Fallout Equestria: The Seekers of Truth

by McMesser

Chapter 3: Featherjoy and the Library of the Hallowed

“Gahh, this doesn’t make any sense!” shouted out Artifact as she slammed her face down into the book, resting upon the table in the busy cafeteria of the Stable deep beneath the town of Arlington.

“Now Arty, it can’t be that bad. I’m sure you’ll find something soon.” replied Iron Sight as he placed two trays of food down on the table, sliding one in front of the mare.

“That’s the problem, nothing in this book makes sense. It tells of the tribe burying the four alicorns, which we know about having talked to them. But then it talks about six other ponies being the ‘Hallowed’ ones or something and another location. A ‘Library of The Hallowed’ if I’m even translating all of this correctly, but it doesn’t hint at or say anything about where it is.” mumbled the mare as she poked at her food.

“Well, I think you’ve been working too hard on this. You need to take a break or you’ll burn yourself out.” said Professor Osmosis as he started his lunch. "You remember what happened last time.."

“Wait, you said hallowed?, That's like holy or something right, could these others have been like Featherjoy?” said Sights as he munched away at his food. “Hallowed could be the same as this blessing that she got. Maybe like in the tomb only one of them can find out where this library is? She did open up the wall to where you got the book.” he said, shoveling another mouth full of food into his mouth.

“Yes, that’s it! Featherjoy might be able to activate something within the book, the tomb was covered in old magic after all, maybe the book is as well!” said the mare as she bolted up from the table. “Sights you’re a genius, it’s not true what the other academics say about you!” she said as she hugged her brother from across the table before running off. “I’ve got to find those two, I’ll see you later.”

“Ahh, ermm. Glad to help?” said Sights as he looked towards the quickly disappearing form of his sister. “Wait, what does she mean ‘It’s not true what others say about me?” he said looking towards the Professor who just smiled back.

“Ermm.. I ermm, I’ve no idea.. Bread roll?” he chuckled back to his friend as he offered him some of Artifact’s forgotten food.

“So, you want me to take a look at this book?” said the small gryphon as she jumped up onto the table in the office of Researcher Artifact as she and Finishing Touch entered the room. The once cluttered table in the middle of the office was now clear, showing off the map underneath, sat in the middle of the table rested the book found within the Tomb of the Alicorns a few short day's ago.

“Yes, I think that like in the tomb there may be some kind of magic that can reveal more about the ancient tribe. You see,” said Artifact as she moved towards the book, flipping through the pages. “It mentions several other ponies being called the hallowed and some kind of library. But it never say anything really about them or where this place is. We think that the hallowed might have got a similar blessing that you’ve got. So, I hope that you’ll be able to reveal something. Because, we’ll I’m kinda stuck.” she said as she looked at the gryphon as the Smooze, Finishing Touch, moved up behind her.

“Well, let me take a look.” said Featherjoy as she looked up at her friend, Finishing Touch, who smiled back down at the young gryphon as she moved over to the book. Placing her claw upon it, she carefully perused the pages. As she flipped through the book, green writing started to flash up along a few of the pages, the magic within the book writing a secret message that only the blessed gryphon could see.

“Oh wow. Look at this. More writing’s appearing, just like in the temple.” said Featherjoy as she pointed to the newly appeared writing on the page.

“What, new writing? I can’t see anything..” said Artifact as she looked over the gryphon. “Can you see anything Touch?” as she looked towards the smooze.

“No, nothing. Must be something to do with the Blessing like you thought Artifact.” Said Touch as he looked between his friend Featherjoy and the researcher.

“Oh, right. Well it talks about some kind of.. library I guess? It say’s ‘The newly Hallowed shall light the way back to the knowledge of truth and what’s to come’.” Featherjoy said as she ran her claw over the page, as she turned the page a bright green wave of light flowed out of the book, flowing over the whole room, covering the walls and tables.

“Oh, wow. I definitely saw that. Now, what did it... Ohhh, that’s interesting.” said Researcher Artifact as she looked at the map upon her table.

The wave of light that spread over the room now settled over the table in the middle of the room. Hovering just above the table rested a magical portrayal of a map of ancient Equestria. Several markers blinked on the virtual map.

“A map? It’s not quite right, of course this will be thousands of years old. I know, lets do this shall we..” said Artifact as she lined up the map on the table with the new map, floating just above the table. “Well, that icon there must be Rebirth Mountain.” she said as she pointed towards a symbol of a phoenix “We’ve got the mountains to the north, what was the gryphon empire... If we match them up, we can estimate the other locations..” finished the mare as she stepped back from the table once the icons lined up.

“But which one’s the library?” asked Featherjoy as she walked closer to the map. “We’ve got so many icons.”

“See what the book says, it may give more information on what these icons mean.” said Finishing Touch as he gazed at the new map that lit the room.

Nodding to the smooze Featherjoy once again flicked through the book, her eyes dancing along with the ancient words written upon its pages as the magic buried within the book flared to life once more bringing with it hidden text for the Blessed gryphon.

