Tycho sat on the couch at Twilight’s in awe. After decades he was actually seeing something, and it wasn’t just letters. He could see charts, tables, graphs, if it was written or printed. Sadly, no illustrations, but what did it matter? He was experiencing a mode of perception he had missed for decades. Skimming through a Daring Do book, he practiced his visual reading skills and was delighted at how fast he was getting used to it.
The others who were with him in the lab chatted. Eleanor sat next to Tycho and tapped him on the shoulder. “Telurian for your thoughts?”
It took a moment for Tycho to tear himself away from the experience to look towards El. He removed his glasses. “What?”
“What do you think? You just made your first artifact.” The woman smiled.
“Technically, I helped make.” Tycho corrected. “I can’t take all the credit.”
El shrugged. “But now that you know how, what do you think you can do it with?”
Tycho sat for a moment as thoughts raced through his mind. “Well, Equestrian enchanting uses this method very commonly. Stone slab, object in the middle, intricate shapes drawn on slab to transfer the combination of spells to the object to create an artifact.”
El nodded, hoping to provoke his mind with inspired brilliance. “Can you think of a way to improve it?”
Tycho thought back to his days designing that hadron collider. He didn’t think about this at first, but the realization brought on a moment of excitement. “Holy shit!” His outburst silenced the hole room. “Sorry.” He calmed a bit as the gears in his mind turned. He didn’t hear El inquire what he was thinking. Enchantment: A limited power but with great potential if changed. The position of those enchantment shapes are always on a 2D plane with an object on top…what if they could be enhanced using a 3-dimensional apparatus, or even 4-dimensional application? The possibilities for various enchantments could enhance Equestrian technology considerably. After all, they have magically working refrigerators, ovens, and stoves. They have sophisticated processes for water processing and waste disposal. So what if he can make these enchantments more complex? So much that he can duplicate certain sciences back home. Maybe even find a way back home.
Home... the Hadron Collider and Equestria. What did they do to stop the jumping and bring him here? He had spent an entire week in this place feeling sorry for himself and reading up magic, he stopped thinking exactly how it all worked. The H.C. did its part. It slammed the protons, captured the breach causing the jumping occurrences. But something created the amplified feedback that pulled him in to stop the jumping completely. What did Twilight and Lyra come up with?
His scientific field could enhance this new field to possibly duplicate or even improve the ‘jumping’ to send him home.
“Twilight!” Tycho said, once again causing everypony in the room to react in surprise. “You and Lyra did something here while we were doing stuff with the Hadron Collider. What exactly did you do?”
Twilight stared at Tycho. She swallowed nervously and looked at him sadly. “I’m sorry Tycho, but that information is… restricted… for now.”
There was a dead silence in the room. Trace and Eleanor were not surprised, though they seemed saddened for Tycho.
Tycho stared into the empty space of his nonexistent sight hearing what Twilight just said. “…what?” He almost didn’t believe what he was hearing.
The great city of Canterlot sat in the late afternoon. The palace stood tall and proud on the mountain precipice as sturdy as the foundations of Earth like a crowned jewel, neither leaning or bending to wind or age. The sun was setting as a certain princess stood on her balcony guiding the great ball of fusion in its slow journey toward the horizon. With a clear view of the spectacle, Captain Alabaster Nightshade enjoyed watching Princess Celestia’s sunsets from the window of her quarters.
The grey furred and silvery maned mare sipped her morning coffee as she finished the paper. Already articles were written about the arrival of a new human being as well as discussions about these creatures. Questions were being asked as to why they were increasing in number and what their purpose is here. No answers, though. That might be a problem for the jumpers. Alex, Matthew, Trace, and Tycho would be easy to explain, but Eleanor? That would be a doozy. The Crystal ponies were fine by it, but everypony else?
