//------------------------------// // Ancient Cityscape // Story: Tales of the Battle Foals // by Sirdubya //------------------------------// After the conflict subsided, the Battle Foals regrouped around Quantum’s mech, which was thankfully undamaged. Air Slash wasted no time rushing over to Greensprout. “Are you hurt, Greensprout?” he asked. “No, Air Slash. Thank you, but please don’t be so reckless. You nearly perished.” Greensprout replied. Air Slash put his hoof on her shoulder. “I would have if not for you, and besides, I swore to Abbot Meadow that I along with my comrades would guard you. I am not one to go back on my word.” He managed to keep a straight face, but his cheeks were burning. Greensprout smiled as her soft violet eyes met Air Slash’s. “Thank you, Air Slash. You do your clan proud.” She said. Air Slash let go of her and smiled back sheepishly. “Now then, you all must be so weary after all that. Let me fix that.” She raised her staff and let out a little pulse of energy that eased everypony. They all took a much needed deep breath. “You’re a saint amongst us sinners, Greensprout.” Shadow Shroud said. She then glanced at a nearby corpse of what just attacked them and immediately noticed their odd form, namely their clouded eyes. “Hmm….not exactly the most civil type, are they?” “Ah remember now! We were searchin’ fer y’all when these things came out o’ that cave behind the waterfall and attacked us. We fended them off, but we got worried that maybe they took y’all while you were unconscious and went in after ‘em. We got to that there room with the hole in it, and Ms. Quantum Tech noticed somethin’ mighty odd on a rock nearby an’ got outta her mech to look at it; Zebota went with her, and that’s when the floor fell in like it did. Not even a moment later, them varmints came outta the dark an’ attacked me. Ah fought ‘em, but they were too much an’ Ah had to get outta there. That’s when Ah remember seein’ y’all again.” Kickback explained. He held his hat down shamefully and sighed. “Ah feel like a dang coward….” “Damn that, son! D’hey woulda done somethin’ strange to ya if ya’d just tried to mess ‘em by yourself. Tryna take down a whole gang on yo’ own is just plain stupid.” Turf War said. “Oh? Is that so?” Shadow Shroud sneered. Turf War rolled his eyes. “I learned my lesson since then….” Shroud giggled. “Regardless, Turf War’s right. Only a true coward or fool would believe themselves to be above death itself. There’s never shame in wanting to survive. You’re not at fault. Besides, we know that they’re alive if Shrapnel’s connection to Zebota is to be counted on.” Kickback smiled and tipped his hat at them. “Speaking of which, what happened to Shrapnel? He wiped the floor with these scary ponies just. How come he couldn’t protect you?” Spiral Galaxy asked. Shrapnel whimpered shamefully as he looked down. “He says ‘I was buried underneath a mountain of rubble when the cave-in occurred. I could do naught but desperately dig myself out’.” Crazylocks said. “Aww…You poor thing.” Spiral said as she petted Shrapnel’s face. Shrapnel gently licked her, and she giggled in delight. “Still though…..What are these things? I mean, I know they’re ponies, but….” “D’hey look like d’hey was hella high on some kinda lean. Peep out d’hey eyes d’ho.” Turf War said. “Yeah, and….what’s with their drool? It’s glowing.” Fire Fight said. “Yes….much like that luminous goo that we observed. Curious….” Air Slash said. “These poor souls….They must be so restless.” Greensprout muttered. “Ah reckon we oughta focus on findin’ the others. Ms. Quantum Tech will definitely have answers fer us eventually.” Kickback said. “Kickback’s right, guys. We gotta keep moving.” Fire Fight said. Shrapnel ran over to a tunnel and barked. “He says ‘I sense my master through here!’.” Crazylocks said. “Good boy! Let’s not waste any time! Come on, guys!” Fire Fight declared. As the Battle Foals followed Shrapnel into the tunnel, Greensprout looked back at the deceased corruptions in deep sorrow. “What ever higher power that may hear me, please heed my prayer. Grant these tortured souls a peaceful slumber….” ***** Zebota and Quantum Tech snuck carefully around the ruined city in search of a possible lead as to the power source for the drawbridge. The swarm of the ‘Fallen’ as Quantum had taken to calling them patrolling ever corner forced their progress to a constant crawl, so their patience as well as their courage was being tested. Quantum carefully searched through the remains of the hover carriages in search of a possible sample, but no luck. They must have been depleted during the event of the civilizations fall. “Rats! We’ll have to locate a library, a university, someplace where we can learn about this city.” Quantum said. “These buildings look very similar. We may have to search them one by one.” Zebota