I. Chapter 8: The City On The Hill

Slowly I started to open my eyes, this time, strangely, I did not have any bad dream, sunlight was falling through the open window. I wanted to get up, but... I could not, I felt really weak, but I managed to get up and sit down, on the edge of the couch, I started to think, I felt terribly sleepy myself. I rubbed my face and looked at my hands, a new, clean bandage was on my left hand.

"Good morning, Colin" - said a soft voice, it was Fluttershy, she stood at the door to the kitchen

"Good morning, Fluttershy, how were you?" - I asked

"Quite good, and you?" - She asked coming up to me

"Good" - I said dragging myself - "In total, it was not so bad"

Fluttershy came up to me, took my left hand in her hoof and said:

"When I went down in the morning, you did not have a bandage on your left hand" - Fluttershy said, looking at me uncertainty - "I had to put on a new one, you had to sleep very much since you did not feel it."

"Uhmm... you know, I went to the bathroom and probably my bandage caught something" - I said, smiling reassuringly

"Okay, but... in the kitchen, I found your bandage. Was unrolled... and"

"Fluttershy, listen, can I go to the bathroom?" - I asked, interrupting her, I did not want to talk about it

"Oh, okay, if you must..."

I got up from the couch, took a few steps, and then I felt dizzy and fell to the floor.

"Oh no. Colin, are you all right?" - Fluttershy asked, running up to me

I tried to get up alone, but I could not, I did not have the strength, but after a while, I felt Fluttershy help me up.

"Are you okay?" - She asked carefully, helping me to get up

"It's okay, I'm fine" - I said, I wanted to go to the bathroom, but Fluttershy blocked my path

She stood in front of me and stared at me, worried.

"You're so pale. Are you sure?" - Fluttershy asked anxiously

"Fluttershy, you really don't have to worry about anything, I'm all right" - I said, staggering, heading to the bathroom, then I heard something... squeaking and quiet sobbing that belonged to Fluttershy, I turned around, she saw on me, with tears in my eyes

I wanted to ask what happened, but then Fluttershy did not give me to say a word - "I'm alright, just... go, okay?" - She said quite nervously, it worried me, what did she thinking about?

When I entered the bathroom, I went to the sink and looked in the mirror. Actually, I was pale as a wall, I had dark circles under my eyes, I looked really terrible. I washed my face in cold water, after a while I looked in the mirror again and what I saw, made my heart jump into my throat, just behind me this Manticore stood, stared in me, after a while it smiled, showing teeth, I was afraid to turn away, but I gathered in myself and did it. When I turned around, there was nothing, I looked again in the mirror, also nothing, maybe it was only my hallucinations, due to the fact that I did not sleep, but wondered why my skin became... almost white.

I wondered about all this, not knowing what was going on, I decided to settle my things in the toilet and return to the living room. When I entered the living room, I saw Fluttershy and her rabbit, Angel, who, when he noticed me, immediately hopped to me.

Angel stood in front of me and looked at me with interest, yesterday I did not get to know him because he was asleep.

I crouched down and then stroked Angel - "Hey, how are you, buddy?" - I asked stroking Angel, he just started to foot, with satisfaction

"Colin, come here, it's time for breakfast" - Fluttershy said

"Oh, okay" - I said getting up

Fluttershy walked towards the kitchen, I followed her, and Angel hopped forward. When I walked into the kitchen, a bowl of oatmeal was waiting for me on the table.

"I hope you like oatmeal" - said Fluttershy, giving Angel a carrot

"Sure I like it" - I said sitting down at the table

"Actually... I don't know what exactly humans are eating" - Fluttershy said

"Humans feed on practically everything, we are omnivorous"

"Tell me... Do you like a sandwich with a daffodil?" - Fluttershy asked

"Well... rather not" - I said, swallowing the petals

"Why?"

"You know... Daffodil is poison for a Human, so if I ate a sandwich with this, I'd probably have died"

"Oh... okay, it's worth knowing. It's really weird, every day I eat a sandwich with a daffodil for breakfast and nothing happened to me" - Fluttershy said - "Well, but maybe that's because humans have a different digestive system than ponies"

"Wait, you say that you eat such a sandwich every day, where do you have it?" - I asked

"I'm already after breakfast, I got up a little earlier today to feed the animals"

"Oh man... All fun is missed" - I said somewhat disappointed

"I did not want to wake you up, because you looked very exhausted, don't worry, we'll feed them yet, tonight" - Fluttershy said, smiling at me - "Well when you finish breakfast, come to the living room because we're leaving soon"

"Where?" - I asked

"First we go to Twilight and then we go to Canterlot"

I remembered what yesterday's, or actually... today's night has happened. Princess Luna said that we will see each other today, I thought for a moment and concluded that probably Twilight informed Celestia about that when I went to the park.

"I understand" - I said

"By the way, Rarity was here recently, she made some new clothes for you, maybe you'll like it" - Fluttershy said

"Okay, thanks" - I said, after which Fluttershy left the kitchen

When I ate breakfast, I felt much better, put the bowl down to the sink, then went to the living room where Fluttershy waited for me, with new clothes. There were more socks, long and short shorts, all gray color, a red hoodie, and different colored t-shirts. My attention was drawn to the navy blue t-shirt, I remembered what had happened at night.

"I'll take this one" - I said taking a navy blue t-shirt

"Okay, whatever" - Fluttershy said

I turned around and took off the blue t-shirt that I was in since yesterday, then again I heard a groan that belonged to Fluttershy

"C-Colin..." - Fluttershy said

"Yes?" - I said turning around

"Doesn't it hurt you?" - She asked looking at my back

"Huh? But what?" - I asked

"T-this... uhh, better to see it yourself" - Fluttershy said, running into the bathroom

After a short while, Fluttershy came back from the bathroom with a mirror

"Look..." - she said, sitting down and holding the mirror

Again, I turned my back and looked over my shoulder at the mirror. That what I saw really surprised me, there was a claw mark on my back, it looked fresh, but blood didn't flow from it.

"What the hell is this?" - I asked surprised. Fluttershy didn't say anything, she looked terrified - "Hey, are you all right?"

"Huh? What? Oh, yeah... it's okay, you just have to change your bandages" - Fluttershy said, heading back to the bathroom and taking the mirror with her.

After a moment Fluttershy returned to the living room, carrying new bandages.

"Colin, sit on the couch, okay?" - Fluttershy said

I sat down. Fluttershy slowly began to unwrap the bandages, I heard then she sobbed softly, when she finished unwrapping bandages, began to wrap new ones. She began to sob softly again, I did not want to hear her crying, I just... I couldn't.

"Hey, maybe I'll do it myself" - I suggested

"No, you don't have to, I can handle it"

"Fluttershy, I've been unwrapping my bandages before, so can I do it?" - I asked

"You really want it?" - she asked

"Yes"

"Okay, I'll wait outside" - Fluttershy said, going outside

I started to put on new bandages, it took me about five minutes when I finished, I put on my navy blue t-shirt, it was comfortable and fit perfectly, I remembered Luna again and what happened in the night, to be honest, I was glad I met her and that I told her about my bad dream, all in all... maybe thanks to her, I did not have another nightmare today, I smiled at this thought, I would have to thank her for it.

I went to the door and opened it, there was no one outside, I looked to the right, Fluttershy constant at Angel's house, who eats his carrot. Fluttershy turned her head to me when she heard that I was walking towards her. She looked sad, just like... She was crying a moment ago.

"So? Can we go?" - She asked

"Fluttershy, is... something happened? Are you okay?" - I asked, worried

"No, just... something caught my eye"

"I see that something is wrong, is everything alright? You look like you just cried"

"W-what? N-no, everything is really okay, let's go" - Fluttershy said, heading for Ponyville

I was worried about her, I could not bear her crying, I really wanted to help her, but she did not even give me a chance, just like... like me, anyway, I caught up with Fluttershy and walked right next to her.

Walking down the path through the meadow, I closed my eyes and touched the swaying grass with my fingers, it was really quiet, the only sounds I could hear at that moment were the birds singing and the wind.

