The Siren's Remorse

by TheronSniper

Ch. 19 Turning Gears

Ch. 19 Turning Gears

Canterlot Royal Library

Five small parchments gently nestled in the saddle bag on Twilight's haunches. Each destined to one of the other former elements of harmony who were likely curious and worried about her since the immediate trip to Canterlot. A dainty box held in her magical aura before her contained a shining opal with a letter for her number one assistant. Having been away from the Castle for the last week or so, Spike was put in charge of the library and promoting reading to the ponies of Ponyville as part of her new campaign to educate. Just as with the Thestrals were ellusive and feared by false stories, there were many beings ponies naturally took a fearful reaction to just as with the Zecora incident. Taking it upon herself, she began to host special book days known as Reading Emporiums complete with food and beverages to draw in even the work weary stallion. At first it was painstakingly slow to garner attendance, but with Pinkie's touch with the refreshment table they began to see an increase in visitors.

Her selection of literature comprised of the world of Equis at large and the many kingdoms who traded with Equestria. She enjoyed seeing the reactions of the town folks who likely never would leave the town, their eyes and minds privy to the wide diversity of far away lands and those they knew some portion about. There were those who found it as a good family fun time with their foals and grand parents, while the more business savvy found opportunities for their goods to travel. Of course the good few who just simply enjoyed the quiet areas to rest from life where at least once a month some giant monster or evil rose to shake the peace. For the groups like Mrs. Cherrilee's class, Twilight had normally been the one to give a light lecture who Spike tutored her into being short and sweet in order to keep the thrill. He had a sense of how the air felt, whether she sounded boring or lost herself in the details when somepony had a question. His coaching led her to put him in charge of the sessions which she organized the topics for with gems as payment if he did well. An offer he more than willingly took upon himself, but unlike the odd jobs he'd taken before; this time things were different.

Even though she had to leave without seeing a group discussion under Spike's presence, up till now he single handedly worked three of the Reading Emporium days. Using his special flame to send her the records and ratings ponies could leave. It brought a tingling sensation of satisfaction to her heart to see that he performed well and ponies were still coming in for lectures. Her number one assistant never failed her and that was why the opal was hoof picked by her as a treat to the little dragon.

As she trotted down a lonely hallway to deliver the parcels to the Royal Mail Department, a little inlet of a lobby to the right was coming forth. Voices echoed as they discussed something she barely picked up until she drew closer.

"I have a couple of my most intelligent and creative students performing tests as a project. To see if they could use S.A. capacitors in the same manner that the princess did and open portals, as extra credit as much as it is a favor for the Night Guard." a stallion spoke with pride
.

"I'm not sure if that is wise or smart, those gems won't be the same as a siren stone and breaking them with Harmony type magic is not reproducible. They are using dark magic gems right? It'll be a scaled down version of what we're really concerned about, but if they make headway you will forfeit their findings immediately?" a mare asked as her voice joined in the reverberation in the hall.

"Of course, there is no worry to be had as Princess Luna authorized a Night Guard who has dealt with Shadow Agents to oversee their experiments. What he's seen and knowledge of their use by the enemy will guide my students and hopefully prove without a doubt that Princess Twilight has no need to worry herself so much. Plus, we can reproduce similar energy frequencies that are but a fraction off from when the Elements of Harmony were in action. Dr. Crest had been fortunate enough to have been studying monitoring foreign gems mined from Saddle Arabia." the subtle in the vocal pattern pinned it on Spectrum who was likely talking to Lapis.

"So your confident that all this is for nought then?" Lapis inquired with a hint of annoyance.

"Let me put it in the proper context. We don't need to fear an invasion of some unknown power who we don't even know the goals or aim of. The quicker we prove that the stolen gemstone can't do anything more than power a forge's fire the sooner we can get on with our lives. The masses don't need to cower from some ghost in the dark! Honestly Lapis, I thought you'd be on the same level with me?" Vibrant sounded hurt at the insinuation of being naive which caused Twilight to slow her gate from curiosity.

