Warsong: Primordial Conflict

by Jumping Jack

Chapter 5: Manehatten Revisited

Cloudchaser pulled the chariot along with Flitter. The two having offered to do so after we ate. The eatery they took me too was something I genuinely didn't think existed. It was almost like a gladiator back room. The design looking to something you'd see when waiting for your turn to fight to the death. Which was ironic considering some of the pegasi employees there dressed for the occasion. I was pleasantly surprised to see them act out a larp, almost as if it was straight out of a movie. I let out a bloated sigh, feeling full and satisfied. I took a sip of water from my canteen as we sailed through the clouds. It was a rather chilly breeze. I looked over the side, my mind aware and keeping a look out. I wasn't sure what I saw on my way to Cloudsdale, but I had a bad feeling.

Cloudchaser and Flitter were chatting amongst themselves, but I wasn't paying attention to hear what they were saying. My eyes scanned the clouds, expecting to see figures not too far off dipping in and out.

“Fie?” I heard Flitter ask. I blinked and looked over to see her looking over her shoulder to me. “What do you think?” I blankly looked at her.

“Uhhh… hotcakes?” I asked. Cloudchaser snickered.

“No, dummy. We were asking what you think about Cloudsdale.” She said. I blinked.

“Oh, uh… it’s… big.” I replied. “And… surprisingly traditional.” Cloudchaser nodded.

“Military has always run through pegasi blood.” She stated. “And whenever any talks of war are initiated, the uhh… starved get a little excited, to put it nicely.” She then sighed. “Every day it just seems like peace is slipping away.” I looked at her worriedly. I rubbed the back of my head in thought.

“So… aside from returning to Cloudsdale, what else did you two do?” I asked. Flitter casually batted a cloud puff away as she spoke.

“Well, we did want to search for you, but Captain Spitfire caught us leaving and asked to return to give our reports. After that, we were sent to Cloudsdale to give a detailed report. We spent the weeks just waiting for General Cloud Puncher to return. Imagine our surprise when Admiral Fairy Flight asked for us.” She explained. Flitter gestured in no particular fashion.

“General Cloud Puncher has been overseas as of late to overlook certain stations being made to set up for pegasi outposts and scouting spots.” Flitter continued. “It’s been hectic, but they believe the Equestrian Navy will serve as a good distraction for their cloud canons.” I rested my cheek on my hoof against the edge of the chariot.

"The pegasi certainly have their work cut out for them. Not sure how Canterlot is going to handle their own planning.” I said. Cloudchaser smiled.

“Well, that’s something we don’t really need to worry about just yet. I’m impressed though. There are only two ponies who can stand up to Admiral Fairy. Now a third one. I think he’s losing his touch a little.” She snickered. I flourished a hoof.

“I’m already tasked with the fate of the world. I’m not going to be a scapegoat to military politics.” I replied matter-of-factly. Flitter shrugged and shook her head.

“More like guinea pig. Did you hear how he kept referring to Fie as ‘the ace’?” She asked. I furrowed my look. Cloudchaser frowned.

“Let’s just hope we don’t have to deal with our home turf…” She stated. I gave an apologetic look to Cloudchaser. The two sisters have been through a lot, and I couldn’t help but feel guilty once more. I then had a thought.

“Flitter…?” I asked.

“Hmm?” She replied. I turned to face them.

“How are you feeling? Any… side effects?” I asked. Flitter and Cloudchaser were quiet. My concern grew. Cloudchaser casually skimmed her hoof against a cloud.

"Let's just say, you weren't the only one who lost weight for a while." She said. Flitter bowed her head in silence. I found myself gripping the edge of the chariot a little too hard. Flitter finally spoke.

"I... had myself tested in the Department of Health. Physically, I'm fine. Took a test in the Psychology Department. My tests came back as stable, but several brain activities are abnormal. They've ran plenty of tests and unfortunately, cannot come to a conclusion." She hugged herself. "Every night I just hear, 'obey your king' over and over in my head and lately, I've begun to see shadows popping out in the corner of my eyes." I didn't know how to respond. What could I do? I'm dealing with my own hallucinations. I sighed and looked out the side of the chariot.

"I'm sorry... Flitter." I said. Flitter shook her head.

