Chains to Freedom

by Zack Catcher

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Mystery, Dark
Length: 8761

Hi, I’m Neon Glow. Let me take you through a part of my life that’s been anything but ordinary. I’m about to share my journey, filled with heartache and hope, pain and perseverance. This is the story of my life at the Canterlot Orphanage

Hi, I’m Neon Glow. Let me take you through a part of my life that’s been anything but ordinary. I’m about to share my journey, filled with heartache and hope, pain and perseverance. This is the story of my life at the Canterlot Orphanage, a place where I learned that being an orphan isn’t as simple as ponies might think.

You see, many ponies believe that being an orphan means you don’t have to worry about anything—food is provided, and you always have a place to sleep. But let me tell you, that’s not entirely true. Life in the orphanage is far from easy. It's a place where you constantly question your worth and yearn for a family of your own. I invite you to join me on this journey and watch as my life unfolds. Through the heartache and the dreams that feel out of reach, join me as I seek to find where I truly belong and witness how my life changes for the better.

Published 2024-09-16 20:20:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-10-10 20:09:07 UTC

C̶̯͒̊͝h̷̜̮̑ă̵̯̋́p̸̢̂ṭ̸̣̈́e̴̢̙͑͆ŕ̶͎̆ ̷̨̡̿̊̿ͅ6̷̱̦̀͘:̶̫̫̪́ ̴̻͔̣͆̒̋N̶̗̈́i̵̡̛̗͕͒g̴̻͓̿h̶̨̾t̴̘̣̫̋͂ ̴͇͓̭͌̐͘T̵̰͂è̷̳͙r̵̭̥̅̈́r̸̩̓͝ͅo̸͇̠͆ṛ̷͕͆̐̀

After a while, I woke up feeling Zack nowhere near me. I shot upright, looking around in the darkness, unable to see anything. Once my eyes adjusted, panic set in as I realized I was back in my dorm room. My breath quickened, and I could feel my heart thumping in my chest. “No, no, no, no, no! This can’t be happening! I can’t still be here!” I cried out, tears starting to roll down my cheeks,

everything that happened... was it just a dream, i thought to myself still crying when i suddenly hear some pony shout loudly "NEON!!" i jumped hearing the voice but i didn't recognize the voice but it sounded familiar, when i turn my head i saw a dark figure standing at the door frame looking like there entire body body was made of shadow,

“What in Celesta's name are you doing awake?” the figure said in a harsh tone.

“S-sorry, Ḿ̴̶̸̶̶̷̷̷̷̶̷̵̵̵̵̷̴̸̸̸̴̶̸̴̶̴̴̖͎͝ī̸̷̶̷̶̴̷̸̵̴̶̶̸̵̸̴̸̷̵̸̶̵̷̵̵̷̵̼͔͊s̶̴̸̸̷̵̶̸̷̷̷̵̸̶̶̵̸̴̴̸̴̴̶̵̷̶̵̟̬̎́s̸̴̵̶̴̵̵̵̷̴̶̶̷̴̸̴̵̴̴̵̴̷̷̶̸̵̶̹̜̆́ ̵̷̴̶̶̷̷̸̵̶̶͚̩̀͐H̶̶̸̷̷̸̷̸̷̶̶̪͇͂̕e̶̸̵̶̶̶̸̸̵̸̶̘̦͑̽á̷̵̸̶̵̴̶̶̶̸̸͕̰͆r̶̴̶̵̸̶̷̵̷̸̴̝̘͌̔t̴̵̸̶̷̴̷̷̷̵̴͖̮́͑l̵̵̴̶̷̸̵̶̵̶̶̜̬͛͝e̸̷̴̴̶̴̷̴̷̶̸̱̩̊̌s̴̴̵̵̵̷̸̴̶̷̸̱̼̄̈́s̶̷̷̴̷̶̷̵̶̶̵̙̦̋͠” I staid panicking getting scared seeing the figure . “I’ll go back to sleep, I promise!”

The shadowy figure laughed darkly. “You sound just like your sister. No, I think it’s time for me to teach you another lesson.”

With a wave of its hand, it used magic to pull my hind hooves, yanking me off my top bunk. My eyes widened in terror as I scrambled to climb back up, but it was no use. The figure pulled me down hard, and I hit the back of my head against the floor. i winced in pain before looking to the dark figure with tear's in my eyes

as it raised a medal pipe "n-no! no not again please, I'm sorry just don't hurt me I'll go back to bed I promise" I said with panic in my voice as the figure replied

if you were really sorry, you wouldn't have done this in the first place, it said as the medal pipe came down smacking me across the face.

I jolted awake after getting smacked across my face, screaming at the top of my lungs as I struggled to break free from Zack's grip. He woke up, his voice calm and concerned. “Neon,” he said, but I didn’t hear him; I kept fighting against his hold. “Neon, hey! It’s me, Zack. I’m here,” he insisted, turning me to face him.

Relief washed over me when I finally saw him. I threw my arms around him, sobbing into his embrace. Zack looked a bit surprised but held me tightly, murmuring, “Shh, it’s okay, Nova. I’m here.” I wanted to believe him, but the tears kept flowing as I felt the pain radiating from the back of my head and across my left cheek.

After a bit of crying, I spoke, “I—I had a nightmare... that somepony was hurting me.” Hearing this, Zack immediately tightened his hug, pulling me closer to his chest.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he said, a hint of pity in his voice. “Do you remember who hurt you? Were you able to see their face?”

I shook my head, tears still flowing but feeling a bit lighter than before. “I couldn’t see his face; it was too dark. I couldn’t see anything.”

