The New Prince


                                            Part I:

                                            >*WHOMP*

                                            >Your body is shocked awake by something cold and wet settling underneath it.

                                            >*SQUISH*

                                            >It feels like...mud?

                                            >You quickly free yourself from the puddle of wet dirt and sit upright.

                                            >Dark trees and hedges surround you, seemingly stretching out forever on all sides.

                                            >Wait a minute, what are you doing out here?

                                            >The last thing you remember was walking down the city road when a bright light suddenly engulfed you.

                                            >Then everything went black.

                                            >You're suddenly pulled from your thoughts as a symphony of ominous howls flood the woods.

                                            >Wherever "HERE" is, it doesn't sound very safe.

                                            >You scramble to your feet but trip and fall back into the mud.

                                            "What the buck?!" You squeak in frustration.

                                            >Your legs feel a lot shorter and stubbier than usual.

                                            >Oh no, someone chopped your legs off!

                                            "Huh?!"

                                            >Why does your voice sound so young and squeaky?!

                                            >Another series of howls tear through the fog, sending a nasty shiver down your spine.

                                            >It's time to leave. NOW.

                                            >With a grunt of effort, you jerk your hooves free from the muck and gallop into the darkness.

                                            >Eh? Galloping?

                                            >You look down at your limbs and gasp.

                                            >Your arms. Your legs. They've changed!

                                            >The hands and feet you used to know are gone, seemingly replaced by some crude green stumps.

                                            >Come to think of it, why do you seem so comfortable running around on all fours?

                                            >It's almost like you're some kind of animal?

                                            >A million questions swarm your mind at once, but the chilling howls leave little time to properly ponder them.

                                            >*THUMP* *THUMP* THUMP*

                                            >You're definitely not alone in these woods.

                                            >The howls become louder, and greater in number.

                                            >Sweat begins dripping from your face.

                                            >The darkened skyline does little to help you navigate this seemingly endless labyrinth of trees and shrubs.

                                            >One thought pushes to the center of your mind.

                                            >If you don't get out of here and fast, then those creatures will eat you for dinner.


                                            Part II:

                                            >*BUMP*

                                            >Your flank is spanked by a low-hanging tree branch.

                                            >*CRUNCH*

                                            >Your hooves become tangled in a cluster of vines.

                                            "NEEEEEEEEEEIGH!"

                                            >Oh dear Celestia, even your cries of anguish are adorable.

                                            >It's so dark...if only you could see where you're going...

                                            >*SPARK*

                                            >Suddenly a small light radiates from your forehead.

                                            >WOW.wav

                                            >So many questions, so little time.

                                            >*HOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWLLLLLLLLLL*

                                            >You snort in frustration and gallop as fast as your stubbly legs will allow.

                                            >At least your surroundings are easier to see, but now the monsters can see YOU more clearly.

                                            >It feels like you've been galloping forever. Will this forest never end?!

                                            >Your question is answered by a bright light radiating from the other end of the narrow path.

                                            "FREEDOM!" You shout excitedly.

                                            >The light draws closer and closer until it's almost blinding.

                                            >At last, salvation is at hoof!

                                            >*THUD*

                                            "OOF!"

                                            >You collide with something standing at the forest's edge and fall back on your rump.

                                            >"Hmm?"

                                            >Strike that, you collided with somePONY.

                                            "I'm sorry, I didn't mean-" You gasp.

                                            >There stands a tall white mare, her colorful mane flowing in the breeze.

                                            >She's no ordinary horse that's for sure.

                                            >There's a certain aura about her, almost a godlike presence if you're being honest.

                                            >"Oh! Hello little one." She smiles warmly at you. "Where did you come from?"

                                            >You open your mouth to respond, but her radiant beauty has you cooing in awe like a giddy child.

                                            >"Is something the matter, dear?" She chuckles at your adorable display.

                                            >*HOOOOOOOWWWWWWWLLLLLLLLLLLLL*

                                            >Your hair stands on end.

                                            >Without thinking, you scramble behind the tall mare and whimper.

                                            >Three monsters immediately jump out from the foliage and snarl as they approach from the darkness.


                                            Part III:

                                            >"Oh no, timberwolves!"

