Chapter 4

In the town of Ponyville, on its green park, was a sight many ponies were finding quite peculiar. Sitting on a bench, an unicorn with a shining magenta mane was, with great enthusiasm, speaking with an alicorn with a flowing and even more shining mane. The unicorn was floating flasks of colorful liquid with her magic while the alicorn excitedly took notes.

‘’So that’s the potion that gives you a long neck, you say. Fascinating. I never thought such a drastic metamorphose could be possible. I wouldn’t have believe it if I had not saw with my own eye that… hum…’’

‘’Monster effect, huh.’’

‘’Yeah… that. But how does it work? How did you created that potion?’’

Nova could see the curiosity was killing Twilling. Good thing nothing bring more joy for the unicor than to speak about her favorite subject.

‘’Well, at first, my initial goal was to make a potion that makes you bouncy. It was supposed to work by giving your body the property of rubber. But making it is quite a challenge. I’m still working on it even now and all I have obtained so far were... sticky results. But from those attempts, I managed to make a simplified version that concentrates the rubber property spell on just my neck.’’

‘’Making a potion that only changes one specific part of the body! I had never heard of such a thing. It must have taken you considerable research! Say, hum... do you think that I…’’

‘’Yes?’’

Twilight looked at Nova, her eyes sparkling as bright as the stars.

‘’Can I give it a try? Pleaaase?’’

‘’But of course Twilight, this could not make me happier. And I promise, this potion is one-hundred percent safe. If you don’t feel comfortable, I have the antidote with me. For each potion, I always bring its corresponding antidote for safety reason.’’

This was all she needed and Twilight, quite vigorously, took the flask and brought it towards her lips.

‘’Alright, let’s dig in.’’

She drank the liquid. At first, she felt no change. But then the change came. Her neck was lengthening and undulating like a purple noodle at the shock of the passerbies but at the jubilation of the alicorn. ‘’Oh. Oh! Oooooh, this… this is amazing! It’s incredible! And yet it feels so natural!’’

Twilight was getting a lot of joy out of this. She long-necked alicorn wrote notes on her clipboard with furious passion.

‘’So mind-blowing! Despiste the transformation, I can still talk and breathe normally as if nothing had changed! It doesn’t feel strange. It even feels… natural! And also I admit, it’s quite fun.’’

‘’See, see! That’s why I made that, well, why I make all my potions. To be changed into something that is fun and brings the very joy you feel right now.’’

‘’A noble goal. You have succeeded with me at least. Your potion is capable of things I thought impossible. What you have done is nothing short of genius.’’

‘’What! Oh no no no, I am not great. I’m just a pony who loves to do her passion and to share it. Heheh.

She scratched the back of her head, acting embarrassed but it was clear she was very happy to hear that. Twilight noticed that ponies were looking at them weirdly, or rather, looking specifically at herself. So she put the antidote at her lips and her neck went back to normal in a ‘pop’.

‘‘Well, that was an experience. You must have been a remarkable student during your school years I bet.’’

At the mention of school, Nova disposition stiffened, her eyes dilated. She laughed to conceal it but it was obvious her laugh was one born out of nervousness. ‘’Hahahaha. Yeah. School. They often say I was… special.’’

‘’But from what I gathered, something went wrong when you tried that potion. So tell me.’’ Twilight asked with the gentle firmness of a mentor. ‘’What had cause this... freakish transformation?’’

Nova was glad Twilight did abbadon the school subject but still, that blunder was still weighing on her. ‘’Right. That. It was a dump mistake and I’m really ashamed to have done it . In my hurry I carelessly broke the rule number one of a potion maker.’’

‘’Which is?’’

‘’Tell me Twilight, have you ever wondered what would happen if you drink a second potion just after the first one?’’

‘’Can’t say I have but now that you mention it, it makes me ponder.’’

‘’I’m sure you already know that but potions are basically magic spells trapped in liquid. Spells that activate once they come into contact with a living organism.’’

‘’Yes indeed. Technically, you don’t even need to drink the potion. Just spreading it on your skin would be enough to activate the spell. It’s just that ingestion is the best way to properly spread the spell in all the body.’’

‘’You’re correct. However, even after being spreaded, there is still a trace of the spell in the liquid. Liquid that is currently being digested in your stomach.’’

Twilight gasped as something clicked in her head.

‘‘Oh my stars! I am starting to grasp what you imply. How did I not guess before that it could happen? It seems so obvious in retrospect.’’

‘’Yes. By drinking a second potion, the magical liquid had a high risk of entering in contact with the residual remnants in my stomach. Even after drinking an antidote. That's what had happened to me. The effects of the two brews must have mixed-up. It is for this reason that potion makers have a strict rule to wait, ‘minimum’, one half-hour before ingesting another potion.’’