“Oh, here we go ‘Once the Hallowed lights the way, the journey back shall become clear, the water shall welcome her return’. Well that doesn’t help very much and what’s this ‘water’ it suddenly mentions?” said the small gryphon as she placed a claw upon the page. Once the claw touched the paper of the book a green bolt of light streaked out of the book, striking the magical map and bringing with it a new icon. An open book with a sword resting down its middle.

“Ohh or it could be just what we were after. Now, looking at it’s location from Rebirth Mountain and this mark here, which I think is where there main town was.” said Artifact as she pointed to another symbol to the south of Arlington. “So, that would put it about four to five days journey west of us, looks like its near what was an underground reservoir, that’ll be the water it mentioned in the story.” said the mare as she pressed a few buttons on the PipBuck attached to her leg, entering the map coordinates of the library.

“Well, now we know of our destination we should see about planning another expedition. This one’s a lot farther away than the mountain was.” said Finishing Touch as he leaned on the table, staring at the map. A worried look upon his face as he thought and feared about what new secrets will be uncovered about him, the world that was and what dangers awaited him and his friends.

“Don’t worry Finishing, we’ll be ready for the journey and what we’ll find this time.” said Artifact as she walked up to the smooze, placing a reassuring hoof on his shoulder as she saw the worry that consumed him.

Several days had passed since the location of the Library of the Hallowed had been discovered by Featherjoy and the others, the ancient book revealing no other secrets that it may contain.

“So, we all ready to go?” asked Artifact as she looked upon the small group that gathered around her and a small cart containing all their equipment.

Jumping up to the shoulders of her friend Finishing Touch, the small gryphon Featherjoy nodded in excitement to the mare “Yeah, I think we’re all set. You ready Iron?” she asked as the dark grey stallion walked up to them with Professor Osmosis just behind him.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this again. How did you convince me again Arty?” asked Iron Sights as he smiled at his sister.

“Wasn’t me this time, you’ve got Featherjoy to blame.” chuckled Artifact “All your determination useless against sad gryphon eyes” as she remembered the young gryphon becoming rather upset when Sights refused to go this time, needless to say the look that she gave him soon made him rethink his refusal.

“Oh yeah, that was it... That look shouldn't be allowed.” said Sights as he smiled at Featherjoy as she chuckled and smiled back at the stallion.

“Right, well I think we have everything we need. Shall we.. “ Professor Osmosis started to say as he was interrupted by a shout from behind the group. as a small group of young colts came running around from behind a building.

“‘Ay, Feathers!” called the colt, Urchin, at the head of the small band of friends “We heard you lot was off out again. Where’s ya goin?” he asked as he skidded to a stop.

“You!” shouted Professor Osmosis as he turned to see the new arrivals “you’re the one who keeps sneaking into my lab and making a mess of things! I’ve lost days of work due to you and your friends!”

“Ohh, ermm hey Professor. We err, just thought we may be able to ‘elp you is in all, in your ermm research?” said Urchin as he attempted to avoid the gaze of Osmosis.

“No harm done Professor, just sounds like they were bored.” said Artifact as she moved up to Osmosis, smiling at Urchin “Ain’t that right?”

“Yeah, didn’t mean to ‘cause no trouble Professor!” replied Urchin as he moved up to the carts, looking at what was inside.

“Hmm, fine. Just don’t sneak in again, okay?" said Osmosis as he watched the colt.

“Okay, you’re the boss! Where you guys off to anyway? Wow, Feathers. What happened to you, you got some funky new hair style or summit?” called Urchin as he looked up at Featherjoy, staring at the new feathers atop her head.

“Oh these? Ermm well we don’t properly know yet, but err. well four old alicorns used some kinda magic on me and I got these, we’re hoping to find out something new, that’s why were heading out again..” said the gryphon as she scratched the back of her head from atop her friend.

“Well, sounds like you’ve had quite the adventure. We’ll, when you know more, let us all know. We’ve missed ya, ain’t we guys?” called out Urchin as he started to walk back to the small group he arrived with as they called out in agreement.

“Okay, I’ll see you around Urchin.” called out the gryphon as she waved at the small group before they ran off back towards the town.

“Shall we get going then? It’s a long walk to this library of yours Featherjoy.” said Osmosis as he started to hitch himself up to the cart, smiling at the sound of laughter and the sight of his two closest friends readying themselves for yet another adventure in the Equestrian Wasteland.

Several days had passed as the group journeyed to the reservoir and the supposed location of the Library of the Hallowed. The end of their uneventful journey found them setting up camp just outside of a cave entrance that lead deep into the earth.

“Well, looks like we’re here. This is the location that the spell pointed to.” said Artifact as she looked at the PipBuck on her leg.

“Right, well lets stay here tonight. We can go in tomorrow when it’s light. Lets get set up.” said Iron Sights as he moved up next to his sister as they both looked out towards the cove entrance.

“What do you think we’ll find this time Iron?” Asked the mare, concern and worry creeping into her voice as she glanced at her brother.

“Well, hopefully answers for our little feathered friend over their. But whatever we find in this place we’ll find it together.” replied Iron Sights.

“I guess, but after last time in the tomb... we nearly didn’t make it out.” mumbled Artifact.

