//------------------------------// // The Crimson Teacher // Story: Equestria Lost: Dragons beyond time // by Tythen //------------------------------// "Good Afternoon," Cleo smiled at the four students from Canterlot High School with trembling muscles and nervous expressions. It was obvious that something was going on. "What happened at school today?" Cleo raised an eyebrow, "We..." Sweetie Belle pressed her index fingers together, "We kinda had a worrisome talk with a teacher of ours." "Well, it sounds like you guys need a calming hand after all that scolding." Cleo smiled, "I'm happy to prep some afternoon tea--" "Sorry," Rarity interrupted, "But this teacher is a pressing matter. She knows about this place!!! About Grastaea!!!" "Really?" Cleo tilted her head, "I mean that is serious news, but for that to happen requires that you or Adagio would have disclosed the existence of Alberia as well as the mist in the forest through gossip." She glared, "Have you been doing that?" "N-no!" Rarity shook her head, "I-I mean yes!!! But it's only between best friends and siblings!" "I'm merely joking," Cleo laughed, "How I love that corrective reaction of yours. As I said, I do not mind if you spread the secret of this place through word, as long as they don't end up in the clutches of fiends." "There has been no missing incidents regarding the Mayleaf Trail for now." Flash recognised, "So it's likely that no one has discovered this place, except for her." "Did this teacher thrust any demands or threats to you?" "No," Big Mac shook his head, "Rather, she was pretty open about her findings. Showed us photos and all, with one of them bein' the Halidom and the unclear image of a dragon. But that's not her main purpose. She wanted information and history about..." He pointed northwest of the castle, "... The Volcano." "Mount Adolla," Cleo nodded. "If that's the case... I'm happy to share it." "Are you sure about that?" Rarity and Sweetie asked in unison, "Yes. Mount Adolla is the home of Brunhilda the Flamewyrm. As a dragon that controls the powers and blessings of Flame, she controls the volcano's activity herself!" "Wow!!!" Flash gasped, "No wonder why I don't see any smoke in the air or smell any ash!" "There, that's all the teacher needs to know." Cleo responded, "Then again, I'm sure you'll need some official records rather than just my own general knowledge as evidence." "You think we can snap some pictures?" Rarity asked, "Yes. But before you do, I want something in return." "We've fully painted and refurbished the Lance Dojo yesterday, we're planning on starting on fixin' another. How about that?" Big Mac offered. "Oh no! I don't need you to repair any buildings, that's out of your own goodwill. I just want simple information." Cleo negotiated, "May I know the teacher's identity?" "She's called Ms M. She's one of our history teachers." Rarity answered, "An interesting name." Cleo pondered, "Very well then, I'll get some records, some tea, as well as some blueprints on the elemental altars if you're still interested in building. Those altars are very easy to repair, and I've got all the materials needed. It will only take ten minutes if you work together!" "Sure, lookin' forward to it." Big Mac nodded, "It's those yellow-like temples right?" "Indeed." Cleo began to move, "Make sure to keep Adagio company too, she's been pretty down ever since that walk. Cheer her up please!" "No worries!" Flash waved. As the Belle Healer got onto the Halidom's balcony, a dreadful thought struck her mind. "Ms Em... A rather funny surname." "Alright! The base is fully repaired with concrete," Big Mac held a trowel in victory, "Flash?" "Got it, light the Torches." Flash, with a giant medieval torch, lit each vertex of the square altar with a bright fire, "And for the finishing touch milady?" "The elemental orbs!" Rarity signalled, carrying five identical purple orbs. Letting them go in the altar's vicinity, the five orbs magically floated to the altar's pedestal on their own and flew in circles. At once, the five orbs shattered, each setting free a violent flux of energy which combined into each other. The end result was a floating sphere of black and purple energy, with the image of clouds that ominously pulsated in its core. "That's it, folks! The Shadow Altar is complete!!!" Big Mac announced, and the group cheered and gave high-fives to each other. "Well done you four!" Cleo came forward with a tray of snacks, cups, and papers, "I'll be sure to write down what I owe you. For now, please have some tea and treats. Oh, and I've got some official records for your teacher." "Thank you so much, Ms Cleo." Rarity thanked as the four sat down on the grass and ate. "You know, ever since we've finished this altar, I can feel its energy pulsing through my body. If feels smooth and soft that it gives a scary feeling..." "Is that so?" Cleo laughed, "It could say many things. These altars are built to strengthen the powers of any adventurer and dragon attuned to their element." Meanwhile, Adagio watched the commotion with forlorn eyes. A feeling was telling her to go down and join, but she shrugged it off with a bitter glare. All that was on Monday. Tuesday rolled in like a breeze. A day with the ideal cool temperature around the day, although a certain teacher was turning up the heat. "Is this some kind of twisted joke?" Ms M interrogated, "A dragon, controlling nature?" "No, ma'am." Flash shook his head, "The official records behind Mount Adolla's activity is a dragon's doing. Of course, we can explain a bit further about why, but we haven't got it here." "While it is true that dragons exist in this area as I've seen, for one to fuel a volcano can only be thought up in Video Games!" She reasoned, "One franchise considers them powerful mounts for warlords while another considers them gods that can shapeshift into scantily-clad women or men that can marry and breed with humans!" Flash toppled over and erupts with laughter. Big Mac, Sweetie and Rarity sat still but couldn't help release a few giggles and laughs themselves. "S-Sorry ma'am!" Flash picked himself up, unable to cease his laughter, "I know exactly what franchise you're referring to, but it doesn't make it any less funny because it's true!" "I'll admit that I should have chosen a different one for the latter, but your reactions prove my point. The representations of dragons are never consistent, not to mention beyond ridiculous and unrealistic. Honestly, all these skewed representations are making me boiling mad." "In any case," Big Mac offered, "Looks like you need some more information about dragons rather than sightings. How would that sound?" "Now that is a wonderful idea!" Ms M agreed, "Assuming that the records you give me are true, I want you to answer the bigger question behind it; the dragons. I have only seen them flying around, but I have no idea what they can DO. Do they live in caves? Are they intelligent? So many questions that need to be answered!" "Do you want my video clip?" Sweetie offered, "It was for the assessment before I had to change to another topic. It talks about the dragons and how they work around Grastaea!" "Okay then, send me that before school finishes, I'll look into it tonight." Ms M agreed, "If that's all, then you guys are dismissed. Get ready for your classes!" "Thank you, ma'am!" The four students nodded in unison and scurried away. Ms M scratched her head as she looked at her email of the information that the students sent her. "What were you thinking!!! Using that Corona Badge reference!?!?" Ms M scolded herself, "I am such an idiot! I just revealed to my students that I've been playing 'those' types of games! They'd better not spread it, or my rock-solid reputation will crumble!" "I figured as much..." Cleo chuckled, sipping on her tea. "There's a whole lot to learn for her in this world." "No kidding," Rarity sipped her own cup, "By the way, we decided to