Traces of a Hidden Shadow

by Teotle


A Sister's Word of Advice

The next morning, after his night talking to Princess Luna, Teotle spent the next few hours pondering on why he was afraid of Nyx. He couldn't imagine why, but he also couldn't imagine why not. It was true that Nyx was made from a spell to bring back a tyrant, but she was his closest friend. They did everything together, she's being raised by Twilight, she loves the sun and has friends. So why this new founded phobia?

It was recess time at school, where everypony went out to play on the playground. He and Nyx were with their friends at the swing set, talking about the science fair that was coming up in three days. They were talking about what their projects were and how they've been working on them, all except for Teotle.

"Our potato battery should be just about done by now." Applebloom said with a smile."

"Who knew that potatoes had electricity in them?" asked Scootaloo.

"Not me, but it's pretty awesome." Sweetiebelle answered. "Which reminds me, Nyx, how is your project coming along?"

Nyx smiled and said, "Well, Teotle, Daydreamer and I had made the final adjustments to the arc and are ready to present it to the judges, we just want to test it some more on its functions."

"That's good." added Diamond Tiara, who was being pushed on the swing by Silver Spoon.

"The three of us have just a few more tests to make sure our new plant pesticide works." Twist remarked, nudging at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. "It's supposed to keeps the pests away without the use of hazardous chemicals."

"It also works for a great fertilizer." Silver Spoon added.

"Say, Teotle?" Applebloom asked, noticing the cub's silence. "You're awful quiet, what's wrong?"

"Nothing." Teotle replied. "I just have some thoughts, questions that need answers."

"Why not go and ask Ms Cheerilee?" Twist asked.

"No, I don't think she can help." Teotle sighed.

"Couldn't hurt to check with her." Scootaloo assured.

With that, Teotle finally said, "Ok." He walked down the playground of running and shouting fillies and colts to reach the school door. He walked inside and went to the teacher's desk, where she was currently grading the pop quiz they just took before recess.

Cheerilee looked up from her papers and said, "Hello, Teotle, do you need something?"

Teotle told Cheerilee about what he was feeling, his visions, his nightmares, his fears, all of it down to the last detail. Cheerilee needed a minute to process what she just heard, but after a while, she said, "I'm sorry, but I can't imagine why you'd be afraid of Nyx. She's a good student and a wonderful filly. Have you told her about this?"

"How can I?" Teotle asked. "It would badly hurt her if she knew."

"If you're afraid to tell her, then maybe you should try asking your sister, she's going to be in my next class this afternoon. I'll let you stay after class if you want to talk to Scarlet."

Teotle smiled with relief and said "Ok, thank you."

Later at noon, class was dismissed and everypony was heading home, all but Teotle. He told Nyx and the others that he wanted to talk to Scarlet Rose for a little bit and get some advice from her. When Nyx asked what kind of advice, however, Teotle only told her that it was private matters just between the two of them. Nyx was unconvinced, but she respected Teotle's privacy and said nothing else.

Scarlet arrived early for her classes, like she does every day to ask Ms Cheerilee for help on any homework. However, before Scarlet could say anything, Cheerilee said she couldn't count any unanswered questions against her this time. They had more important things to discuss.

When Scarlet asked what they needed to talk about, Teotle filled her in on what he told Cheerilee. Scarlet then said, "Isn't it obvious what's going on?"

"Is it?" Teotle asked. "Because I'm confused and scared."

"Exactly." Scarlet said back. 'Sombra wanted you to see Nyx as a monster so you two couldn't work together when fighting him. He made the whole scenario up just to compromise you."

"But he didn't just make it up, I know that, I was shown something that I never thought of before."

"What is it?" asked Scarlet.

"I don't know." Teotle said through his clenched teeth.

"Then why do you think it was actually something to worry about?" Scarlet asked again.

Teotle held back a deep urge of rage and said, "I don't know."

Scarlet crossed her arms and asked, "What do you know?"

"I don't know." Teotle said again.

Cheerilee put her hoof on Teotle's shoulder and asked, "What do you want to know?"

Teotle thought about it for a moment and replied, "I want to know how to not be afraid of Nyx anymore."

"Well..." Scarlet said, thinking of what would help. "I think you should talk to Nyx about it. I'm sure she'll understand."

"But what if it hurts her?" Teotle asked abruptly.

"Just tell her what you told us, Teotle. Cheerilee said reassuring. I know Nyx very well as my student. She would never think badly of you because of your concerns."

Teotle looked at the ground and said, "I don't know if I can."

"Well, you better find out." Scarlet said, raising Teotle's chin up with her paw. "Because if you keep it a secret, sooner or later, you two will drift apart."