//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Uncovering of the Old // by Long Live Derping //------------------------------// The concept of good and evil is a simple and easy–to-understand principle: One’s either on your side or the other is a heartless bucker that deserves to die. It’s kind of like the colors of black and white, nothing more than absolutes. But what happens when there’s a shade of gray? A balance of both? How do you deal with someone who has as much kindness and evil in his or her heart? That’s the very line ‘humans’ danced on for so many years. And that is why they are gone. My name is Dapper Crescent, a unicorn born and raised in Canterlot. For the past ten years, I have studied to understand the race that once inhabited the lands we know today as Equestria. I have visited several dig sites that have uncovered pieces of their technologically advanced machinery. Were it not for them, the invention of the locomotive train or hot-air balloons would not have been possible. It was absolutely amazing that they were able to create such complex machinery without the use of magic that we ponies have. That is why it is such a shame to know that these seemingly amazing creatures have such a dark and bloody history. Four years ago, we recently discovered documented archives, which we were able to translate into our own language. Much of their history depicted several years of war and death, with corpses rising in the millions. There was apparently more leading to the destruction of their race, but most of it had been lost during the translation process. Whatever happened to them must have destroyed them on a planet-wide scale because these humans were spread out amongst each other due to their sheer numbers. From the basic information on this mysterious race, their numbers reached the billions, a number so high that ponies can only imagine. Sadly, progress on discoveries of more ruins has recently grinded to a halt. Less and less ruins were found in our regions and we were not allowed to search in the kingdoms of other species. Such an action could spark a political storm for Princess Celestia and pony ambassadors in the other regions. So we are forced to work within our boundaries until we are given permission to. That may not come anytime soon with tensions rising in the dragon kingdom and a civil war just waiting to happen in the griffon homelands to the east. So far, this decade has been crazy, but worthwhile. “Postal delivery!” A chipper voice called followed by two knocks on my door. I usually don’t get such an energetic tone from a mail mare, judging by the feminine voice, but it was not at all unpleasant. While I come from a rich background in Canterlot, I am not as stuck up as them due to my time working with a variety of ponies during my research. That’s probably why I never attend the formal parties my mother and father always ask me whenever I visit them in Canterlot. Walking towards the door, I opened it to find a familiar gray Pegasus before me. I’ve come to know her as Ditzy Doo. Her eyes were not fixed in one location, which I found oddly cute with the way they swirled around everywhere but the center. In her hoof, she had a letter. The first thing I recognized was the shovel symbol engraved on the center of the front cover. That only meant one thing: A new discovery from the dig squad. I was positively ecstatic, but I kept my composure. “Here you go, Miss Crescent!” “Thank you, Ditzy.” I levitated it into my side pouch while also pulling out a few bits in return. Normally, ponies don’t have to pay extra since we already pay a bill for the delivery service, but being the head of a research team tends to leave you with quite a few bits to spare. “You know, I always feel kind of bad taking your bits, Miss Crescent…” Ditzy said, looking down as I placed the coins inside a small side pocket in her mail bag which was stuffed with letters and small boxes. “Nonsense! You need it more than I do. A pony as dedicated to your job deserves a little more pay in your day!” “Hey, that rhymed!” Ditzy giggled. “Oh, I guess it did.” I chuckled a bit in return. “Have a nice day, Miss Crescent!” “Same to you, Ditzy!” I replied as she took off back into the sky. Shutting the door behind me, I dashed back to desk and ripped open the letter, pulling out the content inside. It was from the leader of the dig team, Boulder Silver. Not so surprisingly, it was written in a not so formal manner, considering his background in the poor areas of Manehattan. A good guy, if a bet less educated than the average pony, but he had heart. Hey, Boss. It’s Silver. Just wanted to let you know we didn’t find a bunch of cogs and gears, but we found some sort of entrance. The team wanted to go in, but I told them we would wait until you got here. I’ve already hailed transport to come your way in a day, so get ready for it. Oh! And I suggest you bring something warm to wear. I’m freezing my flank off here in this cold! See you then. Rolling up the short letter, my thoughts went to previous discoveries. Over the years, we’ve only found small pieces of their technology, but never an entrance of sorts. What could be behind it? A city underneath the ground or glorious amounts of untouched records tapping into the knowledge of humanity even further? There were so many possibilities! If only the transport got here sooner! Nevertheless, I knew time was of the essence and I had to get packing now for the trip. Judging by Silver’s comment, I’ll be heading to the mountains in the north, where the weather is always cold and not just by choice either. Everything there works on its own, much like the Everfree Forest. Speaking of which, something has been bugging me about the Everfree Forest lately…like something was going to happen soon there. Didn’t that place hold the Elements of Harmony in some abandoned castle where both of the royal pony sisters used to live? I’m sure that’s bound to have some significant importance in the future or I’m just thinking up crazy ideas. Then again, I did prove that there was civilization before we came along, so I might not be. As I started packing my bags, I couldn’t help but be excited. I went into a giggling fit. Why couldn’t tomorrow come any sooner!? Hi there, I’m just trying out a new writing style. Have to say, it’s interesting and a bit tiring at the same time. But don’t you worry! I’ll have the next chapter longer by then! Just trying to get into the groove of writing again...I nearly abandoned it after putting it down after my first story. So, um, comment, like/dislike and tell me what you think. Also, if you see an obvious point me out on it. I’m a little bit derpy when it comes to seeing errors. I’ll see you all in the next chapter! …Whenever that is, ha ha.