Hearts of Fire

The mind of a child should be pure and unscaved, as are all child-like minds. They are too ignorant and sweet to know the true darkness of the world. Of everything for that matter. But, alas, there is always something out there, preying on innocent lives, feeding off the sadness and guilt of the good.  One in particular, a young alicorn filly named Moonstone. She was a very good little filly. Never argued, fought, cried or yelled. She was indeed, very good. Very cute too. She was a light plum color, crimson and ebony mane, and big, pretty white eyes. No iris, no pupil, just white.

She was seven years old when it all happened. The day that she went from a normal pony, to a very deadly supernatural creature. She had started the day as she did any other day. She woke up, ate breakfast, brushed her teeth and mane, got dressed and left for school. She lived in a large church on the outskirts of Ponyville. She always walked with her best friend Pinkie Pie to and from school. She would arrive at Pinkie’s rock farm, go to school and walk her home from there. Today was just a regular day. She showed up late, got yelled at by Mr. Firestar, and got bullied in class. She didn’t really like her school, but at least she had Pinkie. She walked home on the same dirt path home as she always did.

“Hey Moony, tomorrows career day! Are you bringing anypony?” Pinkie’s high pitched, perky voice asked.

“Yeah.” Moonstone replied. “My Momma. She was the scroll keeper for King Malnesh.” She said.

“Wow! That’s cool!” Pinkie cheered.

They arrived at Pinkie’s rock farm, Moonstone hugged her friend good-bye, and went home, as always. When Moonstone arrived to the church, a scarlet mare awaited her. Long, raven mane and big teal eyes, filled with fear.

“Hai mommy!” moonstone called as she ran up to her mother, hugging her waist. She quickly glanced inside to see a strange stallion in her house. She stared for a moment in shock. She’d never seen this stallion before, and she knew just about everypony in town. “M-mommy? Who’s that?” She asked frightfully, unaware of her mother’s absolute terror.

“Moonstone, t-this is your f-f-father… Lucius.” Primrose whispered to her daughter, hiding her fear rather well.

Moonstone took in the scary form of her father, a tall black stallion, with a knee length brown mane. He had a curved horn, and what looked like 4 bat wings. He turned to face her and moonstone was shocked to see that he had bright somber white eyes.

“My, daddy?” She asked, not really believing her mother.

Both were hesitant to go inside, but once Primrose regained her courage, she stepped inside her living room and little Moonstone was not so far behind. The stallion observed the tiny purple alicorn and sneered.

“Cerburus...” he said in a deep, demented voice..

Moonstone looked around, confused.

“Do you not know your own name child?” He asked again, looking directly at her with a cold gaze.

“M-me?” moonstone asked pointing to herself.

Lucius nodded slowly, still holding a stern frown. “Yes dear, you. Your name is Cerburus… Right Primrose?” He asked, giving off a very very evil energy.

Both mare and filly started to feel sick and uncomfortable. Moonstone didn’t really feel safe, and primrose was on the verge of tears.

“Y-y-yes honey… Your real name is Cerburus…. But, Moonstone sounded nicer, so that’s what I’ve been calling you…”

“Cerburus, do you know why I’m here?” He asked at last.

Moonstone shook her tiny head, “no”.

“Well,” He began, his tone becoming lighter and sweeter. “I never get to see you, and that kind of bothered me. I mean, you are my child, I should be around for you  more.” He said looking down on her, smiling.

“I came to visit you. To do something fun with you…”

Moonstone’s face instantly lit up. She loved to have fun, especially with family. “Really?” She asked excitedly.

“Would I lie to you?” He asked, looking at her mother.

Primrose glared at him, her teal eyes filled with rage and hatred. She had a bowling ball in her stomach, and a desert in her mouth, but if she could, she would kick Lucius out and give him a piece of her mind. But if she was to give him a threatening breath, it would be her last.

Moonstone simply beamed. She happily cheered and skipped around her father’s feet.

“Oh wow! This is so great! I get to do fun stuff with Daddy today!” She cheered.

Lucius watched her play and cheer and smiled at her.

“That’s right my dear. But, I’ll have to bring you home when we’re through.”

Moonstone stopped dead in her tracks and frowned. “But, can’t you stay-“

“NO!” Her mother nearly shouted.

This caught Moonstone’s attention. She was curious as to why her father couldn’t stay.

“But-“

“Daddy is a veeeeeerry busy stallion.” Primrose began. “He can’t stay; his business would get in the way of things…”

Lucius saw clean through this. “Now Primrose,” He hissed grotesquely. “Don’t break your little filly’s heart. I will visit her anytime I can.” He whispered with a sadistic grin.

Moonstone’s mother felt her stomach flip. She felt faint. Moonstone saw this and shoved her over to the chase in the far corner of the room.

“You look sickish mommy. Sit down!” She said.

Primrose looked at her daughter, taking in all her innocence, purity, and light. She reached out and hugged her daughter tightly. Tears teased their way out of her eyes and she kissed the sides of little Moonstone’s head.

“Honey?” She said, trying to stiefle her sobs.

“Yes Momma?”

“I want you to be a good girl for me… No matter what… Alright?”

Moonstone smiled and nodded her head. “I promise!” She then swiped an x over her heart and raised her right hoof.  “Cross my heart.”

Her mother smiled and kissed her cheeks. Lucius, however, frowned at the sight. His sneer was noticed by her mother, which cringed at the sight. She didn’t want to let her only child go off with this devil. She was afraid that little Moonstone would never return. She felt like she was about to swallow herself whole. Scared for her baby’s life.

“Come now child. We’re burning daylight.”

And, with that, moonstone was on her way out of the church. She looked forward to the day ahead, hoping it to be filled with laughter and fun.