"I live in the present, and the present dictates a potential danger that the crowns have deemed us worthy enough to assist in combating whether it's to prove there is a danger or not. Taking this so... so nonchalant is a novice way that will spell disaster! We're Adepts Spectrum! That means we view a problem at every angle and assume the worst will happen, especially from ponies like us so we can't pick an outcome straight out of the gate! Your projects could easily cause a massive disaster with an overcharged capacitor or my portal tests could send half of this city to another dimension!" she snorted loudly as an angered bull before charging.

"Well I can see you've not been taking Master Mage Bismuth's relaxation classes for staff. You know how dangerous it is to be stressed out when working on such high level projects. I of course know full well the dangers we are in, I just chose to handle it without losing my sight and mind in a high risk assessment. I've had a crystal explode in my muzzle once before due to a careless student in the room. Luckily the wards I placed in advanced mitigated the strength of the pressure waves and imploded the blast." the stallion calmly retorted almost as an insult.

Twilight stopped just a hoof step before making herself known, she hung on the last words of the Adept as she analyzed the bickering relationship of the aspiring mages. They had history from what she could tell and their friendship was on the brink of collapse if their argument was anything to acknowledge. While Vibrant seemed confident in his predetermined forecast, Lapis sounded generally concerned for his assumptions. Their conflict was not something the Princess of Friendship would let go without trying to make amends between them, assuming they are not in any real danger as Lapis had tried to point out.

"Good, then you know where I'm coming from. We have a duty to uphold a certain air around us to avoid being presumptuous in such matters. Both worlds, ponies and humans rely on us to uncover any plot by a third party even if they are unintentionally posing as a danger." she pushed.

"There is no arguing with you when your set on a problem. What a shame, I guess we have little else to discuss the Lazuli... because I know there is nothing else to say that won't continue this argument." he sighed as the sound of hooves clopped on the clean marble floors.

"Spectrum? Spec please don't push me away again! I want us both to work on something without butting heads for the umpteen time. This... this isn't some science project to be careless about. Spec? Spec!" the mare started to shout.

Once Twilight caught on to the intimate matter of the argument, her eyes widened in dread as she realized she eves dropped. Vibrant was leaving and she would be caught then and there as some peeping tom utterly intruding into their little private moment. Without a seconds notice, she cast a Clear Light spell upon herself and vanished from sight.

The stallion no sooner appeared around the corner and casually paced away from the summons of the mare left behind. Twilight held still like a stone gargoyle on a fortress wall, holding her breath as he passed by her just inches away from brushing against coats. Agonizing moments began to eat away at her muscles as she tensed her body to the point of pain, an ire developed at how slow Spectrum proceeded to leave. Lapis called out five more times before she went quiet in the lobby, the sound of barely restrained irritability from whispers to herself were loud enough for Sparkle to hear as her ears swiveled. Whatever bond that existed was once strong, perhaps requiring her friends if not Fluttershy to mediate some kind of truce. She dreaded the moment the both of them would be in the Black Tape section with her and reenact her first slumber party with Applejack and Rarity.

Before she could consider the potential difficulty working with the Adepts even further, the sound of armor plates hitting themselves echoed behind her. The subtle ruckus came from one of the solar guards who had happened across likely from the noise the two created. Twilight figured he was in the process of slapping the two with a warning for disturbing the peace in the Royal Palace. However, the stranger thing occurred when the guard had instead trotted up to Spectrum and talked in a hushed tone to his ears. Seeming to pass along something important for his ears only, which to her knowledge she never saw a Guard act so conspicuous unless with was to Celestia. Even under the invisibility spell, she couldn't do much other than turn her head very slowly to avoid being detected. What she was able to witness was little more than a short conversation before the guard turned to leave a deep in thought Spectrum who soon teleported away with his magic. A minutes worth of waiting turned up nothing else other than quiet serenity of the large castle, and once she felt safe she dropped her stance. Never had standing still been such a workout, but her aching muscles were little concern to her with the distraught mare not far from her. The mail would have to wait with this friendship problem before her.

