Chapters This nightmare is tormenting, is terrifying, and petrifies me for many days. Angel, my mother, does not know anything about these nightmares; she will never know because she can not know. I am choosing not to scare her by keeping this to myself. I just don't know how much longer I can resist these dreadful dreams. Even if I chose to never tell; keep these awful visions to myself. It will be impossible because she will force them out of my mouth without even trying, she will have me explain what little I know in full detail.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
They started during winter, mid-winter in early December. It was cold because my mother hadn't had enough bits to gather enough wood to burn. Keeping the windows closed and a few miscellaneous rooms sealed up helped with the cold, but only slightly. My room conformed to the temperature with the outside; getting colder as time went on.
The first one happened hours after midnight, tossing and turning in my bed. It all happened in flashes, nothing polished nor vivid. I hardly knew what the nightmare had within, only some images stood out in my mind. Light blue gems and blood-red eyes emerged in my head. Randomly arising in my head, a few times would cause pain or give me headaches. I hadn't thought a vision, especially such a small one could cause trouble for my head. I'm happy that my mom believed me when I made excuses for these headaches relating to heat.
The second nightmare came around some nights later. More vicious, rapid, and horrendous. I felt trapped in this nightmare, not realizing it was transpiring. It had felt so real like the dream became reality like it was seeping from my mind to the real world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I woke up in a forest, a pleasant dark green and thick forest. The air was clear as the wind blew lightly, light green leaves lying along the forest floor. The scenery was peaceful and relieving. You could walk all day and all night in a forest like this, wearing your jacket or some kind of sweater. A chilly breeze every once in a while, yet something about the entire image was unsettling. A cold feeling deep within my gut that the picture was not what it seemed.
It all happened in a split second. Deer running, prancing, and galloping in my direction; going past me into nothing. A bright blinding white light filled the way these deer were going; I just stood there watching. So many deer went by, running from something. I turned to look and there it was.
He was enormous with a light grey coat and waving black mane that looked like it was made of smoke. His blood-red eyes filled with evil, the blue gems across his chest shining brightly towards the ground. Anywhere the light went caused a fire to spark and thrive; burning with a rage that couldn't be described. His laugh sounded like hell itself. It happened so fast, within the blink of my eyes he was upon me with that mischievous grin. That darkened blue amour shining into my eyes.
His eyes burned through my soul, my eyes not felt as if rage were building. I felt myself change for the worst. Anger, hatred, all loss of respect had escaped my body into his dreadful eyes until something cold and sharp pierced my chest.
Blood.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wake up shrieking and screaming, trembling from what had happened. Mother came bursting into the room and immediately held me to her. The warm feeling of her against myself, softly brushing my cheek with her hoof, I felt secure. I was not to be shielded by my nightmare creatures words, for they will forever haunt me as long as I live. That whispering voice chiming in my ear.
"Your King has returned for his throne".
So how does one become magical? I mean, earthponies have some tremendously strong bodies, pegasi can walk on clouds and control weather, even the unicorns who could perform tricks with extraordinary ease. Being a deer, I’m not entirely sure what I can do. My mother Angel Mist is a tough but sweet unicorn; she is even some part royal but cannot seem to figure out how.
Oh, I forgot, my name is Mahogany. I'm just an ordinary deerlike any other. I don't know who my real parents are, but from the way that mother talks about them makes them sound as if they were legends. I've lived with ponies all my life here in Ponyville so I don't know how deers act. That's fine by me though.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is a typical afternoon with mother when some knocking was heard at the door. As usual, I hid myself always thinking it was a school bully or one of my teachers.
"Yes? Who is it?" Asked Angel opening the front door. It was astonishing to see Princess Twilight Sparkle at the front door. The Princess of Equestria at my front door!
"Is your son here ma'am? It is urgent to speak with him" explained an almost distraught Twilight. "It is very crucial that Mahogany speaks with me."
"Oh well...he is not home as of now. Maybe around noon?"
"If you think so then alright. See you later then Miss." Sadden but still with that sparkle in her eye, herself and the guard that was with her left.
"It's okay Mahogany, no need to hide now. It was only the Princess." Saying such with a half-cocked smile. "She wanted to talk; assuming it was about your dreams? I don't think it is very safe for anypony except us to know about them."
"But mom, why can I not tell anypony? Maybe they could help with my dream." No matter how much I plead to mom, there will never be any persuading her to tell any other soul. "They are terrifying; I don't know how much longer I can stand with them happening."
Ever since late November to early December, these strange but vividly disturbing dreams and nightmares have been materializing for just about every night. More detail, more dread, more confusion. Not everything is clear enough to describe, only just some things are even remotely feasible and solid enough to differentiate.
