Chapter 4 – What's True on the Inside
Feral just let his muscles relax as he was enveloped in the steam that circled inside the enclosed bathroom. The events of yesterday had truly taken away all of his energy and had made it difficult to get a good night of rest. Ever since he had come into town it had pretty much been one surprise after another, and it had really began to stress him out. The Gryphon was especially one of the main nuisances and had almost burned a few bridges between him and some of the town's inhabitants. He remembered how prideful and glorious the Gryphon race was when he fought alongside the in multiple battles and wars. They were experts when it came to airborne warfare and their pride made them one hell of an enemy to actually put down. Seeing this Gilda character, he could see that there were some that didn't seem to teach their children the true way of their people. She was lucky that he hadn't gone ahead and eliminated her sorry ass when she tried to kill him. He turned the water off and stepped out of the shower, grabbing a towel and drying himself off. He just pushed those thoughts to the side. It wouldn't do him any good to think about it since everything had been taken care of. If anything he should just get this day moving so he could make a better memory that could erase that one.
Her eyes shot open as she tried to remember what happened. All she knew was that she had tried to kill that one stallion, but it backfired and she ended up running out on everyone. The last thing in her memory was that she began to feel cold and passed out, but didn't know where. Sitting up she inspected her surroundings. What she found when she took everything in was that she was not where she thought she would be, and a little bit of her was glad that was so. It was a simple room, and she knew that it wasn't any of those dorky ponies that were friends to Rainbow Dash so she could only worry as to who picked her up. Her attention was caught when she heard the sound of what seemed to be a knob turning. A few minutes after that she heard the sound of a door opening and closing, followed by hoofsteps coming near her. She laid back down and pretended to sleep once more as she watched the door with slightly cracked eyelids. What she saw almost blew her cover as she watched that damn stallion from the other day trot into the room where she was. She blushed a little when she found out that she was watching him when he had just gotten out of the shower. The heavy steps of those booted hooves alerted her to his every movement and it was followed by the angriest of glares. "Go ahead and look at me like that, much more respectable than the pitiful shit you looked like in that alleyway." When she heard him say that she shot up into a sitting position with her tongue ready to lash at him. She bit it back when she saw that blade of his boot drawn out on her, only inched from her eyes. He just stood there on his back hooves, towering over her like she was some pathetic form of life. The stare he gave her left her blood cold as she stared at the eyes that held no emotion, and possibly those of her killer. "You better watch yourself, you pathetic excuse of a Gryphon. I'll put your life to an end and everyone would be none the wiser. You've caused a lot of trouble here, and attempting murder on the personal guard of the princess of the moon and sun is punishable by death." She pressed her back to the headboard of the bed as memories of flight school began overlapping what she was seeing in front of her. Gilda began to sweat as she started to hold herself, her mouth beginning to open as if to scream. Those memories faded when she felt a heavy hoof hit her in the face. "Please, could you not be a sniffling worm for one second. I thought your race was all about pride and you're showing none of yours." A twinge of guilt hit his heart as tears began to stream down her face. Feral just sighed in regret as he scratched his head and looked off to the side. He knew that he was going a bit far, but he couldn't forgive her for her actions. He wasn't going to take back any of his words and threats, but he had a heart. He retracted his blade and made his way to the door, leaving Gilda confused. "How about you go ahead and pull yourself together and we can talk downstairs." We that he opened the door and left before closing behind him. Walking downstairs he made his way into the kitchen where he sat down and propped his legs up on the table. It had gotten rather quiet when the guards that were watching him were called back to the castle. He guessed that they were either needed or Celestia found him in no need of escorts anymore. He knew they were there mostly to calm the citizens of Ponyville, but none of them were actually frightened of him but Applebloom and Scootaloo. They were starting to warm up to him now after they saw that he meant no harm to them and protected Sweetie Belle. He was brought out of his thoughts as he heard someone sit down across from him. He looked over to see Gilda had finally come out of the room and join him. She just sat there and tried her hardest to look anywhere but the direction he was in. He just stared at her in disgust as he watch her try to play the victim of the situation. "The smartest thing you could do at this moment in time is to look me in the eyes and show your senior some respect." That caught her attention as she obeyed and showed no sign of arguing with him. She had no idea what it was about this stallion that caused her to fall in line so easily. She was so used to being able to beat up on everyone else she came across, but he was different. He gave off a dangerous vibe that spoke pain to anyone who tried to defy him. She was both a bit excited about it and embarrassed at how submissive she had become to the stallion. "So tell me, what drove you to your actions yesterday." She once again went silent and looked off to the side. This didn't please Feral and he leaned forward towards her. She was surprised when she felt something soft against her face before her head was jerked back towards the stallion. She wasn't expecting to see the stallion's mane reach out towards and grab her like it was its own sentient life form. "You will answer me. You have caused me too much trouble in one day for me to look the other way."
"I…I don't know." She jumped when Feral slammed a hoof against the table.
"Don't give me that shit, Gilda! We both no damn well that's a lie. How about you tell me the truth now or I'll pull out of you by force." Gilda began to sob as she the harsh words from Feral hit her very core. "Don't you dare sta-"
"It's because I was afraid." Feral stopped his onslaught, as if telling her to go on. "Ever since flight school I was afraid of being abandoned, and I thought Dash wouldn't want me as a friend anymore. I had also promised myself to never be weak again. So when I lost to you, I always thought back to flight school. How they beat me and…" She trailed off as she began to cry uncontrollably. Feral just leaned back and let it happen. It was better that she let it all out than keep it inside to build up. After a few minutes she began to calm down, the crying lowering to a few sniffles here and there. Once she had finally calmed down enough, Feral stood up and began to walk towards the front door. "Where are you going?" Gilda just stared at the stallion that stood still at the door. She had just given him the gist of her agonizing pain that few know, cried her eyes out, and now he was just walking away.
"More like where we are going. You are going to apologize to all of those you did wrong today and try to make up with Rainbow Dash. It was very idiotic of you to jeopardize your friendship like that and you're going to take initiative to get it back on track." She didn't fight him, because he was right. She was a fool and should pay the full repercussion for her actions. She stood up and followed the stallion out into town. This was going to be a long and painful day.
