(Chapter 4: The Two Alchemist)

Finally I could see the sunrise. It’s been hours since I left that curse of a town. Now that the storm has stopped and the sun is up, I didn't realize how much damage I took during the battle.

My clothes are dirty with spots of blood dripping from them along with a few burn marks. My chest feels like it’s falling apart while the back of my head feels like it's exploding. My breasts keep getting softer as I walk to the forest tired.

Suddenly I heard a snap behind me as my body kicked into overdrive instantly. Turning around, ignoring the protest of my body, while extending my spear to face my new opponent.

Suddenly I could see some kind of pony or rather zebra walk out of the bushes and stare at me. Her expression looked pitiful yet defensive at the same time.

It felt like minutes as we stood there in complete silence until she spoke. “Greetings fair traveller, I am Zacora, gathering herbs along the path until I spotted blood did I run faster.” She rhymed.

I raise my eyebrow at her but let her continue.

“By the way you look it's obvious that you are a fighter, do not worry for I will try not to light your ire.” I noted in response. “That would be a wise choice to make,” I said to her.

“you have nothing to fear, my hut is not far from here. If you are still cautious you may hang in the rear. Will that make you feel better my dear?” I thought about my options and right now hers is the most logical. I placed my spear onto my back letting her know I will follow.

She smiles at me before trading off into the forest. I stayed behind, silently prepared for any ambush that could arise. After about 10 minutes of walking, we made it to a dirt road. I hadn’t said a word the entire time as we walked until she bought a conversation. “Now that we’re on the right path, would you mind sharing a bit of your past? One’s life is truly fragile, if you do not wish to share I understand but I assure you that I will be your equal.”

It took me a couple minutes to respond due to the fact I don’t know what to answer. I did not mind sharing about my past but my other half does not agree telling her anything about me. I’ve decided not to tell her everything yet due to the fact I don’t fully know her, but she is trying to save me right now. “I grew up in a harsh world. Not a single person cared for my race not even our own. Until the silver hand united my race under one banner but at the cost of thousands dead. That is why I have dedicated my life to helping those who cannot help themselves.”

One look from her and I already knew that she knew I was holding back. But she put on a smile and said to me. “A harsh life many have walked from start to end, And some have only begun the trend. As long as we continue the path, we will find our aftermath.”

The words sounded like they made no sense but I could tell there was much wisdom behind what she has said. We continued to walk until we made it to a hut. She invited me inside and instantly got to work. “Please remove your attire. To Treat the Wounds is required.” She said as she left the room.

I grew hesitant as my armour is the only thing that can truly keep me alive in the most desperate situation, but she is trying to help me right now so I have no choice but to trust her.

As I finally removed my armour and my cloak I realized I was pretty much naked. I grabbed my cloak and wrapped it around my waist, realizing there was no damage below my waist.

she came back as I just removed my mask. She suddenly stopped and stared at me. A split second I thought she would attack me but instead she only raise a question. “Excuse me my friend but I do not believe I’ve ever seen a changeling with a white kayden? But more importantly why are you so shaken?” She said with curiosity.

I was dumbfounded that she could understand my emotions that I was displaying. Usually I can hide my emotions pretty well but I know she’s smarter than that now. I’ve decided to answer her. “Yes you could say I’m a rare breed of changelings.” I said in an equity voice with male and female voices. “And excuse my behaviour, no more than 24 hours ago I was attacked twice.”

Just then I noticed that she was putting ingredients in a caldron. I realized then she was an alchemist, something we both have in common. A few minutes go by so I decided to strike up a conversation. “So what are you making anyway?” I Asked her.

She then chuckled to herself before answering. “So you can talk on your own and not when you are only asked, I thought you only take orders and blast. It is a potion to heal your wound, but do not rely on it for that can cost you your doom.”

She finishes it and hands it to me. I think a while taking a sniff. Smelling no poison I’ve decided to take a drink. It wasn’t bad but I can tell that she is not a master. “Not bad” I tell her. In a matter of seconds my wounds are healed but it cost the entire bottle. “but you’re missing a few key ingredients.”