Blood red eyes on a large mass of blackened smoke. Fangs sharp enough to penetrate steel beams; white and sleek to blind any creature who was to stare for too long. A pony like creature at times would walk slowly out of the smoke, this being was vast. Grey-ish coat and smoke like mane, flowing as if he were a King like how the Princesses Celestia and Luna mane was. It was a terrifying creature that with just a single stare he could kill.
This other dream however was more loving and peaceful than the other one. A broad pony-like creature but with softer looks, steadier movements. It was white with a blue waving mane, some hints of pink. Whoever or whatever it was, it was gorgeous. The prettiest thing I've seen in all my life. This specific dream is not as clear. This creature was the complete opposite of the scary figure of a thing in the bad dream. A motherly look to the face and a gentle stance. Still with full authority as if it was a Queen or Princess. Proud, demanding, soft, and kind. Perfect traits to describe the creature.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Princess, with your permission, what if we were to invite both Angel and Mahogany to the castle? It might be more lenient than going directly to their home."
"Yes yes yes...I know that, but I do not want to scare either of them. When Luna came to me about Mahogany's dreams and nightmares seemed ordinary at first. Only concerned me when Luna said she could not change the sleeping deers thoughts. We have to find out how and why."
"How should we proceed with them then? I believe Angel is holding Mahogany to her. Either from fright or being overprotective."
With a heavy sigh and nod, some invites appear on the table next to the Princess. Nicely laid out and pristine looking invitations, fully of life just by looking at the envelope covering.
"We'll invite several Ponyville residents so nothing strange is falsely inferred. Random ponies, no specifics okay?"
Each guard nods in approval, gathering the invites for Ponyville. "Do you think this deer might be dangerous?" Stated one of the guards to the other. Some concern on his face but not enough to distinctly notice.
"Who knows, if the Princess wants him then we must obey her orders."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Mom? You're a unicorn and all, do you know if deer have some kind of magic? Or even just a small kind of power."
"I'm not sure about deer sweetie, I only know what the ponies all have. Deer is a far more distinct comparison when magic can or could be involved." Sitting at the table with Mahogany. Always a nice place for the two of them to just converse and whatnot. Never any tension or negativity at the table. "Once you're older you might be able to find out."
"Well, what if the creatures in my dreams could somehow tell me? The white one I saw seems friendly enough" Angel only replies with a sigh and slides the mug of coffee to Mahogany. Thinking in her head about the safest way to defend her little deer.
"We're going to have to be cautious sweetie, I don't want you going out and searching for something or someone that may not exist. They are dreams and thoughts after all. It'd be dreadful if you were to get lost." Giving such a rough smile but I could tell by the look in her eyes that the smile was genuine. It made me feel so much better about the situation. I only hope that someday these dreams and nightmares stop.
I had never been invited to anything in my life. No birthday parties, sleepovers, and no hangout time. Everypony would either be too busy, or I did not want to be near anyone, so it came as a shock when the invitation arrived, held in my shaky hooves. I did not know how to compose myself, though I am pretty sure I shattered a vase.
It was a cloudy day in Canterlot, the wind blowing lightly with crisp chill; I was fortunate that Rarity made my orange windbreaker jacket, snug enough to keep me warm while not looking like a marshmallow. I had not realized how many ponies lived in Canterlot compared to Ponyville. Countless unicorns, dragons, a few yaks, and several changelings walked the marbled streets. I did not see a single deer, not even through the enormous open windowed houses. Just more of the same. It felt bizarre, off-putting to not see any deer in Equestria’s capital. Canterlot was enormous, ten times larger than Ponyville could ever be.
One thing for sure was that Canterlot was gorgeous, so full of life and bustling with so many diverse creatures, despite the lack of deer.
"Mama?” I asked, looking to the mare beside me. “Why are there no deer in Canterlot? I can't be the only one here." Even if there was no dear in Canterlot, then at least I could be the first, I reasoned.
"I am not sure, sweetie; I suppose they just prefer other places over Canterlot, I can see why, so it must be up to preference." Mother replied, her voice as gentle as her stance was tall and sturdy. She is special, more extraordinary than any other pony out there. In my own eyes, she is greater than any Princess or Queen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Mahogany and Miss Mist have been detected in the center of Canterlot, Princess. The streets are very full, making direct capture difficult, what are your orders?”
