Chapter 12
Games and Revelations
When I got back to camp, Scarlet was finishing bandaging one of Nova's forelegs. Jade, Nebula, and Scarlet herself were also bandaged in various places. When I entered, Scarlet glared at me.
“Next time you say you're going all out on us in training, please be lying,” she said
I rubbed the back of my head and said “Hehe, sorry, guess I'm still getting used to having all this power.”
She finished Nova's bandages and walked up to me “That reminds me, where'd you get those powers anyway?”
“Uh, what do you mean?”
“Well, I was there when you discovered that weird magic you use, but how do you heal so quick and have such freak strength?”
Nova spoke up “Yeah, I was wondering about that too,” he said.
“Me too,” said Nebula.
“I curious too,” said Jade, whose speech was beginning to get a little less choppy.
I sighed, there was no way I was getting out of this one.
“Ok, sit down and I'll tell you guys the story,” I said.
They all sat down, as did I “How do I explain this?” I asked out loud.
“Just start from the beginning,” said Nebula.
I cleared my throat and began my story. I didn't tell them I was human just yet, making up some story about being a traveler from the Zebrican Isles visiting Equestria. I told them I got lost in the EverFree Forest and got attacked by the Ursa Major, which elicited some disbelief, shock, and some annoying fanboying from Nova. After that, I told them how I got saved by Scarlet, fought Silver Thorn, and so on and so on until I got to the present.
After I was done, everyone was awed and shocked by my story. After telling it, I found it a little hard to believe myself, and I had lived it.
“Wait, something still doesn't make sense,” said Scarlet.
“What doesn't? I've told you everything,” I lied, a little sweat forming on my brow.
“When you first used alchemy, you said you saw it in practice but never actually used it before that time. How can that be? If you'd seen it in practice, that means where you came from had people who use it,” she said. She got up and began walking towards me.
“Well, uh,” I stuttered.
“Moreover, I've never read anything about that kind of magic coming from the Zebrican Isles,” she said.
“First off it's not magic, it's a science,” I said.
“Even so, that still doesn't explain how nopony in Equestria has ever heard of it. If alchemy is as powerful as you say it is, then surely the princesses would've taken an interest in it,” she said.
“Uh, you see, about that,” I stuttered.
“There's something you're not telling us Shadow, and I wanna know what it is,” she demanded.
Without my realizing it, I had backed up against a tree. Scarlet's questioning had made everyone stand up and begin walking towards me as well.
“Shadow, what are you not telling us, why are you lying to us?” she asked. Everyone began converging on me. I began to panic. I did not like being backed into a corner. They all started asking the same things Scarlet was asking. Their voices began ringing in my head, invading my very mind. Finally, I couldn't take anymore.
“ENOUGH, ENOUGH!” I yelled. They all backed up, surprised at my outburst.
I caught my breath “Sorry, I don't like being crowded,” I said.
Scarlet spoke up “Shadow, please, just tell us whatever it is your not telling us. If we're gonna be traveling and fighting with you, we deserve the truth,” she said.
I sighed “You're right, I'm sorry. It's just, the things I'm keeping back are gonna make me sound crazy, and I didn't want to scare you guys off,” I said.
Scarlet frowned and said “Shadow, everything you've told us sounds crazy.”
Everyone else nodded. Silver Thorn spoke in my mind.
“I too would like to know what your holding back Shadow,” said the Manticore.
I thought for a moment, and finally said “Okay, you've twisted my arm, I'll tell you guys everything, the whole truth.”
They all sat down again “Okay, well to start, I'm not actually from the Zebrican Isles,” I said.
“Yeah, gathered that much,” said Scarlet.
“It's more than just that,” I took a deep breath and said “I'm not even from this planet, or this dimension for that matter. I'm from a planet called Earth, inhabited by a race of bipedal hairless monkeys called Humans. I used to be a human, but then some crazy goddess sent me here to be her pawn in some godly chess game, where the players are other humans brought here by various gods. I woke up in the EverFree Forest as a zebra, and everything else is history.” I said. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding in and looked at my friends. They all had there mouths open in disbelief and shocked looks on their faces.
“I knew you guys wouldn't believe me,” I said and turned away from them.
“I wouldn't blame you guys if you left,” I said, a tear forming in my eye. I heard silence for a bit, and then I felt a hoof on my shoulder. I turned to see Scarlet and the others smiling at me.
