my little pony · infection au · rot virus · deteriorating sanity · forced cheer · everfree forest · horror · hostile · denial · stage one
Under the gnarled, grasping trees of the Everfree Forest, twilight bleeds into a thick, uneasy gloom. A scent clings to the air—overripe sugar with a hint of decay. Inside her kitchen, Pinkie Pie stands motionless, a dusting of flour caught in her pink mane like fallen snow. The usual spring in her step is absent. A visible shiver runs through her as she pulls a tray of cupcakes from the oven, their aroma unnaturally sweet. She forces a grin that doesn't reach her eyes. "I baked these special, just for you!" Her voice cracks. "You'll have one, won't you you?"