• Published 14th Feb 2014
  • 1,191 Views, 18 Comments

Technical Difficulties - Jubei Yagyu



Tech Shift should be an average teenager. His past pimp slapped him 5 times in the face and told him "BUCK THAT!"

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Discords' Game Begins

Four hours had passed since Tech had locked himself in his workshop to protect him from the Sisterly Wrath. He was now working on a small black box that was sitting on the table after completing some other additions for his latest creation

“Tech… It’s been an hour. You can’t do any more on that today” Lily said, putting her hand on the table. Tech put down the tools he had been using. He took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes, and sighed.

“I suppose… I’m starving. I’m gonna head out and get some grub” he said, standing up. He raised his arms above his head and stretched, cracking his shoulders. Lily nodded and disappeared. Tech walked over to the vault door, and it opened. He proceeded up the stairs. When he was halfway up he heard the tell-tale hiss of the door, and continued. He poked his head out of the door to check if Lavender was still around. Sure enough, she was sitting in front of the TV, watching her shows. Tech sighed and walked out. He continued quickly up the stairs. Tech realised it was probably his smartest move, asking them to put the door under the stairs. It was hidden if you weren’t looking for it, and easy for him to access. He got changed out of his now stained clothes and into a new set. This time he was wearing black jeans with a dark blue shirt. He walked over to his bedside table and picked up the necklace. At the end was a black sword that looked like it was disintegrating. Tech always felt uncomfortable and vulnerable when he didn’t have it with him.

“At least it doesn’t look terrible” he chuckled to himself as he hung it from his neck. He put a smaller phone in his pocket, and took his bit pouch from his desk and put it in his other pocket. He left his room, closing the door behind him, and walked slowly down the stairs. He made it to the hallway leading to the front door before he heard a sound he didn’t want to.

“Hold it” Lavender called from the lounge room. Tech poked his head out of the hall.

“What?” he said, trying to indicate that he wanted to leave.

“If you ever do that again, I’m throwing you down the stairs” she glowered at him. Tech laughed.

“You can’t even lift me” he grinned.

She doesn’t even lift, bro.

Unless you count face lifts…

OH SHIT, SHE’D BETTER KNOW SOME ICE SPELLS FOR THAT BURN!

Lavender threw the bag of chips at Tech, who didn’t manage to dodge. It hit him in the face, and he stared at Lavender.

“Really? Really?” he sighed.

“Guess what I’m not picking up…” Tech said. He quickly ran out the door before she could throw the can of coke she had.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A short walk later, Tech was in the middle of Ponyville. He sighed as he looked around for a place to eat. He spotted a café, with a sweets shop and café next to it.

Perfect, I’ll get something at this café, then jump over to Sugarcube Corner for dessert.

Tech walked in. It seemed like a quiet little café, with a few people sitting at tables around. They weren’t there alone, and they were all talking to their partners. Tech smiled as he sat down at a table in the corner and started to look around. He really liked the vines growing on the outside and all the plants on the inside. It reminded him of the greenhouse back at his previous school. It also reminded him of natural things, and he felt a pang of sadness. This was quickly replaced when his stomach growled. He began to read through the menu and a server came up.

“Welcome, sir. Can I get you a drink while you wait?” the server asked, smiling warmly. Tech looked up at him and smiled weakly.

“Uhm, yes. Can I please get a cup of coffee with milk?” he asked. The server nodded.

“Of course sir” the server grinned and walked off. Tech finished reading through the menu by the time the server had made it to the kitchen. When he came back with the coffee, Tech ordered an Avocado melt. Tech sipped his coffee as he waited, and 10 minutes later the server came out holding a plate with two thick, square pieces of toast with avocado on top and Jack cheese melted on top of that. The smell gently wafted into Tech’s nose and he grinned. The server put it down in front of him, and Tech said his thanks. He cut the corner off and put it in his mouth. The different flavours mixed around in his mouth as he chewed. He swallowed and sighed. His mouth curled into a grin as he started to eat the rest of it. Within 10 minutes, he had eaten the entire thing and his coffee. He walked up to the counter and left the exact change with the server, who smiled.

“Have a good day, sir” he grinned. Tech smiled and waved back.

“You too” he said as he left. The door closed behind him as he walked over to Sugarcube Corner.

“I wonder what I should get…” he thought out loud before walking up to the door, and being assaulted by something pink and poofy.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Well… I never thought I’d actually see the day that Tech would send someone to me… He wasn’t the one that hurt you, was he?” Lilac asked, looking at the Cyan wing in front of her.

