A cold breeze of air moved through the sky. Lights of a great city shined from the side of a mountain as the gust of wind continued to slowly make its way to the metropolis. The roar of water echoed from the highest point of the summit, its thundering cascade falling down from high above and running under the front of the drawbridge to the highest part of the city. Artificial lamp lights gleamed brightly from the castle as guards patrolled the perimeter of the royal citadel.

In one spacious, white room with yellow accents, a few guards stood at attention in their post. At the far end of the room, a throne sat with a red carpet extending out to the large golden doors, opened wide as two Royal Guard members stood at ease. On the throne itself sat Princess Celestia. A light gold aura surrounded a packet of papers as she looked through the documents.

Being able to read something was, in her mind, a happy relief. After witnessing such grotesque power from that creature in her old home, she had the memory play over and over in her thoughts. How could one creature be so violent, and possess the strength and skill to take down five highly trained members of the Royal Guard?

It was an unpleasant notion, one she was petrified of. However, she remained calm for her ponies. Seeing a princess they looked up to frightened by something that was definitely a threat would not have gone well with her subjects. And because of how dangerous this creature was, it was also in her ponies best interests that they knew not of what had taken place in her old home, knowing all too well the panic that could be stirred from such an event.

Hoofsteps echoed from the entryway, Celestia looking up to see her younger sister, Luna, walking her way. She smiled, putting the papers down and greeted, “It is good to see you, my dear sister.”

“I can say the same as well, Celestia.” Luna said, giving a smile of her own as she walked up the small steps of the throne room. “How have you been since… this evening?”

Celestia’s smile faded, a frown forming on her muzzle as she shook her head. “I’m still a little shaken up, but the shock is finally fading.” She looked to the guards, nodding to them. They saluted her before heading out through the open doors. “And you, Luna. How are you faring?”

Her younger sister sighed, closing her eyes for a brief moment, opening them back up. A glimmer of fear shone in her eyes, one that was very quick however. “It is a hard thing to swallow, knowing that there is such an immensely dangerous and threatening creature roaming in our home.”

“I hope that our friends are recovering from this frightful experience as well.” Celestia looked out the window, her mind focusing on one pony in particular. Twilight Sparkle, she recalled went silent after the close encounter with that nightmarish beast. She had never known for her star pupil to become so mute, although given the circumstances things could have been much worse for her if that creature had gotten to her.

“Have you ever encountered such a thing in your thousand-year rule, Tia?” Luna murmured, moving to her sister's right side and sitting down next to the throne.

Celestia chuckled a little at the name. “It has certainly been quite sometime since I heard you speak that name, Lulu.” She smiled as she watched her younger sister roll her eyes, giggling a little afterwards. She settled down, the frown on her muzzle returning before she spoke. “But no. There has never been a creature reported during my rule.”

“Tis a shame then. I would have hoped know if there ever was such a brutal beast. Any information could help us if we are to face it again.”

Speaking of information, Celestia realized what she had said was true. There was never any accounts of a nightmarish animal such as that creature ever to be recorded in documents of the Everfree Forest. Although that woodland was known for such unusual creatures, some even rumored but never discovered, something was off with this beast. It did not feel like it was a natural predator hunting the eerie woods. This creature seemed to be more of an intruder, rather than something native from the Everfree.

“Luna?”

“Yes, Celestia?” Luna spoke, tilting her head as she looked her older sister in the eyes.

“Did you ever think that this creature couldn’t possibly be a native predator to these lands?”

Luna brought a hoof to her chin, looking down to the ground in deep thought before returning her gaze back to her elder sister. “It did cross my mind, but I would have never perceived the creature in such a way. Why do you ask?”

“Because there’s something odd about it. Like it wasn’t meant to be here in the Everfree Forest or even in this world. It seemed so… foreign.” The more Celestia thought about it, the more that feeling she had was true.

“We need to learn where this creature came from, but who could we send to discover that information? You have seen how formidable it is. What life would we have to risk?” Luna inquired, raising a hoof. What Luna said was something else she hadn’t fully considered. Who would be brave enough to unearth any evidence that it wasn’t naturally from their world? She and her sister were more than capable of doing so, but she knew all too well that their subjects needed to be looked after. She didn’t like the thought of panic ensuing if something were to happen to her or her older sister.

“I believe this job may have to call upon the Element Bearers once more.” Celestia said. She raised a hoof as Luna was about to talk, interrupting her younger sister. “I realize too what kind of danger we would be putting them in.” Seeing the creature violently rip the throat of the guard, Echo, she realized how perilous the mission would be. “But I want to have reliable ponies on the task. They have gone through the likes of Discord and many other treacherous missions. If they are able to handle what they have gone through, then they should be able to manage this undertaking.”

