Queen of Trauma

I wasn’t always an alicorn. In fact, I once lived in the world of humans, where My Little Pony was simply a TV show. I’d watch it over and over, getting lost in the colors, the music, and the characters who felt like friends. I’d laugh at Pinkie Pie’s antics, admire Twilight’s dedication to her studies, and marvel at Princess Celestia’s wisdom. Watching the ponies’ lives unfold felt magical, yet bittersweet, as I longed to be a part of their world. But the screen was just a barrier, a veil that separated me from that enchanted place.

One evening, after rewatching my favorite episodes, I lay in bed, thoughts of Equestria swirling in my mind as I drifted off. I don’t remember how long I’d been asleep when my dream began. In the darkness, two alicorns appeared before me. They were regal, majestic, and elegant, similar to the depictions of Celestia’s parents in the myths I’d read. But these alicorns were unique, their coats a shimmer of iridescent colors that were both familiar and foreign, hues not found on Earth.

The two alicorns spoke in perfect unison, their voices resonating with an almost musical harmony. “You have been chosen,” they said, looking deep into my eyes with an intensity that felt real—too real.

A tingle of shock and excitement ran down my spine. I usually have strange dreams, but this one was different. There was a weight, a sense of purpose to it. And then the dream faded, leaving a warmth lingering in the air.

When I opened my eyes, I was no longer in my room. I blinked a few times, thinking I was still dreaming. Instead of walls, there was a dense, mysterious forest surrounding me. Shadows danced in the corners of my vision, cast by the filtered moonlight. Strange sounds echoed, the calls of creatures I didn’t recognize. Then I felt a presence.

Standing before me was a manticore—a beast I’d only seen in the world of My Little Pony. But here it was, real as anything I’d ever seen, its lion body tense, its scorpion tail poised, and its bat wings spread wide. Its eyes narrowed as it looked me over, and I saw muscles twitch in its powerful frame.

I stumbled backward, trying not to show fear, and stammered, “Please, I’m new to this land.” My voice shook, but I kept speaking, “This… this is your territory, I suppose?”

The manticore paused, its eyes holding a hint of understanding, as if considering my words. Then, to my surprise, it gave a slow, solemn nod.

My heart raced, but I took a steadying breath. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” I tried to remember every encounter I’d seen with manticores on the show, searching for anything that might help me calm it. I spoke softly, lowering my head respectfully. “Um… where is the nearest town, Mr. Manticore?”

For a moment, I wondered if it would simply turn and walk away, but it did more than that. With a soft huff, the manticore nudged its head in the direction of a path leading out of the woods.

“Thank you, Manticore,” I said, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. The creature nodded again and padded away, disappearing back into the forest shadows.

I followed the path, my mind spinning with questions, my heart pounding with excitement. After some time, the trees thinned, and I found myself standing at the edge of the Everfree Forest, gazing out over a peaceful little town nestled in the valley below. A faint light was beginning to spread across the sky—the first hint of dawn.

Meanwhile, far away in Canterlot, Princess Celestia lay resting in her chambers. But her sleep was light, and as a ripple of magic surged across the land, her eyes snapped open. She felt it like a faint heartbeat, a pulse of new magic resonating across Equestria. Celestia sat up, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Philomena, her loyal phoenix, stirred from her perch and fluttered around the room, sensing her keeper’s unease.

“Did you feel that, Philomena?” Celestia whispered, glancing at the phoenix with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Philomena gave a soft chirp, her feathers glowing faintly in the dim light. Celestia chuckled softly, trying to shake off her nerves. “I guess you did,” she murmured. But deep down, she knew that this wasn’t a passing feeling. There was something out there, something new and powerful.

Celestia got up and walked to her door. “Guard!” she called, her voice firm but calm.

A guard immediately approached, bowing. “Yes, Princess?”

“Has Star Swirl returned from his travels?” Celestia asked, hoping to consult with the ancient wizard.

“No, Princess,” the guard replied, his voice respectful but apologetic.

“Thank you,” she said with a nod, dismissing him with a gentle smile.

“Anything for the Princess,” he replied, bowing before resuming his post.

Celestia returned to her chambers, her thoughts whirling with questions. She knew she would have to address her subjects about this strange occurrence soon. Yet, she sensed that whatever had arrived in Equestria was only just beginning its journey.