//------------------------------// // Chapter 1. Welcome To Earth // Story: Where The Heart Is At (Cancelled) // by Shadowcolt //------------------------------// The great royal hall, the same which for decades served the monarchy in treating the delegations from around the world, has seen many things. Its thick walls have witnessed many quarrels, disputes, considerations, as well as announced wars and signed agreements. By numerous stained-glass windows and pictures spoke years of history, which was never meant to be forgotten. The Grand Galloping Gala, as usual, had gathered a wide group of guests, who came invited for this special holiday. From farthest lands of the kingdom appeared the high ranked representatives of the pony race, to celebrate the day from which the walls of the splendid palace of Equestria have been raised. All signs on sky and earth showed that this would be the day which will be remembered for long. The present course of events seemed to confirm these assumptions. The shouts and screams of horror could be heard everywhere accompanied by numerous spell casts. When a changeling got hit by one of them, he was blasted into a pillar. Changeling’s limply body, along with fragments of marble, soon after hit the floor. As the panicking guests tried to leave the great hall, they were bumping occasionally with each other. Their clumsy attempts were met with a joyful croak from the god of chaos, who was most evidently amused by the whole thing. Choking with laughter and twisting like a snake, he avoided every subsequent green ray fired in his direction. The one casting them, however, did not share his enthusiasm, as Queen Chrysalis could feel the rising anger each time her green beam didn’t reach the moving target. Being too focused on the king of chaos made her almost get hit by a sudden bright beam, which blasted into the hall walls nearby while missing her merely by an inch. “What the …?” Her attention from Discord quickly moved to the center of the room, where both princesses were bravely repelling every enemy attack that came their way. “Tia, there’s just too many of them, at this rate they will finish us off quickly,” yelled princess Luna who managed to fight off a large group of changelings, which took the opportunity to take the form of the royal guards. “I … I feel my powers are slowly leaving me, dear sister, something is definitely not right. It’s like something is draining all my strength away.” With each moment Luna was having difficulties in collecting her energy. As the light in her horn was fading, her body slowly refused obedience. Celestia clearly shared her sister‘s concerns, but she refused to forfeit. “Do not lose hope, dear sister, our subjects are counting on us.” For a moment her eyesight rested on the other side of the room, where the god of the chaos was dodging each of changeling attacks. His tactics seemed to be effective, because each time he made them hit the walls and pillars of the great hall. “DISCORD!!!” Using her high Canterlot voice Celestia tried to draw the attention from the god of chaos “STOP GOOFING AROUND, AND HELP ...” At the last moment she managed to dodge a large beam of green light, which was shot her way. Unfortunately, it reached her sister, who stricken by the powerful force made a suppressed scream, and collapsed to the cold floor. “LUNA!!!” Celestia regardless of the threat turned her back to the self-confident changeling queen, and quickly stood beside her hardly conscious sister. Despite the pain and the numbness of her body, the princess of the night clenched her teeth bravely trying to rise to her hooves. Upon seeing Celestia‘s worried face, she managed to gasp quietly. “Do not fear, dear sister, we shall not forfeit so easily,” said princess Luna and, with every last possible bit of will left in her, she managed to light her horn, announcing her readiness for the further fight. The expression on her face and body movements, however, meant something else. Admiring her sister for her persistence, Celestia quickly concentrated on the battle once again. The ring of changelings was tightening around them with every second. Their queen was confidently moving forward, encouraging her subjects to even bolder attacks. With a gaze of her eyes, Celestia looked at a lavender force field nearby. A group of changelings was constantly attacking it trying to get inside. The lavender pony named Twilight Sparkle was overstraining herself, trying to maintain the magic shield at all cost. All her friends were now beside her, lying tired on the cold floor, unable to put up a fight. “Twilight, are you all alright?” Celestia was anxiously watching her pupil as she tried to stop the force field from disappearing. “Ugh ...your highness, Princess Luna is right … someone or something is sucking up our strength ... ahhh … I’m almost at my limit .... ahhh.” Twilight felt the growing fatigue. All six mares were now in no condition to fight anymore. Even their elements of harmony were useless now, due to their exhaustion. The queen of changelings felt a wild satisfaction looking at this situation, unable to hold back her own malicious laugh from filling up the whole room. “Oh, it is really heartwarming, that despite some defects …” She looked at the amused god of chaos, "our devious plan was a success. Your state seems to confirm it just fine.” Her face was filled with an ominous smile. