I. Chapter 11: Presence

I lay in bed, slowly began to open my eyes, I rose to a sitting position, looked around the room, I was completely alone. I rubbed my face with my hand and noticed that it was completely white, all the time I felt very strange as if I was being watched by someone, but this time, I felt very rested, controlling my dreams, really brought results. In my dream, I and Fluttershy fed the animals, however... someone else was with us, it was my mother, Fluttershy immediately noticed her. I decided to introduce Fluttershy to my mother. In a dream, I wanted to talk to her, but she didn't say a word. I got sad, but I felt that it was her, I do not hide that I miss her very much and would like to see her again.

I got up from the bed and headed towards the door of the room. I took a few steps and then, on the floor, I could see the traces of the human woman's shoes that were heading for the door. I was a little surprised when I saw it, I decided to follow them when I opened the door, the tracks stopped as if someone had suddenly disappeared. I closed the door behind me and headed towards the bathroom, the moment when I wanted to open bathroom doors, they opened themselves and I got hit in my face. I fell to the ground and looked up, blueblood came out of the bathroom, with a rolled towel on his head, turned his head in my direction.

"Colin, are you okay?" - Blueblood asked, and I was silent - "I didn't want to hit you with the door, I'm sorry"

Then Blueblood approached me. I got up immediately and took a few steps back.

"Don't come near me. Where does this sudden change come from? I'm not a monster or a bloodthirsty beast for you anymore? - I asked nervously

"Listen... I know, I screwed up... but believe me, I want to apologize to you. You're not dangerous, I know it"

"You know it, huh?" - I asked

"There is one more book about mythology. There a human is described in a completely different way. It's described as a neutral, not aggressive creature"

That intrigued me. I expected that there is only one book of this type, that what Blueblood said, made me feel a bit better.

"Are you serious?" - I asked

"Yes. My friend, Lara, she gave me this book. She is a griffon"

"So... you're telling me, she's from the country where the griffons live?"

"Yes, by the way... you don't know any?... Ashley?" - Blueblood Asked

"Ashley is here?!" - I asked surprised

Ashley was my friend, but I felt something more to her, she was also the object of many boys' sighs in my school, it was strange that she wanted to be friends with someone like me.

"Actually, not here, it's at..."

"Does she feel good? Is everything alright with her?"

"Lara took her to the Emperor of Griffon Empire. She was hurt and lost, but now she is safe, you can be sure of that"

"Phew... okay. But... where did she come from, what happened to her?" - I asked

"Lara said she was attacked by some beast. Ashley only mentioned that it made sounds like a lion and that, it spoke to her"

At that moment, I grabbed my head. The demon who persecutes me caught up with Ashley. I remember what is written in the book about demons. 'If you are persecuted by one of them, he will do everything to make you suffer. Suffering and fear give them strength, and if you are not enough for them, the demons will begin to hurt these ones you love, not only to prey on them but also on you. If you love someone, you will also feel his pain.'

"No, no, no, it's very bad... Very, very bad" - I said, grabbing my head

"What happened?" - Blueblood Asked

"Blueblood, Ashley has been attacked by a demon who is haunting me" - I said

"A demon? What demon?"

"When I came here, every night, my dreams were haunted by the beast. It was... Black Manticore, at the beginning I did not know what it was, but now I know. This is a demon"

"But... What It does want from Ashley?"

"Apparently I'm not enough for him, so now he hurts those I love. Actually... When did Lara meet Ashley?"

"She told me it was about four days ago, and when did you come here?"

"I came here six, maybe... five days ago, I don't remember exactly"

"Do you love Ashley?" - Asked Blueblood

"W-what? No, we're just friends, though... maybe. I don't know" - I said a bit stressed

"It's okay, I understand. But tell me, are you afraid of this demon?"

"Actually, no... I'm not afraid of him so much" - I said

"Not good... It, apparently predicted that you would stop being afraid, which is why he also stuck to Ashley, most likely not only feeding on her fear but also on yours"

"Mine? But... I'm not afraid of him" - I said

"But you are afraid, about Ashley and you know it well"

"Shit... you're right, actually... where did you get these informations from?"

"What informations?" - Blueblood asked

"About Demons. How do you know about it?"

"You know... I also like to read sometimes"

"Yea... you've already proved it to me" - I said, looking at him sarcastically

"Look... I'm sorry for that, I didn't know you're not dangerous" - Blueblood said, his apology seemed to be sincere, his eyes showing remorse

"Apologies accepted. But next time, think twice before doing something" - I said

"Okay, thanks"

"Uhmmm... Can I use the bathroom?" - I asked

"Give me a second, I'll put away the towel. By the way... you're so pale, do you know that?" - Blueblood said, putting down the towel

"I know..."