“Arty, don’t worry. Everything will be fine. I’ll always be here to protect you.” said Sights as he placed an arm over his sister. “I’ll never let anything really bad happen to you or any of our friends, you know that right?”

“Yeah, yeah. I know” replied Artifact as she rested her head against her brother. “Lets head back to the others, we can look at this properly tomorrow.”

Turning back toward the others the two ponies made their way back to the camp, unaware that from deep within the entrance to the cave the eyes of a being long forgotten to time watched and waited for them to enter her Library and to find out the truth that they think they seek.

The next day dawned like any other over the Equestrian wasteland, bringing with it hope and worry to the explorers of the Seekers of Truth. As the light of the sun flowed over the camp, allowing the small band of friends to begin their adventure into unknown and ancient territory, some were not quite ready to face the dangers of the unknown.

“Five more minutes mom.” mumbled the voice of Iron Sights as he rolled over again in the cot, attempting to ignore the shouts from outside to little effect.

“Come on Sights! You need to get up already! Aren’t you excited to find out what we’ll find?” said Featherjoy as she fluttered around the entrance to his tent, only to hear a mumbled shout and shoring from the tent.

“You won’t get him up, only one thing ever gets him up this early. An luckily for you, I just happened to have brought some with me” said Artifact as she moved a pan over the small camp fire. Removing a small plastic tub from her bag she placed several strips of meat on the pan as it started to sizzle.

“Is that what I think it is?” Asked Professor Osmosis as he moved over to the camp fire as he levitated a small pack of oats next to himself, enjoying his own basic breakfast. “Where the heck did you get Radigator meat from? We’ve not been anywhere near a vendor that sold that stuff in weeks?”

“Radigator? Oh, yes I’ve read about them. Large reptiles that live near water, not very friendly to ponies if I remember correctly.” said Finishing Touch as me watched the pair from the other side of the camp.

“Yup not the nicest of things you can meet in the Wasteland but if you can get the things down, well you get Radigator bacon. An if I know my brother...” she started to say as she looked over to the tent that contained her slumbering brother. A strange grumbling noise emerged from the tent as it started to shake from movement within.

“Aww, is that?” called out Iron Sights as he poked his head out of his tent “Radigator bacon!” Running out of the tent to the campfire next to his sister he snatched the plate from her hooves as she offered it to him, devouring the food on the plate.

“Works every time.” said the mare with a small smile upon her face. “Anyone else want some?” as she started to place more food on the pan. After enjoying a full breakfast and getting all their equipment ready The Seekers of Truth prepared themselves for whatever awaited them deep within reservoir and the Library of the Hallowed that lay within.

“Well, what do we have this time?” said Researcher Artifact as she moved over to the entrance to the cave with the others behind her. “Last time, the entrance to the tomb was covered in ancient writing..” mumbled the mare as she moved her hoof over the caves entrance.

“Anything this time Artifact?” Asked Finishing Touch as he moved up next to the mare with Featherjoy once again resting on his shoulders.

“No, nothing. I thought there would’ve been something” replied the mare, glancing at the others.

“Anything Featherjoy?” the smooze asked as he looked at the young gryphon on his shoulders.

“Ermm, no. Nothing.” said the gryphon as she jumped down from the shoulders of her friend and walked towards the cave. “At least nothing yet.”

“Well, looks like we’ll have to do this the good old fashioned way.” called Professor Osmosis as he walked forwards peering inside the cave. “Well shall we?” said the stallion as he lit up his horn, bringing light to the darkness of the cave.

Walking down the passageway, now dimly lit by an assortment of small torches, PipBucks and the magical light spell fromthe Professor’s horn, the Seekers of Truth journeyed deep down into the earth, the way leading them to an end. A large round door covered in writings from a time long lost awaited them.

Researcher Artifact rushed up ahead of the group to the door that barred their path, swiping her front hooves over the surface as she quickly looked over the door. “Oh wow. Ohh this is interesting! We’ve not seen anything like this before..” mumbled the mare to herself.

“What does it say?” asked Osmosis as he walked up next to the mare, bringing more light to the door.

“Well, for one. It’s not all in ancient Equestrian. Some of it seems to be written in ancient Gryphish, used by the Gryphon empire around this time.” said Artifact as she gazed upon the stone door.

“Gryphish? But why would that language be written here?” questioned the smooze as he moved forward, Featherjoy perched upon his shoulders.

“Well, I don’t rightly know right now and I must say my Gryphish isn’t that up to snuff. But it starts off in a different language, Old Equestrian; ‘The Library of the Hallowed will enlighten all, for within they await the last who shall lead the way home’” said Artifact as she read aloud to the others.

“But this is where it starts to get odd, I can only make out certain words. Here we have the Gryphish word for ‘Young or Offspring.’” she said pointing to the door. “Here we’ve got the words ‘Protector’, ‘Knowledge’ and what I think is ‘Everlasting or Eternal’?” said the researcher as she pointed to several symbols on the door.

“Well ain’t that something? Anything about how to open the darn thing?” called out Iron sight from the back of the group.

