Many, many generations ago...

Princess Celestia, the ever-wise and kind ruler of Equestria, stood on her room's balcony. She let out a sigh. It had been a long day, working with some of the leaders of other countries. They were being difficult. The gryphons wanted a new currency to be made. They said that trading goods was becoming rather hazardous, even though the gryphons were generally a brash colony.

Her worries set aside, Celestia glanced up at the beautiful night sky. Her sister was asleep- she had went to bed after raising the moon. Luna tended to get tired easier than her sister, every few months or so. Unfortunately, this was one of those months. She was the little sister, after all. Painting the night sky took much more imagination than just illuminating the sky with rays of the sun.

While stargazing, a shadowy figure caught the alicorn's eye. She turned her head to look at it, and jumped back, startled at what she saw. There, sitting on the railing to her balcony, was a bipedal monstrosity. The entirety of its demonic presence was black, save for the robe it wore. The robe itself was tattered, torn and gray, flowing past the figure’s bare feet.

Fangs which dripped blood were visible through the robe’s hideously torn hood, crimson droplets staining the marble stone below it. It had a rasped breathing- the wheeze was emphasized when its chest moved up and down. This hellish creature was the stuff of nightmares. The thing reached out with one of its ugly, deformed hands, stained in blood as well. One of the three ‘fingers’ was a mass of disgusting flesh, almost a foot long, and quarter of a foot wide. The others were like claws.

The most strikingly terrifying feature on this hellish abomination, though, were its eyes. They glowed a nightmarish red, the screams of a thousand souls begging for release in them. The creature collapsed to the ground, letting its legs drag as it began to slowly crawl towards the alicorness.

Celestia’s heart jumped out of her chest, and her form went pale as she rushed into her room. Watching the thing crawl, as though it needed help. But, the creature’s jaw snapping at her said otherwise. She yelled for a guard, who came rushing in. “By Starswirl’s beard!” He exclaimed, before he rushed at the creature, spear in his magical embrace.

That was the last which was seen of him. The creature was stabbed repeatedly with vigor, but the hellish being effortlessly grabbed one of his hooves, and tore off his leg. Blood sprayed all over the creature as the guard screamed in agony. Devouring the leg whole as it sunk its teeth into the guard’s neck, the beast killed him slowly.

After feasting, the monster disappeared.

Terrified for her subject’s lives, and her own, Celestia rushed- like a bat out of hell -to get someone she knew that could help.

She banged on his door very worriedly, glancing over her shoulder.

The famed, bearded wizard opened the door. “Oh my, Princess Celestia... what brings you here? Come, come, come in.” He said calmly. Without hesitation, Celestia came into his home, where she was offered tea. She accepted, glancing over her shoulders as she sipped the hot beverage. Now sitting on the couch beside her, Starswirl asked, “I can see paranoia on your face, Princess. What troubles you? Has something happened?” Knowing the Princess well since she was younger, Starswirl was much like a father-figure to Celestia.

The Princess exhaled. “Yes... yes something is wrong, Starswirl...” She sniffled. “A monster...”

The bearded stallion smiled. “Oh, come now, you’re a big girl. You know it was a nightma--”

“This isn’t a joke, Starswirl!” Celestia barked sternly. “This... thing was slender. It had fangs, a robe... dear me, i-it was terrifying... it devoured one of my guards... I-I just couldn’t do anything.” She shut her eyes, taking a moment to mourn over her brave guard. “It paralyzed me with fear... I’ve never seen something more terrifying than... than that monstrosity in the entirety of my lifetime...” Celestia said, tears in her eyes, stinging like a bee’s stinger. Even that mischief maker Discord was a naughty comparison. Least he never killed a pony.

“What do you suppose I could do about it?”

“... Trap it.” Celestia decided. The tears continued to flow, though now behind narrowed eyes.

Starswirl’s eyes widened at the idea. “But Princess, I do not know the nature of said creature. It would be for naught, without any study!”