"Coooolin"

"Yes?" - I asked

Fluttershy looked at me in surprise - "Huh? What? I didn't say anything" - She said

"Cooooooolin" - I heard again, something like a whisper

"Fluttershy, did you hear anything?" - I asked

"No, nothing" - Fluttershy said

"Cooolin, come to me" - Again the same, this time it was not a whisper, only a hoarse, loud voice

"What the? Now you must have heard it"

"Colin, you terrifying me, what's happening to you?" - Fluttershy asked, moving away slightly from me

When I suddenly noticed something, a shadow started to come in our direction, I stopped then, the closer he came, the more he became clearer, he looked like a lion, or rather... a manticore. It started to get closer and closer, I finally noticed a pair of red eyes and sharp teeth, something was getting bigger and faster and faster, I went backward and stumbled, fell to the ground. Then It opened his mouth, showing rows of sharp teeth, I covered myself with my hands, I was scared.

"Hey, what happened?" - I dropped my hands, there was no shadow, and I saw only Fluttershy who looks at me worried - "Colin, what happened?" - She asked again

Then I got up and started walking, Fluttershy said something to me but... I did not listen to her, I was wondering now what I saw, what the hell was that about? I did not receive any answer, instead, I had more questions.

After some time, we arrived in Ponyville, when the residents saw me, they started to smile, waving me to greet, of course, there were those who still disliked me. I stopped and I looked at them, when they saw me, their faces suddenly became sad, in their eyes I saw compassion and... confusion, I looked away, covered my face with my hand and walked on, partially looking at the residents, I looked again, I saw the shadow of the Manticore that moved on the walls of the houses. When he came across other shadows, he could be seen very clearly, at one point, Manticore stopped, I also stopped, she looked at me and smiled.

"Soon..." - Manticore said

"W-what?" - I asked

"Hey, kid!" - I was surprised by Rainbow Dash's voice, it happened so suddenly that I jumped.

"H-hey, Rainbow..." - I said a bit stunned, then her expression, from joyful changed to sad

"Woah, what happened to you? You look terrible" - Rainbow said

"I just did not get enough sleep" - I answered in a calming tone

"You're so pale and..."

"I'm fine, I'm just sleepy a little bit" - I said - "Can we go to Twilight?" - I asked, and then started to go towards the library

"Kid, you don't look good"

"I'm fine, just... let's go" - I said

We were walking through Ponyville, the residents were looking at me, some of them probably did not really like my presence, but... I didn't care. After a short time, we reached the library, Rainbow flew to the door, and then knocked on it, Twilight opened the door for us.

"Hi, girls!" - Twilight said smiling happily, then her eyes fell on me - "Hi Colin, how are you?"

"Good" - I answered

"Come in, we have to discuss a few things" - Twilight said, letting us in

I went inside, Twilight went upstairs, apart from her, I saw Pinkie, Applejack and Rarity.

"Hi" - I said, then the eyes of all mares focused on me

"Howdy Pardner!" - AJ said coming up to me, but after a moment she stopped and looked at me - "What's happened with you? You're so pale"

"Applejack, I'm fine" - I said

"I don't know, darling, you're white as snow" - Rarity said

"Really?" - I asked

"Really, you look creepy" - Rarity said

Then I looked at my hands, and to be honest, that what I saw surprised me, my hands were so pale that it was difficult to distinguish them from the bandage, although they still retained some cream color, I was stood and stared blankly at them.

"It's nothing" - I said reassuringly

"Well, I don't know, you look almost like death itself!" - Pinkie said

"Pinkie, sometimes I'm afraid of you" - Rainbow said

"What? I say how it is"

"I really look so bad?" - I asked a bit worried

"Colin, don't listen to them" - Rainbow said - "You don't look so bad"

"What is going on here?" - Twilight asked, going downstairs

"Twilight..."

"Yes?"

"Do I look so bad?" - I asked worriedly

"No, you don't look bad"

"But why am I so pale? What is happening to me?"

"I... I don't know, but I assure you, everything will be fine"

"Are you sure?" - Rainbow asked - "This isn't normal, something is not really okay here"

"We'll talk about it soon, but..." - Twilight slightly dropped her head down, she looked like she was thinking over something - "Colin, can you go to the park? You know... to play?" - Twilight suggested

"I'll go with him" - Rainbow said

"Rainbow..."

"But yesterday he runs away. What if the residents attacked him again?"

"Will be fine, the residents have nothing to do with it, besides, we have very important things to discuss" - Twilight said, interrupting Rainbow

"What things?" - I asked, then everyone's eyes focused on me - "Twilight, tell me, why are you asking me to go to the park?. What are you hiding from me?"

"Nothing, we just want to discuss a few important issues. We still have a lot of time before we go to Canterlot, just... you probably would be bored, and these are things about... actually, about all" - Twilight said

"I want to know. What is going on here?"

"Colin..." - Fluttershy said, putting the hoof on my shoulder - "You better go, okay?"

"But, uh... okay"

I wanted to protest, but I thought about it for a moment and decided that the negotiations did not make sense, so I decided to go to the park, but still, I can't stop the thought about this. I was just curious, about what they talking about.

When I left from Twilight house, I headed towards the park. When I walked, I saw a shadow, the same as before, I saw him, on the walls of the houses, between residents, practically everywhere. When I was walking, I was dizzy, I stopped and sat on the bench, the world was spinning so much that I felt sick, I cringed, put my head on my knees and closed my eyes, I sat there for a moment, I do not know how long, but when I opened my eyes, I was surrounded by Ponyville residents.

I felt uncomfortable, I wanted to get up and run away but... there was no place to run, I was surrounded by them, I sat crouching and waited, what would happen next. Residents looked at me, talked to each other, some dared to approach me, but they always retreated, I hid my head in my lap and waited for what would happen next.

I have no idea, how long I sat with my head hidden in my lap, I could still hear the residents conversations when suddenly... everything fell silent.

"What the hell is going on here?" - I heard Rainbow Dash voice

"The monster has returned" - said the male voice

"Where did you see this monster, huh?" - She asked again - "What? Are you? Ugh! That's enough, leave him! And now, go away!"

I did not know what had happened, I still did not lift my head, I suddenly felt something or... someone poke my left leg. I looked up and I saw Rainbow Dash ahead of me and the rest of my friends behind her.

"Hey kid, are you okay?" - Rainbow asked, smiling

"Yes, it's okay, it's just... I felt dizzy and I had to sit down" - I said reassuringly

"You looked as if you needed help" - Twilight said

"Everything was fine, nothing has happened" - I said reassuringly

"And you sitting here for so long?" - Rainbow asked

"How long?" - I asked

"About forty minutes have passed" - Twilight said

"What?!" - I asked surprised - "What actually happened?"

"We wanted to go to the park when we suddenly saw this crowd. You were sitting huddled on the bench, surrounded by the residents" - Twilight said

"And what happened next?" - I asked

"We chased out the residents of, and... at this moment, we're talking to you. Well, but enough talk. Come on, Colin. Let's go to the train station"

"Okay" - I said getting up from the bench

I got up from the bench, staggered slightly, but quickly regained my balance. I went through Ponyville with my friends, Twilight went first, Rainbow Dash was flying from my right, Pinkie Pie happily jumping behind us, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack walking on the left side, talking to each other. After a short time, we arrived at the station. Apart from us, at the station, I noticed other residents who, as usual, looked at me in surprise, I turned my eyes away from them.

"Coooolin"

"What" - I asked

"Did you say something?" - Twilight asked

"Cooome me" - said the mysterious voice

"Twilight, you heard that?"

"But what?" - Twilight asked

"You belong to me" - said the strange voice again

"That voice... Talks to me" - I said stressed

"What voice? I don't hear anything" - Twilight said

"Hey!..." - I suddenly heard behind me

I turned around and saw the shadow, it was this damn manticore stood, his eyes glowed red, he slowly began to smile.

"Where are you going?" - The beast said

"W-what?" - I asked, exhausted

Suddenly, I heard something enter the tracks, and then the whistle, I did not expect it, I almost jumped back, looked forward, a locomotive drove into the tracks.

"Just in time, punctual as always" - Rarity said

I turned my eyes back again, the manticore disappeared.

"Something has happened?" - Rainbow asked

"Oh yes, sorry, I thought a little" - I said as I walked into the train

Rainbow Dash looked at me with a questioning look, worried. When I was inside, I looked again at the place where Manticore stood, it was not there.

