Shadows of the Night

(Author's Note: Prereader: Moon_Fire thank you)

            Things progressed rapidly, or at least they sort of did. Caligo said something about being able to speed up or slow down time with in the dream world depending on how deep it was. While this was great for testing out ones powers, it wouldn’t enhance them. So, great for trying out new abilities, but my real body wouldn’t be granted any powers beyond it was capable at the start time of, I guess I’ll call it, ‘meditation’. So there went that whole OP Dragon Ball time zoned training room idea.

         I was already getting the hang of shadow striding, Caligo corrected from ‘shadow walking, which he said sounded infantile, to the point where I could use it to move vertically through the same shadow I was in, or when I was in dim lighting. Though the sudden jarring experience of one’s stomach reaching up to the mouth is most unsettling, rather like a roller coaster but without the satisfaction of being strapped into a completely safe and tested vehicle.

         The next thing to use constructs, and while I was rather good at this when stationary, in the movement of battle this one was much harder to accomplish. Basic walls, spikes, or blocks were about all I could handle while on the move, I really have so much more respect for Lanterns now, though I found I could easily make shadow copies of myself that mimicked my own movements (and when I swathed myself in darkness we were indistinguishable). I asked why this was and Caligo started to go off talking about Id, Ego, and a few Freudian concepts about self image and some Narcissus-esque theories that left me feeling very dirty, so I quickly stopped him, whilst trying to not to project vomit.

         Still on the subject of self, the next step was to take my control of shadows and use it to feel the world around me. It’s hard to explain, but it sort of worked like spidey-sense, I could sense things in all the dark, meaning no one could get the jump on me, but I didn’t have the insane speed to back it up if say a bullet were shot at me, oh I could feel it coming, but I wouldn’t do me any good unless it was coming from a sniper about a mile away giving me a grand total of about four seconds from hearing the boom of the gun, and that’s if I was paying enough attention to something the size of an insect and got up to the point where I could actually sense that far. Caligo said that once I established a focus point in my base, such things would be possible, but otherwise a twenty foot radius all I could handle, and things got a hazy after that, I could still feel a general sense of what was going on, the darkness just called to me, trying to draw me in and be closer to me. I was further told that I would also be able to use this for light, but it would be more of the absence of dark it created, and that in large quantities it would just be a giant blind spot.

         All of this was crammed into one long training session. It felt like days, with no resting, no sleep, and no eating. Hurray for mind manipulation! After each new concept was shown I was tested on it immediately, and then combined with the previous lessons. While the upside to this was that I was much more used to what I could do, I was even getting better at using my shield in a slightly more offensive manner, it didn’t change the fact that I was going on for so long without sleep or even feeling tired. To say it was deeply unnerving would be an apt description.

         I lost all sense of time, and once Caligo was sufficiently satisfied with my work the use of each ability he said that he was quote, “glad I can finally stop holding back so that the real training can finally begin”. The landscape, which had been constantly shifting from one form to another immediately stopped and flattened, Caligo then grew to three times the size he had been using, and sprouted a comparable number of spike laden tentacles from his back, “From here on in, you will now be working as though in the real world. You will now feel pain more intensely, you will be able to get weary, and you will definitely be able to feel pain, heh heh heh.” and with that echo-y chuckle a vast swathe of tentacly doom descended upon me.

         To say it was hell would be quite the understatement, mostly because it would be lessened by the fact the experience was put into words. Death came at me from every angle, even with my ability to sense within the shadows I was completely overwhelmed and only able to tell what was what when it came within about three feet of me. I was all over the place, shadow striding from spot to spot like an indecisive flea in a dog kennel.

         After about three seconds of this I gave way to the ludicrous thought that I would actually be able to handle this when three spikes lanced through my torso at three different entry points and angles. I had definitely been given dampened pain receptor up until now because the only reason I wasn’t screaming was that I was in so much molecular fire-fused pain wrapped in salt rubbing knifed agony I couldn’t be bothered with anything else but to experience its hateful sting.

