> The Clockwork Alicorns
>  by Frostling 02
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter One: The Party
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun was in the sky with some clouds. I stood looking at it, perhaps it was watching back? I wasn’t sure how the whole story worked, but I think it’d be a little more concerning to our creator if we were being watched. Then again, perhaps it’s the sun’s pride preventing intervention. From what the creator told us, no ponies could just look at the sun without having trouble.

I shook my head a little bit. Today was not a day to get sidetracked. It was likely only a matter of time before the patrons arrived and I hadn’t done much in contribution to preparing the party. Not to mention my position was bad and I hadn’t polished and-

“You look distracted, Whistle.” My thoughts were interrupted by the voice of another Clockwork.

“I’m sorry sir, I was just taking in the environment.” I saluted really fast realizing it was Three, one of the early Clockwork who helped our creator make the rest of us. Her nickname is Level as she says.

“Ease up,” The taller light blue eyed Clockwork tapped me on the head with a click. “We don’t have to be so formal yet. The guests aren’t here yet. In fact, I have to be formal before you. Though feel free take in the environment all you want, I appreciate it when you’re thankful for all of our work.”

“S-sorry Level, I was distracted.” I eased slightly.

“That’s understandable,” Level assured me. “From my understanding, this will be the first time you meet other ponies?”
“Yes ma’am.” I confirmed. I knew only one pony my entire life, our creator. He goes by Chasy. From what I know about him he’s a wealthy pony from Equestria and must often go there. I recall him saying that he is not perfect, but strives to create it. I don’t entirely know the depth of his plan, but I suppose it doesn’t matter. Clock Face was a town that has made good progress from where I heard it was. Originating underground and all. We even had high class patrons to help pay for some of the technology. It was certainly costly, but it was probably worth it. I hear it’s far more advanced than what Equestria is like. The functions seemed efficient. Travel, energy purpose, mechanics, etc.

“I suggest you get ready then.” Level turned to move on with her preparations. “I think Chasy may be even more angry with some recent events, he may want this to be a perfect day.”

“Right!” I saluted as she walked off. I wasn’t sure what happened recently that would manage to make Chasy even more angry than usual, but I hoped I wouldn’t find out with how he is on a good day. I turned my own way and flew off towards my station. While flying over the city and through some turning gears, I thought about something peculiar. Level was an older model than most of the other Clockwork, yet she and a few others seemed to be stronger and better than us. I supposed that could be a choice as to keep around valuable around leaders when Chasy is away. I shrugged off the thought as I neared the castle.

The castle had tubes and moving platforms all around it to quickly traverse for the guardians. There were also some Clockwork flying around and analyzing the gears down to the smallest cog making sure it was perfect. Of what I scanned, it seemed fine, but there were some small smudges that bothered me.

I landed at the front door and started to whistle as I used my magic and cloth to polish myself. Looking around, there was a fountain in the center which was releasing water. It’s nice to look at, and there was a purpose behind it. The castle used a lot of water, some fuel, some as refreshments for the creator, and even to adjust the temperature of the quarters. The courtyard also contained statues of early models such as Level. I admired each of them when it came down to it. They were really good leaders. I couldn’t deny my attraction to confidence.
I had finished polishing my plated metal. It was quite refreshing with my previous stress. Looking around, I decided I’d clean the courtyard some real quick like. There was a twilight color enveloping the air, no doubt the party-goers would arrive shortly. I polished the metal ground and the fountain before I decided to also polish the three statues of the early models. After cleaning the grounds to a point where I could see my reflection, I thought it was time to wait. I retired next to the doorway and looked at myself in reflection off the wall. I was about the same golden color as it, but I had a bronze tint. My plates were segmented by overlapping plates which connected to each other through bolts and the like. This is what science and magic creates I suppose. Despite how the Clockwork look, they can be quite agile. After all, Chasy did want perfection.

The sun was just visible over the buildings and I was curious what took so long, but I soon realized I was done waiting. I pulled a switch the opened a small door that contained a strange device. I knew what it did, but not why. Chasy made specific orders to use the block like contraption on the right guests. It had a horn sculpted on it from that reflected the purple light from my eyes well. I picked it up with my magic and placed it on the floor beside me.

A carriage pulled by some other Clockwork landed in the courtyard with some seemingly eager ponies in it. I firmed my stance to look formal. One of the ponies stood up and calmed them down so he could speak.

“I know that you’re all excited,” He clarified. “But let’s keep this civil. I don’t want you being impolite or chaotic.”

The old stallion was Chasy, a tan unicorn with a white mane. Despite his age, he still stands neatly. I adjusted my ID tag as he continued to pander the ponies.

“I’m glad you’ve considered my ideas a valuable investment, but you must keep your end of the bargain if you want to be overseers of this operation.” He opened the carriage and unharnessed the Clockwork which proceeded past me into the castle. “Before we go inside, we need to meet some of my best crafts. They will answer any questions you have about this settlement. Within reason, of course!”

Chasy tapped his hoof twice and the three tall elite models appeared in a flash before me. They stepped forward and bowed in unison. Of course, there was Level who analyzed the ponies promptly. Then there was Two, we call him Smoke due to his hot-headed nature. He kept silent as to save his patience for when he’d need it. My guess was that he’d get frustrated with these ponies fast. Then there was One, going by “Second Hand” because she was easily moved and very fast. She started by introducing herself in a “controlled” excited manner.

“Hello little ponies!” She hastily began floating with her wings. “I’m One! Care to introduce yourselves?”

Chasy reassured his crowd. The ponies had already been applauding the energetic Clockwork. There were some introductions and some questions asked. What I had a hard time ignoring was the smile that Chasy had. It was oddly genuine. I thought he would’ve been angry like what Level warned, but he seemed content. Even then, he still often forced a smile.

After the questions were asked, mostly ranging in minor things, the ponies came over. I let Chasy pass and he whispered to me.
“I’ll call you up with some orders later Seven-Two.”

The ground in front of me opened up and a pedestal arose from it with a quill and ink. I asked the passing ponies for their names and scanned them. Pegasus, Earth pony, unicorn. There were at least two of the three types. They were all dressed in uniforms that were innovations to the modern fashion of Equestria. Unicorns had to go through an extra step. They had to encase the box-like contraption in their own magic. The unicorn that gave off the highest reading was a stallion going by Transfer. It was close though, most of the visitors were unicorns. Chasy had a… refined taste.

One of the ponies complimented my eyes. They told me it was due to their lavender color. That’s about the only color except black in parts of my eyes when I “close them” if you could call it that. I personally didn’t see much importance in my eyes since they are pretty much stagnant lights. Level approached me and teased me a little bit over that compliment I got. I shifted slightly in embarrassment.
Once the three big Clockwork walked inside, I was putting the magic machine into the wall back where I found it. The gold door shut and I heard some movement within the castle, just inside the wall.

The sky was dark and stars were shone in the sky. I looked around, the city looked empty. Most of the Clockwork that weren’t busy were likely in the palace putting on a show for the ponies to wander around and see themselves. Probably some tourist route. My job wasn’t done yet, I needed to go in and follow the crowd from the back. I heard something and turned around quickly. Nothing was in my line of sight. Despite hearing it, I decided to pin it as nothing. I didn’t want Chasy thinking I was hearing things on such an important night to him.
I quietly walked through the arched doorway and saw the spectacle that was taking place. The lobby was prepared for an eloquent dinner for the crowd. A stage had been set-up for the Clockwork to do a performance for the onlookers. There were three males and three females performing at the moment. They were doing a choreographed dance and singing a song. Gears turning through the ceiling and the walls. Some lights were off, but there were some low red lights so the ponies could see. The lights coming from our eyes should’ve been enough, but we had them set low so this place wouldn’t look like a rave party. The Clockwork on stage were showing off their unison and flexibility in their dance. It occurred to me then that this was just to show the talents and capabilities of the Clockwork. I wanted to face-hoof there, but I needed to look even better now. This was even more necessary when a couple of Clockwork in the air passed a plate of food by throwing it for some efficiency. They earned a quick applause with that display.

I moved from standing in front of the door awkwardly to standing closer to the ponies dining area. There was something peculiar about one of the cloth covered tables. Transfer was sitting with a mare whom I don’t recall letting in. She seemed to be telling him something, but he looked distracted by the show the Clockwork Alicorns on stage were putting on. I’d be too, I found it difficult to avert my attention from their song and dance. It was very foreign in origin. Different language even. I managed to listen to the mysterious girl who seemed just slightly out of place with her shaded goggles. My question was how she could even see in here.

“I’m telling you, you have to leave.” She narrowly avoids loudly slamming her hoof on the table. She still hit the small table.

“Yeah, yeah. One moment.” He ignored her.

“No, now!” The Pegasus was overshadowed by the singing and music. “It’s dangerous for you to be here, you have no idea what Chasy is planning.”

It was no use. From what I could tell, he rejected her again. It was hard to hear what he said over the music hitting another crescendo, but the mare was angry. She walked off with a forced smile. I was about to pursue her when I got a brief message from Chasy through his magic connecting to mine.

“Seven-Two, bring me Transfer, tell him I want to meet.”

Just as he finished the message the song stopped and I lost track of the dark mare with the goggles. The Clockwork on-stage were in a stunning pose and the audience, ponies and Clockwork alike, applauded the group. The red unicorn was cheering. It was clear that Transfer was already seeing this as a miracle. He lifted his top hat danced around trying to imitate the lyrics, he seemed to be enjoying himself. I was hesitant on interrupting him, but that faded when I thought of what would happen if I displeased Chasy.

“Transfer,” I caught his attention. “Chasy wants to meet with you.”

“Really?” The young unicorn put his top hat back on and came to me a bit giddy. “I’m pleased that such a talented stallion wants to meet me! Lead the way Seven-Two!”

“I’m glad you’re eager to meet him.” I turned and signaled him to follow.

It was programmed into me to know where to go in this castle, but seeing it was something else. The palace had a lot of places to see, including a garden and another courtyard. We walked through, Transfer taking in the sights. I was whistling, which he complimented that it sounded nice.

We eventually found ourselves in a large hallway with the symbol of a gear under a carpet and on the ceiling which has been recurring throughout Steam Palace. We walked through when I heard something behind us. I turn and see the dark Pegasus behind us. I tried to scan her, but it didn’t work to my surprise. She sighed and walked off suddenly. I left it alone, she already disappeared down the hall. I looked over to Transfer, who seemed frozen in place. I waved my mechanical hoof in front of his ridiculous face of awe. I sighed at my conundrum, but it was solved swiftly once I turned back towards the end of the hall where the door that Chasy was waiting behind. I saw the face of a stallion in his mid-age. He was grey with a black mane which was a bit messy and long. He was wearing a black top hat that his horn pierced, black cloak, black sunglasses, and had a drained dark yellow shirt with a chain coming out of a pocket on that shirt. The stallion smirked and there was a flash behind his sunglasses. I had a glimpse of a face I could only describe as insane. His grin was wide and crooked, but something about it seemed restless.

Suddenly, as he had appeared, he vanished and Transfer was moving again. I glanced around quickly.

“Is something wrong?” Transfer tilted his head.

“No,” I quickly assured him. “I was just taking in the atmosphere.”

“Alright, let’s go!”

We walked to the door and I knocked. Chasy quickly answered and insisted we come in. Transfer graciously accepted his offer by prancing in through the big double door which had the insignia of a gear on it.

“Top on!” Transfer exclaimed.

“You too, Seven-Two.” Chasy beckoned.

I stepped in and stood by the door which Chasy shut using his magic. The room was golden with a throne atop a stagnant gear, stairs climbing up to the throne. There was a transparent sliding door on the left wall. A portrait of a young Chasy hung on the wall.

“Transfer,” Chasy seemed to ignore me. “I’m sure you’ve seen how these Clockwork function, yes?”

“Yes! I think you are brilliant with their Alicorn design!” Transfer complimented reasonably.

“You seem to grasp my ideas swiftly,” The old stallion remarked. His yellow eyes had a glint in them. “That’s why I want you to know what it is that I aim for. I want to create the perfect beings. These are the stepping stones. They have the speed of a Pegasus, the magic of unicorns, the power and endurance of the griffons, the fire of dragons! All stuffed in the shape of an Alicorn. I want to be the creator of perfection. Of course, I need your help.”

“You… Need MY help?” I noticed a change in Transfer’s attitude and stance, he seemed to gain some pride and firmness at this revelation. In fact, he may have gotten a bit lusty presented this opportunity. I felt like I was a bit out of place there.

“Yes lad,” Chasy answered. “You will help me there, and perhaps the other folks in the theatre area. However, the time has come for you to shine. Come along, this is the first step.”

Chasy lead Transfer to the door on the left and they both entered. I saw Chasy’s genuine smile turn a bit more wicked as he entered. I watched until steam started filling the room and then I rushed over. There were brief screams coming from the room, and I saw the silhouettes of the two unicorns being on separate sides of the room. Transfer’s screaming quieted and eased while Chasy just stood calmly. I couldn’t tell what was happening, but it was concerning. The steam had begun to fade and the door to the almost empty room slid open slightly to let steam out. I was then able to see what happened. A younger, tan unicorn stood over an older red unicorn. Chasy had facial hair that was black like his mane now. He started using some more magic on the old Transfer. Transfer was slowly standing up and looked like he would pass out any second. On the bright side, he looked like Transfer was regaining his youth.

“Understand this is a necessity for me, I would not have lived long enough to teach a descendant otherwise.” Chasy had restored Transfer to his previous youth. “This magic was forbidden by Celestia once she discovered I had this, but surely someone as smart as you can see the beauty in it. I can be immortal, and there is no permanent damage done to the one I use it on due to another spell she forbade my use of. She’s a fool who disapproves of the creation of these machines. I tried to get her approval and she turned my plans down.”

Transfer chuckled lightly and lifted his head, his iris seeming a bit gear like. Chasy’s yellow eyes seemed to glow.

