//------------------------------//
// Just Desserts! 
// Story: Foal Necromancer 
// by Kytranis 
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	I'm not sure what's stranger, that I'm somehow eating without sight, hands or knowing what it is before I bite into it. Or the company of three princesses and the captain of the guard. Or is that two goddesses, a demigod and a seasoned warrior-mage? Or is it my mother, my aunt, my cousin and my cousin in law? No matter which way you look at it, it is weird.

“So what do you think?” Cadance asks me and I lick my teeth thinking about what I just ate.

“I think it was a layering of lettuce, some very large and bitter fruit, cheese, olives and a strange mixture of mustard seeds and honey in between two slices of bread.” I say, thinking back of whatever it was I just ate. It was good, but odd.

“But did you like it?” she presses on and I nod.

“Yes it was very good, but what was that sliced fruit in it?” I ask and I hear a sigh from Shinning Armour.

“It was tomato. Also... did you have to describe the sandwich?” he asks me and now I'm confused.

“She asked what I thought, and I told you what I thought of it. What's the problem?” I ask already guessing where he's going but it was an honest mistake. I needed to get used to being around others again.

“Nevermind.” he says shortly and the fact that he's backed off confuses me for a moment.

“Have you had enough?” Luna asks and an eyebrow raises.

“My stomach is very small so I doubt I could fit much more in it.” I say in a guarded tone. I've been hearing a lot of movement going on and I have no idea who's coming or going. Only their voices let me know that the other four sitting had not left. I'm about to say more when the wind howls and I feel something flitting around. It's a powerful spirit but... it's neither dead nor alive. “Oh shit.” I say staring towards where I felt it.

“What now?” Luna asks quickly.

“I think I just sensed a wendigo but it moved away before I could be sure.” I tell her and she sighs.

“They occasionally come out during the winter. Most buildings are enchanted to ward them off though, so you're safe.” Shinning Armour says and I think on it and nod. If its a recurring problem not doing something ahead of time is just stupid. “Do they bother you?” he asks and my mind goes back to a few bad encounters.

“Not when I learned how to drive them off, but I can't control them. They blur the line between elemental and dead spirits making them impossible to really understand.” I explain rubbing my right arm as I remember when one bit a chunk out of it.

“One got you.” Shinning Armour stats clinically probably noting my movement.

“Yea. I was driven into high mountains more than a few times when trying to escape my more skilled enemies. Few are willing to risk the cold, the avalanches, the beasts, the spirits, and the ripping winds of a mountain top.” I say my voice going a little deeper as I remember all aspects of the high mountain. A small part of me muses how ridiculous my slightly lower voice sounds.

“And the ones that are?” Shinning asks and I believe he's up to something. If only I knew what.

“Are usually the most ridiculously stubborn beings you will ever find.” I tell him calmly. It is true that anyone willing to go that far for what they want is ridiculously stubborn. But stubborn doesn't always mean smart or capable. In fact for most of my enemies it meant that I only had to worry about the few that had the sense to dress warm enough for the climate, and of that number I only had to worry about the ones the wendigo missed.

“Did you like it there?” Cadance asks and I shrug.

“Once I could deal with wendigo mountaintops became a safe haven for me. But they're a desolate lonely place with only your fleeting sanity being driven away by the screaming wind for entertainment.” I say growing more serious and trying to glare more and more with every passing word.

“You do realize we're on a mountain now right?” Luna asks me and I turn my head towards her surprised.

“I thought I was seeing things due to magic interference and blunt force trauma of breaking dimensional barriers.” I admit and there's a bit of laughter from Celestia. “So the castle really that far off the mountain?”

“Yes. Yes it is.” Celesita assures me and my jaw drops for a moment.

“And just how do you stop it from crashing down the side?” I demand concerned that the room I'm in could begin falling at any moment and there's a little snort.

“This castle has been here safety for over a thousand years. It's not going anywhere.” Shinning says in a matter of fact tone.

“So it's dangling over the side of a mountain and it's ancient... well at least I'll die knowing so many went with me.” I mutter into my hooves.

“You do realize that there are so many spells keeping not only the castle but the entire city of canterlot up that even if the mountain were to crumble away both would still stand?” Luna asks me and I 'look' up incredulously.

“I think I'd sense a spell like that going on.” I tell her flatly and I can feel her grinning at me.