“It doesn’t matter, Starswirl.” The alicorness said, forcing the tears to stop. “What matters is that thing never seeing the light of day... I will pay you generously. This, I, Princess Celestia, vow to you. The protection of my citizens is far more important than my life itself.” She said, finishing her tea. The Princess stood, and walked to the door.

“Wait a moment, please?” Starswirl called to her.

“Yes, Starswirl?”

Approaching the alicorn, Starswirl wore a look of concern on his face. “I do not need to be paid to do this.” He replied. “Although, your decision is your decision. But if you’re really sure I am capable of trapping a nightmare like that, I will do my best.” He nodded. “One question, if I may? Why not you and your royal sister do it? You have the Elements...”

“Discord was only set in stone only so recently,” Celestia explained. “The Elements are not like a candle. These...” She stopped there, moving her left hoof up to wipe the remaining tears from her face. “Jewels, are physical manifestations of harmony. The reason Discord was turned to stone was to create harmony of the land- at the least, I think so. But this creature did not want to disrupt harmony like Discord did. It just wanted something more...” He frowned now, not wanting to hear the word. “... natural.”

“Natural? I was thinking menacing or destructive...” Starswirl raised his eyebrows.

“In nature, there is a prey for everything. A manticore hunting a hare, or a timberwolf hunting a small creature is not disharmony. It’s natural.” Celestia responded.

“Are you telling me... that this thing is your natural hunter?!”

“I can think of no other reason to know such fear...” The Princess spoke, her voice low. “Make haste, Starswirl. I know not how many lives are on the line with that monstrosity loose.” She said.

Starswirl nodded, and began to work after the Princess had left. It was going to be a hard task nonetheless. Creating a spell wasn’t just a jump, skip and a hop. These things took time- but time was Starswirl’s enemy this occasion!

• - - - Two Weeks Later...

Even with Starswirl and his top students working at full-speed, Celestia was growing more and more concerned with every day that passed. If she kept it up, she’d drive herself to the brink of insanity. Twelve. Twelve of her subjects had gone missing since that one night, and the numbers were slowly, agonizingly slowly, going up. She was terrified. This dark thing did deliberate actions to try and call her out. Away from the castle and guards, support, and her family.

Luna was concerned for her sister’s state of mind. The guards were paranoid, at any moment another pony could go missing. There was no set pattern, no reason why these ponies had been picked, or even anything to connect the missing ponies to each other. Word got across Equestria though rumors, letters, and newspapers. Families locked themselves in their homes, refusing to come out.

You couldn’t blame them. They were terrified. It was normal to be afraid of something that wanted to kill you, after all. Day or night, it didn’t matter. Whatever was hunting the ponies struck at both day and night, clearly not caring if they got caught.

It was three in the afternoon, on a Thursday. The sound of hooves rushing could be heard, as a familiar, bearded spellmaker rushed up the castle steps. Scrolls levitated alongside him, and saddlebags filled with writing tools and books under his cape. “I have business with the Princess!” He said, exhausted. The guards at the front nodded, and let him pass.

Starswirl rushed to Celestia’s quarters, practically bucking the door in as he made his entry, panting.

Jumping out of her skin, the Princess of the Sun was now clinging to her bed, enveloped in the silken sheets.

“Princess, don’t worry, it’s me...” The wizard panted. “... I... think I may have something!” A thought did wander in his mind. Was she still in bed? Why did it look so sexy?

Celestia poked her head out from under the blankets. “Y-you do? Sorry about this, that thing has... really gotten to me over the past few weeks.” She stepped out of the blankets, and stretched out her hooves. She had been pacing for quite a few hours. Her celestial mane reached out to settle against her frame.

“Of... course, I understand,” Star fought back a blush. He had a wife, Celestia dammi- oh wait, nevermind! “It just seemed like you were... still asleep.”

“No no, you just startled me. It’s fine though. What did you figure out?” The Princess asked, approaching him. She smiled, a bit hopeful of the news. Oh, if ‘Swirl was not married, she would’ve broken him right here and now...

