*_*_*
*drip* *drip* *drip*
"Uaaa.." Luna moaned. She lifted her head and slowly opened an eye to the noise of dripping water. "Where..are we?" She asked herself as her cloudy vision stabilized; she was in an underground dungeon behind bars. The air was foul, tinted with the smell of dead rats and the floor was made of rusty steel, preventing anything from digging out. The very walls were made by thorny vines so tightly packed together it actually looked like an inorganic wall. Her jail bars seemed to be made of bones, but not any type of bones, but dragon bones and they were encased in an aura, glowing a magenta color, bathing some parts of the dungeon in its chilly light. Luna blinked rapidly, she was incarcerated in a rat hole, she the goddess of the moon. Luna was about to yell using her royal Canterlot voice, but as in innuendo a faraway door, that Luna could not see, creaked open followed by the noise of clopping. Luna bolted up right and narrowed her eye's to the approaching noise, her hoof scraped along the rusty floor as she scuffled them uncomfortably. She expected Changelings to emerge from the darkness, but what came out was far from it.
Four slender forelegs followed by two, dual horned, brown heads came out of the shadows. Their bodies were slim and covered by a grenate colored armor from hoof to head, gleaming slightly in the purple light. Their dusky horns were curved upwards and were adorned with tattoo like paintings, while their eyes shone a peaceful sapphire color. Luna recognized these creatures, as for all, she has lived for thousands of years and knew most of the species. These creatures we're with no doubt Antelopes or speakers of a thousand tongues.
"Great you're awake!" One of the antelopes smiled impishly and it sat on the ground in front of the bones, getting comfortable. "Now we can get started." Luna cocked her head and then pointed a hoof at the sitting antelope, her expression showing confusion.
"ANTELOPES WHAT ARE THOU DOING IN EQUESTRIA!" Her royal Canterlot voice resonated through the dungeon forcing the two ruminants to block their ears in affliction.
"Oi, lower your voice you filthy pegasus spy!" The standing guards yelped disturbingly."Furthermost, the question is what are YOU doing in Cervidas? Spying on us? Trying to look for breaks in our defenses?" He pointed back in an arraign manner.
Luna was taken back by the accusation. She knotted her brows as she tried to break down what the Antelope guard just said before giving them a purely perplexed look. So she wasn't in Equestria, this could be problematic especially since she's been framed as a spy. "Pegasus? Must we educate thou in the way Ponies are divided?" She straightened her back and forced a cough before she began lecturing. "We must let thou know that we are known as Alicorns, a very rare species that combines the Wings of a Pegasus, the magic of a unicorn and the physical strength of an Earth pony." She finished with a 'humph" like if what she just said was the most obvious thing in the world.
The two guards gave each other a flabbergasted peek before cracking up laughing, leaving a dumbfounded Luna. They laughed for a few minutes, their voices were croaking up as tears of joy slapped their cheeks. Luna sat throughout the whole show impatiently tapping her hooves on the oxidized floor. Her days on the moon have robbed her of her humor and to be laughed at was not burnishing her mood.
"Whoa whoa whoa" One of the Antelopes finally managed to get a hold of itself; it wiped a tear off and did an effort to look serious. "You're quite the comedian. You an all powerful Alicorn? Yea and I'm a hairless bipedal ape" The antelope guard jested.
*_*_*
My ears twitched as I felt like I got insulted. A discontented frown bedaubed my face "Someone just used my species to poke fun."
*_*_*
"But we are an Alicorn!" Luna bickered back, raising a hoof to her crown "Are thou Antelopes blind or stup-" Her voice trailed off weakly as she felt her head. There was no horn, no magic casting spike, she indeed was hornless. Her brain went wild, searching for an explanation for her missing limb. Luna started hyperventilating as her heart tried to break out of her chest and she was now pounding the steel floor with a fast rhythm akin to a drum player in his/her solo. The Antelope guards back trotted slightly at the sight of the convulsed navy blue pegasus, this certainly was unpremeditated.
"Calm down Miss" The antelope guard rose his two forelegs and waved them in a slow wavy motion, attempting to calm the burdened Pegasus. Luna rose fixed her stare with the two Antelopes, both eyes raging with the strength of a tornado.
"WHAT HATH THOU DONE TO OUR HORN?!?!" Once again she bellowed, tears of agony welled up in her cyan blue eyes.
Both guards rose their hooves, as if expecting the blue pegasus would blame them for her 'unfortunate' event "We have done no such thing, now calm yo-"
"AND WHY SHOULD WE BELIEVE THINE?" Luna interrupted bringing a hoof down violently, the sound of the metal echoed through the dungeon. The guards winced at screeching geologic sound so much that one of them had to gallop out, all this yelling, crying and scraping was too much to bare. The more resistant Antelope sighed angrily and proceeded to trot outside, leaving behind the skeptical Pegasus.
"You’re making this hard for yourself" He earnestly said. Luna couldn't help but notice there was a dash of sympathy in his voice. "I'll return once you compose yourself" and with that he left, locking the door behind him and leaving a mixed emotion Pegasus.
*_*_*
*Warning* Very peaceful, you might fall asleep.
"I don't know..... how much... .longer, I can go for" I panted as I trudged my way through Firelight woods. I have been traveling for hours, walking aimlessly through the halcyon grove. The trees came in all sorts of varieties from the common sturdy acorn tree's to bizarre and rare circus trees. A strong breeze blew into the forest, transforming it into a live orchestral as the leaves rattled and swayed and the sound of birds chirping vibrated tranquilly. The sound of pine cones and chestnuts pulsating the ground added a nice beat. I always had a motto 'Peace and quiet is the best', shame that I can't get to much of that nowadays, what with a bloodthirsty plant like Alien race on your tail and probably the whole colorful horse race, I would be lucky to even get a good night sleep. I closed my eyes as I got absorbed by the tranquility, and the harmony. I unconsciously stopped moving and sat in a lotus position, cupping one hand over another and placing them over my lap.