Zack nodded, giving me a comforting smile before kissing me gently on the forehead. “It’s okay, Neon. It was just a nightmare. I won’t let anything hurt you,” he reassured me.

I asked, “You promise?”

“I promise,” he replied, settling me down. Just then, a voice came from outside our suite. “Is everything okay? I heard screaming.”

Zack nodded toward the door, though I couldn’t see the pony. “Yes, everything is fine my duagther just had a nightmare,” the pony nodded before leaving making sure to close the door behind him,

After that, I closed my eyes, trying to drift back to sleep while Zack hummed a calming song in my ear. The gentle melody wrapped around me like a warm blanket, easing my mind.

As I fell deeper into slumber, I found myself in a beautiful meadow, sunlight streaming through the trees and colorful flowers blooming all around. I felt light and carefree, running through the grass with Zack by my side, laughter filling the air. It was a perfect day, and I could almost forget the nightmare.

Author's Note

this chapter is a bit small but it is still one of the best chapter's in my opinion

Chapter 2: My Sad Reality

Author's Note

this is the first chapter of my new story, and I am going to try something new,

1 like = 1 chapter, so if this story get's two likes I will post the 2nd chapter 3 likes and I will post the 3rd and so on

Chapter 2: My Sad Reality

Ponies say that being an orphan is easy—everything is done for you, you don't have to worry about food, and you never have to think about where you have to sleep. Well, I'll tell you from experience that life as an orphan isn't easy. Don't believe me?

Here is my story.

hello my name is Neon Glow, and I am an orphan at the canterlot orphanage, Miss Heartless is the headmare, and she runs the place, everypony likes her... well everypony except me,

One day at the cafeteria, as I was eating a sandwich I got for lunch, I heard a voice over the intercom: "Miss Glow, report to the Headmare's office immediately. That's Miss Glow, please report to the Headmare's office." My eyes widened as I felt my heart race. I put down my half-eaten sandwich shakily and got up from my seat. I walked over to Miss Heartless’s office, placing a hoof on my chest and letting out a soft sigh feeling a bit panicked as I thought to myself, "What does she want now?"

I continued to her office, wincing with pain as I walked. I didn't know what I did last night, but I must have slept on it wrong and got myself a black eye. I continued walking to Miss Heartless’s office. When I realized I was there, I stopped right in front of the door, putting a hoof to my chest and trying to calm myself down before entering. When I did, I saw Miss Heartless behind her desk. I spoke in a shaky voice, "Y-you... you wanted to see me, Miss Heartless?" I said feeling a pit in my stomach as she looked at me, which I didn't quite understand

"Ah, Neon, just the foal I wanted to see," Miss Heartless said with a warm smile. She continued, "If you would be a dear, please close the door behind you. NOW."

I froze at her request before fully entering the room and closing the door behind me. After I did, Miss Heartless continued, "Good. Now, can you please remind me how old you are, Neon?" She asked with a generous smile.

"I am 12 years old. I'll be 13 in a few months," I replied with a hint of pride in my voice, but that quickly faded with what she said next.

"That doesn't matter, Neon. Look, I know this might sound harsh, but I'm telling you this now so you won't be giving up your hopes later in life." I tilted my head, not understanding where she was going with this, as she continued, "Your chances of being adopted at your age are basically zero to none." The moment she said that I felt my heart drop as I tried to reply with tears in my voice,

"But... I-I... I thought—" I began to cry, unable to hold back my tears at the thought that no pony wanted me. But soon after, Miss Heartless shouted at me, and I felt something hard hit my cheek, sending me crashing into the wall. I landed on the ground and looked up at her as she shouted, "Neon, enough with the crying! That’s no way for a mare to act. Now get ready for bed; it’s already 10 p.m."

I nodded my head and quickly ran out of the office, crying my eyes out. As I rushed past the kitchen, my stomach growled loudly, reminding me of how little I'd eaten that day. The empty feeling in my gut only made the pain worse. I barely noticed the kitchen staff glancing at me with pity as I bolted past them, tears still streaming down my face.

Finally, I reached my dorm room and stumbled inside. I closed the door behind me before climbing into my bed and curling into a tight ball as I cried myself to sleep.

As I finally drifted off to sleep, the world around me seemed to dissolve into a swirl of colors and shapes. I found myself standing in a bright, sunlit park, surrounded by lush greenery and the distant sound of laughter. The scene felt oddly serene, a stark contrast to the turmoil I’d just left behind.

I noticed a couple sitting on a bench nearby, their faces illuminated by the warm sunlight. They looked like the kind of parents I had always dreamed of—kind eyes, gentle smiles. The sight of them filled me with a strange sense of hope, and I found myself walking toward them, drawn by an inexplicable yearning.

As I approached, I could hear snippets of their conversation, their voices filled with excitement and affection. I felt a flutter of anticipation in my chest. Maybe, just maybe, they were here to adopt. As I drew closer, I gathered my courage and mustered up the most hopeful expression I could.

“Excuse me,” I said softly, trying to catch their attention. “I’m Neon. Are you looking to adopt?”

The couple looked up at me, their smiles momentarily freezing. The woman’s eyes narrowed slightly as she took in my appearance. Her expression shifted from warm to one of mild confusion, while the man’s face turned to a look of outright disbelief.

“Well,” the woman began, her voice dripping with condescension, “you’re quite a bit older than what we were hoping for. We were looking for a younger foal, you see.”

The man chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, you’re just too old. At your age, it’s unlikely anyone would want to adopt you. You’re practically a grown-up.”

The words cut through me like a knife. I felt a cold emptiness spreading through my chest as their laughter echoed around me. I tried to protest, to explain that I was just a child who needed a family, but no sound came out. My voice was trapped, stuck in the pit of my throat.