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO US, YOU WITCH?” Luna, feeling her rising anger, jumped forward, ready to cast any available spell, just to wipe the smile of the queen‘s face. “LUNA, STOP!!!” Celestia‘s yell made her sister stop immediately. The expression on her face stated dissatisfaction that she had been deprived of the pleasure of taking it out on her enemy. “Save your strength dear sister, in this state every unnecessary use of energy might be costly to us all.” Her words, although breaking, seemed to bring Luna to her senses. Slowly she began to withdraw observing the environment at the same time, till she caught up with Celestia. Both then directed their own hostile glances at Chrysalis, getting ready to repel the attack. Their enemies were slowly getting closer, narrowing the circle around the most famous defenders in the entire kingdom. “Well, I assure you that it’s not my doing,” said satisfied Chrysalis. “I can only hope that the wine, of which all eight of you took delight in, had a rich taste. I’m quite confident of its magical properties you know *giggle*”. Those words made the two sisters stare in horror. The oldest royal wine which was kept for special occasions was poisoned. All they wanted was to thank the elements of harmony for their contribution to the safety of their kingdom. Both of them could not believe that they were tricked so easily. “Alright then your highnesses, let us see how further you two are still capable to go.” Not abandoning her own malicious smile Queen Chrysalis began to cumulate the energy in her own horn. Both sisters decided not to waste any more time and began to gather all the strength they had left, concentrating on the final attack. All the changelings scattered, suddenly feeling the near clash of the Titans, ready to observe everything from a safe distance. Also the ones attacking the elements of harmony didn’t remain passive. The magical force field which protected the friendly six disappeared suddenly, while its creator fell down brought to her limits, although she remained with her senses. Panting deeply and with the hardly conscious eyesight, she looked around. Celestia and Luna were both gathering the magic in their horns, preparing themselves for the final strike. She couldn’t, however, catch the sight of the changelings’ queen, as her vision slowly started to flee. She managed only to detect a jadeite light, which slowly started to expand. She felt the growing tension and cursed herself for her state, that she couldn’t support the princesses now when they need her the most. She tried to rise on all fours, however, all her body was numb. Slowly fainting, her eyelids unsparingly began to close. Before she was embraced in total darkness, she managed to hear a scream followed by a huge impact that the three cumulated lights made. As the beams met, their powers joined together into one big ball of light and started to transfer slowly from one site to another. None of the mares intended to forfeit. The fate of the kingdom rested on these several seconds. Seconds which she, Celestia‘s prized student, could not take advantage of. Her eyelids finally closed, turning her vision into total darkness. “Why?” She began to curse her own powerlessness. “Why?” She sought answers, although she knew them already, but was not satisfied with them. Beside the growing restlessness and irritation, she could feel something else growing within her. Something, that she has not felt for quite a long time, but something which was always a part of her whole life. Something, that has pushed her on the path, which she has been walking till now. The inner power. The one which she was so afraid of and, as Celestia‘s pupil, she tried to understand. Suddenly, she felt a warmth dispersing all over her. She could feel her body being filled up with energy. The darkness which folded her vision, began to give in to the more and brighter light. Her sub consciousness slowly began to disappear, depriving her of her will. She didn’t understand what was happening to her. She should be terrified by now. However … she felt nothing. The two princesses were already on the edge of exhaustion, as the ball of condensed energy was moving slowly in their direction. It seemed that there was no hope, to stop what was inevitable. Twilight’s eyes burst open. However, instead of pupils, they were filled with light. Her horn began to emit a bright light that soon embraced her whole body. She slowly began to stand up until she got to her four hooves. Her empty eyesight seemed to rest now on the one-sided exchange of powers between the three rulers, which was about to point out the winner. Her body, after several seconds of insensible staring, began to levitate together with the bodies of her comrades. However, none of them seemed to care. Each of them shared the same light vision followed by a strong faint light around their elements of harmony. Suddenly, they all began to create a semicircle behind Chrysalis’ back, landing on the ground with Twilight in the middle. None of this escaped the attention of the queen. Feeling at bay and little disorientated, she began to call her own subjects for help. However, when all of them attacked, they were brutally pushed away by an unknown force. Each of six mares started to form a small ball of light in front of them, which were connected together with a thin bright magical thread. Chrysalis looked in horror, as she was slowly losing the advantage. Her fight with the rulers was almost finished, as the great sphere of light energy was literally several inches from them. Although being absent-minded, her rivals were also occupied by the sight of the elements of harmony. They exchanged glances between them, hoping that at least one of them has an explanation to the whole thing. Sadly, none of them did. “Sister, what’s happening?” asked confused princess Luna. None of them could believe what they were witnessing right now. “Focus Luna, Chrysalis is distracted, we still have a chance, so let’s not waste it!!!” yelled Celestia, which helped her younger sister to quickly concentrate on the battle again. At the same time, all six balls of energy from the element’s of harmony fired, hitting the horn of the changeling queen making her scream in panic. This gave the royal sisters an injection of energy, and together they pushed the great energy ball, making it finally hit its target. The implosion made a loud echo sound that spread throughout the room. Mixed sources of energy formed the great sphere that started to absorb the queen, turning her into one great bunch of jadeite dust. Her dusty remains covered the sphere, turning it suddenly into a huge whirl, which began to spread. It grew widely every second, absorbing everything