> The Acrylic Heart > by Timeless Lord Slayer > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: Old Relics – The Man Who Dreams His Life Away (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The three alicorns stared up at the large obstacle that now stood between them and the Tree of Harmony. It was definitely pony-made: the gear shape being a dead giveaway. It towered above them, its light blue, metallic surface glistening in what little moonlight the infamous forest would allow. Carved into it were three symbols in a pyramid formation; a crescent, a sun, and a six-pointed star. "Well, this is certainly new," said Celestia, her mane shimmering with all the colors of a rainbow. "Do you think this is what the Tree was talking about?" asked a very curious Twilight. "Tis uncertain, though not impossible," Luna answered, her mane sparkling and twinkling like the starry night skies. Celestia nodded. "Indeed. However, that does raise the question as to why. It's obvious that we're involved in some way, but how?" The three pondered this for a moment before deciding to investigate the oversized gear for clues. But, as soon as they took a step towards it, the symbols carved onto its surface began to glow a bright white. They had little time to react however, for as soon the marks began to glow, a high-pitched hissing sound emanated from the gear. The trio looked on in surprise as the ground trembled while the sound of steam pistons echoed throughout the forest. A loud tick sounded as the gear rotated in a swift yet stiff manner. The glow from the marks intensified with each motion, and the hissing started to change in pitch. The hissing eventually drowned out the ticking and took on a more melodic pace and tune as the gear's rotations followed suite. The gear stopped, but the glowing didn't. The glow from the marks grew increasingly bright, blinding the three princesses as they felt the all-too-familiar effects of a teleportation spell. But this time was different, it felt like they were running a marathon in mere seconds. The light began to fade slowly, allowing the three to open their eyes. And when they did, they could scarcely believe what they were seeing. Before them lay a beautiful field of blue orchids and strange, white glowing flowers. The air smelled of morning dew, as if the world was barely waking. High above them in the cloudless sky, the moon bathed the field in it's soft moonlight. But, something was wrong with it. Instead of the same pale white color that they had come to know from it, it was a light blue color. Not only that, but this one seemed to have more craters, as if it was older. Celestia and Twilight turned to Luna. "...Luna?" asked Celestia. "Twas not us, sister. We art just as confused as thou art," Luna responded quickly. Celestia turned back to the alien moon. "Then how...?" She began before Twilight spoke up. "Um...Princess?" said Twilight as she pointed a hoof towards something that they hadn't noticed before. Celestia and Luna followed her gaze and immediately dropped their jaws in awe. There – in the middle of the field – was a large, light blue tree. The bark was an ashen white, and the leaves a pale, luminescent blue. The trio stood there with their mouths slightly agape, stunned by the beauty of it all. They continued to stare for the longest stretch of short moments before finally regaining their bearings. "What is this place?" asked Twilight in awe, eyes sparkling as she took in every detail. "I do not know, Twilight. It appears to be a pocket dimension, but Discord is the only being capable of creating one like this. It would be far too much for any unicorn to make a dimension they can physically visit. And this certainly doesn't look like Discord's handiwork, it's far too quiet and peaceful," Celestia answered., brow furrowed as she examined the realm with a more critical eye. "An illusion then?" Twilight proposed, looking briefly to her old mentor. Celestia shook her head. "If it was, myself and Luna would have noticed. No, this is something different," She responded. "That raises yet another question: who could be powerful enough to create a pocket dimension such as this?" Added Luna, idly leaning down to inspect a glowing blossom of iridescent purple. "I do not know, sister. Perhaps we should search that tree for clues?" Celestia suggested, pointing to said tree. Luna and Twilight nodded in agreement. "Let us make haste then," Luna replied. And with that, the three began their short trek to the tree. Twilight trailed behind Luna and Celestia, writing every minute detail on a notepad that she had summoned. Words like 'ambient magic' and 'enchanted flowers' emanated from the younger alicorn, as well as some comparisons to Poison Joke. Before long, however, the trio had arrived at the base of the tree and had begun their search for clues. In less than a second, they had found something sleeping with it's back against the trunk of the tree. It was unlike anything they had seen before. At first glance it appeared to be a young Minotaur, but if one looked closely they would see that it was almost nothing like the tall and bulky species. Nay, it's body was lean. Nor slim, but lean. It's body was covered in tattered blue robes, and it's arms and legs were adorned with gloves and boots made of light blue gears not unlike the apparent entrance to this realm. It almost looked like it was wearing armor made of bones, the