> Emerald Spider: First Contact Equestria > by SgtTex > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > A mirror? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- On an uncharted earth bordering with both the Amazing and Ultimate Sectors, the Emerald Spider of the Amazing Sector Defense Force had finally tracked down an inter-universal criminal known not by name, but rather by the acts he committed. The chase led the Emerald Spider into an old castle long abandoned and forgotten, and despite its degradation, it was still holding together surprisingly well. The chased seemed like it was about to come to an end after three months of tracking this guy. The Emerald Spider finally had him when he cornered in the old throne room. “Enough!” The Emerald Spider exclaimed, “You have nowhere to go, and I’m taking you in for unauthorized travel through the Amazing Sector, and inter-universal disruption!” The Emerald Spider approached the figure with caution. The A.S.D.F. doesn’t just send him after just one person for no good reason. The hooded figure was raising his hands above head, and the Emerald Spider assumed he was surrendering, but then he noticed something. He had what looked like tiny capsules between his fingers. Immediately assuming the worst the Emerald Spider charged at him, only to be met by a blinding flash of light, a deafening bang, and a face full of smoke. When to Emerald Spider finally shook off the effects the hooded figure was gone. The Emerald Spider scanned the room and found nothing. He cursed under his breath and wondered how he could make such a rookie mistake; he had been doing this for a little more than two decades. He decided to contact his Over-watch team and report in. “Over-watch this is Em. Spidey I have lost track of the target. Did anyone see where he went?” He then got a response from a voice he had gotten all too familiar with over the years. “Negative Spidey, it’s like he was there one moment and gone the next.” “Over-watch scan the area, look for any recent fluctuations of energy disruption, he may have a dimension hopper.” “Hmm… That’s odd…” “What?” The Emerald Spider asked. “There is an energy fluctuation in the area, but it is not like the type you would see from a hopper. If I’m reading this correctly, there’s a portal somewhere nearby.” “A portal? Over-watch are you sure?” “No doubt about it Mr. Emerald Arachnid.” “(Don't call me that). Well it must be invisible, because the only things I see in here are shattered painted glass windows, a ruined throne, and fancy looking glass… Wait.” He looked at the mirror again. I was the only thing he had seen so far that didn’t look run down. A little dusty sure, but in good condition regardless, too good infact. “No. It couldn’t be.” Emerald Spider said to himself out loud. He activated his mask’s optic scanners and looked the mirror over. This was a portal no doubt, but what was strange about it was how stable it was, and how small an energy signature it gave off compared to other portals that were known of. This was something you were not going to find unless you were specifically looking for it. “Over-watch, I think I found the portal, I’m activating my mask cam.” “Spidey… That’s a mirror…”, The Over-watch director said sounding confused. “Cycle through visual filters.”, Emerald Spider informed. After cycling through several visual filters, Over-watch got the picture. “This is incredible!” The director replied, “I’ve never seen a dimensional portal this small and on top of that this stable! Do we even know what we’re dealing with here?” The Emerald Spider inched forward. “Wait. What are you doing?” The Over-watch director asked. “You said it yourself the portal is stable. I’m going after him.” “We have no idea what’s on the other side, and we have no idea what we are dealing with exactly! For all we know he could have set a trap for you on the other side!” “Over-watch I’m surprised you haven’t learned this about me yet. I’m pretty I’ve been in far worse situations in the fifteen years we’ve worked together, and isn’t the reason you brought me in, because no one else could catch this guy?” The Over-watch director sighed, and was silent for a few moments before replying. “Alright, I can’t stop you, but I can’t promise that we will be able to remain in contact once you are on the other side.” “Understood Over-watch, I’m going now.” And with that he was through the portal. > One small step or one giant leap? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the Emerald Spider stepped through the portal he felt disoriented. He didn’t think much of it; it wasn’t unusual to feel that way after going through dimensional portals. But something else seemed off to him. He found himself losing his balance and dropping to all fours. Looking around he found himself in what looking like a castle or a palace, and one in much better condition than the one he was last in. He was about to pick himself up when he realized he didn’t have hands. He sat there for a minute out of both shock and disbelief. In place of where his hands once were there were hooves. He turned himself around to the mirror/portal to look at himself. In place of his usual reflection was a… pony? It was wearing his uniform, and with the notable difference of his hair (or mane and tail rather) being loose outside of his uniform and glowing the same shade of emerald green that the eyes and spider insignia on his uniform were. He put what used to be his hand on the mirror and found that it was solid. He frantically began looking all over the mirror thinking maybe he had to touch a specific spot in order to pass through, but to avail. “A one way portal…” He said to himself in a defeated tone. The Emerald Spider then looked up at his reflection actually taking time to take in and ponder the image of himself. He was afraid to remove his mask because he knew that he would not recognize his face. “I’m dreaming! I-I have to be!”, The Emerald Spider exclaimed, “I’ve seen some crazy thing in my time with the Defense Force, but there’s no way this is possible!... Right?” “You there! Remove the mask and turn around slowly!” A voice shouted from behind him. He what looked like three ponies all roughly the same size as him, and each a different tone in color, and all of them were wearing armor plated uniforms. “Oh you got to be kidding me”, The Emerald Spider said in disbelief. “Remove the mask! I won’t ask again!” The guard ordered. The Emerald Spider then noticed something he didn’t initially. The guard in the center of the three had a horn protruding from his forehead and was glowing a light purple color. “Wait! Are you a unicorn!?!” The guards looked puzzled. “Oh man this has got to be one of the top ten… No! Five craziest dreams I’ve ever had! Come to think of it pretty vivid too!” All of a sudden the Emerald Spider was lifted up off the ground and surrounded by a light purple aura. “Hey what th-oof!”, That