Timid Stepsby Koizumi FoxChaptersThe Weary BeginningOff for a StrideResurrectionThe Weary BeginningAuthor's Note Added my character description. The Weary Beginning Prologue: How long has it been? It seems as if mere seconds have passed by, but physically, it feels as if eons have come and went. My body is a mess, my mane a tangled messy pile, my tail no better. My coat matted and unkempt. My horn unresponsive, and wings simply refuse to obey. The constant migraine plaguing me makes matters only that much worse. I feel as if I have been tracked by an unknown mare, purple, I think she was. Her cutie mark resembled stars, though I have not a clue what that could possibly represent. I’m just glad that my other-self finally came through with the herbs. Hopefully I’ll be able to fix this jam we’re in. Chapter One: Mind over Matter “Hmm…” I thought to myself, “Where, oh where could these herbs be? This map isn’t worth the paper it’s marked on!” I sighed in frustration as I began to trot off to the next location on the map. “Well, looks like I’m off to the Everfree Forest,” I murmured to myself, cautious of any other creatures that could hear me. I gripped the map in my mouth as I conflicted with the pain in my stomach, hunger. “What a pathetic body I have,” I thought as I looked down at my battered orange coat. My mane was a mix of light auburn and deep brown. I had big, emerald green eyes and dark freckles on my forehead. My voice was calm and soft. No fat, malnourished muscles, and bloodshot eyes from constant sleepless nights. “If I don’t get this shit soon, I’ll be nothing more than fertilizer,” I thought. I was on the verge of entering the forest when I came across this farm filled with apple orchards. “Sweet Celestia! Food!” I nearly shouted aloud as my stomach began to grumble. I was perplexed by the exquisite beauty of each apple, the vibrant reds, and the lushish greens, and the roundness of each one was just as perfect as the bright shine that reflected off them. “I could thrive for the rest of my desolate life off of these precious gems of nature!” I thought to myself. “Yeehaw!” came a shout. At this I quickly disappeared into the nearby brush and poked my muzzle out for a small peek. I saw a hardy-looking mare rounding up some cattle that were veering off from the main herd down in a small pasture. “Get along little doggy!” she shouted to the disgruntled cattle. She was an orange mare with three bright red apples right on her flank, she had a blonde mane and a cowboy hat on. “Well, looks like I’ll just have to eat elsewhere…” I said to myself disappointingly. I trudged off into the forest, tugging at what little sustenance the grass offered. “Ahhh...,” I moaned softly, “This is far too rubbery.” I pulled the map back out of my heavily-worn leather tote and set it across the fresh dirt patch I made in the grass. “Hmm, if this is the entrance,” I wondered with a mouth full of grass, “Than the copse should only be a few minutes away.” I clopped my hooves together in conclusion as I again raveled up the map and stuffed it back in my tote. As I took my next step I felt the strains of my poorly maintained body start to encumber me. “I suppose a brief rest is in order,” I sighed as I plopped down in the copse that I was already in. I was just on the verge of sleep when a voice called out, “Hey there!” The sudden noise caused me to react with a very speedy dash deeper into the forest. The voice cried out again, “Hey wait!” but I continued my frantic gallop further in to the dank, dark woods until my already fatigued body gave out. As I collapsed panting, I thought to myself, “Whew! That was a close one!” I lay there rasping for breath for a minute or two and then mustered enough strength to bring myself to my hooves. After brushing off some of the underbrush, I realized that I made it to the groove with the plants I so desperately craved. It was a quite a sight, the oak and timber trees formed a circular formation, the tall summer grasses and flowers seemed to lead to the center where the herbs lie. They appeared as a thick-leaved plant with a single flower with a bright red hue that faded from the center. The breeze that came through was nice and cool. The ambience made me feel at peace with myself. I began to sheepishly tug at the stems of the herbs. “Oh joy...” I mustered as I wearily tugged at the stems. It refused to give away to my efforts so I collapsed at the center in sorrowful frustration. I could barely keep consciousness as my stomach growled savagely at the flesh encasing it. “Oh come off it, will you?” I faintly worded to my stomach. “Oh why bother with it? My life’s been nothing but a depressing waste of existence on this plane!” I dragged myself into the center of the groove and curled into a tight ball. “How disappointing, you’re simply going to give up because you can’t pull a plant on the first try? You truly are pathetic,” Silver Stride coldly said. “Please, I don’t need your sass, you pathetic worm.” I spat back. “Oh my, it seems you’ve finally have the nerve to talk down to me, but still, you lack the will to take action. You’re still a small babe, and you will also die as one, little Timid Dawn.” “Why pester me? You are but a figment of my mind, you aren’t real,” Timid replied. “Oh, but I am that and so much more, I am the more efficient entity, only with the catalyst, though, may I operate. A sad but relevant fact. Use it, and I can make this hollow shell you call a body into a true alicorn. But by refusing to allow it, you force yourself to be a weak, worthless being!” Silver hissed. “You lie through your teeth, you damned, pretentious fuck!” Timid angrily replied. “Just take the chance, you don’t have any other option except death!” he shouted. I awoke in the same copse I began my search in. My bags were nowhere to be seen. “Oh, I will.” I swore under my crisp breath. Night had fallen over the already shady forest, bringing a chill with it. The breeze had transformed into a gusting gale of wind. I began my trot back to the same groove that held the precious herbs I needed. Despite blindly rushing throughout the forest and finding it on a coincidence, the way seemed to have had burned itself into my mind, and so I began to gallop, effortlessly navigating back. I arrived back at the groove and made my way to the center. The herbs were simply lying there, yet appeared more sinister than before. The lush and allure had deserted the plant, and it had developed a dark purple hue, the stem had become sanguine. The smoothness of the waxy leaves became rigid and spiny, the flower looked as if it had become evil and decayed. My uncertainty was interrupted by Silver. “Take it now!” he called out. Regretfully, I took hold of the stem again and pulled. I was astonished at the fact that the roots had become loose. “Ooph!” I sounded as I landed harshly on my back. I quickly regained my stance and galloped back to my home. I breathed a sigh of relieve as I stood outside it. My cottage was in horrid condition: The roof was filled with decayed, worn planks and straw, the walls were dilapidated and rotten, and the floor just as condemnable. I swung what was left of my door open and made straight for the kitchen pantry. I dragged the doors back and entered the small, enclosed space. The pantry was barren and dusty, only inhabited by lone dust bunnies and cobwebs. Underneath my dingy rug ,on the pantry floor, lay a small opening to my true home. As I began my decent down I pulled the rug back in place, covering the opening. I stepped off the ladder and walked into my living area. It was messy, but well-kept compared to the monstrosity above. In a small, dimly-lit corner lay my bed, the other corner lay a disorganized desk with piles of random objects. The ‘kitchen’ was a fire