Chapters There had been the slightest shift of reality. The dimensions tickled by the slightest twinge. The planes of existence rippling for a brief moment. The consequence of such disruption caused my soul to become displaced, my form molded to appeal to this realms preferred shape. It caused the land known as Equestria to suffer a furious tempest, the world sensing a great power’s arrival, and the inhabitants forced to summon their citizens to flee or face the harsh winds, icy droplets, and bellowing thunder that both raged and birthed me. The land was left devastated, the winged-folk of this realm unable to control the storms that injured many and slaughtered few. It lasted a night and a day, the grounds soaked and muddied as debri sprinkled the land. The citizens clambered and struggled to regain what was lost, their eyes wide and soaked forms trembling as I awoke from my deep slumber. My mind dull and body numb as I struggled against the darkness that attempted to swallow me whole once more.
My body was new, I quickly realized, the form small, underdeveloped and young. And startlingly feminine in both structure and anatomy. I blinked, bewildered as I regained my senses, my gaze focused upon two sets of hooves. No. Four. I stretched to the best of my abilities and attempted movement, struggling to become mobile as my mind began to adapt to such a beastial form. My gaze shifted, taking in the sight of bent and scattered trees that splintered and swayed uneasily upon exposed roots. The sky was clear, the storm banished from this place. I began my first steps toward exploring this world, my mind eager to take in as much information as possible. It was only when I discovered a puddle that I realize that I could take advantage of the shallow pool’s abilities. I stepped forward, my gaze soon clashing with my reflection’s. I took note of my features, curiosity causing me to stare for a long while.
A pelt that was a pale blue.
A mane that was shockingly white.
Gleaming eyes that shined bright.
A horn that sprouted from my forehead.
Wings that were tucked securely to my sides.
A brand that revealed the image of a sphere that crackled with electrical power.
A shape that appeared both female and young.
I mulled in silence, pondering my fate as I shifted both my gaze and weight. I did not desire communication at the moment, comfortable with solitude as I dwelled within this weak shape. I would seek answers at a later time. For now, I would simply learn in silence and seek out answers to the many questions that lay before me. I did not seek death or injury. And I remained unaware to how the species that surrounded me would react to my existence. I would not accept the risk if I could not properly defend myself from confrontation. I was weak. Yet I could feel that familiar power that rested deep within me, securely coiled and untapped. It would require effort in order for me to harness such power without the limbs that channeled them through my form with ease. I released a small grunt, wincing as I realized that even my voice had been altered.
I shut my eyes, taking comfort in the darkness. My mind. What did I remember? What had I lost? I released a noise, the sound garbled and strained. It was as though something, or someone, had cleansed my mind of my history. I could not recollect those who I encountered or why I encountered them. I was only reminded of who I was, what I was, and the power that I had once wielded. Knowledge of the world remained, but what I had done within such a world remained out of reach. It was difficult to explain. It was difficult to comprehend.
“I am Raiden. Eternal god of thunder. Former protector of Earthrealm,” I muttered, squinting my eyes.
I panted after a short moment, unable to control my breathing as panic began to grip me. Eventually I regained my composure, inclining my head as I focused upon what must be done. I moved forward, my expression remaining stoic as I pushed forward aimlessly.
The world here was bright and calm. There was peace. A peace that felt oddly unfamiliar, for I have, if the remnants of my memory served me well enough, encountered countless moments of confrontation and battle throughout my existence. A butterfly fluttered toward me, fearless as it settled itself upon my nose. The corners of my lips twitched upward at the sight, its wings possessing a magnificent shade of yellow. It eventually flew elsewhere, my eyes following its movements for a short while. I continued my journey, my pace steady, my gaze taking in what could be seen. I remained uninterrupted for some time, coming to appreciate my small form that could tuck itself away so easily as I eyed potential locations where I could both hide and reside in.
Something flew over head. Close. Too close. I ducked, pressing myself to the soaked ground.
“Whoa!”
I turned my head, greeted with the sight of a flying creature. Its cerulean pelt and rainbow mane capturing my attention as I allowed my gaze to take in the new shape. It flapped its wings, turning abruptly to face me, its eyes staring down at me as it approached. I retreated a few steps, cocking my head to the side, my eyes wide and lacking expression. The creature appeared curious, scowling as it eyed me.
“Hey, kid! Where are your folks?” She questioned.
I remained silent. I had nothing to say, after all. The creature eyed the surrounding area and then scowled.
“I don’t see anyone, kid. Are you lo- Wait!”
She circled me, eventually landing, her eyes squinted as she appraised my form.
“An alicorn?”
My eyes gleamed as a surge of power flowed through my horn, the creature struck with a sudden charge of electricity. She paused in movement after several seconds, her eyes wide before she eventually collapsed, her lips curled and teeth bared as she twitched violently. Her legs spasmed and kicked as she released a silent shout of agony. I fled, sparing a single glance over my shoulder before hurrying elsewhere. It was likely she recovered seconds later, for she released a ragged shout, her rage obvious. She did not, or could not, follow. For I found myself alone once more, the temporary peace welcomed as I gathered my thoughts.
The dominant species are likely of similar shape and structure. She spoke casually until she realized I possessed an odd shape. And, it is very likely that I am an ‘alicorn’, my features likely confirming her suspicions when she noticed both my forehead and wings, I concluded.
I paused, reaching upward to touch my horn. It was warm as it tingled, the feeling altogether pleasant. I enjoyed the sensation it gave me. That burst of power that offered me a pleasurable feeling of some kind. I found myself smiling as I breathed deep. The creature eventually reappeared, rushing, her eyes narrowed as she passed. She did not see me, for I had hidden myself away within a clump of leaves. I glanced upward once she was gone, the sky growing pale. Darkness began to gnaw away at the light, causing the sun to flee as the moon replaced its brighter sibling.
I had located an abandoned shed as a certain heaviness had begun to form in my limbs, my movements sluggish as my eyelids drooped. I desired rest, so I sought out a form of shelter. Locating an abandoned shed, I eyed the surrounding area. It appeared safe. Quiet. Unknown. Abandoned. And the shed appeared empty, lacking any amount of equipment for later use. I rested within, eyeing the dusty window and curling up on the wooden surface. The floor creaked, the occasional bug brushed against me, and the sound of crickets chirped loudly in my ear. But it remained decent enough to serve as temporary shelter. Once I shut my eyes, darkness consumed me as sleep conquered and my mind was allowed rest.
Vigilance eyed the area, the flashlight placed securely within his jaws as he scoped out his gloomy surroundings. There had been multiple looters who had recently took advantage of the storm’s aftermath. And he had been sent in this direction to investigate any odd happenings. There were other law enforcers surrounding Ponyville, while several more were patrolling the streets, protecting the shops and their inhabitants from anyone who might take advantage of their situation. Despite him being an official hospital staff member, his employer had requested that he assist in the security portion of protecting Ponyville until the buildings could be properly repaired and peace was restored.
“Hm...”
There was nopony to be seen, the area, at the moment, secure. Hours had passed, the night’s stars twinkling beautifully within the sky as Luna’s moon offered the land a dim glow. The looters were likely gone by now, taking advantage of the night and slipping away with whatever stolen goods that were in their possession. Vigilance heaved a sigh, releasing his grip on the flashlight which fell from his mouth with a soft thud. Rubbing his tired jaw, he licked his lips, his gaze drifting toward a small building that the device’s light had focused on as it rolled. Deciding not to leave the area untouched and unchecked, he approached with the electrical light, peeking into the building. At first, there was nothing to be seen. A touch of mold here. The obvious rot of wood and scurrying termite there. And then, he spotted something out of place.
It appeared to be a pegasi, at first. A tiny filly. Likely lost. His eyes softened, the image of his daughter coming to mind. They were likely similar ages. Perhaps she was lost? Pegasi tended to stick to the clouds, after all. The storm could have swept her up and dumped her in the surrounding area. The tiny thing yawned, raising her head, and revealing a horn. Vigilance nearly dropped his flashlight, a shocked expression contorting his usually stern features.
Sweet Celestia...