that stood in its range. Both princesses in spite all their efforts, were unable to fly away to a safe distance, because of the fatigue. Soon terrified Celestia and Luna, as well as emotionless elements of harmony, disappeared into the abyss. When Celestia has finally opened her eyes, she quickly noticed that something was wrong. Everything around her was different. There was no palace hall, no changelings, nothing. Just an empty, dark red and black background that surrounded her. What was even weirder was that she was floating, although she wasn’t using her wings at all. With a blurry eyesight, she began to look around. She suddenly noticed other ponies in the vicinity. Luna and the main six were floating limply and unconscious. Celestia felt a strange tingling all over her body, probably caused by the low temperature of her surroundings. The sudden nausea made her almost vomit, however, she fought with it hoping it would soon go away. She shouted her sister‘s name as loud as she could, however, Luna didn’t even budge. Desperate she shouted once again, and even louder; but the effect stayed the same. She tried to fly over to her, but her body being wiped of all the energy made it impossible. Tired and helpless, she wanted to cry, however, knowing it wouldn’t help her much, she decided to suppress that feeling within her as well. Feeling how all the bad emotions were starting to infect her mind, she slowly began to surrender to her fatigue. Giving the last suppressed shout from her mouth, she finally surrendered to the delightful silence and the calmness of this place. The sudden flash of bright light, followed by a strong fall to the ground caused all her senses to come back immediately. Struck with an even bigger cold than before, she slowly bent over onto her belly and extended her front hooves forward. She could feel her hooves touching something cold and fluffy. Her blurry vision made it difficult to see anything. She shook her head a few times to wipe the snow off her mane. Having winked several times, at last she managed to take notice of her surroundings. This was a dark, foggy forest, she was certain of that. The leafless trees were scattered all around the place. There were small layers of snow here and there. However, this one was different from the ones she knew. It seemed darker and scarier somehow. Slowly she rose on equal legs, which were shaking a little, and began searching for other ponies. It was too dark to see anything ,so despite the fatigue, she tried to put some magic on her horn, making it illuminate in the dark. The darkness around her faded a little, making her able to see better. Soon, she noticed something several meters ahead of her. There on the thin white carpet mixed with leaves and few broken branches, laid a couple of bodies of different colored furs. When she slowly walked closer, the sudden shock hit her. The amazement made her rub her eyes, just to be certain she wasn’t delusional. Before her lied the bodies alright. But instead of grown up mares, there were only little fillies. She was speechless, as she couldn’t tell if this was just a dream or a brutal reality. But their cutie marks, as well as their necks carrying the symbols of harmony couldn’t make it clearer. She then took a look at her hair, which was lying down on her shoulders. It didn’t flow at all and had lost its blue pigment making it all pink, just like she used to have back then when she was younger. Looking closer made her discover something else. She felt odd, like she just have lost about eight hundred years. When she looked at her flank she saw a sun cutie mark still in its place, however, all her body was now smaller. Therefore, her royal regalia, boots, and crown seemed a little too big for her. One could say that she resembled her sister's Luna weakened form while she was now lying before her as a little filly, slowly regaining consciousness. All her royal staff was scattered around her. “Luna, are you alright?” Leaning over her, she began to nudge her forehead and cheeks with her smaller muzzle. The younger sister slowly bent over on her belly hardly shaking her head, trying to regain consciousness. As Celestia lifted her head, she soon located all the elements of harmony, as they were coming to. As she was about to check up on them, she suddenly heard something behind her. It was a roar of some sort, which grew more intense with every following second. When she turned around, she could feel her heart jumping up her throat, while her body slowly covering in cold sweat. Just a few inches from her stood a bear, which being lured by the light of her horn, came in time for his meal. The animal stood up on his hind paws, and as he made a loud roar, he jumped forward with an intent to kill. *** Meanwhile on the same earth, but several minutes earlier It was already getting dark when, after a long trip back, we reached my place. The fog was slowly forming over the area. It seemed we were quite lucky, because driving a car in these circumstances would probably take longer. “Ah, home sweet home.” I sighed with relief as I parked my pickup truck in the garage, which was built into the wooden house. The house was one of fair-size, which could easily fit a large family. This two-stored construction, if we don’t count the attic, was built from pine wood, and sat in a ground embedded stone-foundation, which additionally served as a household cellar. The roof was covered with black tiles, which ideally composed itself with light brick chimney. On the ground floor down by the lake side was a wooden veranda covered by a balcony. It often served me as a relaxation point to read books or simply to sip my morning coffee during warm days. It’s identical, only roofless, version was situated on the other side of the house. From there came the exit on a fair-sized yard, which was fenced by a wooden balustrade built on hard fundament. Those were ideal conditions for Max because he needed a lot of movement. Since forest walks were not always on my mind this yard was at times a life saver. The second floor