The rest of our stay with the dragons was pretty boring to be honest. We had dinner, I flew around with Halvium some more, and Spike spent all his time with Zerana. You’d think the land of dragons would be filled with excitement but after everything that had already happened it seems that most dragons wanted to avoid me. It wasn’t fear that drove their actions though. It was more likely that the truce prevented them from stomping me flat and they didn’t want to take the chance I’d make them mad enough to break it. After all, I had already torched three of their hatchlings and gotten in a fight with the oldest of their brood.

I was waiting for Spike the next day on the lip of the volcano while watching the forest for any signs of an animal I could kill. Instead I found a curly purple tail sticking out from behind a bush. I only know one tail that can be that curled in the middle of a forest and I was sure that two more ponies waited nearby. I get that Twilight would have invisibility or something, but Rainbow is as colorful as they get! Where could something like that hide? I double checked the sky but still found nothing. Whatever. We’ll just have to find a way around them. I need to speak with Spike about what he saw before he talks to Twilight.

I slid back down the inside of the volcano to where Halvium had been sitting. He had been rather insistent on making sure I be watched. Whether this was because he didn’t trust me or because he didn’t want me to die I didn’t really care since his presence still helped with the latter.

“Seems the ponies are still here. I imagine they are waiting so that they can walk home with us but I need to talk with Spike alone. You have a way of getting around them?”

Halvium put a claw to his chin in thought. “I could fly you two past them though the pegasus you mentioned might be trouble.”

I shook my head. “More than just trouble. With her here it makes it practically impossible to leave by air. We also can’t stay longer since I have no doubt that Twilight will send a message to Celestia as soon as she thinks something is wrong.”

“Ah, yes. The faithful student. Her presence here complicates things as well. Bah! Is there really any need for this?”

“There is if you don’t want me banished for another few centuries. Unless I explain to Spike exactly why he can’t say anything he is bound to let it slip and as soon as he does it will be only a few minutes before the princesses know what’s up.”

We both returned to thinking until Spike and Zerana showed up. Spike was positively beaming to a point where my dark heart couldn’t take it. He better not be like that the entire way home. I don’t think I could stand it for longer than a day. While Spike ran up to me and started telling me about what he learned I saw Halvium mutter something to Zerana. All she gave in response was “Really? That’s it?” and sighed. She dipped her head toward me as her tail came around to meet it. “I believe this belonged to you once and may very well solve your current problem.”

Spike, ever ignorant, said “Problem? What problem?”

“Nothing you need to worry about hatchling. How about you say goodbye to Halvium while I talk with Don?” He nodded. With him finally gone I looked at what Zerana was holding in her tail. It appeared to be a piece of armor, though it had definitely seen better days. It consisted of a belt with the Overlord’s mark in the center as well as a bandolier. Both were made of leather and decorated with plates of rusted steel. It was underwhelming to say the least.

“So I suppose I should first ask why you have this?”

“It was one of the few pieces of your armor that remained. When we first found it we attempted everything we could to destroy it but eventually gave up. We instead decided to keep it as a reminder of the past. Recently however it changed. Before it had been a chestplate with a tattered red cloak and a sword sling on the back. I assume it was because of your attitude change that it is now this.”

“Makes about as much sense as everything else that has happened.” I took it from her and put it on. It fit well though now that I felt it I could tell the metal was even flimsier than it appeared. “So how is this going to help?”

“When it changed, I tried to figure out why it did this. As I examined it I found that not only had the shape changed but its enchantments as well. One of these allows for the wearer to teleport short distances when fed magic.”

That’s amazing! Teleporting had been an issue in my studies, though to explain why would take explaining a bunch of other magic stuff to you as well. Just know that teleporting is impossible unless you have a lot of power, which I won’t until I find a nest or two, or if you are capable of working out quantum physics mixed with magical cross-dimension relativity for your current situation all within a few seconds.

“This is perfect! I can get Spike and I past the ponies and then some. After we’re long gone you can just tell them that we left early this morning.”

