Extended Holiday
Chapter 166: Pilgrim’s Progress: The Long Way Home
Hammer Strike yawned as he checked over their supplies once again. They had been at sea for nearly a week, and it gave him plenty of time to inventory everything that had been added at the last minute.
Andre and E had been thoughtful enough to include a tool set for him to use, giving him more options for what to work with when they made it to land. They had also been supplied with a good supply of nonperishable food, but it was bound to run out in another week. He also had a few additional tablets placed within. Some of them were probably for Celestia and Luna, while others would likely be more technical in nature. Beyond that, he was also supplied with compressed bundles of fabric and a sewing kit.
He frowned as he looked at his coat once more. Now, at least the sleeves fit him fully, but it was fake in a way. The creatures he had found were binding themselves to his clothes currently, and could replicate objects. They were responsible for lengthening the coat to fit his new figure.
He hadn’t tampered with magic that much, primarily due to there being nothing that he was willing to risk nearby. His wings were also out of the question, as he had no grounds to practice with. Overall, he wasn’t very comfortable as an Alicorn, and he hoped this transformation was only due to the artifacts that currently resided within his being, and not permanent.
He could feel them and, if he focused on them, could separate them from himself, but the stones returned moments later. He would need something to take it away from him if he were to get rid of them.
While the power was tempting to keep, it wasn’t something he was comfortable with. It was almost addicting in a way. He could feel his control over things broaden, and he was certain it wasn’t just the Alicorn form doing it. Whatever those artifacts were, they weren’t something he wanted to keep.
But for now, he’d have to settle with having them.
He blinked as he looked to the horizon. The sun was slowly ascending into the sky, giving light to his surroundings. With it came the sight of something he had long been waiting for, dry land. He’d have to figure out where he was by talking to the locals, but it was a risk he was willing to take.
He looked down to Celestia and Luna, who were both bundled together in a blanket, sleeping soundly as they were rocked by the waves. He gave a faint chuckle as he reached over and nudged both of them. “Come on, it’s time to wake up, you two.”
Celestia groaned and rubbed her eyes, then yawned as she raised her head. Her neck had begun to lengthen somewhat, and her limbs were more gangly than the young filly he had helped to raise. “Is it over?” she asked.
“Almost. You can see some of the mainland over there.” Hammer Strike directed her attention forward.
“To think the island was that far away from any sort of landfall,” Celestia marveled.
Luna stretched her legs and shook off the blanket, then squinted at the bright morning sun as it reflected over the water.
“Morning, sleepyhead,” Celestia teased as she nuzzled the filly’s mane.
Luna yawned. “Morning,” she said softly.
“We finally made it, sister. We won’t have to sleep on the boat again.”
Luna looked at her sister and nodded quietly.
“How long do you think until we reach the mainland?” Celestia asked.
“Give or take an hour,” Hammer Strike estimated. “I’ll keep us moving along.”
Hammer Strike frowned as he looked to the mainland once more. While Celestia was managing, Luna seemed to still be in the shock phase of everything. That could prove troublesome, but it was just the way things would have to be for now. True to his word, they reached the mainland within the hour. It was a cooler temperature, but the climate was definitely dry, leading him to at least get a general idea of potential zones they could have arrived in. As they neared the coast, he jumped over the side of the boat to land in knee-high water, then pulled the boat ashore.
As soon as he was certain the boat was a good distance away from the water, he assisted Celestia and Luna off. He scanned their surroundings once more and determined that they were relatively clear of anything for a decent distance. “You two can explore a little, but don’t stray too far. I’ve got to take this boat apart.”
“Lulu, how about you come with me? We can look for shells or seaglass, if you’d like,” Celestia offered. The mare nodded mutely and followed her sister’s promptings as they settled onto the land and wobbled over the grass toward the shore. It wouldn’t take long for them to get their land legs again, or so Celestia hoped.
As soon as the two were a respectable distance away, Hammer Strike frowned and turned. “Death, can you hear me?”
“Yes. What I'm wondering is how you know me and why I'm here,” a familiar voice spoke up as the cloaked figure Hammer Strike had come to know and defy appeared before him.
“Ah, it’s you, and not the Alicorn mare.” Hammer Strike hummed.
“Look, I don't know how you got me here. Clearly, you’re not a necromancer, but I’ve kind of got a big job. What's this about?”
“There is something I’d like to request of you.” Hammer Strike pulled one of the small blue gems from himself. He didn’t know which one he pulled, but this one felt as though it was more active around Death.
“That's a powerful magical artifact,” Death noted warily. He almost seemed to cringe from it.
“And I want you to take it,” Hammer Strike replied. “I want you to take this and put it somewhere no normal mortal can reach. I trust you more than anyone else at this point in time.”
Death gaped for moment, then nodded. “I can do that.” He reached a bony hoof.
As Hammer strike handed the gem over, another bright flash of light filled Hammer his sight. When it cleared, he was relieved to find he was normal again. Well, mostly normal. For some reason, he could feel a difference in his teeth, and when he checked, he realized that he had canines. But as for the rest, relatively speaking, he was a typical Earth Pony stallion again. Well, typical for Hammer Strike.
“That’s better.”
“I don’t want to know what's going on right now, but I really need to get going,” Death told him.
“Come now, I’m sure it’s less work than the island.” Hammer Strike frowned as dark memories clawed at the walls of his mind. “Have fun.”
And with that, Death vanished.
Hammer Strike sighed before checking for Celestia and Luna. They were a decent distance away on the coast, but still well within range. After confirming their safety, he moved to the opposite side of the boat to keep the two within sight and began unloading and dismantling.
The fire crackled and snapped as the trio sat around the light. The air was more moderate, thanks to being near the ocean, but a distinctly recognizable chill still hovered in the air. The firewood had been a simple matter to harvest and burn with Hammer Strike’s immense strength. The dried fruit they shared between them offered the sustenance their bodies required, though both mares couldn’t help but stare through the flames to the other side. It was all too obvious who was on their minds.
“How long, do you think, before we get any word?” Celestia finally asked. “From Mother and Father, I mean.”
“It depends on how long it takes them to reach the shore,” Hammer Strike replied. “At longest, it would be two weeks. I’ve always got my tablet on me, so as soon as they land, we’ll know.”
Celestia brushed her hoof through Luna’s mane as their breath steamed the air. “And what will we do in the meantime?”
“I’ll have to figure that part out. I’ll be looking into the locals to see what race we’re near. Until then, I suppose I’ll set up a temporary shelter and get both of your stuff out of the crates, so you have something to have fun with until then.”
“That … would be nice,” Celestia said as she looked down at her sister. The mare was resting her head on the ground between her hooves.
Hammer Strike nodded. “I’m sorry I can’t do much else.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “But I’ll see to at least keeping you bo—”
A loud crash of waves cut off Hammer Strike, followed by the sounds of coughing and groaning. He stood to attention, drawing Ulkrusher off his back before moving to the front of their camp. “Stay here, and keep an eye out.”
“All right. Be careful,” Celestia warned as she pulled Luna close and wrapped her wings around the foal.
Hammer Strike frowned as he moved toward the coast. Even with it being night, he was able to see relatively well. However, he soon was able to lower his weapon. There, on the sandy stretch, coughing and groaning at the world, was a particular figure mostly made of metal.
“Cayde?”
Cayde’s left eye flickered, and sparks flew from his jaw as he looked to Hammer Strike. “How’s my hair?”
“Better than the rest of you.” Hammer Strike rolled his eyes as he moved to help the automaton up.
“Good to see you and the kids made it.” Cayde groaned as he attempted to stabilize. “Quite a ride, huh?”
“The sea was quite forgiving for us,” Hammer Strike replied. “Come on. I’ve got the tools necessary to fix you up.”
“That's good to hear.” Cayde chuckled. “I feel terrible.”
“You look the part, too.” Hammer Strike smirked as he brought Cayde to the camp. “Girls, we’ve got some company in the way of Cayde.”
“Hey, kiddos.” The robot waved.
“What happened to you? You look like you had your servos handed to you on a silver platter,” Celestia said. “Is Grandfather all right?”
Cayde said nothing at Celestia’s question. He just looked away.
“Cayde, is he all right?” Celestia pushed.
“I … I don’t know,” Cayde finally said.
“Were you with him when you left the island?”
“No.”
Hammer Strike sat him down near the fire as he checked their containers for the tools.
“Were you with anyone?” Celestia continued.
“Zavala and Ikora.”
“Did Grandfather want you all to take a separate boat, then?”
“Listen, kid. I’m in a lot of pain right now. Can we talk about this later?”
Hammer Strike gave Cayde a glance before turning to Celestia. “He’ll talk later tomorrow. Now, I think the two of you could use some sleep before it gets too late.”
Celestia sighed. “We’ll try. I can’t guarantee success, though.” She rose from her seat and wrapped Luna in her magic. “Come on, Lulu.”
Hammer Strike waited until the two were within their makeshift tent before turning to Cayde. He placed the tools next to the bot and began assessing the damage. “Low voice. If necessary, take my tablet and type it out. What happened after I left?” He spoke softly as he moved Cayde’s head toward the fire.
Cayde uttered as softly as he could. “Boats got attacked. We tried to hold it, but in the end, the old man threw us into the boat. Next thing I know, there was an explosion, and then I’m in the water.”
“Do you know who made it to the boats?” Hammer Strike asked as he started to work on Cayde’s circuits.
“No. I didn't have time to check”
Hammer Strike frowned. “Any markers on Ikora and Zavala that you can note?”
“If they had them, they were probably damaged. I’ve tried a few things, but I haven’t been able to get any signals or life signs.”
“All right.” Hammer Strike sighed. “Try not to move too much now. I’ve got to replace a few components around your jaw, and I’m sure you’d prefer me not to mess up.”
The forest was quiet in the dim light of the early morning. The sound of flowing water drew Hammer Strike on as he continued his search through brush, forest, and a carpet of colored leaves and tall dry grass. At this point in time, it was more likely to find a settlement along a freshwater source.
He stopped when he was assaulted by a wall of sound. A deep vibrating tone buzzed through the air with the familiar thrum that could only belong to one instrument. And he knew of only one creature on Equis that played it.
“Roo territory.” Hammer Strike hummed as he followed the noise. “South, separate section, possibly along the western coast.” He sighed. “Oh, that’s a long distance to travel.”
As he continued on, he found himself among rounded reed huts. Soon he found the Roos in the village. Many had designs painted onto their fur and carried long spears. A few females carried joeys in their pouches. As he moved on, he noted more than one giving him a curious look.
Thankfully, the translation module would cover him in speaking with them. “Hello?”
“Hello?” one of the Roos answered with equal uncertainty.
“I come to trade, if possible.” Hammer Strike shrugged.
“What exactly are you?”
Hammer Strike raised a brow. “Well, to put it in a general way, I am a pony. Though others like me have horns or wings.”
The large boomer nodded. “And what exactly do you have to trade?”
Hammer Strike opened his makeshift pack and pulled out an assortment of pelts and meats. “Mostly pelts and meat.”
“What do you need?”
“Metal in particular.”
“What is metal?”
Hammer Strike sighed internally. “Rough, discolored stone.”
“We have some things like that. We will gather them. You’ll wait here?”
Hammer Strike nodded.
About an hour later, half a dozen Roos approached carrying baskets full of unprocessed ore, opals, and several rocks with strange coloring. Hammer Strike sorted through what he was looking for and offered up what he felt was an acceptable trade to him. The Roos only thought about it for a few moments before they agreed.
“I may return with more, should things be prosperous,” Hammer Strike commented with a nod.
“We will keep an eye out for you.” The boomer nodded.
Hammer Strike turned from them and headed back towards his camp, taking the long way in case he was followed. As soon as he drew near camp, he called out, “Cayde, do a sweep of the area to make sure I wasn’t followed.”
Cayde nodded and tightened his cloak as he vanished.
Hammer Strike sighed as he made his way to the campfire and began sorting through the metals. It was a mixture of coal, copper, silver, gold, iron, and, surprisingly, titanium. He hummed aloud as he sorted through everything, including some opals. He didn’t get as much iron as he would have liked, but the coal and even the addition of titanium made up for it.
“Foraging, Hammer Strike?” Celestia asked as another portion of dried fruit was levitated toward the Earth Pony.
“Material gathering for now,” Hammer Strike replied as he glanced to Celestia. “I’ll have to refine it sometime later, but for now, I can do some rough work on it.”
“What did you have in mind?”
“You remember that sleigh-like thing I was making?” Hammer Strike questioned as he pointed off to his right. “Well, with this, I plan on making some nails and joints and such to refine it, and eventually make it into a cart for us to travel on land.”
“And what do you plan to use for wheels?”
“Wood for now, with some reinforcements.”
“You’re a carpenter as well?”
Hammer Strike smiled. “I used to work on almost everything.”
“You mean before you became a part of our family?”
“Correct.” He nodded. After a moment, he glanced around the camp. “Where’s your sister, by the way?”
“Still sleeping. There doesn’t appear to be anything wrong with her. I think she just misses Mother and Father.” She frowned. “We both do.”
Hammer Strike frowned. “I know. We’ve just got to wait for them to contact us. We’ve got another week before we have to get moving.”
“I just hope we can get something out of her soon,” Celestia said. “I’ve never known her to be this quiet.”
“Hopefully.” Hammer Strike nodded as he finished sorting the metal. “When Cayde comes back, we’ll try to do something, all right?”
Celestia nodded. “Thank you.”
Hammer Strike frowned as he looked to his tablet once again. It had been over three weeks since they’d landed. They were supposed to head out over a week ago, but he had given it an extra week in hopes that something would come up.
But nothing did. Not a single signal had popped up on his tablet since they landed. He had even confirmed it to still be working using Cayde’s relay.
While he didn’t want to admit it, they probably didn’t make it. He frowned to himself as he finally placed the tablet back in his coat and moved toward the cart again. Over the last week, he had moved everything into it. The only thing he was missing was a cover for the top. For now, it was just covered by a makeshift fabric to not draw too much attention to it, rather than using the machine fabricated materials he had.
“Cayde, could you get the girls? It’s time to move out.”
