Chapter 11: Library Visit

After Twilight left I found myself with a few spare hours, and decided to use this time to finally eat those fish I'd gotten from Fluttershy. I roasted them outside over a fire, figuring the herbivore probably wouldn't like the smell of cooking flesh filling their home.

When Zecora had finally returned she showed me some bottles she'd picked up in town, apparently ingredients for this 'Farming Potion' she mentioned. I decided to let her to take care of that herself, not like I'd be much help anyway considering the vastly different techniques these equines seem to use in potion brewing. We did spend a little time going over the Spell Matrices I'd left, an unexpected visitor having thrown a metaphorical wrench into her solo study time. The product of our efforts came in the form of two small vials... a Minor Mana Potion and an Elixir of Defense.

Zecora rolled the small blue mana potion around on the table, before looking back to me. "The Elixir of Defense I can assume the effect of... but what do you mean 'Mana Potion'? What's 'Mana'?"

Leaning back a bit, I scratched my chin. "Well mana is... hm. I'm not really the right one to ask about the specifics. I could probably find you the exact definition in a book..." I trailed off as I glanced to my pouch, which contained a random collection of knowledge I've accrued over time.

Zecora quickly shook her head. "No, it's okay. A simple explanation is fine, I've just never heard that term before."

Shooting her a curious look, I crossed my arms. "Well... mana is kind of like the fuel for magic in the most basic terms, not all magics use mana mind you though. A mage would probably slap me if he heard me explain it like that but it'll have to do for now. And this," I paused and leaned forward, tapping on the small blue vial, "-helps alleviate the strain of extreme mana exertion. As a magical race surly you have some kind of theory of your own akin to mana?" I asked, raising a brow.

Scratching her chin, she just shook her head. "No, we usually just refer to it as magic. You may as well call this a 'Magic potion' to us."

Pointing at her, I leaned forward on the table. "Magic is actually something I wanted to ask you about, Twilight said as far as ponies are aware there are three fundamental forces of magic." I began, getting a nod from her.

"Harmony, Chaos and friendship." She named off, getting me to shake my head.

"That's just the thing, there's so much more... and the friendship doesn't make any sense. You cant have a fundamental force of magic without an an opposing force." I replied, getting a shrug from the Zebra.

She bit at the inside of her cheek for a moment, before shaking her head. "While Celestia has always pushed friendship as Equestria's biggest virtue, it being recognized officially as a fundamental of magic is still pretty fresh. Princess Twilight would be the expert on that... until recently it was just Harmony and Chaos."

I rubbed my face with my left hand, letting out a sigh as I thought about that. "When I can finally read I feel like I'll have a lot of catching up to do…"

The rest of the night was uneventful, the only thing of interest was my first lessons on their language, 'Equish,' as they called it. The process wasn't difficult, as much as it was tedious. The process of learning a new language wasn't hard for me, the fact that I only had a couple years worth of memories might have to do with it... or the fact that learning multiple languages was pretty normal in Azeroth already. No... the tediousness was because each lesson the amulets had to be constantly taken off and re-equipped, due to the fact that the translation method it employed was automatic and I had to actually hear the word in their tongue to properly repeat it.

As the moon's glow replaced the sun's, we wrapped up our lessons. I'd like to think I made decent progress, already picking up on quite a few words and phrases. It helps that apparently their language deviated from symbols to a character based structure many centuries ago, I always found it hard to read any of those languages as the symbols always confused me with runes.

The yes and no's were simple, mostly just sounded like weird horse noises, and I also learned a few simple greetings and phrases. I still needed a lot of practice, but at least my eyes wont totally glaze over when the local populace tries to talk to me. Much to the annoyance of the Zebra, I decided to sleep out in the forest this night. I didn't explain to her why, but I had my own reasons for keeping my distance. After all, I didn't want to get too social... attachments like that can be used against me.

Dreams darted past my vision as I slept, my eyes raced to try and read any of them... however none would stay long enough. That was, until a certain dark memory surfaced causing my breath to hitch as my eyes flew open. A small shiver ran through my body, the dark night sky greeting me through the treetops. I blinked a couple times, before rubbing my eyes and letting out a groan.

