Waking up.

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“Where am I?” I ask myself as I open my eyes. I seem to be in a hut. Rather rustic looking, the roof anyway. “How did I get here?” I begin to wonder. It takes a little time, but I slowly remember the changeling attack back home. I remember that there was a flash of light, I was scared. Yes, it’s starting to come back to me. Now let me see.

My name is Masquerade. I remember that, so I know that, at least, I don’t have amnesia. I am a short, fat Unicorn Stallion from Canterlot. I love costumes and I love making them too. I have my own store which is where I make and sell my home made, hoof made costumes. I have limited control over magic which is why I have lived my life doing things the earth pony way. I am able to get by.

If memory serves, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza was about to get married. The groom was Shining Armour, Captain of the Royal Guard. It was a special day. I was making my way over to the castle to watch the ceremony when suddenly, there was a loud crash and I remember pink glass like material, falling from the sky. I remember the shock, the uncertainty and the desire to get out of there as fast as my short stubby legs could carry me. I remember green bolts that tore into the ground. I also remember other ponies galloping in all directions. Everypony was in a state of panic as the Royal Guards were trying their best to regain order. Everything was a blur, however, the one thing that I do remember clearly, not too sure why, was 6 mares heading towards the center tower, I think. What’s more, I think Lady Rarity was one of them. I could not be sure. I hate to admit it, but I was thinking more of myself at the time. Could I blame myself? The screaming, galloping, terrible flashes of light and the chaos that followed made it rather hard to gather one’s thoughts.

Anyway, I found this little hiding place behind some pots and I was willing to simply sit there until this was over. That is, if that blackish demon, a changeling, didn’t find me first. However, I guess I should not be too surprised. It would be easy to spot a short fat dark grey pony behind some flower pots, wouldn't it? Anyway, when I saw him, her… this creature, well, it hissed at me, I ran again, unsure and uncaring as long as I got away when suddenly; I was forcibly stopped dead in my tracks. I was caught in some greenish glop. I could not move. I panicked. It’s not something I’m proud of, but I admit, I was stuck there, bawling my eyes out. I was scared, terrified, and I wanted to go home. All around me, changelings were flying around, sneering, laughing, and their eyes were gleaming an unearthly green. My knees went weak and they gave out under me. I was then trapped as I lay, covered in that slimy, sticky green glop. I pulled and pulled but I was stuck like a fly on flypaper.

I shut my eyes, yet I could hear them laughing, their jeering. I could almost feel their stares on me when suddenly, the changelings that surrounded me upped, and flew away, well most of them anyway, and they all converged at the main tower. The one I thought I say Lady Rarity run to earlier. I sure hoped that it wasn’t her I saw. Anyway, with less of those black creatures around me, it was easier to force myself to calm down. I thought “I have to get out of this”. I pulled and tugged and as expected, nothing budged. I began chewing on it, but the green glop was tough and foul tasting. There was no way to break from this trap. I lay there for some minutes, thinking, racking my brain or a way out. However, the only solution that came to mind was a method I was never very good at. Magic. Truth be told, that wasn’t a very good option at that point. I looked up and I could hardly see the tip of my horn. It was embarrassingly short. A reminder of what a disgrace I am to be a Unicorn. But I tried anyway. I really didn't have anything to lose. I emitted a beam of light grey against the glop, but nothing happened. Not even a spark. I tried again. And again, nothing happened. The few remaining changelings once more laughed at my futile effort. I felt depression begin to overcome me. It was then my thoughts came to another spell, teleportation. It has never worked before; yet again I thought to myself, what have I got to lose?