Outside Canterlot High

Sunset had lept in place when Flash surprised her with his commentary. Her heart fluttered and missed a beat before she realized what was happening. Rose Luck lightly punched the boy in the arm albeit playfully if her stern face hadn't put a stop to any thought of it being a jest. Seeing Shimmer put a hand to her chest in an attempt to calm her heart, it was a sobering view to the others.

"P... Please don't do that?" she stuttered out as her breathing deepened and began to slow.

"Umm, sorry about that." Flash rubbed the back of his neck nervously in shame.

Rose put a hand on the her shoulder and coaxed back a calming mood, the sheer surprise from Sunset was the evidence that she still had many nights to go before all was well.

"I kinda texted him to meet us here, but I thought he was going to meet us at the doors!" she glared at Flash, "Figured some friendly faces would do you some good right?" she said with a sheepish grin.

"My pop's had an issue with the car he needed me to help with so I got held up. Sorry?" he smiled innocently enough.

"Its nothing guys, but perhaps call out next time before speaking into my ears like that." Sunset felt a blush come on to which she subdued harshly.

"Of course, wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable. By the way, the Friendship Games are coming up and I thought I'd ask if you wanted to be in it? I already signed up to be apart of the representing team, and knowing your skills I thought you'd want in as well. We could train together and show those Crystal Prep snobs a thing or to!" Sentry proudly told her as he pumped a fist in the air.

"Now that sounds like a plan, I don't have anything to really throw into the lot. But I could see you to putting a sizable dent into the score board. Heck you two know each other well enough to coordinate some kind of training regime right?" Luck earned a well deserved scowl from the now blushing face of the former demoness, she knew what her new friend was up to.

"Well, when you put it that way a good team is one that knows one another. Can't really expect victories out of a slap stick bundle. I learned that the hard way when I started my band back at the age of thirteen. So... want to be training buddies Sunset? We could sign you up at the main office?" Flash proposed as he stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets.

The small group came across the infamous intersection Shimmer nearly expired at not a day ago, but with her two friends who triple checked when to cross and for oncoming traffic. The arrival was not as bad as she feared it would be, in fact the memory was nowhere near being problematic.

Using her luscious fiery hair the obscure her red faced complexion, "Sss...s..sure! I'll... uh... I'll go and join up, I'm sure the girls will be apart of it too seeing as they helped save the school twice now. You uhhh... you have my number so we can make a schedule later?"

They had traversed the two double lanes and onto the safe sidewalk, "Sounds perfect, and looks like we crossed the intersection without some dozer about to run over us. Hey perhaps we could go for breakfast at that Jalisco taco place not far from here? They have the best breakfast anywhere from what I heard and we'll need the calories if we're going to beat Crystal Prep!" he offered as they stopped near the entrance to the campus.

The road behind them resumed its grudgingly loud traffic as the sounds of tires moving along the roadway lulled by with each passing vehicle. A few students were passing by on their way to first class and chatting to themselves, others were eating something they picked up from the cafeteria after having arriving earlier than them.

"I think that's a cool habit we should pick up right Shimmer? Nothing like a good ole friendly breakfast between pals!" Rose laughed, "Well I got to see my geometry teacher about extra credit, catch you guys later if I don't text you! Oh and Pinkie Pie wants to see you Sunset! Bye!"

As their quirky compatriot ran off waving to them, Sunset couldn't help but feel vulnerable being alone with Flash again. She hoped to avoid treading on broken glass and hurt Twilight's feelings if something bloomed between them. Just as much as avoiding any talk about yesterday and what Flash might have thought about it.

"She certainly has a busy schedule for wanting to help you as much as possible? But I think Pinkie's concern for you probably recruited Rose Luck." Flash quipped.

Sunset merely hid her face away till she could control the physical depiction of her mood. The flustered appearance was an absolute terror to herself if he saw her like she was.

"I'm sure she's a busy person, running her family's store once she gets out of school and helping her family promote products and all that" she giggled nervously as they soon passed through the double doors of the campus as the air conditioning washed over them.

"Well I'm going to get some food, kinda starving after Rose Luck texted me about not getting a hold of you till she showed up at your door step. Want to join me?" he innocently asked.

