The Everfree Forest had seemed like any other place to Jim. It had been dense, sure, but had shown an uncanny resemblance to his old stomping grounds back on Earth. There were a few things different about the forest, though; one of them being the magical flora that thrived in specific locations. The part of the thick foliage that Jim walked now was not like that, however. Oh no… the heart of the forest showed him a new side to it.
The deeper Jim went, following behind the zebra, Zecora, the darker it became and the more sinister it appeared. Rugged trees gave way to twisted gnarled husks that seemed to watch you with menacing faces. The magical plant-life increased in its abundance, the most notable being those unsettling blue flowers that Jim had avoided in the past. Zecora seemed to take notice of his unease as they passed by a patch of the blue blooms. “You are right to feel unease around these blooms. The petals of Poison Joke have gifted many with ill boons.”
Though the distraction from the flowers had not been unwanted, it dawned on Jim that Zecora had not once looked back toward him. He wondered if she had heightened senses, or if there was some form of magic in play that allowed her to watch him without looking. Whatever the case may have been, it mattered little when those repulsive blue flowers were within fifty yards of him. He did not relax until they had gained a lot of distance from them.
The trip eventually led to an odd clearing, though it was not all that large. Within the clearing stood a tree that was larger than the others around it. In its side were a number of small openings that gave little glimpses to the glow of a fire within, as well as a door. Tribal masks decorated the few spots between the windows and above the door, and hanging from the lower branches were a number of colored bottles of varying shapes and sizes which seemed to emanate many different aromas.
Jim paused as he caught the scents from his position on the edge of the clearing. His ears flicked a few times as he tilted his head. He knew that smell…
“You’ve been around Ponyville recently. I recognize this scent,” he said and eyed Zecora with mild interest.
Zecora slowed to a stop and glanced at Jim over her shoulder. “It is a special mix of brews to keep unwanted visitors from visiting my hut.”
“So… you’re a potion brewer… an alchemist.”
“An alchemist I am not for I cannot wield the magic of ponies, nor do I require the use of elaborate ceremonies. My potions are simple mixtures of herbs and ensure that nature’s balance is never disturbed.”
Jim lifted a curious brow, wondering what that entailed, but he decided against inquiring. He looked down at the sleeping filly in his arms, knowing that he had more important things to glean from the zebra instead. “I see… maybe you can enlighten me on that later. Is this your home?”
Zecora nodded once. “It is. Come inside, cursed one. It is not wise to remain outside for too long and I’m sure you wish to know if your burden can be undone.”
Zecora promptly turned back toward her home and started walking once more. Jim narrowed his eyes for a moment before he followed her. That was surprisingly accurate. I wonder if she knew what I wanted from the start…
They soon arrived on Zecora’s doorstep, the zebra wasting little time in entering her humble abode. Jim entered into her house after giving the surroundings a quick glance. He ducked through the doorway and entered into the literal tree house, instantly taking note of all the potions and herbs hanging all around. He kept his expression neutral though he was impressed by the sheer amount of potion making supplies. He had been in an alchemist’s lab once before. Where Zecora’s home lacked in advanced tools and utensils, she made up for in a wider selection of ingredients. His gaze slowly drifted across the room, taking in the small fireplace to the side, as well as the slowly bubbling cauldron in the middle of the space. There was a small sleeping nook in one of the corners as well as a few small alcoves filled with a few scrolls and books. More of the tribal masks decorated the interior of the sizable room, too.
Eventually, Jim’s attention wandered back to the owner of the home. Zecora had made herself busy while he had examined her place and she stood over a mixing bowl, grinding something down. After a few minutes of working the ingredients into a mush, Zecora then grabbed hold of a green flask and poured four drops into the bowl. A small cloud of yellow vapor drifted up from the mixture and once it cleared she took hold of a pale purple flask and added a single drop. A puff of blue smoke came from the resulting reaction and an unpleasant smell filled the room, much to Jim’s dislike. Zecora eyed the results of her mixing with a very critical gaze before she nodded in satisfaction. She took hold of the bowl and poured the sea green paste into a small wooden cup before grabbing it in her hoof.