Rarity was in the midst of one of her grandest pieces. She would not stop until she was done, weaving left and right with the fabric as she stitched and sewed to her hearts content. Nothing could stop the gentle beast that was dead set on showing the world just who she was. In a matter of minutes she had finished the last of her design with a tremendous feat of magic. She stood back and took in her work, her eyes gleaming with approval as the design had fit together without a problem. A knocking brought her back to the waking world as she looked to the door, uncertain of what she heard. A second knock confirmed she wasn't imagining anything and made her way to the entrance. She had a genuine smile plastered on her face as she opened the door, but it was instantly wiped away once she saw who was at her doorstep. That repulsive Gryphon from the other day was standing there just giving her a uncertain smile. "Hi there, I just wanted to-" She was cut short Rarity's horn lit in a blaze of magic before slamming the door in her face. Rarity was about to get back to her work before and even harder knock threatened to break her door.
"Rarity, I'm going to need you to come back and try that again! I don't have time for this!" Rarity went back and opened the door to find the towering stallion standing at her door this time, and he did not look very happy. "I'm going to have to ask that you call Sweetie Belle down her, now." Rarity was about to tell him off and berate him for his mannerism, but quickly lost the words when she saw his eyes. They were the eyes of someone who held no mercy. She could see his was not taking any shenanigans today.
"Sweetie Belle, come down here for a moment please!" Only moments later and the filly was downstairs and beside her sister. She was about to ask what she needed before she saw who was behind Feral. Sweetie Belle backed up in fear before Feral looked behind him at the Gryphon in anger.
"Get up her and repent for your actions, now!" The Gryphon, frightened by his stern voice, got in front of him and bowed her head at the two ponies before her.
"I am very sorry for what I did to you and your sister. This apology won't make up for what I did, but I hope it will make for less murky waters later in the future. I was out of my jurisdiction when I attack a child and it cannot easily be forgiven. I just hope this will make for small nudge towards your forgiveness." For loss of better words Rarity was taken aback by the Gryphon before her. There was no way that this was the same one as before. She was really curious as to what really happened to make her suddenly change. Sweetie Belle stepped forward, much to Rarity's surprise, and looked at the Gryphon.
"I don't completely forgive you for what happened yesterday, but I believe that everyone deserves to get small steps to forgiveness. I will take what you've given us today as a token to becoming a better person. Do not make me regret this today." Rarity was surprised to say the least, but also stepped forward.
"Yes dear, you are on the right path, but do not believe it to be easy to gain forgiveness. It will take some time before it is fully paid in full." The Gryphon looked at the two in astonishment before a small genuine smirk spread across her face. She bowed once more, truly happy that things were going good for her.
"I won't make you regret it, I promise." With that said she took off back into town, ready to apologize to all of the others she had done wrong. Rarity looked up to the stallion, wondering just what was going on.
"Excuse me dear, but could you t-" She was silenced when Feral walked off, slamming her door in the process. "Well, I'll say!"
Gilda and Feral walked through town, apologizing to a few of the common citizens she had done wrong. From apologizing to Granny Smith for scaring her, to paying for the apple she had stolen yesterday. None of them were really happy to see the Gryphon, but were okay with accepting her apology when they saw she was actually making an attempt at repenting for her actions. The only thing that was hard for her was that they had seen Rainbow Dash a few times while in town, but Gilda couldn't get a word in before the speed demon shot off away from them. Feral looked really pissed when he watched the Pegasus shoot off without a word, Gilda just looked depressed when she could make up to her greatest friend. Once they were done in town they made their way to the town library. Once they got there she knocked one the door waiting for a response. "I'll get it." It wasn't long before Spike answered the door before reeling back with a draconic his and a small stream of fire shooting at the Gryphon. That was when Twilight showed up, worried about her assistant.
"What's the matter Spike?" She knew the problem that was at hand when she saw the Gryphon at her door. "Um…hello, how may I help you?" Gilda just bowed her head as she began apologizing to the Unicorn.
"I want to say that I was sorry for what I did to you and your friends. My actions were very barbaric and even though forgiveness will not come easily I want to make peace with those I did wrong while I was here yesterday." Twilight gave the Gryphon a quizzical look, not really feeling any deception from her.
"Okay, I accept your apology and return forgiveness to you." Gilda's head shot up in surprise when she heard that Twilight forgave her. That would have made her the first of the main ponies she actually tormented. Twilight seemed to have seen this and continued. "I have come to see that everyone deserves a chance at friendship, and that means a second chance to you. While I was very forgiving to you, don't expect the same from the other. They're a bit more stubborn when it comes to forgiving those that hurt them, their family, or their friends. You'll probably have to deal with them holding a grudge over you for a while." Gilda just gave a sigh of relief as she began to see that progress was being made.
"That is fine by me, I don't blame them honestly."
"Come on Gryphon, we have more stops ahead of us and I don't want to be doing this all day!" Gilda winced when Feral called out to her. She still hadn't gotten use to his harsh tone this entire time and she didn't think she would be able to. The voice was laced with so much hate that she was actually surprised she wasn't being strangled. Twilight looked past Gryphon to find Feral standing at his full height on his hind legs, looking rather agitated.
"Hey Feral, how are y-"
"Coming, I'm coming!" Gilda reeled around and began running towards their next destination. Twilight recoiled a bit when Feral's eyes locked onto her with that same hate he was sending Gilda. It was almost as if that pony from Princess Celestia's story was standing in front of her. His posture was uncaring, but his stern gaze showed that he was serious about whatever it was he was doing. He just walked away, following the Gryphons path.
"And she wanted to say that she was sorry for how she acted to you and the ducklings. She hopes that you can come to accept her apology with time and that you may become friends." Fluttershy sat in front of Feral as his soft voice calmed her to the core. He always knew how to talk to her without scaring her or causing her discomfort.
"Oh, I'd be glad to be her friend. It'll take me some time though, yesterday is not something that is easily forgiven."
"Oh, she has no problem with that. Isn't that right." The soft voice that Feral spoke to her in was almost as frightening as the hateful one. It was like he was mocking her, daring her to give him a reason to kill her on the spot. Gilda nodded in agreement, not wanting to talk for fear of scaring the pony. "With that done we will be seeing you some other time Fluttershy."
"Okay Feral, do stop by again soon." With that the shy pony closed her doors, letting Feral return to his previous mood.
"Okay Gryphon, let's get going." Gilda didn't move as Feral passed her. This irked the stallion as he turned around and looked at her back. "Are you daft or do you want more trouble?"
"Why are you being like that?" This caught him off guard, not expecting Gilda to actually do anything the entire time they were out. She was so submissive that hearing her talk to him was rather shocking.
"What do you mean?" Gilda turn to him with a stern gaze, not backing down from the stallion.
"Why is it that yesterday you were so nice to everyone else, even right now you were so calm with Fluttershy. Yet you want to sit here and treat me like shit the entire time I'm trying to make up for what I did." Feral got in her face, freezing the Gryphon in place.
