//------------------------------// // Instinct // Story: Thunderous Wrath // by SweetPeachTea //------------------------------// Several days had came and gone since my initial arrival. Within this estimated amount of time, I have allowed both mind and body to recover from my previous ordeal. The exhaustion and muscle soreness that plagued me had eventually begun to fade as I slept for hours and remained limp upon my bed of rock. My temporary companion, Gilda, served as my caretaker. I have promised nothing in return, for I was little more than an orphaned youngling in my present state; but she continued to cling stubbornly to my side. Her mannerisms and behavior displayed the utmost reluctance, the griffin behaving as though she had somehow been forced to fall into this uncomfortable pattern of nurturing me back to health. I did not waggle my tongue nor question her motives, merely observing her from a comfortable distance as she hovered within my vicinity or remained within sight. She would vanish for hours at a time, often returning with something clutched between her claws or stuffed in her beak. Today, I nibbled on the remains of a plucked bird. It was small, but I required little at the moment. My stomach paused in its grumbling as I devoured the remaining bits and pieces of meat and proceeded to gnaw on the brittle bones that remained. Gilda had vanished once again, and I was left to my own devices. She had instructed me to remain within the ruins, muttering threats that were false yet clear. Sadly, these surroundings have long grown dull; wretched boredom clawing away at my mind and causing my hooves to itch. The urge to move overwhelmed me. I have done nothing more than rest and eat, after all. “...” Silence. A dull silence accompanied by the gentle pattering of rain upon stone. I stretch my form once more and began to trot aimlessly, my pace steady. My gaze examined the familiar interior of this abandoned castle, nothing of interest gathering my interest. When I found nothing else to do, I decided to flex and stretch my wings. The limbs were strong despite their size, and had shown evidence of supporting my weight. But the feathers remained ruffled and out of place, their appearance wholly unkempt. My attention shifted toward my horn, the appendage pointed yet inadequate in length. Gilda explained that alicorn’s were rumored to have a mastery of both magic and flight. Apparently, it came naturally to each individual. But would I be graced with such power? Such questions lacked answers. --- “How many alicorns are there?” I asked. The fire burned bright, the night struck by a sudden chill that crept into the hallowed halls of these ruins. I trembled, shifting closer the fire that warmed my flank. Gilda glanced in my direction, a hint of confusion gracing her features. “Good question, kiddo,” she replied. Her tail twitched back and forth as she mentally formed a response. “Well, once there were two; and then three; and now... four?” She said, her expression scrunching up. “I don’t understand,” I muttered, my head cocking to the side. “I don’t either. I don’t know how most ponies work. Most of ‘em are a bunch of weirdos, kid,” she sneered. I sensed a hint of animosity coloring her tone coupled by an odd gleam in her eye. I merely offered her a puzzled look. “Don’t look at me like that, kid,” she said, huffing. “I ain’t no pony expert. And it’s not like I care much for ‘em.” “You know something,” I said. “Don’t act smart,” she snapped. I continued to apply pressure. “As an alicorn, I’m entitled to know what little information you may have.” Gilda released a dry laugh. “That card won’t work much on me either, kid.” I released a grunt, turning away from the infuriating beast. There was silence, and then movement. My eyes were kept closed as a body approached my own. My eyes opened, and I found the griffin’s sharp gaze clashing with my own. I remained still as she observed me. “You’re a mess kid. Don’t know how to preen?” She prodded, smirking. I shut my eyes against her scrutiny. She settled near me, muttering in a language I could not understand. She gently touched my feathers with both claw and beak. I fell asleep shortly afterward. --- Today, Gilda allowed me to accompany her. “But, you gotta keep up kid,” she said, chuckling. “If ya can’t, then you’re on your own.” I scowled, weighing my options. Either remain safely tucked away within these walls or accompany the fast-paced griffin on her flight. My wings shift absentmindedly, the mere thought of flight causing my heart to flutter pleasantly. I nodded, determination obvious within my gaze. Gilda quickly noticed this, grinning wickedly in approval. “Since I’m that awesome, I’ll be your flight instructor for today,” she said, gesturing toward herself, her tone odd and mocking. “You’re gonna learn from the best, kid. Show me what you got.” I paused for a short while, my wings standing erect at my sides. I shut my eyes, allowing myself to concentrate. I began to flap, the slight breeze captured beneath my feathery appendages as I managed an awkward hover. I glanced downward, the ground appearing