The sun was starting to rise in the calm town of Ponyville. Ponies were starting their morning routine, opening shops, preparing to work getting ready for the day. Some business ponies were at the train station, waiting for their ride to Canterlot and other towns and cities to arrive. However, that morning, something was different at the station.
And that something was that the train was late.
Some ponies were looking at their watches, grumbling about getting late to their jobs or important reunions at other cities. Others were finding it strange that the train was late, knowing very well that the Friendship Express was always on time.
Thirty minutes later, they saw the smoke cloud from the locomotive at the distance. After another two minutes, the front of the train was finally in sight, coming fast towards the station. Another full minute and the Friendship Express was finally coming to a stop at Ponyville Station, opening its doors to allow its passengers to disembark.
The ponies outside waited patiently for whoever was coming out in order to embark orderly. But they never expected what came out from the middle wagon when the door opened.
A bipedal creature came out of the door, stretching itself in relief as a few cracks were heard from his back. The creature had a short black mane on its head, and was wearing all black (black long sleeved shirt, black jeans, black sneakers) from head to toe. Together with all of that, he was wearing a light armor over his clothes, consisting of a pair of armplates, legplates and a breastplate that protected his heart and a small portion of his back.
“Hnngh… aaah.” He sighed after stretching. “Nothing like a good nights’ sleep after work.” He looked at the frozen ponies staring at him. “Good morning, everypony. Sorry about the delay on the train’ schedule, but the driver insisted on having one of my treatments due to back pains. Who was I to refuse somepony in need?” he got off the train, pulling a large satchel from inside. A loud jingle gave everypony its contents. “Oh, this?” he spoke to no-one. “Just tips from my work. I always leave my patients satisfied to the point of them paying me a little more than asked. And who am I to refuse their generosity?” he put the satchel over his back. “Aside from that, there are still some ponies who’re disembarking here. But they’re still fast asleep.”
“Ah, don’t worry about it!” a grey coated stallion called from the locomotive, before the train whistle was heard. “Ponyville, everypony! Those who wish to disembark, get your rumps off your seat or you’ll miss your stop!” he yelled towards the train cars.
Suddenly, a loud commotion was heard from inside the wagons, until the doors opened. Several ponies jumped out, some of them carrying small luggage, others pulling several while walking past them with a smile on their faces. All of them passed the creature, thanking him for an incredible job.
“Well, that’s that.” He said, turning towards the locomotive. “Thanks, Whistle!”
“Considering the treatment you gave me, it’s nothing!” the stallion replied with a smile. “Is there any chance of you opening a shop? I’d like to bring my family next time!”
The creature grinned. “Who knows? But rest assured, when that happens, you just have to follow the line of costumers!”
The driver of the Friendship Express let out a belly laugh. “I’ll keep an eye on it!”
“Now get moving! Aren’t you a little late on schedule?” he called with a wry grin.
Whistle’s smile disappeared as he looked at the watch of the station. “By the princesses, you’re right! Everypony onboard now!” he called, pulling the train whistle.
Everypony that was staring in confusion at the conversation were suddenly snapped into reality by the train whistle. The creature just stepped aside in order to allow the small mob to rush into the train without trampling him. When the last one entered, the doors closed and the train departed without further delay, leaving the creature looking at it.
***
Mike’s P.O.V.
Ponies 101 – how to avoid a panic situation
If ponies are stunned staring at you, talk out loud to them as if it was the most natural thing to do. If their looks are focused on something else, explain what they’re looking at.
Yeah, I kinda learned a few rules when introducing myself to other races that have never saw something like me. Especially after two millennia as an isolated statue.
I raised the huge satchel full of gems and bits, passing its strap over my shoulder, and calmly walked out of Ponyville Station, stopping at the entrance to admire the town.
“So I’m finally inside the shows’ timeline.” I muttered, observing Ponyville now fully awakened.
Here and there, several ponies could be seen trotting along, some in pairs talking with each other cheerfully, others alone running errands from one store to another or buying supplies.
I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. “Alright then. It’s showtime.”
I raised my right foot and exited the station, stopping five feet after the entrance.
Now do you all know how rabbits, mice or other animals react when they feel a strange presence or the presence of a predator hunting them? They freeze in place, trying to locate the source until locking eyes with their natural predator.
And currently, that’s what’s happening with me right now.
From the active Ponyville, it seemed that someone had hit the pause button as soon everypony locked their eyes with me. A tumbleweed went by, as I kept myself extremely still, looking back at everypony with a neutral face.
I started walking slowly, after two full minutes that seemed like an hour, only moving my eyes to observe my surroundings. Considering their current state, anything more than a sneeze will start a stampede. And that’s the last thing I need right now.
…Please don’t let it be something here that’ll make me sneeze.
I continued walking, feeling several stares directed at me, observing me carefully. Darn it, the extreme self-control I’m having just to not start running. Stares like these always put me on edge, and without my powers to provide me some protection, I’m relying on instinct. And I’m quite out of practice in that department.
I quietly walked until I reached the center of the town, where market stalls were opening. By that time, every single pony in Ponyville had already got their eyes locked on my figure. I stopped right in front of Town Hall, turned around and took a deep breath, making them flinch.
“Yes, you’re right, I’m not a pony.” I started speaking, loud enough to be heard by everypony but not enough to scare them. “No, I’m not a Minotaur and no, I’m not a demon from Tartarus. I’m a completely different species that probably went extinct here or never existed, I don’t know.” Which was part true, I had some time to search. “I just came here to retrieve something and buy some supplies. Aside from that, I’m completely harmless unless physically attacked.” I then looked at them, annoyed. “So is there any questions you would like to ask, or could you continue your usual routine instead of staring and deciding if you want to go on a panic stampede or not?”