Luna looked away, knowing that her elder sister was right. Returning her gaze, she nodded. “However, they shall not confront this creature. If it was to ever come upon them, then they need to move away as fast as possible. Who knows what else this creature is capable of.”

Celestia dipped her head as well. Getting up from her throne room, she murmured. “Tonight is not the best. That creature has a color that hides it well within the darkness. If we tried to move on it now, it would have the advantage. Tomorrow, when the sun is up and with the light as our ally shall be when they begin.” With that plan set, she walked off the throne and waved to her sister. “Goodnight for now. I shall see you in the morning.”

Luna nodded, knowing that it was time for her night court. Although she was going to be running Equestria at this time, she felt exhausted from what she knew what was going to be a long night tending to her friends and vanquishing the nightmares they may be having. This night, Luna thought, was going to be a restless one for the Element Bearers, and even her family as well.

In another part of the castle, there was a room furnished with the standard purple and yellow colors. It looked just as well furnished with a nice king sized bed, purple drapes placed across the sides of the comfortable looking mattress. A lump was hidden underneath covers of the bed, the bulge fidgeting a little. The being underneath began to whimper, that groaning turning into a panicked pant until the pony sat up, a cold sweat dripping down her body as the mare’s light cerise pink coat matted against her body.

Princess Cadance looked around, quickly gazing over the room, scanning it once again before realizing she was safe. Her dream had been filled with the monster attacking her husband, and even killing her sister-in-law as well in a violent show of gore. Seeing such a scene of unbridled brutality was nothing more than a horrifying experience, even if it was just a dream.

“Honey?” Shining Armor asked as he sat up, looking to his wife as he noticed her chest moving erratically. He moved a hoof to her shoulder, wrapping his hooves around her as he did his best to comfort her. “Are you alright?”

Cadance looked to her husband, nodding as she said. “Yeah... I’’m fine.”

“Are you sure? You were thrashing around in your sleep there. Is it because of that monster?” He persisted, leaning on her shoulder, a frown forming on his muzzle.

“Really… I’m fine Shining.” She nuzzled his muzzle, smiling as she reassured him. “Still… I’m glad you’re here by my side.”

Shining nodded, cupping the right side of her muzzle. He gently brought his lips to her own, kissing her in a soft embrace before pulling away. “Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere, Cadance.”

She smiled, glad she could rely on somepony like Shining. “Thank you, sweetie.” However, she hoped that this creature would be dealt with quickly, seeing how dangerous such an animal like this was. “But please… don’t do anything stupid, alright?”

“Of course. I’ll make sure to be careful, alright?” Shining assured, nuzzling her cheek before laying back down.

"Hey... Shining?" Cadance began, looking over to her husband.

"Yeah, what is it Cadance?"

"Do you think Twilight will be alright?" Seeing her favorite sister-in-law so quiet and disturbed was something she would never have wanted to see. Cadance felt so horrible about seeing the state this thing put her in, even if she wasn't injured. "You saw how she was after that creature almost got her. She looked so unnerved."

"Yeah, I know my little Twily will be alright." Shining sat up, looking out the window that sat across at the end of their room. Knowing how close his sister was to death, it had scared him. Twilight had always looked up to him and been his closest friend. She was also very protective of him, just he was protective of his little sister. "But I promise that this will never happen again." Determination welled within his frown as he thought of the creature. It was certainly something unworldly like. A monster he never would have thought to live in the Everfree Forest. Even if it did look quite terrifying, it was something he knew that was a threat to Equestria and he wouldn't rest until it was taken care of. He was going to defend his home, as well as his wife. He would also be there for his little sister and Nyx, along with Spike. And most importantly, his father Night Light and mother Twilight Velvet were just as important.

Cadance smiled, hugging her husband. "Just... please. Be careful, okay?" She murmured, her soft and worried tone softening his eyes. He nodded, laying back down again. Following suite, she laid her head on the pillow, closing her eyes and breathing in softly. She hoped that this time, her dreams would be better. And for the sake of her friends, she wished them the best of dreams. They would need this sleep, she knew for tomorrow was uncertain in its events.

The forest was dark, the luminescence of Luna’s moon covered the treetops of the Everfree Forest. However, the world below the branches of foliage was gloomy, almost too dark for most the inhabitants to see. Thankfully though, the light of the moon was able to shed some illumination of the forest floor below.

