Overcoming his shock, it wasn't long before Discord regained his composure and managed to muffle Spikes panicked outcries with his paw.
"Is that the traditional way to greet people withing the dragon culture?" The voice was inquisitive and seemed genuine, that or the creature was very bad at sarcasm, "Is he alright?" pointing at Spike he continued, "Do you mind if I light up? We're never going to get anything done in this darkness." The figure slowly reached around his waist into to belt drawing a large jagged stone from within one of many pouches that lined his waist causing Discord to growl apprehensively, "Honestly you come into my office and then try to intimidate me? Look it's just a light." Cupping the crystal in his paws the figure brought it to his face, blowing on the stone softly bringing it to life illuminating the enclave as he rolled it across the floor with a soft white-blue hue, enough to see but not startle.
In the new light Discord eyed the intruder with caution, clearly he was a diamond dog for sure but peculiarly he was a slim build contrasting with the normal buff figure the dogs needed to work the forges of Sirius. He stood taller than a stallion but seemed hunched in his shoulders giving him the appearance of a runt among his peers, a greasy grey coat covered him entirely bar two patches of mustard brown tufts of fur puffing out on his chest and head. Bottomless the dog wore a well-used brown bomber jacket the collar yellowed by time, matched by a tool belt heavily weighed down by its numerous contents that threatened to spill out across the stone floor at a moments notice, but what stood out most was the goggles that adorned his forehead, they were mostly made of dull metal plates mish-mashed together but with many intricate details adorning the device which all appeared to have different complicated purposes all of which were set around two eerie green crystal lenses, clearly a hi-tech piece of equipment.
"Who are you? What do you want?" Discord asked assertively still trying to calm Spike down.
"Would you believe me if I said I only came for some of my old notes? This was one of my old haunts you know," the dog replied pacing around the pair, "No, I didn't think so, as for my name Heppi at your service, first engineer to the council of Sirius or at least I was, but never mind that I'm more interested in you, there I was minding my own business when I detected a strange disturbance in the magical flux, at first I thought it was a sensor error but then an identical perturbation popped up and then again and again, then it was a simple matter of triangulating your position, I would of got to you faster but I was, shall we say delayed."
"Okay," said Discord shaking his head in disbelief, "Well I thought I was being stealthy."
"Unfortunately your magic lights up like a hearths warming eve tree to my mechanical systems, not entirely sure why but I digress, pray do tell what business does the prince of Equestria have within the tunnels of the dogs hmm?" Quizzed Heppi stepping closer to the pair, "Yes, I do know who Spike the dragon is, it's hard to be incognito when you've got such a high profile; however I don't think I have ever met one of your kind, you are certainly a unique creature."
"You have no idea," Discord quipped.
"Luna!" Spike belted out as Discord's paw slipped.
"Luna? haven't heard that name in a while," Heppi's eyes went wide, pondering scratching his chin, "Hmm, well I suggest we soothe him before he wakes up the entire city, then get somewhere to lay low, that or be captured personally I'm gonna go for the former"
"Wake the city? Wait, captured? Let me guess me and Spike here have had the great fortune to run into the local vigilante guessing by your interesting attire?" Accused Discord sarcastically.
"Don't think I've been called a vigilante before," Heppi mused turning to leave the way he came, "But if that works for you I guess I can go with that, oh did I mention on your way in here you tripped quite a few alarms? Yeah, we should get going soon, I did jam the signals, but that won't last forever you know."
"What! how come I couldn't sense them?"
"Magic, mechanics, magic, machines, they don't really mix," Heppi replied looking at his wrist where a device had started flashing, "That being said I'm sure as a being of your interesting magic signature can sense the commotion that has just started within the city walls, I'd give us about five minutes before they close in on us."
"You're remarkably calm for being hunted down like a wild dog, you done this before?" Discord raised an eyebrow at Heppi.
"Hey I take offence to that," Heppi chuckled, "Nearly on a daily basis, just not normally with guests."
"And I should trust you because? You have no reason to help us," Discord asked coldly.
"Oh I have my reasons, besides doesn't look like you have much choice, once they discover that I've been here they will lock you up for treason at best, sorry about that." Heppi jibed lowering his goggles. "Besides I have a much more fun route planned then a slow march in shackles."
"Oh great, that instills me with confidence, although I can relate to the fun part" Discord answered, "But what are we going do about Spike? poor guy is in shock."
"Almost forgot! Leave that to me," Heppi slowly approached Spike and lowered himself down to eye level, "This will take but a moment."
"You hurt him and I will hurt you," Discord threatened sternly rising up to his full height and releasing his grip on Spike.
"Duly noted," Heppi stared deeply into Spike's lizard eyes and Spike locking onto the goggles stared back instantly silencing him, "How intriguing," Heppi mumbled slowly reaching at his goggles running a digit across its surface until a small audible "Click"was heard, instantly Spike fell back out cold.
"You didn't have to do that," Discord huffed disapprovingly, catching Spike as he fell.
