"-furthermore, magical energy isn't just energy on its own. It comes from within. It is our willpower, thoughts, and emotions brought to life through-"

When will it end...

"Summoning your magical potential is merely the start. The next thing you should work on is-"

How long has this purple bitch been talking?

"-and if your skill is high enough, you are fully capable of manipulating these particular spells to work in your favor. However, you must keep in mind that anything could go wrong if you are not one hundred percent focused on-"

Everything is fading out...

Is this what death feels like? It's dark, quiet, peaceful one might even say. I can't hear her voice anymore. I can feel the void awaiting my return, its silent songs breaching my ears and pulling me further into its sweet nothingness. All that's left now is to-

"Ebah!"

I jumped a bit from hearing my name, my eyes opening wide as I started scanning the room. The void is gone, I am back in the real world again. "God dammit..." I muttered to myself, soon turning my attention to an annoyed looking alicorn with a stick of chalk levitating in front of her. "What?"

"Were you listening to anything I said?" Purple asked, her frustration still on full display.

"Of course I was." I lied to her scrunched up face.

"Oh really?" I hate when that snark comes up out of her like that. "Then maybe you would like to do a small recap on what you've learned today."

I can tell she's playing me right now, but I refuse to back down. "Nah, I'm good." I replied, rubbing some of the sleep from my eyes with my hooves. "Why don't you go back to-"

"Ebah..." She interrupted, now speaking as if she were my boss, or a mother. "What did you learn today?"

"When a mommy magic, and a daddy magic, love each other very much-"

I stopped dead in my tracks as she let out a small growl. This wasn't anything new for either of us, so it's no surprise that she's so easily provoked by me. After the incident with Thick Armour a few weeks back, the woman thought it best to call in a helping hand with these so-called magic lessons. Apparently purple here is both an expert and very well read on magical whatcha-do-hickey. Needless to say, we weren't hitting it off too well. She's way too wordy for my taste. One sentence can drag on for hours if I didn't cut in to shut her up. After a while I learned it's far easier to tune her out than it is to keep up with her bullshit.

Purple did this weird thing with her hoof, making a half-assed Hitler salute as she took a breath. This is just one of many quirks of hers that I don't care to try to understand. "Ebah, please." She began, her entire demeanor being much more relaxed now. "I know this all seems very strange and even boring for somepony like you. But you need to take these lessons seriously. Magic as unstable as yours is volatile and extremely dangerous if it's not handled properly."

"Oh, so you're saying I'm unstable now." I know that's not what she meant and that I'm putting words in her mouth, but I'm so fed up with her existence at this point that I'm willing to go that route. "That's...fuckin' offensive."

I almost lost my cool at the panicked look that came across her face. "No, no, no, no, no! That's not what I meant at all!" She replied defensively, "I was just saying that-"

"Get out." If I don't get away from her soon I'm going to lose my mind. "I don't want you here..."

After another salute, she's calm and collected. "I know that you're having a hard time with all of this, Ebah. If you just work with me here, we can-"

"I said get out!"

Purple's ears dropped and she started looking around nervously. She turned her head to the clock and let out a defeated sigh, "I guess we can take a short recess."

Without even hesitating, I leaped the fuck out of that desk and charged through the door, slamming it behind me without even touching it. I tried not to pay attention to that last part. Lately, things have been happening around me that I don't feel I have directly influenced, but have at the same time. Like storming out of rooms, only for the doors to slam behind me; That's a reoccurring one. It's weird to think about though, so I quickly settled with just ignoring it.

My head is filled with way too much to deal with as is, the added stress of princess purple and this unstable voodoo bullshit isn't helping either. I just need a moment of peace to clear my head. A few minutes alone should do the trick...

"How are the lessons going?"

"Fuck!" Stop beating so fast, heart! You're going to fucking explode! "Jesus H. Christ, you scared the shit out of me!" I admit that I do feel very strongly for this vampire, but sometimes I just wanna punch her in the throat.

Garnette, donning her usual guard amour, looked down at me with a grin that made me wanna pull her fangs out. "You're too cute sometimes."

