In Canterlot, the Princess of the Sun sat on her throne with contemplative expression. The past month spent getting to know her new student, Twilight Sparkle, has been quite fun and exciting to her.

Yet at the same time, she felt as though something else had gone terribly awry- and she couldn’t figure out what. After hearing reports of a magical airburst near Cloudsdale she soon found out that Twilight would become much more powerful than anyone ever imagined; after a quick magical scan, she found out that Twilights mana pool had been connected directly to the Aetherius- something only an Alicorn should be capable of.

One so young should never be given access to such destructive power- which is why she elected to keep a close eye on Twilight. Not only to help her train how to use this power without accidentally blowing her horn into microscopic shards, but also to make sure she steers well clear of the dangers of Dark Magic.

After all, she made that mistake once with Sombra. And she’ll be damned if she would let that disaster happen again.

But that wasn’t what concerned her so. In fact, she was quite confident in her ability to train Twilight until she could properly, and safely, ascend into alicornhood.

No, the main problem was the fact that she didn’t know what other effects such a powerful burst of magical energy may have had. Currently, she had agents all over Equestria keeping a lookout for anything unusual or any strange magical anomalies- and hasn’t heard a single thing back.

Unfortunately for her, she never was good at thinking outside the box; that was something her Dear Sister often contributed. Sadly for her, Luna wouldn’t return from her banishment for another eight years.

Because if she was here, she may have suggested that Celestia plant spies across the Griffon Confederacy. For if she did that, one of them may have heard tavern rumors of an infant capable of speech, writing, and higher reason which should only be capable by someone of more advanced age.

For you see, if common drunkards were good for anything, it’s letting knowledge which should be kept secret spread- whether accurate or inaccurate.

For better or for worse.

---

Hey there. So, my name was Trinity. Now it’s Leona. Leona Grimfeather. A griffon, with a plume of black feathers, gray fur and golden eyes with a light gray beak. I am currently about two and a half months old and was formerly a human.

Yeah, you read that right. Former human. You know, I spent twenty years on death row. That time wasn’t spent doing nothing, of course; When you’ve nothing better to do other than await your death, it gives you plenty of time to think… and read. By fuck, did I read. Hell, I probably read the entirety of that prison's library twice.

Anyways, I had a lot of ideas of what death would bring: eternal suffering, maybe I’d somehow wind up in some paradise, or most preferable of all- nothing. I remember at one point I had the possibility of reincarnation rolling around my head.

Nothing could have prepared me for what actually happened.

So anyways, I was able to keep my secret until just recently. Not about my past, but the fact that I’m about as smart as an adult oughta be. But maybe that’s a good thing- I’ve been able to reach a sort of mutual understanding with Mamma and now have access to books and writing implements.

It’s nice having a diary. Helps me collect my thoughts and write down things I might otherwise forget.

So anyways, I was just laying on the floor of our cottage, playing with a wooden toy train. Don’t judge me- I had nothing better to do and all my old hobbies from home are either illegal or don’t exist here. Naturally I started to get tired; managing an entire rail line by yourself is hard work, after all. Gramma was already in bed at this point and Mamma was just chilling on the couch doing some algebra homework.

I was drifting off and trying to take a quick nap, but every once in a while Mamma would talk aloud to herself whenever she got stuck on a problem. This got old, real fuckin’ quick.

“So if X equals four, then… no, that doesn’t work either,” she said aloud. And she wasn’t mumbling either- she was speaking aloud as though she expected Satan to hop off his cock throne in Hell, claw his red ass up here, and slap her in the face with the answer of whatever the fuck “X” equals.

I know it seems like overreacting, but I need my beauty sleep. And being woken up just as I’m about to fall asleep is probably one of my biggest pet peeves. At least, it’s up there along with being broke.

So anyways, just as I was finally about to drift off into actual sleep, she spoke up again.

“No, that still doesn’t work! What the pluck am I doing wrong here?”

And without opening my eyes, I gave her my opinion on the matter.

“Oh for fucks sakes Ma, will you please shut the fuck up?”

I heard a loud thud and a gasp. My eyes shot open, and it finally occurred to me what the fuck I just did.

“Ah, I uhm… did I say that out loud?”

“OHMIGOSH OHMIGOSH OHMIGOOOOSH-” was what I heard as I was scooped up from my comfortable floor into Ma’s arms. She hugged me tight yelling “My baby already said her first words!”

Well, shit. Way I see it, cats out of the bag on this one. I was getting tired of pretending to be a mute, anyway. Shit was getting old.

“Alright, alright calm down. It’s not that big a deal,” I tried to convince her. But she would have none of it.