“Did you happen to spot the roofs of the castle?” she asks me and I shake my head. It's winter, they were covered in snow. “The gold plating is covered in fine arcane symbols to not only recharge the stability spells but cover the noise of the magic. Few are as sensitive as you seem to be, but all ponies are to some extent.” Luna explains and it makes sense. Some of my more dangerous enemies wore robes covered in similar markings to sneak up on me. Luckily the robes were only effective at short range and those who wore them rarely knew anything about sneaking. Which made for hilarious moments when I snuck up on them.

“I suppose I simply got used to the rest of the noise then. Like the wind.” I admit before a thought strikes me. “Hey wait. If there is that kind of magic being used throughout the whole castle then how come I can't use my magic sense to navigate? It comes up dark every time.” I muse out loud then ask pointedly towards Luna who sighs.

“It's in the structural supports not the walls. Also most of the castle is on the mountain itself and very stable. It's just the outer wings like the extra labs, and the more fancy guest rooms that are off the mountain.” Luna explains and I nod. A strange sweet scent fills my nose and something new is placed on the table.

“And this is?” I ask calmly nodding towards whatever was placed on the table.

“Cinnamon Rolls. You'll like them.” Cadance tells me and I frown. I'll decide whether I like something or not thank you very much. I feel a bit of magic and one of the sweet smelling things is in front of me. I poke it gently. It's soft and it feels like bread so I guess it's a pastry. I have no idea what cinnamon is. I guess it's a spice as I've heard of it before. I've never had it, but a lot of people like it. So I take a bite.

Oh dear gods. By my murdered family and all that's preserved me this is GOOD! But before I can truly enjoy it its gone. No not gone, eaten. It wasn't big enough. It wasn't enough. More. MORE! I leap up to get the rest but am forced down by magic. There's a little more magic, and an offering of another Cinnamon Roll is presented before me. I accept.

“I called it.” Cadance says but I ignore her as I devour the treat. There's laughter but that's happily ignored. I've found a hunk of paradise and it is Cinnamon Rolls! I reach for more but am pushed back again. This time there is no offering. I look towards Luna crossly.

“You can have more later, after your appointment.” She tells me and I turn my head to her. Appointment? What appointment? She seems to sense my question as  I lick the delicious flavour off my hooves. “I took the liberty of making you an appointment with a psychologist who's well known for helping guards get past Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.” she tells me an an eyebrow grows up as I try and make sure I lost nothing of the Cinnamon Rolls.

“You're not sending him to Doctor are you?” Shinning asks and the other eyebrow goes up as I lick my teeth to get  the last bit of taste.

“Who is this Doctor?” I ask, a little horrified at Shinning's nervous tone.

“You'll find out when you meet him. He's... enthusiastic, but very good at his job.” he says trying to assure me. It doesn't assure me.

“If you come quietly I'll have some warm Cinnamon Rolls when you're finished!” Luna practically sings, and I perk up honestly tempted. Those things are GOOD.

“What's this going to involve?” I ask cautiously. What is a psychologist? It sounds like a medical craft but... it's not a familiar word.

“He's just going to talk to you and give you advice. A psychologist is a healer who focuses on the mind. They're trained to understand how certain experiences can effect the mind and they give advice on how to relax to start living a healthy life again.” Celestia explains and I nod. If he's just going to talk than not a problem. Unless it's spell crafting... but I have been promised Cinnamon Rolls... I guess I'll risk it.

“Come on then. I can tell you're full so it's time to go.” Luna says jovially and I feel magic pull my chair out and I find myself on her back again and she's moving already. “Have a nice day.” she says happily and we're off.

“So how long is this trip going to take?” I ask a few minutes later.

“Seeing as we've arrived no time at all.” Luna says and I can hear her smile before I'm lifted off her back and a door in front of me is opened. She carries me onto what feels like a small bed and then kisses me just beneath the horn. Is that supposed to mean something? Is just under the horn a special place or something? “Now listen to the good Doctor. He's here to help you.”

I wait a minute before the door flies open with a huge bang! “Alright Foo', I'm Doctor Payne! Now keep your rump planted and get ready to talk!” a huge voice half shouts into the room and by pure instinct I cast a fourth sight spell and get a good look. He's a huge unicorn in a long white coat with ripped sleeves, he has a bald head with chops and a moustache. His fur is dark brown, and his tail and beard are black. He's wearing massive chains around his neck with what looks like a padlock keeping it together.

I... I have no words... so I think about the room itself. It looks like an organized and comfortable place. With numerous documents in picture frames stating one Dr. Doctor Payne as a Psychologist, Physiologist, Physician, Masseuse, Dietitian and many other things.

