//------------------------------// // Chapter 23 - Oath Keeper // Story: True Magic // by CodeMonkey //------------------------------// Chapter 23 - Oath Keeper Trixie quickly caught on to how she was supposed to step and picked up the next form almost instantly, feeling a strong euphoric sensation overtake her. She wasn’t sure how to feel about this, but nonetheless kept moving, keeping pace with Magus dancing next to her. Eventually, the sounds of their hooves were joined by a set of small, scrambling clops that got louder little by little. Jabari soon appeared and rushed down the steps, carrying a large platter on his back, the two plates of triangular sandwiches clinking and wobbling about while he ran. As he reached the floor, Jabari arched his back to allow the platter to slide off and land without a hitch as the two ceased their dance. Before they had a chance to thank him, he was off, rocketing back upstairs only expressing a slight giggle before disappearing. Choosing to ignore his juvenile behavior, they directed their attention to the small meal in front of them. In silence, they ate, each holding a sandwich in their aura. As Trixie shoved the snack into her mouth, not realizing how hungry she’d gotten since breakfast, she noticed Magus avoiding her, looking off to the side as he slowly chewed his meal. This wasn’t uncommon for him, but he was usually scowling as he was doing it. In a way, he appeared to be in a calmer mood than normal. “What's wrong Master?” Trixie asked with her mouth full. With an impatient huff, he looked at her. “Why are you still here?” Taken aback by the question, she swallowed her food and retorted, “What you mean? Why wouldn't I be here? Because of your bad behavior? Or by your—!” “Please,” he said raising a hoof to stop her. “I didn't mean it like that. I'm just a little…Bewildered as to why, after everything that’s happened, after everything I've done and said, you're still so eager to stay. Does this power really mean that much to you?” Trixie put down what remained of her lunch and said, “I'm not easily swayed.” “Obviously, but why?” “I don’t know, I-It's just how I grew up, I guess,” she said, before glancing away, thinking back to her childhood. “My parents were among the upper class and always expected a lot out of me.” Her stomach began to ache as her muscles weakened just thinking about it. Sighing, she said, “Oh, why am I even telling you this? I don’t expect you to understand.” She looked away, no longer in the mood to talk. “I was born in Highrock, a Canterlot-like city if you will, where only the best of the best start their lives in sorcery. My parents and indeed my entire family are widely known for being amongst the best mages of the Order and expected perfection out of all. To make things more complicated, I had three older brothers to contend with.” Trixie was almost instantly enthralled by his story and wide-eyed by how openly he was speaking his mind. “When I was old enough to enter into an apprenticeship at a magic academy, my father told me to come home a great mage or not to come home at all. So, I strive for excellence, no matter what.” Magus looked up at her and said, “Am I sounding familiar to you?” She couldn't believe how honest he was being, but more so, how similar their upbringings were; although, his did seem harsher than her short story. By the sound of it, he had been through a lot, perhaps more than she had when dealing with her family. Her parents were harsh at times, but she could never recall a time that either one of them gave her an ultimatum like that. “I’m sorry,” Trixie said, figuring that she should say something, understanding at least some of what he went through. “Don't apologize!” Magus growled with a glare. “I don't want your sympathy. I'm merely stating a point. Nothing more.” “Okay, okay!” she complained with a grimace. He shut his eyes as he rubbed his temples. “Please, don’t take my rude behavior to heart. I don't much enjoy talking about my past, is all. Forgive me.” Releasing a sigh, he opened his eyes and stared into Trixie's as he said, “A story for a story. You wanted to know a little bit about myself, now; would you care to share what happened in Ponyville? I'd be dishonest if I said I wasn't a little intrigued.” Trixie started to feel hot as she sat up and leaned away, lowering her brow as she said, “O-oh, it's not a very interesting story. At least, I'm sure it's nothing that you’d want to hear anyway. It's just—” “Is that the source of your doubt? Your purpose for being so