//------------------------------//
// Infinite Power 
// Story: Thing a Day 
// by Rennoc215 
//------------------------------//

Thing a Day: Infinite Power



Zecora smiled as she walked home, glad that she was able to help Twilight solve yet another problem. And yet, the object laying just in the box resting on her back scared her. They say that power corrupts, and she had witnessed it firsthoof, when that crazy showmare returned with a new trinket.


Yet it wasn't a trinket. It was a magical artifact which reeked with dark, powerful magic. Even if Zecora wanted to, she still wouldn't be able to destroy that much power. She sighed, the smile still lingering, even as her thoughts turned sad.


She felt some sense of pity for the poor blue mare, even if she was a braggart. She wasn't able to handle being bested, which meant she had an incredible sense of pride. They say that pride is bad, even though everything is good in moderation. If only sonepony had put her in her place earlier on, she wouldn't have had such a hard time accepting that Twilight was simply a stronger magician.


Perhaps the poor mare was an orphan, Zecora thought. It would explain a lot of things. The superiority complex, the need for attention, and the emotional drive to do anything it takes. Even if it goes to such drastic heights as hunting down the mythical Alicorn Amulet.


Zecora looked up at the locked box containing that very amulet. Something lost to the sands of time, and should have stayed there, she thought with a frown. No being should be given that kind of power. Even if they knew how to use it, the exposure to such dark magics, and for so long, would eventually corrode even the purest of souls.


Enough. This train of thought will only make me feel grim. Lets find something more positive to think about, like... like how much Twilight has grown over these years! She thought with a smile. When I first met her, she was all brains and no guts. And now, feeling things out, and experimenting safely. And her friendships have only grown stronger with time. As they say, Friendship is Magic.


Thinking of magic, her magical power has just gone through the roof. From simple mass telekinesis, to rapid teleportations and putting up quite the spectacular lightshow! She thought with a smile.


Then an alien thought hit her. What if I had that kind of power? It rolled around in her head, yet she wasn't able to really understand where it came from. She wasn't an envious mare, she was always content with her perfect simplicity. But, against her better judgement, she deciced to roll with it.


Well, what if she had that kind of power? What would she do? It isn't like she could naturally understand the concept. She knew what unicorns used their magic for, yet she never had any need for those things. She didn't need to teleport anywhere, and anything she wanted she could walk to and getÉ and yet, the thought lingered.


She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Why am I even pirsuing this? She asked herself, before continuing. Well, what would I use it for? She pondered. She guessed mostly telekinesis, since often ingredients always seemed to remain out of reach. Especially the time sensitive ones, She added, a faint smile gracing her lips.


She momentarily shook her thoughts away when she realized she was at her home. She quickly went inside, and got ready for a good night's sleep. Then, the thought came again. Magic... Well, it's an entertaining thought. What else could I do with it? She sat down on her bed. I could teleport my way through the more dangerous portions of these entertaining woods, couldn't I?


She looked down at the box between her hooves. All of this, I could have. It's right here, between my hooves. She shook her head. No, I couldn't... and yet... I could. The lid was ever so carefully lifted off, and Zecora looked at the looming object within.
Such a simple beauty. The basic elegance of the powerful, crisp lines. The way the red complemented the darkened, nearly black steel. The object itself simply radiates magnificence. I can see why the showmare liked wearing it so much, Zecora added, looking over the amulet a little longer. Then, she saw something.


Beside the stripes of her fur, the amulet seemed to have a prideful arrogance to it, the way the two looked like they were meant to be used together. A zebra with infinite power... an amusing thought.


She stood, and walked over to a mirror. There she stood, the proud zebra living in the deep, dark forest. And then she lifted the amulet up so that it looked like it was resting around her throat. Her appearance became something... more. Her wavy stripes became harsh changes in reality, evil changes between a bright and darker form of herself. It showed that she was neutral, both good and evil, and yet, she still seemed powerful. Perhaps she could bring balance to other's lives like she had balance in her own life.


Yes, she could help others, and still improve her own life. She smiled at the thought. But a glint in the corner caught her eye. She looked down at the corner of the mirror, and she saw the broken amulet, the destroyed 'Everfree Power.'


And then a new thought slammed into her. What would Twilight think? Zecora sat down, looking at her reflection. What would Twilight think? Even just to see me playing warlord. That last word sounded off, yet it strangely fit. She could see how the events would unfold, in a number of scenarios.


Fear, where Twilight would take off for the mountains of Canterlot, where the princess could learn of this. Nothing good would come of that. She might also show disgust. "Why would I be friends with somepony who stooped so low when they were perfectly happy." She would accuse her of any number of things, and that would hurt worse than Celestia dropping the sun on her head.


Zecora set the amulet back into the box. She walked outside, and over to her mailbox. She dug a deep hole right by the base, and tossed the box into it. As she buried it, she thought. Why risk those possible outcomes. I am happy in my life. Why throw it away? For a little magic? Nay, for that I have. I have my friendships. And as they say:


Friendship is magic.