As she read the article and processed its speculation, her thoughts went back to an earlier controversy before Tycho arrived. Matthew and Eleanor argued they should destroy Discord while he was still a statue using whatever devices they could come up with to guarantee he would be wiped out. Alex and the ponies argued otherwise. Emerald was indifferent but stated that if Discord was responsible, it would mean his power was not successfully contained by the elements and greater measures should be taken to contain him. Shade sided with that idea and now his statue was no longer in the royal gardens. Where had Celestia put him? Even Luna would not tell. Just another terror for her princesses to keep an eye on while their little ponies could put it out of their minds.
She decided she wasted too much energy contemplating it and and donned her guard-uniform. Two of Matthew’s first graduates were coming over for training and it was time to give them a proper welcome. She went to her second closet and viewed herself in the mirror. She owed years of training and the proper diet to accomplish her figure. Shade figured her desire to look good was attributed to her cutiemark. A shield over a crescent moon, with a rosette of various shades of red on one corner of the shield. That last symbol, according to a cutiemark expert, is a symbol of beauty. So, according to her cutie mark, her special talents were with the guard and looking damn fine in the process.
“Yep, still hot.” Shade thought out loud and winked to her reflection. She put on her armor: Helmet, breastplate, armored-kilt, shoes with shin guards. Her mane fit through the upper portion of the helmet with aid of her magic as to make it a gallant tassel. Upon wearing the helmet, the pupils of her eyes slitted vertically. A gesture to honor the Thestrals of old.
Shade made her way to the barracks, passing tired day-guards as they headed to their beds for the night.
Each time the Nightguard Captain passed them, they couldn’t help but stare. Sometimes in awe, but most times in disapproval.
The Nightguard are nothing but glorified parolees.
Why did they make that drunk a captain?
Wait, the Feelee on the poster leads the guard?
They should have been disbanded a long time ago.
It’s not like Princess Luna really does anything to need guards.
And Shade’s response to their scorn? Screw em’. Her guard had qualities the day-guard couldn’t measure up to.
The captain arrived to the central courtyard where her guards were waiting.
“Captain on field!” Her lieutenant shouted. All three rows stood attention, stalwart and unmoving as any other guard.
“At ease!” The captain ordered. She noticed her three recruits. One young mare and two colts. The mare was still stiff as a frosty twig, probably trying to impress her. The second colt yawned. No surprise, every newbie has trouble adjusting to the evening shift. The third stared at her flank before realizing she noticed, and then stood attention. Whelp, at least she knew which one will need the most discipline.
“Lieutenant Noctus, review yesterday's assignments.” The captain let her number one read off the progress, setbacks, and changes of each assignment. From guard duty, to investigations, to law enforcement, to defense, to scouting, to monster hunting, each was reviewed. Some of the guard grimaced in hearing a setback, others showed pride in a success. Many held their expressions as a show of discipline. The third newbie’s eyes shifted back to her flank and whispered to his yawning friend. Poor guy wasn’t aware that her helmet enhanced her hearing.
“The poster babe is our captain! I told you!” The third said excited.
“Shhhh. Quiet.” The second said, slightly tired.
“Best job ever!” The third grinned.
Shade held back her snicker and maintained her demeanor. “Silence in the ranks!” She shouted toward the new recruits, who instantly stood attention and clamped their mouths shut. “Resume, Noctus.”
Noctus nodded and finished the last assignments. All was in order. Crime was low, as usual. Monster dangers had reduced a little more and they’d been pushed back to their natural habitat. Some crimes solved, while other investigations yielded leads. Guarding the castle is, as most nights, quiet.
“Before you resume your assignments, I want all of you to welcome our new recruits.” Shade extended a hoof pointing to the three newbies. “You have no doubt met them, and they will be starting their first assignments tonight under Noctus’s instruction. I will personally be inspecting your work tonight.” That caught the guard’s attention, judging by their perked ears, she noted. “So far, you have all continued to perform above and beyond the line of duty. You set a fine example to these three. I expect our recruits,” she stomped her hoof creating a loud crack in the air, which snapped the second awake. The first snickered but quickly stiffened her demeanor after the captain shot her a glare. “to follow your example.” Shade finished. “Any questions?”
One guard raised his hoof.
“Private Meadowshade.” Shade acknowledged him.