persistent?” “N-n-no, I—” looking into his hardened expression, she was well aware that she could hide no longer. He was going to hear it one way or another. It was a fair trade, she guessed, even if she didn’t like it. “Fine! You want to hear it? Well here it is!” In a voice filled with regret, she recounted the events that transpired in that distant town, feeling like it happened ages ago. Except for a little embellishment here and there, she told the truth, as much as it pained her to do so. She got so involved in her story that she even stood up and stormed around, waving her hooves for emphasis. When she had finished her rant, Trixie lay back down in the same spot on the other side of the platter with her forelegs crossed. As Magus opened his mouth to speak, she quickly interjected, saying, “So there you go, the story of how I messed up. Are you happy now? I'm not great and powerful; I'm just-just…” Her face fell to the floor, vision blurring with tears as she struggled to make the words come out, “… A failure.” She’d been so wrapped up in the telling, she’d forgotten the point of the story. But it all came rushing back now, and she suddenly regretted sharing, shivering at the thought of what ridicule awaited her. “I suppose I was right on both accounts,” Magus said, nonchalantly. “You are indeed persistent and also exceptionally imprudent, reckless, and brash.” Trixie’s eyebrows knit together, surprised by his calm demeanor and gentle, if unpleasant rebuke. “But I was quite mistaken to believe that you were a greater mess than I.” She looked up at him, expecting a better insult than that, if that was one. “You assume that you're the only one who’s suffered a tremendous failure? Do you honestly believe we’re all exempt from that pain?” He took another bite from his sandwich and when his mouth was empty, said, “So, you couldn’t defeat a giant, magical bear which destroyed a roof, your caravan, a few trees, and your pride apparently. Try almost burning down half of the prestigious school you're attending, leaving many injured as you face expulsion from both the school and your family while you're older sibling mocks and belittles you relentlessly at every opportunity for the rest of your seven years of instructing.” He stared at her with a cold gaze and unflinching expression as he spoke. “Now tell me, do you believe that you’re alone?” “So what,” Trixie said. “You burned down part of a school and were ridiculed for it, big deal. That Ursa was about to destroy an entire town and a lot more if it hadn't been for—” She stopped herself, realizing what she was about to say and who she was going to mention. “Twilight Sparkle?” he finished with a raised brow. “Y-yeah,” she said softly, glancing to the ground. “Your behavior is understandable. If circumstances were different, I might say… I'd, perhaps, do the same.” With a stalled breath, she looked at him. “Really?” Magus nodded slightly. “Perhaps. Life isn't easy for either one of us, it would seem. We travel around, chasing our dreams, and were always alone on our quest. I, for one, hate the loneliness.” “Then why do you try so hard to distance yourself from everyone? Ripper, Hex, me, you always push everyone away. Don’t you? Why?” He paused as he searched for an answer, looking down at the plate. “Because I deserve to be,” he finally said, before consuming another bite from his meal. “Let's leave it at that.” While Trixie appreciated the more social response, Magus was still avoiding the real answer. She decided not to press the issue though, since this was the first conversation they’d had where they weren’t yelling at each other. Plus, while it was nice he was actually answering her, she wanted to move on to a lighter topic. “So, you’ve traveled a lot?” Trixie asked with a smirk. “Have you been to any strange places?” It was a silly question considering the world he inhabited, but it was a friendly query to change topics with. “I have,” he replied in a lighter tone, meeting her eye again. “When you’ve traveled as much as I have, you have a tendency to witness numerous odd and strange anomalies from time to time.” “Oh really? I bet I've seen weirder. What's the wildest place you’ve visited?” Although his face refused to break away from the stone expression, Trixie noticed a twinkle of joy in his eye. Something she never thought she would see in his face. “The flying islands of The Lofty Castle, of course. Where the mages there enjoy making things float like balloons as they dance about with fairies and dragons alike. And, if I may add, they can