                                            >The mare clops her hooves together, summoning a tough-looking earth pony in shiny armor.

                                            >"At your service, my Princess."

                                            >The red stallion bows respectfully but the princess raises a hoof to stop him.

                                            >"There's no time for the usual pleasantries, Commander Iron Heart."

                                            >She points a hoof towards the approaching wooden canines.

                                            >"Timberwolves are once again wandering too close to our kingdom."

                                            >"Timberwolves?!" Commander Iron Heart quickly places himself between the princess and the timberwolves. "Begone, filthy dogs! You shall bring no harm to the princess!"

                                            >"I can handle these three." Her horn flares up with a magical aura. "You must rally the troops and protect our citizen ponies at all costs!"

                                            >The Commander hesitates for a moment, but quickly recomposes himself.

                                            >"As you wish, your highness."

                                            >The stallion quickly bows and gallops off towards the town square.

                                            >Soon the sounds of panicking ponies rise above the village.

                                            >M-MORE Timberwolves are coming?!

                                            >The mare scoops you up in her hoof and holds you close.

                                            >You yelp and snuggle into the majestic pony for dear life.

                                            >She feels you trembling in her embrace and responds by hugging you closer.

                                            >"There there little one, be not afraid." She reassures you in a soothing voice.

                                            >You utter a frightened mewl and look into her eyes as she smiles.

                                            >It's oddly comforting to be held by such a kind and caring horse.

                                            >But can she really fight off these scary monsters?!

                                            >The mare digs her hooves into the ground and glares at the three growling gremlins.

                                            >"You are not welcome here, timberwolves."

                                            >She shoots a beam of multi-colored light at the middle timberwolf, instantly vaporizing it into ashes.

                                            >The two remaining wolves stop in their tracks.

                                            >"Leave now, or join your fallen friend in the depths of oblivion."

                                            >Her horn reignites, ready to finish them off in one fell swoop.


                                            Part IV:

                                            >Shockingly, the two wolves back down with a whimper and scramble back into the woods.

                                            >Relief and disbelief fight for dominance in your mind.

                                            >This mare must be REALLY strong to scare off such frightening creatures like that.

                                            >"Are you alright, little one?"

                                            >The heartfelt concern in her voice moves you to tears.

                                            >You look up and stare into her beautiful pink eyes with a small gasp.

                                            >There's something about this mare that just HUMBLES you, makes you feel safe...but it's not clear why...

                                            "Y-Yes, thank you Mommy-" You quickly cover your mouth.

                                            >Why did you just call her that?!

                                            >"Mommy?" stares at you for a brief moment.

                                            >"Curious..." She stretches out her mighty wings. "I have been known as many things over the millennia."

                                            >Suddenly you're thrust into softness as she clears the tree line with a single flap of her wings.

                                            >"But never before has somepony called me THAT."

                                            >You snuggle into her warm coat, earning a playful giggle from the motherly mare.

                                            >More and more questions come to mind, but her warm hugs and gentle words compel you to go with the flow.

                                            >She seems to be quite a kind and loving mare, so why ruin the moment?

                                            >There will be time to talk later, assuming nothing else happens.

                                            >*HOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWLLLLLL*

                                            >You look down at the village.

                                            >Dozens of armor-clad ponies are hard at work building defenses and fending off another pack of timberwolves.

                                            >Many other ponies are in full panic mode, frantically barricading their homes or packing small wagons to evacuate.

                                            "Mommy, are they going to be okay?" You point to the chaotic scene unfolding below.

                                            >"I understand your concern, little one."

                                            >The princess pats your head and continues flying towards an unknown destination.

                                            >"But our kind is tougher than we appear."

                                            >You see the pony soldiers begin to gain ground against the timberwolves.

                                            >"Commander Iron Heart has everything well in hoof."

                                            >You squint your eyes and see the same red stallion from earlier, rallying his troops and fighting off three timberwolves with a sword.

                                            "Wow, that guy is so brave!"

                                            >"Indeed he is." She declares proudly. "Courage of that caliber is what separates the leaders from the followers."

                                            >The supporting troops quickly arm themselves and join their leader on the front lines.