“I heard the guard may be receiving a ‘Class S’ assignment soon.” He finished.
Some of the guard went silent. Even Shade raised an eyebrow.
The 3rd newbie seemed confused. “What is a Class S assignment?”
Shade cleared her throat. “For those of you unfamiliar with upper-level assignments, Class S are ‘special.’ They are typically dangerous and highly classified due to various factors such as sensitive information, danger, unknowns, and involvement of VIP. I cannot confirm, nor deny if our guard will be receiving any because Class S’s are classified to all but assigned personnel. And even then it's on a need-to-know basis. I suggest you all concentrate on your current assignments and not waste energy contemplating unknown possibilities.” Shade finished and nodded to Noctus. “Lieutenant, please take our recruits on their first assignment. Company, dismissed!”
Shade trotted off as all the guard (except a very annoyed Noctus) leaned to get one last view of her flank.
“DISMISSED!” Noctus shouted, causing the guard to scramble and hastily leave the field, with the three recruits remaining. “As for you three, we will start by patrolling the castle. I will tour you the entire building and surrounding grounds. You will memorize this incredible piece of architecture…” Noctus’s voice faded as Shade walked away while stifling a laugh.
The Night Guard were the most disciplined, she believed. They were highly trained and brought up from difficult and rebellious backgrounds, with Matt to thank for shaping them up into very capable soldiers. But as demonstrated by their recent ogling, they weren’t perfect. The Day Guard rated their discipline by their ability to hold steady in the face of danger, but send them up against an army of Changelings, and they could be overwhelmed. Her guard could take punishment and deal out more with equally strategic prowess. Too bad Celestia refused to let Matt help her Day Guard. Their loss, she supposed.
She switched her thoughts from her inner thought exposition and decided to inquire about this Class S Assignment rumor. She made her way up the steps of the palace to arrive at Princess Luna’s Night Court.
Shade arrived just in time to see the proceedings in action, where she remained in the shadows to observe. The throne room was properly decorated for the evening court, with tapestries depicting Luna’s moon. Luna sat upon the silver throne adorned with blue velvet cushions. Her court minister stood by her side as Shade’s guards kept order in the court. Petitioners sat on waiting chairs and advocates stood by their clients. Luna, however, seemed unamused by the current case.
“My princess, petitioners of this court. My client beseeches your benevolence. His lordship, Claberdine Clopsnickle Refordandle Puffywuffen Braeburdingle Platerbottom of the Great Barony of Oderburg offers his sincere apologies for ‘booping’ Lord Humperdink on his nose, on the evening of the 15th.” The defense stated.
The prosecutor retorted. “Your majesty, Lord Humperdink has made it clear according to the old written traditions provided by Puddinghead the IXth, a booping during a cocktail frolic is a horrid offense worthy of a pastry fight! Lord Claberdine Clopsnickle Refordandle Puffywuffen Braeburdingle Platerbottom of the Great Barony of Oderburg almost started a civil conflict! My client demands reparations!”
“Nonsense! Those traditions are not enforceable by the crown. Lord Claberdine Clopsnickle Refordandle Puffywuffen Braeburdingle Platerbottom of the Great Barony of-”
Luna facehoofed. “For the remainder of this court, you will refer to him as ‘The Lord of Oderburg.” She interrupted and gave a deathly glare from behind her hoof. The advocates nervously nodded.
“Yes, your greatness.” The stallion cleared his throat. “The Lord of Oderburg’s booping had left a scuff on Lord Humperdink’s nose, an act that banqueted in his honor. He respectfully requests a fitting punishment to set the balance.” The prosecutor finished.
Luna deadpanned. “In the interest of settling this dispute and to move onto more serious matters.” Luna rubbed her aching head. “I decree the Lord of Very Long Names and Oderburg pay 50 bits and time served.” She raised her voice for the court to hear. “Your princess declares a ten minute recess. Tea and refreshments are served in the cafeteria.” Luna thankfully stepped down from her throne, relieved to be done with such a droll case. Her demeanor brightened upon seeing Captain Nightshade coming out of the shadows and meeting her grace.
