> Scorched Terra: Cross Contact > by Argentum Fabulam > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Act 1: Arrival. Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Princess Celestia, As you are probably aware of a sudden shift within our reality by now. However, I must explain my involvement with this predicament. You see, I was attempting to create a device that would allow anypony to teleport to anywhere they want. I made a slight miscalculation in how much energy the device would need, and I asked Rainbow Dash to get me the biggest Thunderhead cloud she could find. And well..... It... malfunctioned. As you can see... This is all that cloud's fault. But I will take most of the responsibility for what happened mind you. (but if you could banish the cloud and not me, that would be great.) Yours truly, Princess Twilight. > Chapter 1: Shatter Reality > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1: Shatter Reality A very odd shadow began to pass over Vanhoover; as ponies turned to see what had caused the shadow they heard a loud roar of a beast nopony had ever heard before. A few pegasi narrowly avoided the giant metal beast that was the source of the horde noise as it lowered to land just out side the city. After it managed to come to a stop outside the city, a few brave ponies went to see just what the odd creature was. They skiddishly made their way closer and closer, hushed chatter filling the group as they stopped until somepony was brave enough to move close. When they were about 50 yards away, much to their surprise, the beast opened up at the sides releasing four orange coloured slides and a group of confused nearly furless ape-like creatures came out of the beast. In hushed tones they conversed while their children gawked and pointed at the "strange horses." The ponies mingled among themselves in confusion, attempting to make sense of what had just happened. It wasn't until two bold ones stepped out of their groups and approached each other. After a long pause the ape creature knelt down to eye level with the pony as they both asked a very universal question. "What are you?" ~~~~~~~~~ 15 minutes earlier "That was some damn bad turbulence, wasn't it?" a man said. He was wearing very casual clothing and a sports cap with his favourite team with a fresh stain on his shirt, and a cola in one hand. "Yes, now please, stop reminding me." another man said with a very faint German accent. He was dressed in a white dress shirt with a black tie loosely around the collar. He was fidgeting badly, every few seconds adjusting the tie or running his hand through his medium black hair. "Don't like flying eh?" The causal dress man said, electing a glare from the man beside him, "Tell you what, how about I help take your mind off it, whats your name?" "Gus... Gus Feroman. But I don't really see how..." "Don't worry Gus, it will. The name is Mike." "Pleasure to meet you," Gus said in a monotone voice as he met the man's outstretched hand with his own. Mike gave him a very vigorous and firm handshake. "So what do you do, Mr. Feroman?" "Well, I WAS the Canadian ambassador to Germany." "Really? What happened?" Mike asked in a shocked tone. Gus looked at the Team Canada shirt he was wearing and then to the Vancouver Canucks hat he had on. He put an unimpressed look on his face. "Really... An obvious Canadian such as yourself and you don't know that the NDP were voted out of office?" "I'm from Chicago," Mike said in a hurt tone, "What, you're telling me a guy can't like good hockey teams just because he's from south of the border?" Gus began to stutter, he had no idea how to save his reputation after an insensitive assumption like that. That was until he heard Mike chuckling. "Oh man, I got you good, didn't I?" Mike said. "I was actually born in Detroit and moved with my parents to Canada while I was still a younger kid." "Explains the lack of an accent." Gus added in, "How did you not know about the election though?" "Oh, I always book a vacation during the elections to get away from it all." Mike explained. "Even in 2030 the elections are still boring..." Gus muttered under his breath. It was then the cabin shook again; Gus tensed up and grabbed his seat as Mike attempted to catch his drink. A few children began to cry as the captain came on the radio and said in a semi-panicked voice, "We are going to be making an emergency landing, please keep calm." "Well, crap..." Mike began as he fastened his seat belt, "You were finally loosening up." ~~~~~~~~~ Gus was staring eye to eye with the small sea-blue horse, however at the moment he was in complete and utter shock. "Did you just talk?" He asked it. "Yes," it said in a feminine voice. Inspecting the equine beast, he realized that it seemed to have wings. Which would technically make it a pegasus. However, that would have went against all logic he would have known. Then he remembered what he was talking to, and decided logic would not be able to help him. "So what's your name?" Gus said deciding to treat this like meeting a new ambassador. Even though she was probably not an alien ambassador. "Sea Breeze," she said analyzing the foreign creature, "And you are?" "Call me Mr. Feroman. I'm an ambassador of Canada, and I was on my way home." Sea Breeze looked back to the group of ponies that she had followed to the metal beast, they were making their way over to the other group and had started talking to them. "Canada? Where in Equestria is that?" "Equestria?" Gus asked seeming even more confused, "Were on Earth is that? I've never heard of anywhere called Equestria.... By chance did you get here by spaceship?" he added on sarcastically. "What are you talking about?" Sea Breeze said annoyed, "We all came over here because of that metal beast you came out of." "Will you excuse me, I would like to talk to the captain of the 'metal beast' for a minute." ¤----------------¤ "Hey Dan, get over here! Something weird just happened!” Captain Dan Brabosa let go of the book he was reading, which proceeded to float in place as he pushed off of the wall and floated towards the opening to the bridge. He was part of an international space project to test the newly created, 'Millennium' Generation ship. As he entered an air lock, gravity returned to that of Earth's and proceed to the bridge where Major Scott Phish had paged him. "What is it now, Scott?" he asked rather annoyed. "Dan... Just look." Scott said as he pointed out the helm window