Salt, Anger, And Booze

Salt, Anger, And Booze
Part 14: The Pain of A Time Limit

By: Major Frostwing

Twilight had searched the castle high and low with the other girls for any sign of Jon. It was as if he had just vanished from Canterlot. All of the girls felt bad about Jon. Who would willingly continue to be mean to the people he cared about just so they wouldn't hurt from their actions?

Rainbow Dash flew up to Twilight. She was flying all about Canterlot trying to find any sign of Jon. "He's gone Twilight I have no idea where he could be." Rainbow said as the other girls converged back from their own searches.

"He just up and left but we did find out his secret." Applejack added with a sigh.

"It must be so dreadful to know your time is coming. He doesn't know what to do except prepare for his demise." Rarity said sighing.

"I just hope he is alright." Fluttershy said with a frown.

"We'll figure out how to save Jon. I promise." Twilight said as a loud explosion was heard from some distance. Twilight jumped running off to a window where she saw a large cloud of black smoke billowing out of the Everfree Forest.

"I think we found him." Rainbow said crossing her arms. "I guess he went to burn off some steam."

"I reckon that sounds like him." Applejack said with a sad sigh.

"Isn't he afraid of his own safety?" Fluttershy asked as Twilight shook her head.

"He has nothing else to lose... He doesn't care what happens to him now." Twilight said as another explosion erupted from the forest.

I had teleported immediately after leaving the kitchens to the Everfree Forest. Twilight had told me that the Everfree held all kinds of nasty little creatures. And I had anger to burn so might as well clean up some annoyances.

I found a nest of Manticores first. Not much of a challenge but still fun to kill them. I then went after a hydra. I had used my magic for this one and ended up destroying it to quickly with a massive explosion. Then came the Ursa Major... That was fun to fight. I will never forget how it roared in pain when I cut off one of it's arms. Still not enough though.

I sat on top of the corpse of the Ursa staring up at the moon above me. "About a year left in the tank and I'm out here trying to kill something that could have killed me months ago... I think I have lost my will to live." I said as I let out a tired sigh. I don't want to die yet.

I got up from the Ursa jumping down to the forest floor making my way towards the entrance to the Everfree. I had no fear for anything that roamed the forest I could easily kill anything that came at me. "I wouldn't mind if this thing wasn't killing me so quickly." I muttered as I saw my shadow shift revealing Nightmare once again.

"I feel a little sorry for you Jon. Even though my entire existence and reason for attaching to you was to eventually take over your body I feel like I shouldn't. You have pushed my powers farther than I thought possible but even I can't stop what my presence is doing to you." I looked to Nightmare nodding solemnly.

"I know Nightmare I don't hate you anymore for trying to just survive but I just wish I could live long enough to not only be your friend but to enjoy my life." I said as I tapped my fist against her shoulder. "Don't feel bad Nightmare... It could be worse." I made my way back towards Ponyville. I needed to see Red and hopefully improve my day... and to break the news to her. This is gonna be a rough day.

I sat in the Ponyville hospital just watching the people walk about. I had requested to see nurse Red but now I am just nervous to tell her what's happening.

What if she stops liking me? What if she doesn't want to ever see me again? I set my hands on the sides of my head taking a few deep breaths. I was just feeling sick from this shit.

I felt a hand on my shoulder which made me jump I looked up with my right eyes seeing Red looking down at me with shock in her eyes. I saw her take a step back as I moved my hands down seeing that they were covered in my shadow. I quickly dispelled them as I shook my hands out. "Hey Red." I said solemnly as she continued to stare down at me. "We need to talk."

"Jon? Are you ok?" Red asked as she sat down next to me setting her hand on my shoulder. "What's wrong?" I closed my eyes taking a deep breath.

"I..." I started before clearing my throat. "I know you know of my condition with Nightmare right? That I was corrupted and it is now spreading. I... I can't stop it." I told her but not once did I look up at her.

"Jon does that mean?" Red asked as I nodded.

"I might have a year left... After a year if we don't find a cure Nightmare will take over. Even she can't stop what her presence does to my body." I said as I felt her arms wrap around me. "Princess Celestia doesn't have any idea how to safely remove her and the elements will end up destroying the infected portions of my body. I don't know what I am supposed to do." I wrapped my arms around Red as she just held me tightly.

"We will find something Jon. We have time to save you." Red tried to make me feel better but right now all I want to do is go to sleep with her at my side. I just want a week of just me and Red. No villains, no monsters, and no fighting. Just me and Red so I can help my mind clear up. That's all I need right now and dammit I am going to get it.