"What are you looking at?" - Twilight asked

"It seemed to me that I saw something" - I said, looking at the same place all the time

"What?" - Twilight asked

"That Manticore stood there" - I said, pointing to the place where Manticore stood

"Hmm, wait... you said you heard voices, yes?" - She asked again, frowning

"Yes, I told you"

Twilight stood for a moment, frowned, and stared at the place where it was stood. she rubbed chin with her hoof, looked as if she were thinking about something.

"You should take a nap for a moment" - Twilight said

"Twilight, I'm telling the truth. It stood there " - I said when the train suddenly started. At that moment I lost my balance and I fell over

"Let's go, Colin" - Twilight said, helping me to get up, then went ahead. I wondering why Twilight did not believe me, it sounded absurd, but I know what I saw and heard, on the other hand, Twilight looked like she knew something

We entered the passenger train car, ponies were passengers, but I was surprised when I saw the griffon who was reading the newspaper. I stopped for a moment and looked at her. It was amazing because the griffon was one of my favorite mythological creatures, it was something amazing for me, mythology was one of the things that I was passionate, I knew almost everything about mythology, I've seen Spike, who is a dragon, which means that mythological creatures really exist. Griffon lowered the newspaper, looked at me, initially his eyes were shocked, but later on interested. Griffon carefully examined me with his eyes.

"What... are you?" - Griffon asked

"Colin, come on!" - Rainbow said

"Oh, umm... I'm coming! Sorry, I have to go" - I said.

I caught up with my friends

"Why did you stopped?" - Rainbow asked

"Rainbow, are griffons here?" - I asked

"Uhmm, yes. Why are you asking?"

"Nothing, in my world, the griffon is considered a mythological creature, like a dragon" - I said

"Wait, really?" - Rainbow asked, slightly surprised

"Yes, and the griffon is one of my favorite mythological creatures" - I said

"In that case, seeing something like that must be extraordinary for you, am I right?"

"Extraordinary? It's so awesome! Tell me... except for the griffons, what creatures are living in Equestria?" - I asked

"We talk about that, when we sit down, okay?"

"Okay"

We walked through the train cars until we finally got to the right one. I sat at the window, next to me sat down Rainbow Dash, later took their seats Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Applejack.

"Okay Rainbow, tell me, what creatures are living here?" - I asked

"In addition to griffons and dragons... are also living here chimeras, hydras, manticores, basilisks, minotaurs, cyclops, I have to exchange further?"

"And all these creatures live here?" - I asked in disbelief

"Yes, but I forgot to mention that griffons and dragons have their own kingdoms" - Rainbow said

"It's amazing, all the creatures that you exchanged, In my world considered a myth, crap... I would like to see a dragon, but... not like Spike, I would like to see such a big, with wings and huge sharp teeth"

"Oooooh, believe me, you wouldn't want to" - Rainbow said

"Why?"

"Dragons are not friendly, and even if is, it's probably the dragon just to pretend to be nice" - Rainbow said

"But Spike is also a dragon"

"Well, yes, but he was brought up among the ponies, and most of the dragons are rather wild and very dangerous" - Rainbow said

"Still, I'd like to see something like that with my own eyes" - I said

"Whatever. But believe me, you would not be glad"

"If you say so..." - I said with a shrug

I sitting on my seat, watching the world outside the window, my friends began to talk to each other, after a while, I began to get more and more sleepy, I leaned my head against the window, I began to squint my eyes until I finally closed them, I heard the conversations of my friends just like through the mist, until finally, they fell silent completely.

When I opened my eyes, I was still in my seat, but it was night outside, and the train kept going, I was completely alone.

"Twilight, are you here?" - I asked, only silence answered me - "Applejack? Fluttershy? Rarity?" - Nothing, all the time I was answered by a silent silence

I got up from my place and went to the door, opened it and was already outside, I decided to enter the next train car. What I found inside, really surprised me, the wagon seemed to be much longer and more like a corridor. I began to walk forward, the sounds of my steps bounced off the walls, after a while, I heard someone's footsteps, turned around, but there was no one behind me, I looked forward and saw... you guessed, this damn Manticore.

"Soon..." - Manticore said

"What?" - I asked, but then the manticore disappeared - "Hey, where are you?"

There was darkness around me, I was completely confused, I was about to take the first step when Manticore jumped out of the darkness. With one hit, he brought me down to the floor, then with right paw, Manticore began to strangle me. It pressed me more and more, my vision began to blur, all the time I heard someone say my name.

"Colin, Colin, wake up"

The beast pressed me to the ground more and more, I could not catch my breath when I suddenly woke up.

I got up immediately, I caught a very deep breath. I grabbed the ribs, that immediately hurt me.

"Wow, you all right, kid?" - Rainbow asked, I looked at her face, which was worried, later I noticed that I was in bed

"Easy, boy. Breathe" - Twilight said

"Where am I?" - I asked, still slightly stunned

"We're still in the train, but we are slowly approaching Canterlot. You fell asleep so we decided to move you to the train car with beds" - Rainbow said

"How are you?" - Twilight asked

"It's okay. Only my ribs are hurt a bit" - I said rubbing my chest

"But besides, everything is okay?" - Rainbow asked

"Yes, it's fine, I feel a little better" - I said

"In that case, get up, we'll getting off in a moment" - AJ said

When I got out of bed, I staggered slightly, Applejack gave me a sign to follow them. We stood in front of the train car exit door. After a while, the train stopped, and the door opened. When I went outside, the sun blinded me for a moment, but after a while, my eyes got used to it. Then I saw the city, it was huge, I looked around, there were shops, restaurants, and apartments everywhere, but the castle that was even bigger than I expected threw me in the eye.

"Well, here we are" - Twilight said

"So... This is Canterlot?" - I asked, rubbing my eyes in surprise

"As you see, darling" - Rarity said

"I did not expect it to be so huge" - I said still amazed - "Wow, it makes an impression"

"I'm glad you like it. Fluttershy, will you be alone with Colin for a while?" - Twilight asked, to which Fluttershy nodded

"What? But why?" - I asked

"Well, you know... we've got a lot of special things to do" - Pinkie said, nudging me with her elbow.

"What things?" - I asked

"You will know tomorrow!" - Pinkie said, jumping happily

"Uhmm... Fine, let it be" - I said uncertainly

"Okay. Come on, girls" - Twilight said, then she go with Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Applejack, to the city

"So... We're alone, again" - I said

"Looks like it. Maybe we'll walk a bit?" - Fluttershy offered

The city looked beautiful, I really wanted to sightsee it.

"Well?..."

"Yeah, sure" - I said, with the smile

I was walking with Fluttershy around the city, we visited the shops, we admired all kinds of decorations, we also visited the art gallery, interestingly, the residents were not particularly interested in me, it was different here, the residents were wearing very neat clothes. We were walking around the city for about thirty minutes, the walk was slowly getting bored, then I saw a city park in the distance.

"Hey, Fluttershy. What do you think about going to the park?"

"Uhmm... Okay. Whatever" - Fluttershy said

"Wonderful! I'll be first!" - I said running towards the park

"Colin, wait for me!" - Fluttershy said, chasing me

I ran through the city, the residents for the first time paid attention to me, after a few moments I managed to get to the park. I looked around, it was really beautiful here, after a while I heard the panting behind me, turned around and I saw Fluttershy, she gasped, and her face turned red.

"You are... very fast..." - Fluttershy said, falling on the grass with fatigue

"When did you know that?" - I asked jokingly, also falling to the grass

"Uhmm... actually, when you came here" - Fluttershy said - "Then you ran even faster"

"Hah, what can I say?... I like running" - I said, rising to a sitting position, and Fluttershy lay down stomach

"So, you like the sport, just like Rainbow Dash"

"As you can see, yes" - I said

"You have a lot in common, you like sports, you get along well" - Fluttershy said

"Yeah. To be honest, I like her, she's... is really cool" - I said

"Yes, you are right, she is also very loyal" - Fluttershy said

"Hmm... Now I know, why she waited so long in the hospital until the doctors heal me"

"How long?" - Fluttershy asked

"When I came up here, there was a day. But when I wake up, it was already dark"

"Have you talked to Rainbow before?" - Fluttershy asked

"No... I woke up and I was alone in the room, I had bandages on me, then from behind the door I heard someone approaching, so I immediately began to pretend that I was sleeping"

"Why?"