“I’m so proud of you, Leona! You’re such a smart lil’ hen!”

“I learn fast. What can I say?” I will admit, having my ego stroked like that is always welcome. That’s when I decided I’d put on a bit of a show for her.

“Alright, you can put me down now,” and she followed, giving me a kiss on the forehead. I ignored her continued coo-ing and walked straight to the fallen notebook. I set it up on the couch and struggled to climb up for a bit when Mamma decided to be useful and help me up.

“Awww, she wants to pretend to be like Mommy,” she nuzzled my cheek and I got to work.

Algebra. She was having trouble with algebra.

Fucks sake.

After a few minutes, I was able to work out the answer.

“X equals seven and Y equals nine.” It was at that moment that I realized that my mother wasn’t the brightest bulb. She had the audacity to giggle.

“Aww, sure it does, sweetie. Now scoot over- Mommy needs to finish her homework before we go to bed,” I facepalmed a bit harder than I meant to.

“No, you knucklehead. I’m serious. Plug the numbers and take a look,” I said, and her expression fell. She looked at it over and over before finally looking at me.

“You’re right… how did,”

“In fact, this entire page is wrong. Ugh, I’m gonna have to fix this… get me another piece of paper and a pencil.” she blinked with her mouth agape. After shaking her head, she fulfilled my request… and that’s how I became my mothers personal tutor.

It had actually been going pretty well, until halfway through Mamma started to sniff the air, and after a moment I began to smell it too. Despite being covered in feathers, my cheeks began to go red and I brought my wings up to cover them.

“Aww, did mommy’s little genius make a stinky?” and I just groaned.

“Oh for… do you really have to say it like that? This is humiliating enough as it is…”

“It’s adorable!”

“It’s embarrassing,” I retorted with crossed arms, but my pleas fell on deaf ears. As she carried me towards the bathroom I silently pouted, wondering if it was too late for round two on The Chair. I’ll even do it sober this time.

---

By the time we went to bed last night, it was about 10:30 and the side of my left hand was covered in what I hoped was graphite and not lead. Yes, I am left handed. Bite me.

But anyways, as you could imagine, I was decidedly unhappy to be woken up at six in the fuck-you AM.

“Leonaaa… we gotta get ready for schoooool…” Without even opening my eyes, I raised my arm and gave her the finger.

“Ohh, come on… that’s not very nice,” she said with a stern tone.

“Neither is waking up a baby… Ugh, care to explain why the fuck I’m awake?” She lifted me up by the nape of my neck and walked us down to the kitchen, setting me in a high chair.

“Now just because we can talk, doesn’t mean we can just say words like that.” she grabbed a jar of applesauce out of the cupboard and I just rolled my eyes.

“Uh-huh, sure thing. I’ll let you know when I’m capable of giving a fuck. Again, why the hell am I awake?”

Then I was startled by a loud thunk- the sound of Mamma literally and figuratively putting her foot down.

“Alright missy, I tried being nice, but apparently that’s not working.” I looked over and she was glaring at me as she opened the jar of applesauce with much more force than necessary- “If I continue to hear you using that kind of language, especially at me, I will NOT hesitate to tell Gramma.”

I opened my mouth to say something, but Mamma continued, “And Gramma will definitely not hesitate to wash your beak out with soap. You’re a very smart hen and I’m extremely proud of you, but that does not give you the right to disrespect me or anybody else. Do I make myself clear?” her glaring continued and my mind was a roaring thundercloud of emotions and feelings.

So many thoughts and feelings at once. The fucking audacity… The sheer fucking disrespect! Who the fuck does she think she is?! I oughta grab a knife myself and… and… Rage, betrayal, sadness, humiliation… regret.

All I could bring myself to do was look away and sniffle. “S… Sorry Mom…” I choked back a sob- and I don’t know why… I wanted to keep my cool, I wanted to roll my eyes and say fine, I’ll play by your rules. Whatever you want, boss… All I could do was lower my head and cry like a bitch.

“Oh, baby…” she scooped me up in her arms and I cried into her chest feathers as I babbled incoherently like a dipshit.

“I just want the best for you, you know.” I pulled back and looked up at her.

Sniffling, I said “I… I didn’t mean to upset you…” and she pulled me close.

“I’m not mad, baby. I just want you to respect others. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Is that so unreasonable?” I shook my head and sniffled one last time.

“Good to hear,” she said, giving me a warm smile as she set me back in my chair.

God… what came over me just now?

“Now to answer your question… I figured someone as smart as you was getting bored sitting around the house all day.” she said, stirring the applesauce with a spoon. “Am I wrong?”

