Many have their own adventures and destinies, a sort of 'mark' but some are not as a gift to others especially for one pony that holds a curse.
Rancor is just a normal thestral..on the surface, he's got a lot of skeletons in his closet and hasn't been very good on sharing them, he keeps them close to his chest and has always been traveling before he can make a permanent trace on the globe. The thing he wants more than anything is to try to act normal, be normal, try to fit in. Sadly things don't ever go the way we want.
Cutie Marks are great for signifying who you are right? For your talents and skills, while many, maybe millions would agree with you, there are always a price for your skill and there's one pony that knows that very well, a simple cutie mark could mark you for life.
The railroad platform was quite small but much more decorated, sure places like Manehatten and other big cities were adding a bit here and there but none had quite the style or quite the culture to back the amount of flaunting they had in this one. Canterlot was known for its snobbish uptight blue bloods but I never thought they would spend a single bit on something like this, maybe just to show off?
I blew my charcoal mane out of the way, not like the decor was why I was here either way. I'm just waiting for the train to come, my ear flicked towards the railroad entrance, judging by the distance it was slowing down, which wouldn't take very long which was good for me. A scream could be heard clear as day, surprising as it was a bit far away.
There were a lot of hooves coming from a couple of blocks away from the railroad station but I cared little for it, it's not like they could catch up to me now. The train will come by before they realize which pony I am, just have to wait here in the crowd for a little longer and- bingo.
The train slowly came by, with a hiss of succession stopping at the station, the mass of ponies waiting began to move. All in a wave of ponies the guards shouldn't be able to find me in it. I moved along the pace of everypony as if it was a normal Monday, no alterations to the steps, just another pair of hooves to move along the flow, nothing would point me out, moved further and further. My bag of bits jingled while moving and reminding me of its existence as well as the amulet every time I took a step, it was a small pain in the ass but one I was willing to deal with.
I trotted and past several rooms trying to put some distance before the guards could suspect anything, when I felt it was good enough of a space I found a bathroom and went in. While my disguise was good for fooling ponies I couldn't exactly keep it on after they saw me, I closed my eyes, focused on the amulet, and undisguised. I turned to see a mirror, found a face I haven't allowed myself to be, a bat-pony, near ashy like hair, grayer but teetering on the colors. A green streak going through the hair like a strike to clash the familiarity, a gray more dark-toned coat with some fluff on the chest. Light green marks on my back, the same mint-colored stripes through my front hooves but only one strike passing my wrists and a cutie mark of my curse. To say it's been a while would be a huge understatement, I've lived so many different lives it's hard to say which is part of me or just false. I shake my head, doesn't fucking matter though does it? I used my amulet to mask the cutie mark.
I stepped out of the bathroom and sat down on a nearby seat and not long after a unicorn Conductor came by to check my legitimacy.
"Ticket please" The Conductor was holding a puncher.
"Certainly" I smiled and gave what he requested but instead of the usual once over and punch he looked at it much longer than others. "Is something the matter?" I spoke in an even tone but with a raised eyebrow.
He looked at it much more intensely and raised his eyebrow at me but gave in, "Nothing" he punched it and went on.
As the train began to move and gain traction I was on a window seat to see the chaos the railroad station was at. Ponies were shocked and afraid while guards tried to calm everypony down, always a sight good to see.
And before anypony could be any wiser the train already began to move all the while I saw the land move by, to see it go past me was a small pleasure I was rarely given.
The door to my cargo opened, I was quick to notice but it was just a train attendant, a mare to be specific, with a candy cart. I gave it no attention, I just needed to keep the focus on where I was going, that was always the main idea.
"Would you like some candy for the travel?" She spoke with a smile to some random senile pony.
"Oh no, I'm quite alright" and that was the last thing I focused on, I moved my head towards the window. It was rare for me to have the view actually be nice and lush, I hope Ponyville will be much more comfortable than Canterlot, I never even heard of it before.
"And what about you sir?" My ear flicked and I turned to see her asking me, she was at first quite welcoming much to any other customer but as soon as she saw my face she visibly had a strained smile. I was more so numbed to this degree of what I usually get and just played dumb. "I'm fine"
"O-of course" she tried to play it cool with her usual body language for training but It was painfully obvious she was afraid of me, the poor dear didn't know what she was really supposed to be afraid of.
