//------------------------------// // Collector's Wish (Edited) // Story: I Am (No) God // by Animatorsnake //------------------------------// Ponyville, Eclipse’s Property; 12:25pm After crossing the trees, the group finally arrived at Eclipse’s property, the stallion trotting ahead to his storage building, before looking behind him. “This is where I keep a majority of my things, you can look inside and examine what you find, but I’d be careful about some of the things you find,” said Eclipse, entering inside. The two princesses examined their surroundings finding the simple shack, the small house and storage building a tad much for somepony who’s living by themselves. Following him into the storage building, they find it to be pitch dark until a shimmering glow brightens the area to reveal several yellow crystals placed on sconces embedded in the wooden pillars that’s part of the building. The expansive room looked recently cleaned and cleared of dust and clutter. Luna examined a particular corner of the room she found interesting as it was chuck full of various weapons of different size and shape. This raised alarms for both the princesses, but before any questions were raised, Eclipse was currently looking through an open crate before pulling out what was another one of those yellow crystals. “Excuse me for one second, there’s something I need to do real quick, if you need me for anything I’ll be in the back of the building.” Disappearing behind some large crates, they could only see his shadow illuminated from the glow of the crystal he held. Now alone to their own devices, the girls decided to examine some more of Eclipse’s stuff, with Rarity going through some of the exotic cloths and materials he has. Pinkie and Rainbow were busy fooling around with some pieces of armor and weapons that were luckily dull enough to not do any harm. Applejack was busy cleaning some farming tools that Eclipse had while seeing what other seeds he had too. Trixie seemed to be busy keeping to herself, a tad overwhelmed with having two royals in the same building just inches from her. Fluttershy – with Luella riding on her back still – and Spike decided to head into Eclipse’s house to make some snacks for everyone, leaving Princess Luna and Celestia with Twilight who was smiling sheepishly at the two royals. “Um… I hope you aren’t mad princesses,” said Twilight. “Heh heh heh...” “There is nothing to worry about Twilight, however I am worried that a single traveler from outside of Equestria’s borders managed to make it to the center of our nation whilst traveling with this many items… did he come here alone?” asked Celestia. “From what I know yes, but he was followed by-” Twilight couldn’t finish her sentence as something was flung toward her, looking back she saw Rainbow who was whistling while Pinkie was blinded by a very large helmet she wore. “Rainbow! What was that!?” “Um… I may have lost my grip and almost hit you with the sword I was holding… no big deal...” “NO BIG- Rainbow, that sword could have been sharp or worse hit me!” “No need to worry, those weapons have an enchantment to dull strikes, making them feel like a pebble hit you, though avoid being hit in the eyes,” said Eclipse who appeared behind them. This spooked Twilight who jumped back in surprise, this also took Luna by surprise too who didn’t realize he was there. “How, when?” Luna look back and forth to where Eclipse was and where he was now; the crystal he was holding was now placed into a sconce on one of the wooden pillars. “The only ones to ever sneak up behind me are my own Lunar Guard and the various thestrals under my night?” “Let’s say I can be incognito when I choose to be… though I’m often forgotten in most cases,” said Eclipse. “Well, I’m done with my earlier business, let’s get back to why you’re here… is there anything here you find illegal?” Princess Celestia took another look at the surrounding room before approaching a crate and opening it to find some materials like bricks, wood, stone and so on. After some further thought Celestia went through what she saw and knew. While he does have weapons they don’t appear to be dangerous… still, there’s some things that are unknown to myself and Luna here. “While the weapons’ issue can be dealt with by giving you a weapon’s license there is questions I’d like to ask you – those crystals… what are they?” asked Celestia. Looking at the crystals lighting up the room, Eclipse approaches one of them as his hoof is left hovering in front of it, the crystal glowed a gentle light. “These are called Element Crystals, there are ten known types I’ve found through my travels and the ones you are seeing are called Light Crystals which I use for lighting rooms. They also have more uses but I think I can write you a detail list of each crystals quirks and uses if you want.” This intrigued Celestia more, the idea of strange magical crystals with varying