was all the Emerald spider was able to get out before being slammed into a wall. The guards then approached him, and the unicorn leading the group said, “That should have been more than enough to incapacitate him now let’s…ahh!!!” The guard stopped as he got a hoof to the face faster than he could perceive knocking him back and skidding across the floor. The other two guard were dispatched rather quickly leaving them wrapped up in webbing on the walls. The Emerald Spider took notice of his newly acquired speed, but decided to think about it later as he webbed up the first guard he attacked on the ceiling. “What magic is this!?!” The guard yelled. “Not magic friend, but judging based on what I’m looking at I can see how you would think that. Nice to know my web shooters still work.” The Emerald Spider responded. “Intru-mmf!” The guard was cut short as glowing green webbing covered his mouth. “I’m going to look around if you don’t mind. That hard light webbing on your mouth will dissipate when it gets out of my projection range, you can call for help then.” The Emerald Spider said sarcastically. He then dropped down and continued down a hallway. He was having issues walking on all fours, but wasn’t too different from crawling on walls, so he was able to adjust quickly. As the Emerald Spider was walking he thought about his web shooters and newly found boost to his speed and agility. It was strange how his web shooters worked now, he didn’t need to make a certain hand gesture (on account that he didn’t have hands), but rather he just need to think about shooting which type of web out of his… Hooves. It seemed his suit was linked to his mind somehow. This train of thought was cut short however. He felt vibrations in the ground and his sense of awareness had increased greatly. Although the Emerald Spider was curious about this as well, he had no time to think about it. Something was heading his way. Thinking quickly he jumped to the ceiling, and activated his suits cloaking mode. There was a unicorn walking down the hallway, but his armor looked somewhat different, like he was a higher rank than the other guards. The white blue maned unicorn looked around almost as if he sensed something was off about the hallway. A pulse then went out from the unicorn’s horn going in all directions, and hit the Emerald Spider with what felt like a tidal wave to him. Although Em. Spidey had the wind knocked out of him and fell to the ground, he recovered landing on his feet (albeit clumsily). “So you’re the one that’s been sneaking in and using the portals!” The guard yelled. “Whoa buddy! You got the wrong…“ Em. Spidey was cut short as he dodged a blast of energy from the guard. The guard then began to charge and in turn so did the Emerald Spider. Just before Em. Spidey’s first hit was about to make contact with the unicorn’s face plate, it was stopped. A force field had formed around the unicorn, and Em. Spidey hit was deflected. The Unicorn however did stagger back a bit and was surprised by the strength of the hit. “It would seem you are more powerful than those other three I encountered. Good just means I don’t need to hold back as much.” Em. Spidey remarked. He then charged the Unicorns shield hitting it with all his might. The first hit landed. Nothing. The second hit landed, and the guard looked like he was breaking a sweat. The third hit landed, and the guard looked like he was straining himself trying to keep the shield up. Finally the fourth hit made contact and the shield shattered. Time seemed to slow down for this commanding officer. There had only been a few instances where a single being had been able to break his shield. He was able to get one word out before the fifth hit made it to his face plate as the Emerald Spider originally intended. “Impossible…” The Emerald Spider had held back on his last hit aware that while the shield could take the punishment for a time, the guard could not. With the guard incapacitated he then took note of the pain in what were once his hands. The Emerald Spider chuckled a little. “Strongest personal shield I’ve ever gone against.” The Emerald Spider remarked, as he activated his masks scanners. He looked over the commander for any technology and found nothing. He cycled through his mask’s visual filters and found that the energy that powered his abilities came from within the guard’s body, and judging from his scans it was focused through the horn on the head, (but he already guessed that was the case before scanning the horn based on his short interactions with those he encountered). His scans were cut short however by a voice that screamed, “Wha…!?! Uncle Shining!” > Captured > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- There at the end of the hallway was a young stallion of a dark blue tint, with a dark purple mane/tail with some brighter purple tints throughout. He also had a mark of some sort on his side that looked like a book with a purple 12 pointed star on the left page, and what looked like an ink spill with a crescent moon on the right page. The Emerald Spider noticed that he had a horn, but also wings, and that he was angry. Very angry. The Emerald Spider was lifted up off the ground then slammed to the floor. What was different about this time was where he was picked up in a field like this last time movement of his limbs was not restricted, now he could raise one to defend himself. “Who are you!?! You’re the one that has been sneaking in and using the portals aren’t you!?!”, The dark tinted stallion accused. “I’m really starting to hate telekinesis…”, The Emerald Spider said to himself. The stallion looked at the Emerald Spider puzzled. “You seem rather calm given your situation. Do you even know who I am!?! Because you just made the biggest mistake any living being can make! You threatened the life of one of my family!” The field holding the Emerald Spider began to tighten around his neck. He frantically tried to break free gasping for air, but to no avail. As this was happening a thought passed through the Emerald Spider’s head Is this the end? I don’t think this is a dream anymore. I’m going to die in a strange universe where no one will even recognize my body!?! Just before everything went black he heard a voice say, “Shadow Flare! Stop!” The field was lifted at that moment, and as the Emerald Spider lay there on the floor, just before he passed out he saw a lavender colored figure approaching. Hours later the Emerald Spider woke up. He found himself bound not by chains or rope, but by three different colored fields generated by the three figures in front of him. All three of them sitting in their thrones were like the one he encountered before, in the sense that they all had a horn and wings, but they were unique in other ways. The one to the Em. Spider’s left was more “normal” looking compared to the other two. His entire body was a lavender color with different shades of purple throughout