Chapters It was a foggy, dark night. The trees shook in the slight breeze, and the moon cast a eerie shadow on the ground. No insects hummed, no birds sang. Only vast, dead silence.
A young filly woke up on the ground, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Scootaloo looked at her surroundings, and her eyes widened. She was in a forest, right in the center of a clearing. Nothing could be heard except her heart, and her fast, shallow breathing. She looked around again, trying to get her bearings. The clearing was illuminated by the bright glow of the moon, and leaves on the ground danced under her hooves. She sat down, trying to make sense of the situation.
She was lost, it was dark, and she had to get home.
She stood up, and started moving along the path. The shadows danced in the pale glow, and her mind wandered. There could be all manner of vile creatures, waiting for her to stumble unknowingly into their grasp. Her eyes widened at the thought, and she started sweating profusely. Scootaloo, despite what she had said in the past, had Achluophobia since she got lost one night, in the Everfree. But this was not the Everfree, nor was it anywhere that she even remotely recognized. The trees were taller than any she had seen before, and loomed above her as if posed to kill. The young filly gulped, and she found herself in front of a large, dead oak tree. It stood at least twice the height of the filly, and the trunk was immensely thick. In spite of the darkness, the little filly felt drawn to the tree. She circled it, and finally found something different. It was a piece of paper, and scrawled on it was a rather peculiar image. A circle, crudely hand drawn, outlined several times. And in the middle, was a large, bold X.
Scootaloo was puzzled, and stuck the paper under her wing. She decided it was best to make haste. So she ran down the dirt road, stumbling every so often. When she had to catch her breath, she looked around and saw that she stood in front of a large, abandoned house. The paint had been weathered away by the elements, and the door creaked on rusty hinges. The windows were cracked and filthy, so she had trouble seeing in. Frustrated and afraid, she kicked the wall. Now with her hoof throbbing, she made her way inside. It was dark, but on the floor in front of her, she saw a flashlight, illuminated by the moon's glow. She rushed to it and picked it up, and flicked it on. The walls were cracked, old photos of a family hung loose and faded, the color drained from it completely. The floorboards were rotting, and a few fell down into the blackness. Scootaloo shined her light down, but couldn't see the bottom. She took a medium sized rock from outside, and threw it down. She waited and waited, but never heard it hit the bottom. She shuddered, and tried to step over weakened boards. She went upstairs, and stopped abruptly. The air seemed thick with dread, and her breathing became harder. She felt a presence here, A presence that shook her soul. She glanced around, wondering what the source could be. Something tapped at the window, and she jumped. But, however much she tried to run, she was stuck, glued to the spot.
A long, dreary silence set in, the only thing Scootaloo could hear was her heartbeat, and a ringing in her ears. Just then, she started convulsing, her vision becoming blurry. When the fit subsided, she got back up. But something felt odd.
It felt like something was watching her.
She started hyperventilating. She needed to get out. This wasn't right, nothing seemed right tonight. She turned to the door, but stopped suddenly. Out the window, near the edge of the tree line, she saw a figure. It was tall, standing at least a full half height above Celestia herself. It was pale, more white than snow. It just stood there, gazing up at Scootaloo. But the most disturbing detail, was the face. Or rather, the lack thereof. It had no visible facial features, and it filled Scootaloo with fear. She didn't know where she was going, but she ran.
She had to get away.
She ran until she came to a fence, and climbed over it. The fog started to clear, and Scootaloo could see better now. "W-what was that... thing. She looked around, and saw that she was near Fluttershy's cottage. Feeling relieved, and thankful to be away from the creature, she started for the Cutie Mark Crusader's clubhouse, as it was turning morning. She hoped that was the last time she saw the monster. She was wrong.
Author's Note
Alright, I'm a big fan of the Slenderman legend. I've also done my fair share of studying, so yes I believe it may exist. It IS questionable, but there's little doubt in my mind.
