> Celestial Swan Song > by fimfic4ever > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > First Encounter > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A small group of four ponies quietly trotted their way two by two through the town of Ponyville in the dead of the night. Leading the way were Twilight and Trixie, each with their horns a light as to give their group some vision. Behind the pair were Rarity and Rainbow Dash. Rarity’s horn provided light for the both of them, as Rainbow Dash had no light source of her own. Rainbow Dash stuck almost intimately close to Rarity’s side, not that she was about to complain. “Twilight…” Trixie groaned, “How much farther? Trixie is already reaching her end point." Twilight sighed, “Trixie we’ve only been walking for a few minutes, we’re not even out of Ponyville, and if you’re going to stay on my couch and prove you’re a good pony now, then you have to help when we’re called out by Princess Celestia." “Trixie still does not understand why we couldn’t share a bed, and what does Celestia even need us for this time of night in the Everfree forest.” “Princess Celestia didn’t specify, she just sent a letter that said I need to come to the Everfree forest with a few extra ponies as quickly as possible,” Twilight explained. “I figured Spike would be too tired to go out, you were on my couch, Rarity lives closest and we were just lucky that Dash was flying round the Boutique at the time, so here we are." “Yes that was a stroke of luck," Trixie said turning her head to look at Rainbow Dash with a grin. “So tell me Dash, what were you doing hovering around Rarity’s home in the middle of the night?” “Yes, I forgot to ask, what were you doing outside my house Rainbow?” Rarity asked. Rainbow Dash’s eyes grew wide and she took a few small steps away from Rarity, “n-nothing… you know, j-just going for a midnight cruise in the sky," Rainbow stammered, a light blush forming on her face. “Hey I just realized Twilight never answered Trixie’s question about the bed." Trixie raised an eyebrow, “while Trixie, in all her magnificence, can see through your rather poor attempt to change topic, she must admit she too is curious on the matter… Twilight?” Twilight glared at Trixie, “for the last time Trixie…” she said through clenched teeth, “…we are not sharing a bed." Trixie curled her bottom lip into a pout and gave her ‘doe-eyed’ look, “but it gets cold, Twily, and don’t you find Trixie’s body…” she paused and closed the gap between the mare’s bodies as they continued to walk, rubbing her side against Twilight’s, “…hot” she finished, whispering in Twilight’s ear. “W-w-well I um” Twilight stammered as her anger slipped into nervousness, she took a step away from Trixie and turned her head to hide her blush face, “I guess the heat from your body would certainly raise the temperature of my bed”. Trixie took another step towards Twilight, “that’s right Twilight, talk dirty to Trixie”. Rarity took a quick step forward and pushed herself between the frisky unicorn and her prey, “ok I think that’s enough of that, could we please move on to something a little less crass?” “Very well” Trixie grinned, she slowed down a little to be at Dash’s side, “so tell me Dash, what was it you were up to earlier?” Rainbow Dash panicked, she tried to find some casual way of shifting topic, but all that came out was, “um…so back to you and Twi getting it on…” Twilight and Rarity facehoofed simultaneously, while Trixie just started laughing. Princess Celestia sat quietly beside her sister Luna just on the border of the Everfree. Luna took a quick look up at her moon then turned to Celestia. “Sister perhaps we should continue on alone, we must move while the moon shines or the being will return to its slumber, there is no time to wait for Twilight Sparkle and her friends." Celestia gave Luna a comforting smile and spoke in a soft voice, “do not worry Luna I can feel Twilight approaching, we need only wait a little-” She was suddenly cut off by a familiar voice just a little distance away, “for the last time Trixie I’m fine! I don’t need to ‘get me some of that’; I don’t think I even want to know exactly what that is!” Luna let out a small giggle, “It seems Twilight brought that unicorn with her, this night might be funnier than it originally seemed." The group of ponies came round the corner of building that sat a few feet from the princesses’ position. “Trixie would be more than happy to demonstrate for you but she will need a partner, Dashie you’re always up for a good performance right?” “I can perform all night long,” Dash said with a smirk and a wink. Rarity groaned, “thank Celestia the princesses aren’t around to hear all of this uncouth conversation." “No need to thank me Rarity,” Celestia giggled causing the four ponies to snap out of their discussion and realize they were standing directly in front of the princesses, giving all four of them blushes. Luna smiled at the display “’Tis a pleasure seeing you all again, but perhaps we should be on our way to the forest." Luna and Celestia began to turn towards the forest until