|[=-=]|

The fire died. The rage faded. He walked steadily, treading softly. Yet still, like a Martyr, that would die and not care how he died, all that mattered seemed to be what he feels is right. His honour and valour were how he determined his worth. Young, hungry and honourable, he would make an excellent royal guard. But I can tell his home lies with the wilderness and his kind, he would make that choice. Given the chance to stay in a position he was asked to, it was clear he would refuse.

My thoughts were put aside as he approached a lone house on the outskirts of the town, he walked up and stood there.

'How do I. . . ?' he asked aloud, I walked up and knocked on the door gently with my hoof.

'Isn't this-?' I began to remember this house, but shortly after knocking the door opened.

A yellow and pink mare stood before us, she gave a quiet gasp realising I was here as well.

'Princess! W-welcome!' She took a bow.

'No need dear Fluttershy, we are here as friends, no formalities required.' I assured her, taking a bow myself.

'O-oh, well I- friends?' she said.

'Sorry. . . I don't have anywhere else I. . . feel comfortable.' Runt said, but Fluttershy stepped aside without another word.

'Well, you're just in time for tea.' She greeted, kindly.

'This the first time I've ever had tea.' Runt said as he gently licked from his cup.

'Well, we weren't casual friends.' She admitted.

'Friends. . .' he looked at her, 'I thought we were healer to patient, companions.'

She giggled silently as she poured a glass for me.

'For you your high- I mean Luna.' She held the glass out to me, and I took it in my hooves, 'sorry, there may not be much room. . . to sleep in.'

'The floor will suffice for me.' Runt assured her.

'And I do not require sleep, for I am the princess of the night.' I gave her my assurances as well, but mine seemed to daunt her a little.

'Well. . . your both very welcome, I will just, eh, go to bed then, I will see you both in the morning.' And she walked away, out of the room.

'Is she always like this, or is it just when I'm here?' I asked.

'I'm not the one to ask.' He said as he finished his tea, he took the cup in his mouth and set it on a saucer on the table, 'Well, I suppose now is a good enough time as any.'

He stepped onto the floor and curled up on an open space.

'Your going to sleep there?!' I asked.

'It's as good a place as any.' He told me, 'Good night. . . Luna.'

'. . . Goodnight Runt.' I responded, dimming the lights in the room as he drifted to sleep.

Now was my chance.

It is a pleasant night, no nightmares thus far, but I would like to put ease to a troubled mind this night.

|[=-=]|

I was in the aftermath of a forest fire, skies of pale white contrast to the dark ash floor beneath my paws. All was gone. But within this graveyard of ash, there was a single figure looming, with an accessory of evil around her neck: Mother. Standing high above the ground, towering over the land that once was lush and green. She stood there, paws tearing into what remains, killing the last strands of life.

'Why take?!' I asked.

'Because we can!' she responded.

'Because you can, I refuse!' I shouted at her.

'. . . Then you are weak.' She said, she stomped out the last piece of life survived and she walked away.

'. . .' I fell on all fours and laid in the ash.

'This. . .' I turned and see Luna walking towards me, 'is not a memory. . . this is. . .'

'Fear.' I answered, 'this is what I fear we will become, takers of life, leaving ashes.'

'Wolves can't be wholly responsible for destruction like this.' She said, almost trying to assure me.

'No. . . not as we were, but you saw what she wears, the token around her neck.' She looked away, trying to catch a glimpse.

'No, I didn't-' she answered.

'Dark stones of power. . . she stole it from an outcast, and saw its power when she used it against. . . a magic pony, it stole her power. . .' I told her this story, regretting how it will end, 'her power was taken, and she was eaten. . . that day Father died also. . . trying to save her, because that was what his honour demanded. . . and now Mother rules. . .'

'. . . Your father challenger her. . . then you did?' She asked, painfully reminded me.

'My fate was different. . . any Mother would struggle to kill their own child. . .' I said, closing my eyes as I thought about that last piece of sentiment, 'brothers are different however. . .'