'I've forgotten everything else, why can't I just forget them too...' Those faces still burned into my mind, the looks of betrayal...

As usual a cool sheen of sweat covered me from head to toe, but I'd gotten pretty good at ignoring the uncomfortable chilly feeling whenever I awoke. Sighing again, I rolled onto my side and tried to fall back asleep. My efforts were rewarded with a long, restless night as I lay there unable to sleep another wink.

As the sun cracked over the horizon and I returned to the hut, I helped Zecora haul that giant cauldron back into the center of the room. She seemed a bit perturbed by how easy lifting it seemed to be, but didn't outright say anything. I could tell her demeanor was a bit different today, a bit more jumpy whenever I made a sudden move or noise. I'm not sure what her and Twilight had spoken about while I was gone, but it definitely seems to have made her more nervous around me.

'Perhaps... I should start looking into wrapping my business up here when I can and move on. These ponies may start to grow tired of me as the novelty wears off'

While preparing the pit she'd asked if I wanted a rundown of the mixing process behind the potion, but I elected to just watch from the sidelines and occasionally assist with lifting heavy pots up to pour in.

After a few hours of mixing in various ingredients I had settled down by the table, my armor spread out across it along with some tools. I checked each piece carefully, doing what I could to bend back small links of chain that had broken or deformed over time or from recent combat. Taking a peek over to Zecora, I watched as she slowly stirred the cauldron's green contents. I wasn't sure how much was needed per herb but it definitely seemed like I'd have more than enough for the foreseeable future.

Pinching another link back together, a cough pulled me from my work. Zecora was standing by the cauldron, motioning to a large barrel on the other side of the hut stacked atop some crates. Hefting the barrel onto my shoulder, I made my way to the pit and set it down before prying the lid off.

Neither of us had the amulet on as she gave me simple one word requests, as to help me practice the language more. Carefully, she poured a blue liquid under the cauldron and into the fire, causing it to quickly snuff out. I blinked at lack of smoke, but shook the curiosity brewing in my mind and began transferring the potion into the barrel.

After just a few scoops of liquid a hard rapping at the door got us both to freeze. We both looked at each other for a moment, before it sounded again twice as loud, kicking us into action. I pointed to the other end of the room, and Zecora just gave a swift nod before silently scurrying over. Unsheathing my axe, I slowly approached the door and grasped the handle.

My grip tightened around the weapon as I inched the door open, freezing as I saw a patch of white fill the open space. One of Celestia's guards peered back through, prancing on it's hooves anxiously.

'Hold on… thats-' I cut off my thoughts as I yanked the door open the rest of the way.

"Silversong?" I asked, getting the pony to freeze in place and crane her neck up to me.

"D-Dalandor?!" Her eyes widened in shock, until a scramble of hooves behind me caught her attention.

The moment she saw Zecora, he let out a small gasp and moved to enter before glancing to me and stopping in place. Looking between the two, I sighed and leaned out of the way.

"Zecora?" She asked, getting a hesitant nod from the Zebra.

Silversong quickly broke into a panicked series of words. She spoke far too fast for me to make out, however a couple words did catch my attention. Namely, 'Twilight' and 'Spell'. Furrowing my brow is frustration, I turned around and cast my gaze to Zecora.

The zebra looked equally as confused, as she shook her head at the guard before looking back to me. Already sensing what she was about to ask, I retrieved the amulet from my pouch and tossed one over to her. As she latched it around her neck I waited anxiously for her explanation.

"It's Twilight!" She began, shaking her hoof for emphasis. "Apparently there's been an accident, but I never gave her a spell to study?" She finished, directing her question to the pony in the doorway.

Waving my hand, I stopped the guard as she took in a breath to speak. Motioning the amulet over, Zecora reluctantly removed the necklace and hoofed it over to me. Grabbing it's chain, I spun around and presented it to the guard who blinked at me in surprise.

After the shock receded she nervously shuffled in place, as she looked between the amulet dangling from my grasp and my unmoving stare. I shook it a bit, getting her to jolt.

"Want help?" I asked slowly in Equish the best I could. "Wear."

Locking her eyes with the item again, she crouched a bit while letting out an anxious groan before hesitantly taking it in her hooves. As it clicked around her neck, I prepared for the torrent of words about to come my way as she sucked in a huge breath.