Even as the dangers of the forest increased at night, a being in a brown cloak picked away at flowers and herbs, putting them in a light brown basket secured on her right side. A night like this was good for finding a herbs and other ingredients would aid in the creation of various potions and elixirs. She hummed a tune to herself, murmuring something that was in a different language, one being her native tongue.

However, as the night went on, something didn’t feel right. There were no chirping of the crickets, nor was there a single night animal wandering the forest. It was certainly an unusual thing, for she would see an occasional small critter wandering the forest floor. But deciding the notion wasn’t to be too concerned about, she continued on with her search.

Though the feeling was unnerving, she couldn’t help but sigh, smiling as she gazed up into the starry sky. “Nights like these are fare. Weather like this is something I find to be rare.”

A loud crack echoed from her side as she took a step, her ears perking up as she slowly scanned the foliage around in that direction. She waited for a sign of movement, something that would give the location of whatever made that noise. After waiting for a few moments, she carefully continued on. At times like these, she realized it was best to make her way back to her hut, knowing it was the safest place from predators.

Continuing on, her step was quicker, although she kept the noise of her footing to a minimum. That same snap of twigs echoed again, quickly turning around to see whatever it was. However, like before there was nothing behind her. “Whoever is out here, seems to know the skill of how to disappear.” She murmured, raising an eyebrow as she kept a constant gaze on the area in front of her.

A loud thump resonated from the right side, turning quickly to see what it was. Leaves floated up above the area where the noisy disturbance came from. With a cautious step, she made her way over to what had caused the sound. Her eyes widened a little when she stepped on something soft, retracting her hoof as the object below her let out a weak and quiet moan.

She moved her gaze to the item and let out a silent gasp. A creature of the looks of it, laid on the forest floor in front of her hooves. Dirt covered the entirety of the animal, although she was able to distinguish four body parts, appendages that seemed to resemble a minotaur. Moving a hoof to the creature, she prodded it gently with no reaction this time. “So you are not awake, yet you seemed to have given a quake.” It did sound like it was not asleep, but she wasn’t so sure.

There was a thought of leaving this being alone, but it did not appear to be in a stable condition. She sighed, knowing what had to be done. Lifting what looked like arms of the animal, she took its right arm in her mouth, pulling the creature over her back facing horizontally. She grunted as she walked, realizing that this thing was heavier than it appeared to be. “You are quite heavy, for something that I thought was empty.”

It was moments before she finally reached her hut, the glassless windows emitting a light that flickered inside of the tree. Opening her door, she walked through, moving over to the left side and putting the thing down upon a bed a few feet away from her own. Seeing that it was comfortable, she moved over to a desk, picking up a rag and walking over to the cauldron in the middle of the room. Letting it soak, she brought it out and moved over to the creature. Applying the warm rag over the part she deemed to be its head, she wiped the dirt away, surprised to see a furless muzzle before it. The only hair it had was on top of its head, however it appeared to losing a bit at the front part of its scalp.

She wiped away more of the mud, discovering clothes underneath. The upper part of its clothing was mostly composed of an ecru white, with the left side a very light green. Looking down its hands, there were a pair of gloves a similar color to the left side of its coat. The pants it wore were a dark spring green, something like sweat pants. There were also shoes, dark grayish opal blue in color. She looked at its chest again, seeing a strange badge like symbol on its left chest. Ignoring it, she went back to seeing what this creature was. However, there were no hooves like a minotaur. Just a pair of what looked to be feet unlike anything she had ever seen. “You are quite the odd creature. With very odd types of features.”

She glanced to its side, seeing a dark red mark. Nearing the spot, she sniffed the blemish, the smell of blood covering part of the clothing. It was injured, something that told her why it was lying on the ground. “You will need ointments. I hope that you are in agreement.” Moving back into the main room, she got a wooden cask, pulling down a few teal green leaves. Grabbing a wooden pestle, she mashed the leaves down to bits of smaller plant matter. Finishing with that, she pulled a small bottle from a higher shelf, pouring it into the wooden bowl. With that mixture complete, she picked up a wooden spoon to her left, stirring the liquid it for few moments before tapping the wooden object against the bowl’s edge.

Bringing the bowl over to the creature, she poured the substance into its mouth. The animal scrunched up a little, its arms fidgeting slightly at the liquid. However, she sighed, happy it did not wake up. “Rest is what you need. Something in which we agreed.” Leaving the creature to its much needed sleep, she put everything back in its place. Tonight was more interesting that ever, hoping that she would get some answers very soon.

Author's Notes:

Hope you enjoyed this three part chapter, I am still currently working on story three but I am busy with everyday life as well. Soon, hopefully soon I'll be ready to release story three. For now, I bid you adieu.