I got to my feet.

'Princess of the Night, why are you in my dream?' I asked.

'. . . I wanted to know. . . what you think of when you sleep, when nightmares creep.' She began to explain, 'I wanted to know what pain ails you.'

'. . . This dream. Same dream. Every night.' I began 'And it will stay, until. . .'

I stopped and fell silent for a few moments, before I could no longer take her stare on me.

'Please wake me up.' I asked, and she obliged.

I opened my eyes and found myself in Fluttershy's home again, I got up and walked to the door, I opened it and walked out, into the night. She wasn't following me and I was grateful. . . and saddened by it.

The night was still young, I avoided heading towards the forests, in fact I found myself heading back into Ponyville. I took my time, smelling the flowers, gazing at the stars, and doing so many other things I would rarely do. . . but I did with wonder and actual admiration. I had nowhere to go, and I didn't care. I took in the scent on the breeze: faint traces of roses, curios traces of ponies in the dust on the wind, and. . . something was burning. Ash and embers blowing in the wind, and I finally could tell where it was coming from.

Mother?!

I raced through the streets, following the sparks in the air before I could see the light in the distance. I came around a building to find it: an earth pony's home on fire. There was a earth pony, coughing and gaging as it was pulled away from the blaze.

'No! She's still in there! I can't leave her-!' he fought as he was pulled to safety.

'Well handle it sir, WHERES THAT WATER!?' one of the ponies pulling him shouted around the crowds, 'everyone hold back, we have the situation under control!'

Someone was inside by the look of the pony's desperation, and we all were supposed to sit there and watch. . . but I would not allow that to happen. I bolted through their perimeter and charged into the house despite their protests. I searched the living room, but no one was there, the kitchen was clear and I raced into a room in the back and searched before I heard the cry of a young foal. I looked around and found a cage of some kind, hidden in sheets and cloths was a young foal, writhing and wiggling.

'Hello there. . . hold your breath!' I grasped the cloths around it and brought it up out of the cage and I carried it out.

I carried it through to the living room, but a part of the roof came falling between us and the exit. The flames grew high, I don't have many options.

. . . The path of pain. . . the path of honour. . .

I slung the foal onto my back, and raced over the fallen wreckage, braving the flames and I charged out the entrance. I cleared the house and fell to the dirt outside. The foal was taken from me, and the other ponies gathered around me. Although I was in pain, I could feel what my father must have felt when he told us his stories: a mix of fear, anger, pain and honour.

Thank you. . . father. . .

'Clear a path!' I heard the voice of Luna cry, the last thing I heard before things went black.

I felt like I was on the river banks, returning from a swim. My fur felt as it were wet, weighing me down whenever it tried to move. I would open my eyes, but I couldn't draw the strength. . . and I honestly didn't want to, something bright lied beyond my eyes. Was it the sun? Was it the fires of my own funeral Pyre? Whatever it was, I did not want to find out. . .

'I know you're not sleeping Runt.' Luna, that voice was clearly hers, 'why don't you wake up, and ease everyone's concern.'

'Everyone?' I asked, opening an eye to glance at her, 'who exactly is concerned?'

'Me, my sister, Twilight and her friends, including Fluttershy, Spike the dragon and the one they call Big Mac.' She began, 'the father, whose foal you saved as well, and a few others.'

I opened my eyes fully, seeing her alone in the room with me.

'And. . . where are they?' I asked.

'Holding back miss Pinkie Pie.' She turned to the door, 'he's awake!'

The door to the room burst open, the pony with crazy eyes and hair came hopping and jumping around the room.

'YAY! OPERATION: GET BETTER PARTY IS GO!' I she screamed.

She leapt into bed with me, wrapping her hooves around me, despite my protest and yelps. I watched the door as other ponies came in, each of them bringing curious items: flowers, cakes and one carrying and assortment of stones. There were more ponies than she mentioned here. . . far more. The Mane Six as I understood, were here as well as a collection of ponies and creatures I haven't met. . . or. . . maybe have, or just seen. . .