“On it.” A few minutes later, he returned with the fillies in tow.
“All right, girls. We’ve got to start our trip. There isn’t much more we can do out here.”
“But Mother and Father—” Celestia started.
“We’ve got our tablets, and they’ve got theirs. When it comes online, we’ll be able to find them, but we can’t just stay here.”
“They’re gone, aren't they?” Luna said in a soft voice, almost a whisper.
Hammer Strike looked to the two and sighed. “... Most likely. I won’t lie to you two or give you false hope. I’m sorry.”
Hammer Strike probably expected Luna to hug her sister, so when she walked over to him and wrapped her legs around his foreleg and whimpered softly, he was a bit surprised. He picked her up and hugged her before bringing Celestia in as well. “I’m sorry, girls. I wish I could do more.”
“You brought us this far. That’s more than we could ever have asked in the first place,” Celestia said, even as she struggled to keep a straight face.
“I’ll do the best I can. I promise this to you.” Hammer Strike sighed. “I’ll do everything to make sure things go better.”
“And how are you supposed to assure that?” Celestia asked. “I don’t mean disrespect. It’s just … we can’t exactly control what comes next.”
“If need be, I’ll use every force I have at my disposal to ensure it,” Hammer Strike reassured. “If it means using the power I refrained from showing the other Alicorns, I’ll use it freely.”
Celestia’s eyes darted with uncertainty as she looked first to her sister, then to Hammer Strike. “Does … that mean you’ll stay with us?”
“For as long as I can,” Hammer Strike assured her with a smile. “For thousands of years, if necessary.”
The dampness of fresh tears watered his shoulder as Celestia leaned her neck against his. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Hammer Strike simply hugged the two for as long as he could before finally setting them down in the cart. “It’ll take time, but I know where we can go. We’ll have a nice big home.”
“Where?”
“The land where I come from.” He smiled gently.
“Won’t we cause problems?”
“Never. I’ll make sure of it myself.” Hammer Strike gestured for Cayde to get on the cart as he moved toward the harness.
Cayde got on without a word.
Hammer Strike nodded as he strapped himself in and started pulling the cart. “We may come across some Roos. They’ve been quite friendly so far.”
“They’re among the more underdeveloped races when it comes to culture, aren’t they?” Celestia asked.
“For now, but I’m sure it will change over time,” Hammer Strike replied.
“Then, … I suppose we should get started,” Celestia said, not really knowing what else to say to that.
Hammer Strike hummed to himself as he continued to pull the cart through the lush lands around him. There was a basic dirt road that traversed the land, giving him a slightly easier time moving the cart. From what he could recall, he was currently positioned around the south eastern part of the world map that he was used to, meaning he would have quite some distance to travel.
Whenever they would stop to camp for the night he would head out some distance and practice using his weapons. His newfound strength often threw him off when using most of his weapons, especially Ulkrusher. Ever since the island, the weapon just hadn’t felt right to him anymore. Whether it was because of his strength or his recent changes, he couldn’t tell. The aftermath of the artifacts, even after removing one and reverting back to his original form, were that he began showing traits other than his own. He had canines, and was certain that his fire had changed any time he used it. It felt as though it was imprinted with more magic than normal.
Beyond that, he had determined that his cutie mark had also changed. Much like the outsider mark on his left, he now had a sort of replication of the artifacts on his right, with each circling within the hammer.
He sighed to himself as he pulled the cart. He was definitely going to be at this for some time, and it would take much longer before he could fully figure out what those artifacts had done to him.
A short time later, an arrow dug itself into the ground between his forhooves.
“Stop or the next one goes for your neck,” a voice spoke as several Gryphons landed before him. They wore simple leather armor, and their faces were covered with black bandanas.
“Consider me stopped for now,” Hammer Strike replied simply. “What’s the problem?”
“We’re going to take any valuables you have,” the leader said and nocked another arrow.
“Incorrect.”
“Quiet, Pony. Just keep things calm and we all can walk—” The Gryphon’s eyes locked on the cart. “What is that?”
“It’s a cart. Or is that too complicated for you lot to understand?” Hammer Strike furrowed his brows. “Considering your equipment, you aren’t part of the empire, and if you are, you don’t want to be recognized. I’d suggest you keep it that way.”
A few of his companions reacted by talking fast in Gryphic, assuming he couldn’t understand them.
“We should just leave. We could already be in a lot of trouble for this.”
“He’s carrying Alicorns and an Alicorn bot. We could get medals for this.”
“Or get killed out of sheer stupidity,” a third one said. “We’re not equipped to face one of those things without taking losses.”
“Aim for the eyes. We’ll shut it down and take it back for the eggheads to look at. It’ll be worth it,” the leader said, adjusting his aim.
Hammer Strike’s hooves ignited with thaumic fire, and the cart was surrounded in a dome of embers, followed afterwards by a much larger dome surrounding himself and the gryphons. “I thought your kind to be intelligent here, but clearly I was mistaken,” he growled out in Gryphic. “I gave you a chance, but you failed to understand just how generous I was being.”
Hammer Strike drew the folding blade Andre had gifted him, unfolded it, and deflected the coming arrow in one motion. He had already charged and skewered two before they had a chance to fire more arrows. Grabbing another who’d rushed him, he tossed the Gryphon into the barrier as he pulled his sword free in time to block a strike by the leader. He countered two more swings before bringing his foreleg up and sending the Gryphon back with a haymaker. As the Gryphon landed, Hammer Strike pulled out his pistol and fired several shots into the Gryphon’s head.
Hammer Strike sighed as he scanned the area once more for any additional ‘issues.’ When he was positive he was clear, he sheathed his blade and holstered his pistol. He frowned as he looked to the Gryphons before raising a hoof and suddenly slamming it down. In an instant, the bodies and blood vanished without a trace, though Cayde was able to note that the ground seemed to have raised slightly. Yet it remained visually undisturbed to the naked eye.
Following that, the domes vanished at once. “We’re clear,” Hammer Strike said curtly.
“We should probably get a cover for this,” Cayde noted.
“I can’t use any of the synthetic materials we have available to us. It will draw too much attention. We need to get some more natural or simple-looking cloth.” Hammer Strike sighed.
“What … was that?” Celestia asked
“That power I swore to ensure the other Alicorns would never figure out.”
“It’s … not magic, is it?”
“No, it’s not.” Hammer Strike gave a small smile to her as he strapped himself back into the harness.
Celestia was quiet for a time. After Hammer Strike finished cinching the straps, a weak, “Thank you,” finally emerged.
“I made a promise.” He smiled once more. “And I intend to keep it.”
Hammer Strike frowned as the road suddenly became smoother. That meant it was being maintained, and that in turn meant they were coming up on a civilization of some kind. The rising smoke in the distance soon confirmed his suspicions. The only problem was that he didn’t know of who lived in that town. Based off the road’s upkeep and the fact that none of the races in this area were this advanced, he was inclined to lean toward a darker conclusion.
“Probably Gryphons,” he muttered as he turned off the road and began leading into the forest toward a large hill.
“How do we handle this?” Cayde asked.
“It’s getting too late to continue past the town. I’ll go investigate it quickly, just to make sure, but we’re most likely going to camp near that hill,” Hammer Strike directed Cayde’s attention. “If we’re lucky, there will be a cave.”
“This village will probably be the most likely place to get cloth, you know.”
Hammer Strike nodded as he stopped at the base of the hill. “Keep an eye out. I’m going to check it out.”
Cayde levitated his charged pistol out and began spinning it idly.
Hammer Strike helped Celestia and Luna out of the cart. “Stay near Cayde, all right? I shouldn’t be long.”
Celestia nodded as she wrapped Luna protectively in her wings. “We will.”
Hammer Strike nodded his farewell and moved toward the settlement in the distance. The place was small and consisted of metal buildings spaced out fair distances, separated by fenced-in fields containing herds of deer, coops containing chickens, and pens with pigs or rabbits. The few figures he did see were either Gryphons or slightly smaller more catlike creatures that he identified as sphinxes after a few minutes of analysis.
He frowned to himself before turning back toward camp. It didn’t take long for him to arrive back to find Cayde attempting to entertain Celestia and Luna with a series of fancy gun-flips.
“It’s Gryphons and Sphinxes. We’re camping out here for tonight. We’ll also have to wait until it’s later in the night to try and cover the smoke.”
“Well, that's terrific.” Cayde sighed.
Hammer Strike frowned as he collected a small pile of kindling. Once everything was set, he waited until he was sure the dark sky would help cover their smoke trail before starting the fire. It took some time for him to set up their gear to cook some food, but everything was fully set as the moon made it’s ascent.
Hammer Strike bolted upright. His ears twitched. Something or someone was moving in the dark. “Cayde, be on guard. Don’t take the first shot. Priority is to defend the girls.”
“I’m telling you, Guerra, we should stop for lodging near the town. Surely, they’d be willing to provide us the supplies we require for the journey,” a rather high-pitched tenor said through the trees.
“Quiet Garuda,” the deeper, obviously male voice spoke. “Move slowly and keep your eyes open. Someone’s nearby.”
Hammer Strike kept his folding blade in hoof as he sat near the fire, waiting for the duo to draw close.
“Ho there!” the male voice shouted in Equestrian after a few minutes. “Hello, traveler.”
“Hello,” Hammer Strike replied simply.
“We’re unarmed, and you have us at a disadvantage. Permission to approach?”
“Granted.”
A large male Gryphon walked slowly into view. He was the classic lion eagle mixture, though Hammer Strike could see gray starting to form under his eyes and gray streaks down his neck that implied age. He wore a simple traveling tunic and carried a modified saddle bag at his side. His companion was a lithe female Sphinx with a crimson fur coat highlighted by gold around the eyes and mane. She was smaller than her companion, though her displeasure with said companion more than made up for that particular difference. Emerald eyes stared frigidly like imperial jade.
“You’re a bit far from home, aren't you?” the Gryphon asked. He chuckled as he approached slowly. “Never thought I’d see a Pony out here.”
“Lot farther than you think.” Hammer Strike frowned as he lowered the blade slightly.
“We’re just a couple travelers on the road,” the Gryphon assured him. “Not welcome in ‘civilized company’ for long, you could say. I’m Gurrea. This is my wife Garuda.” He gestured to the Sphinx. “We saw the fire and thought we’d investigate.”
“And the results of said investigation?”
“Make up for a lot of questions, but nothing requiring alarm.” The Gryphon’s eyes flickered to Cayde, Celestia, and Luna. “Spent my time on the battlefield. Never saw any Alicorn children out there.”
Hammer Strike hummed before refolding the blade. “Hammer Strike.”
“And I take it there’s quite a story behind you appearing a continent away from where you Ponies call home. But I don't need to pry. Can’t say the same for my wife.” He gave the Sphinx a wry grin. “Sphinxes always want to know. Still, you probably won’t get as warm a welcome with many others like us. Out of curiosity, why haven’t you covered that wagon?”
“No cloth for it,” Hammer Strike replied simply. “Was looking for a settlement that isn’t Gryphon or Sphinx run.”
“That will be difficult,” Garuda noted. “Many stretches along this landmass are filled with settlements. You may find the occasional Zebra or Minotaur around, but the only other species you’ll find nearby in any quantities are the Roos.”
“Problematic, but I guessed that already.” Hammer Strike frowned. “I’ll figure out something. If need be, I will have to take a risk on it.”
“What were you planning on trading?” Gurrea asked.
“Considering the ones running the village, I’ve prepared some alloys for trade.”
“You have a list of what you need?”
“Just enough cloth to make a proper cover for the cart, perhaps additional for cloaks, if need be.” Hammer Strike knew exactly what they were about to suggest, and he wasn’t quite sure whether or not to take the risk.
“Then it seems that we have a mutual interest. I want my mate here to stop in the settlement, so we can get supplies. And you need someone who can go there without raising any notice. Perhaps we can come to some sort of … arrangement?” Geruda suggested.
“What do you require?”
“I should think your story will suffice for me. How an Earth Pony came into possession of two Alicorns must be quite a feat. As for my husband, well, you’ll have to ask him.”
“I have no real urgent need from you that I can think of,” the Gryphon said.
“Then it’s settled. Your story for our help. I’d say that’s a fair deal, wouldn’t you?” Geruda asked.
Hammer Strike’s eyes dimmed for a moment before regaining their light. “Acceptable.”
“Very well. In that case, which would you prefer, us getting the materials now followed by your story or your story followed by the materials?”
“The latter. Most shops and trading posts would be closed by now.” Hammer Strike motioned to the fire. “Come warm yourselves. Just keep your distance from the foals. Cayde won’t hesitate to kill if you pose a threat, nor will I.”
“Understood. “Gurrea nodded and approached slowly.
“Have you two eaten?”
Geruda shook her head. “We haven’t, but we have enough to take care of ourselves. We know how you equines feel about meat.”
Hammer Strike shrugged. “Doesn’t really bother me.” He pulled out some chunks of meat from a sack and embedded them on a stick to roast over the fire.
“You … eat meat?”
“No, I just like burning it on an open fire.” Hammer Strike looked up to the duo and finally opened his mouth enough to reveal the canines that had grown there.
“How remarkable.” Geruda drew closer to better view the teeth. “A genetic mutation, perhaps, or a new branch of evolution?” she murmured.
“Mutation,” Hammer Strike replied simply.
“And exceptionally sharp hearing. Interesting.” She drew back a few paces to grant him proper space. “Your tale must be a long one,” she noted. “One doesn’t accumulate that many scars easily.”
“War leads to death or scars, but war grew too simple for me to get this many.”
“I assume this is part of your tale.”
“Correct.” Hammer Strike sighed. “To put it simply, so I can get this over with quickly, Group Eight, Subject Twenty.”
Geruda narrowed her gaze. “Best you start from the beginning. It sounds like this is going to be a very interesting story, indeed.”
Hammer Strike frowned as he finished up the cover for the cart. He had plenty of material left over to make a few additional things, such as cloaks for Celestia, Luna, and Cayde. Thankfully, he didn’t need to worry too much about measuring. His eye implants were able to take precise measurements for him, on top of his gut feeling.