Anyhoo, I just wanted to give this a shot, and this seemed like the perfect time to do it. It's also occurred to me that this has been done before. But I still wanted to have a go at it, so here it is. I hope you enjoy!
Scootaloo woke up to the birds chirping, and the sun shone brightly on her face, covering her in a warm glow. She got up and stretched her wings, cramped from her rest. She looked around, and found her school things. She then proceeded to head over to the school, where her friends were waiting for her. Applebloom, a yellow earth pony with a red mane and tail, tied off with bows. And Sweetie Belle, Rarity's little sister. The bell rang, a shrill noise, and they all filed into the schoolhouse.
The day's lessons were dragging on, painfully slowly, until Cheerilee, the teacher, cleared her throat. "Class, I think it's important, today, to discuss myths, legends, and fears."
The children were surprised by this. Their teacher normally never talked about such things. They whispered among themselves, until Cheerilee rapped the chalkboard for attention. "By now, you most likely know what a legend is. It is a story that is passed down from generation to generation, often carrying similar motifs, and there's reasons for that. One of them, is to tell of great victories, or legacy's from some ancient hero. Oftentimes, they're passed down to create fear. When you have, let's say, an ancestor who faced a Shoggoth. He would surely want all of his kin to be aware of it's presence, so as to never come across it. But, sometimes, this fear cripples us, and we become afraid of our own shadows."
The little fillies and colts murmured to themselves again, as Cheerilee was starting to worry them. She took a drink of water, then continued, pacing. "We've all had to deal with fears, it could be anything. A shadow, a pattern in the cliff face, a noise. Anything has the ability to frighten us, but it can only truly do so, if we let it. Last night, one of our local bakers, Mrs. Cake, has unexpectedly disappeared."
The children again started to talk amongst themselves, even more loudly. Cheerilee looked sad. She called attention again, and wondered if she should keep pausing. It all added work for her. "Now, let's not get excited, a search party has been formed, and they are looking for her as we speak. But there was one witness. He wanted to keep his identity anonymous, but he said he saw her walking out of the house late last night. He also said that on her face was a mixture of sadness, hate, and fear. Never a good combination. He also said he tried to talk to her, but she didn't seem to hear him."
She took another drink, and started walking up and down the aisle's. "There is an old legend, from centuries ago. It tells of a great evil, almost as ancient as Princess Celestia herself. That evil, was a creature known as the Tall Colt. But today, he is more commonly and stereotypically as Slendermane."
This time, instead of hushed whispers, there were gasps of fear, and they started arguing loudly. The volume intensified, and Cheerilee had to slam her hoof on the desk to quieten them. "I know you are all frightened, but let me continue. It says he is able to call his victims to him, and that he can also corrupt their minds. He can make them his servants. Now know this, there is a recent protocol in effect for the border of Ponyville and the Everfree Forest. Nopony is allowed within ten feet of the tree line. There is a patrol on the edge of town, and if they see anypony get close, they will use force to make you cooperate. Am I clear?"
The school fillies acknowledged her in unison. She smiled weakly. "Good, now, you are all dismissed." The children gathered their things and filed out, leaving Cheerilee alone. The lonely sound of a clock filled her ears, and she went to her desk. She took out an old photograph, which depicted a bright pink unicorn, with a long, wavy mane of cyan hair. Her cutie mark depicted a garden rake and a shovel, crisscrossed together in an X shape.
'Oh, mama, why did you go? I need you now more than ever." Cheerilee wept into the photograph, nearly staining it with fresh tears. She wiped her eyes, and breathed deeply. "I never even got to say goodbye, you just disappeared. Then they said they found a body, and it was hanging from a noose, made of your... your..." She cried, and the tears fell freely, she had to put the picture down to keep from drenching it in the salty liquid. After a few minutes, she had cried until she could no more, and wiped her eyes. She had a job to do.
She would help them find it, and end this, once and for all.