Last among them: Princess Celestia.

'Pinkie Pie wanted a party, but not all of it would fit into this room.' She greeted, 'Well Runt, what do you think?'

'I. . . I'm. . . thankful. . .' I answered, Pinkie squeezed tighter, 'but I'd be afraid of what the whole party would be. . .'

'Well, it's not over yet, as soon are your better, were throwing the biggest party in Ponyville EVER!' she screamed, leaping away.

The grey and emotionless pony approached.

'Pinkie likes parties, and because of you, there will be an event of impossible magnitude.' She slipped a few rocks onto the bed beside me, 'this is a collection of core samples and rare minerals, free of charge.'

She walked away. The next item slipped onto my bed, was a small foal in a blanket. She laughed and cheered as I examined her.

'You risked so much for me, and. . . I won't ever be able to repay you. . .' I looked up to see the Colt from the fire, 'What. . . will ever pay you back?'

I leaned forward to the child, she shrilled in joy as her hooves touched my nose.

'For something so precious. . . there is no cost. . .' I told him, and he smiled gladly.

Others I met, and others to meet. All together we talked and traded thanks. Spike gave me a small plush wolf of Noren, he said Miss Rarity made it for me. Big Mac left a basket of apples for me as well as certain fruit cakes and pastries. Miss Twilight left some books for me, however when I told her I couldn't read, she insisted on Tutoring me as I returned to health, despite my protests. Countless others gave their thanks, until I was left alone with my escort and the Princesses.

'I'm. . . sorry. . . I ran. . .' I told the guards, 'And. . . our quarry-'

'You won that fight. I shouldn't have challenged you.' The Unicorn began.

'Just. . . don't make us look like fools again please and. . . stay in line. . . please.' the other finished.

'Yes, but I think you fools should remain at the castle.' Celestia interjected, 'I don't think an escort would be needed any more.'

'Yes, Ma'am!' they affirmed in unison, and left the room.

'Well, I will see you when you are feeling better.' Celestia said as she made her leave, Luna remained however.

'Sleep well?' she asked.

'Oddly. . . yes, how long was I out?' I asked.

'Three days, I stayed at your side.' She began, but she took her leave, 'I didn't want my friend to have nightmares.'

And with that I was left alone, but in gladness I suppose, and I awaited my next visitor eagerly.

With time and magic I returned to health faster than before, and I was grateful. Over my time I was tutored by Twilight as well and I truly was grateful for it. And now with freedom from my guards, who I learned had names, I found myself hanging around more frequently despite me not needing them and the fact they never brought up or squabble. Rather than following every step, they even joined me for games around the castle. Getting the thrill of the hunt was far more thrilling, but this new life was still fun and I enjoyed it. I found that over time those I saw as my wardens became friends, Blue a Unicorn and Lucky an Earth Pony. I always saw them as insect like automatons, but. . . now I see they are a lot more like my brothers in a way.

They walked me to Ponyville on their day off, they were seeing me to a very dangerous task that I even feared. . .

'We can go in with you Runt.' Blue offered.

'I. . . alright, I don't like this either and I've heard how she gets, but. . . I will stand with you.' Lucky told me, for once I felt I could speak to them honestly and they would do the same.

'I got this. . . whatever torment I face, I will endure.' I walked up and knocked on the door.

The door opened and a white mare with a dark mane yanked me inside.

'About time Darling!' she yelled.

|[=-=]|

He acted so stubborn. Normally I get some measure of resistance from any colt, but then again not every pony I tailor is a wolf. With every adjustment, every tweak, he acted as if he was being tormented. Poor dear, must have a troubled ordeal with other tailors in his past. This commission was indeed a peculiar request, Princess Luna herself asked this of me, and I will not disappoint. If a hero needs a gown, it shall be befitting of him. His new uniform is inspired by the service dress of the royal guards, sure this wasn't a formal event like the Gala, but I would at least make it worthy of it.