Vigilance returned home a short while later, releasing a breath as he entered the warmth of his abode. It was a small home; with nothing terribly fancy or expensive to take note of. Yet it felt warm and welcoming, his salary allowing him a nice and safe area to raise his family. He remembered, years ago, when he had first noticed the place. It had once been old and creaking, reeking of soaked wood and decay. Now the scent of his wife’s perfume wafted freely throughout the enclosed space, the scent faint yet noticeably sweet. A salad had been left for him in the kitchen area, the green lettuce sprinkled with carrots and tomatoes. He smiled at the sight before the look vanished, a worried frown forming as he glanced toward his back area, a tiny alicorn lying limp across his back. She had shifted, mumbling incoherently to herself before she settled into a more comfortable position and became still.
“Mmm... Vigilance, is that you?”
A mare poked her head from their bedroom, blinking and releasing a yawn. She raised her hoof and rubbed her eyes, her dark mane ruffled from bed and sleep. It took her a mere second to notice the small shape on her husband’s back.
“Oh! Oh, Vigilance, she is simply adorable!” She said, rushing forward to further examine their guest.
The stallion simply grunted before transferring the alicorn to his wife’s secure grip. She beamed, cradling the young female within her hooves as if it were her own.
“So beautiful. Just like our own lil’ one. Young, too. She must be about ten or eleven. She’s gonna get big soon, I bet,” she cooed. “Just look at that mane! And that coat! And... oh, she’s got a cutiemark, too.”
His wife scowled, attempting to guess the meaning behind such a mark. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion before she shrugged and moved on.
“Where’d you find her?” She asked.
Vigilance eyed his meal. “Out in the woods. In an abandoned tool shed. Ain’t been used for a long while. I think she’s lost. But... just look at her.”
“Wings and a horn. I’ve noticed,” she stated plainly. “Perhaps she’s kin to Princess Celestia?”
“Probably,” Vigilance replied.
“Go on an’ eat, darling. And go to bed, too. It’s nearly morning! And you must be tired. I’ll take care of her. She’s absolutely filthy and needs a bath. And some feeding won’t hurt..”
Vigilance nodded before he began to dine, trusting his wife to manage the child within their care.
I awoke in what felt like and was a warm pool of water. Confusion settled as I released a small moan of discontent, my mind attempting to recover from the initial drowsiness that encouraged my return to the world of dreams. Images were faded in my mind, reminding me that I had dreamed. But they eventually faded, my eyes blinking open as a soft hum caressed my ear. I was greeted by a smiling equine, her gaze focused on my midsection as she gently rubbed the area. It felt so warm. And so nice. I shut my eyes, sighing contentedly.
“You awake, lil’ filly?”
I moved, stretching out my limbs and yawning, a giggle slipping out of the mare’s mouth in response to such movement. I open my eyes, the sight of a brown pelt and ebony mane greeting me. I stared dumbly, my mouth agape as I grew stiff. Was I not in a shed before? Had I been discovered? Her hooves moved, washing my form and gently stroking my muscles that caused me to relax. My breathing remained steady, and I eventually spoke, the uncomfortable silence urging me to voice the questions that came to mind.
“Wh-”
I coughed, the water rippling around my midsection as my body spasmed. I nearly fell backward, but the mare reacted quickly, wrapping her hooves around me.
“It’s alright,” she said. “There you go.”
She smiled as I panted quietly, my mouth suddenly feeling dry. The hooves fell away, and a cup of water was pressed to my lips.
“Mother’s intuition. Had a feeling you’d be thirsty!” She winked.
After being watered and bathed, I was removed from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around my trembling form as the home’s chill brushed past my soaked flank and seeped into my body. The mare was a nice creature, gentle and patient as she handled me. I eventually found myself on a bed, a carrot held near my mouth as she encouraged me to eat. I turned my head away from the offered meal, eyeing her warily.
“Oh, c’mon, sweetheart. You have to eat,” she drawled.
I remained silent, sniffing the carrot on occasion. I was aware that I required sustenance, my body begging me to devour available nutrients. But I remained stubborn and unsure.
“It’s ain't poison. See!”
She bit down on its end, chewing loudly.
“Mmm! Very good! Go on. Give it a go.”
She offered it again. I bowed my head and opened my mouth and the mare released a soft gasp as I bared my teeth. But she remained still, a quiver quaking her petite form in response to the sight of my teeth. Another equine entered, a stallion this time, who settled at the mare’s side. She leaned toward him and whispered in his ear, her voice too soft to hear properly. The stallion squinted his eyes before raising a hoof and tipping my chin upward.
“Open your mouth, filly,” he commanded.
I obeyed after a moment of hesitation. He hummed in acknowledgement, cocking his head to the side.
“Perhaps she’s kin to Nightmare Moon, then,” he stated.
“Don’t say that, Vigilance! That’s a horrible thing to say and you know it!”
“Fact don’t care much for ‘horrible’. Fact is fact. And that’s that.”
The mare appeared distressed, glancing at me and then her husband. I continued to chew my carrot, merely observing them as they spoke. Eventually they began argue, but before it could grow out of hand the stallion’s brow furrowed and he pressed closer to her with a snarl. The mare released a small neigh, retreating a step as she was reminded of her place. She apologized, the sound forced as she averted her gaze. Her eyes focused on me, then. She turned away from her husband and pressed closely to my small form, nuzzling into my ruffled mane.
“It’s alright, darling,” she whispered.
I swallowed my carrot.
“Keep her in our room tonight, stay with her, and keep an eye on her. Understand? I’ll be around. We’ll place her in the Royal Guard’s custody as soon as possible. I don’t care much for her breed, after all,” Vigilance said, taking his leave.
I watched him go before my gaze focused on the mare. She pitied me, I could tell. After all, my form was young, and I was presumably innocent within her eyes. She nuzzled me and I returned the gesture. It felt natural to do so, a primal instinct encouraging me to accept both her embrace and care. The mare offered me a wide smile and I offered a small one in return, the expression not reaching my eyes just as it did not reach her own.
I slipped out of the window. It was a simple maneuver, and the only known option available to me. The kind mare was asleep, having previously curled herself around my form and encouraged rest with a few soft whispers. I feigned sleep and released myself from her embrace after an hour of lying still. She stirred once or twice, but remained ignorant of my intentions. I touched the soft grass, turning my head to determine where I should go. Houses, some crumpled and in heaps and others not surrounded me. It would be simple to hide. Darkness and shadow reigned, and someone as small as I could take advantage of this with superb ease if I made little noise and gathered a minute amount of attention to myself. I took the first step toward taking advantage of such opportunity...
... I shut my eyes before I was knocked off my hooves. I released a small yelp, temporarily dazed and managing to recover quickly. The pain that throbbed in my skull was a minor headache that eventually ebbed away as seconds passed and I stood. I stared at the stallion who approached, his cropped mane visible within the moon’s light. My eyes widened a great deal, and I mentally berated myself for allowing the memory of the mare’s husband to slip away so easily.
“You ain’t going nowhere, filly,” he said, his voice deep. “It’s my duty to return you to your kind. And away from the simple folk here. They already suffered enough, and I ain’t gonna let them deal with a potential troublemaker.”
“I’m leaving,” I replied, scowling. “I don’t mean to be the cause of any trouble. Please, leave me. That is all I ask.”
I released another cough, my throat continuing to ache, but the pain has grown tolerable. The stallion continued his approach, intending to apprehend me. He appeared to be experienced, his gaze focused on my own. If I glanced elsewhere he would lunge, assuming that I intended to flee. I was forced to focused, attempting to conjure that power within my own body. The stallion paused for a brief moment, wary of the power I might possess, my horn visibly beginning to crackle with energy. There was a brief flash of pain from my forehead and nothing else. I released a small noise of distress, quickly realizing that I had produced nothing. The stallion smiled, the look infuriatingly smug.
“Back inside, now. I won’t hurt you. C’mon,” he encouraged.
“I refuse,” I stated.
Vigilance scowled at me, a hint of annoyance there.
