Magic Geiger has done it! He has made a breakthrough with his research into the coincidental naming of ponies. Its the pinicle of his career for certain. Though, what kind of ramifications could this discovery impose? A whole lot of trouble it seems.
Magic Geiger is a unicorn scientist in the field of magic energy and magic detection, and he has long been bothered by something, his name. He was named right after birth, so how is it that his cutie mark ends up being a Magic Geiger Meter, just like his name? Was it a coincidence that his name and talent are related? Did just having the name cause him to develope that talent? This is what he has spent the past three years studying. And finally, just twenty-four hours ago at the Fillydelphia Hospital Maternity Ward, he got the answer. Since then, things have gotten out of hoof.
At his desk, Dr. Geiger laid out his papers, and all the data he had, what he was about to do was crucial to the future of science. His short black mane frayed, his light yellow coat marred with sweat and equally frayed as his mane, it looked like he had been in a losing fight. His lab coat lay aside, as he was removing the scrubs he had on underneath. His horn glowing as he struggled to get all his research gathered. What lay ahead was the most important paper he would ever write.
Report To: Dr. K. Magnetometer at the Fillydelphia Center of Magic Research.
From: Dr. M. Geiger at the Fillydelphia Hospital.
Date: 2/15/1014
Priority: Urgent
Statement:
Dr. Magnetometer, enclosed with this report is all the most recent material on my recent breakthrough. In it are the charts and ONLY copies detailing my breakthrough. I alone know of their contents, and have yet to share ANY information concerning the discovery I made exactly twenty-three hours fourty-two minutes (23:42) ago. It is crucial this information is kept on a Need to Know basis, as it intels surprizing information that may possibly disturb the public, in my concerned opinion.
In the hours leading up to my discovery and breakthrough, I was setting up for my latest series of experiments (as stated in my previous report 274). I was setting up the magic geigers for the subjects in the maternity ward. The routine checks and procedures were conducted three (3) times. And before the first subjest was in, I conducted a final check. With all equipment approved for the test, I can state with full confidence and absolute certainty that my data is exact, with the margin for error at 3.02%.
It was thirty-nine hours thirty-seven minutes (39:37) ago, that the first subject (file enclosed under "Subject: J. Waves") was admitted to the birthing room for the birth of her first foal. It was at 4:21pm 2/13 that she gave birth to a male foal. It was then during the following hour that the parents were deciding on the name of the foal. It was at exactly this time, that the magic geigers alerted me to a sudden surge of magic. In a span of 0.042 seconds, a magical surge was detected, unfortunatly, the brevity of the surge meant the geigers couldn't register the precise range of magic spectrum nor the height of the magic peak. Although the subject in question was a unicorn, the origin of the surge was detected from the brain (again, the surge was too brief to determine a more precise location, though later data would suggest it starts in the front of the cerebral cortex and moves to the back) not her horn. It was immediatly after that she announced the decided name for the foal (listed in file).
At the time, I couldn't make any conclusions aside from examining possible errors. Along with that, I marked the data as a one time event. And began the second test with subject two (file enclosed under "Subject: W. Tracks"), an earth pony mare admitted to the ward thirty-four hours twenty-two minutes (34:22) ago, for her second foal. Once more, after the foal was born, it was time to name the new female, and once more the geigers picked up the exact, I repeat, exact, surge of magical energy. I once more conducted my examination of the equipment, and found no signs of error. Taking into account that this was an earth pony, the surge certainly got my attention, along with the repeat of span at 0.042 seconds.
Before I could further examine the data, I had to rush for the third subject (file under "Subject: L. Oil") admitted to the ward at thirty-two hours fourty-one minutes (32:41) ago. She was most nervous when I moved the geigers into position. The third subject was also an earth pony, and when after the foal was born, and it was given to its mother to be named, the surge was once more recorded, with the same span, its peak and spectrum were once more unknown. With this third instance, I gathered the data into a thesis statement and began to review it. Looking carefully at the repeated results seeing if I could spot anything in the spectral and peak data. Unfortunatly, at the time I could not.
With the forth subject being admitted (File under "Subject: T. Struck"), I decided to do a direct test of the surge, and with the data, I was able to determine the time in which the surge would take place, and how long it would last. I waited until the young female foal was placed in its mothers waiting hooves before using my magic to directly examine the pegasus mother mind as the expected surge came. It was at twenty-eight hours fifteen minutes (28:15) that I was able to examine the surge. I uncovered that the spectrum of the magic was actually limited, and its peak was incredibly high (listed in data). It was actually very difficult to pin anything at the time, as the energy had a sort of, and for lack of better words, forbidden sensation about it.
Taking this into account for the fifth subject (file under "Subject: G. Oaks"), I once more conducted a direct test using my own magic to once more examine the surge. In the exact same manner as the previous four. It was twenty-three hours fourty-two minutes (23:42) ago, and with a second look at the surge (thankfully through a unicorns mind) I was able to get better results. Though the odd feeling of forbidden still lingering, I was able to read the magic, however I couldn't quite find a familiar spell to associate it with.
After three more test (files under "Subject: B. Shake, Subject: V. Remedy, and Subject: O. Twist"), I was able to confirm this. The repeated results and lack of variation in data has given me an answer to the question that has plagued me since I got my cutie mark. What I learned is intelled as follows:
1. When naming a foal, there is an unexplained surge of time magic. 2. The nature of this magic is of some kind of foresight, as best as I can pin. 3. Based on this, I was able to determine that with an instantaneous look into the future, and with the surge moving into the sub-conscious regions of the brain, an imprint of some of that foresight is left. 4. From this forsight, a name is formed out of the sub-conscious memory. 5. This process ends up feeling inspired, rather than known due to the speed and parts of the mind it occure's in. 6. The beginning of this surge starts immediatly after the foal is born, and as such, its relation is directly associated with the foal itself. 7. From these observations, I can safely theorize that the foresight is of the foals future self, as some sort of example of its talent(s).
It is from these facts I draw that the birth of a foal itself has some sort of magical property, related to the cutie mark itself. The ability to thus foresee the future of a foals life. To know their potential and their natural abilities. Is understood, in direct relation to their very birth and name. Their identity is able to be understood. In theory at least. I was so amazed by this realization, a true revelation, the biggest breakthrough in my entire career! I spent the last four hours prior to this report going over the results again and again. Reaching the same conclusions. I only wish I had a zebra to examine to further this.
However, even as I write this report, I see some moral dilemmas. How this information could be used to abuse the rights of ponies, how knowing this information could affect a ponies future, possibly denying them their rightful cutie mark. Maybe, it could alter their potential cutie mark? Suddenly, it became clear that my discovery had great potential, not all of it good. And with every possible aspect I was able to examine in the time I had, I deemed my research complete. I found the answer to this most plaguing question. And am satisfied with it.
I also deemed the answer as unsafe for release. I might be insane, I might be of un-sound mind, but I am certain no less about what I must do. The only thing I can safely say, is that I have concluded through my research, that there is a magic at work that is beyond my ability to explain. It works in such a way, that it is unnoticed, and for good reason, its of such a complex purpose, that only sheer coincidence and every last ounce of my abilty were needed to even find it (not to mention the ridiculously large amount of paper work it took to conduct this test).
At this point, I know my letter of resignation is arriving on your desk, and you are at a complete loss. I am so sorry, but this information is too much for me to continue with my work. I learned what I wanted, and more. I learned I was paranoid, and that my work has reached its end. I also learned that no pony, nor zebra or gryphon, need concern itself with the means which life conducts itself, as there is a harmony beyond concern or (easy) perception. I beleive I will go into the employment of private businesses, or retire to the field of education. I havent decided. This doesnt matter, I'll just be burning this report anyway.
In conclusion of my seemingly endless dribble, I decided that I was satisfied, and that the research I was conducting lead nowhere worth further investigation, as it would be irresponsible of any scientist to conduct research into a field whos balance is so fragile, with the cost of failure and mistakes being a ponies very identity. Again, I state that I may not be of sound mind, but that my ideaology doesnt agree with the potential risk. And so, I destroy my discovery, and make it so that no being might use it for evil, or in using it for good, cause any harm.
Signed, Dr. Magic Geiger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And with that, the pile of documents were collected, bound, and taken out back, were the unicorn scientist burned them all in a neat pile. Destroying his greatest achievement, as he found it was unsafe to expose his findings to the rest of the world. Not sure if it was because the discovery was really a threat, or because he wanted to be free of any blame or guilt should it end up being such. In this silence, he took solace in his choice, the fire dancing in his determined beige eyes. And though the ponies of Equestria would never know any of this, he still felt he accomplished his lifes work.
Back at the desk of Dr. Magnetometer, the Dr. was sitting down, mouth agape. What he had just read confused him. It was a letter of resignation, not from an unhappy intern, but from one of his most devoted scientist, and one of the top researchers of magic detection. All it told him was that Geiger had finished his research and that he was leaving to pursue personal interest, leaving the equipment to be gathered at the hospital. The lack of mention as to what he learned, and that he had infact, left any documents behind, was enough for Magnetometer to conclude that Geiger was either unhappy with the answer or simply decided to withhold it. Possibly to sell to the highest bidder. It wasnt welcome news, but Magnetometer knew, or at least thought he did, Dr. Magic Geiger well enough to say for certain that there was good reason.
Though he would still have to call in this turn of events, and he truely pitied Geiger. But, you dont use a government grant for research then vanish with it, not without paying the price. So with a letter to the Royal Treasury, he did what he had to do.
At the desk there sat a bored light blue mare, her only job to look pretty and take calls for her boss. Being the secretary of the head of the Collections Department meant she was only bothered when someone had gotten in real deep with the treasury. Her boss was a stallion of ice and doom, whose mere presence could chill a pony to their core. And with this letter arriving, it meant one pitiful pony was about to be hunted down and made to pay what they owed. Truly she felt a pang of pity for the poor soul, but it was soon replaced by a feeling of woe. She now had to give this letter to Mr. Pewter.
Ah, he had forgotten one very, very, very important detail. He owed the royal treasury a LOT of money. He had forgotten from the excitement of his discovery, and the only thing that reminded him was the very angry looking royal guard who was now trotting behind the runaway scientist. The fact he didn't even have to gallop was embarrassing enough, but to make things worse, Geiger was now very lost.
"You're only embarrassing yourself Doctor." The guard said from behind him, his tone simular to an embarrassed father trying to convince his foal not to do something silly in public.
"Well, I would love to..." *gasp for breath* "But, I really, really, dont want to go to the dungeons!" Geiger managed to shout back as he took a forth right turn, ending up where he started for the third time.
"You know we're only going in circles right?" The guard said as he barely avoided yawning.
"I'm a magic scientist, not a geologist!" Geiger retorted as he decided to take a left this time.
That was a bad idea. How bad? Well, besides being a dead end alley, there was also a trio of earth ponies and a pegasus there, and they looked very unhappy to have been interupted. Particularly the Celestia sized earth pony who just sprouted equally massive wings, and using them, created a powerful gust blowing Geiger clean over the guard's head. This would have been good, except for the fact that Geiger was now in the path of what he considered to be "An angry wagon full of pears". With a roll Daring Doo would have been proud of, he managed to evade the wagon. Though he would have loved to savor the moment, the now irritated guard was charging up to him, clearly not impressed with his moves.
"Um... Whats that over there!?" Geiger said as he pointed a hoof down the road.
"You aren't done embarrassing yourself yet I see!" The guard said just before he got rammed by an alarmed stallion pulling another wagon.
"I tried to warn you." Geiger said as he smirked to himself.
He was once more, trying to savor the moment, however the alley ponies were now eyeing him.
"You look pretty lost there colt." Said the Celestia sized earth pony, or was he a pegasus?
There was no time to think about it the oddity with fanged teeth and bat like ears, as the ponies began to inch closer and closer to him. And since he was pretty sure the guard was getting his barings back, it was clear he should flee. And so Geiger galloped as hard as he could from the scene, hoping he could make up for his lack of speed and endurance if he got a head start. He ran back towards the hospital, or at least where he thought it was, in hopes of getting back on the right street. He had to leave Fillydelphia, that much was clear.
Lucky for him, he found himself across the street from the hospice, which he knew was three blocks south of the hospital, and actually closer to the train station AND the skyship docks. Multiple options certainly sounded good to him. And judging by the lone guard they sent after him, they hadn't expected him to even run. This underestimation certainly gave him the oppertunity any other refugee from the law would have given their left hooves for. Not wanting to waste time congradulating himself, he took off for the train station first.
Ditching the lab coat, and buying a ticket, Geiger did his best to not look suspicious, which should have been easy considering there wasn't a flock of guards on the lookout for him. There wasn't even a hushed whisper about any criminal activity at all, not one thing even remotely tense about the situation. Yet, there he was, acting like a young colt trying to ask his crush out on a date. The ticket mare wasn't sure if he was shy, or simply terrified of trains, all she could do was flash a nice smile and hope the unicorn stallion before her didn't pass out. When, thankfully, he didn't she let out a sigh and called for the next in line. He couldn't have been more suspicious if he wore a black raincoat sunglasses and a black fedora, all while flipping a coin in the alley.
"Gah, those alley ponies... That big one looked ready to eat me, and I think that pegasus said something along the lines of a unicorn slur." Geiger thought to himself as he squeezed himself into the corner of his seat at the front of the passenger car.
Not content to relax until Filleydelphia was miles behind him. As time passed, he began to worry that the guard had alerted the treasury department of his failure, and that Celestia herself was sitting there, in her underground lair surrounded by gold and jewels, petting a fluffy white cat menacingly as she plotted his capture. As funny as the mental image was, especially when he added an eye patch, it wasn't enough to keep him from flinching at every loud noise. When the train finally began moving, he shook off the idea that he was doomed, and began to relax, checking back as the station began to shrink. Once Fillydelphia itself was in the distance, he melted out of his chair onto the floor, and started laughing. He was home free! He had beaten them, and now he could slip into the shadows and take on his next challenge.
Unknown to Geiger however, was that he was being watched. At the back of the passenger car, was a very serious looking unicorn mare, a mare who worked for none other than the treasury. And she was most unamused with the display this thieving scientist was putting on. Laughing at the treasury, the guard, and by association, her. How happy she was to get out of her seat, and trot up next to him, to smile sweetly as she puffed out her chest, letting the light reflect off her treasury broach. If he could have looked more horrified, more destroyed in that moment, she was sure he would have died on the spot.
"Hello Doctor Geiger, I'm Miss Scribe, from the Treasury Department. I understand that you owe us a handsome research grant and or documents, particularly those on your most recent discovery. You do understand how serious this issue is don't you?" She said, her tone proud and smug, as she brought the hammer of justice down on this fiend.
"Well, lets just say, hypotheticly, that I didnt have my research anymore, that I, and this is still hypothetical, got rid of it. What would happen?" Geiger avoided her gaze as he tapped his forehooves nervously.
"Well, hypothetically, you would be thrown into a dungeon for the next thirty or so years, or possibly and more likely, and this is still just hypothetical here, be sent to the Ministry of Science, where you'll spend the rest of your days as a science experiment slash practice dummy." Scribe said, enjoying every second of the moment.
"Ahh, well I see. Well, what would you say if I told you I had the research, but I kinda sorta destroyed it all..." Geiger said trailing off as he grew pale.
"Hypothetically right?" Scribe said, her voice sweet and innocent, as she gave the least threatening smile she had.
"Yeah, hypothetically..." Geiger said, relaxing as he looked at her smile, letting it trick him.
"Well, I would have to say." She leaned in and whispered; "That you're doomed. That you'll never see the light of day again, and if you do, it would only be to remind you that you're never going to see it again. No, you'll be locked up, and you'll tell us everything you know, and you'll give us your research. And if you don't, we'll strap you down, and rip it out of your skull. Until we get every last drop out of you." She smiled more as she poked his nose with her right forehoof, straightening out and taking a step back.
Having been fooled by her unthreatening voice and smile, Geiger could only shrink into a little ball as each word quietly sunk in. His face frozen in horror.
"Gotta love these hypotheticals. He, he he." Geiger said as he gave yet another least convincing smile of his life and got back into his seat.
That mare was enjoying herself so much, it had to be a sin. And he was so screwed. They could have stuck a screwdriver in the top of his head and turned him. No doubt, at the next stop, there would be guards galore waiting for him. They were going to chop off his horn, and tie him up, then lock him away for all eternity. Well, at least he had some fun right? Got to be part of an exciting chase through town. It wasn't like he was going to be able to...
"Aren't you going to, I dont know, arrest me? Tie me up or something?" Geiger asked Scribe.
"What? No of course not. I'm just here to tell you about the situation, and see if you'll go willingly. I have no authority at this time to arrest you. And why would I? Thats what the guard is for." Scribe said, looking a bit offended. After all, who did he think she was? Some ruffian in the guard?
"Ahuh... Well then, goodbye Miss Scribe, I would love to stay, but you're absolutly terrifying!" Geiger got up and shook her hoof before running to the back of the train.
Leaving behind the surprised Scribe as he flung open the car door with his magic. Once he made it to the rear of the train, he stared out at the fast moving ground below. It worked in the movies right? He took a deep breath and leapt off the edge of the train. He expected it to hurt, but not this bad. Right away, his world exploded into pain as he bounced off the ground and rolled to a stop in a grass filled ditch.
"AHHH! CRAB APPLES ON FIRE ON A BLISTERING SUNDAY!" Geiger shouted as he layed there, certain he had broken everything. "This is the last time I let movies lie to me!"
From the rear of the train, Scribe watched as the scientist squirmed in a ditch. Not impressed in the least, although she was amused. He certainly deserved it. But now that she was alone, she could finally squee like a little filly.
"That had to be the most exhilarating thing in my life ever! Sweet sun I love doing this. Thats it, I'm transferring to the Collections Department for sure!" Scribe said as she got back to her seat.
Though come to think of it, she really didn't want to be part of collections. Knowing them, she would be made a collector, one of the most feared non-military units in Equestria. She prefered riding a desk, only because it kept her hooves dry when it rained. She longed to be out and about, but in the past, it meant something else to send her out and about. She didn't want her future anchored by her past anymore than Discord wanted to be turned to stone.
He lay in the ditch groaning for some time, wondering just how many bones had he broke. To his astonishment he was able to roll over on his hooves and get up. A quick test of his limbs showed he hadn’t broken any. Though he had a badly bruised left flank and rear.
“Not broken into little pieces? I am… I’m not dead! Still hurts worse than when that crystal blew up in my face.” Geiger announced aloud to the world's deaf ear.
Though he had escaped Fillydelphia and the treasury’s villainous plot. He was by no means safe now. Worse still, he didn’t exactly know where he was, or even where the train was heading.
“Where in all of Equestria am I? Let’s see, the train was heading south to southeast, and… wait. I’m not a geologist! How am I supposed to figure any of this out?!” He moaned to the sky above, before trudging along the tracks after the train. “Maybe there will be a fork, I can just take the… Oh wait.”
----------------- Meanwhile! -----------------
“Yes I am aware that the transfer won’t go through for the next twelve hours…” Scribe was saying over the phone back at the Baltimare station.
She was still buzzing from the rush of her encounter with the thieving scientist Dr. Geiger. She could just imagine him stroking a cat on his lap while he cackled to himself. In his dark lair, full of unimaginable evil science. She giggled to herself as she imagined him with an eye patch. Such silliness conviced her she could ride a desk at the Collections Department, not being thrown into the frey. So long as she proved unremarkable enough.
“Well Miss Scribe, has Geiger been informed of the situation?” There came from the phone an unfamiliar ice cold tone from the other end of the phone.
“Ah, Mister Pewter, Kinsley Wages has told me all about you. Though he failed to mention the sheer authority of your voice. Indeed Doctor Geiger is most aware of his situation.” Scribe said taking note that Kinsley had failed to warn her of the blood chilling aura Mr. D. Pewter possessed.
“Indeed, Miss Ranger Scribe. That is most welcome news. I also understand you applied for the Collections Department, I hope this isn’t because of-” Mr. Pewter was saying.
“You don’t have to worry about that. I understand the limitations of what I would be allowed to do. I assure you, things won’t end up like… that.” Scribe said, not eager to interrupt some one like Mr. Pewter, but certainly less eager to hear mention of THAT again.
“I see Miss Scribe, well, if you are entirely certain about that, then I suppose I’ll move your transfer through right away. Within the hour, you’ll be one of our leading field agents for the collections department. And as your first order, you are to relocate Doctor Geiger, and post his position back to us. Oh, and Miss Scribe.” Here it comes… “Be sure to persuade him to surrender to authority. I can tell you have a talent for that sort of thing.” Mr. Pewter said, his voice growing into an eerie fatherly tone, though still as cold as a windago’s kiss.
“Wait, field agent?” Was all Scribe could say before the line went dead. “Well, he doesn’t seem mad about the interruption… but man his voice gives me the chills. I suppose that’s why he is head of collections.”
She rubbed her shoulders in an attempt to warm herself up after that call. "He must've looked me up. Of course he would have access to those files." She sat there slightly disappointed that the last thing she wanted happened. Then again, maybe she would just be the one who knocked on doors, right? Yeah, that sounded perfect. Then it dawned on her.
“Within the hour?! I am a field agent for the Collections Department, and I get to hunt down that sinister… well, eccentric Doctor Geiger! I can finally bring some fiends to justice.” She bounced around with all the excitement of a school filly, and held nothing in reserve when she sprang out of the station and over to a place she knew.
She was going to gather her gear for the best job she could imagine, well, outside the previous job she had. Or was that the worst job? She couldn't really recall, the memory was full of mised emotions.
------------------ Now Back To! ------------------
Geiger had finally limped his way down the tracks enough to spot the city before him. It wasn’t an unwelcome sight, that is, until he recalled that he was supposed to be fleeing the Royal Treasury and their goons at the Collections Department. This was certainly a massive oversight, having entirely forgotten about the grant. He certainly deserved this kind of punishment.
Once inside the city, he slunk about, trying to keep out of view. Not many guards were on patrol, but enough were to make a very un-stealthy scientist go out of the way to get around. With the use of his unicorn magic, he was able to view the inside of one guard’s saddlebag, and as expected, there was a photo of him enclosed, along with some writing. Deciding a pegasus wouldn’t notice, he used his magic to bring the photo to him.
Geiger then began to read; “Wanted, Doctor Magic Geiger, for theft of funds from the Royal Treasury Department, issued by the Collections Department of the Royal Treasury. The thief is expected to be a minor threat, but caution is still advised, as he was a top scientist in the field of magic detection, and may know some spells that- WAS?! I was a top scientist in my field? I may have resigned from the department, but that doesn’t mean I am no longer a leader in my field!” He fumed as he shouted aloud.
Luckily for him, the guard down the street wasn’t in the least bit interested; after all, his shift was almost over. And though Geiger was still angry over how instantly he had been demoted to a WAS of all things, he was able to collect himself enough to slip back into the shadows and continue on. And with the rumble of thunder, and a wet drop landing on his nose, he decided to find some shelter. Unfortunately for him, he hadn’t a bit to his name, and without any money, he wasn’t about to get a motel room. Not tonight.
“I can smell the tetanus from here.” Geiger said to himself as he approached a rusty steel crate.
It was out of the way, and rather dank looking, laying about other junk in a field surrounded by walls, like a future junkyard. The cold soaked Geiger wasn’t happy about this, but a roof is a roof. And as he lay down in steel crate, he felt his stomach rumble, it's anger clear. Now that he thought of it, he hadn’t eaten for nearly three days. And now, his body had enough, and was staging a massive protest, and possibly, a revolution.
Two blocks away, on the roof of an apartment building, was the night vision gaze of Scribe being cast down on the wet Geiger as he curled up into a ball inside a steel crate.
“Serves you right, criminal scum!” Scribe said to herself as she lifted her goggles off her head and tucked them back into their bag.
She had gathered all her supplies, and set out looking in every nook and cranny that wasn’t filled with activity. Even though Geiger was a thief, he certainly wasn’t a criminal, and as she could tell, he was likely to make every rookie mistake of any two-bit crook ever. And after what he yelled when he so foalishly jumped the train, was a clear hint that he knew next to nothing about what he was doing.
“Sleep tight Doctor.” Scribe said to herself as she marked his position.
She was starting to get cold from the rain, her black suit wasn’t water-proof, in-fact, the only thing it did was make her look like a super cool spy. She bought it purely for that reason, helping her get into the mindset, the one that let her sneak up on ponies, even if they were backed into a corner and searching for her. It wasn’t the kind of thing a desk jockey was expected to be good at. Then again, she wasn't always a desk jockey. She shook herself off and pulled out her canopy and laid down, she would sleep in short intervals, checking on the doctor, making certain not to lose him. It was after all, her new job. Not entirely different from the last one.
---------------------------------------------- The Next Day! Ahhh! Yelling at you! ----------------------------------------------
With the sun peeking through the gap between buildings, just enough to let the perfect ray beam right into Geiger’s closed eyes. And with the burning fire cast into his eyes as they opened, Geiger could only howl as he shuffled into the corner of the crate, away from the light.
“Curses you villan Celestia.” Geiger said as he rubbed his eyes.
The second thing to happen, was the riot his body was planning, finally broke out. The pain in his stomach, and the weakness of his limbs, the first victims. He would have to find food soon, least the riot reaches an inferno and they take the capital.
He shuffled along the street, sniffing the air as he searched for a source of food. His search halted as he looked at his reflection. What he saw was a filthy looking stallion, which was bruised and tired looking. Like a hobo pony he once saw outside the Canterlot Magical Studies building. He looked at himself and felt shame. Shame at what he had become. Shame at his short sighted actions. He used to be the best in the field of magic detection. Now he was just a bum, fleeing the law. All because he had to make that discovery, and then burn it all up.