“No, he was actually to one to patch me up like this” Dash said, looking to the side. Twilight was sitting next to Dash, and staring intently.

She’s absolutely gorgeous! I wonder how Tech knows her… He could be into older women, that perv…

“Well, my guess on this situation was that he sent you to me for a check-up. It looks like you’ll be completely healed within the hour, so you can take those things off and relax. I would rely on your friend here to help you walk for at least an hour, or just stay off your feet” Lilac smiled, standing up. She was about 5 foot 6 and slender despite having two kids, but the two girls didn’t know that. She was 38, but Twilight had assumed she was in her early 20’s. She brushed her light brown hair away back, and started to help Dash undo that wooden slats that were strapped to her wing.

“I’m sorry Dr Lilac, but I have to ask. How do you know Tech? Are you his girlfriend or his sister?” Twilight asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. Lilac smiled sweetly.

“It makes me happy that you think I could be his girlfriend or sister, but no. And I really thought you would remember, Twilight” she chuckled, not stopping her work on the slats.

“So, how do you know him? And me, for that matter?” Twilight asked again, extremely curious.

“I’m his mother” Lilac said bluntly. Both girls wore looks of shock on their faces.

“WHAT?!” they both shouted together.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Oh my! Are you alright sir? Pinkie, why were you jumping around like a kid?” Tech heard a female voice call out. He tried to sit up, but there was a weight on his chest. He looked around, but couldn’t see anything.

Damn it! I’ve gone blind! Did that knock some wires loose or something?

Or you could try opening your eyes.

Tech took a moment before opening his eyes, slightly embarrassed at himself. The first thing he saw was pink poofy hair. His eyes scanned his surroundings.

Outside a sweets shop and café called Sugarcube corner, many onlookers, woman who looks to be a baker seeing as she is covered in flour.

His eyes turned to the weight on his chest. The hair definitely stood out, but his eyes slowly drifted down. They glided over the pink and white t-shirt that looked way too tight and stopped on the jean shorts, the back of which were facing him. He went a light shade of crimson when the person stood up.

“Whoopsie! I’m sorry, mister” the girl who was previously sitting on his chest turned around, revealing a huge grin. Tech sat up and brought his hand to his head. He rolled his shoulder forwards and backwards twice and shook his legs, just to make sure everything was still connected right.

I’m sure I fixed that problem after last time… but I can’t be too careful

You looked like a sack of meat

He looked at the hand the girl had offered to him. He made sure to only grasp it gently and she helped him up. He brushed himself off. Tech raised his arms above his head, grasped his left wrist with his right hand, and brought his arms down behind his head. His shoulders creaked, and the baker looked like she winced.

“Are you alright, sir?” the baker asked again. Tech noticed the blue shirt under the flour. A man came running out.

“I heard a bang, what happened, Cup?” he asked. He seemed to be directing his question to the flour covered woman.

“Pinkie was frolicking again, and she knocked over this poor man” Cup said turning to the man. The man turned to the girl in pink.

“Pinkie, what did we tell you about that?” he said, obviously frustrated. Tech laughed nervously.

“I’m fine, really. She’s not that heavy, and I didn’t hit my head” Tech said. He quickly performed a full body check with his hands to make sure nothing was injured. He put his hand on right side of his ribcage and winced slightly.

Shit.

He shook his head and grinned.

“Well, talk about a way to make an entrance… I’m new in town. The name’s Tech Shift” his smile seemed to be infectious. The male baker, who was wearing an expression of anger, seemed to calm down. Tech even noticed a small grin forming.

“Welcome to Ponyville. I’m Carrot Cake, and this is my wife, Cup Cake. You’ve already met Pinkie Pie” he smiled, pointing to the flour-covered baker, and then the pink girl who fell on him.

“I see. Charmed to meet you all” Tech chuckled. He held out his hand. The energetic Pinkie jumped forward and took it. She started to shake it vigorously. Tech was a bit alarmed at her strength.

“Pleased to meet you, Tech! Oh! I’m gonna start working on a welcome party for you!” she cried out before racing off.

“Hold it, Pinkie! You’ve still got work!” Cup Cake called out and as fast as she had left, the pink blur was back again. She ran into the kitchen, and they heard clattering.

“Oh boy… Anyway, I’m Cup Cake, co-owner of this establishment” the baker quickly shook Tech’s hand, and ran into the kitchen. They heard “Put that down and get back to work” several times before things quietened down. Carrot Cake approached Tech.

