Dangerous Alchemy

**Dangerous Alchemy

By: Brickbrock24

Chapter 5**

“Today is going to be a great day!” That is what I told myself when I woke up the next morning. In addition to getting to kickstart my goal of spreading the wonders of alchemy, I also had my date with Treble! I was as excited as a foal opening presents on Hearth’s Warming. Considering this was my first day as a teacher, I wanted to do my best to make a good first impression on not only my students, but also on the other teachers and the principal. I took a hot, luxurious shower, ate a scrumptious breakfast of scrambled eggs and fluffy pancakes, and spent, like, ten minutes styling my mane and tail.

I arrived at the school about a half an hour before the ‘school day’ officially started. A teacher was waiting for me when I entered the building. For the next ten minutes or so, I was given a tour of the humble little school. To be honest, I really wasn’t listening all that well to what the teacher giving me the tour was saying. My mind’s plate was full thinking about what I was going to teach today and, more importantly, what the heck I was going to do during my first date with Treble. I got my head out of the clouds when the teacher showed me to my classroom.

I couldn’t have asked for a better classroom to teach alchemy in. It was a large rectangular room that I could divide into two sections. The first section was what I called the “Teaching Section.” There were about twenty or so desks arranged in rows of five facing a large rectangular walnut desk and night-black chalkboard. The other section was the “Lab Section.” There were several lab tables that had been set up so my students could do hooves-on experiments that I would assign when the time came.

Several windows allowed light to peek into the classroom, giving it a sense of life and vitality. Looking out the windows, I gazed at a beautiful green field with a few trees here and there. There were several cabinets, mainly in the Lab Section, that I could use to store my alchemy tools, creations, and ingredients. I spent the rest the time I had before the start of the day to set up my equipment. Using my magic, I teleported in several of my beakers, flasks, test tubes, ingredients, and a bunch of other stuff. It put an enormous strain on my horn, but I even managed to teleport in my huge spare cauldron, which I set up next to my desk. Before anypony asks, yes, I put an apple on my desk. I really wanted to feel like a teacher, okay?

I was writing some lessons on the board when the students began to enter the classroom. I heard them saying things like,

“I wonder who this new teacher is?”

“I hope she isn’t crazy like that substitute was!”

“Do you think she’ll teach us how to make stuff like love potions and mind control juice?”

“Wow, she looks very pretty!”

I’ll admit I was a little nervous, but that feeling was fleeting when I turned around to face my class.

“Yay! Ms. Conjurah! Hi, Ms. Conjurah!!” I heard a squeaky, enthusiastic voice yell. I didn’t need a map to find the source of the noise, because all I had to do was follow the trail of eyes and turned heads that led to a filly sitting at the second desk in the second row. It was Candy Corn, and I could tell she was eager to learn. I smiled and waved back at her. I then heard a snarky voice in the back shout,

“Hey, look! Blank-flank Candy Corn’s bodyguard is now a teacher! It’s only natural that somepony as pathetic as her would suck up to her! Blank flank! Teacher’s pet!” I saw the colt that was being rude and instantly recognized him. It was the same bully that was teasing Candy Corn yesterday. After I did a roll call to learn everypony’s names, I learned that punk kid’s name was Sly Adder.

Aside from Sly Adder and a few of his cronies that sat around him, the rest of my students didn’t seem to be troublemakers. They were all very excited to dive into such a new and intriguing subject, especially Candy Corn. I did what any teacher would do with a new class: I introduced myself, gave a brief synopsis about the course, told them to bring notebooks and pencils, told them to do their homework when I assigned it, yada yada yada.

After I gave a lecture about my experiences with alchemy and all the wonders and potentials that it had, I decided it would be a good idea to dazzle them with a demonstration. The question was, which awesome recipe should I show them? It had to be something visually sensational, like festival fireworks. I grinned when I settled on a fun little concoction that was a piece of cake to make and didn’t take too long. I didn’t tell my students what I was making, of course. After all, you generally get better reactions with the element of surprise. When I finished making the potion, I held the vial up as if I was saying “bottoms up!” and drank it. I remember the shock on a few of the students’ faces as they watched me drink a mysterious looking chemical straight out of the flask.

But what was truly stunning to the little fillies and colts was what actually happened to me after I drank the potion. My violet mane, s if by magic, turned pumpkin orange within a few seconds. Yup, the concoction I made was my recipe for Instant Flawless Hair Dye. I didn’t care for the color my mane turned to; which is why I made made a potion on the side to reverse the effects of the hair dye. I sipped the mixture out of the test tube it was in and, sure enough, my mane returned to its normal color. After that, I received a well deserved round of applause.

When the bell rang and the students left the classroom, I began to clean the tools that needed cleaning, put things away, and tidy up the room. As I did these things, I noticed Candy Corn hadn’t left the room. I could tell she wanted something, so I walked up to her and asked her what was on her mind. Candy Corn said that she really liked the the lecture I gave on alchemy and my demonstration with the Instant Flawless Hair Dye. I thought I had done a decent job on my first day as a teacher, and it was nice to hear it from a student of mine. Candy Corn said that alchemy really interested her and she couldn’t wait to learn more. Yes! My dream of spreading the wonders of alchemy was already coming true! I decided to feed the fire of Candy Corn’s enthusiasm and offered to give her private alchemy lessons. She said ‘yes’ in a heartbeat. I’m pretty sure Candy Corn saw this as not only an opportunity to learn from the best, but also as a chance to spend time with her new friend: me!