towards their home planet. Dan looked to see that a new continent had placed itself in between the Americas and the eastern continents. He stood there in shock for a few seconds before Scott began to explain again. "I was just looking out the helm when everything seemed to skip for a second, and poof, it was there!" Dan recovered from his shock a moment after Scott finished explaining, he was still staring at the new land mass intensity. "We need to take pictures of this now and send it to the GUP before mass panic breaks out." He said calmly. He then tacked on, "For both sides." > Chapter 2: Adjusting Reality > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- One week after the odd shift in reality for both Man and pony, Princess Celestia trotted towards the Building that was housing the GUP conference To discuss treaties, culture, and all manner of other "necessary" things if Equestria was to become a part of GUP. She was accompanied by two of her guards. As they got closer she saw the massive group of humans corralled behind a metal fence which was guarded by Police in full riot gear. The humans were suddenly caught in awe for a moment, she was only slightly taller than most of them but still they were awe struck by her radiance. However after the brief moment of awe, the started taking pictures, as fast as the could before someone else got that "Perfect" shot. She internally rolled her eyes and continued on. On the outside the building was tall and gray, with windows every so often. However on the inside there was a marble floor that had been painstakingly polished by someone so much, it was practically a mirror. This mirror like surface drew her eyes to the ceiling which was a painting of the earths land masses. Along the base of the ceiling in all different languages "United we rise." "Princess Celestia I presume." A man said taking her attention away from the room. The two guards pointed their spears at him as he raised his hands and stepped back. "At ease gentlecolts," Celestia said as she looked at the human, "Yes I am. And you are?" "Augustus Feroman, I was the first one to make contact with one of your citizens and an ambassador from Canada. The UN thought I would be an appropriate person to help you through this GUP conference." Gus said extending his hand out for a handshake. Celestia extended a hoof and they shook... Appendages. “Mr. Feroman, could you please explain to me what GUP is?” “Certainly, GUP stands for Global Unity Program. Started in early 2021 by Arthur Van Bora, GUP was designed to help keep world peace by uniting as many countries as possible, representatives of the party started getting elected in their native countries in late 2021,” Augustus explained as they walked towards the conference chamber, “Since then over 20 countries have become officially part of the program and there are many countries that support us but are independent.” “Thank you Mr. Feroman, I am assuming that Equestria will be given the same choice?” “Indeed,” Gus answered as he put his hand on the nob of the large wooden door to the conference hall, "I must say Princess, I did not expect you to be this tall." She chuckled a bit as the walked towards the room where the summit was being held, "Why's that?" "Well it's just that your subjects are so small in comparison, the must see you as some towering deity." "Well, they do. Since I am over a 2000 years old." Gus froze for a second and gave her a questioning look. "What's the matter Augustus?" "Don't Mention religion whatever you do." Gus said bluntly. Celestia opened her mouth to ask, but Gus intervened,"Just... Trust me." ~~~~~~~~~~ “After as shocking turn of event's at this morning's GUP conference discussing the new continent of Equestria's involvement within our world. About an hour into the conference however President George Neffis of the United States America was brutally assassinated by his own vice president, Detroit native Barry Sueman,” Said a newscaster as other head lines ran across the bottom of the screen, “It was then one of the guards of Princess Celestia, one of the monarchs of Equestria, quite literally disarmed Mr. Sueman.” The picture of Barry Sueman in the top corner of the screen changed to one of the picture someone had gotten of Celestia going into the GUP headquarters with her two guards in tow. All the sudden after a series of crashes and violent shouts, masked people entered the scene and pulled the newscaster away from her desk and one of the people sat in her place. The person was wearing a mask that seemed to resemble that of classic Greek Muse, it cracked its neck and spoke in a soft male voice, “Hello America, my name is Prometheus, your maker. As you just heard my loyal child and respected comrade, Barry Sueman, has just set the first step in our liberation into motion. Now my children, I understand you must be confused and scared, and that is alright. You as humans are naturally sacred of the unknown, and I am here to help you understand. My loyal children here with me, your knight's who are here to slay the greedy dragons that steal your very livelihood from you, the brave souls who shall lead your battles and bring you your salvation, your liberation, your glory day's! I, Prometheus gave you you humans fire, now... now is your time to use my gift! Now! Watch as your brothers and your sisters strike at the hall of corruption! Watch as they burn the slavers! Watch! Watch my children! Watch as your knight's set you free.” In the last moment the screen changed to a live feed of the white house as it caught ablaze lighting up the horizon as if the sun was rising. Celestia stared at the screen in horror as men and women stood in front of the blazing building, the bonfire of “liberation.” They began to chant as Gus turned of the television, he looked over to Celestia, who was on the verge of breaking into tears, and said, “I'm sorry you had to see that. It's yet another reminder that our changing world may be changing a little to fast.” Then Gus got a text message from his new friend Mike, Well.. Looks like I'm never seeing a winter classic in my home town again. Gus just shook his head. "What is it?" Celestia asked, a few tears rolling down her face. The message she was writing turning to green smoke and fleeing out of the window. "Just a friend of mine being.... Humorous... If one can call it that." He replied sighing. Gus flipped the controller over and pushed a button, a holographic