> Reconditus
>  by Vulpibard
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Book One: Utopia
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh? An audience? How… Charming.

I suppose it falls on me to give an introduction. Very well- far be it from me to withhold true knowledge. My full name is Reconditus Domin Lunaris, scourge of Hesalvan, better known these days as the "bogey-man" of Gaia. I was born one thousand six hundred and twenty five years ago to a nomadic people known as the Sildari. 

There was a certain myth in my homeland at the time. If a child was born under the full glow of Gaia's third moon and given the name of a legendary wizard, they would inherit that wizard's power. And, in this alignment, that child was me. 

I was named for the great Reconditus, a powerful mage said to bring the very gods to their knees in the first age. The night of my birth, my parent's caravan had stopped moving and pitched their tents on a long forgotten hill.

The travelers who knew of the legends encouraged the couple to find a good place for their son to learn of his powers. They scoured all of Hesalvan, both the arcane schools and the astral temples, but were often turned away. We were Sildari, and as such had a certain reputation with the arcane world.

Those who did accept the young child could only keep them for a short time before falling prey to a series of 'misfortunes'. As I grew older and learned to tame my power, I had been to many schools- and at every one found my patience wear thin. I was quickly learning in a few days what took most scholars months, even years. As a result my fuse would often run short when it came to any incompetent peers and professors.

Eventually the kingdom had enough with this 'trouble child' and threw me out of their borders, only to be found by a tribe of druids.

Let me explain something here; The druids and Sildari of my homeland have a very... Interesting relationship. On one hand they were both outcasts, shunned by the great kingdom. On the other, where druids taught mutual respect and understanding, Sildari preferred mischief and secrecy. So our cooperation seldom went as far as it did on that night when, regardless of our differences, the druids took me in. They raised and taught me far longer than any of the academies. As a result I grew to respect them, even after I outgrew all they could teach me.

After I left the tribe I journeyed to the heart of the kingdom where I heard tell of a great place of learning, the Academy of the Archmage of Hesalvan. Once there the high council saw fit to put me through a series of tests. I was told I failed them, but a simple memory charm on one of the councilmen showed the opposite. The council did not want to risk my learning their secrets. They feared that, due to the myths surrounding me and my own prior actions, I would one day overpower them.

That very same day I received word that a crusade had begun against both gypsies and druids. Putting two and two together was not difficult to do. I admit that my anger got the best of me. In my rage I led a personal attack on the great library and the academy. I only made it out with a few books, but what I learned from them was shocking.

At this point in my life I had reached fifteen years of age, and had never dreamed of such a thing as forbidden knowledge. None of my professors nor even the druids ever let on of such a thing. But it was here in the books. The art of theurgy, bending divine power to arcane whim- in short, the combination of two separate sources of magic. My magic.

My unquenchable thirst for knowledge driving me, I dyed my robes and traveled abroad as the Black Mage Lunaris. I learned many new things; some light, and the ever more alluring and unknown dark. I shouldn’t have to tell you which path I took.

After a time, and learning a most intriguing path to immortality, I built up quite a reputation for myself. Which ultimately led me to that fateful day at the high councils chamber. The day I was forced to pick a new vacation home.
> Ch. 1: In principio finis
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



"You're going to burn for this, you son of a nighthawk." The prone figure before me roared through his own blood. He probably would have been intimidating had I not snapped his spinal cord five seconds prior.

On second thought he wasn't intimidating before that, either.

"Oh I think I will enjoy that. Why don't you try first and tell me how it feels?" I kindly offered. With a methodical twist and gesture of my hand, I was able to draw a small degree of joy watching his body writhe left and right as it was slowly engulfed in fire.







Ah those were the days, I thought to myself, and perchance they will be again.

I inhaled a cool, fresh breath of air and stretched my limbs, delighting in the prickles of rich, healthy grass. I may have packed too much energy into the teleportation incantation, as it had sent my flying onto my back. My energy felt emptied to its dregs, with only a few sparks of power left in its normally limitless basin. Obviously it was a narrow getaway, but I managed it.

I didn’t bother counting the seconds as I soaked up the sunlight. It was a nice change in pace from the whirlwind of combat, chains and plotting that had filled my prior days. But hopefully soon I would be magnifying it one thousand fold on the fools responsible. Some time later, I finally put in the effort to pull myself into a sitting position. I began to run my fingers through the fertile ground but shortly stopped- Something felt off. After a moment I simply shrugged it aside and resumed. It could simply be a numbness caused by the overcharge.

I opened my eyes and looked around at my surroundings. Such a wonderful world felt almost too good to destroy. Almost. The land I was in was so bright, so cheerful. From the beautiful, flowered green fields beneath to the clear blue sky above. It was so filled with magic it was practically buzzing with power. 

This all came to one unfortunate close when I saw the state of my arms. Or lack thereof.

My hands had vanished. In their place were two plump, grey, bludgeons of stumps. Looking at my legs I found similar results.

Intriguing, I pondered. I seemed to be some form of equine. A strange condition, given I was certain there were no transmogrification elements to my failsafe spell. A pity there were so few horses able to use magic. I was briefly worried this development may have been enough to stop me cold, or at least slow me considerably, but I would recover. And then I looked up.
There was a time when anybody who survived prolonged contact with me felt that if I made much more than a sarcastic comment or swift incantation it would signal the end times. Then surely it must have been the end, because what I saw next made my blood run cold, and a sound more befitting of a toddler in swaddling diapers escaped my throat. 