"It's really not your fault. We were caught by surprise." She replied. I remained quiet. The silence continuing for quite a while as we flew over the valley. The sisters were pretty great fliers on their own. If they trained a little more, they'd be able to keep up with Rainbow Dash. To think, our journey completely kicked off when Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had somehow gotten caught into investigating the Triad. I then thought back to Discord talking to me on the train, which transitioned into when he had shown up in the hospital to overlook Fluttershy's recovery. I frowned when Ouroboros showed up in my thoughts. The Serpent has been doing his damndest to throw us for a loop. Our realm truly is in danger, yet the World Serpent is using us as half-time entertainment. I knew something was fishy about this from the start. My thoughts were cut off when I noticed several dark figures dipping down into the clouds not too far from us.

"Uhhh, we got company." Cloudchaser said, her look turning serious. I held onto the chariot and followed her gaze. more shadow figures dipping into the clouds. However, seeing as we had spotted them fully, they shot out from below the clouds and sailed towards us. "Hang on!" Cloudchaser called out. The two sisters were in sync and maneuvered the chariot to avoid the creatures that would have struck us if we didn't. I held on with both hooves as more of the shadow creatures shot out and aimed towards us. I grit my teeth once the sister's had avoided them. Seems like Tenebres is still a little mad at me. But then... what were they doing earlier when I was heading to Clocudsdale? A question that would never be answered as I ducked from a creature that flew over me. It shrieked, the faceless silhouette of a bat like creature hovered over me and four more backed it up. I quickly withdrew my quarter staff with my magic and began batting at the creatures, the hits not that hard, but enough that it sent them flying away from me.

Cloudchaser and Flitter began dipping into the clouds, vision becoming hard to see. I held on tightly as we raced through the clouds, Cloudchaser and Flitter moving this way and that as the creatures tried to ram into us. What is Tenebres trying to do? I then saw Cloudchaser balk.

"Flitter, left!" She called out. I nearly fell out of the chariot, tumbling out and holding on for dear life as they had just avoided a skyscraper. I looked down and saw that we had arrived in Manehatten. Yet, I saw the creatures still on our tail. I recalled my staff to free my other hoof and pulled myself up, bucking one creature away. Our chariot flew through the city, the chariot having bounced off of one balcony on a hotel. I turned to the sisters.

"Guys! We need to lose them! Head lower!" I stated. The two nodded and got as low as they could, hovering just above the passing wagons underneath us. We could hear surprised cries and swearing around us, but the creatures were gaining. I grit my teeth. 'This is starting to get irritating.' I then felt a warmth envelop me and taking a deep breath, I withdrew my quarterstaff once more, only to envelop it into fire and forming the halberd. I spun it over my head and made two horizontal slashes, sending out bladed waves of fire that sliced several of the shadow creatures. I held on once more as the two made a sharp turn to avoid running into a cargo wagon. I saw two of the creatures splattering into oncoming wagons. I swung again, sending out whips of flame that struck the creatures that didn't dodge.

I winced when I accidentally cut one of the street signs and our chariot caused a couple of wagons to careen into each other and even off the road. I balked and looked over my shoulder.

"Get a bit higher!" I shouted. The two did just that, crashing the wheel of the chariot into the side of a building to avoid a creature, splintering it. The chariot began to weigh down without the wheel, nearly dipping me over the side. Cloudchaser and Flitter made a sharp dip and landed onto the street, screeching to a halt. Friction must have slept in as wagons began careening away from the abrupt landing. We yelled in panic as the wagons in the four way couldn't stop. I found myself sailing over the crashing, tumbling into the air and landed hard on the pavement, rolling to a stop. I felt the wind had left me and tried to stand up, only to fall forward and clutch my stomach, trying to get air into me. I painfully looked to the wreckage that we had caused, and I could see Cloudchaser dangling from the wagon harness as it had seemed to crash on top of two wagons. I winced and looked for Flitter. I could see her at the bottom of the piled wreckage. Several ponies injured and battered were in the same manner.

However, the creatures began to descend from the sky. I could hear screaming ponies and the thunderous chorus of hooves around me. I grimaced, pushing myself up painfully and leaning against the signpost, rasping for breath. I have to do something. The creatures fluttered over the pile and began to attack Cloudchaser, who was still unconscious. My eyes widened. I pushed myself to move, stumbling over myself. It was then that a firebolt had sailed over my head and in a bright flash of light, the creatures scattered. I looked over my shoulder and found my hopes rising. I have never been more happier to see an egghead who knew how to use magical rocks. The blue earth pony dawned in a yellow coat and bearing a stoic face stepped forward, reaching into his pouch and withdrawing a rock that he dropped on the ground and crushed it with a hoof. I saw the ground tremble past me and a dome with a large hole covered the wreckage, the creatures screeching before turning on the earth pony. The earth pony stood up, clapping his forehooves together and then tossing them out. A crackle of lightning shot out and chained to the creatures, causing them to retreat and fly away.