his mane and tail, and had a mark of a 12 pointed star on his side. The mare on the right was a very dark shade of blue, had light blue eyes that seemed to glow slightly, and had a flowing mane and tail that looked like the night sky, and had a mark on her side of a crescent moon. The one that sat in the middle was at least double the size of the one to Em. Spidey’s left. This mare was white in color, the irises in her eyes were glowing a bright lavender color, and her pupils looked like tiny suns, and as for her mane and tail they could only be described as looking like solar fire. The mark on her side looked like a depiction of the sun. “You’re awake I see.” The fiery one stated, “We have some questions for you.” The Emerald Spider scoffed. “What are you going to do if I don’t answer? Strangle me to death!?!” “My son was concerned about the safety of his uncle and was overzealous. You should be glad I came when I did!”, The lavender one responded. “Enough!” The dark blue one exclaimed. ”All we want to know is who you are and how you were using the portal down that hallway.” The Emerald Spider waited a few moments before replying. “Alright, but before I tell you anything, I’d very much like to know who my captors are.” All three looked surprised at the fact that he didn’t know who they are. “You’re not from around here are you?” The lavender one responded. “No, I’m not. I think I would remember a place like this.” “Alright, well if you must know my name is Dusk Shine, and the two to my left are Celestia and Luna, now your turn.” “You promise not to let my identity leave this room?” All three nodded in unison, and the Emerald Spider continued. “I go by the Emerald Spider, but my real name is Daniel Hardy. I was chasing someone who matched the description of an inter-universal criminal. I chased him to a universe that bordered my Sector and the Ultimate Sector.” “Sectors?” Luna asked. “There are three known sectors of the multiverse, or at-least as far as my sector knows. They are the Amazing, Superior, and Ultimate Sectors.” “Which one are you from?” Celestia asked. “I am from the Amazing Sector, and I am apart of the Amazing Sector Defense Force or A.S.D.F. for short. We protect the Amazing Sector from threats within and outside our Sector.” The Emerald Spider then went on to explain how he ended up here, and how the portal changed him. He also apologized for the harm he caused, but explained that he would never kill in defense of himself or others, unless he truly needed to. “So the portal transformed you? Hmm… Yes I have some personal experience with that.” Dusk remarked. “Might I ask what you were before arriving in our universe? Were you human?” “Yes and no. I am actually hybrid of two species, Human and Quarian.” “Hmm… Interesting.” Dusk said. After some discussion and contemplation, Celestia said, “I’m quite torn on this. What do you to think we should do?” “Let him go.” Dusk said. “Are you sure my dear husband?” Luna asked. “Yes I’m sure. I don’t believe he means us any harm.” Dusk reassured his wife. “Alright, if you are sure.”, Luna replied. “Then it is decided.” Celestia said dropping her field first. Dusk and Luna dropped their fields soon after. “Thank you.” The Emerald Spider said. “Dusk if I may, I’d like to speak with your brother and your son, I’d like to apologize for my actions today.” > Need a medic here! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- On the way to the way to the medical wing the Emerald Spider and Dusk Shine were discussing the portals and how they worked. "...and the reason why the portal didn't allow you to go back through was because the other universe on the other side wasn't synced with ours." The Emerald Spider was a bit confused by this. "I'm not sure I follow." "Like I said, the portals only open once a month, but not all of the portals on the other sides are in sync with ours. Both sides open for one day once a month, but at different times." "So you're saying I'm stuck here." "At-least until the mirror you came through on our side opens." "Wonderful..." "You alright?" "Oh just fine! I'm just going to be stuck here for a month at the most with no way of letting anyone know I'm alive, and I've either changed species or turned into the equivalent of what my species is here, but besides that I'M GREAT!" Dusk Shine had distanced himself from the Emerald Spider, and looked somewhat concerned for both their well beings. "Dusk... I apologize. I know I'm a guest here, and I know you very well could have locked me up and interrogated me until I told you everything I knew. I meant no disrespect." "It's alright Daniel." "Can we please stick with Emerald Spider. It feels kinda weird for others to be calling me by my real name while in uniform." Dusk nodded, "I understand. Why did you trust us with your real name anyway?" "To be honest I don't know. It was you more than anyone else actually that I felt I could trust." Dusk chuckled a little at this, "Well I am the Prince of Friendship." The Emerald Spider cocked an eyebrow and looked at Dusk, "There's an entire royal position for that? What are you like the living embodiment of friendship or something?" Dusk just smirked, "Maybe we will have a talk about this some other time, we've reached the medical wing." ~~~~~~~~~ The medical seemed to be mostly empty. There were some guards getting looked over by the medical staff, and then it dawn on the Emerald Spider that these were the guards he had engaged upon his arrival in this universe. They looked at him with confused and piercing eyes. The Emerald Spider averted his gaze, he had felt horrible for what he had done. He knew he had not caused any permanent damage to them, but the whole situation could have been avoided. They finally reached their destination in one medical in-particular with a door with the name "Doctor Redheart" engraved into it. Dusk and the Emerald Spider walked in, and the doctor turned around, "Ah hello Dusk have you come to check on your..." She stopped as she noticed the Emerald Spider, and jumped back a little on reflex taking a defensive posture. Dusk laughed, "I see I made the right choice in choosing you doctor, to watch over my brother. It's alright he means us no harm, we came by to check on Commander Armor." The Emerald Spider looked over Doctor Redheart. His enhanced vision noticed several scars that had faded. "You've seen some things in your time haven't you?" The Doctor wasn't backing down out of her defensive posture, but she did reply, "Yeah I have. I was a combat medic, and I've treated things a-lot worse than what you did to the Commander." She said in a judgmental tone and piercing eyes. There was no doubt in the Emerald Spider's mind that he could win in a fight with this doctor if it came down to that, but something told him that he would probably need a doctor himself afterward. He wondered if she had a special talent for intimidation along side her talent