My relaxed mind roused and my vision was filled with an explosion of pigmentation, as they imprecated over each other. They lightly collided, sending a wave of colors splattering everywhere. I smiled intensely as I continued delving more into my mind. The flood of colors soaked up and were replaced with meadow. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, I sat idly under an enormous oak tree watching as a whirlwind whisked across the rolling hills of the meadow. As it passed by me, the whirlwind scooped up a dormant pile of leaves lying next to the oak tree. The leaves appeared to come alive twisting, turning, and dancing about the meadow. They were sporting their new fall colors of red, orange, brown, and yellow. The brittle autumn leaves seemed to be having a party. I remembered, this was back then on Earth....way before. I would sit underneath this exact tree which was just a five minute walk from my abode. As I said before I strived to attain ataraxia whenever possible and this specific tree meant a lot to me. It stood strong and quite a distance from the other tree's, It was something I could relate too. My life....the life I remembered wasn't terrible, I got decent grades and had nice friends, but somehow I just couldn't get a grip on the whole 'surrounded by people all the time' thing. I was many a time a lone wolf and did not enjoy the constant boisterous blabbering of people while I tried to enjoy a nice novel or rest. But then these events happen and I'm starting to regret for ever thinking in that manner, it's like if a evil magician decided to grant my wish and torture me to the point of insanity..
I was unaware of the outside world as I continued exploring ever inch of my mind, the beautiful melody of the woods aiding my quest. I was so focused I didn't hear the hoofsteps of an approaching being.
I was now on a familiar beach, the beach I would always go to for a leisurely stroll. I began walking along the shoreline and looked up, the sun was glaring its cruel light at such a degree, I knew my mind wanted it to be summer. As I walked along the seaside, I felt an ominous feeling. I realized the beach was vastly different from when I visited it last summer. The wind blew around me and I shrugged deeper inside my hoodie but continued on. The sand beneath my feet that glittered so brightly in summertime now seemed cold and lifeless beneath my feet. Gone were the bright specks of umbrellas that dotted the seashore during the summertime. Gone were the sand castles and buckets and children playing happily along the shore. This wintertime beach was lonely and almost frightening. The sea was now dark and turbulent seeming as though it was hiding some deep secret beneath its murky waters. A few yards away, two seagulls stood silent, ominously gazing at the ocean's surf. Their stillness was unsettling as I remembered that last summer they had squawked and fluttered about, as Jessie tried to capture them. They both turned their head at me simultaneously in such a ghoulish way, I felt myself gulp. One of the Seagulls started shifting in form, changing, getting bigger into a humanoid shape...into ...Jessie.
"Jessie" I muttered quietly, feelings of anguish started to fill me up. Jessie locked eyes with me as she started walking towards me, her face was different this time, it wasn't decayed but it was fiendish. Her eyes were ruby red and stretched open to the limit that they could pop out of their sockets. Bloody tears rolled down her cheeks making her cheeks a russet color, the tears continued down to her devilish smile, that outstretched to each side of her face at impossible level. Her small teeth were replaced menacing fangs; she licked the blood off her lip with her snake like tongue making an obnoxious slurring sound along the way.
She stopped walking when she was just four steps away from me. "How did it feel?" She asked, her voice as her face was hellish and sounded very familiar.
I took a step back, her face was creeping me out. A part of me wanted to hug my sister, but the bigger part...didn't. Those eyes, bloodshot eyes, those fangs..was I afraid?
"W-what do you mean?" My voice came out strongly, but my face proved otherwise something Jessie noticed as she started cackling. Her maniacal laughter frosted the roaring ocean and the sand.
"There's no reason to be afraid, Mr. Bacteria. After all we do share the same body"
I stood there speechless, I was about to inquire her of what she meant of sharing the same body when she corporealized a holographic screen. In the screen I saw myself, holding on to the blue horse.
"How did it feel?" She asked again, pointing a finger at the screen. "Did you like my power?"
"What pow-" My mandibles dropped before I could finish. I was seeing myself getting consumed by darkness; my face wasn't any different from Jessie's. "No, this isn't true" but what happened next was barbaric. I did an attempt to look away, I remembered this part, but I was coercively to replay it again.
"MAGIC YOU SHALL CAST NO MORE" My demonic self bellowed and with that the whole screen filled with a ear-splitting crack.
"No, stop this!" I pleaded, tears of self disgust welled up. "I didn't mean to harm it like that!" I elevated my palms and stared at them.
Jessie snickered at my denial. "Oh Mr.Bacteria, have you already forgotten what you said to me days before?" Her voice returned to that of a mocking child as she started twirling her hair so innocently. "I recalled you saying 'I'm just bacteria, slowly going around killing anybody who gets close to me.' am I not right?" I felt a blow to the stomach and started puking, green juices doused my hands. I was a monster, I am no better than the Vaskah, I brought humanity's demise will I also bring this worlds DEMISE? I felt a pat on my head and I lifted it up, there was Jessie with her evil smile again.
"If you need my help, don't forget to call" she offered. Before I could react her jaws opened like a dragon and gobbled me up, I was falling down a never ending hole....away....I went.....away....
*_*_*
"WHOAA" I screamed, rubbing my head furiously as I felt a lump form on my noggin. How did I hit my head if I was sitting?
"What the hell happened?” I lifted my gaze up to the sky; the sun was still shining through the waving branches, creating many shade dots on the forest floor. I rubbed my eyes trying to remember what happened, oblivious to the inquisitive creature behind me.
"What a strange creature you are." An awed honeyed voice said behind me. "And you also seem to possess magic, how fascinating"
I turned my head groggily and I was gazing at a....Antelope? Adjudicating by the long eyelashes, coral colored fur, orange sun hat and lack of horns, I concluded that it was a doe, probably around its early years, but would be considered a young adult in human years. But then it came to me, did that doe just talk... English?
"You talk English?" I asked jolted. OK, I officially classify this as creepy. I preferred it when the animals stayed as animals, you know birds squawk, wolves howl and horses neigh but a doe actually communicating in English is far out of my field of comprehension. I then remembered she affirmed I could do magic, "By the way, what do you mean by I possess magic?"
The doe gave me a muddled look and then giggled. It was indeed a doe, as her cute laughter triggered me to blush in embarrassment. Don't look at me like that, I'm not good around girls, something I loathed about myself all through high school as I watched all my buds get hitched one by one, leaving me to taste the acerb dirt of seclusion.