"I'm not sure how you're involved but the Princess is stuck in ice and today's my first day on Princess guard duty and she's already in trouble and we can't melt her out and I don'tknowwhattodo!" She sucked in another huge breath as I clenched my teeth, cringing from the volume. "Spike said something about a new spell she got from Zecora's place so I followed his directions here and now you're here and now I'm confused and... I think I'm bucked..." She finished her longwinded explanation as she collapsed on her haunches.

She looked utterly defeated, however most of what she said fell on deaf ears as I stared at the ground... frozen in shock.

'I can't believe this...' I thought as I let out a groan, getting Silversong's attention.

Taking in a careful breath, I brought up a hand and pinched the bridge of my nose. "Trapped... in ice?" I asked slowly.

Silversong blinked a few times with a small look of surprise, before nodding furiously. "Yes! We can't get her out, we've tried everything, Nothing seems to break through!"

The uneasy feeling quickly turned to dread as she confirmed my worries.

"So she did it…" I growled low, getting Silversong's ears to give a small flick.

She blinked a couple times and shook her head as she opened her mouth to speak again, but her plans were cut short as I slammed my fist on the doorframe eliciting a loud bang!

"Fuck!" I yelled aloud, startling both nearby ponies.

Ignoring the mixed looks they gave me, I pushed past the sputtering guard and down the dirt path. My strides were long as my gaze burned towards my destination, the small pony village.

A series of hoofsteps sounded behind me as Zecora and Silversong quickly appeared at my sides. "W-Wait! " The guardpony spoke up, pulling ahead and stopping in-front of me.

I halted my advances, and locked my gaze on her as she withdrew a bit.

"W-Whats that mean? What happened?" She asked worriedly.

Motioning with both my arms and letting them fall to my side, I let out a sigh. "It means…" 'She won…' I grumbled out the last couple words.

"…what?" She asked with a tilt of her head as I groaned in annoyance.

"She won!" I yelled, just getting a slow blink from her as I stomped past the dumbstruck guard.

"She shouldn't of been able to do it!" I yelled to the persistent guard trotting next to me.

Turns out Celestia had taken my little scolding to heart and appointed a private guard for Twilight after all. However, said guard was currently having an anxiety fueled meltdown next to me. I ignored her pestering questions and trudged along the path, until we quickly passed the forest's border.

I shielded my eyes a bit at the change in illumination, but marched onwards to the village as Silversong continued to pelt me with questions.

"Why shouldn't she have been able to do it? She's the Element of Magic. Of course she'd do it!" She fired back, eliciting a grunt from me from hearing the title again.

Turning to face her, I pointed a finger her way getting her to skid to a stop. "That's not how magic works. You can't just perform a spell with the Matrix alone, you need practice, you need study, no-one is that gifted." I finished with a nod, before continuing my anger filled march towards the village.

There was a length of silence as I followed the gravely path towards the town, the only sound coming from the rocks as they shifted between my toes. I winced a bit at a twinge of pain shooting through my foot as I looked down in annoyance at the raw flesh. I had no socks fit to wear and the only footwear I had were a pair of plate greaves in my pouch.

However, wearing them without a cloth buffer is almost as painful as my bare feat on gravel so it's not like I was in a hurry to 'upgrade' to them.

'I should stop by the tailor's and update my order to include socks…' I absently thought to myself, until the sound of someone clearing their throat caught my attention.

Glancing behind me, I saw Zecora looking at me curiously and now wearing the amulet. "So… what exactly happened?" She asked, having been quiet the whole trip and just listening.

Of course she could only hear half the conversation.

Sighing, I looked straight ahead again. "I made a deal with Twilight. And now I have to pay up." I stated simply, eliciting a snort from the Zebra behind me.

"You gave Twilight a test?! Pfft-" She let out a quick series of giggles, much to my annoyance. "And how'd that work out for you?"

Shaking my head, I shrugged. "Well apparently Twilight got her spell stuck in a channel loop, so I'd say it's not fun for her either."

At this, she gave me a confused stare. "A… channel loop? What's that?"

I waved off the question as we closed in on the entrance to the village, the two guards standing on either side quickly snapping their gaze onto me.