for medical work. Doctor Redheart recomposed herself, "Your brother Shining Armor... He is going to be alright, but he is going to be in recovery for a few weeks at the least. He is resting now." Dusk Shine nodded, "Can you wake him up doctor? We need to speak with him." "Alright, but if this green arachnid themed clown tries anything..." she said glaring at the Emerald Spider. "You have my word as the Prince of Friendship, and as the Element of Power that won't happen." The Doctor slowly broke her gaze and went to the bedside of Shining Armor. The Emerald Spider turned to Dusk, "Dusk I understand why everyone here is well... Extremely ticked off at me, but why aren't you? Don't get me wrong I'm glad you are not mad at me, but I attacked your guards and hurt your brother badly, you have every right to be angry with me so why aren't you?" Dusk put his hoof on the Emerald Spider's shoulder, "Getting upset won't change what happened. I've already forgiven you for what you did, and I know you mean us no harm, so what is the point in me being angry? That won't fix anything." "Huh... Sounds like something my uncle would say. Thank you Dusk." They then heard hoof steps approaching from behind them, as well as a conversation, and the Emerald Spider recognized one of the voices. "...Look sis I understand that mom, dad, and aunt Tia are rarely wrong, but what if this is one of those ti...", Shadow Flare stopped as he noticed the Emerald Spider. Standing next to him was another like him around the same size as Luna. She was dark as night, and had a purple tail, and mane. On her side was the mark of a blue shield, and she was adorned in silver armor with the mark of a blue shield on her helmet, and it had the same twelve pointed star that Dusk Shine has in the center of the chest piece. Her eyes were interesting in the fact that they were unlike normal eyes, but then again neither were Celestia's. This one's eyes were teal, and were more dragon like in appearance. Shadow Flare looked furious, and his sister was a little surprised to see the Emerald Spider here. It was quiet for for a few second, but the Emerald Spider spoke up, "Ahem... Both of them are yours I take it Dusk? I can definitely see the resemblance in your son." Dusk just remained quiet and gave a look towards his son that told him to "let cooler heads prevail". The Emerald Spider made his way towards both of them, and as this was happening the black alicorn watched the Emerald Spider, almost as if she was studying him. When the Emerald Spider was just a little out of hooves reach Shadow Flare gave him a glare letting him know he was close enough. It was about 15 seconds of awkward silence before the Emerald Spider decided to break it. "... Shadow Flare is it?", The Emerald Spider said as Shadow Flare glared at him, "I apologize for what I did. I know I hurt your uncle badly, and I regret that I did..." "Look me in the eyes and say that.", Shadow Flare demanded. Seeing as no one would recognize his face anyway the Emerald Spider was about to comply, but found he could not remove his mask. "Are you messing with me right now!?!", Shadow Flare yelled. "Just give me a moment.", The Emerald Spider replied. He thought about everything that had happened upon entering this universe up to this point. He remembered that his suit had been reacting to his thoughts when it came to abilities like shooting webs, cloaking, and his suit's adhesion abilities. So he thought about altering his mask so he could look Shadow Flare in the eyes rather than taking it off completely. The Suit's mask then began responding to his thoughts and altered itself as Shadow Flare look of distrust turned to one of disbelief. When the mask was done altering itself, it essentially showed the Emerald Spider's face, but his coat was the same color as his uniform, his mane was still glowing an emerald green color, and the pupils of his eyes were the same emerald green. Nearly everyone in the room was in awe (except for Shining Armor who was still coming around), it wasn't the most incredible thing they had seen, but it was certainly unexpected. Then the Emerald Spider while looking Shadow Flare in the eyes said in a very stern voice, "I apologize for what I did, now I want to make sure your uncle is okay, and catch your real intruder." "Hmm... I think he means it." the black alicorn said, "I am Defender Nyx, we will see how our acquaintance with each other goes in time, but know you have me very intrigued." Nyx then looked over to Shadow Flare who's mouth was agape, "You can shut your mouth now Shadow." Shadow Flare did immediately do so, but then shot an irritated look to Nyx who was smirking at him. Shining Armor was still coming around but slowly, "Dusk, if I may I think I might be able to mend your brother's wounds." "And how might you do this Spider?", Dusk asked. "I think it would be easier to show you. Do you trust me?" Dusk looked over toward Doctor Redheart, and nodded. "Alright, but I'm watching you...", Doctor Redheart said. "That goes double for me!", Shadow Flare barked. The Emerald Spider approached Shining Armor with all eyes on him. The Emerald Spider then lifted his hoof and put it on the spot where it had made contact with his face plate, and a golden colored energy started to flow out. Soon all of Shining Armor's injuries were gone and he was awake. Everyone crowded around Shining Armor to see what the Emerald Spider had done. "Umm... What's going on, and why am I in the medical wing?", Shining Armor asked as he became aware of his surroundings. His eyes then moved to the Emerald Spider, as his memory came flooding back to him. His instinct was to tackle him or restrain him with a field, but his better judgement made him question why he was here and not locked up in the dungeon, or prison of some sort. Before Shining Armor could say anything else Dusk Shine spoke up. "Shining Armor say hello to the Emerald Spider, he just saved you from at-least few weeks of rehab." Shining Armor then got off the cot he was on. He was in and out of consciousness the whole time he was laying on it, and every time he woke up he was in some sort of pain, but now he felt perfectly healthy, infact better than before. Even his right front knee that he had messed up years ago playing hoof ball felt like new. "What are you?", Shining Armor asked. The Emerald Spider smiled, "Someone who's not from here, wants to complete his task, and help the others here." "I've noticed you say 'someone' rather than 'somepony'.", Nyx said, "The way you carry yourself, the way you speak, and the reports your strength, speed, and other abilities far beyond that of a regular earth pony are all very telling of you not being from here. How did you get your abilities?" The Emerald Spider turned to Nyx, "I can't tell you the specifics of it, but my abilities are not completely natural. What's strange is my abilities upon entering this universe have been