Book 2 / Chapter 4
Mara
Year?? Month?? Day??
The zebra disguised Zeil stood on the muddy battlefield outside Canterlot as he gazed upon his opponent as the dark changeling gave him an unamused look and spoke, “So… are you prepared to begin?”
Zeil gave an offensive stance as he replied, “Yea… whenever you are…”
Unimpressed, the dark changeling looked at his opponent’s stance then sighed in irritation, “Unlikely… first we need this.”
With that, the dark liquid in the mud built up beside both Zeil and the evil changeling as it rose from the ground and accumulated into a long shaft before hardening into a solid wood spear with a black shaft and a black steel blade. After the weapons hardened, the dark changeling grabbed the one next to him as he spoke, “There… for this duel to be fair, we will both fight with the same weapons and abilities at our disposal… agreed?”
Zeil nodded, “Agreed.”
The dark changeling readied his spear and replied, “Once you take your weapon, we will begin.”
Understanding, Zeil started reaching for the spear that stood next to him, however just before he took it, the dark changeling spoke, “One more addition to the rules!”
Zeil paused as the changeling continued, “At any time, either one of us could concede to the fight. However, in doing so, you will forfeit your side of the terms, and… I will not allow you a second chance to face me. Understand? If you give up you will never see Rafi. So… do you want to continue? Once you grab that spear, it’s all or nothing… so think carefully first.”
Zeil looked at the changeling’s serious expression as he nodded, “I have… and for Zecora… it’s more than worth it.”
The changeling nodded as he replied, “Then take the weapon and we will begin.”
Zeil nodded as he looked at the weapon beside him, grabbed it then looked back. However as he looked back at his opponent, he saw that the changeling and his weapon were both gone. Confused Zeil looked around for his foe, however before he was able to see where he had gone, a glare ran up his body as Zeil quickly looked towards the sky to see that the dark changeling had turned into a griffin, flew strait up in the air, and was now diving down with his weapon ready.
With almost no time to react, Zeil quickly jumped out of the way as the large griffin hit the ground embedding his spear in the place where Zeil was standing moments ago. As Zeil quickly turned to counter, the griffin disguised darkness quickly turned into a massive minotaur as he swung his large left arm out hitting Zeil with the back of his hand and tossing him across the field as he hit the face of a shield that was embedded in the ground twenty feet away. Pain riddled, Zeil struggled to pick himself up as he looked over at the large monitor as the massive creature left his weapon stuck in the ground, approached Zeil, and turned back into a changeling before speaking, “Is that it?... is that all you can muster? I thought you were chosen?”
Zeil was confused as he wiped a bit of blood from his mouth, “Chosen?”
Without hearing him the changeling continued, “A thousand years and over a hundred generations of enchanters, and enchantresses. All zebra… but you… a changeling of all things… why were you chosen?”
Getting tired of stalling, Zeil replied as he charged with the spear, “Chosen for WHAT!!!”
As Zeil charged with an intent to impale his opponent, the changeling gave him a dull look as he waited till Zeil was close enough to him. With no concern for his enemy, the dark changeling continued waiting with an emotionless expression till Zeil was close enough to lung the spear at him, but as the blade neared his skin, the dark changeling transformed yet again, this time into a large black dragon. Seeing that his target was now too big to harm, Zeil quickly changed his actions and tried to jump back away from his foe. However as he jumped back, the large dragon swung his claw and caught him in the center of his palm causing him to drop his weapon as the dragon held Zeil in the air and spoke, “Chosen for what?... you speak as if you don’t even KNOW!!!”
With that said, the black dragon threw Zeil across the battlefield as Zeil flew hundreds of feet from where he was tossed. As Zeil fell to the ground, the helpless changeling hit the ground and slid through the armor littered mud with no control with his speed or direction of his slid. As he helplessly slid across the mud, Zeil didn’t see an exposed spear sticking out of his path as the blade, hit, pierced and broke off in his left hind hoof as the zebra disguised changeling screamed in pain while continuing his slid for a few more feet before stopping.
Even more wounded and pain riddled then before, Zeil tried to pick himself up, but as he did, the powerful serge of pain shot up his body from his wounded hoof as he quickly fell back to the ground to look at his wound. Seeing the blade still imbedded in his hoof, Zeil could only cringe at the combination of the sight and pain as he looked up the line left from his slid in the mud to see the black dragon arrive at the site as he landed a little over a hundred feet away. Seeing his wound, the black dragon turned back into a changeling as he spoke, “Look at you… barley begun and already defeated… If you want to forfeit, you’d be wise to do it now.”
Zeil glared at his foe as he tried to reply through his pain, “I… I can’t… I won’t…”
The dark changeling shook his head, “You truly are a fool… you’ve lost this fight and then some, and yet you still refuse to give up?”
