//------------------------------// // Entry 0: I got a journal! // Story: Journals of the Royal Alchemist // by Ashfur //------------------------------// Princess Celestia, Sol Invictus and current ruler of the land of Equestria, trotted down a long row of vibrantly colored tents and stalls.  Canterlot was still under construction in some of the outer neighborhoods, but already the central market had been set up, even before the castle had!  A lovely breeze brushed past her, the aroma of the many wares carried on its currents. She detected the scent of freshly baked bread, the strong, earthy odor of soil and flowers, and even the slightest hint of that new ‘perfume’ that had recently been invented.  Ponies milled about the market happily, usually keeping to their own tribe as tensions from the unification still were fresh in their minds, but all in all it was shaping up to be a perfect day for some light shopping and interacting with her subj- BOOM! Everypony in the market recoiled or started to flee as one of the market tents got blown sky-high, a colorful trail of green smoke trailing behind it.  Celestia watched as a small figure fell out of it, grabbed the corners of the tent and used it as a parachute to slow its descent to the town below. The wind actually seemed to be carrying the improvised skydiver in her direction actually…  Which was good, considering she was planning on stopping by his shop anyway. Spreading her wings, she took to the air to meet her destructive, but genius royal alchemist. As she approached, the pony’s features came more into view.  Clinging to the tent was a bright orange pony with a horn jutting out of his forehead.  His mane and tail were unkempt, a vibrant purple that extended into yellow tips, and he was wearing a now-singed lab coat that covered up the majority of his torso and flank. “Arca.  Dare I even ask what happened this time?”  Celestia inquired as she zeroed in on her friend. “Princess-boss!  Hey! I was just… erm… enjoying the weather!  I totally wasn’t trying new experimental recipes in the middle of market hours because I got bored!  Oh, and there was something else I wanted to ask you, actually, what was it…” He let go of the tent with one hoof and scratched his chin in thought.  “Oh yeah! Could you please fly closer so I don’t fall and hurt myself?” Celestia simply rolled her eyes and flew in close enough to allow her royal alchemist to let go of his parachute and grab onto her foreleg.  Normally it was against the law to grab royalty in such a manner, but there never really was a clause for airborne rescues so she figured it wouldn't count.  Plus, Arcane Catalyst was a bit of a hugger when it came to close friends. Tackle hugs, to be exact. So, she touched down and allowed her friend to let go of her leg.  ‘Honestly, Arcane, ponies could have been hurt! What were you thinking?” Arca shrugged.  “I was thinking that I'd never mixed my instant fire potions and high explosive potions together, why do you ask?  Oh, for the record, they actually mix well, but it's not to be shaken lest it explodes! I was also thinking that it's a shame orange doesn't rhyme with anything.” “Nevermind, Arca.  Do you happen to have that potion I ordered?”  Celestia asked. “The pegasi tribe is hounding me about the anti-feathermite shampoo and I would like that sample as soon as equinely possible.” “Of course I do!  What kind of Royal Alchemist would I be if I didn't have your orders ready on demand?  I have it in the reserved potion rack in my shop tent! Which is… uh… oops.” The tent finally drifted down, a few dozen potions toppling over and spilling across the cobblestone path.  Arca scanned the wreckage with his bright green eyes, finally settling a gooey blue puddle of some fluid. “Nevermind, I found it! It's right here. You don't mind some dirt, right?” He sheepishly grinned at Celestia, only to be met with her usual motherly glare of disappointment.  “Okay, okay, I'll fix up another one by tonight! Now please excuse me while I go get lunch.” “Are you going to clean this mess up first?” “Fine.”  Arca lit his horn and lifted a huge chunk of the ground into the air with his magic, levitating it alongside him as he made his way to his favorite bakery for some bread.  “I'll clean this up and have it back tomorrow!” The solar princess watched as he left, then glanced at the massive hole in the middle of the market.  “Goodness, that colt needs a hobby. I wonder if sending him on vacation would calm him down a tad… Arca!  Hold on a moment.” The unicorn turned back around, taking a moment to polish his goggles.  “Yeah? What do you need, Princess-boss?” “I think you've been working very hard lately, and I'd like to approve that trip to the Everfree Forest you asked for.  Some fresh air away from the city would probably do you some good. Just be sure to take some guards with you, and for the love of Faust, don't make it all about research.  You need some time off every year to maintain your mental faculties!” April 27, 15 A.N.M. (After Nightmare Moon) Hello!  My princess-boss Celestia got me this journal to ‘keep me occupied’ when I'm not brewing my potions.  My name is Arcane Catalyst, Royal Alchemist of Equestria and super-smart inventor. I'm gonna use this journal to keep field notes on all the crazy creatures this world has to offer, and a few notable adventures I have collecting rare ingredients!  I look forward to this, it's been ages since I've been approved for field research! So what if Celestia called these research trips ‘mandatory vacations’, I have my travel bag packed and I'm ready to tackle all the places this world has to offer! My first destination is the Everfree Forest, and I've heard talk of mighty beasts made of wood who live there.  I wonder what kind of potions I can make with them!? -Arcane Catalyst was here