“I’ll prove her wrong,” Transfer declared. “You’re doing a wonderful-“

“No,” Chasy interrupted. “Remember the deal we had before this? You don’t talk about what you see with anyone besides who you were here with. Wait until some loose mouth fools bring it up in public, then you can give us a good reputation. Of course, there is one person you have to look out for. For now, just wait on everything. I need the timing to be perfect!”

I decided to hurry back to my spot by the throne room door as they started walking towards me. They said some parting messages and some more warnings and deals, but nothing else of importance. I opened the door for Transfer and prepared to escort him back, but I was cut-off by the now younger Chasy.

“You are staying here,” The unicorn used some magic likely contacting another Clockwork. “I will have another Clockwork take him back.”
Shortly, Three-B arrived. Three-B was also known as Bee, I was friends with her. She had pink eyes and some light blue plating. She waved to me a little bit, but then took a light-headed Transfer to his previous seat. She wished me luck with that wave I’m sure.

“Seven-Two.”

“Sir.” I saluted him.

“Don’t think I’m going to be replaced by any of these ponies.” When he turned away from me, I glanced around. “I have the genuine feeling you think I’m mad, you heard of the news?”

“I did sir.” I held my salute.

“But not what happened.” He tilted his head and an eye managed to see its way in my direction. “It doesn’t matter now that our neighbor is in a good position.”

“Our… Neighbor?” I hesitantly asked.

“Yes,” Chasy replied surprisingly calm. “Queen Chrysalis is in the opportune circumstances of desperation. She could make a powerful ally. A broken Queen could always be used in one way or another. Besides, wouldn’t it just make sense?”

I wasn’t sure how to respond to this, I hadn’t known about Chrysalis or what these circumstances were.

“Wait… Why would we need her as an ally?” I finally asked. Part of me wished I hadn’t as Chasy had a very spiteful air about him after I spoke, but he remained calm.

“You see Whistle,” The unicorn used my nickname to express him finding me simple. “There are many things that inhibit me, and I’m sure I know the big thing that Celestia holds me back for. I want to create the perfect being right? The fire of a dragon, the power and endurance of a griffon, the magic of a unicorn, the speed of a Pegasus. All that packed into the body of an Alicorn. To create the perfect being, I need everything. Celestia will despise one thing about your kind over everything else.”

I stood still, I knew what ability he was talking about.

“Chrysalis is the perfect ally now as we share a hate for Celestia, and she can understand your kind better than I! Along with your other great strengths, I created you with the numbers and shapeshifting of the Changelings!”
> Chapter Two: The Invitation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The party went well from what Chasy seemed to think. He shared some more words with Transfer in private before sending him back to Equestria from what I heard. I had no idea where that would lead at the time, but it didn’t matter to me. My “life” was pretty day by day. I served little purpose aside from maintenance of Clock Face.

The next few days after the party were simple, but Chasy seemed to come to me more frequently to talk of Chrysalis. One day he told me that I was to be there when she came to visit. I was likely going to be a guard with a few other Clockwork. I accepted his request, no questions asked. I wasn’t dumb enough to defy Chasy in his face. I then continued my daily checking of gears and polishing things on my own prerogative. I didn’t like the grime in some places. Not that it would affect us in any way, but we should at least look clean. I was also feeling a little stiff so I greased some of my joints. Good call too, Chrysalis had received Chasy’s invitation on the same day.

I was partway through my morning round when Chasy asked for my presence.

“Would you kindly report to Steam Palace?” He politely ordered. “We have a royal guest scheduled to arrive soon.”

I hesitantly stopped polishing the gear I was examining and flew my way over to the Palace in a hurry. Of all times to contact me, it was while I was in a crowded crevice in the ground. No matter, I was able to slip out pretty quickly due to some luck with the gears. The Palace itself took a bit more time to get around than to actually get to. Despite the town coming to the surface, Clock Face hadn’t been built far beyond the hole it crawled out of. The Steam Palace was built in an odd limbo between the surface and underground. The section above ground was far more presentable.

I found myself in front of another large double door that had symbols on it. It showed two gears and a landscape below. The left door had one gear encased in a blue circle over a town similar to Clock Face and the right door showed the other gear encased in a yellow circular shape over a field that had some mid-process construction. It was interesting, but I didn’t heed it much attention. Some dirt on the door handle distracted me. I opened the door to see some Clockwork sitting at a large table, other Clockwork stood at the sides of the room. Second Hand, Smoke, and Level were there as well. About thirteen in total.

“Perfect timing Seven-Two,” Chasy was sitting on the far end of the table. “Take your spot over there.”

He pointed his hoof over to a spot by the wall. I walked over to that position shutting the door behind me. Chasy himself was wearing a navy-blue vest that looked the part of a formal leader. He also wore a tie to look even more formal for this occasion. He had talked with Queen Chrysalis before, but never swayed her. If there was any good time for persuading her, he definitely believed this would be the time.

A few minutes later the doors opened and an ominous figure walked in. She was tall and seemed a bit withered, I could tell it was Chrysalis through her long thin mane at that point. I looked over to Chasy. To my surprise, he looked just slightly on edge. I focused and remained at the ready.

“Seven-Two,” Chasy glanced over to me. “Why don’t you give our guest here a seat befitting our guest.”

“Right away, sir.” I levitated a chair that had been set next to my station in preparation for this event. It was crafted of fine wood and fabric to not seem unpleasant to important guests who weren’t accustomed to metallic seats. I placed it in front of the table for Chrysalis. She rewarded me with a sharp glare, which I adjusted the chair to her liking rather than neatness. She claimed the territory with gusto.

“It is nice to meet with you again, Chrysalis.” Chasy leaned into his cold chair.

“It is unpleasant to see you as well,” She rejected the flattery. “I see you look younger than when we last met…”

“Thank you for noticing,” Chasy smirked at the comment. “But that’s not what matters. Let’s talk about you and your future.”

“I will crush Equestria under my hoof!” She claimed.

“Let’s not jump to future fantasies.” Chasy casually shrugged with his insult. “However, I may be able to make that fantasy a reality.”

“Like your delusional perfect being?” The changeling questioned Chasy. “For some reason, I doubt you’ll be able to succeed in these goals you’ve set.”

“This coming from a broken-down Queen?” The unicorn came back at Chrysalis. “What do you hope to accomplish? Are you going to-“

They were interrupted by the door opening. The meeting only started and this was out of hand. I gathered that it went like that often with how no other Clockwork seemed fazed by it, but the door caught some attention. A Clockwork, who I knew as Wheel walked in and took her spot beside me. She had yellow eyes. I was a little surprised she was late. She was always on point with her tasks and duties, even helping others with their tasks.

“What are you doing here Eight-A!?” Chasy burst out standing and marching over to her. “You should know if you’re going to show up late then you shouldn’t show up at all!”

“Sorry sir,” She saluted a little shaky. “But a gear was malfunctioning as I was on my way over. I had to fix it sir.”

“I don’t want your excuses for interrupting my meeting!” The tan unicorn got even more agitated and Wheel flinched away.

“Chasy!” Chrysalis shouted. “Let it go and let’s just move on with this meeting!”

“No!” Chasy used his magic to throw Wheel at the wall behind her. “I need to dismantle this garbage for parts!”

I looked at what he was doing with surprise. I understood he didn’t take failure well, but Wheel was one of his best creations. What was even more surprising was how nobody stood to help her or even look. She helped a good chunk of the Clockwork in this room before.

“I will not have you waste my time!” Chrysalis stood up and turned to the door. Chasy paused before he started anything else. “You either go back to your seat and we continue this meeting, or I end it now. I came here with your invitation to discuss your deals and if you are going to side track this meeting, then I see no reason to be here!”

Chasy took deep breaths and the tension in his body began to noticeably ease. He let out a sigh and returned to his side of the table. I looked over at Wheel and helped her up she seemed a little off balance, but she held her stance. Her eyes were a little squinted as well. I quickly returned to my post before Chasy noticed. Chasy eased into his cold metal chair once more.

“Now that we’re past that where were we?” The unicorn was about to have his question deceived by the Queen when he answered himself. “Right, your future.”

“I will crush Equestria and your delusions.” Chrysalis sat down throwing that in.

“Right,” Chasy scowled. “We also talked about how you would have no hope unless you help me. Let’s be realistic, that’s the only direction for you. Unless you plan to join that circus of rebellious changelings. Let’s not kid ourselves.”

“You know,” The green-eyed changeling gave him a sharp glare. “I think joining them would be more pleasant than joining a monster like you!”

“Monster?” Chasy’s yellow eyes darkened. “You’re calling me a monster? Have you looked in a mirror lately?”

I could tell this was about to get a lot worse from here. Chasy wore a forced smile full of despise and the Queen had a face of fury. I felt like I was out of place. I checked Wheel, who seemed to be recovering from her daze as they continued.

“You treat your subjects like toys to break when you get angry,” Chrysalis remarked accurately. “You’re right. You aren’t a monster, you’re just a big foal!”

“I treat my subjects poorly?” Chasy laughed at that implication. “You lied to your subjects for how many years? You have no right to tell me I treat my subjects poorly!”

“You think you can get away with that excuse of defense?” Chrysalis pursued. “Are you ignorant to what you just did to that one there? I punish traitors, but at least I can tolerate failures like being a little late!”

“That’s why your hive was doomed to failure.” Chasy struck harsh. “You can’t achieve perfection if you tolerate failures. Besides, these are lifeless machines. Automatons for me to do with as I please! I seek to better my subjects.”

“Even I can tell that’s not bettering your subjects.” Chrysalis stood up. “That logic is removing the problem, not bettering it!”

“You can’t have problems if you eliminate them.” Chasy leaned back into his chair. “I don’t think we’re going anywhere with this.”

“Well,” Chrysalis turned half way to the door. “May I leave?”

I looked over to Chasy, who had the side of his face in his hoof. He seemed to grit his teeth lightly. Chrysalis also seemed to be fatigued of this argument as well. Their shouting practically negated the presence we Clockwork had. I was left speechless by the argument, but some of the Clockwork were pretty calm.

“Go ahead,” Chasy waved a hoof towards the door. “It doesn’t matter. It’s not worth it.”

“Chasy,” Chrysalis decided she’d get the last word on her way out. “I know some secrets you have, and I will reveal the truths you hide.”

I watched her leave then, not sure what she meant. I didn’t quite believe her, and most of us would believe she was bluffing. There was no denying both of them were tyrannical in their own ways, but the testimony she offered was too cryptic to be taken as anything remotely valid.

“Right,” Chasy turned away, “Lead models, come with me.”

Chasy walked out the back door followed by One, Two, and Three. The group left in a diamond formation. The Clockwork left in the room began to talk with each other with their implied dismissal. I walked over to Wheel who had sat down where she was.

“Are you badly hurt?” I specified my question.

“I-I think I’m fine.” She shook her head.

“I’m sorry I didn’t intervene,” I apologized sincerely towards her conundrum. “I was too big of a coward to go against Chasy.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself over me.” She tilted her head closing her eyes. “I wouldn’t want to drag you down with me, but I think I’m good since he got distracted with Chrysalis.”

“Th-That’s why I wanted to intervene,” I stated. “I didn’t want you to... You know…”

I shook my head to the thoughts when they began to get worse. Wheel looked at me grimly. We knew it was quite a bit of luck it didn’t get worse. She lightened up and smiled to my surprise.

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” She tapped her mechanical hoof on my head. I was a little comforted by it, but I wasn’t sure how long it would last. That was until she continued. “I’m just glad you thought about it, I understand why nopony stands against him. A thought like that is enough to make me happy. I need to get back to work here shortly. It was nice talking with you.”

“It was nice talking with you too.” I smiled believing she would be fine.

“Right, also know that there will be a full moon tonight!” She warned me hastily as if she had briefly forgotten.

“Tonight?” I flinched at the thought. “Th- thanks for telling me.”

“You’ll be fine.” She leaned her head against mine. I was still a moment, I felt something inside of me, but I couldn’t tell what. It was faint, but I felt it along with other things not quite as deep. I brushed my head against her in return. We quickly backed away from each other. It was a bit embarrassing when we realized the other Clockwork were looking.

Wheel quickly left to do her job and I got a pat on the back from one of the spectating Clockwork. After a little bit of playful teasing from my peers, I decided to go and attend my own preparations. The big thing was that full moon. That was my big concern.

I began to hurry through my routines of the day. I took the time I was scanning gears and the like to ponder on what I could do. First, I could have tried entering sleep mode early, but that wouldn’t do much to help with how on full moons I already deactivate earlier practically by force. Second, I could try to eat different things than normal, but that was more likely a problem with organisms. I did not have that type of frail system. My last option was one I feared above most other things, but it seemed to be my best way out. As I walked along the road that evening, I looked up to a flag over some of the buildings as I walked home. I sighed and straightened my stance.

“Time to reorganize the house!” I declared as I entered my home.

I began to push around some furniture, it was all heavy, but it certainly did pass the time. I had pushed my chair around to the other side of the fire place, my table under another light, my couch followed that table. My desk was moved to another place. I was having a hard time whistling with this hurried small task. I was just finishing with the desk when I blacked out.

-------

	It was very blurry, but I could make out that I was on a ship. The sky and the water met and blended together. The moon was the only light I could make out. I heard a voice talking as well and I could feel the gentle sway of the boat. Occasionally bumping into other members of what I assumed was the crew aboard the ship. This was always what happened. This would start disorienting and end disorienting. I let out a sigh and looked to the moon. I could never understand what the person talking was saying, but overtime I was able to figure out it was always the same pony. As I looked at the moon, things felt like they made more sense. It was the only thing I could understand. That was true until…

“-heading for a great place now lads! A land that promises thrills and riches! We won’t get by easily, but it will all be worth the gold we’ll get!”