of the house ended also with a covered terrace from the lakeside, while the back side was covered with large transparent stained-glass window, from which spread the view of the forest and the back yard. I just couldn’t wait to enter my salon, lie down on the sofa, warm myself by the fireplace, and surrender to the taste of my favorite beer. That is, if my friend Gregory didn't drink it all while I was gone. He sometimes liked to visit me and have a chat with a bottle or two, even during his job which was a huge risk on his side. But no matter how much he had drunk, I've never seen him have a blackout, even once. Man, was he a tough player or what? “This was a long day Max, what do you say we grab ourselves a quick bite to eat before we hit the sack?” As we climbed the stairs we walked through the wooden veranda which began to creak pleasantly under my feet. Reaching into my pocket for my home key, my hand got struck with a refreshing coolness of my recent discovery. My pockets were sufficiently wide and deep enough to contain even that big amber. I couldn’t wait to add it to my small but interesting collection of rare stones. Meanwhile, my comrade began to stare at something at the edge of the forest. I could hear him squeal nervously as I opened the door. Suddenly I turned around in his direction. “Come on pal, whatever hides there will have to wait until tomorrow.” He didn’t react at all, as he was still staring at the same part of the woods. It puzzled me what took so much of his attention. Suddenly, we heard a loud screech as hundreds of birds took off and began to float above the bare branches of forest trees. This indeed was an interesting view; one of those which however produced many questions. One could only wonder what have made so many birds scared at the same time. No wolf or bear would be capable of causing so much commotion. You could consider a hunter or a poacher, but a gunshot could easily be heard from here. Max whined suddenly and began to fidget, jumping around, not being able to remain still. It fascinated me that animals always seemed to sense upcoming danger. It was something that we human beings lacked; although we were supposed to out pass them in a matter of intelligence. Suddenly, I noticed several flashes of thunderbolts which began to spread in all directions. I felt as something was slowly growing deep in me; a mixture of fascination and fear. I could easily tell that this wasn't any normal phenomenon. The fog began to thicken even more, which additionally increased the mystic effect. One moment later the thunderbolts on the horizon were replaced by a great sphere of dazzling rays, which began to pierce through tree branches. That phenomenon lasted several seconds before the great sphere began to shrink until it disappeared, leaving the forest in total darkness. It left a very big impression on my face, although I didn’t know what to think anymore. Many times I have heard about alien landings, and I often made fun of those egghead suckers, who got themselves worked up over a huge field signs, which were supposed to be made by unidentified flying objects. Whatever it was; I prefer to leave it until tomorrow, because roaming in a dark foggy forest in search of whatever made that commotion is not my style. “Quite a show, ah Max? ... Max?” I directed my eyesight from the forest to the dog, or should I say the spot where he was just a moment ago, just to see him later running towards the dark forest, disappearing into its abyss a few seconds later. “MAX, NO, GET BACK HERE, YOU HEAR ME, MAX!!!” I shouted as hard as I could, but I knew that once he sets his mind on something, it’s over. This dog couldn’t sit in one place, as he was curious of every sound he heard. Of course, I could just leave him be, and wait for him to come back on his own. However, I felt deep inside that he might get himself in trouble this time. Staying was not an option. Damn it Max, why are you doing this to me? I turned around, ran inside, and set foot in my salon, which occupied three quarters of the ground floor. I quickly ran up to the big sofa which was located by the fireplace. I began to push it until I have revealed a small rectangular incision on the floor, which determined the lid of one of several hiding-places of my house. As I raised the cover, I looked at the bundle of green tarpaulin. Quickly I took it out together with a small box, which was found in the left corner. Having unrolled it, I seized the wooden part of my rifle, and as I opened the lock of the bullet chamber, I began to load it. It didn’t go as smoothly as I wanted, because my hands were shaking the whole time. When I finished, I loaded my leather-jacket pockets with two more fistful of bullets and ran straight to exit. I grabbed a handy flashlight on the way, remembering to lock the door behind me. With lack of eagerness, but with a care for a friend, I ran off the porch, and with impetus I ran into a dark, foggy, scary forest. Luckily the fog was still not as thick as I feared, although walking around in such circumstances carried a big risk. I never even once saw any wolves or bears around here, though now I was more worried by that ball of light. The strong light from the torch LED which was stocked to my jacket helped me to see a little better forward. However, I was also an easy victim to whatever was hiding out there. Suddenly, I heard something moving in my nearest vicinity. I stopped and began to scan my surroundings, carefully illuminating every inch of the area. Then I heard something again, like a bunch of sticks being crashed or something. The sound came from my right side. As I turned, I saw some shadow run by the nearest trees. Preparing for God knows what; I quickly grabbed my rifle in both hands, and aiming at the suspicious area, began to approach it slowly. My finger was right at the trigger, ready to blast anything that may jump out. I could feel my heart beating like crazy, as I finally reached the shadows lair. I took a deep breath and quickly jumped forward between the trees, to make sure that it