Author's Note
Hello all, I hope you enjoy this story, Even though it's rubbish.
So yeeeeaaaahhhh...
The weather consisted of dark grey clouds, looming in the sky. The trees swayed in the fierce wind, and no creature dared go outside today. All except for the Residents of Ponyville, huddled around Town Hall. They murmured and conversed among themselves, trying to make sense of the situation. The wind chilled them to the bone, biting and laughing at them. They had been summoned by Princess Luna to a meeting of great importance, the letters read. They wondered what this could mean, and finally, they would get their answers. The doors opened, and out stepped the Mayor, whose eyes were scanning the crowd, taking count. She sighed in relief, it appeared no one else had been taken. Then came Princess Luna, and her face sent everyone into panic: since one of Luna's jobs was to go into ponies dreams, when they saw her look of fear their hope vanished. They started to feel even more cold than before, and started to shift, but then caught gaze of Princess Twilight, Luna's dear friend, and the Element of Magic. She was worried, they could see it in her eyes. And despite the cold, both princess' were sweating. Thunder cracked overhead, and lightning flashed in the distance. Everyone jumped slightly, but they decided the paranoia was getting to them. Once everyone was settled down, Princess Luna spoke.
"As you may know, I have gone through ponies' dreams since the power was given to me. But recently, a nightmare from long ago, that I myself saw, was in somepony's dream. An ancient evil, cloaked in fear. His true identity, we do not know of, but to this day we know him by one name: Slendermane."
The crowd gasped, and a few spectators started arguing about this. They went on and on, until Luna could take it no more. Mustering all of her strength, she breathed in.
"SILENCE AT ONCE!!!"
Everyone quieted immediately, looking at Luna in awe. The princess had finally got their attention. She cleared her throat, and continued, the wind messing her ethereal hair about.
"Now, as you should have been informed, we are making a patrol to scout the border between here, and the Everfree Forest, anypony caught within ten feet will be contained forcefully. We advise you to stay clear of the area, until we neutralize the threat. Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends have offered to make up the night patrol, and the day patrol will be lead by Big Mac. There will be a curfew set into motion immediately. No one is to be out before eight thirty, and you must be home by the time it gets dark. It thrives in the dark, and it feeds off your fear. Do NOT give in. Never meet it's gaze, because then the fear is the only remaining thought. The greatest fear in the world, is fear of the unknown. Lock your doors, and keep the windows closed. That is all, dear ponies. I will be guarding your dreams." Luna stepped off the porch, and the ponies all talked about the creature.
"My mama always said it was a myth."
"Your mom's gullible, then."
"No she's not! She's a smart pony."
"Hey, break it up."
Ponies of all ages and races bickered and yelled, and some even fought. The fear was taking hold, and Twilight knew it. She quickly slammed down her hoof to silence them.
"Everypony, can't you see what's happening? Your fears and anxieties have taken hold, and now you fight meaninglessly! Go to your homes, and follow Protocol S, and we shall begin the patrol in three hours." Twilight walked off the platform, and joined her friends off to the side.
"Hey, Twi, that was some mighty fine inspirational speak." said Applejack. Her hat was slightly lopsided because of the wind.
"Ah, I wouldn't say that, but at least it got the job done. I need to study a bit more on this Slendermane character, meet me at sug... actually, meet me at my house in an hour or two." They all said their goodbyes and left, conversing as they did so. They were all worried, but they had to guard their town. They'll do whatever it takes.
Author's Note
Alright, instead of being stereotypical, I'm gonna try to twist things up. It probably won't work, but what the hay, right?
Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle had each been at the speech, and they were shaken. Scootaloo had been mumbling incoherent words for the entire time, and the other two fillies were getting worried. They were meeting at Sweet Apple Acres, because Rarity trusted Applejack, and Big Mac could stay up for nights on end if needed. They were in Apple Bloom's room, sitting on the floor. The wind blew through the house, making odd noises, setting them on edge. They sat there, wondering what was going to happen.
