Yesterday is History...

When Luna left, Frost immediately started to tell me how happy she was that we could properly speak to each other again. Her 'voice', as the best way to describe it, was very husky, but sweet. She had a slight growl to her tone that never seemed threatening, rather charming instead. There was a bite that-

Use one more dog pun to describe my voice and I'll bite you Jon.

I chuckled at that. It was amusing to see that she could hear my thoughts, but also terrifying to think she has access to my mind like that.

"What exactly allows us to communicate like this?" I asked.

Ah, you haven't remembered yet. Well, the simple answer is imprinting. When we met the first time, you and I forged a connection that bound you and I together. As we both grew, the connection became more powerful and opened the potential for advances in our bond that had never been achieved before. I recall what all we had managed, but it was a joint effort on our parts to make it happen. Without your memories, you would need to relearn the techniques. I would say that you might be able to wait for the memories of our connection and practices, but there's no guarantee it would be enough.

"What do you mean? If we've done this once we can just do it again." I didn't understand what she was alluding to.

Frost's eyes lowered at this. That's what I'd like to think, but that ritual you had performed on yourself took away our chances to learn for sure. You received the memories, but the rejection of magic limited our bond to the mere physical aspect.

"Physical? So there was more." I stated, beginning to put together the basics of our 'bond'.

Frost nodded. Originally, we had a connection of physical, mental, spiritual, and magical aspects, divided into two different elements. The first we discovered is physical aspect. No matter how long apart or how damaged our minds have become, we always manage to recognize one another. The second element is we have effected each others ageing. As you grow old, you'll notice a small change in your physical form over a long period of time. On the other hand, I now age must faster. Where I would have lived thousands upon thousands of years, I will now only have a few more centuries to live before my end.

"I... I'm sorry. I don't..." I was at a loss for words for what to say. To know I had caused her life to be shortened so greatly caused a feeling I had yet to experience. Remorse.

You don't need to apologize Jon, you've said it all before and I've came to terms with the fact long ago. The second aspect was mental. What your experiencing right now is the first part of it, a form of telepathy that allows us to communicate and understand each other to the fullest extent. I actually learned your language this way. The second part of the mental connection is much more intense. With it, we're able to link into the others minds, to see what the other see's. We can try that one later. Spirit is the third aspect. This is the most intense, allowing us to become one being in thought and action. We can both act and think independently, but will do so with more coordination. Additionally we can allow the other to take full control of ourselves, giving full control of our body to the other. We will both see and feel what happens, but only one will be in control until control is returned to the original host, or we force the other one out. I know because I had to force you out to prevent you from doing something incredibly stupid to me.

I thought over everything she'd told me so far. Obviously we had put a lot of thought and practice into this in order for her, and soon myself, to know this.

"and our magical aspect?" I asked.

As an Avarok, I was blessed with a high amount of passive and dormant magic. The passive magic allows me to see in the darkest of areas as though it were daylight as well as heighten my senses and act as a constant armor coating. You receive these same benefits as well. You, however, can also access my dormant magic to use as your own. It reacts to and can be used with the same magic and spells used by unicorns, dragons, and an unknown type of magi.

"I could use magic?"

You began mastering the magic as soon as you could, and with the benefit of having alicorn like reserves and strength, you became quite the spellcaster.

"If I gain your passive magic then why was I harmed earlier?"

She raised an eyebrow at me. You're smarter than that Jon. At the time of your injury, you were still under the rituals power. Not to mention the farther apart we are has an effect on stable our bond is. There was never a large change in our connection, but there's a noticeable difference between standing next to each other and being miles apart.

"Okay, but what about when the timberwolves just fell apart?"

That's a good question, but I believe that can also be answered by the ritual. Timberwolves are a makeup of chaotic magic combined with the forest itself, and when they came into contact with you the mark most likely diffused that magic.

This was all good and well, but there was a serious problem I wanted an answer to.

"If we could achieve all of that, why did I give it up?" I looked to Frost, needing to know.

Frost hung her head. I'm sorry. You told me you went through with the ritual because you didn't know about me. You also said that even if you had known, you'd have done the ritual anyway. It was too important to have it done. It needed to happen. I'm afraid if you want the answer, you'll have to wait for it to come to you.

I didn't want to believe her. Why would I still do that to Frost even if I knew? What could have been so important?

"Well, I suppose I'll know in time. Hopefully, if what that alicorn said is true, I should be at the end of... whatever this is."

Frost perked up at this. Alicorn? Are you talking about Luna?

I shook my head. "This is a different alicorn. She came to me while I was unconscious. She looked a lot like Celestia, but her hair was simply red without the flow to it. Oh! She actually wanted me to tell you hello."

