//------------------------------// // Chapter 14: Turning Point // Story: Revenant Soul: Genesis and The Weather Elements // by cyber_pony13 //------------------------------// When Revenant woke up the next day he felt so terrible that he had Levia and Fefnir take care of work the whole day. When he finally got better, he asked what happened and Levia and Fefnir told him everything. He was ashamed of himself that he let that happen and couldn’t bring himself to see the girls. After that he was pretty secluded from everypony. A month went by after the mane six and Revenant got back from the mountains, and a slow month it was. The only time the mane six saw him was when he was working helping others out. Twilight and Fluttershy tried visiting him a couple of times but Fefnir would tell them that he’s out working. They asked how Fefnir was doing and he replied that he enjoyed this town just it was unfortunate that things turned out the way they did. They decided to hire Revenant for a couple of jobs to try and talk to him but he would lead away from the subject. When he was done helping the girls he would just leave without asking for any pay. A couple of times when Twilight would pay him, he would leave it within her house. He couldn’t take payment from them not after what he did. Applejack had some resentment towards him but still felt bad knowing it wasn't him. Even when he came to buy some apples, both of them couldn’t really look at each other or say anything. Rainbow Dash was the only one who really didn’t feel any remorse for him. She’d see him pass by and would ignore him but a couple of times would put a dark cloud above him. No pony was affected by this except for the mane six. Life in Ponyville just went on. Ponyville “And that is why young fillies must watch their nutrient intake so they can grow into a strong, healthy pony.” Revenant said as he finished with the lesson to the fillies. Ms. Cherilee hired Revenant to help her with a lesson of physical health. He gladly accepted the chance to teach the fillies because even in dark times, he’d try to make the fillies smile. If a filly could find the time to smile, then there should be no excuse for anypony to not smile, at least that’s what his mom always told him. “Okay then class let’s head outside so Revenant can demonstrate exactly what it means to be healthy. That’s fine with you right?” Ms. Cherilee asked him. “Not a problem at all.” “Okay then lets go class.” The fillies cheered happily that they’d get to have another class with Revenant outside. They knew that with Revenant, he always demonstrated the lesson and would make it fun. Outside he explained of how an improper diet would have you begin a task slowly and would end up all sluggish. He overexagerrated the movements to get the fillies laughing, but then would do a phenomenal feat such as stand on his front to hooves and do push-ups while keeping his balance. While he explained, he pushed off to land. Revenant planned to land perfectly but decided to mess up the landing to keep up the comical mood. Failing to stick his landing, he lands face first in the ground. The fillies laughed while Ms. Cherilee was concerned. “Oh my Revenant are you alright?” She asked him “C’mon Ms. Cherilee if the fillies are smiling, shouldn’t you?” He said as he got up with a smile. “Well that was a pretty funny wipeout.” She giggled. “Indeed which is why, class, carrots are also important to your eyesight.” He addressed the fillies. “Yeah otherwise you wouldn’t have landed on your face.” Scootaloo added. Everypony else continued to laugh. “That is true, so who would like to try some fun tricks out?” A bunch of the fillies were eager to learn. With the earth ponies he set up a couple of events to have them try and wrestle him down. He would have a small fight with them but would have them win in the end. Some of them would flex their tiny muscles to show off their earth pony strength. Applebloom said that she could take ‘em all on since she worked hard on a farm. A couple of fillies tried, but Revenant discreetly let some of his magic flow into her so she could win. She was surprised she won and quickly looked at her flank to see if she got a cutie mark. “Aw…nothing. I was sure wrestling would’ve been my special talent.” Applebloom pouted. “Don’t worry Applebloom, maybe wrestling isn’t it, but working hard is a strong possibility so just keep working hard at things and I’m sure you’ll get it.” He assured her. For the pegasi he wanted to see their agility. Since he knew that some were still young and couldn’t exactly fly yet, he had a couple poles set up a long the playground for them to weave through while using their wings to help them. Most did well however Scootaloo was getting bored of it. “When you said that you wanted to test our speed, I thought we’d be going fast.” Scootaloo said. “I said your ‘agility’ but