The effect of the Wooden Heart

After some weeks went, the days went slowly for Spirit. He had to work much since the magic plant is very sensitive and die quickly. Spirit had to try it three times till he succeeded. The days went on without many big events with one exception, Spirit heard that something with Bright happened but he didn´t paid much attention to it.

This morning Fluttershy was playing with Bite while Spirit was watering the plant. 'This plant grows really fast, with this speed it should only take two months before it is big enough.'

"Mail for Mr. Wood!"

Spirit turned his head around and saw a mailpony. "That is me!"

She flew to him and gave him a letter. "Here is your letter. The post office apologize that the mail came so late but we didn´t knew your address."

He looked at the letter and then back to the Pegasus. "No problem. Thank you." 'Who should send me a letter?'

"No problem it is my job after all!" And with that the mailpony flew off.

"Thank you. From who is that letter?" He looked at the address.

As Spirit read the sender as Fluttershy came to him. "Spirit I will go visit Rainbow in the hospital. Oh you got a letter. From who is it?"

He opened the envelope and read it quickly. "It is from my teacher! He will visit me and look how my work went."

"Oh, when will he arrive?"

"... tomorrow."

After some minutes they all went in the inside of Fluttershys home. Fluttershy sat on the couch with Bite and looked at Spirit who walked in circles.

"This is bad. But no panic Bite. I said no panic." He nearly screamed at this moment. He was about to go on till Fluttershy had enough of that.

"Sprit stop. You are the only one who panic. So I will go visit Rainbow, you will sit down and think what to do!"

Spirit was a bit surprised but gave a sigh of defeat. "You are right, thank you Fluttershy."

She smiled. "No problem." And she walked away.

After some minutes of silence Spirit asked Bite."Do you have an idea?"

Bite looked at him and send him a picture of Twilight.

"Twilight? Good idea, she was a student of a princess after all. She probably knows how to handle stress."

He stood up and pat Bite on the head. "Thank you. I go visit Twilight! You stay here and clean up our tent. And don't even try to shirk around that!" He left the building and walked to Twilights castle.

As he reached the castle he walked inside and searched for Twilight, as he finally found her she was in the library reading.

"Twilight I need your help!"

Twilight was very surprised and dropped her book. "What is it?"

"I need your advice my teacher will come tomorrow afternoon to judge how far my work had gone!"

"Why did you came so late? Since when do you know about his visit?"

Spirit started to walk in circles again and speaking quicker and quicker. "I got the letter today I was suppose to get it five days ago, probably so late because my teacher didn´t knew the address, but know my teacher will come tomorrow and I didn´t prepared anything! I came to you to ask you for an advice, so will you help me?"

"I will help you. We could made an summery what happened since you arrived so you can show him around and show him what do you have achieved so far."

"That would be great! Thank you! You would really help me?"

"Of course but for that you must tell me the exact task your teacher gave you!"

He rubbed his back head. "Well ok but it was more an conversation than an exact task. It was on an normal day..."

Volg, Spirits teacher, interrupted him in his work. "Spirit the day has come I will give you the final task as my student. You will go to another place and bring the ponies closer to animals like your friend Bite!"

"So I will do my work at another tribe. That will be interesting."

"Well no, you will do that in a whole other country. You will take a trip to Equestria."

Spirit winced but his teacher ignored it. "I remember reading about this place. It seems very similar to our culture."

Volg shook his head. "No it is not. First of it is most populated with ponies and their behavior is much different!"

"How different?"

"Well the ponies are very different from each other and it is all more ... happy you could say."

"I don't think I understand."

"You will!"

"Then I will go and pack my things and get ready for travel."

"One last thing. You will not be able to fulfill the task without the help from some local ponies."

"... And then I went on to fulfill my task." He ended his story

"That is everything? It was very vague. It wasn't really a task at all!"

"Well Zebras always gave task in that way. You learn to interpret them correctly after some time."

"Ok then let's go through all what happened and made some notes so you can show him around."

So they started to go through all events that happened and write some notes.

At the end it was near afternoon. "Thank you again Twilight! I will see you later."

He went back to his tent and prepared everything for the next day and ordered his notes about his research.

Later this day Spirit was still sorting his notes. Fluttershy and Bite were a bit worried so they walked over to him. "I think you should rest now if you go on like this you will break down tomorrow in front of you teacher and that is not what you want, isn´t it?"