"Why of course I do" She said in an apparent intonation. "The antelopes are known for understanding and speaking every single language, it's as important to us as breathing or eating." I just blinked at her, not sure how to respond. She trotted over to me with coy smile and sat in front of me, much to my discomfort. She observed me head to toe, muttering my features to herself as if writing some mental notes. I stared at her while she did her little analyzing, still doubtful that I was really having a small talk with a doe. After quite a while her emerald eyes locked with mine and she blushed. "Oh I'm so sorry for staring at you like that, it's just I've never seen any creature like you." I crossed my arms and gave a small chuckle.
"Oh and to answer your other question, while you were doing..whatever you were doing sitting on the floor, you started levitating off the floor." She motioned with her hoof, how I started floating upwards.
My laugh died down in an instant.
"Me.." I pointed to myself "...levitating? You’re kidding me."
The doe shook her head.
"No, I'm sure what I saw was real. You started drifting upwards to like twelve feet then you started getting enveloped in all types of spectrum's, I've never seen anything like it." Her small smile turned into a wide aroused grin "It was like a light show..but then..." The coral colored doe's excitement extinguished into a troubled frown "..All the beautiful colors were drowned into black and grey then you fell." I brought a hand to my chin and rubbed it. Maybe that explains the bash on my head, but my magic, could it be the effects of my altered blood. I noticed the doe was still looking fixedly at me with an accomplished smile; no doubt it had something to do with discovering a 'new species'.
"I suppose you're going to ask me what I am?" I inquired. She nodded weakly. "I am a Human or Homo Sapien if you want to get fancy. I-We come from a faraway planet called Earth, which is basically covered by water, thirty percent by land". I lifted my head up at space, thinking of home....my old home. "We as we’re highly technological race as we used machines and robots for everyday use, yes..we were...." I trailed off before finishing causing the doe to give me a disquiet look as she saw my eye's water. I tried to man up and speak but my voice was quivering.
"I’m s-sorry. I just need time" I wiped a single tear off my lashes. "Oh man now I've done it, first impression she’s going to have is that humans... are crybabies" What happened next took me by surprise, two warm fuzzy forelegs wrapped around my neck as the doe pulled me into a hug and whispered into my ear canal.
"I'm the one who's sorry dear, I should have known better than to ask you questions. You must be so lonely and hungry not to mention lost." I returned the hug, her fur was so plush, and well groomed it reminded me of my neighbor's poodle, poor thing was pampered to the bones. My stomach decided it was the perfect opportunity to mess with me and rumbled like a hurricane. I blushed lavishly as we broke the embrace and giggled, my mood was up again so much I nearly forgot my mission.
"Come let's get you something to eat" She stood up and motioned me to follow her. I shrugged my shoulders and stood up, towering over and leaving her in my shade. She didn't gasp though, in fact her features showed of awe. I grinned sheepishly and continued following her through the woods. The doe trotted at a pace but nothing I couldn't handle, after running at mach twenty for five minutes, this could be considered toddling.
We wondered through grove in one direction, the noise of the forest dissipated and were replaced with the noise of leaves crunching as our feet/hooves crushed them. The sun was setting, glimmering a tangerine light as it pierced the timberland's, bouncing of the trees and illuminating the floor with colorful discs then into rainbow colored bouncing flames. I gawked as the woods converted into a natural disco. The doe saw my astonished expression and giggled.
"This is natural! Firelight woods are named like that because the way the light transforms into phantasmal flames" She explained enthusiastically. We kept on pacing through the live woods, none of us talking; I scratched my neck as I wondered if it would be a good idea to break the silence. The doe was up in front humming a lullaby, swaying her flank like a palm tree on a windy summer day.
"So what's your name?" I finally asked, attempting to create small talk all while breaking the dead air. She abruptly halted her movement, span and raised a hoof to her mouth. "Oh my! Where are my manners" She proffered her hoof, which I took firmly yet smoothly. "My name is Fax Caelestis, but you may call me Caelestis and its honor to meet you..sir?"
"Charles" I finished with grin and we shook. "Caelestis? That's Latin for heavenly." Caelestis face beamed when she heard me say that.
"Oh yay! Another ante-uh..."
"Being?" I proposed.
"Yes! Being that knows the meaning of my name" She looked away slightly annoyed and puffed her cheeks. "Do you know how irritating it is, when notelope knows the meaning of your name?" I scratched my head, trying to understand what she just said. On earth no one gave a damn about what your name meant, your name was just a way to identify you, maybe it's much more ritualistic on this planet.
"Uh....I guess?" I replied dimly. Caelestis shook her head in disappointment and continued trotting forward, now bringing her hoof down harder with each step. "So much for that" I sighed. The red moon began to rise just when we were near the edge of the woods. I don't know what compelled me to look at it but it was a mistake I hope I could erase from my memories. It shone its menacing crimson light into my pupils and I felt my spine burn. Rapid flashbacks zoomed in my head, painful memories....blurry memories;.....Jessie.....bacteria...injured equine...... destruction....my fault.
"You are this world’s destructor, just like you to your own world" A dark familiar voice hissed in my head. My pupils shrank to dots as a cold yet burning feeling crawled through my arteries.
Caelestis was way up ahead, since she didn't hear me fall to my knees as the anguish filled my interior. "N-No, I-I’m not that, I-I’m not a destructor, I'm humanity's..last..waaaaaaaaahhh" A sovereign force pummeled my mind, each impact sent jolts through my body. I fought for control, it was a mental war with myself, the dark feeling...I remember it, it's the same feeling the day I arrived on this planet.
"Stop fighting us, accept us! Look at your beautiful moon, it reflects the colors of your eyes and the color of the blood you want to shed" Another jolt shocked through my body as I grasped my throbbing head with both hands and fell to the floor, I wasn't going to let this..Thing control me again.
"M-my eyes...are...brown....moron" I mocked, still trying to find humor in a life or death situation. Wrong move, as one final and potent jolt zapped my body. The last thing I saw was a distressed Caelestis galloping towards me, as my brain decided it was time to reboot.
*_*_*
Another day gone, another day trapped in bed recuperating. That was the sad story of the five elements of harmony; their injuries would take time to heal. The room was dark, and the sound of snoring filled the room as the elements were fast asleep all except one. A small lamp was lit in a far corner next to the bed of a fairly grumpy pegasus.