doesn’t surprise me instead. I couldn’t believe my eyes at what I saw. What I saw was … even more trees, nothing else. I didn’t know if I should feel relief, or be disappointed. Just as I took it easy, something big ran right next to me, making me almost die from heart attack. As I quickly turned around and illuminated the area, I saw the shape of my enemy just before it disappeared in the fog. Deer, a bloody deer made me almost shit myself. Way to go Alex, you're the man. I leaned by the nearest tree and took a few moments to calm myself down. Then I heard barking somewhere in the distance. “MAX!!!” I shouted, hoping he would come, but who was I trying to kid? It’s never that easy with him. As another barking reached my ear, I quickly started running in the direction it came. As long as he was barking there was still hope that I will find him safe and sound. By each passing meter, his barking came louder than before, which assured me that I was running in the right direction. In the mean time, I have tripped and slipped a few times over some roots and leaves, so as you can tell, I was having a blast. The barking sounds of my companion brought me finally to a small sized hill. As I reached its top I quickly looked down, but what I saw caused me a cold sweat. There at the bottom, my friend Max was having a quarrel with an enormous ... bear. A bear, here of all places! They were supposed to live in southern part of the country, so what gives? The bear, however, was holding off its intent to attack him. It was moving from one side to another, just like it was trying to walk around him, however, each time Max was blocking its way, like he was defending something. Unfortunately, I could not see what it was, because my view was blocked by a big overthrown tree. Max fought bravely, but I felt that he won’t last long. The bear was just as stubborn as he was. I had no intention of participating in this, but … “Oh, to hell with this,” I gasped to myself as I prepared my rifle. A sudden shot into the thin air made both Max and the bear direct their eyesight at me. The animal most evidently got frightened of it, but not enough to run away. I quickly reloaded and sent another message, only this time into the tree right next to the bear, trying not to hurt it, or Max. “GET LOST!!!” I shouted at full force quickly loading more bullets into the rifle chamber. Luckily for us, the giant lost its eagerness for further attacks because he suddenly turned around and began to retreat, giving sounds of dissatisfaction along the way. When I finally was certain that he was gone, I ran down from the hill with the rifle hanging on my shoulder. I knelt down beside Max, to make sure that he wasn’t hurt. A positive result made me breath with ease. The dog began to lick my face, wagging its tail happily. “You stupid dog, do you have any idea how worried I was? I think I’ll put you on a leash. You're just impossible, you know that?” I wanted to scold him, however, considering the fact that he was alright, I decided to forgive him this time. “Alright then, let’s go home,” I said as I stood up. Adjusting the rifle belt on my shoulder, I grabbed Max’s collar making him walk by my side. I wasn’t going to let him run away anywhere this time. As we were about to walk back, Max suddenly began to act strangely. He tried to jump forward, like he saw something again. Suddenly, he pulled so hard, that to avoid hitting the ground, I had to set him loose. Max walked closer to the overthrown tree, and started whining and barking , trying to bring my attention. “What's the matter big guy?” I asked as I walked closer to get a better view. When I illuminated the space under it using my flashlight, I saw something move in there. It couldn’t be anything dangerous, because Max surely would warn me about it. As I walked a little closer, I got shocked at the sight of a strange animal inside. Its white coat was covered with mud and leafs, and it had a somewhat interesting mane and tail of an unnatural pink color. Further inspection helped me notice two pairs of hooves. And there was something else, though I wasn’t much sure at first. Those things on both sides looked like ... wings? Funny, though I have to admit I was a little shocked at first, it became clear that I was looking at ... a small winged horse. PEGASUS? OK. I’m still sober, so what the hell? As I made another step and squatted, this creature performed a quick turn addressing itself ahead towards me. It took a defensive position, just like a lonely wolf driven into a corner, all set to attack. Its sudden reaction frightened me for a moment. Apparently it wasn’t very fond of humans. “Everything’s all right, the bear is gone. It’s safe now,” I said it, although not realizing why. Animals usually don’t understand human language, so why did I even care? The creature seemed to share my concerns, because it kept staring at me all the time with a defensive attitude. I then noticed some blood, which was spilling out from a deep wound on its neck and breast. A work of a bear I bet. It looked bad. The animal was in pain and hardly stood on its hooves. I really wanted to help it with all my heart, but frankly speaking, I didn’t even know how to calm it down. “No need to be afraid of me, I won’t hurt you,” I said stretching my hand forward in a friendly gesture. However, the creature backed off further under the overthrown tree, keeping its eyesight at me at all time. It barred its own teeth at me trying to look dangerous, though it was clearly visible that they weren’t sharp. Something suddenly moved behind it, but I couldn’t define what it was. I moved closer carefully and directed the ray of my flashlight inside the provisional cave. I suddenly noticed a great concentration of multicolored balls of fur. Their eyes were all looking at me, as my flashlight’s rays were reflecting in their pupils. They were all cramped into one great mass and seemed to shake lightly from the cold. They are young one’s no doubt. Which meant that the one, which was acting so distrustful towards me would have to be their