Everypony blinked at my sudden announcement and question, then a good part of them blushed at what I was inquiring. A few seconds later, everypony trotted away, some of them a little faster, embarrassed for what I was saying.
“Two thousand years, and the same routine never dies.” I muttered, turning around. “Now… yes?” I asked towards a mint green unicorn mare standing in front of me, looking at me from head to toe with eager eyes.
“Are you by any chance… a human?” she asked, eagerness in her voice.
I blinked. Wait a second… mint green, slightly obsessed… if my hunch is correct… oh boy.
“Yyyyeeeesssss?” I answered slowly, keeping a step back. Of all ponies, it was just my luck to have run with Lyra.
The reaction was instant. She jumped in joy, tackling me. “I knew it!” she yelled, giving me a bear hug. “I knew it I knew I knew iiiiit!!!!”
“Knew… what?” I managed to wheeze from the hug. Where is this mare getting all her strength?
“I knew they were real! Everypony said I was crazy, that there’s no such things as humans, but they are real! They exist!!!” she looked at me, my face and her muzzle barely touching, as her eyes gleamed. “And you’re the living proof.” She whispered.
A cold shiver ran through my spine. “Glad to prove your point.” I spoke up. “But unfortunately, I rather lay low for a while, so if you don’t mind…” I started squirming through her hug.
“Aaww, but why do you want to leave?” she asked, her hug tightening even more. “You just arrived here in Ponyville. Don’t you want a guide tour?” she offered with a toothy smile.
I stared at her for a few moments in silence, my head running through some memories about this pony. Not much in the original show, if I remember correctly, but other sources proved her behavior quite on the mark.
“Mmaayybbee next time. I kinda am in a hurry, so if you excuse me…” I tried to squirm free again, but to no avail. Her hug kept me well constricted.
“Pretty please?” she begged me, giving me a puppy eye look together with her wide smile. Dang it Lyra, you just won’t accept a no for an answer, do you?
“Tell you what: right now I have some stuff, very important stuff that I have to do right now. But when I’m done, I promise you a private interview, anything you ask except anything involving private.” I said, hoping to get free.
“Pinkie Promise?”
“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye, and I would do the motions if you weren’t crushing me with that hug of yours!” I finished hurriedly as her hug got even tighter with the Pinkie Promise.
Lyra let me go, allowing me to take a few deep breaths. “I’ll be waiting~!” she said as she pranced away, leaving me there catching my breath.
“They weren’t kidding about her obsession with humans, that’s for sure.” I muttered to myself as I finally recovered from the hug. I adjusted my satchel and calmly walked towards the market.
Although the years passed by, everything remained almost the same. Most of the groceries in the stalls were freshly harvested from farms and sold in the day. I looked around, observing the merchandise the salesponies were selling, searching for the ones who sold fruits and vegetables. A small stroll through the market and I knew where the main stalls were and what to buy.
I turn around and start passing by some stalls. The ponies behind them start giving me strange looks, as I observe their stalls more carefully this time, until I realized something.
I look at the satchel I was carrying. It was currently bulging with bits and jewels. I then look at the salespony in front of me. “Do you by any chance provide bags?”
The salespony, an old stallion with a small grey mustache just shook his head.
“Know where I can buy a backpack?”
He pointed towards a small store with a satchel board hanging on the side. “Hard to miss it.” the stallion spoke.
“Indeed.” I muttered, pulling a bit out of the satchel and putting it on the counter. “Thanks for the info anyway.”
The pony lifted the bit for a few seconds, then smiled. “You’re welcome. New in town?”
“Just visiting, for now.”
“You’re out of luck, though. Normally our party planner welcomes everypony” he eyed me for a second “or everyone new in Ponyville, but she’s currently out with Princess Twilight.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, although it would be cool to have a welcome party, I rather have it after I’m well installed.”
The stallion shrugged. “If you say so.”
As I walked away towards the store, the words of the stallion hung around my head. ‘If Twilight and the group aren’t here, that means I’m in the beginning of Season five.’ I thought. ‘That’ll give me about a week in order to retrieve the First Element and getting myself prepared before Celestia or Luna decide to bring the Elements on me.’
~~~
It took me fifteen minutes to finally pick a large backpack (Minotaur size), ten of them waiting for the owner of the store to snap out of his own shock at seeing me and me giving the old explaining routine. Another hour around the market stalls afterwards and I had a backpack filled to the brim with fruits and vegetables and a satchel with half the weight it had of Equestrian currency and gems since I arrived.
“Okay, I think I have everything.” I said to myself, before noticing a stall at the very end of the market, selling apples. “Except apples.” I added, walking slowly as the backpack wobbled, threatening to blow up by the seams if it took anything else.
I gave it a quick glance. “Guess the satchel will have to carry the last purchase.” I muttered, feeling the satchel and guessing its current space. As I approached the last stall, I noticed the one behind it: a big red stallion about half the size of Celestia with a short orange mane and a green apple sliced in half on his flank. He eyed me for a quick second, before noticing my backpack.
“Kinda heavy, ain’t it?” he asked with a deep, southern accent.
I couldn’t resist. “Eeeyup. Good thing that I’m strong.”
The red stallion looked at me surprised, but I quickly changed the subject. “How much?” I asked, pointing at the apples in the stall.
He blinked before replying. “Three apples, two bits. Six for a large gem.”
I opened my satchel and looked inside it, checking its contents. I frowned slightly, as I searched for three large gems inside it. I pulled them out, putting them in the stall. “Dozen and a half, please.”
The large stallion observed the gems, checking their size for a couple of moments, then returned one of them. “Two of these will be enough.” He said, moving his foreleg over the apples. “Help yourself.”
I looked at the amount of red glowing apples, each one gleaming at the sun. hard to choose the good ones since they’re all begging to be picked and eaten at the place. As I started picking the apples and putting them in the satchel, the red stallion spoke up.