“I’m sorry Iron, but these kinda things don’t just have a big button to press that says ‘Open’. So you’ll just have to wait.” Shouted Artifact as she looked back at her brother.

“Wait a second” said Featherjoy as she jumped down from the shoulders of her friend walking up to the door, the sounds of Artifact and Iron Sights arguing in the background filled the passageway,

“What is it Featherjoy?” asked Finishing touch as he moved after his friend.

“I’m not sure, something just feels strange about this bit.” said Featherjoy as she looked upon the door. As she approached the door another bright flash of light flared from the feathers atop her head, illuminating the passageway as the light settled around the edge of the door.

“What was... ?” asked Professor Osmosis as a loud rumbling noise started to fill the passageway, followed by the sound of falling water, the door rolling to the side and a waterfall taking it’s place. After a few seconds the waterfall started to part in the middle, revealing a grand chamber of the Library of the Hallowed, an ancient room long forgotten to time and filled with shelves upon shelves of books carved into the stone of the earth.

“Just like the book said ‘Once the Hallowed lights the way, the journey back shall become clear, the water shall welcome her return’” mumbled Artifact to herself as she looked into the newly opened chamber.

“Oh, oh wow.” mumbled Featherjoy as she and the others started to walk into the library, looking as slowly torches around the room flared to life, bringing with them more and more shelves. “Look at them all Touch. This place... It’s huge.”

“That it is Featherjoy” replied the smooze as he looked around the room, now fully lit by the torches.

“Oh my, Professor we’re gonna need a bigger cart” mumbled Iron Sights.

“I think you might be right my friend” said Professor Osmosis.

“So, so many books. I’m.. I’m.. I’m. How am I gonna be able to read through all of these!” called out Artifact as she and the rest of the Seekers moved deeper into the chamber, walking past rows upon rows of books and old tables as the eyes of the being of old gazed upon the new arrivals to her library.

“Well, don’t worry my dear. I’ll send a message back to the Vice-Chancellor back home at Canterbridge. I’m sure she’ll send some people down to catalogue all these books.” said Professor Osmosis as he looked towards Artifact as she nodded.

As the group ventured deeper and deeper into the ancient library a blue glow emanated from the back of the chamber, bringing with it the sound of flowing water. Resting upon a pedestal surrounded by water being fed by a small waterfall rested a single book .

“Oh, wow. What’s this?” asked Featherjoy as she fluttered over to the pedestal, latching onto the side to look upon the old red faced book.

“Please be careful Featherjoy.” said the smooze, Finishing Touch following up behind the small gryphon as she moved to open the book.

“Don’t worry Touch, It’ll be...” started Featherjoy as she reached to open the book, a brilliant bright blinding flash of light came from the book filling the entire room.

“Ahh, son of a!” cried out Iron Sights as he lowered his hoof from his eyes, only to be greeted by the sight of a empty pedestal. No sign of the gryphon cub to be seen.

“Featherjoy!” called out Finishing Touch as he dashed up to the pedestal where his friend once was.

“Touch, Professor...!” called out Featherjoy as she looked around, surrounded by nothing but a white empty expanse. “Anyone? Artifact? Iron... Please” she called out once again, fear starting to creep into her voice as she started to realise that she was all alone.

“Do not fear young one. You’re safe here.” came a voice out of a almost blinding light, as a blue earth pony mare with a long white mane and tail walked out of the light towards Featherjoy. A sense of calm came with her, soothing the terrified young gryphon.

“Who.. Who are you? Where am I?” asked Featherjoy as she looked up at the new arrival to the blank white room.

“I’m Lexicon, known as The Librarian. One of the Six Hallowed of the Crail and as to where you are? We’ll you’ve not gone anywhere.” Said the mare as she started to walk around Featherjoy.

“Wait you’re one of the six Blessed? You’re just like me, what does this blessing mean.. and what do you mean I’ve not gone anywhere!?” said Featherjoy, looking confused at The Librarian.

“Blessed? Yes, I guess you could’ve called the six of us that. We all tried to make the world a better place, all but one of us anyway...” said The Librarian as she looked down, deep in thought for a second before looking back at the gryphon. “Ahem, anyway. As for you my dear, well your blessing is an interesting one. Yours is linked to another, one we once called our enemy. I feared for this day and hoped it would never come to pass, for it meant the return of The Shadow. But as was foretold by the Four, a creature of wing and talon came to temper the heart of The Shadow and stop his ascent to evil.” continued the mare.

“Finishing Touch, he’s not like that shadow. He’s our friend!” called out Featherjoy as she glared at the mare as she continued to walk around the gryphon.

“So it would seem, but for how long? That will depend on you, for you’ve been granted the blessing of eternal life, Featherjoy The Eternal.” said The Librarian as she bowed down in front of the gryphon.

“What... Eternal life? That’s what my blessing is...” replied the gryphon as she fell backwards in shock of the news.

“An aspect yes, but more so it will be protecting the world from The Shadow. For you have the potential to save it, to make it into a world of your liking or to rule it as your own. It’s up to you which comes to pass.” the mare said standing in front of the gryphon.