                                            >It's truly awe-inspiring to see the ponies work together and defend their homes as well as each other from such a terrifying enemy.

                                            >"This isn't the first time we've faced this manner of foe."

                                            >The princess sighs in frustration and stares off into the distance.

                                            >"And it certainly won't be the last..."


                                            Part V:

                                            >You see a castle rapidly approaching on the horizon.

                                            >"Here we are!" The princess proudly declares.

                                            >The castle grounds sit at the edge of a mighty cliff, adorned with many ivory towers.

                                            >Their walls and pointed rooftops feature elaborate gold trim that glistens in the moonlight.

                                            >Two mighty waterfalls pour out from the castle's sides, plunging into the dark valley below.

                                            >It's like something out of a fairytale!

                                            "Wow!" You excitedly shout. "Do you really live in a house like this, Mommy?!"

                                            >The mare gently lands on a particular balcony and sets you down upon the shiny marble flooring.

                                            >"Yes indeed, little one." She smiles with a wave of her hoof. "Welcome to my royal home."

                                            >You immediately look around the massive chamber, taking in every single fancy detail your little eyes could handle.

                                            >Delicate gossamer curtains hang from every window.

                                            >Detailed tapestries depicting ponies and landscapes line the walls.

                                            >Long purple carpets mark the walkways from here to the entrance.

                                            >Various potted plants, dressers, and shelves of knick-knacks fill out the room to give it a cozy atmosphere.

                                            >In the middle of all this regal splendor lies a large gilded bed, complete with gold-tasseled blankets and pillows.

                                            >You can't wait to snuggle up to Mommy in that big comfy bed!

                                            >*ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAR!*

                                            >Your mother's eyes widen in terror as a mighty roar shakes the walls around you.

                                            "W-What was t-that?!" You stammer.

                                            >Not wasting another second, you scramble over to your mother and hide beneath her underbelly.

                                            >"Oh no..."

                                            >The princess' worried tone sends you into a trembling fit.

                                            >Another heavy roar tears through the castle.

                                            >"Wait here, little one." Your mother commands. "I must go now."

                                            >The startled mare returns to the balcony and prepares to take flight.

                                            "Wha-?!" You cling to her leg. "Please don't go Mommy! I'm s-scared!"

                                            >She pauses for a moment, and then gently pats you on the head.

                                            >"I'm scared too." She looks into your eyes.

                                            >Oh no, whatever's happening must be REALLY dangerous if your mother is scared!

                                            >You prepare to beg her again, but she silences your protest with a kiss to the forehead.

                                            >"Don't worry my little pony, I'll return shortly." She calmly reassures you.

                                            >Tears flow from your eyes in one last attempt to convince momhorse to stay, but there's no changing her mind now.

                                            "Please be careful Mommy..."

                                            >You whimper as she disappears into the rising smoke.


                                            Part VI:

                                            >The sounds of chaos erupt from Canterlot town square.

                                            >Through squinted eyes you see some kind of giant timberwolf taking shape.

                                            >You gasp as the smaller timberwolves are quickly absorbed into its ever-growing body.

                                            >Now fully formed, the "titanwolf" stands head and shoulders above even the tallest village structures.

                                            >Its three heads viciously roar, sending even the mighty Captain Iron Heart scurrying in terror.

                                            >One pony stands between it and the fleeing villagers: your dear mother.

                                            "Oh no..." You squeak.

                                            >The princess begins her assault, blasting the creature with beams of strong magic.

                                            >At first it looks like the monster is taking serious damage from your mother's attacks.

                                            >In a stunning turn of events, the beast begins pulling wood from the shattered corpses of its brethren, and is soon fully reformed.

                                            >Your mother is now quivering before the terrible beast.

                                            >This is bad.

                                            >REALLY BAD.

                                            >The titanwolf turns its attention to a group of fleeing ponies near the south entrance.

                                            "Run, RUN EVERYPONY!"

                                            >You begin frantically banging your hooves on the balcony rail.

                                            "The mean old wolf is going to eat you!"

                                            >The ponies turn to look at their pursuer for a split second.

                                            >That split second of hesitation is all the time it needs.

                                            >*CRUNCH*

                                            >You physically reel at the sound of ponies screaming for their lives as they're ripped apart by the wolf's three massive jaws.