pit and a bucket that caught water through a hole in the earth. The rest of the home consisted of an alchemy lab and a cabinet overflowing with unused ingredients. “Okay, now for that elixir recipe.” I muttered to myself. I went through the small walkway that separated the entrance from my dwelling. I walked to the alchemy lab and threw the herbs onto the table and began to tear them into chunks and bits. When they were small enough, I grinded them into a fine powder with a mortar and pestle. I then boiled some water in a cauldron and added them. After I gathered some other ingredients and added them as well, I took a small, cracked clay cup and filled it with the concoction. “Cheers,” I sarcastically called out and took it like a shot. Off for a StrideAuthor's Note Added Silver's Description! Off for a Stride Chapter Two: Off for a Stride… I awoke in a darkened, moist hole, filled with humid air. As I tried to move I realized that I was shackled to the floor. “What is this place?” I wondered. “The ground seems to pulse, as if it, LIVES! “OHH!” came a moan. Silver Stride casually walked forward from the shadows and began to stretch. He had the same coat color and freckles, but his eyes were a pale orange, and his mane was swept back with a silver stripe in the middle. “Dear Celestia, our body is in even worse condition than I previously anticipated!” he said in-between yawns. “But I‘ll manage.” “Well enjoy your stay, Timid, you’ll be here for a while, maybe even, FOREVER!” He strutted away cackling manically as I tried to shout back at him. Both his voice and body faded deeper into the darkness until it was no longer distinguishable. “So much lunacy…” I thought to myself wearily before succumbing to the darkness. “Ah,” Silver sighed, “Finally back in control, now, time to fix this horrible existence.” He finished as he rose wobbly to his hooves. Silver strode over to the desk that was heavily burdened with stacks of yellowing and fading parchments and began to organize them. “I can’t possibly hope to live in such condition.” Silver said as he entered a state of hysteria. Silver had finished cleansing the entire underground dwelling, the desks nice and tidy, the contents of the cabinet were expertly organized, and the bed well-made. “Now for the most important task, food!” he said aloud to himself. He made for the ladder and ascended to the surface world. As he replaced the rug hiding the entrance, a light rain began to fall. The breeze had died down as the night had passed and the morning sun began to rise, giving off faint glows of red and orange while pressing the night sky back with a purplish hue. Birds and other small woodland creatures began their chimes and morning routines as Silver left the desolate cottage. “Let’s have a look at the list then,” Silver neighed as he stretched from being stuck in the small undercroft he called home. He brought out a browned parchment with a list of edible foodstuffs out of a newly crafted leather tote. He gazed at the list, subconsciously muttering to himself about how to maintain a well-stocked food store. He then slid the list back into his tote and began to trot off to the Everfree forest. “Oh where could these dragon tails be?” Silver muttered as he snuffed around the tall grasses of the floor of the forest. Just at the end of his thoughts nine tribal ponies came crashing through the trees shouting and ranting blood-curdling death cries. “Raaargh!” shouted the first one. The others mimicked his cries. They were covered with white and red painted stripes and clothed by grass weave and leather hides of fallen foes and creatures. Their manes were cut short and in unique styles of which Silver had never seen. They galloped straight at him with their eyes filled with a savage bloodlust. They pulled out what appeared to be tribal weapons as they drew closer. Silver was too shocked to move his hooves, and stood paralyzed in fear of his death drawing closer. Just as they reached a few meters away, they forced themselves to a halt as they began to trot around Silver, encircling him. Their eyes locked immediately on his tote and greed began to fill their already devilish expressions. They began beating their hooves against the ground as the leader-by the look of him-came to face Silver in the center. He was the most decorated of the raiders, with small skulls and other grizzly trophies and ornaments hanging from his dress. He grunted aggressively as he motioned for Silver to relinquish his tote to him. Silver reluctantly slid off his tote and placed it gingerly on the ground. As the raider moved in to take the bag, Silver saw a flash fly through the tree line and ducked. The flash was an arrow that lodged itself into the neck of the leader’s throat. “Gah!” was all he could get out as he collapsed and began writhing in pain. Blood spurted from the wound effortlessly as the flesh around the wound began to melt away, revealing the darkened tissue underneath while smoke slowly began to rise from it. Silver watched as the life slowly faded from the pained colt’s eyes. The other raiders turned to the tree-line and began to survey for the source of the attack. Several arrows came crashing through the tree lines, all piercing a new target. They all collapsed as similar effects took their toll on their bodies. Silver finally regained control of his limbs and bolted for the opposite direction. He began to panic as he heard several hoovesteps smashing through the delicate underbrush behind him. He felt the air around him wiz as several darts flew past him. He began to pant raggedly as he began to lose his breath and his legs became fatigued. He tried to continue his escape, but his hoof slipped into an inconveniently located pothole, causing him to lose his stance and come crashing brutally into the earth. Silver pulled himself up from the blood-splattered grass he landed in. He felt his face and discovered a deep gash had opened up, with torrents of blood flowing out. “Fuck me…” he slurred as he hopelessly continued his desperate escape. He was limping due to the pothole tearing his tendons in his left front hoof. Blood had begun a steady flow from his hoof while his blindly staggered through the darkening forest. After what seemed like hours, Silver lost his stance again and began to crawl slowly through the forest. His face was stained with re-dried blood and tear marks while his coat was covered with scratches and abrasions. He struggled with each breath he took, for he knew they may be his last. Slowly the world became darker and blurry as the blood-loss began to put Silver into shock. “No…not no……” Silver barely managed to croak. As he slipped into unconsciousness, the pursuers gathered around him. “Wow, this one sure didn’t want to get caught,” came a feminine voice. “Yes, it seems that there is still a bit of life left in him, poor wretch,” came a masculine voice. “Let’s see here…” said another masculine voice as the dark colt lifted Silver’s mane, “Well, well, an alicorn no less, he would make a wonder addition, wouldn’t you agree, Greymane?” Greymane, a large Pegasus, walked up to examine the body. “Hmm, can you fix him, Mayday?” he simply asked. “Well, if he hasn’t lost too much blood, I can keep him alive.” “Good then, let’s wrap him up then, Terastrike, get to it.” “Yes sir!” she called. She pulled out a bandage roll, some compresses, and bindings and carefully applied them to Silver’s wounds. I felt my mind come back as I opened my eyes to see that I had switched places with Silver Stride. He lay there with his head lolling while he was unconscious. From the looks of his grizzly wounds, I could see why. “Oh what trouble did you land us in?” I spoke aloud softly as I drifted back to my own body. I awoke in a dingy cell that smelled, ‘natural’. I