make an excellent Dragonfly Tea.” His voice was warm, in a good way, and almost happy. The icy, callous eyes that she was so used to seeing were replaced by soft, seemingly vibrant ones. The only thing missing was a smile. Trixie chuckled as she said, “Is that all? I can beat that easy…” The two exchanged stories, both humorous and enlightening, long after their meal was finished. They laughed, or at least Trixie did, Magus expressed his enjoyment through less dynamic means. They debated every topic and tale that either one presented. In a slow, awkward fashion, Trixie was learning more and more about the usually secretive pony as he was likely doing the same with her. It seemed they had a lot in common, mostly in their pasts, but it was something they could relate to nonetheless. Trixie had forgotten what he had said a few days ago and had momentarily pushed the lingering timeline from her mind, just so she could enjoy this time together. Eventually though, their talks came to an end and two stood back up to continue the magic dance. They moved and stepped the same as before, mirroring each other perfectly. Well, as perfectly as Trixie was able to match her master before he corrected her stance. Ordinarily, she could clearly sense his power build as he grew annoyed, but now she was feeling something new emanating from him. She couldn’t put her hoof on it, but though it was the same magical power, this new sensation felt far more serene. When they were called up for dinner, the session ended. Surprisingly, Magus followed and, with astonished looks from the zebra family, joined Trixie and them for dinner. He ate quietly as was expected, but it was nice to see him present for a meal. And although she didn't see him that night, the ruffled sheets of the neighboring bed the next morning suggested that he had actually gone to sleep in the same room; for a little while, at least. When Trixie arrived at the training hall, there Magus stood in the center of the room with a table of breakfast delights before him, both awaiting her arrival. After wishing her a pleasant sounding “Good morning” the two dined, and, same as yesterday, they shared stories and experiences in a friendly light afterwards. Something had changed between them, Trixie noticed. It had begun to seem like he was actually enjoying her company, and she was certainly enjoying his. Even as Hex started to bring home the so-called ingredients, blackened roots and small, dirty bags that Magus wanted, it didn't deter him much from aiding her. Although it was minimal, she could slowly feel herself getting more…relaxed, for lack of a better term. She was unsure if this would aid her sorcery skills, but she continued to go through the motions each day until the morning finally came that she stood facing with a crystallized target at the other end of the room. “Breathe,” Magus instructed, standing off to the side, observing her performance intently, “concentrate on your target, think of the spell, focus the power, and let it fly.” She did as he said and was soon ready to speak the word. “Vexius!” she shouted as a glowing circle surrounded her and a roar of energy was unleashed from her horn. It took the form of a bolt of lightning and flew across the room, striking the target with a tremendous explosion! The spell was more powerful and unwieldy than she had anticipated and she was flung back and away from the black, static filled cloud that rose up from where it had struck. Her ears rang as glints of light danced around her before she fell back, landing on something that felt too soft to be the floor. When she had regained her senses, Trixie blushed when she unexpectedly found herself in the hooves of Magus, who looked on the destructive site, scanning the area as the cloud slowly dissipated. Although it was amazing and flattering that he managed to move fast enough to catch her in the nick of time, she became more interested in what the spell had hit as she got back to her hooves. The parting cloud revealed that she had been successful in hitting her target, but it was not as precise as she would've liked. The center of the bull's-eye was intact, but a section of the edge had been blasted to pieces with grains of shimmering dust still falling to the ground. It was very minimal damage and not the destructive force that she had seen Magus use. Trixie’s head grew limp and fell towards the floor as she let out a heavy sigh. She had missed the mark once again, practically only scratching it, and her heart sank as her hopes of succeeding