“Dispatch Shining Armour to find them he will tell the pair that their hotel luggage has been reported missing and he needs them to follow.” She said, a million thoughts flying through her head. To the Princess, this made perfect sense, any pony would comply with a guard if their possessions were in danger; at least, that was her train of thought. "Instruct Shining Armour to personally meet with the two, we need them to feel calm and safe, or maybe even just convey a squad of three guards to them."
"Princess, in broad daylight? Everypony would be suspicious of a Royal Guard helping regular passerby." The guard sounded nervous.
“I am sure,” She assured the stallion. “Shining Armour is more than capable of handling himself among a crowd.” She paused, thinking. “Inform him that he is to wear only a casual scabbard, no amour.”
“Yes, Princess” The guard put a strange device to his mouth, speaking in some strange tongue.
"Everything will go fine, everything will be fine." The Princess spoke to herself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Hey, hey, Timber?” Whispered a Palace Guard, patrolling down a long corridor before the Princess’s command center
“What” Hissed the stallion next to him.
“Do you think the Princess is worried about this deer? I mean, he can’t be very dangerous, he is so small. How could he be dangerous?”
“I don’t know, but what I *do* know is that your gossiping is going to get us in trouble-” He was cut short as the Princess herself came through the doors.
“You two,” She ordered. “Alert the servants that we shall have two guests needing rooms and supper, post haste. The traditional guest setup is fine. Give Mahogany and Angel a room key to their rooms though, it'll help with persuading them to stay the night here at the castle. Plus it'll give both Luna and I to fully understand what's going on inside that deers head."
“R-right away, Princess!” The gossiping guard responded, scurrying away with his friend.
“So,” Timber asked. “Got anything else you want to talk about with the Princess nearby?” He snickered.
“Shut up”
~~~~~~~~~~~~
From what Mother said, I picked up that the stallion with the blue mane was Shining Armour, sister to the Princess; he was kind and polite, though the large stallions in gold armour around him had appeared suddenly and without warning, startling me. I was fascinated that such a big class stallion was personally transporting both myself and mother to the Royal castle; Princess Twilight lived there, the Princess herself!
We made our way through the noisy streets, arriving at the palace near dusk, walking up a near-endless flight of stairs to the main gate; the hallway inside was tremendous and covered with what looked like ivory to me. Grand paintings and stained glass windows decorated the walls; there were two large hallways at the end of the entrance, branching off into the rest of the Palace. Shining Armour led Mother and I down the East hallway while the guards who were with us went down the West hallway.
"Excuse me um, Prince Armour? But where are we going?" I asked the stallion.
"We are going to visit the Princess, little one. Isn’t that exciting?” My heart practically leaped inside me. “Princess Twilight is delighted that you and your mother came to visit Canterlot."
"Prince Armour” Mother spoke up. “Mahogany and I would like to know why the Princess wants to see us, is something wrong?”
Shining Armour stopped walking, turning to address mother. "Miss Angel, I was not informed as to why the Princess wanted to see you both, but I trust her to know what is best. You will have to ask her as to why." Halting at a massive light purple door; Shining nodded to a pair of guards and left, trotting away without a glance back. It seemed odd to me that he walked all this way only to leave us alone...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
After some time, mother and I pushed the heavy doors open and looked as gazed upon a smiling, glorious, purple alicorn. She gazed at us both with relaxed, and pleasant looking eyes. We walked in and bowed, our right forehooves extending over our left in a sign of subservience. She laughed a fruity chuckle before waving her hoof. “That is far too formal for me, thank you; you both may rise.” She gestured over two seats next to her, very close. Once seated, a train line of servants entered from seemingly nowhere carrying platters of vegetables and fruits.
“My house is your house.” The Princess declared, my stomach already rumbling.
After a half-hour of feasting, I could barely move from my seat; the Princess took this time to speak up.
"I will be blunt with you, Ms. Angel, and Mahogany; for the past few days, you and your son have been evading any circumstance to meet with me. At this point, I have grown weary of this ordeal, but I *must* discuss a matter with you.”
"You have my apologies, Princess, but my son isn't much of your concern. After all, the main reason I accepted this summons was to tell you face to face that my son will no longer be the focus of your, nor anypony else’s, intentions.” This was surprising to me, and sort of frightening because I had never heard mother talk so differently. It was stern, demanding, and yet steady and full of authority. She meant every word that came out of her mouth.
"Listen,” Princess Twilight countered. “from one motherly figure to another, it is highly important that Mahogany and I have this talk, for his safety. We need to know what is in his dreams and nightmares. Luna herself is not able to glimpse or enter the dream or nightmare. Something disturbing or disastrous could arise that could escape and endanger Equestria" I had not seen the Princess stand, but now she dominated the room. I could not tell, but it seemed like they were staring into each other in the eyes. Mother was the first to break eye contact.