groaned softly as I tried to raise my hooves. I gave my body a quick examination: Bandaged head and hoof, cleaned and treated coat, and my mane was actually kempt for once. “Well, at least somepony gives two fucks about me,” I thought as I surveyed the room. The cell seemed to be isolated, for the only sounds I heard were that of nature. It was dark, musty, and made of stone. The pile of putrid of hay served as the only bed as far as I could tell. A rusted iron pail lay in the back left corner and obviously served as the restroom. The door was made of a metallic alloy, possibly to block the use of my horn. “Oh if they only knew…” I thought comically to myself as I licked my parched lips, “My horn is the least dangerous thing on my body.” As I finished this thought, I heard hoofsteps outside and I backed into the shadows of the cell, anxiously anticipating my captors to reveal themselves. “No need to hide in the shadows, alicorn, I see you just as clear as if it were day,” came a gruff yet relaxed voice. “What do you want with me?” I timidly rasped out. “No need to worry about that now, besides, I’ve been sent to collect you. You won’t try to run again will you? It was such a ‘drag’ to get you back here, and I don’t look forward to playing nursemaid again anytime soon. Nah,” he snorted in humor, “I kid, my name’s Saps,” he smiled as he finished. He was a dark colt with a cloak covering most of his body. His eyes were a deep, ruby red and his muzzle was sharp and he had a small but muscular build. His teeth resembled fangs. “Okay,” I whispered. “Alright then, come along!” he said deeply while unlocking the cell door and beckoned with his hoof to the outside world. I bashfully stepped out onto the tree darkened path as he slowly closed the door behind me. “This way to our castle, it’s subterranean, just a heads-up if you’re afraid of the dark,” he stated as he took the lead. “It was a fine structure once, it stood on the highest peak of the Everfree forest for millenniums," he went on, "But after the Grand Quake, it now lies at one of the lowest points of the forest,” he informed me. We walked for a while in silence. “Don’t talk much do you?” he asked comically. “No,” I gained the nerve to say. “Oh, well, you’ll get along fine I’m sure,” he said reassuringly as we reached a cliff overlooking a steep ravine. I looked down to find that there was a gently rolling slope that led into the cavern of the ravine. We walked into the dark ravine that had the silhouette of a grand-looking castle that had a gothic feel about it. As we entered the cavern I lost my sight and stopped in place. “Why’d you stop? Oh, almost forgot, your kind can’t see in the dark,” he said as he brought out a torch. He struck it against the cavern wall and it immediately lit. The insides of the cavern became clearer as the torchlight danced lazily against the walls. “Better?” he asked. I nodded my approval. He nodded back and we continued on our path to the castle. The way was a well-worn path with stalagmites guiding our path. As we traveled through the interior of the cavern I heard water dripping and a faint spring bubbling in the distance. We then came up to the darkened shape of the castle as faint lights crept through the darkness. As we neared the drawbridge to the castle, the new lights grew faintly brighter as the light of the outside world slowly faded behind us. “Welcome to Castle Everfree, it’s a lovely little slice of heaven,” he announced as we approached at a leisurely pace. The drawbridge was made up of old and worn oak planks and rusty iron fittings and supports. The stonework was chipped and worn, but still well-standing. Two large hearths burned merrily at both sides of the bridge on what appeared to be defense towers. The twin large oak doors that were the entrance, looked as if they were new. As we began to cross, I saw stone statues of possible past inhabitants, they appeared as royalty yet, just as gloomy as the pony that guided me. “This statue is of Lord Redwene Everfree, founder of this fine forest,” stated Saps. As I examined the statue further, I took hold of his distinguishable features: His jaw was chiseled and his eyes were elegant and filled with merriment. His mane was short and wavy, as was his tail. He wore a cloak like Saps’s but his was different due to the magnificent pendant. It was round with six gems circling a large star shaped gem in the center. “He took interest in you when he learned you were an alicorn, and wishes to speak with you.” “Wait, he’s still alive?” I asked. “Oh, silly me, I forgot, but uh never-you-mind that, he’s right through this door, and is anxious to meet you,” he said as he motioned for me to go inside. I was still pondering what to do, make a run for it and risk getting lost and dying, or enter the castle and see what is being offered. In the end I decided to enter the castle and meet this Lord Everfree. “Ah, now before you enter, please treat my lord with respect, address him as milord, speak only with spoken to, and don’t do anything that you may think to upset the court,” he said as he began to open the door. “Milord? The Alicorn is here to see you,” Saps called as he entered and bowed. As I entered the throne room, I also bowed, as to not condemn myself to an early demise. “You may raise, Saps, and newcomer.” King Everfree’s voice sang out. As we rose I raised my eyes to him as he sat on his throne. He was a well-built unicorn and resembled his subject Saps, only his mane was a light brown. The pendant that hung around his neck was silver and consisted of precious gemstones, a ruby, sapphire, emerald, topaz, garnet, and amethyst. In the center was a large diamond that cast a rainbow-like glow. The gems inside the pendant were reflecting through the diamond. “So, you are the alicorn that fled away from my loyal subjects? My, my, you gave us quite the exercise with how fast you moved!” he announced cheerfully. “No matter, you’re here now and that’s all that matters! So, what’s your name?” “Timid Dawn, milord,” I spoke softly. “Quiet one aren’t you?” he asked humorously. “Don’t worry Timid, we don’t bite, much.” I forced an uncomfortable smile as I asked, “Milord, what brings you down here?” “Oh, just an earthquake, nothing too serious, I mean we all survived and still have our home so no need to complain,” he replied disregarding it as nothing as he looked at his hoof. “Ah, I see, milord.” I said in response. “Well, Timid, I’m sure you’re curious as to why I dragged you here, if I’m not mistaken,” he said. “Yes, milord.” I said in reply. “I’m was keenly interested in the fact that you were an alicorn, and well, I was hoping if you’d be willing to strike a bargain,” he stated. “Though my offer my may seem a little extreme, I genuinely hope you take it into serious consideration.” “Yes, milord?” I asked wearily, for I saw that a steep price came with the boon. “Well, encase you still haven’t figured it out, we’re vampires, and we owe our existence to it,” he said in all seriousness. “I was wondering if you’d be willing to exchange gifts, I become an alicorn, and you become a true immortal of nocturne!” he said with a hint of excitement. I was shocked by this offer, but nevertheless intrigued. I’d never have to forage for food or worry about disease ever again. But on the other hoof, I’d gain weakness to the sun and fire, as well as lose my existence as a living creature. As I stood pondering it, King Everfree stared at me, waiting for my response. After a few minutes passed by, King Everfree spoke. “If you need more time to ponder and consider, I can offer you your own quarters for the night, and have Saps bring you meals as you see fit.” “That would be wonderful, milord,” I replied. “Excellent, Terastrike!” King Everfree called as he clopped his