I open my eyes slowly and cautiously. The first thing that surprises me is that I'm in a sort of tree structure. For sure I thought I would either be laying back at that clearing, either that or dead so this was definitely an improvement, I think.

A low sizzling sound reaches up to tickle my ear. Cautiously I attempt to get up only to be forced back down by pain. Resigning myself to be bedridden for the moment I set my mind to attempting to remember what exactly happened during the past few hours, or the past few hours I was awake before... I think, I'm confused and I've been awake for only 5 minutes, what is wrong with me?

Closing my eyes I try to visualize the events that occurred before the forest and my blackout. Surprising enough the picture was in high definition that would rival any 1080 picture TV. There was no breakouts as I'm reinserted into my previous self and raise from the train car bed. The events flashed before my eyes like a movie. I laughed to myself at my pitiful attempts to mimic Solid Snake. I bit my lip at the tense moment where I felt myself slowing down.

My mind clear from having had a good nights rest I realized now that my thoughts had been my own. I still do not understand myself and what exactly went on, but as my body slowed to a trot I mentally flipped through the images in my mind, horrified by memories that were not my own and futures that I imagined for myself. My fear was short lived as I relived the moment where her voice penetrated my mind. I was unaware of it then, but now, looking back I realize just how powerful and how encompassing her love, misguided as it is, that Luna possessed for me.

I wilted inside as I felt both rage, despair, sadness, and longing emanated from her in waves. Though the most powerful of all of them was her loneliness. Whatever had caused it has caused her to seek after me with such fervor. It was not my doing that created such a desire, but I am still the center of it.

Feeling the soft touch of darkness, encroach upon me I realize that I am being sucked in again, sucked into her warm mental embrace. For a moment our consciousness brushed and I shrunk away before she could latch on, though she reached out for my touch. She has done something to me, I am not just changed to fit her liking.

Shaking my head feverishly I shrug off the thoughts that crowded upon my brain. I can think about mental changes and death by personality murder later. First, get up, second, get food, third... what was the third again.

“I do not believe my eyes, I did not think you would rise.” Panicking I spin towards the voice that had riddled me only to be puzzled by what I see. It looks like the pony form of an tribesman from Africa. Her, well unless he has a very feminine voice, has gold or brass, I cannot tell, rings lining the neck with a large hoop earring hanging off each ear, each as big as her eyeballs, which were of the same large proportion as a ponies'. It looks like she sports a Mohawk, but I digress, I cannot judge for in my many years I've had some weird hairstyles, present form not withstanding.

Though I do not want to offend her she looks like a dang zebra. “Puzzled you are by my presence I see, though you have nothing to fear from me. Zecora is what I am called.” What is with these rhymes? Though with a name like that she is DEFINITELY a zebra. She, yeah I'm calling her a she now, get over it brain. “With my name said I can see you are less appalled.”

Startled I could tell my face showed confusion. Though I am curious as to why she is speaking in rhymes it is weird she knew that I was guessing she was a zebra. Then again I wasn't at all a hard person to read, well I guess a hard pony to read now. “Um...”

“By what name are you called little filly?” She smiled, either oblivious she interrupted my train of thought or knowing I have no train to begin with. Either way I was obligated to answer.

Sighing I began moving my mouth “Mid-” immediately I clamp my mouth shut and cover it with both hooves. That is not my name! My name is midnight! Celestia dammit! Frantically I closed off my mind, envisioning a new person to give me name to before repeating it over and over in my head. Michael... Michael.. Michael. Michael! I removed the new person in my head and focused only on that single word. It is all I have left and I will be damned before I give it up.

Somewhere in my brain though, in the far off reaches, in the far off corners echoed a voice. Midnight... Miiiiidniiiight...

Panic and adrenaline filled my body again and it only worsens when I felt liquid dribbling down my throat. It has to be some sort of poison! The zebra works for her! I tried coughing but strong hooves held my muzzle shut until I could no longer hold back the urge to swallow.

The hooves let go and I coughed violently, putting a hoof against my throat try and force myself to puke the horrible concoction up. “Be still and know peace, with me you are safe from the beast!”