if you want to go fast then why not you get your scooter and show us what fast really is. Scootaloo grinned with excitement and went to her scooter and put on her helmet. She zipped around the poles with ease and went up the slide. She jumped off the slide and did a couple flips and landed into a drift heading right back at Revenant. She went a little risky and zipped as close as she could to him without actually hitting him. She rode up along a tree and turned in air to land on the ground facing the group. “How was that?” She asked while a bunch of the fillies cheered. “Very impressive Scootaloo, you sure know how maneuver well…tell me when did you get good on that thing?” He asked her. “Don’t know I guess I have a knack for things that can go fast and do a lot of quick movements.” She said. “You don’t say…tell me have you ever looked into choreography?” Revenant asked her. “Please that stuff is boring; I live in the fast lane.” Scootaloo replied. “Well maybe you might get bored in the fast lane and stop by to see the ‘signs’ one day.” Revenant tried to allude to her, but she was still concentrated on speed. “Alright then now how about some love for us unicorns huh?” The little unicorns were excited to see what he had in store for them. He decided to have them move a ball with their magic through some areas while they physically moved the areas as well. He showed them that unicorns aren’t weak and that using their magic to aid them is there specialty. Most of them were doing well but Sweetie Belle looked like she was having trouble. “What’s the matter Sweetie Belle?” He asked her. “I’m just not good with magic that’s all.” She sadly told him. “Why what do you mean, you’re a unicorn. It’s second nature to us.” “To you maybe but I’m just not good at it. I don’t’ want everypony to see how bad I am at it.” “Didn’t you ever ask for help?” “I tried to help her on that but I’m an earth pony so I could only help so much so I sent her to Twilight for that.” Ms. Cherilee inputted. “Oh that’s good and how did that go?” He asked Sweetie Belle. “All she did was give me a bunch of books for me to read but they were boring.” “Hehehe…typical Twilight….what about your sister, surely she helped you out, right?” “Rarity is always busy with her boutique and whenever she tried it always something about fashion or jewels and I don’t really like all that stuff.” “I see….” Revenant took a moment until he came up with an idea. “I have an idea for you to try.” “What if it doesn’t work and everypony sees me mess up?” “Then you try again or a different method, c’mon let’s just give it a shot.” “Hmm…okay what is it then?” “Alright then, when we use magic we think of how we would control it so I want you to tell yourself or the ball that you will move it.” Revenant explained. “You want me to tell a ball to move?” Sweetie Belle asked him with concern. “Sure like this...” Revenant cleared his throat, “Ball, move left.” Then the ball moved to the left with his magic. “You see now you try it.” “Okay…” Sweetie Belle took in a deep breath before beginning, “Ball...move left…” The ball didn’t nudge one bit. “You see it didn’t work.” “Now hold on, you can’t give up after the first try. Give it a couple more shots.” Sweetie Belle tried a couple of more times but still didn’t get any results. She began to get discouraged. “Maybe we should try a different approach. Why don’t you try singing to it?” Revenant suggested. “What…I can’t do that?! It would look stupid.” She protested. “Oh c’mon I’ve heard you hum before and it sounds like you got a voice in you. As long as you are trying that is all that matters.” “Well alright, I’ll try it but just one time. And don’t laugh…you promise?” She asked him “I promise.” “Pinkie Pie promise?” “I have no idea what that is but sure…Pinkie Pie promise.” He assured her. She stood there waiting for him to Pinkie Pie promise. “Well….” “You’re supposed to Pinkie promise now?” “Well didn’t I just do that?” “No you have to do it.” He looked at Sweetie Belle with a raised eyebrow. She then told him exactly how he was supposed to do it. He sighed with grief and performed a Pinkie promise. She then hummed a little tune and then sang to the ball to move. That’s when she saw that she moved the ball with her magic. “I…I did it?” She couldn’t believe it herself. “Good keep going.” Revenant motivated her. Sweetie Belle kept going and was able to move the ball through the course. A bunch of fillies gathered just to hear Sweetie Belle’s voice. After she completed the course, they cheered for the little unicorn. “That was amazing Sweetie Belle I didn’t know you could sing so well. How come you don’t sing more often?” Revenant asked her as he gave her a hug. “I get really nervous in front of ponies because I don’t want them to see me mess up.” “Listen here Sweetie Belle there is nothing to be nervous when in front of others. When you