hooves, “Show our esteemed guest to his room!” A female Pegasus came and gripped my hoof as she led me to the room that I would be staying in for the night. She was a lighter shade of grey and had a longer, thicker mane. She had calming eyes and a small snout, and with it an equally small and beautiful smile. “Here you go, Timid, have a wonderful sleep,” she said to me soothingly. “I hope you enjoy your stay.” She then flew away to where I thought her quarters lie. The door to my room was made of recently refurbished wood and iron fittings, and as I swung it open, I found that the room was medium-sized room fit for a small-time lord. The bed was made of fine silk and the frame of sturdy oak. The rest of the room was a table set with a meal and candles, a wardrobe, rugs, and a separated area for relieving one’s self. I crawled into the bed and thought to myself, “What have I gotten myself into?” ResurrectionChapter Three: Resurrection “Here I am again, knee deep in trouble, only this time, no escape,” I thought. “You know what you must do, Timid, release me!” Silver shouted throughout my mind. “After getting us into this mess in the first place?” I asked in confusion, “Oh no, ha ha, you’re staying right where you belong.” I replied between fits of laughter. “You’ll not make it too far without me,” he swore before I shut him out. I fell deeply into sleep and had a dream. It was of this very castle, and I was standing outside, it was twice as forbidding, yet, empty-feeling. I strutted up to the gates and threw open the heavy oak doors and walked in. The tapestry was tattered and worn, the throne room filled with shattered corpses and blood splatters. The windows were all in fragments and still-burning hearths and torches littered the floor. King Redwene stepped out from behind the throne with malicious contentment on his face. He was covered with blood and wounds as he strutted down the steps. His glossy, black mane was messy and his coat matted from several wounds. “Hello, dear Greymane,” he spoke with insanity, “What’s the status of the rest of the traitorous swine?” A voice emerged from my throat, “What is left of them, milord, have fled across Equestria.” King Everfree parted his mane to reveal a horn and spoke with his normal voice again, “I’m just grateful for this gift that bestowed upon me by our new friend, otherwise, there’d be a new king on the throne.” “I’m just glad you’re alright, milord,” the voice again emerged from my mouth. “Yes, yes, go get our guest and send him on his way, I won’t drag him into this,” King Everfree ordered. “Yes, milord,” I said as I bowed deeply. I began to make for the doors to the living quarters when I was awakened by a knock on the door. “Timid, it is time to rise,” came a familiar voice through the heavy wooden surface. I then heard them walk away from the door and down the hall, followed by the creak of a door opening and closing. “What bizarre dream…” I thought as I yawned deeply. I yawned again while throwing the covers off of myself and slid off the bed onto the stone floor. I walked wobbly to the table and sat down in the chair I pulled out. On the table lay a small meal fit for a god, every bit was arranged perfectly. The eggs and wheat bread went down well with the oats and glass of juice. As I finished my meal, Saps came through the door. “Enjoying your stay?” he asked causally. “It is most excellent,” I answered politely. “So, have you come to your decision?” “I’m still trying to figure that out, but I am curious of what other benefits I may gain from this agreement,” I responded. “Well, I wouldn’t be the one to tell you, for we all accepted this gift without much choice,” he said with a little realization of the outcome of his own decision. “But I’m sure King Everfree should be able to tell you more about it.” “Excellent,” I said, pleased with the answer as I rose to leave. “Allow me to accompany you, Timid,” he started as he rose, showing a little curiosity and excitement as he did so. “By all means,” I replied as he took the lead. We walked through the hall and down the main corridor to the throne room. He pulled and held the door open for me as I gave a confirmative nod when I walked through. I turned to see King Everfree seated upon his throne in a leisurely manner and was sipping on what I hoped to be red-berry wine. He readjusted as soon as he laid eyes on me. “So, I take it that you came to a final decision,” barely hiding contained excitement he held in his voice. “Well, not exactly,” I said as I rose from my bowing position, “I was hoping if you could further educate me on the boons of becoming a vampire, milord.” “Ah,” he said, clearly disappointed by my response, “Well, Timid, other than never having to fear death by normal means again, there isn’t much else I could tell you, my memory isn’t as magnificent as I would like. The book I had uncovered had become lost along with the rest of my once wonderful kingdom.” “Well, milord, I would have liked to further understand more about it, but I guess I’ll just have to experiment,” I said in a slightly cheerful tone. “You mean you accept?” he asked, astonished by my willingness to become something I had little understanding of. “Yes, milord, I do.” “Splendid!” he cried, nearly upturning his cup in pure excitement. “Come, Timid, come, we have much to prepare for!” he said as he threw his hoof around my shoulders. King Everfree led me to the basement which was filled with an assortment of old, dusty lab equipment. The ceiling was so high that appeared as total darkness above us. I looked further down at the long, winding staircase down to the lab level. We began our decent as King Everfree told me of the lab’s history. “This lab used to be used to find any sort solution to our daily problems, and my own scientific pursuits,” he explained. “If only it still functioned as it did back then…” he said drifting into a nostalgic episode. “But never-mind all that,” he said shaking out of the brief episode, “We have what we need.” We finally reached the bottom of the staircase and King Everfree walked over to a table that appeared pre-set not too long ago. His hoofsteps clopped through the entire room, giving it a depressing feeling of emptiness. “Okay,” he muttered to himself as he began to start up the clean lab equipment. The glassware had become different shades and hues of various colors including green, red, and even teal. “I’ll need a lock of hair, or any portion of your body mass,” he called over his shoulder. I picked up some weathered shears off a table still covered with layers of dust and cobwebs. I sliced some hair into King Everfree’s outstretched hoof. He quickly took it and dropped it into the bubbling, hissing, and fizzing solution of constant color displacing. As he did so the solution stabilized and he looked down with content at the dazzling brew. “This is what I need…” he said as he lost himself in the beautiful and intoxicating liquid. “You need this,” he said, leaving his trance-like state. He bit fiercely into his own arm with a sickening crunch. Blood rain freely from his open wound and he held it over an empty glass. It began to fill as the blood slowly dripped off his slick hoof with plops. After he was satisfied, he poured the about half of his concoction into the blood-splattered cup. “Cheers,” he said as he raised his glass to toast. I took the other glass and clinked it with his as I said, “Cheers,” back and downed the liquid. “Oh, my…” I slurred as my vision distorted and faded. “Pleasant dreams, Timid Dawn,” King Everfree managed to get out as he fell unconscious in front of me. I couldn’t hold myself up anymore and fell into a deep slumber. I awoke to the sensation of being tainted by a warm, organic feel. I slowly opened my eyes to find myself staring into the orange eyes of Silver Stride.