amplified, and from guessing seems to be running off the energy prevalent throughout this world." "Might I ask what these abilities usually run off of?" Shadow Flare asked. "Radiation of any sort I can absorb, which to my knowledge I don't have limit on what types of radiation I can absorb, but I do have a limit on how much I can absorb. Here however every cell of my body feels saturated with energy." "Can anyone else from your universe do that?", Dusk Shine asked. "As far as I know, I am the only one of species that can do that." They were about to ask more questions when a guard ran in. "Prince Dusk Shine! Defender Nyx! Commander Armor! We have a situation!" "What is it Corpral Burnside?" Commander Armor asked. "We spotted a cloaked figure heading for the old castle of the Two Sisters. His mannerisms were very strange, and as far as we know there is no reason for anypony to be out there." "Wait...", Dusk Shine said "Something is off about this..." "Agreed father", Nyx said, "He has never let himself be noticed before." "Dusk are there any mirrors in that old castle like the one I came through?", The Emerald Spider asked. "I don't know. It's possible...", Dusk answered. "Well I'm not letting him slip through our grasp this time. I'm going.", Nyx said. "Hey you are not going anywhere without me! He's my issue too!", The Emerald Spider said. Nyx just made her way toward the nearest exit, with the Emerald Spider going after her. "You don't even know where the castle is!", Dusk Shine yelled towards the Emerald Spider. "I'll just follow the Defender!", The Emerald Spider yelled back. "But you can't even fly!" "Who says I need to fly, when I can fall with style!" When the Emerald Spider got outside on a balcony he positioned himself between two pillars, shot a hard light web lines onto each pillar and slingshot himself into the air. He then activated his hard light web cape and adjusted his path following after Nyx using his own tracking skills and his suits tech to keep track of where she was going. Dusk Shine, Shadow Flare, and Shining Armor all got outside fast enough to see the Emerald Spider gliding off into the distance. Shadow Flare looked over to his father to see him smiling. "What are you smiling about dad?" "Oh nothing.", Dusk replied, "Just something about this reminds me of old times." > The Officer, The Defender, & The Guardian. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Emerald Spider was keeping a steady enough pace with Defender Nyx that he could tell that she was heading in a straight line towards the location of this "Castle of The Two Sisters". While gliding he was thinking about his discussion with Dusk Shine on the mirror portals, and remembered he forgot to ask about what Sector he was in. Obviously that was a question for another time. He had to admit there was something about this place that felt... content. It was like the very atmosphere of this universe was different, and for all he knew it probably was, both literally and figuratively. ~~~~~~~~~~ Nyx was the first to reach the castle, and went through the top of the place through one of the many holes in the roof. She started making her way towards the looking glass room, if there were any mirror portals still left in the castle they would be there. She moved cautiously checking all her surroundings as she moved towards the room she was looking for. She didn't like this place, in brought back certain memories she had wanted to put behind her. "Ahh... There you are...", A voice from a dark corner said, as Nyx then prepared herself for what was about to happen. The source of the voice walked out and revealed itself to be the cloaked figure they had been after, but what was off putting about him the most was his eyes. They were like Nyx's eyes except they were orange. "No...", Nyx said shocked, "That's impossible! You were destroyed years ago!" The cloaked figure laughed. "I think you mistake me Dark Nexus. A shame... He was a very willing one." Nyx then tried to blast him with directed energy, but it was casually brushed to the side. She then tried a more direct approach by trying to charge him only to be caught and thrown back the opposite direction through a wall. She then opened her eyes and noticed they were in the room that held the Elements of Harmony. The place had long been abandoned and many of the stained glass windows were shattered. "Hmm... Now this seems familiar... However unlike your so called father I will end you here." The figure said as his horn glowed orange preparing to attack. As the cloaked figure leaped through the air coming down on Nyx he created several spears made of pure energy with the intent of impaling Nyx. It would have likey happen if it wasn't for... "Hey!", Was the only thing the figure heard before he was kicked in the face by whatever came through the window. The spears had shattered and disappeared into nothingness. When the figure looked up he saw the Emerald Spider and was surprised he had followed him. But that wasn't all, when he lifted his head up to look at the Emerald Spider, the hood of his cloaked had come off his head. "What?", The Emerald Spider said in shock. "Can't be...", Nyx said perhaps even more shocked. The face they saw was that of Shadow Flare. He then smiled and laughed. "Yes. This one was also very willing. He understands what it means to wield true power, unlike your pathetic excuse like yourself, mother, and brother." Nyx then realized this was not her Shadow Flare, but rather an alternate one. It did give her some relief, but it didn't make the threat any less real. "I am the power of the dark and the Shadow is my wielder. We are Black-Out." He was about to laugh again when he got a face full of hoof. "You really like the sound of your voice don't you?", The Emerald Spider said. Black-Out then growled and engaged the Emerald Spider. The fighting style the Emerald Spider was using was unfamiliar to Nyx. Although he was fighting well incorporating heavy acrobatics and using his web lines to smash loose bricks and stones into Black-Out then following up with a hit/kick, the fighting style seemed like it would be more effective for a more humanoid form. Their fight then became somewhat airborne going into the upper part of the room. "I have to say Spider, I thought all the stories about you were fa-AHH!" Black-Out had taken a hit to face, which only enraged him more. "Tell me. When you bond with a host 'Power of Dark', do you also absorb their egos?" Emerald Spider taunted as he was on the side of a wall. Black-Out was about to strike again when he was hit from below from an energy blast by Nyx. "You couldn't have done that before?", The Emerald Spider questioned. "Needed a clear shot.", Nyx replied. "It would seem I overestimated myself.", Black-Out said picking himself up off the ground and spiting out a tooth, "That is a mistake I shall not make again." Both the Emerald Spider and Nyx moved to charge