“Oh, oh yes, one moment please.” The aged wizard levitated a scroll out of his right saddlebag. He rolled it out to reveal a blueprint, more like a beigeprint, of a prison. “I’ve formulated a barrier spell, and an automated, sliding wall-type device. The creature, or, the prisoner, will be contained here,” He pointed to a chamber on the far end of the hallway on the parchment.

“Hm. I also see crystals being used. Are they there to amplify magic?” Celestia leaned her head down to look at the plans.

“Indeed. There are precisely sixteen walls of one-meter thick stone and crystal that will rise up, magically encased with said barrier spell.” He pulled out another scroll, and unrolled it. It was a new barrier spell. “There is also a stasis spell that I have been working on that may prove useful to us, if we subdue the creature. Aside from that, the barrier spell is permanent. Extremely powerful, I originally made it for Discord, that rascal. But this... demon, dare I say, is much more a threat to the citizens of Equestria.”

“And how in the name of your beard are we to get the creature to this prison?” The Princess asked with a raised brow.

“It will not be easy... but I have an idea.” He leaned his neck out, moving to stare at Celestia’s derriere. “You did say he was your natural hunter...”

Waaait for iiit...

“You can NOT be serious.” She looked at him in shock.

“Unfortunately, I am serious, Celestia. Since you have shown the most signs of fear and paranoia to the creature, I only assume you will attract this abomination better than any other. For my theory is that it feeds off of fear. And you will... act as bait.” He said. “Even if I’m wrong. We will have all the other ponies sequestered in their homes, leaving you as the only one the creature can hunt.”

“If it must be done, then it must be done...” Celestia was shaking on the inside. “When do we start?”

“After we construct the prison, of course! Get a construction crew working on it as fast as possible, and as soon as possible!”

“Stop staring at my rear...” Shake, shake, shake what your daddy gave 'ya! Celestia, you tease!

• - - - One Month Later...

It was time.

Forty-two subjects had disappeared. Forty.Two. Celestia couldn’t stand for it anymore. She had her blacksmith make her a weapon, in case everything went to hell. It was a blade, its hilt gilded in fine materials. The blade was a greatsword- the hilt was enveloped in gold. The metal was colored in alabaster, as if it were made from ore mined from the moon. The base of the blade had a purple gem on it, much like the one on her bridle. The Princess had been training as much as she could. She wasn’t skilled in weapon-based combat, but she was getting the hang of it. The creature’s attacks, from what she saw, were slow and purely offensive. So she practiced countering, parrying and blocking. Defensive techniques, all that jazz.

When the metal smith was asked why he made her a sword, he replied, “The Princess needs a long, hard weapon in her hooves. It was that or metal glaives, but I thought it would be hard to... wait, this was supposed to be a weapon? Oh no, I got Princess Luna’s order mixed with Celestia’s!”

“Celestia, it is time-AH!” Starswirl walked into her quarters, only to have his signature hat swept from his head. He yelped, his hat was now on the tip of the blade. “What is... wh... what is this?” He levitated his hat back onto his head, staring the blade down.

Encased in her magical grasp, Celestia placed the sword by the wall to her right. “A sword. I figured that if anything were to go wrong, it would be best to learn how to defend myself.”

“I... see. A-anyhow, it’s time for... the baiting.”

“Debating? Over what?” Celestia cocked her head at him.

“The baiting.” He said slower, so she could understand.

“... Oh, silly me.” She chuckled. “Well then, I suppose we should... get to it.”

• - - - Half an hour later...

“Why did you put me in a maid outfit?!” Celestia frowned.

“Dear lord, there’s spunk everywhere!” Starswirl panted.

“What happens in Canterlot... stays in Canterlot.” Starswirl’s wife said, lying under the sheets with Celestia and Swirl.

“Sister! I managed to capture the...” Luna stopped a moment, looking in the room. “I... I want in. Move over.”

“Unce Unce Unce--”

“Celestia, stop daydreaming!” ‘Swirl snapped the Princess out of it.