Sewing took some time, being especially more difficult with thaumically made needles and thread, but he eventually completed a set of cloaks that would perfectly fit all three. “Celestia, Luna, Cayde, would you all come here?”
The trio complied. Luna still hadn’t said much, but at least she hadn’t shown any other signs of trauma.
“I assume those are for us?” Celestia asked.
Hammer Strike nodded as he handed each of them a cloak. “You don’t have to wear it in the cart or when we set up camp, but if we have to enter a town for some reason, you’ll need them on. That includes you, Cayde.”
“Not so bad, I guess,” Cayde said, taking the cloak.
“That also includes this,” Hammer Strike added as he revealed a mask.
“You realize you’re covering up my beautiful, beautiful horn, right?”
“And if you want to keep it, you’ll wear that.”
“Fine. Whatever.” Cayde sighed. “Still seems like a crime.”
“I’m sure you’ll manage.” Hammer Strike rolled his eyes. “We’ve got a long journey ahead of us, so I hope it’s comfortable. With the cover on the cart, we won’t have to stop as much.”
True to his word, when they set off, he refrained from stopping for several days on the first go. Of course, there were still necessary times to stop, but camping wasn’t one of them anymore.
Roo Territory, from what he could recall, stretched on for quite some distance, and while there were some settlements, he didn’t come across many in his journeys. It wasn’t until he started coming across Minotaurs that he realized he was beginning to near the end of the territory.
Days and Nights had blurred together, and his track of time was somewhat off, but that didn’t matter to him much. From what Cayde could tell, they’d been traveling for several months already by cart. If it weren’t for the fact he had to replace and repair the wheels, Hammer Strike wouldn’t have believed the automaton.
His attention suddenly sharpened as he realized they were being followed. Based on the distance between steps, they were bipedal, meaning it was likely Minotaurs.
In due course, Hammer Strike found his suspicions confirmed as they approached a large circular enclosure filled with tall square houses composed of white stone that reflected the sun. A well had been built in the center, and crops grew in tiny gardens behind the structures to ward off summer heat. True to form, the buildings and their doorways were far larger than the average Pony or Alicorn. Celestia and Luna stared at the Minotaurs as the cart drew closer. This would be their first time being near such powerful creatures.
“Is that a Pony?” one of the Minotaurs asked in Minos.
“It’s not a Zebra,” a second replied.
“Did the lack of stripes give it away?” Hammer Strike questioned aloud.
The Minotaurs stared at him in shock for a moment, obviously unsure how to take a Pony speaking their language.
Hammer Strike simply ignored them and continued on to the best of his abilities. Cayde was prepared in the back, just in case some of the Minotaurs got too curious.
“All right, Pony, what are you doing here?” the first Minotaur asked.
“Traveling. Or did you not notice the cart?” Hammer Strike sighed.
“You have a big mouth.”
“I thought it was quite average.”
The Minotaur growled and balled his three-fingered hands together.
Hammer Strike knew the signs of what was to come. Sighing to himself, he stopped and unfastened his harness. “If you’re going to do something, be quick about it. I’ve already got a long road ahead of me.”
The companion laid a staying hand over his friend’s shoulder. “You know the law. He has done no harm.”
The Minotaur snorted, still visibly angry. “He’s got a big mouth.”
“Then let him close it, and you need not have him fill it with words.”
“What do we do, then?”
“You could let me pass,” Hammer Strike noted calmly.
“Not our place to allow that.”
“Then whose is it?”
“Our leader.”
Hammer Strike sighed. “And where do I find this leader to ask permission to go on my way?”
“Tiarna is currently in meditation. She will not be available for an hour, at least,” the second informed.
Hammer Strike sighed. “I don’t have time for this, but whatever. I’ll wait.”
The slow and measured gait was the first clue of the cow’s approach. There was no sense of urgency or agitation. Her garments were simple, but functional, with a single draping robe that flowed down her body. Her horns were tiny nubs, and her fur was white as the settlement’s buildings. “Golek, what is the meaning of this?” she asked as she looked first to the simmering bull, then to the equally frustrated Earth Pony and his cart.
“A Pony appeared on the road. We thought you should decide what to do about this.”
Tiarna sighed in exasperation. “Has he shown any form of threat to any of us?”
“No,” Golek grumbled. “Just a very big mouth.”
“Quite threatening, I might add.” Hammer Strike sighed. “I simply wish to continue on my journey.”
“Then I see no reason why you shouldn’t. I apologize for Golek’s behavior. He is wary of strangers of any sort. Have you any need for water? We would be happy to refresh any supply you may have.”
“I am prepared for my journey. You need not worry.”
“Perhaps some directions, then?”
“I am north-bound, but perhaps some insight to other settlements would be useful.”
“The majority of what you will find will be the four-legs that fly with sharp fingers. However, in due course, their settlements will lessen in favor of the painted four-legs, the ones you call Zebra, and our own kind. I fear you may face challenges from headstrong males along the way. All I can suggest is you seek to remain peaceful. However, if that is no longer an option, honorable combat will grant you influence to pass unmolested.”
“If I need to fight, I’ll fight.” He sighed. “I appreciate the information, and will be on my way.”
“Safe journey, traveler.” Tiarna said. She then rounded on Golek and swiftly grabbed him by the ear. “I have words for you, Golek. Come with me.” The bellows of pain that followed Hammer Strike out of the village were almost enough to soothe the irritation of the inconvenience.
Hammer Strike sighed as he continued on his journey The Minotaur lands were mostly long stretches of open space with some rocks or drywood here and there. The constant pebbles and such that he would go over were certainly damaging the wheels enough, though. He’d already had to repair them once since they got here.
“We’ve got some followers,” Cayde commented from within the cart.
“How many?”
“Half a dozen.”
“They looking for trouble?”
“Most likely.”
“Things can never be simple, can they? Prepare yourselves.”
“Ready,” Cayde said with pistol in hoof.
Celestia held Luna close in the cart as they peered into the distance. At least the flat terrain would make it difficult for a surprise attack to have any advantage.
“I’ll head off and sneak around them,” Cayde said as he pulled his cloak in tight and vanished.
They soon found several large Minotaurs standing ahead. All of them had their weapons drawn. “Drop things. Maybe live,” their leader said in rough Equish.
Hammer Strike simply shook his head as he took off his harness.
The Minotaur growled and squeezed his great axe, raising it menacingly as a few others began to draw their weapons.
“Come on. I don’t have all day.”
The lead bull charged him with a bellow and swung. Hammer Strike attempted to brace himself, but was caught by the blow. He didn’t take any damage from the hit, but the power behind it took him off his hooves and sent him through the air.
Hammer Strike growled as he landed, and tumbled for a moment before he settled on his hooves again. From what he could tell, they were trying to separate him from the cart, most likely to loot it while he was away.
He heard the crack of Cayde’s pistol fire repeatedly. Only Minotaurs fell. A flash of orange at the edge of his vision was his only warning. He had just enough time to bring Ulkrusher up to block. The pressure of the blow was surprising, but not overwhelming. Sparks shot out where the blade met the hammer head. Hammer Strike managed to find his footing and forced the Minotaur back, then followed up with a swing of his own. The raider hopped back and swung out. The fight went on like this for a few minutes with either combatant hopping back to avoid the other's weapon or swinging at his opponent. Cracks from Cayde’s gun punctuated war cries or grunts of effort as streaks of golden yellow magic shot through the air.
Then Hammer Strike heard Celestia scream. His eyes turned bright red. There wasn’t time to worry about taking damage. He took the Minotaur's next swing in the leg. The axe barely sank into the flesh, creating little more than a small cut.
“You’re in my way,” Hammer Strike growled.
From Hammer Strike’s shoulder, one of the pauldrons shifted, turning into an amorphous black blob. It shot forward as it’s body formed a spike, and its skin darkened to metallic gray. It impaled the Minotaur through the chest before separating from Hammer Strike and withdrawing inside the wound, Hammer Strike didn’t stop to watch as the Minotaur’s corpse withered in seconds before crumbling to dust as the creature returned to its master’s shoulder.
By the time he reached the cart, Hammer Strike had killed two more of the assailants, not stopping to care when he’d broken one’s neck and sent his other pet after the second. When he reached the cart, he found … nothing. Two more Minotaurs lay dead from bullet wounds, but he couldn’t see the last, nor could he see Celestia and Luna. That was until he walked around the back, where he found Celestia curled up by the cart with Luna attempting to comfort her sister in a strange reversal of what had been for the last several months. Beside them lay the body of a Minotaur, its head destroyed almost beyond recognition inside a deep impact crater.
Once he verified the threat was dealt with, he turned his attention to the mares. “Are you both all right?”
Luna gushed excitedly. “Celly won’t talk. He came up behind us with a big club! I grabbed a rock and hit him with it, but she won’t stop shaking.”
Hammer Strike looked for said rock, but the only ‘rock’ he found nearby was a boulder roughly five times the size of the Minotaur’s head. “I see that.”
After ensuring they were safe, Hammer Strike brought the two of them close into a hug. “You did great defending your sister, Luna.”
Luna seemed pleased at such praise and completely unbothered by the fact she’d just killed something.
“It’s all right, Celestia. They’re all dealt with.” Hammer Strike moved them into the cart. “It’s all good now.”
Celestia’s eyes remained wide and her face ashen as she trembled in her cloak. “So much … everything. Blood, bone, brain….”
“I wish I could say you won’t have to see that again, but I can’t promise you that.” Hammer Strike frowned. “There will be more, someday. But for now, at least, it’s over.”
“Sorry about that,” Cayde said as he appeared. “He must have split from the others farther up and waited to take the girls hostage.”
“Which means they knew about them,” Hammer Strike growled. “Damn it, how’d they figure that part out?”
“Couldn’t have tailed us,” Cayde noted. “I mean, seeing as the nearest place to hide is….” Cayde stopped to scan the area. “Nowhere.”
“When we camp out, I want you to do a full sweep of our area. Half a mile.”
Cayde nodded. “I can do that.”
“We’re moving out now. Their bodies can serve as a warning for any others who are following us.”
Pensword stared in wide-eyed wonder. “I … I saw my High Chieftess’s first kill.” He chuckled giddily. “She truly was born to fight, and I got to see her cut her fangs in combat!” The chuckle soon gave way to a massive grin. “I feel humbled and blessed at the same time.”
“Yeah, just another reminder to stay on Luna’s good side.” Grif chuckled.
“Speak softly and carry a massive boulder. I wonder if he’s related to Tom.” Vital smirked. “Then again, I suppose Luna’s rule is speak loudly and carry a giant hammer.”
“No one else is going to question an eight-year-old killing something and walking away?” the Doctor asked.
“She’s the Alicorn that captured the hearts of all Thestrals. We appreciate power properly demonstrated. She had to start learning to use that power somewhere. I’m just amazed she used a boulder. I didn't realize she was so strong at that age,” Pensword replied. “I killed my first animal at five years old with my mother’s guidance. It’s not that unusual.”
“We’ve seen how she turns out, Doctor. There’s no need to be concerned,” Vital added. “Hammer Strike’s got it covered.”
“While that was rather … graphic, and perhaps even a little disturbing, I am inclined to agree with Vital Spark. Celestia and Luna both turned out well in the end. And they were clearly under distress. The poor dear had little choice but to defend herself,” Rarity pointed out.
“Well, just me, then.” The Doctor sighed.
“Besides, doesn’t this have to happen to help bring the future to pass as it’s meant to be?” Vital asked.
“I suppose,” the Doctor agreed reluctantly.
“Don’t worry, Doc. It happens to everypony at least once,” Derpy said as she handed a basket full of steaming culinary confection. “Muffin?”
“Can I have one, too?” Twilight asked. “I need something to cut off the edge of seeing my mentor before she became my mentor. I mean, pink! Her mane is pink!”
Derpy giggled at the mare’s antics. “Sure. The more the merrier!”
Hammer Strike sighed as he stared at their campfire for the night. It was a long day, and he thought that getting some stationary rest would help Celestia. Whatever they did to Luna, he couldn’t tell, but she showed no issue with having crushed the skull of a Minotaur, and he was certain she knew what she was doing.
Cayde had already cleared the perimeter, making sure nothing was within range of them, but he did note some stragglers in the distance. Whether they were wanderers or not, he couldn’t tell.
He was unsure whether anyone would come to him, due to him having made an open fire, but he was more prepared for it this time.
It helped though when the one approaching his camp made no notion of hiding their sounds.
“Who’s there?” Hammer Strike questioned, keeping his eyes on the fire and cart.
“Just a traveler.” It was a Gryphon, smaller breed with a short curved beak and large eyes. His face was white with a blond crest and a red breast. The rest of his body was a deep pine green. He wore a simple satchel, modified fingerless brown gloves on his talons, and strange leather sandals on his back paws with wings engraved into the leather. He also wore a wide brimmed fedora with a feather sticking out the left side of the band.
“Doesn’t answer the question.” Hammer Strike sighed. After noting his … mostly lack of weapons, he gestured for the Gryphon to come closer.
“I’m Hodios,” he offered as he approached.
Hammer Strike hummed. “Hammer Strike.”
“Odd to find a Pony this far out,” he noted.
“Says the Gryphon in the Minotaur lands.”
“Fair enough.” He nodded. “Can a friendly traveler share your fire?”
“So long as you don’t ask many questions.”
“If I can expect the same of you.”
Hammer Strike raised a brow and shrugged. “You’re fine to rest for the night. I will not be sleeping.”
“Very kind of you.” the Gryphon sat by the fire. “I take it something happened to put you on guard?”
“These roads aren’t safe, given we’re in Minotaur territory. They lean more towards ‘Might makes Right,’” Hammer Strike replied simply. “And bandits, of course.”
“A wise decision.”
“Admittedly, it doesn’t help, sitting across from a Gryphon who I know nothing about.” Hammer Strike scanned over Hodios thaumically to ensure he held no hidden weaponry. However, he was caught completely off guard by a shard of primal energy residing within the Gryphon. His body, however, seemed as though it held plenty more, unseen to Hammer Strike.
“Fair enough,” the Gryphon said. “I’m a traveler. I’ve always been so, and that's probably what I'll always be.”