The couple's laughter grew louder, more mocking. Their faces twisted into cruel masks of amusement, and I felt the dream world around me darken and shift. The park, once bright and welcoming, turned into a cold, desolate place. The once-comforting sunlight now seemed harsh and unfeeling.

I turned away from them, my heart sinking as I stumbled through the darkness. The laughter of the couple faded into the background, replaced by an overwhelming sense of loneliness. I tried to call out for someone, anyone, to come and help me, but my cries were swallowed by the encroaching darkness.

Suddenly, I was back in my dorm room, curled up in bed, tears still fresh on my cheeks. The dream had shattered my fragile hope, leaving me with the crushing weight of reality. I closed my eyes tightly, trying to escape the hurt, but the lingering echoes of the couple's laughter haunted me, even in my sleep.

Chapter 3: a new hope

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Chapter 4: In Critical Condition

(3rd P.O.V)

the doctors burst through the door of the emergency room with a neon glow as one of the nurses shouted "12-year-old female, multiple trauma. Shattered wing, several broken bones, a cracked skull, internal bleeding, and three fractured ribs. Heart rate 160, oxygen saturation at 78%, unresponsive. We had a cardiac arrest but were able to resuscitate."

As they wheeled her into the room, the nurse continued, another nurse stepping in to help move Neon onto the bed. "One, two, three," they counted in unison, lifting her gently onto the bed. immediately after the fact, an alarm started the blare as Neon's heart began to crash again.

Somewhere else in Equestria, Zack is seen running as fast as he can after getting a call that Neon was in critical condition and at the hospital. Zack could feel his legs hurting, protesting for him to stop as his lungs began to burn, but he pushed through, bursting into the emergency room, worry clearly on his face as he began looking around, calling out for Neon, running down the hall to find her room. Eventually, he finds it, but when he sees Neon, he feels his heart drop.

Zack steps into the room, his heart racing as he takes in the sight before him. Neon lies on the bed, connected to machines beeping softly, their rhythms contrasting the chaos swirling in his mind. The room is eerily quiet—no doctors, no nurses, just the sound of his own frantic breaths.

He stumbles forward, muttering, “I’m sorry, Neon.” The words catch in his throat, and he wishes he could have taken her with him, wished he could have saved her from this pain. Tears begin to spill down his cheeks as he reaches her bedside.

Neon’s body looks so small and lifeless, battered and bruised, with tubes running from her arms. Each step feels heavy as he inches closer, the weight of guilt pressing down on him. Desperation floods him, and he lays his head gently on her chest, sobbing uncontrollably. The stillness of her heart beneath his ear feels wrong—so wrong—and the reality of her injuries makes his stomach churn.

All he can do is hope she can somehow hear him, wishing with every fiber of his being that she would recover, that things could be different

(Neon's P.O.V)

I feel a weight on my chest, a familiar presence pulling me back from the darkness. I can hear someone crying, muffled but filled with pain. It takes all my strength to try and open my eyes, my eyelids feeling heavy as if they’re weighed down by the world.

Finally, I managed to crack them open, my vision blurry at first. The room comes into focus, and I see Zack’s face, streaked with tears, resting against me. His sorrow pierces through the fog in my mind, and I feel a flutter of warmth in my chest despite the pain coursing through my body.

“Zack…” I whisper, my voice barely a breath. As I speak, I see one of his ears flick up, hearing my voice. He lifts his head, and his eyes widen in shock as he realizes I’m awake.

“Neon!” he exclaims, his voice cracking with a mix of relief and disbelief. “You’re... you’re awake!” Tears continue to stream down his face, and I can see the weight of worry lifting from his shoulders, even if just a little.

After a moment, he smiles and pulls me into a soft hug. A sharp pain shoots through my body, making me scream. “Oh, sorry!” he says with a bit of a chuckle as he gently sets me back down.

He then calls out, “Nurse! Neon’s awake!” Almost immediately, nurses and doctors rush into the room, their faces a mix of concern and surprise as they gather around me. They begin to check my vitals and the machines, and one of the nurses speaks up, her eyes wide. “It’s a miracle! Her stats are improving!”

The next few weeks pass in a blur of hospital rooms, doctors, and pain. I undergo surgery to repair the damage, and every day is a battle. But with each passing moment, I feel myself getting stronger. Zack stays by my side, his presence a constant source of comfort.

He leaves every now and then, and I can see the worry etched on his face each time he goes. But he always returns with gifts—little trinkets and snacks meant to lift my spirits. I appreciate the thought behind them, but honestly, I don’t care about the gifts. All that matters is seeing him walk through that door, his smile lighting up the room.

Finally, the day arrives when I’m free to go. Hearing the news, I can’t help but smile, Finally, I can leave! I thought to myself as I tried to sit up, but I quickly lay back down, letting out a small shout of pain from the sharp pain in my wing, which was wrapped in a cast

“Neon, careful!” Zack says, rushing over to help me sit up. I wince a bit at the pain, but I manage to prop myself up with his support. Just then, the doctors come in with the paperwork for my discharge.

Zack grabs the papers and a pen, beginning to sign them quickly. Once everything is in order, he lifts me up gently, placing me carefully on his back. As we start to leave the hospital, I can see him let out a sigh of relief. The nightmare is finally over.