"No, no, I mean... Today you are even whiter than yesterday, besides... you are so emaciated, tell me... Are you eating well?"

"I don't know, but... I'm already adapted to it, I've lived like that for a very long time..." - I said

"Wow... I cannot imagine something like that" - Blueblood said

"As a proverb says, Human can get accustomed to everything"

Then I remembered the days when I had not yet come to Equestria. I remember the terrible images that I will never forget. My mother stood over my father's corpse, she held a bloody knife in her hand, she was all pale, and through the skin, there were black veins. I remember her saying... 'It... made me do it. It will get you, I just want to protect you' At that moment, it dawned on me, what if this demon is responsible for her death? I was not sure, but everything went into one whole, tears streamed from my eyes, at the thought of what had happened.

"You all right?" - Blueblood asked, pulling me out of my reverie

"Yeah, I'm fine..." - I said

"You can come in, I've already done my thing"

"Blueblood, you don't know where Rainbow Dash is?" - I asked

"I don't know, but I think she went to the garden. I met her and... we conducted... quite an interesting conversation" - Blueblood said, slightly shiver

"What happened?" - I asked

"She was furious at me for that I sent guards on you, and... She told me that, to apologize you"

"Well, you apologized me, and apologize was accepted"

"Thanks, Colin" - Blueblood said, leaving

I went into the bathroom and arranged my private affairs, went to the sink and looked in the mirror. I looked terrible, my skin took on a completely white color, I had dark circles under my eyes and my lips were blue.

"Oh shit..." - I said, touching my face

I leaned over the sink and washed my face, took a clean towel and wiped off. When I finished wiping I dropped the towel down and looked in the mirror. I froze. Just behind me, my mother stood, she was just as pale as I was, and her throat was cut.

"M-mom... Is that you?" - I asked with tears of happiness in my eyes

She put a hand on my shoulder and smiled.

"I'm here, I will never leave you" - She said - "I love you..."

"I love you too, Mom..." - I said, touching her hand

I felt her touch. Her hand was as cold as ice, I turned to her, but she was gone, just disappeared. I wanted to see her again, I felt sadness but also happiness, my mother was with me all the time. I cried softly, I missed her very much, it did not have to end this way, I always tried not to think about it, I didn't want to remember it.

I wiped away the tears. I left the bathroom and went to the garden. I walked through the corridors, constantly turning around, heard someone's footsteps behind me, I felt anxiety then. Walking, I heard footsteps behind me again, turned around and then I saw the black silhouette disappear around the corner, I turned my head back and then I collided with something. I fell to the floor and hit my head, I was confused.

"Oh no! I'm sorry, Colin. Are you okay?"

I looked up and I saw Celestia.

"Colin, I'm sorry, I didn't want to..."

"It's okay, I'm fine" - I said standing up

Celestia looked at me terrified. She moved back slightly, her ears dropping.

"Y-your skin..." - Celestia stammered - "How do you feel?"

"I'm fine, I managed to sleep today" - Celestia continued to stare at me terrified - "Uhmm ... Celestia, what happened?"

"So... You slept today?" - Celestia asked

"Yes, Princess Luna showed me, how to control dreams. Her method really works" - I said

"In that case, I'm glad, but... I am wondering about the color of your skin. You look like terrible" - Celestia said

Celestia came up to me and began to watch me carefully, I felt a little uncomfortable, I took a few steps back.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't want to worry you" - Celestia said, slightly turning my hair to the left

"Nothing happened, I just wanted to ask something" - I said

"What's the matter, my child?"

"Where is Rainbow Dash and Luna?" - I asked

"Luna is very busy now, and Rainbow is in the garden. You better go to her, you're leaving back for Ponyville"

"Thank you, by the way... This morning, when I woke up, I met Blueblood"

"Uhmm... Actually... It's already in the afternoon" - Celestia said with a smile

"Afternoon? But how it happened?" - I asked, slightly surprised

"Luna and Rainbow Dash, they couldn't wake you up, so they decided to let you sleep" - Celestia said, smiling - "What about Blueblood, what happened?"

"He apologized to me for this... incident with guards"

"Oh, alright then"

"He also told me about another book about mythology, and that my friend Ashley is here"

At that moment Celestia was speechless for a moment.

"Uhmm... I know about the book, but... Blueblood didn't mention anything about Ashley"

"He told me that, she is at the Emperor of Griffon Empire"

"At Asriel?" - Celestia asked slightly surprised - "Okay, Colin. Go to Rainbow Dash, I have to do something"

"Uhmmm... Okay..."

Walking through the corridor. I was thinking about Ashley. I was worried about her. She was my friend, just like Mike, a kid with short brown hair with a specific sense of humor, he was my friend from... Always. It's weird because I didn't remember what had happened much earlier, only blurry images in my head.