“Should’ve just turned it in. Right now I could be dead asleep, day after a massive party. NO! No, I won’t second guess my choice right now! I know I made the right choice.” Geiger mumbled to himself as his tired face turned into one of resolve.
“Can I help you?” Said the diner mare as she stuck her head out of the diner. She had seen this homeless pony glaring into the window. “Or do I need to call the guard?” She threatened.
“N- No. I’m just hungry. I don’t have any money, but I can do something, anything for a meal.” Geiger said, as he pleaded with the diner mare.
“I’m sorry, but no work for you here. I can’t help you sir.” She gave him a sympathetic smile, before slipping back into the diner.
Geiger just nodded, letting his head drop, fixing his gaze on the ground. It wasn’t long before a shadow came into view, and it seemed fixed on him. He lifted his head up, but instead of a kind stranger, it was the worst possible thing!
“Hello Doctor, how are you today.” Said Scribe, having taken off her spy suit, in order to follow him from the ground level. Since leaping building to building would be far too suspicious.
“Miss Scribe, here to bring me in?” Geiger asked as he tried his best not to panic.
“I told you Doctor, I don’t have the authority to arrest you yet.” Scribe said, letting her sweet warm smile and soft tone convince for her.
“Right… Well then what are you here for?” Geiger asked, remembering how the last time he fell for her smile and soft tone, he had been horrified by her next words, and the violence they conveyed.
“Why don’t you come inside, have a seat with me.” Scribe said, as she held open the door to the diner.
With caution, Geiger stepped inside and followed Scribe to a booth.
“What will you folks be having.” The diner mare asked, eyeing Geiger over, and then blatantly staring at Scribe for a minute.
“Right. I’ll have the hay omelet, and whatever he wants.” Scribe said as she used her magic to quickly check a menu, and then tossed it to Geiger.
“Uh… the same please” Geiger said, not even checking the menu.
“Right. Order will be right up, two glasses of orange juice ok?” The diner mare said nonchalantly before she tucked the menu back into her apron and scribbled on a pad.
“Yes, thank you.” Scribe said as she flashed her signature smile.
With a roll of her eyes, the diner mare put away her pad, and went back towards the kitchen.
“What is this about?” Geiger whined as he laid his head on the table.
“Listen Doctor, I’ve seen a lot of criminals, and you aren’t one of them. You’re a scientist. You’re used to clean rooms, and schedules. Not fleeing the law. You won’t last out there for long.” Scribe said, letting her serious scowl appear, its effect was immediate, the very atmosphere of the diner turning from happy morning, to stormy night of a funeral.
Still stunned by the sudden change in tone. Geiger needed an extra minute to digest what she had said.
“I know I’m no street wise stallion. I know I would rather be at the institute right now.” Geiger admitted.
Before another word could be said, the diner mare brought out their food and glasses of juice. The diner mare seemed just as shocked as Geiger was with the change in atmosphere of the diner. She fled back to the kitchen to escape the tension as the two ate.
With their meals finished, Scribe was the first to speak.
“Look, Doctor, I have with me some bits. I recommend you rent a room, wash yourself up, and just turn yourself in. You just turn in your research, well, whatever you have and know on it, and worst you’ll get is a few years under lock and key. It’s not so bad, just house arrest for awhile, maybe a fine. But, you won’t be in any more trouble.” She said, serious, but assuring.
“Right, well. I- I can’t do that. I decided to destroy my research, and for a good reason. And I’ll stick by that choice.” Geiger said as the riot his body was throwing ceased.
“Fine, have it your way Doctor. Just, keep the bits anyway. I don’t want you taking up pick pocketing or anything. Though the offer still stands, turning yourself in would reduce any sentence you receive.” Scribe said, shifting back to her warm passive aggressive demeanor.
“Right… Oh, wait!” Geiger said, suddenly feeling angry again, remembering the photo he got off that guard. “What is this supposed to mean?” He said as he slammed it down in front of her.
“Ah, well, your certainly aren’t a serious threat, its just your background makes you a potential risk, with all that magic.” Scribe said, trying her best to keep warm and smiley. Not wanting to voice her thoughts.
“Was? WAS!? I resign from the research center, and right away, I’m no longer a scientist?!” Geiger said, trying his best not to shout loud enough to alarm the diner mare.
“Oh… that? You resigned, so you are no longer in the field’s active list. So you are a ‘was’ now.” Scribe said, smiling with pure amusement.
“I- Well- Bah, fine.” Geiger said.
Geiger quietly accepted the bag of bits Scribe floated over to him. He would take her advice, and rent a room to get his self cleaned up, but by no means was he going to turn himself in. He did after all, love having his brain in his skull.
“Scientist.” Scribe whispered as she rolled her eyes and paid the bill.
The diner mare had carefully collected the bits for the bill, and quietly thanked her customers, and following them out, flipped the open sign to closed, then locked up.
“It’s going to be one of those days, no thanks.” The diner mare said as she slunk back to the kitchen.
Before Geiger could say another word to Scribe, she was gone. Like a phantom or ninja, she had left without a trace.
------- Later! -------
Geiger let out a laugh as he plopped down on the bed with his mane still wet from the shower. The bed was worn out, and didn’t smell too great, kind of like mold, but the room was real cheap and Geiger intended on not spending any more bits than he had to.
“If that Scribe is any indication of the collections department’s staff, I’m as good as doomed.” Geiger said, looking out the window.
On the roof, three blocks away, Scribe smiled to herself as she looked down her scope.
“You’re doomed alright Doctor, though I mean you no harm. Just be ready, I’m not done with you yet.” She said to herself, as she read his lips.
She was certainly over trained for desk work. No, she was well trained for other work, even for the Collections Department, she was a tier above the rest.
"Anchors ahoy I guess." Scribe mumbled to herself as she though about the situation.
So long as no one noticed her unusual level of skill, this migh be all she would have to do. However, if they did, odds were she would be bumped up to capturing captives and the like. One step closer to her old job. Why Mr. Pewter had to bring up THAT, was clear. It was a mark against her, a damning piece of evidence from her past. And it would be the anchor to her future.
---------------- In Canterlot! ----------------
“I want that research. And I want that scientist. If he doesn’t co-operate you are to bring him in, using any and all means necessary. Miss Scribe has tabs on him at all times, if you lose sight of the target, find her.” Mr. Pewter announced to the line of collectors who had gathered before him.
“It will be done sir!” Captain Razor Wire said proudly as he saluted.
“Excellent, now go.” Mr. Pewter said with a wave of his hoof.
With that the collectors about faced and left his office.
The collectors were all ex-guard and private security stallions and mares, who had either transferred or been selected to act on behalf of the Royal Treasury and the Collections Department under the treasury. They were a fearsome group, bent on making debtors pay. And now, they were all on the trail of a very unfortunate scientist who had picked the worst time to quit his job. Unlike normal collectors who wore suits and passive-aggressively annoyed you, these collectors were called in to TAKE what was owed. Usually from the toughest and most dangerous. In this case, they were meant to track down a scientist whose research was rather valuable. They weren't being paid to question things, so they went forth, on the hunt.
Geiger awoke in the musty bed, and for a single minute in simple bliss, had forgotten everything. It wasn’t until his bruised flank was tested, that he was able to recall how deep in trouble he was. All because he got a lucky break. He just had to make the discovery, then destroy it. He was actually beginning to wonder what was the worst they could do with that information?
Before he could actually consider the possibilities, there came a knock on the door. Though, when he checked the door to his room, using his magic as he was glued to the bed out of fear, he found no one. Listening carefully, he was able to discern that the knock was at another door down the hall. He didn’t want to leave the room and run the risk of being spotted, or that the one knocking was a guard. So, using all the stealth a scientist who couldn’t sneak up on a rock unnoticed had, getting up and opening the door, he peered into the hallway, and seeing no one, gathered his pouch of bits, and a mini soap bar, snuck out of his room and headed downstairs. Oddly enough, he encountered no one, and was able to sign out on the clipboard at the main desk, and leave.
Things were going smoothly. For any pony with the slightest bit of common sense, it would seem to be going too smoothly. For a paranoid scientist? It should have been an obvious trap. But for Geiger, it was magnificent luck. And as fortune would have it, for the most part, that’s what it was. Having not been caught by a guard or noticed by a concerned civilian as he left and trotted about the street. Though unlucky for him, he was being watched very carefully, with the hope he would turn himself in.
Geiger was still considering that option, and just cooking up some fake research in the hopes that he could end this madness, all without having his research used wrongly. That and avoiding having his brain melted. That would certainly be great.
“How can I make up some convincing scientific research? Is that even possible? Bah, it would be better to just get out of here. Flee Equestria, and start anew, maybe teach some zebras how to do science, step out of that tribal voodoo.” Geiger was rambling to himself.
“That’s offensive Doctor.” Scribe said as she trotted up next to him.
“AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! BLAZING FIRE FROM THE SUN!” Geiger shouted as he leapt to the side. “WHY SCRIBE!? WHY!?”
“Um… sorry? Didn’t think you’d freak out. I’m sorry. But you were saying some offensive stuff.” Scribe replied, enjoying the moment, even if she was a bit embarrassed.
“Offensive? What? You phased out of oblivion and nearly frightened me death!” Geiger replied, trying to regain his composure.
“Zebra voodoo? It’s a bit primitive sure, but it’s a science they refer to as alchemy. The voodoo part is just part of the medicine, a touch of mental assurance is all. And it is honestly more pleasant than some of the things we’ve got.” Scribe said, standing tall just to make sure she made Geiger feel as ignorant as possible.
“Ok, that was harsh. But you must understand. Knowing how and why so much of that stuff works, then hearing it explained like it is some sort of trick. It offends science. And it offends me!” Geiger said, trying his best to stand taller than Scribe, to counter her powers.
“Scientist… Look, just don’t go around saying stuff like that. It is bad enough that you’re the worst at fleeing justice, but now you’re a speciest?” Scribe said not impressed. Geiger was actually shorter than her? Who knew!
“I’m not a speciest, its just… Look, what they do… They use science, but claim its some supernatural magic beyond even unicorns ability. Its rude! They lie about what they’re doing, then they claim they’re better than me? That they can do something I can’t, just because they say some words and shake a rattle, all while wearing silly mask!” Geiger huffed as he began trotting off again.
“Oh, this is personal. I get it. Though, I do believe they know things we don’t. Just because zebras have this kind of silly way of thinking. They see things differently. So, they understand differently. We have a magic they cant grasp, and they have an intuition that’s beyond us.” Scribe was saying, figuring the Dr. had something of a bias.
“Oh, so you’re an expert in the way of zebra? You must know everything then! Ok then, why don’t you just report to Celestia and tell her all about my research. Save me the trouble!” Geiger snapped, getting rather flustered.
“I’m no expert Doctor, but I know enough. I don’t know what happened, but I understand that you oppose the zebra method of science, since it doesn’t seem so… sciency? But, that doesn’t mean you can just unfairly insult them for it. Also, I don’t report to any of the Princesses, as I am just a humble agent of the Collections Department.” Scribe said, shifting to understanding, then back to chipper but devious.
Geiger froze in his tracks, causing Scribe to backtrack.
“I know… I know zebras are not bad… they certainly are not stupid. But that doesn’t mean they can just keep pretending what they’re doing defies explanation, that only some special words and ritual makes things happen. That things can’t be understood...” Geiger trailed off suddenly remembering his discovery. “Maybe some things shouldn’t be understood. Guess I’m just being a hypocrite at this point.” Geiger began to smile.
“Uh, you okay Doctor?” Scribe asked, actually expressing confusion as she tilted her head.
“My research… You know, your cute with your eyes crossed like that?” Geiger said, smiling at Scribe, losing his train of thought.
“Huh… Wait! What? I crossed my eyes?” Scribe said, taken aback.
“Indeed. Now, if you excuse me, I have to do something.” Geiger said as he took the opportunity to speed off before she could reply.
He was certain he was realizing something, an epiphany he had been ignoring, something he hadn’t understood consciously. What had it been? Whatever it was, it had to wait. For now, he had to buy some time, he had to make up some research. Now, where was that station again?
Geiger found it, but as expected, it was crammed full of guards on patrol, their eyes searching every pony that boarded. But not every pony that was getting off. This Geiger could use… WAIT A MINUTE? Since when has Geiger noticed these things? When has he ever made a thought out plan? What is going on here…
Geiger rushed up to the train shouting about forgetting his bag on the train, and though the nearby guard only spared him a passing glance, he had the conductor’s full attention. And that wasn’t good. As the conductor had not seen Geiger before. And when the conductor raised, rather loudly, the question of why he hadn’t noticed Geiger before, that’s when the guards started to pay attention. Geiger decided he heard a “friend” telling him they found his bag. Using that instant of confusion, Geiger slipped away.
That’s the Geiger I know! Whew, thought things were going to get… Anyway…
-------- Later! --------
Geiger waited until the guards had switched, and the next train pulled in, to try again. He slunk along with the baggage handlers this time, then slipped inside the nearest car. He didn’t have a ticket, he didn’t have a cover, all he had was his non-scientific skill. The skill of being overlooked. Last time he boarded the train, he was a nervous wreck. This time, he was less nervous, since his luck had been incredible thus far. After all, nearly every mare and stallion had ignored him. Miss Scribe, she was certainly different from every other mare in his life. She was a stalker pretty much, though her interest was purely business.
What a business that was, the Collections Department was worthy of all the fear it generated. Even Luna’s night guards were welcome compared to a representative from collections. And now he was getting a good idea why. Just thinking about it made him woozy. Wait, he was really feeling the ground move beneath him. Oh, the train, right. Being in a baggage car made it difficult to tell what was going on around you.
Indeed, the train was moving, where, it didn’t matter. So long as he was on his way, he was sure to have time. Time he could focus on his fake research. As for the vigilant Collector Spyglass, losing sight of her target as he approached the train, meant that it was up to Scribe now. Which was ok with Spyglass, after all, Scribe was the best field agent she had ever seen, a true master of stealth and persuasion, and honestly;
“She’s terrifyingly good at getting close… too good at it. Just like she always was.” Spyglass mused, then thought better of thinking aloud about Scribe, never knowing when she might be listening. She didnt want to give her the satisfaction of knowing how impressed she was with Scribe.
Much like in the old country, she and Scribe once more found themselves working together. Only now the situation was very different. The location was especially different. As for them, were they different? The only change she noticed was that they were busy being incognito all the time. Hiding a past like so many of their long lost friends who now lived in Equestria.
------------- Later Still. -------------
Geiger was feeling rather hungry after an hour or so. And seeing how he had managed to make it this far, he was willing to push it further, after all, he could always just jump off the train… he wouldn’t be happy, but he knew he would at least survive it mostly intact. He was hungry, and knew that this train had to have a dining car… well he didn’t actually know if it did, but he was rather certain it did. Either way, he would have to leave the baggage car and get over to a passenger before it arrived at the next station.
Two cars later one of them having a busy kitchen, he was in the dining car, and it seemed he arrived right on time. Just as he grabbed a seat, the food carts were being ushered in. It smelled wonderful, and if his eyes were still any good, it was a nice carrot soup, with an assortment of fruits and salads. He even saw a gryphon cook sampling the closest salad.
He had heard of gryphons who had stopped eating meat in order to fit in better with ponies, eating more protein rich foods such as beans to make up for the lack of meat, now he was as much a biologist slash nutritionist as he was a geologist, and he was most certainly not a geologist, so he wasn’t certain how healthy those gryphons were.
“I sure hope you plan to turn yourself in at the next stop Doctor, the longer you run the less reduction of sentence you’ll get.” Moaned Scribe who had taken the seat across from him.
Geiger jumped in fright and very narrowly avoided screaming.
“Yep, its me. Once more.” Scribe said in a dry tone as she took a drink from a passing cart.
“Miss Scribe… Phasing out of oblivion still I see. Though I shouldn’t be surprised, you have a way of always knowing where I am.” Geiger said as he relaxed into his most normal yet still somewhat socially awkward composure.
“You missed a chance to turn yourself in, you do know that’ll cost you. Or are you still certain you can ‘cook up’ some faked research? Because I would love to see what you come up with.” Scribe said, slipping into her faux air of warm, kind and harmlessness.
“You heard that, well, I guess that means I can’t turn myself in, they already know I’ll just try to trick them…” Geiger sighed as he slurped his carrot soup.
“My, my, Doctor, what a faux pas, such rude noises in front of a mare!” Scribe said, dramatically leaning back and covering her forehead with a hoof, as if she might faint.
“Fancy talk for a blood sucking member of the Collections Department. Pick it up listening to all those fancy rich stallions prating on at your social occasions?” Geiger said intentionally waving his fore hooves around.
Before she answered, she levitated a book in front of Geiger briefly enough just to let him read the title. “A book on etiquette, just picked it up today. Yours isn’t the only case I am working. Also, I told you, its my job just to track you, and convince you to turn yourself in, not report what you say or do. I honestly want to see what you come up with. Now, I highly recommend you turn yourself in.”
“Now, before you say anything, listen carefully. The boss has ordered the Collectors in, and trust me, they are a nasty bunch. Ex-guard and alike, so they’ll be harder to trick than some bored sleepy eyed door guard. And with me on your butt, telling them where you are, you wont be able to hide long. So, with that said, you better not try and be slick, or they will bring you down harder than a manticore mid-flight struck by lightning hit’s the ground.” She gave him a wink before getting up and moving to the other side of the car, and just as cart blocked his view of her, then passed, she was gone.
“She has to be using teleportation or something… maybe she is invisible?” Geiger began thinking.
“You know… I know what teleportation and invisibility magic are like, I am after all a leader in the field of magic detection, so why have I not tried detecting her magic… Am I really so darn foalish as to forget I can even do that?!” Geiger face hoofed before returning to his soup.
Geiger with a full stomach, set off to find a seat, and one crammed passenger car after the other, he finally entered a nearly empty car. Though a quick look told him why, in one seat was an angry looking gryphon, in another was a diamond dog muttering to himself, and the other one he could see was an odd zebra mare… well all zebras were odd, but even by those standards this mare was odd. She had a crow on her head, and around her neck worn like a necklace was a pocket watch. She was also surrounded by clay pots, some of which seemed to glow.
Geiger tried to grab a seat, only to find something large was taking up the space he was now laying on. Getting off and turning around to apologize, his words caught in his throat.
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the lost colt…” The Celestia sized gray stallion said as he sat up.
“Hi… long time no see huh?” Geiger said nervously as he tried to back away, though one of the gray stallions large wings blocked his escape.
“What is the hurry?” The gray stallion said as he gave a smile.
Oh how Geiger wished he hadn’t done that, for behind the lips of the stallion, lay rather fierce looking incisors and canines, the kind of sharp teeth only a diamond dog, or dragon, would have. Certainly uncharacteristic of a herbivore. Though looking at the size of the almost certainly earth pony stallion before him, the bat pony ears and the equally impressive wings, Geiger didn’t know what was characteristic of such an anomaly.
“I suppose I could sit down… so long as you don’t eat me.” Geiger said, not sure if he would provoke the gray stallion with the joke, or ease the tension.
Lucky for Geiger, it was the later.
“Ha! Funny colt. Yeah, I wont eat you. I prefer mares anyhow.” The gray stallion laughed and elbowed Geiger at the joke.
“Good one.” Geiger said still a bit nervous.
“Don’t worry, I forgave you for interrupting my mates and I as we… did whatever we were doing… So no hard feelings.” The gray stallion said as he curled up and took up the seat meant for 2-3 ponies.
“Well, you actually got me out of a tough spot, so thanks!” Geiger said fully relaxing as he sat in the corner of his seat across from the gray stallion.
“Yeah, well normally I wouldn’t do that on purpose, but meh, what can you do?” The gray stallion said as he glanced out the window.
“So, uh… What is with this car? Don’t tell me everyone got stuck here because… well, because they’re so different.” Geiger concluded not sure how to put it.
“Pretty much. A mercenary like Butch Claw Reaver, the gryphon, certainly doesn’t fit in with the normal passengers, a diamond dog with something a keen to dementia is unsettling, and Yisha the zebra divining alchemist, well the name alone says it.” The gray stallion said as he eyed the zebra mare.
“Then you have me, the absurdly large ‘pegasus’… ech, who takes up plenty more space than is welcome. Kinda offended about it, not so much having to relocate, as I don’t care for crowds, but the whole ‘pegasus’ thing.” The gray stallion said, being more chatty than first expected.
“Well are you not a pegasus?” Asked Geiger, although he already knew that was stupid question.
“I suppose you’d think any striped pony was a zebra wouldn’t ya? Not everything is as it seems ya know. I’m part earth pony, part pegasus, and possibly something carnivorous, like a gryphon or even a manticore. My family tree is confusing. I don’t care to talk more about it, my point being, when something seems irregular for what you thought it was, that it quite likely isn’t what you thought it was. And stuff.” The gray stallion said as he kept waving a hoof around making all sorts of gestures.
“I don’t entirely follow, but I’ll take your word for it… uh… mister?” Geiger said as he prompted the gray stallion for his name.
“Just call me Sir… don’t care much for throwing names around.” Sir said as he returned to looking out the window.
“Well ‘Sir’, do you know where this train is heading?” Geiger asked, still confused with the gray stallion.
“You don’t know? Heh, musta stowed away onboard. Canterlot. That is the next stop.” Sir said as he continued to stare out of the window.
“Ah… oh.” Geiger said as he realized that he was heading closer to the treasury.
“Yep, fun.” Sir replied as he laid his head down and closed his eyes.
--------------- In Canterlot. ---------------
Geiger got off the train like every other pony, he kept his head down, and pushed his way through. Still thinking about what Sir had told him just before the train arrived.
(flash back wub wub wub) “You’re a scientist huh? I used to be a scientist back in the Fatherland.” An odd accent surfaced when he said fatherland. “I was good at it, but then, I took a notice of selective service to the career. I was needed to help with the… pie throwing, yeah… that our people had been doing for some time, against some unkind neighbors. Many… cakes were dropped, and many… err… cupcakes were fired. It was a long ordeal, but it finally ended. With the w- err… pie fight over, I was finally able to get back to my work. Only, since then, my work was no longer needed, no more high exp- err, sugar pies, and no more armor piercing frosting for those cupcakes, though I wish I had made my yellow cake in time. So I left to pursue other scientific fields for something I could do. And that got me all the way to Equestria!” Sir concluded.
Geiger had held on to every word, with the same fascination he had when he was a student at the university.
“So, just like that, you left?” Geiger asked.
“Well, they wanted me to stay, but we no longer needed to make super pies to throw at each other. And I wanted to do other things. But I was the only one who knew a special recipe. So, I kinda took a vacation, just long enough to do my sciency stuff.” Sir said as he rubbed he neck.
“No kidding? I kind of know exactly how that is.” Geiger said, sliding back from the edge of his seat.
“Heh, my best advice then, don’t get rid of your recipe, there is a good reason you made it… or stumbled upon it, whatever. But, if you don’t want other ponies to use that recipe, afraid they might alter it, and make other ponies sick, hide it somewhere safe. And if they really, really, want your recipe, give them part of it, and let them work out the rest on their own. Just be sure it’s the safest and easiest part of the recipe before you do.” Sir said and he got out of his seat and stretched. (back to present dub dub dub)
Geiger had since figured out, that all he had to do, was give up the most vague information on his discovery, throw in some logical conclusions, and with some luck, he could pull this off. And following in the wake of Sir, Geiger had snuck past the checkpoint, at least the guards checkpoint, but as Scribe said, the Collectors were after him now. And if they were even half as good as Scribe was at sneaking, they definitely had him in their sights. Even if they didn’t, Scribe was sure to tip them off, though considering her friendly disposition, she would wait until he had slipped into cover.
He needed time to come up with something, and he could use a nights sleep. Thankful to Sir for his help, Geiger bid him farewell, and took off in hopes of finding a place to stay. Though he had a place in mind, he was certain it was a bad idea.
-------------------- Across The Way. --------------------
Wind Sock, a rather prickly looking pegasus, watched as a yellow unicorn waved at the largest thing he had seen that wasn’t a dragon or a princess. Though Shining Armor seemed a close fit. He was able to tear his gaze from the giant pony, and locked onto his target;
“A banana cart? But where… where did Geiger go? Darn it all, Spyglass and Frack wont let me hear the end of this. Thanks to Pewter though… we have the best possible pair of eyes looking out for him… if she gets done with that other job first.” Sock said to himself as he slowly flew back to the operations center the group had set up.
-------------- Iron St. 901 --------------
“I can’t believe my eyes… it’s the prodigal Geiger!” Berry Cart said as she smacked Geiger across the face with a hoof.
“Ow, I’m sorry Berry, I know I didn’t exactly leave under the best of circumstances, but I need your help.” Geiger said as he rubbed his face.
“Right. Just leave me all alone, all because of your stupid existential crisis, breaking my heart, then crawl back and ask me, ME! For something.” Berry Cart said as she scowled.
“Just a room for tonight… I’m sorry I- I know what I did was wrong, I just had to know. My whole life, it was the question that haunted me since I got my cursed cutie mark. Please, I beg of you, one night, I’ll pay for the room.” Geiger pleaded.
“Yeah, because I want you in my house.” Berry said as she crossed her fore hooves across her chest, sitting down and getting ready for act two of Geiger’s dramatic play.
“I mean it, I’m sorry. I just had to know. And I know this doesn’t help, but I always just felt like your friend Berry. I- I didn’t really think of you like that, but I agreed to our relationship… I don’t know, maybe because I didn’t want to let you down. I’m sorry.” Geiger said as groveled at her hooves.