         These spikes were then swiftly removed from my chest, leaving me looking like some twisted form of living Swiss-cheese, as the gaping wounds began to seal themselves. There is no way in heaven, hell, or purgatory that I want to go through that again. I coughed up some excess blood as it was pushed out of my closing lungs. Sitting there in a numb, throbbing, stupor, I just waited for the pain to stop, which was rather quickly, the problem was the echoes of phantom pain the wounds left would take a good deal longer to get over, a span of time Caligo was not willing to give as, “Again” echoed from where I would guess his mouth to be on that featureless mask.

If only this would be the end of me.

***

         After about the twentieth time, I was completely exhausted, and while I had actually progressed some, the longest I had been able to stay alive was about fifteen minutes, and that had only been because I had given up any pretense of even thinking about trying to attack and just set off to put as much distance between him and me as I could, which would have worked a whole lot better it he hadn’t shrunk the world. But it didn’t really matter, what did matter was that at the end of the twentieth round, my body still feeling the echoes of agonies recently past, Caligo called for a stop. Well, not so much called for it as much as he simply stopped moving and the world shattered like stain glass as I fell upward back into the consciousness of the real world.

         Gasping as I came too, I was surprised to see that, one I was no longer in the underground chamber I had entered, I was in some sort of ancient throne room, the same signs of disrepair rampant through it as well, while I was seated on a large stone throne, made out of the same grey stone as the walls, clearly big enough hold  a normal sized horse. Two, Caligo was nowhere to be seen, though this was quickly put to rest as he opened up communications in my mind. Turns out we weren’t just linked, but we had been assimilated together. It was a little unsettling to know I had another consciousness floating up in my mind with me.

         Turns out whilst I’d been under, Caligo had gone throughout the castle and found, what was left, of the barracks and had found some supplies to bolster our own, it was something called tac, and it wasn’t of much use for anything but a chewing exercise, but it was better than nothing, and pretty much lasted forever. As for being out of the hole I’d found him in, well, you’d want to get out a place you’d been stuck in for about a thousand years without being able to move once you had the chance yourself.

         At this point, I had been thought, what I will loosely refer to as “training”, I wanted nothing more than to go to bed and put an end to my night, of which most had been used up. I was just about to get off the throne and find a good place to lie down when he said (thought), ‘What do you think you are doing?’

         “Going to sleep, what’s it look like I’m doing?”

         ‘It looked like you were going to actually sleep.’

         “Give the boy a medal! So why put up the fuss?”

         ‘Because going to sleep leaves you vulnerable, and I am not in a position where I feel that is the safest course of action for you to take.’

         “So what am I supposed to do?”

         To this Caligo gave off an immense feeling of equal parts confusion, disappointment, and flabbergastation, and then proceeded to teach me how to use yet another one of my shade abilities I’d been foregoing, the trance. It worked the same as going to sleep, but with the bonus of needing four hours rest to get the same benefit as six hours of sleep and keeping one’s awareness of the environment as well. So in essence I could stay in a trance for as long as I would normally need to sleep and be even more well rested, Caligo tried to dissuade me from this less than efficient use of time, but he relented after I reminded him I should get a break after what he had done, to which he admitted he may have gone a tad overboard. Turns out a lot of powerful elemental creatures can pull off this move, which would explain how Celestia had been able to pull Luna’s night shift while she’d been “gone” and not go completely insane. If Luna had been night sovereign it only made sense that Celestia was the sovereign of light, she controls the freekin’ sun for pete sake.

         I wasn’t quite sure how to even start, but Caligo helped me ease into it for the first time. It was sort of like that drowsy feeling you’re in when you go to the restroom at night, a little wavy but still rather enjoyable. While in the trance Caligo let go of the reigns and let me hold onto them, once I was in it was exceedingly easy to maintain, the problem was that it was boring as all get out, since my brain didn’t fully shut off. I was just stuck there, with nothing to keep me occupied but my thoughts. With nothing better to do I went over all the recent events that had been what I had considered till now MY life. So many things had just been ripped from my control, and then I came across the memory of the parchment I had received. I’d been here for about three days, someone would have obviously noticed I’d been gone, most notably my roommate first, I really needed to send that letter off. So for the rest of the morning, as the sun came up, and passed overhead into the late afternoon, I thought on how to explain my choice to leave my family via a piece of paper.