The Weary BeginningAuthor's Note Added my character description. The Weary Beginning Prologue: How long has it been? It seems as if mere seconds have passed by, but physically, it feels as if eons have come and went. My body is a mess, my mane a tangled messy pile, my tail no better. My coat matted and unkempt. My horn unresponsive, and wings simply refuse to obey. The constant migraine plaguing me makes matters only that much worse. I feel as if I have been tracked by an unknown mare, purple, I think she was. Her cutie mark resembled stars, though I have not a clue what that could possibly represent. I’m just glad that my other-self finally came through with the herbs. Hopefully I’ll be able to fix this jam we’re in. Chapter One: Mind over Matter “Hmm…” I thought to myself, “Where, oh where could these herbs be? This map isn’t worth the paper it’s marked on!” I sighed in frustration as I began to trot off to the next location on the map. “Well, looks like I’m off to the Everfree Forest,” I murmured to myself, cautious of any other creatures that could hear me. I gripped the map in my mouth as I conflicted with the pain in my stomach, hunger. “What a pathetic body I have,” I thought as I looked down at my battered orange coat. My mane was a mix of light auburn and deep brown. I had big, emerald green eyes and dark freckles on my forehead. My voice was calm and soft. No fat, malnourished muscles, and bloodshot eyes from constant sleepless nights. “If I don’t get this shit soon, I’ll be nothing more than fertilizer,” I thought. I was on the verge of entering the forest when I came across this farm filled with apple orchards. “Sweet Celestia! Food!” I nearly shouted aloud as my stomach began to grumble. I was perplexed by the exquisite beauty of each apple, the vibrant reds, and the lushish greens, and the roundness of each one was just as perfect as the bright shine that reflected off them. “I could thrive for the rest of my desolate life off of these precious gems of nature!” I thought to myself. “Yeehaw!” came a shout. At this I quickly disappeared into the nearby brush and poked my muzzle out for a small peek. I saw a hardy-looking mare rounding up some cattle that were veering off from the main herd down in a small pasture. “Get along little doggy!” she shouted to the disgruntled cattle. She was an orange mare with three bright red apples right on her flank, she had a blonde mane and a cowboy hat on. “Well, looks like I’ll just have to eat elsewhere…” I said to myself disappointingly. I trudged off into the forest, tugging at what little sustenance the grass offered. “Ahhh...,” I moaned softly, “This is far too rubbery.” I pulled the map back out of my heavily-worn leather tote and set it across the fresh dirt patch I made in the grass. “Hmm, if this is the entrance,” I wondered with a mouth full of grass, “Than the copse should only be a few minutes away.” I clopped my hooves together in conclusion as I again raveled up the map and stuffed it back in my tote. As I took my next step I felt the strains of my poorly maintained body start to encumber me. “I suppose a brief rest is in order,” I sighed as I plopped down in the copse that I was already in. I was just on the verge of sleep when a voice called out, “Hey there!” The sudden noise caused me to react with a very speedy dash deeper into the forest. The voice cried out again, “Hey wait!” but I continued my frantic gallop further in to the dank, dark woods until my already fatigued body gave out. As I collapsed panting, I thought to myself, “Whew! That was a close one!” I lay there rasping for breath for a minute or two and then mustered enough strength to bring myself to my hooves. After brushing off some of the underbrush, I realized that I made it to the groove with the plants I so desperately craved. It was a quite a sight, the oak and timber trees formed a circular formation, the tall summer grasses and flowers seemed to lead to the center where the herbs lie. They appeared as a thick-leaved plant with a single flower with a bright red hue that faded from the center. The breeze that came through was nice and cool. The ambience made me feel at peace with myself. I began to sheepishly tug at the stems of the herbs. “Oh joy...” I mustered as I wearily tugged at the stems. It refused to give away to my efforts so I collapsed at the center in sorrowful frustration. I could barely keep consciousness as my stomach growled savagely at the flesh encasing it. “Oh come off it, will you?” I faintly worded to my stomach. “Oh why bother with it? My life’s been nothing but a depressing waste of existence on this plane!” I dragged myself into the center of the groove and curled into a tight ball. “How disappointing, you’re simply going to give up because you can’t pull a plant on the first try? You truly are pathetic,” Silver Stride coldly said. “Please, I don’t need your sass, you pathetic worm.” I spat back. “Oh my, it seems you’ve finally have the nerve to talk down to me, but still, you lack the will to take action. You’re still a small babe, and you will also die as one, little Timid Dawn.” “Why pester me? You are but a figment of my mind, you aren’t real,” Timid replied. “Oh, but I am that and so much more, I am the more efficient entity, only with the catalyst, though, may I operate. A sad but relevant fact. Use it, and I can make this hollow shell you call a body into a true alicorn. But by refusing to allow it, you force yourself to be a weak, worthless being!” Silver hissed. “You lie through your teeth, you damned, pretentious fuck!” Timid angrily replied. “Just take the chance, you don’t have any other option except death!” he shouted. I awoke in the same copse I began my search in. My bags were nowhere to be seen. “Oh, I will.” I swore under my crisp breath. Night had fallen over the already shady forest, bringing a chill with it. The breeze had transformed into a gusting gale of wind. I began my trot back to the same groove that held the precious herbs I needed. Despite blindly rushing throughout the forest and finding it on a coincidence, the way seemed to have had burned itself into my mind, and so I began to gallop, effortlessly navigating back. I arrived back at the groove and made my way to the center. The herbs were simply lying there, yet appeared more sinister than before. The lush and allure had deserted the plant, and it had developed a dark purple hue, the stem had become sanguine. The smoothness of the waxy leaves became rigid and spiny, the flower looked as if it had become evil and decayed. My uncertainty was interrupted by Silver. “Take it now!” he called out. Regretfully, I took hold of the stem again and pulled. I was astonished at the fact that the roots had become loose. “Ooph!” I sounded as I landed harshly on my back. I quickly regained my stance and galloped back to my home. I breathed a sigh of relieve as I stood outside it. My cottage was in horrid condition: The roof was filled with decayed, worn planks and straw, the walls were dilapidated and rotten, and the floor just as condemnable. I swung what was left of my door open and made straight for the kitchen pantry. I dragged the doors back and entered the small, enclosed space. The pantry was barren and dusty, only inhabited by lone dust bunnies and cobwebs. Underneath my dingy rug ,on the pantry floor, lay a small opening to my true home. As I began my decent down I pulled the rug back in place, covering the opening. I stepped off the ladder and walked into my living area. It was messy, but well-kept compared to the monstrosity above. In a small, dimly-lit corner lay my bed, the other corner lay a disorganized desk with piles of random objects. The ‘kitchen’ was a fire pit and a bucket that caught water through a hole in the earth. The rest of the home consisted of an alchemy lab and a cabinet overflowing with unused ingredients. “Okay, now for that elixir recipe.” I muttered to myself. I went through the small walkway that separated the entrance from my dwelling. I walked to the alchemy lab and threw the herbs onto the table and began to tear them into chunks and bits. When they were small enough, I grinded them into a fine powder with a mortar and pestle. I then boiled some water in a cauldron and added them. After I gathered some other ingredients and added them as well, I took a small, cracked clay cup and filled it with the concoction. “Cheers,” I sarcastically called out and took it like a shot.