"Is it true, do you think? Slendermane, I can't believe it..."
"Well you'd better believe it, because he's real."
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belles looked at their friend, shocked. Scootaloo, their normally cheerful friend, had just become a cryptic shell, eyes shadowed by stress. "What do ya mean, Scoots?" asked Applebloom. Scootaloo gazed at her friend for a while, a draft picking at her mane. She sighed.
"Because I've seen him."
Her two friends were shocked, and looked at her slack jawed. "I met him two nights ago, in some forest. I don't know how I got there, and I don't know who put me there, but I know I saw him." She lay down on the bed and began to recite her story. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle just sat there, stunned. Then, a knock came at the door.
"Can Ah come in?"
They recognized Applejack's voice, and opened the door for her. Applejack tipped her hat to them, and sat down. "Girls, Ah know that this is a bit hard to comprehend, but try an' listen. I won't let ANYTHING happen to y'all, ya hear?" The trio nodded, and AJ smiled. "Now, if y'all don't feel comfortable, ya can come sleep with me." The three of them nodded, and followed Applejack to her room. They settled down, finally, and turned the lights out. The door bolted and the windows locked.
On the other side of the farm, a strange, pale pony stood tall. He simply gazed at the quiet farm, watching intently. He started for the house.
:::
When making sure the fillies were asleep, Applejack crept downstairs and out the door. She left a note stating her destination. She went out the door, and was met by fierce, cold wind, biting at her, shoving her. The trees bent and swayed, being conducted by the wind, and cast long shadows on the ground. Her mind wandered, and she saw oblong structures in the distance. As she made her way to Twilight's house, she felt a cold shiver travel up her spine. She pressed on against the harsh wind, and finally found herself at Twilight's door. She pushed it open, and found the other Elements looking at her. She smiled awkwardly, and went to join them.
"Hey AJ, where the hay have you been? We're about to head out."
"Sorry, Ah had to wait 'til the girls were asleep, so as not to worry them." Applejack looked at Twilight. "So, any specific plan on how we're gonna do this?"
Twilight nodded, pulling a rolled piece of manila paper from a shelf. "Yes, and written down on this paper is not only those plans, but what I've figured out about this creature. It has the ability to control minds, which it uses to draw it's victims towards it, but also make Proxies. He uses them to capture his victims, if he can't do it himself. He can teleport, to add insult to injury, so this'll be tough. And... ah, yes, he also has tentacles protruding from his back, which he uses to ensnare his prey. This could be our biggest challenge yet, even above Tirek." The girls looked at each other, worried. Rainbow Dash then spoke up.
"So, when can I buck that thing in the face?"
"Not so fast, Dash. If you stare at it's face, or rather lack thereof, you'll start to see visions, terrible depictions. I don't want any of us to have to endure that. I'm surprised the book even had that knowledge." Twilight looked at the cover of the book, and upon finding no recorded author, snorted in frustration. She threw it aside, and turned back to the others. "Supposedly, there's a headset, with some kind of anti-vision mechanism built in. If you switch that on, it will make you immune to the visions. Star Swirl the Bearded made it himself, allegedly after having contact with the creature. It may be our only chance to defeat this thing, and with my duplication spell, hopefully we can make enough for all of us."
They all nodded, and decided to head out. The night air whipped their manes about, sometimes having them gag on it. They finally reached their destinations. "Alright, Everypony, spread out, and stay no further than fifteen feet away from each other. If something goes wrong, at least we'll be able to help the others. Are we all good?" The others nodded, and spread out to their positions.
Hours passed, the night wind brought cold and discomfort for the six ponies, but they knew it would pass. They were doing their part for Ponyville, that's what mattered. They would die for this town, their home. The clock struck two o'clock, and they waited, only a few hours left. Some twigs broke off of a tree, which startled the six ponies. Realizing how foolish it seemed, they awkwardly laughed it off.