I looked back to the landscape, much the same before, and didn't seem like it was going to change either. I sighed, I really wanted this town to work, and have a normal life.
The train made its familiar hissing noise of stopping and ponies took that as a point to start moving out, I was still left with my thoughts on how I was going to work out my life here but I guess that's now a work in moment kind of deal.
I moved with them and left the train to see the surrounding area, it was actually kind of peaceful, a couple of ponies meeting and greeting others like lost relatives or family members, the railroad platform was made of wood with a nice stable base. I started to move but something caught my attention, a mare was trying to get her luggage out with her magic, making very little progress, and soon found me staring. "O-oh you! You look like a strong stallion, would you help a damsel in distress?" While I usually would've cared less for it something made me feel drawn to the scene.
I rolled my eyes but obliged, I wanted to get this over with, she levitated three or four pieces of luggage for me to carry. I actually nearly buckled from the weight at first but kept my strength steady and slowly straighten up, well the amount I could straighten up with.
"Thank you, dear" She spoke with elegance but I couldn't really give care with this fucking much weight, what the hell did she pack?!
"Yeah, yeah, lead me where I'm supposed to put this before I fucking let this shit drop." I was fucking losing the balance I had and what did she do? She just gasped.
"Such crass language! There are foals nearby!" She somehow got a newspaper from somewhere and rolled it up just to swat at the back of my head.
"Bitch" I hissed in discomfort and pain, I had to use some magic from the amulet necklace to lift it better.
"Hmph, come along" I'm this close to hitting her in the face.
The move wasn't all surprising, she came out of the same train as I did so I assumed she was coming to Ponyville the same as me. I wanted to use this opportunity to look around the town while covering as a helping hand and if it so happens she lives in the quaint place. I could get some knowledge speaking of getting some-
"So Ms?"
"Rarity" she stopped and turned around looking shocked, "I am oh so terribly sorry! Where are my manners? I am Rarity, I run a boutique at Ponyville, and you are?"
"Hah, I'm-" I paused, if I really wanted to let be normal around here maybe I'd have to use my real name- but what if it doesn't work out? Fuck what if-
"Are you okay?" I realized Rarity was closer than before, she stopped and looked concerned for me.
I smiled to try to wave off her suspicions and kept trotting, "Heh, yeah sorry, I'm...Flare, Shining Flare at your service madam." I stopped to bow to her, slightly to give a bit of chivalry, with the politeness and attitude of a snob I'd assume she'd be a sucker for the nonsense.
She moved a hoof over her mouth, "My my, what a gentle stallion," she moved her hoof back on the ground to keep moving while looking at me. "is what I would say if I didn't know what comes out of that mouth," she stopped to give a sly look to me, she was seeing through my facade "first impressions are everything, after all, Mr. Flare." She resumed leading the charge.
Well, there goes my cover on the politeness, "Well I try" I just kept moving, so much for a fake personality just as a backup.
She began to speak from the front and turned to me, "And don't be discouraged to do so, I am just not so easily swayed." She winked towards me before looking forward once more.
"Do you say that to all the stallions or just me?" I smirked even if she couldn't see it.
"That depends, do you try to woo a mare like this all the time or just me?"
"Hah, touche" while the banter was sorta a nice change to ponies cussing me out I wondered how much longer we would reach her store, the place was packed with stores and houses, all seemingly interesting in their designs from candy stores to quills and sofas.
"And here we are." I was so enamored I nearly bumped into her, but I managed to look where I was going for a split second. She hovered her keys before putting them into the keyhole and turned it counter-clockwise until she heard a click. "There we are!" She opened the door and a ring echoed through the house, "Welcome to the Carousel Boutique!" She smiled showing triumphantly but faltered the smile before speaking. "I'm sorry to have bothered you this far but if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you move the luggage over to the couch? It's past that door, have to separate the store and living space somehow."
I was completely stunned, I stepped inside, the interior was, well extravagant, the room was filled with dresses, suits, ponnequins, and materials strewn all over. It was probably the messiest neatest place I'd have seen if that even made sense. "Uh, Mr. Flare?"
I zoned out enamoring the beauty but regained my train of thought by shaking my head. "uh yeah I heard you, sorry"
She sighed while putting down the luggage to move to shut the door, "Quite alright really" she lifted her part of the luggage again, "I am, sort of embarrassed to show anyone the mess I left behind right now," she started to move upstairs but I felt the need to speak while she was moving, "if it's any consolation, the neatest mess I've seen."