I walk over to her and just her to the caldron. She nodded her head in agreement to allow me to use it and I instantly got to work. In a matter of a few minutes I constructed a potion that has five times the effect that her potion has along with tasting better. I offered her a small sip which instantly felt energized.

For the next few minutes we talked about potions and she allowed me to make a few more. I gave her a few pointers but that’s when I realized that I have no clue what I’m doing. Everything I just did was due to my past as Ax. I shook the thought away and finished making my potions.

I created a potion of resistance while making a potion of healing, A potion to increase my damage with lightning and frost attacks, Another potion to increase my speed, finally my special potion.

Just then my raven vision went on and I can look through the eyes of my Raven. It showed me five colourful ponies and four of them look familiar. Twilight and her gang. They’re coming directly for the hut they’re only three minutes away.

Quickly I made a truth potion. I was only able to make a little bit good enough for only one time use and I instantly gave it to Zecora. I draw my spear to her throat before saying. “Drink it then tell me if you betrayed me. No riddles or rhyme!” I didn’t want to do this but them coming here all of a sudden it’s just too convenient.

She looks scared but took the drink then said “I did not betray you.”

I smiled even though that she couldn’t see it and nodded to her. “Apologies for what I’m about to do.” I made my way to the door and kept my back to it. Every second that went by I could feel them getting closer to the hut. Using my raven vision I waited for them at the very door without them realizing it.

I can feel my sweat trickle down my back. Every second was like a mini heart attack. Use your second most powerfulest spell. They won’t survive. I could hear Ax’s voice in my head. ‘No,’ I thought ‘it is too big of a risk and the Zecora could get in the crossfire.’ I told him.

Then how do you wish to escape! I smiled to myself as I see them reaching the door. Twilight slowly goes to knock on it. “With a surprise attack” I whispered to myself.

My legs shot out and obliterated the door sending twilight flying.

Without giving a moments hesitation I instantly and for the pinky and fired a second level spell. Shatter. Using my spear to Aim A powerful lightning bolt, I not only take out pinky but AppleJack as well.

With their heavy hitters down I look for Rainbow Dash who has a shocked look on her face. Not giving a second of hesitation I cast a cantrip known as Thunder Clap. My hoof is engulfed with lightning as a run up to her and punched her right in the stomach sending a shockwave through her. She collapsed on the ground in pain.

I do not hesitate as I dash away. Instantly purple magical energy start shooting towards me. I nearly laughed, This was the same group that easily subdued me. But with my magic they stood no chance. I quickly pivoted on my hoof quickly exchanged the red orb with the blue orb and aimed down my spear to fire Eldritch Blast.

The purpose of the attack was to knock out twilight but she teleported before the strike hit her. Instantly time slow down as my feat alert activated. Instantly I could feel her teleportation right behind me. This time though, I could feel a very powerful spell. It was strong enough to be considered a seven or an eight knockout spell. I realize that I wouldn’t have time to dodge out of the way.

Even notice to my left that Rainbow Dash is already up and flying towards me at an extremely fast rate. Then there’s Applejack who is rushing forward even if I manage to dodge twilight attack these two would be on me faster than I could realize. I don’t give this group enough credit as I should. Twilight has always been a pain in my neck since yesterday and I could feel a rivalry growing.

If she catches me it’s game over and I would’ve lost… No… I can’t lose now… this world wants to give me hell so I will give hell rate back!

I never thought of doing this before but I decided to combine my spells once again. Combining my spells is very dangerous but still really effective.

I combined my two best spells for the situation. I cry to the heavens as I screamed my combo. “Arms of Thunder.” Combining the spells of Thunder Wave and Arms of Hadar, The ground ruptures with black thundering tentacles.

The first one strikes fast and wild as it hits twilight underneath the chin making her lose concentration on the spell. Three more got in Rainbow Dash’s way as they grabbed her wings and neck. Applejack was the last to fall has she tried to run away but a tendril grabbed her by the leg and threw her at her friend pinkie pie Who was still… sleeping soundly???

Just then I noticed that Rainbow Dash wasn’t actually being affected by lightning. Do Pegasus have resistance against lightning or even immunity. I walk up to her as she struggles and pick one of her feathers for testing later.