“Kid, I hope you realize that you have just given me explicit permission to handle this situation with the required amount of force. You get hurt, it’s on you.”
“I’m aware of this,” I replied, defiance etched across my soft features. "I understand. But my choice remains. I refuse ."
"You've got guts, kid."
He snorted and charged.
Vigilance wife awoke to a loud thud, her gaze shifting as she attempted to understand the situation she had awoken to. The window. Something happened outside. The noise came from there. She hurried forward, her blurry mind unable to grasp the fact that the small filly in her possession had vanished from her hold. The window was open, and the sky’s shade had begun to grow pale as morning arrived. She released a shocked gasp at the sight that greeted her. A large heavy limb that had once been settled atop their home due to the storm’s fury was now crushing her husband underneath it’s weight. She rushed outside, crying out for help, her vision growing blurry as her eyes stung. Once at her husband’s side she examined him, tears beginning to form as relief surged throughout her. He was still alive. But his breathing was terribly shallow. She glanced upward and then simply determined that the branch had finally rolled off and crashed down on her unfortunate lover’s form.
“It’s alright, darling,” she whispered, kissing his cheek as he groaned. “I’ll get help. I’ll be back. I’ll be back!”
Having determined that the limb was too heavy to move on her own, she rushed elsewhere for assistance, oblivious to glowing eyes that focused on her retreating back.
Luck. Luck has gained me my freedom. And I will not lose it again. I will remain hidden away until the fates decide otherwise.
I stood upon the house’s roof, my wings sore, their appearance ruffled and unkempt. I had flapped them in desperation and had nearly fallen into the hooves of that stallion. But I remained determined, and did not accept defeat, forcing myself to climb and push onward. The broken tree limb had been there, and my mind had formed an idea as I stood panting upon the home's slanted roof. I had struggled, and, with that final shove, caused it to roll and drop its weight upon the stallion’s bulky form. I shut my eyes and released a held breath. It was time for me to leave this place.
Clever little beast , a voice cooed.
I glanced about, reconsidering my sanity as a disembodied voice continued to sound.
Come to me, child. I will guide you. I will lead you. Come to me, it hissed.
My head throbbed. I released a groan, proceeded to clutch my head as the voice released an impatient shout.
Run, child! Run! Do you desire capture? Do you desire captivity? Do you desire death?
I obeyed, mindless and incoherent. I ran. I strained my tiny wings and flew. I howled in agony. I was blinded by such rage that was not my own! A demon guided my steps. It was all too clear to me. And there was nothing to be done. For I had no other choice than to bow to It’s will. I was overcome with the urge to follow the path it forced upon me.
Silence.
I panted, my gaze shifting as I attempted to find a source to this blessed halt. Exhaustion left me weary, my mind unable to form thoughts as I mumbled out words that lacked sense. The world no longer spun and rage swelled from within me, frustration gnawing away at my patience as I realized, once again, that I was lost.
“Speak! I demand you to speak, demon! Your lewdness and disorderly drivel has led me to nothing! Left me with nothing!” I shrieked.
I was offered no response, my teeth gnashing together as my head continued to throb, my mane tangled and my pelt covered in both dirt and grime. Sweat slipped down from brow, stinging my eyes with its abundance. My muscles screamed and my lungs burned as I attempted to regain breath. I glance at the sky, the sun high above me. I have ran and stumbled and flew since the mornings arrival. My jaw grew slack, and so did my body a moment later. Limp upon the ground, my eyes fluttered shut, and I allowed myself a moment of peace. An hour passed, and still nothing whispered in my ear or urged me to continue. Perhaps I have gone mad? Perhaps my mind was addled, this form granting nothing more than madness, and this world offering only grief. I opened my eyes and stared at the body parts visible to me. I stared at the scene above, the sky clear and the sun serving as its centerpiece. Hunger caused my belly to rumble and whine. Thirst tore away at my throat.
"I have prayed it not true. But you have gone mad, Raiden. Your visions, they are nothing. Delusions of an addled mind."'
I remembered. It was for a short while. But I remembered those words that clung to mind, and nothing else. A twinge of hurt touched my heart, my mind attempting to process such feeling. I pushed those searing words to the corner of my mind and thought of them no longer. I stared ahead, my expression blank, my eyes dull. I sought sleep, but it remained out of reach. No matter how long I shut my eyes and thought of nothing, I could not obtain something so blissful.
“....”
My eyes snapped open, greeted with the sight of a glowing green gaze that held naught more than malice. I became still, a growl rumbling from the throat of what appeared to be hallowed timber as a large figure crept from the thick foliage of a bush. Its fangs were crafted from wood, bared and coated with a familiar crimson that appeared fresh and dripping. It eyed me for a short moment, its eyes taking in the sight of the filthy filly that reeked of sweat but not fear. I did not speak, for its eyes lacked an intelligent glint. It was a mere beast too powerful to overcome and too feral to reason with. Death would come shortly as it crouched, prepared to spring and snap its fangs so that my end would come quickly. I shut my eyes and breathed deeply, accepting defeat and preparing for my inevitable end.
…
A yelp pierced the following silence, the sound fading into nothingness as its source fled. I remained unharmed.
“Damn Timberwolves,” a raspy female voice hissed. “You alright, squirt?”
I blinked open my eyes, hesitant to answer as I was greeted by what appeared to be a mixture of feline and bird.
“The silent treatment, eh?” She said, her lips curving to form a smirk. “That’s alright. You lost?”
I shook my head. After a short pause and uncomfortable silence, I bowed my head. “Thank you. I would have surely died.”
“Why didn’t you run, kid?” She asked, perplexed. “Did you wanna end up being dog food?
“I can’t move. Not well, at least. Exhaustion,” I explained.
My vision began to blur. My senses imperfect. I would not last. But I continued my struggle to maintain consciousness.
“Kid, you alright?”
The little food in my stomach began to flow out of my mouth as I retched. Misery. Yes, this was misery in its purest form.
“Sick! Hey, kid, stay with me!”
Something sharp tapped against my forehead, attempting to rouse me.
“...”
Darkness. Finally, darkness! Take me. And give me peace!
I awoke to the crackling of a flame, and a welcomed heat that brushed against my pelt. My body felt numb, the thousand pinpricks welcomed as I forced myself into a seated position. I noticed a scent, one that caused my mouth to water. Flesh! Cooked by fire, with blood trickling from its butchered shape. I have never felt such hunger and longing before. I reached out, a whimper slipping past my lips.
“Kid? Finally, you’re awake! I thought you kicked the bucket.”
The griffin reappeared, visible from the other side of the flames. I had not noticed her before, captivated by the mere sight of sustenance. I blinked, pulling my gaze away from the food. She offered a reassuring smile, a hint of nervousness entering her gaze as I remained silent.
“Er, thirsty, right?”
I nodded my head.
“Had a feeling you might be,” she said. “Can you walk?”
I tested my limbs and shook my head.
“Do you mind if I carry ya, then?”
I shook my head.
“Great, c’mon!”
She placed me upon her back, my head resting against her angled shoulders. I shut my eyes, feeling her muscles as they flexed and worked underneath her tough layer of skin. I heard a familiar drumming from above, and soon realized that an aging structure built from stone surrounded us from all sides.
“Is it... raining?” I rasped.
“Yeah,” she replied. “Started storming after I got us some grub. Totally lame. Pegasi must’ve been in the mood some thunder ‘n rain. We're in some ruins, now. Old castle, I think. Pretty cool, right?”
“Mm... Why are you helping me?” I asked.
“What? And leave you for dead? Heh, I may be a jerk at times, but I ain’t completely sadistic. And I had nothing else better to do. It gets boring around here real quick. After the storm’s over I’ll drop you off at the castle and be done with it. Well, the other castle, I mean. That’s where you’re from, right?”
I was placed in front of water. There was a small dip in the floor; a depression that caused the droplets of water to gather into a shallow pool. I glanced upward, eyeing a ceiling that leaked and groaned but remained in place.
“No,” I said as I began to lap at the water.
The griffin appeared bewildered, her presumption having been debunked by that one word. “Huh? What do ya mean? You’re one of them... al-e-corns, right? Wings! And a horn.”