Off for a StrideAuthor's Note Added Silver's Description! Off for a Stride Chapter Two: Off for a Stride… I awoke in a darkened, moist hole, filled with humid air. As I tried to move I realized that I was shackled to the floor. “What is this place?” I wondered. “The ground seems to pulse, as if it, LIVES! “OHH!” came a moan. Silver Stride casually walked forward from the shadows and began to stretch. He had the same coat color and freckles, but his eyes were a pale orange, and his mane was swept back with a silver stripe in the middle. “Dear Celestia, our body is in even worse condition than I previously anticipated!” he said in-between yawns. “But I‘ll manage.” “Well enjoy your stay, Timid, you’ll be here for a while, maybe even, FOREVER!” He strutted away cackling manically as I tried to shout back at him. Both his voice and body faded deeper into the darkness until it was no longer distinguishable. “So much lunacy…” I thought to myself wearily before succumbing to the darkness. “Ah,” Silver sighed, “Finally back in control, now, time to fix this horrible existence.” He finished as he rose wobbly to his hooves. Silver strode over to the desk that was heavily burdened with stacks of yellowing and fading parchments and began to organize them. “I can’t possibly hope to live in such condition.” Silver said as he entered a state of hysteria. Silver had finished cleansing the entire underground dwelling, the desks nice and tidy, the contents of the cabinet were expertly organized, and the bed well-made. “Now for the most important task, food!” he said aloud to himself. He made for the ladder and ascended to the surface world. As he replaced the rug hiding the entrance, a light rain began to fall. The breeze had died down as the night had passed and the morning sun began to rise, giving off faint glows of red and orange while pressing the night sky back with a purplish hue. Birds and other small woodland creatures began their chimes and morning routines as Silver left the desolate cottage. “Let’s have a look at the list then,” Silver neighed as he stretched from being stuck in the small undercroft he called home. He brought out a browned parchment with a list of edible foodstuffs out of a newly crafted leather tote. He gazed at the list, subconsciously muttering to himself about how to maintain a well-stocked food store. He then slid the list back into his tote and began to trot off to the Everfree forest. “Oh where could these dragon tails be?” Silver muttered as he snuffed around the tall grasses of the floor of the forest. Just at the end of his thoughts nine tribal ponies came crashing through the trees shouting and ranting blood-curdling death cries. “Raaargh!” shouted the first one. The others mimicked his cries. They were covered with white and red painted stripes and clothed by grass weave and leather hides of fallen foes and creatures. Their manes were cut short and in unique styles of which Silver had never seen. They galloped straight at him with their eyes filled with a savage bloodlust. They pulled out what appeared to be tribal weapons as they drew closer. Silver was too shocked to move his hooves, and stood paralyzed in fear of his death drawing closer. Just as they reached a few meters away, they forced themselves to a halt as they began to trot around Silver, encircling him. Their eyes locked immediately on his tote and greed began to fill their already devilish expressions. They began beating their hooves against the ground as the leader-by the look of him-came to face Silver in the center. He was the most decorated of the raiders, with small skulls and other grizzly trophies and ornaments hanging from his dress. He grunted aggressively as he motioned for Silver to relinquish his tote to him. Silver reluctantly slid off his tote and placed it gingerly on the ground. As the raider moved in to take the bag, Silver saw a flash fly through the tree line and ducked. The flash was an arrow that lodged itself into the neck of the leader’s throat. “Gah!” was all he could get out as he collapsed and began writhing in pain. Blood spurted from the wound effortlessly as the flesh around the wound began to melt away, revealing the darkened tissue underneath while smoke slowly began to rise from it. Silver watched as the life slowly faded from the pained colt’s eyes. The other raiders turned to the tree-line and began to survey for the source of the attack. Several arrows came crashing through the tree lines, all piercing a new target. They all collapsed as similar effects took their toll on their bodies. Silver finally regained control of his limbs and bolted for the opposite direction. He began to panic as he heard several hoovesteps smashing through the delicate underbrush behind him. He felt the air around him wiz as several darts flew past him. He began to pant raggedly as he began to lose his breath and his legs became fatigued. He tried to continue his escape, but his hoof slipped into an inconveniently located pothole, causing him to lose his stance and come crashing brutally into the earth. Silver pulled himself up from the blood-splattered grass he landed in. He felt his face and discovered a deep gash had opened up, with torrents of blood flowing out. “Fuck me…” he slurred as he hopelessly continued his desperate escape. He was limping due to the pothole tearing his tendons in his left front hoof. Blood had begun a steady flow from his hoof while his blindly staggered through the darkening forest. After what seemed like hours, Silver lost his stance again and began to crawl slowly through the forest. His face was stained with re-dried blood and tear marks while his coat was covered with scratches and abrasions. He struggled with each breath he took, for he knew they may be his last. Slowly the world became darker and blurry as the blood-loss began to put Silver into shock. “No…not no……” Silver barely managed to croak. As he slipped into unconsciousness, the pursuers gathered around him. “Wow, this one sure didn’t want to get caught,” came a feminine voice. “Yes, it seems that there is still a bit of life left in him, poor wretch,” came a masculine voice. “Let’s see here…” said another masculine voice as the dark colt lifted Silver’s mane, “Well, well, an alicorn no less, he would make a wonder addition, wouldn’t you agree, Greymane?” Greymane, a large Pegasus, walked up to examine the body. “Hmm, can you fix him, Mayday?” he simply asked. “Well, if he hasn’t lost too much blood, I can keep him alive.” “Good then, let’s wrap him up then, Terastrike, get to it.” “Yes sir!” she called. She pulled out a bandage roll, some compresses, and bindings and carefully applied them to Silver’s wounds. I felt my mind come back as I opened my eyes to see that I had switched places with Silver Stride. He lay there with his head lolling while he was unconscious. From the looks of his grizzly wounds, I could see why. “Oh what trouble did you land us in?” I spoke aloud softly as I drifted back to my own body. I awoke in a dingy cell that smelled, ‘natural’. I groaned softly as I tried to raise