//------------------------------//
// Chapter 4: "Word Must Not Get Out" 
// Story: My Little Pony: The Element of Distortion 
// by Thunderwing250 
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	Back in Ponyville, Twilight had just finished assisting her friends, fixing a small reservoir for the apple trees at Sweet Apple Acres.  After a long and sweaty job, they each sat down and had a drink of cider.  
“This cider is awesome!” Rainbow Dash cheered.
“Yeah.  Thank you all for helpin’ me out.  I seriously couldn’t have done it without ya’ll” Applejack said happily.
“Hugging!” Pinkie Pie cried.
Hugging each other, Spike ran to them only to stop and watch.
“Umm…what are you doing?” Spike asked.
“Oh you to Spikey-Wikey.” Rarity said, grabbing him and hugging them.  
Spike struggled to breath, trying to say that a letter from Princess Celestia had arrived.  Immediately, they let go of one another and Twilight took the letter and began to read it.  
“Princess Twilight.  I am sending you this urgent letter for your presence is needed in Canterlot.  The current issue we are having is from the Griffon ambassador.  He has come to inform us that something unexpected has occurred out in the Western Ocean and that this matter may result in a conflict between nations.  Please come immediately to discuss this matter further.  Princess Celestia”. Twilight read.	
“Oh no...” she paused.
Her friends looked at her.
“What’s wrong, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.
“If this was out at sea…that may be…” Twilight paused.
“Where’s the Archivist?” she continued.
They all looked around but could not find her. 
“Nah.  She’s probably sleeping or something…” Rainbow Dash commented.
“If I were sleeping, Rainbow Dash, I would be sleeping on a beach.” The Archivist surprisingly appeared.
“Twilight.  I need to tell you something important.” She said.
“Well, I do too.  I just got a letter from Princess Celestia.  It appears the Griffon Kingdom is involved as well.” Twilight added.
“Is that so? Very well then.  Gather your things and let’s go.  Would the rest of you mind staying here, for I have a task for each of you?” The Archivist 
“A task…” Rarity said.
“…for us?” Rainbow Dash added.
“Yes.  While Twilight and I are discussing this matter, please gather your things for we’ll be taking a trip to Las Pegasus and will be staying there for a while.  I have a strong sense that this matter is going to get worse and to remain on the western coast will prevent any dangers from making it into inland.” The Archivist said.
“Yay!  We’re taking a vacation!  Well…and secret vacation.  I’m off to pack” Pinkie Pie replied before dashing away back to Sugarcube Corner.
Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy followed behind to prepare their belongings.  Twilight and the Archivist then arrived at the train station.  Yet, it surprised her that the Archivist requested one whole coach to them.  Once they walked in, StoneColt was sitting inside.
“Princess…” StoneColt bowed his head.
“General…” Twilight bowed.
“Now.  What we say is strictly confidential and must be between us three.  Do you understand, Twilight?” StoneColt said.
“Yes.” Twilight answered.
“Good.  Our Intel at Las Pegasus have sent me a telegram that a very loud frequency was picked up on the hydrophones early this morning.  Now, Amplitude, which is one of the associates tried to record it but the frequency disrupted the signal causing a damaged response.” 
“…In other words, it was a vocal disruptor, similar to Xenxus’ Electro-magnetic Pulse.” The Archivist whispered to Twilight.  
“We currently don’t know what it is, however we need to make sure this type of incident doesn’t cause ponies to panic.  Yet, from what I heard, the Griffons are involved which will only make the matters worse.  Personally, I don’t believe its Titannus…” StoneColt paused.
“Titannus?” Twilight interrupted.
“Yes.  Titannus?  How do you know?” StoneColt asked.
“Twilight had a vision of the Four-Horns War.  A side effect she received after wielding and/or touching the Elements.” The Archivist added.
“I see.  Well, for now, let’s remove Titannus as the primary suspect, because he hasn’t been seen for centuries, however, since we haven’t explored our oceans there are various possibilities.” StoneColt commented.
The Archivist looked at him, trying to understand why he would ignore the possible choice of Titannus being the cause and focus more on something else.  She became quite confused, but at the same time she felt calm.  Whenever she thought about the Bronco-Titans she would become cautious, but when she doesn’t, she feels calm.  
“Archivist.  Is there something you want to add?” StoneColt asked.
“Yes.  I paid Daring Do a visit up in Galloping Gorge, but when I found her, she was trembling in a sense of fear.  She told me that while investigating a nearby temple, she stumbled upon an Aquatic Statue that told her and Ahuizotl that stealing the Alantos’ relic is death.  As of now, I dispatched her to go to Las Pegasus to meet her there tonight.” The Archivist said.
“Understood.  If need be, I will be stationed back up at the Academy so if you need reinforcements.  You’ll know where to find me.” StoneColt said.
The Archivist nodded.
“By the way, what did you do with Janus?” she asked.
“Paguseus took him for recover.  In addition, he and Timaeus are investigating the temple up at Mt. Tse’ Reve, since we reported to them their may have been an imposter among us.  On the bright side, they instructed us to not worry about it and that they'll will handle the matter” StoneColt replied.
“So to conclude this conversation, something was awoken and we are in its beginning stages.  Objective is to keep quiet before oblivion breaks loose.” StoneColt stated.
“I understand, General.” Twilight asked.
As soon as they finished, the Train whistle blew and StoneColt stood up.
“As mentioned before, if you need me.  You’ll know where I’ll be.” StoneColt concluded as he walked off the train and flew away.  
The train whistle sounded off as steam puffed out of the funnel and it began making its way for Canterlot.