I began to concentrate. I started the spell. I felt the energies build up inside me. I felt the spell beginning to work, but as always, that’s as much magical energy I could muster. All my life, all I could do was to muster up enough magical energy to start the spell, but never enough to finish it. However, this time I was desperate. I pushed on, forcing whatever little more energy I could. I felt it working a little more this time. I felt myself becoming a little transparent, but I began to tire, and I didn’t know if I could muster anymore energy to finish the spell. I struggled on while all around me, I could hear the few changelings laughing at my effort. However, at that moment, my desperation outweighed my embarrassment and I pushed on, trying my very best, ignoring the taunting sounds, the laughing, and the sneering, ignoring the pain and the weariness that I had begun to feel. I held on, “I have to.” I told myself. Then it happened. I heard a loud scream and when I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was the changeling in front of me; it looked back towards the castle. He saw, as well as I did, a globe of energy as it began to expand, its point of origin, the castle itself. The energy globe began to moving outward. I saw changelings pushed away as the globe of energy grew bigger and bigger. And before I knew it, before I could react, and before I could cut off the spell, a changeling was hurled towards me. I couldn’t even gasp as the changeling pass right through my semi-transparent form. It all happened in a blink of an eye. But if that wasn’t enough, the moment the ever growing energy field struck me, yes, it did strike me, I too was sent flying away from Canterlot.

I don’t remember much after that. I don’t even remember any pain from being struck so hard. But I do remember seeing the Everfree forest beneath me from high above the ground and a view of Canterlot that might have made a Pegasus green with envy. I also remember falling as well as the trees closing in. and then, I blacked out.

First day New

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“Finally awake I see, that was a nasty fall you had,
Luckily for you, your wounds were not that bad.
I usually have guests that are pegasi,
But not Unicorns that fall from the sky.”

I still lay there, looking at the roof. Soon, I sat up, “Thank you.” I reply rather absentmindedly as a pony handed me what I assume to be a hot cup of tea, well, it looks like tea anyway. I take a sip, expecting it to be slightly bitter. I am surprised that it was in fact rather sweet.

I look up to see this striped pony in front of me. “If I may… how long was I out?” I asked.

“It’s a little hard to say, but I believe that you've been asleep a week, plus minus a day.”

“Oh, I guess I missed the wedding then.” I said rather disappointingly. It was then I took a closer look at my caretaker. She was a rather tall white mare with black stripes across her body. Straining, I remembered a book somewhere about ponies from faraway lands. I could not remember what they were called actually. I asked, trying not to be impolite, “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude, but if you don’t mind, who are you? And where am I?”

“Think nothing of it, you did land on your head,
My name is Zecora, and you, my dear, are in my bed”

My eyes open wide in surprise. The teacup almost slips from my hooves. Thoughts and questions start flooding my brain. It was then I heard Zecora chuckle.

“A fidgety one you are, that is true,
But worry not, for I have done nothing to you.
Come to the table and keep me company, for I am sure you must be hungry.”

It was then my stomach started to growl, and I realized that I really was hungry, starved in fact. After all, it has been a week. I’m surprised that Zecora didn't think much about the fact that I was unconscious for over a week. Anyway, I slowly pulled the covers off and climbed down from the bed. As my legs took my weight, sharp pains shot through me. My legs hurt, my sides throbbed and for a moment, I suffered a splitting headache.

‘Slowly my friend, you need to slake your hunger and thirst,
But if you move too fast, you’ll make those injuries worse.’

She was right. It did hurt, a lot. However, through the pain, I realized something else. The floor seemed farther away than usual. It was a weird feeling, not to mention rather perplexing. The pain stated to ebb away and I took a look at myself and found that my legs seemed to have doubled, or maybe even tripled in length. I would probably be a little more worried or curious, if everything didn’t hurt this much. I slowly limped over to Zecora and the table she had set out. It was then I noticed that I was almost as tall as her. “This is weird.” I winced as I thought to myself. Usually I have to look way up when speaking to anypony else. Panic started to flow through me when suddenly, my stomach growled, rather loudly, and tighten rather painfully in protest once again from the lack of food. I decided to ignore the nagging thoughts and at least satisfy this hunger.

I sat on one of the stools, looking at the meal Zecora had prepared. Truth be told, I only recognized the bread and the Zap Apple Jam. The others were fruits and plants I have never seen before. I picked up a fruit; at least I think it’s a fruit, which resembled a sort of red bulb with petals growing out of its side.

“That is called a dragon fruit. It is a rare and delicate treat.
Its thick red flesh is moist and sweet.”