send her the video to answer her follow-up question. If you don't mind." "She's an adult, so I'm sure being confidential is important." Cleo accepted, "And if she decides to go public with her findings, she has to credit all of you." "All of us," Rarity corrected, "You allowed us to use that information for our video," "Very well then." Cleo nodded, taking another swig. "By the way, where are the others?" "Oh! I almost forgot to tell you; Sweetie, Flash and Mac wanted to help Adagio with her deliveries today. We intercepted her before she left the Halidom and brought along something that can carry her load. They plan to fix the Flame Altar once Adagio can manage it." "I really can't thank you enough." Cleo beamed, "Young people do have kindness in their hearts, not like what the newspapers say." Outside the Mayleaf Trail, the Cheerful Merchant wasn't as cheerful when she laid eyes on three cheerful people, loading baskets of produce on a bright red pull wagon. "Oy," Francesca growled, "When did I ever say I need your help?" "You don't have to be so hard around us 'Francesca'," Flash teased, "We all know you have feelings, like us!" "Besides, no matter yer intentions. Protectin' our homes is one of the most empathetic things we would do." Big Mac continued, "Makes you more approachable and gives you a loving image. Perfect to make friends!" "You know, if you act less like a jerk, we'll be happy to help you find your sisters!" Sweetie added, "Honest!" "Enough..." Francesca grumbled, "You came here to help so less talking and more listening!" "Woah! You're not brushing us off before with threats or sourness! You're improving!!!" "Quit it! I will do something nasty to you, all of you, if you don't shut up and listen!!!" "Yes Ma'am," The three chuckled in unison. "Since you've been bothering me and Cleo for the past few weeks, she had an inclination that you'd be willing to help out with our profits. She prepared a set of red ribbon accessories similar to what I'm wearing. You'll be wearing them too, so the customers around Canterlot know you're affiliated with me." Francesca instructed, "But would they get even more suspicious?" Flash inquired as he clasped it on his jacket, "If anything, we could have harmed you and took your job illegally to pocket their money for ourselves." "... Quite a negative perspective coming from you. What's with that?" Francesca raised an eyebrow, "My Dad's a Lawyer. He warns me to be careful of any worst-case scenarios, especially since a LOT of them come from misunderstandings or misinformation. Many people in today's culture would push charges or take to social media without considering that what they talk about is just a sham, misguiding everyone and rallying for the wrong cause." "Ouch." Francesca winced, "Well, in that case, you three are in charge of carrying the load while I do the talking. That way, the customers will recognise you as part of Alberia Markets without getting suspicious. HOWEVER, you better act as professionals, no funny behaviour okay!?" "'Dagio, you really are being hard on us. We've got jobs ourselves too, ah'm a deliveryman, and Flash here used to work at the Music Centre. We learned professionalism there." "Wonderful!" Francesca smiled as she kicked the tow wagon, "Then follow me, and don't you dare slow down!!!" ✨Ding-a-ling!✨ "Good Afternoon, Francesca!!!" Ms Cake beamed wildly, "and... Big Mac? Flash Sentry? Sweetie Belle!? What a surprise!!! How's school???" "All wonderful Mrs Cake," Sweetie greeted back, "we're helping Franny with the deliveries!" "Oh! Now that you mentioned it, I see your ribbons! Well isn't that wonderful? That's a good sign for business when you've taken on more employees!" "They're still pretty green, but they grasp the ropes quite quickly!!!" Francesca responded, "They'll be doing the rounds on their own in no time!" "Marvelous!" Mrs Cake laughed, taking out a familiar wooden basket, "Well you know the drill!" "Of course Mrs Cake!" Francesca nodded, pulling out an identical one. "Glad to be of service!" "You should take notes Sweetie," Big Mac advised, "When you grow a bit older, you'll be finding a part-time job too. This is one of many!" "Hello!" Francesca opened the door to another building. "Oh!" Fluttershy jumped up, "Adagio! And Flash, Big Mac and Sweetie Belle! I would say that I was expecting you, but it's still a surprise to see all of you together!" "Wow, you supply the nourishments for the animals here too!? You and Ms Cleo are such saints!" Sweetie squealed, "Y-Yes," Fluttershy looked down, "After the picnic incident, I found out that the animal shelter has you as a provider of animal food delivered by either 'Cleo' or 'Francesca'. I know you're trying to disguise yourself, but I can't stop calling you Adagio now that I've seen the resemblance. Please forgive me Ad--Francesca!" "Look, call me Adagio if you still can't get over it. Just don't say that name in front of people who may recognise it. No one would want to do business with an organisation that employs someone who almost succeeded in terrorising the students and teachers of CHS, even if said culprit wants to change." Francesca moaned, no longer keeping her cutesy charm. "I-I-I understand!!!" Fluttershy panicked, "I promise you I won't jeopardize your job and your boss!" "Flash Spikey? Three of the goods have green tags on their handles, please get them." Francesca commanded, "They're marked specifically for the shelter." "Yes, Ma'am!" Flash saluted and got to work, quickly picking out the specified baskets and placing them on the counter. "Thanks once again for constantly supplying the Animal Shelter," Fluttershy thanked, pulling out a brown letter, "This is what we owe you." "You're too kind Fluttershy." Francesca accepted with a smile, "Make sure those little ones grow up nice and strong!" "See ya later Flutters!" Sweetie waved, "See ya tomorrow." Big Mac responded, "Huh..." Fluttershy watched as the group went on their merry way. Once they were away from her view, she peeked inside the tagged baskets; Lettuce, Cabbage, Carrots, and one Ripe Dragonfruit. "You really are changing bit by bit Adagio... At least I can see it for myself." "Helloooo!!!" Pinkie ecstatically leapt on Francesca, "Welcome to the back of the Sweet Snacks Cafe!!!" "Yeshhh... Heewo..." Francesca choked, "Now ge offf meh! Your chest!!!" "Oop!" Pinkie hopped off, her murder weapon bouncing with her, "You know, I had NO IDEA that you'd be part of the Market that would be delivering the freshest stuff for all of Canterlot! The chef LOVES your tomatoes and potatoes!" "That's good, that's good. We grow them with the utmost care and love!" Francesca smiled falsely. Pinkie dropped to the floor laughing, "I'm sorry! It's just... Now that I know your true identity, hearing you say those things is so ridiculous!" She apologized, "Don't do that. You'll get your work clothes dirty." Flash crossed his arms, "Besides, it's called 'changing for the better'. Surely you can understand that in people." "I said sorry in the first place! No offence!" Pinkie jumped back up, "Geez Flashy! It's no good when your character changes between serious and goofy." "Don't worry Flash." Francesca smirked, "We can always sever ties if we don't get along with fellow employees." "H-Hey!!!" Pinkie sweated and protested, "It's just a joke! As I said, the boss loves your tomatoes and potatoes! I wouldn't jeopardize that!" "Wonderful! Now we're finally on the same page, let's get working! Mac? Sweetie Brat?" "Never heard that before." Sweetie mused as she picked up a basket from the tow wagon. "Here you go Pinkie!" "You know, I understand the reasons why you're stuck with a pseudonym. Heck, loads of people have to do that because of some laws on work and such, but I think it would be wonderful if you can be known as Adagio again!" Pinkie shared, balancing every basket given to her. "That's the nicest thing you said to me." Francesca