uses could be helpful for her and her ponies… the question though was where to find them and how they work. “Where exactly did you gain said crystals from exactly?” “Hmmmmm, its hard to explain but they can be found in places which best fit their ‘element’.” A small smirk appeared on Eclipse’s snout, but went back to his bored look. “All I can say is that they’re best found in places with no nearby civilization can be found. I have methods to make my own though as I’m not dependent on finding more to renew my stock.” Surprise wasn’t an appropriate word to use as Twilight literally leaped toward Eclipse, which he sidestepped the mare at the last moment. Skidding to a stop from tripping over something, Twilight swiftly turned around with a manic look in her eyes. “YOU CAN MAKE ARTIFICIAL ELEMENT CRYSTALS!?” “Not artificial, they’re still considered element crystals, the methods to making your own are just complicating and a bit tricky so sharing the method to do it wouldn’t be helpful for anyone else as I’m the only one who can make them.” Celestia watched the scene of Twilight thirsting for knowledge while Eclipse calmly explained things to the mare, a small smile came to the princess’s snout. It appears I was right about these two being a good match. “Calm yourself Twilight,” said Celestia. “I believe I have come to a decision on what shall be done with this… situation.” Twilight and everypony else in the storage building looked to Celestia, Eclipse calmly taking things with strive than a panicked or worried look. Facing the calm stallion, Celestia gazed at her sister who also wished to know what would become of Eclipse. “I have decided that in order for you to keep the more dangerous aspects of your items, you’ll be given a weapons’ and collector’s licenses, one to make sure you won’t be harassed for owning weapons or anything that may be considered dangerous – magical or not. I would suggest you put your more dangerous and rare items into a museum, but you appear to handle yourself well… though I am not certain a lock will keep thieves or curious ponies from coming inside.” Celestia – and a few of Twilight’s new friends – glanced at Pinkie who was playing with some rusted daggers against Rainbow who was trying to lift a hefty club. Not even bothering to see the two playing with dangerous weapons, Eclipse spoke in turn. “Again, the crystals have various uses, this building has several alarms and reinforcements that would make it impossible to come here by brute force, stealth, digging underneath or any method through magic use. This isn’t the first time I had to travel with a majority of my belongings for lengthy travels.” “...Especially one as permanent as this one,” said Eclipse, to himself quietly. “Did you say something Sir Eclipse?” asked Luna. Shaking his head, Eclipse headed to leave the building. “No, let’s head back outside, there are a few things I wish to discuss with you personally to both your majesties.” As Eclipse left, the others followed behind with some giggling from Pinkie as she pulled out the giant helmet from her head, causing her mane to poof back out. Once outside, Spike and Fluttershy came out of Eclipse’s home with some food and a picnic blanket set for everyone to enjoy. “Hey everypony, Fluttershy and I prepared some food while everypony was busy, did we miss anything?” “Is Eclipse in trouble, I hope you won’t be upset with Eclipse if he did anything wrong princesses.” “Trixie can say for a fact that Eclipse holds nothing illegal or dangerous… is what Trixie hopes,” said Trixie, sheepishly. Seeing how some of her subjects show a lot of faith with Eclipse brought a smile to her. “Do not worry my ponies, I simply need to know if there is of anything I need to know and whether the decision of Eclipse keeping said items should be yes or no. Now, today has been very exhausting so please, rest and eat while myself and my sister speak with Eclipse.” While the others busied themselves with eating, the two alicorns and Eclipse stood under the shade of a tree, gazing at one another for the next few seconds in silence. Soon a cough came from Luna, wishing to end the now awkward silence. “What is it you wish to ask of us, Eclipse?” asked Luna. “What is to be done with the Holy Sun and the ones responsible?” “Ah the Holy Sun… they shall be punished and reprimanded for their actions whether through payment or surveillance, though if they attempt any further actions… well I believe my sister has made her point to have them rot in the dungeons.” “Well yes, but hopefully it won’t come to that… still...” Celestia gazed at her student and her new friends, with a soft but worried smile. “I did not imagine something like this would happen, maybe it is best I post some guards in Ponyville, some problems can’t be solved through diplomatic means.” “Sister, is that a good choice, I mean I know that posting guards here in a town that lives near the