"You'll see." I stated back, ignoring her annoyed look.

As we approached the guards they visibly tensed, until Silversong quickly hurried past me and greeted the two guards. Trading a few words with each other and sparing a glance or two in my direction, they hesitantly nodded and stood aside. I quickly stomped past them, sparing them not a single glance and entering the town.

It was much busier than the last time I'd entered, I assumed this was due to it being a late afternoon on 'Monday'. Ponies bustled around the dirt roads, many shouting out into the crowds trying to sell their wares. I could even see a few foals running around, one even buzzing it's tiny wings to propel itself on a small scooter.

The whole place just oozed tight knit community, and it didn't take very long for my presence to be noticed… almost all movement coming to a sudden stop. I took in a slow breath and calmed my nerves at the stares, and pushed through to my destination.

A few ponies would flinch as I passed them, or yelp in surprise as they turned a corner to see me.

'The more things change… the more they stay the same' I let out a sigh as I looked around, all of the familiar looks only averting to my own gaze.

This whole experience was so similar to my first day in Stormwind, it was uncanny. The only thing that was missing was the-

*Splat!*

I recoiled as a tomato nailed the right side of my face. I could hear a couple gasps sound out around the area as I tried to control my breathing, standing still but visibly shaking.

Slowly raising a hand, I peeled the item off my face and wiped my eye, before slowly turning my gaze to my terrified audience and where it'd come from.

'Want to make a show outta me huh? Which of you spineless animals threw it…' My voice growled in my head as I scanned them all.

Every single pony in the crowd looked mortified and not a single one dared to move. But none of that mattered to me, by now my temper had reached it peak as I read them all, looking for the one who was bold enough to do the deed.

Zecora tugged at my shirt and said something, but the words fell on deaf ears… drowned out by the sound of my pounding heart. Once I was certain of the trajectory the offending fruit came from, I turned and began striding towards the crowd.

With every step the ponies around me trembled, each one shrunk down as small as possible as I closed in. As I neared I noticed that none of them had any of the incriminating foodstuffs, and began to move towards another group until I heard a familiar sound behind some nearby crates.

Any ponies ahead of me quickly parted as I walked, and many of them adorned looks of horror as I rounded the crates to see...

Those same three fillies again.

The yellow and orange ones were arguing amongst each-other about something, while the white one was fiddling with the contraption they stood around. I took a look at it, but before I could even register what it was a mechanical clang sounded off as another tomato planted itself right in my face.

Gasps sounded around me as I stood still and processed what just happened. The tomato slowly peeled off my face and fell to the ground with a splat as I fluttered my eyes open. The three fillies were all huddled together and staring at me in absolute terror as I blinked a couple times, before taking a quick glance at the crowd around me.

Many of them were watching in terrified anticipation, while one nearby pony seemed to have fainted.

Turning back to the fillies, then looking down at the miniature catapult, I couldn't help it as I let out a snicker, and before I knew it I burst into a full belly laugh.

It's not that I hadn't laughed in a long time, I did chuckle now and then and maybe have the occasional couple laughs. But something about this series of events had me absolutely hysterical. I actually almost felt a tear coming on, but as quickly as I started laughing it receded as I slowly controlled my breathing.

Looking at the fillies again, they remained huddled together but were watching me with timid curiosity. Clearing my throat I wiped off some of the leftover juices and seeds from my cheek, before pointing at the rudimentary catapult and giving a thumbs up.

"Good shot." I said with a smile, in what was probably pretty awful Equish.

Their wide eyes blinked slowly, until I stood from my spot and lumbered back over to my awaiting travel mates. I ignored their stares and continued wiping any remaining splotches of red from my face, continuing my walk towards the library. The ponies around me were still cautious, but it seems many of them had finally gathered the courage to go about their business once more, albeit slowly.

The rest of the walk was uneventful as I watched the ponies go about their late afternoon routines. Of course, there was only so much I could observe until they stopped, opting to do the same to me. Before long the giant oak tree came into view and I cringed at the sight, the memory of my last visit replaying in my mind.

I wasted no time following the path around the library, until I froze at the sight before me.