She was already in a room but she raised her voice high enough for me to hear. "Quite the flatter stallion, is this how you get all the mares to stay by your house?"
I bounced the weight of the luggage on my back to the couch, I felt actually really really light after that. Must've been putting a lot more magic into it than I thought, I could hear her move down from the staircase. "Interesting, I'm surprised YOU are the one to ask that." I saw her come down to the final step, she froze for a bit before she began to stifle a laugh, and then let it come out the flood gates. She seemed to enjoy that one.
"S-sorry that was improper of me, b-but that was quite the retort," she started to giggle then laugh again, not that I was complaining, the happiness was kinda infectious and I would be lying if I said I didn't start smiling myself. She started to get a hold of her laughter and try to recompose herself, "Phew, I must say it's been too long since I've laughed like that." she started to trot over to the kitchen and yelled out. "Would you like some tea Mr. Flare?"
"Nah, I'm good" I slowly started to slouch on the couch, usually I wouldn't let my guard so easily but I was feeling a bit comfortable sadly the coffee table was too far away to let my hind hooves rest. Besides, what was a white unicorn gonna do I haven't already dealt with.
I saw her coming back and didn't give it much mind, she was lifting a disk tray with her magic holding the teapot and two cups. She set them up on the counter and tried to move the luggage but found more weight than she seemed to think. "My, I nearly forgot the weight of the luggage, and in no way do I mean this in any sort of offense but I'm, rather surprised you were able to hold it up all the way to here. You seemed like you were struggling with it back at the train station."
I was surprised she caught that but I didn't show any of my shock, "Well what can I say? I'm more than meets the eye, I have to say, it held a bit more weight than I thought, what was in it?"
She turned to me just to smile at the question, "A lady never tells Mr. Flare"
"Yes yes, yet I see no mare around, please do send my regards, however." She started to pour the tea into one of the cups and lifted it to the level of her mouth before blowing the heat and speaking.
"I'll let her know a barbarian came by to ask of her hoof," she winked at me before drinking a bit of the cup.
She released a sigh of content from her drink then spoke again, "If you must know, however, it was mere supplies for my latest design-"
"Bullshit, there's no way-" I couldn't believe the shit I was carrying was 'mere supplies' but before I could put in anymore she shut my mouth with her hoof.
"Tat tat, let me finish before you speak, darling," she moved away from her hoof and waited a moment to see if I was done. I was kinda upset the fact she touched me but I played along to get some more information for a possible supporter in the town.
"Thank you, darling, as I was saying, they were supplies. I usually buy them in bulks and have them shipped over but well," she started to move a bit in her seat at unease and slightly blushed.
"I am a bit ashamed to admit but I ah," She started to roll of one of her hooves to keep the momentum of her weight on words, "have a tendency to buy supplies at the moment, I can't help it much, inspiration comes in all forms and I cannot help but feel the need to be moved by the pieces!" She ended that last piece of explanation with a dramatic tone and body language of having that same hoof strike to the sky with the other clutching her chest while looking off to the ceiling.
She started to recompose herself "Ahem, it didn't help I had visited Canterlot during my absence of the store so, might have gotten a little too eager to build my creativity."
"Uhuh" I raised my eyebrow, never met someone so enthralled in their passion.
"Oh! I'm so terribly sorry darling, I meant to tell you when I sat down that the tea was here just in case you changed your mind, completely slipped my mind with our conversation going on." She seemed genuinely sorry for not notifying me earlier.
"It's completely fine." I waved it off with one of my hooves, "So," I raised my eyebrow, "how does a pretty mare like yourself stumble upon this cozy little town, surely you would be more suited for Canterlot or Manehatten."
She seemed surprised but smiled again, "hah, a lively place like Canterlot with nobles, businesses, and where famous clothing trends begin?"
"Yeah" I was even more surprised she was talking it up like that, she obviously knew that's the most productive and profitable area she would start in.
"Originally I did, I imagined the high praise for my hard work, the articles, and stories drawn by my work, even being swept off my hooves by blue blood," she started to laugh a bit at that last part, "could you believe that?" I did believe that and I laughed too, many noble back at Canterlot were so full of hot air, it felt relieving to hear the same kind of side being laughed at.