As he landed on his hooves, his sharp, light blue eyes met mine. I saw his eyes narrow and I was about to say something before I felt my body freeze up and something cold on my head. The ground met me pretty quickly.

---

I woke up staring at the bland ceiling of someplace I was not familiar with. I was expecting a hospital, but seeing a pony dawned in a similar garb to Silver Scribble, I couldn't help but start to question if I was dreaming. I got my answer when I saw Silver Scribble walked up next to the pony with a clipboard.

"Durable as always yet dumb as usual." He said casually as he scanned the clipboard. I groggily looked at him. The other pony pulled away before her hooves began to mess with my left foreleg. She furrowed her look.

"How unusual. The injuries she suffered should have put her out of commission. Yet, her wounds seem to be... mending themselves?" She stated curiously. Scribble put the clipboard down.

"That's just her healing factor. If she didn't have a maniacal being inside of her, then everything you said would have applied." He replied matter-of-factly. He then trotted out of sight, and I tried to follow him with my eyes, only for the pony mare to move my head to face her and study me. Her eyes widened when she met my own.

"By Celestia, she's awake!" She stated.

"Tell her she's dreaming. That one has too much energy for anypony's sake." I heard Scribble say from the side. I couldn't help but pull away and wince before responding.

"I missed you, egghead." I rasped weakly. Scribble appeared on the other side of the bed, his look unchanging.

"We'll have plenty of time to catch up. However, the sisters don't have a healing factor like somepony. Just enjoy Stethoscope's company. She could do with talking to somepony else." He said before moving away. The mare frowned.

"Hey, I'm not socially inept to talk to somepony else!" She stated.

"Maybe, but that's to be seen after you talk to Fie." He said. I winced and tried to get up before the mare, Stethoscope, put me back down.

"Urgh... when did Scribble become a full-time doctor?" I asked weakly. Stethoscope smiled.

"Not a licensed one. He's just always prepared for the worst-case scenario." She replied. That checks out. Scribble is reliable and always ready to help, even if he doesn't show it. Funny that the first time we truly met was when Thi and I fended off a Roc. Ever since, he's been the one to keep mainly Thi in check. Which still baffles me to this very day. That reminds me. I looked over to see Scribble over a bed. In it, I could see Cloudchaser and Flitter in separate beds, moving but seeming to rest themselves as Scribble and two other ponies tended to them.

"Scribble?" I asked raspy. Scribble looked at me in the corner of his eyes. "Do you by chance know where Thi went?" Scribble's eyes went back to focusing on Flitter, helping one of the similar yellow coated ponies to bandage her up. After he was done, he finally trotted over to Cloudchaser and checked her IV bag before replying.

"No idea." He said simply. I felt myself a little puzzled by this, but taking the response as is, I finally rested myself and sighed. Stethoscope rubbed her chin.

"Thi? Why does that name sound familiar?" She asked.

"Oh, she's the biggest terrorist in all of Equestria. If you recall her, you've probably seen a wanted poster or heard about it." He said. I saw the mare's eyes widened before looking at me.

"You know Thi Billet?" She asked in awe. I arched a brow weakly.

"You sound a bit more... un-surprised by this, shockingly." I stated in response. Stethoscope looked at me worriedly.

"So... that thing about a maniacal being inside of you... that's all true? Are you the Fire Demon?" I didn't reply to her. If she knows, then what's the point? Scribble finally trotted over to my bedside.

"A dumb one for causing an entire scene in Manehatten after being gone for four weeks. Thought you'd mature a bit. Still like to make a grand entrance." He said. I shook my head softly.

"Spending four weeks in a frozen castle isn't what I call grand." I rasped in response. "But that is beside the point. I've been given a task at the behest of Princess Twilight Sparkle. I'm trying to get everypony together so we can head over to Pony Land." Stethoscope looked at me in surprise.

