Chapter 9: Encroaching Nightmares
Shortly after our agreement, we talked a bit about scheduling. I let slip I wasn't technically living anywhere and before I could backtrack she was offering for me to stay here! Of course... I refused, but that didn't stop her from making me stay the night.
However right now, I found myself locked in a glaring match with the Zebra across from me.
"No." I stated from the stool I was sitting on, arms crossed.
"If you're going to be staying here for any length of time you will clean yourself." Zecora sternly replied, getting another huff from me.
'I'd just had a bath a little over a week ago! It's not like I smelled that bad... right?'
When I thought she wasn't looking, I took a small sniff under my arm and cringed in disgust. Turns out three days of blood and sweat does start to reek a little, and I let out a gravely sigh as I pinched the bridge of my nose.
"Okay, fine. I'll use this shower of yours." I surrendered, eliciting a smug smile from the Zebra.
Holding the smile, she motioned to a door at the back of her hut which I hadn't noticed yet. Hesitating for a second as I looked between the two, I groaned and stood from my seat. Ignoring her stare I said nothing as I passed her, unlatching the amulet from my neck and quickly sliding into the bathroom. Part of me dreaded what I was about to walk into... seeing the plumbing in Stormwind I could only imagine the infrastructure these ponies had.
However, my worry was unfounded as I took in the scene. The bathroom was... pretty different I guess would be the way to explain it. The toilet was a hole in the ground... that I had expected, with them being ponies and all a seat wouldn't really work.
My eyes focused on one peculiar sight however... floating above the ceramic bathtub. I felt my jaw open a bit as my eyes widened, not believing what my senses were telling me. There, floating high above the tub was an actual cloud. Hesitantly, I moved towards it and poked it with my finger and was surprised to feel nothing. Well not really nothing... some moisture stuck to my finger, but nothing more.
I scratched my chin a bit at the sight, before examining the rest of the tub and locking onto a set of dials. Looking between the two, I turned the red dial a couple times as a low rumble reached my ears. Suddenly, the raincloud began to darken and let out a steady torrent of rain which produced a warm mist.
I blinked a couple times at the sight, and couldn't help but smile a bit. However I quickly wiped the emotion off and shook my head to clear my thoughts, before stripping down my armor. As I jumped into the shower I worked off all the evidence of the last few days, however It took a couple reapplications of shampoo to get the water to start coming out clear.
I didn't even bother touching the cold dial, just spinning the red dial as far as It would go. The feeling hurt, a bit. But I still found myself enjoying it, in a strange nostalgic way. I leaned against the wall of the shower, letting the rain pummel my back as I closed my eyes.
'Nostalgic...' I thought mockingly to myself. 'How can I be nostalgic of something I can't even remember?'
I don't know how long I sat there as the hot water scorched my back. Once it started to border the line of unbearable I finally relented and shut the water off. My body quickly returned back to it's cold temperature, despite still dripping with warm water.
I wasted no time drying myself but decided to store away my armor, electing for just my white shirt and grey pants. The clothing was starting to get worn, not to mention the fact the shirt had a huge tear in the middle from when I was stabbed.
Leaning down at the sink and leveling my gaze with the mirror, I pulled myself closer to get a look. I'd barely changed one bit since I woke up in Ebon Hold. My eyes were back to their normal brown, but that was about the only color I had on me. My skin was pale, almost white as my eyes seemed to be sunken just a bit. No beard, not so much as a single hair out of place on my face.
For the last two years of my life I'd never grown any facial hair at all, as if all of the hair follicles themselves died but were never revived with me. Giving a short sigh, I pulled away from the mirror and gathered up my stuff... before clicking the amulet back on. No warmth radiated from the jewelry, meaning Zecora must have taken it off.
Pushing firmly against the door, it squeaked open as cool air flowed in from the next room. By now, the sunlight outside had dimmed considerably and some candles had been lit inside the hut. A gentle glow embraced the interior, dark lines danced off hanging objects... casting small shadows around the room from the flickering candlelight. The large splotch of blood in the center of the room had been cleaned up, replaced by fresh dirt.