When I reached the garden, there was nowhere Rainbow Dash. I looked up and saw something that surprised me. From the sky, straight to the ground, with great speed, Rainbow Dash was flying. The rainbow streak was just behind her. When it was quite close to the ground, suddenly a light flashed, and then a deafening roar broke out. I jumped back surprised, then in all directions, a rainbow shockwave began to spread.

I saw Rainbow Dash approaching in my direction, I stopped short, watching it all, then Rainbow Dash landed just in front of me.

"Yeah! It worked! You saw it?" - Rainbow asked excitedly

"Y-yes... what was it?" - I asked surprised

"It was a Sonic Rainboom, you liked it?"

"Ummm... Yeah, it was very spectacular" - I said

Rainbow Dash looked at me anxiously.

"Colin, you're more white, or does it seem to me?"

"I woke up and... You see" - I said, stretching my hands lightly

"I don't like it, Colin. Are okay?

"Yes, I managed to sleep well today"

"So... Princess Luna method worked?" - Rainbow asked

"Yes, I dreamed that, I was feeding animals together with Fluttershy" - I said, smiling slightly

"Anyway, we have to go. We will be late for the train" - Rainbow said

"Okay. Let's go"

I and Rainbow walked through the corridors of the castle until we reached the gate. After leaving the castle, we headed to the city. I didn't eat breakfast, and we were already late, so Rainbow bought us provisions for the road. When we were standing on the platform, all the residents surrounded me and Rainbow. They stared at me in surprise, everyone was gossiping about me. "Look, it's a Beast from Ponyville, It's certainly not dangerous?" "Mommy, what's that?" "The princess said that he isn't dangerous, but... he looks a little bit scary" What is that?... Where does that come from?" "Don't come near him, what if it will attack?"

At the moment when one of the residents took a picture, Rainbow Dash got very upset.

"What are you doing? Leave him alone"

"Surely it's not dangerous?" - Mare asked

"Of course not. Leave him alone" - Rainbow said, a bit angrily

"What if, it will attack?" - Stallion asked

"Leave him alone, it's just a child. Why are you tormenting him?!"

"Just... we're scared of him, he... Looks weird, he's not a pony and we don't know if..."

Rainbow Dash was about to say something again, but then I spoke.

"Do I really look like a monster to you?" - I asked, turning to the crowd

"Uhmm... a little bit yes, though... you do not look so dangerous" - said one of the residents

"What are you still doing here? I'm not a monster, please stop calling me like that!" - I said, close to crying - "Please... Just... Stop tormenting me, leave me alone!"

Residents shifted back slightly in shame, some even apologized for what they said, after a short time, there were only a few residents around us who were also waiting for the train.

"Are you okay?" - Rainbow asked

"Yes... I'm tired of them. Why they just not leave me alone, I'm not a goddamn monster"

"Don't worry about. Will be fine" - Rainbow said, putting the hoof on my shoulder

"I don't know... Whatever" - I said indifferently

A train rode into the station. I got in with Rainbow Dash. We directed to the passenger train car. When we arrived, I sat at the window, and Rainbow was right next to me.

When the train started, me and Rainbow we staggered slightly. I looked out the window, watching the world behind it. It was a really beautiful day outside, with a little cloudiness. I sat staring at the window and thinking about my mother and Ashley. I was wondering if what I saw in the mirror, it was actually my mother, her hand was very cold, so... maybe I touched the spirit?

"Kid, are you okay?" - Rainbow asked

"Yes... I feel good" - I answered

"Listen... I wanted to talk to you"

"About what?"

"I will say straight, it's about last night. I and Princess Luna, we've seen your memories"

"What?" - I asked a bit surprised

"It was during your sleep, we've seen a lot... but most of all, we already know what happened to your mother and... father. They are dead, am I right?"

Tears began to flow into my eyes, just the memory of it. I sobbed quietly and then a trickle of tears flowed from my eyes.

"Mom... No..." - I said, clenching my teeth and crying

"Colin, I... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you sad" - Rainbow said, lightly hugging me

"She's dead because of me, it didn't have to happen. I could do something..."

"Don't blame yourself, it's not your fault..."

"But... I could have saved her. If I didn't listen and stay with her. I'm sure she would be alive! And now... She's dead. That's all it's my fault!" - I said, crying even more

"Colin, no... it's not. You wouldn't do anything. The demon is would kill her, no matter what you did. You wouldn't save her anyway" - Rainbow said

"But how?"

"Demon poisoned her. She was already doomed to death. It killed her and now wants you to think that you are the guilty one. He's feeding on your with pain and suffering"

"But... Why did she tell me to leave her?" - I asked, still crying

"She... She wanted to save you. She told you to go because she didn't want you to watch what was later to happen"

I didn't have any doubts. My mother was killed by this goddamn demon. The pain which I felt was huge then. I saw with my own eyes how she stabbed with a knife. She could do nothing, she was at the demon's control. I felt enormous sadness, and at the same time rage. I swore then that I would get revenge, for all the suffering that this damn demon brought to me.