Rainbow Dash was reading the next volume of Daring Do, attempting to disremember the current events. Each time she flipped a page she would crumple it a bit, though unintentionally. She couldn't help but feel weak, that Alien defeated her so easily. She, Rainbow Dash, the most awesome flier in Equestria, was single handedly defeated by some freak and to make matters cruddy the beast actually put both her and Applejack in an intimate position and laughed at them. "I swear to Celestia, as soon as my wings heal, I'm going to find that creature and pound it to the floor in ten seconds flat!
The cyan pegasus flipped another page forcefully, accidentally tearing the page in half. The blue pegasus paled when she noticed what her burden caused. "Omg omg omg, Now I also have to worry about Twilight kicking my flank" Rainbow dash quickly shut the book and threw it on to her nightstand, she then extended a hoof and yanked on the lamp chain instantly obscuring the large hospital room.
"Time for breakfast!" A cheery feminine voice said, followed by the noise of a small little bell ringing. Rainbow dash rolled in her bed and stuffed her head deeper in the pillow; she was not waking up without a fight.
"Now wakey wakey Miss Rainbow Dash, you need to eat if you want to recover faster."
After her little reflection last night, the last two words were all that past in her ear, and all that mattered. In one swift movement Rainbow dash jerked straight up and snatched the tray of food from the now edgy nurse, nearly spilling the cup of orange juice. Without even giving the plate a glimpse, she brought her face down in it, mouth wide agape, and munched it down. Food started flying and sloshing everywhere, the nurse blinked at the sudden change of energy, and backed away slightly uncomfortable.
"My my..somepony was hungry" The nurse laughed nervously. "I'll be back later to collect the trays" and with that she left the solitary food fight. Rainbow dash didn't listen as she basically absorbed the food, not even chewing it down.
"Mmmph...thmp ismdm pretdty good!" She exclaimed, her mouth full of toasted bread and eggs. The noise of a forced irritated cough emitted to her right, and she casually turned her head towards it, mouth bulging with food. The blue pegasus was met with the sight of three slightly disturbed ponies, their faces were covered with egg pieces and crumbs. Applejack's and Rarity's head cast's had been removed yesterday, they're both were pretty swollen, black eye here, bruise there..it wasn't pretty. Applejack had to snatch a small mirror away from Rarity before she saw herself; she said it was for her own good.
"Y'all know sugar cube, I might not be so fancy or clean, but I do have mah manners." Applejack complained while peeling an egg piece of her mane.
"Not that you have too, but please could you eat more..civilized, that's if you want too" Fluttershy said, her voice barely leaving her voice box, was it her natural shyness or her sore throat, Celestia knows.
"And pleeeeease, behave today. We all dislike being here, but we don't want to have to hear you mutter aloud all day on how you wish you were out there beating that ruffian" Rarity added as she magic lifted a piece of bread on a fork to her mouth followed by dabbing her lips with a napkin.
Rainbow dash grinned sheepishly and gulped the food in her esophagus down. The mares all laughed unaware of a frowning straight haired Pinkie Pie, who still was feeling blue. She still really wanted to throw Mr. Alien a grand party, but her rib injuries impeded her from reaching that goal for now. Even if it hurt her and her friends, she out of everypony admitted and knew it was self defending not attacking, though the princesses would still most probably try to incarcerate the creature, she still was determined to make it smile before it got to that point.
*knock knock*
A small knock tapped the door and then it opened. A tall, elegant Celestia, trotted peacefully into the room, followed by a guard and Twilight Sparkle. The injured mares gave her a heart thanking welcome nod and smiled. The princess's presence always cheered them up; either it was the morale boosting speeches she gave, Her warm smile that could compete with the very sun or her friendly nature or all three. One of the guards was carrying a weird metallic pack, which caused all the mares too give it a quizzical stare.
"What in tarnation is that princess?" Applejack pointed to the pack, she has seen saddle packs but they were made of leather and didn't have such bizarre shapes.
"And what an atrocious color! Oh my whoever owns that THING certainly doesn't have a keen eye for color preferences" Rarity huffed, turning her head away dramatically, disgusted by the silver color.
"I don't know my little ponies. I sent a retrieval team to the area to search for any clues to where the extraterrestrial could have gone, but we found this peculiar object instead" Celestia explained before giving the guard a nod. The guard opened the bag after a few minutes of shuffling it around, and stuck a hoof inside. He gasped as he felt the bag go down for an eternity. He finally felt something and pulled it out, it was an 'L' shaped thingamajig and though it was long it was surprisingly light. The room was filled with gasps and 'eep's' as the mares saw it. It was without doubt the weapon or at least a replica of what the Alien used to attack the mutated dragon, whose impaled body mysteriously vanished without trace.
"I recommend you place it back, Lieutenant, before you scare my elements into a coma" Celestia said, pointing to a trembling Fluttershy. The guard complied and stuffed the plasma gun back in, before continuing his deep hole exploration. ( >.<) He felt something diminutive yet smooth and with some effort extracted what seemed to be a miniature TV. The Mares all tilted their heads, questions of all types popped in each individual head, but the most obvious one was......'what the buck is that?'
"This Alien sure has fascinating technology" Twilight smiled, her scientific mind began to appreciate the bags contents.
Rainbow dash rolled her eyes and gave Twilight an annoyed stare.
"Well at least Egghead can still find our enemy interesting"
"At least I'm not stuck injured in bed for being too knuckle headed" Twilight shot back with mischief grin
"B-tha- waaarra, whatever!" Rainbow dash gave up once she couldn't find a word to counterclaim. The mares all giggled quietly while the guard started poking the extrinsic device, all of a sudden the miniature TV shot into life and the room was blanketed by a purple laser. All the ponies gasped as the device started floating in the air and spewing some type of magic lines?
"W-What’s happening?" Twilight asked, both in fear and curiosity.
"YAY! It's like a mini disco ball! Look at all the pretty lights!" Pinkie cheered waving her hoofs in the air. "Maybe Mr. Alien wanted to throw us a surprise party!"