close, my form wavering up and down. I flapped harder, beginning to lift myself toward the heavens. Gilda watched as I began my first official flight. It wasn’t terribly difficult, my mind and body performing the tasks simultaneously, something within allowing me to execute such a performance with surprise ease. The trees! They were below me. The clouds above were within my reach, the sky becoming my domain. My heart beat within my chest, the sound echoing within my form and reaching my ears. It felt so right. So perfect. “Nice!” Gilda commented, a hint of surprise accompanying her tone. “Knew you had it in you, kid.” I allowed myself a small smile, my cheeks becoming warm. “Come on!” She shouted her encouragement. “Let’s see what you got!” What came next was simply invigorating! My excitement swelled ten-fold as I flew. My body felt light, my legs curled as I focused upon the griffin who guided me. On occasion, I ran across a flaw within my form, flapping too quickly or attempting a turn that was too sharp that ended in me awkwardly flapping away as I struggled to regain my loss balance and not plummet to the unforgiving hard surface below. “Gotcha!” Gilda caught me as I tumbled downward, amused as I panted, a goofy grin forming on my muzzle. Pleased with my abilities, she released me from her hold. I flapped my wings, hovering before her as I awaited instructions. “You did good, kid. Fast learner, too. Really fast. Not as cool as me, though. I’m a pro, after all,” she stated. “But you’re get’n there.” She allowed me a moment of rest. I was both relieved and confused by this, reminded of her words before. I mentioned them and she merely spared me an annoyed glance over her shoulder. “Gotta get some grub, don’t I? Wanna go hungry tonight?” She asked. “Plus, you ain’t ready to take down anything I’m look’n for. You’ll slow me down!” I shook my head before resting it upon my hooves. I noticed that we were surrounded by forest, the world around me presented in various shades of green and brown. She vanished, leaving me on my own for an unknown amount of time. I was tempted to investigate my surroundings, but remained idle, patiently awaiting her return. On occasion, my gaze drifted upward, toward the sky itself, as I admired its baby blue complexion. --- Mist. It swirled around me on all sides, twisting and forming images both grotesque and beautiful. It was thick, my lungs becoming full with the mysterious concoction that surrounded me. It left me with a dizzied sensation, my body growing numb as I failed to notice tendrils of the thickest gray wrap around my exposed limbs. I attempted to breathe, yet my lungs refused to expand. I attempted to move, but my body refused to obey. I was forced to dwell within this deafening silence, my mind growing dull with each second that passed. Suddenly there was a burning. It caused me great pain. I writhed uselessly. Tears blurred my vision. Had I been dealt a final blow? Was my soul suffering in this prison of mist and smoke? Had I been cast into a realm of pain? I blinked, my gaze drifting downward, the sight of stiff hooves greeting me. No! Where were my hands? Where were their fingers? Where were the garments that adorned my flesh? It felt as though eternity had come and gone, my mind unable to properly process the happenings that surrounded me as I muttered nonsense. . I lifted my head, something manipulating my chin to tilt upward. A glowing gaze eyed my exposed and heaving form. Our gazes met, and soon, those eyes, once harsh, softened. I was released. It appeared as though I had been granted mercy. But my body! Where was my body? The mist faded, and the land of dreams lay before me. Had my attention not snapped elsewhere, it is likely that I would have been enthralled by the beautiful scenery that lay before me. A world so rich with color and peace. I would have likely relished the breeze that brushed against my pelt and the fragrance of flowers and fruit accompanied by the welcomed scent of cooked flesh. But alas, I could not enjoy the fantasy of such beauty that my mind itself has crafted. “So you are the foal who has caused quite the uproar.” I could not manage a retort, my response likely to be garbled and lacking in sense. I merely eyed the mare settled before me, her stance displaying both grace and dominance, the confidence she shown caused me to feel small and powerless in comparison. “Who are you?” I replied. “You do not know of me, foal?” The alicorn questioned. “I know very little of this world at the moment.” The beautiful alicorn that was settled before me appeared to be puzzled by such a response. She recovered, approaching me, her pace hurried. She halted only when I began to retreat several steps, squinting her eyes to examine my form. She eventually shut them and nodded, as though something had been confirmed. “I will not harm you, foal,” she assured. “I am merely curious.” “You are an alicorn?” I asked, curious. She smiled. “Yes, I am. And so are you.” Her expression was warm, and I allowed myself to relax, realizing that I was still tucked away within a dream. It was likely that she