way the gears covered each limb. On the chest was a symbol of a cyan tear in the center of a similarly cyan cog. It 's face was hidden by a hood, shielding it from prying eyes. Twilight let out a squee of delight and dashed towards it before Celestia or Luna could stop her. She summoned another notebook and quill and immediately started to write every detail on the being before her. CRINKLE The gentle breeze stopped and everything went silent as the grave. Twilight looked on in shock and fear as the creatures claw like appendage clasped her notebook. All was still, and none dared to move a muscle. The creature slowly brought the notebook to its face, just holding it there. Whether it was actually reading or not was unknown, for none of the three could see anything beneath the veil of shadows the hood provided. Then, something truly bizarre happened; it laughed. It pierced the tranquil air with it's deep, hearty guffaws. The princesses simply stood there like statues, frozen with apprehension. The laughter died down, leaving nothing but silence in it's wake. It spoke, "You're quite observant, eh girl?" Twilight was too stunned to respond, only managing to utter a slight whimper. He(they guessed it was a male based on the voice,) slowly turned to look at her, his face still hidden beneath the hood. "No need to be scared, child. I will not harm you," He offered her her notebook. Twilight stared at the note-filled book in front of her like it was some foreign object before slowly taking it with her magic. "Th-thanks," she stuttered. Celestia suddenly spoke up, "Who are you? What is this place?" "Ah, where are my manners? I, am Otium, and this-" he gestured to their surroundings "–is my personal hideaway." "What!? You mean you–!? But how!?" exclaimed Twilight. Otium turned his head back towards the confused mare. "Let's just say I've been around for a long time, and leave it at that, eh?" Celestia raised a brow. "Oh? Is that so?" "You're right to be suspicious of me, but you of all ponies should know a fellow immortal when you see one." "Perhaps, but I would like some proof regardless." Otium sighed and shook his head, muttering something under his breath. He raised a hand up to his hood and slowly pulled it over his head. Silence once again resided over the moonlit field as the three princesses stared wide-eyed at Otium's face. It was different, to say the least. He had a very small muzzle - though they supposed it couldn't be one considering how flat his face was - and the only fur he possessed was an unkempt mop of silvery hair atop his head. Their ears went flat against their skulls as they took in his expression. His hazel eyes were narrowed and heavy, and his brows were stiff. Any traces of a smile or even the possiblity of him being able to seemed nonexistent. But those eyes; those green and gold eyes said more than a thousand words. They were dull, lifeless, and without any kind of spark. Within those tired, worn eyes was a sorrow that Luna knew well from her time on the moon: loneliness. The eyes it seemed, truly were windows to the soul. "...Are you done gawking?" The trio simultaneously blinked twice before blushing lightly and looking away. Otium let out a deep sigh and shook his head again. "I think that's enough for today," he said with a wave of his arm, teleporting them all away before they could protest. He sighed again. 'What now?' He closed his eyes, flipped his hood up, and started to think. > Chapter 2: Old Relics – Introductions (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Celestia sat in a chair next to her sister while Twilight sat in front of them ranting about scientific theories. Every now and then she would smile and nod, pretending that she was listening. But inside, she was thinking about Otium and his reaction. Sure, she was a little agitated at first when he literally waved them away, but then she remembered his dull, tired eyes and stopped herself. She knew that look: the look of one who had seen so much horror, so much death. She felt the same way whenever one of her little ponies died, but when she saw him it was like he wasn't really there. Like the life had been drained out of him. And the amount of sorrow she saw in those eyes...it was overpowering, to say the least. She had to fight the urge to cry when she saw them. At the same time, however, they knew nothing of him. They didn't even know for absolute certain he was immortal as he claimed. All they knew was that his realm had lined up with the entrance to Tree of Harmony's cave, and that he was powerful. Nothing else. Knowing this, Celestia hatched a plan as quick as she could, whilst still maintaing the appearance that she was listening to her student with rapt attention. Her plan, after a few minutes, finally took form. What he needed was somepony to talk to, somepony trustworthy and understanding. He needed a friend. Someone she could chain him to in a nonthreatening manner before she made any major investigations. With luck, the investigating would come about from whomever he befriended, and thus leave any problems with her probing him out of the picture. She spoke up, "Twilight?" Twilight stopped ranting and turned to the solar diarch. "Yes, Prin–Celestia?" she said. "As much as I'd love to discuss theories with you, I believe it'd be best that we do something about Otium, wouldn't you agree?" Twilight blushed slightly. "R-right, sorry," she