‘’Like in swimming!’’

‘’Yes. Like in swimming. That's why I feel so ashamed that in my hurry, I forgot something so basic. In retrospect, I was lucky that I just became... what I became.’’

All the merry mood went away from Twilight face as she remembered Nova disfigured anatomy at the time.

And how it could have been much, much worse.

‘’Yeah Nova. You were. The mixed-up effects could have been dangerous for your health. Or even deadly. Your potions are ground-breaking. But if it puts ponies in danger, it doesn’t matter how ground-breaking it’s. I want you to promise me that you will be careful, more than ever, with your potions. Can you promise me that?’’

‘’Yes Twilight. I will. I promise.’’

‘’I’m glad to hear that.’’

Twilight, who was now reassured. She levitated the flask of the long-neck potion before her. It was still sparkling. But Twilight eyes were sparkling even more.

‘’Say. Would you allow me to take that potion with me? I would really like to study it more thoroughly.’’

‘’But yes, yes, you can take it, you can even take all my potions if you want. It will be my pleasure. I could easily do more anyway. Once I would get a better financial footing that is.’’

‘’Wait. Potion Nova, have you monetary problems?’’

Nova panicked. Seeing Twilight, the pony she admired the most, being apologetic, was heartbreaking for her. She hastily shaken her upper-hooves in negation.

‘’Wo wo wo, no need to make that face. I am not in the red. It’s just that I spend nearly all I had when I moved out of Manehetan. My job at Fresh Fridge allow me to live decently but I must admit, my funds for my potions making is starting to run dangerously low. I am still pondering on a way to make more bits. Ideally, I had always wanted to open a potion shop. The truth is, that's been my dream since I was little. But as you had said, there is not a big market for that. If I open one, it would be doom to fail, alas.’’

Potion Nova jumped from her benches and stretched her limbs, doing her best to sound casual.

‘’But don’t worry Twilight. I have experience in having bits problems and each time, I managed to get back on my hooves. I will eventually find an idea. I always do.’’

‘‘Still, I wonder if there.s something I can do to help.’’

‘’You don’t have to do that, you know. I appreciate but this is my problem. My life. Besides, using your influence as a princess would be unfair and favoritism. Knowing how you are a sticker for rules, I have a feeling it would leave a bad taste in your mouth.’’

‘’Haha, right. Guess I should not be surprised that my best fan would know me so much. But…’’

Twilight also got up from the bench with a hint of a smirk on her smile

‘’Although it is right that I cannot help you as a princess, nothing stops me to do it as simply Twilight.’’

‘’I... don’t get it.’’

‘’There is a certain friend of mine that’s currently having a problem. And you’re in luck, this is a problem that requires you talent. It would be easy for me to introduce you to her.’’

‘’My talent? You mean... as a potion maker?’’

‘’Well, as far as I can tell, you’re the only one in town. Asking for the service of one that lives so close would be ideal for my friend.’’

‘’And... what I am suppose to do?’’

‘’To make a specific kind of potion. I know that, as a potion maker, it should be a given that you know how to do it but I still need to ask the question just to be sure. Do you know how to make food preserving potion?’’

‘’Food preserving potion, huh. That’s a strange request the Princess asks of you.’’

‘’I know, right. When I heard it, I too was confused. I mean, those concoctions are available everywhere nowadays.’’

Said Potion Nova as she was tinkering with her elaborate chemistry set. Spring Song was sitting on a chair holding in her hooves a sandwich with what seemed to be purple jelly in it. But for the moment, she was more interested in the conversation than eating it.

‘’But then if it’s so available as you say, why were you needed?’’

‘’Well, first, do you know what food preserving potion are?’’

‘’Of course. Even I know about them, that says something. They’re potions that are mixed with meals that allow them to stay fresh for a long time.’’

‘’That’s right. You know, potions have unfortunately so little use in our society.’’

‘’And after seeing what you make, I really wonder why?’’ She says sarcastically.

‘’I will make it as if you had said nothing. Anyway, back to the subject at hoof. There are, although, a few exceptions. Some rare fews potions have managed to achieve widespread popularity. Instantaneous mane coloring, revitalizing tonic, anti-fertihummm… I told you about that one when you grow up. And of course, the one that tops it all, the food preserving potion. Century ago, some guy concocted it and it became a smash hit. You can just add it on any recipes, especially baked goods, and presto, fresh for weeks. You can even spread it on vegetables and fruits and they will be conserved for long. As time went on, the recipe for that potion became simpler and cheaper to the point that you could easily mass produce it and that’s why everypony uses it. Even today, the descendant family of that inventor is still making millions of bits. By the way…’’

She lightened her horn and grabbed with her aura her scrapbook which she levitated and opened it in front of the face of Spring Song.

