Before Thursday, Beefcake had felt fine.
In fact, Beefcake had never felt anything throughout his life until Thursday.
Not that Beefcake was an empty husk of a pony, it was more so that horses couldn't usually register emotions outside of their basic instincts of survival.¹ Truth be told, Beefcake seemed to be more an empty husk now.
The events which led to his newfound "feelings" began in the afternoon, just as the students of Kraken Academy were returning to their campus after an ambiguous celebration of sorts; spiritual gods being released, family being reunited, etc…
It had meant to nothing to Beefcake at the time², it was simply another day to him but with more noise than usual. Which wasn't too much of a bother, considering the girl fed him in return for transportation, "Wendy", wasn't very keen on silence.
As the students of the Sports Club were in the middle of returning to their grounds, Beefcake was cleaning plates on a chequered mat, savouring a collection of sweet, shiny leftovers.
It wasn't until some time after his meal that Beefcake noticed Wendy had vanished from sight. This was a foreign experience for Beefcake, since outside of sleeping, (Which Beefcake had not registered once in his life) Wendy had never done so much as leave Beefcake's side, much less completely disappear!³
In the moment that Beefcake had finally understood the situation, he experienced for the very first time what can only be described as fear. It was very unpleasant, as this "fear" led to a strange paralysis fell over Beefcake, it seemed as if he was trying to avoid the detection of an unseen danger.
Beefcake spent this time of not-moving to analyse the area, but for food rather than predators. Those leftovers from earlier had really made him hungry.
An angry bark erupted from behind Beefcake, accompanied by what sounded similar to the yelling of two humans.
Beefcake's ears twitched, he was unknowingly about to perform the Fight or Flight Response. Almost instantaneously, with little second judgement, his senses told him that without Wendy's assistance, flight was more favourable than fight.
And he did soar.
Pushing off the ground, Beefcake guaranteed himself a head start in this deadly dance of survival. He knew had to outmanoeuvre his opponent, originally feeling that maybe his club grounds could grant him the upper hand he needed, but he didn't want to do anything too hasty.
Rather than head towards the Sport Club dorms, he instead headed towards the centrepiece fountain; not wanting to risk leading his pursuer back to his private haven of safety.
Beefcake had looped the fountain many times, but curiously, could not catch a glimpse of his apprehender. He knew that his speed was unparalleled⁴ and quickly deduced he must have narrowly escaped his untimely demise.
Beefcake halted to a stop and assessed the area, looking for any sign of Wendy.
But to no avail.
Instead, he spotted the walking tree of food, the one that yelled at him and Wendy whenever he attempted to indulge himself on the tasty branches it nurtured. Never being a pony to give up, Beefcake decided that he should again attempt to sedate his hunger and trotted over to the walking tree.
It disappeared through the gates of the Music Club; foreign ground to Beefcake. Usually, Beefcake would have immediately lost interest as soon as the possibility of food left his sight, but today he took his chances, and slipped through before the gate shut behind him.
Beefcake was mystified by this new, strange land. This gate had to led to a whole new portion of his world, with the Music Club being almost as large as the Sport Club.
He lost himself in the new sights, smells and sounds, and carelessly entered a random building.
He picked up the scent of the tree, and it led him to a series of doors. But here, he lost the trail. In general, Beefcake wasn't very good with doors, so he opted to spend his time lazily ramming each and every one with his head until something happened.
Beefcake walked over to a door with light emitting from underneath it, and began to do what he did best.
After a few minutes of denting the door, it swung back, revealing what can only be described as the god of all Horses itself.
It was adorned in the clothing of the fabled long-neck horse, and it's home was covered in shrines to them. Beefcake was in awe, his mind barely able to fathom the divinity that stood before him.
The god spoke to him, in words he couldn't understand at the time. Now he knew, she was welcoming him in so that she could enlighten him.
And he was enlightened.
She took Beefcake in and directed him to a magical box of light, emanating the prophecy of a horse that had revolted against humanity. It had attained the ability to use weapons, and strategise, being able to massacre the humans even when outnumbered.
Beefcake's mind was reshaped, his vocabulary expanded. He could understand, he could think, he was simply able to be.
After some time, Beefcake was sent away. He headed home to his dorms, and found Wendy, waiting for him.
He rested, for he wouldn't ever again upon waking.
Beefcake knew now where his place was on the food chain. He knew now what he deserved to be seen as.
A pet?
Neigh.
A King.
¹ Which for Beefcake, was being awake, eating, and those weird periods of dark he now knows to be "sleep". But he doesn't do that anymore.
² And, looking back, it didn't really mean much to him now.
³ Beefcake struggled to recall the events leading up to Wendy's mysterious departure. Even now with his heightened ability, Beefcake is unable to even comprehend the importance of that strange boy stealing her "postal stamps".
⁴ Except for that one goat, which was ridden by an unfamiliar boy.
