As we traveled, the sun rose higher and higher into the sky. Occasionally a winged horse would glide overhead, as if swimming in the sky. This came as a surprise to me, as I had assumed the residents would be standard equines. As another one passes over, I begin to speak to my old mentor.

“Laurence, I hope you don’t mind me asking a question or two as we travel.”
“That is no problem Ludwig. In fact, I’m glad to answer as many questions you have before we arrive. Help ease you into this new world, a luxury I had not been given.”
“Thank you. I have noticed many winged ponies fly above us. Are there multiple species of equines?”
Laurence suddenly stops and smacks his head, and begins to lightly chuckle.

“Damn, I can’t believe I forgot. Yes, there are 4 different subspecies. Earth ponies, which are most like those we had in Yharnam. They are strong, and their abilities are in tune with the planet itself. The flying ponies are pegasi, who have the ability to manipulate clouds and control the weather. And next there is the unicorns, who are able to use their bony horns to manipulate the ambient mana of the world to perform feats of power, such as telekinesis or transmogrification.”

“Finally, and most importantly, are the alicorns. They are immortal and few In numbers, and posses immense magical strength, as well as the magic of all three subspecies.Princess Celestia and princess Luna are the first alicorns, and those with immense magical potential of any subspecies have the ability to ascend with the help of the princesses.”
“ Are there any other sentient species on this planet?”
“ The princesses told me that there are several sentient species upon this world, but I have only ran into one.”

“They were attempting to invade the capital, and had the ability to shapeshift. Insectoid in nature, with the ability to consume the emotions of other species. If it weren’t for their queen being a bad infiltrator, they may have very well taken over the capital. They are called changelings, like the old myths from our home. ”
“ While it is a shame the first non equine sentient species you ran into is hostile, it is good to know that the ponies are at least somewhat able to repel attackers.”
“Barely.”

“Whatever do you mean Laurence?”
“Due to the duality of their government, The military of the capital is split into two separate guards. The royal guard, garbed in golden armor, are active during the day, while during the night, the night guard are active. It just so happened though, that the royal guard are inept buffoons who barely know how to hold a spear, let alone use it. This is due to the nobility, a corrupt group of rich and powerful elites with their hands in every corner of the city. For some reason, they slowly funneled the royal guard budget away from those who needed it. ”

“ The night guard, however, answered only to princess Luna, and thus are much more well trained and equipped. She is also the only one with the ability to access the night guards budget, meaning it couldn’t be embezzled by greedy nobles. However, they tend to only operate at night. Thankfully, I was able to get a message to them before the invasion truly began, and they mobilized just in time to push them back. And thankfully, due to the invasion, Celestia has begun to crack down on the nobles.”
“Ha, it is good to know that even in this world, the best warriors patrol the night! I think I might just fit in.”

As we continue to converse, I learn more about this magical world. Apparently, the three subspecies of ponies have their own nocturnal subspecies. Pegasi have thestrals, more batlike and with the ability to dissolve into the shadows. Unicorns have umbrums, who are more physically sturdy, as well as resistant to dark magic corruption, though not immune. The earth ponies had 2, the first one being the canis, who share many similarities with wolves, and are isolationist. Only princess Luna knows where their town resides.

Laurence also tells me the story of everything that has happens to him since arriving. Fighting a lion like beast, waking up within that tree, meeting six unique ponies and a dragon, and even his less than stellar first encounter with the princess of the sun. His run in with a creature named discord surprised me the most though. He ran into a forgotten great one and lived! He even befriended it! Truly impressive. Eventually, he reached the moment of the invasion, which occurred during a wedding. What an uncouth day to invade on. Anyways, his fight truly impressed me.

“You managed to take on 30 elite soldiers on by yourself? Impressive! As well as very noble. Your distraction drew many enemies away from the front line, and saved many civilians. Your bravery and honor are matched only by your ferocity and ruthlessness. Your actions during the invasion remind me of what many of my holy blades and I used to do during the hunts.”
“ I may have saved many lives, but at what cost? How many of those changelings had families? How many were forced to invade by the queen? How many were starving, and believed this was the only way they would survive?”

“ Do not be hard on yourself Laurence. While yes, they may have not had a choice, or may have had families, but if you hadn’t been there, then what? How many more would be hurt or killed? How many ponies would lose their mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons or daughters? How many would be injured, to the point of permanent disability, and how many would have been captured, and used as livestock for them? You did what is right, and that is all that matters. Be glad, however, that you still have a moral compass. Very few would mourn their enemies death’s like you do, and it is the sign that you are still a good person at heart.”

Laurence sighs, before looking to the sky.”Your right Ludwig. While I am saddened by the loss of life, I am glad to have been able to protect as many as I did. Thank you.”
I nod, and we begin to walk again. After a few minutes of silence, Laurence turns his head to look at me.”Say, what exactly is in that bundle of plant matter on your back?”
“It is a trophy I took from the first beast that tried to kill me. It did not go well for it. I believe it was a hydra.”
“Impressive! They are probably the one of the most dangerous creatures within that accursed forest. Perhaps we may study it, and figure out how its regenerative abilities work. But that’s for later, as I believe we’re almost the…”
At that moment we both stop. As we look to the mountain, we see pillars of smoke rise into the sky.

As we begin to sprint towards the mountain, screams begin to become audible. The closer we get, the more we hear. And finally, when we are about a half mile away, the stench of blood hits us like we ran into a wall. But it’s not just ordinary blood. As I realize what it is, we hear a piercing screech, and dread takes root in my heart. “
Thats… impossible! The only time I’ve hear that screech was when I… when I lost myself to the blood.”
We knew what was happening, and I prayed we would get there in time. For somehow, a beast had managed to make it to equestria.

Author's Note

It’s been too long since I updated this story. I hope you enjoy! Leave any feedback or suggestions in the comments!