"Debatable, now pick him up and follow me," picking up the light crystal Heppi jumped over the edge of the enclave sliding down the ropes he had use to climb up.
"And I thought I was eccentric, I'm getting old."Discord thought to himself throwing a mumbling Spike over his shoulders, "Hang in there Spike were going for a run."
Looking over the edge it was a long way down, unable to climb down Heppi's ropes Discord opted to expend some of his magic to slow his fall, engulfing both himself and Spike in a purple glow Discord jumped. The stale air rushed past them as they fell passing Heppi halfway down as he could only look on, quickly the ground got larger as they approached and at the last moment Discord applied the breaks, glowing brightly the pair shuddered as Discord's magic took hold squishing Discord's face to the top of the bubble quickly followed by the rest of him, soon the pair were stationary and with a pop they both fell the last few inches safely to the ground.
"Neat trick you've got there, very majestic," Heppi laughed approaching the pile that was Discord and Spike, "I think I will stick to abseiling."
"Ughh," Discord moaned in discomfort, straightening out his neck, "I miss having my full powers, the sooner the world is fixed the better."
"The world? The world is to far broken to be fixed, why do you think the dogs are underground in these dreary tunnels?" Heppi questioned checking Spike was okay slung over Discord's back.
"Halt! Curfew hours are in effect! You have violated the law!" A group of uniformed dogs appeared from middle passage brandishing spears, their leader addressing Heppi and Discord.
"And that's our cue to go," Heppi grabbed Discord's paw dragging him straight towards the waiting guards.
"Heppi! don't we want to go the other way?" Discord shouted worryingly.
"Trust me" Heppi yelled in return.
"I'm not sure i want to!"
"Cover your eyes, and on my mark jump!" Was the last thing Discord heard as a blinding light dazed them all, "JUMP!"
Gripping tightly to Heppi and Spike, Discord did exactly that. Opening his eyes again Discord saw that they had passed straight over the patrol of guards still flailing around shouting all sorts of curses some that Discord had never heard in his many years.
"Not just good for soft glows ay?" Heppi cackled hysterically, tossing the empty carcass of the crystal light to Discord, "Can't believe they fell for that one, again."
"I like you, you're good in a bind," Discord complemented as they carried on running through the caves towards the city following the ever brightening flows of magic.
After rounding many corners, the pair soon came to the city boundaries. Thick black steel doors barred the entrance, the doors fixed tightly to cobbled walls rising to imposing ramparts that sat just below the height of the cave top, there was a smog of smoke and brimstone filled the air threating to suffocate those who lingered for too long. Crouching behind a pair of boulders setting Spike down carefully the pair planned their next move.
"The doors are controlled from that station there," Heppi pointed to a small hatch halfway up the wall, sealed shut, "In a few minuets they will change the guard that is window of opportunity, question is how do we open the gate?"
"No fancy gadget on your belt for this one then?" Discord questioned mockingly.
"Well I wasn't planning on having guests of your, generous size," Heppi jested in return only to see Discord sauntering up to the gate, "What are you doing? Stop!"
Discord placed both his paw and talon on the cavern walls carefully feeling the soft indentations tracing them, learning them. Taking a deep breath, focusing hard Discord began projecting himself among the ley-lines of magic that flowed deep withing the cave walls. Stunned Heppi could only look on as multitudes of colours erupted from Discord's grip cascading towards the city. Flowing through walls, Discord's consciousness wove round the walls piercing the city boundaries. Silently he searched for the door mechanism, but luckily for them the door was fairly simple and with a few clicks Discord was in. Releasing his hold Discord let his conscious flow back to his body, coming out of his trance he found Heppi's muzzle moving but unable to make words.
"Pfft, magic and machines aye?" Discord teased picking up Spike "Shall we?"
"B, B, But, but that was incredible! I have only seen one other creature interact with the magic flow like that," Heppi said stumbling over his own words, "Your not bad in a bind yourself!"
"Who else!" Discord demanded glaring at Heppi uncharacteristically serious.
"What?"
"Who else can control the magic flow?" Discord demanded again.
"The forge master, Hephaestus the one that lead us down here and the one who banished me." Heppi whispered softly looking at his feet.
"Good he is still alive then, I need some words with him."
Marching towards the gate Discord was stopped by Heppi yanking at his tail, "You cannot simply speak to him, he doesn't listen anymore, doesn't hold council, doesn't allow passage to the surface, he even went as far to seal the sky-trench locking us down here to suffocate in our smoke, a dark presence has infected the city and with the bolts drawn is now locked inside with us, if you want to treat with Hephaestus you will need a plan, you must bide your time! Come with me while your friend comes around we will figure something out." Listening to Heppi's words Discord could help but feel Heppi was hiding something, from his tale you would come to have distaste for Hephaestus or at the very least sorrow, but in his voice Heppi showed shame.
"Okay, you win,"Discord continued "We best get under cover before someone notices us."
"Then follow me." Heppi gestured as they hurried along.
