Chapter 10
Healing
My peaceful sleep was interrupted by the sound of Jade screaming. Scarlet and I shot out of our beds and ran to her side, Scarlet grabbing her bag of smelling salts. Jade must’ve been having the same nightmare she had last night, because she was screaming that same name, Chrono.
“CHRONO, PLEASE DON’T GO, THEY’LL KILL YOU, CHRONO!!!!!!”
Scarlet waved the bag of smelling salts under Jade’s nose, her eyes shooting open as she suddenly sat up in her bed. She had tears in her eyes as she came back to reality. Scarlet and I plopped down and sighed. The doctors and nurses ran into the room.
A blue unicorn doctor said “What in Celestia’s name is going on in here?” he said panting.
“Nothing. Jade just had a nightmare,” I explained.
They all let out a sigh of relief, but the blue unicorn doctor was glaring at me.
“You call that screaming nothing, we thought someone was dying,” he yelled.
Jade hid her face in the covers; Scarlet just shook her head and face-hoofed.
“I’m terribly sorry, we’ll try and keep the noise down,” I said as politely as I could.
He scowled and said “Make sure that you do,” as he left with the other doctors and nurses.
I let out a sigh and turned to Jade, her face still hidden by the covers. I pulled them down and
looked her in the eye.
“Look Jade, I'm not usually one to pry, but this is twice now you've woken up screaming. I'm
worried about you, so please, tell me what's going on, who is Chrono?” I asked as seriously and
sincerely as I could.
Jade hesitated for a moment, but finally said “Chrono is.....good friend,” she said.
“Go on,” I said. Scarlet had sat down on the couch, surprisingly interested in what Jade was
saying.
“I was born in mines. Parents die when I was very small. Was flogged for moving slow during work. Would have died if not for Chrono. He weak like me, but he smart. He sneak gems for me and knew how tunnels were connected. He also know how to fight, he teach me when no one else around. Chrono lost parents too. We become each others new family,” she said, a smile playing across her face and her paw idly playing with the claw hanging from her neck. Scarlet and I had become engrossed in Jade's story, Scarlet having a look on her face that said she knew how Jade felt.
I finally asked the question I was dreading “What happened to him?”
Jade stopped playing with the claw and hung her head low, tears beginning to fall from her face “Jade, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to,” I said quickly.
Jade wiped her eyes “No, I'm fine,” she said.
“Alright,” I said.
“Chrono always talk about escape, seeing surface. I help him secretly dig tunnel to surface for many months. After we finish and ready to leave, guards find out and attack us. I try to fight them off, but Chrono make me go. He use wings to propel me to surface and seal tunnel. I try digging back but more guards chase me, so I run. I run for many, many moons, barely stopping to sleep or eat. Eventually they catch me and try to bring me back, that when I meet you and get saved. I wish freedom didn't,” she started choking up “ cost Chrono his life,” she said and started crying tears of true sadness. I had been so engrossed in her story that I hadn't noticed that Scarlet and I had both started to cry as well. We both walked over to Jade and wrapped her in a consoling hug. Jade stopped crying for a moment, a confused look on her face, and just cried into our shoulders.
When Jade stopped crying, I looked her straight in the eye and said “Jade, I'm gonna make you a promise. Chrono may still be alive, and if he is I promise on my life and my honor that I will find him and bring him back safely, and I'll destroy anyone who tries to get in my way!” putting as much power in my voice as I could.
My sudden show of tenacity surprised both Jade and Scarlet. Jade sat awestruck with tears still coming down her face, and Scarlet simply stared at me, a smirk playing across her face.
“Any objections to that?” I proclaimed.
Jade simply shook her head, a smile replacing her tears.
“Good, now you just focus on getting better, because as soon as you're okay to travel,” I picked up my sword and slung it on my back “we head to Ponyville, and then onward to Canterlot”.