"You have twenty minutes to talk to him, after that we both are leaving for Ponyville."
"That is all I need, Miss Angel; I deeply thank you for this conversation with your son." Mother looked at me and kissed the top of my head before departing. Leaving the Princess and myself alone in the throne room; it all happened so fast, I could not believe mother just...left me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
“First things first, Mahogany,” Princess Twilight addressed as soon as the door closed. “you may say my name instead, I want this to be as comfortable for you as possible." Twilight said, pouring me a cup of tea on the table countless leaders and rulers must have sat at.
"Thank you, um Twilight. What is it you want to know? I will try my best to tell you, though I do not understand most of my dreams, half of them are barely recognizable.” I said, sipping my tea.
"Well, first things first, what do you recognize in your dreams?" Twilight asked.
"Well...there are usually two dreams, the most common ones. I am in a forest, and the outcome of the dream is always different, but the creature is always the same. A smokey grey thing with red eyes and fangs. I do not know what it is, though the other dream is much more pleasant; it is set in a cold environment with a new creature, white as snow with a loving face and blue mane with purple hints."
Twilight said nothing for a moment "And you do not know what these creatures are or?-"
Just in the middle of Twilight's sentence, a guard came galloping into the throne room, not even bothering to bow.
"Princess! There's been a break-in! Espionage is suspected, we must get you to safety-"
"What!?" Twilight roared, standing up to her full height. "I shall deal with this myself, no intruder shall ever deface these walls; it is my castle so no creature will deface or destroy it." Twilight’s face softened as she turned to me. A leader one second but then turns back to the motherly type when she looks at me. "I am sorry, Mahogany, but I will come back once everything is settled; guards will be stationed right outside these doors, so if you need anything, alert them." Within the blink of an eye, Twilight was gone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I roamed around the throne room for ages, waiting on Twilight when I noticed a dim vision manifest before the door. A swirling mass of smoke that was free-floating, hints of red inside the simmering mass. The entire room darkened, every light becoming muted as black and gray rolled over the windows. It seemed as if the room was dimmed by the night, despite the sun only just beginning to set.
"Wh-what in the world are you?” I stuttered. “You are not real, just my worries, that is all! You can’t be real!"
"I am much more than just worries and anxieties, Hackberry” The shadow crowed, roiling unstably. “Darkness itself, your ancestors have lived through my ways, now you shall do the same~" With those final words, the figure rushed me, fast at the wind.
I desperately dodged to the side, trying to avoid it, but I wasn't sharp enough; it hit my chest like a cinder block, and all feeling in my limbs dissipated like smoke.
I collapsed onto the floor, my lungs burning, making it hard to breathe. It felt as if it was constricting my body.
It happened so fast I didn't fully understand what happened to my body. I felt as if my mind was the only thing free while my body felt like it was being used by...something else. A screech and a growl rang in my mind, my bloodshot eyes watching the smoke leave my body. The shape of a stallion's face appeared in the smoke. All it did was smirk and glare.
It left just as quickly as it appeared, it’s words ringing in my head, over and over again, one part dominating everything else.
"Why did that thing call me Hackberry?"
My body felt as if a train had struck my chest. Vision blurry, head spinning, breathing difficult, and my body aching. Then nothing at all. I could see only a black space, a void that led into nothing. Thrashing about with panic and fear, I suddenly wake up in my bed. I looked around with confusion and still some fear, not sure how exactly I had gotten home from Canterlot. My room was cold like winter air. Shivering and chattering teeth, I had to wrap myself up in my covers to stay warm. The whole situation was starting to frighten me again because it was mid-June, summertime. I could not understand why my room was so cold.
I walked to open the door to my room when a blast of cold air swept from the hallway to my room. The whole house was freezing when it should have been at least warm from outside. That’s when I heard a voice that I did not ultimately recognize. A voice that I only heard once, in the nightmare from long ago.
“Hello Hackberry, so glad you are here with me. I have been waiting so long to finally get you to notice me”. Its voice was deep, rich, and had a chilling feel whenever it spoke. The words were stale and dead but still shot a depressing feel to my mind.
“Who are you!? Why is my house cold!” I asked, trying to not look scared. Whatever the voice was or coming from, it was not fooled. It swooped around my body and stopped in front of my closet door, starting to manifest into a pony looking. It was exactly what I had pictured the voice with. The grey creature with front paws instead of hooves; had blood-red eyes. Fangs and a smokey flowing mane. The moment it changed I bolted for the front door of the house to open it and call out for help. It was futile. The door was locked with blackened chains, wrapping around the entire thing. It laughed at my fright as I tried pulling the chains off the door with no avail in the action.
