Hello everyone, I know you haven't seen any new chapters in a long while, but I've just got out of school and I wanted to work on the earlier chapters a little before I moved on.
I'm going to be editing until chapter six or so, but I figured It was high time to give you all something new. Now once again I'll apologize that I've been gone so long.
There will be a reference in this chapter that should be pretty obvious. It won't be something that a character says, but try to see if you can tell where it's from.
And just a reminder, If you have any suggestions you can send it to me via PM. Anyway, I hope that I'll have more time to write now that school is over. Enjoy!
Chapter 12
"Yeah? Were you expecting somebody else?" Well...to be honest I wasn't expecting ANYBODY...I mean hell, I'm not completely sure where I am. "What? cat got your tongue? Haven't seen you in who knows how long, and this is how you react?
"Oh! Uh...well...dad...things have been really weird these past several days. I'm not sure how to explain...but I'm really happy to see you. Though I don't really know why you chose now to show up."
"Hold up now, I think I can answer that. I know what's been happening..In fact, I've always known. What do you think happened after the incident? I've watched you, to make sure you followed the path I had seen for you."
"I know that it's been painful, and trust me, it hasn't been easy seeing you face this all by yourself, but you've grown stronger for it. " Did he just say that?! Seriously?! How could going through this shit make me get stronger?
"Now hold the hell up! How can you possibly say that? You can't understand how I feel..how it's been to have both of your parents taken from you! Just to...leave you alone...how could you?"
"I know I've upset you, but you have to calm down and listen to me. I know about this strange land, your struggle to stay in control, and I know about the pain you're holding in. I'm only now able to speak with you because of the help of the blue one you call Luna."
"I...I know I've made many mistakes. I wasn't always there for the two of you...and I was a cruel teacher. But now more than ever I believe you may need help. There is something dark coming that you are not ready for, and I am the only one who can prepare you."
"So...what you're saying is...you've met with princess Luna, and she helped you speak with me? How can she talk with the dead?" My father's face was the same as the last day I had seen him. He was tan and thin, but had a strength that couldn't be measured by his body. He was no different in death as he was life.
"To be honest I'm not sure. I think It may be she noticed me as I watched you...and she found me in her dreams. We talked for a while, and we spoke about many things...mainly you. Now I have a small time with you and I don't plan to waste it."
"Please...just wait! there's so much I want to talk to you about. It's been close to a year since...It all happened. If you've watched this whole time that means you should know how much this has bothered me.'
*sigh* "Yes...I suppose I owe you some answers, but there are better places to talk then a river bank. You are in a dream, as you should be able to guess, so why don't you think up somewhere more appropriate for us to talk?"
"Ok I'll try, but I can't promise this will turn out well." I sat down and closed my eyes. I had been in a lucid dream before, but I had never tried changing something in a dream on command. Not to mention the command of my dead father!
An image started to form in my head, and I could hear the rustling of leaves on trees, smell moss and pine needles, and feel the soft grass under my bare feet. "Alright boy...open your eyes."
When I opened my eyes and looked around I noticed that we were no longer on a sandy riverbank, but instead were in a thick forest. There were birds flying overhead, and a log cabin with smoke rising from the chimney.
"Heh...been a while since we were last here huh?" I recognized these woods, and the cabin as well. This was where me and my father had always trained when I was younger. This was a thick forest about ten miles from the edge of our town.
"'I'm surprised you remember it so clearly. Even the cabin we built when you were twelve. We've had many pleasant memories here, but I remember how many nights I've carried you inside after you passed out from exhaustion."
"Yeah...I remember those days too. I've spilled my share of blood and sweat on this ground. Now...before we get caught off topic for too long, what about my questions? Are you willing to answer me now?"
*sigh* "Out of all the things I've taught you, your stubbornness Is not one of them, but yes...let's get inside to talk." I noticed, as I followed my father to our cottage, a large black wall that loomed behind the trees...and it seemed to be shifting.
*Koosh* I sunk into the leather chair opposite my father's wooden one. "So...I think the best place to start is...how's mom?" I could see a very drastic change in my father's face when I brought up mom.
*sigh* "I should have known that was coming, but I can't really blame you. Well...after the fire I spoke with her, and I demanded that she leave you in my care. She wanted to stay and watch you as well, but I refused to let her throw away her chance of moving on."