Everfree is a smart choice, but from the history books, Ponyville hasn’t had any Royal Guard or nearby patrols come by here, ever. This will bring some unwanted attention from reporters and the more rowdy nobility.” “We must, besides ponies will catch win of the Holy Sun’s recent activities, best we act now than later. I will have eight of the Royal Guard and Luna you will choose four of the Lunar Guard be stationed here, a barracks will be stationed near the Everfree, Ponyville and Sweet Apple Acres for easy access to all three areas.” Stationing the guard here will improve certain aspects within the town, but much of my own Lunar Guard are still untrained… maybe… “Sir Eclipse,” said Luna. Eclipse gazed up at Luna, while not answering back he clearly was waiting for an answer. “I wish for you to personally train our recently remade Lunar Guard and while there are some skilled and trained members, I believe sending some newcomers to the guard to make their duties here in Ponyville will improve their first-hoof experience working in the open. I have examined you have a sort of training facility here so I’d wish you accept this offer.” Eclipse glanced at the modified training dummy he made himself, facing the princesses with an indecipherable look. “...I don’t think that can be possible.” This surprised Luna, she thought that Eclipse would accept such an offer, being a fellow warrior – Luna having a fighter’s soul than her sister could sense his inner warrior – but the refusal was sudden but not shocking. “If you are worried that others might be troubled by your sudden work with the Lunar Guard and become jealous do not worry, I will personally inform any military members of what responsibilities you hold while training my guard-” “You mistake me, it is not that I can’t train or wish not too… but rather those who want to train under me can’t or rather won’t be able to catch up. My method of training… isn’t for the faint of heart, you have to give up something in return in order to use the skills I wield… it will be physically, mentally and spiritually damaging… I only ever had one student… one and only one.” At that same time, Luella stepped out of the house and moved directly for Eclipse, the cub glanced up at him before clambering up and nuzzling his neck. He didn’t seem bothered by the action and continued to look at the princesses, both perturbed by the sudden nonchalant notion of Luella napping on Eclipse’s head. “...She… has changed and with that change, her dedication to the craft has become an obsession; various different effects will happen varying the pony or user, but they always lose one thing.” Both princesses paid close attention, but suddenly a deep chill was felt up their coats, like something was trailing a sickly appendage against their napes. “They lose what makes them… ‘them’.” After the mysterious but ominous message, Eclipse faced the heavens with his eyes gazing upward in deep thought. Closing his eyes, he exhaled a breath before turning around to join the girls and Spike. “If I were to tell you the truth… I’d end up making them run for their lives – I’m not what you call a ‘good’ teacher.” Watching Eclipse leave with Luella on his head, the two sisters faced one another before a decision was made. “Very well, I see we are done with what we need to discuss, but one more thing,” said Celestia, Eclipse stopping to listen. “We will at least have our guards train at your property, as this area is perfect for training and you have the facilities to do so, we will give you compensation for allowing them using your facilities at their leisure of course.” Eclipse still faced away from them, but with a slight head sway, he had one eye gazing at the sisters. “That will be fine, I’d ask a certain amount but I believe two-hundred bits will do.” Accepting the requested offer, Eclipse nodded and went his way. “Good then, it was nice meeting you two, your majesties.” Seeing things were over, the two royals approached the others before Celestia spoke to Twilight. “Twilight, we are done with our discussion with Eclipse, we’ve decided to station some guards here in the coming week, we’d like you to fully introduce these guards to the town and have them recognize all the known paths to the Everfree and meet any certain local townsfolk. While for now we’re sending a total of twelve guards, more will steadily be stationed here. Now if anything like this ever happens again, send a message to myself or the captain stationed here in Ponyville.” “Yes princess, I’ll make sure that they’ll meet the mayor and my friends… though where will they be stationed in Ponyville?” “Well…” After some thought, a good spot was picked as Celestia faced her student. “Across from Carousal Boutique is an empty patch of land, it is just some distance from Eclipse’s property and several paths that lead to Ponyville, Sweet Apple Acres or the Everfree Forest.” “That close, wait, why