“You will never leave deer, you are stuck here in this little world of despair and cold. Never to see; feel the light of day again!” With anger in the voice, I flinched whenever it spoke. That threatening tone coursing through my veins was enough to cause a breakdown. I could not handle it anymore and just kneeled down, curled up, and began to cry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
“What’s wrong with him Princess!?” Yelling one of the guards. A good amount of them are already lying in different places either hurt or unconscious.
“I am not sure but we must stop Mahogany from destroying the throne room or worse, the castle. I don’t know what happened in such a short amount of time but he has now become dangerous and a threat to Equestria!”
In the real world, I had no control over my thoughts, feelings, or even my strength. I was being controlled by whoever was with me in that cold darkened universe. Growling like mad; tossing guards against the castle walls. Broken armour across the floor, tipped of spears lie beneath my hooves. Guards that were standing hadn’t approached my poised figure yet so they did not know just how much I was capable of. Frankly, neither did I know for myself that I was capable of this strength I possessed. I wanted more out of the ponies that were standing in awe. I needed to take that little spirit they had to myself. That is until a certain mare came rushing into the throne room. My mind drew blanks when my eyes met hers.
“Hackberry please, you need to stop this rampage. It is not you and you know that it isn’t. Listen to me, listen to your mother.” Her voice was calming, gentle even. It was strange to hear those words because it sounded different from her normal voice. I knew it was my mom, she looked like her and was calming just like her. That voice was different though, I could not picture what it was. Like a split image of her and another pony. “Sweetie, you must fight back.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Awe, your precious mother has come to save her. Would you like to hear what she is saying?” I didn’t even give an answer when the figure spread its smokey self out more. Showing a clear image of what is happening outside this horrible dimension. I looked through and saw guards strung about all across the floor. I saw the Princess standing in the doorway staring at me, more guards either around her or on other ends of me. Then I saw her, my mom standing in front of me. She was talking but I couldn’t hear what she was saying. I started to cry again, scared that I would never be able to see her again. Just as the smoke was going to clear, I heard just a little bit of her words, “Sweetie, you must fight back”.
My feelings vanished, my eyes glared straight forward; with all my energy. I leaped through the smoke, after that. All I saw was darkness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Hackberry! You're alright!” I heard my mom scream out. She rushed to my side and gave me a big warming hug. Compared to the cold house I was stuck in, I wanted to stay in this hug for the rest of my life. I knew nothing could hurt me with her holding me so close, the feeling of protection she gave me. I wanted to cry again being back in her embrace.
“Wh...what happened?” That was all I could say at the moment.
“You almost destroyed my throne room, and if you had gotten out? You could have completely leveled the whole castle! Guards are lying upon the floor hurt and knocked unconscious because of you Mahogany. I am sorry but we are going to have to keep you in isolation.” Twilight's voice was stale. Deeper than normal, I knew she was furious but I could only blame myself for what happened. Even if I don’t know what happened entirely, I was weak.
“What!? Absolutely not! He is only a young deer! You cannot place him in a cell, I am sorry Princess but my son is coming back home with me whether you like it or not.”
“Then you as well will be locked away with him. I will not risk the chance of another episode like this if he is out there. Guards, take these two down and place them in separate cells. They will be staying there for a good amount of time.” With that final statement from the Princess, she turned and left. Not looking back at either me or my mom.
Angel looked at me with a slight smile and just lightly brushed my back. Putting her head against mine as the guards closed in on us to take us both away. I knew she would never let me down, I also knew that she was smart. Already hatching a plan for us both to escape.
It is cold in these cells, cold and small. It is a surprise that long ago these cells were able to hold more than four ponies at a time. Seems impossible to me but the stories and tales have to be true. The stone brick walls were freezing as if it was winter, even though it was summer. No light, no warmth, no hope to get out. I heard the doors opening and I think three guards walked in, standing up to the cell door. I tried to just get a peek at the ponies.
“So you think the mare is the mastermind behind this? I don’t really doubt Rivers suspicions but, what if it is an outside force? You know, like how Discord would corrupt someone or how Sombra took over a ponies mind?” asked the taller guard. I could just barely see the guard that was talking since the cell window was rather tall itself. Jumping up and holding onto the bars to get a sneaking look.
“Who knows Fringe, I surely don’t know myself and I will not have assumptions on who or what the reasoning is. Furthermore, I recommend you not speak to any other guard or the princess about this matter. Alright?”
