huh, what's that?" She wished she could feel the new appendage, but the cuffs on her smaller arms and the strange collar around her neck indicated she was still a prisoner.
Dr. Wells took note of the new developments. "Ah, so you are one of those, "ponies." She looked at the Cutie Mark on the thighs/flanks of the new pony. "Tell me more about these symbols. What are they?" She pointed to the mark on Small Horn's flank.
Small Horn's bright blue eyes shone as she began to remember Cheerilee's classroom discussion on Cutie Marks, "I am called Small Horn, Dr. Wells. I am an unicorn. Some say I should not theoritically exist in the real world, but you have me and my family here. Release me to my family, and we will leave. I have friends who will take me in." Her horn attempted to spark, but the collar negated the effects of a teleportation spell. "Stupid Horn!" The little Unicorn yelled in frustration.
Dr. Wells continued, "So, you have a name; Small Horn...and you have a family? And friends who are ponies, like yourself? This is all fascinating! I still need to know about these "Cutie Marks." I will release you and remove that collar, if you can tell me more about yourself and those marks."
Small Horn frowned, taking in shallow breaths, "Dr. Wells, I am in no condition to argue with you. These marks are kinda special for everypony..." Just then, the final adjustment to the small unicorn's anatomy became apparent . Small Horn gasped as she was now truly a filly, as Zecora mentioned in their night time encounter. "What just happened, and why is my voice so...high?" The clothes Small Horn was wearing slipped off her hooved legs, exposing her now equine hind quarters and flanks, as well as her new female anatomy. The place where the Cutie Marks were to be had dissapeared under the fine layer of the light tan coat, leaving her a Blank Flank.
Dr. Wells patted the little unicorn's head politely, "You're a girl pony now. You are just so cute!" Small Horn's face scrunched up in frustration as Dr. Wells rubbed her hand over her face and mane, "Oh, your fur's coming in nicely. Light tan with a brown mane and tail!" Small Horn's coat began to grow from her little hooved legs, to her waist and up her chest Dr Wells stopped petting the pony, as if she were some sort of pet... "You have one final transformation left. Perhaps by lunch time or mid-afternoon, you'll be on all fours and eating apples and Sugar Cubes out of my hand. "
Small Horn glared at the Doctor, and snorfed, as her muzzle grew in. Even though her front hooves did not grow in yet, the young unicorn realized Dr. Well's prediction would be coming true. A little filly Unicorn, alone and abandoned in a world unlike her own. She began to tear up for her family and friends.
Small Horn tapped into the Dreamscape realm again, as Zecora had taught her. The scenery changed from that of the hospital where she was being held to what appeared to be Zecora's Hut. "Miss Zecora....I...need your help!" She pawed at the door with her new front hooves, which by now had appeared in place of her hands in the dreamscape realm. In the realm of consciousness, her hands were about to undergo the final stages of equine transformation.
Zecora opened the door to her hut, "Small Horn, are you all right? You did not speak to me concerning last night..." The Zebra was very concerned for this filly. "Speak your mind, child, and speak it true; Zecora will find some others to help you!"
The Zebra's rhymes and friendly smile made her feel better, "I'm trapped at the hospital called Mercy; it's anything but! I couldn;t talk to you, because the crazy doctor kept asking me questions and she has me in this scanning device. It will confirn that I am now a female unicorn pony. She's got my family here too!" She started to cry, as Zecora placed a forehoof under the sad filly's chin.
Zecora smiled, "Thank you for the update on your plight. You should hear from us, hopefully, sometime tonight. Possibly sooner, if all goes well with your bail; that crazy doctor's plans, will certainly fail!" The green smoke from Zecora's zebra magic she used at Nightmare Night surrounded Small Horn's body.
The young unicorn was left back at the hospital, still strapped to the machine. Her arms were much smaller and easily slipped out of the cuffs. Considering ponies do not need clothes, the hospital shirt was removed by Small Horn with the small amount of magic she had in her horn, exposing the soft, light tan coat of the filly. As she opened her eyes, somehow she saw out of the corner of her eyes her mother approaching the scanning device. "Momma! Help me out of here! That doctor's really scary!"