"What!? Why would she send ponies to our enemies!?" She asked. Scribble frowned.

"I know it's not a secret, but you should keep your inside voice as to not disturb everycreature's work." He said before looking at me. "So. Marching once again into the lion's den. What about the other three power elements?" I lazily waved my hoof.

"We'll run into Tenebres a lot if my 'grand entrance' proved anything. I only met with Shiva briefly and as far as we know, General Lilac has some connection to the bearer of Lux. I'm hoping we can resolve the stuff in Pony Land before the spring solstice." I said. Scribble rubbed his chin.

"Sounds like you have your job cut out for you." He said. I looked at him tiredly. "Unfortunately, I have my hooves full at the moment so I may not be able to join you on this one." I found myself sitting up, ignoring the slight pain I felt and the mare trying to push me down.

"I had a feeling something like that was going to be said. Cloudchaser and Flitter told me that your organization is in a bit of a mess." Scribble slumped.

"You heard correctly." He then dug into his saddle bag and withdrew a file. "I had a feeling I'd run into you at somepoint, so I held onto this just in case." He placed the file on my bed and I took it in my magic. I opened it and scanned the papers. Missing creatures that were registered with H.A.A.C. and M.E.S.S. I arched a brow.

"It's not just hunters, but the ecology study teams as well?" I asked. Scribble nodded.

"The eyewitnesses that we've had come in had only ever stated that the hunters and ecology study teams have disappeared after a hunt or spending too much time studying the wildlife. No creature knows exactly how it happens, but they vanish with everything on them. No blood. No body. No notes." He explained. I rubbed the back of my head as I closed the file and put it back down on my bed.

"And we are sure it isn't just a rampaging monster that we have no clue what it is capable of?" I asked. Scribble nodded.

"If it was a rampaging monster, there would be a struggle. Like I said. Nothing." He replied. "Now that we got the intel out of the way, when you are rested up enough, I'd like to get you out on the field." He said. I was about to respond when Stethoscope rounded around the bed and held up her hooves in an "X" manner.

"What the hell is going on here??" She exclaimed quizzically. Everypony's eyes fell on her. "Scribble, you can't be serious! You're going to send the Fire Demon out to investigate the disappearances!? She destroyed Hoofington! She brought shadow creatures into Manehatten and caused a lot of property damage! There are Manehatten cops waiting at your request to let her rest, which I am amazed they allowed you too when she's Equestria's most wanted! Not only that, she's friends with a terrorist!" I winced. I didn't know what to expect, but I guess I forgot in a brief moment of seeing Scribble that everything would be okay. Scribble looked at the mare stoically.

"You weren't complaining earlier. In fact, you had more distress when I brought them in." He said. Stethoscope's face went red with frustration.

"Don't give me that! You're lucky you are the founder of M.E.S.S.! Otherwise, the departments would have tossed you out for housing her!" She argued. Scribble, in no surprise, didn't hesitate to respond.

"If I recall, M.E.S.S. and H.A.A.C. are a lot more motivated ever since Fie's exploits have proven to be beneficial to research and employment. Some of our best hunters want to learn from Fie's own heroics to make the world a bit more relax for every creature living in our realm. War maybe on the horizon, but most of us haven't forgotten that Fie is trying to make sure we aren't going to be non-existent in the process. I gave the departments my report of what happened in Hoofington." He then lazily waved a hoof at me in a gesture. "This idiot has done a lot to ensure that somepony like you are able to be employed comfortably. And if I am not mistaken, we are in no position to pick and choose who we turn to help at the moment." Stethoscope sputtered at this response. I couldn't help but blush a little and rub the back of my head in embarrassment. Scribble could be an ass at times, but like I said, he's damn reliable. I heard Cloudchaser chuckle from her bed. She sat up and held her side, wincing.

"The four weeks have been a little too kind to you, egghead." She said. Scribble softly sighed quietly.

"It's because I don't show it." He then turned to her. "I wasn't lying when I said our hooves are full. I know why you are here in Manehatten and I cannot join you at this current time." He then looked over his shoulder to me. "Which is why somepony won't take no for an answer." I smiled softly and moved out of my bed, standing up much to Stethoscope's shock. Scribble shrugged and shook his head before withdrawing a rolled-up scroll and held it up. I took it in my magic and levitated it over to me, opening it up to reveal a map. "The recent disappearance has luckily happened off the coast of Manehatten. Hunters were investigating sightings of a kelpie of all things before they disappeared. I'm not going to say that the kelpie may not be responsible for the disappearance, but with the primals still around, I shouldn't rule anything out until I get the facts." I studied the map a bit before rolling it up and sticking it in my saddle bag.