“How do you know what’s going to happen? You can’t possibly predict the future.” mumbled Featherjoy as she looked up at The Librarian.

“I’ve seen much, many of the prophecies have come to pass. For they told of the seventh blessed being of talon and wing, the return of The Shadow and how she would temper the creatures heart.” she said as she walked away from the gryphon. “Many possible futures, but none are certain and always changing. For you, three are constantly merging and changing. Not one is set.”

A green light flared, changing the white room to a small town in the midst of chaos. Many ponies ran around screaming in terror as the sounds of battle ranged forth.

“This is the focal point where they change, for the choices made here will change the course of your history for better or for worse for the world.” said The Librarian

“What, where are we?” said Featherjoy as she walked up to the mare.

“The name of this town is not known to me, the details are never accurate. But what is important is the choices you make. For what is known is that this town is doomed to fall to a enemy unknown to us, familiar to a time long lost. ” said the mare as the chaos of battle flowed over the town.

“Three versions are known. A valiant defence and a fall to darkness and hatred, for the loss of others is a heavy burden. You take it upon yourself to change the world to how you see fit. Removing the evil from the world but becoming one yourself.” said the Librarian as the town fell to ruin around them, a dark smooze surging forward to cover the area. Overhead, a large gryphon hovered, hatred and rage heavy on her face, the colourful feathers atop her head a discordant note of brightness against her filthy frame.

“That’s.. No it can’t be. I’d never do anything like this!” cried out Featherjoy as she stared at The Librarian.

“But the peace you bring after is a long one. No one would dare challenge you or The Shadow at your side, the world would know peace. Isn’t it a small price to pay to be ruler of a world that knows only peace?” asked the mare as she looked down at the gryphon.

“I..I don’t know” replied Featherjoy

“This is just one possible version of the future. Here is another where you take a different path. A sacrifice made, one lost to protect the world from it’s horrible power. A future where many can feel safe and learn of the past, strengthening them to live in their uncertain future, free of the ancient evil that threatened them.” said The Librarian as the town changed into a large old style building teaming with ponies running in and out. In front of a large window stood the same gryphon as before, but this time where hatred and rage had marred her face, now sadness and tears lingered. Next to her was nothing, an empty space where her friend once stood.

“Why are you showing these to me?” cried the gryphon “I just want to go home, back to my friends!”

“There is just one more possible future you must see, one not filled with strife or struggle for you. But filled with a short life, one full of love and the sorrow of loss. For when the final day dawns, a friend must make a choice that could doom the world to darkness and war once again” said The Librarian as once again the scene around them changed. A small open casket, it’s sole occupant a old gryphon with blue tipped feathers. But at the back a smooze stood silent , a struggle with grief for a creature who lost his last friend began.

“I could take away your gift, remove the blessing and allow you to live a mortal life” said the mare as she looked upon the gryphon once again.

“So, you’re saying you can remove my blessing. But what would become of Touch when I... No, i need to be with him. I won’t allow any of your futures to be, I was told by a dear friend that you make your own destiny, no one knows what’s going to happen tomorrow. It’s down to you and you alone.” said Featherjoy as she turned to look at the mare who’d shown her her own possible futures, her face defiant and stern.

“A bold statement, one many have made in the past but few have changed what I see. You know of what will happen if you fall to darkness yourself, or give into fear. I just hope you make the correct choice.” said The Librarian, standing in front of the gryphon with two of her future selves.

“You’ll know what to do in the future, I trust you to make the correct choice.” one of the gryphons snarled, her face still warped in a rictus of anger.

“Don’t forget the consequences of your actions.” said the other gryphon, her face still sad.

“I’ll return you to your friends now, they’ve been quite worried about you” the Librarian said. Her horn flared, and a blinding white light took Featherjoy away.

“Featherjoy.... Featherjoy, where are you!” shouted Finishing Touch as he and the others ran over to the pedestal where their friend was just a few seconds ago.

“What the heck... Where’d she go?” asked Iron Sights as he looked around for the small gryphon.

“This.. This doesn’t make any sense, I know we’ve seen magic in these kinds of places before. But nothing to this extent.” said Artifact as she walked up to the pedestal, placing her hoof upon it to no effect. “Hmm, as I thought.”

“Professor, what’s going on? Where’s Featherjoy, she could be in danger, all alone. We need to find her!” called out the smooze, panic clearly taking over as he started to worry about his lost friend.

“Don’t worry Touch, I’m sure wherever she is, she’ll be fine. All these things with her blessing and being able to manipulate the magic in here to some extent makes me think she won’t be harmed” said Professor Osmosis as he walked up to the smooze “You need to calm down, getting all worked up isn’t going to help us, now let’s see what we can find out. Anything in the book, Artifact?” he asked as he turned from the smooze heading towards the mare as she started to flick through the ancient book.

“Ermm not much. It’s names the six blessed of the tribe who led them to greatness, but nothing that hints to where Featherjoy went” she said as once again a blinding light filled the room, revealing the forms of Featherjoy, The Librarian and the two future gryphons.

“Featherjoy!” called out Finishing touch as he ran towards her.