I was shocked while others were cheering. For some reason, I had an urge to cheer too, but I didn’t understand anything now. This was new to me entirely. I looked around and the ship I was on was mechanical, it reminded me of Clock Face. I looked around seeing some ponies who were a bit rough around the edges. Who was I kidding? They were pirates! All proud and at the ready. I wondered what was going on as ponies shouldn’t have this machinery unless they worked with Chasy.

“The time has come for us to head for Equestria and see what we can plunder! A time for thrills! I don’t care if we do it subtly or not! All I wish to know is how much we can get from this! Our ancestors have it in their blood! We are proud of what we do. We do what we do, not for money, but for the thrill!” There was a cheer after and I even jumped in with a newly aroused excitement. “We do not do it out of a grudge, but because we feel alive doing it!”

I cheered again and again to her speech. I slowly focused on the mare herself. She was a magenta Pegasus with a captain’s hat. She was a bit on the rough side and she wasn’t the type one would see as a leader. She wasn’t as tall as other leader’s I had seen, but it didn’t matter to me. I was intrigued, but it was occurring to me that I wasn’t familiar with any of this and I had no clue what it meant to me. My enthusiasm died down and so did the dream.

-------

I activated with my head on my desk. I lifted my head up and rubbed it. Everything was back to normal, that was for sure. The room the way it was, and the sun over the horizon that said “good morning” to me. I looked at a gear shaped clock in my abode and it was indeed morning.

With what I had seen in that dream, I wanted something new to happen today. Equestria seemed like a more interesting place to go. Of course, something new could’ve meant good or bad. When I did want something new however, I didn’t quite think it would arise as soon as I stepped out of my house.

> Chapter Three: The Assignment
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The morning started pretty plain, but things changed up fast. I greased myself as I got ready for my daily routine and stepped out of my dorm. I was surprised to see Bee to introduce me that morning. We usually only had time to meet each other on days off and evenings, but she seemed like she had something important to say. I could tell by the satchel on her side.

“I’m going to be on a mission,” She bluntly claimed.

“Wait, you got an assigned to a mission by Chasy?” I presumed. Chasy was the only one who assigned Clockwork to leave the Steam Empire area, but that was only with trusted individuals.

“Well,” Bee turned her eyes away. “He assigned me to deliver this letter to you, but I was curious.”

The blue-eyed clockwork pulled out a paper and let me read it. The gist was Chasy was sending me to Equestria to examine some areas for him. Check their condition and report it to him. He made a harsh note of not touching anything and referred to it as simple errands and nothing more. He was generally plain in his writing, it was empty writing with no real emotion except some pushy words. All the literature he collects is for us to understand pony culture. Not a fan of writing himself. I was dragging off point and shook my head. Bee put the letter away.

“So, you want to do this assignment for me?” I inquired coming to my conclusion instantly. “No.”

“What?” She was in disbelief with my rejection of her choice.

“It’s the duty assigned to me,” I regretfully explained. “I should be the one to carry it out.”

“You know how much I’ve wanted to see Equestria Whistle,” She pointed out. “We can go together if you want to go!”

“I know you really want to see it,” I assured her. “But I’d rather not see you throw your life away for me and yourself. Me allowing you to go would also get me in trouble. I enjoy getting in small trouble with you when it’s safe, but this is not one of those times.”

The reality had dawned on Bee that she wasn’t going to see the magical land she had hoped for so long to see. I wasn’t able to stand with myself after that. I may have pushed a point too hard.

“Look,” I continued. “We’re Clockwork and we can live forever unless we’re dismantled. We’ll have plenty of time to go sight-seeing in Equestria eventually, but we have to wait. Sometimes, our best choice is to wait it out.”

Bee showed a gentle smile and rose her head a little bit. We nodded and made some brief small talk before I headed into my dorm once more to gather some material for my voyage. I needed packed my greaser, fuel, and a couple of repair kits in case of emergency. I also packed a few cloths just in case things got dirty. An umbrella as well. My research dictated that rain would be a nuisance in Equestria. I began to walk out, but turned to my abode one more time. The shelves were neat, furniture was organized, and files were sorted. I smiled and moved on.

I traveled to the gate out of the Empire. It was a big and glorified door to me, but at least it looked nice. Just before I took off, I heard a voice call out. It was Wheel.

“Whistle!” She waved her metal hoof as I heard her voice again. “Going to Equestria I hear?”

“How do you know that?” I wondered.

“Word about that type of thing spreads pretty fast,” She came over to me.

“I suppose,” I shrugged as she came closer. “I think it’s nice that you and Bee have both offered some form of good-by for me, but Chasy didn’t. I expected that of course, it won’t be a long trip I’m guessing. I just have to wonder around different areas. I’d expect a week if I’m really unlucky.”

“Equestria is more primitive than Clock Face Whistle,” Wheel told me in her own way it’d be longer than I was expecting. “But I also wanted to warn you about the bandits within the badlands.”

I was able to guess it came from an experience she had leaving the Empire herself. She was one of the best Chasy had after all. I liked a lot about her myself. I couldn’t deny my attraction to confidence.

“What should I watch out for with these bandits?” I pondered.

“Just try to avoid them,” Wheel bluntly stated. “If they do find you, run for Equestria as fast as you can. They’re the group of Changelings Chasy was talking about yesterday. They have an outpost near the border of Equestria so they can steal supplies from unsuspecting travelers. Even having small baggage is enough to catch their attention.”

“Thanks for the warning I guess.” I tilted my head with a smile and began to turn.

“Wait!” She reached a mechanical hoof for me and I looked at her. “Keep an eye out, and good luck!”

I felt something pulse within me, and I loved it. I gave a thankful smile and transformed. My hardened outer shell went under the guise of a pony’s exterior under the steam I produced. A purple Earth pony with green eyes. The Earth pony had a gold bit and a coin bag as my cutie mark. I could see something flash in Wheel’s eyes, she stared at me in an awe. I felt amazing getting an awed look from Wheel, but I wondered why. I had no time to ask though, we smiled, nodded to each other and went our separate ways.

Walking into the badlands was a drastic change of scenery. Compared to the dynamics of the Steam Empire, the badlands were static and empty of motion. I walked into it before remembering to put some wings on. Steam covered my sides as I added wings to my pony form and flew in the direction of Equestria. I had an odd yearning for the gold beneath the dry soil, but it was unrefined. I had no idea why I had the desire for it, but I did. I wasn’t bothered by the gold back in Clock Face, but I didn’t necessarily own it. I pushed it aside and continued to fly towards Equestria. I whistled as I flew.

After a flight that was long and uneventful, I was able to see Equestria. I let out a sigh of relief as I was close now. I landed a distance away from the border and let my wings evaporate. I didn’t want to attract too much attention in this form, and I could use Equestrian transportation once I got there.

I trekked along the rugged ground when the wind picked up. I could sense gold, but it was moving fast. I turned to see a band of Changelings rushing in my direction, they wore some wrappings to withstand the environment. The dark and decorated bugs flew in my direction at an alarming speed.

“If you’ll excuse me,” I stammered away in a clumsy fashion. “I’ll be taking my leave!”

I ran so fast that dust was kicking up behind me. The Changelings picked up their speed to try and catch up, but I was a surprisingly talented sprinter. I made it onto a rocky slope where I could see a densely wooded forest. I was excited, I was likely going to get away.

I leapt into the woods and landed on my front hoof. That all would’ve been fine, except a bolt came loose when I landed. It was excruciating and I tumbled into a bush. My disguise had fallen, but at least I would be difficult to see in these woods. I wanted to scream in pain, but I didn’t safely have that privilege.

I remained still and silent despite the pain for many minutes. I was sure they weren’t chasing me anymore. I pulled a repair kit out of my satchel and used some tools to patch up the bolt in my leg and other loose screws I didn’t know I had loosened. I sat still for a moment longer, there was silence aside from the nature around me. I let out a quiet sigh and transformed back into my pony form. I moved out of the bush and continued into the woods.

I wasn’t entirely sure of the layout of Equestria, but I could ask around. Chasy had programmed the general areas into my data, but I had only uncovered them for this errand. The objective areas were just another bit of data I could look at.

I wandered through the woods to a slightly brighter area. The extra light was nice. I could actually see normally. There was a shovel hitched in the ground, and there were some birds in a tree. As I walked by a tree I heard something moving quickly in the wind. Instinctively ducking, I saw an ax coming at me in the corner of my eye. I let out a swift yelp as I hid my head. It was very close. Realizing that predicament I found myself in was still dangerous I recalibrated to a more poised stance.

“Dang,” A monotone female voice hissed. “I missed your neck.”

“… My neck?” I inquired. “Or were you aiming at something else. You nearly decapitated me in case you didn’t know.”

“I know what I’m aiming for.”

The female stepped into the light to reveal a dark colored Pegasus. Well I would say Pegasus, but she wasn’t. The “Pegasus” from the night of the party was wearing a hat that was too mechanical for the woods in my eyes. She also had some goggles that matched the fashion of hat she wore. She took off the goggles revealing red, cat-like eyes. The Pegasus who had featherless wings was a Bat Pony. I was frankly surprised, couldn’t see it well under her dress. I shook my head and got back into the moment.

“So,” - I pointed at the ax. - “was that meant for me?”

“What gave you that clue?” She sarcastically smiled.

“May I ask why you’re trying to kill me?” I was internally nervous asking that. “I’m just another run of the mill Pony, taking a stroll in the woods.”

“I see through your disguise,” she leered at me. “Clockwork.”

“Not bad,” I thought I hid my fear pretty well under that statement. “If you’re done, may I plea- “

I was cut off by the dark pony rushing in and knocking me into the air. I landed on my face and my disguise faded. I pulled my head out of the ground and shook my head. I saw her floating in the air with her wings clearly visible.

“Don’t take this personally,” She oddly said. “I just have a grudge with your creator.”

“I remember you mentioning something at that party.” I tilted my head trying to remember.

“You’re Seven-Two?” She leaned her head down towards me. “I’m surprised you weren’t replaced yet.”

“I hope I don’t get replaced,” I thought aloud. “That’d be very inconvenient.”

“I know,” The bat Pony claimed. “Keep in mind, I said ‘yet’ there.”

“...Oh darn…”

She proceeded to charge me, I dodged to the left. The mare let out a brief gasp and turned her momentum into a kick aimed at the back of my head. I ducked being grazed slightly. Despite being a small graze, it hurt a little. I stepped further aside and hoped to gain some distance. She seemed to glare at me more and was still a bit more. She landed and gave me a curious look.

“Can you fight back?” She practically requested. “Some resistance makes this a lot easier on me.”

“Sorry, I can’t hit a girl.”

“That’s you’re excuse?” She was dumbfounded and disappointed. “You were programmed to not hit a girl?”

“Not really programming,” I explained. “Ponies would get offended if I did.”

“No other ponies are here!” She shouted.

“I’d offend you.” I argued.

She placed her hoof on her face. I had the distinct feeling this was underwhelming to her.

“I think it’s just my bad luck we met,” I tried to assure.

“Didn’t you at least bring a weapon?” She sighed.

“Well,” – I started unpacking the items I brought. – “Greaser, fuel, reapair kits, cloths, umbrella… Nope.”

“Can’t you use fire breath or something?” She questioned. “I know Chasy built you with that!”

“I could,” I declared. “But that uses a lot of fuel.”

“I’m about to try and tear you apart and you’re worried about fuel consumption?”

“I’m conservative,” I explained.

“I can tell!” She hissed. “I may just lose my mind. Just improvise a weapon, I don’t care anymore!”

“Ok.” I glanced around quickly. I saw some sticks then the shovel in the ground. I levitated it out of the ground and over to me with my magic. “This good?”

“A-are you toying me?” She just stared at me in disbelief. “You could use some of the rocks on the ground, perhaps use some of your equipment like your fuel to set this forest or me on fire, even the ax I threw at you earlier, which is right next to me! Out of your creative options, you choose a rusty abandoned shovel…”

“Aye,” I confirmed. The Bat Pony was very confused by the position she found herself in. She shook her head and stepped towards me, I took a step back. In her eyes I saw something, briefly it was aggressive, but it changed quickly. I couldn’t quite make it out then. She sighed and walked over to me, I kept stepping back until I bumped into a tree. I pulled my shovel to my side with my magic. The Bat Pony was in my face rather quickly. The light of my eyes must have shrunk quite a bit, but I kept my composure for the most part. “I have a shovel.”

“You don’t say.” She looked at me with those mysterious eyes. She raised a hoof and I shut my eyes. I felt a hoof gently caress my head. I slightly opened one eye to see she was in a state of contemplation. She took her other front hoof and pulled us together. I couldn’t tell why she was doing it, but it was comforting. I wrapped a hoof around her in return. “Stupid.”

“Mind if I ask why we’re cuddling?” I interrupted our little moment. She pulled herself back quickly and I could see a blush.

“Th-that was nothing.” She looked away. Her eyes looked a bit more neutral and tame now. She turned around briefly and turned back astutely. “Alright, I’ll let you go through your errands, but I’ll accompany you.”

“I won’t reject help,” I stepped forward a little bit. “What’s your name? I’m Seven-Two, or you could just call me Whistle.” I held out my hoof. I couldn’t deny my attraction to confidence.

“Whistle…” She looked at my outreached hoof and then to me. “I’m Night Light.”

She turned around and started walking. I placed my hoof on the ground and went into my disguise again after placing the shovel on my back. I walked beside her. She noticed the shovel.

“Why are you bringing that shovel?” She wondered. “It’s just extra baggage.”

“I’m just taking it for emergencies.” I tilted my head.

“I see…” She turned her head forward again. “Stupid.”

I began to whistle as we walked. Despite all of the shadows, I could make out a genuine smile on Night’s face.

> Chapter Four: Lonely Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night and I had managed through the woods and made it into an empty field. She gathered some foliage as we walked through. I didn’t quite think we needed it, but night came sooner than I thought it would. I felt the cold looming in the air. It took me a moment to realize that it was winter in Equestria. The grass and sticks made a bit more sense now, and I could guess she had prepared for a long stay with the satchels she was carrying the supplies in. Probably an outdoors pony. 
  
