Prince Dark

As I walked into the green glowing forest of dreams I paused, everything was somewhat heavier and I knew that I had more things with me. I was more prepared in my dream, but I could also feel the burn on my ankle from my father's magic. it was somewhat painful, and walking was a bit difficult. It was a tell for certain, and I knew Luna was likely watching me once more.

Taking a deep breath I shook my head, ramming a hoof into a nearby tree. Pain shot up my leg and I let out a small curse. It was stupid and really painful, and I was just making the situation worse. I was adding more tells, and I hated it. I hated the fear that I still felt in my heart, even knowing that I was going to get me revenge against the jackass.

And yet I will likely still be without a home. I thought with a small sigh kicking the dirt. You are going to be wanted for attacking a princess and your family.

Letting out a small huff I shook my head and alowed myself to fall to the ground, curling up against one of the nearby trees. The glow that was coming through the trees increased, but I didn't care. I didn't want to face Luna, I just wanted to sleep peacefully for once without an overshadowing figure.

"This is a new side of you young cloaked stallion, and quite an early time for you to be resting," Luna said walking up to me slowly. I could hear the concern in her voice. It was unusual and somewhat uncomfortable. It was sort of scary, and frightening.

"What do you care Princess?" I asked, not even bothering to look up and away from the tree. "You have everything you kneed."

"There is a reason I have taken a kindling to you, that I have been watching you so closely. I am concerned about your mental health." She admitted letting out a small sigh. "I don't want you going as far I did, or that several others have. I don't want you to do anything regrettable."

I clenched my jaw, chest tightening as I quickly turned to face her. Magic was pulsing through my body and my blood boiling as I snarled. I could see Luna's ears flatten, magic surrounding her in a shield. I didn't care as I started drawing the vines around her. They were thick and powerful and for a moment I thought that I would be able to dispell her from my dreams this way, but that was quickly crushed. Her horn began glowing, and the vines very quickly broke away.

"I do not know what you are trying to accomplish, but it is foolish to think that you can get away with attacking the Princess of the Night," Luna said, voice loud and holding frightening power. "This is the realm of dreams, I am the one in control, and I will find out who you are and what your ultimate goal is."

"You don't need to know that Princess, besides I already told you! I want revenge!" I hissed, anger filling my voice. Everything was warm as I shot a ball of fire towards the Princess.

Jolting awake I quickly hopped out of bed and dashed out of the house grabbing a few final things before making my way into the Everfree forest, slowing only when I was fairly deep in and only stopping when I came to a small clearing. There were no trees, but it was still small enough that the surrounding ones provided cover and shade. The grass was tall but soft and the moon was just enough to allow me to see what I was doing as I began wrapping my injured leg.

Placing the kit back in my saddle bag, I pulled out my map quickly scanning it to see where I had to go. It was a long trip and no matter where I wen I could have the possibility of running into a princess. Four Princesses, four gems not only that but there were others.

Alright, the closest one is the gem of the air, located on Mount Lhorse. However, that is one of the two most likely places that they would expect me. I thought, quickly flipping thru the paged. The other two are going to be more difficult. One is in a cave at the bottom of the ocean and one was in the belly of a volcano. Further, it would seem that they are connected, made more powerful in connection with each other.

Letting out a small sigh I placed the maps in my bag and stood, walking away from the tree. I couldn't stay in one place for long, I couldn't let anyone get a good idea where I was staying. I needed to be on my way to find the Gems of the World, starting with the gem of the Earth.

As I made my way further into Everfree a small chill ran down my spine, something was following me I could feel it. Turning quickly my breath hitched as no one was there, there was nothing I could see. I was at a disadvantage. Illuminating my horn I picked up my pace, constantly looking behind me as I ran. My breath was hitching and I tripped over an ever so slightly exposed root.

Letting out a small whimper, I turned to pull myself up shuddering. I could feel eyes on me, but I couldn't tell from where. Glancing up I noticed a house in the stump of a large tree. Zecora's house if the memory was serving correctly then she would likely know what was following me or at least be willing to help me on my search and heal my ankle. Pulling myself I walked forward and knocked, flinching as the door swung open with a creak. It was really quite frightening, and it was hard to enter the room of the powerful Zebra.

Walking forward I was met with the glow of a potion on fire and the smell of strange herbs and potions. Overwhelming smells that assaulted my nose and fumes that burnt at my eyes. It was a little painful and overwhelming all at once. I could see Zecora standing over the potion but I could bearly move, I could bearly breath. We momentarily met eyes as she stirred the potion.

"You are here on quite the quest, but are your certain that your hearts the best?" Zecora asked looking back at her potion. "If it is my help you seek, then your hearts truth you must be willing to speak."

I paused tilting my head ever so slightly, biting my lip as I levitated my mask to a nearby shelf. I don't really know why I did it, but it felt nice to be open. I felt odd almost like I could no longer hide what I was feeling, or my innermost self. It was uncomfortable and frightening, but at the same time, I felt safe.

"I fear something in my mind, a part of me that feels like it wants to go too far," I whispered, dropping my head. "I'm scared that what I intend to be a freeing trip may become vengeful, and nor just vengeful. It feels dark and evil. I don't want to hurt anypony, not truly. I'm just scared that I might give them what they gave me in a tenfold." I could feel my eyes tearing up, I could feel the sadness and the fear of myself taking hold in my heart. My breathing hitched and my vision blurred ever so slightly.