“Give this to Scootaloo, it should grant her strength, anew.”
Jim slowly moved closer, being mindful of the hanging potion bottles. He brought his face close to the cut and eyed the odd paste skeptically. “What is that for?” he asked.
Zecora’s gaze firmed for a moment before she looked down to Scootaloo. “You have passed on quite the terrible fate to one so young. There are many things I wish to say to you about this, but I shall hold my tongue. The paste I have offered is a healing mix, but it is far from being an adequate fix.”
Jim sighed quietly as he reached out for the small cup. Gingerly accepting it, he brought the brew in front of Scootaloo’s nose. The sleeping werefilly stirred restlessly as she turned her muzzle away from the offending odor. Jim gave a gentle chuckle as he pulled the cup away from her and nuzzled her with his chin. “Come on, kid, your friend Zecora made this for you. Drink up… it’ll help you feel better.”
Scootaloo slowly opened her eyes. She gazed blearily at the gross beverage before turning and burying her face in Jim’s fur. “Mmmm… do I have to drink that? It smells so bad…” she mumbled.
Jim sighed, though he could not help but smile at her reaction. “Yes, Scootaloo, you do. Trust me, the sooner you drink it the sooner the smell will go away. Besides, it wouldn’t be nice to refuse Zecora’s offer like that. She’s been worried about you.”
The young filly grumbled but relented. Scootaloo turned her head around and she reached for the cup, weakly grasping it in her hooves. She took one more whiff of the drink, suppressing a gag before downing the thick substance as quickly as she could. Once the cup seemed empty enough, she lowered it and scrunched her muzzle at the bitter taste. Jim gently took the cup from her and set it on the table near Zecora before he moved to the wall beside the door and sat down in a similar fashion as he had when he had been gazing at Luna’s moon. He was not comfortable in the slightest, but it gave Scootaloo a better way to lie on his lap. The young filly quickly took to the warmth of his lap and curled up against his stomach, licking at the last remnants of the healing substance, her tongue idly playing with the tips of her canines. Feeling the warmth soaking into her fur, Scootaloo slowly closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep once more.
Jim smiled softly at the filly and he tenderly brushed her mane. Part of him wanted to join her in slumber, the fatigue of recent events a constant weight gnawing away at his consciousness. However, he knew there was no time for rest. He continued stroking her mane as he looked up at Zecora. The zebra mare simply stood, her hoof extended out to grab the cup from the table and a genuine smile on her face. For the first time since he had met with her, Zecora’s eyes were free of anger and suspicion.
“It would seem I must alter my view… for she has helped me see a different side of you,” she said before moving the cup to a makeshift sink next to her bed corner.
Jim sighed tiredly. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Deep down I’m still a monster.”
Zecora paused at the sink and glanced over her shoulder at Jim, a small concerned frown on her face. “The fact that you can openly admit such a thing means that you are not what you see yourself as. Yet again I find myself curious, I wonder how much strength your curse has.”
Jim closed his eyes. “As far as certain things in this world are concerned, it’s strong enough. How do you know about my curse anyway? So far none of the ponies of your world were aware of what my curse was until I explained it to them. Even then, it was seen as more of a curious spell…” he inquired with a gentle tilt of his head.
Zecora sighed quietly before she made her way over to sit in front of Jim. Her expression shifted to one of thought, sprinkled with traces of uncertainty. “The curse you suffer from has been one of old tales, only meant to strike fear into young zebras of my home far beyond this vale. The mark of the betrayers was inscribed upon those who turned their backs on the old ways, and it made them suffer from their inner fury until the end of their days. The betrayers were those who would take from nature in a cruel and unforgiving manner, believing that they deserved more power than Her. Sadly, all I know of your curse is that it cannot be undone, for my brethren created it to punish all those no longer protected by Celestia’s sun.”