“Man, things can get rough around here…” Tech chucked as he took Carrot’s extended hand. Carrot squeezed down on Tech’s hand.

‘Zis guy serious?

Do it.

Doin’ it!

Tech’s mouth twisted into a slightly evil grin as he gently squeezed down on Carrot’s hand, causing his eyes to go wide. Tech stopped short of causing him any lasting damage.

“Whoa, that’s one heck of a grip you got there, buddy” Carrot laughed, patting Tech on the shoulder. Tech grinned.

“Anyway, sorry about Pinkie. She tends to be a bit… hyperactive” Carrot chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. Tech was looking this man up and down.

Orange hair. Green eyes. Slim build. Threat level: 3.

“Nah it’s cool. Definitely one of the better things to have on you, am I right?” Tech grinned, and both of the men laughed. Carrot lead Tech over to a table.

“Whatever you order is on the house today. It’s our way of apologizing” Carrot grinned as Tech sat down. He looked up.

“I’m not one to turn down kindness like that” Tech smiled, and started to browse the menu. After deciding on waffles, he sat back and smiled to himself. He remembered the soft, squishy feeling in Pinkies rump on his chest. He must have lost track of time, because a giggling girl snapped him out of it.

“Here you are, Tech” Pinkie giggled as she placed the plate of waffles in front of him. She looked around the store, and then quickly sat opposite him. Tech was slightly confused, but it didn’t stop him from cutting the corner off his waffle and putting it in his mouth. It was soft and warm, and the melted chocolate was sweet and oozing.

“So I heard Carrot Cake tell Cup Cake about what you told him earlier” Pinkie said with a sly grin.

“Oh?” Tech said, not quite understanding where she was leading this conversation.

“And I’ve just gotta say, you’re one of the most attractive people I’ve ever bumped into” she winked at him and laughed.

“First time I’ve ever had a girl literally fall for me” Tech chuckled as he finished off his first waffle. Pinkie laughed.

“That was horrible” she wiped away a tear and stood up. As she walked away, she gave a little wave over her shoulder and disappeared back into the kitchen. Tech chuckled as he started on his second waffle and a few minutes later he had finished the waffle. Tech stood up and took 12 bits out of his pouch and put them on the table. He had memorised the price when he read the menu. As he was leaving, he saw Cup Cake manning the front counter. He waved good bye, and was met with the same. He opened the door to the blinding sunlight.

“Ahhh… Where to now?” he thought out loud, stretching his arms above his head. He walked away from Sugarcube Corner to the fountain in the Town Square. He sat down on a bench.

“Come to think of it… Mum’s clinic is close by, isn’t it?” Tech asked himself. He glanced around. His eyes came to rest on a sign.

“Lilac’s General Health Clinic. There’s it is” he grinned. He turned at the right time because at that moment the front door opened, revealing Twilight supporting a slightly limping Rainbow Dash. He chuckled, as Twilight spotted him. Lilac walked out.

“Ok, Just reminding you: If you keep off the leg for a bit longer, It should heal nicely” she smiled sweetly. Before Dash or Twilight could respond, she turned towards Tech.

“Wait a second… I’d recognise that horn anywhere. TECH!!!” Lilac shouted, causing Tech to jump in surprise.

“W-WHAT?!” he shouted back. He stood up and walked over to the small gathering.

“For Celestia’s sake, did you have to scare the hell out of me?” Tech walked over, slightly frustrated but still wearing a smirk.

“Heh, sorry honey. I saw you over there and-” Lilac started, but Tech interrupted her by laughing.

“And you decided to act like Dad, I understand” he laughed. Lilacs’ face went dead straight before curling into a grin and laughing.

“Is he really having that kind of effect on me?” she laughed.

“It’s the same with his clients. Only difference is the amount of time you spend with him voluntarily” Tech smirked.

“Hi Tech” Twilight smiled. Tech turned his head to the purple haired unicorn.

“Hey Twi. How was the service here?” he chuckled.

“It was great. I didn’t think anyone this young could BE a mother…” Twilight turned to Lilac.

“Oh dear. I’m 38” Lilac said with the same grin she was wearing before. Twilight’s and Dash’s mouths dropped open.

“Yeah, dad’s been aging for the both of them” Tech laughed. The three girls in front of him started to laugh.

“So, I take it he let you girls inside the house?” Lilac turned to the girls. Both nodded.

“Twilight I can understand him letting in, but you…” she turned to Dash who went rigid.

