Spiritual Reconnection

'...Tyrant...'

"...no..."

'...False King...'

"...quiet..."

'...Freak...'

"...please..."

'...Murderer...'

"...enough..."

'...Led us to ruin...'

"...leave...me...alone..."

'...Failure...'

"...stop..."

'...Betrayer...'

"...Stop...

'...Take up the blade...right your wrongs...assume...your...place!'

"STOP!" I yell as I sit up covered in cold sweat, clutching my chest with rasping breath

"Mark, are you alright?" A voice speaks to my side as I look and see Twilight and Spike looking up in concern

"...Y-yeah i'm fine"

"Another nightmare?" Spike asks

"Yeah"

"It's been two weeks since you got here and nearly every night since then you've had nightmares"

"I know Twilight, trust me I know" I say running my hands over my face

I know damn well it has to do with my Tecpatel, the first time I slept in a bed in god knows how long and all it was, was a taste of something I'm sure I'll never get again...peaceful sleep

"Mark, do you remember it this time?"

"No, I don't remember" I said without looking her in the eyes, I remembered the nightmares, I even have a good idea what they're about, but they don't need to know, besides, if I'm going to fix them I need someone that has skill in the ways of shamanic magic, not the raw ethereal magic that the unicorns have

"...Well, it's a long shot but maybe I can take you to a friend of mine?"

I look at Twilight through my fingers

"Wait...you know someone who could help? Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

"I didn't think it was really needed but, after last week I think we should try to get rid of these dreams as soon as possible"

Oh yeah, last week was...eventful to say the least. Due to my exhaustion brought on by the lack of sleep my behavior towards the citizens of ponyville. First was AJ, during my work I had fallen asleep in a hay pile and when AJ discovered me and tried to awaken me I had grabbed her and pulled her into my arms, apparently I said something in my sleep cuz when I woke up she was as red as Big Mac and now it's just awkward between me and her, speaking of Big Mac he thought it was the funniest damn thing on the planet, also I finally got to formally meet Granny Smith that sobered me up right quick since she basically ran me off the farm with a spoon, oh flashbacks, haven't been back since.

Next was Fluttershy, I was basically sleepwalking down the street when Fluttershy saw me and being the kind hearted mare she was asked what was wrong, unfortunately at that moment a nightmare I had been experiencing at the time reached its height I awoke seized my hands around her waist shaking her vigorously while yelling

'WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME SPIRITS! SPEAK!'

when I realized it was her my yelling dot the attention of everyone in the street and Fluttershy had become frozen in fear. I quickly carried her to a nearby bench. Now, whatever progress I'd made towards her evaporated in the space of a second...awesome...

Then there was Rarity, oh this one was a gem. I had just about enough of this ridiculousness and was getting pretty irritated with my situation, Rarity, while having gained some respect from her, she still treats me like some sort of walking plague. She finished making my clothes, very well made and deserving of thanks, but I wasn't in my right state of mind. She gave me my clothes saying that

'You had better respect the clothes I'm giving you, they're not the filthy loincloths you usually wear'

And of course I retorted, I said

'Well, at least loincloths don't give me any lip, thinking their better when from what I can see is a big waste of money on some shoddy excuse for clothing'

She immediately whipped around with a shocked look, 'are you saying my clothes are 'shoddy?!' How dare you!'

And I of course answered back 'Oh no, no, no, no I'm saying I'll just rip them up in the way I like, maybe in a loincloth, since I apparently like wearing them'

Seeing that I was getting to her, I gave her a smug smile as I walked out of her shop...looking back, probably not the smartest move on my part and she's treated me with extreme hostility since then.