"A kelpie?" I asked. Scribble was examining Flitter, who seemed a bit out of it.

"A dangerous deep sea water creature that has an instinctual habit of drowning unfortunate land-based creatures as their meal. Something has the kelpie keeping them out of water. It's a bit of a long shot, but if you can just check up on the research base in that location on the map, I'll feel a bit more at ease that the residents of Manehatten don't have to worry about a sea creature from causing havoc." He explained. Stethoscope shook her head.

"I can't believe this... How can you be so calm about all of this? Why are we putting our trust into somepony like her?" She pointed at me. I frowned slightly but Scribble waved a hoof at her.

"Because she's the only one capable of lessening our load. Whether she likes it or not, if she wants my help on her journey, then the least she can do is help out. Trust me, you'll sleep better knowing ponies are saved." He said matter-of-factly as he put a hoof on Flitter's head. Cloudchaser looked worriedly at him.

"How is she?" She asked. Scribble clapped his hooves in front of her and her eyes blinked before looking at him.

"Oh... hey, Scribble. Where... am I?" She asked. Scribble rubbed his chin.

"Disoriented but responsive. Anything you are feeling Flitter?" He asked her. Flitter blinked blankly at him, looking a bit lost. I looked at her worriedly.

"Not that I can feel... or think of... just... dizzy." She replied. Scribble sighed and looked to me.

"Sorry, Fie. But until I can assure Flitter's disposition, they are going to remain here. Stethoscope. Would you accompany Fie to the research base along the coast?" Stethoscope balked.

"Wha? Me?? Why??" She asked. Scribble dropped his stoicism and looked annoyed.

"Because I cannot have any doubts or muddled thoughts. If you can't take Fie at her word, then let her actions speak for her. You want to help ponies too, right?" He arched a brow at her. Stethoscope hesitated and bowed her head. I glanced between her and Scribble. He sighed and rubbed his muzzle. "I'm not expecting you to fight a kelpie. If that's the case, Fie can at least keep it at bay long enough for you to gather any research notes. Kelpies are formidable and not to be underestimated. But that's a worst-case scenario." He turned, only to stop and turn back to me. "And Fie? The police are waiting for you outside. Best take the backdoor." I smiled and saluted.

"Yes, boss." I replied. I gave a quick glance at Stethoscope before trotting out of the room. I didn't question any of this. It's not my first brush with monsters. In fact, it's one of the few things I enjoyed doing so with my friends. I'd rather be a monster fighter. It's a breath of fresh air from fighting primal lackeys. Stethoscope reluctantly followed me, grumbling under her breath. We trotted down the hall to some steps. Taking in my surroundings as we went, this was just a plain office building. I couldn’t help but question a little of why there was a mini hospital and how some of the M.E.S.S. Members act like doctors. I looked over my shoulder as we exited through the back door to Stethoscope.

“Errr… I’ve been meaning to ask.” I began. The mare looked at me unpleasantly. We trotted out of the alley way as I continued. “Do most of the Monster Ecology and Study Service researchers always play doctor? Is that like a hobby for the organization?” I stopped at the end of the alley and peeked around. Sure enough, there were Manehatten police wagons outside the front entrance. That and an angry mob bearing signs of protest for my banishment.

Stethoscope sighed before motioning me to follow. We snuck back into the alley way and squeezed through a fence in order to go around the attention as she replied.

“It’s more of a Silver Scribble thing. He fully believes that this line of work will put a lot of stress and trauma on anypony and since hospitals charge for ridiculous fees for monster related injuries, Scribble feels that treating the ponies himself would help out in future research.” She explained. I couldn’t help but snicker.

“Being the self-less pony to his citizens. I always wondered how he was able to be so good at it.” I looked around our surroundings as we headed down the street. I tossed my hood up to at least cover my mane so I wouldn’t stand out so much. “I also didn’t expect him to be a fighter when I first met him. Just a boring ol’ egghead.” Stethoscope shook her head.