The alicorness practically had toaster wires on her face. “Oh, what? Oh yes, the... baiting,” She sighed. “How am I supposed to look... more appetizing? Do I seduce it? Or just...” Celestia turned to the wizard.

“Well, I have this maid outfit...”

“No.” She immediately responded. “I’m... going to let my fear get the best of me.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure, Starswirl.”

• - - - One hour later...

Celestia was now standing in the abandoned streets. They decided to do this just before sunset, in order to give the creature another advantage and try to lure it out. She had a summoning spell at the ready, to summon her sword.

A sharp growl could be heard in the darkness of an alley. Celestia’s coat, although white as snow, went pale.

“Ce... le... sti... a...” A demonic whisper sung out to her in a serenade of temptation. She averted her eyes, as she could feel an invisible hand reaching out to her. She turned around, and began to run for her life. “Do... not... run...” Its voice projected, cackling maniacally. Had this thing picked up the ability to speak as well?

She looked over her shoulder.

And was scarred for life.

The ground was getting stained with a dark red, blood reflecting the orange sun. She could smell metal in the air- iron. Blood fell from its- changed form!? What used to be two arms turned into five arms. Sun-dried pony skulls were implanted in its tainted flesh, gore hanging from every limb. Its hood was torn off, exposing the head. It looked to be a snake’s head, or something serpent-like. It was strange though. Although it’s mouth was open to expose a snake’s forked tongue, it had no scales. It suddenly got onto its feet, and began to run after her. Every millisecond she stared at it, she was becoming paralyzed.

She forced herself to turn her head away, and run. She dared not look back. While she could not hear any hoovesteps behind her, she could hear it chasing her. She turned to look, and her eyes went into small dots. That demon was jumping from roof to roof! No wonder no one could find a trail of blood in it’s wake! About ten minutes of fat-burning cardio later, Celestia made her way to the underground hallway, which was pitch-black.

“Your soul... will be mine...”

Celestia dove into the chamber, and backed into a corner. The creature was forced to approach her on the ground. ‘Starswirl... hurry!’ She panicked. The creature cackled.

“Your fear is so... delicious. Your subjects... were merely my appetizer. Your world... is my banquet...”

Something inside of Celestia snapped at that very moment. She stood up, and her horn ignited. “This is the last part of the plan Princess. To keep you alive as a back-up, I am placing a hypnosis spell on you. When your fear reaches its peak, as it is now, this will keep you from succumbing.” Star’s words whispered in her mind.

The invader suddenly found its appetite killed.

A howl of pain was heard as Celestia sent the creature flying back with a blast of magic, into the center of the chamber.

Suddenly, blinding lights came on, and the creature was snapped into place. Its arms were held in by chains, magically reinforced. The legs were done no differently. The creature was immobilized. “YOU WORTHLESS MORTAL!” It screamed.

“Now now,” Starswirl walked into the chamber. “You’ve been a very bad colt. Murder isn’t something that happens here in Equestria. And for that, I am placing you in containment, until you yourself perish!”

The creature laughed. “I am... immortal... age will not rid you of me.”

“Then you will die of torture!” Celestia yelled, thrusting her sword through the creature’s chest. Fueled by her rage, the Princess said, “This is for the forty-two of my subject’s lives stolen! I will bring you pain that will make you beg for your own death!”

Starswirl’s ears flopped down as he heard the revolting wail of the creature. He slowly backed away as Celestia turned her head to him, releasing her grip on the blade as the creature shrieked in pain. That hypnosis spell worked a little too well.

“Starswirl! You saved me!” Celestia spoke, a smile forming on her lips. “Your hypnosis spell was perfect!”

“It was just a much-needed precaution. I’m glad to be of-... why are you looking at me like that?” The wizard raised his eyebrows, slowly taking steps back from the alicorn.

“Oh, you were so brave! So smart! Mama is so proud!”

“Mama?”

“Sexy mamacita...” Celestia purred.