“Of course, I trust you because you like me. Obviously, you would not want your crush to be thrown in jail or anything.” snickered the taller pony at the other unknown guard.
“Argh...you fucking tease.” I could hear them both laughing at the remark as they left the dungeons. I just backed away from the door and slid down against the wall, curling up. I could hear the wind outside blowing lightly, ponies from outside all having a good time, it is unfair that mom and I are here in this cell. My heartbeat and breaths were so loud in my head. Too much to handle, mom just slid next to me and held my hoof. I don’t understand what is going on, I am no longer sure if she even has all the answers anymore.
I looked at her with tears in my eyes and all she did was smile slightly and hug me close. I just leaned against her, staying in her grasp, staying warm to escape the cold, and cried softly into her chest. She didn’t want this for me and I know it, but she has to know something. Whether or not it is only assumptions or realistic words, anything at this point would help both her and me. Her hooves petting my head helped me escape this reality of Equestria, a smile forming on my face.
~~~~~~~~~~~
I woke up with a jolt to the sound of thunder and lightning striking the castle walls, looking over with my blurred vision from being asleep I can see mom hacking at a corner. I just stood up and sat by her side seeing what she was doing, I immediately woke up at the sight of a small hole beneath the table.
“Mom...wh-what is this? What are you doing?”
“I'm getting you out of here. I am not going to be able to fit in this hole since it would have been seen. You are going to run away from here, hide in Ponyville. You know exactly what to do if any guards show up.” She just looked at me and I knew what she wanted. No amount of talking would change her mind. I can always try, it won’t mean I will succeed.
“Mom I can’t leave you here in this cell. It is cold, and dark, and lonely, I just can not let you. You're also coming with me and we both will hide in-”
“Sweetie please,” She softly said to me, “You have to understand. I want you safe and out of here. This is not a place for a young deer like yourself to stay. I know you’ll say that for an older mare like myself that this cell is not a good place to be either. You have a life to still live. I already lived mine, I did so much good in my life. I will still try my best to get out of here, but you, you need to escape asap.”
All I could do was hug her tightly and look at the hole leading to who knows where. I knew what was in between Canterlot and Ponyville, but to get across that forest will be both deadly and frightening. She smiled and nodded at me, going back to getting the hole fully dug through. I stood at the door and looked for any guards.
“Sweetie? When you do get to Ponyville, make sure you tell Amber Stone that I’m here. If I can’t get out on my own in the amount of time you're going to Ponyville. She will help me out. You tell her no matter what, okay?”
“Yes mom. I’ll make sure she knows, you are getting out one way or another and we both will be back in each other's arms.” I reply to her smiling, trying to cover up my sad expression. Trying my best to look brave enough for her.
“There, the floor is now broken thoroughly so you can get in and out. I’m going to have to cover your tracks when you're through, it’s better for me.”
“Mom, I’ll be gone. That’s enough evidence for them to do something to you.”
“Do not worry about that, okay? I already have a plan for your disappearance. Now go!”
I breath out and hug her one last time before jumping through the hole, landing on the ground under the castle. Quickly looking around, I noticed that I was not that far from the edges of the castle. The walls are not that high so I can easily climb over. I smile to myself and run for the southernmost wall to climb over. Once on top, I look at where I was in the dungeon. Strange that it wasn’t underground but I am grateful that it wasn’t. I dropped down on the other side of the wall and just started running. Not paying attention to my surroundings, not caring who or what I ran into, I just ran straight into Everfree Forest.
I stopped and finally got a grasp on my surroundings about ten or fifteen minutes into running. If I keep going in a straight line, I’m eventually able to get out of Everfree. Into some small town or even Ponyville since their borders meet from the south.
“Celestia I am tired...there should be someplace to rest for a bit. Under a tree or in a small cave. Something must be around.” I look about sometime longer before finding a weeping willow tree. Provides some coverage and keeps me well hidden, along with my brown fur matching the dirt around the roots. I’ll rest, then get back on the path to Ponyville.
I was startled awake by some rustling behind me, scurrying up and looking around the tree I was under and there was nothing there. No small animal or deadly beast. My imagination is finally catching up to me but I can’t let it take control. I have a mission now, to reach Ponyville where it is safe and to tell a pony named Amber about mom. I hope she can help her at least...there was confidence in her voice about this Amber. She’s the only thing that can help, even if it is a small chance, it is my only chance. I gather my thoughts before leaving the weeping willow, breathing deeply and closing my eyes just thinking to myself, “I will help you mom. No matter what.”