A horn poked from my forehead.l through my red mane. Not a demonic set nor an oni’s stump, but an elegant, spiral lance that could only belong to one creature.

I was a unicorn.

“Patience, Dominus. Do not lose yourself.” I took a moment to breath. “It might not be so bad. Sure, I'm the symbol of purity, innocence and… gag, healing-" I still refuse to believe restoration is a valid school of magic. “-But at least now I know I can still use magic. Though I may need to get creative.” I ponderously sood to my hoofs. Was it possible to kill somebody with excessive positive energy? Of course, that’s when I looked downward.

"How the hell am I going to gesticulate?"

---

The sky, as I said, was clear of clouds and the sun shone directly overhead as a trumpet declaring the noon time. Which coincidentally meant I couldn’t tell north from south. Behind me was a dark forest- a sight I enjoyed, but it likely held no civilization. Still, I could trace it's edge to navigate.

Closing my eyes I began to explore my mind, running a mental checklist of my new body.

I assumed my eyes were still their natural green, since my hair hadn’t changed color. My fur was also the same charcoal grey of my robes from before, and my earlier outburst also showed this form could talk- though that wasn't strange for a unicorn. I could assume by the vibrant colors and cheerful energy that this was a very different world though. It felt much happier, and more peaceful. Now I just needed to find a village or city and discover more.

I wandered along the tree line for about three hours, eyes clasped on the shadows and sky until I found my bearings. I was heading in an eastward direction, if vaguely. And provided this world had the same solar cycle as my previous home.

I couldn't help but speed up my pace to a steady canter. The speed of this form was at least slightly admirable, but what I needed now was either a library or a secluded homestead to learn more about my new body and domain. My patience paid off once I saw a town fast approaching. It was small, but developed enough to warrant caution. There could be any number of mages or difficult adventuring types living within.

However to my boundless irritation no sooner had I begun approaching than my stealthy entrance was interrupted by a high pitched squeal from next to me. I looked hastily around before finding the noise's source; three short, pre-adolescent horses.

One of them squealed again and I lifted my hoof in surprise. The fillies, as I assumed that’s what they were, were strange specimens. Their ocular growth caused their eyes to nearly cover their entire head, a head which had far outgrown their bodies. It was a wonder they could even stand.

The coloration was the less confusing aspect of them, though it still gave me a pause. The one in front had an orange coat and purple mane, styled almost like a youngling from Gaia; the short and windswept look alluded to a fast paced, valkyrie-esque living style among the clouds. Purple eyes were also noted. Behind her was a yellow filly with a red mane and oversized bow and a white one with a purple/pink mane. And a horn. Were unicorns common here?

After the third ear bleeding squeal, I realized they were speaking words.

"Hey, mister! How'd you get that awesome cutie mark?" The one to the right asked. The fact she was talking wasn’t a surprise, I had moved beyond that point after my earlier break-down.

And I was much less interested by the term 'cutie mark' than I was by the wings on her back. Pegasi were not all too common either where I was from, being a race that lived in the sky with- Ah yes, my valkyrie allusion was accurate then. And even more importantly, I knew I wouldn’t be running out of certain components for a while.

Snapping out of the thought, I followed her dexterous foreleg to my flank. Only now did I notice what was tattooed there- three different coloured comets chasing each other around an abstract skull. Interesting.

"I assume it is for my experiments in magic." I commented, and they snickered briefly, "Is something an issue?"

"You talk funny," the yellow one responded rather bluntly.

"I speak the same way as anyone who comes from my home." At their continued amusement, I added with a raised eyebrow; "Is there a different way to speak here?" 

"Yeah, like you didn't just come out of a history book," the orange one responded this time.

"Ah, I see. So you do have literature," Impressive, they seemed rather young to have access to a library but who was I to judge?

They raised their eyebrows at the exact same time- a synchronicity that almost set me on edge. They were practically triplets.

"Well yeah we got books. Mah sister's friend Twilight owns the library just in town."

"Really?" I stroked my chin for what seemed the fifth time that day, "Then I shall pay a visit to this 'Twilight' and perhaps learn something of my location."

"Whatever," The pegasus rudely waved me off, "Come on, girls, we've got stuff to do." She announced before speeding away- closely followed by the one with the bow. The third, however, remained staring up at me until I turned to her.

"Are you not going to follow your friends?"

She perked up and seemed to realize where she was. Within the second she was dashing after the others and calling for them to wait up. I chuckled to myself and watched them leave; Children were always so carefree. But I didn't stay long. I turned back to the town and prepared myself for an exploration of the library.

Getting there was the hard part though. I had to wade through crowds upon crowds of more ponies, (seriously, was there not a single non-equine creature?) Not that it was much of a problem- they all seemed comfortable standing at a respectful distance. All but one plain, yellow pony who ran up to me the second I passed her stall.

"Hello, sir! You look new in town! I was wondering, since you're so new, why not try our fresh produce? We sell the best vegetables this side of Canterlot..." By the end of her first line I was already drowning her out.

A merchant. Good for a laugh, but seldom much else.

"...And everypony knows how good carrots can be, they help your eyesight, hold various vitamins and minerals, provide energy-"

I fixed her with my most disarming smile and held up a hoof- though the grin seemed enough to silence her on its own. Perhaps I could use a laugh right now.