Zecora said as I inspected the fruit. I laid it down and picked up another. This time a heavily spiny … plant, or, at least I think it’s a plant, and looked towards Zecora, wondering what in Celestia’s name this is.

“That fruit has a rather pungent smell with flesh that resembles paste,
Believe you me that a durian is an acquired taste.”

She brought over a jar full of yellow paste.

“In here is some I had opened last night.
If you dare, you are welcome to try a bite.”

She said as she opened up the jar.

I moved closer, placing my nose near the open jar and took a deep sniff. The smell was exceptionally strong and rather pungent yet, I did not find it unpleasant at all.

“Now this is rare,
unlike other,
you did not hold your nose,
or cry in despair.”

“I guess I’m a little different.” I told her as I lifted a spoon with my magic. “Strange though” I thought to myself. The spoon felt a little more secure in my magic than it used to be. I held it up in front of my face, again wondering how it that I can hold it so securely? The spoon did not shake or wobble as I lifted it with my magic. Usually, only something as small or as fine as a needle can I levitate without any effort. Once more, my stomach made a sound, forcing me to ignore the new changes and to focus at the real task at hoof. Getting something to eat. I scooped a little bit of the yellowish paste with the spoon and put it into my mouth. The flesh is thick and as I sampled it, I was surprised that it was really sweet and had a mild bitter taste in the end. Nothing like the way it smelled at all. However, I found it very much to my liking. I happily licked my lips.

“This is wonderful Zecora. It’s probably my new favourite.” I smiled happily savouring the thick sweet flavor.
“Take the jar then,
think of it as a gift, from a new friend.”

She said, handing me the entire jar.

I quite happily accepted the jar, and with that we went back to our meal.

During the meal, we spoke for a bit. Zecora was telling me a little about herself and the place she was from, and I spoke about the shop I owned back in Canterlot.

I mentioned to her what had happened the week before as well as being struck by the energy field. Zecora listened patiently as I recounted the events that had happened. I also mentioned how I have physically changed. That I am taller and leaner than I once was. As I finished my tale, she stroked her chin and told me,

“I may have an answer and yet I may not,
for what have happened to you, are both a little and a lot.
As you have mentioned, the changeling went through you, changed you,
though it was not its intention.
However, I suspected as such,
for over the week, you have grown much.”

“I changed while I slept?” I asked worryingly.

“Indeed you have.
The entire week,
you continued to grow and grow.
Now, finally the reason I know.
However, I must say it was indeed good luck.
For all we know, you might have ended up… a dead duck.”

She continued

“Do not despair my friend,
for all we know, this might be a blessing in the end.
A strapping young stallion you now be,
so go on and take this opportunity.
Your life has changed, yes but for the better.
Think about it, isn’t that all the matter?”

I thought about it for a moment and I saw truth in her words. I have changed. And I will make the best of it. I smile at Zecore and thank her for her words.

The meal was finished; I was helping her clean up. It took a while seeing that I wasn’t in the best of health. However, I did insist on helping out. It was then I looked out the window and saw that it was early evening. I had put the last dish away when Zecora walked up to me with a small bag in her mouth. She placed it next to me and said,

“Apply these herbs to where it hurts, and chew these berries once a day.
Now you have to be on your way.
For tonight I have to journey home,
to gather herbs that only there it’s grown.
But fear not my friend, for abandon you,
is something that I will not do.”

Then there was a knock on the door and in walked in a peach coloured filly with an amaranth mane.

“Ah Apple Bloom, my favourite little filly,
could you please do something for me?”

“That’s why ah’m here Zecora. So wha’s thar I can help you with?”

“My friend Masquerade here, is injured and needs a place to stay;
do you think you can help in any way?”

“Why sure thing Zecora, we have a spare bedroom back at Sweet Apple Acres. Ah dun think Applejack or Big Mac would mind.”

“Um… I really don’t think I should intrude. You’ve already help me so much Zecora.”

“Think nuthin’ of it.” Apple Bloom suddenly spoke.

