//------------------------------// // Chapter 24 - Cutie Pox Conundrum // Story: The Awakening of a Tactician // by Mountainmanmad //------------------------------// The next morning I woke Trixie up and we continued our work of clearing out paths in the forest. We had already made one, linking the path we made yesterday to the cabin, and we were next working on a path to Zecora. After telling her of my plans the zebra jumped at the offer to have a new path made. She asked if there was anything she could do for me as thanks, and I in turn jumped at such a chance. While clearing out the forest I found a small cluster of Poison Joke that had somehow managed to survive the carnage. I remembered the properties they had and I would need the correct tools if I wanted to collect and experiment with the mischievous flowers. Once the path to Zecora’s house was complete, I asked her if I could borrow some gloves, a few jars, and a mortar and pestle. She was more than happy to supply me, much to my surprise. It must have been more dangerous treading on the old path than I thought. By the time I collected the tools that same day, it was already growing close to night. I sent Trixie home and told her I would be behind her momentarily. Finding myself alone, I returned to the clearing and prepared for the complex and dangerous activity of collecting blue flowers. I donned the gloves Zecora had lent to me, amused that a pony's idea of a glove was more akin to a small sack. It certainly made the process much more difficult for me. Once I had collected enough flowers, I returned home, the forest growing darker by the minute. I needed to work with them in a secluded environment to reduce the risk of contracting whatever… ‘disease’ the flower held. Sadly it was much too late to begin my experiment, and it would be idiotic of me to work with a dangerous substance in the dark. Might as well save it for tomorrow and give me something to do. Once the Sun had risen I quickly set up a workstation to experiment with the flowers. When I collected the samples yesterday, I noticed that the flowers released blue pollen whenever something touched them. For this reason I decided to take my studies outside for the day. I used Arcwind to cut a few nearby trees down, and I created some makeshift furniture. Nothing overly complex, just a chair and a table. Carefully taking a few of the flowers out of the jar with a tweezer I had acquired, I dropped them into the mortar I borrowed from Zecora. Given that those who had been affected haven’t prepared for the flower, I’m making a lot of assumptions with how the ‘joke’ works. With all the information I had gathered I’ll assume that the pollen is the cause of the joke and it needs to have direct contact with the victim’s skin. I began to grind the flowers firmly, and I watched in fascination as the blue pollen once more rose into the air. I managed to keep the pollen away from my skin, but the front of my cloths were dyed blue. Hopefully I’ll be able to simply wash the pollen off later. By the time I was done the entire area was covered in the blue dust. The mortar held an incredible amount of it, much more than I would think from such a small flower. I lifted the mortar to eye level as I reached to the side and selected a flask. Carefully, I began to tip the contents into the clear vial. In such a concentrated state, the pollen flowed like sand, and I smiled as I held aloft the filled container. I placed it upon the table and reached for another, repeating the process a few more times. It was on the fifth vial that something went horribly wrong… Applebloom trotted down the blackened road warily. Any sadness she felt earlier from not getting her cutie mark was blown away when she discovered a new trail. She originally planned on taking a walk through the Everfree to clear her mind when she noticed a side path leading off into the forest. The path itself seemed to be new, and appeared to be blackened by intense heat. She would know after she tried to get her firefighter cutie mark. Her curiosity won over her nerves, and she followed the black path until she came upon a blackened road. It was much wider than the original path, and looking both ways she saw one end lead to the roads outside of town while the other seemed to be a dead end over a mile away. It was a dark, ominous, and incredibly straight path, too much so for it to be natural. So, with childlike curiosity, she began to travel the dark road deeper into the forest. It was towards the end of her journey that she noticed two more paths branch off from the road. Deciding she was in for the long run, she took the left path, leading further away from town. It was almost ten minutes later until she came to a clearing and her jaw dropped. Within the clearing was a log cabin, a well cared for one too considering the condition of it. Applebloom shut her jaw and crept closer to the abode, her mind ranging with ideas as to who could be living here. She remembered her sister telling her of a mage a few weeks ago, but was forbidden from trying to find him. Normally that wouldn’t stop her or her friends, but… something in Applejack’s eyes told her that, maybe this once, she should listen. The filly’s ear twitched as she caught sound of a muffled voice. She followed the noise to the side of the home where she saw something… strange. It was a big, two