"My mother, she... Saved me, but... Now I'm alone"

"You are not alone, you have us. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie and Me" - Rainbow said

"Thank you, Rainbow... Thank you" - I said, still crying a little

"It's okay. Don't worry, kid. I'm with you, we will not leave you" - Rainbow said, hugging me more tightly - "Please, be strong..."

It took some time before we got to Ponyville. Me and Rainbow, we were talking on the train about various things, that's how we passed. After leaving the train, Rainbow Dash went to the Twilight house, I decided to go to the park, I liked this place, it was very quiet there, I wanted to stay a while alone and I wanted to collect my thoughts. When I reached the park, I sat under a tree, leaned against it and started thinking. I thought about my mother and how Ashley could be here. I hid my head in my lap and closed my eyes, I have no idea how much time I was sitting.

"Colin?" - I suddenly heard in front of me

I looked up and I saw Lyra in front of me.

"Hi..." - I said

"Is everything alright? Are you okay?" - Lyra asked

"Yes, it's okay, I just... I wanted to sit here for a while, I like this place" - I said

"Can I sit with you?"

"Sure, why not..." - I said

Lyra sat next to me, she began to look at me closely.

"Wow, you are so pale..."

"I know about it... I don't know what it's caused, it just happened, I don't know how..."

"You look sad, something troubling you?" - Lyra asked

"No, it's okay" - I said

"You can tell me"

"I don't want to talk about that, it hurts..."

"Oh... I understand..." - Lyra said, putting the hoof on my shoulder - "Actually, I wanted to tell you something"

"What?"

"It's about this book and... This sketch"

"What about this sketch?" - I asked indifferently

"You know... it's just... disappeared" - Lyra said

"Disappeared?"

"Yes, imagine that there is nothing there. Empty page. By the way, I wanted to ask you something" - Lyra said

"Lyra, when it comes to this escape, I... I'm sorry, I was scared, I just... panicked, I was scared that you would hate me..." - I said, cowering more

Then I felt Lyra start gently stroking my head, smiling at the same time.

"Better?" - Lyra asked

"Yes, better... Thanks"

"I wouldn't hate you, we're friends, you're not a monster, I know it well. I know you, and I know that you are not a beast" - Lyra said gently hugging me

"Thanks, that's nice" - I said, smiling

"Finally I see a smile on this face, you know what? I would like to meet you with somepony"

"With who?" - I asked

"With my friend, Bon Bon, you will like her, I wanted to meet you with her earlier, but she had to go to Manehattan. She had a... important things to do. So, are we going or not?"

"Okay"

"Then, come with me" - Lyra said, getting up

When we crossed the park gate, we started a conversation about various matters.

"Hmmm, the residents seem to be more... Friendly" - I said, passing by ponies who smiled at me and waved to greet me

"When Princess Celestia convinced them that you are not dangerous, they calmed down"

"Yeah, I see..."

"By the way, I wanted to talk to you yesterday, but... I couldn't find you anywhere"

"Yesterday I went to Canterlot and spent the night there" - I said

"What?! You're kidding, right?" - Lyra asked surprised

"No. I visited the city a bit, I was captured by the guards because they thought I was a monster. I met the commander of the royal guard, I visited the gardens and finally spent the night in the castle"

"Wow... You have an interesting life" - Lyra said

"Interesting, you say? Hmmm... Yea..." - I said little sarcastically

"Is everything ok?"

"Yes, just... let's go"

I and Lyra went through Ponyville. After some time, we got to the cafe, at one of the tables was sat a mare. She had a light yellow coat, a mane of navy blue and pink, and her eyes, shimmering in bright blue.

"Bon Bon!" - Lyra called

The mare immediately turned her head towards us as her eyes focused on me, and she opened her mouth in surprise.

"Lyra... W-what is that?" - Bon Bon stammered, shocked, getting up and slowly heading towards us

"This is the human, which I told you about" - Lyra said

"Oooooh... So this is the Colin, you talked about"

"Hi... You're Bon Bon, right?"

"That's right, I've seen a lot of things, but something like you, never. It's nice to meet you, kid" - Bon Bon said reaching to me the hoof, which I shook

Bon Bon looked at me worried, sat down and took my hand, watching it carefully.

"Wow... You're so pale that it's hard to distinguish bandages from your skin and... Those shadows under your eyes..."

"Uhmmm... Yes, I know about it" - I said taking my hand away

"Kid, it's not normal, how are you feeling?" - Bon Bon asked

"I feel good..."

"Uhmm... Are you sure?"