“No… really, it’s alright. I just need to take the overnight train back to Canterlot and …”

It was then when suddenly Apple Bloom sat on her hunches, placed her hooves together and said “You ain’t gonna turn down mah hospitality now ain’t cha?” giving me those sad droopy eyes.

I just couldn’t resist those adorable puppy dog eyes. I finally gave in. “Fine….” I said. And immediately she started grinning.

After thanking Zecora once more, we headed out into the forest towards Ponyville. At first, I assumed that it would be a long walk, but surprisingly, we had reached the edge of the Everfree forest rather quickly. I didn’t know if it was really this close or that with these long legs I have that made the trip easier. It was soon dark as we made our way through the town. Just about all the stores were shut tight for the night and there were few ponies out. Apple Bloom and I spoke mostly about where I’m from, what I do and the one question I really wasn’t ready to answer.

“So how did you end up at Zecora’s place if you were attending the wedding?” Apple Bloom asked rather innocently.

“Truthfully, I’m not that sure myself. All I really remember is sky, Canterlot, trees and then it repeats, sky, Canterlot, trees. And then, I blacked out. After that I remember getting up and lying on Zecora’s thick bed.”

“Haha… that thar sounds like mah friend Scootaloo when she crashes against a rock. Still doesn’t explain how yer got all the way here.” Apple Bloom said.

“The truth Apple Bloom, I really do not know either. Things seem like a blur to me. Zecora says I feel from the sky, though that does match up with what I do remember.”

“Oh, okay. And another thing, why do you keep on looking at yer legs all the time?”

“Would you believe that before all this, I was only a little taller than you?” I answered her.

“Now yer pulling a fast one on me. No way somepony as old as you could be as short as me!” she said grinning.

“Old am I!” I said sounding rather shocked. However, I quickly recovered and lowered my head, pointing my horn at the little filly. “Well, this ‘old’ stallion is gonna getcha, and show you how old he is!” I said mockingly threatening her. “Charge!” and I went after her. However, in that little game, I had forgotten about my injuries and a sharp pain shot through my sides. With a painful yelp, I tumbled to the ground. Apple Bloom was quick to my side.

“Okay, you ain’t old. But yer still hurt bad.” She told me, trying her best to help me up.

Grunting and heaving, I slowly stood up, pain still coursing through me. Apple Bloom was rummaging through the bag Zecora had given me. She pulled out a small leaf package and opened it. Inside there sat a blue coloured berry, a red star shaped… berry, I think and a dark green pea pod… I think.

“If yah chew on these berries, tha pain will go away.”

“How do you know about this anyway? I asked her.

“Well, ah hang out with Zecora a fair bit so I kinda know what’s good wif what.” She said grinning. “Anyway, this here combination is what Granny Smith takes when her old bones start tha act up. It helps tha numb the pain mostly.”

The berries began to glow in a light grey aura as I lifted up the three berries and chewed on it. Again, I was expecting something bitter, sour or at least something unpleasant. However, it came out rather bland, which was my preferred choice to what I had assumed. Swallowing the pulp that was in my mouth, I began to limp behind Apple Bloom who beckoned me to follow her. She was carrying my saddlebag.

By the time we had reached Sweet Apple Acres, most of my pain had disappeared. The lights were still on in some parts of the house. And as though she could tell what I was thinking, Apple Bloom said,

“Applejack might be the only one up right now. Granny is asleep and Big Mac, well, he turns in early these days.”

“So what about you Apple Bloom? Isn’t it a little late for you being up?”

“Well… technically it is, but Applejack knows I was at Zecora’s. Come on in. I’ll show you the guest room.”

We walked in, pass the garden and through the front door of their house. We quietly walked through the kitchen, towards one of the rooms on the ground floor when suddenly Applejack walked in.

“That you Apple Bloom?” she asked.

“Yeah sis. Just brought home a friend of Zecora from Canterlot who needs a place to bunk for tha night.”

It was still dark as none of the candles were lit. Applejack walked up to us and greeted me warmly.

“Well, howdy. Nice tha meet’cha. Name’s Applejack.”