“Now I've been told about your past! And I gotta say you're messed up good! So Doctor Payne's here to listen! So talk Foo'!” he bellows before sitting on the floor with a huge thump.

“About what?” I ask trying to put up a defence against this... this... presence beyond description.

“Whatever you want colt! Doctor Payne is here to help! Startin' at the start's a good way to get movin'!” he announced and I nod getting used to it already.

“How much were you told about me? I have to assume that much of my past is a secret considering how... odd it is.” I say and I hear him grunt. I've heard fully grown Dragons grunt more softly.

“I was told everything. Your other life, your other world, where all those cuts and breaks come from. I know what you were and I don't care. You need help so I'm gonna give it. And that's that.” he says in a slightly softer tone. Granted this stallion's softer tone could be heard two miles off...

“Pretty much since the day I was born I was surrounded by death. I remember catching a frog and it dying in my hands as I brought it to my mother. Everyone caught on quick and no one was willing to come near me. Even my family was afraid.” I tell him wondering what the hell this is supposed to accomplish.

“That's their own fault! If you couldn't control it then it was their job to get ya help! If they didn't then they were Foo's!” He replies quickly and with such conviction that I find myself kinda believing him. “What next?” he demands and before I can really think I answer.

“Well I was mostly shifted off to the village scribe and elder to copy books. It was a swamp farming village, everyone had to help and there was no room for anyone over six who didn't pitch in.”  I tell him and I hear a scratching sound. It reminds me of a quill on parchment.

“Keep talkin'” he tells me as he writes.

“I was a little lonely but it was only physical contact that I was mostly denied, and my family was brave enough to try that at least.” I explain and there's a sigh from him.

“So a long, lonely foalhood with responsibility drivin' you forward. Duty's all fine and dandy for building yourself up with but you more then just that or you crack under the pressure.” he tells me and I must admit. I'm shocked that I'm getting good advice from someone so like... this! “Now what next?”

“The next big thing was the run in with Edmund Leonidas. It started off easily enough. The knight he was serving under asked for a copy of the registry and I overheard Edmund make a snide comment about the village as I fetched it. I snorted at that but he took offence. He then insulted me directly which I returned in an instant. He became hellbound and determined to get the last word in, even though I answered every barb with one of my own.” I explain and the scratching grows faster.

“I'm hopin that knight had the sense to stop this Foo'.” Doctor Payne said and I nodded.

“Eventually the knight Sir Drevin, dragged him away and apologized to the elder. This was also around the time I was first learning a few spells so I wasn't accidentally killing everything that came near me. I didn't see Edmund again for nearly fifteen years.” Wait... why was I talking so much? Was this some kind of magic this unicorn was working?

“That's a long time for any Foo' to keep a grudge.” He remarked and the scratching came to a stop.

“Yes it was, and a lot happened in those fifteen years. He distinguished himself as a war hero, and I became a wandering mage trying to figure out the secrets of the universe through magic.” I continue and there's a clutching feeling in my chest.

“I was told about your second run in with him. Was he really such a wuss to let the army go at you even though it was clearly between stallions?” he asked almost growling and I just nod. “What a wussy Foo'.” he mutters clearly upset. “You wanna keep goin?” he asks me and I sigh. Why not?

“After that I actually had a couple more peaceful years, with only a few run ins with other necromancers to make any note. Though it was from one of them that I picked up a scroll detailing how to make a proper phylactery. Do you know what that is?” I continued then asked him.

“Luna told me, and I agree with what you called it. The cowards way out.” he grunted and I nodded. I guess disdain for proper phylacteries is universal common ground.

“Long story short I reverse engineered the Rebirth spell from it. I took the aspects that anchored the soul and infused it with enough energy to either revive or rebuild the body. But without dying in the first place it meant that the spell had a time limit.” I explain. If Luna already explained then he knows this.

“You mother told me as such. She also said you later figured out how to put it into rocks. Did you do that often?” He asks and I sigh.

“It wasn't for a solid fifty years until I got that trick down. By then I was one of the most wanted criminals on the continent.” I admit and there's a different scratching sound and I think he just scratched the side of his head. Then it's back to quill on parchment.

“What happened the first time some Foo' hurt you enough to kill you?” he asks me and I sigh to myself.

“Actually the first group of bounty hunters I ran into pulled it off. I was still just wandering around my nose in a book, then before I know it someone screams out my name and I look up to see some young idiot with a spear in chainmail standing in the middle of the road. I looked around and I spotted someone in the treeline and two others on the road behind me. All of them with weapons.” I explain and there's a pause in the writing.

