Limits
by Lamia
Chapters
P: Game of Mind
Hello, dear friends, good eve and night,
I am but one who causes plight.
My purpose is the way of lies,
to fool all but discerning eyes.
From the windless night I come,
out of sight, out of mind for some.
What to one may be ill-conceived,
must stretch their thoughts to plainly see.
Observing from the land and sky,
I care for those whom run and fly.
My feelings for these little ponies,
they are like my love for posies.
Their woes, they surely touch my soul,
and leaves my heavy heart unwhole.
I want to show all what they are,
the trials I plan, difficult by far.
I have faith that all can conquer,
no matter how thick the coat of lacquer.
The spirit is that which cannot be weathered,
despite presumed weakness to the nether.
Self, it seems, one has confidence,
but even the truest can lose all sense.
When one believes all one can see,
what truly would it make one be?
In time one must challenge their fire,
to go and ascend higher and higher.
These goals, they sing to all a chorus,
and give to us unending solace.
To test a being within their mind,
it must be brought into a bind.
One might think my way maligned,
but in the end I do not cross the line.
My intent is of great importance,
one of passion, but repentance.
Such is life, as you will see,
I do not regret, no, not me.
The soul on its own will need some help,
in order to be true to self.
Those who see me are with fury,
but in time they thank me purely.
Checker Solace is my given name,
and flow of the mind is my game.
At glance this may be of tragedy,
or could it be but comedy?
Now take a moment and relax with me,
find a snack, make some tea.
With my story I hope to inspire,
just as the ponies whose selves were acquired.
T0: Guilt
I can't believe my eyes! It's the Amethyst Egg... one of the Equestrian Treasures. Its gleaming brightness was really starting to hurt, but it's so beautiful... Okay, one blink and then I can look again. Wh-where did it go? Looking around, I found that the princess had taken it under her wing, stepping over to the safety box that she had fashioned for it.
"I certainly hope to attract many tourists to see the egg. Perhaps they will be as enchanted as you are!" Princess Celestia let out a giggle, making me feel a bit embarrassed. I saw her place the large jewel into the case, its brightness illuminating the hall again. The box shut with a snap as she magically set all of the necessary locks and protections around it. With the final touches complete, the chest was set on the pedestal at the far wall, up a set of carpeted steps. Looking around again, I could see there were golden statues and decorations all over the place. It's almost like this room was made overly lavish just for this treasure... but I can see why, now that I had gotten a good look at it.
"Princess, are you sure I'm ready for this?" I said, feeling a bit nervous.
"I have full confidence in you, my faithful student. No matter how it all turns out, I will consider this another test for you. I am sure you will do your best." Her reassuring gaze down at me always calms my nerves... This was a really important job, and I have no idea if I can handle it. Still, Princess Celestia is counting on me. Looking over at the chest again, it was still safe and sound. I certainly hope this won't end up like the time Pinkie Pie had to guard that enormous cake.
"Princess, you can count on me!" Looking back towards the princess, my hoof went to a salute. "I'll safeguard the-- uh." Wh-where did she go...? She must have teleported away. Important Canterlot business, no doubt, with all of the fuss related to the egg. Nodding to myself, I knew I needed to keep a watchful eye on this room and the egg for the next couple hours; which then my shift will end and I can take a break. Of course, there were the other shifts that the princess volunteered me for... Let's see...
My agenda came out of my saddle bag and to my face, and I took a moment to double-check my times. Okay, so I remembered them all accurately. Five hours today, then two shifts for tomorrow, and I'll see it off when it's moved the day after... Good. I put it back into the bag and took my post at the front and to the side of the fancy pedestal, standing up straight. Nopony will get past me!
I'm feeling pretty proud of myself. I was so surprised when the princess asked me to do something very important for her; it's what I've always wanted, helping her out in a big way! It was definitely important, too... This pretty chest contained one of the Equestrian Treasures, after all. It could do a lot of harm if it fell into the wrong hooves. I'm so glad the princess has entrusted me with this task. Looking forward again, I kept an eye on the commoners as they were passing by the archways at the far end of the hall.
Several ponies were starting to make their way in, now that this room was open to the public. They were talking amongst themselves, sounding quite excited over coming to see the Amethyst Egg. Everypony was milling around the base of the steps, knowing they weren't allowed any closer than about ten paces. Keeping a close eye on them, I made sure that everypony was ready before I went to open the box. One specific spell she gave me to open it... There.
The chest practically exploded with light! My eyes were hurting again even behind my hooves, but I had to keep watch on it; squinting hard, I made sure to stay vigilant as the light began to die down while my eyes were adjusting. I really should have brought sunglasses. Now that I was guarding it closely, I can see it in detail; encased in an ornate gold with diamonds, a dodecahedron of amethyst shaped like an egg was this remarkable treasure. A powerful magic was constantly emanating from the gem, if it weren't already obvious from the blinding light.