keyboard and track pad was projected as the T.V. show turned to a computer desktop. He clicked the internet browser and went to YouTube, "I guess I might as well show you something light hearted after... That terrible reminder that our changing world is changing a little to fast." Celestia simply nodded as she opened the scroll that appear pretty much out of nowhere, which startled Gus causing him to jump. He then went to back to the internet browser and typed in "cat videos" an clicked the first video that popped up. "My daughter loves these." Celestia took her focus of the letter and watched the cats on screen many silly things that were ultimately quite cute and funny. She chuckled and said, "It's nice to see there still is some innocence in your world." "Indeed, there has just been so many terrible things as of late." Gus said mournfully. Celestia looked to Gus and how sad he was, and then she got an idea. "Gus, does your daughter like horses?" "Yes, in fact last time we were visiting my parents at their farm she took a liking to horseback riding." Gus answered, "Why what are you thinking?" "You have a picture of your house right?" "Yes." Gus said hesitantly as he brought out his phone and pulled up a picture of him and his daughter, she was about 7 in the picture with long auburn hair and was wearing a brown leather jacket. In the background was a old house on the edge of a forest. Celestia smiled and put her hoof on his shoulder. Gus look at her face just as she said, "Hold on." as the room around him melted away and was soon replaced with the grey clouds that seemed to plague Vancouver. As Gus stumbled a bit Celestia looked to the skies and cleared away the clouds with her magic revealing the morning sun. Gus looked up to see the house from the picture, and the thing that was more recent than the picture, his Ex-wife's Husband Tom. "Gus? Is that you?" said Tom Delzon, A blonde haired lumberjack native to Vancouver and his daughter Julia's step father, there was no bad blood between Gus and Tom in fact he was glad that one of his close friends was the one raising his daughter when he couldn't. Rather he didn't like how his ex-wife left him because he became an NDP party member. He found that she was very immature and fought tooth and nail for custody, but he still lost and now very rarely got to see his daughter due to the nature of his job. "Yeah it's me Tom," Gus said as he gave a brotherly hug to his friend, "Is Julia up by chance, I got someone I'd like her to meet." "Like hell you do Augustus, give me a reason not to call the cops on you for trespassing?" Said a venomous female voice from the porch of the house. The voice came from Vicky Delzon, A red haired woman with venomous green eyes that would make a cobra tremble. "Cause I invited him Vicky," Tom lied rather convincingly, "And he does have the right to see his daughter, so would you kindly go get her for us?" Vicky raised her hands in defeat and went back into the house. Gus smiled at his friend and chuckled, "Really, Would you kindly?" "Hey don't mock it if it works. Now where's this person you wanted Julia to meet exactly?" Before Gus could respond A girl cried out, "Daddy!" as he was tackled to the grounded by his daughter who was now about 4 foot 9 and 13 years old. "How are auntie and uncle in Berlin?" She said over joyed to see her father again. Celestia smiled from around the corner of the driveway as Gus and his daughter talked about all manner of things. Gus suddenly remembered the surprise he had "planned" for his daughter. "I'm sorry Julie I need to cut you off for a minute." Julia sighed, rolled her eyes, and stuck out her hand, "Daddy that's one dollar into the cut-off jar." Gus chuckled as he remembered their little deal, "Trust me Julie this will completely make up for that in spades. Now I wish I had a trumpet so I could introduce her properly, but Julia Feroman, I would like to formally introduce you to Princess Celestia of Equestria!" as he said that Celestia trotted around the corner and up the drive way with a motherly smile. As she approached Julia, who's face was filled with joy and surprise she lowered he head closer to Julia's level and said, "Hello Julia." in a voice that was as warm as summer day's light. Tom just stood next to Gus, who had a big goofy smile on, dumb struck by what he was seeing. "Are you a Pegasus or a unicorn?" Julia asked in a quite voice. "Well, I'm technical both, I'm what's called an Alacorn." Celestia responded as Julia lightly petted her mussel. "Gus... How did you meet her?" Tom asked quietly. "G20 summit, and we teleported from London." Gus responded as Tom whistled slightly. "Could... Could I try on your tiara?" Julia asked shyly. "I don't see why not." Celestia said as she levitated her tiara off her head and placed it on Julia's. She smiled as Julia turned to Gus and playfully mocked about being a princess. This didn't last long as a gunshot broke through the happy atmosphere and Celestia toppled onto the ground. Julia screamed as she turned around and saw Celestia on the ground as crimson ichor poured out of her shoulder. "That's for trying to steal away my daughter you horse bitch!" Vicky shouted from a window on the second floor, a smoking hunting rifle in her hands. "What the hell Vicky!" Tom yelled as he held Julia close. As Gus attempted to go over to Celestia and stop the bleeding another gunshot rang as an explosion of dirt formed in front of him. “Oh no you don't Gus! Are you forgetting how you keep trying to steal Julia Away from me too?” Vicky Cackled as she repositioned the rifle, “Now stand still so we can get this over with....” > Chapter 3: Shards of Reality > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3: Shards of Reality BLAM! “Oh no you don't Gus! Are you forgetting how you keep trying to steal Julia away from me too?” Vicky cackled as she repositioned the rifle, “Now stand still so we can get this over with....” Gus stood paralyzed in fear as even from 20 feet away, he could see the malice in his ex-wife's eyes. Time began to slow down for him, and his thought started to blaze across his mind. 