Ungggh, that's one Luna of a headache!
He groaned as the hazy surroundings became clearer. A mask of foreign origin. How did I get to Zecora's hut? “I saw you running as if late, apparently to meet your fate.” the zebra answered from behind him. “And no I do not read minds, but the question was obvious behind your eyes.” Java blinked a few times, relieved at having regained the ability to. No, not relieved at all. There was a misery hanging over him he couldn't describe; a malaise that permeated everything without cause. “Feel terrible. Was something broken? Did I catch something out there?”
Zecora placed the near-empty bag he had been carrying in front of his resting place. “A type of curse you must endure, for it is the price of attitude cocksure.”
Java stared at the bag. “So this feeling is here because I took too much of it?” A nod. “How long will it last?”
“No one has survived taking this much, an unknown time with misery's crutch.” she solemnly replied.
“How long has it lasted for others? A day? Week? Month? Years?” A series of shakes followed by a single, slow nod. “Oh, no...”
The next two days were spent with rest and constant questions as to the possibility of a cure for this slowing of the mind and profound depression. There was nothing to soothe the wounds of the mind, unlike his body, which largely recovered, sans a round scar where the ill-fated experiment burned, a perpetual reminder of his eleventh-hour failure. After this rest Zecora walked with him to his house, with orders for a bit more rest, and to not ask for more of the powder (Something else he had queried during his time there). “Alright. Just one thing, I have to take another shot at my invention.”
“No you must not, you need rest from the fires that yet burn so hot.”
“Just one then. Everything's set up, all or nothing. Then I won't try again.” This prompted a moment of thought, Zecora putting a hoof on her muzzle as she pondered it. “One more you may take, but after that only rest may you make.” Java nodded, providing a feeble smile (Though faked) and quickly leaned forward. The kiss caught Zecora by surprise, resulting in a mild blush. “And I know what you're thinking this time. It's not just because of all the help. I've wanted to do that for a while. But... I'm sorry I've proven myself unworthy of your trust.” The smile faded as quickly as Zecora's blush intensified. “Everything will be fine, and hope to see you in a couple of days.” The zebra offered a smile of her own, and headed back into the Everfree forest.
Did I just do what I think I did? he mused during the short walk to the workshop. The vicious lack of the drug twisted his every thought. Now I've disappointed her and embarrassed myself. And the only thing left is to endure this feeling for years, probably the rest of my life... A heavy sigh could be heard only in the shop, but felt for a mile.
Here it is then, my last attempt. All or nothing. He looked at his unfinished masterpiece and readies himself. Jamming a hoof into a gap of the machine until he could lean into it, he readied himself to start hitting the connections one final time. A quick glance at the parts on the shelf. Somepony else will take care of it later.
A lightning-fast series of clicks as various gears, cords, and various other parts linked metal hooves to it's core.
All or...
He took one final look at the parts on the shelf. One was labeled “Activation surge protector”.
Nothing...
Another night in Ponyville. A gentle wisp of smoke rises from the edge of town. Another fire. The PFD sends a tired and annoyed Sun Shower to the scene. There is a large hole blown into the wall of the barn again.