“Pleasure is all mine. I’m Masquerade. Thank you again for letting me stay the night.” I said as I looked at the orange pony in the dim light. She looked familiar; however, I could not place it. How could I? I have never been to Ponyville nor have I ever seen her before, yet, she looked really familiar. I decided not to ponder over it.

“Ah think nuthin of it sugar. I can’t really ask you to sleep out in the cold now can I? Well, *yawn* I better hit tha hay now. Early work in tha morning. You better git tha bed too sis. *yawn* well g’night Apple Bloom, Masquerade. See you in tha morning.”

“Good night Applejack. Oh and thank you to you too Apple Bloom. See you in the morning.” I said as I pushed open the door to the guest room.

“G’night Masquerade. Oh, and don’t ferget tha chew on those berries if you start to hurt tomorrow.”

“I won’t Apple Bloom. Thank you.”

I closed the door behind me and looked around. The room had a bed some candles and a small shelf. The room was lit as the moonlight was shining its light through the window. Still, it was pretty dark. I thought about lighting some candles when I realized that I had no matches nor did I know where to find them. Then a thought struck me. If I could lift a spoon earlier as well as that bunch of berries, let’s try a simple ‘light a candle’ spell. I have always known how to do it, but I’ve never had the power to get it to work.

I moved to one of the candles in the room. And I began to run through the spell. And almost instantly, the wick caught fire and quickly lit up the room. I was impressed with my magical ability. I could levitate more than I usually could and I could perform simple spells. I tried again. I wanted to try to move my saddlebags off the ground and bring it to the bed. This is actually something rather ambitious for me. And yet, I hardly needed to concentrate and the saddlebag glided gently towards the bed. It took me a moment to realize that it worked. I was almost jumping with joy, excitement and anticipation when, “Pain!” Yeah. The berries worked, but a cure they weren’t. Anyway, I wanted to know what else I could do, however, for the time being I was simply enjoying the use of the levitation spell.

It became apparent how tired I was. Even being knocked out for almost a week didn’t seem to give me any extra stamina to stay awake. I decided to lay down on the bed and sleep. Lucky for me I remembered to move the saddlebag off the bed.

As I slowly drifted off to sleep, I thought back to the two Apple sisters. Oh how they were so willing to let me stay. I should repay their kindness. The more I thought of it, the more I drifted off to sleep. It was then I remembered that they were farmers. Yes it was obvious, but it had only just struck me. I’ll help them on the farm tomorrow. That’s a good idea, I told myself. The last thing on my mind as I fell asleep, it that I better get some sleep. I need to be strong and awake in the morning.

Changes

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The morning came and the rooster crowed loudly. I opened my eyes and blinked as the bright morning sunlight sneaked into my room. It was daybreak and I could see the sun sneaking its way past the horizon.

I smacked my lips and looked around. At the far corner, the candle had utterly melted. I guess I forgot to put it out last night.

I stretched out, feeling better than the night before. I thought about taking those berries again but decided to keep them if the pain came back. After all, Apple Bloom said they numb pain and today, I didn’t feel any pain. I was about to get out of bed just as I heard Apple Bloom yell out from the kitchen… which was right next to the guest room.

“HEY MASQUERADE!! BREAKFAST IS READY!!!”

It was then I heard a deep stallion’s voice, “Ya’know Apple Bloom, he’s sleeping rite next door.”

There was a short pause, and then I heard a soft reply, “Oh… right…

She was loud. So loud, my head started to throb. However, again, I stopped myself from taking those berries. It’ll pass I told myself. As I got out of bed, there was a slight knock on the door. “Masquerade? You awake?” It was Applejack.

“Yes, I’m up.” I replied. And I made my way to the door. I was about to open it when the door opened and Applejack stood there smiling. “Thank you” I said.

“No need to whoa!...” she said out loud.

“I looked around and at myself, wondering if something bad had happened to me the previous night. Finding nothing, I asked “What? Whats wrong?”

“Nothing really, it just seems like you’re … taller today.” Applejack said.

“Really?” I thought to myself.

“Musta been tha trick of tha light sis.”

“Maybe Apple Bloom. Though I could have sworn you were about as tall as me last night. No worries, here, come and have some breakfast.”

