Ponies kept telling stories about the forest close to the castle. They said it was the home to monsters made of wood and creatures that could turn ponies into stone just with a stare. I would have never ventured willingly in such a place but Commander Hurricane insists that, now that I´ve been named Sergeant, I must set an example for our kin and put on a brave performance so, I ventured inside the forest.

I should have waited for more soldiers to arrive but the idea of leaving the farmer´s child alone in that place frightened me. The ground scares me, Clover. Trees can't be moved like clouds and are home to awful critters. I´m comfortable with birds and other flying creatures but I'm terrified of small rodents and giant bears. How can such creature still eludes me. I could only imagine what kind of beasts were chasing the missing child so I hurried my pace. Branches hurt my sides and the trees were so thick together that I wasn't able to fly. Even with my armor on, I felt defenseless, observed by dozens of prying eyes, of predators ready to attack.

I ran with my eyes closed, fighting against my own tears. When I no longer felt sharp thorns at my sides, I opened my eyes and found myself on a clearing. I couldn't believe that such a beautiful place could exist within the dark forest. I indulged in one selfish moment to hear the stream and took off my helmet to refresh my head. Then, I saw her.

I've heard stories from the farmers, they told about a creature that lived in the forest. A creature of deceit that took the form of the pony you love the most. One follows the image of your beloved and never returns from the shadows. I knew the stories but I foolishly let myself be tricked. I believed the words that come from the pony's mouth, I believed her promises of love. I was entranced, feelings the lips of the one who holds my heart.

But then i realized something wasn't right. That the obejcts of my affections will never told me to forget about the child and lay down on the grass with her. She will never act so selh and cruel. I pushed her aside and stand my ground, forcing my eyes to see through the lies. The creature broke the spell and showed her truth from, its crystalline wings and sharp fangs. I looked behind her and was able to see a glowing substance and the child trapped inside it.

Don't look so worried, Clover. I may look fragile but I´m a pegasus soldier, well trained in the arts of combat. I was frightened, of course; but with a child in danger, I turned my fear into strength and punched the creature. It was resistant and unwilling to surrender, driven by hunger and malice. If it wasn't by my chest plate, I would have sucummbed to its bite. I got rid of my heavy armor and took advantage of my swiftness, using the sharp side of my helmet to free the child. The beast tried to attack us but I dove into the river and swimmed to our escape. I reached the other side of the stream and ran back into the bushes, carrying the unconscious child. I headed back to the farms, hearing the frustrated roar of the monster…

*****

“An impressive tale, Seagenat Pansy. You did well saving that child.”

“It was your medicines that brought her back, Clover. I did nothing to be impressed.”

“I think different, my friend. I will like to know more about the creature you ran into. Perhaps I should take a trip to the forest in the future.”

“I prefer if you don´t. That creature is not to be taken lightly.”

“Perhaps. But I find it fascinating. A creature that can change its appearance at will. You said it takes the form of who you love the most. If I may be bold, can you tell me whose form did you saw?”

“I...I rather not say, Clover.”

“Fair enough. It wasn´t right of me to ask. Matter of the heart must remain private. Now, if you are done with your chores, would you join me in tending the gardens? I must gather more medicines for the sick child.”

“Yes…I will love to do that.”