"I was just afraid, anyway... I had my reasons. The residents wanted to kill me"

"I know. I understand you" - Fluttershy said

"Anyway... Rainbow talked with a doctor. Then she approached the bed where I lay, and she stroked me"

"Have you been still afraid?"

"Yes but... a little less, but I still didn't have the courage to get up" - I said

"Don't worry, I understand it, you were just scared"

"Scared... Yeah..."

I sat together with Fluttershy, it was a beautiful day, birds were chirping, children were playing around.

"Fluttershy"

"Yes?"

"Do you remember, when you said I'm cute?" - I asked, then Fluttershy blushed a little bit

"Yes, I remember"

"Tell me... You really think so?"

"Well, when I saw you for the first time, you were so... scared, uncertain. You looked just really cute" - Fluttershy said, I turned my head away from Fluttershy because I felt that I was beginning to blush - "Colin, are you okay?"

"Yes, I just... You know... I... Thanks... It's nice of you" - I said a bit embarrassed

I turned my head back to Fluttershy, a ladybug sat on her mane. I stretched my hand and she just flew on it.

"Colin, what are you doing?" - Fluttershy asked, then I showed her a ladybug, sitting on my hand - "Can I?" - Fluttershy asked, I put a hand to her, where the insect was sitting. Fluttershy brought hoof closer to, the ladybug, as if nothing had happened, sat on him, but after a while, she flew away.

I sat with Fluttershy, watching the park and walking residents, I felt happy again. We sat there about fifteen minutes when I heard a voice behind me.

"What the hell is that?!" - A male voice asked

I turned around. I saw a stallion behind me, it was a unicorn, it had a greasy blond mane, its coat was white and its eyes were blue. The stallion stood and stared at me in shock, the situation was a bit awkward.

"Uhmm... good morning?" - I said, looking inquiringly, then Fluttershy turned her head back

"Blueblood?" - Fluttershy asked

"Wait, you know this guy?" - I asked

"Guards! Get him!" - Stallion screamed. Then a guard stood in front of me, dressed in gilded armor.

"Wait, what is goin?..." - I didn't finish, then I felt something very hard hit me on the back of my head, I fell down on the ground, confused.

"Leave him alone!" - Fluttershy said

"Tie his paws, you know what this being is and you know about the threat" - I turned my head towards the stallion, who measures Fluttershy with his eyes - "And you, please do not interfere, that's my advice"

The guards tied my hands with rope, I tried to break the ties, but in vain.

"Get up. Now!" - Said the guard. I got up - "You follow me and I advise you well, don't try anything stupid"

"Well done. Bring him to the dungeons, and then come to me for your payment" - Stallion said

"Go, now!" - Said a second guard, who urged me with a spear

"No! Don't hurt him, please..." - Fluttershy said weeping

I walked, I looked back, Fluttershy argued with this stallion, but the view was covered by a guard who was still rushing me, the residents looked at me, some were scared, others were curious, exactly the same as in Ponyville.

"Where are you leading me?" - I asked

"Shut your mouth" - Said the guard in front of me

"But... what do you want from me? I didn't do anything"

"This will be decided by her highness, Princess Celestia. And I have a good advice for you, pray for her pardon, monster..." - Said the guard in front of me

After some time we reached the walls, then we entered the royal court, and later, to the castle gate, the guards standing at the entrance let us in. I didn't know what to do. I panicked, I turned around and kicked the spear, which the guard held behind me, before the first he knew, what is going on, I had already fled far enough.

"Alarm! We have a fugitive prisoner!" - The guard shouted

I ran through the corridor, the guards blocked the way, I stopped, then turned back and again, the road blocked by the guards, I was surrounded by them.

"Sweet dreams, monster" - Said one of the guards, and then I got a powerful hit with the spear in the forehead.

I fell limply to the ground, my vision was blurred. I saw blurry silhouettes of guards aiming at me with spears, after a while, it began to grow darker and darker until finally, I lost consciousness.

I managed to regain consciousness, I felt that I was lying on something soft and that I was covered with something, I slowly opened my eyes, everything was blurry and my head ached unbelievably, after a few moments, my eyesight improved. I rose to a sitting position, I realized that I was lying in bed, and on my head, there was a very tight bandage.

"Colin, you woke up" - Said on the left, a woman's voice, I looked left and saw Celestia sitting next to the bed

Then I looked around the room, I was in a nicely decorated chamber.

"What's happened?" - I asked, catching my head that hurts

"Are you okay?" - Celestia asked

"My head hurts"

"Doctors helped you, they suspect you may have had a concussion from such an impact, they also said you lost a lot of blood, which your skin color reveals, but... it could have been before" - Celestia said, putting the hoof on my head

"Where am I?"

"You were unconscious, so I brought you to the guest room in the castle" - Celestia said, taking her hoof

"What actually happened?" - I asked

"You have been captured by my guards"

"You ordered them to do it?" - I asked anxiously in my voice

"What? No. Blueblood told them to capture you" - Celestia said, frowning

"Blueblood? Wait... I know this name, Fluttershy said it. Blueblood, is a unicorn, with a blonde mane?"

"Yes, that's him"

"Why did they do it?" - I asked

"He told the guards that you were..."

"Let me guess, an aggressive, merciless, bloodthirsty beast, who killing for pleasure, devoid of consciences and feelings, am I right?" - I asked, slightly nervous, interrupting Celestia

"Y-yes, but... how do you know that?"

"It doesn't matter, how I know it. Most important is, who wrote this nonsense" - I said, seriously upset

"I don't know" - Celestia said, slightly confused

I got out of bed and went to the window, then looked at the city.

"Why did someone write something like that?" - I asked - "I am not a monster, I am not killing for pleasure and... I am not deprived of conscience or feelings, I wouldn't hurt anyone"

"I know, my child. You have nothing to be afraid of, please don't worry about it" - Celestia said, putting the hoof on my shoulder

"How can I not worry?" - I asked, turning abruptly - "I'm a monster to them, they wanted to kill me"

"Please, it's okay. The residents have been informed that you are not dangerous"

"When?"

"You remember the day we met, yes? The news spreads very quickly, the whole Canterlot talked about a very dangerous monster, who was in Ponyville. In the newspapers, you were described as... Beast from Ponyville. When I returned to Canterlot, I announced city residents that they have nothing to fear and that you are harmless"

"They believed?" - I asked a bit calmed

"Most yes, but there were those who still thought that you are... you know..."

"I know" - I said sadly, looking again at the window, then I turned back to Celestia - "That would explain why the residents of the city were not particularly interested in me, but... I don't understand one thing, you announced it to the whole city, yes?"

"Yes" - Celestia said

"In that case, why did the guards attacked me?"

"Blueblood stirred them. The guards who attacked you is a those who probably didn't know you were harmless" - Celestia said, frowning

"Okay, but what about Fluttershy, Twilight, Rainbow?..."

"Relax. The Elements of Harmony know what happened, they are very worried about you" - Celestia said

"Elements of Harmony? Wait a second, what?"

"Twilight didn't tell you?" - I nodded that no - "Okay, it's time to catch up. Fluttershy represents Element of Kindness, deals with animals as you already know, Rainbow Dash represents Element of Loyalty, Applejack is representative of Element of Honesty, Pinkie Pie represents Laughter, Rarity represents the element of Generosity, and Twilight, my pupil, represents Magic. Elements of Harmony, it's an extremely powerful weapon, thanks to which you can do a lot of good, but unfortunately also bad "

"Kindness, Loyalty, Honesty, Laughter, Generosity and Magic, well... all in all, everything fits together. Where are they now?"

"They're here in the castle, hidden in a room that only I can open" - Celestia said

"No, no. I mean my friends" - I said

"Oh, yeah. They're in the castle garden"

"Okay, but... I'm wondering if... Elements of Harmony have already been used?" - I asked

"Thanks to the Elements of Harmony, they managed to defeat Discord and Nightmare Moon"

"Nightmare Moon? Who is it?" - I asked curiously

"My sister, Luna, changed into her one day" - Celestia said sadly

"Why? What happened?"