I shudder as the adrenaline and panicked flees from my body. I force my eyes open as wide as they can go, preparing to fight whatever drug she used to put me to sleep, but the urge never came. Instead I felt peace. My breathing slows and my mind clears. Debating myself in my mind I decide to at least trust this zebra a little more than I have.

“I see that discussing your name brings trouble. That is a mistake I will not double. Get up you should be able to do, come down stairs and we'll eat some hot stew.” Beckoning she slowly backed away from the bed and smiled gently.

Seeing no other option, my stomach growls in approval of my choice, I attempt again to get up, this time prevailing over my body and rising to a full stand. Walking seemed to be troubling though so I crawled to the end of the bed. I cast a glance back at Zecora, who seems to be making no move to exploit my troubles, I look over the edge of the bed and plan my hop.

Ah screw planning. My hooves slide over the edge and I land on all fours gracefully, only to fall flat on my face after taking the first step. Fighting the urge to ball like a little filly 'which I am I guess' I get up slowly before attempting the stairs again.

It took balance but eventually I get the hang of it and make it down the stairs to find the zebra, Zecora, stirring a large pot that looks more suited for a witches house than a zebras, maybe she was a witch. Deciding it was worth the risk I continued on the path towards her, sniffing the air. Though I knew whatever I smelled would be, by new pony brain's understanding, absolutely delicious, while I, on the other hoof, utterly despised it. This would be my first full meal to be honest... besides... no don't think about that torture.

Too many smells assaulted my nose, drowning me in a wave of pleasure. Apparently whatever the zebra was cooking was like ice cream, or prime steak.

A shiver ran up my spine as the familiar picture of meat not only didn't inspire longing, but it also brought a disgust to my mind. Did I no longer have the ability to eat meat, yes, but I'll be damned if I don't want to!

“Please take a seat, that is, if you wish to eat.” Okay, this is actually starting to impress me. Does she have to rhyme or is like something she does because she wants to?

Trotting over to a small table I scramble up on top of a chair only to be met with the surprise that my chin barely reaches over the top. Annoyed I put my hooves on the tables edge and proceed sit that way. “No no that will no do, here is something that might help you.” I look at her and see she has a rather large book in her hoof, somehow...

Taking she meant to place that under me I hop down, almost tripping on the landing, and wait as she places the book on top of my seat and nods to me. Scrambling back up I notice that I was now at a comfortable height. “Thanks...” Nodding again she trots towards the soup, somehow magically holds two bowls and fills them before returning them to the table and sitting across from me.

Given the lack of conversation that she seems to inspire I'm guessing that she doesn't exactly like to rhyme a lot, but that could also just be that she doesn't usually have company here so she's not used to to small talk.

“So um... what do you plan on doing with me?” Straight to the point, I might as well.

“That depends on you, for it is you who will do.” Odd wording, but okay.

“I would very much not like to leave this forest, preferably by staying here, if that is alright with yourself.”

I can tell she is surprised by the way her already large eyes grew a tad larger. “Your looks betray you little foal, I did not think that sounding eloquent would be your goal.” Eating a little food she relaxes however, so crisis averted, hopefully. “It is fine with me that you would stay in my tree. I am a busy as a mare can be, if you wish to stay with me, that you will be too. That much is true.” Damn, not happy I skipped out on mom's grammar lessons.

Shitshootshitshoot! My mom didn't teach me my grammar lessons! A nice older woman named Mrs. Arron did! Jesus mother of A this is becoming almost too much.

Trying to hide my inner struggle I sigh in mild defeat. While I had figured I would have to succumb to some type of payment for services rendered, I did not expect this mare to be a busy body. This is my only option however, so I guess I'll take it. Until such time that I can strike off on my own for the north or east, I will need some type of care, this is my best bet.

“Agreed, I didn't think I'd be getting free room and board, so I'm not surprised, though I must let you know, while my wording is fancy I still have the tendencies of a-” Tensing, I swallowed whatever vestige of pride I have left. “foal, and will most likely get bored of constant work.”

“Do not worry little one.” Taking another gulp she smiles. “I think you will find that my work is not boring when you are done.” Okay that doesn't sound like rhyming... hmm... wait crap it's consonance, wow is that even used anymore? Well apparently she uses it.