“You’re not from around here, are ya?” he asked.
“Indeed.” I replied, picking another apple.
“Mind sharing where you come from?”
“From far, far away.” I replied, not looking up.
“That’s not an answer.”
“You wouldn’t understand it.”
Although I wasn’t looking at him, I could feel his gaze fixed on me. “Why?”
“Because that question involves where I come from in this World.” I picked up the last apple and looked at him. “And I come from a different World.” I finished, cleaning the apple I was holding and giving it a bite. I shivered at how sweet they were. “Wow, these are some great apples. I might come back to buy more of them.”
The look of confusion he was giving me was more than a sign that he didn’t understood my previous answer. “Told ya you wouldn’t understand.” I said, giving another bite to the apple.
“Eeeyup.” He replied, nodding.
“Say, did you by any chance saw a large, white wheel landing around here?” I started, changing the subject. “It would be hard to miss after its landing. Which, I hope, hasn’t hit anypony.”
The stallion rubbed his muzzle, thinking about what I said for a moment. “Eeeyup. Something fell yesterday evening, near the outskirts of town towards the Everfree Forest. Everypony thought it was an attack at the time, due to the loud noise it made and the crater it left.” He explained.
I nodded. “Yeah, sorry about that.” I apologized and started walking. “Glad talking with you and thanks for the info.” I added, flicking the third large gem at him. “Keep it as a tip.”
The red stallion caught it with his right forehoof, looking at it. “Thank ya kindly for your generosity.” He thanked. “Name’s Big Macintosh. Big Mac for short. What about you?”
I stopped for a moment, looking back at him. “Mike ‘Holy Hands’ Elemental.” I introduced myself with a small smile. “Mike for my friends. And if I’m not wrong, I might become famous before the end of the day.”
I then left the market, leaving Big Mac tilting his head in confusion.
~~~
I wasn’t lying when I said that I would become famous before the end of the day. The reason for that was because after I left the market, I saw several golden chariots coming from Canterlot, towards Ponyville.
And the day was still starting, for crying out loud!
Taking the sight as my cue, I sped up my pace, making sure that the backpack wouldn’t burst before reaching my destination: the Everfree Forest. I had a hunch, and if it was correct, no pony would be capable of following me once I’m inside it.
But before that, I need to recover my restraints. I may be able to walk around freely without them, but I can’t become independent of them. After all, they’re a part of my training gear and suit.
Confused? I’ll explain later. Right now, I have to recover them. Luckily, they fell between the town and the Everfree, making it easier for me to reach it.
But it seems that some ponies knew what I was thinking. Those ponies being both Princesses, and bringing a full battalion of each race of ponies, surrounding a crater where I suppose my restraints landed.
“Kudos to you, Celly.” I muttered behind a large tree at the exit of Ponyville, as each guard mobilized to create a perimeter around the crater. From the looks of it, they were ready to fight me if I decided to come for my restraints, and at the same time were building a barricade towards the Everfree. “But I haven’t reached the Everfree yet.”
I noticed both princesses looking at the crater and changing glances. Then in unison they charged their magic and tried to lift what was inside it.
I observed the field, calmingly counting how many ponies there were. After a minute thinking, I sighed. “Guess I’m going through the front door.” I said to myself, putting the backpack on the ground before coming out from behind the tree.
***
Celestia and Luna struggled with their magic towards the object they were trying to lift. “I still cannot believe that he removed his restraints.” Luna spoke through clenched teeth.
“It’s a sign, Luna.” Celestia spoke, her voice strained. “Mike is currently weak, meaning that we still have a chance at beating him. But this time, together.”
“Sister, last time we fought him he was also weakened and tired. And at the time, he never removed his restraints.” Luna grunted.
“He is dangerous, Luna.” Celestia spoke.
“During his escape, he never hurt anypony.” Luna insisted.
“He told me that he’s going to gather the Elements, Luna.” Celestia insisted, her focus still on the crater. “Who knows what he’ll do once they’re together again.”
“As I told you before, I’ll go on a World Tour to see what’s new after a happy reunion from being apart for a two thousand years.” A voice was heard from between them. “Is it too much to ask?”
***
Both Alicorns’ eyes turned to see me right between them, peeking at the crater. “So this is where my restraints fell.” I spoke casually, noticing a golden and indigo auras surrounding the white wheel a quarter-buried in the ground.
When Celestia and Luna started lifting it, it was half buried. I noticed the dirt marks.
Every pony around us froze when they saw me suddenly standing between their princesses. They haven’t even noticed me between them until I spoke with Celestia.
Hunting abilities. Gotta love them. Especially if I can walk casually between every pony without being noticed.
Only side-effect is that I can’t hold it for long. A break in concentration and I’m suddenly noticed.
Both reacted almost instantly. Their magic broke from the wheel, as they prepared to jump back and turn their horns me. However, I was faster and before they could jump, I put an arm around each neck, keeping Celestia and Luna close to me.
“I know I’m getting popular, but what’s with the honor guard?” I asked, looking at both Princesses. “Are you giving me a welcome home reception?”
Celestia tried to struggle free, until my hand slithered, stopping behind her ear. She froze, eyes wide. Luna however, kept still, looking at me. “What are your plans?” she asked, eyes fixed on me.
“Oh, the usual ‘I won’t bother you, you won’t bother me’.” I replied. “Besides, why are you barricading the entrance to the Everfree? Is there something you don’t want me to know?”
Celestia horn shone, and she suddenly teleported, disappearing from under my arm. She reappeared a short distance afterwards, horn pointed at me, charged and ready to shoot, as the Unicorn Platoon stood beside her in formation, horns charged and ready. “Elementalist!” she called “For your crimes against Equestria and the World, you’re hereby under arrest!”
“What crimes?” I asked. “For giving you a massage that you really needed, by the way?”