slipped away. “Is something amiss, Trixie?” Magus asked as she saw his hooves stand before her. “I'd imagine you'd be dancing about the room and, how’d you say, ‘whooping it up’ right about now.” “How can I? I failed to destroy the target, again! After all that work, I still haven't gotten it right.” “Come now, you're more stubborn than that,” Magus said with a scoff, lifting her head to eye level. “Do you really believe that you could‘ve done that a few days ago?” Magus motioned to the target behind them as he stepped aside to give her a better view. “Well, no, but—” “Then, what are you disappointed about? Have some respect for your accomplishment! You’ve exceeded my expectations, and I don’t need to tell you how rare that is.” Magus’ sympathetic, yet slightly insulting, words brought a smile to her lips, and she stood a little straighter. She'd wished to be further along by now, but Magus was right, seeing the damaged target was a huge step forward from nothing at all. With a soft smile, she looked to him and said, “Thanks, but is there any chance you could say that without it sounding like an insult?” His eyes twinkled, “Afraid not.” She giggled, somehow knowing he was making a joke, though there was nothing in his demeanor to mark it as such. His face went pale and he directed his gaze downward. “Trixie,” he said in a soft voice. “I’m…What I mean is…” Tilting her head to the side, she said, “What?” In one quick motion, he took one of her hooves and bowed his head. “I owe you a great and sincere apology for what I said before. When I told you that…When I told you that I wished you were gone. I didn't mean for such a discourteous remark to leave my lips. It was very indecorous and horrendous of me to say. It seems that I'm doing this a lot, but would you please excuse my temper and forgive my ill behavior.” She was taken aback by the sudden action but even more so by what he’d said. She’d all but forgotten the incident, yet she was very moved by his sudden plea for forgiveness. Trixie didn’t think he had it in him to apologize in such a way. “I do forgive you, Master. I think you’ve more than made up for that in the past few days.” Magus looked up and locked eyes with her as he released her hoof. With a huff he said, “Yes, well, you must understand, my… Medication can have many, unwelcome side effects.” “I already said it was alright, but if I may ask, why—” “Please! Please. I know what you are about to say and I’d prefer not to go into it. I'm afraid I must apologize again, but I cannot say, please understand. It’s very personal.” Magus was about to continue when they heard a familiar accented voice speak up from out of nowhere. “Magus, Trixie.” They turned and saw Loa standing atop the stairs, gazing down at them with her blank eyes. “It's almost ready. Come with me, both of you.” Trixie didn't understand what she was talking about, but looking back at Magus, she saw his glassy eyed stare return as he looked at the blind mare, his comforting energy disappearing. As if he was under a spell, he walked past her and up the steps towards the zebra, moving in a slow, entranced fashion. “Come along Trixie,” Loa said, continuing to look down at them. Unsure what she could want with both of them, Trixie proceeded forward and followed Magus up the steps before Loa led them down the corridor and took them upstairs. The dimly lit parlor was eerily ominous with a strange, choking smell permeating the air. The door to the dining room was wide open and thick stands of black smoke crept out, floating towards the ceiling where it collected. The fire in the stove was doused and only a few candles remained lit. Loa wasted no time as she led the group into the next room. Trixie had expected to enter the dining room where she had been just last night, but it looked nothing like it had before. The room had grown, almost tripling its previous size with a large, vaulted ceiling extending high overhead and circular walls surrounding them. The entryway in the back was gone, a solid wall standing strong in its place as if it had been there all along. The sharply dressed Hex danced around a black cauldron atop a platform in the center of the room, twirling a long stick as he hummed a lively tune. He took no notice of their approach as they carefully stepped around the candles that were scattered across the floor, each with a purple flame atop their wick. A collection of horrifying masks on the walls watched them, no longer appearing to be simple decorations but rather seeming as if they were alive, glowing