//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: "Potential Storms." // Story: Morning Meir Mysteries: Case 2: A Fright On Nightmare Night // by XombieSlayr //------------------------------// Chapter 2: "Potential Storms." " A little flame that warms, is better than a large fire that burns." - The Goddess Canterlot (Noon) The streets of Canterlot were abuzz with the Nightmare Night spirit, as ponies were bustling through the streets in droves buying up decorations, candy and frightful novelties of all kinds, as orange and black streamers dotted the outside of every building, and huge scary sculptures of Nightmare Moon adorned every street corner. And if you would have happened to take a stroll to the farthest end of the corner of Straight street and Narrow avenue, you would see a quaint little shop where i now stood. It was built in a style I instantly recognized as resembling a Shinto temple, but with several strange idols and tribal ornaments decorating its entrance, from which I could clearly make out the faint scent of various incenses and...pumpkin spice? (It was Nightmare Night after all.) A large novelty Crystal ball hung in midair above the doorway. As I looked up at it, the words "Miss Fortune's House Of Misfortune" appeared from the fog within, before vanishing a few moments later. I nodded at it. "I guess this is it then." I said to myself and opened the door and went inside. As soon as I was inside, my senses were under assault from all directions, as I struggled to make sense of the bizarre scenery around me. I was in a circular purple room with lush carpets, and all manner of mystic tapestries decorated the walls, along with several paintings of moons, the stars, and various maps of different constellations. Tribal masks of all shapes and sizes hung seemingly in midair as if watching at all times. Hundreds of white candles illuminated the scene in an atmospheric golden glow. Two whole corners of the room had been converted into bookshelves which held what had to be hundreds of tomes of varying shapes, sizes and origins. A lone mahogany table with a comfortable looking chair at each side sat in the middle of it all. I yelped as a soft voice suddenly spoke in my ear. "Welcome, Ms. Meir." I spun around to see whom I had to assume was Miss Fortune. Miss Fortune was surprisingly young, yet she had a mature feeling about her. Particularly her silk dress which was adorned in multiple veils and tassels, and seemed to mold itself over her body as if she was wearing a shadow, that showed off her right leg, and clung tightly at the sleeves. She also wore enough gold and jewels to reflect the light from the candles under her eyes, which were deep, possibly bottomless, pools of lilac that sparkled like they had diamonds in them. In her mane she wore jeweled braids and her tail was also braided at one end. Lastly, she had a small tribal tattoo of a moon that curled around her right eye. She smiled, as if greeting an old friend. "My apologies for scaring you." She gestured toward the room. "Welcome to my temple of enlightenment and mystery. What can I do for you today?" she asked kindly. I smiled back at her. Her voice was deep and beautiful and retained that tell-tale Zebrican accent Zebras were famous for. "Thank you for having me, Ma'am. I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about Voodoo." Her smile never wavered. "Voodoo? Of course! I would love to tell you about Zebrica's tribal history! Please have a seat." She gestured to the table where the two comfortable armchairs sat. As I took a seat, Miss Fortune brought out a tea set and poured me a cup of tea, then sat down herself with her own. "First off, what do you yourself know about Voodoo?" she asked me. "Me? Not much I'm afraid. I'm sure you can tell me more." "Indeed I can. Voodoo has been apart of my life since I was young...well, younger." She took a sip of her tea and began. "Many ponies think of Voodoo in terms of magic spells or gris-gris. That kind of practice is actually called Hoodoo, and is only part of true Voodoo. Voodoo, the religion, has a strong following in Zebrica, and even in some parts of Equestria." "Like Nawlans?" "Yes, in fact, one could say that Voodoo's presence in Nawlans rival's that of Zebrica itself." She explained. She took another sip of tea and continued. "Zebras see it as a tradition all their own. Ponies- and there are many in the religion- are attracted to it because of the supernatural and magical feelings given off by it. I'm personally more interested in the history of voodoo, although I myself also practice it." "How exactly did Voodoo come to Equestria? If you don't mind me asking." Miss Fortune chuckled. "Not at all. Voodoo first came to Equestria along with the first Zebras to come over from Zebrica when Princess Celestia opened the borders, many hundreds of years ago. Ponies were immediately captivated by its magical nature and sought to learn more, and the Zebras were more then happy to teach them. Soon enough, Voodoo's influence spread in certain parts of Equestria, but none more then Nawlans, where even today the lively city is said to be the heart of Voodoo in Equestria, practiced and studied by both Pony and Zebra alike." "Have you ever been to Nawlans?" "Not as much as I've wanted to. But me and my family of course go down every year for the yearly Carnivas Festival. And sometimes just to get in touch with my heritage. Nawlans is a truly amazing city, full of life and wonder. It's the only city I can name where both ponies and Zebras live together, enjoying, sharing and partaking in one another's cultures in harmony. The music, the food and of course...the mystery is something that cannot be missed." "Mystery? You mean the Voodoo Murders?" "You read the news I see. Terrible thing. And so close to Nightmare Night, as well." "I'm sorry for asking, but do you know anything about them? I only know what I've read. But is the voodoo aspect- "Real? I'm afraid I couldn't say. I only know about history, and traditional practice. Only an absolute expert could tell you if it is truly voodoo they are using." "Do you...know an absolute expert?" Miss Fortune chuckled. "When you go to Nawlans, I'm sure it won't be too hard to find one." My eyes widened. "How did you know I- "I heard about how you saved the world a few months ago. You are drawn to mystery and intrigue, and this latest case with the Voodoo Murders is right up your alley. Just be careful on your journey. Real voodoo or not, I can sense dark forces at work in that city." "I will. Thank You, Miss Fortune. You've been a tremendous help." "Of course, dear. If you have any more questions, or simply have need of me, please do not hesitate to call. I will be remaining here for Nightmare Night, so I should be available." Miss Fortune handed me a small card with her number scribbled on it. "Take care." I waved goodbye as I left the shop, fresh thoughts buzzing in my head. So, the voodoo in the murders may actually be real after all. I was hoping that I could just dismiss the whole thing, but I suppose Nair wouldn't have sent me that article if it wasn't the real deal. Now all I had to do was pack my things for Nawlans. I only hoped the trains weren't that crowded because of the holidays.