Part 8
>You are still on your knees sobbing when you hear her speak your name softly.
>”Fid?”
>She sounded... concerned.
>No shit she is concerned, dude. She basically just destroyed a present that a monster was trying to give her.
>And this was right after said monster killed 3 of the biggest diamond dogs you have ever seen.
>She is concerned for her safety.
>Upon this realization, you rise to your feet, still not looking at her.
>You turn around, and approach the door.
>”Keep the cane to remind you...”you say, cut off by the need for a deep breath.
>”Remind me of what?” she interrupts.
>You freeze at the door, turning only your head towards her.
>”To remind you of when I was your friend.” another tear escapes your eyes as you exit.
>”Fiddle, wait, what are you-” Her voice is distant as you sprint towards the Everfree.
>It's raining in the Everfree, and although the foliage is thick above you, it does nothing to slow the torrent of water that flows from the sky.
>Your chest is on fire, not only from the healed wound, but from the fact you ran for miles without stopping
 
>You are in the deep woods now.
>With no idea where to go, you slow down to a walk.
>After a few steps, you fall to your knees, finally submitting to the pain in your chest
>Kneeling over the ground, you slam the fist not clenched to your torso into the soft, wet earth.
>Your body snaps up, and you scream into the storm.
>You have years and years of anger, sadness,frustration, everything.
>And for the first time in your life, you are fully able to comprehend all these emotions.
>You need to see the dark in order to appreciate the light.
>Yesterday, you got to see the brightest of lights
>And today, the darkness consumes your very soul.
 
>In the span of a few days, you have learned something.
>You have learned about companionship.
>At first, you weren't well received. That's to be expected of any alien in a foreign world.
>But after a short while, the locals started to accept you.
>One you even called friend.
>And like a flick of a switch, the light was gone.
>Returneing to the darkness, in which you belong.
>Eventually your screams become mere sobs and whimpers.
>You hold your legs against your chest as you rock back and forth.
>You feel cold.
>You don't like cold.
>But you couldn't be warm. Warm is reserved for those who are warm of heart, for those who don't hurt others.
>Cold is for the monsters
>You may not like the cold, but you deserve no better.
>A snapping twig in the distance catches your attention
 
>All your years of self training and battle expertise come flowing from your mind.
>You twitch, using all your will power to not use your training reflexes to defend yourself.
>Your muscles scream for you to react, but you do not want to.
>After a moment, the twig defiler speaks.
>”What are you doing in the cold, my friend? If you are out here any longer, you will catch your end.”
>You simply continue rocking in place. Perhaps it will go away. Perhaps it will eat you in one bite.
>”I will tell you now that you won't come to harm from me. I cannot say the same for the other residents of the Everfree.”
>Ok, this thing is rhyming with ease. What is it?
>You turn your head, and see a hooded figure, about p0ny height.
>Still holding your chest, you rise.
>”Please leave. I will only end up hurting you.” You aren't sure if you are still crying, or if it's the rain.
>”Many have tried, and met a terrible fate in the past. What makes you think you're different from the last?”
>She wants to rhyme? Fine.
 
>”I have done nothing but cause death and pain for the past 20 years. And through all those deaths, I did not shed a single tear. I have caused many to tremble before their absolute worst fears. For your own safety, please, do not come near.”
>Ok, those are definitely tears you're feeling now.
>”What if it was an innocent you had to face? Would you slaughter them too, or would you wish to take their place?”
>How did she...
>”I can see it in your eyes, you simple man. Those self destructive thoughts, you must ban.”
>Wait, she knows what a human is?
>”Come with me, you seem to be unwell. I will take care of you if you sit with me for a spell.”
>You nod, sobbing intermittently.
>”Be sure to follow me close, my house is just behind that tree. I just hope I did not forget my key.” She says with a light chuckle
>How could she be making jokes at this time?
>Maybe she has to always rhyme...
 