mother. She didn’t want me to get close to her children, which was quite understandable. But I knew that in this state, she won’t be able to protect them much longer. “You’re wounded, you need some medical treatment. Please let me help you.” And again, I was talking to a horse like it was going to make any difference. However, I made an even dumber mistake. As I approached her as close as possible, I stretched out my right hand until it was almost under her muzzle. The rest went downhill. With a quick motion of her muzzle the mare bit me on four of my fingers all together and held on. What’s worse, it was on my weak hand. Stricken with heavy pain, I pulled with all my power till I managed to draw my hand from her clenched teeth. My eyesight rested now on my unlucky fingers, which pulsated painfully covered slightly with blood. Damn it. I began to curse my own good intentions, though I thanked God that those teeth weren’t sharp. However, the worst came later when I noticed the whole place getting a lot brighter, while hearing Max barking. As soon as I lifted my head, I noticed the source of the light coming from the mare‘s forehead. She suddenly jumped forward. Blinded by the light, and stricken by a powerful force, I was thrown away into a somersault, and landed on my abdomen. I felt a sudden shiver making my entire body pulsate, as I tried desperately to catch air. My lungs greeted the new breath with pain, as if they have not done this in years. I felt odd, like a bomb had exploded near me, causing me to hear only a constant shrieking in my ears. As I opened my eyes, I began to turn slowly on my back. I noticed Max standing next to me. He began to lick my face, making sure that I was ok. Having recovered enough to move properly, I slowly began to rise, trying to assemble my thoughts. Seriously, how do you explain that a wounded horse can produce a great sphere of light, which sends you flying, almost making you meet with your creator? I didn’t have any idea on that one, and frankly speaking, I didn’t care at the moment. Feeling how my legs are shaking, I sat down on my rump and grabbed the torch light that was lying close by. Slowly I rose up, feeling as my giddiness was going away. I took a deep breath, and directed the flashlight under the tree and its brutal tenant. She was still there glaring at me, having now even more trouble keeping balance. Hardly standing on three legs, she kept her front right leg above the ground. She must have damaged it when she attacked me, making me now feel kind of guilty. Further observation made me realize that the thing that was stuck on her forehead, and which served as a weapon, was no doubt a horn. Suddenly I felt like I have completely gone daft, as never before have I seen something like this. I thought that mythical monsters could only be seen in fairy tales, and here I had a living specimen. Man, I wish I had my camera. Although been treated so brutally, I still was worried for her state. When I made two steps in her direction, her horn began to emit that strange light again, only this time it was much weaker. Somehow, I didn’t feel like repeating the same trick one more time. The mare gave me a brutal but clear message, that she doesn’t desire my presence. Right now I could read between the lines. “I get it, my dear, that we are not welcome here, so allow us to withdraw so everyone can go their separate ways,” I said while raising my hands in the peaceful gesture. I made several steps backwards, and started looking for my rifle. I found it soon after, hanging on the branches of the nearby tree. Unfortunately it was hanging too high to reach it, and what’s worse, my head started to ache again. “This is my payment for trying to be nice. Well, guess I’ll have to come back for it later.” I grabbed Max’s collar, and we started heading back towards the hill. With the corner of my eyes, I saw the mare which was still standing there glaring at me ready to attack. As for me, I just wanted to leave this place as soon as possible, and concentrate on more pleasant things like a warm shower, some beer, and an episode of my favorite series. Those always pay me back for my harms. Amazing how little I need to be happy. My merry thoughts were broken, however, by my comrade’s barking, who refused to cooperate again trying to release himself from my grip. Only this time, I was prepared for this. “Come on Max, her highness will be good on her own, considering the fact that she almost blasted me to the moon.” I laughed silently feeling that my headache is rising. Max, however, like a stubborn mule began to pull us back with all his power towards the tree. Like he didn’t care what might happen again. All the time I was slightly weakened, and I did not have the strength to wrestle with him, so willing or not, I followed him. When we approached the tree again, I made a quick eye shot at the entry, seeing its impulsive renter lying motionlessly on the right flank. Beside her stood two from her young ones with lavender and blue colored coats (WTF), whining and mucking her muzzle with theirs. Together with them several others showed up, surrounding the mare from each side. Instead of worrying about themselves, they cared more about their mother, which was quite a touching view. With my hesitation slowly faltering, I moved closer while massaging my head and neck. The young ones looked at me, and backed off a little. Their heights matched my knees, and they were all covered in mud and leaves, just like their mother. However, you could still distinguish their colorful furs. This shock wave surely did something with my eyesight. I had no doubts that I have stumbled across the exceptionally peculiar bunch. Fortunately, unlike their mother, none of them seemed to have suffered. I knelt at the mare‘s side and carefully observed her wounds. Along her neck and breast went a deep and long wound. It only faded on the necklace, which was covered with claw trails. Wait a minute, since when does a wild animal wear jewelry? Now that I look at it, all of them seem to have similar ornaments on their