legged creature wearing a black cloak. The creature was muttering to itself as it poured blue powder from a dish into some containers. Applebloom tilted her head in confusion as she watched the creature work. Was this the mage that her sister told her to be careful of? He certainly didn’t seem to be dangerous. He seemed kinda funny, even his cloak looked like a really fancy bathrobe! With her confidence boosted, she moved closer to the creature, the being too engrossed in its work to notice her presence. Not wanting to be ignored, Applebloom made her presence known. “Hiya!” “Hiya!” I had prepared to fill another vial when the sudden yell broke my concentration. I dropped the empty flask I was holding and let it fall to the table. My right hand, however, clenched as my body succumbed to the reflexes I had developed so long ago. Instead of moving for my sword, I was cut off as the mortar flipped vertically and its contents removed. Sadly, due to the position I was holding it, the pollen traveled in the one direction I didn’t want it to travel: my face. I yelped as the powder made contact with my skin, some managing to find its way into my mouth, up my nose, and even in my eyes. I began cursing my ill fortune as I desperately tried to remove the large amounts of pollen from me. I didn’t have to wait long until the cool relief of water splashed against my face. A few minutes later and I was able to remove most of the residue. Able to open my eyes once more, I took in the image of a filly carrying a bucket of water by the handle with her mouth. I glared at the filly and she put the bucket down, her ears drooping as she scuffed at the floor. “Ahm sorry… please don’t eat me…” I glared at the pony for a few more moments before I forced myself to calm down. What’s done is done, and there's nothing I can do to change what happened. Still, it probably wouldn’t be long now until the dammed flower messed with me in some way. I never got a time frame from Wade, but I assumed it would occur within the next hour. Until then, I simply had to wait. I sighed and looked over my workstation, pollen scattered everywhere and my clothes a mess. Still, I managed to acquire four vials of the pollen, so it wasn’t a complete waste of time. I returned my attention back to the filly. Without anger clouding my mind I immediately took notice of the red ribbon in the filly’s mane as well as the color of her coat. I knew exactly who this little hellion was. Besides, eating her would probably give me diabetes. “It’s quite alright, and no, I’m not going to eat you. Just be sure to stand back a bit, I don’t know what this stuff may do to you.” Applebloom looked fearful for a moment and backpedaled away from the blue residue. I shook my head and began clearing the station, using Arcwind to sweep up the pollen and deposit it into the bucket the girl dropped. Not only would I need to dispose of the waste, but I also needed to fetch fresh water as well as take a bath to wash my clothes and body. By the time I had cleaned up the mess, there no longer remained any of the pollen besides that which was already on me… and in me. Applebloom was looking up at me with wide eyes, and she had a huge smile on her face. “That was so cool! I didn’t know you can use magic, how can you use magic without a horn, how did you make those green lines, can ya teach me how to do magic, how-” I forced her mouth closed with my magic, giving her an annoyed look while she had the modesty to look sheepish. I released her mouth, thankful that she remained quiet long enough for me to ask her a question, “Who are you and what are you doing here?” Applebloom stood up straight and composed herself. “My name is Applebloom, and… well…” She sighed, and her voice became diminutive, “I don’t rightly know. I found this strange black road and I followed it cause I was curious. I wanted to do anything to keep my mind off of things. I’m just so tired of not being able to get my cutie mark. I have no idea what to… do…” She seemed to perk up as she looked up at me with an even bigger smile than before, if that’s even possible. “Do you think you may be able to help me find my cutie mark with your magic, mister?” I raised an eyebrow as I looked down at the hopeful filly. “Let me get this straight; you enter my property, ruin my work, throw a bucket of water at me, and to top it all off, you don’t even know who I am. With all that in mind you want me to help you?” Applebloom smiled sheepishly and nodded her head. “So… does that mean you-” “No.” I lifted the bucket off the ground and began to make my way towards the river, ignoring the filly. Sadly, she had other plans as she raced ahead and stood in my path. “W-Wait, maybe if you tell me who you are we could be friends?” I sighed in annoyance as I closed my eyes and counted to ten. I wouldn’t normally be this irritable, but a lot of my time was wasted, and I got fine powder in my nose, and mouth. Also, I got poisoned. “My name is Robin, and no, I don’t want to be your friend. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go get cleaned up.” I made to move around her but she sidestepped and blocked my path once more. She looked up at me with a trembling lip, her face set into a pout. “Please mister? I really want to get my cutie mark!” I watched her antics for a few seconds before giving my verdict. “No.” She looked surprised by my answer, but quickly recomposed herself and put up her facade once more. She even managed to shed a single tear that traced down her cheek. “Please?” she begged. It’s a good thing I’m a cold hearted bastard. “No.” Applebloom sighed in defeat and silently began to trot off back the way she came from. I myself was about to turn away when I decided to lead the filly in a new direction. “Hey, Applebloom!” I called out. She turned her head, looking back at me in confusion. “Try following the other path that connects from the main road. It leads to Zecora’s hut, and she may be able to help you.” Some of her sadness uplifted and she smiled back at me. “That’s a great idea! Thanks mister Robin!” She disappeared from view as she ran around the house and made for the path. I rolled my eyes in annoyance as I continued my way towards the river. Several hours later and I found myself working at my desk, writing in my journal. After returning from the river, I found myself utterly baffled. I had not had any ill side effects from the pollen. I haven’t even had any symptoms that some foreign magic was messing with me from the inside out. Perhaps the magic from the flower didn’t affect me? Or maybe there wasn’t even any magic in the flower to begin with? I was disrupted from my thoughts as I felt a signal from my tome as well as a small vibration. I took out my token and laid it upon the desk, opening it to the appropriate page. My name is Faith Nocte. To understand my current situation, you must believe in the impossible. You got that? Good, because what I’m about to tell you is something that sounds like it came out of a work of fiction. When I was a little girl, I was told of a story of two heroes. Two Brothers. One could harness Runic Magic and was known as The “Rune Slayer” while the other was able to conjure forth swords at will and gained the title of The “Infinity Sword”. One of them, The Rune Slayer; had himself imprisoned in stone in order to save the Infinity Sword when they faced a great evil long ago. Now get this. The Infinity Sword… That’s my dad. I find this out after getting thrown into the same world that I previously thought was a dream, meeting a few new friends along the way and freeing the brother that was in stone; who turns out to be my Uncle. Now, my Uncle Nicko and I are trying to find a way home within the next seven days (It was originally eight if you counted yesterday). Luckily, I have a few tricks when it comes to fighting and some new skills. But it’s something I’m not totally familiar with. I hope I can be able to figure out how to understand these new abilities and be in complete control of them. -The Code Nemesis, Faith. Yet once more I find myself... speechless. While I can't be certain, it would seem that this girl, this Faith Nocte, wrote this passage not expecting a response of any kind. Perhaps another individual believed that this was nothing more than a diary? Perhaps I should have changed the appearance of the tome, this is just getting ridiculous. But that's just a passing thought. What really got my attention was what Faith had implied. From what she wrote, it almost sounded as if she had been born on earth, and had traveled to Equestria. Her own father was once a displaced, but had managed to return home. Could it be possible? Could there really be a way to return to the life I once lived? Would I even want to? The question I asked myself surprised me, as I fought to search for an answer. I... didn't want to return home. I had changed since I came to Equestria, and I'm no longer the man I once was. I wouldn't fit in a society that revolved purely on science... I didn't belong. I sadly shook my head as I grabbed a quill and prepared to write out a response. I must say Faith, that is an interesting tale to be sure. Out of all the displaced I had met and heard about, not once have I heard of them returning to their homes. I would very much like for you to tell me the full story one day, if you have the time. Now, from the way you wrote your entry, I'm assuming you didn't expect a response of some kind. Well, allow me to introduce myself then; My name is Robin, and I'm a tactician, Archmage, and swords-master. What you currently have before you is none other than my token. I use this to connect with the other displaced that wish to speak to me, such as yourself. I find the situation you're in to be rather... interesting. I can still remember the first day I entered Equestria over 1500 years ago. Back then I had little control over my power, and it was only through intense studying and training did I manage to reach where I am today. I wish you the best of luck in finding a way home. Sincerely, Robin I closed the tome and returned it to its rightful place within my robe. Such a simple entry, and yet it brought up more questions than any other before it. Did I really want to see my family again? I shook my head and extinguished the candle on my desk. Hopefully a good night's sleep would clear my mind. The Next Day The next morning passed as any other. I got up, had some coffee, got Trixie out of bed, and continued my work. Work, however, was… difficult that day. Numerous times I found myself growing dizzy as well as getting short spurts of vertigo. I took some more notes in my journal, wondering if this was a side effect from the flower yesterday, but I couldn’t be certain. I