//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2 
// Story: Pick Up Your Pencil 
// by Nova of Silver Skies 
//------------------------------//

Nova's mind was full of questions.

It always was, but not in this way. He was actually overwhelmed with them. What did Luna mean by 'follow your dreams'?  Would she come back? How would this help?! Nova finally decided he needed to fall back asleep to find out. But first, he needed breakfast.

He opened his pantry and levitated an apple to his mouth, still thinking intently. How will I get back to sleep at a time like this? Will Luna even be awake to help me? Taking his last bite, he thought of a solution.
"Zecora!"

But that was miles away, and in the Everfree Forest. He'd never been there, but from the rumors that circulated about it, it didn't sound very appealing. Timberwolves, flesh-eating plants... he shivered just thinking about it. Maybe this wasn't the best idea after all...

No. He had to. It was the only way. But first, he'd make a detour to Ponyville. Nova had a few friends that may be able to help.

...

"Who is it?" 
"It's Nova."

The door opened and a black stallion with straight white and gray mane emerged. "Hey, Sketch! How's Canterlot been?"
"Ok, I guess." 
"Come in, come in. You look tired."
"Trust me, I am." Nova trotted over to the sofa and plopped himself down as the stallion went to get him a drink. "How's life for you, Shad?"
"Oh, same old. Business has been pretty good." Shadow Quill was Ponyville's resident author and a good friend of Nova's. They'd known each other since they were little colts, and had stayed in touch since. 
"Well, that's good. Listen, I need your help with a little something."
"Give me a sec-"
"Now. I need it now."

Shadow looked back at his friend in surprise. Nova was almost never that stern.
"Something's wrong, huh?"
"Sorta. It's hard to explain. But I need you to get me to Zecora's. Fast."
"Wow, you're in a rush. Here, I have a map around here somewhere..."
Shadow dug through his cluttered desk. It reminded Nova of his own desk. Paint stains everywhere, papers scattered...
"Aha! Here it is. You sure you can do this yourself?" He pulled the map out from a drawer and tossed it to Nova. "I think I can handle myself well enough. I need to get going."

"Woah, woah. Slow yourself down there. What's wrong anyways?"
"No time to explain." Nova began to fidget. "I'll tell you when I get back."
"Well, bye then." Shadow waved as Nova bolted out the door. "Hope everything turns out alright."
"You have no idea," Nova murmured to himself as he disappeared into the thick forest.