“Shadow, while I admit your story is......difficult to believe,” said Scarlet.
“More like impossible,” said Nova, who was silenced by a glare from Scarlet.
“While it is difficult to believe, we believe you,” she said.
Her response caught me by surprise “You do?”
She frowned “Shadow, after all the crazy stuff you've told us do you really think we wouldn't believe you?” she said.
“Honestly, yes,” I said.
“Shadow, we wouldn't have come with you in the first place if we didn't think you were just a little bit crazy,” she said.
I turned to the others “You all feel the same way?” I asked.
They all looked at each other and nodded. I wiped a tear from my eye “Thanks guys,” I said.
“Now, is that absolutely everything?” said Scarlet.
“Should I tell them?” I asked Silver Thorn.
“Might as well,” he said.
“Well, there is one more thing,” I said.
Scarlet sighed and said “Okay, what is it?”
“Well, that Elder Manticore I killed had his soul accidentally sealed in my sword and he can speak to me in my mind and vice versa,” I said.
Scarlet blinked before shrugging and saying “Okay, I'll buy it,” she turned to the others “you guys buy it?” They all shrugged and nodded. “Anything else?”
“Nope, that's it,” I said.
“Good,” she said.
“Okay, so with that all done, let's all get some rest, we've still got a ways to go before we reach Ponyville,” I said. They all agreed and went to rest.
“You've done well Shadow,” said Silver Thorn.
“Thanks, but what about you, are you surprised at all, you've been pretty quiet?” I asked.
“I had my suspicions, but I knew that you would reveal your origins in your own time,” he said.
“Oh, well, thank you, I appreciate your trust in me Silver Thorn,” I said.
“You need not thank me Shadow, but I must ask, what do you plan to do here?” he asked.
“Well, first visit the princesses,” I said.
“And what after that?” he asked.
“I'll let you know when I figure it out,” I said.
After we all rested up and got some food, we set out again for Ponyville. Along the way, everyone kept asking me questions about Earth. Mostly normal stuff like what the people were like, what people do for fun, etc. I made the biggest mistake ever when I told them about the Internet. I kept certain information back for obvious reasons, but it still elicited a million questions, especially from Nova.
“So what's some of the things you can find on this 'Internet' thing?” Nova asked.
“All sorts of stuff, music, recordings of events called 'videos', movies, and certain....unsavory material,” I said, trying to stray away from the subject.
“Unsavory material? Like what?” asked Nova.
“I'd rather not say,” I said with a shudder as I remembered the times I had accidentally ventured to the darker corners of the internet. The horror.
After another days walk, we finally made it to Ponyville. The moment I saw it, I was struck with awe. Ponyville, the place any brony would give an arm or leg to visit, and here it was before my eyes. I broke out into a wide grin “Wow, I can't believe I'm actually here,” I muttered to myself.
“You say something Shadow?” asked Scarlet.
“Uh, nothing, just thinking. Well, now that we're here, let's get down to business,” I said as I lead them into town. Jade opted to stay behind and watch the supplies, muttering something about not wanting to get more weird stares. I tried to argue that everything would be fine, but after a while I agreed and we made a camp in a secluded area near the towns borders. I decided not to wear my cloak into town. Even though it looked more like silk than fur, I still felt like it would be a bit shocking to the locals. I kept my sword and bracers though, just in case anything were to happen.
“Okay, so here's the plan. You guys are free to do what you want so long as you don't cause any trouble. I'm going to be gathering a few things before we go to Canterlot. Let's meet up at the fountain in a couple of hours. Sound good?” I said. They all nodded and we dispersed.
My first stop was going to be the library. Despite all I had learned at Scarlet's, I still knew very little about Equestria. Also, I wanted to see if there were any other information on Alchemy and the Ursa's Blessing. Since the Golden Oaks Library was run by Twilight Sparkle, queen of all bookworms, I figured I'd be able to find some useful information. As I walked through town, I got some stares from the locals. I expected this, but for some reason these stares seemed different than from the ones I had gotten in Trottingham. There, they were scared of me. Here, It was more like they were recognizing me from somewhere. I let this thought slide for now and proceeded to the library. When I got there, I knocked on the door, since the library was also Twilight's home and I didn't want to be rude. After a few seconds, the door opened and I was greeted by Spike the Dragon.