“Celestia, Geiger, you are pathetic. But, you’re honest. Always were. Aside from the entire time we dated as a couple! But, whatever. I’ll let you stay, free of bits. But you will have to do me a favor.” Berry said as she gave in. Though she always knew deep down Geiger never really thought of her like that, she just had to hear him say it. And when he did, she really didnt have anything left to be mad at, after all, their relationship was short and awkward, right from the start to the end.
“Name it, and its done.” Geiger said as he was let in.
-------------- That Night. --------------
Geiger rested on the guest bed, letting out a sigh as he tried to imagine what he had just agreed to. He owed it to Berry after all, she was the only mare friend he ever had, though, when she offered to become his “mare friend” Geiger had been shocked. He only ever saw her as a friend, and as such, couldn’t commit into the relationship. Though that wasn’t why he left, no, he had to get his answers. And seeing how he was still pretty young at the time, he was certain he could find the answer, and still have a whole future ahead of him, that was ten years ago…
“Nice place she has, only mare friend I take it?” Scribe said as she stepped in through the window.
“Gah!” Was all Geiger could say as he twisted in terror.
“Oh come on, aren’t you used to it by now?” Scribe said as she looked around.
“Who could possibly be used to this?” Geiger said as he stomped a hoof.
“You’re evading the question.” Scribe said as she went over and looked in the mirror hanging on the wall near the closet, trying to cross her eyes.
“She was, but we broke up a long time ago… what does it matter? And… what are you doing?” Geiger said as he watched Scribe.
“You said I crossed my eyes, it has been bugging me all day.” Scribe said as she tried to cross her eyes while still focusing on herself in the mirror.
“Right… Well, what is it you want?” Geiger asked as he sat back on the bed.
“Who was your friend? The one back at the station.” Scribe asked still focused on the mirror.
“Sir.” Geiger said, adding; “I thought you had other cases?”
“Sir… huh… And I still do, doesn’t mean I cant check up on you between them. After all, you’ve moved the most in the past day than half my other cases combined.” Scribe said as she gave up on the mirror and made her way back to the window.
“What do you care about the ponies I meet?” Geiger asked, as he began to scan with his magic for any type of magic Scribe might use to disappear.
“I’ve seen him before, real shady guy. Not from around here… just an old habit I suppose. Later Doctor, try and turn yourself in before noon, Collectors don’t like to wait, not unless its fun for them. And you’re pretty boring Doctor.” Scribe gave a salute before crawling out the window.
Unfortunately for Geiger, she wasn’t using magic, just skilled climbing. And with that disappointment out of the way, Geiger laid down, and shut his eyes. He had some careful work to do in the morning.
Geiger woke in the morning, thankful for a bed. Anything beat a steel container. Unfortunately for Geiger, when he checked the time, he found he had slept in. And not just an hour or two, no, three hours. It was ten in the morning, and Geiger only had a third of his false report!
“Oh… my.” Geiger said as he tried to quell the rising panic growing in him.
He shook his head, and tried to gather all his bearings. He would have to organize all the information in such a way as to lead to some slightly less profound conclusion, if he could call his discovery that. He also had to find a way to buy even more time, since he owed Berry that favor. Not to mention having the chance to learn the methods of Scribe, and her ability to be anywhere at any time.
Taking a deep breath, he went downstairs and ate what Berry had left out for him, along with a note demanding he lock the door on his way out. To which he rolled his eyes. The cold pancakes would have tasted better had he eaten them sooner, though he had survived thanks only to Berry’s homemade syrup. With a bottle of afore mentioned syrup in his bag, Geiger locked the door and closed it behind him.
“No more bed…” Geiger sighed, unsure when he would next feel the soft embrace of a mattress.
He set off trying to find a place he could attempt to fake an important discovery. Which was going to be the easy part right? Dead wrong, Geiger preceded to waste a precious hour, just to get into an abandoned warehouse on the edge of Canterlot. Now all he had to do, was make something up! Uh, but how? Geiger was creative when it came to making a discovery, but when it came to anything else, he was as creative as a… See, he couldn’t even come up with a comparison!
“Calm down… I got this, I can do this. I just need to take the safest parts of what I learned, and compile them into a near useless spell or something. Just need to be convincing!” Geiger said, his own voice incapable of convincing himself.
He proceeded to sort through mental notes, and compile his thoughts, thankfully one of his friends had taught him a memory spell, how they knew it certainly didn’t matter. Or did it? No, he was getting off track, he needed to focus and sort through his memories. As he did so, he was once more filled with a mixture of wonder and a sense that he was peering into the forbidden. It was an odd mix of joy and fear, pure adrenaline. He was feeling like he was getting close to something, that sense of epiphany once more nagging him to process his thoughts for the answer. He had no time for that, he had to arrange what he knew into a guise of important scientific nature.
He tried for the remaining hour, attempting to bundle and rearrange the chain of events, instead, when he opened his eyes, he discovered that the warehouse around him had changed drastically. It had gone from worn out and falling apart, to… well new looking. What had he done? He was focusing on the sensation and energy of the surge, replaying the whole 0.042 seconds of it over and over. In doing so, he apparently caused some sort of time rift, or maybe he had unconsciously cast a time spell.
“This is certainly interesting… it actually seems like I found my fake research!” As soon as he had a smile on his face, it vanished. “But it used my discovery… and I don’t know how I did this… that wont work. And quite frankly I am certain there are serious consequences for altering time.” Geiger mused to himself, watching cautiously the warehouse he was in.
As the minutes ticked by and nothing else happened, Geiger let a sense of confidence build up in him, a certainty that the surrounding building was not about to explode, or a portal into another dimension was about to rip open. With a slight smile at the first implication of “Life Magic” as Geiger saw fit to call it, he began to assess what actually happened. After all, if it was just a time spell, then surely everything would be as it was long ago, yet here he was in a still empty warehouse. It looked just as good as it did when it was built, of that he was sure. But it wasn’t quite the same as if had been reversed through time.
Remembering that he in fact had the acute ability to detect magic, he decided to test it out. Now, he knew what time spells felt like, and this wasn’t one of them, the building was still as old as when he got there, only now, it was restored.
“Given new life…” Geiger thought to himself. Which entirely explains the name of the magic he believed he had just used.
It was an amazing breakthrough, and truly a good use of what he learned. But if there was a positive magic that could be done with his discovery, what was a negative? With nothing happening yet, he could only guess that for now, the spell he used without being aware of it, had no negative side effects. Though, that was good news, he felt a bit bad, if this was the most he got out of his discovery, then he had made a huge assumption, and caused a gigantic mess over nothing.
Of course, it was far too early to decide if he had made a mistake, and with this piece of the pie on his plate, he had to find the whip cream. And that meant trying it again, and again, until he knew for certain what exactly he was doing.
--------------- Rooftop, three blocks south of warehouse. ---------------
Spyglass and Wind Sock watched with their mouths open. Did that rusty and musty warehouse just transform into a freshly built warehouse?
“That did not just happen…” Spyglass said as she continued to stare.
“Did… did that warehouse… How?” Sock said as hovered in place.
“I think I understand why we’re after this guy now…” Spyglass said as she switched from her binoculars to the scope fitted over some mysterious device with a long barrel sticking out of it. Using her earth pony frame to brace herself for it.
“That thing?” Sock said, as he eyed the device.
Sock had seen spyglass with that thing only once more before, and that was when a diamond dog had taken a loan, and failed to pay back on it. That diamond dog had a bad day when Spyglass showed up to back-up the other collectors who had gone it to collect. He had watched it from the air, and still didn’t know what happened. All he knew was that Spyglass treasured the device, and she preferred not to talk about it. Though once he managed to get Spyglass to tell him that she got it while deep down south in zebra lands most far. She earned it after she did something, though honestly she had been vague about it, and Wind Sock never listened to expositions much, he only liked quick and to the point answers.
“Yeah, if this guy doesn’t go down peacefully, he is going to get a nasty surprise.” Spyglass said, determined to do whatever it took.
“Last time you used that thing, the target got really messed up, still can’t keep his eyes straight.” Sock said as he hovered clear of the barrel.
“Well, all the more reason for the Doctor to come in nice and quiet. Why don’t you make yourself useful and get over that warehouse? Frack and Fracture are nearly in position, unless you lose sight of a brightly colored stallion again.” Spyglass said as she swept her scope over the two earth ponies approaching the warehouse.
“Right…” Sock said, knowing it was going to come sooner or later. No matter how hard he tried to explain it, they just laughed at him. “He was huge, you would’ve been- ok maybe you wouldn’t have been distracted, but I know Frack would’ve been at a complete loss.” Sock said as he flew over to the warehouse.
Frack Miner was an explosive proficient earth pony stallion who just lived to blow stuff up. It would’ve been a problem had he not saved lives on more than five separate occasions. As for his back-up, Bone Fracture, another earth pony, his name was quite obvious, Fracture was a competent engineer, but he also had a natural talent for taking ponies down with his bare hooves. They made for a pair of the best infiltrators, Frack blowing a hole in the wall, and Fracture leaping in and taking down the target.
Captain Razor Wire was approaching from the other side of the warehouse with Thunder Clap, a rather timid pegasus who liked to keep out of the way, she had a knack for keeping quite, odd given how her natural talent was shock and awe. She had been transferred from the weather team over in Manehatten, after she stunned a pair of robbers with a crack of thunder. The transfer report said she had apologized before and after she smacked her storm cloud creating the loudest thunder report in Manehatten history. Since then, she had been armed to the wing tips with thunder flashes and a large magical non-lethal cannon, which oddly enough she carried with one hoof with relative ease. One squeeze of the trigger, and a mighty gust of air would barrage everything before it.
This is why Razor Wire liked having her around, nice complimentary explosions, and the power to blast everything away. Though Razor Wire was a gifted guard unicorn, he had a dislike of dirt and physical contact, though he was far from shy when it came time to tackle a threat to the ground, he always had to wash afterwards. He much rather preferred to set up traps and ambushes, which is how he earned his rank, generating with his magic a wall of razor wire in the path of criminals. Few ever got away from him, though the use of razor wire was prohibited, so instead of punishing him, he was transferred to collections where rules… could be stretched. He didn’t mind when they told him he didn’t have to tackle and touch anymore.
They approached with caution, ready to launch a two pronged attack. With Sock overhead providing a clear view should Geiger try and give them the slip, they were certain to snag and bag him, and even if they failed, Scribe would have the Doctor in her sights within minutes. So long as she wasn’t busy tailing that pair of brothers as they continued to drive around selling their barely palatable cider.
“On three” Razor Wire said as he checked his stopwatch.
------- Inside -------
Geiger had been using the new spell on a number of old and crumbling objects he had been able to scrounge up. He turned a broken hammer into a brand new one, he had turned a pile of glass into a few bottles, and even restored a dead plant. Odd thing finding a dead blue berry bush in a place like this. But a tasty find non-the-less! He was now apt at using Life Magic to restore all manner of things. Well, as far as he was aware.
He wondered what else he could do, and using his magic to bring over a piece of paper off a large steel table, instead he was effortlessly lifting the whole table and bringing it over.
“Uh, well then. It also bolsters your overall magic ability.” Geiger said to himself as he excitedly danced in place. He had never been able to lift more than a few pounds, but now he had a steel table in his grasp!
He was filled with foal like wonder as he pondered the infinite possibilities. He was barely able to contain his desire to squeal like a filly. He twirled the table around a bit, watching it spin with a smile. He was wondering about a great number of things, when he felt a disturbance in the force. He looked around and began the reach out with his magic, half expecting Scribe to pop up behind him.
“Three!” Razor wire announced to Clap who pulled the trigger on her wind cannon.
At the same time, Frack yanked on the pull cord detonator on the charges he had planted on the wall. With two loud blast, and the sound of metal being torn asunder, Fracture jumped in one breach, and Razor jumped in the other. The cloud of smoke and dust being blasted away with another smaller blast from Claps wind cannon.
Within five seconds, they had surrounded a very surprised Geiger, a wall of razor wire covering his escape.
“Put down the table nice and slow Doctor!” Razor ordered.
“Table? What? Oh… OH! That table.” Geiger said as he just remembered he had been spinning around a rather large and heavy table like a top.
With a loud bang, the steel table smacked into the ground. Without further hesitation Fracture leapt on Geiger and pinned him to the ground. Clap kept her eyes and cannon on Geiger. Razor giving a sigh, dropped his magic that created the razor wire wall, and levitated a magic suppressor over to be fitted over Geiger’s horn. This was a bad idea. Geiger was surprised, but he was also certain he could use what he had now to bluff his way out of life in the dungeons. But the second he saw that device being floated over, he lost it.
“No… NO! YOU AREN’T GOING TO MELT MY BRAIN!” Geiger shouted as he threw Fracture off his back with a levitation spell, letting him drop anywhere but near him.
“Melt your brain?” Razor said as he dropped the suppressor in shock as he watched Fracture go flying. “Stop him!” Was all he could say as Geiger went running.
Though Razor was fast enough to throw up a wall of razor wire in Geiger’s path, he wasn’t fast enough to enforce and restore it as Geiger blasted it with some odd magic. He had seen Geiger’s aura of beige as he was wielding that table, but this was different, the aura of this magic was more like a platinum flash.
“What the… Now Clap!” Razor shouted as he tried to kill the sense of embarrassment at how he should have seen this coming. Although Scribe’s reports had lead him to believe that the Doctor wouldn’t actually be a problem.
Taking her queue Clap fired her wind cannon blowing Geiger away, unfortunately she also blew apart the warehouse doors, and Geiger right out of them.
“Sorry.” Clap said, her voice extra quiet and small compared to the torrent her cannon was making.
With the hip fired wind cannon’s aid, Geiger found himself out of one bad situation, and into another. Though he had been able to wrap himself in levitation magic to right himself and keep from knocking into something, he had also made himself an easy target for Spyglass. And with a sharp intake of breath and an unmoving aim, she fired her magic rifle. Its red beam flying faster than any pegasus, besides the famous Rainbow Dash, ever could. And even though the beam was set to its lowest power, it was still enough to leave a mark.
And a mark it did leave, as it hit Geiger in the flank, he let out a yelp and dropped like a stone. Some hairs on his side hade been burnt into nothingness and the stinging pain followed by numbness was near blinding to the scientist.
“What the blazing sun was that!” Geiger said louder than he wanted to.
He got up and tried to orient himself, only to get struck by another beam in nearly the exact same spot. And as he tried once more, another. He was getting hammered by a sniper, and with the other Collectors now turning to focus on him after helping Fracture back up, he was certainly in for it now.
“The spell… lets hope it works on ponies too, or this is going to be short.” Geiger said as he used the restoration spell on himself.
Work it did, and with that, he gave a smile and set off again. Though he had to keep using the spell, as Spyglass kept pumping shots into him when she had the chance. More of this, and he’d faint from the pain. Deciding he wasn’t about to pass out like some wimpy scientist, he tried something new, using his magic to levitate himself, he threw himself away from the enclosing Collectors. Only to land in front of a pack of inbound guards.
“Ah, the Calvary!” Geiger said as he got up and nonchalantly trotted in the opposite direction.
His trot didn’t last long as Wind Sock shouted to the guards to stop him. His gallop at full speed wasn’t going to cut it, so, why not use this chance to see if he could use the Life Magic to move faster, though he did not have a single clue on how to do that. He tried just imagining himself being faster, and that didn’t work, he tried imagining the guards being slower, that also failed. With the guards getting closer, and Geiger approaching yet another dead end (He wasn’t very good at running away), Geiger could only think of defending himself. With a sharp twist Geiger turned himself around, and dug in with his hooves dragging him to a full stop.
“Enough!” He shouted as he focused his magic on sending the guards away.
He wanted to lift them up with a levitation spell and toss them the other way, much like he tossed himself, only, he wasn’t using that spell. What Geiger did do, was blast the guards with a wall of platinum magic, sending them sprawling violently in all directions, the lead guard just vanished all together.
“The…” Sock mouthed as he was buffeted by a gust of air from the spell. The others couldn’t doubt him this time.
With a sign from the tax the spell he had just used, Geiger stumbled in place a bit before running back, his hooves kicking up ashes that hadn’t been there before. Not looking back he ran as fast as he could weaving around buildings, using his magic to check for any pursuers, even the sky was void of chase. He carefully slowed to a stop, certain he was well away from any pony. He stood there panting heavily as he stared at the ground.
“What was that?” Geiger asked himself as he fought to catch his breath.
He didn’t have much time to do so, as he sensed a pegasus approaching, and he wasn’t alone. Those Collectors weren’t about to let him catch a break, not after that stunt. Looks like he found a negative of the magic, it could just be used raw, and with deadly effect. He hoped those guards were ok.
“Lets see what else this magic can do.” Geiger said to himself as he focused his magic into another spell.
--------- Treasury Department, Collections Agency: Mr. D. Pewter. ---------
“You wanted to see me Mister Pewter?” Scribe said as she stepped into his office.
“Earlier today, Captain Razor Wire and his team launched their raid on a warehouse they had tracked Doctor Geiger to, the plan went off without a hitch, they breached the warehouse, and had Geiger in their custody.” Mr. Pewter said, his chair turned to face out the window.
“What happened then?” Scribe said as she fought the urge to shiver at Pewter’s voice.
“Using previously unencountered magic, he was able to escape. In the process, he injured twelve guards, with another missing. He then injured two Collectors as they attempted to bring him down, once more using magic unseen and unheard of. They were caught off guard by this unfamiliar magic, but you know as well as I do, that they would have adapted, used more force, had they not expected little resistance from the Doctor. In your reports, you had mentioned how docile and passive the Doctor was, so why is it that we have a total of fourteen injured, and one missing?” Mr. Pewter said as he turned around in his chair to face her.
She resisted the urge to shake and shiver as he spoke, but when it became clear what he was going to say next, her focus changed on not flinching or cowering.
“He was sir, every time I saw him. They must have done something to frighten him terribly so, either that or he has flipped. Something must have snapped in his head or something.” Scribe said letting herself shiver from the deathly cold of Pewter’s very existence.
“Must have snapped… You don’t say? Look Miss Scribe, after this display of power, your orders have been changed. Doctor Geiger is now a priority threat, and is to be brought in alive, in any condition, at all cost. You are now cleared to arrest him, and use deadly force if necessary to subdue him. Am I clear Scribe?” Mr. Pewter said, ignoring the shiver, as all his subordinates were chilled to the core by his mere presence. Must be the nature of his work.
“It will be done sir.” Scribe said, her hoof half raised, ready to salute before she stopped herself.
“Then go.” Pewter said as he turned his chair around.
With a very quiet sigh of relief, Scribe about faced and quickly trotted out of the office. She now had a scientist to beat up, one who owed her an explanation.
----------- Back In The Streets Of Canterlot -----------
Geiger limped away, the cuts and bruises covered in ash and debris from the battle he just got out of. A whole block of buildings had been torn apart with an array of magic. He had been ready this time, right when the sniper took a shot at him, had had been able to learn the nature of the spell, and duplicated it. Along with a deflection spell and a barrier spell, though they held up against force, they had weaknesses he couldn’t account for. All in all, he just made a mess of everything around him, throwing what he could, and blasting beams at the oncoming Collectors. It hadn’t been that clean of an escape, they were good, and they struck harder this time. The wood splinters in his side and the deep cuts were from the wind cannon and explosives alone. The Broken leg he was keeping off of was thanks to that martial arts pony, and the burns from the sniper. His more painful cuts, all thanks to the razor wire whip that had slashed him.
“Come on.” Geiger pleaded as he tried to use the restoration spell once more.
As the battle drew to its close, Geiger found he no longer had the aid of the Life Magic. In the action, he had lost his focus on it, and it gradually slipped away, fortunately for him, he had managed to injure the martial arts pony and that pegasus that had been following him. Which was enough for the whip pony to order them back. He had managed to escape this time. Though for how long, he was uncertain.
He managed to limp his way over to the train station, only to find it filled with guards, and night guards. He wasn’t getting out this way. Why he thought he could, he had no idea. The pain must have been getting to him. He limped more until he found a nice shop patio to crawl under. He laid down and tried to rest without falling asleep. It was a futile effort, as he passed out within seconds.
To his fortune, he was able to regain consciousness within an hour. Using that brief reprieve from pain, he was able to think up a plan. He knew he had to get out of Canterlot, just like he had to leave all the other cities. Only this time, he needed an alternate means of transport. He spotted a carriage and went for it. Wrapping himself in the loose ropes meant for a spare wheel in the underside of the carriage, Geiger tucked himself in and hoped for the best. And as the carriage passed through the checkpoint to leave Canterlot, Geiger let himself close his eyes.
Today had been a fiasco, not only had Geiger used his discovery, he used it for the precise reasons he didn’t want his discovery known. And he knew it. Thus began a feeling of guilt that in time would prove fatal. Though for whom it would be the undoing, at this time is uncertain. Geiger let himself slumber, stuck to the bottom of a carriage, all in the hopes that he might be able to figure things out. Though he knew one thing at that time, turning himself in was no longer an option.
“Let me tell you a story, a story about a place filled with dark shadows. Shadows and voices, all of them will follow you, they will do all they can to pervade you and oppress you. Now, let me tell you of those that brave such a place. The Shadow Ponies.”
The voice was of an old stallion who spent his days on the Canterlot side of the Everfree forest, tormenting colts and fillies who tested their courage poking around the edges. And he never passed up on a chance to tell his tall tales of terror around the campfire. Just as he was doing now.
He was jade in coat, with a soft red man. His white beard and mustache had a few red hairs hiding in them. For the hurt Geiger who laid nearby, uninterested, his stories served as a distraction from the pain, a poor distraction, but good enough for now.
He was woken by the carriage stopping sharply right outside the Everfree, a truly startling sight. Since when was there a road through the Everfree? Well, since last month it seems. Some brave group of ponies had built an impressive stone road right through it, all without arousing attention. Which was totally possible right? The entrance alone seemed like something out of a draconic horror novel.
“Die Dark Strabe?” Geiger mumbled to himself once more.
That was what was written on the iron arch over the entrance. It was black and plain, yet seemed to add to the sense of forbidding that the forest emitted. It was alien to him. As was the fact that any road into the Everfree was even open to travelers. Well, the old stallion did say it was safe, and that there were guides dedicated to protecting travelers just in case, each one well trained for the task. Which was why they were waiting around this fire, listening to this old stallion torment some young colts and fillies. The nearby mass of homes between Canterlot and the forest seemed to be full of them.
The old stone cottages that made up a tiny village called South Canterlot, were well maintained. And though they didn’t show neglect, they did give off the same feeling as the arch, like they were a part of the spooky forest. Even the bright happy faces of the villagers couldn’t shake the shadow that seemed to hang over everything. Their spacing varied so widely that it was clear they weren’t built as part of a thought out layout, but rather a random build as you go style.
The road looked sturdy, as far as one could see since the thick branches of the trees blocked out the sun just a few meters down the road. Still, the whole idea seemed beyond sense. A road into the Everfree, a road not unknown as there was a three wagon train waiting right now, yet he had never heard of it. Sure he didn’t get out much, but something this big should’ve been a headliner everywhere.
“… And then, while the brave little filly was catching her breath, sure all was well. There then came from behind her, the long loud sound of a metal rake being dragged over the ground. And when she turned to look behind her. THERE WAS THE BLACK HOODED SHADOW PONY!” With a pause for gasp and a few screams. “And with a cackle, the shadow pony stood tall and swung its sharp clawed rake, felling the young filly with a single blow, her BLOOD CURDLING shriek still alive on the breeze.” With another pause. “AHHHHHHHHH!” The old stallion mimicked a filly shrieking bloody murder making the fillies and colts start with terror, their own screams dying down with the stallions laughter.
“NOOOOOO!” One foal squeaked out of terror as they tumbled backwards.
Geiger wasn’t much for such stories, though this one certainly seemed like an actual recounting of a gruesome murder, only it was from the village jackass. Indeed, from what the older ponies had said, the old stallion was a crude sort, though that didn’t keep anyone from being kind and visiting him. Geiger learned this himself.
“You look like you got bucked by a herd of buffalo!” The old stallion had said to him.
“Nope, just had some train trouble.” Geiger said unsure if he should even take offense.
“Looks about right, if it didn’t run you over, it must’ve spat you off the back.” The old stallion said as he sized up Geiger.
“Actually, I jumped.” Geiger replied.
“The prices of those tickets, am I right?” The old stallion chuckled.
From then on, they just sat next to each other watching as the ponies from the carriage set up a tent to rest. They were worried they had ran Geiger over when he crawled out from under their carriage, until Geiger assured them he looked like this before. Some hours later they still sat there as the younger ponies came to hear the old stallions stories.
“Here they come!” One of the wagon pullers shouted to his fellows.
And sure enough, there was a faint glow coming from down the road, which with each passing second grew brighter and brighter.
“Yonder survivors.” The old stallion mumbled to himself, just loud enough for the fillies and colts to hear as another ploy to frighten them.
Geiger sat up and watched as the robed guide stepped out from the tree line and put out their lamp. The guide pulled back its hood to reveal a young but stern looking stallion, who wasn’t a unicorn, but couldn’t be picked for either an earth pony or a pegasus. The guide carefully watched the single wagon and following ponies as they thanked him, and with more spring in their step, headed off for Canterlot.
The wagon train that had been waiting for a guide would have to wait longer as the guide said his shift was over and the next guide was on their way. He was going to wait nearby until the next guide showed up. He went over to a decent sized shack, clearly of recent build, there he set his lantern on a hook and began removing his cloak.
Geiger took this time to limp over and ask the guide more about the road.
“Hello, can you tell me about this road?” Geiger asked trying his best not to wobble in place.
“Not too darn much, but I’ll gladly answer what I can.” The guide, whose name it turns out is Trail Faust as the nametag on his collar became visible.