“Much like your Winds?”
Hodios stared at him for a few moments, thinking his response through. “I suppose it’s an apt comparison. Though do gods belong to people or people to their gods?”
“Whether or not to their people, hmm?” Hammer Strike hummed as he looked to the Gryphon before leaning back. “I suppose it is all a matter of perspective. Any particular reasons for your journeys?”
“My family has lost most of its prominence. It’s led to trouble back home, and I decided that I'd prefer not to be around when the whole thing collapses in on itself.”
“Fair, I suppose. Though it certainly leads to more questions.” Hammer Strike gave a faint smirk.
“Questions are funny like that. They multiply like rabbits. When you’ve killed one, you find dozens more take its place.”
“Indeed. Like my question of whether or not you had hidden weapons. While it was solved, something else came up in its stead.” Hammer Strike focused his attention fully on the Gryphon. “You’re hiding your presence. What would make you do such a thing?”
“Hiding my presence? I’m right here, as you can see.” He waved a hand over himself.
“Physically, you are.” Hammer Strike nodded. “But you reek of primal energy.”
“And what would you know about that?” Hodios asked suspiciously.
“I know that aspect isn’t something placed in the mortal plane so abundantly in a singular being.” Hammer Strike sighed. “Sparks, yes. But never something so dense, nor misplaced.”
“You’re not a Pony, are you? Or rather, you didn’t start out as one,” Hodios said.
“Why, what ever would make you say that?” Hammer Strike smirked.
“Because the last people on this planet to study the arts are dead,” he stated matter-of-factly.
“Technically, no. The Alicorns figured that out, but I doubt all of them were offed.”
“If not, there isn’t a minimum sustainable population left,” Hodios countered. “And either way, they were jealous of such knowledge. Unless you’ve been dabbling in some very dark arts, I don't see how you’d acquire such knowledge.”
“To put it simply, mythology and a book.”
“Mythology is tha—book?” That got his attention.
Hammer Strike reached into his coat before stopping and reaching into the other side. After a moment, he frowned as the realization hit him. “Right, other coat,” he muttered. “Don’t have it on me, as I’m not really from this point in time.”
“That would explain a lot. This world plays with time like it’s a toy.” He nodded.
“So, which world do you hail from, then?”
“I hail from Earth. I was once an Olympian. Hodios is a name, but it’s not the name I was known by.”
“Hermes.” Hammer Strike couldn’t help but chuckle to himself.
“Indeed, and where did you hear that name?” the god asked.
“Mythology.” Hammer Strike continued to chuckle. “I can’t believe it. The second I’m away from anything Earth-related, something comes up.”
“Well, that makes sense. One only needs to walk a few hundred miles west to find a gate to Earth,” Hermes said. “It is one of the most convenient ways to other worlds.”
“What year was it when you left?”
“It was just after the Trojan war. My father was getting more and more erratic, and I didn't want to take the chance. But as for time, when you’re immortal, time is a tricky thing to track.”
Hammer Strike blinked a few times before scratching the side of his head. “That’s … roughly three thousand or more years before when I’m from.”
“And the portals aren't used as much when you are from?”
“No such thing exists anymore. Did magic really exist in these days on Earth?”
“Yes. Well mana does. Mana is the lifeblood of any life-giving planet,” Hermes explained. “Those who can take it and give it a form and a purpose practice the art called ‘magic.’ It’s the faith of people like this that keep the higher powers so powerful.”
“Well, that explains a few things,” Hammer Strike muttered.
“And the fey?” Hermes asked.
“Non-existent.”
“Huh. So their world must have been closed to Earth, too. Something must have weakened or stopped the earth's magical potential.” He shrugged. “Well, now I know not to go back.” He laughed.
“Hope you’re ready for the long haul, then.”
“Yes. Well, speaking of long hauls, I take it you’re heading back to the Pony lands?”
“Correct.”
“Well, perhaps I could travel with you,” he suggested. “I’m little more than a powerful immortal spellcaster here, but I can offer you safety at night.”
Hammer Strike hummed in thought. “How can you guarantee that?”
Hermes opened his satchel and pulled out a long golden rod with two golden snakes crawling all over it. He placed it in the ground near the fire and a wave of primal energy swept over them, the sleeping filies, the cart, and probably Cayde, wherever he was. The magic formed the symbol of Olympus on the ground and then went dormant. “Like that.”
Hammer Strike stared at the staff for a moment before shrugging. “Fair enough. We’ll give it a trial run; see how things go.”
“Fair enough.” Hermes nodded. “You have my gratitude.”
Hammer Strike frowned as he looked farther ahead of them. “If I’m correct, we’re nearing the end of the Minotaur lands. If so, it’s give or take another two weeks before we reach the coast. Afterwards, I’ll have to figure out a method to traverse water while keeping our cart.”
“Yeah. About that,” Cayde started. “So, I checked for signals just, you know, in case something turned up while making the rounds last night.”
“Something went active?” Hammer Strike turned his head toward the cart.
“I think I caught Ikora and Zavala,” Cayde said. “I thought maybe seeing as you have things here, I could go and do a check?”
Hammer Strike hummed for a moment. “Go for it. Try to keep in contact through the tablet, if you can.”
“Yeah.” Cayde nodded. “I’ll try to catch up in a few months to a year.”
“You’d better, or I’ll have to hunt down your parts and make you regret it.”
“Please, it’s me. What could happen?”
“Exactly why I stated it,” Hammer Strike replied flatly as he felt the weight of the cart shift with Cayde’s dismount. “Try to keep your cloak and mask in good shape.”
“Yeah, yeah. The world’s just not ready for my looks.”
“Don’t think it will ever be.” Hammer Strike rolled his eyes. “Get going before I regret having to send you off alone.”
“See ya later, Hammer Strike.” Cayde offered a brief salute before turning down the road. He soon vanished from view.
Hammer Strike sighed. “We’ll manage for now,” he muttered as he continued to pull the cart. The land eventually gave way to some green, and before he knew it, he was wandering grass fields. The dirt road he was on became more packed, leading him to believe it was better traveled.
“We’ve probably got a town or something nearby,” he commented before frowning. “Nothing in sight yet, besides a singular trail of smoke.”
Farther on the road, he could see a decent sized figure near a campfire.
“Get your cloaks on, girls,” Hammer Strike commented toward the cart. “Just in case. You don’t need the hoods.”
As they approached, the figure became more distinct. He was a minotaur, massive even for his species’ standards, with the strangest horns the Earth Pony had ever seen. They were massive, sprouting directly out the sides of his head and curving along his shoulder before the tips pointed forward at the end of each shoulder. Minotaur horns always curved directly upward. This particular bull was oddly dressed in a robe and carried a staff in hand.
A swift thaumis scan revealed the male was strangely magical in nature. Considering no male Minotaur could cast, it added more to the mystery.
Upon seeing them, the Minotaur raised a hand to get their attention.
Hammer Strike hummed to himself before deciding to stop. “Is there an issue?”
“You are a trader, are you not?” The minotaur asked in what sounded like almost perfect Equish. His voice was higher-pitched, and gave Hammer Strike the impression of a much smaller person.
“Not per say, but I suppose I have a few things I can part with.” Hammer Strike shrugged. “Looking for something in particular? Food, medicine?”
“Oh. My apologies. You don’t see many carts in this area, except for traders.”
Hammer Strike raised a brow. Not only was the voice and form different, but this Minotaur was exceptionally polite. That was vastly different from the males he’d had contact with previously. “What are you looking for?”
“Food, primarily, but also magical ore or gemstones, if you have any. I can pay in gold or enchanted goods, if you'd like.”
Hammer Strike pulled his cart aside before unfastening his harness. “One moment.” He pulled himself into the back and held a hoof to his mouth, signalling the fillies and Gryphon inside to remain quiet. After a moment of sorting through his supplies, he noted a few pounds of food were near the end of their quality, and some that was good to last some time. “Opals fine?” he called as he looked through his stockpile.”
“Exceptional. They have high magical potential. I'm surprised you have them. They’re not common in this area.” The Minotaur laughed as he waved his staff. Hammer Strike peered out the wagon and watched as pots holding both gold and refined ore materialized nearby with piles of staves, rough but serviceable knives, and woven bags, all with notable magical auras.
Hammer Strike loaded a small crate before hefting it out of the cart and following after it. “Can’t spare too much in terms of food at the moment, but I do have some that I can part with.”
“Oh. I know this might be a bit taboo, but would you have any hides, preferably anything I can make vellum with?”
Hammer Strike stepped back into the cart before pulling out a few sections of hide. “Yeah, actually. Haven’t been in a single spot long enough to tan or work them.”
“I could tan some extra for you as payment as well, if you’d like,” the Minotaur offered.
Hammer Strike hummed. “That’d be useful.” He grabbed a few extra pelts to add to the pile.
“Sorry I've been so rude.” He held out a hand in introduction. “Momonga.”
Hammer Strike returned the shake. “Hammer Strike.”
“Vellum or leather?” he asked.
“Leather. It’s more useful to me.”
The Minotaur turned to the hides and gestured towards them with his open hand. Magic gathered into the center before moving outwards to touch the hides. They burned with a black fire for several moments before dissipating to reveal several tanned pieces of leather and a few pieces of vellum.
“A strange spell,” Hammer Strike commented as he looked over the results. “Especially given that your kind tends to not be able to cast.”
Momonga sighed. “It’s why it’s just me alone. The herd mother thought I would bring bad luck. Some prophecy about a bull with magic becoming a great evil.” He chuckled dryly. “I’m just trying to survive right now.”
Hammer Strike frowned. “It’s situations like this that bring about prophecies and their warnings.”
“Yes, but interpretation is always the blindspot, isn't it? You stop a lion to save a young gazelle only for that lion's cubs to starve. To the lion, aren’t you evil?”
“Fair.” Hammer Strike nodded.
“The Zebra trade with me, at least, though they avoid me as well. Still, I find things I need, and some things I don't expect. The books from the Pony lands are very eye opening about magic.”
“Not many of those out this way,” Hammer Strike replied with a shrug. “Surprising to hear you found some, given how particular Unicorns are about it.”
“Well you know, some noble comes out to Zebrica expecting to set himself an estate off the silver mines, angers the wrong Zebra, his head gets taken and put on a pike, and his goods find their way to the traders. I just have to keep my eyes open.” Momonga laughed, then looked at the cart. “I could enchant those cloaks for you, make your daughters less visible, if that was your intention?”
Hammer Strike’s brows furrowed. After a moment of debate, he sighed. “Perhaps that would be for the best. Though I’d suggest you refrain from looking too much into others you come across.”
“I normally do, but the four of you are particularly strong. I could feel your aura miles away,” He said as he turned his hand to the cart and mumbled under his breath.
Hammer Strike focused thaumically on Momonga to ensure nothing was amiss.
Momonga sent his will through the weave of magic, resonating with the manna already present around them. It threaded and wove through the cloaks like the silk of a spider, placing the will of the spell into the fabric. Celestia and Luna's magical fields became shrouded, hidden among a thick veil of threads to the point that magically, Hammer Strike himself could only just feel them. Momonga ended the spell and slumped for a moment to catch his breath. “That should help.”
Hammer Strike nodded. “Just the leather will suffice for payment,” he replied.
“I appreciate it.” Momonga leaned on his staff and smiled weakly. “Perhaps our paths will cross again.”
“Should you ever find yourself in Pony lands, look me up. I’ll be around for a while.”
“I will keep that in mind.” The sorcerer laughed as he helped unload his goods from the wagon. Now that he knew about the passengers, there was no need to keep him from helping. “I doubt I'll stay here forever; just until I can learn enough.”
“Wherever the road takes you.”
Nassau was a Pony-operated port town that was only a little past its sixth decade. It was an oddity for other reasons, though. It was a settlement where Earth Ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns lived in relative peace and jolly cooperation. The town couldn’t have a permanent population of more than three hundred Ponies at a time. It got most of its business from sailors who came in and left with the ships that came to trade with the Zebras.
Of course, this often led to trouble with sailors raised in the less open-minded areas, but the town had a very good city guard. The laws were all local as, thanks to its distance and the constant civil unrest, none of the three tribes could move to claim it without the other two taking advantage. The buildings were medieval at best, but as Hammer Strike looked down onto it, he found it a strangely comforting sight.
“Hodios, watch after the girls for a bit, all right?” he asked as he sorted through a collection of goods for trade.
“Sure.” Hodios nodded.
Celestia approached the Gryphon timidly. “Forgive me, Hodios, but Luna was wondering if you could perhaps show us some of those tricks of yours. I believe you called it … sleight of hand?”
Hodios laughed as he produced a deck of cards. “Okay, Celestia, let's see how this goes.”
Hammer Strike ensured his saddlebags were secure as he departed from the cart towards the town. It didn’t take him long to come across the road leading in. Though he wished he could blend in more easily. His strange attire and glowing eyes didn’t help him much.
The stalls that he did come across held an assortment of goods, between metals, materials, gemstones, food, and rations, they had plenty to spare. What they did not carry much of was refined goods. The closest thing he came across was someone with weapon parts, such as a few dagger blades, hammer heads, and even a few longsword blades. “Looking for trade or purchase?” he questioned.
“Purchase is preferable but I'm not against trade,” the vendor said.
“Anything you’re looking for?”
“The usual.” The vendor shrugged. “Useful material.”
“Refined iron up your alley?”
“Of course.”
Hammer Strike reached into his saddlebags and pulled out two ingots of iron. “How many are you looking to part with?”
“I’ll give you two dagger blades per ingot, a sword blade for an ingot, a hammer head for two.”
“Make it a sword blade with three dagger blades, and I’ll throw in some cloth for a few wraps.”
The pony eyed the ingots suspiciously. “What's the purity?”
“Give or take five percent at about an eighty.”
“That's a large boast,” the Pony noted. Being a unicorn, he levitated one of the ingots over. “Let me just give this a test.”
The Unicorn's horn flashed brighter for several minutes before he set the ingot down. “I’ll take your deal.”
Hammer Strike nodded as he collected the blades, ensuring he placed just enough cloth down for around three wraps. “Might be around later. We’ll see where my supply goes.”