"Ah, but, I stuck around here because I wanted a more organic start, being rushed with creativity wasn't quite my best style, besides I was still doing more rough drafts of work, something of an amateur really, and well, I made some good friends here." She seemed really happy for that last reason, it was kinda heartwarming, I haven't seen many smiles like that one over all the traveling I've done, to see it so warmly like that made me ache for my own content.
"But enough about me, I have my own questions about you darling,"
I perked up from that, "me?"
She seemed to giggle at that "yes you darling, how could I not? A stallion, a thestral to be exact, comes to aid a poor mare in help of a train leaving from Canterlot to our small village of Ponyville. How could I not be interested in a dark, mysterious stallion-like yourself?"
I blinked at that, I wasn't expecting anyone to ask about myself, most just snarl or give me a bad eye just for existing, I need a backup story "I uh, grew up at Canterlot, nothing really interesting trust me, nobles and snobs all alike trying to take a piece of the bits you make, really there's nothing too interesting about it."
She stopped to look at me with a raised eyebrow, she looked into my eyes as if gauging that statement, "I don't know about that, you seemed interesting as is darling."
I was taken aback, "O-oh, thank you Ms. Rarity,"
"Please darling, call me Rarity, you've been very generous with helping me move along some materials I needed without asking anything in return and I of all ponies, should return that generosity, come by anytime the shop, I'll even give you something of a deal for any clothes you might need next time you come by." She winked at me.
"Thanks, I don't know if I will stay in Ponyville for very long but, I do hope it'll be a while, I would hate to leave so soon without finding more about you. I should be going, again thank you Rarity." I started to get out of the couch and trot to the door.
"Anytime darling, besides, I should be thanking you, my offer still stands Mr. Flare." She still kept on the couch smiling at the good warmth of hospitality.
"If you must, call me Flare." I lowered my front half to bow.
"Very well, have a good day Flare, and please, forgo the pleasantries, I'm not one of those nobles in Canterlot." She seemed to laugh at the thought of my simple facade acts, she did seem to be genuine.
I laughed at that catch though "Hah, fair enough, have a good day Rarity." I was surprised she saw through them but kept moving on.
I wonder what I was going to find in this town, it seemed very low on notice and seemed kind of..nice.
The experience with Rarity wasn't actually that bad, a little strange she'd emphasize on the whole generosity bit but overall nice. I went out the door and heard the familiar ring of the bell above the door as I made my exit but I gave it no real notice.
Now that I have a supporter for today I'm gonna need more to cover my alibi for any possible... incidents that could occur, and honestly making one ally was enough for me, besides it's been a while since I got a drink to cool my nerves. So that was my next mission, seek a bar around to drink some good liquor, I won't lie. The thought of good alcohol always brought a smile to my face, I walked around the town to find a liquor store but all I could find were stands selling stuff from Apples to strawberries.
They both actually seemed to dislike the other but hey, if there wasn't any liquor to it then I wasn't going to care. It took a while and a bit off the town to find what I wanted. "Berry's Punch Bar" I spoke aloud re-digesting what I read, it sounded corny as hell but nothing a good drink couldn't fix. And in my experience drinking from small villages gave the best kind of liquor.
There was a double western front door just short of covering the entrance and I came through with no hesitation. I surveyed the area, a nice cozy wood-coated tavern, stools of metal with brown cushions, and tables moved to the side to make room for the path to the two bathrooms. I was delighted to see that from the number of ponies sober, that the party hasn't started yet.
I moved to one of the stools and hopped on to get my hooves on the smoothed-out wooden surface. My side however was more at the end of the rectangular table spanning a couple of ponies long while meeting both the sides of the space of the bartender, he looked fairly young, maybe 18 or 19. "So Bartender, what's your town's number 1 drink around here?"
The bartender was speaking to some ponies across from me at the edge, three ponies nearly huddled around the bartender, probably old friends. The bartender, quick on the draw, turned towards me with a smile that was probably from the conversation. "Well I'd say that's the apple cider-" when he saw me fully he was completely shocked, "-e-extra bubbly..."
Everypony soon followed with his reaction as they all tried to see what got him so stiff.