could not harm me nor whisk me away to some unknown place. “Who are you, child? Alicorns are a divine beast, and both rare and unique in nature. A blessing to this realm of both peace and harmony,” she explained, her tone kindly and patient. “Realm?” I asked. “I see. I am within another realm. Odd. Why would my form change.” “Change?” The female alicorn responded. I ignored her. “Perhaps there is a portal, then. But why would my mind be damaged during such a transition? It never occurred before. Has it? Is this the work of...” The world around me began to fade. The alicorn appeared startled. “Child! You must tell me where you are!” I merely glanced in her direction. I spoke no words of value, merely shutting my eyes as my mind swam away from this place and was struck by awareness. --- “Hey, kid? Kid? You still alive?” Something prodded me on my side, and I groaned in complaint. “Up!” Gilda said. I rubbed my head, the memory of the dream temporarily vanquished, my mind unable to clutch onto the images that were now rendered useless. I whispered one word, though, one that settled at the tip of my tongue for a short while before spilling out. “Smoke.” My heart grew heavy as I bowed my head, guilt clouding my mind. --- Luna cursed her luck, forced to lurch away from the fabricated world that had been within her reach. She had mastered the ability to control and maintain unconsciousness, yet the child slipped away with such ease. Her gaze shifted toward the beautiful night that belonged solely to her, the stars and her moon offering Equestria a dim glow. Somewhere, within her kingdom, is where the child resided. She mused in silence, grasping onto the images that clung to mind. There was a landmark that offered her a vague idea of where this alicorn might be. She lifted her head, her mind forming the faded image of a ruined castle. “I must inform ‘Tia of this,” she said. “We must claim this child.” --- “A bovine?” I commented. Gilda tipped her chin up, her chest swelling in size as she inhaled deeply. She appeared prideful over this mass amount of flesh, bone, and fat. I could only stare. I wasn’t hungry enough to enjoy even a small portion of such a meal. No, this was not a meal. This was a feast! I hopped onto the deceased creature, examining the white and brown blotches that colored its flank. Its eyes were partially closed, its features slack and lacking in both expression and life. “Ready to eat, kid?” Gilda asked. “I don’t think I could eat this much,” I commented. “We’ll throw out whatever’s left. But trust me, there won’t be much left!” She promised. After a hefty meal accompanied by a pair of bloated bellies, we began to shut our eyes and doze. I could not obtain rest, though. It remained out of my reach. Discontent, I grumbled, glancing toward the snoring forming of the griffin before taking a step outside. My bladder felt full, and relieving myself became urgent as the seconds passed. Odd, I never encountered such a problem beforehand. At least, I don’t believe I did. --- “An alicorn? Are you sure of this?” Twilight Sparkle replied, her eyes wide. “Yes,” Luna said. “Another princess?” Luna managed a small smile. “Yes. I believe she serves as another element.” “Element? Like the elements of kindness? Aren’t there only six?” Twilight replied. Luna poured herself another cup of hot tea, the concoction lacking in sugar and bitter in taste; Yet it sated her tastebuds well enough. She took a careful sip, mulling over her response for a short period of time before speaking. “Celestia and I serve as the element of day and night. We serve as their representation,” she explained. “Cadence serves as the physical embodiment of love. And this child, this little one, may also possess a similar purpose. If this is true, then she is our niece just as Cadence is.” “Aren’t they born? Didn’t you witness Cadence’s birth?” “No,” Luna replied. “She was found. Few alicorns and godly creatures have been born. In essence, they simply are. When a force has grown so powerful, it crafts a physical form and feeds it a soul that it deems worthy. Where they come from, I will never know. Celestia and I were the only creatures birthed from the goddess who represented life, creativity, and reason.” “An alicorn?” Twilight replied, her heart thudding within her chest. “Faust,” she whispered, smiling at the name. “She, too, before she returned to her work, mentioned our being here and our importance. We must locate the child. I sense a familiar darkness niggling at the far corners of her mind,” Luna muttered. Twilight merely nodded before her gaze locked with Luna’s. “Princess Luna, I want to know more. This is all so sudden. You mention this as though they’re just that simple. Please.” Luna eyed Twilight, breathing deeply. “It is needless information, for such an event occurs rarely. It is a little known fact that Celestia would have soon revealed to you.” “There’s more to this,” Twilight murmured, pursing her lips. “There is,” Luna replied, eyeing her empty tea cup. “I’ll have tea prepared for the both of us. Sit down, Twilight, there is much to know.” “And even more to