'Is... Is this where I die, blasted to oblivion in front of my daughter by my crazy ex-wife? And... and... what about Celestia, if she doesn't survive we could be looking at a war where plenty of innocent lives will be lost...' Gus saw that Vicky had found her aim by a wicked grin that slithered across her mouth, it was so evil that it could have put Beelzebub to shame. Gus closed his and waited for his life to come to violent stop, however, in the moments he had his eye's closed he did not hear a gunshot. Instead he heard Vicky's scream, which was closer to a pig's squeal, followed by a loud crunch on the ground. As Gus opened his eyes, he saw Celestia with a very uncharacteristic frown on her muzzle and her horn glowing with the hunting rifle surrounded by the same glow as she took it apart with her magic. As Gus looked to where Vicky was he saw her squirming in pain on the ground in front of the balcony as Celestia trotted over to her placing the disassembled rifle on her and saying, “That tickled.” Gus watched in disbelief as she trotted over to Julia and Tom, she put on an apologetic smile and spoke to Julia, “I'm terribly sorry you had to see that Julia,” she said in a voice that could be mistaken for silk, “I think your mother is quite sick...” “Oh you don't have to sugar coat it Princess,” Julia responded, “She was completely and utterly insane.” A slightly shocked Celestia nodded as she continued, “I really wish there was to make it up to you...” “Not to interrupt, but Tom, isn't today good Friday?” Gus asked from where he was standing. “Yes Augustus, and as long as she's back for dinner on Sunday, go right ahead,” Tom said as he pulled out his cellphone, “Now please leave as soon as you can so I can get Vicky an ambulance and a one way ticket to the asylum.” “Ready!” Julia said excitedly as she pulled a suitcase behind her. “Julia... how....” Gus asked his daughter as he pointed to the suitcase. “Well someone was supposed to come here this weekend anyways.” she responded as she crossed her arms. “Alright then, would everyone gather close.” Celestia said as she put her wings on their shoulders, seconds later the world around them melted away into a large guest room. “Augustus and Julia Feroman, I would like to formally welcome you to the land of Equestria.” Celestia said as opened the doors behind her giving Gus and Julia a spectacular view of the city of Canterlot. ********* “This is the absolute most pitiful armoured core I have ever seen!” James Nevaro a former General of the US army said as he looked over the Canterlot armoury and some of the top soldiers in the Equestrian army. “That's why we are here James, to give them the proper equipment and training.” Vega Havlar inventor, engineer, and owner of Havlar Corp. a rising company that made both the most advanced civil and military tech. “What do you think the lowest caliber that could punch right through this armour would be Vega?” “I'm not sure, but I wouldn't doubt it just yet gentlecolts,” Said Shining Armour as he trotted into the armoury, “We have every piece of this armour enchanted with the newest and best protective spells weekly.” he said tapping a suit of armour on a display mount. James rolled his eyes as he pulled out his pistol and shot the armour. Shining backpedalled and the rest of the soldiers covered their ears as the hole where the bullet punched through began to smoke. “Armour piercing round?” Vega asked his friend. “Nope.” “It couldn't have been a hollow point.” “Of course not.” “Then what is it?” “Standard 10mm.” “Really?” “Yep.” “What if it were to ricochet?” “Well it didn't.” “Ugh... Nevermind,” Vega said as he rubbed his temples and turned away from his friend for a moment, “I'm going to see how much it's going to cost me to get Shelly over here, she has always been better with design armour and such.” “You going to bring Draco as well? After all, that boy has always be absorb in one fantasy or another. I think his mind would implode upon seeing this place.” James chuckled. “At least he's making a better salary than you ever did off of it.” Vega shot back as he left the armoury. James grumbled as he turned back to the ponies in front of him, “Alright ladies, time to man up and make a name for yourselves. We are starting with some Close Quarters Combat.” > Chapter 4: Reality's Fragments > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 4: Reality's Fragments The sun was setting in Vanhoover lighting up the sky with many vibrant colours, in the heart of the city a small restaurant known as “Hoof' and Talon: Hayburgers and Griffon cuisine” was bustling. A sea green pegasus waitress was doing her very best to get orders to their tables. Ever since the day where Equestria had mixed in with Earth there had been plenty of human tourists, some stayed together in bunches of humans and others had made friends with local ponies. Regardless it had made the small restaurant that offered meat based dishes extremely busy. Sea Breeze, one of the few non-unicorn employees, was having a tough time balancing so many orders on her wings. All the while music blasted from the jukebox in the corner, Sea Breeze found the unfamiliar human music, that someone had donated, impossibly distracting. “Alright, I've got a hayburger with fries, a cod and fries, and a hungry griffon deluxe meal.” “Sea Breeze is that you?” said the cerulean pegasus with a short red mane, she recognized him, it was her brother. “Oh hey Trail Blazer, didn't see you there.” she said with a small smile. “I haven't seen you since you signed on to compete in the Equestrian 500 big sis, where have you been?” “Oh you know... here and there, look the restaurant is really busy could I talk to you about this tomorrow maybe?” “Sure thing, but you'll have to write to me, got to go back to Cloudsdale tomorrow morning. Here is my card.” he said as he gave her a business card which she promptly put away in her uniform's pocket. For the rest of her shift she wondered though of how she could tell her brother how she had gotten to where she was. If she should let him know the terrible truth or if she should spin a tale around him and spare him the details. By the end of the shift, she hadn't been the only one who had spilled something, which was quite new to her. She got her tips from the boss and left into the dark streets of the city for the half an hour trot to her apartment was never appealing during the late hours of the night, but such was her life. Shady figures presented themselves as she would pass alleyways, the occasional would offer her some buck or stampede, but she would simply hasten her trot and that would be the end of them. When she finally made it to her apartment building she let out a sigh of relief as she checked her mailbox and made her way to her unit