It has been a week scene my arrival in Ponyville. Let's just say it was a week to remember. First off Pinkie threw me a Welcome to Ponyville hope you find a nice place to build the Je'Daii temple party. No joke that is exactly what was written on the banner. Anyways, as I was saying I got to meet Twilight's ward a young man of Draconian descent named Spike and I also met the younger sisters of Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash. They called themselves the CMC or the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Their names were Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. When I met them, I could feel the force within them.
And yes, they still get a mark it's a hereditary ancestral gene the only thing is the mark is located on their left butt cheek. I should know I seen it on Celestia and the others enough times. Being a little curious, I check myself and low and behold there it was, my mark, it was the symbol of the Je'Daii order.
As I was saying the week was quite informative, I found out that Sugarcube Corner looked like a giant gingerbread house, Carousel Boutique was as much of an eyesore as it was on the show and Golden Oaks Library was just a building but it had a real Golden oak tree growing in the lobby. What caught my attention the most was the evergreen forest it felt as if this place was the heart of this world. The force was so strong in there that I could scene a true consciousness. In fact, during one of my meditations, Bogon told me that the forest was indeed alive, but it was bound to that place because of a crystal-like structure called the Tree of Harmony and the original home of Celestia and Luna's family called Castle Everfree. Upon hearing that I made my way to the forest with some light protests from Twilight and her friends. After I explained my reasons for going they reluctantly agreed on one condition that they came with me. I decided it was best not to argue plus this would be a good time to start their training. We made our way to the Castle along the way the girls asked me some questions. About the force what it was and what it could do. I told them the same thing Pinkie said at the station as for what it could do everything. The better question would be is what could a trained Je'Daii do with it. And I told them just about everything. On our journey, we came across a pack of moss green waves. The girls called them timber wolves (I thought the timber wolves were made of wood, but when in Rome.) AppleJack and Rainbow were ready for a fight. Stopping them, I decided to show one of the skills they will learn. Walking up to lead wolf I used the skill of a Je'Daii Beast Warden. As the girls watch in amazement as the pack moved to form a perimeter around us to protect us from any other dangers that would appear on our trip.
"That was amazing." Flutter Shy said as she made her way closer to me. "Can you teach me how, to do that, you see I take care of orphaned and injured animals and being able to do that will help out a lot. That is if you don't mind."She said, hiding half her face behind her hair.
"I don't mind at all, in fact, that is one of the many skills I wish to teach all of you," I said to her as I looked to my right seeing Twilight writing notes down on a pad of paper.
"Um M Master Socrates can I ask what other skills will you be teaching us?" Twilight asked, looking a little uncomfortable using the word master.
"It's alright, you can just call me by my name a good foundation of trust between a Master and their Padawan or student," I said as I watch her write every word I said to her. Clearing my throat as I looked at her with a serious face. "As for what all of you will learn, here's the short list.
To study the Force and learn to control and master all of its manifestations and abilities.
To live in a type of Moving Meditation, being ever mindful of the Force and its undulations.
To bring peace through balance to the world.
To monitor and assess all actions to ensure one is neither too entrenched in the light or the darkness.
To embark on a lifelong physical and spiritual journey.
To maintain a balance in the Force throughout the world.
To be reflective of a deep concentration and focus needed for the journey to obtain knowledge.
To learn and employ the art of healing, with and without the use of the Force.
To cultivate all martial art forms, including lightsaber combat and combat works.
To teach and learn and employ balance through introspection and meditation.
To cultivate and train one's mental and sensory skills with the Force.
To study in the Force through the martial arts.
To learn the mysteries of the Force through the application of science, through producing and researching bizarre examples of alchemy.
To understand the manifestations of the Force through the arts; writing, calligraphy, dancing, drawing, sculpture, cooking, music, and theater.
To focus on the ways in which the Force could be applied to create or improve physical things.
To study and learn the ways of the Force through metallurgy and the construction of tools and weapons, and Force-imbued items.
To cultivate Force powers, and discover new ways in which to use the Force.