Once Night had set up a fire, she took off her rather big dress and hat. Her mane and tail were a light brown compared to the rest of her. It caught my attention that she wasn’t wearing clothes now. She was unpacking something, but I was a bit distracted. She stepped over to where I was sitting. I leaned away to be cautious. She touched my side. I held in a small sensation, but then she clicked something onto my horn. I was intrigued by this. I shook my head and noticed I was suddenly out of my disguise. Whatever she did was clearly something in my design. 
  
I still felt the case on my horn, and shook my head. Night had started walking over to her clothes which were spread on the ground. I then realized that all of her clothes also held supplies as well. She had pulled out a bedroll and a few apples. She sunk a fang into an apple which crinkled and withered. I was aware of the functions of Bat Ponies, but seeing it was something else. She tossed it blindly behind her. She yawned and went to lie in her bedroll and stare blankly into the sky. However, she was glancing over at me. I stretched a little bit with the cold nipping gently on me. I let out a breath that was visible in the air. 
  
“Why did you let me put that on you?” Night rested her head on the bedroll. 
  
“I was a little occupied with something I noticed,” I answered with a shaky shrug. “What did you put on my horn anyway?” 
  
“Really?” The resting Bat Pony sighed. “I put a device on your horn that suppresses your magic.” 
  
“Oh…” I looked towards the sky thinking about something. “Say? Would this work on normal ponies?” 
  
Night gritted her teeth and I scooted away. I don’t know what I said, but I didn’t want to get on her bad side now. She scanned me and eased a little bit. She closed her eyes and turned back to the night sky. 
  
“No, it was made specifically for Clockwork.” She turned to look at me expectantly. “Also, be careful about classifying ponies. I understand that you don’t mean offense, but no pony is ‘normal’ in certain meanings.” 
  
“I’ll say,” I attempted a subject change she may like. “You seem pretty special yourself!” 
  
“… What was that?” She rose her head a little at my comment. 
  
“Oh, I, uh…” I tried to find a good way to reword it. “I think you’re pretty cool.” 
  
Night gazed at me, then looked at the ground shaking her head. I shifted with some clear discomfort. 
  
“Don’t worry, I’m not mad.” The Bat Pony gazed at the stars now. “I appreciate the compliment. At least you weren’t glorifying me as anything like ‘royal’ or ‘beyond others’ or anything so trivial. I’ve heard too much like that for one life time. I’m hoping to never hear it again. I suppose I must at some point.” 
  
“I thought you’d like that kind of compliment,” I tilted my head. “Bat Ponies aren’t exactly of clean image in Equestria from what I’ve read.” 
  
“If you read about Bat Ponies, you probably saw a stereotype.” Night pulled herself out of her bedroll and sat up to face me. “I only know a few other Bat Ponies and only one is as vicious as portrayed naturally. While it’s true they are often nocturnal, that’s all which is portrayed correctly. Intelligent ones being malicious is mostly false in my experience. Our worst times are when we start off, but I passed that stage through my drive. It’s ignorant to believe we are the most ruthless among the ponies. Most of us patiently hide in plain sight. Others only come out at night to avoid direct light revealing them… I’m getting off the topic of your question. Most of those flamboyant words are intertwined with this path I’ve chosen.” 
  
“A-alright,” I tried to keep track of everything she had revealed. “You chose to become a Bat Pony?” 
  
Night let out a sigh at the question, giving me a distinct feeling I pressed a button. I turned my head just a little bit in case she was aggravated. I expected some fury, but instead she just looked at the stars again. 
  
“You don’t have to tell me if it’s uncomfortable,” I added. 
  
“No,” Night shook her head. “I need to get this off my shoulders anyway. I chose to become a Bat Pony for the extra benefits. There was that I didn’t need as much food to sustain myself, greater awareness, more speed, but most of all, I needed more time. I won’t say more than that. I can’t trust you with the knowledge and depth of my struggle.” 
  
“I understand,” I nodded. “We just met. I don’t want to pry too much. I’ll just say that I think you’re pretty awesome. I don’t think there are many Ponies determined enough to make such sacrifices to achieve their goals. If I could offer more than words to show my respect, I would. I’ll just wish you luck on your endeavor, no matter what it is. 
  
A spark ignited stars within Night’s eyes. Tears began to gather in her eyes, but she rubbed them out before they could escape themselves. I pondered if I had offended her, so I turned my head keeping an eye on her. She made a soft noise. After the following silence, she spoke. 
  
“Y-you’re one of the few ponies to speak so kindly of me,” She shook her head with a sad laugh. “You are stupid, huh? I-I don’t need your compliments. I just told you t-to make you feel better about yourself…” 
  
I wasn’t sure what to think of what she said. Night was in mixed emotions from what she was saying and how she sounded, but I couldn’t tell what she needed to feel better. 
  
“No need to start calling names,” I sighed, lowering my head. 
  
Night’s eyes jumped right to me and she followed suit. She suddenly held me pushing me onto the ground. She had a firm hold on me. I could see tears forming in her eyes more. 
  
“I’ll call you what I w-want stupid,” Her eyes met mine and she tried to hit me many times, but she kept slowing down. I couldn’t move, so I let things play out. “You’re just a machine, you shouldn’t care. Y-you should hate me like everypony. Hate me for w-what I’ve done. I tried to d-destroy you, so stop messing with me. You stupid h-heartless machine, b-be honest!” 
  
I could see what her problem was now. I wrapped my front hooves around her. “You tried to destroy me, but you didn’t. You could’ve just done me in, you still can. I’m putting my trust in you and I’ll continue to do so while I’m here. I may also have to rely on you even more, I don’t think I brought enough of anything to get me through Equestria. I didn’t exactly prepare well. Now that I think about it, I may have left my writing equipment back home…” 
  
Night stopped and looked at me once again. I shook my head and tried to focus again. The mare stared blankly at me, but her tears were seeming to slow. Her face changed in emotion. I could tell she was overwhelmed. I could feel something inside myself as well, but it quickly subsided. She stood up and pulled me up with ease. Night glanced around before moving her mouth. She was attempting to speak, but perhaps overwhelmed. 
  
“I think you should just take some deep breaths,” I yawned getting a bit tired from the day’s events. “I’ll probably fall asleep soon, so if you cou-“Everything went pitch black with a sound of a faint thud on the ground. 
  
I had dozed off for a little bit, but it wasn’t too long before I awoke again. I was still tired, but the cold air woke me up. I shifted a little uncomfortably as the cold air enveloped me. I was eventually shivering and chattering due to the cold. Luckily it wasn’t raining or I’d have a serious problem. The current problem was still pretty bad, I wouldn’t be rested enough like this. Suddenly, something was wrapped around me. I started feeling just a little warmer. My shivering and chattering faded and I could relax. 
  
“Thank you,” Night whispered as she turned to where her bedroll was. I snuggled into the fabric I was wrapped in. It was warm enough for me to be happy. I could feel myself drifting off this time. I felt like nothing could go wrong anymore. What would come the next day? I didn’t know, but I was perfectly fine with that new question. 

   	                                             -------------- 

Birds began to chirp giving me a feeling that some time had passed. I opened my eyes and could see a morning sky. I could see an area on the horizon. I got up and began to walk towards it still half asleep. I stopped upon stepping in a bed of ash. I quickly recollected the events prior. I glanced around the immediate area, but I couldn’t see where Night was. After digging through my supplies, I greased myself and polished my metal body. Once again, I faced the horizon. There was a figure in the field by a river. It was a pony, but I couldn’t tell who. I had guessed it was Night, but I was very wrong… 
  
I unthoughtfully hiked towards the pony. They weren’t too far away when I was becoming more certain it wasn’t Night. A dark stallion in a top hat and suit was looking in the stream. I shook my head remembering I wasn’t disguised and started making my way back towards the campfire area. As I was sneaking back, Night came back out of the woods and after a brief pause she blazed in my direction with a panicked expression. I hadn’t expected her next action. 
  
“Whistle!” She called my name. The sound pointed towards danger. I read the signs and turned quickly to the threat. 
  
The pony by the stream had turned towards me and I could see his sunglasses. He was the stallion from the castle when I took Transfer to Chasy, the unicorn of restlessness. With his horn alight, he dashed at me. I dodged the horn with a flap of my wings and a sidestep. There was a blast of pale magic where I stood before. I could see that Night was frozen in place now. I quickly returned my attention to the black maned stallion. For some reason, he smiled facing me. 
  
“Whistle, is it?” The unicorn approached me. He glided and swayed. “You have good luck. You even managed to avoid an icky muck. Quick on the draw too, I give you the respect due. However, there’s a brighter light. I wonder how you befriended Night…” 
  
The stallion ranted and rhymed. I couldn’t quite tell where he was going after trying to scrap me. Unsurprisingly, I’d find out. 
  
“Here is some news,” He continued to circle me. “Being batty bears bad blues. Night is burdened by a certain plight which makes seeing you quite a sight… I’m willing to tell you who you are meant to be and my request is not far you see.” 
  
“What do you want?” I was overall curious by what he had said. I couldn’t tell what he meant by who I was meant to be. The unicorn took the encasement restricting my magic off using his own magic. The small piece of machinery fell to the ground and I saw a smile forming on his face. It was becoming more and more twisted as it widened. I knew already this stallion was suspicious, but what came next only cemented that fact. 
  
“I request that you slaughter Night,” With a flash behind his sunglasses, he revealed a snake like tongue as he spoke. “That shall set my world right!” 
  
I was about to offer a protest when he passed through me. I couldn’t feel him at all. There was something inside of me screaming at me, but I couldn’t make it out. I fell down onto the ground, thrashing about. There was something so odd as well, a sense of completion. That completion felt so close, but it faded away quickly once more. The crushing feeling had subsided. 
  
I lifted my head and noticed that the Unicorn had vanished. Night was still frozen in place, but that wasn’t for very long. She abruptly relocated in front of me. I was startled at first and jumped back, but I eased quickly enough. 
  
“You’re okay?” She seemed confused. “Weird, he must have left you alone and went straight for me.” 
  
“What?” I let out in disbelief. “He tried to turn me into scraps, he seemed to ignore you!” 
  
“Wha- he actually…?” Night covered her mouth with a hoof. “He let you into his zone? Why would he choose you? Any Clockwork for that matter?” 
  
“He said he knew something about who I was supposed to be.” I stood up and looked around some more. “I- he told me that he’d explain if I were to kill you. He just seems like a rhyming fruit to me.” 
  
“He’s still on about that, huh?” Night let out a sigh. “Great.” 
  
“You know what he’s all about?” 
  
“I wish,” Night rolled her eyes. “I can’t see him going through with anything he has claimed before. He just tries to be intimidating. He’ll just follow us around some more. If he comes again, don’t take your eyes off of him. He’s been following me in recent years. I’m not sure what he’s hoping to accomplish with you, but I doubt we’ll find out.” 
  
Night picked up the small device off of the ground and we walked back to where we left our stuff for the morning. She started packing her things and I returned her clothes to her. 
  
“Thanks for last night,” I commented. “Actually, where were you this morning?” 
  
“I was just going for a quick stroll through the woods,” Night explained as she was finishing up her minimal packing. “I feel in place with natures acceptance. There was some harvesting as well.” 
  
“Soul or blood harvesting?” I teased. 

“Oh, shut up.” Night walked over and rubbed the top of my head with her hoof playfully. “Luckily we have a lot of time this morning. We’ve got a trek to traverse.” 
  
“Right.” I reactivated my disguise and began to follow Night across the bridge of the river bank. We’d likely make it to the town on the horizon before noon. I wondered what would come next on my mission.  �Շ� 1611:ݾ�N*
> Chapter Five: Family in Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night and I continued towards the town she informed me was Ponyville. She also told me she had some quiet family there. Specifically, her mother was very quiet. From what she told me she would often be stuck in her home traversing one hobby or another. From what I could tell, she was pretty isolated. I was expecting a quiet and stern pony, but we don’t really know what we should until we see. I tilted my head with some inner visions of what I’d experience in Ponyville. 

  

“So Ponyville is a big place in Equestria, right?” I paced a few steps behind Night with the question. She glanced at the ground and shook the back of her head as she walked. “I’m not sure how big the towns in Equestria are.” 

  

“How do I even start with that?” She halted with a lightly confused look. “Ponyville is… a place. I wouldn’t call it big and important, but I certainly wouldn’t call it small either. It’s just there. It’s a bit more rural than other places, but I have a hard time pitching it that way with how much it has.” 

  

“A jack of all trades?” I suggested as we continued on our path. 

  

“That’s a fair call,” Night remarked. “It has artistic talent, athletic talent, and some other unspecified categories. I mostly spend my time out camping in the woods we were in. There’s also a quirky community on top of that. The most important thing in Ponyville is actually the new princess. What was her name again…? It doesn’t matter, she won’t be leading for a long time. Other than that, it’s pointless. There are much more strategic areas. I mean, why go to Ponyville when Canterlot is just a quick train drive away. Heck if you had the stamina and the supplies you’d be able to hike up that mountain, but the train is the-… Sorry, I was getting on a tangent.” 

  

“That’s fine,” I assured the mare. “I think it is interesting to learn some of the biased thoughts of natives.” 

  

Night glanced and me and around again. It was almost like she forgot something. I wasn’t sure what, but it was something. 

  

We continued to walk for at least half an hour. I didn’t have to worry about stamina and Night seemed accustomed to the trek to Ponyville. My disguise would fit right in by what Night told me. She jested that I was a few shades off of being a princess too. I couldn’t quite get what she meant by that, but I rolled with it. Shortly after those comments, we found ourselves in front of an alley into the town between some houses. 