stuttered. "Don't be, I know you're just excited," Celestia smiled. "What do you propose we do, sister?" asked Luna. Celestia smiled at her sister. "All in due time, but first; Twilight, could you gather the Elements?" –––Hours Later––– "Are you sure about this, Princess?" Applejack asked. "It does sound risky," added Rarity. "Why don't we just smack some sense into him?" Rainbow Dash suggested. She let out a yawn. "I'm too tired for all this." "If what he said is true, then I don't think smacking him is going to help things at all, Rainbow Dash," replied Twilight. "Pfft, I could take him..." Rainbow Dash mumbled. "Ooh, ooh! Do you think he 'd want spotted party hats or striped party hats!?" exclaimed Pinkie as she bounced in front of Twilight. "We're here," Luna announced as they stopped in front of the clearing. Despite it now being daytime, the clearing was still just as dark as before. There was little sunlight, and the few rays that made it through were dim and scarce. To their left lay the same cyan gear from before, as mysterious and inviting as ever. Fluttershy hid behind Rarity as they approached, wary of any unforeseen danger that the gear may present. "So, this is it?" Rarity asked. The three alicorns simply nodded. "Lame," said a very bored and tired Rainbow Dash. Waking up from her nap for something like this obviously didn't put her in a good mood. Twilight flashed her a stern look before returning her gaze to the oversized gear. "And what do we do now?" asked Applejack. "We do this," Twilight walked up to the gear and placed a hoof on it's surface. The gear responded with a TICK before it's marks flashed, blinding them all. Eventually, the light faded. And when it did, they were gone. The group fell to the ground with a THUD. "Oww..." groaned Twilight as she got back on her hooves. A chorus of groans and grunts resounded throughout the area as the others got up. "Everypony okay?" Applejack called out, standing to her hooves. "Yeppers!" Pinkie announced cheerily, springing back with ease. " 'S all good," mumbled Rainbow Dash. "I'm alright," Fluttershy replied. "Fine. Filthy, but fine," Rarity stated with a frown as she dusted herself off. "We art unharmed," Luna announced. "I'm fine," Celestia said with a smile to the farmmare. "Good ta hear. Now where in tarnation are we?" Applejack asked. At this, the others took in their surroundings. It was night and there was nothing but desert around them for as far as the eye could see–well, almost nothing. Directly in front of them was a small hill with a ledge illuminated by the light of that same blue, crater-ridden moon. And atop that hill was their entire reason for being there: the mysterious cloaked male. His back was turned to them, and a dark blue violin was resting on his shoulder. In his other hand was a bow with a similar color scheme. They watched and listened with intrigue as he began to play. They could feel the emotion present in the melody. The longing, whether for peace or comfort. The sorrow, whether from solitude or loss. The grim optimism, for a better day, a better life, maybe. The man played with the skill of a violinist in a orchestra with years of practice under his belt, if not centuries given his supposed immortality. The sound of sniffling and a balloon deflating caught Otium's attention as he stopped playing. Curious, he turned around to see what the noise was all about and was immediately greeted with the sight of eight tearful, sniffling ponies. "Th-that was beautiful!" Rarity exclaimed, wiping her tears with a hoof. "W-where did you learn it?" asked Twilight with a sniffle. With a single clap and a flash of light, a box of tissues appeared in his grasp. He walked over and offered each of them a tissue before responding with a simple, "Secret." He crossed his arms and stared at them from underneath his hood. He let out a sigh. "I wish to...apologize, for my behavior the other day. It has been millenia since I've had any outside contact, but my actions were uncalled for. Can you forgive me?" Otium asked. "Of course, I hold nothing against you," Celestia said with a bright, winning smile. Otium let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, I appreciate it," said Otium, dipping his head. He scanned them all for a time. "Might I ask your names? And why you've returned?" "I am Celestia, Diarch of Equestria and Ruler of the Sun," Celestia said, dipping her own head in a bow. "Luna, Diarch of Equestria and Ruler of the Night," Luna greeted, following Celestia's example. The other mares gave their names, and Otium smiled. "Fine names for fine ladies. But again I ask, why have you all come?" "Well, originally we came here to find out why we had been receiving dreams from the Tree of Harmony, but then we found some massive, cyan gear in front of it's cave," Twilight explained. "We touched it, and suddenly we were in thy realm," Luna continued. Otium's brow furrowed. "That's...intriguing." 