"Maybe better sit down, it's a long story"

I sat on the bed, and Celestia sat next to me, and then began to talk

"Thousand years ago, me and my sister, as every day, we controlled the sun and the moon, the residents worked, they played, during the day, at night they fell asleep, it made my sister feel jealous and changed into Nightmare Moon" - Celestia said, saddening even more

"What happened then?" - I asked sadly

"She... wanted to bring eternal night into the world, I couldn't allow it, I had no choice but to use the Elements of Harmony. I banished her to the moon, for over a thousand years"

"It's a long time, but... Princess Luna is here, how?" - I asked

"After a thousand years, she came back... she wanted to bring eternal night again, I was afraid that it would be necessary again, to banish her, and instead... a miracle happened, thanks to Twilight and her friends, we managed to disenchant her, that's the whole history"

"Wow... and actually, where is she now?" - I asked

"She is sitting in the castle library all the time. She doesn't speak to me, doesn't eat anything, drinks almost nothing, keep sitting over the old books and says not to disturb her" - Celestia said, with anxiety. It intrigued me a little, what was Luna reading about, all in all... maybe it had something to do with me and my nightmares, but... I could only guess

"Maybe we'll go to her?"

"Actually... why not? Maybe she'll speak to you" - Celestia said hopefully

"In that case, let's go" - I said getting up from bed

"I'll take you to Luna. We'll make her a little surprise"

After leaving the room, we went down the corridor, to the left. I was close to Celestia, just in case. Walking along the corridors of the castle, we passed patrolling guards, who now looked at me with apologetic eyes, I recognized one of them, it was the one I had kicked the spear with, turned my eyes away from him and walked on.

"You know... Luna told me that, she met you tonight. She liked you very much" - Celestia said

"I like her too" - I said

"I see you wear a T-shirt, in her color. Is this because of yesterday's meeting?"

"Actually, yeah" - I answered with a smile

"In addition, my sister said she reminds you, someone, very much"

"Really, who?"

"Someone who has loved you, someone... who you loved and... someone who already..."

"Can we stop talking about it, please?" - I said, looking away

"It's very difficult for you, I understand. I'm sorry, I didn't want to recall unpleasant memories" - Celestia said, sadly

"Nevermind, just forget about it"

Going down the corridor, we encountered a stallion, it was a unicorn, but different, he was dressed in a red uniform, his coat was white, the mane was blue and light blue.

"Hello, Your Highness" - Stallion said

"Hello, Shining Armor. Good to see you" - Celestia said, then the stallion looked at me

"And this little one, who is this?" - Stallion asked, looking at me carefully

"This is Colin, he is a human" - Celestia said

"Hey, little guy. I'm Shining Armor, commander of the royal guard, nice to meet you"

"Uhmm, hello..." - I said

"My sister, Twilight, she told me about you. I suppose you were this... Beast from Ponyville, everyone was talking about you that you're dangerous, but now, when I look at you, it looks like, the devil is not so terrible as he is painted" - Armor said jokingly

"You are a Twilight brother?" - I asked

"Yes, she didn't tell you about me?"

"Uhmm, no" - I said

"Well, I have to go. Duties are calling. it was nice to meet you, Colin. Bye" Armor said, going the other way

"Yeah... bye" - I said

"Something happened?" - Celestia asked

"No, It's okay. I didn't expect Twilight has a brother, and... that he is the guard commander"

"Life can surprise, my dear" - Celestia said

"Hah. I've already managed to convince myself about that... Many times" - I said ironically

"I know, let's go" - Celestia said, giggling

After some time, we came to the library, which was just huge, I have not seen so many books in my life.

"Wow, a lot of it" - I said, looking around

"Yes, indeed. You'll find a book here, for practically any subject" - Celestia said, approaching to one of the shelves

I approached one of the shelves, I was interested in a book about mythological creatures, the same one that Lyra had, I wanted to put it back, but... I decided to open it, I turned over to page 119 and then, next one. I was surprised, I remember perfectly well that when I read Lyra's book, there was a sketch on the next page, depicting a human who devouring a pony, strangely... instead of him, there was sketch depicting a naked woman and man. Then I closed the book and put it back in place, I was wondering what it was all about, is it any other copy or something? Wait... I remember how Lyra said that the sketch was not here before, something was wrong. I took the same book again and turned over to the page where the sketch was, what I saw it shocked me. Instead of a sketch was the inscription 'You belong to me...' written in blood.

"What the hell?" - I asked, dropping the book

"Colin, what happened?" - Celestia asked worriedly

"Nothing, I thought that I saw something"

"Alright. Well, let's go to Luna" - Celestia said, then I went with her

After a few moments, we arrived at the center of the library, where there was a table, Princess Luna sat at the table. Her appearance surprised me a bit, instead of the necklace on which the crescent was located, she had a bandage, while her left wing was completely bandaged, I turned around so that you do not have to watch it.

"Sister?"

"I asked you not to disturb me" - Luna said, still reading

"Yes, I understand and I'm sorry, but someone wanted to meet with you" - Celestia said, then I heard Luna get up and start coming closer to us

"I did not express myself clearly? I told you not to..." - Luna stopped her sentence in the middle, steps stopped for a moment - "Colin!"

Then I heard Luna running towards me, I turned around and then, Luna threw herself on my shoulders and hugged me tightly.

"You don't even know how happy I am to see you" - She said, still hugging me

"I'm also glad to see you" - I said, reciprocating the hug

When Luna released me from her grip, she looked at me somewhat shocked.

"W-what's happened with you? You're so pale" - She said, shocked

"I had it when I woke up" - I said

"But... At the night you looked normal, tell me, didn't you feel weakened when you woke up? Or... didn't you hear any voices? Or... didn't you see something strange?"

"Actually, yes, I could hardly get up at all. I was dizzy and I heard voices. I was with my friends all the time, but... they said they didn't hear anything. I saw too the shadows too, but... they didn't see it either" - I said worriedly, then Luna sat down, covered her face with hooves, she was terrified - "Princess Luna, are you okay? You are wearing bandages"

"Oh no... it's worse than I thought..." - Luna said, revealing her lips

"Wait, worse?... but what it does mean?" - I asked, already seriously concerned

"Sister, we have to talk in private"

"Luna, what happened? Can we talk later?" - Celestia asked

"Now, do you understand? We cannot talk later, but immediately!"

I moved back slightly worried, Luna noticed, looked at me reassuringly.

"Colin, wait here, okay? Don't touch anything, I'll be back soon" - Luna said in a hurry

"Okay" - I said, still worried

When Luna and Celestia disappeared from my view, I went to the table where the open book lay, but my attention was caught by the book, in title *About Demon's* I took it and opened it, and I saw the table of contents. Demons of the lower circle, Demons of the upper circle, Intrusion, Ascension, Subjugation, Possession, Exile, or... Hallucinations, Nightmares, Meaning of Demon Names, and so on... there was a lot of that.

"Holy shit, what the hell is that?" - I asked myself, grabbing my head

I was shocked by what I just saw, I wanted to put the book back, but then I realized that maybe there is an answer in this book, what happened to me. What if it is not? 'Just a bad dream' maybe it's more than that, maybe I'm actually dealing with a demon, all in all... it would explain a lot. I see and hear things that nobody else sees, except me. I turned over to the first page and started reading.

My sister brought me out of the library, she looked shaken and scared at the same time, I wondered what was so important? That we have to talk now.

"Well, Luna. What did you want to talk about?" - I asked

"It's about Colin, is worse with him than I thought. The demon has an increasing influence on him, we have to tell him" - Luna said

"But... no, he is not ready" - I said

"Do you remember this inscription in my bedroom?" - Luna asked and I nodded - "It was painted with Colin's blood, I'm sure of it, the demon mutilated him and wrote it"

"Are you sure?" - I asked

"Yes, you didn't notice how pale it is? Or this dark circles under his eyes? It's getting worse, sister. We have to help him, otherwise, it will be too late, you must tell him that he is harassed by a demon, he must know how to deal with him and how to defend himself against him"

"Are you telling me that, we have to give him... this sword?"