“Precisely.” Spike came back over, his bag filled with gems that were no doubt given to him as a treat.

“Can we go now Don? I don’t want to give Twilight a reason to call the guards or something like that.”

At least we feel the same about that. “Sure thing. Just hop on my backpack and we’ll go.” He did just that. Once we were at the edge of the volcano I peeked over so I could get sight of where I was teleporting. Rarity’s still there. Twilight must be nearby. Is it possible Rainbow left? It wouldn’t exactly go against her loyal nature to leave when Spike very clearly wanted to be here.

I found a good spot well past Rarity’s curly tail to try out my new toy. I started out slow as I extended my magic to the belt. As soon as I made contact the enchantment took over, sucking greedily from my magic reserves. This left me feeling light headed just as the spell activated. For a moment it felt like I was being shoved into a small space before suddenly being released right into a tree. Okay. I’m going to need to learn how to properly use this before I try that again.

“Don! Are you okay?” I pried my face off the tree before answering.

“Ya, I think so. That was definitely a learning experience.” Once we were sure everything was in one piece I looked back toward the dragon den. I couldn’t even see it between the trees. Looks like I went a little further than I meant to. I definitely shouldn’t try anything larger than that until I get used to it. I turned back around and we started walking toward Ponyville.

“So you can teleport too? What other magic do you have?”

I decided to humor the little guy and listed off a few that wouldn’t cause too much trouble if someone found out. “Well, other than obviously faulty teleporting I can also use telekinesis and make fire.”

“Cool! Can you show me? Huh? Can ya?”

“I wish I could, but that teleport took more out of me than I was expecting. Maybe when we stop for the night I’ll be able to show you a bit of fire.” Though he looked a bit disappointed that disappeared as soon as we ran into a cockatrice. Both of us looked at each other with a grin before leaping at it, claws and dagger drawn.

* * *

That night we were finishing off the cockatrice when Spike finally asked the big question. “So why haven’t you told anyone you can do magic? I figure Twilight and maybe even Rarity could teach you a lot if they knew.”

I sighed as I put down the leg bone I had been gnawing on. “It’s a long story Spike, but you deserve to know. First off, do you know the story of Faust’s ascension?”

“You mean that old fairy tale about how she defeated a great evil? I’ve heard of it but I’ve never read it myself. I do remember Twilight freaking out about it being missing from the library though since so few places actually have that book anymore.”

“Well the missing book was me. I fed it to a manticore because if anyone read it they might figure out what I am, or was rather. You see, in the story Faust fought a bipedal creature that, despite being from another world, was capable of destructive power that no one had ever seen. It was eventually sealed away but it took Faust sacrificing herself to do so.”

“What does this have to do with you doing magic?”

“I’m getting there. Now where was I? Oh ya. There are a few things not mentioned in the story. First is that Faust is actually the mother of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Second is that the Everfree Forest was the site of the final battle between the goddess and the destructive being.”

“Alright, so what?”

I sighed. “You don’t get it yet? Bipedal creature from another world, can use magic despite not being a magical being, and was sealed away in the Everfree Forest. Who does that sound like?”

To my surprise Spike actually had to sit there and think for about ten seconds before finally gasping. “You? You’re the one from the story?”

“Yep, or at least I was. Thing is, I’m not nearly as violent as I was in the story. That’s the only reason why I managed to get by the princesses when they asked for me to come to Canterlot the first week I was here. Good thing too because if they figured out what I was I’d be dead right now, or worse.”

“The princesses wouldn’t do that! They’re really nice. I’m sure they can see that you’re a good person.”

Good. He’s taking this the way I planned for him to. “Oh really? Than why did I overhear them arguing about how to deal with me? Luna wanted my head on a pike. The only reason Celestia didn’t agree was because she wanted proof. I’m sure as soon as I reveal my magic to them or anyone close to them I’d be done for.”

“I dunno. That still doesn’t sound like the princesses to me.”