The stall keeper nodded as he collected his haul.
Hammer Strike sorted through the stalls, trading miscellaneous goods for supplies and some gold. He’d have to gather up some decent funds to afford passage, and even more if he wanted secure passage. Equestria was northbound from his position. And with the ocean in the way, he definitely needed a boat.
After gathering some materials and supplies, he set back toward the cart, where Celestia and Luna sat in awe as Hodios continued to perform tricks.
“It’ll take me some time, but I think I have a few ways to build up some money for transport.”
“Well, that's a place to start.” Hodios laughed.
“I’ll have to make a few weapons using what we have available to us. I’ve got some blades to start, but after working with them, I should be able to trade back some decent ones in their stead.” Hammer Strike sighed. “We’ll probably be here for a couple of weeks if I can’t figure out a quicker method.”
“Have you considered dowsing or divination?” Celestia asked.
“Water supply is fine. As for resources, we’re mostly covered, but I don’t have any true stable surface to work with.”
“I’ll see if I can't make a bit extra at the taverns. I know a few songs and a few good stories,” Hodios said.
“Do be careful. I’m not quite sure how well Ponies will take to a Gryphon,” Hammer Strike warned.
“I’ll be fine.” The gryphon chuckled. “They won’t see me as anything out of the ordinary.”
“Best of luck, then.” Hammer Strike shrugged. “I’ll get to work on my end of things. Perhaps I can take you two into the town as well, one of these days,” he said to the mares.
“I … don’t know if that would be very wise,” Celestia said hesitantly.
“I wanna see it,” Luna whined to her sister.
“Those cloaks hide your presence more now. In fact, with them, the most they’ll see you both as is Unicorn fillies,” Hammer Strike clarified.
“You’re sure it will be all right?” Celestia asked.
“I’m quite positive.”
Celestia sighed. “Whatever you think best.”
Luna simply grinned.
Hammer Strike frowned as he looked down one of the sword blades he had purchased. It had been nearly six days since he arrived in the outskirts of town, and progress was going decently. He had developed a trade with some of the market workers. He would gather blades, and other miscellaneous bits, complete the sets, and refine weapons before reselling them. As it turned out, there wasn’t a weapon smith in the town. The closest thing they had was an everyday blacksmith who mostly worked on tools. He could still sharpen a blade or bust out a dent, but that was it when it came to weapons.
This in turn meant the guards of the town were starting to become more developed. Nothing too grand, but better weapons and some fixed-up armor plating certainly went a long way. The sun was rising on the horizon, leading into a new day as he nodded to himself. The blades he had worked on were all good to go, and he was prepared for his next round of trade.
As Hammer Strike readied his goods, a rumble shook his cart. A few seconds later, another followed. He scanned the horizon for signs of a cause, only for a loud screech to shred the air behind him. His attention snapped to the town, where a mountain seemed to have replaced the bay. The surface was covered in jagged peaks and waterfalls that streamed down from its vast pinnacle. The longer he stared, the easier it became to determine the makeup of the mountain in question. A great cavern yawned at its base, where two glowing orbs set their sights on the town. The base of the mountain shimmered pure silver, while the segments broken by the various rills and streams were the deepest sea-green jade. Rather than a jagged point, the edifice curved at its peak, not unlike at the knoll of a hill.
It bobbed in the bay for a few moments. Then two massive clawed fins rose out of the water, showering the quay with a deluge of ocean spray. They came down hard on a ship and tore through its moorings, crushing timber, and pulling some of the dock along with the vessel. Finally, the eyes drew closer to the mouth of the cave, and a massive sharpened beak the size of a house emerged, followed by a vast reptilian head that stretched to the sky. Its roar shook the land, and its breath spewed torrents of high-pressure water at the Pegasi that attempted to mount a defense.
“That’s … a new one,” Hammer Strike commented to himself before dropping his bags. “Hodios, watch after the girls!”
“I got them,” he responded.
Hammer Strike quickly ensured he had his folding blade, Ulkrusher, and magitech pistol at the ready before taking off towards the town. He needed a ship, and that meant he needed to make sure there was actually a ship to use.
What Pegasi managed to survive the initial attack were already attempting to stop the creature, using lighting and bows that both seemed to have very little effect other than angering the beast. Catapults were fired from the docks. These weapons had slightly better luck, but only slightly. The massive beast bellowed and swiped, sending high waves onto the town. By the time he was in range, Hammer Strike could see things would go badly unless things changed dramatically.
He brought his pistol to bear and fired a shot that struck the target hard, even going so far as to break it’s thick skin and cause a small trickle of blood to well from the spot. The beast’s massive head turned as it bellowed, trying to find the source of its pain.
Hammer Strike got it’s attention as he charged, hitting it several more times with rounds from the magic pistol. The beast continued to howl in anger and pain as it looked around for the source. By the time it noticed the Earth Pony, he was already leaping at it with sword drawn. He sunk the entirety of the blade into his opponent's flesh, pulling with all his weight. He managed to tear a large slice with the lethal blade before shooting several blasts of fire inside the cut with his hoof. The monster’s rage grew as it bellowed louder with every charge.
Emboldened by this sudden change in behavior, the other Ponies began to press harder as long spears were produced and groups began to stab at the beast.
The beast turned its attention back to the Ponies momentarily as their spears pierced flesh, and Hammer Strike used its distraction to vault himself to the top of what he assumed to be it’s head. Retrieving Ulkrusher from his back, Hammer Strike stood at the back of the creature’s neck and hoisted the hammer above his head before bringing it down with everything he could muster. There was a loud crack, like the sound of an ancient tree being felled as the neck broke from the force. Hammer Strike struck again and again before the beast could thrash about until he felt something give way under the flesh beneath him. With one final pitious groan, the beast stopped moving as it breathed its last, shuddered, and died.
Hammer Strike huffed to himself as he caught his breath. Mobility was not his strong suit, so having to go the extra mile in order to keep up with this monster’s scale, let alone its durability, took more effort than he was used to giving. After a few moments, he placed Ulkrusher on his back before jumping off the creature's neck.
Ponies who had gone into hiding were starting to come out of their spaces while the guard simply cried out in victory.
“Hooey! What a rush!” one of the Pegasi cheered. He was promptly smacked on the backside of the head by a glowering mare with pink fur and an off-white mane. She glided to the corpse and alighted next to the Pony.
“You’ve got quite a swing, Earthwalker,” she noted. “What’s your name?”
“Hammer Strike.”
“How appropriate.” She looked over the monster’s corpse, then back again. “The town’s head will want a word with you. It’s not often a Pony’s able to pull off something like that. The whole port would’ve been destroyed if you hadn’t intervened.”
“Yeah, plenty of problems would have come from that,” Hammer Strike replied. “Where am I heading?”
“Best bet is probably to stick here till we get the populace under control. It won’t take long for Baroness to find you, especially if I leave a few of my guards with you.”
“All right, then.” Hammer Strike shrugged. “I’ve got time.”
It took a half hour to corral the various denizens and calm them enough to begin the recovery process. At last, a Pony with a gray fur coat and a silver-streaked mane strode forward. Her cutie mark depicted a crown sitting atop a scepter. Her eyes were a dull blue-gray, and her body slumped with the beginnings of exhaustion. “So, you’re the Pony I have to thank for saving our settlement,” she said tiredly.
“Couldn’t just sit by,” Hammer Strike replied simply.
“You know we can’t offer much of a reward. We trade well enough, but we’re far from rich. What are you, some sort of monster hunter?”
“I suppose, in a way, I am.” Hammer Strike shrugged. “I don’t need money. Though I could use some transportation with enough room to bring my cart.”
“I assume that means you’re looking to cross the ocean.”
“I’m looking to return home, or at least to the same landmass as home.” Hammer Strike rubbed the back of his head. “It’s been interesting. My time with the Roos, Minotaurs, and Zebras has been … eye-opening, to say the least.”
“You realize we won’t be able to necessarily put you off immediately. There are repairs that have to be made, and there’s this carcass to deal with. And that’s before we can even locate a captain bound in that direction.”
“That’s perfectly understandable.” Hammer Strike shook his hoof. “I’m in no particular rush. I can help out with the carcass as well. Though I admit I’ll certainly be collecting some scales and such from it first.”
“After what you just did, you can take whatever you want from the damned thing. I’m told these creatures can be pretty valuable in the magic community. Assuming we can harvest from it, it could provide some good funding to help rebuild.”
“I won’t need much. The rest is all yours. A bone or two, a good amount of scales. We’ll see as time goes on.”
“If you’d like, we have lodgings that we can offer as well. Given what you’ve done for the rest of our community, it would be rude of me not to offer you any amenities or accommodations I can.”
Hammer Strike hummed to himself for a moment. “Perhaps. It’s been quite some time since I or my companions have rested indoors.”
“How many in your party?”
“Three others. My daughters and a Gryphon.” It would be obviously strange to just remark it as two random children, and he had no intention of explaining the last almost two decade and a half to her.
“I think we can manage that. The majority of the damage was done on the shoreline. Bring your wagon and party to the meeting hall, and we’ll make arrangements.
Hammer Strike nodded in response before setting off to gather his things.
“Still awe-inspiring seeing him Fight,” Pensword muttered joyfully. “I remember reading a little about those creatures in the Canterlot Archives. Though, why would it have attacked there? They usually mated much farther south and closer to Roo landmass to lay eggs, didn’t they?”
“Dragon turtles are incredibly territorial,” Twilight said. “Likely, the town wasn’t there when it last went through the area, so it was wanting tribute. It’s amazing to actually be able to see one, even through a screen. The few that have been documented in the present are usually highly reclusive.”
“I’m no expert, but that thing didn’t seem very intelligent. How can it demand a tribute?” Vital asked.
“And some of the older dragons seem to be geniuses to you?” Grif asked.
“You know full well these aren’t the same dragons as the ones we knew back on Earth, Grif.”
“They’re still dragons,” Grif said. “Still have hoarding instincts, and they’re still not above bullying to get what they want.”
“But I thought dragon turtles were supposed to be more feral and non-sapient. Unless you meant demand more in the primal sense of the word, rather than the traditional interpretation.”
“There is a difference between being feral and not being sapient,” Grif noted. “I’ve seen dozens of warriors go feral in the midst of combat.”
“Fair enough. I guess the question is, are they like the animals Fluttershy takes care of or less intelligent and incapable of anything but the basest communication?”
Rarity rolled her eyes. “Leave it to Grif to draw somepony into a debate.”
“Actually, I think that one was Vital Spark,” Derpy noted.
“I agree with Derpy. It was definitely Vital this time. Regardless, all animals have their own level of body language and signs. I’m sure the townsfolk would have seen some warnings. They probably either misunderstood or ignored them. Sometimes, gaining sapience to our level dulls our other senses. But that’s just my two bits on the matter.” Pensword smiled. “It’s good to hear us debate again.”
“Yeah, well they’re lucky Hammer Strike was there. Otherwise, the thing wouldn’t have releneted until it had destroyed the town and taken everything,” Grif said.
Pensword shivered. “And another ghost town would have been born.”
“More like dragged into the depths,” Vital pointed out.
“Semantics, Vital. They’d have the legends formed from the next ship to arrive and find the town gone.”
“Not legends; just questions,” Vital countered. “And they probably would have been killed, too, before they had the chance to report on it. You know, territorial and all that.”
Pensword sighed and rolled his eyes. “I guess I’ll just have to take your word on that, since I haven’t studied the creatures.”
“Yeah, I agree. Let’s just go with Grif and Twilight’s word,” Vital said.
The familiar clack and drag of chalk on slate drew the attention of the debators as Derpy stowed a fresh piece on the shelf of a black board. “And that’s one more for Grif,” she said cheerfully.
“Wait, she’s been keeping count?”
Hammer Strike hummed as he looked out on the ocean. They were within a few hours of reaching land. The vessel was very similar to an Earth Carrack, with a body not unlike the sailing ships up to the 18th century. The foredeck in the bow had an open-air roofed area to store supplies and house lower watchmen. The first of three masts rose out of this roof with a giant brightly painted nest for observers. A large flag flew from the main mast, which rose at the end of the giant well deck. A larger crow’s nest sat at its top as well. From there, the lines of the ship curved up to an upper deck over the captain’s quarters with a second open air area. Painted shields lined the side of the vessel in that quarter of the ship. A wooden structure also covered the wheel, so tarp and other protective measures could be placed over the ribs to shield the area from severe wind and rain. A third mast with slanted rigging rose at the front of the structure to allow a triangle sail to be deployed, while the other two utilized traditional square rigging. A wooden painted Siren sat at the ship’s prow as the figurehead.
Hammer Strike sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck. He mostly kept out of the way of the crew working the ship, leaving him, Celestia, Luna, and Hodios to keep clear or stay with the cart. Celestia and Luna thankfully fell into the rolls of his daughters relatively quickly, leaving no concerns from the crew of the ship.
“Land ho!” The call was welcomed by many of the crew as the ship followed the pull of a current to draw nearer to the landmass.
“All right, stop your gawking. You lot know the drill. Step lively! Man your posts! Trim those sails! Let’s move it, people!” The captain continued to bark her orders before she finally turned to her guests and approached. Her gray feathers blended well with her yellow sea coat, and her mane flowed freely behind the breeze some of her crew generated to help slow the ship and maneuver it toward land. “All right, Mister Strike, we’ve neared our destination. Now we have the question of how you want to disembark. I couldn’t help but notice how you and your friends have eyed my crew when we’ve gotten close to your daughters. Either you’re overprotective or all is not as it seems. Regardless, we owe you. If you want to get off someplace quiet without being noticed, we know a place.”
“Whatever works best for you and your crew,” Hammer Strike replied simply.
The captain nodded briskly. “Right, then. You heard him, lads, ladies. Move your sorry plots!” They navigated around the shoreline until they reached a sheltered cove protected by a narrow inlet. There, they hove to and weighed anchor to begin unloading their passengers’ cart and supplies.
“What territories am I looking at from this position?” Hammer Striked questioned as he followed along his cart.