'The seal shouldn't have lifted yet... Or has the time finally come? Mother's voice has been beckoning for a few days...' "So, Mr. Otium, what exactly are you? If you don't mind me asking," Twilight asked, an eager smile of her own on her muzzle. Otium blinked, then smiled at the mare. "Just Otium is fine, and I don't exactly know what you would call me. My form is that of a human, but..." Otium shook his head. "Nevermind. Just call me an Immortal." "A human!?" Twilight exclaimed. The others eyes were wide as dinner plates. "But that's impossible! They died out millenia ago!" Twilight declared. "Yes...I am well aware." Otium said, his face darkening. Celestia placed a hoof on Twilight's shoulders. "Breath, Twilight." She instructed. Twilight did so, and after a few moments, she was more calm. Celestia turned back to Otium. "Now, you said that your form was human, which we can all see, but you claim to be Immortal. I don't think you're lying," That was a blatant lie of her own, but he didn't need to know. "Judging from what you told us last time and the...evidence, you provided, it's very clear. But how come we haven't heard of you until now?" Celestia asked, eyes narrowing on him. "That...is a long story. One I would rather not tell. At least, not to those whom I barely know, my apologies," Otium answered, once more dipping his head. If he noticed her lies, he made no show of caring. Celestia, for her part, simply smiled and nodded. "Very well, I won't pry. But I do expect an answer at some point, understood?" Celestia said sternly. "Might I be so bold as to ask what the state of the world is currently? Last I saw, the Triumvirate were still trying to rebuild," Otium asked, changing the subject with a frown at Celestia's words. "The Triumvirate!? You mean you've been here since the Cataclysm!?" Twilight exclaimed once more. Celestia's eyes widened at this news. "You...you've been alone...that long?" she asked, her kind heart making her feel terrible for not knowing this man was alone for so long right under her nose. The fact he even knew of the Triumvirate showed he was either a very well-read scholar...or he was telling the truth all along, and truly was ancient. That mere notion made Celestia's heart twinge in sympathetic pain. "How could you stand such a thing?" she asked, incredulous. "I'm...strong of mind, I guess you could say. Though a few centuries of sleep here and there didn't hurt either," Otium admitted. Twilight snapped out her shock long enough to return to being excited. She zipped up to Otium, having summoned a notebook and quill in less than a millisecond. "What were things like back then? What was the social and economic structure like? What was the education system like? Where did you live? What–" Applejack shoved her hoof into Twilight's mouth. "Twi, calm down, yer overwhelming the fella," Applejack said sternly. Twilight removed Applejack's hoof from her mouth and gave Otium a sheepish grin. "Eheheh, sorry, Otium," Twilight apologized. Otium smiled warmly. "It's fine, Miss Twilight. But if you don't mind, I'd rather not remember what life was like back then," He turned back to the now recovered Celestia. "Again, I ask, what is the state of the world? Is it back to normal?" He asked, seeming concerned. "...It is much better than it was then, I can tell you that. Though there have been some...changes, that might surprise you, along with some troubles over the years, but it is quite peaceful now." Celestia informed, frowning as she looked at the man in a new light. She realized now her plan may very well need to be adjusted. "That is good news," Odium said with a sigh of relief. "So...what're the Triumvirate, exactly?" Rainbow asked, looking between them all as she hovered. "That'd be my question," Applejack said with a frown. "They're the three great gods who built the entire freaking world!" Twilight said, bouncing in barely restrained glee. "Woah..." Pinkie breathed as the eyes of herself and her friends widened. "Buck. That's...buck," Rainbow swore. "Why is this only be told to us now, though, if that's the case?" Rarity asked after a brief pause, looking to Twilight. "Nearly all knowledge of the olden times hath long past, Lady Rarity. Very few tomes survive. In fact, all of such tomes reside either in the Royal Archives, or the few remaining ruins around the world," Luna explained, frowning as she looked Otium over. This, naturally, was when Celestia had finished drafting her new plan in her mind. "Otium, I have an offer for you, if you would indulge me," Celestia began. Otium quirked an eyebrow and motioned for her to continue. "I would like to have you live with us, get accustomed with the world again, make friends, have fun, be happy. What do you say?" Otium was silent for a long while, at this, his reaction surprisingly muted. 'It's a tempting offer. But...No, I'm sure they've forgotten by now. The only ones who knew were those who had witnessed it and had heard about it, I doubt any would remember something from so long ago. In fact, they are more than likely dead by now... At least, I hope so.' With a thin smile, he looked back up at Celestia. "I would be delighted to see the world again," He answered. Celestia smiled brightly. "Wonderful! Then we shall leave now!" she declared. She then realized that none of them knew how to get out. She turned to Otium with a sheepish smile. "Could you tell us how to leave?" Otium chuckled, the first time in millennia. "Allow me," he said, and then snapped his fingers, causing a flash of light. And they were gone. > Chapter 3: Old Relics – Reminscence And Wistful Thoughts > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- With a flash of blinding light, Otium, the Princesses, and the Elements appeared back in the clearing in front of the mysterious, glowing blue gear. The light of Celestia's sun was still scarcely able to penetrate the thick canopy and foilage surrounding