Chapter Six
Anticipation and Doubt
I didn't even wait to see what he would pull out of his coat before we struck. The experienced look in the man's eyes me he wasn't offering me a treat. I can't even say for sure that I struck him first but I didn't land the last strike. I tried to step in front of Glitterlamp to block the shot if it was a gun and I kinda blanked out. Not in the sense that I had a gap in my memory but like the times I fought to survive or when I was scared, my mind cleared itself.
Then again it could be one of those stun gun things. Sweet lord is this going to hurt! Unless. Yes! Unless I use my power to make the stun gun malfunction or rip the batteries out! But what if it wasn't a stun gun? It could be a badge and this man is really some sort of agent of some. . . sort.
"Going to take all day about this?!" Vengeance snapped at me angrily.
A black column hit the man square in the chest pinning his arms inside his coat. Still holding him with the black column, wait, it took shape of a dragons arm emerging from a few inches above my own chest. What is going on? Vengeance squeezed the fool making him gasp for air while using his body to thrash his companions to the side. My focus came back and I grabbed Glitterlamp's hand and cut the power to Vengeance's arm forcing the man to drop.
The snow outside hadn't really let up but that didn't matter now. I kicked off the ground hard carrying both of us several feet into the frigid air. The wind grabbed my wings and pulled at them cruelly carrying us higher and higher. A sharp pain cracked through my body as my shoulder connected with something hard and solid. Not soon after I hit my shoulder my head, back, legs and hands begun to get struck.
The snow was worse above the streets tossing cold powder into my eyes effectively blinding me. I climbed higher still getting struck by an unseen force. I tried to cover as much of Glitterlamp's body from this constant hail of blows. Snow was dumped down my jacket soaking my torso with icy water.
"Enough!" I shouted and the void exploded violently from me striking everything around me like a bomb. The explosion cleared enough of the snow for me to see for only a moment. A moment was all I needed. I didn't see anything strike me but I continued to crash my stupid self up a mountain face!
"What happened!" Glitterlamp yelled at me at the moment we broke the cloud top making her voice extra loud. Well, louder than what it would have been below the clouds. "What happened back there!? You were black and snarling! What did you see?!"
My mind was still empty just trying to react to my surroundings. My mouth was glued shut and my eyes sown open, unable to blink for long.
"I cannot, I don't, what?" I mentally spoke trying to focus again.
"The men in the cafe recognized you." Vengeance spoke softly curling back up to his treasures and as he spoke I felt like my body was my own again. "They saw you and they had become frightened, enough that they felt the need to kill you. Now. Why would they want to? Hm."
"I don't know. But I really didn't want to find out what he had. Ok?" I said looking up to the starry sky to keep my eyes busy while I tried to assess the damage I received. The wind up here was harsher but at least there was nothing to crash into. I just flew forward, where ever 'forward' was.
"Turn a little more to the right, you did the right thing back there." Glitterlamp held on to me as I picked up speed. "Running away I meant, I know it's hard for you to back down. You're really something else." The compliment warmed my heart and made my reaction acceptable even if I may not have been in full control.
"Thanks." I said over the wind.
"What the hell!" I yelled at vengeance within the confines of my Void. I threw up several layers of white noise so Glitterlamp didn't have to listen. "You rested control away from me! You crossed a line!"
"Look at yourself. Crazy people argue with themselves. Are you going to blame your own actions on another part of you?" Vengeance glared down at me with fury. "You froze and I took the initiative. In another sense, YOU struck out at them! Don't forget our agreement!"
"What agreement!? I don't recall this 'agreement' at all!" I shouted back and this seemed to anger him only further. A black claw snapped out and began to crush me.
"Why I don't have a door to this cage! We promised each other when we were very little that if anyone, ANYONE tried to take away us or our precious ones we WILL kill them. Remember now?" Vengeance's words were toxic and even now the lost memory floated to the surface. My grandparents on either side didn't approve of my upbringing. More than once did they tried to trick me to go with them, but something always did make me hesitate back then. "Not another word. Just get out, but remember; you've made a lot of promises with hinges with yourself."