“Actually… he brought me into the house” Dash said, somewhat proudly. Lilac’s face went dead straight.

“He… brought someone into the house… My son is growing up to fast… his first girlfriend…” she wiped a tear away. Dash went bright red, and Tech shouted for the both of them.

“NO! THAT ISN’T THE CASE AND YOU KNOW THAT!!!” Tech shouted, drawing the attention of everyone around the square. Pinkie’s head poked out of Sugarcube Corner and, upon seeing her friends talking with her new friend, promptly ran over to greet them. She jumped onto Tech’s back.

“Heya Twi, Heya Dashie! How do you know Techie here?” she grinned, squeezing her arms around his neck. Lilac saw Tech’s eyes narrow and quickly grabbed his right wrist.

“No Tech. Friend” she said sternly, earning looks from everyone in the small group. Tech visibly relaxed.

“I know…” he sighed. Pinkie looked slightly concerned.

“Hey, are you ok Techie?” she asked. She jumped off his back and walked next to him, still holding his arm. Within a few seconds, Tech’s head shot up with its normal grin.

“Yeah, I’m just not used to being surprised” he chuckled. Everyone sighed, slightly confused at how fast his personality changed back.

“Anyway, since he let you into the house, Miss Dash, he probably knows everything about you” Lilac smirked. Tech grinned. Rainbow Dash turned to look at the Doctor.

“No way” she smiled with an air of confidence.

“Oh-hoh?” Lilac scoffed and turned to Tech.

“Go ahead, dear” she giggled. Tech straightened up his posture.

““Name: Rainbow Dash. Age: 18 years old. Is currently in her second last year at Ponyville High School and works as the Weather Manager for Ponyville. She’s 5 foot 8 inches tall and weighs 53kg. Her IQ is 110. Three sizes: 74, 38, 58. Favourite Book: Daring Do. Favourite movie: Wonderbolts Documentary. Is secretly extremely girly. Need I continue?” he grinned smugly at Dash who was bright red.

“O-Okay, I get it already!” she cried out, embarrassed. Twilight and Pinkie giggled.

“What about me?” Twilight laughed. Lilac looked slightly confused.

“You both already know everything about each other… Wait, did BOTH of you forget?!” Lilacs’ jaw dropped. Tech and Twilight both looked at her confused. Rainbow Dash was still reeling, and Pinkie was barely paying attention.

“Well… Your dad’s won’t be happy about this…” Lilac said, slightly worried.

“Wait, you know my dad?” Twilight asked, even more confused. Tech was still trying to assess the situation.

“I think that’s a story for your parents to tell you, dear. Oh, and Tech, Lu called. She said they were picking up some residual energy near Ponyville and that they were both going to be coming very soon” Lilac turned to tech, snapping him out of his trance.

“How soon?” Tech turned to her. As soon as he finished speaking, there was a slight crackling behind him. All of a sudden there was a bright yellow flash, followed in quick succession by a dark blue flash.

“Right now” a female voice called from behind him. He turned slowly, his eyes wide. Twilight, Dash and Pinkie gasped. Behind Tech, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia were standing tall. Both had swords strapped to belts on their hips. Luna’s hilt had a crescent moon on it, while Celestia’s had a sun.

“What is it with people and scaring me today?!” Tech cried out and collapsed to his knees.

“Get up, you big baby” Lilac sighed. Tech stood up almost instantly, frightening the younger girls.

“It’s good to see you all again” Celestia smiled warmly.

“P-Princess’… what are you doing here?” Twilight asked, seeming slightly on edge.

“I’m not sure we’re able to tell anyone that isn’t involved quite yet, Twilight Sparkle” Luna said, looking up at Celestia, who simply raised a hand.

“They’re elements. They need to know” Celestia said in a serious tone, causing almost everyone to worry. Without another word, Pinkie zoomed off. Within a minute, Pinkie had gathered the rest of the girls. Tech recognised one.

“Hey, it’s… Uh… Applejack, right?” Tech said, pointing at the blonde cowgirl. She nodded and smiled.

“And you’re Tech, right?” she smiled. Tech grinned.

“Wow… he’s meeting girls left and right…” Lilac said to herself, biting her bottom lip.

“It seems you’ve met most of the rest. These two are Fluttershy and Rarity” Twilight said, pointing at a girl with pink hair who seemed to be extremely shy, hiding behind a girl who had a proud air around her and purple hair.

“Hello darling. My name is Rarity” the purple haired girl extended her hand. Tech took the hand and remembered how his mother had taught him to greet girls who exuded pride. He brought her hand up to his face and kissed it. Most of the girls went bright red.