my hooves. I gave my body a quick examination: Bandaged head and hoof, cleaned and treated coat, and my mane was actually kempt for once. “Well, at least somepony gives two fucks about me,” I thought as I surveyed the room. The cell seemed to be isolated, for the only sounds I heard were that of nature. It was dark, musty, and made of stone. The pile of putrid of hay served as the only bed as far as I could tell. A rusted iron pail lay in the back left corner and obviously served as the restroom. The door was made of a metallic alloy, possibly to block the use of my horn. “Oh if they only knew…” I thought comically to myself as I licked my parched lips, “My horn is the least dangerous thing on my body.” As I finished this thought, I heard hoofsteps outside and I backed into the shadows of the cell, anxiously anticipating my captors to reveal themselves. “No need to hide in the shadows, alicorn, I see you just as clear as if it were day,” came a gruff yet relaxed voice. “What do you want with me?” I timidly rasped out. “No need to worry about that now, besides, I’ve been sent to collect you. You won’t try to run again will you? It was such a ‘drag’ to get you back here, and I don’t look forward to playing nursemaid again anytime soon. Nah,” he snorted in humor, “I kid, my name’s Saps,” he smiled as he finished. He was a dark colt with a cloak covering most of his body. His eyes were a deep, ruby red and his muzzle was sharp and he had a small but muscular build. His teeth resembled fangs. “Okay,” I whispered. “Alright then, come along!” he said deeply while unlocking the cell door and beckoned with his hoof to the outside world. I bashfully stepped out onto the tree darkened path as he slowly closed the door behind me. “This way to our castle, it’s subterranean, just a heads-up if you’re afraid of the dark,” he stated as he took the lead. “It was a fine structure once, it stood on the highest peak of the Everfree forest for millenniums," he went on, "But after the Grand Quake, it now lies at one of the lowest points of the forest,” he informed me. We walked for a while in silence. “Don’t talk much do you?” he asked comically. “No,” I gained the nerve to say. “Oh, well, you’ll get along fine I’m sure,” he said reassuringly as we reached a cliff overlooking a steep ravine. I looked down to find that there was a gently rolling slope that led into the cavern of the ravine. We walked into the dark ravine that had the silhouette of a grand-looking castle that had a gothic feel about it. As we entered the cavern I lost my sight and stopped in place. “Why’d you stop? Oh, almost forgot, your kind can’t see in the dark,” he said as he brought out a torch. He struck it against the cavern wall and it immediately lit. The insides of the cavern became clearer as the torchlight danced lazily against the walls. “Better?” he asked. I nodded my approval. He nodded back and we continued on our path to the castle. The way was a well-worn path with stalagmites guiding our path. As we traveled through the interior of the cavern I heard water dripping and a faint spring bubbling in the distance. We then came up to the darkened shape of the castle as faint lights crept through the darkness. As we neared the drawbridge to the castle, the new lights grew faintly brighter as the light of the outside world slowly faded behind us. “Welcome to Castle Everfree, it’s a lovely little slice of heaven,” he announced as we approached at a leisurely pace. The drawbridge was made up of old and worn oak planks and rusty iron fittings and supports. The stonework was chipped and worn, but still well-standing. Two large hearths burned merrily at both sides of the bridge on what appeared to be defense towers. The twin large oak doors that were the entrance, looked as if they were new. As we began to cross, I saw stone statues of possible past inhabitants, they appeared as royalty yet, just as gloomy as the pony that guided me. “This statue is of Lord Redwene Everfree, founder of this fine forest,” stated Saps. As I examined the statue further, I took hold of his distinguishable features: His jaw was chiseled and his eyes were elegant and filled with merriment. His mane was short and wavy, as was his tail. He wore a cloak like Saps’s but his was different due to the magnificent pendant. It was round with six gems circling a large star shaped gem in the center. “He took interest in you when he learned you were an alicorn, and wishes to speak with you.” “Wait, he’s still alive?” I asked. “Oh, silly me, I forgot, but uh never-you-mind that, he’s right through this door, and is anxious to meet you,” he said as he motioned for me to go inside. I was still pondering what to do, make a run for it and risk getting lost and dying, or enter the castle and see what is being offered. In the end I decided to enter the castle and meet this Lord Everfree. “Ah, now before you enter, please treat my lord with respect, address him as milord, speak only with spoken to, and don’t do anything that you may think to upset the court,” he said as he began to open the door. “Milord? The Alicorn is here to see you,” Saps called as he entered and bowed. As I entered the throne room, I also bowed, as to not condemn myself to an early demise. “You may raise, Saps, and newcomer.” King Everfree’s voice sang out. As we rose I raised my eyes to him as he sat on his throne. He was a well-built unicorn and resembled his subject Saps, only his mane was a light brown. The pendant that hung around his neck was silver and consisted of precious gemstones, a ruby, sapphire, emerald, topaz, garnet, and amethyst. In the center was a large diamond that cast a rainbow-like glow. The gems inside the pendant were reflecting through the diamond. “So, you are the alicorn that fled away from my loyal subjects? My, my, you gave us quite the exercise with how fast you moved!” he announced cheerfully. “No matter, you’re here now and that’s all that matters! So, what’s your name?” “Timid Dawn, milord,” I spoke softly. “Quiet one aren’t you?” he asked humorously. “Don’t worry Timid, we don’t bite, much.” I forced an uncomfortable smile as I asked, “Milord, what brings you down here?” “Oh, just an earthquake, nothing too serious, I mean we all survived and still have our home so no need to complain,” he replied disregarding it as nothing as he looked at his hoof. “Ah, I see, milord.” I said in response. “Well, Timid, I’m sure you’re curious as to why I dragged you here, if I’m not mistaken,” he said. “Yes, milord.” I said in reply. “I’m was keenly interested in the fact that you were an alicorn, and well, I was hoping if you’d be willing to strike a bargain,” he stated. “Though my offer my may seem a little extreme, I genuinely hope you take it into serious consideration.” “Yes, milord?” I asked wearily, for I saw that a steep price came with the boon. “Well, encase you still haven’t figured it out, we’re vampires, and we owe our existence to it,” he said in all seriousness. “I was wondering if you’d be willing to exchange gifts, I become an alicorn, and you become a true immortal of nocturne!” he said with a hint of excitement. I was shocked by this offer, but nevertheless intrigued. I’d never have to forage for food or worry about disease ever again. But on the other hoof, I’d gain weakness to the sun and fire, as well as lose my existence as a living creature. As I stood pondering it, King Everfree stared at me, waiting for my response. After a few minutes passed by, King Everfree spoke. “If you need more time to ponder and consider, I can offer you your own quarters for the night, and have Saps bring you meals as you see fit.” “That would be wonderful, milord,” I replied. “Excellent, Terastrike!” King Everfree called as he clopped his hooves, “Show our esteemed guest to his room!” A female Pegasus came and gripped my hoof as she led me to the room that I would be staying in for the night. She was a lighter shade of grey and had a longer, thicker mane. She had calming eyes and a small snout, and with it an equally small and beautiful smile. “Here you go, Timid, have a wonderful sleep,” she said to me soothingly. “I hope you enjoy your stay.” She then flew away to where I thought her quarters lie. The door to my room was made of recently refurbished wood and iron fittings, and as I swung it open, I found that the room was medium-sized room fit for a small-time lord. The bed was made of fine silk and the frame of sturdy oak. The rest of the room was a table set with a meal and candles, a wardrobe, rugs, and a separated area for relieving one’s self. I crawled into the bed and thought to myself, “What have I gotten myself into?”