Then came Pinkie Pie, alright this was a bit much even for me. I had come down to Sugar Cube Corner in hopes I could get something to eat. Pinkie of course greeted me and welcomed me into the kitchen, I of course went along with it. I waved to Mr. Cake at the register who waved back, I showed the cakes the trick I did with my finger and, while kicking themselves for losing a potential employee, quickly warmed up to me. I found Mrs. Cake cooking and having greeted her followed Pinkie to her area. She asked me to watch a tray full of baking goods, they were cooling by the window and said that sometimes ponies came by and snagged one or two when nobody was looking, and of course I said yes. A few minutes pass with me just sitting there watching the delicious pastries, I swear I closed my eyes for a second and when I opened them the entire tray was empty! At that moment was when Everyone and their mother saw the empty tray and the apparent crumbs on my face, the Cakes confronted me about it since the pastries were apparently going to some big client, Dirty wealthy or some shit I don't know. Anyway I ended up paying for the pastries outta pocket as well as being banned from Sugar Cube Corner for a week...I was devastated

Rainbow Dash was next, this one was more for my own genuine enjoyment. She has the nasty habit of randomly demanding me for challenges, like I'm some obstacle for her to overcome. This time she wanted to race me, she placed the starting line at the entrance of town, she pointed to a tree behind us and said

'The first to touch that tree's the winner! Of all time! Hope your ready cuz Imma 'bout stomp you into the ground!'

She sounded so confident, especially so since a small gathering of people had shown up to watch, what they believed to be, a severe ass kicking on my part. AJ was looking on from her stall and grabbed a basket full of pastries to sell to the crowd, Twilight was standing with a clipboard probably taking down notes and data on me, Fluttershy stood behind Twilight, still traumatized over the shaking incident, she was watching just outta curiosity more than likely, Rarity was just walking by and upon seeing what was going on was, surprisingly, the most vocal about expressing her desire to see me eating Rainbow's dust and wallowing in the dirt where she must assume I like being, Pinkie Pie started setting off some fireworks and made the simple race into some huge event, I don't understand how she does this but she did, I don't even understand how she got there, she just materialized it was insane, and finally were my crew, Spike and Big Mac, they were the only ones that seemed to truly be in my corner, Spike was cheering as loud as he could, Big Mac was waving a flag it was great, if I hadn't been so tired at that time I'm sure I would've shed a single manly tear.

The CMC we're the flag wavers, they stood on the line and waved the flag in preparation me and Rainbow took starting stances and the crowd quieted down, off to my side I could hear my friends especially Rarity, asking if I really thought I could beat Rainbow Dash in a race.

Apple Bloom raised the flag and lowered it and yelled out

'Three!',

Scootaloo took the flag and followed her friends example 'Two!',

Finally came Sweetie Belle raising and lowering the flag in a flourish yelling 'One! Go!'

And with that came a huge gust of wind and Rainbow was off Before I knew what happened she was outta sight, pretty sure she's doing a full revolution of the town, I was surrounded by a cloud of dust thrown up from her take off, it soon settled and the eyes of Ponyville's residents soon rested on me, some snickered, others shook their heads, they didn't realize it yet but I'd already won. With a small, tired smile I turned around and walked toward the finish line tree, my eyes widened slightly however when I noticed a small blue speck quickly approaching, wow Rainbow Dash is faster than I thought, however, as I reached out my hand, she wasn't fast enough.

As soon as I placed my hand on it I felt the tree shutter a split second later, she looks up from her position to my eyes with a smug grin but all that came crashing down when I said

'I win again',

Many of the pony's their wore confused faces including Rainbow so I decided to clarify, I said

'The rules were the first to touch this tree won the race, you never said what route I needed to take to get there',

Rainbow's eyes shrunk to pinpricks as did most of the onlookers even Pinkie was speechless which is saying something. I immediately felt something lift me up from underneath, I looked down and there I see Big Mac putting me on his back with Spike cheering as loudly as he could, soon the crowed began to dissipate and as I was carried off by Big Mac all I could hear behind me were the yells of Rainbow saying that this wasn't over and that one day she'll beat me, sure keep believin' that honey.

Anyway that long winded story was what Twilight was referring to and if she has an idea on how to get me some decent sleep then so be it.

