//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 - Catching up // Story: Dark Corners of Equestria // by Pankrazius //------------------------------// Zecora sat on her bed, studying an old tome, Twilight had borrowed her a while ago. Even here, deep in the wood, cold winds wailed. Branches were creaking and raindrops hit the windows occasionally. Nothing to fear this night, the Zebra thought, flipping a page. Which wild animal would leave its shelter under such circumstances? And for the more sinister creatures, she had prepared her masks, fetishes and warden stones. Hot tea and fire kept the inconvenient weather outside, while she enjoyed some good reading. Speaking of wardens... Did the holed stone above the door went black - or were she tricked by here very eyes? A knocking at the door, let her look up. 'At this time?' Zecora wondered. Imaging somepony in distress - standing outside at this hour, would count for sure - she stood up and walked towards the entrance. Just in case, she longed for the large club, she usually used to prod remote fruits from their trees. With a growing awkward feeling, she realised, some of her dreamcatchers were literally withering away, falling to pieces. Before she even could react, somepony pushed the door open, breaking the latch like a toothpick. * * * Later in the evening the drizzle had given stage to an outright rain. Winds howled over the stone, moaning and whistling menacingly. The only luck - if one want to speak of luck - the winds gushed the rain around - so the warden rock covered Trixie and Pipsqueak from most of the droplets. Pipsqueak had curled up besides Trixie on her makeshift bed. It was a plain wonder, how the foal could sleep like this. She had covered his little body with the blanket, borrowed from the inn. Well - she could stand the cold air. But the foal surely would freeze and get sick. It was to late, to bring the colt back this night. While it was dangerous to wander alone in this time of year, running through this weather was just insane. So she had done everything to keep him warm. Although she was tired, it was too chill for her to sleep. Anyway - sleeping was not a good idea at all. Trixie knew how easy one could freeze to death sleeping and not even recognize it. Maybe a merciful way to pass away. But grimly smiling, even if life had is odds, simply giving up was so absolutely not her style... Chilling winds screamed - for hours by now. The nearly frozen rain, pricked her occasionally With distant fear she realised, that her opinion in matters of freezing didn't seem to count very much. The little fire was gone a while ago. Just a rest of embers shimmered. And there were hours left till dawn. Trixie looked up. The sky was covered by a monotonous layer of rainclouds. Despite the wind she couldn't make out any breaks in the cover. Which means the rain may stay for hours or... even longer. She knew of stories, were fillies wished upon the stars. Although, there were no stars to see and it were only tales after all. Trixie sighed, before she whispered lowly. Her eyes closed. The wetness just raindrops. For sure. "I wish, I dream, I hope, I pray... for the Princesses rule, light my way..." She sighed lowly, while hoping for somepony to safe her. But... what was she hoping for anyway? Nursery rhymes, childish wishes? Trixie knew exactly how she had slipped in this situation. 'When you have to rely on dreams - you know you are f...' Trotting hooves! No. This couldn't be true, could it? Bewildered she stared in the direction. A shape formed out of the dark rainy curtain. "Is there anypony?" Trixies heart jumped. "Hello?" she cried out with a mix of shock and relief. Her wish... could it really be? At this point she would even appreciate Royal Guards to arrest her. But... the stranger didn't seem to be a soldier. The strange pony was cloaked in a wide hooded coat. Crimson red fur hair visible here and there. But Trixie was unable to spot his eyes or even see his face besides the white beard. "It is uncommon to see ponies stray so far apart from their homes - isn't it?" his voice was creaky and hoarse, like a real old pony would sound. "I... We... Yes. I were forced to take this road - but I didn't manage to find a safe place to rest. I hoped to reach a village tomorrow.", Trixie stood up. "Oh. How unpleasant. I am sorry, but I fear I must tell you - there are no houses for another two or three days along this way," the strange pony replied. "And its going to be colder. I fear, if you follow the path you wouldn't make it. I suggest you to turn back and head were you came from... It may be better for you and the filly of yours." Back to Ponyville? "This... He isn't my foal. He... followed me." "Is that so? I've