“My princess.” Nightshade approached and bowed as she removed her helmet and letting messy, silky mane hang free.
“Captain Nightshade. We must consider other venues to utilize your appearance. Have you considered promoting shampoo? Even your helmet-mane is lovely!” Luna joked.
Nightshade chuckled and raised her head. “Your sense of humor is improving, your majesty.”
“I try.” Luna smiled. “What can I do for you, Captain?”
“One of my guard told me of a possible Class S assignment coming our way. Is this true?” Shade asked with hope in her eyes.
Luna’s face grimaced, but she adjusted her composure. “Captain Nightshade, I hope you can understand that the Nightguard has only been improved for half a decade.” She looked away to the guards in her court as they ushered the petitioners. “While I do appreciate your initiative, I would rather we work on improving our image to our fellow pony before we commit ourselves to greater challenges. But rest assured, Captian, one day we will…” She looked back at the captain, her back turned looking down at the ground in despondence. Her tail was limp upon the stone floor. Her ears drooped. Even the light around her seemingly darkened. “Oh no…” Luna murmured.
“My Princess, after all we have done, you have so little confidence in our ability to handle responsibilities.” Shade whimpered. “I am unworthy to be a captain if I cannot convince you how much we have progressed as a unit.” She lamented.
What a display, but a very convincing one, Luna admitted as she bit her lower lip. She had no idea it hurt her captain so. Well, she should not deny her Captain the chance to prove herself.
“On the other hoof,” Luna began.
Shade lifted her head and looked at Luna hopefully with large, despondent eyes.
“It wouldn’t help our guard to hold them back. If they are to improve and surpass themselves as is their calling, they should be given a chance.” Luna lifted her head and stated with royal radiance. “I shall assign you the Class S case. Report to -“
In a sudden change of emotion, Shade spun around to full ready stance with her helmet on, saluting the princess proudly. “Thank you princess! You won’t be disappointed! We shall strive to make you and Equestria proud! Facta non verba!” She ran towards the exit in a dash, dividing the two guards apart as they dodged her passing. “Doingagoodjobfellas!”
“Thanks, Captain!” The two guards shouted in unison as they regained their posture.
Luna stood blinking. Was the captain putting up an act? She sighed. Well with Nightshade overseeing this, surely they will handle their first special assignment with minimal difficulties. She will no doubt strive to persevere and conquer this task as her admired heroes did, Luna mused.
Suddenly Shade appeared in front of Luna in a small cloud of dust. “I’m sorry, my princess! Could you tell me whom I’m to go to for briefing?!”
Maybe not, the princess thought grimly.
Elsewhere in the various buildings connected to the castle, a particular building displayed some unusual activity within. Inside, the ponies inside were walking on the ceiling. At the front entrance lobby, the secretary sat patiently annoyed as other ponies walked by her, also on the ceiling. None of the furniture seemed to be having the same problem. An intercom in the lobby sudden sounded with the voice of a female.
“Is this thing on? Okay, good. We are sorry, everypony for the sudden change in gravitational…um…attraction. Those who are responsible are about to remedy the problem right now…wait right now?!” The voice exclaimed as suddenly everypony throughout the building (save half the Pegasi) hit the floor with a resounding ‘thud.’ The voice sighed. “…somepony please send for the paramedics… again.”
The secretary’s head popped up from under a messy pile of papers. “I hate working here.” As she began re-sorting her papers before an orange stallion walked in. The secretary recognized the pony and immediately stood attention. “Minister Archanis! Welcome.”
The minister glanced around noticing some ponies limping or groaning. “Somepony messed with anti-gravity again?” He asked nonchalantly the secretary as he approached.
The secretary rubbed her aching head. “Yes, sir. How may I assist you?”
The minister cleared his throat. “I am here to see Professor Erebus. Is she available?”
“She was operating the intercom a moment ago. One moment.” The secretary buzzed for intercom control, then received. “Would Professor Erebus please come to the front desk?”
