Connected

Thunder was rolling through the trees as I cantered home, it wasn't a special day, just another walk in the woods on what was a bright and sunny day only hours ago. I guess the pegasi let a few drifters float out of town again.

I don't mind the rain, I could just fly up and clear myself a little patch if I really wanted, but why ruin such a nice shower? I love the feeling of the water and the sound off the trees. It's odd, I suppose given my status but why shouldn't I enjoy nature? While other ponies cower away in their homes I tempt

the lightning around me.

The raindrops were bounding off of the branches that would normally shield me from the harsh sun; I thanked the clouds for completing that task today, anything that gets between it and I will be welcomed as far as I'm concerned.

It isn't that I hate the sun; I would be a fool to think we could go without it, a true nightmare once again. But when you make a habit of being hated by everyone around you the idea starts to sink in, and you find yourself hating all that they enjoy.

The wind twisted the branches above me, I fluttered my wings, they would need some care after this cleared up. I turned toward my small home and trotted lazily, I was in no rush. The rain had already soaked me and there was nothing waiting on my return.

A flash caught the sky, one of the dozens and I counted off for the thunder to shake me. I wasn't disappointed as always, the powerful wave pulsed through the trees and hit me like a wall. Stopping for a second I savored the feeling of the shaking ground before continuing.

My hoofs started sinking into the softening ground, while I enjoy storms, spending an hour flaking mud off of myself was not in my plans. I pulled what was left of my energy and fluttered into the air and above the trees. I was immediately met with a sight I can never forget, and that I had no trouble adjusting to in my new home. For as far as I could see in every direction there was grey ceiling rolling across green tree tops. A tribute to me I assumed. Another fit of lightning pierced the sky in various places, some a little close for comfort. The undeniable smell of charred wood met me at this altitude. I saw a flash in the distance, a chariot that had attracted a little more attention in the storm and was fluttering about in an attempt to push higher, poor fools. They should have known better than to face the might of a true storm, ponies forget sometimes; they forget that outside of their little bubble of protection lies a world ready to tear them down, a world where happiness doesn't earn your life-right. Tempt nature in its true form and you will regret it.

I could see my home in the distance, or rather, what was left of a home once. Now just a broken shell consisting of a few walls and a half effort on a roof. It was the only thing I could rely on in this world, the only thing that had ever offered me some type of familiar comfort in a black world. It held what was the beginning of my life, and kept out what I had left behind a lifetime ago.

Well, for a while anyway...

~~~~~

It was a slow thud at first, a sickening pop here and there, a scream that echoed. Oh how it cursed my thoughts that night, reverberating through my skull and making my mane stand on end. I pulled my wings closer, reviling in the warmth they might offer, another disappointment. I felt my friends die around me, heartless slaughter they didn't deserve. My head pounded.

It screamed again, breaking my thoughts with its wail, I could feel death around me. I could always feel it coming and going, an unfortunate part of what was it? That special talent we are supposed to have. Whatever, I hated it; I hated my pain, I hated those around me and I hated that scream.

Constantly, day or night, if there was a moment of peace in my life it would be met with horror on a greater scale. That scream, coming and going, coming and going... It drove me insane, it drove my thoughts black ask I watched their bodies break. A shiver here, a grunt there and I was back in the present, nothing but rain cascading around the broken home. I might gather some sleep if I try, perhaps tonight I won't be forced to see the nightmares of the ponies around me.

Another wail, a pained cry and a sob met my ears. I felt my ear twitch and rotate, focusing in without my consent. My hoofs grew cold, I lost the feeling in their tips and my head pounded. Again, a weak cry and a wail.

I lifted my head off the ground, something was wrong. That was no scream, not like my friends'. This was different, slower and much, much more painful. I couldn't help but strain my ears for another glimpse of the sound. The rain crashed against the thin roof making it impossible to track.

A sob, extremely faint, like that of a creature that knows death is coming. It was scared; I latched to the feeling, damn this power. Why could I not have been blessed with a talent of woodworking so I could fix this home? Or gardening so I could finally eat, no fate would only serve correctly if I was cursed to feel pain and death. My mind latched onto the sob, it pulled the pain with it, causing my limbs to stiffen under the stress. I felt cold suddenly, far too cold for my own comfort, I felt as if icy mud were caked to my body. It was clear now, the fear pierced my mind.

I heard it, no wait, her crying somewhere. She was close, ending her pain would save my own. It was no happy solution I suppose, but why should it be? I pulled the blade from its place against the wall and stepped back into the storm. I do not enjoy taking the lives of ponies, I have gone without the act for quite a long time now. A record I am sad to stain, but I cannot refuse myself an escape.

The rain had calmed by this time but the air had grown much colder. I needed to finish this task quickly. I started in the direction the wail had come from and hoped I would find the pony before one of the many others in the forest did. Those beast would not allow her the satisfaction of an easy death, that was pain I would never allow myself to go through again...