“Touch!” yelled the gryphon as she too ran towards the smooze, jumping up to embrace him in a hug “I’m safe, I’m okay.” she said only to be greeted to the sound of a few sniffles from the smooze as he hugged her tight.

“I’m sorry Featherjoy, I’m sorry. I couldn't protect you again” he said as he leant back from the hug to look her in the eyes.

“What? It wasn’t your fault, anyway I’m the one who told Star I’d protect and help you remember?” she replied with a smile on her face.

“Ermm, sorry to interrupt. But who are these three and why do two of them look like Featherjoy?” asked Iron Sight as he looked at the new arrivals.

“Oh, yes. Well I suppose introductions are in order. I’m The Librarian. And for these two, well They are Feartherjoy, at least a potential version.” said The Librarian

“It’s good to see you all again, it’s been so long since I saw you all.” said one of the Featherjoy’s, the anger that once covered her face falling at the sight of her long lost friends.

“Yes, it’s been so long. Professor you look so young and Artifact, Iron Sights it’s good to see you.” said the other gryphon as she smiled at the others.

“Wait, you’re The Librarian? One of the six blessed?” said Artifact as she flicked through the book.

“I was the last, but now the seventh has been found and knows her place in the world. She will guide you along the path forward, where remains to be seen.” said the Librarian. “But she is yours and you are hers” said The Librarian. “But for now, we must leave. Hope we don’t need to meet again Shadow.” Said the mare as she stared at Touch.

“Remember Featherjoy, live the life you want. Not the life you feel you must.” said the two gryphons in eerie mimicry, as for a final time a blinding flash of light filled that room, leaving behind nothing but the five friends.

“I will.” said Featherjoy as she leant against her friends neck. As once again a bright flash of light filled the chamber, blinding everyone, Once the light faded the the mare and the two gryphon’s had gone.

“So, what was all that about Feathers?” asked Professor Osmosis as he looked toward the sight of Featherjoy and Finishing Touch.

“Well, The Librarian, she told me a lot. She told me about my blessing and about the future. I’m apparently the last of the seven they were looking for for when the this ‘Shadow’ they keep talking of returned.” Said Featherjoy. “She called me The Eternal, saying that I’m going to live a very long time, that my life was linked to yours Touch. I’m not quite sure what she means..”

“Wait, wait wait! I’m sure I’ve seen something about that somewhere in this book.” Artifact called as she started to flick through the book that once more rested on the pedestal. “Ahh, here we are. ‘Once The Eternal is found, she will calm the return of The Shadow. Turning him to light or dark, for she is the one to guide and teach this world and shape it, for it be for peace or war.’” Finished the mare as she looked back at the others.

“So, you’re saying that me and Featherjoy have been destined to meet by some old book?” said Finishing Touch as he looked at the small gryphon on his shoulder.

“It might be, but I feel that doesn’t change anything.” Professor Osmosis said walking up to the two, placing a arm on his shoulder. “Finishing, you may be some creature from the stars that was once used to nearly destroy the world. But you’re not now and never will be again because you have a friend and guide in Featherjoy here. And you, Featherjoy have been blessed, but this blessing doesn’t define you. Only you can shape who or what you become and like Finishing Touch, he’s also your guide and teacher.” the stallion smiled at the two.

“Yeah, you’re right Professor” said Featherjoy as she jumped from the shoulders of Touch hugging the Professor as she landed.

“Well, it’s getting late and there's no way we can get all this stuff back to the town on our own, for now I’ve got this little font of knowledge to go through.” said Researcher Artifact as she held up the new red covered book. “So, lets head back and get word to the University. See if we can get a team back here for all this stuff.” she said as the others nodded, moving back towards the entrance to the underground library.

“So, where did you actually go Feathers?” Asked Iron Sights.

“Well, according to The Librarian I didn’t go anywhere.” said Featherjoy, fluttering around the group.

“But, you definitely disappeared. In a bright flash of light and everything, we couldn’t see anything. I still can’t really” mumbled the stallion, waving a hoof in front of his face feigning temporary blindness.

“Grow up Sights, you’ll be fine.” giggled Artifact along with the others, giving him a slight bump on the back of the head.

Several days later, back safely in the Stable hidden deep beneath the town of Arlington, the town standing once again defiantly against all the horrors the Wasteland could throw.

The Seekers of Truth once again gathered, this time in the office of Researcher Artifact to learn what secrets had been revealed by the book. “Right, I’ve had chance to go over the book and learn all I can” said Artifact as she took a look around her small office, placing the book on the table surrounded by Featherjoy and the others. “It’s told me a lot about the other blessed. All six of them were listed in here.” patting the book resting on the table.

"The first it tells of is called ‘The Valkyrie’. Told to be a mare who led the tribes warrior’s in defence of the tribe. Say’s that she was ‘granted the wings of the gods’, so she could’ve just been a pegasus or maybe the blessing actually changed her.” said the Researcher as she opened up the book, pointing to the first entry.

“A warrior general of sorts? Did the tribe really have that many enemies?” asked Iron Sights as he leant on the table, staring at the book.