  

“So, is there a reason we’re entering this way?” I asked Night as she put on her goggles once again. “This is usually said to be a dangerous part where I was from.” 

  

“Please,” Night shrugged. “That’s just what freaks like us say when we want to be alone.” 

  

“For some reason, I think that’s what other ponies say so no pony gets in a bad spot,” I reflexively backed up as she stepped in. 

  

“There are plenty of violent freaks,” Night gleamed at me as she pulled me into the alley. “I just happen to not be that type.” 

  

We walked down the rather small alley. Night stopped us before we left the alley. She poked her head out and scanned the area before motioning me to follow. She then proceeded to move quickly through the town. I was caught off guard by it, but I was able to keep up. She began to slow down and play it natural her wings hidden. I decided to play it natural too. As we walked I scanned the area. Ponyville was actually a place I had to examine in my mission, but I still needed to find the specific thing Chasy wanted me to check. 

  

The walk seemed pretty standard. There were a few ponies we walked past that waved to us. There was even an odd mare that waved at me by the bakery, pink with a messy mane. She almost approached me, but literally pulled herself back. She proceeded to talk to herself as she walked back to the bakery. I tilted my head and turned to Night. She seemed to have a bit of sweat on the back of her head. 

  

“Who was that?” I wondered aloud. 

  

“One of the new princess’s close friends,” Night let out a relieved sigh like she knew who I meant. “The parties she throws are abrupt and high energy. I don’t want to deal with her, but she probably knows what’s going on.” 

  

“Should I be worried?” 

  

“She seems to be leaving us alone,” The mare assured me. “She probably felt that this wasn’t her place. I’m just glad I don’t have to deal with the extra head ache.” 

  

I let it go rather quickly as we continued to walk. It wasn’t long until we came to a sudden stop again. Night paused and stared in a direction. I wasn’t sure why we stopped, I looked at her awed face. I turned to where she was looking and I saw an undeniably beautiful mare. She had a fair length aqua blue mane that flowed smoothly and delicately in a breeze. Her sky-blue eyes had a glint in them. Her smile was one of charms. The Pegasus was watching some of the young ones play. Once the aqua Pegasus noticed us, more so Night, she flew right on over with a bit of energy. I saw her cutie mark was a selection of fruit. 

  

“Night!” The mare called in a fair pitched voice “What do you think of my new mane style, I wanted to try something new.” 

  

I looked over to Night who was still in awe. The two knew each other, but I wasn’t sure if I should interrupt. Either way, Night was in her own world from what I could tell. 

  

“Oh, is it bad?” The mare seemed to flinch a little. 

  

“No,” I decided to answer for Night. “You’re beau- it’s beautiful!” 

  

I don’t know what happened, but I would not speak of it again. Night swung a hoof in my face instinctively as she came back to the real world. 

  

“Argh!” 

  

“That mane style is fine! Keep it,” Night practically ordered, but cooled down. “That is, unless you find it a bother to get it that way.” 

  

“It’s fine, I’m not too busy outside of work.” The mare landed finally and stood over me still looking at Night. “Besides, I think I enjoy the extra work.” 

  

“That’s wonderful,” Night declared. 

  

“So, who’s this stallion?” The mare inquired. “He seems a little shy...” 

  

“His name is Whistle,” Night leered at me. “He’s visiting from Las Pegasus. I just happened to meet him not far from town.” 

  

“Not often we get visitors,” The pony stated. “I suppose it’s only natural with the new princess, but she’s been around for a bit now. How’s Las Pegasus? I have some relatives there whom I like.” 

  

“It’s fine,” I caught on to the act and turned to night. “Who’s this and why did you hit me in the face now Night?” 

  

“This is Carry,” Night answered. “She’s a friend of mine. Also, sorry about that little twitch.” 

  

“Twitch?” I looked at her rub the back of her head. “You knocked me onto the ground with that. Anyway, it’s nice to meet you Carry. Small world and all that jazz.” 

  

Carry seemed excited to meet me as she lifted me off the ground and inspected me. I wasn’t sure how to feel about it, but at least she wasn’t doing anything awkward. I looked over at Night who was scowling at me again. I brushed that aside and let things play out from there. 

  

The two mares talked for a bit and Night began to explain that she was telling an instinctive lie to Carry. I was about to interrupt when Night explained that she would explain once we got to her mother’s house. Carry seemed to understand her surprisingly well for how vague she was. What’s more, she was very trusting and seemed even more curious about me. It was unsettling, but it was nice to have a natural attraction of such a beautiful mare. We began to walk and Night kept a close eye on me now that Carry was with us. I felt like I was low priority in this situation, but I wasn’t going to complain. I could still run these errands with a breeze. Chasy never noted that I had to avoid ponies entirely and I was going to use this to its best! 

  

Night lead us to a fairly big house compared to some of the others in the area. I was a bit surprised with the knowledge that Nights mother lived there. Carry gleamed at me, then the building, then me again. I took a step back at that point, but I backed into another pony who was standing there. A unicorn of orange color. He had a yellow mane. His outfit was a dark jacket. The most defining thing was his camera. It looked like an expensive journalist camera. I should’ve read the signs there. 

  

“New friend Night?” He questioned smugly. Night let out a sigh and turned to him. 

  

“None of your business Optic,” Night hissed. 

  

“Correction, scoops are my business.” He walked past Carry and I to Night. 

  

“Yet you decided to follow me specifically,” Night remarked. “I’m not interesting either. Just another pony who likes the outdoors and nature, but wait, you wouldn’t be too familiar with that in Manehattan.” 

  

“That is only more intriguing to me,” Optic levitated his camera and inspected it with his hazel eyes. “You certainly were a bit curious in Manehattan.” 

  

“That was very different than what you thought it was,” Night rebuked. “You don’t even have the evidence to support your claim.” 

  

“That’s what I intend to get!” The unicorn growled at Night. “Just you wait, I’ll uncover your secret!” 

  

Optic turned and walked off, with anger. Night rubbed the side of her head and looked back at Carry and I. Night and Carry shrugged in unison. I shrugged a second after them. As she opened the door, Night motioned us in. Once we were inside she scanned outside and shut the door followed by closing the curtains. 

  

The lights were already on and the place was clear to see. I felt something as I scanned the area more. This was far from a simple pony house. Night had told us to be quiet gently over the noise of the residence. I was astounded to see gears and cogs moving in the ground. Other devices and trinkets were sprawled across the room in an orderly fashion. It was peculiar to see a place like this that wasn’t in the Steam Empire. I looked around almost instinctively and it seemed like it was all in order. Then I turned to see Night hanging up her hat and about to take off the rest of her clothes. To that I jumped to her quickly. 

  

“What are you doing?” I whispered in a panic. “Did you forget Carry was here?” 

  

“What’s wrong with what she’s doing?” Carry asked suddenly beside us. 

  

“Right, it’s about time for me to tell you,” Night looked at me as she spoke. “Carry knows I’m a bat pony.” 

  

“Wait, what?” I stared at the two individually. “She knows?” 

  

“You know?” Carry looked from me to Night who let out a quick sweat. 

  

“I was going to tell you how he knows,” Night continued our whispering. 

  

“Why are we still whispering?” I inquired. 

  

“Not now Whistle!” The bat pony scolded me. 

  

“You’re not going to tell me now?” The Pegasus tilted her head innocently. 

  

“I was just getting to that,” Night explained. “He’s a complicated mess that I was unlucky enough to cross.” 

  

“I assume he’s some kind of cheap digger with that rusty shovel of his.” Carry smiled at me to heal my hurt. 

  

“No, even worse,” Night insulted me. 

  

“What do you mean worse?” I interrupted still whispering. 

  

“A lumberjack?” Carry guessed again. 

  

“No!” Night raised her voice. 

  

Catching the glimpse of something behind us, Night froze in place. I turned to see a young mare with satchels on her sides tinkering with the machinery. She had goggles similar to what Night was wearing before. Night took a few steps forward getting just in front of me. The young mare lifted her head and bumped a machine. She shook her head and saw us before Night could say anything. One of the most excited smiles I saw that day slipped onto her face, wasn’t quite as excited as the pink pony earlier though. That was beside the point as the Pegasus flew in our direction really fast. Of course, after looking at Night and carry she bee-lined for me. She took some good stares at me. I was backed into a crowded spot of expensive looking machinery so I could only let things happen. 

  

“Mother, please don’t,” Night almost warned. “At least properly greet yourself.” 

  

“Yes, hello sweetie,” The mare almost ignored her daughter entirely. “You must be fairly new.” 

  

“Wha-?“ I was on the receiving end of relentless interruptions. 

  

“Alright,” Night let out a sigh and turned to Carry. “Whistle is one of those Clockwork I told you about Carry.” 

  

“Really?” The young Pegasus tilted her head. 

  

“Yep,” The mare examining me acknowledged the two’s conversation. “He seems to be fairly crafted.” 

  

The tropical looking Pegasus took the goggles off revealing her purple eyes. She wore a hat over her green mane. I was confused by the situation I found myself in. The mare poked my side and my disguise dropped. 

  

“What?” My jaw dropped. 

  

“There it is…” Night turned away and sighed. 

  

“Chasy is still making these,” The tropical pony was talking to Night. “He never did tell me how he made them, but they’re neat none the less.” 

  

“They are not neat!” Night walked over to the mare’s side. 

  

I was being overwhelmed by these sudden talks. How did this mare know of Chasy and the Clockwork? I was also caught off guard by her youth for being Night’s mother. 

  

“Wha-mmpf!” I was cut-off mid shout by Night lodging her hoof in my mouth. 

  

“What do you mean they aren’t neat?” Night’s mother glanced at her daughter and I. “I have something that may prove how neat the Clockwork are.” 

  

“I get the feeling you showed me when I was younger.” Night turned her head to her mother. “You know how inconsistent that method is. You’re just looking for an excuse to check for yourself.” 

  

“Well, I won’t deny that.” The blue mare looked around. “You can’t deny that it’s neat though.” 

  

“You’re just weird mom,” Night teased. “Fine, fine, you can check, just be quick about it. Sorry about this Whistle, I was hoping we’d be able to sneak you in and out quickly so we didn’t get side tracked. I guess I got to talk with my mom at least…” 

  

Night’s mother pulled a duster out of one of her bags with a childish glint in her eyes. Night herself looked at her and sighed. She motioned for Carry -who was watching this unfold- to turn around. Night herself looked at me once again and finally pulled her hoof out of my mouth. She hurried over to Carry’s side and left me to the mysterious mare. The tropical mare used her wings to float around me briefly while holding the duster. She suddenly got up close and in my face. I leaned away slightly. 

  

“Uh… Hi?” I got to speak, but I was still very distracted by this touchy pony. That duster was also a bit curious, but I quickly discovered its significance. She brushed it along my neck at a moderate pace. I held my breath with that tingly sensation arousing within me. I let out a small yelp when she picked up her speed about dusting me. She proceeded to rush at my side and pick up her speed even more. I broke out into laughter then.  She continued to do this for a brief time, clearly enjoying herself. I felt good laughing at least, but it was still an odd position to be in. 

  

She stopped and looked at me with that glint still in her eyes. I was breathing steadily. She made the choice to put her duster away. The dark blue pony tapped a hoof on my head and smiled more controllably now. She gave me a hug too. I wasn’t sure what to make of that brief time, but at least the comfortable part was the last thing. 

  

“Yep, he’s ticklish.” The mare turned to Night and Carry who had gone into their own quick talk conversation during the humiliating affair. Even Night was blushing. 

  

“Right,” Night said. “Can we move along now?” 

  

“I do wonder why Chasy programmed some of the Clockwork to laugh when tickled. I suppose he may have seen it as a necessary step to his perfect society. What fun is a population if there’s no variety? He never did quite explain that…” The pony with the hat rambled and trailing off. She snapped back into reality with a shake of her head. “Oh right, how rude of me! I’m Sundae, Night’s former Mother.” 

  

“Wait, what?” I saw Night put her face in her hoof. 

  

“Would you just keep it simple?” Night requested Sundae. “You know you’re very special.” 

  

“Pardon me,” Sundae hit herself in the head gently. “It’s a long story, just know I’m not the same pony I used to be. Anyway, it’s nice to meet one of Chasy’s newer creations. I suppose he sent you here to examine the different labs across Equestria?” 

  

“Yes,” I answered certain that it really didn’t matter with these three. “Do you know how I can get to them? I know where they are, but I’m just unfamilia-“ 

  

“I have a map.” Sundae pulled a map out of her satchel and I held it with my magic. 

  

“Convenient,” I remarked. 

  

“I suggest you take precautions in your travels to these places.” She pointed at various locations in Equestria. They were all towns. “The inhabitants would certainly be skeptic of a robot like yourself. Particularly make sure you aren’t bumped in the side. Chasy made it so he could disable Clockwork disguises with relative ease. Peculiar, wouldn’t you agree?” 

  

“I’m going with him,” Night declared. “He’ll be safe.” 

  

“If you say so, make yourselves at home you two.” She motioned me to follow as she looked toward Night and Carry. “Come along… What’s your number?” 

  

“Seven-Two, you can just call me Whistle.” I answered with extra information. Her mouth went ajar hearing me say that. As she took off her hat and placed it on a table covered with trinkets, she closed her mouth. Sundae rubbed her hoof on my face. 

  

“Please be careful with what you do.” She gave me a brief hug and turned motioning for me to follow. I turned to Night and Carry who were sitting on some furniture. Night gave me a downed look and turned away. I left behind that darkened atmosphere. 

  

I didn’t know at the time why it was such a dim mood, but I just didn’t want to linger within that air. I followed the steps of the blue mare and pushed that thought aside with another thought as we walked. I liked the way Night said that I’d be alright. I can’t deny my attraction to confidence. If trouble did show itself, I could at least feel safe knowing she may have my back. 