A lot of 'Ooh's and 'Ahh's came from the crowd for several minutes as I could see their faces drawn in. Some at the front began to step forward, and I spun to face them, speaking up.
"Ah, ah, ah!" I shook my hoof out, shooing them back. "No closer!" They shot me disappointing glares, but didn't argue. Sighing, I continued being watchful for the next two hours or so, glancing back at the jewel every once in a while.
The crowd began to dissipate after many pictures had been taken, and I swear at least two of them didn't blink since they entered. Soon, there was nopony left. Looking back to it as the room was empty again, I'm thinking that there had to be something more to this than just an almost hypnotic attraction. The best way to tell would be an analysis spell.
Darting my eyes about in all directions, I made doubly sure that there was nopony around before I began analyzing this Amethyst Egg with my own magic. Maybe it's my degraded eyesight from staring at this thing so much, but it seems to be vibrating in reaction to the spell... It's probably nothing. Just a few more seconds, and everything will become... C-CLEAR!?
Suddenly, the egg shot into the air and towards the wall! Oh, no, oh no!! It crashes right through one of the stained glass windows, completely shattering it; I quickly ran over to the base of the destroyed window, leaning on the pane to see where it went! I can see it from here, the brightness making it easy to spot, but it's falling and falling... all the way down the side of the cliffs of Canterlot. My heart's pounding right out of my chest, I can barely breathe! It fell into the lake down below, probably never to be found again!
"THIEF!!" My head spun around so quickly it felt like I almost broke my neck. Two royal guards had noticed the missing treasure from the archway, looking at the empty chest on the pedestal. They turned their heads to face me.
"The Amethyst Egg has been stolen! Twilight Sparkle, did you see who did it!?"
"I-I, uhm..." I replied coyly, automatically turning my head forward again in nervousness to look out the window, my eyes hopelessly searching for the egg; but before I could respond, the pegasus guard spoke up to the one at his side.
"Ah, they must have escaped through the window!! Quick, you alert the others, I'll start looking!!" They both began their job of hunting for the thief, leaving me alone with my thoughts. It was silent. I gently took a walk over to the empty treasure box, its absent light making it look dark and shady compared to before. It's all my fault...
As I contemplated for several minutes over how I could try and get back the egg, some warning sirens went off all of a sudden! Hooves were stomping all over the place, now, easily heard throughout the hallway outside; the noise and everything is bringing me back to my senses. Running over to exit the room to try and find help, I found myself in front of Princess Celestia; and I couldn't help but gasp just before my nose bumps into her leg.
"Twilight Sparkle! We must act quickly! The culprit cannot have gotten far..." I can't seem to speak up to explain what happened. "To steal one of the Equestrian Treasures... The pony responsible for its disappearance will pay dearly for their actions." I think I'm shaking. She continues staring down at me, giving me a soft expression.
"Are you alright, Twilight? Did the thief harm you?" Shaking my head no, I took a deep breath in and out, trying to calm my nerves, but it wasn't working.
"Princess, I-I'm sorry, I was just- and it- the egg-" Her hoof covers my mouth and my talking stops as she looks down at me kindly.
"I know you did your best to guard the gem, my student. Leave finding it again to us. You should go home and get some rest; perhaps afterward, if we have not found it, you could assist us." Her smile always moves me, but it's all my fault!
"But I-"
"No buts. I know you blame yourself, Twilight, but it is not your fault. Now go rest up, I command it." She gently stomps one hoof on the ground as the final word, and gallops to the broken window, taking off in flight through it.
Wh-what have I gotten myself into!? Everypony believes there's a thief among us that somehow got through both me and the magical safeguards, but I'm the one who did both... With such a high-profile item, if I start explaining about what happened, I'll most likely be held for questioning, and then be accused as the thief! They'll say I tossed it aside so that I could steal it easier later! Or, even if I go and find it, with guards everywhere looking for it, I'll be seen, or they'll say I just felt guilty and returned it!
Word would travel super fast for something like this, either way... I-I don't know what to do... My head hurts...
- - -
Guilt, a tear in one's own pride,
can cause a rift, a true divide.
One way or the other, the choices clear,
the risk, to take, or to fear?
R0: Sight
There is only darkness.
I am in a completely pitch-black room. I can't see anything at all. There's a comfortable bed covering half the room, with a single soft pillow and heavy silk blanket. The room itself is square and tiny; I can reach the walls both in front and behind me if I stretch my legs out on the floor. Speaking of the floor, it's oddly very clean! I can feel no dust or dirt. The air is so crisp and cool, I feel like I can breathe easier than ever in here. Seems like I'm able to stay calm due to it, but maybe it's just me. Either way, I need to keep this calm; it is the only chance I have to escape, keeping my sanity.
I try to use a simple lamplight spell, before I remember that I don't have a horn anymore. How is that possible? Was it... surgically removed, or something? It is not exactly easy to remove one. I run a hoof over my head and across my backside. My mane and tail don't seem to have the curls that they're supposed to, either. It feels sleek and smooth, but straight. It just isn't my style. Just what happened to me? Where am I...?