She hesitated at first, wanting nothing more than to break away from him so Twilight still had the same boy she pined for in her previous visits. However, something deep down in her heart forced a different course of action far from what she herself felt was right.

"Sure, I mean what's anything but getting a quick bite to eat right?" she looked away.

As they left to the cafeteria, Rainbow Dash peered around the corner of a hall junction and noticed the two together. She had arrived very early to as Principle Celestia about the Friendship games and the announcement she wanted to do as a pep rally. Immediately, she couldn't resist looking into the little moment between the two and decided to trail them throughout their little objective for sustenance. If she could get a laugh out of Sunset's discomfort, her day would be made.

Crystal Prep

Twilight had made it to the campus within due time with Spike in tow in her already cramped backpack. She had to give some room to the little hound by holding a few books in her grasp. The bus trip to her home and then school was remarkable fast for being at the time of rush hour. Her parents were just getting up when she gathered spike from his kennel, and wished them well before speeding outside without hearing their replies. Her knowledge of the transit system and the drivers had won the girl a good two hours of idle time. Arrival in front of Crystal Prep was uneventful, and thankfully for her as the little canine started to believe it was playtime in her backpack. A quick jog into the school and through the winding halls, her safe room that was the laboratory offered respite. Pets were not allowed on campus and she wouldn't have had the chance to take him if otherwise. Considering he was her only companion before the Dazzlings, not even her reputation and prestige would get her out of trouble if Cinch found out.

His two bowls for food and water were gently set under the main desk, "Okay Spike, settle down for a moment and I'll play with you."

Without pause the furry friend dashed around her feet panting to get attention. She had to make sure the sensors picked up on the Dazzling's magic before anything else. Which to her fortune the light stack of folded paper the printer spat out provided the evidence to get the project going for Yellow Tail and her. She forewent the rolling chair and accessed the computer linked with the monitoring device to print out the summation of the readings. With the anticipation out of the way, all that was left was to exhaust the puppy and see the principle.

The sight of the little red ball from inside the desk cabinet finally had Spike stay still, with wide eyes and joyless face he was focused on the toy. They played catch for a few minutes to drain all the hyperactivity of a lonely pet, as the last thing she ever wanted was howling drawing attention.

"You have got to be the most playful little guy I've seen. I guess those studies about pet owning were true, how it soothes the mind and body." she giggled at his antics of flipping and sliding with each toss.

Eventually, Spike tuckered out to the point of staying put even with the ball just inches from him. She ruffled his head and ears lovingly before the young dog yawned, having lost the strength to stand up his head rested upon his front paws.

"Sleep tight little guy, I'll be back shortly." she whispered.

After gathering the stack of for her visit, she locked the door and made her way to the main office. In her clutches, the concrete evidence of magic her self made highly sensitive radiometer recorded. The performances of the Dazzlings raised the instruments into life like a Seismometer for each occasion. She hoped to convince Cinch to allow the project to go ahead as the type of energy detected was one never before seen where and theoretically could be applied in various manners. If Crystal Prep valued its reputation and prize money, she was sure to get an easy in.

The hallways were desolate since she arrived just when the campus opened, the few students she saw were those who were apart of the Platinum program. Students who also showed impressive intelligence and followed the set rules and requirements to be a Platinum student. Where there to earn community service time by helping the janitors and staff in the starting hours to the end of the day when the doors were locked up. Three campus police were already on patrol in their black ironed uniforms, though they never had a reason to act due to the civility of the student body. She usually saw them with a cup of coffee and a donut with eyes like a hawk and bodies of an orangutan. They appeared intimidating, but she herself had the chance to meet with them in the past. She learned of their rather down to earth personalities and the things they see being at the school. Her nervous smiles drew no attention as the officers waved at her before continuing their vigilant search for trouble that would never come.