said. “I don’t imagine that a place designed to hold records of this city’s knowledge would be constructed like a commoner’s housing. It would be a large and grand establishment, perhaps even in a district of its own and-” She was suddenly cut off when a drop of glowing saliva splatted right between them! They looked up and were face-to-face with a Fallen mare staring down at them!! Quantum was paralyzed with fear while Zebota carefully drew his tomahawk, not even blinking as his terrified eyes looked into her soulless eyes. She slowly bent down further to more closely inspect them; her gurgling right in their ears made their hearts beat faster than known possible. After an intense moment of this deadly staring contest, the mare slowly rose back up and walked away. Quantum and Zebota quietly scurried away into a nearby alleyway where they were alone. Zebota wasted no time renewing his masked scent as Quantum panted from terror. She immediately snatched the cloth away from Zebota and followed suit without even a word. “I fear they are growing weary of us. We must tread more lightly.” Zebota said. “ Yes…..Yes, we must. ” Quantum took a deep breath. “We need to get to a higher vantage point and discern the nearest knowledge center.” “And how are we supposed to do that? We know nothing of this place and do not know where to start!” Zebota said. Quantum fixed her glasses. “My dear Zebota, the first step to solving any scientific problem is to observe the subject at hoof. In this case, that’s the city. Now look around. What do you see?” “Naught but a forest of stone and forsaken prosperity.” Zebota answered. “Yes but what kind of buildings do we see?” Quantum asked. Zebota looked around more closely. He had a revelation when he realized that he could see something akin to a watch tower a few blocks away. “Ah! I see. Well done, Quantum Tech. But let us remain ever cautious.” Quantum nodded. “As per usual.” She said. The two began silently making their way to the watch tower. As they did, they began to notice something rather….odd. Roots and vines could be seen wrapped and growing around the aging streets and buildings with more of the glowing substance secreting from them. It helped to light their path, but the Fallen seemed to congregate around it for some reason, so Quantum couldn’t get close to observe it. After a few more close encounters with the Fallen, Quantum and Zebota reached the watch tower. However, the opened doorway was covered in an overgrowth of the glowing vines and being guarded by a few Fallen. “Confound it! How are we supposed to get past these monsters?” Quantum asked. Zebota smirked. “Quantum Tech, when dealing with any beast of the wild, you must know to exploit their weaknesses in order to best them.” He drew his sling and loaded. “For example…” He swung his sling around a few times before launching the loaded rock far away towards a building on the neighboring city block, and the rock miraculously hit a window, shattering it loudly. The Fallen in front of the door immediately looked in that direction and rush over there, leaving the door unguarded. Quantum Tech nodded approvingly. “Well played.” She said. They then snuck over to their designated doorway and climbed through the vines. Once inside, they began ascending the high flight of stairs to the top. The ancient staircase crumbled in a few places, but the two watched their pace carefully as the climbed. Once they reached the nest on top, they could finally get a bird’s eye view of the city. “Now then, what do suppose we should look for?........Quantum Tech?” Zebota looked over to see Quantum panting rather heavily. “Are you alright?” Quantum eased her panting. “Yes…..….Goodness me. How do you all endure such grueling exercise?” She caught her breath and looked out into the subterranean skyline with Zebota. “Now then, where to go?” The two scanned around from their perch, giving them an opportunity to really take in the city. It was a wonder that the buildings hadn’t crumbled more than they have. Whoever these ponies were before definitely had a considerable understanding of science and architecture if their ancient constructions could remain as pristine as they could be for so long. The architecture itself seemed almost….alien. It had a similar flare to Quantum Tech was used to seeing in Canterlot, but it was a strange hybrid of sci-fi and stone age. Just the very sight of it all fascinated the young scientist. Even the ever serious Zebota found himself impressed at the hidden world he was beholding. “What could have happened here?” “Look over there!” Zebota said. He pointed to a large dome-shaped building that was unique to every other building in sight off in the distance. It looked to be about the size of a stadium and had considerably wider streets around it than other places. “Perhaps this is