:::
Back at Sweet Apple Acres, a living nightmare was creeping towards the main house. And he whispered, through the air, his mouthless words.
Don't try to run.
Author's Note
BEHOLD MY RUBBISH
So yeah, I'm enjoying writing this, hope you're enjoying.
Ponyville, Equestria. One and a half hours before sunrise.
At Sweet Apple Acres, the air was thick with an unnatural fog. Dawn's weak light started to show on the horizon. The normal sounds of farm creatures were replaced by silence. The wind had stopped, and an unnatural darkness was settled over the town, only just letting dawn's glow escape. A dark, horrible creature was moving silently, prowling the farm for his prey.
Upstairs, in the main farm house, it was deathly still. Three little fillies had just woken up, and realized that Applejack was nowhere to be seen. They started worrying, and looked all around the house. They collapsed on the floor, boards creaking under their weight. They sighed in frustration and desperation. "Where do you suppose she went, Apple Bloom?" asked Sweetie Belle. The farm filly just shrugged, turning to the Scootaloo.
"Well, we can NOT stay here, that monster will get us for sure!" Scootaloo went to the door, only to be grabbed by Apple Bloom.
"Haven't you ever heard the legends?! It feeds off of your fear, and it'll do anything to get what it wants. You're NOT GOING OUT THERE, at least not alone. Mah sister keeps an emergency flashlight in her room, I'll go get it." She ran upstairs, to find the flashlight just where she remembered it. She grabbed it in her mouth, then headed back downstairs. She unlocked the door, and the three of them filed out. They failed to notice a strange figure standing there, watching them as they went.
:::
"How much longer until sunrise, Twilight?"
Twilight Sparkle looked at the horizon, then to the Ponyville clock. It had stopped three hours ago. "Well, since it's been at least an hour and a half since dawn started, I'd say maybe, twenty-five minutes." They all looked hopeful at this, especially since they hadn't seen anything all night. They had passed the time telling each other stories, talking across the distances. The cool dawn air tousled their manes, and leaves crunched under their hooves. Slowly, painfully, the sun rose a bit more. They jumped up in glee.
Daytime meant safety.
:::
The three fillies trod through the debris from the storm yesterday, and their flashlight illuminated the trees. It was odd, not seeing them move. They seemed to have no life, when they were still like this. A sound was made a little bit away, making them turn their heads in fear.
The creature was there, watching them.
They screamed, and started to run. They ached to be free of the farm, and to find Twilight and her friends. At least then they wouldn't just be three defenseless fillies. They saw the path to the road, and bolted, the thing right on their heels. Sweetie Belle had dropped the flashlight when she screamed, so they could just barely make out the entrance. The passed through it, just in time. Another second, and the creature would have been right on top of them. They ran faster than they ever had before, as fear does miraculous things to the body. They spotted Twilight, then Applejack, then the rest. They had not noticed that as soon as they left the creature, the wind picked back up. They ran into the sextet of ponies, and hugged them tightly. The older mares were confused at this, but confusion turned to dread, at what they saw in the distance.
It was a black outlined pony, standing tall. And pale as death itself.
"Everypony, get behind me!" Twilight ordered, The others didn't need any more prompting, and quickly got behind the alicorn. Twilight faced the evil, and readied her horn. She was careful not to look it in the eyes, as she still had a special tool coming...
"Package for Ms. Twilight Sparkle!" A grey mare had crashed right into Twilight, and it appeared she had a severe case of strabismus. Twilight looked at Ditzy Doo, the mailmare, and took the package. It was her anti-vision glasses. Just then, she heard a raspy, faded voice.
"You know you want to run. Do it. Flee.