“To the north, you’ll find mostly Gryphon territory. They don’t care much for us either way, so you should be relatively safe with them, unless you’re wanted by the crown. Steer clear of the west. That’s dragon territory, and they like to hunt Ponies for sport. Even Unicorns aren’t stupid enough to go there without permission, though the land is full of precious gemstones and other resources, so it may be worth the risk, if you’re quick.” She waved behind them and to the right. “South and east are mostly ocean, sand, and cliff face. We’re at the far southeast corner of the landmass. If you want to navigate safely, travel due north. You can divert west for a certain distance, but only do so if it’s absolutely necessary. The Dragon lands spread all the way up the continent, and they weave over the land. If your path takes you through their turf, I’d advise hiring some Gryphons for an escort.”
“I suppose I’ll need to trade for some resources, anyway.” Hammer Strike frowned. “Thanks for the info.” He gave her a brief smile as he prepared the cart for travel.
“Any time. Talk is cheap. You more than paid for it when you saved my ship.”
“Should our paths ever cross again, hopefully it’ll be with less giant monsters.” He gave a brief wave as the girls got into the wagon, then set off with Hodios at their side.
Hammer Strike found himself several days north staring at the city before him. It had been built on a plateau on one side of a massive gorge. The mountain behind it had been cut into to the point where it looked as if some entity had taken a massive pie-shaped slice out of it. Stone walls rose around the edge of the plateau, leaving no purchase to stand outside them.
On top of the walls, towers stood where Hammer Strike could make out figures manning what seemed like automated ballistae moved by gears and cogs through systems of levers. The only breach in the wall was, of course, the massive gate at the front connected to a lone bridge. Airships of varying designs and types moved about the airspace constantly.
From where Hammer Strike stood, he could see large buildings on the other side of the walls and busy streets filled with moving figures. As they approached the bridge, he looked to see two Gryphons dressed in black armor that covered them from beak to tail tip. Veins of grey fed through the armor, constantly arcing with bolts of electricity. Each Gryphon was armed with a large long-bladed spear and eyed people carefully as they approached to cross.
“Business?” one of the guards asked as they approached.
“This Pony hired me as a guide. We’re stopping here to trade for supplies,” Hermes said as he pulled a paper from his pack and offered it to the guard, who examined it and nodded.
“Just keep watch over them inside. Whole empire’s on edge still,” the guard offered as he handed the paper back.
They began to cross the bridge with the rest of the crowd. “Sorry about that, but they don’t often expect Ponies to answer.”
“Understandable, considering most Ponies tend to want to avoid most Gryphons.” Hammer Strike nodded. “I’ve converted what gold we had into beaks for trade.” He sighed. “Should be enough for some supplies. The quicker we obtain them and get out of here, the better.”
They were checked again at the gate, and Hermes handled it. Then they were inside the city. Large gleaming buildings shot from the ground as Gryphons covered the air and patrolled the streets. Steam rose from vents in numerous areas as mechanisms operated, some showing off goods at stores. Clockwork elevators and staircases rose and fell constantly. Hammer Strike found himself backing up to allow the path of a vaguely Gryphon-shaped collection of plate metal gears and cogs as it moved forward. Shops showed off bizarre inventions he had no time to examine. Every now and then, he’d find strange prosthetic devices.
Among the hustle and bustle of the city, he saw several other groups of Ponies with a Gryphon either guiding them or leading them by a rope, depending on the group. The Gryphon shied away from those.
“Slaves or bounties. Ponies pay for either,” he explained.
Eventually, Hodios led them to a small section of stalls. The atmosphere was notably easier, and Ponies and Gryphons seemed to be doing business directly without trouble.
“Hodios, mind looking for some whetstones for me while I look for some travel rations?” Hammer Strike asked.
“Yeah.” He nodded and slipped into the crowd.
Hammer Strike browsed through the stalls, attempting to locate what would be best for him to work with. Though it took some time, mostly due to the fact that he was unable to trade anything he knew would be worthwhile, due to the questions that would surface from it, he eventually completed his task and regrouped with Hodios.
“I got the whetstones,” he said, offering Hammer Strike the bundle.
Hammer Strike quickly checked over the stones and nodded. “Perfect. These will prove quite useful in the near future. I think we’re good to go, unless you have something else in mind that we need?”
“I don’t. Though, if you're interested, I may be able to show you something.”
Hammer Strike raised a brow. “What’s up?”
“Someone as well informed as you, I'm willing to bet you know what stormstone is?”
“Correct. Why do you ask?”
“Do you know how it’s processed?”
“Not entirely, to be honest.”
“Would you like to find out?”
Now there was a thought. “Actually, yes, I would.”
Hodios smirked. “See, they don’t think most Ponies will understand, and to be honest, they’re not wrong, so it’s not entirely well guarded from the casual observer....”
Hammer Strike didn’t need to hear any more. “Lead the way.”
The god chuckled. “So, what do you know about stormstone?” he asked as they made their way down.
“It’s a good conduit for power.”
“Are you aware of its stability issues?”
Hammer Strike nodded.
“Here is where the Gryphons process it to make fuel rods, which are much more stable than the raw material.”
They entered a building through a small narrow entrance on the side and into a very hot factory-like room where clockwork arms worked tirelessly. Hammer Strike walked with Hermes slowly watching as large slates of blood-red stone were crushed to powder, which was then spread across the surface of storm stone cores before they were exposed to heat. As the heat rose, the red stone melted into the core, and the core took on a slightly pinkish tinge. Glowing orange as they exited, they had another dose of powder put onto them before being heated again. This time, liquid rock was drained out of the new furnace. It was collected into troughs and then carefully doled out into molds. When the molds were broken, Hammer Strike noticed they’d been lined with more red powder as the new fuel rods were removed.
The fuel rods came in several sizes and shapes, depending on the need. Hammer Strike studied the materials used and temperatures applied silently, trying to pass it off as just curiosity at the process before they passed through the production line.
It was roughly an hour later when they left. “Was that educational?” the god asked.
Hammer Strike smiled. “Very much so, considering this trip has turned into a two-for-one.”
“Well, Grif, it’s official. You’ve now seen one of the lost cities of your history. What I’m wondering is whether it was more of a settlement or if that was more like a second capital,” Vital said as he levitated a piece of fried chicken coated in orange sauce into his mouth.
“It was more than that.” Grif never took his eyes off the screen. “Gryphelheim may have been where the emperor lived, but this city was the technological center. It was the place of countless marvels.”
“The holy grail of your peoples’ sciences, then.”
Grif nodded. “Like El Dorado to the conquistadors.”
“We’ll need to put our best efforts into making a visit later, then. If you’re going to bring back your gods, it’s only a matter of time before they’ll want you to start building again.”
“Yeah, and I’m going to fly my banner from those walls.” He smirked.
“Hammer Strike’s, too. Or will this one be all yours?”
“This one will be mine. Hammer Strike knows it’s one of the few things I’ve wanted just for me.”
“That, and you won’t abuse it.”
“That's true.” He nodded.
“So, if we’re doing archaeology for the Alicorn Empire already, then how long do you think until you can go after this other city?” Twilight asked.
Grif shrugged. “It depends on what Hammer Strike decides when he returns.”
“Both are important sites,” Rarity noted. “So, in all likelihood, he’ll simply have another team secure it, probably led by Grif.”
“I suppose we could always ask The Doctor,” Vital said with a knowing smirk.
“That would be spoilers,” The Doctor noted.
“I know. I just wanted to hear you say it.”
Hammer Strike frowned as he scanned around the cart once again. He was in the Dragon lands, but it was unfamiliar from what he knew normally. Rather than the usual barren landscape he knew of, it was covered in spires, and a quick scan revealed them to be almost made entirely of ore, both common and rare. Iron, gold, platinum, copper, tin, aluminum, you name it, it was there in some form.
Gemstones were also plentiful, from what he found in the ground beneath him. It was such a drastic change compared to the modern day, and it left him pondering what could have changed in the period of time between.
“This place is … incredible,” Celestia said as she took in the landscape. The sheer abundance of resources and the placement of some of them bespoke a certain artistry, or at least hinted at some form of organization.
“It certainly is,” Hammer Strike replied. “I haven’t seen the Dragon lands display such grand amounts of resources.”
“You mean you’ve been here before?”
“Not a full visit, but I’ve seen some sections of it before, and it definitely wasn’t like this.” Hammer Strike hummed.
“When was this?” Hermes asked.
“Some length in the future.”
“Well, something must have happened in the meantime”
“Exactly my point. What would decimate this amount of material?” Hammer Strike frowned.
“A calamity?”
“It’d have to be something major.” He shrugged. “I guess we’ll find out one day. Until then, however…”
“We keep going?” Celestia guessed.
“And plan accordingly for whatever comes.” Hammer Strike nodded. After a moment, he hummed aloud. “You awake back there, Luna?”
Luna nodded, yawning.
“Can’t hear a nod,” Hammer Strike replied after hearing the yawn.
“Yes,” she groaned tiredly.
Celestia giggled. “Sounds like someone wants to spread her wings.”
“If you all want, there is nothing for some miles from our location. You can come out of the cart and walk around a little with me,” Hammer Strike offered.
“What do you say, Lulu?” Celestia smiled at her sister.
“Okay,” she said.
The two leapt out of the cart and stretched their legs before falling in stride with Hammer Strike. “I admit I don’t know very much about Dragons, other than the fact that they can be very territorial. You … know how researchers felt about other races,” Celestia said.
“They were very adamant on their own position in the world,” Hammer Strike replied simply. “They’re a very territorial race, and tend to lean more toward violent tendencies for most situations. This isn’t a case for all of them, do keep in mind.”
“Have any of them ever been friendly?”
“There have been a number of them.” Hammer Strike nodded. “Just because the majority is this way doesn’t mean that all of them are.”
“Given how territorial you say they are, I’m surprised we haven’t met any yet. Are you tracking them somehow to avoid them?”
“Mostly keeping focus on our surroundings for any change in the environment. Augments certainly help in that regard.”
“They are useful,” Celestia agreed. “They helped with many an ailment back … back home.”
Hammer Strike nodded. “There were times where their knowledge would have benefited everyone, but they chose to keep to themselves. I can’t fault them for solitude, but I can fault them for their methods.”
“The way you and Mother acted, … it must have been terrible.”
“Be glad that you will never learn.” Hammer Strike sighed. “Though the means for such ends wasn’t the greatest.”
“Will you tell us some day?”
“One day, perhaps, when everything is settled and we no longer have to worry about the days to come. That, and when you’re older.”
Celestia smiled wryly. “That age old line, huh? I suppose I have to trust your judgement. After all, you haven’t led us wrong yet, Father.”
Hammer Strike raised a brow as he looked to Celestia before giving a faint chuckle.
Hammer Strike frowned as he pulled the cart into a nearby cave. It was abnormally large, despite having no signs of life within, but even after scanning it over, he determined it to be empty.
He sighed as he removed his harness and moved toward the back of the cart to unload some of their gear. It didn’t take him long to lay everything out before turning towards Hermes. “Hodios, would you mind getting everything going? I think I’m going to gather some materials while we’re here. Cave should be plentiful enough.”
“I didn’t see a pickaxe among the supplies,” he noted.
Hammer Strike shrugged. “I can make one.”
“Okay, I'll make sure things are ready when you get back.”
Hammer Strike nodded as he equipped his saddlebags and made his way deeper into the cave. It didn’t take long for him to find a vein of iron within the walls that he could work with. He separated it from the walls with his thaumaturgy and shaped it roughly into a pickaxe head. Using spare wood he kept in his saddlebag, he fused it together to form a rough pickaxe. While it wouldn’t last forever, it would help him gather the necessary ore without having to separate it all thaumically. It actually took less effort on his part to mine the stuff manually, due to the taxing nature of flexing his thaumic field.
The cave was abnormally open, as though it was purposely dug out, but with no residents within. It contained many of the resources he had found outside in the spires spread across the land, though not as plentiful as he’d expected, leading him to believe there was a resident at least at some point.
He continued his work, clearing stone out of the way and gathering what materials he could for whatever he would need. Gold was sparse, but still enough for him to replicate some currency, depending on the city. Iron was always useful, especially if he could gather some coal. He could use thaumaturgy to infuse the carbon within and make some form of steel. Copper, tin, and others, while not as useful in this day and age, he could use to make some pieces of equipment or otherwise that he could potentially use, such as wiring.
After some time, however, he began to notice a strange feeling. It was certainly different compared to most forms of energy that beings would use on him. It wasn’t fully something attempting to cover him, but it lingered in the air.
Hammer Strike frowned as he scanned the area. There was nothing near him, and he couldn’t pick up any form of life apart from a small mark farther in the cave. It wasn’t a developed thing, but it was the only thing he could note besides Hermes, Celestia, and Luna.
It took some clearing, but eventually Hammer Strike broke into a small cavern that had been sealed by a cave in. It took him a moment to study, but eventually he realized that it was a den for a dragon. Two, from the looks of it. Unfortunately, they were little more than corpses now. They must have died some time ago.
The bones weren’t overly large, leading him to believe it was some younger dragons, though the skeletal structure was strangely formed compared to most. He frowned as he noted the intense amount of magic coming from the two corpses. But what really caught his attention was the egg sitting between the two, surrounded by gemstones.
That was where the energy was coming from. It was a raw emotion projected through an aura of magic. And it was sorrowful.
Hammer Strike frowned as he looked around once again. The parents had died some time ago, and from the looks of it, they both protected the egg until the end.
The egg itself was still alive, though. And while it could put a strain on things, he couldn’t just leave it there. He sighed as he pulled out a full set of straps from his saddlebags and made a makeshift holster for the egg. It took a few minutes, but eventually he was able to secure the egg onto his back. On top of that, he took a selection of the gemstones, knowing it was at least a form of food for the dragons.
Looking towards the corpses once again, he gave a low nod and turned to the exit once more. The sorrow that filled the cave felt lessened, but still present. It took three hours in all to finish his work in the caves and return to the entrance, where the others had established camp and were currently cooking a meal.
“Welcome back,” Hermes greeted as he worked on the food.