with a few letters. “Hey Midnight I'm... Goddesses Dammit!” Sea Breeze said as she raised a hoof to shield her eyes for the hundredth time. Midnight Shine, Sea Breeze's extremely promiscuous unicorn roommate and friend , was in the middle of being intimately interlocked with a male human. “You never told me you had a roommate,” The human said, “We could have waited and made this a...” “Oh trust me, I've tried doing that before... That mare is way too uptight to let loose and have some fun.” Midnight said as she used her silvery magic to cover them up in a sheet. “Why can't you just do these things in your room Midnight?” Sea Breeze asked. “I like getting caught in the act.” She responded with a sly smirk. Sea Breeze gave a disgusted gag as she made to her own room. She let down her mane and took off her uniform, as she did the business card her brother had given her fell out. She stared at it for a few moments “Blazer Personal Injury Lawyer, helping you get back in the game.” She chuckled a bit, maybe if she would have known that her brother was a lawyer she could have saved herself from living in the slums just to get herself back on her hooves. She sighed again and sat at her desk, pulled out a pen and some paper and began to write: “Dear brother, It is time I told somepony what has happened to me. While I was practising for the Equestria 500 I met many ponies and griffons who I deemed as friends. However, not everyone saw it as a friendly competition. I met a Stallion there, he was quite charming at first but after seeing how I was much better than him... he broke my wings... he did quite a good job as well, it's taken me five years just to be able to fly again. Now before I tell you who it was who did it, I need to take a well deserved vacation. I will come find you, and then you can help me ruin this bastard's career. Sincerely, your sister, Sea Breeze.” After putting her letter in an envelope she picked up the letters she had found in her mailbox. Bill, bill, bill, letter to Midnight, bill, awfully shady package to Midnight, and a letter to herself. As she looked at the return address she saw it had came from Canada. After letting a smile into her gloomy life she opened the letter. “Dear Sea Breeze, I would love to show you a my world, after all you are the reason I am not jobless right now and this is the least I could do for you. I am going to be in Equestria for the next few weeks (as of April 19th) so I'm including a train ticket from Vanhoover to Canterlot with this letter (It is good until the 31st any you can thank Princess Celestia for it.) Once you get to Canterlot just show the station guard the other attachment in this letter and you'll be given a ride to the castle. Can't wait to meet up, From your friend Augustus” > Chapter 5: Fragmented Reality > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 5: Fragmented Reality Sea Breeze was shifting in her seat a bit, she had never liked trains for some reason. She had been pondering why as the train was filling up with ponies and people alike. Right before the train began to move a group of four humans got on the train; finding no other empty seats they took the seat next to her. She looked at each member of the group for a few seconds. The eldest one seemed quite energetic. She had a few wrinkles in her face and her long chestnut hair was starting to show streaks of grey, but she was almost radiating joy from her warm smile. Sea Breeze liked her smile - it took her mind away from the train ride. The one sitting next to her in the aisle seat was much younger than her and was wearing similar clothing to what Gus was wearing when she had first met him and had longer brown hair very similar to the woman he was sitting next to, she inferred they were related. He had his head and arms on the table as if he were extremely tired, Sea Breeze found the situation very relate-able since the prior night she had stayed up to pack. Then see noticed that the two others seemed to be pestering him about something she couldn't quite hear. One was another boy who had much darker brown hair almost to the point of being black that was quite short in comparison, he seemed broader and taller as well as having forest green eyes. The other was a girl with a similar hair coloured to the first boy with lighter brown eyes. After a bit, Sea Breeze managed to hear, “Come on Draco you lost a bet.” followed by Draco, she presumed, pulling a brown piece of plastic that had a bunch of designs on it. The boy chuckled again, “Oh no, you're not copping out of this one, what do you think Shontia?” “Yeah I think Draco should have to go make a new friend, think that would be appropriate Mrs. Havlar?” Shontia said and Mrs. Havlar just chuckled and nodded. Muttering something under his breath Draco raised his head and saw the only empty booth was the one Sea Breeze was in. after a long sigh, Draco scooted over to the booth. “So you lost a bet?” Sea Breeze said as Draco began to open his mouth. “Heard that did ya...?” Draco said. “Yeah these are good for something,” she responded as she wiggled her ears electing a sight chuckle from the seat across from her, “So what was the bet? If you don't mind me asking?” “Well when your continent decided to just show up, my friend Roman over there asked me how long till we'd be able to visit. Me being a tad bit annoyed at the time said something like, never in a thousand years, and now. Well you know what happened now.” Draco explained. Sea Breeze nodded and saw as Draco's sleeve rolled up slightly some odd black lines. “And now I'm on my way to your capital, probably to help my grandfather the great invention that will connect our two races in a perfect harmony. Then I'll be forced to go back home and work on my next story with no time to see this interesting new part of the world.” after a brief pause Draco extended his arm towards Sea Breeze, “My name is Draco by the way, Draco Havlar.” “Nice to meet you Draco, I'm Sea Breeze,” She responded as she shook his hand with her hoof electing a few surprised gasps from Draco's friends. “So, you said something about being a writer of some kind?” “Well kind of,” He replied with a chuckle, “I design the stories for video games as well as program them.” After a moment of a confused look from Sea Breeze Draco chuckled a bit more before, “A video game is kinda like an interactive novel...” “Oh I know what they are, I am just confused by your eyes.” “Are you hitting on