//------------------------------// // Lesson 7: Out of Body Experience // Story: Cloudwalker Chronicles // by krafty //------------------------------// Copper Head was dead. The academy doctors declared him deceased after they were able to move his body to the infirmary. He had no pulse, didn’t breathe, was covered in burns, but Spot still never left his side. Copper Head was the closest thing she had to a friend in this place; Shadowstorm and Grand Prix really didn’t count. They didn’t check up on the two much though, apparently K9 had finally acquired a room and set the two cloudwalkers to work as soon as possible. It was about five days after the doctors declared Copper Head dead that King Krafty visited him. He was unusually happy when he entered the room, “Don’t fret Spot. We’ll have him fixed up in no time.” “How?” Spot questioned, “He’s been dead for five days. The doctors said so.” Spot said morbidly. “I might have been able to heal him, but magic doesn’t work normally on him.” Krafty laughed, “Death is no match for me young one. Here, I’ll show you.” Krafty produced a syringe of nasty looking liquid. “This will get him back on his feet.” Krafty stuck the needle into Copper Head’s leg and injected the liquid into his bloodstream. Amazed, Spot watched as Copper Head’s life was somehow renewed. He started breathing, but didn’t talk or open his eyes. “T-that’s...” Spot was astounded, “How? What was in there?” Krafty tutted, “I can’t go giving out all of my secrets, can I?” Krafty ushered Spot out the door, “I will watch over him for now. Go get some sleep. Plus, I’m sure Grand Prix and Shadowstorm are worried about you.” “Ok...” Spot hesitantly agreed, “Let me know when he gets better, ok?” “Of course, you have my word.” Krafty waved as Spot trotted off down the corridor. The nurse approached the king after Spot had left, “My King, how DID you bring him back to life? That was just a syringe filled with a placebo; it shouldn’t have brought him back to life.” The nurse then walked over to Copper Head and checked his vital signs. “His pulse is even normal!” “Like I said before,” Krafty replied, “I can’t go giving out all of my secrets.” Krafty stood next to the bed before abruptly asking the nurse to leave. She was startled, but bowed and left the room. The king turned his gaze towards Copper Head before questioning him, “How’s the body?” Copper Head’s eyes suddenly bolted open, “Pretty good, but I can feel his magic field trying to force me out. Because of that, I won’t be able to gain complete assimilation, but what I can do will be enough.” Copper Head tested his limbs, “He’s still pretty stiff. Looks like that lightning did quite a number on him, it will take a while for the body to recover. How’s my body?” “Your true body has been moved to a more secure location, but for now make sure not to damage Copper Head’s body. I need it for my plans.” ‘Copper Head’ cackled, “Worried it might die again? I always liked you Krafty; you’re schemes are always crazy.” “Call them plans.” Krafty smirked, “Schemes make me sound evil.” ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Copper Head awoke in a familiar, yet unfamiliar place. The impenetrable darkness, damp floors, and stale air told him that he was once again in Tartaros. However, he wasn’t in High Noon’s house where he woke up the last time. “Hello?” Copper Head called out. There wasn’t the usual echo so he assumed the room he was in was pretty small. A light flickered in the distance. Having no other points of reference, Copper Head made his way over to it. When he got close enough, he saw that the light came from a lantern sitting on a normal looking desk. Sitting at the desk was a blue and yellow pegasus. “Hello?” Copper Head tried to get the attention of the other pony. “Yes, yes, hello.” The other pony sounded aggravated, “Get on over here so I can write you in the book.” Copper Head sidled over to the desk. The pegasus took one look at him and a painful glint shone in his eye, “It’s sad that some ponies have to die as young as you do. I always wished everypony lived to a ripe old age, but hey look at me.” The pony pointed to himself, “I died in the prime of my life!” “Wait...” it took awhile for Copper Head to compute the other pony’s words, “I’m dead? I-I can’t be dead! I have to be there for them... Spot, and Grand Prix, and Shadowstorm...” Panicked, Copper Head’s heart started racing and tears welled up in his eyes. The pegasus jumped, “Woah! Hey, now! I’m sure whoever you’re talking about will be alright. If I were you, I’d be worried about myself. You’re in Tartaros now, you know. It’s not a pleasant place.” Copper Head wiped the tears from his eyes, “Can I at least see High Noon? I’d feel a bit better...” “You know High Noon?” The pony questioned, “How in Equestria would you happen to know him?” Copper Head started to explain that he had been to Tartarus before, though only as a spirit and he had always met with High Noon. This time though, it seemed like he was really dead. “Interesting story. It’s good to know that High Noon is still