"Sure, I'm fine"

"Well... now that you've met, maybe we'll order something to eat" - Lyra suggested

"Cool for me" - Bon Bon said

"Thank you, I'm not hungry" - I said

"Come on. Why not?" - Lyra asked, pushing me slightly towards the table

"Fine, let it be"

"Wonderful!" - Lyra said sitting down at the table

When we all sat down, a waiter came to us and gave us a menu. When I opened it, I saw such meals as Straw fries, sandwiches and salads with strange additions, actually... Things from which I would probably get sick.

"Hmmm... maybe not" - I said, putting down the menu

"What happened?" - Bon Bon asked

"You know... Things like, straw fries or a daisy sandwich could kill me. It's just that humans have a slightly different digestive system"

"I have to write it down..." - Lyra said, pulling out the notebook, then wrote something in it

Then a waiter came to our table.

"Have you made a choice?" - He asked

"Straw fries, please" - Bon Bon said

"Alright, and you?"

"Same as she" - Lyra said

"Good, and... You?" - The waiter asked uncertainly

"I'm not hungry..." - I said

"Uhmm... alright..." - He said, walking away and looking back

"So... How are you feeling here in Ponyville?" - Bon Bon asked

"It's not bad, but... I feel a bit insecure while staying here"

"Oh, but why?"

"I was attacked by the residents a few days ago"

"That's why you have these bandages? Although... you're so white that it's hard to distinguish them from the skin"

"No. I have bandages because... I had an accident. Don't ask, I don't want to talk about it"

"Alright, kid. I won't press you"

We sit at the table, Lyra and Bon Bon, they were eating their meal, and talking. I was sitting with them, mainly, watching what was going on around me, then it happened. I saw a shadow that passed indifferently by residents, I already knew, it was a demon, after a while he stopped, turned his head towards me, I felt a sudden breeze of cold air, it got really strange, it started to spin in my head, and everything around began to blur. Then It started to approach me. Very slowly. It was getting closer. when It was already a few inches from me, I panicked, I looked away and I started to cover myself, with hands.

"Colin, are you okay?" - Lyra asked

Then I left down my hands. The shadow disappeared. I looked around nervously, but I saw nothing but the houses and residents.

"Yes... it's okay"

"You sure? You looked scared, is everything alright?" - Bon Bon asked worriedly

"Yes, I'm fine, Lyra, I... I'm sorry, but... I have to go now. I have something to do" - I said, getting up

"Okay..." - Lyra said, slightly saddened

"Bye, kid. It was nice to meet you" - Bon Bon said, smiling

"Mutually, bye"

I began to move away, wondering what this damn demon wanted from me? Most likely he wanted to kill me, but... why he will not do it, even now?

"Uhmm... good morning!" - I heard behind me

I turned around and saw the mare. Her coat was dark pink, the mane was shimmering in pale pink, and her eyes were green.

"Are you this... Human?" - Mare asked

"Uhmm... yes. Who are you?" - I asked

"I'm Miss Cheerilie, but you can call me by my name. I'm a teacher at Ponyville Schoolhouse, It's nice to meet you, Colin"

"Wait a minute, how do you know my name?" - I asked a bit surprised

"My three students, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, have always talked about you"

"Okay..."

"You are this mythological creature, in addition real! You are a living relict!" - Cheerilie said excitedly

"Uhmmm... I will consider it a compliment, but... what is it about?"

"Since Princess Celestia announced that a human like you is not dangerous, because she supposedly saw humans with her own eyes, it means that our book on mythology has been hit"

"What are you getting at?" - I asked

"Well... at this point, at my school, we're study mythology and would like you to give us real information about your race during the lesson"

"Oh! I understand. When we can start?"

"For example, now. There is a break, so... I decided to take advantage of this, and take a walk, the break is over and I just came across you"

"In that case, where is this Schoolhouse?"

"Come with me, I'll lead you" - Cheerilie said, moving forward

After a short time, me and Cheerilie, we got to the red building, there was a tower on it, where I saw a bell in the middle, next to the building there was a small playground, where at that moment, children were playing.

"Here we are! Welcome to my Schoolhouse" - Cheerilie said

"Hah, why does it sound to me like... Welcome to the hell?" - I asked jokingly

"I guess that you didn't have it easy at school" - Cheerilie said

"Yea... I was often persecuted, by rascals, actually... the word 'School' reminds me of this only" - I said

"I understand, Well... let's go inside. The lesson will starts soon"

Cheerilie called all the children to school. After a while, I and she entered the building. CMC noticed me immediately, they were a bit surprised to see me here, like most kids who probably did not see something like me, however... One little filly, she particularly caught my attention. She had pink fur, and a white-and-purple mane and tiara on her head, she was always looking at me hatefully.

