//------------------------------//
// [Side Story]Project Skybreak 
// Story: Reaper Tales 
// by aapur 
//------------------------------//

Part 1 – Starlight

“Rift Stability is at 99%” The changeling prince spoke, watching as they were scanning the rift that lately had appeared in their Hive. He had a full team working with him, and watching from the side was a bat pony.
He, and all his companions were changelings, dark grey hide and with a darker grey mane with purple streaks. They all had brown eyes, and were investigating the rift. The Bat Pony, meanwhile, was albino, with almost black hair. She was clearly expecting children soon, and was managing the first aid station.
The Hive in question was fairly advanced, using technological equipment and more to study the rift. The main point of the research was to figure out why these appeared, and what risk they posed, and also if they could be used in any ways. Some info was being sent to allied Hives.
The prince finished the studying for the day, and walked over to the bat pony. “How are you holding up, Vanilla?” He sounded worried as he gave her a kiss.
“I’m fine, Starlight.” She smiled softly. “Not many days left now, and you’ll be a father.” She returned the kiss, heading into the halls with him.
“I can’t wait.” He was giddy, looking forward to this. “But did the research crew I dispatched to Summerhoof report back yet?”
“You’re as quick to snap back to business as the others, I see.” Vanilla chuckled. “Bit a report did arrive in the morning. Apparently the equipment they were sent there to test is detecting an anomaly in the fabric of reality there.”
Starlight had a concerned look. “Then my hypothesis is right. Summerhoof is a prime spot for a major rift incident. I’ll have to send a warning to Canterlot.”
“Can it wait?” Vanilla asked as they arrived at their private chambers.
Starlight nodded. “I suppose so. I’ll leave the team there for now to monitor any changes.” He opened the metal door, helping her inside their room. It was part-office, part bedroom, with a large and nice bed for them to use. Bookshelves lined one wall, full of research, blueprints, manuals, and more. 
“For now, we both need rest.” She pulled him onto bed to snuggle.
Starlight just squeaked as he was dragged close. She was right after all. He needed to spend more time to relax.


Part 2 – Project Skybreak

News arrived from Summehoof a month later. Starlight had just put his son in bed for the night when it arrived. The message was clear. Signs of rift formation were appearing, and if not dealt with, could pose a major risk. 
“So it’s happening?” Queen Nebula had joined Starlight. She was tall and exceptionally beautiful, her presence soothing to anyone around her.
Starlight nodded. “It’s time to start Project Skybreak. If we don’t get something done, out very world might be torn apart.”
Nebula hummed. “It is indeed an issue…”
Starlight opened the folder he had on his bench, detailing a device that was designed to close rifts. “We still got at least ten years of research ahead of us, but I believe we’ll figure this out before it’s too late.”
“I’ll send it to the Development Department.” Nebula smiled softly. “You got a family to take care of, so don’t spend too much time on this.”
Starlight pouted, but Nebula lifted him out with magic and closed the door on him. “I guess you’re right…” He sighed, heading back to his room.
Vanilla was waiting for him, pulling him close as soon as the door was closed. “So how did things go?”
“Bad.” He rubbed his head. He looked deeply concerned. “The Summerhoof Rift Site has been showing signs of growing.”
“That’s indeed concerning…” Vanilla nodded. “But don’t forget us though.” She walked over to the infant, looking at him. “Pilot needs you just as much as the world does.”
Starlight smiled softly, giving her a smooch. “I know. Don’t worry.” He kept her close as he looked to their child. “And you know, I can feel that Pilot will do great things. Call it a hunch.”
“Of course he’s going to be important.” Vanilla laughed softly. “Nopony ever isn’t important to somepony.”
Starlight grinned a bit. “Of course.”
“For now, let us rest too. It’s been a long day.” Vanilla smiled, heading to bed.
Starlight nodded, before joining her. “You know, I couldn’t help but to mention you and Pilot in my last letter.” He held her close.
“I’m surprised you took this long to do so.” She chuckled.
He blushed a bit. She knew him too well. “She gave us her blessing. She went over the report with an unnamed associate, and didn’t expect it. She said the footnote was taken well though.” He chuckled.
“That’s good.” Vanilla chuckled softly. “But for now, let’s sleep.”


Part 3 – Skyfall

In the rift chamber, it was more lively than ever before. Changelings were rushing back and forth, setting up equipment, cables, and more. It was finally time to test the Rift Sealer. Among the onlookers was a 14 years old bat pony, standing with his mother. “So it’s finally time?” He sounded excited.
“Indeed.” Vanilla chuckled softly. “If this works, your father will be a hero.”
Pilot chuckled. “Of course it’ll work. Dad is a genius.”
“And it has rubbed off on you.” Vanilla snickered. “I have seen the steam engines you’ve made. I’m very impressed.”
Pilot chuckled a bit. “My little side projects? I made them using spare parts in the workshop.”
Vanilla nodded. She was, in fact, very proud. “And I would love to stay, but I have been asked to send a report to Canterlot.”
Pilot grinned. “Of course. You both are always so busy.”
Vanilla riffled his hair. “Don’t worry though, I’ll be back in two days.” She kissed his forehead. “Make sure dad gets enough sleep, okay?”
“Can’t promise, but I’ll try.” He waved as she left, before returning his focus to the project.
An hour later, the system was ready. Starlight worked on charging the sealer, looking calm. He was the only one in the rift containment chamber, charging up the system. “Hope this works…” He mumbled as he finished charging it. “If not, hopefully the Rainfall Rift containment system doesn’t fail.” He mumbled to himself.
Just a few years earlier, the rift site at Summerhoof had shredded open, releasing a massive pour of rain. A containment facility had been established to prevent it from reaching outside and causing havoc.
Starlight took aim at the rift. “Please work…” He then pulled the trigger.
The rift flared up as he hit it, the whole facility shaking violently. In fact, multiple tunnels collapsed from the force that was released, power going out. Panic also spread, as the Throne Room was one of the places that collapsed, and the fear that their queen had been killed in the cave-in spread throughout the members. 
Starlight woke up, his ears ringing. The rift seemed to be gone, but something was wrong. He got out into the viewing room, seeing that several stones had collapsed. Among those hit was his own son, who currently laid unconscious, hanging over the railing. A feeling of dread was filling him. “Please, no…” He realized what had happened, and he could hear the sounds of more stones falling. He didn’t have tome to save more, so he picked up his son and ran for the exit, barely getting out before the whole facility collapsed. 
The world outside was even worse off. All colors were missing, and shadows were solid black. As he walked, he could feel that he was drying up. “We failed?” He was scared, feeling that every step he took was painful. He still carried the Rift Sealer. He eventually reached where he knew Ponyville was, placing Pilot on the ground. “I’m sorry, my son…” He reconfigured the sealer, aiming at Pilot. “Please, live on. Hopefully your mother will find you…” He then fired. With a flash, Pilot was gone. He then sat down, closing his eyes as a tear rolled down his cheek. “I’m sorry…” He felt his body turn to dust, and soon, he too was gone.
Pilot was found half an hour later in the middle of Ponyville, and brought to the nearest hospital. Her survival never reached Vanilla, who left central Equestria not long after the Hive’s fall. But from that moment, Pilot’s fate was set.