                                            >The creature licks its bloodied teeth and sets its gaze upon your frightened mother.

                                            >NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

                                            >YOU HAVE TO HELP YOUR MOMMY BEFORE SHE GETS GOBBLED UP!

                                            >But she told you to stay put...

                                            >There's no time for hesitation.

                                            >Disobeying your mother is NOT what a good foal would do, but if you don't do SOMETHING...

                                            >...she might not live to be angry with you.

                                            >That's it, your mind is made up.

                                            "Hang on Mommy, I'm coming!" You shriek.

                                            >Concentrate! Focus on being there for your mother in her hour of need!


                                            Part VII:

                                            >*POOF*

                                            >You open your eyes to see a familiar-looking mare standing tall in the face of certain doom.

                                            "Mommy!" You squeal.

                                            >"Little one, is that you?!"

                                            >The motherly matriarch turns around and gasps.

                                            >"W-What are you doing here?! I told you to stay in the castle!"

                                            >You hug her leg and whimper in defiance.

                                            "I'm here to p-protect you, M-Mommy..." Your voice trails off.

                                            >Wait a second, how are YOU going to protect HER from THAT?

                                            >Of all the times to not fully think things through...

                                            >The wooden hellhound roars once more and swings a mighty paw in your direction.

                                            >"Look out!"

                                            >Your mother quickly grabs you and rolls to the side.

                                            >*CRASH*

                                            >The titanwolf's claws tear through a nearby house, instantly splintering it into matchwood.

                                            >The dust soon settles and you're greeted with a horrifying scene.

                                            >There in the middle of the rubble lies a bloodied mare clutching her foal.

                                            >They don't move.

                                            >They don't blink.

                                            >They don't make any sounds at all.

                                            >Your tear-stained eyes look around in confusion as momhorse quickly scoops you up in her hooves.

                                            >"Please look away, little one." She replies. "Such things were never meant to be seen by young eyes."

                                            >You sniffle and bury your face into her chest.

                                            >That evil monster...it killed these poor innocent ponies!

                                            >What did they ever do to deserve this?!

                                            "Why, Mommy?" You mewl in distress. "Why do these monsters want to kill us?"

                                            >You cling to her even tighter than before.

                                            "Did we do something wrong?"

                                            >Your ears perk up at the sounds of sniffles coming from above.

                                            >"No, my little colt." She leans down and gently nuzzles you. "Sometimes bad things happen to good ponies."


                                            Part VIII:

                                            >The mighty beast approaches from a cloud of debris and snarls, its six eyes locked directly onto you.

                                            >Your mother cuddles you close and snorts in defiance.

                                            >"You have caused enough destruction for one lifetime, foul beast." She coldly declares.

                                            >*MAGICK NOISES*

                                            >You watch your mother fire up another spell and aim at the monster's middle head.

                                            >*ZAP*

                                            >The monster's head is blown clean off, leaving a ragged stump in its place.

                                            >The creature howls in pain reels back on its hind legs.

                                            >You look around and notice there are no timberwolf corpses left for it to consume and self-heal.

                                            >Yes! Nothing than stop your mom now!

                                            >The titanwolf twists its remaining two heads and each one attacks momhorse from different angles.

                                            >She dodges the right head with the grace of a dancer, but the left head is too fast!

                                            >*THWOMP*

                                            >You and your mother are sent flying into a nearby building, crashing through the front window and landing against a table.

                                            >"Are-*GASP* Are you alright my little pony?" She asks in a panic.

                                            >Thankfully you landed in somethi-erm, somePONY soft.

                                            "I'm okay Mommy." You reassure her.

                                            >She breathes a sigh of relief and tucks you under her wing.

                                            >"This beast must destroyed and quickly, before it wipes out the entire village."

                                            >The mare begins channeling all of her magic for one final attack to put this dumb dog down for the count.

                                            >It's too late.

                                            >The titanwolf pins you both to the ground with its claw and prepares to feast on your flesh with its remaining heads.

                                            >Your mother struggles to concentrate on the spell as she's slowly crushed underfoot.

                                            >"HRRRK!"

                                            >She's rapidly losing strength amongst the sounds of snapping bones and tearing flesh.

                                            >You too are feeling the pressure of being squashed against mothermare's body.

                                            >"B-Be brave *GASP* my little pony..." Blood begins dripping from her mouth. "This will be *CRUNCH* o-over soon..."

                                            >The pain is becoming too much to handle.

                                            >"But *HUFF* always remember, M-Mommy loves you...very *NNGH* v-very much-" Her breaths are becoming shorter and more frantic.

                                            >You tremble in horror at the sight of her eyes slowly closing.

                                            >No, this can't be happening.

                                            >You didn't even get to spend one DAY with your new mother.

                                            >WHAT KIND OF END TO LIFE IS THIS?!

                                            >You feel a warm glow deep inside, one that's burning to be unleashed.

                                            "MOMMMEEEEEEEIIIIIIIGGGGGGHHHHHHH!"

                                            >Your war cry is followed up with a massive ball of light that consumes the entire area.


                                            Part IX:

                                            >Yay, it worked! Take THAT you evil giant wolf!

                                            >The massive monster falls onto its back and begins clawing at its eyes.

                                            >Its groans of pain are music to your ears.

                                            >Who could've guessed that light was so effective against timberwolves?

                                            >Momhorse turns her head and immediately fires a magic beam with all of her might.

                                            >"BEGOOOOOOOONE VILE CREATURE!" Her thundering voice almost sounds demonic in nature.

                                            >Your eyes practically pop out of their sockets as her beam of radiant light engulfs the monster's entire body.

                                            >The massive beast tries to lash out with its claws, but they shatter into splinters before reaching you.

                                            "YAY MOMMY!" You shout with delight.

                                            >You nuzzle into your mother's neck, encouraging her to stay strong and finish it off.

                                            >The titanwolf roars one last time before its entire body slowly disintegrates into nothing.

                                            >Everything falls silent, save for a gust of wind rattling the nearby debris.

                                            >"At last, it is done-"

                                            >Your mother collapses to the ground and gasps for air.

                                            >The mare's eyes roll into the back of her head.

                                            >Her wings fall limp into the surrounding mix of mud and blood.

                                            >The last thing you remember is screaming bloody murder before collapsing beside her.

                                            >...

                                            >You wake up to a throbbing headache and an ocean of panicked voices coming from every direction.

                                            >"Shhh, he's coming to!" One voice exclaims.

                                            >"Make way, give the little tyke some air!" Another voice shouts.

                                            >Your eyes slowly open, revealing a white tent full of ponies in surgical gowns.

                                            >In the back of the crowd stands princess motherhorse, who quickly makes her way to the foot of your bed.

                                            >"Oh thank heavens you're alright!"

                                            >Tears trickle down the sides of her cheeks.

                                            "M-Mommy?" You clutch your head in pain. "What *OW* h-happened?"

                                            >The mare smiles and picks you up with her magic.

                                            >"You saved me-neigh, the ENTIRE VILLAGE from that terrible timberwolf!"

                                            >She affectionately plants kisses all over your face, and you respond with an adorable whinny in return.

                                            "You were very brave, my sunshine." She smiles warmly. "Foolish, but brave."

                                            >Suddenly a royal trumpet sounds off near the tent entrance.

                                            >"Captain Iron Hoof has arrived, your majesty!" A squire announces from the tent flap.

                                            >The captain scrambles into the room with a somber expression upon his battle-scarred face.

                                            >"P-Princess Celestia, please forgive my earlier displays of cowardice."

                                            >The stalwart stallion bows with helmet in hoof, fighting back tears as he awaits your mother's response.

                                            >"It was wrong of me to abandon ponies in need, regardless of the circumstances!"

                                            >Your mother gently holds you to her chest and turns to face her subordinate with a stoic demeanor.


                                            Part X:

                                            >The poor stallion continues to grovel, but Momlestia raises a hoof to silence him.

                                            >"Please calm yourself, Captain."

                                            >Iron Hoof immediately ceases his blubbering and stands at attention.

                                            >"Such a monstrosity would strike fear into the heart of ANYpony who witnessed it." She continues.

                                            >The magnificent matriarch gently rocks you in her forearm.

                                            >Memories of last night's event come flooding back.

                                            >A village.

                                            >A forest.

                                            >A pack of timberwolves.

                                            >Blood.

                                            >Death.

                                            >Destruction.

                                            >By far the worst memory was that of your mother clutching you tightly, her eyes full of fear as the titanwolf slowly crushed her broken body.

                                            "Were you afraid too, Mommy?" You peep.

                                            >Her eyes widen before settling upon you.

                                            >"Yes, my sunshine." She nuzzles you. "Even princesses can feel fear from time to time."

                                            >The crowd responds with a heartfelt "DAWWWWW" while your mother blushes with embarrassment.

                                            >"There will be plenty of time for adoring my son later, but right now we need to focus our efforts on rebuilding."

                                            >Her subjects begin to bow respectfully but stop themselves short.

                                            >"SON?!" They cry out in unison.

                                            >Oh right, she only adopted you earlier tonight.

                                            >Momlestia never had the chance to tell anypony thanks to the damn timberwolf invasion.

                                            >The ponies drop their tools and excitedly talk amongst themselves about "the new prince", much to your mother's dismay.

                                            >"ENOUGH!" The princess shouts in her scary demon voice. "YOU ARE DISMISSED!"

                                            >Everypony scrambles out of the tent until only you, Momlestia, and Commander Iron Heart remain.

                                            >The stallion bravely stands at attention like nothing happened.

                                            >It looks like this isn't his first time experiencing her royal shouts.

                                            >Your mother yawns and rubs her eyes with her free hoof.

                                            >"We'll discuss this tomorrow, Captain." She motions towards the exit. "You may return to your post."

                                            >"As you wish, your highness." Commander Iron Heart bows and leaves the tent.

                                            >Soon you hear the sounds of many hooves galloping around the village.

                                            >Geez, is there no rest for the weary in this strange land?


                                            Part XI:

                                            >You jump down from the princess' embrace and look outside the tent flap.

                                            >The Commander haphazardly trots from street to street, barking all manner of orders to his troops.

                                            >"Bring food to the shelters!"

                                            >"Place more barricades around the perimeter!"

                                            >"Round up the wounded and send them to the closest medical tent!"

                                            >"And most importantly, bury the dead as quick as you can, lest the smell of their festering corpses attract more timberwolves!"

                                            >You see the bags under his eyes and the wobble in his steps.

                                            >That poor guy looks like he's ready to collapse on the spot!

                                            >"Please don't worry about the Commander, my sunshine."

                                            >Motherhorse nuzzles you from behind, as if to assuage your concerns.

                                            >"Our kingdom suffered a terrible onslaught today, so we need all hooves on deck to protect those who remain."

                                            >Wait, how did she know you were concerned?!

                                            >"Our royal guards will all enjoy a good long rest, as soon as the final preparations are completed."

                                            "Good to know-*YAWN*"

                                            >Your eyelids become heavy, your hooves feel like jello, and your mind is slowly losing focus.

                                            >Oh no, the adrenaline from your near-death experience is wearing off!

                                            >"Mmhmhm~!" She laughs. "It sounds like somepony ELSE is ready for bed!"

                                            "But Mommy, *more yawning* I'm not-!"

                                            >You begin to protest, but she scoops your tired body up in her hooves and takes to the sky once more.

                                            >"No 'buts', young stallion!" She playfully scolds you.

                                            >She soon reaches a familiar balcony and trots through the gossamer curtains leading to her bedchambers.

                                            >"Young foals need rest as well, even more so than grownups."

                                            >After a quick bathroom break, she gently places you on the bed and removes her royal garments.

                                            >You can't help but roll around on the soft blankets, excited for the comfortable sleep they'll soon bring.

                                            >"Would you like me to read you a story before bed?"

                                            "Not tonight, I'm too tired." You proclaim with a small yawn.

                                            >"Very well, perhaps another time then."

                                            >She climbs into bed and pulls up the blanket, covering both of you in a warm layer of fine silk.

                                            >"Goodnight, my sunshine." She coos.

                                            "Goodnight, Mommy." You settle into the sheets.

                                            >"Oh! I almost forgot." Momhorse leans in close. "What is your name, little one?"

                                            >Your sleepy eyes meet hers and you smile one last time.

                                            "Anonymous." You groggily answer. "But everypony *tired noises* calls me Anon..."

                                            >"Anonymous? What a handsome name-" She snuggles into you with a yawn of her own. "-for a handsome little colt..."

                                            >You snuggle into her warm chest and soon drift off to sleepyland.


                                            Part XII:

                                            >The sun is shining brightly on an open meadow behind the castle.

                                            >You, your mother, and an entourage of royal guard ponies set up a small perimeter around the site.

                                            >Momhorse conjures up a large red-checkered blanket and places it on the grass.

                                            >Several baskets full of food and drink appear out of nowhere and sit neatly upon the blanket.

                                            >You hungrily eye up the picnic spread and lick your lips.

                                            "Wow, this all looks so yummy, Mommy!"

                                            >You happily whinny and hop around like a silly wind-up toy.

                                            >Momlestia chuckles at your shenanigans and seats herself on the blanket.

                                            >She quickly places a hay sandwich, potato wedges, and glass of milk in front of you.

                                            >You grab the sandwich and chomp down with the hunger of a thousand foals.

                                            >Motherhorse digs into a nearby picnic basket and retrieves....a stick?

                                            >You put down your sandwich and stare at her strange food of choice.

                                            "Mommy?" You ask hesitantly.

                                            >"Yes, my sunshine?"

                                            >She turns to face you, smiling as though nothing was amiss.

                                            >You swallow your food and try to ignore the bad feeling that's creeping its way into your gut.

                                            "What's that?"

                                            >You cock your head in confusion and point a hoof at the large piece of wood on her plate.

                                            >"That would be my lunch, Anon." She snorts.

                                            >You physically recoil at the lack of love in her words.

                                            >What's going on?

                                            >Mommy sounds so mean, and why is she eating wood for lunch?!

                                            >Something is VERY wrong here, but any sort of logical explanation fails to reveal itself.

                                            >"Nona, em evas uoy t'ndid yhw?"

                                            >The mare closes her eyes and takes a big bite out of the stick.

                                            >Small trails of blood flow from the mare's eyelids.

                                            >She takes another bite, with much more force than the last.

                                            >The stick punctures her snout, but she pays no mind to it and continues to eat.

                                            >You scramble away from your mother and try to call for help.

                                            "Guards! Guards! Something's wrong with Mom-"

                                            >Your words die in your throat.


                                            Part XIII:

                                            >The guards rot away where they stand until bone and armor are all that remain.

                                            >Suddenly storm clouds approach from every direction, bathing the entire region in a cold empty darkness.

                                            >"WhY DiDN't YoU SaVE uS, YoUnG PRiNcE?!" They shout in a haunting monotone.

                                            >Their hollow voices float along the wind, echoing into a black void that's quickly swallowing up the land.

                                            >Chills run down your little green spine.

                                            >Your teeth chatter loudly.

                                            >Your heart feels like it's going to explode.

                                            >WHAT THE BUCK IS HAPPENING?!

                                            >You're in full crybaby mode now, but nopony answers your distressed cries.

                                            >Why isn't Mommy coming to comfort you? She always does!

                                            >You turn toward motherhorse and scream.

                                            >The ground around her erupts as a large monster emerges from its depths.

                                            >It towers over everypony and everything like some kind of giant.

                                            >Three large canine heads lean down and glare at you with large glowing yellow eyes.

                                            "No, it can't be..."

                                            >How did the titanwolf come back?!

                                            >You saw momhorse zap it into matchwood last night!

                                            >The creature snarls and turns its attention to Momlestia.

                                            "Mommy look out!" You cry.

                                            >She doesn't budge an inch, but simply glares at you as though YOU were the problem.

                                            >"I am GRAVELY disappointed in you, Anon."

                                            >*CHOMP*

                                            >"Had I known you were this wothless, I would've left you in the forest."

                                            >The titanwolf grabs her delicate white body and hoists it into the air.

                                            >"You couldn't save me or anypony else from this monster."

                                            >You watch in shock as the titanwolf tears your mother apart and quickly gobbles her up.

                                            >A bloody crown falls from the creature's jaws and lands at your hooves.