are up in front of them it is your time to shine. They had their moments but didn’t take it. Which is why when you are in front of others, it is their time to pay attention to you.” Revenant assured her. “Okay maybe I should try that for the next talent show.” Sweetie Belle thought out loud. “And I’ll be sure to get front row seats to see you do well.” Revenant then looked at the time. “Oh dear it looks like we are almost out of time Ms. Cherilee.” “Indeed we are thank you Revenant for helping out with the lesson once more. Okay class is dismissed. Go on and get your things from the class room and I’ll see you tomorrow.” As the fillies began to head inside the school the crusaders went up to Revenant to ask him something. “What is it crusaders?” “Hey whatever happened to proving who was the best race out of us ponies Revenant?” Scootaloo asked him. “Yeah you said next lesson that you’d decide who won.” Applebloom said loudly. The other fillies heard what she said and more of them began to gather around him with the same question. Soon the whole class surrounded him and barraged him with the same question. There was no way out and had to think of way to answer them before he was crushed under them. He chuckled to himself the thought of death by fillies, cute and hilarious. “Alright fillies hang on give me some space,” He said while using his magic to give him some breathing room. He thought for a couple of minutes of how to decide how to determine the best and then it hit him. “How about we have ourselves an iron pony competition between the class to see who is the best?” “Aw yeah now we’re talking.” Scootaloo cheered. “So who you gonna pick Revenant?” Sweetie Belle asked. “To make it fair, we should divide the class up into teams. A team of earth ponies, a team of pegasi, and a team of unicorns. Whichever team does the best wins and determines who the best is.” Revenant suggested. The fillies cheered at the idea. “What do you say Ms. Cherilee, shall we do this?” He asked her. “Sure but when should we do it?” She replied. “The week has just started so how about this Saturday, I’ll set-up things and the parents could get involved if they want.” “That sounds wonderful; I’ll let the parents know.” “Perfect! I’ll be seeing you this Saturday then little ones. Have a good time until then.” Revenant said as he left. The fillies waved him goodbye and began to talk which team was going to win. He could still hear their excitement as he walked away. Fifteen minutes later and he arrived at his house. As he entered he made his way to his study when Fefnir stopped him. “Just hold your horses there Revenant…we need to talk.” Fefnir said to him “This again…look I’m glad you and Levia are concerned but…” Revenant started. “It has been a month. A full, long, sad month…this isn’t healthy for you.” “How ironic I just got done with a health lesson for the fillies with Ms. Cherilee.” “And did you learn anything from the lesson you taught?” Fefnir asked him. “What are you getting at with this Fefnir?” Revenant asked sternly. “*sigh* you need help. I know everything didn’t go so well in the mountains but it’s obvious that this is not the right way to deal with this.” Fefnir explained. “Then what other way is there? I practically lost my friends after what I did to them. I can’t go back to them…not like this…” “Then when Revenant? When? You may not see it, hell I really don’t see it but from what others are saying it is affecting them as well.” “And who are these ‘others’ you speak of?” “Your friends, you know Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. They are feeling the effects of it too.” “Please after what happened I don’t think they would see me as a friend let alone a pony.” “Then what about Twilight? Out of all of them, she definitely deserves something from you.” “Like what Fefnir? Because everything that I did before just went up in smoke after the mountains.” “An apology, an explanation, and hell, I don’t know, anything! Just some form of contact. You’ve secluded yourself from them and it’s time you make amends with them.” Revenant took a moment to digest what Fefnir said. “You’re right…I need to talk to them…” Revenant responded “Good now if you just…” Fefnir began “But not now. The way I still am I can’t face them….not like this. Once I gain control then I’ll face them. Hopefully they can forgive me and we could move on from there. Heh, maybe me and Twilight may build a relationship afterwards…until then though…” Revenant began to leave “They won’t see...If any of them drop by tell them that I’m deeply sorry and that I wish to make amends. If they want to talk, this Saturday at the school will be the time.” “Revenant hold on a minute…” Fefnir called to him as he left. “Revenant…REVENANT!!!”It was too late; Revenant already took off to be alone. “Maybe I should’ve stepped out of his study sooner…” Twilight said