"So mom...mom's okay?" I felt a cold chill run up my spine. I had always thought mom would have been stuck, but now I know she let herself pass on. "Yeah...mom's okay. I thought that might put your mind at rest a bit."
"Well, what about you? What happened that day? All the officer told us was that you had been attacked by someone and they found your body in an alleyway. I'm guessing it was those same bastards who started the fire."
"Well you sure aren't asking the easy questions are you? I'll tell you what I do remember, but I can't promise that this is how it happened exactly..." My father clenched his hands and took a deep breath, then looked me in the eye.
"You know that I was a tournament fighter correct? Well...apparently a very wealthy man had made a bet that I would lose, so when I didn't, he wasn't very happy. Those men that you saw were his flunkies, and they drugged me while I was walking home."
My father took a moment to compose himself. "I wasn't thinking...and they caught me off guard. I believe you know the rest. They found out I had a student...my son. They knew you would be a threat to them once you had grown up, so they came to find you..."
The cabin grew quiet, and there was a heaviness in the silence. "Dad...it's over. That happened a long time ago, and I've dealt with it. So...what have you been doing?" My father slowly turned his head up and was staring at the ceiling.
"Well...watching you mostly, and by the way..." At this my father stood up and slowly walked over to my chair. "Do me a favor and stand up?" I was curious to see what he wanted, so I stood up and looked at him... then he smirked.
*Crack* I was sent sprawling to the floor as I felt half of my face go numb. "My boy...you dissapointed me. I taught you that if you ever, and I do mean EVER...make a stupid decision just because I'm not around there'd be hell to pay."
Keep In mind that my father was nearly half a foot shorter than me and only weighed about a hundred and sixty pounds. "Whad the hell?! Whad did I do?! You had do hid me?" Jeez...my face Is already swollen to hell.
"Yes I had to hit you. If I ever see you as disgraceful and pathetic as you've been these past few days...I'll have to beat some self-respect back into you." I flared up at his comment, because It sounded like he thought I did something to be ashamed of!
"Now whad the hell do you mean by thad?! You bedder nod be implying whad I think you are. Jussd because I've decided thad I'm willing to become intimate with someone who looks differend from whad your used to doesn'd mean I should be ashamed!"
Wow..standing up to dad isn't easy, and having a busted lip doesn't help. "Boy...I don't give a damn who you want to be with. As long as you care about whoever it is, they can be whatever you want. Actually...your mother used to say some mushy thing like...love takes no shape."
For the first time since I had washed up at his feet...dad was smiling. Not exactly a grin, but for dad this was definitely a smile. "Wait, so what were you talking about? You said I was being disgraceful, but how?"
Great! Now I can talk normally again, but I'm still really confused. "I was talking about you drinking, and what the hell were you thinking?! I told you alcohol would just ruin your body and cloud your mind."
*Sigh* "Not to mention that you've struggled to control your emotions recently. Do you think drinking will just solve those problems?" My father was right, and It was making me feel even worse having to admit that.
"I know, but I've had so much trouble containing my anger. It feels like some beast that's trying to force its way out." My father just chuckled and offered his hand. I let him pull me up and dusted myself off.
"Well...that's your issue. You can't contain your anger, because eventually there will be too much for you to hold. What happens when you have too much anger to control? You lose control and the anger consumes you."
"So what should I do?! Just let It happen, because that doesn't seem any better than trying to bottle it up." Dad just sets himself and heads for the door. I guess he wants me to follow him, because he waits for a moment holding the door.
I followed him outside and closed the door behind us. Once the door had shut and I had begun to walk away the cabin disappeared! "What the heck?! Did you do that?" Dad was looking towards the trees, and as he did I saw them shift and change.
"You need to learn to use your anger. Once you accept your anger and can use it as a part of you...It won't be an issue to stop it from flaring up. So...in short...We're going to train." My spirits fell at the memories of our past "training" sessions.
"I'm going to show you how to control your mind here. So you can stay calm in a fight, but can still use your emotions as a weapon. A swordsman who has gone berserk is deadly but vulnerable. While a swordsman who can dominate his emotions is always at his most dangerous."