and tackle him only to be met with a bright flash and a loud bang. "Urg... What was that?", Nyx said shaking off the effects. "Flash bang. Military equipment that is pretty standard where I come from.", The Emerald Spider said recovering himself. "Why did you follow me?" Nyx demanded to know. "You're welcome.", Emerald Spider responded. "I want an answer!", Nyx demanded once more. "In case you forgot, this "Black-Out" is my problem too." "You have no idea what you are dealing wi... Wait did you hear that.", Nyx said hearing hoof steps. Nyx then reluctantly motioned for the Emerald Spider to come along because it would be likely she would need his help again. She peaked around a corner and saw a hooded figure. Without thinking she tackled the figure holding the figure down by the neck. However the figure turned out not to be Black-Out. "Chrono!?!", Nyx said releasing her. Chrono stands, grumbling in annoyance,"Yeah, that's me. Hi Nyx.", She looks around, revealing her left eye that was replaced by a clock. Her eyes stop on Emerald Spider and she glares deeply at him. "You're uhh... Really looking into my soul there. Um... You two know each other?" "Nyx... You know how my world feels about things like him",She states, glancing at the Emerald Spider then looking to Nyx. "You're acting like I brought him here. Why are you here at the Castle of The Two Sisters anyways?", Nyx asked. "The fact you're with him should tell you.", Chrono states flatly. A small robot then flies up and begins scanning the Emerald Spider. "Um... What is this thing doing?" The Emerald Spider started to question, "What are you like some kind of interuniversal police officer? Because if you are that would be the weirdest coinciden..." "Shut up anomaly. You do not ask the questions here!" Chrono interrupted. The Emerald Spider's lenses peel back and he gives Chrono a stern look, "Chrono is it? I'll have you know that I am an officer of the Amazing Sector Defense Force, and there is a reason why I'm considered their best officer." She takes a deep breath, her eye glowing gently. "You are not in your world. Not even your own universe. Your title means nothing here. I am Chrono Shift." She turns to him, glaring, "And you will not threaten me" The robot then floats next to her and the lights on it go from green to red, a lazer appearing to be armed. "You're right, I'm not in my own universe, heck I don't even think I'm in the same sector!", He then takes the defensive stance he usually takes (or at-least as close as he can get to it in this form), and his hooves glow with bio-electricity, "But combat skill means something everywhere." He was suddenly held in a red field, unable to move. "I know. That's why D-bot here can immobalize." She looks to Nyx, silent. The Emerald Spider smiled under his mask, "Tell me, can that little robot's field deal with 60 tons of force and electrical impulses?" Her ears flatten. "I'm not looking for a fight. Really. But you are endangering this world." "Enough both of you! The real threat is not here!", Nyx, yelled, "We just fought the real threat not too long ago!" Chrono scoffs and D-bot releases him. "Any anomaly is a threat. I can see him ruining the flow already." The Emerald Spider then landed in a fashion he liked to call a "super hero landing" an asked, "What do you mean exactly?" She sighs. "D-bot, diagram 23", a diagram of a world appears with arrows going in one direction. "This is a worlds flow. Like a waterfall or stream." The Emerald Spider rubbed the back of his head, "What exactly is this flow? And how is me coming here, well bad? Because I travel through universes on a weekly bases. It's part of my job." She sighs. "It's like a river. Which means when you throw a rock in... " a red spot appears and the flow goes around. "The smooth flow is interrupted. The mirrors aren't universal. Their dimensional. That's why this happens. " "Wait, what are you saying exactly? That I've not only entered another universe, but another multiverse entirely?" "You're from a different Multiverse? " she looks to him, rather shocked. The Emerald Spider nodded, "And I wasn't always a pony either. (Which is weird to me by the way). How does that happen?" "Somepony must've brought a mirror to your multiverse... I had my suspicions because of your peculiar behavior but I doubted it was true..." The Emerald Spider tilted head and cocked an eye brow, "My "peculiar behavior"? You've been watching me?" "Yes. My clock eye can watch any anomaly from wherever I am. I've watched you since you stepped foot in this world." "Well trust me Chrono.", Nyx said, "There is a bigger threat here. You remember Dark Nexus, and how my father defeated him all those years ago?" "Yes, I do. And yes, I saw him as well. The other threat" "I'm afraid this is worse.", Nyx hung her head, "This one goes by the Name Black-Out. And... And he is another version of Shadow Flare." "This must be hard on you... " "He has also made use of military equipment from... Where I'm from.", The Emerald Spider chimed in. "Thanks for the input." She retorts. "I'm tracking him. " "So... Am I under arrest or something?", The Emerald Spider asked. "No. I will send you home when we arrive in Limbo." "Chrono. I know you are good at your job, and I mean no disrespect, but he is from another multiverse entirely. How do you intend to get him home?", Nyx asked. "He has a mirror. He can get home." "Not just yet...", a voice said as it flew through the window. It was Dusk Shine and he had come to see how things were going. "Hello, Chrono. Always a pleasure." Dusk said with a smile as he landed. She smiles and bows slightly. "Hello Prince Dusk Shine." "Chrono, I think we know each other well enough that we can skip all of the formalities." She nods. "Sorry. It's priority to respect royalties and rulers in any dimension." "There you go with that again. Ha. Well there is a reason you can't send him back just yet." "Why is that? ", Chrono asked, her whole demeanor changing in the appearance of the prince. "Because his entire multiverse is out of sync with ours. The mirrors leading to our multiverse are open from his side but not vice versa. We will have to wait till the ones leading to his side are open in our multiverse." "Oh..." Her smile drops. "That is a problem... " "Which is why until the the mirrors leading to his world open, I am making the Emerald Spider a royal assistant to me and High Princess Luna." The Emerald Spider was unsure what to think of this, and Nyx was smiling thinking of the Emerald Spider running errands for her parents. "That is not something I can agree with!", Chrono said furiously. "Well tell your superiors if they have a problem with it, they can take it up with me. Until his portal back home opens, he is under royal protection." She grits her teeth and takes a breath, smiling. "Al-alright..." her ear twitched. Dusk put his right front hoof on her shoulder,"I know you are just doing your