A wolf in uniform. . . a handsome mix. I'll need to do his hair too!

I carried on my work, before I finally deemed it a final draft.

'So darling, how do you feel?' I asked.

'I. . . can't breathe. . .' he told me.

'Oh hush, not how you feel, but how do you feel?' he stared at me blankly, 'oh, just look in the mirror already!'

He did as told, and he stood there transfixed.

'I. . .' he muttered.

'. . . Speechless is always a good sign, but I will need some proper feedback at some point.' I told him.

'Its. . . good. . .' he muttered, almost enraging me.

'Good?' I pouted, 'surely there are more words you can describe my beautiful, elegant, DISTINGUISHED-!'

'Unique. . .' he interrupted, 'Special. . . beautiful. . . and. . . amazing. . .'

'. . . About time, I deem this draft acceptable!' I cheered, removing his garments, 'now, onto the next preparation!'

'Uh. . . what preparation!?' he asked, sounding almost concerned.

'Grooming!' I lifted him into the air with my magic, and carried him off, 'Time for a bath and haircut!'

'Nononononono!' he screamed in fear, but I knew, and he knew I had to finish the job.

|[=-=]|

The night sky was alight. Fireworks of colours and size broke the darkness, and everyone cheered and chanted as they came and went with a flash and a bang. For once the princess of the night and the day were both together for a day off at last. In celebration of bravery, kindness and. . . a friend of mine. Celestia was kind to Runt as well, although I've never seen them as close, I feel she came merely for the cake. Regardless, the night is electric, and me and my sister were here to enjoy it. The guest of honour hasn't arrived yet, we were all waiting. . . and waiting. . . I couldn't help but feel board.

Seen everything, done everything, so what is there to do?

'Quite dull, isn't it Luna?' Celestia asked.

'You said it, not me.' I joked, she gave a laugh as well.

'Any ideas?' she asked, I couldn't help but ponder that.

'Stars. . . shining bright above you,' I began, 'Night breezes seem to whisper I love you.'

'Birds singing in the sycamore trees,' Sister joined me, 'Dream a little dream of me, say nighty-night and kiss me.'

And together, we sang on:

Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me, While I'm alone and blue as can be, Dream a little dream of me

Stars fading but I linger on dear, Still craving your kiss, I'm longing to linger till dawn dear, Just saying this. . .

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you, Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you, But in your dreams whatever they be, Dream a little dream of me

Stars fading but I linger on dear, Still craving your kiss, I'm longing to linger till dawn dear, Just saying this

Sweet dreams, till sunbeams find you, gotta keep dreaming leave all worries behind you, But in your dreams whatever they be, You gotta make me a promise, promise to me, You'll dream, dream a little of me. . .

When we finished, there was a great cheer from the Ponies around us, all of them showed their admiration.

'Sounds like you practised Sister,' Celestia began, 'for whom were you practising for?'

'. . . No Pony in particular. . .' I confessed.

'Well, then I guess I need to find a non-pony then.' I could see her smug expression, but then again I couldn't wholly understand the reasoning.

Where is he? I thought, I couldn't help asking that question.

|[=-=]|

Rarity walked me to the party, she couldn't help but hit me for every tug I made to my dressing. I could feel I had bruises all over my body at this point, but every blow was precise, she avoided anywhere that would damage the look.

'How are you feeling?' she asked.

'Sore. . . if I bled all my fur would be grey stained.' I told her.

'But you still look rather dashing, I'm sure everyone will be thrilled!' she enthused, 'But Princess Luna asked you specifically meet her upon arrival, so we better hurry! Those last adjustments took far too long.'

'Why would she want that?' I asked.

'I didn't ask.' She confessed, 'but I'm sure the reason is great!'

'Your majesties, my I present: Runt of Grey Skull!' Rarity introduced, and I bowed my head as she told me to when we arrived.

'Runt of Grey Skull, you have performed a task of daring in the name of those not of your own kind, you risked your life without thought of reward or victory.' Celestia began, 'You stood in defence of Ponyville from the darkness, but now you stand in the light. With your humble service, I part onto you the blessing most species receive, but you yourself have lived without for so long.'