"As it turns out, these carrots sound delightful. So many fascinating uses, correct?" I trotted over to her stall.

"Yes! I knew you would see it that way! How many would you like? We have a special deal if you buy more than a dozen."

I chuckled to myself. Multiple uses for food, what a farce. They were good for eating and for research, nothing else. But a deal would be nice- in fact I had a delicious one already in mind.

"I am a bit strapped for currency right now, miss-” I explained and saw her smile falter, but not quite vanish.

“Golden Harvest." She introduced herself. "I'm the local carrot farmer here in Ponyville."

Ponyville… and a name like Golden Harvest. I looked around at all the villagers around me. All ponies. Were all of their naming conventions so on-the-nose?

Turning back to Ms. Harvest, I took a moment to regard her. She looked earnest enough. And she had an honest, albeit strained, smile. Something I found equal parts admirable and unique for a merchant. Perhaps this would work in my favor.

I glanced again at her stall: overflowing with carrots despite the late hour. The prices were also visibly painted over. A bit for four, two bits for the dozen; if she wasn't desperate for customers, I didn't know who was. Granted I had no other information about their currency, but I could assume it was roughly the same as a copper coin back home. I saw no sign of other coinage trading hands so it can’t have been greater.

“Perhaps a deal, Ms. Harvest.” She clearly needed one. And while normally I would burn down her stall without a second thought, there were far better ways to introduce my presence to this ‘Ponyville’. “I need a job while I’m here and you need customers. If you’ll have me I’d be pleased to help you sell your wares. In return all I ask for is money and, perhaps, a place to stay."

She glances back at her own stall, then back at me. I felt my eyes roll in their sockets.

"I'm happy to take carrots in place of money, if that's an issue."

Golden Harvest didn’t even blink twice before throwing her foreleg out. “Deal!" she says, almost shouting.
> Ch. 2: A Sparkling Castle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

So much to study. These little ponies appear to be the primary race of this country- perhaps even this world. I see no other species about. But what else is there to learn here?

Well. The streets are broad, the roads follow no discernable pattern and all of the houses save a few are built with simple wattle and daub. Those few rest near the town center. Boisterously dyed and colorful buildings that look as much like carnival tents as  places of business.

But given these colours, there was clearly a heavy distinction between the merchant class and the commoners of this village. Could it be a wealth disparity? Or some other restriction of supplies?

Regardless, every other building looked the same. Which is useful for a lot of things; construction, real estate, block parties- and ancient, homicidal sorcerers interested in finding the few buildings that aren't homestead; It took me a matter of thirty four minutes to find my destination.

Although even this brief trek was exhaustingly filled with acrylic, multi hued ponies.

Nevertheless my goal soon stood before me.

Aha, now this is a proper library. 

A short distance from where I stood, a colossal tree rose up from the ground. It was perhaps fifty, no, sixty feet tall and broad as a house. Only someone with powerful druidic powers could have made this and left it looking so organic. A wizard would have left scorch marks or little experiments showing here and there, and a sorcerer would never have had the patience. Library trees are specially enchanted as a seedling and carefully cultivated over years before being put to use. It was a labor of passion, an art of dedication.

As I approached the doors, I couldn't help but think of the last time I was in a building built into a tree. Had that been during the incineration of Elvenfall, or when I met that hermit of an archmage?

What was his name again? Charles? Edward? No matter, he wasn’t alive anymore.

Pushing the door open with one leg, I slowly scoured the scene for any magical traps before trotting in. The main room was round and warm, with books lining the walls and colorful rugs for the floor. In the center was a desk with the wooden bust of a horse mounted on top of it.

Perhaps they are the only race.  I thought to myself.

There was a lone lilac unicorn laying in the middle of the floor next to the desk with an open book. More unicorns, I groaned as I trotted over, Might as well get this over with.

"Greetings, I was looking for the history section and hoped you know where it is." The beast looked up at me with eyes half closed, dull and annoyed. But she eventually registered that I wasn't one of her regular visitors and bolted upright.

"History? Oh! Um, right over here!" She held out an eager hoof as she walked over to the eastern wing of the library, a deep blush growing on her cheeks. "Do you have a book in mind?"

"Just a bit of light reading, covering the basics again." I consoled her with a shake of my head. Though it may have been funnier to keep watching her fumble. "Dont worry about me, I'm sure I could find it myself," I added, half-chuckling at her confused expression.

Trotting over to one of the sections, I read a few titles before choosing a book. But, as I began attempting to get the book off the shelf, I was left cursing under my breath about the limits of hooves. In one final effort I tried biting the spine.

"Couldn't you use your magic for that?" I jumped at the voice.

"Magic?"

"Levitation. It's one of the first things a unicorn learns."

"Levitation," I deadpanned.

Fascinating... I returned my gaze to the object I desired and reached out with my mind. Nothing happened. Raising an eyebrow, I began a different spell. Still nothing. Perhaps the weave acts differently in this plane.

I attempted a few variations of the same spell, casting it in different ways until, finally, the book rose from it's shelf.

"Well well, magic," Emotionally triggered apparently, more similar to divine magic than the style I use. But I could probably manage with practice.

The unicorn took a step forward, "Are you feeling alright?" she asked, a worried expression plastered on her face.

"Of course I am, just a little peckish, that's all," I replied subconsciously, otherwise ignoring her.