Zeil looked around in a subtle way as he noticed a shield a number of feet behind him as he looked back and replied, “Zecora is waiting for me… I can’t give up… not till I get back to her and tell her the truth.”
Zeil tried backing towards the shield behind him as the dark changeling started trotting closer as he spoke, “Zecora this, Zecora that… true as part of you I too have feelings for that mare, however I can overlook them, even to a point of killing you and nullifying these feelings once and for all.”
The dark changeling drew closer to Zeil at the same time as Zeil approached the shield as he quickly grabbed the shield and held it in front of him in an attempt to block whatever attack was coming next. However the dark changeling didn’t attack, instead he used his left hoof to reach across his body grabbing the right side of the shield as he pushed forward hitting Zeil with its edge before flinging it across as the round edge of the metal domelike shield left a deep cut on Zeil’s face before flying away from them both. As Zeil found himself once again unarmed, the dark changeling punched him in the face with the same hoof used to disarm him as Zeil’s head was thrown to the ground. Stunned and beaten, Zeil laid on the ground as the changeling looked at him in disgust, “This is beyond embarrassing… to think that one as weak as you could possibly challenge me. I don’t know what he was thinking choosing you… but it was obviously a mistake.”
With blood running from his new wound and around his left eye, Zeil looked back as he replied, “Who? And… chose me for what?... what are you talking about?”
The Changeling sighed, “Don’t give me that… you know perfectly well who chose you...” His look became curious, “Don’t you?...”
Zeil didn’t reply, instead he just gave his foe a clueless look as he slowly shook his head in confusion. After seeing this, the dark creature became surprised, “Wait… you mean… you weren’t chosen?”
Still without a response Zeil stared at the dark changeling as he stepped back and began thinking to himself, “You weren’t chosen… how… how is this possible. I have never appeared in one who wasn’t chosen… it… it must be a mistake… or…”
The evil creature looked at Zeil in anger as he replied, “Or you aren’t worthy…”
Not sure what he was talking about Zeil continued to look at his foe as the dark creature continued, “That’s it then isn’t it… you were never chosen, so you obviously aren’t worthy… in which case…” his look turned sinister, “You must be removed.”
With the evil look on his face the dark changeling stepped closer as Zeil tried to back up as fast as he could but it was no use. With no way to stand and run, the dark changeling approached Zeil and with his first action, stepped on Zeil’s injured hoof as he pressed down on the spear’s blade stretching his wound and sending a surge of unbearable pain through his body. Screaming in pain, Zeil stopped trying to back away as the dark changeling then punched him in his face as the impact alone knocked his head into the mud beneath him. As Zeil tried to lift his head out of the mud he soon found it back in as the dark creature started hitting him over and over on his face, while alternating which side of his muzzle to hit as the now immobilized changeling felt the full anger that was this evil creature. With no way to free himself, and the mud on his face turning red from his own blood, Zeil could only lay and endure the pain of each hit until finally the creature stopped and allowed Zeil to lay flat on the ground.
Stunned, and barely able to move or see, Zeil opened his eyes and looked to his foe as the changeling sighed, “I wanted you to suffer a little longer… but I suppose it’s not your fault you were never chosen… so I'll just end it now.”
With that the dark changeling raised his hoof to the side as a spear materialized from the black liquid like it did before as the evil creature grabbed it and reared it back, “It’s nothing personal… but if you are allowed to live, then this world may be in more danger then you know. If you have any last words… please speak them now.”
Feeling that this was truly his end, Zeil slowly closed his eyes as he spoke, “I’m sorry Zecora… I… I love you.”
Seeing the nobility in his last words, the dark changeling sighed, “Too bad she isn’t here to hear that. Then again, it’s best she not see this… Good bye Zeil of the Black Sand.”
As the dark changeling raised the spear high in the air, Zeil decided to do as the wise old ibex suggested. He started thinking about the most peaceful moment of his life.
With his eyes still closed, Zeil started to see it clearly. The view of the entire Everfree forest all the way to Canterlot in the distance, the stares lighting up the sky above, then the most beautiful mare he knew, standing in the edge of the cliff as the soft shade of fireflies glowed around her as she looked his direction with her beautiful blue eyes and smiled. Seeing Zecora in his mind Zeil started to smile as he came to peace with himself for what he assumed was his last moments of life. However, soon the moment was broken as he heard the dark changeling speak, “What the?”
Confused, Zeil opened his eyes to see that the dark changeling was still standing over with his weapon reared back, but his focus wasn’t on Zeil at all, it was on the ground next to him. Confused, Zeil turned his head to see what had caused his foe to hesitate.