green eyes following every step. “Cauldron blazing in the fire. Lapping flames grow ever higher. Tongue of toad and wing of bat. Mixed within this bubbling vat,” Hex sang, throwing each named ingredient into the brew as strands of black smoke seeped out. “Raven's claw and serpent's scale. Roots of decay and waters pale. Stir and bubble to prepare for trouble. Tonight, make it double!” He laughed and chuckled as he stirred the concoction with glee. “Husband, is it ready?” Loa said. “Almost, my love. Just needs a little more toiling and boiling and then it’ll be complete. Oh!” Hex dashed down the steps to Loa and loudly whispered into her ear, “But I still need that thing. You know, the thing. That big thing that I need. The thing that without said thing I wouldn't be able to make the other thing that that thing wants.” He quickly and briefly pointed to Magus. “Did you get that thing that I sent yo—I mean, that I asked for? It's the thing that when used with the other thing makes a big thing and then—” “Yes! For goodness sakes, Husband, yes!” Loa shouted, pushing him away with a scowl. “Oh, great!” Hex replied before racing back to stir the pot. “Because I need that thing.” Loa huffed before looking back at them. “Wait here,” she instructed, walking towards the cauldron. When the mare had left, Trixie's gaze shifted to Magus who stood unnaturally still, staring blankly at the large container. There was no question that something was eating at him; even Trixie could see it as plain as day. “Master?” she said, getting no response or reaction. She reached out to touch him as she said, “Master, are you al—” The moment her hoof grazed him, he jumped back and shot her a wide-eyed stare, beads of sweat visible on his forehead. Each breath was shaky and labored, causing his body to tremble. They gazed at one another for a moment, until Loa drew their attention, saying, “Magus, Trixie.” She waved a hoof, gesturing them to come. Spellbound, Magus approached, Trixie watching him shakily advance up the steps before following close behind, ready to catch him if he should fall. They ascended the platform and stood before the large pot as the zebra couple took up positions on the other side. Peering into the vat, Trixie saw a dark liquid that boiled with red tinted bubbles. The fluid swirled around with the flow of the stirring rod, but, in brief instants, it seemed to move against the current in a bizarre fashion, as if it were…alive. “Ugh, what is this stuff?” Trixie asked, holding her nose to the toxic fumes. “Why, Aquae tenebraum, of course,” Hex said. “Or, if you prefer the less fancy name, The Waters of Darkness. Neat, huh?” In a flash, the pole was pulled from his hooves by an unseen force within the bubbling liquid as it disappeared into the pot. Hex’s wide-eyed, solemn face lasted for a moment before he smiled back at her. “You probably shouldn’t touch it though. You could lose your head, or a leg, or, well, everything!” He laughed maniacally as he clapped his hooves together. “Quite husband!” Loa ordered as he lightly chuckled, quieting down. “It's not Waters of Darkness, yet. It still needs one last thing.” In that moment, Loa and Hex turned their heads and looked at Trixie. “…What?” Trixie said, eyeing the two. “Why are you looking at me like that?” Loa sighed before she said, “Creating genuine Aquae tenebraum is hard enough, even with all the ingredients at your disposal. But, creating a synthetic version that is as potent as the real thing requires…something extra for it to work. It's a very unconventional item that is normally very hard to obtain. Especially in our position.” “What are you saying?” Trixie asked. “We need your blood,” Hex nonchalantly blurted out triggering a glare from Loa, looking none too pleased by his statement. “My b-blood?” Loa huffed as she looked back to her. “Well, I was trying to avoid being so blunt about it, but what's done is done. Yes, your blood is needed for the chemical to be completed.” Trixie fidgeted in place as butterflies fluttered in her stomach. “Why blood? Why my blood!? It's Magus' potion, why aren't you asking him?” “The recipe is very specific,” Loa explained. “It must be the blood of a non-magical pony and it must be given willingly.” “I'm plenty magical! I'm a unicorn after all. Plus, I'm training to use your Circle magic—” “Exactly, you're still in training. You have yet to enter our ranks and thus you're still considered ‘non-magical.’ I suppose it would’ve been prudent to say non-circle; but, nonetheless, you're the only non-circle pony within a hundred miles at least and the only one who would willingly do this.” “Well, I…” Trixie really didn't want to do this. Even back when she first met Magus, she didn't like seeing her own blood. She could feel her breath catching in her chest as she looked into the bleak pot before her. “You're free to refuse, of course,” Loa chimed in. “After all, you must do this of your own choice. You'd only be forcing Magus to wait a little longer, but I'm unsure if he’d want to. All the same, it's up to you.” Trixie paused and looked to the floor as she thought, weighing her options. She had seen these freaky rituals before and experienced most of them first hoof. While she hadn't experienced one that was life-threatening, it still wasn't very appealing to commit to one of these acts if she really didn't have to. Magus could wait for whatever this stuff was supposed to do…Then again, Trixie thought back to earlier, he had been helping her more and perhaps deserved her aid. “P-please Trixie,” Magus silently uttered beneath his breath. He didn't look at her, continuing to stare into the dark pool with his mane concealing much his face save for his muzzle. “I beg of you.” Trixie could hear the despair in his trembling voice. It was the sound of uncertainty, a sound that she was all-too-familiar with. In that moment, she had made her decision. “Let's do it,” Trixie said, staring into the blank eyes of Loa. With a nod, Loa looked to Hex as he glanced back at her before focusing on Trixie. Removing his hat, Hex presented it to Trixie upside down. Through the darkness in the cap, a small, silver goblet materialized, filled with a clear, green liquid. A shadowy arm rose up from the hat and presented it before Trixie. “Drink,” Loa instructed. With her magic, Trixie took the cup and brought it to her lips. It smelled foul but with a quick swig the contents were gone, leaving a sour taste in her mouth. As the cup vanished, Trixie was surprised to find that nothing was happening, not eve—! Trixie collapsed, barely having enough time to catch herself as she clenched her chest. Her heart pounded as fire raced through her veins. She groaned, trying to gather her wits, but her breath came in short gasps, and she couldn’t seem to fill her lungs. The torturous pain subsided, just enough to allow her to stand. When she was able to look over the top of the pot, she saw a dagger floating in midair in front of her. Trixie’s eyes darted from the knife to Loa as memories of a night long past entered her mind. Trixie tried to form her thoughts into a question, but the little air she could hold in her lungs and the burning sensation in her throat made it difficult. “W-w-wha-what’ssss th-thi-th—” “You must give your blood willingly and by your hoof,” Loa sternly said. “Take the blade.” Looking back at the dagger, burning pain seared through her foreleg as she tried to move it. In a quick, excruciating move, Trixie grabbed the knife as she brought her other hoof up and leaned it against the rim of the pot. Magus' gaze had shifted to Trixie as she used the cauldron as a crutch, one hoof holding the knife and the other making its way towards it. The pain was nowhere near as bad as the burning sensation that coursed through her as she ran the sharp edge across her wrist. With a crimson stream falling into the black pool, the dagger vanished, allowing Trixie to hold her wounded leg in place as it began to shake in pain. As the lifeblood drained out of her, her heart started to slow and the fire in her veins cooled. It was a strange relief to see the red fluid leaving her drop by drop, disappearing into the dark water below. Loa, Hex, and Magus watched her sacrifice intently, eyes following every droplet that fell as the water swirled and moved on its own, getting progressively more erratic. Trixie latched on to the side of the vat, holding on tightly to prevent her from falling as her legs grew weak under her. Eventually, her plasma droplets ceased. Trixie felt exhausted but at ease now that the ordeal was over. She looked up at Loa, hoping to see confirmation that it was over. The blind mare did nothing and said nothing, meeting her hopeful, weary eyes with a vacant stare. “Is—is it over?” Trixie asked with scarcely a breath to spare. “Am I done?” Without warning, the black liquid leapt from the cauldron and grabbed hold of her blood stained hoof, as if alive and hungry for more. Trixie yelped as loud as she could as its disembodied form gripped her tight, feeling like acid against her skin. Her hoof tingled as she