“Very well, though I must ask, will I develop your... habit of rhyming on every single sentence?” Did not look forward to that health 'benefit'.

“Again you must not worry, you will not gain my ailment in a hurry. It is a curse that I took, in order to gain which I would have to look. At first it was something I did hate, but as I grew older it's annoyance did abate.” Ah well, I hope I'm never in need of looking for some hard to reach thing, I'd hate to have to rhyme all the time.

It took me a good hour to finish the stew. I can't believe I was that hungry. After finishing my final bowl I felt a warmness of satisfaction inside my stomach, such which I did not feel with Mom, for which I am glad.

Zecora got up, took my bowl and rinsed hers and mine before putting them out to dry. I almost commented on putting them in the dishwasher but then I realized that ponies don't have them. Yeah this world officially sucks in my opinion. Unless they have electricity my life is about to get 10 times more difficult.

After she finishes I watch as she goes back to the smaller pot, for I see there are two, and slides it onto her back. Curious, I follow her towards her door as she opens it and exits her house of safety. I remember full well that this mad house forest probably has a few things that can kill me in an instant, so I'm perfectly fine with staying inside.

This peculiar zebra seems to confound me even more as about a dozen eyes suddenly appear in the foliage. As she sets down the pot on the ground a couple dozen creatures, some I recognize, some I don't, all small in stature, come around and swarm the pot. I'm astonished that she feeds the woodland creatures, but not as much as I'm astonished they are not killing each other in the process. There's this weird wolf creature baby next to some rabbit looking thing, and a sort of squirrel next to a very dangerous looking beast that I cannot name.

I'm still stuck staring when Zecora passes by me on her way inside. “Why are you so curious? Are you surprised the creatures are not furious? My tree is not safe by itself, but by my attention to their health.” She nods her head at the creatures that seem to be scampering off. I notice some larger shapes in the trees as they collect their young. It seems as long as she cared for the animals they realized that she is a potential food source and not simply a meal. Very clever little zebra, very clever.

“Would you like to see what I do? I have a potion I am about to brew.” Potions, are you kidding me? She really is a witch? God if I end up a pie I hope mom finds me if only to have her eat me.

Without meaning to I giggle at the thought of Luna's horror over finding out she ate me. This is soon dashed away as feelings of regret and sadness took their place. I shouldn't be thinking about that, Mom is just misguided. “Sure, it sounds like fun.” It took me a moment to notice Zecora's concern. I caught a small glimpse of it before she smiled and walk across the room to an array of bottle and ingredients.

I gaped at the sheer amount of items on innumerable shelves. The way they were built it looked like they had grown straight out of the tree. With much more enthusiasm I turned to watch her work.

Turns out not all witches are grouchy and evil and stuff, curse you internet, how could you lie to me! Zecora is actually a potion healer of sorts. The one she happened to have been working on today was to help me sleep tonight. Apparently the medication she gave me this morning was also a pain duller, which is why I haven't felt anything all day. However if I take this new one it should last me through the night which I thoroughly agree is necessary.

I actually got to help as well. While mine is working its way into bottle form she is preparing another one for a mare in town.

Ha ha, so she's like the pharmacist! That's crazy, I managed to find the pill person, the doctor behind the doctor. Well I can guarantee I wont die anytime soon that's for sure.

“You have been a great help little one, at last of my work to do there is none.” Looking around happily she takes a long breath in. “However I am running low on supplies.” Looking behind her I make sure the giant wall of items is still present and not vanished into thin air. “I have much that is not needed which may come as a surprise, however what I need is in town most near, we will not have to go into the forest you fear.”

Ahahahaha, that is where you have it wrong dear zebra, tis not the forest I fear the most, but civilization and traitorous ponies! Of course I'm not going to say any of this cause I didn't want to get turned out on my flank, or worse, get asked prying questions. “Um... is there any way I could get a cloak? I'm not a fan of being around too many ponies...” Turning on full cuteness I made sure to bulge my eyes out a little. Hey, if I'm going to act like a little foal I might as well get the benefits as well.