In the mud next to him was a strange lump under the mud moving around as an insect slowly climbed out of the muck then buzzed its wings to fling the grime from it. Confused, Zeil and his foe continued to watch the bug as it opened its wings, and started hovering in the air before giving off a faint yellowish glow. As the insect hovered in the air it flew close to the dark changeling as he focused on it and spoke in confusion, “A… a firefly?”
Confused the dark changeling lowered his spear down near Zeil as a number of fireflies started crawling out of the mud around them and started mimicking the actions of the first, by buzzing to clean their wings then by hovering in the air to join in on the glow they were emitting. As the dark changeling watched the swarm of fireflies that were harmlessly flying around them he started to smile, “Its… it’s just like…”
Without finishing his statement, the dark changeling continued watching the swarm as Zeil noticed his guard was dropped. Seeing the changeling’s spear lowered close to him, Zeil made a decision that he knew would take every ounce of strength he had left.
Moving Quickly and precisely, Zeil used his left hoof to grab the spear just below the blade, then with every ounce of strength he had, Zeil used his right hoof the hit the weak point just below the blade as the wooden spear shattered leaving the blade in his hoof like a dagger. With little energy left Zeil quickly turned the blade around and rolled himself to his right to help assist the blade’s movement as he rolled himself over burying the blade of the spear into the dark creature’s heart before the distracted changeling even knew what was happening. Once he felt the blade hit him, the dark changeling jumped back and landed with a short slid as he looked down at the wound he had just attained, then the foe who inflicted it. With his last attack completely rolling him on his right side, Zeil looked over his shoulder at his foe only to be surprised that the creature was still standing. Worried Zeil rolled back onto his back as he looked at his foe and spoke, “I… it… wasn’t enough?…”
The dark creature looked down at his wound as he spoke, “Interesting… using my own weapon against me and striking while my guard is down… a cheap move… but effective.” He looked around him as he continued, “And these fireflies… manifested from sheer thought… so… perhaps you were chosen after all… or, you will be.”
Zeil gave the changeling a confused look, “Wh-what?...”
With no reactions of pain or even discomfort, the dark changeling pulled the spear blade from his chest as he dropped it into the mud and replied, “That’s not important… what is important is what to do next.”
Terrified that the dark changeling seemed to feel no such pain from the blade that was in his chest, Zeil tried to back away, but with his body aching all over it was no use as he could only watch as the dark changeling approached him. Worried of what would happen next Zeil waited as the changeling grabbed his injured hind hoof, held it still, then pulled the blade from it. Feeling the blade as it shifted inside of his hoof, Zeil screamed as the dark changeling gave him a dull look, “What are you wining about?”
Confused, Zeil realized that the pain in his hoof had vanished as he looked down to see that the wound was gone, and his strength had returned.
Confused at the unusual events Zeil sat up as he felt his face and his entire body to find that not only was the wound on his hoof gone, but the cut on his face, and all his bumps and bruises were gone too. As he looked over his now missing wounds, the dark changeling sighed as he tossed the broken blade away, “This duel is over… I succeed.”
Zeil was shocked, “Wh-what?”
The dark changeling replied, “You beat me… fair and square. In my attempts to inflict harm I never laid a single fatal wound on you… but you… you stabbed me in the heart, quite accurately no less. So… if I were mortal, then I would be dead. Therefore, I give up. Since you win, I'll step aside and allow you to see Rafi.”
Zeil started to smile with relief, “Really? You mean y-“
“Don’t read into it…”
Silenced by the dark tone of the changeling, Zeil’s smile faded as the changeling continued, “I may have lost this duel… but that doesn’t mean I trust you. In my eyes you are still a coward and a weakling who is unworthy of my power… however… it is possible that you will one day be chosen for it… so until that day, I can only leave you be. However… if you challenge me again, weather you are chosen or not… I'll do everything in my power to kill you… understood?”
Feeling a little nervous of the threat Zeil nodded as he replied, “I understand, just know that I don’t want anything to do with you or your power… I only want to get back to Zecora. That’s all that’s left for me.”
Without any interest in his expression the dark changeling replied, “That choice is not your own. Whether you like it or not, my power must be held by you someday… otherwise I wouldn’t be here. But until that day comes… you better get stronger.”
With that threat, the dark changeling dissolved into ash as Zeil could only feel worry for the statement he had just heard. Shortly after the changeling vanished, the eclipse in the sky disappeared as the moon moved out of the sun’s path and vanished over the horizon as the sun shined onto the battlefield. After the sun came out, the mud quickly dried as grass started rapidly growing while the weapons and armor in the mud dissolved into rust. Seeing the field change as if time had fast forwarded into the future, Zeil looked around as a familiar voice spoke, “An interesting fight… though you may agree that luck had something to do with it.”