could feel the living liquid entering her body through the cut. The water jerked her forward with tremendous force, almost pulling her into the now raging pot if not for the set of hooves that took hold of her waist at the last second. Barely possessing the strength, Trixie glanced back to see Magus holding onto her. Gritting his teeth, he inched her away from the cauldron before Hex jumped in and grabbed hold of her, pulling with all of his might. A ringing sound filled her ears, drowning out any sound save the rhythmic beat of her own heart. Trixie could feel herself getting weaker as the pulsations pounded harder, gradually slowing each time. Looking back ahead, the dark water held firm, but as her vision began to blur and the loud ringing clouded her mind, she could see Loa raising her hooves into the air and shouting something inaudible. Whatever she had said caused the water to release Trixie’s hoof disappearing back into the pot. Trixie flew back with the force that Magus and Hex were pulling her and fell onto her back. The ringing in her ear started to fade, replaced by distant mumbles around her. But even as her vision grew dark, she saw Magus kneeling over her, holding her face as he muttered something to her. His brow was wrinkled as he looked down on her with a pained gaze, lightly tapping her face as if to keep her awake. Hex and Loa came into view, both muttering something to each other and glancing down at her, but Trixie's eyes remained on Magus even as he seemed to fall away, until all was black and silent. Trixie’s world was shadowy and empty. No thoughts, no emotion, and no noise came to her. But something told her that she was not alone in this void. Something surrounded her, watching from beyond the blackness. Though she couldn’t see it, whatever it was seemed familiar in a way. In a flash, a large eye appeared and stared at her as whispers called to her. Trixie had seen it before, during her first night within the Circle, but this time she felt no empathy and no sense of calmness as she stared. In an instant, she was pulled towards it as the whispers turned to louder, alien voices that shouted into her ears. Trixie's eyes shot open as she gasped, taking a few deep breaths before calming herself. The sense of distress quickly faded when she saw where she was. She stared at a plain, blank ceiling with similar, unadorned walls around her. The few bits of furniture she could see were just as dull in appearance as the warm bed she laid in. Trixie was home, or at least back in her room at Magus' caravan. “Ah, you're awake. Good,” said a familiar voice next to her. Looking beside her, Trixie saw Magus sitting in one of his extravagant chairs right next to the bed with an opened book into his hooves. A teapot and two cups sat on the table next to him, accompanied by a small bowl and a bottle that were set to one side. It appeared as if Magus had been sitting there for quite some time as she slept, looking very comfortable where he was at. Her bones and muscles ached as she moved her hooves. Despite the warm covers, she felt a slight chill strike her hooves as they slipped out from the sheets. She rubbed her tender face, feeling bedsores ravaging her. Something cool was on her forehead, but she was too weak to really wonder what it was. “How long was I asleep?” Trixie jadedly asked, covering herself back up. Closing his book and levitating it aside, Magus said, “A few days.” “A few days?!” Trixie shouted as she shot up; flinging a small, damp cloth from her head onto the bed. She instantly regretted that action as she grew dizzy. Before she could collapse back onto her pillow, Magus caught her as he said, “Careful!” Propping her up, he said, “It has, but you must still take it easy. You're not at full strength yet.” Magus levitated the bottle and one of the cups over to him before filling the small container. The liquid came out as a thick brown fluid that made Trixie’s stomach churn. Magus moved the cup to her lips and said, “Here, this will help.” Trixie downed the potion, smelling and tasting the strong bitterness as Magus held her head. She tried her best to ignore the taste, and, when the cup was empty, Magus put the cap back on the bottle and placed both objects onto the table. “How are you feeling?” Magus asked, laying her back onto the pillow. “Okay, I guess. What happened?” “You fainted. Apparently, that potion was a little wilder than originally anticipated. Hex and Loa send their regards and apologize for what transpired. They also wish you well in the