Twilight spoke up. “wait…” she said, “you didn’t say in your letter what it is we’re doing." “I will have to explain as we go my faithful student, Luna is right, it is important that we complete the task at night, so we should hurry before it is time for me to raise the sun." “And why is that exactly?” Dash asked as the six ponies began their trek into the forest. “Because my little pony…” Celestia began, “… the thing we seek in the forest is a nocturnal creature.” The six ponies stayed close together as they trotted through the Everfree forest. They had long since passed familiar sights such as Zecora’s house and the princesses’ old castle, and now they were entering darker parts of the forest which haven’t been explored for many, many moons. Celestia was beginning to explain the ponies purpose for being there, “over the past few days Luna and I have been trying to locate a strange and powerful presence; I can feel it even now, somewhere in this vast forest. I needed you and your friends to join us in our search, hopefully with the six of us looking we should be able to find this creature." “So why just the six of us?” Rainbow Dash asked, “I mean we have three other ponies and a baby dragon we could ask, not to mention all the guards you two have." “While you do have a point Rainbow Dash I believe it would be unwise to go with a group larger then this or bring any guards. I do not believe the creature we seek is evil; if our search party is too large or comes off as aggressive, it will make finding the creature and communicating with it, all the more difficult.” The ponies came to a stopped as they found themselves at a split in their path, one that shot off into four different directions. “Well this explains why you needed at least a few ponies to come with you,” Twilight stated as her eyes flicked from path to path. “Indeed, I believe you and your friends should stay in pairs, Luna and I will be safe on our own” Celestia said as she turned to face Twilight. “Are you sure that is wise Celestia?” Trixie butted in, “even Trixie will admit there are many dangerous creatures in here like… ursas” she grimaced slightly at the memory of the horrid beasts. Celestia gave Trixie a comforting smile, “I appreciate your concern Trixie, however it is not necessary; for an unknown reason not many creature dwell in this section of the forest. The most we will encounter here, other than the being we seek, will be small, harmless animals that would sooner be your friend then wish you ill will." “Oh good," Trixie sighed “Trixie only worry was that she would have to deal with a shivering Twilight the whole time." Twilight glared at Trixie, “and what makes you think I’m pairing up with you?” “That” Trixie gestured back towards the paths, when Twilight turned to see what she meant; she saw Rarity and Rainbow Dash already heading down one of the paths. “Hey!” Twilight called after them. They stopped and Rarity turned her head back to Twilight, “sorry darling but Dash and I have some things to discuss, we’ll see you later, try not to have too much fun now." “We too shall go sister” Luna said as she headed towards a different path to Dash and Rarity, “we believe this is the shortest path, we shall complete it quickly and join the other after to ensure they remain safe." “Thank you Luna” Celestia replied, “I shall see you soon, stay safe." Luna gave her a small nod then continued down her path, disappearing in the darkness. “Why does Luna believe that that one is the shortest path?” Twilight asked. “She and I have been here before, but that was long before the mysterious fog appeared, which now covers some of each path. I believe we shall find this new creature inside one of those areas; however those will also be the most dangerous to enter,” Celestia explained, “Trixie, Twilight is very dear to me, can I trust you to keep her safe?” Trixie grinned and wrapped a hoof round the back of Twilight’s neck, “don’t worry about it Celestia, with the great and powerful Trixie by her side, this lovely mare here shall be safe.” Twilight lowered her head and blushed slightly at the affection. “Good,” Celestia smiled, “and Twilight, can I trust you with Trixie?” “Of course Princess Celestia, we’ll all get home safe." “Excellent to hear, after all…” Celestia began as turned and started trotting down the third path, “marefriends have to stick together”, she giggled. Twilight and Trixie jaws dropped just before Celestia disappeared down her path. “Haa!” Trixie laughed, “she is so digging the Twixie." Twilight raised an eyebrow, “the what now?” “Trixie will explain later” Trixie said, still laughing “right now she thinks we should be heading down the final path." The pair began trotting down their path side by side when a thought popped into Twilight’s head. “Hey Trixie?” “Yeah?” “Are you going to remove your hoof from my back any time soon?” “No.” A nameless creature sat high in a tree, looking down on the below him. He had blood red eyes, a black coat, a short dark grey tail, and a long dark grey mane that flowed down the back of his neck. His body was, for the most, like