I heard a faint click which pulled my attention to the table I'd been at as Zecora clicked the amulet back around her neck.
"I hope you don't mind but I was wondering if we could start a bit now..." She asked with a nervous smile as she motioned in-front of her.
Turning my gaze, spread out across the table were multiple open notebooks and some quills. Sparing a look inside my pouch, I hummed to myself as I browsed my available herbs. Settling on some of the simpler ones I had, I pulled them from the pouch and made my way to the table... before setting them down next to her.
"Peacebloom," I pointed to the herb which resembled a daisy, "Silverleaf," my hand moved to the other, a long jagged leaf which looked green but had a silver sheen. "Elementary level herbs. If you want to learn Azerothian Alchemy, you need to start from the beginning. From what you've told me you don't use Spell Matrices when mixing potions, correct?" I asked, raising a brow at her.
Zecora, who was furiously scribbling notes into her book, tore her gaze away and blinked at me once before nodding. "Yes. The process of making Equestrian potions is a lot of work. Each herb must be purified separately before being mixed and boiled. There is no... "Spell Matrix" involved."
I scratched my chin, before motioning her to move over. Quickly scooting her chair over a bit, she watched me curiously as I slid her notebook over and flipped to a blank page.
Grabbing an unused quill, I looked back to the Zebra. "I'm not sure how magic works here, but this is how we understand it in Azeroth," I began as I tapped the quill on my chin. "There are many fundamental forces of magic that can be manipulated in the process of alchemy. The only type of magic I want you to worry about right now is Nature, the others can be explained another day. Nature is the opposite of necromantic magic, making up the second known force called Life and Death."
I paused as I dipped the quill in the inkwell before brandishing it towards the parchment. "I'm going to draw the Spell Matrix for a minor healing potion. These are mostly used for children, pets, or to heal small cuts and abrasions." I explained as I scribbled down a simple diagram of circles and triangles.
As I finished the Matrix, I slid the book back to the Zebra who started studying it with gusto. As she memorized the image, I reached into my bag and pulled out a simple crystal vial which was already filled with fresh water.
"Memorize every line, and when you feel like you've got it tell me and we'll move on." I ordered, getting no answer as her focus was entirely on the page.
As I set up my crystal powered vial heater, I got a small tap on my shoulder. "I think I've got it. Now what?"
Turning my attention back to her, I motioned to what I had set up so far. The vial boiler was small, and could only fit one vial at a time which was currently in use. It hung the vial suspended over a small pink crystal which glowed softly.
"Once the water starts to simmer, but not boil, mix in the herbs you're using and push the cork down." I instructed, motioning for emphasis. "When you stamp the seal on, you need to have a clear image of the Spell Matrix you're using. If the Matrix is incomplete, when you swirl the potion and release the latent magic in the glass the potion will fail to conjure... and your herbs will have been wasted."
She slowly nodded, her tongue sticking out a bit as she scribbled down everything I said in her horse language. "I... think I understand." She finally said after a bit of hesitation.
"Good. Because it's time to try." I stated simply, pushing a small bowl and the herbs towards her. "Oh, and don't worry. Failed potion crafting isn't that dangerous... usually."
She looked back at me for a moment with wide eyes, before swallowing and hardening her gaze. Taking the bowl, she took the herbs and ground them together. Handling the boiler myself, I showed her how to enable the heating process with a simple demonstration.
Before long, the water in the vial began to bubble a bit, nearing a boil.
"Now?" She asked, eyeing me nervously.
I just shrugged, getting a nervous whimper from her. I watched the bubbles forming in the vial slowly start to rise and bubble to the top, and was nearing the point of boiling when she finally dumped the ground herbs in. I watched her hesitate for a second, before stamping down the cork and sealing it shut.
The crystal quickly shut off and stopped radiating heat, and I smiled to her. "So far so good. Now for the last part, this depends on how clear your recollection of the Spell Matrix was." Pausing for a second, I pointed to the vial. "Pick it up, don't worry it wont be hot. Give it a quick swirl... if you got it right it should turn red. If not... well we'll cross that bridge when we get there."
