Do not judge! I do not choose to be a monster! If I decided not to be one, how would I survive in the Everfree? Hear me out! I understand that the ponies of this Earth have the right to live, but don't I as well?
I felt it again, the craving for flesh once more. The rich, juicy delicacy that can only be obtained through the death of an animal. It felt unnatural to have such a craving, but I couldn't imagine what my life would be like if it wasn't there.
The rough grass scratched my skin, tempting me to move. It was as if the beautiful forest itself was begging for me to spare life of the orange coated, green maned stallion. That is not to say though, that I defied nature. I didn't wish any ill will towards the pony. Had I seen him any other time I would have allowed him to live for years to come. He could've had a mare to live with, children to raise, and grandchildren to meet. The thought only stung my heart more, but I was reminded, don't I wish for the same life? I prayed silently for the pony, thanking him for sacrificing his life for my own.
My legs tensed, ready to pounce, i gritted my teeth in a savage rage, and just as he strayed close enough, I struck his head. The blow killed him instantly. I did not wish harm upon him. He was good pony, everypony was. I gave him the quick, calm, painless death he deserved, and nothing more.
I tore his stomach and ripped off a foreleg, but not before reciting a prayer for thanks. Thanks, and forgiveness. Was it murder? or survival? It was a question I asked myself everytime. Did I have the right to take his life? If it is for consumption, perhaps I do not have the right, but the justification to kill, so long as I do so in necessity and honorably.
The flesh was cold and clammy, tender. I built a fire to cook the meat, which once more summoned the question: did I have the right to kill? If I am smart enough to build a fire, surely I don't have the right the right to kill what I know is sentient. The other beasts in the forest? Bah, they are uncivilized, wild, and see a pony no differently then they do a wild pig. All they see is a walking pile of meat and bones. But I see a pony as a pony, as the greatest of creatures made by Celestia. No doubt this is why my guilt followed me. Perhaps, I could join them? Would I be able to? I mused at the though as I swallowed the last of my prey.
I turned to my left, where a white lily rested. It was calm, and wasn't touched by any of the blood that was spilled. I walked towards it. I was tempted to try a bite. It felt.... appropriate, natural even, to consume this flower. I was...omnivorous, I could change! To kill was now an option! A choice I could make! A choice I could equally avoid!
A choice I would certainly avoid.
I washed myself in the river, as a celebration of my new life. I wished to start clean and dignified, confident that I belonged in the society of the ponies. I was excited, I won't lie, and my heart skipped a beat as I made first contact.
"Oh, Hello!" said a yellow pegasus mare. She had butterflies for her cutie mark and a light pink mane. She seemed surprised that I was walking out of the forest.
"What were you doing in the Everfree forest? I mean, it's okay if you wanted to be there, but it's dangerous so....well, I don't know why a pony would want to be there- Not that it's bad that you wanted to be in there! I'm not trying to say there is anything wrong with you or anything-"
"I completely understand!" I laughed, "the Everfree forest is dangerous. I know that, but thank you for your concern."
"Its....well....just that....there was a stallion just like you who went in a few hours ago.....only he had an orange coat and green mane.... I'm just so worried...."
"I wouldn't fret," I assured her, "Trust me when I say a pony could live in the forest for years."
"R-really?" asked the mare.
"Of course!" I said. "There is nothing to worry about. Take care now!" I waved goodbye, turning towards my new life.
When I reached Ponyville, I was surprised to see that there were only a few stallions. I never hunted mares, it was indecent! Had I done this? Was the uneven population a result of my actions?
No, there's no way I alone caused all this, besides, I've turned away from that life.
---~---
As of now, I am trapped in my new house, imprisoned by choice. Let me start by saying that my new life in Ponyville has been blissful. The yellow mare was named Fluttershy, and she happened to be friends with a pink mare who was kind enough to throw a surprise party. They both happened to be friends of a lavender unicorn who was a librarian, a white one that made beautiful dresses, a yellow earth pony who was an apple farmer (which was convenient, as I have actually developed a taste for the fruit.) and a blue pegasus, who was captain of the weather team. They were all so welcoming, even if I was a pony they had never met.
I was named, too. I am now the grey earth pony with a darker shaded mane who goes by the name "Granite". It was an odd name, but I was grateful for it.
I met a pony named Rose who, as luck would have it, grew the same delicious lilies that introduced me to my vegetarian diet, which I have been under for six months now. All was going perfectly! Until....Until I felt that damned craving again...