Trail Faust without his robe, was revealed to be an earth pony, his blue gray coat making his dark green mane look even darker. He spoke with a very slight accent, one that only could be heard when he mentioned longer words, or words with more syllables. It sounded slightly familiar to Geiger, though he wasn’t sure if he should ask such a question out of the tired guide. Faust wore a simple white button up shirt with his nametag, and a small pocket radio in the chest pocket.
“I guess I’ll start with the biggest one. How in the sweet cider is this not on the cover of every paper in all of Equestria?” Geiger asked, wanting to know how he was ignorant of something, more than whatever that something was.
“I guess no one told the press. Which is kind of good, means less traffic for us guides.” Faust said as he scratched his left ear.
“I suppose… though still, this is a big deal. What I have to ask next is, how?” Geiger said as he stared with all intent of hearing the answer, trying his best to ignore the pain in his shaky leg.
“Well, it took some real hardy ponies a few days of incredible hard work to do. Once they cleared the trees and leveled the path, they then placed the biggest thickest stone slabs they could get their hooves on, right over it. Laid them out from here to the other side of the entire forest, then they did the same back across. Made a four-way as aligned with each exit point most would want to travel to and from.” Faust said as he puffed his chest out with pride.
“Wow… So let me get this straight, they didn’t just build one long road going from Canterlot south, they built another?” Geiger continued as Faust nodded. “And they trained guides, which means there is some risk, right?”
With a sigh Faust replied. “Yes… but it’s a bit more complicated than that. Us guides are indeed there to keep any dangerous creatures back, but also keep the travelers calm, and keep them on the path. You see, its horribly dark in there, hence the name.”
“Die Dark Strabe…” Geiger said as Faust nodded.
“Yes, it means ‘The Dark Road’. It can make ponies loose themselves, that’s why guides are mandatory, aside from the dangers of the forest itself, you have ponies who are not used to the noises und darkness.” Faust finished trying his best not to yawn.
“That is some careful insight. Who trained you guides? They had to have known a lot about the forest.” Geiger said as he sat down, the effort to stand still embarrassingly taxing.
With a long yawn Faust replied; “Das alte grau Kriegsheld.” Then began walking off to get some sleep giving a light wave to the approaching cloaked guide replacement.
Geiger could only sit there, open mouthed and confused. Luckily for him, he didn’t have to wait very long as the next guide made themselves known, the cloak they bore was identical to the one Faust bore, so it must have been the customary apparel for guides. It was clear this one was a unicorn, as a pink field of magic lifted up a lantern and lit it. That plus the horn could be seen holding the hood up higher than normal.
With a greeting to the wagon pullers; “I’ll be your great and powerful guide through the dark and mysterious Everfree today.” Her voice gave off an air of high confidence which was slightly self superior, but tame enough to keep the wagon pullers from flat out rolling their eyes. Instead they simply smiled, glad to finally be on their way.
As the guide began towards the road, Geiger could spot her white mane, and blue muzzle beneath the cloak. He wanted to ask her a question or two, but decided not to hold her and the wagon train up any longer. Mostly because he found his body didn’t want to comply with him too much. And with all his might all he could do was drag himself back to the fire.
He wouldn’t be making this trip, not unless he road one of the wagons, and those pullers certainly would have told him to get lost, their wagons stacked with goods that certainly had plenty of weight enough. They had been waiting there for some time, even before Geiger had arrived, and it showed on their faces. They had an hour of light left before night added to the darkness which meant they would be traveling the Everfree at night. They didn’t seem to mind the idea, as they took off without hesitation after the guide.
“You wont be heading out with this group eh? Or are you sticking with that carriage you stowed away under?” The old stallion said as he gave a soft chuckle.
“I’ll take the next one, I’ve had enough with trains.” Geiger said as he lay down next to the fire.
“You know, I’ve lived here my whole life. I’ve literally spent every day and night right here on the edge of this forest. During that whole time, never once, did I imagine I would see a road through it. This forest was just too wild to tame, too full of all sorts of vicious things. Yet here I sit now, watching group after group travel through it.” The old stallion was saying.
Geiger just sat there recovering enough to follow the next guide. He sat for hours waiting, feeling better after eating with the old stallion. The villagers showed their kindness by regularly visiting and feeding the old stallion, even if he just got done giving their foals nightmares. Geiger didn’t understand why, maybe they felt pity, or respect of some sort?
“Now that I think about it, I thought a lot of things would never happen. I never thought Princess Luna would return from the moon. I never heard of the Crystal Empire. I never even thought I would see the day when ponies from far away visited this land.” The old stallion said.
“Ponies from far away? You mean like Saddle Arabia?” Geiger asked unsure what the stallion was getting at.
“No, even further away than that. The ones who built this road came from someplace very far away. They left their home in search of a brighter tomorrow, and must’ve found something in Equestria that would give it to them.” The old stallion said as he nodded to the road.
“What did they find?” Geiger asked.
“I don’t know. Whatever it was, they didn’t have it back home. If you just look in their eyes whenever they look around at Equestria, you can see something catch fire. That mysterious something is everywhere in Equestria, and nowhere back at their home.” The stallion said as he shifted his gaze towards a home where giggling fillies could be heard.
“Martha and I talked about having a family, we just didn’t get around to it in time. She used to get so mad when I would go out into the Everfree. She’d shout so loud; You better be back for dinner Compass, or so help you you’ll wish a manticore ate you! I never thought I’d miss those days.” Compass got finished saying as he began to space out.
“What happened?” Geiger asked cautiously.
“One day I was out gathering herbs and wood to trade like always, Martha was in the village. She loved to knit and paint, she’d take the plainest looking thing and made it look so alive and pretty. Well, on that day she was busy fixing up the square for a wedding, she wasn’t feeling too well, like she was getting a cold. I should have stayed with her, but I was just so set on getting enough money to start our family. She was getting worse they said, said she had a cold sweat and looked pale right before she passed out. She was so sick by the time the doctor got to her, there was nothing he could do.” Compass took a few seconds to compose himself.
“He told me she had this long named illness, that it had claimed her and the unborn foal, a colt. I was out in this damned forest dragging logs onto a cart while my wife and foal died. I was too stubborn to take the time to enjoy what I had. I never loved another, because there never was another like her.” Compass finished.
“Sweet… Holy… That’s just plain awful. I’m sorry, I had no idea.” Geiger said dumbfounded.
“It’s not your fault. It isn’t my fault either. She was so sick nothing could be done. I only wish I had gotten to say goodbye. I’ve since made peace with that. I’ve been sitting here watching as the ponies my age welcomed their grandchildren. I thought about how I’ll never have any of my own. But now, I guess I just look at them all as if they’re all my grandchildren. As such I try to do my best to look after them, tell them the stories my grand pappy told me, and when they get older, teach them what they need to know in order to make a living off this forest.” Compass said as he got up and start rooting through a bag Geiger hadn’t noticed before.
“I’m glad to hear you’re doing well despite that.” Geiger said as his curiosity was nagging him.
“Yep, well, I decided to be so open with you as a point of trust, but also…” Compass paused as he turned around a threw the hood of a guide cloak over his head. “I know you’ve got a story, and it’ll be good to hear it while we head down the road. My name is Golden Compass, and I’ll be your guide down The Dark Road today.” He finished the sentence by lighting a lantern and attaching it to a hook that itself was attached to a rod the was strapped to him.
“Wait… you’re a guide?!” Geiger said as he stood up open mouthed.
“Well duh! Come on, a stallion who’s lived near the Everfree his whole life, and used to venture in it to collect herbs and wood. Why wouldn’t I be a guide? And don’t say because I’m too old, cause that ain’t enough to stop this tough stallion from kicking a manticore’s teeth out.” Compass said as he began walking to the arch.
“It’s just a… shock. And… wait a minute. You mean you could’ve taken me down the road at any point?!” Geiger said as he gave the classic annoyed scientist face to Compass.
“For one, you weren’t in any shape to travel. Secondly, if you haven’t noticed, we have shifts as guides, not only because we need our rest, but because the road has a minimum capacity for travelers. It’s a safety feature. Oh, and as a bonus, some guides just happen to be specialist for daytime or nighttime traveling. I am a specialist of the latter. I might be up in years, but my eyes are keen as ever.” Compass said as he continued down the road.
“What makes this place any different at night?” Geiger said as he followed, his desire to know more always taking priority.
“Nocturnal critters, its extra dark and the fact wherever you are heading is going to be full of sleeping ponies, so you’ll need some extra help navigating further out as well as some information should you need any. I happen to know this great place in Ponyville.” Compass replied as he lead the way.
“What kind of critters?” Geiger asked.
“The kind you don’t want to play with. Now, if you don’t mind, tell me what made you jump off a train, ride under a carriage and follow some old timer into the deadliest forest on earth?” Compassed asked.
“It’s a long story, even though it only took a short time to get here.” Geiger said as his eyes began to adjust to the lantern as their sole source of light.
“It’s a dull long walk down this dark straight road, might as well share.” Compass said with a sly grin.
The road ahead was dark, all that could be seen was the trunks of massive trees and thick brush filling the gaps. The soft hoots of owls and the screeches of unknown creatures filled the cold moist air. The scent of rotting plant matter and strange wildflowers wafted up to greet them. Imposing, dark, scary and taboo all described the road ahead, despite that, they continued.
“So I stowed away under that carriage.” Geiger concluded.
“I don’t envy you any. That’s quite the tale there. I would think you made it up if I we’re looking at you. With that said, I have only one question. Why?” Compass said as his ears noticeably twitched under his hood in response to a noise.
“Why what?” Geiger asked his own ears swiveling about.
“Why of all things, did you send that letter? Why even tell anybody about your discovery if you felt it was too dangerous to play with?” Compass replied giving Geiger a look he couldn’t see from the shadow his hood cast.
“I… I don’t know. I really wasn’t thinking.” Geiger said as he looked down at the ground.
“You were able to think well enough to see the potentials of your discovery, so why couldn’t you see the rest coming?” Compass retorted.
“I guess I never imagined ponies doing any harm to each other intentionally or willingly. I always just thought only accidents happened.” Geiger replied feeling ashamed of his naivety.
“It’s foolish thinking indeed, but… You shouldn’t be faulted for it. I don’t want to live in a world where seeing the best in everyone is considered wrong and stupid. That wouldn’t do. After the time I spent with the guides, I learned that there’s darkness in this world the likes of which no pony should witness, let alone suffer. Equestria has it good Geiger, real good. Don’t ever forget that. I’m dead serious now, never ever forget what a wonderful place we got, with all its good ponies. If what you said is true, then you need to take your discovery to the grave.” Compass finished and stopped.
“Because Equestria is a great place, we don’t need the positives, as nice as they might be. So why take the risk?” Compass said as his hooded gaze locked on Geiger’s.
“There is no reason, none that properly justify the risk. I just couldn’t help myself. I saw a question, and had to answer it. I just had to. I couldn’t stop myself from trying. And now, I’ve caused so much trouble.” Geiger said as he shook his head.
“We all make mistakes. We all earn regrets. Don’t get to thinking this is all your fault. If other ponies weren’t so bent on getting your discovery, the trouble would’ve ended with you working off a debt.” Compass’ words coming out like a father who felt bad for scolding his child.
“I just want it to be over.” Geiger said with a sigh.
“Well, we’re almost finished, just up ahead of us is Ponyville. In town there’s this place called Sugar Cube corner, why don’t you get yourself something nice there? You‘ve certainly earned it.” Compass said as he continued leading.
“Really? Already?” Geiger said as he followed.
“Yep. Now you see why I’m a guide. Aside from knowing how to handle the forest, I know how to keep ponies minds off the darkness and noises of the Everfree. My stories keep things running smoothly.” Compass said not at all sounding smug… no really.
“Wait, why are we in Ponyville… well going to be in. I never told you where I wanted to go.” Geiger asked.
“I figured on taking some initiative. You needed a good day, and if there is only one thing you ever get to know about Ponyville, it is that the place is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, well, when there isn’t some disaster afoot which is often. That plus I know a friend who is staying there. They might be able to help you out.” Compass said as the faint light of dawn was visible shining through a familiar iron arch.
“Who is this friend?” Geiger said feeling light on his hooves.
“They’re one of the ponies who built this road. So I have little doubt you need more elaboration when I say you’ll notice them easily enough. Really has a way of standing out.” Compass said avoiding use of pronouns and any easily describable feature like color, size, wings or horn.
“So… They either really standout, or they’ll find me?” Geiger said confused by the lack of information.
“You’re pretty curious, you should have little trouble finding them. If not, then I suppose you’ll have to wait for them.” Compass said as he threw his hood back and took a deep breath while stepping into the dawn light beyond the arch.
“Just keep heading straight down the little dirt path and you’ll be in Ponyville. Smile at the locals, and keep an eye out for my friend. Most important of all, have a great day.” Compass said as he walked off towards a small shack that had a number of hanging lanterns similar to the one he just put out.
“Compass, I just want to thank you. You said some things I needed to hear. And left out important details to make up for it. All the same, thanks.” Geiger said before turning and heading towards Ponyville.
“No, thank you Geiger. You’ve shown these old bones that they still can carry a proud stallion through the forest.” Compass said only to himself deciding he was going to sign onto the roster as an active guide rather than a spare.
He had sat by that fire long enough. With ponies like Geiger out there, always having new adventures, why couldn’t he? He wasn’t finished yet, no, Martha would have to wait, he had knowledge and skills to offer, just as Geiger did. If someone way in over their head could get up and go, he had no excuse not to do the same.
Figuring that Compass said all he would say, Geiger continued down the path. It only took a minute before he could see Ponyville. A few more minutes as he got closer and the suns light began to illuminate the town, he was finally able to enjoy a better view of it. Another minute his steps found themselves echoing in the mostly empty streets, save a few ponies that were starting their day.
Just as Compass had said, Geiger got a smile and wave to match his from everyone he saw. As the minutes passed more and more ponies began to fill the streets, their day just beginning. Though their day was just beginning, Geiger’s day was half over. All he had to do was relax a bit, catch his second wind, find Compass’ friend and see what help he could get.
As the minutes turned into an hour, Geiger found himself just smiling. The warm atmosphere of the town just sucking him up in a hug. He hadn’t felt this good since he got his grant to do his research. Just thinking about that grant snapped him out of the daze he was in. He knew relaxing was a good idea, but he wanted to find that pony Compass spoke of. Try as he might, he couldn’t spot any standout pony, well, one that really stood out. There was some characters in that town, but none who looked like a tough enough pony to build a road through the most dangerous forest ever.
He began walking down each and every road searching out this pony. All he could find was a few more odd ponies, one muscular pegasus who looked tough enough, but screamed like a filly when a butterfly landed on his face. Further wandering down the alley ways he had yet to search, he saw nothing. No random debris no homeless ponies hiding in the shadows, just trash bins. It was most different from the cities he had been in. The populace especially different. From a unicorn who sat oddly, to a delivery mare with crazy eyes, the town was full of odd ponies who seemed so very content.
The construction looked no more advanced than South Canterlot. Yet some of the ponies seemed to have a more modern community with the tools to match. And standing out quite a lot, was the castle of the Princess of Friendship. It truly stood apart from the town, yet seemed welcome in its difference. He didn’t know much about it, only that last year the castle appeared after the mass loss of magic in Equestria.
He was about to give up, until he spotted a large gray mass slipping down one of the alleys from across the street in front of him. There was only one pony he had ever seen that was that large, even taller than the muscular pony. The gray coat was damning evidence that a very odd and tough pony he had previously met was there. Could Sir really be the very same pony Compass spoke of? He certainly fit the description.
Geiger was certainly about to find out. He quickly ran to catch up, carefully turning the corner so as not to run into Sir. Instead he found he was further behind than he thought. It took him some wrong turns before he found his way. Before him some distance away was Sir standing behind a building waiting for someone. Geiger figured this meant he was waiting for him, but before he could take one step out of the alley, another pony appeared and joined Sir.
She was just as tall as he was with the same sized wings, only her mane and coat were the reverse of his. At least they were until Sir transformed into a changling.
“Well, what have you to report Alter?” The large mare said as she sat down.
“I did as you asked, I went to the Crystal Empire and through Manehatten, then made a stop in Canterlot, lower not the heights. I talked to everyone you said to, and delivered everything.” Alter said, now half the size he used to be.
“And?” The mare asked cocking her head.
“It went smoothly, aside from an unexpected encounter. I also noticed some eyes watching, though they weren’t for me, they were watching this odd unicorn who I ran into twice. A nervous scientist on the run.” Alter said as he stretched a little.
“Really? Well then, you’ll have to tell me more.” The mare said un-cocking her head and perking her bat pony ears up to listen to Alter.
“He was researching the relation between names and cutie mark talents. A subject one would think was full of interested minds, considering the overwhelming coincidences. However, he was the lone scientist on the project, and when he finally made his discovery, he decided it was nothing worth sharing least the risk come to fruition.” Alter said standing perfectly still.
“Continue.” The mare said possibly blinking for the first time since Geiger first saw her.
“He however, forgot he was conducting his research thanks to a grant, from the Royal Treasury. And with his skipping out of town and destroying his research documents, he became a prime target for the Collections Agency and their oddly well trained collectors.” Alter continued, still unmoving.
“What more can you tell me of this discovery?” The mare asked leaning lower to Alter.
“He didn’t say enough about it. I did notice he was running from the Hospital. So maybe there’s a connection. I regret I have nothing left to report.” Alter said, his unmoving stance so unmoving that he appeared like a well painted statue.
“What all did you divulge to this scientist?” The mare asked as she narrowed her eyes.
“As I found similarities between the scientist Magic Geiger’s story and the one of Sir’s, the name I gave him to call me by, I told him what I knew of Sir. A scientist who was caught in a cycle of violence who left his home in search of peace. The truth as much as was possible. I did have to improvise names, naming bombs cake and other arsenal with likewise desserts. I believe had you been there you would have been impressed with how well I played my part.” Alter said finally moving, seeming to be uncomfortable with the mares eyes being narrowed in a slightly accusing manner.
“I trust you performed excellently. That’s the whole reason I sent you. Though words of this scientist and the implications presented surrounding his discovery do trouble me. As if I didn’t have enough to worry about.” The mare said as she rubbed a hoof against her forehead.
“You’re dismissed Alter. Thank you for all you’ve done.” The mare said as she stood up and gave a light bow.
“No, thank you my Lady. It has been an honor to serve you.” Alter said as he gave such a low bow his face almost met the ground, then he stood upright and took off at a brisk pace.
The mare stood there a bit longer alone, he expression blank, but her gaze clearly showing deep thought. Geiger also stood where he was, unsure if he should approach her. Between the fact Sir was a changling portrayal, and that this mare was both important and involved in matters, now considering Geiger himself as a new matter of interest, all made him very hesitant. On the other hoof, if he didn’t talk to her, who else in the whole town could possibly be Compass’ helpful friend? Whom was he to seek for aid in escaping with his discovery to a location where it would die with him?
He didn’t have to debate any longer as the mare was now standing in front of him, and with a poke to his nose, got his attention.
“You must be Magic Geiger, my name is Vera and I must say it’s good to see you.” Vera said as she gave a warm but fang filled smile to Geiger.
Geiger knew from experience that he wouldn’t be able to outrun her, or even a young foal for that matter. He also knew that things with sharp fangs shouldn’t be trusted, yet seemed to be helpful to him. Finally, he concluded that she was right in front of him leaving him no choice as he was taking too long to answer her simple question. Even though her face held the smile as she stood patiently, she was someone of authority as Alter had hinted with his words and disposition towards her. Whoever she was to Alter and the rest of Equestria, for Geiger she was his dark stained ray of hope.
“I be Geiger Doctor… I mean. I am Doctor Geiger Miss Vera.” Geiger said confused and then unsure. Should he bow?
“Very well. Seems you saved me the trouble of looking for you. Compass was sure you’d get lost, then stumble upon me while searching out the answer as to why this town is full of odd ponies. The answer by the way is; Because they had no where better to be.” Vera said still wearing the warm smile of someone who had to go around smiling all the time.
“So she is Compass’ friend.” Geiger thought before speaking once more.
“Well Miss Vera, it is convenient that we meet, even if a bit startling. I am told you could help me find a way out of here and into a nice quiet grave somewhere far away.” Geiger said, not sure what he was thinking or feeling, only that he was acting on instinct hoping for the best.
“Into a grave? Huh… You certainly picked the right pony to talk about that.” Vera said with a smirk as she seemed to drift off in thought for a second.
“You wish to leave behind Equestria, the most wonderful of places, and take with you your scientific discovery. You then hope to take this to the grave, as you perish either from age or other natural causes I am to assume? If I weren’t any wiser, I would consider your endeavor a foolish one. But hey, I know what it is to leave everything behind for some purpose or another.” Vera spoke as she circled around Geiger.
“So you’ll help me?” Geiger asked sitting perfectly still like a rabbit trying to hide from a wolf.
“I will. But, not so easy as that. No, I consider my time precious and thus obviously seek something of compensation. As for what, we’ll come to that later.” Vera said before stopping and lowering her head to look Geiger directly in the eye. “For now though, lets work on preparations. If you’ll follow me.” She said before backing up and about-facing, then preceding to walk down an alley.
Uneasily, Geiger followed her. Where, he did not know, nor why. All he knew was that she was going to help him, as to how and at what cost, he could not fathom. She seemed dangerous, much like Sir had, only she felt more dangerous. Unlike Sir, she had a charm to her, a certain allure. It was hard to explain, hard to pinpoint. Her smile was kind, warm and friendly even. Her wings were larger than normal for a pegasus, to scale, not just because she was as big as the life sized statue of Celestia. Her mane bounced as she walked, its slight curl bobbed without unfurling even in the slightest.
She looked decent enough, aside from sheer size difference, she was a pretty mare with an air that was gentle and confident. Even when she gave Alter her stern gaze, there wasn’t a sense of malice. At least, there wasn’t from where Geiger stood. When he looked into her eyes just seconds ago did he actually notice them. Their deep blue had a glow of warmth, but deeper into those eyes felt cold. Like being swallowed by an ocean. Then there was her fangs, those could never be seen without a primal fear being awoken. Their sharpness and length clearly not meant for a vegetarian.
She was beautiful and frightening all at once. Maybe this was her charm? Then again, even before he saw her fangs and eyes, did he get this feeling. Her flank which was now before him had a confident attractive sway as she walked. He was embarrassed to look at her from this angle, so thankful her tail swayed in perfect harmony with her steps. As much as he didn’t want to be staring at her rear, he found himself not even trying to look away. In fact, he was trying to see it more clearly. To look upon her cutie mark. He never saw Sir’s, which might be due to Alter neglecting it. As for Vera, he could see only bits of it.
Unfavorable as fate is, he found her flank growing in size. It took his brain only too long to realize she had stopped walking. His momentum was ended as he face smacked into her rear thigh. Worse still, had fate decided to show mercy, none was spared for Geiger. He stood there with his face buried in her thigh, his brain unable to comprehend what was going on. He stood for what felt like an eternity, his breath held as his brain was putting together the pieces.
Instead of being punished any further, he found the flank before him shrinking once more as its owner pressed on. His brain finally caught up, began to bark orders to his limbs, telling them to carry it forward after her. So awkwardly, the red faced Geiger moved forward, following Vera down the street, his brain only able to do that for him. It was still running at half power, otherwise it would have reminded him how to properly walk and how to maintain social grace. The positive of this was that he didn’t notice the eyes that followed him, the witnesses of his faux pas who stood watching in silence.
Those who had witnessed stared for a bit before returning to their routine, those who had not gave a passing glance, not focused on Vera, but Geiger. Vera having been there for a length of time unknown to Geiger, had already established herself as common, being more familiar to the locals and thus given less interest. At least, when it came to stares. On the way wherever she was leading him, she was stopped several times by the locals who had questions and request of her.
The whole time she stood patiently with the same smile, her disposition never changing. Her pace was constant, her sway in perfect rhythm and her eyes locked forward. For Geiger, it only served to arouse his curiosity, which was ever ravenous. He could hardly suppress his desire to inquire, only his silent quest to see her cutie mark kept him from speaking. He managed to see all of it as she made a right turn.
He saw a flag, a book, a shield and a heart, all wrapped around a half circle of white connected to a half circle of black, with three stripes running through the other of opposite color. Surrounding this complex circle of black and white was a gold ring with gear indentions. It was the most complex looking thing he ever saw in terms of a cutie mark. Her name was Vera, but her cutie mark suggested something lengthy as her name, maybe Vera was an acronym?
He continued to think of this as he followed her, mindful this time of her sudden stopping, if possible, even more ponies stopped her with questions and request than earlier. Though they hadn’t been walking long, for Geiger it seemed like they had at least went from one end of town to another.
“Here we are.” Vera announced jolting Geiger out of his thoughts.
Before him was a quaint sweet shop, the sign notifying him that it was in fact the sugar cube corner Compass had told him of. Why they were here made little sense to Geiger, but as he learned, not everything ponies did made sense, least of all in this town and of giant ponies with fangs.
“What are we doing here?” Geiger asked, surprised at how quiet his voice sounded.
“You’ve been out of it. Lost in thought perhaps? We’re here for some of that R&R as in recommended relaxation. Come on.” Vera said as she entered.
Ready to argue the unnecessary break, Geiger gave pursuit. He entered the shop not far behind her, the wave of fresh baked sweets that washed over him bludgeoned him into submission as he slunk into the booth opposite Vera.
“I thought we were making preparations?” Geiger said as his mouth began to water.
“You really were lost in space. I already did. I called in a few favors and had to ask a few myself. Why do you think we went all over town?” Vera said in a humored tone wearing the same smile.
“I had no idea honestly. I guess I checked out for a few minutes. This all seems so surreal.” Geiger said as he looked around at a few tables.
He spotted three fillies who were huddled together, their discussion was in poorly hushed whispers.