I watched her hesitantly reach for the vial, flinching a bit when it made contact with her hoof. She quickly relaxed, before pulling it up out of it's suspended slot and sparing one last glance to me. Holding her breath, she gave the potion a quick swirl.
The small ground up flower inside the water spun around the vial, before millions of red sparks swirled around inside and clouded the whole thing. Zecora watched in wonder as the liquid quickly turned crimson, perpetually spinning in the vial.
"Congratulations!" I stated with a clap. "You just made your first Azerothian Potion."
Zecora snapped from her state and looked at me, a huge smile adorning her face. Before I could react, I found her latched around my barrel... my whole body freezing up at the contact.
"Thank you for teaching me this. I've searched far and wide for other ponies who practiced the art of alchemy." Pausing a moment, she let out a small sigh. "I had no idea so much more was out there..."
Silence reigned for a few moments as I shifted uncomfortably in her grip. At my movement, she pulled away quickly and gave a sheepish smile.
"Sorry... pony habit. Twilight and her friends have rubbed off on me it seems." She admitted as she rubbed one of her forelegs.
Moving away from the table, I turned towards the rest of the hut. "It's... fine. I'm not used to physical contact, and I'd prefer to keep it to a minimum." I stated coldly, getting her ears to splay back a bit as she nodded.
We didn't really say anything the rest of the evening, which was fine by me. Zecora looked like she wanted to ask me something, but I had already taken the amulet off and was settling in my makeshift sleeping bag. It was really just a couple blankets folded in half on the wooden floor near her bed. Halfway into the hut the ground transformed from dirt to wooden planks... probably to make cleaning the cauldron pit easier.
I lay there in the dark, the sun having fully passed the horizon by now and blanketing the world in starlight. Though, nearby I could still see the Zebra sneaking peeks at me from her bed. I wasn't sure if she knew I could see her or not, but I could feel her stare regardless. Giving an annoyed growl, I pulled out the amulets and tossed one over to her.
She let out a surprised yelp as the item landed on her blanket, before she hesitantly clicked it on.
"What." I stated annoyed, getting her to shuffle a bit in bed.
"Are you cold?" She asked innocently, getting my breath to hitch.
"..." I didn't speak at first, thinking about how to answer. "...why do you ask."
"When I hugged you... you felt cold." She started, pausing for a second. "I'm just wondering... is that normal?"
I waited another long time before answering. "...for me, yes. Just leave it at that."
Silence reigned in the dark room again, before she clicked the necklace off and gently placed it on the ground next to her bed. I didn't even bother getting up for it, and just rolled onto my side... pushing down the feelings welling up in my chest. It didn't take long before the empty, ever hungering cold filled me once again.
I found myself staring at the dark ceiling of the hut for most of the night, the moonlight slowly crawling across the room. My mind wandered back to the conversation I had with Celestia, something wasn't right about the explanation she gave me. This "Veil" didn't make sense, such a thing shouldn't be required to harness the power of magic. Such a force permeated the entire universe and existed in all things.
What annoyed me most was the explanation Celestia gave did seem completely genuine, and even with my unnatural abilities I felt no deceit. The only two explanations I could surmise is, either she is the greatest liar I've ever met... or she truly believed the veil is what provides magic to the world. Considering I'd called her out for lying once already... I suspected it must be the latter.
Many thoughts and future plans danced through my mind, until my steadily rising exhaustion finally caught up to me. Before long I found myself tumbling back into my nightmare filled dreamscape once more.
An inky darkness spanned out in all directions for what seemed an eternity as I lay there, suspended in nothing and staring into the void. The silence seemed to get louder and louder, filling the empty space with a deafening quiet.
"My power was drawn here... and yet there is nothing?"
A whisper broke the silence as I held my breath, focusing hard for any other voices. A long time passed... at least it felt like it. Every now and then I could feel a cold wave ripple over me, making me shiver.
"Who are you?"
This time, it was far behind me... distant, as if it was talking to me through a small hole. I tried to spin around despite my weightless form, but succeeded only in struggling.
"Your essence... is familiar"
Another whisper pierced the silence, much closer this time. A chill spread up my spine and I could feel eyes on the back of my neck.
"You shouldn't be alive..."
