//------------------------------// // RariShores // Story: The 63 files // by punisher143 //------------------------------// “Hold it steady Dash.” “I am, just hurry up.” Twilight levitated her wrench in front of her and concentrated on the pipe. Elusive had called her and Rainbow Dash to help fix a faulty steam pipe in his shop. If Twilight was right, then all she had to do was tighten this one bolt and it should be fine. “How are things going up there?” Elusive asked. “Give me a second.” Twilight turned the bolt and nearly fell back at the burst of steam from the pipe, though thankfully Rainbow caught her. A couple more quick turns later and the steam shut off and she turned it much slower. “Ok, try it now.” Elusive walked away and flipped on the switch to his sewing machine and it sprung to life. “It’s working now,” he called up and Rainbow flew down and set Twilight on the ground, “Thanks for your help dears.” “It’s no trouble Elusive, I’m always ready to help a friend,” Twilight said and lowered her purple goggles around her neck. “What are you working on anyway that needed this fixed now?” Rainbow asked. “I have a lot of dresses that I need finish, and the deadline is looming.” Elusive’s horn lit up and various tools and wraps of cloth levitated to him, “I better get to work now, so thanks for your help.” “Alright, later,” Rainbow said with a wave and opened the door to the shop, “Uh oh, Pinkie alert!” Rainbow barely managed to get out of the way when Pinkie barreled into the shop. “TWILIGHT! Twilight Twilight look!” Pinkie yelled and held out a letter to Twilight. “What is it Pinkie?” Twilight asked and took the letter with her magic. “It’s Octy and Vinyl! They wrote to us!” “What?!” Twilight read the letter out loud. Dear Pinkie Pie, I wish to let you know that Vinyl and I are able to visit in a few days. I don’t wish to make any promises but we should be there about a week after the date on this letter. I’m sure Vinyl wrote something to Twilight as well, but he always forgets to send his letters, so be a dear and show Twilight this will you? We look forward to seeing you and Twilight soon. Octavio Philharmonica, dated February 13 “The thirteenth? That was about six days ago.” Twilight looked up from the letter into Pinkie’s smiling face. “They’re coming to visit! Isn’t that incredible?!” Pinkie said. Twilight dropped the letter in shock. “When?” she asked. “I dunno, a week or so. Why?” “Oh no, that’s too soon. I haven’t cleaned up my house enough!” Twilight grabbed Pinkie shoulders, the panic evident in her eyes. “Pinkie, you have to help me!” “Ok,” Pinkie said and whisked Twilight out of the store. Rainbow blinked a couple of times and turned to Elusive, who didn’t even look away from his sewing machine. “What was that all about?” she asked. “They never told you? Pinkie and Twilight have been having a long distance relationship with those two stallions, um… Octavio and Vinyl I think they were, for a while now,” Elusive explained. “How come I never found out about this?” “You’re usually working in the higher levels, we’re lucky to see you once a week.” “You realize that my job is really important right? Maintaining the weather for a city as big as ours is not easy.” “That came out wrong,” Elusive said and walked over to Rainbow Dash. “We are all very grateful for what you do. We just wish that we could see you more.” “I know,” Rainbow said and hugged Elusive, “I’ll probably be down here for a while and I’ll let you guys know when I have to go back.” “We can have Pinkie throw a party for you then. Be careful Rainbow Dash, we really do worry about you.” “Don’t worry about me. I’ll see you later.” Dash walked out of the shop and Elusive waited a moment before returning to work. ‘I always wonder if that will be the last thing you say to me Rainbow.’ Elusive had finished his last dress for the day, more than please with how it turned out. He looked outside and saw that nighttime was starting to fall. Sweepy Belle come in at around that time and, after a light scolding from Elusive, started helping to clean the shop. They were nearly done when the door to the shop opened. “Ah, welcome to Carousel Boutique. I’m sorry but we’ll be closing in a few minutes,” Elusive said and turned to who walked in. He stopped in his tracks when he saw who the customer was. “Oh really, well I guess I’ll come in tomorrow,” the cream colored earth pony said and started to walk out. “Sapphire Shores?! W-wait a minute!” Elusive called out and rushed forward to meet her, “What are you doing here?” Elusive had first met Sapphire Shores when the latter had come to him with a dress commission. He had spent who knows how many hours and every last gem he had to make the dress and she had loved it. So much so that she had wanted more of these dresses and eventually became a very welcome client. “I was hoping to commission a couple more dresses from you, since the last line you made for me was so delightful.” “Th- that’s great!” Elusive said in joy. “I’m going to go clean my room Elusive,” Sweepy interjected. “What? Oh, of course Sweepy, I’ll be up to help in a moment.” Sweepy rolled his eyes and walked up the stairs. “Heh, little brothers. So, how may I help you this time?” “I was thinking a semi-swirled gem pattern along the side, you can decide on the exact dress. I also heard that steam tubes are coming back into style, so maybe you could make a couple with that?” The smile dropped instantly from Elusive’s face and his eyes widened in horror. “Steam tubes… on a dress?” he asked. “Yes. Is that a problem?” ‘Yes it’s a problem! Steam tubes went out of style decades ago!’ Elusive screamed in his mind, but he spoke out loud, “No, I was just making sure you were sure.” “I was only thinking of two dresses like that. When can you get the first one done?” “A few days at the most. I’ll send you a letter by pneumo when I get it done.” “That will be fine. Ooh, are these real gems?” Sapphire Shores started inspecting a couple of gems and Elusive grimaced behind her back. ‘Damn you! Damn you filly! And yet…’ Elusive’s eyes drifted Down Sapphire’s body down to her flanks, ‘And yet…’ “Ooh, these are real gems! You just can’t replicate the feel of a real emerald or ruby grown from the earth.” Sapphire Shores then picked up an emerald and started turning it over and inspecting it. ‘Oh they don’t get much more real than that,’ Elusive thought with a grin. ‘No no, I have to focus! Come on Elusive, keep it together! What did she want? It wasn’t games it was…’ Sapphire held the emerald up to the light, ‘GEMS! Of course, fermented stones! Full ripe gems need fertile soil. Of course, it’s so obvious what I must do!’ “But all I have are raisins.” “What?” “Huh, did I say something?” “Yeah, you said something about raisins.” Elusive’s eyes widened and he started stammering. “I-I uh… was just thinking about food. I’m a little hungry.” Elusive smiled widely and started sweating a little under Sapphire Shores’ gaze. “That reminds me, I haven’t had raisins for years. I have to try them again sometime.” Sapphire set the emerald down and walked past Elusive, “Well I got to get home now. I look forward to seeing what you come up with Elusive,” Sapphire Shores said and walked out of the store. “Yeah,” Elusive said and waved at her. “Why do I only act like that around you?” he whispered to himself and walked over to the gems. “I only have enough here for one dress,” he said and looked up at the clock, “I have all night to work on this. I better help Sweepy before working on this though.” Elusive nodded and walked upstairs to help his little brother. Elusive lifted up his last gem and, with perfect precision, placed it on the dress. He let out a held breath and gave it one last inspection. He nodded in satisfaction and lifted the mannequin with his magic and moved it out of the way. “Well, that’s one done. I’ll have to get more gems later, but that will have to wait.” He heard hoofsteps coming down the stairs and turned to Sweepy Belle. “Elusive? Were you up all night working again?” he asked. “Well… maybe,” Elusive answered sheepishly, “Anyway, let’s get breakfast ready for you.” Sweepy grinned widely and trotted excitedly into the kitchen. “Just don’t touch the toaster!” Sweepy trotted less excitedly after that. Elusive shook his head and smiled softly. Sweepy always tried to help him, bless his heart, but he just didn’t have well enough self control sometimes. That didn’t mean Elusive loved him any less though. So he and Sweepy started getting breakfast ready, a much trickier act than you might think due to Sweepy’s inability to understand how a toaster works. They made due however and were soon enjoying breakfast with normal toast. “So Sweepy, how are the other crusader’s doing?” Elusive asked setting down his tea cup. “Well, Applebloom is doing alright. She’s been helping around her farm. Scootaloo is… well, Scootaloo.” Elusive chuckled at that and Sweepy looked a little hurt. “What?” “Nothing, it’s nothing.” “Right, so how did that dress turn out?” “Magnificently, of course. I’ll show it to you if you don’t touch it!” Elusive actually leaned across the table to tell him that. “I won’t!” A small staring contest happened between the two brothers and Elusive sat back down. “Good. I have to say Sweepy, you did very well with these waffles.” Elusive took a bite to illustrate his point. “Thanks, I thought this recipe would work out.” “Really, and what did you use?” “Strawberries!” Elusive stared at Sweepy, then the waffles before shrugging and taking another bite. Sweepy was about to do the same but stopped halfway and gave Elusive an annoyed look. “What is it?” Elusive asked calmly. “I don’t have a crush on Scootaloo,” Sweepy said forcefully. “I never insinuated that you did.” “Come on Spike! We need to get all of this cleaned up before Vinyl gets here!” Twilight yelled as she carried a stack of books. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Spike said. Despite his confusion on the subject he still helped Twilight with cleaning. “Really? I thought I told you already. Oh whatever, take these while I clean up over here!” Twilight said and dropped the stack of books into Spike’s arms. Spike managed to keep his balance up until the front door slammed open. “Twilight, I require your assistance!” Elusive called into the building. He noticed Spike climb out of the pile of books on the floor. “Spike? When did you get back?” “H-hi Elusive. I got back yesterday,” Spike said and inspected his prosthetic right arm and flexed it a little. “That’s good, it still works. I just had this repaired too.” “Repaired? Is that what you had to do?” Elusive asked. “It was nothing big, just a tune up.” Spike would have said more, but Twilight took this moment to walk up to them. “Hi Elusive, what brings you here?” she asked. “I was hoping I could borrow Spike for a while,” Elusive answered. “Why do you need to borrow him?” Twilight asked. “For gem hunting darling. You see, Sapphire Shores has commissioned me to make some dresses for her.” “Again?” Twilight asked and Elusive nodded. “Mhmm, and I finished her first dress this morning.” “And did she like it?” Spike asked. Elusive looked back and forth between the dress he made for Sapphire Shores, which shone in the light from all the gem stones, and the pony herself who was staring wide eyed and unmoving. She had been like this for almost ten minutes and it was starting to worry Elusive, so he waved a hoof in front of her. That snapped out of her trance and looked at Elusive. “I’m sorry, you said something?” she asked. “I didn’t say anything. I take it you like the dress?” “Like it?” Sapphire turned to the dress, her eyes sparkling from it, “I love it! When can you have the rest done?” “I’ll send you a letter when they’re all done. Have you changed your mind on the steam tubes?” “No.” “Of course.” “Yes, she did. And as you can expect, I’m all out of gems for the rest of the dresses, which is why I need Spike for a while.” A thought hit Elusive and he looked nervously around the room, “Where’s Pinkie Pie?” “I’ve been on your back this whole time,” Pinkie said. Elusive turned just in time to find Pinkie hopping off his back and turned back to Twilight and Spike, who just shrugged. “Why do you need to borrow Spike? You can just go to level 16 and get your gems there.” Elusive gasped in an overly dramatic fashion. “Pinkie Pie, this is Sapphire Shores we’re talking about! She deserves nothing but the best gems to be gathered! Plus I think those Diamond Dogs are still down there and I’d much rather avoid them if possible.” “But if you’re not going to level 16, where are you going?” Twilight asked. “Oh Twilight, what’s the lowest possible point that gems can grow?” Elusive asked. Twilight, Pinkie, and Spike rubbed their chins in thought. “Level 32?” Twilight offered and Elusive shook his head. “Ooh ooh, you can take the gems from the gears! Nopony would miss them.” “Pinkie, while I appreciate the input, that’s a horrible idea. If one gear were to break, it would mean trouble for the whole city,” Elusive said in the gentlest way possible. Spike, after another second, snapped his fingers. “The surface,” he said. “That’s right Spike, good job.” Spike beamed with pride and Elusive turned to Twilight who looked at him like he was crazy. “The surface? Elusive, do you know how crazy that is?” Twilight asked. “Of course I do dear. The surface has monsters, wild ponies, and an atmosphere that will kill me if I breathe it in for too long. The risks are high, but so are the rewards. I heard there are seams of gems down there, just waiting to be discovered.” Elusive walked over and held Twilight by her shoulders, “Can you imagine it Twilight? Thousands of gems, untouched by pony hooves, all of them of the greatest quality and