blinked, "But I'll pass. I'm fine going by a new name." "Finally! Mission complete!" Sweetie cheered as they finally returned to the wide-open park with the red tow wagon now filled with empty baskets. "That wasn't so bad was it?" Big Mac asked, "Honestly, not at all." Francesca adjusted her hat, "I guess I have to thank you for providing that wagon. Cuts down a lot on travel time and gets more orders completed!" "Feel free to keep it. It will make yer deliveries easier when you're on your own." Big Mac offered, "As for us now, we'll get to fixin' the Flame Altar if that's alright with you. Ah can feel it burnin' from here fer no apparent reason." "I can take it, but don't expect me to change into a good girl so soon just because you helped me," Francesca clarified, "I understand. Change takes time." Flash nodded, "But just so you know, we'll support you anyways!" "What he said!" Sweetie stepped forward, "That's what friends are for! We help you in times of trouble, suffering, and fun!" "Yeah yeah... Let's just go back." The merchant rolled her eyes and led the group into the Mayleaf Trail, their route back to the Halidom. For Wednesday afternoon, the sound of piercing flesh and loud static snaps spread through uneven grounds and broken stone paths of the Waterscour Temple. The merchant and the preacher piled through endless hordes of blue slimes and goblins (name them). The fiends proved no match against the inherent element of Francesca with Estelle backing her by patching any sylvan errors. With a dominant powerhouse supported by the most reliable healer, the unstoppable duo their way through the damp and half-flooded paths while taking down any fiendish obtrusion with style. They reached the inner sanctum of the ruins where a familiar coloured basilisk curled before them. "Pft!" Francesca scoffed, "This boss will be a pushover!" "You sure? Last time I recall, you got overpowered by them," Estelle questioned, "This one's not a menace, just a regular Hefty drowned basilisk. You'll be able to tell the difference once you see one." "Let's hope I won't." Estelle sighed, "Peregrine Blade!" Francesca laughed, throwing Flash's Bejeweled Dagger like a paper plane, and magically turning it into the piercing bird it was named after. In, out. In, out. In, out. In, out. Four times did the falcon-possessed dagger went 'psht!' and 'sarrk!' The moment it returned to Francesca's hand, the terrifying snake fell apart. "These fiends never learn." Francesca chuckled, "Always the same Basilisk I see every time." "I see." Estelle nodded as she watched the sliced up basilisk crumble into black dust, leaving behind a pile of blue orbs. "That reminds me, your skill." "It's awesome, isn't it?" Francesca laughed, "It is," Estelle nodded, "But the name 'Peregrine' doesn't necessarily mean the Peregrine Falcon which I found out yesterday. It also means 'one from abroad'. It's a definition befitting for a merchant don't you think?" "What!? Now that sounds like a letdown..." "Well I'm not the one who came up with the name, nor did I have any part in inventing such a technique." Estelle defended, picking up the blue orbs. "In any case, we've got a water altar to rebuild." "Thank you so much for getting the materials Adagio." Cleo commended, "But since this is unrelated to your actual job, I'm afraid I can't give you a raise." "No worries," Adagio, back to her normal self, shrugged, "Decimating the Waterscour Ruins is a payless job!" "Speaking of which," Cleo continued, "Will it be alright if you, Rarity and Sweetie are willing to do the building for today?" "Huh? Why's that?" "Starting this week, the boys have been repairing the altar whenever you came around. Let this day be their time to rest in the Halidom." "Hmm... I'm not sure Rarity would agree..." "Oh no! I'm alright with that!" Rarity emerged from the Castle interior, adjusting to her regular clothes. "My sister and I are happy to well... Dirty our hands!" "Sweetie Belle reporting for duty!" Sweetie giggled with a salute, "That's strange..." Adagio wondered at the worn-down water altar. "Rarity and Sweetie don't seem to be builders." She looked at Sweetie who was rolling up her sleeves and Rarity who was putting on some protective gloves. "And judging by how quick it is to rebuild these things, Big Mac would have done it on his own!" "Adaaagioooo!" Rarity butted in, "Are you wondering why Sweetie and I agreed to do some building?" "Aha!" Adagio spun around, "You've got a motive behind this!" She accused, "Guilty as charged dear." Rarity admitted, "Yes, I asked Ms Cleo beforehand if you would be able to help me and Sweetie with the altar. Of course, I did mention that I wanted to really talk with you, to which she also agreed." "... Alright then, I'm in the mood. What do you want?" "That was fast." Rarity blinked, "Anyway, Sweetie told me about the time you broke down to tears on your trip on Myriage Lake. That's when I realised I never knew how you stumbled here in the first place. I know it may sound painful, but may we hear how it happened?" "Are you sure? Remember that sole cause of how I got here was by you and your friends. So if you can't take some honesty, I'd suggest not to push further." "You seem willing to tell us." Rarity agreed, "And as I said, I'm willing to hear. So does Sweetie. I think she has a soft spot for you." "Then buckle up." Adagio started, "First off, you stripped us of our powers and voice." "I remember the three of you ran away crying," Sweetie spoke up, "Don't interrupt me." Adagio hissed, "Next thing we knew was that word has spread of our 'evil' deeds and no one would let us in any hotel, cafe, fast food joint, and any place where we could stay or eat. It was three days later that the three of us started fighting and yelling at each other. Somehow back then, we had the confidence and the assurance that we'd win, so one of us must have slipped up badly to bring us all down." "No, all three of you fell together." Rarity clarified, "If Sunset didn't get me and the girls over our bickering and fight, we would have given you more strength and you would win then." "When you don't eat anything for three days straight, you don't think properly." Adagio reasoned, "Unlike you guys, we just continued fighting each other without making amends and that's when we decided to split up for good. Living in the city was no good for me given my reputation, so I fled to the woods to hunt and forage my own food, and that didn't work either." Adagio clenched her fists, "One day, my body was at the end for me... I laid famished on the dirt facing the dark sky and found it very difficult to move. That's when I remembered that in my entire life, I lost everything from the moment I was born." The Dazzling took a deep breath, "My sisters and I, exiled from Equestria and trapped as humans, with our siren amulets as the only thing that reminds us of our true identity and home, and the only magic that still resided in us. Now even that's gone, we're no different than any other human living in this world. We... I then lost it and went solo. I think that was the worst and dumbest decision I made in my life." "... Oh, Adagio..." Sweetie sympathised. Rarity put a firm hand on Adagio's shoulder, "Adagio, I understand that you have a right to be angry about what the Rainbooms did to you," Rarity spoke in a serious tone, "But you manipulated everyone to be negatively competitive for your own selfish nourishment. Many friendships may be lost, even family ties too. We can't ignore that, even if it meant destroying your real identity." "Yeah, I get that!" Adagio lashed out, "You didn't think I've been given that reasoning from Cleo already!? At least she still gave me a place to live in!" "Sorry..." Rarity held her hands in defence, "Please continue." "That's the same day when Cleo found me in the dirt." Adagio sighed, "Cliché as it might be, she gave me room and board, washed my only set of clothes, alongside