>You are Fiddlesticks.
>You got turned into a human
>And your current fleshy form is in a lot of pain.
>The solution being applied to your chest is numbing the pain a bit, but it still hurts like hell.
>”My my, you are really quite fit. I am sure that with the ladies, you are quite a hit.”
>And you're being ogled by a zebra
>Today is a weird day.
>And it's nowhere near over.
>”So you used to be a scarecrow, the most terrifying of all? This sounds like a tale being spun rather tall.”
>”No, it's true. I went to sleep in a field of flowers one day, and woke up a human.”
>She stops applying the salve, and looks up at you.
>”Tell me, were these flowers blue? If so, an explanation I may have for you.”
>You nod.
 
>”You fell asleep in a field of Poison Joke. Hazardous to everyp0ny, and it seems every bloke.”
>Oh. That explains why Rarity burned those flowers you picked for her.
>And here you thought she just hated your guts.
>Wait. Did she say hazardous?
>“Am I going to die?” your eyes widen.
>”If you are cured fast, you will not perish. But the side effects, you seem to cherish.”
>She's right. You like being able to laugh without causing terror, you enjoy being able to smile, and having emotion.
>You enjoy being human.
>But you also enjoy living.
>Someday, you'll discover how to shift into a human again.
>For now, your priority is to survive.
>”I understand. What is the cure?”
>She smiles as she looks you up and down, biting her lower lip.
>”The cure involves you bathing in a special stew. An added plus, I get to see more of you.”
>God damnit.
 
>”Why did you use this door's lock? What if I want to see your c-”
>You dunk your head under the water before she can finish her sentence.
>Being a human is cool, but not when there’s a sex-crazed zebra in the area.
>You don't even have lustful thoughts at other humans, let alone animals.
>Especially miniature horses with neck rings and striped fur.
>You hear a sickening crack, as you watch your legs extend and wither to sticks.
>Glancing at your hand, you see the glove start to form over.
>Surprisingly, this isn't hurting at all.
>Then again, sticks and burlap sacks don't feel pain, why would you?
>You dunk your head under one more time, whipping your non-existent hair back upon surfacing.
>You try to blink
>Failing that, you assume the stuff worked.
>You step out of the cauldron/tub hybrid, and exit the room, only to be stopped by HornyStripes.
>”It would seem the potion worked quite well. Maybe there's truth in the tales you tell.”
>You simply nod, not wanting to startle her.
>”It is rather too bad that you had to transform from being a handsome male. Oh well, let me show you a way into town, down my own private trail.”
>Hoping this isn't another innuendo, you nod and follow her out.
>3 steps out of the bathroom, you collapse to your knees.
>That familiar light headed feeling has taken place again.
>”Perhaps it is for the best if you stay the night and rest.”
>You nod in agreement before falling face first into the floor.
 
 
>You are awakened by the sound of hooves approaching, the morning sun gently shining through the window onto your face.
>If you were still human, that would have woken you up.
>Stop dwelling Fid. You can always ask PurpleSmart for how to become human when you get back to town.
>Good idea, brain.
>It's me, bro. When do I NOT have a good idea?
>I can think of one instance.
>Oh? When was that?
>Remember when you told me to give her those flowers?
>...
>Exactly.
>You are jarred from your internal monologue when the zebra speaks.
>”Come, I need to take you to P0nyville. We do not have much more time to kill”
>You rise, nodding on your way up.
>She leads you outside, and your journey begins.
>As you follow the trail, you notice that there are wards placed sparingly down the path
>Those are probably what keep this path safe.
>Even though you've only seen diamond dogs in these forests, every other sentient living thing seems to be afraid of the area.
>You also hear the occasional roar or howl in the distance.
>That helps with determining the evil-ness of the forest.
>Not more evil than you, but still very evil.
>Your zebra companion sighs.
>”For the last time, you are not evil, my scarecrow friend. Every time you have taken a life, it was a justified end.”
>Holy shit, she can read minds.
 