“Uh.”

“Let me give you a reward...”

“Rape! Rape I say!”

“Is it rape if it’s consensual?”

“What?” Swirl raised his eyebrows even further.

“Star, I love you. Divorce your wife! Or better yet, I shall send her away. You will be the royal consort, and I will make you my lover...”

“Damn... fine. I will marry yo-”

“Woah woah woah... marry?” Celestia opened her eyes wide.

"Unce Unce Unce--"

"... Wha... hu-... AUUUGH- DEAR MERCIFUL SATAN, WHAT AM I WITNESSING!?!?!? I CAN SEE FOREVER! GOD! SATAN! SOMEBODY, PLEEEAAASE, END MY TORMEEENT!!!"

• - - - Many, Many Generations Later...

“And that’s how your ancestors were born, Blueblood.” Celestia finished the story, leaving Blueblood shaking in disgust.

“I... no, no, just... just NO!” Blueblood charged out of the room. “THAT’S DISGUSTING!”

Celestia had been trying to forget about Kratos, ever since he was subdued and locked away. Not for another second would she think about that ash-skinned monstrosity, which reminded her of the 'Black Death' as she called it.

But unfortunately, and as fate would have it, her peace would be disturbed on this day. “Princess Celestia.” Twilight Sparkle’s voice called as the unicorn walked through the door.

“Twilight? What are you doing here?” Celestia asked curiously, her left brow raising.

Twilight sighed, and walked to her mentor hesitantly. “I am here on the count of Kratos.”

“You mustn’t be serious.” The alicorness's facial expression dropped.

“I am serious, Princess. For you see, over the past few months, I have been communing with Kratos through telepathy. And I know you don’t agree with it... but I want Kratos to get back to his own world. His destiny lies there, not here.” Twilight said.

It was Celestia’s turn to sigh. She replied, “Twilight, I know you want to make it up to Kratos, for what me and you did to him. But until I see proof that he will not harm a single one of my subjects, he will remain contained.”

“That’s the thing, Princess. I do have proof.”

Author's Note

JUST FOR YOUR INFORMATION, this section:

“Starswirl! You saved me!” Celestia spoke, a smile forming on her lips. “Your hypnosis spell was perfect!”

“It was just a much-needed precaution. I’m glad to be of-... why are you looking at me like that?” The wizard raised his eyebrows, slowly taking steps back from the alicorn.

“Oh, you were so brave! So smart! Mama is so proud!”

“Mama?”

“Sexy mamacita...” Celestia purred.

“Uh.”

“Let me give you a reward...”

“Rape! Rape I say!”

“Is it rape if it’s consensual?”

“What?” Swirl raised his eyebrows even further.

“Star, I love you. Divorce your wife! Or better yet, I shall send her away. You will be the royal consort, and I will make you my lover...”

“Damn... fine. I will marry yo-”

“Woah woah woah... marry?” Celestia opened her eyes wide.

"Unce Unce Unce--"

"... Wha... hu-... AUUUGH- DEAR MERCIFUL SATAN, WHAT AM I WITNESSING!?!?!? I CAN SEE FOREVER! GOD! SATAN! SOMEBODY, PLEEEAAASE, END MY TORMEEENT!!!"

• - - - Many, Many Generations Later...

“And that’s how your ancestors were born, Blueblood.” Celestia finished the story, leaving Blueblood shaking in disgust.

“I... no, no, just... just NO!” Blueblood charged out of the room. “THAT’S DISGUSTING!”

That entire thing was a joke just to kinda take the edge off.

But you can take it literally.

... at your own discretion.

"HEY! If you don't like it... hey, hey hey, lemme tell you something... don't read it."

"EEEY! I LOVE feedback! Any feedback's appreciated, y'know. Hell, even, 'Ey breh dis be goin' good an' ting', it's still feedback."

"YO! I don't do well with demands regarding the story in question. Requests, I'll get back to you when I can, but outright demanding... don't count on it."

• ZTB