"Because I don't forgive at all. I will remember this mistake until you die and I will remind you of it till the Equestria caves in on itself. I kept myself calm yesterday for the safety of my friends, but quite frankly I want to rip something apart. I could kill and entire species of animal to the brink of extinction that is how pissed I am. So if I were you, I'd shut the fuck up and get a move on!" Gilda began moving forward out of fright, not expecting that from the stallion. She couldn't tell if he was serious or just using a scare tactic. Either way, it was very effective.
Two colts ran through town in a frenzy, excited about something or another as they were whooping news in the middle of town. One was a chubby unicorn with a light blue coat and orange mane and tail, his cutie mark a pair of scissors. The other was a tall and scrawny unicorn with an orange coat and almost seafoam green mane and tail, his cutie mark was that of a snail. "Come one come all, to see the Great and Powerful Trixie!" A message that was being spread throughout the entire town by the two colts. Feral winced in pain as the annoying screeches of the children grinded at his nerves to no end. He didn't know who this Trixie character was, but she would feel his wrath if he heard their name one more time. Feral and Gilda were almost in the middle of town when their eyes fell upon a large stage stationed in the crowd of ponies that circled it. Gilda couldn't see anything because of the ocean of ponies, but Feral got a full view of the mare that was on stage. Her coat was a light blue coat, her mane and tail were an ever lighter blue to the point they were almost white with a darker shaded stripe. Her cutie mark was that of a star wand that had a wisp of magic that followed its movements. On her head she wore a purple wizard hat with multiple stars and a coat that sported the same design wrapped around her neck. Curious, the two went up to the stage with Gilda getting in the air for a better picture while Feral just towered over every other pony. Fireworks signaled that the show was about to begin as the mare began her show. It was a rather interesting performance of illusions that he had not seen someone use magic for in particular. He had seen it used in battle for things such as camouflage and to set traps, so this was pretty new to him.
"Come on Twilight, you can show her up. I know you can do it."
"No Spike, I don't want to everypony to think that I'm just like her. Everyone might think I'm just another show off." Curious Feral stepped up beside the lavender unicorn, looking down at her with a questioning glare.
"Care to explain what happened?" Twilight looked past his hard tone, as she didn't believe her meant to speak to her with it.
"That mare up there is known as Trixie. She boats that she is the best and to prove it she just humiliated the other girls when they tried to show her up. I want to stop her, but I don't want people to think I'm a show off."
"Then don't." Twilight's jaw just dropped at such a simple answer.
"But surely we can't let her get away with such magical abuse."
"Oh we won't, but we don't need anyone such as yourself being hated by the crowd. You don't need to lose friends over." Feral began stepping towards the stage, dead set on showing up this unicorn.
"Wait, then where are you going?" Feral just looked back at Twilight with a saddened smile.
"Well, I don't have any friends to lose." Twilight's ears fell as she heard the words leave his mouth. What did he mean? Were they not friends, or did he not believe they wanted to be friends with him? Was there something else going on that she didn't seem to see? "Yo mare, I got a bit of a bone to pick with you dawg!" Twilight was pushed from her thoughts as she heard Feral call out to Trixie. Trixie just stood there as she stared at the stallion who decided to also go and interrupt her show.
"And who should Trixie be deeming worthy of her awesome magical power?"
"The name is Feral and I believe you caused a few ponies a bit of a problem up here on stage." Trixie just chuckled as she thought back to a while ago.
"Oh yes, Trixie remembers them. It was rather fun to practice some new tricks on them for future performances. Why, do you wish to be Trixie's guinea pig next?" That's when Trixie looked at Feral only to freeze in utter fear. His eyes were wide open, unblinking with the look of bloodlust twinkling behind his pupils. The smile that was stretched from cheek to cheek showed every tooth in his mouth, some being much more predator like than most ponies. His entire demeanor was that of a carnivore locked on its helpless prey.
"Sure, go ahead and throw your little parlor tricks at me. Some wimpy magic won't even faze me. I could kill you in the blink of an eye." Trixie took a step back in fear, not expecting him to say such horrendous things.
"T-Trixie will show you not to take Trixie so lightly." That was when she fired a spell at Feral, changing his coat color to a really bright orange while changing his mane and tail to an eye blinding gold. She smirked before she watched as the colors melted off of his body and sloshed to the floor, leaving him as his normal self. "I can't believe it!" Feral just threw one hoof forward, yelling as loud as he could.
"BELIEVE IT!" Trixie shot another spell and watched as her spell was successful. Feral's mane began to wrap around his body, constricting his body. Feral looked a bit surprised as he struggled to get free.
"Ha, Trixie told you that you would regret challenging Trixie!" Her victory was cut short as the stallion broke out in crazy laughter.
"HAHAHAHAHAhahaha…ahhhhh. Sorry, I couldn't help humoring you for a small moment. I love to see the look of despair on your face, it's rather adorable…and pitiful." He took a step forward and she took one back, he took one and then she took another. She almost stepped off the stage while she unconsciously tried to escape. This pony couldn't really be a pony, there was no way. No plain earth pony could repel such magic. She didn't know what he was, but it wasn't mortal. The crowd was becoming rather fearful of the stallion, none of them knowing the pony to be this aggressive. Even Twilight was starting to become scare as she watched everything escalate. She didn't know who she was looking at right now. Feral had shown that he was such a soft stallion and didn't show any signs of hostility towards anyone except Gilda. Something wasn't right and she wasn't about to see him do something he was going to regret. Twilight attempted a teleportation spell to bring Feral to her, but for some reason it failed. She tried again and got the same result, not sure what was going on. Twilight watched as Feral pulled his blade forward, a look of fear gracing the crowd and the show mare. Trixie looked down to her chest to see red. She fell as panic began to fill her body, gripping at her chest to try and stop the wound from bleeding. A shrill cry echoed throughout town as Trixie began thrashing around. Feral paid it no mind as he hopped off the stage and began walking towards Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight teleported in front of Twilight, a look of disgust on her face.
"Just what do you think you're doing Feral? Are you not going to help her?" Feral looked genuinely confused as he looked back at Trixie.
"What do you mean?"
"Are you not going to take her to a doctor!?"
"Why, it's not their job to get ketchup out of a mare's coat. They have much more important things to do." Twilight caught the bottle of the condiment when Feral tossed it her way. Feral walked around her, going on his way. "Come on Gilda, we've got more apologizing to do!" Gilda just groaned as she touched down next to the stallion. Twilight just stood there with a disappointed look on her face. Where did the Feral she knew go?
"I can forgive you, but it will take some time before I can consider you a friend."