To understand the philosophies and abilities of other Force traditions and cultures around the world.
To eliminate oppositions of the balance throughout the world and maintain the balance.
To aid others who cannot defend themselves, and support the world at large.
To bring balance to the light and dark sides within oneself.
To use knowledge to help improve the lives of beings around the world.
To improve universal understanding of the Force, and contribute to scholarly and diplomatic efforts.
To teach philosophies and abilities to other Force traditions and cultures around the galaxy, and promote peace through balance.
"And that's pretty much everything that all of you will experience during your training," I said as I look at their expressions of surprise hell even the wolf's jaws dropped after hearing all of that.
"Whoa, whoa Your telling me that we get to have a Lightsaber?" Rainbow Dash yelled in my face making me stop for a moment.
"Yes, you will be able to construct your own when you complete a level of your training," I said in a calm tone as I levitated her over to my side so I could continue walking.
"That is so cool, I can't wait." She said in a high pitched tone sounding more like a little kid opening a present.
"Build our own weapon, I'm sorry darling but that sounds so barbaric." Rarity said with a hint of disgust in her voice.
"On the contrary, it is not a weapon, but an extinction of one's body to wield it the movements are poetry in motion," I said deciding to stop and show them what I meant.
Having them all move back for safety I drew both hilts activating them, causing everyone wolves too to jump in surprise. I waited for them to calm down before I began my demonstration. First, I used both sabers.
Then I combined the hilts to form the staff saber.
After my little demo and a round of applause Rarity made her way over to me.
"Darling, I must apologize after seeing that display I understand now they are not just a weapon but more like a living being that should be feared and respected." Rarity said placing one of her hands over her heart and the other over mine.
Taking her hand, I gently kiss it. "Thank you Rarity you have taken the first steps in the beginning of your training and speaking of steps I think we should double ours if we wish to get to the castle while it's daylight," I said looking in her eyes before turning quickly and heading off again.
As we continued our little trek it was Applejack who spoke up next.
" I gotta ask you what kind of name is Socrates? I've never heard of one like that before." Applejack said, looking at me while scratching her head.
"It happens to be a very old name from an ancient land called Greece It means knowledge and wisdom,"I said looking at her with a smile.
"Wait, don't they mean the same thing?" Twilight asked, stopping for a moment from her writing down notes.
"Yes and no you see knowledge is obtained through different actions while wisdom is bestowed by someone due to those actions," I said, looking from AppleJack to Twilight who nodded and began writing down her notebook again.
" Y'all mean like when Granny told us about the signs of the zap apple coming in and me figuring a quicker way to harvest them getting more than we have before?" Applejack said with a smile on her face knowing full well she figured it out.
"That is correct young Padawan," I said, causing her to blush a little.
" Why do you keep calling us, Padawan?" Twilight asked which made all the girls wonder as well.
"Padawan means student it's one of the levels you will go through during your training," I told her as she wrote the information down. "This girl is very dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge she just might become a Je'daii Scholar, Explorer or Instructor or possibly all three." I thought to myself.
Looking over to where Pinkie was, I had a strange feeling that she was holding back her questions either because they would take the time to answer or they were just completely random.
Look at me then quickly averting her eyes Pinkie took a deep breath. "So Socky if the force lets you scan everything around you, how long were you going to wait to tell us about Spike and the girls?" She said turning to look at me with a big smile on her face.
"Actually, I was going to call them out when we got to the castle. You see, that is why I had the wolves create a perimeter it was for their protection, not ours." I said still looking forward as I walked.
The four girls all called out in unison. WHAT!!
Then immediately stopped in their tracks, turned around and called out to the four youngsters ordering them to show themselves. Hearing a small EEP more than likely Sweetie Belle they came out from the bushes just off of the trail. All of them looking down waiting to be reprimanded by their older siblings and caregiver.