necks. Strange. I also noticed numerous bruises, which were now even more visible in the rays of the flash light. She must have had a long torment with the bear, before Max showed up. I could see steam coming from her muzzle, which was a good sign that she was still breathing. “She needs medical treatment, but I cannot help her here. I will have to take you guys with me.” The little one’s looked at me questioningly, and I had to admit that although animals, they had a very readable expression on their faces. Man, I must’ve hit my head really hard. I took off my jacket, covering the mare with it, slowly placed my hands under her motionless body, and picked her up. I have to admit that she wasn’t exactly featherweight, but I wasn’t going to mumble about it, nor the pain from my bitten hand. The sooner we leave this place the better, because there was a high chance that the bear would return and finish the job. Focusing on the young ones, I managed to count six of them, however Max managed to dig out one more bashful lamb, hiding under a pile of sticks and leafs. This one seemed to have yellow color fur, a similarly pink mane like her mother, and small wings. Caressingly he licked her small muzzle, making her calmer at that point, and then slowly started to push her towards the exit, until she joined the rest. So seven foals and one mare. “Good boy Max,” I said and turned my head to the young ones. "Come with me, my house is not far from here, we will be safe there." I didn’t actually believe they will listen to me, but I still hoped that they will follow their mother instead. Slowly, I started to go up the hill, carefully making my steps through the slippery ground. As I looked behind me, I saw the little ones hesitantly following me, with Max keeping eye so none of them gets lost. We walked like this for quite some time, and I hoped that nothing bad will happen along the way, because the only weapon we had now was my dog, and a fistful of useless rifle bullets in my pockets. Fortunately, I didn’t have to remember my way back, because I already knew this side of the forest like nobody else. Sometime later we were able to see some light glimmering through the trees, which no doubt came from my house veranda. Now that I saw the literal light in the tunnel, I accelerated my march turning my head from time to time so that I’m not leaving the rest behind. Pretty soon we were passing the steps of my house veranda. In this moment I cursed myself for my own excessive caution, when I previously had locked the door. With some balancing in search for a key, I finally managed to get inside. As I passed through the salon, I laid the mare on my big kitchen isle, and then looked at the rest of her young ones. They were all standing at the entry feeling uneasy. I came closer and waved to them in an inviting manner. “Come on in, it’s a lot warmer and safer. I’ll take care of your mother right away.” I was amazed that they listened, entering one after another, with Max being the last. I locked the door, and quickly went to the kitchen where I found a first aid kit in one of the cabinets. With a trip to the bathroom, located on the right edge of the salon, I obtained a small bowl with warm water and a towel, and put it on the kitchen isle together with the rest of the equipment. The young ones and Max had already surrounded us, observing everything attentively. Having taken off my jacket from her body along with her necklace, I dropped it on the floor. I dunked the towel into the bowl, and as gently as I could, I began to wash her body from scraps of mud, blood and leafs. It took me quite some time, but finally I managed to bring her body into an acceptable state. In the mean time, I got to observe several visible bruises on the back right thigh, the right forearm, the neck, and also cuts from the claws on the neck and breasts. What surprised me however was that the wounds were not as deep as before, in fact they were now hardly visible. I could swear that before it looked much worse. But I was content anyway, because unlike my father who was a fine surgeon, I wouldn’t be able to deal with such an advanced injury. The local veterinarian was on holiday, and frankly speaking, I didn’t even know if the mare would endure the trip. There was also a chance that she would attack me during the travel, so that option was a no-no. Meanwhile, I discovered something strange on her left and right flank. Its shape and appearance reminded me of the sun, just like a tattoo. Stealthily I glanced at her young ones, and noticed they all had similar attributes, along with necklaces around their necks. A strange thought passed my mind that my temporary guests might have been refugees from a circus. They might have even been its main attraction. I let it go trying to focus on the further medical treatment. As gently as I possibly could, I began to disinfect the cut wounds with the oxygenated water. Then I covered them with many sterile compresses, and begun to wrap them up with bandages. Her neck, as well as right and left elbow joints served me as support. I took some fatigue in this, because I never have done it before. I feared that the bandages would not stay in place, or might cause discomfort. I used up two rolls to cover the wounds, and I must admit, that for my first time, it looked satisfying. Next I took a moment to examine her front injured leg, and I compared it with the left one, seeking any differences which would suggest a bone fracture. It was lightly swollen in the region of fetlock, which might suggest a contusion. I groped it gently just to be sure, praying that a sudden strike of pain won‘t wake my impulsive patient. The mare moved lightly, making my heart jump for a moment; however, she instantly remained without a motion. Thank God. My long diagnosis made me decide on contusion. I took some ice cubes from the freezer and filled the thermostat with them. As I pressed it against her leg, I waited a little for the cold to diminish the swelling. I then covered it with bandages, and finally took a breath of relief realizing