At that moment, Zeil turned around to see Chief Rafi sitting at the top of a hill as he studied the broken spear blade used to beat the dark changeling. Seeing his spiritual guide for the first time in a while, Zeil spoke, “Rafi! You’re here!”
Chief Rafi smiled as he tossed the blade aside, “But of course… you did beat Mara after all. And though he is truly evil… he is a creature of his word.”
Zeil was confused “Mara? Was that his name?”
Chief Rafi nodded, “He, or she depending on his host, has many names. In this part of the world he is known as Mara. But elsewhere, he is known by other names. Never the less, he is the truest personification of evil, darkness, and death that this world has to offer.”
“If he goes by a different name dependent on where we are… then what is he called in Equestria?”
Chief Rafi shook his head, “That is a question that I will not answer. Not until you’re ready. Till then… I'd suggest you ask away at your other questions.”
Zeil was confused, “What?”
Chief Rafi gave him a stern look, “You do have questions for me do you not? Well I’m here, so now is the time to ask them.”
Remembering his reasons for needing to see Rafi, Zeil nodded, “Oh right… well first I wanted to… um…”
As Zeil thought about his questions he found himself clueless on what to ask. The first question he wanted to know was already answered by the Ibex master back in the cave. Then the next was answered by Shangri-La later in the temple courtyard. Already knowing what Zeil was just now realizing, Chief Rafi smiled, “Some always mistake the need to ask a question as ignorance. Yet asking the question itself is wise, but understanding the answer… that is wisdom.”
Seeing the point, Zeil thought of a question as he asked, “Chief Rafi?... You know that you will always hold my trust… but I must ask… Did you know I would be transported back to the land of the Black Sand?”
Chief Rafi nodded, “I did… but I also knew you would stop it nothing to return to Zecora. Also… despite its costs, your future with Zecora depends on this journey.”
Zeil replied, “Its costs… You’re talking this recent fight right?”
Chief Rafi shook his head, “No… I’m speaking of your… sibling… Supersonic.”
Zeil’s expression became saddened as he and his guide shared a brief moment of silence before Chief Rafi expression became serious, “Life is a precious thing… to hold one is special, but to lose it is tragic. It is the one thing that cannot be weighed in gold, but others will tend to see through its value. And once lost… it can never be returned, at least not in most cases. I will not agree that your brother died for a pointless cause… but, I won’t say it was for a purpose and waste it so heartlessly. Your brother chose his path, and in doing so… he risked everything for you… his life, his home, and his integrity. Though he died, his death is only in vein if you allow it to be.”
Zeil thought to himself as he replied, “So… if I complete my goal, then it won’t be pointless?”
Chief Rafi looked into the distance, “That is a question you must ask yourself, perhaps you should meditate on it.”
Zeil thought about Chief Rafi’s words, “You said that a life can’t be returned in most cases… Does this me-”
Chief Rafi’s eyes shifted to Zeil as he interrupted while staring daggers, “This is a matter that we will not discussed… not now… not ever.”
Feeling that he was being pushed aside, Zeil asked, “So… there is a way to bring him back?”
Chief Rafi’s expression became angry, “We will not speak of this… and you will stop pressing this matter understand!”
“Bu-“
“I SAID ENOUGH!!!”
Nervous, by the dark glare that Chief Rafi was giving him, Zeil decided to stop talking as Chief Rafi spoke with an angry tone, “When one dies they are dead… that’s it… you have one life, so hold it dear for once it end… its over!”
Feeling like a foal who was scolded by his parent, Zeil changed the subject as he asked, “Mara… he said he was immortal… is that true?”
Chief Rafi’s appearance started to vanish as he replied, “Yes… but we can discuss this when your stronger… till then. Travel west… Cross the mountains and plains. When time comes, you will meet with one who can tell you more… but until then… Stay alive Sir Zeil of the Black Sand.”
All of a sudden the vision vanished, as Zeil opened his eyes as he found himself laying on a futon while he could only see two blurry figures hovering over him, one was tall and grey, while the other was shorter and blue. With a loud ring being the only sounds he can hear and his body feeling weak move, Zeil looked around as the foggy figures moved around over him as his hearing slowly returned to the sound of the shorter figure as it spoke with a mare’s voice, “He’s awake!... Zeil?... Zeil can you hear me?...” the figure looked at the other as the unknown voice continued, “Go get Shangri-La tell him to come to Zeil’s room at once.”
The other figure looked at the first as another female voice replied, “Yes Sensei.”
Though the second voice was more familiar then the first, Zeil still couldn’t identify who was talking as the grey figure left the room, leaving the first to look back as she spoke again, “Zeil… are you alright? Can you hear me?”
With a massive headache Zeil replied, “Yea… I can… wait... Who are you?”
The figure replied, “It’s alright… it’s me, Serenity.”