  

We entered a dark room dimly lit by a dark blue sphere in the middle of the room and my eyes. There was a rumbling noise in the room, but nothing obnoxious. Sundae examined me with apparent fascination before flipping a switch on the wall. The light’s turned on revealing a neatly organized room compared to the maze of machines in the first room we were in. There were desks with files on them as well as filing cabinets under them. What was probably the most jarring of the room were pictures of Chasy with another unicorn mare. I’d never known of the mare, but she was clearly around his age. A common detail that the pictures showed was Chasy being the larger presence, a step infront of the mare. I felt there was a noise within my own head that resonated from the room as well. Uncomfortable, but I could bear it. 

  

Sundae took in the room and breezily skipped over to a box and pressed some buttons. I scanned the room and everything seemed to be in order. I still felt a buzz however. After I stored the data I retrieved, music began to ring. It was that same song the ensemble in the palace had performed for the spectators. I looked over at Sundae who begun to dance one of the parts I saw a female base Clockwork do at that party. It was a spectacle just how well she knew the part. At least, that’s what I thought. I don’t know much about dancing myself. She opened her eyes and they had a look of realization. She smiled with an opposite color on her face. She turned off the music and held a forced smile. I applauded her despite her embarrassment. At first she was surprised, being grateful with the positive support. 

  

“You’re too kind,” Sundae mused. “I don’t think I’m quite that good after all these years.” 

  

“I’d disagree,” I complimented despite my lack of knowing what she meant. 

  

She offered another smile and continued to let her gaze wander. I took in the scenery, quickly catching the glowing sphere in my eyes. It was beautiful and pleasant to look at. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it until I heard the buzz return. It was clarifying a little bit. Repeating and repeating, as if to beckon me closer and closer. 

  

“---- i- -y ne- ---b--?” It sounded. I approached and it cleared ever so slightly. 

  

“Th-- i- -y new -emb--?” I could almost make it out. Answering its call, I reached for it. I heard something as I touched it, but it was faded. Another voice sounded over it. 

  

“This is my new member?” 

  

I blasted back into reality with a shock! I was dazed with blurred vision. As I stumbled about, I turned to see the mysterious stallion in the sunglasses again. I jumped which didn’t help my unsteady stance. Clearly amused, the stallion smirked at me. I noticed that Sundae was frozen in place behind him. 

  

“When did you get here?” I inquired of the stallion. 

  

“Curiosity killed the cat,” He started. “I tell you, oh how I know that! You should know what to do.” 

  

“Yeah, report gathered information,” I shook my head in an attempt to clear my head. “It’s none of your business anyway.” 

  

“That is the correct goal,” The dark unicorn remarked. “but it has much to do with me. Don’t act like a little foal, that is no way for Clockwork to be. Lastly, watch your step. Do what you must only, or else you will suffer after three days prep.” 

  

“What are you talking about?” I growled at his indirect answers. 

  

“Buried under ancient sands,” The stallion began to distort and his eyes flashed again. “Are those buried by your father’s past commands.” 

  

Before I could ask, time returned to its original flow. I glanced around unable to detect him. Sundae gave me a concerned stare. I couldn’t quite tell what it was over, but I’d quickly discover that I made a small yelp as I touched the sphere. I described the events with the sphere and the stallion. The Pegasus was alarmed by these things, but more so the stallion. 

  

“Not only did you hear a voice from the core,” She was confirming this. “I also hear of him again. I suppose it’s a possibility. Night had told me of her encounters with him, but now you? The ghost is coming to haunt us now I see. I never could’ve foreseen this…” 

  

“Night told you?” I tried sorting this out in my head. 

  

“After she told me of him,” Sundae let out a sigh. “I never did believe her. I thought he had vanished. I told myself he had vanished, but he still lingers if you have seen him…” 

  

“I’m sorry,” I looked at my hoofs. 

  

“Don’t be sorry,” Sundae comforted me. “I’m grateful. He’s still here and he cares enough to interact with us. I suppose it’s more my fault what happened before. I at least know I could probably do something for him in the future now.” 

  

I wasn’t sure what to make of this, but her smile seemed to be one of relief. I could see it as reasonable that voices in my head weren’t as important to her as the Unicorn. The voice I heard was my own mystery to solve. I would pursue it on my own if I had to. I could tell that Equestria hid many mysteries for me to uncover. There’s the relationship between Night’s family, the voice from that core, and the dark Unicorn. Even my dream on the last full moon. It was only at this point I realized I was in for a spiraling staircase of the unknown. I’d swallow the lump in my throat and walk the paths.
> Chapter Six: In Search of an Answer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sundae and I had made our way back to the living room as she informed me now. Due to how crowded this whole house was, aside from the lab, how one lived here was a question in my mind. The halls had clicking devices lined on shelves as well. With this being a house, Sundae must have sleepless nights.


“Doesn’t all this noise bug you?” I stepped up to Sundae’s side.

“Bug me?” She amusingly repeated. “You would not believe what a mare could get used to with time!”

I smiled knowing she was enjoying herself, but I still found her a bit perplexing. I don’t know what it was, but she seemed easily amused. She was almost too amused for me to feel comfortable, but I understand that ponies are easily emotional. At least, I think. Night seems very different from her mother, but she seems to understand something more. Just as I was thinking this, we made it to the living room. I pushed that thought aside as Sundae called for her daughter.

“Night!” She waved a hoof around nearly getting me in the face. “He’s done collecting data.”

“Ok mom,” Night responded from up the stairs.

“Night’s a little busy,” Carry explained as she approached us.

“Preparing for her little adventure?” Sundae tilted her head with a smile.

“Yep,” Carry answered. “Do you need to do anything Whistle?”

“Oh right,” I hit the side of my head. “I forgot I brought these satchels.”

I dug in my bags and pulled out my greaser and quickly did that. While I did that, Night came back in a new outfit carrying some satchels on her sides. She looked pretty neat in the smooth clothing. Night generally looked better in more natural clothes. I couldn’t help but get the feeling that she wore that outdoors style more often.

“Are you ready to go Whistle?” She wondered. “Take your time actually, I want to talk with my mother.”

“This is a process that needs to be perfect,” I assured. “I still have to clean the additional grease.”

“Alright,” Night turned to her mother and pulled out a map of Equestria. “Is this map correct?”

“It is the one for the labs,” Sundae confirmed. “Though it may not be correct.”

“Best I’ll get with Equestria,” Night let out a sigh. “I swear some of these places just disappear and reappear. It’s no wonder Whistle was heading the wrong way when I first met him. The geography is a mess, I’m also pretty sure a map is difficult to come by.”

“Wait,” I intercepted the topic. “I was going the wrong way?”

“You were heading Northwest instead of Southwest,” Night explained to me. “That would’ve been a long journey to Manehattan.”

“Wouldn’t he have still made it somewhere?” Carry tilted her head innocently.

“That brings me to my other point, thanks Carry.” Night looked at her map. “He would’ve indeed made it to Manehattan, but that travel would be a bit longer if he didn’t just head to Ponyville and ride the trains around. That’s why they can disguise, so they can walk among ponies. Anyway, we’re heading to Manehattan, Canterlot, and…ugh…. The Crystal Empire. Chasy’s labs are all located in those cities, right?”

“Not all of them,” I stated.

“Yeah, there’s also this one in Ponyville, very funny.” Night rolled her eyes.

“There’s also one in Everfree Forest,” I clarified.

“What?” Night turned and leered at me. “Oh, this is all just a program in the Clockwork to trick me isn’t it. You can tell Chasy that he needs to work on hiding techniques to get rid of me. He wouldn’t have the spine to get a lab in there himself.”

“I’m going to agree with Night here, Whistle,” Sundae looked at me. “Through all my time with Chasy, I’ve never heard of that lab.”

“Are you sure Night?” Carry got close to Night. “Don’t you think it’d be at least possible there’s something there. You aren’t even sure where th-“

“Fine, fine,” Night cut her off closing her eyes. “If I feel like checking, I’ll check.”

Carry reared up in surprise at the sudden outburst, but understood. Night put her face into her hoof and apologized about it. They amended with abrupt speed. I was impressed by it.

“I’m glad to see you two are getting along so well,” Sundae smiled as she wrapped her fore legs around the two in a hug.

The sight of this cheery and positive group was charming. I felt a desire to join the hug, but as I took a step forward the hug dispatched and I just felt awkward. They didn’t seem to notice and proceeded to go into a conversation. I was distracted by my own thoughts to notice what they were talking about. I felt my desire to get involved was rather odd in more ways than one, but it felt like there was more to it than that. As I tried coming to conclusions, Night was talking to me.

“-to go?” She finished. “Hello?”

“Yeah,” I ever-so gracefully came back into the real world. “What?”

“Are you ready to go?” She repeated her question with a sigh.

“I need to put on my disguise,” I told her the one thing I needed to do. “Didn’t you want to talk with Sundae longer? I mean we haven’t been here too long.”

“We’ll be back here in a few days,” Night tapped her hoof. “Are we going to go or what? I don’t have all day.”

“Um… Night, isn’t it getting a bit late?” Carry questioned.

“So,” The bat pony walked over to the window. “We can still catch a train.”

“I’m not really sure we want to do that,” I had remembered something from this morning. “How much sleep did you get last night?”

“… Enough.” Her eyes turned away.

“Night,” Sundae spoke in a light scolding tone. “You should rest. There’s no need to really rush. If anything, I think taking your time would be a much better idea. There are four, maybe even five labs you need to get to around Equestria. Even taking those trains could be tiring. Look at it like this. Ponyville is a relaxed place with no dangers in sight, and we have the princess and her entourage here to protect us. You can rest easy here for a night. Besides, you should show Whistle around. I think that would be good for him.”

“Why would I bother?” Night tilted her head. “We’re just going to leave tomorrow anyway.”

“Well… Ah, how do I put this?” The tropical pony gave me a concerned glance. “Just in case he needs a place to call home in Equestria…”

I couldn’t tell what they were thinking, all I knew was they almost seemed to be speaking through their minds after that. Carry looked at all of us with downed eyes. Sundae stared at her daughter with a visible concern, but I couldn’t tell what the concern was for. Night held a contemplative expression as she understood what the meaning was.

“You can always do the right thing,” The mother looked at me. “He may not look like it, but he’s alive. Something I myself can foolishly forget. You should know what’ll likely happen once he finishes his mission here. We’ve both seen it, and I hope you don’t want to see it again."

Night looked down at her hooves and let out a sigh. She turned over to me and I could see it in her eyes. There was a hint of pity. I looked around dazed by my naivety. Night stepped closer to speak.

“I’m sorry.” She wrapped me in a hug.

I could tell that this was for more than just me. I believed she was coping with herself, so I returned a hug. She tightened her grasp around me. I felt in tune to her emotions. There were many positive emotions directed at me, but I could feel the guilt she threw upon herself. I wanted to take all of that guilt off of her, but I couldn’t do that, right? Why was it that I could feel those emotions? Was this something else Chasy had programmed into me? I didn’t know what to think, but I put my focus on Night’s current state. I could tell the guilt she felt had dissipated, at least slightly. She released her grasp and turned to the door.

“Come on,” She ordered me. “We’re going for a quick walk. If we find a place that catches your interest, we can stop by in the morning.”

“Sounds good,” I nodded and donned my disguise.

“Can I come too?” Carry rushed over to Night’s side. “I know some nice places to stop by!”

“As long as you don’t take us to the apple family’s farm,” The bat-pony warned. “I’m always on edge when I go there for apples. The mare there keeps me on my hooves, and I don’t need to worry about two other ponies. Also, no salons!”

“Don’t worry,” Carry gave an assuring smile. “Just a few other good spots. Perhaps the bakery too…”

“We don’t need to get cakes,” Night turned and approached the door. “The Cakes’ cubs also bug me more than any form of monster from the Everfree Forest.”

I smiled at the thought of Night being scared by that type of thing. Night turned back to me and rolled her eyes. I let out a little laugh, but stopped myself fearing how she’d react. Carry and I followed her for a few minutes. The fruit Pegasus was pointing to smaller places and giving them brief descriptions. She was predicting that they wouldn’t be interesting enough to stop by in the morning. She was also right in that prediction. We hiked through the twilight town for a few minutes before coming to a plaza like area.

“That’s the mayor’s hall,” Night pointed at the tall building in the center of the square. “The bakery is down one of these paths. I couldn’t care which, because it’s likely closed and cake has never been my thing.”

“That one,” Carry pointed down a path and I saw the sign that confirmed it.

“Ok, let me guess.” Night started to walk. “We’re heading to the castle?”

“That sounds like a good plan,” Carry commented. “There are some important spots between here and there. Are we going to stop for food?”

“I’m not hungry,” Night stopped to note. “I don’t think Whistle has to eat either. We have food at my mother’s house, are you hungry Carry?”

“I could go for a little something,” Carry admitted. “Keep in mind, this is all for Whistle though.”

“I suppose he could take in the atmosphere,” Night ignored the contradictions of Carry’s statement. “Perhaps he could make a friend there. I know it’s not too busy usually, but it’s a little busier late in the day. Let’s go.”

I followed Carry and Night, listening to Carry hastily describe places we passed once again. I didn’t have much to say, the place sounded nice enough with some interesting bits here and there due to traditions. The problem with it was I didn’t quite understand why. The Clockwork were always busy, were ponies just lax? I felt a concern arise within my own head. They talked of something that would happen and if I wanted a place to stay during visits to Equestria. Me being a Clockwork, however, left me at a disadvantage. If I weren’t with Night, I could easily find myself lost. I love to explore, but you always need some place to call home that is easy to get to and from. While Carry has described Ponyville as a great place compared to other parts of Equestria, I found very little intrigue with it. Was I really alive? What was my purpose here? Why would I need to travel and explore? Confusing questions began piling within my head. A sense of discomfort found me. I didn’t know if I should say I felt uncomfortable. I didn’t know if I actually felt anything. I simply found myself finding information of a part of Equestria. I shook my head in the fear of losing myself.