Oh boy, oh boy! Now I get to write about my first date with Treble! I had butterflies in my stomach when I got home from work. Anxious thoughts coursed through my mind, such as “What should i wear? What should I talk about with him? I hope I don’t screw this up!” I was going to Treble’s house for dinner that evening.

The hour before my date was one of the most frantic moments of my life. I was preparing myself as if I had invited Princess Celestia to my home. I took a long hot shower and spent an unnecessarily lengthy amount of time styling my mane and tail. Everything had to be perfect! It’s not everyday that a handsome stallion is served to you on a silver platter. I spent a good chunk of time fussing with myself whether or not to wear jewelry and what to talk about when Treble and I would inevitably have conversations with each other. I also wondered if I should quickly run out to buy him a gift or something. In the end, I decided that the jewelry and gift idea wouldn’t be necessary. I didn’t need to be too dolled up - it wasn’t like we were going to a gourmet restaurant for our first date.

When I got to Treble’s house, I tried my best to keep a poker face and not look nervous. That was easier said than done, because my fluttering heart and the small beads of sweat beginning to form on my head served as a constant reminder of how I really felt. I tried to soothe my anxiety by taking some deep breaths as I waited for Treble to answer the door. I heard a bit of fuss in the house after I knocked on the door. Two voices were arguing with each other. The first voice was Treble’s, but I didn’t recognize the second voice.

“Oh great, she’s here!” I heard Treble say, “Come on, Bass! I can’t help you practice anymore today. I’ve got my date with Marelory!”

“Oooooo, so my big brother finally met a mare, huh? said Bass in a teasing manner, “What’s she like? Is she pretty? Did you have to pay her to go out with you?”

“I really don’t know what she’s like, I just met her yesterday,” said Treble with an irritated sigh, “And, no, I didn’t bribe her! I can’t believe you think I’m that pathetic with girls!”

“I was just kidding, Treble!” said Bass, “Geez, you’re awfully antsy today!”

“I just don’t want to mess this up,” I heard Treble say, “You have no idea how much courage it took to ask out a mare as beautiful as her! I was shaking like I was standing outside in the middle of a blizzard without winter clothing. Now please go to your room, Bass! I don’t want to keep her waiting. I really want her to like me!”

“Alright, lover-colt!” laughed Bass, “But don’t think I won’t be listening! I hope that alchemist doesn’t poison your drink when you say something stupid to her!”

I heard the clip-clop of hooves trotting up the stairs. About twelve seconds later, Treble finally opened the door. He had combed his hair all nice and neat for the occasion. I’m not one hundred percent certain, but I think he might have even been wearing makeup. He apologized for the commotion that I may or may not have heard (I totally heard every word!) and invited me inside. He told me that dinner wouldn’t be ready for another half an hour, and he invited into the living room to chat. Whatever was in the oven made my nostrils jump for joy. My stomach growled like a savage beast, demanding that I fill it with whatever it was that smelled so delicious.

The living room itself was, well, your average living room. It was an almost perfectly square room with walls painted beige. There was a medium sized window, with bright scarlet curtains, that allowed natural light from outside to enter the room. There were many pictures hung all around, mostly of family members. A walnut-wood bookcase stood near the limestone fireplace. For a brief moment, the bookcase reminded me of Nightshade. He loved to read. Anyway, the most notable feature of the living room was the obsidian black piano that stood directly opposite of the aqua blue sofa.

After we sat down on the couch, none of made a sound for a minute or two. I thought I needed a map, because I got lost in Treble’s gorgeous golden eyes as I stared into them. The situation was pretty awkward, so I decided to break the silence and start a conversation, like I practiced at home. I played it safe with the starting subject matter and asked Treble how his day was. He didn’t really have much to say there. His answer could pretty much be summed up as “same old, same old.” He bounced the question back to me, and I told him about my exciting first day as an alchemy teacher. I had so much more to say than he did to the point where I was worried that I was making him feel small and insignificant.

Treble then asked me where I was from and why I decided to move to Marestone. I answered by telling him about how much I loved alchemy for as long as I could remember and how I left Ponyville to attend a prestigious alchemy school in Manehattan. I told him about my dream to spread the wonders of alchemy to as many places in Equestria as possible and how I started with Marestone. Bottom line, I pretty much told him the story I’m writing in my journal in the present day up to this point in time, only it was much briefer.

I should note that when I was telling Treble about my time in Ponyville, I never said the names of Nightshade and his siblings. I simply referred to them indirectly as “a few other friends.” The reason I did that was because I was thinking about those wanted posters I was in Manehattan. I wasn’t sure how far they had spread across Equestria. If they were here in Marestone and Treble saw them, I thought he would think I was an associate with a heinous criminal if I told him Nightshade was my best friend, even though I didn’t believe for a second that Nightshade would even think about committing a crime.

