//------------------------------//
// The Quest Begins: Seeking the Four Essences 
// Story: The Extraordinary tales of Astrospark 
// by WingLord 
//------------------------------//

After getting hit in the head by an unknown object and losing consciousness, Astrospark started Hullicinating and saw himself walking through the town of Sire's Hollow, he felt the glowing sun hitting his face and saw the ponies of the town doing their daily activities but he felt strange.

Astrospark could swear that he didn't know any of those ponies, and he knew every pony in his town even if didn't have any friends, those ponies looked uncanny and looked "fake". the Azure unicorn continued his walking through the town towards his comfy house with the feeling of uneasiness filling his mind and body.

Astrospark reached where his house was located but froze in his place, His house, which he considered a safe space, and the roof that protected him all those years was nowhere to be found. there was only grass and different types of flowers, they were beautiful but Astrospark felt a sense of panic rising within him. He searched for any sign of his house, but it was as if it had vanished into thin air.

Astrospark approached the ponies nearby in a frantic attempt to get answers. However, to his amazement, they stayed silent, their gaze fixed on him with disconcerting intensity. He asked about his house again, but they still didn't respond. 

"I know what happened to the house," an orange pegasus colt approached Astrospark, The colt's demeanor was strange with his head twitching and his wings flopping uncontrollably as he continued telling Astrospark about what happened. "well you see, there was this old unicorn researcher who lived in the house you are looking for"

"Old Unicron researcher?" Astrospark raised an eyebrow.

"yeah he lived there but died many years ago," the colt added. "he died alone with his books, and no one bothered to show up for his funeral so they buried him in the hill or something"

"But after he died, ponies just came and wrecked the house, turned it into a garden or something," the colt continued, his voice taking on a sinister tone as he spoke and became unnaturally deeper. Suddenly, his form began to warp and shift, growing larger and more monstrous before Astrospark's eyes, and he started laughing manically with a devilish laugh."THAT'S YOUR FUTURE ASTROSPARK! YOU LIVED AS AN INSIGNIFICANT PONY AND YOU WILL DIE AS ONE HAHA!!"

Astrospark's heart raced as fear coursed through his mind and soul, he struggled to comprehend the surreal scene unfolding in front of him. With a jolt, he woke up drenched in a cold sweat and he soon realized that it was just a nightmarish hallucination.

As he slowly regained consciousness, his head throbbing slightly from the impact. He blinked a few times, trying to make sense of his surroundings. As the fog lifted from his mind, he remembered the strange glowing object that had hit him in the head.

He sat up and looked around, spotting an orb a few feet away. It was still glowing softly, Astrospark cautiously approached it, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Using his magic, he levitated the orb closer to him, examining it closely. It was smooth and perfectly round, with velvet star symbols etched into its surface. As he shook it gently, trying to figure out what it was, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

"Stop shaking me, you big oaf!" the voice exclaimed, startling Astrospark so much that he dropped the orb with a yelp.

The orb floated in the air, now at eye level with Astrospark. It glowed brighter, revealing its inner contents—a swirling mass of energy that seemed to form into a face.

"I am Oracle," the voice said, the face in the orb adopting a stern expression. "I was sent here by the  powerful  Alicorn Queen to find and deliver a message to an explorer from the Astro Family."

Astrospark's eyes widened in disbelief. "A message? For me?"

"oh so you are an explorer from the Astro Family?!," Oracle replied, its voice echoing in the room. "The stars have chosen you, Blue Pony. You have been selected for a special mission."

"But I'm not," before Astrospark was able to tell Oracle the truth about him not being an actual Explorer he had second thoughts.

with Oracle assuming that he's an explorer he doesn't need to correct it plus it said that it was looking for a member of the Astro family which he was so it was half true. 

"Yes I am, I am an explorer just like all my late family members," Astrospark said with a smile, trying to hide the lie that he just said."I go to a lot of exploration missions so what makes yours special?"

"Ah, that's the fun part," Oracle said, its voice suddenly cheerful. "You are to travel to the edge of Equestria and seek out a certain Pony. This Pony holds the key to unlocking a great mystery—one that could change the course of history!"

Astrospark's mind raced with questions and doubts but he had a facade that he should keep. "this looks interesting but sadly it won't do it for me you need to give a better reason, "Astrospark was confused and needed more answers." also why the star choose me?"

Oracle chuckled, its voice filled with amusement. "Oh, but that's precisely why you were chosen! The stars see something in you, blue pony. They see bravery and determination, qualities that are needed for this quest."

Astrospark felt a mixture of excitement and fear coursing through him. The idea of embarking on an adventure was thrilling, but the thought of leaving his comfortable life behind was daunting.