“Think about it like this Spike. Some monster is responsible for your mother’s death. You think he’s been locked away forever but suddenly he returns. What would your first reaction be? Invite the monster over for a cup of tea?”

“I guess not, though I still think you’re being a little paranoid about this.”

“Paranoia isn’t a bad thing Spike. Paranoia is that voice in your head that tells you it’s not a good idea to wear a metal hat during a thunderstorm. Paranoia is what keeps you from getting mugged by strangers. Paranoia is the only reason I’m still living in Equestria and not a statue or on the moon.” Spike thought about what I said for a long time. It wasn’t till the fire had dimmed to glowing embers that I spoke again.

“Do you see why I said you couldn’t tell anyone what you saw? You can bet your scaley behind that as soon as Twilight hears I can do magic she’ll send a letter to the princess. The next thing you know the entire Equestrian military will be after me along with two really pissed off princesses.”

“I understand. I just wish there was some way you didn’t have to hide.”

I smiled and pat Spike on the back. “Don’t worry about it Spike. I’ve been doing this for almost a year now. How do you think I got away from the diamond dogs?”

He looked up. The sadness that had filled his eyes was now replaced by curiosity. “That’s how you did that? But you were a pegasus. How did you do magic?”

“I couldn’t do any of my normal spells but using what I knew I figured out pegasus magic and used it to create electricity. Zapped the guard when he came into my cell to check on me.”

“That’s awesome! Have you done anything else?”

“Well other than the fight with those dragons you saw, I also got into a fight with one of the dragon elders.”

“No way! You gotta tell me about that one.”

“Alright. I entered the room. The three of them were already standing ready to judge me…”

* * *

The remainder of the trip went by pretty quickly. A few times I would have Spike climb on my back so I could work on teleporting. I managed to get a feel for the magic to distance ratio after awhile though it wasn’t without a few more incidents. When we got back to town we headed straight to the library to hide a few things. I let Spike have all of the jerky we made since I knew going back to hay was going to be hard.

Once the meat and Spike’s gems were hidden away underneath the floorboards of my room (I wasn’t going to need it soon) I put away my camping supplies. I made sure to latch my dagger to my new belt and throw them both in my saddlebags before heading out to Zecora’s. Along the way I ran into Fluttershy who was heading to town.

“Oh Don, you’re back. Does that mean Twilight and everyone else is too?”

“Spike and I are back but I haven’t seen Twilight since she showed up demanding that Spike return home. We thought they left before us but we must have passed them somehow on the way back.”

“Well I’m glad nothing happened with the-” she gulped “-dragons. I’m also glad Spike finally got to learn a few things about himself.”

“Wait. How did you know we went to see the dragons? I thought Twilight just tracked us with magic or something.”

“She did, but she could tell that you were heading in the same direction the dragons did. She asked all of us to come but only Rainbow and Rarity agreed.”

“So you actually were okay with Spike figuring this stuff out?”

“Of course. No two creatures are the same. I can’t expect Spike to act like he’s a pony when he isn’t.”

“I imagine Applejack and Pinkie feel the same way since they didn’t follow Twilight?”

“I suppose so, though I don’t think it is for the same reason.” Fluttershy looked up at the sky for a moment before making a gasp so small and adorable I wanted to burn a building down. “Oh look at the time. I need to get going. It was nice seeing you Don.” We both started heading our separate ways before Fluttershy called me back.

“Oh, wait Don. I nearly forgot. Pinkie is throwing you a going away party tomorrow. It’s at noon over at Sugarcube Corner.”

Hang on a bone pickin minute! “Pinkie Pie is throwing a party.” She nodded. “For me.” She nodded again. “Are you absolutely sure of this?”

“Yep. I was just as surprised as you since you two never seemed to get along that much. Maybe she’s trying to make up for it.”

Or maybe she’s making one last assassination attempt. “Well I hope it isn’t a big party. Pinkie knows I’m not really into that kind of thing.”

“Don’t worry. She said it was just the girls and a few of their family members. Nothing big.”