was more and more positive that my own biology either rejected the magic, or negated the full effects. Being resistant to magic in general certainly had its perks. It was around mid morning when I got a visit from Zecora. For some unexplained reason, she had run out of Heart's Desire, something she required in order to finish brewing a particular potion. She came around to see if I had any, but I told her I didn't. With that said, she needed to make a trip into town in order to collect some more. I knew exactly where this was going. Zecora would waltz into town, help Applebloom with her cutie mark issue, and the filly would learn a valuable lesson. Knowing how most of the scene would play out, I eagerly offered to join Zecora into town. I was hesitant to return to the village so soon after departing, but the payout was simply too good to pass up. After the whole incident had washed over, I would ask Zecora one simple question. Where can I find the Seeds of Truth? Not even half an hour later Zecora and I had reached the outskirts of Ponyville. As I suspected, the town appeared to be deserted, save for the occasional face plastered against a window. Zecora herself had visibly deflated as she looked around, noticing the fearful looks of the townsfolk. "I thought I had removed their fear, the last time I visited here." I looked to the center of town and noticed Applejack and Twilight standing beside each other. I tapped her on the shoulder and pointed towards the two ponies. "I don't think it's you that their afraid of this time." Zecora followed my finger to the two elements, her gaze curious. Together, we walked over to the only two ponies in town, wondering what the problem could be. As we drew near, Twilight's ear twitched and she turned around. A look of surprise came over her features which was quickly followed by relief. "Zecora, Robin, thank Celestia you're here. Applebloom has Cutie Pox!" I followed Twilight's hoof to find the troublesome filly writing down equations upon a chalk board. I blinked in surprise as I took in the advanced Calculus formulas and theorems. "We were just on our way to see if you had a cure!" Twilight exclaimed. "But magically you're here! Was your Zebra sense a tingling?" Applejack finished. Zecora shook her head. "My Zebra sense did not bring me by. It was a special flower that I needed found. I thought I picked enough to fix all the potions I had to mix, but after my visit from Applebloom some had mysteriously left my room." Zecora frowned as she made her way towards Applebloom, the filly now weight lifting with a... 1000lb barbell? With her tail? My eye began to twitch at the impossibility of it all. "Abblebloom," Zecora scolded, "what do you say? Did this flower just walk away?" Before Applebloom could respond a flash of light followed by another cutie mark appeared on her forehead. I watched in amusement as she ran over to the nearest set of windows and began to scrub at the glass. I could tell that the filly was in a bind, but I couldn't help but feel some small amount of satisfaction as I watched her tap dance in front of the window. Zecora gave a small smile before speaking once more, "A Cutie Pox cure I have forsooth, for healing power is in the Seeds of Truth." My gaze immediately snapped away from the filly to the three, golden colored seeds. This is why I had originally come into town with Zecora. I wanted to get my hands on a few of those seeds for a little project of mine. "W-Well then, give 'em to her, quick!" Applejack pleaded. Zecora shook her head. "These seeds must be planted in the ground, with the truth they'll grow, and the cure is found." I was making mental notes about the seeds while Applejack and Twilight looked to each other in confusion. "Come again?" "The Seeds of Truth do hold the cure, but one must speak words true, and pure." I internally winced at the requirements. So in order to get the flower I had to speak of things I had long ago bottled up? I was hardly going to speak honestly to a pony, let alone a plant. "Well then lets get to it!" Applejack rushed forward and snatched the seeds from Zecora, planting them in the middle of Ponyville. "Alright, they're planted. Now somepony tell the truth!" I rolled my eyes as I looked at the homes around me, noticing none of the occupants had stepped forth. Most of them were watching the filly with dread, and I noticed two more fillies hiding near a cart. Just when I was about to suggest that Applejack herself start talking, a new voice spoke up, "Yesterday I told Mrs. Cake that I ate two corn cakes, but I really ate three!" I turned my gaze to Pinkiepie, and gave her a half lidded gaze, noticing that her entire coat was drenched in sweat. She met my unamused look and she began to hyperventilate. "Okay, six! I ATE SIX CORN CAKES!!!" I raised my eyebrow. Pinkie noticed and began to cry, waving her hooves around, "Make it stop, oh make it stop!" Have I mentioned to myself yet that these ponies get too excited? Honestly, they're acting like it's the end of the world. A filly twister made its way towards me and I stepped out of the way, watching the blur of colors in amusement. From the storm came a high pitched voice, "I can't stand it anymore! It's me, I admit it, I didn't earn my cutie mark! They're all fake!" My eyes shifted to the mound of soil as it began to move. Applebloom began to explain why