The minister waited, sipping from a coffee mug until he heard the clicking of a tongue and the unnaturally long stretch of a shadow. Approaching down the long hallway was a very white mare. Her eyes had no pupils to see, mostly because they were of the same color as her irises, totally red. Along her sides were a pair of white bat wings that seemed too weak to carry a pony even half her size, much less a normal-sized pony. She wore a lab coat with a collar that reached under her white mane. Adorned upon her head was a unicorn horn.
“Minister.” The albino mare greeted with a slight bow, the shadow delayed
Archanis nodded in acknowledgement. “How goes your work, Professor?”
“So-so. We had a slight setback,” Erebus rolled her eyes. “But, as soon as the interns reorganize our papers, we should make some semblance of progress today.”
The Minister shook his head. “Erebus, if I could get a separate building for each science team, I would.” He pointed to the secretary. “Send this memo to the gravity research team; one more debacle like this, and I might have their funding cut in half.” The secretary rapidly typed the memo as Erebus frowned.
“To be fair, that was quite an achievement. I mean, it only affected the ponies this time.” Erebus said.
“Well enough on that. Let's talk about what you’ll need for future tests.” The Minister gestured with a hoof tap down the hall and walked with Erebus. “Working with Umbral magic is dangerous, but I wouldn’t trust any other pony but you to understand it.”
“You did vouch for me, Minister. I appreciate you recognizing my talents.” Erebus explained with slight tension in her voice. “The similarities to Umbral magic is almost uncanny.”
“That is why I gave you the grant.” The minister mused. “Now, obviously you won’t be able to run tests here. I dare say delving into the Shadow Realm would be best done in a facility between here and the Crystal Empire. The Everfree Forest, as you have reported, is too wild to conduct such research.”
“Well, that area has the strongest presence of Umbral magic. So you’re suggesting setting up a waypoint for the train to the Empire, further enough from the tracks and on the edge of the Umbral Zone?” She asked.
“Exactly, my dear. Minimizes risk to nearby civilizations and keeps you close enough to run supplies between both cities. Not to mention, crystal peanut butter, eh?” He shot Erebus a grin.
Erebus smirked. The Minister did not see her lanky shadow behind him lick its non-existent lips between a toothy smile. “Well, you’ve sold me now, minister.” There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice. The two scientists arrived at her office. “Oh, Archanis, what is this I heard you went to Ponyville and caused a ruckus?” Erebus asked.
The Minister frowned and shook his head. “As much as I want to get into details, I have to maintain discretion. To be frank, I don’t like that we are treating these refugees with such casual trust.”
Erebus cocked her head looking at the Minister with concern. “The humans? I have heard of them and some of their doings. I’ve heard a little when I had to stay in Ponyville. Twilight Sparkle speaks highly of them, albeit with some caution.”
“And I am not discounting they have done some impressive things for us and our kind. But I don’t like that we’re receiving one after the other so regularly.” The Minister sighed, his growing anxiety becoming apparent. “Erebus, there is so much going on with these ‘jumpers’ that we don’t understand. Don’t get me started with the fact one of our own, a child no less, became a jumper as well!” He lowered his voice in embarrassment as a donkey passed, seemingly overhearing his conversation, and getting a sip from the water fountain down the hall. “It is unacceptable that we’re ignoring the disastrous possibilities.”
Erebus nodded. “I can see why their presence would scare some ponies. Beings from other worlds coming here by accident. Could be a prelude to something bigger, but…”
“Yes, yes. We have no definite proof. Discord is one possibility for their fate, but we can’t tell for sure as our princess has,” he grumbled. “Locked him away somewhere. Though I doubt any sort of research would work around that creature.” He shook his head. “And while I cannot act as I normally would I…” He stopped himself realizing he was saying too much. “Anyways, Erebus, the Ministry is going to do what it can to investigate these jumpers and the nature of their being here. Thoroughly.”
“Well, if the crown supports this priority, Minister.” Erebus’s ears flicked to up a little as if gauging the Minister’s response.