learn.” Luna identified that eager glint that had caused this single unicorn to excel. “Let us begin. It began with....” --- “Hey, kid!” I peered over my shoulder. “Wanna fight?” And that was how my day had begun, Gilda playfully challenging my ability to combat a foe. She was, unsurprisingly, rough, snapping and swiping in my direction whenever given the chance. It ended with her claws halted at my throat, an arrogant smirk forming on her beak. I was on my back, my belly exposed and our gazes clashing. “Too easy, kid,” she purred, I bit her savagely, unwilling to yield. Her expression wavered, wincing as my teeth dug into the hard flesh of her claw. She shook me off with a sneer, releasing a chuckle as I bounced on the ground and quickly found my footing. I bristled, allowing a growl to escape my throat, the sound a rumble that caused my chest to quiver. She returned the posture I took on with her own, a feral look entering her gaze, her tail lashing back and forth. Eventually, this came to a halt, with her releasing a snort and retreating a step. “I’m heading out, kid.” “Why?” I questioned, scowling. The scent of flesh lingered, scraps left behind, the scent tempting and the remainder still edible. She noticed the twitch of my noise, and drummed her claws against the ground “Well, I ain’t hunt’n. Just wanna stretch my wings,” she replied. “And, no, you ain’t come’n. Don’t go anywhere I wouldn't. Ha! Shouldn't say that, ‘cause that’ll mean you’ll go wherever the hell you want to go. Am I right, kid?” I merely huff, finding myself unable to suppress that odd urge to behave childishly. “There’s nothing here to do. Let me go with you, Gilda.” Despite my persistence she would not give in, offering me an affectionate pat before taking flight. I watched her go, brooding in silence. The day grew dull whenever she took her leave, which was, I felt, entirely too often. Many days had passed since my dream, and my body felt that constant surge of energy, my mind urging me to move. I began to explore much more often, entertaining myself by sniffing out the scent of tiny rodents that infested the woods and fields that surrounded the ruins. The desire to chase, and, perhaps, even hunt, caused me to follow and stalk the tiny unsuspecting beasts that nibbled at the fresh spring grass. They were often fat and sluggish, having long grown hefty and stupid from the lack of predators that stalked these grounds. One time, I had found a small cluster of baby mice, the nest barely concealed. I devoured two, and toyed with the others that squeaked in fear before fleeing. I didn't bother chasing them, growing bored as I ventured forth to find some other play thing. I mention my adventures to Gilda whenever she returned, and she responds, her movements animated and lively as she offers an abundant amount of tips and brags about her own skills and adventures. I would question them, and she would answer, taking on any intellectual challenges that I produced with witty and well-thought responses. Her behavior is predictable, but I have begun to look upon her with a certain fondness that remains well-concealed. The days were good, the nights better, our temporary settlement something I labeled as my home. It was a nice place. A warm place. And I eventually claimed it as my own as the days became a solid month. A pity this did not last. ---- Ponies, large ones, approached my home, donning gold armor that gleamed prettily within the sunlight. Gilda was gone, and I had been left to my own devices. This situation was not simple, for their races were divided, and they likely possessed knowledge that surpassed my own. Had that mare found me? Had some magics been wielded? I flee into the shadows of my home, my eyes gleaming in the present darkness. --- A soldier surveyed the grounds, pausing as he was greeted with the sight of a lump of torn flesh. The stallion halted all movement, startled, his youth and inexperience preventing him from merely accepting the sight of the mutilated muscle, fat and bone. His stomach caused him to turn away, his mind growing blurry as a small fear settled deep within his heart. A more experienced fellow approached, scowling at the exposed carcass before shoving the younger pony elsewhere. “Guard the perimeter. Somethin’s in here,” he said, a southern drawl coloring his tone. His turquoise gaze swept the area before it settled upon the crumbling stone, his eyes narrowing at the sight. “C’mon,” he called. “The princess requested that we investigate the interior of this poor excuse for a castle. Let’s get it done and get out.” They filed in, their gazes steady, and weapons tucked away at their sides, a few blades unsheathing as scattered bones were taken note of. Several were left to eye at the exterior and ensure that nopony interrupted the soldiers working inside. The soldier who had grown sick earlier sighed wearily, irritated by his weakness. But, still, the scent and sight of decay clung to his mind, and he shivered, shutting his eyes. When he opened them, a narrowed gaze met his own. He felt hot. .... And then, a few short moments later, he grew too cold.