Arriving at the head office, the only person present was the head secretary who had begun setting up for the day. With an hour and a half before classes were to start the lone office worker sorted through notices and files left from yesterday. Twilight figured they were faculty recommendations for the Friendship games flooding in. Even though it was not necessary since the stars of the school were already set to play. Sour Sweet, Indigo Zap, Sunny Flare, Sugarcoat, and Lemon Zest were primed and ready in their heads to do the deed as she overheard before her out of town trip. Most of the students were already drumming support for the five and a few others in between classes whenever she left the lab from the fliers they handed to for each candidate. There were issues with them that she foresaw, their methodology for teamwork was caustic at best and only functioned best within their immediate group. Any new students she would see fall behind or likely be dragged under their version of pep talks and advice. It was a matter she soon threw out of her head once she strolled to the principles door.

A modern interior doorway had been left ajar, allowing the office lights and sun to shine before her. Normally she never had a problem with Cinch, she was all too eager to give the green light to anything which sounded stupendous and practical. Only this time, the basis of her research placed her in the realm of mythology and foreign aliens of another world. She would have laughed herself out of the office as any sensible person would do, but she had seen the real thing and not some garbage television show for the bored and fearful. There were no props or strings being pulled by someone in the shadows, there had been some kind of low level radiation or energy that existed where it did not and it had its uses displayed before her own two eyes. It somewhat bothered her that Yellow Tail would grant her such access to the arts of the unknown force, but they were leaving soon. Extraterrestrials who had been exiled to her world were willing to leave a piece of invaluable technology to them which could make or break the next age of advancements. It all came to the boiled down hard proof she had in her arms, electronic devices do not lie as any human could. That was the key to the insignificant confidence she had in herself, the machines were there to back her up if her pitch failed.

Stepping into the room, she cautiously knocked on the door frame to announce her presence. The Principle had been looking into a manilla folder as she sipped what looked to be fresh tea with the draw string still hanging out.

"Ah, Twilight Sparkle, I was just thinking about you. Strange as it is, I was going to send Dean Cadence for you sometime this week. Come, close the door, sit for a moment, we have much to discuss." the older woman barely smiled as she calmly asked.

Half an Hour Later

"You will let me know how your research goes? I want to present it to the next Committee of Young Scientists after the Friendship games. I'm sure this time, Everton will be here in person to ask you to attend their program! And thank you for your input into the candidates for the games. You may still have a visit from Dean Cadence by the way. Enjoy your day now." Principle Cinch left the confused student happy and lost as she rose from the seat.

"Yes ma'am, I'll have a working prototype before then." she bowed before leaving.

Her glasses slid down from the minor perspiration caused by the questions that buzzed in her mind. She received the permission to pursue her latest study, then afterwords her opinion on a short list of referrals to the games had suddenly found importance. At first she was hesitant and merely gave simple answers when questioned about each student's capabilities. However, when Cinch pressed her to analyze the five she knew most about, she broke down each personality and traits that would help win in the Friendship Games as much as hurt their chances at a flawless victory. It almost felt like a test for her and not so much to give a new observation for the school's benefit. Never before had such an incident occur, going over the selection process was something only Cadence and Cinch shared with themselves.

Before she could consider the topic any further her phone vibrated within her backpack just as she reached halfway to the laboratory. In her lost thoughts, she took it off and fumbled with the paper stack in the other arm. The haphazard moment caused her to lose control of both objects and spill onto the floor while her pack threw her body off balance, sending her falling into the wall of lockers. Fortunately, the hallways were still void of students, most arrived within an hour of first class.

"You know your really bad at multitasking." the voice of the most blatant girl in the school elicited a soundless groan from Twilight.

Looking up off the floor Sugarcoat stood behind her with judging stoic eyes, "I guess I was just deep in thought."

"Yes, that you were. A larger bag would probably be preferably to someone like you. They sell them in the library." she stared at her for a few seconds before turning to go on her merry way, "Have an accident free day, which you probably won't."

The thing about Sugarcoat, she never stuck around to berate rather just enough to point out the obvious and rectify a problem in her own way. It was not so much hurtful so much as annoying, and the few times she could even demoralize were attempts at being helpful. The benefit this time, it was just a perturbing moment that hung over her while she picked up the mess. Spending a good chunk of time reorganizing the stack back into its proper place, she only then remembered her phone when it moved loudly against the plastic pens secured in their holders.