"What? No! At least not now, the Demon most often visits him in dreams, I'll teach him how to control dreams, maybe it will help him" - Luna said, with hope in her voice

"Alright, but... I have some concerns, what if we only make things worse?" - I asked

"We must try, I don't want him to suffer"

"I see that you care a lot about him" - I said, smiling

"I like him very much, I don't want anything bad to happen to him"

"Yeah, but... he was captured by my guards today" - I said sadly

"Why? What happened?" - Luna asked, slightly surprised

"Blueblood told them to do it, these guards were one of those who didn't know that Colin was harmless" - I said, dropping my head slightly

"But... everything is alright with Colin, Yes? How exactly did this happen?"

"I walked along the corridor of the castle when I suddenly saw the guards circling Colin, his hands were tied, after a moment one of them hit him, with the back of the spear in the head, at the moment he fell to the floor, I ran to him, but then he lost consciousness, I talked with guards that he is harmless, that they should not attack him and..."

"Ugh! What a bastards! I swear, as soon as I get to them, they'll know my anger!"

"Luna, they didn't know that he was harmless, Blueblood sent them, but even so, he did not know that Colin was harmless, and the guards only performed their duties" - I said, interrupting Luna

"But... uh... you're right, he didn't know about it, but they should not do it, Colin is just a child, he should not be treated like that" Luna said, then she became sad

"Maybe let's go to him, we left him alone"

"Sure, but I will have to talk with Blueblood so that there will not be a similar situation" - Luna said, and then she started to go back to the library.

I went back to the library with my sister, when we walked past the shelves, Luna stopped for a moment.

"What happened?" - I asked, going forward, and then I stopped

"Nothing, just one of the books, lay on the floor" - Luna said, putting the book back on the shelf, it was the one, which Colin dropped

We went on, when we suddenly heard that something fell on the floor again, we turned, the book fell to the ground, the same one that Luna put on the shelf.

"What the?..." - Luna asked

"Sister, what's going on?" - I asked, exhausted

"I don't know" - She said, going over to the book lying on the ground

I also decided to approach, then Luna raised her head, stopped and stepped back, terrified staring at one point.

"Sister, what's wrong?"

I looked where she looked Luna, at that moment I froze. A demonic manticore stood in front of us, stared at us, then turned away and went to the right.

"Luna, wait here"

I went where the demon went, I looked around, he was gone. I went on, I came to a very dark corner, and it happened, the shadow passed right next to me, I began to retreat, then a pair of red eyes flashed in the darkness, he stood there, staring at me.

"He belongs to me..." - Demon said

"No... He doesn't belong to you" - I said angrily, then Demon smiled

"Really?" - Demon asked, smiling

"Me and my sister, will not let you hurt him, do you understand?"

"And what can you do? Oh... let me guess, nothing, you are powerless against me" - Demon said, then disappeared

I started to move back again, turned around and started to go back to my sister.

"You will die if you try"

Then I turned around, and I was got a strong hit on my face. I fell to the floor, I felt a burning pain on my right cheek, I touched it, then I felt a claw mark on my face, from which blood streaming. I looked around in panic, got up and started to run, I heard the demon's voice in my head - "You will die if you try, he belongs to me, I will get him, and you can do nothing" - I ran terrified, Colin was nowhere safe, I wanted to tell Luna to take him away from here immediately.

"Sister, what happened?" - Luna asked, noticing me

"Luna, take Colin away from here, go to Twilight and her friends, I'll join you soon"

"Y-your face..." - Luna said shocked

"I'll be fine. Go for him, quickly!"

"All right, I'll go get him" - Luna said, running to Colin

I was completely confused after what I just read, but I kept going on, I wanted to start reading about Marking victims by demons, when suddenly I heard someone walk, or rather... run towards me, hearing this, I closed and put the book on the table. The sounds of galloping grew louder, and finally, Luna came out from behind the bookshelf.

"Colin, let's get out from here, okay?"

"But why? What happened?" - I asked

"We will go to the garden where Twilight is and the rest, but anyway... I also wanted to talk to you"

"Okay. Actually, I wanted to see them"

"Okay, let's go now, come on" - Luna said, pushing me lightly

I wondered where this haste came from, and where is Celestia? Something must have happened.

After leaving the library, we went through the corridors, when we reached the door, Blueblood came through, took a few steps and then his eyes focused on me.

"What is it?! I thought you were in the dungeon, guards! Come to me!" - Blueblood shouted, then guards came running through the door

"Prince, what happened?" - One of the guards asked

"Capture this monster, he got out of his cell" - Blueblood said, pointing to me

Then one of the guards slowly approached me, I then stepped back. The guard examined me, then he smiled and turned to Blueblood

"You mean, this monster?" - The guard asked

"Yes, what are you waiting for? Get him"

"Seriously? Are you afraid of a child?" - The second guard asked, who also approached me

"This isn't a child, it is a bloodthirsty beast!" - Blueblood said hysterically

Then the two guards laughed, Luna and me, watched it.

"What are you laughing, idiots? Capture him" - Blueblood said

"Stop it, he's harmless" - Said one of the guards

"How do you know that he is harmless?" - Blueblood asked

"How do you know that he isn't" - Luna asked, interfering in the discussion

"Your Highness, what are we to do?" - One of the guards asked

"Go back to the patrol, he isn't dangerous" - Luna said

The guards saluted and left.

"What? But... come back here!"

"They I'll not come back. Blueblood, we need to seriously talk" - Luna said

"About what, Aunt? And what It doing here?" - Blueblood asked, looking at me in disgust

"This is not It, this is Colin, tell me... Why did you send guards on him?" - Luna asked

"You didn't read the book? Human is our enemy, he is dangerous, he is..."

"He is not" - Luna said, interrupting Blueblood

"Where do you get that confidence?"

"Because that what's written in this book, is a nonsense. Tell me, does he look like a monster to you?" - Luna asked, looking at me

"More than enough"

"Prince Blueblood!" - Luna roared, then I stepped back a bit - "Stay away from this child, otherwise..."

"Yes, yes, I understand, I will not bother him" - Blueblood said, shrinking in fear

"You'd better keep your word"

"Y-yes, I promise" - Blueblood said

Luna snorted, as normal horse do, and then she went away, I looked at Blueblood, who was cowering with fear, then I caught up with Luna.

"Your Highness, are you alright?"

"Yes, it's okay, why do you ask?" - Luna asked smiling to me

"You looked really angry"

"I don't like when someone hurts my friends" - Luna replied

"You've reacted really hard"

"Sometimes you have to. Don't worry, Blueblood will not bother you" - Luna said, embracing me with her wing

"I feel sorry to him. He looked really scared, he actually has sent guards on me, but... I don't like to watch when someone... you know" - I said looking back

"So, you feel sorry for him... after this?" - Luna asked, and I nodded - "It looks like you have a good heart. I really don't understand why someone like you is treated like that"

"I don't know that either, but... maybe I will find out" - I said

"I'm wondering who wrote this book, there is no author's signature anywhere, it's a bit strange" - Luna said

"Maybe he wanted to be anonymous, or... he did not have time to sign it" - I suggested

"Maybe... but why did he write such things?"

"Maybe he was a racist" - I said

"Hmm, that would make sense, but... there are griffons among us, sometimes even dragons, but despite this, there is no discrimination, in your case it is different, something is wrong here" - Luna said, frowning, but after a while she smiled - "But let's not think about it, let's just enjoy the day"

After a short time, I came with Luna to the garden, where my friends were, Rainbow Dash noticed me first, which immediately ran to me, and the rest with her.

"Colin, there you are, we've heard what happened, are you okay?" - Rainbow asked

"I'm fine" - I said

"Blueblood sent guards to him, but calmly, I talked to him already" - Luna said

"And what?" - Twilight asked

"And nothing, I exchanged a few words with him and that's all"

"This bastard should suffer the consequences! Like the guards" - AJ said angrily

"Wait a minute... why have not they been punished?" - Pinkie Pie asked

"Because they didn't know that Colin wasn't dangerous" - Luna said

"Anyway, they did not do the right thing. They shouldn't attack him, I've had enough of this, why did they do it? To who Colin was at fault? To no one, why is this happening?" - AJ asked

"Applejack, it's okay. The matter has been cleared up" - I said

"I have enough of this!" - AJ said stomping on the ground - "Can they not, fuck off from you?!"

At this moment, my eyes and the others focused on Applejack, they even the guards who were on patrol.