a whole dollop of story-sharing, history lessons, and exhausting lectures on how to live my life. Normally, I'd be stubborn enough to live without her preaching about what's good for me. Except... I didn't leave." "And why's that?" Sweetie asked, "All those stories she told me about New Alberia sort of became true when I found out she wasn't human and that she was a part of them. It also means she ended up all alone and lost like me. I was so determined to leave, and yet I feel like I can't leave her be. So for both of us, I decided to stay. I'm glad to know that I made a wise choice back then. I've been with her ever since the past few months..." "A new home, new magic, and someone who genuinely cares for you," Rarity pieced together. "A wise choice indeed." "Honestly this 'mana' pales in comparison to what I usually feed on for my powers. That being said, Cleo said I still had some sort of Siren magic within me, though she's unsure on how I can draw that out without my amulet, except to sing. There's not a lot of straws I can grab on for that possibility, but I would be lying if I said this doesn't make me hopeful and happy. Well... except you guys showed up again. Anyway, end of the story," "Thank you for sharing, now it's my turn." Rarity nodded, "I've been thinking carefully on a decision I made myself. Well... with Sweetie and the two boys." "Not your usual best friends? Sounds suspicious." "We want to help you!" Sweetie proposed, "Find your sisters and regain your magic and voice!" "Help me? After you destroyed me? How ironic, trying to give me back the power that I used to mesmerise others and strengthen myself." "There are two points why I won't believe that would happen." Rarity argued, "One: You, Aria and Sonata are only a threat when you're together. You don't know where they are now, and even if you do, it will take a while to make amends with. Two: It has been months since we last met. As you said to me right at the beginning, you're not the same back then. Must I remind you of the acts you've done for the past three weeks?" "Tch..." Adagio scoffed, "So this is what 'friends' are like huh... Alright then. If you want to help me, then we'd better get this altar repaired. Then we can talk." "Yay!" Sweetie grabbed Adagio's hands and winked, "Let's work together!" "Oh, yeah..." Adagio caught on and winked back, "I made that promise to her." "Like how the boys did it..." Rarity started, "Repair the base," "Light the torches," Sweetie continued, "And offer the elemental orbs!" Adagio concluded, "Ah! So you have been watching!" Sweetie snickered, "Speaking of, is it me? Or do I feel wet whenever I'm near those orbs?" On Thursday one of the students was not feeling himself, and that was Flash Sentry. Because of that, he was spared from repairing the Wind Altar and sent to regain himself in the Lance Dojo that he and McIntosh repaired last week. "Huh. Guh. Puh." Flash's raspy breaths filled the hall, his face had the life sucked out of him and his eyes round and frozen in fear. "Didn't Cleo say to take deep breaths?" Sweetie reminded, "I'm not in the mood for training..." Flash coughed, "Seriously, just what was so mentally scarring that you'd temporarily forget about your obsession on fiends?" "Ms M." Flash turned around, "The more I've visited her outside of lessons, the more I realised that she's quite... Unhinged." "... How?" "Let me see if I can recognise how it went..." Flash pictured, "Ms M?" Flash knocked on the History department's door, "It's me! Flash Sentry! You wanted something from me?" "Ahh," A male teacher stood, "Ms M's been expecting you, but she seems to be occupied at the moment. She did say that you can come in and interrupt her." "Thanks, Mr Turner!" Flash smiled and walked in. He recalled that Ms M's desk was at the back end of the room, straight into a cul-de-sac that hides her from the front door. "Ms M?" Flash repeated, approaching her desk. "I'm the only one here to visit you today. The others are busy." "Our Third Greatwyrm is another female dragon, is the Passionate and Hot-headed Flamewyrm, Brunhilda! Now, this is one Greatwyrm you do NOT want to mess with! She is known for her untold wrath, much like the rage of fire itself! But just as fire has many symbolisms, the Flamewyrm herself has kindled a new fire... The fires... Of Love!!!" Sweetie's muffled voice came out. "Ah, she's watching Sweetie's Little Steps of Life." Flash listened while seeing his purple-red haired teacher behind a laptop, "Hearing Sweetie's voice is really alluring. She'd go far in those Equestralian live-action shows for Children!" But the click of a mouse puzzled Flash. Did she just pause it? "Oh yes!" Ms M spoke with delight, "Looking so young, so sweet yet spicy, so HOT... Ahh..." Flash's body froze up, a chill ran up his spine rather than down. He did not just hear that clearly... Is Ms M... "Ms M?" Flash trembled, "Oh!" The teacher behind the computer jumped up, "Flash! I uh... Good Afternoon!" "I-I see you're looking at Sweetie's video." Flash stuttered. "Yes," Ms M nodded, "I'm just reviewing all that there is about the dragons. I must say, I really like how Sweetie presented her information." "Yeah..." Flash nodded shallowly, "I can certainly see that." "Now hold on there Flash." Ms M picked up, "I know what you're thinking with that face. Let me tell you that I am NOT checking her out. I'm too old for her and I'm attracted to men!" "But pedophilia rates are--" "Don't you accuse me of that!" Ms M growled, "I am not one to stoop so low to human crime and indecency!!! Rather, I was quite impressed by the look of this Flamewyrm." She turned the laptop around, displaying the paused video of Sweetie and the 'Greatwyrm Brunhilda'. "Oh, I see." Flash relaxed, "I'm... Sorry for my suspicions." "I know about your dad by the way. A very eccentric lawyer that seems kind on the outside but very perceptive and sceptical on the inside. I can see where the family genes run." "Well coincidentally, the dragon you stopped at right now is the one responsible for controlling the volcano." "The Flamewyrm that controls fire, hmm? I can see why it wouldn't be so farfetched for her to control a volcano!" "Y-Yeah," Flash responded, "And I'm sure you want to ask is 'how' and 'why' would she do this?" "You are half-right. The 'why' is optional, but it's the 'how', that I'm looking for. Do you think it possible to obtain a biography or at least information on this 'Brunhilda'?" "I'll see what I can do." "Thank you so much..." Ms M tapped her fingers together, "I am rather eager... No... Passionate to learn all there is about this Crimson beauty!!!" Flash gulped. Ms M is much worse than he thought! "Sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned the part about Ms M looking at you." Flash exhaled, "Normally, I wouldn't spread gossip to others just because it's a conversation starter. But she made me feel ill, and you were in danger. I had to warn you." "Hey. As she said, she's interested in Brunhilda than me. Sure it's just as weird to admit, but at least it's not me hmm?" Sweetie chuckled, reaching for Flash's shoulder... "Kneel," Sweetie commanded with a firm voice. "Y-Yes?" Flash quickly got to his knees. "It's all right..." Sweetie swapped back to her caring voice, patting the boy on his shoulder, "Thank you for telling me!" "No worries..." Flash smiled as his face returned to colour, "Actually, my chest feels lighter now that I've told someone else." "That's one of many reasons why people 'gossip' Flashy." Sweetie laughed, "Now show me your skill in fighting!" "Okay then," Flash took a deep breath and slid his lance on the ground then upwards. He spun his lance around for a few times, thrusting the spearhead in about three times a second before spinning it again like a staff. Sweetie's eyes widened at the boy's technique, he was really good! But as he was swinging around, Sweetie noticed that the spearhead had an