"That is fine, I wish to make up for my actions no matter how long it takes." With that said Applejack closed her door and Feral and Gilda made haste for one final stop. When they got into town Feral noticed many of the bystanders whispering something while looking his way. He gave no indication that he cared, because he didn't. It wasn't until that stupid show mare popped up once more did he start to believe that life was ultimately testing his patience.
"You, the one who had the gull to embarrass Trixie, I challenge you to a duel that will prove which of us is better." Feral just rubbed his head in anger as he tried to calm himself.
"And what would be the challenge Trixie?" Trixie just smirked as she knew she had this in the bag.
"Trixie challenges you to take down an Ursa Major. It is said that there is one that lurks within the forest. First one to defeat it and run it off wins." She knew that this stallion was all bark and no bite. He just used scare tactics and probably help from another unicorn to embarrass her on stage. There was no way he had th-
"Okay, same time tomorrow. We will set off into the forest and the first one back with a trophy showing you were victorious wins." Trixie was shocked when he began to approve of their match. She had thought he would back out with his tail between his legs.
"O-Okay, see you then!" With that she threw down a smoke bomb and disappeared from his sight. If he cared Feral didn't show a hint of emotion as he kept moving on.
"Come on Gryphon, one more to go until the real challenge."
Twilight watched from afar as Feral walked away with Gilda. She didn't understand, what had happened to change the stallion so much. He was so peppy and full of happiness yesterday, but ever since Gilda came here he had become a different pony entirely. She wanted to ask him, but he seemed to shrug anyone off by ignoring them or sending them threats. She didn't think he would do that to her, but a small bit of her feared the possibility. She just hoped that things would change for the better come tomorrow.
"If Feral is willing to give you a chance, then I'll gladly be your friend!"
"Thank you for this chance, I won't make you forget it!" Now that they were done with Pinkie Pie, Gilda took off to find the most important one to her. Pinkie Pie looked up to Feral in worry as he stared off with a scornful look.
"Feral?" She reeled back a little when his eyes shot toe her without moving his head. She could feel every emotion within that red hot glare. Every bit of hate, scorn, and bloodlust it was all there and it scared her. She didn't know what was on his mind, but she knew better than to press it. Without a word she pulled up his hoof to her before retreating back into the bakery. Feral was surprised when he felt something in his hoof and looked down to see a cupcake. His gaze softened as he brought the confectionary up to his mouth before taking a bit.
"I'm such an idiot."
Gilda knocked on the cloud door a fifth time, but still had no luck with getting the Pegasus to answer her. She was hoping that she would be able to talk with Rainbow Dash out of anyone, but is seemed that wouldn't be happening for a while. "Guessing she's not there." Gilda was spooked when she heard Feral's voice right in her ear.
"Wait…what the hell, how are you standing on the cloud?!" Feral just pointed down at his boots.
"Magic." Feral just walked up to the door before knocking on it. "Yo, my main girl Rainbow you in there?" He waited for a few minutes before turning around and walking away before jumping off the cloud. Gilda dashed over to the edge to catch him, but missed by a second. She watched him plummet to the ground only to grimace when she heard the cracking as he landed. She flew down to the ground, expecting the worse only to find a large crater with an unharmed Feral. "Come on, let's get going. It'll be night time soon and I want to get home before then." Gilda just looked at him in utter shock. No one should be able to fall from that height and get away from cheating death.
"Are you going to explain to me just how the hell it is that you're not dead?"
"Vegetables and doing a moderate amount of squats."
"You're a dick."
"Only from the waist down."
Gilda and Feral were sitting at the table as night fell over Ponyville. They had accomplished what they had planned to get done today, so things were looking pretty good. Feral leaned back in his chair as he sipped at his tea while Gilda just looked down at hers. Things had been pretty quiet between the two since entering the home and it was beginning to get to him. "So Gilda, why aren't you back home in the Gryphon Kingdom? Your people don't usually venture far from there so I was surprised when you came here. Do you happen to know who the new king is by chance?" Gilda just began to look even more depressed as he kept piling on questions.
"I don't know much about the Kingdom. I was born an orphan and had done everything I could to survive on the streets. I don't know much of what is going on there since I abandoned my life there and joined the flight academy where I met Dash." Feral leaned forward with a smile on his face.
"Did you use the bump into the rich guy and quickly apologize even though you just jacked his ass trick." Gilda just looked up at him with a hint of anger.
"Don't talk about my life like it was a joke. That life was hell."
"I know, I've lived the same one. Wouldn't you believe that I would become the friends of both Princesses when I robbed them with that same trick? They took pity on me and tried to give me money, but I was so full of pride that I didn't take it from them. Next thing I knew I was getting pulled from the streets and thrown in the castle dungeon. Luckily it hadn't been my first time so I just picked the lock. Wouldn't you be surprised when both of them were behind me when I was making my grand escape and asked to come along." Feral took another sip of his tea. "I know how hard it is to be a thief. Don't think you're the only one who's lived that life."
"Wait, why are you all the sudden being my big buddy? Just hours ago you were throwing insults at me and almost never used my name." Feral sighed as he set his cup on the table.
"Look I know I haven't been very friendly, but you kinda brought it upon yourself. You were being a total bitch the other day and it really threw off my mood. I've been holding this all in since yesterday."
"Excuse me, who are you calling a bitch you asswipe?"
"Hahahaha, there it is. You've been so submissive today and I was kinda missing that spunk of yours. The best thing about Gryphons is their pride and attitude. It always livens the party." Gilda sat back with a blush. She wasn't used to many people being nice to her or giving her compliments. It felt kind of nice to have some appreciation shown to her. "You know, it's actually nice to have some company. Everything has been rather…lonely lately." Gilda cringed at the somber look that took over Feral's eyes. It was so weird to see a different stallion from this morning's events.
"What about those six ponies, aren't they your friends?" Feral leaned his head farther down, almost touching the table. She had lost sight of his face behind the entanglements of his hair.
"They're scared of me, every single one of them. I can feel it no matter how hard they try. They consider me their friend, but the feeling isn't mutual. If they knew just what it was that I am, well…I don't believe I could stay here anymore."
"Come on, I know you can be a dick, but you're not that bad."