I returned to my thoughts. If unicorns could cast spells like this, how much magic did they have? And what other creatures could use it?

"Right, food! It is almost lunch time, eh heh," She turned away briefly, "SPIKE!" The loud yell was enough to snap me out of my stupor, and for once I took a good look at the mare.

She was acting more than just a little nervous. Her face was flushed, pupils dilated, eyes darting to the door and back: She’s considering running. A stutter and temporary ‘forgetfulness’ didn’t help her much either. Even with my sub-par social skills I could tell the signs- She was scared.

"You seem a little worried, dear, is something the issue?" The unicorn jumped out of her skin, Yes, I believe she is. Absolutely frightened

"N-no, nothings wrong, I just don’t usually get visitors," she stammered, her cheeks reddening more.

"So you live here?" She must be the one responsible for the tree's growth.

Hemlock, Domin. You should have been more careful! Disguise your aura, throw on an illusion or two. This was supposed to be a library, not a residence! But it was much too late for that, she would suspect something if she sensed such a sudden change.

"I do, but only- um, would you look at the time! I've really got to go. Spike!" she began backing away when a small purple lizard popped up around the corner.

"Spike could you, um, make our guest a snack? I've got something I need to go- somewhere I need to meet- A pony to- bye!" She stammered before rushing out the door. The creature just stared after her for a few seconds before turning to me.

"That's weird, I haven’t seen twilight like that since we came to Ponyville…” The reptile shook his head, ending whatever train of thought he may have had. “What kind of snack do you want?"

"Just tea is fine," Ponyville? The town's named... Ponyville?

"Alright, tea it is," I watched him as he scurried away to what I believed to be the kitchen.

Was that a lizardfolk, or a baby dragon? It’s hard to imagine either living with ponies, as a servant no less. Let us hope it's a lizard. 

Personally I would simply kill a dragon while it’s young, while it’s easier to harvest their valuable components. but I suppose these ponies must be more patient than that. Or just completely foolish. While adult dragons, yes, provide a greater volume of resources, they are incredibly dangerous things and formidable masters of arcana. I would hate to oppose them at my current state. Regardless, I returned my attention to the book. Now let's see what secrets this 'Ponyville' is keeping.

Another five hours and three full teapots later, I had read nearly half the history section and come to the following realization; These creatures had some very, VERY, powerful magic just waiting to be abused. The nation, Equestria as I read, (they obviously had something for horse puns,) was founded by the three nations of pegasi, unicorns, and 'earth-ponies'. Shortly after their mythology said the deities themselves graced the choice nation with their presences. If one believed that such powers would lower themselves so far. It would make them more vulnerable... Hmm.

Their pantheon consisted of a list of ‘alicorns’. Ascended beings through whom channeled the fundamental powers of the world. Even of the cosmos, if these myths were to be believed (creatures with enough magic to shift the very stars above. I would pray I never encounter them, but they’d likely be the ones to hear it.)

There were several more of these beings. Celestia and Luna being the most prominent goddesses of the sun and moon. An alicorn known as Mi Amore Cadenza could harness the power of ‘love’ as they put it- though I had to consider the darker applications of shifting somebody’s emotions. Similar to her there was a race of creatures born from a much more ancient alicorn, cursed to become little more than vampires.

These ones I had particular fascination with, though my reasons were simpler than usual. Changelings are fey, after all. And I am trained as a druid. The unseelie courts are probably the one thing I feel approaches my respect. There were mentions of other alicorns, or beings who approached this transcendence, but all had been slain or lost to time. Such as Cadenza's predecessor, Princess Amore.

Sadly, there weren’t many books that detailed information on these lost powers. I would need to search elsewhere for such knowledge. I was in the midst of reaching out for a different reading material when I noticed the purple unicorn from before. She’d just been peeking in through the library window, but ducked again as soon as I glanced her way. Clearly, she was attempting subtlety... Or so I thought, but she  cast that assessment aside by pushing the most unsubtle person into the library.

It was a pegasus like the child from before, but much larger and with a brilliant blue pelt. Equally vibrant was her mane, striped in five different colors. Like a fairy tale for a young girl. I hope not as easily corrupted, nor shallow. I turned my attention to her.

"Can I help you?"

"Yeah, Twi- I saw you wandering around town a while ago and was wondering who you were," Her voice was rather hoarse and cracking, like she had spent far too long shouting into the wind. And given her frown and furrowed brow I could assume this questioning was not entirely voluntary.

"That's a simple matter if ever there was one, you may call me Reconditus."

"Recon Ditus? What's that supposed to mean?" My eye almost twitched. My name was not one I enjoyed hearing mispronounced.

"No, there shouldn’t be a space, my full name is Reconditus Domin Lunaris."

“Reco whatiwhat?”

“Ugh, just Reconditus.” Why am I doing this? “It means abstruse.”

"Ab what now?"

“A..” I gave a sigh. Philistines. “Just… call me Domin.”

She blinked, and I was not sure I’d ever encountered a being so frustratingly daft. With a deep breath, I sought to change the subject.

"Well then, what's your name?"

"Me? Everyone knows who I am! The name’s Rainbow Dash- fastest flyer in Equestria!" She placed a single hoof on her puffed out chest.

“Rainbow.. How fitting.” She seemed to take it as a compliment and puffed her chest out.