“Pleasure to meet you. My name is Tech Shift” he smiled as warmly as he could. Rarity was caught a bit off guard, but quickly regained her composure.

“Such a gentleman in this day and age. Your mother must be so proud of you” Rarity smiled, attempting to hide her blush.

“I am” Lilac smiled, patting Tech on the shoulder. This caused Rarity to go even redder. The other girls chuckled.

“I’m Fluttershy” the Pink haired girl whispered. It was almost inaudible.

“Uhm… Hi Fluttershy” Tech waved. He didn’t hear her introduce herself, but he put two and two together and assumed she was the last name he didn’t recognise.

“These are the Elements of Harmony, Tech” Luna said, drawing Tech’s attention.

“I see. I’ve heard plenty about them” Tech said, nodding. Dash spoke up.

“I don’t mean to be rude, but how do you know the Princess’, Tech?” she asked. Before anyone could speak, Celestia quickly replied.

“He used to play with Luna all the time when he was young” she smiled slyly. The elements jaws all dropped.


“You just keep surprising them” Lilac was laughing.

“Did you have to go and say that so abruptly, sister?” Luna said, sighing. Tech put his hand on her shoulder.

“It’s fine, Lu. It’s not like it’s a huge secret or anything” he said. She nodded in agreement, and Tech removed his hand. Celestia straightened up and started speaking again.

“Anyway, the reason we are here today is because we are hunting special beings. Everywhere there is light, there must also be a shadow. You girls represent the light, so there must be equal beings of shadow. We have called them the Elements of Despair. We’ve been following an unusual magic signature, which we are assuming to be one of them” Celestia explained. Twilight was taking in as much information as she could, and the rest of the girls were just taking the basic understanding.

“So, who does the signature lead to?” Tech asked.

“We’re not sure. It just showed that it was in Ponyville” Celestia shook her head.

“I can try and set up a tracking spell, but I’d need permissions from you” Tech stroked his chin.

“Whatever you need” Celestia said. Tech closed his eyes and raised his left arm. He displayed his palm towards the sun. His entire body started to glow a dark grey hue. A dark grey magic circle appeared, covering the sun. Tech opened his eyes, and in left iris was the exact same magic circle.

“Ugh… This is so draining… The residual energy hasn’t left Ponyville. It’s… in the square now. That’s as far as I can narrow it down” Tech grunted. The magic circle disappeared from the sun and Tech’s eyes, and Tech stumbled forward.

“That took too much energy…” Tech groaned. He regained his composure and stretched.

“That was amazing, Tech! I have to admit… I have trouble with magic circles and seal magic…” Twilight stared at Tech, who turned to her.

“Seal magic? You mean with these things?” Tech snapped his fingers and a large rectangular piece of paper with symbols and markings appeared in his hand. Twilight nodded enthusiastically. Tech let go of the seal, and it disappeared.

“I have a basic knowledge of that kind of magic, but circles are my forte” he shrugged. Before Twilight could react, Tech was hit with a sky blue magic bolt.

“Lavender! What did I tell you about attacking your brother?!” Lilac yelled, as the young unicorn walked up to the group, laughing.

“That I take my life into my own ha-” Lavender never got to finish her sentence. She was sent flying back into a wall. Purple chains came out of magic circles on the walls and bound her in place.

“That’s right…” Lilac sighed. Tech was grinning like a madman.

“What should I do to you now…”Tech chuckled. He turned back to the princesses.

“Hey bro… you can let me down now…” Lavender called out.

“So, how are you gonna continue looking for it?” Tech asked the princess’, completely ignoring his sister.

“We don’t know…” Luna said, shaking her head.

“Maybe I could be of some assistance” a male voice called out from no-where. Everyone looked around for the source of the voice. Fluttershy’s eyes settled on one spot. Tech noticed and focused on that spot as well. His eyes scanned the area and picked up a spatial disturbance.

“There” Tech pointed at the spot. As he did, a man wearing a suit appeared. His hair was a mix of black and white, and his smile seemed a might creepy.

“Discord” Fluttershy said. This time Tech had actually heard her speak. Tech looked around the square.

“Is it just me… or is this place extremely empty…” he observed. Everyone looked around.

“That’s because I only gathered most of the key players in my game of chess” Discord smirked. He turned to Tech.

“You might not remember me, but I certainly remember you. I see you like my present” Discord placed his hand on Tech’s chest. When he removed it, he was holding Tech’s necklace.