'I'm. . . honoured. . .' I had no idea what she was talking about.

'Bow your head Runt.' She asked, I did as she told and closed my eyes, 'I grant you vision, of the world as it truly is!'

I felt something touch my forehead, something like bone which grazed my fur. I opened my eyes, but all I saw was searing white light. I howled and jumped back in pain, shaking my head.

'GRAH! What is this!? It hurts!? I-!' I opened my eyes again, and the familiar world I was in was. . . gone. It was Vibrant and alive, everything was different, and. . . beautiful. 'This. . . this is. . .'

I turned to Celestia, I could feel myself struggling to contain the feelings rising. Her mane was. . . full of so many shades and flowing. I looked to Luna, and saw her dark flowing mane as well, they both were very. . . beautiful.

'Fly. . . Fluttershy!' I yelled as I ran off, in search of her, 'she told me about this! She knows this!'

|[=-=]|

'. . . Sister?' Celestia asked, 'won't you tell him?'

'. . . In time.' I answered, and I walked off, 'I think I'll have some refreshments, Sister.'

'Then enjoy yourself,' she called out, 'I too will enjoy some cake.'

|[=-=]|

It was beautiful. Pinkie really out did herself, the entire town was out here. Octavia and Vinyl were playing on the bandstand, while applejacks family and other bakers were working the food for everyone. Everypony else however were dancing, playing, and doing so much more. I rarely come to parties other than pinkies little get togethers, but thankfully I wasn't alone. Angel and other little friends were with me, surely nothing could go wrong-

'Fluttershy!' I looked to see Runt running at me, full speed, 'Fluttershy help me!'

He crashed into me, all my little critter friends scattered. He was on top of me, he held me pinned beneath him and I couldn't help but blush.

'You told me about colours, and how they are all different and strange, the princess did something and I can see. . . see. . . your pink mane!' he got off me and ran around in a circle, 'This is. . . this is-!'

'Amazing. . .' I cheered, 'that is amazing, really!'

'P-pink mane, yellow fur, and. . . and. . .' he looked at me closely, 'can. . . you teach me more?'

I could look into his eyes, and see the wonder that a young colt or mare wound have, seeing a new world around them.

'. . . Of course!' I cheered, leading him around the table, 'you got the Pink's, Red's and Blue's, we have the Green grass beneath out hooves. . . and paws, and the dark blue in the sky, and there is so much more!'

'Then please teach me!' he pleaded.

'Well, how much do you want to see?' I asked.

'. . . All of it!' he enthused.

If this is what he's gonna be like from now on, I think Runt will be an even greater friend!

|[=-=]|

Mingling with the Ponies of Ponyville was pleasant, although it is not as thrilling as Frightmare Night but still fun enough. Party games, sweet foods and something called karaoke which will begin on Miss Pinkie's command. Quite an ominous ruling. I would take to the dance floor, but the one they call Vinyl stood down and miss Octavia began playing a sweet symphony. It appears befitting for pairings and couples, however. . .I would think of asking sister to join me, but she was getting acquainted with some pony else she has met. She was with him on the grassy dance floor.

If. . . if only. . .

'The stars look beautiful tonight.' I turned to see Runt standing with me, 'would they be your doing?'

'I may have risen the moon off its Luna cycle, but it really is nothing that special.' I admitted, but it really was at Pinkie's request.

'I guess it's just so much more, when you see everything. . .' he said, 'I really need to thank your sister.'

Tell him. . .

'She didn't know about this. . .' I began, 'Not until I told her at least and. . . suggested it to her. . .'

'You. . . asked her to do this?' he asked.

'Your dreams were so dark, but I realised it wasn't the dream, but your view of the world.'

'I. . . don't know how to thank you. . .' he said, but I then had an idea.

'Well. . . care to-'

'It's Karaoke time!' the one called Pinkie shouted as she wrapped her hooves around my neck and rushed me over to the stage.