“I am. But I do not belong in any castle,” I said, raising my head once I had slaked my thirst. “I do not belong to anyone.”
“Whoa... Well, where do you come from, then?”
“Nowhere. I prefer that we do not speak of such things. It is cold here,” I replied.
The griffin offered her claw, but I rejected the offer, shaking my head and forcing myself to walk. My muscles were sore, but they began to recover, obeying my mind as they pushed, pulled, and worked.
I devoured the offered piece of meat. It was hot, and warm, and my stomach eagerly accepted the food that left my mouth greasy. I lapped at the bits of heated fat before gobbling them up as well. The griffin stared at me in awe as I continued to consume. She had originally offered me grass and flowers, but that was left untouched as I requested a portion of her meal instead. She accepted reluctantly, originally incredulous as she observed my first bite and then second.
“Look at those fangs! Wicked!” She whispered. “Totally cool!”
I sucked the marrow from bone, licking my lips as I savored what I had eaten. I still was not full, and asked for more.
“Sure,” she replied. “There’s a bit left.”
“Where has the meat come from?” I asked.
“Deer. A doe. Kinda old. Seriously small. So she was easy to take out,” she smugly replied.
I licked a hoof absentmindedly, mulling in the silence that followed as she prepared the remainder of the meal. I soon discovered the griffin’s name was Gilda. She was an arrogant sort, cocky and eager to share stories of her own accomplishments. I listened, silent and polite as I slipped in the occasional question or response to her tales of glamour and glory. I learned little of this world through her words, and, in the end, I decided she was an unreliable source of information. I required literature; printed text upon a page.
“So. What’s your story? What’s your name?” Gilda asked.
“I am Raiden... and I have nothing to share. Not at the moment. I... remember little,” I explained.
“Ah,” she said, a touch of annoyance settling upon her facial features. “Got knocked in the head, eh? Well, that doesn’t help. Where were you headed?”
I shrugged, wiping small bits of meat and blood from my face. Raw flesh sated my hunger as well, I discovered.
Gilda sighed, shaking her head. “Whatever.”
Thunder rumbled. The earth trembled in response to such force.
“So, what are you gonna do, then?”
“I do not know,” I said.
“Well, don’t worry about it, kid. Go to sleep. We’ll figure it out in the morning. I’m beat!”
She sighed, resting upon her side. I copied the motion after several minutes of listening to the rain and rumble of thunder, shutting my eyes. Sleep came with ease and I dreamed unpleasant dreams within the shadows of these ruins.
Tendrils of darkness formed and writhed within the castle’s structure, forming and reaching out toward the dwindling flame and those who occupied its space. They slithered toward the exposed alicorn, their motions hurried and impatient as they attempted to wrap around her tiny shape and engulf her. The mare simply fidgeted, unaffected and untouched by the menace that stalked and crept within the night’s embrace. There was a hiss, one that signified anger and frustration, that echoed throughout the halls. Eventually, they reached toward a lesser creature, seeping into her mind and invading what made her whole and complete. She, too, proved resilient to their power. Persistent, they penetrated her dreams, and whispered promises that were oh so tempting.
Several days had came and gone since my initial arrival. Within this estimated amount of time, I have allowed both mind and body to recover from my previous ordeal. The exhaustion and muscle soreness that plagued me had eventually begun to fade as I slept for hours and remained limp upon my bed of rock. My temporary companion, Gilda, served as my caretaker. I have promised nothing in return, for I was little more than an orphaned youngling in my present state; but she continued to cling stubbornly to my side. Her mannerisms and behavior displayed the utmost reluctance, the griffin behaving as though she had somehow been forced to fall into this uncomfortable pattern of nurturing me back to health. I did not waggle my tongue nor question her motives, merely observing her from a comfortable distance as she hovered within my vicinity or remained within sight. She would vanish for hours at a time, often returning with something clutched between her claws or stuffed in her beak.
Today, I nibbled on the remains of a plucked bird. It was small, but I required little at the moment. My stomach paused in its grumbling as I devoured the remaining bits and pieces of meat and proceeded to gnaw on the brittle bones that remained. Gilda had vanished once again, and I was left to my own devices. She had instructed me to remain within the ruins, muttering threats that were false yet clear. Sadly, these surroundings have long grown dull; wretched boredom clawing away at my mind and causing my hooves to itch. The urge to move overwhelmed me. I have done nothing more than rest and eat, after all.
“...”
Silence. A dull silence accompanied by the gentle pattering of rain upon stone. I stretch my form once more and began to trot aimlessly, my pace steady. My gaze examined the familiar interior of this abandoned castle, nothing of interest gathering my interest. When I found nothing else to do, I decided to flex and stretch my wings. The limbs were strong despite their size, and had shown evidence of supporting my weight. But the feathers remained ruffled and out of place, their appearance wholly unkempt. My attention shifted toward my horn, the appendage pointed yet inadequate in length. Gilda explained that alicorn’s were rumored to have a mastery of both magic and flight. Apparently, it came naturally to each individual. But would I be graced with such power? Such questions lacked answers.
“How many alicorns are there?” I asked.
The fire burned bright, the night struck by a sudden chill that crept into the hallowed halls of these ruins. I trembled, shifting closer the fire that warmed my flank. Gilda glanced in my direction, a hint of confusion gracing her features.
“Good question, kiddo,” she replied.
Her tail twitched back and forth as she mentally formed a response.
“Well, once there were two; and then three; and now... four?” She said, her expression scrunching up.
“I don’t understand,” I muttered, my head cocking to the side.
“I don’t either. I don’t know how most ponies work. Most of ‘em are a bunch of weirdos, kid,” she sneered.
I sensed a hint of animosity coloring her tone coupled by an odd gleam in her eye. I merely offered her a puzzled look.
“Don’t look at me like that, kid,” she said, huffing. “I ain’t no pony expert. And it’s not like I care much for ‘em.”
“You know something,” I said.
“Don’t act smart,” she snapped.
I continued to apply pressure. “As an alicorn, I’m entitled to know what little information you may have.”
Gilda released a dry laugh. “That card won’t work much on me either, kid.”
I released a grunt, turning away from the infuriating beast. There was silence, and then movement. My eyes were kept closed as a body approached my own. My eyes opened, and I found the griffin’s sharp gaze clashing with my own. I remained still as she observed me.
“You’re a mess kid. Don’t know how to preen?” She prodded, smirking.
I shut my eyes against her scrutiny. She settled near me, muttering in a language I could not understand. She gently touched my feathers with both claw and beak. I fell asleep shortly afterward.
Today, Gilda allowed me to accompany her.
“But, you gotta keep up kid,” she said, chuckling. “If ya can’t, then you’re on your own.”
I scowled, weighing my options. Either remain safely tucked away within these walls or accompany the fast-paced griffin on her flight. My wings shift absentmindedly, the mere thought of flight causing my heart to flutter pleasantly. I nodded, determination obvious within my gaze. Gilda quickly noticed this, grinning wickedly in approval.
“Since I’m that awesome, I’ll be your flight instructor for today,” she said, gesturing toward herself, her tone odd and mocking. “You’re gonna learn from the best, kid. Show me what you got.”
I paused for a short while, my wings standing erect at my sides. I shut my eyes, allowing myself to concentrate. I began to flap, the slight breeze captured beneath my feathery appendages as I managed an awkward hover. I glanced downward, the ground appearing close, my form wavering up and down. I flapped harder, beginning to lift myself toward the heavens. Gilda watched as I began my first official flight. It wasn’t terribly difficult, my mind and body performing the tasks simultaneously, something within allowing me to execute such a performance with surprise ease. The trees! They were below me. The clouds above were within my reach, the sky becoming my domain. My heart beat within my chest, the sound echoing within my form and reaching my ears. It felt so right. So perfect.
“Nice!” Gilda commented, a hint of surprise accompanying her tone. “Knew you had it in you, kid.”
I allowed myself a small smile, my cheeks becoming warm.
“Come on!” She shouted her encouragement. “Let’s see what you got!”