“Well, it doesn’t say much. Just talks of a few battles with the Gryphon Empire as it attempted to expand and a few small skirmishes with the other local tribes. I’m sure we’ll find out more when we get into the Library properly and get a chance to look at all the books.” replied Artifact, glancing up at her brother.

“The next blessed it tells of is The Librarian, who we already know about, at least a little bit anyway. The book doesn’t really tell much, just that she had ‘The gift to see the ripples that life casts in the waters of life’.” said Artifact as she once again read from the book.

“Yeah, she said she could see the future and that it was always changing. But, I don’t want the futures she told me of to come true." said Featherjoy as she remembered the two possible futures she’d been shown. Of what she could become and how she would change the world.

“As you’ve told me Featherjoy. Only you can shape your own future, no one else. So don’t dwell on whatever The Librarian showed you. Live the life you want, not the one you feel you must.” said Finishing Touch, echoing the words of the gryphon's from the possible futures shown to Featherjoy.

“For the third blessed listed in the book it doesn’t tell much. Tells of a stallion called The Wayfarer, who was meant to protect the tribe from the outside but that’s about it. Doesn’t say how or if he had anything... Special about him.” The mare said, turning the page in the book

“Well, if by the sound of things he was separate from the tribe, they wouldn’t know much to put in the book. Or that’s what I’d guess anyway.” Professor Osmosis said as he walked up to the table, leaning on it.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought. We may find out more later, I hope. Would be a shame if we didn’t find anything.” said Artifact. “The fourth blessed was listed as The Hierophant, a stallion who was the head of the religious group of the tribe. Now this guy was interesting. He was the closest to the four alicorns, the only one to really see them and acted as their voice.” the mare said as she picked up the book , starting to walk around the table.

“One passage in the book says ‘The Hierophant was of the ponies, leading them along the path of the immortals to be reborn amongst the tribe, passing judgement upon the departed, lighting the path to the Gates of the Immortals.’ We already knew the tribe believed in being reborn or at least some kind of afterlife. But this takes it to a whole new level.” Artifact said as she looked up at the others gathered around the table.

“So, they believed they’d be reborn? Reborn as what, another pony?” asked Iron Sight.

“Not quite sure, from some of the books we’ve gotten a couple of different beliefs. One side said that the righteous would return as the phoenixes at Rebirth Mountain. Another sect believe that they came back as part of the earth itself, as the plants and trees. Very interesting stuff. A part of me wants to think it’s all a load of rubbish, but with what we’ve seen over the last few weeks... Who knows.” Artifact said.

“The last few days have certainly been interesting, at this point it’s safe to say that anything’s really possible.” said Finishing Touch.

“Yeah, that’s for certain. Ain’t that right Feather’s? Or should I say ‘The Eternal’?” mocked Sight’s as he stared at Featherjoy, a smile creeping to the corners of his mouth.

“Ermm, yeah. I guess so.” replied Featherjoy as she looked sheepishly down at her claws, attempting to avoid eye contact with the others.

“Hey, ‘Joy I didn’t mean anything by it.” said Iron Sight’s as he placed a hoof on the shoulder of the young gryphon.

“I.. I know Sights. I just, I’m not sure what to think on this whole eternal life thing.” she said as she looked back up, look at each of her friends in turn.

“Don’t worry Featherjoy. We’ll just do what we can and take each day as it comes, it’s all we can do in this world and I’ll be with you every step of the way.” Said Finishing Touch, smiling at his young friend.

“But what happens. What happens when you all...” Said Featherjoy as she once again looked around the table at all her friends gathered around the table, tears starting to well up in her eye’s.

“Oh Featherjoy!” called out the Professor as he picked her up from the table, embracing her in a big hug. “Don’t you worry about that. We’re not going anywhere for a long, long time.” he said as he hugged her tight, tears starting to flow down both of their faces as well as the others gathered.

After a few minutes, the two left each others embrace to the sight of their friends smiling faces. “I know Professor, I’ll try my best.” mumbled the gryphon

“That’s my little girl, keep that beak up and you’ll be fine. We’re with you every step of the way. Now, where were we?” said the Professor as he smiled down at the young gryphon, the worry of the future leaving her face for the while.

“Right, the next entry refers to another stallion called The Archon. Like The Hierophant this guy was one of the leaders of the tribe. He was meant to be the head of tribe as a whole, the entry say’s ‘Blessed with the strength of the earth but burdened with the struggles of all, The Archon will lead us all through the curse of the Shadow and into the light of the new dawn’.” said Artifact, wiping the tears from her eyes.

“So the four alicorns didn’t run the tribe itself?” asked Finishing Touch as he picked up Featherjoy, resting her on his shoulders. “If they spoke through The Hierophant and The Archon and the other’s ran the tribe, what did they do?”

“Well, we know the tribe worshipped them as god’s, or at least god like. But as to what they did, they seemed to be more of a set of figure heads than actual leaders of the tribe.” said Researcher Artifact.

“For the final Blessed it takes a darker turn compared to the rest.” said Artifact, looking at Finishing Touch. “He seemed to have a link to The Shadow.”