No. No she was not. She grabbed a spoonful of applesauce, “Now… Here comes the train!” I rolled my eyes and opened my mouth.

“You do realize I can feed myself right? And while I agree with you… I’d rather word of me not get out." She set the applesauce and spoon in front of me, which I gladly took. “International attention is never a good thing,” I concluded, continuing with my breakfast.

Then Mamma turned to me with that look in her eyes. At that moment, I paused to reconsider. The more I thought about it, the more the offer seemed like the kind you can’t really refuse.

“Although… If you just pretend that I’m a normal baby, then I’d be fine with joining you. I’ll be honest, sitting around the house all day has grown quite old. Gramma ain’t exactly the talkative type, you know?” Mamma beamed at me.

“So… you’ll go with me?” I shrugged and nodded, and soon we were off. She put me in a little carrier sling that straps to her chest and we flew to the school, and I was left trying to figure out just what the fuck came over me earlier.

I mean, fuck. I can’t even remember the last time I cried as an adult.

Actually… actually, that would be a lie. I do remember the last time I cried, quite vividly in fact; after all, how could anyone possibly forget how it feels to be sentenced to death? That may just be the only death I ever cried for: my own.

But that’s all behind me, and I’d rather keep it that way.

After a 15 minute flight I saw the school and was once again baffled by it- it looked very similar to a modern looking high school, once again heavily contrasting the overall late medieval vibe of the city.

And of course, once we landed, all the girls just had to see the little baby. This was no problem, of course; I’m used to being surrounded by women who wanted a piece of me.

I mean, uh…

Anyways. The classes were separated into a few different periods, each with a different subject. Most of her classmates were amicable, and the staff seemed friendly enough- of course, there are always exceptions to any rule. The second period teacher, Mr Galloway, was a real sonofabitch, I tell you.

Mamma had just been sitting in her corner seat minding her own business when he walked in. Her and I had a nice setup; I would just sit in her lap so we both were able to see the room. Let me tell you- feathers are comfy as fuck.

“Miss Grimfeather?” I heard his voice before I saw him. You ever hear the tone of someone's voice and think damn, this guys an asshole. It was kind of like that, and he had the looks to match, being an average sized griffon with light feathers.

Mamma looked up cautiously.

“Y-yes Mr. Galloway?” that bastard had a smug look on his face, which I didn’t appreciate, and at the same time, all eyes in the classroom were on us.

“Would you care to explain why you’ve brought your mistake into class with you?” My eye twitched and my grip on the wooden desk tightened.

“Oh, I, uh-”

“Well don’t just stand there. Introduce her!” I could feel her heart pounding as she lifted me up and set me in the sling. I just sat there in silence, helpless as my mother began her catwalk towards probable humiliation.

“Hey, uh everyone. This is my daughter… Her name is Leona.” She was so quiet… The classroom looked mostly disinterested, aside from a few who were smirking amongst themselves.

“Congrats, Amelia,” I heard the Asshole speak up- “And who’s the lucky young cockerel, huh? Or do you not know who the father is?”

“W-well, I”

“Oh please, it could’ve been any one of us! She’s like a train; we’ve all ridden one at some point!” some kid blurted out, getting all the rest going. Mother just lowered her head.

“Alright, alright, that’s enough.” the teacher spoke up, though his smile never left his face.

“For the record, you all know damn well that her father is Hastur… and you all know just about as much as I do as to where he went.” I sort of felt conflicted. On one hand, I wanted to know more about my alleged father… But on the other, I wanted Mamma to step away from this fucking verbal firing squad.

“Probably left because he didn’t wanna raise a bastard. Happens all the time.” some preppy looking cunt said, and Mamma finally snapped.

“HE’LL BE BACK!” I glanced back to see mother looking angrier than I’ve ever seen her. Her face was red and her beak was gritting. Once again that feeling arose. Like an instinct, I wanted to bury myself in the pouch I was resting in- and Mom felt it too. She made her way back to her seat, cradling me against her chest.

Admittedly, I zoned out the rest of the day. Just like usual, my brain was constantly being overwhelmed with questions and overall new-ness. It’s as if the sapient brain was never meant to coincide with the period of life where the flesh of the mind is experiencing the experience of experiencing for the first time.

Wait. What?

“You know, you’re being awfully quiet, sweetie. Are you alright?” I looked up at her from the couch I was chilling on and blinked. When did we get back home?

“I’m… I’m fine. Just a lot on my mind, is all.” I just sat there in silence for a few seconds. Mamma began to say something, but I started first.

“Why do you let them treat you like that?” She sighed heavily and looked off to the side.