Zeil rubbed his head, “Serenity?... You’re talking?... what’s going on… why am I sore all over… and… why can’t I see clearly?”
Serenity replied, “Well… you’ve been incased in a cocoon for a while so… maybe you’re sore from being in the same position for…” she hesitated, “So long.”
Not catching her hesitation Zeil replied as his vision started slowly going back to normal, “Okay… but… wait… Serenity?... what about your vow? Did it end already?
Serenity nodded, “Yes… my vow ended… um… not long ago.”
Zeil rubbed his eyes as he continued asking questions, “Okay, that explains that and my soreness… but what about my eyes… why is it hard to see?”
Serenity replied, “Well, maybe it’s because you haven’t used them in a while… or not at all in this form.”
Continuing to rub his eyes Zeil started to ask, “This form?... what are you talking abou-”
All of a sudden, Zeil silenced himself as he looked at his hooves in surprise. His senses told him he was in his changing form, but his hooves weren’t black, nor did they have any holes to see through, they were a dull cyan. Realizing what was going on, Zeil looked to a large stand up mirror in the corner of the room as he rolled over and tried to stand to trot to it, however as soon as he applied pressure to his hooves, they all gave way as Zeil could only pick himself up about a foot before falling back down.
Worried Serenity helped him up, “Zeil! Slow down… you need to wait till you get your strength back before standing.”
Zeil continued looking towards the mirror as he replied, “I need to see… help me there.”
Nodding at his request, Serenity helped Zeil to the mirror as she stopped him in front of the glass furniture then after confirming he could stand on his own, Serenity stepped away from him so he could see himself clearly. Though his sight still wasn’t entirely clear, Zeil still could see himself as he felt surprised at what the mirror showed him. His whole body which used to be purely cobalt, was now a mix of cyan, and grey as he carefully turned his body to look at himself more. His eyes which were once a pail green had now become a darker shade of green that resembled an emerald. His changeling horn hadn’t changed much, however now it was joined by two large claw like horns that seems to resemble either a crown or a stag beetle’s tusks. His wings were still gone and the scares still remained, however now they sat under the shell like abdomen on his back that was once a forest green, but now was a dark blue and midnight purple. His ability to sense the aura of others was still present only now the feeling seemed to be coming from his chest were there were now three gemlike orbs protruding from it. And to top it all off, he was now almost two and a half feet taller than before, counting his two beetle like horns that alone seemed to be a foot long.
Seeing his new self made Zeil unsure as he gave the appearance a strange look. Seeing this Serenity asked, “What’s wrong? You don’t like the way you are now?”
Zeil shook his head, “No, it’s neat… in its own way… it’s just… unexpected.”
Serenity smiled, “Not to worry, I’m sure you will get used to it in time… if anything you can always change yourself into something else.”
Zeil smiled, “Yea, that is tru-”
Before he could finish, the rooms sliding door opened as a cold gust of wind entered through as Shangri-La entered before closing it behind him. As he saw his changeling friend Zeil smiled, “Shangri-La, it’s good to se- wait…”
At that moment Zeil silenced himself as he studded Shangri-La’s appearance in comparison to his own. Although the fact that they were two separate colors didn’t concern him, Zeil found it strange that Shangri-La was much shorter then him and didn’t have any horns on his head other than the one he had as a normal changeling. Confused Zeil asked, “Why… are you different from me?”
Shangri-La smiled, “Well isn’t it obvious? You’re a drone. In this form you’re more likely to be seen as a leader then a normal changeling so, it’s natural for you to be taller and more dominant then me.”
Zeil looked at his hoof, “I guess, it makes sense but…”
Shangri-La smiled, “Who are we to question nature right? Just go with it… it’s not that big a deal right?”
Zeil looked back and smiled, “Your right… I should just li-”
All of a sudden the sliding door opened again as Charra entered through the doorway and closed it behind her. When Zeil noticed the familiar foe, he quickly braced himself for a fight as he yelled, “YOU!”
Seeing his stance, Charra took a few steps back as she bowed in an apologetic way, “Wait… I’m not an enemy anymore. I’m not here to fight nor will I ever… I can’t make up for what I did back then, but please forgive my arrogance and selfishness. I was following a bad path and found myself more lost then before. Please forgive me.”
With no change in his stance, Zeil glared at Charra as Shangri-La spoke, “It’s alright Zeil, Charra is back on our side. You know a lot has change while you were out. She’s and I are now both disciples under Serenity so there in nothing to fear from her.”
Zeil was surprised, “Wait a second… Disciple under Serenity?...” Zeil turned to Serenity and spoke with a serious tone, “Hey… you mentioned something about not moving for a while didn’t you?... how long was I, not moving?”