"Dreamer? Dreeeamer? Hey! Wake up!" Glitterlamp said shaking me. "What's going on in there? Look, don't try hiding things from me. I figured your 'layers' out. Don't try that again, we don't keep secrets from each other." She said a little upset about it. "Anyway, I think that's a hotel down there." I followed her finger and did see a large structure with lights on. Probably a ski lodge at this height. The cold clung to my bones and I wasn't sure if I could walk if I landed. I drifted away from myself and my body was on auto pilot.
Glitterlamp sensed myself fading and she felt dread and panic. Just like at the castle where that Abomination was, what was going on?
"I'll carry us through. Fear not." Pain's hand touched my shoulder and I was in the vast expanse of the Void, unfeeling of the extreme chill that numbed my body. I could see through my eyes but I could take no action with it. I still felt cheated since I was no longer in control but thought about what Vengeance said. Courage found me drifting formlessly as I was lost in thought.
"Care to talk?" The words floated about him while he kept his silence. With a gesture of his hand a floating fort rushed up to us and it looked like Courage's Folly from the Everfree forest. Except that it was much cleaner and in better condition. "Come inside, I'll show you how to properly sharpen and maintain a weapon here." The armor he wore had grown in bulk but with the deliberate movement and quiet steps he seemed like a gentle giant. He lead me to the armory where several pitted and dull blades and armor lined the walls.
"How did they become this crappy?" I said feeling the blunt swords edge. "This would hardly do if I had to use this." Then I saw the shape of Fearbane resting on a pedestal with it's unblinking topaz eye staring at me. It too looked dull and ill.
"Doubt." Courage said taking a piece of armor down and brought it to a table and begun applying different oils to the sorry metal. "It's like an acid, it eats slowly. The more you doubt yourself, distrust yourself, strike yourself, the less you can count on yourself. Like rust, " Courage showed me the leg plate. Rust had only begun to form on its surface. "is best taken care of sooner rather than later. Give it a try." A steel wool was handed to me and Fearbane floated over to me. A bucket of oil was already next to me when I sat down.
The simple act of working the steel wool across the surface of Fearbane helped me clear my head and give myself a form. I don't know what to think anymore, I have voices in my head these days, it's getting harder to tell when I'm asleep anymore. The only anchor I have to tell if I'm in reality is Glitterlamp but if I start even doubting that, I'll truly unravel.
"This again? I thought we already agreed on that topic." Courage's text caught my attention. "Reality is an opinion. This is real is it not? Embrace the Void! Trust in yourself, or at least, trust us when we need control." His glowing eyes were not harsh nor condescending. "We are truly mad now. Fear-Me did more damage than I thought. Maybe this was his plan after all."
"Maybe. But all the more reason to get the elements. Last time it destroyed Fear-Me! Maybe when we hold them it might heal us!" I exclaimed pausing to examine my job at cleaning.
"When did we get injured? Or are you saying I'm a wound in Our minds?" Courage's eye's narrowed at me. "At least you're honest."
"There is still a chance that it won't work." Pain's wraith like form stepped into the room. The stained gray bandages held his form tightly together under his traveling cloak. "Whatever comes we must not forget Glitterlamp." Then he did a slight bow. "We are resting now. The lights were not a hotel but a billboard. A family gave us a ride and now we rest in their guest room."
If we were safe and sound, why do I feel so on edge? Did I really need to take control?
"What did I say about doubt and hesitation! Whatever it is embrace fully!" The void shook like a violent Earth quake forcing me out of my calm, safe, comfortable Void.
"It's fine, really, I would like to ask a few questions." An unfamiliar voice, soft but clear said to somebody. "Why were you out in that weather?"
"We're looking for something. A collection of small jars we think, looks like this one?" Glitterlamp said and I felt her show loyalty.
"I've seen others like this. Where did you come across this?" The stranger's voice became confused. I tried to open my eyes but when I moved my arm I heard a loud thud and the pain was delayed.