the ‘university’ you suggested.” “Either that or a political office. I’d say it’s worth the time.” Quantum said. “Then let us go with as much haste as possible. That place is far from here.” Zebota said. He then noticed something out of the corner of his eye. “Hmm?” Extending from the corner of the roof of the perch was a thin but sturdy-looking line. Looking out further, he saw that it stretched out to a faraway building in the direction of their destination. “What is the purpose of this?” “I’ve read books describing some ancient civilizations using failsafe systems of transferring messages across long distances during emergencies should a courier not be readily available. Perhaps this is one such example.” Quantum explained. “Why do you ask?” Zebota chuckled as he drew his tomahawk. “Because now I know that we can take a little shortcut.” He climbed onto the ledge just below the sturdy string. “Hang on to me tightly.” Quantum’s eyes widened in horror as she immediately caught on to what Zebota was suggesting. “Absolutely not! I am a scientist, not a daredevil!” “You would be seeking thrills either way since we would have to get past those Fallen again.” Zebota argued. Quantum Tech saw his reasoning and conceded. She gulped. “O-O-Ok…” She nervously climbed onto Zebota and wrapped her hooves around his neck just tight enough that she wouldn’t choke him. Zebota held his tomahawk atop the emergency line and took one last deep breath. “Ready?” Quantum nodded with some worry in her eyes. Zebota chuckled. “So long as you do not let go, you will be alright. I promise.” Quantum took a deep breath. Her eyes were alleviated of worry. “I’ll hold you to that.” “Then let us ride on the air itself!” Zebota jumped off the ledge with Quantum hanging on and zip lined down the emergency line on his tomahawk. Quantum Tech had to keep her mouth sealed shut as she screamed internally so as not to attract any Fallen pegasi that still had their wings. The sheer exhilaration of riding down a thin line with the air blowing through her mane was something she wasn’t quite ready for, but Zebota was no doubt used to being a wild child. Seeing him smile throughout the whole ordeal brought the brainy filly some comfort in this heart-stopping thrill. She eased up and actually took in the scenery as they whizzed by the cityscape. Being able to observe such an ominous yet fascinating location from such a vantage point made the frightening experience somewhat….fun. In no time, Quantum actually found herself enjoying the ride almost as much as Zebota was. While it wasn’t the kind of new experience she particularly had in mind, it was a refreshing new experience nonetheless. Quantum peered over Zebota’s shoulder and gasped. “We’re nearing the end!” she said. They were coming up on the roof of a two story building with the end of the rope tied to the top of an eight-foot pole……with a Fallen stallion just beyond it! “Uh oh…” Zebota muttered. He then mustered some courage. “Hang on!” he said. He swung to the side a little and let go of the rope while still holding his tomahawk and let himself fly towards the Fallen stallion. His predatory gaze was affixed on the corrupted creature as he raised his tomahawk and fell towards it. With a vicious swing, he ended the Fallen with his tomahawk deeply lodged in its head. The corpse of the twisted stallion made for an effective landing pad, and the two foals managed to tumble off of him safely. Quantum had to catch her breath as she staggered to her hooves from exasperation. “…We are NEVER doing that again!” She whispered with her teeth clenched. Zebota chuckled. “Forgive me, Quantum Tech. I forget that you are not used to living so freely.” Quantum rolled her eyes. “And you have nary a sense of restraint when nature is not concerned.” She said. She then had a thought. “Hmm….You know….It would stand to reason that one of these lines could exist across the chasm where the drawbridge is. If I’m correct in my assumption of their purpose, then surely they would have a means of sending emergency messages across the biggest natural obstacle in their city.” “Perhaps, but there is the possibility that those lines have succumbed to their old age and collapsed. Besides, we have come this far. Finding the power source is most logical anyway.” Zebota said. “Hmm….yes, I suppose you’re right. Plus, the university is but a block over. Getting there will be easy so long as we continue to avoid the Fallen.” Quantum said. Zebota nodded. “Then I suggest we, as they say, make like a tree leaf and flee.” Quantum deadpanned and sighed. “Turf War is going have fun with this….” With that said, the two snuck their through the building they landed on, the street past the Fallen and made to the presumed university, but when they got closer, they saw a sight that completely caught them off guard….