she lied, and how she did it. I watched in amazement as a small green stem began to sprout, growing larger and larger with every truth she told. Before long the flower itself bloomed, a beautiful white flower with five golden spores sticking out from the center. This is the flower I needed, and I found myself walking towards the rare plant to get a better look. I took only two steps before Applebloom dove forwards and literally inhaled the flower. I watched in horror as she swallowed the plant whole before collapsing upon the ground with a sigh, and one by one the cutie marks on her body began to fade from existence. I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths to calm myself, noticing some of the looks I was getting from the townsfolk. Sometimes, I really hate magic. Later that night I found myself in my room at my desk, writing down notes. After the incident with Applebloom, I accompanied Zecora around town as she purchased specific flowers she needed for her potions. It was on the walk home that I popped the question as to where I could find some Seeds of Truth. She told me that the seeds themselves were ordered from the town's florist, but the flower itself could actually be found within the Everfree. When I asked her the general location she simply shook her head and told me that she didn't know, only that it was deep within the heart of the forest. One day I planned on traveling to the heart of the forest and searching for the flower. Should I fail in that I'll simply order the seeds like Zecora does. As I prepared to retire for the night, I felt my tome vibrate gently one more. I withdrew the token and placed it upon my desk, opening it to the new note. Good day to you, if your days still exist. The other day your book had come into my possession and only now have I worked up the courage to write in it. I'm afraid such correspondence is something I have not needed for a millennia though I hope it does continue. If you wish for a name, know that I only go by my alibi nowadays, Malthael, the angel of death. If you continue to read this then I will assume my self-imposed title does not frighten you, and for that you have my thanks. I hope to work towards changing it, but for now it serves its purpose. Titles are things which hold meaning after all, and I shall keep this one until I believe I have truly atoned for my sins. Alas, I should not allow my first message towards a hopeful conversation remain dark and gloomy, let me see. Tell me, what do you think of companions? I have recently made a few I hope to call my friends some time in the future, yet one seems to hold much greater interest for me. His appearance was rather surprising but not unwelcome and his attempts at affection will sometimes confuse me. Yet I feel like I've made a good choice in keeping him around, why is that? Am I trying to find another method of atoning or have I simply become infatuated with the idea of having him follow me everywhere? I shall wrap up my message for now, as I do not wish to waste your time. Though I have one last question, can you recommend a good name for a pig? Well, that's one way to introduce yourself. 'Hi, how are you, I'm the Angel of Death, are you having a good day?' Still, despite the awkward introduction, the question this Malthael presented actually threw me for a loop. I saw Trixie as a companion, yes, but I never really saw our status branch out from the usual Master-Apprentice relationship. I eventually came up with an answer and I wrote out a reply. A title such as the Angle of Death is one, I would assume, not easily obtained. If you believe such a thing to instill fear into me, however, then your worries are unfounded. I have faced much greater horrors than death in my past, and even then I have triumphed. After all, there are things worse then Death itself. I must say, your question has given me pause. I currently have an apprentice under my wing, a unicorn by the name of Trixie. She was a stubborn one at first, but she has slowly opened up over time. I suppose at this point I do consider her to be a companion of sorts, although I don't believe we're terribly close. The reasons we search for others to spend time with differs from individual to individual. I myself offered Trixie companionship, because no one else would do so. I could tell she was on a dark path, and she needed another to be there for her. I offered to be that shoulder she could lean upon. Only you yourself can find the answer to the question you ask. As for a pig name... why? Certainly this can't be the new companion you speak of, could it? I suppose in a magical land such as Equestria, it would not be impossible to have acquired a talking animal, if he even can talk. I suppose, for a name, I would go with something simple. Have you considered the name Piglet, perhaps? It's the first thing that pops into my head based on a show I used to watch in my childhood. A childhood, something I'm sure even the Angle of Death once had. Sincerely, Robin I shook my head at the ridiculousness of it all. Ever since I sent out my token I've met some of the oddest individuals. Still, it lead to interesting topics such as this. I sighed and closed my token, returning it once more within my robe. I slowly made my way towards my bed, yawning as I rested my head upon the pillows. Tomorrow would no doubt be another eventful day.