“Thanks. Good morning to you all too. I must say, it really smells great here. what are we having?”

“Well, we have fresh apples, apple fritters, apple pies, apple dumplings, apple cider, apple crisp, apple cobbler…”

“Okay sis, I think he gets the idea. Sorry masquerade, but my sister Applejack is really fond of her apple based baking skills.” Apple Bloom said, smiling sheepishly at her sister who was now giving her a slight disapproving look.

“It’s alright. Thank you again everypony.” I said as I sat down to the meal. I looked around, and wondered what to try first. I was about to levitate a small dumpling when Apple Bloom raised an apple fritter to my face.

“Try this, its one of the family favourites. Instinctively, I raised my hoof to it and tossed it into my mouth. And I felt the world dissolve in a colourful kaleidoscopic sensation of sweet apple, cinnamon, nutmeg and puffy pastry induced bliss. I think my eyes rolled back into my head. And as I came down from my high, I heard Apple Bloom said, “I think we may have hooked another one.”

“Can I have another please?” I asked, in a rather blissful way.

I saw the plate pushed in front of me and I think my heart skipped a beat. “Yay.” I think I said rather softly. I tried to levitate one, but I could hardly concentrate. So I picked another up with my hoof and pushed the entire fritter into my mouth. The intensity was not as overpowering as the first time, seeing I knew what to expect, but that did not make it any less delicious. Slowly, I polished the entire plate. And then it struck me, and I immediately came out of my high. “Eep. I’ve eaten them all! Sorry sorry everypony. I didn’t mean to….” It was then I say Applejack coming out of the kitchen with another platter of apple fritters.

“Family favourites Masquerade. We ain’t gonna run out that easily.” Apple Bloom said to me. “Want another?”

“Uh no thanks Apple Bloom, any more and it might be ruin my taste for it. I’ve had more than I should.” I said to her.

Soon we were clearing up the plates and taking them to the kitchen. It was then I approached Applejack and said. “I really must thank you for your kindness and hospitality. I’d like to repay you somehow.”

“Think nothing of it sugercube. We were happy to help out a fellow pony in need.” She said smiling.

“Still I insist that I’d do something around the farm. I need not be back in Canterlot that soon.” She was about to refuse when I cut her off, “Applejack dharling, I insist.” I said grinning as I tried my best to imitate her southern accent. She giggled and agreed.

“You can help Big Mac and Apple Bloom to buck the apple trees then. They’ll be down by picket fences by main road.” She said as she headed off back to the barn.

I had an idea so I made my way to meet the others. Soon, I saw Apple Bloom pushing baskets beneath the trees on one end and Big Mac bucking trees. It was a pleasant trot and I found myself liking the fresh scent of nature. It was something I would not get back in Canterlot.

“Howdy Masquerade.” Apple Bloom greeted me. “What’re you doing here?”

“Thought I’d come by and help out.” I said. “Applejack said it’ll be okay.” I smiled. “So, how do I about bucking the trees then?” I asked.

“Well, if Applejack said it’ll be okay, then sure, I’ll tell you how its done.” She said a she lead me to one of the trees with baskets under them. “Now, what you do is show your back to the tree, then you use one hind hoof to tap on it, just to get your bearings, then with either one or two hoofs, strike the tree dead center. Simple.” She said with a reassuring smile on her face.” Just be careful to hit the tree squarely. If you miss, you’ll slip in mid-buck and hurt yourself.”

I nodded and moved towards the tree. Turned around so my tail was facing trunk. I tapped it once with my hoof so to assure a straight angle. Apple Bloom then moved to me and asked, “You sure you wanna try this? You just woke up yesterday?”

“Thanks Apple Bloom, but I’ll try out one kick. If it hurts, I’ll stop.” I reassured her. She stepped back a little as I prepared to buck the tree. Again I placed one hoof on the tree trunk. I look over my shoulder to a better view. Confident, I look away, a mental image of the tree and its position in my mind. I crouch a little, my back muscles tense, and with one swift kick. I lashed out, striking the tree hard. I didn’t need to turn around. I could hear the apples as they tumbled into the basket. And there was the one stray apple that landed on my neck too. With one hoof and the small of my neck, I turned to Apple Bloom who had a rather shocked look on her face. “Apple Bloom? Are you –“

“One kick…” I heard her say softly. I tilted my head in confusion. She looked at me. “One kick” she said again.