***

         I couldn’t wait until night. In fact I got up just a few hours after noon, if I was able to judge the suns trajectory worth a lick. I was too blasted bored and needed to do something. Giving a call out in my head, more or less just concentrating, found Caligo in working order as well. Asking him what he thought might be a good course of action he suggested recon, for while I had demonstrated a knowledge of the recent timeline of the show, I still wasn’t sure exactly what part of the timeline I was in, and to try and not much about in it and thus possibly destroy it resulting in a possible paradox thus ending all life, unlife, and everything in-between for all eternity both forward and back. That sounded like the best idea I’d ever heard, I like being alive and having a place to put my stuff.

         While the best place to gather information would definitely be back in Ponyville, it was agreed to wait until sunset when I would be able to hide myself and use a shadow proxy to safely interact with the ponies. So in the intervening time Caligo suggested I go about the Everfree Forest and put my newly worked skill set to practice.

         Getting out of the castle had been a bit of trouble, but not too much, and I even got to use the rickety bridge that Rainbow Dash repaired to get back into the canopy shrouded forest. It was impressive just how much the light dimmed underneath, no direct rays of sunlight trying to get at me, I even let down my hood for a little bit, emphasis on little, lots of bugs are just as active during the day as the night and the intense whining and other assorted noises were quite the annoyance.

         First thing was to wrap myself in shadow so that no one could see me, one that was though I began to simply walk through the forest. It was rather peaceful, nice dark shades of earth colors, reds, browns, and greens, moss festooned trees everywhere, and nary a bright flower to ruin it. Everything was going quite well, I was doing a good job of filtering out and ignoring all the smaller things scurrying around and had actually picked up a few of the larger creatures that I’d seen on the show. I felt a manticore some thirty yards off, it was pretty big, so it could have been a bear, but I don’t think they have just normal bears in Equestria. I even noticed a pack of timberwolves. Those had actually ran right past me by a few feet as they reached a sunny glade to lie in. They’re part plant so I guess they need to photosynthesize for a little bit each day I supposed. Though, I’d been surprised that they’d not so much as glanced my way, I knew I was invisible, but had I lost my scent on becoming a shade?

         ‘No, sir, that was my doing, it would not befit a sovereign of darkness, a true epitome of concealment, to be given away by something as paltry as scent.’

         ‘Ah, well thanks,’ I thought back.

         It didn’t take me long to find a dirt road, of which I decided to follow, needed to get my bearing right anyway. After going for a few minutes I came across a large, twisted, looking tree festooned with hanging glass bottles and tribal looking masks. Ah Zecora, the enigmatic, rhyme speaking, herbalist. She was always doing something different, although she might say she was doing what she always did, to me it was different, and different is exciting. I couldn’t really help myself, so I helped myself to a peek into her house through one of the many windows which I’m sure she thought too high for anypony to look through, well she was half right I suppose.

         Gazing through one of the higher windows, of which I actually had to stand on my tiptoes for, I took a gaze at Zecora’s home. The show really didn’t give her much credit, you only ever saw that one room, and let me tell you they don’t even give that room much detail. Glass containers of nearly every shape and color were clustered on shelves and tables throughout, little dried things were held aloft by the roof by strings. So many odd ends and doo-dads, she could make a hefty profit by selling those things in a knick-knack shop, though she’d probably have to make replicas for that as I’m sure they all had some sort of special use. Though what troubled me was that her black cauldron, which she used to make a great number of her remedies was alit. In fact there was a brew bubbling in there, but I’d yet to actually see Zecora yet. Of all the characters on the show, she seemed the last person… err pony… err equine to leave a fire unattended, let alone one in a wooden house.