"So all we're doing is learning to control my mind?" I was hopeful that our training was going to avoid anything physical. Those hopes would soon be dashed with what my father said next.
"Since we're in a dream I can only strengthen you mentally, but don't worry about it. You'll have plenty to practice once you wake up." Well...so much for being able to move properly for the next several weeks.
"Oh that sounds wonderful, and how do you expect me to do that? There's not exactly somewhere in ponyville where I'd be allowed to do that." My father sat on the ground and crossed his legs.
"Don't worry about that now...I'll explain it before I send you off. Now sit down and close your eyes." I sat in the thick grass and rested my head on the ground. I began to drift off to sleep while watching the clouds move above the tree tops.
"Ok...now think of something that triggers your anger. Since this is your major issue I'm going to need you to have a basic control over it before we move on to the next step." Make something that represents my anger...can't hurt to try.
Ok just...what gets me angry? "Oh like you need to think about it! We both know what upsets you more than anything." "Ok dad...I know what I can use as a trigger. What do I do next?'
'You're going to allow the trigger to rile you up. Once you feel like you can't hold it in any longer let me know." "So he wants you mad. I don't know what he wants you to do about that. He should just tell you what a failure you are. Train for HOW many years and you couldn't stop a few guys who were unarmed?"
"Of course your dad's even more pathetic. making up some bullshit about not being ready. He just didn't want to admit that he couldn't protect himself." "Ok dad...I'm...angry now."
"Now I want you to think of something that you hold very dear, and focus on it. That way you'll stay level-headed and control how you release the anger." "Aww...isn't that sweet? Do you think you can really control me by using happy thoughts?! That is so pathetic it makes me feel sick."
Block it out...think of...think of...mom. Remember the good times. Remember when dad was at home, and would go fishing with me. Just block everything out. "Dad I picked my focus. Now what?"
"I want you to periodically switch between using your trigger to anger yourself and then your focus to block it out. I'll tell you when to stop." "Oh this is gonna be real fun, huh jackass?"
(unknown time later) My dad taps me on my side with his foot. "alright, you can stop and open your eyes now." I had switched back and forth for a long time. It felt like it had been around six or so hours, but I'm not sure.
"How can you tell that I have enough control? I've been able to switch pretty easily for an hour or so, but how would you know that's enough?" My dad just smirks and stands up, gesturing to the forest around us.
"I know that you've been able to effectively use your focus because of our surroundings. Whenever you became angry the trees would shift and turn burnt. Then when you calmed down they returned to normal."
"So what are we doing next? I can do this when I'm just siting down, but how will I be able to do this when I don't have time?" I wasn't worried about doing this when I wasn't in danger, but I wouldn't be able to do this if I was fighting.
My father stood up and grabbed two branches. "We practice, it's as simple as that. The only way you'll know how to control your anger during a fight...is if you practice during a fight. I won't be trying to kill you, but you must how to use your focus while defending yourself."
My dad pulled me to my feet and passed me a branch. "Get ready!" I was sent backpedaling as my dad came swinging. He cracked me in the ribs with a quick jab of his stick. While I was using a large branch, wielding it two handed. My dad was using a smaller one, so he could use it like a one-handed sword.
"You can't do anything right!" I blocked a swing at me head only for him to spin and crack my elbow. You have to focus dammit! Don't let what he says distract you. You practiced controlling your emotions, so this must be a test.
"Go ahead and keep thinking that you can beat me. I don't care how much you train you can't do anything without me." "Stop fighting like such a pansy." I take a few deep breaths as he runs forward again.
I focused and time seemed to slow down. There was a long series of cracks as our branches strained against each other. "You're doing better, but should I start trying soon?" I knew what he was doing now, and I wouldn't let it work.
"Go ahead old man. Just don't hurt yourself." I get a firm footing and crouch down. When he rushes this time I'm ready. He brings his arm up above his head, but I move first. I slide under his sword arm and strike his wrist with my branch, then spin and use the momentum to elbow him in the chest.
*Hngh!* I sent my dad flying onto his back, but I take a step back and ready my sword. I know how fast he can recover. "Nice job ya brat. I actually felt that one. Let's go another round so I know you can keep this up."
We did one more round, which lasted around an hour. By the end of It I was bruised, had welts all over my head and arms, and probably a bruised rib or two. At least I was standing. "You did good son, but there's one last thing you need to do before you leave."