"Whoa there!" A very different voice rang in my ears and something held me down. I couldn't open my eyes, like when there was too much crud caking them closed. "Lie still, can you understand me? You are safe. My husband picked you and your friend up from the road side. You came very close to getting serious frostbite." The voice sounded near my age and a woman but my senses were coming back to me. I was wrapped up and felt too hot. Glitterlamp felt far away, still in this building but not close.
"Where?" My mouth was the only thing that didn't feel like it been through a belt sander. A terrible tension built within my guts.
"You're in my house. Your friend is in the living room talking to my folks and warming up." Then the new voice let me go. "Your eyes got a little frostbite so I put a warm rag on them. The both of you about bought your death out there dressed up like you did!"
"Oh, is my friend alright?" I asked trying to settle down and focus on what I could sense. The room smelled strongly of cinnamon and apples, like a scented candle was lit. The blankets wrapping me up felt itchy but warm. I could hear my own breathing and two other patterns, the room must have been large since the third breathing pattern was a little ways from me. I had an odd flavor in my mouth I couldn't place what it was but it was bitter.
"She will be. Until the snow blows over and the streets are cleared of snow we'll be taking you to a hospital." The no room for argument way of saying it made me frown. I really didn't feel bad, maybe a little warm but that's it.
"I feel fine." I insisted.
"You probably do, that's nerve damage for ya." The voice countered.
"I want to see my friend." I shot back.
"I'll go." A smaller but sturdy voice ran out of the room. Sounded like a little boy. Deadly familiar but I couldn't place it, but I owe him a wish.
"What on Earth could be so important to brave this weather?" The woman patronized me.
"Even if I told you the truth you'd call me a liar." I responded turning my head away.
"Drug problems? Gang issues?" She began to list but I snapped at the absurdity of the notions.
"OH HELL NO!" I said a little louder than I thought. "No, no nothing like that. Sorry for shouting."
"Well, I've heard a lot of strange things. Try me." The woman sounded amused but doubtful.
"You asked for it." I drew in a deep breath before beginning my tale, abridged version. "I got summoned to another dimension, kinda like Narnia but no talking lion, or snow witch and I didn't have a prophecy tied to me. But I met several talking ponies over there that changed my life. Now I'm here and I'm looking for several trinkets called Elements of harmony for Merlin, THE Merlin."
"Wow, that is pretty far fetched." The voice agreed. "And short, usual lies need a little longer to tell."
"You've yet to prove to me you're worth that much of my time." I said nearly snarling. I REALLY don't want another hospital bill. The last one was bad enough.
"Really? What makes you think that? Can't think of a better story?"
"Wouldn't believe me if I had magic unless I smacked you with it."
"Try me."
"Bite me."
A door opened up and several footfalls entered the room. Glitterlamp's mental state felt calm and safe, which helped me relax. She touched my forehead as if checking for a fever.
"Thank you so much for taking us into your home for a while, until we can travel again." Glitterlamp thanked to the other people in the room.
"He's hiding something." The woman accused.
"Just the lens in my chest." I mumbled and I felt pressure on my shoulder. 'shut up' was the general gist from Glitterlamp. "Hey, Glitter? Mind if I see through your eyes too? I feel like a prisoner with this rag on my face." The answer was 'yes'. A moment later I saw through her eyes and the Woman sitting near my bed didn't look my age, a teenager, kid? Whatever, stood close and I swore he looked familiar. A man about the age of my own father but considerably more beefy stood near the bed looking me over. When I mean beefy like, test him for steroid abuse beefy.
I looked fine, pretty pale but fine. Ok, no messing around I looked really freaking cold. I couldn't stop shivering at all. My breathing was regular enough to not bother me but then again, if I'm hurt I'm the last to know. My lips looked a little discolored but I don't think it's frost bite.
" My name is Jim. How ya feelin` son?" The man asked and his voice was surprisingly gentle.
"Eh, I probably look worse than I feel." I started trying to sound better than I looked. "It's really hot in here. I don't recall a few details, like meeting you and getting here. But fine otherwise."