Spirit looked between Fluttershy and Bite and sigh. "I guess you are right. Good night!"

Fluttershy smiled to him. "Good night Spirit. Good night Bite."

Fluttershy walked away while Bite lay down next to Spirit and started sleeping instantly but Spirit on the other side pretend to sleep, till Fluttershy was in her home and Bite was asleep, and looked over his notes again.

The next morning Spirit woke up with the sun rising and helped Fluttershy feeding the animals and watering his plant as quickly as he could because he wanted to over read his notes one last time.

Fluttershy tried her best to calm him down. "Calm down Spirit no need for panic it is only your teacher visiting you and remember I will come with you."

Spirit took a deep breath. "I guess you are right and thank you for come with me meeting my teacher but I must warn you he can be a bit rude!"

Fluttershy smiled. "It will went well. Now we don't want to be late!"

"Ok but wait, I have to get on last thing?" He turned to his bags that laid next to his tent, he searched a bit but after some moments he turned back to now wore his necklace. "Now we can go."

"You want to wear the necklace in public? I thought your teacher would not like it if you wear it in front of ponies?"

"Yes that's right but I trust you all here in the village and I want to show him that you are trustable and friendly!"

"That's nice to hear that you trust us but I hope you know what you do."

He nodded. "I hope so too."

So they walked to the east entrance of the village and waited for Spirits teacher. As they waited Bite got bored and wanted to play with Spirit so he barked at him.

"Bite! Ok. Ok. I got it." He turned around and searched for something to throw and grabbed a stick and throw it in the direction of the entrance and waited for Bite to bring it back. After some minutes Bite came back walking backwards and sat down.

"Is he there?"

Bite nodded.

"Ok, Fluttershy he is there." Fluttershy flew over to him and sat down on his left side and waited with them.

After some seconds they saw a Zebra coming in their direction he was a bit bigger than the most ponies he wore a cloak with some symbols on it and some gold rings around his right leg and wore an necklace with bones hanging on it and an wooden rune in the middle of it.

Spirit walked a bit to him and bowed.

<"Greetings my teacher it´s been long
seeing you not so long seemed very wrong.">

Volg rolled his eyes. <"Drop the formal speak, yes you are my student but that doesn't make me an elder! And it is rude to speak in front of others in another language!">

Spirit laughed weakly. "Oh yes sorry FLuttershy, so Volg this is Fluttershy, Fluttershy this is Volg!"

Volg walked to her and leaned a bit over. "So you are a Pegasus I haven´t seen much of them for long. You seemed kind of weak in compare to the few Pegasus I met!"

Fluttershy sunk down and whispered. "Hello."

'Whoa I expect him to be a bit rude but that.' Spirit step between them. "That is because she doesn't fly much, she is an animal caretaker and helps me with my task you gave me."

He raised an eyebrow. "Is it so? I am sorry if I was rude but it is an easy way to learn more about other ponies."

"N-no problem!"

Volg smiled to her. "So you are an animal caretaker that is similar to what I do back in my tribe! And you also help my student with his task. So you must be good with some ... different animals, is that right?"

"Well yes."

"That's great I brought my house pet with me and I think he is a bit tired from the long travel so would you mind take care of him?"Spirit opened his eyes wide. 'Oh no!'

"Well yes of course."

Volg nodded and stomped one time with his hoof. After some time they heard a growl and after some seconds later a Manticore flew over to them and sat down next to Volg.

"This is my Manticore. You don´t have to take him in just make sure he doesn't get too bored." With that Volg walked a bit in the direction of the village and left Spirit, Bite and FLuttershy a bit behind.

"But I thought I would go with you during this day, I don´t want to disappoint you or your teacher!"

"It is no problem I think he knew you would be here and also you seemed very uncomfortable, I think it is better if you go with his Manticore and wait till we come to you."

Fluttershy looked a bit surprised. "Ok if you say so, I will o that." She flew back to her cottage with the Manticore following her.

"Volg I knew why you did this but I think you was a bit too harsh."

He looked at Spirit. "So it took these ponies only some weeks to make you forget about my methods? And yes I think you are right but anyway I came here for a reason, so what do you have for me?"

"Ah yes I have planned to show you a bit around and then show you my results!"

"Ok then lead the way." Volg started walking and petted Bite on his head. "He had grown well, do you have still blossoms left?"