do they need to be close to Eclipse?” asked Twilight. “Well, Eclipse has said that it is alright for the guards to use his facilities to train, he is of course being paid for this.” Twilight faced Eclipse who was eating a banana with Luella sat beside him, eating a fish recently caught. Does that mean Eclipse is training them? “Now then, with things done and the situation being dealt with, we should return back to Canterlot and speak to a certain High Priest of the Holy Sun,” said Luna. “Indeed… once news reach, things might get...” Complicated. Canterlot, Grand Cathedral of the Holy Sun; 1:00pm Deep within the confines of the headquarters of the Holy Sun, High Priest Grail was currently before his personal shrine to the Princess of the Sun, having a statue of the sun and a giant portrait of Celestia, the portrait itself looking very ancient, at the very least a few centuries old, still in prime condition through magic. “Blessed is her holy majesty, the only one to truly rule Equestria and all the lands under her sun, for she will bring forth the light that will guide all of ponykind to a brighter and grander future for all,” said Grail. After finished with his prayers, Grail stood up, grabbed his scepter and his cloak – it was marble white with a gold trim outline – along with the assemble he wore a hat with the symbol of the Holy Sun. Exiting the alcove, he walked down a long pathway before entering a room with several other priests and holy sisters praying diligently; passing by all of those present, he entered another room that was bare of nothing. Approaching a panel, he opened it before pressing the scepter tip against it, soon a flash of energy coursed through the room and soon it began to shake. The room descended down, revealing to be a hidden elevator, after standing and facing away from the panel, soon the walls became translucent to reveal a vast underground area below the cathedral. Here was the true goals of the Holy Sun, here is what the members of this organization since its founding been striving to accomplish. While the secrets to alicornhood were hidden by all, but the Princesses for years the organization has been striving to unlock said secret from it’s founder, Grail’s ancestor – Spotless Chalice – a mare of science. She would lead the Holy Sun into a path to search for the secrets of alicornhood, immortality and immense power, but over time the organization gained faithful and zealous members that believe and worship Celestia, so to disguise their true goals, they hidden away their scientific secrets behind prayers, shrines and faithful acts to her holiness. Grail himself while a pony of science is indeed a true zealot, so to not have both his interests intertwine deeply, he has found somepony else to handle the research part of things. Approaching the pony in question, Doctor Warm Earth was currently examining something behind a glass container. “Subject appears to be rejecting alicorn serum 5.07 Model: Solar, side-effects appear manageable but not perfect... Will clean containment room and eradicate subject – bring in the next one.” “Doctor Warm... How is our... ‘tests’ doing?” Warm gazed at Grail with a surprisingly cold and calculating gaze, while her name might be different from her personality, Warm was born into a farming community... though her excellent intellect was not widely accepted by her earth-pony community. It was when Grail found her did she find her true calling behind test tubes and labs than farming equipment and barn animals. “Not well, but we are getting somewhere... Sir, while I know you might find this displeasing, but I believe we should gain samples of possibly from Princess Luna if we are to further our objective-” “No! That will not be necessary... Where is High Paladin Might, haven’t seen him or his lackeys anywhere?” “Him? I believe he went to Ponyville, something about an Ursa Minor and purging heathens or something.” “That moron, I told him to not do anything reckless... well, we’ll be expecting the princesses soon, go and continue things down here... Oh and prepare a small contingency of the knights in Canterlot, rumors is there is a powerful artifact hidden in the darkest corners of the city... an artifact that you may know.” Warm stopped what she was doing and her previous cold look changed to a warm but sadistic smile. “The Alicorn Amulet, finally,” said Warm, giggling to herself. “Close... we are so close.” Elsewhere – Manehatten; 3:50pm Deep in the city, in the abandoned parts of the city of Manehatten... the smell of blood and death lingers; within the old factories that were once used in the prime time of Manehatten, a pair of Royal Guards with some of their fellows who were speaking to possible witnesses were examining a cloth covering the body of the victim. “Name?” “Tool Box – stallion, early thirties, earth pony – local around here as his shop is just a few blocks from where