Small Horn was worn out from the transformation process. As she attempted to get up shakily on all fours, she felt like a newborn foal who was just begining to walk. Her mother, Shimmer, neighed and went over to gently aid her daughter. "It's been a long time since I have seen you like this, my dear." Shimmer nuzzled her daughter warmly, then began to lick her face. "You must be presentable for your father and grandfather." The light tan mare with the long flowing brown mane said softly as she finished cleaning up her foal. It would be noted that Small Horn got her looks from her mother's side of the family.
Small Horn took the cleaning in stride, allowing her mother's scent infiltrate her nostrils. Young fillies would be able to identify their mothers by their scent after birth, especially for protection and nursing. But Small Horn was older than a new born foal. She was a young school-aged filly, about the same age as her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders, Apple Bloom, Babs Seed, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. "Mother, please, I can take my own bath, thank you!" Small Horn was very embarassed about her mother doting on her.
Shimmer stopped the grooming ritual, and examined the collar around her foal's neck. "Small Horn, what is this collar doing around your neck? Shouldn't you be learning your magic to find a way out of this hospital?" The mother asked with concern in her voice.
Small Horn shook her head, "Dr. Wells placed this collar around my neck to track me like some sort of animal. She also mentioned that this collar nullifies my magic. See?" She focused her magic, only to feel a small spark, then nothing. "I need to figure a way to trick Dr. Wells into deactivating this collar and removing it. Maybe we can get out of her at night! We can see if my friend Zecora can help! I have a connection with her. I know she said she would find sompony to help us."
Big Horn stepped forward, "You sound like you have everything figured out! However, perhaps you should leave Dr. Wells to your mother and I. I think it is best we check you out of the hospital, pay the medical bill, and find us a place so we can think about our next move." Small Horn's father was very intelligent when it came to working as a tandem with his wife. The grandfather, Grand Horn, elected to stay back with his Grand Daughter. They had a lot to catch up on.
Dr. Wells was finishing up the test results for Small Horn when Shimmer's voice interrupted her. "Dr. Wells, I presume?" Shimmer spoke softly, nodding her head. "We need to talk about our daughter." Big Horn stood beside his wife, "Indeed." The stallion sad, deferring the care of their foal to the mother.
Dr, Wells turned to see the unicorn parents, "Ah, so you two are Sam, er, Small Horn's parents. I can see where she gets her looks from." That comment made Shimmer blush a bit, but the mare composed herself for the sake of her daughter and husband.
Shimmer continued, "As Small Horn's mother, I know what is best for my foal; I would like for you to release Small Horn to our immediate care." She stomped her righ hoof in defiance of the doctor.
Dr. Wells was speechless at first, but then composed herself, "Ahem, certainly, I have some discharge paperwork for you to look over and sign. Just how are you going to sign these release forms?" She pulled out some pens and laid the papers for the parents to look over.
The legal forms were straight-forward and had places for the parents of the minor child to sign. Big Horn picked up a pen with his magic and was about to sign his signature, when his wife shook her head, "Stick to the plan, dear." She then turned to the doctor, "I would like some favors to ask of you before you release our daughter to our care. First of all, you need to assure us no harm was done to our foal during her hospitalization."
Dr. Wells nodded, sweating bullets as she was interacting with two unicorn ponies, who had the power to levitate objects with ease."Of course, Mercy Hospital's by-laws and code of ethics states all patients' discharge requests must be approved following a physical. I want to make sure your daughter is well enough to travel. By the way, you need to list a permanent address. I can give you a list of availble shelters and affordable lodging. I believe there is a hotel nearby. Perhaps they may help you." Some pamphlets were distributed about after-patient care, the physical, and the list of available lodging that would accomodate ponies.
Shimmer smiled as she took the literature and read them through. "I believe a family friend will be arriving to pick us up. I made arrangements after I heard our foal was admitted to your hospital. I hope she wasn't too much trouble. Unicorn magic at her age is so unpredictable. Which brings me to my next topic; The collar....please remove it, and the tracking device. I will sign these discharge papers and provide our new address and contact info, if you agree to all of our terms."
Dr. Wells smiled, "Of course, your...er...foal is very healthy and should be able to practice her...talents." She pressed the remote for the collar and the device around Small Horn's neck blinked twice before it deactivated. "There, I will go remove the device, and we can get Small Horn cleaned up and fed. I think I can arrange a table for all of you, so you can have some alone time. I can return later this afternoon after I run these papers to my supervisor and see if you are free to leave."
