Chapter 11: Dangerous Waters
Its been almost a year since Delta went to Equestria, he will face dangers far worse than any normal creature, its a place of wonder and power. If he trapped and truly needs my help, I will be there to help him from any real danger. I feel a responsibility for them
I just made it to Canterlot with a royal transport of Pegasus guards that pulled it. Time will be of the essence to get all my living changes handled. Once I got to the castle Shining Armor was there to greet me. I was wearing my hat with the crown just in front of it.
"Greetings Ethan, Celestia is in the castle with one of the council members. You might want to join in on it." Shining Armor Suggested.
"Which Council member is it?" I asked.
"Tank Legend, It seems there is a issue in the local area and a strong absence of water. It seems it just disappear." Shining Armor informed me as we started to walk into the castle.
"Doesn't seem something I would be able to help with directly." I stated.
"I think it would be a morale boost for those being effected by this." Shining Armor added.
"I see, I take it that the Cloudsdale been unable to make it rain there?" I asked.
"They tried but the clouds disappear like the water was drained from the sky." Shining Armor Answered.
"Well I will find out soon enough" I stated as we got to the throne door.
I entered which paused the conversation between Celestia and Tank Legend.
"Ah, the Prince has arrived, you have a way to be a place at the right place at the right time." Tank Legend proudly stated he was a male Unicorn. Brown mane and tail with light and dark shades, he seemed as tall as big mac and same facial structure as him as well. The same from the council meeting.
"I was already heading here to handle another Issue I had, I wasn't aware of the arid issue that seems to plague your land vacant of water." I added.
"Well, the boarders still get water and container but exposed too long the water dries up. As I asked Celestia I require your help as it will help with the morale of the town. I have built special vehicles to help get waters around to keep the land moist but its a non winning battle we have." Tank Legend informed me.
"It has to be a creature or culture being effected somehow and draining your water because of it." I theorized.
"That's what I am thinking as well Ethan, Its not a natural effect of that area." Celestia agreed.
"Well out of all due respect, how is this problem going to get solved, I done everything to keep the matter maintained but I need a solution?" Tank legend asked.
"I got to ask, is there any magical creature in that area that requires water to live?" I asked.
"Well there where Naga's in the area months until they moved away from the settlement when my grandfather was governing the land." Tank Legend.
"Also water sprites but they only need small amount of water to live. They are very peaceful creatures." Celestia added.
"I would have to agree with Celestia, the water sprites had to leave the area because water being drained. We had to move some of them out because they where weak." Tank Legend stated.
"A investigation will have to be made... what a moment has the mining started for the copper?" I asked.
"No, there been some activity in reviewing the site but no real digging has started."
"I see, but that's something we should check." I stated.
"So you going to join me?" Tank Legend checked.
"I might as well, this is more important." I assured Tank Legend.
"So its agreed, Ethan assist you, I will go and investigate this though research here in Canterlot" Celestia informed.
"Thank you, Prince Ethan Pow, I am glad you are going to assist me." Tank Legend bowed.
"Its what I do, I better be sure this isn't a threat to Equestria." I stated.
"Well lets get going." Tank Legend stated.
We went to the train station as there was a special cars attached that seemed like barrels.
"So these carts are filled with water?" I asked.
"Yes, from Cloudsdale we made sure to get the purest water together, it seems more effective with keeping things moist and harder to lose." Tank Legend stated as we got into one of the passenger carts.
"What type of vehicles do you use to get the water around?" I asked.
"Water Tanks, as a vehicle with 2 barrels on the back there is a turret with a cannon that lanuchs water at far distances. Using Tracks to move around the hard terrain it helps to keep the towns watered and alive. I got 5 tanks but I need a import of water to keep them active." Tank Legend stated as we sat down in some chairs.
"Since Clouds can't make it in the area, Pegasusi pretty much can't help but being scouts " I stated.
"Pretty much, you said most of the ponies have left what about the remaining? Are they ensured a supply of water?" I asked.
"We are having a issue with that, I need to build more water tanks to help. I will need you to command one , if you wish, you can go see the site yourself maybe find some clues. I don't want you to go on your own and getting thirsty on the way." Tank Legend answered.
"I might need it, Thanks." I thanked him.
It took about ten hours to get to the town, as we got closer the effects seem to show. I started to noticed some ponies in each station had more than the last like they getting out of town.
"This is my state Prince, sorry that I didn't had it freshened up for you on your arrival. My home will have a garage that I build the water tanks." He stated, as I looked around as I saw large desert not plains like told before.
"I am not happy with this duke, we need to solve this problem." I stated.
We walked to the duke's castle which was very small, it was pretty nice but the plant life was hardly there. With guards with us we made to the garage. I saw the tank he was talking about, it was similar to the T14 American heavy tank but with 2 large barrels on the back for water and the barrel was much larger also it was made mostly of wood than metal except the wheels and tracks.