Twilight shook her head, trying to get rid of the thoughts. Had Slendermane just... contacted her? She looked worriedly up at Applejack, who was trying to comfort her little sister. She met Twilight's gaze, and in her eyes were a mixture of fear, sadness, and desperation. Twilight shivered, knowing what this mixture could do to a pony, if provoked enough. She again turned to face the thing. It had moved at least five feet from where it originally was, slowly, painfully closer. She readied her Element on her head, and put on the glasses. Now, they stood a chance. They could beat this thing, and save Equestria from it, once and for all.
"Pinkie was giggling madly, trying to go to Slendermane. But every time she got within two yards, she turned grey, no trace of color left on her coat. She would then walk back, only to have the effects reversed. Then the cycle began again. Rainbow Dash finally sighed, then grabbed Pinkie's tail. She sat there dejectedly, but realized she had to stop. Twilight's magic was growing brighter, stronger. The wind had stopped, but as soon as her magic started growing, picked up again, fiercely. She aimed at the abomination, and let her magic loose. It created a small mushroom cloud, and all was silent. But when the mushroom cloud disappeared, it still stood there, unwavering. His tentacles had appeared, and waved around him, almost lustfully, and retracted, then repeated. Twilight was about to try again, but Rainbow Dash had started flying towards it. "Rainbow, wait!"
Before Rainbow hit, however, she seized up and began to spasm. Dragging herself to her feet, she retreated, tears in her eyes. Twilight had a look of pure, unadulterated rage. Her eyes glowed, and the rest of the mares attached their Elements, knowing what this meant. A swirl of bright light rose, colored in all shades in the spectrum, and hit the spot where the target stood. This mushroom cloud was bigger, but had the same effect. Then, Twilight remembered things from time ago. Giggle at the ghostly... it feeds off of fear... Suddenly, she knew how to banish the abomination, back to the plane of existence from whence it came.
"Girls, I want you to laugh as loud and hard as you can, now! Don't ask why, just do it!" They all took deep breaths, and unleashed a torrent of fake laughter. It had no visible effect. "Uugh! Why isn't it working?!" Then, she had an idea.
'Hang on! The laughter has to be sincere! Pinkie, do something random, or just do what you normally do to laugh!"
Pinkie Pie nodded. She took a deep breath, then looked at Rainbow Dash. Dash rolled her eyes, knowing what she had to do.
Rainbow dash pulled the face. It was the embodiment of joy itself. Pinkie couldn't contain herself any more. She laughed her hardest laugh ever. A wave spread over them, and they all laughed along. The wave closed the distance between them and Slendermane. Then the wave hit him. It was like acid hitting a mound of flesh. His very form dissolved into nothingness before them. They cheered and hollered, but then stopped. It still stood there, forming itself anew. They lost all hope then. All attempts had failed. Just as soon as all of this started, Twilight blacked out.
She woke up in a white room. She got up and walked to a door. Upon opening it, she gasped. This was the realm that Celestia had Twilight ascend in. She then felt another entity's presence. She turned to fight, but then relaxed. It was Princess Luna. She descended upon Twilight, and spared no time getting to the point. "Twilight Sparkle, the creature can not be destroyed, only banished back to the forest that is its home." Luna created a magic screen, which looked out on a forest. "This is the most ancient forest in our world. This is where it resides. You must find a way to get it back there, or all life in Equestria shall diminish."
Twilight gulped, looking at Luna, her ethereal mane billowing. "How? It won't top it's pursuit, and I don't even know where this forest is." She started tearing up at the thought of her friends being killed, or worse, by that thing.
"You do know this forest, for you were in it once yourself. Do you remember your dream about the first manticore? That is the forest it inhabits. Go, you have little time left. Even though Alicorns are immortal, we can still be taken. I once witnessed such an instance, and it haunts me still." Twilight nodded, and closed her eyes, drifting away, so far away...
A light slap to the face greeted her as she awoke.
Author's Note
I probably missed spelling Alicorn in the other chapters with a capital, but I'll find it at some point, when I'm not fuzzy eyed.
'What was that for?!"