“So its settled, we do it tonight while everyone is sleeping.” The orange coated one said to the others.
“I have the bucket and the potion.” The yellow coated one replied.
“Are you sure this will be safe?” The white coated one asked.
“Yes I’m sure, you wanna get it right?” The orange one said.
“Of course I do, its just after last time.” The white one replied.
“What she means to say; is that our plans don’t always turn out so well. Remember hearts and hooves day?” The yellow interjected.
That’s all of their conversation Geiger got to hear before Vera slide a menu in front of him.
“Pick something, anything, pick a dozen things for all it matters. Start enjoying yourself.” Vera said as she gave a different smile, one that didn’t seem so forced.
“Why are you always smiling?” Geiger asked her, finally unable to deny his curiosity some reprieve.
“The same reason you’re always asking questions. Because I must. Ever see a wolf smile? How about a manticore? No? What about a timber wolf? Aside from being friendly, it’s far less intimidating.” Vera replied as she waved to a mare in the back.
“That’s all?” Geiger asked taking notice of the mare as she smiled and waved.
“Maybe. I don’t see how it matters. Its not easy to constantly keep a face, but it is better than the alternative. I am said to be of stern appearance. Anyway, what about you? Why do you space out?” Vera said as she looked out the window.
“I was thinking, I obviously have a lot to think about.” Geiger snapped.
“Obviously you do. But the fact you were in a trance of thought means you’re out of focus. Something pressing on your mind so much, that you left your body on auto-pilot.” Vera said not in the least bit bothered.
“You. You’re… just look at you!” Geiger said feeling confused again.
“What about me?” Vera said looking at Geiger.
“You’re… this fanged giant. An enigma. And then there is Sir. Who the hell was Alter supposed to be?” Geiger said about to explode.
“Someone from long ago. A foolish stallion who made mistakes. He’s not alive anymore. He and I are from the same place, far, far away. I asked Alter to take on his appearance to settle some of his affairs.” Vera said, her smile gone.
Without her smile she appeared older and tired. She definitely looked stern, almost sad.
“Ok. But, why? Who was this stallion to you?” Geiger asked.
“It’s not your place to ask. You know all you need to.” Vera said in the same voice she had been using, only now the tone felt different.
“Ok then. Though I don’t know where we’re going.” Geiger replied feeling like he had earned a demerit.
“As far as you can.” Vera said regaining her smile in time for the mare from the back to reach their booth.
Geiger pointed to a few things on the menu as she took the order. The mare whose name was Mrs. Cake, held her own smile and nodded quietly in turn. She then disappeared behind the counter. Leaving Geiger and Vera in the quiet store. The three fillies from earlier had disappeared off to whatever plots they had formulated.
“What is it like… your home?” Geiger asked breaking the silence.
“A little like this place. A little bit of everything thrown together. Ponies, gryphons, zebras and even dragons all living together. But that’s about it. It’s not nearly so peaceful and pleasant as Equestria. Most of the time.” Vera replied keeping her slightly faux smile pasted.
“What brought you here?” Geiger said as he shifted in his seat.
“A ship.” Vera said with a soft laugh as her smile took on true warmth.
Geiger didn't understand why ponies wore fake smiles, or why they moved from so far away into the unknown. He couldn't understand it, but something about it felt relatable. Maybe life itself was a science?
“I don’t doubt you.” Scribe replied in a flat tone.
“Really? It sure doesn’t feel that way.” Spyglass retorted.
They had been talking for some time in a dimly lit room at the Canterlot Collections offices. Immediately after returning from her last job, Scribe found herself ambushed by Spyglass. Normally the two would never talk least they risk being seen together, the risk of their past connection being discovered already nearing alarming.
“Look, I saw him too, but that’s impossible. The Applereti’s organization was wiped out years ago. Him along with it. He hasn’t been seen since, that proves it.” Scribe said, uncertainty clung to her words no matter how much faux bravado she tried to put into them.
“I’ve got no doubt it was him, in the flesh. The Painter is back. And he’ll paint the streets something ugly if he’s allowed to wander freely.” Spyglass said, all too familiar with the enforcer known as the Painter.
Don Applereti wasn’t known for being good with words, but when he dubbed his prize enforcer, the name was perfect. The Painter was true to his name, he could paint any situation into a pretty picture for the family, all while painting the problem black, blue and red all over. They came to know this back when Scribe and Spyglass lived in the eastern zebra territories. Back when there was big trade in an addictive unhealthy spice, Loco weed. During the process, the Painter showed up and took care of the problem, only in his wake was mass destruction and suffering. Every last plant that produced the spice in the region was destroyed, ending the trade and saving countless ponies from it’s harm. Only, in the process many ponies were harmed by him.
“So tell me, how is it impossible?” Spyglass said as she leaned in closer to Scribe.
“It… Well… I don’t know!” Scribe concluded.
The recent workload and mess with Geiger had left Scribe feeling tired. It all started out so fun, but the continuous hunting down of those lax in their taxes and due for payment was busy work. Most didn’t even need her to track them down, and those who did were no easy target. But now this? She didn’t want to admit the Painter was still alive even, let alone in Equestria. On top of the Geiger problem, almost literally.
“He’s back. I don’t know what for, but it can’t be good. I know we work for the Collectors now, but this old business takes center focus. He wrecked everything back in Zebrawa, the crops, the dealers, the town and us. All alone!” Spyglass concluded with an annoyed stomp of her hooves.
This wasn’t going to be like that time she got caught foiling a bank robbery. One that had earned her a spot with the Royal Treasury. A real simple favor from the very grateful manager of afore mentioned bank. Naturally kept on file. Her first mistake. She and Spyglass had made a promise to put to rest their whole crime fighter days and start anew in Equestria. Well, here they are now. Just couldn’t help themselves. Only Scribe wanted to ride a desk and never use her unique skills again. Or so she thought, up until the day she was told to provide notice to an arrested scientist. But when she got there, she learned he had evaded capture. It opened up the closed chapter of her life, gave her a sense of justice she had been ignoring.
Spyglass gave up on bravado, deciding to be a mercenary instead. Living contract to contract until she found employment with the collectors. The surprise of seeing her old partner Scribe was certainly a shock. And though she adamantly denied it’s existence, she felt fate tossed them together once more. With this sudden appearance of the Painter, she felt she now knew why.
“Where did we last see him?” Scribe said. Finally breaking the silence that had fallen.
“Heading south from Canterlot. Likely heading to PonyVille. That place attracts disaster like crops attract parasprites.” Spyglass moaned with a few hoof gestures.
“Wait, just to make sure we’re on the same page, I’m talking about Geiger.” Scribe said as she realized the pronoun was vague.
“Oh, him. Um… Last reports said he was also running around in south Canterlot. Likely heading… You don’t think? Could they be working together!?” Spyglass shifted deeper and deeper into unease as her thoughts progressed.
“No! Well, not knowingly. Geiger is rather naïve, he would trust something like that if it simply convinced him they were on the same side. The Painter, he doesn’t need help being dangerous, but if it landed in his lap, he could certainly use Geiger’s foal like social abilities to gain trust. Whatever Geiger discovered, it has made him very useful in the wrong hooves.” Scribe said with caution, picking her words carefully as not to call Geiger a simpleton. He was awkward and pathetic under pressure, but not an idiot.
“So we are in a race against time to get Geiger away from The Painter and into safe custody. What fun.” Spyglass mumbled through her gritted teeth.
Few things annoyed her more than rescues. While Scribe was equally unpleased by the idea, her sense of urgent justice would prevail such nerve-racking stress. However, despite their combined skills, they alone stood no chance against The Painter, this they learned back in Zebrawa.
“So, we find Geiger, and he is with The Painter, what the hell can we do?” Spyglass asked, looking to Scribe for the solution.
“We use the collectors to help us. We get Geiger away. No use fighting him when we can avoid it.” Scribe responded, the whole time her eyes lay locked on the floor before her.
“We’ll have to face him eventually. He might really want to keep this scientist around. Or he might just want to settle things with us. No matter the reason, he is dangerous and he has no place here.” Spyglass said as she bore down on Scribe.
“Then we’ll need the princesses help getting rid of him. Because, even with all their strength and talent, the collectors will not be a match for him. The Painter is far better at combat than any pony in Equestria. Better than we could hope to be.” Scribe said as she continued her staring match with the floor.
“That would take care of it, but we would certainly be in the spotlight for it. Isn’t there a more covert way of taking him out?” Spyglass questioned, her own mind struggling to figure out some sneaky and quiet method to detain and expel The Painter. Tartarus had a front door right?
“Our only hope is that, well maybe he changed. Maybe he isn’t up to no good. Now, before you go on saying it’s naïve and desperately hopeful. There have been no reports to suggest he has been up to anything. Right after he left Canterlot, presumably to PonyVille, he vanished. Maybe he isn’t planning on staying here. He could be on his way to Zebrawa for all we know. Just maybe, he and Geiger only shared passing glances and a few words.” Scribe said, finally moving her eyes to meet Spyglass.
“I wish that’s the truth, I really do. I don’t want to see such pain again.” Spyglass quietly said.
The look in Scribe’s eyes told her. They were both terrified sick of what could be. No one pony should be able to destroy what The Painter could, not in such little time, all alone.
“Meanwhile, in PonyVille.” Announced the Narrator.
Geiger spent the next twenty or so minutes eating to his heart’s content. The bill being on Vera’s purse, meant price was no option. Yet, he still couldn’t bring himself to order the most expensive things on the menu. Taking advantage of ponies always made Geiger feel guilty, even when he wasn’t the one doing it. He always wanted to prevent such things.
As the food vanished into their stomachs, and the time passed quietly for a little while, Geiger took note of his savior’s appearance and disposition. She used etiquette for the most part, certainly as a base for her overall attitude eating. Yet, she ate with such speed and focus. Like the meal was only coal for her fire. It made him wonder, much like he couldn’t stop doing, just where she came from. What was it like there? Just how had it affected her, what she thought and how she saw the world. He felt he had to know, but also, that he shouldn’t know. Much like his discovery, it was something best left alone, a taboo he shouldn’t break. And much like his discovery, it would certainly bring him harm.
“Why did you build the road?” Geiger asked, resuming his quest for answers.
“Aside from the train, what other route takes ponies north? The roads that normally do, they are so long and out of the way. The roads just allow ponies to transport commerce and themselves independently. No reliance on pegasus sky wagons, or train schedules to keep up with.” Vera replied in her soft nearly seductive voice.
Whatever had happened, her mood had softened some, maybe she had simply skipped breakfast. A far cry from her stone-faced disposition earlier. She was now more relaxed and emitted a more natural expression. While still not quite wearing an honest smile. The mystique she emitted was thick as fog, yet she wore the face of near transparency. One only need look deeper than a superficial glance to see something more. Yet, in the presence of many residence of PonyVille, her face turned into a mask, a very capable mask. Why she insisted on smiling and being warm to them all the time, Geiger lacked the social ability to recognize. But it had been a major leap forward that he could even notice it.
“What’s your name mean? I saw your cutie mark, and noticed how… complex it is.” Geiger said as he thought back to earlier.
“I see how this confuses you. Where I am from, our names don’t always mean something, and not always do their meanings match our unique talents. Though mine did… For some families, our last names are shared. Much like the Apple family, though they just happen to share a theme for their names. Another thing to note about names from my homeland, is that they tend to be from mixed languages. Sometimes the name is perfect, other times, you just get one that sounds nice, but is entirely unrelated to you or your talents. Quite unlike Equestria.” Vera elaborated while her eyes searched the room, not for an object, but rather thoughts and words.
“I wish I knew some good small talk, or that I could just silence my mind and think of better things to say. But, I can’t, I have to ask. Where are you from?” Geiger said, unable, as much as he tried, to avoid her eyes. Instead, they kept locking with hers. Like her deep thought was sucking his mind in.
“It is a place you wouldn’t know. No Equestrian knows this place. Yet, we all have heard of Equestria. Legends, stories, all they could do was give us a name. One day, we learned the name belonged to an actual place, a place we could suddenly see for ourselves. Most of us… All of us, we all felt such wonder when we first found Equestria. But soon, some became jealous, others enraged.” Vera slowly spoke, like a cautious parent having the “talk” with their foal.
“My home, it’s a magnificent place. But…” Vera paused, struggling to find a way to explain what she wanted to say.
“What is it?” Geiger asked, losing points for his failure to notice the difficulty Vera was having. Answers, that took priority.
Before Vera could answer, Mrs. Cakes covertly snuck up to the table and slid the bill on top of the only free space the wasn’t covered in crumbs and dishes. Giving a soft nod to Vera before retreating to the kitchen with a nervous pace. Vera, who had been so deep in thought, had failed to notice Mrs. Cakes in time. As such, she was unable to wear her trademark smile. Without which, her stern listless expression had obviously troubled the busy mother of two. The worry and slight hint of fear on Mrs. Cakes face proved a point to Geiger. One Vera had made earlier. Only now, her expression looked aggravated and somewhat hurt. With some effort was the proper sum of bits left on the table covering the bill.
“Follow me.” Vera announced to Geiger, the authority in her voice enough to bring a guard to attention on reflex.
Geiger indeed followed. His head hanging low, out of the shame he felt. Shame at himself. He just couldn’t stop himself. Question after question, and question again. Maybe it was just because she was such an enigma? No, it wasn’t just her. Geiger never stopped asking questions, from the days since he could first speak, he had asked an endless stream of questions. He was never good at figuring things out for himself, so he had to get others to tell him the answers. He was only smart enough to remember those answers, unable to find any for himself. Save for his so called discovery. The one answer he got for himself, and it was a curse. Cruel was the world. Though how cruel, Geiger was only just learning.
He followed Vera as she lead him towards the Everfree forest, following the tree line north some, until they reached a grass covered hill with windows. In the distance, some half mile away, Geiger could spot the guide’s shack. Further examination of the hill revealed a metal chimney and a rectangular indention which produced a shadow that essentially hid the door. This door was opened by Vera, who gestured for Geiger to enter. Which he did, cautiously, with his eyes avoiding Vera’s. A task that just moments ago was impossible.
Once inside, Geiger found a homey cylindrical room. Furthest from the door was a large bed, presumably Vera’s. It had four tall post which nearly scrapped the tall ceiling, upon these hung curtains which were meant to shroud the bed. Certainly the most lavish looking thing in the room. A rather large metal trunk sat at the foot of the bed, with two suitcases visible beneath the bed. Thick curtains completely blocked out the light, which would’ve altogether vanished after Vera closed the door, had not a simple lantern on a desk near the bed suddenly lit. It must have been magic, since Geiger couldn’t see anyone who could have lit it. The desk itself was raised up noticeably, definitely for Vera’s sole use. On top of it was a neat number of paper stacks and books, one lay open with a pencil placed in the center, held in place by its position down the length of the spine. Immediately to the right of this desk sat one of the three bookshelves in the room, this one partially blocking a window. The other two stood to the left of the doorway, past the second window. A fridge separated the shelves from the stove. The stove was black cast iron and square, with a long metal pipe jutting out the back and up to the ceiling. While the ceiling had a chandelier of simple pewter, lacking any ornate design, it looked like it hadn’t been lit in a very long time.
The last thing Geiger noticed was an oddly low table, yet it had two large chairs, much like the stool at the desk. The seat was sized to support the rather large Vera. Yet the table was slightly too high for a normal pony, and slightly too short for Vera. Why this was, Geiger was unable to figure out. A fact he made certain to scold himself for. A silent promise not to ask Vera about it was made as he stepped into the center of the room. Only sparing one glance at the third window of the hill home.
“You asked me where I was from. The name doesn’t matter. You’ll find it on no map, save for a very small few in Saddle Arabia and those within the borders of the land itself. I don’t even have one. While your question sought the name of the land, I could only think of the way of that land.” Vera spoke, breaking the stillness of the room.
“For my home, is a home of violence. Not born of the wilderness, the elements nor the weather. Take the angriest Equestrian brawl you’ve seen, and multiply it by a volcanic eruption. That is the way of my land, my origins, my family and even myself. It was so long ago, yet so important. Just a single day, but one so vital to the future of all generations in my homeland. A day which hosted a single event, an event which undid so much. From then on, my land was violence and hate. Hate and violence which has lasted to this very day.” Vera continued, her pose was that of a proud statue, though her face was somber and her eyes distant.
“I… I can’t imagine. I seriously cannot imagine it. I’m so sorry.” Apologized Geiger.
“And that is why I am here. Such existence is unknown to Equestrians, and I wish to know why. So that maybe my people might know it as well. I’ve come a long way, but ran into a roadblock. Which is where you come in. For your escape, I only want one thing. Your unique talent.” Vera finished.
“My talent?” Geiger said, bewildered.
“Not like I’m going to steal it from you, I just need you to use your magical detection skills to help me. I’m looking for a trace of a specific magic. Very old and very unique. Normally I would be able to track it myself, but…” Vera said as she began to circle Geiger once more.
“It’s too old and faint for you. And since I’m the leader in my field, I stand a better chance of detecting it.” Geiger finished for her. Feeling actual fear grip him. Before, Vera’s demeanor was kind, even flirtatious. But now, it held a lethality that Geiger could actually feel.
“Precisely. I’ll just need your help to track down this magical energy, there may even be a source emitting it, or a source whose own energy is closely related.” Vera said as she continued her circling.
“Only then will you help me.” Geiger said with a slight crack of his voice.
Vera stopped in front of him and whipped herself around so her face met his.
“Don’t act so frightened. It not only insults me, it triggers some predatory instincts.” Vera sternly growled at Geiger, snapping her jaws near his face for effect.
“It is a small request. A task that at best, will only take a few hours. At the most a day. If you can find nothing, then it’s off to the south. If you do find something, we’ll just need to pinpoint it, then you’ll be off at a much brisker pace.” Vera concluded, stepping away from Geiger and sitting on the stool to her desk, facing Geiger.
He had some difficulty ignoring his instinct to cower, instead he shivered slammed his eyelids shut and with a shudder backed away from Vera. With a few calming breaths he opened his eyes and put on his best poker face. Vera could certainly emit an aura of urine inducing terror quite effortlessly. But when his eyes again met hers, he didn’t feel fear, rather, he felt calm. Her eyes searched like a vigilant sentry, constantly scanning everything in her path. Such a heightened alertness, it would drain a normal pony. Next he inhaled the air through his nose, the scents of burning candles, sweet flowers, dust and books filled his nose.
He blinked a bit, it was as if the lighting in the room had improved, suddenly he felt much more aware. He was noticing things, things he had never seen, smelt or felt before. The room despite it’s dim cavern-like appearance was well ventilated by four vents along the walls. He could actually detect a magical aura within the metal trunk at the foot of the bed. As his magical detection senses continued to increase, he could sense the warmth of the lamp on Vera’s desk. He looked over Vera for a bit, examining her aura. It was a vastly confusing mess, to him. Some things were off, she had a greater aura than was standard of either a pegasus or an earth pony. It was even a match for the strongest unicorns he had seen. But it was cloaked. Like it was both being deliberately hidden by Vera herself, and like it was being suppressed by something.
Geiger could feel a connection between something in the trunk, and Vera. However, he also felt uneasy. Before he knew it, he was honed in on a cockatrice some distance away, it’s aura passing that of each and every tree. Then, he felt his eyes reopen, only now he was on his back, staring at the top of a wooden table, only this table had curtains. Why did it have curtains?
“You’re finally awake. Had me worried there.” Vera spoke from off to his right.
“Wha… What happened?” Geiger said as he sat up, noticing he was in Vera’s bed, not under a table.
“You zoned out something fierce. Eye’s flashed Arcanian and you started looking around all weird. I tried getting your attention, but you must not have heard me. Blacked out before too long.” Vera recounted.
“Eye’s flashed what?” Geiger asked as he turned to look at her.
“It doesn’t matter. I just want to know if you have any idea what happened? Because I’m not so sure.” Vera responded, genuine concern masking the fact she deflected the question.
“I… I became aware. Like I’ve never been before.” Geiger said, confused.
“How so?” Vera said as she examined Geiger’s vitals.
Geiger thought carefully about what had just happened, he didn’t need to think very long before he realized what had happened. Now he had to think about what triggered it. It took him no time to figure it out. The terror he felt triggered a subconscious use of his discovery. This in turn increased his bodies natural heightening of senses in preparation for flight or fight. It was however, too great an increase. Exponentially was his ability to detect magic increased, even to the point were he could sense living things from far off. Then he thought about what Vera had said. Arcanian eyes.
“It, it was just a magic induced reaction. Brought on by fear. A coward’s fear and a magic no pony should’ve discovered.” Geiger responded, making a note to ask about what Vera had said at a later time.
“Magic boosted adrenaline rush… Got to be too much then eh? Least you know what it was. Sorry.” Vera said before taking a seat at the table.
“Sorry?” Geiger chimed, still feeling woozy.
“I scared you so bad. Guess I’m too used to tough guys who need the intimidation.” Vera spoke from her seat at the table, facing away from Geiger.
“It’s not your fault. After how I skimped out on my debt, I wouldn’t be too trusting either.” Geiger moaned from the bed.
Something was nagging him, well actually, several things were. But, something just now. Aside from her aura and ability to inspire true terror, something else about Vera was off. Not just her words and actions, but her eyes. Geiger could swear just now that they were green. But earlier they were blue.
“Don’t apologize. It was all my fault. Acting unnecessarily hostile. The way of my people is stuck to me. The hate and violence that consumes them too consumes me. It is hard to be as good as this place when such kindness is unknown back home. I was just being petty. Mad at you for my own disposition, one the residents of PonyVille find alarming.” Vera quietly said from her seat.
“I’ll help you find it. If it means your home can have peace, and you.” Geiger declared.
“Then we have an arrangement.” Vera said as she turned to face Geiger.
Her purple eyes shone with joy. Glad to have her hostile negotiating tactics put aside. How… Hey, wait a minute!
“Meanwhile!” Shouted the Narrator.
Captain Razor Wire surveyed the essentially infinate world before him. Geiger might have gone to PonyVille, then again, if he was even half as crafty as Scribe said.
"What maniac would dare attempt to flee justice, by going to the home of the elements of harmony!?" Razor spat as he shook his head.
"A scientist with no prior criminal history?" Thunder Clap said, her flat tone clear she wasn't trying to crack a joke, just state a fact.
"I'll go ahead and recon the area for him, hopefully Scribe will be back soon, not sure how long I got." A bandaged Wind Sock announced.
"Hold up, I'll go with you." Spyglass volunteered, quickly getting up and heading for PonyVille.
"Huh? You're coming? Why?" Sock said, awestruck.
"Anypony who could take that many hits from my magic blaster isn't normal." She flatly replied.
"Keep tabs on each other then, no loss of LOS for more than a minute, got it you two?" Razor ordered.
"Aye sir." Spyglass shouted back, continuing down the road.
"Uh, yes sir." Sock replied, confused by the normally lazy Spyglass' new found interest in operations, even if it was ulterior motive.
Spyglass indeed had ulterior motives, just not what the others were thinking. Set on it's lowest setting, her long range blaster, or rifle as it was called when she first got it, was merely to stun and deter unarmed foes who posed almost no threat. The fact it took quite a few hits before Geiger was on the verge of collapse was expected of those stronger than they seemed. The fact he recovered from it, and so fast, suggest healing magic, also to be expected. It was the fact that he got out of Canterlot unnoticed. A fact she attested to underestimation, and possible help. Help from the real reason she wanted point, the Painter. She would turn her rifle... blaster on lethal and gun him down before he knew she was there. If he did know, better to spook him off than make a big mess. If he could even get spooked.
They had been traveling along the shortest road into PonyVille from Canterlot, which winded around the edge of the Everfree and fairly large steep hills and gigantic boulders. Caught between a fatal forest and the steep southern Canterlot mountains, instant death in the event of an ambush. Razor Wire didn't like it. His tactical reasoning clawed at him, warning him of the obvious danger. Something wasn't right, really, really not right.
"After the beating he took, there's no way he could've made it this far, not in such little time. Someone has to be helping him." Razor theorized aloud.
"Maybe he just teleported himself, like he did that guard who went missing." Frack said, his left shoulder looking incomplete without Bone Fracture standing next to it.
"Maybe. Until we can actually locate him again and confirm his condition, I have my doubts." Razor said as he observed Spyglass.
"A mare with more mystery than Luna" that could easily be said of Spyglass. She absolutely never spoke of herself, only with "I'm fine" responses when asked of her status. The only time he ever saw her smile was when she was nailing targets down ranges, actual targets, not ponies. She clearly adored her magic weapon, but not using it on ponies. Unlike the rest of the collectors, he actually spent time observing her and attempting to communicate. The many thousands of three word conversations they had proved one simple fact; Spyglass doesn't talk about stuff, so don't ask her anything. She however, could talk to you, mostly to make jokes or get necessary information. Otherwise, she never attempts conversation.
Except, for one pony. The rule of Spyglass' silence had one condition, one which proved the law not to be absolute. Scribe. She alone could freely talk to Spyglass. The intimacy the two seemed to share was oddly obvious. As to it being natural or from previous relationship, or both even, none could tell. Only that the two of them were close, yet acted distant when observed. Even with stealth spells and the maximum possible observing distance, Scribe could tell when she was being observed. Both Scribe and Spyglass had such unique capability, that Razor had to wonder if they were special forces of some kind, which would explain a lot about the two of them.
"You gunna stare at her plot all day sir?" Clap chimed in.
"Huh? Oh! Just thinking." Razor replied, ripped from his thoughts and presented with an awkward situation. "You know how Spyglass and Scribe give me a lot to think about."
"Sure, they are rather attractive aren't they? Bet you got loads on your mind." Clap said, her smirk at how easy Razor had made it.