“Does this memory include your name in it?” He asks me carefully and I shake my head.

“No, when I severed my name I took away all memory of it, but I know he shouted my name.” I tell him before deciding to continue. “He asked me if I really was me and when I answered yes the guy in the trees shot me in the shoulder. I ran. I ran long and hard away from them and it was only the fact that I'd been living on the road for so long that I got away.”

“I thought this was how you died the first time?” Doctor Payne asks in a respectful tone. I grin.

“It is, just because I got away doesn't mean I survived. You see just after I lost them my vision started swimming, the arrow had been poisoned. I crawled into a cave to try and pull it out but it didn't help. I did everything I could to cast the Rebirth spell and by a miracle I pulled it off in time.” I tell him before shivering. It had been so cold. “There's nothing colder than waking up dead. The blood in your veins is like ice and you feel like you'll never be warm again.”

“Was there ever a time when you woke up warm?” he asks me and I nod. I'm smiling but I'm not sure why. “When?”

“Here, in Equestria I mean... its just... so different here. I'm really helpless for the first time since I was... I don't know ten maybe? But... there's been nothing. Nothing horrible has happened. Everything's ended well and... I've lived from one breath to the next for so long that there's nothing here, but everything too. The only thing that happened was whisked away to be dealt with by someone else.” I admit mostly complaining as it all pours out of me without my being able to stop it.

“So yer getting antsy. Waiting for something to happen and jumping because there was always somthin' nasty in the shadows before. Can I guess that some Foo' tried to trick you before?” he asks and I nod.

“Edmund's son tried that stunt. He rescinded the bounty and set out word that he wanted to talk to me. So I was naive enough to give it a try. Big mistake. Luckily by then I could make my phylacteries. I hid it in an abandoned mine before going, that's all that saved my life. I went and had an audience with him as he asked my side of the story. He had a fake habit of clucking his tongue which when he looked up while clucking signalled some hidden snipers.” I continue trying to figure out why I'm talking so much... oh right. This is well known to my enemies, and if one is here than they're going to listen for a bit and give me more time or protest and give themselves away.

“So was it instant?” Doctor Payne asks and I sigh.

“No. I got a feeling of paranoia for a moment and I jumped back. The crossbows didn't get me. The castle collapsing did.” I say with a slight chuckle. That was one of my few good deaths. Nearly instant, very cathartic and it gave me a full five years to myself.

“Why would the castle collapse? ... You did that didn't you?” he asks and I grin. “Way to take down the Foo's! Though I bet it didn't help your rep much.” Doctor Payne remarks and I can feel him grinning.

“Actually it took Edward's son a good five years to learn that not only was I still alive but healthy. That's when the bounty finally topped Ten Thousand. Not bad considering it started out as a hundred, which is barely worth the time to track down.” I continue and there's a ringing sound.

“That's it for time, but we're gonna be doing two more things.” Doctor Payne says and his chains clink as he stands up. “First I'm gonna hug you. Then your gonna hit me.” he says and before I can question it he's squeezing the life out of me! I gather energy to crush his life spark as I feel my spine and wings pop, but before I can cast he's let me go. “Now hit me.” he says as I'm standing flabbergasted on the bed.

“What?” I ask shocked at the quick turn of events. What is wrong with this guy?

“Hit me in the jaw Foo'! It helps.” he tells me and I shrug at his insanity, rear back, and let him have it. He rolls well with the punch and there's a popping sound from his jaw. “Hmm... you got a good right hook there. How do you feel now?” he asks me and I consider for a moment.

“Like I've thrown up all over the room then punched the one responsible.” I tell him and there's chuckling.

“Good! That means your startin to get better! You gotta confront the past to move past it!” he tells me in that bombastic voice of his as he throws an arm around my shoulders. “Now I want you to break that enchantment on your mind. It's more hurtin then helpin.” he says and I push his arm off and step away.

“No. Just no.” I tell him and he sighs.

“That spell may be helping you act like an adult, but it's also gonna stop any healing magic used on your head. So you gotta choose between acting like an adult or your eyes and magic.” he tells me and my jaw dropped.

“What a choice...” I mutter and I let my legs collapse out from under me.

“Hey now don't be a Foo'. The best things take a whole lotta time and suffering to get it right. You got Necromancy right, now you gotta get back to livin.” he tells me but I still have on major point to raise.

“This spell is the only thing stopping me from doing something very stupid. It's the only reason I'm not panicking in the unending darkness. It's the only reason I have any form of self-control.” I tell him and he grunts.