While back when I was fairly new to the whole shock and gawking I would've created a problem but now that I'm so numb to it I just kept the conversation going.
"Apple cider huh? I think I've heard of that," I tapped one hoof onto the counter and the other on my chin, "Is it local or outsourced?"
He looked terrified of me but I kept a smile on my face with no Ill intent, "L-lo-local" he seemed to swallow heavily after that as if he was staring death in the face. He would be half right, but he was scared shitless, I tried to keep a calm composure. "That sounds wonderful! How much for a mug?" I gave him the most welcoming smile I could muster, he wasn't a bad colt, seemed fresh to the job with quite the experience on him.
He was a little less tense after my effort. But an earth stallion didn't take my meeting so well if the one pony steam engine that was heading my direction indicated anything.
That steam engine had a white coat with light green hair, mint really, more like actually.
"I think we all thinking the same thing, freak" he stared me down as if there was nothing more important in the world than seeing me leave.
But I didn't pay him much attention, I instead spoke to the bartender, "So what's the price?"
The brick head beside me didn't seem to take the ignoring too well, "I'm talking to you thestic" I actually flinched at that, haven't heard that slur in a while.
I turned to the idiot signing the death certificate if he took this any further, "listen, I'm sure you want to punch me inside out but can't we just have a drink?"
"With a freak like you? You waiting till we let our guard down just to suck our blood?"
Okay now I was pissed, "that's fruit bats, you fucking moron."
"Look who's talking thestic"
"Bartender, I'm gonna step outside the bar to deal with this arrogant piece of shit, could you make me some of that apple cider in the meantime?" I put down a bag of bits to pay for the drinks.
"Deal with?" He looked like I just made the dumbest mistake of my life. "You're fucking asking for it." I sneered at him,
"You talk a big game for an earth pony about to be 6ft under."
"We'll see, you long-eared mutation."
I moved out pushing the double door entrance and moving around the back where they kept the dumpster.
I heard the idiot walk on the dirt path behind me, "You really set yourself for this."
He walked closer to me but I just popped my neck from right to left before taking a second to take the air in, it was getting dark and I had to deal with this soon if I didn't want to hurt anypony.
"Yeah yeah," I spoke nonchalantly, this guy was just some sober stallion with his racism in the hoof.
"Hey, before we get started, can you just let me know one thing" I turned my head to make eye contact with him.
He seemed completely surprised with the change of tone with what was about to happen. "What?"
"How does the dirt taste?"
I sprung backward using my hooves off the ground, maneuvering my body to a spiral out with hoof out to act as the central point of my attack, putting my acceleration, weight, and strength just to fucking hit him in the gut. He was too slow to react and went out cold. I however didn't plan out how to stick my landing so I just face-planted onto the floor.
It hurt a bit but I got up quite fine, I was kinda expecting a bit more from this guy, he seemed the type to give me a bit more than 3 seconds of a fight. "Oh well,"
I trotted back to the entrance and was welcomed with complete silence, odd looks, stares, and even some shocked faces. I went towards my stool and hopped back on to find three apple ciders, or rather I think so, I mean I did ask for them specifically. I picked up one of the wooden mugs about to relish my full reward.
But then I was interrupted, "Wow" I was about to chug it all down but my ear twitched to the direction and found the bartender seemingly completely surprised.
"You actually beat him down huh? I don't think I've seen a Thestral beat down a pony or a Thestral at all!"
I raised an eyebrow at the sudden interest in me, I never once had someone interested in me after I beat down one drunk stallion or sober. I slowly put the mug down to humor the now chatty bartender.
"M-my name is Trickshot" he held out his hoof for a welcoming gesture, I was skeptical at first and it seemed like he caught on, he began to shy away from his hoof, "I-I'm sorry-" I pulled out a hoof to shake his.
"It's fine, my name is Shining Flare," I couldn't help but smile at the nervousness of Trick, he just seemed so flabbergasted to see a Thestral around.
"So uh, why are you here? If you don't mind me asking?"
"I'm just searching for a place to stay, nothing much to it." Half a truth and half a lie but better than a full lie.
"Huh, so if you don't mind me asking, why come here?"
"Hm, seems like a quiet place, small and welcoming... most of the time" I drank my other mug.
"Quiet? Hah! You're kidding me right?" He laughed at that.