"Not that! Always some joke with you isn't it?" Razor shouted, his sense of humor currently crippled.
Whilest Clap and Frack laughed their heads off, Razor waited patiently. He had to wait a couple of minutes.
"Seriously though, I don't feel I can quite trust either of them, not that they won't do their job, it's just..." Razor trailed off as he saught the words. Not just any, but the right and most sophisticated words he could muster.
"They have secrets, and that puts a strain on trust, I get it." Frack said, eyeing Sock in the distance. "Sometimes I wonder if they're some super guards trained deep below Canterlot in the crystal mines. Like some sort of graphic novel, as silly as it is. Wondering if they have a secret phrase to activate their training."
"So that's why you keep saying totally random things!" Clap said, having her "Aha!" moment.
"They shouldn't pose a threat to us, but we need to be a bit careful around them all the same. They clearly are up to something, and it's not hiding a marefriend relationship..." He cut his eyes to Clap. "Now, let's get to PonyVille and put an end to this." Razor finished with a determined look.
"Now back to!" Announced the Narrator.
"I don't care for heights." Geiger wimpered.
"We aren't just high, we're flying." Vera responded.
"Same thing!" Geiger retorted.
"No, it's not. Just open your eyes and try it. You don't have to like it, just try it, you might like it, might love it!" Vera replied with a smile and air of humor.
"If I pee myself, it's your fault." Geiger said while mustering the courage.
"It'll be on me, literally." Vera joked.
He opened his eyes and felt his jaw drop. High up above PonyVille, the town looked like a tiny cluster of pebbles with lines drawn throughout. The clouds around them gave way to Vera's powerful wings as they beat the air with more force than seemed graceful, yet, her movements were effortless. He could feel the raw strength of her muscular body, her massive wings and rock hard muscle combined for incredible lift. Once at cruising altitude, her large wings stretched out for a remarkablely smooth glide. Everything within the horizon became easily visable. The majesty of the moment left Geiger without questions, his mind silenced, up here, so very high, there was no searching.
"Alright Geiger, start searching, I'll make gliding sweeps over the Everfree, focus on detecting that magic." Vera shouted.
With a nod, Geiger relaxed himself, carefully channeling into the discovered magic, hopefully, being conscious of it, he could pull back before passing out. He felt the magic, in Vera's saddle bag was an artifact he couldn't recognize, he certainly wasn't an archeologist, so he didn't worry about it. Feeling to magic he searched for anything simular. Vera felt oddly simular to it, the cloak of darkness that shielded her full aura reacted to his detection, blocking him out. He turned his focus to the ground below, scanning. Past all the living things, he could detect a very subtle trace of magic. He decided to follow this magic along the paths where it continued getting stronger, all while trying to effectively relay the positions to Vera, who tightened her sweep into an orbit, each circle getting lower and closer.
"We're above the castle of the two sisters now, you think it's in there?" Vera asked.
"Not sure, take me around it some." Geiger replied.
Vera tightened her orbit and angled herself towards the castle, her glide losing power as they sunk further and further. Around the castle they flew and down into the moat they glided.
"There! Right down there in that cave. It's incredible! Very strong, almost an exact match to the artifact." Geiger announced, much to Vera's pleasure.
"Alright then, that's all I needed to know. You've done your part Geiger. Let's head back to PonyVille and get some supplies. You're about to vanish." Vera shouted with more glee than a filly during hearths warming.
With several hard flaps they regained enough altitude to glide over the tree tops of the Everfree, occasional flaps keeping them level. Geiger felt a surge of pure joy, he helped somepony, and made them glad. Not just anypony, but the enigmatic stranger who was going to help him. Judging by her unique abilities, he was in good hooves. If only scientific discovery had such joys. It was only rewarding to him and some other scientist, and only for a little while. Hearing how pleased Vera was, was a rush. It made him feel a little awkward. Certainly no need to read into the feeling. Being attracted to such a deadly pony like Vera was a bad idea. The idea was beyond his social ability or experience to comprehend. He needed social skills and experience severly, like last decade.
He enjoyed the ride, the wind whipping through his hair as he traveled the fastest he ever had. Even with the heights making his legs weak, he felt safe atop Vera. Her center of mass never shifting. Though she was very warm, he could feel sweat building up. Her body had a higher temperature than was normal for ponies, not that he rode on the backs of many ponies, but he had spent enough time crammed up against them in packed train cars. Her scent of sweet flowers reminded him of his grandmothers bathroom. A calm place where she would relax in a tub for hours. It was somewhat comforting, though a bit unusual, having a pony remind you of a bathroom.
At the very edge of the forest Vera gently flapped her wings twice to slow herself down and cushion the landing. Her hooves touching ground and her legs bending to absorb any remaining shock. Geiger gratefully slid off her back, though not too grateful. The flight proved to be a pleasent experience. One he would miss surely. Renewed envy of pegasi filled his heart. But it would do nothing to hinder him.
"I admit, I loved it." Geiger announced.
Vera said nothing, only looked back on the forest. The look in her eyes was mind blowing. A sense of wonder, excitement. Those were the eyes of a pony bent on discovery. How many times had he looked at the world with those eyes? The very passion to learn what no other pony knew. He still regreted his discovery, didn't he? So, why then, why did he feel pride?
"What you've done for me, for my kin of the earth. I'll never forget it Geiger." Vera spoke, her gaze lost to the sea of trees.
"It really isn't a big deal-" Geiger began to say before a sharp look from Vera cut him off.
"You may not understand what it means, but it is a very big deal. The whole reason I'm here. You've helped me to do something very important. I won't forget it." Vera said, the look in her eyes as genuine as possible.
It made Geiger feel embarassed. No pony had ever been grateful to him before. Nor had he ever felt like he was helpful. He merely nodded.
"Now, let's gather some supplies. We've got a long journey ahead of us." Vera said, the smile on her face looking totally different. For it was a real smile, and in Geiger's honest scientific opinion, it was the best one he'd ever seen, fangs and all.
In a mere two hours, they were ready to go. Vera had on some massive camofluaged saddlebags, absolutely filled with stuff. While Geiger merely had a thin saddlebag with a few snacks and some papers in it. Vera insisted upon it. Saying it was everything he would need to start a new life. That is why he had to carry it directly with him.
He nervously climbed the saddlebags Vera had, and took his place tucked between her wings. Excited to be flying again, and ecstatic to be on his way. He would miss Equestria, just not enough to ever return. New places meant new things, and that meant discovery. For all the woe it caused him, he was still a scientist, as such, he was going to continue learning all he could.
"Leaving already Vera? You just got here! You should at least rest after your last trip. Just be safe then." Came the words of some pony down below.
Geiger couldn't spot them, but Vera could. She gave a wave and continued climbing. In mere seconds, they vanished through a cloud, leaving ponyville behind.
"And now!" The Narrator vocalized from whence his mouth hole.
Once inside PonyVille, Wind Sock and Spyglass began the task of asking locals and simple non-invasive searching for the wayward scientist. Though Spyglass had her eyes out for masses of gray. She almost jumped out of her skin when a gray mailmare flew past her. Something Wind Sock would've thought funny, had it not actually scared him. Anything Spyglass was afraid of, was sure to be something to watch out for. He could tell she was on edge, which besides being out of character, was unusual. Since she wasn't even paying attention to yellow, when it appeared. It as like she wasn't even interested in Geiger. But each fleck of gray had her attention, the only thing he could think of was the massive pony seen with Geiger back in Canterlot. He would have to talk with Razor about this, he knew more about Spyglass than any other collector, aside from Scribe it seemed.
She was on edge, nervous. It wasn't like her, then again, who she was looking for wasn't like anything in Equestria. Too dangerous to ignore, too dangerous to chase blindly. She wasn't as frail as she used to be, or so she wanted to be. The rifle with her might just even the odds, it had to. Without Scribe, she was vaunerable to sneak attacks. A fact she hated. Her keen eyes seemed usless when it came to the Painter. He was too devious and alarmingly quick.
The lack of helpful answers was getting annoying. Most ponies didn't know Geiger by name, though plenty saw a yellow unicorn in town. Some even talked about him running smack into Vera's flank. Whoever that was. Though none could offer his current where abouts. Some suggested talking to Vera, though none knew where to find her.
"Where is he!" Spyglass complained aloud.
"He can't be far. I know we'll find Geiger soon, he has no where to run." Sock said as he landed next to Spyglass.
"Ok, what's going on? You're jumpy and haven't even bothered to look for the doctor this whole time, something else is up." Sock said as he stood infront of her.
"I already told you." Spyglass answered as she tried to walk around him.
"Thats a load and you know it!" Sock shouted at her.
Before either of them could continue, they could hear a pony shouting something, the name Vera then some other things. They quickly turned looked over in that direction and ran to it. All they could see was a bit of gray and a patch of yellow as it vanished into the clouds.
"I knew it!" Spyglass announced, her teeth gritted.
"He's not getting away!" Sock said as he began to flap his wings, only to have them pinned to his side as Spyglass held him back.
"No you don't. It's not safe to go flying off alone. You don't know who he's with." Spyglass said as she strained to hold Sock back.
She knew though, that lump of gray was the right shade, the fact it was flying, that it was carrying Geiger off. Scribe couldn't deny it any longer. They were working together, knowingly or not, Geiger was now a threat, part of a bigger problem. The pain of Zebrawa stuck to Spyglass' memory. The cries of pain, the thick smoke from the burning crops, the ruined buildings rendered nothing more than splinters and pebbles. The lone gray figure standing amidst it all, unscathed, wearing his coat and sunglasses, a smile on his face. It gave her nightmares for months.
She was even now, on the verge of freaking out. Had she actually seen his face, she didn't know if she even could've kept it together. She would've unleashed her rifle on it with no regard for the ponies around her. She needed Scribe there. She couldn't do it alone.
The freedom of the open sky was absolutely unmatched anywhere else in the world. The crisp scent of moisture from the clouds and plains below was the very essence of calm and peace. It was a sensation that had to be re-lived as far as Geiger was concerned. His only regrete being that he would wake up having been dreaming of flight, dreaming of the feeling it gave. Only, he would be stuck to the ground, unable to fly. Much like his discovery, the joy it gave was fleeting and left a slight pain once it was gone. The desire to feel the open sky was as strong as the desire to bury his forbidden knowledge.
"You've gotten awefully quiet back there, did you fall asleep?" Vera chimed, her eyes focused ahead while her ears swivled back to catch a response.
"The novelty has not worn off such to allow that, nor do I think will it ever." Geiger half shouted in response.
The weight of what he had done still pressed against his thoughts. The next answer he had better find had best be his reasons for finding answers. That, plus, the hidden facts of Vera and what she seemed to know about it. To understand an enigmatic creature, for she was beyond a simple pony, would be to know something more about the world she came from. And, by extension, what they knew.
Because, at times, Geiger felt he still didn't truly understand his discovery. Yet, he had gained a certain level of control over the ability it gave him. Not being a natural talent at anything except magical detection, this didn't correlate.
Even with the exhiliration of flight, his mind somehow kept a focus on the facts and questions.
"We'll be landing over there on that mesa. Just for a short break, so try not to fall asleep." Vera announced as she shifted her wings to veer her flight pattern.
"Right, I'll try not to." Geiger half shouted again.
Dispite what he said, he had gotten into the habit of napping during the two day trip. Having travelled a meager distance, thanks to Vera's uncanny ability to spot ponies whom might be able to recall their passage, and thus evade them. She certainly seemed quite capable of stealth and navigation. Giving little by little some insight into her prowess and experience. Not that Geiger doubted her at all, seeing nothing but honesty in a facade covered face of scowls. Knowing her reason and motives to a certain degree helped. Even the fact that she was keeping secrets only added to the honesty, if that even made sense, to Geiger it certainly did.
In short order they landed, or rather, Vera did. With ease and grace like always. Geiger dismounted, awkwardly and slowly, like always. Their location, while different from hills south of PonyVille, was unchanged from the previous stops as of late.
Vera, the undaunted and seemingly restless mare whom Geiger was embaressingly dependant upon for the past two days, did her usual. This consisted of of laying on her legs, folding her wings, closing her eyes and swiviling her ears about. Mostly to keep tabs on Geiger. He was the kind of pony that even if they wanted to, they just couldn't survive out in nature. To them, the poisonous stuff demanded to be touched. And everything else looked poisonous, and therefore had to be. Thus pleas for salvation were unfortunately common.
"How did you get so patient?" Geiger humbly asked, initiating another of their common back and forths, or so they would be if Vera did much talking.
"Years of practice, many, many, years." Vera softly coo'd from her stationary rest.
"You cannot be that old, I doubt anyone is old enough to be so patient... as to deal with... well, me. I've gotten on everyponies nerves since I was three. And I do mean everypony, literally." Geiger responded slow and quietly.
"Are you actually trying to ask me my age? Didn't your mother ever teach you not to ask a mare that?" Vera smirked.
"Oh I wish. She wasn't around long enough after I was born to give me any of that advice. She died, and my father was a wreck, threw himself to work so hard he sorta... died too. Hmm. I cannot recall what he even looked like right now. Comes and goes." Geiger mused.
"Thankfully I had my dear grandmother. Though she never gave me any good advice, well, not like that. Used to get teased about her, eveyone said she was touched in the head, which was true. But, that didn't make her any less sweet and kind. As hard as it is to believe, she actually taught me independance. The lessons stuck, they just didn't cover running from the law or living in the woods." He monologed.
"That's a sad story there doctor." Vera coolly replied.
Geiger hesitated for a moment. He actually hadn't thought of it like that. He had always seen it as a matter of fact, and nothing more. He had never actually pondered the sadness of his own foalhood! It was too late now to start crying over it, but for the first time, he actually felt some pain stinging him deep down.
"I. I never actually considered that. I was sad when my grandmother... Huh. I never felt sad about it before." Geiger thought aloud.
"It's not a bad thing. You can feel bad, so you aren't broken." Vera announced, slowly cracking her eyelids halfway open to peer at Geiger.
"You must've been real young, so it didn't bother you because you couldn't understand. Once you grew up, it was already old news. You're either real positive, or real thick for it not to click until now." She finished before slowly shutting her eyes again.
An immediate well of conflicting emotions sprang up inside Geiger, effectively choking him. He was relieved at Vera's statement about him not being broken, as he feared he might be incapable of such emotion for a long time. However, the coldness of Vera frustrated and confused him. She was extremely perceptive, so was she just ignoring his suffering? Was he suffering now? The very fact that he never got to know his parents had never bothered him until now.
He didn't know Vera very well, but he knew she wasn't being cruel. She had a cold side that without provocation would appear. Something in her past must've been sad too, at least that is what Geiger concluded. It was only logical given how he was feeling. Then again, he was a bad example since he normally didn't feel emotions. A place that could possibly be as violent and Vera described would certainly be a hard place to survive. And quite likely to cause sadness and suffering.
"We do have it pretty good." Geiger pondered for the first time.
The words of Golden Compass finally seemed to sink in. In just the few days he had known Vera, he could clearly see and sense a troubled nature. Geiger had nothing in terms of understanding outside his own senses, so he went with what he could figure out in his logical and detached way. Though these new emotions seemed to be eroding the structures of reason.
"What about your parents?" Geiger inquired quietly.
"Dead." Vera flatly replied, the coldness from her voice enough to freeze a lake.
Her reply left Geiger stiff and cold, as if she had cast an ice spell on him. He knew it had to be something like that to make such a mare, maybe something even worse still, but how she said it made his blood run colder than winter. Then, something different started to happen, he started to feel rage.
"Are you a windago? Or do you just hate your own family?" Geiger nagged.
Vera's eyes slowly cracked open, from a glare to a heavy lidded gaze.
"I keep forgetting. For Equestrian's, things are different. They don't understand suffering, not like we do." Vera muttered softly, not looking at Geiger, but rather past him towards the heart of Equestria.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Geiger said, losing some of his anger.
"It means you're lucky. Maybe I'm just a bit jealous. I shouldn't take it out on you by being the ice queen ruling from her frozen fortress with her mighty army of penguins." Vera deadpanned as if she hadn't just made a joke.
The disarmed Geiger failed to muster a retort for a while. Trying to grasp his anger, after all, who was he to judge?
"I don't feel lucky." He finally replied.
"No one really does. No, they just feel like something isn't going wrong for once. My father... He was such a patriot that he honestly was a real bastard. I loved him very much, but that doesn't mean I liked him. It wasn't entirely his fault, no, much of the blame goes to my homeland. The violence and hate wore down many ponies. What was left was broken souls." Vera softly spoke, as if reading a bedtime story.
"Still, you shouldn't be so used to the fact." Geiger uttered under his breath.
"I'm more than used to it, I accept it. It is how things are. So I deal with it by rationalising it. It's a fact, ponies I knew are dead, ponies I know are going to die. By accepting this before hoof, I am able to face it much easier." Vera responded as she finally looked directly at Geiger.
"Is that how it was with Sir?" Geiger asked.
"His passing was... A surprise to say the least. If any pony could have survived such a place, it would have been him." Vera said as she took a deep breath.
"What was he like?" Geiger questioned, sensing the "daddy" questions were not welcome. Data was insufficent to raise the topic of mommy.
"Good or bad, he was a spectacular pony. Kept telling me to be an artist, make something of myself in a way that wasn't... I don't know how to put it. A giant of a pony, strong and smart. We were real close. In the end, that's what did us in." Vera remembered.
"What do you mean 'did you in'?" Geiger said with a sense of forbidden nagging him.
"His name isn't 'Sir'. We all called him this funny knick name since he didn't care for his real one, said it was un-fair to fate him. We were cousins of quite a popular family. When times got tuff, we went into business together, working for some bad ponies. We still would be if it hadn't been for the change." She took a moment to pop some stiff joints before continuing.
"While I was doing something in Saddle Arabia, he was here. It was one of the few times we weren't working together. By the time we both got back, a lot had changed for us. He didn't feel like doing that kind of stuff anymore. I... I was feeling strange after my trip." She took another pause.
"He started talking about making a difference. Wanted to become a scientist, just like he talked about when we were foals. I told him he wasn't doing it alone. So we both volunteered to the same place. Wasn't long before we got into trouble. Suffice to say... Everything about how it happened doesn't seem right. Now he is gone." Vera concluded.
"That only raises more questions." Geiger replied, helpless to overcome the wave of curiosity.
"Darkness. That is the poison of my homeland. It is not literal lack of light, but rather, enlightenment. Too much suffering to see through the pain. When he and I volunteered, we wanted to stop being victims of the pain. He wanted so badly to make a change. I just wanted so badly to be free from the sorrows. Instead, we were rewarded with horror." Vera spoke, growing more agitated.
"I couldn't imagine." Geiger stammered.
"And that is why you are lucky." She announced with a slight shift of her wings.
Geiger stared for a few moments, unable to respond. He had many theories in his head, yet, none of them could come close to the reality he was gleaning. Something so awful was beyond his possible understanding. Maybe that of any equestrian. Her remark about "Un-fair to fate" brught back memories of his discovery, why he had made it in the first place.
"Do you have happy memories?" Geiger asked, more sad than angry now.
"Yes, quite a few. Dispite our circumstances, my ponies are prone to celebration and joy. Most of my memories occur during the dark days of my past. All the same, I treasure them." Vera answered, with a very slight grin.
"That's good." Geiger grinned, gladly allowing the mood to adjust.
"He was a lot of those happy memories. Always out to make us laugh. Yet, he was so serious, maybe that is why he was so funny. Could say something ridiculous with a perfect straight face." She fondly recalled.
"What kind of science was he into? Alter failed to make it clear." He asked.
He immediately regretted the question, as her face fell to an angry scowl. After a few moments it relaxed, becoming tired and aged. Like she was an entirely different pony than moments earlier.
"He had many interest. This made him valuable to many ponies. He knew a lot, and did a lot. Many of his ideas, he shared with me, some we worked on together. This one idea, a simple idea really, yet, looking back... So dangerous. He and a friend, one I didn't know too well, they began working on it. This was after we decided to make a change. It's all such a tangle of memories now." She hesistated with a few slow blinks and soft turns of her head.
"The answer... To the one question that drove him the most. It destoryed them... us. I don't like to talk about what happened, not in the least. The question though. That has haunted me ever since." She said with some difficulty.
"What question is that?" Geiger cautiously inquired.
"Why?" Vera spoke so softly Geiger barely heard it.
He almost collapsed from the shock. It had a deep simularity to his recent life. But more so than that, was the very question itself. Why?
"Yes, the one question to rule them all. Why? Why were we a land of devastation, while others were not? Why can't we stablize our borders? Why can't we fix it? The many answers one could find to those questions. But only a few could possibly be the right one, yet which?" She slowly, and mournfully said.
"We sorta came to this one answer. But, that only served to create more problems. In our history, we have one moment, one very crucial moment in time. This moment is the key to the 'Why' of things. I wanted to uncover the truth to that history, he wanted to re-create certain factors. Both were equally important to getting the answer." She paused, the memories replaying in her mind.
"What happened then?" Geiger pressed.
"That's enough story time. I need a short break from flying and you need a short break from riding. I could also do with less sentimental conversation. Equestria has a way of clouding the mind with it's soft and sweet drug." Vera announced, shutting her eyes.
"To think, I used to be called the 'Diamond'." She mused to herself.
"Alright then..." Geiger replied.
Their conversations weren't always so stimulating. But it seems she had warmed up to discussing certain subjects. Maybe it was his frial nature? Or, possibly, the time they had spent? Maybe, just maybe, he was asking the right questions, and she was wanting to give those answers. To share her story, her history, least it be forgotten. Even by her.
He observed the horizon, Canterlot was but a tiny point sticking out. Like a saw tooth, it stood proud. Patriotism was never really Geiger's thing. He never previously cared where he was. Now, going into exhile, he felt a twinge of pain at leaving home. Something Vera could elaborate on, if he hadn't exhuasted his conversation options for the day.
He took this moment to ponder the collector's pursuing him. Would Scribe pop out on him at any moment? Would the others show up to tackle him? He looked back at Vera, whom remained unmoved. Since she could hear so well, Geiger assumed all was well.
What he didn't know, was that all was not well.
Meanwhile, south of PonyVille...
"Really... Hummm. This really complicates things." Razor Wire quietly said.
Wind Sock gave him a nod and went over to where the others were. Having just reported on Spyglass' behavior. Not one to nark, the fact he just did so, showed the level of concern that had been raised.
Razor didn't like things being kept from him. Not in the least. Most especially in the field. It made him very paranoid, left him feeling betrayed and pissed him off to no end. He was now on alert, and would be checking over his shoulder more often. Whatever she was afraid of, was bound to be unpleasent.
Spyglass sat in the middle of the collectors, their gazes boring into her like drills. She knew they wanted answers, but was she brave enough to tell them? How could she tell them? How does one even begin to tell others about such a thing? The situation was well out of hand, and she was too deep to see a way out.
That's when Scribe arrived. Looking very agitated and tired.
"We need to talk." She said to Spyglass, whom nodded.
"Hold on!" Razor interjected.
"What?" Scribe curtly replied, eyeing the captain with a look of the inconvienced.
"I think WE need to talk, all of us." He stoutly said, showing the hardened veteran glare.
It fell flat against the stone wall that was Scribe.
"No." She replied, continuing to walk away from the group with Spyglass.
It left Razor even more irrated, but also stunned. No one had ever brushed off an officer like that before. Certainly not him. The rest of the team were equally left there, stunned.
Once they were far enough away, Scribe opened up.
"What happened?" She concerningly asked.
"I saw him." Spyglass weakly croaked.
"YOU... You saw him?" Scribe forcefully replied.
"With Geiger." Spyglass moaned.
Scribe stood there, in silence, trying to think.
Before more could be said Razor lumbered up, wereing a sarcastic faux confused face.
"I don't think I heard you right. I said, we need to talk. All of us. Including you. And since I'm the one in charge around here, I expected to hear an emphatic 'Yes Sir!'. So why didn't I hear that?" He said adding gestures to the group and himself.
"Pewter is the boss, not y-" Spyglass started saying, looking the meanest and toughest she had in days.
"Out here I am the boss!" Razor boomed, startling both Frack and Sock and completely terrifying Clap.
"I don't care what you think you are!" Spyglass retorted.
"We are overdue some answers damnit! I don't care who you think you are, out here I am in charge." Razor yelled, glaring down on Spyglass with a look of fury.
Before an exchange of blows could be delivered, Scribe rerouted them.
"Geiger is not alone. The pony he is with is quite possibly dangerous. No, IS dangerous. Which means this matter could quickly move out of our jurisdiction." Scribe cheerily spoke.
"Why wasn't I informed?" Razor snapped.
"Above your pay grade, not wanting to dissued you? Whatever the reason, take it up with Pewter, you know, the real boss." Scribe replied, with a hint of tart.
Razor glared, entirely unsure. "Maybe I will." He responded.
Back to...
His ears swivled, his eyes scanned and his nose sniffed. Listening for any sounds, looking for any trace and smelling for the trade mark scent. He was searching harder than ever before. Because, never before did he have such motive, such drive. His motives seemed absolutely clear, yet entirely nonsensical. This did not deter him though. He had reasons, that's all that mattered.
She was going to be tough, really tough. But there was an element of surprise, and the additional changelings he brought with him. Plus, she had to be fatigued, this stacked the odds.
"Stay low, stay alert." Alter whispered to the others.
Then, he caught it. A wiff of that unmistakable scent. She was near. With a simple click of his wings he alerted the others, and together they were off.
Dun dun dun!
She heard them first, then she felt their presence. One she recognized. It confused her, all the same, she suddenly stood up. Geiger jerked out of a daze he was in, and like a cub picking up on the pack leaders signal, began searching her eyeline for threats. Detecting unfamiliar magic.
With a soft breeze four changelings appeared, fluttering before them.