"Alright, *sigh* couldn't hurt"

I say as I rise from my sleeping area and make my way to the door, since there was no way I was getting anymore sleep I thought I would just get up and some morning work outs, it was about seven anyways might as well.

About two hours later I'm greeted by Spike and Twilight as they make their way downstairs

"Spike, me and Mark are going into the Everfree forest to see Zecora, we'll be back soon, make sure your chores are done by the time I get back"

Spike quickly gains a downcast look along with letting out an disappointed sigh

"Come on Twilight, let him play outside with his friends"

She gives me a look like a mother who just got questioned

"Excuse me?" oh I know that dangerous tone

"I mean, what's he gonna learn here doing chores? Nothing! Let him hang out with his friends today, I'll help with the chores when we get back" I say with a withered smile under her piercing stare.

"Hmm, okay you convinced me, Spike go play with your friends today, and when we get back Mark's going to help you do your chores"

"Alright!" He yells, jumping in the air pumping his fist

As he runs past me we quickly bump fists and he soon disappears behind the library's door

Twilight looks at me and smiles

"Come on, let's go see Zecora"

We make our way towards the large forest that I've seen to the west of Ponyville. As we get closer I can see that Twilight seems to be getting visibly more shaken, if only slightly

"Hey Twilight"

My voice startled her, she turned to me with an embarrassed look

"Sorry, yeah Mark?"

"What's wrong? You seem on edge?"

"Oh, it's nothing, just the Everfree" I turn my head to look at the Forest that we were now entering

"Yeah? What's so weird about it?"

"Well, it's just that there's supposed to be dangerous creatures in the forest"

"Okay, as is with any wild land" she looks at me with a raised eyebrow

"The place is just creepy"

"Alright, I disagree but go on" she gives me another look

"And the weather here changes, all on its own"

"Oh! You mean like, you know, nature?"

When I get tired I get sassy, anyway, yeah they probably would think its scary that the forest regulates itself and isn't under their control, the fact that the pegasi control the meteorological activity of many parts of Equestria really threw me for a loop, and not the good kind. I personally think this will harm them in the future but that has nothing to do with the current situation.

"Oh haha, no need to get snippy"

"...your right, I'm sorry Twilight, I'm just really tired"

She gives me a small smile

"It's okay Mark, let's just go see Zecora"

FIve minutes later we come across a tree with carved wooden spirit masks, glass bottles hanging from its branches, and a faint glow coming from the inside. I followed Twilight to the front door and waited as she knocked. A few minutes pass and the door opens revealing a zebra with a Mohawk, neck rings, arm rings, and hoop earrings...interesting. She looks at Twilight, then at me, she was able to hide it well but I could see her surprise.

"...Well this is new, hello Twilight what can I do for you?" she took this better than I thought, nice rhyme too

"Hello Zecora, can we come in?" asks Twilight and Zecora moves aside allowing us to enter her home, on my way in I give a low bow of my head expressing gratitude, as I look up I see her eyes widen at my actions probably not expecting such respect from a stranger.

"Sorry for dropping in on you so suddenly Zecora" Twilight apologizes while taking a seat on a stool next to a cauldron, I look around the inside of the hut, more spirit masks, bottles, leopard skin sheets, water skins...I like it

"Do not worry dear friend, what is your problem so that I may mend" I take a seat near Twilight and listened as she explained the situation, Zecora sat patiently occasionally nodding in understanding.

"...And that's why we're here, do you think you can help my friend?"