'Pinkie, what are you-!' Runt was shouting, I only realised she grabbed him as well.

'Karaoke time!' she screamed as she pounced off the stage.

'What is Karaoke!?' Runt howled, but I noticed Pinkie left pages of music sheets on the stage.

'I think she. . . wants us to sing.' I told him.

'What!? I don't sing!' he made asserted.

'Could be fun.' I attempted to coax him into it.

'No.' he said flatly.

'. . . that's fine,' I began, smirking a little, '. . . I understand if you're afraid.'

'How dare you, I-!' and the music began.

|[=-=]|

'Go row the boat to safer grounds, but don't you know we're stronger now, my heart still beats and my skin still feels, my lungs still breathe, my mind still fears, But we're running out of time, time, for the echo's in my mind, cry' Luna was singing. . . and it was amazing, 'there's blood on your lies, disguise opened wide. There is nowhere for you to-'

'Hide. . .' I cut in, 'The hunter's moon is shining-'

And she joined me, as we .

'I'm running with the wolves tonight, I'm running with the wolves, I'm running with the wolves tonight, I'm running with the wolves, I'm running with the!'

It was hard, I struggled reading since I started to learn, but thanks to Twilight I was given some proper teaching. And I was grateful she did, I was privileged to join Luna with this song.

'I'm running with the wolves tonight, I'm running with the wolves!' we finished together, the lyrics were very curious.

'I can't help but feel Miss Pinkie Pie chose that song for the occasion.' She jested, laughing.

I laughed as well.

'See, I am no coward.' I mused.

'Well, are you brave enough to dance?' she closed her eyes as she asked.

'. . . Well, can you dance like a wolf?' I asked as I started to walk of the stage.

'That was amazing!' Twilight was waiting for us, 'you two were great!'

'I'm surprised people enjoyed it.' I mused.

'Was I that bad?' Luna asked.

'N-no, you were. . . harmonious!' I defended her, and she looked at me curiously, 'I. . . don't sing. . . and I think I'm terrible. . .'

'You were great, Runt.' Luna enthused, 'I. . . must speak to my sister, excuse me.'

She walked away, leaving us behind.

'Thank you. . . for your teaching, I. . . wouldn't have been able to do that without it.' I thanked her, as we walked to the food tables.

'Well, while your body was healing, it was worth expanding your mind.' She smiled.

'I'm grateful, I should return those books. . .' I began, I looked to see Luna and Celestia talking, 'But I'm curious. . . Alicorns.'

'Yes, what about them-us-we?' she asked.

'I'd. . . like to know more.' I asked.

|[=-=]|

I returned to find Runt and Twilight were gone, I searched for a while and found them talking by the food table. Twilight left as I approached, but I could see Runt seemed. . . troubled.

What were they talking about?

'Hey, what is the matter?' I asked.

'N-nothing. . . I just. . . you wanted to dance?' he asked.

'. . . Yes, shall we.' He followed me as we approached the dancefloor, I looked to see Miss Octavia preparing another for another, and she began.

I almost stepped onto the grass which has been dubbed the dance floor, but. . . Runt wasn't at my side. I looked back to see him, he was looking out into the distance, beyond the paddock the party was going on in. I walked back to him.

'What is it?' I asked.

'There's. . . a scent in the wind. . . a strange odour. . . its familiar. . .' he looked up, I looked to see the moon, 'She. . . has power. . .'

He bolted towards the stage. I chased after him before I took to the air just to keep up.

'We all need to leave!' he shouted as he passed Celestia, he got up on stage and rammed Miss Octavia's instrument off the stage, 'Everyone, you all need to leave, your all in danger!'

Everyone groaned, some were muttering and panicking as I landed on the stage.

'Runt, what is it?! Your scaring everyone!' I questioned, but he was staring off into the distance, his ears drooped.

'Mother. . . has come. . .' he whispered, I turned to the distance, and I could see it. . .