"Why are you here Alter?" Vera asked the most menacing one.
"Oh, no reason really. Can't I just visit? No? Well... There is an urgent matter." He replied, rather innoccently.
"What is it?" She said with a roll of her eyes.
That was when he transformed. Stretching his limbs into spiney prongs and increased his jaw size. Like a grotesque demon he lunged at Vera, the other three changelings swooping in to attack her with their own sharp claws.
Her pupils flared with shock, her massive form contorting and moving with surpassing speed. She evaded the lunge with a hasty side step and dodged the fliers with ducks and back steps.
She quickly guaged her surroundings, checked on Geiger who simply stood there with a horrified gaze. Deciding to take the fight away from Geiger, she backstepped and glided off the mesa, leading the changlings away.
For Geiger, it played out like a scene from a comic. The transformations, the sudden attack, her reflexes. The fact that he didn't know what was going on. Finding himself suddenly alone, atop an impossibly steep cliffed mesa. Trapped...
She had to bank and weave around the sharp dagger like claws the changlings sprouted. Once her hooves hit the ground she broke out into a sprint. Ducking the ariel attacks and having to change direction when Alter struck, his slashes more violent and dangerous. His jaws snapping at Vera's head.
One changeling came swooping low ready to plant himself on her back. She carefully tracked him, waiting for her moment to counterstrike. He slowed himself and began extending his claws. She rolled over and with hind legs kicked him fiercely in the gut, using her shoulders and lifting her hips up, she extended the kick. The crushing blow sent the changling into the air in a tight arc.
He hit the ground and began heaving and fighting to catch his breath, his extra armored shell was cracked, almost crushed. He wouldn't be geting back up for awhile, if ever.
She quickly rolled back over, just in time to avoid another ground raking attack from Alter. The mesa far enough away for Vera to relax a little.
"Don't worry, I didn't forget about the doctor. Have some of my friends looking after him." Alter laughed from his hideous maw.
"It's me you want, for some reason. So why bother with the theatrics?" Vera replied, a bead of sweat dripping down the side of her face.
"Simple leverage." He groaned.
"So you don't think you can win this? Awww." Vera smirked.
With a hiss Alter resumed his assualt, the remaining two changlings alternating between close slashing attacks and stunning spells from close and medium range. The added intensity would make a normal pony nervous. Vera... She began to crack a smile.
Taking advantage of a slight miscalculation, she stood on her hind legs and quickly punched an attacking changling. The first blow, with her right was to his gut, completely stopping him mid-flight. The second blow also from the right was an uppercut, forcing his head back til it faced the sky. The third was from her left, into his right wing, crippling it. Once all his momentum was gone and he was falling towards the ground, she kicked with her right hoof into his chest, sending him a fair distance. Incapacitated.
"Let's get along with the climax. I have literally been doing this all my life. Bring out the deus ex." Vera growled with a smile, returning to all fours.
"As you wish." Alter bowed.
He quickly transformed, his wings growing leathery then feathered. His size scaling up. His shell giving way to fur, dark gray fur. His ears grew and became bat like. With a fang filled smile, Alter, now a mirror image of Vera, took a fighting pose.
"Now then, it's time." Alter said in Vera's voice.
"Not flattering." Vera hissed, going on the offensive.
A flurry of exchanged blows, a callus burning sun up above and desert prairie below. The patches of tuff, dull grass. The scent of dirt mired by sweat. The endless expanse interrupted by high rising mesas. Like a western and a kung foo movie had a baby, their fight played out.
Swinging down with both forehooves, Alter brought them to bear on Vera. Slamming them into her back. Her legs nearly buckled from the force. But she remained standing. She used her left wing to swat away the remaining changeling. The remaining changeling was of little consequence. His spells evaded, his blows brushed off. Growing tired, his moves become sloppy, unlike the dueling Vera's whose stamina was greater.
Another swat from her wing and the changeling resigned to the ground. Just leaving her and Alter. Alter, sensing the growing disadvantage, produced his horn. It looked unnatural Vera's body. Black, curved and with a large hole in the middle. It glowed with a blue-green aura and fired bolts of lethal energy.
Using every instinct, every drive, she leapt side to side to avoid them. Only to have Alter charge her down. Pummeling her with hate filled punches and kicks. Then fly up and away to evade her. She could play that game as well.
She leapt up while simutaniously giving a great flap of her wings to propel her into Alter, knocking him from the sky. Pinning him to the ground she began pounding on his, or rather, her face. In mild panic, mostly rage, Alter kicked her away and rolled himself upright. Leaping in time to avoid a kick. Before his hooves could touch the ground Vera's left forehoof slammed into his ribs, sending him sideways a few feet.
He watched her eyes give a small flash, in reflex, he took to the air. Barely in time to avoid the sudden explosion. The very ground he was kneeling on had erupted in a moderate explosion. In response he fired a few spells while flying around his target. She dodged them, with grace and ease no less. Only to his fury did he notice her holding a piece of rubble. She threw it right at his head with more speed than he had anticipated. As a result, when he turn to avoid it, it was still able to graze him, scraping at his psuedo flesh and pelting his ear.
Not a hard blow, but just enough to slightly tweak his equal librium. Enough for Vera to launch into the air again, this time with all four hooves aimed at his chest. He tried to dive, but it was too late. While they didn't land directly center, the left of his chest took the full blow. Once her hooves made contact, she bent her legs, let momentum carry her a little closer, then, she kicked with all her strength. Sending Alter to the ground like a meteorite.
She landed next to him, half expecting him to be dead. He most certainly wasn't.
He amassed his aura and blasted Vera back with it, scrambling her senses. With all her availible fortitude, she stood up and looked at her foe.
"What's this even about?" She asked, unable to discern the motives for such a betrayal.
"It's about you. It's always been about you." Alter said, breathing heavily, swaying a little.
"You are the perfect predator. The. Perfect... Even when I am wearing your skin, fighting with your muscles and flying with your wings. Even when I add the magic of my horn. I am still not strong enough, fast enough nor smart enough. I can be anyone! ANYONE!" He yelled.
"I can beat anyone, always have. So why can't I beat YOU! Why can't I beat you! I am you, and I still can't. I know your style, your skill. And yet... From the moment I met you, I knew. You were something more. Something we all should have been striving to be." His glare, admiration and rage. Like he loved to hate her.
"I thought my magic would let me overcome you. Surpass you! But it hasn't. What are you? Do you even know?" Alter spat.
"So that's why... You served me, only to observe me. Seems cliche." Vera moaned.
Alter hissed like a snake and fired several spells at Vera. Piercing violent spells meant to mame. As hard as she tried, she couldn't dodge them all. One slashed her left shoulder, narrowly avoiding her wing. Another smacked into her right fore hoof, cracking it. The final one slicing through several feather tips on her right wing. The rest all came within inches of her.
With a deep breath, Alter rushed her, horn first, ready to gore her. Her legs wobbled a bit, the spell's effects were very strong. With all her remaining focus, she stood to her hind legs, watching as her mirror self came ever closer. With as calm a breath as she could manage she relaxed.
Just as Alter got to her, she turned her hip, pivoting her left side back. Using her left fore hoof, she pushed down on Alter's neck, forcing his head down. With her right fore hoof she lifted up on his chest. Momentum did the rest. Alter went ass over head, his horn gouging the ground. When it got to a rock, the tip cracked off. In a mere two seconds, Alter was slammed on his back, his horn cracked and his strength gone.
With a few more short breaths, Vera turned around. She brought her right fore hoof down on Alter's face with all the force she could muster. With a wet crunch it slammed down, the crack in her hoof growing from the force. She winced a little before bringing her left hoof down. Her shoulder was burning hot, but not her hoof.
Before should deliver the devastating blow, the weakened changeling struck out. Stretching his claws right into Vera's chest. She reeled back from the wound. As she did the changeling grabbed Alter and began flying away.
She slumped back on her side and watched them vanish. Her labored breathing interupted by soft chuckles.
He watched her glide off, like some super hero. Dodging blindingly fast changelings and spells. Geiger was an instant fanboy. Ready to cheer on the great hero from the side lines. Which he was, until... One glance over his shoulder, he saw two changelings, each with their legs set like sharp pitch forks, fluttering calmly. He nodded and looked back at Vera. She had grown rather small in the distance. He couldn't even see what was going on anymore. Still, he tried.
"Darn, I can't see what's happening. What about you?" Geiger turned and asked the nearest changeling.
It took him a few seconds, then he started thinking.
"Should I tell him?" The other changeling asked his comrade.
"Together." The other replied.
Geiger yelped and jumped away before they could grab him. His every desire was to run. But he wasn't very good at running. Still he tried a bit. Much to the changelings confusion.
In a few tries, they managed to get Geiger cornered. Forced against the edge of the mesa, he could only cower. The feeling of being helpless so strong.
Cue flashback No. 8. "You're not helpless, you got to me on your own didn't you?" Vera said while pulling Geiger from a giant tumbleweed he had gotten into.
"But I am always needing your help." Geiger whined.
"Needing help doesn't make you helpless... Well, by definition it does. But you know what I mean." She replied. :End:
As they grabbed him and began carrying him off, he gave it thought. He had fought off the collectors, right? Sure he got beat up, but he lived didn't he? Why was he being a wimp? Was it just a force of habit. The helpless nerd getting pounded by bullies. His grandmother would always have to clean him up when he got home. She had gotten fed up with it.
Cue flashback No. 873746. "Why don't you just stand up to them? Do you like getting knocked around all the time?" She had scolded.
"No." He cried.
"Then do something about it! You're a unicorn right? Let granny show you how a unicorn punches a bully!" She told him. :End:
Beneath him the ground scrolled like a moving backround. The air whipped his face, and lack of anything solid below made him feel terror. He loved flying, but not being dangled high above the ground. He squirmed and tried not to scream. Wanting only to escape that moment. He dug deep down in himself, looking for the answer.
I know how to protect myself, I know how to survive, not in the woods or on the run sure... But to live on my own, take care of the bills. Sure I forgot a few times, but when it came due, I always paid in full!
He gritted his teeth and began to struggle. Only to elect rolling eyes from his abducters. Then he shouted.
"Let go of my purse!"
"What?!" The changelings said in unison.
With a bright flash of his horn he blasted the changelings away. Normally it would have simply knocked them back, but with the added strength of his discovery, it sent them off like shooting stars.
"Haha!" He laughed. "Ahhh!" He screamed.
Where a foal would have been amazed, Gravity was smug. It's almighty pull was ready to remind Geiger of something. No badass was immune to it forever.
As he plumeted to what was certain demise, he gave a thought to his life. Compared to the past week, everything was boring. Everything was mundane. Well, not anymore!
He surrounded himself in magic and braced for impact. As he hit the ground he let his aura go fluid, absorbing the full impact and slowing him very quickly. He slowly opened his eyes to find himself safely on the ground. Still surrounded by aura.
"I'm alive! Yay!" He cheered.
Before he could break out in a dance, he heard a soft boom behind him. Turning around he saw a tiny plume of smoke and dirt.
"Vera..." He whispered.
He was no side kick. He was no backround pony. He is an underdog. A dark horse.
"I'm coming! To help, maybe. Might just watch you kick flank." He yelled.
He began running toward the faded plume. As he did he saw another plume of dust rise up and several spells fly around. In urgency he thought about trying something. There was teleportation spell, one he hadn't done before. It was pretty advanced, and he wasn't the best spell caster. But he had to know what was going on. With a deep breath and a few "Please don't explode or only teleport half of me" 's under his breath, he teleported.
For a first try, it wasn't bad, wasn't great either. Once he arrived, he found most of his fur singed. A few spots danced in his eyes before he could see. What a sight it was. A rather busted changeling lay not far off to his right. All around there were deep gouges in the earth and spell burns. Some grass burned. There was a slight crater, blackened, and a divot, large and somewhat pony shaped. Then he saw her.
Bloody, slightly singed, a few feathers trimmed and smiling. Her heavy breath beating down on the ground, her legs shook as she tried to stand. She looked at him and smiled even more.
Speechless, Geiger just stared at her. She looked dizzy, kinda blurry. It must've been quite the fight to make her blurry.
"Look at you doctor. Slowly turning into a regular badass. Nice touch of gray there. Premature and all." She chuckled.
He nodded, not really paying attention. Was his still wrapped in aura? He began reaching out with his senses. The two incapacitated changeling were alive, barely. Vera was alright, not perfect, but much better off. She was even healing. Guess she knew healing spells. Really incredible, given she wasn't a unicorn. The spell, it seemed kind of familiar...
"How..." Geiger began to say, though he trailed off.
He had used up a bit too much magic. His discovery was burning up his strength rather quick. Before he passed out, he dropped his aura. Able to now catch a breath and see better, he looked at Vera more closely. Her eyes glowed with a familiar light. The very same magic he had discovered. But how? She was using it to heal herself, but more passively. Unlike Geiger, who used it like an actual spell, trying to "cast" it.
She merely looked away from him toward the horizon. Unable to see even a tiny tiny version of herself being carried away. She'd be seeing Alter again. Next time, she wouldn't go easy on him. She let out a tiny laugh.
"That was entirely unexpected. And... not good. Delays, delays." She shook her head, looking back at Geiger. "Let me guess... You have questions?"
The explosion of questions that could have burst forth from him, he only had one at this very moment.
"Are you okay?" He rasped.
She blinked a few times, less confused, more uncertain. Of all the times she had been asked that, few had been genuine. Most were accusitiory of her sanity, but that was then, some place far away.
"Yes. Glad to see you got away, told you that you..." Vera's words trailed off as she noticed something off.
"What is it?" Geiger asked, oblivious to what she was seeing.
She bowed her head and shook it a little. Taking a breath she walked over to Geiger, her sad expression making him very nervous.
"What's wrong?!" Geiger began to panic.
She searched for the words for quite some time. Not sure where to begin.
"Your mane, it's turning white." She mournfully said.
"That all? It was doing that earlier. It's just the stress, running for my life and all, the changelings." He tried to smile, but her face unnerved him far too much.
She shook her head, picked Geiger up, and flew them over to the mesa. The battle torn earth below him, vanishing into the vastness of the plains. She landed, almost precisely where she had when they first arrived. Letting him go, he wobbled in place, as if he was just run a lengthy marathon. There, she rooted around her saddle bags, pulling out a jagged fragment of mirror. She sighed before holding it up to Geiger's face.
He could only let out a gasp of horror. His once black mane, was now almost entirely white. His face looked sunken and aged at least twenty years. His coat looked faded, and his eyes... They shone a milky white, his pupils were massive and black like death. He finally collasped under his own weight.
"What... what happened to me?" He croaked.
"Arcanian Science..." She softly moaned, her face still frozen with sadness.
"I heard you mention something like that before. Back in PonyVille." He replied, his eyes glued to the mirror even as it was lowered away.
"I should've said something sooner. I should've warned you. What the hell was I even trying to hide!" She bitterly scorned herself.
"What has happened to me Vera?" He asked, looking to her for help.
"Your discovery Doctor, it isn't really... You've stumbled upon something known only as Arcanian Science. An ancient form of magic discovered nearly two and half millenia ago. Back where I'm from." She paced, nervous for some reason.
"I... I see. So... So." He was speechless.
The very thing that triggered all these events, his taboo discovery, wasn't even a discovery. It was a long known science! The name itself an oxy moron.
"The name, it comes from the nature of the science, and the very scientist who discovered it. These Arcanians, from the Arcane desert, they learned that all ponies had magic. Most weren't able to use it, nothing like a unicorn could. They figured out how to tap into it, much like you did..." She stopped and spared a glance at Geiger before resuming her pacing.
"I'm guessing they managed to do it better than I did?" Geiger chuckled weakly.
"It has drawbacks. Simply put, it is life magic, and using it... Well, uses life. The casters to be specific. Use too much, and well..." She gestured towards Geiger. "If used sparingly, the caster merely gets hungry, thirsty, tired et cetera."
"So, I've been literally throwing my life away." The irony crushing him.
She only nodded slowly.
"I've been rather careless, and not in the way I'm used to. All this, and for nothing." He let out a long moan that threatened to become a shout.
"I'm sorry... I knew, and yet..." She stopped and stared at Geiger.
"I certainly could've known sooner! What a waste of my life! Literally!" He shouted, glaring at her.
She looked like a regal statue of one of the princesses, only her eyes shone with a wellspring of tears ready to fall.
"I can't justify why I didn't tell you. Maybe I was just afraid you wouldn't help, but I know you would. I... I just kept so many secrets. I can't stop myself from doing it." She sobbed.
He looked to the sky, the blue dissapearing behind large sheets of gray. Rain filled clouds filtered by, indifferent to everything happening below.
"I'm taking it out on you. I screwed up so bad. So very bad. All of this was for nothing! How could I have screwed my life up so damn bad?" He whined.
"You have every right to be mad at me, I've certainly earned it. But, this wasn't for nothing." She gave a stomp of her hoof.
"How so?" Geiger replied, cutting his eyes at her.
"Arcanian Science is incredibly difficult to control, let alone master. It took me my entire foalhood to even learn it. Without the Arcanian Wizards, no pony would've been able to learn it. They spent centuries and countless lives learning about it. Just imagine if some lunatic thought they could try to teach it to say, royal guards? Or some poor foals in some secret weapons program?" She sternly spoke.
"I don't know about that... It seems useless to Equestrians." He blinked.
"I know what you're thinking, but, I've seen for myself. Even the most unlikely of ponies can do something awful for the right reasons. And like you said, Equestria doesn't need it. They have the Elements of Harmony, and super princesses." Vera said while looking northward.
"But to go through all this trouble? I didn't have to run away!" He groaned.
"You don't know how it is... Power is a very dangerous thing. You knew how dangerous this power was, that is why you did it. Look at you now, you're proof of it. Imagine what a trained pony could do." She chastised.
"Oh yeah, what? Force fields, healing, whoo, super bad!" He yelled.
She took a deep breath, shook her head, and began staring off. Her eyes glowed a bit, then flashed.
He watched her, a bit confused, then he saw a bright light reflected in her eyes, followed by a load roar. He turned around and saw a massive eruption of fire below the mesa. He felt the blast of scorching air as it hit him.
Then, just as quick as it had appeared, it quickly began to smoulder and vanish, leaving only red hot rocks and blackened earth.
He felt a massive surge of fear, enough to make him visably shake.
"Do you understand now?" Vera gritted through her teeth, wobbling a bit from the power the spell had taken, panting hard for a few seconds.
"Thank you." He replied.
He turned around, still terrified, but in his eyes gleamed determination like he had never wielded before.
"You just showed me, why I burned those notes and ran like mad. You reminded me what science can do, and why you're so damn terrifying." He nodded to her.
She cracked a weak smile, still wobbly.
"And now, I need a nap." She laughed before collasping down and giggling.
He watched her stress induced laugh as it grew weak and her eyes shut. Asleep, she was still regal, cute even. But now he knew, she was as dangerous and terrifying as he suspected. Such raw power, that is what she was.
Arcanian Science, it truly was deadly. To be able to conjure such spells at will. One only need use it once, the effect would grant them whatever they wanted. He used his magic detection skills to examine Vera, she still had massive reserves of power, but her physical strength had been strained. He ran the math in his head, and if he was correct, she could do that spell at least four more times if she wasn't so exhausted.
Remembering what she had said, he quickly got into his bag, then ate and drank some of his provisions. Feeling immensely better, he began to think some more.
"I doubted myself there for a moment, then you showed me, showed me the answer. Just like everyone does. For once, I'm ashamed and glad for it. Thank you." He muttered to the sleeping Vera.
He weakly crawled near her and shut his eyes, he had more questions, but they would have to wait until Vera and he had the strength to even stand up. His elderly visage would haunt his dreams, if he had any. Thankfully he was too tired to even dream.
Due North...
Scribe shook her head, galloping at full speed southward. She was more anxious than ever. Spyglass' fears were right, Geiger was with the Painter. At least they were heading south, not towards some densely populated city.
She hatched a plan, one that could work out, if all the pieces moved right. She would have to get the Painter's attention, and seperate him from Geiger, then she would lead him to an ambush. There, they would hopefully be able to take him down. If that wouldn't work, she would extract Geiger and let the collectors assualt him. Spyglass would be a problem, if she couldn't keep her cool, things could get bad.
"Why is this even happening?!" Scribe panted.
She understood why Spyglass was freaking out, to some degree anyway. Back in Zebrawa, they had gotten seperated, Spyglass was found, alone and terrified. Spyglass had actually stood up to the Painter, one on one. She was horribly beaten and paralized with fear. For weeks she couldn't look at the color gray without having flashbacks.
Further South.
Alter hissed as the healing potion was poured over his face. The large fractures oozed his insectoid blood. They slowly mended with the application of the potion. The other two injured changelings were whisked away by the two he had sent after Geiger. They were badly burned themselves and had hit the ground very hard after the Doctor's little spell.
"Damn her! How could she have so much power?" Alter roared.
His loyal few supporters, those who were conscious, shrugged.
The hive was very loyal to Vera, so it wasn't surprising when only a few changelings followed Alter's plan. After she had saved their queenless hive from the terror of the Monolith and the Turken Raiders, Alter, as the leader, pledged the hive to her. She refused to be their psuedo queen, which didn't desuade them in the least. It did however change his plans. If they were to become perfect, they had to learn from the perfect living being. If not as their queen, then as his master.
However, it wasn't going so well. She had even more power in her than Alter could have guessed. Where was it coming from? His aura blast should've drained her of her strength, leaving her helpless. Yet she had more in her, enough for several more Arcanian equations! Equations being the Arcanian equivelant of spells, since it was a science, or at least used science to use the latent magic within ponies and other creatures.
"Bring me the chest! Now!" Alter roared, even louder.
His loyal follwers, the changelings of "The Path", exchanged concerned glances before complying. They brought a massive chest over to the healing Alter.
With a hiss and groan of rage and greed, he used what was left of his horn to force open the lock. Once it opened, he pulled from out the chest another slightly smaller chest. Then he opened that one, and pulled out yet another chest. He repeated this process until he finally produced a sixth small chest. It was solid mohagany with gold banding and nails, it's lock was a solid panel etched with an ornate symbol of four curving triangles that bent into a counter clockwise circle. This one was special, for only a special energy could open it. He sighed and slowly, and painfully transformed into Vera again, wailing in pain as his unhealed wounds bled.
"Only you..." He moaned in her voice.
He used what was left of his horn to produce an aura identical to Vera's. Since it was broken, he had to press his horn against the chest. The gold conducting the magic with ease. The sound of massive bolts and tumblers replied. Several large bolts of some unknown metal burst from the lip of the chest, a small cloud of dust following them. Then nothing.
"Nani?" Alter gasped, using his native language for the first time in years.
He carefully waited a few seconds, then reached forward and lifted the incredibly heavy lid to the chest. Inside it's velvet padded interior, sat a lone necklace, it was of simple copper, but what wasn't simple was the massive hoof sized glowing gem in the center of it. It was pale blue and radiated with magic, pulsing with raw power as it's teardrop cut gleamed.
"The time has come, I must use the Emperor's Tear." Alter annouced to his concerned followers.
"With it, I will learn the truth of her power, pushing her to the brink of death. I will make us perfect!" He announced, half expecting applause, half objections.
Instead they solemnly bowed. Knowing that such a powerful artifact was going to have a terrible price. Once Alter put it on, he would be consumed by it, possessed and wholey dependant. For, when the Emperor created the artifact, he intended it only for use by his heirs, not just anyone.
He regretfully gulped, a tinge of fear gripping him. His anger and desire were the only thing driving him to such an extreme, had he his composure, this wouldn't be happening. He slipped the nechlace over his head and let it rest on his neck. Instantly it lit up with flash, the powerful magic coursing through his veins, healing his wounds and growing his horn back. If not for his current form, he would've certainly exploded, as it was, his still in a changeling body, as modified to match Vera's as it was, it could barely contain the magic.
Was it some hereditary advantage she had, or something more? He had matched her physialogy and aura as best he could. So what was the divide?
"Next time we fight, will be the last, Mistress." Alter growled in her voice.
The Mesa, Some Time Later.
He awoke, weary and tired in ways he couldn't fathom just days ago. His body felt alien, the aging it had undergone in such a short amount of time. When he started this adventure, he wasn't any older than the Princess of Friendship. Now, he felt as old as his grandmother. His joints were stiff and his skin was feeling loose.
He sighed as he looked around, the sun was dangerously low to the horizon, the sky full of rain clouds. Nearby Vera was still laying down, though he wasn't certain if she was sleeping. He tried to stand up several times before he succeeded, his slow steps were shaky. He would never fault the elderly for their speed ever again. He reached the edge of the mesa, and slowly began to releave himself. This was also slow.
"Being old really sucks. No, being stupid really sucks." Geiger thought out loud, correcting himself.
With a sift moan, like an angelic song, Vera rose from her slumber. Forcing Geiger to finish and put his bits away.
"I hate waking up in the field." Vera remarked as she trudged over to Geiger.
"At least you aren't a hundred years old, wait, are you?" Geiger mused.
"No." Vera flatly said.
"Ah, good. Wouldn't surprise me though if you were." He laughed, then stopped, noticing his raspy voice.
"I'm sorry you ended up like this Geiger. I really screwed you." She solemnly tucked her ears back.
"I did it to myself. It was something I should've left alone. Then I used the power without even remotely thinking of the consequences. I was more worried it would be used to control ponies. I was kind of right, I just didn't relise the full potential of this power. How far it could go." He shook his head.
"I have only myself to blame. Now all we can do, is get out of here. I think, I'd like to go to your home. Where you're from I mean. I'm no good here, but, maybe there. I can learn more about this power, preserve what's left of my life. I want to help your ponies live that better life you've been searching for." Geiger nervously spoke.