Frost started jumping around at this. At last! This whole mess is coming to an end! Faust you glorious bitch it's about damn time we finished this!

I wasn't sure how to react to this sight. Clearly this was something good, but I did not yet know why. Hopefully as the past returned to me, I would find myself celebrating as well.

"Alright then. If there's nothing else you can think of to tell me, I'm going to go see if I can find something to make my arm stop hurting."

One last thing you should know is that your memories will not all be 'complete'. They will seem fragmented in a way, not making any sense during the memory, but leaving you with the necessary information afterwards. From what you've told me, your earliest memories are always complete, as well as any other memories seem to be of great importance.

"Thanks for the heads up Frost." I said as I made my way out the door. I was surprised to run into Harden Hooves.

"Grey I was sent to- WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR HAND!" He shouted, eyes flying to my missing appendage in shock.

I was a little stunned by his outburst, but quickly remembered my goal.

"I must have misplaced it. Can you tell me where I could get some medical aid? This hurts about as bad as it looks." I responded.

He looked at me like I was a ghost, before hitting the ground unconscious.

Well shit.

Seeing that Harden wasn't going to be of any help, I started making my way towards the main hall of The Grove. I didn't make it very far before I was intercepted once more.

"Excuse me." A rather quiet voice said off to my right.

Looking over, I saw a scrawny lackluster threstral. His hair and fur were both grey, almost blending into each other.

"Can I help you?" I irately asked him.

"I-uh... I just noticed your um, 'problem' and thought that I could help you." He mumble out.

"I assume you're referring to my hand, or the lack of one. If you think you can help, go for it." I told him.

He blinked back in surprise as I shunted my stub towards him. "Oh! Uh, yes! I should be able to help. Just hold still and don't panic."

"What do you mean 'don't panic'?" As I asked this he raised his arms and brilliant flames shot out of his finger tips onto my arm. I reared back in shock, fully expecting pain, but only felt a gentle caress as though the fires were massaging my arm. As soon as they came, they dissipated taking the ache in my arm with them. Moving my arm around showed that it had been healed and the open wound of my wrist had been sealed fully.

"Wow..." Was all I could muster.

"I hope that helps you sir. My name is Blaze Cure, and if you ever need healing just look for me or my sister. Have a good day." And with that he walked off.

That had definitely been an experience. I was still standing where I had planted, to shocked to move. While that had been a helpfully and interesting encounter, there had been something about it that put a pit in my stomach.

You hadn't noticed?

Frost? Do you know what it is?

Yes. He performed magic.

...and?

He wasn't a unicorn.

That set off warning bells in my head. I didn't know why that was a danger sign, but I was willing to trust my instincts.

Is non-unicorn magic users that's uncommon?

Uncommon!? Jon it's unheard of! I know that all ponies have inert magic with ways of accessing it, but no pony other than unicorns and alicorns can use it directly.

That's... unsettling. Do you think Luna would know more? She with her past with the trestrals it's possible she may know something we don't.

Possibly. We can ask-

"Hey Grey!" I turned to see Jager.

"Oh hey, something up?" I asked her.

"I was 'bout to ask you that. You're jus' standing there staring at the forest like it just moved." She playfully taunted me.

I let out a nervous laugh, letting out tension I didn't know I had built up in my body.

"Yeah, I'm just reeling from losing my hand." I lied.

"Oh yeah, heard 'bout that. The Princess is supposed to be coming 'round to help with that ya?" She asked.

You could probably tell her the truth about Blaze. If anything she probably knows.

"Yeah, she should be here tonight with a solution." I told her.

I probably could, but it can wait. I have the feeling she didn't just come over to chat.

"That's good, that's good. Hey, before I forget Thorns was looking for ya. Wanted to make sure you didn't get into trouble last night."

I raised my stub to her, jokingly saying "Too late."

We shared a short laugh as she had me follow her. It looked like we were headed back to the barroom. Along with wanting to make sure I was alright, Jager told me that Thorn also had something to discuss with me.

Careful around Thorn.

What why?

I overheard a conversation between him and his mother. He has little to no care for you or humanity, and apparently it was his idea to drug you with the truth serum.

So he's a heedless asshole. Great.

Not the words I'd use, but yes pretty much.

As we approached Thorn, I saw he was looking my way with a grin. Pushing down the agitation I felt growing towards him I responded with a smile of my own.

"Glad to see you're still in one piece! We were worried when you took off like you did." He stated.

"Yeah, 'just had an appointment I didn't want to miss. What were you wanting to talk about exactly?" I asked him.