“Hello, welcome to..oh Zecora, what are you doing here?” he asked in an innocent way. Okay, seeing as how Zecora was the only other Zebra around, I would've let this slide. Except for the fact that Zecora was a girl and I was a guy.
I kept my composure and said “Uh sorry, wrong zebra. My name's Shadow, and I'm a guy.”
The little dragon blushed at his mistake “Oh, sorry, we don't get too many zebra's around here, so I just..” I held up my hoof and stopped him.
“It's cool little guy, let's just forget about it. May I come in?” I asked.
“Sure, come in,” he said and stepped out of the way. Looking around, the library looked even cooler in real life. Shelves of books meticulously organized by the library's neurotic librarian, quills and inkwells scattered here and there, and scrolls in a neat stack on a desk near the wall.
“Twilight, we have a visitor,” Spike called. A few seconds later, the lavender mare herself came down the staircase.
“Who is it Spike, I'm in the middle of...” she stopped when she saw me.
“Oh, sorry, I didn't realize it was a customer. Welcome to Golden Oaks Library, I'm Twilight Sparkle, how may I help you .....” she said.
“Shadow,” I bowed “A pleasure to meet you Miss Sparkle,” I said politely.
She blushed at my formality before regaining her composure and saying “A pleasure as well Mister Shadow, how may I help you?”
“As you might guess, I'm looking for some books,” I said.
“Anything in particular?” she asked.
“I need some information on Ursa Majors, more specifically something called the Ursa's Blessing. Secondly, and I'm not even sure if there's any information on it to begin with, a subject called Alchemy,” I said.
“Hmm, Spike get me the Encyclopedia of Equestria's Magical Creatures and I'll search for anything on this Alchemy subject. For now, please have a seat Mister Shadow,” she said motioning to a bean bag chair.
“Just Shadow is fine,” I said, slinging my sword of my back and setting it beside the chair. Spike brought Twilight the book she asked for. She flipped through it and levitated it towards me. The page it was opened to a single page about Ursas. Some stuff I already knew, like how there were Ursa Minors and Majors, how they were largely unstudied, and their known behavior patterns, which was basically the same as a regular bear. Nothing about the Ursa's Blessing. I closed the book and sighed. Twilight heard my sigh and turned toward me.
“Anything?” she asked.
“Nothing I didn't already know, but thank you anyway,” I said setting the book on the floor. Spike came to pick up the book, and stopped when he saw my sword. I saw him staring at the blade and smiled.
“Cool right?” I said.
“Definitely. I haven't seen something this cool since Griffin's sword,” he said.
“Griffin? Who's that?” I asked.
“You don't know who Griffin is, have you been living under a rock for the past two years? Captain Griffin Northwind, Captain of the Griffin Pirates. He and his pirate crew have been fighting to end the slavery in Gem Fido. He wields a sword made of a black dragon scale and uses a bunch of cool and mysterious magic that not even Twilight and the Princesses know,” he said, having an obvious fandragon moment. Twilight grr'd from the other side of the room at the mention of Griffin's magic, though why I don't know.
“Really now, he sounds like a cool guy,” I said.
“There's more,” he said as Twilight came over and handed me a cup of tea. “Not only is he a super awesome warrior, but he's also an alien called a human from some place called Earth,” said the little dragon with enthusiasm. The moment he mentioned Earth and humans I was so surprised I spat my tea out.
“Spike, top secret remember,” Twilight berated her young assistant. Spike slunk down in shame.
“Sorry Twilight, I forgot,” he said. Twilight turned to me and put on a wide grin.
“Don't listen to him, he's got an over active imagination, you know kids,” she said trying to diffuse the situation. Her efforts were in vain, this mention of another human here had thrown my curiosity into overdrive.
I coughed out the last of my tea and regained my composure “Did you say he's a human?” I asked.
“Uh, humans, what are they, never heard of them,” Spike said, trying to act innocent.
“Anyway, I'm sorry, but I couldn't find any information on this Alchemy thing, sorry,” said Twilight.
I had been so distracted I almost forgot about that “Oh that's fine, I didn't really expect there to be much information anyway, thank you though,” I said.