a pony’s, however this strange creature had griffen talons for front hooves, teeth as sharp as blades, and a long snake like tongue. He sighed as his eyes scanned the ground below, “nothing to eat again it seems,” he said in a dark, raspy voice. “Hello? Is somepony there?” a gentle voice called from somewhere down below. The creature quickly found the source of the call, its form was similar to his own, however this new being had a very light coat and features. Even though this thing was bigger than he was, the creature did not feel threated by it, more… at peace. He quickly shook his head, snapping him out of his daze. Get ahold of yourself, this is the first decent bit of food to come through here in days, don’t mess this up. He waited until whatever it was came down the path that his tree stood near. When it was close he jumped down, landing on his hind hooves in front of his prey, startling it. “Oh my goodness, you scared me there,” the prey said. “Kind of the point sweetheart,” the creature laughed. “My name is Princess Celestia, and I believe you are the creature I have been seeking in this forest." “And what would something like you want with something like me? What are you anyway?” “I am an alicorn, one variation of the pony species.” “The pony species?” “Yes there are a few races all united in the pony species. There are also unicorns, who have horns but no wings, pegasi, who have wings but no horns, then finally there are the earth ponies, they have neither horns nor wings, but their superior strength and work ethic make them the backbone of all pony society. I believe you may be a new variation of pony, I wish to invite you back to my castle so that we may discuss you at length.” Celestia explained. “Fascinating,” he replied with a deadpanned expression, “I think I’ll take a pass on being a part of your little tyranny.” “Tyranny?” Celestia asked, feeling insulted, “I am fair to all my ponies, they live free and in peace.” “Your ponies? Interesting way to phrase it.” He laughed “in any case, I’m quite comfortable where I am.” Celestia let out a deep sigh as she attempted to calm herself down, “I just realized, you didn’t tell me your name.” “That’s because I don’t have one.” Celestia took a small step towards the creature, causing him to take one back, he may be on the hunt but with this one he figured he should keep his distance until he’s ready to pounce. “That’s so sad” Celestia said sympathetically, “why didn’t you receive one from your family? Unless you… didn’t have one.” Celestia took another step towards him, this time he did not take a step back but shrunk down slightly from his aggressive stance on his hide hooves. Celestia’s smile returned, “if you want, I could give you a name” she took another step forward so she was next to him, “my sister and I could be your family, we are always happy to welcome those that need a home.” He sat down on his haunches and looked up to Celestia, his eyes we’re full of fear and yet pleading at the same time. This…this has to be a trick, why would she be this kind. She could obviously tell what my intensions were, and the things I said… but she’s still… Celestia raised a hoof then rested it on his back, “come my new brother, let us return home and you can meet your other sister. She may seem intense at first, but once you get to know to know her, she is one of the greatest friends a pony can have.” The creature was still unsure if Celestia’s intentions were pure, but he decided to play along for now, “So what’s my name?” He asked. Celestia took a moment to think, trying to find something to fit him, “how about…Alpha?” Alpha gazed off into the forest, he began to envision this life he was offered. He thought sleeping on something softer then wood, he thought of happy times he could spend with a new family, and a smile slowly spread across his face. Not the usual tormenting grin he used to terrify prey, but one of true content, for the first time since as long as he could remember, he felt happy. Alpha mind couldn’t comprehend this twist of fate, and something in his head just snapped. All the images of a peaceful future faded to black and were quickly replaced by an image of himself in a cage with Celestia laughing and whipping him. A dark voice sounded in Alpha head; don’t be foolish, nobody loves you, certainly not this stranger. It’s all a trick! Strike while you can! Alpha quickly swiped his claw at Celestia, giving her several bleeding marks on her chest and causing her to recoil in pain. “No one turns me into a slave, I am free to do as I want, and right now… I know exactly what I want to do.” Elsewhere in the Everfree forest, a pair of ponies stood close to the end of their path; they were yelling at each, having argued the whole journey, and now it had become quite heated as both mares had had enough. “I said drop it!” Rainbow yelled. “Not until you tell me what you were doing outside my house!” Rarity retorted. “I already told you!” “Oh yes your little ‘midnight cruise’, very believable darling.” “Believe it or not, that’s all there is to it.” “Well I most certainly do