"Nothing but some lonely freak, I'm surprised the Princesses can even put up with me or even the god of chaos for that matter. I should be dead, why am I even here." Feral stood up from the table, dragging his hoof across the table and knocking his cup to the floor, letting it shatter against the surface. "I'm going to bed, there's a guest bedroom down the hall. Unless you want to come snuggle with the beast, that is." He looked back at Gilda's blushing face. "Heh, that's adorable." Those were his last words as he slowly made his way up the stairs to his bedroom. Gilda just sat there as she heard the slow creaking of a door as it opened and closed. She didn't really what to think at that moment. He had gone through so many mood changes that she was almost willing to question his sanity. He seemed so sad compared to the lie he was letting loose on the outside. She wanted to comfort him, but she didn't know how. She never really had anyone who cared about her, and Feral was the only one who seemed to be showing any kind of care towards her. But the stallion seemed like nothing but a walking corpse, his eyes just so empty. What could have caused him to be this way? She set her drink down and began to make her way up the stairs where she stopped in front of his room. The door was slightly cracked so she took a peek inside and what she saw left her blood running cold. Feral just sat there at the foot of his bed like an unstringed puppet. He was staring at the blade that had been drawn from his hoof, a look of contemplation in his eyes. "I've been locked away for so long without anyone. Is that what's causing this? I can't get over this sense of dread and loneliness. Even though I'm back with my family, why do I feel so cold?" He tapped the blunt end of the blade against his forehead. "It's been thousands of years, but should I even be here? I know we live for a long time, but I think I have overstayed my welcome." Gilda watched as the stallion began to have an inner struggle with himself. She could actually feel it inside her, the pain of watching another suffer. Even after all she had done he had saved her from bleeding to death and even allowed her to try and make peace with one of the only friends she ever had, while also making some new ones. No one had ever pushed her to do something like that before in her life. She would probably be the same sour Gryphon had they not met. There was an actual deep feeling of sadness as she watched the stallion. Without any second thoughts she walked in on the stallion. Feral was surprised to say the least, but tried to play it off. "Oh hey there Gilda, do you ne-" Gryphons were one of the few species to have the ability to walk like bipedal creatures, so she rose and up and enveloped the stallion in a hug. Feral sat there confused, not sure what was going on.
"You're not alone." His eyes shot open in shock as she spoke. He could feel her slightly stroke his hair as he leaned against her. "It's like you said, we're both the same so why not stick together?" Her feathers were so soft, he just couldn't pull himself away. It was just so comforting to have someone to lean on, hell how long had he been crying? Nothing was making sense to him at that moment, but he wasn't loathing it. For now he felt as if he could just… Gilda was surprised when she felt the full weight of the stallion fall against her body. She wiped the tears from his eyes as his soft breathing signaled his departure into the realm of dreams. She sat there with the stallion, making no moves to leave him. Perhaps things weren't as bad her as she thought they would be.
Twilight Sparkle sat awake in her bed, still thinking about the strange mood her friend had been in today. She knew that is background was rather…shady, but he never showed such hostilities towards anyone in town. She sat there and contemplated just what should do. She could just go and confront him on the problem, the only downside was that she really didn't want to get on his bad side. Another option could be do write to the Princess and ask her what she thinks would be the problem. Twilight rolled around for the hundredth time in her bed that night. Everything was just getting so stressful now. First the Gryphon, then an angry Feral, and lastly that Trixie character that raise all of that commotion in town. Now her and Feral were going to have some kind of challenge in the morning and she had no clue what that might entail. Her thoughts were interrupted as an earth shattering roar erupted from within Ponyville. The only thing she saw when she looked out her window was something large with a starry like coat. Rushing outside she looked up to the large bear like creature that was rampaging through town, sending all of its inhabitants running away in a frenzy. Twilight couldn't believe what she was seeing making its way through the town. She had only read about it in books, never actually thinking one could be so close to her. Another thing she wasn't expecting was a second roar to split her ears. Looking to her right another one of those creatures entered the town. There was no mistaking what she was seeing. She had only hoped that if anything it would have been offspring, because they were easy to handle. Instead they were doomed certain destruction by two Ursa Majors.
Gilda was shaken from her sleep as the house began to rumble. Confused, she gently pushed the stallion off of her with a blush on her face and got up from the bed. Opening that doo she peeked her head out as everything had seemed to go deathly quiet. Gilda made her way downstairs and walked towards the door, a bit fearful of what she would find behind the only barrier between her and the possible danger. She put her claw on the doorknob, but stopped as she felt the house beginning to shake once more. Looking out the window she caught a glimpse of something big moving in front of the house as it let loose another roar. Next she heard the screaming of the citizens as the beast made its way into town. Without even think she ran back up to the room and began shaking Feral awake. "Feral, Feral we have a problem!" Feral's eyes fluttered open slowly as he pushed himself into a sitting position, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"What's going on? I was having a nice nap and you were really soft warm." Gilda fought back the blush as there were more pressing matter at the moment.
"We don't have time for you and your pathetic attempts to woo me! There's something going on in town, and I'm pretty sure it isn't good!" As if to make her point two load roars echoed through the town. Feral shot up as he immediately became alert of the situation. Like a bolt of lightning he shot forward out of his room and out of the house. He looked on in horror as he came upon the sight of two Ursa Majors going on a rampage inside the town. His body trembled as hit witnessed the destruction before him. The rampaging storm within him so loud he almost didn't hear the Gryphon run up next to him. Both of them looked up in surprise as a rainbow trail lit the sky, heading straight for the Ursa Majors. "What are we going to do?" Feral's body went deathly still as his nerves calmed and he began facing the situation with a clear head.
"Go help Rainbow Dash stall the Ursas and make sure she doesn't get herself killed, no telling how reckless she'll be. As for me, I'm going to go and make sure everyone else is safe." With that said they split up and went their separate ways.
The town was complete hell as Feral witnessed just how bad the damage was. AS he stared on he witnessed the many casualties caused by the disaster. Many citizens buried and crushed under rubble from many of the destroyed houses. His blood boiled as he saw that it was not only adults, but children as well. Their lives snuffed out just like that, no longer able to live the long life they had ahead of them. None of them ever able to realize their full potential and dreams. It wasn't until he laid his eyes upon a sniffling unicorn did his mentality almost snapped. Trixie was sitting amongst the rubble of her now broken home. She had no idea what had happened, first those two children came knocking at her door and the next thing she knew was she was homeless and scared. She was almost had a heart attack when she was suddenly hoisted in the air with almost enough force to break her neck. When she was about to berate whoever it was what they were doing her eyes fell upon that of something rivaling a demon. Feral looked as if he had finally lost his patience, slowly being pushed to the edge of murdering the unicorn he held in his hooves. "You want to tell me what the FUCK the big idea is? Do you find this some kind of sick joke? I should fucking kill you and let your life slowly fade away as I slowly choke you to your end, watching the life dull form your eyes! Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you!"
"Feral stop, it wasn't her!" Feral threw the unicorn to the ground with all his might before turning to Twilight who had come up to him.