Jim sighed deeply and his saddened expression lowered as he looked at the filly in his lap. “So there really is no way for me to fix her…” he lamented.
Zecora quickly noticed the depth of his regret and she stood up. With little hesitation, she stepped forward and gently placed her hoof to Jim’s shoulder, looking him in the eyes sympathetically. “The weight of your sin is great, cursed one. But I trust that you will make amends… even if the curse never comes undone.”
Jim’s lips tightened into the faintest of smiles, though it was more forced than genuine. All the years spent trying to learn the origins of his curse, to find the answers that would bring him to the pinnacle so that he might one day overcome his never ending struggle… had only resulted in his heart feeling hollow. Disappointed, would have been the lightest word to describe the feeling in Jim’s very soul at that moment. It was never easy to come to grips with the fact that everything you had worked for in your life had been for nothing… absolutely nothing.
“I appreciate the sentiment… Zecora,” he replied quietly as he tried to think about something else. Sadly, he could not help but ask just once more. “So there really is no way to break the curse? No way at all?”
Zecora looked into Jim’s eyes, seeing his attempt to hide the slowly building anger, frustration, and the realization that he had lost his entire reason for living. He was too stubborn to show it openly, but he was grasping for even the slightest traces of hope that he could undo what he had done to Scootaloo. Zecora, realizing what was about to happen, slowly lowered her hoof from his shoulder before mustering the courage she needed to speak the words that would seal Jim’s fate.
“There is no way to undo the curse… I am sorry.”
Jim’s body slowly deflated against the wall and his hands fell limp at his sides. As he sagged lower, his ears drooped and his eyes slowly shut. Silence filled the hut, the only sounds coming from the slow gurgles of the cauldron. Zecora could only watch as the life that once inhabited the cursed creature steadily faded away until only a husk of its former self remained. Then, without warning, he sat up. The empty, yet seemingly purposeful look on his face caught the zebra mare off guard, but she was even more shocked by what he did next. Jim stood from his spot, taking Scootaloo’s sleeping form in his hands, gently. He then proceeded across the room and he carefully placed the filly on the bed.
Zecora, having recovered from her surprise, opened her mouth to ask what it was he was doing when he turned a smoldering glare toward her.
“Watch over her for me, Zecora… I need some time to myself. I’ll come back for her…” he said before he swiftly moved to the door and slipped from the home, silent as a phantom.
~~***~~
“GRAGHH!!!”
The remains of what had once been one of the larger Everfree trees slammed into the unsuspecting side of the newest clearing within the forest. Standing in the center of said clearing was Jim, his chest heaving heavily and steam slowly seeping through the sweat-soaked fur of his body. Fury burned brightly behind his bright hazel eyes as he glared at the crumbling trees in front of him. Anger had fueled his destructive tantrum within that part of the forest, yet nothing he broke, or shattered, brought him even the slightest bit of satisfaction. In the past, breaking or killing things had allowed him to burn off his broiling emotions, but now he just felt nothing from the acts. In some small part of his mind, Jim found it curious that he still had his control, despite how furious he still felt.
With clenched and trembling fists, Jim let loose a feral howl of rage before he bolted through the nearest opening in the clearing. He ran through bushes and vines alike, with not a care as to the stinging they left behind on his face. There was no reason to run, no destination in mind, but he ran nonetheless. Even when his paws bled from the barbs of the gnarled vines, his legs burned from the effort, and his eyes bled liquid emotion, Jim still ran. It was not until the last of his strength sputtered out and he collapsed, skidding to a stop against a small hill, that his running came to a halt.
Jim groaned as he lifted himself from the ground, wincing from his dislocated shoulder. A low growl rumbled through him as he took hold of his injured limb and pulled it away from his body, the audible pop confirming that he had succeeded in righting the joint within. With his arm set properly, the worn out werewolf got back onto his feet and scanned his new surroundings. He was unsure of where he had wound up. He turned back toward the direction he had come from, taking in the distinct ‘tunnel’ he had carved through the brush. It won’t be hard to find my way back it seems… he mused with a bit of morbid humor.