What came next was simply invigorating! My excitement swelled ten-fold as I flew. My body felt light, my legs curled as I focused upon the griffin who guided me. On occasion, I ran across a flaw within my form, flapping too quickly or attempting a turn that was too sharp that ended in me awkwardly flapping away as I struggled to regain my loss balance and not plummet to the unforgiving hard surface below.
“Gotcha!”
Gilda caught me as I tumbled downward, amused as I panted, a goofy grin forming on my muzzle. Pleased with my abilities, she released me from her hold. I flapped my wings, hovering before her as I awaited instructions.
“You did good, kid. Fast learner, too. Really fast. Not as cool as me, though. I’m a pro, after all,” she stated. “But you’re get’n there.”
She allowed me a moment of rest. I was both relieved and confused by this, reminded of her words before. I mentioned them and she merely spared me an annoyed glance over her shoulder.
“Gotta get some grub, don’t I? Wanna go hungry tonight?” She asked. “Plus, you ain’t ready to take down anything I’m look’n for. You’ll slow me down!”
I shook my head before resting it upon my hooves. I noticed that we were surrounded by forest, the world around me presented in various shades of green and brown. She vanished, leaving me on my own for an unknown amount of time. I was tempted to investigate my surroundings, but remained idle, patiently awaiting her return. On occasion, my gaze drifted upward, toward the sky itself, as I admired its baby blue complexion.
Mist. It swirled around me on all sides, twisting and forming images both grotesque and beautiful. It was thick, my lungs becoming full with the mysterious concoction that surrounded me. It left me with a dizzied sensation, my body growing numb as I failed to notice tendrils of the thickest gray wrap around my exposed limbs. I attempted to breathe, yet my lungs refused to expand. I attempted to move, but my body refused to obey. I was forced to dwell within this deafening silence, my mind growing dull with each second that passed. Suddenly there was a burning. It caused me great pain. I writhed uselessly. Tears blurred my vision. Had I been dealt a final blow? Was my soul suffering in this prison of mist and smoke? Had I been cast into a realm of pain? I blinked, my gaze drifting downward, the sight of stiff hooves greeting me. No! Where were my hands? Where were their fingers? Where were the garments that adorned my flesh? It felt as though eternity had come and gone, my mind unable to properly process the happenings that surrounded me as I muttered nonsense. .
I lifted my head, something manipulating my chin to tilt upward. A glowing gaze eyed my exposed and heaving form. Our gazes met, and soon, those eyes, once harsh, softened. I was released. It appeared as though I had been granted mercy.
But my body!
Where was my body?
The mist faded, and the land of dreams lay before me. Had my attention not snapped elsewhere, it is likely that I would have been enthralled by the beautiful scenery that lay before me. A world so rich with color and peace. I would have likely relished the breeze that brushed against my pelt and the fragrance of flowers and fruit accompanied by the welcomed scent of cooked flesh. But alas, I could not enjoy the fantasy of such beauty that my mind itself has crafted.
“So you are the foal who has caused quite the uproar.”
I could not manage a retort, my response likely to be garbled and lacking in sense. I merely eyed the mare settled before me, her stance displaying both grace and dominance, the confidence she shown caused me to feel small and powerless in comparison.
“Who are you?” I replied.
“You do not know of me, foal?” The alicorn questioned.
“I know very little of this world at the moment.”
The beautiful alicorn that was settled before me appeared to be puzzled by such a response. She recovered, approaching me, her pace hurried. She halted only when I began to retreat several steps, squinting her eyes to examine my form. She eventually shut them and nodded, as though something had been confirmed.
“I will not harm you, foal,” she assured. “I am merely curious.”
“You are an alicorn?” I asked, curious.
She smiled. “Yes, I am. And so are you.”
Her expression was warm, and I allowed myself to relax, realizing that I was still tucked away within a dream. It was likely that she could not harm me nor whisk me away to some unknown place.
“Who are you, child? Alicorns are a divine beast, and both rare and unique in nature. A blessing to this realm of both peace and harmony,” she explained, her tone kindly and patient.
“Realm?” I asked. “I see. I am within another realm. Odd. Why would my form change.”
“Change?” The female alicorn responded.
I ignored her. “Perhaps there is a portal, then. But why would my mind be damaged during such a transition? It never occurred before. Has it? Is this the work of...”
The world around me began to fade. The alicorn appeared startled.
“Child! You must tell me where you are!”
I merely glanced in her direction. I spoke no words of value, merely shutting my eyes as my mind swam away from this place and was struck by awareness.
“Hey, kid? Kid? You still alive?”
Something prodded me on my side, and I groaned in complaint.
“Up!” Gilda said.
I rubbed my head, the memory of the dream temporarily vanquished, my mind unable to clutch onto the images that were now rendered useless. I whispered one word, though, one that settled at the tip of my tongue for a short while before spilling out.
“Smoke.”
My heart grew heavy as I bowed my head, guilt clouding my mind.
Luna cursed her luck, forced to lurch away from the fabricated world that had been within her reach. She had mastered the ability to control and maintain unconsciousness, yet the child slipped away with such ease. Her gaze shifted toward the beautiful night that belonged solely to her, the stars and her moon offering Equestria a dim glow. Somewhere, within her kingdom, is where the child resided. She mused in silence, grasping onto the images that clung to mind. There was a landmark that offered her a vague idea of where this alicorn might be. She lifted her head, her mind forming the faded image of a ruined castle.
“I must inform ‘Tia of this,” she said. “We must claim this child.”
“A bovine?” I commented.
Gilda tipped her chin up, her chest swelling in size as she inhaled deeply. She appeared prideful over this mass amount of flesh, bone, and fat. I could only stare. I wasn’t hungry enough to enjoy even a small portion of such a meal. No, this was not a meal. This was a feast! I hopped onto the deceased creature, examining the white and brown blotches that colored its flank. Its eyes were partially closed, its features slack and lacking in both expression and life.
“Ready to eat, kid?” Gilda asked.
“I don’t think I could eat this much,” I commented.
“We’ll throw out whatever’s left. But trust me, there won’t be much left!” She promised.
After a hefty meal accompanied by a pair of bloated bellies, we began to shut our eyes and doze. I could not obtain rest, though. It remained out of my reach. Discontent, I grumbled, glancing toward the snoring forming of the griffin before taking a step outside. My bladder felt full, and relieving myself became urgent as the seconds passed. Odd, I never encountered such a problem beforehand. At least, I don’t believe I did.
“An alicorn? Are you sure of this?” Twilight Sparkle replied, her eyes wide.
“Yes,” Luna said.
“Another princess?”
Luna managed a small smile. “Yes. I believe she serves as another element.”
“Element? Like the elements of kindness? Aren’t there only six?” Twilight replied.
Luna poured herself another cup of hot tea, the concoction lacking in sugar and bitter in taste; Yet it sated her tastebuds well enough. She took a careful sip, mulling over her response for a short period of time before speaking.
“Celestia and I serve as the element of day and night. We serve as their representation,” she explained. “Cadence serves as the physical embodiment of love. And this child, this little one, may also possess a similar purpose. If this is true, then she is our niece just as Cadence is.”
“Aren’t they born? Didn’t you witness Cadence’s birth?”
“No,” Luna replied. “She was found. Few alicorns and godly creatures have been born. In essence, they simply are. When a force has grown so powerful, it crafts a physical form and feeds it a soul that it deems worthy. Where they come from, I will never know. Celestia and I were the only creatures birthed from the goddess who represented life, creativity, and reason.”
“An alicorn?” Twilight replied, her heart thudding within her chest.
“Faust,” she whispered, smiling at the name. “She, too, before she returned to her work, mentioned our being here and our importance. We must locate the child. I sense a familiar darkness niggling at the far corners of her mind,” Luna muttered.
Twilight merely nodded before her gaze locked with Luna’s. “Princess Luna, I want to know more. This is all so sudden. You mention this as though they’re just that simple. Please.”
Luna eyed Twilight, breathing deeply. “It is needless information, for such an event occurs rarely. It is a little known
fact that Celestia would have soon revealed to you.”