“Hey,” Hammer Strike replied as he moved toward the fire before beginning to detach the egg from his back. He laid it close to the flames to give it as much warmth as possible.
“You went back to mine and found a dragon egg?” Hermes asked in surprise.
“It still lives as well.” Hammer Strike frowned. “Surrounded by two sets of bones.”
“Prey?” Celestia asked.
“Parents, most likely.”
“So, … it’s an orphan?”
“Basically.” Hammer Strike frowned as he looked over the egg again.
“Are we keeping it?” Luna asked.
“It seems that way.”
“So, how are we supposed to take care of it?” Celestia asked.
“I’ll have to start using some magic to keep it at an even temperature, and I collected a good sum of gemstones. I’ll have to collect more when the time comes.”
“To feed it?”
“Until I can gather alternate food sources, yeah.”
“Would you mind if …?” Celestia blushed. “If Luna and I were to name it when it hatches?”
“We’ll see when the time comes.” Hammer Strike gave a small smile. “Until then, we wait.”
Hammer Strike sighed as he continued to pull the cart behind him. Everyone had gathered within it once again, due to a few dragons appearing in the distance. He frowned as he continued to scan their area, ensuring that if anything were coming in their general direction, he would be prepared to handle it.
As he scanned the horizon, his vision suddenly lost color as his darkvision took hold. He stopped as his attention was turned to a nearby mountain where a small mark appeared before it. After a moment, it suddenly stopped and he could move again.
He groaned as he placed a hoof to his head. If Outsider wanted to talk to him, he didn’t have to do it through those means. After a moment, he moved the cart in the direction of the mountain. “We’re taking a small detour,” he called to the occupants.
“Where to?” Celestia asked.
“Nearby mountain. We’re probably going to camp by it unless there’s a cave. If there is, and it’s clear, we’ll camp in it.”
It didn’t take long for Hammer Strike to reach the mountain, and the marker was even placed at the entrance to a cave which, from the looks of it, wasn’t in use. Like usual, Hammer Strike detached himself from the cart once he was sure it was secure. “Hodios, mind setting up camp? I need to check something out.”
“We’ll be here when you get back.” The Gryphon nodded as they began to set up.
Hammer Strike nodded in turn as he moved deeper into the cave. At first it seemed empty as he followed the stone corridor and the light dimmed behind him. But just as the cave seemed to lose all natural light, a glow appeared from somewhere ahead. Hammer Strike continued walking as the light got brighter until he could make out an opening with a bright glow coming from it.
What he found was a massive dome-shaped cavern. The glow was coming from what he took to be lava flowing out through openings in the walls into lakes of the stuff that covered nearly the entire floor space. When he got closer to look at it, he realized the substance wasn’t lava, but pure molten gold. A small stone pathway led to the center where a large circular plateau stood outside the molten gold. On it curled a massive dragon with flawless platinum scales. He had a large razor-like fin across the back of his head with great horns pointed straight backwards. Hammer Strike could feel the primal energy pouring off him.
“I get the feeling I made a wrong turn somewhere back there,” Hammer Strike muttered.
We all make wrong turns from time to time. The voice echoed in his mind as an eye twice his size opened, revealing a bright blue pupil that locked on him.
“So … uh,” Hammer Strike tried to form some coherent thought. “You rang?”
Well, I thought considering what you found, we should have a conversation, the dragon said. I trust you can tell what I am?
“Divine in nature?” Hammer Strike replied.
A god, yes. The dragon lifted his great head. Greetings, Hammer Strike. I am Bahamut.
Hammer Strike blinked a few times. “Honestly, I’m completely caught off guard by this revelation. So … if I am correct, you wanted to evaluate me?”
You recently came into possession of a very important egg.
“Like, it’s got a grand fate lined up for it very important, or…?”
You’ve probably heard that all life on Equis was made by one person. Would that be correct?
“Not really.” Hammer Strike rubbed the back of his head. “Sorry, some mythology and religion never fully stuck in my head.”
Well then, let's start with what you likely know. In your original world, you had a game. I believe me and my much-hated sister played a part in it. The reason for that is that, at one point, a very long time ago, I and my sister did hold some influence in your world. We are the gods of Dragons, you see. And as such, we exist anywhere Dragons exist. Much like the ones that once existed on Earth in your time or the ones that exist in Equestria. Dragons are unique because I and my sister were forced to work together to create them in this world, and thus we had to give them an equal share of good and evil.
“That … certainly explains a few things.” Hammer Strike hummed.
But more than that, originally, there were two different breeds of dragon. Bahamut sighed deeply, sending a plume of white smoke toward the domed ceiling. The scaled dragons, you are no doubt aware of. And then there are the feathered Dragons.
“Feathered Dragons?” Hammer Strike leaned forward a little.
Bahamut nodded. Yes, feathered Dragons. They are almost extinct at this time. In fact, the last egg is now in your possession.
Hammer Strike blinked in surprise. “The last one?”
I’m sure you’ve noticed by now. Dragons are proud, bahamut said disdainfully. His teeth curled back in a disgusted snarl. Far too proud.
“Their strength puts many races to shame. It was only a matter of time.” Hammer Strike frowned. “What would you have me do with the egg?”
Protect it. Hatch it, and raise it well. When we created the dragons, we gave the majority share of magic to the feathered ones. The scaled ones received our strength and endurance, but little in the way of actual magic. When this was realized, the scaled ones coveted magic as much as gold, and began a terrible war. I fear my sister’s influence was far stronger than I’d thought.
“Thus, the eradication of the feathered Dragons came.” Hammer Strike frowned. “Is it safe to assume the egg will require heat and a steady supply of magic to hatch?”
Bahamut nodded. More magic than heat, in this case. If it were other Ponies, I’d have doubts they could hatch it. But we both know you’re experienced in the way.
“I’ll see to it, then.” Hammer Strike nodded. “Though I’m uncertain how long it will take me.”
Longer to raise it than to hatch it, I believe. Bahamut chuckled. It’s sad to think this will be our only meeting without the tension. The god shook his head. You have quite a distance to go before you reach your home yet.
“It’s only some thousands of years.” Hammer Strike gave a weak smile. “Pretty sure that’s just a blink for divine beings like you.”
A hundred interesting things can happen in the time it takes one such as I to blink. Bahamut sighed. As I have mentioned, Dragons are prideful and selfish. I cannot in good conscience ask you to spare any who make trouble for you. All I can ask is that you don’t kill more than necessary.
“As per usual, only if needed.” He nodded. “I can manage that.”
I’d offer you my blessing, but another god already has their plans for you, so I will simply offer my best wishes and hope you find what you need.
“We both know a vacation is out of the question,” Hammer Strike replied with a shrug as he turned toward the exit. “I’ll see to it. Should our paths ever cross again.”
They will. Bahamut sighed. Until they cross again. With that, the massive dragon laid his head down and closed his massive eye.
Hammer Strike eventually found his way back to the group. Hermes had finished setting up camp as per usual. “Nothing can be simple, can it, Hodios?”
“Not in the least.” The Gryphon shook his head.
“You know what just happened?”
“I have an idea, but I don't know everything.”
“Yeah, massive dragon. Friendly, at least,” he said simply.
“Guessing he had something to say about your recent acquisition?”
“Yep. Also gave me the green light to kill any Dragons, if needed.”
“Let's hope it doesn’t come to that.”
Hammer Strike frowned as he scanned the area around himself once again. They had packed up and headed out, but the activity of Dragons nearby was definitely more than normal. They definitely had noticed him. There was no way around it, so it was only a matter of time before there would be some form of confrontation.
“Hodios, keep yourself ready, all right? We’ve got roughly a ninety percent chance of some Dragon coming to us,” he called out toward the cart.
Hodios sighed. “Of course there is.”
“We’ve had too much activity.” Hammer Strike frowned. “Probably the mix of the cargo and who I stumbled across last night.”
It took three hours before they heard the first roar in the near distance.
“Ten bits says it’s for us,” Hammer Strike commented.
“I don’t make stupid bets,” Hermes answered.
A thunder of Dragons appeared in the sky, laughing to themselves as they circled the cart and landed in a wide circle. They were a wide mixture of gender and colors, but all were around the same size.
“Shocker. They’re confrontational.” Hammer Strike sighed.
An ugly greenish-blue Dragon stepped forward. He was slightly larger than the rest with crooked yellow horns. “Well, what do we have here? A Pony trying to pass through without paying?”
“Yeah, I was doing pretty well in that regard until you lot showed up.”
“Well, now. We can’t have that,” the Dragon said. “Let’s see what you have to pay with.”
“I’ll pay you with my time.” Hammer Strike removed his harness before cracking his neck. “How much do you want?”
“Really, Pony? Your Gryphon doesn’t mean much out here.” The Dragon laughed.
“You really think I consider him a bigger threat?” Hammer Strike frowned.
“You obviously don’t understand what’s happening here,” the Dragon said.
“Oh, I know exactly what you have in mind. It’s not that difficult to read you lot. Now, are you going to keep on talking, or are you actually going to do something?”
The Dragon growled and launched at him. Hammer Strike had very little patience. He decided the best choice afforded to him was to send a message. With a short burst of the time aspect, he made it seem like he’d moved with super speed, coming up behind his charging opponent and grabbing him around the neck with one leg. The other Dragons watched, confused and frightened as their leader struggled to release himself from the grip. Then, in front of all of them, Hammer Strike placed his other hoof on the leader’s head and twisted it sharply to the side with a resounding crack.
He let the now dead dragon fall to the ground unceremoniously and stared blankly at the rest of the would-be-raiders.
“Anyone else? I’m on a tight schedule, so I’ll have to make it quick.”
With a rush, the Dragons vanished as they took to the air, unsure with how to deal with this new threat.
“Pathetic.” Hammer Strike sighed as he looked to the Dragon at his hooves. After a second of debate, he thaumically pulled a selection of scales off the body into a pouch before throwing the pouch into the cart. The carcass could be left to rot, and to warn any other Dragons in the area.
“What’s this?” Celestia’s voice asked from behind the canvas folds.
“Dragon Scales. Might be useful later on,” Hammer Strike replied simply as he fastened the cart harness on once again and resumed their journey.
“Is it just me, or is it starting to feel like when we were on the ocean?” Celestia asked.
“Is it?” Hammer Strike looked around. The land had become less barren. The spires of ore and gemstones had thinned. He frowned as he looked ahead of them, and in the distance he noticed some life. A few lively trees and some grass patches were the best he could make out farther ahead.
“I think we’re almost out of the dragon lands,” Hammer Strike commented.
“And where will we go from there?”
“I have somewhere for us to go,” he replied simply. “A nice house, farm, smithy, mine. It’s all there.”
Celestia cocked her head as she processed that. “I’m … confused.”
“‘How could there be a house there if he isn’t from now?’ Am I correct?”
“Something like that,” she admitted.
Hammer Strike proceeded to step into the still-in-motion cart. “Like this.”
Celestia gaped at him. “H-how—?”
“Very carefully,” the Hammer Strike in the cart replied. “There’s a lot more to it, but I’ll explain that later on.”
“You're the best, Daddy!” Luna giggled.
“Which one?” both replied at the same time.
Luna could only look between them, utterly perplexed.
“I think it’s me,” the one in the front commented.
“Far enough.” the other shrugged.
“So, you’re not both linked?” Celestia asked uncertainly.
“Technically, I am,” the one within the cart replied.
“It’s just that I'm very good at fine tuning it,” the one pulling the cart finished.
“... I think I may need to lie down for a second.”
“You’ve got plenty of space in here.” Hammer Strike hummed. “So, this is what it’s like in here when we’re on the move.”
Celestia settled down on the floor and nodded numbly. “Yes. This is.” She looked at Hermes. “Did you know about this?”
“I knew a few things, but not everything.” Hermes shrugged.
“How long can you keep it up?” she asked the clone.
“Indefinitely, though it depends on the situation. Combat was a bit taxing last time I did this.”
“You can fight with it?” Luna asked. Her eyes widened.
“I have before, but it was very taxing on my energy and mind. I don’t know how effective I can be with it now.”
“Do you intend to experiment later, then? Once we’ve reached our destination, I mean,” Celestia said.
“We’ll see.” Hammer Strike chuckled as the version of him in the cart vanished. “Girls, take a look out here.”
The two mares approached the wagon’s flaps and moved them gently aside with their magic. A bright sun shone down on radiant white snow that stretched on either side of a muddy track. Patches of long-dead grass jutted around the edges of the piles in an effort to breathe, even as the trees in the distance shed their loads one bough at a time. Evergreens towered high above while scrub and brush poked their brambly way. The steady churning of water, mud, and slush squelched beneath Hammer Strike’s hooves and flowed through the spokes of the wagon’s wheels in a steady rush.
“Is it supposed to be winter time here?” Celestia asked.
“Based off my estimates, yeah, we’re near the end of winter.” Hammer Strike thought on it for a moment. “Jeez. We’ve been traveling for how long now? Six or seven years?”
“Somewhere around there,” Celestia agreed.
“It’s beautiful,” Luna said. Her eyes sparkled as she watched the snow.
“Careful. It can blind you, if you stare too long,” Celestia warned.
“I’ll be fine,” Luna said.
“We’re close. Probably another few weeks, and we’ll be there,” Hammer Strike commented. “Got any plans after that, Hodios?”
“Not yet.” The Gryphon shook his head.
“Well, there’s a spare room at the house.”
“I suppose I could stay for a while.” Hermes laughed.
“In the end, I leave it to you.”
Hammer Strike frowned as he scanned the town ahead of him. The area was located next to a large hill. Its perimeter was surrounded by a tall stockade that bristled with chevaux de frise in the surrounding land to act as a hindrance to any type of siege weapon. Smoke rose from behind the wall to further soil the dirty sky. The occasional sound of a pickaxe striking earth pinged through the air, while a series of airborne Pegasi soared above the structure to keep an eye out for any unwelcome approach. The gate was firmly shut. The thing that bothered him most was the fact that there appeared to only be Pegasi. There was no sign of Earth Ponies or Unicorns, meaning he’d certainly run into some issues if he sought entry.
“A delightful delay,” Hammer Strike commented with a sigh as he diverted the cart off the road. “Hodios, keep an eye out for me.”