me?” Draco asked with a worried tone. “No, no, no. It's not that, it's just what colour are they?” she explained as she pointed at his face, “I can't tell if they are brown or silver.” Draco gave her a confused look for a moment before responding, “last time I checked they were brown, and I'm pretty sure humans can't have silver eyes. The light must be mucking with what you are seeing.” “I guess so,” She sighed, “So what's your take on all of this?” as she gestured her hoof around the cabin. “Well if you are talking about your country's sudden appearing act,” Draco said leaning back, “Honestly for the next week or so, there will be some chaos as laws get figured out. But the next few months, there will be a ton of innovations in technology and scientific theories. After that though things should smooth out and we can get back to our normal lives.” “You really think so?” She asked with a hint of hope in her voice. “I really hope so.” After a few moments of silence Sea breeze spoke up, “Hey I know this might be a bit of a weird question but could I get an address to write to you at?” “Well... sure, why not.” He replied as Sea Breeze pulled out a piece of parchment and a pencil. After writing down his address Draco returned to his seat where he was teased by his two friends. Sea Breeze felt just how tired she actually was and laid her head to rest on the table, letting the soft “clickity clack” of the train lull her to sleep. ************* “Hey Grandpa, where can I plug in my laptop so we can get to work?” Draco asked as he entered the small workshop right next to the armoury where Nevaro could be heard barking orders, “Sheesh... sounds like a war zone over there.” He remarked as he point to the armoury with his thumb. “Indeed it does, and I'm sorry to say it but we have no usable outlets in here Draco.” Vega said as Draco looked at the cord that his grandfathers computer was plugged into. He saw a tall suit of armour fitted with more weapons than was necessary. Draco whistled, “That the prototype Ranger power armour?” “Yes Draco, and civilians aren't allowed to see it.” “See what? I haven't seen anything.” Draco remarked as continued to look it over, “What are you using as a power source?” “Five portable super conductors to power a magnetic reflector and five more to power the suit itself,” Vega said in a stressed tone as he looked over to Draco, “Now if you wouldn't mind we have to figure out how non unicorns will be able to use guns for protection purposes, design better armour for them, and make hoof friendly devices such as phones and keyboards” “Well if it's any help I already have a solution to the first problem,” Draco said as he placed his laptop on a table set up for him to work at. “We just make something called a battle saddle.” ************* “Gus!” Gus looked over to see a familiar sea-blue pegasus trotting over to him carrying a large duffel bag, a quick flap of her wings and she propelled herself to where he was standing and nuzzling up against his leg, “I missed you, how's it going, how are you liking...” “Dad, who is that?” a girl beside him said. “Don't worry Julia, she a friend of mine,” Gus consoled his daughter then turned back to Sea Breeze, “I'm doing quite well Sea Breeze and I'd like to introduced you to my daughter, Julia.” She extended her hoof and said, “Nice to meet you Julia I'm Sea Breeze.” while her smile was warm and welcoming, Julia wasn't very impressed. She wasn't smiling and reluctantly shook Sea Breeze's hoof. “So we were just about to go get something to eat, would you like to tag along?” Gus asked. “Absolutely, I'm starving.” ******************* “Are you sure this is going to work?” Shining Armour asked as Draco fitted a prototype battle saddle on him. “Well the worst thing that will happen is that you'll be knocked onto your ass like I did first time I shot a gun.” Draco said as he tightened a few remaining straps. “Alright then Mr. Armour, let me explain what we need you to do,” Vega announced as he scanned the clipboard he had, “First, I need you to roll your shoulders.” Upon doing so the holstered rifle on the device moved to where he could aim down the sights of it and a trigger also revealed itself right below his mouth. “Secondly, look down the sights and aim for the target at the end of the armoury,” Shinning looked down to the target and stared at it through the rifles sights. “Now when you are ready bite the trigger to fire,” Not even a moment later they heard the weapon fire and saw Shinning Amour fall on his rump. “Hmm. Never thought that would happen.” “I told you Grandpa, the kick will knock an untrained person on their ass,” Draco said as he helped Shinning up, “Congratulations Mr. Armour, you're the first pony to fire a gun.” *************** “Daddy I have to go to the bathroom.” Julia said. Gus, Sea Breeze, and her were all sitting at a table within a Canterlot restaurant. The restaurant was quite fancy with expensive paintings and velvet curtains. There was a number of ponies in fancy clothing with the their noses figuratively in the air. Gus looked up from his menu to Sea Breeze and asked, “Could you show her where it is?” “Sure thing,” She said as she got off her chair, smiled at Julia, and waved her left wing, “This way,” As they made their to the restrooms Julia began to look at Sea Breeze with despise. “Alright Julia...” She didn't have time to finish what she was saying before Julia dragged Sea Breeze into the bathroom and threw her to the ground. As Julia entered the room and closed the door she said, “I know what you are trying to do and know this, my dad could never love a beast like you.” “What are you talking...” Sea Breeze began as Julia slapped her across the muzzle. “Shut up you stupid horse! You won't take my dad away from me like my mom did!” She half yelled. Sea Breeze looked to her face and saw tears welling up within Julia's eyes. “Julia, is someone hurting you?” Sea Breeze asked. “Yes... No, I mean...” She stuttered as her eyes darted every which way, “I... I... SHUT UP YOU STUPID HORSE!” she began to pound on Sea Breeze who crumpled up as best she could and cowered from the oncoming onslaught. After what seemed like ages of strike after strike Sea Breeze went limp, once Julia saw what she had done her face went pale. Tears began to welled up within her eyes as she lifted one of Sea Breeze's legs and fell lifelessly as she let it go. “Sea Breeze?” An eerie silence plagued the restroom until as fast as