Kate's ears involuntarily pinned down in fear. She wanted to find someone, sure, but wasn't sure she wanted someone to find her. She had no idea how to defend herself properly with this new body. Well, other than maybe trying to stab the attacker with her horn. It did look rather sharp.
But just as quick as the sound came, it was gone, and she was in silence again. She waited, staring for what felt like hours until she relaxed enough to turn around. Only, when she turned around, there was a tiny fairy right in her face.
"Hiya!" she greeted merrily.
"Gah!" Kate gahhed, stumbling backwards into some mud. It made her wince getting her coat dirty.
"Oh dear, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!" the fairy exclaimed, quickly flitting over to her. "Are you okay?"
Kate looked up at her. "Uh, yeah... not injured at least. Wait, hold on, are you a fairy?"
The fairy giggled and did a little midair twirl. "I sure am! I'm Twinkle! What's your name?"
"Me? I'm...err...well I was named something else...but..." Kate frowned, her memory somewhat foggy of her old name as a boy. She sighed. "Kate, just call me Kate."
"Kate! Such a cute name! Though, not very unicorn-y. Hmm...anyway!" the energetic Twinkle flew around her and then landed on her muzzle. "Soooo, what brings you here, Kate? Katie? Maybe the K-ster?"
"Just...Kate...okay? And, I'm not supposed to be here. I'm not even supposed to be a unicorn, or female for that matter," Kate replied. "It's a long story."
Twinkle nodded sagely. "I see, I see! That must be troubling for you."
"Mhm. Would you happen to know how to get me back home? Or at least change me back?" Kate asked, hope in her eyes.
Twinkle gave a sad smile back. "I'm sorry, K-ster-"
"Kate" Kate corrected.
"Right, Kate. I'm sorry, but I'd have no idea how to. But I'm sure my sister could help. She's very smart!"
"Really? Great! Let's go see her!" Kate exclaimed, getting back up.
"Woah! Easy!" Twinkle said, flying in front of Kate's face. "My sister lives quite a distance away. It'll be a long trip."
"That's fine. I don't care how long it takes."
"Well, I'm too tired to go right now, so if you want my help, you gotta let me brush your mane and tail!" Twinkle replied.
"What? Why?" Kate asked.
"Cause most unicorns just hide and don't let themselves get touched. Plus, I want to practice for when I open up my salon in Fairydale!"
Kate sighed. "Fine, if that's what it takes."
"Yay! Okay, but first, we need to wash you up. There's a little river just over there," said Twinkle.
Kate nodded and followed the fairy's instructions. For a little while, she let herself stop worrying about getting back home and back to her former self, basking in the cool clean water. After drying off, she stood herself up and patiently let Twinkle brush her. Her fur was all matted, and her mane and tail were in snarls.
It's a good thing she let Twinkle do this for her. She couldn't go somewhere looking like this! No, no, it wouldn't do. She must be perfect in appearance!
"Hmm, hey Kate, how about a hoof polish?"
"Oh yes, that would be divine!" Kate exclaimed, starry eyed, then a record scratch played. "No, w-wait. Gah! That's enough, Twinkle. Um...thank you, but I think I'm done now."
"Are you sure?" Twinkle asked.
"Y-yes, now please don't ask again or I might say yes. Let's just go now."