As soon as we left the hospital, I took a deep breath, feeling the fresh, cool breeze blow past us. I couldn’t help but smile as I looked up to see the morning sun beginning to rise over the horizon, casting warm hues of orange and gold across the sky. It felt like a new beginning, a promise of brighter days ahead. As we moved forward, I knew that my life was about to change. and that for the first time in my life or for as long as I can remember, I was happy, and looking forward to tomorrow

Author's Note

well that was a roller coaster of a chapter

Chapter 5: A New Day a New Life

After we left the hospital, we stopped by a cozy café for breakfast. The warm smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air, making me feel at ease. Zack picked a small table near the window, where sunlight streamed in, casting a soft glow on everything. I ordered French toast, and the first bite tasted like freedom—warm, sweet, and comforting. Zack smiled as I ate, clearly relieved to see me enjoying something simple again after all I’d been through.

We didn’t rush. We sat there for a while, soaking in the peaceful morning, just the two of us. I didn’t care about the noise around us, the clinking of dishes or the soft chatter of other patrons—it all faded into the background. It was just me, Zack, and this moment of calm after everything that had happened.

Once breakfast was over, we headed toward the train station. Zack bought us tickets, and we made our way to the platform. As we boarded the train, I noticed something different—Zack was walking in the opposite direction of where we usually sat. Instead of heading to the regular seats, he was leading us towards the private cars.

I glanced up at him, walking beside him, confused. "Where are we going? The seats are the opposite way," I asked, trying to figure out what he had planned.

Zack looked down at me, giving me a reassuring smile. "I got us a private car," he said softly. "You still need to recover, and I thought this would be the best option to keep you comfortable."

As we entered the suite, my eyes opened wide in surprise. The room was incredible—there were candy pops and snacks laid out on a small table, and a massive flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. I couldn’t believe it. This was more than just a private car; it felt like a luxurious mini-escape.

Zack smiled, clearly enjoying my reaction, and took a seat on the plush couch. I joined him shortly after, settling into the soft cushions. Once I sat down, he wrapped a comforting hoof around me, pulling me close.

"So," he said with a chuckle, "what do you think about our seats?" He held me close as I looked up at him, my eyes filling with tears. Without saying a word, I began to silently cry against his side.

Almost immediately, Zack pulled me into a soft, gentle hug. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, what's the matter, Neon?" he asked, his voice full of concern as he continued to hold me close.

Through soft sobs, I whispered, "Th-thank you... Thank you for taking me out of that awful place. Thank you... for choosing me."

Zack smiled warmly, still hugging me as he gently lifted me onto his lap, wrapping me in both of his hooves. "It's okay, Neon," he said softly, his voice reassuring. "There's no reason to thank me. I chose you because I saw how awful they were treating you in that place. And more than that... you're the sweetest filly I’ve ever met. I knew you deserved a family, one that cared and loved you for who you are."

I smiled as the tears slowed and my breathing steadied, looking up at Zack with a soft smile. I snuggled against his chest, feeling safe and comfortable. He gently reached over, grabbed some snacks, and handed me a Butter Hooves bar with his wing before turning on the TV. As I unwrapped it and began eating, the sweetness of the chocolate mixed with the warmth of the moment, making everything feel a little better.

Time seemed to slip by as we watched the TV, the light outside fading as the day turned to dusk. I was already halfway through my second chocolate bar when I glanced out the window and realized I didn’t recognize the landscape. We were far from anything familiar.

Curious, I turned to Zack, a question bubbling in my mind. "Hey, Zack... where are we going?"

Zack smiled softly, his eyes reflecting the fading light. "We're heading to Manehattan," he said. "It’s where your new home is."

"M-Manehattan? But that place is so big and crowded," I replied, feeling a wave of nervousness creep up my spine. My thoughts raced—Manehattan was nothing like what I was used to. It was loud, bustling, and unfamiliar.

Zack smiled down at me, his voice soft and reassuring. "I don’t think you’ll mind the big city once you see the house. I’ve been told it’s pretty big," he said, trying to ease my worries.

"Is it really that big?" I asked, still unsure but a little intrigued now.

"Oh yeah, it’s that big," Zack said with a cheeky grin, his tone playful, which made me giggle despite my nerves. He gently pulled me closer, nuzzling the top of my head. I giggled more, the tension I felt slowly melting away as I snuggled into him.

Looking up at him, I caught his warm smile just before he leaned down and planted a soft kiss on my forehead. My cheeks flushed a light red. Embarrassed but happy, I quickly looked down, trying to hide the blush spreading across my face, but the smile I couldn’t suppress gave me away.

Zack chuckled softly, clearly noticing my reaction. "You’re too cute," he said with a grin. He leaned back on the seat laying down as he pulled me onto his chest. "Come here," he said picking me up and getting me to sit on his chest as he looked at me with a smile

Then without warning, he started tickling my belly, sending me into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. "Stop! Stop!" I squealed, trying to wriggle out of his grasp, but he didn’t stop. I just continued to laugh when I finally got him to stop

"Alright, alright!" he finally relented with a laugh, stopping the tickling as I gasped for breath, still giggling. "I couldn’t resist," he added, a playful smirk on his face.

Once we had calmed down, Zack rolled over, positioning me in front of him, and pressing me gently against his chest. He wrapped both of his hooves around me, holding me close. It felt warm and secure, like I was wrapped in a cozy blanket.

I finished the last of my sweets, enjoying the sugary taste lingering on my tongue while we watched a bit more TV together. The soft glow of the screen and the rhythmic sound of the train created a soothing atmosphere.

As the moments passed, I felt my eyelids growing heavier, the exhaustion from the day catching up to me. With Zack’s heartbeat steady beneath me and his warmth surrounding me, I began to nod off, drifting into a peaceful sleep, knowing I was safe.

I wish this was the end of my story, but sadly, it’s not. My past doesn’t seem to rest; it still haunts me.