the clearing. It was just light enough for the ponies to make out one another's forms. Otium looked around in what seemed like surprise. "This forest has grown more than I imagined," Otium commented. The Elements shook their heads to clear the spots from their vision. "How so?" Celestia asked, having recovered quickly due to being used to sudden teleportations. "The canopies were never this thick. Father Stateran had always wanted the light of the celestial bodies to freely shine down upon his Tree. In fact, this used to be a glade," Otium explained. "Wait, you knew the Great Being!?" Twilight exclaimed. Otium nodded. "I did indeed. I suppose you could say I'm...well, his son. In a sense," Otium admitted. "What!? How!?" Twilight shrieked, her mane starting to fray. "Wait, 'In a sense'? What do you mean by that?" Rarity asked. Otium sighed, realizing he had just made a mistake. "I'd rather not talk about it, I'm sorry. Mayhaps when I get to know you all better, then I might indulge you. But not now," Otium apologized solemnly. "I...see. Well, I suppose I can accept that," Rarity conceded. "Yes, well, we should get going. We can talk about living arrangements on the way," Luna urged. "Very well. If you would lead the way?" Otium requested. "Right, you probably won't recognize any of the pathes anymore. Just follow us," Twilight said after her other friends had calmed her down. The eight ponies started to walk out of the clearing, Otium following close behind. After a short while, they arrived at a staircase carved into the side of the trench, and before long they were above the canopies of the trees in the trench. All of them were quiet, well, aside from the sound of Pinkie bouncing, somehow not falling or tripping in the act. "So...Otium, right?" Rainbow Dash said, breaking the long silence. Otium nodded, gesturing for her to continue. "Can you fight? I thought you could, what with the armor and all, but I didn't want to assume," "Yes, I can fight. I didn't just sleep the centuries away like some layabout. I trained, albeit in a different way, and admittedly it has been some time since I've had a proper fight," Otium admitted. "Cool! Do you think you could show me some of your moves sometime?" Rainbow asked. Otium thought about it for a moment. "I don't see why not," Otium said with a shrug. Rainbow pumped a hoof in victory. Silence fell again as they all made it up the steps and started to cross the rickety old bridge. This time, Rarity broke the quiet. "Might I ask who designed your attire? It's simply marvelous. I've never seen anypony manage to input gears so well into a design, especially not in such a literal form," Rarity queried. Otium remained quiet for some time before answering. After they crossed the bridge, he finally replied. "It was a Celestial. He went by the name of Silica," Otium let out a quiet chuckle. "He was always teased for that name. They said it was a girls name. Though he never seemed bothered by it." Otium sighed wistfully. "Celestial!? You mean they actually existed!?" Twilight exclaimed in surprise. "Yes, they did," Otium said with a nod. Twilight let out a squeal of delight. "Wait, what's a Celestial?" Pinkie asked. "Celestials were supposedly manifestations of nature itself, coming in many different forms ranging from being humanoids made out of stone, fire, water, or air. Sometimes they even took on the forms of decaying bodies or matter, or even living, thinking plants and trees. I always thought they were just fables, but now we know better!" Twilight explained. "Yes, they were quite peaceful beings," Otium nodded before realizing her use of past tense. "Wait, they are gone?" Celestia sighed solemnly as they walked along the paved dirt path. "Yes, I am afraid so. They died out milennia ago. I'm sorry," Celestia informed. "Oh...I see," Otium said simply, a frown upon his face. Silence reigned once more. For some time, Otium simply listened to the sounds of the forest around him, before Celestia spoke up. "So, Otium, where do you wish to live? There is always room for more at Canterlot, but I won't hold it against you if you wish to live in a more rural setting like Ponyville," Celestia questioned. Otium hummed in thought. "I'll believe I will take your offer of living in Canterlot. I'd like to get to know you and Luna more. And maybe you can help me catch up with lost time," Otium answered finally as they exited the forest. Celestia smiled. "Wonderful! Luckily there is a carriage in Ponyville already, so we can head straight to Canterlot. Unless, of course, you would like to have a tour around the home of the Element Bearers first?" Celestia asked. "Another time, perhaps. For now, I would simply like to catch up with the world. And maybe get a proper bath," Otium declined. "As you wish. The Royal Archives has a plethora of books for you to choose from, and I'm sure Twilight would love to help you get caught up with the times," Celestia said with a smile at her student, who beamed back at her mentor. "Oh that would be wonderful! I can't wait to start!" Twilight said, bouncing with glee. Otium chuckled as they arrived in Ponyville, the ponies there all giving Otium wary glances, before noticing the Princesses were with him and calming down, returning to their daily routines. "Yes, well, I can't wait to hear about what I've missed," Otium replied. After they reached the town square where a pair of pegasus guard ponies