After we learned of Jade's past, things started to calm down. Jade looked more cheerful, a smile almost always on her face. Scarlet started warming up to Jade and talked with her more, which made me happy that she was, hopefully, starting to get over her prejudice. Silver Thorn and I began training to figure out how to use the Ursa's Blessing. The first thing we did was figure out what powers it granted me. We already knew it granted me a healing factor, but the extent of which we didn't want to test. When Scarlet told me my sword was heavy, I figured I must've gotten a boost in my physical strength. To test this, I made stone blocks of varying weights and tried to lift them. After about five hours, I found the max I could lift was somewhere around two-thousand pounds. After that, I tested my punching strength and was able to smash through a stone block with ease. Ok, so my physical strength was at almost Hulk levels, but my magic prowess didn't go as well. I tried for hours to try and conjure up some magic, but all I got was a massive headache.
I decided to leave the magic alone for now and focus on other things. After I defeated the dogs, the townspeople started taking a bit of a shine to me. They still had a little fear of me, but this time because I killed ten diamond dogs almost effortlessly. Despite that, things started to look up. After my training, I went to go pick up my bracers from Bruiser. When I walked into the shop, Bruiser was asleep at the counter with his hoof holding his head up. I tried to be polite and use the bell, but when that failed I just pushed his hoof out from under his chin and let his head smack against the counter. He woke up in a hurry and turned his to see who woke him. When he saw it was me, he rubbed his head and said “Haha, very funny,” wiping some drool from his face as he did so.
I chuckled a little bit “Sorry, couldn't resist, are my bracers ready yet?” I asked.
He smiled and said “Oh yeah,” he reached under the counter and pulled out a cloth wrapped package “ and I gotta say there some of my finest work,” he said and unwrapped the cloth. He wasn't kidding, this was some of the best metal work I've ever seen. I was expecting just some regular bracers with my transmutation circles etched on, but this was far better. The metal was inlaid with gold filigree in the design of curling vines. The transmutation circles were inlaid with gold as well, and arranged with four outside and one inside all connected with lines. Bruiser also included some silver cloth to keep the bracers from chafing my hoofs. Needless to say, I was in awe. Bruiser had a smug look on his face.
“So, they look good or what?” he asked, that smug look still on his face.
I shook myself out of my awe and said “Very good, worth every bit.”
“Oh yeah, that reminds me,” he reached under the table again and brought out the gemstones I had given him “this one's on the house,” he said and pushed the gems and bracers towards me.
“Bruiser, this is a nice gesture, but I wouldn't feel right not paying you for this masterpiece,” I said as I pushed the gems toward him.
He pushed the bits back towards me “Please, I insist, you've already paid me more than enough.”
“What do you mean?” I asked confused.
He pulled out a picture frame from under the counter. Geez, what is that counter a TARDIS. In the picture was an earth pony stallion with a tan coat and brown mane. It took me a few seconds, but I recognized the stallion in the picture as one of the hostages from the other day. I looked at Bruiser with a look of shock and confusion. He looked at the picture “He's my son. He was on his way here for a visit when the dogs captured him. But then you saved him. If not for you, my son..” his voice faltered “well I don't want to think about what could've happened. You saved my son's life Shadow, for that I will forever be in your debt, so please take these as a token of my thanks,” he said, pushing the gems and bracers back towards me.
I just stood there taking all this in. I knew saving those ponies was the right thing to do, but I never realized what effect it would have. I grabbed the bracers and strapped them onto my front hooves and stuffed the gems in a saddle bag I borrowed from Scarlet.
“I'll wear these with pride Bruiser,” I said. Bruiser extended a hoof, which I accepted in a hoof-shake.
“Stay well Bruiser,” I said.
“Stay well Shadow, good luck on your journey,” he said.
After I left Bruiser's shop, I stopped by the leather shop and the tailor to pick up my sheathe and cloak. The sheathe was simple, but the cloak was awesome. Now I'm no fashion expert, and don't really care about it in the first place, but this thing was down right awesome. It may have looked like a simple cloak, but the silver coloring of the fur made it look like it was liquid fabric. I payed the tailor an extra gem for his good work and headed back to the hospital.