Serenity tried to stall, “We had to move you here so you could be monitored, we didn’t know ho-”
Zeil gave her a serious look as he interrupted, “Serenity… how long was I gone? How long since the day that we entered the cave?”
Knowing there was no more stalling, Serenity sighed, “Charra… became a disciple last month…”
Zeil was surprised as Serenity continued, “Shangri-La became a disciple, about three months ago.”
Zeil’s expression showed shock as she spoke on, “I became Sensei four months ago.
Zeil sat down in shock but it didn’t end there, “Sensei… died… five months ago… one month after you encased yourself in that cocoon.”
Zeil was speechless, he didn’t realize time was passing by so quickly while he was fighting Mara, but he couldn’t believe it so simply so he decided to prove it to himself. Frustrated, Zeil stood back up and stumbled to the sliding door as he grabbed the door and flung it open only to reveal his worries were true. As the door opened, a gust of cold wind entered the room as Zeil found himself looking over the training ground in the center of the temple, only now it was covered in snow. Sitting down in shock Zeil mumbled, “It…it was late summer when I started meditating… now… now…”
Serenity spoke, “Its late winter… Spring should be here in a few weeks. You’ve been in that cocoon for six months.”
Zeil shook his head, “Zecora has been waiting almost a year… will… she even remember me when I arrive?”
Seeing his doubt, Serenity sighed, “You said once… that if her feelings for you were as strong as yours were for her… then she will never forget.”
Zeil looked at the now wise master of the temple as she continued, “I couldn’t say it back then because of my vow… but that had to be the wisest thing I’ve ever heard you say. I even sat and pondered its meaning to a deeper state… and it still rings true. Love binds us and makes us feel as if the world didn’t matter anymore. That only you and her were all that was needed to survive. I know this feeling… I was once in love too… but when my husband passed… I thought my world had ended with him. So I journeyed as far as I could in hopes of escaping the pain, but it wasn’t till I arrived here that I found a greater calling. Now as my spiritual guide he is always with me … just as you should be with Zecora.”
Smiling at here uplifting words, Zeil replied, “Your right… it doesn’t matter how much time has passed. I have to keep going… I have to get back to her.” He looked at the snow outside, “Sorry Sensei… Taking all this in at once just… caused me to lose hope for a few seconds. I’m better now.”
Serenity nodded as she replied, “You should never let spur emotions control your next move… it can lead to carelessness and eventually defeat. Either way… there is no need to refer to me as sensei, but… you’re not my student. You graduated from that position when you awoke mere moments ago. You are now a master of this sacred shrine, and our Sensei’s last student.”
Zeil smiled, “Oh, really? Wait… what does that mean?”
Serenity smiled, “Well… if you stay you can become my disciple or a teacher for the lost ones. But… I’m sure that’s not what you intend to do.”
Zeil shook his head, “No… I need to leave… as soon as possible.”
Serenity nodded, “Very well, I'll have a bag ready for you in the morning.”
Zeil gave her a confused look, “Morning?”
Serenity nodded, “Of course… you need at least the night to rest and gather your strength.” She turned away and trotted out of the room as she continued, “You’ve been gone for a long time Zeil… I wouldn’t want you to fall on your first hill then freeze to death in the snow. So be sure to rest for the night… and dream sweet dreams… of Zecora and the fireflies.”
With nothing more to say to him, Serenity continued through the temple away from Zeil as he mumbled, “Fireflies?... wait… did she see into my vision while I was out?”
Charra nodded as she replied, “Probably, she was chosen to be the Sensei of the temple. Maybe it’s an ability she has.”
Zeil felt a little impresses until Shangri-La spoke next, “No… She just overheard Zeil mention it to Sensei right before he became a cocoon.”
Zeil felt a little embarrassed as Charra nodded, “Ah that makes sense.”
Zeil rubbed his head as he turned back to the only monks left in the room however as his eyes met with Charra, the nervous dragon quickly bowed in an apologetic way “Oh um… I’m sorry! About what happened a while back?… I swear I didn’t in-”
Zeil quickly waved his hoof in a dismissive way, “Easy now… I’m not looking for revenge or anything. The way I see it, what’s done is done. As long as it remains the past, it’s passed.”
Charra rose from her bow as she smiled in relief, “I’m glad, I was worried you would be a little sore after what happened all those years ago.”
Zeil was shocked, “YEARS!”
Charra chuckled, “I’m kidding I’m kidding, it was only six months, no longer.”
Zeil sighed with relief before giving her a dull look, “Wow… your jokes are just as bad as Rafi’s.”
Shangri-La smiled, “You can’t blame her for trying to relieve the tension. It has been a while since anyone has seen you. And I’m sure with how much time has passed, your probably have a lot on your mind as is.”
