The Last Mage

The Last Mage

Chapter 9: Meeting Zecora Part 2

I sighed upon seeing them. Spike began to laugh and was about to start calling them names, but I bopped him on the head with my staff before he could and fixed him with a disapproving gaze.

“I think we'll find a cure to this curse at Zecora's place!” said Rainbow.

“It's not a curse! Curses don't exist!” yelled Twilight.

“Actually Twilight, curses do exist, I know a few myself, but remember – you were all running through the Everfree Forest, it's possible you may have been affected by something else and not noticed.” I told them. At the mention of knowing a few curses their eyes widened. “Well, if you'll excuse me I have an appointment today. I'll see you all soon.” with that I grabbed my staff and cloak and left them, still staring after me.

As I walked through the Everfree, on the path to Zecora's home, I came across a pack of Timber Wolves. They stared at me a moment... then bowed! They bowed like the the ponies do when one of the princesses is around. I blinked in surprise, then nodded to them and continued walking. Once I had passed they ran back into the depths of the Forest. Nearly shit myself at first. So, apparently being a Wizard gets the respect of Timber Wolves. That can be useful.

I finally came upon Zecora's hut. I walked to the door and knocked three times.

“What is this? A visitor at my door? One was a surprise, I never expected more!” came the rhyming voice that belonged to Zecora herself. She opened the door and stared up at me for a moment.

“Hello Miss Zecora. I'm Istar Stormcrow, and I would like to apologize for the behavior of the citizens of Ponyville.” I told her.

“Ah, so you are the strange one of which I have heard tell, you are welcome here just as well.” she replied with a smile.

“Thank you. I take it Applebloom is here and has told you about the Poison Joke?” I asked her.

“Indeed she has told me of the folk, that have been afflicted by Poison Joke.” she answered.

“Zecora? Who's there?” came the voice of one Applebloom.

“Ah there you are Applebloom.” I said. “I take it you were about to go and collect some ingredients for the Poison Joke cure?”

“Uh, yeah. Why're ya' here Mister Istar?” she asked.

“I'm a Wizard it's my job to be in places.” I answered cryptically. “Oh, and before you go, take this.” I pulled out an old necklace, I carry various bits and bobs on me, and began to focus my power into it. It glowed white for a moment, before fading.

“There. The Timber Wolves should at the very least leave you alone now. At the most they should help you.” I said as I handed the necklace to her. She just nodded and took it. Guess she didn't want to be bothered with an explanation about my magic right now.

“I cannot help but wonder, that staff carries power like thunder.” said Zecora once Applebloom had left.

“Indeed. This is my focus, my symbol of office, and a darn good walking stick.” we both chuckled at the last one. “But you're correct, the staff itself possesses great power, but only I can actually use it. So no worries.”

“That puts my mind at ease, would you like to try some teas?” she asked.

“My rhyming friend I would love some tea, are there questions you would ask me?” I rhymed back with a grin that she returned.

Time Lapse.

We had been talking and drinking tea for about an hour when I heard a noise outside. I stood up and pulled the cauldron with the Poison Joke antidote in it out of the way just as a currently flight-challenged Rainbow Dash came in, followed by the rest of the girls.

“It's about time you six showed up. Applebloom is almost back with the last ingredient to the antidote.” I said as nonchalantly as I could.

“The antidote for this curse!” said Twilight of all ponies.

“No, the antidote for the Poison Joke that you all ran through yesterday. Zecora even warned you about it.” I sighed at them.

“Poison... Joke? You mean these were all just-” Twilight began.

“Little magical jokes, yes.” I replied.

“Wait, where's Applebloom!?” yelled the still shrunken Applejack.

“Out getting the rest of the ingredients. Don't worry the Timber Wolves are watching over her for me. Turns out they can tell I'm a Wizard and actually listen to me.” I told them. Applejack was about to reply when we heard said filly come back. We looked out and there was a Timber Wolf, padding along happily beside her. The girls and Zecora looked on dumbstruck. Applebloom giggled and I smirked.

“Told you.” I said, walking over to the Timber Wolf. “Now what is your name young one?” I asked it in the secret tongue of wolves. It replied and said it's name was Rootclaw.

“Well Rootclaw, how would you like to be my familiar?” I asked him. He looked surprised, then pleased. He bowed his head and answered that it would be an honor. I smiled down and him and began to build power in my left hand.

“Very well, then I name you Rootclaw, Friend of Stormcrow!” I intoned as I brought my hand to his forehead. The transformation was noticeable. First, his bark skin smoothed out, the moss became more uniform and covered his entire back, like fur. And last a white flame shape appeared on his forehead where I had placed my palm, and his eyes changed from yellow to white.

“It is done. Speak now with the Voice I have given you.” I said in English. He understood now and we all heard his reply.

“Um, hello?” came a gruff, but young voice that seemed to have an echo quality. I smiled at their surprised looks.

“Well. Let's go and cure that Poison Joke!” I said.

One walk to Ponyville Day Spa later.

The walk had been rather annoying. Everyone had run upon seeing either Zecora or Rootclaw. Eventually I had had enough and bellowed an announcement to the mob that had formed.

“Enough!” I roared at them. “First, Zecora is not an 'evil enchantress' she is an herbalist! Second, the girls have been afflicted with Poison Joke, which we are currently on our way to cure! Lastly, the  Timber Wolf is with me! He is my familiar and will not harm any of you!” I declared. Everypony looked on in shock at the magnitude of my voice. The buildings nearby had literally been shaking from the force. The crowd simply left in a daze. The others looked at me in wonder.

“Before you even ask, it's called the Voice of the Mountain, and it's roughly five times more powerful than the Traditional Royal Canterlot Voice.” I said as I began walking towards the spa. About an hour later, and another less loud explanation for the spa staff, the girls were all back to normal. They all thoroughly apologized to both Zecora and Applebloom, and Twilight learned not to judge a book by it's cover after Zecora showed her what 'Supernaturals' was about. All in all it was a good day, and Spike only freaked out a little when Rootclaw came home with us. Well, today was eventful, that's for sure.