Now, I've dealt with a lot of surprises lately, getting sent to Equestria by some goddess, finding out I'm a piece in some godly game, and seemingly non-stop fighting, but nothing prepared me for what was waiting for me at the hospital. When I got back to the hospital room, I found that there was more than just jade and Scarlet inside. Two pegasi ponies were sitting on the couch, a mare and a stallion. The stallion had a light blue coat with a yellow and green streaked mane and a stick of dynamite for a cutie mark. The mare had the same light blue coat but had a light green mane and a quill and scroll for a cuite mark. The stallion had a bandage on his head and the mare was apparently trying to talk him out of something. Scarlet was sitting in a chair reading a book and Jade was cowering under her covers. When I walked in the two pegasi fell silent. Scarlet and Jade looked up from there respective places and looked awestruck at my appearance. Honestly, I couldn't blame them. With my bracers, silver cloak, and giant sword slung across my back, I looked pretty damn awesome. Scarlet whistled “You know, most ponies can't pull off the barbarian look, but on you it works,” she said, her voice mocking and sarcastic.
I rolled my eyes and said “Haha, very funny, but I think there's a bigger matter at hoof right now. Who are these two?” my tone serious.
The stallion got up from the couch pretty quick, which made him stumble and have to be caught by the mare before he fell to the floor. He regained his composure and trotted up to me “You're Shadow,” he asked.
“Yeah, what of it?” I asked, my voice questioning and a little annoyed.
I was expecting a rude comment, but the stallion did something that really surprised me. He got down on his knees and bowed in front of me saying “Please, teach me how to fight!” he asked. I just stared at him dumbfounded at his request. Scarlet rolled her eyes and closed her book while the pegasus mare face-hoofed and shook her head.
After a few moments, I said “Uh, excuse me,” my voice as confused as ever.
The stallion raised his head and said “Please, I want to learn how to fight, teach me “ he asked again.
The mare spoke up “Nova, I'm begging you, stop this nonsense,” she said, like she had heard this before.
Nova turned to the mare and said “Nonsense? This isn't nonsense Nebula, I'm serious,” he said.
Nebula was about to say something when I interrupted “Would someone please explain to me what's going on, I've had enough confusion lately,” I said aggravated. As I got a better look at the two, they looked strangely familiar. That's when it finally hit me “Wait a minute, you're two of the hostages from the other day,” I said.
They both turned to me and nodded, Nova saying “Yeah, although I was unconscious for most of it,” he said.
“Right, but why do you want me to train you, and please don't give me a stupid reason,” I said slightly annoyed.
Nova cleared his throat “Well, me and my sister Nebula were heading home from running some errands when the dogs came into town. They were waving their weapons and screaming for blood. They started taking hostages, and by a twist of fate they decided on us and the three others. When one of those dogs tried to grab my sister, I tried to fight back and got a club upside my head. After that everything's blurry. The last thing I remember was seeing you defeat the leader and save us,” he said.
It still stung thinking about the fight, but I let that slide and said “That still doesn't explain why you want me to teach you how to fight,” my voice serious.
Nova looked at me and said “Please, I never wanna be that helpless ever again. I tried to protect my sister and I failed. If you hadn't saved us, some very bad things could have happened. I don't want to be some helpless captive or bystander, I want to be able to protect the things and people important to me,” he bowed again “So please, teach me how to fight. Teach me how to be strong so I can protect others, please,” He pleaded. I was silent for a while, taking in all he had said. Scarlet and Jade had become engrossed in the story as well. I looked at Nova's sister, Nebula was it, and she looked at him kind of shocked.
“Nova,” she said.
“Okay, I've heard your story, and while your intentions are admirable, you've forgotten one important thing,” I said.
Nova looked up and asked “What's that?”
“What does the person you're trying to protect think about all this?” I said.
Nova looked at me shocked and turned to Nebula, who looked equally shocked.
“Me?” she asked.
“Yeah, what do you think about all this, and don't be afraid to be honest,” I said.
She thought for a moment “Well, if I'm being honest, I don't Nova to fight,” she said.
“But Nebula,” he said.
“Don't interrupt,” I said. Nova complied and continued to listen to Nebula's argument.
“Continue,” I said.
“Well, Nova's always been a bit of a hot head. He has good intentions, but his rash nature always gets him in trouble. I don't like seeing Nova get hurt, it breaks my heart. When I saw Nova get clubbed by the dog, it felt like my world cracked into a million pieces,” she said, tears starting to flow from her eyes (Man, I seem to be attracting more tears than I do danger.). She wiped the tears from her yes and continued “I thought we were gonna die, but then you came along and rescued us, and I'll be forever grateful to you for that. I could tell what Nova was gonna do after he woke up, and I knew he wouldn't give up. Answer me on question mister Shadow, if Nova goes with you will he be safe?”