"Wow, relax Applejack, don't say such words next to him, okay?" - Rainbow Dash said pointing at me

"Oops... I... I'm sorry, I just..."

"I understand your anger, I'm not enthusiastic with it too. Forget about it, okay? The case is already cleared up, there is no point in scratching old wounds" - Luna said, putting the hoof on Applejack's shoulder

"Princess Luna, you have bandages, what happened to you?" - Twilight asked

"I was attacked" - Luna said

"By who?" - Twilight asked

"Through the Demon, who persecutes Colin"

At the moment when I heard this, I had no more doubts. That what I saw and what I heard is a hallucination, now I knew why no one except me didn't saw it and heard.

"I knew it..." - I said

"Actually, I was supposed to tell you, but... how do you know that?" - Luna asked

I was afraid to say that, I had read about it, Princess Luna asked me not to touch anything, I was afraid he would be angry to me.

"Because I see and hear things that, others cannot hear and see, I have nightmares every night, related with just one thing" - I said

"Related with what?" - AJ asked

"You're asking? I mean this goddamn manticore, what does it want from me? Why does it haunt me?"

"Colin, please... let's talk calmly, I think I know how to remedy it" - Luna said

"Alright, but... first: residents who want kill me, now... some creature from hell" - I said, sitting down on the stairs, Luna sat next to me

"I know it's overwhelming you, but believe me, everything will be fine" - Luna said, embracing me with her wing

"I would like to believe it, I didn't have a bad dream today, but... these bandages... he's hurt you, for helping me"

"Colin... please, don't think about it, I want to help you"

"No, I don't want others to suffer because of me" - I said dropping my head down

"It does not matter, this demon will hurt us anyway, no matter if we help you or not, so please, let me help you"

I thought about it a moment, in the book was written, exactly the same thing Luna had said, so I decided that I would not resist.

"Okay, so... how do you want to help me?"

"I'll teach you, how to control dreams" - Luna said

"It's possible? I've never heard about anything like that"

"Yes, it's possible and very simple, even simpler than you think"

"How to do it?" - I asked

"Well... all the time you have conscious dreams, you are aware that you are dreaming, right?" - Luna asked

"Sometimes yes and sometimes no, it happens differently" - I said

"When you're dreaming, you have to take into account some important details" - Luna said

"For example?"

"For example... do you remember when you told me about your nightmare, yes? Everything that happened in it was just an illusion, there was no one there, except you in your dream you are completely alone"

"Wow... it sounded a bit dark"

"In any case... when you realize that what is happening around you is only a product of your imagination, you will be able to control it when, for example, when you will dream about this... Manticore, you can overcome it, but you have to remember to be adamant, you can not be afraid, because it's your dream and you have power over it" - Luna said

"Okay, but... what if I'm hurt in this dream?" - I asked

"It's just an illusion when you're hurt in a dream, in fact, nothing happens to you"

"So... if I have a nightmare, I have to fight with him?"

"Exactly! Face your fears, then they will leave" - Luna said

"Thank you" - I said

"It's a trifle, by the way, you have a good taste, when it comes to clothes" - Luna said

"Really?"

"Sure, I like navy blue, it's my favorite color, well... then maybe you'll go explore the garden, hm? I need to talk to your friends."

"Okay, why not?" - I said standing up

"Can I go with him? Just in case" - Rainbow said

"Alright, go with him" - Luna said

"Hey, what are you say, for a little race? We run to the maze, Fluttershy said you're really fast, I want to check it out"

"I thought you guessed it when you chased me after Ponyville" - I said

"Yes, but I was flying, so I easily got to you, I want to check how fast you are on the run, so?..."

"You have no chance" - I said, slyly smiling

"A challenge? I love it! set yourself up"

Me and Rainbow lined up, in an even row, I looked at the garden, which was huge.

"Ready?" - She asked

"Ready!"

"Three. Two. One. Go!"

At that moment we took off. I ran as fast as I could, Rainbow Dash barely caught up with me, I turned around and saw her surprised face, could not resist a laugh, but... I still wondered where Celestia had gone? And what happened?

When the doctor put a dressing on for me, I went to the throne room, I had to take care of some important documents. An hour has passed, and I was sitting in the throne room, filling out the documents, then I felt someone's presence, but... I did not feel fear, instead, I felt strangely relaxed.

"Hello Celestia" - said a very familiar, male voice

I looked around, a completely white silhouette approached me, which was slightly transparent, the closer he got, the more details I could see, the character wearing chain mail and royal robes, a short beard and mustache, and a crown on his head, I knew who it was.

"Thormwald!"

"It's good to see you, my dear" - Thormwald said, looking around - "Hmm... Nothing has changed, Canterlot looks like I remember it"

Then I ran to my old friend and hugged him as hard as I could, tears of happiness stream from my eyes. My dear friend who died so long ago, he was with me now.

"I'm so happy to see you" - I said, crying

"I'm also happy, my dear, that I am here, though... actually I was all the time" - Said the ghost, patting me on the back, then I freed him from the grip

"So... are you a ghost?" - I asked in disbelief

"Yes, as you see... but I am not here to reminisce about the old times" - The ghost said

"In that case, what is going on?" - I asked

"I tell it straight. It's about Colin, he's the next chosen one, and the next owner of my heritage, the next one who will fight with..."

"No" - I said

"What does mean, no?" - Ghost asked

"He isn't ready, it's just a child. He can not handle it"

"He's more ready than you think my dear. My sword is brought him here him, it's destiny" - Thormwald said

"Wait... but how did it bring him?" - I asked surprised

"His appearance here is not accidental, my sword called him"

"But... why him?" - I asked inquisitively

"Apparently he had a good reason. Colin must be special since he was the one who was chosen, he must receive this sword and defeat the demon who killed my people"

"I know about it, but... I'm afraid. I'm afraid it's too early, besides... I would like him to experience childhood, though a bit..."

"I understand this, I have seen his memories, I feel sorry for him, but if you don't tell him about it, he will never have the opportunity to experience even a bit of carefree"

"I know that, but..." - I did not finish

"If you don't intend, to spend the sword to him, you must at least help him fight it, he must learn to defend him"

"My sister wants to teach him how to control dreams, is not it enough?"

"In the beginning... maybe, but later, it will get worse, the longer you delay it, the more you hurt him" - Thormwald said

"I will have to think about it"

"There is no reason to think about it. Colin must know the name of the sword, what if the demon kills him? He must do it, he must defeat him, otherwise destiny will not be fulfilled" - Thormwald said

"Wait... you were the chosen one, you knew that name, did not you?"

"I knew... but I do not remember it after death, I do not remember... so many other things"

"For example?" - I asked

"I don't remember how I died, or... I don't remember, what name I gave to my little son" - Thormwald said, turning away

"You had a son?" - I asked

"Yes. Me and Diana, we very much wanted this child, I would like to see him again, but... I cannot leave this place"

"I feel so sorry my friend, but I'm afraid you will not have the opportunity to see him, it's been over thousand years, and humans don't live long" - I said putting the hoof on his shoulder, then Thormwald turned

"Celestia, this demon must be destroyed, otherwise Equestria and the rest of the kingdoms will be destroyed. All inhabitants will be doomed, for eternal suffering. You can't wait long for it, you must tell him before it is too late"

Thormwald turned and started walking toward the door, slowly disappearing.

"Wait!"

"Tell him before it's too late" - After saying these words, the ghost disappeared

"Come back here!"

"Tell him. He will die if you don't do it, do not hesitate..."

"Ugh, damn it!" - I shouted in rage

"Your Highness, did something happen?" - The guard asked, entering the room

"Huh? No. I'm fine, I just... I have enough of these documents, you know" - I said nervously smiling

"I would suggest you take a break, Princess. You look tired" - said the guard

"Definitely, you're right"

I decided to go to the garden to rest, however... in front of the garden I noticed Blueblood and Shining Armor, they talked about something, I decided to hide around the corner and overhear this conversation.

"Blueblood, you're really exaggerating" - Armor said

"I'm exaggerating, huh? It's a matter of life and death, you have to capture him" - Blueblood said, angrily

"Life and death? Colin isn't dangerous"

I heard an argument between Armor and Blueblood, I turned my eyes to the garden, for a moment, Colin and Rainbow Dash were coming back from the garden, they were both smiling from ear to ear, talking to each other, laughing. I looked at Colin, he looks happy, however... there was one thing that disturbed me, all Elements of Harmony seemed restless, but Fluttershy was the most anxious, her face clearly showing fear.

"Listen to me! Colin is a monster who deserves only for death!"

I was interrupted by Blueblood's scream, and I looked at Shining Armor, who was clearly shocked.

"Monster? Seriously, don't you overdo it a little? He's just a child, he's harmless, to be honest, I like him" - Armor said, smiling

"Don't you understand that? He will kill us all!" - Blueblood shouted almost hysterically

"Yeah... sure. And Queen Chrysalis is my wife" - Armor said, sarcastically - "Explain who told you that nonsense? Does he look like a monster or any predator? Really? Are you afraid of a child?"

At the moment Shining Armor started to leave, Blueblood was not thrilled.

"Come back here, I have not finished yet!" - Blueblood said

"But I do. I have good advice for you... Leave it. You will only make trouble to yourself" - Armor said, stepping out the door

Blueblood stamped on the floor, then looked furiously at Colin, who was sitting next to Luna who embracing him with the wing.

"You may have been able to blind them, but not me. Enjoy life while you can because soon you will not have the opportunity" - Blueblood said

I was furious, how could he? Why he mistreated this child? Colin is not a monster, Blueblood was blinded by hatred, I wanted to talk to him, but I decided to let him go.

I raised my head, my horn shone with a yellow aura, I closed my eyes, and when I opened them, I found myself just in front of Colin and Luna.

"Hello, sister. Hello Colin"

"Celestia, your cheek..." - Colin said

"Oh, yeah, you know, I had a little accident"

"No, he did it to you. It was the demon, he hurt you" - Colin said scared

"Yes, but I'm fine, it's just a tiny scratch" - I said, trying to calm him down somehow

"For tiny scratches, no bandages are used" - Colin said

My attempt to calm him down failed, I also had the strange feeling that he blamed himself for what was happened to me. I decided to change the topic of the conversation

"Actually... what happened here in my absence?" - I asked smiling

"I raced with Rainbow Dash and I won!" - Colin said, slightly enthusiastic

"Really?" - I asked

"Really, He's faster than it seemed to me, it's a gale, not a kid" - Rainbow said, slightly breathless, which made Colin laugh a bit

"Well, I didn't expect that"

"I like running" - Colin said

"Hey, kid. I have an idea, what do you think we would do more racing, but... a bit more?" - Rainbow asked

"It sounds great!"

"Well, in that case, good luck soon" - Rainbow said, giving on high-five with Colin

"But... Rainbow, the doctors said that Colin cannot be too tired" - Twilight said, a bit worriedly

"Oh, yes... right, so maybe another time"

"Until Colin recovers completely, no races" - Twilight said firmly

"Who do you think you are? You are his mother, that you decide?" - Rainbow asked

"What? No, I'm just worried about him, and what if something wrong happens to him?"

"Nothing will happen to him, he will recover faster" - Rainbow said

"Hey, can we not argue?" - Colin said with sadness in his voice - "Let's not argue, we are friends, please"

"Okay, sorry" - Rainbow said

"Actually, where is Pinkie Pie and Rarity?" - Twilight asked

"They had to go back to Ponyville, they have important things to do" - AJ said

"Why?" - Rainbow asked

I noticed how Applejack points to Colin.

"Oh, okay, I understand. I think it's something veeery special" - Twilight said

We talked very pleasantly, but started to be late, I had to lower the sun, and Luna to raise the moon.

"Luna, is not it time to raise the moon?"

"Oh, yes, I completely forgot" - Luna said

"Wait... you told me, you make night and day?" - Colin asked

"Yes, do you want to see it?" - Luna asked

"Sure!"

"Well then, stand beside us" - I said

I teleported myself, Colin and Luna, to the balcony. After teleporting we went ahead, finally, the time has come for the day to give way the night.

I focused all my energy, the sun slowly began to low behind the horizon, the sky began to grow darker until finally, the stars were visible. When I lower the sun, it was my sister's turn that raised the moon.

"Wow, that was amazing. are you goddesses?" - Colin asked surprised

We turned to Colin, who was sitting on the floor with his jaw dropped, Luna and me laughing.

"No, we're are not goddesses, you can be sure of that" - I said, helping him to get up

"But... how is that possible? You... wow..."

"What happened?" - Luna asked

"I just realized, how powerful you are" - Colin said, somewhat confused

"As I said, life can surprise, my dear" - I said, giggling

"I think it's time to go back to Ponyville. Celestia, will you take me back to Twilight?" - Colin asked

"Well... I think it will not be necessary" - Luna said

"Huh? Why?" - Colin asked

"Twilight didn't tell you? You're staying here tonight"

"Really? I... I didn't expect that"

"I will take him to the guest room. Sister, you should go to sleep, you look tired" - Luna said, walking with Colin - "Goodnight"

"Goodnight, Luna" - I said, going in a different direction

Going to the room, I stopped and looked back, Colin turned away, smiled and waved to me, I smiled too and I started to go again. I was still worried about the sword when I talked to Colin, I wanted to tell him about it, but I hesitated, I just decided to give him time, then I did not know that this decision would be one of the worst, which I could undertake.

I walked with Luna through the corridors of the castle, looked at one of the windows, Canterlot looked beautiful at night, after a short time, I came with Luna to the right room, I opened the door and entered it.

"Orient!" - A girl's voice said, then I got a pillow on my face and fell to the floor

"Huh? What?" - I did not finish, because Rainbow Dash throw the second pillow on me

I looked at the Pegasus, which lifted and smiled slyly, then I got up and grabbed both pillows in my hand.

"You will regret it" - I said, charging at Rainbow Dash with pillows

"Hey, calm down, kid. You don't' know jokes?" - Rainbow asked, running away from me

"Nope" - I answered, but finally I punch her with a pillow, and she only fell on one of the many beds in this room

"You have a good eye" - Rainbow said, laughing and standing up

"Thanks, actually... what are you doing here?" - I asked

"I couldn't leave you, kid" - Rainbow said

"I wouldn't be alone, there is Princess Luna here"

"Well, yes. But I prefer to keep an eye on you" - Rainbow said

"I understand, a Loyalty, huh?"

"Exactly so, kid" - Rainbow said, laughing

I turned to Luna, who was trying to stop the laughter.

"Is everything alright?" - I asked

"Yes, yes, it's okay" - Luna said, smiling

"Well... so here we will be spending the night?" - I asked. Looking around in the room where there were a lot of beds

"Well, yes, but I think you should wash first, I'll take you to the bathroom, come on" - Luna said, leaving the room

"Good luck!" - Rainbow said

"Haha, very funny" - I replied

Luna took me to the bathroom, where I washed and do my private affairs. Luna went to her room, I went back to the guest room, I went to one of the beds, I was really tired.

"I see, you and Princess Luna, you like each other very much" - Rainbow said, in the bed next to me

"Yeaa..."

"The thing is, she treats you almost as if you belonged to their family" - Rainbow said

"Where does this assumption come from?" - I asked

"You know... Luna is very attached to you, and Celestia lets you call herself by the name"

"Hmm... there is something in it" - I replied - "But... it's just a friendship, you know..."

"For sure only friendship?" - Rainbow asked slyly

"Rainbow, please stop. Anyway, you're here, tell me, where is the rest?"

"They returned to Ponyville, Fluttershy had to take care of the animals, Pinkie Pie is preparing something special, all in all... I don't even know what, and the rest, just wanted to come back home" - Rainbow said

"Oh geez... today I missed feeding the animals, with Fluttershy" - I said, sighing

"Oh! Regarding Fluttershy, you are often with her, alone, tell me, if..."

"Rainbow Dash, stop, please. She's older than me, much older. Can we finish this conversation tomorrow? I'm tired"

"As you like. Goodnight, kid" - Rainbow said, laying on the other side

"Goodnight" - I said, yawning

I lay in bed for a while, could not sleep, wondered what Pinkie Pie was preparing for, and I was thinking about what was in this book, but the worst thing was that I was actually dealing with the Demon, damn... this is so sick. After a while, I began to feel tired, yawned a few times, then closed my eyes and asleep.

End of Chapter 8...