not believe it, and we are not going anywhere until you come clean.” “Well I guess we’ll be spending the night here then.” Rainbow grinned, there no way she could spend another half hour in here at this time of night. She’ll give up in 3…2…1. “Sounds good to me” Rarity said as she sat on her haunches and pointed her muzzle up to the air. Rainbow groaned, ok so my ace in the hole didn’t work, time for my trump card… wait, are those the same thing? And if not which is better? Ah never mind, I’ll just do the thing. Rainbow Dash gently placed a hoof on the side of Rarity’s face and brought it down so their eyes met. “Rarity I’m asking you as a friend… please let it go.” There were few things in Equestria that could get Rarity to drop something this big, one was a plea from a friend, another was those beautiful magenta eyes that Rarity could lose herself in, and right now, she was faced with both. “Ok Rainbow Dash, I’ll leave it be” Rarity said gently, still starring into her eyes, “just know that if you ever do want to talk about it, I’ll always be here for you, and I’ll never judge you.” Rainbow Dash and Rarity sat there smiling, starring into each other eyes, Rainbow thought this a great moment for her and Rarity's friendship, but then she said something which shocked even herself, “I know Rarity, that’s why I love you.” Both mares tensed up, Rainbow wanted nothing more than to just fly away from her embarrassment a newly ruined friendship, but she couldn’t move. “R-Rainbow Dash, do…do you mean that?” Rarity asked, still a little shaken. Rainbow Dash was almost in tears, great I’ve done, I’ve messed it all up with her because I can’t keep my stupid mouth shut… might as well tell her the whole truth… she deserves that, Rainbow Dash’s eyes drifted to the floor below them, “yeah, I mean it, I felt like this for a while, I know you didn’t feel the same way and that’s why I was outside your house earlier… I just… wanted to be close to you.” Rarity gasped, “Rainbow Dash that’s… surprisingly romantic, a little on the stalker side but still… it’s… lovely.” Rainbow eyes returned to meet Rarity’s gaze, “l-lovely? You’re not disgusted ‘cause I’m a fillyfooler or freaked out I like you that way?” “Rainbow Dash…” Rarity smiled, placing her hooves on either side of Rainbow’s face, “if I was either of those things, don’t you think it would be a little… hypocritical?” Rainbow Dash scrunched her face slightly, “huh? Hippo what now?” Rarity giggled slightly at her confused friend, “let me show you what I mean.” Rainbow eyes widened as Rarity began to lean in close, Rarity closed the gap between them allowing their lips to meet. Just as Rainbow’s eyes closed Rarity pulled back slightly and whispered into Dash’s ear, “understand now?” “I hope so” Rainbow grinned wildly, “otherwise I’m even worse at reading signals then I thought.” Rarity laughed that cute way that Rainbow always adored, “so since we’re done with this path, shall we head back my little Rainbow?” “Oh please tell me that nickname not gonna stick.” “We shall see…” “…and that Trixie, is how my wings keep my entire body warm even when completely furled,” Twilight explained. “Fascinating,” Trixie groaned a little bored of the alicorns lecture. “It’s also how I can keep others warm simply by draping it over their back.” “Really?” Trixie asked, a little curious now as she smiled and raised an eyebrow. “Trixie doesn’t suppose a demonstration would be asking too much?” “Not at all” Twilight replied cheerfully, “just take your hoof off my back, it’ll be more comfortable that way, then I’ll show you.” Trixie quickly remove her hoof from Twilight’s back, but still stuck close to her side. Twilight extend her left wing over Trixie, laid her wing over Trixie’s back, then gently pulled her a little closer, completely wrapping Trixie in her warmth. “See what I mean? Nice right?” Twilight asked the pony snuggling against her. Trixie gave little response other than resting her head on Twilight shoulder, closing her eyes, and letting out a soft, pleased sigh. “T-Trixie?” Twilight asked, her face blushing slightly at the actions. “You know…” Trixie whispered into Twilight ear, “… you have the softest fur” nuzzling Twilight gently as she finished. Twilight turned her head away from Trixie to hide her deepening blush, “oh my…” “You know it is just the two of us, perhaps-” “Greeting friends!” A voice called from just beyond some trees, cutting Trixie off. Princess Luna emerged from darkness followed by Rainbow Dash and Rarity, who seemed to be unusually close together, just as Twilight and Trixie still were. “Oh good Trixie was just thinking there should be more ponies here,” Trixie moaned sarcastically. “I take it you two had a chance to talk?” Twilight asked looking at Rainbow Dash as she wrapped her wing around Rarity. “Yeah you could say that,” Rainbow replied with a goofy grin. “Ahem, what Dash means is that we managed to sort everything out” Rarity added, giving Rainbow a small nudge. “What they’re saying is that they kissed” Luna explained bluntly. All the other ponies’ eyes widened and stared in her