shine that could never be replicated by gem farms.” “Well duh, not with the kind of fertilizer their using,” Pinkie commented. Twilight, Elusive, and Spike stared at Pinkie in surprise until she said, “What, I grew up on a rock farm.” “Anyway, I need Spikes help digging up the gems. That is if it’s ok with the both of you, of course.” “I don’t know,” Twilight said and looked at Spike’s pleading face, “the fumes down there can be dangerous if you’re not prepared.” “Oh Twilight, do you really think I’d go down there without preparation? I have a mask and several spare filters ready, so with some luck it shouldn’t take more than a few hours to get all the gems.” “What about weapons?” “Ugh, garish things, I’d much rather not be associated with them.” “And let’s not forget how the fumes don’t affect me that much,” Spike added, “I don’t really need anything more than what I have now.” “But-“ “WAIT! I’m getting an idea!” Pinkie yelled and scrunched her face in thought. “I got it! Applejack said he was going to visit Braeburn down in Appleoosa soon. Maybe you can ask him to go with you?” “…That’s a really good idea Pinkie. Applejack has been down to the surface much more than any of us. He’ll probably know some safe ways to get around too.” “When is he going down?” Spike asked. “I don’t know, but I can find out,” Pinkie answered. “You do that Pinkie. Well Twilight?” Elusive asked. Twilight thought deeply for a while before sighing. “Just be safe,” she answered. “Alright, thanks Twilight!” Spike shouted and hugged Twilight’s legs. “Hold on there, you still have to help me with cleaning here,” Twilight added. “I better go finish my preparations,” Elusive said and turned to walk to the door, stopping to inspect Pinkie’s outfit. “Is that a bowtie?” “Oh yeah, Octy gave it to me. Neat huh?” “Yes, it goes really well with your dress and coat colors. This gives me an idea.” Elusive walked out mumbling clothing ideas to himself. “Any day now, can you believe it Twilight?” “I know, which is why we have to get this cleaned up!” Twilight answered and turned to another stack of books. “So, who’s Vinyl?” Spike asked. He never really got an answer that day. Octavio woke up to the familiar feeling of hooves wrapped around him. It took him a second to realize where he was, the zeppelin he and Vinyl used, and exactly who was holding him. A quick look confirmed Octavio’s suspicions and he pushed Vinyl off his bed. “Really, having a long distance fillyfriend isn’t enough for you? You have to snuggle against me as well?” Octavio asked angrily. “Huh?” Vinyl asked groggily. Octavio rolled his eyes and walked out of the room. Vinyl blinked a couple of times before getting up and following Octavio. “I need my coffee.” Elusive had breezed through his standard morning and met up with Twilight, Spike, Pinkie, and Applejack outside of Twilight’s house. They exchanged greetings and started walking to one of the zeppelin docks which was close by the elevators that Elusive had to take. “So how do ya know they’re comin’ today? Zeppelin’s are kind of hard to predict,” Applejack said to which Twilight held up a letter with magic. “Portable dragon fire lighters, perfect for sending letters on the go. We got this one a few hours ago and they said they would try to get the same dock they used last time.” Twilight gave the letter to Applejack so he could read it. “I’m just so excited!” Pinkie said bouncing more than usual, “Are you as excited as I am Twilight?” “I’m really kind of nervous,” Twilight answered, “What if he-“ “Oh Twilight, you worry too much. I’m sure it’ll be fine when he gets here,” Elusive said reassuringly. “I hope so.” “Who exactly is Vinyl?” Spike asked. Apparently no one heard him again since Pinkie gasped and zoomed over to a railing and pointed at a zeppelin. “Look it’s them! I remember that zeppelin!” Pinkie shouted. “That is their ship, they’re the only ones I know of that have an airship like that,” Twilight said and let an excited grin creep onto her face, which Pinkie shared. “Uh girls, if that is them then ya might want to hurry if ya want to meet them,” Applejack said. The two mare’s eyes opened wide and they shot off toward a dock. The two stallions and dragon blinked at the empty air for a moment. “Huh, I didn’t think Twilight could keep up with Pinkie,” Spike said. “Neither did I,” Elusive said, “We better catch up with them.” “Dock 35 is just down the road,” Applejack said and pointed a hoof, “It was dock 35, right?” “Yes, I believe so,” Elusive answered and led the way down the road. They passed by one of the many sets of gears that ran the city’s deep infrastructure along the way. “Ya know, I always wondered who built all this,” Applejack said. “Huh?” “Well, somepony had to have built this right? It wasn’t here all the time.” “I always assumed the princess’ built all the cities,” Spike said. “I guess so, it just confused me a little. Maybe ah can ask Twilight later.” Speaking of, they saw Twilight and Pinkie standing near one of the dock entrances and joined them. The old zeppelin outside was busy going through the complicated task of docking. “It’s almost here!” Pinkie said excitedly and Twilight nodded. “Hey Twilight did the princess’ build the cities?” Applejack asked. “I don’t know,” Twilight answered. “What do you mean?” “I mean it never crossed my mind.” Twilight thought for a second before saying, “I’ll ask the next time I get the chance.” “Thanks Twilight.” “Can anyone at least give me a hint as to what this Vinyl looks like?” Spike asked with annoyance finally showing through. “To my memory, Vinyl is a unicorn stallion about my age, with a white coat and a bright blue mane,” Elusive explained, “He really stands out so you’ll recognize him once you see him.” “Oh…ok.” “Whoo!” shouted a white blur that flew past the open port. “And speaking of…” Elusive added. “Was that him?” Twilight asked and tried to look over the edge from where she was. Her question was answered a minute later when the elevator doors opened and Vinyl walked out whistling a tune. “Sir, you are aware that the landing balloon is for emergencies only right?” the stallion at the checkout table asked. “Are you saying you expect me to see a giant balloon and not dive into it?” Vinyl asked. “Yes. Just set your bag down so I can go through it.” Vinyl shrugged and placed his bag on the counter. “Vinyl!” Twilight yelled and waved at the unicorn, who turned and smiled widely. “Hey Twi, I’ll be with you in a second,” he shouted back. Twilight grinned and let out a squeal of joy. “You’re really excited,” Pinkie commented and started looking around, “I wonder where Octy is.” “I’m sure he’s around here somewhere,” Elusive said, “Just be patient.” No sooner had he said that did Vinyl get his bag back and walked over to the group. “Hey Twi, how you been?” Vinyl asked and nuzzled Twilight a little. “I’m alright,” she answered with a