"Children, this is Human, his name is Colin"

"Hi" - I said smiling slightly nervously

The kids pierced me with their eyes. All eyes were focused on me, but still, this filly with the tiara wondered me. She always gave me that hateful look, however... I think I knew why she looks at me like that, maybe she thinks that I'm monster, I decided to ignore it.

"Today, Colin will tell us about his species, feel free to ask him questions, if he will... agree"

"I agree, ask me questions, I will answer everypony, or... Maybe most of them..."

Sweetie Belle raised hoof first.

"Colin, does every human have such a white skin?" - Sweetie Belle asked, worriedly

"Uhmm... no. A human has a rather creamy skin color, although there are also people with black, brown and yellow skin color" - I said

The next who raised the hoof up was a small foal, had a white coat with brown patches and a dark brown mane.

"Are you from a different world? Oh! And are there more humans? " - The foal asked

"Well... I don't come from here, actually... I have no idea how I got here. And as for the number of humans... There are about six... maybe seven billion" - I said

At that moment, the whole class sighed in surprise, at which point more foals began lifting the hoof up.

"What do humans eating? Is it true that they eat meat?" - The filly with glasses asked

"Uhmmm... actually, humans are omnivores, we can eat both meat and vegetation. Human need meat, for the proper development of the body, although there are also humans who don't eat meat at all"

"So you need meat to body development, just like griffons?" - Cheerilie asked

"Exactly" - I said

"Interesting..." - Cheerilie said, scratching her chin

"Is there discrimination in the human's world?" - Scootaloo asked

"It means?" - I asked

"You know... That... Another human doesn't like the other, because it looks different?" - Scootaloo asked uncertainly

"Unfortunately, Yes... it happens very often"

"Can you eat exactly the same things, like us?" - Asked foal, with a hat with a fan on his head

"If you mean a sandwich with a daffodil or daisy, it's probably not. Flowers for human is a deadly poison"

"You already have a girlfriend?" - Apple Bloom asked

Then almost the whole class giggled, just like the rest of the CMC

"Uhmm... Yes, I have... But it was supposed to be questions about my species"

At that moment, the hoof was raised by this filly with a tiara.

"I have a question. When are you going to devour all of us?" - She asked

"W-what? But... no. Hey, I'm not going to devour anyone" - I said, confused

"Oh yes? Tell me, monster... Why are the humans in the books described as aggressive and merciless beasts?"

"I'm not a monster. That what they write in these books is a nonsense" - I said

"Really? But it must have come from something" - Filly with tiara said

"But what do you mean?" - I asked

"That you have misled us all, but not me. You appear to be that you are not dangerous, and the truth is that you will kill us all!"

"No, I... I'm not a monster!" - I said, then tears came to my eyes. That what this little, nasty filly said, it really hurt

"Shut up, Diamond Tiara!" - Scootaloo shouted

"You shut up. Don't you see? This monster will kill us all! And..."

"Tiara! Scootaloo! Calm down immediately!" - Cheerilie said

"But I will gladly listen to what you have to say" - I said, exasperated, staring angrily at Diamond Tiara

"The fact that you are not a pony. You are a monster. You're don't fit here, better get out of here and don't come back, or..."

"OR WHAT?!" - I asked, seriously angry - "I'm so getting out of here because I don't have a mane, tail, hoof, and tattoo on the ass?! That's why you hate me?! Is that all the time you mean?!"

"Look at it, how he is aggressive. Take a good look at it" - Tiara said, slyly

"Shut up! Everypony has the right to be upset! Especially after something like that" - Filly with glasses said

"Silver Spoon, you against me?" - Diamond Tiara asked

"Of course, yes. Leave him alone" - Silver Spoon said

"Why? I told the truth. This monster does not fit in here, and it's better for him, to leave here" - Tiara said perfidiously

"Tiara, stop. Please!" - I said, coming closer

"Aaah! don't approach me!" - Tiara shouted

At that moment, I was hit by a book, right in the face. I fell to the floor. I felt something run down my lips, I touched my nose, from which blood was a stream.

"Colin, are you okay?" - Cheerilie asked, coming up to me

"I'm fine, everything is alright..." - I said a little angrily

I got up to my feet, I weaped the blood that ran down my lips. Diamond Tiara looked at me, scared. After a moment, I left the Schoolhouse without a word. I began to move away from the school building, I heard someone running after me.

"Colin, wait!" - I turned around and I saw Apple Bloom and the rest of the CMC

"What?" - I asked nervously

"Listen... Don't worry about that, what Tiara says, she..."

"No, listen to me very carefully, I'm sick of it all! Why doesn't everyone leave me alone?!" - I asked turning around and interrupting Apple Bloom

"Colin, relax..." - Sweetie Belle said, a little bit scared

"Tiara is right... I don't fit here. Maybe it would be better if I just leave from here"

"Colin, wait... Please..."