“Alright. I’ll be there Fluttershy.” I waved goodbye before continuing down the path. Note to self: Bring dagger in case Pinkie tries something. I’ve been carefully watching her ever since that one time she almost went complete psychopath just because she thought her friends hated her parties. There was just something about the way she looks when her mane straightens that made me think she wouldn’t hesitate to stab someone.

The walk to Zecora’s took about as long as expected. She was there and seemed to be in the middle of packing. “You have come very early, we’re not leaving now surely.”

“Nope. I’m here because I know where the crystal tree is and I want your help since you know the forest better than anyone.”

“If what you seek is within the forest, then perhaps I need an optometrist.”

“Your eyesight is fine, it’s just in the one place no one has returned from in over three centuries.” Zecora’s eyes went wide as she heard this. After the shock had worn off she silently walked over to a set of bottles filled with various liquids. She thought for a moment before grabbing one with her teeth and handing it to me.

“If you’re going there take this brew. It will hide you from creatures that want to harm you.”

“You’re not coming?”

“No, there is still packing to be done. I know every place in this forest except one.”

I sighed as I looked down at the bottle of bluish green liquid. “So what do I do with this?”

“Drink it when you feel uneasy, then run fast! Don’t frolic like a breezie.”

“Got it. I’ll be back as soon as the tree is smashed and the relics with it.” I pulled my bandoleer and belt out of the bag and put them on. Once I had secured the bottle in one of the chest pouches I tossed my bag inside Zecora’s hut.

I had been inside the forest many times by this point so I had a basic idea of where I needed to go. I felt the forest’s warning as I began to get closer. It was as if something was amplifying my fight or flight response and with no threat in sight my instincts were leaning toward the latter. Despite this I pressed forward, knowing that I would have more reasons to be afraid if I didn’t take care of this.

It wasn’t until the warning suddenly stopped that I did as well. Knowing a bad sign when I see it I pulled the bottle out and chugged it. The strange liquid tasted like someone had mixed blueberries and onions together and left a terrible aftertaste. I didn’t feel any different but I had seen Zecora do crazier with her potions so I was sure that it was doing its job.

I put the bottle back in its place before making a mad dash through the forest. There were a few instances where the terrain sunk and became a marsh or where the earth fell away all together to create a ravine. With no time to spare finding alternative routes I utilized my new ability to warp across these obstacles.

I had been running for nearly fifteen minutes and I was starting to wonder how deep the forest goes when I came across a huge ravine. I was about to teleport across and keep going when I saw something glittering out of the corner of my eye. The ravine lead up to a cave and from this angle I could see a small amount of crystal peeking out.

Bingo! I ignored the stairs that had been carved into the rock and teleported down instantly. My grin grew as I looked upon the shining tree. Flames danced across my arms as I readied to collapse the place but I stopped. My magic dissipated as my expression fell. This tree is made of crystal, but the magic it has is nothing compared to what I expected. This thing couldn’t seal me away for one year let alone three thousand!

I growled in anger. “Is there another tree? No, that would be ridiculous. But then why is the tree so weak!? The artifacts were made from Faust’s spirit and as such are self-sustaining. This tree isn’t gaining any new magic though! In a couple of years this thing will be dry. Did the artifacts break down or-” I paused as something caught my eye. “Those branches each have that small indent.” I glanced at each one of these seemingly worthless features. One, two, three, four, five… My eyes landed on the star on the trunk. Six. The artifacts may still be here physically but their magic has been transferred to something else. And it seems their replacements are no longer here.

I clenched my fists as I held back to wave of anger and rage that was building within me. I came all this way for nothing! Well this tree may not be made of wood, but I’m going to burn it anyway! Flames sprung to life on my arms once again but I was stopped when I heard the sound of something slithering behind me. In no mood to be snuck up on I turned and let loose a wave of fire, incinerating what looked like black vines covered in blue thorns. As the vines turned to ashes a hissing voice spoke. I could feel the sound reverberating in the stone as the trees above swayed in tandem as if something was holding them by the root.