blush, “You?” “Same.” “Where’s Octy?” Pinkie asked. “He’ll be up soon, he’s got some cargo he won’t trust anyone else with.” “Oh ok.” Pinkie turned her attention back to the elevator and Spike cleared his throat. “So you’re Vinyl?” he asked. Vinyl looked down at the dragon and blinked behind his goggles. “Uh yeah, and you are?” “Oh uh, this is Spike. He’s my number one assistant,” Twilight said and nuzzled against Spike. “Jeez Twilight, embarrass me in front of everyone why don’t you?” “Well anyway, nice to meet you dude,” Vinyl said and extended a hoof to Spike, which was slowly taken and shook. Everyone turned to the elevator when it opened and Octavio walked out with a large case on his back. “Octy!” Pinkie yelled and flung herself at Octavio. “Stop!” Octavio yelled and held a hoof out. Pinkie stopped inches away from Octavio’s hoof somehow staying in midair. The sight caused Vinyl to tilt his goggles down so he could make sure he was actually seeing that. “What the- how is she-?” Vinyl started but then sighed, “Pinkie Pie right?” “Yeah, Pinkie Pie,” Twilight answered. Vinyl rolled his eyes and replaced the goggles as Octavio took the case off his back. “Hey Vinyl, could you please hold this for me?” he asked and held out the case. “Okey dokey,” Vinyl answered, walked over to Octavio, and grabbed the case. Octavio made a ‘back away’ motion, which Vinyl complied with, before checking his hoof placement and looked at Pinkie. “Proceed,” he said and Pinkie shot forward as if she never stopped, slamming into Octavio and nuzzling against him on the ground. “Hi Octy, I missed you so much since I last saw you! Did you miss me? How much? Because I can tell you I couldn’t stop thinking about you whenever I bake a batch of your favorite cupcakes. That actually makes me wonder about how vanilla and chocolate work together so well. I mean the other day I was-“ “Does she have an off switch or a dial we can turn down?” Vinyl asked. “No, and trust me I looked,” Twilight answered. It was a second later that Twilight realized what she said and blushed wildly at Vinyl’s wide grin. “Care to elaborate?” he asked. “NO!” Vinyl let out a chuckle and pulled Twilight closer to him. “-So how long are you staying this time? I hope it’s longer than last time. I know, how about I make you some cupcakes to welcome you both back and-“ Pinkie’s rambling was stopped by Octavio’s hoof. “Pinkie, silence for a moment,” he said. Pinkie nodded and Octavio removed his hoof from her mouth and, placing his forehooves on Pinkie’s own, flipped her off of him. Nobody was really surprised when Pinkie effortlessly back flipped onto her hooves. Octavio stood up, dusted himself off, and took the case from Vinyl. “Thank you Vinyl.” “No prob.” “Well,” Elusive said drawing the attention of everybody, “you four look like you have a lot to catch up on, so can I take Spike and Applejack and leave you to it?” “What?” Applejack asked confused. “Why, where are you off to in such a hurry?” Vinyl asked. “Oh you know, business.” Elusive made a few not so subtle nods at Spike and Applejack, “Very important business.” “Yeah, but we don’t have to-“ “No excuses!” Elusive interrupted Applejack and started pushing him away from the group. “Uh, Twilight…?” Spike asked and gestured to Elusive. “It’s alright Spike, just be careful,” Twilight said. Spike nodded and ran after Elusive and Applejack. “Was that a dragon with a prosthetic arm?” Octavio asked as he and Pinkie walked up to Twilight and Vinyl. “Yeah, it was. What’s the story there?” Vinyl asked. “It’s kind of a long story, I’ll tell you later,” Twilight said and led the group through the streets, “So how long are you two staying this time?” “Well Octy is supposed to play for some big social gathering up top, so I’d guess a lot longer than last time. Those goggles look good on you by the way.” Twilight looked away blushing lightly. “Oh um, thanks.” “So what’s in the case?” Pinkie asked pointing to the case Octavio brought while still maintaining her bounce. “It’s my cello,” he answered with a hint of pride. “Can I play it?” “No.” “Oh I love seeing young love bloom,” Elusive said with a dreamy air to his voice, “It brings the kind of joy to my heart that very little else can.” “Ah think yer makin’ this too much of a big deal. How long have they been going out exactly?” Applejack asked as Spike caught up with them and tapped Elusive’s side. “Hey Elusive, can I…?” “Oh, of course darling,” Elusive said and got down so Spike could climb on his back. “Ya know, ya didn’t tell me why ya wanted to come on this little trip with me,” Applejack said and sidestepped a couple of playing foals, “Would ya mind sharing?” “Gem hunting,” Elusive answered simply. “Really, yer gonna risk yer neck down there for gems ya could get at level 16?” “No simple gems are going to do for this project.” “Sapphire Shores,” Spike added before Applejack could ask. “Oh.” “What do you mean ‘oh’?” Elusive asked, “Do you have something to say?” “Later.” The look Applejack gave left no room for argument, so they proceeded in silence past several buildings and gear sets. Spike couldn’t help but marvel at the sight even though he had seen it hundreds of times before. The same could be said for Elusive. “So what all did ya bring?” Applejack asked a couple minutes later, startling Elusive. “What? Oh, you mean for the surface?” Elusive asked, to which Applejack replied with a nod, “Well, I have a gasmask with some spare filters and this saddlebag to carry the gems.” “That’s it? Ya didn’t even bring a weapon?” “Of course not, why would I-?” “Listen Elusive, that ain’t gonna do. Every time we’ve gone down there, Nightmare Moon, escorting Bloomberg to Appleoosa, we got lucky to not run into any of the bad things down there. Ah’m not lettin’ ya go down there unless ya got something to protect yourself with.” “You can’t be serious.” “Ah’m dead serious. This ain’t a game Elusive, just take something to protect yourself. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have one.” “You’re not going to let this drop, are you?” Elusive asked to which Applejack shook his head. Elusive sighed and said, “I’d rather not.” “Too bad.” Elusive gave Applejack an annoyed look as they continued on down the street. Applejack stopped to buy a quick snack for him and Elusive, which the latter reluctantly accepted. They soon reached the center of their level which housed the main elevator for the city. The three of them walked to the doors, which opened up to show a trio of ponies coming out. “Ah howdy Vashyron, how ya doin’?” Applejack asked the older stallion. “Eh I’m fine, keeping an eye on the twerps,” he said ignoring the glares offered from the colt and mare behind him, “You?” “Just gonna escort a couple of mah friends here down to the ground before ah visit Appleoosa.” “Really?” the filly in the back asked, “lucky, I would like to see the surface at some point.” “Why? We have enough trouble up here without having to go down there,” the colt next to her said. “That’s not the point Zephyr! Haven’t you ever wondered what’s down there?” “Nope.” “That’s enough you two,” Vashyron said to the two behind him, “We have things to do remember? We’ll be around if you need us AJ, ok?” “Alright, we’ll let you know,” Applejack said and stepped aside to let the trio by. Elusive and Spike, who had remained silent for the whole exchange, looked at Applejack with a questioning look. “They’re a couple of free to hire ponies that help out around the orchard from time to time, mostly in dealing with varmints.” “Of… course…” Elusive slowly said and moved to the elevator, “Well, shall we get moving?” “Ah course.” Applejack joined the unicorn and dragon on the elevator, the doors closing behind him and lurching into a brisk crawl down as he leaned against a railing. “Now, about that weapon.” “I already told you, I am not-“ “Shut it. Ah am not letting one of my friends out in that death trap we call the surface without something to defend himself.” Applejack reached back to his saddlebag and pulled out an aged revolver along with a bandolier. “Wow, how old is that?” Spike asked in wonder. “It was my great grandpappy’s, and it still shoots as straight as when it was made,” Applejack answered and held it out to Elusive. “Uh, darling-“ “Take it, and promise me you’ll use it if you need to, or I won’t let you go further than this elevator.” Applejack’s expression left no room for argument, so Elusive looked at the pistol before grabbing it and the bandolier in his magic and putting it in his saddlebag. “If I need to, but I’d much rather prefer if I returned this with every bullet intact,” Elusive said, to which Applejack nodded. The elevator came to a stop and the doors opened so the group could walk out onto the next level. “So how many more elevators do we have to go through?” Spike asked. “About five more,” Applejack answered. “Ugh!” About an hour and one lunch later, the group had finally arrived at the final elevator. The guard for this elevator, a griffon in his mid to late years, watched them approach with wary eyes. “What can I do for you?” he asked when they approached. “We need to go down to the surface. Ah take it you wanna search our bags?” Applejack asked with as much professionalism he could muster. “I don’t get why you ponies are dumb enough to go down there. Let me see them.” Elusive levitated his bag toward the griffon while Applejack took his off to do the same. “I don’t really have any bags,” Spike said with a shrug. “Whatever,” the griffon replied and rummaged through the bags, “a gasmask for each, spare filters for each, two revolvers fitted for .45 caliber cartridges, and a bag of apple seeds?” “For my family,” Applejack answered. “Ok, are you planning on taking anything back up with you?” “I’m hoping to get some gems,” Elusive answered, “other than that, no.” “You realize you can get gems from level 16, right?” Elusive gave the griffon a cold stare, already a little sick of hearing that. “Whatever, it’s your funeral.” The griffon replaced all of the items and handed the bags back to the ponies and said, “Get in and follow all instructions given to you. Oh yeah, and may the princesses watch over you or whatever it is you say.” “Charmed.” “Much obliged,” was Applejacks response. The group didn’t waste any time entering the elevator and let out a couple of breaths once the doors closed behind them. “Ah don’t like him.” “I feel like he’s judging me on how good I’ll taste every time we talk,” Elusive said with a shudder. “Oy, are you ready?” a guard outfitted with armor and steam powered guns shouted. “Yeah, we’re good to go,” Applejack shouted back. “Alright, get your equipment ready for the trip.” The guard turned to the console next to him and started the process of starting the elevator. The sound of screeching gears filled the room and Applejack motioned to Elusive. “What is it?” Elusive asked as Applejack pulled out his gasmask. “Ah want ya to be straight with me,” Applejack said, “Why do you want to go down to the surface for gems you could easily get in safer climates?” “I have a very important client and they deserve nothing but he best.” "Yeah, ya'll said that before. No offense Elusive, but ah’m a little concerned how you’ll willingly risk yer life just to impress her.” “I don’t see the problem. After all, you’re over protective of-“ “That’s not the same! There’s being a good boyfriend, and then there’s being suicidal to get someone’s attention!” This pushed Elusive’s temper to its limits. “Is there a point to this conversation besides berating me Applejack?” he asked fixing Applejack with a glare that was returned. “Ah just don’t want one of my friends getting killed just to prove something to a mare. Ya get what ah’m saying?” “Yes Applejack, I do understand, but you don’t have to worry about me.” Elusive looked back at Spike who was busy watching the gears before continuing. “But I do know my limits. All I’ll do is get enough gems for a few dresses and then I’ll come back. So do you have any words of wisdom to impart so I can make the trip?” “Yes actually.” Applejack took off his saddlebags and searched through one until he pulled out a map and spread it in front of him and Elusive. “Every time we came down here we always avoided a couple areas. The elevator we’re on will stop once we reach the surface and continue on rails for about three kilometers or so. About half a kilometer northwest of that is an old town built before ponykind ascended to the sky.” “Is it dangerous?” “Very. So whatever ya do, steer clear of that town.” Applejack tapped the spot on the map for extra punctuation and started tapping other areas as well. “There are also a whole lot of bogs and swamps scattered around. Stay away from those as well, swamp gas will go right through your mask’s filters and eat yer mind away.” “Um , that’s alright, but how long would that take?” “After one minute, you start hallucinating; after five, you fall into a sleep that you probably won’t come out of.” “Um, that is good to know.” The elevator shook violently, which caused Applejack and Elusive to brace themselves. Spike ran back to the ponies and looked around. “Alright everyone, we’re almost to the surface,” the guard yelled out and quickly pulled out a gasmask and pulled it over his face. His voice took on a slightly muffled tone as he yelled, “Get your gear ready!” “Ya heard him,” Applejack said and he and Elusive pulled out their own masks. “Are ya going to be alright Spike?” “Of course I’ll be fine,” Spike said and gave his chest a tap with his prosthetic arm, “dragons are built to withstand the harshest environments after all.” “While I believe you Spike, pollution can still do terrible things to anyone,” Elusive said, “and I would feel much better if you had some kind of protection.” “You know, Twilight