"Applebloom, please... Leave me. I want to stay alone for a moment..."

CMC wanted to stop me, I didn't listen to them. I would have preferred to leave this place so that they wouldn't be disgusted by my presence. Walking through Ponyville, I calmed down a bit, although I still felt bitter.

"Hello, Colin!" - I suddenly heard behind me. I turned abruptly and I saw Pinkie Pie, who was leaping with a joy

"Pinkie, you scared me, is... Something happened?" - I asked

"Is something happened? Oooooh... it happened, it happened, and it's even more than you think!" - Pinkie said happily, jumping even more vigorously - "Come with me, I'll show you something"

"Uhmmm... Okay"

I went for Pinkie Pie, who was jumping happily. I was curious about what she wants to show me, after a short time we arrived at the Twilight house.

"Here we are!" - Pinkie said cheerfully

"Okay, now what?" - I asked

"Wait here. I'll be right back" - Pinkie said, stepping inside and closing the door

I waited for a few minutes, I turned back to the door and wondering what Pinkie wanted to show me. Suddenly I heard a long squeal. I turned around and saw the door that began to open itself, very slowly.

"Uhmm... Pinkie, is everything alright?" - I asked

In the middle there was total darkness, I could not see anything. I hesitated for a moment, but eventually, I went inside. When I was inside, I took a few steps forward, at which point the door closed itself, making a loud bang. I ran to them and desperately tried to open them when the lights were suddenly on.

"Surprise!" - Everyone shouted

I almost jumped. I turned around and saw the decorations and... My friends. Luna, Rainbow, happily jumping Pinkie, Applejack, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Spike, Lyra, Bon Bon, there was almost everyone I met so far, with the exception of Blueblood, CMC, and Celestia.

"Happy birthday, kid!" - Rainbow said, quickly approaching me

I looked around, I was really amazed, they did it for me?

"T-this for me?" - I asked, still surprised

"Sure! Decorations, cake, presents, even guests came, that's all for you!" - Pinkie said, jumping cheerfully

"Wow... Now I understand why Twilight told me to go to the park, right?"

"Whops... See? You got me" - Twilight said, smiling innocently

"But why didn't you tell me?" - I asked

"Then there would be no surprise, pardner" - AJ said

"Oh, I didn't know what kind of cake you like, so... I took all flavors!" - Pinkie said, still jumping

"I... I don't know what to say. Thank you..."

"Don't say anything anymore, blow the candles first and then let's party!" - Pinkie said, still not jumping

After blowing out the candles, the party started. I talked to the guests, I ate a piece of cake that was really good and opened presents, I got a lot of interesting things like a pair of boots from Rarity, or cowboy hat from Applejack. Although I was most interested in a book from Twilight, which was about... The whole Equestria. When everyone was having fun, I was sitting at a table and reading. I studied a few pages and learned about the history of Equestria, I was currently on the site dedicated to Nightmare Moon. She was described as a sinister mare in which Princess Luna changed, through jealousy and hatred, the book even showed her drawing. She has represented a black mare. She had blue eyes with vertical pupils, she was dressed in armor, and just like Luna, she had a waving mane resembling a starry sky. Shivers passed my back, in some sense I understood Nightmare Moon, she was simply unappreciated, and through her fury. She was simply lost and she was exiled to the moon for over 1000 years, I felt sorry for her, although she was the person who I'd rather not meet.

"Hello. Colin. Are you having fun?" - I looked up from the book and saw Luna in front of me

"Yes, thank you for all this" - I said smiling

"No problem, I'd like to talk to you"

"It's about my skin?" - I asked

"No, it's something else. Last night, I and Rainbow Dash, we took a look at your memories"

"I know, Rainbow told me about it"

"Well... I just wanted to tell you that I know about it. I know you were read a book about demons"

"I... I'm sorry... I was just curious" - I said, turning my head away in shame

"It's okay, I'm not angry. I wanted to ask you, how much did you read?"

"But... you were in my memories, I thought you knew about it"

"Yes, but... I could not read what was written there. Everything was blurry. Tell me about everything you've learned, it's very important"

I told Luna about everything I had learned. The only thing I did not know was the demons' marking of the victims because I had not read about it, although Luna seemed satisfied. It's been about an hour, I said everything I learned, Luna gave me a small hug, wished me all the best and went to talk to other guests. I got up from the table to go to the table where there were food and drink, I was thirsty, so I wanted to pour some apple juice and then, it happened. My vision began to smudge, not I have already heard the conversations, everything became strange, the last thing I saw was a black silhouette slowly approaching me, then I felt myself I slowly falling to the floor, and began to close my eyes.