Before anything could be said I interjected on behalf of the kids. "Look, I know the four of you are upset about these events, but what is done is done it can't be changed. " I said, looking to each girl. "Besides these four or on the list to begin training as younglings as soon as the Temple is built. So I ask that you hold off their punishment until then or allow me to make a suggestion on the punishment." I said causing them to look at me questioningly.
"And what would you consider an appropriate punishment Darling?" Rarity asked, placing a hand on Sweetie Belle's shoulder.
Not much, maybe a Five Kilometer run carrying full packs through the forest. I said making all the girls smile and the four kids stand there with their mouths open and tears forming in their eyes. Seeing this I kind of felt bad, so I decided to make a small change. "Okay, maybe Two kilometers no packs, but they still have to go through the forest on a trail of my choosing."
"That sound reasonable now let's get going, it's almost time for lunch and I don't know about all of you but I starting to get hungry. " Rainbow Dash said as she turned and started heading to our destination once again.
As we walked I moved over to Pinkie placing a hand on her shoulder, she turns her head and looked at me with the biggest smile I have ever seen.
"Can I ask how long did you know about the kids?" I said while looking straight ahead.
"Oh, Scene we enter the forest and you?" Pinkie Said giggling. "And you?"
"At the library, though I didn't just since then I kind of saw them. To be honest, they're not real good at being sneaking are they?" I said laughing a bit.
"Nope, I can find them every time we play hide and seek." She said, still with that smile on her face." But there is one thing I want to ask you." She said taking a deep breath." Are you going to do the same thing with us like you did with the princesses?"
Realizing what she meant, I thought for a moment before I answered. "Well, that decision would be up to you girls and to be honest the thought has crossed my mind more than once."
Before Pinkie could respond we found ourselves just outside of the old castle and when I say old I mean old. The structure looked, sound, but It appeared as nature decided to claim it back slowly. The vines were covering most of the structures and a few trees appeared to have grown through the roofs.
As we made our way inside, I felt that the force was strong here. Looking at the others, it appeared as though they could scan it too.
"Alright, I think we will be able to cover more ground if we split up." I said making them all look at me like I was crazy."Just stay in pairs to be safe while all of you are doing that I will meditate to contact Oslo and Bogon and maybe the consciousness of the forest." Saying the last part to myself.
The others moved off in different directions leaving me alone to find the center point of the castle. After a short walk, I found what I was looking for, it was located in the throne room. Positioning myself, I began to enter a meditated state. Begin was the first to greet me then Ashla appeared with a new presence.
(Oslo will be blue, Bogon Will be read and Harmony will be green.)
"Greetings my friends it is nice to see you both again, but may I ask who your companion is dear Ashla?" I asked to make the new orb try to hide behind Oslo.
"Oh, Come out and greet the Grand Master, Harmony"
"Now behave Bogon you know very well Harmony has not spoken to another in a very long time."
"Greeting Lord or Lady Harmony it is a great honor to meet you I have sensed your presence for some time. And I was looking forward to speaking with you." I said, trying to show them I am sincere.
"Lady you may call me Lady Harmony Grand Master Socrates."
"Thank you, My Lady, I do not wish to disturb you, for I know that you are very busy, but I would like to ask you some questions if I may?" I said as the green orb floated into view.
"It is quite alright, please ask me anything and I shall answer to the best of my ability's."
"Thank you again, my first question is the evergreen forest is it the only place where you are located?" I asked her.
"Yes due to the tree and the castle my presence is strongest here."
Nodding my head, I asked my second question." As you know I am here to bring balance to this world. My second question is this. With your permission, of course, Is it possible to use and rebuild the castle into a Je'Daii temple."
For a few moments, Harmony just floated there as she contemplated her thoughts Bogon floated over to me.
[ b]"Why are you calling her Lady and you just call us by our names."
" I apologize if I offended you Lord Bogon, I just thought that we were good friends titles were not needed," I said looking at him with a sheepish grin.
Before he could respond Harmony spoke up.
"Yes, you may build the temple here, all I ask of you is that the foundation remains."
"That will not be a problem, in fact, it will make things much easier due to the size of the castle I believe we have two designs to choose from," I said causing all three orbs to move closer to me.