that I was done. I could feel my hands still shaking, considering a huge risk I have taken. But there was a bit of satisfaction that in spite of zero medical knowledge, I was able to help anyway. Her kids observed my every move, and they were looking at me even now. Although I knew they wouldn’t understand me, I decided to comfort them anyway. “I’ve done everything I could to help her. I believe that a long rest will help her quickly recover.” That is, if she won’t try to kill me in the mean time. I didn’t expect them to understand, though I was surprised to see their reaction. First, I heard a deep sigh, and then on their muzzles appeared something that could easily be identified as a relief. Wait, was that a smile just now? Dear God, I think I’m losing it. Apparently life in solitude has its own side effects. As I looked at them, I noticed that they begun to stick to each other, trembling from cold. The house was not heated since my departure, as now it was just a little warmer than outside. I reached for my own jacket and covered the mare with it. Then I went by the fire place, and thrown in a few big logs of wood. As I finally set it on fire, I began to reflect on what to do next. The kids most evidently felt disorientated, because they were nervously looking around. Max already seemed to get along with the yellow and pink one. Lying down on a white carpet, they were hugging each other to make themselves warmer. My thoughts were scattered throughout the entire house right now. The mare and the young ones needed some warm corner of their own. The space by the fireplace seemed to be just right. However, I wasn’t sure whether lying on naked floor was a good idea. Then something crossed my mind, but I needed to go down into the basement to get it. Also, I needed to clear up the exposed hiding-place for my temporarily lost rifle. I reached into the pocket of my own jacket, and took out the bullets and put them back into a small box. As I put it back in its place, I covered the hole with the wooden plank, pushing the sofa back over it. Next I went down the basement stairs, and soon came back dragging a great double mattress, still wrapped in plastic. I was keeping it as a spare one for my bed, but it seemed to be perfect for now. I put it several feet from the fireplace making sure that sparks of fire couldn’t reach it. The mattress seemed big enough to contain the entire herd with ease. As for the matters of covering, I bet those old blankets I kept under my bed would do just fine. Reaching the stairs, I noticed that almost all the little ones were nestling with Max, trying to make themselves warmer. The exception was made by the little azure blue soul with the light blue mane and a tattoo of the moon crest on both flanks. The young one was now standing on the chair with its back legs, while keeping the front ones on the top, and nuzzling the mare with its muzzle. Suddenly, I realized that I was wasting my time standing in one spot, so I quickly went up the stairs for the blankets. A few moments later, I came back, covering the mattress with one of them. My patient was still lying unconscious were I left her, with the blue foal sitting on the chair right beside her, not leaving her even for one second. Only now have I noticed that it had a horn and wings, just like its mother. I guess my observation skills were not something to be fond of. I approached the kitchen isle, and picked up the mare, making sure not to harm her. All the kids suddenly looked at me, and seeing me carrying her away, made them follow. I put her gently on the new provisional bed, and was soon joined by her little ones, who started to climb on the mattress one by one. I could see that they were still messy; however, I was in no condition to do something about it. I was just too tired to care. By the looks of them, I could tell that they felt the same. I waited till the young ones wrapped up the mare from all sides, making themselves cozy, and I covered them with the remaining blankets. I sighed lightly as I got up and I patted Max’s head, who came and sat right beside me. Man, what a day. Great balls of light, bears, feisty mares, and foals with unnatural appearances. WHOO MAN, WHAT A DAY!!! I was wondering if all of this will still remain when I wake up tomorrow. I stretched myself, sending relief to my knuckles and joints, and covering my mouth as I made a huge yawn. Having felt the dryness in my throat, I looked at Max who probably seemed to have the same in mind. “Fine, I’ll give you some water, but try to pull the same one on me as earlier in the car, and you’ll sleep outdoors, got it?” Max made one of his common face expressions which could only mean “what’re you talking about?” I first gave my comrade his share, filling his bowl with water, and then I poured some myself into my own favorite massive black mug with the inscription “I’m with me”. While drinking, I heard somebody’s quiet steps coming from the salon. As I turned around, I noticed a small pink filly with the pink curly mane, which now stood several feet away, staring directly at me. Still holding the mug, and with crossed hands on my chest I squat down. “What’s the matter little one, are you thirsty as well?” I asked with a lightly gibe like tone, realizing that I should have given them some water as well. The pink one unexpectedly snorted, burst out with a little laughter, and then spoke. “Well duuh, why do you think I came here for silly?” I could feel my jaw slowly going down, while the hand that was holding the mug got loosened enough to make it turn, causing the water to spill on the floor. “Pinkie Pie, you were supposed to be quiet!!! ... ups.” One of the foals found on the mattress, a light blue pegasis, spoke suddenly, then covered its muzzle noticing it has spoken a few words to many. I, on the other hand, lost my balance, landed on my bum on the cold parquet floor, and tried to catch my breath. In my head there was only one possible answer to all of this, and there was no mistake about it: “I’VE ... FINALLY … GONE ... NUTS!!!” To be continued ...