were strapped to a carriage, the Elements all said their goodbyes while Otium and the Princesses climbed aboard the carriage. As the carriage took off, Otium couldn't help but smile as he looked through the window. Despite the sadness he felt at hearing that the Celestials were gone, he still felt that things were looking up for him. > Chapter 4: Old Relics – A Bad Omen (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once the carriage alighted on the grounds of the castle's landing strip, the three immortals got out of the carriage, and Otium silently marveled at the sight of the castle suspended on the side of the mountain. The two mares giggled at Otium's expression. "I take it you like the architecture?" Celestia asked playfully. Otium shook his head lightly to compose himself. "Yes, it's quite...different, from what I have seen of other castles. Especially the lack of battlements. It's as if it was made to inspire awe, instead of fear," Otium surmised. "It was indeed meant to instill awe. I didn't want my subjects to look upon my abode and be afraid, afterall," Celestia informed. "Indeed. We are no tyrants," Luna added. "So I have seen," Otium agreed. "Now, will you two do me the honor of showing me around?" "Certainly. Just follow us," Celestia instructed as she and her sister began to lead the way. They passed through numerous corridors and hallways, Celestia and Luna showing their fellow immortal the dining rooms, the kitchen, the forge, the training grounds, the Archives, and finally, the Royal Gardens. After their tour was over and they had showed Otium to his room, the two Princesses excused themselves, Luna needing to sleep and Celestia needing to attend to Day Court. Otium looked around his room, admiring the ornate decorations. He had his own bathroom, a four-poster bed, a desk, and a walk-in closet. Even a balcony overlooking the Royal Gardens. With a content sigh, he sat down at the desk, pulling out his journal from a hidden pouch under his robe. After writing in it for the day's entry, he took a peek at the clock hanging above, noting that it was a few hours before midnight. "Well...time certainly flies when it wants to," he commented. Deciding to go out for a walk in the gardens to help him think, Otium got up from his seat, but not before locking his personal journal and placing it back under his cloak. He smiled faintly. Being around nature would definitely help him think. Nature always helped him think. For more reasons than one. Deciding to simply walk instead of teleporting so as to give him even more time to think, the ancient being walked the halls, barely paying any real attention to where he was going, but still managing to find his way around. 'To think that the children of the Triumvirate are gone...it's nearly inconceivable. Surely there's at least a few of them alive...if only in their final form. Still, it would be nice to at least see one again. What could have happened to them, I wonder?' This and more plagued Otium's thoughts as he finally made it to the cool night air of the Royal Gardens. He walked through them, admiring the numerous beautiful and exotic flowers and plants, before finding a good sturdy tree to rest by. He gazed at the moon, admiring the beauty of it's silver light. He already knew that Celestia and Luna were connected to the sun and moon, he just couldn't tell how they had gained such a connection, and why. He had sensed it in their auras the first time they met. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and tried to rest. His breathing slowed as he slowly fell into the realm of dreams. The sounds of metal clanging against stone and gears whirring woke Otium from his slumber. Opening an eye to see what the commotion was, Otium's eyes shot open at what he saw. A ten foot tall behemoth of marred and scratched brass towered above the garden's hedges, it's smoke stacks billowing out steam. It was a golem from the olden days, back before the Cataclysm. Based on the bulky frame, Otium guessed it was a SNTL model, or Sentinel, as those of the bronze cloth once called it. It had multiple gashes in it's frame, some showing a glimpse of it's core matrix. It's hands were large enough to wrap around Otium's head, and it appeared to have a few bolts left in it's semi-automatic crossbow. Moss covered it from head to toe, some of it drawing dangerously close to it's core. It's eyes blazed blue with arcane fire, seeming to be scanning Otium. "L-L-LIFEF-FORM DE-DE-DE-DETECTED." It droned out, sparks flying from it's matrix. Otium noticed the core seemed to be somewhat unstable. "SCA-SCA-SCANNNNNNNNNING..." It began. The sound of arcane lightning crackling emanated from it's core and artificial cortex within it's head, which was also exposed. Otium quickly summoned a protective shield around him in case the golem overheated and exploded. To Otium's relief, the fire and lightning that was previously erupting from the golem simply died out, and it fell to the ground in a heap. "Well...this is certainly not what I expected or hoped to find..." Otium muttered to himself. He rubbed his temples and let out an exasperated sigh. "I suppose I should alert the Princesses about this." And with that in mind, Otium went back inside the castle and ventured toward the room of Celestia. Arriving at her chamber doors, Otium swiftly knocked three times and called out, "Your Highness? I have a...matter, that must be