“There’s more to this,” Twilight murmured, pursing her lips.
“There is,” Luna replied, eyeing her empty tea cup. “I’ll have tea prepared for the both of us. Sit down, Twilight, there is much to know.”
“And even more to learn.”
Luna identified that eager glint that had caused this single unicorn to excel. “Let us begin. It began with....”
“Hey, kid!”
I peered over my shoulder.
“Wanna fight?”
And that was how my day had begun, Gilda playfully challenging my ability to combat a foe. She was, unsurprisingly, rough, snapping and swiping in my direction whenever given the chance. It ended with her claws halted at my throat, an arrogant smirk forming on her beak. I was on my back, my belly exposed and our gazes clashing.
“Too easy, kid,” she purred,
I bit her savagely, unwilling to yield. Her expression wavered, wincing as my teeth dug into the hard flesh of her claw. She shook me off with a sneer, releasing a chuckle as I bounced on the ground and quickly found my footing. I bristled, allowing a growl to escape my throat, the sound a rumble that caused my chest to quiver. She returned the posture I took on with her own, a feral look entering her gaze, her tail lashing back and forth. Eventually, this came to a halt, with her releasing a snort and retreating a step.
“I’m heading out, kid.”
“Why?” I questioned, scowling.
The scent of flesh lingered, scraps left behind, the scent tempting and the remainder still edible. She noticed the twitch of my noise, and drummed her claws against the ground
“Well, I ain’t hunt’n. Just wanna stretch my wings,” she replied. “And, no, you ain’t come’n. Don’t go anywhere I wouldn't. Ha! Shouldn't say that, ‘cause that’ll mean you’ll go wherever the hell you want to go. Am I right, kid?”
I merely huff, finding myself unable to suppress that odd urge to behave childishly. “There’s nothing here to do. Let me go with you, Gilda.”
Despite my persistence she would not give in, offering me an affectionate pat before taking flight. I watched her go, brooding in silence. The day grew dull whenever she took her leave, which was, I felt, entirely too often. Many days had passed since my dream, and my body felt that constant surge of energy, my mind urging me to move. I began to explore much more often, entertaining myself by sniffing out the scent of tiny rodents that infested the woods and fields that surrounded the ruins. The desire to chase, and, perhaps, even hunt, caused me to follow and stalk the tiny unsuspecting beasts that nibbled at the fresh spring grass. They were often fat and sluggish, having long grown hefty and stupid from the lack of predators that stalked these grounds. One time, I had found a small cluster of baby mice, the nest barely concealed. I devoured two, and toyed with the others that squeaked in fear before fleeing. I didn't bother chasing them, growing bored as I ventured forth to find some other play thing.
I mention my adventures to Gilda whenever she returned, and she responds, her movements animated and lively as she offers an abundant amount of tips and brags about her own skills and adventures. I would question them, and she would answer, taking on any intellectual challenges that I produced with witty and well-thought responses. Her behavior is predictable, but I have begun to look upon her with a certain fondness that remains well-concealed. The days were good, the nights better, our temporary settlement something I labeled as my home. It was a nice place. A warm place. And I eventually claimed it as my own as the days became a solid month.
A pity this did not last.
Ponies, large ones, approached my home, donning gold armor that gleamed prettily within the sunlight. Gilda was gone, and I had been left to my own devices. This situation was not simple, for their races were divided, and they likely possessed knowledge that surpassed my own. Had that mare found me? Had some magics been wielded? I flee into the shadows of my home, my eyes gleaming in the present darkness.
A soldier surveyed the grounds, pausing as he was greeted with the sight of a lump of torn flesh. The stallion halted all movement, startled, his youth and inexperience preventing him from merely accepting the sight of the mutilated muscle, fat and bone. His stomach caused him to turn away, his mind growing blurry as a small fear settled deep within his heart. A more experienced fellow approached, scowling at the exposed carcass before shoving the younger pony elsewhere.
“Guard the perimeter. Somethin’s in here,” he said, a southern drawl coloring his tone.
His turquoise gaze swept the area before it settled upon the crumbling stone, his eyes narrowing at the sight.
“C’mon,” he called. “The princess requested that we investigate the interior of this poor excuse for a castle. Let’s get it done and get out.”
They filed in, their gazes steady, and weapons tucked away at their sides, a few blades unsheathing as scattered bones were taken note of. Several were left to eye at the exterior and ensure that nopony interrupted the soldiers working inside. The soldier who had grown sick earlier sighed wearily, irritated by his weakness. But, still, the scent and sight of decay clung to his mind, and he shivered, shutting his eyes. When he opened them, a narrowed gaze met his own.
He felt hot.
....
And then, a few short moments later, he grew too cold.
I approached the smoldering corpse, hesitating only for a moment as I examined the carnage that had taken place only a few short moments ago. The scent wasn't altogether pleasant to me, the flesh thoroughly burnt and now resembling some form of charcoal. I nudged at it with a small hoof and bits of black stuff flaked off as a result.
"That's the last of them."
Raising my gaze to focus upon my 'savior' I proceeded straighten up, resisting that natural urge to grimace and reveal any form of weakness in exchange for taking up a stoic facade.
"I don't think this course of action was necessary," I reasoned.
The pony, covered in a heavy brown cloak, peered from the rough material and released an amused snort.
"Of course it was. They were Celestia's lot. I've no pity for them. It only proves they're weak – ill-prepared for an actual threat. I was expecting a challenge, really."
The mare laughed, the sound oddly musical and light, as though she had little to concern herself with. I glanced at the damaged armor, considering its design and golden gleam before moving on. I approached the mare, deciding that there was no use in fleeing. I was still quite harmless, my body much too new to take advantage of any considerable power that could be wielded against her. This mare was powerful, and what now surrounded us only confirmed it.
"Are you going to kill me?" I asked, simply.
She pulled back her hood, lowered her head, and peered at me with those cyan eyes of hers. Her appearance was somewhat unkempt, and her scent reminded me of the woods and all that may inhabit it. There was a feral edge about her that reminded me of Gilda. She was a mare colored in varying tones of amber, her mane streaked and the mark upon her flank resembling the sun. I found her visually appealing – something about her was different.
"I've no intention of harming you, foal. You're much too valuable for that."
The mare raised a hoof, tilting my chin upward and shifting my head side to side as she examined me.
"Ah, yes. You are indeed the one."
"I do not understand," I reply.
The nameless mare merely laughed.
"Of course you don't. You're still a foal. How many days have you been here?"
"Not many."
"Honest, too. That's good," she said, smirking.
"Mm," I hummed. "I am Raiden."
"Thunder and lightning," she said, her brows arching. "How fitting."
She looked at the mark printed upon my own flank.
"Indeed."
My ears twitched, my mind fetching the memory of Gilda once more.
"My... caretaker will be returning soon. Will this be a problem?"
The mare appeared somewhat startled, a hint of suspicion causing her expression to become pinched.
"We'll see."
Gilda appeared shortly afterward, her beak agape at the sight that greeted her. It was obvious she was struggling to form the appropriate words, her eyes clinging to the sight of the dead that lay strewn across the area. Immediately she addressed the mysterious mare who offered little more than a smile.
"What is this? And who in the gods name are you?"
The questions were the predictable sort. But, I couldn't blame the hybrid for her wariness. She maintained her distance, and offered me the occasional worried glance, as though she was unsure of how to handle the situation.
"The foal was in danger. I merely intervened," the mare explained.
"These are Equestrian soldiers," Gilda replied, crossly. "I doubt they would have harmed the little brat. Too soft for that."
"Nonetheless, they would have taken her away."
"I don't really see the issue with that."
The mare turned her nose up, a cocky look on her face.
"Hmph. Of course you don't. Ignorant bird."
"What did you just say to me?"
"You said something earlier – you were aware of my existence?"
I decided to intervene, unwilling to allow the conversation to transition into an argument. Still. the mare didn't take her eyes off the bristling griffon. I couldn't help but think that wise, especially since the creature's eyes gleamed with barely suppressed malice as she reacted to the simple insult.
"I was," the mare said.