as she came out of his study. “I told you that you should’ve let him head straight into his study when he got home.” Levia said as she went up to her brother. “But noooo, you wanted to do your way. ‘Let’s ease him into it,’ yeah now look where he is at.” “I’m sorry okay, I’m not Sage so how was I supposed to know what to do?” Fefnir regretted. “If only Sage was here, he’d know what to do.” Levia said out loud. “Wait who is Sage, is he another one of you guys?” Twilight asked. “Yeah and the eldest of us. Him and Revenant see a lot eye to eye but in moments like these Sage is usually the one to be the voice of reason. Sage is the one that is supposed to pass on Revenant’s dad’s wisdom to him.” Fefnir explained. “So we just have to find him and everything will get better right?” Twilight hoped. “If it were that easy but things never really are.” Fefnir said. “Stop being a downer Fefnir, you think Twilight needs to hear that right now?” Levia scolded him “I’m sorry but I’m just looking at the facts in front of us.” “He’s at the next weather element isn’t he?” Twilight speculated. “Most likely but we don’t have a clue where the next one could be at.” Fefnir said. “All that we know is that it is the storm element and it could be anywhere.” Levia said to Twilight. “Then I’m going to go talk to Revenant, do you know where he went?” She asked the ponysprites. They told him that he probably went to the Everfree forest. Ever since they got back from the mountains, Revenant has been going there every night to train. What better place for him to control his dark nature than to be where most ponies dread to go. Twilight dropped by Fluttershy’s house to see if she saw him go into the forest but she said she just got home. Twilight decided to go in there and search for him. Fluttershy tried to stop her because it was starting to get dark and that she would get lost. Despite Fluttershy’s efforts Twilight went in. Everfree Forest She knew her way through the forest due to all the times she’s had to been in there. She looked in in different areas hoping to find him when she dropped by Zecora’s place. She asked the zebra to see if she’s seen anypony come by in here. Zecora told her that she did see a pony that looked troubled and headed further in the forest. She pointed Twilight in the direction he went in and she went in the direction. A couple of minutes later, she entered a clearing where she saw the azure pony sitting there. “Why did you come here?” Revenant asked her not bothering to look. “I came to talk to you, I….I heard that you won’t see us until you’re ready.” Twilight answered him. “So I take it you were in my house waiting for the right moment to talk as well huh.” “Yes…look everypony is concerned about you and…we don’t want to see you like this.” “Is it them…or is it just you?” He caught her off guard on that comment. She was hesitant to answer. “So it is you then.” He got up and turned to face her. “I see…Fefnir is right though you definitely deserve an explanation let alone an apology.” “Then tell me what is it? What happened back at the mountains and what is it that you need to control?” She asked as she approached him. He held his hoof out to stop her. “Unfortunately now is not the time for that. I’m sorry that I can’t explain at the moment. But please at least accept my apology for all the pain and trouble I’ve given you.” “Of course I can accept your apology but if you want me to forgive you then you need to explain what is it that happened to you.” Twilight said to him. “Heh…blackmailing me huh…fair enough. Guess I should talk, or better yet, let me show you.” Revenant said cracking his neck and stretching out. “What are you going to do?” Twilight asked. “Just watch and understand.” Revenant said getting ready. He began to control his breathing and begun his training. He started out with simple motions to warm-up but shortly afterwards he went into his training. Twilight took a seat nearby and just watched him. For the first five minutes he practiced his normal attacks but then he started using soul magic. Every strike, every motion was filled with soul magic and would leave a trail as he attacked. Twilight then saw the beauty of his art. As he struck, she saw him not fighting, but producing art. It was as though he was dancing more than fighting. She’s seen other fight before but Revenant, when he performed he put on a play. It shone even more in the moonlight that bathed the clearing. After about fifteen minutes he stopped and relaxed for a few. “Oh wow, that was beautiful.” Twilight said out loud. “Never heard that one before, if Lord Sif was here he’d have my hide for somepony commenting about it like that.” Revenant chuckled. “So why did you stop…are you done?” “No, it’s now time for me to show you what you wanted to know.” “The whole time then you were just warming up…” “Yeah and now it’s time for things