The mare likely had a simple superiority complex, which explains her brash nature and boastfulness. And possibly the hoarseness- always needing to be heard above others, and wearing out her voice. Incredible, these ponies come in all kinds of personalities, maybe even... 

I shivered. The presence of another dark mage of my magnitude would mean trading notes or competition. Both inevitably led to conflict- if I had a coin for every cult or wizard who sought to recruit and subsequently force me to work for them… Fortunately I doubt many of them had the intelligence to track me here.

"I'm sorry, fastest-?"

"Fastest flyer, nopony else can hope to beat me!"

"Ah, I see," I tilted my head in acknowledgment, "Well Mrs. Dash, Perhaps you can prove it," She jolted upright and to attention, Tsk, so malleable...

"You're on!" Her break for the door was stopped abruptly when the lavender unicorn ran around the corner and crashed into her friend.

"Oh Rainbow you're here!" She shouted in faux surprise.

"Um, yeah? You invited me over," I barely stifled a chuckle, "What's so funny?"

"I find your friends interest in my activities... amusing, to say the least." I smiled slyly, "May I ask what you were doing in the other room after you sent Ms. Dash in?" The unicorn shuffled a bit, looking nervously at her hooves.

There was a coughing sound and I turned to the other.

"Twilight wanted me to find out who you were," Rainbow Dash explained, "She got kind of nerv-" Twilight shot her a look, "Curious when she saw how much um... magical energy?" Twilight nodded, "Magical energy you were giving off." My brow raised another millimeter.

"Oh?" I trotted over to Twilight and leaned over to look her in the eye, "So you can sense magical auras?" She nodded sheepishly. "Well this still doesn't answer my question, what were you doing?"

"N-nothing!" she stammered, backing away into a corner.

"Oh, but it had to be something..." I slowly followed her a few steps before my vision was filled with two large pink eyes.

"Look, I don't know who your are, Reco Ditu-"

"Reconditus,"

"But if Twilight says it was nothing, then it was nothing, why do you even care?"

"I have many enemies" I answered standing up straight, "I was being cautious."

"What's that even supposed to mean?" She asked, jutting her head forward.

I was reminded strongly of a Falcon or some other bird of prey and my eyebrow raised higher.

"Enemies?" Twilight interrupted before I could reply, "Who would be your enemy in Equestria?" I smiled sagely at her.

"Well until I find someone I can trust, that would be everyone." I began brushing myself off, "Now if you'll excuse me I have an appointment to make." I glared at Rainbow to emphasize these last words before trotting away, but she stopped me.

"Are you calling me and my friend enemies?" I paused and tilted my head.

"Pardon?"

"We're not enemies, Twilight just saw somepony bust in here with some strong magic stuff and ask for the most book-nerdy, boring section of the library! It’s understandable she’d be interested-"

"Rainbow-" the purple one started, raising a hoof, but was interrupted.

"Not only that, but what kind of unicorn doesn't know how to levitate a book?" I rolled my eyes, this was irritating but I couldn't kill her here, the blood might stain a book!

Of course if I burned her... I shook my head, dumb idea. Maybe a freeze spell.

"So, you hold me prisoner in a library for not using a spell?” Rainbow hair paused. “Of course there's also the case of this 'magic power' you say I possess, did it not occur to you that provoking then subsequently cornering me was not the best thing to do?"

"I, uh," the pegasus stammered, I hadn't realized I was walking forward until she was flattened against the wall.

"Precisely, now as I said before I have a great deal of thoughts to clear up, a thing I thought a trip to the library might do," I turned to the Twilight pony, "No offence, your hospitality was commendable. But now I must find another avenue of relief," I trotted arrogantly to the door, "Good day,"

Well that could have gone better, I thought as the door slammed behind me, I barely learned anything. I need much more than early history if I want to stay undetected.

I began walking back to the market. And as irritating as it was, information was my only strength. It took me too much time and effort to produce the emotions necessary to weave this world's magic. I gave a sharp tisk, I should probably put my anger to use. And upon seeing a familiar, un-attended stall, I obviously had my avenue.
> Ch. 3: Blowing Off Steam
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It wasn’t ten minutes later that I blew away the smoke rising from my ceramic cup and took a long sip. Ah, now that's how you blow off steam. I sighed, stretching my rear legs out in front of me and breathing deeply, enjoying the heat from the raging fire before me.

It was fairly simple to light, too: I just had to focus all my rage from earlier events and channel it through my horn and the image of an igniting flame. Now I was sitting in a mildly contented state, sadly without strong emotions to back up any more spell casting. Nonetheless, I wiggled my hooves and enjoyed the fire. Though I found myself turning as I heard galloping nearby.

"My stall!" The yellow pony, Miss Carrot Top, shouted as she skidded to a halt next to me, staring at the fire in sheer terror, "What happened to it?”

“It appears to have combusted.” I answered plainly, careful not to lie. Lying only ever complicated matters. But no need to tell the truth, either.

Instead I pointed to the mound off to the side, where I moved all the carrots so they wouldn't burn too. What? Did you, dear readers, really think I would burn my only possible source of income? Well almost my only source, but it was best to start small. Burning stalls today, looting incinerated peasants tomorrow.

"It's too late to save your stand," I pointed out, as the merchant still stared into the blaze.

"Oh," her tail drooped and she pawed at the ground. The shadow of her hair covered her eyes, but I swear I could hear sniffling.