direction. “What? We could feel their heart rates and body temperatures rising, not to mention the blushes they had when I found them” she explained. “Are you like the alien hunter from that movie or something?” Rainbow Dash asked, still a little shaken from the sudden reveal. “No, it is merely a talent I developed some time ago, using it I also determined that Twilight and Trixie were about to kiss, that’s why I thought it would be funny to surprise them” Luna giggled. “Oh yes, hilarious Luna,” Trixie groaned, staring daggers at the princess. “What!? We weren’t… I mean we didn’t… I didn’t…” Twilight stuttered nervously, her blush quickly returning. “In any case…” Luna began, cutting off Twilight ramblings, “… we should find our sister, if the other paths were unsuccessful perhaps she…” Luna was cut off by a sudden and bloodcurdling scream that sounded throughout the forest. Luna immediately recognized the screamer, “Celestia!? CELESTA!” She called out as she ran off into the trees. “Luna wait!” Twilight called out as the other ponies began to follow the panicked princess. “Please Alpha do not do this, this is not you,” Celestia implored. “Don’t call me that!” Alpha yelled “Alpha is my slave name, I am no slave; I am a being of this forest, just a faceless shadow that hunts and kills when he so chooses.” Alpha began to circle Celestia in his predatory stance as she lay on the ground, hoof held at her injuries. “Perhaps that is what you were but it is not what you have to be, come with me and you can lead a happy life. I only want what is best for you.” “Best for me? Best for me!?” Alpha leapt over to Celestia and delivered another swipe to her chest. She cried in pain and curled up on the floor. Alpha began circling her again, “this is what’s best for me, this forest” Alpha said, gesturing around to their environment, “now if you’re done with your speech, I have dinner to eat, and it’ll get cold if I leave it on the floor too long” he finished with a big grin spreading across his face. Celestia slowly returned to her hooves, the pain being so intense she almost immediately fell to the ground, but she resisted her body’s urge to rest, “perhaps I was wrong” she began as she started taken steps back the way she came, “perhaps you are really just some crazed and vile creature.” Alpha slowly stepped forward, maintaining a constant distance between him and his prey, “yes now you’re getting it, I quite like the sound of the. Creature. A name generic enough for a shadow but one that will still strike fear into a soon to meal, yes, I like that a lot.” The being now dubbing himself ‘Creature’ took a sharp step forward, bringing him close to the cowering Celestia, “where exactly do you think you can go morsel? You have no chance of escape when I have the upper claw… or hoof for some,” Creature laughed. “You are right I may not be able to escape, but I am still an alicorn, and I can defend myself if necessary.” Celestia said as came to a stop and stood slightly taller. Creature began laughing harder, “oh this should be good… ok one free shot for you.” Creature stretched his claws out wide, making himself as big a target as possible. Celestia’s horn lit up and she sent a powerful energy beam directly for Creature chest, it bounced off him and shot off into the trees. Celestia gasped, few creatures were powerful enough to be completely unaffected by her attacks, it would take a type of magic much stronger than Celestia could wield alone. “That’s it?” Creature laughed, “I should have just skipped to this part, much more entertaining.” Creature pounced on Celestia, pinning her to the ground, “say goodnight sunbutt.” Celestia screamed as Creature’s claw gave one final slash, silencing her forever. “Celestia? Celestia!” a voice called out from the forest. “Better take you somewhere safe, I hate sharing meal” Creature said grimly as he stared down at the now still princess. Luna came crashing through dense shrubbery and emerged to find a path, the path Celestia went down. She began galloping down the path, followed by four other ponies, frantically searching for any sign of her sister. Luna came to a sudden stop and she was staring at something on the ground. When the others were able to catch up, they found she was staring down at a small pool of blood with just the odd white feather here and there. Luna collapsed down to the ground, unable to hold back, she began weeping into her hooves next to the blood. Rainbow Dash and Rarity were quickly by side, wrapping her in their hooves in a vain attempt to comfort her. Trixie however, noticed Twilight had begun to storm off further down; she quickly rushed to her friend’s side. “Twilight, where are you going?” Trixie inquired as she tried to get in front of the alicorn. “I don’t know what did this, I don’t where it is… but I will find it, and I will kill it.” Trixie grabbed Twilight hoof and pulled her back bringing her to a stop. Twilight glared at Trixie and began to pull back to free her hoof. “Twilight…” Trixie began as she placed her other hoof on Twilight shoulder and stared into her eyes, “…don’t do