“You attacked me!”
“You started it.”
“You didn’t give me a choice!”
“If I gave, we wouldn’t be here talking.” Celestia opened her mouth to counter, but I was quicker. “Besides, you didn’t dislike it.” I grinned “You even moaned at the end.”
Celestia sputtered, but regained her composure. “You’re lying!” she yelled, unable to hide her blush. Some of the guards changed glances.
“Considering that there were three witnesses standing outside the door, I seriously doubt it.” I glanced at Luna. “Am I right?”
Luna had been staring at me under my arm lock, unamused at the conversation, but I could feel that she was struggling just not to smirk. The corners of her mouth have been twitching like mad. “I am afraid he got you there, sister.” She spoke, biting her lip afterwards.
“And what would my next crime be?” I asked Celestia. “To walk around the market in Ponyville, shopping? And I paid for everything, you can ask the salesponies. And the money was all honestly earned during my train trip here. You can ask everypony that took the last train from Canterlot.”
Celestia glared at me, her mane turning into several shades of red. Some of the guards stepped back, some intimidated, others to avoid the heat wave she was emanating. “Are you ignorant?”
I tilted my head at her, before feeling Luna teleporting away to reappear right beside her sister. “It depends on what we are talking about.”
“Two thousand years ago, you left us with a warning.” Luna spoke, keeping herself calm. “You told us to be ready when you’re free again.”
I raised an eyebrow. “I believe I mentioned the time when I’m ‘together with the Elements’ again, not after being free from my stone prison.”
“It wouldn’t matter, either way.” Celestia cut in, her eyes almost glowing. “I will not allow you to roam free around Equestria!”
“I did not come here to fight, Celestia.” I started, keeping my voice calm. “I’m looking for a fresh start-”
Celestia reared, stomping her forehooves on the ground. “LIES!” she thundered. “DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU CAN SAY THAT AFTER THE WEEK OF DISASTER?”
I flinched at the Canterlot Royal Voice, but kept my stance. However, Celestia touched a subject I wanted to avoid.
And that subject was something I didn’t want to hear. Not from her.
“Celestia, do not thread that path.” I warned, clenching my fists. “That is something I would rather forget than remember-”
“HOW COULD I FORGET THE LIVES OF THE PONIES YOU MASSACRED!” Celestias’ voice boomed through the plains, forcing me to take a step back. “DO YOU KNOW HOW I FELT WHEN I FOUND OUT WHAT YOU DID?!”
I took a deep breath, keeping myself calm. “Celestia…” I started, but the Sun Princess didn’t let me finish. The Canterlot Voice was at full blast, blowing everthing in front of her towards me.
“DO YOU KNOW THE NAMES OF THE CITIES YOU DESTROYED?! DO YOU KNOW THE NAMES OF ALL THE PONIES, YOUNG AND OLD, THAT LOST THEIR LIVES IN THAT MASSACRE?!!! DID YOU EVEN FELT ANY REGRET AFTER ALL THAT DESTRUCTION TWO THOUSAND YEARS AGO??!!!!!”
An image from the past haunted my mind. My calm and self-control decided to take five, as I glared at Celestia. “I’m not the only one covered in blood, Celestia.” I said, voice leveled.
Every Royal Guard present lowered their weapons and horns towards me. I didn’t even flinch at their glares. Celestia looked at me, her eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?” she asked, not lowering her guard.
“Threshold City.” I said, trying hard to not raise my voice. “Does it ring a bell?”
Of all the expressions and reactions I’ve seen from Celestia, even behind her regal mask, I could feel something I wasn’t expecting: confusion. Several of the guards that surrounded her, raised an eyebrow, even if they had spears and horns pointed at me.
“Threshold City?” Celestia finally spoke. “I never heard of a city with that name.”
I stared at her, dumbfounded, as something inside me flared. “What?” I muttered, my fists getting white from the sheer strength of being clenched. “You never WHAT?!??!?!!!” I yelled, before everything went dark.
***
Third Person P.O.V.
Mikes’ voice boomed through the plains, rivaling the Royal Canterlot Voice without any problems. Everypony took defensive positions, as Mike glared towards both Princesses.
“Sister…” Luna started slowly, a strange feeling of dread crawling her spine. “Methinks that we shouldn’t start a fight with Mike right now.”
Celestia however, wasn’t fazed by Mikes’ outburst. “It would be dangerous if we let him walk free around Equestria, Luna.” She spoke, eyes fixed on Mike. “And this time, he’s surrounded. There’s nowhere he can run.”
“But-” Luna started, as a strong pressure ran through everypony.
The Royal Guard never saw it coming. Neither did the Princesses. The only thing they felt was something hitting them like a sudden squall, making every pony stiffen before falling to the ground. Only Celestia and Luna managed to stand, although their legs were trembling.
“W-What just happened?” Celestia managed to stammer, as she looked around. Almost every guard was unconscious, some of them dazed from the sudden pressure that ran through.
Mike just stood in the same place, taking deep breaths, as he tried to control his anger, calming himself down. “I believe it’s time for you two to dwell in the past.” he spoke between clenched teeth. “Especially you, Celestia. Because if I’m responsible for that week, you are the one responsible for triggering it.” Celestias’ eyes widened, as he turned towards the crater to get his restraints. “And I have a sequence to follow in order to obtain the Elements, so don’t bother in trying to stop me from entering the Everfree.” With a touch, the white wheel unfolded, revealing several shackles that surrounded him. “The first Element I must get isn’t there. I’m just taking my groceries towards my house. If it’s still standing.”
When Mike came out of the crater, the usual white stripes that both princesses knew surrounded him. He continued his walk past both princesses, reaching a tree near the outskirts of Ponyville. There, he revealed a huge backpack and satchel, its contents trembling dangerously as he got them on his back and shoulder. After that, he turned around, making his way towards the Everfree. During that time, some Guards managed to recover enough to stand, and formed a defensive perimeter between him, the Princesses and the forest.