"I. Don't know. It's not something I even considered. Unfortunately, we're heading the wrong way if you want to get to my home. A ship in Manehatten could've taken you, or even near Las Pegasus. The only route now would be to head for zebra lands, then cut over to Saddle Arabia. It would take some time." Vera plotted.
"And with Alter chasing you, such a trip would be hazardous." Geiger added.
"Let me worry about Alter. When that time comes, I'll deal with him." Vera said with an air of finality.
"Well, I hope it doesn't come to that. I saw how you handled yourself, I've never seen such skill." Geiger let his inner fanboy out.
"Skills honed in war." Vera announced.
Geiger's inner fanboy hide for cover.
"I'm sorry, I keep forgetting the pain there. I'm such an idiot." Geiger chastised himself.
"Pain I've caused, yeah, plenty." Vera grimmaced.
"You're not a bad pony... thing. You think you aren't, but you're a good... whatever you are. What are you?" Geiger attempted to cheer Vera up. I did say attempted.
"I'm a hybrid if it isn't obvious. There's plenty of unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies in my family tree. I've got hippogriff cousins thanks to my great uncle, my great great uncle married a dragoness. A great aunt whom supposedly joined a changeling." Vera listed off.
"A zebra somewhere since my father was part. My mother and aunt are... were bat ponies." Vera concluded with a hint of annoyence.
"What kind of bat pony were they?" Geiger asked.
"Mixed, part Fruit Bat, part insectivore blood drinking Vampire Bat." Vera dryly recalled.
"You know more about your family than I do." Geiger chuckled.
Vera thought about it for a moment, then smiled. She at least had that going for her. As much of them were dead, she was keeping their history alive. The great and powerful loves that forged their offspring into something new and wonderful. On the other side, the forced unions in an attempt to make the most powerful and dangerous ponies to carry the name. She decided to focus on the great loves that made it possible for her to stand here today.
"Thank you Doctor, you've reminded me of what's good in this world. And that it's not all darkness." Vera beemed at Geiger.
"I did? Ha, a first time for everything." He let out a snort of joy. "Now then, how about we get going, I don't intend to die here." He smiled, his hope renewed.
Vera nodded and went to grab her camo saddle bags. Geiger grabbed his, now more than ever, grateful they were light.
"It sound's like it'll be a long trip, so how about you teach me a little about Arcanian Science. I find my mind open to new things after all that." Geiger politely asked in his old stallion voice.
"I'd be glad to, and I'l have to start teaching you about home... It won't be pretty, and it won't be easy, for either of us." Vera nodded, stooping down to let Geiger climb on her back.
With some effort he managed. With a great flap of her wings, they were airborn. The sun vanishing behind the horizon.
"I see them." Scribe said to herself.
"I just hope we outrun those collectors before Alter shows up again." Geiger half shouted over the torrent of air.
"I'll certainly do my best-" Vera was saying.
She was interrupted by a red bolt of energy that slammed itself nto her side, igniting her fear and burning her hide. She let out a sharp breath, the air knocked out of her. She lost her balance and tucked her wings, launching them into a power dive. Her teeth gritted and her eyes full of tears from the pain, she guided them down as best she could.
With Geiger shifted on her back and her left side wounded the dive became a perilous fall to the ground. Using her catlike reflexes she managed to land on her hooves before crumpling to the ground. Geiger, thrown from her back used his magic to slow himself before he crashed into the ground with all the grace of a sack of potatoes.
"Is it the changelings?" Geiger asked her.
"No, that was something else. Come on." Vera said to Geiger, getting to her hooves and running over to help him up.
He shuttered and stood up, fresh pain coursing through his body. He gasped as Vera hosted him up onto her back and began running. Her speed was outstanding.
"Damnit Spyglass!" Scribe yelled as she began running to the spot where they were shot down.
There was now a rift between the collectors, Scribe trying to plan things out, Spyglass trying to kill or be killed and the rest of the collectors lagging behind. Their trust firmly shaken, they would be cautious and skeptical of her and Spyglass.
They would give chase, Scribe leading the way. But she would have a hard time catching up to Vera, not that she wanted to be right behind her, alone.
Hours Later, Nearly Dawn.
As much as she had tried to pace herself, her wound and the fight earlier had left her weak. Her gallop had slowed to a trot as she kept putting distance between her and the threat. Just what the hell was a magic beam rifle doing here?
She ran until she came upon a trail, lined with bushes, it lead south and was more stable a place to run than the plains. So, she followed it as far and fast as she could.
Her breathing was ragged and heavy. Geiger felt a great deal of concern as he tried to peer under her left wing to see the wound. Not that he was any sort of medical expert, but he had to see how bad it was. He had to see the pain she was induring because of him.
"Slow up, you're injured. You need dire medical treatment." He sternly pestered from her back.
"Been worse, done more." She replied.
In truth, she had been worse, just not by much. And at that time she wasn't worn out from a previous fight.
"Fine then." Geiger groaned.
He focused his magic and tapped into the magic that was his very life force. He channeled it into Vera's wound, healing it, more steadily and controled than when he had previously done it. Having been studying her use of the magic, he was now familiar with how to properly use the spell.
"What are you doing?!" Vera shouted at him. "You'll die!"
He grimmaced at her words, knowing there was truth to them. His life energy was very depleted, what little he had restored on the mesa was quickly fading.
"I owe you this much." He weakly said.
"You fool... You don't owe me anything. I owe you." Vera mournfully retorted. "I can heal myself the rest of the way."
She relaxed her pace to a walk, her eyes gave a faint flash and her wound finished healing, the hair regrowing and the hide mending. Geiger had at least healed the muscle and burns.
"You... You've given me so much. You tought me how to feel. I'd never felt feelings before, you don't understand what that's like." Geiger said, his own breath ragged now.
"You've given me hope again! I was so defeated, I couldn't have found what I was looking for without your help. You've saved my kin of the earth from certain doom." She responded.
"Only because you gave me a purpose." Geiger grinned, determined to one up her.
"You showed me why I'm here, and what it's all about. The determination I was losing, the sense of purpose that was fading. The past I was forgetting. You saved me from the dangers of disctractions." Vera admitted.
"You've given me the greatest gift of all. I found something to believe in, you." Geiger played his trump card, winning the game.
The weak Geiger remained slumped on her back, on the verge of passing out. He wasn't going to die yet, but he feared he wouldn't be able to tell her any of these things should they be attacked again. He didn't want to leave questions unanswered, not like his father did. Not like his grandmother did. Not like the world did. If he was to die, he was to die satisfied and fulfilled! He no longer had questions, he had desires.
"You were certainly right about one thing. If I wanted a grave to find, you were the pony to talk to. Thank you, Vera." He whispered from his perch.
"I'm sorry Doctor. These things just have way's of working out like this. When the efforts of so many others are hell bent on ruining your day, it inevitably will be ruined." She choked back bitterness and remorse.
"It wasn't so bad. Most fun I ever had." He chuckled softly.
"Hey Vera..."
"Yes?"
"When you get back home."
"When WE get home."
"Save them. Save them like you saved me."
"Maybe a little better..." He chuckled. "But don't forget, to save yourself."
He passed out on her back. Unable to notice the tears she fought, the anger she held back. The words she spoke.
"In another life Doctor, you'd have been a real amazing Arcanian Wizard. You look at the universe and ask why. You use your magic to feel it, and just understand it. You would've gotten along well with him. The both of you could've saved us..." She sobbed.
Not far behind.
"Damn, damn, damn damn!" Scribe was growling.
She followed the trail of a massive stride with giant hoof prints and blood. She wasn't just pissed at Spyglass, nor herself, but the world. She saw a massive gray pony, but it didn't look enough like the Painter to be him. Her memory was somewhat repressed, but she was certain he was lighter gray, and didn't have such a prominant mane. This pony didn't have the coat, simular saddle bags, but looked like a mare. This wasn't the Painter, that much she was sure of. Spyglass however, only saw gray. She'd kill it without hesitation. She had to stop this somehow before an innocent pony got fried.
"DAMN!" She huffed.
Dawn, Red Dawn! Okay... Just Dawn.
She stopped as the sun rose. She was tired, tired in so many ways. Before her she could sense it, a massive surge of magic, familiar in a way that was primal to her. Behind her, the collectors she was certain. On her back, a pony whose life force was too slowly building, it would be weak like this for weeks. Only the Wizards could save him, their constant attention could restore Geiger, if only he could make it there.
"Power... Greed... Obsession... Hate. Such petty things. Useless if there isn't a purpose, a reason. One that has to justify the why of things. Too often it fails." She said to the horizon.
The energy before her was growing faster, it would reach them before the collectors could. So she would have to deal with it first. She set Geiger down, he quietly stirred, unable to open his eyes, he muttered to Vera hoping to hear her.
"Don't worry, I've got this. You just need to rest. Stay here." She cooed, rubbing his back.
"Be careful, that power... I can feel it. Wait, someone else?" He moaned, trying to move his head.
"Come on out, no use hiding from either of us." Vera scowled, locking onto the tiny bush where the culprit hid.
Scribe gulped before stepping out. What she saw before her looked simular to the Painter in anatomy, but was most certainly not him. The other thing she saw, was an elderly lump of pony, one that looked like death had already claimed it.
"Is that... You Doctor?" She weakly asked.
"Yes miss Scribe, it is I." He replied, his raspy voice weak and frail.
"What, what happened to you." She sobbed, seeing a pony so transformed into a weak pitiful creature.
"My discovery... I knew it was bad. Now I know how bad. I only regrete learning the hard... way." He occassionally gasped for air.
"How do I help him?" She asked Vera.
Vera only shook her head. "You can't. No one in Equestria can. If you really want to help him, leave him alone. All of you." Vera added the last part pointedly.
Scribe nodded, knowing that the giant pony before her was right. She also knew, that there was no way. It was too late already.
Vera's demeanor shifted, her attention shifted towards the intense magic now behind her.
"You need to leave, now. All of you." Vera cooly said before turning around.
Once more face to face with herself.
"This ends now." Alter spat.
"So it does." Vera glared.
Scribe looked in confusion, the two creatures before her were identical save for two things. The first lacked a curved black horn. The second had a massive glowing jewel necklace.
"Leave, now!" Geiger bellowed with all his strength at Scribe.
Alter spared a glance at Scribe, merely forwning a little as he sent a spell her direction, in a flash it hit the ground below her before blasting her upwards and out of the way.
"Something's been annoying me Mistress... Just what are you?" Alter borishly inquired before grinding his teeth.
She wanted to give her usual answer, "An abomination of war, boo!" But, she thought of recent events.
"I'm a mare, made of love." She said with the most absolute and sincere smile she could give.
"Liar! You are forged out of hatred, damned to the evils of this world!" Alter shouted in a more shrill version of Vera's voice.
"I am still made of love. No hatred can replace that." She responded, her eyes closed as she inhaled the breeze.
"You're a monster!" Alter venomously shouted.
"A monster made of love, forged by hate, meant to serve a greater purpose." She calmly cooed, letting her eyes open.
They shone with a renewed light, a swirling torrent of blue-green with traces of gold. In this moment, she was exactly what she said she was, something beautiful and strange.
"It doesn't matter anymore. With the Emperor's Tear, I am the one who wins this!" Alter attempted to shake her.
Her eyes narrowed at the name, then opened fully, with pity.
"Power without purpose, is just greedy, selfish and pointless. It won't end how you think." She warned.
"For the hive." Alter growled.
In a blur of motion, they were gone. Their fight rang from off in the distance. Geiger was left laying there alone, struggling to get up. He finally opened his eyes, the world looked more like an old painting than real.
"Miss Scribe?" He called out.
He waited and listened, deciding she was unable to answer, he breifly reached out with his magic, finding her. He hobbled over to where she lay, he could sense she was still alive, just disorientated. He nudged her with his muzzle, producing a groan from her.
"You alright? You know, aside from being blasted." He light heartily chuckled.
"What the hell is going on?" She asked, slowly standing up.
"That would take a really long time to explain, and a much more in the know pony than I. Hurry and get up." He looked around nervously.
"Back off!" Spyglass yelled as she slide over towards Scribe, rifle at the ready.
"It was you then, why? Why in the cursed name of Tartarus did you shoot her?!" Geiger spat, a fire returning to his milky eyes as he hobbled in place.
"Her? Just stay back or I'll end you!" Spyglass cautioned with her rifle.
"I'm fine, so shut up you idiot!" Scribe gritted through her teeth.
"Where is he? Where is the Painter?" Spyglass nervously asked Scribe.
"There is no him! It's not him, it's an innocent pony you tried to kill you moron! You paranoid birdbrained psychopath!" Scribe yelled at the top of her lungs.
Spyglass shrunk in place, her rifle dropping to the ground.
"But I saw him... I saw him!" Spyglass cried.
"All you saw was a changeling portrayal." Geiger chimed in, catching on.
Had it not been for Vera's stories, he wouldn't of made the connection.
"The pony you are looking for is dead, quite so. The mare you shot... She's a good hybrid!" Geiger shouted, the fire in him dulling the pain and weakness.
"And if you do it again I'll be the one you answer to!" He angrily threatened, his horn glowing with a dangerous aura.
"Just calm down!" Scribe interveened, concerned with Geiger in so many ways.
Where his new passion stemmed from she had no idea, last time she saw him this worked up, it was over his career.
"He's dead..." Spyglass weakly groaked, her gaze grew vaccent as it sunk in.
"Are you sure?" Scribe asked Geiger.
"Absolutely. She wouldn't lie about it, she has no reason to." Geiger replied, calming down.
"Who is she? What have you gotten into?" Scribe asked, her face one of such disbelief and concern.
"She... She's his cousin. She came here to find a brighter future, for everyone back home. She came her to put an end to what'd you call him, The Painter? She is trying to put an end to the kind of world where ponies like that come from." Geiger directed his words at Spyglass.
"And where is that?" Scribe asked, in growing concern.
"Where I'm going, assuming you let me." Geiger responded.
"I can't..." Scribe shook her head as she grimmaced.
"I'll die." Geiger deadpanned.
Before more could be said Razor Wire and the rest of the collectors appeared. They looked frazzled to say the least, the clamour of the invisable battle between Vera and Alter echoed somewhere all around them.
"What is this? What have you gotten us into Scribe!" Razor boomed, his instincts telling him off for not listening.
"You need to leave." Geiger warned them. "You need to leave right no-" His words were cut off by a slash from Razor's whip.
"Silence!" He boomed before turning to Scribe. "Tell me the truth, now!"
"You need to leave." Geiger muttered as he regained some level of composure, his right flank bled from the slash.
"You have no idea what's going on." He continued as he began seeing spots.
"No freaking kidding!" Razor scowled, fighting his urge to hog tie the three ponies before him.
"We should listen to the Doctor, and get out of here." Scribe blurted out.
"I want answers!" Razor demanded.
"You'll get them, all of them, we just need to leave." Scribe said in growing urgency.
"Not without him!" Frack said as he stepped forward. "He is... What the hell happened to him?!" He began to panic as he noticed Geiger's aged appearence.
"Nothing worse than what will happen to you if you stay here." Geiger replied to no one in particular, his field of vision restricted to a tiny cone.
Before more could be said a blast of magic landed nearby, erupting into a shower of rubble and dirt.
Clap shook her head. "That was close, maybe we should continue this else where, perhaps somewhere-" She squeeked as another blast landed closer with a bigger shower of debris. "Safer!" She finished.
"Too late." Geiger moaned, his magical detection trying to replace his failing sight and hearing.
All around them seven particularly hideous changelings appeared, their wings beating the air as they support the transformed creatures. Each had their claws or stingers, some had massive jaws. All of them had murder in their eyes.
"I thought the changelings were good guys now?!" Wind Sock whined.
"These are from a different hive, and they aren't about to play nice. They are fast and deadly, they'll come at you from all directions." Geiger informed them.
As he did, the changelings began swirling around their prey, a few of them swooping in and striking at the same target from multiple directions. In mere seconds they had managed to slash Razor, Frack and Spyglass. They broke Sock's left wing and kept Clap grounded. Her thunder cannon firing into gaps the changelings made. Spyglass likewise failed to land any hits. Razor and Frack struggled to cover the two as Scribe tended to Sock's wing.
Geiger used his magical detection to evade as many blows as he could, but his mobility was even worse now and he was taking blows, not slashes however. It seemed they wanted him alive still. This gave him an idea, yet another in a series he doubted would work out.
"Over here you stink bugs!" He shouted as he put all his remaining strength into running away.
He charged off to the south, the changelings giving pursuit.
"Now!" Razor ordered.
The collectors made a break for the north.
Taking a deep breath, Scribe picked Spyglass up and hoisted her up onto her back and began running after Geiger. Mostly to escape the collectors, partially to save the scientist from his latest folly, if she could. The fact was, she had a lot of doubts about what she could do.
He ran like he had never run before, the changelings attempting to scoop him up while simultanuously trying to knock him out. He wasn't going to get far, but far enough he hoped.
"Is that all you've got? I can't outrun a foal, how are you guys this bad?!" He mocked with the last of his breath as he slowed down.
He panted hard as he slowed from a trot to a walk, to a crawl. The changelings surrounded him, still cautious in case he tried something, they inched closer and closer.
"Careful, he might zap you." One warned the others.
"Alter want's this one alive, so don't kill him." Another reminded the others.
He layed there trying to catch his breath, feeling both defeated and victorious. It was an odd sensation, one that led to him being a bit content.
"Geiger!" Scribe shouted as she approached, letting Spyglass take a few pot shots.
"I said go away! You stubborn mare." Geiger cried as his lungs burned with a thousand fires. "I don't want any cookies!"
"Hold on, we'll get you out of there." Scribe shouted as she dodged series of spells fired at her, all but one that is.
It struck dead center in the chest, knocking her over and sending Spyglass sprawling to the ground, her rifle landing with a loud crunch noise like glass being stepped on.
"Too many heroes." The first changeling laughed. "Get rid of them!" He ordered the others.
"Not today!" Geiger coughed.
He reached deep down, for what he knew to be the last time. The echo of a massive explosion sounding off in the distance, reminding him of Vera's battle.
"I'm sorry Vera... Thank you for everything you've given me; For the feelings I now have that let me understand. For the purpose which drives me forward. For the courage to do what I'm about to do. And for the joy that lets me do this, with a smile. My life was lived just to live until that day. Now, I die having truly lived, even if it was just for a moment in time." He shut his eyes and focused the very last of his life into one final spell.
Scribe righted herself and looked at the glowing ball of light that was Geiger, her jaw dropping like that of the changelings. She reached a hoof out for him, she wanted to save him, that's all she wanted right now.
His case file was a small one, no prior crimes or infractions of any kind, save for misuse of a chemistry set in school. She reached out to the pony who had no surviving family, who had no spouse and no friends. She reached out to a scientist who made a single mistake one day. One he claimed he had good reasons for.
She reached out for a pony she once knew, a scientist who made a single mistake. He took a job refining loco weed in Zebrawa. Half zebra, half earth pony, all scientist. He was just trying to make some money so he could get on with his life. It all ended that day in Zebrawa, when the Painter showed up. Using magic that was cast with a flash from his eyes, a magic beam rifle and his bare hooves. The Painter layed waste to the entire operation, all by himself no less. On that day, the pony she loved died in a burning inferno.
Spyglass grabbed Scribe and pulled her down to the ground. She was protecting the only pony she had ever cared about. Her family was a bunch of dirt poor scrappers stuck in Zebra Territory, doing a job that barely payed for food, let alone travel back to Equestria. They all had a sunken soulless way about them, so did she until she met Scribe. They trained for a special narcotics enforcement task force, created in an effort to end the trade of loco weed. If only they had just waited, the Painter would've taken care of it for them.
Then they wouldn't of been in the crossfire, and she wouldn't of gotten her flank beat. The whole time, he smiled, tears streamed down his cheeks as he smiled, the fire and chaos reflected in his mirror shades. Her own face, contorted with fear as she fought to break free of his grip. Her squadmates lay strewn about, injured, as if they were of no consequence at all.
Spyglass held tight to the only pony she'd ever love, protecting her like she failed to do for her squad. Just as Scribe reached out to save a scientist she had failed to save.
In a blinding flash, Geiger released his aura in a solid wall of charged magic, the force of it knocked away the changelings with the same shooting star blast he had used earlier. And then, he collapsed into a heap in the center of a blackened dent his spell had left behind.
Vera stood over a crumpled clone of herself, bug juice leaking everywhere from the creature before her. She was certainly tired now, but she always had enough strength to see it through. She held in her hooves the gem, freshly pried from the necklace. She craddled it inbetween her forehooves.
Such a familiar artifact, not unlike the ones her family kept. They belonged to the most prolific pony in all her home land's history. The Great Black, Lord Caelestis Niger, Lord Black Sky himself. Her and her cousin's ancestor and reason for coming to Equestria. The land he was said to have disappeared in.
"He was very good with botany and minerology you know. He made gems like these to power the Titans. This was meant to protect his neglected children and spouses, not some foolish creature." She eyed Alter as his life slipped away.
"You'll always be our queen..." He breathed as his form returned to normal.
"I'm sorry. I did warn you once, power corrupts what it cannot destroy, which is why no one should have so much of it. I'm not perfect you know, far from it." She softly told Alter.
She crushed the gem between her hooves, it's magical power vanishing in a vapor, the fragments landing unceremoniously on the ground.
"Mistress." Alter sighed with his last breath.
She felt a stabbing pang of sorrow for Alter, he only wanted to protect the hive, forever. Too bad, he hadn't relised that mortality was a vital part of life.
She looked over her shoulder at the flash of light that was Geiger's last stand. She felt her heart drop, yet, she had already accepted his fate the moment she saw his graying mane. Today wasn't a good day, sorry Ice Pony... She rushed over, already working through her grief.
Scribe looked at the pathetic form that had once been a proud pony, and she howled. Her tears weren't solely for Geiger, but for her former love. It took another scientist dying before her before she could cry them. It was now Spyglass' turn to console Scribe. She held on as tightly as she could, knowing full well, there was nothing they could do.
Vera landed nearby, looking down into the divot Geiger rested in. His face still bore a smile on it, one that had a curious effect on her. She could feel the peace he felt, see the determination in his lifeless dull half-lidded eyes as it stained them forever. She could taste the bittersweet air of acceptence. Had if not been his last expression, she would've enjoyed it. As it was, it gave her some closure to know it was his choice, and his alone.
"Let it all out, that's a girl. He finally found his answers, and finished his quest." Vera spoke to Scribe as she surveyed the area.
It was full of scattered bushes and a few narrow trunked trees. Not far from the canal that seperated Equestria from Zebra Territories. Temptingly close, but, still so far. It was a nice spot, as good as any. She reached into her saddle bags and pulled out a folding shovel.
"I promised you a quiet grave, somewhere. Rest in that blissful peace Doctor, you've earned it." She offered to his remains.
She then began to bury him, no need to check vitals when you knew death on a personal and professional basis. She could hear no heartbeat and sense no life, she saw that spell with her own eyes, there was no doubt.
"How curious, although a bit disappointing." Mr. Pewter said from his lawn chair.
He lowered his binoculors and clicked his tongue. What an end for the scientist. The Treasury didn't need the money, it was just the principle of the matter. He hated having to be the bad guy. If he didn't though, the Treasury would be broke and the government would be rediculed for being soft. So, he was cold and logical, to the point of actual ice in his words.
Windago's kiss, that was his special ability. How he got it, he prefered not to say. He only wanted to do his job, keep his country financially secure and respected. Had he known this is what Magic Geiger had discovered, he would've been forced to hand it over to higher powers, where it would have ended up being used for something dangerous. It might even have fallen to Twilight of Starlight Glimmer to fiddle with, and judging by the end result, they would've died like Geiger had.
"Good show sir, you have done it. If I had to say, I'd wager you would've made it well out of Equestria. Damn shame you didn't." He checked his watch.
"Miss Ripple!" He shouted to his secretary, hiding under her umbrella.
"Yes sir?" She responded with a shiver.
"Take this down. On the debt of one Mr. Magic Geiger... Payed in Full." He scowled as he checked his watch again.
"Back to work then."
As the last stone was placed over the mound of dirt, Vera breathed a sigh of relief. Scribe stood there, her face puffy from tears. Vera had already spoken her peace, and had much more important things to attend to, she had a date at the castle of the two sisters. She gave Scribe and Spyglass a nod before she took off flying.
"I suck..." Scribe broke the silence.
"Don't say that." Spyglass snapped. "If I hadn't lost my cool..." She trailed off.
"I guess we suck." Scribe said with a faint trace of a smile.
"Then let's suck together, back where we belong." Spyglass suggested.
"Equestria was a bad idea... Let's... Let's go home then." She struggled.
"So long as you're around, it won't be boring." Spyglass offered, blushing a little.
"Let's do it then." She nodded to Spyglass. "Goodbye Doctor." She added as she walked off towards Zebrawa's general direction.
Spyglass jammed the barrel of her magic rifle into the dirt next to Geiger's grave, she wouldn't need it anymore. That and, it was quite broken, much like her desire for revenge and fear. She gave his grave a salute and chased off after the only thing she had left in this world, Scribe.
Stop looking for a happy ending, this isn't an Equestrian story, it's a Matavitan story, there are no happy ending there. Only the satisfactory, the acceptable and the bittersweet. For, the moment he learned of it, he was doomed by it's power. Arcanian Science is a very closely guarded art of magic for this very reason. Such power has a price, and should never be wielded by those unprepared. It doesn't just cost the very vitality of the caster, but the moral judgement of it's user. As The Painter used it to his ends, so too did Vera and Geiger.
To what end does this leave us, what moral has been imparted? There is no lesson you "should" take from this, only the one you "do" take. Whatever that might be.