she could, Julia burst out the door crying at the top of her lungs, “SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!” Everyone froze and turned their undivided attention to her as Gus ran up to her, “Julia what's...” “We need a doctor now!” she said through her tears, “I... I...” As she pointed into the bathroom and completely broke down into a mess of sobs. As Gus went into the restroom a red and white unicorn with a cross cutie mark trotted in beside him telling him that she was a doctor. However, Gus didn't hear anything, his eyes were drawn to the sea green hooves lying lifelessly on the ground. The was a nothing that could snap him out of the shock he was hit with, even as the doctor pony magically moved him aside his gaze stayed on Sea Breeze. It was only when Julia tugged on his arm that his focus shifted, “Dad, I'm so sorry.” > Chapter 6: Down the Rabit Hole > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 6: Down the Rabbit Hole. A sharply dressed newscaster looked over her lines as offset bustled in a frantic attempt to get ready for a last minute story. An equally well dressed man took his seat next to her and asked with a British accent, “you doing alright?” His voice was light like his blond hair. “Not really Richard,” She replied with an Australian accent, “There has just been so many attacks recently, and they are getting closer and closer to here...” Richard chuckled, “Hey relax, our local Protection Force is really good, they'll stop any threat before we even know about it.” “60 seconds till we're live,” a camera man said. “You really think so?” She asked to which he answered with a big smile. “20 seconds, quite on set.” The two newscasters looked to the camera in front of them. The woman was the first to speak, “Good evening, and welcome to G.U.P news. earlier this morning in Canterlot, the capital of Equestria, chaos and gunfire broke the peaceful Saturday evening leave 5 people dead along with 26 ponies and countless others injured...” *******20 hours earlier******* 12:46 Canterlot local time. A human in a black cloak snuck deeper into a complex tunnel system within the Canterlot mountain. Deeper and deeper it went going along a spiraling mine-cart track and past giant gleaming gems following a faint echo of a damned scream. The stale air and the dull smell of stone made the tunnels all the more dreary. “Alright Delta-58 you are getting close to the source,” it heard a distorted voice say from the small electronic device just inside it's helmet, “Remember, this is a stealth mission. Get in, get out, and send the auto-mapper data to the Ranger task force so they can raid the Arch hideout.” “Yes Master.” It replied, voice muffled by the helmet it was wearing. “One other thing,” “Master” tacked on, “If the prisoners they are holding are being tortured you've been ordered to mercy kill but, do not. Find a way to save them. These are Master's wishes.” With that the cloaked figure ventured farther into the deep dark caverns, back into a seemingly endless maze. ***************** 13:28 Carterlot local time Draco Havlar stood talking with a few unicorns within a lab in Canterlot, he was quite intrigued by what they were telling him about a magical energy generator that they were looking to miniaturize it. “So would you like to see it?” the green unicorn in a lab coat in front of him asked. With a chuckle Draco nodded. As they walked through the lab he looked to the different experiments the ponies were working on. Occasionally he would see a human working with them which made him smile. “So you guy's just work on energy projects or are there some dark shady projects I shouldn't see here?” he asked. The unicorn guiding him laughed slightly as she replied, “Oh no Mr. Havlar, other than energy projects we simply work on new defensive spells here.” “Alright then. Also, Mr. Havlar is my grandfathers name, you can just call me Draco.” He said politely with a small smile. “Okay then Draco, this way.” she responded with a smile and a hint of a blush. Once they had made it into the room where the generators were being worked on Draco immediately had a big goofy grin on. He the original generator they were looking to replicate which was at least as big as the two story room it was in and had many pipes going into the walls and floor, and a big glass window in the middle showing the multicoloured energy inside, he thought it looked like a giant heart. He looked to the failed replications which were all following the same design as the original. “Have you guy's ever considered making fuel cell batteries or Ultra-capacitors?” He asked to the arcane scientists in the room. They all looked to each other with mouths dropped and then fanatically went to chalk boards and began writing equations and drawing designs, shouting ideas to one another as they did so. Draco laughed and turned to his guide, “mind if I get a closer look?” as he pointed at the generator. She smiled and nodded. As he started to climb a ladder to the catwalks that acted as the second floor he caught a glimpse of something odd on the back of it. Once he was on them he pulled out a small camera from his laptop bag and zoomed into the area where he thought he saw something. Once the camera focused it revealed a horrifying truth; the generator had been rigged with C-4. *************** 13:32 In the Canterlot hospital where Gus sat alone waiting to hear about Sea Breeze's condition, an explosion was heard but not felt. As he looked outside onto the streets nothing was seen either. “Gus what was that?” a groggy Sea Breeze said as she wheeled up in an electric wheelchair. “Sea Breeze!” Gus said as he hugged his friend, “I thought you... you...” “Woah calm down there big guy, I'm fine, more or less, and I've been through a lot worse trust me.” Sea Breeze chuckled, “But really what was that, it sounded like an explosion.” Gus opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by heavy automatic gunfire ripping through the streets. Screams were cut short in a mater of seconds as crimson ichor began to run down the main street and in a single instant, chaos took full reign. *************** “It was a whole twenty five minutes before a squad of Rangers were able to lay suppressive fire on the Arch troops, however a few minutes into the gruesome firefight a new presence made itself known...” *************** 13:57 The gunfire had become much louder and more concentrated now that a new side had been introduced