job, but where are you going to take him if you can't get him home? Lock him up? I believe he can be of help us in the mean time." "I've seen him in action. He went hoof to hoof with our hooded outlaw... He's... An alicorn." Nyx informed her father. Nyx did not want to tell her father the whole truth just yet. She knew her father might take it harder than her. Dusk almost looked surprised and almost broke his usually warm and welcoming demeanor, "This is definitely a issue worthy of our concern. Is there anything else I should know?" "Yes." Nyx said, "Remember the energy that Spell Nexus accepted and turned him into Dark Nexus... It's returned, and that hooded figure is its host. He goes by Black-Out." Dusk was shocked, but had expected this to some degree years ago. "Chrono.", Dusk said, "Can we count on your assistance in this?" She sighs. "Yes. I guess my stay will be longer than expected." "I apologize for your inconvenience. Would you like to join us for dinner?" Dusk asked in a warm manner. "Uhh... Dad. Isn't a crazy all destroying force running loose out there?" Nyx said. Dusk laughed, "Well then it would be a good thing to be well nourished and keep up your energy in that case wouldn't it? Come on, we'll worry about this Black-Out when that time comes." Dusk then turned back to Chrono. "Would you like to be our guest?" Dusk asked Chrono again. Chrono smiles. "Yes, that'd be lovely." > An Awkward Dinner Party > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The dinner had started and all were enjoying their meal. The Emerald Spider however was noticeably missing. Chrono ate silently, her and the robot going over protocol and plans and such using her eye. "Chrono have you received words from your superiors on the situation?", Dusk asked, "I know you've likely notified them." Chrono took a deep breath before responding. "I have given them a report and have a response. They dislike this idea but will abide by it to not cause an uproar..." "I believe this is for the best." Luna stated. "I agree. I saw what he could do. Perhaps he can help us.", Nyx said agreeing as well Chrono frustrated replied, "I don't doubt his ability to help but I worry about the flow of time and events while he is here." "You didn't see him in action. With his abilities and all of our skill it is likely the problem will be dealt with soon. He moved like no Earth pony I've ever seen. ", Nyx told Chrono. "Hits harder than one too.", Shining Armor said as he rubbed his head remembering their first encounter. "I still have no cares for his physical performance. I am seeing the bigger picture. Long term stay will alter the course of this world and others who become associated with here.", Chrono replied. Dusk calmly put down his fork he was levitating and looked Chrono in the eyes. "Chrono Shift. I have nothing but respect for you, but I believe I have a counter your argument." Chrono looked at Dusk frowning deeply. "Do you remember my marefriend before I got married? It was when me and Luna were having a bit of trouble in our relationship before we got married. We saw other ponies for awhile." "The Shimmer girl?", Chrono asked. "Yes...", Dusk replied, "Sunset Shimmer. I thought of distancing myself from Luna at the time, but Sunset seemed to realize that Luna still loved me. Point is she spent a considerable amount of time in another universe. I went there myself on an assignment from Celestia to retrieve the element of power from a thief. Sunset was there, and she had apparently gone there years before, and something made her stay and start up her own life there. She was able to figure out quite quickly I was from Equestria and helped me retrieve the element of power from the thief who turned out to be an alternate version of me that discovered how the portal worked there, among other things. We eventually able to reform him, and funny enough after Sunset mutually broke it off with me she started a relationship with the other me shortly after." Dusk lost himself in his thoughts for a moment thinking back on other times, but then snapped out of it. "So my question is if Sunset can stay in one universe for years, what harm will the Emerald Spider staying here one month truly do here?" "She is different. The course of he path was going that way anyways. She did not interrupt any flow there because that world was expecting her arrival. The Emerald Spider isn't even from our multiverse.", Chrono replied. "How can you know for sure?" Dusk asked, "Has that ever happened before? This *flow* being disrupted I mean." Chrono stiffened and glanced away.  "One of my assignments has fallen victim to it... But that is classified."  She looked at him, sternly again. "Very well. You haven't mislead us in the time we've known you Chrono. I trust you." She nodded softly, taking a drink. "Speaking of the Emerald Spider, where is he Dusk?", Luna asked. "I'm not sure." "I know where he is.",Celestia said just before taking a bite of cake, "Said he wanted a place to clear his head. He is out on the balcony that overlooks Canterlot." "Should I retrieve him?", Chrono asked. "I'll go talk to him." Nyx said as she got up shuffling her plate to the side. "Maybe I can get him to come in here. He hasn't eaten anything all day. He must hungry." "Well it has likely been a strange day for him. He is likely processing what happened. Tell him if he wants he is more than welcome to join us for dinner." Dusk told his daughter. Nyx nodded and began to walk off as Chrono silently watched her. "I'll be back shortly." On the balcony looking over Canterlot in Canterlot Castle The Emerald Spider looked over the city. He considered it quite impressive how the were able to essentially build a city on the side of a mountain, but that wasn't what he was most focused on. He thought about what Black-Out was planing right now as he sat here. He thought about what his family and friends were thinking right now. He thought abou-... His left ear swiveled towards a sound. "Nyx?" She walked forward through the already open door. "How did you know it was me?" "The sound of your foot- er... Hoof steps are a little more distinct. And my enhanced hearing only got better when I came here." He turned around to face, and his right ear swiveled towards another noise. "You were followed." He turned toward the noise. "I know you're there! Come out!" Chrono revealed herself as she jumped up from the edge of the balcony closest to the door. "Looks like I'm not the only one that scales the sides of walls. Why are you both here?" "I was coming to ask if you were hungry. You haven't eaten all day.", Nyx told him. "And you Chrono?", He asked turning to her. "I finished and got bored.", Chrono said dismissively). "Seems more like you were spying on me." He glared at her. "I'm sensing some distrust here." "I was hoping that'd be so obvious no one would have to state it.", Chrono replied in a demeaning tone. Nyx got between both of