“I searched through everything, but found no mention of it anywhere. What exactly is Alchemy, some kind of magic?” she asked, now becoming a little enthusiastic. I got a devious grin. This mention of humans had intrigued me, but it was obvious they wouldn't give me any information freely. Twilight's interest in Alchemy had given me an idea for how to get the information.
“Miss Twilight, Spike, would you both be interested in a little game?” I asked, a little creepier than I intended. Twilight and Spike looked at each other for a moment before Twilight raised an eyebrow and said “What kind of game?”
I waved a dismissive hoof “Don't worry, it's nothing bad, just a little question game. The rules are we ask each other a question and we have to answer with the utmost truth. Any questions can be posed, within reason of course. The winner is decided by whoever stays in the longest without faltering in their truthfulness. Only one question per round. You two in?” I asked. Twilight thought for a moment before I saw her eyes light up at the implications of my game, she would be able to find out about Alchemy.
“So what does the winner get?” asked Spike.
I thought for a moment and said “Winner gets one favor from the loser.”
“Wait, when you say favor...” she said, the implications of her question obvious.
“Not that kind of favor, and please get your mind out of the gutter Twilight, shame on you,” I said mock berating her for her thoughts.
She blushed and said “I wasn't..” she stammered. I laughed and said “I'm sorry, just teasing, but it's your own fault for implying something like that Twilight. Regardless, are you in or not?”
“I'm in, and Spike will act as judge,” she said. Her horn suddenly started to glow and in a flash, I had a strange helmet strapped to my head that looked like what Twilight had used to examine Pinkie Pie. Twilight also had on a helmet. Spike was in a referee uniform with a whistle around his neck.
“Judge, but I wanted to play too,” he protested, but was silenced by a look from Twilight.
“What are these helmets?” I asked, curious and a little scared.
“Lie detector helmets, the bulb on top will light up green if you tell the truth, and red if you're lying, sound fair?” she said.
“Sounds fair,” I said.
“Ok, now who starts this,” she asked.
“You may have the first question,” I said, though I knew what she was gonna ask.
“Ok, what is this Alchemy thing your trying to find out about?”
I smiled and said “I believe I can best answer your question with a demonstration,” I said walking over to an ink well on the desk. “Now, look closely at the ink well,” I said as I dropped the ink well on the floor, the glass shattering and the ink splattering on the floor.
“Hey! What was..” I stopped her.
“Uh uh uh, only one question per round,” I said. Twilight huffed and stared daggers at me.
“Not to worry all part of the demonstration,” I said as I scooped the glass together.
“Now, watch this,” I said. I clapped my hooves together and placed them over the glass shards. My bracers began to glow as blue electricity sparked from the transmutation. In seconds, the ink well was back in proper condition. The ink was there as well for a little added effect. Twilight and Spike stared open mouthed at my display. I picked up the ink well and placed it back on the desk and turned to them both.
“That is Alchemy. In more detail, it is a science that allows the user, with proper understanding of various scientific fields such as chemistry, to reshape matter into whatever form they desire as long as they follow the rule of Equivalent Exchange, Alchemy's guiding principle. To gain something something of equal value must be lost,” I said. The light bulb on my helmet lit up green.
“Well, seeing as I'm telling the truth, I'd say it's my turn now,” I said.
“Wait a minute, I..” I stopped her.
“One question per round, now It's my turn. What all do you know about humans, and no you may not have another question,” I said. Twilight tried to protest but simply sighed and took a breath.
“Well, I don't know much, but here's what I do know. Humans are from another planet or dimension called Earth. They have been sent here by various gods in a game started by Discord. They have taken the forms of various species here in Equestria, from Griffins to Changelings. Their true form is that of tall, hairless, bipedal primates. They appear to enjoy strange music and many seem to enjoy an act of pranking called 'trolling'. Their home world seems to be riddled with war, greed, and a lack of compassion from what I've been told. Those that I've met are very prone to violence and a lack of respect to those with power. Many of them seem to have had knowledge of this world prior to coming here. Many of them make frequent and confusing references to things called 'memes' from something called 'the internet'. That's all I know,” she said. She took a breath and her helmet lit up green.
I had to admit, her knowledge of humans was astounding. I was expecting some rumors she may have heard, but this was surprising.
“Well, that's quite the answer,” I said.
“Sufficient I hope,” she said.
“Very.”
“Now it's my turn. Why do you want to know about humans so much?” she asked.
“Because I am one,” I said.