I let the question sink in for a moment. I thought about what the goddess had told me about my future battles. I also thought about all the fighting I'd been doing the past two weeks. My answer was clear.
“No,” I said.
Nebula looked down somberly “I thought as much,” she said.
“I'm sorry, but it's true. In the past two weeks, I've been attacked by giant monsters, diamond dog slavers, and nearly died multiple times,” I turned to Nova” Nova, if you come with me your life will be in constant danger, and I can't guarantee if you come with me, that you'll ever see your sister again, are you prepared for that?” I asked, my serious.
Nova looked down for a few moments in thought. Nebula looked like she was about to cry. When Nova was done thinking, he raised his head “No, I don't think I could handle that. Moreover, I wouldn't ever want to have to put my sister through that,” he bowed and said “I'm sorry for bothering you, let's go Nebula,” he said and began to walk out of the room.
Before he was all the way out the door, Nebula yelled “Wait,” she turned to me “Mister Shadow, I know I said I don't want to see Nova get hurt, but seeing him like this is even worse,” she trotted over to me “I've changed my mind, please, train my brother to fight.” she asked.
Nova came back into the room and just stared at his sister in shock. I scratched my chin with my hoof in thought. I went over to a fruit bowl on the bedside table and picked up an apple.
“Nova,” I said.
“Uh, yes,” he asked.
“Do you still wished to be trained?” I asked.
Nova thought for a moment before saying “Yes, more than anything,” he said.
I turned to him and said “Fine, I will train you,” my voice serious.
Nova simply said “Thank you,” and turned to his sister “Nebula, I....” he choked up. Nebula wrapped him in a bear hug and cried into his shoulder. They probably would've stayed like that for a while if not for me saying “What's with the tears?”
They both turned to me in confusion “What?” Nova said.
“You're both coming with us,” I said and took a bite of my apple.
They both let out a loud simultaneous “WHAT!?”
“Did I stutter, you're both coming with us. Look, neither of you wants to see the other go, so if you both come along that solves the problem,” I said
Nebula protested “But, I can't fight,” she said.
“So, you'll learn along with Nova,” I said.
She tried to stammer out a reply but was interrupted by Nova “You'll seriously train both of us,” he said.
“Yeah, provided you don't screw up too bad,” I turned to Scarlet, who had returned to reading her book “Sound good to you Scarlet?”
She closed her book and said “It's fine by me, so long as they pull they're own weight.”
“How about you Jade,” I said.
“I...I have no problems,” she said.
“Good then it's decided, Nova and Nebula, welcome to the family,” I said turning to the two shocked pegasi.
They tried to make an argument, but they just sighed and said “Okay.”
Nova walked up to me “I swear, if anything happens to my sister, I'll drop you from the highest cloud I can find,” he threatened.
I smiled and said “Is that really any way to talk to your new teacher there Nova,” I mused.
Nebula spoke up “Um, are you really gonna train me too?” she asked.
I walked up to her “Absolutely, you've got spunk, besides, I think I'm gonna need some help keeping Nova out of trouble, think you can help?” I asked.
She blushed slightly and said “Uh, sure, I can do that,” she said.
Nova was getting irritated “Hey, I don't get into that much trouble,” he protested.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just make sure you guys are ready for some tough battles ahead,” I said.
Nova and Nebula looked nervous, but eventually they agreed to my terms.
“Now, you two go settle any affairs you have, 'cause once Jade's healed up, we're heading out,” I said. They both nodded and left. Scarlet walked up to me and said “Do you really think those two have what it takes to fight?” she asked me.
“Well, we're gonna find out now aren't we,” I said.
Scarlet rolled her eyes and said “You're impossible.”
“Always,” I said with finality.
Three days later, Jade was completely healed. After getting some more supplies we needed, Me, Scarlet, Jade, Nova, and Nebula left Trottingham and proceeded on our way to Ponyville.