attended to." All he received were groans. So he knocked again. "Princess? This is urgent." "Then leave it urgent!" Otium heard the voice of the Solar Diarch cry. Otium rubbed his temples. "Your Highness, I'm afraid this is something you need to see," Otium expressed wearily, patience growing thin. He heard the sound of heavy hooffalls approaching the door, and backed up accordingly. "I thought I told you guards to never bother me when I'm–!" She began before she opened the door and noticed it was not one of her guards, but Otium. Otium was slightly taken back by her appearance. Her mane and tail were frazzled and no longer flowing in a nonexistent wind, and her eyes had slight bags under them. "Otium? What are you doing up this late?" "Believe me, it was not on purpose. If I were to have my way I would be having pleasant dreams right now. But currently there is a...relic, we shall say, of the past. A dark, relic," Otium urged after recomposing himself. Celestia rose an eyebrow at his words before realizing the weight of them. "Give me a moment, I'll be right out," she said before closing the door. Nary a moment later she opened the door once more and her regalia had been donned and her mane no longer frazzled. She looked just as beautiful as she did when the sun was up. "We should alert your sister as well. Is she still awake at this hour?" Otium asked. "She is. She should be in Night Court at the moment," Celestia responded. "Then let us make haste," Otium said urgently. The duo quickly navigated through the twists and turns of the castle and to the throne room, opening the doors to find Luna looking bored out of her skull as a noble blabbered on about getting funds from the crown for some inane reason. The noble, seeing the other diarch, bowed deeply at the sight of her. "Tia? For what purpose doth thou interupteth our Court?" Luna queried. "A relic from the past has returned, your Highness. A bad omen if ever I've seen one," Otium explained. Luna's ears pricked up at his words. "A relic? Of what sort?" she asked. "I shall explain on the way. For now, we must make haste, lest the relic in question reactivate," Otium pressed. Luna, thoroughly intrigued as well as worried, got down from the throne. "I am afraid we must cancel Night Court, Chancellor, there are more urgent matters I must attend to," Luna said in fake apology before following Otium and her sister out of the throne room. "B-But–!" the stallion began, only to be interrupted by the doors slamming shut. "What has you so worked up, Otium? Why did you want us?" Celestia questioned as they walked. Otium was silent for a moment, the sound of hooves and boots impacting against the tiled floor the only sound in the hall as he contemplated his words. "Have either of you heard of The Law of Kalos?" Otium said finally. "Only in legend. Though I can't say I remember it all that well," Celestia answered. "Couldst thou regale us with the tale so that we might understand better?" Luna asked. Otium went silent once more, before sighing again. "It was the first contact the Angels had had with Humans. The real first contact. Back in those days, Angels were tall tales, and none truly believed in them. But then came a man named Kalos. He was obsessed with finding the Angels and proving their existence, even going so far as to idolize them. He founded a philosophy, which was called the Law of Kalos, after him. The philosophy quickly spread among humans, spanning generations after the death of the founder. With their idols in mind, men created a tower so large, that it could reach the cloud layer of which the Angels had made their cities. "The Angels were not happy, to say the least. They ordered the tower be taken down, lest it take up too much airspace. Some even called it an eyesore. This angered the men. They had hoped their idols would be happy that something had been made in their honor, and yet they were instead scorned. So the men turned on their idols, creating a factory within the tower. A war factory. In this factory were made the golems, artificial beings able to take down forty angels at a time. The angels fought valiantly, but they were outmatched. The war was long and brutal, but it ended when the Angels used an ancient spell, not used since their war with the demons. With it, they struck the tower from the earth with one blast, and the tower was no more. It was thought that the golems had disappeared with the tower, but now..." Otium trailed off. The sisters were at a loss for words. "A tower that high? Gone, just like that?" Luna questioned, shocked. Otium nodded grimly. "And you say one of those...Golems, has survived?" Celestia asked. "Yes. And if it has survived this long, then who knows what else has," Otium replied. "I just hope this doesn't mean what I think it means..." The sisters gave one another a look before continuing on with Otium to the gardens. Eventually, they made it, and found the golem still deactivated by the tree. "This is the golem?" Celestia asked, amazed at the behemoth of brass lying before her. Otium nodded. "That it is. And if my memory serves me...then this is a SNTL model, or Sentinel, the largest model there was," Otium explained. "What manner of gem is that?" Luna queried, pointing to the core matrix. "That...is essentially the heart of the golem. Back in the day, it was known as a Soul Crystal," Otium informed. "Soul Crystal!?" The diarchs shouted simultaneously. "I