Applejack laughed nervously as the laser's focused on analyzing her " I don't t-think a hostile alien, woulda carry a disco ball with em Pinkie"
"Analyze complete. New extraterrestrial language has been added to database" The machine began to talk, startling all of the ponies to the point that Fluttershy fainted. It descended and floated closer to an agitated Applejack.
"You are Applejack, Member of the so famous, Apple family. You are an earth pony, subspecies of the four types."
Applejack's lower lip was quavering so much it could be classified as a magnitude seven earthquake. "How da y'all know my name and what I am?"
"You're a spy aren't you!?" Rainbow angrily accused the machine.
"I'm the most advanced AI created. I can scan your brain cells and extract memories, thus why I can speak your language no-."
"An A what!?" Rainbow dash butted in, not amused with this metallic thing terrifying her friends.
"Artificial intelligence abbreviated to AI is the intelligence of machines and the branch of computer science that aims to create it." The machine construed. The mares all stared at it, trying to decipher the gibberish it just said, the room stayed silence for a good minute. Twilight sighed when she knew her friends weren't ever going to understand smart talk, if only they read more books, but at least this was her opportunity to shine.
"It's basically machine with intelligence like us. It's not alive though it seems it’s alive" Twilight dumbingly explained.
"OOH" All the other mares cheaply said in unison.
"Do you have a name?" Twilight asked.
The floating machine didn't respond. It thought if it was a good idea or not. It calculated possible outcomes if it gave away its identity they could try to use it to identify any actions it did, but without communication it would encounter trouble trying to locate Charles.
Once sure of its good/bad ratio outcome the machine spoke. "My master calls me The Pad"
"The Pad? That's pretty vague" Twilight frowned before her ears twitched up "Master? Wait that Alien is you master?!"
"Affirmative, though I would think it would be appropriate if you classify him as Human"
"Hoo-man?" Everypony pronounced. Some of them started shivering, the very name was chilly. They haven't heard such a foreboding name since Nightmare Moon.
Celestia took a step forward, her face was serious yet she tried to put on a slight smile. This 'Pad' knew about the creature that injured both her and the elements, and she needed information to exploit its weakness now but she had to get on its trusting side.
"Can you enlighten us about these, so called Hoo-mans"
"Humans" The Pad corrected
"Yes, that."
"Well take a seat, Miss Alicorn. I will share some of my knowledge about the Human race, but something’s are classified"
"How did you know I was an ali-"
"As I clarified before, I scanned the brain data of all of you here." All the ponies gave the pad a discontented frown "But I assure you I only took in the most useful memories I require. So your intimate and romantic memories are not in my database" The Pad reassured.
Celestia nodded and sat on a small stool she levitated from outside. All at the same time Twilight levitated out of her saddle pack a plume, some clean new parchments and an ink pot.
"You may begin." The lavender unicorn said, smiling enthusiastically as she dabbed the end of the plume with ink, finally some questions about the alien would be answered.
"Very well" The Pad began "It all started...."
*_*_*
Luna was a mess, she was sobbing quietly in a corner, only contributing to oxidizing the rusty floor more. Her horn meant so much to her, It was like an imaginary friend but actually physical. Thousands of years they've been together, through the good and the terrible. Her horn had gotten her out of so many complications, Discords escape, the Griffon wars etc. you could say they were inseparable. (yeeeeeah!) She padded around her cell, she hasn't been able to sleep and the food the Antelope guards gave her were below average. The dark blue Pegasus had lost track of time, a feat hard to do when you locked in a sewer hole Celestia knows how deep down. Oh how she missed the pleasurable warmth of the sun and refreshing breeze through her mane or the fresh, amicable nights she offered to her subjects. Luna's gaze fell to the bone bars; they were enchanted with a freezing spell thus the purple eerie glimmer. She had tried to escape, only to have her limbs encased in ice and then picked open by frustrated antelopes, and this happened very often.
The same Antelopes she first met, in truth did return after she cooled off and interrogated her non violently. Antelopes like ponies were peaceful by nature, though they do possess magic, their magic is more nature based; the control of earth and water etc. Luna explained to them all she could recall, from attending her festival to being attacked by some alien. She also tried to convince them that she was the co ruler of Equestria next to her older sister Celestia but it was a futile attempt, as the guards still gave her skeptical glares. They left her, now with satisfied smiles and thanked her cooperation. It has been hours, probably days since she'd last seen them, and they were very friendly to her, even though Luna was still labeled as a spy. Ever since the war between Equestria, under Discords ruler-ship, and Cervidas , the two nations have been at each others throats. Luna accepted the fact, that from now on she was just a mere Pegasus and should at least try to find some solace in that.
The noise of the door creaking again followed by hoofsteps filled the room, Luna idly cocked her head and awaited the guards. It was the same friendly guards who interrogated her, so I couldn't be that bad, maybe more questions were in due?
One of the guards smiled as his antlers lit up. The purple aura around the dragon bones vanished, followed by the bones crumbling to dust. Luna stared at the guards with a deadpan expression, why were they freeing her? Was it a trick?
"Don't get any ideas" One of them playfully said, breaking Luna's train of thoughts. "The King wishes to see you."
Luna's nearly faltered when those words came out. "The King? Why would thine King of Cervidas want to see us?"She thought. Not many had the honor of meeting the King, he was a grumpy type of Antelope but he cared for his subjects with deep passion. He was not one to mess with so she has heard from the guards. They said once, an assassin attempted to take his life only to end up as a fossil for future generations to ponder on about. If this was the same king, Luna wasn't really delighted to meet him, especially since she now doesn't possess a horn to self defend, just in case his temper falters and decides to turn her into a moon rock. The guard noticed the look of trepidation on the Pegasus's face and whispered to her.
"He's not as bad as long as you follow this solemn rule" He pulled back and gave Luna a genuinely serious look "Don't speak till he says so, believe me his temper is easy to disarm." Luna gulped and nodded nervously, this was going to be interesting or excruciating.
*_*_*
"Are you sure your majesty its passive? Your father was already agitated enough when he found out you left Cervidas without permission" A gruff voice faintly asked "Now you bring this...this...sick hairless ape, something notelope has ever seen." A hoof pounded the floor to my left causing my ears to twitch, I don't know where I was but I must have made quite a commotion.