"You did look pretty out of it, mind telling me why you two were out there?" He asked while pulling up a seat. "If ya don't mind me askin`"
"He says he's on some 'magical' quest." The woman, who I think is his wife, answered. I didn't like her disposition very well at all, but then again when I accepted this quest I knew Glitterlamp was the only one I could lean on.
"Son, if you're involved with something illegal that might, might, get my family hurt. Tell me now." The gentle voice took a jagged edge cutting my relaxed nerves to a jumbled mess. Yeah, this was gonna get ugly fast if I don't show off a little bit.
"I honestly don't know." I answered honestly. "I really don't, I hope it doesn't hurt your family for helping me. But if you harm my friend," I began to talk slowly and deliberately. Glitterlamp had a very strong 'what are you doing?' feel with nervous tension. "I'll show you all a fate worse than death."
The energy wings pushed myself up off the bed. I didn't have the strength to move my body but my mind was strong enough to pull the sack of meat like a puppet! The glow of my eyes bled through the rag secured to my head and the Void Heart drew attention to itself. A dozen knives floated out of the 'hole' in my chest and floated near me. Dozens of green darts slid into every joint in my body and I found myself unable to move. Glitterlamp moved my body now like a puppeteer would command it's thrall.
"That was not only rude! But unneeded!" She snapped at me then switched to the big man. "And you! Threatening your injured patient! Have you all lost your minds!" She cried out loudly before turning back to me. "And don't you dare answer that!" The idea of answering 'yes' did cross my mind. I couldn't say it if I even wanted to now, the strings were being pulled by her. And I was ok with it?! I freak out on Vengeance for doing the same thing but I'm not upset by her taking over?
"Sorry Vengeance, about snapping at you earlier."
"Accepted." A brief and to the point answer but it felt sincere.
I waited for the initial shock of the situation sink in and have them calm down. The younger kid just looked at me in wonder.
"You're, an angel?" He said slowly trying to take me all in. I reached up and peeled the rag off my eyes and looked to him. The world looked like a picture of Big Foot; blurred, out of focus, fuzzy, and the only thing I might be able to see is maybe general colors. . . maybe I can guess which blurred color might be the floor.
"Let's don't jump to conclusions yet." I said realizing the room was colder than the blankets and began to shiver uncontrollably. "L-let's sit-t down and tal-k things over." I managed before I used my wings to grab the blanket and cocoon myself. The green darts removed themselves from my joints and I could move again. Everyone brought a chair into the room and was ready for a talk.
"How did you become like that?" Jim asked pointing at the Void Heart.
"It used to be a sword. Then I changed it a little, it was also a little self aware so it changed me a little too." I answered then showed them the arm that held my bracer. The black and silver bracer glinted handsomely in the light, that's when the emerald eye winked at me. "There he is, I named him Fearbane. We share quite a bit of history." The bugger grew! It used to cover only half my forearm now it looked like it started at my wrist and ended at my elbow.
"I'm from Equestria, the world he visited, I was very hurt when he found me and nursed me back to health. We've been together ever since." Glitterlamp told her abridged version of the tale a little proud. "We are telling the truth when we are looking for these elements of harmony for Merlin."
The silence carried on for a while after we spoke. I wanted to be healthy again. I wanted to stop being half blind! I wanted a lot of things but this list didn't sound unfair! Glitterlamp began to feel a little awkward and moved to my left to examine my bracer.
"Heh, we got another one in the neighborhood. Saul is going to love this!" Jim said approvingly. "I feel like I need to apologize for this weather, I'm afraid my boy here caused this sudden snow storm."
"How?!" I asked kinda irritated. I mean I fused a freaking living sword into my own body just so I could always use my magic! Jim produced a small bracelet of blue gems, or was it plastic?
"Richard here can do ice and cold weather, it used to be small but yesterday it got out of hand. And now it's what you see." Jim said sadly looking out to the raging storm outside.
"Dad doesn't want me to be a super hero." Richard whined.
"Called Icecube." Jim sighed.