“That's a lie,” she said.
“Look at the helmet,” I said. Sure enough, the bulb was lit up green.
“But..”
“Nuh uh, it's my turn. Who are some of the humans you met?”
“Captain Griffin Northwind, Knightmare the Changeling, and a few others,” she said. Her bulb lit up green.
“My turn, why are you looking for information on Ursa's?” she said.
“Well, when I first arrived here an Ursa Major tried to kill me. Fortunately I was able to kill it. My sword used to be the Ursa's claw, which I used to slay it. A week or so later, I found that killing the Ursa had granted me something called The Ursa's Blessing, which has given me immense strength and a healing ability. It also trapped the soul of an Elder Manticore in my sword who I am able to telepathically communicate with. I am attempting to find some more information on the subject to help better understand my new powers.” I said. The bulb lit up green again.
“You killed an Ursa Major?!” she exclaimed so loud it forced me and Spike to cover our ears
“Ow,” I said rubbing my ears “and yes. Also, you broke the one question per round rule, and guess what that means,” I said.
“No, wait, that wasn't a ..”
“I win,” I said removing the helmet.
“But that's not fair!” Twilight whined.
“Oh I love this one, who said life was fair,” I said. Spike bro-hoofed me through fits of laughter at Twilight's frustration.
After some more fuming, Twilight gave up and said “All right, you win. So what favor do you want?”
“Oh right, give me minute,” I said. I thought about what I could do. I'd already had my little fun, so I decided to be civil about this. That's when a thought occurred to me. How the hell was I gonna get an audience with the princesses. Even if I mentioned the Chess Game, that didn't mean they would just let me into the castle, especially considering all the things Twilight said my fellow humans have been up to here. I knew what favor to ask.
“I need an audience with the Princesses,” I said.
“Why?” she asked.
“I have some things to discuss with them. Now, do you think you could pull some strings and get me an audience with them,” I asked.
“What makes you think I can do that?” She asked.
I just stared at her like she just ate and old shoe “You're kidding right? You're the Element of Magic, Princess Celestia's personal protege, technically royalty since your brother married Princess Cadence, and you and your friends have saved Equestria multiple times, how could you not have some kind of sway in this country?” I deadpanned.
Twilight looked at me dumbfounded “How did you? Wait, human, right. Well, those things are true, but I don't like to think of myself having that kind of power. Yes, I have done much and have amazing ponies in my life. But, if I abused the power that gives me, I'd be no better than the villains we fight,” she said.
“Hmm, I never thought of it that way,” I said, speechless at Twilight's explanation. Suddenly I felt like a sleaze for even asking her to do that.
“I'm sorry,” was all I could manage.
“It's fine, most people don't think about that sort of thing. Believe me. I had to have a serious talk with Rarity and Rainbow Dash about abuse of power after we became the Elements,” She said.
“I can imagine,” I said. I picked up my sword and prepared to leave “Sorry for the trouble, I'll take my leave now,” I said and headed for the door.
“Wait, where are you going, what about the favor?” she said.
“Oh, forget about it. It was rude of me to make you play that game in the first place,” I said.
“But you won, I'd feel bad if I didn't live up to my end of the bargain,” she said.
I thought for a moment before saying “Okay, tell the princesses to be expecting a visitor in the next few days inquiring about the Chess Game. Tell her I'll be traveling with friends and to have the guards not give us trouble. Tell them I seek an audience with them both and that I mean no harm.”
“Ok, got it,” she said.
“Thank you Twilight, you've been a great help,” I said.
“So have you, and I must say that Alchemy you're able to do has piqued my interest,” she said.
“It is interesting isn't it, but dangerous as well,” I said.
“What was that?” she said.
“Nothing, good day Miss Sparkle, and you too Spike,” I said and left, thinking about my next objective.
Dear Princess Celestia and Luna,
I met another one of those humans today. He is a zebra named Shadow. He seeks an audience with the both of you to discuss the Chess Game. He will be arriving in Canterlot in a few days. He will be traveling with a group of friends and wishes you to know he means no harm. He has also discovered some new kind of magic called Alchemy. I was not able to study it very well, but he tells me it is a science that allows you to reshape matter. He also has been granted some power known as the Ursa's Blessing, which he himself knows very little about. If at all possible, would you both please help him to better understand this power of his.
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle