//------------------------------//
// Cast Out (5) 
// Story: Not Everyone Gets a Happily Ever After in Equestria 
// by Nyx_Enchanted_Zandra 
//------------------------------//

	Nyx finally reached Canterlot, and began searching for her home. "This place IS my home, and they ARE my family,'' she told herself. "I have to find them!" Her ambition energized her soul, pushing her forwards. 


Days had passed, but Nyx made it home. Her eyes begged for a chance to see her family again. Ever-persistent, she raced through the bustling city of home. Rewarded, after a few hours, when her sore eyes rested upon her home. 37 Sunrise Way, the address plate read. Butterflies fluttered inside Nyx's stomach. How would her family react to their lost filly returning home? Would they treat her with more respect? Would they punish her? Nyx didn't care about these things. She was home, and that was all that mattered. Just to peek, she flew over to the window. She looked in, and saw Shining Armor sitting on the couch with Twilight. Above them, the family photos stood on a shelf. Running her eyes though them, Nyx noticed something. A new picture stood where the old family photograph used to sit. In it was Mom, Dad, Shining Armor, and Twilight. Nyx was nowhere to be seen. On the side it read, "Our Family, Together Forever". Nyx's heart sank with realization that that cruel voice had been right. They showed no sign of caring or loving her anymore.

Again, Nyx flew away to the Everfree, and ran 'till she was exhausted. "Why don't they love me? Why... why don't they...." Nyx burst into tears, every one stinging like acid against her dark blue coat. Sobs echoed through the trees, resonating in Nyx's heart. Sorrow and pain occupied the place where happiness and joy once resided. For hours, all the forest creatures heard was her cries and broken-heartedness.

"So...... when do I get to say "I told you so"?" The voice had returned. 
"Not you again," Nyx scowled. "I've had enough of you. Go away."
"What? We ARE the same pony and you know it. I feel and think as you do. That's all I'm going to say."
"What else do you want? I'm not in the mood."
"I'm only here because you are."

Stuck with the annoying accomplice, Nyx trudged through the bushes and bracken, content only if she was far away from Canterlot. Dark thoughts filled her mind, finding reason to hate those unicorns who she once called family. Finally tired, she settled down for the night. 

When she awoke, she found, to her surprise, a sack laying a few yards away. Curious as to what it held, Nyx walked over to the burlap bag. She poked it. It wiggled beneath her hoof. Injured cries penetrated the scratchy cover. "Another pony?" Nyx thought. "Why would they be here? And why in a sack?"

Little did she know that the contents of the sack would change her life forever.