"And who are you?" I asked.
"You may address me as Sunset Shimmer."
My head swiveled in Gilda's direction, hoping to see some form of recognition dawn upon her face. Unfortunately, there was none, and her facial features remained tight. I placed myself between them, deciding to play the part of mediator.
"She has information that I may need, Miss Gilda," I said, polite. "May we speak?"
The griffon remained frozen in place before she grew somewhat lax, her scowl prominent.
"Not here. I'll be damned if I'm caught surrounded by a bunch of dead bodies, kid."
"That would be preferable. We'll leave the castle," I decided.
The mare nodded and we all began to exit the stone structure together, my temporary guardian still quite wary over the present predicament. It was obvious she was being tempted by the skies, her eyes shifting upward often. It would be so easy for her to simply cut her ties and leave me with the unknown mare. But, something made her stay. I would not have blamed her for leaving. She had every right to move on from here and render me naught more than a curious memory. As we distanced ourselves from the dead the mare began to speak, her tone slightly hushed. Both Gilda and I heard her clearly.
"I apologize for the mess. But, it was necessary. It only gives us more time."
"More time for what, pony?" Gilda questioned, rudely.
"To escape Equestria of course. This foal does not belong in this place. Another land beckons her, you see," Sunset said.
"I'm still not getting it."
"Look at her," Sunset hissed. "What do you see?"
"An alicorn."
"And what are alicorns?"
"Uh..."
Gilda took a moment to recollect the information.
"All three ponies mixed into one. Goddesses."
"She will one day be able to harness a great power. It is her destiny. Yet she is different from Celestia, Twilight, Luna and Cadence."
"Yeah, she actually has good taste," Gilda said. "She's got good a set of jaws on her."
"Exactly," Sunset reply. "And due to such disparity she will not be accepted here. Not completely. And it's not only because of her teeth but because of her mind and her very spirit. She is different, and more suited for life within another land that can cater to her many needs."
My eyebrows rose at that, but I remained silent.
"So – um – kinda like how fish are made for the sea and ferrets are made for the land or somethin'?" Gilda guessed.
"Exactly."
"Still don't make much sense to me, really. So, you're going to be taking the kid?"
"Yes."
I decided to speak up, still mulling over the mare's words.
"I thank you for your willingness to accompany me, Gilda," I said, peering up at her with round eyes.
"Huh? Oh – uh – of course, kid!"
Gilda appeared unsure.
"You actually trust her," the griffon breathed. "Kid, she's a total stranger."
The mare's face scrunched up but before she could speak again I raised a hoof and opened my mouth.
"That is true. But, so were you. I am still unfamiliar with you, but, I remained willing to accompany you. It's not solid reasoning, true. Yet, I wish to uncover my purpose here. If I do have one, of course."
I leveled the mare with an uncertain look, my gaze partially lidded.
"You wish for me to come with you?"
"I do," the mare replied.
"Then I will. In exchange, you will teach me of this world and you will speak truthfully."
The mare snorted.
"I may appear as a child, mare. But, I've the mind of a competent individual. You will treat me with that much respect."
Sunset Shimmer grinned despite my somewhat pompous tone. She appeared pleased, oddly enough.
"Of course. I will teach you whatever you desire. And if I cannot, I will tell you why I cannot. Does that satisfy you, foal?"
I considered her reply, and after a moment, nodded. I looked to Gilda whose gaze was focused upon the smug mare.
"It's on you, Raiden. Go ahead. And, good luck, I guess."
She took off and I watched her disappear beyond the tree tops. Something about the departure felt incomplete and I struggled with the need to call out a simple goodbye. But I kept my mouth shut and looked to Sunset Shimmer.
We had only known one another for a few short days, yet, I already missed Gilda. This mare wasn't much for conversation, silent and observant of our surroundings as we began to travel in an unspecified direction. I hadn't asked much, allowing for my own curious nature to take hold as I examined the changing environment. The forest had now been replaced by lengthy stretches of thin grass and random pathways. I struggled to keep up, forced to adapt to the mare's pacing. When I asked questions she replied pointedly, her voice tinged with impatience. It was obvious she was nervous, her ears always twitching and her eyes scanning our surroundings with thinly veiled uncertainty. Eventually, I spoke up.
"Are we lost?"
"We are not!" She snapped, rounding on me.
I blinked owlishly.
"P-perhaps a little," she admitted.
Her ears drooped, her cheeks slightly flushed. I noticed that she was weary and strained, small bags placed underneath her eyes.
"Okay," I said, lamely.
I plopped down on my rear, a frown on my face. Surprisingly, instead of voicing her dissatisfaction, Sunset joined me. She ran a hoof across her face and exhaled sharply.
"I'm not as familiar with the area as I thought I was."
"Do you have a map?" I asked.
"One of the soldiers tore through my saddlebag and ruined it. I only have this."
She tugged at her cloak with a bit of magic. I blink, openly staring at her horn.
"Could you teach me?"
She hummed, bewildered, at first, by what I was asking.
"That's magic, correct? I've never seen Gilda use it before. Not once."
"Griffons have a different form of magic. Creatures, like us, are built to wield it in this way."
I nodded, my brows furrowing as I allowed for this to sink into the confines of my skull. She tapped at my horn, laughing softly.
"I keep forgetting you're new to everything here. I'll explain it to you. And then we'll talk about lessons. We have quite a ways to go, young mare. So I have time to teach you the basics."
She smiled at me and I managed to smile back.
We settled near a recently constructed campfire and she began to tell me a story. And in this story she spoke of Earth, Sky and Magic.
'The great goddess created the world and saw that it was a truly lonely place. So, she took clumps of earth and made them into Earth Ponies, Buffalo, Minotaurs, and so on.
She looked up and saw the sky was empty! So, she made the Pegasi, the birds, and the bats.
The sea was bare. It was then that she crafted the fish, the seal and the Sea Pony.
But, she decided to bless certain races with magic. First came the Unicorn, blessed with horns that allowed them to wield great power. And then there was the dragon who breathed fire and ice and lightning and earth. And then the Phoenix who mastered the art of reincarnation.
There are many races in this world, foal, all of whom have been blessed with her influence.'
Sunset Shimmer continued, painting a colorful tale of the sun and the moon and the twilight that rose to greet them. Of love and hatred and bitterness. Her eyes had grown sad but she continued speaking. She spoke of a mare who shone as bright as the sunset but who fell short and fled from her home. Who sought out a new purpose and eventually found it within an untamed land and of a future queen who would one day cause the very world, which the great goddess had built, to tremble .
I fell asleep and dreamed of this world.
"You'll wear this. Understood?"
A cap was promptly produced and placed on my head, the article of clothing now covering my horn completely. It itched slightly, and I moved to arrange it, though my motor skills were still considerably lacking. Sunset Shimmer eventually aided me, making sure it was settled both comfortably and firmly upon my little skull. Once it was snug she pulled away with a smile.
"Looking good," she nickered.
I pretended not to notice the amusement on her face and instead turned to look outside of the hotel room we had purchased for the next few days. The window was covered in a thin layering of dust, but, I could still recognize that it was early morning. The sky appeared mostly clear, taking on a familiar shade of dull blue as the sun began its journey across the sky.
"Raiden."
A hoof was placed upon my shoulder and I blinked up at Sunset.
"We'll have lessons during lunch, okay? But, for now, I need to fetch us something to eat. I'm going to trust you to move around on your own. But you need to promise you won't take off your cap, okay?"
I nodded and she raised a brow in response. After a moment of lingering silence I quickly realized she was awaiting a verbal reply.
"I will not remove my cap," I said.
She smiled and trotted past, appeased. "Good! I'll go get us some breakfast. I'll be a while, so, why don't you walk outside for a bit? Don't wander too far, alright?"
Humming in response, I heard as the door gently open and clicked shut. I was alone, it seemed. I was surprised that she trusted me to make my own decisions in this strange place - but, I did not complain nor question it. I crawled onto the single bed that both I and my recently acquired guardian had slept upon. It had rained the previous night, and we had been blessed with the fortune of coming across the small settlement. Dodge Junction, it was called. What an odd name. Yet, there was no real point in questioning the origin behind it.