"No I had to grow one of the plants!"

They started walking towards the village. "That's good to hear that you manage to get one but how?"

"Somepony you will meet later this day showed me where one of them is so I got some of the seeds and planted them. She also showed me how to make the magic in the plant more efficient by mixing the blossom with some of the leafs from the plant. She could show you too how to make that!"

"Oh no she won't because I already know that method!"

Spirit stopped and looked at Bite. "Why didn't you tell me about that?"

Volg continued walking. "Because you didn't asked!"

"But..." Volg simply ignored him and Spirit had to follow him quickly with Bite right behind him.

"So you wear your necklace in public. How comes?"

"Well I trust them with Bite and so I think I can trust them with my necklace and also you wears yours too."

His teacher looked to him and smiled. "Because I knew if you find somepony who wants to help you, they would be trustable."

Spirit first showed a bit in town like sugarcube corner the main hall and the day spa. But his teacher seemes not very interested in all this so Spirit decided to lead him directly to Twilights castle.

As they both walked to Twilights castle and Spirit explained. "This is the castle of the newest princess, Twilight Sparkle princess of friendship!"

Volg just nodded so Spirit decided to knock. After some minutes Spirit turned to his teacher. "Hm they seemed gone maybe they are in the arena."

They turned and headed to the arena, that Fallen had made, and entered they saw a blue unicorn that hit Twilight with an rapier and she fall down.

Immediately they heard a voice. "This duel is over and the winner is high mage apprentice Trixie!" Spirit looked where the voice came and saw Fallen. He also noticed some ponies he never met before sitting on the bleachers.

Volg turned to Spirit but used his native language. <"Who are they? I thought I would only meet the princess!">

<"I don´t know either. I expected only to meet Twilight and maybe Bright and Fallen. So the purple Alicorn is the princess, the pony with the golden mane is Bright Side and the unicorn with the black cloak is Brights brother and high mage Fallen Dark.">

His teacher tapped his chin and said an last thing in their language.<"High mage interesting! Never heard of them.">

As Spirit wanted to reply something he but was interrupted by Bite, so Spirit turned his head. Bite nodded silent in the direction of the middle of the arena and Spirit saw Twilight quickly walking over to them.

"Oh I am so sorry I almost forgot about you Spirit."

Now the other ponies walked over to them.

Fallen turned to Twilight and looked at her. "So you have forgotten other things besides everything I taught you about fighting too."

Spirit looked to Bite, who simply waited for somepony saying anything, then to his teacher who seemed a bit curios.

So Spirit spoke up. "Anyway Twilight if you don´t have time at the moment we come later."

Twilight quickly shook her head. "No! No! No! It's ok!"

Before he Spirit could say anything a pony spoke up he wore a cloak with the night sky on it and Spirit could swear to see the stars moving. "I think we should let you alone with your guests for a moment. Apprentice follow me."

With that everypony left expect Twilight.

"So Twilight this is my teacher Volg. Volg this is Twilight Sparkle the princess of friendship."

Volg bowed a bit. Spirit slightly rolled his eyes. 'Don't be too nice or she will get a wrong image of you.'

Twilight was a bit unsure about what to do but started speaking. "I happy to meet you Volg."

"I am honored to meet one of the princesses of equestria. But I am very surprised to see you fighting in front of a crowd and losing."

Twilight looked to him a bit unsettled. "I can explain. You know the ponies from before were the high mages and there apprentice. One of them challenge me to an magic duel .. and beat me."

Volg raised an eyebrow. "One of the high mages?"

Twilights head sunk a bit in shame. "No, one of the apprentice."

Spirits teacher smiled only. "I haven´t expect anything different."

Twilight looked confused at him. "What? Why?"

"That´s because I didn´t expect you to be a fighter, you may have much energy and know many spells but I don´t think you have learned other fighting spell expect an energy bolt, right?"

"Well yes but..."

"Then there is nothing to be ashamed of! It was nice to meet you Twilight but I think we have taken enough of your time." With that Volg walked of quickly followed by Bite and Spirit.

As they left Volg looked around but stooped as he saws Fallen, he looked at Fallen for some seconds then quickly turned away and walked again. As Spirit saw this he quickly catch up to him.

He saw an serious expression on Volgs face. "Is something wrong?"