the body was found by a group of young colts.” “Witnesses?” “Just the colts, but others heard a strange commotion here... this case doesn’t make sense, this is like the fifth one the last month since August.” “I know what you mean... especially the wounds on this one are exactly like the others... or at least similar.” The report was that the first victim was found in an alleyway near the residential district, a young mare by the name of Sunny was trotting back home only to be found covered in cuts of various depth... and all her blood gone. It was the same with all the other bodies, various cuts, zero damage or dismemberment of the body, but all the blood gone... somepony or something was attacking ponies and sucking all the blood out of them. “If this continues, we’re going have to do a complete lockdown of the city and search for whoever is responsible.” “What makes you think it’s one culprit, each of the victims were killed in different locations at either days or weeks apart, it could be a group for all we know.” “No... the cuts are the same, same weapon and whoever is doing it is a pro. They know where to cut to get most the blood flowing out, trust me I know... its similar to Zebrican fighting styles.” “Where you learn that from?” “Was present in the Zebrican attacks, you learn a bit from the locals.” “How old are you?” “Old enough for your mother to be in high school before, now come on, we need to get this body back to the station for further examination.” Following the older guard, the younger guard was about to leave when he spotted something in the sunlight – a strange red crystal. Seeing that to be interesting, he picked it up but not for evidence, instead putting it inside his armor for himself, leaving with his senior afterwards. Watching from a smoke stack of an abandoned tower, a silhouette watched calmly, before a grin of sharp blood-coated teeth formed on the silhouette’s mouth. “Hmmmmmm, another play-thing for meeeee. Hehhhehhe heheheh.” Ponyville, Eclipse’s Property; 4:50pm After the picnic, everyone headed back home, leaving Eclipse and Fluttershy behind to clean-up; the girls decided to plan about what they should do for the coming week before the new Ponyville guard was stationed. Pinkie was obviously going to set up a party for them, while the others were wondering who they’ll meet, right now Twilight was coordinating with Mayor Mare and some construction worker ponies in making the barracks and where Princess Celestia wants it built. Eclipse was currently washing some dishes until he heard the door open with Fluttershy carrying the picnic blanket with Luella following behind her. “Eclipse, what sort of deal did you make with the princesses... I’m curious is all,” said Fluttershy. “They wanted me to train the guard as most will be inexperienced and new to their new roles of being stationed here.” “Oh, did you say yes?” “Not quite, I’m not the best at teaching... well not in the way you think...” Fluttershy sensed Eclipse was hiding something and after hearing strange voices and many other odd things, none of it made her question Eclipse before, so seeing him be uncertain of something was a little new. Approaching her friend, Fluttershy placed a hoof on his withers, not entirely grabbing his attention but enough for him to hear what she had to say. “I don’t think you’re a terrible teacher, you probably know more than myself or the girls, you been to places and seen many different kinds of creatures and beings... So don’t think little of yourself, because... I believe in you.” Eclipse gazed at Fluttershy, as she gave a small kind smile, the gesture was sweet but Eclipse gave a smirk and patted her on the head. “Aren’t you becoming braver by the day.” Fluttershy flushed a little before she hid behind her wings. “Well... you did always tell me to speak out more...” The two shared a small laugh before going back doing some more chores, soon they were done and Fluttershy went back to her cottage. Watching her leave, Eclipse saw her pink tail disappear within the shrubbery, turning around he went back inside before opening the hatch that led downstairs. Heading downstairs he went further down before turning to face another door, but this one was a dark metallic door, with rivets embedded inside and the symbol of his cutiemark etched onto the surface. Pulling out a key, he unlocked the door, opened it and entered inside – the sounds of echoing voices and a swirling vortex was heard. Gazing back at him was a swirling mass of darkness, as Eclipse stared back at it, he reached forward before pulling his hoof back, feeling the pull of the portal. Ahhhh, so its finally finished. Looking at the portal he turned to face the other individual with him, Luella looked up with her usual bland gaze. “So then... time to head back, hmmmm?” Not a single word came out, but Eclipse heard her response. “Good... time to move forward and begin Phase One.”