"Then tell me, Sparkle, just who it is that I need to kill?" She back away in horror as he spoke of murder in such a calm manner. Killing was highly frowned upon for any reason except in self-defense when it was completely necessary. The look in his eyes said that he was not playing a joke and was intent on taking a life.
"Ummm…well…" She was caught short as Feral jumped forward to catch a flailing Rainbow Dash that had been launched into the air. The Pegasus attempt to jump from his hooves before being pulled back.
"Hey, what's the big idea?"
"You must be a fucking idiot if you think you can go back and face two Ursa Majors without coming back in a casket." She broke from his grip and turned to him in anger.
"Excuse me, who do you think you are to insult me? I'm going to protect this town, even if it cost me my life." She turned around to take off, but not before being jerked back in his hooves and having them wrapped around her neck. He made it as quick as possible, choking out the Pegasus to an unharmed sense of sleep. Twilight was now terrified of the stallion, watching him choke out one of her best friends.
"If I were you Twilight, I'd get her somewhere safe."
"And what about you?" He couldn't seriously be thinking about going to fight the Ursa Majors, could he?
Feral popped his neck as he stood on his hind legs and began walking towards the two bears. "If I die, don't miss me." Twilight just watched as he walked onto what would be considered death. She couldn't do anything, frozen in place by fear. She was afraid of the two bears in the town and the stallion that had caused harm to her friend. She didn't know what side was what or where she should stand. All she knew was that she need to get everyone to safety.
Feral came upon the scene of both bears being stalled by the Gryphon that was maneuvering around them, dodging every strike thrown at her. Her luck soon ran at as both creatures attacked in unison and quick succession, catching her with their large paws and launching her away. Gilda expected to hit the ground with enough force to put her out of commission, but was surprise when she was caught and set on the ground. She looked up to see Feral standing back up and walking towards the Ursas. "Wait Feral, you can't fight them. They're way to strong we need to wait for help from the guard." It fell on deaf ears as he kept walking, essentially gaining the attention of the two creatures.
"I am the guard." Feral dodge a large paw as he moved to the side, back flipping over another that had hoped to catch him off guard. Landing, he crouched his way under another strike as he watched a paw try to come down on him from above. Deciding to go on the offensive he sent a bone shattering kick into the Major's paw, the sound of bones cracking sounding like music to his ears. The Ursa reeled back in agony, Feral smirking as he watched the beast writhe in pain. His attention was broke enough to where he hadn't seen the other one jump at him before he was smacked away by the bear. His body ached as he flew through the air before landing into the wall of the house, cracks forming on the structure from the impact. He peeled himself off of the wall and fell to the ground in pain. He pushed his agony to the side as he picked himself up and make his way back to the fight. He was stopped when he felt something latch onto him and hold him place. He looked down to Gilda as tears streamed from her eyes.
"Stop Feral, you can't beat them. You don't need to throw away your life for a one sided battle. Please, just stopped." Feral turned towards the Gryphon with a small smile gracing his lips. He grabbed the Gryphon's head gently and rose it to meet hers. She smiled when she thought that she was able to convince him to stopped, but was surprised when he reeled his head back before smashing his head into hers. Gilda fell to the ground, limp and unconscious. He turned back around and stood before the imminent danger before him. He would settle this in a flash so that no one else would get hurt, but the method in which it would be done was what he wanted to avoid. He stood there as the two Ursa Majors charged him.
"Rainbow, Rainbow Dash wake up!" Rainbow Dash to attention as a bolt of magic hit her in the hindquarters. She turned to Twilight, a look of pain and anger in her eyes.
"Hey, what's the b-" That was when her memories came flooding back and a look of pure rage overcame her features. "Where is he? Where is that bastard that thought he had the right to put his filthy hooves on me!? I'll kill him!" Twilight backed away as she looked to the side in sadness and fear.
"He's the only one fighting away the Ursa Majors and he's keeping them from focusing on the town. I'm not sure if he can beat them or if he'll come out of it alive." Rainbow froze in shock and realization, now knowing why he had done what he did. Now he was out battling for his life and they were here doing nothing!
"Then why are we sitting here and doing nothing? We need to go help him!" Rainbow was restricted by Twilight's magic as she held the Pegasus in place.
"We can't do anything Rainbow, that's why we're all here waiting for help or the inevitable." Rainbow was confused until she looked past the unicorn and saw the other four girls behind her. All of them looked so defeated, knowing they couldn't do anything to help their town. Rainbow looked down at the floor as tears pulled at their prison. They couldn't do anything to help and yet Feral was out there fighting, probably close to death. Hell, even Gilda was out there helping him and she was over here hiding away. They were brought out of the misery as the sounds of roaring echoed through the town. What they weren't expecting was the body of Feral to come flying through the wall of the library. They just stared at him as the stallion stood back up. His condition could be considered critical to anyone on the outside. A large gash on his shoulder was bleeding profusely, the wound so deep it threatened to remove his hoof. Multiple pieces of wood were lodged along his body, probably from being batted away into surrounding buildings. His entire face was red with his blood and the look on his face was that of someone who had finally snapped. Before anyone could get a word across he shot out the hole he came through, jumping right back into the fight. Rainbow just stood there with her jaw dropped and unsure of what she had just seen.
"We have to do something now! He's going to die if we don't!" A pained yell that was neither beast nor creature they had ever heard brought them to attention. They stepped outside to see what was going on, not sure on just what they were about to see. Many of them lost their stomachs and others were brought to tears as they saw the beaten and broken stallion. He was still standing strong and tall in front the two Ursas, but not in a sound condition. His entire left front leg was gone, a bleeding hole left where it had once resounded. The cuts that litter his body were covered up by the blood that now covered his white coat, hardly any of his natural color left to the eye. They watched him cough up a glob a blood, the movement causing more of the life essence to ooze from the wound of his missing arm. Time slowed down as the bears jumped in to finish off their prey, the ponies jumping in to help their friend, and the single stallion who just rose his head to the heavens.
"I'm sorry everyone, looks like I got a little too cocky. I just…didn't have a clear head on my shoulders. I wish I didn't have to do this, but…I've always been used to being…disposed of." A ray of moonlight fell down upon him, as if to answer his prayer. His body became warm as he basked in the glow.