With a sigh, Jim slowly turned toward a nearby tree and moved over to sit against it. He plopped down ungracefully. His anger had not left completely, but the run had worn him out enough that the fatigue was sufficient enough to distract his mind for the time being. His body slumped against the tree and he deflated with a long, slow sigh. His gaze drifted up to the few holes in the canopy above him, catching small glimpses of the late sun’s glow. In that moment, he wished that he could speak to Luna. To tell her of what he had learned… and how he had lost the will to continue living. Well, living in the same manner he had been. The thought of death never really meant much to him, what with his past constantly finding his death justifiable. But now… now he had no purpose.
For over seventy years, Jim had sought an end to his curse. He wanted to be rid of the foul gift his father had given to him; the only thing left of that legacy holding Jim to that part of his past. But with those final words from Zecora… the simple words that crushed his life’s purpose… there was nothing left but a lifetime of mistakes. Just what had he been living for? So many enemies made, so much blood spilled, so much death…
For what?
Tears slowly formed in the corners of Jim’s eyes. “What do I do now?” he wondered softly before he closed his eyes and let his head droop.
The sounds of the forest suddenly grew silent, causing Jim’s ears to instantly stand at attention. Not even the wind could be heard in that moment as Jim’s head slowly crept up to look around. The sight that greeted his eyes was nothing short of amazing. The ground all around him glowed with all the colors of the rainbow as tiny wisps of white light rose into the air around him. Then, with the speed of a striking snake, the light surged up from the ground, engulfing Jim’s body.
Jim’s eyes darted open in the next instant, a familiar aurora of colors filling his field of view. A low grown crept up from within his chest and he turned his attention up to the towering form of the Spirit of Harmony once again. “What is it you want this time, Spirit?” he asked testily.
Harmony’s blue eyes slowly opened, revealing a being of conflicted emotions. One moment she seemed glad to see Jim again, while at the same time there was deep sadness within her. “Hello again, Jim. I see that you still have not forgiven me…”
“No! I haven’t! Not that I would even consider doing that any time soon, either. Why have you brought me here… again?”
Harmony stared quietly for a moment before her head lowered slightly. “To help you.”
Jim blinked, clearly confused. “What?”
“I brought you here to aid you in your struggle, Jim. The last we met, I will admit that I was cruel to you… unfair. I sought to use your vicious nature against you. I did so, not to punish you, or to justify some ulterior motive, but to show you your own strength. Surely you’ve seen it… what I wished you to discover?”
Jim’s anger subsided quickly as he thought back on the experience. It was not easy to admit it, since he still hated Harmony for doing it in the first place, but he had learned a great deal from that influential moment. Were it not for the spirit’s interference, Jim would never have realized he could stifle his inner beast. He had never been able to feel so in control of his own actions before. All it had taken… was his deepest desire to want to stop being a monster and be more of a real friend to Scootaloo, and all of the others. He wanted to laugh with them like Luna had, to smile for real like Pinkie Pie, to show the same degree of kindness to them that Fluttershy had done so easily to him. The ponies of this world had shown Jim everything he had wanted to be, though he had only known them for such a short time… and he had wanted it for most of his life. For all those years, Jim just wanted to be… normal; to be treated like any other person. In the end, Jim just wanted others to see past the monster that he pretended to be.
The werewolf’s head slowly lowered as he took in a slow breath. “I do see why you did it. I still won’t forgive you for it, because I still hurt Scootaloo… and worse, I passed on my curse to her.”
“But you still took what you learned and helped her overcome her darkness.”
“Yes… I suppose I did,” Jim relented before he sighed and looked pleadingly up at Harmony. “You told me before… just as Celestia had said to me more recently, but I have to know. Harmony… is there truly no way to remove this curse? Even if it is too late for me, please tell me if there is some way that I can save Scootaloo from this curse… please…”
Sadness filled Harmony’s eyes completely and she gently shook her head. “The zebras of old dabbled in truly dark ways when they created that which afflicts you and the young pegasus. They had sought to punish their fellows who had abused the gifts I had given to them. Unfortunately, their punishment was for the most severe of crimes and was never meant to be removed. Until you arrived here… all the others had died from their curse, since it had done too well in its purpose.”