I narrowed my eyes at her. She knows damn-well how much I hate when she talks to me like that. "Go. Fuck. Yourself."

"That bad, huh?"

"That bad, huh?" I've heard stories about Princess Twilight and her lectures, much more so since she took over Ebah's magic studies. He's done nothing but complain about her since she arrived. "Why don't we go for a walk? Maybe it'll help you clear your head." It's not hard to see that he wants to be alone. The look on his face is enough to tell me that. But I can't let that happen.

"Come on, it'll be nice." Ever since he got his cutie mark, his temper has become much more unpredictable. He tries to stay alone and it only makes it worse. "We can take a stroll through the gardens. Maybe stop by your room and snuggle." It still feels weird saying things like this to him, but I feel like I have to. We've officially been a couple for a few short weeks now, but the fact that he's a child never leaves me. Still, it seems like my affections are the only things that help to calm him down. "What do you say?"

Ebah glanced back toward the classroom door, "Yeah, let's get the hell out of here." He said, looking back at me. "I'd take a vegan salad over dealing with Purple any longer. If anything, a walk is godsend."

Some of the things he says are still foreign to me, but even so, I couldn't help but to laugh a little at his remarks. "Let's get moving then. You know, before she comes out and starts looking for you."

"Right behind ya!"

Ebah followed me to the castle gardens, nearly pressed to my side the whole way. This clingy behavior is new as well. I have several theories about it, but none that I've been able to confirm. Part of me thinks he's just being protective, wanting to stay close to make sure I'm alright. However, another part of me thinks he's doing it out of fear. He's been attached to me at the hip since the incident, so I can't help but think he's doing this because he's scared something will happen to me and that he might snap as a result, going on some sort of rampage.

Honestly, I'm a little scared of that very thing as well.

Pushing those thoughts aside, I trotted into the castle gardens with Ebah still keeping as close as possible without making physical contact with me. Not because he doesn't want to or anything, but even he understands that our age difference is off-putting and he hates making me uncomfortable. He's so sweet and considerate sometimes, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy and I just want to-

Nope! No! Not happening!

Keep it together, Garnette. He's a child. He's a child. He's a child...

Ebah and I soon found our usual spot, the bench where he asked me to go on a date with him, and sat in the spots that we all but engraved our names into. They might as well be at this point. Not many ponies come out here and nopony ever comes near this bench. Especially when my little prince here comes strolling through.

I removed my helmet from my head, placing it on the ground beside me. Out of habit I stretched a wing behind Ebah's back. I didn't pull him close to me; Again, age difference. A lot of ponies, mostly castle staff, have given us some odd looks when we got too close. As a compromise I settled with draping my wing over his back.

Ebah was gone from what I could see. His mind had already wandered off to Luna-knows-where, leaving me alone with his body as he faced the ground.

I let out a sigh, turning my attention elsewhere. There wasn't a lot going on out here today. Some birds would chirp every now and again, the wind blows, carrying scents of the many plants decorating the gardens. The smells hit my nose with their sweet aroma, helping me to relax in both body and mind. I could feel myself starting to drift off from the sheer serenity that came with this place.

If only it were that simple...

My ear twitched as I heard a voice not too far from us. Quickly snapping my eyes open, I caught sight of one particular pony that I couldn't stand being around. Standing just across the way, wearing his usual tie, his white coat shinning in the sunlight, stood Prince Blueblood. Not only was he standing no more than twenty hoofsteps away, but he was glaring at me with disgust while muttering to himself, "Why am I not surprised; The demon-child and a bat. They're almost too perfect for each other."

Unlike some of the ponies I know, I have more than enough self control to ignore ignorant pricks like Blueblood. And like I said, that's just me. Unfortunately, one of those ponies is sitting right next to me and heard the same thing I did. I can already feel the heat radiating off of him...

Ebah hopped out of his seat, anger presently taking over his features. He walked over to Blueblood, staring down the prince as he moved in on him. Knowing this child, this can only end in the worst ways possible. I reached down and grabbed my helmet, putting it on as I went to cut him off.