Mike ignored them, keeping a slow pace and feeling the backpack wobbling slowly. A Pegasus Guard seemed to have gained some courage and flew forward, keeping his spear leveled towards him.
“Cease and desist! You’re outnumbered!” he yelled.
“As if that ever stopped me before.” he replied, keeping his pace.
The Guard landed, keeping his spear pointed forward. “This is your last warning! Surrender!” he yelled.
Mike kept walking until he was within the reach of the spear, stopping with it only an inch from his face. His eyes focused on the Guards’ eyes, as his right hand got hold of the spears’ tip.
“My kind has three types of warnings.” he started, eyes fixed on the guard. “Serious warning, normally used to tell others what to do and not to do; Bluff warning, where you can take a gamble and see if others fall for it.” his eyes narrowed “And Danger warning, where you just need a look to know that your opponent is someone you mustn’t mess with.”
His grip on the spear tip tightened as he finished speaking, eyes still fixed on the guard, as the sound of metal being bent was heard. The guard kept his eyes fixed on Mike, giving a quick glance towards the tip of his spear when he released it.
He did a double take, before his eyes focused completely on the spear. The tip was completely crushed and bent, becoming unrecognizable. He gulped visibly, before locking his eyes on Mike again.
“Move. Aside.” he said, slowly. And the Pegasus complied, feeling small.
Mike looked forward, to where the small platoon was waiting for him, together with Celestia and Luna.
“I don’t have time for this.” I said, walking towards their last defensive line, my eyes fixed on Celestia. “Either me or you, Celly. One of us should order the guards, and I’m not in the mood to ask politely.”
Celestia blinked at what I said, clenching her teeth. “I will not bow to your orders.” She growled, pointing her horn towards me.
I stopped, keeping my stare fixed. “Celestia, I’m trying to make a fresh start, and you’re not helping.”
“Why should I believe you!” she yelled. “Two thousand years ago you swore to protect-”
“TWO THOUSAND YEARS AGO I MADE AN OATH THAT YOU FORCED ME TO BREAK!!!” he hollered, as his voice rivaled the Royal Canterlot Voice. “DON’T YOU DARE SPEAK OF THE PAST UNTIL YOU KNOW THE TRUTH!!!!”
Celestia was taken aback by his sudden outburst. She looked at him in confusion. “What truth? What are you talking about?”
“Find out by yourself.” he replied, resuming his walk. “Now if you’ll excuse me…” he suddenly disappeared, appearing right behind them. “…I’m going home.”
And without another word, he walked towards the Everfree.
Everypony stood still, as they saw Mike disappearing between the trees of the Everfree. A unicorn guard turned towards Celestia. “Princess, what are your orders?”
Celestia kept her gaze towards the forest, still confused at what happened. Mikes’ sudden rage caught her off guard, not understanding what he meant, until Luna called her.
“Sister?”
Celestia blinked, looking at her, then at everypony. The guards were standing in front of her, awaiting her orders, some looking slightly confused. She took a deep breath to calm herself, before talking. “Create a perimeter around the Forest and watch who enters and who leaves.”
“What about the creature who entered?” the guard asked.
Celestia looked at the Forest for a moment, before looking at the guards again. “Leave him be.”
“But-”
“It is useless.” Luna cut in, catching their attention. “As long as he is in the Everfree Forest, we cannot touch him.”
“Luna is right.” Celestia continued. “But he’ll have to come out sooner or later. All we have to do is wait.”
“Princess, with all due respect.” A pegasus guard started. “Why can’t we follow him by air?”
Celestia and Luna changed glances, before looking at the Forest. “Because…” Celestia started.
“The Everfree Forest belongs to one of Mikes’ Elemental Spirits.” Luna concluded.
***
Mike’s P.O.V.
I kept walking through the trail of the forest, ignoring my surroundings completely. I was still fuming at what Celestia said.
“Two thousand years. She had two thousand years to know. And she had the gall to tell me that she never heard of it.” I mumbled to myself, keeping my eyes forward. “Honestly, that city was right in the middle of a war, and she never knew the freaking name? Oh Celestia, you better not face me next time until you find out. Or whoever the entity of this World is, is going to see the worst beating you and whoever you brought as backup will take.”
The snapping of a twig broke me of my mumbling, making me stop. I looked around trying to find the source of the noise, but saw nothing but trees.
I frowned. Celly wouldn’t be dumb to send somepony after me. Especially when I’m inside the Everfree.
I resumed my walking, this time keeping my hearing sharp. The stench of the timberwolves didn’t reach me, so they must be hunting somewhere else.
Another snap of a twig, together with some dry leaves being crushed. Whoever was following me didn’t had a very good training in stealth. I decided to ignore it, keeping my pace.
At least ignore it until I reach an open field.
~~~
It didn’t take long until I reached the Castle of the Sisters. And by long, I mean that I started walking a little faster. Reason for that was simple.
After fifty-five twigs snapping, seventy-two leaf crushings, sixty tumblings, ninety hush noises and forty bushes rustling, I found out who was following me and how many there were. After that I couldn’t take it anymore and decided to reach a place where I could face them. Once I got into an open field near the bridge towards the castle I stopped, took my backpack and satchel off, putting it carefully in the ground and turned towards the forest, arms crossed.
“Six ponies, two of each race!” I called “Three stallions, three mares! I know you’ve been following me since I entered the forest and truth be told, you’ve been making it easier.” I frowned “If you’re supposed to be spies or stalkers, you suck at it completely. Now show yourselves!”
I didn’t have to wait long. After fifteen seconds have passed a few bushes rustled, revealing six cloaked ponies, lining up in front of me. I raised an eyebrow. “Considering your attire, you’re not related to the Princesses.” I noted, uncrossing my arms. “Who are you?”