A group of five ponies were huddled around the front door, muttering amongst each-other as one particularly colorful one continued to bang it's hoof on the door. I recognized one of them immediately, it's bright yellow body and pink mane unmistakable as it's small form waited patiently at the back of the group.

Silversong passed me quickly and ran up to the group who all parted for her. However, as they did they all took notice of Zecora, then myself. All of their smiles disappeared, except one who quickly smiled even wider and waved at me.

The rest of the group all watched me with mixed expressions as Fluttershy nudged the white one, before saying something and motioning to me.

A small click got everyone's attention as the guard shoved the door open and motioned to me to enter. The small group of ponies glanced back and forth between the door and myself as I ignored them and bent down through the small entrance.

The inside was exactly as I remembered it, minus the crumpled table which seems to have already been replaced. There was a commotion behind me as I turned and saw the rest of the ponies conversing with Zecora. I just rolled my eyes and followed Silversong as she led me toward a staircase.

Perspective: Zecora

I followed closely behind Dalandor as he ducked down into the doorway, until a hoof tapped on my shoulder and quickly brought me to a stop.

"What the hay was that thing Zecora? And what's it doing at Twilight's?" Rainbow Dash asked in an annoyed tone, hovering just above me.

"We haven't seen hide nor hair of Twi all day. Is she alright?" Applejack added in, sparing glances to the open door.

Looking at the rest of the group, they all seemed to be waiting intently for what I had to say. I let out a sigh as I glanced back to the doorway as Dalandor gave me a quick peek, before disappearing inside.

"We're actually here to see her, apparently she had a spell mishap. And he's not dangerous…" I paused and bit my lip. "I think."

"You think?" Rainbow butted in, letting out a snort. "Is he or isn't he?"

Tapping my hoof on my chin, I hummed. "Well… he hasn't hurt me yet. Actually he's helped me a lot, but supposedly he's killed a hydra."

They all tensed at that, while Rainbow Dash waved her hoof at the claim.

"That's a load of manure, we've all heard the rumors and there's no way somepony that small could take on a hydra." She finished with a nod, leaning back midair and resting her hooves behind her head.

"That... was him?" Applejack mumbled, looking towards the doorway.

"Twilight confirmed it herself, he did it." I added, eliciting a double take from Rainbow.

"W-what?!" She reared back, before looking to the library in panic. "What're we waiting for then!? C'mon!" She exclaimed, before shooting into the library at breakneck speeds, followed quickly by a galloping Applejack.

"Wooooow. He must be SUUUUUPER strong to take on a hydra. They weigh like… millions of pounds!" Pinkie pie quipped, bouncing into the tree after them.

Rarity, Fluttershy and I followed in shortly after just as Pinkie's tail disappeared down a flight of stairs. As we hurried down the steps, Rarity spoke up next to me.

"Zecora, I simply adore that jewelry of yours. Could I take a look at it?" Rarity asked, pointing to the amulet hanging around my neck.

Rubbing it with my hoof, I bit my lip. "It's not for show, it's a translator for Dalandor. He can't speak Equish." As I finished Fluttershy gave a small nod In agreement.

"Fluttershy," Rarity began, looking worriedly towards the pegasus, "Are you sure he's harmless? He looked a little... brutish."

Fluttershy nodded eagerly. "He's really a nice pony, I promise. He just looks scary on the outside." She reassured Rarity, who still looked a bit unsure.

Biting her lip, she sighed. "Darling, when you explained the measurements for the garments I thought you may have mismeasured… but now I see I've got my work cut out for me."

Fluttershy was about to say something, when a bang sounded from downstairs, followed by a loud crash and the sound of crumpling metal. The three of us shared a look, before sprinting the rest of the way down the stairs and into the lab below. I'd never been inside Twilight's lab myself, but whatever it was supposed to look like was likely a far cry from the state it was in currently.

I arrived last behind the other two, and the first thing I noticed was the large chunk of ice in the middle of the room, inside of which was Twilight... suspended in the center and unmoving. My mouth hung agape as I stared at it, until I turned my gaze to Applejack as she reared up next to it, legs pulled back and ready to buck.

*Crrrack*

"Ah'll get you out, jus hang on Twi!" Applejack croaked in panic as she reared back for another strike.