"What do you mean?" Now I was confused, the whole scenery was small with lively ponies as residents so far from what I've seen, I started to drink my last mug.
"Oh boy, you don't know? It hasn't been quiet ever since princess Twilight has been here!"
I spit the last of the cider of my last mug, "PRINCESS?!" I was completely caught off guard.
"Yeah," he put his ears to the side of his head but that wasn't important right now!
"WH-when was this?" I nervously questioned, this could be bad! I left Canterlot TO AVOID DANGER!
"Uh, I think maybe like a year ago and a half?"
"WHAT?!" HOW COULD I HAVE NOT KNOWN THIS?!
"You okay? You're freaking out like me when I heard about the Canterlot incident." I went wide-eyed, FUCK! NO NO NO NO, I JUST FLED THE CRIME SCENE TO A SMALLER TOWN THAT COULD NARROW ME DOWN EVEN FURTHER AS THE CULPRIT!
I slowly came back to the real world and found Trick waving his hoof side to side in front of me. "You good?" I blinked before I fully process everything that was coming down, I shook my head.
"Yeah, yeah, just thinking I should move pretty soon, I mean that's pretty close right?"
"Yeah I thought the same thing, but Celestia issued a ban on trains for a while," he moved closer to me to whisper, "between you and me, I've heard they are doing this because they think the stallion is here in Ponyville." He looked a little worried, "They even think the incident is related to three others over at Baltimore, Appleoosa, and Manehatten."
I completely shut down, this was not good AT ALL! They are tracking me down! IT WASN'T MY FAULT!
I closed my eyes and rubbed my forehead, "I think I've had enough for today, thanks Trick." I hopped off the stool, grabbed my bag, and put it in my satchel. I was already moving out the door and heard Trick say something in the distance but I couldn't make out what.
Today was going horrible and I needed to find a way out of this town, then I realized something, the time- I looked up to the sky to see the sun slowly descend. SHIT!
I didn't plan ahead for the time going by, I have an apartment set up but it's too far away now! Fuck, fuck, fuck!
I immediately sprinted to the edge of town, I had to make it to the forest! There were no ifs or buts I HAD TO!
After a few minutes of running, I found a forest, it was completely wild and just by looking at it you could be lost for hours but I had to be lost, I couldn't hurt anypony that way!
I ran straight into the forest, vines, branches, and eyes watching me as I rush by like a blur to them, in the middle of all the running I tripped over a root sticking out. My face planted hard, I felt pain, but not from my face, but from my body, everywhere aching and feeling like I was growing in every which direction with no clear goal as to why or where, just growing. I stood on all fours to find my forelegs had wooden claws instead of the hooves I came with, it was starting.
My amulet's magic to mask my mark was starting to fail and slowly fade in my curse of a cutie mark, I ran even faster with being more agile and faster with all my legs becoming more and more like a timber wolf with claws and wood covering over my limbs as a built-in shield. I couldn't handle constantly running like this, there has to be a cure!
I kept running but I felt my body from my legs to my chest becoming more and more wood-based and feral instincts slowly coming in. I just wanted this nightmare to end! Why me! I tripped again onto the ground, stupid roots! I felt my transformation nearly complete, all I saw before I felt the oncoming inevitable was the moon and the beautiful stars laid above.
Fluttershy jumped at the sound of a knock on the door, she calmed herself by drinking a bit of her pre-made mint tea. She had a terrible nightmare earlier and was trying to find a bit of peace in the night with a warm drink but she wasn't expecting a knock.
She immediately thought of any critters being left behind in the night trying to find solace in her cottage. She was quick to move out of her couch and open the door, but what she found didn't match her expectations.
"Element of Kindness, we did not wake you, did we?"
Princess Luna was on the other side of the door, a chariot behind her with guards near the golden transporter, that explained how she got there. But why? Fluttershy was a bit confused for the sudden presence of royalty but quickly recovered to realize she was leaving her on the doorstep.
"No, not at all but uh, why are you here Princess? N-not to say it isn't a pleasure to speak with you it's just-" before Fluttershy could embarrass herself anymore, Luna held a hoof to silence her.
Fluttershy understood the princess was just trying to quell her fears. Though Luna seemed to have a bit of fear herself when she spoke "I understand this may seem," she shifted a bit at some unease, "a bad time and on such short notice but I wish to check on you."