“Already on it.”
Hammer Strike took a long route around the town at a distance that should be decently out of sight. While he normally would scope things out further, they were close to the house, and he could stretch things out to make it.
However, much like most of his plans involving avoiding someone, he was clearly spotted, as evident by movement within his range. Roughly four to five sets of wings flapped together as the specks drew closer. The figure at the front of the formation wore a helmet with a familiar fan through which his mane jutted. Whoever this was definitely had rank.
The group finally settled. Four Pegasi flanked their leader, whose eyes widened in surprise as he gazed at the Pony. His blue fur was contrasted by the streaks of orange, yellow, and black in his mane. He narrowed his gaze as he scrutinized the stallion, then finally spoke, albeit uncertainly. “Hammer Strike?”
Hammer Strike raised a brow as he looked to the leader. After a brief moment he finally realised who it was. “Hurricane? It’s been awhile.”
“What in Sleipnir’s name happened to you?”
Hammer Strike looked down to his hooves for a moment before looking up. “What? It’s just a few additional scars.”
“A few? You look like you just burst out of a tatzlwurm’s jaws! You … didn’t actually do that, right?” By this point, the commander’s escort began exchanging furtive looks.
“Nah.” Hammer Strike waved dismissively. “Though there was a dragon turtle, and a dragon, and Gryphons, and some Minotaurs…” He hummed. “It’s been eventful.”
“It’s only been a year, two at the most!” Hurricane gaped at the Pony. “I know you’ve done some strange things that defy Earth Pony standards before, but that kind of travel?”
Hammer Strike held up a hoof as he detached himself and moved to the back of the cart.
“Sir, what are you doing?” one of his subordinates spoke.
“Soldier, you’re familiar with the reputation of Clover the Clever, yes?” Hurricane asked calmly as he turned to address the soldiers.
“Of course, Sir.” The soldier straightened up.
“And you’re even more familiar with her teacher’s reputation?”
“Yes, Sir.”
He jerked his wing like one would a thumb. “Well that Pony was able to generate magic that those two couldn’t even conceive of, and he was strong enough to brush me aside at full speed without so much as a scratch. He even went so far as to augment my armor and offer shelter after the fact. He is worthy of respect.” He narrowed his eyes dangerously. “And I expect you all to provide it.”
The soldier in question looked dumbfounded at his commander’s claims.
Hammer Strike proceeded to walk around the cart once again with a decent sized scale in his hoof. “Here, have a souvenir,” he commented, passing it over to Hurricane. “Dragon Turtle scale. Interesting thing.”
The thing had to be at least a foot across. Its concave shape made it easy to rest on the Commander’s hoof. “Do you have any idea how much something like this is worth?”
“Yeah, it’s why I collected a sum of them. They’re an interesting material to work with as well. Fire resistant and incredibly durable.”
“And the glowy eyes? You get those from killing the thing, too?”
“Negative.” Hammer Strike shook his head. “It’s an adverse effect from an experiment some time ago.”
“Permanent?”
“Unless I want to go blind, yes.”
“So, what brings you to this part of the new world?”
“I’m actually on the return trip home.” Hammer Strike rubbed the back of his head. “I had to head out for supplies and … other reasons.” He eyed the recruits along with Hurricane.
“So, why approach our operation?”
“I was actually trying to head around it, as evident by the fact that I’m taking a wide circle, rather than the main road.”
“Oh.” Hurricane blinked in surprise. “I’d, uh … offer an escort, but I’m pretty sure you don’t need one.”
“Still, walk with me for a little bit,” Hammer Strike commented as he fastened his harness once again.
“I suppose I can make the time.” Hurricane smirked and turned to address his escort. “All right, soldiers. I’m leaving it to you four to finish the rounds without me and report in. If anyone asks about me, tell them I’m catching up with an old acquaintance. Dismissed!”
Hammer Strike waited until the recruits were out of range before sighing. “Listen, Hurricane. I know you well enough to know you’ll stop by again in the future, so I might as well cover some things now.”
“Articles of negotiation, so to speak?”
“Not really. I just want this dealt with now, rather than later, when you come by.” Hammer Strike sighed. “Girls? Come to the front and introduce yourselves. It’s still cold out, so keep your cloaks on.”
“Girls?”
A few seconds later, two heads poked their way out of the wagon flaps, followed by hooves gently touching down on the ground. Celestia’s pink mane rested elegantly against her neck and head as she peered curiously at the commander. Luna was more wide-eyed as she gazed on the armor and weapon the Pegasus carried.
“Greetings,” Celestia said as she bowed her head. “I am Celestia, and this is my younger sister Luna.”
“Foundlings?” Hurricane guessed.
“My daughters.”
Hurricane raised a suspicious brow. “I never noticed them when you housed us before.”
“They’re the reason I went on this journey.” Hammer Strike sighed. “Yes, I was alone in that house, but it was never meant to be the end result. Also, don’t ask.”
“About what?”
“Exactly what you’re thinking about.”
“And you know what I’m thinking about is what you’re thinking I’m thinking … how?”
“Just leave it as a, ‘I know you too well by this point.’”
Hurricane shrugged. “All right. So, have you tested them yet?”
“Tested...?”
“For their magic levels and potential. That’s a thing most Unicorns do, from what Clover told us.”
“Yes, and no. Not in recent times.”
Hurricane nodded. “Very well.” Then he turned his attention back to the mares. “So, you two are going to be staying with your father for the foreseeable future?”
“YUP!” Luna smiled brightly.
“An exuberant child.” Hurricane laughed. “You must be quite the hooful.”
Celestia laughed. “Only when she gets excited.”
“And what do you find exciting, little one?” Hurricane asked Luna.
“Daddy says we’re going to have a big house with our own rooms.”
Hurricane smiled. “Yes, I’ve been to that house. There will be a great deal of space to explore, with daring adventures waiting to be had.”
Luna beamed up at him and grinned.
“It’s still a few months off, but we should be there in record timing if I don’t run into any more … unknown situations,” Hammer Strike commented.
“Well, I’d recommend watching out for Unicorn patrols, then. Things have gotten a little better, but they’re still stubborn about extracting a tribute out of anyone who crosses their path.”
“Honestly, I figured the same would happen here.”
“Puddinghead showed us a few tricks of the trade as an act of good faith. We may not be so productive as your tribe, but we’ve managed to grow some crops of our own.”
“That’s good to hear.” Hammer Strike gave a grin. “As much as I would love to continue this, I’m pretty sure you’re wandering way out by this point,” he finished, looking behind the cart.
Hurricane nodded. “It is about that time. I’ll try to visit at a later date.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, perhaps make another guest bedroom.”
“Until then, Hammer Strike.” The Pegasus offered a salute. “May Faust grant you a swift trip and open skies.”
Hammer Strike hummed aloud as he started to recognise the area around him, that combined with the ever familiar orbs of solar energy that he made was slightly obvious. He frowned to himself as he found a stable section of land to settle the cart on. “Hodios, you mind looking after things for a little bit? I need to check something out before we proceed.”
“Sure,” Hermes answered, still taking the area in. He examined a sphere curiously.
Hammer Strike detached himself from the cart before setting off in the direction of his house. It didn’t take long for the memories of the land to come back to him, filling in gaps for where he was heading.
Then he crossed the threshold of trees and before him stood a large log cabin. Beside it was a shack, a path to a nearby hill, and a small plot on the side dedicated to produce. He couldn’t help but smile as he looked over the land once again.
His smile turned to a frown, however, as he noted several tracks in the snow around him. From the looks of it, there was a Gryphon and roughly five to six Ponies, based off the number of prints. He wanted to ensure he was absolutely clear to enter the house again, so he followed the trail with some delay.
In the end, he looked up to find a strange sight in the distance. It was himself, alongside VItal, Pensword, Derpy, Grif, the Doctor, and Rarity. His frown deepened as he looked out to the group, watching as the Doctor opened the Tardis doors and allowed them all inside.
A pang of longing stabbed at him at the sight. It wasn’t time, however, and it would be some lengths before he could see his friends again. He sighed to himself as he moved back to the cart. Hermes stood watch over it and gave a brief wave as Hammer Strike came close.
“All right; we’re clear to go,” Hammer Strike commented as he strapped himself to the cart once again. “You can come out of the cart as well, girls. And you can leave the cloaks inside. There’s nothing else out here that can bother us.”
Luna jumped out of the cart and giggled as she moved to the snow.
“At this rate, she’s going to be like this every winter for the rest of her life,” Celestia said as she stepped down and threw off her cloak to stretch her wings. She smiled fondly at the young Alicorn. “Though that may not be such a bad thing.”
Hammer Strike smiled as he began pulling the cart. “Follow close by. We’re almost there.”
“I can’t wait to see what your home is like, Hammer Strike. The garden must be beautiful.”
“Sadly, this land has been through a lengthy winter, so it’s going to be some time before that’s recovered.”
“Will we have enough to survive until then?”
“Definitely. There’s also a small stockpile that was put on the side for emergencies. That, and we also have our own stock as well.”
“So, we wait for the thaw, and then move forward from there?”
“If push comes to shove, I have a few tricks up my sleeve,” Hammer Strike replied, eyeing the orbs of light around them.
“Well then, I guess this is where I ask how I can help.”
“Since you were so fond of the greenhouse, perhaps I’ll set up one here. Give you some flower breeds to grow. We’ll see.”
“Putting the skills my mother taught me to good use?” She smiled. “I suppose that’s only fair.” Then she chuckled. “Though I’m still at a loss for what we’re going to do with Luna when she finally gets bored.”
“I’ve got plans. Don’t you worry.”
“Well, in the meantime, I suppose there’s only one thing left to do.”
“And what’s that?”
Celestia smirked as her horn lit up and several spheres wreathed in magic rose from the ground and compacted, then began to orbit her. “Snowball fight.”
“So, he came back to the same place just in time to see his past self entering the TARDIS to travel to our time. I can see why the Doctor was so worried about a paradox,” Vital said.
“Time doesn’t work that way,” Grif said.
“Having two incarnations of the Doctor in the same place in time is one thing, but I’m pretty sure time might take issue with two Hammer Strikes meeting one another. Or am I wrong there, Doctor? If so, why did you make such a big deal about it when we picked Hammer Strike up before?”
“You subscribe to that whole ‘go back in time, kill a fly, and flies are ruling the world’ garbage?” Grif asked.
“No, just that there are usually consequences to such things unless carefully monitored,” Vital noted.
“Hammer Strike was meant to reach that area at that time. The fact that he did so means it would happen. Everything’s not going to melt down because, for instance, he occupied the same time as himself,” Grif said.
“I was referring to interacting with himself, but I concede your point. If time didn’t want it to happen, it wouldn’t have, or rather The Doctor would have had a massive headache trying to iron it all out again.”
“Could we focus on more important matters, boys?” Rarity asked. “Like the fact my Strikey Wikey is safe and sound at last, and he’s in a place he knows he can protect?”
“Safe’s a matter of opinion at this point in time,” Grif said. “If it were anyone else, I’d say safe was the last thing they were.”
“He does still have a ways to go, doesn’t he?” Vital agreed. “Another almost two thousand years, right?”
“So it seems,” the Doctor said. “Unusual, though, for time to just become fixed.”
“Has it happened before?”
“Not to my knowledge.” The Doctor shook his head.
“So why say unusual if it’s a first time occurrence?”
“It may not be,” The Doctor admitted. “I haven’t seen everything.”
“Have you considered asking her to check?” He jerked his head toward the console.
“She’s been … dodgy about the whole situation.”
“Is that so?” Vital looked suspiciously at the console. “Interesting….”
“What is?”
“The dodginess.” Vital shrugged. “It could be nothing. I just find it curious, given her previous behavior when it comes to Hammer Strike.”
“Hmmm…” the Doctor rubbed his chin as he considered the statement. Twilight soon followed suit, but resisted the urge to pick up any tools. She wasn’t about to risk angering the TARDIS a second time.
“Welcome to our new home.” Hammer Strike smiled as he held a hoof out toward the log cabin. “Not as luxurious as the old one, but it’s still good, in my opinion.”
A very wet and shivering Celestia chattered and nodded as she took in the structure. “As long as it’s warm, I’ll be happy,” she said through the trembling.
Luna was equally wet, but seemed immune to the temperature. She stuck her tongue out at her sister. “I like it!”
“It’s a house.” Hermes shrugged.
“Well, go on in. I’ll unload the cart. Pick a room that isn’t marked as mine.”
It didn’t take them long to get settled. The rooms’ former occupants had each been fastidious. The trio easily unpacked their belongings and met a short time later in the living room, where a warm fire was already cracking. Celestia practically threw herself onto the floor by it.
“Heat. Sweet, sweet heat,” she said as a blissful smile passed over her face.
Hammer Strike walked into the house and glanced over to Celestia. “Hope you get used to it. This happens every year.”
“I just didn’t expect the cold to bite so hard after Luna soaked me; that’s all,” Celestia said.
Hammer Strike simply chuckled as he continued farther into the house.
“It’s not that cold,” Luna said.
“You weren’t shoved under a pile of snow up to your neck.”
“I’m half your size. Most piles of snow come up to my neck!” Luna argued.
“Your point? I didn’t douse you in it, did I?”
“Not my fault you couldn’t.”
“You say that as if I hadn’t already thought of it.” Celestia smirked. “You’re not the only strategist in the room. I just decided not to employ it.”
Hammer Strike couldn’t help but smile as he listened to the conversation before turning toward the room Hermes had picked for himself. “Everything fine enough for you?”
“Yes. It’s fine.” Hermes nodded.
“We’ll look into getting some stuff to make it feel like home to everyone sometime soon.”
“So, what's the immediate plan?”
“Get situated, crops going, materials put away, and deal with the neighbors.”
“Neighbors?”
“To put it simply, we’re quite literally surrounded by the three ‘nations’ of Ponies. Albeit, we’re in between all three of them and in a sort of blind spot.”
“Oh, fun,” Hermes said with a deadpan expression.
“Always is.” Hammer Strike chuckled. “Always is,” he repeated as he made his way toward his own room.