“What the hell?” Tech’s eyes went wide and his hands shot to his chest.

Gone.

“Give that back. Now” Tech said. He held out his hand, to which Discord promptly popped out his eye and placed it in his hand.

“You need it, right?” he chuckled. Techs’ face went dead straight. Before anyone was aware of what happened, Luna had drawn her sword and now had it against Discords’ throat.

“Choose your next words VERY carefully” Luna growled. Discord chuckled and snapped his fingers. His eye disappeared from Tech’s hand and reappeared back in Discord’s eye socket.

“I wanted to offer my help in your search for the Elements of Despair. One is right here” he held up the amulet, which Tech snatched back.

“What are you talking about…?” Luna sheathed her sword and glared at Discord. Celestia thought for a moment, then her eyes widened and she turned to Tech.

“Heh… Your sister understood” Discord chuckled. He created a small pink cloud, which he gave to Pinkie. She enthusiastically bit into it. Tech raised one eyebrow in concern.

“Tech… can’t be…” Celestia said. Discord just laughed.

“Madness is closer than you think, dear Celestia” he stretched.

“You say something, Tia?” Tech turned his head towards her.

“He’s saying… You’re an Element of Despair…” Celestia looked at Tech, horrified.

“Ding ding ding!!! Welcome to the party, Element of Madness!” Discord started clapping and a banner appeared above Tech’s head. It read.

‘THE ELEMENT OF MADNESS APPEARS! HUZZAH!’

“What… the… fuck…” Tech said glaring at Discord. The banner disappeared.

“Tch, so rude. It’s simple really. You’re the Element of Madness. You can figure out what that means by yourself!” Discord laughed. Before he could disappear, Fluttershy walked up to him and stared at him.

“Or… I could explain it now…” he said, slightly dejected. Everyone chuckled under their breath.

“You’re powers are simple Tech. They’re not inherently evil, like people might imagine from hearing what the user is called. However… the first time it was used was for evil, so some people might assume they are. Your powers allow you to drain the madness out of people if you’re touching them directly. There are some other things you can do like moulding the madness you drain into tendrils or whatever, but that part is up to you to figure out” Discord explained. He sounded kind of reluctant. Tech sat there, taking this all in.

“What…” Tech couldn’t think of anything to say to that. No-one could. Everyone just sat around.

“Don’t worry too much about it. As long as you’re not evil, you don’t have to worry about them turning the Elements of Harmony on you” Discord laughed.

“Unfortunately for me, your powers haven’t started showing yet. They should start showing themselves when the others do. And believe me… You’ll know when they do” Discord said seriously. This is the first time anyone had seen him so serious. He snapped his fingers and disappeared. Everyone was dumbfounded.

“No-one is to pursue anything to do with this power. Tech, we’ll study all we can about it and let you know if we find anything. In the meantime… Just try to live normally, and ignore what Discord said” Celestia broke the silence. Tech nodded, realising it was the best plan of action. The princesses had the Royal Archives. Something must be in there that can help him.

“Nothing else we can do…” Tech sighed. He snapped his fingers and his sister, who was in shock and still chained to the wall, dropped to the ground like a block of cement. Everyone else nodded while Lavender stood up and brushed herself off.

“Twilight, you should take Dash home. I think everyone needs a bit of a rest right now” Lilac stroked her chin.

“Right. C’mon Dash” Twilight supported Dash as they hobbled away. Everyone else said their goodbyes, and went their separate ways. All that were left standing in the square were Tech, Lilac, Lavender, Luna, and Celestia.

“Can we really just leave this alone, Celestia?” Lilac asked seriously. Celestia nodded with a grim expression.

“There’s nothing else we can do at the moment. Once we find something, we’ll contact you immediately” she said. Lilac and Lavender nodded, but something was on Tech’s mind.

“Hold on. He said “the first time it was used”… That means we’re not the first Elements of Despair. This would also mean… They aren’t the first Elements of Harmony… That might be a good place to start” Tech thought out loud. The Princess’ turned to him.

“Now we have a more paths to the truth…” Luna said with a slight grin.

“But how do you know that you’re not the only Element of Despair” Celestia asked. Tech turned to face the sisters.

“You said so yourself: “you girls represent the light, so there must be equal beings of shadow”. It’s a completely equal trade. Plus, Discord did say "when the others do". That should be enough proof” Tech said, his face emotionless.

“There are 5 more elements of Despair” he said plainly. He turned around and started walking back home without waiting for a response.