"Nice, question how do you get it to move?" I asked with a whistle at start pleased with how it looks.
"Magic, using unicorn magic you power the motor on the tank but most royal guards unicorns that use a tank can only use it for 4 hours non-stop so I have to have a tank team of 3 unicorns at least and 2 normal staff for extra jobs." he informed me.
"So a Driver, Commander, Scout, Gunner and loader?" I asked.
"Pretty much, the cannon has a focus and spray when we need hit a single area or large area." Tank Legend stated.
"That will come in handy. It seems it uses a small amount of water from the tanks right?" I asked.
"About 210 shots if used in bursts." Tank Legend answered.
"Well it seems you got 2 ready why don't we get rolling." I stated, Tank Legend and I went into a tank with a few guards to each tank.
"Ok, lets see here..." I said when I started the tank, but went in reverse but stopped before hitting something.
"Watch out hot shot!" Tank legend yelled, hoping I don't damage his garage. I got hang of it, It seemed I gave more power to the motors than normal.
"I take it that its not used to having a Alicorn test this thing." I stated as I was moving
"I don't have many princesses around that are interested. Its pretty good to get some kick on that tank." Tank Legend.
"Father, you heading out already? You just got home." A unicorn mare came out, having tool bags. Green mane and brown tail, with silver fur. She seem to look older than twilight is
"Oh Silicon I thought you left with your friends once the tanks where finished." Tank Legend stated to her. I came beside him.
"Is he..." Silicon stated as Tank Legend nodded yes, "OH MY CELESTIA, It is you the guardian of Equestria."
"Yes, the one and only." I stated as I thought, 'well the fifth if you think of it...'
"My daughter is a big fan of yours, She helped design these things." Tank Legend as I thought, 'She must be a fan to not take part of that spam of gifts to me.'
"Your a very skilled, these seem very well built." I told her which seemed to make her weak in the legs.
"Thank you, your so kind." Silicon stated as she changed her focus on her father, "Don't BREAK YOUR TANK THIS TIME DAD!"
"Its not my fault there was a wall in my way." Tank Legend stated thumbing his hooves in circles.
Silicon Sighed, "Prince, Please keep an eye on my dad, he gets into problems with the tanks. Its the reason I stayed and ensure we can continue keeping this dry weather at bay."
Tank Legend speak with some silly, "Soo much concern for your dad why don't you give me a kiss on the cheek."
"I GIVE YOU SOMETHING HARDER THAN THAT!" Silicon yelled as she started to throw tools at him and he took the tank and flee from the tool being thrown at him.
"I make sure he doesn't do anything stupid, but If he is very crazy I don't think I will be able to stop him." I said with concern.
"Well with you here I know that he will be able to handle it. Thank you in advance, maybe this problem will be solved with your help." She stated with a blush.
"I better catch up with your father, I will see you again." I stated as she almost fainted.
I went and drove to the other tank that Tank Legend was driving.
"Lets first get to dig site. Maybe there will be something there." I shouted to Tank Legend and he agreed with a nod.
When we made it to the site there was a massive cave into the ground. We stopped the tanks and we walked to the cave leaving the guards at the tanks.
"I thought you said there was no digging done." I stated.
"There wasn't any digging yet, this wasn't here a few days ago." He said dumfounded.
"Well I hate to say this but we will need to check inside." I suggested.
"We will have too, I will go first." Tank Legend accept as he head into the cave we lighten up the dark. As we walked down the caves seem that the copper has bite marks in it.
"There are marks in the copper, someone been digging here." He stated.
"Or Eating it... maybe it what is causing the deletion of water in this area." I added.
As Tank Legend looked over further down the cave he saw eyes looking at him, "Whatever it is its still here look."
I turned to see more eyes and some clouds... We both retreated out of the cave and got into the tanks. Three big bugs with clouds of black dust coming off them, their mouths lined with copper. We went back to back and waited for them to attack us. They made some loud bug like noises to taunt us.
"Well I never seen these things before." Tank Legend shouted to me.
"Lets give them a warning shot. Spray them with some water to see if they back off." I ordered as the barrel rotated we sprayed some water everywhere. This made them quickly retreat away from the cave area and fly off. We look at each other to see that was very effective.
"They must hate water." Tank Legend joked.
"That makes sense, Any books on magical or mythical animals?" I asked.
"Yes we always stocked on all literature from all over Equestria." He answered.
"I have enough info to figure out whats going on. Lets hit the books." I stated with a odd thought, 'oh man...I am becoming like Twilight.'