*Crrrack*

She continued pounding on the ice to no effect, as my eyes scanned the room for everypony else.

Pinkie was next to Applejack, drawing glasses and a mustache over Twilight with black magic marker. Rarity and Rainbow were arguing with each other on the other side of the room next to a couple of caved in machines as Silversong was frantically digging through their metal remains.

Fluttershy sat in the corner with Spike, both frozen in place as they watched the scene before them.

Frantically looking between the ponies around me, I turned to Fluttershy.

"W-What happened?" As I said it, Fluttershy winced and pointed towards Silversong and the destroyed equipment.

My brow furrowed in frustration as I galloped across the room towards the guardspony, skidding to a stop and glancing over the twisted rubble.

"Silversong? Where's Dalandor?" I asked anxiously as the panting guard stopped what she was doing to look at me.

She yanked off her helmet and tossed it across the room, revealing her silvery coat. "That friend of yours just bucked him across the room!" She yelled to Applejack as she stopped mid strike against the ice to glare towards her.

Rainbow swooped away from Rarity, and stood between Applejack and Silversong. "Yeah right, we've heard the rumors about that thing! Tell him to let her go!"

I shook my head and frowned at the heated pegasus, getting her to snort in annoyance. "Rainbow you misunderstand, he-"

However, anything else I had to say escaped me as a cold presence draped over me and I could feel my coat stand on end. Everypony else must have felt it too, as all the arguing ceased in an instant as the chill seeped through the air. A shiver ran through my body as I turned to Silversong and met her gaze, before we both turned to the twisted machines next to us.

The machines were large and boxy looking, reaching nearly to the ceiling. However, there was now a sizable crater in the center... which was steadily seeping a thick white fog. Hesitantly, I backed away from the hole until a low growl reached my ears.

The sound flared a primal urge in me, as my tail tucked between my legs and my pupils shrunk. My instincts were screaming at me to run and hide, or make myself so small I can't be seen. My mind raced as the sound of metal bending apart assaulted me.

My ears splayed back as I winced, until my whole body froze at the sight.

Two blue eyes bored into me, a mist seemingly rolling off them. The twisted metal caging the beast parted easily with one claw, as he slowly inched out into the room light once again.

All the memories of how I felt that night came flooding back as I watched the lupine creature stand to it's full height. It's face was twisted in pain and rage as he cradled his left arm, snapping his gaze across the room.

With a bit of effort, I turned my eyes to where he was looking. Applejack was next to the ice where she had been striking it, frozen in place with a look of horror.

Everypony else shared similar looks, all huddled against the walls and trying to appear as small as possible... except for Fluttershy who was watching with concern.

Dalandor's chest heaved, each breath ending with a low growl as his right claw slowly lowered to grip the axe on his waist. Alarms started going on in my head as I slowly inched forward, getting his gaze to snap on me.

"Dalandor please… it was a misunder-" However, I was cut off as he let out a sharp growl which made my sentence end in an unceremonious squeak.

Slowly he tread forward, his left arm hanging limply at his side as his axe slid from it's holster. I tried to find my voice again, but could only manage to make a few sounds as he lumbered towards me. Frost covered the ground as he walked past me and towards Applejack, who was now trembling in place as she held her ground by Twilight and Rainbow.

I felt powerless as he passed me, shivering as the cold air rolled over me. Part of me was telling me not to turn around, to witness what was about to happen. I pushed back the feeling and cautiously turned my head and gasped at the sight.

Fluttershy was standing between Dalandor and Applejack, holding a single hoof up between them.

I knew I had to do something to save my friends, but...

I couldn't move.

Perspective: Dalandor

The pain rippled up my left arm, each movement sending another wave through my body. Fluttershy stood between me and my target, meekly holding her hoof up in a futile attempt to stop me.

Strike

The dark temptation creeped into my mind, as my grip tightened around my axe handle and I gave a sharp growl. Fluttershy flinched and let out a small squeak, but shook her head back at me and said something... and for a moment I thought I could understand her.

A long silence stretched out between us as I stared down at the pegasus, bravely standing between me and her friends. She spoke again, this time her words broke though my clouded mind and the gripping cold receded just enough to think clearly. Casting my gaze around the room, I could see every single pair of eyes rightfully looking at me in fear.