One of them spoke up. A mare. “We are from the Order of the Void. And we’re on a mission.”
“And may I ask what mission is that?” I dared to ask, before seeing a knife flying towards my face. I immediately dodged to the side, allowing the projectile to hit the backpack. I stared at the knife for a second, before turning towards the group.
Two of the members were grasping several small knives with their magic. Under their hoods I could see the traces of a grin.
“We have orders to capture you.” A stallion voice was heard. “Alive or beaten near death.”
My eyes narrowed, focusing on the pair holding the weapons. And that’s when I notice something. Glancing at the thrown knife, the handle normally used to grab it is completely covered with needles and spikes, making it impossible to grab without getting hurt. Clever move. Only unicorns or creatures with telekinesis can use these weapons without hurting themselves.
I look back at the group, flexing my fingers. “Any more questions before we start the fight?”
The group changed quick looks, before another stallion asked. “How did you know who and how many we were?”
“Earth ponies are stronger by default, making their hoofsteps heavy. Pegasus are light, making them barely audible on land when walking, but their wings betray them when they move, emiting a soft rustle. Unicorns are almost the same as Earth ponies, but most of them have the basic manners of nobility, making their hoofsteps light.” I replied. “Now, without delay” I took a stance, ready to charge “let’s get this party started.”
I charged towards the two unicorns, dodging their next throws and preparing to immobilize them. Surprised, they started to back pedal to avoid my grasp, but I was faster. That’s when I saw the pair of Pegasus charging towards me, a gleam on their wings.
I instantly stopped my charge with a stomp from my right foot, throwing myself back into a backflip to avoid their wings. For a second, I noticed a sharp, thin blade running along them, as they passed a second later to where my hands were. As I landed, the two remaining ponies charged at me in full speed.
I grinned at their charge. Did they really thought they could handle me at close combat? I dodged the charge from the first pony and moved to neutralize the second by hitting him in the flank. I thrust my left hand with two fingers in order to paralyze him…
Until I noticed nopony was coming at me.
Time seemed to slow down, as I suddenly realized the trap. From the corners of my eyes I saw the rest of the group looking at me under their hoods, a small smile on their muzzles. I gritted my teeth, cursing mentally at my late realization. Getting into close combat against me is the same as asking to be taken out instantly. Something was off. And for a sunny day, for them to be using cloaks…
They were wearing those cloaks for a reason. There’s something underneath them.
I changed tactics as time resumed, letting the second pony get past me but not before I got a hold of his cloak and pulled. The cloak ripped, revealing who and what was under it.
A light grey stallion stopped and turned towards me, surprised. He was wearing a full body black armor that covered every vital and pressure point on his body, while allowing him to move freely. The armor was all covered in small spikes, not big enough to hurt somepony that bumps into him, but sharp enough to hurt those who try to hit him. The armor seemed robust, yet it was able to trick my senses. I didn’t hear it, even as he moved.
If I was to take a guess, all of them were wearing the same armor. An armor especially made to counter my skills.
These guys were trained to face me, yet they aren’t under Celestia or Lunas’ orders. Something was off.
Another thing caught my attention. The Pegasus team didn’t move away from the Unicorns. And the Unicorns kept their distance. Meaning that their wings and horns weren’t as well protected as the rest of the body. Unicorns needed their horns exposed to allow the flow of magic, and Pegasus cannot fly fast and keep their mobility with too much weight…
I smiled. So that’s how they work.
“A good tactic.” I spoke up “Keep the Unicorns at the distance, using the Pegasi as backup to keep me from approaching.” I glanced at the dagger still stuck in my backpack “Those daggers must have some kind of paralyzing poison in them, just in case I manage to get a hold in them.” I looked at the Earth Ponies “And if I’m not mistaken, that armor must coated with that same poison. Together with everypony else.” I frowned “So why don’t you put your cards on the table, since I discovered them all?”
Everypony changed looks. “What makes you so sure that what you said is true?” a mare voice was heard from the unicorn group.
“Because if I’m wrong, I’ll have to play a little rougher against you.” I replied, flexing my hands. “I would rather avoid hurting ponies, but if you insist on capturing me, then I’ve got no other choice.”
The group took a stance, ready to charge again as they surrounded me. “Do you really think you can face all of us, knowing very well that you are at a disadvantage, both in numbers and in weapons?” the same mare from before spoke up.
I smiled wryly “Of course not! That’s why I was waiting for my backup.” I replied, taking my thumb and index finger to my mouth and blowing a sharp whistle.
The group looked at me in confusion, until several snarls and growls were heard from all around them. Hadn’t they been so focused on me, they would have noticed the large pack of timberwolves that surrounded us, ready to strike.
“When did they…?” a stallion voice was heard from the Earth Pony group, as both slowly stepped back from the wolves.
“They’ve been here for a long time now. In fact, they’ve been here before I arrived.” I started, getting past the group towards the wooden predators “Of course that there are some old wolves between most of them here.” I approached one of the oldest looking timberwolf and used a small combination of whistles. Some members of the pack were glaring at me, waiting for an opportunity to jump. I kneeled near the older one and smiled. “It’s been a long time hasn’t it, Splinter?”
The timberwolf blinked for a second at me. I reached my right arm towards him and gently pat his head. Several growls were heard all around me, the whole pack starting to move.
Splinter kept looking at me for a few more seconds, then raised his head and howled. All the pack that surrounded us stopped, surprised. With Splinters’ long howl, more were heard all along the Everfree Forest.
And after that, absolute silence.
I raised and turned around to look at the group. Everypony was still standing, their jaws agape towards me, as all the timberwolves that surrounded them were now sitting and looking at me. “So, what were you saying about being at a disadvantage?” I asked.