I sit cross legged hoping that she could help me, what I would give for a good nights sleep

"...no, I don't I can, for I don't know where all these dreams began"

"I can tell you" Twilights head snapped to her side with a surprised look

"But, you told me that you couldn't remember"

"Yeah, sorry Twilight, didn't tell you the truth but this is private, in fact I need to speak with Zecora alone" I say calmly while making and keeping eye contact with Zecora

Twilight gives me a look

"But-"

"Twilight, please, I'll meet you back at the library" I say with no room for argument

An awkward silence fills the hut, eventually Twilight stands and makes her way to the door

"Okay, well, I'll see you later, I hope this helps"

"I'm sure it will, later Twilight" I say with a calm face never breaking eye contact with Zecora, I know imma get shit from the tiny, loud voice in the back of my head

'OH YOU UNGRATEFUL, RUDE, CHICKEN-SHIT MOTHER FUCKER!!!' ...*sigh* yep there it is

Twilight walks out of the hut in a slightly more somber fashion than before, great now I feel bad, but back to the matter at hand

"I felt it as soon as you entered my home, your spirit is not alone" Zecora speaks up suddenly

My eyes widen at her words

"So you can feel spirits, you are a shaman"

"Yes, this is true, now what exactly can I do for you"

"I need you to get me in contact with the spirits"

Her eyes shrink in shock and gains a look as if offended, which is to be expected, it's the equivalent of a thief demanding a king to marry his daughter on the grounds that thief wants to

"Get in contact? That is obscene! They are the spirits! Who do you think you be?"

"An old friend" I say with a growl, this is getting old, and while I usually do have patience, a sense of dread has been building since I've gotten the dreams, something's wrong and I need to know what

Zecora takes on a look of understanding, she stands and walks over to a shelf with rows of bottles each containing dark swirling liquids, she takes one from the far back and brings it over to me and places it in my hand

"Drink this and lay down, when your business is done you will come around" I look down at the murky, black substance in the glass, okay let's get this done

I un-cork the bottle and down the containers contents, I then lay my head down and shut my eyes, letting sleep take me

My eyes open in an inky blackness, I'm utterly alone, my heart starts to speed up in slight fear, I really hope this is where I need to be, it's been a long time since I spoke with the spirits and I never liked being here, a realm where flesh and blood was never meant to tread. The ground I feel beneath my feet is quiet yet I can feel a faint thumping, as if there is a great heart beat under my feet. Suddenly a light shines upon me from above and a great booming voice assaults me from above

"So, the Snake returns, we were wondering when you would come back to us"

I turn my eyes towards the light and see great floating beings, their eyes burning with ethereal energy, each having displays of what exactly their domain over the planet was, such as great boulders flying around them, or being having lightning arcing around there great semi-transparent form. One spirit in particular approached me with a grace and obvious sense of self-pride, one very familiar to me, his body engulfed by blue flame. I get my knees and bow my head to the floor as I should

"Great spirits, please hear me," I don't look up but I can feel their eyes burn into me, "I have awoken to a new world, hoping to find peace but you've called me here to you, what is-"

"You wish for peace? You will never know peace so long as your fight is unfinished" the spirit in front of me spoke evenly, but his words rocked me all the same

"W-what do you mean?"

Then came a louder, more forceful voice from the spirit surrounded by earth, her voice sounded offended

"You were the one to take up the blade, to take up the responsibility, you were the one that attracted death and corruption to this world, you were even unable to fix what you destroyed and now, you have the gall to wish for peace?!"

"Please, Tonantzin" the spirit of fire spoke in a scolding manner

"No, Xiuhticuhtli, your champion allows my beautiful earth to nearly fall at the hands of those parasites and now, after all that he has done, he wants peace? HE IS LUCKY THAT WE DID NOT STRIP HIM OF HIS ENERGYAND SEND HIM TO SUFFER FOR ALL ETERNITY FOR HIS CRIMES!" with that outburst came many other voices agreeing with the earth spirit

"ENOUGH!" demanded Xiuhticuhtli and all talking ceased, just as influential as ever huh? He turns to me with a grim face

"Champion, many eons ago, you took up my blade, my fire, even my name and agreed to be this world sword and shield, yet you allowed evil to darken the skies, to boil the seas and rip the earth asunder, and we as the spirits should have punished you a long time ago"

Many spirits growled in agreement, not going well for me

"Yet here you stand only because you have proven your strength, you saved your people from utter destruction, found them a new home, and wiped out nearly all traces of that ancient evil, but we wouldn't have called you here if you had won your freedom"