"Oh holy. . ." Jim fixed me with a hard stare enough to shatter a diamond, a look that said don't you dare swear. "Crud, I wonder why you looked familiar. There was a kid in Equestria with that name, but he wasn't a unicorn. Or at least I don't think he did. But are you saying that you caused this storm with magic?"
"Yeah, I did! It was the biggest! My friend just wanted it to snow for a while." Richard said happy at first then a little worried. "I don't know if I can calm it down now."
"Let me try, I did something like this once before. Except making it rain in a dessert." A joy began to rise within me. Maybe it was finally figuring out who this kid is and finding out that this magic might not be very rare.
"You're still hurt are you sure you can do this?" Glitterlamp asked me looking me over.
"I think so." I said confidently. The Alicorn Amulet shown like a light and I began to feel better and my eyes cleared but she looked exhausted after such a rapid healing.
"I'm still bad at that spell." Glitterlamp sighed and lied down on the bed. "Go get`em Dreamer!" She finished tiredly pumping a fist into the air before letting it fall.
I put on my warmest clothes on and started to head for the door outside. Jim helped me out by giving me a few heat packs distributed through my coats.
"You are human right?" Jim asked me.
"Yep."
"He won't turn into ice will he?"
"I don't think so. He's just a Dreamer, like me, well that what Equestrians would call us."
"What would Earth call him."
"A wizard."
The wind tore at me when I stepped outside but I gathered all my strength for this. Weather magic is still kinda confusing to me. I closed my eyes and tried to picture a gentle flurry, calm falling snowflakes, pretty frost on the windows, nothing like what going on here. This felt just like my first storm in Appaloosa.
"Calm, calm, gentle. A chill day, perfect for making snow men, sledding." Darkness welled up around me as I spoke what I wanted. The wind howled in my ears and bit them as the cold cut through all my warm layers. I was standing out in the cold. In Equestria the land was saturated with magic, how can I expect Earth's natural flow of things to even acknowledge my power here? I couldn't walk on clouds, no magic held it together. If there isn't any magic holding them together there won't be a way to manipulate them to do what I want. Right?
I'll just freeze out here with the weather getting worse. The storm will probably continue to get worse and worse and no one will even know what happened out here except for me and Jim. I felt like crap, I was depressed, weary and when I over exert myself I seem to use my own health to make up my lack of, mana, energy? What ever the source is.
But if I don't even try to stop it. What then? What was I thinking when I stepped out here? That I could really stop all of this?
"Ya know. The last guy that talked to you like that, his name was Fear. I also remember you killing him." Vengeance chuckled amused and slightly disgusted at me.
"I remember that moment very well. How dare you forget that." Pain didn't even pretend to disguise his disdain.
"Caution is well and good. But, WHAT are you doing? DO SOMETHING! EVEN IF IT"S WRONG! DO SOMETHING!" Courage roared in my head unable to understand my hesitation. Then, as if something hit the mute button a small quiet and utterly familiar voice chimed in my head.
"I am yours, I believe in you."
Fearbane.
The first to delve in my head and discover the secrets in my soul. My best friend. I didn't feel cold anymore. I felt inconvenienced, this journey is supposed to be exciting and breathtaking. I wanted this journey to help me and Glitterlamp to bond. I struck out my arms against the storm and envisioned soft gray clouds with only a slight flurry. Exhaustion fled my body as a surge of energy filled my veins with anger. I wished I didn't get so wrapped up in my own thoughts and emotions so much that I lose sight of my world.
The white snow around my feet turned black as the portal into my Void became larger and larger. Lightening, jets of Void, streams of color, shot into the air and mingled with the clouds. Every gesture affected the sky and soon I felt like an orchestra conductor until the storm clouds turned into a bright light gray with large fluffy snowflakes falling. I looked up at the newly changed weather and smiled, it was much easier than the first time.
"I'm so happy doing this! The whole 'stealth' thing is boring."
"Ah crap."
"Ah crap."
"Ah crap."
Hey, I guess I can agree with myself most of the time!