Kneeling on the floor she carefully removed her pack and recovered the electronic, noticing two text messages. First had been from Yellow Tail, who seemed interested to know about how the school took to her proposition.

"Have you been allowed to continue? The timetable has advanced even further. I must know." - Yellow

"Principle Cinch seemed enthusiastic, she eagerly waits for the device we spoke of. The one you want me to build?" - Twilight Sparkle

"Good, I want you to gather the sirens tomorrow evening and meet me at the address I will provide before hand." - Yellow

For a minute or so, she expected him to say more. Even as she put her backpack on and began to lift the paper stack off the waxed floor, nothing ever came. It was the second message she obtained that was from an odd number she didn't know. Her thumb clicked on the icon and opened message that held a newly captured photo of Sonata looking happy and sprite while waving to the phone in her hand.

"Ohhh isn't that adorable?! You have a girlfriend..." the least most tolerable person in the school lightly squealed behind her back, "Instead of signing up for the Games and PRACTICING!"

"What?! She's not my girlfriend, she's had a hard life having been separated from her family and she's only had two other people to be there for her. I guess... I'm the third now." Sparkle had shot a glance to Sour Sweet who tapped her shoe on the hard floor with a peeved look in her eyes.

"Ohhh don't be so modest." her mood flickered over to the false kindness before it flipped into a growling resentment, "Just use that brain of yours and help us WIN!!"

Before she could offer a retort, Sour had walked away as if nothing had occurred. Twilight had long ago figured she had some kind of problem of a medical nature, even for a Crystal Prep student no one could be so misleading and live up to their name. Her words indicated she saw potential in her to qualify for the games for an unknown reason. As if there was an assumption that she would have been among the few who received the recommendations sign up. It was a ludicrous idea, considering she had no physical aptitude in sports or games of any skill level. Her zone was in the scientific field, and perhaps she'd help the school in that manner rather than what was usually the highlight. Even so, every student who earned the spot in the games had to compete in every competition, not just half of them.

Shaking her head, she put the moment behind and looked back to the flatscreen. It turned out to be Sonata verifying that they had acquired their phones and could communicate at anytime. The photo had not just her, but the worker at the phone outlet who looked to be scrabbling for the device. A story the silly girl would probably tell her and then the other two would likely correct.

"That is cool! Yellow wants to meet tomorrow evening. He will send over the location soon." - Twilight Sparkle

"For realzies! I'll tell Adagio, see you tonight!" - Sonata Dusk

Once the message sent, Sparkle made her way back to the lab for some much needed research into the books who eagerly awaited her thirsty eyes. The quicker she was out of the halls the less attention she'd garner from the other soon to be Shadowbolts. If memory served her right, the first book Yellow instructed was top priority. A crimson red hard covered manuscript with gold borders and heavy signs of age. Dead center on the stained and scratched casing was an odd symbol which showcased a golden circle with a thin gold halo not even a centimeter away. Inside the outer ring were eight dots through the gold where the red fabric of the book's shell had gathered grim and dust. Three stretched tear drops spanned out in a triangular formation from the halo itself. Some kind of symbolism she couldn't fathom until the book was thoroughly read in depth she deduced.

Where anyone to guess the age of the book, it would almost seem like it survived since the middle age. She could tell it was written by a very well versed scholar when she gave a peak into its contents last night in the Dazzlings room. The language barrier would not be a problem with the enchanted magnifying glass given to her with the books. A note wrapped around the cracked wood handle promised it could translate whatever was through the looking glass. Even though she had little to go by, the writings and diagrams inside seemed to be some kind of manual rather than a history book or journal. Just the thought of learning its contents and of the other texts revitalized the spirit. So much potential and possibilities to be had that her mind hungered for it all and more.

Author's Note:

I'm slowly but surely going through older chapters and editing them. Keep an eye on my latest blog post to see what has been altered unless the chapter name states. Hope you are enjoying this work, its getting addicting to add more.

Comments

[Krovgor Warhawk]

Well s*** man, this is some good stuff.

[TheronSniper]

7389078 Its only going to get even better.