Jim sighed, nodding in understanding. “It drove them insane and they ended their own lives. That was why my people conditioned us and desensitized us to death. For a world like this, where murder is almost unheard of, I’m not surprised that they would lose their minds from having to kill endlessly…”
“Yes… the poor souls could not cope with such a thing as being responsible for the deaths of others. However… that just shows how different you truly are, and you have aided the young one in such a tremendous way. You saved her from her curse, stopping her from learning the weight of what it means to kill,” Harmony said as a faint smile started to form on her golden muzzle.
Jim, however, did not share in her opinion. “I stopped her… for now. Neither she nor I are free of the murderous side of our curse. Though we may not seem like it now, we are monsters because of what flows through our veins. All it will take is one switch… just one simple thing to trigger the awakening of our inner beasts.”
Harmony’s smile faltered instantly and she nodded in agreement. “Yes. But neither of you will lose yourselves completely. Unless you choose to do so…”
Jim’s expression softened a little at her words. It was slightly comforting knowing that he could still keep his inner beast at bay if needed. But with that out of the way, his mind brought forth a new topic to discuss, one that he was not sure he trusted Harmony to help him with. “So… you said you brought me here because you wanted to help. What was it you planned to help me with?” he asked with slight hesitance.
A small smile graced Harmony’s face again as she gazed down at Jim. “You seem to feel that you have lost your way… I believe I can help guide you onto a new path.”
A small flash of anger crossed over Jim’s expression before he recalled what he had said just before Harmony pulled him into her realm. He had asked for help, in a way, though he had not expected anyone to hear it. “I won’t do any test to prove myself again. Nor will I accept anything from you if you expect something in return. If you do anything for me, it’s out of simple courtesy for what you already put me through.”
Harmony’s smile widened a pinch more, finding his reaction slightly amusing. “You say that as if you have a choice. Do try to remember who stands before you and in whose realm you are in. However, you are right… I do owe you for what I put you and the young one through. And… I wish to mend the damage that was caused by my actions, for your aid will help my dear ponies in the future. Which brings me to how I wish to help you find your path in life.” The smile vanished from Harmony’s face and she gazed down at Jim with purpose.
“Jim… I wish for you to support the young pegasus, Scootaloo. Life will not treat her well, now that she is like you. Any and all friends in her life will help her get through the struggles ahead, but you will be more to her than you realize. Be there for her, guide her, and keep her inner darkness contained… as she will do the same for you.”
Jim crossed his arms and eyed Harmony with a lifted brow. “You’re starting to sound an awful lot like Princess Celestia…”
A small smile spread over Harmony’s muzzle and she looked off into the distance of her magical void. “I suppose there would be some similarities… I did teach her in the ways of harmony and balance.” Her eyes drifted back down to Jim. “But that is a story for another time. For now, follow along this new path, Jim. Stay beside Scootaloo… and your new purpose in life will reveal itself.”
Jim sighed and ran his claws through his hair. Then he shook his head and sighed with a small grin. “Alright… I’ll stick with the kid for a while. She’s grown on me, at least.”
Harmony nodded with a content smile as her horn lit brightly. “Thank you, Jim. I wish you luck in the days to come…”
Jim went to ask why she would say something so ominous, but with a blinding flash of light and the sudden weightlessness he felt before he landed on the ground in a heap, he found the opportunity lost. With a groan, Jim lifted himself up onto his feet. His eyes widened as he found he was standing on the edge of the clearing before Zecora’s hut. Taking the not-so-subtle hint, Jim sighed and wandered over to the hut. As he neared the zebra’s home, Jim could not help but wonder…
Why would the Spirit of Harmony help him… and what would be happening in the future?