"Tonight is a beautiful night…" Feral's eyes lit up with a gleam of bloodlust. "…to fuck shit up!" Everyone, including the Ursas, were thrown back as a pillar of white hot fire shot out of the ground underneath Feral. The ponies looked on in horror as they lost sight of their friend, sure that he had been burned to death by the fire. Both Ursa Majors backed up a few steps, as if they were afraid of something. A few minutes the fire flickered out, leaving a few tongues of the flame to linger and continue burning the ground and scorch marks to singe the area. What was left by the flames caused the six mares to back away in awe and confusion. What they thought would be the burned white stallion was actually another stallion altogether. This pony was the same as Feral by the boots he wore, but that was it. The stallion was a lot taller than Feral, even taller than Celestia on all fours and the fact the stallion was standing on its back hooves had made it even taller than that. The stallion had a deep black coat that challenged even that of the night. On his hooves were boots that looked as if the shined with the white fire that had engulfed the stallion. The blades were blood red and glowing a slight cherry color. His mane and tail were slithering across the ground, the follicles now pure whit fire with a light pink outline. He had grown two bottom fangs that rose past his nose and curved outwards at the tips, while the two he had grown on his top row went passed his bottom jaw and also curved outwards. His eyes had turned a bright amethyst that burned with pure hatred. One more thing that set him different from the white stallion was the large fourteen inch unicorn horn that now protruded out of his flickering mane. "Well, well, well it's been awhile since I've had the ability to live on the outside for quite some time." The pony picked up the severed arm that was lying on the ground before picking it up and placing it over the previous wound. Tendril shot out from his shoulder, sinking into the appending before pulling it back into its rightful place and somehow fixing what should have been permanent. He moved the hoof a few times before setting it on his hip and staring down the two Ursa Majors. "You've given me some trouble to me and my friend here. Just how do you suppose you're going to reconcile for your actions?" Both of the bears roared, causing the stallion to produce a wicked smile. "I don't care if I were to murder your offspring, you have gone a bit too fucking far. Nothing actually hurt you, you're just two little bitches that got woken up a bit too early." All ponies looked on in shock as the new pony just seemed to converse with the two creatures. Twilight was torn from the scene as a groaning caught her attention. She bounced over to Gilda who was just recovering from her head trauma.
"Gilda are you okay?" Gilda shot up as she looked forward, not really taking notice of the new pony, but looking for something else.
"Where is Feral?" Twilight's ears drooped as she looked back at the fiery unicorn. Gilda couldn't help but follow her line of sight, while also being a bit angered.
"We saw him go up in a column of flames before that pony showed up. We don't know exactly what happened to him, but we have yet to see him."
"So, are we going to sit here all day or are you pussies actually going to put up a fight this time?" That seemed to get to the Ursas as they charged the pony. The six mare yelled at him from the sidelines to get away, but he just stood there with a wicked smile. None of the mares knew what happened as all they saw was one of the bears swing at the stallion before they watched the paw become dismembered from its host. The injured Ursa backed up with blood lurching from its wound, watching its attacker seemingly play hacky sack with its appendage. The stallion quickly became bored and kicked the claw back at the bear it belonged to, knocking it of its feet and causing it to sprawl out on the ground. Before the Ursa knew it, a column of white fire shot out from beside it and engulfed its stump. "Come now I'm just cauterizing the wound for you, think of it as a friendly gesture of how much I want you to stay alive as I slowly kill you." The uninjured bear jumped forward, ready to make easy prey of the smaller creature. It didn't get a chance though as the stallion made a sweeping motion with his right hoof, causing a column of fire to shoot form the ground and pierce the Ursa's chest and leaving it to fall to the ground lifeless. "Not even a chance in hell. Well then Mama, I believe it's your time to repent for your sins."
"STOP!" Fluttershy couldn't take it anymore. She never liked seeing animals in pain and knowing that these two Ursas were possibly mates and had offspring pained her greatly. "Please, leave her alone and let her go. I'm sure they didn't mean to do this." The stallion didn't seem to care as he walked to the Ursa who was now struggling to get up. His mane began to go wild behind him, the fire intensifying in both volume and heat. "Please, don't do this!" The pony just looked over his shoulder at her as he kept walking, that smile imprinting future nightmares into her mind. She had never thought she would ever do what she did next. Her eyes hardened, invoking the Stare upon the stallion. The next thing she knew was that she had become unexplainably hot, was now sweating bullets, and the stallion was standing right in front of her. Next thing they all knew, a light pink crest formed below the group before the fell to the ground in pain, the gravity magnifying to unbearable amounts. The stallion bent down and looked Fluttershy in her fear stricken eyes, his grin near splitting his face in half.
"I think you kids need to know your fucking place. It's daddy's turn to have his fun and if the children can't respect that then they get a time out." He stood back up, not noticing the Gryphon who tried to throw herself at him.
"Hey, just who do yo-" She was cut off as she recoiled in pain when she felt the heat of his body sear her claws.
"Yeah, that probably wasn't your best idea and it will be your last if you know what's good for you." He looked at the Ursa that had finally managed to get up. "As for you though." The stallion's horn began to glow as another crest formed in the sky before light pink spears rained down on the bear, pinning it back down to the ground. It roared in pain as it struggled against its shackles. Its fighting was useless as the magic was much too powerful for a mere beast to break. The next thing everyone saw was the stallion point a hoof at the downed Ursa before its entire body was alit in the flames. The spears were dispersed on a whim of the caster and the Ursa tried getting up again. That was before a tendril of the stallions hair shot across the field and sliced the other front leg off, rendering any escape impossible for the bear. It roared even louder as it didn't even lose blood, but the pain grew to unimaginable heights as the torture went on. The Ursa was grabbed by its legs before being dragged back to the stallion. It was soon let go and the pony came into view of the still roaring Ursa. He leaned down and just stared down the beast. "You know, with this I can sense all kinds of magic." The stallion pointed up to his horn. "And your kind is made of up a type of magic. So I want to show you something…fun. Watch closely." Every bystander watched as the stallion pulled off a bit of his hair, which formed into a small flame, and set it on the ground. The fire grew at an alarming rate before a stream of it started off in Ponyville before snaking into the forest. "Just give it a few moments, I promise you'll love it." It wasn't long before everyone heard the cry of a much younger animal before they all witnessed a huge column of flames rising from the forest. The cry died out, along with the flames, causing the Ursa to thrash about on the ground. The stallion didn't seem to care as he pulled out a stick and marshmallow and began to cook it over the roasting body of the Ursa. "I find that it is only fitting that I be kind enough to make sure a family is still together, no matter what." A crest formed above the Ursa before a bolt of lightning hit its body, sending it into shock and soon killing it. The stallion just ate his now roasted marshmallow with a bored look as the body soon became ashes.
"You dare think that you can treat Trixie like that? I am all great and powerful and will not let you show me up!" Trixie soon regret her words when the stallion appeared in front of her, picking her up by the throat.