“You are a fool have entered into my realm. I have consumed the mightiest of warriors from minotaurs to dragons to ponies. You are nothing compared to them and they were child’s play.” More vines replaced the ones I destroyed. “Any last words, hero?”

“I’m not a hero. I’m the thing that created you after all.” Despite how calm I appeared on the outside, inside I was afraid. Of what I couldn’t figure out. This thing is powerful but it certainly isn’t the princesses’ level of power. So where is this fear coming from?

“This means nothing! You may have planted the seeds but I’ve outgrown you.”

“Well then I guess it’s about time I trimmed the weeds.” With that last line I charged at the vines. They did the same but just as we were about to clash I teleported to the top of the ridge. The forest screamed out but I didn’t let it stop me as I ran for it.

“You will not escape! Two escaped before but no more! NO MORE!!!” Trees around me began to uproot themselves as their branches swiped at me. Giant cragadiles surfaced from the marshes and snapped at me. The entire forest seemed to lurch and turn as I felt powerful magic begin to fill the air around me. Literally everything wanted me dead and would get its chance had I not been running at full speed.

“No, no, no, NO! I cannot allow it! You must die for your crimes! Your body will decompose and become food for my roots! My teeth will snap your bones!” The threats went on and on as I continued my mad dash. My vision began to blur from the overexertion of my body and the raw power that still covered me like a cloud.

Need to keep going...

I don’t know how long I ran. I must have gotten lost. Despite how the trees moved the forest canopy above left the ground just as dark as it always had, taking away my only clue as to how much time passed. The only thing that drove me to keep moving was knowing that stopping was death. Eventually that was all I had to think of as exhaustion sapped my strength.

Need to keep going, need to keep going…

The voice never stopped. It spoke from everywhere at once, always speaking of crimes and punishment. I tried to ignore it, to cut off my sense of hearing, though the voice only seemed to get louder and closer. It cut through my thoughts, leaving me with only the instinct to survive pushing me forward.

Run. Don’t stop. Run...

Eventually the voice died down and the plants stopped moving but I did not stop running. I didn’t even notice the difference. Its intent had been clear and though its ultimate goal had failed it still had succeeded on all the steps prior. Thinking rationally was beyond me. Conscious thought seemed to be only a distant memory.

Don’t stop. Stopping is death.

When I saw a familiar hut adorned with tribal decor my memories snapped back into place. With it came the realization of how horrible I felt. I only managed a few more shaky steps before finally falling forward.

Zecora must have heard me slam into her front step as she was there a few seconds later. “What happened out there? Did you get attacked by a bear?”

I gasped for air as I tried to speak. “Just… help me.” Zecora was quick to obey my order as she grabbed the collar of my shirt and pulled me inside. Once I was propped up against a wall she ran over to her cupboards and pulled out bandages as well as some kind of salve she made. Thankfully none of my wounds were serious, only scratches and bruises where some trees caught me off guard. If a cragadile had gotten to me I wouldn’t have made it without a missing limb.

“You best stay here and rest, so the ponies are not distressed.”

I managed to speak though my mind was still in turmoil from my ordeal. “How are they not?”

“I’m afraid I do not understand. Nothing has happened since off you ran. Is there reason for us to fear, or are the ponies in the clear?”

I managed to find a small part of my mind not falling apart; the eye of the storm so to speak. She heard none of what happened. I glanced at a calendar she had, a rather out of place piece in the jungle hut though it wasn’t in good condition. It’s the same day. That’s not possible! I must have been in there for at least forty-eight hours.

That realization used up what little will I had left. My body cried out for sleep and I could not ignore it anymore. I heard Zecora say something else but couldn’t make it out beyond muffled mutterings.

For the first time in many months I dreamt something that was not under my control. A nightmare of a hissing voice speaking through an eternal forest. I have never felt so weak and afraid.

Author's Notes:

Ya, I'm not good at making stuff creepy.

On a lighter note, Don found the teleport bandoleer!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VRr9NG7RE0