take it you two have experience with them?" Otium guessed. The two diarchs glanced at each other and then the crystal before looking back to Otium. "Yes. There was once a tyrant in the Crystal Empire who made Soul Crystals, forcing children to work in the mines while their parents would be the ones to capture souls in the crystals. We put an end to his reign millenia ago, and destroyed all the crystals along with him," Celestia explained. "I see...This does not bode well. If one pony managed to find lost knowledge, then who's to say others won't?" Otium wondered. He shook his head. "So what should we do?" Celestia asked. "Destroy it?" Luna added. Otium shook his head. "No. We don't know how it was activated or why, and until we do, we should keep it. This could have been a fluke, or it could be something more. For now, it should be kept safe," Otium reasoned. "I suppose that makes sense. We'll call some guards to transport this to the vault for the meantime," Celestia replied. Otium nodded. 'It seems I'm not the only thing to awaken from it's slumber...' He thought. > Intermission: The Gnawing Fears > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was dark. Darker than dark. Nay, even darker. Even worse than a void. Bugs crawled and skittered around in the black. Water dripped from stalactites, the sound echoing throughout the cave that was darker than black. There was no light. Only sound. And in the midst of it all, was a shivering pile of torn, ragged robes. The form wimpered at each sound, scared to death, and choked, fearful sobs could be heard from it. A drop of water fell onto it's form, and it let loose an unholy screech. The screech sent out a wave of dark flames, turning all living things into ash, and the water above evaporated. Skulls and bones of various kinds were thrown to the far sides of the cavern, aflame with the black blaze, and cracked upon impact. The flames provided just enough light for one to see a glimpse of the glyphs upon the walls, all depicting some form of warning. Translated, they said, "Beware the Remnant of The Lost, the Child of Fear's Embrace. For it's cries of woe extinsguished the flames of it's own people." > Intermission: The Lonely Soul > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Far, far away, greatly removed from the kingdoms and lands known to Ponies, Minotaurs, Dragons, or most of the races of Lleiya, was a supercontinent, clear on the other side of the planet. It was surrounded on all sides by a mountain range, and that range was surrounded by sharp rocks, like daggers or spears of rock ready to tear any approaching ship apart. If the continent had a name, it has long been lost to the bygone ages of Pre-Cataclysm Lleiya. Now, nature has taken it over entirely. The entire continent is now a cauldron of Mother Nature, a playground for her children. Animals, bugs, and creatures of all kinds walk, fly, swim, and scitter across the continents surface. Through deserts, jungles, forests, lakes, plains, and mountains they go, living their lives as if the golden days hadn't passed by. A group of Gir, creatures of the forest with scales as green as leaves and feathers of vibrant shades of white and gold, clamber up a large and ancient tree, one that seems to almost glow with life, despite it's obvious age. The reason these Gir have sought such refuge is because of a cloaked figure, walking slowly, almost as if it were stumbling, crossed their path, and while most Gir would be happy to rend any trespasser in twain with their talons, something was different about this being. They wore heavy, concealing robes of hemp, black and discolored from what was likely years of not being washed or cleansed. A faint ticking resounded from them, and the sound of pistons moving emanated from their legs as they moved closer to the tree of old. A mask of leather covered their face, only the shining sea green light from their eyes visible thanks to it. They approached the tree slowly, taking their time as they did so. The Gir readied their wings to take off into another tree, but the figure paid them no mind, stopping in front of the tree and simply staring at it. For a time, all that could be heard was the ticking and occasional whir from the figure, until it placed a leather gloved hand to the bark of the tree. Then, all of a sudden, the leaves glowed and seemed to hum with energy, finally startling the Gir away. The figure, again, paid no mind, seeming entirely invested in the tree. After a straight hour and a half of this, the figure withdrew their hand, and the glowing leaves and humming ended. After that, the figure left. This continued for many days, until about two years and two hundred days had passed, and the figure didn't do this with just that tree. They did the same with a crystal in the desert caverns of the continent, as well as a lake in the plains, doing the arduous journey to each on foot, with no other transportation. The continent was just that large, and despite knowing this, the figure walked it nonetheless. When it was finished, it traveled to yet another plain, one much more unruly and wild than the others that were inhabitated by animals, and laid down in a patch of tall grass. Then, a sigh escaped them, and the weeds beneath the tall strands of grass grew over the figure, enveloping them. Just before they were covered entirely, they uttered a final phrase. "And thus, my rest comes once more..."