"How many times have I told you Captain Arctic, call him by his name, Charles!" A familiar dulcet voice affirmed
"What happened? I'm in a bed now? But how? The last thing I remember was walking with...a doe...Caelestis through the Firelight woods then I gazed at the moon...everything was blurry after that. I writhed in my bed as my mind tried to recollect what happened that night.
"I'm seriously just digging myself further down. The blue horse, along with the information I desperately need to attain was in my grasp and I just had to blow the moment. I don't have the luxury of time, every second the Vaskah are tearing down another planet searching for me, destroying homes and detaching families...and...it's all my fault"
My sudden movement in bed must have affrighted the beings next to me, as they all gave a minute yelp. The room suddenly exploded into noise as various hoofsteps came in my direction. I fastidiously sat up, and opened an eye, my pupils opposed the action, but my brain was anxious to finally intake some light. I squinted my eyes at the visual I was receiving. It seemed I was in a hospital room, a very luxurious one. The tiles were made of green marbles that outstretched in the entire room and radiated a peaceful ambiance like a serene forest. The walls were adorned with sapphire gems shaped into rolling waves that actually seemed to move when the cold white light beamed on it. As alluring was the room I was in, I couldn't help but sweat when I noticed I was being observed by dozens of...antelopes and does, all coming in an array of colors and shapes, and I thought the horses were colorful.
"Finally you’re awake!" The same familiar voice said cheerily "I thought you never were going to wake up."
I forced my vision to clear and locate from who the voice came from. My head felt a little lightheaded and all the rainbow colored antelopes didn't aid me in my search, it actually made me want to fall back asleep. A tender tap on my shoulder brought my attention and I turned to it. It was Caelestis, she sported a worried expression but she forced a smile. The doe certainly looked different since the last time I saw her, could be the clothes she’s now using. She was now wearing a beryl dress outlined with ebony stripes and had various drawings of the natural elements on it: Water, fire, earth, wind. But what really engrossed me was the golden tiara adorned with Mawsitsit gems that glimmered like her eyes. I was unaware I was ogling her for a while until she started staggering slightly back. "Oh shit, I must be creeping her out. Think! Say something!"
"Nice Tiara" I teased. She sighed in relief then quickly removed the tiara from her head and hid it.
"It's just a toy, you know" She laughed tensely, It was no brainer she was hiding something, but my head was still throbbing violently so I pushed the thought aside.
"Anyways, I can’t remember what happened and where am I" I then pulled her close into a whisper "And could you tell all your friends to..you know, leave? I'm not too fond of being in the spotlight." She giggled at my bashfulness before clapping her hooves together.
"Alright, my friend needs some space so everytelope go back to your jobs, you'll have plenty of time to greet him later" Caelestis commanded and just like that the room was clear of any ruminants in seconds.
"How did you"
"You could say I know powerful Antelopes, that can also answer to why you’re in the most expensive hospital of Cervidas"
"Well, must be my lucky day" We both chuckled. "So what exactly happened?"
Caelestis gave a frown before speaking in a quiet guilty tone "My deepest apologies. You must have been so tired and I was trotting so fast" She averted her eyes from me. I noticed she looked genuinely flustered, I couldn't remember everything but I just knew I couldn't blame her, after all if not for her I would doubtlessly still be dragging myself in the Firelight woods.
I waved a hand and gave a reassuring smile. "Don't blame yourself, it was probably the beer I drank before entering the forest, I'm a lightweight." I lied. She gave me a quizzical look before smiling, I loved that smile it reminded me of my mum when she won a game of Darts or when it was my birthday. "Ahh, mother...how I miss when she forced me to clean my room or when we argued about my music preferences"
Caelestis wavered a hoof in front of my face "Cervidas to Charles, you there?"
I shook my head and tried to hide my embarrassing blush by looking at the ceiling. "S-sorry, kinda zoned out." At this rate I was going nowhere, I need to be looking for the blue horse, but I didn't know where I was.
"So, where exactly am I?"
"Well" Caelestis guilty tone returned "After your ordeal, I had to carry you here to the Royal Concordia hospital in Cervidas, the Antelope nation" She construed with amourpropre, striking a comical superhero pose. Caelestis sure has a very mixed personality, one minute she's remorseful next minute she's standing proud over all doubts.
"I'm sorry did you say you carried me?" I asked pretty stunned, I couldn't figure out..how could she carry me, I'm like twice her height and three times her weight."Second impression...humans are heavy"
She snickered. "Yes, but don't worry dear, your lighter than you look" I sighed happily at the compliment. At least I still have that part of my ego intact. I wasn't very toned, but I wasn't overweight either. But during my time on this planet, I have worked out more in a day than the gym in three months. "But you had me worried, the journey took two days and you were out for four."
I gasped in disbelief. "Four days out cold! Dammit I'm even further behind than I thought. This is not good" I moaned inwardly. Who knows how many lives have died by now at the hands of the Vaskah, and I still need to locate my target. Is there some type of force out there just wanting to fuck with me and slow me down as much as possible, this is ridiculously frustrating. Caelestis continued explaining, though I was now half eared.
"We had to feed you using some tubes, we didn't really know what you eat so we gave you oatmeal most of the time though judging by your...teeth.." I gulped, I knew what was coming. My incisors were going to be a problem. I rapidly raised my hand in defense
"Yes, we humans are omnivores but I personally don't eat antelope meat or horse meat. And if it makes you feel comfortable I won't eat meat as long as I'm around here." Just the response Caelestis wanted to hear, she gave a thankful nod and continued to explain what events took place after my...ahem blackout. She told me how antelopes harness elemental magic, and thus how she managed to carry me. It was impressive to hear that she levitated a thick slice of rock underneath my slumped body and kept it aloft for hours. I also exchanged some information about my race, mostly about our technology like hovering cars and bullet elevator. She would occasionally ask about conflicts in between ourselves and I did my best to sugar coat it. Her expressions were like a roulette wheel, constantly changing randomly from admiration to neutral to sympathy.
"Do you miss your planet?" She inquired with an air of despondency. The question took me by surprise; I never thought entirely of that. I mean I do miss my family...my fake family.. but did I really miss my planet? It was nothing more but a distant memory, it was ravaged, annihilated, stripped of all beauty..what was there to miss.