said the same thing, which is why she wouldn’t let me leave without this.” Spike gestured at the small mask that was hanging around his neck. “And I mean that literally, she would not let me leave without it. You know how Twilight can get.” “Are you guys deaf? Put on your masks!” “Alright, sorry,” Applejack yelled and slipped his mask on with Elusive and Spike doing the same with their own. “So do ya remember how to work these masks Elusive?” He asked setting his watch. “Of course I do: the filters last only ten or twenty minutes at a time, so I have to time it so I won’t run out of air,” Elusive replied setting his own watch, “It’s not my first time down there.” “Ah know, but it’s good to make sure.” The elevator shook one final time, the squeal of gears filling the room as Applejack, Elusive, and Spike turned to the large elevator doors. “Doors opening in 15 seconds!” the guard yelled and readied his guns at the door. Elusive took a step back as the doors slowly creaked open and a quick stream of smog rushed in due to the minor pressure difference. The gasmasks did its job of protecting the ponies from the toxic atmosphere. The guard walked forward and swept the area outside, the guns on his back following the turns of his head, and waved the group. “Looks clear,” he said but didn’t turn away from the outside, “it must be a slow day out there.” “Ah’d rather get moving while it’s like this,” Applejack stated and adjusted his hat, “Ah don’t really want to tangle with anything today.” Applejack walked past the guard and looked around the smoky surroundings with Elusive and Spike following closely. Suddenly some kind of crash sounded in front of him and Applejack immediately had his revolver out and pointed in the direction of the sound. The guard rushed forward and aimed at the sound as well. “Whoever’s out there, come out nice and slow!” the guard shouted. For the longest minute, the only sounds in Elusive’s ears were filtered breaths until a coughing rang out and a small silhouette stepped out. The stallion seemed young, probably not even twenty, and had obviously been through hell to get where he was. He was cut up, face bruised, and he lacked any kind of mask in the very polluted air explaining his coughing fit. He also wore ragged clothes, so bad he might as well have gone without, and Elusive would have guessed they dated back to before the towers were built. But by far the most eye catching thing about him was the bundle in his forehooves, some kind of jacket wrapped around something. “That’s far enough!” the guard shouted which startled the stallion into falling back on his haunches. “State your business!” “I…” the stallion started speaking only to give way to another coughing fit. When his breathing settled he continued, “I heard it was safe up top. The great cities of steel with no smog, only clean air for those who could make it.” Elusive tilted his head a little and tried to place his thick accent. ‘He must have come from up north,’ he finally concluded and looked at Applejack. The farmpony returned the gaze and holstered the pistol. The stallion continued his story while he struggled to breathe. “I... need to get up there.” He wrapped his forehooves around the bundle tighter and nuzzled it, “She needs it. She won’t survive down here.” He turned up to look at Elusive with the most broken eyes he’s ever seen. “She’s only a few days old.” “I understand what you’re saying, but I’m not too keen on risking the security of the city to save one child.” The guard took a step back, his eyes looking over the stallion, “How do I know you’re not some kind of anarchist?” “Does he look like somepony who will cause problems?” Elusive asked pointing a hoof at the stallion, “he’s sick and it doesn’t look like he’s barely holding together.” “Is it money you want?” the stallion asked and Elusive could see he was close to crying. “I have fifteen bits. You can have them all, they don’t matter, but please let me save her.” Now he was fully crying loudly and hugged the bundle closely. “Stop crying,” the guard said shaking his head, “I don’t want your money. Just please don’t cause trouble up there or else my boss will know it was me.” “W-what, really?!” “Yeah, just hurry up and get on the elevator before I change my mind.” The guard then experienced the last thing he thought he’d experience that day when the stallion rushed to him and gave him a hug. “Thank you! I’ll never forget what you’ve done. You’re a good pony, a good pony. Thank you.” “Get on the elevator.” The stallion squeezed the guard one last time and half walked, half stumbled into the elevator as he started coughing again. “And you three, try not to bring anymore ponies like him.” “We’ll try not to,” Applejack answered with a nod. The guard nodded and slowly backed into the elevator, sweeping the area again as the trio started walking away from the elevator. The squeal of gears shutting behind them resounded through the countryside. “Well, there’s no going back I suppose,” Elusive commented. “Eeyup. Come on, we already wasted a few minutes and our first stop is ten minutes away.” “Woah…” “Yeah, that’s what ah said the first time ah saw this,” Applejack answered Spike’s simplistic statement. Elusive didn’t say anything. How could he, with the sight before him. Applejack had led them to their first stop, the remains of an old town. ‘Remains’ was unfortunately putting it lightly, since most of the buildings still standing were sparse stone buildings with several yards worth of space in between each one. Elusive could only guess that any other buildings rotted away a long time ago. “I… don’t recall coming through here before,” Elusive finally said. “Yeah, we never had to pass through here during the Nightmare Moon incident.” Applejack took a step forward and looked around the ruined town, “Come on, there should be a camp in one of those buildings.” Elusive and Spike nodded and followed the cowpony down to the town. Elusive’s breath started to fog the lenses of his mask as he looked around the town. A two story building to his left had the remains of some mannequins in the front windows and the right building was unidentifiable. The sheer atmosphere of the area was oppressing and Elusive found himself taking deeper breaths. “How many ponies do you think lived here?” Spike asked breaking the fragile silence. “The town is fairly large, so ah’d guess there might have been a few hundred here.” “Hundreds lived here. Now it’s a ghost town. What could have happened back then?” Elusive asked. “Ah don’t know, and ah don’t want to know. Let’s hurry up and find that camp.” Elusive nodded and trotted up to Applejack. A few minutes of walking in the heavy atmosphere passed slowly and Elusive could have sworn that a shadow was following them the whole way. “Hey, is that smoke?” Spike asked and pointed at a distant smoke column. “That’s the camp. Come on, we’re