He places his hand on my shoulder and begins to lead me towards the black wall that I had noticed before. "This will be your last test, but if you can't do this then you'll never be able to reach your full strength."
"Well...what am I supposed to do? I learned how to use my focus in and out of combat, so what else am I supposed to learn?" As we got close to the wall I felt a strange weight pressing down on me.
"You have your focus, which you will use to control your emotions, but In this test you need to find the part of yourself that defines you. You'll understand it better once we're in there." The weight suddenly disappears as I step through the darkness.
"What...the hell?" On the other side the landscape couldn't be more different. There was no plant life in sight, in fact, everything around seemed to be dead. The strangest thing...was that there were swords everywhere.
They were all stuck into the ground. There were hundreds of them, all different shapes and styles. Then my dad grabs my shoulder and roughly turns me towards him. "This is where your training will be tested."
"To keep It simple...each one of those swords represent a part of you. You have to find the strongest one and recognize it. You'll know what to do once you've drawn it, but that's if you last long enough to."
"What do you mean last long enough? I just need to use each sword until I find the right one...right? Dad wasn't holding any sword, and There wasn't any training dummies around.
"Well, you're mostly correct. Though you're not fighting me...you need to do this while fighting him." I turn my head and notice a figure In black. Oh shit... "Well well well...look what the cat dragged in. That's right buddy boy, you get to deal with me."
"You have to do this son..." I sprint towards the closest sword and pull it from the ground. Dach (dark zach) leaps at me with a giant sword held in one hand. It looks like a body length meat clever with a jagged blade.
I wait for him to begin his swing, then I dive to the side. I hear it crack the ground when It makes contact. It must weigh close to twenty five pounds! "Shit! that thing would crush me."
"Hahahaha! You really think you can win by dodging!? Then dodge this!" He stands up, his shoulders thrown back, and flings his sword at me. I don't know how someone can throw a sword that heavy so fast, but I can't move fast enough to dodge it.
I have just enough time to bring up my sword to block before It crashes into my chest. When the cleaver hits the flat of my blade it shatters, and the force pushes me back. "I'm going to guess that wasn't the right sword."
Dach whips his arm back and the sword goes flying to his hand. It's only then that I notice a giant bandage wrapped around his arm that's connected to the hilt of the sword. I stand and grab what seems to be a Zweihander.
(Several hours later)
I'm kneeling on the ground, and holding a hilt with a shard of the sword left intact. I have a deep cut on my sword arm and several shallow ones on my chest. There's a piece of broken metal imbedded in my shoulder, but I'm too tired to pull it out.
"You have to put up a better fight than that! What happened to the "I don't need you" bullshit I kept hearing about? Looks to me like you can't do anything without my help." I look around for another sword, for one that isn't broken.
My vision locked onto a beautiful sword, and I knew It would be my last chance at fighting back. I barely have enough energy for one more attempt. I tense my legs as Dach lifts his sword, and once he begins to swing I dash towards It.
Once my hand touches the hilt a voice echoes in my head. "So...you have finally found me. I can lend you my strength, and from now on you can rely on me for support and advice." What the...? Dad mentioned finding a part of me...not that the sword would talk.
"Don't be alarmed, but you are about to be killed." I spun around and brought up the sword to protect my chest. Dach's sword was only inches from crushing my ribcage. "Do you want me to kill you?!"
"You know what? I've had enough of you...you may be a part of me, but that doesn't mean you define me! I can't ignore you, but I don't need you. I'll be just fine without you."
How do I use you? Our blades were grinding against each other, and I felt the air becoming heavy around us. "All you have to do is call out my name. Think about it..you already know."
I look at my sword. This sword Is supposed to be part of me, so I should be able to recognize it. After a while a name pops in my head, and the voice comes back. "Yes! That's it. Now all you have to do is say it."
"Izanagi!" I feel a giant surge of power after saying the sword's name. I overpower Dach, and I hear his sword begin cracking. "How can you be doing this!? You were on the brink of death!"
With one final push Izanagi cut through Dach's giant cleaver, and I smashed him in the chest with my hilt making him drop his sword. I placed the tip of my blade to his throat "I'm stronger than before, and I don't need you. Just remember that."