kicking, though I guess he wouldn’t die in this place. I haven’t seen him in... centuries? I’m not sure, it’s been so long.” “What’s your relation to High Noon?” Copper Head wondered. Was he another Joragurr, like me? “My relation to High Noon? He’s like, my best friend! Well, was... haven’t really seen him in a while. My name’s Wonderbolt by the way,” He struck out his hoof, “What’s yours?” Copper Head’s eyes lit up as he shook his hoof, “My name is Copper Head. Are you really THE Wonderbolt? The famous one?” “Famous?” Wonderbolt scratched his head, “I guess I was pretty famous back in my daredevil days. I used to do stunts, you know? I lived for those near-death experiences, and died for them to.” The pegasus laughed. “But, I’m old news. After hearing your story, I’ve grown a liking to you and I think I can get you out of here. Listen,” Wonderbolt pointed upwards and Copper Head followed with his eyes. He could make out a tiny point of light far above them. “If I can get you up there, you can return to your body and live again.” “Really?” Copper Head barely believed him, “It’s that easy?” Wonderbolt shook his head, “Nah. The entire way up is filled with abyssal squid. Ten tentacles of tenacious tendons on each and every one of them. Fortunately for you,” Wonderbolt flexed, “I fly up and down that passage all the time. Should be about the same carrying you right?” “I suppose so,” Copper Head pondered, “But if I do get up there, how will I find my body? It could be anywhere!” “I’ve tried it before,” the pegasus replied, “There’s a strange light that shows you right where your body is. I... didn’t make it in time. My body decayed to a point where I wouldn’t have been able to use it.” “Oh, that’s pretty depressing.” “Don’t worry about it kid. Let’s just get you out of here before the same thing happens to your body.” Wonderbolt was fixing to carry him, but Copper Head stopped him. “Hold on. I have some questions to ask you first. Are you a Joraguur? Like me?” “Sure am, kiddo. I thought it was kind of obvious since me and High Noon were friends. Joraguur back in the day didn’t have many friends apart from each other. The world needed us, but they distrusted us to no end. Afraid that we would hurt them somehow.” “You didn’t seem surprised about my identity like High Noon was, so I wasn’t sure.” “Heh, High Noon was always into that stuff. While he was inside studying, I was outside flying. Besides, Bear Claw is still alive; even if he’s just a statue.” “How do you know that?” Copper Head speculated, “Weren’t you dead when that happened?” “I was.” Wonderbolt agreed, “When you get older, you’ll understand. Your powers will start to sense the state of others like you. Any other questions?” “Yeah. Why did the Enfield’s lightning avoid that other pony and go straight to me?” Wonderbolt sighed, “Unfortunately, our power comes with a price. Due to our magical field, we become immune to normal magic; but incredibly susceptible to lightning and fire. It’s an even trade I believe, although it makes it difficult to fight those things that use those elements. You’ll probably never hear of one of us being a dragon slayer.” “I see...” Copper Head couldn’t think of anything else to say so without further ado he asked Wonderbolt to carry him out of Tartaros. Wonderbolt lifted him onto his back, and off they went. The journey was smooth for a while, but Copper Head started to notice the squid things that the pegasus had talked about earlier. They hid inside crevices in the wall and there large red eyes peered out into the darkness. Wonderbolt made a sudden movement which almost threw Copper Head off. He looked behind them to realize that he had dodged a tentacle jutting out of one of the holes. “Hold on!” Wonderbolt yelled, “It goes rougher here on out!” Copper Head gripped harder as Wonderbolt started a series of aerial acrobatics. Weaving in and out of the squid’s tentacles like it was some practice routine. Copper Head was starting to get dizzy so he closed his eyes tightly. His dizziness was alleviated, but he could still feel each gut churning twist and turn. He just hoped that a legend like Wonderbolt would be able to do what he said he could. The trip felt like it took forever, but as they neared the top, Wonderbolt broke the silence and shouted, “I’m going to throw you!” “What?” Copper Head said shocked, “Why?” “I forgot to mention that I only made it to the top once,” he laughed, “I’ll get as close as I can and throw you!” “Are you crazy?” Copper Head yelled back. “Yes!” He answered. Wonderbolt picked up speed and took a hold of Copper Head’s front leg. Copper Head finally opened his eyes. They were surprisingly close to the exit, but the path was crisscrossed with writhing tentacles. After dodging a few more of the obstacles, Wonderbolt spun and put all his momentum into throwing Copper Head. The earth pony was launched into the air and out of the hole. He grabbed onto the ledge and struggled to get up. Once he was back on solid ground, he peered back into the hole. He could see nothing in that abyss. He surveyed his surroundings. All around him there was nothing. The ground was dusty and cracked, and there was no living thing in sight. In the distance, a tall pillar of light dominated the horizon. “That must be where I need to go.” Copper Head steeled himself and set off on a new journey. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Spot surveyed the building. All of the customers had left, so she grabbed her coat and headed for the door. She took one last look around the shop before venturing out into the blistering cold. The wind whisked past her and sent a shiver down her spine. She pulled her jacket closer to her face and stuck to the side of the buildings. It had been one month since Copper Head was revived and she had been assigned to floor 17. The floor simulated some city in the griffin homeland, but Spot had been too preoccupied to remember what it was. She was too worried about Copper Head. He had grown distant ever since he came back. He rarely talked to anyone on the team anymore, and he spent a lot of time with Krafty nowadays. It’s strange. Spot thought to herself as she shuffled down the sidewalk, It’s as if he’s still dead. Why did everything go wrong? Spot shivered as she stepped into a pile of fresh snow, sending chills all over her body. I always get pushed away from everyone I love. My parents, my sister, Copper Head... Did I just say loved him? “No,” Spot whispered softly to herself, “I loved the old Copper Head, not the new one.” Spot found the teleportal wall that led to her dorm and pressed her hoof against its surface. The familiar crimson red door appeared. She gripped the handle and hoped that she wouldn’t be faced with the same sight she saw everyday. She swung the door opened and cringed. The common area was a mess; Spot didn’t know how it got there, but it came back no matter how many times she cleaned it. She put away her coat and reluctantly picked up the the broom and dustpan. In the midst of sweeping up a pile of dust, Grand Prix’s door opened. “Spot?” She called out, “Could you come here for a second?” Spot dropped what she was doing and hurried over to Grand Prix’s room. Perhaps the one good thing that has happened lately is that Spot had been able to really grow close to Grand Prix. Spot entered the room and Grand Prix closed the door behind them. “So what’s up, Grand Prix?” Spot let her eyes wander around the room. The walls were lined with posters of famous cloudwalker racers, and racing sponsors. “Well... Copper Head and Shadowstorm were at it again today. And... well... look.” Spot glanced over at Grand Prix and realized she had a black eye. “What! Are you alright?” “Not really,” Grand Prix lightly put her hoof up to the bruise, “It hurts pretty bad. I was hoping you could use your magic on it.” “Of course.” Spot used her unicorn magic to help alleviate the pain a bit. She didn’t know spells specifically for bruises so the mark was still there. “How did you get this?” Grand Prix sighed, “Like I said, Shadowstorm and Copper Head were fighting again. They were at it when I came in the door. I tried to just get past them, but I was hit in the crossfire.” Ever since Copper Head had come back, Shadowstorm became paranoid that Copper Head wasn’t the real Copper Head. Spot had her suspicions, but she wasn’t about to attack her friend. One day, Shadowstorm jumped Copper Head and started a brawl that frightened the two mares. Ever since then, they’ve been fighting more and more often. “Where are they now?” “I-I don’t know. I think Shadowstorm is in his room.” “I’m going to go check up on him." Spot left Grand Prix's room and moved across the living room to Shadowstorm's door. She pressed her ear against it, but couldn't hear anything on the other side. She decided to knock. "Go away!" Shadowstorm yelled from inside his room. "Hey, it's Spot. Are you alright?" "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just a flesh wound." "What? Alright, I'm coming in." Spot used her magic to bust the door open and barge into the room. Shadowstorm was lying on his bed and Spot noticed a large bite mark on his shoulder. A trail of blood led from the door to the bed. “You should have gotten help. What if it got infected?” Spot started to heal Shadowstorm’s wound, but an awkward silence existed between them. “That’s not the real Copper Head, you know.” Shadowstorm whispered as if Copper Head would hurt him again if he said anything about him, “Something has possessed him.” Spot winced. Although it was hard to believe, she almost shared his thoughts. “While he does act differently, I doubt he’s being ‘possessed’.” “But I’ve seen it! Whenever I use my powers around him, I can see this thing hovering over him! Some sort of strange insect. It has to be controlling him!” Shadowstorm winced as Spot’s magic closed up his wound. “Thanks for that. You should get going, though. Copper Head might get mad if he knows you were in my room.” “I suppose you’re right. I’ll get going.” She walked through the open door and turned as she was closing it. “Remember to get help if you get hurt again!” She closed the door gently and headed for her room. Her room was the only place that Spot could feel any solace in her life. It was that one place that reminded her of the life she had before and the life she strove to return to. She collapsed onto her bed roll and stared into the ceiling. Every day she was losing hope. She only went along with Krafty’s deal because he promised to take her home, but she always had the feeling that just trying to find her way back home would have been the better deal. She curled up in her bed as her mind was flooded with thoughts. Eventually, she was able to find rest. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ K9 shuffled through a pile of paperwork. He had finally been able to get his students a floor, but it wasn’t the one he had in mind. He wanted to get them into the Changeling wastelands or maybe Saddle Arabia, but Krafty stuck them in some backwater towns where their talent would be wasted. Even in places like the Griffin Kingdom. “Griffins,” he spat, “Good for nothings.” K9 had a certain dislike for griffins. When he was younger, Kindle sent him to the griffin’s capital city as a foreign ambassador. However, his true mission was to steal a sacred sword that had supposed magical powers. In his time there, he became addicted to cigarettes, had his heart broken, killed his first pony, and was tortured once the authorities found out his true intentions. K9 opened a secret compartment in his room that revealed a display case with a sword in it. He managed to get the sacred sword, but it turned out to be blessed with some basic enchantment. Krafty deemed it useless, but gave it to his brother. “K9, can you see me in my office? It’s about your note.” K9 grunted and pulled out the communication crystal from one of his drawers. “Yeah, I’ll be right there, brother.” K9 slammed the crystal back into its drawer and put out the cigarette he had been smoking. “Best not keep his majesty waiting.” K9 walked to the teleporter wall and placed his hoof on it. A door so small that no pony could possibly fit through it appeared. K9 crouched down and his body started to morph. He got smaller and his form changed. In a matter of seconds, the stallion had transformed into a puppy. One could not tell at first glance that the cute puppy was actually the stern cloudwalker teacher. K9 walked through the door and entered into the back of Krafty’s throne room. Krafty was seated at his table flanked by Hati and Skol. Hati’s ears perked up as K9 entered the room, “Puppy is here!” The wolf leaped over the table and pounced on K9. “Can I have some fun with him, Krafty? I promise I won’t hurt him too much!” “No, Hati. We have things to discuss. Besides, K9 can give you a run for you money.” “Ha! Puppy couldn’t hurt me... wuh?” As Hati was gloating, K9 shapeshifted again, this time in the form of a large brown wolf comparable to Hati. Hati yelped as K9 pushed him off and bit at his side. “Hey! That hurt!” Hati retreated to Krafty’s side and eyed K9 from across the room. K9 changed back into a pony and addressed Krafty, “You said you received my note?” Krafty was intensely focused on a chess game between him and the wolf Skol, but answered his question without hesitation. “Yes, I have.” He moved a chess piece before he continued speaking, “I have thought over it, and I must ask: Why do you want to know the details of my plans?” “Because we’re brothers!” K9 yelled. He instantly realized his mistake, “Forgive me, brother. I did not mean to yell, but I feel like you are leaving me out of the invasion plans.” Krafty knocked over one of Skol’s chess pieces and sighed, “What more do you need to know? We’ve been over the invasion plans, tactics, and even simulations. You probably know more than anypony else.” “I know that, but...” K9 hesitated, “Why did you have to kill my students? You know how I feel about that. Plus, that... thing... that’s possessing his body now is creepy.” “Hmph, I’m surprised that you found out, but I guess it’s to be expected. The earth pony’s hidden potential fits into my plans. The other ponies are there for... insurance. If he does happen to get his body back, I’ll just threaten to kill the yellow one to keep him in line.” Anger boiled up inside K9. He was used to Krafty speaking like others were just pawns, but he always took it personally when he talked about his students that way. “What are you going to do about the queen?” K9 said, quickly trying to change the topic, “She could put a dent in your plans.” Krafty checkmated Skol and turned to face his brother, “I have it covered, brother. You of all ponies should know that I have one hundred plans for every scenario. You shouldn’t worry so much. You’re dismissed.” “But Krafty...” “You’re dismissed!” The King’s voice echoed through the empty hall. K9’s ears drooped as he hurried away from his brother’s presence. He knew his brother was trying to keep his plans secret from him, but no matter how he tried, he couldn’t get any useful information out of him. Only that when the Kingdom destroyed its enemies, the world would be better off...