future.” Magus picked up the cloth from the bed and soaked it in the bowl next to him. Trixie started to piece together what happened. She remembered the searing pain, the dark water, and… “Are you feeling all right, Master?” Trixie said, recalling how he behaved before the ritual. “Fine. Why do you ask?” he replied, ringing out the cloth before placing the cool rag on her forehead. “You didn't seem fine back at the cauldron.” Magus froze as he glanced away, searching for an answer. “Oh, that. Yes, I'm quite well now, thank you for asking,” he said picking up his book up again. “And…” Magus started, not making eye contact with her. “Thank you again for going through that dreadful affair on my behalf. I didn’t expect it to be so… Eventful.” “Around you, everything’s eventful,” she said with a smirk. He gently nodded before looking at her. “…Agreed.” As Magus returned to his book, a thought came to mind. “Master. How much longer do I have?” “Hmm?” “To master the spell. How much longer do I have before…?” Turning to her, he refused to look her in the eye as he paused, pondering the question. “…Three days,” he said solemnly, finally locking eyes with her. “Three days?! I don't have a moment to spare then,” Trixie frantically said, starting to get up. “I have to—” “No, you don't,” he said, resting a hoof on her chest, preventing her from moving. “You'll be fine. For now you must rest. You won't be able to cast magic in your condition anyway and worrying about it won't help you recover either.” “But I—” “Please, trust me,” he said kneeling close to her. “You’re a fast learner. Far faster than I would’ve thought. You'll be fine. Alright?” With a wrinkled brow and a heavy sigh, Trixie said, “Alright.” She relaxed back onto her pillow, but fidgeted relentlessly to get comfortable, her waning time weighing heavily on her mind made the task all the more difficult. Magus shut his eyes, shaking his head softly before looking downward. “Trixie, you've done more than any master could ask of his student, and truly aided me. For that, I’m indebted to you.” He looked back up at her. “As a gentlecolt I must repay such a deed.” Trixie watched him with a still demeanor, wondering what he was getting at. Staring into her eyes, he said, “I vow on my honor that no matter what happens, I’ll be there for you.” Trixie sat, stunned. There was gravity to Magus' words she'd never heard before, and something told her this was far more serious even than the oath he'd made in Trottingham. It took her a moment to gather her wits. “Do—do you promise?” she replied. Magus reached under the sheets and pulled out her hoof, holding it tightly with both of his. “I give you my word.” Trixie melted back into the bed, the tension that had kept her from finding rest fleeing at long last. Despite the fact that nothing had changed; the deadline still loomed over her, and she wasn't any farther along in her studies, it felt as though a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Somehow, her goals felt much closer, and she smiled confidently in the face of her coming trials. She'd barely closed her eyes before she was fast asleep. * * * A roar of rage filled Trixie’s mind as visions of red and black swirled before her, sending waves of pain and sorrow through her. Blurred images passed by far too fast to make anything of note out, but she could feel the emotions that went with them: hatred, anger, despair filled her, choking her with misery and hopelessness. Just as it was overwhelming her, a mare’s scream pierced her ears. She jolted awake, almost leaping out of bed as her heart raced. Trixie breathed heavily as she looked around the moonlit room to see Magus’ chair and table were gone and the pony was nowhere to be seen. Hex’s gift, the macabre necklace, lay on the nightstand, looking as unappealing as ever. A chill no longer plagued her and her bones felt normal while her head was right as rain, she felt rejuvenated save her parched throat. Nothing was out of place, and it appeared that the nightmare was just that and nothing to worry abo—! A sudden, distant crash startled her, and she looked to the door. She thought it was just her imagination until another louder crash rang out. It sounded as if it was coming from somewhere downstairs, but she couldn’t be sure. Despite Magus' orders to stay in bed, she got up and placed her hooves on the cold, creaking floor. Opening the door, she swallowed her unease, and made her way down the hall to the foyer, unsure what or who she might find as another violent clatter wailed close by.