Everfree is supposedly a dangerous forest to venture into. Filled with dangerous creatures, poisonous plants, and even magic beyond even princesses and kings. Honestly, I have been curious about how the forest worked with its magic. How that came about for how powerful it is exactly. I’ve read books on Everfree for months of my life, but, sadly a lot of the books that are written about this curious forest are speculation. No author, besides Daring Doo to some sort of extent, actually understands how the forest works and behaves. I was hoping to explore and write a book of my own, now I get my chance, again, to some sort of extent. I look out into the forest with courage I have never felt before and just trotted into the unknown.
I can feel eyes just following me, watching every move I make. There isn’t a soul anywhere around me but something just feels so unsettling. I have heard of timberwolves and how deadly they can be, I’m just not sure if they are everywhere within Everfree or in certain areas. A key point I would make in my book, but that is not what I should be thinking about. Survive and get help, nothing is more important than those two tasks.
Just then I heard another noise, but this time I saw a shadow of a large creature. The only thing I could think of was timberwolf. I took off in a bolt of panic and that noise was following me. I didn’t dare look back behind me at all to see who or what was chasing me. I ducked and hid under a hollow fallen tree, catching my breath finally. I could see the legs and paws of the creature and my worst fears had come true. A timberwolf was on the hunt for me. I backed away as far as I could to get away from the beast. Not a good idea since I broke a branch, the timberwolf hearing where I was and immediately clawing the trunk. I ran out the other way as it snapped the tree trunk with ease, turning its attention back on me, and bolted. I leaped through the rocks and around trees but the beast still kept his pace. I knew I could not outrun this thing so I stopped, it didn’t stop fast enough and fell over me as I duck from its claws. With it on its back I leaped onto the chest of the beast and bucked it in the jaw, knocking it off from the face. It howled in agony as I jumped off, grabbing a rock and launched it straight into the side of the creature. I didn’t do enough damage however, it whipped me back against a tree, knocking all the breath out of me. I could just look on as it stood up, it’s jaw now repaired somehow ready to kill me. I closed my eyes and waited for impending doom.
“Unleash your hidden strength Hackberry, your courage is strong. You must not fail.” an unknown voice spoke to me in my head. I opened my eyes and kicked the tail away. The timberwolf swung its claws at me but I jumped onto its arm, running up along the limb, and again kicked off its jaw. Howling in pain, I growled and used my antlers to dig them into the beast's throat, ripping it away from its body. It only howled and stammered back from its injuries. I knew I had to destroy it or it would come after me again. I closed my eyes and breathed out, opening them again and with a yell and growl. I bolted for the creature's chest, bashing my front hooves into it to knock it back against the tree it had pinned me against. Reeling back and rushing forth again, I drilled my antlers into the chest of the beast. Ripping away at it until the eyes and glow of green faded away. I just stared at it for some time before an ill feeling fell on me. Sliding off the timberwolf and holding my stomach. I felt sick, even when it was chasing me down and wanted to eat me. It still felt sickening from the violent attack I had just done. Limping to a mossy stone spot, I laid down and just tried to rest.
“Did I just do that?... I couldn’t have. That was not me. How did I do that?” Thinking to myself, running those thoughts over and over in my head. I could not believe my actions. I closed my eyes once more, but this time to rest and feel the cooling sensation of the moss against my fur.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Queen Selenara, the timberwolf you told us to look out for is now deceased!” stammering a panicked creature, “a few supervisors have noted its downfall. One claims to have seen a young deer kill it even!”
“So he is here in Everfree? Go to him Zephyr, but do not approach him directly. We do not want to scare him away, do not interact with this deer either. Keep an eye on him to see what he does for a day, then return to me with anything you may have learned”
“Right! Acknowledged Zephyr, turning away and quickly running out of the small castle.
Queen Selenara sat at her throne a little longer, thinking about the deer and having thoughts about everything else. She stood up and walked to a window, looking down at her village, at all the happy residents and playing children. She only smiled and breathed out a sigh of relief. She fled back to her room before opening a small case, taking out the trinket inside, and just held it to her chest.
“I will protect him, Lockhart, I promise you that.”
Placing the trinket back into the case, she locked it back up and left her castle, going down to the center of the village to announce a very special occasion.
I don’t know what day it is, or how long I have been here in Everfree. The trees look the same, even their branches and the unwinding turns the roots take when above ground. There is no change. I’ve lost all sense of direction, I don’t even know if my thoughts are my own anymore. I can only think about walking for three days, I no longer am sure. The constant rustling noises and snapping of branches, or crushing of leaves, are now a part of my temporary life in Everfree. It is dark and cold, it is far worse than the cell I was once in.