Chapter 7: This is Only the Beginning

(Zack's POV)
I woke up as the sun showed through the window, shining in my eyes, as I felt the train stop. I’m back home, I thought to myself, looking down at Neon Glow, who was still fast asleep with a smile on her face. I smiled too, getting up carefully, making sure not to wake her. I grabbed all our stuff and gently lifted her onto my back, letting her sleep.

The moment I stepped off the train, the volume around me shot up. Cars, voices, and the clatter of city life assaulted my ears all at once. I let out a sigh.
“Noise—the only thing I don’t like about this place.”

I continued through the bustling city, my wings spread wide to shield Neon from the harsh sunlight as it reflected off the towering buildings. With every step, the weight of the noise and energy around me grew, but I kept moving, hoping she’d stay asleep.

As we passed a nearby construction site, I winced with each loud clang and bang, cringing as steel clattered and machinery roared. I did my best to keep Neon undisturbed, but I couldn't help it when suddenly a pile of metal pipes crashed down onto the ground with a deafening clatter.

Neon jolted awake, eyes wide with panic. Before I could react, she scrambled off my back and bolted into a nearby alley.

(Neon's POV)
I smiled in my sleep, dreaming that Zack and I were at the amusement park, riding rides and eating all the delicious food we could. It felt like the perfect day.

Suddenly, a loud crashing sound snapped me out of my dream. My heart raced as the clanging of metal pipes echoed around me. I wasn’t sure why, but the noise sent a wave of panic through me. My chest tightened, and before I even realized what I was doing, I slipped off Zack’s back and darted into a nearby alley, desperate to escape the sound.

The bustle of the city only made things worse. Ponies talking, hooves clattering against the cobblestone streets, and the constant noise of construction—it all felt too loud, too chaotic. My breathing quickened, and I squeezed into the corner of the alley, curling up as the tears began to fall. I didn’t understand why I was so scared, but I couldn’t stop myself from crying.

“NEON!” Zack called out, his voice cutting through the haze of my panic. I looked up, and relief flooded through me as I saw him rushing over, concern etched on his face. “Hey, it’s okay. I’m here.”

He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a warm hug. I buried my face in his shoulder, letting the tears flow freely as I finally felt safe. After a few moments, as I began to calm down, I stammered, “S... sorry, Zack. I just got scared.”

He pulled back slightly, looking me in the eye with a gentle smile. “There’s no need to be sorry,” he said, his tone soothing. “I was basically the same when I first got here. The noise just takes a bit to get used to.”

He carefully lifted me back onto his back, and I clung to him, grateful for his support. The chaos of the city felt a little less daunting with him by my side.

As we walked, the sounds of the city began to fade, replaced by the rhythmic clopping of hooves on cobblestones. After a few minutes, we approached a large, inviting house that stood out among the rest. It had a cheerful blue exterior, with colourful flowers lining the walkway and a welcoming front porch.

“This is where we’re going to live,” Zack said, gesturing toward the house with a bright smile. “I hope you like it!”

I gazed at the house with wide eyes. “Wow, the house is so big!”

“I’m glad you like it.” He shifted slightly under me, adjusting his grip to make sure I was comfortable.

The vibrant flowers swayed gently in the breeze, and the cheerful colours of the house seemed to match the bright blue sky above, filling me with a sense of joy and warmth.

As we reached the front door, Zack carefully set me down before opening it. The door creaked softly as it swung inward, revealing a spacious foyer adorned with marble flooring that gleamed under the light. My eyes widened in awe at the sight of the rich red carpet that led deeper into the house, inviting us to explore.

beautiful mare with flowing black and red hair, warm red eyes, and dark gray fur. I looked at the portrait for a bit before speaking, “Who’s that? She’s so pretty.”

Zack glanced at the portrait, his expression shifting to one of sadness, yet he managed a sweet smile. “That’s my... late wife.”

I looked up at him, confused. “She’s pretty. Where is she?”

Zack’s gaze lingered on the portrait for a moment longer. “She, uh... she’s no longer with us. She died a few months ago,” he said, his voice slightly strained as he wiped away a tear that had formed in his eyes. My heart ached for him as I sensed the weight of his loss. “But that’s enough about her. Come on, I have to get you some breakfast.”

I nodded and began to follow alongside him, our hooves echoing on the marble flooring as we walked. Eventually, we made it to the kitchen, but it looked different from the last house. It had a cozy cabin feel, with warm wooden floors and log-patterned walls that added a sense of warmth and homeliness.

Standing in the kitchen was a pony I hadn’t seen before, a light brown stallion with a white apron tied around his waist. He was busy stirring a pot on the stove, but as we entered, he turned to us with a friendly smile. “Ah, good morning, Chef Maple!” Zack called out, his mood lifting slightly.

“Morning, Zack! And who’s this little gem?” Chef Maple said, his eyes twinkling as he looked at me. “This is Neon Glow,” Zack introduced me, gesturing toward me with a warm smile. “She’s going to be living with us from now on.” “Welcome to the family, Neon!

” Chef Maple said, stepping away from the stove and extending a hoof toward me. “I’m Chef Maple, and I’ll be making sure you have all the delicious meals you could ever want!”

I smiled back at him, feeling a little more at ease. “Thank you! It’s nice to meet you!”

Chef Maple beamed at me before turning to Zack. “So, what can I whip up for you both this morning?”

Zack pondered for a moment, glancing between Chef Maple and me. “I think I’ll have some eggs and bacon,” he said. “How about you, Neon?”

I thought for a second, my mouth watering at the thought of breakfast. “Can I have eggs and bacon too? And maybe some French toast?” I asked, a hopeful smile on my face.