"Seven bits," the stallion said.
"H-here."
Both of us were trembling terribly and Sunset Shimmer had wrapped her cloak protectively around my tiny form. The stallion peered down at me as he accepted the coins, his eyes gleaming with pity. I was bundled up so tightly that barely any of me could be seen. He likely only witnessed a sniffling little snout and a few wispy blue hairs.
"That yer foal there, ma'am?" He asked, rubbing his chin.
"U-um. Yes," she said, uncertain.
Her hooves wrapped around me securely, the hold somewhat possessive. The stallion offered up a warm grin.
"Well, the kitchen's closed up now. But, we still have some leftover soup. Ah'll bring some for ya and that filly of yers. What's her name?"
Sunset Shimmer's eyes darted about for a moment. It was obvious she hadn't thought of such a situation occurring. Surprising, really, seeing as she was a highly intelligent mare. Eventually, she stammered out a reply.
"L-Little Light."
"Oh! Heh! What a charming name ya got there, filly," he said, chuckling. "Well, Little Light, no worries. Ah'll have a meal coming right up."
The meal had been pleasant and warmed me fairly quickly. As we dried off and partook in the meal, I couldn't help but acquire a taste for vegetable soup on that night.
I exited both the room and simply structured hotel, somewhat eager to explore the innards of this settlement. There weren't many others wandering about. The early hours was likely to blame for this. The day had just started, but, still, there was the occasional movement and someone of interest that passed. Those whom bothered to glance in my direction did so repeatedly, somewhat bewildered by my noteworthy features. In all honesty, I was much more perplexed by their own, noting the varied pastel coloring of their manes and pelts.
"Well, hello there!"
I backpedaled for a moment, having been too distracted to properly avoid the mare walking in my general direction. The cap shifted and I hurried to correct it before standing fully, blinking owlishly up at the interesting-looking pony who greeted me.
"Now! Aren't ya the cutest thing!"
The pony whom had so eagerly greeted me offered an affectionate nuzzle, the scent of cherry immediately flooding my nostrils as they flared. It wasn't entirely unpleasant, but, I was unsure of how to reply. So, once released, I retreated several steps and bowed my head politely.
"It's nice to meet you. I'm..."
Pause.
"... Little Light."
"Well! Hello, Little Light! Ya lost? Poor dear. It's real early, usually little fillies like yerself are tucked in bed snoozin' the day away."
"I'm not from around here, ma'am," I replied.
"Oh! Hm. Well, that does make plenty o' sense. Don't see many pegasi 'round these parts. And I think I would've remember seein' somethin' as adorable as yerself," she crooned. "Plus yer accent reminds me of the folk down in Ponyville. Ya from there?"
She was a pretty creature, her pelt a creamy coloration and her curly mane carrying an impressive amount of volume. A pink ribbon was wrapped around her neck, finished up in a slack blow that hung loosely yet still managed to appear charming. A beauty mark, likely her most defining feature, was stamped upon her cheek - and cherries served as her mark. Odd, have I ever questioned the reasoning behind these marks? It was at that moment that I remembered Sunset Shimmer explaining them to me at length several nights before.
"These represent your talent, Raiden."
I concentrated on my flank, scowling at the mark.
"My talent? What would this mean, Sunset Shimmer?"
"Perhaps you've a talent for wielding electrical magics?" She said, smiling at me. "It would make the most sense. Plus, your name and appearance are... curious - and defining. Ponies names and even their appearance often match their respective cutie marks."
"I suppose that would indeed make the most sense," I reply. "In my previous life, I was renown for my ability to wield such power. Yet, at the moment, most of it is out of my reach."
I felt something akin to frustration bubbling within me as I forced myself to admit to this.
"I'm actually curious about your past, Raiden," Sunset said. "Can you tell me about it?"
"I..."
Something caused my head to throb as I spoke, my attempt at fetching these memories resulting in an immediate headache. I felt as though it had somehow immediately drained me. I shook my head and Sunset Shimmer's expression became pinched with obvious concern as I curled up near the fire and spoke no more.
My belly rumbled and I felt a tinge of embarrassment, my cheeks warming. The mare chortled as though she had found it quite amusing.
"Haven't eaten yet, my dear? Come on over with me. I'm heading back to my stand. We're settin' up real early 'fore the customers come flowin' in. We'll get something in that belly of yers."
I think of my guardian and opened my mouth to politely refuse... only to be nudged along, the mare insistent. Eventually, I found myself surrounded by an assortment of stalls, the scents flowing from each individual one tempting me. Somehow all the carts appeared dry despite the heavy rain that had occurred the previous night. Perhaps they had simply took the initiative and covered up their property after they had closed the day before? Mares and stallions both were prepping, arranging vegetables or fruits in a neat order so that customers could look on and select from the whatever was made available. The options appeared wide and varied, yet I couldn't help but notice the absolute lack of meat vendors.
"Here ya are!"
She plucked up a few cherries by their stem and placed them before me.
"Oh - I - thank you, ma'am," I said.
"No need to be so stiff, hun," she drawled. "Ain't gonna hurt ya none. Folks 'round here are right friendly. Well, most of 'em, at least."
The mare moved to address the stallion who was likely in charge of looking over the stand as I hesitantly went about consuming the cherry. My way of eating was still quite sloppy, and red juice spilled out of my mouth and down my lips as I chewed, temporarily staining my blue coat. The adult female chuckled at this and quickly produced a handkerchief before wiping it away. It felt oddly nice to be treated this way.
"Cherry Jubilee."
"Hm?"
I blinked up at her in bewilderment.
"The name's Cherry Jubilee, darlin'," she drawled. "Yer folks visitin' for a spell?"
"Well my... mother is here for a moment. We're traveling, so, we decided to rest here for a few days."
"Oh! Now, ain't that curious. Where's yer ma, Little Light? She know yer out here in the shopping district?"
Her smile remained in place, but, there was the tiniest flicker of concern in her eye. I nodded my head and she appeared relieved.
"Well, that's good! I'd hate ta make a foal's ma worry. Still hungry?"
"I'm fine, ma'am. I actually had a que -"
"R - Little Light!"
"Oh, is that her?"
I turned around, greeted by the sight of the mare who had taken it upon herself to take care of me. Sunset Shimmer approached at a fairly hurried pace, a prominent scowl on her muzzle.
"We need to return to the hotel," she said.
"Well! Hello -"
"Oh, I'm sorry. We're in a rush. I hope she wasn't bothering you, ma'am," the unicorn interrupted.
It was obvious something was wrong. Anxiety rolled off of her like waves and her body language clued me into her unwillingness to merely stand by and indulge in conversation. Such negative emotion was damnably infectious, and I glanced in-between the mares as they spoke. It was obvious the comely earth mare had also noticed it, head slightly tilted to the side.
"It's nothing, really. I'll just let ya go. Be good to yer ma, Little Light. Ya hear?"
Before I had time to nod in response I was grasped firmly by a field of magic and placed a top the unicorn's back as she hurried away from the market area.
"What's wrong?" I asked, trying to remain mounted as she began to gallop.
"Soldiers. More of them. They must have trailed us somehow. As soon as we reached the hotel I'm going to execute a spell that'll hide our respective magical signatures so that they won't be able to immediately identify us. Leaving, right now, isn't an option. Too suspicious."
The explanation was rushed, and I was still very much bewildered by the time we reached the confines of our hotel room. Sunset Shimmer immediately went to work, shivering a bit as she hurried to mask what she labeled a 'magical signature'. I felt an odd stirring within me in response to her powers. She also made sure my hat was adjusted correctly.
"If somepony - anypony - asks you anything that relates to us you act like an ignorant foal. Understood, Raiden?"
"I understand," I said.
This hurried verbal exchange was followed the sound of a hoof knocking firmly upon our door.
"Sunset Shimmer! This is the Royal Guard. We have a few questions for you. Can you please open the door?"
"That doesn't sound... good," I said, lamely.
The unicorn pressed a hoof upon her face and released a sigh.