“What? What did he have to do with me?” said Touch

“Well, he was known by a few names. He was known to be a bit of an outcast from the rest of the tribe, referenced as ‘The Deceiver’, ‘The Puppeteer’ but the name that’s mentioned the most is ‘The Fallen Hallowed’. The book tells of him adventuring north when The Shadow first arrived. The book says ‘The Fallen Hallowed once one of us, controlled our darkest enemy. Using The Shadow to corrupt all that he dared claim for his own, plunging our world into darkness’.” Artifact said as she read aloud from the book to the others.

“Controlled? You mean that someone could use me to their own ends and I not be able to stop them?” worried Finishing Touch, the idea that one day his actions might not be his own troubling his mind.

“We don’t know Touch, but at a guess from what this book talks about the stone that you supposedly came from has some kind of magic in it. You said before that there was nothing in the museum where the others found you?” the mare said as she looked into the eye’s of her friend, clearly troubled by the recent news.

“No, we didn’t find anything at the museum when we went back. But this news is something we may need to look into further, I don’t like the idea that someone could simply control my friend and force him to act against his will.” said Professor Osmosis.

“Maybe Truth Seeker will know something? He hasn’t spoken much about his plan, it may’ve had something to do with this.” Iron Sight’s suggested.

“Yes, I’ll ask him in the morning. Don’t worry Touch, well get to the end of this, I assure you.” Osmosis said, placing a hoof on the shoulder of the smooze.

“I remember The Librarian mentioned something. She was talking about the six of them, that they all tried to make the world better, but she said one of them didn’t. You think this was this guy?” suggested Featherjoy

“Could be, as the only one that acted out against the tribe it certainly sounds like him.” replied Artifact.

“Hey, you guys hear that?” said Featherjoy as the muffled sounds of arguing filtered into the room from one of the air vents.

“What” Osmosis started to question as the air vent above the table collapsed, the four small occupants fell to the table below with a thud.

“Aww, I told ‘ya not ta move so much! Now look what ya did!” argued one of the new occupants of the office. Untangling himself from his friends Urchin looked up at the others around the table “Oh, err hello again Professor... Ermm how was ya trip?”

“What did I tell you about sneaking into places you weren't meant to?” asked Osmosis as he stared at the small pile of colts, the rest untangling themselves from their black coated leader.

“Yeah, I know. But we heard about Feathers comin’ to this little meetin. An we was worried about her, we ain’t seen much of her in ages. I.. We just wanted to know if she was alright.” the young colt said, avoiding the piercing glare from Osmosis

“The information we were discussing was private, ever think you weren’t meant to know?” Osmosis said.

“How much did you hear?” asked Researcher Artifact.

“Ermm. Not much, just about some old guys and some shadow. I couldn’t hear much ‘cause of this lot,. ” Urchin said, gesturing back at his small band of friends. “I didn’t mean to be dropping no eaves Professor, but what I did hear was Featherjoy getting a tad upset over something about some eternal stuff. You okay Feathers?” Asked Urchin as he looked up at Featherjoy.

“Ermm yeah. I’m okay now. I’ll tell you about it later.” said Featherjoy.

“How about we leave it for today? We’ve got a lot of information to go over Professor, especially when we get more of the books back from the Library. And Sights, I need a vent fixed” Artifact said as she looked at her brother.

“Fine, I’ll take a look at it. But you four are gonna help me, don’t think you’re getting out of this so easily.” Iron Sights said, looking down at the young colts.

“Aww, come on. We didn’t mean to break it!” one of the young colts complained.

“Whether you meant to or not, you broke the air vent. That means you get to help me fix it, don’t make me have to hunt you down later.” said Sight’s, pointing at the young colts. “For now, get outta here. I’ll come find you later”

“Okay, Mr Sights. We’ll see you later. You comin Feathers? We’re gonna go have some fun.” asked Urchin as he and his friends started to jump down from the table.

“Go ahead Featherjoy, go have some fun. We’ll talk about all this later.” Finishing Touch said as he looked at the gryphon.

“Thanks Touch!” said Featherjoy, jumping down from her friends shoulders and landing next to Urchin, “I’ll see you all later!” she called out before jumping down from the table, running after the others.

“It’s good to see her happy and making friends with others. Even if all they do is get into trouble. Right, I’m going to go and send of that letter to the Vice-Chancellor back at Canterbridge. See if we can get any help.” said Osmosis as he walked towards the door followed by Sights.

“Alright, Professor. I’m gonna go grab something to eat. You wanna come Touch?” asked Artifact as she too moved to leave the room.

“No thank you Artifact. I have some things I need to... Think over” Touch said as Artifact nodded and headed off to get something to eat.

Being left alone in the room Touch working over the new information he’d learnt. Was it possible that someone could simply force him to do things against his will, what if someone managed to gain control of him like this Falled Hallowed did? But what worried him the most was Featherjoy. She was scared of the fact that one day, she could outlive all her friends and be left alone, just with himself for company and a future uncertain filled with potential darkness and danger.

And 3rd chapter down, really enjoying this writing melarkey. Thanks to WirePony and volrathxp for editing and pre-reading for me, making this into something that is actually legible.