The Minister stared into nothing as if in thought. “Yes. If the crown supports it.” The minister murmured and walked off. “I look forward to hearing about your progress, Professor.”
Erebus watched him walk down the hallway for a moment before the donkey returned from the water dispenser.
“Care to explain what’s his issue with the humans?” the donkey asked.
Erebus looked at the Donkey. “I wish I could say. But I’m not spreading rumors about our staff, Mr. Monty. Now, let's get back to work.”
Mr. Monty followed, his face and composure seemed normal, but his eyes moved in thought, beyond Erebus’s knowledge.
It was fifteen minutes after Erebus put the papers back into a neat stack on her desk and dismissed her assistant to go on break. “Well, that was fun.” She said pleasantly as she took a spoonful of peanut butter and put it in her mouth. “Noh, wheref ish muh thufmachic…” She was suddenly interrupted by a loud knock on the door. “Whoh ish it?”
“Professor Erebus! This is the Royal Guard!” She heard a low, feminine voice speak on the other side. “You are accused of unlawful flirting with Prince Armor and smooching with his wife! Open this door and face the consequences!”
Erebus’s mouth dropped as the spoon hit the floor. “Ishee kiddin? Tshee onlees happsne onse.” She thought out loud, the peanut butter obscuring her words. Her horn flickered with pitch black magic as a shadow gripped with clawed hooves around the door latch, opening it. “Whuf ish thish abouf-!” She didn’t get to finish the sentence as Captain Nightshade jumped at Erebus.
“Hugs!” Shade shouted as she attempted a tackle. Attempted being the operative word. In a quick spellcast, Erebus’s form became a shade as Erebus herself shifted to the side, with Captain Nightshade glomping the shade . “Hi, hon! How is my best friend doing?” Shade glanced at what she was hugging. “Drat. missed.” She looked at Erebus, standing unamused as she swallowed her snack.
“Please be gentler, Shade.” The albino mare walked to Shade and gave her a soft hug and nuzzle. “And I am doing fine. How was your break at Ponyville?”
Shade returned her hug and nuzzle. “Made a new friend, that day. Rather interesting one, too.”
“The newly arrived human?” Erebus went to her desk stool and took out some papers, casting a dark cone over each paper as if light fled each page.
The captain smiled. “By far one of the smartest stallions in Ponyville, apparently.”
“You aren’t getting in any more trouble for that funny business bringing him here, are you?” Erebus asked, giving Shade a critical look.
Shade chuckled. “Naw. Celestia isn’t pursuing any charges against anyone. We saved a planet in another dimension. Exactly what heroes of Equestria would do.”
“That was Twilight’s plea to Celestia.” Erebus murmured going over more papers. “Can’t believe it worked.”
“You should know better than anypony that Twilight always pulls through, and it worked so well!” Shade grinned. “And speaking of official business!” She reached into her uniform saddle bag and pulled out a scroll. “Please brief me on the S Class mission.”
The albino mare dropped a paper and looked at Shade shocked. Her shadow crawled up the wall behind Shade staring at the scroll with unblinking eyes.“They gave you the mission?”
Shade simply nodded enthusiastically, tail wagging enthusiastically.
Erebus stared for a moment in thought before speaking. Her wings twitched. “Shade, this is a higher class mission. S is for ‘serious, sensitive, and severe.’”
“Also, sexy. The quadrupled S’s makes me very qualified.” Shade made a toothy grin, striking a bit of a pose.
Erebus groaned at her friend’s demeanor. “This isn’t dealing with jumpers or Diamond Dog invasions. This is dealing with ancient beings with probable adversarial aspirations towards Equestria and the Crystal Empire.” Erebus explained, very concerned for her friend. “Sexy doesn’t cut it.”
“And Luna trusts us to do this mission.” Shade retorted with a serious tone. “Now, her grace has given her decree for us to handle this, and as captain I need you to brief me.” Shade put the officially sealed scroll on Erebus’s desk.