         I was puzzling over this seemingly inconsistent string of actions and was just about to chalk it up as nothing out of the ordinary, maybe she had just gone to the little mare’s room, when a large blip appeared on my shadow sense directly behind me as a very wooden like crack echoed smacked against the base of my skull. Leaving me just enough time to think, ‘Oh no, not again.’

***

         ‘Oh great, why do I keep getting the daylights knocked out of me?’ I thought as I gave a low groan. I hoped this wasn’t some sort of twisted joke, the laws of causality always seemed a bit skewed on the show, and now that I was in the real version of it I couldn’t help but wonder if the show we saw was more of a window than just abstract imaginations.

         Derailing that, quickly, bleak turning train of thought I reached up to rub the back of my head, not that it was throbbing, but mostly out of habit, this whole healing factor has its advantages sometimes, but found my arms tied to my side as well as strapping me down to my legs to a very human fitting chair. I thought to Caligo who, due to being so closely linked to me, had been knocked out by the same blow and was actually still out of it, so I let him be.

         As I began to try and strain against the ropes a very stern voice behind me said, “Creature that hides itself in the dark, why is it my home you embarked?”

         “My apologies, I didn’t mean to cause you any trouble, I was just a bit lost when I stumbled upon your house. Did I do something wrong?” I had no idea what I’d done to deserve this, though I hoped I hadn’t messed up any temperamental brews she’d been working on, I don’t know magic exists here. All I did know was that thanks to my southern upbringing, I default to respecting authority as well as my elders. Yeah, I blame my parents for that particular stigma.

         Zecora, the striped poet laureate herself, only walked around from behind me and looked up into my hood, which she had probably no doubt tried to take down, and tried to look into my eyes.

         “Your words bespeak of manners most humble, but your slick words will not make me stumble.”

         Ok, I clearly wasn’t getting anywhere with her fast, as she was obviously convinced I was some dreaded creature from the æther, though considering my pores exude shadow, that isn’t that poor of a guess all things considered. I really didn’t want to bolt from there though, it would leave quite a bad impression, and if there’s something that should be avoided at all costs, it’s to leave a bad impression upon a lady. Especially an intelligent lady who can easily put that knowledge to real world applications. Like say creating potions, or making a whole town see me as a threat to be taken down. I really didn’t want to end up as a statue.

         Starting to panic at this point a certain episode began to flit through my mind, a small smile spreading across my lips, “I once heard a wise mare once said, that one should perhaps take a second look, and not judge the cover of a book.” It came off a little cleverer than I intended, but an immediate softening of Zecora’s face was enough proof that I was getting somewhere.

         “Perhaps I may have been hasty to act, perhaps my actions I did hastily enact” That last rhyme seemed a bit off, but I rolled with it, apparently I had hit a soft spot.

         “Well, can you really blame me? I wrapped myself in shadow so I’d go unnoticed. I didn’t want to cause anypony any fuss, which as you’ve noticed is quite… different. In fact, how did you notice me to begin with, and why couldn’t I sense your presence until you attacked me?”

         “My home is warded against creatures who make use of the night, so when they come stalking I may see them whilst I get the first strike.” Ok, I’m thinking sight ward (bane of all noob Twitch players) in combination with a form of home field stealth.

         “Well, since it’s been established that I’m not here to cause any mischief, may I get out of these ropes?”

         Zecora begins to give a positive affirmation, in rhyme, but before she can act I bring the shadows in the dim room around me and bring myself two feet away from the chair, leaving me falling on my rear and a slack jawed Zecora. I quickly stand back up, wiping my seat, finding surprisingly little dust, and accidentally hitting a few low hanging bottles as they clink together. As I begin to apologize for my clumsiness Zecora gets over her spluttering and begins to question me on just what I am. I give her the basic character sheet on what a shade is and gave a brief account of my life for the past few days, though I keep the whole mask thing in my head, being the keeper of balance for darkness out of it, and an alien being, she probably wouldn’t be so forgiving of that or put too much stock in my sanity, of which even I was having a few misgivings of at this point. When she tried to press me to be more specific I simply said that it was farther than she had ever traveled.