Zecora smiled before walking to a small door that I saw her open before. I think it is a pantry, since she grabbed food out of it for breakfast, but instead I saw her pull out a small dark cloak, looking as new as it was when it was first stitched. Walking over to me she once again demonstrated how much I hate the fact that I can't use my hooves by tying the tiny string in a knot around my neck and settling the cape part over my wings. “Perfectly it does fit, I cannot see your wings one bit. You will not have to fear, ponies will not swarm you my dear.”

I watch her as she proceeds to then clean up her work area, putting all the bottles in their correct places and flawlessly balancing multiple items on her hooves. Eventually I think I'm going to have to know what everything is and where in Tartarus it goes, but for now I'm content on being absolutely clueless on the matter. My first goal is to figure out how to use my hooves as effortlessly as she does, I can barely pick things up, and only when I concentrate really hard.

“Do take care however, for that is my first cloak ever.” Astonished I look back at the sheet of cloth upon my back, noticing that, while from a short distance it looks new, it actually was skillfully patched in certain places and parts of it have slightly fading colors.

The filly in me rears its ugly head again, insisting I thank her for her generosity, which I happily agree to do. “Thank you Zecora, I'll make sure to take good care of it always.” I flash my biggest smile as my mind replayed all the different events I would avoid while wearing her treasure.

“That I do believe, now I believe the sun has taken its leave. Again it is time for you to go to bed, so that you might rest your head. Drink your potion that you helped make, and let it serve you well until you wake.” Smiling she handed over the blue substance. While I learned from her today that a potions color means nothing about the potion itself, it still looked like it might kill me rather than cure my pain. I've trusted her this long however, why shouldn't I go the extra mile?

With her help I grabbed a glass and transferred a portion of the liquid into the glass before swallowing it. Thankfully, unlike human medicines it actually doesn't taste all that bad. It tasted more like a fruit smoothie than a blend of plants crushed together. Unfortunately though, it is fast acting and I'm already feeling tired.

I can feel myself letting off a cute yawn before forcing my legs up the stairs in the tree. Thankfully Zecora is there to help me in bed. I can barely see her, but I know it's her.

At first my body hung on the edge of sleep, unwilling to doze off without something. It took my drugged brain a moment to identify the problem. Mommy wasn't here to tuck me in bed. I kick at my sheets a little, feeling uncomfortable. This will never do. I can't be like this every night or I'll never get any sleep.

I close my eyes and try to remember my own mother, before Luna. All I caught were flashes of a human, blonde and happy, before reverting back to the midnight pony. Soon the visions blurred together and I opened my eyes to a woman dressed in black and blue lying beside me. Reaching out a hoof I poke at her. My hoof goes through her but I feel at peace.

Maybe this whole melding thing is getting out of hand, but for now I'll take the human apparition, the other stuff is for future Michael to figure out.

With that I closed my eyes, listening to a familiar tune sung by the lady in blue beside me. “Hush little baby don't say a word, mamma's gonna buy you a mocking bird.”

Author's Notes:

So yada yada i'm late so sorry schools a bitch, work is a bitch and frankly, fuck them both.
Anyways, i'm seeing if i can't kick my own arse for this but apparently i still have some kick left in me!
Now this piece of shit has so many things, probably some continuity errors, grammar and spelling, so if nobody makes a witty comment about something i fucked up,
#notahappyperson
ANYWAYS

HOLY SHIT BRO, don't break the coffee mugs, they're vintage! I'll try and work on something when i can, for now you can wonder how the hell she's/he's going to make it through town but after that you can meet Pinkie.

Also, I actually hate poems but apparently i'm semi good at them, here are the rules of rhyming if you dont know them
Assonance - the vowels rhyme, if you've read or listened to the book 'voyage of the dawn treader' read you'll remember 'narnia, and barmier'
Consance - When the consonants rhyme, this is especially hard to pull off so you'll probably never see it.
Alternating rhyme - this rhyming scheme is ABAB, i will be cheating by using this as well, but i'll try not to get too complicated.
I'm cheating with these because damn Zecora has some limitations, but she is an interesting character.

Anyways, comments? Suggestions? That's what the shitty comment box is for, USE IT!
Please...