heard rumours of a missing little one. Some ponies say it were foalnapped. You don't know anything about this? I've heard even the guard is searching for this foal." Trixies heart missed a beat. Foalnapping? Pipsqueak had awakened meanwhile and looked curious to the cloaked one. "No. Trixie did not foalnapping me. I have searched for her. To thank her for the story, she told. But she had gone early in the morning. Then I ran after her. But it was so late, when I found her..." "Ah Trixie is the name." the stranger spoke softly, but revealing something strange. The creature seemed to have something like - arms, as known for Minotaurus. Weaker of course. Thin and worn out, matching the voice. The stranger gestured - not thinking about it, obviously. "For starters, I would suggest to lead you to a safe place to stay. A ... friend of mine lives in the forest, don't fear it is not far." Trixie shivered. But... the decision was obvious. Freezing for sure, or get maybe in danger in the Everfree. With the possibility of sleeping in an actual house... So she took Pipsqueak upon her back and followed the strange guy, through the rain. What was this creature? Trixie had seen many different races during their travels. Griffons, Minotaurus, even some awkward fellow with not only two hands, but a third one on his tail... But... anyway. He seemed friendly so far. After a while the stranger picked up the conversation. "Trixie .... I know this name. Say - are you the Trixie, who is called the Great and Powerful? The greatest magician in all of Equestria?" the stranger recommenced the talk. "I used this name," Trixie admitted sighing. At least the rain had dimmed to occasional drops, since they entered the wood. "And now you are going to hate me, for all the wrongs I committed. Right?" "What are you thinking?" the creaky voice got a bit louder. "I never would do such a thing." Trixie looked up. What? "You are one of the greatest magicians I know of," the old fellow - she decided to use 'pony' as she just didn't know what to call him... declared with a determined tone in his voice. "You think that? For real?" Trixie just couldn't believe, what she heard. "For sure. I have heard a lot about you. I've heard about your glorious deeds - and of course of the defeats, brought to you by this pesky inhabitants of Ponyville." he explained. "So you know I am just a showpony, after all?" she replied. Meanwhile she was used to the image of her, not being the greatest magician of all. Even if the idea still hurt her. "Oh. Did they make you think so?" the strange pony asked. "Did they manage to break your will?" "They... What?" Trixie startled. How could he claim such a thing? But... his words felt like a sting. Not painful - quite the opposite. "Oh. What a luck I came just in time. They were about to break you, Trixie." a strong tone sneaked in the old voice. "Rejoice - for I am hear to save you." "Who are you anyway?" she raised one eyebrow in suspicion. Although she liked his words... it somehow seemed way to good to be true. "Somepony who is quite like you. Once I had power. Tremendous power. I had magic on my disposal, far beyond even your imagination. But then - just like you - I was defeated, broken and left to decline." "That sounds awful... Who did that to you?" Trixie shivered. She meant to even hear a distant echo of astonishing might in his voice. "Ignorant, evil and selfish magicians. Enemies, who demanded my power for themselves. They don't even had the mercy to kill me on instant. They left me suffering. So believe me - I know how you must feel." The words repeating themselves through Trixies head. Hypnotic. But... No... "Excuse me, but it's not quite as in your case. I DID make mistakes, caused trouble and endangered a whole town. I used magic, far beyond my control, and got mesmerized by an ancient artefact. Even if I hate to do so - I must accept, that Twilight and the others just had to stop me." "To stop you from making a mistake is one thing. But to devastate you and your belief in yourself - this is an insult. A crime, which demands punishment! And whilst I am broken and burnt-out to a point, where I can't use my powers any more - I can teach you," real anger was heard. "No. No. Please. I don't want revenge. I never want to do something bad again. I just hope to... start again. Somehow.", she replied soft. What was her loss compared to his story? The cloaked pony paused for an moment. "No. Of course not. Please excuse my outburst. I've witnessed to many bad things. Maybe they have formed me in that way. So I suppose, I count myself happy, to see your inner strength." Was this a kind of compliment? Trixie blushed. The strange pony hadn't lied. A tree house, on the far end of a