odd blue speck stuck on it, creating a thin blue trail as the lance went around. "Hooyah!" With one final grunt, Flash lunged at a Training Dummy, thrusting the lance into a centimetre away from its face. Sweetie applauded. Flash exhaled and bowed to the young girl, except a nasty bang interrupted his nerves before he could perform the latter. "What was that!?" Flash and Sweetie jumped in unison. They looked left and right, up and down, wondering if there was anything left behind from that pop. That's when Sweetie looked to the training dummy. "Flash." Sweetie grabbed and pointed, "The Training Dummy." "Oh!" Flash clutched his lance once he looked, "How did it--?" A smoking black circle burrowed itself into one of the dummy's hessian chest, drawing the two closer to its midst. Without any fear, Flash reached forward with his fingers and ran a finger into it. "Ow..." He reeled, "... Hot." "Are you okay?" Sweetie nervously asked, "Yeah," Flash nodded, "From the looks of things, it's about the size of a bullet. Someone must have shot this thing, and not from an ordinary gun either. I doubt guns exist in this era though." "Let me see..." Sweetie peered around the black wound, "What if it was something else?" "Like what?" "... Can you show me your lance again?" Sweetie requested, "Just hold it in front of me." "O-Okay," Flash agreed, and stood straight and tall like a royal guard with his spear at his side. The young girl observed the boy and his lance from head to toe for a few seconds, then clapped her hands in glee. "It's the only possible thing!" Sweetie concluded, "What is?" "When you were swinging around the lance, I noticed a small blue speck on your sharp part." "Really?" Flash held his spearhead close but found nothing but its chill to the human touch. "Don't see anything there," "That's the thing. I saw a blue speck there but it disappeared." Sweetie reasoned, "The blue speck was what created the bullet hole. That speck was connected to the lance. And that lance was in your hands. I can only say that the one responsible for the bullet hole, was you." "Me!?" Flash jumped again, dropping his lance, "What's with the accusation!?" "Now I've never seen you THIS defensive! And this isn't something to get in trouble over! In fact, it would be so cool if you could do it again!" "If I could, I would! But I don't know how!!!" Flash responded, "Try to remember what you did!" Sweetie instructed, "Retrace your steps." "That sounds exactly what my Dad says. Okay then..." Flash nodded, picking the weapon back up, "I was just spinning and thrusting the thing..." He acted it out, "I slid the spearhead on the floor before that, then lunged it forward at the end." "If I recall correctly, you had the speck on your lance during your spinning and thrusting," Sweetie informed, "And before and after?" "Nothing," Sweetie answered, "Then I think I know what created it," Flash deduced and tapped the floor with the lance. "It was this action!" "Then try it again!" Sweetie jumped, "I've never seen anyone who's 'normal' do that!" "Alright then... Hah!" Flash drove the spear across the dojo floor with the flick of a wrist. But there was not a single speck of blue to be seen. "Well drat!" Sweetie looked disappointed, "We must be missing something!" "We'll give it a few more tries," Flash decided, "And if it still doesn't work... I'll ask someone who may know about this." "High five!" Rarity raised her hand. Big Mac returned it. "You too Adagio! Don't leave me hanging!" Rarity pointed out. Adagio rolled her eyes and did the same. "Four altars complete, one more to go!" Big Mac laughed as they stood proud next to an altar holding a giant sphere of green in the air. Contained in that green orb was a tiny but mighty tornado; the altar of wind. "If I recall correctly, this would give you more power." Rarity told Adagio. "As long as I'm wearing Francesca's essence, then you're right." Adagio corrected, "Even so, I can feel the breeze coming out from it and into my own body." "Really?" Rarity asked, "I can't feel any wind in mine. Do you Big Mac?" "Nope. Jus' the wind blowin' towards the south." "Well done you three." Cleo stepped in, "That's four altars complete. As a special bonus aside from payment, I've got a special lesson for you Rarity." "Really? What is it?" Rarity spoke with excitement. "Do you have your essence with you?" Cleo asked, "Y-Yes." Rarity hastily nodded, pulling out the blue orb, "Is it related to Estelle?" "It is a part of everyone who lived in my time," Cleo answered, "As it should be yours. The power to improve one's might and abilities." "Oh. Training..." Rarity relented, looking rather disappointed. "I'd call it 'unbinding." Adagio stepped forward, "Via meditation." "Okay, it does sound at least interesting..." "First off, you must put on Estelle's soul. Then you must--" "There they are!" Sweetie pointed to the Wind Altar and the four figures. The two galloped towards them. "Hey! You guys! Ms Cleo!" Flash panted, "Th-There's something I need to tell you!" "Glad to see you look better." Big Mac smiled, "But perhaps y'all can wait? Ms Cleo's busy with Rarity fer now." "What did we miss?" Sweetie asked, looking at her Estelle-ified sister. "And why is she not wearing the right clothes for her?" "She decided not to change in favour of getting stronger immediately." Adagio explained, "She's focusing hard and absorbing mana." "As I mentioned, the mana is the source of all life and magic in Grastaea." Cleo interjected, "And just like dragons, we also live and thrive upon this energy. The mana that we collect, whether from fiends or just living life here, we use it for many of our needs. Breaking our physical and mental limits in battle is one example." She turned to Estelle, "Can you see the nodes? What I want you to do is try and direct the mana into some of them. I recommend the three purple ones if you can." "Okay... I got it!" Estelle spoke with her eyes firmly closed. "Nodes? Directing mana?" Flash repeated, "There are so many questions that pop up every time I come here..." "You will see what I mean in due time Flash." Cleo responded, "Now that I have some free time, what are you two looking for?" "There's been an accident in the Lance Dojo." Flash reported, "One of the training dummies just got pierced." "Is that so?" Cleo looked unimpressed, "And I thought it would be something serious. Well, it is easy to fix, so don't worry about it." "O-Okay then, let me make myself clearer." Flash coughed, "I made that hole." "Really? That's quite a feat. Few adventurers were capable of doing that on their first few tries, though less-stronger ones have managed to do so with enough training." "Be specific Flash." Sweetie sighed, "What he meant was that he accidentally punched a hole in the training dummy without physically stabbing it." "Eh?" Big Mac raised an eyebrow, "Say what?" Adagio gasped, "Elaborate," Cleo commanded, "It was fast for us to see, but we deduced that Flash kind of fired some blue little thing from his spear which created that hole and some burn marks," Sweetie explained, "Well, it seems your training is taking you far.” Cleo applauded, “In that case, would you like to show me?” “About that,” Flash scratched his head, “Both of us are unsure on how to get back that blue spark.” “Is that so? That’s… Actually disappointing. I almost thought you would make it.” “Make what?” Flash perked up, “So you do know what this is! Please tell me! That way I know that I can sock it to those fiends!” “I will reveal your discoveries once you can control it.” Cleo stated, “Back to deep breaths for you!” “Aww…” Flash moaned as he expanded his chest, “It’s been two full weeks already! Heck, doing this is almost second nature now. I do it in the day, in the night, at school, and at home! For a single hint, I’ll do anything!” “Don’t be so desperate,” Cleo sighed, “It’s great to hear that you are breathing deeply very often, but as long as you