It wasn't long until we returned to the garage, the tank platoon where informed of the creatures. As I went to the library to overview some books to see if I can find some clue to these creatures and their habits maybe get them to leave this area. Something catch my eye:
Dustmites, Desert wondering creature. They prefer the dry and hot areas and eats common metals for food once a year. They can drain water from the local area to ensure their survival, they can't survive if hit by enough rain. They fly in groups of 3 to 5 normally, If threatened from their food supply they will return with large numbers. The best way to remove dustmites is strong bell to ring as they can't handle sound and will make them seek food or nesting somewhere else.
"Good now I know what we are up against." I stated in victory.
"Found out what we are going against?" Silicon asked as she entered the room.
"Yes, it seems that we got Dustmites that want to eat the copper on the land nearby and drain water of nearby areas. We need a large Bell to place on a tank, It will drive them away." I stated.
"That's amazing, Just a small issue." Silicon stated.
"what is it?" I asked.
"We have no large bell... this town doesn't have one, we would have to have one sent in or make one." Silicon answered.
"When I will need another way to make a similar sound... lets see here, sound generation by magic... " I made a loud bell noise from by horn with magic... but not only it made my head ring but give me a nasty headache, "That might work..."
"What did you say?" Silicon shouted as her hears are ringing.
"What in Celestia was that!" Tank Legend rush into the library...
"Our solution to get rid our Dustmite problem." I said, "If we got enough unicorns to generate a loud bell noise all over the area the Dustmite will leave." I handed him the book with the spell. By now Silicon was able to hear again.
"This will require a lot of focus to do... even the louder the sound the harder to maintain." Tank Legend explained.
"And a headache but it will go away." I stated with a hoof on my head as my head pounding.
We made a plan, got all the unicorns to work on that spell and be prepared to use it get rid of the dustmites when they return. We all moved out as it was getting late to ensure they don't return. If any pony saw them, they needed to ring the bells and shoot water.
Me and Tank Legend where at the cave entrance and waited as they haven't returned yet. Til we heard a large buzzing from the distance, we saw their red eyes and waited for them to get close enough to get hit by the bell spell.
"They came back with numbers this time." Tank Legend stated.
"Just as the book said they would." I responded.
It was a large swarm, I could only count about 30 of them flying around. They got close and I used the spell. It spooked them and pause, then I did it again. It made them flee, I did it a few more times to ensure they would remain away from this land.
"Well that should do it..." I paused as I had a major headache the guards cheered.
"Ahah, Well played Prince." Tank Legend cheered.
"But to ensure they never return you got to get some bells in your state to ensure that." I stated as I needed to head back to the castle.
Since it was late I remained in the area for the next day, by then the grass started to grow again and some of the animals where able to come back. The tanks where no longer needed as the clouds came into the land for some needed rain. I took the chance to talk to Tank Legend before I leave.
"Well Thank you for helping Prince Ethan." Tank Legend said.
"Don't take forever to visit us, maybe I be able to make a standard use for those tanks someday" Silicon added.
"I will come back again, I promise, I like to see this land when its alive again. Silicon, think about making those tanks for construction use. They have the power for it, someday I might need help like that." I informed her.
"Will do!" She said with a smile.
The Train started to move back to Canterlot, the last delivery of water by train I hope. It made me meet some new ponies in Equestria, I bet Twilight would like to hear about it. I wondered about what I was going to say to the princesses, I still had to get the talks down for a new home.
I got to canterlot, It was afternoon by the time I got there. I made it to the castle as Celestia was awaiting me to return.
"Ethan, I am glad you returned, I take it that your visit was a success?" She asked.
"It seems the issue was caused by a infestation of dustmites, The area will need large bells to scare them away from the area, when I left the grass was regrowing." I stated.
"Good, Now I know you came here for other matters before you where tossed into this problem what was it?"
"Its about the new guard detail for me since the Council demands that I have more protection but this also caused me to consider new living arrangements. I will have to a new place made for me if I going to be able to have so many guards." I answered Celestia.
"I see, well there is land unclaimed yet in Equestira that would be close enough to ponyville to fly there and back as well as Canterlot. The only thing is that the local area is very unruly and last time settlers where placed there animals drove them out. It might be a good way to see if you can figure out why the animals acting hostile. Maybe a house or castle can be built there, It would be out of the way." Celestia offered.
"That would be a good task to bring Fluttershy with me, she would be able to understand why these animals are hostile. If I can get some diplomatic ground I might be able to make a castle there. If not we will have to consider a plan b." I said.
"If nothing else works we will always have a room here." Celestia added.
"Thank you." I stated.
After that I dismissed myself from the throne room to head back to Ponyville, It was quiet and pretty peaceful. I went home and saw Iron and Stone at the door when I got there guarding it like normal.
"What no cards tonight?" I asked.