I tried my best to focus on Carry’s voice, but I could hear it changing. One second I heard Carry, the next second, some other mare. Rinse and repeat. Carry, somepony else, repeat. I was panicked, I just kept walking with mumbled voices speaking. I couldn’t tell where I was. I was becoming numb and drifting.

“Whistle!” A call caught me. Night had shouted in my ear. I jumped and stumbled trying to catch myself until I fell down. My breathing was unsteady and my head was light. I gently shook my head. Night gazed at me sharply.

“Are you okay?” Carry was leaning closely to me rubbing a shaky hoof on my head. “Was it a migraine or some other episode?”

“I-I’m fine,” I mumbled. “Don’t worry.”

“Just hang in there,” Night shook her head. “We’re almost done. Don’t worry, I’ll carry you back if I have to.”

“I was hopeful to show him one more place.” Carry offered to help me up.

“Maybe we’ll see it as we head to the train station,” Night suggested. “I’m just worried what this is a sign of. We may push that back if it happens again.”

“N-No I’m fine,” I stood myself up.

“We’ll see how you are in the morning and decide then,” Night waved a hoof in front of my eyes. “Anyway, that structure over there is the castle of the new princess. It used to be a library, but then it got replaced. I don’t know how, but it got destroyed one day while Carry and I were out camping.”

“Isn’t it odd?” Carry was keeping her eyes on me.

We managed to get off talking of my episode, but I could still tell they were concerned. I felt comfort with that idea in my head. We stopped at a small place with some tables outside we used. We waited before another pony came to take orders of some kind. Night explained that she and I weren’t getting anything, but Carry asked for some food. The pony walked off and I looked at Night and Carry.

“I don’t understand.” I tilted my head.

“She’s just ordering a small meal,” Night explained. “Food, fuel for ponies. Whatever makes sense to you.”

I thought on the idea and it seemed to make sense. All I usually had to do was drink oil and then I was good to go, but the idea didn’t seem so foreign to me. Almost familiar even.

We had waited and a few mares and stallions passed by. They were likely returning to their homes to sleep. I could tell that Night and Carry were talking about me, but I spectated the ponies going about their business. Most just talked carrying miscellaneous things with them. Some had instruments, others had stacks of papers, perhaps even small crafts. They seemed so at ease, no concern of making sure every inch of their domain was in order. There was something about it that felt so foreign, but I wanted it. I desired a taste of that kind of life, but I knew it was not a perfect life-style. What was a perfect life-style then? Did such a thing exist? I shook my head.

“What’s wrong Whistle?” Carry spoke innocently as she started eating her food which arrived behind my back. “You’re looking seriously distracted. Is it a mid-life crisis?”

“Wha-what?” I snapped back into reality. “Sorry, I’m just a bit slow at the moment. I… I don’t know if I should talk about it here…”

“If that’s the case,” Night got out of her seat and paced over to me. “We should get you home. I don’t want to have to drag you back. Your fine going back to your house, right Carry?”

“I was actually hoping I could sleep over at your place,” Carry squeaked.

“Wha- Er… S-sure!” Night coughed. “Let’s go Whistle.”

Night lead me through the dusk back to our abode. I was drifting to a point where Night had me lean on her. She decided she’d ask me some questions. I couldn’t make out what she was asking. My head was spinning.

“Night,” I staggered and she kept me up. “Am I alive?”

“You’re delirious,” She grunted helping me into a better position. “Just try to focus on me. What happened?”

“I-I touched the core in Chasy’s lab.” I looked at Night’s face to keep steady. “Not such a good idea, I think. I feel dead, why?”

“We’re almost there,” Night quietly comforted me. “You’re alive. Like my mother said, even if it doesn’t seem that way. If you can’t believe her, then believe me.”

I felt something inside of me jump back. I gazed in awe at Night. We continued to walk and I slowly felt steady. We made it back to the abode. Night lead me in to a sofa and laid me down. My disguise fell and I rested.

“I have never seen this happen to the Clockwork,” Night voiced to some pony, likely Sundae.

“He looks so tired,” Sundae spoke sympathetically. “When Chasy saw them like this, he’d dismantle them without hesitation. I do hope he gets better.”

“Mother,” Night announced. “Do you know how they get this way?”

“You’re a clever girl,” Sundae danced around her question. “Haven’t you already figured it out?”

“It’s that core, isn’t it?” Night mumbled and stepped back over to me. “Just relax, you may recover. I suppose you could look through the supplies you have and decide what to do. We have plenty here as well.”

“I think I’ll take some fuel,” I faintly decided. “I haven’t refueled in a while.”

I dug around in the bag Night brought over and felt for my fuel. Colckwork fuel was a lot like pony foods, but it didn’t matter. Food didn’t have a taste to us, just another requirement for vital functions. I stopped thinking about it and listened to Night and Sundae talk. Despite it being hard to believe, they were family. They looked more like they’d be friends, but no. Carry eventually came back and checked on me as the moon rose. The three mares had gotten into talking and enjoying themselves. Nothing of importance. I shook my head and thought about it. Who cares if it wasn’t important? They were happy. I had no right to say they couldn’t talk. I lowered my head. Why was I missing conversation? Did I have experience with this in the past? Would questions ever stop coming?! I kept drifting, I needed to focus. Enough riddles, I’ll find out.

I lifted my head to see the same dark unicorn from before. He examined me, ready to confuse me once more. I could tell he had frozen time once again. The little artifacts had stilled along with the three mares. The dark pony brought his presence closer and I reflexively flinched fearing he’d attack again.

“Isn’t that adorable?” He asked directing me to the mares. “I owe you for being hospitable.”

“You owe me?” I tilted my head.

“Do not return to Chasy,” He ordered me. “With your coming knowledge, he will desire to be rid of you. Always concluding that with three days’ time. Forbidden knowledge of crime.”

“Could you be direct with your words for once?” I requested.

“Sleep well.” He said then vanished abruptly along with the frozen time.

“Dang it!” I whined.

“What?” Carry looked over at me.

“Oh, sorry.” I glanced around a little embarrassed. “I think I should get some sleep. Had an encounter with that dark stallion again.”

“Again?” Night sighed and put her face in her hoof. “Sleep well.”

“Thanks.” I started to doze off on the couch. Night and co. got into more conversation following.

“So, it is true,” Sundae started. “I’m deeply sorry I doubted you about him.”

“I understand your skeptical reactions,” Night muttered almost humiliated. “For a while I believed that he was just a part of my conscious haunting me for my past…”

I stopped following the conversation there, I didn’t need to let more questions into my head. I already had enough that would require meditation.

                                                      					      ----


I saw the unbearable blur once again, but I could tell this was different. I felt smaller than usual for these episodes in my head. Why was this already happening again? I was still the same Earth Pony I could tell. Purple and pretty basic. I looked to the moon sense it worked so well last time, I could still hear a voice, but it was quiet this time. It was also clearly from a different mare. As I stared at the moon, my dream cleared once again.

“My young apprentice,” I looked over to my right and saw a tall mare. Stoic was a good word, calming was another. She was an alicorn who wore some robes of a very different, but familiar style. Her long beautiful mane drifting in the breeze. Yet despite this, she seemed the type to demand little to no attention. “From my time studying you, I can tell you’re one with many questions.”

“Yes,” I quietly responded, I was probably regretful of that little note.

“… Is that all you have to say?” She tilted her head. I was unable to read her emotions. “Let me clarify that this isn’t a punishment, in fact I see it more as an opportunity to learn.”

The stoic mare led me into a shrine. Inside was something very different to what I was familiar with, but it felt familiar. A recurring theme apparently. The shrine merely had a large metal plate and a table within. We sat on opposite sides of that small table. She used her magic to levitate a small candle between us, along with other ceremonial tools.

“Let’s start with a question,” she started calmly. “What do you think you can learn from these questions?”

“I’m not sure how to answer them.” I replied bluntly.

“I’m not asking what you can learn by answering them,” the mare closed her eyes. “What do you get from the questions themselves?”

I kept silent, I hadn’t thought about that. I thought back to the day and I remembered my spree of questions. What did she mean? What was there to learn from just a question? She answered for me not long after.

“You have all these questions involving life and its meaning. You certainly are a stern soul.” The mare leaned closer to me. “That’s what makes you special. Your mind jumps to these questions and it tells me you have a strong mentality. Your thinking is the type that can revolutionize the world. Not because you’ll ever answer those questions yourself, but because you have the drive to answer them.”

I was surprised by how much I got from that. I wasn’t sure what it all was, because it was so much, but I felt like something was answered. Something had clicked.

“What can I do with those questions.” I leaned forward too, this Earth Pony seemed eager.

“Alright, let’s ask ourselves more questions.” The mare took deep breaths. “We were gifted something beautiful, some abuse it, others use it to portray themselves. Why do you do it? Are you merely hiding from yourself, or do you like to make yourself a work of art? Then you might have your own reason, as perhaps you seek to reach a state of understanding the workings of who you are. The world is big and I can understand if you feel your talents would be wasted pursuing enlightenment here. My sister felt this way many years ago, and sought to bring her talents elsewhere to help this world develop. Will you go her route, or will you find your own?

Will you save this beautiful world through invention? Will you show us a world we have never seen before? Those questions lead to your own. The trouble isn’t solving the question, but finding that right question for us to find an answer to. You have the talent to answer big questions with your mind, but you have to work your way up. That is why I meditate and pursue this route.”

I couldn’t believe this, it all sounded too good to be true. I felt like I reached a new state of clarity with that. I could tell that this was an undoubtedly important scene. One almost made perfectly for me at this time. It was unsettling how timed this was, but that was something to solve later. There were plenty of other questions to ask.

“Thank you, Mistress,” I lowered my head. “Your words of wisdom are inspiring, and I am grateful. If I had to describe how I felt before that, I was conflicted. I began to ponder if my life was worth anything. I felt that I could only see disappointment in my life, but I think this was a refreshing conversation.”

“I… You’re welcome,” the alicorn laughed a bit somberly. “I’m sorry, I just relish the chances to help my underlings organize themselves. I struggled for a while too, but all I care about is being happy with the gifts I am given.”

I couldn’t help but agree. I wasn’t sure what this pony had, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he felt the same due to his sudden energy. I could feel the gears in his head turning. I myself felt like I could be happy with what I have now. Ponyville seemed like a pretty neat place. The golden alicorn simply smiled and we both entered a meditative state not long after our conversation. As we started however, I heard the whistle. That whistle I knew too well.


                                                           				 ----

I jumped recollecting the sound. I looked around and I was pretty sure I was still dreaming. I was in a total darkness, there was a single light in that dark. A small sky-blue glow not too far from me. I was curious how deep this dream went as I approached the light. I halted myself before it. It was some kind of energy, I think. The blue glow emanated from a sphere. I was tempted to reach out and touch it. I was promptly gifted with another jarring shift.

I went from a dark room to a night sky above me and a boat beneath me. The stars were on a nice display, but there was something else of note. A silver Alicorn was on the side of the deck with a paper in front of her. It took her only a few seconds to notice my presence. She took a moment to look around before deciding to approach me. I scanned the area as well, but I wasn’t sure how to react.

“How long have you been here?” The light blue-eyed pony kept a steady head.

“I just got here,” I explained simply. “Who are you? Is this a dream? I’m not sure, this is all very confusing. I feel like I’m not entirely supposed to be here.”

“Whoa, slow down.” The Alicorn placed her hoof on my side, I was indeed still the same pony. “Deep breaths, whatever this is, I think I remember you.”

“You… Wait, do you by any chance have a sister?” I was connecting some dots here. I was, however, caught off guard by her grimace after my comment.

“Right… My sister?” She tilted her head. “I don’t have a sister, but I think I may know who you’re talking about. I saw you when you were very small, my associate believed you held nice potential.”

I wasn’t quite sure at that point, but I felt confident the two Alicorns were related to some extent. I was even more sure that I was related to all of this, but how? As I started to wonder, I felt a jolt. My body was darkening, almost as though it was becoming ashen. I felt a gently enveloping burn. I scampered and moved around while the silver Alicorn watched. I quickly calmed, I knew what it meant now.

“I was so close,” I sighed. “Why do I have to wake up now? I want to know who I am! Please, tell me everything you know about me!”

“No,” the Alicorn shook her head with a little haste. “I can’t tell you…”

“Wh-what?” I wasn’t sure how to take the rejection. I was disappointed.

“Some things are better left unknown,” she told me. “I was too plagued by questions, and they backfired on me. You’ll be better off just ignoring it.”

“No!” I lunged toward her feeling the connection fading, my body entirely black at this point. I felt my eyes begin to water, I couldn’t let go, not like this. “Tell me something, anything!”

“Don’t worry about it,” the Alicorn lifted my head and wiped a tear off of my face. “You are you, whether you remember it or not. You are alive, cherish that gift. Live, let emotions in. Don’t be blinded by questions, you’ll solve them by being who you are eventually. Allow me to say some questions are better left unanswered. I’ve had plenty of experience with that.”

My tears had slowed and were quickly stopping my vision was clearing now. She was smiling. She was level headed, but her emotion was visible. There was plenty of happiness, but there was also an envy of some kind.

“Most of all,” she spoke, but it was fading in and out. “Jus- c-m- -a-k home f-- m-…”

I was once more in darkness, but not for long as I would soon wake up back in the real world.

                                                           					 ----

I powered back on. I looked at my metallic hoof just to make sure I was all there. My surroundings were unsurprisingly the same as when I fell asleep. I was still on the couch in Night’s house. I saw one of the many clocks decorating the room and noticed it was early in the morning. I assumed that Night and the others were still sleeping. I mean, who would be up so early. I did some of my little managements and a peculiar idea popped in my head. I giggled a little bit at the thought, but how would I go about it?

Night had gotten up pretty soon. She had started down the stairs when she saw Carry walking around the bottom of the stairs.