Twilight had come back from the Dreamscape, and awoken to a cyan hoof hitting her in the face. She had been so shocked, that she momentarily forgot about what she had to do. Then, the thoughts rushed back to her. "Girls, we have to get that thing to the First Forest, the one at the center of the Zebrican continent." They all looked at her shocked, but nodded in turn. The wind was picking up again, pushing their manes in their faces. They got up, and Twilight focused all of her magic on a teleportation spell that she hoped would make Celestia slack jawed.
A bright flash of light erupted, and they began channeling their Elements. Twilight looked around, trying to make sure Nopony was in the blast zone. She saw Princess Luna in the air, assisting them in the spell. Luna smiled, and blinked once before returning full concentration to the spell. Twilight nodded, and her magic finally connected with theirs. A giant ball of light flared, and engulfed everything in sight.
When the light subsided, the group looked around anxiously, hoping the thing was gone. To their immense relief, it was nowhere in sight. They got to their hooves, and shakily hugged each other, sobbing. This entire ordeal had been more than stressful, it had been wearing them thin for the past few days. But they knew, that Nopony could ever enter that forest again, or it would certainly mean it's return. They immediately sent letters to Princess Celestia and the Zebrican emperor. Nopony must enter the forest, at all costs.
:::
Hundreds of miles away, a little Zebra foal was having a nice little stroll. It was getting dark out, and he started heading home. A few feet from his front door, he heard a noise that chilled him to the bone, yet drew him to it.
Come closer, child. I want you...
Author's Note
If there are errors, please point them out. I finished this in 14 hours, with barely any sleep, because I knew once I fell asleep, the idea would be gone forever.
So yeah, my first like, semi horror thingy... I know, I'm rubbish. Jeez, let it go.
And there shall be a bonus chapter soon.
I Made A Promise (Bonus Chapter)
I Made A Promise (Bonus Chapter)
The wind nipped at Cheerilee from all sides, and threatened to throw her off balance. It was just a few more hours until daylight, so she had to hurry. She had a promise to keep.
All she could hear was the sound of the wind, and her own heart pumping blood to her brain. She shivered from the cold, and wrapped her coat around more tightly. She had a little ways to go until she reached her destination. I must get there in time, I will not fail mother. She continued to tread on, the leaves and twigs crunching underhoof. She had to use all of her strength to keep standing, as exhaustion was taking it's toll. She must not fail, she repeated in her mind, and a tear trickled down her cheek. Memories of that horrible day came rushing back.
She sat on a swing set, bobbing up and down in the autumn breeze. The wind caressed her mane, and tickled her face ever so slightly. She gazed up at the setting sun, casting warm colors of all shades and vibrancies across the sky. She heard a door open, and heard her mother call to her. "Cheerilee, come inside, it's starting to get dark!"
"Coming, mother!" Cheerilee replied. She jumped off the swings, landing softly on her hooves. She ran to her mother, and together they went inside, settling down for the night. They went to Cheerilee's room, and her mother started to tell her a story.
"Once upon a time, there was a very beautiful mare. She lived in the town with her mother and father, and all seemed normal. But the girl held a curse, an ancient, deep curse. It had been set upon her by a monster, skin pale as death and suit even more black than night. Her curse was, she had to do the creature's bidding. She was to abduct innocent ponies, and drop them off in the woods. When the victims wake up, they find themselves in a clearing, on a circle, crossed with an X through it. This is the monsters symbol, remember this. The victims will find scraps of paper, written by previous victims, people the creature stalked. It fills their heads with grotesque and vulgar images, slowly driving them insane. The notes are the only way to stand a chance, but he will find you, no matter how fast you run, no matter where you hide. It is always watching, and waiting. You must remember this, for there may come a time when it decides either you, or me, are the ponies it wants. When I'm gone, do not bury me. Put me on a slab, and cover me with moss. It can ward against darkness." Cheerilee nodded, tears building in her eyes. She started to cry, and hugged her mother tight. She smiled, and embraced her daughter. "Hush, hush, it's okay, I'm still here. It's going to be alright." Just then, a noise sounded from inside the woods. A loud crunch, another, another. The wind had died, and nothing made a sound. Cheerilee's mother felt her heart beat race, and her eyes grew in fear. She quickly got up, shut the blinds and curtains, and locked the windows and doors. She glanced at her daughter, who sat there, terrified. She smiled, half heartedly, and said, "Do not worry, just stay in the house, no matter what. We should be safe. Sweet dreams." And with that she turned out the light.