almost there.” Applejack sped into a gallop and reached the camp before Elusive. “Whoa whoa whoa, don’t come in here!” he suddenly shouted back at them. Elusive skidded to a stop and caught the faintest of glimpses at what Applejack found. “What is it?” Spike asked but was stopped by Elusive. “You don’t want to know Spike.” Elusive said and backed Spike away from the door. “Oh, this poor guy must be a Stalker,” Applejack called from inside the building. “A what?” Spike asked. “A pony who comes down here willingly in order to find things: fuel, technology, anything useful. This guy must have gotten jumped while warming himself.” Elusive looked into the room and saw Applejack lean in closer to the pony and took his hat off. “Ah’m real sorry, I’ll and get your I.D. to yer family.” Elusive closed his eyes and offered his own silent prayer for the pony. When he opened his eyes he saw Applejack search the pony and take out a small metal tag. He put that in his saddlebag and went back to searching the pony before taking a few spare filters. “Is that really necessary Applejack?” Elusive asked. “He won’t be needing them.” Applejack replaced his hat and stood up, “Let’s get moving, ah don’t want to say here any longer than needed.” Elusive couldn’t help but agree, as he felt something watching him. The trio left the dying campfire, Elusive making sure Spike didn’t see the body, and soon enough they had reached the other end of the town. Elusive sighed and said, “I’m glad we’re out of there. What was in there?” “Ah don’t know, ah don’t spend too long in those towns. Anyway, this is where we have to part ways guys. Ah think the gems yer looking for is that way,” Applejack pointed behind Elusive, “Just remember what ah said about swamps.” “Yes yes, avoid swamps and remember to change the filter on my mask every twenty or so minutes. We’ll be fine Applejack.” “Well…alright.” Applejack tilted his hat at Elusive and said, “Take care you two. Ah hope to see you alive and well back up top.” “Likewise.” Applejack turned away from Elusive and Spike and started galloping into the distance. “So… wanna get going?” Spike asked. Elusive waited a moment before nodding and kneeling down. “Of course, hop on Spike.” Spike followed the instructions and soon the pair were on their way. Elusive still couldn’t shake the feeling he was being watched. “There!” Elusive pointed at a patch of ground and Spike was immediately on it, digging down into the ground. Elusive could feel his breathing growing harder, so he took one last deep breath and held it as he switched filters. When the new filter was in place, he let the breath out and breathed in the new filter, glad that it was working properly. “Wow, there’s a whole bunch of gems here!” Spike exclaimed and held up an armful of shining, multicolored gems. “Let me see,” Elusive said and looked closely at the gems. He took in every single detail, every line, even the kind of colors that the gems shined, before he smiled widely under the mask and pranced excitedly in place. “Yes yes yes, that’s exactly what I’m looking for!” Elusive lit up his horn and levitated all but one of the gems out of Spike’s arms and into his saddlebag, “You can keep that one for being such a good helper.” “Really? Thanks!” Spike held the gem up, no doubt licking his lips under the mask. Elusive laughed quietly at the dragon’s actions and cast the gem finding spell again. “These gems are perfect, but I need more. There has to be more somewhere,” he murmured to himself and started walking along. Spike ran alongside him and paused when Elusive gave a small cough. “Are you ok?” Spike asked, his voice full of worry. “Yes, I’ll be alright,” Elusive said clearing his throat, “come along, we have work to do.” Spike hesitated just a moment before running to catch up with Elusive. They repeated the process of finding gems, digging them up, inspecting, dividing, and beginning anew about half a dozen times before Elusive’s coughing became so bad he almost lost his footing. “What’s wrong?!” Spike yelled and held Elusive’s side, his eyes showing the fear he felt for the unicorn. “I don’t know,” Elusive replied and took a couple deep breaths, “I just changed my filter. Why is it so hard to breathe?” “Who are you?” Elusive’s eyes widened and he looked around for the voice. “Elusive?” Spike asked looking around too. “Why are you here?” The voice echoed around Elusive, piercing into his brain and giving him the worst headache he could imagine. “You shouldn’t be here.” “Shut up!” Elusive shouted and held the sides of his head. “What’s wrong?” Spike asked. “I can’t breathe. I have to get this mask off!” Elusive grabbed the bottom the mask and pulled it off his face in one fast motion. Immediately the air got to him, making his coughing fit and headache worse. Elusive let out a series of hacking coughs and took increasingly shallow breaths in between each one. “Stay out of swamps.” Elusive managed to look up at Applejack, staring at him without any mask on his face. “Those places can be…intoxicating.” The last word echoed through Elusive’s mind as his vision filled with blackness. Elusive’s eyes shot open and he took a deep breath. The sight of a wooden ceiling helped to calm him as he slowly sat up in his bed. “Is… this my room?” he asked himself and looked around. His bed was the same as always, with lovely crafted wood showing against the lovely drapes he had made for the bed. Elusive slid out of the bed and planted his hooves on the floor, his knees shaking a little. His eyes caught the window and he slowly walked over to it and gasped at what he saw. His bedroom window had always faced a giant gear, one of several placed throughout the tower that he lived on, but this time the gear was gone. In its place was a magnificent view of a village of sorts, bright colors replacing the dim browns he was used to. The sky was a bright blue and there were these puffy white clouds being lofted to and fro by pegasi. “W-where am I?” Elusive asked, fear and wonder taking equal measures in his voice. “The time before…” Elusive’s head pulsed and he fell back onto his haunches. “Before ruination.” Elusive clutched his head and he tried to stand up when the voice shouted much louder than it did before. “YOU CAUSED ALL THIS!” Elusive stumbled over to the bathroom door and opened it, causing a piercing scream to fill the room. When the scream faded, Elusive found himself not in his bathroom but instead in some kind of factory. He remembered taking a tour of something similar to this in his youth. However, all the machinery were still and darkness claimed most of the factory. Elusive heard faint whispering coming all around him and he galloped to the next door he could see. There was a faint light underneath the door and he opened the door. Another scream, and this time he found himself in… Sugarcube Corner? Indeed, he had found himself inside