Erebus sighed in defeat. “I guess I can’t convince you to let the Day Guard handle this.” She hopped off her stool and levitated another spoonful of peanut butter to her mouth. “Hear. Reat thish.” She pulled open a drawer that was not there before and gave Shade a binder titled: ‘The Origins of Sombra and the Umbral Powers.’
Nightshade looked at the title. Her eyes went wide as she read through the materials. The first pages described recent historical evidence of a ‘following’ older than the Chaos Cults. This following existed before the forming of the Crystal Empire, back when it was no more than tribe, Shade read.
There is evidence the ‘Crystal Ponies’ were originally ponies of high-magical resonance, but a split formed within the tribe. One delved intensely into a strange form of magic highly influenced by passions and emotions: love, hate, happiness, anger; later discovered to be originating from a realm that existed differently from the material world. These umbral magicians felt the pull of this realm stronger and stronger, which was shunned by their brethren, the Crystal Ponies. The Crystal ponies became how they are by embracing more orderly and harmonious magics.
Shade put the binder down and looked at Erebus. “This is amazing! A lot of ponies have always wondered where the Crystal Ponies came from! So their magical resonance,” Shade searched for the right word. “Manifested to make them crystal-like?”
Erebus cleaned her mouth with a napkin. “Pretty much. If you read further, you’ll see where Sombra comes in. He was supposedly an Umbral hybrid.” Erebus pulled some more papers out. “There is very little information we have on the Umbral ponies… well they are likely not ponies anymore. Over a thousand years they are more spirits like Discord, is my hypothesis.” The albino mare presented to Shade. “This mission is S Class because we are tracing his origins right into the Umbra itself. It might explain why he took over the Crystal Empire in the first place.”
Shade deadpanned. “The fact he was a hostile tyrant isn’t a good enough explanation?”
Erebus shook her head. “Nope. We don’t have much information on Sombra’s origins, nor what his motivations were. The Crystal ponies aren’t very forthcoming, given the trauma of being locked away from the world for so long.” Erebus pointed some pictures of stone tablets and old scroll writing, written in cutieform and old Equestrian, as well as a map of Equestria.
Moving to a specific location on the map, not far from the Crystal Empire, she continued. “We need members of your guard to go with some archeologists to this part of Equestria, and help us negotiate with the tribe there.”
Shade raised an eyebrow. “I have never seen this land on the map.” She said suspiciously.
“Not surprising.” Erebus frowned and paused to take a breath. “Only Luna, Princess Celestia, and I know of it and those who live there.” She paused again, as if something was troubling her. “Ponies think they are just a myth. I mean, as far as anypony is concerned, they don’t even know about me.” Erebus said solemnly, her expression indicating her bemusement. The shadow slumped back to the floor as well as back to normal size.
Shade studied Erebus for a moment. She walked around her desk and put a gentle hoof on her friend. “Erebus, I am your friend. If this mission is involves something personal, I need to understand it better. I won’t tell a soul, I promise.”
Erebus looked at Shade through her blind eyes. “Well…” Suddenly, a green flame manifested, extinguishing as quickly as it formed to reveal a scroll with Twilight Sparkle’s cutiemark on the seal. It landed on Erebus’s desk. “Oh! From Twilight.” Erebus evaded the question as her faint shadowy magic levitated it to her desk.
Shade sighed. “You were about to tell me something important.”
“When I feel more comfortable, Shade. I will.” Erebus frowned as she read the letter. “You should read the rest of what I gave you. I will need four of your guard to go with the researchers in a week. They will work on a need-to-know basis.” Erebus said coldly.
Shade nodded. “Will do, hon.”
Erebus gave a snort of intrigue as she put the letter down. “Well, Shade. Want to spend your weekend back in Ponyville? Your friend, Doctor Tycho Hernandez, just earned his certification in Enchantments. I have been requested to meet him in person and offer him a job in magical enchantment engineering.”
Shade’s eyes widened. “In just one week?! Hay yay! I knew that stallion was awesome!” She kicked her front hooves in excitement.
“Kish kish kish.” Erebus snickered at Shade’s reaction. She looked forward to meeting this ‘apparent’ alien prodigy.