“Oh, hi Carry,” Night yawned, “I’m surprised you’re already up.”

“I know, I woke up to some noises and couldn’t get it out of my head.” Carry tapped the side of her head. “I came down to investigate, but I found nothing.”

“I didn’t hear anything,” Night raised an eye brow, but shook her head. “Then again, you know me, able to sleep like a log! It’s embarrassing, I know, but I trust you.”

“Yeah, I know.” Carry put up a nice smile in agreement. “Hey! Want to help me make some breakfast?”

“Really?” Night’s face had a brighter color to it now. “I didn’t think you’d offer. This must to be a dream. Yes!”

“Awesome!” Carry jumped with joy at the agreement.

The two walked to the kitchen, which was clean and organized compared to the rest of the building. Night and Carry looked around thinking about what to make. There were quite a few options to choose from. They were having trouble deciding until Night decided to ask something with a flare on her face.

“C-Carry?” The Bat-Pony coughed to catch Carry’s attention.

“Yes Night?” Carry noticed her.

“I have a question.” Night glanced around. “Ever since I saw you yesterday, I’ve had a question in my head. With everything going on I feel like it would be best to ask now.”

“Sure,” Carry shrugged casually, “what’s on your mind?”

“Y-you see, I was wondering…” She looked down at the ground. “Would it be okay with you if-“

Just then, another Carry walked into the room yawning. Night turned to her and back to the other Carry. There was a new awkward atmosphere in the room as Night began to blush uncontrollably.

“Good morning Night!” The new Carry finally opened her eyes. “Hello other Carry?”

“W-wait, what?” Night looked between the old and new Carry in confusion. The first Carry smiled and began to giggle, that giggle became a laugh and the Carry ended up rolling on the floor, that was until my disguise fell. I was in hysterics with Night’s reaction. She was blushing uncontrollably and it was hard to tell if she was amused, or very afraid.

“You feeling better Whistle?” The aqua Pegasus joined in my giggly mood. “Did you pull a prank on Night? You goof ball!”

“Carry!” Night was flustered. “Don’t encourage him to do that!”

Carry and I laughed even more. I was practically in hysterics. I didn’t think I’d actually fool her for so long, but I did it. I felt alive. Night looked at us laughing and slowly began to giggle herself.

“What am I going to do with you two?” The Bat-Pony giggled. “It wasn’t even that funny.”
> Chapter Seven: The Speeding Train
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everypony was up and talking now, I couldn’t quite describe it, but I tried to be more involved with my minimal knowledge. I had been buried in a shell before, but now I felt like I’d never had to come out.

“You’re certainly more enthusiastic,” Sundae yawned, “I never really was a morning person myself.”

“I guess I can just sleep anywhere.” I leaned forward. “I’ve fallen asleep on desks, and I’m pretty sure a couch would be luxury in comparison.”

“Do you think this is alright Mother?” Night asked being the serious one as always.

“It’s often the start of a process.” Sundae shrugged. “It might just be that silly destiny you’ve waited for.”

“Think about it Mom,” Night looked up at the ceiling fan, “maybe we’ll finally be free of the troubles and I could drop this Bat-Pony thing in piece.”

“Wait,” I caught some attention, “you could become a normal Pegasus again? Odd, the literature I’ve read, the Bat-Pony usually dies at the end with no hope.”

“Of course, Chasy would,” Night sighed with a shake of her head, “clever propaganda from that nerd. It is one of his ‘great’ shticks.”

“I wonder, Night.” Sundae looked around the mechanical kitchen. “You do realize what you want, right?”

“I know what I want,” Night hissed in response, “you know most of Equestria would agree if they knew his plans. I don’t need another useless lecture, he is doing something unforgivable. Whistle here is just another mistake on Chasy’s part, but is it an accident at this point? Can you really say he could still change?”

“Why yes,” I tilted my head in an agreeing manner, “I am here as you talk about me.”

My comment was noticed and both looked at each other briefly.

“We’ll talk about it another time.” Night shrugged.

“Sounds like a good idea.” Sundae leaned back with a smile.

“No, wait,” I pulled a cloth out cleaned a crease under my ear, “I’d like for that conversation to proceed as was. Could we at least tell me something about the person I’m working for?”

“He’s a nerd.” The bat pony cracked a smile.

“I already knew that though!” I noted.

Much to my dismay, Night was more amused by my statement than anything. All the while Carry was finishing up her breakfast. We finished up breakfast on a high note. Night followed me as I went to organize my luggage for the errand, which felt more and more like a chore as I went. Why had I already been at this for two days, most of that time spent getting here? It felt more like a journey than an errand like Chasy had advertised. Maybe Chrysalis was actually being honest about his lying, but then again, she was prone to lying herself. Best not think on it.

I picked up my bags and began to walk towards the door. Night must’ve felt some inclination to interrupt me.

“Where are you going?” She questioned.

“I’m moving on,” I put it bluntly, “I want to get a move on actually. I get this feeling I can’t afford to waste time. I took two days getting to this lab, I’ll basically have to run at this rate.”

“Why not just take the train?” Our Pegasus friend suggested as she walked in.

“I think he was just speaking sarcastically.” Night turned around to face carry.

“Nope,” I corrected. “I forgot. Let’s go!”

I bolted out of the house after slipping on a disguise and quickly slowed when I remembered I didn’t know where I was heading. Fortunately, Night and Carry had followed me and decided to lead me to the station.

It was all so standard this place. I was getting country vibes from Ponyville now that I’ve been here for a bit. I noticed the mountain in the distance as we walked. It had occurred to me then, there was a city up there. I start thinking about it and I would become light headed, I hoped we wouldn’t head there.

Before I knew it, we were at a train station. It reminded me of how the Clockwork Empire was. There were a lot of trains, but mostly used for transporting material. Thinking more on it now, I never knew where it went.

I turned my attention to Night and Carry. They were a bit awkward as friends, weren’t they? Night always seemed on edge around the Pegasus. I couldn’t exactly see why either. However, I can feel some repressed feelings in that friendship. Was there some kind of incident before? Night hides a lot of things, I suppose I shouldn’t delve too much into a friendship I have nothing to do with.

“Oh,” A pony working at the station looked at us. “You catching the train?”

“Of course,” Carry answered. “Why else would we be sitting here?”

“Well, have you heard the news?” The mare asked. “The conductor has modified the train apparently. A new engine, or something.”

“Your point?” Night tilted her head.

“A lot of folk are kinda skeptical about it, thinking it’s dangerous and such.”

“In what way?”

“I don’t know, why don’t you look for yourself?” The worker pointed down the track. We hurried over toward her and saw the big deal.

The train was going pretty fast, even having three exhaust pipes emitting as much smoke as each other. The front of the train was bronze and was comparable to a shield, a more apt comparison might be a battering ram. Decorated with horizontal metal beams, and a lot of them. A bit too close to home for me. No wonder ponies thought it was dangerous. It was quickly coming to the station and everyone else had stepped back, I too decided that would be for the best. The front engine passed and it was all gilded with that same bronze I was used to seeing in the Empire. Something was off, that much was for certain. It was also out of place considering the rest of the train that stopped in front of us.

A door slid open after a minute and out stepped the conductor of the train, whom I recall seeing at the party that Chasy had. Night and Carry both stepped up and I followed behind, cautiously. It was strange seeing this equipment where it shouldn’t be. The conductor was a unicorn stallion named Igneous Lighter, he distinctly wore an outfit that resembled what a Navy Admiral would wear, but with the different colors and a different cap. He levitated his hat off, and bowed his head. There was a strange look in his eyes as he raised once again.

“Good to see some faces needing to travel.” Igneous stepped aside for us. “Come on in.”

“Sir,” Night approached him. “Don’t we need to give you our tickets?”

“No need,” He assured her. “For a beautiful lass like you with such good friends, I’ll make an exception.”

I didn’t like the way he looked at me there. Something was unsettling about it.

“Then we’ll go have a seat then.” Carry light-heartedly walked onto the train followed by Night.

“Good, good,” The stallion turned to me. “It would be just perfect if you joined them.”

The emphasis on perfect was there as well. I stepped on with caution as the conductor watched me. There was a haunting glow in his eyes.

I went to sit across from Night and Carry. They seemed to be taking this pretty normally. Well, as normal as they were.

“Do you think this’ll be like a roller coaster, Night?” Carry asked in an excited manner. “I bet we could go through a loop at this speed, aren’t you excited?”

“No, it’s going to be just like another train ride, but faster.” Night put in a blunt manner. “I hate these stupid trains, but at least we’re the only ones on the train today, I guess.”

“I think you need to be careful,” I told the two. “Night, remember that party you snuck into while my back was turned?”

“I guess I didn’t do well enough sneaking in if you could tell it was me,” Night was the surprised by my reveal. “Guess I’ll need to work on that. Anyway, what’s your point?”

“This conductor was invited,” I explained to them. “I have nothing to worry about, at least, I don’t think. You might want to be careful, he might have something up his sleeve.”

“What are you two talking about?” Carry was concerned about us.

“Personal business involving a certain stallion.” Night looked at Carry, who quickly understood and began to contemplate. “Either way, he’s starting to convert Equestria faster than I expected. This train will be useful, even if risky.”

“Excuse me, but convert?” I wondered. “How do you know more about the pony who created me than I do?”

“That’s a long story I don’t want to think about,” Night gave through hisses of words. “I’ll put it like this, he has more than a few skeletons lying around. He may have created you, but you’re still obsolete to him.”

“He created me to be perfect,” I began to dislike her tone she was taking. “How would you know him any better? How do I know you won’t stab me in the back later? You seem only interested in finding his secret labs.”

“You want to know?” Night started getting closer to my face with anger. “He -“

“Alright have a seat,” The conductor stepped in. “We’re about to move.”

He walked out of the car and I shook my head.

“I’m sorry, that was a weird out burst for me.” I started, my mood changing again. “I guess it’s just all this pressure. I shouldn’t be trying to involve myself, I’m here on an errand. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“I still can’t believe you,” Night took some breaths. “You’re so quick to back down, most Clockwork I’ve met are unrelenting. If there’s one thing I don’t know, it’s how Chasy manages to create such variable AI.”

Now that she mentions it, I don’t know that much either. I know next to nothing of the creation process. Where did it even happen? Best to stop while I’m ahead. These questions are not a part of the errand.

“So, you two are done arguing?” Carry asked nervously.

I looked at Night briefly, then nod. Night followed suit.

“Oh good, I don’t like seeing friends argue.”

Somehow, that was quickly mended. I guess it should’ve been expected from a land of friendship, but this felt off. I wasn’t even sure who to trust, but these labs were important to me. They seem to be showing me something, and I haven’t yet seen it all.

The train was already moving and it was picking up speed. Carry and Night had started to sink back into their seat. I began to slip out of my seat, I had to try to not fall out of my seat. I fell anyway. I stumbled up. The speed made it difficult to balance. I had to try a little harder to not fall flat on my face. I tried sitting down again. With some effort, I managed to balance myself. I tried moving myself around to find a position that was easier.

“Why don’t you just find another seat, Whistle?” The blue Pegasus suggested.

“No, no, I think I’ve got something here.” I pulled my front legs over the back of my seat. I pulled myself back to my seat and held myself there.

“That doesn’t look very comfortable.” Night remarked.

“I’m pretty comfortable not being alone here,” I continued. “I don’t do well on my own.”

We tried to adjust to the speed, but it was ridiculous. I saw everything were pass, trees would zoom by. To our surprise, the conductor had stepped into our car. He wasn’t at all phased by the speed of the train he walked and moved as if this was all normal. His horn was emitting magic. That’s when Night asked a key question.

“Shouldn’t you be in the front of the train!?”

“I know the rails like the back of my hoof,” Igneous asserted. “Besides, I’ve got some business with you.”

“What do you mean business?” The dark pony questioned, now very alert. “I don’t think you have the right pony.”

“Hmm… You may be right,” the conductor “Alright, you all just enjoy your ride. We’ll be in Manehattan in no time at all, I’ll go prepare our stop.”

“That would be much appreciated.” Night sighed. Igneous walked out of the room. Night went at ease for a second, I also was relieved.

“We’re coming up to the station.” Carry watched out the window. Night paused and looked as well. A look came onto her face. A look of contained fear.

“We’re going too fast to stop.” Night stood up. “We’ve got to move!”

Suddenly we passed the station. I grabbed my bag and followed Carry and Night to the back of the car. Night tried to open the door.

“It’s locked!” Night exclaimed.

“I don’t like liars, little girl.” Igneous announced his presence. “Chasy was very descriptive of how you would disguise yourself. He told me you weren’t allowed to continue getting in his way, and that you should be disposed of.”

Suddenly, something sparked in me. Some sort of reflex. My disguise fell and I pulled a shovel out of my bag with my magic.

“A Clockwork?” Igneous took a brief step back.

I pushed my shovel into the floor of the train and opened a hole.

“Jump in!” I shouted at the mares. We all jumped under the train at the same time. Before we landed I took my shovel and dug a hole through the rails and into the ground underneath, in which the three of us could fit into. The train unsteadily sped over us for half a minute as we nervously waited. I disguised once again as it had finished passing. We poked our heads up past the rails. I saw Igneous had rushed to the back of the train. He looked aggravated by our escape. I got up and pulled the others out of the hole.

“That was so cool!” Carry jumped around. “Whistle, I never knew you could do that with a shovel. That’s why you have it!”

“I didn’t know I could do that either,” I replied. “It just… Happened. I have no clue where I learned that.”

Night, on the other hand, had a bleaker look on her face. “We probably shouldn’t have run away.”

“Why not?” I wondered what was going through her head. Of course, as soon as I asked, I had an idea.

“We can’t leave Igneous off like that. He might eventually start spreading Chasy’s ideals if left to his own devices.”

“So, what do we do about that?” I asked.

“Nothing,” Night sighed. “For now; welcome to Manehattan. Where my life started its downward spiral.”