are in this part of the world, I will call you out the moment I don’t see you do that. That’s your hint.” “Huh?” Flash paused, “Deep breaths!” Cleo glared. Flash gave a disgruntled look and resumed breathing. “Hey…” Big Mac nudged, “You think Flash was telling the truth there?” “Seems the little brat witnessed what the reckless idiot did. I’d say it’s highly likely.” Adagio whispered back, “Alright, Cleo!” Estelle opened her eyes, “I’ve filled up a few of the nodes, and I certainly feel the difference! Especially one of the purple ones. It’s given me a new attack that feels… Well, this may be the most unfitting comparison, as easy as stretching and releasing your muscles!” “Comparing it to physical exercise?” Cleo chuckled, “You’re actually on the mark. What you just acquired is the ability to build up generous amounts of mana, then releasing it onto any unlucky foe that crosses you; the Force Strike. Allow me to demonstrate. May you please give me the Loving Hand?” “Here,” Estelle plucked it from the grass and handed it over, “You’re going to need to mentally focus more mana than required. If you practice, you can end up doing things like this…” Cleo closed her eyes, breathed in deeply, and held her stance without moving. Mentally counting to three, Cleo opened her eyes and thrust the Loving Hand forward, forcing out a purple beam of pure light. “Hey!” Flash spoke between deep breaths, “That’s… the same… attack… from be-…-fore!” “So that means Rarity’s capable of doin’ the same attack now. As Estelle!” Big Mac replied. “Correct,” Cleo smiled, “Now do you think you can try?” “A first time for everything.” Estelle nodded, taking back the Loving Hand, “But wish me luck anyway!” Rarity, coping Cleo’s actions as Estelle, exaggerated her eyes and airflow. She tensed her muscles and felt the ethereal yet tingling flow of mana bounce off its walls and build up behind her sternum and lungs. “I got it!” She opened her eyes. “Take this!” She pointed the Loving Hand to the sky and sent forth a terrifying yellow beam from the Loving Hand. Her audience was speechless for a few seconds, then broke into applause “A first try! I’m very impressed.” Cleo congratulated, “Wow… I’m starting to feel way out of my league here.” Flash clapped, “But I’ll make sure to do better!” “You were never in one, Flash.” Sweetie smugly teased, “I’d like to see you try and fight Sweetie.” Flash returned the smug look, “See if you can take on a fiend by yourself!” “Hmm…” Estelle overheard, “Speaking about fighting, I’m quite worried about Ms M.” “Ahh, ah remember.” Big Mac spoke, “It’s about her going to the volcano, right? What did she say Flash?” “She hasn’t made a decision on planning the trip.” Flash answered, “But it’s likely that she may reveal it to us tomorrow.” “And how is that concerning?” Adagio asked, “Oh. I remember. This teacher of yours is heading into fiend territory. And I take it she never knew about your new powers in fighting?” “She does. Thanks to a certain someone…” Sweetie replied, and the three CHS students glared at Flash. “Hey! I said I’m sorry, and I’m making up for it!” Flash protested, “So yes. I’m very concerned about showing this essence power to Ms M, and that’s not to mention how a bit problematic the transformation is, having to change clothes beforehand or after,” Estelle responded. “Also,” Adagio raised her hand, “There’s the possibility of menaces.” “I need to hear what Ms M will do before I can make any decision on what we should do.” “Sounds good to me.” Flash gave a thumbs up, “Eeyup,” Big Mac nodded, “You’re the leader big sis!” “And you can count me out.” Adagio sighed, “This teacher is your business.” “Hmm… I think we should join up Adagio.” Cleo answered, “Are you sure?” Flash asked, “If Ms M sees you, she’ll get even more questions.” “It’s fine. I’m quite interested in meeting your teacher. She seems like a brave and trustworthy woman.” The four students looked at each other, then nodded in unison. “Okay then,” They chorused, "Thank Goddess It's Friday." Flash moaned, walking down the CHS hallways. "Out of the pressuring weeks of school, this is by far the biggest, and there are no exams either!" "I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or being serious since you believe in her." Sweetie followed behind, "'Since I believe in her'? I think you have your answer." Flash repeated, "Just tell me Flash. No one likes playing the guessing game." "Then yes. I was being serious. Exams are easy if you studied smartly for them." "You think Ms M's fully convinced with the information we've given her?" Rarity asked, leading the pack. "If ya ask me honestly, nope." Big Mac shook his head. "If there's anything a scientist or an archaeologist would do, they'd explore the actual site, even if it gets risky." "But we'll have to enter the dragon's den to get our answer." Flash reminded, "Let's hope she's not as grumpy as she was on Tuesday." "You mean lion's den right?" "The same idiom; we're entering the territory of the most hot-headed teacher in CHS, according to other students and classmates." "She never seemed that hot-headed when we were meeting." Rarity objected, "True, mostly because we've been on her good side. Any students that messed up in front of her is called to her office, one of them being Pinkie Pie. They got grilled to the point of becoming pure ash, they get nightmares from it. Pinkie was an exception though, from what she told me." "That's not a surprise." Rarity chuckled. "Well, in any case, we'd better pick up the pace." Big Mac concluded, "Otherwise, we'll be next on the grill." "Hello, you four!" Ms M beamed, "Please! Sit down! I hope I haven't taken away precious time these past days." The four plopped down in unison. "Now, I have looked at your video and the information about the volcano and dragons of Grastaea in great detail, and I must say they are quite connected." "It's hard to challenge the belief that Dragons are myths when records give evidence of them existing in our world." Rarity chuckled, "I want to divulge another secret." Sweetie raised her hand, "Because you know about Grastaea, I want to share this with you." "And that is?" Ms M asked, "I saw a dragon with my own eyes." Sweetie responded, "And she was big and terrifying. But as I said in the video, she had intelligence, and she can talk." "Interesting..." Ms M narrowed her eyes, "And where did you see her?" "The lake area. I believe it was officially called Myriage Lake." "A shame you didn't capture the moment. But no matter, there's always next time." "So, what are you going to do?" Big Mac asked, "Mac, Sweetie, Flash, and Rarity. I truly appreciate all that you have done for me to preserve my life, but the information thus far has deepened my need... My passion... To explore the secrets of the volcano, and importantly to meet with the dragon herself." "What!?" The students jumped, "But--" Flash started, "Not to worry." Ms M interrupted, "Your information was helpful, and because of that, I can devise a strategy that will lower the risks of losing my life. Of course, I am more than happy for you to join me, and I will compensate you if you do." "Ms M, I'm afraid to say this to you..." Rarity swallowed, "But we actually don't know how to fight." "Now Rarity, being dishonest does not suit a beautiful heart like yours." Ms M frowned, "Keep in mind that I make the time to explore the hidden land alongside marking papers. As such, I have seen you and another girl wearing different clothes, and taking out those violent creatures in those blue ruins. The two of you make a strong team, but not as strong as me and my darling together." "... You've been watching us!?" Rarity yelled, "It was only a coincidence. But it proves to me that you can fight." "Ms M," Flash spoke, "Even though you believe we can fight, can you?" "Indeed I can." Ms M smiled, "I fight with a lance. Just as you fight with a stick Flash." "It's a bo staff ma'am," Flash