Volg looked quickly to Bite then whispers to Spirit. <"Fallen is a dark one.">

<"Are you sure?">

<"Very sure but better keep that for yourself. I have the feelings he will play a important role in the future.">

Spirit nodded but looked at Bite worried. 'A dark mage pony? I didn´t knew that they still exist these days! I hope my teacher is right.'

"Ok then next stop is Fluttershys cottage and then you will meet Zecora. She was the one who help me find the magic plant."

Volg nodded and they walked to the cottage. Where they met Fluttershy and Volgs Manticore.

Volg walked over to his Manticore and petted him under the chin. "Did he made any trouble?"

"No he listened to everything I said. I must say you trained him very well, would it bother you to tell me how?"

He turned to Fluttershy. "Well you know I have a similar talent to Spirit and you. I am, like you, good with animals but in a bit different way." He turned back to his Manticore.

They all were silent before Spirit spoke again. "Fluttershy we go to Zecora I will let Bite here with you if that is ok."

"Yes of course see you late this day!"

Spirit leaded Volg through the forest and he explained a bit about it. Like the multiple creatures that lived here and the variation of flowers. Volg was very surprised by all the variation and admit his unknowning about this forest.

"I am surprised how can live somepony here?"

"You will find out. We are there." The reached Zeroas home and knocked on the door.

"You can come in my home
You are very welcome"

Volg raised an eyebrow. "Why does she rhyme?"

"Just go on."

They walked in and as Volg saw Zecora he instantly bowed.

<"I am sorry elder for my unknown
but my student didn´t inform as I came into town .">

Zecora smiled to him.

"Ah I see you are the teacher I heard about
but please let formal miss out!"

Volg bowed still some time till stood up again. "As you say Elder."

He looked at her. "So you showed my student were this magic plant grows and how he can mix it with the leafs?"

Zecora only nodded.

"I am very honored to meet you elder but I have a few questions if I am allowed to ask."

"Ask me if you want
I will answer them all instant."

Volg looked to Spirit. "Spirit leave us alone I will come back later I want to talk with the elder alone."

"I will do so my teacher." He bowed shortly and left the two alone. 'He send me away like a child! He probably ask her about how good I did my job so far.'

He walked back to Fluttershys cottage and prepared his notes to present them to his teacher. Fluttershy was feeding the Manticore at this moment till Bite came to her.

"Oh is something wrong Bite?"

Bite turned his head to Spirit, who ordered his notes for the third time, and looked worried at him.

"Oh you are worried about Spirit. Did you try to talk to him?"

Bite raised an eyebrow.

"Ok I will try it!"

She walked over to Spirit followed by Bite. Fluttershy laid an hoof on Spirits shoulder. "Spirit! Calm down! It will all end well. I am sure."

Spirit looked at them and saw the worried look on Bites face. "Oh I am sorry if I made you worry. But yes, you both are right I should not worry too much."

"Worry too much about what?"

Sprit jumped up and turned around to that Volg had come back. "Volg you scared me."

He rolled his eyes. "Oh come on didn´t I taught you to listened careful that you can't be surprised so easily! Anyway you showed me around. What now?"

"Well I have prepared all my notes of my research so that you can overview them."

He gave his teacher the papers. Volg on his side looked curious at the papers. "I will read them now. Wait here for my judgment!"

Volg walked off and started reading.

As they waited Spirit tried to relax by meditating with little success. After Volg had finished reading Spirit sat down before his teacher.

"Spirit I must say I expected more information. This is not much more than we already know!"

Spirit hung his head down."I know."

Volg smiled. "But I must say I am proud of you!"

"I am sorry ... wait! What?"

"If I wanted information I would send one of our researcher. But I send you to bring ponies and Timberwolves more together and in that point you had more done than I thought. Also what I am the most surprised that you actual found somepony who wanted to help you!"

"Really?"

"Still You have much work to do. You are far away from fulfill your task! But now I will go on my way back home!"

"You already want to leave?"

"Yes I only wanted to look what you already had done, what I did. So yes I will leave now!" He stomped on the ground and instantly the Manticore walked behind him.

"See you again Spirit, Bite and Fluttershy it was nice to meet you." With that he walked off and the other just stand there as he left.

They remain like this till Bite jumped at Spirit. "Oh Bite. I am happy too but Bite you're too big for this you hurt me!"

Bite let him go and Spirit took a breath. "That ended very well! But I think I had enough stress for the next weeks!"