‘’This is a little off track but years ago, the super villains Tirek and Cozy Glow concocted a plan to drain the magic of Equestria.’’ The open pages of her scrapbook were showing photos, articles and as well drawings she herself made years ago with colored pencils, describing that very event. ‘’Everything magical was affected including the effects of food preserving potions. Even after the magic was restored, the whole kingdom has been plagued by rotten food for a few days.’’

‘’Thanks for the history lesson. Even though I never ask for it.

‘’But the amazing Mane 6 quickly resolved the crisis and brought the magic back before it had time to cause serious repercussions in our diet and economy.’’

‘’Yeah I get it. They’re super cool and you love them to death.’’

‘’You say it.’’

Spring Song rolled her eyes that Potion Nova was blind to her sarcasm and decided to take the subject back on track.

‘’So, did you in the end apologize to all those kindergarteners like you had promised to the Princess? My friends younger siblings were among them and they told me about your transformation.’’

Nova jerked and stayed immobile. Even though she had her back turned to her, Green Leaf could tell the unicorn was clenching her teeth. ‘’Yeah. I... did. It was among one of the most awful experience I had lived.’’

‘’Among one of them she’d said? Weird way to phrase it!’’ Pondered Spring Song.

‘’Twilight was really nice to stay by my side during the whole deal. It helped me a lot. Still... it was awful. The kids were still scared of me and didn’t want to approach me. And during my speech, I felt so bad that I flattened my face on the ground as I was apologizing. But with the Princess help, the whole situation was diffused. I'm pretty sure the kids won’t have nightmares so all in all, I guess it went pretty well.’’

‘’You weren’t sanctioned?’’

‘’Okay, sure, I no longer have the right to come close to the kindergarten from less than ten meters but it’s still not that... bad. Right?’’

‘’I’m not sure about that. My parents no longer want me to talk with you. They say you’re a bad influence.’’

‘’Ohhh, but you still hang out with me because you like me.’’ She says in a sing-song voice prancing on her hooves.

‘’Hum no, I’m here because you bridded me with free lunch, remember. Well, more like begging me with free lunch.’’

‘’Heheh, kids love to use strong words.. Beg you. I wouldn’t go that far.’’

‘’So, about those preserving potions. You know how to make them?’’

‘’Oh sure. It’s super easy. Because of their importance in society, it had become mandatory in every potion class to learn how to concoct it.’’

‘’Aaaah, that’s why the Princess has said it was a given.’’

‘’Indeed. But it’s also why practically all potion makers decide to work the rest of their life into making the same old, and boring, potions that are sure to sell instead to continue to innovate on that science and create new kinds of brews. They do only ‘one’ mixture day after day after… day.’’ The white unicorn actually shivers at that thought. ‘’No, not for me.’’

‘’Look where it lead you.’’ Spring Song took a bite of her sandwich but was disappointed by the taste. Nova, her, was curious about it since it was her that made it.

‘’So, how do you like it? Is it tasty? And you know, if you’re thirsty…’’

Potion Nova levitated a bottle of soda.

‘’You don’t want some soda with it? When I went at Sugarcube Corner, a certain pony gave me many as a gift. It’s Fizzy Fizzy Soda. I’d heard it’s the next big thing.’’

‘’No l’m fine. As for the sandwich. Well, the bread is good at least but what’s inside... with what kind of fruit your jelly is made?’’

‘’Oh that’s not jelly. That’s the leftover of one of my failed potions. The one that caused that big explosion yesterday.’’

The little filly face had lost a lot of color and she threw the sandwich on the floor. ‘’Are, are you trying to poison me!’’

‘’What! No, I swear, it’s safe to eat. Potion makers have a strict rule to not use a single toxic ingredient in our brew. Potions are made for consumption after all. I ate it and I’m in good health.’’

‘’You, you eat that thing! But it taste like rubber!’’

The potion maker lightly scratched her forehead, the gesture of a pony faced with a fact they knew they couldn’t just deny.‘’Yes, that’s the inconvenience. It tastes bad. Also, though none-toxic there’s probably zero nutritive value in it, making eating it, yeah I just see your point now’’

She looked at her with that judgemental gaze that only kids know how to master it and think made Potion Nova wince.

‘’Well, hum, I’d a big pile of goo there and I had to find how to get rid of it and my food budget was starting to get low sooo I put one plus one. Look, I’m not weird, I’m just poor. Well, I soon no longer will be.’’