small clearing, came in sight. Spooky masks with eerie faces showed towards the forest. Carvings in barks and stones all over the place. It seemed somewhat familiar, only Trixies tired self couldn't figure out, what it was. The door stood open a bit. "Ah. By the way. Our host is out. But she told me, I could make me a home at her place. In I am certain she won't mind if you stay here to. Especially in a night, where nopony should sleep outside." As if to emphasize, the storm wailed even louder and remote thunder rolled over the nightly forest. "Trixie..", Pispqueak whispered. "This is no good." "What do you mean?", she answered silently. "This is Zecora's place. And it seems something bad had happened..." Zecora?... Zecora! Trixie remembered this Zebra. This witchdoctor, who helped Twilight to beat her. Who took the Alicorn Amulet. She hesitated. Zecora would get mad, if she saw her here. Or maybe not. She was a friend of Twilight after all - and she forgave her, kind of. So Zecora wouldn't be such a monster to refuse her a place to warm up and rest... She went after the stranger, into the warmth of the hut, hearing a rumble from inside. "Ah. Here you are. Please - take a seat. I just have to look after something, Zecora had promised to borrow me," the stranger was searching a bookshelf, randomly pulling books out, putting them on a stack. Thinking of it - this arms seemed practical. Maybe they were the result of some magic experiment?... "No. No. No! NO!" he growled, louder every time he tossed a book away. "What are you doing here? May I help you?" Trixie was unsure about this. It seemed ominous to here. Like a thief, searching for valuable loot. But... In this case, why would the strange pony had looked after Pipsqeak and her anyway? "Its a book. I think I will recognize it, once seen. And no - you can't help me with this. Not yet. Please - take a seat, get some tea," he replied in his quiet hoarse voice. So Trixie closed the door, just to let it get opened by the next gush of wind. Pondering, why the door was defect she grabbed a stool, blocked the entrance. Brittle remains of... something... crunched under her hoof. But glad to be out of the cold now, she didn't mind. Trixie put Pipsqueak on the big bed in the huts corner. Zecora wouldn't mind - as it was unlikely she would come home in such a night. After grabbing another dry blanket for herself, she plopped on a creaky chair besides the enormous cauldron, dominating this corner of the hut. To excited to get sleepy right now, she let her mind wander. Why was this strange fellow wearing this cloak - even inside? As if the stranger had read her mind, he started to talk. "You wonder about my turnout, aren't you? I don't have to break in your head to know this. See. Underneath this mantle, you will find an ugly, mutilated body. A sight I don't want show you. So call my cloak a sign of courtesy. But on another topic - you won't do anything evil any more?" "No," Trixie stated firm. What was his motive on this, she wondered. "I can help you. To get back your good reputation. I can help you get power for yourself. No corrupting magic, like the amulet you mentioned. No pure, plain energy - at your disposal. With this you can do whatever you want." "Why would you do so?", Trixie couldn't believe to get help without any reward. "Do you considering ulterior motives on my side?", the cloaked pony hadn't stop searching for a moment, turning his back towards her, chuckling in a more then scary manner. "It is just hard to believe...," Trixie explained. "Sure. Stranger saves lady, stranger offers to train lady in magic arts, for nothing. I think I have to reveal my plan... "- he waited for a second, a perfect dramatic pause, Trixie realised - "I cannot gain my powers back. Not yet, not in a useful amount. YOU on the other side are full of potential. Yes. You may call yourself great and powerful. And in fact - you are. But think about it - with my help you could grow out of yourself. You could reach an even higher level of skill. I couldn't be your teacher - as you are no student any longer. But you could call me your advisor." The words sounded good. Her imagination drew a picture. The Great and Powerful Trixie - back in business. Cheering masses and even impressing Twilight Sparkle. She longed not for revenge anymore. But getting her respect would be fine. Maybe with more magic, she would be able to do things besides illusions and a bit of telekinesis. To good... "You didn't reveal your plan - are you playing with me?" she answered, suspicion in her voice. It took a second before the stranger replied. This time it didn't felt like a planned pause. "A bit maybe. Just to watch your reaction. You are cunning." the strangers words