Silently Heppi lead the way through the ajar gates and round the backstreets and slums of the dog kingdom, everywhere they trod there was poverty and suffering without even the right for fresh air the dogs would surely perish. It was a harrowing sight enough to dampen anyponies spirits, eventually Heppi had led them to a dead end bordered by shacks on one side and the great caverns walls on the other. Without a sound Heppi placed his wrist device into a small indent within the walls, a soft hum filled the air followed by groaning as walls parted to reveal a small passageway to which they entered.
Grabbing another crystal from his belt bag Heppi lit up the passage as the doors banged shut behind them, the air was still stale but at least it lacked the acrid smoky hue they had just left behind.
"Almost there," reassured Heppi sensing Discord unease, "Then we can all relax and see to Spike."
True to his word soon they were met with a hatch, sealed with a thick door that one might expect to find on one of Equestria's finest seafaring vessels. Using the device on his wrist the door unbolted for Heppi and the pair entered the small cavern beyond, but this one was not like the others they had traversed before, large ebony beams trimmed with gold framed the walls instead of stone, with chunks of metal riveted where it appeared some sort of intense fire had occurred. Many strange contraptions lined the walls each appearing to be powered by a crystal glowing dully, it was messy and well used, but homely none the less, at least compared to the cave floor and the slums they had just spent time in.
"Clear the junk off the couch and place him there," Heppi directed Discord.
"That's a couch?" questioned Discord, "Do you live here?"
"Yes and yes this is where I live and where I work, it's organised chaos, helps me think!" Stated Heppi, "It isn't much, but its home, it has everything I need and to that effect I suggest you don't touch any of the gadgets I've got lying around, some of them are, volatile, don't want to be making any new messes."
"I can relate to that," Discord chortled placing Spike down to rest.
A soft hum emanated from where Heppi was sitting at what can only be presumed to be his desk, "I was right, they got past my hacking by the time I got to you, good thing I showed up when I did!" Heppi declared while gazing at his screen, "Holly, activate the lock down."
"Lock down engaged," A modulated voice rang out as large clunks and clanks could be heard as bolts were draw shut, "Heppi it will interest you to know, I have detected a two-hundred and thirteen percent increase in oxygen consumption suggesting you did not return alone, should I activate the sanitation protocol?"
"That wont be needed Holly," Heppi replied, "They are my guests."
"As you wish, however I regret to inform you the increase in oxygen consumption will have a detrimental effect on the internal air filters which are all ready past their recommended service date," the computerized voice acknowledged, "I cannot recommend and extended duration for your guests."
"Sigh, there is always something isn't there holly?" Huffed Heppi unsurprised.
"You programmed me to report on any and all hazards that arise throughout the city, as you require oxygen to survive the capacity of the air filters was deemed worthy of your attention."
"Are you giving me lip?" Questioned Heppi raising an eyebrow
"I consist of only electromagnetic waves, I am incapable of giving lip."
"Yes yes alright," Heppi deadpanned, "Okay Holly, feed an acceptable portion of the cities air into here and be done with it."
"Unfortunately two more of the cities air filters failed during the night causing carbon-dioxide, carbon-monoxide and sulphates safety limits to be exceeded, my moral parameters do not allow me to compromise the majority safety, I cannot comply."
"Great just great, well that as going to be fun to fix tomorrow," groaned Heppi, throwing his arms up in defeat, "Sorry Discord the air might get a little coarse."
"Holly?" Discord probed.
"Hey I've been alone for a long time, I'd would of gone mad without her for company," Heppi defended.
"I have detected imbalances in your dopamine and serotonin levels Heppi suggesting..." Holly interjected
"That's enough from you!" Heppi yelled cutting of the computer mid-sentence.
"Uh-huh? Well in any case, thank you for saving us back there, We appreciate it," Discord admitted waving over Spike "It is rare thing that I need bailing out."
"Well, couldn't just leave you there now could I?"
"There was a moment where I thought you might," Discord jested, "What about Spike can you wake him?"
"I'm afraid it's best if he sleeps this one off himself, what made him so distressed?" asked Heppi.
"I'm not sure, but if it is what I think it is, it's either good news or really bad news, I hope for everyone's sake its good, by the way back in the enclave, you said you had your reasons for saving us? What is it you wanted?"
"Things have changed, you mentioned Hephaestus that changes a lot," Heppi yawned the last words, "Well it's been a long night, I'm going to get some rest, you will be safe here, for now, I'd watch over him till he wakes then we will get some answers."
"Aren't you afraid we will do a runner?" Discord questioned.
"Same reason why I know you won't harm me, where would you go? Your cover wouldn't last two minutes on he outside without me, oh and don't think I'm holding you against your will, somehow I doubt I could contain you if I tried," Heppi said cautiously giving Discord a strange look up and down through his goggles, "Night, or day or whatever, like who knows anymore?" With that Heppi left the main room of the cavern leaving Discord sitting beside Spike alone with his thoughts and Spikes mumbling.
"What is it that you found? What spooked you? Come on Spike I need answers." Discord mumbled to Spike, all Discord got that day before his own eyelids closed were different moans and groans but hidden within were two clear-cut words, Luna and griffins.