corrected with a cough. "Anyway, the choice is still yours if you want to come or not, and you don't have to make the decision now. If you choose to help me, then meet me tomorrow at 10 am sharp." "At school?" Big Mac asked, "At the entrance of Mount Adolla," Ms M finished, "If you don't come by then, I shall go on my own." "One more thing. Do we still get rewarded for giving you information?" Flash asked, "I remember saying that if I am satisfied with your information, then I would reward you. Now I am rather satisfied, and yet it makes me yearn more. I suppose I will reward you. But if you come with me, your compensation and reward will be far greater than what you truly desire. Oh, and the other girl can come along too!" "That's not a--" "Oh dear! I have to go now." Ms M hopped up, "I need to prepare for my lessons. Toodles!" "Wait!" The students yelled, but the teacher paid no attention to them and flew straight out of the office. "Congratulations everyone. I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart." Cleo responded. "With the Light Altar rebuilt, all five elemental altars are complete!" "Yeah." Big Mac nervously coughed, "No biggie." "Five days, an altar each. How nice," Sweetie spoke dryly. "Hopefully this would make the Halidom a bit livelier," Rarity sighed. Cleo peered in the eyes of the five teens, and the answer popped up instantly. "Oh no... Is it Ms M again?" Cleo responded, "What did she say to you this time?" "She's going to the volcano tomorrow, despite all the information we've given her." "She really is passionate like fire." Cleo nodded, "And I take it she wants you to join?" "Now that's something I would say is suspicious." Sweetie answered, "She said that we have until tomorrow to decide, by showing up at Mount Adolla at 10 am." "She sounds like a rough time, good thing I'm not going to school." Adagio sniggered, "By the way, I'm very curious about Ms M now. Is she capable of defending herself?" Cleo continued questions, "Yes. She says she fights with a lance." Rarity continued answers. "Hmm..." Cleo began to shake. She nervously looked at the teens, then in her mind, drew their history teacher. "She knows about Grastaea... She fights with a Lance... Is there anything else that was weird about her?" "Well, Flash did see something, but he doesn't want to share it out." Sweetie responded, "If that's fine with you Flash?" There was no response. "Flash?" Rather, the boy stood stiff as a tree, but his fingers, hair, and face began wiggling, wobbling, shaking and twitching. All with a deadpan face. "Flash!" Rarity burst out, snapping the teen out of his twitchy trance. "Sorry!" Flash's face began to relax, "Something just entered my body, and it felt like it was pumping out electricity." "If you felt electricity go through your body, you would be dead!" Rarity looked aghast. "I-I was conscious and listening." Flash comforted, "But I'm happy to tell you guys about it, but it must stay between the six of us. Okay?" The five shifted looks towards each other, then silently agreed. "Shoot." Big Mac spoke, "It was Wednesday, the day where I went to Ms M alone. And I saw her... Well..." "Spit it out Flash." Sweetie encouraged, "She was checking out the Flamewyrm Brunhilda." "Excuse me!?" Rarity spat, "Gross." Adagio belched, "Wha?" Big Mac looked sick. "Yep." Sweetie bit her lip and nodded. "A bit freaky if you ask me." Cleo's reluctant face warped into fear. "Impossible... Of all the things..." "But that's for later. Adagio, there is some news for you!" "Hmm?" "You're going to re-learn how to sing! And to save you the stress from going to find a music teacher, the four of us had decided to be your teachers!" Sweetie revealed. "Wait... Four?" Rarity prompted, "I thought it was just you, me and Big Mac!" "And I make four." Flash coughed, "You!?" Big Mac, Rarity and Adagio's faces gave way to shock and surprise. "Surely you didn't forget I'm the leader of Flash Drive... Singing is just as important as playing the guitar." "We're going to start with the basics of posture, and then find your voice." Sweetie continued, "And when that's done, you can practice on a song we've picked just for you!" "Goodness... That certainly is a plan. I wish I could sing..." Cleo looked away. "You can join in too Ms Cleo!" Sweetie encouraged. "To sing again..." Adagio mumbled to herself, "You're giving me the chance to do that..." Finally, Saturday has rolled over. A day filled with work and fun. "See you in the evening, mom and dad!" Sweetie waved, "Stay safe!" Rarity added and dashed out their front door. "My..." Rarity and Sweetie's mom giggled, "They've been quite active for the past few weeks!" "Friendship is truly a gift." Rarity and Sweetie's dad, laughed, "Especially for our two precious gems." "Thanks for the breakfast mum," Flash spoke humbly, "Really hits the spot." "It's wonderful to hear that I am capable of making the delicacies I eat myself," His mom curtseyed. "Did dad leave early?" "For the office. He wanted to delegate and assist some hard workers new to the firm." "Must suck being a lawyer." "Flash, please. I know such rude words pale in today's standards, but it's still a rude word." She sternly spoke, "Though you are right. A lawyer's job is never easy, but your father is brave and patient enough to survive it." "That's why he's the best dad." Flash laughed, then looked at his phone, "Time to go!" She shrugged, "Anyway, I'm glad you're spending more time with new friends instead of staying at home recently. Just make sure you and your friends steer away from any danger okay? I'll be heading off to my Tai Chi class soon." "Sure thing mum." Flash nodded, kissing her on the cheek, "Love you!" "Love you too. Take care!" "Good Morning Adagio!" Big Mac greeted, "Ready for your singing lessons?" "Good Morning Mac." Adagio yawned, a glass of water in her hand, "Quite the early riser. Getting here at half-past eight is serious dedication." "It's a habit. Always like to come early." Big Mac chuckled, "Looks like you win Mac!" Three other teenagers came up from behind. "Goddess!" Adagio spat out her drink, "You really want me to sing so badly!" "Of course! Aren't we friends?" Rarity responded, "And as friends, we want to help support your desires and goals!" "You guys are too quick in being friends!" "Two weekends and one full week is more than enough time to do that." Flash huffed, "You ready to get back your voice???" Sweetie boomed, pointing a finger towards Adagio. "Can I eat something first?" Adagio nervously smiled. "Oh... Sorry." The four students frowned in unison. For the next half an hour, Adagio was thrown into the training grounds of singing. Though, it was more like riding on the training wheels of singing. "You don't have to go so far back into maintaining the correct posture! I know how to do that!" Adagio growled, "Nope! If you want to re-learn how to sing, you should go through the process again!" Flash adamantly declared. "And a tall posture with a straight chin is the best way for your voice to flow easily!" "And not to mention, make sure your throat and tongue aren't tight!" Big Mac continued. "You guys are going to be the death of me..." Adagio slapped her face in frustration as she lined up her head and straightened her body. "Great! Now the next thing you do? Work! That! Diaphragm!" Sweetie cheered. "Whenever you inhale, expand your diaphragm. When you exhale, bring it back in!" Rarity instructed, "Now I have to go through Flash's training shtick!?" Adagio complained, "Posture and breathing are important because when you sing or play and instrument, you'll always be on the stage." Flash explained, "Lots of professional singers and musicians would have to go through this. Especially if they go a week, let alone a month, without singing." "Alright..." Adagio grumbled. She shaped her mouth in an 'o' and sucked up a stream of air. The air moved through her windpipe and straight into her