Big Horn was not satisfied with Dr. Wells' willingness to go along with their plan. "The tracking collar around our foal's neck; is it really necessary? I think our foal should be able to roam free and be with her friends and family, as well as with her own kind."
Dr. Wells nodded, "Of course, social interactions among peers is what makes a community great. I've studied sociology as part of my Masters and Doctorate degrees. I must say though, sociology applied to ponies? You seem to have all the same essential social needs any human, or pony has to have in order to belong."
Big Horn smiled, "We like to call it belonging to a herd, Dr. Wells. Back home, we ponies had a thriving community, with jobs, a school for our daughter to learn under the supervision of a teacher, a library to do research and study quietly, and plently of place to eat, live, and play." He grew sad after his last comment.
Meanwhile, Grand Horn got to know his grand daughter better. He was proud of the third-generation filly. "So, why don't we start your magic training. Can you levitate that apple to me? I will split it into 4 equal shares, and all of us can have some." The elderly stallion waited for the filly to begin her lessons.
Small Horn nodded and took a deep breath, "Just like Magic Kindergarten. Telekinesis was one of the first spells we learned, other than teleportation." Small Horn recalled, as she began to lift the apple to her grandfather. Her magic, now unrestrained by the collar, long since removed by Grand Horn, and crushed underhoof so the tracking device was shattered, began to flow better. The golden aura around her horn gathered around the apple and was pulled towards her grand father, who took the apple in his grey magic. "Okay, I have the apple; you can let go now." The older stallion instructed.
Small Horn let go, allowing the eldery stallion to grip the apple in his magic. He moved to the table, which had 4 bowls of salads, some fruit cocktails, and some sort of juice boxes filled with different fruit juices. The red apple then was split open and broken into four even sections. "I did well, right, Grandpa?" The young unicorn looked up in anticipation of approval from the older stallion.
The elderly unicorn stallion hugged and ruffled his grand daughter's mane. "You did real good, kiddo. Let's take a break and wait for your parents to finish that boring paperwork. After you get cleaned up and fed, we can consider getting out of here and finding out where we will go next. Perhaps that zebra friend can perform one of her spells?"
Small Horn seemed confused about why her grandfather was still skeptical about the zebra. "Zecora is very wise and knows a lot about herbal remedies. She was the one who cured me of that terrible food poisoning. That was the worst.sandwich.ever!" the thought of that hay, daisy, and daffodil sanwich still brought up some bad memories.
Meanwhile, Dr. Wells apologized for her rude behavoir towards Small Horn and her unorthodox treatment of the small unicorn under her care. "I thought of sending her off for more testing at another facility. I did not know you would be so prompt to come make sure she was okay. If you would like, I will not publish my findings on your daughter's...condition and try my best to be a better person; respecting my patient's rights is the formost of my duties at this hospital."
Shimmer nods, "I think that would qualify as a "Friendship Report," don't you say, dear?" She levitated a pen and some paper. "Back home, our leader enjoys receiving letters from her subjects. In turn, our leader will respond and send her responses back. The local librarian...was one of those closest to our leader."
Dr. Wells, took the paper and pen and placed them on the table, "I take it the leader of your world has...passed away? There were no mentions of another country's leaders passing away." She wondered what the two ponies were talking about.
Big Horn and Shimmer signed the paperwork consenting to the physical exam, under the condition that Small Horn be allowed to shower and make herself presentable. The doctor allowed it, and then the two ponies turned to the doctor. "Let us just say, our leader is not from this world. She and her sister were in charge of raising the sun during the daytime, providing us with the light needed for our crops to grow, a nice sunny day to go interact in the market place, play, and enjoy family picnics and dining out. Both leaders are surely missed." Shimmer decided to bow her head in remembrace of the sacrifices of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Big Horn followed his wife's gesture and bowed his head as well.
Dr. Wells watched in amazement as the two unicorns in front of her reverently bowed in a prayer to their patron deities, and she respected their faith and allowed the moment of silence for the fallen leaders. After the moment of silence was observed, Dr. Wells grew curious about the two sisters who the unicorns spoke of. "Just where are you from? This world you mentioned, with the sisters who raise the sun and moon, as well as the inhabitants...you all are..." She dare not say the name of their species, to not offend them.