"You know, I almost forgot about you. You're the one who brought these beasts into town and caused all this fucking mess!" Trixie grew fearful for her life as a circle of flame formed around them. "I do believe that you'll forgive me, but I can only handle a hand full of fuck ups in one day."
"Halt, stop right there." The stallion was the only one who didn't seemed surprised when Celestia and Luna, followed by Discord, touched down in the small town. Celestia stepped forward, actual anger present on her face. The stallion threw the unicorn to the ground, her head slamming against the earth. He turned to the Princesses and Draconequus, giving them a disturbingly warm smile.
"Family, I never did believe I would come to see you again! Why this will be a most joyous time to catch up." Luna seemed to become angrier with the nonchalant tone from the stallion.
"We knew it was bound to be you Eventide, there is no other pony in history that can match such dark power that emanated from you. We had hoped it not to be true, but we could not ignore the signs."
"You have come at a most impeccable time then. I believe this mare have been turned to ash, but is now instead soiling herself." No one acknowledged the show mare as to save her from any further embarrassment. Celestia stepped forward as her horn went ablaze with magic.
"You have no choice but to come with us Eventide, so we may extract the magical build up within your body."
"I don't believe that will be necessary." As he spoke, his horn began to chip away and disappear into the night. "As you can see, I exerted more magic than I needed to so that I may not poison my host. I'll be gone here in a moment and will not be seen unless truly needed or he fails to take care of the magical build up in his body." His body began to chip away, showing pieces of white fur beneath his black one. Before they knew it, Eventide disappeared with a smile and left Feral to fall to the ground with his still bleeding wounds. Luna moved quickly and caught the stallion before he fell.
"Hurry sister, we must start the healing process now!" With that, they healed there friend for most of that night in the middle of town.
"You mean he is a UNICORN!?" The morning arrived soon enough and the six mares, Gryphon, and princesses were found conversing in the library after the horrifying night. Celestia smiled, wincing a little from the outburst after many hours of concentrated healing.
"Yes, what you saw last night was a product of his magical buildup after being imprisoning for so long. It had honestly slipped my mind as we haven't done it in so long. His magical prowess could be considered almost par with ours, but what you saw last night scaled on an entirely different level. What you saw was something you could compare to what nightmare was. Darkness that was engulfing his life as the magic grew even more unstable. Most unicorns that go through such a hellish experience usually die from the overload, but he has found a way to exert it without such consequences. The only side effect is that it can cause him to result into more rash actions, battling for control of his body as the magic makes its way to the surface. He only uses that form as a means of finishing something quickly, which in a way is a good thing when we think about last night. The only downside is that his transformation last night was an example of how out of hand he was. Every action was his own and he will remember everything he did. I just hope it doesn't cause him to do anything drastic." Everyone looked down at the bed that they were gathered around; a sleeping Feral who's breathing would hitch every now and then. Despite the looks she got from Rainbow Dash, Gilda brushed a claw against Feral's scar ridden leg. Since all of his magic had been expelled in his display of power the magic that was powering his body alternation spells had vanished. They now saw that his body had been littered with all kinds of scars form the years of being a war torn pony and his age somewhat showed now. They didn't know if it was his natural color, or just form being as old as he was, but he now sported a silver like mane and tail with both being so long that they dragged across the ground like wild vines. The sisters were not thrown off by his appearance, but everyone one else was. It had seemed as if the stallion before them was an embodiment of stress himself. His entire body could have been considered an artist's canvas, used to tell their tales and struggles. "It has been a while since we have seen him in this state. His species has been known to live for a long time compared to normal ponies and is the only reason he was able to stay with us for so long. All of the battles and wars we got dragged into were won by his intense power and tactics, allowing us the ability to have many nations as our allies before we were actually considered princesses. He has seen much more of the battlefield than we, experiencing hardships we have never encountered." Luna looked at the stallion as she noticed a few of the scars vanishing from his form.
"It looks as though his magic is finally regaining strength, meaning he is in the clear." The room's occupants seemed to relax at finally hearing that, scared that his wounds might have done more damage than they had thought. Both princesses stood up, content that they knew that he was alive and well. Celestia gently moved his mane before giving him a small peck on the forehead.
"I hope you recover well, we will be back when we gain some free time I promise." With that both sisters left the library, leaving every other pony to their own thoughts. Twilight moved a hoof to Feral, parting his mane to show everyone in the room what he had been hiding under the wildfire of hair. It was just as the princess had explained. Atop his head was the base part of what used to be a horn, much wider than most signifying that it was longer than a usual unicorn. It looked as if it had been shattered by force rather than having it removed by something clean cut. Twilight feel back in sorrow as she couldn't even think of what she would do should she ever lose the ability to cast magic. She couldn't even begin to think of the hell he had gone through when he had first come to terms of his broken horn. She had heard stories of what happens to some ponies that can't doctor any magic build up after losing their horn, very few had positive results. She flashed the stallion a look of sadness, wishing she could rid him of his pain. There was no way of knowing just how much he had been through and she would do anything the help relieve him of it.
It wasn't long before every one of the visitors left to return to their living places to finally get some rest. That was when the warrior decided to stir. Without any thought, Feral rose from the bed and began walking out of the library. It was no surprise to see all of the ponies stare at him as they walked past him. Some were out of worry as they saw how shitty he looked; others were a bit afraid of him thanks to his outside visuals. It didn't seem that he cared though as he just kept walking. It wasn't long before he came upon the town jail, walking in and asking for one of its guests. Trixie was surprised when her cell was opened and the stallion that was the bane of her existence came marching in. She was about to ask what he was doing there before she was hit with a sack. "Take that, get the fuck out of this town, and never come here again or I will kill you." With that he left the jail, not really caring to hear anything to come from that blue bitch. It wasn't long before he finally came to his house, walking in and shutting the door behind him. The stallion trudged up to the room and collapsed on his bed. Many thoughts were going through his mind, but he didn't have the energy to delve on them. He was lying in there in bed before he heard his door open and then the creaking of his mattress as he felt a body nestle up next to him. He took a bit of comfort from the claws that wrapped around his form. "It's a bit weird to see you act like this. I thought you were too cool to act like such a dweeb?" Gilda just gave him a warm smile, used to his joking manner.
"After seeing what you went through, I didn't think you'd want to be alone. Besides, you're really warm and my room gets lonely. I mean…there is always more I could do for you." Feral just chuckled at the Gryphon's antics.
"Maybe I'll take you for a ride after I recover." He chuckled again as he could feel his back heat up considerably. He laid there and gently lulled off into sleep, finally glad to get some real rest.