“True. You don't wanna screw up. No one wants to screw up! Still you're gonna die by inches if you don't let go!” he tells me and there is a knocking at the door. I feel a slight surge of magic from Doctor Payne and the door swings open. “Luna! Good to meet you Moon Baby! Just trying to convince your baby to let go of that head spell of his!” 

“Was it a good session?” she asks him and I can pretty much feel Payne grin.

“Oh yea! Got him talking and he's started to heal. He's been through a lot though, so it'll take a while to get it all done!” Doctor Payne announces and I shoot him a dirty look... I'd have an easier time of it with eyes.

“Before you say anything, I will give you my word that I will keep you safe when you drop the spell.” She tells me and I breathe deeply huffing as I remind myself time and again that this is not where I came from. It isn't and even if it was I'm so different that no one could possibly recognize me.

There was a spell for things like this. I kind of remember it. I never got it right though... but I can use it's weaker form to detect rather than force... “What are you doing Foo'?” Doctor Payne asks as I begin channelling magic.

“It's a spell that detects lies.” I saw through gritted teeth. “Now say it again, while I'm channelling.” I gasp out in pain feeling like there are nails being driven into my skull.

“I give you my word, as Goddess of the Moon, that I will keep you safe so long as you remain in Equestria.” Luna says solemnly. There was no deception and I let the spell end. The headache fades after a little bit.

“Alright then... I'll cancel the mind spell.” I say and focus for a moment. There's a distinct shattering noise in my mind, it's similar to a mirror breaking. Then in a rush the darkness I'm trapped in seems to be leering at me. I start breathing heavily images of old enemies and monsters rushing at me through the shadows I'm trapped in. Then it stops.

It takes me a moment to realize why. Luna's holding me, and now that I'm not fighting it, it feels safe. I can feel her heartbeat through her chest as she holds me close, I feel her warmth as strong arms hold me up. Why does this feel safe? She said she'd keep me safe, and she wasn't lying. It's hard to believe but it's true and I cancelled the spell... I should not have cancelled the spell. I think I can hear something moving in the shadows...

“I shouldn't have done that... I really shouldn't have...” I say my voice quivering as I try and find the things I KNOW are lurking in the shadows. I cast a fourth sight spell... Nothing odd. Oh no they know when to hide. If they know when to hide they know what I'm planning. If they know what I'm planning than they're going to strike. If they're going to strike when I don't have a phylactery than I'm going to die!

“I brought this. Maybe it will help.” Luna says and I feel a bit of magic used and some thing is in front of me. I grab it and I find a gemstone in my hoof. My breath pauses for a moment when I realize what she's given to me. Then I start channelling as much magic as I can despite the agonizing headache and force a Rebirth spell into the stone. In my imagination I see a huge dog biting me on the head and the jaws slowly coming together.

Then it's done. The spell is complete. I'm safe? Maybe... hopefully... kinda... oh dear god I hope so! “You alright Foal?” Doctor Payne asks and I shake my head.

“No... I'm reduced to a mostly child mindset due to the physical impact that the new, not fully developed brain is putting me through. This makes being well and truly blind and without magic the most terrifying thing I've ever been in!” I tell him my voice breaking and I feel like I'm about to cry from terror. Then it ends. It just ends. “What the?”

“You do remember that Dreams are something I control right?” Luna asks me and I shake my head. I had forgotten. “I just made your little daydreams stop.” Oh... that would do it... she's in my head!? 

Calm down, calm down... calm down... take stock of the situation. Joints? Stiff and creaky, so normal. Skin? Covered in mildly itchy fur... the new normal. Eyes? Gone and the sockets are aching. Hands? Gone. Feet? Gone. Horn? Broken. Wings? Torn membranes. Aura... a bit out Souldrinker magic is attacking so... wait what? Oh shit! Okay calm down, you've dealt with this before. Just focus some necrotic energy into the Souldrinker pattern and kill it... okay I think it's gone. I hope it's gone. I really do.

“I'm taking you back to your room. We'll store your phylactery in a safe place, and you can snack on some Cinnamon Rolls.” she says and I can't help but perk up at the mention of Cinnamon Rolls. “Thank you for your services Doctor Payne.”

“No problem Moon Baby! You bring him back for a few more sessions now. We made some real progress today!”  He half bellows out and I flinch back from the noise. “Sorry little colt.” he quickly apologizes mussing up my hair and pulling his hoof back in an instant.