Oh man, I really thought I wasn't gonna wake up, leave it to my patron spirit to protect me, I rise from my feet and stand before the spirits ready to hear what was needed

"There are still pockets of this evil buried beneath rock and stone, remnants of human technology not meant for the new inhabitants of this world, you were meant to be a protector of this world, and that means to protect the people from themselves, if even one were to find the wrong artefact, it can start everything over again"

With his words my heart dropped, everything starting over, no, not again

"You must take up your blade, fight, become what you were meant to be and stand strong"

My eyes lower, I don't want to fight anymore, especially that old horror

"However" my eyes look up at the fire spirit

"I offer you a second choice, I will grant you peace by draining all the magical energy from you, killing you and sending you to the great spirit allowing him to judge you, at least then you have a chance to be with your family and friends" My eyes widen, peace? True freedom?

A great uproar from the other spirits came from his offer, and with a single scathing look they were silenced once more

"But in doing so will leave this world defenseless for a time, as well as passing on your mistakes on to a new, less prepared champion" With that thought I think of the friends I've made in the short time I've been here, Spike, Big Mac, Twilight, Pinkie, Celestia, Shy, Rainbow, AJ, even Rarity, could I really leave them with my problems?

"In a months time" the voice tears me from my thoughts as I refocus on the fire spirit

"Make your way back to the temple, where it all began, there you will make your choice but for now" a small smile adorns his face as he places a warm hand on my shoulder, like a father would do for a distraught son

"I will grant you a peaceful sleep, now awaken!"

My eyes snap open and I take a deep breath, Zecora jumps at my sudden movement she comes near and asks if I was alright, and say I'm fine, which isn't true, I stand and I tank her for her time, then I depart from her home. I make my way through town, I see all my friends on my way back, they go to try to talk to me but end up stopping short upon seeing my tired, sunken face, perhaps it would be best to speak with me tomorrow. I finally open the doors to Golden Oaks Library and I'm greeted by Twilight and Spike

"Mark! How did it go?"

I take one look at Twilight and she gasps at my exhausted look

"It went fine, imma go pass out for the next thousand years kay?"

"You sure your okay dude? You seem...I don't know messed up" Spike asks as I walk passed him

I give a tired smile and reply with a yes, before I could make it all the way upstairs though Twilight calls me from downstairs

"Oh yeah before I forget, Celestia sent more packages for you, and a letter"

I freeze, an icy claw goes down my back

"Okay, I'll take a look at them first thing tomorrow, goodnight" I say over my shoulder

"Goodnight Mark"

"See ya tomorrow man!"

I lay in my makeshift bed, thinking, I thought speaking to the spirits would give me peace, if anything it just made things worse, now I have a choice, whether to live in a constant vigil, taking the worlds problems on my shoulders again, or dying...tough choice, and another invisible dread, what exactly did they mean by 'remnants'? This bothered me, planting fear in my heart at what the true meaning to these words might mean, eventually however these thoughts gave way to the first peaceful sleep I had since I got here

*Third person POV*

In the Equestrian wasteland a great minotaur breaks through an old tomb, he is a treasure hunter, not well known but has recently came across an ancient map pointing out what he believed to be old treasure troves of a long lost empire. He made it through many traps set untold millenia ago to make it to his prize, a single spiked mace on an alter, as he lays his hands on the hilt, he can feel a rush of energy enter his body, old primordial magics never meant to be seen on this world again. He leans his head back and screams in unimaginable agony as the energy rips and tears at his body forcing his mortal shell to accommodate this new, fel power, soon these screams gave way to unholy laughter then stops altogether, the minotaur was gone and in his place was an aberration of life, an affront to all that walks on this planet. He hefts the great mace upon his now malformed, gargantuan shoulders and walks to a destination only the mortal shells new occupant knows.

Author's Note

Big chapter this time and, OH MY GOD LOOK EXPOSITION, sorry this took a while you know school, anyway I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, and as always constructive criticisms are welcome, Tlazocamatli