"May I ask what were the designs that you had in mind?"
I opened my mind to show them the vision of the temple hoping they would give their input on the amount of time and labor it would take.
"Oh me for a temple this elaborate to be constructed it will take no less than ten years."
Yes, I know and that is what troubles me, I have a list of those who are force sensitive ready to train and yet there is no place to do so." I said lowering my head in sadness.
"There is a way that we may speed up the process."
"How would that be?" I asked my curiosity peeked.
We will use your mind and body as the focal point and then we 'LL have a link to the physical plane there the three of us will use Je'daii Alchemist and Artisan, to build the temple it should only take four hours if we work nonstop.
"That is wonderful news, but may I ask would it be possible for me to have lunch before we begin?" I asked hoping they would agree.
[ b]"Of course a healthy mind and body will be needed for this endeavor, we will begin when you return."
As I opened my eyes, I was greeted by the sight of Twilight sitting in front of me.
"Welcome back, I have some good news first I found the library and all the books seem to be in perfect order." She said, still with her smiling face. "The second thing is what Flutter Shy did," taking a breath before she continued. "The wolves began to become aggressive and she stood in front of them and just stared them down until the acted docile again, it was just amazing." She said flaring her arms emphasizing her point.
Smiling at the news I stood up and ushered us outside to greet the others. Upon exiting the castle I was greeted with the sight of a large blanket covered in what could only be described as a small feast. And sit, there was everyone talking and eating some food. I noticed a flutter Shy sitting down to talk to and petting one of the wolves. Making my way over to her I dropped to my knee and pulled her into a hug. An audible EEP and a very red face could be heard and seen as I pulled away.
"I am very proud of you, in fact, I don't think I will need to teach you Je'daii Beast Warden skills for that stare of yours is at a masters level," I said still smiling at her.
"Thank you, I just couldn't let them hurt my friends." Flutter's said in her timid voice.
" So what did you find out what's going to happen now?"Rainbow asked, taking a drink of what looked like apple juice.
Sitting down between Flutters and Pinkie getting some food I told them all of what I learned. All about Harmony and being allowed to use this place for the temple. Even about reformatting it after lunch. As always Twilight was frantically writing down everything. Laughing to myself an idea hit me levitating the papers away from her getting her attention.
"Twilight I promise everything will still be here after lunch," I said causing her to blush. "Besides, I think it's time for all of you to begin your training, so after lunch, you will begin with meditation or saber practice."
"And how are we supposed to do that mister smarty pants?" Rainbow asked with a smug grin.
"Simple the younglings have already found a few practice swords you can use those to judge your skill level," I said, pointing behind her at Spike and the girls as they were swinging around said swords.
"Oh okay, we can do that,"Rainbow said, scratching the back of her head. "So who's up for a little sparing Aj, Rares?"
"No thank you Darling Flutter Shy, Twilight and myself will try meditation and if you would please see if any of the younglings would care to join us." Rarity said smiling at the use of the word younglings.
After everything was settled Sweetie Belle choosing to meditate with her sister. I went back inside and began meditating once more. Greeting the orbs once more we began our work. Picturing in my mind the complete layout of the temple down to the smallest detail. Luckily I had eaten since I could feel my own strengths being pushed to their limits. Thankfully the job was completed and I will say this I don't want to do that again anytime soon. After saying goodbye, I emerged from my meditated state and went to go find the others. I found them outside looking in amazement of the new temple that stood before them. Turning around I set my sites on the now Je'Daii temple and I will say it turned out better than I thought.
"It was amazing there was this bright light like beam and then whoosh this new building appeared it was so cool but not as cool as Rainbow Dash. " Scootaloo Said in a hyperactive tone.
Everyone laughed at that, but then the realization hit looking around, we noticed that it was already getting dark. And it took us a good two hours to get here and it will be too dangerous to walk back to town. For two reasons the first was the wolves ran off and the second was the younglings were all too tired. So thinking fast I decided that we should spend the night in the temple, after all, I 'LL be living here from now on might as well get used to it. Everyone agreed and we all made our way inside and I'll say this it was a lot bigger on the inside than the outside. I mean it was at least five times bigger inside.