A feeling of dread overtook me at the familiar voice, it's tone deep and echoing. My heart was pounding and I swear I could feel a sheen of sweat covering my whole body. A cold breeze brushed down my shoulder, and the presence appeared directly behind me.
"Show me how."
A searing cold shot through my mind, and I could see a torrent of memories wash over me... all starting from when I awoke in Ebon Hold. I couldn't focus on any of the flashing images as I gripped my head, twitching in pain. Opening my mouth I tried to scream... however no sound reached my ears.
Suddenly, an icy sensation washed over my whole body as my attempts at screaming quickly devolved into sputtering coughs.
In an instant my eyes flew open and I gasped for air as I flew off the ground, breathing heavily. Taking in quick ragged breaths, my eyes shot around the room in a frenzy taking in all I could. Blinking a few times, my mind finally began to catch up with me and I slowly relaxed.
Just ahead of me was Zecora, watching me with concern. She had an empty pot in her hooves and a wet puddle infront of her. As I looked at her, she quickly dropped the pot and clicked the amulet back on as a warmth radiated from the one I never took off last night.
"I did not ask for a wakeup call." I growled angrily, getting her to shy away a bit.
"I couldn't wake you up! And when you started screaming I panicked..." She clicked her two front hooves together.
Walking away from her, I stripped off my shirt and quickly wringed it dry into the dirt below. "...apologies, I usually just wake up when I have a nightmare." I stated as I pulled the damp shirt back on.
"Must have been a pretty bad nightmare to react like that. Did you want to talk about it?" Zecora asked with a tilt of her head. "Friends share their dreams all the time."
As she said it I cringed a bit, before turning to face her. "For one, I don't usually remember my dreams. And two..." I paused, pointing right at her. "Listen, you're a fine... Zebra and all... but we're not friends. More like acquaintances."
As I said this, I could see her visibly deflate. "Oh... okay..." She mumbled out, looking away from me.
I ignored her hurt expression and took a look outside, trying to get over the strange feeling of dread which hadn't gone away since I awoke. The sun was slowly pulling up over the horizon, small beams of light broke through the trees and dotted the area outside the hut.
Taking a look down at my clothes, I couldn't help but cringe at their state. If I really was stuck here I was going to need some kind of replacements.
"Does the nearby village have a tailor? Or even a blacksmith?" I asked, getting the attention of the moping Zebra.
This seemed to snap her from her thoughts as she turned to meet my stare, before scratching her chin in thought. "Well... there is Rarity. She's a dress designer but I suppose she'd fit the bill as a tailor."
'A pony dress designer? Preferably not' I shook my head at the thought.
"Anyone else?" I asked hopefully.
Squinting her eyes a bit, she gave a small shrug. "I'm sorry but I don't know. I'm sure if you asked one of the locals of the village they could help point you towards a blacksmith."
Sighing in annoyance, I made my way to the nearby table and took ahold of a quill and parchment. I quickly drew out two new Spell Matrices, very simple ones to be exact.
"I'm writing down the Matrices for two more recipes, I want you to have them memorized by the time I get back. I'll explain what they do when I return." I stated as I put the finishing touch on the last page, before setting down the quill and collecting my other amulet from Zecora.
After putting them both away, I made my way to the entrance and pulled it open before freezing in place. Just on the other side of the open door, sat Twilight... her eyes having opened wide as she stared back at me in shock. The tension remained in the quiet air for what felt like ages, only the occasional birdsong breaking through from the early morning atmosphere.
Quickly recovering from my shock, I stepped aside and motioned inside. "Twilight." I said with a nod.
A flurry of reactions played out from the small equine. First her eyes shrunk to pinpricks as her wings fluttered, before she let out a small gulp and nodded quickly. With her ears splayed back, she hurriedly moved past me and into the hut. Wasting no time, I flew out the door and pulled it close behind me.
Whatever she was here for... I didn't need to know.
Sparing a glance back at the hut, I shook my head and began my way through the forest and towards the village.
'This "Rarity" had better not try and dress me up, if she knows what's good for her' I thought to myself as I trudged along the dirt path through the twisting trees.