and the putrid smell of death and gore that filled the air had become even more prominent. The red cloaked Arch troops had a cover advantage from moving stands and tables to make a mix shift fortification to hide behind where as the Rangers had a raw fire power and strategic advantage. The firefight raged on until a deafening roar that would put a dragon to shame echoed through out the landscape. Everyone stopped for a minute looking around to see what could have made tremendous noise. They got their answer as a humanoid creature with wings, a horn, and a tail burst out of the roof of a laboratory. Most of its clothing was gone save for its pants which were torn and burned. it had a distinctly male body covered in glowing orange runic tattoo-like markings that were not in any pattern. The wings were a dark grey along with his horn and his tail and hair were orange with a silver streak. He just hovered there for a few moments until one of the Arch troops shot at him. He caught the bullet with a silvery magic as his matching coloured eyes shot open. He looked down to the mix of troops with different weapons and armour as all of them pointed to the Arch soldier that took the shot. The creature looked down upon the Soldier that discharged the weapon and let a toothy grin grin fill his face revealing the elongated and razor sharp canine teeth he sported. Milliseconds later the creature blinked behind him and whispered in a distorted voice, “Let's have some fun!” ************* 13:29 Delta-58 crept to an opening into a large cavern filled will light by many flood lights on stands throughout the area. There was the sickening smell of chemicals and death as well as heart wrenching of an abused soul. Looking within it saw many tables that had been set up to work on, lots of machines to which their purpose lay unknown, a makeshift surgery room on the far side, and a 'prison' which was just a few cages in a general area. Every few moments a scream could be heard from the surgery room but nothing seen due to the heavy curtains around it. It watched the way the guards were patrolling, learning their rounds. They all carried a silenced assault rifle and wore the same red armoured cloak with a gold cross on the front. For the most part they lazed around only glancing around at the scientists that were busy on computers or writing on paper. Once it was satisfied with his knowledge of their patterns he began to sneak around the underground 'lab'. As it got closer to the cages it spotted a shadow covered area it could hide within to avoid detection by the guards. Looking to the cages it saw four ponies trapped within and a male and a female human. There was one of each kind of pony and an extra unicorn, the humans were both of different races. The man seemed to be of middle eastern decent and the woman of Oriental. They all seemed broken and hopeless, ready to accept whatever fate would become of them in the 'lab'. Delta-58 began to think of a way to get them out of the caves but was cut short by a loud rumbling from way above o the surface. Most of the guards looked to each other with glee in their eyes as one of them said, “Show time.” and all but one left through a tunnel to Delta-56's left. After a few minutes and seeing the scientists follow suit, Delta-58 decide to make it's move. Pulling out a pistol it snuck up behind the last guard and pointed the weapon to his head, “Not a peep, understand?” after getting the silence it was hoping for it took the guards assault rifle and keys. Delta-58 made him move into the surgery room, after the guard entered the sickening sound of the guard vomiting could be heard. Delta-58 decided that it would leave that room for the task force to search. **************** 14:28 As Delta-58 and the captivates came out into the surface to see absolute carnage. The main street of Canterlot was painted in crimson ichor and bodies laid lifeless on the ground. The air reeked with the smog of burning buildings, burning flesh, and brimstone. Delta-58 pressed the side of helmet and the distorted male voice spoke to it, “Delta-58, listen to Master's wishes. A white unicorn with a blue mane is looking for you, his name is Shining Armour, he will be leading you on a hunt. Follow his orders, but remember my voice. These are master's wishes.” A few moments later Shinning Armour trotted onto the scene, after a quick gag he regained his composer. As Delta-58 looked at him it realized that he was its hunting partner. “So you are Delta-58, nice to meet you I'm Shining Armour.” He said as he extended a hoof to which Delta-58 simply stared blankly at. “Uh,” He said awkwardly after a few moments, “You know what we are looking for right?” Delta-58 shook it's head, Shinning Armour pulled out a picture from his saddlebag with his magenta magic and gave it to Delta-58, “We got lucky that someone was able to get that before it flew off north past the castle.” It studied the picture of the creature before bolting off in the direction of the castle and Olympic speeds. “Hey! Wait a second! Where are you going” Shinning yelled as he attempted to keep up. Delta-58 finally stopped at moat of the castle searching the area for a new path to follow down the mountain. Once Shinning Armour finally caught up to it he was panting to try and catch his breath, “Okay... we... we... we're at the castle... now...” He was not able to finish what he was saying as Delta-58 picked him up with one arm and began to jump down the mountain. Amongst the yelling from Shinning a loud release of air could be heard each time it landed until the plains bellow the mountain. Delta-58 put him back on the ground and began to start walking north. Once it realized that it's companion was not following Delta-58 turned around to see him laying on the ground hyperventilating. “Are you coming?” It asked in it's muffled voice as it continued on the path it had set. Shining Armour groaned as he stood up, “That human is going to get me killed.” He started trotting after Delta-58 and the two continued on their new quest to find what ever had come out of the lab within Canterlot, hoping to find anything at all. *************** 22:13 High upon Canterlot castle standing in between two statues was the creature that had earlier ravaged the militant forces that battled amongst the peaceful streets. It was as still as a sentential with it's wings curled around it patiently awaiting it's body to become rested enough to strike again.