Big Horn spoke up first. "We are unicorns, Dr. Wells. One of three groups of sentient equine beings from a realm called Equestria. Small Horn is a third generation unicorn, in a long line of unicorns that goes all the way back to Princess Platnium."
Shimmer corrected her husband, "No, dear. I had a geneological researcher trace back our family tree. Small Horn is not descended from Princess Platnium; she is actually in the lineage of Clover the Clever, Princess Platnium's assistant and protege of the Great Starswirl the Bearded."
Dr. Wells really wanted to write down all what the ponies were talking about, but chose to respect their wishes. "It appears that this discussion of your daughter's genelogical history is very fascinating, but it does not explain why you are on Earth, instead of living on your own homeworld, and how a 25 year old male suddenly ends up as an adorable unicorn filly in three days after being admitted for," she checks her notes, "severe food poisoning."
Big Horn and Shimmer look at each other, "Discord! He must have cast that strange spell over us, and transplanted us with false memories on "Earth." Shimmer surmised.
Dr. Wells was really confused, "Excuse me? Discord? From the Greek word for chaos?" She seemed curious about what these two ponies were talking about.
Shimmer sighed, "Where we come from, a being of chaos used to reign in our homeworld, until the two sisters we mentioned earlier sealed him into stone. Somehow, he freed himself and began to turn our town into complete chaos. Six brave champions were summoned to confront this chaotic being and reseal him in stone. The being is called Discord, which means, 'a disagreement among ponies.'" Shimmer went on to explain Discord's race, "He is known as a mythical creature called a Chimera; we call him a draconequeus. He has the head of an equine with the rest of his body being a mix of a griffon, lion, a dragon's tail, and hooves of a goat."
Dr. Wells was now really confused, "These stories seem to come from someone's fantasy adventure books, or a children's television show. Tell me, which one of these are you from?"
Small Horn was practicing her basic magic with her grandfather while her parents finally got all the paperwork sorted out with Dr. Vanessa Wells. "I believe these papers are in order, Dr. Wells." Shimmer said, as she pushed them forward with her magic. "I have contacted my niece, Harmony. She would be a great influence on my daughter. Besides, she is Small Horn's cousin."
Dr. Wells looked at the signatures and put them in the folder for filing. "Very well. If you want, you may take your daughter to get cleaned up and make her presentable for her release from the hospital. I'll make sure you have a private room so we can let you know if and when your niece arrives to pick up her cousin." The doctor led the Unicorn parents to a private showering facility, complete with shampoo, soap, and towels.
Meanwhile, Small Horn finished her basic leviation training, and ate her lunch with her grandfather. Afte r lunch, Shimmer and Big Horn arrived, "Small Horn, looks like I've made some arraingements to have you stay with a relative to teach you more magic." She stated.
Big Horn nodded in agreement, "That's right. You have a cousin, Harmony Trebleheart. She'll be on her way in to come pick you up. Now, let your mother clean you up so you look presentable. " He went to fix himself a plate of food for himself and his wife. "I'd better get some food for you and your couisn to go. You'll need to learn to eat all your favorite foods you used to enjoy back in Ponyville."
Small Horn was a bit confused, "I have a cousin I don't know about?" The young unicorn filly skipped around her mother excitedly, "What's Harmony like, Mom?"
Shimmer nodded as she took her daughter to the shower facility. Small Horn entered the shower room, followed by her mother, who began to soak her child's coat and mane. "Harmony Trebleheart is a wonderful singer and that is how she earned her Cutie Mark. She hasn't formally been introduced to you yet, so that's why we are making you look presentable here. Now, I'm going to shampoo your mane and coat with this," she telekinetically held up a bottle of shampoo called Mane n' Tail for Foals. The bottle promised a healthier, shinier coat and mane. "I will remind Harmony to use this shampoo and coat wash for you when you are staying with her."
The shower helped Small Horn get cleaned up and left her coat and mane healthy for her first meeting with her cousin. After toweling the filly dry with a towel, Shimmer went out with Small Horn and had her finish eating. By the time the family was done eating, Shimmer led Small Horn to the bathroom to brush her teeth and let her filly use the bathroom. Shimmer waited outside to let her daughter finish her business and brush her teeth like a big pony.
Small Horn trotted out of the bathroom as Shimmer looked her over, "Did you wash your hooves?" The mother asked. Small Horn showed her front hooves for inspection, and they were indeed clean. "While you are at your cousin Harmony's, make sure you keep yourself clean and eat your three meals every day. Also, since your cousin is older, she will be taking care of you."