"This nice and all but where in tarnation are we saposta' sleep on this here floor?" Applejack asked still marveling at the temple.
"No, of course not, guest rooms are on the third floor west wing," I said surprising myself for knowing that. Then it hit me this place was built from my design. Though due to the sheer size of the place I had stairs, escalators and elevators installed to make moving around easier on everyone. I decided to escort them to their rooms before we would have dinner. Each room was a marvel in its self a queen size bed and each room had their own bathrooms with both a shower and tub.
"How big is this place cause I think somebody might get lost if they're not careful?" Spike said as he stood beside me.
"Well, the building its self is 1,319,734 square feet. It has fifty levels not counting the two lower levels of the library or the towers. Then there is the council chamber which is located at the top of the center tower." I said to him which made him have a fresh face. "But don't worry, there are multiple maps located on ever floor and sensors and an intercom system so no one should get lost."
After everyone chose a room we made our way to the twentieth floor where the cafeteria was located. Luckily, there was still a lot of food left for us to have dinner. As we were eating some thoughts plagued my mind. How was I to bring the order to life? If I was the only master how was I to train so many? And most importantly, I was truly worthy to take on this monumental endeavor.
Sensing the conflict within me it was Twilight that brought me back.
"I know that you're afraid, but we are all here to help you." She said as she placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Thank you, all of you." I said, looking around at all of their smiling faces." But there are a few things you do not understand and I wish for you to have an open mind when I tell you."
Oki Doki Loki You don't hafta worry Socky we're your friends and we all care about you. Pinkie said, smiling her trademark smile.
Clearing my throat, I began explaining to them what was to happen." You seek to learn the ways of the force you must leave here at the temple until your training is complete. After such time you can choose to remain and become an instructor or if you reach the level of a master you can join the council. There is the third chose you can leave and help the world were ever trouble arises. I say stopping only to take a breath. "Now I know this is a big decision for all of you. So I have decided since it is the beginning of autumn I will allow you to give me your answer in the spring. That way you have time to judge the pros and cons of a decision that can forever change your destiny." After I said that I excused myself and made my way to my room. Which happened to be on the fiftieth floor.
As I enter my room, I looked around it had the same design as the girls' rooms except it was about half bigger and I had a king size bed and my bathroom was twice as large. Taking a seat at my desk, I pulled out my laptop and hard drives preparing to do some research when there was a knock at my door. To my surprise, all six girls were there in the hall.
"We all decided that we'll stay here not only to learn but to teach the younglings and help any way we can," Twilight said fidgeting with her hands but holding a smile on her face.
"Thank you," I said as a weight was lifted from my shoulders. "Would you like to come in for a while?' I said, moving to the side.
The girls filed into the room, that is when I noticed that we were four short.
"Um, where are Spike and the girls?" I asked
"They decided to sleep in the guest rooms tonight so we can have some privacy." Rainbow Dash said with a mischievous grin.
"Okay, as long as they are safe and don't cause trouble," I said as I closed the door only to be greeted by the sight of all the girls in their underwear.
" Girls, what is going on?" I asked, knowing full well what was happening.
"We told you earlier that we cared about you," Twilight said.
"Well, we're here to show you how much we care about you. Fluttershy said loud enough to hear.
At that, the girls began to drag me to my bed, removing my clothes along the way until I was in only my boxers.
"Don't you girls have to do this," I said as Rarity brought my hand up to her breast.
"We know we don't have to do this, but we want to dial-in." She said as she slipped my hand under her bra to touch one of the most, perfect breasts.
"I'm not going to win this argument am I?" I said as I fell onto the bed.
"Nope." The girls said in unison as they climbed on the bed.
I decided to play the cards life dealt me. Looking at the beauties before me I had two thoughts, I was very happy that my room was not only on the fiftieth floor but also soundproof.