Honestly, what an annoying sound, I complained inwardly, but looking over my teacup I saw something else; a degree of fear. Like the Twilight creature? No, that fear was directed at me and I knew it well, this was different. Genuine despair, which I also recognised all too well. I normally enjoyed it, but for an unknown reason this time I did not. Maybe I should do something, I thought, times like these were generally a crossroads in life, and I should make it count in my favor. Just after the plan clicked in my mind, I patted the ground next to me and called out to her.

"Come now! It's not all bad. Just look- we have this lovely fire, let's enjoy it a while!" She glared at me pitifully through her bangs but consented to fall down next to me with a flop, sniffing again.

"Now how am I going to sell my carrots? I really needed that money. The apple family has been pushing me out for years, already, and now they'll finally have the edge they need. Not to mention my rent and all the debts I have to pay, and -" She could've kept on like this for a while had I not interrupted her.

"Please, ignore the apple family- their half bit, worm infested apples won't last long. But so long as you have your carrots, why would you need a stand? You can always sell them without one." Harpy’s tongue, was I really trying to give a motivational speech? If this didn't pay in my favor I'd have to burn her house down, too. The golden maned pony sniffled again.

"Do you really think so?"

"Of course, and look: now you can sell roasted carrots! Not to mention invitations to a bonfire party," As though it wanted to prove my point one of the support beams of the stand toppled over. I tilted my head in thought, Come to think of it, it really wouldn't be a party without plenty of helpless creatures to throw in...

The mare stood up swiftly with a determined scowl on her face. "You're right, I won't let this get me down! Never let it be said that Carrot Top is a mare to give up without a fight!"

You're kidding, it worked?

With the blazing fire reflected in her eyes, she turned to me and stuck out a hoof, "Will you help me?"

I sighed and gave a soft smile. At least the potential was still there. Grabbing her hoof, I hoisted myself up.

"Certainly, I could always use the coin," I responded, and the start of my next plan began to form in my head. I wasn't going to stay in this world long, but I might return after a while to see how it's doing- it would be better to have someone on my side.

Carrot Top nodded at me.

"Great, you can start by spreading the news: Carrot Top`s fireside buffet, tonight!"

Even if they think they're the one in charge. I returned the nod and trotted off without a further word.

Luckily there were no witnesses to have seen me incinerate the stand, so I was free to learn who this 'Apple Family' was and get to work. I just loved destroying major businesses, especially when it's family run! Maybe once I was done with them, I could turn on Carrot Top. I squashed that idea as soon as it arose- the plan, Domin.

A thought still nagged at me, however. This land with all it's magic; surely someone must be as powerful a mage as me- perhaps even a threat. I shook my head, mixing agents of vast power never worked well, so banish that thought as well and be off to 'Spread the word.' However one does that. Maybe some posters?

Which would be easy if I could get posters by tonight. I supposed word of mouth could work, Oxblood that'd be tedious. No matter, being a man of my word, I put one grey hoof in front of the other and plastered a determined look on my countenance. Very soon I was rewarded with the sight of a large red stallion waiting in the street. Judging by the clothing in the door it was a rather high society tailor’s shop, but I ignored it for now.

The stallion was a large fellow, powerful and tall. His proud and upright posture was in stark contrast to the heavy looking yoke around his neck. Was it fashion? Or is this some sort of draft horse? By his brawn and weathered fur, I’d assume he’s working class. So why venture to a boutique? Carefully trotting over to him, I found myself checking his ‘cutie mark’ just in case. An apple, was he part of the family?

I had far too many questions for this curious fellow, and it was time to answer them.

"Well well, you look like a respectable member of society- you wouldn't happen to be interested in produce, would you?"

"Eeyup," He answered around the wheat sprig in his maw, and with a tired look in his eye as he casually stared down at me.

"Oh I see, that wouldn't happen to be your area of expertise would it?"

"Eeyup," He commented.

Oh, a quiet one. And I couldn't quite place his accent either. Offering a shrug to myself, I decided my business was finished and trotted away- shortly before I remembered why I was there in the first place and turned back to him.

"Say, if I were trying to hand out invitations for a produce themed party, who would be the best creature to see?" His eyes lazily drifted down to meet mine once more and he raised a brow.

"Ah suppose mizz Pinkie Pie, she’s well known here ‘round Ponyville."

“And where would I find Miss Pie?” I inquired, not desiring to waste any time searching the entire town for one horse.

The stallion nodded his head in the direction of a large… need I say garishly decorated house. A few chimneys in the shape of candles bellowed a white smoke into the air. A baker, of course, her name would imply that in this world.

I had to wonder if these ponies chose their name after their profession, were given professions to match their names, or if it was all an insane coincidence. With an inward groan I realized that, given everything else I’ve seen, it was more than likely the last.

"Many thanks," I graciously nodded at the giant draft horse and trotted a short distance away. Then ducked down an alley. Just what had he been waiting outside that store for? I leaned closer to the corner as a door opened.

"Darn it, she ain’t seen him neither, how hard is one stallion to find?" A feminine voice- of the same dialect as big red, I noted. "I swear, finding that gold-eyed galloper is like tryin' to rope a coilin’ copperhead." There was a pause, then some trotting, "Well, come on Big Mac, we ain't gonna find him sitting around all day."