Cheerilee awoke several hours later, to the sound of a door closing. She got up from her bed, and went to the window, looking down on the backyard. Her eyes grew wide. She saw her mother, a look of dread and longing etched on her face. She was slowly shuffling forwards, night gown billowing in the breeze. She looked like a spirit, as she disappeared behind the treeline.
:::
Cheerilee shed a tear. She remembered that night too well, forever blazed into her mind. She remembered a knock on the door in the morning, with the police ponies. They said she needed to come with them, and to get her things. Confused and afraid, she did as she was told. When they arrived at the office, they told her that her mother had been found, hanging from a tree branch, a noose made of her own internal organs wrapped around her neck. The little filly started to weep, and they put her in a foster home. She was adopted by a nice couple, Butterball and Silver Lining, and they got along well. The day of her mother's funeral, Cheerilee had promised, at her mother's grave site, she would find whoever, or whatever, had driven her to do this. As she promised, she brandished a glinting steel knife, and cut her foreleg. After she finished saying her promise, she wiped the blood in a heart on the grave, and walked away, hate burning in her eyes.
Today, she would live up to that promise. She finally came upon her destination, Twilight Sparkle and her friends. They were on the ground, piled one on top of another. She stared at them, clearing her throat, and asked, "Where is that monster?! "
The six mares jumped at her ferocity. Twilight spoke up. "We banished it back to it's home, on the Zebrican continent. That's the only way to get rid of it." Cheerilee's eyes burned with rage and sadness, and she picked Twilight up by the neck.
"You WILL take me to it, NOW!" Cheerilee's voice burned with absolute hatred, and the wind whipped her mane about her face, giving her an expression of madness and desperation. Twilight looked at her in shock, and gulped. She started sweating, despite the cold winds.
"We can't Cheerilee it's too dangerou..."
Before Twilight could finish, Cheerilee flung the unicorn aside, and looked at Princess Luna. The Princess looked at the desperate teacher, and sighed. Her horn lit up, and a bright flash of light engulfed Cheerilee. She materialized a few feet away, in a magical bubble field. Cheerilee, frustrated beyond anything else, bucked the force field. It shattered, leaving small particles to float in the air. She grabbed Twilight, her eyes betraying her broken mental state, and rubbed Twilight's horn. It lit up, surrounding Cheerilee with blinding light.
Then she disappeared.
:::
Cheerilee found herself in a dark, thickly wooded forest. She stretched her limbs, and immediately set out to pursue her prey. She checked everywhere she could, then finally stopped to rest. She heard a noise to her left, and quickly turned. Standing at the edge of the trees, standing tall and menacing, was Slendermane.
"I'm gonna BUCKING KILL YOU!"
She lashed out at him, pouncing. Before she hit though, she collapsed, writhing in agony. When the pain subsided, she looked at him with pure anger in her burning gaze. She glanced around, looking for something she could use as a weapon. Suddenly, she felt a slimy, wriggling tentacle wrap around her back. She struggled in it's grasp, but to no avail. She met it's gaze, and her eyes opened wide. It was terrifying. She tried to scream, but no sound came. The wind had died, and she felt hot. Her last thoughts were of her mother, and she cried one, final tear.
Author's Note
So, the bonus chapter was supposed to be the longest, because it had this backstory stuff. This is the end of this story, and if you want to see more, I'll see what I can do about a sequel.