“Of course! One order of eggs and bacon, and a stack of French toast coming right up!” Chef Maple replied enthusiastically, moving back to the stove with a spring in his step. “You’re going to love it, trust me!”

As he began to crack eggs into a pan and sizzle the bacon, the delicious smells filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl even louder.

Zack chuckled at the sound. “I think someone’s ready to eat!” He looked at me with a playful grin. “Are you excited for breakfast?”

“Definitely!” I exclaimed, watching Chef Maple work with a sense of awe. “Everything smells amazing!”

Chef Maple glanced back at us, his expression warm. “You two are going to be well-fed here, no doubt about that!”

With the sounds of sizzling food and the aroma wafting through the air, I felt a sense of comfort and belonging wash over me. This place was starting to feel like home.

After a short while, Chef Maple placed our plates in front of us, and my eyes widened at the sight. The eggs were fluffy, the bacon crispy, and the French toast was piled high with a dusting of powdered sugar.

“This looks incredible!” I exclaimed, my mouth watering as I picked up my fork.

“Dig in!” Zack encouraged, taking a bite of his breakfast.

As we ate, we chatted about little things—favourite foods, what we were looking forward to, and how much I was going to love living here. With each bite, I felt more and more at home.

Once we finished breakfast, Zack suggested we head out to get some things for my room. “I want to make it cozy for you,” he said with a smile.

After a quick stop at a nearby store, we gathered some essentials—soft blankets, a few stuffed animals, and some bright wall decorations that would reflect my personality. One of Zack’s servants, a gentle mare named Willow, helped us carry everything back to the house.

When we entered my new room, I was amazed by how spacious it was. With Willow’s help, we quickly arranged everything, setting up the bed in the center, hanging the decorations on the walls, and making sure the blankets were fluffed just right.

After we finished decorating, Zack took a moment to settle me into bed. “Here you go, all set,” he said, tucking me in with a gentle smile.

“Thank you, Zack. I love it!” I replied, feeling a wave of comfort wash over me as I sank into the soft sheets.

“Get some rest, okay? You’ve had a big day, and tomorrow is Thanksgiving,” he said, giving my hoof a reassuring squeeze before heading towards the door as he turned back saying "I'll be right out here if you need me," After saying that he closed the door.

I smiled lying there, surrounded by my new things, I felt safe and happy. I closed my eyes, ready to drift off into a peaceful sleep, knowing that I was finally home.

Chapter 8: Zack Catcher vs Miss Heartless

I’m heading out again. I have another case to work on,” I said, looking at Miss Willow with a calm but focused expression. “Keep an eye on Neon. I’ll be back in the morning.”

Miss Willow nodded, her soft gaze reflecting her understanding. “Of course, sir. I’ll make sure she’s comfortable,” she replied, her voice steady, though I could see the concern for Neon in her eyes.

I trusted her completely. Miss Willow was attentive and caring, and I knew she would handle everything while I was gone. Still, a protective instinct surged within me when it came to Neon. After all she’d been through, I wouldn’t let anything else hurt her.

With a brief nod to Miss Willow, I stepped outside, the cool night air hitting my face. I pulled my coat tighter around me, my thoughts consumed by the case I needed to prepare for.

Later that evening, I arrived at Canterlot Courthouse, the building towering in the moonlight. The air was thick with anticipation, and the flickering lights cast long shadows across the stone floor. I entered the courtroom, my heart pounding in my chest, feeling a mix of nerves and determination.

The atmosphere was friendly but charged as I took my seat at my table. Papers were scattered in front of me—with the small amount of evidence I have, ready to be presented for the bail hearing of Stone Heart, a pony I hoped would finally be held accountable for her actions, I thought to myself as the judge enter's Judge Stonefield as soon as she took a seat she looked over to stone heart a bit surprised, "miss heart it's nice to see you again, though I am surprised to see you in my court,"

"ya well it shouldn't be a big case, zack barely has a case so don't worry it will be over soon" Miss Heart spoke in a smart-ass tone,

"um I'm sorry to say this your honer but you see close to the defendant too close to be providing over this case," I said trying to get the case back on track

"sharp as always's Zack, but I am just presiding over bail, and you know I put the law first, and Miss' heart watch yourself, zack may be young but he hasn't lost a single case"

I nodded in agreement with Judge Stonefield, feeling the weight of the moment. "Your Honor," I said, standing taller, “I’d like to bring forth the charges against Miss Heart formally.”

“Go ahead, Mr. Catcher,” the judge replied, looking at me expectantly.

“First and foremost, I am charging her with foal endangerment. The conditions in the orphanage under her care have been proven unsafe, and Neon Glow is a prime example of that. Not only did she suffer from neglect, but her recent injuries indicate a serious lack of oversight.”

I held up the medical report, ensuring it was visible to everyone in the room. “This document shows the injuries Neon sustained. It includes evidence that she was brought from the orphanage to the hospital for treatment. You can clearly see the severity of her condition and the negligence she faced.”

The judge took a moment to review the report, nodding as he read through the findings. “This is troubling.”

“Additionally, I’m charging Miss Heart with criminal negligence and for creating a space that allowed an assault to take place. The report also details healed fractures that date back years, highlighting a pattern of neglect. In fact, this is the first time in seven years that Neon has been to the hospital, which speaks volumes about the level of care she received—or didn’t receive.”

“Impressive work, Mr. Catcher,” Judge Stonefield said, looking back at me. “And what is your request for bail?”

“I’m requesting bail be set at 200,000 bits,” I stated firmly, my heart pounding. “Given the circumstances, the charges, and the evidence, I believe that amount reflects the severity of her situation and the potential risk to the other foals in Miss Heart’s care.”