The whole room had started to frost over, and the path I'd walked was slick with ice.

'Just a... misunderstanding...' My reasoning finally broke through as I hesitantly sheathed my axe.

I let out a slow sigh as I stumbled back a bit, a mist enveloping me as I returned back to my human form. Wincing at the sudden movement, I grasped my broken arm and seethed at the pain. Fluttershy let out a worried gasp and moved to check my arm, but I quickly shot her down with an intense glare.

Slowly, I moved around her and towards the point of my journey here. This time Fluttershy didn't move to stop me, however the orange and cyan equines were still blocking my way.

"Move." I demanded coldly.

There was a small silence, until Zecora spoke up behind me. "G-Girls I think you should move."

The two equines looked like they were about to argue, until Fluttershy spoke up as well. Reluctantly, the two retreated backwards until they were at the wall with the small purple drake and white unicorn. Glancing behind me, I motioned Fluttershy to move back more.

Once she was far enough away, I rounded the large piece of ice and came to the spot the orange pony had been striking at. There wasn't a single blemish on it, which wasn't surprising for mana ice. Everyone knows you cant break, chop or melt it... only dispels will work.

'Still a powerful kick...' I let out a grumble as I rubbed my broken limb, another potion down the drain...

The surprising thing, however, was the fact Twilight was still trapped. I wasn't sure exactly how long she'd been in there... but I knew enough about magic to know this mare wasn't normal.

'First you cast a new spell like it's nothing... with absolutely no prior training' I squinted my eyes at her though the ice, focusing on her horn which was still shrouded in magic, 'Then, not only did you manage to cast it and get yourself stuck in a channel loop, but you're still somehow sustaining it after so long' I shook my head in disbelief as I gave out a sigh.

Lifting my good arm, I focused on the one spell I needed. I had a couple of magic dispels, but a lot of them were a bit... abusive to the target. There was one, however, that was relatively harmless..

Lifting my hand up, I crushed the swirling nexus of green energy in my hand as a dome of matching color sprung up around me. The bubble quickly engulfed the center of the room, and with it, the Twi-cicle itself. Once the dome reached it's full size, there was a quick flash as runes hovered just off it's surface. The effect was immediate as Twilight's horn fizzled out, and the ice surrounding her quickly dissipated.

Instead of melting, it simply shifted before fading into a blue mist as Twilight crumpled into a coughing heap onto the floor. My brow furrowed at an interesting change, the mark on her flank. Before my very eyes I watched as it disappeared, replaced by the lavender color of her coat.

Bending down, I lifted her under my good arm and carried her out of the Anti-Magic Zone. She shivered uncontrollably, until the moment I passed through the barrier. As I broke through Twilight's eyes fluttered open, her gaze quickly settling on me.

I rolled my eyes at her flustered appearance, and dropped her onto her hooves. Her legs wobbled a bit, but in an instant the orange and cyan ponies came to her side... supporting her up. I tried to focus on the exchange between them, but by now the pain rocking through my arm was far too distracting.

Ignoring the protests behind me, I quickly made my exit from the library. Many ponies had gathered outside and gasped in shock as I exited, muttering hushed words amongst each other as they took in my wounded appearance.

"Get lost!" I shouted, getting many of them to reel back.

After a few moments of silence, I could feel my anger welling up at still being watched. The steadily rising feeling of rage, compounded by the increasing pain in my arm and recent events finally sent me over the edge. The familiar cold feeling rolled over me again as my body quickly shifted, all the nearby ponies taking on looks of horror.

"I said..." I began as I dropped down on three limbs. "GO AWAY!"

I finished with a roar, and that was finally the last straw. The whole crowd burst into screams and scattered before me, as I ignored it and turned towards the nearest way out of town. A flurry of movement from the library caught my attention for a moment, as I saw Zecora, Fluttershy and Twilight all appear at the doorway.

They all glanced between me and the chaos, as I growled in annoyance and looked away. I didn't even bother reading the looks they gave me as I took off as fast as I could, taking care to not irritate my arm more than I had already. Despite my injury, my anger still boiled deep in my core... making my nerves twitch in impatience as I neared the forest.

I had to kill something, now.