“He’s amazing in a lot of things. But the one thing that irritates the departments and half the other co-workers is his attitude and pushing others away.” She then motioned at me. “So, forgive me if he somehow trusts you of all ponies when you clearly have the whole world aimed at you.” I rubbed the back of my head as we turned and made our way down to a beach entrance.

“Errr… I’m sorry?” I replied quizzically. I can understand why she’s hesitant about me. But I wasn’t sure why she was so upset with Scribble. I wanted to ask what was really wrong, but not wanting to push it, I sighed and continued to walk with her to the beach. When we finally reached the coast, Stethoscope led the rest of the way, taking a left and traversing the chilled sand at our hooves. It was surprisingly colder here than the Crystal Empire.

We remained quiet as we traveled at least two miles worth of beach before arriving at what looked to be a bit of a hastily constructed tent. There were tables that were stacked with books, some having appeared to topple over into the sand. Several books were floating in the water, bobbing with the tide. Stethoscope’s look turned serious.

“A struggle. But... why did the reports come back as no sign of struggle?” She stated as she looked around the site. I furrowed my look.

“Huh. And here I thought it was just put hastily together.” I stated as I picked up a sand covered book. I dusted it off and skimmed the wet pages. Whatever was jotted down was now unintelligible. Stethoscope began to rummage through the belongings as I started to scan the water’s edge. The dry sand showed hoof prints, but aside from washed up seaweed and books, nothing stuck out for me.

I looked over my shoulder and saw Stethoscope reading a journal.

“Find anything?” I asked. Stethoscope pointed at the journal.

“Rum Runner’s journal. It says here that he and his team were indeed investigating signs of kelpie activity. He even states they saw a herd of them resting on a passing ship.” She said. I lowered my head a bit before looking back out to the sea. Using Din’s eyes to enhance and get a farther look, the most I could see was fog and silhouettes of sea markers. My ears flicked as I heard Stethoscope audibly mutter her confusion. I looked back over my shoulder and saw her leaning down and examining something black on a seaside boulder.

I tilted my head a little and walked over to her. She reached into her saddle bag and withdrew a carving knife. She scrapped a bit of it on her blade and studied it.

“It’s like some sort of black tar. Odd. Kelpie don’t have any tar like substances.” I looked at the black substance and noticed something. Tiny, dark crystals forming on the blade.

“Sombranite.” I stated. Stethoscope arched a brow at me. I frowned. “A black substance that the Triad have been experimenting on for mind control.” I rubbed my chin. “Did some of it land over here?” Stethoscope blinked at me in question again. I sighed and explained to her that one of Manehatten’s skyscrapers was the scene of an explosion. Her recognition in her expression told me I didn’t need to say more other than that the barrels of Sombranite may have scattered.

I then began to look around a bit more outside of the camp. There was something I notice that didn’t seem right. Over the rocky border to the next side of the beach was a mound in the sand. An obvious tell something had been buried. But why bury it? I also couldn’t help but notice black botches in the sand. I turned to Stethoscope.

“Better stick together. I’m going to see what’s buried.” I stated as I stepped out onto the rocks. Stethoscope balked.

“What? We were told to investigate the campsite!” She stated. I smiled and nodded to her.

“We were told to investigate the site. He didn’t say the camp exclusively.” I replied. Stethoscope huffed.

“Feels like I’m talking to another Scribble.” She said. I laughed and tapped my horn.

“Maybe I’m the idiot side he didn’t want. But he has to put up with it regardless.” I replied. This seemed to puzzle the mare. I looked back to my path and began to skip over the rocks. When I made it to the other side, I looked around. The black botches on the sand crackled and glistened with black crystals. I was surprised with how long this has been out here the crystals didn’t grow bigger. But then again, I’m not a Sombranite scientist. All I know is that this substance is bad.

I walked carefully around the botches before arriving at the mound. I withdrew my quarterstaff and began to dig into the mound. It took me five minutes before my staff hit something. I furrowed my look and got down to then dig with my hooves. I noticed something glinting and saw a handle attached to it. I bit down on the handle and pulled with all my might. It took a bit, but I managed to pull out a metallic box. Pleased with the find, I brushed the sand off and studied it.

Just a plain metallic box with a latch lock. I reached with my magic at the latch and froze. I felt a sudden anxiousness wash over me. Why was I nervous all of a sudden? I tried to dig into my mind what was going on, but only the ringing in my ears deafened me. I slowly and carefully unlatched the box and taking a deep breath, I opened it and immediately yelled, kicking the box away.