Dach just smirked and evaporated into black smoke. "Alright alright...get your panties out of a knot. If you think you can make it without me go ahead and try. I'll still be here...watching."
"Smug bastard...at least I don't have to worry about him talking anymore." I walk back to dad with Izanagi in my hand, but my legs tire out before I reach him and I collapse.
(Short time later) "You finally coming to? Good...now get up, there's something I need to ell you before you wake up." I slowly sit up and look around. We're back in the forest, but the cabin is nowhere in sight.
"Listen..you'll be hearing your sword talk to you from now on, because you've established a special connection with it. He will teach you the same way my sword taught me. Tell your friends that you may leave for a few days to train."
"So you did this test too? You had to fight yourself?" Dad laughed at me, which didn't make much sense until he explained. "No boy...I did the field of blades test with my father, but the evil doppelganger is all you. Just follow me." Dad leads me deeper into the woods until we find another river.
"I might see you again, but even If I don't...remember what I taught you. Don't pull the same crap twice, and...I love you son." I waved goodbye to my father before a strong current pulled me away. Then everything went black.
When my vision returned I was hovering above my body. I was asleep in a hospital bed with several machines hooked up to me. "So...am I dead or something?" I stat looking around and I notice a few familiar figures in the room.
"The girls are here? That's Star...and even Blast." Time seemed to have been frozen, because none of them were moving. It was making me feel really weird, looking into my sleeping face.
I felt like I was in a movie freeze frame. Pinkie Pie was being held by Cake. I figured those two would get closer eventually, but not like this. How long have I been asleep?
Twilight seemed to have been arguing with the doctor, or nurse, I can't really tell. Fluttershy was resting her head on the bed...and she seemed to have cried.
Rarity must have taken It hard as well...her hair was a mess, and so was her makeup. AJ and Rainbowdash were in the middle of an argument, and a loud one at that.
Blast was sitting by my bed, and his usual smirk was nowhere to be found. Star was sitting beside Fluttershy. He was leaning against her affectionately, but he had a horrified look on his face.
"This is just too weird. I feel like I'm having some sort of out-of-body experience." I close my eyes for a minute, and then everything starts feeling really heavy and awkward.
When I opened my eyes I'm in the hospital bed. There's a hospital mask strapped on my face and several sensors stuck to my arms and chest. There's even an IV in my arm.
I slowly force my arm up to my face and pull off the mask. *cough cough* "Why does everyone look so down?" Fluttershy lifted her head, and started mouthing something.
"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? So how long until I get rushed? I'm betting less than two minutes. More If those two keep arguing." Fluttershy finally came to her senses and her eyes started watering.
"W-we thought y-you were going to die." Then she jumped up on the bed and started nuzzling into my bandaged neck. "D-don't ever scare us l-like that again!" I pull her into a hug, feeling my back scream in protest.
"I promise not to do whatever I did again ok? By the way..what did I do?" Then I hear a loud shuffling as everyone comes to the bedside. Twilight isn't arguing with the doctor anymore, but now she is staring at me curiously.
"I can clear that up. We found you outside of the burning forest with Magical Blast next to you. You were burned horribly and had passed out. Applejack got Big Mac to carry you here."
Then Rarity spoke up "That was...nearly two weeks ago. The doctors have been worried you might never recover, and I hope you don't mind me asking this...but when did you get that scar on your back?"
"Well..I can understand why you're all so worried, and I'm sorry to have worried you all so much. It's just...that's a long story, so can I tell you all some other time? Its not exactly the happiest one..."
"I think things are going to be a lot better from now on. I've had some issues and I've been able to work them out recently. I had a really good dream actually."
Ok everyone that's chapter 12. I know that took way too long, but I've had a lot I had to juggle. Between school and home issues and now a job...well I'm doing my best.
The first person to tell me what the reference is from will be mentioned at the beginning of chapter 13. I know it wasn't as obvious as I had first thought, but you'll know it if you've watched the show.
And to my friend ShootingStar I hope that your story is continued as you wanted it to be. I am sorry you cannot continue writing, but best of luck to you.
Now to all my fellow writers, when you are having writer's block, it's best to just get the first five hundred or so words down fast, and the rest will start flowing much easier.
See you all next chapter!