>”On this path, thoughts of the conscious have a tie. I can also read minds on days that end in Y.” She chuckles.
>This mare and her terrible jokes and sexually aggressive attitude.
>That makes sense though. She can hear the thoughts on everything on or near the path. It’s how she knows if the path is safe.
>That's probably what the wards are for.
>”Call me Zecora, by the way. What do they call you, man of hay?”
>”Fiddlesticks”
>She flinches upon hearing your voice
>After a moment of silence she speaks up
>”This is the end of the road for this mare. Go a mile further on the path, and take care.”
>You bow slightly.
>She give the equivalent of a p0ny curtsy, and turns tail.
>Her tail isn't striped like the rest of her. Strange.
>You watch as the helpful, yet strange mare continues down the trail.
>”Do you like what you see? When you are man again, come and find me” She looks back with a sultry grin.
>God damnit.
 
>You walk into town, scythe on your side, a familiar carousel showing itself in the distance.
>As you walk towards it, the memories of yesterday flash in your mind's eye.
>It would seem you hurt everything you come into contact with.
>Untrue, Fiddle.
>How is this untrue?
>Look at Zecora. You didn't cause her harm. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, she wants to see you again.
>No Brain, she wants to see my naked human self again.
>And do terrible things to it.
>Terrible, terrible p0ny related things.
>You were so wrapped up with your internal monologue, you almost ran into a flower cart.
>”Sorry” Your harsh voice whispers.
>You hear a gasp
>Will anything ever hear your voice and say 'Oh, such an amazing speaking voice! I wish I had that voice!'
>”Are... are you...” a meek voice mumbles.
>You lower yourself to look at whoever you managed to terrify this time.
>Cream colored pony, with a flower on its flank.
>*stare*
 
>”Oh my gosh, you are!” her expression of apprehension turns to one of excitement.
>*stare*
>”Oh... Uhm... I heard you saved Rarity from being hurt by those dirty dogs!” She smiles ear to ear, but her eyes have a hint of fear.
>You can smell the fear.
>It's so sweet...
>And its coming from an innocent, Brain.
>But it's so sweet... just one little taste, Fid.
>You ignore your brain and nod.
>”Here, take these, please. They aren't much, I know, but I still want you to have something for saving my friend!” She picks up a bouquet of flowers with her hoof (wat) and hands them to you.
>Thanking her, you head towards the boutique.
>Upon closer examination, you see they are roses, white as the snow that graces Summoner's Rift every winter.
>Very lovely, if you were one to enjoy flowers.
>You remember reading how roses were supposed to have the sweetest scent of any flower..
>Too bad you'll never smell them.
>You hope Rarity will like them.
>Speak of the devil, here you are.
>You knock on the door with the back of your hand-scythe, quickly holstering it once you are done knocking.
>You hear a voice behind the door
 
>”Sorry, we are closed for cleanu-” She opens the door to you
>”Oh. Hello Fiddlesticks.”she says flatly.
>You wave slightly, letting out a small closed mouth smile.
>”What can I help you with?” Her voice is a plateau
>You didnt prepare for this at all, did you?
>Not in the slightest
>I gotcha, bro.
>Assuming direct control.
> Initiating apology protocol #724
>”I'm sorry. For everything. I don't expect forgiveness. I wouldn't forgive me, just know that I'm sorry”
>Well done, brain.
>Thanks. I'll let you take control now.
>Her pokerface is pretty good. Almost as good as yours.
>Almost.
>You reveal your hidden hand, and give her the white roses
>”These are for you.” you say
>Literally the same second I give you back control, you say something stupid.
>Shut up brain, I'm new to this whole 'forgiveness' thing.
> She looks at the roses, then into your eyes.
>You turn your head to the side, avoiding her gaze.
>Last thing you want is for her to have a flashback to that surprisingly early morning.
>”Fiddlesticks?”
>You sense a hoof on your face as your head is turned.
>She stares deep into your eyes.
>Her fear! Find her fear, NOW!
>Omg fok off brain.
>”I will forgive you, under one condition.”
>”Anything”
>She lets out an all to familiar sly smile.
>You don't like that smile.
>”I need your magic hands again.”
>Your jimmies will not know peace this day.