         Satisfied for the moment, and with the sun beginning to set, Zecora asked if she could make amends for her rather hasty actions from earlier by having me over for dinner, due to a grumbling stomach I hastily agreed.

         By this time Caligo had finally come to, and emanated waves of sorrow at his lack of action he was able to take upon his sovereign being taken down, I calmed him down and explained that nothing had gone horribly wrong and that he’d obviously do better next time. He did admit to still having a slightly tenuous link on the physical plain, but that it would strengthen over time.

         Zecora had already gotten soup on during this time, and mentioned something about how nice and quiet I’d been, or at least something that sounded like it. Some of that rhyme speak was a little hard to decipher.

         During supper, of which was made of a delicious potato soup, before the silence could get awkward, I asked if she could fill me in on any of the recent current events. Zecora turned out to be a true fountain of knowledge on this point, normally being an outside observer, it really makes sense that she’d at least keep some tabs on others, especially when the first time anypony came to her house they ended up wrecking it and pointing accusations at her.

         I was glad to find out that I was definitely in the second season as Zecora mentioned the Cakes sending off their special cake to Canterlot for a contest, as well as a recent dragon migration, and that in more recent news, of which I spotted via a CosMarePolitan magazine on a nearby table, two certain Canterlot higher ups were due to get married soon. She also mentioned that the mane six had gone off a little while back to chase some wanted criminal.

I mean, I guess it’s alright for them to have lives outside of the twenty-two minute window I’ve viewed them from, but that seemed like it have made a neat episode, ‘Twilight Sparkle and the Elements of Harmony in To Catch a Criminal’, that title alone would have suckered me in, almost, regardless of quality.

         Having filled myself with three bowls, well they were a tad small, I thanked Zecora for the lovely meal and began to get up. When she questioned me on this I said that I had some things that I needed to do, and besides, I worked best at night, and had plans on becoming more nocturnal. She acquiesced, admitting to me having a rather intimidating visage. Was I really that scary? I thought all the dark made me look a little whimsical by how it flitted through the air like smoke. I did ask, however, if she had a writing utensil I might borrow, as I really wanted to write my letter before I forgot what I thought up. She agreed to the simple request and grabbed one from behind an opaque green glass on a low shelf. I thanked her and began to write my letter.

Dear Mom,

***

         Once I finished my letter, I folded it in half, and concentrating on the intended recipient before I even tossed it onto the small fire beneath Zecora’s cauldron, I took a deep breath and quickly placed it upon the fire, not willing to take the chance of it flitting away somewhere else if I threw it. Upon reaching the fire it instantly gave a small flash of silvery-white and vanished in a puff of wispy grey smoke.

         Again I thanked Zecora, and took my leave of her truly hospitable house, even if the only way I found out was from getting knocked out. Well she hadn’t meant any real harm so I let it slide, besides, she, was awfully cute, like many of the other inhabitants of this world.

         As I began walking down the road Caligo finally decided to make some noise.

         ‘We should continue down this path, I can feel that Somnium is in this general direction.’

         “Yeah, well alright, got any idea just how far off she is?”

         ‘Not as such, but it feels like there is some sort of interference between us. Not distance, in the normal sense, it feels… warped.’

         Warped reality huh? Sounded like some serious power was at work, and what greater power than, say, a city holding a magical university and two winged creatures that control the orbits of the sun and the moon. I was pretty sure I knew where Caligo’s other half was being held, so I began to pick up the pace and started shadow striding.

(Author's Note Mk. 2: At this point in time I would like to let it formally be known that I am in the market for an editor and pre-reader. I am not disappointed with Moon_Fire's work, far from it, I am constantly reminded due to these actions that there are those on the internet who help others for the mere sake of helping. I would just feel more comfortable if I could get more people to help go over my musings before sending them out to the general public. So if you would be interested in helping me maintain  my story, I would be most grateful. Please PM me should you wish to contact me.)