Miss Heart shifted uncomfortably in her seat, and I could see her desperation growing. The judge’s eyes narrowed as he considered my request.

“Mr. Catcher, I appreciate your thoroughness. It’s clear you have put a lot of thought into this. However, 200,000 bits is a substantial amount.

After a moment of silence, Miss Heart's lawyer, a well-groomed stallion with a slicked-back mane, stood up. “Your Honor,” he said, projecting an air of confidence, “I would like to remind the court that Miss Heart has been a proud and dedicated member of the Canterlot community for many years. She is respected among her peers and has worked tirelessly to care for these foals.”

The judge raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “And yet, we have evidence that contradicts this portrayal. Your client’s actions have led to significant harm to one of those foals. Respect and dedication do not excuse negligence.”

“But Your Honor,” the lawyer pressed on, “the situation at the orphanage is complex. Miss Heart has been under immense pressure managing the facility. The community knows her as a kind-hearted individual who has dedicated her life to caring for these foals. It is easy to overlook the difficulties of her position.”

“Difficulties that should not come at the cost of the foal's well-being,” I interjected, wanting to nip this argument in the bud. “Being a member of the community does not absolve her of responsibility for the safety of the foals in her care. I’m willing to compromise; I suggest that if she is granted bail, a magic blocker be placed on Miss Heart's horn to ensure she can’t use any magical influence on the foals.”

Judge Stonefield considered my proposal for a moment before nodding. “That seems reasonable. Miss Heart, would you agree to that condition?”

Her lawyer shot me a glare but knew it was a losing battle. Miss Heart nodded reluctantly. “Yes, Your Honor.”

Before I could continue, her lawyer jumped in, clearly flustered. “This is absurd! You can’t seriously be suggesting that—”

“This is not absurd!” Judge Stonefield’s voice boomed, cutting him off. “A foal was hurt under Miss Heart's watch, and I do not take kindly to foal abuse. You’re lucky I don’t impose the magic blocker along with a $200,000 bail!”

Silence fell over the courtroom, the gravity of the judge’s words hanging in the air. Miss Heart’s lawyer looked visibly shaken, and Miss Heart herself was pale, her facade cracking under the pressure. I could feel a sense of hope rising within me. The judge understood the seriousness of the situation, and it felt like justice might finally be served.

̶̻̽C̸̮̒ḧ̵͍́a̴͕͒͗p̷͓̳̆͊t̵͓̓ȩ̶͋r̸͌͜ ̷͓̋͜9̶̖̓͑ͅ:̴͍́ ̷̪̯͐͝N̸͇̂̃i̶͈͠g̸̛̺̎h̵̭͙͛ť̷̳ ̵̝̘̆T̵̪̒̄è̸̟̓r̶̥͆̿r̵͉̠̎͊o̷̬̦͊r̴̫̭̋ ̵̘͎͑

I smiled lying there, surrounded by my new things, I felt safe and happy. I closed my eyes, ready to drift off into a peaceful sleep, knowing that I was finally home. I began to feel myself fall to sleep, cuddling up with a stuffed rabbit, I felt safe—truly safe. This was my home now, and I knew I was safe. That thought alone filled me with happiness. I closed my eyes, ready to drift off into a peaceful sleep, knowing that I was finally home.

But the peace didn’t last.

The warmth of the bed vanished, replaced by a cold, damp chill that clung to my skin. I shifted, trying to get comfortable again before I opened my eyes, expecting to see my room. But when I did, I froze. This wasn’t my room.

I was in a dark, cramped space. My heart pounded as I looked around, fear and confusion bubbling up inside me. The musty smell of mold and mildew hung in the air, strangely familiar but distant. I blinked, trying to understand what was happening, when suddenly it hit me.

I knew this place.

My eyes widened as the realization sank in, my chest tightening with panic.

“I’m back at the orphanage...” I whispered, my voice trembling. My whole body began to shake uncontrollably, fear washing over me in waves. I stumbled backward, falling onto the cold, hard ground as I felt tears well up in my eyes.

“No... no, I can’t be back here,” I whispered, my voice trembling. This place was... a punishment for me, where I would be sent if I didn't behave. My head screamed as memories of this place came flooding back, becoming almost painful until I couldn't hold back a scream.

After a bit, the pain stopped as I forced myself to stand up, still crying a bit from the memories—all the pain that had happened to me. It was almost too much. I walked toward the stairs, my heart racing when I saw a locked door at the top, bound with chains. I knew that was my way out of this nightmare.

“How in Celestia’s name am I supposed to get through that?” I said to myself as I began to think. After a little bit of pondering, I looked around, suddenly hearing a pony walking through the basement door. My body froze, and my breathing quickened. When I glanced at the door, it swung open, a bright light spilling into the darkness as a dark figure stepped out—the same one from last time.

It growled, fixing its gaze on me as it began to walk down the stairs. I slowly stepped back, my heart racing, trying to put as much distance between us as possible.

“What the hell was all that screaming about?” the figure spat, venom dripping from its words.

“I—I’m sorry. I tripped and hurt myself,” I stammered, hoping it would believe my lie.

“You’re just like her,” it said shaking her head at my lie “Just like your sister—just like Cozy Glow. A manipulative little monster, always causing trouble everywhere you go, well, i'm going to make sure that doesn't happen again.”

I shook my head, trying to block out the words, but they echoed in my ears. Cozy Glow... my sister. Everypony knew about her, a perfect filly at the school of friendship turned into a villain who used friendship as a weapon and this... this was claiming I was just like her

“I’m not like her,” I whispered, my voice shaking.