As if taking it as a cue, all glowing eyes and wooden teeth were pointed towards the group of cloaked ponies. They all flinched.
I got serious “The princesses know that this place is a safe haven for me.” I started “That’s why they didn’t send any soldiers in pursuit.” I pointed behind the group “I will grant you safe passage towards the edges of the Everfree. I don’t know who you work for, and honestly I don’t care. But if your Order sends anymore spies or assassins or any other kind or means to capture me, be assured that I will not go down easy. And if they start to tick me off, they’ll be on my next meal.” I crossed my arms, tilting my head “So, are you going to take up my offer or are you just going to stand there?”
The group changed looks for a second, then turned around and bolted, not daring to look back. Some wolves were preparing to give chase, but a bark from Splinter made them stop. I patted his head. “Good boy. Now let’s go home.”
Splinter barked happily and followed me as I got the backpack and satchel and resumed my way, this time with my own guard of honor.
~~~
It didn’t took long for me to reach my destination. After all, when you have a pack of Timberwolves to protect you against other predators, it becomes quite easy.
Curious about why the timberwolves respect me? Quite easy.
Who do you think that created them? That’s right! This guy.
Of course I didn’t do it alone. I had some help from one of the Elements. In fact, the whole Everfree Forest is his realm, his territory. And of course, he doesn’t mind sharing it. As long as the ones he’s sharing don’t decide to try and take down the forest or burn it to the ground. A place full of wild magic, where there was a surprise at every corner, that surprise being either nice or dangerous.
The timberwolves acted as guardians, more like a security around the place. When they’re born, the residual magic fuels them and imprints their reason of existence: Protect the Everfree, but do not harm unless necessary.
To be honest… the Everfree Forest was the first place I appeared when I arrived here at Equestria. Needless to say, it was the place where I decided to make my home.
And it is the place where I first met Celestia and Luna, when they were still fillies.
My place was located right at the Heart of the forest. A large clearing with a spring of fresh water created a little pond, which would later send the water in all directions of the forest through small channels.
My house was a wooden hut, three rooms, living room, kitchen and bathroom created from the trees I took down to form the clearing. Considering the size of the trees, I took the opportunity to be creative and used them to create not only the hut, but also the whole furniture, kitchen dishware and tableware, between others.
After everything was done, a little Elemental magic was involved, and the whole place would last several lifetimes.
That and add the fact that the heart of the Everfree was also the den of the timberwolves. Couldn’t ask for better security guard.
And that was my view from two thousand years ago. Now…
The small pond had become a large lake, occupying the whole clearing. I stood at the edge in shock, as the view I remember from the past was completely destroyed by the present. The trees that surrounded the clearing enlarged to the point that they formed a defensive wall around the clearing, leaving only the four directions where the water would run through the rest of the Everfree. The only thing that stood out was a two thousand year oak that stood right in the middle of the lake. To each direction where the water flowed, there was a large root connecting to it.
Right where my hut used to be.
I turned my head to Splinter, the old timberwolf tilting his head at me. “There was a hut there in the past. My house. Where is it?” I asked.
Splinter blinked, then turned, getting into a stance dogs usually do to point at something. I followed his gaze, towards the top of the tree.
“The top of the tree.” I said out loud. “Typical Leaf.” I looked towards the root that extended near the entrance. “Thanks, Splinter. Resume your duties, or rest your branches. It’s your choice.”
Splinter barked then walked away, stopping near a tree. He gently laid down, before the magic disappeared in him, allowing him to become a pile of wood. I smiled, before leaping towards the long root.
Quite the little challenge to walk on a wobbling root when carrying too much weight. My feet didn’t stop getting wet with each step I took, as I slowly moved towards the tree in the center. As I approached the tree, I noticed several natural dents in the trunk, forming an improvised ladder. I smiled at the ingenuous plan. He made sure I was the only one capable of returning home, in case someone or somepony reached this deep.
I slowly climbed the improvised ladder, careful with the backpack and satchel in order to avoid getting them stuck on a branch. Reaching the end of the climb, I took a deep breath to recover from the extra weight and looked up.
And my jaw fell at what I saw.
The previous hut I remembered was no more. Better yet, it was upgraded. Now instead of a small, cozy house, it became a mansion on top of the tree I was standing. From the single ground floor, now it had a first and second floor with a terrace and watchtower. I just stood there gaping at the sight for a while, before finally grinning. “Leaf Claw, you and your damn improvements!” I spoke out loud “You just couldn’t let it be, could you?”
The tree gave a small jolt, almost making me fall, before a male voice echoed. “Well… considering the years that passed, I supposed you needed something better.”
I couldn’t stop smiling at the voice. After two thousand years, he was still the same “But why a mansion?” I asked.
“There is already a castle not far from here, and it would be best not to call attention.” The voice replied “Besides, a mansion is easier to hide between the foliage of a tree than a tall castle.”
I shook my head, still smiling “Is there any way for you to come out and greet me at least, Leaf Claw?”
Silence followed my question for a full minute, before the answer came. “Sorry, but I can’t right now.”
I frowned at his answer. “Why not?”
“The order of the Elements, remember?” Leaf Claw replied.
“Is that all it is? You could still walk around while I gather them.”
“Yeah, where do you think this tree came from?”
I looked at the tree, surprised “You’re kidding… you rooted yourself here?”
“Inside your house, more precisely.” Leaf replied. “And since I used your previous house as a seed for this tree, I took the liberty of building a new one. Together with improving it.”
I stared at the branches of the oak tree, then back at the mansion. True, the trees I used to build my hut were all oak trees, usually strong and durable. “So you’re stuck inside my previous house, which in turn is stuck inside this huge oak tree.” I summarized “Any ideas on how to take you out?”