them. "As my dad says, lets let cooler heads prevail you two." The Emerald Spider snorted. "Fine. Not like she can do anything to me here anyway." He turned around, leaning on the balcony's safety rail and looked at the city again, as Chrono huffs and leaves. "Fine. D-bot, stay close to him." Chrono told her robot partner. "Having your tin can do your work for you huh?" "That's enough!", Nyx said raising her oice, "How would you feel if you were being prevented from doing your job properly?" "I already am. Among other things..." He hung his head over the railing continuing to think about what others back home might be thinking. "Are you hungry?", Nyx asked. "I..." His stomach growled. He sighed and then after moment, "Yes... Yes I am." "Would you like to join us?", Nyx asked. "To be honest, not really. I don't really do well in setting like that. I usually eat alone." "That absorbed in your work huh? Would you like me to bring you something then?" "Only if you want to. I can get something myself if you don't." "Don't be ridiculous! It would be my pleasure. You are our guest after all.", Nyx told him. As Nyx walked off to get some food, the Emerald Spider stared at D-bot. As the robot hung close by, watching him in a rather creepy fashion, his suit did a scan of the robot, and after a few moments of awkward silence... "Thanks for standing still so I could get a complete scan of you. I could likely make a blue print on how to make another one of you now." He looked over the schematic. "Hmm... You got a pretty impressive amount of fire power hidden away in there. And no power source apparently. You seem to be drawing energy from this universe in a similar way to me." A laser arms and he receives a low powered shot that didn't do harm but would get his attention. "Ow!... Was it something I said?" The robot beeped. "You don't talk much do you?", He said rubbing the spot, "I bet Chrono is listening right now isn't she?" "Delete accumulated files." D-bot replied, "Or actions will be taken." He starred sternly for a moment, then pulled a chip out of his Spider insignia on his front. "There. That's my suits memory unit. Can hold 14 Terabytes of data. It also has everything not classified on the A.S.D.F." The robot floated the chip over and takes it into a port that seems to shape itself so that the chip is accessible. "I suppose Nyx was right now that I think about it. Consider that a peace offering of sorts to Chrono as well." Little did D-bot know that there was a back up chip on the insignia on his back. The bot then beeped softly transferring the info back to Limbo to be sifted through. "And Chrono. If you're listening I apologize, but we have a common enemy in Black-Out, he has disrupted both our timelines, and it has to be stopped. I will work with you however I can to stop Black-Out, and return home as soon as possible." It was then Nyx returned levitating a plate of bread rolls and a piece of cake. "Spider I didn't know what you'd like so I brought this. The cake was made by aunt Celestia, and the bread rolls by my dad." "They'll do fine for now Defender, thank you." He lifted a bread roll up and his mask made and opening around his mouth, when he took a bite his eyes went wide and he started to eat them quickly. "Like them huh?", She said smiling. "These are fantastic! You're dad made these!?" Nyx chuckled a bit, "Yeah. I believe it is my dad's other special talent." He decided to try the cake as well. It was a piece of cheese cake by the looks of it. "Mmmph... Mmm... Oh this is amazing!" "Well my aunt has lived for a few millennia so she has had plenty of time to perfect several recipes." Chrono was coming back but after seeing them, she turned to head to her room alone. "Best not ruin their mood. It'll be a while till they have fun again...", She mumbled. As she walked through the halls she ran into Shadow Flare. "Miss Chrono Shift-er... Sorry.", Shadow stuttered, "Chrono. You seemed rather quiet at dinner tonight." Shadow was always quite fond of Chrono. Part of him hoped she noticed, while another part hoped she wouldn't. She blinked and looked up., "Oh, Prince Shadow Flare. I apologize if I worried you. My mind has been else where lately." "Will you be alright?", He asked. She nodded softly and trotted around him to her room. Shadow sighed. He always got a bit nervous around and she never really noticed for whatever reason. He then went off to his own room. Meanwhile back on the balcony the Emerald Spider was feeling better than he had been all day. "Thank you Defender Nyx. All the food you brought out was exemplary." "Thank my dad and aunt for preparing it." "I'll be sure to do that." The Emerald Spider was silent for a moment. "Excuse me Defender?" "Please just call me Nyx." "Okay, Nyx. Is there anywhere I can sleep tonight." "Ah my dad figured you would ask. Follow me, I'll take you to a guest room." D-bot still hovered close and watched Em. Spider still, much to his annoyance. "Chrono if you're listening I want to get along with you, but if you don't stop having this thing follow me I am going to something about it, and you're not going to like it. I'm going to sleep do you really need to watch me sleep?" As it kept following The Emerald Spider's annoyance grew, and Nyx noticed. Nyx: "D-bot..." Nyx said addressing the robot, "Under Equestria's laws The Emerald Spider has the right to privacy within his own room, and cannot be violated without a well... Reasonable reason. So ask that you stop following him. He is under the protection of Royal Family here." The bot beeped twice and floated away to Chrono's quarters. "Thank you Nyx." She smiled, "You're quite welcome. As he walked into his room and none of his enhanced senses or suit scanners picked up any other beings near by, he said, "Daniel..." "Hm?", Nyx turned around. "My name is Daniel." "You trust me with this?", Nyx asked a bit surprised. "Based on what I've seen today, I know the type of pers-er... Pony you are." Nyx smiled again, "Well thank you... Daniel. I trust you too. I promise I won't tell anypony else. Good night." Daniel nodded climbing on to the bed, and resting his head. He fell asleep soon after realizing how tired he really was. Chrono's night on the other hand was going quite differently. She didn't sleep at all, going through all the info she picked up and writing a thorough bio for the archives of who the Emerald Spider is. It was full of holes but she did her best. Much of the data was missing info due to it being classified. It contained information on all the factions and species within the Amazing Sector giving descriptions for all of them. It also gave basic info on military tech, but nothing on the true strength of the Amazing Sector. One thing that she did notice that was interesting however was that humanity seemed to exist in almost every universe). Chrono set her head on the desk, "It's going to be a pain in the neck tonight sifting through this junk."