It was supposed to be a normal trip into the Everfree Forest for Apple Bloom. She had been through this trek many times as a filly. Yet on this fateful autumn evening, Apple Bloom took a wrong turn and ended up being nearly killed by a raging manticore. Injured and left for dead, Apple Bloom was rescued by a mysterious creature.
It was made to be to the custodian of the last remains of a long lost race. It has been tasked to do whatever it takes to carry out its creator's last will. So when Apple Bloom stumbled upon its hiding spot, it did the only thing it could and bringing her to its layer to save her.
This story was my entry in Two Bit's Autumn Pony to Human TF story contest last year, only modify and expanded some more. Totally forgot about it until recently. Figures now would be a perfect time to publish it. Happy First Day of Autumn, everyone!