"hmm you still didn't give me a good reason to risk my life so can I think about it?" he asked, still trying to wrap his head around the situation, "Also my Name is Astrospark," he added.

"Of course, of course," Oracle said its tone understanding. "Take all the time you need. But remember, the stars have spoken. They have chosen you for a reason."

With that, the orb's glow dimmed slightly, its energy subsiding. Astrospark watched as Oracle floated back into the orb, its face disappearing into the swirling mass.

Alone once again, Astrospark sat in silence, the weight of the decision heavy on his shoulders. Should he embark on this mysterious quest and live the lie that he just built, or stay in the safety of his familiar life after he tells Oracle the truth?

As he pondered his options, Oracle's voice echoed in his mind one last time. "Just remember, Astrospark...you know what i will just call you sparky-anyways Sparky, the stars have chosen you. And they never make mistakes."

And with that, the orb fell silent, leaving Astrospark alone with his thoughts. He stared at the orb for a long moment, feeling a surge of suspicion welling up inside him.

"All right," he said to himself, his voice filled with resolve. "this oracle is telling me to go on an adventure to the edge of the world just to find some pony...what if it's a prank or some sick joke at my expense? also, how did it know that I'm An Astro?"

"Hey Oracle," he called the orb, wanting to ask her about the legitimacy of the message and mission.

Oracle's voice echoed back in his mind, "Yes, Sparky? What is it?"

Astrospark hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to phrase his question to not show weakness. "Um, Oracle...You see, I'm a very busy pony. If I want to go on this mission, I'll need to make time for it and let go of all my other duties and focus on it, so you want to find this certain Pony at the edge of Equestria... can you tell me more about her? why is she important for 'the stars'?"

There was a brief pause before Oracle responded, "Ah, yes, of course. The Pony you seek is none other than Princess Andromeda."

"Princesse Andromeda?" Astrospark repeated, the name rolling off his tongue. "Who is she?"

Oracle's voice softened, "Princesse Andromeda is a beautiful cream color Alicorn, with a Sky blue mane as bright as the stars themselves. She was once a beloved member of the royal family of a distant land of Exteria, known for her kindness and joyful spirit."

Astrospark's curiosity was piqued and started thinking to himself. "woah this huge! this orb wants to go and find a princess?! But imagine if I was able to find her, screw Being Explorer I will be a hero!...and who knows maybe Princesse Andromeda will fall in love with the pony who rescued her, oh I like that!"

Oracle's tone grew serious, "Princesse Andromeda disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and her absence has left a void in the kingdom she once called home. The Princess's mother, Queen Estella, is the Queen of Exteria and a powerful Alicorn herself who controls the Stars in the sky, sent me to seek out a pony brave and resourceful enough to find her daughter."

Astrospark listened intently, his mind racing with possibilities. "So, I'm supposed to find Princesse Andromeda and bring her back?"

"Exactly," Oracle confirmed. "But be warned Sparky. The journey will not be easy. You will face many challenges and obstacles along the way but I don't think this will be hard for an experienced explorer like you"

Astrospark took a deep breath, steeling himself for the task ahead. "I see. well, you know what this mission piqued my interest and between the two of us I was hoping for a big Adventure like this, So I will accept this mission of yours and I will do whatever it takes to find Princesse Andromeda."

Oracle chuckled, its voice filled with amusement. "Well, that's the spirit, Sparky! I have faith in you."

With newfound determination, Astrospark began to gather his belongings, preparing for the journey ahead. He packed his bags with food, water, and supplies.

"oh, you sure have packed a lot of food, sparky," Oracle said teasing him

"yes since it will be a long journey it's necessary to be prepared than to starve to death" Astrospark responded.

"And what's with all those books, are you sure that those books will be necessary?" Oracle asked again

"Of course they are, it is important to keep a clear mind while going on a dangerous journey" Astrospark replied, not sure what's he talking about.

"Okay then," Oracle exclaimed."you are the expert"

after hearing these four words, Astrospark stopped packing and slowly realized what he agreed to do, he just accepted going on an adventure and risking his life.

Astrospark believed the lie that he told and actually thought that he was an actual brave adventurer. it was further from the truth and he knew it.

Astrospark felt his hooves getting heavy and he he started shaking revealing the true Astrospark. the weak and cowardly Blue unicorn who's afraid of the outside world.

"what's the matter sparky?"Oracle asked making Astrospark anxious.

Astrospark found himself between a rock and a hard place, on one hoove, he couldn't reveal himself to be a fraud and ruin the Astro Family's reputation, and also he didn't want on a journey that could end his life.