I scrambled back, feeling my breathing get heavy and quicker. I stared at the box, seeing Table Top peeking out from inside. A guttural, raspy moan grew louder to the point I had to cover my ears. I couldn’t look away. My heart raced and the ringing wouldn’t stop.

“It’s all your fault.” He rasped. I then yelped as I felt somepony touch my shoulder and I bolted back, looking to see if Table’s body was behind me. I panted in a panic, realizing it was Stethoscope who looked at me with concern. I couldn’t hear what she said, but I read her lips.

“Are you okay?” She asked. I shifted a bit before clutching my chest. Okay, Fie. Calm down. It’s only in your head. You made it this far. Don’t stop now. Repeating this over in my head helped me relax. When I felt my heart steady and my ears no longer ringing, I let out a deep breath, shuddering.

“S-sorry. Just… something in the box startled me.” I somewhat lied. Stethoscope looked over to the box and trotted over, opening it. Her brow arched.

“I don’t see anything other than what looks to be a seismic reader.” She said. I blinked and looked to her.

“Seismic reader…?” I asked. Stethoscope pushed the box over to me. Relieved it wasn’t my late best friend’s head, I noticed a small radar that seemed to make the needle next to it scritch onto a metallic board. What was bizarre about it was that the radar was making a strange pattern. Where have I seen it before? Then it hit me. I picked up the box and began to turn it around until I saw a logo.

EMI. Equestrian Ministries Incorporated. The forefront of the Triad organization. I frowned.

“This close to the research base? What is the Triad up to with this gadget?” I asked more to myself. Stethoscope blinked.

“Triad?” She asked. I nodded and told her what I knew about the Triad. Stethoscope shook her head in disbelief. “So… you and Scribble have been fighting this organization… and they are the reason we are at war with our neighbor?” I nodded as I continued to study the strange device.

“Hard to believe. But if you know Scribble to be amazing in everything but attitude, then I needn’t say more.” Stethoscope looked like her whole world was beginning to collapse.

“I… I didn’t know what to expect… you really aren’t… a demon?” I sighed and shrugged.

“I’m still trying to figure out why I’m anything. I didn’t want to be a part of it, but here I am.” I then tilted my head as I noticed a small button. Curiosity got the better of me and I pressed it. I continued to press it several times, seeing if I had changed anything with the readings. It looked to have spiked a bit, but then steadied out. My ears flicked when I heard something slosh from the ocean. We looked over and saw what appeared to be floating seaweed.

We exchanged glances. Something compelled us to study the behavior of the seaweed. We then stood up and backed away a bit. Somehow, a bad feeling washed over us. And sure enough, an equine creature poked its’ head out from under the seaweed. The water swirled around it and it grew larger. Too large in fact as it stepped out of the water, shook its head and whinnied demonically. The stench of salt and seaweed was heavy that we covered our muzzles. The seaweed and saltwater entity began to approach us.

We were suddenly very tired. I did my best to control my shaking legs.

You must be tired. Come ride on me. I will ease your weariness. A calm voice echoed in my head. Crap. We managed to back away, continuing to cover our muzzles. My vision began to get blurry. Come. Rest your weary heads against my mane. No more shall your burdens tire you. I had to do something. I saw Stethoscope step forward, dragging her hooves towards the creature.

“Stethoscope, don’t!” I called out from under my sleeve. But the mare seemed to be lost in a trance.

“So… tired…” she rasped. The smell was unbearable. I saw the kelpie scrape the ground, eagerly waiting for the mare to reach it.

Yes. Rest yourself upon me. I will carry you to your destination. It called out again. I growled and taking a deep breath and holding it, I stood on two and withdrew my staff. The loud pop of it causing the kelpie to whinny and rear up, startled by the sound. Stethoscope froze and her eyes widened. I grit my teeth and rushed forward, pulling Stethoscope away from the kelpie. It danced in a panic before eyeing me, the yellow, pupilless eyes turning red and fangs began to extend from the muzzle. I aimed my quarterstaff at the creature.