I could tell Treble was thinking, “Come on, oven-timer! Ding already!” I decided to ask him about his talent because I figured that he’d have a lot to talk about, which would make him feel more interesting to me. Treble, breathing a sigh of relief from being served some subject matter, smiled and began to talk. His teeth were like flawless pearls that made his smile precious. I learned that Treble was a musician who specialized in playing the piano. From the very first moment we met, I had already inferred that his talent had something to do with music, so this was no surprise. Anyway, Treble made a living by giving piano lessons and occasionally performing at places that would hire him.

He then asked if I’d like to hear him play a few measures. I said I’d be delighted to hear him play. He got up from the couch, walked to the piano, and sat down on the little stool in front of it. After cracking his hooves and taking a deep breath, he began to play a song from memory. It really was a beautiful moment during that evening. You’d think that Treble wouldn’t be able to play properly because he didn’t have the ability to create magic fingers or something, right? Wrong! He didn’t need to be a unicorn to produce the divine-sounding music that he played for me. The song he chose was a beautiful piece. It was a soft, tranquil song with a medium-slow tempo that lightened the mood of the room and was easy on the ears. When Treble was finished, I was at a loss for words. I didn’t have time to say anything anyway, because a that moment we heard the sound of the oven-timer ringing. It was time to find out what smelled so remarkable!

Before he put dinner on the table, Treble remembered something he had completely forgotten about and cantered out of the room. If you were in my place, you’d think somepony had poked him in the rump with a sewing needle when the thought came to his mind. I waited at the table for a few minutes. He then came back with a bouquet of flowers. He had bought them for me, and I was flattered. They were gorgeous flowers, and they had an enchanting aroma. It wasn’t just one type of flower; there were many kinds of flowers in the bouquet. It was mainly roses, daisies, and forget-me-nots. Why forget-me-nots? Treble said it was because they were beautiful and blue, just like me. I blushed, it was really cute.

Anyway, dinner was served. Treble had made lasagna and garlic bread. When I took a bite of the lasagna, my taste buds were in paradise! It was so delicious to the point where I had to summon up a great deal of willpower to keep myself from pulling a “Sponduli” (Which is where I would scarf food down as fast as I could, without even chewing some of it, like a hungry, hungry hippo.) While we ate, we talked about the little performance Treble put on for me. The blush on his face was unmistakable when I told him it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever heard. He told me I was exaggerating, but I assured him that I really meant it. He then said that he’d like to start writing his own music someday. He was an amazing musician, so it was only natural that I supported him.

After dinner, I wasn’t really sure what to do next. It was too early to wrap up the date. I had to think of something, quick! I could see in Treble’s eyes that he was having the exact same thought. Eventually, he asked me what I wanted to do next. I really don’t know why, but I quickly responded to the question by shouting,

“Equestrian Ratscrew!” Treble raised an eyebrow. He must have thought that I insulted him or something. He asked me what in the hay I was talking about, and I told him that Equestrian Ratscrew was the name of a card game that I used to play with my friends back in Ponyville. Treble said it sounded like fun and asked if I could teach him how to play.

For those who have never played this game, here’s the basic idea on how it works. Each player is dealt cards until there are no cards left. Since it was just Treble and I playing, we each got twenty-six cards. Each player then stacks their set of cards in a face-down pile in front of them. Once the players are ready, they take turns quickly flipping the top cards of their pile and putting them in the center of the table between your pile of cards and your opponent(s)’s, one on top of the other. The objective of the game is to get all of your opponent’s cards. How do you get the cards of your opponents? I’ll tell you how!

During each round, the players must keep a watchful eye on what cards are being played. When the same card is placed on top of each other (example: a six, then another six) or when there’s a card placed between the same cards (example: a three, a four, then a three), the players have a chance to slap the pile in the center. Whoever slaps the pile first gets to take all the cards in it. The winner of the round then puts the cards he/she won in a separate pile next to the pile of cards currently in play. Once the pile in use is depleted, the player takes any cards he/she won, shuffles them, and uses those cards in a new pile. I would go on to explain more rules, such as what happens when face cards are played, but I won’t. I am getting way off topic with the story I’m trying to tell. This is a journal, not an instruction booklet.

We played five games of Equestrian Ratscrew. I only won one game because Treble had lightning reflexes. His hooves were but a blur when he went to slap the pile in the center. Such speed probably came from his talent as a pianist. It was loads of fun for the both of us, and we laughed the evening away as we played.

When it was time for me to go home, Treble looked at me with a hopeful expression on his face and asked,

“So… Can we see each other again sometime?” I giggled a bit when I saw Treble’s cheeks turn rosy like beets when he asked me that question. I smiled and answered,

“Absolutely!”

Well, that pretty much sums up my first date with my boyfriend Treble. What, were you expecting more? Were you expecting cuddling, hugging, us calling each other “schmoopie,” and a good-night kiss? It was our first date, cut us some slack! He got me flowers, and I think that sufficed in terms of romantic events during that evening. I assure you all that mushy romantic stuff happens later in our relationship, okay?