I finally stopped to rest a little longer in a small clearing, a quiet stream of water running along the smooth rocks. Only a few rays of sunlight beaming through the opened spots of trees. It looked cozy, welcoming to visitors or travellers. I took a deep breath and gathered enough supplies to set up a makeshift camp. Enough to support a fire and shelter, proper shelter, better than the stupid weeping willow I was once under. Lying the sticks upright and draping the leaves over, for once I was proud of myself for compiling just simple things into a shelter. A few smooth stones from the stream to just support the entire place up. Just as I was gathering more stones to set in a circle, a new noise startled me. Sending a shiver down my spine, through my entire body. I set the rock down and turn quickly towards the sound, nothing. I was not going to take any chances so I lowered my head, antlers at the ready, calling out to whatever may have been there.
“Who is there!? Show yourself!” Calling out into the unknown forest. No answer so I straightened my body up and again called out the same question. Again, there was no answer. Not even a sight of anything peculiar to throw off my mind. I turn back towards the shelter and finish setting it up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sound of thunder booming over me jolted me awake. My vision was not perfect from the deep sleep I was in, though that ended short when a shadow of a creature was in front of the entrance. With no hesitation I leaped up and out of the shelter, pinning down the creature.
“Whoa whoa whoa! I am not here to harm you!” exclaimed the pony shaped creature. Its perfect speech threw me off instantly and I only stared at the being, thoughts racing in my mind on what it could be or how it was speaking. Nothing from any of the books I’ve read ever mentioned something like this. From shock and little curiosity, I lifted myself off the creature and backed away without breaking my gaze.
It was pony shaped with some extra fluff spots around the body. Three gems in its chest and a sparkling mane and tail. It looked like a fluffed up pegasus, only slightly bigger than the average pegasus. The most fascinating trait it had though was that the front legs were not even hooves, but paws. Whatever it was, the colours were rather very different compared to the entire Everfree Forest. Brighter colours like orange and pink, though the body was softer. Like a soft mix of grey and bright blue.
“My name is Zephyr, I was not supposed to be spotted by you but I was curious if you were still here since I did lose sight of you sometime earlier.” So nonchalant about my reaction. The sudden rush of panic, curiosity, and confusion was too much and I could feel myself pass out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I woke up suddenly and quickly looked around from where I was. Back in my shelter, I stared at the door and walked out. Not a trace of the creature, or then a trace of whether change. The ground was not softened from rain, and the pony thing was nowhere to be seen. Not even tracks from it were anywhere around the area.
“Was all that a dream? It felt so real...not a lucid dream, but reality. I think I have been staying here in Everfree for too long. I have to get out of here quickly before I lose my damn mind.” I go back to my little fort and grab a small sack of sand to cover any of my tracks.
If whatever happened last night was real or only a lucid dream, I will have to be ready and keep my guard up. It seemed friendly and...even stated that it didn’t mean harm. I cannot trust those words, nothing in Everfree can be trusted. All the books I’ve read should have stated that no matter what or who approaches you, do not trust it. I’m now learning that just first hoof. If it was real, it wants to be unseen. Covering its tracks and mentioning it was trying to stay out of my line of sight? That is enough to tell me that it wants to stay hidden. No matter to me since it won’t stop me from getting to Ponyville.
“Hey! Pony creature thing! If you are real and still around here, do not get in my way. You will meet the same fate that the timberwolf I beat has been through! This is my only warning to you!” Listening for any rustling or stepping, there was nothing. Only the sound of the streaming water filled the area, which satisfied me enough to begin again on my way to Ponyville. A newfound bravery coming over me. With the timberwolf incident, mom's helpful words, and immediate pounce of the creature either in my dreams or for real. All of that piled into one little deer, I know for a fact that this will help me. There is one final question that has been bothering me, nothing physical, a mental question that needs an answer. What was the voice that told me to attack and not back away from the timberwolf? Or even why the name “Hackberry” was thrown about, that also needs answering.
“You really must be what the Spirits of Nature saw. Pnévma must have been telling the truth, he has to be Lockharts grandchild. How? How is that possible, All these years of Queen Selenara being on the throne and she hasn’t detected his aura, or magic!? It is impossible. The markings on his back though, exactly like his mothers.” Zephyr ecstatically exclaimed in his head. Up in a tree away from the deer's sight, he looked down at him for a moment longer. Watching him leave the area, Zephyr dropped down from the tree and examined the tracks, “you did take down that timberwolf.” Zephyr only smiled at himself and flew off as quickly as he could back to the village. The Queen is going to love the news he has for her.