"Yes, about that. Listen Grey, the ponies here aren't too pleased about you being here. Even with the princess's word mixed with what my mother has said, there just isn't much trust coming your way. I want to help change that." Thorn said.

"What are you talking about?.. And help me how?" I was hesitant to receive an answer.

"You see, the ponies here would feel much better around you if you did something to induct yourself a bit more, did something to see you in a kindred light. A right of passage if you will." He began.

"Thorn Pincer! Don't tell me you want to put him through the trial!" Jager scolded him.

"Come on Jager! I'm just giving him the option." Thorn replied.

Be careful how you go about this.

"I'm listening" I told him.

"Excellent. As Jager said, I offering you a chance to take our trial. The trial is a guaranteed right to be here and to be respected when completed. It would be the surest way for you to deal with the issue." Thorn said.

"If that's the case then it's no doubt going to be a challenge." I responded.

"Of course. You see the trial-"

"Thorn! Cooler's been asking for you." An unknown threstral said.

"Damn. Sorry Grey, we'll talk more later." Thorn told me.

"Right. See you." I responded.

As Thorn took off, I turn to Jager to see her already walking away shaking her head. With her gone, I began to look for another source to learn about the trial.

If you're really set on this trial, you should go talk to Demisha.

Can I trust her?

I'm not sure, but given she's the Grand Elder it would only make sense that she would know the most about it. Chances are that she's the one who initiates and moderates this trial. Hopefully she'll be able to tell you whether or not this endeavor will actually be worth it.

I began walking to Demi's tree, but commotion from the main hall pulled at my attention. Looking over, I saw that Demi herself was herding around some of the villagers. Making my way forward, I noticed that they were setting up for some sort of event. Demi must not have noticed me come in, but one of the other villagers did.

"Do you 'need something'? If not I'm going to have to ask you to leave. We're very busy." They told me.

"I'm sure. I just need to speak with Demi." I said.

"The Grand Elder is clearly not available. Please leave so we can continue our preparations." They responded.

"Sure." I walked right passed them straight to Demi. Once I got close enough, she managed to spot me and waved me over.

"Grey Sword, what can I do for you?" She asked.

"I was wondering if you could tell me about some kind of trial you have? Thorn mentioned it but had to take care of something before he could explain it." I told her.

"Oh. Well- no no no place that on the west wall- the trial is a passage right for our hunters. Only the strongest and most cunning can survive. To complete the trial, you must- it looks fine dear, go help Shadow Ward- you must kill a great beast and bring back a trophy of proof, something from the beast to prove your ability."

"I see. When could I take the trial?" I asked.

"The trial itself doesn't take place for a few months, not until after 'Nightmare Night'. Ugh, I hate that the common ponies adapted that into a holiday. We lose one of our princesses and they celebrate! The nerve! -That will be hanging above the main table. -At first snow is when you can begin the trial. The trial takers will have to survive the cold, the beasts, and are only allowed to use the weapons and tool that they can craft. Nothing pre-made is allowed."

As she finished her explanation, Demi tensed up. She turned to face me, eyes wide with worry.

"You aren't... planing to attempt this trial are you?" She timidly asked.

"That was the idea actually. I figured going through this would help me with my standing in The Grove." I told her.

"Grey! That trial is not something you just walk into! You must have years of training and preparation, not to mention the trial is normally completed in a group! To attempt it alone would be suicide!" Demi practically screamed this in my face.

I raised my hand placidly, saying "Grand Elder, if what I've seen of my past is even half true, and that's just what I've seen so far, I would be fine. And as you said, it's not something I could do now. There are a few months between now and the trial, I'll work around The Grove and when the time comes we'll talk again. Fair?"

She scrutinized me for a moment before hesitantly replying, "I'm really not okay with this. I ask that you speak with the princess before you set your mind on this."

"I'll be sure to do that. If there's nothing you need of me, I'll take my leave." I responded.

"You won't be doing any heavy lifting with only one hand so I have no need of you. Have a good- WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? THAT'S VERY FRAGILE!"

Demi was clearly refocused on her task at hand, so I made myself scarce. Looking to the pocket watch, I saw it was six in the evening.

Where did the time go?

You and I spent quite some time talking this morning.

Fair enough, I'll just head back then. Luna will be here soon enough.

Making my way back to my hut, I noticed something strange on the walls. Where previously there had only been the red paint warning everyone to stay away, now there was a symbol painted on with a teal color.

Frost come look at this.

What is it?

She pushed open the door to see what I was referring to.

What do you think that one means?

It looks like a emblem of some kind, possibly a family crest.

Why is it on our wall?

Did you make an impression on anyone? It's possible that this is a sign of trust, or that it's a sign of warning.

Well shit. Let's hope for the best but prepare for the worst.