Moving as fast as I could, I jumped in front of the pissed off colt, with the power of a thousand pyromaniacs, doing my best to deter him. "Ebah, no!" I yelled, hoping to every higher power I could that he would listen. "Assaulting your foalknapper, that's one thing. But trying to go hoof to hoof with a prince is NOT going to blow over as easily."

The first thing I heard was Ebah's growling. The next just had to be Blueblood's smart mouth. "Oh, prince~" Even I had to look back as he practically sang those words. "Your pet should not be in charge of you. It's supposed to be the other way around."

That son of a-!

In the blink of an eye, Ebah was on top of the prince, glaring down at him with nothing but pure hatred in his eyes. His horn became alight, it's glow consuming Blueblood's tie and pulling up on it hard.

Kill him!

Choke him!

Strangle him!

Kill him!

Sweet Christ, this power is intoxicating! All I did was jump on the guy and now I'm choking him out without even using my hooves. This voodoo shit is starting to look pretty good. I can't help but wonder how easy it would be to snap his neck like this. I don't imagine it would be too hard. Maybe if I just throw my head back it'll be more than enough to-

"Ebah!"

I looked back, seeing Garnette standing just a short distance from me. The look on her face made my insides turn to ice. I recognize that look anywhere; It's fear...and it's being directed at me...What the fuck is happening to me!?

I turned back to face Blueblood, using ever ounce of willpower I had to stop this magic from hurting him anymore. It worked, but it took more out of me to stop it than it did to start. I can't keep risking things like this happening. I made an example out of one asshole who meant nothing. Maybe this guy is the key to getting these fucking horses to stay the hell away from us.

Leaning in, I offered up the most menacing glare a nine year old could as he gasped for air. "Listen here, prick! And make sure you listen well." I began, making sure he looked me in the eyes before continuing. "Lately, I do not have the fucking patience to put up with something as simple as stubbing my hoof. Just that is enough to warrant a visit from the fire department. So let me make this perfectly clear..."

Just to be sure he was listening, I got so far in his face that my nose was pressing against his. "You can say whatever you want about me...but the moment you speak ill of that mare..." I pointed a hoof to Garnette, "I will bring you blood to a boil and I won't stop until your skin melts off."

Blueblood spared a glance at Garnette, his eyes soon returning to look back at mine. "You're bluffing, you wouldn't..."

"Ask anyone in this castle what happens when you threaten that mare." I said through clenched teeth, "Better yet; ask about Thick Armor. Do that first, then I dare you, I fuckin' double dare you, to call me out on this bluff."

I probably would have kept going if not for the hoof touching my shoulder. "Ebah, please..." Looking back at Garnette hurt so much more this time. I could see the beginnings of tears in her eyes. "Please stop. Let's just go somewhere else."

What the fuck am I doing?

I know I've always been a dick, but this is so much worse than that. I'm not going around insulting people and making empty threats anymore. I was actually looking for a way to kill this guy until she stopped me. Why is this happening to me? What went wrong?

Pushing those thoughts aside for now, I climbed off of Blueblood.

Looking up at this wonderful mare to see the pain in her eyes from watching me act like this made it feel as though there was a knife being shoved into my chest. I'm ashamed of myself when I look at those beautiful eyes so full of sadness. But at the same time I'm so fucking angry at everything...

I wiped the water from my eyes before they could become tears. "I think I would like that..."

"I'm terribly sorry, Princess." Twilight went on to say, clearly distressed by the situation. The pacing was enough to tell me that. "I don't know how much more I can take. It's one thing to teach a headstrong pony, it's another when they're fighting it every step of the way." The young alicorn finished, coming to a stop before me.

I nodded in her direction from my throne. "Believe me, Twilight; I understand what you mean. My son is nothing if not stubborn." I would not shame her for her decision. I know more than anypony just how difficult Ebah can be in any given circumstance. "I do not blame you for wanting to discontinue these sessions, but surely you of all ponies know the weight of such unstable magical potential."

"That's not it at all, Princess." Twilight continued, earning a confused look from myself. "I do know how serious this is and I truly want to help, but..." She paused, appearing unsure of her next words. "I...He...He's just so..." She let out a defeated sigh, lowering her head as she concluded her statement. "He's scaring me."