‘’!!!... Wait, a, minute. In your story you had told the Princess that it was your potion budget that was getting low and that you were fine on food. But is it the opposite instead? You’d told the Princess a big fat lie!’’

For just a brief moment, the unicorn froze. But she got back her composure and smiled at Spring Song.

‘’Yes, I admit, I did lie to her. But that was because I did not want to worry her. I still eat three meals a day. They are small, sure but I am not in danger of starvation. It’s just that I want to mainly focus on my passion and I was scared Twilight would get the wrong idea. Besides, as I had said, this problem would soon be solved. So why worry?’’

‘’Okayyy, but… still. You spent plenty into making your potions instead of, oh I don’t know, the bare necessities?’’

‘’I know it’s hard to understand and I don't blame you. But for me, potions are my life, my purpose, my very soul. This is the true necessity. Eating, drinking and sleeping are just distractions compared to that.’’

Spring Song, that filly, looked at Potion Nova as if it was her the true kid. ‘’Oh yeah. Sure. It make sense.’’ She put the barely nibbled sandwich away. ‘’Well, since the main reason why I came here is gone, I guess I will just go back home.’’

‘’Oh!’’ Say Nova looking at her that she wants to leave so soon. ‘’You’re sure you don’t want to hang out more? I could very well take a break off my work and we could play games if you want.’’

‘’Thanks but no thanks. I have homework to do.’’

‘’Ah. Of, of course, who I’m to stand against your studies. Nah, it’s alright, you’re busy, you must do your things. And you did spend a little time with me. I appreciated it.’’

‘’Al... right. Then I... I go.’’

‘’Allow me.’’ Potion Nova had said while turning the doorknob with her magic. Spring Song went outside while Nova waved her goodbye.

‘’Bye little Springy.’’

‘’Bye weird lady... ... you know... I really hope it will work out for you. You’re not so bad. When things don’t explode. And don’t worry, I won’t tell anypony about your secret.’’

‘’It’s very nice of… no. No, you don’t have to, I don’t want to put that responsibility on you. That would be not fair of me.’’

‘’Ah. Still… I will still keep it. Goodbye.’’

And with that, she closed the door, leaving Nova alone. She went back to her work with a singsong voice.

‘’One day she will warm-up to me. And then we will be great friends. How wonderful it will be. But for now, let’s focus on the task at hoof. This last batch is boiling nicely. As for my personal side project, my new potion should be ready in three, two, one.’’

Right on cue, a suspended flask, containing boiling brown and sparkling liquid, whistles a tick stream of steam. A hint that the concoction was ready.

‘’Damn I’m good. Is there a potion maker more prepared than little old me? No pony of course. Alright my little baby. Time for you to go into your new home.’’

She levitated to her side, her rack of empty bottles. Without needing looking, she held her hoof to grab one.

And then realized that the only thing she was grasping was empty air.

‘’Huh?!’’

Normally, she always had a bunch of bottles ready for putting her potions in. But not this time. To her horror, the rack was empty. She looked again and again but there was still nothing. She even turned it upside-down and shook it as if it would change something.

‘’Oh shoot shoot SHOOT! What an idiot, I used all my spare bottles on my food preserving potions. I’ve nothing left!’’

The whistling was becoming angrier and the liquid was boiling so much that the flask was alarmingly shaking. Nova quickly extinguished the flame below but changed nothing.

‘’Shoot, shoot! It won’t cool fast enough! I promised no more explosions. I must put it in something. Anything.’’

In a panic, she looked in every direction then her eyes fell on that bottle of fizzy fizzy soda. ‘’This will have to do.’’ She had said while grabbing with her magic, opened it and gulped the whole thing in one go. Once it was done, she made a big burp.

The shaking flask was beginning to crack. Fast as lightning, she put the soda bottle under the glass faucet and turned the handle. The brown liquid flowed inside the fizzy bottle and once all was inside, Nova put back the cap on it, sealing the bottle.

‘’Phew. Crisis averted. A few more seconds and it would have splashed and ruined my whole chemistry set. And get me a yelling from my tenants. Again. Oh well, more fear than harm. This potion would be a success, I can feel it.’’

Potion Nova proudly looks at the bottle full of brown liquid that was sparkling under the rays of the sun.

‘’Now I just need to let it cool off for a few hours and the magic would be fully integrated in the potion. My potion which is not yet finished and not yet tested. Inside a fizzy fizzy bottle. While looking nearly identical as real soda. ... ... ... Hum, should I worry? ... Nah. I’m being paranoid. If I’m careful, I don’t see how it could bite me in the future. Right? … Right?’’

Author's Note

I'd alywas wonder how those potions were working, even on a magical context. As tried to make them more grounded and realistic, more and more implications came into my head and I knew I had to put them on paper.