"Ah'v never known him to sit 'round anyway," A pause. Perhaps as their drawling accent suggested, the speaker had to think a while to get ‘Big Mac’’s joke. Or she was just unimpressed.

"Yeh know what I mean, Mac," The voice was farther off than before so taking their example, I too began slinking away down the alley- But stopped with I felt something beneath my hoof.

An advantage to no shoes! I’m beginning to take to this form. I looked down at the strip of parchment I stepped on. Levitating it to eye level, I read it aloud;

"We know what you are, you have been warned.

H.S."

Huh, so the local rogues gallery already has it in for me. With raised eyebrows and a nod of my head, the letter was enveloped in smoke, More bridges to burn, then.
> Ch. 4: Flyers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



	I watched the ashes drift gently down from the heavens around me and lay on the ground like snow. I’d never burned a library before, but I made an exception for this one. No new knowledge it held, simply more commonality, lies and half truths they all shared. It bored me- no spark of interest or learning like I sought.

But beneath the soot I noticed a figure slowly dragging itself from the charred remains of a bookshelf, something clutched in its arms. I strode swiftly over and put a foot on their back- Perhaps this trip hadn’t been a total waste, after all.

My eyes flashed with fire, and the light faded from his own.







After making sure my mysterious missive was thoroughly burnt and scattered in the dirt, I emerged from the alleyway to check my bearings. No other pony folk seemed to be about at this time, leaving me clear access to the tooth-rottingly sweet visual that was ‘Sugar Cube Corner’. I had to resist the urge to envelope this building, too, in fire as its oppressive sugary smell invaded my nostrils.

I redoubled my efforts shortly after knocking on the door, when it was answered by the eye blinding bright pink explosion of a mare I quickly deduced to be Miss ‘Pinkie Pie.’ Upon seeing me, her eyes widened like saucers and her mouth began to open- And that’s when instinct kicked in, as well as the mare’s entire jaw structure once my foot found her mouth.

“No shouting.” I growled “No gasping, fainting or even so much as a hurried step. Am I understood?”

She nodded and I lowered my hoof to size her up. Completely pink, as said, with an uncontrolled, curly mop of a mane. Her eyes were of a sapphire blue and her cutie mark- which I found myself checking more and more readily despite its unfortunate location- depicted three ovular shapes attached to curved lines at their bases, each its own color. I was sadly left with more questions than answers.

The pink creatures tilted her head at me, clearly waiting for my lead. Good.

“I have been… employed to deliver invitations to a particular carousal in the market square. I was told you might be able to procure the flyers?”

The mare tilted her head in obvious confusion. “A carousel? Why do you need invitations to that? You just put a coin in it and start spinning and spinning and spinning and ooooh! You mean a carou-sal!”
“... Yes. A carousal. Can you assist me?”

“What kind of party is it? A birthday? An anniversary? Reunion- Oh! Is it-” Again my hoof found her mouth.

“A bonfire party. Commemorating a rather… bright future for miss Carrot Top.”

“Oh Carrot Top! I know her!” the pink creature declared, before vanishing into her house in a bewildering blur, only to return mere seconds later with a stack of papers. “Alright! Just need to make a few minor changes aaaaaaaaand~” She dragged the last word so long as she scribbled at the papers that I was tempted to remove her tongue entirely. It was a pity I needed that inside her mouth for now. “Done!” Pinkie Pie declared and slid the documents over to me.

I took a glance at the mountainous pile, then back at the pink one. “You wouldn't be in a position to assist, would you?”

The ensuing gasp alone told me I would immediately regret that particular invitation.





An hour and a half later I found myself in the middle of town square, with a beast so talkative it made me wish I could still cast silencing magic- or worse, simply go deaf.

"-And then I saw that all the pumpkin pies were being eaten and was like omigosh omigosh I have to bake more and so I ran back to-" I held up a hoof to interrupt the talkative mare, Serpents bile, if this was my previous world I would have killed her ten times by now.

“Ms. Pie, I appreciate your help with the posters, but I have another preposition for you."

"What is it, mister Greyskull?" I breathed deeply, desperately trying to maintain my composure.

"My name is Reconditus, Grey-skull was an... acquaintance of mine." I explained, a little less calmly than I could've, luckily she didn't seem to notice.

"Oh, sorry, but I was thinking; Reconditus is such a weird name for a pony! Then I was looking at your cutie mark and how grey your fur is and I figured ‘hey he’s grey, and he must reaaally like archaeology. Or anthrope anatomy but I really wasn't sure about which it might be since you sound super foreign and old-timesy. So I decided to put two and two together and just call you greyskull. And it seems to fit, too! But if you don't want to be called that we could call you something else, like Flashy-Bones or Ashhooves- Oh or maybe something off of your mane like-”

“Pinky Pie.”

“Oh no, silly, that’s my name-”

“Focus.”

“Huh? Oh right. What’s the idea, Reccy Deccy?”

Monkshood I hate this one. But moving on from the depths of her childish mind, I took another breath before continuing my preposition

“I think we may cover more ground if we split up?” We were not very far from Carrot Top’s fire, and I could feel her eyes burning holes into the back of my head. “We could each travel to the town’s edge and work our way clockwise until we’ve delivered all the hand-outs.”