"Eh yeah! I just have to go check something first.."Astrospark said after he rushed to the bathroom.

in the bathroom Astrospark was having a panic attack, His heart raced like a supernova on the brink of explosion, each beat echoing loudly in his ears. Breathing became a struggle, each inhale feeling insufficient to fill his lungs, and each exhale coming out in short, ragged bursts. Sweat dampened his brow, trickling down his face.

"hey Astrospark," a voice called Astrospark.

he looked around but he couldn't find the source of the call," who said that?"

"It's me your Cutie mark," said the voice again.

Astrospark looked to Cutie Mark, a shining blue star who started talking with him.

"I know what you feel, you don't want to go on an adventure but you already gave your word to Oracle and you are afraid that this would ruin Astro Family's name," the Cutie Mark explained calmly.

"yeah...wait am I really talking with you or am I hallucinating again?!" Astrospark wondered.

"Not really...I mean yes I'm talking with you right now but I don't really exist, I'm just a coping mechanism that your mind created so you can process the situation," Cutie Mark answered and then added."I think that I can help you with the decision"

Astrospark was so deep into desperation that he agreed to listen to his Cutie Mark solution."Yeah...I'm listening"

"listen to me Astrospark, "Cutie Mark started, "you don't want to live your life as a nameless pony who lived in an abandoned library, right?"

Astrospark nodded and then Cutie Mark continued.

"and you also don't want to a dangerous adventure because you are too afraid for your life, right?"

Astrospark nodded again slowly and sheepishly this time.

"And you already lied to Oracle and already accepted the mission so there's no coming back now...and that's good!"

Astrospark raised an eyebrow, "what do you mean?"

"This is your chance to change your Destiny, your hallucinations were a sign for you to stop being your old self and to start a new page, a clear and better page with a new Astrospark who goes on adventures and becomes a hero and gets the Princess.."

Astrospark blushed a little after hearing the last part, he had already fallen in love with Princess Andromeda even if didn't know she existed hours ago. This was the result of never talking with a mare in his whole life and loving the first Mare who thought that he had a chance.

"Also you need to know this," Cutie Mark continued, "Look Astrospark I will not sugar coat this...if you decide to go or not to go on this journey you will die either way but you will either with your books alone and always regretting that you didn't take this chance or you will die trying to be a hero and trying to find and probably save a mare in distress, the choice is yours but just remember that you wished to be able to show ponies that you can be brave and this is your chance to honor the Astro family."

Astrospark took a deep breath trying to process what his Cutie Mark just told him.

"And now I need to go, Good luck Astrospark!" Cutie Mark said and then went silent. 

Astrospark nodded and then stood and went back to continue packing. As he finished packing, Astrospark looked out the window at the stars twinkling in the night sky. He couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and adventure stirring within him.

"All right, Oracle," Astrospark said with a grin. "I'm ready. Let's go find Princesse Andromeda!"

"Good Good, sparky!" Oracle said before it sheepishly added one little detail," To enter the strange Lands of Exteria you need to first find 'The Four Essences Of Equestria', "

"The what now?" Said Astro while raising an eyebrow.

"Okay here's the complete Oracle and where to find them," Oracle Cleared its non-existent throat and started telling him the Oracle."In the chill of the North mountains, where ice whispers secrets of ancient wisdom, the first essence awaits. Venture into the depths of the Deep Sea, where the waters hold mysteries untold, to find the second essence. Seek the fiery heart of the Volcano, where flames dance with the spirit of creation, for the third essence. Lastly, brave the Enchanted Forest, where magic weaves through every leaf and branch, to uncover the final essence. Only those with courage, wisdom, and an unwavering spirit shall gather the four essences of Equestria and open the doors of Exteria".

Astrospark's eyes widened as he listened to Oracle's instructions, "The Four Essences of Equestria...," he repeated, the words echoing in his mind.

"Yes, Sparky," Oracle confirmed, "To enter the mysterious lands of Exteria and find Princesse Andromeda, you must first gather the four essences. Each essence holds a key, and only by gathering them can you unlock the doors to Exteria."

"I knew that it wouldn't be that easy," Astrospark muttered to himself.

Astrospark took a deep breath, his mind racing with all the new information that he got, "So let's see first we have the North mountains, then the Deep Sea, then the Volcano, and finally the Enchanted Forest...that's a tall order I tell you that," he muttered, trying to commit the locations to memory.

"Exactly," Oracle replied, its voice filled with encouragement. "But do not worry Sparky. I will be with you every step of the way, guiding you and offering my wisdom."

Astrospark nodded, feeling a surge of determination coursing through him. "Alright, Oracle. I'm ready to begin this journey. Let's go find the first essence, I sure hope that you like snow because you will see a lot!"

With a determined stride, Astrospark made his way out of his cozy house and into the cold night air. The stars twinkled above, guiding his path as he set off toward the Frozen North.