Time passes, I think. With nothing to see, there is little to reference the passage of time. I try to count the seconds, the minutes, the hours. It's hopeless. I can't even be sure that I'm counting properly. The most I can do is continue to lay in bed, slowly going insane.
The sound of a sliding panel echoes in my ears suddenly, shocking me and making me bump my head into the wall. A stoic, straightforward voice came out of the darkness in front of me.
"Water," the voice of a hidden mare says. I heard the sound of something wooden knocking against the wall. When I think about it, I'm extremely thirsty. Stepping carefully towards the wall where I heard the noises, I stuck my nose forward gently into something wooden. Dipping my head over, I could feel the cool touch of the water on my snout. Pursing my lips on the end, I could feel the spoon or ladle or whatever it is tipping to me from the other side, and I drank the cold liquid. It doesn't quite have a taste, but it is very quenching; it's quite pure. As the water ran out, the panel slid shut again, leaving me in my silent room.
I awoke in the darkness once again, having relaxed enough to sleep after my drink. My hoof instantly went to my forehead, trying to find my horn. It's still gone. I'm still here; stuck in this room. As the time passes, I listen closely to what goes on outside. On occasion there is a slew of bumping and clattering and noise from what I can assume is a nearby room. I hear hoofsteps, a door opening, and then a moment later the noise quiets. From what I can tell by such events, I don't dare make a commotion while I'm in here.
"Food." The sound of the panel and the voice came once more. Carefully, I again went to find this food from the source of the word. My nose bumps into something soft. Dragging my lips around the edge and sniffing it, I find it's a kind of sandwich. I took it into my mouth, and the panel slid shut again. Taking a careful bite, I can taste a remarkable mixture of flavor in this. A lettuce, tomato, and cheese sandwich with just a smidge of mayonnaise. It tastes absolutely wonderful, the experience within this dark void giving me solace. Sitting on the bed, I enjoy my sandwich quietly for the next... I'm not sure how much time passes as I eat. I take it slow so that I occupy myself easier.
Finishing my meal, I breathe out a sigh of relief from the exquisite distraction. Back to the darkness, I'm beginning to tire after eating. Climbing into bed, my hooves grab the silk blanket and I drape it over myself. I can feel that it is extraordinarily well-crafted. Suddenly, a crackling sound from the ceiling gave me pause, and a moment later, the mare's voice from before spoke from above.
"Music."
The sound of a piano began playing out of the ceiling. It's... oddly soothing. A violin accompanies it after a few moments. A flute and a harp soon follow, and the composition flows through the air gently, reaching my ears, touching me at the core. I feel so... at peace. My stomach is full, my soul is calm, my body is limp. However, my mind is still at a bit of an unease. I should try not to focus on that right now. I may as well get some more sleep while I'm able.
My eyes open once more... I think. The darkness is all I continue to see. It is unnerving. I honestly don't know how long I can stand to be here before I go mad. Just as I'm feeling like I'm about to pound on the walls in frustration, I hear doors opening outside, one by one. The noise gets closer and closer until, I believe, mine opens.
"Exercise," the solemn, mysterious mare says from the ceiling. My curiosity getting the better of me, I look out of the room to what I knew was a long hallway... Although, this hallway is far, far longer than I thought it was. Small lamps hanging from the ceiling illuminate the hall, if I can even call it illumination. I can still barely make out anything. Everything is still dark, but I can see that the walls are grey. My room is grey. I... I'm grey!!
My perfectly filed hooves... My beautiful violet mane, my gorgeous matching tail, my pristine pearl coat... All of it is gone, replaced by this monotone. I leap outside in a craze, looking around helplessly. Countless amounts of ponies came out of their rooms to walk into the hallway. They were all trotting slowly in one direction, staring forward, one hoof after the other. They were grey. Manes, coats, tails, even eyes. Everything... Everypony... Grey.
I'm hyperventilating. The sight of it all is maddening. I let out a scream, causing many ponies around me to trip and fall. I can see all of their eyes staring at me in confusion and surprise as if they just saw a ghost. I back into my room, still breathing heavily as I spin around and slump onto my bed. I lay my arms down and throw my head into them, trying to erase what I had just seen from memory. This can't be happening. Am I in a prison!? No, this is worse... A visual nightmare beyond anything I could ever imagine. This can't be real...
Ow! Something small just poked my behind, making me almost jump, and my head turns back to check what it was. A unicorn mare is standing there, looking down at me carefully. My eyes shift to her mouth, where she seems to be carrying a syringe.
"Number 283. Mania," she says to nopony in particular. Whoever she is, she is turning into an even darker gray blob, and soon, I find I returned to the darkness once more...
- - -
Sight, what many may first view as false,
is constricted by our imposed walls.
To see beyond what eyes perceive,
one must change all one conceives.