"No...I don't anymore" I mumbled lowly but just enough for her to hear it.
"Anymore?" Caelestis cocked her head.
I couldn't tell her what happened, she's, no her people, scratch all that, this planet is too innocent too pure to know what my planet's fate was, the blood that was spilled because of me. I shouldn't even been contacting anything on this planet in the first place, it would only bring more pain. My mission was clear: Locate the blue horse, extract information of the key's whereabouts, gather them quickly and be a one man army and disable the Vaskah's Mother PC. The silence in the room was threatening my patience, I'm in a hurry now, no more games, I need to activate my N.T.A to pinpoint the navy blue horse's position but I can't do it here in front of these Antelopes, what would they think about me?. I remembered I still owed Caelestis an answer, I opened my mouth before a guard entered the room.
"Your majesty, the King wishes to see both you and the Ape" I scowled at the guard, making him jump back. It was the same ruff voice I heard when I was returning back to the light of consciousness, the so called Captain Arctic. "You better behave in front of our king or I won’t hesitate to plunge my spear down your throat".
"Oh that does it! First you insult me now you threaten me", A tingling sensation began to burn inside. I jumped off my bed, Fists clenched, Jaws bared, ready to teach this guard some manners, until my common sense kicked in. "Don't do it, As much as you detest it, you're going to have to be obedient for now, If you get on the King's good side then he would probably support your cause and there's no point making more enemies now."I collected myself and did what I never hoped I would do, I bowed to guard, much to his surprise.
Caelestis couldn't help but grin at my self control "I'm sure the King would enjoy his presence" She said seemingly to the guard, who was still pretty freaked out by my sudden change.
"I still got many questions to ask" I declared to the doe.
"My fa-the king will be happy to shed some light" she smiled sheepishly; there it was again, the sudden change in words.
It was an arduous walk, my legs were as stiff as a pole and from time to time my vision would blur. Caelestis said it was the medication in the food to keep my blood pressure stable, hogwash if you ask me, I bet it’s just my body wanting some real food not oatmeal, but who am I to complain? These Antelopes took me in even though I eat meat and they treated me with utmost care, but something told me Caelestis was more than the eye could see. First a Tiara, then wearing a luxurious dress and to top it off she convinced royalty to allow me to use the most privileged hospital, despite me not even being part of their species, something was fishy.
I stumped my way up three flights of winding stairways, having to hold on to the wall in case I tripped. I haven't felt this sick since I traveled to Africa and got bit by some mosquito carrying malaria. I thought of good things to try to avoid puking because I doubt the king would like his red carpets redecorated.
After a few more steps we conclusively reached the throne room, but before I could admire the sight, I bent down, hands on knees and panted heavily. After filling my lungs with enough oxygen, I lifted my gaze and contemplated the throne room. It was certainly enchanting. The tiles were or looked like glass, pure glass; It was like standing on a mirror. If I was a pervert I would call this place paradise, if there were skirt wearing human girls here of course. The long red carpet extended from one end to the other of the room, flanked on each side by a wide assortment of golden statues. Each statue represented what looked like the natural elements, but out of all of them there was one that captivated my attention, it was a centaur covered in a cape, making it look like an assassin. Its golden eye's pierced right through me as I observed intently back, the same spark I felt many times before began to burn inside, it felt like if the statue was trying to communicate with me. I dropped my gape to the silver writings at the base of the statue, it read.
Moon Scyther, Sage of darkness, Key holder of Magic
"Key holder of magic? Moon Scyther? Why do I feel like I know him? This is absurd, I must be going demented, all the colors and peacefulness in this planet is making me go nuts" my mind bickered. Out of all the statues, this one was the one which drew me in. I could feel an ill boding sensation coming from it and something inside me wanted me to touch it. My hands slowly rose towards the golden centaur; I felt my head ting as my appendage closed the distance. "
That’s right child, free me" a soothing, inviting voice called. I was lost again in my mind as swirling clouds shrouded behind me, was I going into another dream?
"You coming?!" An impatient Caelestis called, giving me an exhausted look while tapping her hooves. I snapped out of my dreamy state and gave Caelestis an apologetic nod before continuing to stump down the red carpet. I peeked over my shoulder and gave the statue another doubtful look."Just what was that voice I heard?"
*_*_*
Luna had been waiting in the throne room for ages. She sat on her haunches, moving her eyes around doing her best to avoid locking eyes with the Antelope King. She would sometimes glance through the corner of her eyes to examine the ruler of Cervidas. He wore a charcoal colored armor draped with an opulent yellow cape. His fur was dark red but it didn't hide the scars he had around his body, no doubt this King has fought his fair share of battles. The king’s expression suddenly changed to one of satisfaction as Luna heard a number of hoofsteps approaching. She tilted her head to the clopping sounds, but what she saw was going to enrage her.
Three beings stood on the contra side of the room. Another guard wearing the traditional silver armor only that this one had feathers on his helmet, representing a higher rank supposedly. Another one was a young apricot teenage doe, wearing an intricate designed dress that would give the tailors of Canterlot a run for their bits. But Luna's eyes only focused on the Human standing in between them. It looked battered and sick, but it still stood tall and proud, attempting to give the king a good impression. It looked different this time, less metallic and shiny but just as menacing. The navy pegasus could still feel the same dark feeling erupting from it. Yes, it is with no doubt the same Human that attacked her and her subjects.
Luna breathed deeply trying to calm herself down; she did not need to make an uproar at this minute, especially without her horn. She turned towards the king but never leaving the human out of her sight, she has had constant nightmares ever since her return from their planet; she remembered the interrogation, the pain she went through after she got betrayed. Now one comes to her kingdom and strips her of her horn, this would not be accepted. Luna grinned as a plan formed in her head. If she could demonstrate that the Human is a violent race then maybe the King could take actions.
The King coughed deeply, drawing the attention of everyone in the glass room. A guard stepped forward and bellowed in an authoritative tone.
"KNEEL BEFORE YOUR MAJESTY, KING SOL RAPIER"
Everyone in the room did as instructed, except for the orange Doe who wore a vacant expression. King Sol stood up, his cape floating in the air magically like if there was a breeze in the room and raised his head.