Zeil nodded as he closed the sliding door and stumbled to his futon on the floor, “Yea… your right about that. Anyways… Since it has been so long… could I trouble you with a quick refresher on what’s happened since I’ve been gone? I’m a little curious of how the temple has changed since Serenity took over.”
Shangri-La nodded, “That’s fine, I also need to tell you a few things about your reformed body that you don’t know yet. For example, we can still feel emotions and aura from others, but now we don’t need to feed on emotions at all, while other foods have more flavor too.”
Zeil was intrigued as he sat down, “Really? Go on…”
With that the three carried on in a conversation that helped Zeil catch up on recent events and what his newfound form holds. The next morning, Zeil in his zebra form left the room he was in and entered the snow covered courtyard to see most of the temples monks had already woken and were waiting for him. As Zeil entered the herd, the congregation parted clearing a path to the main gate as Zeil could see Shangri-La, Charra, and Serenity waiting at the temple’s main archway. As he approached, Shangri-La spoke first as he smiled, “A zebra… not showing off your true form?”
Zeil smiled, “This is my true form. You helped me to see that.”
Shangri-La nodded, “Just so you know, I would gladly follow a king like you. If you ever decide to start a swarm, feel free to look me up.”
Zeil smiled, “Sure, just don’t expect it… I don’t intend on starting a swarm at all.”
Charra stepped forward as she held out a saddlebag, “Zeil… I know nothing I can say will make up for what I did to you back when… but… I did my best to recreate all the items we took from you, and then some. So here… for your journey. I wish you luck in your travels.”
Zeil took the saddlebag as he looked into it and smiled before looking back, “Thank you Charra, we may have started off on the wrong hoof, but, in any other circumstance, I think we would have been good friend too.”
Holding out his hoof, Zeil smiled as Charra nodded before balling up her claw and fist bumping his hoof, “Yea, I think so too.”
Zeil looked over at Serenity as she held out a brown cloak to him, “Here… for your journey.”
Zeil put on the saddlebag then took the cloak and tied it around his neck as he put the hood up and looked at himself to measure its size as he smiled, “Wow… perfect fit, I don’t even have to make myself taller or shorter for it to fit.”
Serenity smiled, “It may have been a number of months ago, but I’m a student that remembers every detail about a fellow student of our sensei.”
Zeil put the hood down as he smiled, “Thank you Serenity, I’m happy I was able to meet you.” he looked around, “And all of you! You helped me in ways I never thought possible, and for that you all have my thanks.”
All the monks in the temple smiled at the thanks as Serenity replied, “No need for thanks, the purpose for our temple is to take in all who are lost and help them find their way. Whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual, we assist all lost ones in the hopes that they too will assist others.”
Zeil smiled, “Then I'll do my best to help those I can.”
Serenity shook her head, “No… that is not your fate. Your fate is to return to your lover, and when the time comes, harness the spirit within you. Or at least that is what Sensei said to me before he passed.”
Zeil’s expression became serious, “Serenity… did sensei ever tell you what this spirit within me truly was?”
She shook her head, “He did not… All he said to me, was that some mysteries in this world are better left that. Mysteries. If everything can be explained, then there is no joy of discovery.”
Zeil looked at his hoof, “I’m just worried… what if one day… it…”
Zeil went silent as dark thought of impending danger fell onto his mind as Serenity saw his worry and placed her hoof on his shoulder, “You are you… and nothing more. As long as you remember that and keep your focus on keeping it that way, that darkness within you will never take control to harm others.”
Zeil felt a little doubt as he replied, “But… what if I can’t?”
Serenity removed her hoof as she thought to herself, “Hmm… Well… you could always take a vow.”
“A vow?”
She smiled, “Yes, not like silence, but something to better keep your focus on who you are and not what that creature wants you to be.”
Zeil thought to himself for a few seconds as he started to smiled, “I think… I have the perfect one.”
An hour later Zeil found his way into the bamboo valley where he first met Serenity as he traversed the bamboo thicket until finally reaching the main road through the valley. After reaching the road Zeil looked towards the west as he spoke, “Alright now back to my jou…”
As Zeil silenced himself as he looked up the trail, and saw a familiar group of bandits traveling towards him with almost the same attendance as last time. Two minotaur, one griffin and the leading earth pony, the only difference was that Charra wasn’t with them anymore. Seeing the group who didn’t notice him yet, Zeil sighed as he put the hood on his cloak up and mumbled to himself, “Well… I guess I’ll have to settle this.”
Annoyed that he had no choice, Zeil started trotting down the trail towards his approaching threat. As soon as the group saw him they stopped as the leader smiled, “Well, well, look what we have here. I don’t know what rock you’ve been hiding under but I didn’t think I’d ever see you again changeling.”