lungs, but that was not the goal. She diverted the air from her chest and pushed it lower to her diaphragm, expanding it ever so slowly. "Just imagine that when you breathe into your diaphragm, you're trying to imitate the fattest character in cartoons." Flash hollered. Sweetie rammed her elbow into Flash's side. "That's not something I'd like to hear if I'm trying to practice singing Flash." She snapped at the bent over and confused teen. "What??? That's how my mother taught me!" Flash moaned, struggling to stand up. Adagio ignored the petty commotion between the two and focused on exhaling. As she released the air, she placed her hands on her stomach and felt it caving in as the air came out. "Alright. I think I got it!" "Wonderful." Rarity clapped, "now do it fifty more times. Slowly." "Argh..." As that monotonous half-hour finally passed, it was time for the siren's next step of training. "Listening and memorisation is key to producing sound." Rarity instructed, "That's why we're going to look at your tone and pitch!" "Starting off are the eight basic notes." Flash continued, "A to G. Though in most cases, people new to music always start off with the middle key." "D?" Adagio asked, "The C note actually. I know it's confusing, but the origin is derived from the piano's middle key being C. From there, all basics of playing and singing are derived." "Okay, now you're just bringing it back to kindergarten again. I don't need history!!!" "Sorry. Basically, what you want to do is copy the tone and pitch of the sound." Flash cut forward, "Do..." The sound of the piano echoed from Sweetie's phone. "Now you try!" Sweetie encouraged, "Sing with 'Do'!" "Uh... Doooo..." Adagio warbled as her tone was completely off the mark. "Oof!" Flash bit his lip, "That was way out of tune!" "Thanks for your honesty." Rarity spoke, chopping Flash on the head, "Now be a bit more supportive towards the opposite gender." "Stop hitting me you two..." Flash whined, holding his head for comfort. "Try again Adagio." Sweetie ignored, "Sing 'Do'..." "Everyone!!!" A voice called from the Halidom's balcony. "Good Morning!" "Morning Ms Cleo!" The CHS students called back. "It's a good thing that you have arrived early." Cleo rushed down the stairs to the grounds. "It's about 9:35 now. Have you decided on going to Mount Adolla and meeting Ms M?" "... Oh. I knew I forgot something." Flash winced, "It would take about 10-15 minutes to travel northeast to Mount Adolla. There is a direct open path to take, so we won't be walking through any caves or forests unless you count the one that hides the Halidom." "Hmm..." Rarity puffed her cheeks, "To be honest, I have very mixed feelings about this." "And may I ask why?" "I don't trust her. Even if she's a teacher." Sweetie replied, "She seems very suspicious." "Eeyup. Agree with you there." Big Mac nodded. "I see..." Cleo took it all in. "I've been thinking about this teacher of yours yesterday. If my suspicions are correct, then she is definitely hiding something from all of you." "What!?" "I need to clear up those suspicions first. Do you have a photo of Ms M?" "Not in our personal pockets." Sweetie rapidly tapped her screen, "But all teachers and students must have a photo of them so it's easy to connect name and face." She scrolled down an address book filed with the many serious, smiling, and silly faces of students and teachers, till she managed to find the mug of the purple red-haired historian. "This is her!!!" She passed her phone to Cleo. "Ah..." Cleo's eyes rested on the mysterious Ms M, her prideful gaze looking right back at her. Cleo's mind froze, her muscles tense up, and she dropped the freshman's phone with a face of unforgettable horror. "Oh... So you DO know about her!" Rarity gasped, "Don't tell me..." Flash twitched, "Is Ms M Grastaean!?" Cleo gloomily looked to the five teenagers and nodded without hesitation. "Yo..." Sweetie raised a finger, "Dayum..." Big Mac held his head in shock, "... Wow!" Rarity exclaimed. "Who knew?" Adagio crossed her arms. "It's wonderful to see that you're not the only human or sylvan survivor." Flash nodded, "And now that I think about it, I can understand more of her motive with the volcano." "A volcano isn't the ideal home Flash." Big Mac corrected, "And ah doubt that there's any place aside from the Halidom that can provide a decent shelter here." "Thank you, Mac," Flash bitterly chuckled, "I shall rephrase that. Ms M not only wants to warn Canterlot about an active volcano hidden on their doorstep, but she also wants to unearth a forgotten era for the entire world to see, an era that she is proud to be a descende--" But before Flash could finish his newfound speculation, the castle grounds began to sway. A dreadful rumble louder than thunder grasped each of the people's legs and brought all of them to their hands and knees. "You have got to be joking! An earthquake!?" Rarity yelled, "That's impossible! Canterlot isn't near any fault lines or tectonic edges!" Flash cried, desperately trying to hang on. After five seconds, the grounds stood still once again. Everyone was dead frozen on their fours, unable to comprehend what just happened. "What was that all about?" Sweetie demanded, picking herself up. "Ah can't tell if this is an earthquake or tremor..." Big Mac loosened up, "Good thing we're outside." Then every smartphone in the teens' possession (except Adagio's) vibrated and blared out quirky ringtones. "Excuse me." The four apologetically chuckled and placed their phones to their ear. "Scootaloo?" Sweetie spoke, "Rainbow Dash?" Rarity responded, "Mom?" Flash asked, "Applejack," Big Mac grunted, Cleo and Adagio listened to the muffled speakers for a while until they caught off-guard by the biggest of sounds. "What!?!?" All four yelled in perfect unison, their voice was as loud as the rumbling earth itself. "What the heck's going on?" Adagio turned to Cleo, "I have no idea," Cleo answered, and turned to the CHS students. "But their faces are screaming with fear. Something tells me that this quake isn't restricted on this side of the barrier." "In that case, stay safe mum! I'll be fine!" Flash hung up. "Get to Mrs Sentry's place! And hurry!" Sweetie was the next to finish. "Got it. You take Applebloom and Granny Smith under the dining table and hold on tight before anything else happens!" That was Big Mac. "Just find somewhere safe, don't do anything that can get yourself killed or injured. Unless you're saving someone!" Rarity commanded before tapping her phone. "Let me guess." Cleo took a breath, "That earthquake. It happened in Canterlot too?" "Yes." Flash nodded, "Thankfully, nothing fell apart. But the entire area is chaos." "Rainbow said everyone's on the lookout, preparing themselves for any aftershock," Rarity reported, "Everyone!" Adagio warned, "To the North, one of the mountains!" The group followed the Siren's finger to the view of a mountain... smoking from its top. "... Oh, that ain't good." Big Mac gulped. "That would be Mount Adolla," Cleo answered, "And if there's anything related to earthquakes and tremors, a volcano is one of them." "That means Ms M's in danger!" Rarity gasped, "That's it. We're going to Mount Adolla immediately!!!" "Oh crap! You're right!" Flash answered, "She may be a weird teacher, but we just can't leave her to die like this!" "It doesn't matter whether your teacher will escape or not." Cleo warned, "If we don't do something about that volcano, the Halidom and Canterlot will be naught but ash!" "But what can we do!?" Sweetie protested, "We can't stop nature!" "Not for ordinary volcanoes." Cleo warned, "Mount Adolla is far from that. Do you remember your research for Ms M?" "Oh!" The four teenagers lifted their heads in a split-second relief. "Exactly. Regardless, you are still right Rarity; we must depart for Mount Adolla. If we're too late to get to the bottom of this..." "The Flamewyrm will kill us all!" TO BE CONTINUED