The worst immediately came to mind. "Is that so?" I asked, receiving a silent nod in response. It hurt me deeply to hear this. "So he's only getting worse..."

Twilight raised her head, offering a sympathetic look as mine fell. "Princess, I know what happened with Ebah not long ago. Nearly everypony does. And knowing that is why I am saying this." I looked up at my sister's former student, already knowing what she would say. "He needs professional help. His mind was already damaged the moment we found him and going through such an extreme experience has clearly made it worse."

Even knowing what she would say, I could not find the words to respond with. "Your colt has already been through more than anypony I've ever met. I'm honestly amazed that he wasn't this bad beforehoof." She explained, seemingly no longer keeping her inner thoughts at bay. "As unstable as he was, he had some semblance of control over his emotions, despite a few arguable slip ups. But now..."

Twilight's eyes stared into mine, glazed over. My own mimicked hers as I attempted to fight off the pain in my chest. "Princess, I can see it in his eyes, and I know you can too. He's hurting inside."

I wiped my eyes with a hoof, keeping my composure to the best of my abilities. "I know he is. But what am I to do? I want to help him but he's pushing me away more than ever before." I argued, hoping with every fiber in my being that he would burst in right now and beg for my assistance. "I've seen a lot in my time, Twilight. I've looked past all of the rage in his eyes...And I can see that a part of him dies with every outburst."

Twilight slowly trotted up to me, stopping when she was close enough to touch me. She looked at me with melancholy eyes, placing a hoof over one of my own. "I know that you want to be the one to help him, but he's beyond what any of us are capable of. He needs medical help..."

This wasn't something I haven't considered. In fact, I've been debating it for a while now. "He will not so much as entertain the idea though." I explained, having played through the many scenarios in my head on how he would react to such thing. "It's not that I don't want to help him. It's just that, I know his response will not be a light one. And I dread the thought of upsetting him further."

I felt the young alicorn's hoof tighten around mine. Not painfully so, but enough to hold my attention. "I can't tell you how to raise your son. The most I can do is offer, what I see, as the most logical course of action. And the way I see it, if he's not even letting you help him, then there's no other option."

I let out a sigh, pulling my eyes from Twilight's gaze for a moment as I weighed my options one last time. "I suppose you're right..." I can already feel the oncoming headache from Ebah's ranting. "This will not be a pleasant experience. But, if there's a chance that we can save him from himself, then so be it."

"You have to do what I say, right?" Garnette stayed close behind me, merely observing as I looked up at this guard I don't think I've ever met and asked this question.

"Yes, sir!" The guard replied, his eyes facing forward, not even remotely looking at me.

I don't know why I chose this guy of all the guards. I guess he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I'm sick of walking by and, despite whether I address them or not, none of them ever move. They don't even look at me when I talk to them. Hence why I am now trying to get a reaction by clearing my throat and spitting what came out of it on the floor.

"Pick that up!" I said to the guard, who finally broke his stance to look down before shooting me a grossed-out look. "I said 'pick it up!'"

"Ebah-" Garnette began.

"Wait!" I yelled to no one in particular as an odd shiver ran down my spine, causing my whole body to shudder. It was an odd sensation, to say the least. I almost felt violated. Not physically, but mentally. Like someone had just given away one of my dirty little secrets. I felt betrayed and disgusted. "Something doesn't feel right..."

Author's Notes:

I know it's short, alright! Can we stop talking about my dick and focus on the the story, please!?
Seriously though, I know it's been a while and this is one of the shortest chapters I've ever written for this story. I'm not proud of it, but lately I just don't have the time and I'm too exhausted to do much of anything. Work has been hitting hard, and we've been met with the shittiest results, and more bad news than I can handle and it just keeps coming. I'm sorry to say that I will be taking another break from writing.
Again, this is not the last you'll see of me. But, you might not see much of me for a bit. It's only temporary. Just until things start to calm down. I'll try to work on these stories little by little, but at this point, that's all I can do.
I didn't bother having this chapter edited. If you see any errors, let me know and I'll fix them as soon as I'm able.
That is all.