“What did you say?” the creature snapped, its voice filled with anger.

My body instinctively backed away, but I forced myself to stand tall, staring at the figure with more confidence than I truly felt. “I’m not like Cozy...” I said louder.

The shadow laughed, a chilling, hollow sound that made me tremble. “You’re exactly like her. A liar, a troublemaker. You’ll always be alone,” it sneered before its expression twisted with anger again. “Now, I think it’s time I fix that tone of yours, young lady,” the figure growled, leaping toward me with its hoof raised, ready to strike.

I barely managed to dodge, the figure crashing into a stack of boxes behind me. I winced at the sound of the boxes tumbling down and a jumble of objects clattering onto the dark figure. I let out a shaky breath, relief washing over me, but there was no time to waste.

I turned and dashed for the stairs, my heart pounding as I scrambled toward the open door at the top. My hoof reached out for freedom, but just as I was about to escape, I felt something cold and dark wrap around my leg.

I looked down in horror to see a black aura coiling around me, pulling me back down into the nightmare.

I struggled, desperately kicking and pulling to free myself from the dark aura that had me in its grasp. My hooves scraped against the floor as I tried to push forward, inching closer to the door. Just a little more... just a little more!

But the grip tightened, yanking me back with a force that sent me tumbling. “No!” I screamed, my voice shaking as fear took over. I tried to reach for something, anything to hold on to, but it was no use.

I was pulled down, and in that moment, a wave of utter terror consumed me. My heart raced as I fell, helpless, before slamming hard onto the cold basement floor. Pain shot through my body as I lay there, gasping for breath, as i held the back of my head in pain

“You little bitch,” the shadowy figure snarled, forcing me down onto the cold floor with one of its hooves pressing hard against my chest. I gasped, struggling to breathe as the weight pinned me down, my heart racing in pure terror.

“Did you really think I would let you go?” it hissed, its voice filled with venom. Before I could respond, the figure’s hoof struck me hard across the face. Pain exploded through me as I felt a sharp sting, tasting the metallic tang of blood in my mouth.

I felt myself tearing up, I was so close to getting out but there was nothing I could do- my train of thought cut off as it struck my face again before stomping on my chest and wing cracking a few ribs and shattering the bones in my wing, before it begins to hit me repeatedly all over my body.

after a few minutes, the figure stopped before leaving, I let out a few coughs as I began to get myself on all four hooves, however, I just fell down as I coughed again seeing blood coming out of my mouth, I rolled over to my back to see what it had done to me, and I nearly broke down crying as I saw my left hindleg is broken, and my other hind lag isn't even the right way, and the way multiple bruises and a massive cut across my chest.

I rolled back over using my one hoof that wasn't broken to drag me to the stares leaving a trail of blood as I did.

I groaned as I forced myself to move, my head pounding from the blow and every part of my body screaming in pain. My good hoof shook as I pressed it against the cold floor, dragging myself forward inch by inch. I could feel the blood in my mouth, the taste of it making me feel sick, but I pushed through it. I had to.

With every breath I took, pain shot through my chest, making it harder to move, but I couldn’t stop now. I could see the door at the top of the stairs. I needed to get to it.

I gritted my teeth, dragging my body across the floor, each pull felt like my muscles were tearing apart. My side scraped against the floor, every tiny movement felt like it was going to break me. I reached the first step, gasping for breath, my heart racing, “Just a little more,” I whispered, feeling like the door was miles away.

I pulled myself up again, the pain unbearable, but I couldn’t stop now, not when I was so close.

I reached for the last step, my hoof trembling as I dragged myself up, my entire body screaming at me to stop. The door loomed over me now, so close. I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to keep moving even though every inch of my body felt like it was on fire.

I stretched out my hoof, touching the cold surface of the door. Relief flooded me, just as another wave of pain crashed through my body. I pushed the door, trying to escape, but then—everything went dark.

My eyes shot open, and I gasped. I was back in my bed, but the pain from the nightmare was still there, burning in every part of me. “Aahh!” I cried out, clutching my chest as tears streamed down my face. It felt too real. Every bruise, every ache, it was as if I’d been dragged right back to the orphanage, and the pain hadn’t left me.

“Z-Zack!” I screamed, my voice desperate and broken, “Zack! Help!” I sobbed, curling up in the sheets, trembling as the pain shot through me again. My heart pounded as I cried out for him, needing to know I was safe, needing to hear his voice.

“Z-Zack! Help!” I screamed again, my voice barely holding together as the pain consumed me.

The door to my room burst open, and Zack rushed in, his eyes wide with worry. “Neon!” he called out, rushing to my side in an instant. He knelt down beside the bed, pulling me into his hooves as I sobbed uncontrollably. His embrace was warm and protective, and the moment he wrapped his wings around me, the world felt a little less terrifying.

“I’m here, Neon,” he whispered, his voice soft but filled with concern. “I’m here... I’ve got you.” He held me close, letting me bury my face into his chest as the tears kept coming.

“I had another night of terror, Zack,” I choked out between sobs, the words spilling out in a rush. “It felt so real... the pain... everything. It was like I was really back there.”

“I know,” Zack said gently, his hoof stroking my mane in slow, calming motions. “But you’re not there. You’re safe with me, okay? I promise... you’re safe.”

His words were soothing, but the pain in my body still lingered, a ghost of the nightmare that refused to fade away. I winced as another wave of aches ran through me, but Zack held me tighter, keeping me grounded.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said softly, his voice steady as he cradled me against him. “I’m staying right here.”

Author's Note

so this chapter is a lot darker and has more abuse than the last night terror,