(Sureiya’s POV)
It’s been almost two hours since I arrived in this world. In that time, I’ve met a few locals, killed a giant monster, and now I’m walking with my new acquaintance, Miia, through the dense forest. I suddenly paused and turned to her. “Um, where are we headed, anyway?” I asked, curiosity tinged with suspicion.

“Oh… um… well, we could go to my village, although it’s more of a small settlement,” she replied nervously. I considered her words before giving a nod.

“Alright then, lead the way,” I said, and we continued in silence. After a while, she spoke up again.

“Umm, I have to ask… why did you save me back there? I mean, I’m grateful, but still… I thought you would have left me to die because of what I am,” she said cautiously, her voice wavering with uncertainty.

I glanced at her, then gave a small smile. “Well, for starters, I don’t care about what you are. I know how your kind is unfairly judged, but to me, you’re just a normal girl. Plus, I’d be a real jerk to let a pretty girl die,” I added with a lighthearted grin.

Her eyes widened, and she blushed, looking away shyly. “You think I’m pretty?” she asked softly, almost as if she didn’t believe it.

“Yes, even if you’re a bit underweight. But don’t worry, I’ll fix that,” I said as I patted her head, running my fingers gently through her hair. She gave me a soft smile as we walked, but then her stomach growled loudly, causing her to blush even more. I chuckled at the sound. “Well, I guess you’re hungry, huh?” I teased, and she nodded shyly.

Opening a rift into my darkness, I pulled out a strip of hydra meat I had stored earlier. Using my pyro abilities, I cooked it up just right, then cooled it with a gentle breeze of my air manipulation before offering it to Miia. She looked at me with wide eyes as I smiled. “Go on, eat up.”

She hesitated for a moment before taking the meat and biting into it. As she chewed, tears welled up in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.

“It’s been so long since I’ve had any meat,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

“Were you hunting when I found you?” I asked gently, sensing there was more to her story. She nodded, her expression turning somber.

“My village is starving. Those who hate us hunt down our food and poison our water to slowly wipe us out. Most of us are too sick or injured to hunt, and some—like my mother—are taken away to be sold as property,” she sobbed, her voice cracking under the weight of her words.

Hearing this, I felt a cold anger stir within me as I pulled her into a comforting hug. “I’m so sorry that happens to you and your people,” I said, rubbing her back as she cried softly against my chest. If I’m really going to make things right here, I need to start by helping her people, I vowed silently.

(3rd POV: Canterlot Castle)
After their encounter with the one who calls himself Sureiya, the Mane Six were immediately teleported to the library. They were shaken, fear still lingering in their eyes. Once they calmed down, Twilight called for Spike, sending a letter to Princess Celestia detailing their run-in with the mysterious being in the Everfree Forest. After a quick reply, they were off to Canterlot.

On the train ride, they couldn’t help but discuss what they had witnessed.

“I still can’t believe it,” Twilight muttered, her mind replaying the scene. “Hydras are not easy creatures to kill, and yet he did it in one strike.”

“Not to mention he was planning to eat it,” Fluttershy whispered, shivering at the memory of Sureiya’s sharp teeth.

“Pfft, he wasn’t that scary,” Rainbow Dash scoffed, but the others didn’t buy it.

“Dash, ya were the main one shakin’ yer tail off in fear,” Applejack retorted, striking a blow to Rainbow’s pride.

Eventually, they reached their destination and made their way to the castle, heading straight to the throne room. Upon entering, they were greeted by the two princesses.

“Hello, my little ponies. It’s good to see you,” Celestia said, embracing her student warmly.

“It’s good to see you too, Princess, but I’m afraid our news might be a bit troubling,” Twilight said, concern evident in her voice.

“I see. You said you found something in the Everfree?” Celestia asked, and they all nodded before recounting their story in great detail. By the time they finished, both princesses looked deeply troubled.

“I see,” Celestia said, her gaze distant as she processed the news. The thought of a creature with the power to kill a hydra so effortlessly disturbed her greatly. “Twilight, tomorrow I’d like you and your friends to accompany a group of guards to try and make contact with this creature and ascertain his intentions. I can’t ignore the potential threat of such a powerful being wandering around unchecked.”

“Of course, Princess. You can count on us,” Twilight replied, her friends nodding in agreement.

“Thank you. I knew I could rely on you six. In the meantime, we’ll provide guest rooms for all of you while you’re here.”

After sending the Mane Six off to their rooms for the night, Celestia turned to her sister. “I have no idea what we’re dealing with, but we can’t take this lightly, sister.”

“Agreed. And the fact that he was seen with a creature from the monster race is concerning. While we’ve never had direct conflicts with them, there’s no telling what they might be planning,” Luna remarked.

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my little ponies,” Celestia said firmly, her eyes hardening with resolve. If only she knew what was truly in store.

(Sureiya’s POV)
After nearly another hour of walking, we finally reached our destination. When Miia said it was a small settlement, she wasn’t exaggerating; in fact, she was being generous. The majority of the structures looked like they’d collapse with the slightest breeze, and everyone around appeared malnourished and miserable. It wasn’t just lamias here either—I saw a variety of other creatures I recognized from my studies with Faust.

There were goblins, who didn’t look as hideous as I’d imagined. I saw a few ice wolves—humanoid creatures with white fur covering their arms and legs, wolf-like ears, and tails. They were named for their affinity with ice magic. I also noticed ogres, some with rugged, almost wild appearances, while others looked more tame and dignified.

As we approached, the atmosphere changed. The villagers smiled warmly at Miia, but their expressions turned wary when they saw me. The defenders of the settlement—a group of goblins, lamias, an ogre, and two ice wolves—took up defensive stances, ready to fight if necessary.

“Whoa, easy! I come in peace,” I said, raising my hands in a placating gesture. They didn’t seem convinced until Miia stepped in front of me.

“He’s telling the truth. He saved my life,” she insisted, which seemed to calm them down, though their eyes remained suspicious.

“What do you mean, he saved your life?” the ogre, a male, asked. He wore poorly made armor, and his sword looked like it could break at any moment. His skin was a bubblegum pink, and his hair was a messy red, with two small horns protruding from his forehead and red streaks under his eyes.

Miia recounted our encounter with the ponies and the hydra, and as she finished, the ogre nodded slowly. “I see. You have my thanks for protecting her,” he said, extending his hand.

“It was no problem. Like I told her, I’d be a jerk to let her die,” I replied, shaking his hand firmly. “I’m Sureiya, by the way.”

“My name is Benimaru,” the ogre introduced himself. “I’m the leader of this settlement, though I wouldn’t really call us much of a settlement.”

“Miia told me about your situation. I thought I could help,” I said, causing him to raise an eyebrow in surprise.

“Really? We’d be grateful, but I don’t think there’s much you can do,” he admitted, and I smirked.

“Is that so?” I said, opening a rift into my darkness. Everyone gasped as I pulled out large strips of hydra meat I had stored inside. “I’m pretty sure I can help with your hunger problem.”

Their reactions were priceless. These folks were drooling so much I thought they might dehydrate themselves. It was almost comical.

“So, let’s get a fire going and get you all fed.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Benimaru stammered, clearly shocked.

“There’s nothing you have to say. You need help, and that’s why I’m here,” I replied firmly. I knew it would take time, but eventually, I would figure out how to turn everything around for the better.

Author's Note

I know I deserve to be chewed out for taking so long. I’m a try to be better and merry Christmas to you all. And to all a good night.Kurayami o tanoshimu/ revel in the darkness