"Okey dokey lokey!" She beamed, expression remaining a joyous grin until I departed. That this place could hold such a creature speaks volumes, am I honestly doomed to wander a world so distressingly vapid? Regardless, I trudged my way thoughtfully to the edge of town with a watchful and curious gaze. I eventually found myself treading down a smaller dirt path, curious to see where it led.

It wasn’t until I saw the house at the end of this path that I realized how far I had gone from Ponyville. It was harder to notice than the rest- built from the side of a hill, or just purposefully camouflaged beneath a layer of dense grass.The door itself was round, and the few windows I could see were semi-circular in shape. To my eye, it was either a halfling hole- and sweet jequirity did I hope it wasn't one of those diminutive rodents- or a druid’s hovel.

As if sensing my presence, a small army of forest creatures began to flock and surround the building as if to defend its occupant. Just when I was in a good mood, I thought fouly. Though I found myself pausing as I stepped forward. The bear was fascinating, though no surprise- so long as they weren’t threatened and kept well fed, I’d be more worried of a wasp in my path. But was that a snake? Coiled around a pack of rodents?

Clearly the work of a fellow druid. But why would they send the animals out without approaching first?

Fascination overtook my reason or purpose and I found myself pausing to sit down, and set the papers beside me. I suppose it was time to see if my old masters’ training hadn't gone rusty from disuse… or from the change in plane.

Arcana was a force of the mind, and of will, enacting quite obvious physical changes on the world. Something I excelled at. But druidism was a subtle art of the spirit, which is perhaps why I was less skilled in the art. But this realm was different, as was evident enough with my new body.

I frowned as I turned my attention from the animals briefly inward. The state of my soul had been… somewhat of a concern to me, given recent events- but one I’d planned to overlook until I’d found a place of more safety. Somewhere to experiment.

A distraction, for now. Focus, Domin.

After finding the wellspring of will and energy in myself, and took a moment to still it. Theurgy will be far harder in this world. I thought to myself, If i need to so often switch from emotional to passive.

Nonetheless, and without much more ado about the hows, whys and whats, I found myself smiling- It was still nothing compared to my old greatness, but it was a comfort to know at least some of my magic worked similar to how I expected.

The speak with animals spell- Advanced for arcanists, yet simple for the nature mages.

Opening my eyes again I looked to the gathered animals and, with a single commanding word, watched as they confusedly hesitated.

… Perhaps my ability to control animals needed a little more perfecting. But I could take confusion over obedience. I strode forward with confidence, brushing past each of the animals with care not to offend any- a challenged predator would be dangerous for my health at this juncture.

Fortunately the animals let me past and I was able to reach the hovels door and give it a sharp kock. A minute passed, and I knocked again. Then again. Was nobody home? It would explain the animals roaming free… But just as I reached for the door handle, I heard something move within.

“N-no Angel Bunny, you shouldn’t-” A voice came, and the handle began wobbling. The door creaked open, and I found myself blinking. There was a small, white rabbit in front of me, who appeared to be crossing his arms in a scowl. It reminded me of someone, but I couldn’t exactly place it- Ah, well. I probably killed them, anyway.

“Ah, you must be... ahem, Bunny,” I tripped over my words for the first time in about two days. Snakeroot feed them all, using words like that in a name. The bunny didn’t move, though, and began tapping his foot.

“May I come in?” No response. Troublesome.

“May I meet the owner of this homestead?” I asked a second time, the little fur ball continued tapping his foot. Ugh, let’s just make this quick. My horn began glowing a shade of grey and the rabbit rose by his foot, “I’ll take that as ‘please do.’”

Trotting in I looked around, the hovel was surprisingly clean for one who courts with so many animals. It was full of furniture, mind you, but kept surprisingly spotless. A table sat in the middle of the waiting room, flanked by a group of soft chairs and couches, and a row of potted plants were to my right. I sniffed the air and had to jerk my head back in instinct- It smells worse than the outside, I refuse to learn how that’s possible. Okay, perhaps that was a lie, but knowledge could wait.

“Please,” a quivering voice sounded to my right, feminine in nature. like most of the creatures here, I noticed. I turned to look at one of the potted plants. Was it the plant? No. But still, I had seen stranger things.

“Please don’t hurt Angel,” the plant sounded again, “I’ll do anything.”

The gears slowly turned in my head, Well well, anything I want. I forced a grin, turning the rabbit right side up and bringing him closer.

“I wouldn’t dream of hurting your little fre- ow!” Son of a nightshade! The little demon had kicked me in the face before my sentence could close. I dropped it in disgust. This beast is dead, I mentally noted, but outwardly held my smile.

“Well, little... bunny, If you are an angel, where is your trumpet? Perhaps I should find a brugmansia for you?”

“Please no!” The voice answered in a hushed, yet worried exclamation. So it knows it’s poison. No matter, the second I get a chance.

Returning to the task on hand, I levitated one of the flyers over to the plant- which suddenly grew eyes. A mandrake? A quiet one if so.

“Oh, looks... dangerous.” Yep, definitely a mandrake.

“Well, you said you would do anything. But you don’t have to go- I can think of something else.” I began edging out of the house, keeping the ball of fluff a good distance away from me, “But I certainly hope to see you at the party.”

Almost gagging at the combination of her house’s smell and the falsehoods escaping from my mouth, I closed the door behind me and turned around.

Mandrakes, I giggled inwardly, this world is already brightening up. Putting one hoof in front of the other, I strolled back down the path, it was still early in the evening and there was much more to learn.