“Did I kick it the wrong way?” I asked, a little worried that something bad had happened.

“Ah’ve never seen a Unicorn almost empty a whole tree of apples in one kick before.” She shook her head vigorously for a second. “Seriously Masqurade, you must be one tough pony to do that. Ah’ve never seen a Unicorn pony buck that hard before… you sure you’re feeling okay?”

“A little sore,” I admitted, “But nothing like yesterday.” I grinned at her. “Come on Apple Bloom, lets get these apples to the barn.” And it was then that Applejack wandered over to us.

“Howdy all. Everything going smooth here?”

“Yup. Masquerade here has one heck of a kick. Almost emptied that tree over there with one buck alone.”

I blushed, at her praise. “Its nothing really Apple Bloom. It was my first time trying that.”

“And his first time too. I say you have talent there.”

“Aww leave him alone Apple Bloom before he turns as red as Big Mac.” It was then both sisters started laughing.

Wanting to rid myself of my embarrassment, I quickly said, “Lets get these baskets to the bar then shall we?”

There were three baskets. Two large and one small. I assumed that the small was for Apple Bloom. Using their heads, they maneuvered the baskets onto their onto their backs. I decided that wasn’t going work for me, so I decided to levitate the basket instead. This’ll be another test of my magic.

I lowered my head to the basket. Nothing happened. I tried again. Still nothing. Not even the glow of the magical aura. “What’s wrong?” Applejack asked. I looked up at her and shrugged. “I don’t know.” Again I tried, concentrating hard on the basket, willing it to lift off the floor. Sweat was dripping down my head now. Nothing. This was perplexing, not to mention worrisome. Am I losing my magic? I scratched my head, thinking why would my horn not… … … my horn. My horn was not there.

I started to panic. I sat down and both my hooves were on my forehead. Feeling around for my horn, I was terrified of what was confirmed. That my horn was not there. The Apple sisters stared at me, a mixture of shock and horror on their faces. Apple Bloom had her hooves to her mouth. I parted my mane and asked them if my horn was there. They both shook their heads. I looked around for something to reflect my image. A puddle of water nearby caught my eye. I leapt to it and stared at my own reflection. My horn was gone. It really was gone. I panicked. I reared, I screamed. I galloped away as fast as I could, not even registering the pain I must be feeling. All the while I ran, I thought to myself, ”Where is my horn? Sweet Celestia, where is my horn!” I ran and ran, not know, not caring where I went. I just ran when suddenly … “H-H-Hey! Watch ou-“ BLAM! I crashed into somepony.

I opened my eyes and saw the sky. A moment later I saw the face of a purple Unicorn as she looked at me. “You okay?” And then I heard another familiar voice, “Twilight! Thank goodness you’re here.”

“Applejack, Apple Bloom. Who is Equestria is this and what’s wrong with him?” I could hear their conversation however, I was still a little dazed to respond.

“Twilight, this might sound a bit weird, but this Unicorn here has lost his horn.”

I saw the purple Unicorn look down at me again. This time, I also felt her hoof brush against my mane. She said to her friends. “Well, I don’t know what kind of stunt you’re playing here but his horn is right where it should be.”

I blinked trice. I placed my hooves on my head and felt the ivory horn jutting out of my forehead. “But… but… but… it wasn’t there a moment ago.” I muttered.

“Twilight, I swear, it really wasn’t there.”

“Argh… if it was anypony else, I probably would not have believed you. Let’s take him back to your place Applejack. Its closer than my place. I felt myself lifted up by magic and placed on the orange mare’s back. The scare, the panic, the run, the crash, all contributed to the daze I was in and I could hardly focus on anything on the trip back. However, one line did stand out. It was Applejack who said, “Apple Bloom, does he look smaller compared to this morning?”