left her flattered and a bit proud. Yes. She was indeed. Without a doubt. Trixie felt better now, glancing over all the herbs hanging from the low ceiling and the jars full of the most exotic ingredients, lined up upon shelves carved in the tree-wall. Even if Trixie knew just a small portion, there were more than enough to brew some fine tea. "Good then," - the strangers voice rose again - "The book I am searching for, reveals a place - here in the forest. A hidden repository of magic power. I have researched for years, to find where this well is located. Just to learn, that the entrance is locked by a specific spell. A spell I am unable to break in my state. Do you see the irony in this." Indeed. What an evil fate. Trixie frowned. But if she helped him - than he could help her. But... "You said you are full of anger and such. And you have no power for your revenge-thing. So - if I help you, what prevents you from skip your part of the deal? Back to your old power, you don't need me any longer." Trixie noticed another pause. Or maybe her tired mind played tricks on her. "Because we share the same fate. You were defeated, so me. You were embarrassed and humiliated. Even if you don't look for revenge anymore - a stance I have to admire, as they have done to you more, then you may have deserved. It is not certain how much I can regenerate. Or how long it would take. So I will never be the same as before. You see - my fate is sealed. Not so yours. So it would be a honor for me to help you on your path. And if my plan were to do you wrong, then I had just left you to die anyway, don't you think so?" "So you will be my... friend?" "Yes.... indeed. Oh... Look. I found it!" the strangers answer let Trixies mouth standing agape. Someone who cared for her. Someone who don't judged her. A... friend? Trixie beaming stood up and walked over. The book was about the size of a quart, but very strange indeed. Smooth black cover. Pages, thin and plain. It looked newer, then she had expected. But the most peculiar thing were the script used. She never had seen such signs, not even in the royal library in Canterlot. "What does it read?" "The title says 'Von unaussprechlichen Kulten'. It seems to be an original print... I can't believe it!" The stranger seemed really happy about this. "Is this griffin-language?" Trixie asked, wondering. "It is old and from far away. I don't think even the griffins are able to read this. I think we should get some rest. We have to start early in the morning, to reach our goal,... friend." Friend. A mighty mage. A warm place to stay. Yes. The Great and Powerful Trixie was about to be back in business! Trixie felt thankful and happy, ignoring the gnawing, warning voice. * * * "I hate her.", Rainbow Dash stated, moody and tired flapping a few inches above the group. "For real. Why couldn't she stay in this nice inn? Why had she to stroll this celestiaforsaken road?" "I didn't expect her to be that fast.", Twilight was alike exhausted. "But, she has travelled all her life - so she might be a bit more sustained. Any sign of Pispqueak, by the way?" At first this was meant as a quick trot down the road. Finding Trixie, talking to her and probably bring her back to Ponyville. It sounded like a promising plan. Twilight even had left Spike at home. But then they had arrived at the small hotel, not far from the Everfree. The place in a real turmoil. Ponies running around, worried, obvious searching somepony. Rainbow Dash had spotted Pipsqueaks parents the first. Their foal had gone missing. And in addition an azure blue unicorn mare - matching Trixies description - had left the place a lot earlier today. Depending on the direction she has headed, she might have arrived at Canterlot at this point. Or she has set camp anywhere west of the forest - given she didn't dare to enter the Everfree - a thing most unlikely to Trixie. "Let us split. Rarity, Pinky and Fluttershy - you take the road to Canterlot. If you find her - fine. If not, report to the guard. Or better to the Princess. She might send help. We head south." Twilight recommend. The situation grew more serious. "Alright, darlings. Let's go," Rarity replied. "Oki Doki Loki.", Twilight knew Pinky for long enough now, to discern how worried she was, despite her engaging nature. "I will report to you, if we find Pip or her." Fluttershy said. "If I can find you." Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash marched - respectively fled on. "Nothing. Meadows to the left, Trees to the right. The same as... like the whole night.", Dash grumbled. No one of the three, were to happy to take this walk. Despite the scarves, Rarity had provided before they splitted up, it was cold - and a steady icy rain poured down on them. Even if it was no storm, wandering the whole night through had left Twilight wet to the skin and chilled to the bone. Using her magic as an umbrella for - mainly Applejack and herself - was exhausting, too. But the weather was just to bad. Even Rainbow Dash couldn't kick all the rainclouds away. Speaking of them - Twilight could see, that Applejack shivered from time to time - to stubborn to say anything. And even Dash - as Pegasus used to low temperatures seemed weary. Then - after hours of monotonous walking - in the early morning, Rainbow yelled in surprise. "Standing rock - about a mile away. I see smoke there." Newly energized by this, they trotted faster. "She must have left a while ago now," Applejack stated, checking the campfire and the lair. "And Ah could be wrong but there are two moulds here. Bet 'twas Pipsqueak with 'er." "But where did they go?" Twilight asked desperate. "Dunno, Sugarcube," Applejack shook her head. Worried as Twilight herself. "Maybe we could ask Zecora if she saw them," Rainbow Dash suggested, flying above the trees. "Huh?", Twilight gave Rainbow a baffled look. "Her tree is right over there. Or it is another wild growing masks-and-flasks-tree." Rainbow shrugged. "You mean - we walked the whole night in circles? We had just had to cross trough the wood and saved the whole way?!" Twilight yelled the last part, facehoofing herself. "Uhuh.", Dash replied, a sheepish grin on her face. * * * The rain had ceased over night, left nothing but dew and morning mist. But after the restful sleep, and a short snack Trixie felt better. Pipsqueak seemed tired, but in a good state, after all. "We have to leave," the mage explained. "It is just a short walk from here - but it may take time, to open the entrance." So - after just a few hundred feet they reached a near invisible pathway, leading deep in the forest. Here and there rests of obvious chiselled stone plates of a dark color. The underbushes grew thicker with every step, hiding broken columns and withered stone blocks. For some reason this path gave a feeling of security. As if nothing bad could enter the ancient stones. For the Great and Powerful Trixie this was an adventure to tell of. This could be her first real story. And with the help of her new friend - there would be more of them. No more pretending, she cheered silently. But on the other hoof - it felt like a dream. It felt as too good to be true. This was the first time, somebody really cared for her. Was there, when the hours went dark. At least, since she left the school in Canterlot. But than again the nagging doubtful voice, whispered. She shouldn't trust this strange pony. Pressing her eyes shut, she shook her head. No. This was her ticket back to the top. And even if this guy tried to plot anything against the Great and Powerful Trixie - she would show him, not to mess with her! And anyway - he had explained his motives quite well. Adopt her as a kind of protégée, to achieve the glory, denied to him. She would be more astonishing than ever before. And this time she wouldn't mess up. Trixie had made her point clear - no evil deeds again. And he had accepted it. To fast. He gave in way to fast... 'Oh. Shut up!' "Is everything OK with you?", Pipsqueak jolted her out of her thoughts. "You seem worried. Well. I don't know. This mage-guy is a strange one. Can't we just go home?" The Great and Powerful Trixie hesitated, as a part of her mind consented with the foal at her side. No. This time she would make it right. "Oh Pip. He had helped us - so its our turn to help him. And after that I will bring you back to Ponyville, promised. And you haven't anything to fear. The Great and Powerful Trixie - back and better then ever - is with you. And I promise - I will never let anything bad happen to you." The worried look on Pipsqweaks face disappeared. "And you will tell stories?" "For sure.", she asserted. "At least. We have arrived!", the hoarse voice claimed. The clearing deep in the Everfree was surrounded by trees so close and full of deep hanging branches, they resembled more a wooden wall. The free space itself was full of shrubs and boulders. Across then entrance, a hillside raised. Trixie recognized the complete lack of anything cave-like. The only remarkable detail was a symbol about a ponylenghth above the ground, carved in the dark rock, glistening like dew in the morning sun. "You sure?", she asked sceptically. "I am certain, we are at the right place. Now - it is your turn to open the gates with the magic of yours," the strange cloaked wizard told with an impatient tone. "I see..." slowly the Great and Powerfull Trixie, stepped towards the strange sign - resembling a branch with five limbs - and touched it with her horn.