to get serious. I will warn you, now is the chance for you to leave. I don’t know what will happen from here so for your safety, it’s best you leave now.” Revenant warned her. “I intended to stay here until I could get you out of here.” She assured him. “So be it then…” He submitted. “Then let’s begin.” Revenant controlled his breathing like he did from the start and gathered his magic around him. He let it grow and expand with power. Slowly it rose until it burned brightly around him. “Alright…here we go.” He said to himself. Revenant then concentrated on the dark feeling inside of him. He felt it and began to feed it his emotions. Rage, bloodlust, and darkness began to flow through him. His began to change to the violent color once more as well as the magic around him. He felt a dark pain rise within him and he slowly crumpled to his knees. “Revenant enough you don’t need to…” Twilight said as she ran up to him. “Stay back….I don’t want…you getting hurt.” He strained through his pain. “It’s okay Revenant.” She said as she slowly went up to him. “I know you can do this…I believe in you.” Revenant was silent at her words. They echoed in his mind and felt a second surge of power rise within him. “No…you won’t…take…hold of me….again. I control this power….not you!” He fought against his darkness. He fought more and more against it until he let out a scream along with magic pulsing out of his horn. After that he began to stabilize and look around. “Revenant…is that you?” Twilight asked him She looked at him and saw that he still had the aura flowing around him and his eyes were the violet-red colors. This time she didn’t see the rage inside of his eyes. She saw that it was still him inside of it. “Yeah…it’s me still.” He then looked at himself and felt the power within him. “So this…this is what power is huh. I can see now how I can lose it, let alone be controlled by it.” “You did it Revenant…I knew you could do it!” Twilight congratulated him. “You’re right, looks like I beat it.” Revenant he said. He enjoyed the new found power and tested it out. He was shocked to see how much force was behind his blows. To think that he used it on his friends disgusted him, but now that he felt control…he knew that come Saturday he would make things right. After he was done testing himself, he pulled back the power inside of him and turned back to normal. “Thank you Twilight…” “For what?” “For believe in me when…when…” Revenant then felt dizzy and collapsed on the ground. “Revenant!” She said as she went up to him. “Don’t worry I’ll…” “Twilight…” He groaned. “Please not so loud…I’m pretty tired now and I just want some sleep now.” Twilight sighed that he made her worry for nothing. “C’mon then let’s get you home.” “Nah, it feels great here especially under a nice night. I think I’ll sleep it here for the night.” Revenant said beginning to doze off. Twilight looked at him for a moment and laid down right next to him. “Then I’ll just keep you company for the night.” She told him “No exceptions.” “Won’t you get cold throughout the night?” Revenant asked her. “I’ll be fine…as long as I’m right beside you.” Twilight said nuzzling up to him. She then felt something whipping her from behind. She looked back to see his tail twitching all over the place. Revenant was too tired to hide his blushing face. “I see your tail has gone crazy again.” She softly said to him. “Yeah dang thing’s got a mind of its own.” They both giggled at the thought of it. “It’s alright…I don’t mind.” Then she felt it going crazy even more. “Okay now I mind.” “I’m sorry what do you want me to do about it?” “How about you just sleep and get some rest.” “That *yawn* sounds good about now.” His eyes began to grow heavy and started to shut. “Thank you Twilight…for believe in me when I couldn’t believe in myself…” “Don’t worry Revenant. No matter what happens I’ll always belie….” She stopped to see him passed out now next to her. She giggled at him for that. “Goodnight Revenant, please sleep well now.” She gave him a kiss goodnight and looked up to the sky above them. It was nice to see the moon so bright tonight and the stars light up the sky. Some of the forest animals emerged from the forest to see the two ponies laying there and decided to find a spot in the clearing to sleep there also. It was if nature itself knew that this moment, this clearing was for the two unicorns. This moment was not to be disturbed and was tranquil that not even the predators of the night would disturb. Twilight rested her head on Revenant and fell asleep hoping that he too would be dreaming about this tranquil moment. Oh snuggles... Just had to throw that in there since one of my pre-readers said about this chapter. Had to throw in a nice scene after all the things that've happened but now they sleep....and maybe me too I'm tired. Night or morning where ever you're reading this from.