Not Again

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I sat there on the couch in the Apple residence. I placed my hoof on my forehead again, checking on my horn.

I wanted to stop rubbing my forehead, but I could not help it. My magic has finally blossomed and for a moment, I lost it. It was terrifying. I sat there with my face in my hooves, trying desperately to calm myself down.

I could hear voices coming from the kitchen as Twilight and Applejack continued to talk about me. How I came to being here on the farm. Apple Bloom sat with me, patting me on the shoulder reassuringly. I felt like a little foal on the way to see the principle.

“Wha’cha thinking of Masquerade?” Apple Bloom finally asked.

“Just what had happened today actually. I feel silly now running and screaming like that.”

“Well, it was rather funny now, but I dunno how I would react if I suddenly lost my cutie mark if I had one.”

“That’s very understanding of you Apple Bloom. Thanks.” And a sigh escaped my lips. I leaned back for a moment, thinking back to that mare I had crashed into. What was her name again? I remember somepony say ‘Twilight’. I wondered if it was the same ‘Twilight’ that Twinkleshine, a regular customer of mine, spoke of when she ordered her costume for last years’ Nightmare night. But before I could ponder on it more, Applejack came into the living room. “Uh Masquerade, would you mind joining us here in the kitchen for a bit?”

I nodded and walked into the room. Applejack asked me to sit on the stool opposite them. Apple Bloom on the other hand, must have felt sorry for me, sat on a stool right next to me. I looked at the two mares in front of me. So this was Twilight. Couldn’t place a hoof if this is the same Twilight that Twinkleshine spoke of, but she is cute… Oh why did I think that, I wondered to myself.

“First of all,” Twilight began, “Is for you to relax. Alright? Now tell me again, Masquerade, what had happened earlier.”

I let out another sigh as I began to retell my tale from the beginning. From what had happened at the wedding in Canterlot a week ago, from the yelling and the panic induced screaming, to the invasion, the changelings, the six mares who seemed so brave at the time as well as that one particular changeling that seemed to pass through me and the magic force field that sent me flying. I then mentioned about me landing in Zecora’s hut, to waking up different, to having my magic stronger than it was before. I mentioned what Zecora thought as I told her what happened, as well as how Applejack said I seemed taller this morning, and how my horn had disappeared. It took a while to tell my tale and by the time I had finished, I had the two mares staring at me. Apple Bloom had brought us some apple juice.

“That… was us you saw running towards the central tower.” Applejack started.

“And yes, that was Rarity you saw running with us.” Twilight continued.

I simply blinked.

“But anyway, unless I’m missing something here, that does not really tell me how you… ‘lost your horn’ earlier, or so you say.” Twilight questioned.

“Twilight, you sound as though you don’t believe that his horn plump right disappeared.” Applejack said, sounding a little hurt.

“It’s not that I don’t believe it, it’s just a little hard TO believe.” Twilight tried defending herself.

“Well you know me sugercube, and you know when I tell you something, I meant it.”

“Well, that is true. You are one lousy liar Applejack… Ahh… I mean that in a good way.” Squeaked Twilight, again trying to defend herself. Applejack on the other hoof, simply shook her head at a sheepishly grinning Twilight.

During the commotion, I placed my head between my hooves, and closed my eyes. The weariness had begun to set in. I tell myself that I can’t blame Twilight that she doesn’t believe that I had lost my horn. If it wasn’t for the fact that Applejack confirmed it, or that I had neither seen nor felt my horn, I would not have believed it myself. A wave of what felt like depression, I think, washed over me, making me feel even more lethargic. My emotions were now shot, my sanity stretched thin, and I am mentally tired. I begin to nod off, thinking only about how I wish I could just fly away from all this.

“Whaaaa? MASQUERADE!!!!” I heard both Twilight and Applejack yell.

My head shot up. “Wha? What?” instinctively I reached for my horn. “What?! No! Not again! My horn is missing again!”

“Forget your horn!” Twilight said, “You just grew wings!”

I turned my head to look behind me and there, spread out wide was a set of large grey coloured, white tipped Pegasus wings.