"Oh, please come in!" Fluttershy felt embarrassed for not letting in the princess earlier, she felt it was rude to treat the guest like that.
"I'm sorry to say that my visit will be short for now, I need to speak something to you."
"Oh," Fluttershy seemed to look out to the night to see the moon high into the sky, most likely midnight maybe around twelve.
"It can't wait?" Fluttershy in her tired state, outwardly spoke to only grow her eyes in surprise with how forward that was. "I'm so sorry I just said that" she covered her mouth with a hoof.
"It is fine," Luna waved off the notion that Fluttershy was thinking of, "and I assure you, it is of great importance. " Luna relaxed her stone face and let some real emotion in but it wasn't the warmth of care, but the worry of possible danger. Fluttershy has seen the kind of face on the princess's faces before when something was needed of the elements.
"As you probably have heard, there was an incident earlier at Canterlot."
"Oh, yes I read it in the newspaper, I feel simply awful for the poor mare." Fluttershy shook a little at the mention.
"Yes well, what you may not know is we were quick on the scene and well," Luna hesitated for a second.
"Yes?"
"We believe this may be an attack of a monster"
"Oh, dear!"
"Claw marks and other tracks have led us to believe it, we originally thought it was a more sort of card left behind by the attacker."
"A monster would never hurt ponies directly if not provoked though!"
"Yes that's why we held off the theory but, it seems too consistent and some recent evidence has made the possibility more undeniable."
"Oh dear, and I assume this is where you would need me?"
"As sharp as ever Element bearer, yes we require your expertise but we wanted to make sure you were okay, please keep what we say next confidential."
"O-of course Princess"
"Please forgo the titles, we owe much to you and we ask for your help even now."
"O-oh okay, Luna."
"Thank you, we believe that the monster has hitched a ride, as they say, it has arrived at Ponyville and may be lurking by."
"Oh dear, a-and I assume you want me to speak to it?"
"At the very least try to, that is an issue for later, we have yet to plan out far enough for your safety but tonight I wanted to oversee you and the other element's well-being. I'm so sorry to wake you at this time but I needed to check over you while I'm overseeing the village."
"It's fine, n-not to be rude but, why now tell me? I know it's urgent but-"
"I understand it may be out of place, but you are the most frequent of dealing with animals and I felt it was imperative to tell you first."
"Thank you, princess."
"Please, you of all ponies should not speak to me so highly, I have to thank all of you for redeeming me."
"O-of course Pri-Luna"
"I shall go inform Twilight, she is mostly awake during the night if my trips in the dream realm had told me anything." Luna turned around to see- nothing except the chariot.
This immediately concerned Luna, her guards were nowhere and they always had a strict code with training. "Element bearer close and lock the door."
"Wha-" Fluttershy began but Luna looked to her with a serious expression. Fluttershy obliged and swiftly followed with her instructions.
Luna had taken the time to look around while in front of the cottage, protecting it and the element bearer.
...
"Reveal thyself, demon."
The wind blew and the air grew cold as Luna held her ground. Bushes shook and brushed against another until slowly a brown wooden muzzle came out.
"Hah, a timber wolf? I will-...why am I receiving the strangest of deja vu right now?"
As the timber wolf began to get near; it's eyes glowed of amber, streaks of chipped wood was along it's body.
"Orange eyes? Strange, I was led to believe timber wolves only held green."
It growled in response but Luna was not impressed. "I will deal with you quickly, I still have to find where my guards have gone to and a single timber wolf would not require the both of them."
As she took her stance and charged her horn, the bushes around the forest area began to rustle in harmony only for all of them to lead with the same wooden muzzles and green eyes.
Everything was going absolutely atrocious, earlier today I had to personally get materials for an upcoming project that was given to me on short notice with a client that was too wealthy and in good standing to say no to. I also spent a little too much time speaking with a real thestral, while yes they haven't been seen in a long time, I still shouldn't have been so distracted! I've prided myself on becoming proper and here I was already being enamored by a stallion I had met just hours ago.
I spoke in response to my thoughts. "It is quite interesting, a thestral hasn't been seen in such a long time I nearly thought they were" I shook my head and chastised myself. "No, focus on the formal tux and dresses first."
