//------------------------------// // Ch 1 // Story: Simple Touches // by randomsurprise //------------------------------// The ponies hated the light. They feared it's ever-touching hands on this somewhat barren land. Curses were shouted when the foul monster lumbered over those mountain-like dark hills. Many times the townponies tried getting rid of their intruder and many times said intruder laughed in their faces. So, that day forewards they were showered by it's putrid heat wave that was gatherd by who knows where. If anypony took the time to look they would have noticed even with his amusement in their misery; that something was amiss within. Although none cared; for what could they do? Yet, all that changed once a brave filly's simple touches changed the beast forever. One day, somepony walked calmly up to the beast making him roar loudly to frighten the pony away... but she didn't run. Instead the child sat down and stared with her big blue ominous eyes. When he was done, the girl got up and marched towards him again. So, in defience he sent forth relenting waves of his power that scorched small patches of land neaby whenever she stepped closer. Again, it didn't faze her one bit and the filly kept it up. A hiss was heard from the creature's throat yet, it was too subtle to be considered a warning only slight distaste. Yet, once she was only a few meters away the filly looked up & a smile appeared on her pink pearly muzzle. Seeing this, the beast grinned akwardly in return while a odd feeling overtook him. Before he knew it his feet had placed him barely a breath's length away from the girl's clover green dress. Neither one of them did anything until a petite hand came up and softly landed on his belly. Not use to the touch, the furry thing cringed but, settled shortly after. The beast's grin grew as his arms gently lifted the filly up and she recieved a happy lick making her laughter ring strong among the barely dressed trees. All of this gave a content feeling stronger then his enjoyment of the townponies' sadness. He now wanted her beside him as what somepony's call a friend. Unfortunely and fortunely his new friend picked this time for something unknown but, happily accepted - a hug. His eyes grew wide for a second before a deep dormant purr busted out like some tsunami crashing down on them in it's warmth. Feeling this the filly again let her laugh carry among the winds as her new friend relaxed against a tree nearby. Suddenly she let out a quiet yawn while snuggling on top of his belly for a nap which the beast decided he'd join as well. Later that day as Luna's moon rose from behind one of the northern hills, a figure yawned mightly while several loud pops and cracks were heard. The beast lightly smacked his lips as he looked down to see somewhat rushed writing etched into the earth. They were from the girl stating that she had to return home before the kind lady running the local orphange started worrying. Giving his answer with some precise clawwork, the beast headed east. A short stroll later, he arrived at a large lake that was next to a seemly giant cave; a hungry growl came from him making the guy and turn around to head to the lake's watery edge. Girl's POV: after she awoke... The filly ran home after quickly finding a stick and writing down what she hoped would be a readable letter. The ajar door showed a middle aged caramal brown mare leaning against it's frame once the girl got to the weathered stone steps. With a few concerning words and a warm hug, she was sent to the kitchen to eat a delicious yet, cooled meal that waited. When the filly finished and washed up her plate, she went looking for the other orphans - who were in the living room either playing or watching a helper's puppet show in the corner. Not really in the mood for playing, she decided to watch today's puppet show on a certain royal wedding that happened three months ago. Beast's POV: lakeside... Few splashes disturbed the lake's surface as a wet thing came out carrying a truckload of fish and placing them onto a already huge pile. As he shaked the water out of his fur roughly, the beast leaned slightly down to get a start on his nighttime meal. Although a few nocturnal guests were allowed to take some for whatever their reason was, he still finished with a joyful belch or two that woke and scared nearby nieghbors. Afterwards, the now full bellied beast laid were he was and watch the nocturnal activies of the seemly never-resting forest. Couple hours later as Celestia's sun begun to rise in place of the sighing moon, the beast stretched out like over-sized cat and lumbered towards his den. He wondered if the girl got his letter not knowing that other ponies would still be asleep at this time while his frame settled down on a large moss bed inside. Letting loose a yawn, he gradually went into a peaceful sleep. Girl's POV: still round dark - orphange... Few hours later, the head mistress came in the living room to announce that it was time for bed much to some foals' displeasure. Yet, they still went along with it and so after taking either a bath or a shower all of them went to their seperate rooms. As the young colts and fillies laid down; the little girl - who decided to do some light reading before she too went to sleep by the remaining lit candle nearby. Two hours later, she placed a bookmark inside the book before shutting and putting it on a nearby nightstand while a few yawns escaped. When done, the girl looked out her window and soon felt her eyes slowly shut. Last thoughts before sleep overtook her were what was the beast doing right now and what was her plan for tomorrow.