                                            "MOMMEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIIIGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!"

                                            >You close your eyes thrash around in the darkness, desperate to get away from the horrifying scene.

                                            >"A-n-o-n-"

                                            >Momhorse's voice bleeds out from the belly of the beast.

                                            >You plug your ears and neigh like a lunatic.

                                            >PLEASE, SOMEPONY, MAKE IT STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!


                                            Part XIV:

                                            >"Anon?!"

                                            >Your mother's voice calls out to you from the void.

                                            >"Anon! What's wrong, sweetie?!"

                                            >Two hooves gently wrap around you.

                                            >Your eyes shoot open, revealing a familiar-looking room shrouded in darkness.

                                            >"A-Anon!"

                                            >Momhorse casts a small light spell and gently shakes your quivering body.

                                            >"Please, speak to me!"

                                            >Your ear perks up at the sound of love and concern permeating her words.

                                            "M-M-Mmmmm-mmmm-mmmmm-!"

                                            >You roll to the side until you're looking into momhorse's eyes in the light of her horn.

                                            >"Did you have a bad dream, my sunshine?" She smiles.

                                            >That does it, THAT BUCKING DOES IT.

                                            "MOMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!"

                                            >You squirm over and neigh into her chest.

                                            >She responds by gently stroking your back.

                                            >"ShhShhShh...it's alright, my sunshine." She coos.

                                            >Oh no, you're sobbing AND hyperventilating now!

                                            >Please don't let this be another nightmare.

                                            >PLEASE.

                                            >PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEPLEASEASEPLEASEPLEASE-

                                            >"It was just a bad dream, that's all."

                                            >She plants delicate kisses all over your face.

                                            >"You're safe now, sweetie. I promise."

                                            >After what felt like hours, you finally manage to calm down.

                                            >You have to make sure THIS is real, but how.

                                            >Without thinking, you bite your right foreleg good and hard.

                                            "OUCH!"

                                            >The bite mark yields a small trickle of blood.

                                            >Not a dream, definitely not a dream!

                                            >You look up at her and sniffle while wiping the tears from your eyes.

                                            >Momlestia's radiant smile puts you at ease, but it's hard to ignore the fear hiding just beyond her eyes.

                                            >"Are you alright now, my sunshine?"

                                            >You snuggle into her for dear life and whimper.

                                            "Y-Yes Mommy."

                                            >You take a deep breath and try to calm these frazzled nerves.


                                            Part XV:

                                            >"I'm glad to hear that."

                                            >She plants another kiss on your forehead, earning a small giggle out of you for her efforts.

                                            >"Now please, tell Mommy what happened."

                                            >She tries to coax a response out of you with more tender cuddles and headpats.

                                            >AND IT WORKS!

                                            "W-Well, you see-"

                                            >It's hard to organize one's thoughts among all this fear and trauma.

                                            >Come on Anon, pull yourself together!

                                            >MaternalMonarch needs to know what happened!

                                            >With a shaky voice, you explain the nightmare to her in excruciating detail.

                                            >The picnic.

                                            >The storm clouds.

                                            >The rotting guards.

                                            >THE TITANWOLF!

                                            >Princess Mom listens in silence, her face gradually shifting from one of tenderness to one of pure shock.

                                            "And the very worst part *sniff* w-was when the wolf gobbled you up right in front of me!"

                                            >The princess places a hoof over her mouth and gasps.

                                            "I couldn't save you Mommy!"

                                            >You begin trembling all over as the tears begin flowing once again.

                                            >"Oh you poor, POOR thing~!"

                                            >She snuggles you back into her soft body.

                                            "Your last words were *hic* something about me being useless and how *SNIFF* you should've left me in the woods..."

                                            >The lack of response from momhorse compounds your distress even further.

                                            "I'm so sorry, I wasn't able to help you or the poor guard ponies."

                                            >More silence.

                                            >Perhaps she really DOES think you're useless...

                                            >"Anon, look at me."

                                            >You stare into her glowing purple eyes and whimper.

                                            >"Regardless of the circumstances, I will never, EVER speak to you in such a foul manner."

                                            >She hugs you close and sighs.

                                            >"You are a good little colt, and I love you with all my heart."