When I woke up, I felt that I was lying on something very hard and cold. My vision was still blurred, I slowly began to get up, it was dark around me, I was in a strange room, around me, from all sides, there were tunnels, I heard someone deep laughter, I heard sounds similar to the pouring water, I started walking, I entered one of the tunnels, I heard the sound of my steps that bounced off the walls and spread everywhere. It was completely dark, I kept walking, holding the wall, my eyes closed, I felt very weak, suddenly the wall I was leaning against, disappeared, opened my eyes and saw that I was in some ruined castle, there were columns everywhere, and the walls were cracked, there was a strange pedestal in the middle. Suddenly, I noticed that something was looking at me, something black, next to one of the columns. I turned around my own axis and in the ruined gate in front of me, I saw this damned demon.

"I'm sick of it! What the fuck, do you want from me?! Get out!" - I shouted furiously - "Get out and don't come back!"

The demon smiled slyly and hid behind the column. I turned to the pedestal behind which the Demon stood, then I remembered what I read in the book, the demon can be chased away if you know his name, but you have to be steadfast and strong.

"Who are you?! What is your name?!" - I asked curiously

The demon opened his mouth, from which a loud roar came out, mixed with someone's scream, I was rejected and pinned to the wall, I saw the beast approach me, very slowly.

"Speak! Who you are, demon?! What is your name?!"

At that moment, the beast ran up to me. It put a clawed paw on my throat, which I caught in both hands, then I suddenly felt a terrible pain on the left side of the chest, something like... Twinge. The pain was unbearable, I looked at my the hands that held the paw of this thing through the white skin showed black veins, the growing pain became stronger, I started screaming as loud as I could, tears flowed from my eyes.

I screamed as much strength in my throat, I rose to a sitting position and started the retreat.

"Colin! calm down, look at me, look at me!"

I opened my eyes and looked around. I saw Luna's worried face in front of me. I immediately jumped in her arms and began to cry. I was completely terrified.

"Shhh... it's okay, don't cry..." - Luna said, hugging me

"I'm scared, Mom..."

"Don't be afraid. It's just a bad dream, I'm here... You are not in danger any more" - Luna said, hugging me a little harder - "Shhh... You're safe, I'm with you"

I was in Luna's arms. She was comforting me all the time, but still, I could not calm down. I was too scared. When Luna released me, I noticed that Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity were also sitting next to me, all looking at me worried.

"Is everything all right, darling?" - Rarity asked

I was breathing hard and my heart was pounding like crazy.

"I-I... w-what, what is..."

"Relax, kid. Breathe. Slowly..." - Rainbow said

I sat for a moment, trying to catch my breath, I finally calmed down.

"Yes, like that, relax..."

"W-what actually happened?" - I asked, still confused

"At your birthday party, you fainted, so we decided to take you to the Twilight room to rest" - Rainbow said - "You literally missed the whole party. It started getting late, so we also went to bed"

"I had a nightmare... It... It... got me..." - That's all I managed to say

"It's okay, it's just a bad dream, you're safe" - Luna said soothingly

"Sorry, I have to go, to the bathroom" - I said

"Okay, go" - Luna said

When I was in the bathroom, I unscrewed the cold water above the sink. First, I washed my face. Then took some water in my hand and drank it. I felt like cool water, refreshed my body. When I left the bathroom, I heard a knock on the door. I went downstairs and opened it, nobody was outside, I turned around and I saw Twilight coming down the stairs.

"Colin, are you okay?" - Twilight asked

"Twilight, I... I'm afraid..."

"Colin, it's okay, it was just a bad dream, you're safe now" - Twilight said

"You are lying... It, was threatening me. But you are trying to comfort me. At first, I believed you, but... Now I see that it's not true, this demon will kill me"

"Colin, don't talk like that, please... we're with you, you can count on us"

"Twilight, I don't know... What if..."

"Listen to me" - She said, coming up to me

"Okay, sorry"

"You're safe now. You have nothing to fear, we're here with you. We're friends, and I will help you if it will be necessary"

"T-thanks, Twilight" - I said

"By the way, since we're talking. You called Luna your mom" - Twilight said, smiling

"What? I really said that?"

"Yes, when you were hugging Luna, you told to her, mom"

"Twilight, It's just..."

"Luna told us that, you told her that she reminds you of your mother. She must have liked you very much"

"Yes, it's true..."

"Let's go back to bed, it's late"

"Okay..."

"In general, I'm sorry that you missed all the fun"

"Twilight, it's okay. I'm not the partying type" - I said, moving toward the stairs

"Don't worry, I'll reward you somehow"

"Twilight, you don't have to. Everything is..."

At that moment I stopped. In the darkness, I saw the figure, the silhouette of a human woman. Twilight also noticed it. After a while, the silhouette came out of the shadows, I couldn't believe my eyes, and yet she was there.

"Mom... Is that really you?..." - I asked, not believing what I saw

End of Chapter 11...