"I WELCOME YOU TO MY KINGDOM, THE KINGDOM OF CERVIDAS. I HAVE GRACED YOUR VISION WITH MY PRESENCE BUT WE ARE HERE TODAY TO LEARN" He shouted in a surprisingly encouraging tone before gently returning his flank to the throne. His eyes laid set on the human and pointed toward it.
"You, State your name and Species"
The human nodded nervously and began to speak confidently "My names is Charles your highness, and I'm a member of a exti-highly technological race known as Humans"
King sol nodded animatedly, inquiringness was getting a grip on his royal posture as he leaned forward on his seat like a child interested about a bedtime story ending. "Fascinating. The doctors told me that you can walk on two feet with no complications and that..." His voice dropped to a serious cold tone "...you eat meat." Luna snickered as she saw the Human start sweating profusely and then rub his neck like if he had a terrible rash.
Charles words came out stuttered "Well..Y-yes we eat meat.." The guards rose their spears in a flash, Charles extended his hands forward and waved them in negation "W-wait I also eat vegetables and salads and I promise I won't eat meat while I'm staying here." The armored king ordered his guards to lower their weapons after the human bargained.
"Very well, but if I catch you even looking at my antelopes the wrong way, my guards will have no choice but to subdue and incarcerate you, understood?"
Charles bowed accordingly."Yes your highness"
"Now tell me what brings you to my kingdom" King sol then pointed to Luna "and are you acquainted with this Pegasus?"
Charles followed King Sols hoof towards its target, his jaw instantly dropped when he recognized the Equine.
"I-it’s you!" He faltered, both in disbelief and alleviation. Luna only scowled and lowered her head in a defensive stance.
King Sol who was observing this exchange of emotions, coughed seriously and spoke.
"I take that as a yes"
Luna prevented Charles from responding by rapidly replying.
"Yes, thine majesty.!." The navy blue pegasus struggled keep her voice down, all the anger welling up inside wanted to get released but she was in another kingdom now and she had to respect the higher authority here. "Lets hope Fluttershy's training pays off"Luna thought. With another deep breath she spoke again now in a soft bland intonation
"I am acquainted with this monster"
Everyone gave Luna a quizzical and surprised look, except for Charles who gave a snarl and crossed his arms.
"Monster? How is he a monster?" King Sol asked, now even more interested while at the same time some skepticism about this human arose.
Luna snickered towards Charles as her plan began to flourish
"This creäture appeared in Equestria a few moons ago, during my glorious festival and attacked Princess Cele-"
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM*
A blaring explosion gobbled up Luna's words before she could tell the truth. Everyone in the room were glancing all around, just in case any part of the castle started collapsing
"WHAT IN CERVIDAS WAS THAT?" King Sol yelled displeased, as on cue a bloodied Antelope guard limped into the throne room, dragging its rear right leg which was soaking in blood. His armor had so many holes; one would think he was actually suited up with Swiss cheese. He was mortally injured as blood drizzled out of his many holes?
Captain Arctic grabbed the injured guard by a hoof before he slapped the glassy tile. "Soldier give me a sit rep now!"
The guard vomited some blood before spluttering out his last words "Creatures....Two....legs......never...seen *cough*.....anything....like...it....they.....were....like.....plants....on....legs....and....carried..*cough*....some....L..shaped...weapon.....that..fi*cough* from....a..long...distant, they....arrived....in...some...type..of..*cough*...large metallic carriage....just...above....Concordia...attacked city.....they....re....in...the...castle..." The guard eyes rolled back in their sockets and his tongue laid limp at the corner of his mouth. Captain Arctic closed the guards eyes in all due respect and turned to King Sol.
"Your majesty we are under attack, we must escort you out of here ASAP!"
"WHO WOULD DARE TO ASSAULT MY KINGDOM?!" He shot back in an angry glare. Caelestis ran towards King Sol and embraced him, sobbing like a little girl scared of the dark.
" I-I don't want to lose you daddy!!" She stuffed her father's shoulder into her face and released all her fears into it.
"Shh, never fear my shooting star, Daddy won't be going anywhere" King Sol hushed quietly to his terrified daughter "Daddy will always by your side"
During this touching scene, Luna noticed a distressed Charles staring at the ground, lips quivering and tears of remorse flowing free. Her anger to him still was burning but something was different in him, he didn't look like a monster or anything like the Humans she met on her small time on Earth, no he actually looked scared and was plagued with depression. What was this, even despite all that happened, her horn being ripped off, imprisoned in a mucky cell for days all because of this human she still felt concern about him? After a while of deep staring, she noticed why she felt that way. She saw herself in his bloodshot eyes, she saw herself on the moon with the exact expression after she got banished by Celestia. Charles was lonely and guilt ridden, he had a dark secret within him, something he can't express on his own, but she somehow could feel it like if they were vinculcated by an invisible string. Luna's anger was replaced with sympathy and understanding "Charles.....just...what...are.thou?
*_*_*
My brain was banging against my skull, my stomach wanted to empty itself till it was sparkling clean, my heart just wanted to pop and my eyes wanted to go blind. I wanted to avoid this; It's my fault yet again. More species, more families were going to suffer because of my existence, because of my incompetence! I clenched my hand tightly as a stinging feeling hit my eyes, everything around me went in slow mo, it's like time stopped just for me. The screams, the guards yelling orders, the king soothing his daughter it all deafened in my ears. How could they find me so quick?
"My fears...have...been confirmed" I mumbled, as I began to walk, ignoring the yell of a certain navy blue horse "I knew this was going to happen!" I broke into a sprint, waltzing down the three flights of stairs in less time than you could blink. My N.T.A started wrapping around my legs as I entered the main entrance room. There marching in four groups of five..were slightly bulkier Vaskah guards, my hatred erupted and the ominous feeling from before surfaced but instead of rejecting the feeling, I welcomed it as I charged toward my prey's..."I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU ALL"
--------------------------------------------------
*Author notes*
WAAAAAAH 10K! 10K words! I need to rest >.<
So I thought we have griffons, dragons, Minotaur's, ponies, zebra's....where are the Antelopes? Problem solved :)
No something I want to ask the audience, what do you think about Charles and Sea ponies?