Small Horn stammered, "But Mom, why cannot I come live with you and dad, as well as Grandpa?" She really wanted to reconnect with her family.
Shimmer nods, "We will all go stay at your cousin's house. That way, we can make sure you are safe and healthy. And, stay away from strange flowers and other things that will make you sick. We cannot afford to have you in the hospital any longer than the doctors deem it necessary." The doting mother then hugged her daughter warmly.
After Small Horn was hugged and nuzzled by her mother, the older mare then focused on her niece, telepathically, <Harmony, this is Aunt Shimmer. I have located your cousin, Small Horn at Mercy Hospital. Would you like to say hello?>
Just then, a flash of white teleporting energy preceeded a white unicorn mare with a dark blue curly mane and light blue highlights in her tail. The unicorn mare adjusted her glasses and looked over at her aunt. "Hi there, Aunt Shimmer. I got your call and this must be my little cousin." She walked over to Small Horn, examining the smaller unicorn filly, "Hmm...Well, Hello there. I'm your cousin, Harmony." She held up a hoof in greeting.
Small Horn tenatively reached up to shake the hoof offered, "Hi there. I'm Small Horn. My mom said you were coming to take me home?" Her blue eyes shined as she looked up at her cousin.
Harmony nods, embracing her cousin warmly. "Glad to see you, my dear cousin!" She breaks the hug and puts a front leg around Small Horn. "I just need to scan you to make sure you are okay. Heard from Auntie Shimmer you had quite the rough few days in this place. We can talk about it on the road and more about it when you get settled into your new home."
Small Horn smiles and blushes a bit as Harmony continues to talk and accept her as her family. "So, you're my cousin, right? I didn't know I had one until mom told me. Wow, I bet you can do a lot of magic! I just learned levitation today. I want to get better and maybe earn my Cutie Mark!" She feels really bad about being a Blank Flank.
Harmony nods, and gives her cousin another side hug, "Don't have your Cutie Mark yet, cousin? Come on now, don't be down;that will come in due time! I'm sure it will be just like the other members of our family, with some sort of heart as a centerpiece. Maybe you'll get your Cutie Mark when you are at my place. I'll even teach you some of my best magical spells. I can even see if there are any schools that will accept young unicorns in the area. If not. I'll home school you."
Smal Horn nodded and hugged her cousin, as the family proceeded to check out of the hospital. "I'm glad to be finally out of that place." Small Horn said, looking back at the hospital. "I really need to thank Miss Zecora. If it were not for her, I don't know what I would have done. If I meet her face to face, I'll give her a hug and thank her personally."
Harmony tilts her head, "Zecora? Isn't that zebra that lives in the Everfree Forest back home?" Harmony heard about a lone zebra mare who spoke in rhymes that often showed up in Ponyville to gather herbs, shop for groceries, and visit at the day spa, then head back to the Everfree.
Small Horn continued, "Zecora isn't as bad as everypony makes her out to be. Her herbal bath helped save me from that Poison Joke stuff. I think that's what made me sick back in the hospital. Also, there's a really bad creepy guy who actually exposed me to the blue plant.
Harmony shook her head, "Enough of this talk of Zebras and crazy creepy guys who offer foals poison joke in their food. Ready for some family bonding time, cousin?"
Small Horn gets near to her cousin, who is much bigger than she is, "Yes, Yes I am. Let's go home!" She holds on as Harmony lights up her horn, teleporting her and Small Horn to their bedroom. The teleportation process was a bit disorienting for the young filly, but she ended up on the bed while Harmony landed near her cousin. "Here we are, home sweet home. You can sleep here with me."
Small Horn snuggled up near her cousin, "Harmony? Thanks for being there for me. I believe we'll get along just fine."
Harmony put her front leg over Small Horn's back as they sat on the bed together, "Hay, no problem. That's what family members do. You must be tired from your hospital stay. Why don't we just take a nice nap and we will get something to eat. I'll show you around the house."
The two cousins then cuddled up together on the bed. Small Horn used her cousin as a pillow as she lay her head on Harmony's midsection. Compared to the hospital stay, being around a trusted family member was like staying at a nice hotel. She would be accepted, cared for, and learn magic from her cousin.