“Did the petrification affect your short term memory?” Leaf deadpanned. “Worry in gathering Fire Strike, Hail Breeze and Thunder Blitz first, then help me out. Don’t worry, I’ve been here for two thousand years, a couple more days or weeks won’t make a difference.”
I held my head for a second. “Right, right, gather the Elements in the right order first. I know that much at least. Philomina already told me where Fire Strike is, so I’ll go get him tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? Why not today?” Leaf asked, curious.
“After I got myself free, I met Celestia for a talk, got into a fight, ran around Canterlot without my first set of restraints, pushing myself towards the second warning, managed to escape towards Ponyville on the last train by paying passage through treatments, got enough tips to replenish myself for a few days, got into another fight before getting here…” I stopped rambling, turning my eyes to the ground “Really Leaf, after all this mess, don’t you think I deserve some rest?”
Another minute of silence before Leaf spoke “Alright, point taken. Just unload your stuff inside and feel free to explore. Bedroom’s on the second floor.”
“Thank you.” I adjusted the backpack and started walking again, when Leaf spoke up.
“By the way, some strange stuff has been appearing inside the house.”
I stopped. “Strange stuff?”
“Yeah, bits and pieces of miscellaneous stuff that suddenly popped out in the middle of the air. They’ve all been put on top of the table in kitchen.”
I rubbed my chin in thought. Miscellaneous stuff? That could only mean one thing. “Leaf? Is there any chance of me using a little of Elemental energy?” I asked.
A long silence fell on top of the tree. “Possible. But risky. What do you need it for?” Leaf finally spoke.
“If I’m not mistaken, that stuff that’s been appearing in the middle of the air must be tokens from others like me.”
“Other Elementalists?”
I shook my head “No, different people with different powers that somehow ended up in a different version of Equestria.” I raised my right hand, palm up “If possible, I would like to create my own token.”
“For what?”
I frowned. “What do you expect? To help them of course! And probably to have a chat with other humans. Although in this case, I should call them Displaced.”
Leaf was silent again. I looked down. “Any chance to create one?”
“You’re creating a token in order to offer your help to other members of the Multiverse. Even before getting your powers back. You know that’s complete stupidity, right? What if they need your help with a Natural Disaster, and you don’t have the right Element to back you up?”
I just shrugged “Wing it.”
Another long silence, before the leaves rattled. Somehow, I believe Leaf Claw just sighed in annoyance. “Fine. Do as you wish. Just avoid going into any adventure before getting Fire Strike, okay?”
“Can’t make any promises.” I replied before looking at my palm.
“Shouldn’t you at least, I don’t know, put your groceries inside?”
I blinked, before remembering I was still carrying the backpack and satchel full of fruits and vegetables. “Oh. Right.”
~~~
Half an hour later, after putting all my purchases in the kitchen and explored the mansion (Leaf really has a way for building stuff), I was back at the kitchen, looking at the tokens that appeared along the time I was imprisoned. Some of them I recognized, like the plumber badge and the Unitrix core, a mega stone, a black tome, (was that an alchemist watch?), a core reactor and a drum… a patapon drum. Who would have thought? There were others that I couldn’t well put my finger on it, like a vial of blue liquid, a strange ice cube, a pair of gauntlet and coin right next to it, some kind of intricate amulet with dragon patterns and a jewel in the middle that looked like a tear, a pair metal chain links, a white diamond, a coin with a saw drawn in it, some kind of diary… I stared at most of them, my mind racing to connect to which some of the tokens belong, trying to see what kind of cosplay they were using when they got in their version of Equestria. And somehow, I felt there were a lot more, but didn’t appear here yet.
“Alright” I started “Time to get in on this.”
I raised my right hand and closed my palm, concentrating. I reached the deepest of my subconscious, looking for the small link I still had with the Elemental Spirits.
“Careful not to draw out too much.” Leaf warned through his link. I could see the lively green color from his Element brightening as he spoke to me mentally “We don’t want him out.”
I grimaced “You don’t need to remind me.” I told Leaf, as I carefully took a hold of the links. “I just need a fourth of it and nothing more.”
The links trembled and shone for a while, as I draw some of its energy towards me. I could feel my palm glowing as the energy I drew condensed into a solid form, giving shape to my own token.
LET ME OUT!
I jolted back into reality at the sudden shout, almost falling to the ground. I panted hard, as my heart jumped around my chest, almost trying to get out.
“Mike, you okay?” Leaf asked, worried.
I took some deep breaths, trying to calm my heart rate. “Yeah… yeah, I am.” I replied, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly “Was caught off guard, that’s all.” I looked at my right hand to see the result of the energy I drew.
A small sphere the size of a marble rolled around my palm, it’s inside glowing in five different colors, the colors of the Elements. “At least I got the token done.”
“Okay, now what?”
“Now is the message.” I said, closing my eyes and willing my own will into the sphere “I am the Elementalist, the fighter of the just and weak. If you need my help and your intentions are pure, hold the sphere and call for Mike Elemental, telling your need. And if not for support on a fight, then for a talk or a spar.” I gave my message a thought, then added something else for fun “If you're holding this sphere for fifteen seconds after my initial introduction, then here's an extra: I also possess the title of Holy Hands. So if you need some stress relief, I can give you a treatment that'll put you in Heaven.”
The sphere shone for a second, then faded, although the glow inside kept moving around. I smiled at the result and went for the door. “Let’s see if this works.” I muttered as I stepped outside and took a pitcher’s stance. Then, gathering all the strength I had in me, I threw the sphere. It flew for a mile at high speed, before disappearing in a tiny flash.
“Where did it go?” Leaf asked, as he felt the presence of the small sphere disappearing without a trace.
“To the Multiverse.” I replied “And I’m off to a nice meal and a good rest.”
With that said, I turned around and went back inside, closing the door. Got to get used to the new bed.