ResurrectionChapter Three: Resurrection “Here I am again, knee deep in trouble, only this time, no escape,” I thought. “You know what you must do, Timid, release me!” Silver shouted throughout my mind. “After getting us into this mess in the first place?” I asked in confusion, “Oh no, ha ha, you’re staying right where you belong.” I replied between fits of laughter. “You’ll not make it too far without me,” he swore before I shut him out. I fell deeply into sleep and had a dream. It was of this very castle, and I was standing outside, it was twice as forbidding, yet, empty-feeling. I strutted up to the gates and threw open the heavy oak doors and walked in. The tapestry was tattered and worn, the throne room filled with shattered corpses and blood splatters. The windows were all in fragments and still-burning hearths and torches littered the floor. King Redwene stepped out from behind the throne with malicious contentment on his face. He was covered with blood and wounds as he strutted down the steps. His glossy, black mane was messy and his coat matted from several wounds. “Hello, dear Greymane,” he spoke with insanity, “What’s the status of the rest of the traitorous swine?” A voice emerged from my throat, “What is left of them, milord, have fled across Equestria.” King Everfree parted his mane to reveal a horn and spoke with his normal voice again, “I’m just grateful for this gift that bestowed upon me by our new friend, otherwise, there’d be a new king on the throne.” “I’m just glad you’re alright, milord,” the voice again emerged from my mouth. “Yes, yes, go get our guest and send him on his way, I won’t drag him into this,” King Everfree ordered. “Yes, milord,” I said as I bowed deeply. I began to make for the doors to the living quarters when I was awakened by a knock on the door. “Timid, it is time to rise,” came a familiar voice through the heavy wooden surface. I then heard them walk away from the door and down the hall, followed by the creak of a door opening and closing. “What bizarre dream…” I thought as I yawned deeply. I yawned again while throwing the covers off of myself and slid off the bed onto the stone floor. I walked wobbly to the table and sat down in the chair I pulled out. On the table lay a small meal fit for a god, every bit was arranged perfectly. The eggs and wheat bread went down well with the oats and glass of juice. As I finished my meal, Saps came through the door. “Enjoying your stay?” he asked causally. “It is most excellent,” I answered politely. “So, have you come to your decision?” “I’m still trying to figure that out, but I am curious of what other benefits I may gain from this agreement,” I responded. “Well, I wouldn’t be the one to tell you, for we all accepted this gift without much choice,” he said with a little realization of the outcome of his own decision. “But I’m sure King Everfree should be able to tell you more about it.” “Excellent,” I said, pleased with the answer as I rose to leave. “Allow me to accompany you, Timid,” he started as he rose, showing a little curiosity and excitement as he did so. “By all means,” I replied as he took the lead. We walked through the hall and down the main corridor to the throne room. He pulled and held the door open for me as I gave a confirmative nod when I walked through. I turned to see King Everfree seated upon his throne in a leisurely manner and was sipping on what I hoped to be red-berry wine. He readjusted as soon as he laid eyes on me. “So, I take it that you came to a final decision,” barely hiding contained excitement he held in his voice. “Well, not exactly,” I said as I rose from my bowing position, “I was hoping if you could further educate me on the boons of becoming a vampire, milord.” “Ah,” he said, clearly disappointed by my response, “Well, Timid, other than never having to fear death by normal means again, there isn’t much else I could tell you, my memory isn’t as magnificent as I would like. The book I had uncovered had become lost along with the rest of my once wonderful kingdom.” “Well, milord, I would have liked to further understand more about it, but I guess I’ll just have to experiment,” I said in a slightly cheerful tone. “You mean you accept?” he asked, astonished by my willingness to become something I had little understanding of. “Yes, milord, I do.” “Splendid!” he cried, nearly upturning his cup in pure excitement. “Come, Timid, come, we have much to prepare for!” he said as he threw his hoof around my shoulders. King Everfree led me to the basement which was filled with an assortment of old, dusty lab equipment. The ceiling was so high that appeared as total darkness above us. I looked further down at the long, winding staircase down to the lab level. We began our decent as King Everfree told me of the lab’s history. “This lab used to be used to find any sort solution to our daily problems, and my own scientific pursuits,” he explained. “If only it still functioned as it did back then…” he said drifting into a nostalgic episode. “But never-mind all that,” he said shaking out of the brief episode, “We have what we need.” We finally reached the bottom of the staircase and King Everfree walked over to a table that appeared pre-set not too long ago. His hoofsteps clopped through the entire room, giving it a depressing feeling of emptiness. “Okay,” he muttered to himself as he began to start up the clean lab equipment. The glassware had become different shades and hues of various colors including green, red, and even teal. “I’ll need a lock of hair, or any portion of your body mass,” he called over his shoulder. I picked up some weathered shears off a table still covered with layers of dust and cobwebs. I sliced some hair into King Everfree’s outstretched hoof. He quickly took it and dropped it into the bubbling, hissing, and fizzing solution of constant color displacing. As he did so the solution stabilized and he looked down with content at the dazzling brew. “This is what I need…” he said as he lost himself in the beautiful and intoxicating liquid. “You need this,” he said, leaving his trance-like state. He bit fiercely into his own arm with a sickening crunch. Blood rain freely from his open wound and he held it over an empty glass. It began to fill as the blood slowly dripped off his slick hoof with plops. After he was satisfied, he poured the about half of his concoction into the blood-splattered cup. “Cheers,” he said as he raised his glass to toast. I took the other glass and clinked it with his as I said, “Cheers,” back and downed the liquid. “Oh, my…” I slurred as my vision distorted and faded. “Pleasant dreams, Timid Dawn,” King Everfree managed to get out as he fell unconscious in front of me. I couldn’t hold myself up anymore and fell into a deep slumber. I awoke to the sensation of being tainted by a warm, organic feel. I slowly opened my eyes to find myself staring into the orange eyes of Silver Stride.