"Stethoscope! Get out of here! It's going to get a bit hairy!" I ordered. Stethoscope looked at me worriedly before looking on in fear of the kelpie that now faced me. I turned and shoved her back. "Go!" I shouted. Stethoscope hesitated before bolting away from me. I twirled my quarterstaff and kicked sand at the creature, solidifying the creature's focus on me. It reared up and began to rush me. I rolled out of the way, smacking it on the way out in the side. I forgot my own strength that seeing the kelpie tumble onto its' side took me off guard a bit. The kelpie picked itself up and scraped the ground, snorting furiously before rushing me again. I jabbed my staff into the ground and pulled myself up and around it. Gaining a bit of air, I brought my staff up over my head and with a grunt, I brought the staff down directly on the creature's head, burying the head into the ground and causing the body to tumble viciously under me. If it was a normal creature, that probably would have killed it. Whatever kelpies are, it managed to pull itself out of the sand with a mighty crash, knocking me off my hooves and tumbling. I landed on my hooves, sliding along the sand a bit before getting back into stance. The kelpie rushed me again, only this time, it slid to a stop in front of me and reared up, lashing out the forehooves.

I bobbed and weaved through them before poking the kelpie in the chest with my staff, only to realize it phased into the body. I tried pulling back, but my staff was firmly stuck. It was almost instant. Before I could let go, I found myself hugging the chest of the creature. I could feel myself being pulled in. I grunted and struggled to pull myself away, but it was hopeless. Before I knew it, my face was buried into the chest. I nearly inhaled a lung full of salt water. My throat becoming irritated, I did my best not to cough. I continued to struggle. I have to do something! An idea came to me.

'Alright, big and ugly! You want a snack? Gotta' boil the water first!' I willed Din's warmth into me and connecting Din's magic to my staff, the halberd formed and together with myself, I increased the temperature. I could feel the kelpie reel and stumble over itself, whinnying painfully and demonically. In another instant, I was on my back, feeling drenched and coughing out salt water and some kelp. I looked up and growled. I reached out my hoof and willed the temperature to grow hotter. Time to put my four weeks of seclusion to the test.

The kelpie stumbled back, shaking its' head violently as the body began to bubble and boil. I could feel the power flow through me. Warm and demanding. I increased the temperature more and more. The kelpie frothed at the muzzle, rearing up in pain. Steam hissed from the creature. It wasn't long before the creature evaporated away, leaving nothing but a bundle of kelp and seaweed. I released all of Din's magic and panted, supporting myself with my forehooves. I took a moment to regulate Din's warmth throughout my body to warm me before I stood up and trudged over to the evaporated corpse of the kelpie, picking up my quarterstaff and turning to see if Stethoscope had gotten away. I was surprised to see her peeking out from behind a bush from the edge of the beach. Her look in total shock and awe. I only gave her a solemn look. I wouldn't blame her for thinking anything bad of me. I looked over and saw the device still in the place we left it.

I walked over and picked it up in my magic. Levitating it over, I studied the device. Nothing seemed to have changed, but I did notice a crack forming on the case of the radar. I snorted and dropped the device before crushing it with my quarterstaff. If the Triad wants it, they can have it. Hopefully it'd attract more kelpie to them. I heard Stethoscope approach me. I didn't turn to look at her.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that, Stethoscope. Scribble wouldn't have forgiven me if you were victim to a kelpie." I sighed. "We came here looking for a research team and we haven't found anything conclusive to the investigation." Stethoscope looked at me worriedly. She then reached back into her pouch and withdrew a journal. She started to skim through the pages before stopping at one page.

"Maybe not a dead end. Listen to this." She cleared her throat before she read: "The research team has spent countless hours awake after spotting the kelpie on the marooned ship off the coast of Manehatten. With the disappearances of the hunters lately, it made me question if this is the best line of work in the current state we are in. Not only that, Shell saw a strange figure on the other side of the base burying something. She went to investigate and found a strange device belonging to EMI. I have no clue why an EMI employee would bury something like this in the beach." She frowned. "The passage pauses. The rest is hastily scribbled. 'I don't know what Shell did, but the kelpie on the marooned ship started to look at us. I'm calling to pack up before they get any wiser.'" She looked at me. "The journal entries end there. It sounds like they managed to get away. But whatever that device is, it might have to do with drawing the kelpie to us. I think we can count our lucky stars that you destroyed it before anything else happened. Rampaging kelpie in Manehatten is the last thing anypony wants to worry about."

I gave a small nod. Yet, something was bugging me about the whole thing. I looked back at the destroyed device. This thing attracted the kelpie to the base. It was also discovered by one of the researchers. So... who buried it back?