“Hey! Don’t touch my feathers without my permission! That’s a real scumbag move!” I answered her with my butt end of the spear to her temple, knocking her out.

I made my way over to twilight. The tentacles were all over her making sure that she couldn’t move an inch and constantly striking her horn to stop her from casting magic.

As I approached she screamed at me. “You bastard! What did you do to Spike!?” I replied to her in a calm demeanour. “Whatever Spike did in my absence, I had no part in it.”

“Pony feathers! And you know it! Why is he trying to help you after you nearly killed Rarity! He has a huge crush on her yet he vouchers for you!! We came here to get a potion to cure his curse that you laid on him!” I silently thanked mother for saving rarities life that day. I really didn’t want her death on my conscious, her horn I can live with.

“I believe the reason why he is defending me” I replied. “Is because he saw the truth of that day! When you maniacs tried to have me killed!”

It took me a second to calm down. I realize that I went out of line and now I’m going to get nowhere. To confirm my suspicions I got spit all over my mask.

I heard some movement behind me and I noticed applejack and Pinkie pie were getting up. I then decided to weigh my options. I have about 15 seconds left before the spell ends and twilight is set free. I can try talking to them but they’re likely just gonna blow it away. Besides I don’t really care for these people that much. I could always kill-no! no! no! There’s always another way! I don’t have to live that life anymore.

Deciding that they wouldn’t listen to me I’ve ran off into the forest. I went into the deeper darker part of the area so I can use one with shadows to escape.

I could feel the blood pumping through my veins. After a second I had to take a breather. Combining spells was dangerous and unsafe. It took me about an hour but I was finally making my way through the forest.

A familiar raven perched itself on my back. Appointed its head to the left of me and I followed its orders. As we made it through the clearing I noticed a raging river that could easily swallow me whole. Using my ability I fly over gently before landing on the other side.

As I continue down my track I noticed light peering through the tree line. Some type of structure was ahead but I didn’t get a clear view of it yet. As I continued my walk forward I realize that this wasn’t just any structure. This was in entire castle!

It was beautiful even though it looked run down. I could see the towers loom over entire cities even though there are no longer there. But one tower remained. The other one would’ve been bigger and taller but this one was at the perfect size. It wasn’t huge but it wasn’t small either. Whoever lived in that tower must’ve been a great ruler and the other one more arrogant. But what do I know these structures look hundreds of years old they’re probably both dead if they were two of them.

Transforming into a raven I fly up to the second tower and fly through one of the broken windows. I instantly turned back to normal as my raven flew around the room getting comfortable. This room looked beautiful as there wasn’t a single speck of dust. Only shattered glass on the floor. Quickly using Mage hand. I get rid of the glass and look around the midnight room. The colours of the room was mainly blue and purple and they range from dark to light. Everything about this place looked beautiful and so I just cited that this would be my resting place.

I then noticed there wasn’t any bed besides a blanket on the floor next to a fire pit. I quickly look around for a few matches easily finding them before setting the fire pit a flame.

I relax myself a bit… this was my new home… A world that I can’t even call my own…. Worry about the details later right now we need to focus on the bigger picture. We have shelter now we must find food and a place of water. Luckily that river looks clean and there might be a few fish.

I've decided to have a conversation with my inner self… it’s not like I’m going to talk to anyone else. ‘It’s not a bad idea but if there isn’t fish in the river we’re screwed. And take hunting off the list, Hunting wooden wolves won’t keep me fed.’

It looks like thievery will have to do. I think of what he said for a second. ‘Steal from who… no, hell no!’ It is the only way after all. who’s gonna care if you steal from them. It’s not like they’ve been kind to you.

I want to disagree with him but deep down I know he’s right. I don’t like it but I’m gonna have to become a thief.

I then relax for the rest of the day. Being unable to sleep has it's advantages, sometimes.

Slowly I watch as the sun disappears and is replaced by the moon. I stare up at it as a transform into my raven form and take off in the night.

Author's Note

I would love to give a huge thanks to my editor. The discorded Raven. He played a huge part for Zacora. Without him I would’ve made Zacora three times worse