this, Celestia wouldn't want it, and no good can come of it.” Twilight expression began to change for anger to pure sorrow, “But that thing it… I have to…” Twilight began as tears slowly trickled down her cheeks. Trixie moved her hooves around Twilight wrapping her in a warm embrace. Twilight pressed her face into Trixie’s shoulder and she could feel the tears coming in a much greater force. “It’s ok Twilight, Trixie’s here” Trixie soothed the distraught mare, gently brushing her mane. “Would you like Trixie to take you home?” Twilight said nothing but just gave a weak nod and clung to Trixie side as the pair began to walk back to the others. “Hey” Trixie gently called to Rarity, “Trixie is going to take Twilight home, I believe she will need some time, will you be able to take care of Luna?” “Of course, Dash and I will take Luna back to the Boutique and do what we can, you just make sure Twilight is ok, we’ll stop by tomorrow morning.” Trixie didn’t respond, she just gave Twilight a small squeeze and began to trot down the path, away from the site of something that would surely haunt her dreams for some time to come. Rarity gave Rainbow Dash, who was still holding Luna, a small nudge and whispered, “come on let’s get her back, she’ll need some rest.” Even though Rarity knew it would do little good, it was all she could do for now. Rarity’s horn glowed as she gently lift the princess up, who then curled into a ball in midair and cried, thinking how a night that began so peacefully and had such beautiful love blossom, could end with something so devastating. Rarity gently closed the door to her bedroom, which was currently being occupied by Luna as they had finally got her off to sleep. “Rainbow…” Rarity whispered to her new marefriend, “you don’t think this is some kind of bad omen do you? I mean mere minutes after we came out to one another… this happens.” Rainbow Dash wrapped her wings around rarity and began escorting her to her couch, “don’t worry about it Rarity, it just a coincidence… a horrible one at that, but still, everything will work out.” Rarity slumped down on the couch and began to cover herself in her guest blanket, “how can you possible know?” “Rarity…” Rainbow Dash began, “… as long as I’m with you, I know everything will be ok.” “Oh Dash, that’s so sweet”, Rarity cooed, giving Rainbow a small peck on the cheek. “Yeah well don’t get used to it, I may have feelings for you, but I’m not gonna turn into some sappy mare who writes poetry or love songs or something”, Rainbow laughed. “Oh we’ll see about that darling.” “Guess I should probably get going now,” Rainbow said as she began to turn towards the door. Rarity quickly reached a hoof out and grabbed her. “Do you think you could stay a little longer?” Rarity asked, staring up at Rainbow, “I really don’t want to be alone right now.” Rainbow Dash gave her a small smile, “I guess I could hang for a bit” she said as she slid onto the couch next to Rarity and held her close, comforting her in this group of friend’s darkest hour. Trixie gently began tucking Twilight into bed, the mare had cried into Trixie shoulder all the home and finally seemed to be calming down a little, or at least was so tired from crying she couldn’t go on any more. “Twilight, Trixie knows it will take some time before you will be able to get past this, but know that Trixie will always be here for you” Trixie said, stroking Twilights mane slowly from the bedside. “I know Trixie” Twilight whimpered, “…it’s just so hard.” “Something like this is never easy Twilight, Trixie remembers when she was young and she lost those important to her, she felt so alone, Trixie intends to make sure you do not suffer that same torture.” Twilight smiled up at Trixie, “don’t worry about that Trixie, I’ve got Spike, all my friends, and… you… like you said… I’ll always have you.” Twilight leaned up slightly and gave Trixie a small kiss on the cheek, “good night” she whispered as she returned to her lying position and closed her eyes. Stupid sexy Twilight, Trixie though, get me all worked up with a cheek kiss and then fall asleep… oh you’ll get it tomorrow, believe me. Trixie quietly trotted out the door, giving one last look at the mare she cared for more than anything, then closed the door behind her, careful not to wake Twilight or her oblivious assistant. Creature sat in a small dark cave, a place he would often take fresh kill. He sighed as he whipped a small amount of blood from his muzzle. Something didn’t feel right, usually after finding food, especially some as rare as this alicorn he captured, he would feel fantastic, there was no greater feeling, but that feeling was not there as he look down at the body that lay at his hooves. Creature stepped away from the body and exited the cave. He gazed up at a small hole he made in the tree tops so that he was able to see the sky, and he began to ponder why he was left feeling unsatisfied, almost sad, after a successful hunt. He did not ask for anyone’s pity; he did not ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings, he merely wondered… why did he feel this way?