the bakery that Pinkie Pie worked at. But there was one thing different about the bakery: a chair in which a cream colored earth pony with a blue mane sitting in it. “Sapphire Shores?” Elusive asked and walked slowly to the mare. “You’re a fool, you know that?” Elusive stopped in his tracks. “Do you think your little crush on me is a secret?” Faster than Elusive could blink, Sapphire Shores stood up and landed a solid punch to his left jaw and knocked him to the ground. Elusive spat something out and felt something ice colt land on his back. “Do you have any idea who I am? Why would I ever agree to do anything with you? You can make dress after dress for me and it won’t change the fact that you’re just a simple tailor.” Sapphire rolled him onto his back and he closed his eyes to keep from seeing this… this thing. “Wake up Elusive!” “Elusive, wake up!” Elusive shot up, his flailing hooves knocking Spike off his feet, and looked around frantically as his lungs burned. His eyes fell on the discarded gasmask and put it on as fast as he could. He took two breaths before falling into a coughing fit. “Elusive, are you alright?!” Spike asked frantically and checked all over Elusive. “What…what happened?” Elusive asked. “I don’t know, you just freaked out and collapsed. I dragged you away from where we were, but I thought you were…” “Thank you Spike.” Elusive stood up shakily and looked around. He didn’t know what he experienced just then, and he hoped he wouldn’t know for the rest of his life. “Let’s go back to the city, I have enough gems for my work.” “Can you walk?” “Yes, I… I think I can. Let’s go home.” For some reason, on the way back home, Elusive didn’t get the feeling he was being watched. “Are you sure you’re going to be alright?” Sweepy asked Elusive for what seemed to be the hundredth time. Granted it’s not an unfounded question since Elusive had been breathing through an oxygen tank for the last day or so. “I’ll be fine darling,” Elusive said, “just a few more days of breathing through this and I’ll be as right as rain.” Elusive punctuated this with a deep breath and coughing fit. Sweepy, the well meaning little brother he was, was immediately at Elusive’s side pounding on his back. “Thank you Sweepy. I better get back to work now.” “Nuh uh! You’re going to stay in bed until you’re better.” Sweepy, bless his heart, always had his brother’s best interest in mind. Right now, Elusive was keen on following Sweepy’s instructions since all the most of his work was finished. “Ok Sweepy, just give me a minute.” Not a second after he said that that, they were surprised when the doorbell rang through the building. Elusive looked at Sweepy and his little brother nodded and walked to answer the door. Whoever it was seemed fairly impatient since they rang the bell a few more times before Sweepy made it to the front door. “Hello and welcome to Carousel Boutique! How can I help you?” Sweepy said in a fairly good imitation of Elusive when he opened the door. He immediately recognized the earth pony as one of Elusive’s regular customers, although Sweepy couldn’t place her name. “Um, hello, I came to check on some commissions I made a few weeks ago. Is Elusive in?” the mare asked looking around the inside of the boutique. “Well… yes he is, but he’s not feeling too well. I can ask him to see if he can see you miss…?” “Sapphire Shores.” “I thought I saw you before. Um, come in.” Sweepy backed away from the door to let Sapphire Shores in and, once the door was shut behind her, he walked over to the stairs and shouted, “Elusive, the sapphire lady wants to talk to you!” “Sapphire Shores?!” Elusive yelled back followed by a short coughing fit, “S-she can come up.” “He can see you,” Sweepy said and hopped up the stairs with Sapphire following. She couldn’t remember being up here, so she didn’t know what to expect. It certainly wasn’t expecting the state Elusive was in. “My word, what happened to you?” she asked and trotted up to Elusive. “It’s nothing, just a small accident a while ago,” Elusive reassured and coughed a couple of times. “Are you going to be ok?” “He said if he keeps breathing though that for a few days he’ll be fine,” Sweepy answered. “I’ll go make some lunch, ok?” “Thank you very much, Sweepy.” Elusive waited until Sweepy was gone and continued, “He’s a little angel isn’t he?” Another coughing fit struck him then, the sheer weight and sound caused Sapphire Shores to take a step back. “What happened?” she asked again. “I was stupid and I wasn’t paying attention to what I was doing. I breathed in the wrong thing and now I’m going to be bed ridden for the week.” “Breathed in? What activity would put you at risk for-?” “Gem collecting. The further down you go, the better the quality. My customers deserve nothing but the best.” Elusive immediately regretted saying that once he saw the recognition on Sapphire Shore’s face. “Are you saying you went to the surface just to finish those dresses of mine?” she asked. Elusive thought for a moment and nodded quietly. “I don’t know whether to be appalled at your stupidity or flattered by your tenacity.” “Either option is good for me, though it is kind of short sighted in retrospect.” Elusive took a few deep breaths through the mask and flinched slightly when Sapphire Shores walked up to him and placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Nonetheless, I would very much prefer if you don’t risk your life for me again. I doubt I could live with that on my conscious.” “You won’t have to worry, I don’t plan on doing something like that again for a long time.” Sapphire Shores nodded and gave him a small smile. She glanced at a clock and the smile dropped at the time. “Oh my, I didn’t realize how late it was. I apologize, but I should get going.” Elusive nodded as Sapphire Shores started walking to the door. “Oh, one last thing!” Elusive called stopping Sapphire Shores at the door. “Yes?” Elusive had to keep himself from getting lost in her eyes and chose his next words carefully. “I don’t think I can finish the steam pipe dress you wanted. All the pipes I have are too bulky.” It wasn’t what he wanted to say, but it seemed to work since Sapphire smiled at him. “I’m sure you’ll improvise. I’ll be by again next week.” Sapphire Shores waved at Elusive and trotted down the stairs. Elusive sighed inwardly and took a few more breaths from the mask. He heard small hoofsteps from Sweepy as he joined his brother. “You didn’t tell her, did you?” he asked. Elusive shook his head and stared outside his window, the familiar gears going along their daily chores, whatever they were. “Confessing to a crush of yours isn’t easy Sweepy,” Elusive said. “Hopefully you won’t be having as much trouble as I’m having.” “I don’t have a crush on Scootaloo!” “I never said you did.” Elusive glanced at Sweepy and laughed at his little brother’s face. “Come along, let’s go make lunch.”