“Oh, sweetie…” she nervously glanced around. “Sometimes, good people just… have to put up with these things.” I crossed my arms.

“No. No, it’s not fair! You should fight back, hit them twice as hard!” my voice began to crack- after all, it all just felt so… futile.

“Sweetie… being a good person means that sometimes, you make sacrifices… If we fight them, then we’re no better.” she scooped me up into a tight hug. “I know it seems hard, but you’ll understand when you’re older.”

Talk about a cop out. Fine. I get it. But another question burned at my mind.

“Tell me about my father.” After a pause she sighed. Sitting me on the couch, she took her seat next to me.

“Well… he was quite handsome. Had your eyes, in fact.”

He was a new student, claiming he moved in from some place called Griffonstone. Hearing Mamma talk about him, I do think at least one of them was genuinely in love. Not that that matters, I suppose.

“He was so kind… and funny… so, so nice…” she sniffed and pulled me in for a hug- though probably for her own comfort more than anything else. “You would’ve liked him…” her entire body shuddered as she choked back a sob.

“What do you think happened to him?” Mothers grip tightened as she blurted out,

“I don’t know! No one knows…” she sniffled and sighed, “He just up and disappeared…

And it just hurts… we had plans! We were gonna have a future together, and, and…” she let out a deep sigh and sunk into the couch.

“Hastur, huh… I heard someone call him that?” that name sounded so familiar, yet I can’t put a finger on it… “And you have no idea what happened to him? Not a trace?”

Mother shook her head.

“Nothing. One day we were talking about how we were gonna move out and grow old together, and the next morning… sniff… I woke up… alone…”

From what I was gathering, my father is a deadbeat. A well mannered deadbeat… but still a deadbeat.

“You know what I think?” I asked my mother, her cocking an eyebrow in response. “Fuck ‘em.” her eyes widened and I quickly added, “I know I’m not supposed to swear but hear me out.”

“Look, I’m sure Hastar is… or was… a great guy. Maybe he would’ve been a great father. I don’t know.

But the fact of the matter is that he’s not here. I’ve never met him- but that doesn’t matter. Because you wanna know something?” I asked rhetorically and held my hand out. Mamma looked at me incredulously before taking my hand in hers.

“We’ve got each other. It’s you and I against the world, Mamma. What d’ya say?”

“But… but Gramma-”

“Is out drinking again. And you know as well as I do what’ll happen sooner or later if she keeps on boozin’ it up like this.” and Mamma looked at me in utter disbelief.

“You can’t just say-”

“Tell me I’m wrong.” she looked to the side, and muttered,

“No… you’re not wrong.” with a more stern look in her eye than before she said “But you’re not right, either. You can’t just say stuff like that, it’s… it’s not nice!”

I paused briefly. “Look… I’m sorry for putting it like that. It’s just…” my voice began to crack a little. “You’re the best mother I’ve ever had, alright? I care about you.” Of course, she would never know what I meant by best I’ve ever had. I was cool with that. Aside from that, it’s not like the bar was set high for me in the first place.

“You gotta let him go.” I grabbed her hand once more, “I want you to promise me you’ll always be around…”

Just then my eyes shot open- and I was taken back to a memory I’d rather forget…

---

I was 10 years old when it happened.

“Ma, I’m home!” I remember yelling into the house as I passed the doorway. Immediately, I knew something was amiss. All the furniture was fucking gone. Even the pictures on the well left faint imprints of the frame that was there.

Had there been a burglary? The door was locked and I didn’t notice any signs of forced entry. Naturally, the whole situation creeped me out- I even grabbed the pocket knife I kept in my shoe, as if that would be enough to stop any would-be killer.

Slowly I crept through the house, checking all the rooms and confirming that they were all empty. Then I stopped in my room.

All my belongings were unmoved from where I left them this morning- except for the hastily scrawled note left on my bed.

---

I took in a deep, shuddering breath. “Please…” I spoke barely above a whisper. “Don’t leave me.” I clamped my eyes shut to stop the tears. Mamma held me close.

“Don’t worry, baby. Mamma’s here for you.”

I know words are just words, but… something about that just felt so soothing.

She just sat there, cradling me for what felt like hours as I drifted off to sleep.
And I still don’t know what keeps coming over me!

Chapter two, less gooooo :3
As always, comments are encouraged and appreciated! I have a loooot of ideas of where this story is going- Leona's still gotta figure out her world, though. And who knows- maybe with Amelia as the voice of reason, she'll grow up to be a good person?

Right???

As always, thank you for reading! Likes and comments are encouraged and appreciated greatly :3