I'm going to have a word with Mr. Filthy Rich and his short notice of commissions. Yes, bits certainly help, but it's about the principle of the notion! I can't keep making such formal attire with such highly sought-after materials on the spot for his daughter and wife anytime they are on a social outing.
I stopped and looked at what progress was made. Only to see the stitching of the dress be finished, now what was left was the hem, gem stitching, the embroidery, the needling, and the-ugh. I let out a heavy sigh before pushing back from my table, I rubbed the frog of my hoof fo my forehead. "Tonight is going to be a very long night."
I slowly drank in what was going to be a very taxing night, "I need a drink." I put down my glasses before rising from my seat to get just exactly what I needed. As I walked down the stairs to reach the kitchen, my ears swiveled to a noise amid my trotting.
clang
Odd, it sounded like metal being hit, much like a trashcan. I shook my head with a smile, possibly Berry punch having a bit too much of her special concoctions. I reached the kitchen with a little less pep in my step but was not deterred from pulling out some wine from a high-standing cabinet with my magic. I also took out a proper wine glass to fill up before putting away the wine. That does remind me, that I will need to refill on her 'Rarity Raspberry' an interesting drink that at first I thought would taste bad but-
CLUNK
My ears hugged the sides of my head as I winced at the noise, okay that was much louder, perhaps I should check outside to-
CLUNK
CLANG
CHING
"AH!" Shrieking I let accidentally let my magic slip and dropped the wine glass in shock and watched it shatter onto the floor. "No! Agh! I didn't even get to drink it!"
I quickly grabbed a small broom and a dustpan with my magic. slowly brushing the glass shards into the pan and levitating it above the trash can before dropping the pieces inside it. Grabbing a spray bottle and some water I poured them onto a towel and then tapped lightly at the wine stain.
"I don't know if it's good or bad that I've already had this happen before."
Letting go of a breath I didn't even realize I was holding I looked onto the delphinium blue stainless floor, I looked up to the clock to read midnight. "I could continue working or I could try to sleep-"
A howl echoed the air alone as if on cue until a few more joined. With a shiver, I knew which route I'd take.
I opened my eyes, first blurry but slowly regained my clear sight. As I looked out from a hill I saw a village, small and cozy, bricks made from the ground up with tough straw roofs. I looked at the ponies with a smile. To breathe in the crisp air of autumn, the sun shined so brightly I thought I had nearly gone blind. I laughed at the notion, everything felt, right. I heard the laughter of my friends, giggling and yelling with delight. I looked out to see a filly named Hay Balley, her smile shined brighter than any sun I could ever imagine.
A voice rang behind me but it was garbled.
I looked out to see her playing with her friends, her bright orange coat matched with the sunny bright yellow mane she had, one of the few thestrals with brightly colored coats. She was playing a game, she was flapping her similarly coat-colored wings rapidly as she was trying to fly away from her chaser. But she was only out of reach for a few seconds before her catcher had reached her speed and tapped her. Her once vibrant smile had tugged at its ends before it drooped.
I stared at her with awe, I don't know why but she was, captivating. I got stuck into a trance until I felt immense pressure hit me from behind my head, I winced and growled while swerving to look at the culprit. Wind storm is a thestral known for being egocentric and a fast flier.
"Hey come on Rancor, you were dreaming about some filly, oogling and all." Wind Storm shook his hooves up and down like a wave. "Ooo," he snickered. But he slowly changed his face into one of distrust. "We both know you let us died."
"Hey I wasn't oogling! And-" But as I let out my annoyance, I processed the words he had finished with. My heart sunk, "W-what was that last part?"
Rolling his eyes Wind spoke again, "Oh come on, you're gonna act like this isn't all your fault?"
My spine shivered as I took a step back before responding. "What-"
Windstorm only laughed, lifting his right hoof to point behind me, I turned to see the whole village engulfed in flames. Horror and shock rattled through my body as I slowly saw the scene.
Support beams of such quaint houses slowly began to burn through with ashes and clouds of smoke before the weight of the houses toppled. Ponies ran with fear and horror in their eyes as if some kind of plague had hit them all. My ears recoiled at the screams that had pierced the skies, I could easily tell from the octaves that it was fillies and colts alike that echoed the most within the air.
Tears began to well up and only one question had been caught in my throat, I turned to storm only to find him blankly looking upon the horror.
"W-what happened?!"
He looked at me with disgust and hatred before speaking one word.