With the rest of the group stopped, the leader stepped forward separating himself from them as Zeil continued trotting towards them as he replied, “Well, I'd like to play but I’m in a hurry so…”
Acting as if he were going to trot completely by them, Zeil continued as the earth pony stepped in front of Zeil stopping him, “Not so fast… you should remember that this road has a toll, so why don’t you hand over your saddlebag and save us the trouble. Wouldn’t want a repeat of last time would we?”
Zeil stopped as he replied with an unamused tone, “I would… but I made a vow to myself that I intend to keep… and… I don’t see anything intimidating about your group… especially since Charra isn’t with you anymore.”
Annoyed with his comment, the earth pony gave Zeil an angry look, “A vow… so that’s where you’ve been for all this time. Sitting at the temple with Serenity and her monks, right? You’ll find that Charra’s strength isn’t something we rely on… so if you made a vow to not fight, then you need to just give up now… before something bad happens.”
Zeil’s expression seemed emotionless as he replied, “How bad are we talking?”
Annoyed, the earth pony took a step back as he whistled loudly to his group as one of the minotaurs heard the signal and tossed his spear to his leader. Turning for a split second, the leading earth pony caught the spear as he started to turn back to reply, “I’m talking ab… what?”
As he turned back to his target, the earth pony stopped talking when he saw that Zeil wasn’t standing where he was moments ago as the confused earth pony looked around, “Wh-where?...”
All of a sudden a voice came from behind him as Zeil replied while casually trotting away, “If your reaction time is this slow… then it won’t be that bad.”
The earth pony turned to Zeil in surprise, it had only been a split second, but Zeil was able to sneak by him and trot a few feet away without him seeing or even hearing him do so. Annoyed the earth pony glared as his foe as he raised the spear and replied, “Fine… then I'll end you QUICK!!!”
With the spear raised, the angry earth pony charged at Zeil as the disguised changeling continued trotting away with no reaction until the spear’s blade was less than an inch from the back of his head. With the spear now in lethal rang, Zeil only shifted his head slightly to his left as the blade glanced over his shoulder as Zeil stopped trotting and grabbed the spear by its blade. With the enemy’s weapon firmly held, Zeil used his shoulder as a fulcrum and the spear as a lever as he picked up the earth pony and flung him over his shoulder before slamming the bandit against the ground in front of him. As soon as the earth pony hit the ground, Zeil continued holding the spear as he hit and shattered the shaft before pinning the stallion to the ground and raising the blade up like a dagger before bringing it down as if to kill his foe. Seeing this, the rest of the group stepped forward in reaction to help their leader, but paused when they saw that the blade wasn’t brought down on into their boss’s body, but instead it was imbedded in the ground next to his head, close enough to leave a cut on his cheek.
Still stunned and shocked from what happened, the Earth pony looked up at Zeil as he spoke, “Wha… but… your vow?”
A combination of the bamboo canopy above, the overcast in the sky and his cloak casted a dark shadow over Zeil’s body as he glared down at his enemy and spoke with a dark tone, “My vow… is to never kill anypony until my journey ends… but if you knew what you were capable of surviving… you’d fear death a lot less.”
With the hood of his cloak casting and even darker shadow over the changeling’s face, a terrifying fear swept through the earth pony’s mind. He didn’t understand what it was, but with the changeling’s gaze glaring into his soul, the earth pony felt as if he were prey, caught in the fangs of a predator with only death to look forward to. But rather then carrying out this expectation, Zeil released the spear’s blade leaving it in the ground as he stepped over the earth pony and continued on the trail. As he continued the rest of the sullen one’s stepped into his path as the griffin started to speak, “Where do you think your go-“
“STEP ASIDE!!!”
Surprised by their leader’s order, the group looked at the earth pony as he picked himself up and repeated, “Let him through! Don’t pick a fight, just let him go!”
Confused with the worry in their leader’s voice, the group looked at each other before stepping out of the way as the zebra disguised changeling passed and mumbled, “Thank you…”
As Zeil passed the team, the sky started lightly dropping snow in the area as the relieved earth pony looked at the ground with his face still in shock. Worried the rest of the sullen one’s quickly surrounded him as the griffin tried to help him up, “Boss… are you alright? Why did you let him go like this?”
One of the Minotaur spoke, “Just say the word and we can strike him down wit-”
“You will do no such thing!”
The team silenced themselves as the leader looked at the changeling that was still trotting away from them, “He’s been training at the temple… so he is much stronger then before… but that’s not the worst part. He found his peace… but it’s like the peace attained from death… it’s something you don’t want… ever. I don’t know why they would train such evil within the wall of that place… but that changeling has the gaze of death in his eyes. I don’t even think he is a changeling at all. Whatever he is… we are much safer with him gone. I only hope… he keeps to his vow, and his journey is long. Cuz once it’s done, there is no telling how many will suffer under his hoof.”